BRIEFLY PUT

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 834, 30 November 1929, Page 25

BRIEFLY PUT

Colman’s Press Agent Tells the Truth ENGLISHMAN IN KILTS No actor is a hero to his press agent. This amusing sketch of Ronald Colman was written by his publicity man, Lynn Farnol, who claims that it is frank and to the point. Ronald looks like nothing human In kilts, and had to wear them for two years during the war because the first regiment he could manage to enlist in was the London Scottish. Survived the first battle of Ypres and such little shindigs, unwounded, and then broke an ankle so efficiently

that lie had to be Invalided home lor the rest of the war. Is reputed to be the toughest subject for an interviewer in Hollywood, John Barrymore not excepted. Can say yes in just as many meaningless

say no. Never says anything else for publication. Shaves off his moustaches while vacationing so that no one will recognise him. Always discovers in three days that it doesn’t work and just gets it grown back again in time to start his next picture. Lives in Hollywood only for business reasons. Always heads for London the minute he can get away from work long enough. Has only three intimates in' the whole film colony—William Powell, Charles Lane and Richard Barthelmess. Has had four years on the lirofessional stage and possesses one of the best speaking voices in pictures, yet was one of the last of the better known stars to succumb to talkies. Played a Jewish pugilist for his first role in pictures and got badlybeaten up by a six-foot-three villain ■who hadn’t been warned by the director that Column was supposed to win the fight. Is the prime annoyance of chatterwriters because scandal about him is non-existent, and, when manufactured, is never believed. Is the most popular picture afctor in England by general ballot, having been so chosen for two years handrunning. Is probably the only English stage actor in existence who never toured the Far East. Does not possess a swimming pool and sticks sternly to the tintub full of cold water which makes an Englishmen's house his castle.