Films and The Studios

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 792, 12 October 1929, Page 27

Films and The Studios

jjj!XISGS Tn SPEAK Joseph Von Sternberg, who directed Emil Jannings in “The Last Command’' has left for Berlin, where he will direct Jannings in his first talking motion picture, to be filmed by UFA in Germany’s largest studios, gays Jesse L. Lasky, first vice-presi-dent in charge of production for Paramount. Jannings made a personal request for the director’s services. jASET PM YXO/r* MARRIAGK Janet Gaynor’s marriage to Lydell Peck of San Francisco is the most recent social event in Hollywood, writes an American correspondent.

Peck's friendship for Janet has been idyllic. The rich young attorney brought books of verses to her, and after Peck read Shelley's “The Sky Lark” to Janet it became her favourite poem. Perhaps the appeal of the winner of Janet’s hand was

that he was different from her Hollywood beaux. THEATRES MAY Cf.OSFJ A new tactic in the war against the talking film has been adopted by the managers of the principal theatres in Budapest. The actors’ contracts for the autumn season contain a clause stipulating that in the event of the talkies coming to Budapest in any considerable number, the theatres will be closed. Although the managers concocted the clause as a protective measure, it is generally regarded as an example of “cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.” TALKIES AT VIENNA According to the latest news, Vienna 5s to become a centre of EuropeanAmerican talking-film production. Apparatus of the latest construction is due to arrive there in a short time. Since great difficulties are experienced FAIR ACTRESS

with German patents, it was thought more advantageous to centralise the talking-film in this city. If expectations prove justified, the Vienna company, “Selenophon,” will compete successfully with all other producers.

in “In the Headlines” he at once chose her for liis leading woman, and when he found that the script called for a five-year-old boy to act the part of his son. Davey Lee was the only one considered. Jolson had selected and coached Master Lee for a child part in his second Vitaphone picture, “The Singing Fool.” In the story Jolson is a radio singer. In order that every phase of the broadcasting sequences might be technically correct, he spent hours at the Warner Brothers’ broadcasting station, ICWFB, in Hollywood. The audience first meets Jolson before the microphone in a broadcasting roc/n, and two of the climaxes of the production show him singing over the radio.

At no time in “Say It With Songs’ does Jolson appear in blackface.