AN ARMSTRONG THRILLER.

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 142, 17 June 1937, Page 21

AN ARMSTRONG THRILLER.

FAMOUS DESIGNER.

Omar Kiam, famous fashion designer, created , the ultra-modern gowns worn by Janet Gaynor in David O, Selznick's Technicolor production, "A Star is Born," in which she is co-star-ring with Fredric March. In New York, Hollywood. Paris, and London, Kiam is noted as one of the few artists who creates not only the gowns themv selves, but all -the clips, buttons, and ' accessories. His costumes'for "A Star ■is Born" bring out new and modernistic fashions designed alcmg strikingly different lines, in keeping with the picture's Hollywood setting. "A Star *is r Born" is released through United Artists." '

"DREAMING UPS."

For the first time in her career Elisabeth Bergner attended a premiere of one of her own films, when "Dreaming Lips," the Max Schach production, was shown at the London Pavilion in the presence of Queen Mary. Only twice in her.life has Bergner seen herself on the screen. The first occasion was fifteen years ago; the other was the first day of production of "Dreaming Lips," when she sat in the studio projection theatre with. her husbanddirector Dr. Czinner and saw the German version, titled "Def Traumende Mund," .When, in 1922, she made her first film, which incidentally starred Emil Jannings and Conrad Veidt, Miss Bergner found watching her screen image an :unhappy experience. She vowed never to see herself on the screen again, a pledge which she kept faithfully. - until last September. "Dreaming Lips" is released through United-Artists. Supporting Bergner is a .oast which includes Haymond Massey, Komney Brent, Joyce Bland, Sydriey. Fairbrother, and. Felix Ayltner.

Anthony Armstrong, who wrotp "Ten Minute Alibi." has another successful thriller in "Mile Away Murder," which was recently produced at the Duchess Theatre. London. As in his previous thriller, the author puts all his cards on-the table. A murder is committed, and the audience witnesses the death within a few minutes of the rise of the curtain. The murderer is known, but as he was in his house a mile away at the time, the alibi seems to be perfect. The local police, aided by Scotland Yard, set to • work to solve the mystery, with' the help of: the murdered man's nephew and. his attractive .fiancee.

"THE PERFECT SPECIMEN."

According to Warner Bros. First ■ National's production plans, Errol > Flynn will probably be starred in a screen version of Samuel Hopkins Adams's popular novel, "The Perfect Specimen," and Michael Curtiz has been named as the director; the picture will be, says a studio dispatch, "a hilarious comedy-romance." Another coming vehicle;ior the stalwart- Irish staivis "The White Rajah," written by himself and based on the life story, strange;- than fiction, of Sir James Brooke, the first white Rajah of Sarawak. The present Ranee of Sarawak, : a member of the Brooke family, is now in Hollywood conferring on the script.

PUBLICITY. ITEM SOLD.

A book, 'The Making of a Great Picture^" which was prepared and published as part of the advance publicity campaign of "Lost Horizon," Frank Capra's production starring .Ronald Colman, due for early New Zealand release, has aroused such widespread comment for its topography and layout that it has been placed on sale at Brentano's Fifth Avenue Book Store, New York, one of the leading book stores pf-New York City. This is believed to be the first time on. record that an admitted, publicity item has been- sold for its reader value. The book, 15 by 12 inches, has been sent to newspaper- editors, educators, and radio commentators throughout the world. It tells the story of the production difficulties that beset the path of Frank Capra in filming the story oC "Lost Horizon," and it is illustrated with cuts and colour: plates of scenes and eos,tumes from" the picture.'