SCREEN FARE FOR 1927.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19508, 11 December 1926, Page 14

SCREEN FARE FOR 1927.

PLANS FOR FIRST NATIONAL. QUEST FOR A FILM STAR. Some interesting announcements concerning local picture theatre policy were made yesterday by Mr. Cecil Mason, as-sistant-general-manger in New 1 Zealand for First National Pictures (Australasia). He said arrangements had been practically completed for the presentation of First National pictures, Producers' Distributing Corporation productions and Film Booking Offices attractions —the three services handled by his firm—at two or more Auckland theatres every week during the coming year. One of the theatres will bo a Queen Street house, negotiationes for which are at present in progress. The other will be the Lyric Theatre, which is to be leased from Mr. T., Bannehr by a company floated specially for the purpose. Among the 180 attractions to be supplied by First National Pictures to these theatres will be a big circus picture entitled " Bigger Than Barmrm's," " The Sun of Montmarte." (featuring Norma Talmadge), Cecil B. De Milie's new masterpiece entitled " King of Kings " (the life of Christ), " Silky Lane " (Constance Talmadge)-, a sea picture entitled " Shipwrecked," ",Tho Last Frontier " (the unfinished work of Thomas H. Ince) and Gene Stratton "Porter's " Keeper of the Bees," together with a special series by Colleen Moore.

Mr. Mason also stated he would be conducting a quest in New Zealand to discover a suitable girl to. become a screen star, The search is being organised throughout Australia and New Zealand on behalf of Producers' Distributing Corporation, of which Ceqil B. De Mille is theS directing genius, and the girl who is eventually chosen' will be handed a contract guaranteeing her a prominent part in a big Cecil B. De Mille production, in which the male star will be Rod la Roque.

_ It is intended to hold a series of elimination contests to select four girls, representing Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedm, who will compete in the finals to be held in Auckland in February. The girl chosen to represent New Zealand will be asked to proceed to Melbourne with her chaperon to compete against the Australian State winners in studio settings at the Green Mill Palais. The girl tnus chosen will be sent to Hollywood with her chaperon, firstclass expenses paid, and will received £2O a week as salary during the ten she will be engaged on production in America. Is she is, successful in attracting notice in the first picture it is certain that other engagements will follow.