PICTURES, PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue 150, 10 September 1928, Page 4

PICTURES, PLAYS AND PLAYERS.

THE STAGE.

“The Girl Friend,” the musical comedy which has been such a pronounced success in Australia, and which will cross the Tasman for New Zealand before long, is splendidly staged, and is produced by Frederick Blackman, who was responsible for the production of the beautiful “Madame Pompadour.” Annie Croft and Reginald Sharland, favorite London artists, are seen at their best. In the cast also are Loma Holms, a clever Australian, who came from London to play in the production, Leo Franklyn, who plays Jerry (taken in London by George Gee), Gus Bluett (who has scroed another success), Marie La Varre, Rowena Ronald, Rose La Varde, Harry Wotton, Winnie Tate, and many other favorites. The most popular numbers in “The Girl Friend” appear to be “The Blue Room, ” “ The Girl Friend, ” “ What’s the Use of Talking,” “I’m in Love,” and “Mountain Greenery.”

Mr Dion Boueieault is bringing his company to New Zealand. Mr Norman M‘Kinnel, a prominent London actor who has reached the highest rung of the ladder, plays prominent roles, and with Mr Boueieault and Miss Irene Vanbrugh, there is a trio of artists rarely seen in Australia and the Dominion. Mr M‘ Kinnel was the original Oliver Blayds in “The Truth About Blayds” at the London Globe in 1921, when Miss Irene Vanbrugh played Isobel and Mr Boucica.ult William Blayds-Conwav. Mr M‘Kinnel led another notable east at the Haymarket in the title role of Galsworthy’s “Old English,” in 1924. Miss Annie Raker, another of the artists engaged for the tour, has had considerable experience in London and the provinces in romantic plays. Miss Prudence Vanbrugh, Miss Irene Vanbrugh’s niece, also of the new company, is a young actress who has played Shakespearean roles, and succeeded Miss Fay Compton as Princess Flavia in a revival of "The Prisoner of Zenda ” at the London Haymarket.

George Volaire, who toured New Zealand in “Kid Boots,” is playing the juvenile lead in the new London musical comedy, “Blue Eyes.”

Judith Anderson, an Australian actress, who has achieved great success in America, but who failed to draw the crowd when in Australia last year, is to play in Eugene O’Neil’s new play, “Strange Interlude,” which is to be produced in New York.

Marie Burke, last here with ‘ ‘ Frasquita,” and now playing in “Show Boat” at the Drury Lane' Theatre, London, has obtained a divorce from her husband Thomas Burke, the tenor. Miss Burke first toured New Zealand in “Wildflower” and “The Cousin from Nowhere.” She had a large following among New Zealand playgoers. London critics praise highly her work in “Show Boat.” Her husband did not defend the divorce suit, and Miss Burke was granted the custody of their child.

At latest, Clay Smith, husband of Lee White, was broadcasting in London as one of the performers in a light entertainment, arranged by Andre Chariot.

Noel Coward, the writer of the book lyrics and music of “This Year of Grace!” the revue at the London Pavilion, is to play the lead in it when it opens in New York, although the revue will not be produced there until 15th October. The New York theatre agencies have taken the entire theatre for ten weeks. The more expensive seats are priced at six dollars (£1 4s). Beatrice Lille is to play the leading woman’s role.

The Midnight Frolics, headed by Clem Dawe, who were so popular in New Zealand last year, have made little change in the personnel of their company, which now includes Douglas Herald, a bass-baritone, John Robinson, a dancer, and Gertrude Cremer, a new comedienne. The company has just finished at Newcastle, and is due back in New Zealand some time soon.

Edgar Wallace has had financial success from the stage which must excite the admiration and the envy of every other writer of sensational fiction. When the “best-selling” novel, “If Winter Comes,” was at the height of its popularity, a rising young English author was asked what he desired most of all in the literary world. “A. S. M. Hutchinson’s royalties!” he replied promptly. Edgar AVallace’s royalties are on a scale that must make ambitious young authors dizzy even to contemplate. Mr Wallace has had a most romantic career. He began very humbly, and served ns a private soldier in the Boer war. Through sheer force of personality he became a war correspondent. Upon his return to London he suffered greatly from lack of money, but gradually established himself as an author. In the last two or three years he has struck a rich vein of gold by writing “thriller” plays.

Florance Austral, Australian soprano, has become very popular in America. Recently, Edward Moore, of the “Chicago Tribune,” wrote: “No soprano voice, at least in my time, has ever come within miles of hers. ’ ’

Managers and producers at the annual dinner of the Critics’ Circle (London) were invited to criticise the critics. Basil Dean remarked that in South America, not long ago, a critic was presented with a book which on being opened exploded, and blew off the critic’s typewriter fingers. “That,” he added, “is one way of inducing in critics a reflective attitude of mind.”

Meta Pelham played Mrs Midget in a recent revival of “Outward

COMING ATTRACTIONS.

Bound” in Melbourne. She is 78, but her advanced age has not lessened her interest in the stage. Miss Pelham played with the company in Adelaide, and only recently appeared in “Dear Brutus” at the King’s, Melbourne. Her stage experience began in the days of crinolines. She was with the famous Brough-Bouci-cault Company, and later in London played with many of the great people of the stage. Just before Miss Pelham returned to Australia to portray the grandmother in ‘ ‘ Tilly of Bloomsbury,” she was with Lady Wyndham in “Our Mr Hepplewhite.” So successful was the production by the Auckland Patrician Operatic Society of Sir Alfred Scott-Gatty’s comic opera, “The Goose Girl,” that the society decided to present the play for a further short season.

