SCREEN AND STAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23598, 7 September 1938, Page 4

SCREEN AND STAGE

FROM GREEN ROOM AND STUDIO

BY HARLEQUIN

Russian Ballet’s Visit The Covent Garden Russian Ballet Company of 70 artists and a repertoire of 30 ballets is to tour New Zealand next January following a .threemonths’ stay in Australia. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin are to be visited, an agreement having been finalised by the new J C. Williamson Australian and New Zealand Theatre Company with Covent Garden (writes our London correspondent on July 20). Mr J. Nevin Tait, Williamson’s London representative, declares that the ballet will be the greatest organisation ever to visit Australia and New Zealand. It will take with it the full Covent Garden costumes, production? and many famous dancers and celebrated stars of the Russian company None of them have appeared in the Dominion before. The dancers include Irina Baronova, Tatiana Riabouchinska, David Llchine, Yurek Shabelevsky, Paul Petroq and Roman Jasinsky. Half the ballets to be, jperformed will be seen in New Zealand for the first time. These include “ Cendrillon,” performed in London for the first time last night, “ Chorea!rtium,” “Concurrence,” “Dieux Mendiants,” “Good Humoured Ladies,” “Jeux D’Enfants,” “Protee,” and “ Papillon.” In addition there will be the old favourites such as “ Scheherazade,” “The Marriage of Aurora,” “Fire Bird," “ Petrouschka,” “Presages,” and “Prince Igor.” The ballet will be directed by Mr Victor Dandre, manager and husband of v the late Anna Pavlova. Mr G. Sevastianov, formerly manager for Colonel de Basil, will be in charge of the business direction of the tour. The conductors in charge of the London performances, Mr Antal Dorati and Mr George Solti, will be the musical directors, and the stage director. Serge Gregorieff. 1 The Russian ballet is epjoying a most successful London season at the mom-ent-ballet. indeed, appears.to.be more than usually popular this year, since there are two companies performing within a stpne’s throw of each other, orfe at Covent Garden, and the other at Drury Lane. “ Cendrillon,” which New Zealanders will see, was well received when it was performed for the first time In London last evening. It is yet another version of the old favourite “Cinderella,” and a magnificent spectacle. The ugly sisters, the modest cottage, the ragged drudge and her,cat are all there, and the change from the cottage to the palace is a brilliant piece of stage craft. The tale is told with essential simplicity and unforced humour. The ballet leaves England for Australia towards the end of August, and the, Melbourne season will begin on or about September 28. Six weeks will be spent there and in Sydney, and then the visit to New Zealand will'be made. The season must necessarily be short since the? company is booked to return ■ to Covent Garden next year. Dietrich for Columbia

The most important information of the week as far as Columbia Pictures is concerned, is that Harry Cohn, president of that organisation, has signed up Mattene Dietrich to a long-term contract. ■ It is further announced that a Capra vehicle has been assigned as the production in which Dietrich will mike her debut for her new company. American' trade papers Jaud Columbia’s latest acquisition, Dietrich has reached screen; heights that come to very few stars, but in recent months, through a decline in suitable screen •tories. has not enjoyed the success which her artistry Is undoubtedly entitled • to. It is Harry Cohn’s intention, however, "completely to remould the Scteen personality - of this star, and, knowing Columbia’s success for giving people a new and fresh lease of life as first instances with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in "It Happened One Night’’ and later Gary Cooper in "Mr Deeds Goes to Town, and Irene Dunne as a comedienne in “ Theodora Goes Wild,” the Dietrich outlook is particularly bright.

