“MIKADO” FILMED IN COLOUR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21216, 10 December 1938, Page 16

“MIKADO” FILMED IN COLOUR

Tremendous interest is being shown in all quarters as “The Mikado,” colour film of the famous Gilbert and Sullivan favourite, nears completion. This production will be released throughout Australasia by G.B.D. Advance reports which have been arriving progressively from England indicate that “The Mikado” opens up an entirely new avenue in screen entertainment. The popularity of Gilbert and Sullivan in Australia assures a ready made audience. Those who are not Gilbert and Sullivan conscious, will find a new delight in the novelty of theme and lavishness of presentation embodied in the screen production. Leading Players Certainly no film subject has ever lent itself more ideally to the colour medium. Guiding light in bringing “The Mikado” to the screen has been Geoffrey Toye, for years associated with Gilbert and Sullivan in England and who recently spent considerable time in Hollywood studying and adapting the latest production technicalities for use in this film. Associated with Toye as director and co-producer has been Victor Schertzinger, noted for his many Hollywood successes.

To ensure a highly competent cast, principals for “The Mikado” were selected from stage and screen. Hollywood leading man and singer, Kenny Baker (whose most recent success was in “The Goldwyn Follies”) plays NankjPoo, John Barclay is the Mikado, Constance Willis is Katisha, Elizabeth Paynter is Pitti Sing and Martyn Green is Koko. All of these players have had wide experience in the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Jean Colin, well known on the English stage and with several successful screen appearances to her credit is a lovely Yum-Yum.

Gregory Stroud who has been associated with Gilbert and Sullivan performances in Australia for many years will be seen as Poo-Bah. Music is provided by the London Symphony Orchestra.