FILM SIDELIGHTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1938, Page 5

FILM SIDELIGHTS

PICTURES AND PLAYERS ON PARADE

RICHARD GREENE’S SUCCESS,

TO APPEAR OPPOSITE SONJA HENIE.

A starring role opposite Sonja Henie after one screen appearance is the remarkable achievement of Richard Greene, a handsome young British actor. Greene’s first and only film was “Four Men and a Prayer,” starring Loretta Young. However his success is not as miraculous as it might seem. It has meant much hard work, and a full share of disappointment, before reaching stardom. A feast of entertainment is promised in “My Lucky Star” which in addition to Greene and Miss Henie Joan Davis, Cesar Romero and Buddy Ebsen, while songs of Gordon and Revel will be introduc ■ ed into the production.

“The Challenge.” “The Challenge,” London Films’ picturisation of the first historic climbing of the Matterhorn, comes to New Zealand audiences shortly with an advance reputation as one of the most thrilling dramas of the year. The story tells of the bitter rivalry of Edward Whymper, the greatest English climber in the nineteenth century, and Jean Antoine Carrel, the most famous Italian guide, and reconstructs their gruelling race to the Matterhorn’s summit. In the film

these roles are played by Robert Douglas and Luis Trenker. (who enjoys a big reputation on the Continent). Other leading parts are played by Joan Gardner and Mary Clare. Eight weeks were spent in Switzerland filming in the Alps, and these scenes are said to be some of the most beautiful ever captured by a motion picture camera. “The Challenge” ‘was directed by Milton Rosmer, with Trenker co-operating on the Alpine scenes, and produced by Alexander Korda and Gunther Stapenhorst. Ambition Fulfilled.

Rodney Jacobs, a 12-year-old pupil at the Sydney High School, has fulfilled his burning ambition to become a film' actor. He has been chosen by Mr Ken G. Hall to play an important role in Cin'esound’s next production, tentatively titled “Mr Chedworth Hits Out.” He will play the precocious son of Cecil Kellaway. Kellaway has arrived back from Hollywood for the starring role. Rodney has had no previous dramatic experience, although he has acquired a knowledge of microphone technique from recent radio appearances over the “B” class stations. He will be coached for his role by Mr George Cross, Cinesound’s casting director. “Gee, it’s great,” he says.. “I want to be as big a star as Spencer Tracy. He’s my favourite!” Mr Ken Hall said that Rodney had shown surprising ability when he was tested with 14 other Sydney school boys. “Indeed they all showed amazing ability and verbal fluency,” he said. “It certainly makes me feel that there could be hundreds ,of Shirley Temples or Freddie Bartholomews if Australian kiddies had the scope and opportunity.” Callers Avoided. Ever since he announced his separation from Joan Crawford, Franchol Tone’s set has been closed to visitors. He refuses to be interviewed. He has moved to an hotel, and Joan Crawford is living alone in their big Brentwood home. Joan also refuses to be interviewed, and has changed her telephone number to avoid callers. Finished? Eighteen months ago Cary Grant’s studio said he was finished as a screen actor. No renewal of contract. Today Mr Grant is receiving over £30.000 a picture—earning it at the box office, too. ’ SOUND EFFECTS HOLLYWOOD EXPERTS KEPT THINKING. Some day a movie sound man is going to be stumped. Until then, however, it will be necessary to write only about sound men to whom no problem is unsolvable. A Hollywood “sound" script said: "Sound of tiger licking his chops.” They had the big cat (doubling for some of his untrained brethren of a Malaysian jungle, filmed there) all right, but, being a sophisticated Hollywood beast, all he did was to yawn. The sound recorders were perplexed—for about a minute. They got a piece of raw beef, and immediately the tiger’s interest was aroused. Gradually the microphone, to which tiie meat was attached, was moved towards the animal. After several sniffs he began smacking his jaws and eventually the sounds required for the scene were obtained. When amplified, the recording was really terrifying.