Fuller's Again Releasing New Year's M.G.M. Films

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22582, 21 November 1936, Page 16 (Supplement)

Fuller's Again Releasing New Year's M.G.M. Films

AS the result of a cinema deal r\ completed in Sydney, the Ful-ler-Hayward Theatre Corporation Limited and John Duller and Sons Limited have gained, for the seventh year in succession, the entire output of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Limited, a film service familiar to picture-goers through the trade mark of " Leo the Lion. The deal, which gives these organisations exclusive rights to all Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer features throughout their New Zealand circuit, was completed by Mr. J. H. Mason, general manager of New Zealand Theatres Limited, who represented the Fullers and at the same time secured the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer supplies for his own firm. Mr. P. W. Maddock, general manager of New Zealand for Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer Limited, signed on behalf of his company. In the first batch of productions, which arc due to commence release in December, the principal features are "The Great Ziegfeld" and "Romeo and Juliet." "The Great Ziegfeld's" fast is headed by William Powell as Ziegfeld, Mvrna Loy as Billie Burke, his second wife, and Luise Rainer as the spectacular Anna Held, whom Ziegfeld first married. Frank Morgan, V irginia Bruce, Reginald Owen, Nat Pendleton, Harry Brice and Leon Errol are some of the other principals in a cast of hundreds. The picture runs for three hours and, besides telling the entire story of Ziegfeld's amazing life, it shows bow he first started to "glorify" the American girl and ultimately built up the most astonishing and lavish stage shows in America. "Romeo and Juliet" was the crowning achievement of the late Irving Thai berg, and has Norma Shearer and Leslie Howard in the title roles, with John Barry more as Mercutio. Other artists appearing are Edna May Oliver, Basil Rathbone, C. Aubrey Smith, Ralph Forbes and Reginald Denny. Other productions will be "The Devil Doll," a thriller with Lionel Barrymore, Maureen O'Sullivan, Frank Lawton and Henry B. Walthall, and "His Brother's Wife," with Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Tavlor, Joseph Calleia and Jean liersholt. Then there is P. G. Wodehouse's "Piccadilly Jim," with Robert Montgomery in the role, supported by Madge Evans" Billie Burke, Frank Morgan, Reginald Owen, Ralph Forbes, Eric Blore and Robert Benchley. Joan Crawford will be seen in several features, tho first to be "The Gorgeous Hussy," with Franchot Tone, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore and James Stewart. Freddie Bartholomew will be starred with Jackie Cooper and Mickey Rooney in "The Devil is a Sissy." "Sworn Enemy," with Robert Young, Lewis Stone and Joseph Calleia, is a melodrama, and "Women are Trouble,"

with Stuart Envin, Paul Kelly and Florence Rice, is a comedv-drama. A farce, "We Went to College,' stars Charles Butterworth with Hugh Herbert and Una Merkel. Another comedy will be "lhe Longest Night," with Robert Young, Florence Kite, 'J'ed Healy and Julie Haydon. lhe last-named will be remembered placing opposite Noel Coward in "lhe Scoundrel." Wallace Beery and Eric Linden and Cecilia Parker will appear in "Old Hutch." Laurel and Hardy will appear in a full-length farce, "Our Relations, in which they have the assistance of IyCoii Krrol. . In addition to these attractions there will be manv offerings not yet announced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for release. Eleanor Powell, of "Broadway Melody of 1936," will probably play in "Born to Dance," with James Stuart and Frank Morgan, Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor and a huge cast in "Camille, and Paid Muni and Luise Rainer in "The Good Earth." the picturisation of Pearl S. Buck's famous novel of Chinese life. 1 Advice is at present being awaited concerning William Powell, Jean Harlow, Mvrna Loy, Spencer Tracy and Walter "Connolly in "Libelled Lady." Many inquiries have been received concerning Nelson I'.ddy and Jeanettc MacDonald in "Rose Marie," but it is not possible to announce definitely when this will be screened, although it is hoped it will be among next season s features. Clark Gable, Joan Crawford and Robert Young are scheduled to appear in "Love on the Run." The well-known play, "The Last of Mrs. Cheyney," will he produced with William Powell and Mvrna Loy, and the musical feature "Mavtime" with Jeanettc Mac Donald. Nelson Eddy and Frank Morgan is on the list. . Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer have paid particular attention to their short subjects. There will lie several musical comedies, another of the "Crime Doesn't Pay" series. "Happy Harmony" cartoons in technicolour, and FitzPatriek J ra\eltalks, also in colour. Pete Smith specialities will continue to be among the featurettes, and there will be also the usual Metro Miniatures with "Chi.* Sale," Robert Benchley and others, besides a number of tabloid musicals and "Our Gang" comedies, while each programmc will have a Hearst-Metro News. The major Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer productions will be seen in the St. James Theatre, Auckland, and others will be screened at the Majestic.