Variety (Sep 1935)

20 TABIETT'S' LON'DON OFFICE, • Bt. Martin's Flac«, Trafalvar Square INTERNATIONAL NEWS Cable AMtmi VABIBTX. UIMDON Mostly Revivak in Slow Paris Reopening; Expect Spurt in Oct, Parle, Aug. 26 Keopenlne ol the legit season here Is preceded by Lucien Rbzenberg's troupe at the Theatre Sarah Bern hardt with first porformanco of a revival cf old-fashioned mcller, 'The Lyons Mall,' by Moreau, Slraudin and Dslacour. ■Kozenberg has fiia nerve In jump Ing the gun with this big house, for there Is nobody In town to see his show. Continued heat wave is keeping everybody at the resorts. But Rozenberg apparently has enough banUi «*; not to care whether there, is anyone out front or not. Only the Comedie Francaise and the strip shows 'Fclies,' 'Casino' and 'Mayor kept going all summer. Rozenberg was preceded, however, with three reopenings: Chatelet. with 'iMichel Strogoff and Dcjazet and Palais Royal with farces. These are mere revivals of steady payers, and rang as summer shows. 'Inn' Again Mogador Is next on the program with a revival of the nearly eternal •White Horse Inn.- Houses will really begin to re- open in Sept., with, for the most part, continuations of last year's Bhgw.'? on the card, before the novelties start to come. Only one adaptation from the American is regularly on the books £o far: 'Children's Hour,' adapt- ed by Marcei Achard, which is to be done by Louis Jouvet at the Athenee. Before coming In with this one Jouvet will do a revival of Jules Remains 'eternal 'Knock,' fol- lowed by a new Jean Glraudoux p^ay, 'Brutus,' so there's no telling when the American show will turn up- Another adaptation, that of 'Three Men on a Horse,' had originally baen sUedded by Max Maurey at the Varietes. Clifford Fischer has the rights, and Marcel Achard was to adapt. But something slipped and Achard dropped the adaptation', 60 Maurey also dropped the pro- duction on plans, Fischer there- fore had a'rough translation of the piece made by Bob Stern (Variett) and turned it over to Jean de Letraz for adaptation. Who'll pro- duce is not yet known.. Fischer may decide to do it himself. Nothing Startling Review of the pre-season dope all filong the line falls to reveal any- thing startling in the strictly French theatre. Legit seems to be pretty well discouraged, partly be- cause the country is in the throe.s cf depression and doesn't know where It's going, and partly because Bhow biz is just getting tougher every year. Old standbys are still with us. Henry Bernstein, after squeezing a little more out of 'Hope,' last year's hit, at the Gymnase, will put. on a new one at that theatre called 'Love.' Sacha Guitry, as usual, will do a comedy at the Madeleine, and a second at the Theatre de Paris. ICdouard Bourdet goes off his leaton track by moving from the ^lichodieve to Mario Belle's Am- bassadeurs, with a costume play new for him, provisionally titled •Henri III.' Stars will be Luclenne Eo.Taert and Alme Clariond, who put over 'Barretts' for Miss Bell last Benson. Another interesting novelty Is the now Maeterlinck play, 'Princess Isahelle.' skedded by Cora Lapar cei'ic-ltichepln at her done-over Renalssc.nce. A new Denys Amlel show, 'Women In Flower,' is due at the St. Georges after the renewal of 'Red,' last season's Duvernois laugh hit at that theatre runs out. Notev/orthy opening al.so will be Ivan Noe's comedy, 'Woman Cut in PIsoe.s,' which Maurey will put on at the Varietes to start the season. This is a trick laugh show of con- siderable promise, which may turn out to be adaptable for America. Maurey has-another Noe show on deck to follow It, 'Christian.' an-,1 also 'The Astounded Village' by h gent named Dubois. Charles.'Pullin's Atelier is to do a play by P. A. Breal, 'Three Com- rades.' Art theatre on the other elde of town, Gaston Bary's 'Moni- parnasse,' is readying 'Hotel of the Masks,' by Albert Jean. . Bouffes Parislens skeds an oper- '«tta by Marcel Lattes, 'For Your Hoppiness.' Porte St. Martin will open with 'Peter Gynf revival, and will follow with 'Blue Ribbon,' Mls- tinguett musical. TRICKY SOUND Will Give Idea of Beethoven's Deaf- ness by Fading Music In and Out Paris, Aug. 25, Fancy work with the sound track will be ncsded In making Dorothy Farniim's 'Immortal Beloved,' story based on lite of Beethoven and ac- quired by Safa, American-directed producing company here, for Eng- lish and French versions. Drama is based on progressive deafness of the great