20th Century-Fox Dynamo (April 1950)

1C veil though actual filming is not scheduled to begin until late May or early June, the picturization of Theodore Bennett's best-selling novel, ‘‘The Mudlark”, has already made international news. There is not a newspaper reader anywhere who has not read about the casting of Irene Dunne as Queen Victoria in this production. Not in years has a story facinated the reading public as much as has “The Mudlark”. Its readership runs into millions in the United States alone. Itis also England’s current best-seller. It has been translated into eight foreign languages. “The Mudlark” is a delightful story of a London ragamuffin and the highly improper disturbance he caused in the reign of Queen Victoria. The astonishing series of events that followed and the amusing characters in and about Windsor Castle who became involved, (including the great Disisraeli) is at once both charming and unconventional. There will be no more colorful screenplay presented moviegoers of the world this year than “The Mudlark”. Nunnally Johnson, who has adapted and produced many memorable picturizations of popular books, wrote the screenplay for “The Mudlark”. He also will produce it. Jean Negulesco, who will be recalled for his directorial contribution to “Johnny Belinda” and “Three Came Home”, will of- ficiate megaphonically. Irene Dunne, who is a free-lance was offered four roles in important projects of as many major studios. Hut, after reading the adaptation of “ The Mudlark”, she chose to play the part of Queen Victoria. This role is a far cry from Miss Dunne’s role in “I Remember Mama”, and in other notable motion pictures. Just who will play little Wheeler, the lovable ragamuffin, has not yet been deter- mined. Many candidates await screentests here and in England. One thing is certain even before filming is started: the youngster who qualifies for the role is destined for inter national stardom. But, he is one of many characters—most of whom shaped the world of the first half of the 20th Century—who appear in "The Mudlark”. The story begins in the 14th year of Queen Victoria’s retirement. But, it remains for the enterprise of the ragamuffin to bring Victoria, grieving over the death of her prince- consort, Albert, out of that retirement. The youngster slips past the guards of Windsor Castle, falls through an open coal-hole and works his way through the labyrinthine passages to the elaborately appointed dining room of the queen. There he is discovered by the skullery maid and hastily thrust behind the heavy crimson window : hangings, only to be found shortly thereafter and taken in charge by a bibulous Scottish retainer of the late-lamented Albert. All this happens on the very night Disraeli has dined with the queen in the hope of persuading her to emerge from retirement with the lure of a title Empress of India, a title which depended on the purchase of the Suez Canal, a loan of four million pounds from the famous Rothchilds, and the happiness of a certain Grenadier guard and Victoria’s maid of honor. Later that night Disraeli himself finds the ragamuffin and the irreverant retainer in the Throne Room. The little mudlark becomes a case nervously probed by Scotland Yard, vigorously discussed in the press and suspiciously regarded by Parliament. How Disraeli defended the youngster in a brilliant and adroit speech which changed the course of English history is one of the many memorable inci- dents in this delightfully ironic and witty story. Miss Dunne’s characterization of Queen Victoria promises to be one of the highlights of the film year of 1950. Her entire personal appearance is radically- changed for the sake of realism.Those who have viewed screentests of Miss Dunne as Victoria predict a thrilling experience for moviegoers. « r 1 4