DOUBLE-FEATURE BILL

Evening Star, Issue 20994, 7 January 1932, Page 7

DOUBLE-FEATURE BILL

RICHARD DIX AND GARY COOPER There can be few more popular stars on the talking screen to-day than Richard Dix, and at the Octagon Theatre to-morrow he will be seen in one of his finest and strongest roles in ‘ The Public Defender,’ which is an adaptation of the play by George Goodchild entitled ‘ The Splendid Crime.’ As its title suggests, it abounds in tense drama, and places Dix in a high class of romantic and dramatic actors. Seen at the Regent Theatre recently in ‘ Cimarron,’ he impressed all who saw it with his delightful personality and his strong acting ability. The realistic portrayal by Richard Dix, who moves with active smoothness; the thrilling intricacies of the story adapted from George Goodchild’s stage success, ‘ The Splendid Crime ’; the dexterity of J. Walter Ruben, whose initial directorial attempt set up an enviable mark for him—all these factors prompted ‘ The Film Mercury ’ critic to write the following of 4 The Public Defender ’:: —“ Hero is a picture built along the right lines for general success with regular motion picture patrons. An interesting story, sound drama, and under all the human note so necessary for the film which hopes to be universally successful. The beauty of ‘ The Public Defender ’ is that it is straightforward entertainment of the kind that sends the customers away happy and brings them back for more like it. Richard Dix enters the situation of the picture in the form of an avenger, and the means by which he gets the goods provides mighty compelling screen fare.” Gary Cooper, who scored two outstanding successes in * The Virginian ’ and ‘ The Texan,’ is now starred by Paramount in a new and unusually thrilling romance, ‘A Man from Wyoming,’ which is a second attraction. Playing opposite this popular star and creating one of the finest roles of her career is June Collyer, recently signed to a long-term contract by Paramount.