Grand Theatre Films Helen Broderick and Victor Moore, two of the most popular comedians who ever played on .Broadway, are fast becoming an institution as a screen comic team. In their fourth picture together during the last year Miss BroderlfckL. and Moore are cast in stellar comedy roles in the sparkling new , filmusical, "The Life of the.Party’ to be'shown at the Grand Theatre today, in which they share honours with Gene Raymond, Harriet Hilliard, Joe. Penner, and Parkyakarkus. In their current picture, Miss Broderick plays the role of Harriet Hilliard’s theatrical agent, while Moore has the part of a gufardian to Gene Raymond, an irresponsible playboy. Their charges meet, fall in love, and complications ignite with TNT celerity, Harriet’s mother matches her daughter with a nitwit millionaire, while Raymond must forfeit 3,000,000 collars bequest if he*marries within a three-year period. Six new songs by some of Hollywood’s foremost composers are featured in “The Life of the Party.” The numbers are sung by Miss Hilliard, Raymond, and Joe Penner, and performed ; by a dancing ensemble comprising,equal numbers of beautiful girl and male partners. A whirlwind tap dance on a table bv Ann Miller, and am eccentric dance by Joe Penner add entertainment lustre to the picture. The men who earn their living in the dangerous business of transporting high explosives develop a peculiar sense of humour, and find recreation in unusual horseplay to relieve the strain under which they work. In “Danger Patrol,” the second feature, a -hew RKO Radio film melodrama which deals with these men and their women* examples are shown, with the comedy serving the added purpose of relieving tension for s the audience who follow the adventures of the characters. Solly Ward, who is rapidly becoming one of Hollywood’s comedy stats, furnishes most of the fun, while Sally Eilers and John Beal carry the romantic assignment with Harry Carey, Frank M. Thomas, Ed Gargan, Lee Patrick, and others contributing the melodrama.

The Kcllaway Comedians The name of Keilaway, so well known in the theatrical world, is now equally prominent in Australian films. Cecil Kellaway’s success in “It Isn’t Done” led to a Hollywood contract with R.K.0., but Australia will see this famous character actor in another Cinesound film, “Mr Chedworth Hits Out,” later in the year. He returns to Australia early in October on loan from the American studio to star in this film. He will be accompanied by his wife and two sons- who are eagerly looking forward to a “visit to Sydney.” * In the absence of Cecil anothei Keilaway brother has become screen news in Australia. He is Alec Keilaway. who, after successfully appearing in a small comedy part in “ Lovers and Luggers,” played a leading role in "The Broken Melody” as “Joe the Dip,” a whimsical pickpocket, his performance was hailed bv critics as outstanding. His work as the magician In “ Let George Do It” definitely established Alec Keilaway as a subtle comedian, and in “ Dad and Dave Come to Town.” as a fussy floor-walker in “ Dad’s ” salon, his work again shows his versatility. Alec Kellaway’s stage career was decided by his sister many years ago in Capetown, South Africa.

Reading in the local paper, that, a small boy was needed for a part in "The Streets of London,” she grabbed little eight-year-old Alec by the hand and led him to the theatre. He played the part, while his sister basked in the reflected glorv of “my brother who is on the stage.” ; . ... Strangely enough, Cecil Kellaway also began his career in melodrama at an early age, playing the newspapei boy in “The Silver King in Capetown. Unfortunately his family attended the show, recognised their offspring. and his career .finished after that night. He was packed off to England to school. . But the Kellaway boys, Cecil, Alec, Jack and Leon, were always actors. Their favourite pastime between bouts of mischief that shocked the neighbourhood was organising concerts. •>’ ■ ) ■ / ~i* ;;/•: ’ Cecil’s contributions to the tions. was some, flags he had carefully collected.' But when he wanted to be the comedian in the show, his brothers objected, so at the last moment he would take down the flags! It was soon after this that the Kellaway family decided their house was haunted. Strange and terrifying sounds that could.not be accounted for were explained, however, when the manhole in Cecil’s bedroom was found open one day. Under the roof was Cecil, a goat, several white rabbits.

books and a considerable amount of food. , Cecil had made a “ study ” where he could express his talents without interruption.

