NEWS OF THE TALKIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 18986, 1 July 1933, Page 17 (Supplement)

NEWS OF THE TALKIES.

Comment on Some Now Films. A friend in Chicago (U.S.A.), writing by this week’s mail, gives the following interesting comment on some of the new r films: ‘‘This week 1 saw Ramon Novarro’s new film, “The Barbarian.” It isn't much of a picture as pictures go, but lie is charming "in the first half of the film at least and shows such clever comedy ability than 1 was entranced. You will, 1 am sure, like it. And for the first' time in my life I must say I liked Myrna Loy. I have never cared much for her, but in this I fell for her at once. By all means see it. “I am wondering how you are going to like "Re-union, in Vienna." I saw the stage play last season. It was one of the most successful stage shows here in years, and now they have made a movie from it that is every bit as good. Do see it when It comes. And do see Chevalier in “A Bedtime Story.” The baby in it is the whole show, and what a charming youngster he is. I could see it again just to watch him.” N.Z. Girl Returns to Hollywood. A New Zealand girl who has been living in Hollywood for eight years, Tui Lorraine, has been spending a fortnight’s holiday in New Zealand with her mother. She left Auckland on her return to the film colony by the Mariposa to-day. Miss Lorraine lias played many important parts in films. Some time ago she married the father of Clara Bow, the well-known star. Romance Turns to Comedy. It was supposed to be a tender little love-scene between Harry Kendall and Grade Fields —in an arbour, says a London paper in referring to the “shooting” of “ This Year of Grace.” But Harry’s love-making got terribly mixed up with the leaves and branches and the scene became so spontaneously comic that director Maurice Elvey chuckled “ 0.K.,’ ’and let it go at that.

You just can’t keep a good comedian down. ... 1

Greta Garbo’s New Hair-cut. Greta Garbo’s “answer" to Marlene Dietrich’s trousers is to be a new form of hair-cut.

She thought the matter over during [lie progress of her long sea voyage lo Los Angeles and submitted the idea to the Metro-Goldwyn studio experts in coiffure, who have designed a novel hairdressing scheme. Great secrecy is being observed, but photographs of the new hair-cut are in the possession of the New York publicity department of the Corporation, and will shortly be launched on the feminine world.

Janet Gaynoc Will Marry Again. Janet Gaynor is not disillusioned with marriage, . says an American paper. She realises that she made a mistake, but she does not regret the error.

“ I fully intend to marry again, sometime. Not soon. For the next few years mother and I will live together. We have just rented a new house, and for at least several months I will be kept busy by my studio work and the house.” Stars’ Huge Salaries.

Marlene Dietrich and Maurice Chevalier must take salary slashes if they stay with Paramount. Chevalier pockets £40,000 a year; Dietrich £50,000. Lew Ayres has finished his contract with Universal studio. He was drawing £SOO a week. To date he has signed no new contract. Greta Garbo pockets £160.000 on her two picture contracts with Metro. Zasu Pitts is said to he one of the wealthiest stars in Hollywood. She free-lances, and is always in demand. “ Slim" Summerville is the highest salaried actor at Universal. “Alice In Wonderland” as Film.

“Alice in Wonderland,” Lewis Carroll’s well-beloved story, will he produced by Paramount with a musical background. An all-star cast will bring to life the famous characters which Alice found in Wonderland and on her trip through the looking glass. To date, five players have been cast. Alison Skipworlh will play the Duchess Charles Buggies will be the Mad Hatter, Charles Laughton the Cheshire Cat or the Walrus, Mary Boland the Queen of Hearts, and Jack Oakie will have the dual role of Tweedlcdec and Tweedledum.

Actor Criticises English Talkies

“ England produces one good picture to 30 bad ones, and her standard is considerably lower than that of the United Slates; many mushroom companies have taken advantage of the quota system lo foist inferior productions upon the public,’’, said George Barraud, English actor, who arrived in Melbourne by the “ Maloja.” English producers were unable to pay the high salaries demanded by first-class stars and were far behind the United States and Germany in direction and technique, lie stated, and tiic United States, to evade the quota system and provide films for their own theatres in England, had done so by opening studios there. Mr. Barraud lias come to Australia to appear with Isabel Elsom, the London actress, in “When Ladies Meet other play*.