SCREEW JOTTINGS

Evening Star, Issue 22448, 19 September 1936, Page 5

SCREEW JOTTINGS

One of Hollywood’s biggest location scenes is planned by .Frank Lloyd, Paramount producer, for the _ new Claudette Colbert picture, ‘ Maid of Salem,’ in which some 2,000 extras will be used for sequences to be filmed in Northern California. **■ • * •Bringing together what was said to be the greatest armada of commercial air transports in the history of flying, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer engaged every available air liner in Southern Califprnia for a spectacular scene of ‘Whipsaw ’ the new production starring £ Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy, and * currently playing at the Mayfair, In . addition, an entire airport was leased ~ for two nights, with every member of its working personnel. In this reallife setting were assembled scores of the greatest passenger liners ever built, all as a background for an exciting sequence in which Miss Loy and Tracy are. pictured as escaping from a pur suing gang of gunmen. Giant ships galore, plus several privately owned ( passenger planes, were rounded up and chartered by M.-G.-M. for this sequence. In all, more than 30 were concentrated on the one field during the filming -of the picture, ‘Whipsaw,’, which teams Miss Loy with Tracy for . the first time, was produced on an elaborate scale. It presents the feminine star as a member of_ an international ring of jewel thieves, and Tracy as a scret sei’vice agent who tries to trap her through romance. With the stars, directed, by Sam Wood, is a cast that includes Harvey Stephens, William Harrigan, John Qualen, Robert Warwick, Irene Franklin, Lillian Leighton, and_ a dozen others. The story, .an original by James Edward Grant, was adapted to the screen by Howard Emmett Rogers.

Claudette Colbert is to appear on tbe screen as Joan of Arc. Warner Brothers are now negotiating with her to play the part, and, if she accepts, the film will go into production in a, few months. The picture will not be based on Shaw’s play (which has already been announced' as a vehicle for Elisabeth Bergner), but on an original screen version of the life of the fifteenth-century French peasant girl. Before making it. Miss Colbert has first to play in 8 The Maid of Salem,’ another period piece (of the late seventeenth century), which will be • produced and directed by Frank Lloyd.

For the second time Marion Davies and Clark Gable will be_ seen together on the when their new co-star-ring picture, 8 Cain and Mabel,’ is released. Picture-goers who saw 8 Polly of the Circus ’ four years ago will remember what a happv combination was fornjed by these two top-rank film stars; and the wide success of that picture augurs well for the future of t Cain and Mabel.’

The introduction of sound into motion pictures has opened up a wonderful field of entertainment; it has been made possible to enjoy to the full musical and dramatic stars wo shall never see in the fish. Thus we have had musical films of a really high artistic standard, featuring such world-famous artists as Richard Tauber, Jan Kiepura, Lawrence Tibbett, Grace Moore, Feodor Chaliapin, John M'Cormack, and Paul Robeson. Recently there was an important addition to this imposing array, of artists in the person of the popular Continental tenor, Joseph Schmidt, who plays the leading role in the 8.1. P. film ‘ My Song Goes Round the World,’ which comes to the Strand next Friday. Beyond all doubt, he proves himself worthy of inclusion with these famous names. Schmidt has a great opportunity in the picture of displaying his remarkable vocal talent, especially in the songs that he has made so popular on the records, ‘My Song Goes Round the World ’ and ‘ One Life, One Love.’ He also sings several beautiful German arias which will prove a rare treat to musical ears. These songs are tuneful interludes to a delightful story of _ happiness and hart-aches set in Venice, the beautiful city of laughter. The great tenor (who, incidentally, is only four feet high) plays the part of Ricardo, _ a struggling, singer associated with Rigo in a vaudeville act. By dint of crashing in on a broadcasting station’s programme and making a number of records, he does eventually make a name for himself, but just as his happiness seems complete it is shattered again by the arrival on the scene of Nina, a pretty girl with whom both Rigo and Ricardo fall in love. * *. * ’• Lewis Stone has been borrowed by Radio from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for one of the leading roles in ‘ Don’t Turn ’Em Loose,’ an indictment of the American parole system. Bruce Cabot is the principal player.

