DOMINION CONTRACT

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 90, 13 October 1936, Page 11

DOMINION CONTRACT

METRO-GOLDWYN FILMS 4

Exclusive rights.for all Metro-Gold-wyn films in New Zealand during the next year have been obtained by the Fuller-Hayward Theatre Corporation and Messrs. ■ John Fuller and Sons, Ltd., as the result of a deal completed in Sydney. The representative of these firms was Mr. J. H. Mason, of New Zealand Theatres, Ltd., who also obtained the rights for his concern. Mr. P. W. Maddock signed the contract for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which company he manages in New Zealand. '

. When making this announcement Mr. A. R. McElwain, of Fuller-Hayward Theatres, said that his firm was delighted that its long and pleasant association with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer would continue. • ■ , •

"In the first batch of productions, which are to commence release next December," said Mr. McElwain, "the principal features are 'The Great Ziegfeld' and 'Romeo and Juliet.' 'The Great Ziegfeld's' cast is headed by William Powell, Myrna ' Loy, and Luise Rainer. Frank r Morgan, Virginia Bruce, Reginald Owen, Nat Pendleton, Harry Brice, and Leon Errolare some of .the other principals in-a cast of hundreds. The picture runs for three hours, and, besides telling. the entire story of Ziegfeld's amazing life, it shows how he first started to 'glorify' the American girl and ultimately built up the most astonishing and lavish stage shows in America. "ROMEO AND JULIET," "'Romeo and Juliet* was the crowning achievement of the late Irving Thalberg, and has Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard in the title roles, with John1 Barrymore as Mercutio. Other artists appearing are Edna May Oliver, Basil Rathbone, 'C. Aubrey Smith, Ralph Forbes, and Reginald Denny. "Other productions will be 'The Devil Doll,' a thriller with Lionel Barrymore, Maureen O'Sullivan, Frank Lawton, and Henry B. Walthall, and 'His Brother's Wife,' with Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor, Joseph Calleia, and Jean Hersholt, Then there is P. G. 'Wodehouse's 'Piccadilly Jim,' with: Robert Montgomery in the role, supported by Madge Evans, Billie Burke, Frank Morgan, Reginald Owen, Ralph Forbes,; Eric • Blore, and Eobert Benchley. ..■ . :. :. • "Joan Crawford will be seen in several features, the first, to be 'The Gorgeous Hussy,' with Franchot Tone, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, and James Stewart. "Freddie Bartholomew will lie starred with Jackie Cooper and Mickey Rooney in 'The Devil is a Sissy.' 'Sworn Enemy,' with Robert Young, Lewis Stone, and-Joseph Calleia, is a melodrama, and 'Women are Trouble,' with.Stuart Erwin, Paul Kelly, and Florence Rice, is a comedy-drama. A farce, 'We Went to College,' starg Charles Butterworth with? Hugh Herbert and. Una Merkel. ANOTHER COMEDY. "Another comedy will be 'The Longest Night,' with Robert! Young, Florence Rice, Ted Healy, and Julie-Hay? don. Wallace Beery, Eric' Linden, and Cecilia Parker will appear in 'Old Hutch.' Laurel and Hardy will appear in a full-length farce, 'Our Relations,' in which they will have the assistance of Leon Errol. . "We expect Eleanor Powell, of 'Broadway Melody of-1936,' in 'Bom to Dance,' with James Stuart and Frank Morgan, Greta Gar bo -and Robert Taylor and a huge cast in. 'Camille,' and Paul Muni and Luise Rainer in 'The Good Earth,' the picturisation of Pearl S. Buck's famous novel of Chinese life, "We are also awaiting advice concerning William Powell, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy, and Walter Connolly in 'Libelled Lady,' We have received many inquiries concerning Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Mac Donald in 'Rose Marie,' but are not in a position to announce definitely when this will be screened. ■ ■ : "Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, and Robert Young are to appear in 'Love on the Run.' The well-known play 'The Last of Mrs. C.heyney' will be produced.with William Powell and Myrna Loy, and the miisicial feature 'Maytime,' with Jeanette Mac Donald, Nelson Eddy, and Frank Morgan. "Metro have paid particular attention to their short subjects. There will be musical comedies; the 'Crime Doesn't Pay' series, 'Happy Harmony' cartoons in technicolpur, and FitzFatrick Traveltalks, also in colour. Pete Smith specialties will continue, and there will be . Metro . Miniatures with 'Chic Sale,' Robert Benchley, and others, besides 'Our Gang' comedies, while each programme-will have a Hearst-Metro News. . ' . "The major Metro productions will be seen in the Majestic Theatre, Wellington, which <hasv this year been made the Fuller-Hayward 'ace house in Wellington, but at the same time the St. James Theatre will be .given its lull share of the Metro offerings.