1936-01-18 — Page 8

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPII, SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1030,

NEWS OF NEW FILMS

H. G. Wells Finds

A Mate For King Kong

HG. WELLS is a sly one.

If you want to know the time, the telephone exchange will oblige; but if you want to know what Mr. Wells will be doing for the ensuing year, the only way you can find out is by buying "Who's Who" in, advance.

This best read of all books issued its 1936 edition a few days ago. Knowing Mr. Wells, I had a look at his new batting order.

Right at the end comes this:-

Has created three films: "Things to Come," 1935; "Man Who Could Work Miracles," 1936; "The Food of Greatness," 1936.

Whereby hangs a good tale.

For, now emerges the final fact that next October King-Ifenry-the- Eighth-Korda, takes hold of this ald Wells fantasy to turn it into a miracle of modern trick camera work.

Jau Klopura has added a fourth' tongue to his repertoiro in "Give us this night." Italian. Maybe there's something in the peace movement after all..

The cinoma folk have started their Chinese Now Year shopping early, so to-day I am able to announce the Imposing line-up of A1 pictures offer- ed for your entertainment for the

Two scientists discover a formula for accelerating growth. They try it on chickens; then the bees get at it forthcoming Festival of Spring.

and finally a horde of monstrous great things swarm country.

The Year of Ping Chi is an import- the peaceful snt one in modern Chinese history for, in the land that is thousands of years old, it marks the Silver Jubilee Gluttons for knowledge or punish- or twentyfifth year of the Republic.

The Year of Yuet Hoi

ende

on

ment (if you can choose between), Thursday next week, and Ping Chi the scientista give the hell-brew to commences on Friday. their children, who grow to be giants. Perhaps in love, perkaps lonely, they

So, on those days, the local theatres

make and breed a race of mon as are making in even greater bid for high as the Blackpool Tower. They your patronage than they did on the declare war on mortals and bomb Christian New Year.

London to bits. (Mr. Wells is fond Look at this line-up, and then say of bombing London.)

that you won't go to the pleturca

Full Implication of the above" is next week:" that Britain's senior film fan has succeeded where all Hollywood failed. Astaire He has found. "King Kong" a mate.

-(Alhambra):

Fred nan

Hat" Top

and Ginger Rogers vivacious and carefree story as only they can play it. Irving Berlin num- born "Cheek to Check," "Caught In the Rain," "Top Hat. White Tie and

MS now reported that Garbo's next Tails."

In less likely to be "Dame aux

+ Camelias" than "Tovarich,'

Leonto- "Thanks

a Million" (King'a) in vich'e stupendous London success. which you'll see Paul Whiteman and That's much more like it. At the his Band for the Arst time since moment New York deny the deal, but "King of Jazz". Then, in case you're It may still come to something. bard to please, the Yacht Club Boys. Rubino the Violinist, Dick Powell Latest Hollywood horror is lyric and Ann Dvorak thrown in for more writers who put their latest songs ou than good mensurC. their Christmas carda.

►

•

"Page Miss Glory" (Queen's) is Marion Davies' first vehicle for War- ner Brothers, with effervescent Dick

ṬRVING THALBERG is building a Powell opposite and Frank McHugh IRVING

whole city of Verona, over 100 (don't say you didn't like him as the Wall in Midsummer Night's Dream") acres, for his wife's Juliet.

always comical cutting да ал ex- Virginia Bruce is starring now, client antidoto for the blues:

It was bound to happen in the end.

"Bonnie Scotland" (Oriental) is the Thomas Carlyle gets a credit for major second release fim. It's been the "Tale of Two Cities" film. It reviewed so much that further com-

Laurel than that it's appears Hollywood adaptors are in ment

Hardy's best is unnecessary. debted to his French Revolution.

