FILMS FOR AUSTRALIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 1 February 1936, Page 4

FILMS FOR AUSTRALIA

A BOON TO ACTORS THE WOES OF TOURING Artists by day playing famous parts in the borrowed finery of tbc stage, [ 1 >nt spruikors and even tent bands before the curtain goes up—this i.s the unusual clash of roles which, officials of Actors'. Equity say, is being forced upon some members of theatrical touring parties,, says the Sydney “Sun.” i One moment,a man may he Casear, the next a useful hand juggling seats about. A .dark-haired beauty who brings tears to every eye a-s t'amille may. after her performance, he obliged to shed the glamour of her role and help in the theatre odd jobs. Actors’ Equity is concerned about complaints of such metamorphoses and according to the president, Air R. Conway, will ask the Government to investigate them. “Ww have been told that one specialty artist getting £5 a week cannot'find time to learn any new acts, as he lias to work as a tent hand and also mend any damaged chairs in his spare time," said Mr' Conway. FILMS A BOON “A company after a season iu other States, was brought back to Sydney steerage, in conHict. with a clause in (lie award specifying otherwise. Only for the kindness of the crew, who brought them delicacies from the kitchen, they would have had a had time.

In three different shows, artists have had to move scenery and props,

ill addition !o acting. “We have also been told of cases where artists arc made to act as spruikers in the front of the theatre. These are breaches of the award.”

Mr Conway said that the development of the film industry in New South Wales was reducing unemployment among actors and actresses. “It is the middle-aged man and woman who are the big hits, on the screen, although they may be considered too old for the stage,” lie said. “This has been the heartbreak of the legitimate stage.. When, after long years of experience, artists have qualified to fill famous roles, they have been forced out because of their age. ■ TASTE CHANGES “But the screen wants them, and inany of the outstanding performances in recent years have beeu given by middle-aged men and women.

“Tlie ingenue, or tbe matinee idol, is not the real .show, but tbe accomplished old actor, or actress, who plays the elm racier part. “In the silent picture days, tbe simpering pretty with a. enpid’s bow was the rage, but it is very different now Murv Pickford, for example, even if she were young again, would never be tbe success in sound films that she was in silent films.” ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Carol Lombard has started a new fashion for Paramount waitresses. Her cute uniform in “Hands Across the Table” has been adopted by tbe restaurant management for their stall.