12

NO.

5
VOL.

1938

3,

DEC.

\
I
^
|

METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER
 I

T U D I 0 N E _w s
3 3 New Numbers Myrna Loy’s Pet Pooch
Sung by Crawford To Play A sta Role In
For Ice Follies* New Thin Man '
Picure
Headed straight for the hit parades of
Myrna Loy’s wire-hair terrier,
the country are three songs sun<? by Joan
Published In the Interests of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Spike, will play the famous role of
Crawford in “Ice Follies of 1939,“ her
Studios Culver City, California
. Asta in “The Thin Man Returns.”
. .

— new Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer starring pro-

duction which she appears with James
in
Spike, whose brother was fea-
tured in a national contest by Mark
Stewart and Lew Ayres.
Realistic Film Battle Taxes The songs are “Something’s Gotta Hap-
is being trained for the
Hellinger,
partwhen William Powell and Miss
pen Soon,” by Brown and Freed, “Here
Endurance of Stand Up Stars I Co Falling In Love Again,” by Roger
Edens, and “It’s All So New to Me,” by
Loy resume their popular roles in
the “Thin Man” series.

Petkere and Symes. The original Asta later became

Mr. Smith another picture, but
in
Preview performances of the numbers
the name Asta belongs to Metro-
by Miss Crawford have already clicked,
Goldwyn-Mayer. Spike’s ability to
but the songs will not be used for record-
learn tricks gave Miss Loy the idea
ing or broadcast until shortly before the
of giving him a chance to play the
release of the film.
Asta part and Spike is making rapid
“Ice Follies of 1939” finds Miss Craw- progress.
ford cast, for the first time, in the role
Hunt Stromberg will produce
of a singer. The picture, brought to the
directed by Rein-
with W. S. Van Dyke II directing.
screen by Harry Rapf, is

hold Schunzel.

Nelson Eddy Sings

Race Drivers Burn Cowboy Melodies In
Speed In Race Film 'Song of the West*
Dennis O’Keefe’slatest role puts him
In ten-gallon hat and chaps, Nelson
in the company of the world’s greatest
Eddy went before the cameras this week
racers, as he becomes the title character
in “Song of the West,” surrounded by
in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Burn ’Em
one of the strongest casts ever assembled.
Up O’Connor.” Appearing opposite the singing star is
Cecilia Parker is seen opposite O'Keefe Virginia Bruce as his childhood sweet-
as the daughter of Harry Carey, racing heart. Lionel Barrymore is Eddy's father,
car manufacturer. Nat Pendleton, as a pioneer farmer; Edward Arnold is a rail-
O’Keefe’s mechanic, and Charley Grape- road tycoon and Victor McLaglen is his
win, as Doc Heath, supply the comedy Irish foreman.
in the first of this new sport series, pro- The supporting cast includes Allen Jen-
duced by Harry Rapf. Alan Curtis, Tru- kins, H. B.Warner, Guy Kibbee, Raymond
man Bradley, TomTom Collins and
Neal, Walburn and Sarah Padden.
Phillip Terry have important roles. Jack Conway directs, with Harry Rapf
Star drivers Louis Meyer, three-time producing for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from
Indianapolis winner, Kelly Petiilo, Rex Ben Hecht’s original story.
Mays, Sam Hanks, Bob Swanson, Ron-
nie Householder take part in sequences 1
filmed for the feature which Edward 'Nude Finn Starts
Sedgwick directs.
On River Location
With location on the Sacramento River,
Double Marx Doubles production started this week on “Huckle-
berry Finn,” Mark Twain’s story of the
In Honolulu Quartet Mississippi, starring Mickey Rooney.
The Marx Brothers will appear The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture is

by proxy in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s
being directed by Richard Thorpe and
new Eleanor Powell dancing musi-
produced by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. The
cal, “Honolulu.” cast Rooney
includes in the title role,
They will be impersonated by the Walter Connolly, Rex Ingram, William
King’s Men, a quartette, but since Frawley, Elizabeth Risdon, Minor Wat-
there are four King’s Men
and only son,Lynne Carver, Jo Ann Sayers, Sarah
three Marx Brothers, there will be Edwards and Harlan Briggs.
two Grouchos.
The story deals with a Mississippi
Groucho is not the only actor who
River boy trying to smuggle an escaped
will be seen double in “Honolulu.”
slave to freedom.
The story revolves around mistaken
identity and Robert Young plays a
• • •
dual role. McKENNA SIGNED
George Burns and Cracie Allen Kenneth McKenna has been signed to

are featured in comedy roles. Jack a new long-term contract as story editor
Cummings is the producer. for M-C-M.

G!ad to call it quits after a week of grappling with one another

George Murphy Signs They're Really Knee-
in the snow, Robert Taylor and Wallace Beery completed the second New M-G-M Contract
of two climactic fights for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Stand Up and George Murphy, triple-threat man Deep in Midgets Now
with his diversified talents as an actor, One hundred and four midgets,
Fight.”
of film battles, could not name any which singer and dancer, has been signed to a gathered from ail parts of the
In the first battle, fought in a stable-
had been more strenuous. new long-term contract by Metro-Gold- United States, have started re-
yard under a hot sun, Beery whips
wyn-Mayer. hearsals for song and dance num-
Taylor. In the return engagement The two stars head a cast which in-
He has appeared in a number of bers as the Munchkins in “The
the script required Taylor to reverse the cludes Florence Rice as leading lady,
dancing-singing most recent be-
roles, his Wizard of Oz.” In addition to
decision, but the uncertain footing of a Helen Broderick, Charles Bickford, Barton
MacLane, Charley Grapewin, John Qualen, ing “Little Miss Broadway” with Shirley his original troupe, Leo Singer
foot ofsnow made the struggle anybody’s
battle, with Taylor admitting that the Robert Gleckler, Clinton Rosemond, Clau- Temple, and “A Letter of Introduction.” toured the country, finding addi-

wild scramble and slugging match taxed dia Morgan and Jonathan Hale. W. S. The studio plans to feature the actor tional midgets at Miami, Chicago,
Van Dyke directs, with Mervyn LeRoy in a number of its new musical produc- and other points.
him more than his ring work in “The
producing. tions.
Crowd Roars.” Beery, veteran of scores
 '

