A "CAVALCADE" FOR AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21417, 8 March 1935, Page 5

A "CAVALCADE" FOR AUSTRALIA

MR HASH, DKANVS rKO.JECT It is aimounccd from Sydney that Mr Basil Dean, the English producer, has entered inl6 an arrangement with Cinesound Productions, Ltd., the Sydney film-producing company, under which he will direct a film in Australia for world distribution. The working title of the picture will be "Australia, a Nation," and it will be in the nature of a "Cavalcade" of the Commonwealth. Mr Dean estimates that the picture will cost between £OO,OOO and £70,000. It is being financed from England. Mr Dean intends to seek the cooperation of the Commonwealth Government to make the picture representative of Australia. He also intends to luring out three of England's leading players to play in the film. The remainder of the cast will be engaged in Australia. The scenario of the story will begin in the days of Captain Cook, and extend into the future of Australia as a great nation in world affairs. Mr Dean, interviewed in London, said that he intended to make a chronicle film upon the origin and development of the Commonwealth. "This will be the first of a proposed series of Empire films, using that phrase in its deepest and widest significance," he said. "The films will be planned for world distribution, and it is hoped, by official co-operation, to make them fully authentic and advertisements, in the deepest sense, of the outstanding importance of the Dominions in our Empire."

Maurice Chevalier has chosen the 10 most fascinating women in the world. Eight of thciri are film stars: Kay Francis, Marlene Dietrich, Merle Oberon, Greta Garbo. Anna Sten, Clara Bow, Loretta Young, and Annabels.

"Love Without Words," based on incidents in the life of Tschaikowsky, the famous Russian composer, will be produced for Fox Films by Erich Pommer. The story was written by Marx Magnus, formerly a close associate of Pommer at UFA in Germany, and the producer plans to film it as a special on the coming year's programme. Much of the gorgeous Tschaikowsky music will be incorporated in the production and although Pommer plans an all-star cast, he has not yet settled on any of his principals. • • • "Anna Karenina" is being rumoured as the material ror Garbo's next picture. Gaumont-British announced some time ago that they planned filming this famous Tolstoy novel with Madeleine Carroll and. Conrad Veidt.

In- "Folies Bergere de Paris." a lavish musical production, Maurice Chevalier is the principal and Merle Oberon portrays the leading feminine role, under the direction of' Roy del Ruth, with Ann Sothern and Walter Byron in support. The dance ensembles will follow the pattern of the spectacular numbers that made the Folies Bergere famous all over the world. Chevalier will sing five songs in the picture, "Rhythm of the Rain," "I Was Lucky," "Au Revoir L'Amour," "Singing a Song," and "You Took the Words Right out of My Mouth." * * * W. P. Lipscomb. British scenarist and co-author of "Clive of India," is writing the script of "Les Miserables," in which Fredric March will play the part of Jean Valjean.

What is described by the Daily Film Renter as a ."preposterous scheme" is a plan for joint production in Russia, put forward on behalf • the Soviet. The idea is for the c;:. . to be put up in England and the product to be made in Russia, where investors are promised the privilege of governmental facilities which are described as "remarkable." Each film would be made in three languages, English, Russian, and French. The Soviet is agreeable to carry 63 r>er cent, of expenses. i • 9 • The first Soviet "slapstick" comedv has just been completed. It is called "The Youth of Maxim." and tells the old story of the local boy who makes good.