composer, and audience will from time to time hear his music as he heard it him- self—fading, and finally disappear- ing. Josy Baker's Dates Paris, Aug. 26. Josephine Baker will probably do a few personals In Vienna before leaving for New York and the Zleg- feld Follies' in the fill. She has finished her film, 'Prin- cess Tom-tom,' and has hod a rest on the Riviera, Plays. Abroad Miller Starts Work On Shaw's New One After Trip to Moscow London, Sept, Gilbert iller and C. B. Cochrane left here over the weekend, for Mos- cow to attend the Theatre Festival there. Miller Is flying and will re- turn Sept, 11. When Miller returns he will start work on the new G. Bernard Shaw play, 'The Millionairess.' It will get an especially hefty production at the St. James theatre, with three permanent sets on a revolving stage and ono extra set on a platform. Edith Evans will play the lead, the only strong part, others being merely support roles. Theatre Guild in New York, which generally does all Shaw rlaya, hasn't seen a script of 'The Millionairess' yet and doesn't know whether It will get one. It has produced most of the Irishman's pieces prior to British produi'tion. ITALY nCURES ON 60 PICS FOR NEW SEASON Rome, Aug. 23. Expected that this season's film output will number around sixty features. -Of this bunch there will also be several in foreign versions principally French, German and EngUsh. Ten studios and 16 producing firms are now at work here. Only Inactive group is Domenlco Manenil Film, which, however, is preparing one for shooting at the Cines, stu dlos. At present there are 14'pictures completed! oi* in the cutting room. At present there are eight new films in the works. Producers ex pect to have another five grinding before the end of the month. Agree ments already signed call for pro ductlon In Italy of French, Austrian and German product in dual ver- sions. First of the bl-lingual films will bo 'Christopher Columbus' in Ger- man and English, with Carmine Gal- lone directing: Second 'Giovanni of the Black Bands' In Italian and Ger- man, with Louis Trenker directing. There will also be Italian and Ger- man versions of 'The White Squad - ron,' to be directed by V. Genlna and 'The Besieged Factory' in the same tongues directed.by G, Machaty, di- rector of 'Ecstacy.' TEN VIENNESE PiaURES IN WORKS Vienna, Aug. 23. Vienna film plans for the imme- diate future include the following: Panta Film, 'Maria Baschklrtzeff,' at the Tobls-Sascha Slevering Stu- dio; scenario by Felix Joachim; music by Paul Abraham; fa.at in- cludes LIU Darvas, Attlla Hoerblger, Hans Jaray and Szoeke Szakali. Avant-Garde film, 'Young People'; scenario, ZoU Vldor and Dr. H. F. Altendorflf. Atlahtls-FUm, 'Postilion of Lonju- meau,' from opera by Adolf Carl Adam. Karl Lamac will direct; cast, Hans Soehnicer, Leo Slezak and Ru- dolf Cari. Mondial-Film, 'Pompadour,' near- Ing completion at Rosenhuegel stud- dlo,' under ' direction o^ Willi Schmldt-Gentners. Cast: Kaethe von Nagy, Leo Slezak, Willi Elch- berger, Lotte Lang, Rudof Carl, Olga Tschechowa. 'A Young Gentleman from U. S'. A.' is being finished at the Schoen- brunn studio, under direction of Huebler-Kahla. Leading parts are played by Gustl Huber, Lizzie Holz- schuh, Babette Devrlent-Relnhold, Rolf Wanka, Max Guelsstoff, Kurt Vespermann, Hans Moser, Otto Schmoele, Hugo Thlmlg and Rudof Carl. Cine-Central fll ^ 'Sylvia and Her Chaudeur,' directed by Huebler- Kahla; cast: Gustl Huber, Olga Tschechowa, ' Wolf Alback-Retty, Leo Slezak and Rudof Carl, 'The White Horse Inn,' studio scenes for which will be taken at the Rosenhuegel studio, but outdoor scenes for which are now being taken on the Wolfgang See; direc- tor, Karl Lamac; cast: Chrlstl Mar- dayn, Hermann Thimlg. 'Singing Youth,' film with the Viennese Choir Boys, interiors for which will be taken at the Rosen- huegel studio, exteriors for which are now being completed at Hlnter- bichl; Otto Hartmann, Julia Janssen and Hans Olden will be- featured players. Johann Strauss film, Immortal Jielodles,' under the direction of Heinz Paul; Alfred Jerger of the Vienna Opera will take the male lead; other members of the cast: Maria Paudler, Llzzl Holzschuh, Iris Arlan, Leo Slezak, Rudolf Carl. New Walter Rclsch film, 'Ballet,' also to be taken at the Rosenhuegel studio. Vienna Comedy Reopens With Parisian Comedy Vienna, Aug. 25. The Comedy will open again on. Sept. 16, and, in spite of all the talk about the theatre passing