STAGE AND SCREEN

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 106, 1 November 1934, Page 18

STAGE AND SCREEN

"Dandy Dick." : William Beaudine, one of Hollywood's most successful directors of comedy, who arrived in England, has been in conference with B.LP. executives on the story and treatment of: "Dandy Dick" which will be 1 the first comedy he will make there. '•Dandy Dick", will star Will Hay. and the famous :music-hall ' comedian will commence work on this subject immediately he, has finished work on "Radio Parade of .1935." William' Beaudine is best known for his many comedies, such as "The OldFashioned Way," "Three Wise Girls," "Penrod and Sam/ and "Slake Me a

"It.Happened in Spain." United Artists has obtained the word rights to a picture called "It Happened in Spain." This, isi the first picture made in Spain to.'be' distributed' outside of ;l that country. The picture has been made in three, versions—Spanish, French, and English—with practically the-same Cast in all three. Eleanor Boardman has the lead.in all three.versions, and Victor -VarcoriL-.one. of the stars of silent picture days, has one of the leadmjf roles opposite her in the English version, as well as the Flench version. The production took over a year and was done at\a cost of almost' 500,000 dollars. ■' -;'■. '■'-.■

Romance of the Navy. . "Lieutenant John Casson, R.N., son of Dame Sybil Thorndike and Lewis Casson, has announced his engagement to a Shanghai girl, Miss Patricia Chester-Master, of Shanghai, who. resides at Hong Kong. Lieutenant Casson is aged 24 and is with' the Fleet Air Arm, H.M. Aircraft-carrier; Eagle, China Station. Miss Chester-; Master's father is a member of a Shanghai' firm'of solicitors, and she and her.fiance met at a dance on board his ship. She is aged 19 and is an excellent sportswoman; after returning to China from college in England Bhe insisted on acting as her father's secretary. Dame Sybil and her husband had. met Miss ChesterMaster's parents in London', but their son met the daughter for the first time on theChina Station—a' real romance of .the'; v.,™ .■■ •.■■■ ■'->~ ' . ,

New Novel. ; I "Let's Get Married," a new novel by Howard Buck, has been purchased by f EKO Kadio for early production on the 1 new season's programme. The story is a i domestic comedy concerning a young 1 couple who get married in Xew York and < who are doing nicely until an elderly aunt t moves in and takes charge of affairs .and 1 runniag^-ofjihejlifluselioldi .. 1

"The Scarlet Pimpernel." Merle Oberon lias started work on her part'of Lady Blakeney in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" at Elstree, in which she. costars with Leslie Howard. Merle Oberon will be remembered as Anne Boleyn in ■ "The Private Life of Henry VIII," and will shortly be seen'us Antonita in "The Private Life of Bon Juan."' But as Lady Blakeney she surpasses all her previous performances. Leslie Howard is dressed in the height of 18th century fashion, with gaily-coloured ruffled coat, breeches,, and long walking stick. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" is produced by Alexander Korda and will be released by United Artists.

"Born to be Bad." In. the-'difficult role of a hard-boiled "cust6nier's: 'girl" ' lovely Loretta Young, more fthan' justifies the faith whicli prompted • producer. Darryl Zanuck 'to elevate her'to stardom" in the new Twentieth Cenfurv ,picture, "Born to be Bad," which will be released by United Artists.- For Hollywood's youngest star does the finest work of "'Her career as ' Letty Strong, victim of life's1 cruelties, who 'has to support'her. little son, Mickey, by modelling seductive gowns' to impressionable buyers. ■ And she looks lovelier:than ever in a magnificent wardrobe especially designed for ; the' role; ■ - • ',','•

Henry Hull. E As soon as he completes "Great Expecta I tions," Universal is permitting Henry Hul P to resume his stage, work for a short tiim until the script for "Robinson Crusoe" cai j'be prepared for him. This stage Work wil . consist in resuming his starring role o: .: Jeeter Lester in "Tobacco Road," wliicl I' the New York producers will transfer U ■ Hollywood and San Francisco for a specia . engagement. ■Robert Young. ' , Robert Young will have ihe male lead in [ "Death on the Diamond," a baseball . mystery film, which goes into production [' next week at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayei i.' studios. The cast includes Madge Evans, .; Ted Hcaly, Edward Brophy, and C. Henry

