STAGE AND SCREEN

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 21, 25 January 1934, Page 16

STAGE AND SCREEN

A New Captain Hook. '■>'' Ralph Richardson played Captain Hook lin the Palladium production o£ "Peter " Pan" in London last month, and followed 1 tradition'by appearing also as Mr. Darling. [ Jean , Forbes-Robertson, the talented ; daughter of famous* parents, was again Peter (she had been appearing also in ' : "The Lady of the Camelias" at the Gate : Theatre), Marie Lohr played Mrs. Darling for the third time, and Daphne Courtney, the* sixteen-year-old film actress, was a delightful Wendy. \

--',--- •:•■;••■;■■,^ .■•;■/■■•-■■ .There is a treat iv store'foi' the tired Business man who prefers his pictures frisky,. Jesse L. Lasky, Fox Film producer;1 wiir shortly made "Red Heads On Parade," a lively musical. comedy. featuring 80 -«red, heads as support to Nigel Bruce, the clever British impersonator of •"knut" characters, with more than a Btreak of the silly, ass about him; The picture story will closely follow' that of the old-time vaudeville sketch, "Lasky's Red Heads," which toured the world for «ix years and netted a profit of 200,000 Hollars—when dollars were dollars. " InciHentally ifc- gave Lasky his financial start hs a producer of pictures. ? ■■■■'••■•

