dated July 16, 1951: Mahatma Gandhi Movie

A London report said that producer Mr. Gabriel Pascal had accepted a suggestion from Grand Old Man George Bernard Shaw to make a movie on the Indian politician and sage, Gandhiji. After reading Vincent Sheean's book ``Lead Kindly Light,'' Mr. Pascal strongly believed that it would make a good springboard for making a film designed to look at the Mahatma from the Western point of view. On the advice of Mr. Shaw, the producer planned to meet the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru who, despite his aristocratic birth and Western upbringing, had become an ardent admirer and close associate of Bapu. The Indian writer, D. G. Tendulkar, who was the author of a massive biography of the saint, was also being consulted. The script for the movie was expected to be ready within three months. British actor Rex Harrison was tipped to be cast in the role of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India. There seemed to be problem over finding a suitable person to play the apparently simple but indeed complex role of the Mahatma himself.

Korean Truce Talks Resumed

United Nations and Communist leaders, resumed their cease- fire talks at Kaesong interrupted on the 15th with reporters representing the United Nations now allowed to cover the on-going discussions. A preliminary agreement was reached on neutralising and disarming the conference area, and liaison officers were appointed to implement it.

MCC Probables for India

Top players like Len Hutton, Reg Simpson, Cyril Washbrook, Denis Compton, Alec Bedser, Jim Laker, and Godfrey Evans were ruled out of touring India in the winter of 1951-52. The MCC had decided however, to choose a strong side commanding some professional experience. Tipped to be in the squad to be led by Nigel Howard of Lancashire, were pace-bowlers Brian Statham and Fred Ridgway, and spinners Roland Jenkins and Roy Tattersall. The batting was likely to be led by Jack Robertson, Frank Lowson, J. T. Ikin, David Kenyon, Maurice Tremlett, and Alan Watkins. Richard T. Spooner of Warwickshire and David Drennan (Yorkshire) were the likely wicket-keepers.

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