WRITE TO THE ENTERTAINMENT PAGE

1935 FILM

HONOURS

•

What about running another bal-thunder belongs to "Previewer" of lot, same as last year, to find out the, South China Morning Post, who was Hongkong's most popular who'll undoubtedly be on the job

Boon.) star of 19357 I'd give my vote

Re your request. Here's one again to Ginger Rogera, with sub- sequent places to Gary Cooper, who'd like to see a live Bridge George Arliss, Elisabeth Bergner, column, Instead of those punk re- Eleanor Powell, Charles Laughton, prints from the United States.-

And It shall be done.) Norma Shearer, in that order. while you're about it, what about a popularity contest for films as well This Page wants your assistance. as stars. I'd nominate "Lives of Any bright suggestions, contribu- a Bengal Lancer," "Escape Metlons, letters, bricks, bouquets, will upon. Address Never," "Thin Man" and "Becky bo avidly, seized Sharpo" as four of the outstanding. them to "First Night." Secretaries; -S.G., Kowloon (Star contest |otc, NOTE,

WIRELESS WHISPERS

A HANDCLAP FOR THE TUNEFUL TRIO

ALL quiet on the wireless front.

One big thing planned by ZBW for next week, however. That'll bo a running commentary on the Interport Ragger match between H.K. and S'hai. Same lines as the commentary on the game with the Enzeders last Thursday.

SPECIAL HANDCLAP to the Piano Trio who gave their second per- formanco last Wednesday, and are booked for several other recitals. That's jazz as it ought to be, even though the announcer is apt to fall over pianos if he roams too much around the studio.

Bridge addlets (are there a sufficient number who'd be interested in a feature on this Page?) were catered for in an excellent talk by M. E. Politi on tho BAMO. evening. Ko'll give his second and third of the series "The World Lliga Olympic-on Inonday, January 22 and 20, same time:

Old favourite, Li Chor Chi, in scheduled for recital to-morrow night. He'll be assinted by Nowzealandor Prue Lewis (who saw the football match, thank you!), and Lindsay Lafford:

Rev. C. B. B. Bargent ....

Make a note that next week's programmes on Thursday and Friday will come to you via ZEK, ZBW is reserved for Chinese programmes-New Year. On Now Year's Day, you'll hear a visiting artiste, Miss Dorothy Hughes, who is reported to be something out of the bag.

Half column photo in this commor is of Rev. C. B. I. Bargent, Head- master of Diocesan Boys' School and backbone of ZBW's operatic broad- sad Departed from Colony this week on leaver ZBW is going to find it bard to fill vacanty until he returne with, we hope, plenty of recitals for us.

ENTERTAINMENT

STAR OF THE WEEK NO. 4 in Claudette Colbert Fine per- formance in "She Married Her Boss" makes her eligible for topside classification in "Star of the Year." Is French, born In Faris Anno Can do Domini 1005, and began her 31st, winter September 13 lant things with charcoal and paints, and at first had high hopes of becoming An artist. Fate Just added a little "e" at the end of artist, and having shown this slight disregard for her wishes, then plled her Divorced with fortune. Best picture, "Young Man of Manhattan." Arst hubby, Norman Foster, shortly after last birthday; re-married (to Dr. Noel Pressman) last month.

CURRENT CINEMA

She brackets

with Garbo

TO-DAY is your last opportunity to see the film ("She Married Her Boss"-King's) that makes Claudette Colbert our star of the week.

"FIRST NIGHT”

TELLS WHY

50 Respected Residents

Home at 3 a.m.

On Tuesday

FIFTY people kept in the Queen's Theatre until after

two o'clock in the morning.

And, as a result, fifty young Hongkong men and women-especially those with wives or husbands, had to do some tall explaining when they staggered home in the sma' wee hours,

cans.

to be thinking of their warm beds. Dance numbers should also be shroffed happened on Tuesday night, and up a lot. the victims-? The Philharmoni

has ended. But concerned, public-saw on Wednesday, Thurs- I've another grouse against the Com- The performances you the paying MY grouse, as far as the show is day and Friday nights wore in mittee. Year after year, they ap- finitely better than that given at the

point a Secretary and forget to sp Full Dress Rehearsal on Tuesday.

point a man who, during the time just Parts of it were, to say the least, preceding presentation of their shows, is a Most Important Personage. I'm referring to 1 rather painful.

Publicity Agent. Secretary Down at the Seamen's Institute Publicity is not work a they call the Rev. Cyril Brown, who should be asked to undertake. He's is producing "A Country Girl" for the got his hands full. So have news Philharmonic, the "Fighting Parson." paper reporters. They can't be ex- pected to chase all over the Colony But you should have heard what a after information and photographs, lot of the Philharmonie people called and if they don't get thom-fret go. them for losing him when, after finishing the Full you can't blame Dress Rehearsal at 12.40 a.m., he told enthusiasm for things Philharmonic. them that it was so ragged that they'd have to do it over again.

