NEW FILM PERSONALITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21807, 23 May 1934, Page 14

NEW FILM PERSONALITY

ANNA STEN FOR REGENT One of the most eagerly-awaited filmsi to be shown in Auckland for some time, "Nana," 1 will open a season at the Regent Theatre 011 Friday. The production is notable for the debut, in American films, of Anna Sten, the talented Russian actress, for whom a remarkable film career' is predicted. Anna Sten had been in Hollywood for 18 months before making' the picture. She was one of the first actresses to • . be trained exclusively in Soviet screen and stage institutions, and so success- ] i fal was she in the film version of "The ; Brothers Karamazoff," that Samuel ; Goldwyn, the well-known producer olr » motion pictures, decided to take her to i America and train her for a film career. ! The period of preparation was taken up with teaching the Russian actress to ) speak English and to assimilate American manners and customs. No fewer ' than 51 film tests were made, to eni sure that she was photographed perfectly in her first film, and equally careful voice tests were carried out. J: 'After seeing the film an overseas ' critic said: "Her interpretation of the ; role is a first-class display of personnl- < ity, aqd a foretaste of real acting . power, 'which, one hopes, will be more '.'fully developed in her future films. Ihe J picture stands or falls by her work, and J its success may be taken as an indication of her ability to carry the burdens of stardom easily. She is surrounded by i«n Excellent cast. Richard Bennett, as tireinor. 'Phillips Holmes as her iover, 5 and Lionel Atwill as the brother, all ftire sound and efficient performances."