FROM ELSTREE AND AUSTRALIA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 91, 11 January 1935, Page 3

FROM ELSTREE AND AUSTRALIA

8.1. P. Films For 1935 Elstree, which is the birthplace of British International Pictures’ Studios, has this year again sold its output to leading New Zealand cinemas. The deal was negotiated between the Fuller-Hay-ward Theatre Corporation circuit, the J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation circuit, and the Keniball Theatres circuit, by Mr. L. A. Quinn, Mr. J. H. Mason, and Mr. W. R. Keniball, juni, on behalf of the exhibitors, anil by Mr. li. L, Grant, representative of British International Pictures at Elstree, and general ; manager for British Empire Films, Limited, who are their New Zealand distributors. The 1935 season opens up with 8.1.P.’s attraction “Blossom Time,” which features the world-famous tenor Richard Tauber, 8.1. P. are following on "Blossom Time” with “Girls Will be Boys,” a musical comedy featuring Cyril Maude ' and Dolly Haas. Cyril Maude is well i known to New Zealand audiences, and Dolly Haas, the Continental star, has been described in a recent English paper as “four feet of captivating Continental feminine frivolity.” Another musical number similar to “Blossom Time” is “My Song Goes Round the World,” featuring the tenor Joseph Schmidt. A musical comedy with a reputation is “Air. Cinders,” which on the legitimate stage ran for over two years at the London Hippodrome. 8.1. P. is also producing this attraction. A spectacular attraction which is now under way is “Abdul Hamid,” featuring Adrienne Ames, the American millionairess actress, and wife of Bruce Cabot, the well-known young film star. In this cast is included Nils Asther and Fritz Kortner, the latter actor who was such a big success in “Cliu Chin Chow,” and who also played a small but impressive part iu “Little Friend.” Another musical number will 'be “Radio Parade of 1935.” Approximately half of this picture will be screened in the latest colour system Gertrude Lawrence and Douglas Fairbanks, jun., have been signed for the leading roles in “Bohenie.” “The Old Curiosity Shop” is also on 8.1.P.’s schedule, and this famous Dickens story is being directed by Thomas Bentley, noted director and Dickensian. Jack Doyle, the Irish boxer, is to appear in a version of “AlcGlusky the Sea Rover,” and with him will be the beautiful Continental star, Tamara Desni.

Will Hay, whose first talkie “Those Were the Days” was an outstanding success in New Zealand, has been signed up for another film, “Dandy Dick,” which is also adopted from a Pinero play. New Zealand’s first talkie is also due for release shortly. It is tentatively entitled “Down on the Farm” and is similar to “On Our Selection.” The entire east has been drawn from New Zealand. B.E.F.’s .1935 “line-up” would not be complete without at least one picture from Gracie Fields. She will appear n I “Sing As We Go,” with John Loder and Dorothy Hyson. ' . Anna May Wong will play the leading role in “Java Head,” with Edmund Gwen playing opposite. The film will be released in New Zealand next month. “Lorna Doone,” Blackmore’s epic of Exmoor, has been brought to the screen. John Loder plays the role of John Ridd and Victoria Hopper, who will appear as Lorna Doone, will be remembered as the actress who played hi “The Constant Nymph.” British Empire Films handle as well as British International Pictures’ attractions the Cinesound and J. C. Williamson Australian films, and a very strong line-up of these are scheduled for 1935. The first, “Splendid Fellows,” has already been seen by a number of New Zealanders, and the next, “Grandad Rudd.” which has just been concluded in the Australian studios. “Grandad Rudd” is a successor to “On Our Selection.” Other releases will be as follow: “Beyond Bengal.” an animal film taken in national surroundings; “Doctor’s Orders,” •i Leslie Fuller comedy of slap-stick type; “It’s a Bet,” featuring Gene Gerrard; "Dance Band.” with Charles (Buddy) Rogers.

In all, the B.E.F. output will include 36 feature films for release in New Zealand during 1935. The stars include Richard Tauber, Gracie Fields, Adrienne Ames. Nils Asther. Clnpham and Dwyer, Will Hay, John Loder. Gertrude Lawrence. Edmund Gwen. Anna May Wong. Tatnara Desni. Gene Gerrard. Douglas Fairbanks, jmi.. Charles (Buddy) Rogers. Marian Marsh. Helen Chandler. Leslie Fuller. Bert Bailey, Clifford Mollison. Zelma O’Neal and Joseph Schmidt.