ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1932, Page 18 (Supplement)

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

COMING EVENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. / Jto-day at 2. p.m., To-night at 8 p.m.: ' “A Free Soul” (Norma 'ShearGable—Lionel Barrymore), ' Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer pro- ‘ duction. Jone 18 i “Merely Mary Ann” (Janet ■ Gaynor —Charles Farrell), Fox ■ Movietone production. June 25;- “New Moon” (Lawrence Tibbett—Grace Moore), Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer production. • ' THE REGENT* Jhwaight, Monday and , Tuesday; “Everything Rosie” (Robert Woolsey—Anita Louise), R.K.O. produc--tion; -and “Heroes of the Flames” (Episode 12). Jans y’fo ;-tp 17: ''His, Woman” (Claudette;,. Colbert—Gary Cooper), and “Touchdown” (all star), Paramount double-star programme. J«gne: 5 18 to 21: “A House Divided” .(.(Wajier Huston —Helen Chandler), .production.. June. 22 to 24; ' “White Shoulders” Hilary Astor—Jack Holt—Ricardo -Cortez), R.K.O. production. June '-25 to 28: “The Rainbow Trail” (George O’Brien and Marguerite Churchill), Fox Movietone Zane ' ;Grey production. , . EVERYBODY’S. To-night. Monday and Tuesday;' ■“Over the Hill” (Mae Marsh—‘James Dunn —Silly Eilers), Fox • -Movietone 'special. production. June.lo to 17: "The Cuban Love Song” .(jEawrence Tibbett —Lupe Velez— Ernest Torrence—Louise Fazenda), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. June I'B to 21: “Young Donovan’s Kid” . (Richard Dix —Jackie Cooper—Marion’ Schilling), Radio production. June 22 to 24: “Service for Ladies” r (George Grossmith—Benita Hume), Paramount British production. June 25 to 28: “Susan Lenox, Her Fall and Rise” (Greta Garbo—Clark Gable), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production. **' * • “EVERYTHING’S ROSIE.” The mysterious lure of the sawdust trail! The gutter of spangles, the romantic glow of gasoline lights, the crooning of the spielers, the shrill of the pipes, the raucous tones of the hawkers, the intimacy of life under canvas and on the trail from small town to small town! All has been captured in Radio Pictures’ comedy, “Everything’s Rosie,” starring Robert Woqleey of “Rio Rita” fame. One goes into the very heart of carnival life; the production is literally the answer to every youngster’s prayer—Oh! to join the circus. One sits at tables with the fortune teller, the palm reader, the horoscope faker and learns the tricks of the trade, and one actually goes under the shells with the little pea to discover the elusive secret of the* “shell game,” a game that has cost America’s rural dwellers millions of dollars. And woven through it all- is a romantic story and, delicious comedy, affording Woolsey an opportunity to bs wittier and funnier than in any of his previous triumphs. The romance reveals him as an artist &s well as a comic, while the support he receives from the excellent cast is superb. “Everything’s Rosie” will commence a season at;the Regent to-day at 2 and 7.45 p.m,

•- « « ft OVER THE HILL.” A drama that takes love from the cradle to old age and deals with many of its most important manifestations. "Over the Hill,” Fox drama, marking the second screen appearance of that delightful pair of lovers, James Dunn and Sally Eilers and the return of the silent day favourite, Mae Marsh, comes to Everybody’s Theatre to-day at 2 and 7.45 p.m. The love of a man for a maid, the dove of a pother for her child; that of brother and brother, father and son, all have their place ip this romantic story of a. human heart. The central story itself is twofold, 'telling the boy and girl romance between James Dunn and Sally Eilers, A romance that is said to exceed in heart-touching appeal their magnificent portrayals in '‘Bad Girl” and the mother and eon tie that binds Dunn to "Ma,” the character played by Mae Marsh. Based on Will Carleton’s classic poems, the theme of “Over the Hill” is as true to-day as when it was originally written, In addition to Dunn, Sally Eilers, and Mae Marsh, a handpicked’ cast includes Edward Crandall, Claire Maynard, Olin Howland, William Hawley and Joan Peers. In 1 the prologue of the picture, which Henry King'directed, are a number of Hollywood’s'-, most capable juveniles. ■■ 1 V "THE CUBAN LOVE SONG.”

