TEN THOUSAND PHOTOS. "LILLIAN RUSSELL." "FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT." NEWS of the FILMS "THREE CHEERS FOR THE IRISH." PLAYS and PLAYERS X WILL COLOUR TRIUMPH? CARY GRANT EXPLAINS. PLAY ON NAZIS. "A DUCK OF A REVUE." CHARLEY'S (BIG-HEARTED) AUNT." IN "SEVEN SINNERS." DISTANT POINTS. "GIRL FROM GOD'S COUNTRY. FROM STAGE TO FILMS. "WE ARE NOT ALONE." HUSBAND AND WIFE. "MARYLAND." HE WAS SLAPPED. SATIRE TO SENSATION. NEXT THESPIAN' PRODUCTION A STAR AT ELEVEN. ROBERT PRESTON

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 94, 17 October 1940, Page 18

TEN THOUSAND PHOTOS.

"LILLIAN RUSSELL."

"FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT."

NEWS of the FILMS

"THREE CHEERS FOR THE IRISH."

PLAYS and PLAYERS

X WILL COLOUR TRIUMPH?

CARY GRANT EXPLAINS.

PLAY ON NAZIS.

"A DUCK OF A REVUE."

CHARLEY'S (BIG-HEARTED) AUNT."

IN "SEVEN SINNERS."

DISTANT POINTS.

"GIRL FROM GOD'S COUNTRY.

FROM STAGE TO FILMS.

"WE ARE NOT ALONE."

HUSBAND AND WIFE.

"MARYLAND."

HE WAS SLAPPED.

SATIRE TO SENSATION.

NEXT THESPIAN' PRODUCTION

A STAR AT ELEVEN.

ROBERT PRESTON

i Technicolor pictures will eliminate the black and white variety, just as surely as sound eliminated the old sfient pictures, and the resulting upheaval is likely to be just as farieeaching. This seems to be the predominant opinion in Hollywood today, where every studio is showing more and more interest in Technicolor production. . On all sides increasing numbers of ; Technicolor pictures are Seing scheduled by the various producers- "Within, five years or less," says Dale Van Every, Paramount producer, picture made in Hollywood will be in Technicolor—or some similar form of colour process. This, of course, \k "'based on the assumption that colour photography will continue to improve H it has in the past two years." Van Every is engaged in the task of making the "toughest" film ever attempted iH colour. There'll be more said about this "Dr: Cyclops" film later, but that establishes his authenticity as, an expert. "The Technicolor company," he points out, "has improved its film, improved its cameras and technique, cut the cost to one-third of what it was two yeaTs ago, and is fast approaching the figure now prevailing for black and white. Continued improvement will further bring down the expense, and we may then expect to find all of our films-being made in colour, |ust as all are ndw^ made in--sound."

A new "still" record has been set by Irving Lippman, still man on Columbia's "Arizona," which is being brought to the screen by producer-director Wesley Ruggles. Lippman has been shooting since last March and—including wardrobe, set prop., hairdress, "kills," and numerous Tucson stunt "stills"— he has passed his 10,000 mark. Jean Arthur has the starring role in the production as Phoebe Titus, Arizona's first white woman pioneer, with William Hbldeh as the male lead. In the huge-cast with its 15. speaking parts are included such prominent screen personalities as Warren William, Porter Hall, Paul Harvey, Edgar Buchanan, -tegis Toomey, George Chandler, Colin Tapley, Byron Foulger, and Wade Crosby. Based on Clarence Budding;on Kelland's "Saturday Evening Post" aovel "Arizona" was adapted to the creen by Claude Binyon.

During his eight Hollywood years, Cary Grant has tried hard to escape the stigma of being just a leading man. He said recently: "It is a fate worse than death." Grant dreads nambypamby roles. He played enough of them during his first five years in the cinema capital to last him a lifetime. Now, with some say in what he is to play, he intends to devote his acting life to being tough. He's glad to get the role of Matt Howard in Frank Lloyd's first Columbia production. ■'The Howards of Virginia," in which he is co-starred -with Martha Scott. "Matt is a tough guy" Grant explained. "He is far more interested in battling life than in shaving twice a day or putting the finishing touch to his white tie. So am I," Grant claims that he has never felt at home in strictly, romantic roles. Since becoming a star he has spent the major portion of his acting time attempting to be anything but himself.

