ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

Taranaki Daily News, 23 March 1935, Page 20 (Supplement)

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS

AROUND THE THEATRES WHAT TO SEE AT NEW PLYMOUTH. EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. To-day, Monday and Tuesday, “Grandad Rudd,” Bert Bailey. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, “The Painted .Veil,” Greta Garbo, Herbert Marshall. . Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, Imitation of Life,” Claudette Colbert. OPERA HOUSE. To-day, Monday and Tuesday, “Now and Forever,” Shirley Temple, Gary Cooper, Carole Lombard. .Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, “Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round, , Jack Benny, Nancy Carroll, Gene Raymond. Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. The Cat’s Paw,” Harold Lloyd. REGENT THEATRE. To-day, Monday and Tuesday, “Waggon Wheels,” Randolph Scott, Gau Patrick; “The Phantom President.” Claudette; Colbert, George M. Cohan. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, “Dark Hazard, ’’ Edward G. Robinson, Genevieve Tobin. 1 v ' Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, The Church Mouse,” Laura La Plante; “The Man With Two Faces,” Edward G. Robinson. ,

• GARBO’S INSPIRED PORTRAYAL. - H there ha* (been any doubt about Greta Garbo’s long-standing reputation as the. greatest film star of them all, it has been definitely settled by her newest production,. “The Painted Veil, which opens on Wednesday at the Everybody’s Theatre. In “The Painted Veil, a tensely dramatic story of marital conflict in the heart of a cholera-plagued province in the Chinese interior. Garbo rises to greater heights than in any of her previous pictures —not excluding her last, “Queen Christina.” As Kathenn Fane, the bride of a serious-minded British doctor who combats the Chinese cholera, Garbo appears more glamorous, more beautiful and a finer dramatic actress—if such is possible—than ever before. The picture, too, gives her a * new leading man, Herbert Marshall, her fifteenth in the nine years she has been starring In American films. Marshall s role of the jealous husband is a difficult one and he plays it in masterful fashion. Also in the new film are George Brent, Warner Oland Jean Hersholt, Cecilia PaS Katharine Alexander, Soo Yong and Forrester Harvey. BENNY’S BROADCAST FEATURE. The radio broadcasts of Jack Benny which have delighted millions oyer the air are a feature of Reliance's “Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round,” which brings an all-star cast of screen and radio_favourites to the Opera House on Wednesday. Benny plays a master of ceremonies broadcasting from a palatial ocean liner plying between New York and Europe in this sparkling comedy drama with music, mystery mid rom ““ from the pen of Leon Gordon. With Nancy Carroll and Gene, Raymond, Benny heads a cast including Sydney Howard, who is known Englands C-h Arlie Chaplin, Mitzi Green, Sid Silvers, Frank Parker, the Boswell Sixers, Sidney Blackmer, Ralph Morgan, Shirley Grey, Sam Hardy, Patsy Kelly, William Boyd Jean Sargent and Jimmie Gner and ’his orchestra. Benny’s fan«n“ radio satire, “Grind Hotel,” is “eluded in the broadcasts, and another highlight ‘ is the inimitable imitations of screen stars for which the now grown-up Mitzi Gree . is noted. Four new song hits are introduced in this Harry M- Goetz-Ed-ward Small production. „ ‘lt Was Sweet of You,” “Rock and Roll and Oh, Leo. ■written by Sidney Clare mid Richard Whiting, and “If I Had a Million Dollar,” by Mercer and Malnick.

Returns to Pictures. Declaring that "it is not a choice between motherhood and a career,” Dixie Lee, in private life the wife of Bing Crosby and the mother of his three small sons, has resumed her career in motion pictures after three years’ retirement. She will play the leading role with Joe Morrison, another singer, in “Win or Lose,” the Paramount picture which features George Burns and Gracie Allen.

