SCREEN BIOGRAPHY OF AIRWOMAN

Southland Times, Issue 23815, 12 May 1939, Page 19

SCREEN BIOGRAPHY OF AIRWOMAN

NEW ROLE FOR WENDY HILLER Wendy Hiller, who took the part of Eliza Doolittle in “Pygmalion,” is to star in a film based on the life of Amelita Earhart, the American airwoman, who lost her life at sea while attempting to fly the Pacific. The film will be produced by Gabriel Pascal, who also produced “Pygmalion.” Afterwards he intends to produce two more Bernard Shaw plays, “Devil’s Disciple” and “Major Barbara,” featuring Miss Hiller. Mr Pascal has concluded arrangements with the American publisher, George Palmer Putman, husband of the late airwoman, regarding the story and episodes in Miss Earhart’s life which will figure in the film. It is intended to make it a spectacular production and a special musical setting is being prepared by the conductor, Leopold Stokowski.

In the cast will be Roland Young, C. Aubrey Smith, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Paul Lukas and Jean Cadel. The picture will probably be produced in Hollywood. Wendy Hiller, like Gracie Fields, is not keen to work in Hollywood, but she said recently that she is prepared to go there if necessary.