FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

Evening Star, Issue 19918, 14 July 1928, Page 17

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

Mr C. E. Bonner. South Island manager tor J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and the Tails, has left for Australia, where ho will control the tour of Bouno Moisciwilsch, the Russian pianist. Mr Bonner expects to return to Christchurch iu about two months’ time. Mr Maurice Ralph takes present charge of the South Island. Mr J. Nevin Tail, director of the Williainson-Mclba Grand Olvera, announced in Sydney that a New Zealand tour hv the company would be out of the (jucs-.ou. The contracts for 'ho artists were for sixteen weeks, with the possibility of a few weeks' extension, as they were obliged to fullil engagements m Europe. Therefore these contracts allowed for only eight weeks in Melbourne and Sydney, a brief season in Adelaide, and possibly a visit to Brisbane.

Marie Tempest, that lino comedienne who had such triumphant tours in Australia and New Zealand, lias arranged with Alban Limpus and Barry O’Brien to appeal' in London iu 1 Passing Brompton Road,’ a now play from tho pea of Mr Jcvan Brandoii-Thomas. Renee Kelly, hero in ‘ Roily With a Past ’ and ‘ The Last of Mrs Cheyney ‘ last year, was appearing in tho revival of an old melodrama, 1 The Dumb Alan of Manchester,’ in London when the mail left.

With the opening of St. James Theatre, Auckland, the Fuller management is inaugurating a new policy as far as Now Zealand theatregoers are concerned. This is the reservation of seats iu the grand circle (upper circle), giving every patron a comfortable tip-up scat, exactly the same as in dress circle and stalls. This means that every scat iu the Rt. James can ho booked.

Once again Eugene O’Neill, the gdted American dramatist, lias been awarded the Pulitzer drama prize (says a Now York Announcement of the .ward was made recently, the prize going to Mr O’Neill for his sex drama, ‘ Strange Interlude.’ Tho play, in book form, is among the “host sellers” in tho fiction list.

Two new Edgar Wallace, plays have been produced in London. 'They aro ‘ The Flying Squad 5 and ‘ The Squeaker,’' both adaptations of wellknown novels by Mr Wallace. By tho number of now'plays and novels ho is bringing out, ho must have converted them into plays while waiting for-a grill at luncheon. Otis .Skinner has been awarded tho gold medal of the America Academy of Arst and Letters fox* good diction on the stage. Dr Robert Johnson, who made tho address following the presentation of the medal, criticised tho “ universal sloppiness ” of speech in America. Commenting on Air Skinner’s long and distinguished career as an actor, lie said that ho had appeared iu 327 plays, including seventeen Shakespearean dramas. Tho academy has also voted a gold medal fox the best diction over the radio.

Miss May Beatty, who has made a great success with Aliss Annie Crolt iu tho bright musical comedy, ‘ The Girl Friend,’ at the Theatre Royal, Melbourne, recalled tho other day _ that years ago she appeared as Alai’ic in 1 Tito Daughter of tho Regiment,’ tho jvarb which Signorina Toti dal Alontc sings in the production of the opera by tho Williamson-Alclba Company. Aliss Beatty mentioned that others in tho cast at that lime wove Lcmpriere Pringle, Charles Piddock, Airs G. W. B. Lewis, and Aliss Beatty’s husband, Mr Edward Lauri.

A new musical comedy to bo produced in Australia is ‘Hit the Deck,’ which will bo played by ‘ Tho Girl Friend ’ Company- at tho concluison of its present Melbourne season. Both these plays arc to tour New Zealand this year. Another American play, ‘ Tho Patsy,’ has opened iu Australia, with an American actress, Aliss Irene Homer, in the loading role. It has opened most successfully, and a long season in tho Australian cities seems indicated before tho play will eome to New Zealand. An unusual mystery play, ‘Tho Trial of Alary Duggan,’ will mark tho return to New Zealand of Mr Leon (Jordon, wiio appeared as IVitzol iu 1 While Cargo.’ two years ago. There aro several novelties in tho new production, which will open at His Majesty’s, Auckland, on August 4. Tiie 'rewards of successful play writing can bo very handsome indeed. Clvdo Fitch, who died when he was only forty-four, left £43,01 HI. .Sydney Grundy left £37,957; Paul Biibens, who wrote for George Edwardes and died when ho was forty, had £24,128 to bequeath; and Hacldon Chambers and Captain Robert Alarslmll were both comparatively rich men. Then, of course, Sir James Barrie, Bernard Shaw, Sir Arthur Pinero, and—-to como to more recent writers—Frederick Lonsdale, W. Somerset Maugham, Nod Coward, and even Arnold Ridley, with only ‘ The Ghost Train ’ and ‘ The Wrecker ’ to Ids credit so far, have earned largo sums as dramatists. It is said that ono young English author has made so much from various sources out of ono play that he is already assured of at least £I,OOO a year for tho rest of his life.