Kay Francis took an active part in the celebration recently of the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. She is a member of the committee formed in Los Angeles for the observance of Hospital Day. and she was also appointed honorary chairwoman of the committee in charge of arrangements for a special programme staged in the Hollywoodßowl, when the international convention of trained nurses was held in Los Angeles. The actress has recently completed the starring role in 8 The White Angel,’ which depicts the life story of Florence Nightingale. * * * * Joan Bennett is to have the feminine lead in Walter Wanger’s 8 Vogues of 1937,’ which goes into production later this year.

George Raft is to star in ‘ Playhoy,’ a story by Richard Connell, which is now being adapted for the screen by Patterson Sl'Nutt.

A problem that would baffle even wise old Charlie Chan himself confronted Director Harry Lachmalin during the filming of ‘ Charlie Chan at the Circus,’ the new Fox thriller that comes on Wednesday to the Grand. The script of ‘ Charlie Chan at the Circus,’ the eleventh of the Chan series with Warner Oland in the title role, called for the screen appearance of all 12 of the Chan children. The last time the entire family was used in a picture was two years ago, but the young Chinese actors and actresses had grown so much since then that they no longer fitted the roles. So Lachmaiin had the task of combing Los Angeles’s Chinatown to select a new set of youngsters within a week that bore physical as well as a chronological similarity to the children used two years ago. Keye Luke, who plays the part of Charlie’s eldest son, is the only member of the original family to remain in the cast. The new film, which was produced under the supervision of John Stone, also includes in the supporting cast George and Olive Brasno, Francis Ford, Maxino Reiner, and John M'Guire. With a circus as the scene of a crime, Chau finds himself involved with a mass of clues. _ The dead owner,'not having been on friendly terms with his performers, leaves all of the troupe open to suspicion, including oven the savage gorilla who was missing from liis cage at the time of the crime. When a poisonous cobra finds its way to Chau’s room and almost puts an end to the wily detective’s career he becomes convinced that tho murderer is one of the troupe. Chan, however, proves too clever for his adversaries and escapes further attempts upon his life. Tho murderer returns to the scene of tho crime to prevent one of the troupe from revealing his identity, and Chau cleverly baits him into a trap and brings to an end his reign of terror. * * * * • The Marriage of Corbel,’’ which opens on Friday next at the Regent, is the screen adaptation of Rafael Sabatini’s novel, ‘ The Nuptials of Corbal.’ This film, which deals with the days of the French Revolution, throws a new light on those troublous days. Whereas most films about the revolution have been concerned with Paris and the teeming action in that disrupted metropolis, this picture shows the efforts of a people’s agent to promote the revolution in'a remote southern village, where the rustics are really quite content with the humanitarian rule of their marquis, Corbal. This is an unusual, and therefore very interesting, view of an old subject; and the fact that the clash between the old order and the new is heightened by the love of the heads of the rival factions for the same girl gives it some dramatic vigour. De Varennes, the revolutionary, helps the aristocratic Cleonie to escape from the • shadow of .the , guillotine by providing her with male clothes passing her off as. his nephew. When the girl finds that he expects an impossible repayment'she runs away and takes refuge with. Corbal, to whose country the tribunal’s agent’ has penetrated with his men. Vengefujly De Varennes does his host to get the marquis sentenced to death as a traitor, but the faith of the villagers defeats him. Thereafter he tries other means to destroy Corbal and regain possession of the lady. Nils Asther, Hazel Terry, and Hugh Sinclair head a strong cast of characters. The settings, whether depicting prison, court room, or chateau, are excellently contrived, and tho beautiful photography plays a major part in securing dramatic effects.

