As soon as it was realized that the crash in Europe was inevitable, American flm producing companies recalled their stars, and there was a rush to go home. Among those who hurried back were Norma Shearer, who was enjoying a European holiday, and Robert Montgomery. A number of the most famous English actors and actresses are in the United States, where they are held by contract and will probably remain. They include Charles Laughton and his wife Elsa Lan-chester, Herbert Marshall and Flora Robson. On the other hand one hears that Grace Moore purports returning to Europe to drive an am-balance.
On the outbreak of war, cinemas as well as theatres and variety houses were closed throughout England, but very soon further consideration was given to the question, and it was decided to re-open 9 large number in selected - areas. Dark nights and dark news created in the public mind a demand for relaxation, and, on re-opening, picture houses began ta attract reasons;|ably large audiences. Special regulations have been set up to deal with sudden danger and so far as is possible the neighbourhood of the Cutting Done for "Gone Tourist Season in With the Wind"
At last, the film of "Gone with the Wind" is almost ready to show the public. Altogether 160,000 feet of film were made. These would take about 21 hours to show. They have been cut down to 24,000 feet and a running time of 3 hours and 26 minutes. In this form they will be given in certain selected super picture houses at increased prices. Afterwards, there will be a general release of two-hour picture for which prices will be normal, One hopes that Mr. Selznick will be rewarded for all the pains he has taken with this production. First of all, there was the very large sum paid for film rights of the novel. Then there was the almost unprecedented time and energy used up in discovering the invitable actress to play Scarlett O'Hara and the many heated doubts about her inevitability after she had been discovered.
One cannot say at the moment if and when these expensive super pictures will reach the English market in its present condition of distract tion and uncertainty. But doubtless large audiences in the Dominions will enjoy these pictures and make their contribution towards the costs of production.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.