SCREEN AND STAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22987, 16 September 1936, Page 11

SCREEN AND STAGE

FROM GREEN ROOM AND STUDIO

BY HARLEQUIN

Make-up for Television Max Factor, Hollywood's foremost creator of screen and street make-up since 1909, has revealed the results of five years of research and experimental work on the make-up to meet the present-day requirements and theories of transmitting pictures for televisions. He predicts that actors may dread to appear before public audiences in television broadcasts if they are conducted similar to radio broadcasts of to-day, because of the weird make-up that will be necessary for them to wear. Mary Astor was the first screen star to be made-up by Max Factor as she would have to appear in a television broadcast. Instead of red lipstick, a weird "television blue" make-up was applied to her lips, eye-lids, along both sides v of her nose, in a triangular shape on her neck, and as a deep blue, outline around her jawbone and chin. The strange appearing blue'make-up is necessary, according to Max Factor, in order to model the face in- a colour that'is complementary to a television system that leans toward the infra-red side of the spectrum so that, a clear and distinct definition of'the'image will be seen on the television, receiving 5et..... . ~- .. :"-■'■■'

"Midsummer Night's Dream" "When I heard that Warner Bros, had produced a film presentation of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream,'" writes Mr Eichard Windeyer, K.C., of Sydney, after viewing the film, " I thought that they were very brave people. Flattering myself that I was more or less of the 'highbrbw' variety, I was hoping that this might be one grand step forward in the elevation of the art of the kinema, from the level of mawkish criminal melodrama and vulgar eroticism. But I was afraid that it would be impossible to satisfy the lovers of a great English classic and at the same time produce something which would have a sufficiently widespread appeal. Warner Bros, may well, however, pride themselves on the extent to which they have succeeded. Enough of Shakespearian verse is brought to the multitude to please the highbrow, and it is presented with such a wealth of visual beauty and technical triumph that it should have a universal appeal. The presentation of the'grand old English sense of fun is delightful." The Dunedin premiere of this long-awaited film will be held in His Majesty's Theatre this evening. "Laughter in the Air" The stars of the most popular radio dramatic skit come at last to the talking screen when Myrt and Marge (Myrtle Vail and Donna Damerel) make their debut in " Laughter in the Air," a Universal production which comes to the Strand Theatre on Friday. Since November, 1931, when Myrt and Marge went over the Columbia Broadcasting network for the first time, they have risen to the very top of radio success. Their radio adventures, written, as their fans know, by Myrt herself, are heard nightly by millions of listeners. This year, when they go back on the air after a vacation spent in Hollywood, many new stations will be added to the already imposing list. "Myrt and Marge" (the American title of the film) was written especially for the famous pair by Beatrice Banyard, wife of Willard Mack. Myrt and Marge have roles that will please their radio fans and serve to introduce them in great style to screen fans. Bryan Foy has surrounded them with a splendid cast of stage and screen favourites, including Eddie Foy, jun., Ted Healy and his Stooges, Grace Hayes, J. Farrell MacDonald, Tom Jackson, and Trixie Friganza. "Drift Fence"

Zane Grey, whose Western tales entertain young; and old with their thrilling action, is the author of "Drift Fence," which Paramount has filmed and-which will be the second feature on the screen programme at the Strand Theatre. Featured in this outdoor drama are Larry "Buster" Crabbe, Katherine DeMille, Tom Keene, Benny Baker, Glenn Erikson, Stanley Andrews, and Richard Carle. Arizona of the cattle-rustling, lawdefying days is the setting of "Drift Fence," which concerns the adventures of a Texas Ranger in pursuit of a gang

of desperadoes who have been stealing cattle in droves, and who resist all efforts of a big rancher to enclose his vast property.