Brilliant Cast With Shearer

MacDonald Starts
New Singing Role
And Gable in Idiot*s Delight
In 'Broadway' Film
Shearer and Clark Cable are supported by one of the
Norma Making her second modern role, Jean-
season’s most notable name casts in “Idiot’s Delight,” Metro-Gold- etteMacDonald launched work this week
wyn-Mayer picture, which reunites them as co-stars for the first time on “Broadway Serenade.”
Lew Ayres wins his most important as-
since “A Free Soul” and “Strange Interlude.” signment to date as the star’s teammate
Edward Arnold, Charles Coburn, Joseph Schildkraut, Burgess and husband, while Ian Hunter is his rival
Meredith, Pat Paterson, Skeets Gallagher for the MacDonald hand.
and Laura Hope Crews, head the players Also in the featured cast are William
selected by Director Clarence Brown for Hardys Voice Xmas Gargan, Rita Johnson, Virginia Grey and
Katherine Alexander.
With the actual filming of “Father
the picturization of Robert Sherwood’s
Damien” completed this week, Carey Wil-
Pulitzer Prize winning play. Greetings In Ai GAT 5 Robert Z. Leonard directs his own
son will begin recording the usual com-
production for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Gable, as a song-and-dance man, is

accompanied by the chorus of

niftiest Yu Ie t i de Trailer Charles Lederer wrote the original story.
The screen play is by Lederer, Lew Lipton
mentary notes he adds to all his Metro-
blonde beauties in “Gable’s
America, Goldwyn-Mayer miniatures. In this edi-
A special holiday season trailer and Hans Kraly.
Glamour Girls,” Virginia Grey, Paula tion, Wilson depicts the hardships and
has been produced under the title
Stone, Virginia Dale, Lorraine Krueger, experiences of Father Damien in his fight
“Hearty Greetings from the
Bernadene Hayes and Joan Marsh.
Others prominently featured in the pic-
of
Hardy Family” for the Metro-Gold- New Song Vehicle to Christianize the lepers on the island
wyn-Mayer accounts throughout the of Molokai.
ture,which Hunt Stromberg brings to country. The entire Hardy family For Miliza Korjus
the screen, are Peter Willes, Edward appears scene on Christmas
a
in The colorful role of a girl, reared Wilson is also working on the
Raquello, Clem Bevins, Fritz Held and script
morning and Lewis Stone greets the among the romantic gypsies or rural Hun-
William Edmonds. audience in the name of the Hardy gary will be the next screen vehicle for
of his next edition of the “What Do You
family and all of the stars of the the golden-voiced Miliza Korjus, who
Think?” series, which is as yet untitled.
studio. A special card at the end made her screen debut as the singing
!na Claire Joins of the trailer adds the best wishes star of “The Great Waltz.” "The Wrong Way Out,” which went
of the theatre management. The story, an original by Walter Reisch, into production at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Traey-Lamarr Cast is based on an incident in the life of the this week, is the latest, edition of the
Ina Claire this week returned to Holly- picturesque Hungarian bandit leader Rosza “Crime Does Not Pay” series and deals
wood under a long-term contract with
Taurog Re-Signed Sandor. with a young couple, who in spite of the
Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer. In recognition of his work on “Boys fact that neither has a job, get married
and try to live on love.
As her assignment, Miss Claire
first Town,” starring Spencer Tracy and Auto Thriller
they turn to crime.
Unsuccessful,
started in one of the important roles in Mickey Rooney, and “The Girl Down- “Salute the Gods,” a murder mystery
“I Take This Woman,” which stars Spen- stairs,” starring Franciska Gaal, Nor- authored by the celebrated British speed
cer Tracy and Hedy Lamarr, with Walter man Taurog this week was awarded a king, Sir Malcolm Campbell, has been Jack Chertok is rushing preparations
Pidgeon. Frank Borzage is directing and new long-term directorial contract at purchased by M-G-M for early produc- on two two-reel musicals that will go
Lawrence Weingarten is the producer. Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer. tion. into production within ten days.
The screenplay for “Happily Buried”
is now being written by Jack Woodford.

IT’S ALL TURKEY FOR THE HARDY FAMILY Chet Forrest and Bob Wright are com-
posing three songs for the production.
“Three Kings and a Queen,” being
written especially for Billy Gilbert, the
sneezing comedian, by Stanley Rauh, Will
Jason and Gilbert, is the other musical.
Four songs are being prepared for it by
Jason and Mort Greene. Jason will di-
rect.

“How to Sub-Let,” Robert Benchley’s

last comedy before leaving for New
York, is now being edited by Roy Brick-
ner and will soon be ready for national
release. This is the thirteenth consecu-
tive picture on which Roy Rowland, direc-
tor, Jack Chertok, producer, and Benchley,
actor, have worked together.

Everyone knows what the weather man

does, but few know how he does it. So
Pete Smith is going to show the general

public just how the forecaster operates.

He will do this in his screen specialty,
“Weather Wizards,” which went into
production this week. Robert Lees and
Fred Rinaldo wrote the screenplay. Fred
Zinneman is directing.

the current edition of the Passing

In
Parade series, John Nesbitt is bringing
to the screen the life of Alfred Nobel.
Titled “Am to Blame?” the film is now
I

in production at M-G-M under the direc-

tion of Joe Newman and starring Paul
Guilfoyle, the screen’s most murdered ac-
tor. Jack Chertok produces.

