FILM PRODUCER’S HOURS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 13 June 1936, Page 9

FILM PRODUCER’S HOURS

WORKS 16 A DAY TRIBUTE TO SHIRLEY TEMPLE Mother of the famous film producer, Daryl Zanuck, Mrs L. T. Norton passed through Auckland by the Monterey. Having lived in Hollywood for 28 years, Mrs Norton, who looks very young to be the grandmother of the three small Zanuck children, knows the picture colony well. In that time, however, she has seen the filming of only three productions. “I sometimes go to the studio to see my son,” she explained, “but mothers in Hollywood can be a nuisance, and I am not one.”

She is very proud of her son, who, she said, as vice-president in charge ; of production for Fox films, was the youngest executive in the business. I He worked sometimes 16 hours a day, she remarked, and often until 2 a.m. ■ or 3 a.m., so that he might spend the ■ mornings with his family. j ACTING A GAME TO SHIRLEY Mrs Norton was not to be persuaded to make many commments on stars, but she did wax enthusiastic over Shirley Temple. “They call her ‘One-shot Temple,’ ; she said. “Acting seems just a game to her, and I think it will be a long time before she reaches an ‘awkward’ , stage.” ' ¥ * ¥ * : “First a Girl.” j

This is Jessie Matthews’ first since “Evergreen” over a year ago. Her husband, S'onnie Hale, is with her again. The picture has been lavishly built up around the star so that her acting, singing and dancing qualities will be favourably exploited to their utmost. As a female impersonator Sonnie Hale loses the use of his voice just as he lands an engagement. Jessie Matthews, whom he has befriended, fortunately fills the bill. The.act is so successful that the deception has to be carried on. Jessie masquerading as a boy gives the scenarists plenty of opportunities to work in amusing situations.

Mummy’s Boy” will be the title, of the next RKO-Radio feature comedy starring Bert Wheeler and Bobby Woolsey. Fred Guinol will direct the story of a pair of comical archaeologists in Egypt. ■/:, ; ¥ ‘ ¥ ¥ : Two' Hollywood{studios are- waiting for Margaret {Sullivan’s • broken arm to- mend. ;

Pat O’Brien will be featured with’ Sybil Jason in “Everybody’s Sweet-] heart.” 1 j