STRATFORD PROGRAMMES THIS WEEK’S ATTRACTIONS. PLAZA THEATRE. To-day, Monday and Tuesday, “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Robert Donat, Elissa Landi, Wednesday and Thursday, “Now and Forever,” Shirley Temple, Gary Cooper, Carole Lombard. Friday, “She Made Her Bed,” Sally Eilers, Richard Arlen. Saturday, “Grandad Rudd,” Bert Bailey, Fred McDonald, Elaine Hammill. Directed by Ken G. Hall. KING’S THEATRE. To-day and Monday, “Black Cat, Karloff and Bela Lugosi, David Manners and “Let’s Talk it Over,” Chester Morris, Mae Clarke. Tuesday and Wednesday, 1 Thark, Tom Walls, Ralph Lynn. Thursday and Friday, “King For a Night,” Chester Morris, Helen Twelvetrees, and “Affairs of a Gentleman,” Paul Lukas, Leila Hyams. THE CHILD ACTRESS AGAIN. The youthful child actress, Shirley Temple, ■whose charming, naivete has won the heart of almost every filmgoer,

is~ given an excellent opportunity .of demonstrating her remarkable acting ability in the romantic drama, “Now arid Forever,”, which will be screened for the first time at the Plaza Theatre next Wednesday and Thursday. This precocious child has amazed critics by her outstanding portrayals in “Stand Up and Cheer,” “Baby Take a Bow” and “Little Miss Marker.” In this film she has to compete with the experience of such well-known players as Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard, but her performance is quite up to the standard set by these seasoned artists. Miss Lombard and Cooper are seen as two daring criminals who in spite, of their callous exteriors are very human and amusing. They decide to turn over a new leaf for the sake of their child but they find that this is more difficult than they imagined. They also find it hard to convince the police and the film is full of complications which move to a thrilling climax. Heading the supporting programme is a “Pop-Eye the Sailor” cartoon, “Axe Me Another.” POE’S MASTERFUL TALE. Everyone remembers Edgar Allan Poe’s masterful tale, “The Black Cat. But Universal Films have come out with their own version of “The Black Cat,” which will be screened at the King’s Theatre to-day. It was written .by Peter Ruric, who took his inspiration from the Poe thriller. Karloff and Lugosi combine their eerie talents, to produce one of the strangest and weirdest pictures ever presented on the screen. It is not the usual cut-and-dried mystery production; it is a picture that is logical at all times. Karloff, the greatest delineator of uncanny characters ofl the screen since Lon Chaney, proves himself the master of make-up he is in this film. His realistic performance as Poelzig, the macabre master of an unusual household, is superbly done. Lugosi establishes himself as one of the greatest character portrayers on the screen .in the role of Verdegast. The supporting - cast has David Manners and Jacqueline Wells supplying love interest, and Egon Brecher, Anna Duncan, Lucille Lund, and many others. Supporting “The Black Cat” is a story entitled “Let’s Talk it Over,” in whicn Chester Morris and Mae Clarke portray the principal roles. Edward G. Robinson’s Home. The whole north end of the new Beverly Hills home of Edward G. Robinson resembles a beautiful but unpenetratable gaol, with double locks on the doors, steel bars outside all the windows, and the sleeping porch screens' hacked by formidable "steel grills. This, of course, is because little Eddie Robinson, Jr., lives there. All this protection selves a double purpose. Little Eddie, just able to crawl, can’t fall out. And an outsider, with no business in the house, will find it difficult to force an entrance.

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS STAGE AND SCREEN NEWS. CHEVALIER’S CHOICE. Maurice Chevalier lias chosen the 10 most fascinating women in the world. Eight of them are film stars: Kay Francis, Marlene Dietrich, Merle Oberon, Greta Garbo, Anna Sten, Clara Bow, Loretta Young, and Annabella. New Plays for J.C.W. The rights of the two reigning London musical comedy hits have been secured for Australian presentation by J. C. Williamson, Ltd. “Yes, Madame?" is now running at the London Hippodrome, prominent in the cast being Vera Pearce, Bertha Belmore and Robert Greig, who are supporting the stars, Binnie Hale and Bobbie Howes. “Jill Darling” is the title of the other musical corned/ at the Saville Theatre, London. A. prominent London comedian, Freddy Foss, has been engaged by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., for these productions. Newspaper Man.

Even though Roscoe Karns has nevex been inside a newspaper office he has devoted actual years of his career to that type of work. Approximately fifty roles on the stage and screen either as a newspaper reporter or Press agent have given him a good working knowledge of the business, he feels. He is now entering on another newspaper reporter role m support of Cary Grant and Myrna Loy in Paramount’s “Wings in the Dark. Producers always seem to think of me when a part calls for a newspaper man. It must be my honest face,” Roscoe says. Walt Disney.

