Cinema... Snapshots

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20265, 6 August 1937, Page 4

Cinema ... Snapshots

44 Thanks For Nothing”

Madeleine Carroll, recently wen In “On the Avenue,” and Francis Lederer, Columbia’• noted contract player, will’ shortly appear as a new starring team In a film entitled 44 Thanks for Nothing, 44 to go Into Immediate production.

Miss Carroll received her early theatrloal training on the English stage. After a number of successful arpearanoes in London she accepted an ofTer to appear In a British picture. Her success was instantaneous and she transferred her allegiance to the screen. Three seasons ago she went to the United States of America and made her American debut and immediately soared to stardom. Franola Lederer appeared prominently in a number of stage and screen productions on the Continent before going to Hollywood. He created a sensation on Broadway with his first stage appearance and his screen careers has been equally auspicious. Among his reoent film appearances have been ” Pursuit of Happiness.’* “ One Rainy Afternoon” and “My Amerioan Wife.” MlSoha Auer, noted comedian, Connie Boswell, one of the famous team of blues singers known as ** The ©oswell Sisters ” and Grace Bradley are cast as the principal supporting players in *' Thanks for Nothing.” “ Knight Without Armour . M Adapted by Franoes Marion from the famous James Hilton book of the same name, this Alexander Korda production is laid in Russia immediately before and during the Revolution. A. J. Fotherlnglll, a young Englishman living In pre-war Russia, is given 48 hours to leave the country* Revolution breaks out, and FotherIngill 1b rescued from exile and given the position of assistant commisaar of Khallnsk. He is assigned to esoort the widowed Countess Alexandra to Petrograd. 1 They fall in love and deolde to esoape from Russia. After many harrowing adventures they finally reach Saratov, wh're Fotherlnglll Is arrested and sentenoed to death. He manages to esoape In time to catoh the American hospital train which is taking Alexandra across the border. Marlene Dietrich and Robept Donat play the leading role*. Star Who Dislikes Hollywood. Hollywood didn’t do right by 20-year-old Valerie Hobson, so this determined young woman returned to England to show them how. Her first demonstration is as Douglas Fairbanks, Jnr’a. leading lady in “ When Thief Meets Thief,” ths new Criterion film. Valerie started young. She first attracted attention In the Drury Lane show, “ Ball at the Savoy,” when she was 17. The result was a Hollywood contract. This was a promising beginning, but somehow things didn’t work out too well. Valerie was hailed as a new and interesting type. Ambitious plans were made for her future, but these plans went astray and Valerie Hobson found herself appearing mostly as the terrified heroine in 44 horrors ” and 44 thrillers.” Then the company for whom she worked underwent a period of reconstruction. Heartily sick of the whole affair. Valerie refused several offers, paoked her trunks and returned to London. If versatility counts for anything Valerie should go far. An accomplished singer—at one time she had operatic ambitions—she speaks four languages. Is a fine horse-woman, a keen golfer, tennis player, swimmer and danoer. In her spare time. If any, she likes an occasional gamble. Last year she walked into the casino at Monte Carlo with 500 franos and came out with £SOOO. The next night she boldly walked in with her £SOOO and came out with 500 franca I Bergner 9 s Ideal Leading Man. Romney Brent is, as you might say, only a slip of a man. With the possible exception of German Willy Erltsoh, Romney Is the only film star who oan play opposite tiny Elisabeth Bergner without overhadowlng her physically. But that was not the reason why Max Schach, of Trafalgar Films, chose him as Bergner’s leading man in his now Bergner vehicle, 44 Dreaming Lips.” What Brent may lack in Inches he makes up in personality, which rare quality he possesses in abundance'. Add to personality a subtle intelligence allied to acting ability—and you may be nearer the reason. Paul Robeson s “ Big Fella." G.B.D. announces the arrival in Australia by air-mail of 44 Rig Fells,** Paul Robeson’s big surprise ” hit.” Prints of “ Big Fella ” will arrive in New Zealand at an early dale and the Intriguing screen play In which the ebony giant has a real starring part in which bis magnificent voice Is heard in six splendid songs, will screen at no distant date. Three In particular are lasting melodies, viz: 44 Lazin’.” “ Roll Up. SaJlornian.” and 44 Mi Curly Headed Baby.” a song which wrinirs a tear from every eye. The last song is creating a furore which eclipses lhat mado hv •* Old Man River* 4 in j 44 Show Boat." 44 Bier Fella ” has splendid comedy and plenty of it. Elizabeth Welch is excellent and sings two extra good numbers.