Films and Screen Stars

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 225, 22 September 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

Films and Screen Stars

Feature. a tmr _. . "Huntington.- s . H , . ; Make - Th. Patch.,.'' L " rfer * £**.: F*!*? 1011 "*- "The Four-FlwhT." Helga Thomas. H< U.F.A. "It I Were Sin.l. 7" George Lewie. J f Universal. "The - VSc*^

Janet Gaynor, star of "Seventh Heaven" and "Sunrise," will shortly be teen in "The Street Angel." Miss Gaynor )■ going to star in "Kitty," from Warwick Deeping'g novel.

Glen Tyron, star in his own right, in Tainting the Town," plays in support of Laura La Plante in her new Universal itarring vehicle, "Thanks For the Buggy Bide." The other players include Richard Tucker, Lee Moran, David Rollins, Kate Price, and Trixie Friganza. William A. fleiter directed.

"The Wcjlf of Wall Street" will follow ♦The Docks of New York" as the next •tarring vehicle for George Bancroft. 'TPhe_ latter picture is approaching completion at the Paramount studio and she final scenes are now being "shot." 4n the cast are Clyde Cook, the Australian comedian, Betty Compson and Baclanova. Josef von Sternberg is the jnrector.

Over 20,000 people take part in British International's super-production "Mou-' Bn Rouge," which will be seen in this country in the near future, through the Agency of Cinema Art Films. It was produced by E. A. Dupont, the man responsible for "Variety," and even the ■well-known comedian George Gee, of J. 0. Williamson fame, plays a_paft. It is A glittering English film, a triumph of (nggestiva and spectacular achievement.

As an indication of the,, high standard tgf merit attained by British production ♦nits, the First National-Pathe film, PThe Ware Case," a mystery drama from the famous novel by George HanOroft, is really outstanding. With Stewart Rome in the main role as Sir Herbert Ware, and a beautiful English S'rl, Betty Carter, as Magda, his wife, e interpretations are clear-cut and S resting. A dramatic murder trial -is a "highlight" of the production and the delineation of events and characters J* masterly.

Laughter, thrills and gay romance are to be had in "A Girl in Every Port," Which has Victor McLaglen in the stellar fble. In addition to McLaglen, the cast Includes eight leading ladies, among Whom are such outstanding, favourites as Louise Brooks, Natalie Joyce, Leila Eyams, and Maria Casajuana. Robert Armstrong has the part of the other tailor who, at first, is the rival, then the friend of McLaglen in their various love affairs, and his performance of a sailor an shore leave sparkles with colour and

Inner secrets of diamond smugglers, •uch as concealing hidden gems m cigars, Are exposed in dramatic scenes in "Diamond Handcuffs," shortly to be released. Devices of smugglers, obtained from the Federal Customs service, were woven into the graphic story. Three notable casts in a single picture is one of the novelties in "Diamond Handcuffs." There are three separate sequences, each a Utile play*in itself, bound together by * central theme. In one' cast Eleanor Boardman, Lawrence Gray, Sam Hardy •tod George Cooper head the players; in' another, Conrad Nagel, Gwen Lee and fohu Roche; in. the third, Lena Malena oßd Charles Stevens.

. Sir Phillip' Gibbs' dramatic romance, •Out of the Ruins", was chosen as an ideal vehicle for Richard Berthelmess, is which, this film favourite enacts the Sle of a young French officer, a Blue jvil, who, under stress of circumstances cVserts his, regiment to spend a glamor«rat interval with the heroine. A few Realistic battle scenes, just enough to B've colour and depth to the story, shots ruined villages and general reclamation work in France, and a splendid reproduction of the Cafe de la Paix (a magical name to those acquainted with its lovely woiqen and. brilliant assemblages) are just a few of the "highlights" Of the story. Marian Nixon, playing the tole of the sweetheart, Yvonne, is piquant and convincing.

"The Student Prince," shortly to be felcascd, is a story the world'loves; a atory that has been played in every corner of the world. Ramon Novarro Cnd Norma Shearer have added a new triumph to the screen as a whole, and have given the silent drama a new Classic. One is transported to Germany; one revels with the young prince in the Heidelberg garden; one shares his poignant tragedy. It is a simple love story of a boy and a girl, but Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer gave it a whole nation as a background. The coronation celebration and other elaborate detail; for which whole towns were built, in which thousands of people took part, these form the gigantic and inspiring background to the inspiring story of youth and love.

