MAKER OF MYSTERY PLAYS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 520, 24 November 1928, Page 15

MAKER OF MYSTERY PLAYS

NOTED CONTINENTAL DIRECTOR Carl Laemmle, president of Universal Films, has just announced the renewal of that company’s contract with Paul Leni, the director, formerly of U.F.A. Leni's fourth production to be made in America, “The Last Warning - ,” an adaptation of the popular mystery play, corroborates the advance reports that this picture will be a greater success than his first effort, the popular “Cat and the Canary.” In addition to the two pictures mentioned, Leni made that magnificent film of Victor Hugo’s classic novel. “The Man Who Laughs.” His other effort was “The Chinese Parrot,” an adaptation of Karl Derr Bigger s’s mystery story. Leni first attracted attention as an artist. From this he turned to the design of stage settings and later to the settings of films and prologues for motion pictures. In each case his ideas were so radical and caused so mush comment that the producers objected to them for detracting from the film or stage production. His last German-made film was “Three Wax Works.”

It was with great satisfaction that Leni accepted the invitation of Carl Laemmle to go to America. He convinced Laemmle of his ability to direct and selected “The Cat and the Canary.” a mvstery play, and one of the most difficult subjects to film, as his first offering. It is still regarded as the greatest mystery picture yet made.

Graham Wilcox, the English producer who made “The Luck of - the Navy,” starring Evelyn Laye and shortly to be seen in New Zealand, is about to make another film. A wellknown story has been chosen, ,but a great secrecy prevails as to the details of the production. The film is intended to be an absolute novelty, and new production methods are being used. Nothing, however, connected with “Talkies,” stereoscopies, or coloured photography. The fine Nettlefold studios at Walton-on-Thames is the location of this production.