A MOVIE “FIND”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 64, 7 June 1927, Page 15

A MOVIE “FIND”

AUSTRALIAN BEAUTY GIRL Australasian Films, in bringing out Miss Eva Novak, the American filril star, to appear in Norman Dawn’s Australian production of “For the Term of His Natural Life,” shortly to be seen in Auckland, supported her with an excellent cast of Australian players well known to theatre-goers. Included among these is Jessica Harcourt, who first came into public prominence when George Highland, producer for J. c. ‘Williamson, discovered her selling programmes in a J. C. Williamson show. Mr. Highland was struck with her beauty and immediately gave her a part in the chorus. Since then Miss Harcourt has had honours bestowed upon her which many of the bigger stars cannot claim. Mr. John Longstaff, the distinguished artist, painted her portrait, which was purchased for the Melbourne National Gallery in the terms of the Felton Bequest for 250 guineas. Miss Harcourt was once the subject of a newspaper controversy as to whether the Adelaide girls were prettier than the Sydh®y girls Artist James Ashton of Adelaide, said “Adelaide girls are the most delightful in Australia.” A photo of Miss Harcourt then appeared in one ot the Sydney newspapers, and Mr. D. H. Souter, a Sydney artist, said: "Look at this photo, Mr. Ashton, and don t argue!" The beautiful Sydney girl has appeared in “Whirled Into Happiness” and other shows, and possesses a good voice, as well as being an excellent dancer. She is as intelligent as she is good-looking, and has appeared also under special engagement with Buckley and Nun’s, of Melbourne. as a mannequin, where her graceful figure enhanced the beautv of the frocks she wore.