Paul Robeson. . .-. 1 'Paul Robeson, svho is starring in "Bo- ; sambo,"* the'new-London'Film Produc- 1 tion to be-directed..by Zoltanr Korda, -is I not only a world-famous actor and singer, < but also a world-famous athlete. Amongst 1 other athletic accomplishments may be < mentioned that he is an Ail-American foot- i ball player. "Bosanibo". will be released f ■bjSfr&United.-Artistg, ' $

' "Doss House." ■ "Doss House," latest and much discuss production of Sound City Studios, shortly due for release in Wellington. T theme of the picture concerns itself wi the characters frcquenting-the doss hous of London and with such a wealth material to draw upon it would seem hopeless task to focus in one short ho the possibilities presented, but under t directorial genius, John Baxter, maker "Song of' the Plough," results speak f themselves. All the characters lov and immortalised by Charles Dickens a caught with a fidelity that carries no hi of theatriealism, in fact the Londi "Daily Express" felt called upon to coi ment, "We could not detect one fal note in the whole characterisations." Tl shoeblack, the cats' meat man, the stre hawkers, the broken-down business ma the famous surgeon down and out throu; drugs, all contribute cameo studies their idiosyncrasies, and the wistf philosophy of this substratum of Londt society strikes a note all its own. J may be imagined, "Doss House is co cerned not with one single story, bi literally dozens, presenting a gallery portraits that will live in the memor while the touches of humorous philosopl littered reach the grefltness and simplicil of genius. "Doss House" has the lengthie cast of any film of recent years, containir the names of England's most famous cha acter actors. • "Folies Berpere." Davryl Zanuek, production head of 20t Century Pictures, announces that he h< purchased the world film rights to "Folii Bergere de Paris." He plans to place in production immediately, thus roundir out his previously announced plan to ii chide a spectacular musical extravagan: among his company's film releases for no: season. One of the features of the scree production will be the original French Ca Can girls who will be brought to Holl; ivool to appear before the cameras in the internationally-known specialty. Costume scenery, and the chorus of the Parisia musical show will be transported to tl; American film capital under the supe t-ision of Max Weldie and M. Duval, wh :or the past fifteen years have been tb >wners and directors of "Folies Berget le Paris." Work on the story, the musii md the spectacle has already been startec iron Leßlanc, author of many noted s'u< •esses in France, is actively at work on th Iramatic' plot which is to be interwove vith the spectacles of music and danct riiis screen version of "Folies Bergere d 'aris," the first in its long and renowne listory, will be released by United Artists With Philip Hargrave. Mr. J. Alexander Brown, who is th insisting artist with Philip Hargravs joy pianist, is a Melbourne singer with ,-eiy pleasing high baritone voice. Hi nterpretations are tasteful, and his die ion is particularly admirable. Mis Tessie Squier, his' accompanist, is : i )iamst ot no mean ability. Messrs. J md N. Tait therefore present a trio o irtists of a calibre fully in keeping witl heir tradition of "the best tor our pat ons." The brilliant boy pianist and M olleagues > commence their Wellingtoi eason on Saturday night in the Gran< )pera .House. Every concert given ii Auckland by Philip Hargrave has but fur her confirmed the golden opinions of hii Australian critics. The lad has shown i emarkable insight into the true musi al meaning of the items he plays -wit} ueh amazing dexteiity. With all the full less of maturity characterising his perormances, he has delighted his. ardeni istencrs. His thoughtful lenderings havt me tonal contrasts and a most^accuratc enso of rhythm. '<4;:,;.. . ' ; UI-Australlan JPlay. s; An i unusuajly interesting ' theatrical •vent in Melbourne will be the gala: openng of the all-Australian musical- play, 'Blue Mountain Melody," at His Majesty's iMieatre on Saturday, Xovember 3. Writen: by J. C. Bancks, of."Ginger..Meggs" .une, with music and lyrics by Charles !war, the j'oung Melbourne composer, 'Blue Mountain Melody" has achieved trenendous success in Sydney, and could have un for-many more weeks but for the fact hat arrangements had been made for ts- production at His Majesty's Theatre, klelbourne,' as the Centenary attraction. it introduces the biggest aggregation of >opular stars ever brought together in he one production on the Australian stage, leaded by Madge Elliott and Cyril ?itchard, with Gus Bluett, Leo Franklyn, \gnes Doyle, Frank Leighton, Marie Le t rarre, Cliarles Zoli, Don Nicol, Eric Bush, dona Zeppel, George Moon, Arthur Clarke, md many others. The ballets and dances lave been arranged by Ruby Morris* from "AVhite Horse' Inn"), the musical lirector is AVilliam Quintrell, and • the vhole production is staged by Frederick 31acktnan. ■ ■tord-worklng Star. A perusal of the shooting of the chief cenes of "Evensong," the new GaumontIritish picture starring Evelyn Laye,' rereals that out of the thirty-nine days of hooting, Miss Laye worked at the'studio in thirty-eight (says a studio correspondnit). It is extremely unusual for a star ;o be called on so many successive days vith no more than one day's "break"; but lliss Laye'a part is of. such magnitude that ler presence is required in many scenes. :'But I've thoroughly enjoyed it," said he star. "In fact I've never had a hap)ier period of work. I've made so many riendships in the studio and we've all had iuch fun that I almost wish that 'Evensong/ as we have been making it, was i stage show. Then we could all go on ;our together for the rest of the suniner." , 'The Count of Monte Cristo." It is said that bookshelves are jammed vith stories and situations awaiting photo;raphy. Dumas's "Count of Monte Cristo" jelongs to that group. This unforgettable •omance may be made into a masterpiece >r ruined by the guiding minds at the jack-'-of the production. That the prolucers approached their subject with care s shown by the fact that an exhaustive iiirvey of current Hollywood heroes failed ;o find a man to play the Count. They ;urned to England and found Robevt Donat, a young actor who' appeared in tins licture "The Private Life of Henry VIII," md whose position on the English stage if istablished. It is stated that Donat w»* is much surprised as anyone when he got ivord that he was wanted for the Dumas Jroesus. Another British player will be :he beautiful Mercedes. Elissa Landi drew that assignment. ■' The picture will be released shortly by United Artists. "Servants' Entrance." Reunited for the first time since their initial co-starring venture made "Stave Fair" memorable, Janet Gaynor and Lew Ayres will be seen again as the gay youn» sweethearts of "Servants' Entrance." Unlike anything in which they have before appeared, the story'will afford spectators the opportunity to laugh at the troubles [is they thrill to the romance of the madcap lovers whose young lives it depicts. For while "State Fair" bordered on the heavy drama in spots, "Servant's Entrance" is most.!;' in the romantic-comedy class. The stor/ was adapted for the screen by Samson Rtphaelson from the story by Sigrid 800 and was directed by Frank Lloyd, who won the last Academy award for his- marvellous handling of "Cavalcade." As in the case of "Cavalcade," incidentally, "Servants' Entrance" was produced under the personal supervision of Winh'eld Sheehan. In addition to Janet Gayuor and Lew Ayres, the cast includes Ned Sparks, Walter Connolly, Louise Dresser, G. P. Huntly, juii., Astrid Alwyn, Siegfried Rumann, John Qualen, and many others. "Mickey's Steamroller." Walt Disney has earned a reputation for the "care he has shown, in 1 the''exactness of the drawings of various cartoon characters.. In his latest Mickey' Mouse cartoon; "Mickey's Steamroller," which will' be released by-United Artists, he not only displayshis 'artistic genius in" the" construction and animation of a steamroller, but creates a new and different type of Disney animated character. Can you imagine tha expressions on a steamroller's face, if a *teamroller-had a-face!