“The Cuban Love Song,” a dramatic romance of a man and a girl in the tropics, brings Lawrence Tibbett, famous baritone and screen star, to Everybody’s Theatre next Wednesday in what is undoubtedly his most interesting role since ‘‘The .Prodigal.” In a. modern . story, replete with drama, adventure, comedy and haunting Tibbett is seen as a marine, The story begins before the war and. comes down to the present day. There are novelties galore —an imported Cuban orchestra and Lupe Velez dancing the Rumba; Tibbett learning “The Peanut Vender” in Spanish from the lovable Lupe; outstanding songs for Tibbett, such as “The Cuban Love Song,” “Tramps at Sea” and a thrilling deep sea chantey. W. S. Van Dyke directed the production, and crammed it with deft little touches such as the “singing lesson” in the Cuban jungle. Comedy is in capable hands, for, Ernest Torrence and Jimmy Durante provide it as the two marine cronies of the hero of the story and the amusing Louise Fazenda plays a domineering shrew. Lupe Velez is charming as the wistful Nenita and her exotic charm has a foil in Karen Morley’s aristocratic beauty as the rivgl heroine.

“BATTLING WITH BUFFALO BILL.”

A series of unavoidable accidents gave unexpected thrills to the first scenes of Universal’s “Battling With Buffalo Bill” during its filming in Southern California., the total first day’s casualties reaching five. The thrilling screen play, which brings the dashing character. Buffalo Bill, back to life, required some of the. hardest riding and most daring fighting ever before attempted for the benefit of the cameras, and Director Ray Taylor was necessarily forced to “go the limit” on realism. In the initial “battles,” a horse ridden by Fred Haynes, veteran cowboy, struck g. smooth rock while galloping into a scene, and, striking a horse mounted by Bill Patton, both were ‘ badly thrown,! Patton’s left leg broken and Haynes suffering a fractured ankle and body

bruises. Edward Anton, later in the battle, was wounded by a spear, and an old musket, flying out of an opponent’s hands, added bad cuts. Joe Mills and Bill Rambeau, both well-known cowboys, were cut about the hands and arms when they were thrown from their horses. The Universal ambulances were kept busy hauling the injured back and forth, and Director Taylor was kept busy making substitutions in his cast, that features Tom Tyler, Lucile Browne, Rex Bell, William Desmond and other favourites. “Battling With Buffalo Bill” will be screened at the Regent Theatre on Friday evenings (family nights), and at 'Saturday matinees, commencing on June 17 and IS. , * * « ♦ “A FREE SOUL.” , “A Free Soul,” Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer sensational filmisation of the Adela, Rogers St. Johns novel will 'play a return season at the Opera House today at 2 and 8 p.m.- Norma Shearer plays another such glamorous role as she gave to the screen in “Let Us Be "Gay,” but this time in a setting of stark drama. She plays the role of the daughter of a famous lawyer, immersed in his sophisticated teaching of freedom in life, and torn between two loves —one for a wealthy society man, the other for a gambler. Lionel Barrymore returns to acting to portray the lawyer father, one of the most dramatic roles in modern literature. Leslie Howard and Clark Gable share leading man honours. OPERA HOUSE, HAWERA, June 14 and 15: “Surrender.” June 16 and 17: “Once a Lady.” June 18 ■ and 20: “The Cuban Love Song.” GRAND THEATRE, HAWERA. June 18 and 20:. “Polly of the Cir- ■ cus.” • . » • • UNIQUE OFFER NOT ACCEPTED. Long before, Ruth Chatterton ever dreamed of following a screen career, she turned down a fortune offered her to appear in pictures during her spare time from stage work. It was in the silent picture days, when Miss Chatterton was soaring to the’ heights as a young Broadway stage star. A film corporation, now out of existence, drew up an unusual contract under the terms of which Miss Chatterton would have received over a thousand pounds a, week for an entire year. It was proposed to

follow the star and her plays on tour and maintain picture schedules from nine in the morning till four in the afternoon, with no work on matinee days. Miss Chatterton was urged to accept the unprecedented, picture offer. The star refused to sign contract becaiise she was not to be permitted 'io pick the story material. Miss Chatterton will be peen in Hawera next week in “Once a Lady.”