Of such things are succjaiful shows made.

This is where the ADC. puts it all over the Philharmonic, You: know where to go for your information, and you know you'll get it.

That you see no Philharmonic

Do it over again they did, too. Over Afteen of the cast (Including some of the principals who badly photographs on this page to-day isn't needed the extra rehearsal) escaped my fault. before the producer could prevent

Newspapers like to display some- their departure. But the others stay thing original on their feature pages, ed-and liked it.

and the only offerings from the Phil-

P. S. The Rev. Cyril Brown didn't harmonic were the six frozen-faced have to do any explaining when he pictures published a week ago. arrived home. His wife, as one of A tip, Philharmonic Committee. the principals, perforce had to stay, When you're outgoing, and your sue

too.

FINAL

·

•

cessors are Incoming, recommend the

appointment of one of their number as Publicity Man Let him apend a Country bit of money. It'll pay you.

INAL Philharmonic "A

Girl" shows will be this afternoon and to-night.

Go and see it.

Thros things, besides the artistes already mentioned, Philharmonie are There is, of course, no comparison to be complimented upon, between polished finish of A.D.C.

of visible roughness

One is the Scenery, designed

Rolled

FRED ASTAIRE and GINGER

ROGERS... still a team.

Astaire And Ginger

Rogers Are Still A Team

CABLE TO HONGKONG

RED ASTAIRE and Gin- ger Rogers, dancing stars of "Roberta" and "Top Hat" are not parting.

They will appear together in at least two films.

RKO-Radio wanted to know the why and the wherefore when story was printed in. Hongkong. that the two stars had split because of differences. So they cabled to Hollywood.

Philharmonic offerings, mainly be- and built under the direction of T. V. (reprinted from a London paper) cause latter necessarily works on a Harmon and painted by Chan Slu

•VIRAL canvas..

ages

Fong.

Second is the costumes, which are I will say this. "A Country Girl" is the best effort Philharmonic exquisite. You wouldn't find any Here is one of those happy little pictures which, for has made for many years, and pres- thing better anywhere..

Third is orchestra, ably conducted revival in future activities. Rev. no particular reason and to the surprise of every one Brown is mainly responsible, by A. B. Yule, who at times had a including the producers, tumble out of the bag from time but he has been mors fortunate than dificult task, well accomplished. to time just naturally right side up, and help to make the predecessor-directors in that he has cinema a brighter place.

not

The presence of Claudette Colbert musical spectacle mainly notable for in a fim seems to have a mysterious the film debut of Nino Martini, a chemical effect on east and production Continental singer whose personality staff alike. A general tendency is is one which moviegoers will noted in all to effervesce, to bid dull forget, care begone and give the appearance of

ying rather than working.

about the studio.

He sings an approved mixture of ht opera and romantic lyric, and Gambarelli is supported by Marla and Ernestine Schumann-Heink

jurer Jesse Lasky, who was

had far better material-to-mould..

Ginger was so burned up at the rumour that she cabled back por sonally, denying it.

Hongkong's 1935 favourite is under contract to RKO-Radio to. make four more pictures, two-of- them with Fred "Legs" Astaire. This is in addition to "Follow the Fleet," which they have just finish-

·FACTS: '"'A Country Girl" Atul produced "as "Daly's Theatre London -- by --- Georga Edwardes in 1901. First produced in Hong-

A.D.C. kong by

Stoya! at Theatre December, 1908, G. 1, Lammert playing Geoffrey Challoner, Harry Hancock (now In of

local ed. well-known England, brother A.

played · Boogisa crickster Dick Hancock) Verity. Was produced by John Robertson,

UTSTANDING in cast are · Anne Winter (a real find, she), Winnie Lawson, Jack Grenham, Jordan, Nina Valentine, W. Gill, Bobby Blake, in that order. They deserve real credit for excellent work. Violets to most of the girls in the shows, pansies to a lot of the men- With

still activaly associated with A.D.C. Pred

so accensial that 12 was revived, in c Wack following year. Local dialogue and dogerrel for cormat presentation

writin Alm can

H.K. Hotel

Her new picture is structurally one

Produced by that expert ress-why can't the latter buck up? of those which as a rule start me off writing ponderous essays on the fact of by Martini when he heard him in the exception of Jack Grenham, LA, that dialogue is not the esseNCO

