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Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 91, 15 October 1934, Page 3

REGENT THEATRE. A gripping detective drama is being shown at the Regent Theatre under the title "Scotland Yard Mystery," with Sir Gerald dv Maurier heading a notable cast. Tho story opens with a meeting of the board of directors of a big London insurance company, the principal subject of discussion concerning the sudden deaths from heart failure of four men who have recently been insured for large amounts. A motion of censure on the company's doctor is passed, but the latter, whose fianceeis a. daughter of Inspector Stanton, of Scotland Yard, is able to induce the Yard to institute inquiries. The results are sensational, the exhumation of the coffins of the policy-holders revealing that they are filled with books. At first body-snatching is suspected, but further developments cause suspicion to fall upon a doctor in a high position of trust. Everything works up to a powerful climax in which the constant communication maintained by wireless by the Croydon aerodrome with machines erossiug the Channel plays its part in bringing the culprits to book. "Bulldog Drummond Strikes Back." "Bulldog Drummond Strikes, Back" will be screened at the Regent Theatre cm Friday. Ever since Colman made the earlier talkie, "Bulldog Drummond," the film-go-ing public has retained a fond memory of the dashing Captain Hugh Drummond, whom he first portrayed in that picture. Drummond also holds a fond place in Colmau's heart, for it was in the creation of this character that he scored his greatest screen hit. The story of the new Drummond picture is based on the latest uovel by H. C. McNeile, depicting the further exploits of the lovable adventurer. The excitement starts when Drummond attempts to unravel a baffling mystery for a beautiful young girl whose uncle disappears strangely iv the London house of a sinister Oriental prince. Loretta Y'oiing portrays the girl, Warner Oland plays the prince, Charles Butterworth is seen as Dm mil load's not quite bright friend Algy, and Una Merkei appears as the bride whom Algy deserts on her wed- j ding night to dabble in mystery with { Drummond. C. Aubrey Smith plays In-j spector Nielson, of Scotland Yard. GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Luck of knowledge of some of the most important facts of life has been and is responsible for an appalling number of wrecked minds and shattered bodies. Shrouded in a cloak oi false modesty and prudery, dangerous infectious diseases, sometimes called social diseases, have been permitted to prey upon humanity, when frank enlightenment as to the facts would have proven an invincible weapon against them. "Damaged Lives," the picture now at the Grand Opera House, emphasises the necessity for wholesome education about this sinister menace of both ancient and modern civilisation. Sponsored by the various social hygiene associations of the world, which for years have waged an unceasing battle against the mistaken policy of secrecy where vital facts are concerned, "Damaged Lives" is at once an intensely dramatic talking picture and a forceful influence that cannot be ignored by those who see it. In addition to the main picture there is shown a supplementary film which depicts with startling realism, but with delicacy and reassurance, the scientific phases of these diseases, together with essential facts that all should know. DE LUXE THEATRE. Alyrna Loy plays beside George Brent in "Stamboul Quest," a dramatic story of intrigue in the Orient, at the De Luxe Theatre. It deals with counter-espion-age, and reveals the thrilling story of the journey to Constantinople of a beautiful secret agent of the German Government who goes to test the loyalty of a high Turkish oilicer. But before she goes she commits what is almost a fatal error; ahe falls in love. Ou the brilliant, stage of Constantinople a drama is played out which might almost decide the fate of the war. For the Germans believe that there is a plot to open the passage of the Dardanelles to the British .Fleet, and it is to check this chance that "Fraulcin Doktor," the most famous of their women agents, takes the Eastern express; The result is full of excitement, and nuA without a liberal spice of humour. Lionel Atwill and C. Henry Gordon have prominent parts in the cast. The opening of the First National musical and dramatic spectacle, "Wonder Bar," will commence at the Do Luxe Theatre next Friday. The picturca-is based ou the internationally famous play that was the sensation of Europe a few years ago when it played before king and commoner in Continental capitals. Again it was a sensation on the American stage with Al Jolson iv the stellar role. Al Jolson in the lilm version plays the same role as an entertainer de luxe. The cast also includes Kay Francis, Dolores Del Rio, Ricardo Cortez. Dick Powell, and Hal Le Roy. The supporting cast is quite as imposing, including such notable players of stage and screen as Guy Kibbee". Ruth Donnelly. Hugh Herbert, Louise Fazenda. Fill d'Orsay, Merua Kennedy, Henry O'Xeill, Robert Barrat, and Henry Kolker. In addition there are 300 beautiful chorus girls, who dance and sing clad in diaphanous gowns. These spectacles spice the dramatic production which has been staged on a grand scale, the locale being a night club of gay Paris, the story centring about the entertainers I and their romances with each other and with patrons. KING'S THEATRE. Vicki Baum, the celebrated author of •'Grand Hotel," also wrote "I Give My Love," starring Wynne Gibson and Paul Lukas, now showing at the King's Theatre. This is a motion picture carrying with it all the emotional gamut of life as it is lived by artists who know no other creed but their own. It is described as a veritable dynamo of heart throbs. Wynne Gibson's characterisation is one of the most touching and tender ever put on the screen, while Paul Lukas even surpasses his great arid human role in "Little Women.?' The second feature, "I'll Tell the World," is a fast and exciting story of a news correspondent in his mad quest for ""sensational copy." PARAMOUNT THEATRE. The British two-feature ' programme at the Paramount Theatre appears to be much to the taste of the audiences. The main dramatic feature, "Warn London," is an intriguing mystery play. It is brimming with excitement, and thrills abound. Edmund Gwenn, as "Dr. Krauss," an eminent criminologist who turns to crime, is magnificent—a performance that will be remembered. No less convincing is the dual role presented by John Loder. Leonora Corbett is also very fine. In happy contrast to this drama is the clean, clever comedy, "Girl's Please," with Sydney Howard dispensing humour through his laughable administration of a young ladies' boarding school during the absence of its principal. The girls are a charming bunch of British beauties. BRITANNIA THEATRE. Could "Frankenstein" have ( defeated "Dracula" in mortal combat? The issue has been put to a test by Universal Pictures, which brought together for the first time on the screen those two terror-in-spiring "monsters," Karloff and Liigosi, in a horror picture, "The Black Cat.' suggested by a story by Edgar .Allan 1 oe. A gripping story, full of unusual and unexpected thrills and chills, "The Block Cat, which is now showing at the Britannia Theatre, promises to outdo both "hrankenstein" and "Dracula." Karloff takes on a new guise of horrible and terrorising proportions, while Lugosi braves the laws of life mid death when he clashes with bis- sinister adversary. "Trouble" is also showing. PRINCESS THEATRE. "Tarzan and His Mate" is now showing at the Princess Theatre. Johnny Weissmulier, as "Tarzan," and Maureen O'Sullivan are again united in a jungle love story. Into the primitive romance is packed a series of animal scenes that have never beeu equalled in the filming of adventure pictures for the screen Herds of elephants^ are shown charging members of a safari, followed^ by a mixed fight between elephants and fifty lions, with Weissmulier in the middle of the struggle. Other animal thrills include a battle to the death between Weissmulier and a man-eating crocodile more than SO feet under water. Herds of zebras, wuuderbeeste, gorillas, ostrich (locks, and many smaller .African animals are also shown.