SCREEN JOTTINGS

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 5

SCREEN JOTTINGS

‘ Green Light,’ Warner Bros. Cosmopolitan’s screen version of the international best-seller by Lloyd C. Douglas, has arrived in New Zealand. Enol Flynn has tho starring role in the picture; Anita Louise is the leading lady, and another featured principal is the eminent English actor, fen* Cedric Hardwidke. Enthusiastic advance re-

ports have it that ‘ Green Light ’, is practically “in the bag ” as one of the predestined box office smashes or 1937. Frank Borzage directed the production, Milton Krims having written the stage play from the Douglas romance. Besides the players already named the cast of ‘ Green Light ’ includes Walter Abel, Margaret Lindsay, Henry O’Neill, Henry Kolker, Pierre Watkin, Erin O’Brien-Moorc, Gran-

ville Bates, Spring Byington, Myrtle Stedman, and Russell Simpson.

Those who have enjoyed the long 1-011 of successful pictures made by Joe E. Brown should not lose their enthusiasm for the antics of the comedian when they see him in ‘ Polo Joe,’ a Warner Bros, production, which will open on Friday next at the Regent. ‘ Polo Joe ’ is another link in the long chain of Brown successes, and has just the same happy atmosphere as its prede-

cessors. Carol Hughes takes the feminine lead as Joe’s sweetheart. Joe opens tho story by reappearing in American society after an absence of some years in China, to find that to be noticed at all he must be an expert polo player. Spurred on by the attraction of a friend of his people, Carol Hughes, ho spreads the story that he is a “ 10goal ” man and an international star. Actually ho is terrified of horses, sneezes whenever they come near him, has never handled a polo mallet in his life, and has no intention of doing so. In order to escape from a big game he

stages a kidnapping in typical Brown fashion. The highlight of the film comes when his kidnappers turn on him, and demand money. Joe tackles them single-handed, and his antics while swinging on a chandelier and hitting his assailants on the head will delight every audience. Altogether ’ Polo Joe ’ is a comedy that should not lie missed. The comedian retains all his favourite mannerisms, including

the famous lion roar, yet the story is really different from his previous efforts. His singing of a Chinese love song to Carol Hughes is a masterpiece. Supporting him is Sheets Gallagher, as his personal servant and fellow conpirator in the kidnapping.

Never has there been such a valuable shipment of Columbia product as that which arrived in New Zealand by the Mariposa recently. In this shipment were copies of two of Columbia’s

mightiest new season epics—pictures that stand out as masterful monuments of motion picture entertainment. Foremost is ‘ Lost Horizon,’ tho drama of a lost city located on top of the world, starring Konakl Column and directed by Frank Capra. A large supporting cast includes Jane Wyatt, Edward Everett Horton, Walter Connolly, Isabel Jewell, John Howard, and Margo. Tho second picture is Grace Moore’s first 1937 musical, 1 When You’re in Love,’ which features Cary Grant in the leading male role. This picture has already been heralded by the American Press as tho greatest production the diva has yet made, which, coining from such caustic critics, augurs well for local audiences.

Recent cabled advice to the New Zealand Press stated that Warner Bros, were making a film to he entitled ‘The King’s People,’ which would he availrelease in the various countries of the British Empire during Coronation week. Tho New Zealand office of the company now announces that the completed film has arrived here, and those who have seen it state that it is a thrilling glorification of Britishers and the British Empire. “Warner Bros., said Mr George M. Dillon, in charge of the company here, “ have displayed considerable initiative in making this picture, and I feel sure that everybody livin'* under tho Union Jack will not only "be entertained but inspired by the pageant of Empire which is ‘ The King’s People.’ As stated in the cable news, ‘ Tho King’s People ’ was produced from a script written by the late Mr John Drink water, and it contains special sections devoted to New Zealand, the other dominions, and India. Two copies of the film were despatched to New Zealand by air mail immediately upon completion of production.

