Joan Crawford Seen In “I Live My Life”

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 71, 25 March 1936, Page 11

Joan Crawford Seen In “I Live My Life”

WAY OF EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG MAN DEPICTED (Regent: Screening Saturday.) Joan Crawford and W. S. Van Dyke, the star and director who collaborated with such success to make “ Forsaking All Others," arc united again in M.G.M.’s new vehicle for the glamorous actress, ‘‘l Live My Life.” Brian Aheme, the English actor who played opposite Helen Hayes in "What Every Woman Knows," is Joan Crawford’s leading man in the virile role of a hard-boiled archaeologist who falls in love with a society girl.

Frank Morgan appears as Joan Crawford’s father in a rolo similar to the one he played in "Naughty Marietta.” Aline MacMahon, the "Brooklyn Duse,” is prominently cast in the humorous part of the "other girl." Eric Blore, the eccentric waiter of "Gay Divorcee," is the omni-present butler in the new picture. Fred Keating, the Broadway star, plays the archaeologist’s rival.

Also in tho giant cast line-up are Jessie Ralph, Arthur Treacher, Hedda Hopper, Frank Conroy, Etienne Girardot, Edward Brophy, Sterling Holloway and others of like status.

The picture is based on A. Carter Goodloe’s prize-winning short story, "Claustrophobia," and deals with the romance of a sophisticated debutante and a horny-handed archaeologist. The drama hinges on his efforts to live a s' scraper life in New York in order to bo near the girl ho loves, and its eventual effect upon him. Tho locale of the pictur shifts between the exotic Greek island of Naxos, where the lovers meet, New York City ai\d a Connecticut estate. Lavish settings are up to the recognised standard of Art Director Cedric Gibbons and his associate, E. B. Willis. Many of these are exteriors constructed high above tho glittering shores of Catalina Island, to which .the company journeyed on location. Adrian designed more than a dozen striking new ensembles, worn as only Joan Crawford could wear them.

John lord has directed a film which takes its place as one of the biggest and most important productions on the 193 G Twentieth Century schedule. “The Prisoner of Shark Island’’ is a stirring dramatisation of post-civil var days, based on tho tragic life of Dr. Samuel Mudd, martyred hero of medical science who innocently aided President Lincoln’s assassin. Warner Baxter is starred in the role of Dr. Mudd and achieves the greatest triumph of his career. Supporting him is a huge cast headed by Gloria Stuart, 0. P. Heggit, John McGuire and Arthur Byron.

Darryl F. Zanuck’s campaign to build up his younger players resulted in June Lang and Michael Whalen being assigned to the romantic lead roles in Fox’s “The Country Beyond," when Jean Hcrsholt, Dorothy Peterson, Director King and crow returned foin Canada where scenes were shot with the Dionne Quintuplets. Just recently June Lang was given tho romantic lead in “Every Saturday Night.” It is Zanuck’s intention to keep the girl busy and give her all the experience necessary to build her up. Tho same ermpaign has also been planned for Michael Whalen.