Upon completion of “The Practical

Joker,” “Our Gang” went right into
work at M-G-M on “Alfalfa’s Aunt” this
week, which is also being directed by
George Sidney. Hal Law and Robert Mc-
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Even Louis B. Mayer holds his plate when Lewis Stone carves the festive fowl at the
birthday party given in his honor following the preview of “Out West With the Hardys” which gives him cause for Gowan wrote the screenplay. Jack Cher-
added pride with record-breaking business in 29 gala opening spots, hitting high gross of 220 per cent. tok is producing.
 u I N W
Makes Another Bid For
Luise Rainer
Academy Award In Dramatic School'
Twice winner of the Academy Award, Luise Rainer seems headed
for a third gold statuette in the one picture she has been most anxious
to make since her screen debut in “Escapade.”
It is “Dramatic School,” which Miss Rainer urged
Metro-Gold-
wyn-Mayer to purchase for her because in many respects she relives
her own experiences as a dramatic school
pupil.
Sinclair lecomes Miss Rainer plays the role of a poor
factory worker, who
Leading Director struggles to become a

With Two Pictures great

against
dramatic
the most
actress
dis-
With only two motion pictures to his couraging odds. Her
credit,Robert Sinclair has become one of role gives her her best
the outstanding film directors. opportunities as a dra-
A distinguished stage matic artist since “The
director, Sinclair took Great Ziegfeld” and
his bow as a screen di- “The Good Earth.”
rector recently when he LeRoy Alan Marshal, rising
directed “Woman young leading man who appeared in “Par-
Against Woman,” which nell” and with Greta Garbo in “Conquest,”
was acclaimed an im- plays the wealthy marquis who wins and
mediate success. later loses Miss Rainer’s love. Paulette
As his reward, Mer- Goddard, who co-stars with Luise Rainer,
vyn
LeRoy, producer, as Nana, has the most important role of
Sinclair entrusted to him Metro- her young career. Henry Stephenson por-
Goidwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic School,” trays the school president and Gale Son-
starring Luise Rainer and Paulette God- dergaard is Miss Rainer’s ruthless in-
dard. structor.
“Dramatic School” is the story of a Pupils of the dramatic class include
typical dramatic school in Paris, revealing Virginia Grey, Lana Turner, Jean Chat-
the inner secrets of the school, the strug- burn, Ann Rutherford, Dorothy Granger
gles, joys, jealousies and final triumphs and thirty-five talented young actresses
of pupils ambitious to become great ac- and actors who make their first big bid
tors and actresses. for screen success.
The is unusual
picture also in that it “Dramatic School” is Mervyn LeRoy’s
serves as an actual dramatic school for first production at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
no than thirty-five young actors and
less and he has planned it as a worthy suc-
actresses who have had experience simi- cessor- to all his earlier successes.
lar to the roles they play and hope to gain The picture is the second directorial
their first firm foothold in motion pictures task of Robert Sinclair who, as a stage
through their work in “Dramatic School.” director,produced such plays as “Dods-
worth” and “Pride and Prejudice.”

Lana Turner Wins Mervyn LeRoy Draws

Screen Recognition Tough Casting job
Lana Turner, who
provided the com- Mervyn LeRoy, who produced Metro-
plications in Mickey Rooney’s love life in Goidwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic School,”
“Love Finds Andy Hardy,” and who was starring Luise Rainer and Paulette God-
Award Winner Tells Youngsters hailed as a new edition of Clara Bow fol- dard, faced one of the most perplexing
lowing her work as the younger sister in jobs of his career when he had to select
“Rich Man, Poor Girl,” won official rec-
To Start in Small Theater Jobs ognition of her rapid climb when she was
sixteen young actresses for a dramatic
class, who had to act like actresses who
Movie-struck youngsters should cast aside their pride and find cast in a featured role in “Dramatic did not know how to act. The girls se-
the most menial jobs in theatres. School,” with Luise Rainer, Paulette lected were Barbara Weeks, Valerie Day,
Goddard and Alan Marshal. Priscilla Totten, Anita Carmargo, Norma
Such is the advice of Gale Sondergaard, who has found success Miss Turner is seen as Mado, young Thelan, Mimi Doyle, Ona Munson, Robin
both on the stage and in motion pictures after a long and difficult romanticist whose ideal is to marry a Page, Alene Carroll, Marcella de Beau-
millionaire, and who has no compunctions
uphill climb. volers, Carol Parker, Kay Stewart, Marta
about poking fun at her very earnest fel- Downs, Ocean Claypool, Ruth Alder and
Today she stands at the peak of char-
low-student, Miss Rainer.
Raider Has Acted acter actresses with performances in “An-
Beryl Wallace.

