NOVELTY DOG

Waipa Post, Volume 42, Issue 3263, 21 February 1931, Page 6

NOVELTY DOG

TAXES THE SWANSON BUDGET.

Gerry, Jnr., a floppy eared, funny looking toy dog which makes a brief appearance in Gloria Swanson's new United Artists singing and talking comedy, " What a Widow! " is perhaps the season's best example of the cost of originality in motion pictures.

Many producers would have used almost any sort of stuffed canine in Gerry, Jnr.'s few scenes. But Miss Swpnson was determined that only a modernistic dog, to match the modernistic sets of " What a Widow! ", would serve the purpose. From many sketches, the producerstar evolved a composite idea of what the modernistic dog should look like. He was. put together by various i craftsmen. Then alterations were decided upon. His tail had to be suspended from a delicate spring, so as to wac freely. His ears were neither sufficiently limp nor large enough. Lashes of real hair over just one eye would add another touch of modernity. . By the time Gerry Jnr. was ready for work and the bills were totalled by the auditor, it was found that the critter had- cost about 5000 dollars, most of this being charged to labour. Produced in quantities, Gerry, Jnr. would bring about five dollars. Miss Swanson's expenditures on the odd looking pup, however, are quite in keeping with the cost of originality in other phases of the production, however. For not only are all of the more than a dozen and a-half costumes she wears in "What a Widow! " original creations, but also all her jewellery and costume accessories. And in addition many pieces of modern furniture, rugs and other furnishings were designed and made to order.