Happiness Ahead (Warner Bros.) (1934)

Josephine Hutchinson Only Tailor-Made Screen Star Stage Beauty Makes Film Bow Opposite Dick Powell In “Happiness Ahead’’ OTION picture stardom is an accident, nine times out of ten. A lucky break, a freak role, an unexpected opportunity, well used; these things, more often than not, are what make screen stars, stars. It was different with Josephine Hutchinson, who has a stellar role opposite Dick Powell in the First National production ‘‘Happiness Ahead,’’ which comes to the ................ Theatre: on ‘eha..52 . Hers is to be a tailor made stardom a little unlike any other variety ever seen in Hollywood. The question in presenting Miss Hutchinson to the expectant motion picture public is not; ‘‘ Will the public like her?’’ but rather that equally important but infinitely more advanced query: ‘‘How will the public like her best???’ She has enjoyed a singular and authentic success on the stage, both in New York and London, as well as in a number of ‘‘key’’ cities in America. Her long association with Eva Le Gallienne and her repertoire theatres, has won her wide acclaim from critics and public alike. Miss Hutchinson underwent two weeks of intensive work in makeup, wardrobe and camera tests departments without posing for a picture or speaking a line which the public will ever see or hear. Her pale, fragile beauty is not an easy thing to catch completely on film. It must be preserved at all costs. Consequently Pere West' more, head of the First National makeup department and Hollywood’s ranking authority on camera beauty, took personal charge of her makeup and hair-dressing tests. He tried a dozen varieties of hair dress and an equal number of ‘‘tones’’ for makeup and photographed Miss Hutchinson in each. The results were studied carefully, not only by Westmore himself but by studio executives, expert cameramen and others whose opinions were considered valuable in the prospective launching of a new star. Beauty Hard to Photograph Her own personality, her own ethereal, child-like qualities which had already endeared her to many stage audiences must be retained aud Westmore’s job was to ‘‘set?? ali her beauty and appeal so that it could be captured definitely and certainly on film. A similar problem confronted Orry-Kelly, fashion designer for First National. Clothes can make or destroy as — sensitive a screen personality as Josephine Hutchinson is certain to be. Orry-Kelly and Miss Hutchinson, had long conferences and tried out innumerable ylor combinations and styles. Her own favorite color is brown, but brown is not always an effective color for the camera. These problems had to be worked out in the wardrobe department before a sewing machine could turn or a needle start on Miss Hutchinson ’g clothes for pictures. Cameramen took days to find the best lighting and angles to catch the subtle charm and exquisite chiseling of her features Given Unusual Treatment All of this work started after Miss Hutchinson had enjoyed three weeks of complete rest. She reached Hollywood worn out from the long run of ‘Alice in Wonderland’’ in New York and no attempt to do this necessary preliminary work with her was made until after she was completely restored to her full strength. This is by no means the usual routine for a new actress in Hollywood. It is as exceptional as Miss Hutchinson ig unusual. It was done only because First National knew it had in Josephine Page Ten Stardom Offered Miss Hutchinson On Silver Plate “Getting a break” in Hollywood usually means that after long and futile hammering at the gates, somebody gets in. Perhaps a small part after a fairly good camera test. Just a chance; that’s all. Not so with Josephine Hutchinson, who has the leading feminine role in the First National production “Happiness Ahead” which comes to the ....................... Dheatre: On ssa. 0 css She never knocked at any gate; she was sent for. When she arrived by plane, she was met by a studio representative. A pleasant dressing room was provided. Then the experts came in, and her personality was studied. Of the thousands of possible coiffures, only one could be the best. After two days, choice narrowed to two head dresses. Make-up tests went even further. The shades of difference in make-up are almost infinite. It took nearly a week of camera experiment to settle this question. The matter of clothes, which ordinarily would be the greatest problem was comparatively simple. According to Orry-Kelly, First National stylist, Miss Hutchinson has a personality that is so distinctive, the proper gowus almost suggest themselves. In “Happiness Ahead,” there was a part that young leading ladies dream about. The role was of a young society girl, whose love story carries her into situations that run the entire gamut from light comedy to gripping melodrama. Josephine Hutchinson got it. Dick Powell has the leading masculine role, while others in the cast include John Halliday, Frank McHugh, Allen Jenkins, Ruth Donnelly and Dorothy Dare. Catchy airs were written by the song teams of Wrubel and Dixon and Fain and Kahal. Mervyn LeRoy directed. COC SS Hutchinson, not another gamble, not just a possible screen personality, but a definite, certain, predestined star. In ‘‘Happiness Ahead’? Miss Hutchinson has the role of a wealthy New York society girl, who becomes sick of the shams of her set and goes out to seck romance and adventure an.ong the working classes. There is a strong supporting cast, which includes John Halliday, Frank McHugh, Allen Jenkins, Ruth Donnelly and Dorothy Dare. Catchy airs are sung by Dick Powell and others, the musie and lyrics for which were written by the noted song teams, Wrubel and Dixon, Fain and Kahal, and