SCREEN and STAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24406, 18 September 1940, Page 10

SCREEN and STAGE

The Mystery of Mortimer Snerd | Hollywood's most baffling personal-, ity is ; a ; wooden image. This image is not Charlie McCarthy. He is Mortimer Snerd; also owned and operated by Edgar Bergen. . Sometimes Mortimer appears with McCarthy and Bergen in their radio skits and motion pictures. He made his film debut with them in "Letter, of Introduction," and is with them again in their new Universal comedy, " Charlie McCarthy, Detective." Where Snerd came from, what caused Bergen to invent him, and what is the reason for the strange effect he has on people,., have never been explained. In personal appearance, he is everything that Charlie McCarthy is n6t. He is a caricature of a sillylaoking country youth. He has sleepy eyes and buck teeth. His strawcoloured hair is touseled. He wears a .celluloid collar and mail order clothes. His voice is deep and soupy. Unlike the impudent McCarthy, whose saucy

wit body■ :^^bte<Bttfffbe:n^{jJ^i||^ pearan&e/ Mf>irMmer's. r rise to;' popularity has been slqwj'. Many faria' becarpe his admirers after "'tetter 6t Introduction," but other iolks ?wrote- in 'to scold him and Be.rge'n; < .Sherd's 7 abjectors' ; '-haye now 4isappeai'6<S"' aftd^'Mortintef. is fin danger-of becoming a People loid cqjlars?: awicwaid, „mail order sype suits,; and- red' 'flannel long 'Underwear. Theyftask' Bergen; for Mortimer's correct warihg-apparel sizes. McCarthy never fan mail; He ia too ielf-reliant. * Wbmeri"warit: to protect Mortimer.' a "'.- ' .' ■ \ A bq#< great believer. in ja brffcof mystery. Me tellsKltle -about ,th£ mechanics -,of 'his art otffabbut' ,MS : marini&ins..'' -The:.public knows, ,a'-.:v,tr.ifJe,'-; 'about ..McCarthy, but when asked how -he acquired Snerd,;-3€rgea::becQmes':"pbiitelyreVas- -- vQrytfond of .thevli e • >oden hick; but he never talks > about-. vtss& • sculpt^ gargoyle fare is a secret. Staft&g^er 1 gen;" ■ WdGMMf"-' arid Snerd,. " Charlie McCarthy, Detective," also features Robert Cummings, Constance Moore, John Sutton. Louis Calhern, and Edgar Kennedy.,".!, , Grand Theatre

Coming to-day to the Grand Theatre is "I Was a Spy," a' reissue ' of" the British film which fully packed houses on its first .release, and fully deserved to do 50."... •/To-day. it ,has an added topical . interest.. Starring Conrad Veidt, Madeline Carroll. Herbert Marshall, Sir Gerald de Maurier and Edmund Gwennyone of, the strongest casts seen : ,foivjnany ;a' long, day ,c. ittells the"-..true emotibnai. add'*'factual history of the.young Belgian/woman,: Martha* McKenna* who lived 'in a Bel* gian town after it had been occupied by the Germans, and: is ■ employed by them in a hospital, and so becomes engaged in the difficult task of espionage, i The theme of love and .duty run strongly,through the' ■story, which is full of dramatic moments, and the film holds the interest through to the climax.' It is a powerful story, brilliantly acted, and its reappearance should beWwelcomed., .> , : v <•'. .'■.'. Vic. Oliver, the comedian-rcompere who' amuses millions on the air and tens of thousands on the stage, has now further enhanced his tremendous popularity by taking the leading role In the new G.B.D. musical. "Around the Town," which will be shown today at the Grand Theatre. There are more than a score of the best-known variety acts of the British stage in this picture, including Terry's Juveniles, the Two Charladies, the Rhythm Sisters, the Tin Pan Alley Trio. Pat McCormack, Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr, Maurice Winnick's Band, and the Three Hill Billies. There are innumerable British song hits includedin the picture, and one is afforded a glimpse of many of. these masters of modern rhythm.; at'- work. Here is entertainment.sdch"as one finds all too rarely,on/ the screen to-day, and the

