FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

Evening Star, Issue 22572, 13 February 1937, Page 5

FOOTLIGHT FLASHES

SCBEENUND JOTTINGS

For nearly three centuries the story of Rembrandt’s life, his loves, was locked ih a treasure trove of paintings •—the-- most wondreful the world' has

Ida Lupino, leading lady and noted screen comedienne, who was seen recently in the feminine lead in ‘ The Gay Desperado,’ and opposite Francis Lederer in ‘ One Rainy Afternoon,’ has been engaged by Columbia Pictures for the role of leading lady in ‘ Weather or No.’ Herbert Marshall has already been signed as the male lead of this story, which presents for the first time

ever seen.» Only a chosen few held the secret of the dark tragedies, the soaring triumphs at which his magnificent canvases hinted. • Now conies Alexander Korda with his extraordinary penchant for bringing the famous of the i past to life again on the screen, and now the whole world can share the extraordinary story of the life of the world’s greatest , lover of beauty, as Charles Laughton comes to the screen in the title role of “ Rembrandt.” For fhe first time since their tour de force in ‘ The Private Life of Henry VIII.,” the producer and the actor join talents in the production of ‘ Rembrandt.’ Rembrandt immortalised the women he loved in his canvases, and there was a procession of them. Saskia, whose loveliness floats through so many of his wonderful pictures, the possessive Goortje, played by Gertrude Lawrence, and the tender, Hendrickje, in the person of Elsa Lanchester. Against the colour , and liveliness of Dutch life of his- period Rembrandt’s extraordinary story unfolds. The struggles, the swift xise_ to ■ power: of this extraordinary genius are depicted.on the screen; then his sudden ruin, precipitated by an error in judgment, by the obstinate pride of the. creator of beauty. Then ensues the tenderest interlude in his too stormy life, the story of his illstarred love _ for Hendrickje Stoffels. It is on this note that the picture closes. Charlie Ruggles is having a lot of fun telling people the title of his next Paramount picture.; It’s * Blind Your Own Business,' and when anyone asks the famous comedian what he is scheruled to do next, he answers just that and then lets them figure it out for themselves. ..* # • « Grace Moore, the prima donna who recently raged because a fihnscript made her milk a cow, has now extended her barnyard ban and kept Donald Duck off the air. Miss Moore was invited by Cecil B. de Mille to take part in his radio programme from Hollywood, and so were Walt Disney •and his creation, Donald Duck. Not until the film actress reached the studio did ■ she learn that Donald Duck was to sing ‘Blue of the Night,’ one of his latest numbers. ‘‘l will not sing with livestock,” declared Miss Moore. And she did not, Disney smiled, and withdrew Master Donald from the programme.

that much-discussed but never-seen individual—the weather man. Miss Lupino is a member of England’s famous family of comedians by that name,; and received her early theatrical training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She made her first screen appearance in the British talking pic-

ture, ‘Her First Affair.’ Her success was instantaneous, and resulted in leading roles in many other English pictures. In 1933 she arrived in Hollywood under long-term contract to Paramount, and played leads in many of that company’s productions. • * * *

Douglas Fairbanks, jun., will have an opportunity in his next starring vehicle to indulge in some of the acrobatics that first placed his father on the road to fame. His next film, appropriately titled ‘ Jump For Glory,’ gives him the role of a “ cat burglar, who enters the bedroom of a society girl on her wedding eve.

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

A tale of genius gone wrong ” aptly describes the new film, 1 The Devil Doll,’ which opens at the St. James on Friday. Directed by Tod Browning, the director of ‘ Dracula ’ and many of the Lon Chaney silents, one would expect the story to be one in which the imagination is given full play. The story is unreal, but well presented, and there are some intense moments when the action can hardly bo too- fast. Lionel Barrymore takes the main acting part, and gives a characteristically convincing performance as a banker who is sent to Devil’s Island through the conspiracy of his associates. Ho escapes with a mad scientist 17 years later, and with the scientist’s wife they plot revenge. Clever photography and a gripping drama combine to maintain interest in the working out of this unusual story, in which human beings are reduced to one-sixth in size, and are used to wreak vengeance on the banker’s former associates. Maureen O’Sullivan plays the part or Barrymore's daughter, and is reunited with Frank Lawton, with whom she played the lover in that memorable film, ‘ David Copperfield.’ Hers is an excellent though small part, which she plays with her customary artistry. All who appreciate a mystery should not miss this picture. Fantastic in story, but realistic in presentation, picture-goers will revel in a drama which makes them believe against their will, and will live with the actors in the unusual roles they portray. The outstanding acting performance is perhaps not given by the principals, hut by the late Henry B. Walthall as the scientist and Rafaela Ottiano as his wife, who are brilliant as mad geniuses possessing the secret of reducing human beings to a fraction of their size, and thus hold completely in their power anyone unfortunate enough to be the object of their experiments. It is perhaps sufficient to say that the unreal theme is handled very capably, and results in outstanding entertainment. One of the most remarkable features of the picture is the portrayal by Lionel Barrymore of an woman, and is probably the most bizarre role of his career. " It is said that, although he found it hard work to play a woman for the greater part of the picture, Barrymore considered that he had given one of his finest performances to date, and he will find many to support him in this view.