But there were further shocks for the parents of the Kellaway boys. One day Mrs Kellaway heard a man’s deep baritone voice singing in the bathroom. Terrified, she got in touch with her husband, who rushed home to catch the “burglar.” To their amazement the door suddenly opened and out stepped Alec. He had been trying dut his voice that had broken. Dancer and comedian Jack Kellaway, who is now in London playing with Sylvia, his wife, in vaudeville, will miss the reunion in October when Cecil

returns to Sydney. But Alec and Leon known to ballet lovers as “Jan Kowsky,” will be there to greet the brother they once refused to allow to be a “ comic.” “ Checkers ” The girl who has just been voted one of the six most popular stars of today wears the proudest racing silks on the track in " Checkers,” her latest Twentieth Century-Fox picture, opening soon at the Octagon Theatre. Jane Withers is said to be at her uproarious best in this film. Stuart Erwin and Una Merkel are featured in romantic roles in the film, and Marvin Stephens, the bad boy of “ Borrowing Trouble,” plays Jane’s first screen “ crush." Jane, Stu, and “ Blue Skies wander around to the track at the opening of the story. The horse, with Jane riding, beats the star of another owner’s stable. Enraged, this sportsman fires Marvin Stephens, his jockey, who joins forces with Jane and com* pany. The quartet then descends upon Una’s farm. When “Blue Skies breaks a leg in a race, Una is forced to put the horse up in her barn, even though she dislikes racehorses. Stu gets a job on the farm, and Jane and Marvin start school. • Soon Stu’s romantic rival appears—Andrew Tombes, the local banker. , Then Marvin, through his part-time job in Tombes s bank, develops a great interest in the banker’s daughter. Determined to set things aright. Stu employs a ruse which reveals the ulterior motives of the banker’s courtship and results in Marvin’s being fired. But the ruse hcakfires, and they find they will have to race “Blue Skies” if they are to save Una’s farm, from foreclosure. They enter the horse secretly in the big race, but the news leaks out. A stormy conclusion is neatly turned into a romantic idyll.

“The Last Gangster” Edward G. Robinson brings all his artistry to the role of Joe Krozac, gangster, killer and extortionist of “The Last Gangster,” which will be the next change at the Empire Theatre. In “ The Last Gangster ” we have the picture of a domineering, ruthless, underworld czar—a man who has outsmarted rival crooks and got away with it, a man who has laughed at judges'and got away with it, a man who recognises no Eower greater than his own. When is doom finally falls and he is ultimately. sent to serve 10 years in prison for'income tax evasion, he is like a child in an unknown; world. It is this man whom Robinson brings to life with that instinct for making a human being Out of a screen shadow which has labelled him one of the screen’s greatest character stars. The story .‘is given force in its narrative of the wife and child who have been, left behind when Joe Krozak is sent to prison. Hounded by newspapermen, the gangster’s harassed wife is befriended by a reporter whom she-marrles following her divorce from Krozac. When the gangster finally is released from prison it is with hatred for his wife and the man whom he thinks of as having stolen his child It _is ultimate understanding of the child’s new environment and his own unfitness to be.the child’s father that leads the picture to its stirring climax In her first appearance before American screen audiences Rose Stradner, M.-G.-M.’s new Viennese “ find ” proves herself not onlv lovelv to look at but an actress of talent. She brings to the role a sincerity which should endear her to audiences. James Stewart, as the reporter who befriends her, brings a sharp contrast to Robinson’s ruthless criminal characterisation. Excellent work is contributed bv Lionel Stander as the gangster’s henchman and others who stand out in the cast are little Douglas Scott as the son. John Carradine and Sidney Blackmer. M.-G.-M has given its usual care to the settings and backgrounds, and the direction of Edward Ludwig is at all times lucid and grasping of the story’s implications.

“Prison Break” Barton Mac Lane and Glenda Farrell turn their talents to stark and thrilling drama in Universal’s “ Prison Break,” scheduled .to open; at the Strand Theatre on Friday next. Mac Lane and Miss Farrell, who have been starring in the “ Torc.hy Blane ” series of comedies, are cast as the central characters in a moving story of the evils of the present prison parole system. Mac Lane will be seen as a tuna fisherman who assumes the burden of another’s crime and is sentenced term in San Quentin. For his heroic share in the suppression of a murderous prison riot and wholesale gaol-break, he is paroled. But he finds himself unable to Secure honest employment, breaks his parole, and considers a life of crime. Miss Farrell is cast as his sweetheart, who ultimately convinces him that his best course is to return to prison. The supporting roles will be played by a hand-picked cast, which includes Paul Hurst as a prison stool-pigeon. Constance Moore as Mac Lane’s sister. Ward Bond as a prison bully and ringleader. Edward Pawley as a fisherman rival of Mac Lane’s. Edmund MacDonald as Mac Lane’s .first mate, John Russel', capable child player, as Miss Farrell’s son. Frank Darian as a philosophic “lifer.” and Victor Killian as Glenda’s s'ern father. " Prison Break ” was produced by Trem Carr and directed by Arthur Lubin from an original story by Norton S. Parker, and the screen nlay by Parker and Mrs Dorothy Reid.