Dunedin Playbox Production Great interest is being shown in the forthcoming performances of Stephen Phillip's great tragedy, "Paolo and Francesca," which will be staged by Mr Russell-Wood at the Dunedin Playbox on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of next week. " Paolo and Francesca " is one of the greatest plays of all time and calls for some exceptionally fine work from its actors. On this occasion several local amateurs have been entrusted with parts which will tax their talents to the full, and on which they are working arduously under the guidance of Mr Russell-Wood. In addition to Doreen Rhodes and Leslie Pithie, who will appear in the name parts, Violet Livingston promises to give a most impressive performance in the heavy role of Lucrezia del Onesti, and in the hands of Charles Tobin the part of Giovanni Malatesta should be one of the highlights of the play. Mr Tobin was formerly with Gregan M'Mahon at the Garrick

Theatre, Melbourne, where he has a reputation for excellent work in widely diverse roles. Angela, the blind servant, will be taken by Mrs Earie Johnson, and Tessa by Mrs Hugh Speight, who is also responsible for the period dressing, which promises to be most artistic.

"Call of the Wild" " Call of the Wild" is no misnomer for Twentieth Century's filmisation of Jack London's famous classic of the Klondike gold rush of 1897, which will commence at the Mayfair Theatre today, with Clark Gable, Loretta Young and Jack Oakie in its leading roles. A story of unbridled romance which recognises only Nature's laws, it is a literal interpretation of "the call of the wild," and Darryl Zanuck, who produced the stirring saga of the last of our great frontiers, has invested the original text with a dramatic love story. Gable swashbuckles through the gold camps, a picturesque prospector ready to stake his fortune on the flip of a coin. His code is the code of the frontier—a rough but honest variation of the "golden rule." "Buck," the huge St. Bernard, has a prominent part in the picture.

" Follow the Fleet " There's a new treat in store for Ginger Rogers fans in her latest musical with P'red Astaire. The red-blonde dance stylist, whose whirlwind stepping has always been done in a team number with her co-star in their previous hits, solos for the first time in "Follow the Fleet," which will be the next change at the State Theatre. Clad in brief rehearsal shorts, this first lady of the personality dance does it alone to the catchy rhythm of "Let Yourself Go," one of seven songs composed for the nautical RKO Radio romance by Irving Berlin. As in "The Gay Divorcee, "Roberta" and "Top Hat," however, the co-starring masters of melody and rhythm combine their talents, doing three numbers that range from interpretative to comedy pantomime. The paces are set by "All My Eggs in One Basket," "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and "Let Yourself Go"—all by Berlin, who again, as in "Top Hat," has contributed the complete musical score. Astaire abandons top hat and tails for a sailor's blues as a lad from the battle fleet with music in his soul and wings on his feet, whose only ambitions are to lead a band and marry the girl he loves—whose romantic road is as rough as the Atlantic in February. Ginger brews the storms as an entertainer whom bad luck has landed on the singer's stand of a dime dance hall. The. picture's cargo of romance and mtlody is added to by Harriet Hilliard, brought from the featured vocalist spot with Ozzie Nelson's orchestra in New York to make her screen debut in a romantic team with Randolph Scott, who plays a sailor buddy of Astaire. Astrid Allwyn makes their affair a turbulent triangle. Three new dances are introduced. The setting for the first dance is a San Francisco dance hall, and Astaire and Miss Rogers become en-

gaged 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.

Headlines Inspire Stories Motion pictures reflect to-day's newspaper headlines. While Oscar Appleknocker back in the home town is reading about the launching of the Queen Mary, the world's largest ocean liner, they are, building a replica of it on a Hollywood motion picture set. This was disclosed by Arthur Hornblow, jun., veteran motion picture producer who is currently pi'oducing Paramount's latest Carole LombardFred Mac Murray romance, " The Princess Comes Across," the action of which is laid aboard a gigantic, transatlantic luxury liner.

" Newspapers are the best guide to mass entertainment. They influence the trend of motion pictures just as they did the theatre in the days when it constituted mass entertainment before being supplanted by film," Hornblow declared. " When gangsters were rampant on the front pages of every newspaper, Hollywood was turning out gangster and G-Men films. This was followed by an era of air pictures when aeroplanes and aviation were 'hot news.' What will come next, we cannot tell, but it will probably coincide with or anticipate the headlines. "Audiences are becoming increasingly sophisticated and taxing the ingenuity of producers more and more each year in their effort to avoid banality," he said. "Since there are but four elements in entertainmentromance, melodrama, comedy, and music, they must be presented in such a manner as to give them a fresh aspect. This is most effectively done by following headlines which give the picture timeliness."

