“Night Life of the Gods”

Southland Times, Issue 22492, 29 January 1935, Page 10

“Night Life of the Gods”

THORNE SMITH’S NOVEL Mrs Grundy must have received rather a blow when Thome Smith published his wickedly humorous novel, “Night Life of the Gods,” but the good dame will surely have a greater shock coming when Smith’s “digs” at respectability are transferred to the screen. Judging, by the following excerpt from an American : film journal the film is already well under way:— . “Work has begun at Universal City on one of the most elaborate sets ever constructed at that studio. This 'is the museum set for ‘Night Life of the Gods’ which is now entering the last stages of production, with Lowell Sherman directing. Twenty life-size statues of gods and' goddesses were modelled for this set. Six of the twenty, Diana, Hebe, Venus, Bacchus, Neptune, Apollo, Perseus and Mercury are portrait statues of the actors and actresses who play those parts. In this museum sequence the gods and goddesses are brought to life by trick photography to begin their hilarious life among humans. The set cost as much to construct as the £15,000 swimming pool which was specially built for the picture. The principal roles are played by Alan Mowbray, Peggy Shannon and Florine McKinney, a newcomer of much promise.” One must not forget, however, the great purity campaign at present being conducted in Hollywood. Mae West’s latest film was originally called “It Ain’t No Sin,” but as a result of the campaign this was changed to “Belle of the Nineties.” It is reported that the actual film also underwent several vital changes. Thus if the lusty wisecracking Mae has suffered at the hands of the censors, the more subtle naughtiness. of Thorne Smith is also bound to be modified. The picture even in its "Bowlderized” version should be well worth seeing, however, and given the right principals should prove delightful entertainment.