FILM TOPICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21248, 30 July 1932, Page 11 (Supplement)

FILM TOPICS

Amy Johnson and J. A. Mollison, the famous fliers who are engaged to be married, are appearing as themselves in a new British International film, " Dual Control." They will be directed by Captain Walter Summers, who is also an experienced airman. Nils Asther has signed a new long-term contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The famous Swedish actor, who is playing " Henri Brenner " in " Washington Whirlpool," recently appeared in " Letty Lynton," with Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery. In his new role he a lobbyist in a vivid drama of political life in which Lionel Barrymore heads a cast that includes Karen Morley, William Morris, William Collier, C. Henry Gordon. Diane Sinclair and others. Richard Barthelmess, star of " Alias the Doctor," a Warner First National Picture, has been a movie star for fifteen years. His first starring picture, " Tol'able David," was one of the screen's outstanding memories. Barthelmess has earned his high place in the film heaven by more than accident, or personality, or profile. He has brought .intelligence, hard work and sincerity to each role he has played. Ilis long period of stardom is all the more unusual when it is remembered that the average star i life of a player is five years, or less. Howard Hughes is one producer who still believes in turning out expensive film faro. Despite the depression, he has expended more than half a million dollars into his latest production, " Cock of the Air." This film, a comedy extravaganza with Chester Morris in the titlo role, is one of the most costly pictures of the season and is said to he unexcelled for sheer magnificence of atmospheric backgrounds and photography. It contains everything that the public wants most at this time — comedy, thrills, spectacle and romance. This picture is to be released by United Artists Pictures.

John Gilbert is reported to have lost £lo,ooo—the total proceeds of his latest picture—through the failure of the First National Bank of Beverly Hills. Other victims includo Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Wallace Beery, Marion Davics and Harold Lloyd. Cecil B. Do Mille has begun preliminary work for his production of " The Sign of the Cross " for Paramount, which he says will surpass any of the funious films h© has directed. It will be his first talking picture of epic proportions. The film will be adapted from Wilson Barrett's play of the intrigues of Nero's court with a romance between a Christian girl and a Roman soldier as the dominating motif. De Mille's " The Ten Commandments is classed as one of the greatest boxoffice attractions ever produced. Gilbert, Vernon Dent, Teddy Hart, John Sinclair and Sam Adams, veteran comedians of the screen, have been signed for roles in the Olympic Games farce, " Million Dollar Legs, being produced at the Paramount Hollywood studios. The quintet of actors join Hugh Herbert and Irving Bacon in enacting the parts of members of a presidential cabinet in a fictitious republic which sends a team of athletes to the Olympiad. W. C. Fields will appear in the role of the president. The cast will be headed by Jack Oakie, Ben Turpm, Andy Clyde, Lyda Roberti, Hank Mann and George Barbier. Her clever work as the mother in " Letty Lynton," has won a long-term contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for May Robson, famous Australian stage star, and lately character actress of the screen. Miss Robson is now playing the aunt m " Red-headed Woman with Jean Harlow, Chester Morns, Leila Hyams, and Una Merkel, in the supporting cast. Miss Robson is particularly famous on the stage for her work in "Mother's Millions " and " The Rejuvenation of Aunt Mary," in which she played in both England and America.