Will Rogers Appears As “Judge Priest”

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 273, 21 November 1934, Page 5

Will Rogers Appears As “Judge Priest”

DELIGHTFUL PORTRAYAL OF WISE OLD KENTUCKY MAN (State: Screening To-day.) The most successful pictures Will Rogers has made are those in which he has worn old clothes. On many occasions these have been the identical overalls and jumper he wears on his ranch. Rogers says so himself, pointing to “David Harum,” “ State Fair, ” “ Lightnin ' “Mr Skitch,” “Handy Andy,” and now “Judge Priest.” “I feci more comfortable in old togs,” declares the comedian, “and feeling at ease, I can give a better performance.” “What about ‘They Had to Sec ■Paris,’ one of your greatest picturesi” ! asked an interviewer. “In that production, as I recall it, you wore evening clothes and several tailor-made outfits. ’ ’ “Well,” drawled Rogers, “that’s the one that proves tho exception. Some said I suffered from microphone fright, but it wasn’t so. I was afraid the people would laugh at me instead of at the character. I admit it was a great but you must remember it had a human story and there were a lot of good actors in it and I’m not including myself when I say this. I’m not an actor and never have claimed to be one. I just go in there and play my natural self and if people like me I’m satisfied.” So far as his pictures are concerned, Will admits that he regards most highly his newest, “Judge Priest.” “Now there’s a picture with a world of humanity in it,” says the sage of Claremore, Oklahoma. “Irvin Cobb wrote flesh and blood into the ‘Priest’ stories—and they’vo been given a mighty fine treatment by tho studio. “I admit I’m proud to be appearing as the ‘Judge.’ He’s a great old fellow.” The “Judge” seldom dresses up, either. So Rogers’ record as a portrayer of “unfashionable” characters remains untarnished. Dudley Nichols and Lamar Trotti prepared the screen script of “Judge Priest” from the Cobb stories. John Ford directeed, with Sol. M. Wurtzel listed as producer.