MISS ANNETTE KELLERMAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1921, Page 8

MISS ANNETTE KELLERMAN.

WELCOMED BY FILM PEOPLE. A cordial welcome was bestowed Miss Annette Kellerman, the world-famed diver and swimmer, by members of the cinema industry, at the Grand Opera House lounge, Wellington, on Monday last. Amongst those present was Mr. G. Saunders (New Plymouth). Mr. W. A. Low, manager of the Annette Kellerman Theatrical Company, introduced Miss Kellerman to the gathering. Happy speeches of welcome were made by Messrs. O. N. Gillespie (on behalf of the film exchanges), Bert Shortt (Wellington film exhibitors), G. Sa’unders (country film exhibitors), and others. Jn acknowledging appreciation of the kindly expressions of the speakers, Miss Kellerman made special reference to a suggestion that she should take part in a- New Zealand-made picture. Miss Kellerman said she would be pleased to appear in a production, but said that it would be only on condition that the film would be of the very highest standard, not only on account of her own reputation, but for the sake of the prestige of so charming a country as New Zealand. It gave her infinite pleasure to have been so warmly welcomed by the motion-picture people, the function, with a similar one in Christchurch, being unique in her experience. She regretted inability to be present at the swimming race for the Annette Keller-

Mr. James Sullivan, Miss Kellerman’s personal manager, also spoke. Each member of the company was then introduced personally to Miss Kellerman, and on the outside balcony of the theatre about 250 feet of motion picture was taken of the guest and those present. Miss Kellerman then chatted for some time with each and all.