SCREEN AND STAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23828, 7 June 1939, Page 4

SCREEN AND STAGE

FROM GREEN ROOM AND STUDIO

BY HARLEQUIN

" Storm Over Bengal" " Storm Over Bengal," Republic's romance of the : Bengal Lancers, comes to the Empire Theatre on Friday The- dashing Patric Knowles is the leading figure as Captain Jeffrey Allison, hero of the British Army in India. Richard Cromwell is seen as tho younger Allison, bitter toward his big brother, because he Is constantly flung in his face as a fine example to live up to. When the story opens, Cromwell, a young officer in the aviation corps, ■is escorting lovely Rochelle Hudson, who has just arrived from England, to Fort Dungra, where she is to marry Jeff. Cromwell falls, in lovu with Rochelle, and further complications set in when Rahman Khan, a hill tribe chieftain, cleverly portrayed by

Douglas Duniibrille, incites North-West India to rebellion against the British. Sir Austin Carter, peace ambassador from the Viceroy and GovernorGeneral of India, and his military escort are trapped.and murdered on their way to Llanapur. Allison is ordered to fly to Llanapur to complete the mission Sir Austin started, and the regiment marches, to punish the murderers and restore order. And as they swing along, eager to revenge the death o:E Sir Austin and their comrades, little do they know that they are riding into a, death-trap in the pass, where hiding tribesmen, heavily armed, are ready to iwoop down upon them. How the troops are warned oi the ambush and now Rahman Khan and his revolutionary leaders are finally defeated is

told in an exciting climax. Sidney Salkow directed " Storm Over Bengal." Knowles, Cromwell, Mijss HuasonV and Dumbrille are excellent in theif.portrayals,.as are the supporting players, Hafiiwell Hobbes, Colin Taph-\ Gilbert Emery, Claude Allister, 1.-kmglas Walton, and Clyde Hook. This gallant tale of adventure is an epic ot Eritish courage and heroism. Fairbanks Forms Company

Mr. Douglas Fairbanks, sen., announces the formation of his new production company—" Fairbanks International "-'-the' finance for which has been provided by Swiss, American and British interests. The American capital is represented by the SelzrnckWhitney group, the British capital has been provided by Sir Adrian Baillie. Bart. M.P., and Mr Montagu Marks. and the third portion by a Swiss group. In addition, large banking credits have been made available by an important Swiss bank. In all £500,000 are at the disposal of the company.

Associated with the .administration of Fairbanks International are Mr Fairbanks. Mr John Hay Whitney, Mr David O. Selznick, Sir_Adrian Baillie, Mr Montagu Marks and Mr George Archibald, J.P. The aim of Fairbanks International will be to produce only super films of international character either in Switzerland, in England at Denham. or Pinewood. in Continental Europe, or in America at Culver City, that is to say in whichever country it is most suitable for the particular production. Mr Fairbanks will personally supervise all productions and will solely concern himself with the production activities of this company. He further announces that the programme of Fairbanks International for the forthcom-

ing 1939 season will consist of three super productions, the first of which, to be made at Culver City, California, very shortly, is entitled "The Californian." Preliminary arrangements for the casting of this picture were made during Mr Fairbanks's recent visit to America; the scenario is now in the final stages of completion, and negotiations are being concluded with Mr Raoul Walsh as director so that shooting can begin immediately on Mr Fairbanks's return to America. The second picture will, be -"The Tenth Woman," a story based on an episode in the life of Lord Byron. This will be produced in technicolour. Then will be made " The Three Musketeers," one of Mr Fairbanks's early successes This time he will not act, but will

produce, and negotiations are proceeding for the services of three internationally famous stars. This will also be made in technicolour. "■/•/.-'■