"His ureatest uambie." 3d A during indictment against a certain is type of modern women is contained in "His Greatest Gamble," Richard Dixs latest starring production for KK.O-Radio "'•■ Pictures. Dixs role in "His Greatest es Gamble" presents the adventurous film of star as a scapegrace father who breaks gaol to save his daughter from the opxv ' preFsive influence of liis divorced wife. Pathos and drama mark the climax as he 0 P restores his daughter to the arms of the n , man she loves. John Robertson directed , (^ '"His Greatest Gamble," with Dorothy ~. c Wilson, Bruce Cabot, Erin O'Brien-Moore, ,). and Edith Fellows. m New Zealander's Play Script Missing. '}' Miss Auriol Lee, the well-known actress ie and producer, went to New York recently '® by the Berengaria to produce John van -f Drutcn's "Tlie Distaff Side," with Dame I' Sybil Thorndike in the leading part. She I took with her the script of Dr. Merton I Hodge's "Grief Goes Over," and this lias '' disappeared, writes the London correspond-* II ent of "The Post" on September 20. Miss lS Leo writes to "The Stroller,"' of "The V Evening News," London: "I brought the , f script to New York with me in n suitcase, ( ' which was locked. At the end of the '' voyage I missed the suitcase. There was a ■ y search, and it was found —burst open, *' rifled, and battered to pulp. Everything that was in it had gone, including the = script,- a mink coat, and all the clothes 1 wanted to wear ashore." "Abdul Hamid." , Nils Asther, one of Hollywood's finest ' actors, has signed a contract to go to ;S England and play one of the numerous ' :j| leading roles in "Abdul Hamid," which ' li is to be made by 8.1.P. shortly. Fritz Kortg nor is, of course, to play the starring role. I l' For this film a unit, including Otto Kana. turek, the cameraman, and Roy Goddard, ' •* the assistant director, lias left for Con--11 stantinpole to film exteriors and back- ' 11 ground shots as well as obtaining valuable '' information and stills which will be necesr sary in the production of the film. It is ' '• intended to make. "Abdul Hamid" on a ! 11 scale the like Of which has never been j c equalled in English film production. All., ' '' the resources of the 8.1.P. studios are to • 3 be used, and money and. time will not be l. c spared to make.this picture a magnificent ■' 6 * f oiiffti'toitimo i - *ir»'fl ■» ni"i'f+ ' '•&