John Ilnlston, who will shortly leave Australia on a well-earned holiday in England, was horn in Brisbane; his fattier was a sea captain, and lie is one of nine children. Ho joined the famous Pollards when eighteen, after a vocal training as a boy soprano with the local church choir, After a month in the chorus ho was the King of Spain to May Beatty’s ‘ Maritana.’ Afterwards ho played Father Maxim (‘Toupee’), then Colonel Calvcrley (‘Patience’), l,uiz (‘Gondoliers’), Devilshoof (‘.Bohemian Girl’), and in ‘Dorothy,’ ‘Casino Girl,’ ‘ Pericolo,' and ‘ The Messenger Boy ’ (various characters and juvenile roles). The next twelve months wore spent in Africa. After Alfred .Hill’s ‘Tnpn, lie played in the linn’s revivals ot Gilbert and Sullivan, and has since played at least three [parts in onefi of their operas—probably a record. His favourite role (while ever one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most devoted admirers) is Franz Schubert in ‘ Lilac Time,’ which, under Dion Boucicnult’s direction, constituted one of the finest musical productions in Australian stage history. Miss Margaret Baunermau’s beautiful home in England is being rented by' Edgar Wallace, the famous author of mystery plays, during her absence in Australia and New Zealand Allan Wilkie is now well into his third month at the Newtown Majestic Theatre, Sydney, and is doing well. Ho is supported by the schools, and has found it wise to repeat his short seasons of ‘Twelfth Night’ three times during the season, this being the play set for (ho school examinations this ye nr. His production of ‘ Coriolanns ’ was said to have been very fine, but 1 did not see it (says the Auckland ‘ Star’s correpondent). Anyway, Sir Ben Fuller writes an unsolicited testimonial in the form of an advertisement to the papers, saying that it favourably compared with a production of the same play he had seen at the “ Old Vic.” in London a year or so ago Mrs Mona Plunkett received the decree absolute of her marriage with Paul Plunkett, well-known actor, now with ‘ Rio Rita ’ in Sydney. Mrs Plunkett applied for permanent alimony at the rate of £4 5s a week. Plunkett, in an affidavit, declared that lie had been out of employment for a long time, and was in arrears of £230 for alimony. Besides other debts ho owed £132 for board.

[By LOITERER ]

Jottings on flto people of the Stage and Screen and on the latest recorded Music.

Edna Thomas, whose negro spirituels and street calls’ will bo remembered as one of tho lincst entertainments ever brought to New Zealand, proposes to make another trip to Australia and the dominion.

‘ Dracula,’ with Alfred Frith in a prominent role, is now in its thirtyfifth week in New York. It is confidently predicted by critics that even greater recognition awaits him in succeeding productions. Air Frith toured New Zealand with numerous J.C.W. productions. The following New Zealand itinerary has been arranged by Mr Bert Roylc, dominion representative of J. C. Williamson, Ltd., and J. and N. Tail for the new English Comedy Company ap pouring in the highly successful plays ‘Rookery Nook, 11 Cuckoo in the Nest,’ and ‘ TharkAuckland, July 25 to August 7; Hamilton, August 8; Hawcra, August IU; Now Plymouth, August II and 13; Wanganui, August 14 and 15; Palmerston North, August 16 and'l7; Napier, August IS and 20; Hastings, August 21 and 22; Diumcvirke, August 23; Mastertou, August 24; Wellington, August 25-Septcmher 8; Dunedin, September 10-15; Invercargill, September 17 and 18; Oaxnani, September ID; Timaru, September 20 and 21; Christchurch, September 22October 3.

SCHEEHLAMD JOTTINGS

Pola Negri’s latest Paramount production is based on the_ famous stage play ‘Fedora.’ It is interesting to note that a quartet of well-known male players aro included in the cast—namely, Lawrence Grant, Jaek_Lud-.ni, Otto Matticson, and Bodil Rosing. George Duryea, who made so many friends hero as A bio in the stage play ‘ Abie’s Irish Rose,’ has been signed to a long-term movie contract iu Los . Angeles by Cecil Do Alille, who considers George is a real find. Ho will play with Rcnco Adoroo iu ‘Tide of Empire,’ by Peter B. Kyue, ami has just completed ‘The Godless Girl.’ The latest Emil Jannings picture for Paramount is titled ‘The Alan Who Never Alissed.’ This is taken from the magazine story of Mildred Gram, ‘ The Feeder.’ It deals with the subject of life in a four-a-day vaudeville, which, while being of a novel nature, provides great scope for the dramatic interpretation of which Jannings is a master.

