PICTURE CONVENTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 16, 20 January 1936, Page 10

PICTURE CONVENTION

VISIT TO HOLLYWOOD

Mr. D. Lotherington, or the R.K.O. Radio Pictures, is at present visiting Wellington after attending the world* wide convention of his company held in America. Whilst at Hollywood he availed himself of the opportunity of seeing some of his firm's big pictures in the course of production. He met a number of picture stars in Hollywood, including Fred Astaire, whom he describes as being a perfectly natural and charming personality. Mr. Astaire attended the convention, and, when called upon to speak, modestly returned thanks in a few words and bowed in acknowledgment of the welcome which had been given to him. Ginger Rogers, said Mr. Lotherington, was a vital spark, full of pep, and without doubt was an artist possessed of outstanding gifts. Mr. Sandrich, the well-known Hollywood producer of "Top Hat," was much interested to hear about New Zealand and its scenic wonders. He said his mother, who was a rative of Melbourne, had visited New Zealand on two occasions, and had spoken to him in such high terms of the Dominion's scenery that he was inclined to think her praise was exaggerated. He was pleased to know that such was not the case.

Mr. Lotherington is very much impressed with the state of the motion picture business in New Zealand and with the work of the executives and staffs. He considered that the Dominion was very up to date in regard to the release of films so soon after the premieres in America, and he spoke optimistically regarding R.K.O. Radio product for 1936, which includes a new feature entitled "The March of Time." This is a new departure in presenting to the public all the latest happenings in current world events, in a new form, inasmuch as it shows not only the pictorial side, but why and how these events happened.