GENERAL FILM GOSSIP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18340, 17 December 1927, Page 24 (Supplement)

GENERAL FILM GOSSIP.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Film Fan—Lois Wilson and Claire Windsor, Columbia Pictures, Gower Street, Hollywood. Alice White, Charles Murray and Jobyna Ralston, First National Studio, Burbank, California. June Marlowe, Universal Pictures. Universal City, California. Marguerite de la Motte, Metro-Gold-wyn Studio, Culver City, California. Sorry, unable to supply the others. Heni Blair.—Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Corinne Griffith and Norma Talmadge, United Artists Studio, Los Angeles, California. Bebe Daniels and Fred Thomson, Famous Players Studio, Hollywood, California. Norman Kerry, Mary Philbin and Laura La Plante, Universal Studio, Universal City, California. Ramon Novarro, Metro-Goldwyn Studio, Culver City, California. The best method of sending a small sum is by International Coupons, which are procurable at the Post Office. My records declare Norman Kerry to be unmarried. The writing is quite all right. In the First National picture, “The Prince of Tempters,” which will head next week's bill at Everybody’s Theatre, Ben Lyon is first in a cast of famous players. lan Keith, Mary Brian, Lois Moran, Lya de Putti and J- Barney Sherry are among the supporting artists. The story was written by Phillips Oppenheim, who can always be relied upon to provide good entertainment. The story is of a delicate mould, and though one is never surprised at what an American produce 1 will put his hand to, it is rather surprising to see him imperturbably handle monasteries, monks, Papal dispensations, in conjunction with ducal heirs, hectic vamps and sweet young girls, not to mention the inevitable monk who has renounced his vows. All these does “The Prince of Tempters” insouciantly mingle into what eventually turns out to be very acceptable drama. lan Keith, as the renegade monk, gives a capital performance in the piece, and Lya de Putti, who was the girl in "Variety,” appears as the vamp. _ «*» _ Written by Elinor Glyn, and played by James Hall and Betty Bronson, “Ritzy,” which will be the main attraction at Crystal Palace Theatre next week, is a snappy and essentially Glyn story treated with a relieving absence of the usual Glyn stuff, and concentrating only on really clever comedy, and some exuberant and natural love interest. Perhaps Madame Glyn has eventually discovered that modern alienees, in these parts at all events, do not rush her sex appeal stories; light drama is much more acceptable, and her “Ritzy,” in which the delightful Betty Bronson is the prime figure, is an amusing effort along popular lines. The title is American slang for what we dub “swelled head,” with a little love of noble titles added. Miss Betty plays such a young lady who determines to marry nothing less than a duke. Her awakening and her final choice in lovers makes swiftly-moving and very pleasant telling. Renee Adoree, Robert Fraser and Mitchell Lewis play the leading roles in “Back to God’s Country,” one of the pictures to be shown at Crystal Palace Theatre next week. The story was written by James Oliver Curwood. It deals with life in Northern Canada, and is replete with stirring incidents, and the assured and natural romance side that is the natural result of life in the woods. It is an excellent story made into an intensely interesting picture by Jrvan Willat, who made a number of .Western films for Paramount, and in producing this drama of snow, ice and strong men for Universal, he has turned out a fine picture for Miss Adoree and her co-workers. Johnny Hines in “White Pants Willie” will head the programme at the Liberty Theatre next weeK. The delightful Johnny always makes his comedies with a blending of straight comic drama and pure burlesque, and with his own distinctive personality, bis pictures always “get there.” In this film he is an auto mechanic ■who bas a passion for white pants. Always