‘Tho Ghost Train,’ wlmlh did enormous business through Now Zealand as a stage attraction, will shortly' he seen as a picture. Just completed in England, it . brings to tho front a wellknown English legitimate performer mimed Guy Ncwall. If anything, it is considered to ho even more thrilling and laughable than the stage production.

Air John W. Hicks, jum, managing director of Paramount, lias announced that an enlarged coloured photograph of Kingsford-Smith has been added to the collection of similar photos of the world’s famous aces. The photos will accompany ‘ Wings,’ Pawmount’s pic of tho air, to every theatre throughout New Zealand and'Australia where this motion picture will bo shown. Alaurico Costello, lather of Dolores and Helene Costello, makes an occasional appearance on the screen in i.mall parts. Between times ho appears on tho vaudeville sthge. Once ho was a picture “ star.’ _ Paramount Week was originally designed to put before tho public practical evidence of the uplifting trend of tho motion picture. No liner public recognition of these efforts can bo lound than the continued of Paramount Week. Paramount Week, 1928, will be heralded by special programmes of big pictures, and considerable attention is being givento the Paramount Christie comedies, Krazy Kat cartoons, and other short features. ‘War in the Dark,’ Aliss Greta Garbo’a new starring vehicle lor Metro* Goldwyn-Alayer, lias gone into production under tho direction of Fred Niblo. Conrad Nagel plays tho leading male rolo in this story of international intrigue. Fox Filins’ next outstanding production to ho released is the screen version of tho well-known opera ‘ Carmen,’ This production features the two stars of ‘ What Price Glory R’ Aliss .Dolores del Rio in the title role of Carmen and Victor APLaglen in the rolo of Hie toreador. In order to make this a genuino piece of artistry, Rafael \alverde, who hailed from tho largest arenas in Spain, and who also enjoyed n wide reputation as a toreador, was imported to tutor Air APLaglen in tho art of tho cape and the sword. As reports have been circulated to tho effect that Alary Pickford has definitely retired from the screen, the iullowing extract from an American movie magazine makes it appear that the rumour was premature: —'* When Alary Pickford next appears upon the screen it may bo with shorn tresses. Just at present she is trying to decide what to do with tho well-known Pickfpvd curls—a matter that has been rankling Mary’s heart for a considerable time. To bob or not to hob lias been a moot question in the Pickford-Fairbanks household lor nearly two years, until now Mary has almost decided to do it. Almost, but not quite! It will depend largely' upon the result of the European trip. Possibly upon what tho hairdressers of Paris recommend. Also possibly upon the facility of some Hollywood ’ scenariosniith to convert this haircutting urge into a dramatic thrill for tho next Pickford photoplay. For ever practical, you know, is Mary!” ... Dr Brook Nicholls .(says the Australasian,’ Alolbourne) recounts interesting reminiscences of the early days of moving picture production in Australia. Ono of the first Australian films showed the visit of the Duke did Duchess of York (now the King and Queen) to Alelbommo in 1901. Tins wins taken by Mr Perry, of the Salvation Army, who later retired irom the Army, joined Amalgamated Pictures. Ltd., and assisted in tho production of ‘Called Back’ and ‘The Alystery of a Hansom Gab.’ Before this he had made the first of tho Kelly gang films. Air H. Hearult, who was afterwards killed on active service, made ton propaganda films for the Commonwealth Government in the early years ol riie century. Air Hearult belonged to the Alelbourne branch of Patlie Freres, a firm which has made many films in niiinv parts of tho world. It was for Patlie Frercs that Air Alaurico Bertel iu 1909 made thirteen short ’‘dramas” each I,oooft in length. I’hey who shown by Cole’s Dramatic Conumiiy. These “ onc-roelers ” included ‘ r J be Cowboy’s Romance,’ ‘ Buffalo Bill, and others. Those were the days. Mr Bertel, who was the pioneer of film hi bora tory technique in Australia, hiicr produced for_ the Lincoln Cass Company moving pictures with ihe following hearty titles:—‘The Sick Stock Rider,’ ‘Tho Remittance Man,’ ‘ Hie Cersur.’ ‘The Road to Ruin,’ ‘Atoomlyne.’