SCREEN AND STAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22205, 7 March 1934, Page 3

SCREEN AND STAGE

FROM GREEN ROOM AND STUDIO

BY HARLEQUIN,

Bernard Shaw Relents That amazingly caustic English playwright, George Bernard Shaw, made the following remark,while on tour of Hollywood: I don't believe Hollywood is within 10 years of tackling my stuff." However, G.B.S. has relented, and been finally won over by.RKO Radio Pictures. His prejudice against the American companies wa« that the play form .was entirely lost in the photoplay, but executive* of RKO Radio, pointed. out their version of Clemence Dane's "A Bill of Divorcement," and the great Bernard Shaw was satisfied that at least there was one company in Hollywood that was within 10 years of tackling his stuff. "The- Devil's Diiiciple,". one 'of Shaw's mosl;'recent works, will be adapted to the screen with John Barrymore in the leading role. Already two '• directors have been assigned to the 'new • venture. They are George Nicholls, vjun., and Worthihgton Minor. ~'"'".

An Australian Comedy Australia,-, it-'.ii said; has never produced*'a more exhilaratjnß.or uproarious comedy picture than "Waltzing Matilda," which .wiir be shown at, the St. James Theatce on Friday.:: Of its kind it is a gem of a production. The opening scenes are set and shift rapidly from there to an outback sheep station. If there are any sequences that fix themselves in the memory_nhore vividly than "the rest they are the -comedy scenes between Joe Valli, who > plays excellently the part of a station Overseer, and Pat Henna, the latter enacting .the role of a down-and-out " digger," who takes to the road with is swag on his back. The picture ' takes its title > from ithe awagman's "bluey," oc "Matilda," as it ; is known in the vernacular. ;■ Until recently Australian pictures' had two : .'failings—they wefe % not planned-and pruned with sufficient care, and the intrusion >df stage technique tended- to make them somewhat stiff* " Waltzing Matilda" is entirely, devoid of these defects. Particularly are -the. camera work) and editing enterprising and efficient. At a time when the fun .involved in 'miraeA is at i a discount, because the .films, are still busy'.transcribing stage successes, ■ and thus have to place-l emphasis on dialogue instead of action, the comedians in this film are true ;tdv the vtype, of comedy which -depends upon:the eyejrather than ithe:ear.. Acting honours are said to- jib to Joe Valli, who plays "MTaviah." " Valli ;was an original member of the famous "Diggers" Revue Company,, and .was brought across from Western -Australia to Melbourne studios to play his leading part. Norman French, thejinan who: .wins the "-girl^in the baby car " is a New Zealander by birth. Pat Hahna, . who .sponsored "Walking Matilda/' is\ a versatile man,' and his activi-ties,-cover- a wide'range. Author, actor, and producer, he wield? a facile brush. Mr Syme's • station Vt - Macedon, ■; ohe\ of the show places.of Tictoria, was used for scenes of ".Waltzing-Matilda." ..

" Catherine' The Great"- ?"■'-. London- Film Productions, Ltd., have scored- a veritable triumph' by. their presentation :r in Paris* :?bf : the .hew ! film, "Catherine .the Great/' jat'the Miracle Theatre. This is beyond question the best British film ever shown in the. city (writes a French critic),; and it met with a most enthusiastic reception from, a distinguished audience, Which included Lord Tyrrell,:the British Ambassador, and 'the! .principal figures of Parisian society, .. Douglas Fairbanks,-junior; had hurried over .6000 miles .from, Hollywoodespecially to be present at the first night of this his greatest film,-and at the .close of the performance,; for which he arrived just in time,; expressed in a few words his appreciation of the excellent reception given. to the-picture. The story, is that efihe Empress Catherine' from the. time .when, as a: simple, unsophisticated "German Princess, she went to Russia to become the bridei of the heir to the throne* and.'.while*he.l6st the'heart of her husband won that of the, people. In her portrayal of the unhappy but brave Catherine, Elizabeth Bergner achieves a masterpiece which places ner in the first rank of "liereen,actresses, Bbe_get« her effects without any 'apparent effort, but with a surepesa Of. touch which is the mark of the born actress. ■-., Douglas Fairbanks, junior, is also very happy In hw roje of the young and unstable T'aar. Hfe seems perfectly (at home in h> s part" and;. nUys with an'*ease which is most convincing. ' ;; > ', j;, ,'):•' /, ;The whole.'film, has been designed' On ambitious line*,- and the settings, Jlike; th? acting,' leave ..nothing to be desired. So lopg as "United -Artists .Ctorpdj-atipn can aiye the public films; of this: ; quajity it'has nothing to fear from' any competition. Charles Laughton'* Salary

