NEWS OF THE CINEMA.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20207, 29 May 1937, Page 15 (Supplement)

NEWS OF THE CINEMA.

Queen Sees “Mill on the Floss.” Chelsea Pensioners look the place of members of the Australian Coronation contingent who were to have formed a guard of honour at the London Hippodrome, when Queen Mary attended the matinee premiere of the film “The Mill on the Floss” in aid of the University College Hospital. Inside the theatre the band of the Welsh Guards gave the first performance of Peter Bex’s new Coronation March, “Vivat George the King.” Screen Stars for Australia. Lloyd Hughes, who was very popular In American films a few years ago, Is on his way to Australia to take the lead In “ Lovers and Luggers,” a pearling story, which is to be made at the Cinesound Studio, Sydney. He will stay for six weeks. Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon are coming to Australia for a tour over the Tivoli chain for Frank Neil. Films Must Cost Million Dollars. Among the screen and stage personalities who arrived at Plymouth in the Queen Mary was Mr S. R. Kent, president of 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation. “The day of small pictures is over,” he said. “A film to be successful must cost at least a million dollars." “Madame Butterfly” as a Film. “Madame Butterfly,” the popular opera, Is to be filmed, with Gladys Swarthout In the title role. Miss Swarthout Is also to have the lead in “Show Business,” another musical play. “Romeo and Juliet” Banned In Italy. Signor Mussolini will not permit the “Romeo and Juliet” film to be shown in Italy. Jeanette Mao Donald in “Firefly.” Jeanette MacDonald is to have the feminine lead in the film version of “Firefly,” the stage musical play. Allan Jones, who sang ihe tenor role in the operatic scenes with Miss MacDonald in “Rose Marie” will play opposite, her in “Firefly.” Laurel and Hardy to Part. The team of Laurel and Hardy Is to be broken up. Stan Laurel is to star in comedies by himself and plans to engage a different partner for each film. Hardy has still two more years to serve under contract to Ilal Roach. Jeanette MacDonald’s Marriage. Jeaneite MacDonald will maryy Gene Raymond in June. Mr Raymond, w * lo was born Raymond Guion in New York on August 13. 1 90S. lias fair hair, 'blue eyes, an».l is sft. JOins. tall. He was the child of French "stage” parents, and made bis debut when be was five. From then, lie was on the stage fairly continuously. making a big hit in “The Potters.” about 13 years ago.

Gene came io the screen in Nancy Carroll’s “Personal Maid,” in 1931. Recently he has played in “Walking On Air.” “Love on a Bet” and “The Bride Walks Out.” Before he starts work on “Don’t Forget lo Remember." the new story which has just been bought for him, he will play in “Three on a Latchkey.” Leslie Howard in “Stand-In.” Leslie Howard lias been signed for the starring role in “Stand-In.” I The story revolves round those anonymous heroes of Hollywood who substitute for star while lights and cameras are being adjusted. Merle Oberon Recovering. Merle Oberon is making “slow’ but satisfactory progress” from the effects of her car crash, says a London paper. lier secretary, Miss Mary Sanday, said; “We hope Miss Oberon will be able to go away lo tlie sea or the country to recuperate at the end of tills week. She will not bo able to take up her normal activities for some time.” Freddie Bartholomew’s £240 a Week. Miss Millicent Bartholomew, who became the legal ward of her nephew, Freddie, Ihe 1 3-years-old boy film star, will receive £IOO a month from his earnings. Details of the financial agreement, reached after Ihe Superior Court in Los Angeles had agreed to the adoption of Freddie by his aunt, reveal that his earnings are estimated at £240 a week. The hoy’s parents will receive 10 per cent, of liis earnings.