Mayfair Theatre With its theme based on the conflict between old-fashioned , theories and modern actualities in wedlock, '* Vivacious Lady " comes to the Mayfair to-night, with Ginger Rogers and James. Stewart co-starred. Miss Rogers depicts a Broadway night club entertainer, whom Stewart, a botany teacher, from a little up-State college town, woos and wins in a hectic courtship. When he brings his bride home to the dignified college town and contemplates breaking the news to his stern college president father, he loses courage and remains silent. Out of this silence grows the many hilarious situations that follow. Stewart's mother, a hypochondriac, has "heart trouble " whenever an argument starts between her husband and her tall young son; a local eirl who thinks she is engaged to Stewart begins laying

embarrassing plans for their coming marriage, and Stewart's playboy cousin, the only one who knows their secret, manages to tangle things up in trying to straighten the affair. On top of this, Miss Rogers grows impatient with being a wife in name only, and with Stewart's procrastinations. These various threads are woven into a hectic plot which marches on to a clever climax and solves the problem in entertaining fashion. The supporting feature, "Mr WongDetective," stars Boris Karloff, master of sinister roles, in sinister pictures, who has forsaken his grotesque mask, and instead becomes Mr Wong—Detective. A worthy successor to Lon Chaney in terrifying dramatic roles. Boris Karoff has already proved a succes, but in his latest film he follows with distinction on the footsteps of the late Warner Oland, creator of Charlie Chan. The story has a complicated plot which offers no apparent solution. Three partners in a flourishing chemical business mysteriously die one after the other, and with the death of the third it is exposed to the police that one of them murdered the other two for his own aggrandisement. " Housemaster " " Housemaster " is the much-heralded screen version of that delightful comedy of the same name by.; lan Hay, one of the most popular of present-day English authors. It has been hailed by critics as one o* the best-directed and best-acted pictures to come out of England. The story is told in a thoroughly English atmosphere. The theme is founded on the life and happenings: m a large English college, a predominating element of uproarious comedy prevailing. The film is said to be impressive, not only because of the vivaciousness and cleverness of its comedy sequences, but also because there is. a more serious human undercurrent — touches of drama and of romance, which, happily, do not descend to maudlin sentiment. Otto Kruger gives a brilliant performance, depicting the conservative and lovable senior housemaster. The cast contains in support of Otto Kruser such front-rank players as Diana Churchill, Phillips Holmes, and Rene Ray. and such character actors as P. Kynaston Reeves Walter Hudd. Michael Shepley. and Joyce Barbour.

" Housemaster" has enjoyed extended seasons in each of the northern centres in which it has been screened. Its Dunedin season commences at the Regent Theatre following Deanna Durbin's " Three Smart Girls Grow Up.*' Associated with "Housemaster" is a short film of arresting character and moral calibre, which has excited unusual interest wherever it has been screened. As its title suggests, the picture's particular topic is Youth, with special reference to physical fitness and moral rearmament. Apart from the general interest which such a subject arouses, " Youth Marches On " is hannlea with a delicateness and fervcur which moulds it into attractive entertfvnment. It has variety, vitality, and laughter. ■ ■■". .

Notable British Film "Jamaica Inn" (writes our London correspondent on May 15), is receiving very good press criticisms. The Star makes the accompanying reference to Miss Marie Ney's part: "Possibly the most difficult but certainly, not the least effective role'is that of Patience, the loving but frightened wife of Joss Merlyn. This characterisation gives Marie Ney an opportunity to display her remarkable acting ability. She gives a performance that will not bo easily forgotten." Wylie Watson, well known In New Zealand, is one of the wrecking gang. He plays the part of a sanctimonious old rascal known as Salvation Watkins. It may be said that no British picture hitherto has had a more distinguished cast or has been put on the screen with greater, skill or flourish than "Jamaica Inn." _ "Tail Spin"/- •