Just as motion pictures have revolutionised fashions in clothing, in home building and furnishing, so, they are already starting a revolution in interior design of aeroplane cabins and airport waiting rooms. This statement comes not from Hollywood itself, but from James Templeton, senior pilot of United Airlines, and is based on his experience serving as technical director of Paramount’s ‘ Thirteen Hours by Air,’ exciting drama of transcontinental flying, which is now at the Mayfair. Fred Mac Murray, Joan Bennett, Zasu Pitts, and John Howard head the picture’s cast.

Reuniting the popular threesome of the highly successful ‘ Dancing Lady, 1 Franchot Tone lias been teamed with Clark Gable and Joan Crawford in ‘ Love on the Run.’ As Gable’s newspaperman friend, who is always a lap behind his colleague on the biggest story of the year, Tone will “ make the jokes ” in an outstanding comedy role, while Gable takes care of the romance angle with Joan, an American heiress, who runs into trouble. Tone recently completed an important part in ‘ The Gorgeous Hussy ” with Miss Crawford. The new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture marks their second appearance together on the screen since their marriage nearly a year ago. The spirited comedy melodrama, which appeared serially in a magazine, is being directed by W. S. Van Dyke. •*- • • Knock! knock! Who is there? Cicely. Cicely who? Cicely the funniest picture she has made. England’s smartest comedienne, Cicely Courtneidge, the daughter of celebrated “ Bob ” Courtneidge, the old-time London Gaiety Theatre star, has earned extra special kudos through her latest Gainsborough _ musical, ‘ Everybody Dance,’ in which comedy, snappy songs, and appealing romance abound. Entrusted with the care of her dead sister’s two children, Cicely buys a farm on which to raise them. As “ Lady Kate,” the cabaret queen, she runs the farm by day and sows her wild oats by night unknown' to the children. Some very pretty touches come into the story which help to make ideal entertainment. Ernest" Truex and a strong render excellent support.

. Sonja Henie, the famous ice skater is making a picture in Hollywood, and is the first star to require the services of a stand-in of opposite sex. Ju her case, Bert Clark, Los Angeles iceskatcr, is Miss Ilenio’s stand-in, because no woman fast enough on skates to go through the Henie link routine could he found to pose in her place for the tiring rehearsals for camera and lighting arrangements.

tary,’ currently playing at the Mayfair. ' Flawless in story, flawless in performance, masterful in direction, beautiful in setting, and smart in dialogue', the new picture. is the latest artistic triumph for the producers of such all-star hits as ‘ Mutiny on the Bounty,’ ‘ China Seas,’ and 1 A Tale of Two Cities.’ Gable has never been better than in his perfect role as Van Sanford, millionaire publisher. Jean

The “ perfect triangle ” has been Harlow is .the secretary who in-found-at last. It is made up of Clark directly starts, but ultimately_ preGable, the husband; Myrna Loy, the vents, a serious rift in the publisher’s' wife; and Jean Harlow, the “ other family; and Myrna Loy is lovelier than woman.” Apparently Metro-Goldwyn- ever as Gable’s, misunderstanding wife. Mayer spared no expense to bring The , them© is ultra-modern andHhe these three great stars together to stunning settings designed by Cedric form the “ perfect triangle ” in its Gibbons give the action; its' proper brilliant filmisation of Faith Baldwin’s background. The huge penthouse best-seller novel, ‘ Wife Versus Secre- apartmnt of the publisher, where much

of the story takes place, is probably one of the most beautiful interiors ever created for the screen. The supporting cast in every way measures up to the high standards set by the picture’s trio of stare, with excellent performances turned in by May Robson, Hobart Cavanaugh, James Stewart, and George Barbier, among others. Clarence Brown’s direction ’is comparable to his recent achievements, with