What is said to he the largest sum ever paid for film rights to a stage or fiction property, since the advent ot talking pictures, is involved in the heal completed recently by Columbia iic--tnres for the purchase of the current Broadway hit, ‘ Yon Can t Take It With You,’ written by the famous team ot George Kaufman and Moss Hart. Spirited bidding among major motion picture companies for film rights to ui c farcical comedy, which opened m New York city on December 14, 1936, ana immediately entered the 1 Standing Room Only ” class, has been going on for some time, with the opening figure a high one, and the tensity of the competition growing as the figure soared. The New York ‘ Times said of the coinedv: .“ Hilarious is not the word for ‘ You Can’t Take, It With You ; something stronger is needed, and.the ‘Herald Tribune’ characterised it as “ Assuredly belonging among farst-raulr hits of the screen.”

‘ It Isn’t Hone,’ which is shortly to be released throughout New Zealand by British Empire Films, brings again to the silver screen the bridiant personality of Cecil Kellaway, the Australian stage and) screen star.- Cecil Keßawav, who is world famous, _ declares that he has never starred in a finer picture than ‘lt Isn t Done. Un beinsr interviewed after the successful premier at Sydney he said, “ ‘lt Isn t Hone ’ will convince the world that Australia can make pictures—-pictures to be remembered by all.” -Two other outstanding stars in this picture ot whom we have heard so much lately are Shirley Ann Richards and John Longdon. Cecil Kellaway informs ns that Miss Richards is a most delightful young lady both on the screen and off, and that she is destined to occupy an important place in the film world, John Longdon, the young Englishman who stars opposite her, lias a ohaimmg personality, acting ability, and is ne.l cast in this outstanding picture. # * ♦ • Ginger Rogers is to have James Stewart as her leading man in her next film for Radio. The picture will be a comedy, ‘ Vivacious Lady, and will take the place of ‘ Mother Carey s Chickens,’ previously scheduled as Ginger’s next. ‘ Mother Carey s Chickens,’ for wliich Ginger dyed her hair a darker colour, is already fully prepared, and was about to go into production when Ginger was called away to partner Fred. Astaire in ( Stepping Toes.’ It will now follo,w ‘ Vivacious Lady.’ At the moment Ginger is still busy with * Stepping Toes,’ and James Stewart is playing opposite Simone Simon in 1 Seventh Heaven.’ » * * » No matter ho.w much you - liked ‘ Naughty Marietta,’ that musical sensation of 1935, you’re sure to like ‘ Bose Marie ’ even more. Again Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy are co-starred. Like its forerunner, ‘ Rose Marie ’ was directed by W S. Van Dyke, ami produced by Hunt Stromberg, who again combined thentalents to make this picture one of the finest productions to come out of Hollywood for a long time. It is replete with haunting music, a tender love story, and magnificent photography and backgrounds. Miss MacDonald plays the name role, an opera star who travo.s disguised into the wilds in search of her dissolute brother, a criminal from justice. Nelson Eddy portrays Sergeant Bruce, as fine a ‘‘Mountie ” as ever rode a horse. Assigned to bring the criminal to justice, there is the thrust of personal _ duty ivhen these two meet and fall in love. With all its outdoor scenes made against natural backgrounds of surpassing beauty in the mountain-lake country _of the Sierra Nevadas, ‘ Rose Marie ’ is a pictorial work of art. The musical numbers are brilliantly staged and brilliantly sung. One of them, the Totem Pole sequence, is peopled by more than a thousand dancers. Spectacular in its giant effects, it will go on. record as one of the most thrilling scenes ever brought to the screen. A strong supporting cast includes James Stewart, Reginald Owen, Allan Jones, George Regas, Robert _ Grieg. Una O’Connor, and Lucien Litt.cfield. • • « * Pinky Tomlin, famous composer of ‘ Object of My Affections,’ has been signed by Coy Poe to appear in four musicals. Tomlin has previously appeared in ‘ Times Square Lady for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. _ and several films for Universal. His new contract is with' Melody Pictures.

