EMPIRE'S NEXT CHANGE

Evening Star, Issue 20863, 5 August 1931, Page 7

EMPIRE'S NEXT CHANGE

TOO BRITISH FILMS ON FRIDAY At the Empire Theatre on Friday two British films of exceptional merit will bo released. The chief attraction will he ‘ Children of Chance,’ starring Elissa Landi, tho story of which is as follows;—Lia, successful iu crime, is suddenly embarrassed by the unwelcome appearance of Geoffrey, her husband, from temporary retirement from tho law-abiding world. She has ensnared Gordon, a wealthy man about town, who has used his influence to open up a theatrical carper for Lia, and, in order that she may look the part when confronting the theatrical producer, loans her a necklace. Geoffrey needs money, and the fact of his wife possessing a valuable necklace suggests to him a modo of satisfying his need, Lia has other ambitions. She arranges with her husband that they travel to the Continent by different routes, and that she take the necklace to where they can dispose of it and share the proceeds. Arriving at,the destination, Geoffrey finds his wife has hoodwinked him and does not keep the appointment. Suspecting this as a ruse to get him out of tho way, he immediately returns to London. Binnio May, an out-of-work chorus girl, bears a strange resemblance to the notorious Lia De Marita, and by chance she receives au appointment to meet a pseudo-film producer looking for talent. The meeting is to take place at the same place, where it so happens that Gordon is to meet Lia in order to present her to his theatrical friends. When Binnie enters Gordon mistakes her for Lia, and the bewildered girl suddenly finds herself confronted with the opportunity of receiving an audition from one of London’s greatest theatrical magnates. Neither Gordon nor the producer will listen to her attempts, to explain their mistake, and she finds herself given the opportunity to star in a forthcoming production. When the interview is over Gordon escorts her to Lia’s Hat, and as by this time Binnie has formed a half-hearted resolution to profit by liis mistake she is obliged to accent the situation and pose as_ tho woman she is supposed to bo. This reflation is strengthened by her faithful friend Molly, whom sho phones, and Molly promises to como to the Hat and help carry on the bluff. Binnio finds the task of being Lia extremely bewildering. Sho is expected to accept habits and acquaintances with which she in her simple mode of life has been remarkably unfamiliar. Binnio signs her contract under her assumed name, ami she and Gordon are thrown together. Gordon is amazed at the sudden change in tho woman he loves. Binnio and Molly congratulate themselves, imagining that they have overcome their worst obstacles. They have, however, reckoned without Geoffrey, who suddenly returns, filled with thoughts of revenge against his faithless wife. The interview is interrupted by tho arrival of Gordon, who asks Binnie to return tho necklace. Molly hastily thrusts a worthless imi- : ntion in the real case and hands it tc im with a flourish. Geoffrey witnesses 1 his, and comes forth from his place o> mcenlmenti Binnie somewhat confusedly introduces him ns a friend, ami rn * Gordon loaves Geoffrey accom panies him and requests « lift in his car. i> necklace is lost, and Gordon goes o the police station to report his loss. A constable, the lover of Lia’s maid, knows of the mysterious “ goings on,” and he steps iu to take a hand. The story then works up to a totally unexpected though thrilling climax. On the same bill Leslie Fuller, famous comedian of war-timo comedy, last seen hero in ‘ Not So Quiet on the Western Front,’ will appear in Old Soldiers Never Dio,’ which is said to be oven more comical than his previous clover effort. Reserves can he made at The Bristol and at the theatre.