under a new director. It will open once more under the direction of Rolf Jahn. Opening play will be Jean Letraz's 'Bichon,' which was a great succes.s in I'.ari.s. Felix Bressart will do the male lead; Adrienne Gessner, fe- male. Jean Letraz Is now working on another play, world premiere of which Is intended not for I'arls, but for Vienna, if possible at the Burg- theatre. Director Jahn plans to operate the Comedy, as he did last year, as a branch of the Deutsohes Volksthea- tei' until about Chrlstma.s time. After that Fritz Grueiibaum and Karl Farkas will take It over foi- revues. Five of Eard's Plays Sdiednled in Paris Paris, Aug. 25. Shakespeare will have more than five shows on Paris stages next sea- son: Two 'Othclles,' one by Lout^ Jouvet at the Athenee and another by the Pltoeffs at the Mathurins; a 'Tempest' by Jacques Copeau at the Amblgu, a Marcel Pagnol 'Ham- let,' probably at the Odcon, and maybe a 'Julius Caesar' done by Charles Dullln at the Atelier. In addition to the above, J. L. Barrault, the mimodrama boy, who wordlessly acts two or three parts at the same time, will put on a couple of Shakespearian actions with his own company next season. Brit. Movietone Lands In Par London Spot London. Sept. 3. P.-iramoiint has ontcvcd Into a contract with Gaumont-Briti h to ::li'jw British Movietone News,' in conjunction with Paramount Nov/.s, p.t tlie Plaza Theatre hoi-o for the next six months. T.llcply the rrmulndrr of the Pnra- mount hou.^'cs in London will follow suit. 'Mi MUSICALS IN RIO i' Leads 'Dance,' 'Scandals' at B. O. Rlo 'de Janeiro, Aug. 23, •MisslBSlppi' (Par), with Blng Crosbj', will probably head this week's grosLJS here, when every ^American picture on first run is a musical. 'Roberta' (Radio) Is being held over for a second week, and the other releases are 'Go Into Your Dance' (WB), and 'Scandals of 1935 (Pox). Ufa and Gaumont-Brltlsh have dramas in two other houses. Musicals are credited with striking the best average of any type of pic ture here. Crosby, who has a big following, is drawing full houses. The Keeler-Jolson combination in 'Go into Your Dance' Is well attend ed and 'Scandals' is fair. SEVERAL QUICK FLOPS AT AUSTRALIAN B.O.'S . Sydney, Aug. 10. Outside of 'Naughty Marietta* (MG), 'Night of. Love' (Col) and 'Frankenstein' (U), trade Is not so smooth here. 'MIml (BIP), "Lorna Doone' (ATP) and 'Mighty Barnum' (UA) are all out after poor biz. 'AH the King's Horses' (Par) Is no smash and will come off soon. So many quick pops have managers digging quickly for new features, and quite a few will come In for run tries. 'Les MIserables' (UA) stayed three weeks, but was figured for longer. Incoming pics include 'Go Into Your Dance' (WB), 'Dinky' (WB), 'Bulldog Jack' (GB), 'Call of the Wild' (UA), 'Black Sheep' (Fox), 'Air Hawks' (Col), 'Doubting Thoni- as' (Pox) and 'The Dictator' (GB). Melbourne, Aug. 10. Nice lineup, and biz Is on the up- grade after a spell of' quiet, owing to flu. Current are 'Cllve of India' (UA), 'We Live Again' (UA), 'Reckless' (MG), 'Bride of Frankenstein' (U), 'King's Horses' (Par), 'The Dictator' (GB). 'Jane Eyre' (M) and 'Great Hotel Murder' (Fox)., Spain ConunemoratiDg SOGth Lope de Vega Anni. Madrid, Aug. 23. Spain is getting set to commem- orate the 300th anniversary of the death of Lope de Vega, 'golden age' dramatist and . contemporary of Shakespeare. Five of his most famous sacra- mental pieces will be performed in several of Madrid's historic plazas. Loud speakers and electric stage lighting will be the only modern ef- fects used. ? Plays which Madrid audiences will see In their proper background for the first time since the 18th century will be 'La Siega'" ('The Harvest'); 'El Degollado' ('The De-capltated'); 'El HIjo Prodlgo' ('Prodigal Son'); 'La Locura por la Honra' ('Madness for Honor's Sake') and 'De la Puentc del Mundo' ("Bridge of the World'). Siegfried Burmann, German stage director who has lived in Spain for many years, will superintend the productions. Margarita Xlrgu and her stock company will present Lope's 'Fuen- tcovejuna" in the town of Fuenteo- vejuna. Similarly other stock com- panies will re-enact the dramas of the playwright in other towns. Vienna 'Dubarry' Vienna, Aug. 23. 'Dubarry' operetta will be the opening attraction at the Theatre an dor Wien. Theatre has two now directors, Josef Knappl and Karl Goldfeld. Mary Loscff, .