“ The Penalty of Fame ” Current At The Kosy

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7064, 25 January 1933, Page 5

“ The Penalty of Fame ” Current At The Kosy

One of the most timely, colourful and revealing pictures to come to tho Kosy in. a long time, is current to-day. Universal’s ‘/Penalty of. Fame” crystalises the thoughts of a nation as.no other recent film has done., Its power lies in its graphic portrayal of modern journalism, the menaces of the underworld, and the kidnapping activities which have been terrorising prominent Americans. A Audiences that have seen this unusual film have been impressed with its dramatic commentary on these phenomena of our present civilisation. But the picture cannot be viewed solely a.s such, for it is a very engrossing screen story as well in which action, suspense and characterisation predominate.

Tho film concerns the activities of a metropolitan newspaper “gossip” columnist . and broadcasting. reporter who. gathers his uncanny news from various unorthodox news sources. Scorned by his fellow journalists, he is given nn opportunity to . break Ills biggest story and to perform a benefit to the nation in apprehending the kidnapping underworld gang which has baffled police in the capture of the daughter of a nationally prominent family. How he manages to discover the missing girl and defeat tho plans of a powerful gang leader provides the exciting theme of tho picture.

Tho film is notable also for the fact that it presents the popular star, Lew Ayres, in his first wholly mature Tole, that of Larry Wayne, the peeping-Tom newsgathcrcr. Ayros definitely proves his talent in tho deft handling of this hard-bitten journalist. Ho is capably assisted by winsome Maureen o'Sullivan, who - seems to retain her Irish charm on the screen while projecting her personality into the part. Louis Calhern and Walter Catlett como through with their usual high standard performances, while Nance O’Neil, Allan Dinehart and other cast members leave little to be desired.

Tay Garnett directed with his accustomed finesse and understanding. This Universal picture goes on the “must see” list. It cannot be rated too highly.

Jack Hulbcrt and Cicely Courtneidge are teamed together for the second time in a new film called “Jack’s the Boy.” When Hulbert is Jack—then Jack certainly is the boy, and when Jack is aided and abetted by Cicely, anything may happen and does happen—from Hulbcrt directing traffic in a congested West End street to burglar hunting in the chamber of horffors at Madame Tussaud’s. The film is said to be one long chuckle from beginning to end. “Jack’s the Boy” definitely marks another milestone in British film history'.

The production of Mr J. B. Priestley’s novel ‘‘The Good Companions,” as a talking film was announced recently. The Gaumont-British Picture Corporation, Limited, will produce three films, of which the first will bo ‘‘The Good Companions.” An original story to bo written by Mr Priestley will be one of the remaining films, whilo negotions arc proceeding for the third subject.

‘‘State Pair” gives promise of being an all-star production if plan's now being laid at the Pox studios aro carried out to the full. Janet Gaynor and Will Rogers have already been selected for two of the leading roles in this picture based on Philip Strong’s best seller, which was the selection of the I/itcrary Guild as the best novel of the year.

With the selection of Jack Onkic for tho part of Doctor Lewis and Gregory Ratoff to play the role of Glogauer, the 'cast of first-line principals in “Once in a Lifetime” was something of an epic. Others appearing in this screen adaption of this most successful play were Sidney Fox, Aline McMahon, Zasu Pitts Louise Fazenda and Onslow Stevens.

Ivan Simpson, veteran British actor, and a great friend of George Arliss, has been added to the cast supporting Ruth Chatterton in her second Warner Brothers’ First National Picture, ‘‘Children of Pleasure.” Also supporting the star aro George Brent, Paul Cavanagh, Lois Wilson and Arnold Korff.

<S> <s> <S> . .<s> Jack Buchanan, the British star, has gone to America. He will appear in a new George Gershwin stage show entitled “Twenty-one” in New York, and while in America may appear in a Hollywood film under the new working agreement with British studios.

“I’ve always known that Empress Elizabeth of Austria was my grandmother but I could prove it to no one until recently when I was given indisputable proof.” Elissa Landi, the famous film star, sometimes called “The Most Baffling Redhead,” has at last broken her silence in the- controversy surrounding her royal ancestry. <*> <s> <s> <s>

Leo Carrillo has been signed for an important role in “The White SisteT,” with Helen Hayes, for Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Madge Evan's and Mary Carlisle have been signed on to new contracts by Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Miss Evans, who made her talking-picture debut in “Son of Inlia,” has been seen in “Sporting Blood,” “Guilty Hands,” “Are You Listening,” and “Huddle.” Mary Carlisle has appeared in "Madam Satan” and “Night Court.”

“Jewel Robbery,” which has amused two continents as a stage play with its daring, racy situations, and, which co-stars William Powell and Kay Francis, was directed by William Dieterle, who is also responsible for Miss Francis’s previous starring vehicle, “Man Wanted/’ That exceptional cast includes Hardio Albright, Spencer Charters,, Helen Vinson and Charles Wilson.

Jean Arthur has been signed to take an important part in “The Past of Mary Holmes,’’ RKO-Radio’s adaptation of the Rex Beach novel, “The Goose Woman.’’ Miss Arthur makes the second stage player who has been drafted for this production, the other being Helen MacKcllcr, who plays the lead.