FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1930.
MUSIC DRAMA FILMS
TALKIE TALKS.
No one must miss "Divorcee," the next vehicle of Norma Shearer's at the Queen's Theatre, It is not often that Cecil B. de Mille, the famous Director, grants an interview.. No declares that the Talkies demand greater In telligence than the Movies. Stage training is not necessary. Look at Norma Shearer. i have never seen a finer performance than she gives in Divorcee, and she has never hud five minutes' stage work. No stage actress could compare with her technique, her charm and the manner in which she speaks her lines.
"Kay Johnson has the bearing of an aristocrat, and a voice that is truly delightful. When you see her Min "Madum Satan," you will know why I chose her for the part from forty applicants. Gloria Swanson and Bebe Daniels, both possess beauty, intelligence and personality, and will remain per-
THE
CHINA
MAIL.
A temporary cinema was first rig- THREAT TO BOYCOTT
ged up in Parliament a few years
ago when the anciant Westminster Hall was so converted to show the Alm record of the Parliamentary
she has made 288 pictures. When CARL ROSA OPERA. delegation to Canberra, Australia. she was with Harold Lloyd, (her first love) they used to grind out a short comedy a week.
The very happy couple are living in Ben's apartment till the new home in Beverly is built
the
2
chorus of
⇓
A NEW SOCIETY LAUNCHED.
London, July 31. An important step in the history of the oldest British opera company was taken yesterday in the launch ing of the Carl Roan Society at the Strand Theatre, where the company are at present giving their season.
Mrs. H. B. Phillips, the controller
Most big military camps have their own specially bullt einomas, the new camp at. Catterick, York- shiro, being specially fortunate in this respect, but probably the queerest of them is one run by the, Royal Air Force at Uxbridge, which was actually opened to the public, and consequently-aroused the bitter hostility of neighbouring cinemas as it had been built with public money,
Private and Free Shows. The public little realise that cinemias exist to which they cannot get admission. Among them are those inside army depots, the many in asylums and also some in work
houses.
TALKIES.
"Britain in the Hands of America."
CINEMA LOSSES.
A threat to boycott American talkies, on account of the high prices charged, has been made by a large group of independent British cinema owners, who, as a class, are timid. and not easily moved to revolt.
This threat is never likely to materialise.. for the simple regaon that the most important theatres are not associated with the protest, and it is from these theatres that:
American talkio distributors obtain more than half their receipts.
British cinema owners are so The other extreme is provided by much in the grip of American film one smartly equipped cinema in the electrical interests that a "strike", heart of London, which is always could only end ignominiously for engaged in showing some of the them. world's finest films to all comers- free of charge!
4
autumn.
Jack Oakie, who made hit aver-night, in "Sweetie," followed by Hit the Deck," is "Jest natiral" Cannot understand, why the critics hall him as an artiste, Has rather that "pinch-me-I'm dieshing" manner; his success is still new to him. He played in "Fust Company" at the Central of the society, said that the society this week, and the Hong Kong had been formed to stimulate Fans liked him, Used to be a terest in grand opera and to en- telephone Juggler as he terms it, courage and improve the status of and loved acting so much in the Cart Rosa Opera Company. amateur shows that when it was Some of the main objects of the society are (1). to assist the Carl suggested he should adopt it as a profession,
confidingly Road Opera Company in the produc 48 he-
The fact that the timid British stated:" always take the rondtion of a number of grand operas
exhibitor has been moved to threaten of least resistance." ile obtained which have not yet been popularly
It is in the Imperial Institute, his Amorlean masters affords con- a job in
presented to the public owing to South Kensington, and displays filma vincing proof of the prophecy de-[ Shubert Revue. In one of them he difficulties of production and the cost dealing with the Empire, Empire finitely made by me that American had to pretend to kick the girl in entailed (2) to assist that company front of him, as they danced off to employ first-class British artistes; products. Empire trade, and Em-talkies would slump before the
pire life. the stage. He really did kick her (3) to assist financially and artis-
Although its conversion from Tried a tically, existing amateur musical existing premises cost £6,000 and Cinema owners outside the large and was kicked-out.