"Girl From God's Country" is one of Republic's pictures for 1940: The story has many original touches, aside from its interest anC its unusual .subject and treatment, namely, the work of a doctor in the upper reaches oi Alaska. - The story has to do with a nurse who comes to the doctor's service with all softs of romantic ideals, only to find him rough-and ready and his life and work done in all sorts oi difficult and squalid surroundings. The romantic vastness of the North country with its white wastes and rugged life has always been a favourable background. Character drawing is v'vid and all roles human. Chester Morris does. one of the finest roles in his acting career as the doctor, while Charles Bickford as a narrow-minded but conscientious sleuth plants a memorable character in one's mind. Jane Wyatt gives a finely intelligent and sensitive performance as the nurse.

I: Paul Muni has established his genius beyond • any~question of doubt with such films as "The Story of Louis Pasteur," "The Life of Emile Zola," and "Juarez."; _ilf_he' were never to make another picture, he would still stand as one of the greatest dramatic actors. But he has made another piclure. "We Are Not Alone" shows a iljew Muni, a Muni who is said to top i&jl of his great historical characterisapons with the portrayal of a smalltown English doctor, not a great man, toot a hero, but simply a gentle, kindly »pul whom circumstances made the vicfiim of a cruel injustice. Written by toe world-renowned author of "GoodBye, Mr. Chips," James Hilton, and directed by Edmund Goulding, whose most recent films were "Dark Victfcry" and "The Old Maid;" "We Are Not "Alone" is- a blendingd writing; acting, and directorial genius. We have seen Muni project himself thoroughly into characters like Zola and Pasteur.

"HELLZAPOPPIN" TO BE

FILMED

He assumed their mannerisms, their facial characteristics, their nationalities. As Dr. Newcome, however, he is working with a modern fictional character, without the aid of make-up, or volumes of biographical data. That he makes it a thoroughly illuminated and beautiful performance, pulsating with life, seems even greater proof of his genius than any of his former roles. ■■■■'•;

Victor Mature, six feet two and onehalf inches and husky, got slapped soundly, three times, by Louise Platt, a mere slip of a girl. The fight was in the script of Hal Eoach's "Captain Caution." Miss Platt didn't pull any punches and when Mature finished the scene, he said: "Miss Platt really loses herself in whatever scene she does." His jaws ached for the next twentyfour hours.

Mayfair Productions, releasing through Universal, has bought the screen rights to "HellzapdppinV the Broadway musical hit, and. the services of Olsen and Johnson, the stars, for a purchase price of 200,000 dollars. Mayfair is the new producing company responsible for the current film hit,"The Boys from Syracuse," which was also a ..Broadway production. "Hellzapoppin"' will be a top-budget picture, according to Mayfair executives, and the entire Broadway cast, in addition to Olsen and Johnson, will appear in the film. Actual filming of the musical extravaganza will follow a nationwide road-showing, with the original cast, starting in the East, and terminating in Hollywood. "Hellzapoppin"' is one of the most sensational musical successes in theatrical history, having played to capacity business on Broadway for the past two years.

Persistent association of "Foreign Correspondent," directed by Alfrea Hitchcock, with Vincent Sheean's boo:-; "Personal History," has brought forth a strong disclaimer from Walter Wanger Productions, who write: "Despite the fact that the title 'Personal His tory has not been use>t fo~ more than four months and in spite of the fact that we have stated on several occasions that none of Vincent Sheean's book is being filmed, there seems some confusion regarding the story basis foi Alfred Hitchcock's 'Foreign Correspondent.' Mr. Wanger bought the screen rights to Sheean's book before it became a best-seller. Shocking, surprising changes in world eventsmade five screen adaptations of the story dated and valueless. When Alfred Hitchcock was engaged last November it was for the purpose of writing a completely original screen story, nol another adaptation of 'Personal History.' This he did. Since Hitchcock's original screenplay, is . entirely different from the She'ean story, Wanger has refused to use the title 'Personal History,' or to trade on the popularity of Sheean by intimating the hew film play was suggested by the book. 'Foreign Correspondent' should therefore.be completely divorced from ■Personal History' in the minds of -critics and public."

