Mysterious

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 130, 4 June 1931, Page 18

Mysterious

"Morocco" is said to be a love story of vividness and exotic charm. It is a vital and fascinating story of human passion and conflict; of an overpowering love that sweeps a ruthless man and woman of the world into a relentless maelstrom of desire. "Morocco" ■, is the story o£ magnificent love. Behind the absorbing story of "Morocco" is the fascination which is so ably created by the realistic atmosphere of the entire production. Paramount, and the director, Josef yon Sternberg,' have combined practical and imaginative sources to 'bring to life the • colourful, shadowy mystery of Morocco, city of twisted, darkened streets, veiled,, stealthy women, loud, swaggering Legionnaires; city of wretched, indescribable poverty, and incomparable, glittering wealth and beauty; Such is the background of a great * emotional story; of a pulsing, human drama :of intensity and startling dramatic' effects. Seen in.one.of his best roles, as a reckless and ruthless soldier of fortune, is . Gary Cooper, master of the situation through the restraint and sincerity of his acting. Also prominently cast in an important role in the picture is Adolphe Menjou, making an auspicious return to the audible screen. The leading feminine role is portrayed by an actress. who haa never been seen by the New Zealand threatre-going public. She is Marlene Dietrich, an ivory fairhaired, exotic actress, who achieved a startling triumph on the Berlin stage in the past two years. A discovery of the director, . yon Sternberg, this German actress, who speaks without a trace of accent, is made to order for her role in "Morocco." Miss Dietrich is.an unusual actress." She is. subtle, 'mysterious. She is soft spoken. Her movements are graceful. She has been called one of the most beautiful women to come fo the screen in some time. ■ Marlene Dietrich is assuredly a name to watch. Included in the supporting cast are Ulrich Haupt, Francis Mac Donald, Albert Conti, Juliette Compton, and Michael Visaroff. "Morocco" is an unusual picture, distinctive fascinating in detail. It is a picture that deserves attention. ( Again. For the third time in as many productions, John Gilbert has Leila Hyams for his; leading lady in "Cheri-Bibi," the French melodrama now being filmed at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. Gilbert has1 a new type of role', that of' a magician who baffles the police as well as the public with his never-ending bag of tricks. With Gilbert and Miss Hyams is a powerful cast including Natalie Moorhead, Lewis Stone, Jean ■ Hersholt,- lan ..Keith, . C., Aubrey Smith, Tyrell Davis, Fletcher Norton, and Anita Lewis. .•.•■■ "Dreyfus." "Dreyfus,"' the- worlds-most absorbing tragedy, has now reached the final stages of ; editing;, and 'cuttingI.'; at' the British International : ! Studios at Elstree. This page from history pieturises the cause celebre of real life which has caused' controversy throughout the world. This picture, with the world-famous actor Cedric Hardwicke, in the name part, is said to be a picture which will linger forever in the memory. "Deadheads." British exhibitors lose at least £750,000 every year by giving free passes for people to attend screenings of films. A Cardiff film'distributor alleges that in his county alone 2000-people unconnected with the film trade procure- free entertainment in this manner 'every' week. Paramount Shipment. . During the past few weeks,. Paramount has imported, several fea.ture productions, including "Morocco," starving Gary Cooper and Marlene .- Dietrich; "Tom Sawyer,"-in .which Jackie Coogan, Mitzi Green, and Junior Durkin are featured; "The Spoilers," starring Gary Cooper with Kay Johnson and Betty Compson, and^ "Laughter," Nancy Carroll's second dramatic film. Advice has also been.received that Harold Lloyd's new comedy, "Feet First," will arrive in the near future, together with "Derelict," George Bancroft's sea tale, "Follow the Leader," starring Ed. Wynn, and Jack Oakie's "Sea Legs." »