Kalmar and Ruby. Mervyn LeRoy directed the picture from the screen play by Harry Sauber and Brian Marlowe. ~ Sweethearts of the Screen Dick Powell and Josephine Hutchinson, the new star team of *Happiness Ahead” First National’s worthy successor to “20 Million Sweethearts.” Incidentally, you’re going to hear lots about this Hutchinson gal, so be sure to see her first hit at the ............... Theatre this week. Mat No. 1—20¢ Director Packs Comedy Into Thrilling Plot Director Mervyn LeRoy waved the banner of optimistic fun in ‘“Happiness <Ahead,’’ the First National production which comes GONG ser et. Theatre on: 5 20-3... ‘‘There never was a_ better time,’’ he said, ‘‘for cheerful, good natured comedy. We tried to put plenty of it in ‘Happiness Ahead’ because it is just the sort of story that responds to a light treatment, although there is plenty of drama. Personally, it’s my favorite combination—youth, beauty, music and laughter.’’ Dick Powell and Josephine Hutchinson have the leading roles. Thrilling Deeds In New Powell Romance The new First National production, ‘‘Happiness Ahead,’’ now showing at the .................. Theatre, glorifies one of the few unsung heroes of modern life—the window washer. This, of course, is incidental to the romantic thread of the story but has much to do with the romance, Washing dangerously high windows of the 60 and 70 story sky-scrapers of Gotham is no small problem. It is simply one of those things taken as a matter of course. In ‘‘Happiness Ahead’’ these daring mop and pail performers not only do their usual stunts, but engage in hair-raising fights with deadly enemies. Dick Powell as the brave young window-washer and Josephine Hutchinson as the beautiful cause of his heart-throbs are leading figures in this unusual big city romance. Actress Tells How To Rest Nerves “*You can rest your entire set of nerves through resting your feet,’? declares Dorothy Dare, the musical comedy star now playing in the First National picture, ‘‘HWappiness Ahead,’’ at the ......... Theatre. ‘‘As a dancer, I have proved this time and again. ‘Whenever your nerves seem jangled and on edge, spend a few moments massaging your feet, or bathe them in warm water and rub them with a soothing cream. ‘You will be surprised to notice how much your whole body reacts to the well being of your pedal extremities. ’? Powell And McHugh Warble A Duet Dick Powell and Frank MeHugh warble a comedy duet in ‘‘Happiness Ahead,’’ the First National picture which comes to the tee eee mehesiremone..<cefless It’s a topical song with an easy rhythm and hilarious lyrics, entitled ‘‘Massaging Window Panes.’’ In commenting on his own singing voice, Frank said, ‘‘ Dick supplies the music and I help with the words.’’ Director Mervyn LeRoy, however, declared that Frank has a fine voice. Film Actors On Skates Startle Cafe Lunchers The proprietor of a small cafe in Culver City thought he was seeing things one day during the production of the First National production of ‘‘Happiness Ahead,’’ which. comes to, the. 49s wo Theatre’ on *.i7 S525 Dick Powell was working at a nearby skating rink. He invited the company for lunch and for a lark. they skated to the cafe. The quiet little beanery woke up suddenly when Dick, Josephine Hutchinson, Frank McHugh and Dorothy Dare skated into the place. A Couple of Star Has Longest Name In Pictures Josephine Hutchinson, the latest addition to the roster of First National sereen stars, who is now appearing in the feminine lead opposite Dick Powell in “Happiness Ahead,” at the .......... ie ooh Sie tet Ree Theatre, has the longest name in pictures. Even though the nineteen letters may crowd the marquees of the world, the name will not be shortened. It has already been established as a name of importance on the American stage and the nation’s moving picture theatre fronts will just have to be enlarged enough to hold it. The picture is a thrilling romance spiced with hilarious fun, based on the story by Harry Sauber. Catchy new songs are sung by Powell, McHugh and Dorothy Dare, of the New York musical comedy stage. Mervyn LeRoy directed. Extras Sing Too Well For Night Club Scene Three hundred extra players who could sing too well gave Director Mervyn LeRoy a troublesome time during the filming of one of the scenes of the new First National picture, ‘‘Happiness Ahead,’’ which comes to the ........ Theatre sonst. se The scene was the interior of a noisy Chinese-style night club at midnight on New Year’s Eve. As customary in such places, the lights went out at the stroke of twelve and the customers sang. The singing went too well in LeRoy’s opinion. ‘‘Listen,’’ he said. ‘‘This is New Year’s Eve in a night club. I want noise. I don’t care how badly you sing just so you sing at the top of your voices. Don’t make it good. Make it loud!’’ And they did. Bishop’s Niece Plays Hard Boiled Baby ‘‘It’s a funny business,’’ said the property man on the get of ‘Happiness Ahead’’ on the First National lot. ‘‘An archbishop’s niece, Dorothy Dare, is playing a hard boiled girl; Ruth Donnelly, from a family of New Jersey Mayors and Governors, is playing a servant; Allen Jenkins, the quietest man in Hollywood, is playing a roughneck; and here I am dressing a Christmas tree on the hottest day of summer.’? Dick Powell and Josephine Hutchinson have the leading roles in the picture, a thrilling comedy romance which comes to the .......... Theatre on oo... Good Skates But not very good as skaters! The two crestfallen people are Frank McHugh and Dorothy Dare, who provide much of the comedy for “Happiness Ahead”? the new First National film which stars Dick Powell and Josephine Hutchinson and is now showing at the .... Theatre. Mat No. 6—20e