The supporting film is “ Men of Yesterday.”

“The Fireflfly” Two years ago Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, producers of the screen’s giant films, undertook a daring idea —to merge in one motion picture the excitement of a drama and the glories of a musical entertainment. This effort is embodied in “The Firefly.” “The Firefly,” as fashioned into a screen play, is primarily an historical romance and drama of espionage. _ Even without music, it is claimed, it would succeed as an outstanding dramatic film, but the picture is, in addition, practically 100 per cent, musical. Adapted from the Kudolf Friml operetta of the same name, “The Firefly" is presented with the songs intact, and Friml added two new numbers, “He Who Loves and Runs Away" and “The Donkey’s Serenade.” The whole score is gay with Spanish melody, and the film has been staged on a scale that could be possible only in Hollywood. The cast is a notable one. Jeanette MacDonald fills the title role as the dancing girl of Madrid. Teamed with her is Allan Jones, brilliant young tenor,/who will be remembered for his success with Irene Dunne in “ Showboat.” Jones accomplishes in “The Firefly” what Nelson Eddy did in “Naughty Marietta,” also with Jeanette MacDonald. Completing the lead trio is Warren William, a star in his own rights. Support is given the star and her two leading men by Billy Gilbert, Henry Daniell, Douglas Dumbrille, and Penn. For the first time in her screen career, Jeanette MacDonald enacts a role that requires even more dancing than singing. As beautiful Nina Azara (“The Firefly”), Miss MacDonald dances with grace; in fact, she acquits herself in a manner that would do credit to a professional. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has gone the limit in its settings. Gorgeous scenes in the high Sierras, regal Spain, and a massive re-enactment of the Battle of Vittoria provide a feast for the eyes. The story opens in Madrid ,at the beginning of the nineteenth century, and is: based on the stirring events when Napoleon was defeated by Wellington at Vittoria. Ferdinand the Seventh of Spain is making his first entry into the city as King of Spain. The scene moves to the cafe in which “The Firefly” has gained her fame as the city’s most famous singer-dancer, thence to a Pyrenees mountain road: to an inn outside Vittoria; a market place in Bayonne and a cafe in the same French city; the Battle of Vittoria: and Wellington’s headquarters. It will be sehted' at the Regent Theatre next Friday.

Lewis Carroll in English Walt Disney, whose strongly American speaking Snow White has distressed some of his English admirers, has consented to make a concession to English ears. When he does his full-length cartoon picture of “Alice In Wonderland ” a special English sound strip will be made at a cost of some £6OOO.

Alice, as American audiences will hear her, will speak with the tongue of Miss Shirley Temple or Jane Withers.

But Mr Disney has discovered that the English have certain sensitive prejudices concerning Lewis Carroll’s famous fantasy. So he will engage an English girl for English audiences In addition, he will be equally considerate in dealing with the Mad Hatter. The American Hatter will be broadly and comically American; the English Hatter will, it is understood. be a Cockney, although there is no evidence that Lewis Carroll had Cockney speech in mind.