the poignant ‘Ah, Wilderness!’ . and the memorable Garbo production, ‘ Ann Karenina.’ In every way ‘ Wifo Versus Secretary ’ is recommended to filmgoers as one of the more important and most delightful photoplays of the year. * * * • Hollywood greets the kiss engineer. Qualifications require an ability to gauge tlie pressure of a kiss. The engineering principle that power must be predicated on time and space is seriously involved, and so far only one man has qualified in the new profession. Hollywood’s first engineer of osculation is Jack Conway, who directed Jean Harlow, William Powell. Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s ‘ Libelled Lady.’ The occasion was a, scene in which Miss Harlow was called upon to press a kiss on Powell’s cheek. In mischievous mood for the rehearsal,' Miss Harlow applied her lipstick extravagantly. The result was a carmine Cupid’s bow on Powell’s cheek. Conway regarded the mark critically. “ That,” he observed without a smile, “ was a perfect kiss. The imprint is exactly even all round. The pressure was correctly distributed. There was practically no oscillation with the osculation. Not one girl in a million can do it.”- • • * • The gay life of Palm Springs, playground of West Coast millionaires and movie stare, forms the setting of Paramount’s ‘ Palm Springs,’ produced by _ Walter Wanger, and opening on Friday at the Strand. Like an oasis out of the Arabian Nights, this modem community is the winter holiday ground of film stars,, industrial magnates, diplomats, social leaders, and cosmopolites from .everywhere. Here, during the fashionable “ season ” that lasts a few months, celebrities can enjoy every luxury of the richest metropolis and at the same time remain within sight and sound of scorching wastes. Hotels, “ dude ” ranches, homes of ■ motion picture notables and millionaires, and pleasure haunts dot the sands into which even Indians hesitated to venture hot so many _ years ago. , ‘ Palm Springs ’ offers in the stellar roles Frances Langford, Sir Guy Standing, Smith Ballew, Spring Byington, and E. E. Clive. This is the first time that the inside story of Palm Springs has been told on the screen, * * * • The film critic of the ‘ Sydney Morning Herald,’ writing of ‘ They Met in a Taxi,’ coming to the Strand on Friday, says: “Lively, realistic acting in ‘They Met in a Taxi ’ makes an unlikely story seem possible, if not probable. Chester Morris, who takes the part of the taxi driver, has just deposited a society editor at the mansion where the presents for a fashionable wedding are on display, when the bride, in wreath,- veil, and white satin, jumps into his cab and orders him to drive her anywhere—anywhere at all—but to keep on driving. , After careering madly to and fro along the city streets for a long time the driver tires of this eternal aimless flight, and begins to question

lowers was an Italian count who wrpte, acted, and produced .plays three hundred years ago. Miss Lupino, fond-of roles with a slightly villainous angle, started her own stage career at 13. Between 13 and 18 she played everything except parts in which she could use her own face and personality; she was an old man in ‘ Hamlet,’ another old man in. ‘ Julius Csesar,’ a woman of 80 in 1 Double Door,’ and in between time played eight roles in whcih, she appeared as a woman of rather shady character. Also in that early period she was cast variously as an Apache dancer, an Indian girl, a Chinese coolie, a barmaid, and a baby. Reports indicate that Miss Lupino will appear in the romantic lead of a. film opposite Raft this coming season. * « * * Kay Francis, appearing as Florence Nightingale in ‘ The White Angel,’ the First National picture which comes to the Empire shortly, wears a brooch that once belonged to Miss Nightingale. It was loaned to her- for the picture by

his gorgeously-arrayed passenger. Thus the proposition expounded by the picture's title establishes itself, and leads to amusing developments. For the taxi driver befriends the fugitive. He does not do it in any outwardly gracious spirit,. however, but with many churlish, grumblings and reproofs. Then a stolen necklace suddenly drops into the story, and after many comings and goings the whole matter develops into a mystery melodrama. Fay Wray represents the fair stranger with grace and a certain amount of humour.”