As one of the mere handful of 'world celebrities who held the Columbia Medal for achievement in the field of broadcasting, Nino Martini, famous operatic star, is travelling in very exclusive company. Martini, who makes his film debut in Jesse L. Lasky’s 8 Here’s To Romance,’ coming on Friday to the Octagon, was the recipient of the medal in 1933. The others who possess this unusual award are Sir John C. W. Reith, Director General of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh, Leopold Stokowski, and Amelia Earhart Putnam. It was Martini’s masterful renclassical and opera songs over the air channels that contributed so much to the changing taste of the American public. With 8 Here’s To Romance,’ Martini turns to another field in the effort to popularise opera with motion picture audiences. The score of the new picture features operatic selections from the works of Mascagny Leoncavallo, and Massenet, in addition to two new popular songs with music by Con Conrad, creator of 8 Continental.’ The supporting cast of the picture also includes Genevieve Tobin, Anita Louise,_ and Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink, equally famous for her accomplishments in the concert field. Alfred E. Green directed 8 Here’s To Romance.’

The “ perfect triangle ” has been found at last. It is made up of Clark Gable, the husband; Myrna Loy, the wife; and Jean Harlow, the “other woman.” Apparently Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer spared no expense to bring these three great stars together to form the “ perfect triangle ” in its brilliant filmisation of Faith Baldwin’s best-sel-ler novel, ‘ Wife Versus Secretary,’ commencing on Friday at the Empire. Flawless in story, flawless in performance, masterful in direction, dazzlingly beautiful in setting and smart in dialogue, the new picture is the latest artistic triumph for the producers of such all-star hits as ‘ Mutiny on the Bounty,’ ‘ China Seas,’ and ‘ A Tale of Two Cities. Gable has never been better than in his perfect role as Van Sanford, millionaire publisher. Jean Harlow is the secretary who indirectly starts, but ultimately prevents, a serious rift in the publisher’s family; and Myrna Loy is lovelier than ever as Gable’s misunderstanding wife. The theme is ultra-modern and the settings designed by Cedric Gibbons give the action its proper background. The huge penthouse apartment of the publisher, where much of the story takes place, is probably one of the most beautiful interiors ever created for the screen. The supporting cast in every way measures up to the high standard's set by the picture’s trio of stars, with excellent performances turned in by May Robson, Hobart Cavanaugh, James Stewart, and George Bar bier, among others. Clarence Brown’s direction is comparable to his recent achievements with the poignant 1 Ah Wilderness ’ and the memorable Garbo production, ‘ Anna Karenina.’ In every cluction ‘ Wife Versus Secretary ’ is recommended to filmgoers as one of the more important and most delightful photoplays of the year.

“ Wish I’d had all this when I w as walking the streets looking for a job just after the war.” That’s what Adolphe Menjou, who served as captain with the United States army on the Italian front during the World War, said when he belatedly received his bonus certificates—l,4so dollars in all. They were delivered to him at the Paramount studios, where ho is currently working in ‘ Wives Never Know ’ with Charlie Rnggles and Mary Boland. “Times were tough then,” Menjou related. “ I went from place to place trying to got work as an actor—and couldn’t find work at any price. I went very hungry.”

Adapted from the French play, * Accused, Arise,’ Criterion’s second production, ‘ Accused,’ stars Dolores Del Rio, the glamorous Mexican actress, , who was brought over from Hollywood to co-star with Douglas Fairbanks, jun. Thornton Freeland, who directed ‘ The Amateur Gentleman ’ is responsible for the direction. The story opens in the Alhambra Theatre, Paris, and unfolds the story of a dancer and his wife and the wife’s rival, who is murdered by an unknown man, the identification of whom forms a thrilling denouement. Lavish settings are a feature of the picture. . The courtroom is an authentic reproduction of the Criminal Court of the French Palais de Justice in Paris. Another interesting set is that of a large Parisian stage, after th«_ style of the F'olies Bergere. This occupied more than 18,000 square feet of studio space.

'Among the big pictures soon to be released throughout New Zealand by Warner Bros, are ‘ The White Angel,’ based on the life of Florence Nightingale, with Kay Francis; ‘ Anthony Adverse,’ Harvey Allen’s great novel, with Fredric March and a big cast; ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade,’ with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Haviland.