thony Adverse,” “Maid of Salem,” “Sev-

Since She Was 16 enth Heaven,” “Emile Zola” and “Lord
PAULETTE’S STUDIES
Paulette Goddard studied for two years
Luise Rainer, starred in Metro-Gold- Jeff.” Her new role is as Luise Rainer’s
with a U. C. L. A. professor as her in-
Rings Go Up!
wyn-Maye/’s “Dramatic School,” is a and Paulette Goddard’s instructress in
structor before she consented to accept
prodigy of the theatre, but did not come Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer’s “D r a m a t c i
Instead of rings on her fingers,
her first talking role in motion pictures. Paulette Goddard has started a new
of theatrical parentage. Born in Vienna School.”
She appears in her second talking role hairdress fad.
on January 12, her father, Reinz Rainer, For her first film role, as Faith in “An- with Luise Rainer in Metro-Goidwyn-
a merchant, gave her the advantages of thony Adverse,” Miss Sondergaard was She wears rings in her hair.
Mayer’s “Dramatic School.”
the finest schools in Europe, eight in all. awarded the Academy of Motion Picture Recently, she appeared in public
As a Miss Rainer traveled ex-
child, Arts and Sciences award for character with two huge emerald rings woven
tensively with her father, touring Switzer- acting. LOVE IN THE BALANCE in her hair over her left brow.
land, France, Austria and Italy. Although “Those young ones who wish to suc-
Anthony Allan must prove he is suc- When Mervyn LeRoy, producer of
tremendously interested in music, art and cessful inMetro-Goidwyn-Mayer’s “Dra- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's “Dramatic
ceed in motion pictures should get a
modeling, she decided upon a theatrical matic School” before his sweetheart to School,” heard of those rings in her
job at once in a theatre,” Miss Sonder-
career at the age of sixteen. gaard advises. “No matter where the whom he is engaged will consent to marry hair, he suggested that she intro-
him. duce the new style to the world
theatre is, no matter how lowly the job
STACE JUVENILE is, movie-struck youth should be willing from the screen.
Alan Marshal, who plays the handsome
to do anything from scene-shifting to off-
FENCING FEMMES So now she wears her two big
marquis who wins Luise Rainer’s love Ralph Faulkner, former international emeralds in her hair in the formal
in Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic stage noises. Some day, someone will
fencing champion, trained thirty-six young party sequences of “Dramatic
School,” has been on the stage since the fail to appear and you will get your players in Metro-Goidwyn-Mayer’s “Dra- School.”
age of five. chance to step into that person’s place.” matic School” in the art of fencing.
Paulette Goddard
S T u D I O
Noted Star
NEWS Once Thrown Out of
Declares She 9s No Just Like Dad
"Mystery Woman
1
In their fathers’ footsteps, three
Hollywood youngsters are bidding
European Theater, She Confesses
The world may regard Paulette God-
for success in the motion picture One of the darkest secrets of Luise Rainer’s life has come to light.
world. She was thrown out of one of Europe’s most famous theatres.
dard as Hollywood’s “mystery” woman,
But Miss Goddard insists there is no They are Edward Arnold,
son Jr.,
Miss Rainer confessed her early “disgrace” while comparing
mystery about her at of one of the leading character ac-
tors on the screen; Robin Page, events of her struggling years with the role she plays in Metro-Gold-
all.

“If I am considered daughter of Chico Marx of the Mad wyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic School.”
a mystery woman,” said
Marx and William Tan-
Brothers,
“The company was with,” said Miss
I

nen, son of Julius Tannen, stage and

Miss Goddard, “I never
knew about it until screen comedian. Reaches Stardom Rainer, “was traveling through Europe.
In one of the largest
I
cities which I will
saw it in print.” Because the three were so de-
termined to carry on the traditions
Sn Three Pictures not name, the man who
Miss Goddard appears played the meister-
Paulette Goddard, emerging
steadily
in Metro - Goldwyn - of their families, Director Robert burgher had a cold.
Mayer’s “Dramatic Sinclair gave them their first big from the cloak of seclusion that has sur- I

rounded her since coming to Hollywood was always happy when

Goddard School” with Luise break in Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer’s was acting and was
a few years ago, has reached stardom in
I I

Rainer. “Dramatic School.”

her third picture role, with Luise Rainer, always laughing, often
“The reason have not given inter-
I Other sons of famous acting fa- at nothing.
views is because have done nothing to
in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic
I thers who followed their sire’s trail "While was in a
School.” I

be interviewed about,” Miss Goddard con- with eminent success on the screen
A year after she left school, Miss God- scene with the meister-
tinued. “Now that am back at work I
are Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Tyrone burgher, he continuous-
dard was a principal in Florenz Ziegfeld’s
in pictures, am willing to discuss sub-
I
Power, Tim Holt and Lon Chaney. ly sniffed and twitched
“Rio Rita” and continued with her stage Rainer
jects of interest concerning motion pic-
career. his nose. I could not help it, but I

tures.
Her first picture was as Charlie Chap-
laughed in his face. Even after his cold
“As for being a mystery woman, see
no basis for it. In fact, I deny it.
I

Prob- Mickey's Girl Friend lin’s leading lady in “Modern Times.” was cured, could not keep from laugh-
I

ing in the scene with him. Then one

Upon the conclusion of the Chaplin pic-
ably the big reason for giving me this
night my laughing became so contagious
unwarranted title is that spend my time
In "Dramatic School* ture, Miss Goddard chose to prepare her-
I

self carefully
for a dramatic career in
that the whole company and then the
with people with whom I know very Ann Rutherford, known principally to audience burst into hysterical laughter.
pictures. She engaged a professor from
well. film fans as Mickey Rooney’s "steady Naturally it broke up the show.
the University of California at Los Ange-
"Then, again, am seldom seen in the
I girl,” Polly Benedict, in the Hardy Family “And was thrown out of the theatre.”
les to instruct her and at the end of two I

customary places familiar to Hollywood. series,received her greatest opportunity

years she had majored in English diction,
This is not because do not approve of to date when she was cast in “Dramatic
I

English literature, English history and RASCH VS. JITTERBUC

them, but because love to travel be- I School,” starring Luise Rainer and Paul-
psychology. Jitterbugs do not arouse the wrath of
tween pictures. Naturally, while work- ette Goddard.
Certain that she was ready to launch Mme. Albertina Rasch, who directed the
ing, itnot possible to participate in
is Miss Rutherford is seen as Yvonne, the
her career, she was teamed with Douglas dances in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dra-
night life because of fittings and, as in youngster whose dramatic training means Fairbanks, Jr., and Janet Gaynor in “The matic School.”
‘Dramatic School,’ studying and rehears- far less to her than the fact that she is in
Young In Heart.” She was next chosen “The people beginning to revolt
are
ing fencing, dancing and several other love with the son of the president of the
by Mervyn LeRoy, the producer, to ap- against the Shag, the Big Apple and the
subjects that this picture demanded of school.
pear with Miss Rainer and Alan Marshal Jitterbugs, but have no objections to
I

us.”
in “Dramatic School.” them if they remain off the ballroom
FAT ROLE floor,” said Mme. Rasch.
Lulse Rainer Plans Dorothy Granger, flaming-haired com- SILENCE IS GOLDEN
edienne, had to increase her weight Cecilia Callejo, noted European dancer, TWO WINNERS IN ONE
Long Vacations fourteen pounds to play the role of the plays one of the most important roles in Two Academy Award actresses, Luise

LuiseRainer has completed plans to

fat girl, Luise Rainer’s classmate, in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “D ramatic Rainer and Gale Sondergaard, appear in

run away from Hollywood once every two

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic School,” starring Luise yet she
Rainer, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic
School.” does not speak a word on the screen. School” together.
years. And, each time, she will remain
away for at least six months.
She was given her first six months’ va-
vation from Hollywood upon the com-
pletion of her starring role with Paulette
Goddard in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s
“Dramatic School.”
“Hollywood has been good to me,”
said Miss Rainer, “but need a change I

and must get away from it. Although I

love California, I realize the necessity of

meeting the world face to face and touch-
ing everyday life.”

