IN FILMLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19376, 10 July 1926, Page 8 (Supplement)

IN FILMLAND.

The Plans of Charles Chaplin. Although Charles Chaplin has one or two powerful film rivals in Ins own comic, line, Ins plans still engage greater interest than theirs. It was recently stated that he had determined to abandon the. pathetic role and return to his slapstick methods. But this hardly seems to be borne out by the statement that a now film he is projecting deals with circus life which has a tragic ending. The clown, whom Charlie has to portray, has to die in the ring in the final scene. The hope is being expressed in Hollywood that he will be partnered in this picture by Jackie Coogan. It would certainly afford fine scope for both of them. "The Kid," in which the two appeared together, was one of the biggest financial successes Chaplin has ever had. Chaplin is also projecting another film, to be called "The Dandy." His plans are vague at the moment because ho is being pressed to take part in the "merger" between his organisation (United Artists) and Metro-Goldwyn. The latest information is that be does not wish to enter any kind of trust, and although he would undoubtedly work best from an artistic point of view independently, there is never any question in the American film business of financial considerations playing second fiddle, and Chaplin has to pay attenion to them. Notes and Comments. "The Mysterious Island," an adaptation of the novel by Jules Verne, will be the next Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production to follow " Tho Big Parade " and " Ben Hur." Lon Chaney will be starred. D. W. Griffiths, the acknowledged king of film producers, has turned his attention to a simple appealing story in " Isn't Life Wonderful'! " to be screened in Auckland shortly. Carol Dempster plays the leading feminine roie. Louis B. Mayer has announced that two special pictures will be included in the production of this company for 1926-1927. One will deal with Christopher Columbus and his discovery of the New World, and Jackie Coogan will be starred in the other. Because the glaring ocean sand was too bright to be photographed with a motion picture camera, members of tho Paramount' company filming Joseph Conrad's " Lord Jim'," wore required to spray several acres, of beach with, oil to deaden the colour. William Powell, suave villain of the screen, is enjoying a most unique experience. He is in much demand for personal appearances at the premiere of big pictures in Los Angeles and Hollywood, and the unique experience comes in hearing himself applauded. During his long career of villainy on stage and screen Powell has become used to being hissed. His latest despicable work, although artistically done, is in " Desert Gold," Paramount's picturisation of Zane Grey's story, which comes to Auckland shortly. Lois Moran, who plays opposite Richard Barthelmess in " Just Suppose," a First National picture 1 scheduled for early release, is just sixteen. She is said to be the youngest leading woman in motion Eictures. At twelve, with her niother, the t-tle star went to Paris to complete her education. At fourteen she passed her French entrance examinations. Later she was admitted to the ballet of the Paris Opera. She dances, swims, fences, rides, pfays tennis, and is an adept golfer. She is small and slim and has a remarkably wistful appeal. Who will be the future stars of the screen when every film will be photographed in colour? According to the director of Douglas Fairbank's new film, " The Black Pirate," a new type of personality is required for colour photography. Players who register well in black-and-white do not always show up to advantage in colour. In fact, in some cases, it is not possible to use them at all, despite the fact that they are unusually talented. One of the big problems experienced in casting "The Black Pirate " was the matter of finding film artists with colour personalities. Out of three hundred young women, including novices as well as experienced screen actresses, only twelve were found who were suitable. Billie Dove was finally chosen. Not only did she possess a colour personality, but she had to her credit the experience of previous colour work in " Wanderers of the Wasteland," with Jock Holt " Old Ironsides," a film to be made by James Craze for Paramount, is expected tb be the most dramatic and spectacular production of tho year. The story of " Old Ironsides " in the main will be of tho early merchant service, and the glorious frigate Constitution, in its conquest of the Tripolitan pirates. The battle scenes, using more than two thousand people, will be taken before a reproduction of the famous fort of Tripoli, almost half a mile wide and one hundred . and fifty feet high, one of the largest sets ever built. This has been constructed at Catalina Island, off the coast of California. Six months have gone into the preliminary work for " Old Ironsides," during which time a special trip was made to Tripoli by Mr. Cruze himself. Featured in the cast will be Esther Ralston, Wallace Beery, George Bancroft, Charles Farrell and Johnnie Walker. Other well-known players who take part will be Guy Oliver, George Godfrey, Mitchell Lewis, Duke Kahanamoku, Eddie Fetherston, Effie Ellsler, William Conklin, Fred L. Kohler, Frank Jonasson, Charles Hill Mailes and Frank Bonner.