Franco-British Film Scheme

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23618, 30 March 1940, Page 10 (Supplement)

Franco-British Film Scheme

THE English actor Leslie Howard, who is above the mobilisation age but anxious to help the Allies, is now in France on a special film-making scheme, states an exchange. This 47-year-old actor has plans for producing entertainment pictures in simultaneous French and British versions. He foresees the employment from both countries of popular players who cannot otherwise serve in the war. Howard abhors the word "propaganda, " and wants to avoid its use as much as possible. But he has already conferred with Jean Giraudoux, head of the French Bureau of Information. Noel Coward, employed in the British censorship office in Paris, is interested. Howard is anxious to employ actors who are known to American and other overseas audiences. Danielle Darrieux, whose manager has heen drawn into conferences, is one of the stars mentioned. Leslie Howard does not so far consider importing Hollywood players under liij scheme. This is just as well. American companies are finding an unexpected snag in their plans for producing quality pictures in England this season. They cannot persuade wellknown players from Hollywood to cross the Atlantic in wartime. The only American star currently at work in London is Robert Montgomery. Ho has just arrived to make two pictures for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Ray Milland is definitely arriving there soon to make two Paramount pictures. But othei actors and actresses still have to be coaxed. These hesitaters were put to shame by Madeleine Carroll, who arrived at her Orelenan chateau last week. Madeleine crossed the Atlantic to see her mother in Paris. The rumour that while in France she would marry a titled suitor has been denied. Cecil B. de Millp. who wants Madeleine for

Allies to Join For

"North-west Mounted Police," tried to stop her leaving America. He had warned her against sailing until an insurance policy <lll Iter safety had heen cleared through Lloyds. Madeleine stated, however, that she was taking "a normal, flying visit." English stars have no qualms about travelling by sea in the other direction. Sabu, June Duprez and Joan Gardner havo all arrived in New York from London this month. They will make pictures for Korda in Hollywood.

four works by Chopin, " Staccato Etude." by Rubinstein, "Jeux d'eau," and "Toccata," by Rave], and waltzes from tlie ballet "Xaila," bj T DelibesDohnanyi.