LILTING MUSIC AND HUMOUR

Evening Star, Issue 21582, 30 November 1933, Page 10

LILTING MUSIC AND HUMOUR

AL JOLSON FILM FOR EMPIRE A splendid cast of comedians has been assembled for ‘ Hallelujah . a Tramp,’ which comes to the Lmpue Theatre to-morrow. The story written especially by Ben Hecht, lends itself admirably to comedy, but it is the pathetic and poignant sort rathert ia slapstick. It is also the sort which had to be handled properly in order to get over. Because of this several weeks were spent in selecting cast of characters, and all sorts of care was exercised in choosing the right people. hirst Harry Langdon, comedy star, was selected for one of the principal roles, and then Chester Conklin and his walrus moustache were signed, rrank Morgan, Broadway stage star came next, and Tammany Young, who has played both on Broadway and m Hollywood, stepped into the picture, too. Bert Koach, who has been the comic appeal in scores of films, won one of the coveted roles, and Victor Potel, veteran film comedian, also was signed. There tvas one role, however, which caused some difficulty. This was the part of a voung negro rouseabout whose portrayal had to be of a high standard. Jolson, Lewis Milestone, and Joseph M. Schenck, president of United Artists, interviewed countless applicants, but none fitted the bill. One night Jolson and Mr Schenck heard of a young negro playing in. an outlying Los Angeles theutrc so they went to that theatre to see what he could do. But they never did see him. For, soon after they arrived, another young negro of the company came upon the stage, and he won their hearts immediately. Jolson looked at Schenck and Schenck looked at Jolson, and both nodded knowingly. The result was that Edgar (Blue Boy) Connor deserted the stage and became a member of the Jolson company. And now almost every company in Hollywood is trying to sign him for a picture. ‘ Hallelujah, I’m a Tramp ’ has not been slighted on the feminine side of comedy, either. The lead is filled by Madge Evans, and Dorothea Wolbert and Louise Carver have other important part*.