Action Pictures, 1939 Programme

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 27, 16 December 1938, Page 18

Action Pictures, 1939 Programme

ARLY in 1937, the independent film exchange of Action Pietures began business in New Zealand. Since then if has grown and established itself, . and the company sf of releases for its third season, which has just been issued by D. Russell Rankin, managing director, reveals many interesting attractions for 1939. Pride of place goes to two Charlies Laughton films, produced by the famous star in co-operation with Erich Pommer (celebrated German producer). Laughton will first be seen as the star of @ mausicai production entitled "St, Martin’s Lane," in company with Vivien Leigh, Larry Adler, Rex Harrison and Gus McNaughton, The second picture is "Vessel of Wrath," from a story by W. Somere set Maugham, Other attractions will be James Cagney in "Great Guy": a series featuring "Renfrew of the Royal Mounted"; and .three romances Starring Eric Linden and Cecilia Parker, well known as the young levers of the "Judge Hardy" picteres. Melvyn Douglas will star in a horror picture, "The Vampire Bat." Anna Sten will return in twa big pictures. . jt was Action Pictures who introduced Sandy Powell as a Screen star to New. Zealand. He is seheduled for two more films in 1939. Gene Autry is another popular star intro« duced to this country by the company, His first release for them for 1939 will be an ambitious musical Western, "In Old Santa Fe." In 1939, the company will introe tluce the British singing and dancing child star, Hazel Ascot, her first film being "Stepping Toes." George Houston, who created @ very favourable impression in "Wallaby Jim of the Island," will star in "Captain Calamity" (Technicolor) and as Wild Bill Hickok in "Frontier Scout,"