WELDING THE ARTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 938, 3 April 1930, Page 16

WELDING THE ARTS

“TALKING FILMS OFFER TRUE EXPRESSION MEDIUM” Talking and singing motion pictures are the nearest approach to the perfect form of art combined with entertainment yet discovered. Audible films have taken music, drama, art and science and moulded them into one, creating the greatest medium of expression known. That is the opinion of Ludwig Berger, the director of “The Vagabond King,” Paramount’s all-colour singing romance, starring Dennis King. “For many years I have dreamed of the perfect form of art combined with entertainment,” says Berger, “I sought it in music, in fiction and dramatic writing, in the stage and in silent films. Still my creative urge remained unsatisfied. Then I was assigned to direct ‘The Vagabond King.’ I found the creative possibilities unlimited and proceeded to take full advantage of all they offered. Needless to say, I have, at last, found the medium of expression I sought in talking pictures.” “The Vagabond King” will arrive within a few weeks for release in Australia. Jeanette AlacDonald is cast in the leading feminine role. O. P. Heggie, Warner Oland, Lillian Roth and Lawford Davidson are the principal supporting artists.

Especially designed high-speed sound recording equipment is making it possible for a talking picture to break into the faster-than-a-mile-a-minute-action class. The equipment was first used in automobile racing scenes c*' Richard Arlen’s starring picture, “Burning Up.” Edmund Goulding is at Palm Springs completing the story of “The Devil’s Sunday,” which he is to direct as a Nancy Carroll starring vehicle. Goulding, who wrote and directed “The Broadway Melody” and “The Trespasser,” was accompanied by Phillips Holmes, featured player. Fay Wray, Paramount actress, has the reputation among film folk in Hollywood of being an excellent cook and housekeeper. Invitations to Sunday dinner at her home are looked upon as priceless and are much sought after.