TThe sensational success of London Film Productions'-"The!Pr'ivato'Life,of Henry. VIII* vt> already inspiring exaggerated stories of Mr. Charles Laughton'sprobable earnings. The Hollywood- Reporter, in a" recent issued estimates that; ,his -20 per cent, of the company s profitswill amount to some £SO,OO<L .!. • ',,. i%--u •■•■-"\'v , Mr 'Laughton ; denies •the.story with some emphasis;. Actually, his sha>e is only 10 per cept., which will iyiejdhim a mini- 1 njunr of *25#00. '•"■ 'Even -this,'' however, out at,about £SOOO, aXWeektor;the period be was working'pn the'film, . This is probably slightly; more tntin the fee; Miss Gracie Fields, received for l.er last English picture,-and* compares "very well 1 with Mr- Chevalier's £30,000 a picture, ~Mf John Barryrriore's £lO,-000 to £16,000,' and ; Miss. M«e West's. £IO,OOO, Misa Greta'Garbo is; still the most highly paid' star sat; £50)000, a picture'; although MiwCOiasUnce-Bennett, !at £IOO,OOO a year; and tw'O or three Other players'! who "■-'-.'',-"".' ■':-.- ;•■'•■: '"'•'<■'.'■■; ■"'•--. ■-' L *''■■',.'

Players Learn Church Ritual

make five or six pictures, probably have larger incomes.. As far as " Henry VIII" is concerned, Mr Laughton is reaping the reward of courage.- No one expected that a British film, and more especially a costume film, would have anything like its success at the box office.

Skit on British Army With the possible exception of the small percentage of unimaginative slaves to official shiboleths whom nothing can change, everybody enjoys a Satire on military red tape—especially when that satire bubbles with fun in situations that are frankly absurd. Imagination boggles at what would happen officially, did a " hard-boiled " American picture director actually dare to import a lady assistant and a complete filming unit into a British military barracks, with the declared intention of "putting the British Army on the map." But this is the theme on whicli Gaumont-British pictures have made "Orders Is Orders," basing the picture on the play of the same name, which enjoyed a phenomenally successful run in London. It was the joint work of lan Hay and Anthony Armstrong, both noted authors and playwrights. Nor does the brilliant satire stop with the army. It covers the methods of film producers in generous -measure; The result is a perfect gallery of character portraits on the broad lines farcical comedy lays down. Final selection.fell upon James Gleason and Charlotte Greenwood, for the American producer and his assistant, and upon Cyril Maude for the British colonel in command of the barracks. Mies Greenwood and Mr Gleason are not only accomplished comedy artists of the first rank but are also 100 ner centi Americans. Mr Maude's reputation as an actor is world wide, he is British through and through, phd in his 1 part of the colonel is simply delicious. Aiding this trio are lan Hunter, Jane Carr," Donald Calthron. Gedric Hardwicke. and many more. "Orders Is Orders" will be the next change at the Grand Theatre. ,

"Lawyer'Man" The ease of an honest young lawyer who cOmes into collision with a big city's politicians is dealt with in William Powell's latest production, which will be shown on Friday at the Strand Theatre. In his law practice among his own kind, Powell finds

the peace and satisfaction, the drama and comedy of life, which are the natural rewards of the not overly ambitious lawyer. But when he steps out against some of the city's. biggest lawyers in cases involving more than he has ever heard.of —his success is too much for him. In the end, however, chiefly due' to ;the practical and sane advice of hie blbnde Blondell—who stayed, with him- even when he soared into, a society that made her head swim, he is able to'beat " the ring," checkmate-"the big boss,", and go back to "work,among his own kind, finding his satisfaction in helping the little fellow who, but for him would"her at the mercy of every -city wolf who wandered his 'way, iCast.with Powell are Joan BlondelL Helen Vinson, Sheija Terry, Claire Dodd, Alan Dihehart,. Dayid Landau, Allen Jenkins, 'and many others. • " - ; . '; .

