Metro-Goldwyn Bookings for New Zealand Fans

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 86, 2 July 1927, Page 23

Metro-Goldwyn Bookings for New Zealand Fans

Bernard Freeman’s List BETTY BRONSON IN “BEN HUR”

TN the course of the year, accord- "** ing to Mr. N. B. Freeman,

for Australia and New Zealand for Met-ro-Go IdwynMayer, New Zealand picture fans will see some remarkable films from the Culver City studios. Mr. Freeman was a through passenger by the Aorangi

Betty Bronson earlier 'in the week from Vancouver. He paid a hurried visit to the American centres of the movie industry. Mr. Barrie Marschell, of theTDominion executive of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer combination, was in Auckland to confer with Mr. Freeman. “Old Heidelberg,” the screen version of “The Student Prince,” has been booked for this part of the world, and, according to Mr. Freeman, it is one of the outstanding successes of the year. Norma Shearer and Ramon Navarro are co-starring in this feature. “MONS” FOR AUCKLAND Another Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release will be “Mons,” an epic dealing with the great retreat. It will probably be released in Auckland iP August. Gunner Jenkins, who fired the first shot in France, is already in New Zealand in readiness to appear with the film. King Vidor and Lillian Gish will appear in “La Boheme,” which, says Mr. Freeman, is one of the most artistic productions he has seen. Lillian Gish will also be seen by New Zealand audiences as Bonnie Annie in “Annie Laurie,” another success in the triumphal career of this talented artist. The picture was directed by John RobertBut probably the most important attraction for the Antipodes will be “Ben Hur,” the Fred Niblo production, which was filmed in Rome. “Nothing like it has ever been seen before,” he said. Europe was searched for a Madonna but no type could be found to suit the’ taste of the producer. Eventually Betty Bronson, who scored such a success in “Peter Pan,” was given the part. Mr. Freeman declares her performance to be a notable one. “Ben Hur” is still running at the Tivoli in London, where prices of admission are as high as 10s. It has even beaten the record run of the “Big Parade.” Ramon Navarro also has a leading role in “Ben Hur.” “THE MERRY WIDOW 1 ’ John Gilbert and Mae Murray head a notable cast in “The Merry Widow,” the first picturisation of the old musi-

cal comedy. “The Fire Brigade,” an important Metro-Goldwyn production, which demonstrates the fact that peace has its victories no less than war, has also been booked for New Zealand. Mr. Freeman mentioned the fact that Lon Chanev had finished his work in “Mr. Wu.” Pictures by other leading artists for this part of the world include characterisations by Lillian Gish, Navarro, George K. Arthur, John Gilbert, William Haines, Norma Shearer, and Kurt Dane.