MAE’S FUTURE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 27 January 1940, Page 4

MAE’S FUTURE

There’s talk of Mae West co-starring with W. C. Fields in the near future. There are also rumours that the buxom beauty may appear in a Hal Roach production with Laurel and Hardy. According ,to these gentlemen, it would be to la West’s advantage to forget about the Fields deal in favour of them. “We’re convinced that we’re more her type than that Fields guy,” said Laurel. “I think Mae would find me good company and she and Oliver would certainly make a romantic couple.” A STAR’S LIFE For a scene in “The Women,” a Bermuda background was needed and Norma Shearer volunteered the use of her Santa Monica beach home. No, she didn’t get a cent for it. But what she did get was the chance to stay in bed that morning until the director sent word that the cameras were all set up, the rest of the cast on hand, and everything set to go as soon as Miss Shearer got up. “This will always remain in my memory as the one day I lived the life of a movie star—according to popular conception,” she told the director. “ALF’S, BUTTON AFLOAT” Bud Flanagan, who, with the remainder of the Crazy Gang, is appearing in Gainsborough’s latest picture. “Alf Ip Button Afloat,” at the Richmond Theatre, was taken at his word, but not without his previous knowledge, it may be added. In the film. Bud, who plays “Alf,” is the owner of the magic button which, when rubbed, brings the Genii of the lamp ready to perform whatever task Alf commands. On the first appearance of the Genii. Bud is so taken aback that he involuntarily exclaims: “Strike me pink!” The Genii, who has a disconcerting habit of misconstruing instructions, thinks he has been told to strike Flanagan pink, with the unhappy result that Bud is promptly transformed. In the picture the fun becomes furious as Alf and his friends realise the illimitable possibilities of the button. Wine, women and song descend with breath-taking suddenness: an officious sergeant is put in his place once and for all. The story was adapted from the book, “Alf’s Button,” by W. A. Darlington, and directed by Marcel VarneL