1930-08-08 — Page 11

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 1930.

MUSIC DRAMA

AN APOLOGY TO CHINA.

MOSCOW OPERA.

Harold Lloyd's "Humble and Contrite Heart."

NO OFFENCE. INTENDED.

Nanking, July 30. Harold Lloyd, the Hollywood comedina whose film, "Welcome Danger," incurred such widespread protest in the country recently, has made an official apology, to the Chinese public, through Henry K. Chang, Chinese Consul-Général in San Francisco.

The lm, it will be recalled, was first released in this country in the Grand Theatre, Shanghai, early it March. Professor Hung Sheng, who happened to attend the show, was so indignant at the "insulting" scenes depicted in the picture that he rose

up and made a heated address to the audience, appealing to their patriotism and urging them not to patronise the theatre.

more.

MOUSSORGSKY'S NEGLECTED

MASTERPIECE.

FILMS

MAIL.

THE. CHINA

ROUND THE CINEMAS

MR. PURCELL'S CHINA PLAY.

How It Was Received.

SUE CAROL PLAYED CLEVER RUSE.

ON FILM CELEBRITIES.

RADIO

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME.

The following programme will be broadcast to-day from the Hong Kong Broadcasting Statión Z.B.W. on 356

metres:-

6 p.m.-Chinese Programme. 7 pm-European Programme" of Victor Records,

Petrouchka Suite" (Strawinsky),

"Apollon Musagete-Ballet"

Boston Symphony Orch. (6398A)

(Strawinsky),

Boston Sympho "Your Song From Paradise".

Orchestra

Reinald Werrenrath-Baritone Traviata-Selection" (Verdi),

(1389A)

"Venetian Love Song" (Nevin),

Creatore's Band (35807A). "Spring Song (Mendelssohn),

Fiorentine Quartet, (20195A) "Gema from The Mikado," (Gilbert.

and Sran),

Victor Light Opera, Co.,

(3570A).

nor),

Washington Post March" (Sousa), "El Capitan March" (Sousa),

Sausn Band, (20191A) Tannhauser-Pilgrims 'Chorus" (Wag "Trovatore-Anvil Chorus (Verdi),

Victor Light Opera Co. "Gems from. The Love Song" (Offen- :

(35757A).

bach),

Student Princo"

Victor Light Opera Co. (35757A). "Tales from the Vienna Woods-Waltz

(Strauss),

How Sue Carol was coaxed into taking a test before the motion.pic. Moscow, June 17.

turo camera and how sho ios al. Perhaps the most striking achieve.

most dragged into the studio has often been told, but recently Miss ment of the State Opera-House 'here

London, June 15,

Carol' confessed that she was acting during the past season has been the

We are now used to Chinese all the time and completely fooled revival of Moussorgsky's opera, entertainers, Chinese plays, and the Nick Stuart and a certain casting

director. "Khovans china," so-called from the like, but for the first time since the Princes Khovansky, father and son, introduction of broadcasting we had mind to try for a screen career and, "Zamboanga."

Miss Carol secretly made up her who play prominent roles in the this week a broadcast by Chinese. being an intelligent young woman, The members of the Chinese orches-made highly original plans. She work.

Written by Moussorgsky on the tra in London agreed to provide the studio gatea, so she decided to com- had seen others fall to crash the eve of his death and instrumented to music for the play "He went, topel the studio gates to crash her, so "Khovanstchina" is some extent by Rimsky-Korsakov, China" which formed part of the to speak.

A neglected programme on this occasion. The Pretending she did not want to mustorplece. Quite comparable with play was written by Mr. V. W. W. S. take the test

and declaring she "Boris Godunov" ia strength i

would never consent to act in motion and richness of melody, in 'dramatic Purcell and Mr. Lance Sieveking pictures, the more content and in saturation with the both widely versed in matters Chin- mere her friends insisted and Anally she talked the atmosphere of the Russian Middle ese. Miss Nelste Nevard song songs she consented to emote before the Ages (which lasted two or three in Chinose, and supporting her were centuries longer than the corres- the Chinese members of the com- equal to anything she has ever done

camera, "just to please them.”

This bit of acting was, perhaps, ponding period in Western Europe) it is almost unknown outside of pany, O. Noh, a Limehouse barber, In pictures. At any rate, it was Russia and is comparatively seldom blan Sun, Moh Yee, Yong Fook, convincing and she became a screan given here.

