A GRAND CAREER.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 16

A GRAND CAREER.

Sir Landon Ronald, whose death occurred a few months ago at his London home, at the age of 65, strongly disliked anything played by a band "comprising saxophones and muted instruments producing horrible sounds." as he expressed it. He was interested in criminology and was frequently seen at famous trials at the Old Bailey. His typical Jewish genius for music was combined with a love of good living and social pleasures; he was a rare wit and a notable after-dinner speaker. Dozens of anecdotes were gathered round his personality; he especially prized as a classic the speech of a toast-master who asked him on one occasion: "Shall I'announce your speech or let the guests enjoy themselves a little longer?" Sir Ronald, whose real name was Russell, was for many years principal of Guidhall School of Music. He wrote his first song at eight; and achieved wide fame as the composer of "Down the Forest" and "O, Lovely Night." He died with a record of more than 300 song compositions; his more serious works included the symphonic poem, "A Winter's Night," several overtures, a suite, and two ballets.

Jeanne de Casalis, one of London's best-known actresses and a playwright of promise, has also become a radio personality in England. Miss Casalis was born in Basutoland; she lives in a cottage in Sussex. She is a journalist, a gardener, and an aviatrix; she flies her own plane. She took the work of a German author-r-Wilhelm yon Schultz—and made a radio play of it, which she and Val Gielgud, drama director of the 8.8.C., discussed and planned for radio presentation. It is a feature of Mr. Gielgufl's "Experimental Hour," and under the tile of "The Race with Shadow" is a splendid adaptation of the German work. Mr. Gielgud, who is a brother of the famous actor, John Gielgud, is a notable personality of the 8.8.C., with a flair for providing listeners with thrills and excitement. He brought back from the United States Stuart Hawkin's play "Night Patrol" for his "Experimental Hour" and has presented some entertaining hours for radio fans in all parts of the world. Noel Coward's "Cavalcade" was a feature of his autumn series. Miss de Casalis, a charming blonde lady, collaborated with R. C. Sheriff in the play "St. Helena," based on Napoleon's years in the fortress; it proved a stage success.