annual running costs are circuits have sustained enormous vacation in Hollywood, met Wesley organisations and students; (4) to Ruggles, the Director, suggested provide operatic matinees for chil-£1,000, it can be opened free be- losses, chiefly owing to the aystem himself as 1 smart guy," was dren and students; (5) to provide cause the Empire Marketing Board of guarantee which American dis- manent favourites on the screen. They have weathered the storm of given a lest and-landed the job: scholarships for students.
tributors have been able to impose bears these costa. He has the most infectious smile,
Cinemas the Talkies and come out on top.
are usually run by on them. not a bit good-looking, but Is cer- 1s 2s. 6d., and musical societies and private enterprise, but one queer Under this system the theatre. I have great faith, too, in Doruthy
from schools enn be affiliated for one exception, at Barnsley, is run by the owner is compelled to sign a con- Mackail, Britain's gift to Holly-tainly clowning his way
guinea. The privileges of member-municipality in the free library tract to pay to the American dis- wood. For a woman to be a sue-obscurity to stardom.
ahip include the society's journal, building.. Its prices range from tributor half, or more, of the thea- preferential booking for perform-sd. to 13.
tre's takings, and also to guarantee ancos, free advice on musical mat-
Even stranger was the use of the je substantial sum whether the film ters, and special arrangements for
of Notre is successful or not. world-famous Cathedral auditions.
Dame, Paria, for the exhibition to a. This iniquitous system, only pos special audience of the film, Hoan of sible while America had an absolute Arc," for it was the first time in monopoly, Is the crux of the protest history that a cathedral, or, indeed made by the group of independent Any ecclesiastical building, had theatre owners associated with the been employed as a temporary "boycott" threat. cinema.
If they succeed in compelling American distributors to abolish the
cess. three things are necessary.
LOVE and RELIGION.
ART.
Any
*
褊
of
be
What is the mystic power Itamon Navarro? (shortly to seen at the Queen's). He is cer- how-tainly one of the most popular
of these three things is sufficient to bring out her artistry, but without one of them, No star, ever beautiful, can succeed."
**
*
Quite a lot of comment has been made about the Short in which the famous London Revue Star-Gert rude Lawrence-appeared recently at the Queen'. I saw her in a film with Charles Ruggles (who was so excellent in "The Lady Lies"), but it was a silly story, and
actors on the screen to-day. The admirers, and they are legion, look upon him as the quintessence of all that is good and great. The worst thing he could do to his fans would be to marry. He keeps three generations of his family in He has his very lovely home.
poverty, disappointment known
His father is and heartbreaks. She is extra-blind, three sisters are nuns, and Constance Til about a year ago, Ramon's best mudge, at her best-plus a glorious chum, his youngest brother, died. speaking voice. Of course she und Tragedies, great and small, have Beatrice Lillie are idols in Revue fallen to his lot, but these trials in London and New York. Gertrude have helped to develop a naturally fine character, and create a man Lawrence, has just returned home
whom thousands try to cmulate. to play in Noel Coward's new pro-
His singing volee is delightful, duction, but they have not made much headway in the new medium and music is his passion. of entertainment.
was not a success. ordinarily
like
+
ever
+
*
物
I am glad to see that Polly Moran is back at work on the lot. After her nervous breakdown, she took a well-earned holiday, but they can't keep a good girl down, she declared, and Polly la ready with her continual entertainment and wise-cracking for her fellow- workers. They all adore her. She is one of the most industrious workers in any studio. I am sorry that she did not sing in "Caught Short" She possesses a most nt. tractive voice..
*
*
'Chester Morris who enacts the role of the husband in "Divorcee"
of comes
famous ¿
The fee for individual members
LOVE BIRDS.
BESSIE LOVE and JOE SCHENCK in
THEY LEARNED ABOUT WOMEN The attraction at the Queen's Theatro from Tuesday.
QUEER CINEMAS.
ta
'MOVIES" IN UNLIKELY PLACES.
Battleships' Cinemas.
Enormous Losses.
