During the 1914-18 war British film productions almost ceased. In fact the whole of Europe was without active studios. This gave America an opportunity of which it has continued to make the fullest possible use. But it would seem that if it be possible things will work out rather differently today. Attempts are being made to keep British studios going at Denham, Elstree, Ealing and Shepherds Bush. At Denham," Alexander Korda is busy at work on a special wartime film to run an hour, and show scenes in air-raid shelters, dressing stations and other emergency places.
This picture will probably have the title "The Lion has Wings" In it Merle Oberon will play the part of a nurse and Ralph Richardson that of a flying officer. Mr. Michael Balcon too will keep on - working and at Ealing "David Goliath," starring Paul Robeson, is well under way. For safety's sake, work will not take place at night No doubt other announcements of other plans It is hoped that members will make their reservations for tables in the usual way, Robert Slack There will be some parts of the English-speaking world relatively unaffected by the war, and there may be found limited markets for Hollywood. pictures, and the usual interest in the Hollywood stars, One of these leading stars, Deanna Durbin, is about to cross the Rubicon of her film life, In her next picture, ric "First Love," she will be recognised as nearly grown-up. At "first, it will be remembered, there was a proposal to provide her with an faire de cœur with M. Charles Boyer, But there was wide-spread objection to the diversity of years, and Miss Durbin's first screen lover will be Mr. Robert Slack, twenty years of age, and until recently an amateur actor of social prominence.
Miss Durbin's innumerable followers seem to be concerned by the "Five Came Back" idea of her being involved in any form of love-making, Her own view In this strange and gripping in the steaming jungle of th is expressed in the words: "Being Ball occupy the leading roles, Coming' to the Grand Theatre. Ikissed—in the picture, I mean—is that a it ditfeut laudi lise mer the way I do about part of my work. I think about it in singing a song will be made as soon as possible. or any other scene for my films."
But the stars are not at work only This expression of detachment will in the studios.. Gracie Fields, who no doubt carry relief to many other-hurried back to England as soon as wise anxious minds. war. was declared, is looking after ten evacuated children in her coun-
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