Merton Hodge’s New Play Dr Merton Hodge is watching another of his plays racing on to success. “ The Island ” has already completed 185 performances at the Appollo Theatre.,and is almost certain to pass its second' century. Audiences continue to fill the theatre every day and no change has been made in the cast, which is led by Godfrey Tearle (writes our London correspondent on July 20). There is a possibility that Dr Hodge may see two of his plays running in the West End during the autumn if “ The Island ” continues to draw the public, for he has completed another, which will be produced when a suitable theatre can be secured by Mr Basil Dean. It is a dramatisation of “The Story of a South African Farm,” by Olive Schreiner, written in 1880 and widely read both in the Union and in the United Stales. It deals with the Cecil Rhodes period. For the past 10 weeks “The Wind and the Rain ” has been running in Paris at the Theatre des Arts, a theatre made famous by M Piteoss and his wife. Although the author had some doubts as to whether it would be too naive for Paris audiences, large numbers of people have flocked to see “ La Vent et la Pluie,” and Dr Hodge was given a most enthusiastic reception when he attended the first night.

Yvonne Printemps Yvonne Printemps, who was at one time Madame Sacha Guitry, visited America recently to act on the New York stage in a play by Noel Coward. But the play was not a success in New York, and at the end of its run Miss Printemps had many offers to make films with M. Pierre Fresriay in Hollywood. But presumably Miss Printemps did not feel happy in the United States. She is going back to France to make a film with the title “The Three Waltzes.” The director of thb picture will be Ludvig Berger. Those who remember the better work of the silent days will not have forgotten the admirable pictures Herr Berger directed in Vienna. Especially memorable was a delightful version of the Oscar Straus operetta "The Waltz Dream.’’ and, even better, the most fairy-like and fantastic pantomime of “Cinderella.” In both of these pictures Mady Christians was delightful, and, with them in mind, one wonders at her almost total eclipse in Hollywood. Ludvig Berger knows how to handle light mu ical themes, and doubtless will see full justice is done to Mile Printemps’s gift of singing a tuneful song in a charming manner.

“ The Good Earth ” Chinese men of to-day do not go about in mandarin coats carrying fans. Women do not bind their feet. Queues are as scarce in China as snakes in Alaska. Chinese fashions change every year, just as French fashions do, and Shanghai, the fashion centre, is the Paris of China. There is no fixed aristocracy in China. These are just a few of the hundreds of misconceptions of China “ ironed out ” in one of the most elaborate 'research tasks in the history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, in the preparation of the script of “The Good Earth,” forthcoming film adaptation of Pearl S. Buck’s famous novel, commencing to-day at the Mayfair Theatre. From the moment Metro decided to film the book, and turned it over to Sydney Franklin to direct, research covering every phase of modern Chinese life has been under way. The Chinese of to-day, according to the research experts, are fast adopting European dress, and the Government is contemplating adopting the Gregorian calendar, instead of the Chinese lunar system, so that business with Europe, America, and other countries may be facilitated. Modern farm equipment is being introduced, and modern factory methods are making headway. In the picture this phase of Chinese life is to be shown, in con-

trast to Chinese life of 30 years ago The story starts before the Chinese Revolution, with the people primitive peasants. It closes in the China of today. with the young sorl attending a modern college, the modern army in action, and China’s new progress stressed. St. James Attractions

The two pictures for the St. James on Friday are “Midnight Madonna” and “Chick.” “Midnight Madonna 1 " concerns the trials of a mother trying to make a living for herself and four-year-old child. An old judge takes the child from her and delivers it to her worthless husband, who is out to get possession of a fortune. The testimony against her is so obviously framed that one wonders a judge could be so stupid as Edward Ellis is made to appear, But Ellis gives a splendid portrait as the judge. Warren William is the suave young man who lives on his wits, but who has sensibility enough to feel for Mady Correll. the mother, and her clever little girl, and to help them even to the extent of kidnapping Ellis, taking him forcibly to the underworld to show him the criminals who perjured themselves to win the suit. Thus does he achieve justice for the mother and child. Mady Correll makes a most promising debut. She has good looks and an easy, unaffected manner. The newcomer, Kilty Clancy as the child, is attractive, and may prove a genius yet, natural and childlike and amusing and entertaining. The cast contains Joseph Crehan, Robert Baldwin, Mary Wallace, Jonathan Hale. Irene Franklin, and Frank Reicher Based on the famous Edgar Wallace comedy, “ Chick,” the film of that name starring that renowned old-timer Sydney Howard, is an attraction in itself. With his own inimitable gestures he is said to make an outstanding attraction out of an ordinary story. The local boy makes good with a vengeance in “Chick.” though at the same lime it must be admitted that Dame Fortune renders more than a little assistance to Howard. From a college porter Chick falling heir to a large enters the college as a student. Big bad wolves of the financial world gel hold of Svdney and drag him, his money and his name into a financial morass, but Chick proves more than a match for their cunning, and comes out on top after an hour of hilarious adventure. Bettv Ann Davies and Fred Conyngham lend valuable support, and a host of others contribute to the success of this sparkling comedv.