W. C. Fields, pompous comedian of the top-heavy vocabulary and master of the raised-eyebrow serious face, returns to the screen in a burst of glory in Paramount’s ‘ Poppy.’ The film marks Fields’s triumph over a recent serious illness, which confined him to bed for several months. ‘ Poppy,’ loaded with all the colour of the gayest carnival and cut to suit the inimitable talents of the screen’s best-loved comedian, is the film version of the American stage success of many years back, in which Fields made an immediate hit. Fields appears as “ Professor Eustace M'Gargle,’ seller of patent medicine and sole guardian of a young girl, Rochelle Hudson, who has spent her life as a travelling carnival performer.

Columbia Pictures have received advice from London that, following his 42nd birthday celebrations, tho King gave a private dinner party at York House, and afterwards the guests saw Grace Moore’s now film, ‘ Tho King Stops Out.’ Tho ballroom at Y’orlc House was transformed into a cinema for the purpose.

Professor Max Reinhardt’s screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, ‘ A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ is proving in Dunedin, as elsewhere, that the experiment of building the story into a screen play has been a_ brilliant triumph. For the presentation of ‘ A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ which is now at His Majesty’s Theatre, a most notable cast has been assembled, including James Cagney ; Joe B. Brown, Dick Powell, Anita Louise, Jean Muir, Olivia do Havilland, and Frank M'Hugh. The production occupies the greater part of the programme, but the sympathetic treatment of the opportunities such a story presents that the attention of the audience is maintained to the last. Outstanding in the many attractive features of the film are the artistic settings and background, and the fantastic nature of the tale is magnificently sustained in all sequences.

Although he was featured as a singer on Broadway with an orchestra before ho entered motion pictures, Fred. MacMurray croons for the first time in Paramount’s romantic comedy, ‘ Hands Across the Table,’ now at the Mayfair, in which he is featured with Carole Lombard. Mac Murray sings ‘ The_ Morning After,’ a song written especially for him by Sam Coslow, to Miss Lombard, in one of the romantic sequences of this gay fun film, which depicts the merry adventures in the life of a manicurist in a swanky Manhattan hotel. The young actor is cast as a personable but penniless socialite whoso prospective millionaire father-in-law pays his expenses for a trip to Bermuda to get him out of the way until the wedding preparations are completed. Mac Murray misses the boat, and uses Miss Lombard’s modest apartment as a place of hiding. Miss Lombard, a poor but ambitious manicurist, agrees with her playboy friend that one should marry for money. They both agree to stick to their theories. In the meantime, Ralph Bellamy, rich, but engaging young invalid, is one of Miss Lombard’s ardent suitors. Before cither can go through with their plans, however, the manicurist and society boy both fall in love. Many mirth provoking situations occur before a rollicking climax.

