TALKIE TESTS.

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 30, 5 February 1935, Page 5

TALKIE TESTS.

Dr. A. L. Lewis, of Hollywood, the discoverer of Janet Gaynor, and trainer of many film stars, is searching New Zealand for comedy- talkie types to use in a talkie comedy which he proposes to make in New Zealand, thus presenting an unusual opportunity for,aspirants for screen fnme. Dr. Lewis proposes to use local can didaets to portray short extracts or climaxes frpm current motion pictures. What may be called contact types rather than those of unusual hiptromc ability interest Dr. Lewis particularly. It is personality that ho requires, for his comedies depend more upon humorous situations than upon the employment of experienced character actors. Frequently a person whom til" general public might not visualise as a talkie type will, contrary to anticipation, prove, to be a find. "Often." states Dr. Lewis, "I have seen unquestionably beautiful women sadly recorded on film, and time after time we come across the phenomenon of a very ordinary or even a plain woman who records to excellent advantage. For instance, I consider Joar, Crawford a very plain girl, and yet upou the screen her millions of fans look upon her as a wonderful example of irresistible attraction. For many months Janet Gaynor attended my personality building classes. Later she appeared on the stage for the first time under my auspices in Hollywood and I secured her the first studio engagement." Dr. Lewis's most interesting tests will be supported with a full picture programme. His season commences at the Grand Opera House next Friday evening at 8 p.m. . ■ ■ . ■ I