The “Film Daily” reports: Walt Disney '‘tust about tops all his previous efforts with his latest “Silly Symphony’ in technicolour. He has taken the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare and jazzed it up into seven minutes of fast androb licking entertainment that will delight young and old. The character of the Hare is particularly refreshing and a welcome addition to the screen’s animated family, and no doubt will soon be sharing honours with the Three Little Pigs The familiar story depicts the race in which the hare, far superior to the tortoise in speed, fools away 'his time taking a nap and showing off to a bunch of girls, while the tortoise plods on and finally wins. Revival of G. and S.

Gilbert and Sullivan opera is to be presented again this year by J. C. Williamson, Ltd., who are organising a company which will commence its season in May This attraction, being characteristically British, is intended to synchronise with the King’s Jubilee celebrations. The J. C. Williamson Ltd. management is now in communication with Mr. Rupert D’Oyly Carte, and negotiations are being carried on for the engagement of several important artists. An interesting fact in connection with the popularity of Gilbert and Sullivan opera is that recently Mr. D.’Oyly Carte sent his company to America, and it has thrilled New York.

A Conscientious Actor! It was Wong Wah’s first day as a picture actor. Through an interpreter, Wong Wah was told to wipe a window in the scene. He began wiping vigorously. With the scene completed, the company moved to another section of the stage.' An hour later, Greta Garbo discovered Wong Wah almost still scrubbing the window. The s interpreter had gone for the day, and not until his Implements were taken from him did Wong Wah cease his scrubbing.

Gloria Stuart Wins. Gloria Stuart has been signed by RKO Radio Studios for the feminine lead in “Laddie,” based on the Gene Stratton Porter novel. Hers will be the role of Princess, one of the best-loved characters in popular fiction. Opposite her will play John Beal, who played the role of “The Little Minister” in the RKO Radio production of that name. HAROLD LLOYD SCREENS AGAIN. Harold Lloyd appears first in “The Cat’s Paw” which is to be presented at the New Plymouth Opera House next Saturday, as the son of an American missionary, who has spent virtually all his life with his father in the interior of China. At twenty-seven, his folk feel it is time for him to return to his native land and seek himself a wife. He thus is thrown into the maelstrom of life in an American city of 400,000 at first like a fish out of water. He unknowingly becomes the tool of unscrupulous politicians, but, when he becomes mayor of the city, through accident, he tries to apply Chinese philosophy to his operations of the government. He refuses to become “The Cats Paw” of the defeated gang, and, in turn, they “frame” him. How he extricates himself from an unenviable position forms the basis of the finest story the comedian, has ever filmed, and carries an audience through a sweeping change of comedy, drama and thrilling adventure. In his efforts to clean up the town, he has the caustic support of a cigar counter girl, played by Una Merkel, and a loveable political rogue, portrayed by George Barbier. Neither has ever given a finer performance _nor been cast in a more acceptable part. - 1 -

THE HAWERA THEATRES PROGRAMMES FOR THE WEEK. OPERA HOUSE. To-day and Monday, “Evelyn Prentice,” Myrna Loy and William Powell. Tuesday and Wednesday, “20 Million Sweethearts,” Dick Powell. Thursday and Friday, “Change of Heart,” Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. A RADIO ROMANCE. “Twenty Million Sweethearts,” the First National romance of the radio, will be shown at the Hawera Opera House on Tuesday. The production is said to be a distinct innovation in film entertainment, giving as it does, the behind the scenes picture of radio entertainers and their task of pleasing the public. While the picture combines drama, comedy and romance in a well defined plot, it is interspersed with catchy songs written by Warren and Al Dubin. There is a strong cast of players of widely diversified talents, with Pat O’Brien in the leading role, a semi-comic part in which he plays a fast-talking though sojnewhat blundering talent scout for a radio company, who boosts others to fame while he himself is left out in the cold. The picture introduces a new romantic team in Dick Powell and .Ginger Rogers, radio sweethearts who sing for the public and make love privately. The Four Mills Brothers’ voices will be heard in catchy music, while Ted Fio Rito and his band play the accompaniment to one of PowelTs tuneful lays as well as individual music. Others in the cast include Allen Jenkins, Grant Mitchell, ' Poseph Cawthome, Joan Wheeler, Henry O.Neill and Johnny Arthur.