"Klondike Annie" Mae West is symbolic of a distinct type of personality. What she stands for may not always find favour with a narrow class; yet it is a fact that her pictures are, in their own way, clever, and as such are successful. Her latest offering is " Klondike Annie," which will be shown at the Empire Theatre on Friday. As in her previous efforts, Mae West dominates the film and is the film. Without her there would be no picture. As is usual, the background is the gay 'nineties, and, despite transfers of location to San Francisco and Alaska, the atmosphere is retained. With a murder on her conscience, " Frisco Doll" (Mae West) sails away for Alaska, and in the process bids fair to become a missionary. This is the sort of unexpected turn which adds zest and humour and gives Mae West the opportunities which only she can thrive on. By dint of good authorship, the story reaches a happy and unexpected conclusion and missionary stock rises accordingly. As the captain of the ship Victor M'Laglen naturally gives a forceful characterisation, and if Mae West dominates the film it is not because M'Laglen is lacking in ability, for he already has an enviable reputation. The somewhat difficult role of missionary is in the capable hands of Helen Jerome Eddy. Wirth Brothers' Huge Deal

Mr Philip Wirth, sen., has announced that he has purchased the entire outfit of Ivan Bros.' International Circus. It will be recalled that Ivan Bros, was the verv ambitious £20.000 circus formed and managed by Major Condor on his retirement from the Australian Broadcasting Commission. After a varied career during which the vicissitudes of handling a big circus on tour were experienced. Ivan Bros, eventually went into the receiver's hands, from whom Mr Philip Wirth. sen., purchased the entire outfit. Whilst admitting that the purchase price ran into some thousands of pounds. Mr Wirth does not disclose the exact price. Ivan Bros.' International Circus has now been merged into Wirth Bros.' "Greatest Show on Earth." and the entire combined show now on tour is to be known as "Wirth's Mighty Circus." The big show is now tourin_£ Western Australia under the sole

direction of Mr Philip Wirth, sen., and is about to commence playing the towns en route back to Melbourne to open the usual annual season there, commencing on Caulfield Cup night. Mr R. C. Mannington, whom it will be recalled advanced Wirth Bros., Ltd., on their last New Zealand tour, advises that on the occasion of Wirths' next visit to this country the New Zealand public will witness " a grander Wirths than they have ever known." " Desire " In announcing the Duncdin premiere of the Paramount production, " Desire," at the Regent Theatre on Friday, it is necessary to say something in explanation of the title, which might possibly convey a wrong impression of the film. Originally the picture was named "The Pearl Necklace." The heroine " desired " beautiful clothes, beautiful jewels, beautiful surroundings. Hence the title. Gary Cooper's name in the leading male role is a guarantee that there are no scenes of purple passion in "Desire." Gary Cooper has been adding steadily to his reputation ever since his popular "Bengal Lancer," and it is said he has made of his role in

"Desire*' one of the most entertaining screen performances. " Desire," it is claimed, is the first production which has really given Marlene Dietrich a human-like role to play. Hans Szekely and R. A. Stemmle, who wrote the dialogue, knew what was entertainment. Men will like "Desire" as much as women. They will see in themselves the doctor and the pearl merchant, each of whom thinks the other is crazy, and many of them will remember having fallen in love, just as Gary Cooper does. There are no impossible situations in " Desire." All the actors are called upon to do is to act well, drive a couple of motor cars, and fall hard for each other. Marlene and Gary prove beyond a doubt that they can do all three more than ordinarily well, and that is why some critics have voted "Desire" one of the year's outstanding entertainments.

