AN ENGLISH ACCENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 9 November 1935, Page 9

AN ENGLISH ACCENT

SOUGHT BY AMERICAN STARS FREDRIC MARCH’S ADMISSION According to Fredric March, when he was on holiday in London recently, the reason why so many American film stars are visiting England is that they are seeking an English accent and English culture. “When talking pictures began,” said Mr March, “the English accent was considered effeminate in the United States, but now it is wanted more than any other. Such fine actors as Ronald ‘Column, Herbert Marshall, George . Arliss, Sir Guy Standing and Charles’ Laughton have made us respect and admire it. In Hollywood we are all trying to speak English, and to absorb something of the great English acting tradition. “The British element' is having -a. profound influence on the character of talking pictures.” * * * * “Mimi” The famous story of the Latin quarter of Paris “La Vie de Bolierne,” has boom'uped to its greatest advantage in the picture “Mimi” featuring the gift-' ed Gertrude Lawrence as Mimi; ami. Douglas Fairbanks, junr., as Rudolpho. « ¥ * ¥ “Mississippi”/ W. C. Fields, remembered for his impersonation ,-pf. Micawber in “Ditvitl Copperfield,” plays his new starring role in “Mississippi” with Bing Crosby as 'the singing hero. A medley of songs and entertainment centres about Fields with his nonsense story about the Indians, his beautiful bit of byplay, in the poker game, when to hir. horror, lie canot get rid of that fifth ace, and His capacity of taking charge not only of the show boat but the whole film. Crosby plays tlie part of a youthful lover in the old South of crinoline days who falls into disgrace and loses liis sweetheart because of his unwillingness to duel with every Belligerent stranger. Joan Bennett and Claude Gillingwater are in the cast.

Actual cases, newspaper reports, and official facts, were the basis of ! “Public Hero Number 1,” now playing at the Majestic Theatre. It traces in detail the pursuit of a notorious public enemy in a rapid-fire story directed by j J Walter Ruben, with Lionel Barrymore, Chester Morris, Joseph Galicia,. Jean Arthur and others of note. j ¥ * * ¥ J . Pat O’Brien is to start work at once as tile lead in “Stars Over Broadway.” Another film about broadcasting. Jean Arthur is to be the girl in the story. : - !; :1 ■ : '

“Crusades” Premiered in London and * New York The Astor, on Times Squares, New York City, witnessed the world’s premiere of Cecil B. De Mile’s mightiest. Paramount production, “The Crusades, on 21st August. 1 It is expected that release in Australia at the Sydney Prince Edward will be in November. Simultaneously with 'the New York opening, which was-attended by Cecil B. De Mille, Henry 1 Wilcoxon and Loretta. Young, tlie picture was released for an extended season at the Carlton Theatre, London,

“A. Notorious Gentleman” Absorbing interest of the most intense kind fills “A Notorious Gentleman” and before the filnr lias moved many feet, it is evident the producers have set about an attempt to make something different in crime pictures. A superb cast is featured including Charles Bickford, Helen Vinson, Sidney Blackmer and Onslow Stevens. Bickford gives a decisive and telling court room performance of a shrewd criminal lawyer who works out an ingenious method whereby he might have got away with the perfect crime. * * * * Activities at Dunedin The next production of the Dunedin Repertory Society will be Somerset Maugham’s “The Circle;” .which will be produced by Bessie Thomson. At its monthly social in the Town Hall Concert Chamber the Dunedin Repertory Society staged three one-act plays,. “Be Sure Your Sex Will Find You Out,” “ ’Op o’ Me Thumb,” , and “The Modern Grandmother.” Elizabeth Blake gave a successful lecture-recital of “Mary Read” in Dunedin. The hall was filled and Miss Biake’s work was much appreciated. ¥#¥ * ' Ronald Colman’s Next Film After Ronald Colman has finished making “The Tale of Two Cities” he is to be assigned the star role in the screen version of “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo.”