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Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 250, 21 October 1937, Page 3

Burlesque Vocalist. A performer at the Wigmore Hall, London, whose “singing satires” called for real vocalistic ability was Miss Vandy Cape. This talented soprano sang songs interesting in ‘themselves to which she gave the unexpected “twists” of a “soprano with an unfortunate memory.” Miss Cape’s vocal impersonation of an “opera lecturer” (Bird Song from Pagliacci), and her “intimate moment with a

prima donna” (Brahms’ “Wienglied”) were gems of intentional humour, which, on the concert platform, have earned the talented lady instant success.

“Ebb Tide.” The first torrential rain storm ever to be recorded for the screen in Tecnicolour was filmed recently when production commenced at the Paramount Studios for “Ebb Tide,” directed by James Hogan. The picture will be in production for many weeks, its extensive shooting schedule calling for a great deal of work on location. Tlie outdoor shots which form the principal locale of this Robert Louis Stevenson story of the South Seas, will be filmed on and around Catalina Island. Featuring a strong cast, which includes Ray Milland, Frances Farmer, Lloyd Nolan, and Barry Fitzgerald, “Ebb Tide” will mark the American debut of the noted European stage and screen star, who has been making pictures in England, is under a long-term contract to Paramount. “Ebb Tide” also is the lirst Technicolour picture of the sea, and is being produced by Lucien Hubbard.

Wanger Warns Them. Prospective visitors to sound stage ] at the United Artists’ studios recently , were confronted by ominous proclamations which probably made the un- I initiated feel as guilty as a tourist j facing Customs officers. The pronun-' ciamento thundered “Warning!” in - foot-high black paint, with a two-foot h exclamation point. Underneath, the < awe-inspiring text went on “The pro- ' I duction ideas, fashions, and designs i used in ‘Walter Wanger’s Vogues of < 1938’ are fully protected by copyright I: and any attempts to reproduce them ': in any way will be prosecuted to the •; fullest extent of the law’.” And, in case < that wasn’t enough to discourage spying gate-crashers, the huge signs furthen triumphed: —“No cameras allow- ; cd. Sketching positively prohibited. Admission by pass only.”

Walls and Lynn. After a lapse of some 18 months, one of the most brilliant comedy trios ever united on the screen is once more launched on a laughter campaign. It is “For Valour,” a Capitol Film production, co-starring Tom Walls and Ralph Lynn, and which has been adapted from an original story by Ben Travers. Directed by Tom Walls, it is the most ambitious picture ever undertaken by this trio, providing them with unique opportunities. The famous comedy stars both appear in dual roles. Tom Walls minus his moustache, appears as a private in the Boer War. and a convict adorned with a cauliflower ear. Ralph Lynn will be seen for the first time without his monocle, as a major in the British Army, and later as a senile doddering old man, and of course, both stars appear as themselves. The Ben Travers story is unlike anything this pair have ever essayed.

Joan Fontaine. From unknown to star in two jumps. Lovely Joan Fontaine, who at nineteen has already achieved stardom after appearing in only three pictures, admits that she feels like Alice in Wonderland. Hailed as a discovery during her performance in the Hepburn - Franchot Tone picture “Quality Street,” her first appearance before a camera, the lovely blonde actress has been chosen as Fred Astaire’s new leading lady, thereby displacing Ginger Rogers, in the dancing comedian’s new picture “A Damsel in Distress.” Save in the case of stage celebrities of great renown, ■ it is almost unheard of for newcomers to pictures to be given the star rating until they have had extensive experience in various types of roles, and usually over a period of years. Screen stars to-day who had “skipped” most of this, tryout process can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Barbara Stanwyck Bleaches. The fact that a woman changes from a brunette to a blonde is not unusual enough to excite any special comment in this day when hair colourings change like fashions in clothes. Barbara Stanwyck, however, recently had her auburn hair bleached to a golden blonde, but the reason for the radical change was not a matter of vanity, but solely to give realism to the part which she plays in the title role of “Stella Dallas.” It was suggested that she wear a wig for this particular role, but she declined definitely. “I couldn’t do anything with my hands, like running them through my hair,” she said. “Furthermore, a wig would be set and pretty, which isn’t this girl. In her home her hair was neglected, unkempt, and that just can’t be done realistically except with one’s own hair. So I just had to let mine be bleached, and after the picture’s over I'll go through the process of turning natural again.”

Gladys Moncrieff, the popular singer-actress, will commence another broadcasting tour of New Zealand next year. To Develop Dancers. In answer Io growing dance consciousness and increasing appreciation of the modern dance, a new division of the Federal theatre project has been created for the development of dancers and the presentation of dance concerts, writes a San Fraiicisco correspondent, Myra Kinch, well Known in American and European centres as an exponent of modern and aesthetic dancing, has been named State supervisor of the Federal theatre dance project in San Francisco, her home, as ‘well as the principal cities of the country, is director of the local group.