SCREENLAND JOTTINGS

Evening Star, Issue 21820, 8 September 1934, Page 6

SCREENLAND JOTTINGS

Five of Paramount’s six ‘ Search for Beauty ’ contract winners are cast in minor' roles in ‘ The Notorious Sophie Lang.’ They are-Colin Tapley, Alfred Deloambro, Gwenllian Gill, Julian Madison, and Clara Lou Sheridan. This marks the first time they have appeared in the same film since their initial screen work. * * * * * Tire Flying Mouse ’ is the latest Silly Svmphouy production completed by Walt Disney. It is an imaginative adaptation of "the classic fable of the mouse who was not content with being

just a mouse, and made himself a pair of wings. His adventures among birds and animals and his rejection by both these groups constitute the story around which the film is built. It is produced entirely in technicolour. * * .* * Clive Brook will play the part of a country doctor in his forthcoming British picture, ‘ The Dictator.’ The story is set in eighteenth-century Denmark, and the film will go into production about the middle of September. * * * * Offered a sum described as fabulous, Mao West has definitely refused to leave Paramount, her home studio. “ I am pleased,” she has stated so many times, “ with the way Paramount has handled by screen career, and so

am not interested in offers from the other side of the financial fence.” What is the use of breaking up a good combination, anyway? ” asks Mae. Her next Paramount picture is entitled ‘ Belle of the Nineties.’ * * * * ‘ The Affairs of Cellini,’ a costume comedy romance of the sixteenth century, will soon be released by United Artists. The story is centred in Florence, where there lived at that time Benvenuto Cellini, famous as the cleverest goldsmith of his age, and as the greatest lover and greatest liar in the world. His claim to he the world’s greatest lover is frankly admitted by

Cellini in his autobiography—a record of his perfumed adventures with bewitching women, which in literary circles is conceded to be one of the most amazing but complete histories of a man’s love life. Constance Bennett has the finest part of her whole career as the Duchess of Florence, and costarred with her is Fredric March. Fay Wray is Angela, the beautiful model who excites the desires of both the duke aml the goldsmith. Frank Morgan adds complications as the duke.

Modern Hawaii will be brought to the screen in an elaborate medley of music, dance, drama, and romance entitled ‘ Beach Bov,’ a story by Daniel Evans, purchase of which has just been announced by Paramount. Carl Bnsson,

Kitty Carlisle, Charlie Buggies, Mary Boland, Jack Oakie, and Evelyn Venable will'be in the cast, and Norman Taurog will probably .direct. The production will be the most elaborate musical on , Paramount’s forthcoming production schedule. It is considered likely that the company will be sent to Honolulu,, where full'pictorial-advantage will he taken of Waikiki, the famous resort hotels, and the naval station. * * * * Irene Dunne has the finest soprano recording voice of any player hi the film capitol, according to John Trlbby, veteran sound recorder at the BKO Badio studios in Hollywood. In ‘ Stingaree,’ a romantic melodrama of Australia in the ’seventies (now showing here), she sings delightfully.

Judy Kelly, who plays the leading feminine role in the Julius Hagen production, ‘ The Four Masked Men,’ was bom in Australia in 1913. She was an usherette m a large Sydney cinema before she won a film contest, the prize for which was a free trip to England, three months’ training in a British studio, and the possibility of a contract if she. were successful. Judy studied hard, launched her own elocution classes, and played in amateur theatricals ; and now, after a rigorous period of training in screen acting, diction, the art of dressing, and all the other departments incidental to a successlul screen career, it .looks as if Juclys

youthful dreams are about to be realised. Judy Kelly is sft 4in in height, and has reddish-brown hair and eyes. John Stuart is also featured in ‘ The Four Masked Aten,’ which will he released by British Dominions Films Ltd.

