PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 19952, 23 August 1928, Page 2

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT ‘ Tho Last Command’ is a mighty picture, and worthy ot tho greatest patronage. Uutortunately this outstanding dramatic lUm, winch owes its success- to the superb acting of Emil Tannings, is being screened at tho Regent Theatre tor the final time tonight. Tho talented star appears as a wealthy and mighty general of the Tsar’s army during 11)1.7, when Russia was engaged in the grapple with the enemy. Then came the nCvcr-to-be-I'orgotten Revolution, when the general, betrayed by bis own staff, had to flee for his life. He makes his way to Hollywood, where he is seen virtually bogging for a livelihood in “ tho bread row” at the studio gates. The story is one which gives Tannings full sway for las genius in characterisation. One cannot pass without giving praise to the other members of the cast, of which Evelyn 13rent and William Powell are outstanding. There is also a good programme of supports shown, and an additional attraction is the appearance of Arthur Aldridge, the renowned English tenor, whose rich voice is heard in many pleasing compositions

OCTAGON Reginald Denny’s latest success, ‘ On Your Toes,’ will have its final screening at the Octagon Theatre to-night. The film depicts Denny in tho role of a boxer, who fights his way to the heavy-weight championship of the world. It is one of the most entertaining pictures the star lias appeared in since entering the screen world. Universal has selected the finest cast it could assemble to support Denny. Barbara Worth, the leading lady, is one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and charming women. She is a worthy opposite for the handsome Denny. Mary Carr, the screen’s “ best-known mother,” has a featured role. Others in tho cast arc such players as Hayden Stevenson, Frank Hagney, and Gertrude Howard. As usual the orchestral selections are a decided acquisition to tho bill. STRAND Charlie Chaplin's latest picture, ‘The Circus,’ which is now showing at the Strand Theatre, is Chaplin’s only comedy in the last two years. According to reports from the United Artists’ Corporation, which released this new picture, ‘ The Circus' presents the Chaplin at whom millions have laughed, the Chaplin of ‘ Shoulder Anus,’ ‘Pay Day,’ and ‘The Pilgrim,’ the pathetic little man with the bowler bat and cane, the wriggling moustache, and the feet shod with boots of incredible sics. While it contains many whimsical turns and a pleasing romance, the story is devoid of any extreme pathos or tragedy. Although the action centres round a big three-ring circus, Chaplin does not appear in the usual garb of a clown, but in his own peculiar habiliments of old. Chaplin plays the part of an unfortunate who is out of work and unknowingly becomes the accomplice of a pickpocket. He escapes arrest by his ingenuity, and obtains vvork_ as handy man in a circus, where he falls in love with the owner’s daughter. A new performer in the person of a handsome young man joins the company. The girl falls in love with him. not knowing of Charlie’s deep affection for her. Charlie’s ability to do almost anything in the troupe results in his being pressed into service when the wirewalker fails to appear for a performance. He is the sensation of the show, although ho docs not know it. The girl makes this fact known to him, and his demand for big wages is Ho protects the girl from the abuse of her father, and in so doing is discharged from the company. Merna Kennedy, a newcomer to the screen, has tho leading feminine role, while other well-known players in the supporting cast are Betty Morrissey, Harry Crocker, Allan Garcia, and Henry Bergman. The Strand Symphony Orchestra supplies the incidental music.

GRAND AND PLAZA In ‘ The Latest From Paris/ the main feature of the bill at the Grand and Plaza Theatres, Norma Shearer plays the part of a travelling saleslady who believes that “all’s fair in love and business." She manages to combine the two in a way that will make you laugh, and will keep you entertained from beginning to j?nd. Ralph Forbes plays the leading male role, and Sam Wood directed. The other picture is ‘ Air Wu, starring Lon Chaney. Renee Adorce, Louise Dresser, Ralph Forbes, Anna May Wong, and Gertrude Olmsted are the supporting players in the cast of this drama of Oriental lives and loves. EVERYBODY’S

The picture that has been drawing capacity houses at Everybody’s Theatre, ‘ Blood Will Tell,’ with Buck Jones in the stellar role, is to have a final showing to-night. In a story brimming with suspense, daring riding, and hazardous stunts the famed Westerner gives one of the best performances oi his career the scenic beauty of this picture will rank with the best shown on the screen. The additional picture is entitled ‘Simple Sis/ in which Louise Fazenda and Clyde Cook appear in tho leading roles. Tho screen adaptation of Baroness Orczy’s famous story, ‘The Scarlet. Pimpernel/ entitled 1 1 Will Repay,’ will bo initially screened at this theatre to-morrow afternoon. KING EDWARD ‘Sorrell and Son’ will have its final screening at the King Edward Theatre to-night. The story tells how Captain Sorrell is dggorated at the war for distinguished bravery, and returns home to find his wife on_the point of leaving the home and their son to live with a wealthy old man. The captain, unable to secure bis former employment, is forced to humble his pride and accept service as an hotel porter. While engaged in his occupation he is continually making sacrifices for his boy, and the boy shows his appreciation of his father’s efforts on his behalf in an ap pealing climax.