The brilliant acting ability of Tabn Lodge in ‘ Ourselves Alone ’ and The Tenth Man ’ has brought linn definitely into the limelight. His latest picture shortly to be released in New Zealand is ‘ Sensation.’ This _attraction_ has firmly established him in a prominent position in the* film woi’kl, and lie has signed a long term contract to star for British International Pictures, Elstreo. Opposite him in ‘ Sensation is Margaret Vyner, the Australian girl, who did so well in ‘ The Flying Doctor and ‘ Bangle Biver.’ In this film, however, she outshines her previous performances and critics agree that there is a definite future for her in films, following her work in 1 Sensation. Diana Churchill,'whom wo saw recently in ‘ Dishonour Bright,’ is also included in the cast of this film, and gives a sterling performance.

China is the locale for Shirley Temple’s next picture. She even talks and sings in Chinese, and she takes charge of a fascinating romance, faces danger in glittering Shanghai, performs in a Chinese theatre, and, in short, plays the most unusual role she’s ever had, in her new picture, ‘ Stowaway.’ Little Miss Temple plays the role of a little orphaned waif adrift in China, a victim of the bandits. She becomes an unwitting stowaway on a cruise liner on which Robert Young, a bored millionaire, Alice Faye, and the latter’s mother-in-law, are travelling. Shirley brings Alice and Young together much to the chagrin of tho older woman, who promptly cables her son, Alice’s fiance, to meet tho boat at

Hongkong. Meanwhile Shirley, Alice, and Young go out to see the sights and have a wonderful time together, Shirley winning a prize in a local theatre by singing in Chinese. The manner in which Shirley finally helps her handsome benefactor win the hand of Alice Faye, who was promised to another, provides excellent entertainment. * * * ♦ Unselfishness in human life is an unusual central theme for a film in days when an entertainment which demands a certain amount of intelligent thought is at a great disadvantage as compared with the frivolity of the normal piece of diversion. However, do not let it he thought that ‘ Magnificent Obsession,’ which is now at the Mayfair, is a dull, moralising piece of propaganda. It is a drama of modern hfe, the more sober events in which are given humorous relief in a pleasing manner. The magnificent obsession which is made the subject of the film is a simple and practicable philosophy as expounded and practised by Dr Wayne Hudson, the eminent brain surgeon, who is the true hero of the story. Irene Dunne plays the part of Mrs

Hudson, and Robert Taylor, who made his tirst appearance opposite Eleanor Powell in ‘Broadway Melody of 1936,’ acts opposite Miss Dunne as Bobby Merrick. Merrick is the son of a wealthy man, who has never had any occasion to worry about tho more serious problems of life, but he is brought to a round turn by the realisation that he has been indirectly responsible for the death of an eminent doctor, whom the world can ill afford to lose. Robert Taylor’s success in ‘ Magnificent Obsession ’ has, it is claimed, established him as one of the most promising stars.

So much has been written about Eddie llickenbacker, America’s aviation ace, that the American public accepts his achievements almost as a legend. Some of his personal experiences arc closely paralleled in his newspaper strip, ‘ Ace Drummond,’ which has been made into a serial by Universal. This air adventure film will