Flying has always offered a fertile field to Hollywood producers, .and the films have dramatised practically every phase of it. They have glorified the young war birds of another generation, have focused on the precision miracles of air transport, and have, on occasion, even projected us into the future and treated us to a preview of our great grandchildren being whisked off to Mars in a projectile. But the progressively important, part being played by women in aviation was neglected until Darryl F. Zanuck conceived the idea of producing' "Tail Spin," a. melodrama of women who fly, which opens on Friday at the Octagon Theatre. " Tail Spin" is, according to Zanuck, not so much an epic of the air as the simple, yet tremendously dramatic story of three women who go in for flying at its most dangerous. There is Trixle, who flies because she needs the money so desperately. There is Gerry, who flies because she loves a man who thinks it is the greatest ; thing. in the world; and then, there is Lois, who flies because it keeps her'near her pilot husband. Alice Faye, Constance Bennett, and Nancy Kelly were selected to play the leading roles, under the direction of Roy Del Ruth, and a strong sunoorting cast, including Joan Davis. Charles Farrell, Jane Wyman, and Kane Richmond, was chosen. Frank Wear author of "Ceiling, Zero and many other notable aviation films, wrote the screen play. Three months time was spent in actually shooting the film, a score of famous fliers were engaged to ensure the utmost in thrills and authenticity. Another month was soent in cutting and editing the completed picture, and then the studio invited a group of famous women pilots to a special preview. According to reports, they pronounced it the finest aviation picture they had ever seen. St. James Theatre

A roleta week was the record Gladys Swarthout, Paramount star currently in "Ambush," which comes on Friday to the St. James Theatre, set in her first year with the Metropolitan Opera Company. Operagoers were intrigued, by the youth and beauty of this Ameri-can-born soprano, and their demands resulted in her making 56 appearances in her first season, more than any of her fellow-artists. Through radio and concert tour appearances. Miss Swarthout built up a. national prestige that forced motion, pictures to bid for her talents. Under contract to Paramount, she starred in such successes as Rose of .the Rancho," " Give Us Thistfight and " Champagne Waltz." Miss Swarthout's role in "Ambush calls for. .a straight dramatic performance m the part of a girl.trapped by bandits,who fiehts her way to freedom and love. Lloyd Nolan is cast opposite her in the romantic lead, of this new Paramount film. ■ . , ■ >. -. The Higgins Family, the screens typical neighbourhood family ■ undergoes another entertaining adventure in Republic's "My Wifels Relatives, which comes on Friday to the St. James Theatre. The Family consist of James Gleason as Pa. Lucile Gleason as Ma, Russell Gleason as Sid the eldest son, Mary Hart as Jean the pretty daughter. Tommy Ryan as Junior. Harry Davenport as Grandpa, and Sally Payne as Lizzie the Maid. In "My Wife's Relatives, the trials and tribulations of Pa Higgins increase. He loses his job because his bpss, played by Purnell Pratt, is angry when he discovers that Higgins's daughter is keeping steady company with his son, played by Henry Arthur. Pa Higgins, on top of his other troubles, finds it necessary to contend with looking for a job, preventing Grandpa from eloping with a rich widow, keeping .out of gaol for non-payment on an anniversary ring for his wife, curbing his inventive son. Sid. from wrecking the home, and straightening out the romance of his daughter. This, in addition to the other "normal" troubles encountered by a family head.

Loretta Young Rebels The latest rebel maid in Hollywood is Loretta Young. She has staged a double independence act. A few weeks ago she refused to remain under contract to any one studio, regardless of salary, unless she was given the right to approve both story and supporting cast. Lots of stars have made similar declarations and later have meekly gone back to the old treadmill, but now Loretta has walked out of the Columbia picture, "My Wife," in spite of being offered £20,000 to star in that one film. Walking is expensive in Hollywood.

Loretta stipulates that Cary Grant should play the husband in " My Wife." Cary read the story, said, "No like," and suggested changes. The studio refused to make any changes, and !1 My Wife" is now in the position of being " indefinitely shelved.' And that leads, naturally, to the rise in popularity of Cary Grant. For five years studios neglected nobody more completely than Cary Grant They even let him come to play in British pictures—but not any longer—not since his sensational success in "The Awful Truth" and "Topper." He has not been ballyhooed like some other stars. The reason is that he has refused to belong body and soul to any one studio, and studios simply hate to talk about stars they do not own. Now Cary Grant is the one actor the women stars of Hollywood are prepared to fight over since they regard him as the mascot of the moment.

When she agreed to play in "Memory for Love," Carole Lombard had a clause in her contract giving her the right to walk out if Cary Grant could not play opposite her. Pro-

ducers do not like this sort of thing, and they are threatening to take reprisals against it by a series of suspensions.

