Sapphire (Universal Pictures) (1959)

STARS OF NEW SUSPENSE DRAMA "SAPPHIRE" (2-F) Paul Massie (center), a prime suspect, is questioned by detectives Michael Craig and Nigel Patrick concerning the murder of a beauti ful girl in this scene from the fast-paced suspense film, “Sapphire’’. (Still 338-61) Top Film Producing Team Uses Real London Backgrounds (Current) Michael Relph and Basil Dearden, one of Britain’s top filmmaking teams, have chosen an intriguing subject for their latest production now playing at the_..........--...... Theater. It is the original suspense thriller, “Sapphire,” by writer Janet Green. And it is set among London’s student hostels, coffee bars; dives, and in the unpretentious house of a suburban family. It shows the many races which make up London’s teeming millions. It is the story of ordinary people caught up in a murder investigation. Relph and Dearden alternate as director and producer. This time, Relph is producer and Dearden director. Noted for the realism of their films . . . films such as ‘Pool of London,” ‘The Blue Lamp,” “‘The Ship That Died of Shame” and “Violent Playground” ... Relph and Dearden decided to brave the hazards of a London winter, and shoot the exteriors in authentic locales. So despite cold winds, ice and rain, they spent three weeks in the streets of London. The ‘Harris’ home was a semi-detached “SAPPHIRE” Suspense Movie's Title Kept Secret During Filming (Advance) When Michael Relph and Basil Dearden filmed the mystery thriller “Sapphire,” which opens at the LUE RSG ea sere fanie Theater, they were faced with a problem. For they thought the success of the film denended on the twists and turns and surprises of Janet Green’s plot being kept secret except to an essential few. And they went to unusual lengths to keep it that way. On leccation, the film had no title. On the clapper board was only a number... 338. That way the casual spectators—the crowds which always gather when film-makers shoot in public—were baffled. Tne unit shot on Hampstead Heath, by Chelsea Police Station, in Soho’s Charlotte Street, outside the Royal Academy of Music, in Earl’s Court, Westbourne Park, and North West London. But not one of the curious hundreds who saw the camera turn could discover the title of the film that was being shot. The large cast is headed by Nigel Patrick, Yvonne Mitchell, Michael Craig, Paul Massie, Bernard Miles, Olga Lindo and Earl Cameron. DETECTIVE QUESTIONS SUSPECTS (2.8) Victorian villa in Oakford Road, N.W.5. And the owner sold the Nottingham lace curtains from his-> front — parlor to ‘the set dresser, to give complete authenticity to studio exteriors. Other London locales were in such varying places as the Dartmouth Park Dairy, York Rise, Hampstead Heath; King’s Road, Chelsea; a Victorian terrace in Earl’s Court; Charlotte Street, Soho; and The Royal Academy of Music, Marylebone Road. Nigel Patrick and Michae] Craig, who with Yvonne Mitchell, Paul Massie and Bernard Miles head a distinguished cast, are the two detectives who investigate the murder in “Sapphire.” Olga Lindo (left) and Yvonne Mitchell are questioned by detective Michael Craig concerning the murder of a beautiful young girl in this scene from the fast-paced mystery-drama, “Sapphire’’. Nigel Patrick, Paul Massie and Bernard Miles are also starred in this exciting film. (Still 338-53) Even Movie Corpse Doesn't Know Killer In New Thrill Film (Advance) The beautiufl redhead who had just been murdered lay stretched on the ground. She looked pale, bloody and very dead. Director Michael Relph called SCs The corpse sat up forcefully, and plaintively asked: ‘Please PLAYS TITLE ROLE IN "SAPPHIRE" SAPPHIRE” (2E) English actress Yvonne Buckingham is seen above in a scene in “Sapphire”, fast-paced British suspense film which stars Nigel Patrick, Yvonne Mitchell, Michael Craig, Paul Massie and Bernard Miles. Miss Buckingham plays the title role in the new murder mystery. (Still 338-16) tell me. Who did kill me?” But no one was talking. Fantastic? Not really. The “Corpse” was 22-year-old film starlet Yvonne Buckingham. The film was Michael Relph and Basil Dearden’s suspense thriller “Sap Theater. Yvonne plays the title role... which could be a great step-up in any girl’s career. But she appears for only a matter of seconds in what must be one of the most restful roles ever played on the screen. When the film opens, her body is seen lying under some bushes on London’s Hampstead Heath. From that point, Yvonne is off the screen and the murder hunt is on. Who killed Yvonne? That is the secret that Rank’s Pinewood Studios kept from everyone