dated May 9, 1951: Film on Gandhi

An actor to play the role of Mahatma Gandhi in a projected film about the Indian leader and philosopher was being sought by Mr. Ken McEldowney, head of Oriental-International Films, which planned to make the picture.

``The man who portrays Gandhi must be tall and thin, can be of any nationality using the English tongue, and must be capable of reflecting the magic charm and personality of the much adored statesman,'' said Mr. McEldowney in New York.

He was confident that filming the picture in India presented no obstacles as he had spent four months in India shooting ``The River.''

Just exactly what form the Gandhi film would have was yet to be determined. Much depended on whether the right kind of actor would be found for the part. If not, Mr. McEldowney said he might still do the film but build it around the almost legendary Gandhi personality showing his effect and impact on India's millions and on the course of world history.

``Of course we would prefer to personalise our movie by showing Gandhi on the screen. Our ultimate aim is to put across the tremendous importance of the man rather than to dwell on his personal life,'' Mr. McEldowney said.

Ever since the word of the Gandhi project leaked out the producer had been swamped with offers from Hollywood players asking for a chance to audition for the lead. One well-known film actor wrote and pleaded for the part, explaining that he had studied Mahatma Gandhi's teaching for many years and would be willing to appear in the picture for a minimum salary.

But popular performers, whose faces were known to millions all over the world did not stand much of a chance. ``It would be wrong for us to cast a man who has appeared in many movies,'' Mr. McEldowney observed.

The producer was presently engaged in a wide hunt to find colour film showing the Mahatma in the years before the assassination. There was good reason to believe that such footage existed in India, where amateur photographers might have trained a lens on the Mahatma during one of his public appearance, he said. If such colour films could be found they would be incorporated in the film.

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