After casting him with a number of the screen’s most popular leading ladies the Paramount studios have at last been able to determine the ideal “ mate ” for Fred. Mac Murray. The girl is lovely Carole Lombard, with whom Mac Murray made his highly successful ‘ Hands Across the Table,’ and who once again plays opposite him in ‘ The Princess Comes Across.’ In the short time Mac Murray has been in pictures he has played with an imposing list of “ greats ” —Claudette Colbert, in ‘ The Gilded Lily ’ and ‘ The Bride Conies Home ’; Joan Bennett, in ‘l3 Hours By Air ’; Sylvia Sidney, in ‘ The Trail of the Lonesome Pine ’; and Carole Lombard, in ‘ Hands Across the Table ’ —and now, ‘ The Princess Comes Across.’ The chief charm of the MacMurray-Lombard combination, according to studio authorities, is that they are totally different, in every respect—physically, mentally, and in appeal. Each complements and “finishes” the other; it is this quality which audiences unconsciously understand—and love. • • • • * Frisco Kid,’ Warner Bros.’ thrilling tale of the glamorous Barbary Coast of old San Francisco, opens at the St. James on Friday with an all-star cast headed by James Cagney, Margaret Lindsay, Ricardo Cortez, and Lili Damita. The picture is set in the colourful background of the early fifties, when the waterfront at the Golden Gate was a panorama of gambling halls; when murder, arson, and robbery were winked at by the authorities, who derived huge revenues in bribes from the denizens of the underworld. The characters are based on historic personages of the time who flocked to the city of gold from every port in the world—adventurers all, ready to risk their fortunes or their lives on the throw of a die. Into this picturesque atmosphere comes a sailor, strong, purposeful, crude, ignorant, but a man of tremendous force and magnetic personality, who rises to be the master of the coast, and who dares to fall in love with the most beautiful girl of San Francisco’s highest society, James Cagney and Margaret Lindsay, as the two characters, carry on this sti-ange romance in the midst of a series of thrilling episodes when the city is rocked by terrific battles between the vigilantes and the denizens of the coast. * * * * * First a Girl,’ which conies to the Octagon on Friday, is musical comedy at its best and brightest. It is a sprightly story of a girl’s masquerade as a male impersonator, and the subsequent complications. A scintillating performance by Jessie Matthews embraces piquant romance, saucy innuendo, and merry masquerade, in addition to a rich feast of song, dance, and spectacle, in which she, the central figure,_ is finely supported by Sonilie Hale in light-hearted quip and zest, ending in riotous impersonation of impersonator in an unabashed laughter climax. The entertainment bid also includes a finely staged mannequin parade and a superbly fantastic scene in which Jessie Matthews sings from a suspended gilded cage prior to presenting a whirlwind' dance. The narration is spiced throughout by sparkling dialogue and diverting comedy incident. Jessie Matthews is a star who never fails to take hearts by storm. Small, taut, and vivacious, full of verve and rhythm, she is the “ magnetism ” girl without compare. * * * # In their current musical, * Follow the Fleet,’ R.K.O. Radio’s successor to ‘ Top Hat,’ Fred. Astaire and Ginger Rogers introduce three entirely new dances. The setting for the first dance is _a San Francisco dance hall, and Astaire and Miss Rogers become engaged in a dance contest, and wind up with a whirlwind ballroom routine to a new Irving Berlin tune, ‘ Let Yourself Go.’ Their second dance is staged on the quarterdeck of a freighter, and is an eccentric jig to the strains of another Berlin creation, * All My Eggs Are In One Basket.’ Astaire fans, used to seeing their favourite bedecked in' top hat and tails, will be surprised to see him go through his paces in navy dungarees. An interpretative dance to : a haunting new Berlin melody, ‘ Let’s Face the_ Music and Dance,’ is a finale for the picture. This is the only dance in which the pair is formally attired. Included in the brilliant supporting cast are Harriet Hilliard, Randolph Scott, and Astrid Allwyn. * Follow the Fleet!’ is the current attraction at the State.

Five important feature pictures recently started production at the big Warner Brothers-First National studios in Hollywood. In ‘ Green Light,’ starring Errol Flynn and directed by Frank Borzage, a best selling novel by Lloyd C. Douglas will be brought to the screen. Anita Louise plays the leading feminine role, and_ other principals in an exceptionally distinguished cast are Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Margaret Lindsay, and Henry O’Neil. ‘ Mistress of Fashion ’ will star Kay Francis, with Englishman lan Hunter again as her leading man as he was in ‘ Stella Parish,’ and the as yet unreleased ‘ White Angel.’ ‘ Gold Diggers of 1937 ’ will be, according to studio plans, the most lavish of all WarnerFirst National musicals, and it must be remembered that the studios have become famous for this type of screen entertainment. Dick Powell and Joan Blondell head an all-star cast. ‘ The Making of _ O’Malley’ will star Pat O’Brien, little Sybil Jason, and Humphrey Bogart. The latter will be remembered as the gangster, Duke Mantee, in ‘ The Petrified Forest.’ Last but not least of the pictures which have_ just commenced production is ‘ Shrinking Violet,’ the thrilling story of a professional hockey player. Dick Purcell, June Travis, George E. Stone, and other popular players will appear in this.