MISS TOBIN AND ROBINSON TEAM. Genevieve Tobin, who will be seen as the feminine lead opposite Edward G. Robinson in the First National picture, “Dark Hazard,” at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday, plays her first role under her new Warner Bros, contract. Miss Tobin was signed by her present producer to an exclusive long-term contract after studio executives had seen the splendid work she had done for them in two productions as a freelance star. Darx

Hazard” marks the second time Miss Tobin has played the role of Robinson’s wife in pictures, having appeared in a similar part in “I .Loved a Woman.” Her role in “Dark Hazard” is quite different. In this she is the small toWV bride of a well meaning but inveterate gambler, whom she marries hoping to reform him. The picture features the colourful background of greyhound racing tracks with Robinson as the owner of a racing dog, “Dark Hazard.”

try again PLAYERS WHO SUCCEEDED. FAILURES AT FIRST ATTEMPT. “If you don’t at first succeed, try, try again” . . . It’s an old saying but it still works in Hollywood. Not more than * baker’s dozen among all the stars succeeded in their first efforts to “crash the movies.” Most of them had to try at least twice. Many of them weathered a dozen disappointments of one kind and another before they finally won thenchance in front of the cameras. Barbara Stanwyck made an exhaustive and exhausting screen test of the crying scene from her best known stage success, “Burlesque,” in New York. She did not receive a motion picture contract either then or for a long time afterward.

Dick Powell, the recipient of more fan mail than any other player on the Warner Bros, roster, was sent to New York for a screen test by an enthusiastic talent scout a year or so before he actually received his first chance in pictures. Nothing came of that and Dick returned to Pittsburgh, convinced that he was not wanted in .Hollywood. So dubious was a studio over Joe E. Brown’s ability to amuse a screen audience that he offered to play a role in a picture for 500 dollars—and the offer was accepted. Previous efforts to interest producers in him as a screen player had been unavailing. Warren William was once leading man opposite Pearl White in a silent serial. He rescued her from blazing buildings, saved her from falling over cliffs, but his classic profile failed to impress Hollywood, and it was years later that he was rushed to the film city. Clark Gable was tested-and rejected

as a contract player—by at least one major studio less than four years ago. Josephine Hutchinson played one .part as a little girl with Mary Pickford in “The Little Princess.** Now, 17 years later, she is the current sensation in. Hollywood. Her first picture as a star is “Happiness Ahead”, with Dick Powell. Al Jolson bought up his first contract for a silent picture and paid back the money spent on the venture. He .wanted to do the same thing with the “Jazz Singer” and was, with difficulty, persuaded to complete it. Leslie Howard played in “Outward Bound,” and then wasn’t seen in Hollywood until after he had returned to Los Angeles with the stage play “Berkeley Square.” Now, a king of the cinema, he has just finished “British Agent,” co-starring with Kay Francis. Nobody in New York would even test the freckled Jimmy Cagney. It took all the influence Al Jolson could exert to persuade Warner Bros, to hire him and a young actress named Joan Blondell for parts in “Sinner’s Holiday.” Jean Muir was tested repeatedly at her own request and the requests of others, by various studio representatives in New York, but no jobs or recommendations followed. Katharine Hepburn failed at least once to impress casting directors. Eleven long years ago Edward G. Robinson played in a picture called “The Bright Shawl.” Six years later he made “Hole in the Wall.” Neither of them got him an£ permanent place in pictures. It was his stage role in The Racket” that won him his first serious attention in Hollywood. If these men and women had been easily discouraged they would most certainly not be reigning favourites of. the screen to-day. They followed that timeworn saying and “tried. again and again.” AUSTRALIA’S HILARIOUS COMEDY. Although there is nothing spectacular about the film, the delightfully human incidents which abound in the hilarious comedy, “Grandad Rudd,” which will open a season at the Plaza Theatre next Saturday, make exceptionally fine entertainment. Adapted from one of the popular novels by Steele Rudd, there is a charming simplicity about the characters which makes them natural and lovable. True to life, the picture is marked by an absence of the thin veil ,of sophistication and makes a refreshing change. Clever dialogue, ridiculous situations and amusing characterisations run parallel with a pretty romance in which the talented New Zealand girl, Elaine Hamill, plays the leading part. Appearing in the title role is the veteran actor, Bert Bailey, who will be remembered for his brilliant portrayal in “On Our Selection.” Other prominent artists are Fred McDonald and George Lloyd. The supporting programme includes a number of films of varied topical interest.