"Love's Old Sweet Song." J. L. Molloy, one of the most famous of song composers, wrote "Love's Old I Sweet Song,",-, the melody which suggested ' the story of the film that comes to the ' Majestic Theatre tomorrow. . This pi-oduo i tion, which is all-Britis.li in cast and direc- i tion, was made by Manning Haynes, and 1 in the leading roles are such well-known . players as John Stuart, Joan Wyndham, William Freshman, Julie Suedo, and Konaid Ward. It js the story o£ a young concert singer who wins the heart of ;» susceptible young farmer by her voice, of her entanglement with his worthless brother) the death of' that brother's mistress, and the manner in which the crime is sheeted home to the man she really lo- »es best in the world. At the moment, when the realisation of all her hopes appears about to be fulfilled her husband reappears, and it seems that she will-be cheated after all. But/ destiny has a surprise left in store, and the film' developsin unexpected and dramatic manner. ."White Ensign." Most picturegoers will remember the' startling short British film, "Men Like. These," depicting a submarine disaster. The director of this was Commander J. F. L. Hunt, and ho is now engaged on '"White Ensign" at Sound City with the co-operation of,the British Admiralty. All the leading characters ' will be ex-naval officers, among them the well-known star, Mr. Anthony Kimmins. "White Ensign" promises a'nqw angloron the activities" of the British Fleet coupled with a fascinating story- ', ' " ' "X.he Bowery." - . I Those who remember the old-time ; pugilists, will^recoguiso', "Pueblo Jim" ' Flynn and Frank Morau in "The BWvery," j.the new 20th century picture of New ; York's wicked old cast side. Flyun' and i-AloraH-appear^in support'of its three stars . I —Wallace Beery, George Raft, and Jackie I Cooper. -It will be remembered that ; "Pu«blo Jim" Flynn knocked out Jack \ Dcrupsey when the latter was a ring beginner, while Jess Willard, when he was ' world champion, took a powerful nounding 1 from Moran. A score of other ring stars ' also' appe'ais. in "The Bowery," a United '' i Artists' release. ' ] ["Richard III" Revived. Shakespeare's "Richard III" was revived at" {he Gate'Thcatre, Dublin, late last year | by. Hilton Edwards. The performance lastled from 7.30 till, midnight, omitting very I little of the text and including the slaying i lof Henry VI as a prologue. T^he presentation reached great heights, and only the j lateness of the hour prevented the audij ence from staying on to cheer. Barry Sullivan's Gloucester of nearly 60' years ago still survives as. the criterion for msny and is the traditional criterion for thobe who cut their Shakespearean eyeteeth on their parents' glowing accounts of Sullivan—lreland's greatest tragedian of the last century. Mr. Edwards's interpretation, though, cast aside all the worn habiliments of tradition; familiar tricks of voice, gesture, and facial expression were «do more. The pure text and the simple stage directions —contrasted with the inevitable property devices and other time-honoured accessories—were the sole guides, and the result was a Richard ■rtrango to old-timers. One had to seethe Dublin performance last year divested of all knowledge of previous studies. It had to be seen and accepted as a new play, as .it were. The single setting used was altered only by the drawing or closing of curtains and the placing or removing of eetsily-handled properties. Sinister lighting effects were secured, and the portrayal was notable throughout for its originality. "The Lady Is, Willing." The phenomenal popularity that Leslie Howard possesses was instanced by the reason of the Dorchester production. ''The Lady is Willing," in London, thei Australian and New Zealand distributing!rights of the film having been secured by Greater Australasian Films, Ltd. This isa production that is totally British in cast, while-that famous director, Gilbert Miller, has licen responsible for the production. Among 'the 'artists which the film stars, besides the celebrated Leslie Howard, are Binnie'Barnes, Cedric Hardwicke, Claude Alli&ter, Sir Nigel Playfair, and Nigel Bruce. "The Xady is Willing" is due in New Zealand shortly. No Walker. "My feet literally never touched the ground." Betty Blythe, btar of "Queen, of Sheba" and other silent screen spectacles, was speaking. Back at" the "Fox Film studio, scene of -her world-sweeping triumphs of a decade ago, Miss Blythe is playing the role of Mary Brian's mother in "Heir To The Hoorah" and dividing honours with George O'Brien, Herbert Mundin, and Miss Brian. "When I was here before," she laughodV'niy feet almosti .never touched the ground^ They had a limousine at the stage door to take \me to my dressing-room bungalow ,and when I was ready to go back on the set a car was. wniting to.take me there, although' it" often was only n. few steps." , _ "Two Clucks." j Carl Laemmle, jun., has added to the cabfc of "Two Clucks." which stars Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts. "Two Clucks", is. the "former "Chicken Ranch," a story'by Dale Van' Every, H.'.M. .Walker,, Henry Myers, and Clarenco Marks. It' went intp production recently under the direction of VWilliam " Seiter. Its first day's shooting cast comprised Mickey Rooney. Other additions were Fred' oiick' Burton, Hugh Enficld, Arthur Stone, Ethel Mantel], and'Clarcjice Hummel Wilson. This company, with technicians and studio crew numbering forty, for two weeks ( wilL bo' in the dessert at Indio. . ' •. ' > MaryAstor; • Mary. Astor,. who bas_ the leading feminine role opposite William Powell in the Warner Bros. "t)icture, "The fennel Murder • Case," began her career as an. artist's model. Her advent-into pictures' came' about\ through. winning a beauty con*tfst .conducted by a .motion picture ■magaziue. Since then Miss<Astor has received'numerous important parts, and has gained a reputation as ope of the screen's most capable actresses. Her role in "The Kennel Murder Case" offers her a fine opportunity to-'demonstrate her ability in 'handling a.dramatic role, as well as adding colour and beauty to a fine cast. "Advice to the Lovelorn." Sally Blanc, wh§ plays the feminine lead opposite Lee Tracy iv "Advice to the lovelorn," was chosen a Wampas Baby star the same year that her sister,. Loretta Young, was selected for this honour. "Advice, : to;the Lovelorn"-will be-releasedl by. United Artists. ~"~ '