open at the Strand on May 1. Edward Vernon Bickcnbacker, author of ‘ Ace Drummond,’ was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 8, 1890. Ho studied mechanical engineering and drafting, automobile engineering, and, later aeronautics. Proln 1910 to 1917 ho was engaged in automobile racing. On May 25, 1917, ho enlisted as a sergeant in the TJ.S. army. On arrival in Franco ho was assigned as chauffeur to General Pershing. Transferred to the Air Corps and trained in Tours and Issoudon Aviation School, Bickenbacker saw active service with the 94tli Aero Squadron. He became its commander later, with the rank of captain. Officially credited with 25 enemy planes, ho was regarded as America’s ace of arcs. His decorations include tho Congressional Medal of Honour, D.S.C. with nine oak leaves, Croix do Guerre with four palms, and the Legion of Honour Medal. Returning to the United States, he became associated with tho automobile industry and later with aviation. He is now vice-president of North American Aviation Inc., and general manager of Eastern Air Lines., Eddie Biokenbacker broke two transcontinental flying records in 1984. The first was on February 19, when he made tho trip in a transport plane in 13h 3min. On November 8 of that year he cut the time to 121 i 3min 50sec in a sister ship. Besides creating ' Ace Drummond,’ he is the author of ‘ Fighting the Flying Circus ’ and ‘ Hall of Fame of the Air.’

Two weeks were spent on the Pacific by Jack Holt and the Universal com-

pany filming ‘ Dangerous Waters,’ the exciting adventure drama coming on Wednesday to the Grand. Every day of that time the entire cast had to rise and shine before the sun got down to work in the morning. During this very active fortnight the company assembled at the dock at 5.30 a.m., when the ship cast off and proceeded out to sea. The return to land was made after dark each evening, when thoroughly exhausted actors and production crew retired early, to be awakened at half-past 4 the next morning. Such an hour of rising should dispel the popular notion that screen actors live an easy life. Thrilling events filmed during the sea trips form the high points of the picture. For the making of these scenes two ships were chartered—the first was the passenger steamer Arethusa, aboard which the fix-e sequences were photographed; the second vessel was the freighter Astoria, on which a mutiny occurs at the height of a terrific storm. 1 Dangerous Waters ’ was directed by Lambert Hillycr. The cast supporting Jack Holt includes Robert Armstrong, Grace Bradley, Diana Gibson, Charlie Murray, and Willard Robertson. Miss Bradley

portrays a difficult role with a charm which should gain new admirers for her among movie fans. Diana Gibson, new to tho screen, possesses a winsomeness of refreshing quality.

Striking evidence of the improvement in British films is tho fact that three Max Schach pictures from Trafalgar studios are running simultaneously in New York in three of the largest Broadway theatres. These are ‘ Love From a Stranger,’ starring Ann Harding with Basil Rathbone; ‘ Dreaming Lips,’ starring Elisabeth Bergner; and ‘ Pagliacci,’ starring Richard Tauber with Steffi Duna. All three pictures are being released by United Artists. A record was established when MascotPictures used over 2,000,000 ft of film for the aerial combat scones of ‘ Crimson Romance,’ tho war drama in which Sari Maritza returns to the screen^

Just before he died Colonel T. E. Lawrence (of Arabia) —then Aircraftman Shaw—met Alexander Korda and bound him to a promise. He made him promise that any films of his life and exploits should not be made until after his death. Korda kept that• promise; he went further. On May 20, 1935, he announced that unless the full approval of Lawrence’s close friends and relatives were obtained tho film would not be made at all by him or anyone else. That was a purely spontaneous gesture. At that date he had in his hands rights in ‘ Seven Pillars of Wisdom ’ and ‘ Bevolt in the Desert,’ given to him by the trustees in face of fabulous offers from Hollywood companies. But since that date many things have been happening. Threats of wars in Europe, Abyssinia, trouble in Palestine, financial trouble for British films at homo—all have led to postponement after postponement for ‘ Lawrence of Arabia.’ Now it is to be made. But not by Korda. The whole thing is being transferred to Robert T. Kane, London production chief for Twentieth Century-Fox, of Hollywood. The film will be made in England, with the percentage of British technicians required by law.

