Cinema Snapshots

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 8

Cinema Snapshots

Young Unknown s Selected To Support Stars Time was when Walter Wanger was known as the producer who took in hand young actors and actresses who had been around Hollywood without getting very far, and developed them into people of importance. He found it a good system, with rewards that were gratifying. Now, seeking new fields, Wanger has extended his method logically backward. In his latest picture, “Winter Carnival,” he gives impetus to the careers of a dozen or so young people most of whom have never before appeared on the screen. Not, of course, that he has neglected the old idea entirely. On the contrary, both Ann Sheridan and Richard Carlson, who have had featured roles up to now, are the stars of “ Winter Carnival.” But, nevertheless, the emphasis is all on the young people who are not nearly so well known as Carlson and Ann Sheridan. As an indication of the fact that Wanger’s interest is in young people, consider the list of stars whom Wanger brought into prominence by careful grooming. He brought Claudette Colbert, Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins to the screen. He gave Madeleine Carroll, Sylvia Sidney and Joan Bennett new screen careers, roles that brought their physical attractions as well as their acting abilities. He brought Charles Boyer carefully along to his present position of eminence in the film world, and Hedy Lamarr made her American debut in Wanger’s “ Algiers.” Wanger feels that there is much promise in the youngsters be has assembled for “ Winter Carnival ” .the story of which centres around the annual sports fete at Dartmouth. One of the largest supporting roles is taken by James Corner, a young athletic Stanford student. Another first appearance is made by Alan Baldwin, the youngster who was recently placed under term contract by Samuel Goldwyn. Among the girls in the cast are Joan Brodel, a 15-yegtr-old miss who poses as a girl of 21, and Virginia Gilmore, aged 18, who acts as her chaperon. Helen Parrish, who was last seen in “Three Smart Girls Grow Up,” really grows up in this one. Finally, it must be stated that only one member of the cast is over 28 years of age, and only three are more than 25 years old 1 Youth marches on] Leslie Howard — Meastro Because Leslie Howard is a stickler for reality, the world’s rarest and most expensive violin will make its screen debut. En route to Selznick International Studios under armed guard, the violin, a Guamerius valued at £13,000, will work in “ Intermezzo,” in which Howard portrays the role of a note dvirtuoso. Made in 1732 by Joseph Guamerius, del Gesu, in Colona, Italy, the instrument, known to the music world as the “ Kreisler Guamerius,” because it was in that master’s collection for 15 years, is now in the world-famous Rudolph Wurlitzer collection. Howard will use the Guamerius in scenes with Ingrid Bergman, lovely Scandinavian newcomer and Edna Best, the British star, both of whom were signed by David O. Selznick for important roles in “ Intermezzo.” John Halliday, Ann Todd, Douglas Scott and Enid Bennett are also featured. It is Howard’s first film as both star and associate producer. Stiring Drama Russia before the Revolution provides an exciting backround for “The Rebel Son.” Based on the famous story of Nicholas Gogol, the picture boasts of a strong cast headed by Harry Bauer and Continental star, Roger Livesey, Joan Gardner, Patricia Roc and Anthony Bushell, Bauer gives one of his finest performances as irascible old Tarass Boulba, warlike Cossack chieftain who is never happy unless fighting. Boulba, the proud father of two strapping sons, lays siege to the castle of a neighbouring Polish nobleman and hopes that this engagement will prove his sons worthy Cossacks. But Andrew, the younger, in love with the nobleman’s daughter, and out of love with senseless fighting, goes over to the enemy to pledge his sword on behalf of law and order. Embittered and sour Tarass comers his son in the subsequent engagement and shoots him in cold blood. From there the picture builds through a serious of spectacular scenes to a thrilling climax, which results in the death of Tarass and provides a pointed illustration of the misery and cruelty of war. “ The Rebel Son ” abounds with action and excitement, and with the colourful background and fast-moving story registers as excellent entertainment. FLASHES TORIS IVENS, who collaborated with ** Ernest Hemingway on the documentary, “The Spanish Earth,” has now made another topical documentary, “The 400 Million.” It was filmed In China, is being shown in America to raise relief funds, and Fredric March has done the commentary. • • • • "OAT O’BRIEN is to be “Father **■ Damien,” in the film version of John Farrow’s biography of the priest who devoted his life to the lepers. * * * • T ORETTA YOUNG has cancelled her contract to star in “Our Wife” for Columbia. Her contract stipulated that Cary Grant be her co-star and Cary turned the part down.