Jean Batten's Contract

Southland Times, Issue 25367, 20 August 1935, Page 5

Jean Batten's Contract

Miss Jean Batten, daughter of an Auckland solicitor, famous for her re-cord-breaking flight from England to Australia, and the only woman to fly solo to and from Australia, has signed a contract with Gaumont-British Distributors and is personally introducing their epicTilm of the air, “R.A.F.” “R.A.F.” was filmed with the co-oper-ation of the Royal Air Force. The director, John Betts, worked on the film for 18 months, the every-day work of Britain’s air arm contributing splendid material which enabled him to place on record the achievements of one of the finest air forces in the world. The film is remarkable for many entrancing “shots” of air armadas. To secure these great patience and daring was demanded of the cameramen who, in some cases, were strapped t® the

wings of bombers to “shoot” thrilling parachute jumps.

The film opened at the Polytechnic Theatre, Regent Street, London, on June 17. Miss Batten is also showing some of her own films of her record flight to Australia and back.

Nine years ago Gary Cooper was paid £l5 a week in “The Winning of Barbara Worth,” his first Goldwyn picture. In his most recent feature role, opposite Anna Sten in ‘The Wedding Night,” he received £l4OO a week!

Benn Levy has arrived in Hollywood to adapt “The New Divorce,” in which Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard will co-star. Levy’s wife, Constance Cummings, is also back in California to appear in a film.