Cinema... Snapshots

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20727, 10 February 1939, Page 8

Cinema ... Snapshots

"The Awakening of Katrina ” — With Franchot Tone

The last Him in which Franchot Tone may appear for M-G-M —at any rato until his New York play has finished its run—is "The Awakenins of Katrina." In this picture he is purlncr-

oil by Franciska (iaal, who will bo making- her third Hollywood appearance and her first for M-ti-M. The story is one of those gay Continental affairs about a playboy who masquerades as a chauffeur in order to see a gir] ior wnoni ne aaa fallen. In.this guise he meets the girl's kitchenmaid, uses tier as a means of entering the house, and then finds that he is falling in love with her. Walter Connolly is playing the peppery father of the rich gril, who is being taken by Rita Johnson. Also in the cast are Reginald Gardiner, Robert Coote, who went to Hollywood after his good work in “A Yank at Oxford,” and Franklin Pangborn.

What Happens when Cowboy

Meets Lady ? t

What would happen if a cowboy married the sophisticated daughter of a rich United States senator, under the impression that she was a servant girl, Samuel Goldwyn is providing the answer to that question with his new film ‘The Cowboy and the Lady,” a romantic comedy directed by H. C. Potter for United Artists release. The cowboy in the case is Gary Cooper, the lady slerle Oberon. Gary started in movies as a cowboy and he’s no further removed from a successful characterisation of that sort than the nearest high-heeled boots and 10gallon hat. With Merle it’s a little different. Goldwyn doesn't expect anyone to belivc Miss Oberon could pass as a servant girl, so in the picture her masquerade isn’t designed to fool anyone but Cooper. The action of ‘The Cowboy and the Lady'’ changes from Washington, D.C., to Miami, to Galveston, to the Texas cattle ranges and back again. A lot of interesting characters dodge in and out in typical Goldwyn manner. The supporting cast includes Patsy Kelly, Mabel Todd, Walter Brennan and Fuzzy Knight.

Sydney Film Sold to United

States New York critics give glowing praise to “Orphan of the Wilderness,” re-named in America “Wild Innocence.” The film is classed with “Sequoia” as delightful screen entertainment. Great credit is given to the cameraman’s skill. “Never before” says the New York Daily News “has a photographer’s patience been so obvious and well rewarded in animal pictures. “It is amazing how the camera has got even the facial expressions of the wild animal life in the wilderness of Australia. “Chut’s bewilderment as his mother dies at the hands of the huntsman is really heart-rending.” Bought by an independent company, “Orphans of the Wilderness” is the first Cinesound film to be given an American release. Drama for Carole Lombard After popularising crazy comedies in “My Man Godfrey,’’ and working almost exclusively in films of this type ever since, Carole Lombard is at last making a change. In David O. Selznick’s “ Made For Each Other.” she is playing her first dramatic part for four years. Those who remember Miss Lombard before her crazy days and who have noticed her handling of the very few serious moments she has encountered since, will await this new film with pleasure as well as interest. Miss Lombard plays the wife of a young lawyer. She becomes a mother during the course of the picture and finds some of her most dramatic moments in the routine of domestic life. James Stewart plays her devoted young husband and Charles Coburn appears as the judge who rules his career. John Cromwell is directing. X'RANCHOT TONE begins rehearsal in New York on November 22, for his stage play, “ Gentle People.” In spite of his resolutions to leave Hollywood there are rumours lie will return after the play. • * * * TYAVID SELZNICK is trying to buy the rights to the play, “ Kiss the Boys Good-bye,” to stop any other studio filming it. It contains a skit on the casting of “ Gone With the Wind.” CAM GOLDWYN is said to be paying Sherwood’s play, “ Abe Lincoln in Illinois,” in order to star Gary Cooper as Abraham Lincoln. Raymond Massey is playing the part on the New York stage. rpilE title of the Anne Shirley film, **■ “ The Pure in Mind,” has been changed to “ Saints Without Wings.” It’s about a group of wild young tramps who find regeneration through the aid of a benevolent judge. Several unknown boys have been brought from New York for the picture, also fourteen-year-old Roger Daniel who has had no professional experience.