Marshall Advises Kids

To Study Shakespeare
Alan Marshal, appearing opposite Luise
Rainer in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dra-
matic School,” believes that playing in
Shakespeare is the greatest training in
the world for youngsters ambitious to be-
come actors and actresses.
“The overplaying gives an excellent
training in the value of gestures and
voice,” said Marshal. “It is easy, then,
in a modern play, to tone down this broad
system of histrionics in screen work.”

CHEER LEADER
Kay Stewart, Northwestern Univer-
sity’sfamous acrobatic yell leader, makes
her screen debut as a classmate of Luise
Rainer and Paulette Goddard in Metro-
Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Dramatic School.”

RE-ENACTS OWN LIFE

Luise Rainer went through the same
experiences in her own dramatic school
days as those in her new Metro-Goldwyn-
Mayer picture, “Dramatic School.”
 r

fm ««»® wm twm t&e u

rM jteifetmra
m peal sfe« sm at last give everything/

T s

roance and drama o£ the girls who

ill bi u? ;fo to n ; i > o: . a .

I ! , . ‘OvetitAs*’ aolreHK as
1
:
d >
y ho :
-

/ ..
-

A METHO - GOLDKYN ^Vljfl

^6 Jggg
• MAYIR PICTURE aJg m. Wffl
anM
Alan MARSHAL • Lana TURNER
Genevieve TOBIN • Anthony "ALLAN

Henry STEPHENSON * Gale SONDERGAARD

Screen Piaij

ESVf'ST V&JBA ana MOT Z. MsUll Jr.

Directed hy Produced hij

ROBERT B. SI8CLAIB Mervp Lb Raij

DON’T ENVY THEIR FA

DON'T FAME..
ME.. .Pit? tWi.
"1 '
f?K as?f a O O-f »
fO if
J it
.
: >. •
r: .
? : i:
.
:
j

.
is I
t< :: f|
ri j
, ilfi
. .
:
.
s
:

ft
fif O
0 O: ¥
v , 11 k« :: •

m a
si
-
o
||
s a aolxo l t ;« m y a t s a s m s ? .
I
1 i :
i
1

Luise Rainei * Paulette Goddard

IN

"DRAMATIC SCHOOL"
WITH
ALAN MARSHAL LANA TURNER
ANTHONY ALLAN HENRY STEPHENSON
SCREEN PLAY BY
Ernest Vajada and Mary C. McCall, Jr.

A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture
DIRECTED BY
ROBERT B. SINCLAIR
PRODUCED BY
MERVYN LeROY
THE PL AYERS
Louise LUISE RAINER
Nana PAULETTE GODDARD
Andre d'Abbencourt ALAN MARSHAL
Mado LANA TURNER
Gina Bertier GENEVIEVE TOBIN
Fleury ANTHONY ALLAN
Pasquel, Sr HENRY STEPHENSON
Alan MARSHAL •
Lana TURNER Madame Chariot GALE SONDERGAARD
Gene vieve TO BI N AbHidim) ALLAN Boulin MELVILLE COOPER
Georges Mounier ERIK RHODES
Hessj STEPHENSON fob SONDERGAARD THEATRE Simone VIRGINIA GREY
Sc™ PLs h3 £RSEST TUBUatlffl’t. McCiSU, JB Yvonne ANN RUTHERFORD
A METSO • fflUf ¥» • Xtm FWOTE
flamy HANS CONRIED
Pasquel, Jr RAND BROOKS
Pradasgd
Memia Lg
;

P,
Mimi JEAN CHATBURN
Annette MARIE BLAKE
La Brasiliana. CECILIA C. CALLEJO
Pantomimic Teacher MARGARET DUMONT
FRANK PUGLIA
DOROTHY GRANGER
 —

YOU TOO CAN BE A GREAT ACTRESS!

BERNHARDT! A DUSE! A RAINER!
-i-jetei all um have
Haye the luck to be born with the beauty ol a Myrna .

Ley, the courage of loan of Arc- and the- endurance ol

a irackhorse.
*

,
yd Spend fen hour;' a day at Dramatic School, .earning
;
"P'J lessons that would stump a .avanf and performing
7 exercises that would break an acrobat's neck.

Livh what should be the gay years of your youth in a

back-street rooming-house doing your laundry in the , ,

fimmtmiiu s«asIi n ~ <-,%shstzrt *jrin r-S'n fiord h?- SOeO, 4

/ .._

Have' the hear! tolaugh it. oil when you first realise
that you're still m Thespian kindergarten alter six
months spent learning the right way to .walk across

a room.: ’
-

Burn the midnight oil ^with a towel stuffed under the

door so the landlady wood squa wk about the light bill)
read "Juliet" as well as Honda Shearer-

Keep right on thinking hash is .as' delicious as lilef

-mignon — even II it is so easy 'to smile back at the gent
across the subway car. _

Learn the trick o! crying yourself to sleep when -that

emptiness deep down inside gets too much tor a gir!
to bear awake.

Spend troth six months to six years making the rounds

ol the —
booking offices when there's a swell Job waiting
at Tonis lor a gir! wholl Just look nice lor the cash
customers.

Laugh a —
little— cry a little break your heart, a little
thatIs* a little at a time so that finally one more little

crack won't hurt much at all.