Dancer and Choreographer David Lichine, principal male dancer of the Covent Garden Russian Ballet, which sailed from England recently, was born in Moscow. He is in his early twenties. Until this last season people writing about him would mention his highly individual style—his passion and romantic quality—as a dancer, and would add, almost as an afterthought, “ He is showing interest in choreography.” That has quite changed. Now it has become clear that the really important thing, the really exciting thing about him, is that he is a choreographer. Lichine is a most vital personality, romantic, passionate, sensuous, imaginative to a degree of intensity which only needed co-ordination and direction to make him matter both as a choreographer and dancer. As choreographer there may be those who remember his Nocturne of six years ago, or his Imaginaires of four years ago. There will be more who saw in his Pav llon of last year a lightness, a musical quality, and a Nijinska-like use of classical technique. And then this summer, in London, was produced his Francesca da Rimini. Much controversy has raged around Francesca. Lichme’s danc’ng has not suffered from his interest in choreography. On ihe contrary. the past two years has revealed increased artistry, an increased control which has affected the one as much as the other. His future as choreographer and as dancer is one of the most exciting prospers which the de Basil company has to offer. “A Damsel in Distress”

P. G. Wodehouse was at the peak of his form when he wrote “A Damsel in Distress,” and the screen adapation which is the next attraction at the State Theatre, conforms closely to the story and lacks nothing of the spontaneity and general appeal of the original (says a northern writer). Fred Astaire is the central figure in a whirligig of mix-up. merriment, and melody, and he has never appeared to better advantage, even in the best of his successes with Ginger Rogers. He dances on every possible occasion and with the flimsiest excuse, yet his genius and capacity for entertainment are such

that he fits naturally into every scene and the audience is held entranced by his twinkling feet and drollness. Supporting him are a pair, whose popularity is equally well earned, George Burns and Gracie Allen, who, incidentally, reveal themselves as tap dancers in the top flight. The crazy doings of the trio in a huge amusement park are mirth-provoking in the extreme, and Wodehouse’s flair for intricate plot and counter-plot is exploited to the full, with the most entertaining consequences. Joan Fontaine plays the part of the beautiful heiress with sincerity and charm, and Ray Noble and. his band extract the last ounce from the Gershwin melodies which abound in the production. Montagu Love, Constance Collier, and Harry Watson are others in a well-balanced cast. Dunedin Repertory Society The Dunedin Repertory Society has chosen as its twenty-second production, to be staged at His Majesty’s Theatre for a season of four nights, commencing on Wednesday, September 21, John Drinkwater’s well-known play “A Man’s House.” This play was originally produced at the Malvern Festival in 1934, and received considerable and favourable attention from the critics. The Dunedin Repertory Society is fortunate in securing the services of Miss Ngaio Marsh, of Christchurch, to produce the play, and rehearsals under her direction have reached an advanced stage. A Film Memory The News Chronicle has started a first film memories series for its readers. with a prize attached each day. The contribution has to be written on a postcard.

Mr Tom Walls is one of the contributors (writes our London correspondent). His first film memorv refers to the pioneer days of filmcraft which have been recalled- by the death of Pearl White, star of the silent screen. “ I remember when I was a lad about the time of the South African War seeing “animated pictures” advertised outside a disused shop in Oxford street.” he says. “So in 1 went. The shop had been fitted up to resemble the observation car of a train, and through what was supposed to be the window I saw my first travelogue.”