Even though h© left school in tho third grade, Wallace Beery is considered by his friends as a holder of a Bachelor of “ All ” Arts degree. By self-train-ing Berry has taught himself to be well versed in every subject, including two foreign languages. But the actor, who got his start working as an engine “ wiper ” in a roundhouse, has not been

contented to be merely educated in “ book learning.” Sensing some years ago that travel-by-air would soon be “the thing.” (Berry, started taking flying lessons and didn’t stop until he held a transport license and a commission in the United States Navy. As a builder, his expertness lies in the fact that he owns several homes in Hollywood and Beverly Hills that he he has personally' planned and whose construction he closely supervised. Not satisfied with _ this, he designed a 12passenger station waggon which he uses for transcontinental trips , with his family. And at the present he is working on a new type of plane.

Constance Bennett, star of the Gau-mont-British drama ‘ Everything :is Thunder,’ coming on Wednesday to th,e Grand, was born in New York, eldest daughtef' of Richard Bennett and Adrienne Morrison, both of whom were famous on the stage. Constance had a happy, colourful childhood. After an intensive education, she was sent to a “finishing school” in Paris; then, at sixteen, “came out ” in a blaze of glory at a great ball in Washington. The most sought-after debutante, she met Chester Moorehead, a young Vicginian gallant, and eloped with him. When the news broke the marriage was annulled, Constance being under age, and her parents sent her back to Europe. Here she met, during a brilliant season, Phillip Plant, wealthy young playboy millionaire, and the two fell in love. Richard Bennett, ambitious for his daughter, offered her the lead in a stage play, but she accepted Samuel Goldwyn’s offer of a Hollywood contract instead. In the film version of ‘ Cytherea ’ she was an immediate success. Then she married Phil Plant, and set out on a long-honeymoon tour. Hollywood saw nothing of her for four years, then “ friendly divorce ” proceedings in Paris ended her marriage and brought her back to the film city once more. With the coming of talkies Constance Bennett became worldfamous, for her voice, like her beauty and her acting, was faultless. Shortly after she made ‘ Rich People ’ Constance Bennett, whoso drawing power at the box office had proved’astounding, accepted the highest salary ever paid a film actress, £6,000 a week for two pictures, made for Warners while she was “ holidaying ” from the RKO studios. More films, more success: ‘ Sin Takes a Holiday,’ ‘ Born to Love,’ ‘ Bought.’ Then the star was operated on for appendicitis and took ship for Europe. There she met again the Marquise do la Falaise de la Coudraye, recently divorced from Gloria Swanson. Their names had already been coupled, and the two were married on returning to Hollywood. Constance Bennett’s career has been one long chapter of success. Rich, beautiful, and cultured, she is a distinct asset to the one British film she has made. Incidentally. when she chose the story ‘ Everything is Thunder ’ for GaumontBritish, she said she had been wanting to plav a part like “Anna ” all her life. Her screen lover in the picture is Douglass Montgomery, and the two make a handsome, appealing duo. The third corner of the triangle is played by Oscar Homolka, a. Continental actor destined without a shadow of doubt for the highest honours the screen can offer.

“ Every decent citizen is interested in an honest parole system.” This utterance by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Washington late last year inspired a motion picture company to make a screen drama on the subject, the first time it has been used as a theme in films. _ Universal Pictures perceived dramatic possibilities in the ■words of the President, and set five authors to develop an entertaining screen story around the subject of parole. After months of research and writing, then weeks of checking the script with penologists, law-making and enforcement officials, the picture was filmed. Under the title of ‘ Parole!’ it is now to be shown at the Strand, be-

ginning on May 1. Universal has deftly interwoven in the stirring dramatic action of the picture many of the theories about parole advanced by Mr Roosevelt. “A fair and practical parole system should be humane; seek the rehabilitation of offenders,' but at the same time endeavour to prevent abuses, especially in the case of habitual criminals,” was one of the President’s recommendations. The authors of the screen story reflect this viewpoint in the dialogue. ‘ Parole! ’ marks the screen debut, of two former stars, of the radio in its featured romantic roles. They are Ann Pros! on and Henry Hunter, who were teamed together for three years as stars of radio' dramas on national networks. Supporting them are such noteworthy players as Alan Dinehart, Alan Baxter, and Grant Mitchell. •

