STAGE AND SCREEN

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12615, 27 November 1926, Page 13

STAGE AND SCREEN

Personal and General Jottings

BIG PLANS BY THE FULLERS Mr W. J. Douglas, general manager of Hugh J. Ward Theatres Pty., Ltd., recently made an extensive statement to one of the leading newspapers in Melbourne. It concerned the plans and activities for the future. “The Fuller theatres axe owned by the Fullers, and they are prepared to put into them all kinds or theatrical productions, including grand opera and Shakespeare plays,” said Mr Douglas. “Not only will the presentation of musical comedies be included, but it will be featured more than ever. With this object in view, Mr A. Ben Fuller and Mr Walter Fuller are at present working in London, where they will establish a permanent office. The former will subsequently go to New York, where he will open an offioe. Two musical comedies hove already been 'purchased.” Continuing, Mr Douglas said that Mr John Fuller will leave for America, London and the Continent during December, when he will give his attention to forthcoming attractions. It is the intention to bring over producers for various shows instead of having a producer in regular employment. In this way variety of style and production will be obtained. Local talent will be used extensively in view of the success of many artists in the past. Blr Ray Fuller . (manager of the Auckland Opera House) is spending a holiday at the Great Barrier, accompanied by hia wife and small son. Mr BYalter Monk is on a short visit to Auckland before leaving for Wellington to take up the advance for Bloseovitch, who will be the Christmas attraction in the southern city. Mr George Rex has arrived from Australia to complete arrangements for the opening of the Humphrey Bishop season at His Majesty’s on December Ist. • • • • Joseph Cunningham’s new English comedy company, which concludes its wonderfully successful Wellington season to-night, will only be able to visit the more important provincial oentres of Taranaki prior to its advent at Auckland on December 13th. The itinerary arranged is as follows:—-Ha-wera, December 2nd and 6th; New Plymouth, December 4th and sth; Palmerston North, December 7th and Bth; wanganui, Bth and 10th. “The Unfair Ses” and “Eliza Comes to Stay” will be presented in that order.

JOHN KIRBY’S SUCCESS John Kirby, who hails from Dunedin, New Zealand, and who scored with the Fullers, is in the cast of “Tip Toes” at the Winter Garden Theatre, London. And apropos, here is a flattering comment from a London paper: “Laddie Cliff has as a foil to his slick humour a comedian who is a valuable discovery. John Kirby made a success in an ill-fated revue at the Lyceum, wherein he played a taxi-driver. Since then he had not been seen till he reappeared as a fat and genial buffoon, making his own rich contribution to a night in which there were no ‘lonqeurs.’ ” revue which is clever, healthy, and good, standing head and shoulders above its contemporaries.” The Wellington season commences at a matinee on Boxing Day. Tom Bfix is now engaged upon "The Canyon of Light" after having completed “The Great K. and A. Train Robbery” for Fox Films.

METRO-GOLDWYN STARS AT DE LUXE Marion Davies plays one of her most remarkable roles in the new production, "Beverly of Graustark," based on George Barr McCutcheon’s famous novel of modern European intrigue, and now playing at the De Luxe Theatre. She plays not only the heroine, Beverly, but also masquerades as a crown prince, and goes through a coronation to save a throne in a daring impersonation. The star had her hair clipper], removed all vestiges of feminity from her face, and so perfectly enacted a man’s role that the deception is uncanny. Antonio Bloreno plays the principal male role of "Danton.” and Hoy D’Arcy, Creighton Hale, Paulette Duval, Max Barwyn, Albert Gran and other notables appear. The play was staged: under the direction of

Sidney Franklin, director of many of the Talmadge successes, at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. • * • * HUMPHREY BISHOP COMPANY This popular English Company axe returning to His Majesty’s, Auckland, for a season of ten nights and two matinees, commencing next Wednesday (December Ist). Among the old favourites are Mr Humphry Bishop, Mr Walter Kingsley, Mr George Ross, Miss Hilda Reaux, Mr Frank Egan. The following artists will make their first appearance here with the company:—Miss Dorothy Ryder, Mr John. Blontfort, Bliss Blarie London, Blr Fred Webber, Miss Elaine Mays, Mr Mark Leslie, Bliss Doris Pretty, Mr Billy Barry, Miss Thelma Trott, Mr Allan Kitson, Miss Bessie White, Mr Dan Flood_ (of Auckland), Miss Evadne Royle, Mr Tom Hardy. Mr Ralph Hedley, Blr Cyril Wells, while Mr George Rox is in charge of the managerial side. Since leaving here some two and a half years ago the company have enjoyed some remarkable seasons —18 weeks at the J.C.BV. Gar.dcn Theatre, Adelaide; 14 weeks Theatre Royal, Perth; 8 weeks Theatre Royal, Brisbane; and 20 weeks in Sydney. Blr Bishop promises an entirely new production from rise to fall of curtain. • » • » Rene Riano (the eccentric dancer, who was in New Zealand with Willamson- vaudeville) has been appearing at the Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, at a salary said to be the biggest paid at that house since the engagement of Gilda Grey, the dancer. » # • Mr Beaumont Smith, managing director Williamson Films (N.Z.), Ltd., and Blr Greenfield, manager Regent Theatre, are in Auckland on business connected with the opening of the Regent Theatre, which is rapidly nearing completion.

