Based on Robert W. Chambers’ Best Seller

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 219, 19 September 1934, Page 5

Based on Robert W. Chambers’ Best Seller

MARION DAVIES AND GARY COOPER IN “OPERATOR 13” (Regent, Screening To-day.) As a complete contrast to her earlier light-hearted screen roles, Marion Davies ..contributes her finest dramatic performance in her M.G.M-Cosmopolitan picture *' Operator 13,” based upon the last best-seller novel from the versatile pen of the late Robert W. Chambers. Different from other motion pictures with wartime backgrounds, it deals with the most romantic and thrilling phase of tlio Civil War—tho spies. Miss Davies plays the rolo of Gale Loveless, a northern actress whom th® famod Allan Pinkerton, General McClelland’s chief of secret service, sends into tho Southern lines to track down Captain Jack Gailiard, scout on tho staff of General J. E. B. Stuart. Gary Cooper appears as Captain Gailliard with whom Gale Loveless falls in leva though she has been assigned to destroy him. The picture is replete with authentic historical episodes and in the cast] appear characters whoso names are famous in Civil War history. Paulina Cushman, a famous federal spy in the rebellion, is portrayed by Katharine Alexander, well-known New York stage star recently recruited from B'roadway for motion pictures. General “Job” Stuart, the iirebrand of the South, is characterised by Douglas Dumbrille. 1 Other players in the supporting cast are Ted Healy and Russell Hardie, federal spies masquerading as itinerant medicine show men; Willard Robertson as Channing, chief of General Stuart’s secret service; Sidney Toler as Allan Pinkerton; Reginald Barlow as Colonel Storm; Robert McWado as Colonel Sharp; Samuel Hinds as Captain Brice; Jean Parker as Eleanor Shackleford; Marjorio Gatcson as Mrs Shackleford; Ilenry Wadsworth as Captain Pelham; and tho four Mills Brothers, radio star entertainers. Music also plays a prominent part in the unfolding of the romantic spy story, including melodies of tho Old South, as sung by tho Mills Brothers, old-fashion-ed plantation dances and an entrancing song by Miss Davies. Bichard Bolcslavsky, former director of the Moscow Art Theatre and tho man who aided Max Bheinhardfc in the production of “Tho Miracle,’’ directed “Operator 13.”

Marian Marsli lias tie leading part in “The Girl of the Limberlost, ” based on the famous novel by Gene Stratton Porter. Louise Dresser and Kalph Morgan have also been cast for the picture. <»> <♦> <S> <s> Yet another screcsg actor has cele* brated his 2otli birthday in films, lie is Ilolxirt Bosworth, now playing in Columbia’s “Whom the Gods Destroy.” «> <?> <•> Phillips Holmes is going to London to play the malo lead in "Lorna Dooue” for Basil Deane. <s> ‘‘Death at Broadcasting House,” tie mystery thriller by Val Gielgud and Holt Marvell', is going to-be'filmed by a new British company.-'*’*’*