PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19842, 16 April 1928, Page 5

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE John Barrymore and Dolores Costello have tho leading roles in tho screen version of tho romance written by the Abbe Prevost, entitled ‘Million Lescaut,’ which was dramatised under the name of ‘ His Lady.’ 'The story deals with Manon, first scon in her stage coach being taken off to a convent, convenient institutions in Imperial Franco for fractious or homely daughters. Also on the route is Fabicn dcs Grieux, serious, contained, absorbed with thoughts of piety and celibacy, a seminary student. Manon and Fabien, through tlie medium of exchanged glances, forget all thoughts of the inner life; Paris, with her fabulous offerings of gaiety and pleasure, beckons, where for a brief space the famous pair live royally on the earnings of Des Grieux at cards. Tho old, old story then becomes still older with the advent of old and wealthy, suitors for the favors of the matchless Manon. The court is even visible, but tho “frail lady,” as someone called her successor, Camille, could not see through the mists of profligacy tho evil shadow of the convict ship heading for the infamous Devil’s Island; nor could she sco revolution running loose in the streets _ nor tho mob thirsting for her spendthrift blood. But still “Tils” lady through it all, though estrangements occur and beauty and leisure disappear, this deathless pair of lovers bravo the flood, issuing white as snow. A romantic drama of classic leanings with fine tragedy and finer romance shining through its fabric. ‘ His Lady' is one of tlio many famous love stories that have been passed down from flic France of the Louis, and which number among their characters such women as Du Bary, Do Montespan, Pompadour, and Louise do la Vallicre. Also on the programme is a further instalment of the ‘Empire Weekly News,’ including .-.cones from the Portohello regatta, Merivalo v. Alhambra Rugby match, and the Technical College tourney. Special musical selections are played by tho Empire Select Orchestra, under tho baton of Mr Chas. Parnell. OCTAGON The two irrepressible funniakers, Ted M'Namara. and Sammy Cohen, who won fame by their characterisations in 1 What Price Glory,’ arc again delighting patrons of the Octagon Theatre with Fox Films’ latest comedy, ‘The Gay Retreat.’ This delightful entertainment is not only a happy, rollicking “take-off” on tho war, hut contains in addition thrills in plentiful measure, a double romance, and a story that is logical to the smallest details. The story deals with a .sloop-walking son of a millionaire who enlists in flic nmbnlancc corps and his two self-appointed bodyguards, who enlist with him. The hoy leaves his sweetheart, a Red Cross nurse in his father’s care, and goes to* France with his guardians in the wrong division. They are marked A.W.0.L., and that is the beginning of their troubles. What happens to them when they got overseas and the French girls with whom they fall in love furnishes tho materials for one of the best and most hilarious stories over filmed. Betty Francisco as tho nurse, Judy King as flte French girl, Gone Cameron as the hoy, Holmes Herbert as the father, Jerry the Giant as a little refugee, and Charles Gorman ns the hard sergeant give .splendid performances. But it is the team of Cohen and M'Namara who keep an audience happy and shouting with laughter by their inimitable characterisations. There is the usual programme of supports, while the entertainment is nicely rounded off by the playing of tlio orelicstra. under the direction of Monsieur Dc Rose. GRAND AND PLAZA The magnificent country of the high Sierras, almost impenetrable to motion picture companies, lias been ravaged of some of its -great shots in 1 The Twogun Man,’ now showing at tho Grand and Plaza Theatres. The glory of the rugged backgrounds forms a splendid canvas on which to transpose the redblooded story written by Stewart Edward White, with Fred Thomson and Silver King in the loading roles. ‘The Night Patrol,’ the second attraction, features Richard Talmadge in tlio role of a “swagger” young policeman. Tho story by Frank Howard Clark gives the star many of Ins most thrilling stunts to do; in fact, Talmadge discloses several new and moat amazing antics, several of which are shown in the mad race to the rescue of the brother of his sweetheart as the boy faces death in the electric chair. QUEEN’S ‘ Adam and Evil,’ at tlio Queen’s Theatre, offers a wonderful opportunity for the irresistible Low Cody in a dual role, and has plenty of light humour for the talents of Aileen Pringle. It tells of the adventures of Adam and his twin brother AI., from Brazil. How Adam’s beautiful young wile becomes hopelessly bewildered and cannot distinguish her husband from his brother, and flow Al.’s sweetheart insists that Adam is Al. makes ‘Adam and Evil ’ a positive whirlwind of mirth. Dolores Costello is said to play the most daring and emotional role of her spectacular career in ‘A Million Bid,’ the second picture, which also features the return to the screen of Betty i Blythe. EVERYBODY'S A light, exhilarating story of young married life is ‘ Silk Stockings,’ at Everybody’s Theatre. This picture is admirably suited to the comedy talents of Laura La Plante. John Hamm plays opposite the beautiful, blonde ■star, while the supporting cast includes Otis Harlan, William Austin, and Heinie Conklin. Tho second feature, which is the story of “tin can tourists” and tho auto camps, features Bessie Love and Harrison Ford, and was filmed against a romantic background. ‘Rubber Tyros’ is perhaps the first picture to bo made in its entirely away from a film studio. KING EDWARD ‘Silk Stockings,’ which takes pride of place on tlio hill at the King Edward Theatre, is an amusing story of a quarrelsome newly-married couple, starring the fascinating Laura La Plante in the lead with John Hamm, and Otis Harlan supporting. Dolores Costello is tho star in ‘ The Million Bid,’ the other feature.