PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21279, 7 December 1932, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

RECENT The plot of ‘ Burnt Offering,’ now screening at the Regent Theatre, unfolds an unusual and thrilling romance set in the wilds of Africa. It tells the story of a woman embittered by hate, who married a youthful army officer to save herself from imprisonment in a detention camp. It tells how, after ho has left her in the solitude of a shacklike, insect-infested homo on the edge of the jungle, she finds real love for the first time in her life with a lellow-olfi-cer of her husband. Elissa Landi portrays the leading role, and gives the best performance of her screen career. She has a part that is perfectly fitted to her splendid emotional abilities. She is particularly effective in her romantic scenes, but scarcely less so in other spots demanding the quality of acting of which she is mistress. Paul Lukas gives a sincere portrayal of the other man, and Alexander Kirkland is at his best in a sympathetic role. Warner Oland, minus his almost traditional make-up, appears in a role that he handles with his usual finesse. Others deserving mention are Donald Crisp, Earle Foxe, and Vera Morrison, a little negro girl playing the part of a native servant. EMPIRE Chills that tickle your spine with fingers of ice; thrills that make your heart jump like a Mexican jumping bean; a story packed with suspense; use of the camera that by the magic of illusion makes the spectator _ think he is participating in the solution of a baffling crime; and half a dozen of the best performances seen this season—they are all in ‘ The Spider,’ the mystery melodrama that the Empire Theatre is now presenting. * The Spider ’ tells of a brother and sister kept apart by a dishonest uncle who wants to secure their inheritance for himself. While attending a theatre with this uncle, the sister sees the brother assisting a magician in his act. The uncle attempts to prevent their reunion - the lights go out; a shot is fired, and the panic is on. Edmund Lowe as the magician is a cut above anything he has done before. Lois Moran, showing the beneficial effects of her recent stage experience, is very appealing as the sister. George E. Stone gets in some telling work. El Brendel is most amusing, ST. JAMES A story which holds the interest, fine acting, clever direction, and excellent atmosphere make ‘ The Impassive Footman,’ the British talkie version of a tale by “Sapper” at the St. James, another praiseworthy effort for Great Britain. This melodrama, a neat and arresting variation of ” The Doctor’s Dilemma,’ is very well characterised and directed, and cleverly builds up suspense and good drama. It never loses its grip on the audience, and represents entertainment of excellent quality. Owen Naves and Betty Stockfield, assisted by Allan Jeavcs and George Curron, play the principal parts in this ingeniously contrived story of a novel revenge. The picture holds its secret until the very last scene, and provides suspensefvl entertainment. OCTAGON Kay Francis, at the Octagon Theatre in ‘ Man Wanted,’ is supported by a large cast, including David Manners, Andy Devine, Una Merkel, Kenneth Thomson, and other favourites. * Man Wanted ’ concerns ,a beautiful and wealthy society woman, who prefers business to the pastimes of the idle rich. Her husband, however, prefers a “ play boy ” life to that of commercial enterprise. As a result, the couple is estranged. The wife seeks solace in the willing arms of her handsome secretary. The husband, resumes his relationship with the siren of his latest infidelities. Comedy support is furnished by Andy Devine. Una Merkel, famous for her versatility, adds another characterisation to her repertoire, in the role of the demanding young flapper, fiancee of David Manners, with whom he later breaks. STRAND For gripping drama and tension, few pictures to come out of Hollywood can equal ‘ Skyscraper Souls,’ the latest product of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. which is now showing at the Strand Theatre. The world’s tallest building—a 102-story New York skyscraper—is the locale of this novel and absorbing drama. Through the eye of the camera are shown incidents and problems, the loves, the joys, the struggles, and despairs of the ocupants of this building. As a result, one of the most engrossing pictures of the year has been produced. Sparkling performances add to the effectiveness and realism of the production. Warren William as the giant of finance, and Maureen O’Sullivan, as the leading romantic figure, shine forth with renewed brilliance. KING EDWARD Warner Oland, the noted Swedish character actor, who has already gained a considerable amount of popularity through his portrayals of the part of Charlie Chan, the Hawaiian-Chinese detective, is again seen in another of these interesting portrayals in ‘ Charlie Chan’s Chance,’ which commences its season at the King Edward Theatre tonight. The action in this production is swift, and the plot most ingeniously conceived. The chain of unusual circumstances which surrounds the apparent murder of a prominent financier, and the manner in which the detective slowly but surely pieces together his evidence until the final sensational denouement, combine to create excellent entertainment.