AMBITIOUS SCHEDULE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 September 1939, Page 8

AMBITIOUS SCHEDULE

MILLION POUNDS FOR BRITISH FILMS. A far -reaching British production programme, involving the expenditure of over £1,000,000, was announced as a result of the recent arrangement between 20th Century-Fox and the Gainsborough Studios at Islington, England. A steady flow of first-class British productions, many of them for world release, has been planned. The Gainsborough Studios have many big successes to their credit — “The Lady Vanishes,” “Alf’s Button Afloat” and “Owd Bob,” to name a few —and this new set-up will insure the continuance of first-class pictures. Among the" artists who will figure in these pictures during the coming production year are Gracie Fields, Annabella, Gordon Harker, Alastair Sim, Sydney Howard, Robertson Hare, Alfred Drayton, Graham Moffatt,’ Moore Marriott, Will Fyffe, The Crazy Gang, Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Renee Houston,. Nova Pilbeam, Arthur Askey. Gainsborough Studios have nearly completed “A Girl Must Live.” This picture has an exceptionally strong cast including . Margaret Lockwood, Renee Houston, Lilli Palmer, Hugh Sinclair, -and George Robey. Carol Reed is directing. Graham Moffatt, and Moore Marriott will figure in a comedy which has a fire brigade background. It is tentatively titled “Where’s the Fire?” MONTY BANKS FILM. Then comes “Shipyard Sally” which Monty Banks will direct, starring Gracie Fields and Will Fyffe. Gracie Fields will be seen in another picture, either “Sam and Sally,” a cavalcade of the British music hall, or that world-famous play “Hindle Wakes.” As before, Will Fyffe will be in the cast with Gracie. “Rob Roy” in colour. Here is a grand picturesque subject dealing with the Scottish Robin Hood and the clash of the Scots clans. It is a comedy-drama starring Michael Redgrave, Margaret Lockwood and Will Fyffe. The Crazy Gang—Flanagan and Allan, Nervo and Knox, and Naughton and Gold —will figure in a Klondyke “Gold Rush” type of story. Sydney Howard will be seen in “London After Dark” which will be based on Walter Hackett’s most successful play. “CHARLEY’S AUNT.” The second Hornleigh picture will continue the detective’s adventures. Gordon Harker and Alastair Sim will play the leading parts. This picture will be titled “Inspector Hornleigh in the 8.8. C.” That world-famous non-stop farce, “Charley’s- Aunt” will star Arthur Askey, British radio's current hit. The cast will also include Graham Moffatt and Moore Marriott. Michael Redgrave, Margaret Lockwood and Gordon Harker will figure in a newspaper, story entitled “The Girl in the News.”

H. de Vere Stacpoole’s best-seller, “The Blue Lagoon,” will be made in colour and it is hoped that in addition to Margaret Lockwood and Will Fyffe, Richard Greene will star in the cast.

Another very important picture is “Hangman’s House.”