The show was one of Hale’s Tours of the World, which gave thousands their first glimpse of the kinema screen at the beginning of the present century. Many can recall the Pullman car replica in which the show was given, but some are puzzled at the fact that the coach itself seemed to be moving. The solution is provided by Mr A. Saget, of Exeter, who, as one of Hales operators, writes that there was an electric motor under the Pullman “ set ” to make the car sway and to imitate the noise of the wheels.

Hart Id Lloyd’s Favourites The productions made by Harold Lloyd have always been rich in memoraole comedy scenes, and the comedian, now at Kernville, California, on location for Paramount’s “Professor Beware,” was reminiscing with some of his staff recently on favourite shots in his past productions. From “ Grandma’s Boy " he chose that never-to-be-forgotten moment when the cat began licking the grease from his shoes while he was courting his best girl. He had another very tunny scene in that same production, the one in which he ate mothballs, thinking they were candy. “A Sailor Made Man” brought forth convulsions from the audience when they witnessed Lloyd in the act of devouring a cake sailor s hat. Lloyd’s favourite shot in “ The Freshman ” occurred during the party sequence when his evening clothes, hastily basted together by a tailor, began to fall off, piece by piece. The football shots were included in his list, one in particular being the scene in which the “Freshman.” trying so hard to make the college team, was used by the “Varsity" as a tackling dummy. In “ Haunted Spooks ” the comedian was showm trying to pass a parked automobile in which two Hebraic characters were carrying on a conversation Arms shot out of- both sides of the car and Lloyd never was able to get by. Almost every inveterate “ moviegoer” will remember the scene in “ Safety Last,” which the comedian climbed up the side of a building and hung from the hands of a clock. In the ballroom sequence of “ Movie Crazy” was a scene which will be long remembered by those who saw it. It showed Harold with a magician’s coat, prepared in advance and containing almost anything. Lloyd’s last picture, “The Milky Way,” had a particularly outstanding scene in which he took a newborn colt on a taxi ride through New York City. Every time the colt whinnied. Lloyd burst into a long, horselike laugh in order to convince the taxi-. driver that he was not carrying an animal in the car. The driver was convinced, but his expressions left no doubt as to his opinion on his passenger’s sanity.

Shaw’s Latest Play ’ A • new play by Bernard Shaw opened the Malvern Festival. It was “Geneva,” a skit on the League of Nations, and it has been alternatively praised and faintly damned (writes pur correspondent on August 3).- . , The play concerns Begonia Brown, a Cockney with a good secondary education, who falls in love with a nephew of the British Foreign Minister, Sir Orpheus Midlander, who gets rid of her by finding her a job as typist in the International Institute for Intellectual Co-operation. ; This is an office at Geneva run by a committee of world-famous men who never come near the place, and Begonia finds herself in sole charge. To her come a dispossessed Jew and various other bearers of grievances, some serious and some—such as the complaint of a Russian commissar against the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel —merely Mr Shaw’s fun. Begonia refers all their questions to the International Court at The Hague, and because an American journalist gets wind of what she has done all Europe is implicated in a first-class crisis. The odd sequence is that she is made a Dame, marries her young man, and is allowed to address Sir Orpheus as “nunky.” Also she is allowed to go to The Hague, whither the senior judge of the Court of International Justice has summoned the dictators to answer various charges.

To the general surprise, the dictators (Battler Bombardone and Flanco) turn up, and everybody states his or her views of how the world should be run at a length which none but Mr Shaw dare attempt. When everybody has had a say, the judge pronounces his conclusion, which is a sweeping condemnation of all present'. Personally, he has nothing against them. They are harmless human beings .capable of quiet and pleasant discussion. But when any question of foreign policy crops up thejy; are blaclt gcoundrels, one and all. Let the ice age came again if it must. Critics generally seized upon the assertion that “ man is a failure. as a political animal,” and some declared it to be the only conclusion of the play.

The Manchester Guardian described the play as a brilliant exposition of the state of things in Europe, but the Evening News declared that it was not a play at all. merely Mr Shaw thinking aloud about international affairs and especially about the morals of dictators.

The Daily Telegraph said; "Mr Shaw labels it ‘A fancied page of history.’ It is. in fact, simply a flood of brilliant talk.”