PARAMOUNT PICTURES.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1520, 12 June 1919, Page 35

PARAMOUNT PICTURES.

Mr. T. Valois, general manger in New Zealand for Paramount Pictures, paid a brief visit to Auckland last week, enlightening those he met with the latest happenings of the mammoth concern he represents. Here are just a few pointed pars gleaned in a short chat, which go to prove his contention that “paramount in story, scenario writing, acting, photography and production is the slogan of the Paramount.” Fatty Arbuckle, the infectious laughmaker, has signed on for three years with the Paramount. Mrs. Vernon Castles, dresser supreme, has accepted another long contract exclusively for the Paramount. Captain Robert Warwick, the noted English actor, has been secured for a series of plays for the Paramount, the first of which will be Gillett’s“Secret Service.” Billie Burke has renewed her contract with Paramount. Houdini, the “Handcuff King,” is another to sign up. That fine producer Thomas Ince will still produce for Paramount, while Cecil B. de Mille (associated with such feature pieces as “The Woman God Forgot,” “Joan the Woman,” etc.) will continue to produce specials every eight weeks for them. Elinor Glynn’s human story, “The Career of Katherine Bush,” will be released shortly. The Famous Players (Paramount) have bought the exclusive motion picture rights of Hall Caine’s book “The Woman Thou Gavest Me,” Hartley Manner’s “Peg o’ My Heart,” and Sir James Barrie’s “Peter Pan.” An interesting event that should shake things up in the picture world is the amalgamation of the Famous Players Lasky Corporation (Paramount) with the William Randolph Hearst Press. All the well-known authors of the day will write exclusively for Paramount —W. J. Locke, John Galsworthy, Robert Chambers, Elinor Glynn, Gouvneur Morris, Marie Corelli and others. A big deal, this! Caruso’s first picture, “My Cousin,” is in New Zealand, and will be re- - leased at an early date for the Paramount. In it the star has a dual part —that of a great tenor and a poor sculptor. Clean, wholesome stories with unusual plots are characteristic of the Paramount productions.

Mdlle. Antonia Dolores was entertained at tea by the president (Sir John Denniston), the executive, and committee of the Christchurch Musical Society. Mdlle. Dolores, who was accompanied by her friend, Madame Vaudour, was received by Sir John and Lady Denniston and Mr. and Miss Adley. Sir John Denniston spoke of the very great pleasure it gave him to welcome Mademoiselle Dolores, not only in the name of those present, but also in the name of the four or five hundred members, honorary, chorus, and orchestral, who for want of space could not be there; nevertheless he knew the whole-hearted welcome they sent to their distinguished guest. Mademoiselle’s great gift was to bring joy, not only by her entrancing singing ,but also by her charming personality. He sincerely trusted it would not be the last time by a great many in which the society would have the honour and pleasure of entertaining one who endeared herself to all. Mademoiselle Dolores thanked Sir John and all present for their great kindness, which she would treasure always. If she remained in Christchurch long enough she would like to attend a practice of the Musical Society, for she knew some very fine work would be the result of such a conductor as Dr. Bradshaws • * • » Two of the largest bandsmen in America have just been engaged by Lieutenant John Philip Sousa for his coast tour. They combine physical bulk and musicianly ability in equal parts, these qualifications being absolutely essential for the services required. They will play the two Sousaphones which are important instruments in the make-up of the band. The Sousaphone is an invention of the leader and is the largest instrument used in any band. The two men are John M. Kuhn and W. V. Webster. Kuhn is a full-blooded Indian, and a famous football star of a few years ago. * * • • The report that has been going round that Messrs. Frank Charlton and Mr. Borneo Gardiner are members of the Sir Harry Lauder Company is not correct. The members of the company referred to are: Miss Muriel Window (the little “peacock” of vaudeville), who can sing, whistle, squeak and chirrup like a bird, and is a wonderful imitator; Mr. Eddie Montrose, the comic Broadway clown, who brings back memories of other great clowns; Laurie Kennedy and Dorothy Mcßride, ’cello and piano; the Creightons, jugglers; Miss Heather Belle, a graceful Scotch dancer, and Mr. Richard Keers, who controls a full orchestra. ♦ * * • A matinee organised by Miss Ada Reeve for the Anzac Comforts Fund and held at the Standard Theatre. Johannesburg, realised £163 for the fund, including £3O for a signed photograph of Miss Reeve, put up to American auction by herself and bought by Miss Freda Godfrey. The theatre was crowded in every part, the Australasians of the town wishing to show honour to their countrymen and to pay their tribute of gratitude to Miss Reeve, who has such a warm corner in her heart for the Anzacs.