June Clyde, one of the principal funmakers of ‘ King of the Castle,’ hails from Hollywood. Since her arrival in England she has made several pictures —all unqualified successes—and in this city film, which is coming to the Octagon next Friday, she gives an outstanding performance as a little American heiress who falls in love with a penniless clerk in her father’s firm and marries him, June Clyde’s first appearance was made at the age of nine, when she appeared with the Duncan sisters in ‘ Topsy and Eva.’ On. leaving school she began a theatrical career as a musical comedy actress, experience which has since proved invaluable. The commencement of her screen career proper saw her playing important, roles in musical pictures, appropriately enough, but her histrionic taleuts soon asserted themselves, and she was claimed for more dramatic roles. Originally she and her husband, Thornton Greeland, the famous director, came to England for a holiday, but the perspicacity of the British stage and film producers prevented their vacation from materialising. ' Her first stage appearances in England were with Jack Buchanan in ‘ The Plying Trapeze,’ and with Leslie Henson in ‘Lucky Break.’ A mop of .yellow curly hair provides a background for the wistful brown eyes of this lovely little star, whose demure appearance belies her vivid personality. Her appearance in ‘ King of the Castle ’ has been hailed as the best in her career, as it gives hear ample scope to impart comedy r , song, and straight acting. I

Nine generations of grease-paint artists are in the direct ancestral line of pert, blonde, Ida Lupino, who appears as an ice-hearted adventuress in the current George llaft-Dolores Costello - Barrymore comedy - romance, ‘ Yours For the Asking,’ a Paramount picture coming on Friday to the Octagon. First of. the Lupino stage fol-,

Mrs Frederick widow of a noted Hearst editor, who has a collection of the* Florence Nightingale jewels. Her aunt, Bessie Beavis, was Miss Nightingale’s .friend and co-worker for 45 years. .

The longest and most intricate “ candle shot ”■ ever attempted was successfully made by Tony Gaudio, veteran cameraman on the First'Nation set of ‘ The White Angel,’ which comes to the

Empire shortly. He used a regulation 35 millimetre lens; The.scene was the one immortalised in the poem ‘ Lady With-the Lamp,’ in which: Florence Nightingale walks through a hospital ward at midnight with a mother’s last look of tender concern at her sleeping children. • Kay Francis, starring in the role, enters the scene 190 ft > from the camera. Carrying a single- lamp she walks through a series- of - 10 arches towards the camera. Her. progress presented a tremendous lighting problem, which electricians solved by the use of six banks of dimmers. The light not only increased with_ the movement of the lamp, but proportionately diminished as the light passed and shadows receded. At all times the illumination had to cover only the range of a lamp. “ In my 30 years as a cameraman,”said Gaudio, “I never, made such a shot, but William Dieterle is the kind of director who always thinks of something unique. I am not surprised that ho' thought this one up, but I am surprised that it came out so perfectly.”Aside from its great technical interest, the scene is said to be one of the most beautiful examples of cinema photography ever filmed.' ‘The White Angel ’ is a powerful story of Florence Nightingale’s battle to establish a competent nursing system to - cave .foe wounded soldiers. Besides Miss Francis, the cast includes lan Hunter, Donald Woods, Nigel Bruce; Donald Crisp, Henry O’Neill, Billy Mauch, Charles Groker-King, and scores of others.- * * * » Charles Laughton, who likes to stay up until ” the wee sma’ hours ” discussing obscure subjects with' learned 1 friends, recently found himself being barred from entrance to a London restaurant. Having grown a shaggy beard for the title role in ‘Rembrandt,’ Mr Laughton looked entirely too shaggy to the restaurant’s commissionaire, and-it was only when the manager identified the • afctOr that the embarrassing incident was rectified. Thought by many admirers to be fully, 10 years older than he actually, is, Mr Laughton is only 37, ♦*' # , Members of - the London, motion picture colony are enjoying the latest story of George Arliss being accosted on the street by, admirers. Mr Arliss usually manages .to bring a quick wit into play to escape such wayside ■ recognition, and, on ' this occasion, standing with antiques . (just purchased) under each arm, he suavely excused himself hy saying, “Oh, but surely your realise that Mr Arliss is a much bigger man than I am!” Norman Taurog, at present directing the Dionne Quins, in their new film, ‘ Reunion,’ was with his five leading ladies in their play-yard when he discovered that his copy of . the script was missing. He glanced across the yard, and saw Cecile scampering off towards her sisters. She was clutching the script, and before Mr ‘ Taurog could reach them, a dozen pages had been torn out. Curiously enough, nones of the pages showing their own scene* 1 ' had suffered, only those of Jean Hersholt, Dorothy Peterson, and Rochellr Hudson,