<itar of Tauber's 'Singing Dream.' and Miml .Shorp will handle Dubarry and Margot respectively. Wladlmir Ant.echaroff, of the Stale Opera at Riga, Is but 2C yenrs old and l.s figured to cap- ture the fcmme part of the audl- onop. ^ .Staging on the revolving stage of the Theatre an dor Wlen has broii very elaborately de.slgncd by Richard O.swald and Otto Langer. FULL HOUSE London, Aug. 22. Comedy ,tn three acte by Ivor Novello produced by Leglie Henson at tbe Hay. market theatre. Auk. ' Lola Leadenhall leabel Jeans Haud Molds Andrews Prynno Rqdney ...i.Lilian Bilalthwalte John. Robert Andrews Archlo Leadenhall John 'Williams I>ady HannlngtoD Heather Th.ntchcr Charlie Stuart Kern Mr. Rosenblatt Fronk Cochrane Hannliigton.... Hubert Hnrben Michael Prynne Sydney Kintr Detectlvo Inspector Walter Lindsay Po ceman Georee Burn Policeman Roy FIndlny •Full House' Is a technically con- structed play, the conclusion of which Is more than obvious before one half the first act has finished. It then remains only to determine whether the wisecracking observa- tions In the dialog will make for sufficient entertainment. They will, In fact, they are highly diverting. Piece was obviously written to lit Lilian Bralthwalte with another at- tractive pinhead characterization. To back her up there are two for- midable assistants In Isabel Jeans and Heather Thatcher, making, in all, three leading ladies. Others In the cast are brought in and out to feed this trio. This Bralthwalte part would fit Constance Collier and make an ac- ceptable vehicle for her in New York. Whether Novel lo's name and his type of flippancy, as exempUfled In 'l-.ull House,' will suit American au- diences, is questionable. Over here It la okay. jolo. TULIP TIME London, Aug. 15. Comedy with music, adapted by Worton David and ' Alfred Parker from 'The Strange Adventures of Mlea Brown by Rob- ert Buchanan ond Charles Marlowe. Lyrics by Bruce Slevler; music by CoUn Wark- dances by Buddy Bradley; presented by Anne Croft (In association with Sir Oswold Stoll) at (he Alhambra, Aug. U, '35. Argela Brightwell Jean Colin Betty Baakoomb Miss Schnapps ^dney Falrbrother i^Pson Georce Gee , John-Fltzroyd • • •••• • -R'chard RoKers Carl Vincent Bernard Clifton uaron Tsctscree.BdomaIre Stxvo Oeray 2?"'^;: Enn Groasmlth Miss (^anerslulB .Toon Fred Bmney Naryshklnsky. Frederic Franklin Varel Nnryshklnsky..; 'Wendy Tove Humperdnick George Hayes Wlnekle Richard Cadogan •The Strange Adventflres of Miss Brown' was produced In London just 40 years ago. It was brought to New York a decade or so later, and proved a most acceptable farce. Made Into a musical and titled 'Tulip Times,' with a locale Identi- fied by windmills and scenic tulips, the story Is a trifle passe. Can't expect a modern audience to get wildly excited over the Idea of a young aviator separated from his 17-year-old bride on their nup- tial night, with the girl sent back to school and he and his friends dis- guising themselves as girls, thereby gaining entry to the school dormi- tories. Pretty mild theatrical fare for these days. And yet It Is a safe prediction this piece will go on tour in the prov- inces here, playing twice nlghHy, and clean up a package of coin. Several reasons combine for this. The musicians in the orchestra pit ore relegated to one side and a plat- form is built enabling the chous girls to trot down the aisles, giving the ruralltcs an eyeful at close range. Those familiar with Eng- lish provincials will Immediately see the value of such exploitation. For the London presentation there Is a fine production in rather good taste, a generally excellent cast, and an attractive bunch of girls. Book and music are Just that and will have to be cut somewhat to con<'orm to the twice nightly time. Jolo. Austro-Italian Miliaria' Pic Starts in Vienna Vienna, Aug. 23. 'Maria Baschklrtzeff,' Austrian- Italian film is being filmed by the Panta Company at the Tobls Sascha Studios. Film will mark the first appearance of Llli Darvas, legit ac- tress, on the screen. She plays the part of Maria in the German ver- sion; Isa Miranda plays it In the Italian. Each scene Is made first in Ger- man and then in Italian. Other actors of the German parts arc: Attlla Hoerblger, Szoeke Szakall, Sylvia de ^Bottlni, and Eva von Storm. Hans Jaray, in the part of de Maupassant, plays in both the German and tho Italian vcr.<;lon, only actor doing so. Hermann Kosterlitz is diroctlng the film, Willi Goldberger in manip- >iliitlng tho camera, and R'lul .\bra- ha Is writing the music.