STAGE AND SCREEN

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 5 February 1927, Page 18

STAGE AND SCREEN

Richard Taber and James Gleason wrote their comedy, “Is Eat So?”; (which comes to the Opera House on Friday evening next), when they were “disengaged.” They acted each scene with their wives, also “-disengaged,” and satisfied themselves that ° thev had a winner. Mary Ellen Hanley v (Mrs Taber) suggested so many of the love episodes to the authors that they called the heroine Hanlev, and let her play it in New York.* She will also play it here. It was Mrs Taber who changed the spelling of “Is That So?” to “Is Zat So?” Written at a trying time, financially, for her husband and herself, she admits that she was a little superstitious. “Is Zat So?” has seven letters, she says, the same number as in ‘ ‘fortune. ” As in the instance of “White Cargo,” “Is Zat So?” was hawked from manager to manager, who turned it down cold. “White Cargo” was saved by a young man named Earle Carroll, "who invested his scany savings and put the play and himself on the theatrical map. “Is Zat So?” got its chance through Earle Booth, who has received astonishing dividends and the satisfaction of his name on programmes all over the world.

Flashing on the heels of his previous Paramount comedy classis, “College Days,” comes another hilarious Harold Lloyd triumph, “For Heaven’s Sake.” There is an abundance of sentiment and pathos that gives the story an appealing flavour and serve to emphasise the funny gags and the sparkling foolery.

Miss Clemence Dane, the English playwright, recently suggested that a woman should be placed on the consultative committee to assist the Lord Chamberlain in the censoring of plays. She maintains- that fewer fine- plays would be banned if some experienced, woman had a voice in the passing of .them.

Constance Talmadge stars in the role of a cook, with Antonio Moreno enacting the part, of a rich American artist in her latest First National picture “The Vamp of Venice,” first called “Carlotta,” the production of which has just been started in California under the direction of Marshal Neilan. The story is by Hans Kraly, who wrote “Her Sister From Paris,” in which Miss Talmadge achieved a hit. - The comedienne, in addition to Antonio Moreno, is supported by Edward Maitindel, Julanne Johnstone, Andre Leuoy, Arthur Thalasso, and other wellknown screen players.

John Barrymore has never played a role that could be termed ordinary. Throughout his great career liis character work has stood unchallenged, and his parts have always ibeen remembered for their whimsical and fantastic realism. His latest, “Don Juan,” due for early release, brings to the screen that famous medieval figure of a life of loves and adventure. “Don Juan” was one of the most misunderstood poems of a misunderstood poet, thougn it brought Lord Byron recognition as one of the greatest dramatic factors of the period. Mary Astor and Estelle Taylor support John Barrymore in this elaborate production.

Sir Frank Benson recently celebrated his sixty-eighth birthday by appearing in 4 • The Merchant, of Venice ” at a matinee, and as “King Lear” at night. Not many actors at. his age would care to take on two classic roles in one day.

Gladys Moncrieff is returning to Australia to play the lead in a new J. C. Williamson production. Her venture to London was not altogether a success, but it has been good experience. Miss Moncrieff was last through Christchurch with “The Lady of the Rose.’ The New Zealand picture which was made in the. Dominion about twelve months ago, “The Romance of Hinemoa,” has now been completed and is on the market. The picture has been well received at Home and .the Gaumont Company is now exploiting it. It will probably be released throughout New Zealand soon.

“Moon of Israel,” from the pen- of the late Sir 11. Rider Haggard, has | been brought to the screen by Paramount and will have its first New Zealand release shortly. In the cast are I two of the most famous beauties of S Europe - Arlettc Marchai, acknow- ! lodged one of the most. beautiful French women on screen or stage, and Maria Corda, famed alike for her beauty and her consummate acting. “Moon of Israel,” the main character in the picture, is interpreted by Maria Corda, who, gives a jnasterly characterisation of the Israelite slave girl. This maiden is in love with the Egyptian prince, who, in spite of his position, sympathises with the oppressed people. The dramatic part of the romance is furnished by the racial differences of the two lovers, who are confronted by adverse circumstances in a series, of very tense scenes of great tragic force. The Viennese < operetta, “Countess Maritza,” which was first,_ produced two vcais ago, since which time it has been' played all over Central Europe, has just been given in New York. It is a splendid production, and the critics are rapturous about it, predicting a record-making run. J. C. Williamson Ltd. during the twelve months ended June 36 last netted £62,935, which contrasts' wiht £67,654 and £62.277 for the two preceding years. The firm’s assets amount to £1,217,471, of which the principal items are: Scenery, properties, freehold and leasehold goodwill, etc., £697,069; and investments £406 505. One of the most difficult feats attempted in screen history has been successfully accomplished. That, is the transfer of “Lady Windermere’s Fan” to the screen, which Ernst Lubitsch has done for Master Pictures. The film version of this Oscar Wilde play, v( T hich is announced for early release,_ is visible proof that the wit and sparkling epigrams of Wilde may be. translated into action if this master director is at: the helm. “Lady Windermere’s Fan” has, above everything else, a very good cast. Irene Rich plays the role of Mrs Erlynne, being supported by Ronald ■Colman. May McAv-oy, Bert Lytcll, and Edward Martindel.

A novelty" in tlie way" 01 open-air rehearsals was introduced by Ada Reeve during her recent Sydney season. Miss Reeve 'gathered all her company' together, mnd in a young army’ of taxicabs took thorn out. to Centennial Pane, where, in the shade of the trees, they went through the entire action of the show, in surroundings which were much more healthy" and invigorating than the dust-laden atmosphere of the stage. Doris Keane, who lias been playing in “Romance” in London, has some idea of reviving “Camille,” but there is another ambitious project in her mind. Miss Keane would like to produce a new play by" Karel Capek, in which she would appear as a woman ?05 years old .One immediately' imagines some fantastically" hideous makeup, but Miss Keane says that the heroine's, tragedy is one .of eternal youth, since she had inadvisedly drunk a magic potion centuries before the play" begins, causing her appearance to remain the same everlastingly.