BRITISH FILMS FOR N.Z.

Chronicle (Levin), 20 September 1946, Page 8

BRITISH FILMS FOR N.Z.

EQUAL TO BEST HOLLYWOOD PRESENTS WELLINGTON, Sept. 19. Announcement of ari'augeinent foi exhibition in Australia ancl New Zealand of independently produced British films, was made todav by Mf. Michael J. Moodabe, governing direetor of Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd. "The announcement is made on behalf of Mr. Murray Silverstone, president of 20th Century Fox, for hiternational Corporation of New York; bir Arthur Jarratb deputy_ chairman ancl managing direetor of Britisli Lion Films Corporation, Ltd., of London; Mr. Ernest Turnbull, managing direetor of Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., of ^us" tralia: the directora of Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd., and Sir Alexander Korda, Britain's eminent and noted produeer/' said Mr. Moodabe. "The transaction promises for exhibition tbroughout Australia and New Zealand of a number of British films to be released bv the British Tjion Film Corporation in the United Kingdom. Amalgamated Theatres will handle the releases throughout New Zealand. The films will be distrihuted in Australia and New Zealand through 20th Cen; tury Fox Which, for the past 11 years, has handled the distribution of the majority of the most outstanding British pictures screened in these countries. These films will be given treatment and presentation equal to the lieat Ameriean-made films. The independent pioducers involved include Herbert Wilcox, Carol Reed, Leslie Arliss, Antliony Kimmins, Zalton Korda, aud Edward Blaclt wbo has just finished the exteriors of "Bonnie Prince Charlie" im which. David Xiven will„' Star and . as. tiow* ^alj/1 stxp%vdsing-:;the e^-. • teidoi'S for a .iilm dirbcted ;by Lesl ie Arliss, afte'r the' famous" novel by Franeis Brett Young 'Aran About the House'. Herbert Wilcox will soon start his next production in which Anna Neagle and Michael Wilding will star. Sir Alexander Korda is preparing several lilms. The first will be a production by Orson Welles. Other productions will star Cary Grant, Paulette Goddard, Ralph Richardson and others. Korda has annouueed at the same time the acquisition of the Australian Moore Ravmond's 'Smiley ' which is a story of an Australian boy in a little Queensland town. A unit will shortly leave England, led by Moore Raymond, with the object oi finding an Australian boy to play the star role. It is probable that the film will be made entirely in Australia. Whilst nothing definite has been arranged in regard to the filming of a New Zealand production, this matter is having attention. ' '