a Bana sensation. , ■- . % -.■■„.,.-. - One \of .".the ~ features, of % th c program mes of the' Band' of, .his Alajesty's"/Grenadier, Guardsfis "the. 'variety'"of the programmes. . They are. ( so. skilfully .balariced that:each one of theni contains "something that will . appeal to someone, ranging from opera to musical comedy, Gilbert and Sullivan to "humorous" items, Wagner to modern Bri- ■ tish composers. Amongst the items one notes "La Boheme," "William Tell" Overture, "Carmen," the sextette from "Lucia,1' "The Desert Song," "Aida," "The Guards' Patrol," "Waltzes from Vienna," "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?" the "1812" Overture. Nothing to equal the sensation caused by- the advent of the band has ever been known in Australia; thousands of people have followed the Guardsmen whenever they' have appeared in the , streets. In Melbourne, their arrival'was witnessed by 200,000. Every performance they have given in each city has been packed to the doors. The Director of ; Music, Major G. Miller, M.8.E., has ere- ( nted a great impression. The J. and N. , Tait management; "in Melbourne has been ] inundated with requests for the appearance . of the band in country centres. More than | 200 of these were received. The band is ; due in Auckland on December 4, and in j Wellington on December 15. . , "East River." ' "East River" has been decided upon a.s ' the final title for the forthcoming Edmund ; Lowe-Victor McLaglen starring feature at ' Fox Film, heretofore known as "M.m , Lock," according to an announcement by i Mr. Robert T. Kane. '■ ] "Love Time." . Nils Asther portrays the part of Schu- i bcrt'in "Love Time" with "Pat" Pater- , son as the girl he loves, and other roles are filled by Herbert Mundin, Harry' Green, Henry B. Walthall, Henry Kilker, ? Lucien Littlefield, and others. •

Direct from her triumphant tour of England, the Continent, and America, where she captivated all with her glorious voice. Now under Special and Exclusive Engagement to the De Luxe Theatre. She will present (among other numbers from her repertoire) "Softly Awakes My Heart," "Danny Boy," Special Atmosphere Presentation of "MILESTONES IN MUSIC," — Introducing — "LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY" — With — MADAME ELSA STRALIA & IRIS MASON (at the Wurlitzer Organ). In Conjunction With the Grand Return Season of Noel Coward's Epic of the Empire, " C-A-V-A-L-C-A-D-E." (Approved for Universal Exhibition.)