he must wear white pants, and when, at a fashionable holiday resort he is mistaken for a crack polo player, and, in order to win the rich man's support with his invention, he must play before the critical multitude and score divers points, the comedy of this light piece assumes enormous dimensions. It is certainly a hilarious picture. A tale of the North West Mounted Police, written by the late James Oliver Curwood and played by Antonio Moreno, Renee Adoree and Tom O'Brien, offers splendid entertainment. Immediately is assured virile, outdoor drama, scenes of nature in her most lavish moods, romance of charming beauty, humour of a rollicking nature, and perhaps a tear or two. “The Flaming Forest,” from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, will be presented., at the Liberty Theatre next week, and incorporates into its he-man whole nil those admirable qualities. It *s a “Mountie" story of Canada during the closing years of the reign of Queen Victoria, and tells the very human story of Sergeant Carrigan, played by Moreno, and Jeanne Marie, played by Renee Adoree. The oath of the Mounted Police, not to let love, affection o. home ties stand in the way of duty is that which stands most in the sergeant's way, but duty brings its own reward, when the Union Jack waves over peaceful territory, and the lovcr.are re-united. "’At the" Grand Theatre next week wili be presented “The Scarlet Letter,” the screen version of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic, starring Lilian Gish and Lars Hanson, with Henry B. Walthall and Karl Dane playing prominent supporting parts. The book is very weii known, it having been translated into over twelve languages, and having retained its place on the bookstalls and in the libraries as one of the world s greatest stories. It is a most triumphant and powerful retort to the new happily extinct New England Puritans, who preserved the barbarous custom of branding any unfortunate woman with the “A” of shame. This lot befalls the gentle heroine of the drama, Hester Prvnne, and eventually her lover, the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdalc. Their love story is one of tragedy and despair, yet the end of the wonderful play brings peace. Lillian Gish, as Hester Prvnne, gives an incomparable portrayal, and the Dimmesdale of Lars Hanson is one of the finest things the screen has ever seen.

The principal picture to be shown at the Queen’s Theatre next week is “The Prince of Pilsen,” with Anita Stewart and George Sidney in the leading roles. It is a lavish farcical production dealing with court life in a mythical European kingdom, and the comedy element is ever present and relishable. George Sidney, featured as Hans Wagner, a Cincinnati brewer who, cn going tef his old home in Pilsen, is mistaken for the Prince of Pilsen himself, is the chief comedian and reveals himself as a thorough artist. Anita Stewart, who plays the part of his daughter Nellie, is seen in a role which provides full scope for her mimetic ability, and of which she makes the most. The chief supporting roles are portrayed by Myrtle Stedman and Allan Forrest. "The Tower of Lies,” which heads

the current programme at the Strand Theatre, has Lon Chaney and Norma Shearer in the leading roles. The story is from Selma Lagerlofs prize novel, “The Emperor of Portugallia,” and is a strong dramatic story in a picturesque Nordic setting, involving the fortunes of Tan and Katrina, tenants or, the farm of kindly old Eric Gunnerson. and their daughter, Gold}-. Jan, who is inordinately fond of Goldy, is somewhaof a visionary, and to him and his Goldy the farm is an imaginary kingdom, of which Goldy is the Empress, and. he the Emperor. Lon Chaney gives a very strong characterisation of the old farmer, and Miss Shearer is very charming as Goldy. Mary Pickford, still retaining her place, after some fifteen or sixteen years, as first, in the hearts of her countrymen, will make her appearance in her latest personal production at the Grand Theatre in the near future, “My Bert Girl.” in which the still youthful and beautiful artiste has the capable support of Charles Rogers, a young player who has been placed in the front rank bv the great star’s interest. “My Best Girl” is a direct divergence for Miss Pickford, who deserts, for the nonce, the somewhat tiresome rags and short dresses of the irrepressible juvenile, and, though still playing the poor little girl, is of an age when she is not immune to the pathos, romance and drama that is around her. Consequently this wholly delightful and moving story, wherein she plays with a grace and charm undisturbed through the vears. is, apart from perhaps “Dorothy Vernon,” the most thoroughly approved work in which she has appeared. It is a perfect vehicle for the full expression of her whimsical art. Christchurch cinemas will hold a picnic at Leeston on January 22. :■% A Paris message, dated November 2. says that the Versailles tribunal has granted Marilyn Miller a divorce from jack Pickford. Paramount will release 297 motion pictures during the current year. This is the largest production schedule in ; the history of the company, and the j

