“The Man in the Iron Mask"

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20916, 22 September 1939, Page 4

“The Man in the Iron Mask"

An eleven-doll&r-a-day extra watched with more than usual interest the royal marriage ceremony being filmed as the climax to the thrilling story of “The Man in the Iron Mask," the Edward Small production. He kept eyes constantly on Joan Bennett, playing the role of Maria Theresa, infanta of Spain, and on Louis Hayward, appearing as King Louis XIV of France. For at one time, in years gone by, this particular extra was the central 'flgure of many royal affairs in Vienna. He is Count Rudolph Stephanelli von Prenterhof and Hohenmauer, whose family tree goes back 700 years and who once was captain of Arcieran Leilithe personal bodyguard of the late Emperor Franz Josef of Austria He is personally related to the late Franz Josef, the late Czar of Russia, former Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and King George VI. of England A couple of years ago. when conditions abroad made It almost impossible for a nobleman to earn a living, Count Stepanelli, as he is called in Hollywood, came to America and finally found a place in the motion picture business. A man of stately bearing, he is in constant demand for just such scenes as that made for “The Man in the Iron Mask.” He wears a full gray beard and on occasion uses a monocle. Despite the reverses through which he has gone, Count Stepanelli spends little time worrying about the past. He is happy in his .new fo>und work as a motion picture actor and is determined to establish himself among the ranks of leading character players. "The Man in the Iron Mask” was directed by James Wale, and in the supportcast of the film are Warron William, Joseph Schildkraut and Alan llale.