IN WONDERLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 11 May 1936, Page 5

IN WONDERLAND

AT OLYMPIA EXHIBITION.

LONDON, March 20,

“The foundations of the [National Glory are set in the Homes of, the People,” King George V. reminded us all as the beginning of his long and sympathetic reign, and nowhere will, the profound truth of this be better realised than at the Ideal Home Exhibition, which the Rt. Hon. Sir Kingsley Wood, M.P., Minister of Health, opened at Olympia, Kensington, W. , In practical advancement of the secure and comfortable home life apd progressively sound prosperity for our people that our young King, as sincerely as did his father, has already abundantly encouraged, more than 600 leading firms have come together lin this great national displayv (covering 12 acres at Olympia—a display that will not only enchant and enrich' th« home-lover; but by the measure of its success stimulate further employment in a host of activities [throughout the country. ' ■>

Olympia’s Grand Hall w’ill be transformed for the occasion into “The City of Beautiful Night,” a study in velvet and light that is surely the most perfect in its appeal of the many notable scenic achievements created as a background for the colourful pageantry of the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition. All the vast span of Olympia’s roof will be lost behind the star-spangled expanse of a summer night sky fashioned from velvet of infinite hues, from mauve to deepest black. And, .below/ stands the city of mysterious distances. Inspired by John Bull, Ltd., the scenic specialists, this superb setting has been admirably expressed and harmonised with the exhibits by the exhibition architect, lan Jeffcoft, F.F.A.S. The City is a gay introduction to “The Homes of the Film Stars.” “The Smithy of Gretna Green.” “The Fashion Revue of 1936,” “The Gardens of the Musicians,” and many other features of absorbing interest. Celebrities of the screen have permitted The Daily Mail to disclose to the public for the first time the interiors of their favourite rooms, ‘and in ‘“The Homes of Film Stars/' ja" beautiful and absorbing feature occupying nearly the whole of the second floor of the Empire Hall, many rooms tif which you have heard and read are reproduced. For the idea from which “The Homes of the Film Stars” was developed as a feature of the Exhibition the organisers are indebted ,to Mr John Armstrong, director of advertising of Paramount Theatres, who last year was awarded the Quigley silver plaque, this being the America n film industries'premier award for showmanship. v : Homes of the Film Stars. '

Miss Mae West’s wonderful bedroom of Louis XV. with its bed, rich silken hangings and mirrored, wallsr—what cinema-goer will not wish to see and gossip about it ? Or Mr Ronald Colriian’s oak-panelled library at Beverly Hills,, a man’s room with the atmosphere of Tudor England about it? Then there are Miss Diana Napier’s bedroom with primrose walls and painted furniture; the Corinthian pillared sitting-room of Mr Cecil B. de Mille, “master showman,” and Mr Clive Brook’s raftered room'at Hollywood. See the nursery of “the world’s sweetheart” Shirley Temple. Miss Merle Oberon’s sleeping porch in apple green and gold at Santa Monica, Miss Constance Bennett’s delightful living room, Mr Leslie Banks’ “Green Room”, and the dining-room of Miss Jessie Matthews and Mr Sonnie Hale.

See the favourite retreat of Mr Eddie Cantor, Mr Clark Gable, Mr Raymond Massey, and of Miss Margaretta Scott and Miss Claudette Colbert. Nowhere in the world has such a, captivating series of rooms been brought together before! v > Mr Duncan Melvin’s masks of British film personalities will decorate the rooms* in “The Homes of the Film

Stars,”’ adjacent/,,t0 which will, be “Autograph” Court, where every day 'famous stars will sign autographs foij film charities, ■