Chow For, Kwai Won, Chang Fat actress, while her friends gave "Gems from The It is sometimes difficult in Russia and Yat. Mr. Yat played a kam, themselves credit for everything. to disentangle the past from the the Chinese equivalent of a piano, any

Miss Caral kept her secret a long present. Ono of the outstanding which he manipulated with time.

It was only recently, while arias in "Khovanitehina," sung by two sticks." the boyar Shakhlovity, is a prayer the band by striking a box-like con- "Lone Star. Ranger," For Movietone Mr. May Sun led cast in the leading feminine role in that some divine envoy may appear trivance with his baton: The vocal all talking thrilling romance of the to save long-suffering "Rus" (the chorus was recruited, from the sea-South-west, that she admitted hav old name for Russia) and that God faring population of Limehouse, anding fooled her finance, Nick Stuart may not allow "Rus" to perish. Atsang folk songs. All the Chinese, and her friends. a performance of the opera during it is stated, were

Sue had, until she was given her. deeply the tense winter months, when the picious of the microphone at first, role in this Zone Grey picture, been former propertied classes, which and were very nervous in approach enacting "flapper" roles. might conceivably have identified ing it. But when they were con- she plays the part of a sweet and themselves with "Rus," were suffer- vineed that the instrument was unsophisticated girl. Possibly this ing the hardest blows of the new harmless they were proud to be the circumstance influenced her change social order, the singing of this aria frst Chinese artists to broadcast in of heart. provoked an outburst, of applause London. Comments after the broad-

Miss Carol plays opposite George) that seemed a little too hearty and cast were variad, hut it was felt that O'Brien In The Lone Star Rang-h prolonged to be inspired by purely there was not enough local colour.er" and they furnish the love in "After. musica! appreciation.

There were not enough Chinese.terest in this picture, which is Sun- actors and'' not enough the language spoken.

of day's feature at the Queen's

cipal actors or talkers were

The prin- Theatre..

two Britons,

one of whom

MOTHER SHOULD SEE THIS said "Let's go to China." A gong was

TALKIE. banged and there we were. Mr.

The following is the full text of Mr. Harold Lloyd's letter:

May 29, 1930.

The Hon. Henry K. Chang,

Consul General of The Republic of China, San Francisco, California.

Sir:

"As you are doubtless aware, I am extremely anxious regarding the "Welcome Dinger" situation in China. Naturally. I was very much, disappointed at the reception which the picture was accorded in Shang hal, and until my talk with you and with Consul Huston from Shanghai, I have been at a loss to, understand what the Chinese objection to it WCS. want to be frank with you, as you were with Mr. Joseph Reddy, our Publicity Manager, and to ex-

this situation.

"I desire to state most emphatic- ally that at no time did I ever intend to cust any rollection upon the national, dignity of your esteemed country or to hurt the feelings of the Chinese of whom I have the highest regards. Your outline of the position of your countrymen with regards to the picture throws un entirely different light on the situation for me.

It may have been a pure coincid, ence: but after this performance the opera vanished from the reper- tory, for several months. However, by June the incident, if it had originally attracted attention, was

E

THREE GOOD PICTURES IN

A ROW.

That's William Powell's record as

Paramount star.

First was

"Street of Chance," Then "Shadow

819-

:

Now

Marguerite Churchill, as Louise

(Romberg),

Internation Concert Orchestra

"Humoresque" (Dvorak),

(357768).

Venelian Trio (20130A) Jocelyn-Berceuse," (Godard), (Introduction and Moorish Kailet) "Alda-Grand

March and Finale" "Narcissus" (Nevin).

(Verdi), Creatore's Band. (35780B)

Florentine Quartet (20443A) Mignon-Gavette" (Thomas), "Cavalleria Rusticana"-Intermezzo

Tales of Hoffman-Barcarolle, (Offen.

(Mascagni),

Concert Orch. (20011A) ther Report.

bach),

p.

I'm entry."

's Song" (Mansey),

Jesse Crawford Pipe Organ Solo

(19980A).

