PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21218, 27 September 1932, Page 5

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE Impressive in its dramatic qualities, and treated with an extraordinarily deft and delicate touch by its distinguished cast of actors, ‘ The Miracle Man,’ at the Empire, is making a great appeal to all theatre-goers. As a silent picture, Frank Packard’s powerful story gained world-wide recognition, but those who have had the privilege of seeing this film as a talkie agree that only by the use of sound and voice can full justice be done to the dramatic situations which it holds in full measure. Norman M'Leod, the director, adds io an already considerable reputation by his handling of this production. , . . , ‘ The Miracle Man ’ is a powerful story of greed and hatred opposed to benign tolerance and helpfulness, and the work of the principal players is such that the film exercises a remarkable appeal. The role of ‘‘ The Patriarch ” is played by Hobart Boswortb, whose characteristic strength of delineation makes this one of the most striking parts seen in films, and the excellent support lent him by the remainder of the cast serves to lift the production far above the ranks of the ordinary film entertainments. Sylvia Sidney’s work in the difficult part of the young actress who is under the sway" of a ruthless gang leader, played by Chester Morris, is of the highest order, and her redemption by “ The Patriarch ” is portrayed in a charming manner. There is an excellent _ supporting programme of short subjects, and Mr Paul Cullen again provides one of his popular musical interludes at the Christie organ. REGENT The featured film at the Regent Theatre this week is ‘ Life Goes On,’ an absorbing story of the adventures which befall a Londoner after three years’ exile in Africa. Hardly has the traveller settled down in his hotel than he is confronted with a corpse, and yet, when he summons the management of the hotel, no body can be found. This, however, is only an introduction to the mysterious happenings that take place as the night wears on. An assault and a robbery for which no cause can bo assigned follow hard on the heels of the young man’s first _ discovery, and from this stage a bewidering set of circumstances gradually become a connected story which provides ' a solution of the mystery. The story is cleverly constructed, and a rich vein of humour that runs through it enhances considerably its entertainment value. There is an excellent cast in this picture to give the story authority and conviction. Among the well-known screen personalities featured in it are Hugh Wakefield (who scored success iu ‘ Aren’t Wo All?/), Elsie Randolph, Betty Stockfield, Wallace Geoffreys, Warwick Ward, Jeanne Stuart, Dennis Hoey,. Anthony Holley, and Robert Horton. The first part of the programme contains the usual budget of good things and rounds: off a most enjoyable programme. ST. JAMES One of the greatest stage classics, Eugene Walter’s ‘ The Easiest Way,’ suffers no diminution of dramatic importance in . its talkie form, which is now at the St. James, with charming Constance Bennett as the star. Miss Bennett makes a very believable “ Laura Murdock,”; while the suave but human “Brockton”—man' about town—is delightfully done by Adolphe Menjou. The scenes between this pair have none of the old melodramatic heroine and villain quality. Menjou and Bennett make their characters live. They are neither black nor white; they are real. Robert Montgomery, the straight lover, is great, as usual, with particular emphasis on the denouement scene, where Menjou brings about a “ showdown.” This young man always excells in natural, carefully considered acting. “ Madison ” is a difficult part, done superbly. Marjorie Rambeau, the New York stage character star, follows up her ‘ Min and Bill ” success with a beautifully etched “ Elfie.” “ Elfie,” as the “ bad example ” of the piece, fits easily into the warp and woof of the plot and the Rambeau interpretation is indeed splendid. Anita Page is good in anything she attempts, and her “ Peg,” sister to Laura, is very satisfying. Clark Gable is extremely fine. J. Farrell Macdonald and Clara Blandick arc excellent as “ Mr and Mrs Murdock,” respectively father and mother of the heroine. An exceptionally entertaining list of supports is screened prior to ‘ Easiest Way.’ First of aill there is a screamingly fine Charlie Chase comedy, Sir Harry Lauder sings ‘ I Love a Lassie ’ in his best style, and there are two ■“ newsy ” Hearst Mctrotonc News. OCTAGON A picture rich in suspense, intrigue, action, and drama, ‘ Murder on the Second Floor,’ is now at the Octagon. Throughout the film humour is deftly dovetailed with tragedy, which makes for the best of entertainment. The story deals with the sudden shattering of the quietude of a London suburb by murder, the victim of which is a boarder in a' Bloomsbury house. The investigations of the police are hampered by the absence of the maid, who is subsequently also found murdered. The conclusion of the police is proved to be false by a young playwright, who is able to peer behind the mask of everyday happenings of suburbia. in ‘ SVaywnrd,’ the other feature, modernised ami inspired by the sophistication of present-day standards, Nancy Carroll has a splendid vehicle for her Hashing beauty and dashing spirit. With Richard Aden, who plays the part of the dutiful son and distraught young husband, she finds herself in many dramatic situations, due to the machinations of his mother (Pauline Frederick). STRAND Modern manners and morals, especial 1 as they apply to marriage, so often the theme of screen dramas, are given an entirely now and refreshing treatment in ‘ Society Girl ’ at the Strand. James Dunn has the role of a ring hero in love with a pampered pet of society (Peggy Shannon). With an unconcern for public opinion quite in keeping with the attitude of the smart set she represents, Miss Shannon brazenly leads Dunn on in a heart affair that is manifestly but a passing _ whim with her. Dunn, however, being a youngster from the masses where oldfashioned standards are still in vogue, considers being in love and wanting to marry somewhat the same tiling. Around this central point of difference the dramatic '•onflict of the picture mounts through a vivid series of adventures lightened by much humour and many deft characterisations to a climax that is reported to he as unusual ns the dramatic theme. The third member of the featured cast, Spencer Tracy, whoso record for

the past season includes such sterling performances as ‘ Disorderly Conduct ’ and ‘ Dangerous Years,’ again clearly demonstrates that he is one of the screen’s most forceful personalities. KING EDWARD Such a double-feature bill as that which contains ‘ Mata Hari ’ and ‘ Her Wedding Night ’ at the King Edward Theatre this week cannot fail to attract attention. That popular actress Clara Dow is seen in ‘ Her Wedding Night.’ Weird dance rituals to pagan gods ; international intrigue, unbridled passions, romance, and the certain doom of a firing squad go to make up the glamorous story of ‘ Mata Hari.’ As the exotic spy who uses sox as a weapon of international intrigue Greta Garbo achieves an amazing emotional depth. As the Russian liver for whoso love Mata Hari marches to her doom before a French firing squad Ramon Novarro offers a portrayal that discloses new dramatic promise.