From GREEN ROOM and STUDIO

1 By Harlequin - - - ■

Ninotchka. (Greta Garbo) has been brought up in revolutionary Russia, ahd ; arrives in Paris imbued'with dry unemotionalism and scorn for capitalist culture, and-ready to gloat over a civilisation which is in the .further stages of decay. The director. Ernst Lubifsch, has cast MeLvyn Dpuglas as the frivolous aristocrat for, this' actor has at his command an imperturbable, .goodhumoured cynicism which makes the perfect foil to Garbo's statuesque doggedness. The Soviet " annexes " valuable jewels from the Grand Duchess, Swarina (Ina "Claire), who is, in exile, head of the White Russians in Paris: and. a committee of three, is sent to sell the jewels in Paris.' 'lna learns that the committee is staying at a'leading'hotel, and she asks Douglas to prevent the sale of the jewels by an injunction. Douglas does his best'against legality and holds up the procedure., and Ina, through a trick,.gains possession of her valuables. The commission (Sig. Rumann, Alexander Granadh arid Felix Bre'ssart) are having a luxurious l time' when Greta is sent after them to restore their sanity and a judicious contempt for capitalism and its frumpery and wicked way of life, and Garbo does it thoroughly. Accidentally meeting Douglas, who is much struck with her beauty, she.allows him to act as a cicerone'round Paris. But Douglas falls in love with her; and by determined persistence wears down her resistance. t Ina, having, regained possession of-the jewels, is able to force Greta to return home, and, to pay for her relinquishing of Douglas, Greta gets the jewels. But in Russia she is still haunted by her memories of Douglas, arid, later, meetirig him in Constantinople, she is overcome : with joy. They are-so delighted with the freedom of capitalism that:, they follow. Melvyn's advice ■ and' set up in ; a.':' cafe 'in Jhe .southern capital; : :Their performance is fraught with rich humour, which laughs indulgently at Soviet mannerisms and law. Wilfred Lawson's Home When war broke out. 39-yeai--old Wilfred Lawson. Who played Doolittle in "Pygmalion,", was acting in Hollywood, says the Picturegper. .In the last war he served as a pilot: in this one he honed to do the same thing. So Lawson hurried Home and offered his services to the Royal Air Force, but was told he was too old. " Thert was nothing for me to do but to po back to acting." he said.. And, regretfully, he continued his screen career, adding considerably to his rising reputation with a fine performance in the title role of "Pastor Hall," based on the true story of Germany's martyr. Pastor Niemoller When' the film was finished Lawson received another offer fro*n Hollywood. He accepted it. , • . ,v. „~„ He had only just arrived in California when the Germans invaded Holland and Belgium, things began to look black. Once more Lawson. packed his belongings and4e# Hollywood. He is now in England pfain. hoping that the authorities- will charfge their mind, forget he is iust on 40. !and let him rejoin "i'e air force.

director is Herbert Smith, who has been responsible for many of the most famous musical pictures ever to be made in England. "Ninotchka" Hitherto so serious and remote, the great Garbo now emerges in a role entirely foreign to her accepted histrionic bent, and demonstrates her acting genius by an aptitude for comedy. This unsuspected sense of humour is revealed in the picture, ''Ninotchka," a satirical comedy at the expense of the Soviet system, which opens at the Regent Theatre on Friday. "Ninotchka's " unusual comic theme is based on the contrast between Russian and Western European modes of thought. The clash of national temperament is expressed in the characters of Ninotchka, . an envoy extraordinary of the Soviet Government, and a debonair young count, who dances attendances on an ageing grand duchess in Paris.