"Gems from "Coconuts," "Gems from Junay","

Victor Light Орста Company

(35700A) "Caprice" (Ogarew), "The Bee" (Schubert),

Alexander Schmidt Violin Solo

(20614A)

plain fully our position in regard to evidently forgotten or considered W. W. Duckworth writing in the mothers plot Incessantly to get them Waltz in D Flat" (Chapin),

Daughters whose well meaning unimportant; because "Koranst- Daily News said that if he had been "suitably married" would do well to "Amaryllis" china" was presented again with a O. Noh, or Man Sun or Wun Lung brilliant cast. ·

or one or other of the Chinese troupe "Harmony At Home," all talking

insist that these parents see "Minust in G." his patriotic feelings and racial

Victor Concert Orch. (20169A) Fox Movietone picture directed by "In the Evening by the Moonlight,” pride would have been outraged by

"Sweet Adelino", the insults levelled at his company,

Hamilton McFadden.

Peerless Quartet (20055A) and he would have flung his yee pin

Based upon the tremendous suc- "Wind Amongst the Trees" (Bric down on the Studio floor and walked cessful New York stage play, "The cialdi), out of the building. They had to Family Upstairs," "Harmony At "At the Brook" (Boladeffre),

Venetian Trio (20344A) the floating corpses In the river, the listen to all the Chinese horrors Home" is the saga of the real "The Jolly Coppersmith,"

American family.

"Don't be Cross-Waltz" leprous dogs, and the native dishes

Arthur Pryor's Band of mice and treacle. The story of Haller, falls in love with Rex Bell

(20318A). "He went to China"

9.30 pm-A Relay from the Vo- who plays Dick Grant, a young bank was really a The mother-of-pearl workers, the Briton's, stroll through Canton. clerk. The story tella bow her lunteer Headquarters Garden Road

budding romance is almost blasted of the Promenade Concert ar

river, the music in the restaurant William Collier, Sen, famed come the airens sounding on the sleepy role, to hasten

of mother, Elizabeth Patterson's

p.m... (Approx.)—Cloca a wedding day. Down. these were just as we had imagined them but with a little bit of local dian heads the cast in the father colour thrown in from Limehouse. And then a shril! whistle that re- minded the listener of a teo appre- clative Cockney in the gallery at Drury Lane registered a Chinese revolution.

"When we started to produce "Welcome Danger," we engaged. a staff of Chinese experts to guide us

of The Law"

"

Now For The Defence."

in a path that we felt would prevent Glendale. The audience; spell-bound, coolie gangs at work, the students. through the well-intentioned efforts ranged, by the H.K.V.D.C.

us from casting any reflection on China as a nation or its people as individuals, Every situation, which involved the use of Chinese charac- ters was talked over with this staff before we filmed the scene.. In were filming the picture under the other words we considered that we bast advice obtainable. After the picture was proviewed, we had ab solutely no reaction from Chinese sources and even after it had been shown throughout this country, we racalved no complaints from Chinese quarters..

It was. previewed in July at

of applause that greeted Powell's never budged, after the initial burst

name on the main title..

role.

"DANGEROUS CURVES."

The combination that made Street of Chance" was given the assignment of making "For The Defence." It has the same star, leading woman, director and author, Oliver H. P. Garrett, ex-newspaper man whose original story for Street of Chance" won him a now Paramount contract, wrote this, one, also an original. John Cromwell, whose notable direction was a fea- BAYREUTH FESTIVAL picture, "Dangerous Curves" at the

ture of "Street of Chance" as it was of "The Texan," surpassed himself here. Kay Francia-again plays op-

The Clara Bow fans turned out in large numbers yesterday to see and hear their favourite in the "much heralded role of bareback rider and female Pagliacci, In the feature

Central Theatre.

+

posite Powell and again demons- MODERNISING "TANNHAUSER.” [a by-word in parlour, bedroom and

trates her ability by her intelligent, sympathetic work in a sophisticated

yet romantic role.

The scenes

...