"Clara uinuings." Dorothy Brunton, the Australian musical comedy star, is to make her talking picture debut in the Kfl'tcc adaptation of the English comedy "Clara Gibbiugs." Slit has the title role which was enacted in the Ert'tcQ stage production at the Oarrick Theatre last year by the Melbourne actress Ruby May. Mr. Thring regards Dorothy Brunton as ideal for the role of "Clara Gibbiugs." The latter is an East Knd barmaid, who discovers that slio is the legitimate daughter of the Karl oi Drumoor by an early secret marriage. It is a part full* of exuberance, witli some sparkling dialogue in which Dorothy Brimton may be expected to revel. It aha provides her, in the closing scene, with the opportunity of revealing her talent as an emotional actress as well as a comedian. Miss Brunton is well known in London. During the war she was starred in "Shanghai" at Drury Lane, in "Soldier Boy" •>at the Apollo, in "Bantam, V.C." at Drury Lane, and in "Baby Bunting" at the Shaftesbury. Mr. Thring has secured tlw world's film rights of "Clara Gibbings." The supporting cast includes Campbell Copelin, Beryl Walkley, Marshall Crosby, Harvey Adams, and many others. Classic Music of Bagpipes. Piper Peter Davidson, a New Zealaiuler on holiday in the United Kingdom, won the first prize and the Argyllshire Gathering Silver Medal for strathspeys and reels on the second day of the gathering at Oban. On this occasion the piping was almost entirely confined to marches, strathspeys, and reels, was more cheerful to the average ear than is the piobaireaclul, and formed a lively background of music for the athletic events, writes "The Post's" London correspondent. The "Scotsman" observes: "To find the reason why a piper from the other side of the world—Piper Davidson is in this country on holiday—wins,, highest honour in such an event, competing against the beat pipes .in Scotland, we must go back to another fine, piper, George ■. Ardley, who won the Argyllshire Gathering Gold Medal >for-piping, and the premier awards for .piping,both at: Oban and Inverness in 1911. George Ardley taught Piper Davidson, and \ Piper Da vid- ' son is, the piobaireachd champion of New Zealand. And thus the classic music of the'bagpipes is handed from, champion to champion, and the piobaireachd makes a chain binding one part of the Empire to another," i! ■ " ■ ■' ; ■ Society and Stage. ;■','■■' ' :■}'■['", , .'Mayfair hostesses have ribw taken their place on the Grand. Council'of'the "Association of Operatic Dancing of ■' Great Britain—a rather ; fearsome . title;^-writes Miss Nelle Scanlan. Adeline;- Geiiee/: 'the' founder of this .association, .will consult her hostess ..experts; on the development of ballet in , the , and among, the hostesses' are.'-the . Duchess.■• of '^Newcastle,' Lady and; .Lady Swaythling. Last year an examiner; was sent out to. South Africa, and next year one will tour: Australia,'and 'probably New Zealand", looking ' for: future ballet stars. Wellington, Repertory Theatre; ,; , : 'Great praise, was. lavished by^the: London critics on the > production ;bf the Quintercv brothers' Spanish', comedy,, "A Hun-dred-Years. Old" (to. be presented by .the Wellington Repertory .Theatre Society in the Concert Chamber from 'November 20 to 22). One eminent authority said: "Of this production: I cannot,'set down;adequate words of praise,.having used them all for, lesser achievements.;.' ... It1 surpasses, anything of its kind I have_ been privileged to see for many years." In spite of the excellent work of .Helen andJiarley Granville-Barker .in "translating ii so ex- ; qui'sitely the plays\j)f,.,Martinez. ( .Sferra,'.and ; Serafim and 'Jgaquin Alvarez.,2Quirttero. ; New Zealand has seen, little :.oTthe/art,fof ; Spanish dramatists, and-the ' AVellington Repertory Society is to be comrhended on affording an opportunity of.