RECOGNITION ABROAD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 153, 30 June 1934, Page 14

RECOGNITION ABROAD

FILM PLAYERS’ EXPERIENCES. Al ANY RECENT EXAMPLES. There are many well-known Euro pcan actors who made their fiiui debuts hi America—ler instance. Ronald Co*man, Chailie Chaplin, Maurice Chevalier, and George Arliss, riicse have been in American productions hq that they are almost looked upon as American actors, but there are many artists, tho roughly Biitish or European, | who were •‘discovered” iu countries | other than their own. Cyril Alaude is unique In that his first film, a silent version of “Peer Gyiit,” made in 1915, and nis first talking picture, “Grumpy/- were both American productions. Gertrude Lawrence made her first appearance an the screen in “Tho Battle of Pans,” an American picture. Peter Gawthome, who is now kept exceedingly busy in British films, actually made his debut in 1929 in “Behind that Curtain,” for Fox. Two mote of his Hollywcud films were “Bulldog Drummond” and “{Sunny Side Up.” Fox also brought George Grossmith to the screen for the first time in “Women Everywhere.” Edmund Breon began his fi‘m career | in Hollywood and appeared ’o “Raffles,” “Thc Dawn Patrol” and j“I Like Your Nerve.” By attracting attention on the Los Angeles stage. John Batten, brother of Jean Batten, the New Zealand air-woman, won a film contract, and played in several pictures of which “The Godless Girl” was one. Continental studios have proved to be a jumping-off ground for some of the younger British players. Heather Angel and John Loder both made their firs* films with U.F.A., while Norah Barring's first film was a German production called “ Parislennc." Bari Alaritza had varied experience before she entered British pictures. Her first pad was a small one in a Viennese film, which was succeeded r>y work iu Berlin and Budapest. British films have introduced many well-known American players to the screen. Tallulah Bankhead made two silent films, “A Woman’s Law” and “His House in Order.” under hcr first I contract. Thomas Aleighan also was persuaded to make a picture while appearing on the London stage. His screen debut was actually made “Dandy Donovan,” with Gladys 1 Cooper. Juliette Compton, who is now, | in Hollywood, played leading roles JU' British films for so long that many, people did not realise that she was American by birth. Of tho newcomers. Carol Goodncr, from New York, played hcr first screen part in 4 4 The Ringer.' Rosemary Anics, whom Fox arc now preparing for leading roles, made her debut in “Love on the Spot/’ wit* Richard Dolman, after studying at tho ! Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and ■iciing on the stage in “Late Night I Final ’ ’ | A few American principals gained their first film experience u-n the Continent. Mona Maris made four film!

for U.F.A. Alary Nolan made her screen debut with the sanio company. Anita Louise made her first picture, “The Life of Franz Schubert,” in Vienna, when she was a child. Thf French actress. Lili Damita, began film work in Beilin for thc Felncr Company Ivan Lebedeff’s first picture, “King Frederick,” was a U.F.A. production of 1922. Nils Astncr, who. n a countryman of Greta Garbo, entered films while in Germany, and Conchita Alontcnegro, the Spanish actress, made a picture in Paris before gomg to A Wireless Musical. Practically every radio star of note is being featured in the British Lion musical comedy. “ On the Air,” Many of them will be seen on the screen for the first, time. They include Clapham and Dwyer, Anona Winn, Jane Carq Davy Bnnaby, Reginald Purdell, Eve Beck, Hugh * Wright, Betty AsteU, Scott and Whaley, Harry Champion, Derek Oldham, Laurie Devine, Edwin Styles Wilson, Keppcll and Betty, and R< y Fjx’s Band. New J.C.W. Theatre. The very latest seating will be a feature of the new His Alajcsty’s The at re. Melbourne, which is now rapidly nearing completion. In addition to being roomier, the scats win be more widely spaced, and in order to provide for this the capacity of tne theatre will be reduced from 2200 to 1800. Lach section of thc theatre, including the upper circle, will have its owi foyer, that for the dress circle and re served stalls being 76ft. Jc-ng and 31f wide. Some indication ot tne spac ousness of the theatre is-given m th< fact ’hat the ceiling of tne main auditorium is over 70ft. from the 4<A>r' level. The opening of the new theatre will be the occasion of a brilliant gala night, the production being “White Horse Inn.”