PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 20252, 13 August 1929, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

OCTAGON One of the most notable casts ever assembled will bo seen in ‘ The Studio Mystery,’ the all-talking Paramount production, winch will bo presented at tho Octagon Theatre next Friday. Neil Hamilton, who appeared with considerable success in 1 Beau Gestc,’ 4 The Showdown,’ and ‘Three Week-ends,’ has a prominent part in 4 The Studio Murder Mystery,’ while Warner Gland, Frederic March, Florence Kill ridge, and Doris Hill, who was chosen as the Wampas baby star for 1929, appear in other leading roles. Tho method of making the popular talkies is a mystery to most film enthusiasts, but in 4 The Studio Murder . Mystery ’ many of'the secrets of tho trade are revealed. Many of the scenes ■ ate taken an a talkie studio whilo prominent players are at work on tho production of a film, and the inclusion of genuine studio scenes should add considerably to the merit of the production, Tho story, which concerns tho mysterious murder of Richard Hardcll, a prominent screen player, abounds in thrilling 'situations, and is highly dramatic throughout. Hardell is found stabbed to death on, tho deserted stage of a Hollywood studio, and the untimely end of such a well-known film personage arouses considerable public interest. Tho police make careful investigations, and find that five people had excellent motives for killing Hardell, whose life had been far from exemplary. Rupert Borka, who directed Hardell in his first picture, had caught the actor flirting with his wife, and was known to ho very bitter against ! him for that reason; Mrs Hardell had | discovered that her husband was in love i with Helen MacDonald, a girl employed ; at tho studio; Helen MacDonald was known to have threatened the actor, and in this she was supported by her brother Ted and her father, tho studio watchman. Tho various suspects are closely examined by tho police, who make an arrest, only to discover the real murderer in a thrilling climax. The supporting programme will include a number of excellent shorter talking pictures. EMPIRE Against tho thunderous background of war-torn France, with flying aces zooming in tho air overhead and the backwash of the world’s most terrible conflict bringing panic to the peasantry, a little slip of a girl in simple frocks takes tho audience to great emotional heights, brings a heart throb here and a tear there, as they follow her through one of the greatest romances ever told. That, in a sentence, is ‘Love Never Dies,’ First National’s great new special picture, starring Colleen Moore, at tho Empire Theatre. ‘ Love Never Dies ’ is truly great, aud Colleen Moore is brilliant in a role that rises to emotional heights. This clever little comedienne, who sprang to fame in the flapper pictures of a few years ago, is justly entitled to a niche among the host dramatic actresses of all time as tho result of this great role in the picturisation of the stage play by Jane Cowl and Jane Murfiu. In addition to tho startlingly vivid ■sound synchronisation, there is a fine score, together with the singling of ‘Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time ’ by a tenor. ‘ Love Never Dies,’ which was originally entitled 4 Lilac Time,’ is a splendid picture, and establishes Miss Moore, already recognised as the screen’s foremost comedienne, in her proper niche as one of the film’s greatest dramatic actresses. A number of excellent short talkie features is also presented, while delightful music is supplied by Mr Harvey at tho organ and tho orchestra, under the baton of M. Do Rose. REGENT A fine story of historic and romantic interest is revealed in 4 Wolf Song,’ the current production a.t the Regent Theatre. Lupo Velez and Gary Cooper, both outstanding screen players, have the leading roles in this tale of Spanish senoritas and rough baokswoodsmen in tho old south-west of 1840. Miss Velez actually sings a number of songs, including the theme song 4 Yo To Amo.’ Adapted from the successful novel by Harvey Fergusson, tho story is set in a picturesque part of Mexico, and is interpreted by a large cast of wellknown players. The leading players are supported by Louis Wolheim and Constantine Romanoff, who give memorable portrayals in difficult parts. The adventures of Sam Lash, a young pioneer, who elopes with a beautiful Spanish girl, are of exceptional interest, and the film has been very popular. The supporting programme of talkies includes a novelty production of dialogue, song, and dance entitled ‘ The Booklovers/ with Joseph Stantloy and Ivy Sawyer; banjo solos by Eddie Peabody, vocal items by the Giersdorf sisters, and a Patho sound nows reel. An ‘ Our Gang ’ comedy and another film oi the ‘ London A'ftcr Dark’ scries, showing Limehonsc, Chinatown, and the famous Pctticot lane, are silent short features. STRAND There is no feature that tends to enhance the mystery angle in a picture that lias been omitted in ' ‘The Haunted House,’ which now' heads the billmt the Strand Theatre. Audiences confess that they have seldom been nearer to absolute fear or enjoyed themselves to a greater extent than at the presentation of this First National thriller. Wild windstorms, sliding panels, trap doors, mysterious figures, a mad’ doctor, a lovely sleepwalker, and all sorts of comedy provided by Chester Conklin aud Flora Finch are features of this entertaining film. Thelma Todd is leading woman, and Larry Kent has the hero part. The settings are the best of their kind, the camera and light effects are the work of masters. With all the picture is sheer entertainment, and : the 1 audiences at the Strand Theatre testify to their approval in no uncertain terms at each presentation of ‘The Haunted House.’ Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle are the only two comedy players of opposite ssxes on the screen to-day whoso talents could so perfectly match as they do in ‘ A Single Man,’ screen version of the stage comedy success, .which is also showing. In this feature the co-star-ring team have an ideal vehicle in which to ascend to new' screen heights, and they have done so by giving the finest performances of their careers. Tho characterisations are removed from their usual story, and show them as whimsically humorous people, whose troubles belong to the Book of Life. GRAND AND PLAZA British Dominions Films screen adaption of Edgar Wallace’s famous story, ‘The Gaunt Stranger,’ which is entitled ‘The Ringer,’ is the current feature at the Grand and Plaza Theatres. The story concerns an amateur hunter of criminals, known as “ The Ringer,” who has broken tho law. m pursuit of his obsession He is wanted by the police, but bailies their efforts .to secure him and vanishes. Lt is

thought that ho has dic’d abroad; some say that he has returned to England to avenge his sister, who has drowned herself as the result of her betrayal bv a solicitor friend named Meistcr. This solicitor is found to he in league with thieves, and a noted criminologist, Dr Lomond, is called in to trace “The Linger,” but he remains elusive. After episodes of ever-rising suspense, in u crashing finale “The Ringer” is revealed. * Lonesome.’ a comedy drama, starring Glenn Tryon and Barbara Kent, a ‘ Let George Do It ’ comedy., and a Universal news reel complete the programme. EVERYBODY'S Gotham Productions’ latest picture, ‘ Bare Knees, 1 now showing at Everybody’s Theatre, is a sparkling story of the'modern American dapper. The picture starts with some delicious comedy showing the effect of a modern girl on the average small town. The laughs progress logically until about the middle of the picture, and then turn to,drama. An editing climax is held by’ the director for the final scene. An additional attraction is Lefty Flynn in the 1 College Boob/ - ■ KING EDWARD A Charlie Murray comedy entitled ‘ Do Your Duty ’ heads the current programme at the King Edward Theatre. It is a story revolving around the hilarious adventures of Murray as a police official, who is caught in the swirl of the Now’ York underworld. The excitement of the film is never allowed to simmer, and a good hour’s entertainment results. * A Single Man,’ starring Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle, is another enjoyable comedy, telling of a bachelor author who becomes'entangled, in. the wild adventures of joyous youth.