Two of the most mysterious men in the motion picture world are Merian Cooper and Ernest -B. Schoedsack, the adventurous makers of "Chang" and the previous picture "Grass," which told the story of a forgotten tribe in Central Persia. When these two men set out to make a picture very few people know where they are exactly, or what they are doing. They disappear from civilisation and are not heard of for weeks, sometimes months, at a stretch. During the making 61 "Chang" they disappeared into the depths of a Siamese jungle and were not heard of for six months, but they returned with a marvellous picture. - Some time ago they again set forth, this time into the arid wastes of the Sudan. They have, taken many reels of film there, under conditions of great hardship. Just What they have they will not reveal, and •one but themselves- will know until they have cut and edited their final film. Like hang," the new picture it to embody definite and "Four Feathers," A. J2. W. Mason's well-known novel, ban been selected as the basis of thy pro.lii'.'i'.oa,

Lord Nelson in all his glory will again stride the deck of the Victory in the person of Victor Varconi, who supports Corinne Griffith in her role of "The Divine Lady" in her new starring picture. *

, Karl Dane and George K. Arthur, the popular comedy team, will shortly be seen in "Detectives." Marceline Day, who appeared with Dane and Arthur in "Rookies," makes a welcome reappearance in "Detectives." The work of Tenen Holtz and Polly Moran adds more relish.

Haunting the dark coves of lower Manhattan, slipping by way of the river in and out of the huge warehouses that line the waterfront, taking what he wants of rope and ship'materials and, selling it to skippers of out-going ships—that is the life of the river pirate. Sailor Frink and the Kid, played by Victor McLaglen and Nick Stuart lead this life in Fox Films' drama, "The River Pirate."

Mary Duncan, whom motion picture critics call "the modern Theda Bara," is the latest star to be drawn from the stage to the silver sheet. Fox Films will feature her in many "Movietone" productions, which calls for a good speaking voice. It is predicted that Miss Duncan will be a "leading light" during the forthcoming year. She is now engaged in "4 Devils," F. W. Murnau's second production for Fox.

As soon as Jean Hersholt and Edward Sloman finish with "The Girl on the Barge" they will start the production of "The Braggart." This is an original screen story by Benjamin Kutler, for which the continuity was written by Charles Kenyon.

Harry Langdon's new comedy has been provocatively titled' ♦' Heart Trouble," a First National story of a would-be fighter who never "got across." It is a good story with human touches, which leaves the spectator laughing whimsically at the quaint little comedian.

Like John Barrymore, Louis Wolheim, the pugnacious- looking actor who first came to the screen in 'Two Arabian Knights," has cast his fortunes with the silent drama, and within a short time he has become one of Hollywood's best-known actors. In "Tempest" JVolheim shares supporting honours with Camilla Horn, George Fawcett, Ullrich Haupt, Lena Malena and other noted players. "Tempest" has as its background the Russian revolution. The original story i s laid in the period before, during and immediately after the upheaval which swept the Czarist regime from power. John Barrymore has the role of a Russian subaltern

"Peaks of Destiny" or "The Wrath of the Gods," the latest Ufa sensation to be released soon in this country by Cinema Art ,Films, is the. first picture to be made in its entirety among the snowclad Alps of Switzerland. It is a story of friendship between two Alpine climbers, and it shows the hero sacrificing his own life just because he cannot save the life of his friend. The picture abounds in spectacular scenery, . and some •of the photography is almost unsurpassable. The ski race during the Alpine Club's twenty mile championship, provides a thrilling incident.

