Cinema.. Snapshots

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21211, 6 September 1940, Page 8

Cinema .. Snapshots

Star Dust With a most original entertainment idea, “ Star Dust ” depicts the heartaches and happiness of two small town young players, scrapping for their place in Hollywood. Linda plays the part of the lovely girl who is discovered by talent scout Boland Young, brought to Hollywood, screen-tested and rejected because she is too young. But she is a determined youngster and makes a thrilling come-back that astonishes Hollywood. And all of these things really happened to the real-life Linda. John Payne is Linda’s handsome leading man and for his performance Darryl F. Zanuck awarded him a long term contract. Roland Young brings his droll comedy to his performance as the talent scout, once a great star himself; and Charlette Greenwood was warmly welcomed back to the screen as the studio dramatic coach who helps Linda make good. * Others in the cast are William Gargan as a producer, Mary Beth Hughes as a blonde “ meanie,” Mary Healy, who sings the ballad that gave the film its name, and Donald Meek as a conniving casting director. Walter Lang directed the film from a screen play which Robert Ellis and Helen Logan based on a story by Jesse Malo, Kenneth Earl, and Ivan Kahn. It's Called Pan go Pan go Why is Pago Pago really Pango Pango? Edward Small, motion picture producer who recently completed filming of “ South of Pago Pago,” demanded an answer when his dialogue experts assured him that although the common spelling of the little spot in the South Seas is Pago Pago, it must be pronounced Pango Pango. It appears that early in the last, century, when the missionaries invaded the romantic South Seas, they were confronted with the problem of native words into English for purposes of conversation. In all instances, they preserved native proper names and simply gave them the English spelling that sounded correct. Thus Pango Pango got its name. But the missionaries who landed on that island spot, like those who went to other islands, brought with them a printing press. When the very crude printing shop was set up, it was discovered that the package containing the “ N ” letters had been lost, probably dropped in the ocean, as it was no easy task to land from the ship and through the surf in small boats. So in printing literature pertaining to the spot and in making the first printed maps, the place was labelled “ Pago Pago.” Later, when more type arrived, attempts were made to change the name to “ Pango Pango,” but the first spelling, probably because it was more simple, continued in common use. although the pronunciation always remained “ Pango Pango.” The principal romantic role, that of a young island chief, is played by Jon Hall, last seen in “ The Hurricane.” FLASHES R AY . MILLAND became the father of a six-and-a-half-pound baby boy a few weeks ago. This is Mr and Mrs Milland’s first child. Ray was so certain that it would be a girl that he had picked out the name of Victoria. He is now thinking of cutting the name to Victor. • • * * news from the Temple front is that Shirley’s parents may form a company in which to star their daughter. Mrs Temple says that the child star will make but cne picture a year in future and the rest of the time she will spend at schooL JDA LUPINO will be teamed with George Raft in Warners’ forthcoming production. 44 The Dealer’s Name Was George.” Miss Lupino and Raft just completed shooting on 44 They Drive By Night,” in which they appeared as a romantic team. JJUGH HERBERT has announced his resignation as president of the national Tailwaggers’ Association. explaining that the heavy schedule planned for him at Universal makes it impossible for him to devote, enough time to organisation affairs.

YJJISE RAINER, twice winner of the Academy Award, will return to Hollywood soon to appear in 44 Hot for Paris,” but the title may be changed because of German occupation of th*» French capital. Miss Rainer left Hollywood a year ago, dissatisfied with the film roles given her. ’

JJADIO, which after 44 Irene ” seems to be determined to make Anna Neagle the queen of screen musical comedy, paid Warners £50.000 for the rights to 44 No. No, Nanette,” and 44 Sunny.” for her. Reason for the stiff price is that M.G.M. was also after 44 No. No. Nanette ” —for Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland

were a few tears in many old-timers’ eyes at Fox studios recently when Warner Baxter said farewell to the studio after 12 years. Warner has decided not to sign any more long-term contracts. He wants to make just one or two pictures a year, and wants to pick his own stories. Already he has bought eight stories, the most important being 44 Washington Correspondent.” which he no doubt will make for some independent studio..