THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1933.
CINEMA "SHOTS" AND "SEQUENCES"
LOCAL FILM HISTORY
TO BE
MADE NEXT WEDNESDAY
"CAVALCADE” TO BE COLONY'S FIRST PREMIERE
PİCTURES OF THE WEEK
(By "CELLULOID"}
LOCAL cinema history
is to be made to-be packed out for tho Premberg. -morrow week
nexi Wednesday, but that when the film' returns for a full length
"Cavalcade," the picture of all time, over which the American and English
press critics have become almost hysterical in their efforts to apply the most! descriptive superlatives, is to have its first presenta- tion in Hongkong. Furthermore it is to be a full tiress a la Tivoli premiere,
season, capuelty full notices wil! be displayed nightly.
AROUND THE SHOWS
MONTGOMERY AS Aca
RACKETEER
His Excellency tlie Governor (Sir William Peel) has agreed to attend and the occasion will be an additional "event" in the social calendar of the Colony. the masterly technique of his love-T
FORNONĪMUKORPRINDA
YOU CAN SEE THESE TO-DAY.
"Made on Broadway.".
"Best of Enemies" "Happy Ever After" "Wicked"
"Words and Musle"
*State Fair"
TO-MORROW. "Up for the Derby" "Congorilla"
‚fueen's
King's
Central Majestic
....Star
Oriental
....Central .Oriental
venture to
"CAVALCADE" One of the many vivid scenes in the brilliant Fox Films production of "Cavalcado" which
picture will have its Premiere at the King'a Theatre next Wednesday.
I hope this is the case because ONDON critics did not hesitate to slow action, affected speech, "ham"
seems
•
It
in
mention England in the list of Hollywood's European competitors,
that
if so it succeeds. If the pleture pronounce Sydney Howard's Up direction, stagy technique and most holds sumo other meaning it is for the Derby, the best comedy he of un dislike them too.
for the screen, and doubtful whether you will dis- has yel made Rketeer! This may
OBERT Montgomery is a rac-cern it. When this happens it local audiences will assuredly agree DUT all that the American film in- dustry knows of us has been make his means that a picture is a failure, starts a run at the Central Theatre to gathered from hearsay, from flying
when this picture is shown here. admirera shudder, particularly and you can't say that about Made morrow. Sydney Howard has done so visits to the European capitals, from those charming members of the on Broadway,
much first rate work since his debut reporte stare and technicians who opposite sex who have thrilled to
in pictures that it is, perhaps, difficult have worked for a few weeks in our that Metro-Goldwyn- to appreciate that he can be more en-studios, and from conversation with
such Such lavish praise has been be-making. But his racket is being Mayer's co-starring of stars and tertaining than in films
as trade envoys, not alwaye tactfully stowed on this "Picture of Pic-a wine guy and making a lot of the subsequent experiment of Splintera In the Nuvy, Up, fort chosen, from this sido. The real tures" and that by critics who money out of people who are not bringing galaxy of famous Coop and others. But the wide scope temper of Europe can never be dis-
afforded him by the scenario of Up covered in thie have the reputation of being ex- auch wise guys, in the intervala players together as in Grand
ls way, ceedingly discerning-that. un of which he wisecracks and leads Hotel Influenced British-Gaumont for the Derby allows this comedian like the customary studio publicity us to believe that even Casanova to coerce Jack Hulbert, Cicely to be seen at his very best, a fact FEE article in "Activites" does not
which calls for no further comment. sheets, one is willing to take the wasn't such a hot fellow when it Courtneldge, Lilian Harvey and eulogies on face value.
eame to making female conquests. Sonnie. Hale into appearing to- outspoken commentary on the but I am convinced that America it So that his admirera can breathe gether in Happy Ever After, now Aposition of the American films in self has the wit to appreciate again more freely.