The Nellie Bramley Company nre-1 rented “Brown Sugar” in Tasmania, by arrangement with J. O. Williamson. Miss Bramlev as Stella Peering, -the chorus girl Peeress, suited the role to advantage for the week. • • • - Referring to Miss Helga Rolunde, who took the part of Petra in “The Enemy of the People.” by the Sydney Repertory Theatre, the “Bulletin” commented that her Petra was “one of the sparkles of the production.” The “Bailv Telegraph” said she showed excellent promise, and the “Morning Herald” observed that “one good feature of her work was the way in which she continued to act (though not too obtrusively') where she hnd no lines to any.” Miss Rolnnde hns many friend* in New Zealand. who will he pleated to hoot- of har urogro«s.

EPIC FILM AT PARAMOUNT A side of the war that lias been clouded in mystery is brought to the screen for the first time in "The Greater Glory/* the colossal screen epic now at the Paramount. The picture was produced by June Atathis, who formerly gave the screen "The Four Horsemen/* remembered as a priceless achievement. First Rational releases "The Greatei Glory.'* That the story of "The Greater Glory/' which reveals conditions in Vienna before, during and after fho war, is authentic, is revealed in the fact that the picture is an adaption of the celeturisation of the Rupert Hughes story, ten by Edith (FShaughne&sy, wife of the American Alinister at Vienna. The authoress resided in the once gay capital of the Austrian Empire during

its most hectic history. The story follows the fortunes of the city in the fortunes of a fine old Viennese family. Miss Mathis has produced the picture along epic lines. She calls it the most significant film she has ever made. More than a year was spent on its production by Ali&s Mathis and a vast company of stars. The fate of a nation ie tola in this picture. • • • • The principals in thepicture cast are: Anna Q. Nilsson, lan Keith, Lucy Beaumont, and Jean Hersholt. There are about a score of other famous picture players in the cast in addition to about 1600 extras. • * * • WILL ROGERS, FAMOUS COMEDIAN

Will Rogers, the famous American comedian now in London, will play a role in Dorothy Gish’s new picture, “Tiptoes,” now being made in Domdon. M r Rogers is described as one of the best comedians appearon the London boards. He has set all London laughing with his quaint man-

ners and merry quips, and has even had the audacity (P) to make fun at the expense of King George and Prince Edward of Wales. The Prince and he are the best of pals, and as Rogers points out: ‘‘Considering hiß handicaps, he’s one of the best on earth. I’ll tell the world that l”

• • • • “THE VANISHING RACE” Jno. W. Hicks, jm\. managing director of Famous Lasky Film Service, I>td., who was in New Zealand last week, received a cablo from Paramount’s New

York office to the effect that it had been decided to semi the Indians, who are appearing in connection with “The Vanishing Knee” to New Zealand. The date of tneir arrival will ho announced later. This is without doubt the most important piece of news that has been received in the moving pictures business for some time, and it is certain that New Zealanders will look forward with anticipation to the advent of the Red Men. There are in all ten Indians, under the chieftainship of Suni-te-wa, one squaw and one juvenile Nasjn, who is also appearing in “The Vanishing Race.”

