Arliss in “The House of Rothschild

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 108, 10 May 1939, Page 5

Arliss in “The House of Rothschild

DISTINGUISHED ACTOR’S LOVABLE CREATION (Mayfair: Screening Saturday.) George Arliss’ Nathan Rothschild in “The House of Rothschild” stands as a lovable character be- , side the distinguished actor’s many unforgettable creations. [i ‘‘The House of Rothschild” is bcautiI fully mounted and handsomely produced and authentic in every detail. The story is an ideal subject for Arliss, tracing as it does the fascinating history of the Rothsehild family, whose devotion and unit y resulted in their sensational rise to wealth aud power, and providing tor Ar’iss the role of Mayer the founder, an«l later, his son Nathan, the head of the family. Although the film focuses ■on the manner in which Nathan enabled the allies to conquer Napoleon i and gives a splendid picture of the period, it also stresses the intimate side of epoch-making events aud the joys end heartaches of the people who were the leading actors and actresses in them. Thus, the family life of the 1 Rothschilds —the love of Nathan for his wife Hannab and their lovely daugh--1 ter, Julie, and Julie’s beautiful romance with Fitzrov, the Duke of Wellington’s > aide, play a major role in the picture and imbue it with added warmth and ■ life. | j The cast is large and imposing. Boris Karloff as the villanious hedranty, I Loretta Young and Julie, Robert Young as Fitzrov, C. Aubrey Smith as Wel- [ liugton, Helen Westley as the mother of | the Rothschilds, Florence Arliss as Han- ! nah, Reginald Owen as Herries and Alan Mowbray as Metternick all de|serve special mention.

Charlie Chaplin will commence active work shortly on his forthcoming and first-talking jucture, tentatively titled “The Dictators.” Despite rumours, this announcement, made the other day by Alfred Reeves, general manager of the Chaplin studios, is the first official word from the comedian’s studios that an actual shooting date on his new film has been set. In “The Dictators,” which has been conceived and written by Chaplin himself, the comedian w r ill plrfy not only his old, but also a new character, one which will be seen aud heard for the first time. The film will bo released by United Artists. Preliminary work has commenced on the Chaplin lot. Additional sound equipment is beiug installed, the stages are being enlarged and studio personnel increased to accommodate the crowds to be used in many mass scenes. Negotiations are under way to lease considerable acreage in »Sau Fernando, or some suitable locale, for exteriors. Not counting the “Titina” number Chaplin sang in “Modern Times,” “The Dictators” will mark the first time he has been heard on the screen. Walt Disney introduces a new character in his latest technieolour short production, “Goofy aud Wilbur.” Wilbur is a gay young grasshopper who accompanies Goofy on fishing trips aud lures the fish into his friend’s net. Among his many accomplishments is Wilbur’s ability to do some fancy gliding on the surface of the water in the best ice skating style. In spite of all his tricks, the fish get wise to Wilbur after a while, and Goofy almost loses his little friend. However, the way in which Wilbur is rescued from a horrible fate is responsible for many a laugh and gasp.