■ * . « # ,« FIRST HOLLYWOOD DIRECTOR.

, Twenty-eight years on the stage and 24 years in motion pictures is the proud boast of Tom Ricketts, one of the oldest actors in talking pictures, who portrays an important role in “Surrender,” to be shown in Hawera next week. Ricketts is the man who directed the 'first picture made in Hollywood. It was produced by the old. Nestor company. He was a director for 10 years, but more recently has confined his activities to; playing character roles for the screen. Ricketts was born in England and went on the stage when he was a youth to play boy roles. He went to the United States in 1862. His most recent screen ventures are “The Vagabond. King,” “Tihe Yellow Ticket,” “Captain Applejack” and “East Lynne.” Ricketts now specialises in old man roles and portrays the character of the old general in “Surrender,” featuring Warner Baxter in the leading role.

» « « • SINGS DUET WITH HIMSELF.

Singing a duet with himself is the remarkable feat accomplished by Lawrence Tibbett in “The Cuban Love Song,” to be shown at the Hawera, Opera House next week. So great is the range of Tibbett’s voice that this strange trick was made possible. Tn the scene Tibbett sees himself in a former da.y, in a sort of vision. He and the vision of himself in his youth sing together. Tibbett first sang the straight baritone part, which was -e--corded on sound track. Then, synchronised to this, he sang a tenor part. The two were then played simultaneously . and recorded. The amazing result was a duet —in two parts—by the same voice. It has never been attempted before. Only a voice with the range of Tibbett’s could make it possible. And what is more remarkable, he could easily have added a bass and second baritone to it.

AERIAL ARTISTS IN SECOND FILM.

In ‘Tolly of the Circus,” coming next week to the Grand Theatre, Hawera, Marion Davies is supported by “The Flying Codonas,” noted troupe of aerial artists. Th© famous acrobats were especially brought from their winter quarters to appear in this picture. The sensational “Codonas” have appeared before all the crowned heads of, Europe, in music halls, in -winter gardens, circus tents and theatres all over the world. Their appearance in “Polly of the Circus” will be their second before the motion picture camera, their first having been in “Variety” with Emil Jannings, a Berlin-made U.F.A. production. Such breath-taking feats as the - “Layout Somersault,” “Passing Leap,” “Triple Somersault,” “Double Twist and Cutaway,” and many other (spectacular stunts are registered by the camera.

an amazing likeness.

GRETA GARBO AND MATA HARI

Great Garbo’s characterisation of Mata Hari, the famous World War spy, is startling in its lifelike quality, according to George Davis, the veteran Continental player, who recalled the Javanese dancer’s performances in Paris. Davis, who plays a comedy role with Miss Garbo and Ramon Novarro in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s picturisa.tion of the life and loves of the exotic spy, not only appeared on. the same programmes with Mata Hari, but also was acquainted with her personally before her espionage activities brought her befoie military court-martial. She later paid with her life for her adventuresome career.

“It is amazing how much Miss Garbo looks like Mata Hari,” Davis observed during the' making of th© dance ceremonial scenes. “The only physical difference I discover is that Miss Garbo is more lithesome. Hari was inclined to plumpness. There is the same general cast to their expressions, however, and in the costumes Miss Garbo might easily have been able to take Hari’s place on the stage without attracting auv comment.