- seeing.this play. It is said to >.be of a lovely texture, full of quiet humour, romanticvcharm,;and an<; optimistic^ philosophy that;'., fascinates from curtain rise to jcurtain .'fall... The society's, scenic artist, Mr. J..W. Conroy, 'is'at work on the setting, and Miss Pauline Shotlander is supervising the dressing, which, although somewhat modern, she is artistically tincturing with the picturesque predilections of the people of the sunny south of Spain. Misses Ailsa Newton and Kathleen Smith are in charge of the properties, and Miss Peggy Pearson has charge of the book. The production is being directed by Mr. Leo dv Chateau. "Secret of the Chateau." Two murders in an ancient and dismcl French chateau while a notorious criminal . attempts to steal a rare old,book worth ; many thousands furnish some of the thrills • in Universal's exciting "Secret of the Cho.- ; teau." Claire Dodd, Alice White, Jack . Laßue, Osgood Perkins, and William Fay- , ersham play leading roles. A dozen persons : are suspected, including Clark Williams, ■ j playing one of the heirs; Claire Dodd, a stealer of books; the butler, his wife, and the cook. The book in question is an original copy of the' Gutenberg Bible, the first book over printed. Naturally everyone is trying to get possession of the Bible, and all will go to any lengths to get >t. An eerie atmosphere is created by the ominous tolling of a bell atop the chateau just before each.crime is committed. Action occurs both' in Paris and at the chateau, which is located in the country not far from.Paris. The picture was directed by Richard Thorpe, famous for his mystery and action screen plays, from an original story. "Night Life of the Gods." ; AVith the selection of Paul Kaye for a role in "Night Life of the Gods," the cast is now complete. In this unique comedy by Thorne Smith, Paul Kaye will have the role of the god Mercury. Diana is played by Irene Ware, Arenus by Marda Deerilig, while the gods, Apollo, Perseus, an-i Bacchus are represented by well-known actors. Alan Mowbray, Peggy Shannon, and Florine McKinney have important roles. ■ "Little Friend." In the Gaumont-British picture "Little Friend," soon to be released in New Zealand, the interpretation of the difficult character of the child- is done by Nova Pilbeam, a fourteen-year-old artist. She exhibits something little short of genius in the manner in which her acting responds to the delicate gradations of the author in tracing the awakenings of the child to the growing tension of her home. Nova Pilbeam is no ordinary child. Her work ss in no way superficial; it is inspired by real feeling. It may also be said that she lias none of that irritating precociousness that disfigures the manner of so many capable children. The cast of "Littla Friend" includes Matheson Lang, Lydi.i ■ Sherwood, Arthur Margetson, Allan Aynenworth, Jean Cadell, Jimmy Hanley, Clare Greet, Lewis Casson. Gibb McLaughlin, Dma Cottsn, and Jack Raine. "Lancer" Role. , Franchot Tone is to play the featured part in Paramount's "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" from which Henry Wileoxon, because of conflicting production engagements, was withdrawn after having been announced for it. Tone will be featured with Gary Cooper, Richard Cromwell, and. Sir Guy Standing in the four principal.1 roles. f "The Fountain." ' A story of imprisonment of the spirit, of the body, and of the son] is "Thirj Fountain," starring Ann Harding. In tlvjq RKO-Radio version of the literary classfc by .Charles Morgan, Miss Harding is seen as a German countess whose love for r»n English aviator is handicapped by her spiritual love for her husband. Brian Ahei/iie and Paul Lukas have the male romanitie roles with tho star. ' ' "Forsaking All Others." I Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Rolisrt Montgomery will head the cast assembled at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios,1 for the film adaptation of the stage play, "Forsaking All Others." Talhilah r&unk- ■ head had the starring role in the orfeinal play, written by Frank Morgan C&vett and Edward Roberts. AA7. S. A ran LDyka will direct the new photoplay, withj Bernard Hyman acting as production superyiser, ' ■ B

