Suitable Story for Garbo's Comedy

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23115, 13 August 1938, Page 16 (Supplement)

Suitable Story for Garbo's Comedy

POWELL AS PARTNER Garbo's modern coined}', which she and wo have been wanting so badly, has become a reality at last. Or it will become one, when "Ninotska" goes into production in September, states the London Film Weekly. Meanwhile the author of the comedy, Melchior Lengyel, well-known Hungarian dramatist, bas been in London. Starting with the news that Garbo's co-star will bo William Powell, Leng3'el's information comes as a magnificent relief. For the comedy plans seem to have got off firmly 011 the right loot. "When I hoard of Miss Garbo's quest," Lengyel said, "I sat down and wrote the story of a simplo Russian girl, brought up under the Soviet regime. "Intelligent, educated, witty and energetic, Ninotska is sent by her Government to Paris to take part in some commercial negotiations, needing great tact and diplomacy. "Not for a moment will she consider using her feminine charm as a weapon. But William Powell is the aristocratic leader of tho French industrial group. He does u.-,o his masculine charm oil his Russian opponent. Conflict between them develops, bringing in communism and capitalism. But politics do not interfere with their rapid romance. "There is also a Pygmalion-like transformation, when Ninotska, in love with

Paris as well as Powell, exchanges her simple masculine clothes diffidently for Paris fashions." Mosb people will agree that the story sounds just what Garbo needs. This story at least has its roots in realities of to-day; and, as Lengyel points out. will show licr as a clover negotiator, a fighter for her creed, a comedienne with plenty of wisecracks, and a human being with many serious moments. The whole'"set-up" is equally happy. Powell is just the kind of sophisticated mature partner Garbo has too seldom had. Her great friend, George Cukor, will direct. Her other great friend, Salka Viertel, has done the script, with Garbo's own collaboration. Lengyel found Garbo always gay and witty, and insistent on keeping in various "hilarious incidents." Evidently Garbo is happv ever her comedy.