Marionette Show for New Zealand One of the world's oldest forms of entertainment, the marionette show, has come back, and one of the few great troupes of marionette showmen, the Salicis. will appear in New Zealand shortly. Salici's Puppets will head the bill of the variety show " Funz-A-Foppin'," which Sir Benjamin Fuller has brought from the United States of America, thus completing his theatrical " hat trick," for he has brought out to Australia and New Zealand three big American shows, the Marcus Show, Hollywood Hotel Revue and now "Funz-A-Pop-pin'." "After you look at Salici's Parisian Puppets for a while you begin to believe that they are not marionettes, but human beings," states a critic. The art of the Salicis goes back to 1825. and for generations they have

concentrated on this one form of entertainment. Their puppets have been modernised. The time has gone when marionettes were merely little wooden figures on strings. Salici's Puppets sing, dance and do acrobatic turns that were originally thought impossible for the " string people. They have appeared in several motion pictures.

" Funz-A-Poppin'" will have 8 number of other big American acts, including the Twelve Debutantes, trained by Albertina Rasch, who prepares the ballets for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's great films. There will also be Rose and Edwards. Ziegfeld comedy top-liners. Carr Brothers and Betty, Green and Lang, vocal celebrities, the Van Twins, delightful Hollywood pair. Tommy "Bozo" Snyder, Broadway's pantomime genius, and Jack Bickle, a remarkable young dancer. ". . . one third of a nation . . ."

Hollywood is about to bring something new to the screen. This is the adaptation of the Broadway success, ". . . one-third of a nation . . ." starring Sylvia Sidney, and inspired by

a phrase frequently repeated in addresses by President Roosevelt. It comes to grips with problems heretofore avoided by Hollywood. It poitrays what President Roosevelt means when he says: " I find one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, and illnourished." Proceeding with the thought that "truth is more fascinating than fiction," a saying that has never been refuted, Arthur Arent, who wrote the play, set about dramatising a news event. First, it was necessary to find one that would remain news until the production opened on Broadway. Many events were discussed and several prepared, but when his script was ready for production only those with excellent memories would recall what it was all about. In President Roosevelt's second inaugural address, he stated: "I find one-third of a nation ill-housed, illclad, and ill-nourished." Here was real news, for it was apparent that he was going to do something about this situation. A staff of some 25 re-

Grand Theatre

search workers, most of them trained uewsgatherers, and two photographers set about investigating this statement, visiting slums in various cities, taking photographs, studying magazines, newspaper?, and documents on this subject. It soon became apparent that right in New York City there was enough material to make a dozen plays on the subject. '• ■ ' - <•-■-. The studios collected reams of material and photographs, introduced the hero and heroine from the ranks of the immensely wealthy and tne extremely poor, and for dialogue it was only necessary to use the facts and figures before them. ■."''■■'

For the villain, they chose a tenement house, when it burned to the ground, taking the lives of 13: people. From the newspapers of that date, they obtained the running story; 'from the photographs before and after the catastrophe, the block in whicn it was situated was reconstructed.

Again . referring to , the President's address, the film will be called "One Third of a Nation," and everything is backed by documentary proof. Today the subject-is still getting newspaper headlines.* '••.'•'

Sylvia Sidney plays the leading role in "One Third of a Nation," and a powerful supporting cast is headed by Leif Erikson, Sidney Lumet, Muriel Hutchison, Myron McCormick, Hiram Sherman, Insi Adrian and Percy Waram. The screenplay is by Oliver H. P. Garrett.

" Pygmalion's " New Star Wendy Hiller, a 26-year-old actress, who has unflinchingly retained the courage of her conviction,' that she would rather play a true-to-life role for £lO than decorate one for £ 10,000, gives one of the most impeccable performances of the year in the Pascal Production of Bernard Shaw's comedy sensation, " Pygmalion." now at the State Theatre. "

This actress has refused several very tempting offers from America since she made her name famous, oh both sides of the Atlantic, through her brilliant histronic display in " Love on the Dole," and in this way she was free to seize the chance of her lifetime, when she was offered the part of Eliza Doolittle, a lowly flower seller of Covent Garden. For months Gabriel Pascal hunted in vain for the actress he wanted. He had reached desperation point, when a friend invited him to Malvern for the Theatre Festival. There he saw Wendy Hiller on the stage. She seemed to him such an ideal person for the role of Eliza Doolittle that he immediately got in touch with Bernard Shaw, who was equally impressed. A few days later Wendy Hiller was signed for "Pygmalion." , ' :. ,

