A HOODOO?

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 478, 6 October 1928, Page 25

A HOODOO?

Death Comes to the “Four Horsemen **Cast A SINISTER HISTORY Does the “hoodoo” associated with "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” extend to Pola Negri, injured by a fall from a horse in Paris, asks the Sydney "Daily Guardian.” It was in the picture of that title —with horsemen making visionarybackground appearances throughout the production—that Rudolph Valentino first leapt into fame. Uis selection for the part was due to June Mathis, a noted scenario

writer. She died after the picture had been completed. Marcus Lo e w financed the making of “The Four Horsemen.” Further, it was by him the picture was released. Death overtook him 18 months ago.

Then there was Ibanez, the writer of the story. He, too, has passed away. Several of the principals in the picture have died. Among these the greatest prominence has been given to the death of Valentino. On Point of Marriage The engagement of Valentino and Negri had been announced some months before the former died. Sympathy was freely extended her in film circles in the light of a bride-to-be. Miss Negri herself had nothing to do with “The Four Horsemen.” “But,” many are asking, “is the ■hoodoo’ —by some subtle means—operating through Valentino in her present misfortune?” Miss Negri is Polish. Her first appearances were in two pictures made in Germany—“ Passion" and “Deception.” Pola Negri was substituted for her real name—Appolonia Chalupez. Secured for America by Paramount Pictures, Ltd., 15 years ago, she appeared, first in “Bella Donna” and then in “The Spanish Dancer.” Altogether she is surpassed by few actresses in the number of pictures in which she has been starred —for the most part in dramatic and tragic roles. Twelve months ago she became the wife of Prince Mdvani —a very happy marriage, it is declared.