Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 15 June 1939, page 30


THE ROMANTIC LEADS.

New Cínesound

Film.

PLAYING the romantic leads in the new Will Mahoney comedy, which will go into production at Cinesound Studios next week, are Shirley Ann Richards and John Fleeting.

Four years,ago, a young salesman and a 17year-old typiste played opposite each other in an amateur performance of "The Last of Mrs. Cheney."

Unsophisticated and with her school days just behind her, the girl, Shirley Ann Richards, was not exactly the playwright's conception of the daring "Mrs. Cheney." But a driving ambition and a flair for acting was responsible for her dramatic efforts.

Her leading man, tall, grey-eyed, and with the poise of 23 years, was Claude Fleeting, who, strangely enough, was completely dis-

JOHN FLEETING who shares the ro-

mantic interest with Shirley Ann

Richards in the new Cinesound film which will go into production shortly.

interested in an acting career. To him, it was merely an amusing hobby.

The career of Shirley Ann Richards, how-ever, was launched with this play. A talent scout for Cinesound recommended the young player to the studio and before long she was cast as the ingenue lead in "It Isn't Done." This was followed by "Tall Timbers," in which she was co-starred with Frank Leighton; "Lovers and Luggers," when she played oppo-site Lloyd Hughes, and "Dad and Dave Come

To Town."

Not Movie-minded.

CLAUDE FLEETING, following the career of his former leading lady with interest,

had failed to become movie-minded in the slightest degree. It was the producer-director for Cinesound, M. Ken G. Hall, who first saw the film possibilities of this young man, in his performance in Mrs Drake Brockman's Centenary play 'Men Without Wives.'

A screen test followed, with the sceptical Claude still refusing to be very serious about a movie career. It was so successful, how-ever, that it was followed by an offer from Mr.

WILL MAHONEY has a look in his

eye which promises well for the comedy side of the new Cinesound film which will go into production next week.

Hall to play the juvenile lead in "Gone to the Dogs" opposite Lois Green, which was ac-cepted, and his name was changed from

Claude to John.

When William Freshman, young scenario

writer who recently arrived from England, completed the Mahoney script, John was cast opposite Shirley Ann.

Wife of Comedian.

EVIE HAYES, who, in private life, is Mrs

Will Mahoney, is another member of the cast who will support the famous comedian. Tall and slim with dark hair and grey eyes, her lovely voice will be heard in an unusual and amusing number. She will play the part of a gymnasium teacher.

Jean Hatton and Sidney Wheeler complete the cast at the moment. Other players will

be announced later.

The little 16-year-old singer will play a prominent role and will be heard in several numbers. Following her success in "Mr. Chedworth Steps Out," she was signed to a long-term contract with the studio.

Sidney Wheeler, who played his first screen role as Shirley Ann's father, the lovable "Quid." ¡n "Lovers and Luggers." and has also played in "Mr. Chedworth Steps out" and "Dad and Dave Come to Town," will be seen in a rich comedy part in the Mahoney picture.

He will portray the role of Jean Hatton's

father.

EVIE HAYES, who in proviate life is

Mrs Will Mahoney, has an impor-tant part in the new Cinesound comedy in which her husband will star, but for

which no name has yet been chosen.