CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22003, 29 January 1937, Page 4

CITY THEATRES

CIVIC

"THE SONG OF FREEDOM"

About 18 months ago that famous negro actor and singer, Paul Robeson, was reported to have announced his intention of seeking seclusion from the white race by going back to his people in Africa. This, it would seem, has suggested the story of "The Song of Freedom," the picture which is having a season at the Civic Theatre, with Robeson taking the main role. The theme is magnificent for the use of Robeson's brilliant talents, and he has the support of a strong cast. The story is, in certain respects, a biography of Robeson. Something of his own remarkable rise to fame on the stage is conveyed in the story of John Zinga, the London dock worker whose voice brings him a dazzling career. And at the height of his fame, Zinga, too, finds his heart turning to his kinsmen in Africa. Robeson's singing, is, of course, the outstanding feature of the film. The reproduction is as good as could .be desired according to present-day standards, and Robeson sings more often then in any of his other pictures. It may be added that every song is welcome.

STATE

"THE CHAMPAGNE WALTZ"

When Paramount decided that a tribute to its founder, Adolph Zukor, would be a simultaneous release throughout the world of one of its best productions, it could not have chosen a better film than "The Champagne Waltz," which will enter its second week at the State Theatre to-day. Since Paramount first came to the screen 25 years ago, the productions have steadily improved in every phase of the art. and in "The Champagne Waltz." the almost impossible has been accomplished, and the patron leaves the theatre with a sense of great satisfaction in the thought that American jazz has not killed the waltzes of other years. It would seem impossible to harmonise the noise and banging of modern jazz with the delicate strains of the old waltzes, but Paramount has succeeded in doing this with the greatest waltz of waltzes. "The Blue Danube." And Gladys Swarthout, who thrilled so many with her singing in "Rose of the Rancho," is the link. The instrumental music itself is sufficient in entertainment, but appreciation of the whole programme is doubled by the singing of, Gladys Swarthout, whose solos are too few. A section of the supporting programme is devoted to the most interesting review' of the development of motion pictures, tracing the growth of Paramount, for whose jubilee no better programme could have been selected.

CRYSTAL PALACE

DRAMA AND COMEDY

The new attractions at the Crystal Palace are "15 Maiden Lane," starring Claire Trevor and Cesar Romero, a mystery story of "Diamond Row," and the Jones family in "Back to Nature." Claire Trevor, in "15 Maiden Lane. Is featured as the niece of the head of the company insuring the gem stolen by Romero, turns amateur detective, and determines to recover the million dollar 'loss as well as break up the ring of jewel thieves victimising Diamond Row. Pretending to fall in with the plans of Romero, Claire leads him on until she finds herself in a strategic position resulting in a whirlwind denouement that not only recovers the stolen diamonds, but loot from several other robberies as well. "Back to Nature" is an exceedingly amusing comedy, with a large and well-chosen cast. Members of the Jones family include Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane, Dixie Dunbar, June Carson, Kenneth Howell, George Ernest, and Tony Martin. They represent a typical American family out on a camping holiday. The story is full of comedy and makes art excellent family attraction.

MAYFAIR

"THE BRIDE WALKS OUT"

"The Bride Walks Out," Barbara Stanwyck's new starring vehicle, which will begin to-day at the Mayfair Theatre, is one of the most hilarious and entertaining pieces of screen entertainment seen for some time. The story deals with the trials and tribulations of a pair of newlyweds, portrayed by Miss Stanwyck and Gene Raymond, who try to limit their expensive housekeeping ideas to a small budget, while they endure the blandishments of a carefree young millionaire, acted by Robert Young, aimed at breaking up their scrappy home. Revealing more difficulties in trying to balance their budget than the government ever dreamed of, the tale whirls from one comedy situation to another, and winds up with a grand old-fashioned chase and a fight that lands the belligerent Raymond in gaol. Miss Stanwyck, as the pleasure-lov-ing bride, displays brilliant ability as a comedienne. And her performance is all the more brilliant for the competition she has at the hands of such accomplished farceurs as Raymond and Young, and of those of Ned Sparks and Helen Broderick, who, as a long and bitterly-married couple, provide much of the mirthful background of the film. Raymond's portrayal outdoes his recent performance in "Love on a Bet," both for comedy and for colourful character delineation, and Young is ideally cast as his champagne-loving rival whose attentions to Miss Stanwyck bring about many of the film's more vivid moments.

AVON

"SWEET ALOES"

A notable production, and one which is keenly awaited in the city, will begin a season at the Avon to-day. It is "Sweet Aloes," a daring modern drama of the human emotions of love, hate, and sacrifice, starring the beautiful Kay Francis. The picture, a Cosmopolitan production released by Warner Bros., is based on the big stage success, "Sweet Aloes," by Jay Mallory. The plot of the play is ultra-modern and startlingly daring, and although frank in treatment, is handled with the utmost good taste. The story concerns the romance of a young English girl with a nobleman who is married to a semi-invalid wife. Their child is taken into the nobleman's family by the grandfather, who longs for an heir his son's wife cannot give him. The girl seeks forgetfulness in America, marries a fine business man whom she respects, but does not love.

George Brent has the role of the American husband of Miss Francis, and gives a sterling performance, as also do Roland Young as the playwright, and Patric Knowles as the nobleman involved in the romance. Frieda Inescourt has created a remarkable character in the nobleman's wife, who adopts the other woman's child as her own. She brings to her portrayal great charm and intelligence. Henry Stephenson is excellent in tfie role of the English, lord and

grandfather of the child he plans to make his heir.

OTHER THEATRES

"The 39 Steps," starring Robert Donat, heads the new programme at the Metro Theatre, beginning to-day. "Naughty Marietta," starring Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy, will have a return season at the Tivoli Theatre, beginning today. The principal attraction on the new programme at the Liberty Theatre is "Drake of England," with Matheson Lang, Athene Seyler, and Jane Baxter. On the same programme is the film "At the Bottom of the World." "Dodsworth," starring Walter Huston and Ruth Chatterton, is the attraction at the Plaza Theatre. "Craig's Wife," starring John Boles, Rosalind Russell, and Billie Burke, is the new film at the Regent Theatre. The attractions at the Theatre Royal are "Hollywood Boulevard," starring John Halliday, Marsha Hunt, and Robert Cummings, and "Mr Cohen Takes a Walk," with Paul Graetz in the leading role. Dick Foran in "Treachery Rides the Range" is the principal attraction at the Majestic Theatre. Richard Arlen and Sally Eilers in "She Made Her Bed," and Jack Haley, Mary Boland, Neil Hamilton, and Patricia Ellis in "Here Comes the Groom," are showing at the Grand Theatre.