Her second helping of stardom—Gloria Jean, Universal's second child-soprano discovery (the .first, of course, was Deanna Durbin) has now completed her second motion picture. The first was "The Under Pup," which won the hearts of filmgoers all over the world. Little Gloria's second effort for Universal is the co-starring lead in the new Bing Crosby comedy, "If I Had My Way." She is the youngest of all the leading ladies Crosby has played with U date. The tin;, • coloratura singer from Pennsylvania was , only eleven years old while she was playing opposite Bing in "If T Had My Way." She did not celebrate her twelfth birthday until two days after the picture was completed. Just as in "The UnderPup," Gloria has no juvenile boy friends in her second film. She does not develop a schoolgirl crush on Crosby. She ,plays the part of the daughter of an iron-worker. When her dad is killed in an accident, she is taken care of by Bing and El Brendel and later by Winninger and Nana-'Bry-ant, as the amusing complications of the plot develop. During the course of this role, Gloria gjngs three duets with Bing, "Meet the Sun Half-way," "I Haven't Time to be a Millionaire," and "Pessimistic Character," all written by Johnny Burke and James Monaco. Gloria also sings a solo, "My Little Grey Home in the West."

Brightest of the new prospects, masculine division, to appear on Paramount's studio roster this season, unquestionably is that of Robert Preston. In the scant, less-than-a-year time he has been in pictures, he has shown an unquestioned ability to "go places." Because the young Mr. Preston is still a newcomer, it would perhaps be best to identify him by the film roles in which he has already come to the screen, and in which he is soon to appear. He was the sympathetic "heavy" and second male lead in Cecil B. De Mille's epic of pioneer railroading, "Union Pacific," having been Joel Mo Crea's rival for the affections of Barbara Stanwyck. He appeared as younger brother to Gary Cooper and Ray Milland as a principal of the William A.' Wellman pictiirisation of adventures .with the French".Foreign Legion, "Beau Geste." With. ; .these two important roles, and three previous ones in less important pictures, as his accomplishments, he now is co-starred with Dorothy Lamour in the Technicolor tropical melodrama, "South of Samoa." On the basis of all these, it may be concluded that the studio has full confidence in Preston's capabilities as a top-flight leading man. It was just about a year ago that Preston, a manly lad of nineteen went on the Pasadena Community Playhouse stage from which fully a dozen subsequently important cinema players have been recruited. He was playing the Alfred Lunt role in "Idiot's Delight," the one done afterwards in pictures by Clark Gable.

The New York of golden splendour is the background for the story of Lillian Russell, America's first and greatest glamour girl, the queen of them all. 'She holds the spotlight again in the 20th Century-Fox production "Lillian Russell," featuring Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Henry Fonda. The amazing life and loves of the great Lillian Russell were headline news in her day, and the picture, it is claimed, makes it easy to realise why the beautiful actress was so famous and the songs of her day so popular. Some of the songs sung in the film are "After the Ball is Over," "Rosie. You Are My Posie," "My Evening Star," "Adored One," and the specially composed new song "Blue Love Bird." Lillian Russell numbered Diamond Jim Brady and Jesse Lewisohn, two of the wealthiest men of her era, among her countless admirers. No one could take her place. Also featured in "Lillian Russell" are such outstanding screen personalities as Edward Arnold, as Diamond Jim Brady. Warren William, Leo Carrillo, Helen Westley, Dorothy Peterson, Ernest Tuex, Weber and Fields, Eddie Foy, iun., and Una O'Connor. Irving Cum~nings directed.

"Charley's (Big-hearted) Aunt," a J.B.D. attraction, is slapstick farce. Arthur Askey: puts over a female impersonation, Richard Murdoch, Graham Moffatt, and Moore Marriott give the star support. J. H. Roberts and Felix Aylmer are Dean and Proctor respectively and each acts with a seriousness that gives excellent contrast to the fooling. Wally Patch, Phyllis Calvert, Jeanne de Casalis, and Elliot Mason are others who enter into the spirit of the play. There is very little connection between this farce and the original "Charley's Aunt," but the new version competes with the old. There are many new gags local and topical.

