THE CRUSADES

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 November 1935, Page 8

THE CRUSADES

London, audiences whose laughter at the Americanism “Aw. It’s kinda rough, mileddy, ” led to immediate cutting of De Mille’s latest film spectacle, “The Crusades,” have yet given this presentation a kinder reception than the critics. Some British critics have praised the lavishness of the sets and costumes, but others, notably Hannen Swaffer, have been direct in their denunciation of the film. Swaffer calls it crude and complains that it is more a study of A 1 Capone in fancy dress land an example of American art in turning kings into gangsters. Most American critics, however, praise the film, and Mollie Merrick describes it as a “super picture, a powerful spectacle, an event of vast importance and a magnificent concept.”

Producer’s Faux Pas. America is laughing at the faux pas made by the producer, Samuel Goldwyn, during his tour of Europe. In Britain lie heard much about Elisabeth Bergner, and finally told a secretary to talk to her about a trip to Hollywood. “Offer her a hundred a week,” said Goldwyn generously. Back came the secretary, apologetically and told the dominant producer: “Sav, Mr Goldwyn, we can’t offer her a hundred. She's some actress and. gets fifteen hundred a week over here.” Goldwyn thought for a. while, then: “Forget it,” he said. “She’s probably too old for ius, anyway.” Recently, however, Goldwyn has seen some of the Bergner films and has joined in the laugh against himself.

Fans Seek Advice,

Where the ordinary “fan” letter indited to a motion picture star asks for an autographed photograph, the majority of the letters received by Grace Moore ask her advice on matters pertaining to singing and operatic careers. Miss Moore,seen in Columbia’s dramatic musical romance, “Love Me Forever.” showing to-night at the Opera House, remembers her own years of struggle and doubt, and takes a keen interest in the musically ambitious youths who write to her. “But so many of the letters I receive ask me if the writers should spend the

money necessary for operatic training,” sighs Miss (Moore. “Poor dears, it is so hard to tell them that I cannot advise them at all in that respect without knowing more about their voice possibilities. It hurts me to be unable to give them any definite answer, for 1 would always hate myself if I encouraged a hopeless voice or, on the other hand, if I said any-

thing that would discourage an embryo star.

Lili Darnita will, in all probability, play the lead opposite James Cagney in “’Frisco Kid,” though negotiations are not concluded yet. Estelle! Taylor was originally chosen for the .part.