CIVIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 886, 1 February 1930, Page 18

CIVIC

GLORIA SWANSON IN “THE TRESPASSER” Gloria Swanson’s voice, object of great anticipation among motion picture fans, is heard for the first time in “The Trespasser,” her latest United Artists picture. Miss Swanson both sings and talks m this new work. Her spoken lines are the more effective because “The Trespasser” is a play of modern life constructed to meet the requirements of the new screen medium, rather than a story designed for a silent picture, into which dialogue has been injected. Her singing likewise is expected to be more highly appreciated, because the two songs she offers interpret the mood of the story and sustain its tempo, instead of disrupting its trend of thought. In addition to serving as the medium of her vocal debut, “The Trespasser” presents Miss Swanson once again as a woman of fashion, with a wardrobe of gowns, wraps and negligees which are ultra modern in every detail. “The Trespasser,” which will be the attraction at the Civic Theatre from tndav ic n 0 f the moment. Its setting is Chicago; its environment the “smart set.” And through its intimate study of a girl who becomes a trespasser in this restricted social sphere and in the lives of its people, the story delves into vital affairs of life. Miss Swanson, in her portrayal -—-- 11,” is supported by established players of both stage and screen. The leading man is Robert Ames, who has been extremely popular on Broadway. He portrays “Jack Merrick” whose romance with “Marion Donnell” indelibly stamps her as “The Trespasser.” Purnell Pratt who has appeared on the talking screen, plays “Hector Ferguson,” wealthy corporation lawyer and the “other man” in Marion Donnell’s involved scheme of things. Henry B. Walthall, one of the screen’s

earliest figures, lias a strong character role. Wally Albright, three and a-half years old, who appears as Marion Donnell's son, is regarded as one of the most promising of all the child actors in dialogue pictures. The music of the song, “Dove," one of Miss Swanson’s numbers, was written for her by Director Goulding. The lyric was written by Elsie Janis. tier second song is Toselli’s “Serenade.” The star’s wardrobe, of Parisian design, was created especially for her, even to the smallest article of jewellery. “The Trespasser” has been filmed and presented with a modernistic touch in keeping with its modern theme and modern dress. At previews, it has been hailed as a distinct stride forward along the path to the ultimate in sound picture production. Of equal attraction will be the musical features which make up the first half of the programme. Ted Henkel’s Civic Unit Orchestra of 30 players and his stage band will introduce several new selections, and Fred Scholl will play a number of popular pieces on the Civic Grand Organ. Shorter films and a stage presentation with dancing by the Civic ballet, and entitled “Odds and Ends," will complete the programme. William Haines’s next starring vehicle for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer will be “Fresh From College.” It is an original story by A. P. Younger, depicting the struggles of a youth the first year after his graduation from college. Sam "Wood, who supervised the Duncan Sisters, “It’s a Great Life" is to direct.