Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1935)

PHOTOPLAY MAGAZINE FOR DECEMBER, 1935 93 Marlene Dietrich has changed. She's doing comedy now, and you're in for an agreeable surprise when you see "Desire." In this bit, she explains to Doctor Alan Mowbray that her husband wears, of all things, lace nighties. Don't ask us why — that's the scenario writer's idea. Not only that, but he thinks he's a girl and wants to play with dolls. Now this is a pretty state of affairs for any husband. But for La Dietrich's husband to go around crimping his hair is hardly cricket. Not even as much fun, we'd say. Dr. Mowbray tells Miss Dietrich not to worry. He'll have her husband out of lace nighties and back in pyjamas in no time. The scene is played in a straight faced gravity that has you holding your sides. I'm worried about Mr. Dietrich, though. VJONE of the desperados in M-G-M's ■^1" Robin Hood of Eldorado" wear lace nighties. This is a rough, yet romantic, outdoor costume film based on the thrilling life of Marietta, California's Robin Hood bandit. Warner Baxter is the star. He wears a handsome black and silver Caballero outfit, gun hanging from his side and his middle wrapped with a twenty-foot cummerbund. The film is completed when we call except for one retake. The scene is the interior of a mountain cabin, the exterior having been shot in Sonora, California, the heart of the gold country. Ann Loring, getting her first big break, plays opposite Baxter. She is a dark, lithe girl, poised and seemingly of great promise. Wild Bill Wellman, who cracked up so many planes during the war they called him the German Ace, directs this dramatic bit. Baxter is thanking Miss Loring for having helped him. "I am a woman," she tells him. "Of course I would help you." " But you are deeferent," he accents. (Sure, the Spanish use that line, too.) Before their love scene can get down to facts, one of Baxter's screen friends breaks in to warn him that danger is approaching. It is a highly exciting scene the way Baxter plays it. And when he dashes out the door, you feel as if you'd like to follow him and see the fight. But outside all is suavity and dated elegance. For you have wandered onto another set and this is New York's Savoy Hotel of the late nineteenth century. It is, for the nonce, whatever a nonce is, Anna Held's suite. Luise Rainer, the screen's current'discovery rave, plays Anna Held in "The Great Ziegfeld." She's a tiny thing with great big brown eyes that dominate her mobile, delicate face. Resting between scenes, she wears a flowered kimono. She talks about her dog, which she has just acquired and of which she is very proud. "Have you got a playmate for him yet?" director Bob Leonard asks her. " What is that, a playmate? " she asks in her accented voice. "It's a — well — I mean, did you get him another dog to love?" "Poof! He will find one for himself." The one and only Bill Powell plays Ziegfeld. Maybe it's just admiration, or maybe it's gratitude because she co-starred with him in "Escapade," but whatever the reason, Miss Rainer's eyes are filled with more than friendship when she looks at the sleek Mr. Powell. The scene we watch Powell do is the one wherein he tries to convince Anna HeWs maid that it would be a good publicity stunt to have the French take milk baths. Mr. Powell, the smoothie, could convince anyone of anything. your costly perfumes Lentheric Says: "An atomizer is a subtle accomplice of fine perfumes . . . Spray your favorite odeur to bring out its most delicate, most enchanting qualities." With a closure-equipped DeVilbiss Atomizer, your expensive perfumes will not evaporate, or spill . . . Spraying is recommended by leading perfumers to enhance the fragrance of the perfume. And the fine spray prevents staining . . . See the many beautiful styles of DeVilbiss Atomizers, in both imported and domestic glass, at department or drug stores. You will be interested in the smart Eau de Cologne Atomizers. DeVilbiss prices start at $1.00.