But perhaps the most interesting "guarantee against loss" system, it and romantic of queer cinemas is will be for the extremely significant that buried in the bowels of the reason that, simultaneously with the favour of American battic mighty
cruiser, H.M.S. decline in Repulse, which has seats for 100 talkies, there has been an undoubted men, generally holds twice that rise in the popularity of British
talkies... number, gives two shows nightly from Monday to Friday inclusive and one on Sunday...
Each show lasts about two and a half hours and comprises a six-reel drama, a two-reel comic, a cartoon, and a "Topical." This floating cinema caters for a populattion of 1,300, and different nights are reserved for different ranks and ratings.
Provincial Boom.
It is a fact that British talkies in the provinces are enjoying "what could fairly be called a boom.
That phenomenon would not be noticeable in London, because in London nearly all the Important theatres are American-owned, or under American control, and British talkies are not featured, but in the provinces they are playing to in- creasing business, and the fact has not been overlooked by watchful American distributors.
The screen Is about half the normal size, and can be removed practically instantaneously in an emergency to enable the whole au-
One of these, the Metro-Goldwyn dlence. to dash out through the
owners of the Empire opening provided almost as quickly. company,
3 British The whole thing is run out of Theatre, have booked surplus canteen profits aboard, talkle, "The 'W Plan," for pre- amounting to about £40 monthly, and the shows are run and enjoyed irrespective of the weather. Other great ships, among them H.M.S. Nelson, the world's mightiest war- ship, havé similar cinemas.
Perhaps even less known
than
Bebe Daniels, who will be seen in Rio Rita" at the Central Theatre, to-day, was married te- cently to Ben Lyon. I saw him on the stage with Tom Moore, was not exactly smitten with his power as an actor, good-looking, and all that, but Bebe, after many trial engagements (efther has
finds her been married before) Ben the ideal. The wedding was a quiet affair, but at the reception, everybody who is anybody was there. It took place at the fashion- able Beverly Wiltshire Hotel. Bebe looked ravishing, her eyes
The Prince of Wales recently had shining like stars. I think she is
theatrical a big room in St. James's Palace' always beautiful, but when you family, his first chance coming temporarily converted into a cinema any yet mentioned Is the tiny see her in "Rio Rita," you will with Lionel Barrymore, when he so that he could show his friends the cinema tucked away deeply down "take off your hats" to her. It was a kid. It was only in 1926 Alms taken on his recent African beneath the War Office, where the ranks with "The Love Parade" as that he specialised in crime roles, hunting trip.
priceless British war films a super production.
and was given the chance to play But that is not the first time occasionally shown, chiefly for the of seeing by Oh I was talking of the Wedding. Chick Williamsin "Alibi," the cinemas have been Improvised in official purpose Amongst the bridesmaids, nine part that made him. He feared hò queer and unlikely places, for occa- examination that they are in good (counting the Matron of Honour, was in for that type for the rest sionally command performances of condition. Louella Parsons, the Movie of his life on the screen, but for films have been given before the They are stored and guarded there Columnist writer) were Lila, Lee,tunately he is being allowed to act King and Queen when drawing-with every scientific precaution Connie Talmadge, Marie Mosquini, more or less normal young men. rooms or ball-rooms at Sandring-known; such as being kept at a con- (who has lived for years with 'I don't like him in "Sergeant ham, Windsor,
Both negatives or Buckingham stant temperature. Bebe, and is like her sister), and Grischa," but I did like him with Palace have been ingeniously con- and positives of every alm are kept Betty Compson. Their gowns were Winnie Lightner, and he is excel-verted fats temporary cinemas. The so that either can be reproduced 11] all tulle of different shades. Eight lent support to Miss Shearer in latest occasion was when, as befitted one is damaged, lost, or destroyed. girls, walking in couples in the this highly-praised Talkie.
the latest developments, a British That queer little cinema is un- most perfectly matched shades-
"talkie" was exhibited.
doubtedly the most valuable one in Jellows, pinks, orchid shades,
Royal palaces abroad have also the Empire; for it is preserving for
are
One cannot help 1lking young blues and the Matron in 'green. Robert Montgomery, alae in the been similarly used, but perhaps the us and posterity the living recorde
He is a natural, such most interesting building was the of our glorious part in the war.