in one of the tightest studio security checks for years. Only a few people knew the answer... the stars who were allowed to see the entire script and the technicians directly involved in production. And they were not talking. Paradoxically, one of London’s most publicity conscious Cover Girls was involved in a situation in which she could not discuss her part with anyone! Yvonne, a brown-eyed_ redhead from Yorkshire was philosophical. She is determined to make her headlines and get big roles. And she thinks that the part of the murdered “Sapphire,” whose life is unfolded in the film, might be the gimmick to get things started. SELL IT AS A GREAT SUSPENSE DRAMA! USE SPECIAL HERALDS TO “SAPPHIRE” SPREAD INTEREST IN A wide variety of uses can be made of a locally made up Herald using the photo of "Sapphire" seen here (right). Choose your captions from the following (or from the ads): Who Killed Sapphire? And Why? ?... Was It Love — or Hate — that Killed the Lovely Sapphire? ? Distribute these Heralds at High Schools and Colleges .. . at Supermarkets . . . inserted in newspapers .. . Cards ... and House to House. Still No. 6728-EX1 as Tack TV TELOP OR SLIDE Effective, dramatic Telops and Slides for television use are available on "Sapphire''. Your cost is $6.00 with theatre playdate and station identification information (to accompany your order) . .. and $5.00 without theatre playdate or station identification . . . Additional copies, $2.50 each for Telop or Slide. Be certain to state whether you are ordering Telop or Slide. Order direct from QQ TITLE CARD CO.., 247 West 46th St., New York 36, N. Y. SAPPHIRE STUNT Use a variation of the Raffles idea on "SAPPHIRE". Arrange with the circulation department of your local newspaper to print clues as to the whereabouts of the Girl of Mystery. Dress a beautiful girl in somewhat the same typical student attire as Sapphire with touch of red chiffon petticoat showing and have her at the scheduled areas listed by the newspaper. Those who first identify her each day get a rize — either cash, merchandise or courtesy guest tickets to "SAPPHIRE". To be eligible for the prize, however, the person must have a copy of the local newspaper sponsoring the search in his or her hands at the time of identification. SCREENING FOR POLICE Officials of the police department and particuarly the detective branch, will be interested in the solution of the crime in "SAPPHIRE". Invite them, together with police reporters of your newspapers, to a special screening in advance of opening. Newspaper stories in advance and following the showing would be logical and beneficial. STREAMERS and BANNERS Order direct from NATIONAL FLAG CO. 42 W. 2!st St., New York 10 In Canada: THEATRE POSTER SERVICE 250 Victoria St., Toronto, Ont. SUGGESTED COPY FOR LIVE RADIO SPOTS (ONE MINUTE SPOT) ANNOUNCER: From coast to coast, SAPPHIRE is being hailed as rare, superb and thrilling motion picture entertainment! The New York Daily Mirror says it’s “terse, tense and exciting. . .” and earnestly recommends it... The Los Angeles Mirror says it’s the “surprise ‘sleeper’ hit of the year . . . an absorbing murder mystery, the most unique of its kind since the memorable Laura in 1944 . . . The Chicago American says it’s “smashing good .. . one of the best” . . . The New York Daily News gives it four stars, the highest entertainment rating . . . Redbook magazine says it’s “one of the best” . . . Critics everywhere are praising the suspense, the intriguing, startling story of . a girl who . coming theatre. Dowt miss SAPPHIRE. (30 SECOND SPOT) ANNOUNCER: Some painted her white, some painted her black, but who painted her beautiful body blood red with murder? Don't miss SAPPHIRE, the startling motion picture coming theatre! SAPPHIRE, the picture being hailed by critics from coast to coast as one of the great surprise mystery dramas in years . . . New York Mirror says it’s “terse, tense and exciting’ . . . New York Daily News gives it four stars, the highest possible entertainment rating . . . Chicago American says it’s “smashing good” . . . Los Angeles Mirror hails it as “the sleeper of the year” ... Please don't YOU reveal her secret... In color... SAPPHIRE . a picture as unusual as its title .. . SAPPHIRE. (15 SECOND SPOT) ANNOUNCER: From coast to coast it’s being hailed as a rare expe rience in motion picture suspense! Don’t miss SAPPHIRE, coming theatre! The strange story of a strange beauty whose murder caused a sensation beyond belief! When you see it, please don’t you give away the shocking secret! In color . . . and unforgettable . . . SAPPHIRE! Page 3