"Only .Yesterday." Each year the screen has created a new outstanding ' star «by virtue of distinction, unusual talent, and charming personality. Through'the years they, have won world acclaim —Clara Bow, Greta Garbo, Janet Gaynor, Helen Hayes, Katherine Hepburn, and with "Only Yesterday" comes Margaret Sullavan, co-featured with John Boles in this new picture, which.opens, at the De Luxe Theatre tomorrow. f In support of Mihs Sullavan and Mr.: Boles are: more than ninety celebrated screen players, among them" Billie Burke, who excels her fine performance in "Dinner at Eight," Reginald Denny, an astonishing young actor named Jimmy Butler, Edna May Oliver, Onslow Stevens, June Clyde, Betty Blythe, Noel Francis, Dorothy Granger, George Meeker, who has appeared in three John Stahl pictures, Franklin Pangborn, Barry Norton, Crauford Kent,, Berton Churchill, Hugh •Enfield, and really scores of others. Carl Laemmle, the veteran Universal president, says . "Only Yesterday" fs the best picture. Universal has turned out'since "All Quiet 'on the Western Front," and critics agree with him. "London* Speaks." "London Speaks," the British film made by Greater Australasian Films, Ltd., which Cecil Mason, general manager of Greater Australasian Films,' inspected whilst he was in London, is to arrive in this country shortly. This picture is. of an unusual nature, in so far, as it features the London the New Zealahder undoubtedly wants to know. It is definitely not a travelogue, but; is rather a distinctive commentary of the city produced' in a way which will reveal to every individual member. of an audience', just what they want to see in London. This'film,.-which cost £40, a day to produce,«, was in production for some months.

"Roman' Scandals." . Samuel iGoldwyn, discussing the Goldwyn girls who appear with Eddie Cantor in the successive Eddie Cantor screen frolics, describes this year's beauties in "Roman Scandals"^ thus: "Too exquisite to be alive, too cood to be true, too beautiful for the naked eye." United Artists. will release "Roman Scandals." - :

Dance Impresario. Giegoiy Ratoff, whose talents were not discolored until his stage appearance in "Grand Hotel," played the role of a dance nnpicsario in "Broadway Through a Keyhole;" the -United' Artists' release featuring such screen, radio, and stage stars as Constance Ctimmings, Russ Columbo, and Paul Kelly It is a 20th century picture presented br Joseph M Schenck andDarryl F Zanuck. • " ,

Chester. Morris Slinad. Delighted with his work in "King for a Night," Universal has signed Chester Morris to a three-year contract. Under this new agreement, he will .probably make three pictures each year. The first of this new group is "Practical Joker," by William. Anthony McGuire. The new contract replaces the one under which he was working at present and which was for only a single year.

Hollywood's Confidante in London. Fanny E. Holtzmann, Hollywood's famous confidante, is reputed to hold more secret information concerning public characters in' America' than anyone else concerned in the film and stage life of the States. She was recently in England, having crept into London unheralded and unsung, as a change from the publicityseeking methods of most film stars visiting a strange land. By profession -a lawyer, her wonderful understanding and knowledge have'been of valuable help to stars in their marital or financial difficulties, and many a reconciliation can be traced to Miss Holtzmann that might otherwise have been.big news in the Divorce Court. "She holds a unique power in Hollywood and is the possessor of a large income. Thia Spanish-looking brunette blames infatuation and disillusionment as1 the cause of so many Hollywood divorces;'6o per cent, are doomed to failure owing' to the fact that marriage is rushed into without due consideration for the- fact that temperaments may run away with owners, and that the film folk live on their nervoussystems and are different propositions as common-sense 'married folk from' the glamorous subjects they appear before marriage. Miss Holtzmann1 was inLondon primarily on business,' but she did not tell interviewers the nature of that business.. William Powell. William Powell, who brings Philo Vance the famous detective,-back to the screen in S. S. Van Dine's latest and most baffling murder mystery, "The Kennel Murder Case," is one of the biggest w.orriers in Hollywood, but likes to be comfortable when worrying. He says he can't worry right unless he is thoroughly at ease&—preferably in a rocking chair with his feet encased in easy slippers and a long, cold .glass in his hand. With this equipment, the actor can out-worry any other two men in Hollywood and have a good time doing it. He .keeps a rocking chair handy in every part of his house so that he can sit* down anywhere and worry. He worries about a lot of things: Money, career, stories, life, love. While working on the production of "The Kennel Murder Case" he insisted on having a rocking chair in his dressing-room at the Warner Bros, studios. It was placed there for .worrying purposes. Menu. One o£ the interesting scenes in Sound/ City's enormous production, "Colonel Blood," is the banqueting scene in tho Tower of London. The menu is as fbl- ■ lows:—Dish of marrow bones; leg of mutton; loin of veal; six pullets; a dozen larks; a tart; a dish of anchovies; a dish of prawns; cheese. As a standby there was also salmon and "pudden." At tho end of each course tho best people duly, washed their hands in a large bowl provided for the purpose. Lewis Casson In Shaw Play. George Bernard Shaw's new play, "On thp Rocks," is as satirical as most of his works. It is set'in No. 10 Downing Street, where the members of the Government and the heads of the, Army, Navy, and Police Force have met to received a deputation from the Isle of Cats. Mr.' Lewis Casson, who was in New Zealand last yeaii with, his wife,. Dame Sybil ThOVndike, is producer and also plays the part of a Hindu member of the, Government; The cast to interpret the amusing play was a distinguished one, including Nicholas Hanncn (who was jn Australia last year with ' his wife, Athene Seyler, but did not come to New Zealand) —he plays the Prime Minister; -Lawrence Hanray, the Duke of Domesday; Charles Carson, leader of the Conservative Party; Walter Hudd, Chief of Police, Sir Broadfoot Basham; and Ellen Pollock, staunch Labour leader/ who introduces the deputation from the isle.

