“LIFE OF CHRIST

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 32, 30 April 1927, Page 19 (Supplement)

“LIFE OF CHRIST

TO OPEN CHINESE THEATRE HOLLYWOOD’S LATEST EVA NOVAK IN NEWSY VEIN Quyte the very latest in movie theatres in Hollywood is the new Chinese theatre. “Perfectly gorgeous!” is Eva Novak’s description of it, “and even far ahead of the Egyptian theatre, which was the best we had previously.” It seems rather curious, Miss Novak commented, that the Chinese Theatre should be opened with the “Life of Christ.” But such will be the case. This remarkable Cecil B. de Mille presentation is the very latest in American film production, and one of the most stupendous tasks yet undertaken by the great producer. In Proper Spirit “You can rest assured that the Christ story will be treated in the

proper spirit,” said the star. “You can depend on Cecil de Mille for that.” When Miss Novak left Los Angeles “The Life of Christ” was being “cut.” It will not be released, however, before its premiere at the Chinese Theatre. “Old Ironsides,” shortly to make its initial New Zealand appearance in Auckland, is another film which she says all America is discussing. But on the whole she found little new in Hollywood. No stars of magnitude had appeared on r the movie firmament since Miss Novak’s visit to Australia. There had certainly been a good deal of discussion concerning Ysa de Puti. the Continental star who has invaded Hollywood. “But as far as I could gather she has not done very much,” commented Eva Novak. New Zealand Picture? While in California Miss Novak made two pictures. One, “Red Signals,” was for Universal pictures. The other was for an independent company. Six pictures are to be made in Australia. The first will be photographed in Queensland. “It will b 3 what one might term ‘an Australian western, ’ ” the star laughingly remarked. “Cattle and horses. Station life. All that kind of thing, you know. “If I have anything to do with it,” Miss Novak firmly declared, “I will make at least one picture in New Zealand. In fact I would like to make more than one. I always consider that a series is essential from the commercial point of view.” Her present trip to Australia will necessitate a year’s residence there, so there should not be any difficulty regarding a stay in New Zealand. Asked how she thought a New Zealand picture would see abroad, Miss Novak replied, “Marvellously!” The actress was particularly impressed with Auckland from a filming point of view. “You have a wonderful light here,” said Miss Novak after a motor drive around the city, “and I am also much taken with the cloud formations. Altogether a very pretty and delightful city.”

To the candidates for “The Miss New Zealand 1927” screen competition Miss Novak sent her very best wishes. “Tell them from me that I wish them the best of luek,” she told THE SUN’S movie editor. “I know just how valuable these contests are. Why, it has resulted in brnging - Lois Wilson, Mary Philbin and Gertrude Olmsted into pictures. and there are many others, too, that 1 could mention.” THE SUN’S Screen Contest These girls, said the star, would never have obtained their chance but for screen contests. “It is so difficult these days for any girl to find the ‘Open Sesame’ into I-lollywood that I feel certain your New Zealand girls will welcome this opportunity with open arms,” she added.. “And do not send a merely pretty girl,” was Miss Novak’s parting advice. “Your ‘Miss New Zealand’ must be something more than that. Brains and personality count ever so much more than good looks. You do not want a girl who is pretty but dumb as we say in America.”