| greatest ever attempted by any film company since the industry began. I A London cable message states that the Gaumont and Ufa companies, the ; leading British and German film malci ers, have signed an important recipro- ! cal agreement to co-operate in marketing each other’s pictures all over the world. Rex, the famous equine film star, will shortly appear in a Universal production entitled “Wild Beauty,” which has been picturised from the well known story by Sylvia Seidt. The human side of the cast includes June Marlowe and Hugh Allen. What enemy prison camps looked like during the worl dwar has been faithfully reproduced in “Two Arabian Knights,” the big United Artists com-edy-drama, starring William Boyd and Mary Astor, to be released in New Zealand shortly. All who saw' that fine film of Esquimaux life, “Nanook of the North,” will remember the principal character, Nanook. News was recently received in America by Robert Flaherty, the maker of the film, of Nanook’s death from malnutrition. Ethlyne Clair, who has made an enviable reputation as “Mrs Newlywed in the “Newlyweds” comedies, has successfully convinced her fan friends of her versatility by appearing as the feminine lead in “Three Miles Up,” a Universal picture. “Silver Valley” is the latest Tom Mix western drama for Fox films. Tom has for his leading lady Dorothy Dwan, who appeared in four other Mix features during the past season. “Silver Valley” is the sixty-third Fox production starring Tom Mix. « :: Columbia Productions, Inc., whose entire product is distributed by Master Pictures throughout Australia and New Zealand, announces the acquisition of “The Blood Ship.” a sea story by Norman Springer. Ilobart Bos worth has been signed to play the leading role—that of a shanghaied sailor. Having completed “My Best Girl,” Mary Pickford is now considering “Joan of Arc” as her next vehicle. She is not easily visualised in the role of the historic French heroine, but United Artists are confident that if she decides to interpret the role her characterisation will be a memorable one.

One of the most difficult feats in his career was recently performed by Lon Chaney during the making of “The Unknown,” an original story of circus life. In the role of an armless wonder, Chaney was required to fire a gun, eject the shell from the chamber, and fire the gun again with his feet! Joan Crawford and Norman Kerry have the leading roles in support of Chaney.

The big British production, “When Fleet Meets Fleet,” which is to be_ released by Master Pictures of 1925, is a romance of the Battle of Jutland. It was produced with the assistance of Graham Ilewett, D.S.C., who was in action on H.M.S. Vindictive at Zeebrugge. The ,dramatic story is based upon facts which actually occurred, and portrays the action from both viewpoints.

“The Circus” is described as the biggest comedy production ever attempted by Charlie Chaplin, who wrote it and directed it. When it is placed on public exhibition it will run close to eight reels. It is a story of circus life treated in such a manner as to take the pleasure-seeker away from the dressedup performance as may be witnessed under any tent, back behind the scenes where the mask of the gay performer is removed to reveal the drama of it aH. “ Chain Lightning ” is the latest starring vehicle from the Fox Studios, in

which Buck Jones is featured. Action is the keynote of this film, which is one of the Western star’s finest to date. Dione. Ellis, who made a great hit in “Is Zat So?” is the leading lady, and an able cast surrounds the star. Buck’s next film for release in Christchurch will be “ Thirty below Zero,” a comedy of life in the frozen north, with Eva Novak as a most charming foil to Buck's rugged manhood. William (“Buster”) Collier, who recently returned to Warner's, on the conclusion of his Paramount contract, has the juvenile role in “ Dearie,” starring Irene Rich. ('oilier comes of a theatrical family and is doing his best to emulate his famous father, William Collier, sen., celebrated stage comedian. “ Buster ” was appearing behind the footlights at four years of age and except for the. time he spent in obtaining his education has been busy on the stage and screen ever since. k “Loves of Carmen” brings the popular artists of “What Price Glory” in the leading roles.. This Fox special has Delores Del Rio in the feminine lead, with Victor M’Laglen, the dominating Flagg of “What Price Glory,” as Escamillo, the toreador. This popular story by Prosper Merimee is one of the best known operas. Elaborate sets are used in “Loves of Carmen,” and the Fox company were nearly eight months making this story of Spanish romance. « To get the correct “atmosphere" for her new five-and-ten-cent store picture, “My Best Girl,” Mary Pickford took a job as a salesgirl in a big Los Angeles "nickle-and-dime” store shortly before beginning work on the production. Although she had several narrow escapes from being recognised, no one definitely identified her a? the famous star during the affair. Tier experience, she says, was of great, value in making the film realistic. “My Best Girl” will be released in Christchurch on January 9 Jackie Coogan. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s juvenile star, has had many roles in cosmopolitan settings, but in his latest attraction, “The Bugle Call,” he takes to the wide, open spaces--as a bugle boy at a frontier cavalry post in the early days of the West. Claire

