CIVIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 885, 31 January 1930, Page 15

CIVIC

“THE TRESPASSER” TOMORROW Tomorrow the Civic will present the powerful dramatic talkie by Gloria Swanson, “Tho Trespasser.” Not only is Mis s Swanson seen at the height of her charm in “The Trespasser,” but for the first time she is heard from the screen in this, her first all-dialogue film. She not only talks, but sings in her rich, trained soprano. Two songs are incorporated. One is an original number, “Love.” The other is a standard work, familiar to alt music lovers. Neither, in any sense, is intended to be a “theme” song. The standard work is Toselli’s “Serenade” —which is the type of piece that a hostess, talented in music, naturally would sing in response to the requests of some of her guests. It is in just such a situation that Miss Swanson renders the number in “The Trespasser.” Hence, in a graceful and easy manner, it helps to carry the story, and at the same time to imbue the picture with s uperla ti v o entertain ment. The other piece, “Love,” was composed directly for Miss Swanson to sing in the picture. But it was not designed to be a theme song. Rather it was planned to give full expression to the spirit and swing of the scenes in which Miss Swanson sings the piece. Laid as it is among the wealthy and fashionable “Four .Hundred” in’ the Lake Shore Drive district of Chicago, the story of “The Trespasser” particularly lends itself to a brilliance in background and dress. At the same time, tho vehicle embodies perhaps the most human theme Miss Swanson has yet interpreted. The producer-star has surrounded herself with a cast, each member of which is ideally fitted for all-dialogue parts. The support includes Robert Ames, leading man, Purnell Pratt, Henry 13. Walthall, Wally Albright, William Holden, Blanche Friderici, Kay Hammond, Mary Forbes and Marcella Corday. In “The Trespasser,” which was written and directed by Edmund Goulding, she is called upon to make 10 complete costume changes, including exotic evening gowns and wraps, street ensembles, afternoon frocks and negligees. These costumes have been chosen from designs which anticipate the mode months in advance. The majority of them have been developed from French designs, all of which, including hats, jewellery and all other accessories, were especially created for her. And for each costume she has arranged an individual coiffure. Another outstanding musical programme will also be presented at the Civic from tomorrow. Ted Henkel’s orchestra will play “The Blue Danube” overture and his stage band will present another brilliant entertainment entitled “Odds and Ends.” At the Civic grand organ Fred Scholl will play “In a Monastery Garden” (Ketelby), and a comedy feature, “Why Did You Get That Name.”

With Fox’s “Lone Star Ringer,“ past the half-way point in filming, the production company, headed by the youthful director, A. F. (Buddy) Erickson. has left Hollywood for location in Arizona, where the exterior shots will be completed. George O’Brien and Sue Carol are the featured players. This picture will be the first talkie made from a Zane Grey story.