PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 20253, 14 August 1929, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE The war that was waged in the air has brought many pictures to the screen, but of all those productions, two— 11 Wings ’ and ‘ Tho Legion of the Condemned ’ —have stood supreme. Now those two stand alone ou a (pinnacle no longer; they tire joined by a third, ‘Love Never Dies,’-which is now being shown at the Empire Theatre. George Fitzmaurice has achieved something new in not allowing the war element to bo forgotten. with only three scenes of fighting on the land and only two ..sequences, of the conflicts between the “cavalry forces of the clouds.” ‘ Love Never Dies * is not purely a war picture. The fighting is not allowed to be forgoten altogether, but it is only a bordering fringe to the romance which is really the story. Tho tale is one of a little French girl at Lilac Fanni whore a.squadron of British flying aces is billeted. Nothing could bo more natural than that she should fall, in lovo with one of these young heroes, but their happiness is clouded when the squadron is sent out in the big push, with orders to fight until not an enemy plane is left in th% air. Then is enacted a pitiful story, that tugs at every emotion until its happy climax brings relief. Coleon Moore (playing JeanineV is the typical little French ma’m’selle until tho end, whether teasing the mechanics, scolding the aviators, oi grieved at-the absence of her lover. Gary Cooper plays the male lead splendidly. Besides being synchronised throughout, the film contains two or th.ee short talking sequences. A full measure of realism is added by the whir of the planes, and tho booming of the guns. ‘ Love Never Dies ’ is accompanied by a well-selected programme of supports, sound and silent, and an excellent musical entertainment is provided by Air Leslie V. Harvey the organist) and the orchestra, directed by AI. De Rose.

REGENT , Paramount’s ‘ Wolf Song,’ a romantic drama, featuring Gary Cooper, Lupo Velez, and Louis Wollicim, heads tho attractive bill of fare now being submitted at the Regent Theatre. Although the film is not an all-talkie, it includes a series of delightful Spanish melodies, sung by Lupe Velez and Gary Cooper, the leading players. Miss Velez is heard in ‘ Yo Te Amo,’ which she sings admirably in English, while Cooper’s pleasing voice is heard to advantage in ‘My Honey, Fare Thee Well.’ ‘The Wolf Song,’ a rollicking chorus, sung by the mountaineers, and two other new numbers, are included in the film, and form an integral part of tho picture, as they help to advance the theme of a stirring story. The film, which was directed by Victor Fleming, who was instrumental in making ■’ The Way of all Flesh,’ deals with pioneer days'in America, and is of considerable historic interest. Adapted from the novel by Harvey Fergusson, the story tells of the career of Sam Lash, a young pioneer. Tired of the monotony of life in his Kentucky cabin, he packs his Few belongings and sets out for the towns, where he hopes to encounter some form of adventure. Riding down through the hills, he enters the sleepy Mexican town of Taos, where he meets Lola Salazar, a beautiful Spanish girl, who Jives with her father, a proud old don who cherishes an idea that his daughter will marry some Spanish nobleman. Sam and Lola fall in love, and as they fear her father's disapproval, they elope, and are married at a distant outpost. The ensuing adventures of tho hardy youth and the delicately nurtured girl make a. thrilling theme for the production, which finally reaches a happy conclusion. The supporting programme includes vocal contributions by the talented Giersdorf sisters, an absurd comedy featuring the “Our Gang” rascals, a film from Hie ‘London After Dark’ series, and a, ‘ Regent Review,’ giving tho latest events among the world’s happenings.

STRAND ‘ The Haunted House.’ which is the headliner at the Strand Theatre this week, is well worth the attention of all those who enjoy exciting and eerie mystery stories This film contains some of the weirdest and most grotesque figures seen on tho screen for some time, and most of the story is told in an old elaborately furnished house, vacated because of its being haunted. In this house many strange happenings take place, and tho characters, who are in search of a hidden fortune,, meet with many trying experiences. Of course, with Chester Conklin and Flora Finch among the searchers, there is plenty of comedy to relieve the intense mystery element. The other picture is ‘ A Single Man,’ featuring Lew Cody and Aileen Pringle in a rollicking comedy, with the wild adventures of youth predominating. EVERYBODY’S ‘ Haro Knees.’ the headline attraction at Everybody’s Theatre, specifically deals with the advent of the last word in modern flappers into a small, narrow town. Naturally, at first, the natives are scandalised at her actions. She does the “black bottom” to “pep up ” a sleepy party, she smokes cigarettes in public, she “necks” in an open roadster on the main highway; but, whatever slio does, .she doesj in public, her private life being beyond reproach morally. Just about tho time that her sister and relatives are “ calling her down,” something happens which entirely changes the situation. Tho flapper is not only exonerated, but extolled, and the era of “bare knees” starts in this town.

‘The College Boob,’ a fine football story, and the fourth episode of 'The Collegians ’ are the supporting films.

GRAND AND PLAZA Edgar Wallace’s thriller, ‘The Ringer,’ is proving a popular centre of attraction at the Grand and Plaza, where the screen version of this intensely interesting story is being presented. ‘ Tho Ringer ’ has enthralled many audiences'-in its stage form, and the interest does not seem to be receding now that tho story has been transferred to the silver sheet. A cast of talented British players interpret the story of this famous film production. ‘ Lonesome ’ is the supporting attraction, and -stars Glen Tryon in a role admirably suitable to his unlimited talents. Next week’s programme at the Grand and Plaza Theatres is- to include another of the famous Edgar Wallace thrillers. This time ‘.The Silent House ’ will be the story featured It is claimed by the management that it is impossible not to be thrilled by this film. KING EDWARD ‘Do Your Duty,’ Charles Murray’s latest feature comedy, will be shown at the Ring Edward Theatre to-night, ft is the story ol a patrolman, who is promoted to tho rank of lieutenant, but who, through a “frame up” by a

gang of thieves he is out to bring to justice,■ As degraded to patrolman again. He does not let his family know of this occurrence, but he is determined to regain his lieutenant’s badge. In order to do this he gets into many escapes; which lie comes through with the_ aid of a Scottish friend. Lncien Littlefield. 1 Charles Delaney, and Doris Dawson head the supporting east. ‘ A Single Man,’ with Lew Cody aifd Adeem Pringle, will also be shown. It -is a society comedy, and patrons are assured many laughs.