One of the most complicated machines ever devised was used in the filming of the Joseph M. SchenckDarryl Zanuck Twentieth Century picture, ‘ The House of Rothschild,’ starring George Arliss ; which is shortly to be released by United Artists. This is the newly-perfected technicolour camera which takes motion pictures in their exact natural colours. The camera turns out three films at once, each one receiving impressions in a different primary colour of the scene photographed. The means by which this extraordinary feat is achieved is so intricate as "to bafile the most ardent follower of ‘ Popular Science Alonthly.’ In fact, it requires almost an Einstein to understand the mathematical and optical problems involved. While the new process has been in use for some months by Walt Disney for his Silly Symphony cartoons, ‘ The House of Rothschild ’ is the first feature picture with human actors to employ it. The special camera was used for the final scenes of the picture, because those scenes were judged by Afr Zanuck, production chief of Twentieth Century, to be too magnificent a spectacle to be wasted on merely black and_ white. Since a large sum was already invested in regal costumes and sets, he determined to give the audiences the full benefit of their splendour. The scenes photographed in colour show George Arliss, as Nathan Rothschild, the English representative of the famous banking family, being publicly honoured at the Court of St. James in recognition of his aid to Wellington in defeating Napoleon at Wateifioo. With over 200 people in richly decorative Court costumes of the period, appearing before the sumptuously royal settings, the scene was so striking that only a faithful reproduction in colour could possibly do it justice. • * * * Radio is planning to make a picture of ‘ The Three Musketeers,’ with Francis Lederor in the load. r l ho picture was last done as a silent by Douglas Fairbanks. «■♦ * • Harry Lachniann will direct * Dante’s Inferno,’ which is to he screened by Fox, and Victor Jory will bead the allstar cast. Aletro-Goldwyu-Alayer are to make a talkie version of Camille,’, which has already been produced five times as a silent "film. First National made the last silent version in 1927. * * * * ‘ Two Thieves,’ a forthcoming religious film, which Alctro-Goldwyn-Alayer are to produce, will tell the story of the two men who were crucified with Christ. Among those who are being considered for the parts are Wallace Beery. Otto Kruger, Lionel Barrymore, and Leo Carrillo. • * * ♦ Air Frank Bradley, who plays the part of Dad AUBride in Air Beaumont Smith’s production, ‘ Splendid Fellows,’ was last in New Zealand playing with Leon Gordon. Since then Air Bradley has been to England and America, aiul is at present playing in Sydney in the ,T. C. Williamson production, ‘ Ten Minutes' Alibi.’ ,*, * * ♦ Zoltau Korda, who recently returned from Africa with some spectacular scenes for his film, based on Edgar Wallace's most famous character, Commissioner Sanders, of the River, is now casting for the sequences of this’ groat film which are to be made in Elstreo. He has signed up two famous negro artists, Paul Robeson and Nina MaeMackinney. Paul Robeson is one of the most distinguished actors of to-day. He will have a leading part in the film

as a native chief, and Nina Mae Mackinney will play a loading feminine role. Over 20,000 natives will be seen in this film, which will ho released by United Artists. This will bo Pobeson’s first British, his only previous screen work being in 1 Emperor Jones.’ * * * * Shocked to see an aeroplane badly damaged 2,000 ft below and an ambulance standing by, the crew of a plane Hying over Wyong (N.S.W.), on its way to Newcastle, recently hastened to earth to lend assistance. Making a perfect landing on a paddock near the wrecked plane, the pilot rushed to the aid of the occupants. Imagine his

amazement: when lie discovered the crash was only a movie “stunt'’ and the “ ambulance ” was the sound truck! Beaumont Smith, who was directing an air sequence tor his new ‘ Splendid Follows,’ thanked the airman lor his kindness, and explained that nowadays realism was essential to the screen. The actors concerned in this particular scene were Elio Column and Bill Stewart.

Latest advices from Ciucsound Studios indicate rapid progress being made with Beaumont Smith’s production ‘ Splendid Fellows,’ which was tentatively titled ‘ The Big Bacc.’