↑ Europe a year ago, the film Is Gordon and W. Gill, they all seemed screen entertainment, only A sub- spectacular mixture of tune and ballet, sidiary factor. I belong, asy making a certain play for the popular | millions of disciples throughout the vote. world and elsewhere know, to that I recommend Martini, and quell the school of thought which belleves a

that his voice is good play's appeal,should be at least desire to remark

sweet. three-quarters to the ear, a good

His first film is one which contains film's at least three-quarters to the

charming things but never stops 'to deliberate over them, preferring to entertain all the while.

Tha

eye.

I cannot believe that the script of this picture would have given one any reason to think it would be above

average in entertainment value. It's youngary is the usual tale of a

windows.

riso to fame sponsored

CURRENT SHOWS

looks

Dusty Denver Invades The Gripps

A

by la. John Ropes, who left, Colony for England last week. He is n af Adrian lose, who wrote Lyric for original Tanner play in 1900.

"No question of Fred Astaire having new partner," said Ginger, "please deny rumour that we are splitting." ·

So that's that. And aren't we glad!

Grand Opera Ban

MUSSOLINI APPLIES SOME

SANCTIONS

TO H. K.

IN his own quist, little way, Il Duce has been applying some sanc-

tions to Hongkong.

When I tell you that these sanctions relate to Grand Opera, a lot of you will say that there must be something in the Covenant If so, you need read no further. This is a tale of woe for the

A lot of mothers in Denver of the League, after all.

City, Colorado (where high-brow

&

"

many lusty grand

had pull place

the tale of a department-store king's by a rich American woman who, of secretary, one of those frightfully course, cares for something more than efficient American ladies who yet man- his art. Thero ensue the usual mis- age to remain (at least in the movies) understandings and final reconciliation between the warbler and his true love. pure woman under the veneer.

For six years she has loved the There is no question that Martini boss, who has never noticed her. He is a singer of exceptional merit, and finally marries her in order not to for the sake of the numerous Mong lose her efficient services, and then sequences the film is worth your she has to be a wife in name only for while. Obviously Martini, already at the dust comes from) are For the purposes of my story let me for, for over 25 years, the Bignor. some time until he learns to care twenty-nine showing some of the

a citizen of Italy, whore, as you all Royal, with so which it takes a healthy skinful of quality of a Caruso, has a great future going to get a lot of news-first of all introduce Signor A. Carpl, periodically filled that old Theatre. whisky to make him do. The pair of in opern. Whether he is likely to paper clippings from Hong-know, the people don't have to have operatie totesince down. The walls them then have the grandeat time reach the hearts of the film. public

In fact, they'll sing in everything, were cracked... throwing bricks through his own shop remains to be scen. He has a frail, kong during the next few bath-tab in which to sing.

In other words, Signor Carpi is an diluted personality as an actor,

Singing You'd think this boss just couldn't hauntingly like, Hollywood's youthful weeks, with lots of eulogis-everywhere and everytime.

He doesn't confine. himself to to them as singing in a troopship en be made to scom human, but somehow producing genius, Irving Thalberg. tic reference to a lot of in a nightshirt comes just as natural importer of talent. Real talent. Melvyn Douglas does make you be Somebody is almost certain to call him

daughters.

route to Abyssinia, where the people purveying songs and dances for the. Hleve in him. Michael Bartlett, the a dry Martini.

Hello, Ma! Your daughters are don't sing and must, therefore, be highbrow, and right now quite a few of Hongkong's citizenry are interest- civilised. "On Wings of Song" tener, makes the

a knockout. Dr. Bocrates (Queen's To-morrow): conventional Other Man holding the

Perhaps that is why the Ethiopians ed in a sextette of his latest offering lonely wife's hand a character of gen- Queen's Theatre, booked by Philhar Boys, meet the Denver damoselles,

Girla at the Gripps. From left to right, as you see are objecting to the Italiane. But I to ENTERTAINMENT-the Galety

digress uing charm an Other Man with a monic, will show no films to-day.

