NEW SCHEDULE

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1935, Page 20 (Supplement)

NEW SCHEDULE

FINE ARRAY OF SUBJECTS. 8.1. P. FILMS AND THEIR STARS. Mr. John Maxwell, chairman of the Associated British Picture Corporation, has announced-the new schedule of production to be made at the Elstree studios under the supervision of Walter My croft, director of production to 8.1. P. The new line-up includes the biggest and most ambitious productions attempted at Elstree. With five important productions al-. ready on the floor, 8.1. P. now lead in the English production field. These are “Abdul Hamid,” “The Old Curiosity Shop,” “Dandy Dick,” “McGlusky the Sea Rover,” and “Radio Parade of 1935,” part of which is being filmed in colour. One of the most important productions in the new schedule will be Matheson Lang starring in a film constructed around incidents in the life of Sir Frances Drake, which will be titled “Drake.” The film will introduce Queen Elizabeth and most of the famous characters of her court, and will be the most important English historical film, ever I made. At the same time Paul Stein, who made “Blossom Time” for 8.1.P.,1 will commence production upon “La Boheme” which will c»-star Douglas j Fairbanks Jnr., and Gertrude Lawrence. | The adaptation of Murger’s “Vie de Boheme” is being written by Tom Geraghy. About the same time 8.1. P. will commence production upon “The Dubarry.” After a year’s search, during which 8.1. P. executives, have looked practically all over the world to find a suitable star for this production and one who would play the role with the same brilliance as the late Anny Ahlers, 8.1. P. has finally found the girl considered to be perfect for the role. Grete Natzler, the beautiful red-headed Viennese star, has been awarded the much coveted role. Miss Natzler has also signed a contract with 8.1. P. to make three starring pictures. Marcel Varnel will also direct “Dance Band,” which is being planned on a large scale. This will star Charles Buddy Rogers, in one of the best parts that he has ever had on the screen. Magda Kun and Steve Gerai, the stars of “Happy Weekend” who were recently married, are also playing important parts in the film. “Dance Band” will be a parade of dance bands and almost every possible type of band will be included. Arrangements has just been concluded for the entire Coliseum Company of “Blackbirds of 1935”—starring Valaida—the greatest coloured star of the age—in a film adaptation of the revue. Negotiations are in progress for 8.1. P. to make a film starring Henry Hall and the 8.8. C. Dance Band. Lilian Harvey, another famous star captured by 8.1. P., is also coming to England to star in a film at Elstree. This will be an original musical film written

and composed by Eric Maschwitz and George Posford (who were pointly responsible for the famous British success “Good Night Vienna”) entitled “Invitation to the Dance.” It has been arranged by S.i.P. that before Miss Harvey comes to Elstree she will star in one more film in Hollywood—this will be “Follies Bergere” opposite Maurice Chevalier for Twentieth Century. When Miss Harvey has completed this picture, she will come to England and make her debut in English talkies.