FILM TOPICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

FILM TOPICS

ARRANGEMENTS CONCLUDED METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER FILMS " GRAND HOTEL " COMING Arrangements have now been concluded between tho Mctro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and the St. James' and Majestic Theatres in Auckland, and as a result some of the most noted pictures of 1932 will bo released. At tho beginning of tho year, when contracts were entered into generally between theatres and producing studios, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer company, it is stated, was unable to como to an agreement with theatres over the rental charges for their productions. This fact explains the long delay in tho screening of several films which, as a result of their reception in England and America, have been watched for eagerly by Auckland film-goers. The opinion was expressed by some that censorship difficulties had occurred, but this was not the cause of the non-ap-pearance of the films on the screen. Greatest interest attaches to " Grand Hotel," which is played by what is easily tho most notable cast ever assembled in one picture. Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lionel Barrymore, John Barrymore, Lewis Stone, Wallace Beery and Jean Hersholt, all take vivid parts in tho story based on Vicki Baum's sensational novel. The film was acknowledged throughout the world to be one of tho greatest contributions of tho screen to dramatic art. Almost equally important will bo " Strange Interlude," the Eugene O'Noil play which has for its principals Norma Shearer and Clark Gable. The Metro-Goldwyn Mayer studios, over a period of years, have chosen a consistently high standard of literary and dramatic value for their plays and although they have been sometimes criticised for their " high-brow " leanings, their policy has not only resulted in elevating the standard of screen art but h;is been financially most successful. " Strange Interlude " is an example of a play which on the surface would have been most unsuitable from a box-office point of view, yet which lias met with enthusiastic public support from all types of audiences. It is essentially a psychological study, a new technique being introduced in the form of " aside " which reveals the inner thoughts of tho actors. Norma Shearer and Clark Gable have never given more powerful or sincere portrayals. Another film of great interest will be " Smiling Through," a film which although marking a return to sentimentalism, is nevertheless so brilliantly done that it has moved even the most evnical critics into commendation. Norma Shearer is the principal. " Pros- I perity," Mario Dressler's latest production, will be another film to be welcomed for its entertainment value alone, apart altogether from the fine acting of the " old-timer " who will also appear, with Wallace Beery, in " Tugboat Annie," a film reminiscent of " Min and Bill." All of these may be expected in £hevery near future.