Report From The Capital— Amazing Reception For Stage And Screen Stars

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 October 1948, Page 2

Report From The Capital— Amazing Reception For Stage And Screen Stars

(SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT) WELLINGTON, This Day.

The biggest news event in the capital this week has been the arrival of Sir Laurence and Lady Olivier. Known chiefly to New Zealanders through the medium of the screen as Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, this famous pair have been given an amazing reception. Both are feeling the strain of a long and arduous tour.

It is most unfortunate that the provincial centres could not have seen the Oliviers; From inquiries I have made, however, this was entirely out of the question. It is urgent that the touring Old Vic company should be back in London for the start of the new season and no extension of the season was possible. In spite'of the fame of her husband, it is Lady Olivier who has stolen the limelight at all their public appearances. Even Sir Laurence has noticed this, for he remarked to reporters that by now he was quite used “to seeing faces drop -about three yards” when he entered a room without his wife. Lady Olivier is more beautiful than even her films would make out. With graceful carriage and consummate poise, she has a perfectly clear skin, dark hair, perfect teeth and the most attractive grey eyes. She speaks in a particularly quiet voice. Subtle Wit Handsome and particularly wellgroomed, Sir Laurence is a man of outstanding ability and personality. His impromptu speech at the formal Government reception was a masterpiece of subtle wit, perfect choice of words and sincerity. His impression on hardened attenders at such functions was lasting. The fact that Sir Laurence was using a walking stick raised immediate comment. He explained that the injury had its basis in playing “Richard III” with a limp. The weakened cartileges had produced a complete dislocation of the knee. “You have to be tough to be an actor,” Sir Laurence told your correspondent. He once fell in a stage duel and knocked himself out. He shattered both Achilles tendons when playing in the “Critic” in New York and he narrowly escaped death in the film of “Henry V” when his horse charged a camera. New Zealanders may be quiet and undemonstrative, but they certainly know how to stare. Never was this better illustrated than at the formal reception at Parliament Buildings. Accompanied by the acting-Prime Minister, Mr Nash, and Mrs Nash, the Oliviers sat at a table at the head of the large social room. The spectators crowded so close around the table that Sir Laurence could scarcely drink his cup of tea. It must have been most embarrassing, and Sir Laurence did not look as if he enjoyed the ordeal. Otherwise the reception was a most happy affair. Mr Nash excels on these occasions. He admitted frankly that he was most interested in Lady Olivier, or Vivien Leigh, as he preferred to call her, but Sir Laurence took this very well and replied that he quite understood this, for every time he thought of Vivien Leigh he could think of nothing else. The Supporting Players But the Old Vic company is not composed of merely two stars and a few supporting players. For instance, there is good-looking Terence Morgan, a find of Sir Laurence, who chose him to play the important part of Laertes in the film version of “Hamlet.” Then there is pretty Peggy Simpson, who played for two years with Noel Coward in “Private Lives,” while the wardrobe mistress, Mrs Emma Selby-Walker, has produced costumes for several films, including “Odd Man Out.’- One thing which struck your correspondent forcibly was the youth of the entire company and their happy relations.

The company is impressed by New Zealand audiences,. which they say are the most appreciative they have met since leaving London. They are kind in their comments about New Zealand theatres, but apparently had met with worse in Australia. They

appreciate our food, but claim that the cost of hotels is far too dear.

The provinces have been unfortunate in not being able to meet the Oliviers or to see the Old Vic company. Efforts are now being made—at the last minute —to broadcast one of the final plays before the company leaves Wellington next week. It will be remembered that to overcome the high charges asked by the Musicians’ Union in Australia, the broadcasting authorities used records. The same difficulty may have arisen here, but it is to be hoped that it will be over-come rapidly.

New Import Schedule In the ten years since import restriction was introduced, never has there been a new schedule which is being looked forward to more eagerly than that for 1949. The Minister of Customs, Mr Nash, still declines steadfastly to be drawn about the date on which he will announce the new schedule, but it is understood that it will be made public towards the end of ne in spfte of protracted negotiations with interested parties, such as the importers, manufacturers, farmers ana chambers of commerce, the contents of the new schedule are a well-kept secret. It is known, however, that it will be radically different from its ten predecessors. For instance,, it is expected to set a new base period. In the past 1938 has been taken largely as the basic year, but a three-year average may be substituted. . , > Greater elasticity Is anticipated m the granting of licences for essential materials for local manufacturing industries. In this connection it has been interesting to note that prominent manufacturers have been haunting Parliament Buildings most of this week. The shortage of dollars will result in further drastic cuts from hard currency areas. All in all, the new schedule may by something to be studied most carefully.