Alec Kellaway is now appearing in New York in “A Night in Venice,” a light opera. He has a three years’ contract with his new firm. His brother Cecil Kellaway was offered an American contract, but signed up again with J. C. Williamson, Ltd.

“The Belle of New York” will be produced next month by the Auckland Amateur Operatic Society.

THE PICTURES. Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes, one of the most popular romantic combinations the screen has to offer, appear as circus performers in “Three Ring Marriage,” a production which presents many novel angles of circus life. The story deals with the pursuit of a cowboy hero by the heroine. Most of the action occurs after she has followed him from the ranch to the circus, and in the outlining of the plot an interesting glimpse is afforded into many colorful situations.

A European production featuring a very beautiful Swedish actress, “Life’s Circus,” embodies one of the most dare-devil acts known to circus performers. This is well titled “The Death Glide,” and shows the heroine in one of the most dramatic situations in the picture forced to perform impromptu the death-defying feat. A strong cast adds to the attraction of the production.

Alice White has been assigned the principal role in “Show Girl,” a production of Broadway life and manners. Vivacious and with a very distinct personality this new player seems destined to become one of the most popular younger stars on the screen.

It has been definitely stated that owing to copyright difficulties the title of Colleen Moore’s outstanding 1928 super-special is to be changed from "Lilac Time” to “Love Never Dies.” The premiere of this picture in New York was very enthusiastically acclaimed.

The production of “Just Married,” the Anne Nichols’ story, is nearing completion. Ruth Taylor and James Hall have the leading roles. Others in the cast are Harrison Ford, Arthur Hoyt, Wade Boteler, and Mario Carillo.

The new season’s Paramount-Chris-tie comedies will include Jack Duffy in the role of Sandy Mac Duff, a genial old Scot. He is well cast for the part. The first comedy to be produced, “Hot Scotch, ’ ’ is now in the course of production. Appearing with Duffy are Neal Burns, Joan Marquis, Eddie Barry, and Stella Adams.

The character of the Mad Tsar, Paul 1., which the famous actor Emil Jannings portrays in his latest picture, “The Patriot,” is the second role of his career in which he plays a Russian Tsar. The first Monarch Jannings re-created for the screen was Peter the Great, the man who did more to raise Russian from the medieval ignorance with which it was burdened than any other of the Tsars. In the supporting cast of “The Patriot” are Lewis Stone, Neil Hamilton, Florence Vidor, Vera Veronina, and Tullio Carminati.

Jean Hersholt, before taking up a screen career at Hollywood, was an actor on the legitimate stage. He made his stage debut when only nineteen, and for many years afterwards acted with success in the principal theatres of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. In the screen version of the popular play, “Abie’s Irish Rose,” Hersholt plays the part of the Jewish father, Solomon Levy, the father of Abie. Nancy Carroll has the role of Rosemary Murphy.

Production has started on George Bancroft’s new picture, “The Docks of New York.” One of the latest additions to the cast is Gustave von Seyffertitz, who will play the part of “Hymn-book” Harry. Other members of the cast include Budd Fine, May Foster, Betty Compson, and Baclanova.

Marceline Day, who has just appeared opposite Lon Chaney in two of his recent starring productions, “London After Midnight” and “The Big City,” is seen opposite Ralph Forbes in “Under the Black Eagle,” a drama starring Flash, a police dog.

Who has not been charmed by the lilting music of “The Student Prince?” Never has anything exceeded the wide and instantaneous success of this delightful musical play, with its haunting music, vivid glimpses of student life at Old Heidelberg, and its tender love story. The screen version of “The Student Prince” will be released throughout New Zealand shortly.

William Haines’ new starring picture, “Alias Jimmy Valentine,” has gone into production. It is an adaptation of the great stage success, in which H. B. Warner starred, and which proved one of the most popular

pieces of theatrical entertainment ever staged. No selection has been announced yet for the feminine lead in the new picture, which is of a different order from anything Haines has previously attempted. The supporting cast of the film includes such well-known character actors as Karl Dane, Tully Marshall, and Lionel Barrymore.

Ireland is used to the best advantage by John Ford, who directed “Hangman’s House.” This drama is based on Donn Bryne’s great novel, and features June Colyer, Larry Kent and Earl Foxe in the romantic roles. Hobart Bosworth is cast as “Jimmy the Hangman,” and Victor M‘Laglen has a significant role as "Citizen Hogan,” the avenger. This production is shortly to be released in Wellington.

Dolores Del Rio, who portrayed Carmen in “Loves of Carmen,” will shortly be seen in “No Other Woman,” in which she has the leading role. In this production Miss Del Rio wears some of the loveliest gowns of the year. Don Alvarada, and Ben Bard play opposite Miss Del Rio.

Fourteen beauties, led by Nancy Carroll and Frances Lee, dance in the comedy romance, “Chicken a la King.” The chorus is responsible for a number of sparkling scenes of back-stage life, which are a part of the story of this production.