VERSATILE STAR

Southland Times, Issue 24422, 30 April 1941, Page 8

VERSATILE STAR

LESLIE HOWARD IN “ONE-MAN” FILM

Leslie Howard is the most versatile actor in England. He wrote “Pimpernel Smith,” which he is now producing at the Denham Studios. He is also directing the picture, in conjunction with Harold Huth, and playing the leading role. When he has finished “Pimpernel Smith,” which is developing very smoothly and fast, because it is a oneman show, Mr Howard will play in “49th Parallel,” also at Denham. After that he intends to go to the United States.

Discussing his plans, the actor said: “I have a lecture tour to make in America, which I • have been putting off for a year, because I have not wanted to leave England at this time. I doubt whether I shall make a picture in Hollywood, though. I find much

more interest in making a comparatively cheap picture in England and being able more or less, to create it myself, than in playing a part in some big production which has all been worked out for me.” Tlie letters he has received from all parts of the world about his broadcasts have pleased Mr Howard very much. “Everyone is so interested and sympathetic,” he said, “and I have enjoyed doing the broadcasts enormously.” “Pimpernel Smith” takes place in Germany in August 1939. Mr Howard told a film correspondent that he had been working on the picture for more than a year. It has, as the title indicates, a “Scarlet Pimpernel” idea. Mr Howard plays an English professor who takes no interest in politics until he realizes how scientists and artists are being persecuted and killed in Poland. Then he is aroused and begins to rescue them. Though a light adventure story, the film has philosophy behind it. Mr Howard says that he feels that in these days a picture must have an idea with some strand of seriousness behind it to be acceptable. Mary Norris has been chosen as leading lady in “Pimpernel Smith.” She was the dynamic bad girl in “Prison Without Bars.” That was her' first film part and Alexander Korda brought her from the other side of the world to play it. Her last film part was in “The Thief of Bagdad.” This actress was trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and she played leading roles in repertory in England before her thoughts turned to the screen.