HOLLYWOOD IMPRESSIONS

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 24 April 1935, Page 11

HOLLYWOOD IMPRESSIONS

COLOUR AND THE FILMS OLD TROUBLES OVERCOME.

Some interesting impressions of Hollywood were given by Sir Cedric Hardwicke in an interview on his re-

turn to England. ' Sir Cedric went to

Hollywood for a holiday, was persuaded to play two parts—the Marquis of Steyne in “ Becky Sharp,” and the Bishop from whom Jean Valjean steals

the candlesticks in “Les Miserables”— and has come back to star in Gilbert

Miller’s production of “Tovarish.” He is also to play the part of David Garrick in .“Peg of. Old Drury,” opposite Anna Neagle. “Becky Sharp” was filmed in colour. “The new process is marvellous,” said Sir Cedric. “I believe it will revolutionise , picture-making. Tho old troubles—‘fringeing,’ loss of definition, and so forth—have been overcome, and I_ think, the colour effects in this film will cause a sensation.

.“Robert Edmund Jones," the "theatre designer, had to solve all manner of difficulties never before faced. Even if the tones all harmonise, there is still the within the small frame of the screen, that one moving spot of colour, such as a red dress, will attract' every eye and completely' kill a dramatic scene. •

“Some of the Hollywood stars are anxiously wondering about the future. Colour will make new stars, break others, and give rise to a school of designers and directors able to solve its problems. Hair will be particularly- important. Natural colours photograph much better than red and platinum achieved by dyeing or bleaching. Personally,” he added, reflectively passing his hand over his head, “I am not much affected.”

Sir Cedric found Hollywood “enchanting”—a place where the bungalows looked as if one had only to ery “Strike!” and stage hands would tear them down; where the fruit was decoratively- tasteless; and tho players were oddly divided into two classes; children, and some, of the most intelligent people he had ever mixed with. Sir Cedric had to refuse, among other roles, that of the husband in “Anna Karenina” opposite Garbo. “I would like to make pictures in Hollywood from time to time, but have no intention , of signing a long contract,” he added. “I care far too much for the theatre.”