Imagine baying to leafn an entire church litanyTT-in Latin—within the short ; space of seven hours! That was the task imposed upon 35 women players in "Cradle Song," Dorothea Wiecks first starring picture for Paramount. ■ The. difficult passages'of the " Office of-Matins" was 'painstakingly rehearsed, .with the players r among them Miss Gail Patrick, Louise Dresser, and Nydi a Westmani ~ Their teacher ;.was ■.[ Father "OJseh, the authority on chtirch ritual -for the production. Lessons' started at 9 in

the morning, and by 4 that afternoon the group assembled and chanted the Latin phrases with perfect intonation. The church ritual plays an important part in the picture, scenes for which are laid within the walls of an ancient convent in a small Spanish village. It" is the story of Sister Joanna and her maternal love for a foundling child entrusted to her care. It tells of the child's upbringing and of Sister Joanna's fears that the child may Eome day leave her. When the moment of parting arrives the picture reaches emotional heights. The picture is based on the play of the same name by ,G. Mv Martinez Sierra, produced in America by Augustine Duncan and Eva Le Gallienne. i,

Octagon Theatre Programme " One. Precious Year," the screen version of the famous play entitled "Driven," by Temple Thurston, has been brought to the screen by Paramount British, and will.be shown at the Octagon. Theatre on Friday. Owen Nares, the star of many successful screen plays, has the role of Stephen Carton, a Foreign Office official. Anne Grey, the beautiful star of "Leap Year," is in the role ■ v. : m

of Diedre, hi s wife. Basil Rathbone, who gave a memorable performance in "Loyalties." ia seen as Captain Derek Nagel. The story concerns the life of' Stephen Carton and his wife, who is informed by, her medical advisers that she has only one year to live. Her reaction to this " sentence of death "makes an interesting; story. The supporting feature is "The Billion Dollar Scandal," a Paramount production with an interesting cast, headed by Rolph Morgan, Robert Armstrong, Constance 'Cummings, Olga. Baclanova. and Irving Pichel. Robert Armstrong has the role of Fingers Partos, thehumble masseur and ex-convict, who becomes the man of the hour when he dares to talk, exposing a group of millionaire financiers ■as the perpetrators'of a gigantic swindle. Constance Cummings appears in the 'feminine lead as Doris Masterton, daughter of the leader of the swindlers, a.role played by Frank Morgan. A New Greta Garbo

After over a year's absence from the screen, Greta Garbo has reasserted her self with what the ; American critics describe, as a dazzling exhibition of personality, plus acting. The new film is "Queen Christipa," in which Miss Garbo plays the tempestuous. seventeenth century queen of Sweden, who dressed as a man, swore like a trooper, and came to such a tragic end. ; The part is said to

Theatrical Conditions Overseas

fit , her like a glove, fcnd the picture, coming as it does at a time when some people'were beginning to imagine that her throne had) been usurped by Mae West and Katherine Hepburn, re-establishes her as the undisputed queen of the films. Apart from her position of Miss Garbo, in relation to the other stars, " Queen Christina" is especially interesting for two reasons. She plays once more opposite John Gilbert, the leading man with whom she made her fame and fortune, and she is said to have developed a new screen voice. "The old monotony of tone has gone," said Mr Sam Eckman, jim., the head of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in England. " Her voice in ' Queen Christina ' is not so deep: she speaks much better English, and she has all sorts of inflections which once were beyond her. It is not too much to say that, vocally, a new personality emerges."