United Artists are shortly releasing the second Korda-Wells epic, ‘ The Man Who Could Work Miracles.’ The story revolves around the unusual and amusing consenuences which follow when a humble village shop assistant, Fotheringay, discovers that he possesses the power to work miracles. This ordinary and everyday individual finds himself the centre of incredible happenings. Idealists urge him to reconstruct the world, while reactionaries try to kill him. He becomes intoxicated by his own greatness, and finally stops the sun from sotting and commands the earth to stop rotating. All is chaos, and Fotheringay, wearying of his exalted position, commands that the earth and sun shall revert to their former routine and that he shall lose his power to work miracles. H, G. Wells’s script set many problems for the trick experts, Ned Mann and Harry Zech, who were also responsible for the effects on ‘Things to Come.’ Many of the “ miracle ” effects will be seen for the first time on tho screen, and there is expected to bo much speculation on bow some of these scones have been photographed. The Man Who Could Work Miracles ’ a strong cast, headed by Roland Young, Joan Gardner, Ralph Richardson, Ernest Thesiger, Robert Cochrane, and Lady Tree. Lothar Mendes directed.

Hollywood extras are in tlie midst of the busiest season they hare seen in years. A survey of activity at the Paramount studios alone reveals that more than 400 extras are being used in ‘ The Big Broadcast of 1937,’ in ‘ The Plainsmen,’ the new Cecil B. DeMille production, 2,500 Indians, 600 National Guardsmen, and 2,000 extras are at work. Several hundred extras also are on call for such pictures as ‘ Champagne Waltz, ‘ Wives Never- Know,’ and ‘ Valiant is the Word for Carrie.’

A preview at the Beverly Hills Theatre in Hollywood of Warner Brothers’ ‘Give Me Your Heart,’ Kay Francis’s ’next starring picture to he released in New Zealand following the outstanding ‘ White Angel,’ is reported to have resulted in an _ ovation _ from a distinguished audience. This picture,’ it is said, gives Miss Francis one of the most powerfully dramatic roles of her career. ‘ Give Me Your Heart ’ is an adaptation of the international stage success ‘Sweet Aloes,’ Appearing with Kay in the film are George Brent, Roland Young, and the young Englishman, Patrick Knowles.

A 16-man bagpipe band, every member born on Scottish soil, is seen and. heard in RKO Radio’s ‘ Mary of Scotland,’ in which Katharine Hepburn and Fredric March _ are co-starred. _ The band was organised in 1923 by William Mathieson, who is pipe major of the organisation. In addition to appearing in pictures, the band' plays in parades and at concerts staged by Scotch organisations.

A 1 Jolson, who made his fame singing about his “ Dixie mammy,” is really a native of St, Petersburg, where he was born 50 years ago. His real name is Asa Yoelson, and lie has a deep passion for driving high-powered motor cars, . .

Anita Louise is to play the feminine lead (formerly assigned to Olivia De Havilland) opposite Errol Flynn in ‘ The Green Light.’ The film, adapted from the novel by Lloyd Douglas, will be directed by Frank Borzage,

Ralph Bellamy and Marian Marsh have been given the leading i-oles un Columbia’s ‘ The Man Who Lived Twice.’ Isabel Jewell, who was married recently, is also in the cast.

William Wellman is to direct a talkie version of “ the Adventures of Tom Sawyer ’’ for Selznick International. A child actor is being sought to play the part of Tom. • * * * ■

Gloria Stuart’s first picture for Universal under her new two-picture contract with them, will, be ‘ .Rich and Reckless.’ Gloria plays the part of a newspaperwoman.

More than 50,000 rounds of blank cartridges, 600 bows, 5,000 arrows, and 1,000 rifles and revolveirs were used to film a battle scene between Indians and rangers for the new frontier; picture, ‘ Texas Rangers. ’

Lillian Gish is to play Ophelia opposite John Gielgud’s Hamlet when he appears in the Shakespearean tragedy on Broadway this autumn.

James Murray, who scored a great success some years ago in King Vidor’s famous silent film, ‘ The Crowd,’. has been found'dead in New York.