During the Great War grumbles were many and frequent at the secrecy with which the authorities veiled the movements of ships and troops. In no instance was the value of secrecy, and silence so triumphantly demonstrated as in the Falklands engagement. After the smashing German victory of Coronel, in which the British ships were outranged and outgunned, not only had the disaster to be avenged, but the Falklands Islands saved. Without a sign or word H.M.s. Invincible and H.M.s. Inflexible sailed, rom Devon port on November 11, arriving at the Falklands a few hours before von Spee's squadron, intent upon destroying the wireless station and seizing) the coal stores. Secrecy, • and silence were weapons as potent as the guns of the British Squadron. Sturdee arrived exactly in time, and cleared the southern seas of a menace to British trade and British supremacy. . "The Battles of Coronel and' Falkland Islands" is a picture to stir the blood. In its latest phase it recreates the epic struggle in the South Atlantic to restore British prestige and supremacy.

[FIRST RELEASES IN AUCKLAND. WEEK COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 27.

Distributors. Paramount. Cinema Art Films. Universal. Australasian Films. First National. First National.

Edmund Lowe will probably play opposite Gloria Swanson on her new film, directed by Erich von Stroheim. This is now called "Queen Kelly," instead of "The Swamp."

Latest reports from Hollywood state that Greta Garbo is to star in "The Green Hat," to be produced under the title of "A Woman of Affairs." Nils Asther will play opposite her. •

The worfe of Mary Nolan in "A Man's Past" and "The Foreign Legion" has been of such a pronounced dramatic character that Universal has decided to make her a featured lead. The first picture in which she will be featured is "Come Across," by Charles W. Taylor. William Wyler will direct it from a continuity by J. Grubb Alexander.

"Hangman's House," John Ford's new Fox Films production, based on Donn Byrne's, novel of Irish life, is shortly to be released in Auckland. "Hangman's House," according to studio executives and preview critics, is one of the finest things Mr. Ford has done for the silver sheet. It is typically Irish, and it is' said the action outrivals even tUb dramatic' intensity of this director's earlier efforts. June Collyer, playing her fourth leading role for Fox, is credited with some fine shading of Irish character. Mr. McLaglen, a pastmaster of human interest, is cast as Citizen Hogan, a towering figure bent on revenge. Hobart Bosworth is cast as Jimmy the Hangman, while Lawrence Kent plays opposite Miss Collyer.

. A thrilling picture is promised in "The Shield of Honour," a Universal production directed by Emory Johnson, and written especially for the screen by his mother, Emilie Johnson, author of numerous successful'pictures directed by him. It deals with the workings of a metropolitan police ,force, and the cast embraces such players as Neil Hamilton, Ralph Lewis, Dorothy Gulliver, Nigel Barrie, Thelma Todd,. Fred Esmelton, Joe Girard, and Claire McDowell.

Ruth Chattertoh, a well-known star of the legitimate stage, has been signed by Paramount to appear in Emil Jannings' next starring picture, titled "Sins of the Fathers." Miss Chatterton has been starred on Broadway in many plays, notably "Daddy Long Legs," "Mary Rose" and Barrie's "The Little Minister."

| An- exciting sequence is featured in Johnny Bines' latest First National Picture, "The Wright Idea," taking place aboard a palatial yacht in complete darkness at midnight. The denouement is dramatic in the extreme, while the whole production is interspersed with those touches of humour of which the genial Johnny is pastmaster. Louise Lorraine, in the principal feminine role, is charmingly pert and attractive, providing a perfect foil to the uncompromising masculinity 'of Hines, which lands him in all sorts of hilarious situations.

In the atmosphere of mysterious Thibet, with its strange rites, with its castellated pagan temples and monasteries clinging <td" the Himalayan cliffs like strange nests of prehistoric monsters, is laid the thrilling new photoplay of Gilda Gray, "The Devil Dancer." A white girl imprisoned in a dungeon of dark menace, a girl of purest blood and wondrous beauty is made the devil virgin of the dreadful cult: of Black Lamas. With the presentation of "The Devil Dancer," Auckland picturegoers will receive their first authentic view of Thibet, the isolated mountain section of Northern India, inhabited only by the devil-worshipping monk cults. -Miss Gray plays the title role, an English girl, held a prisoner by the monks to dance before them in the temple of the devil gods. Clive Brook has the leading male role.