showing at the Central Theatre. Europe to-day appears in a recent England, of all European countries, Which, I humbly suggest, is a pity. issue of the London Observer, from is, at the moment, the most dangerous the talented pen of C. A. Lejeune, potential opponent or the most valua NEVERTHELESS I
In it the writer says: A French month-ble ally. There are several things suggest that a disillusionment THIS come-and-see-your-favourly revue, "Activition," has just sant going on over here that America is in store for those who have not ites-in the-same-picture type me Its August number, in which my ought to know, if the film trade gen- yet seen the inimitable Robert in of film may be good box-office attention is drawn to an article on erally is to prosper. The temper of and the wisdom fearnt from contact his featured role in Alado on Broad technique, but it is no guarantee "The Decadence of the American audience has changed, Hard times,
At least, I take it that the way, the current Queen's Theatre that you are going to get an out- Cinema." offering. Montgomery himself is standing presentation. Of course publishers are not inviting my com- with the unsentimental facts of food, wages, rent, employment, have made "The Atmosphere ments an perfectly OK in fact he makes the chief fault with Happy Ever U.S.S.R." or "Views on D. II. Law- us "choosey." The radio has taught his usual creditable job. But After, which is frankly the big ronce" or "Fifteen Daya in London us some things. The continental exu- wish the folk responsible for this gest disappointment of the year with
the, Hindus." There is, of dur has taught us others. In a world picture had remembered that it locally, is that the scenario is too course, an article on "The Cerruption like this, the periodle visits of Holly was to be presented to some other inadequate. What is the results? of the Writer." But I should be Wood Alm stars and the benignities of passing Hollywood producers are people besides Amerien's 200,000,- Four "atars", tumbling over one grieved to think it was that.
not likely to cut much fee. We havei not the smallest animus against" 000 people, who either because of other in an effort to get some-
of the film arilete a sad lack of education or because thing out of their parts which isn't THE author
T
Hollywood, and no particular sense of speaks of the "battle" between the patriotic duty in entertainment; we they had not caught up with the there (or by the same token endea- current issues of the film magavouring to put something in which American and European cinema, und don't in the least want to boycott asserts that "In Europe we are aware American pictures or whitewash Bri- zines, were not familiar with just won't ft) and cutting-one that the battle is lost (for America): 1ish ones; but we do want occasionally
another's throats for America's publicity racket."
honoura French producers, and with even to ace films of our own people, in our which don't exist,
better reason, German and Russian own idlem, about our own problems, producers, no longer fear the com- or at least about the circumstances his effort to THE necessity of a picture of this petition of the United States. Can that involve real people of this gen- cade on the screen was'n gigantic The director, In
type is that the dialogue shall it be said that in New York or Holly-eration, here or in any other country, one. The magnitude of the theme make the picture an expression of and the sincerity of treatment hustle, becomes merely incoherent. be funny, or even witty. It is not wood this state of decadence has yet in real and urgent affairs needed to transform Noel Coward's I have no doubt that Robert Mont-sufficient to see Jack Hulbert been realised? Unfortunately, no."
smile; Cicely Courtneidge cannot "Unfortunately" is right. The slow-INGLAND, with its 4,000 cinemas, inspiration into a living reality of gomery, in his role, had some
E may secin A little face for carry such a film to a successfulness of the American film moguls to the canvas was sufficient to make perfectly stunning ideas, but 80 conclusion by standing in a kiosk grasp a situation outside their own America to bother about. But wise
concernod, heaven and crying "paapeer Sonnie Hale good. But still more unfortunate is market is very much worth any producer and director hesitate far as I was
the industry no Americans know that country is doing
the British before attempting the task.
alone. knew what they were. He is
through the pleture needs more than the chorus of a nil this talk of "battle." With tele- bother. England has colonies. And made to British studios that it was left to at breakneck speed. He talks like song to make his appearance vision just round the corner and a England has a film, industry because effective; and Lilian Harvey's world struggling to pay its debts, the so few of its alme, so far, have been Hollywood to produce this epic.a machine gun, but unfortunately splendidly restrained acting is just film centres of Europe and America in the front rank. The British film To suggest this would be to be- the epigrammatical bullets fly 80 little the great work of the Fux fust that they miss their mark. He a sheer waste of time. The whole cannot afford to fight on another. A industry is just beginning, to operate, picture is incompatible. The slump in Hollywood-may mean temand believe.mo, it is equipped to go n studios. Frank Lloyd hos un- has to make whirlwind entrances actors do their best; the directorporary prosperity for Elstree and long, long way. doubtedly achieved the crowning and exits, and the camera even (more or less) does his best. But triumph of a successful career in hasn't got time to give a close up there is a lack of movement, of his direction of Cavalcade. He of him. Need I say more!
vitality, of the rich humour. naso- cinted with these comedy players. all because the material is quite unsuitable for them.