"The Girl from Missouri." i- Lionel iiarrymore celebrates his twefnty ~ fifth anniversary as a motion picture aiito ~ in' tlie new- Mctro-GoUUyyn-Miiycv pic ture "The Girl from Missouri." It I iva ie just a quarter of n century ago that BjhiTy i) more stepped before a cumbersome blael t ._ box that served as a motion pi»;turi |0 camera in the early days. It was aj, tin [g old Biograph Studios in Xew Yonk, ii le which he played a role in "Tlie ' Nev „ York Hat" with a little girl whoi late l 9 grew up to liccomc America's swecsthear ( f —Mary l'iekford. Today, Barrymorej play, t n dominant role in )ii« "tweniy-iifti* anni „ versary picture"—with another gi«rl win ," leaped sensationally to fame—Jcaii Hai 0 low. The picture is "The .Girl from Mia lj; - noun," written by Anita Loos and Join „' Emerson, and Barrymore plays thus fathe , role, a characterisation comparable ii ,; power to that in "A Free Soul.T whicl i- won the Academy award for Baicrymore ■> The first picture in which Barryitriore ap y pcared was a crude one-rocler, in ithe day: „ when the stage actors scoffed motion pic ,j tnres as "leaping tintypeß." Tire forme " despised "toy" has' brought greater fam- [| to Barrymore than was ever possible upoi , t the stage, and today he reigns Jas one o the biggest "box-office draws"; on tin screen. Jack Conway directed ("The Gir from Missouri." Together with tMiss Har i- low and Barrymore, the cast/ feature; ;- I'Yancbot Tone, Lewis Stone, 'and Patsi I- Kelly. - ■ ; . , g Russian Ballet in Australia. / c The Russian Ballet, under tJie manage 0 ment of J. C. Williamson, Ltdi, has open c ed its Australian season in Brisbane, ant 0 a veritable sensation has been/ aroused bj . Spessiva, who is the legitimate {successor t< ; Pavlova. It has been said of tier: "In tin . vivid and exquisite expression of her ar { is the spirit of the. dance." iSpessiva is i c striking and beautiful brunette; hei , features are finely chiselled,,' and she i: t full of life and vitality, witty a vivid per r sonality. Audiences throughijut Australi; ; and New Zealand will have the opportunity } tunity of seeing.the wonderfiul dancing o. » the Russian Ballet. Spesshta is the prin 2 cipal Ballerina of the Grand! Opera House 1 Paris, and in order that sjie might visil r Australia, has been granted! six months . "leave of absence" by M./ Rouclie, th( r director of this famous theatre. When sh( f first steps on the -stage, i audiences an > greatly struck by her resemblance to Pay i lova. Like her famous predecessor, Spes > siva is a lover of the traditional Russiar classical school; as a child; she commenced her training at the Impcsrial School ol Dancing in St. Petersbu'Cß. which was sponsored by the Tsar. 'Frequently the ; Tsar and members of hisJ family attendee ] the performances of the .Young pupils, and 1 at times the, Tsar put f^lie little Olga or '' his shoulder and calle'i her his "littlt ballerina." The princiiial male dancei ; with Spessiva will be lit. Anatole Vilzak from the Imperial Theartre, Petrograd. Plays of the Moment. London newspapers fare paying tribute to several plays delighlfing London theatre goers. Ivor Novello'fij latest play "Mup der In Mayfair" has jbeen playing to ex- . cellent business at thej Globe Theatre. The lan Hay-King Hall comedy "Admirals All," with its unusuEil situations following on the abduction/ of a lunch party by pirates, is a big success at London Shaftesbury Theatre. "J'ferrie England" ha« been revived at the Theatre, and looks like creating pew records. "Ten Minute Alibi," the ! fascinating my^terj drama that was re'jently played in Australia by a .1. C. YVplliamson Company, is also going strong; in London. The Phoenix Theatre now houses the company, and the Armstrong thriller has already been goingl for over a year. "Black- ; birds of 1934" is aty the London Coliseum, \ the players being 'Ooloured people, and all ; 'London is flocking/ to see the show. The stage is prospering in the metropolis, the wave of success aifecting new and old productions', alike. : , ! ; '■ ■: ..' "Many are Called]." That old sayir^g is particularly applicable to screen prodigies who fail to survive the transi fcion from childhood to maturity—where ( film fame is concerned. Among the notable exceptions is Jackie Coogan, Hollywcmd's most famous boy star, who has returned to pictures as a fully-fledged lending man in Paramount's Zane Grey Stovy "The Code of the West." Jackie, who used to play pathetic little street waifs, lias been cast as a hardriding he-man v of the wide open spaces. Baby Peggy, jvvho starred as an infant, never reached rthe ingenue stage. Mickey Bennett, now/ at the age :of nineteen, plays only character roles. Mitzi Green will not play *grown-up roles. Her father plans to takej her on a three-year stage tour, then lafunch her in pictures as a leading ladyirnder a new name. At least that is the current rumour. At least 80 per cent, of .Hollywood's featured child players do Bot come back as grown-ups, according tot/Fred. Datig, Paramount casting director. . .

