IN FILMLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20088, 27 October 1928, Page 11 (Supplement)

IN FILMLAND.

It. is now definite that Miss Constance Talmadge's next screen appearanco will mark her debut as a United Artists star. " Then Venus" is the title under which her forthcoming picture^Avill Le shown.

Elaborate preparation are being completed for the filming of " Changeling," the first dialoguo production to be made by First National Pictures. George I'it/.maurice will direct Miss Dorothy Mackaill in tho leading role.

Richard Dix is to start work in the near future on " Redskin," another drama of tho American Indian, similar in theme to " Tho Vanishing ltacc." The picture will be made entirely in colour. Louise Brooks has tho part of an Indian girl.

" Three Week Ends," Elinor Glyn's latest story, which has been purchased for Miss Clara Bow, will be filmed shortly at the Paramount studios in Hollywood. This will mark Ivlish Bow's third picturo from an Elinor Glvn work, both " It" and " Red Hair" having proved successes. Clarence Badger will direct " Three Week Ends."

Within a few weeks, Maurice Chevalier, tho famous French music hall artist, whom Jesse L. Lasky signed to a contract during his recent European trip, will bo in Hollywood. Chevalier speaks English fluently, being almost as well known on the Londot stage as ho is in Paris. <e will be seen and heard in the new Paramount sound pictures.

" The Ringer " is typical of Edgar Wallace and one of the most brilliant mystery stories that have flowed from his prolific pen. The screen version of this well known book and play will be released by British Dominions Films. The production, directed by Arthur Maud, includes in the cast, Leslie Faber. Miss Annette Benson, and Nigel Forbes.

According' to B. P. Schulberg, general manager of production for Paramount, Emil Jannings will speak in tho dialogue sequences now being written for " Sins of the Fathers." In addition to Jannings, the voice of Miss Ruth Chatterton, who left stardom on the Broadway stage to make her screen debut opposite the European star, will be heard in " Sins of the leathers."

" Roses of Picardy," the British masterpiece, known as " England's Answer to • The Big Parade,' " will be released at an early date by British Dominions Films. Power and characterisation are said to bo tho distinctive features of this production adapted from R. H. Mottram's well known story, " Tho Spanish Farm." The leading roles arc portrayed by Miss Lillian Hall Davies and John Stuart.

Emil Jannings has signed a new contract with Paramount. The German star has signified his intention of remaining in this country permanently. His latest picture, " Sins of the Fathers," is now nearing completion. The other pictures Jannings has made for Paramount arc " Tho Way of All Flesh," " Tho Last Command," " Tho Street of Sin," and " The Patriot." So far only two of these have been released in Auckland.

" The Student Prince." adapted from the phenomenally successful musical play, is to be released shortly. It is a massive production in which Ernest Lubitsch, tho renowned European director, has treated this most beautiful of love stories, in a romantic fashion. Ramon Novarro and Miss Norma Shearer share the starring honours in this picture, and Jean Hersholt. George, K. Arthur, and Phillippe do Lacy are other favourite:; who appear in the cast.

British Dominions Films have received advice that six two-reel comedies, based on stories especially written by IL 0. Wells aro now in the course of production at the Gainsborough Studios. The star is Miss Elsa Lanchester, a London revue star, who plays successful character parts in " The Constant Nymph," and " Ono of the Best," two productions which will be seen shortly in New Zealand. Art direction of the comedies is in the hands of Frank Wells, a son of the author.

Tho names of three well-known personages appear in British International Picture's production, " Piccadilly." I'irst of all the eminent English playwright and author, Arnold Bennett, wrote the story. Gilda Gray, the world-wide famous dancer, plays tho principal part, while, the noted European director, E. A. Dupont, will personally direct the picture. Work has already commenced at Elstree, and neither money nor pains are spared to make " Piccadilly" an outstanding attraction. It is scheduled for release by Cinema Art Films next year.

The complete male cast has now been decided upon for the British International Picture, " Widdicombo Fair," which Captain Norman Walker will personally direct. In addition to the well-known artist William Standing, George Gee, the famous J. C.. Williamson comedian, will play ono of the, principal parts. It is churned that " Widdicombe Fair" will be a picture typically English in story, scenery, cast and every type of workman employed upon it. Many of tho locations are in Devonshire. Cinema Art Films will release this picture during 1929.

After five weeks spent on the Sacramento River filming the exterior scenes for " Show Boat," Universal's new production, featuring Miss Laura La I'lante and Joseph Schildkraut. the company has returned to Universal City to complete the filming of interior scenes under the direction of Harry Pollard. " Show Boat," from the popular Edna Ferber novel, is being made with a large cast of important players, including, in addition to the stars. .Miss Alma Rubens, Otis Harlan, Miss Emily Fitzroy, Miss Elsie Barlctt, Ncely Edwards, Jack McDonald, Miss Grace Cunard, and Miss Jane Verne.

In view of the enormous amount of interest being shown by tho fliin trade in the coming of tho talking picture as an entertainment, _ it is interesting to note that, among the British screen actors is a University voice producer, Mr. C. Davis Brooks, M.A., L.It.A.M., A.R.C.M., who has between his voice production classes at Cambridge associated himself with British film production in more than one capacity Under tho nauio of John Cromer, ho will bo seen in 1 Shooting Stars," as tho American producer. This production will be released shortly by British Dominions Films and features Miss Annetto Benson arid Brian Aherno.

"Condemned to Devil's Island," Blair Miles' sensational story of tho French penal colony in the Gnianas, has been selected by Samuel Gold.vyn as the next Ronald Colman picture to follow " Tho Rescue." Tho Joseph Conrad story is now in tho final stages of production. The French Government has promised its complete co-operation to Mr. Goldwyn in the making of tho next picture. Ronald Colman will probably head a company which will make a largo part of the picture on the actual location. llio I' roncli Government lias also promised that it will place no obstacle in the way of exhibiting tho picture in Franco and its colonies. " Devil's Island " is tho French penal colony situated almost exactly on tho equator in French Guiana, South America. It is the only remaining colony of its kind in tho world. Although " Devil's Island " is only a small part of tho territory, it gives its namo to tho entire colony through tho world-wide notoriety it received when Lieutenant Dreyfus was imprisoned there more than 30 years ago.