FILM FASHIONS A SPUN GLASS GOWN. A gown so fragile and elaborate that it could be worn only once gave Nancy Carroll a new W-erience during the filming of “Transatlantic Merry-Go- • Round,”. It took three wardrobe women an hour and a half to get Nancy into the extreme en bouffant creation of silk, lace and spun glass, and once she was literally sewn and moulded into it, she could not sit, or walk more than a few steps for the rest of the day. The gown was worn in a singing number. When Miss Carroll was ready to go from her dressing room to the sound stage four hundred yards away, she stood on a low electric “dolly” and was transported, up a ramp and directly onto the set. Between scenes she rested by leaning her arms on a pair of suspended wooden poles like parallel bars. When lunch time came, she had to eat from a tray placed across the poles which supported her. Adrian Introduces In the new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, “The Painted Veil,” there will be “something ’’hew under the sun!” It is the “shovel” hat, introduced by Greta Garbo. The “shovel” hat is a creation of Adrian, famous M-G-M designer, and is destined to prove a sensation and a favourite with women who turn to the exotic in millinery fancies. It is created of felt and features the still popular shallow crown. The brim is of medium width and turns sharply off from the head at each side and at the back. The front, however, remains down and is cut straight across to give the “shovel” effect. t White Faille Gown. The gown worn by Miss Garbo is of white faille and with it she wears a twisted turban of the faille which completely covers her hair. These turbans are particularly effective when worn with a gown showing definite Oriental influence. Even a more definite Oriental influence is found in the small brimless hat worn by Miss Garbo. The sides of the crown slope slightly outward from the head. It is fashioned from row upon row of white silk cording. The top of the crown is slightly rounded and created in a blister crepe to match the costume. The sole ornament is a square of carved jade set in a rim of antique silver and placed directly in the centre of the top. The hat is worn straight on the head and gives the effect of a stiffened beret. Miss La Plante’s Gowns. In all transformations, clothes play a very important part. One of the most beautiful white satin evening gowns ever designed by a studio is part of Miss La Plante’s extensive screen wardrobe. Wiin two draped scarves flowing from each shoulder and tied in a bow at the end of the back decolletage, it is a triumph of the dressmaker’s art. She wears it with an entrancing short wrap of applegreen satin, trimmed luxuriously with blue fox. SPICE OF THE PROGRAMMES EVERYBODY’S. To-day, Monday and Tuesday: Pathe Pictoral, “The Headless Horseman (coloured cartoon), Pathetone Varieties and . Australian Fox Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Cinesound News, “Three Chumps Ahead (Thelma Todd-Patsy Kelly comedy), “The Old Pioneer” (musical colour cartoon) and Metrotone News. OPERA HOUSE. To-day, Monday and Tuesday: British Sound News, “Axe Me Another (Popeye cartoon), Springboard Champions,” “Madhouse Movies (novelty) and American Sound News. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: Medbury Among the Nordics (travelogue), “Moonlight Silhouettes (organlogue) and “Peculiar Pengums (Silly Symphony in colour). Ada Reeve for Home. AHa Reeve, a stage artist beloved of Australians, through her long residence In Australia, is leaving for England in April to fulfil engagements in character roles in film studios. To mark her happy association with the school of the Melbourne Little Theatre, South Yarra, she produced and acted the dowagei baroness role in John Hastings Turners play “The Spot on the Sund.” Turner is the brilliant author of “Lilies of the Field” and the Cochran revue “Wake Up and Dream.” Miss Reeve will be remembered throughout New Zealand for her excellent work in revue and for her character studies in the Williamson pantomime “Aladdin.”