Mr. Carpi is famed throughout tha Although Bignor Carpi is plassed real sense of humour. Raymond Wal- But to-morrow they re-open to the

them in the photograph on another burn is another of those delicious addicts of the slivery screen with a

page, they are Elsie Risoll, Jo. Far East. If you younger Empire about the girls, he is quite sad about butlers of whom Hollywood seems to gangster film that some people con--

Day, Madeline Deane, Maude Deane builders haven't heard of him your Grand Opera. have an inexhaustible supply.

sider is Paul 'Muni's best. Despite

and Helen Risoll.

education has been sadly neglected. For a dozen or so soldiers who are fighting in the front lines in Ethiopia gang- As for Edith Fellows, who plays Hongkong censor's ban on

Down hero

they're known as the Warner Brothers have the boss's revolting little daughter stardom, Tomarined by Claudette with hair mange to this one, through Gaiety Girls Falentina Ferrell who formance on their opening night at to-day should be singing in one of the

The wartetto, is the brush used where it docs most good, without much cutting. The plot a

non-Denverlan She Joined to make a long, long, stay in this free, happy troubadours of the Caruso she is the best, most unafected child unusual, and helps the film con Denver quins in, Shanghai. actor I have seen in a long while, Jean ably. It deals with doctor's un-

Back in the home town, the Gaiety Colony and if Manila anticipates them with steamer tickets, marked Dixon as Claudette's girl friend turns wilting connection with a bank, rald-

quins. (de Gaetano giris in, Shanghai: turn on there within the car "Hongkeng", in their pockets, and not

a lino on their brows. In another elegant performance. ing gang and how he eventually.

and elsewhere) cut their teeth to future, well, it's just too bad for

Manila.

Singing in Grand Opera, however, When I tell you that the best sceno, brings them to justice. Acting from

gether, went to the same school to SERIOUSLY Gasty Girls one of best acts for me was Michael Bartlett singing competent cast which, in addition to

gether, and wore taught dancing staged at Hongkong, Hotel in recent years, and is a "Madame Butterfly, sort, of the whole of "Parlez-moi-d'amour" to Muni, fncludes Ann Dvorak and Bar

together. After that they naturally gesthful eatetis shodit, attain sama peps existence, Ten days before the inda the Awful Child sitting by him on the ton Maclane, Is excellent.

gravitated all over the United States at a Cowan and Balley, their predecessor and lasslow were due to step up the

liked plano stool, you will realise that thin "She Married Her Boss" (Current, is a film whoso charm is indescrib- King's and Alhambra): You'll always together, their present trip East being ember in which the Deane, detere chowed gangplank of a Lloyd Triestina linor that it wasn't only their foot that they trained for the Far East, Italy captured of the man able, and must be seen to be appro- know when there's a good picture at their first abroad.

to do things. Diria dan't get much time for Adown, and the majority clated. The script rolles far too much either of these theatros, because the

Jelure. Work every night and rehearse from on dialogue, but, by making speech arrangement is that only outstand always secondary to facial expression ing fims are screened almultaneously. In getting his points over, director This--in my estimation Colbert's best La Lava manges to give it cinematic mis reviewed elsewhere on this page, quality.

"Here'd To Romance” (King's and "Here's to Romance," to-morrow's: Alhambra, To-morrow) is also offering at the King'e, is a lavish viewed elsewhere.

the

the Gripps indicates that TC TUO

to

And, believe it or not, they neither smoke nor drink! Which seems to

a. tomeen, sometimes langer Goed marched up, Instead, the gangplank, Indicate that Denver is a wowser city.

change of programme for insight, and there' of a transport. The suggestion was indignantly resets arend along. During their stay the Highbrow people will say that a Grippe exeries, this page's recommendation we little thing like a war shouldn't be futed.

Interfore with: Grand "We have lots of fun back there," N, 1 place, in which te tako reue ele allowed Opera, ***P.J. TO HONGKONG MENFOLK. “No good saki Elsig.

trying to make 6. dan, Evo, friede

The reception afforded their por

But we soldiers, don't care.