Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Thursday 26 September 1946, page 6


Star Of "Smithy" Gets Contract

With Hollywood

»

Mr. Ron Randell, star of the Australian film "Smithy," signed a contract yesterday with the Col-umbia Picture Corporation of

America.

" He will begin making a- film in Hollywood early in November.

Mr. Randell is the third Australian film star to receive a Hollywood con-tract following an appearance in an Australian film. The others were Cecil Kellaway and Ann Richards.

Yesterday Mr. Ken G. Hall, of Cinesound, director of "Smithy," said it was regrettable that Australia could not afford to top an offer made to any star who attracted Hollywood's

attention.

"A BIT NERVOUS"

He hoped that one day Australian films would be in a position to offer Australian actors and actresses an op-portunity as attractive as that now given to Mr. Randell. Until then it would have to be reconciled to losing its best actors and actresses.

Mr. J. Joel, Columbia's representa-tive in Australia, said the contract was a long-term agreement. No informa-tion had been received about Mr. Randell's first film. He would work for Columbia in any films for which they thought he was suitable. N

Columbia had offered the contract solely on Mr. Randell's performance u "Smithy."

'After signing the contract Mr. Randell said he was delighted, but "a bit nervous," Going to Hollywood meant proving himself again.

Mr. Randell was born in Sydney. He is 27 years of age, and began acting at 15.