" Geronimo!" Queer things crop up during the making of an out-of-doors film like Paramount's " Geronimo! " which comes on Friday to the Empire Theatre. On location one of the "fullblooded Cherokees employed in the picture was making, a large hat for himself. L He dug a round hole in the ground, laid. a piece of raw hide on it, and thumped down hard on it with a log until it took the shape of his head. Then he trimmed it with a knife, sewed on a horsehide braid, and there was a perfect hat. Among those who watched the Indian with avid interest were Preston Foster. Andy Devine, and Ellen Drew, featured players in the cast. Paul Slcane, the director and author of the screen play, too, watched the Indian at his work and offered to get him a hat from the wardrobe • trunks to replace the one the Cherokee had lost, in a high wind. The Indian refused the proffer with thanks. "I've got plenty of lids here and back home. I'.own a clothing store in Da:kota,; .Making hats is just a hobby of mine." "Geronimo!" which tells the story of the last great savage who raided, massacred, and plundered the great south-west, also features William Henry, Ralph Morgan, Chief Thunder Cloud. Gene Lockhart. Marjorie Gateson, Kitty Kelly, and many others. Indians who acted in the huge battle scenes were not the only, actors in the cast who were born to character. Andy Devine was born in the section in which the action centres, and often, as a child, took part in re-enacted Geronimo hunts.

St. James Theatre Primarily humorous in intent, and produoed with the adult observer nriricipally in mind, " Congo. Maisie," opening, at the St. James Theatre on Friday, has Ann Sothern once again as the character Maisie, and as before she makes of the character a lively and highly diverting person. This time she ventures into the Congo country and takes, in her stride such events as an emergency operation requiring her services as impromptu nurse and an uprising of savages led by native witch doctors, beating these last at their own game by feats of vaudeville magic plus a dash of vaudeville hip-flinging in approved style. The story, from a book by Wilson Collison. opens with the title character slipping out of a hotel window to avoid embarrassment concerning the hotel bill, and stowing away on a Congo river boat in hopes of reaching another city whei'e employment awaits her. On the trip the

boat blows a boiler and the crew are forced lo find refuge ashore. It is here that the above-mentioned interesting events occur. From all advance reports the film should be well up to the recognised M.G.M. standard. " Dangerous Fingers." the associate feature, is a British production, melodramatic in type and dealing with the war between society and crime. " Quiet Wedding " The Repertory Society i s wise in following no the success of "When We Are Married"/ by another witty and sparkling comedy. A strong cast, with Miss Bessie Thomson as producer, will present next week Esther McCracken's " Quiet Wedding," an ultra-modern and, very sophisticated comedy which, while containing all the best elements ol humour, also aspires to philosophise, quite severely, on the moral conduct of the young people of to-day who are "about to be married." The play might be described as a delightful blend of wit and pathos. In fact it is the violent contrast of what we might call the "love scene" to the rest of the play, that made it such a success in the London season of 1938. A bride who wants a quiet wedding, a mother who does it her own way with 200 guests, marquees, and champagne, an understanding aunt, a French dressmaker who fusses about with " so terrible foundations," various members of the family arriving unexpectedly, a Freudian flapper who "prefers to sit on the floor," and other delightful characters combine to create a situation full of hilarity and charged with emotional dynamite. When it explodes there is laughter and also, tears. This double-sided situation calls for exceptional ability both from the playwright and from the cast.

The lovers are to be played by Miss Mary Jolly and Mr Roland .Watson, the mother by Mrs Dora McPherson, and Aunt Mary by Mrs Katrena Speight. The cast will also include Mesdames Grace Douglas, Audrey Stevenson, Jean Hasell, Misses Pat Fraser, Billie Loan, Joyce Clarke, Messrs L J. Ireland, T. Tarrant, Bernard Sullivan, and Dr E. W. Nansen. Rehearsals have been in progress for some time, and all members of the cast are acquitting themselves with credit. Mr Bruce Quennell, the society's able stage manager, is planning a particularly pleasing representation of the "morning room" scene. The alternative scene will be done " in curlains.'' Altogether, " Quiet Wedding" should prove one of the society's best production's. Call to British Actors In a statement issued on July 7 the British Embassy in Washington told all British stage and screen actors between the ages of 18 and 31 in the United States to return to England to take up arms. The Embassy indicated in its statement that the time had come for British actors in America to rally to the homeland's defence. Britain's Ambassador in Washington (the Marquis of Lothian) wrote to actors, writers, and technicians of British birth in the United States (particularly Hollywood) telling our " lonely exiles " there was need of men at home, and suggesting that those between 18 and 31 should start packing

