NEW ZEALAND ACTRESS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 183, 5 August 1933, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND ACTRESS

MARIE NEY FOR TALKIES. LONDON CRITICS’ PRAISE. The Evening Standard’s theatrical critic calls attention to the successful run which is being enjoyed by “The Lake,” now being performed at the Piccadilly Theatre on its transference from The Westminster to a populous centre near Piccadilly Circus. “Actress’ Trimph” is the heading, and the writer remarks: “Not only is ‘The Lake’ a brilliant play—critics and public alike agree on that point—but it is also remarkable for the very fine performance given by Miss Marie Ney, who, in the part of a tragic bride, has definitely established herself as one of our leading actresses. Others in the cast include Dame May Whitty, Miss Esme Church, Alan Napier, and A. R. What more.” Thus the London correspondent of The Post, writing on June 23. The correspondent continues: “So wellknown on the stage, Miss Ney should have a large following also if she does much filming. The part she was allotted in ‘The Good Companions’ film had to be resigned because ‘Dangerous Corner’ was still running, and the two engagements could not be fitted in simultaneously. However, ‘The Wandering Jew’ is to have a talkie version, following the silent film which was made some time ago. In the coming presentation the two well-known actresses, Miss Marie Ney and Miss Peggy Ashcroft, will appear for the first time on the screen. Mr. Julius Hagen is putting the play into production at the Twickenham Studios this week, with Mr. Conrad Veidt in the title role. Mr. Maurice Elvey, who directed the silent version of Mr. E. Temple Thurston’s story, will again direct the new version. The story, the first phase of which is set in Jerusalem at the time of the Crucifixion, concerns the sufferings of a legendary figure, condemned to wander over the earth for centuries as a punishment for insulting his Maker, and Miss Ney will play the leading role—the part of Judith—in this phase Miss Ashcroft will be seen in the third phase, the action of which takes place at Palermo in 1928, and will appear as a young Jewish woman who is converted to Catholicism. Miss Anno Grey has been selected to play Joanne de Beaudricourt, a part made famous in the stage version by Miss Lillah Macarthy. ”

William Beaudine recently celebrated 24 years in the motion picture business by signing a contract with Paramount to direct B.P. JSchulbcrg’s ‘‘On Probation.” Beaudine’s first job when he left school early in 1909 was as third assistant property man at 8 dollars per week at the Biograph Studios in New York. The late Robert Harrow, one of the greatest of the early screen idols, was second assistant, and D. W. Griffith was director. Beaudine recently completed “The Crime of the Century ” for Paramount, which was one of the most successful mystery films of the year, according to the critics.

“Secrets.” Lyman Williams, handsome 19-year-old blonde, is considered by Hollywood experts as one of the screen idols of to-morrow, makes his debut in support of Mary Pickford and Leslie Howard in important sequences of United Artists’ picture “Secrets.” Young Williams, won his acting spurs with stock companies before attempting to enter the gates of Hollywood. According to Frank Borzage the youth is endowed with the ability, looks, and intelligence tha should take him far in a screen career.

Maggie Teyte in Australia. —Maggie Teyto, the famous English operat’c prima donna and concert soprano, who has opened an Australian tour uudei Tait management (by arrangement with the Cherniuvsky Bureau), was a close friend of the late Dame Melba. At the memorial service to the Austra fian soprano at St. Colomb’s Church, London, Miss Teyte paid her tribute to her friend bp singing Schubert’s ‘‘Ave Maria.” Tudor Davies, who is accom panying Miss Teyte on this tour, is regarded as England’s foremost tenor. He served in the Royal Navy during the war for four years and then was engaged to sing the principal teno 1robs with th 0 National Opera Company. lie was associated with Dame Melba at Co vent Garden in 1926, succeeded in America, and in 1930 re surned his place with the British National Opera Company. He and Miss Teyte will present, programmes of con

cert items, English songs m costume, and excerpts from grand opera in character, featuring some of their famous roles at the Metropolitan Opera, New York, and the opera houses of Paris Berlin and Vienna.