"The Last Gentleman,"; George Arliss'i second film under his new starring contract with 20th Century Pictures, wji; shortly be released by. United Artists. This is perhaps the most delightful and certainly the most unusual comedy the talkies have produced. A. far cry from "The House of Rothschild," the star's first production under the' Joseph 11. Schenck-Darryl I. Zanuck banner, this whimsical comedy is, by virtue of its very contrast, a : fitting successor :to the powerful dramatic vehicle. As Cabot Barr, wealthy, irascible familyproud old New Englander, who calls together his relatives in the vague hope of finding a worthy heir, Arliss offers another of his rich arid perfect portraits. The; story is rich ,in humour and is a distinct departure from' the usual film story; The supporting cast of "The Last Gentleman" includes. Charlotte Henry, Edna May Oliver, Janet .Beetiher, Ealph Morgan, and Frank,Albertsoh.- ' . •' ;

Ketti Gallian. N , Once more,the English stage is;thestep- ;- ping stdne for an actress to .burst inio.'. di stardom in Hollywood motion pictures.'; tl .Ketti Gallian, the ■ unknown^ French girl' hi who, was thrust-into -a' leading,.part in'-a as West End stage production, is now in her R first picture sharing featured honours m V the title role of an important picture, ie "Marie Galante." To 'accomplish this di Miss Gallian has learned English in a hun- fii dred days of intensive study since her #1 arrival in California. To the training she JJ underwent in Loudon for her first re 11 Ii footlight debut has been added the. pre- ai paratipns. for, her, appearance before cam- tl eras, and she has been thoroughly 'drilled ai in cinema technique. Henry King is direct- b( ing "Marie .Galante" under the persoml V supervision . Wihfield Sheeh'an.'; The'lii scenes are laid'in the Panama-Canal zone a and treat of th'fc' vicissitudes of 'a' French hi girl caught in the vortex of interaction?] sc intrigue and espionage so rampant in tliß ar Canal zone. :■ .~" ■■ ■ •■,..■ if

■Dark Races in. Favour. ; : -■• v ;i s Hollywood has: gone sepia and, dark • brown—judging by the racial backgrounds 3 of- the'current 'film stories.^ Where • the , vogue originated is a mystery/but the fact > remains, that a score or moreof important : film productions deal with races of dark i blood. "Limehouse Nights," at'Paramount^ . co-featuring Anna May Wong, Georga ' ,> Raft, and Jean- Parker, is laid in the ■ Chinese section of London. Working in . the film are several hundred Chinese—from • cooliee to mandarins —recruited from Lo» ■ Angeles's Chinatown. Also at Paramount! ' "Lives of a Bengal Lancer" is being film--1 ed, on location in the Santa, Monica Moun- ' ■ tains.. Several; hundred Hindus \. of every > caste furnish, the local colour.;; Gary. ! Cooper is being starred.! Sylvia Sidney's ' new picture, "Bed Woman," .has to do • with Indians of the Canadian Northwest, I with Sylvia playing a full-blooded Indian

nuvei riay Liunsiruciion. : A. ;W;v..Pezetland C. .T. Revere liaVe iscovered a new method of reprffienting he thoughts of persons in a play, they iave written. vThe play is calledp'-'Hands s Bands" and isbased J on' a novel by Jevere, of which the title is "The Voice Vithin," 6ays the "San Francisco Chon--31e." The old-fashioned way of stepping own to the footlights and; making a coaidant of the audience went out many :ears ago. Eligene O'Neill and Philip) loeller as author and director of "Strange nterlude" conceived the idea of suspended nimation while the, characters spoke their houghts. Now come the Messrs.., Pezet nd Revere with their idea,- which •■'trill' c aired at the Biltmore Theatre,-Ne ( w rork,: in;. October. The leading.=man speaks is piece.to the other characters and-then. record and an amplifier spread abroad is real thoughts. There are fifteen ;enes in the play and no interinissioris re planned. The idea seems a good one, skilfully presented..', ■ ,■