STAGE AND SCREEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 27 July 1929, Page 3

STAGE AND SCREEN

j ' A former student of the Canterbury College School of Art, Mr Leslie Thomas, is one of Mr Alan Wilkie’s latest "limis.” He Inin designed all Uic 'costumes which will be worn in “The School for Scandal,” “Tlie llivafs,” and “She .Sloops to Conquer,” three early 1 English comedies to bo presented during . the present) season at Auckland. ‘Tlis knowledge of period costumes is remarkable,” said Mr Wilkie, who went on to sav that he intends to keep Mr Thomas with Jiiin for future work. Many artists will be brought to Australia this year (and later to New Zealand) for J. C. Williamson productions. Frederic Bentley, the comedian of “Rose i Marie,” has already arrived, and Josie Melville (who played (lie title rcle in the musical comedy "Sally”) is expected soon. “Show Boat” is tho first of the new productions. This musical play will have its Australian premiere in Melbourne about the end-of August. The London stage is rather lacking in established stars just now, says a London critic. Sir Gerald clu Manv.ier, Seymour Hicks, Edith Day, Jack llulbert, Matheson Lang and Joseph Buchanan, Cecily Courtneidge, Jack Coyne are missing from it, for example —but happily, in addition <o Owen Nurcs, Marie Tempest, Henry Aitdey and Robert Loraine are shortly to ieappear.

Why arc there more women than men oil tlie stage? This query was put to Mr Charlton Morton, the producer of “Lido Lady,” and his answer piovcd (hat lie had given tlie subject a good 'deal of thought. Here is Ids explanation. Women, he says, are actresses from the cradle, and they gravitate with ease and grace to tho stage. There are more good-looking vciut’n than there are good-looking men. For every 'handsome young actor trie could name a dozen attractive actresses. Women, on the other hand, grow old less gracefully than men, and the average actress of 50 is doomed to —doomed to the joys of autumn. Mr Morton did not say that. He said something about “second woman” parts. But the point be made is that many more women than men are dropping out of the profession as the demand for their services becomes limited.

Fullers are negotiating for a visit to Australia and New Zealand by tho comedian George Robey, and his company, rle is said to be asking £9OO a week for himself and a small company, exclusive of transportation costs.

Jack Trainor, who played in Auckland as Solomon Levy in “Abie’s Irish Rose,” lias been engaged by Fullers to produce “Kitty Kosher iKelly” and “Pilgrim’s Progress” in Australia.

The German Theatre in London, first conducted as a regular repertory company, and later as a Sunday theatre, had a successful career from i9Ol to 1914. Preparations are now being made in London to revive this theatre vith Sunday performances at liic Arts Theatre, all the actors interested, being of English birth. Tho foremost figure in the movement, Miss Gwen FfrangcoiirDavies, will play tlie leading part, Joliannisfeuer, in Sudermaim’s, finest play. Meanwhile, Mr Maurice Browne, who ascended tlie ladder of fame by bis production of “Journey’s End,” has made arrangements., to present a German company in Hamlet, as it was given in Berlin recently.

Emil Jannings sails for Germany this month. Ho is going home for a rest, so his studio announces. There are other rumours to the effect that Jannings will

not return. Not a vacation, but a permanent departure is Jaimings’s trip home. Talking pictures arc given as tlie reason. It lias been said m tho past that Jannings refused to make a talking picture due to the imperfection of his English and his disinclination to risk an enviable reputation by substituting words for (ho pantomime of which ho is an acknowledged master. Tlicro is no appreciable Agitation in the German studios over sound. Silent pictures are still in the ascendant there, and it may be that Jannings will continue to act iii European silent pictures.

The most extensive “railroading” ever done in a motion picture studio is now in progress in .the filming of “Wonder of Women,” Clarence Brown’s new product ion. in which Peggy Wood, famous stage star, and Lewis Stone have featured parts.

William S. Hart’s autobiography, “My Life, East and West,” is causing something of a sensation in Hollywood. The book deals with the life of tlie author from his childhood days among the Sioux Indians iri tho Western States, where his father led a wandering life as a builder of water’ power mills, through Hart’s career as an actor in New York, and to his success as one of tlie screen’s greatest heroes.

Victor McLaglen has made his talking debut in “The Black Watch,” taken from Talbot Mundv’s story, “King of the Klivber Itilles.” Reviews praise the story for its magnificent settings and marvellous atmosphere.

Auckland’s stage and screen actor, Mr Shayle Gardner, is going Train success to success. The advent of talkies has resulted for him in a Hollywood engagement where lie is busy in an important part for Warner Brothers.

Farewell to the Charleston, tlie Black Bottom, and the Varsity Drag—the “Breakaway” is coming. It is the featured step in a forthcoming extravaganza, which is to be nationally released. Combining an easily-learned but fascinating series of steps, tlie “Breakaway” is scheduled to be all tlie rage wherever an orchestra, a radio, or a phonograph is found,- say dance experts.

In the Gramerey studios, recently opened in New York, will be made Hie first British talking picture'with an allBrilish east. British International Pictures, Ltd.', have sent from London cast, director, technicians and production complete to contrive talking sequences for “Kitty,” filmisation of Warwick Deeping’s novel. Talking pictures are a new experience to the company, (nit all are recruited from'tlie stage. Estei e Brody plays the role of Kitty and John Stuart that of Alec.