(wrote Paul Holt in the London Daily Express). Those' over 31 may stay put. . There is no compulsion. Nothing in the Military Service Act can make a British citizen living abroad come home. Lord Lothian was just hinting. His hint splits the British show colony over there into: — Bag Packers.—Richard Ainley, aged 29, son of Henry Ainley; John Buckmaster, aged 25, son of Gladys Cooper; Richard Greene, aged 22; John Justin, aged 22; Robert Coote, aged 29; Patric Knowles, aged 29; and Stay-putters.—Alfred Hitchcock, aged 39; Robert Stevenson, aged 35; Laurence Olivier, aged 33; Victor Saville, aged 43; Roland Young, aged 53; Ronald Colman, aged 49; Charles Chaplin, aged 51—this is his second world war in Hollywood; Frank Lloyd, aged 51; Victor McLaglan, aged 54: and Ray Milland. aged 35.

I don’t know what to do about Errol Flynn or Cary Grant. They are both borderline cases, being 31.

Lord Lothian's letter stated: — "Since the outbreak of war actors and others connected with the profession have repeatedly offered their services to the Government and sought advice from this Embassy as to the desirability of their returning to serve in England. Until recently they have been advised tc stay here, as there was no shortage of man-power in the United Kingdom. "In view of changed conditions and the renewal of offers of service, these are how being considered according to age and qualifications with a view to

utilising their services either here or abroad in the most advantageous manner." The over 31's who are staying in California are now combining to organise schools to receive evacuees. It has been agreed that they shall pool cash to buy a school. " House Across the Bay " With George Raft and Joan Bennett sharing stellar honours, and a strong supporting cast featuring Walter Pidgeon, Gladys George. Lloyd Nolan and June Knight, Walter Wanger's " The House Across the Bay "will have its initial showing at the State Theatre on Friday through United Artists release. The new film production .is based on an original story by Myles Connolly, and the central figure in the picture is Brenda Bentley. played by Miss Bennett, a young girl confronted with the problem of adjusting her life to a strange fate when her husband is sent to prison for income tax evasion. This role, which is outstandingly dramatic, gives the alluring Miss Bennett wide scope as she is seen as a singer and dancer in addition to her dramatic opportunities. In one sequence of the film she sings and dances " Chula

Chihuahua," her oWn interpretation of the South American rhumbs, and later introduces " I'll be a Fool Again." This, of course, is a radical innovation for the actress, who in the past has confined herself to the more sedate measures of ballroom dancing. The story revolves around the women who are left behind to battle their own odds and to retain their faith and balance, while their husbands are serving terms behind prison bars. Miss Bennett, impersonating Brenda Bentley. therefore presents a composite picture of a whole group of women who wait for that dim to-morrow when at last their husbands will be free and thus set them free. too. Strand Theatre It takes a lot to get Lewis Stone to desert his tremendously popular role of " Judge Hardy " even momentarily. But the role of the chief executive in "Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President." openin? on Friday on the Strand screen, was of so unusual a nature and had such great possibilities in the way of inserting humanness in a dramatic characterisation that Stone eagerly accepted the opportunity to play it. He is the president in the Damon Runyon storv. a human indi-