Comedy. Leslie Henson, who can always' be depended upon for excellent fooling,' makes the most of a^ first-rate chance in *'It's A Boy," the new Gaumont-Brltish farcical comedy picture, which also carries a good part for Edward Everett -Horton, and gives Wendy Barrie, one- of the youngest of Gaumont 'stai-s, her first chance in a featuted role. The'chain ot absurdities begins with a bachelor,'with'a past,'about to marry and ends with the'nuptial knot s>t,ill to be tied. The obstacles strewn in the path of true love, and the methods of surmounting them, are highly satisfying faice comedy fare. Eugene Pallelte. Eugene Pallette, the famous character actor who plays with William Powell in "The Kennel Murder Case," says his favourite role is that of Police-Sergeant Heath. He has played the sergeant four times in various S., S. Van Dine detective mystery pictures and always opposite William; Powell ..in the role of Philo Vance. "The Kennel Murder Case" is the first of ■ the S. S. Van Dine to be produced by Warner Bros. "I Lived With You." 'T Lived With You" is an. adaptation from Ivor Novello's pronounced London stage success, and the author plays the leading parte" Ursula Jeans was persuaded to return from America to play her orig* nal role opposite Ivor Novello. Members of the stage cast playing their roles in the film include Minnie Rayner, Elliot Makeham, Cecily Oates, Davina Craig, and Douglas Beaumont. Imagine what is likely to happen when a, charming young Russian prince, ,\vhose way of living and philosophy of life are completely-different, comes to live with a humble English faniily; This is the intriguing situation of Ivor Novello's comedy, in which'he stars as the handsome Prince Felix Lenieff.

"The Girl from Maxim's." ■ " ' Alexander Korda, the director of "The Girl from Maxim's," made an' exivaustive study-oi ;th<e'-period of 1000-1904 in order that the historical details and fashions might be absolutely authentic. ■ The songs, dresses, 'dances, and amusements of the period are faithfully "The Girl from Maxim's" will be released by United Artists.

Option. ' "Dv Barry" In Australia.'' The option In the contract of Sid Si,- aJfcSdifi TllX^ f^At* Attw iwjf^fl, ™'. 1 |'7*?' writer ' ' . ° * nota"le productions the1 firm\ has given for some time. The play wag elaborately staged, one of its most brilliant features being the costuming. Associated with Sylvia Welling in the cast ■ were John Dudley; Cecil Kellaway, Leslie "HoU land, Ivy Kirby, Nellie Barnes. Jean1 Duncan, Lorna Forbes, Leslie Victor, Lou Vernon, Richard Parry, D'ouglai Herald. The-play w,as produced by Frederick Blackman. ' - ' '

