FILM BIOGRAPHIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 28 March 1936, Page 9

FILM BIOGRAPHIES

REAL CHARACTERS ON THE SCREEN FAMOUS PERSONAGES Film biographies are in. Elstree, like Hollywood, is responding to the attraction of real-life characters and bringing to life many of the great fitrm'cs of history in a series of more or less biographical films. The popularity of this kind of film follows directly the increasing vogue for biography which has been one of the most important developments in literary taste during recent years.

Cecil Rhodes is a figure from recent b'story who is being recreated on the British screen., Walter Huston was

brought from Hollywood to play the part. This film involves many other real-life characters, including Paul Kruger, who is being played by Oscar Ilomolka, famous Continental star. I Another personage in British history to be seen on the screen soon is the tragic Lady Jane Grey, played by the youthful actress, Nova Pilbeain. General Go m is another. Sir Cedric Hardwiekc las been suggested for the role. Lawrence of Arabia, Queen Elizabeth and Oliver Cromwell are also to be recreated in the near future. J * ¥ . . V # ¥ , Elizabeth Bergner

Elizabeth Bergner, coming in “Escape Me Never,” is a living example of the truism that “finished work shows no trace of work.” Her artistry is so artless and natural that the onlooker is totally unaware of any studied effect All that happens is that the end of the picture comes leaving a feeling of regret at the ending of acquaintance with this charming, vitally dynamic personality.

“Air Hawks” with Wiley Pest Exciting entertainment is contained in “Air Hawks” the story which concerns two rival airlines competing for lucrative air mail contracts. A peep into the future with sequences depicting the destruction which could bo caused by death rays or beams, provides breathtaking fare. Stratosphere flights with pilots living in thefr 'plane by means of oxygen tanks and helmets, gives one vivid insight into air travel in the not too distant future. Wiley Post, famous round-the-world flier', is seen in person in “Air Hawks,” and his last attempt at the trans-Conom-ental stratosphere flight is featured. Post portrays one of the pilots of an airline. The ca.st also stars Ralph Bellamy and Tala Birell.

Twentieth Century have borrowed Lionel Barrymore from Mctro-Goldwyn-Maver to play with Frcdric March and Warner Baxter in “Wooden Crosses,” a French war story which lias been adapted to the screen. June Lang will be the only woman in the film.