"Page Miss Glory" An eagerly awaited film, " Page Miss Glory," will open a season at the St. James Theatre on Friday. Marion Davies, the recognised queen of screen fun, heads a stronger team of stars than has been seen together in one film for many years. Unflagging action, with a leavening of drama, romance and even pathos, makes the picture excellent entertainment, and one that should have a universal appeal. A plot to win a nation-wide beauty contest is the theme of the story. Hatched by a photographer and promoter, it is a well-contrived piece of chicanery, which gives every opportunity for mirth. Marion Davies is well cast, and scores a big success. Dick Powell plays

Mickey Mouse Eight Years Old

opposite her, and although he sings only one song, "Page Miss Glory," his talents are not wasted. He has the part of a dare-devil young aviator. Others prominent in the first-rate cast are Pat O'Brien, as a get-rich-quick promoter, and Frank M'Hugh, as a photographer burning to collect some cash. Patsy Kelly, as a chambermaid in a big hotel, finds much scope for her rather sharp tongue, while Allen Jenkins aids in the mirth-making. Lyle Talbot, as a reporter, and Mary Astor complete the list of stars. Beautiful gowns are a feature of the production. " The Northing Tramp "

For some time now America has been making " British " films in Hollywood; films starring British artists, played against Hollywood's idea of British backgrounds and with plots evolved from the pens of British playwrights and novelists. Such films have been so successful in Britain that local filmgoers have believed them to be home produce.

Gaumont-British has now taken up the challenge of " British " films made in America. They are making the first "American " picture to be filmed in England! Under the direction of Albert de Courville will be made the film version of the Edgar Wallace novel "The Northing Tramp." The entire action takes place in America, and the artists, bar one, will all be American. Constance Cummings returns to the G.B. studios again, having recently completed the forthcoming drama, " Seven Sinners." She will co-star with one of England's rising film heroes, Hugh Sinclair, remembered for his fine performance, both on the stage and screen, in "Escape Me Never." Arch-villain Noah Beery will play a gangster in this new comedydrama, and Gaumont-British have been fortunate in finding a team of first-rate American actors right in London; namely, the cast of the present

successful stage comedy, "Three Men on a Horse."

Director de Courville is fully aware of his responsibilities in making this "American" picture, but should the G.B. experiment prove successful, it may mark an interesting milestone in film production and herald the manufacture of further British-made "American " films.

British Empire Films " Sinn Fein" is a by-word in Ireland. Translated it means " Ourselves Alone," and that is the title 8.1. P. have given to their recent stirring picture depicting "the trouble" in Ireland in the early 1920's when the Black and Tans and the gunmen turned the country into a grim island of fear. When pre-viewed in Dublin recently it received an enthusiastic and rousing reception and, to the amazement of many it passed the Irish censor without any cuts at all! This picture is shortly to appear in New 'Zealand theatres. Another new film in the 8.1. P. lineup is " Living .Dangerously," starring Otto Kruger in his first British picture and Leonora Corbett and Francis Lister. A society drama of great emotion and sophistication, telling of the life stories of two harley street specialists who started off as partners and ended as bitter enemies, it gives the artists unlimited scope to display their ability in realistically creating their parts. The tampering of a drug register—a doctor in love with his partner's lovely wife—violent quarrei-

ling scenes, and lastly—murder—all combine to make this picture a fascinating one.

Charlie Chaplin and Mickey Mouse are the only two universal characters that have ever existed. The greatest kings and conquerors, gods and devils, have by comparison been local celebrities. Mickey's domain is to-day even more extensive than Chaplin's Charlie's moustache, hat, pants, shoe.-

and cane belong to Western civilisation, and perhaps make him a foreigner in a few limited regions. Mickey Mouse is not a foreigner in any part of the world.

