The Independent Film Journal (1954)

Curtis Bernhardt Finds 1 American Films Stress Action; Biographies Make Top Pictures By Richard Bernstein “There is a difference between European direction and American direction in motion pictures,” Director Curtis Bernhardt ex¬ plained in his M-G-M office, where he is preparing “Interrupted Melody,” the filmization of the life of opera star Marjorie Lawrence. “The European approach deals with the poetry of the story, and the mood of a pic¬ ture is just as important as the action,” the director explained. “In the American film, action is everything.” Bernhardt just returned from London, where he directed “Beau Brummell,” for M-G-M. This film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Stewart Granger and Peter Ustinov. “The story deals with the life of Brummell from the moment he meets the Prince of Wales until his death,” the director said. The film was shot in Eastman color for wide screen. “The pace of the studio in London and the tempo of the crew is slower than in the United States, but they are hard working,” Bernhardt explained. Bernhardt believes that biographical films contain the ing’redients of top box office. Of “Interrupted Melody,” he says, “this can be compared in a way to ‘The Stratton Story.’ It is the story of a triumph over handicap. It is an inspiring story.” The director pointed out that Eleanor Parker will play the courageous Marjorie Lawrence in the picture, which will be filmed in color and in CinemaScope. There will be quite a bit of post-production work on the film with a number of operas being worked into the film as post-production. Glenn Ford Cast Miss Parker’s co-star will be Glenn Ford. Of Ford’s role, Bernhardt says, “It is a very warm part. A difficult emotional part.” In “Interrupted Melody,” Bernhardt plans to tell the story of great human courage of a woman who sings half paralyzed because she doesn’t know the meaning of the word, “quit.” He will also have an array of the most beautiful operatic melodies in the world today. Every picture has its special problem and Bernhardt agreed that his biggest chore on “Interrupted Melody,” will be keeping a feeling of intimacy throughout the film, which is being done in CinemaScope. In Europe, Curtis Bernhardt directed Marlene Dietrich, starting with her first film, “The Woman Every Man Desires.” He also directed Maurice Chevalier and Jean Gabin. In England, he had his own pro¬ ducing company — British Uxxity Pictures. Title Change M-G-M: “Paris Story” is the new title for “The Loved and the Lost.” (Stars Anne Baxter and Steve For¬ rest; Mitchell Leisen directs). CURTIS BERNHARDT He came to the U. S. in 1940 and directed “My Love Came Back,” and “The Lady With Red Hair.” In 1941, he megged “Mil¬ lion Dollar Baby,” and, in 1942 “Juke Girl.” In 1943, he directed the musical, “Happy Go Lucky,” which starred Betty Hutton. Then came a succession of other hits, “Devo¬ tion,” “Conflict,” “My Reputation,” “A Stolen Life,” “Possessed,” “High Wall,” “The Doctor and The Girl.” Bernhardt directed the Jane Wyman hit for RKO, “The Blue Veil,” and also Bette Davis in “Payment On Demand” for RKO release. At Columbia, he directed Humphrey Bogart in ‘Sirocco.” Another M-G-M hit was his “The Meirv Widow,” which starred Lana Turner, while last year, he directed the suc¬ cessful Rita Hayworth starrer at Columbia, “Miss Sadie Thompson.” Ability With Stars Bernhai’dt is internationally known for his skill at getting top performances from top stars. Asked just how he does this, the di¬ rector smiled. “Since I woi-k as I do on the story of a film, I know each scene. I have a clear conception of each character’s part. I believe in letting the actor have individuality. I don’t believe in puslxing him into a straitjacket of conventionality.” The director pointed out that motion pic¬ tures now have a chance to discover new talent aside from motion pictures. Star material can be drawn from TV, he stated. Unknown people can get into TV and mo¬ tion pictures can scout TV for outstanding performers, who have motion picture poten¬ tial. He also added that TV can also supply motion pietui-es with some young directors too. “Dii’ectors should go on the road and meet the public,” the director said, “In fact, anybody who is connected with the making of motion pictures should have an inter¬ esting stoiy to tell the public about the making of motion pictures.” HOLLYWOOD... Gerald Mayer signed with M-G-M to di¬ rect “The Marauders,” a western adventure story. The film will be based on the novel by Alan Marcus. Arthur Loew, Jr. is pro¬ ducing from a Jack Leonard screen play. . . . Howard Duff signed for the male lead in Bryan Foy’s Columbia production, “Women’s Prison.” He recently completed the lead in Filmakers’ “Private Hell 36.” . . . David Butler will direct Warner Bros.’ forthcoming “Jump Into Hell,” a drama of the Indo-China war. David Weisbart is producing the film for the studio. . . . Mary Costa has been signed by Producer Stirling Silliphant to co-star with Guy Madison in “5 Against the House,” which will be di¬ rected by Frank Tashlin for the producer. * # # Lillian Gish has been set to make her return to films as Rachel in “Night of the Hunter,” Producer Paul Gregory announced. This will be her first film in eight years since her starring roles in “Duel in the Sun” and “Portrait of Jenny.” Shelley Winters and Robert Mitchum will co-star with Miss Gish in the film version of the best-selling Davis Grubb novel. * * * U-I announced that it has purchased “Dead Man Pass,” the “Saturday Evening Post” serial by Peter Dawson. Howard Christie will produce the film version of the story. . . . Paramount signed Fredric March for one of the top roles in William Wyler’s “The Desperate Hours,” to be filmed in VistaVision. March joins Hum¬ phrey Bogart, who was previously signed for the film version of the Joseph Hayes’ novel. * * * Parliament Pictures, headed by Allan J. O’Keefe, began production on its first pic¬ ture, “The Break in the Circle,” based on the best selling novel by Robert Westerly, on Aug. 16 with Forrst Tucker starring and Eva Bartok as the femme lead. The picture, which will be lensed in London and Germ¬ any, also has in the cast Michael Medwin and Herbert Lorn. Val Guest is directing. . . . Yvonne De Carlo arrived back in Holly¬ wood for huddles with William Dieterle on her upcoming role in Dieterle ’s “Magic Fire,” which he will make for Republic release. At signing of contracts for United Artists' “Night of the Hunter" are Paul Gregory, producer (seat¬ ed, (left) and Robert Blumofe, vice-president in charge of West Coast operations for UA. Looking on are (1. to r.): Director Charles Laughton, Eve¬ lyn Varden and stars Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters and Billy Chapin. THE INDEPENDENT FILM JOURNAL— August 21. 1954 33