"At that time I had not heard of the complaints which had been filed

They were not disappointed, even at your Consulate General, other

though the girl who has made "It" wise I would have consulted you immediately. Naturally, we felt

bath failed to furnish material of that it had been accepted in the

the mad flapper variety. In fact spirit of fun in which it was pro-

Berlin, June 19. there must have been those who duced. Any thought that the pic characterisation that shines out as year's Festival at Bayreuth, which a part which called for more serious But it is Powell's magnificent Rébearsals have begun for this were delighted to hear their idol in ture might be construed as casting the highlight of the picture. He opens any reflection upon China or the

on July 22. Bayreuth this acting as a complement to the cus- Chinese Was farthest from my plays Bill Foster, New York's most time, apart from mourning Cosima tomary vigour and vivacity of La mind. Consequently, all the greater defence attorney. He plays. Foster ways. For the first time the aum-

brilliant, most sensational "criminal Wagner, will be unique in many Bow," was our astonishment and surprise

of "Dangerous when we learned of the action that as hard, cold and successful, yet ber of pilgrims from France and Curves" and the excellent sound had been taken in Shanghai after with warmth and tenderness for the Italy will exceed these from England atmosphere as well-are those of the picture had evidently been woman he loves the only human he and America, due obviously to the big circus. Miss Bow is the bare passed by the proper authorities.

can trust. Then he finds evidence engagement of Toscanial for the back rider in love with "Richard "However, that much of the story that even she cannot be relied upon. performances of "Tannhauser For Arlon, a tight-rope walker. Kay is now ancient history. What I am While stunned by the shock of the first, time Siegfried Wagner is Francia is the vamp who gathers all anxious to do is to offer my sincere juror-the Arst crooked net of his musical world of Germany, in which until the hero learns that Kay ta believing her unfaithful, he bribes a given whole-hearted praise by the of Arlen's misplaced love to herself apologies to China and to her people, through you, if I have in any way career. And down comes his re-his-position as son of his father has false,

Miss Bow displayed vigour and en been no easy one. But these efforts without sacrificing anything of the production. She appears as the family pride are being acclaimed. striving little trouper who is not The "Tannhauser" Is his master back rider, but who has ambitions satisfied with her success as a bare- plece. The modernisation of the in other Belde. She practises cour- "Venusberg" is the chief attraction ageously on the tight-rope in order to all those who have sighed at the to be near the man she loves and painstaking, but none too ethereal finally wins laurels as a clown wire inmates of that fantastic resort of performer. Nothing of the old pleasure as seen on the average dizzy Rapper attitude is shown, in German operatic stage. Stegtried this picture. It fa all substantial; Wagner himself will conduct the characterful acting

putation, his enormous prestige, as

reflected' upon her national pridehis enemies, jealous at his success, of his to bring Bayreuth up to date thuafasm of new kind throughout||

and dignity,

I felt that our entire action was

fall on him ilke wolves, and even his Inid in a comedy premise and would friends turn away. So it is that he be, accepted as such. Since I have takes the journey that his efforts learned of the objection on the part have saved countless of his clients of the Chinose to what was intended the walk across the Bridge of to be an innocent bit of fun, I have Sighs, the ride up the river to ordered its complete withdrawal Ossining. But, at the prison gates,

his girl awaits him, there to con vince him of her love and to give him hope and faith that she will be there when he gets out.

from China.

two cycles of the Ring alternat- In addition to Arlen and Miss ing with the darling of the Munich Francis, plendid support is furnish musical world. Kari Elmendorffed by David Nowell, Anders

It la worthy of note that In spite Randolph May Boley

But I do want you to know that I am very much concerned over the unfavourable reaction of the thin ese people. It grieves me to feel The picture is tight with suspensa that I have even seemed to reflect and drama, and should be rewarded upon the dignity or pride of any with good and perhaps outstanding nation, and I hereby extend, through business in any type of theatre. It you, my sincore regrets to the Great has novelty. There have been Republic which, you so ably repre-scores of pictures about underworld come and spand their sent Bellove me, when I say, that characters gangstera, gamblers, Bayreuth, Germans ther Lifeves racketeers. Herate the all parts of the coun

Roy

of the desire that foreigners should Barnes, Joyce. Compton, Charles T. Brown, Stuart-Erwin-and-Jack Luden. In addition to these there circus clowns, trainers, bakers, venders and

form he audience "extras

sundry

plotura

I am a great admirer of your ma of the man who defends them large apertion of people civilisation and culture and that I would not intentionally do in the courts of law, and who lives This year their enthusiasm la aeriall anything to break the bonds of by his wits as much as they, yet greater than friendship which bind me so closely ivas within the law. The geo being told t

criminal lawyer's Jobs Is high being made to my many Chinens friends,

tension, crafty dangerous work and that's the way Fowall plays ale made to-ord

HAROLD LLOYD,

which are unade in by those whore ROA

all-dialogue. It is picture with a

11:30

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