The cast of Paramount's "Forgotten Faces" includes over 35 distinct types. These were interpreted by what are known in Hollywood as "bit" players, that is players who specialise in small parts and are a grade above the ordinary "extra" players. In the- main parts are Clive Brook,, who gives a portrayal of a gentleman crook, Baclanova, Mary Brian, William Powell, Fred Kohler and Jack Luden. .

"When Fleet Meets Fleet,*' to be released by Master Pictures, is a film of historic naval warfare. , The Jutland Battle has been woven into a strong dramatic story, and these scenes were taken by the Navy during the famous engagement. The producers were over three years negotiating before permission was finally granted them to use the official records for inclusion in the story, it is stated.

The world-famous.clown Grock, who recently had the degree of doctor bestowed upon him by the Budapest University, will be seen shortly in his first screen vehicle "What ForT" The entire story takes place in the countryside of France and in Paris. Some remarkable shots are shown of the gay city, while action and comedy are to be found gojgtg hand, in hand together. Grock half had a remarkable career. Twenty" years ago he was tutor to the family of Count Bethlem, the present Prime Minister of Hungary, but the sawdust of the circus and the footlights were far too tempting for him to remain a tutor any longer. Besides being a clever comedian he is . also a noted musician. This picture will be released by Cinema Art Films.

While the search for a Ravenal and a Magnolia for "Show Boat" goes on the production department at Universal City is trying to secure from some actors' libraries or antique shop scripts of "The Minister's Bride", and "Tempest and Sunshine" which have been actually in use. They are to serve as properties in the bafk etage scenes of "Show Boat." .

A powerful cast has been assembled for the William Haines starring production, "Alias Jimmy Valentine." Lionel Barrymore has J>eea selected to play the role of a detective, Karl Dane is the rough character, "Red," and Tully Marshall also has a part.

Four British regiments stationed In Egypt, and including the famoife Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, take part in British International's production "Tommy Atkins." This picture was directed by Captain Norman Walker, who received the hearty co-operation of the''British War Office. The New Zealand actor Shayle Gardner plays an important part. It is scheduled for release by Cinema Art Films.

Taken from the powerful Fanny Hurst story, "Roulei j," Richard Barthelmess' new production, "The Wheel of Chance," is a tale which reveals that popular screen star leading a double life. The effect of circumstances v and differing environment upon twin brothers, separated in childhood by relentless fate, is the idea behind this original story. Barthelmess portrays both twins, one red-headed, the other black, with great realism and understanding, and in the unforgettable courtroom scenes rises • to the tense drama of the situation in a remarkable manner. Lina Basquette is again, as in "The Noose," his leadinjr lady. *

Beatrice Van, who wrote the- sophisticated comedy "You Can't Buy Love," has also completed the continuity. It will go into production as soon as Ernst Laemmle, wife will direct, is fully recovered from his recent automobile accident. .

A sensational "hold-up"- of a New York night club, staged from police reports and newspaper accounts of a similar occurrence, is one of the most thrilling scenes in "The Big City," Lon Chaney's latest starring picture. The story, a vivid drama' of city, life in New York, shows Chaney as the chief of a group of criminals in a plot of underworld warfare and intrigue. Marceline Day plays the heroine, a shopgirl enmeshed in the plot, and James Murray the juvenile lead, a young henchman of the king of criminals, Lon Chaney. The "hold-up" is staged in a famous New York night club by James Murray and Betty Compson, who, as masked dancers, force. the guests to pass by, depositing their valuables on a table, a replica of a similar hold-up in a night club not long ago in New York.

Hollywood is a city of clubs, practically every branch of film activity having its own separate organisation, whichexists to provide social companionship for its members and to protect their interests. The famous "Wampus" Club is a society of publicity men; the women publicity workers are organised under the title of "Wasps," which is the abbreviation for the ' "Western Association of Screen Publicists." The title writers recently joined hands in a society known as "The Titular Bishops." The cameramen have their "Society of Cinematographers," the writers their "Writers' Club," and the men who play in Western dramas have a regular place of meeting known as "The Water Hole." Every studio employs many professional make-up men, and these have formed a club under the title of "The Society of Make-up Artists." Perhaps the strangest group of all is known as "The Smugglers' Club." It is composed and limited to "extras," those hopefuls who work for 20/ a day, which sum is a mere pittance in Hollywood.