SCREEN AND STAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 12 June 1926, Page 3

SCREEN AND STAGE

Joseph Schildkrout will bo given his first opportunity to portray screen comedy in “Meet tho Prince!”, a new Metropolitan production in which Jio is featured. Pictures recently taken in tho Nelson district in connection with tho Publicity Department of New Zealand, have been released, and were screened in Wellington a few days ago. After a lapso of two years “Tho Last Frontier,” the great western epic which tho late Thomas H. Inco had just started when his untimely death'occurred, will be filmed by Metropolitan Pictures. “The Man Who Played Square,” with Buck Jones in tho leading role, is described as “a classic of thrilling romantic melodrama. Wanda Hawley is in the leading feminine role, and the. comedy is supplied by Hank Mann. Fresh from her triumph in “Dancing Mothers,” Alice Joyce has returned to Hollywood to play one of the two feminine roles in “Beau Geste.” Mary Brian has the other role. Jimmv Goden. the London actor from Daly’s Theatre, who is playing in “No-, No, Nanette,” in Sydney, is a comedian of rare distinction. He never clowns, but his witticisms never miss fire. Many of our comedians may study Mr Godden’s technicuio with the very happiest results.

The reporter has been pulled into it again. Johnny Hines has chosen to bo a cub reporter in his latest comedy, “Rainbow Riley, lie has a new leading lady, Brenda Bond, and he handles “scoops” in tho be§t of fashion. Tho fun is fast and furious and, the comedy is of the very best. Vivien Oakland, known for a long time oh the vaudeville stage iu-America as tho fascinating feminine half of “Murray and Oakland,” and recently signed iiy Hal Roach to play in comedies, appears with Glenn Try on in the latest Tryou comedy, “Ukulele Sheiks,” released by Rathe. “Ashes of Love,” the uuconsored version of Vera, Countess Cathcart’s play, was produced recently in ' Washington with the authoress in the leading part. Tho verdict of the critics seems to be aptly summarised by the Washington Post, which says: “With anyone else ill tho loading role without her publicity and the attendant curiosity 'Ashes of Love,’ as a play, would Last an tho boards just Jong enough to bo swept up and shot down tho asb-chute.” Ono critic declares that as the audience swept out lie asked 13 of them for their opinion of the play. Twelve maintained a stony silence; tho 13th, “who was a good judge,” punched the inquirer on the nose. Schubert’s lovely melodies of 100 years ago, goal acting, beautiful gowns and poetic settings helped to make the revival of “Lilac Time” in Sydney a pleasant success. The crowded theatre expressed its appreciation of Harriet Bennett, tho English comedy actress, who made a first appearance. She is exceedingly pretty, with black hair and blue eyes, and has a light, fresh soprano voice. The east was similar to that in the first production, John Ralston (as Franz Schubert), Claude Flemming, and Arthur Stigant being among those who apparently hugely enjoyed their parts. It was interesting to note that Mascotto Balst-on, the daughter of John Ralston, played the part of Tilli. You can’t beat the Irish. And- Patricia O’Dea, being a real little Irish colleen, when she landed in New York, was determined not to ho done out of a fortune just because‘she was not a hoy. Marion Davies as the little Irish “boy” as well as tho Irish colleen, is wonderful. “Little Old New York” is a story of the New York of many years ago, and it is full of romance. Harrison Ford is cast- opposite Marion Davies. Pola Negri and her “Good and Naughty” company have gone to Coronado, famous Southern California resort, to film promenade and yachting scenes representative of Palm Beach. Thirty of the prettiest extra girls in Hollywood are seen in the beach scenes. “Good and Naughty” has a strong cast. Tom Moore, is the male lead. Ford Sterling the featured comedian, and Stuart Holmes, Miss de-Pont, Marie Mosquini, and Warner Richmond play important roles. The story was adapted from the stage farce, “Naughty Cinderella,”,'