IN FILMLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20300, 6 July 1929, Page 12 (Supplement)

IN FILMLAND.

Miss Dole ires Costello will make her first venture into comedy in " Tlio G'.ad Rag Dull," a forthcoming Vitaphone .special from Warner Brothers.

" The Squill." First National's notable nil-talking production, is shortly to he released. Ihe east includes Miss Myrna Loy, in tlio role of a capricious gypsy girl, .Miss Alice Joyce, Uichard Tucker, Miss Loretta Voung and Miss Zasti Pitts.

According to a recent communication from London the Prince of Wales attended a private screen of the U.F.A. super production, ' Hungarian Rhapsody." This picture, which was made iti the wheatIleitis of Hungary, stars Willy Fritsch, Dita Parlo and Lil Dagova. It has been cuth'isiasticallv received.

Miss Norma Talmadge v,ill play the role of Jill O'Dare, a Broadway showgirl, in " Tin Pan Alley," the play that will become her first complete dialogue film. Ciilbert Uol'aiifl will again play opposite her as a character described by St. John Ervino as " no less a liar than Cellini." The man enjoys his wickedness, ami he likes his authority over thugs and murderers.

Because of the splendid performances Miss Loretta Young has given in the First National Viaphonc pictures, " The Squall," and, more recently, in " Tlio Girl in the Glass Cage," the producing organisation has renewed its option on her services. Miss Young is one of the youngest players in pictures, and since she was given her first opportunity by Miss Colleen Moore, has advanced steadily toward important roles.

The dialogue for " The Wild Party," Miss Clara Bow's first talking film, was written by John V. A. Weaver, author of " Love 'Km and Leave 'Em," the novel " Her Knight Comes Hiding," and other well-known plays and stories. Weaver also wrote tho dialogue for Paramount's forthcoming musical film, " Close Harmony." The story of " The Wild Party" was written by Warner Fabian, author of " Flaming Youth," and was directed by Miss Dorothy Arzner.

Paul Page, who has just completed tho malo leail in " Speakeasy," a Fox Movietone production, began work in " Protection," a newspaper story, directed by Benjamin Stoloff. Page is a discovery of Stoloff. The young director was in New York shooting atmospheric scenes for " Speakeasy," and searching for a juvenile lead. After spending two weeks at Broadway shows without success, he saw Pago in a vaudeville playlet, and immediately engaged him. His films have vet to bo seen in New Zealand.

London picture audiences have been treated recently to a popularity contest in which every film star was a candidate. Mr. Sidney Bernstein, head of a group of London cinemas, sent out a questionnaire to 250,0C0 of his patrons, asking for a vote for their favourite screen stars, men and women. Here is tho order of popularity:—Women: Dolores del Rio, Jsetty Balfour, Clara Bow, Esther Ralston, Vilma Banky, Florence Vidor, Mary ford. Men: Ronald Colman, Richard Dix, Douglas Fairbanks, Adolpho Mcnjou, Syd. Chaplin, Charlie Chaplin.

Roland West, producer-director of " Alibi," which is not likely to bo shown here, verifies tho rumours that Miss Jewel Carmen, star of stage and screen, will play tho leading feminine role in his next production, tho title of which has not been announced. Miss Carmen appeared in the leading role of the sensational mystery picture play, " The Bat." A few years ago she was one of tho youngest leading women on the screen, playing opposite Douglas Fairbanks and other famous stars. Incidentally, in private life she is Mrs. Roland West.

" Condemned to Devil's Island/' Blair Nilcs' sensational story of the French Penal Colony of the Guiana, lias been selected l<y Samuel Goldwyn as tho next Ronald Col man picture to follow "Bulldog Drummond." Tho French Government. has promised its co-operation in the making ol the picture. Mr. Colman and his company will probably inako a large part of the picturo 011 tho actual location. Devil's Island is tho French penal colony ,situated almost exactly 011 the equator in French Guiana, South America. It is the only remaining colony of its kind in the world.

In the United Artists picture ,f Thc Awakening" Miss Vilma Banky is seen for tho first time as a star in her own light. 111 her past pictures she has always associated with either llonald Colman or the late Rudolph \ alentino. 1 his production brings her into screen eminence with Miss Mary Pickford, Miss Norma Talmadge, Miss Gloria Swarison, Miss Dolores Del Rio, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks. " The Awakening " is said to ho a singularly beautiful, simple and often poignant story. Tho brilliant musical accompaniment was arranged by Dr. Hue;o Reisengeld, arid the film has complete! choral, symphonic and sound effects.

" Rex Ingram's latest film, "The Three Passions,' is a wonderful piece of work," says the film critic of the Daily Mail. " Shayle Gardiner, the New Zealand actor, gives, one of tho most complete, dominating and human performances ever put on tho screen. Miss Alice Terry looks more lovely and more elegant than ever. Ivan Petrovitch takes with distinction tho difficult part of the son. But the profoundly human story, the sincerity with which it is told, the superb characterisations not only of the principals, but also to the last of the extra players, compose only part of tho rnorit of an exceptionally brilliant picture." The film, a screen version of Cosmo Hamilton's latest, book of tho samo name, is to bo released here shortly.