Charley’s Aunt Soon to Speak

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1058, 23 August 1930, Page 25

Charley’s Aunt Soon to Speak

TALKIE VERSION TO BE FILMED STAR NOT YET CHOSEN Columbia Pictures has arranged a deal with Christie Brothers, whereby the latter will produce Two outstanding productions in the twenty pictures announced by Columbia for next season. “Charley’s Aunt,” the first to be an nounced is to be an all-talking version of the famous English stage play. This is probably one of the best known comedy plays and created a sensation in England and America when it was first produced 39 years ago. Since then it has been a vehicle for road and stock companies, having played almost continuously for the entire period. It was first made as a silent drama by the Christies and launched the vogue for “Big Time” comedies. Although Christies own the silent rights to the play, the dialogue rights had to be secured before the deal with Columbia could be consummated These were acquired at a cost that was in excess of similar rights to many modern plays which have had Broadway runs. The comedy will be brought to the screen with an outstanding cast of stage and screen favourites. The title role will go to one of the leading comedians, a mail who in addition to being a capable laugh provoker must possess the ability to do female impersonations. It will be ready for release in the early fall.