Career in Hollywood and Denham

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 18 (Supplement)

Career in Hollywood and Denham

STAR IN "MANON LESCAUT*

Merle Oberon, travelling between Samuel Goldwyn's studio in Hollywood and Jvorda's at Denham, is in a unique position. Her career is divided into two separate sets of films. During her last Hollywood term thero were plenty of suggestions for her next homework: " Ann Boleyn," " Elizabeth of Austria," and " Pocahontas," wero among tho historical candidates. But Miss Oberon, who arrived back in London the same week as her new Hollywood film, "Wuthering Heights," said that for the moment she would do nono of these. She was getting rdady to start work on " Manon Lescaut," in about a month. It will be her first picture at Denham for Alexander Korda productions, and Korda will direct himself. The picture will be in technicolour. The first picture to be started by his firm will be "The Thief of Baghdad." which will be directed by Dr. Ludwig Berger, and will star Conrad Veidt and Sabu. When "Ma'non Lescaut" goes into production both films will be on the floor together. Her last lot of work in England did not prove very lucky. There was " I, Claudius," interrupted by her accident and never finished. " The Divorce of Ladv X " was hardly more than a timemarking comedy for her. " Over the Moon," her last comedy before she left for Hollywood, has never yet been shown. . This time Merlo is confident and very well pleased over the choice of subject for the first of the two films she will make hero. " Manon," one of the classic courtesans, has already been the subject of plays, operas, and at least two films. Dolores Costello onco played her. But the German version, starring Lva do Putti, was one of the few great successes of the UFA boom period. Few people realise that Marlene Dietrich played a small part in it. That was 13 years ago. The story should have enough life in it for a new version. The period will give Korda scope for a beautiful production. And the part should give Merle her biggest acting chance yet.