The hats were large droopy affairs
of maline, and the bouquets of same east.
different shaded flowers. Bebe's bouquet was all white orchids and
a foll for Joan Crawford in Vatican, Rome, where early last year G. W. G. In Weekly Telegraph. "Untamed," and with Norma one of its magnificent halls was first Shearer in "Their Own Desires" turned into a temporary cinema and
Artists, "Three
Live
AR oil
1
lilies of the valley. Her gown. His first picture was with United several hundred guests enjoyed a during the week beginning August tight-fitting with a long train of
Ghosts." film of the signing of the Italo-8, thus being the first American-
controlled theatre to display hand-woven ivory satin and Italian Tried adventuring after he left Vatican Treaty. lpce, with a real ince veil, yards school, and shipped on
So stupendovaly has the film ap- British talkie.” long, The service was simplc. tanker, then left it at Los Angeles, pealed that cinemas have actually I cannot say that the boom in Bebe was given away by her and, as nine out of ten do who go gone to sen and been installed In British talkfes is wholly justified grandfather's 'old friend, and her
to that city of "Follywood", he great ships, so that marine travel though there are at least a dozen own lawyer, Mr. Chester Morris, struggled to become an extra. Had lers need not necessarily forgo their which fully rival all but the most (not the actor of that name). Only about a hundred guests were tanker, and returned to New York.
no luck, so shipped on another favourite entertainment.borate American talkies, but I Thus our mighty Majestic, the can understand that British cinema invited to the ceremony, but after Was lucky enough to "make the world's largest liner, has one of audiences, tired of the American ward hundreds came to offer con- break," and after a season in New these little-known cinemas, and last voice, and the restricted plots of gratulations. The presents were York, whare He went on with big summer gave its first talkie" show American talkies, are turning with gorgeous. Marion Davies gave ́a.
sense of relief and novelty to the ger and better parts all the time, on the Atlantic diamond necklace : from which'
British product- Pictures In Court." hung a watch set in an enormous he again landed in California, and
£30,000 Bookings, and now he stays... carved Indian emerald, and Norma
Even stranger was the conversion One British falkle, produced for Talmadge a banquet cloth of
some years ago of a court in the Law less than £8,200, has been booked for priceless Italian lace. The Aero Conrad-Nagel, from these early Courts, London, into a temporary more than £30,000. White Cargo" Squadron, to which Ben Lyon be- days when he stole all the Movies cinema to show a tim over which a has booked for more than £80,000. longs, sent a unique gift. An in which he appeared, has been law sult was being fought. That Loose Ends will gross at least aeroplane propeller into which a one of my favourites, I will never was the first time a British court of five times as much as its cost, not wonderful clock had been set. Full forget him in "Three Weeks. His justice. had a film shown in it, and inemding, what it may earn in the aats of wonderful silver for every theatrical experience as leading was perfectly successful as evidence United States, and the proportion in ocession, Crown Derby, carved man in stock companies has been A cinema show has actually been the case of Young Woodley" may jewel boxes-Oh everything that of considerable, use to him in the enjoyed while both theatre and exceed Loose Ends, the heart could desire. Bebè is Talkies. He never fails to give an spectators were whirling through Some of the early British talkies, really the most popular girl in excellent conception of any part be the British countryside at 60 miles especially those salvaged from silent Hollywood. She has the happy essays. I like him Immensely in an hour films, have registered losses, but all knack of keeping her friends. She the Talkies, especially in "Dyna This queer cinema was a specially the genuine talkies are playing" fo has worked hard, and kept her mite," and "The Sacred Flame." I atted railway couch, and once gave most excellent business, which, in popularity through a series of silly always look upon Conrad and a successful show of films Blustrat the case of pictures, then staged, this wonder Lewis Stone as the dependable, Ing agricultural science to a train will show ful performance In Rio Rita," stand-byes, neither falls to give big load of Empire agricultural experts, $150,000, proved she could sing, and is still his best
while speeding from Edinburgh to an Ame beauty Bince she was thirteen i
in Daily Exp
DIANE
ondona!
example,
least
dallity
as sentation their feature film (Continued at foot of preceding Column.)
Wills
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