Her own career and personality play an amazingly large part in her interpretation of the bedraggled Cockney flower-girl, who is transformed by a professor of phonetics—the; role taken by Leslie Howard—into a young lady of such exquisite speech, manners; and appearance that she is mistaken for a princess at an ambassador's reception io international notabilities. ....•/

Three years ago in the Manchester Repertory Company, '. where ' she "blush'd unseen", before her, sudden rise to fame in" .". Love on; the Dole," Wendy Hiller played French, German, Irish and Cockney of folk from Cornwall, Yorkshire,, Lancashire and all other parts of the country—a specialised .profession -which necessitated a serious, study of dialects. In this way she was:perfectly. equipped to tackle the cockhey-ism of Eliza Dpolittle in "Pygmalion.", ..'.-. \v .

Dramatic Ellis Islafid-r-last portal of freedom—provides the background for the story in which Twentieth CenturyFox stars Don Ameche and Arleen Whelan, " Gateway," opening to-day at the Grand Theatre. According to Associate producer Samuel G.- Engel, it provides a marked departure from the usual Hollywood romance. " 'Gateway'," the producer said,' "depicts those caught in the human wave beating against Ellis Island. This is where Don Ameche and Arleen Whelan as the stars of 'Gateway' Arid themselves. While boy and girl are extremely'important," said Engel,' "the audiences 1 throughout the nation have made continued and increased clamour for more than romance. 'Gateway,' therefore, provides an excellent field for fine portrayals from the most capable actors and actresses. Darryl' F, Zanuck, in charge of production, selected Gregory Ratoff, Binnie Barnes. Gilbert Roland, Raymond Walburn. John Carradine, Maurice Moscovich, Harry Carey, Marjorie Gateson and Lyle Talbot to head the featured cast. ' • .«, " Don Ameche, a homecoming newspaper correspondent, who meets the beautiful Arleen. Whelan among the second cabin .passengers; their many fellow-passengers, from a seven-months old child in the steerage to the bombastic ' Prince' Gregory Ratoff. and the much-married Binnie Barnes of A deck, provide what the public has demanded—an 'actor's picture'." . "Inside Story," the second feature, tells how John Whalen.as a.columnist 6tumbles on an amazing story when he starts a search in his column for "The Loneliest Girl in New York." From the avalanche of replies from girls seeking the title Michael selects Jean Rogers. But as their acquaintance ripens the columnist begins to learn more and more about his choice, until at last he is faced with the question: " Is she New York's loneliest girl, or is she Broadway's most dangerous woman? " For the columnist has tumbled on to one of the great city's most exciting mysteries, and has a headline and story he dare not print Strand Theatre

Henry Edwards presents a story true to Nature in " Song of the Forge " at the Strand Theatre next week. "The Song of the Forge" is told ip the story ot the English countryside from 1906 to the present day, showing changes that have come from the development of the motor industry. The musical theme is based on the immortal song, "The Village Blacksmith," and the principal character, Mr Stanley Holloway, gives a remarkable study of the' blacksmith himself.. The opening of the picture is that of the typical English country village as it would appear, about the year 1906, before the coming of the petrol stations and other indications of the advent of the motor car. There are seven song numbers in the picture, including "The Village Black? smith," "The Farmer's Boy," "O'ef the Downs," "The Poacher," "Wear a Great Big Smile," "Why Can't We," and "Vienna, City of Dreams." "Gang Bullets ,r is also scheduled to open on Friday next at the Strand Theatre. Similar in theme to present political situations in several metropolitan cities, this feature digs deep into the records of crooked city government. Anne Nagel, who was recently seen in " Under the Big - Top," and Robert Kent were signed to, play the two leads. Miss Nagel is seen as the daughter of a fighting district attorney determined to wipe out the gang element in the town while Kent plays the district attorney's young assistant. Charles Trowbridge has the role of the district attorney. The part of " Big Bill" Anderson, who is determined to take over the town, is played by Morgan Wallace. " Gang Bullets " concerns "Big Bill" Anderson, crooked politician who has been thrown out of many towns because of his corruptness. He finally lands in Bridgetown, where district attorney Wayne and his young assistant are powerless to prevent his taking over the rackets. With the town up in arms against Wayne, and with the newspapers conducting a vigorous campaign to get him out of office, the brave district attorney chooses the one way out. He joins the gang, pretending to accept bribes from Anderson. Under arrest for accepting bribes, Wayne turns the tables on gangland and wins back the respect of the town.

