PARAMOUNT CHIEF BACK FROM AUSTRALIA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 128, 20 August 1927, Page 23

PARAMOUNT CHIEF BACK FROM AUSTRALIA

“INDUSTRY IS FLOURISHING!” THEATRE SCHEME FOR N.Z.? MR. W. E. KIRBY, the Auckland manager for Paramount, has returned from the recent trade conference in Sydney full of optimism as far as the movie industry is concerned in this part of the world. Questioned as to the possibility of Paramount erecting their own theatres in New Zealand and Australia, Mr. Kirby replied: “I am not prepared to make any statement in this connection at this juncture. The position is that we have organised a theatre department, but at present we have no theatres!” Mr. Kirby returned with the information that “The Flag-Lieutenant,” the New British production, has been secured for New Zealand. It is to follow “Ben Hur” at the magnificent Prince Edward Theatre in Sydney, where all the big features are exhibited. Other features secured include “The Way of All Flesh,” the Emil Jannings masterpiece,” Wallace Beery and

Raymond Hacket in “Fireman, Save My Child,” “We’re in the Air. Now,” “We’re in Society Now” and “The Game Hunters.” Raymond Hatton, so the cables have informed Mr. Kirby, lias settled his little difficulty

with Paramount. “And I think with Wallace Beery this will be one of the most enjo3 r able comedy duos,” lie says, “that we have seen for a considerable time! ” Another new team will be W. C. Fields and Chester Conklin. All the Paramount features will be shown next year—as at present—at the Regent Theatre in Auckland. Mr. Kirby has also joined with THE SUN for a 12 months’ advertising contract for all Paramount features. There is no doubt about the fact that the industry is making tremendous strides in Australia, says Mr. Kirby, who was present at the laying of the foundation-stone of the new Capitol Theatre in Sydney. In Pitt Street, on the site of the old Hippodrome, this theatre will be the last word in theatre construction south of the equator. Edith Roberts, the film actress now in Australia, who performed the ceremony, told the New Zealand Paramount chief that she would, in all probability, visit New Zealand next year.

Fox Films advise that the picturisation of the stage success, “Is Zat So?” has been completed. Prints of the picture are now on the way to New Zealand. “Is Zat So?” was recently played throughout the Dominion. “Uncle Carl” Laemmle, pioneer of motion pictures, and still actively engaged in piloting Universal, will pass his declining days on a ranch in Southern California. He has bought the Thomas H. Ince property in the hills for 650,000 dollars. Outstanding among those on the screen who have been “f*ollies” girls are Billie Dove, Joan Crawford, Dorothy Mackaill, Jean Williams, Jacqueline Logan, Lilyan Tashman, Marion Davies, Jocelyn Lee, Gwenn Lee, Mae Murray, Jane Winton, Reata Ilovt, Amber Norman and Shannon Day,