PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21254, 8 November 1932, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE Wynne Gibson lias attained stellar prominence in the role of Clara Deane, in ‘ The Strange Case of Clara Deane,’ now at the Empire Theatre. Tho role, one of tho most coveted in filmdom, is of the same calibre as the feminine lead in ‘ Madame X,’ ‘ Tho Sin of Madolqn Claudet,’ and ‘ Sarah and Son.’ Within a, single year Miss Gibson has risen from minor parts to featured roles. ‘ The Strange Case of Clara Deane ’ is a poignant drama of a mother’s heroism —a mother’s courage to sacrifice her own love for her child’s happiness. It pulsates with humanity’s strongest emotion—mother love. Its heart-touching pathos will strike a responsive chord in any audience. As Clara Deane, Wynne Gibson first appears as an eager young girl, as the story unfolds she grows older—wiser—with the bitterness that comes from disillusionment. At the picture’s powerful climax she has become a careworn-middle-aged woman, whose tired eyes tell of a frustrated life—a pathetic figure that stirs _ one’s deepest sympathy. Pat O’Brien is in tho masculine lead. REGENT The “ wild oats ” sown by youth form the structure of one of tho amazing screen plays of tho year in ‘ Lotty Lynton,’ in which Joan Crawford and Robert Montgomery appear at the Regent Theatre. Based on the famous novel by Marie Belloc Lowndes, the picture moves through colourful revels in South America and romance beneath tropic skies, then catapults its hero and heroine into the midst of grim reality in New York, in a lightning-like shift of dramatic trend. Miss Crawford, as tho heiress, spoiled and petted by society, wrecking men’s hearts with every whim, is a glamorous figure. In tho dramatic climax, when, gripped in tho trap of her indiscretions, she faces tho choice of prison or a wrecked reputation, she gives what is probably tho most effective performance of her entire career. Montgomery, as tho flippant young polo player, who turns lighter when the happiness of the girl he loves is menaced, makes the most of an excellent role, and adds another hit to his list of scoring ciiaracterisations. Nils Asther, tho Swedish screen hero, returns with his newly mastered English and is a fascinating villain as Rcnaul, the South American. Lewis Stone is compellingly forceful as tho district attorney, and May Robson, tho famous stage star, contributes a masterly performance as tho stern old mother. Louise Glosser Hale contributes comedy in the role of tho maid. ST. JAMES Of the many highly successful screen performances of Joan Bennett, few, if any, equal her portrayal of the “ weekend girl ” in ‘ Week-Ends Only,’ now at tho St. James Theatre. In it she finds full scope for her distinctive, loveliness and wistful appeal, and she derives every inch of value froiu her dramatic talents. The role combines comedy with drama, and sounds a now and sophisticated note in film characterisations. Cast opposite Miss Bennett is the ever-popular Ben Lyon, whose dashing, breezy personality imparts zest and zip to the part of, the impecunious art student, whose sheer joy in the business of living and in capturing tho heart of the “ week-end girl ” sweeps asido all tho obstacles of poverty and nearfailuro. John Halliday, as the wealthy bachelor, who always feels he would attain his heart’s desire had ho been born a trap-drummer, is admirably cast, and gives a portrayal which materially assists the success of the production. Tho story itself is unfolded in charming fashion, and tho incidental dialogue is sparkling and witty. Petted, though not spoilt, child of Wall Street affluence, Venctia is suddenly cast on her own resources, and in her search for employment is presented through the good offices of her late father’s butler (now the owner of a speakeasy) with an opportunity to earn a substantial salary by acting as a week-end hostess. Chance—and a milk bottle—throw her into contact with the struggling artist, and then commence the developments which lead to a climax which is altogether delightful. OCTAGON ‘ Scandal for Sale,’ at the Octagon, is the screen adaptation bf the wellknown novel by Emile Gauvraeu, ‘ Hot News.’ It presents a new viewpoint on the transatlantic flights, so many of which have ended in disaster. With the exposure of the ruthless methods of the American “ yellow ” journals of gathering news as tho background, a story that contains all the excitement, action, and dramatic power that could ho desired has been successfully brought to tho talking screen. A cast that possesses all tho necessary qualifications for the film has been chosen, and each member acquits himself admirably. Tho leading role of the conscienceless journalist, wlio deals in cheap sensationalism, has been taken by Charles Bickford, who will he remembered for his fine and virile performances in ‘ East of Borneo,’ ‘ River’s End,’ and ‘ Men in Her Life.’

'the story of how a criminal is redeemed through the influence of a boy, ‘ Fast Companions,’ is the second attraction. The film is notable for the introduction of a newcomer to the talking screen, Tom Brown, who is ably supported by James Gleason, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Mickey Rooney. There are many touches of pathos and drama, but the production has a generous sprinkling of refreshing comedy that entertains the audience until the final surprising scene. STRAND With such a gay and sparkling setting, a story dealing with one evening in an American night club might be expected to be of the lighter typo, but not so ‘ Night World,’ this week’s attraction at the Strand Theatre, for while music, lights, and laughter create a dazzling atmosphere, every flirtation courts tragedy, and every_ laugh conceals a sneer. The story is that of a single night’s happenings at a crowded club, and centres round a disillusioned young millionaire seeking forgetfulness. A sympathetic chorus girl, knowing his story, attempts to comfort him, and in doing so finds that love is the cme. At this "stage, however, both become enmeshed m a series of exciting situations, resulting from the underworld activities of tho "proprietor and his_ scheming mate. Tilings move fast, bringing the lovers to what appears to be a desperate impasse. However, the picture ends inquite a suitable way. Lew Ayres and Mao Clark arc starred, and heading the supporting cast is Charles Muse, a talented negro actor. KING EDWARD There are so many good things iti ‘ Arscnc Lupin,’ the production that is now showing at the King Edward, that even the most critical should be more than satisfied. In the first place, two of the greatest actors of the screen, John and Lionel Barrymore, are costarred ; then there is a story that holds interest all the way, and amuses while

it mystifies ; and finally the direction of Jack Conway is so good that the tempo of the action is never allowed to slacken. Ruth Cliattcrton, frequently described as “ the first lady of the screen,” has the chief role in ‘ Once A Lady,’ the second attraction. Both films are more suitable for adults. LAURiER, PORT CHALMERS Sydney Howard, of ‘ Splinters ’ fame, will" appear in ‘ Almost a Honeymoon,’ a British comedy, which was highly praised by the American Press, at the Lauricr Theatre, Port Chalmers, this evening. The same programme will be presented again to-morrow evening. On Friday and Saturday ‘ The Cohens and Kellys in Hollywood ’ will bo screened. A feature of this comedy is a visit to the famous “ Cocoanut Grove ” of the Hotel Ambassador, in lies Angelos, made familiar to radio “ fans through the broadcasts from KFf.