“Tho Vanishing Knee" had its premiere screening in New Zealand last week in JDunedin, and showed to capacity houses. It is expected that tho picture will be screened in other centres at an early date. In connection with the coming of the Indians to Now Zealand, Mr John Kennebnck, exploitation manager of Paramount, arrived in here on Tuesday iasW

“BEAU GESTE” TO OPEN REGENT Great enthusiasm is in evidence in Wellington in regard to the advent of 1\ C. Wren’s “Beau Geste,” which is the big Paramount picture chosen to open the new Regent Theatre on December 10th. From this immortal story of the French Foreign Legion has been mad© one of the real screen classics of the year, and no better subject could hav© been found for the opening attraction in the Regent. As a novel “Beau Geste” has been one of the year’s best sellers, and the picture will earn a place among pictures similar to that which the book holds in the literature of the present year. Perhaps the most outstanding cast ever assembled for a moving picture appears in “Beau Geste/’ Ronald Colman, Neil Hamilton, and Ralph Forbes are cast as the three Geste brothers. Noah Beery is Adjutant Lejaune, and other important roles are assumed by Alice Joyce, Mary Brian, Norman Trevor, William Powell, and Victor McLagian. • • « v PERSONALS FROM FILMDOM Mr John Fuller, of Fullers*, Ltd., and Fuller-Hay ward Pictures, returned to Sydney yesterday after having spent a, •wpek or two in'Auckland and , weHing- , tonon-business. • 4 • t Mr John. W. Hicks, ■jnr., managing {director of Famous Laeby Fnm Service, fljitd., returned to %dney on the Tahiti 7 on TueiMiay. • • • • Mr Henry Hayward, of Auckland Ltd., and Fuller-Hayward Pictures, visited Wellington cm business during the week. • • • • Mr Eric Rutledge, Wellington manager of Fox Films, is now back at headquarters after having made a business tour through the South Island. Mr George Johnston, of the Octagon, Grand, and Plaza Theatres, Dunedin, and the Paramount and Britannia Theatres, Wellington, left for Sidney on Tuesday on a business visit. * • * * Mr Arthur Davis, managing director of Exhibitors Alliance Films, Ltd., returned to Wellington on Monday, after having been on a business visit to Rarotonga. • • • • Mr Les. Kea6t, late N.S.W. manager of Fox Films, arrived in Wellington from Rarotonga on Monday, en route for Sydney. • • » • It has been decided to close the Para- | mount Theatre, Wellington, in two weeks time, in order that the work of reconstruction can be commenced. This work will take about four months, and when re-opened, the Paramount Theatre will rank as one of the finest in the Dominion. Advice has been received that the big organ to be installed in the De Luxe Theatre, Wellington, is expected to arrive, shortly. This organ, which is said to be costing in the vicinitv of ,£IO,OOO, should be a great asset to the De Luxe, and Mr W. R. Kemball is to be congratulated on keeping abreast with the times, and installing such a wonderful instrument in his fine theatre. • • • • Mr Cecil Mason, assistant - genera] manager of First National Pictures, who hoped to leave for Sydney last week, was unable to get away until Tuesday, when he sailed on the s.s. Tahiti. • * * * The big Universal attraction, “The Midnight Sun/ featuring the ever lar Laura La Plante, concluded a big' week’s season at the De Luxe Theatre on Thursday. • • • • Mr E. J. Righton, managing director of the New Zealand Picture Supplies, Ltd., has disposed of his interests in that company, and intends to retire. Mr Righton has long been known as the “daddy*’ of the picture business in New Zealand, and has always been a leader in anything for the betterment of the business generally. Being a man of sound judgment, Mr Righton’s advice was largely sought by many less experienced in the business, and if he sticks to his present intention of retiring right out of the business, he will be sadly missed. It is doubtful, though, whether “E.J.” will be able to keep out of the game for long, as he is so full of energy, and the amusement business has such a strong pull. However, his intentions at present are to retire to his beautiful home at York Bay, and devote his time to his garden. • • • • OPENING OF THE REGENT A definite announcement is now made of the opening of Williamson’s beautiful new theatre, “The Regent/’ in Manners street, Wellington The scaffolding in front of the building is now cleared, disclosing an imposing edifice. The Regent will be opened at 8 o’clock on Friday, December 3rd, with a programme consisting of the Paramount super attraction, “Beau Geste,” and a strong vaudeville programme. An operatic orchestra of fourteen selected soloists, under the baton of Mr M. T. Dixon, will render a specially arranged musical accompaniI ment. Two performances will be ffiven daily at 2 p.ip. and 8 n.m., whilst intermediary sessions of the picture programme only will be held at 12 noon and 4.30 p.m. • • • • “Moana,” Paramount’s film of Samoa, New Zealand’s mandate in the Southern Seas, was screened privately in Wellington last week. The screening was held in the projection room of the Government Department of Internal Affairs, “Moana” will he released in New Zealand at an early date.