Promising Screen Team Helen Hayes and Robert Montgomery are. co-starred in "Another Language," filmed by Metfo-Goldwyn-Mayer from the stage success which ran for more than a year on Broadway. The picture will be shown, starting at the Empire Theatre,

on Friday. As a play, "Another Language" proved to be the most popular comedy-drama to reach the stage in several years. v Its story concerns the oppressive effect ■of % middle-class family upon the happiness:of a young .girl who marries into it, a stranger to the customs -of the household. Edward H. Griffith, who directed the screen version, is'noted for Buch successes as "Holiday," "Rebound," and "The Animal Kingdom." Miss Hayes as Stella, the young bride who:is more interested in sculpture than in family dinners, has a role strikingly different from her recent portrayal in "The White Sister." Montgomery, who comes tp this picture direct from his success in " When Ladies Meet," plays the young husband who is unable to shake off the influence of his selfishly-adoring mother. The difficult'_ mother role'• is played by Louise Closser Hale.

•Mr E. J. Tait, managering director of J. C. Williamson, Ltd!, has returned.to Australia after eight months in Loudon, New York, and South Africa. While he was away, he; superintended the presentation of ■'" Rose Marie " in' South Africa, with Miss Marie Bremner in the title role, and bought a number of musical comedies and plays for production at the company's theatres in Australia. , From a. theatrical point of view, Mr Tait said, conditions were bouyant overseas, particularly in London, where two plays, "Ten-Minute Alibi" and Ivor Novello's "Fresh Fields," both of which would be produced in Australia, had been running, for more than 400 performances. "Richard of Bordeaux," an historical play, had had a season almost as long..' New York had suffered more severely than London in the, theatrical depression, and in the middle of last year only six theatres were open. When he wag in New York a few months ago, 30 theatres were engaged. ' and most of them were doing good business.

It was significant of the improvement in theatrical conditions, Mr Tait said, that in the last six months he_ had been able to secure six. new musical plays, whereas in the previous three years he could secure only two. Mr Tait mentioned several Australians and players well known in Australia and New Zealand, who were doing well in London. George Gee, he said, wa ß appearing in " That's a Pretty Thins," a new musical play, which had just opened at Daily's Theatre. Donalda Warne and Lance Fairfax .were in the cast of " Music in the Air." The theatres in London, Mr Tait said, were surprisingly well patronised. In London the average price of a stall seat was 12s Gd and in New York 16s. The cost of production was just as high in Australia, if not higher, than in London or New York. Picture shows in London were doing good business. None of the principal kinemas had an orchestra, and people had to pay 8s 6d a seat to see films and hear "canned " music. Never before, probably, was the English public more generously catered for in entertainment.

Marlcne Dietrich Starred Few actresses in recent years have been so consistently in the limelight as Marlene Dietrich, yet, despite the reams of publicity which have been written about her, she is considered the most enigmatic star in the film capital. jL'he subject of more gossip and rumours than any other screen luminary, she has steered a solitary, steadfast course. When she recently departed for a vacation in Germany, following the completion of her latest Paramount picture, "The Song of Songs," which opens at the Regent Theatre on Friday next, Hollywood discovered that it knew her but little better than when she first went to that country only three years ago. How does she spend her time? Working in pictures; being a mother 10 her eight-year-old daughter, Maria; in reading serious, informative books; pursuing her hobby of photography; dining and (lancing at one of the larger Hollywood clubs or hotels, and attending motion picture shows with her daughter. "The gong o£ Songs'? is- JSouben

Mamoulian's screen production of Hermann Sudermann's immortal novel and Edward Sheldon's play. Miss Dietrich, who has previously been seen as a sophisticated woman of the world, in " The, Song of Songs" has the role of a young country, girl of rare beauty who goes to Berlin, and, jilted by a handsome young sculptor, runs the gamut of tragic experiences. She marries, a rich and elderly baron, whom she does not love, and,, following their divorce, she becomes bitter and disillusioned, and a notorious woman in the gay, German city's night life. It is then that her sculptor lover finds her, and the manner in . which they re-estab-lish their happiness furnishes a dramatic climax. : ■ .'■ ' ■ Miss Dietrich is German, The director, Mamoulian, was born in the Caucasus, of Armenian parentage. Brian Aherne, Miss Dietrich's leading man, is English. So are Lionel Atwill and Alison Skipworth, who- have prominent roles. Two other principals, Hardie Albright and Helen Freeman,' are'America, 't.nd the author, Hermann Sudermaiin, is a German, and is one of that country's' greatest literary "figures.