BRITISH FILMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 36, 12 February 1938, Page 14

BRITISH FILMS

AND WORK OF KORDA MR. MARKS'S TRIBUTE To study the possibilities of producing an Australian or New Zealand film or the establishment of a permanent studio,' and to investigate the film industry generally, Mr. Montagu Marks, general manager of London Films, of which Alexander Korda is chairman, is conducting an extended tour of the Antipodes. Mr. Marks, who has just arrived here, said that his company seeks to produce films of essentially British and Empire spirit. He feels sure that ' there are many such films which could be produced in Australia or New Zea- t land. He has no script for an Australian or New Zealand film, and is with- , out any preconceived ideas as to the : best kind of film which could be produced in the Commonwealth or Do- ; minion. He is, however, opposed to the ; use of the proverbial outback char- ; acter. The modern New Zealander can be as sophisticated as the European, , says Mr. Marks. Alexander Korda al- ' ways says there is only one story— > Adam and Eve. Obviously, this story ■ was to be found as much in Auckland > and Wellington as anywhere else. , Whether his company produces films . in the Australian or New Zealand terri- ■ tory or establishes a permanent studio ; will depend on various factors, includ- ' ing the conditions under which labour j was procurable. Speaking of the film industry generally, Mr. Marks says colour is being used more and more. At present it is a matter of cost, but, before long ( all films will be in colour. THREE NEW PICTURES. ] Mr. Marks has brought three of his ' company's latest pictures with him "Paradise for Two" (Jack Hulbert and : Patricia Ellis), "The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel" (Barrie K. Barnes and Sophie Stewart), and "South Rid- ; ing" (Edna Best). These productions i were not completed when he left Eng- '• land, the reels being flown to Mar- ' seilles, and it is hoped to present one ] of the pictures while he is here—in other words, to give it a world premiere. Mr. Marks recalled earlier Korda , successes, "Henry the Eighth," "Sanders of the River," "The Scarlet Pimpernel," ; and "The Ghost Goes West." Unhesi- : tatingly he declares the Denham i Studios, directed by Korda, to be the ' best in England. Produced there were ! "Wings of the Morning" and "Victoria the Great." Denham Studios reflect the masterful, artistic personality of Korda—the efficiency of the staff,'the technical excellence, and everything else that enters into the creation of the perfected product. Expense represents nothing to ] Korda. From year to year his work • has brought him gold medals. But an I infinitely greater pleasure is derived by ■ him in being satisfied with the pictures ■ he produces. He lives for his work.