A Star's Forgetfulness Had it not been for Adolphe Menjou and his insatiable yen for pants of every shape, style, and variety, the screen career of John Barrymore might well have been snuffed out iri its incipiency. ! Back in the dim, dark days of the "silents," Barrymore always was forgetting to include pants in his wardrobe when he went on location or worked at the studio. Consequently, while costs mounted and producers and directors tore their hair over the delay, the star's only recourse was to raid the bulging wardrobe a£ his

friend, Menjou, and then come bobbing up with whatever variety of pegtops, bags, or slacks that were the vogue of the moment. In those hectic days, Menjou was just starting his screen career, while Barrymore was a topflight star. The hilarious glimpse behind the scenes of nearly two decades ago was given by Barrymore during the making of R.K.O. Radio's " The Great Man Votes," which is laid in 1923, a period which followed closely upon the actual happenings.

"If it had not been for Menjou, I am certain that Anthony Comstock or some such guardian of public morals would have cast me into Bastille, chuckled Barrymore. "I remember one occasion, when after much effort, Adolph Zukor had obtained the lease of the famous Gould estate, Georgia Court, at Lakewood, New Jersey, for scenes in 'Nearly a King.' The cost was terrific for those days—l was made up, everything was in readiness—but my uniform pants had been misplaced. Had they been ordinary pants, Menjou could have

supplied them. But they were not. As a result, we had to hold Georgia Court for a second day, and Zukor all but burst a blood vessel." Following this incident, Barrymore said that Zukor ordered the property men to check daily on the whereabouts of the Barrymore pants. '■ ; „ • Madame Lotte Lehmann Exceptional interest has been aroused by the announcement by Messrs J. and N.'Tait, Ltd., that Madame Lotte Lehmann, the world's, greatest coloratura soprano, will make her first tour of New Zealand this month. Madame Lehmann's. perfect voice is well known to the Dominion rhusip lovers through the medium of the gramophone and the radib, and the fact that .She.has not been able before this to' sing in this country has always been regretted.

Madame Lehmann's recent concerts in. Australia have demonstrated that she is to-day at the top of her form. "As L,otte iLehmann has progressed with her series of recitals, one feature of her singing has emerged more and more strongly," stated the critic of the Sydney Morning Herald. "That is the extreme versatality of her style. The greatest exponent of opera is seldom distinguished in recitals. Yet Madame Lehmann can colour lieder with delicate lights and shades, just as surely

as she can project the broad lines of Wagner or of Beethoven's ' Fidelio'.". Lotte Lehmann will be heard in on« recital at the Town Hall on June 15. LauKhton's Movements

Charles Laughton has denied that he had made arrangements to go to New York later this year to play the title part in a stage presentation of "King Lear." . ■••:>.' .■yV'.S " ' "■. -

Charles Laughton said he had no intention of agoing to New York for any play at alii : >

"I have," he said, "about 12 subjects in mind for future British films. These will keep me busy for a long time to come. In any case the production of 'King Lear* has always been a flop for any actor who has appeared in It." ' , Annabella's Honeymoon Tyrone Power and Anabeila, the French, actress, who were married a few weeks ago, will begin a 10,000-mile aerial honeymoon trip to Australia in the middle of June. . They will fly in the China Clipper, to Hongkong, and then visit Sirigapore, Manila, Sourabaya and Sydney. They will return to Hollywood by steamer. Such at least is a current announcement, but it may be doubted if the studios will allow two such valuable properties to be risked in this way.