IN MODERN SPAIN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22520, 30 September 1938, Page 5

IN MODERN SPAIN

Hollywood is always eager for accuracy. Consequently, when a film producer engages a staff of research experts for the purpose of insuring absolute inaccuracy, that's news'. The producer is Walter Wanger and the film "Blockade," a story of Spain during the present civil war, in which Madeleine Carroll and Henry Fonda are starred. It begins at the Mayfair to-day. No less research was required than for the usual picture laid in a foreign country, but in the present instance the research was directed toward finding out the proper detail—and then avoiding it. The reason for this unusual procedure was that the film maintains an entirely neutral attitude regarding the civil war now in progress, and consequently no detail of uniform, equipment •or locality could be permitted to identify screen characters as members of either faction in the conflict. The man charged with responsibility for this thoroughgoing incorrectness was Ali Hubert, a European court painter, creator of many outstanding portraits and landscapes and an international traveller of wide experience. The mythical town of Castclmare. in which much of the action takes place, had to resemble all Spanish towns

However, Joan also had ideas on independence for the modern miss, and when she walked out on a party' arranged by her guardian to visit a popular cabaret with her own friends, war was declared with a vengeance. Eddie had great plans for commercialising his dancing prowess, and together they planned big things for the future. Radio contracts, cabaret performances were to be set to the tunc of their dancing feet, but before they eventually danced their way 1o romantic happiness, they danced in and out of all manner of troubles.

Henry Fonda in "Blockade"

Designed by a famous automotive engineer, the "Flying Wombat" automobile used in "The Young in Heart," contains so many newly devised gadgets that it has been called "the automobile of to-morrow." Its body was remodelled many times after wind-

in general, but no single Spanish town in particular. The rolling hills and meadows of Southern California provided the right sort of terrain for "Castelmare," and the rest was up to the landscapers and set-dressers.

The uniforms presented a similar problem. Neither side in the conflict could have a uniform typical of that of the actual opposing forces. And both must have the recognisable characteristics of Spanish costumes. It was finally decided to combine the less conspicuous elements of both uniforms, with the exclusion, of course, of all betraying insignia.

"Blockade" was directed by William Dieterle, who won the 1937 Academy Award for "The Life of Emile Zola." Supporting Madeleine Carroll and Henry Fonda is an imposing cast headed by Leo Carillo and including John Hahiday, Reginald Denny, Vladimir Sokoloff and Robert Warwick. The production is released through United Artists.

Bins Crosby is discussing a Contract with David Selznick. It is expected to be a similar arrangement to the one Bing Crosby had with Emmanuel Cohen, by which he shared in the profits of his pictures.

Tyrone Power is the latest suggestion for the part of Ashley Dukes in "Gone With the Wind." Jean Muir is reported to have returned to Hollywood to make a test for Melanie.

tunnel tests, which showed what shape opposed least resistance to the air. This was important, as the 150 horse-power engine under its sleek hood is capable of driving the car at 135 miles an hour.