Gracw Fields. . , British Empire Films, Ltd., .announce that the next attraction being made at the Eeling Studios, London, at'the cost of' £65,000 and starring that .worldrenowned artist, Mies Gracie Fields, is in the la&t stages of production. »TKe title for this picture, in which Miss. Fieldt plays the lead, is "ITove, Life, and Laughter." Gracie Fields's earlier successes in "Sally in our. Alley," "This Year <of Grace," and "Looking on the Bright Side." assure-that "Love, Life, and Laughter" will be'one of the biggest attractions' of the year. , ' • *; ' ' Musical. Another famous Broadway musical -stage show,'' George White's ''Scandals-,"- -will soon make its screen appearance under the Fox banner. 'Twenty-four of the original "Scandal" beauties'wilt appear'in the j>ro-' duction, Svhicli will "be 'diVected Djviti author 1

Charles Laughton. '' ,'.'":,. For a- nominal salary, .reported .it<v !>• £5 a week and living expenses, Charles Laughton will turn his back on Hollyj , wood and a screen contract running into Signed Up., '£ olu . fi gU i es weekly to return to' London. Another English actor who has starred allfl participate in a novel theatiical venin many London stage'and screen' sue- Jt«re Laughton is one of a group of cesses, namely, Hugh Williams,-has gone'eight who have banded togetUei\Sas a. to Hollywood, signed to Fox Films. One stock company, to produce classical -plays of his biggest successes'was in "Rome in London during the winter. They,.will Expiess." , " % i , . • „ dehay the cost1 of ■ production, costumes, T , k , , and settings themselves, and" enact-' th* logemer. ioles Laugntol , w ;u depart on ,coj»pleJlona Bcime, the' Australian "girl who tion of his current role for Paramount, went to New York and obtained a Holly- opposite Carole Lombard in "Whrt« wood contract, and Rosemary-\Amek, tha^Woittan." He will return to' Paramount pietty Chicagoan, < ,Went JtasLondoij s to "lij"' April. Laughton and his. Lwdoa attiact the attention of'Hflrywood.faie theatre group will produce and^aet ii together in "Disillusion," a Vox Film/ on "X)i e Tempest," "Twelfth Night," "Mac* which production has just begun < and in beth,'* "Measure for Measure," 'Henry which John Boles and Victor Jory "will Vlll,'*"The Rivals," "The 'Importancel oi also star. , Being Earnest," and "Orchard."

("Blonde Bombshell." ' Miss'Harlow, in Vhat'sheiadmitsi tobo the most * unusual" role .'of ' her career, is seen as a glamorous screen star whose hie is made miserable by the antics of-her. Press agent, Lee Tracy; her'liquor-loving father, Frank Morgan; her false lover, Fi'anchot Tone;-her director, Pat O'Brien; her secretary, Una Merkel;' her. brother, Ted Healy, and a score or more-of o%er well-known personalities who constitute what is practically an all-star,cast.' Directed by Victor Fleming, "Blonde , Bombshell," a Sletro-Goldwyn-Mayer production, tells the story ,of the rise to fame of Lola Bums, characterised by Miss Harlow, her numerous love-affairs, her family woes, her troubles with her producers, her attempts to adoptl a.baby, her eventual flight from the'glare of publicity, and finally ... her' conquest of true love. <

"Emperor Jones." - , ~ " The music,that .plays, such an'€motionU part in "Emperor. Jones," the United Ar(U ists presentation 'of Eugene O'Neill's .famous drama, may be said to reprefent threa distinct, progressive stages in the-spiritual development of the Negro race. First aie heard the American Negro spirituals>in tljd scene 'in which the members of the' Heze» kiah' Baptist Church bid good-bye to Brutus Jones. Then, when-Jones goes to> Harlem^ there is .heard jazz as only the Negro interprets it. Finally there is tH« savage beat o£ the tom-tom of the jungje 0 Negroes of the West Indies". • These 'three sorts of music are'linked-by one item, the beat. Even-the spirituals have iMNegro civilisations in Harlem, .of course, couldn't get along without it. 'The';gorgeous baji» tone of Paul Robeson' is 'heard in J'"Em« peror Jones" in'"Water,Jß6y<" "Noir<li* Me Fly/'-an'd.'Tm'TravelliriV'