AT 1MT Wll AM. ACTRESS! Perhaps Tomorrows

of course, you started out with the spark
breast of 0M1S IM TIM MILLION SI
 CHARLES DICKENS

udtk
Reginald OWEN Gene LOCKHART
•

Kathleen LOCKHART
Terry KILBURN
Z-nov^ ;*s *'*1 dWi »*
4 „d -g!* “
:
Barry

Lynne
MacKAY
CARVER
%J
'-J

Screen Play by
HUGO BUTLER
A METRO • GOLDWYN •

KAY EH PICTURE
Directed by
EDWIN L MARIN

STORY EVER TOLD ...

filmed ts make this the most

jsgoits or all Christmases

• :
; :
C

J
 'e*v£

fynotitiao Carol
0 I T A T I O N
"A Christmas Carol'' is a picture which should by all means A blowup of a page from the book, with stills which illustrate
be previewed. Here's why: the text, will get attention in the lobby or foyer.
It gives you an approach to the thousands
PREVIEW who BLOW UP Set it up at least a week in advance. Select

want
are not regular movie patrons but will
BOOK PAGE
a PCt9S which is interesli ng and familiar —the
IMPORTANT to see this one picture.
arrival of Marley's ghost for example.
It is a show which will build tremendously
through word-of-mouth — which requires time to be effective. A
preview always causes talk.
Get one of the newspaper boys to dig out Frank Church's
famous N. Y. Sun editorial-— "Is There a Santa Claus?" Blow it
up for a lobby frame.
Timeliness limits your holdover possibilities. To cash in for
the you need capacity crowds on the
IS THERE A Immediately after getting your play-
GET THEM opening day. Those you have to turn away SANTA CLAUS?" dates set, plant a card on an easel in
the lobby with this copy: "Only 34 days
OUT EARLY on the final day won't mean a dollar to you.
til Christmas Carol'." Change the number daily until opening.
There is, of course, no necessity to discuss lobby decorations.
Just do the obvious. Trying to sensationalize or trick up Christmas
Invite clergymen, school officials, newspapermen, civic lead-
is effort wasted.
ers —and any others you can count on to talkit up. You are not
Use the standard holiday props but pour — it on twice as
giving away tickets when you ask them heavily as you would ordinarily at Christmas.
THESE RATE to be your guests at a preview or first show-
INVITATIONS ing. Nine out of ten will be back to see
it again. Put a man behind the ticket window in a Santa Claus uniform.
Clerics are particularly important. They'll bring you cus-
Dress doormen and other attendants outside
tomers you've never seen in your theatre before. The courtesy
SANTA CLAUS the theatre in the same manner.
of preview invitations will get you mention in sermons with a
picture of this type. And the same goes with school officials. IN BOX OFFICE Hang mistletoe over one of the doors
to the foyer. Placard it with a warning to
the girls that they use the door at their own risk.

Perhaps you can persuade some pastor to cancel one of his

regular week-night services to give his flock an opportunity to No picture has ever been made more perfect for the young-
see "A Christmas Carol." Get him to okay sters than "A Christmas Carol." Make it a FIRST PICTURE for
CALL OFF a statement to the press, declaring his belief
school children who have never seen
all
A SERVICE the picture is a sermon greater than any THEIR FIRST a movie.It will be an easy task to get
he could hope to preach. Tell him how the
publicity will increase attendance on following nights. PICTURE SHOW some school official or welfare worker
to sponsor such a showing, basing the
stunt cn their declaration that the picture is an example of motion
pictures at their best.
The book "A Christmas Carol" is too well known and already Set a matinee aside for these children, reducing admission
in too many hemes to be worth much as an for allwho bring a note from a parent declaring they have never
CHRISTMAS exploitation aid. should be easy, however,
It
seen a movie before.
plant stills with Christmas book displays
BOOKS to Along the same line, try to locate some adult who has never
in book and department Stores and in all seen a picture.Announce in a newspaper story that you consider
public libraries. this tobe a picture everyone must see EVEN IF THEY NEVER
SEE ANOTHER ONE.
Check with book stores and libraries to find the oldest copies
of "A Christmas Carol," (first published in 1844),
OLD them on display and plant stories
in the city. Place
wi *h the papers. Other old copies will show up
EDITIONS
to keep the story running. Offer guest tickets
to the ten who produce the oldest editions.

"A Christmas Carol"is the ninth story by Dickens to be filmed.

Arrange with a book store or library for a display of all nine

with stills from "A Christmas Carol" and
NINE DICKENS from any of the others you are able to dig
BOOKS FILMED U P <rom your * des The other eight are: -

"A Tale of Two Cities," "David Copper-

field," "Oliver Twist," "Cricket On the Hearth," "Great Expecta-
tions," "Old Curiosity Shop," 'Dombey and Son," and "Our Mutual
Friend."

D
 ? —

X I N E
Director Sees Ideal Barrymore Tribute
Material for Screen Gives Owen Famous
In Dickens Writings Dickens Xmas Role
1

“Charles Dickens in his day was more “To Lionel Barrymore owe thanks for
I

modern than many of our modern dra- the finest gift have ever received.”
I

So declares Reginald Owen.

matists. He wrote stories that can’t be
The gift he so prizes
photographed with crazy is the role of Scrooge
camera angles and weird he played in “A Christ-
light effects, for they mas Carol,” Charles
human that only Dickens masterpiece.
are so
natural photography can Barrymore had been
express them. A great slated to play it. His
many of us who think doctor w a n te d two
we’re modern are just months’ delay. The stu-
beginning to learn this dio offered to postpone
on the screen.” Owen it ur| til the Christmas
Marin So declares Edwin L. season a year away. Barrymore begged
Marin, the director who brought to the that it be not delayed. If ever the world

screen Dickens’ Yuletide classic, A needed Dickens’ message of peace on

Christmas Carol.” earth and good will toward men, he in-
sisted, that time is today.
“Producers, writers and directors,” says
Marin, “today are beginning to realize “My friend Reginald Owen is a great
that it’s not necessary to have spectacle, actor,” he suggested, “and can think I

thrills or sophistication to make a great of nobody who could play the part as well.
picture. Human beings and the truth are In addition, he is an Englishman, and I

still the best ways to the hearts of audi- can only see an Englishman playing Dick-
ences. Dickens unerringly hit on these ens.”
And this abso- Owen
received the role.
Boyish Charm Wins Gene and Kathleen elements
lutely
in his stories.
human touch makes a Dickens work
So
“All of us in the cast played our parts
Owen.
English Lad Tiny Lockhart Are Cast a perfect

