LIFE OF CHRIST

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

LIFE OF CHRIST

BRITISH FILAI PLANNED. TITLE-ROLE IDENTITY” SECRET. Announcement of Alexander Korda’s plans to produce a film in London based on the life of thc Christ was made recently by the newspaper film writer, P. L. Alannock, in ungiand. The correspondent tells us that the player of the all-impc-rtant central role will not be a film star. Indeed, he may not be an actor at all. Air. Korda has not yet found him. But he has decided that identity of whoever plays Christ will De kept secret, if possible. Air. Korda feels that it would be wrong to associate the figure of thc Saviour of the Christian religion with an actor-s name. Mr. Korda admits that the making of the subject, in a spirit or reverence, had been one of his most cherished ambitions for some years. It will not bo made immediately, but wnen his big programme of films for this year permits. , As the picture will include the chaiacter of Christ, it will not be shown in any cinema theatre in Britain. I c person of Christ is one of the most rigid of bans cm films laid down by the British Board of Film Censors. This happened seven years ago in the ease of “The King of Kings ’ he silent film made by Cecil B. de MUle, in Hollywood, with H. B. V.'arner in the title-role. It was shown in public halls an over Britain, but onry in cinemas on Sundays in a few Instances, under most rigid conditions, including a ban on all other films in inc same programme. “The King of Kings ’• was shown throughout New Zealand in cinema houses without restriction, ana provea one of the big films of thc year, judged by box-office attendances, rt was reissued two years ago, ana once more proved its popularity. “Strike It Bich.” The successor to George ' TCe . “Cleaning Up” and now completed, is the British Lion comedy, “Strike n Rich.” a forthcoming Britlsn Dominions 'Films release. The story deals with the adventures and mlsaavenai.es of a down-trodden clerk wno suite from an inferiority complex until he visits a phrenologist who, aner read in<r his bumps, tells him that tie is a second Napoleon. Gina Malo plays opposite the popular comedian in “Strike It Eich,” and gives a performance Which promises wen lor her future on the screen. Others who figure prominently in a strong comedy cast are Davy Burnaby and AStell-

“Flying Down To Bio. ’ Beautiful girls doing a dance number while suspended in thin air by silken parachutes is one of the amazing and spectacular numuers In the> ela borate musical extravaganza, Flying Down To Rio,” coming to the> Plaza. Six girls participate in the thrilling spectacle. The EKO Radio production, hailed as the screen’s greatest novelty, winds up with a musical show enacted on the wings of ’planes as they soar over beautiful Rio de Janiero. Dolores del Rio. Gene Raymond, Frea Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Raul Roulicn head the’cast. Three bands are featured in this production.