“The costume Miss Garbo wears in the dance scene is an exact duplicate of the one Hari always wore in her ■UCAIV ritual. Even to the exact shade of colour it is faithful, No doubtallthat has been said of Mata Hair is true. But I don’t think she was motivated by any great viciousness. She was more a creature of passions and adventure. I think it was the excitement and thrill of using her sex and beauty as a weapon that brought about her tragic end.”

SALARIES IN VAUDEVILLE. MOVIE STARS’ ENGAGEMENTS. The London Palladium’s interesting engagement of Esther Ralston, America’s one-time “Venus of the Screen,” has a, special significance in that it follows on a remarkable rush of Hollywood stars to secure variety engagements while their fame is still fresh in the public mind. At least a hundred well-known stars are now piaying in variety over there. Zjt’s, Weekly, which reported 50 secessions to variety last month, records some remarkable salaries. William Haines draws £l5OO a week. Jackie Cooper draws £250 a day. Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Fay split £2500 a week. Edmund Lowe receives £1250 a week. His wife, Lilyan Tashman, gets £5OO. Lupe Velez draws £6OO- Esther Ralston and baby £BOO. Also drawing over £5OO a week are Sue .Carol, Nick Stuart, James Hall, Fifi D’Orsay, Irenq Rich, Ben Lyon, Polly Moran, Louise Fazenda, and Jean Harlow.. Others in variety are Belle Bennett, Daphne Pollard, Tom Moore, Alice

Joyce, Rosetta Duncan,. Leon Janney, Harry Langdon, Conrad Nagel, Lina Basquette, and Blanche Sweet. William Powell and Richard Barthelmete are on the verge of accepting variety contracts. Victor McLaglen has been offered '• £1250 a week. Most of the contracts are for 22 weeks, and several shows a day, including Sundays.

KUBELIK'S OFFER TO CREDITORS,

SEVEN SHILLINGS'IN THE POUND.

Vienna, March 30. M. Jan Kubelik, the famous violinist, and his wife, Marianne, to-day offered a 35 per cent, composition in payment of their debts, and a receiver has been appointed. When bailiffs appeared in their hotel bedroom here a month ago and sealed their luggage the explanation that Kubelik was merely embarrassed by the currency restrictions caused indignant public protests against such treatment. It is revealed to-day that their liabilities total 900,000 schillings (£26,000).

Kubelik owns the picturesque castle of Rotenthurm an der Pinka, in the Austrian Burgenland, which he purchased recently, with ,3000 acres of arable land, stone quarries, and a private railway, from Count Szechenyierdody He values these properties at £23,000, and proposes to pay the composition within a year. Kubelik is 52 and has given more than 3000 recitals.

Many years ago, when in Rio de Janeiro, he saw an advertisement for the sale of a Stradivarius violin in Leeds, and hastened across the ocean to the Midland city. He bought the instrument for £6OOO. In 1028 he refused an offer of £200,000 for it!

actress weds.

CEREMONY IN LONDON,

Eight of the ' most handsome young leading actors in London were ushers at the wedding of Miss Prudence Bourchier ‘ (Vanburg),, daughter of the late Arthur Bourchier and Mrs. Bourchier (Violet Vanbrugh), of London, and niece of Irene Vanburgh, to Mr. James Dickson, of Sydney, son of the late D. P. Dickson and Mrs. Dickson. of Darling Point. The 500 guests included Miss Irene Vanburgh, Violet Duchess of Rutland, Lady Diana Manners, Sybil Countess of Brassey, the. High' Commissioner and Lady Ryrie.

The bride’s simple close-fitting gown was of the palest shell-pink'satin made with a long" train. Her pink tulle veil was held, in place by a, chaplet of myrtle leaves and pink orange blossom. She carried a sheaf of pink orchids. Her only attendant was Master Michael Barnes, son of her sister-in-law, Lady Barnes, at whose house at Kensington the reception was held. The lad was dressed as a replica of Gainsborough’s famous “Red Boy.” Lieutenant-Commander A. Davidson was best man.

On leaving for the honeymoon the bride wore a costume of delphinium blue.