AUSTRALIAN FILM

Evening Star, Issue 22252, 1 February 1936, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN FILM

CHARLES FARRELL'S ROLE Charles Farrell, noted Hollywood actor who has partnered Janet Gaynor ;through many a film, passed through Auckland last week, en route to Sydney, where he is to play the chief role in the film ‘ The Flying Doctor,’ to be made by National Productions Limited, Sydney, in co-operation with GaumontBritisn. Mr Farrell is the first male star to be brought from Hollywood for an Australian fifm. His services have been secured at a high fee, but the expense is considered worth while, as it is hoped to give the picture an international appeal. A strong production unit, headed by the English actordirector Mr Miles Mandor. is already making preliminary arrangements for the picture. Gaumont-British is planning to make films on a similar scale in several parts of the Empire, it is said. Much of ‘ Rhodes of Africa ’ has already been completed, while work will start before long on ‘ The Barrier ’ in Canada, and Kipling’s ‘ Soldiers Three ’ in India. No production is in view for New Zealand at present, as it is essential that there should bo some facilities for -he company’s production units to use befor the making of a film is undertaken. It is economically impossible to bring all the necessary equipment just to make one picture.