GENERAL FILM GOSSIP.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18579, 29 September 1928, Page 25 (Supplement)

GENERAL FILM GOSSIP.

Gilda Gray, the dancer, who has been appearing this week in the Crystal Palace Theatre in “ The Devil Dancer,” her first picture, has accepted an engagement to star in “ Piccadilly,” a British production, with the opportunity to appear in a second production in England. In making the announcement, Miss Gray said that she had had three offers from motion picture producers in California for her services as a dancer. “ but,” she added, “ that is the verv reason why I decided against tnem. I didn’t want to do the same thing for the rest of my life. I have made a reputation for myself as a dancer, and now people think I can do nothing but dance. As a matter of fact, I began by singing, and I want to act, too, so I think the English offer is the best from the point of view of my future career. They are offering me a star part which will require acting as well as singing and dancing.”

Movie stars come from all walks of life, some from colleee, some from shops and newspaper offices. Some have never tried to act before; others come with years of experience on the legitimate stage to help them. Among the rising Paramount plavers of to-day there is a preponderance of youth. Charles Rogers, only lately created a star, came to the movies but two years ago, and he was then a raw youth. Today he is one of the leading lights of the screen. Other well-known players of to-day whose names have sprung into fame over night include Fay Wray and Gary Cooper, Ruth Taylor and James Hall. Richard Arlen and Nancy Carroll. Constant additions to this group are being made. Only recently Jesse L. Lasky, vice-president of Paramount Pictures, brought a young Russian back with him from Europe. The boy cannot speak a word of English, and is being schooled within the walls of the Paramount studio. 2S •*» 2£

In the Paramount studios in Hollywood there are vast store-rooms, known as the property department. Collected together here is a multitude of pieces of furniture, hangings, carpets, imitation jewellery—in fact, every conceivable article of human use. A staff of mechanics is constantly employed in these departments, and, should they not have a particular piece of property, it is speedily constructed. A company on location, ybwever, has to forgo these advantages. In that case, properties have to be obtained locally, and a special property man accompanies the party. A '* location ” company left the Paramount studios recently to film “ The First Kiss,” the Paramount picture starring Fay Wray' and Gary Cooper. They travelled 3000 miles to a small fishing village. Several of the houses of the fishing folk were lent for the production, and a search was made for suitable antique furniture. It was discovered that the village was a treas-ure-house of rare old pieces, and their owners were only too glad to lend the furniture for use in the picture.

Dolores Del Rio held a good-bye tea recently at her home on v Outpost Drive, above Hollywood (writes a Hollywood correspondent). Simply dressed, the Mexican actress moved about among her guests in the garden, speaking of her imminent trip abroad. At the age of twenty-two, her two years in Hollywood have been eventful and crowded with work, and she is giad to take the opportunity to go abroad with her mother, Mrs J. L. Asunsolo. and her director, Edwin Carewe. for rest and recreation. Dolores will make no pictures while in Europe. Whatever may befall Miss Del Rio on her European trip, the junket abroad is scheduled to end in a blaze of triumph, for Dolores's staff here relates proudly, how the Mexican star is to be the guest of the Queen of Spain, and stay ten days in Madrid, honoured by invitation of royalty, at the close of her trip. Dolores and her party return to Hollywood about January 1. Everywhere she goes, the Embassies and Charges of Mexico are to fete her and provide introductions to the personages of Europe.