The players
model for the screen.”

in “Christmas Carol” in-

almost with reverence,” says
“There is something about the story that
reaches deep down into the heart. There
Tim Roie In 'Carol' In Real Life Roles clude Reginald Owen as Scrooge, Terry
Kilburn as Tiny Tim, Gene Lockhart, is an exaltation in helping convey its
An entrance into Hollywood via radio, Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, man and message. And in our cast, practically
Kathleen Lockhart, Barry MacKay and
wistful charm and rare gift for act- wife off the screen, play one of the most work became labor of
Lynne Carver in the romantic leads, Ann
a a all British, the a

ing won Terry Kilburn, English boy ac- important “man and wife” assignments Braham, Matthew love.”
Rutherford, Lionel
tor, one of the most im- of the screen, as Bob Cratchit and his
Boulton, Charles Coleman, Lauri Beatty
portant roles ever wife in “A Christmas Carol.” TINY TIM CREW
They play the parents of Tiny Tim, and others, mostly English or Canadian who plays Tiny Tim in
vouschafed a youngster, Terry Kilburn,
the role enacted by Terry Kilburn in the players. Joseph Mankiewicz produced Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “A Christmas
when he played Tiny
Christmas story by Charles Dickens, pro- the picture, which follows the Dickens Carol,” grew two inches while playing
Tim in Charles Dickens’
classic, “A Christmas duced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. original with absolute fidelity. in the picture.
Carol.”
Edwin L. Marin directed “A Christmas
Carol,” with Reginald Owen, named for
Born in London, No-
the part by Lionel Barrymore, as Scrooge.
vember 25, the son of

Kilburn
Thomas Kilburn, Terry
was raise d in a London
Barrymore, slated to portray it, did not
yet feel well enough to essay the role. HIGH COST OF LIVING
suburb. There were many youngsters
from different parts of England, with dif- Pudding Scene NOT IN DICKENS' DAYS!
ferent dialects, in school. Quick at mim- The high cost of living which today’s housewives complain of had no
icry, Terry learned to imitate them all. Tough On Actors terrors in London in 1845, at least according to a “breakdown” of Charles
Director Sam Wood was looking for AChristmas plum pudding blazing in
Dickens’ estimates.
the Lancashire boy for “Lord Jeff.” brandy after the traditional old English
Terry played the part. A contract style provided Terry Kilburn, Gene Lock- A Christmas dinner for seven, with roast goose and all the “trimmings”
with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer followed. hart, Kathleen Lockhart and others one cost $2.03, according to research that went into the filming of “A Christmas
Terry is four feet, four inches high, of the hardest eating tasks they ever es- This represents the dinner of Bob Cratchit
Carol” at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
weighs eighty pounds, has brown hair and sayed in a picture.
In school his best studies and his brood in the picture.
large gray eyes. The scene was the Yultide dinner of
drawing and literature, and he has dialogue, taken directly from the book, shows Cratchit buying a
goose
are the in Dickens' “A Christmas
Cratchits The
distinct talent at illustrating. Because the blue flame of the eight pennies, oranges for four,
Carol.” for five shillings eighteen pence, potatoes for
burning pudding would not photograph, mixed nuts for four, chestnuts for three.
FIRST EDITION apples for six,
the delicacy was coated thick with salt
The first edition of Dickens’ “A Christ-
mas Carol” was used to check details of
— and the actors had to eat it. Translated by Director Edwin L, Marin into American money this repre-

sents:
the script for M-G-M’s screen play.
Terry’s New Deal Goose -$1 -56

Terry Kilburn, who appears as Tiny Potatoes -16

Carol,” has been Oranges -08
Dickens’ Letter Reveals Tim in “Christmas
The *12
signed to a new M-G-M contract. Apples
“Lord Jeff.” Mixed nuts ,08
' Christmas Carol Ideal boy’s picture debut was in
Chestnuts 06
A memento of Charles Dickens OLD CAROLS SUNG
is today a highly-prized treasure of TOTAL $2,03
Modern music mingles with old Eng-
Edwin L. Marin, who directed the
lish themes, hymns and carols such as gin punch described
author’s “A Christmas Carol” at In addition Marin estimates that the gin used in the
“Adeste Fideles” and “God Rest Ye,
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. by Dickens cost about twelve cents and the lemon one.
Merry Gentlemen,” in the elaborate score
Dickens’ own explanation of Tim
completed by Franz Waxman for "A plays Scrooge, and Terry Kilburn Tiny the picture.
It is in
Reginald Owen
why he wrote the story.
Christmas Carol.”
“I have endeavored,” wrote Dick- “A Christmas Carol,” adapted from Dickens’ novel by Hugo Butler, is
the producer of the
ens, “to raise the ghost of an idea the realization of a life’s dream by Joseph L. Mankiewicz,
WINS 4000-MILE HUNCH Ever since Mankiewicz graduated from college and entered
motion
which will not put my readers out picture.
The “hunch” of a friend caused James
pictures as a writer, he believed that the great human message
of this story
humor with themselves, each
of
other, with the season, or me. May
Harrell to drive 4000 miles to try to get
a job acting in Hollywood, and the hunch
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men —
was what the world needed more than
it haunt their houses pleasantly.” It anything else. With the aid of Edwin L. Marin, who directed the picture,
proved correct. An hour after he arrived,
isdated 1843, just after completion man in “A Mankiewicz has achieved an absolutely faithful interpretation of this literary
Harrel was cast for the fat
of the writing of the story, which masterpiece. Authentic in every detail, it represents relentless research of
Christmas Carol,” produced by Metro-
was first published for the Christmas Goldwyn-Mayer. He was a radio per- four years.
holidays in 1 844.
former, but had never been on screen.
Dickens * Immortal 'Christmas Carol'
Comes to Life In Yuletide Treat
Christmas Carol,” based on Charles Dickens’ classic story,
“A
brings to life Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Cratchits, and the rest of the
immortal characters in the Yuletide tale in Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer’s
production, released for the holiday season.
Directed by Edwin L. Marin and produced by Joseph L. Mankie-
wicz, the picture follows the original story
almost to the letter. Replicas of old
London streets and homes of 1 840, and Barrymore Stars
replicas of the quaint
Christmas celebrations In Christmas Carol
were worked out by
careful research, as were Exploitation Trailer
the costumes of the
Lionel Barrymore, long and fond-
Dickens period.
ly associated with the Charles Dick-
Reginald Owen plays
ens’ character of “Old Scrooge” in
Scrooge, the miser, and
the beloved story of “A Christmas
Terry Kilburn, new find
Carol,” appears in the special trail-
among boy actors, the
er produced by M-G-M for this
Mankiewicz crippled Tiny Tim. Gene
holiday attraction,
and Kathleen Lockhart play Bob Cratchit Barrymore opens the trailer,
and his wife, and their daughter June which is titled “A Fireside Chat with
plays their daughter Belinda in the pic- Lionel Barrymore,” by introducing
ture. The romantic leads are played by Reginald Owen in the character of
Lynne Carver as Bess and Barry Mackay, Scrooge.
English leading man, as Fred, Scrooge’s Edwin Marin, the director of the
nephew. Ann Rutherford, Leo C. Carroll, picture, directed Barrymore in the
Lionel Braham, Matthew Boulton, Ronald special scene.
Sinclair and others comprise the cast.