Important additions to the cast of Marlene Dietrich's new Universal starring vehicle, "Seven Sinners," have been made by producer Joe Pasternak and director Tay Garnett. In the role of the proprietor of the Seven Sinners cafe is Billy Gilbert, who had just finished a featured role -with Gloria Jean in "A Little Bit of Heaven." As governor of a South Seas naval island, Samuel S. Hinds wins a top role, while James Craig, young Universal contract player, Reginald Denny, and Billy Bakewell all play the roles of American navy officers. John Wayne, Mischa Aver, Broderick Crawford, Oscar Homolka, Albert Dekker, and Anna Lee also are in the cast.

The shamrock is no more thoroughly Irish than the Warner Bros, comedy "Three Cheers for the Irish." Heading the cast are such 'popular offspring of Erin as Priscilla Lane, Thomas Mitchell, Dennis Morgan, and Alan Hale. With the tang of St. Patrick's Day in his role. Mitchell plays the character of a New York cop. Gruff, real, lovable Peter Casey celebrates his twenty-fifth year in the force with one bane in his otherwise happy existence—a rookie policeman, played by Morgan, whose unforgivable taint is his being a Scotsman. And to add insul to injury he is given Casey's job when the old timer is summarily pensioned. One of Casey's daughters, Priscilla's role, doesn't mind Morgan's Scotch burr, and as a matter of record she likes it. Which causes all kinds of complications in the Casey household. He is forbidden to see the girl, but eventually, of course, true love triumphs-

Clifford Odets's play "Till the Day I Die," was produced at the Threshold Theatre Club (London) recently, and though another play of Mr. Odets, "Golden Boy," had been seen by Londoners previously, it was the first time his play about the Nazis and their brutal oppression and sadism had been seen in the metropolis. The Threshold Theatre is an experimental theatre of short formation but it has already proved its worth if only by its splendid interpretation of the Odets play. Geoffrey Hibbert, Peter Stephens, and Sheila Keith stood out among the players, and interpreted with real dramatic talent a story that shows the horror of the Nazi "ideal." Mr. Odets's other remarkable plays are "Waiting For Lefty," "Awake and Sing," and "Paradise Lost;' He was formerly married to Luise Rainer, the petite Viennese actress.

Described by James Agate as "a duck of a revue," Aubrey Ensor's composition "Come Out of Your Shell" had; a happy season at the Criterion Theatre, London, within recent months. It was originally presented at the .Embassy, where it enjoyed a successful run, and was then transferred to the Criterion. Magda Kun's burlesque on "Pinocchio," was a perfect cameo; Annette Mills sang several songs of her own in a turn full of gusto and enthusiasm; Greta Gynt appeared in several scenes, and Nadine March revealed herself as; a pungently clever little actress. Frank Pettingell, who has been hitherto known mostly for dramatic studies, showed, himself as a decidedly clever comedian with a flair for burlesque.

Recently staged at the Unity" Theatre, London, was Alexander Afinogenov's play "Distant Point," which had a long run in Moscow. The play seeks to show the members of a small community genuinely moved .Dy the "Party" idea. It makes gentle fun. of them and provides one of the members with a mean. soul. .'The community runs* a remote- railway, station, thrum guitars, and are, a close little • settlement except for one outsider —an army general whom the doctors have sentenced to death. His presence ruffles the serene pond for a time, but his passing leaves it again undisturbed. A renegade priest provides the drama; a soldier provides the philosophy, for he acquires faith and immortality of spirit after -fighting- for. his country; the stationmaster and' his wife supply the romantic element; though the wife prefers- shooting in the! woods. James Agate, -clever London critic, liked "Distant Point," even though .he admitted, some of its points were" a" Jtittla too distant for him. He liked .the "quality" of the play.

Michael Wilding, who was in New Zealand with the Fay Compton Dramatic Company, is now a favourite film star in England. He has a big featured role in the picture, "Sailors Three," and is also prominent in the British film "Convoy," starring Clive Brook. Young Wilding is a clever artist as well as an up-and-coming, film star, and once held a pavement exhibition on the Thames Embankment to pay for his studies. In "Sailors Three," the other nautical stars are Claude Hulbert and Tommy Trinder, while the. feminine influence is wielded by Carla Lehmanni a charming young Canadian who came to England to study on the advice of Jacob Ben-Ami, noted Jewish Art Theatre producer, New York. Miss Xehmarin studied firstly with the Croydon Repertory Company, and from there went into Priestley's play, "People at Sea," and later joined Marie Tempest in "Mary Goes to See." Since then the lovely young Canadian. has played with the Alfred Drayton-Robertson Hare .Company in "Spotted Dick" and "Banada Ridge." Her sole previous screen work was in "So This is London," in which she replaced June Lang in the role of an American girl.

