PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21170, 2 August 1932, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT An interesting story giving an unusual twist to the theme of class distinction is provided hy British L’arainoimt Films in ‘ Service For Ladies, which is now being screened at the Regent. The supporting programme, which includes another Bobby Jones series, an Australian' Cincsound newsreel showing Australian lady swimming Olympic champions in action and glimpses of the lirst Rugby League test between Fngland and Australia, is ot outstanding merit. ‘ Service For Ladies ’ brings before the theatre-going public an impressive array of actors, all of whom arc known for previous excellent performances. Leslie Howard, the English actor who lias won such a reputation in the United States and is well known in New Lealand for his portrayals in several Wstree pictures, gives a most convincing characterisation in this film. Other prominent players are' George Grossinith, Bonita Hume, Elizabeth Allan, Cyril Uitohard, and Annie Esmond. ST. JAMES Elissa Landi, of 1 The Yellow Ticket ’ fame, is more glamorous than over in * Devil’s .Lottery 1 ut the bt. James. She appears as a woman against whom scandal has breathed hard because she has been careless m the selection of her company, and has become a social' outcast. ‘ Devil s Lottery,’ based on Nalbro Bartleys most successful novel, embraces the elements of romance, mystery, struggle, pathos, and comedy. It is a powerful drama depicting what happens to people who become suddenly rich through the result of gambling. Victor M'Laglen enacts the most vital male role, a part that gives him the best opportunity ho has enjoyed m many of his recent pictures. Others deserving mention for their convincing characterisations are Beryl Mercer, Paul Cavanagh, Ralph Morgan, Alexander Kirkland, and Herbert Mnndm. The comedy work of Mudin stands out in bold relief. EMPIRE The cast of ‘ The Man Who Played God,’ from George Arliss to the smallest “ bit player,” forsook the legitimate stage for the screen and its wider opportunities. Arliss himself has been associated with the stage for forty years, but did not reach the heights of international fame until his talking pictures created standards in cinema achievement. Ivan Simpson, prominently cast in ‘The Man Who Played God, - which is packing the Empire Theatre nightly, had been associated with Arliss for several years before the star accepted picture contracts. He has since appeared in all but one of the Arliss pictures. Violet Fleming,' one of New York’s best-known actresses, appeared on the stage with Arliss, and is seen with him again in ‘ The Man Who Played God.’ Bette Davis, the ingenue lead whose work in the picture has been rewarded \v*ith a long-term contract, appeared on the New York stage with Richard Bennett before going to Hollywood. All the other members of the cast had been prominently associated with the stage before taking up their film careers. Among the better-known cast members are Louise Glosser Hale, Donald Cook, Oscar Apfel, Andre Luguet, Murray Kinnell, and Paul Porcasi. STRAND ‘To-night’s the Night,’ which is now at the Strand, brings distinct memories of ‘ Bindle ’ and 1 The Better ’Ole ’ by its Cockney melody and free repartee, but it goes on to hilarious action inside a prison workshop, which reveals Leslie Fuller as an irresistible artist of knock-about comedy. It is broad comedy, such as only British producers can concoct, and it is sure of a warm welcome whenever it is shown to British audiences. There are moments during the showing of the film when even the most ■ blase must hold his sides at the sheer idiocy of the famous comedian, Leslie Fuller, and the extremely ludicrous nature of ;he situations. The picture strikes a happy medium, with a plot not overdone, but working toward a satisfactory climax. The beauty of the whole production is that no restraint is placed on the natural comedy of Mr Fuller. He makes hay as fast as the sun shines from the moment when ho goes to prison, owing to unfortunate circumstantial evidence, to the time when a happy release returns him to the bosom of his family. OCTAGON Bebo Daniels wins acclaim in the sort of role which first brought her screen fame—that of the coquettish and captivating Laura, heroine of ‘ The Flonour of the Family,’ now at the Octagon. There is no other role quite like this, because the astonishing picture is an adaptation of a Balzac romance, and there is but one Balzac. This great novelist meant to picture with his magic pen the vagaries of all the human family, and had created a vast army of characters as true to life as the people we know—when his career was suddenly ended. Laura is the delight and despair, the companion of Paul Barony, who has more money than he knows what to do with. He is about to accept Laura for good and all—ignorant, of course, of Tony, her secret affinity—when his nephew Boris, a dashing army officer, arrives. Ho sees how things stand, and his endeavours to put things right make the rest of this enjoyable story. Joe E. Brown is seen in the other picture, ‘ Local Boy Makes Good,’ a. laughable college comedy. KING EDWARD Greta Garbo and Clark Gable fill the principal roles in ‘ Susan Lenox: Her Fall and Rise,’ the current attraction at the King Edward Theatre. This is Miss Garbo’s fourth talking picture, and is regarded as the most colourful and dramatic of her sound efforts. Nancy Carroll and Charles Rogers are associated in Paramount’s ‘ Follow Thru." which is also shown. Supporting the featured players are Zelma O'Neal and Jack Haley.