‘ Splendid Fellows ’ is right up to the moment, in its theme, its engrossing story being written round the centenary "air race. One of the finest casts ever assembled for an Australian production has been engaged by its producer, many of the members being well-known in Xew Zealand per medium of the stage. An exceptionally, interesting feature is the engagement of Erie Column (brolher of the famous film star), who is well-known in Australia through his frequent appearances at broadcasting studios. Erie Column boars a striking resemblance to his brother, and reports of the previews of the first rushes of ‘ Splendid Fellows ’ speak enthusiastically of his. acting ability. Erie Column plays the part of the Flying Padre. Another most interesting engagement is that of Isobel Mahon, the sevcnteen-year-old girl find of J. C. Williamson Ltd., who has a leading part. The story, written ■by Beaumont Smith, is strong in, comedy values, and its release will he eagerly awaited iu this country, where Australian productions have been just as enthusiastically received as they have been in Australia. ‘ Splendid Fellows ’ will 'ho released in Xew Zealand by British Empire Films, and exhibited in the theatres and associate theatres of J. 0.. Williamson Picture Corporation. * * * * Eddie Cantor is returning. But why so soon? some may ask. Well, it is not in a new picture, and it is not in his last two efforts —‘ Homan Scandals ’ or ‘ The Kid From Spain.’ Ho is coming back in his first talkie extravaganza, . ‘ Whoopee,’ brand new copies of which have been, released by the producers, and one of which will reach the St. James Theatre to be shown after the current season of ‘ You Can’t Buy Everything.’ In its stage form, produced by Florcuz Zicgfeld, and with Cantor playing the lead, it ran for two years. As a picture it established a number of records, and it was widely appreciated. Locally it has already been shown at three theatres, but its return is bound to he welcomed by hundreds. The picture is presented entirely in teehnieolour. The story is essentially comedy, the laughs toppling over each other continually with brief effective songs and dance ensembles introduced for respite. The extravaganza is based upon the stage play by Owen Davis, entitled ‘ The Nervous Wreck.’ The dance ensembles arc brilliant. Instead of using large numbers to put these across a group of only twentyfour girls was used, and the various dances were kept to minimum footage. The twenty-four girls were selected from thousands of the prettiest girls in Hollywood and New York, and they are the" last word in pulchritude. The finale, an Indian tableau, surpasses many of the more modern ballet presentations. * * * » Colin Tapley, the Xew Zealand ‘ Search for Beauty ’ contest winner, who is now under contract at the Paramount Studios, has motored over 16,000 miles in the short time that he has been in California. Tapley takes a trip to some Californian or Mexican point of interest every week-end. The next production in which Colin Tapley will appear is ‘ Double Door,’ which is set for early release in Xew Zealand * * * * B. I. P.’s new musical comedy. ‘ Happy,’ which is to bo presented at the Regent Theatre on Friday next, is unique in that it can claim a cast consisting almost entirely of famous comedians which might easily grace a Royal command performance, including as it does such artists ns Stanley liiipino. Jimmv Godden, Laddie Cliff, Will Fyffe, Gus M'Nnughton, and Harry Tate. ‘ Happy ’ is a merry musical melange, and will set a new standard in musical pictures. It is a glittering production with songs to catch the ear, beautiful costuming to nlease the eye, uproariously fast and hilariously fuiinv comedy, with enjoyment to make it the perfect entertainment to please the whole family. Dorothy Hyson, in the leading feminine role, is one of the most popular stars on the Londoip stage, and it would seem that in this film the British producers had _ definitely set themselves out to eclipse any and every similar film which has come out of London studios. * * * * Grade Fields. Hie inimitable lass from Lancashire, and the talking screen’s most popular personality, confesses that, contrary In general belief, she does not like _ tripe and onions. “And what, abaht it?” says “Our Grade.”

“ Who's ibis General Belief, anyhow? Maybe some relation to that General Depression guy we used to hear so much about.” Some day somebody will write a book on Grade Fields’s life, and it will be one of the most interesting and amusing books ever published, because her natural sense of humour and her irrepressible spirits have time and again got her into all maimer of awkward and screamingly funny situations. For example, there was the time when she “ kieked-ofl' ” at an important Rugby League football match, and to the amazement and delight of the large crowd, joined in a serum before leaving the ground. Lastyear one of Oracle's jokes took on a grimmer aspect when she was inspecting the huge sweepstake drum in Dublin. An engineer set it in motion, not knowing that Grade had crawled in to get “ some inside information,” and bai gum, as you can well imagine, she had a terrible time. But it takes more than that to dampen “ Our Grade's ” spirits, and she made great fun of the occurrence—afterwards. Yes, Grade is the kindliest, happiest soul cm earth, and if you were to drop iu at her charming Hampstead house you would see for yourself that sho is something more than a mere animal lover. Four Airedales, two Pokes (Topsy and Eva), Cuthbert, (a canary), Mac (a parrot), goldfish, two lambs, a goose, and a bear—all those have been pets of Grade’s during recent years. And she is the most generous person conceivable, her pat enterprise in this direction being the orphanage she founded at her old home at Peacehaven. She is never finished working for the unfortunate children in this home, and her efforts have been strikingly successful in bringing a little sunshine into the lives of those less fortunate than herself. , ‘ Love, Life, and Laughter,’ which comes to the Empire Theatre on Thursday, is Grade's latest, and possibly her greatest screen achievement. Lavishly produced, introducing five new big song hits, and with Grade iu a role after her own heart, that of a modern, mischievous Nellie Gwyn. who, while soiling oranges for charity, “ socks ” a prince with one and then steals his heart, this notoriously funny musical comedy is joy-filled entertainment do luxe.