“ADDY LONG LEGS.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 193, 15 August 1931, Page 10

“ADDY LONG LEGS.”

Outstanding Production at Regent Theatre. One of the best Cinderella stories ever written has reached the talking screen in “ Daddy Long Legs,” the Fox picture which commenced a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. Two of the most popular stars in the entertainment world have the principal roles; they are Janet Gaynor as Judy Abbott and Warner Baxter (master character actor) as “ Daddy Long Legs.” Made famous on the stage by Ruth Chatterton, and on the “ silent ” screen by-Mary Pickford, the lovable orphaned Judy returns once more as an ideal character for Janet Gaynor, and, in the film version, to the best elements of the

stage story have been added smart modern treatment and excellent dialogue. Daddy Long Legs ” is the story of a little orphaned girl, Judy Abbott, who does not remember her parents, but has grown to beautiful young girlhood in an orphanage. Whilst there she is seen and adopted by Jervis Pendleton, a wealthy young bachelor who never permits her to know who is responsible for her good fortune. She only knows him by the name she has given him, “ Daddy Long Legs.” He sends her to a fashionable girls’ boarding school where, in spite of her past, she becomes the most popular girl in the school. Of course, Pendleton finds him,self in love with her, but that and how he finally permits her to meet her “ Daddy Long Legs,” form the brilliant denouement to the picture. It is interesting to recall that, years ago, “ Daddy Long Legs ” as a stage play, became- the favourite of many lovers of the drama, among them Janet Gaynor, then a child. It was this play that first set her thinking of a film career.

Warner Baxter is one of the most versatile actors on the silver screen today. He is equally at home in chaps or spurs, with a six-shooter in each hand, or in evening clothes, complete with top hat and cane.

The brilliant supporting cast is headed by Una Merkel, who will be remembered for her excellent characterisation in “ The Bat Whispers.” John Arledge, Claude Gillingwater, sen., Kathlyn Williams and Louise Closser Hale are also prominent in the cast.

DECORATIONS RENTED.

Unique Business Started in Hollywood.

Does medal renting sound like a business? This unique industry came into being several years ago when a young collector gave a former Russian general a meal and became the owner of a gold medal as thanks.

Since then, dozens of ex-officers of many armies, principally the Balkan, Russian, Austrian and German, have left this collector’s office with money in exchange for medals of honour. This coin collector’s charity has developed into a business which has a turnover of several thousands of dollars monthly. He rents his medals to the motion picture studios at prices ranging from a few shillings to £ls a week. The most costlv of medals is the Victoria Cross, which sells for £175 at auction in America and is rented for £lO, plus a deposit of £IOO. The collector finds that he can purchase as many Croix de Guerre as he wants from destitute heroes at a few shillings each. No one can buy American medals, since there is a law which prohibits commercial traffic in army and navy decorations. Before an American medal of honour can be used for picture purposes special permission must be obtained from the War Department. Then the decoration must be returned to the owner at the end of each day’s use. Any violation of this ruling is punishable by a heavy fine. The Russian order of St Alexander Nevski and the Russian White Eagle are rented for £5 a week. These are the two most popular decorations used in the films. The most beautiful decoration of all, the collector believes, is the Grecian croix de guerre, whilst the plainest are the American strikings. Hollywood might fake its medals, but it doesn’t; so renting the real ones has become a profitable business. Proficient Violinist. Clive Brook, Paramount player, is a proficient violinist. I