Fred Astaire is planning to do not only a 5 -picture without Ginger Rogers, but one without songs and dancing, states the Melbourne ‘ Herald.’ At this moment, and indeed ever since he went back to Hollywood after his brief visit to Europe, Astaire has been preparing for .his next film, ‘ Stepping Toes,’ with Ginger Rogers, and, _ of course, doing his weekly £l,ooo-a-tune broadcasts and phonograph recordings. Bat ahead of that lies the thing that is worrying The Radio executives who employ him. They have already announced in their 1937 programme an Astaire ' - picture without Ginger Rogers. That is to 'bo P. G. Wodehouse’s ‘Damsel in Distress,’ with Gershwin music; while Ginger has her Wish of doing a dramatic part in a sold starring film. But for his film after that Fred Astaire wants to be “ straight.” . He is not merely a great dancer.' His popularity has sprung from the personality that goes with the flying feet. He comes over, in fact, as an-engaging fellow and a good light, comedian. So, now that he is determined to try being a non-musical comedian. Radio is torn two ways—to give him what he wants; to play safe financially, and go on, without & break; making * Gay- Divorces,’ Top Hats,’ and 4 Swing Times.’

' Ginger Rogers has been signed by Warner Bros, for one picture, and it will be 4 On Ypnr Toes,’ based on the Broadway musical stage success which is now. plkyihg' in New York. This picture will he a big smash musical of the type this star has been associated with, and .will go into production early ; this year.

If you are interested iii knowing what kind of a man "William Powell is off the screen just recall his most recent successes. Remember those suave, urbane, immaculate gentleman characterisations That is -William Powell in real life. Meet him between scenes on the set of ‘ My Man Godfrey,’ a Universal production in which he is co-starred with Carole Lombard and which will be screened at the Empire , on Friday. You will find a courteous,, soft-spoken gentleman, possessing a dry, crackling wit. Answering questions slowly and deliberately,, his face is expressionless eicept’ for a continuous, twinkle in his eyes. Applause he received, at his first appearance on the stage, which occurred during the. presentation of-a high school play, turned-William Powell into a professional actor- After his graduation haturned Hs.hack oh a law career, borrowed 700 dollars from an aunt, and set out for. New York. There he enrolled as .a student in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and after completing the course found a place for himself in ‘ The Ne’er-do-well ’ at 49 dollars a week-. -When, the show, closed he was “ broke,” and remained in that condition until the spring of 1913, when ho W,as' given a more important role in ,; Within the Law.’ Subsequently he played in stock in Pittsburgh, Portland, Buffalo," afld Boston. His first rcVegn/riile was with. John- Barrymore ih "‘Sherlock Holmes,’ .This was followed: by ' ‘ .The Bright V Shawl,’ ‘ Romola,’ and ‘ When Knighthood Was In .lEfldweirv’.v He jumped to real motion picture fame in ‘ Beau Geste,’ and soon he was starring in such productions as ‘ The Canaty Murder Case,’ ‘ The Benton Murder Case,’ and ,‘ The Green Murder Case,’ in which ho brought to the screen charming impersonations of the detective.Philo yanoe. He also.- starred "in such pictures a? ‘ Street of Chance,’ ‘ For the Defence,’ ‘.Man- of the World.’ ‘ One-way Passage,’ * Lawyer Man,’ and many others. ‘ Thin Man ’ and ‘ Manhattan Melodrama ’ won him a contract at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and since that time he has appeared in ‘ Evelyn Prentice,’ ‘ Reckless,’ ‘ Escapade,’ and ‘ Rendezvous.” Universal then obtained his services for the title role in ‘ My Man Godfrey-.’ He admits knowing nothing about symphonic or grand opera music, and doesn’t want to. His greatest pleasure is. worrying, because, as he puts ii: “ Tt 'Biakes me lose weight, and i- am fittest when I am lean.” *. » • • .V: Brian-’ Donlevy, ’ a recent acquisition -to the screen, is the featured player in ‘High Tension,’ coming to the Grand ■ bn Wednesday. He is a versatile actor, and if audiences can expect such a high standard of' entertainment in all Donlevy films, there can he no doubt as to his future popularity. Norman Foster’ Glenda Farrell, and Helen .Wood, a charming newcomer, are the other principals. It is a bright and breezy film wiht its complement of thrills. From

