The Deadhead's Diary

NZ Truth, Issue 913, 26 May 1923, Page 15

The Deadhead's Diary

There have been many "big" pictures, some of them bigger on the advertising sheets than they are m fact, others really tremendous works of cinema production, but they all have to take a back seat to "Robin Hood," the picture on which Doug. Faibanks lavished his whole fortune — a considerable one at that. Of course, he did not spend bis good money for the fun of it, but j with the idea of getting it back with ; more added, and no doubt he will. He needed castles for his settings, and as there were none handy he had them built. It was necessary to destroy a few of them for the purposes of the story; he had done that, too. Hundreds of players did not satisfy Mm; he wanted thousands — and got them. ' Every actor, big and little, had to be rigged out m the rig of the day, arms, trappings, everything had to be tttrned out true to detail; money would simply fly m the making of such a film as this. : : : : : : George Arliss, one of the most_famous actors of i the English legitimate stage, and who will be remembered for his great work m "Disraeli," offers as. his latest picture "Me Silent Voice." He is cast as a great musician who is afflicted with deafness. Becoming cynical and hardened through his misfortune, he is contemplating self-de-struction when he learns of the troubles of other people, and realises that his, are really only very small troubles m comparison. One of the most amazing climaxes takes place when m the great church his hearing is suddenly restored. : x i : si

. :: :: :: "High Speed," a screen adaption of Clinton Stagg's famous automobile story, is one of the most sensational of its kind ever screened. The storyla laid around the famous automobile races held at Santa Monica, Sheegshead, N.Y., where the actual racing scenes were "shot." During the course " of the races there is a thrilling accident m which two cars are demolished. The picture will hold an appeal to (all motorists and lovers of speed m ltd various forms. :s i: li A. picture with a tang of the North {Woods — of passions astray m a noman's land— ls told m "The Man From Lost River," with House Peters. The story concerns a six-foot-three rugged type of manhood, steel muscled and iron jawed, who protects a girl who (dreaded him, but later came to love him because of the real man that she discovered beneath his rough exterior. Fritzi Brunette is the girl. The story Is adapted from the well-known novel by Katherine Newlin Bart. :: :: :: Charlie Chaplin's next offering Is entitled "Pay Day." The picture is said to recall some of his former work to those big early pictures that were a delight to the whole world. :•. :: t: Honeymoon disillusionment is one of the big points that is brought out m "Dangerous Curve Ahead," starring OHelene Chadwick and Richard Dix, to be shown soon. The story tells of a, young wife who is tempted to stray from the paths of wifely duty through the Influence of society, dinners and Jaai*" parties. It is at a gathering of society people that sBS Is brought to realise the real significance of her responsibility — the responsibility of motherhood and the car© that her sick § child demands. Though primarily an entertainment the story preaches a moral. ■» it li ti There must be something about the old King's, Wellington,' that specially appeals to Musical Conductor L. D. Austin, for when the theatre opens again under new management he will sever his several years' connection with the Picture Supplies Company and will conduct again m the popular old house m Manners Btreet. No one would ever think to look at him that UD.A. would carry a great deal of punch as an orchestral conductor, for he does not look a musician of the conventional type. As a matter of fact he is not, has few fads and no affected mannerisms — even his early- Victorian bow when the audience noisily approves of what his orchestra has done by way of overture is almost uncomfortably modest. He does his Job well enough to get through it without stupid swank. ' , it :t f) Mr. Harry Day writes: "The revue "Spangles," which was such an enormous success m Melbourne, breaking all records, was originally presented by me at Bristol m 1920 and Is still running m England. The Australian rights were sold to Miss Ada Reeve, with a distinct clause In the contract providing for all publicity matter to contain the following Hues: 'Presented by arrangoment with Harry Day,' 'Original production by Charles Henry.' From newspapers and other publicity matter to hand from Australia, we flnd that these lines have been omitted, but we think it only right that some credit for the success of this show, which had brokon records m England before the rights were over sold to Miss Reeve, Bhould be given to the original presenters and the original producer." tt : : : s It is rather interesting that while Lawrenco Orossmith has boen saying complimentary things regarding Cosmo Hamilton, the author of "The Silver Fox," In which he is appearing on the other side. the brilliant novelist and playwright has boon saying nice things m the New York papers about the distinguished English actor. In the course of a column write-up m the N T ew York "Times" under the title of "Plays and Playerß," Cosmo Hamilton thus referred to Lawrence Grossmlth: "I could not complete these reminiscences without referring to Lawrence GrosHmlth, who Is at present delighting the Australians. He is easily the most artistic comedian alive. Ho has the urbanity nnd Imperturbability of the nne English gentleman who lives m a.degroe of placid personal calm. I certainly know no one who can deliver my dialogue so well a« ho. Without nny apparent effort he gets into It unimaginable shades of meaning that •rtbftolutely convey the author* meaning. I wish lie were back In America."

The announcement of the postponement of the Australasian tour of Bachmaninoif, the world-tamotla composer and pianist, will be received with -widespread regret. The reason for the postponement is contained m a cable message received by J. and N. Tait which intimated that at the end of Rachmaninoff's present American tour, he will have to undergo a severe operation. It is probable that the visit to Australia will be made early next year. x: s: :s Gertrude Elliott (Lady ForbesRobertson) since she has arrived m Australia has endeared herself to everybody, including' the people of the theatre, by her charming' simplicity and magnetic personality. It was this personal charm as well as her brilliant acting that made her a record-break-ing success m South Africa during her recent tour of that country. In "Woman to Woman" the famous dramatic star has a fine role that runs the whole gamut of human emotion, and with which she plays upon the heartstrings of her audience. Her acting makes just as much emotional appeal to the men as to the women. :i :: :: Bonno Molseiwitsch, the great Russian pianist, has arrived m Sydney to commence his second Australian tour under the J. and N. Tait management. While m America recently, Molseiwitsch was interviewed by the musical representative of the New York "World" regarding his travels and tours, and referring to Australia he said: "Of tha{ country I have the most pleasurable recollections. I was surprised that m a country so young m years and nationhood, such a high standard of musical culture should prevail. And yet It should not be surprising, for Australia has produced many great singers and musicians. My only regret is that my wife, Miss Daisy Kennedy, herself an Australian, cannot accompany me on my return visit, to which I look forward to keenly." Prior to his departure the Australian "colony" m New York entertained Moisewitsch at a banquet and made him a presentation. *l *! II "The world's most, beautiful acting sisters" is a term constantly used to describe Miss Gertrude Elliott (Lady Forbes-Robertson) and Miss MaxLne Elliott, Both began their careers In America, and for some years were jointly responsible for staging a number of 'important productions. Lady Forbes-Robertson stfll laughs over many amusing incidents which befel them m those early days, although Maxine is many years the senior of the two. The first night of one play Maxine "dried up" m the middle of a long speech about the ideal husband! Gertrude was on ther stage at the time, and after on* horrified moment remembered the Allowing Une ( and whispered it across, and the show went on. Ever since then, Miss Gertrude Elliott has learnt not only her own roles, but most of the others m her productions. :: ti it Miss Maude Fane commenced her theatrical career m Melbourne and there she will take her farewell of Australia, for on the completion of the season of the Royal Comic Opera Company, the New English Musical Comedy Company, headed by Maude Fane, appear there for a brief season, after which Miss Fane will sail to England. As to who will take Miss Fane's place on her departure, there are lots of rumors, but the J. C. Williamson management, like (Brer Rabbit, "say nothln'."