According to the Hokitika “Guardian,” Sir Harry Lauder has a sister residing in Westland —at Kokatahi — and in a few months the Scottish comedian will visit the Coast and spend a few days with his relative.

The name of Mrs. Robert Brough appears in the cast of “Caesar’s Wife,” the new Somerset Maugham play produced in London.

“We have had the most wonderful tours,” writes Miss Dorothy Gard’ner from the Hotel Rissik, Johannesburg. “Forty weeks last year, and this tour will be about, fourteen months by the time we have finished, and crammed business' everywhere. Mrs. Steele is an employer of the best, who puts her company’s comfort always first, so that she deserves all the good she gets. How I long for New Zealand sometimes! I expect to be further away than I am now before I come back. Give my love to its green hills and blue, blue sea, and tell it I am often homesick, despite the call of the veldt, and the wonderful, Wonderful open spaces, and their shadows and lights, that ‘claw’ one to Africa.”

Louis Pitt, music teacher in the Newark (N.J.) Central High School, believes that “jazz” should be in the tonal curriculum of that institution. He made sure by asking the pupils to vote on the subject. They affirmed his view by acclamation. Now. instead of “Old Kentucky Home” and similar lugubrious ditties, they are getting “Won’t You Shimmy With Me?” “Ja-Da,” and other syncopated classics. Mr. Pitt gives reasons for his new departure as follows: “The pupils need ‘jazz.’ They come to me from a Latin class, perhaps with a mathematics class looming ahead of them, and they want something to swing them back to normal, something that will quicken and- sustain their interest. They seem to have found it in these popular songs.”

Madame Johnston-Topliss, whose exceptional vocal art causes her to be in keen demand at high-class concerts, is at present in Auckland after fulfilling engagements with the New Plymouth Male Choir for their two concerts. The local papers point with pleasure to her signal success, her programmed songs extending to three-fold numbers, and at the conclusion ■ of the season Madame was warmly thanked by the conductor for her admirable work. Says one well-known critic: Madame JohnstonTopliss provided a rare vocal treat for her listeners. Her soprano voice is of excellent quality and purity, and wide in range. Her singing is marked by the uttermost simplicity of manner or superb dramatic delivery, exactly as the subject requires. Madame was recalled eight times in all, and was presented with a beautiful bouquet. Her encores were all charming, and their varying character revealed the versatility of the singer in treating dramatic, . grave, light and joyous subjects.

The Topsy Turvies, a company formed by Mrs. F. G. Barton, of Barton’s Circus, have commenced a tour of the Dominion. The personnel includes Toa, the boy contortionist; Dorothy, the dream girl; Lee Toy Chung, magician; the Fredo Boys; Professor D’Almaine, hypnotist; and Percy Carr, comedian. * * 9 • Miss Daphne Knight has bought the New Zealand rights of “Gwenwyn of the Lonely Tower,” a fanciful story in dance written by Mr. H. Hector Bolltho, the progressive young Auckland penman. The play which is to be produced in due time is a phantasy interpreted by dialogue and original and unusual ballets conceived by the author. - « • • • “It is said that a man is too old at 60 —an old fogey,” says Lord Curzon, leader of the House of Lords; “I have reached that unfortunate age; But when I see men like Clemenceau (78), Mr. Balfour, Marshal Foch and Mr. Lloyd George—who has only four years to go before he becomes use* less —the best old fogies leading the Peace Conference, I am consoled.”