February 1927: “Sir Harry for ‘Huntingtower'” – John Buchan’s Story First Sought by Douglas Fairbanks As a Subject

An article on page 39 of Kinematograph Weekly (page 35, in The British Newspaper Archive), on Thursday the

3rd of February, 1927, reads:

 

“‘SIR HARRY FOR ‘HUNTINGTOWER.’ …

 

IT is over a year since John Buchan’s fine story in Scottish settings, ‘Hunting-tower,’

was sought by Douglas Fairbanks as a subject. The author however, preferred to accept

a British offer, and the subject since changed hands, being acquired by Welsh-Pearson

for early production. Now comes the highly interesting news that the leading part is to be

played by Sir Harry Lauder, of whom my readers have probably heard.

 

Lauder’s Screen Face

 

There need be no fears that Sir Harry will not get over on the screen. He films well, as those

who saw a topical screen interview with him a few months ago will readily confirm. The story

centres round the character he will portray, a retired Glasgow grocer who finds adventure of

a thrilling kind on his native heath. There is a band of Boy Scouts, who have a great deal to do

in the plot’s development. Shooting is not expected to begin for three months.”

 

 

 

The British Newspaper Archive.

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, August 2025.