Windsor heads a strong cast of favourite supporting players, including Herbert Rawlinson, who plays the part of Jackie’s father, also commandant of Fort Rumford, and Tom O’Brien, who appears as Sergeant Doolan, a typical old soldier. Ralph Ince, director and screen actor, appears in one of the principal roles of Columbia’s “ The Better Way,” for early release by Master Pictures. Ince also directed the production, in which Dorothy Revier is featured. It is a dramatic story of Wall Street. Dorothy Revier entered motion pictures via dancing. She was performing at a cafe in California one night, when a motion picture director saw her, and, impressed with her beauty and personality, offered her a job in a picture he was making. John Gilbert, the star of “The Big Parade” and other notable MetroGold wyn-Mayer productions, has the leading role in “Bradleys the Magnificent.” This picture, which is the screen version of Sabatini’s fascinating novel, gives an accurate description of France in the sixteenth century. John Gilbert shows to advantage as the dashing, swaggering Bardleys. This star’s next picture to be released will be the longheralded “Merry Widow,” in which Mae Murray also stars. This picture is said to be Erich Von Stroheim’s finest directorial achievement. Colonel C. E. Watkins, who was aide-de-camp to General Alienby in the famous Jerusalem campaign of the late war, was a guest of honour recently at the Embassy Theatre, New York, where Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “The Garden of Allah” is having a record-breaking season. Colonel Watkins is an authority on Arabian customs and traditions, and had nothing but high praise for the film, and particularly for the exterior sequences made by Rex Ingram on location in Northern Africa. Miss Alice Terry and Ivan Petrovitch have the leading roles in “The Garden of Allah.” “ The Gaucho,” Douglas Fairbanks’s latest picture, has been released in America. Doug, plays the part of the leader of a band of South American cowboys, and in the supporting cast are Eve Sothern, “ the girl of the miracle”; Lupe Velez, “the mountain girl”; Nigel de Bra Her, the padre; Gustav von Seyffertitz, the usurper; Michael Vavitch, the commandant; Charles Stevens, the gaucho lieutenant; A 1 M’Quarrie, a beggar; Carlotta Monti, a dancing girl; and Fred de Silva, a cavalryman. United Artists will release the film in New Zealand at an early date.

For the first time in her career on the screen, Pola Negri plays a mother role. The vampish Pola of former days is missing in her latest Paramount picture. “ The Woman on Trial.” Instead she portrays a wistful and sympathetic character. “ The Woman on Trial ” shows her as a woman who lives only for her child, never dreaming that happiness with the man she really loves is to be hers some days. The picture is based on a famous stage success by Ernest Vajda, Hungarian dramatist. In the supporting cast are ICinar Hanson, Oscar Bcrcgi and Arnold Kent.

John Barrymore recently began production of his second United Artists picture, “Tempest,” at United Artists Studio; Hollywood. The story, an original one by Vladimir MemirovitchDanchencko, co-founder of the Moscow

Art Theatre, is a romantic tale of rebellious Cossacks after the Russian Revolution. Barrymore plays the Cossack leader, Ivan Menkov, and Vera Voronina is his leading lady. Feodor fhaliapin, son of the noted singer, also appears in the • ast, as do Louis Woltheiin. George Fawcett. All>ert Conti, Vadim Uranoff (playing a mother’s boy) and Jesse Devorkka (who plays a Jewish soldier). k r. « “The Flag Lieutenant” film got a lift when Lieutenant-* Commander Ken worthy( M.P., complained in the House of Commons that the Mediterranean Fleet had carried out mancevres at the cost of thousands of pounds for film purposes (writes a Sydney “Bulletin” correspondent). Kcnworthy’s objection was that the picture was propaganda for militarism. But the employment of the vessels gave occupation to an

idle fleet, the expenses of which would have to be met in any case. The result justifies the Admiralty in every way. The picture give* the world a reminder that the British Fleet is still in existence. k a The golden days of old California are again reproduced in First National's sj»ectacular and romantic attraction. “Rose of the Golden West.’’ Marv Astor and Gilbert Roland, the young Spanish actor, who appeared with Norma Talmadge in “Camille.” have the leading roles. A romance between a young Spaniard fired with patriotic zeal for his native California, in the days when the Dons ruled, and a lovely English-Spanish girl, is the main theme of the production, wherein fig tire hot-blooded patriots, intrigue of nations, gorgeous moonlight fiestas under the cypress trees of Monterey,