Mickey's public extends to and beyond the frontiers of civilisation. He has, for example, an Eskimo following in Alaska. Douglas Fail-banks on his world tour endeared himself to cannibals and head-hunters by showing them movies of Mickey Mouse. Tribes of Kaffirs in South Africa recently declined to accept any cakes of soap which did not bear the image of Mickey Mouse, just as formerly they declined to accept coins which did not bear the image of Queen Victoria. Tribes of connoisseurs in the big cities have taken up Mickey Mouse and lorgnettes are focused on the original drawings of him on the walls of fashionable galleries. Mickey has received greater honours abroad than at home. He was recently created a citizen of France at a carnival in Granville. His eighth birthday on September 28 will be the occasion of world-wide celebrations. Mickey's greatest triumph in Germany was Hitler's denunciation of young Nordics who were wearing Mickey Mouse emblems instead of the swastika. Since Stalin ordered the young people to laugh and be gay, Mickey Mouse films have been shown in Russia. The animated cartoon is the life of the movie business in Japan, where the feature picture is often cut to pieces because of the prejudice of the Orientals . against scenes where lovers are shown frying in the deep fat of passion. The number of admissions to theatres where Mickey Mouse played last year is calculated at 468,000,000. Queen Mary, Mussolini, President Roosevelt, and the late King George are among his fans. More than 1000 manufactured articles, ranging from doormats

to jewels, bear his portrait. The Ingersoll factory turned out more than 1,000,000 Mickey Mouse watches in eight months, but was unable to keep up with the demand. Mickey, like Chaplin, was discovered by the mob before he was discovered by the art world. It was another case in which the masses gave a lesson in art appreciation to the intelligentsia. Mickey is America's greatest aesthetic achievement, according to Eisenstein, Russian director, who is a little bitter toward Hollywood. " Mickey is Art," declared Robert Harshe, director of the Art Institute of Chicago, in installing a permanent Mickey Mouse exhibit among the great moderns. The little star of the animated cartoons promises to eclipse Picasso and Matisse in the chatter of the salons. In short, after escaping hundreds of other dreadful perils, poor Mickey is now in the hands of the dilletantes!

Mickey will be eight years old on September 28 next, but United Artists have set aside September 26 to signal the anniversary of the remarkable rodent and international celebrity. Wherever motion pictures are shown birthday parties will be the order of the day.

"Message to Garcia" Out of the story of the true adventure that changed the destiny of three nations, Twentieth Century-Fox has created fanciful, colourful entertainment, full of glamorous romance, high adventure and magnificent courage, and presenting three great stars, together for the first time, in their

greatest roles. The picture is "A Message to Garcia," inspired by Elbert Hubbard's immortal essay, and coming to-day to the Grand Theatre, with Wallace Beery, Barbara Stanwyck, and John Boles brought together in the starring roles. Boles is the man entrusted with the message, seeking Garcia somewhere in the tropical interior of Cuba. Aided by Beery, a clownish renegade, he sets off into the dangerous jungles until they meet Barbara Stanwyck, who offers to lead them to Garcia. The hardships, the perils and adventures these three share together in the jungle take up the major portion of picture. Finally Miss Stanwyck is wounded in an encounter, and Boles, although he has learned to love her. presses ahead in performance of his duty. When Beery inadvertently leads Boles into the trap of Hale, a villainous spy, the roistering climax of the picture is contrived, with Beery leading Garcia's forces to his friend's rescue, bringing the lovers together and the picture to its happy close.

fireat Singer Coming This month marks an outstanding event in the annals of New Zealand music. There have been many Tait celebrities in New Zealand at different times, but none perhaps of the same personable charm as the handsome Richard Crooks, the American tenor, who not only towers over other men in height, but also towers over most in musical art. Thousands of people in Australia have been confirming the wise judgment of Messrs Tait in bringing such an artist to these parts. Completely lacking in temperamental bombast, this Richard Crooks is a well set-up, immensely likeable fellow. His beautiful voice sways audiences, so that listening to his felicitous tones is an emotional delight. His voice has been described as " noble"; what Australian audiences have appreciated is the fact that the popular American has no mannerisms, no affectations, no exaggerated interpretative ardours. Where thrilling brilliance of tone is required, his voice rises with effortless dynamic splendour, but " explosive " top notes have no part in his scheme of nuance and punctuation. Lieder, oratorio, operatic arias, and

drawing room ballads are on his programmes. New Zealanders will revel in them. Wellington will hear the great man on September 29 and October 1; Christchurch, October 3 and 7; Dunedin, October 5; Auckland, October 10, 13, 15.