start to finish interest is held by action, suspense, comedy—all the elements of real entertainment of the ‘‘snappy’’ kind. Much of the success is due to Brian Donlevy. for his courtship of Glenda Farrell, his rowdy battles, bis daring and bragging in the role of a swaggering “ he-man ” are a delight. Norman Foster can always be relied upon to give a good performance, and he does not fail here. Glenda Farrell is a deservedly popular actress, and Helen Wood, a talented newcomer, is distinctive as a secretary. * « * y * Sr -' * To watch a really competent screen comedian in a role which suits his talents is considered a treat by regular theatregoers. To* see two such players in the one film is as unusual as it;is welcome, yet this is one of the charms of 4 Two’s Company,’ which will open its season at the Grand on Wednesday. Ned Sparks, an American actor of wide repute, and Gordon Harker. an English stage and screen player of well-known ability, are the comedians. _ ‘ Two’s Company’ is irresistibly amusing; even 'according to comedy standards, and Sparks and Harker must be given the credit. There is a story_ as rich in situation as the dialogue is in witticism, and such supporting roles as those taken by Mary_ Brian and Patfio Knowles add to its charm. ••* . • Another excellent example of the work of that brilliant partnership which scored an outstanding success with the remarkable film 4 Things to Come ’ is presented in the London Films’ production. 4 The Man Who Could Work Miracles,’ which is to commence what promises to be a very successful season at the Regent Theatre, commencing Friday next. Based on the story by HG. Wells, and produced by Alexander Korda, the film is a comedy which resembles its impressive predecessor only in the originality of its conception and the amazing effects which have been achieved. As might be expected in a story from the pen of H. G. Wells, the film is quietly' philosophical ’in tone, and it contains much' sly satire on the leaders of every branch of society through the reactions of the central character—an obscure assistant in , a country drapery store —who . becomes the subject for an experiment by the immortals, and is invested with the power to work miracles. In the part of George M'Whirter Fothevingay Roland Young is superb. One evening in the bar or the local inn he discovers he is endowed with miraculous powers, and the peace of the quiet' country town in which ho lives is rudely disturbed by: a succession of astonishing events; One man in particular. Colonel Winstanley, a typical retired soldier, takes strong exception to Fotheringay’s miraculous powers, but a few demonstrations soon convince him of the futility of argu-‘ ment. Ralph Richardson plays the part of the colonel to perfection,- and his performance ranks second only to that of Roland Young in the title ’ role. Other important parts are equally wellfilled by Lady Tree, Joan Gardner, Ernest Thesinger, and Robert Cochrane. ■ - • • * . . • Irving -Berlin’s second' musical production for , Twentieth Century-Fox will be 4 Alexander’s Rag Time Band. Starting from the period of 1910, when, “ Alexander’s Bag Time Band ” began the modern dance craze. and continuing to the present day, this picture will be a “ Cavalcade of American Music,” bringing in many of the brilliant Song hits which won Irving Berlin fame among popular composers. Plans for the picture were outlined at a conference .between Darryl P. Zanuck and Berlin, after the producers witnessed a screening of scenes shot to date for 4 On the Avenue,’ the first of the Irving Berlin pictures undemhis long-term contract with Twentieth Cen-tury-Fox. Raymond Griffith will be associate producer in charge of the picture. Richard Sherman will write the screen play. * * More than 1,000 boys have sent their photographs to Tom Walls as a result of the comedian’s quest for two youngsters to “ for himself and Ralph Lynn when young in the new film 4 For Valour.’ They have been whittled down to 12, who will be taken to the studio for camera tests. Two will be selected to play Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn at the age of 14, and all of them will be entertained. “ I was rash,” said Mr Walls, “to disclose what I wanted. I miscalculated both the power of the Press and the lure of the screen. I have been swamped. Boys have written from all parts of the country. Some of the letters, from distressed areas, have been very moving. Others are funny.” Here are some remarks; “ This photo is not very good, but I look just like Ralph Lynn from the back.” “I am 29, and would naturally shave off my moustache.” “ What about this for a face full of vim? ” “1 may not be very much .like you, but I can be just as funny.’.’' “ As you see, I am a lady, but an excellent male impersonator.” Mr Walls said: “ I only wish I could give every one of the boys a real screen chance, for the enthusiasm is treirfenclous, .and I hate disappointing so many obviously talented lads. It is a pity Ben Travers has only written parts for two of them.” ■•* * . * Following his attack upon the American purity leagues and film censors, George Bernard Shaw is now making sport of Hollywood. Samuel Goldwyn has been negotiating with Shaw to make a screen version of one of his_ plays. But this is the answer he received ;, “ The difficulty is that I haven’t time to turn my plays into scenarios, and when I allow the film firms to try their hands they turn the job over to the hell boy. And when he wants a bit of extra dialogue he does not dream of asking mo to supply it. He just sticks a piece of his raciest Californian upon my classical English without perceiving the least difference. The average Hollywood scenario writer has no more notion of telling a story than a blind puppy composing a symphony.”-