SHAW’S "ST. JOAN”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 82, 7 April 1934, Page 14

SHAW’S "ST. JOAN”

SALE TO FILM STUDIO. After some weeks of negotiation Mr. George Bernard Shaw disposed of the film rights of “Saint Joan’’ to the Radio Picture Corporation. Or rather (for he objects to the suggestion that he sells film rights) ho is allowing them | to make a film in return for a percentage of the receipts. Film companies, recognising that of all Mr. Shaw’s successes “Saint Joan” has the strongest plot and the greatest screen possibilities, have been trying to persuade him to sell it for years. At last Mr. Kenneth Macgowan, of Radio Pictures, who recently induced Mr. Shaw to sell “The Devil’s Disciple,” succeeded. The part of the Maid will be played by Katherine Hepburn—the greatest acting part of her short but spectacular career. She is also supposed to be doing “The Tudor Wench. 1 If it is thought unwise for her to do two historical piays in succession, common sense suggests that “Saint Joan.” with its record of success all over the world, will have prelcrence. Peak of Vanity.—Carole Lombard, George Raft’s leading lady in Paramount's “Bolero,” says that she actually knows a male movie star who. always thinking of his public, had an X-ray of his teeth retouched before showing it to his dentist. “Little Women.’’—One of the greatest casts of this or any other season has been chosen by RKO-Radio Pictures to enact in the tempo and spirit of the times the Louisa AL Alcott epic of girlhood, “Little Women.” Katharine Hepburn, RKO-Radio’s star, was selected to carry on the lire and fame of Jo, the tomboy of the story. Joan Bennett is Amy, the “snow maiden, with blue eyes and hair curling over her shoulders.” Frances Dee is Meg, flirtatious and charming. Jean Parker is Beth, the sister with a shy manner, a timid voice, and a peaceful expression. For the masculine half of the cast are players of a similar stellar magnitude—Paul Lukas is Fritz Bhacr, the quaint professor who finally wins Jo; Douglass Montgomery is Lauric, the rich boy next door; Henry Stephenson is M<. Laurence, the grumpy neighbour wlVosc bark is worse than his bite. John Davis Lodge is Brooke, who marries Mog. Samuel Hinds is Mr. March. Of course you have been waiting to hear who won the, role of Aunt March. And that selection is a gem, too, for it is Edna May Oliver. Spring Byington is Mar nice, Mabel Colcord is Hannah, and Nydia Westman is Mamie. The favourite story of the laughs and tears of an ideal American home has been kept tru • to the pages millions have so often thumbed. Not a change was made, for the sake of modernism. George Cukor■ directed the famous Alcott story. It will bo shown at the Plaza Theatre in Wanganui.