Grade Fields Fears World Fame

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23061, 11 June 1938, Page 16 (Supplement)

Grade Fields Fears World Fame

LOSS OF PRIVATE LIFE [from our own correspondent] LONDON. May 28 Gracie Fields, who last week attended the London premiere of her latest film, "We Are Going To Be Rich," has set out to capture the American public, but she fears that if her bid succeeds she may lose the privacy that was possible to her in the United States. To establish herself as a film star with world-wide appeal means changing from a music-hall turn to a straight actress. Gracie knows it. But in bringing about the change how many of her public in England and the Dominions will she lose!' Miss Fields receives over £50,000 tor her new film. If she conquers America Bhe will be receiving more than double that in the future. There is one thing that she admitted alarms her in the prospect of becoming a world star — loss of all private lite. "When 1 was in America," she said, "I could go anywhere and they wouldn't know me. Over here, why 1 can't leave the front door unless I put a black moustache on." If America becomes like that iPis easy to realise why Gracie fears the fame of a world-wide public.

a croup of Liszt selections. Numbers will also be given bv Miss Sybil Phillipps, soprano, Mr. John Tait's Madrigal Choir and by a boys' quartette. Drama Tuition for Girls As a result of the enthusiasm which was aroused by the drama school recently hold by the Auckland branch of llic Bi ilish Drama League, an afternoon scsfcicn for girls was arranged before the leaguo tutor, Miss Elizabeth Loe, returned to Wellington last week. Over 20 young students of drama attended and tuition was given in the practical side of the work. Exercises in mime and stage movement occupied part of the afternoon, and groups of players acted in scenes calling for some originality. "Vagabond King" Cast

The full cast for the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society's production, "The Vagabond King," which will be presented in His Majesty's Theatre from August 12 to 22, has now been decided and the numerous parts have been divided among a talented group of performers. The role of Francois Villon, the "vagabond king," will be taken by J. Ernest Snell and that of Katherine de Vaucelles by Sybil Phillipps. Other leading parts are: Guy Tabarie, Douglas Stark; Louis XI., Norton Hammond; Huguette de Hamel, Winifred Clements; Tristan L'Hermite, H. Leo Pilclier; Oliver le Dain, Bryan Henderson; Margot, Mrs. A. J. C. Fisher; Lady Mary, Tally Nettleton; Noel de Jolys, Philip Jay; Rene de Montigny, Jack Stokes; troubadour, Gordon Fagan; captain of archers, Dick Sessions; the Queen, Dorothy Aickin, the hangman, Alan Reid. Bettina Edwards will bo the principal dancer. "The Vagabond King" will be produced by Mr. Stan Lawapn and the ballet mistress will be Miss Rosetta Powell, the musical director Mr. Colin Muston and the stage manager Mr. Harry Withers.