THURSDAY.
Queen's
"The Billion Dollar
Scandal"
"Dangerously Yours"
..King's
"Up. for the Derby"
.Central
*"*Congorllla”
Oriental-
The task of producing Caval
It is not to the discredit of the
•
THE most attractive sequence is filmic expression of Lilian Harvey's dream. By skilful · dis- solving and admirable angle photo. |graphy, the dream, typical, of the fantastic and grotesque is given full expression.
•
*
tho
CHARLES ("Buddy") Rogers has returned to Hongkong this week to delight his numerous admirers, and it His not conceivable that any of thom will be disappointed with his "come- back" in The Best of Enemies, which is, now showing at the King's Theatre. In this production he is not starred but shares "festure" honours with Frank Morgan, Joseph Cawthorn and Marion Nixon. This is, perhaps, why he is rather overshadowed. Never- theless his work is neat and in-
Sally Eilors and Robert Montgomery, who play opposite such other in |telligent, and undoubtedly America's
the M.G.M. production of "Made on Broadway." Clive Brook and Diana Wynyard in one of the most powerful scenes of one-time Boy-Friend has a flair for Shepherd's Bush, ninay or Join the WAS talking the other day to an
roles. plenty of hilarior
but it not
American technician who has “Cavalcade”, when Diana Wynyard proposes the immortal tonst. › ty in this picture, most of which is sure its continuity. The only ulti-been working in this country rather
sustained by Morgan and Cawthorn, mate security for the European trade less than a year. When I first cams, has captured the fine aweeping BUT leaving aside the directorial wistful Marion Nixon contributes a is a stable industry in America, and over," he said, "I reckoned zou were movements of the theme and faults and the fact that the typical performance towards a pro- the only safeguard for American Just playing at pictures. The boya transferred them in living tones to whole picture is quite unintelligible, duction of excellent light entertain-studios is the friendly co-operation of back home told me I was nuts to go. the soreon. It is stirring, bold, one can get some amusement, and ment.
| world audiences. In the diím business. And at first it was all so alow, it rat- vivid, but sympathetic direction. here and there a little entertain-:
It must be a caso of one for all and tied mo,, :Seemed like you weren't more suitable description could
uld all for one,
gotting anywhere. But right now I
any darned English players, Diana Wynyard, is always an interesting study, that of the "Boys with the Educated B
anco, there has first got to be industry is like a'giant octopus, and Clive Brook, Herbert Mundin, Una Bolly Ellors is something of an Fect". When they made their initial O'Conner, Ursula Jeans, Beryl enigma, but her beauty cannot be appearance in Hongkong on Saturday mutual understanding, and America Hollywood, has got to watch out for
fowita toptecies." Morcor, Irone Browno, Merle Tot-deuled and she places an intelligent at the Peninsula Hotel they were must forgive us if we explain tonham, Frank Lawton, John construction to a character which given some indication, of the auecos necessary things about ourselves. Sarburton, Margaret Lindsay, does not seem to be very clearly ful sonson they were to enjoy, and The fact. lasthat, we know a great their subsequent at deal more about America than Ame Bully Bevan, Dick Henderson fun, expressed in the scenario. Madga ing holiest Poormanoshelen kow bout Us Ameries has T DON'T bellove myself that there is Douglas Scott, Shella MacGill and Evans plays with rare skill the They are about the best tale of seen to that Darlar thirty odd years any possibility of the British In Donita Granville Itore is the part of the silent, gontly-smiling, simultaneous dancers soon here, and of movie story bertuve, and ample dustry seriously menacing · Holly complete cast without a weak link. understanding, waiting wifey, audiences at the King have not opportunity, alkoler How the war (he wood's property. But, Kado liber All play their, part in making whose charm has temporary oluded healtated to show their apprelton American mind farmstions, of learning How that the time Arzeconds when. jyrenäguing, And reading the two countries can no langur sfford. this the ploture of a generation, the comprehension of the husband. IP 118 treat cor/Hongkong to Amer
Holl
all-British
amont from
སྐ
And the bulb to the abilities of Montgomery's breezy personality Nhe given the Mackey wins than pur to effect this protective all-on that you can got inglinks pleture
Truly Hongkong has a great trant age
sloje rand Leam donndant: A DERHAPS this
Ι
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