Millions of readers roared at ■ ‘ Old Hutch ’ when the story appeared in a magazine. They and additional millions will laugh when they see Wallace Beery in the title role of the film version opening at the St. James on Friday. The “ laziest man in the world ” finds £25,000 in stolen notes and he can not find a way to spend it. That is the predicament in which Wallace Beery finds himself in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s ‘Old Hutch.’ Eric Linden and Cecilia Parker, the lovable romantic team of ‘Ah Wilderness! ’ supply the heart interest for the pro-

duction, v which was directed by J. Walter Ruben, of ‘Riffraff’ and ‘ Trouble for Two ’ fame. Elizabeth Patterson, who recently scored as Janet Gaynor’s < mother in ‘ Small Town Girl,’ appears in the role of Mrs Hutchins. Beery’s wife. Beery encompasses the rich personal experience of his colourful lifetime in Ins characterisation of “ Old Hutch.” He was great in ‘ Ah Wilderness ! ’ and many other notable triumphs, but never has he been cast in a role that was better adapted to his peculiar abilities. The picture was filmed in the picturesque Santa Cruz ranch, country. Beery portrays the indolent but lovable native who finds a fortune but can hot find a way to spend it. When he finally discovers that it is stolen money and that he can capture the if he can summon the Courage, Beery gives a performance that tops anything in _ his career of popular roles. There is strong love interest in the parts played by Eric Linden and Cecilia' Parker.- . Also featured in the supporting cast are Robert M‘Wade, Caroline Perkins, Julia Perkins, Delmar Watson, Harry Watson, James Burke, Virginia Grey,

and Donald Meek. This trio: Works to<« gether with artistic sureness of touch! that is sure-fire for the box office. A capable, cast provides the tjT® °f sup* port that patrons appreciate. Comedy,, romance, and thrills follow ;in . swift succession in this front-cover story, from the most popular magazine published in America.

James Dunn, who talks his,way in' and out of love and plenty of’trouble in Columbia’s ■ Come Closer, ‘Folks,’ the story , of sidewalk: pitch mem coming on .May 1 to the Strand, talked his way into a motion picture career ■ in similar fashion. He arriyecl in Hollywood with a hlodk of. Alaskan- gold mine stock," and remained to become an actor. It so happened that the stock proved to be counterfeit, but .Dunn, was . just as surprised as the people ho sold it to. Whenever this part of his life comes’ up for discussion, ’ Jimmy anxiously wants it understood that he was innocent of any swindling attempt. A studio casting director purchased some of the prettily-engraved 1 paper, and thought • Jimmy Such a good actor that he signed him up. Losing the movie job was a simple talk when, the . casting director discovered that the stock wasn’t even good enough for wrapping fish. However, the smell of greast-paint lingered pro- . vocatively in Dunn’s nostrils, and b« didn’t rest until he talked himself intfl

a stock company in Englewood, New Jersey. After appearing in 37- plays in as many weeks, Jimmy accepted an offer from a British Shakespearean company in Winnipeg, Canada. Here he really acquired the solid fundamentals of acting that were to see him to stardom. >Dunn made his Broadway debut in ‘ Night Stick then followed closely with the lead opposite Helen Morgan-in ‘Sweet Adeline.’ ■ Hollywood finally saw the light. In_ 1931 ha was signed for 1 Bad Girl;’ with Sally Filers, and the. rest is a matter of public record. Jimmy continues in the throes of an unusually, successful screen career. Featured with Dunn in ‘Come Closer, Folks,’ are Marian Marsh, Wynne Gibson, George MfKay, and Herman Bing. D. Ross Lederman directed, and Lee Loeh and Harold Buohman wrote the screen play, from a story by Aben Kahdel.