The thrills and spills of America's most spectacular steeplechase, are blended into the story of; two young people' in love, torn by a fierce family pride, in Darryl Zanuck's Technicolor production of "Maryland." The historic Maryland Hunt Cup race provides a stirring climax to the drama which captures the romance ■ and beauty of a proud State. The cast features Walter Brennan, Brenda Joyce, John Payne, Fay Bainter, Charlie Ruggles, Hattie' McDaniel, and Marjorie Weaver. Henry King directed.

Clare Boothe (in private Mrs. Brokaw Luce, wife of the editor :of the magazine "Time") has written.another successful play, "Margin for Error," which bids fair to rank with her previous successes, "The Women" and "Kiss the Boys Good-bye." The latest. play. is. distinct from • her. other works, both of which were written in a "debunking" frame, of. mind, ".The; Women" put the spotlight. on American women who have nothing to do but frequent beauty parlours and annex other women's 'husbands, while "Kiss the Boys Good-bye" was a very clever satire on the motion picture industry and thY racket ■in glamour girls. In "Margin for Error," Mhs Boothe introduces' a German Consul in an American city, with whom is associated^ a puppet: Fuhrer, the latter to be imposed upon America; a trapped Nazi secretary, an unhappy wife in love with an American journalist, and a doctor whose daughter and son-in-law are in a concentration camp in Germany. As guard to the blackguard Consul is a policeman named Finkelstein! When the Consul is murdered all the characters; are implicated, but finally the supposed murder turns out to be suicide—the gentleman has "liquidated" himself by drinking the poison intended for another victim. Miss Boothe has used the world war as a background for a purely local and topical thriller. The play was put on at the Apollo, London, in August. Though written before September, 1939, the drama is prophetic in view of the activities of German Consuls. in several countries.

In the British film, "Law and .Dis« order," the two principals are in private husband and wife; they* are Barry K. Barnes and Diana Churchill. Also in the cast.is Alastair Sim, who has figured on several occasions in the same pictures with the debonair Mr. Barnes. New Zealanders have seen Mr. Barnes in person, for he was m the Dominion with the Margaret Rawlings Company playing "The Barretts of Wimpole Street"; he was Robert Browning to the Elizabeth Barrett of Miss Rawlings. Mr. Barnes met his future wife when they were both * appearing in a Sunday charity performance in London. Recently they j were touring the provinces together *in a topical war thriller—"The Body Wai Well Nourished," all about Gestapo agents, bombs, and assassinations.

So far this year' Wellington play* goers have been well catered for by the Thespians. Now comes their final production, which is"to be presented in the Concert Chamber at the end of this month, and they,have chosen a play ol outstanding'merit., Despite serious difficulties brought" on by present conditions,''.the-. Thespians have continued their policy of presenting plays of distihction, and. in this respect, "They Walk Alone" (a thriller by Max Catto), which'is the Thespians' last production' for the > year, -is outstanding. Not only is "They Walk Alone" a perfect example of its type, it is in addition highly1 • entertaining. It is a me|% drama calculated:4o keep?an audience sitting. on the wige of their seats with excitement, and it is written with such distinction that it is at the same time a brilliant study...'. If is a. play that consistently; commands the - stage and calls for. first-rate acting: ability from every member of the c«ist. . The production,' too, demands a realism and a stagecraft that have been - distinct 'features of all Thespian productions. la the leading rble,; which was played so brilliantly in' England by ■ Beatrix Lehniann, ! appears Iris Wright,; y who ; wilj be remembered by theatregoers -for her splendid , performance ,in 'The Flashing Stream" last year.: Withher is Constance, Kelly, % whose Lady Macbeth, this year .was a high light oi Thespian productions. Others in the cast are G- H. Bassant, Robert Cheyne, Glyn Tucker, and two newcomers, Sonia Charters and George - Boyje. . The production is being directed by Eric Bradwell and Eussell Keid.