One of the most elaborate pieces of

set construction in the picture is a replica Quaint Old English
of the shops on Threadneedle Street in
London, in which crowds make merry on Yule Customs Faund
Christmas Eve. Another authentic set
represents the home of the Cratchits, in Screen Research
where the traditional Christmas celebra-
Quaint old London of I 834, reproduced
tion,with its roast goose, plum pudding,
for a motion picture, disclosed many cus-
and Christmas greenery, is enacted.
toms almost forgotten in this modern
Hugo Butler adapted the story to the day, when streets and homes were built,
screen. So accurately is the original fol- and peopled with players in the pictur-
lowed that even the stage directions in esque costumes of the time, for “A Christ-
many cases were copied verbatim out of mas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ classic tale
the book, Dickens’ own descriptions be- of the Yuletide.
ing used for the varied details. Candles and oil lamps were the illumi-
nation of homes. Cas had just been per-
fected and was some of the wealthier
Marin Supplies residences.
in
Paper bags were unkown in

His Own Traps* Groceries were usually placed

stores. in
cornucopia-shaped rolls made of wrap-
Edwin L. Marin’s penchant for picking ping paper by merchants.
up odds and ends of interest in auction These and hundreds of other odd facts
houses and antique shops has netted him were assembled by Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer
a profit. The director, on days off, often for research in the picture. Mistletoe
amuses himself collecting objects that and its uses were tracked down, and it
take his fancy. He had them stored in was discovered that the custom of kissing
his cellar. under this plant was a survival of a de-
Assigned to direct Charles Dickens’ “A tail of an ancient Druidic marriage rite.

Christmas Carol,” he was engaged in in- It was Prince Albert, it was disclosed,

spection of sets and details. The property who introduced the Christmas tree into
man complained of difficulties in obtain- England. Of Teutonic origin, the first
ing pewter mugs, old jugs, kitchen uten- tree in London was set up in Windsor
sils and other articles of the period. Castle in 1840. CHARLES DICKENS'
“Better go through my cellar and see “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”
if you can find anything,” suggested Actor Spends Two with
Marin. The property man returned with
Hours for Makeup REGINALD OWEN GENE LOCKHART
a wagon load.
Reginald Owen, who Ebenezer plays KATHLEEN LOCKHART TERRY KILBURN
Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol,” Metro- BARRY MacKAY LYNNE CARVER
CLOCK TURNED BACK May by
Goldwyn-Mayer’s filmization of the Screen 1 '

The clock was set back a day when HUGO BUTLER

Charles Dickens story, devoted two hours
the prints of “A Christmas Carol” were
daily to make-up for the part. His char- A METRO-COLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE
shipped to Australia and New Zealand.
acter was designed from the illustrations Directed by
They went by air to New York, to Eng- EDWIN L. MARIN
in Dickens’ first edition of the story.
land on the Queen Mary, then by air
* Produced by
from England to the Antipodes. One Joseph L. Mankiewicz
calendar day was gained by shipping them PLAYED EVERY ROLE
East instead of West, due to difference Leo G. Carroll, appearing as Marley’s CAST
in time around the earth. ghost in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “A Ebenezer Scrooge. .... — Reginald Owen
Christmas Carol,” has appeared on stage Bob Cratchit ^ Gene Lockhart
Mrs. Cratchit..... ..Kathleen Lockhart
FAMILY AFFAIR and screen, as every male character men- Tiny Tim t. ..Terry Kilburn
Gene and Kathleen Lockhart, appear- tioned in the Christmas story. Fredj Barry MacKay
Bess ! Lynne Carver
ing as Mr. Bob Cratchit in
and Mrs. Marley’s Ghost Leo G. Carroll
Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer’s “A Christmas AUTHENTIC SETTING Spirit ofChristmas Present Lionel Braham
Spirit ofChristmas Past Ann Rutherford
Carol,” have appeared on the stage and A complete replica of Threadneedle Spirit ofChristmas Future D’Arcy Corrigan
screen, as man and wife, more than two Street in London in 1 840 was constructed Young Scrooge Ronald Sinclair
hundred times. for “A Christmas Carol.”
Scanned from the collection of

Karl Thiede

Coordinated by the
Media History Digital Library
www.mediahistoryproject.org