vidual who listens to Joe Turp's plea

for Jim. the mailman, and reinstates him. Ann Sothern. who recently established herself in the front rank of the screen's character actresses as the result of her work in " Maisie " and " Fast and Furious," enacts the indomitable but tender-hearted Ethel Turp. with William Gargan as her submitting spouse. Joe. Walter Brennan. twice winner of the Academy Award, has the important role of Jim. the postman, who finds himself in legal difficulties when he tampers with the mail in order to prevent a childhood sweetheart from learning that her son is a criminal. Others featured in the cast include Marsha Hunt and Tom Neal. Three stars of the earlier days of Hollywood have prominent roles in " Santa Fe Marshal." latest film of the thrilling " Hopalong Cassidy" series, which opens on Fridav at the Strand Theatre, with William Boyd aDpearine as the dauntless Hopalong CassfQy, No one has completely forgotten Marjone Rambeau. She faded from Hollywood's starring ranks like manv another former topnotch actress. Yet in this picture she has a grand role, that of "Ma Burton," a character who is revealed as the brains behind a gang of outlaws. Matt Moore and Kenneth Harlan are likewise prominently casi in the picture. " Santa Fe Marshal" tells a thrilling story of Boyd's efforts to capture a gang of outlaws who have stolen the payroll of a silver mine an 5

committed a murder in the bargain. Featured in the cast are Russell Hayden. Miss Rambeau. Bernadene Hayes, Earl Hodgins and Matt Moore. " Everything Happens at Night" Sonja Henie. brilliant star of several highly successful films of the musical comedy variety, shows the benefit of her Hollywood experience by turning in a fine performance as a " straight" actress in "Everything Haopens at Night," which is coming soon to the Octagon Theatre. She is seen in only one skating sequence, without the embellishments given her previous screen ventures. She portrays the daughter of an international worker for peace, concerning whose fate after a reported assassination there is grave doubt. A pair of newspaper reporters on his trail both fall in- love with the girl, who attempts to keep them away from the Swiss chalet at which her father is continuing his writing in an effort to prevent a" European war. It is this aspect of the story, incidentally, that gives it an unusually timely interest. As the plot unfolds the newspapermen get the story, and then foil the efforts of Gestapo agents to murder the old man Ray Milland and Robert Cum-

mings are seen in the male leads, with Maurice Moscovitch. Leonid Kinskey and Alan Dinehart in other important character parts. New Zealand Pianist The young Wanganui pianist Mr Colin Horsley is to play a concerto in D minor by Bach for three pianos and an orchestra in one of the. Promenade Concerts at Queen's Hall on October 2. Sir Henry Wood will be conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. To have been selected is an outstanding honour for this young New Zealander. "I am thrilled with the prospect." is his comment. He is also to give a recital at the Royal College of Music during September. The Promenade. Concerts are always an , event of the London musical season and their popularity can be gauged by the fact that enthusiasts queued for 12 hours before the doors were open; for the first night recently. Mayfair Theatre Mr Lionel Barry more, referring to "On Borrowed Time," says,.inter alia: "At last I have made a picture which lets me believe I have not given 30

years to the screen in vain!" The subject of " On Borrowed Time," which will be screened at the Mayfair Theatre for the next three nights, is treated charmingly, gaily and entertainingly. Spectators can scarcely fail to be touched by the whimsical appeal of the fantasy story, the innate naturalness and charming simplicity of the leading character, and the beauty of the surrounding effects. The story centres round the fortunes of Pud Northrop and his grandfather, " Gramps," with Mr Brink playing the part of Death in the background, and appearing on appropriate occasions. In-' a notable cast special praise should be directed on Lionel Barrvmore in a role that suits him to perfection, and to Bobs Watson. " Peewee " of " Boys' Town." Sir Cedric Hardwicke., the English actor, gives a fine, reserved presentation of Mr Brink. Other prominent players in the cast are Beulah Bondi,.Una Nat Pendleton. , • Lovely Penny Singleton is " Blpndie " again and Arthur Lake is, the same harassed " Dagwood "in " Blondie Takes a Vacation." which is the supporting feature. . Larry Simms as "Baby Dumpling" and "Daisy" are also in the newest adventure of the funny paper family.