PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21510, 7 September 1933, Page 5

PICTURE THEATRES

GRAND Bright comedy is provided in ‘ Hie Perfect Lady/ at the Grand, the theme being a quest in search of femininity by a prosaic and modern young woman, for the purpose of retaining the affections of a young man who prefers a less up-to-date and more sentimental treatment at his lady’s hands. How the young lady becomes maul to a popular actress, whose methods, in affairs of the heart, she studies and how she employs her newly acquired technique create entertaining situations. Betty Amann appears as an exotic vamp, whose affairs of the heart lend to her ultimate downfall; Harry Wil-' coxon, as a strong man from the West, and Moira Lynd makes a charming and whimsical heroine, determined to fight for “ her man.” ‘ Potiphar’s Wife/ a story of when a lonely wife stoops to folly, is also showing. EMPIRE It is hard to find adjectives to describe accurately the brand of comedy in ‘ Topaze,’ the brilliant film now at the Empire. Its quality can only be vaguely suggested by such descriptions as “ intelligent,” “ subtle,” and “ high class.” It is as though every one of the aniusing twists in the plot had a basis in fact, projected just a little beyond likelihood and delicately pointed "with satire. The mild ironies, the grotesque, yet never absurd, exaggeration, the flattering manner of leaving something to one’s intelligence—all these factors contribute to the fun and finesse of ‘ Topaze,’ which is one of the best entertainments presented for months. John Barrymore is responsible for most of its success, STRAND Abounding in thrills, the excitement often reaching a high pitch, ‘ The Devil Is Driving,’ at the Strand, denis with the activities of a gang of motor thieves. It has a novel and exciting setting for its principal action—a steep spiral tunnel giving access to a manystoried garage. Up this winding alley stolon cars come screaming, and are completely dismantled before the police can arrive. The gang do not stop at car stealing, and their methods of escape after a crime are highly ingenious. KIND EDWARD Hilarious as ever, George Wallace secures another triumph in his second appearance before the talking cameras in ‘ Harmony Bow,’ at the King Edward. It was written by the versatile George himself, and provides the comedian with many opportunities for laugh-raising. As a diminutive policeman rejoicing in the inappropriate name of “ Dreadnought,” George goes through many hilarious experiences, and suffers hard knocks in the course of his police duties in a far from savoury neighbourhood. REGENT Living up to its promise, ‘ Pleasure Cruise,’ at the Regent, is a merry play, telling of a jealous husband’s schemes to test his wife’s love for him. A succession of uproarious scones is well maintained, the rate never flagging. A gala ball in fancy costume on board ship in which one of the passengers portrays Gandhi and complicates matters when endeavouring to find his own cabin, lends a touch of cosmopolitan life which is as colourful as it is animated. A refreshing plot deftly woven into the fabric of the story brings a conclusion in which the wife _ gaily teaches her husband the highlights of romance. Roland Young and Genevieve Tobin are starred. There are brilliant supports. BT. JAMES Talented English players interpret ‘ No Funny Business,’ at the St. James. Gertrude Lawrence, an actress with a very charming personality, is cast as a young wife who wishes to get a divorce. Her characterisation throughout is excellent. Edmond Breon, remembered for his performances in ‘ Leap Year ’ and ‘ My Wife’s Family,’ takes the part of her husband, who strangely enough, sets about getting a divorce at the same time. Jill Esmond and Lawrence Oliver are the principals of a second romance which runs through tho film. Several catchy songs aro introduced. ' The Wonderful Story ’ is tho second film. It is a moving romance of the love of two brothers for a girl, and is interpreted with rare sympathy and understanding by the cast, which includes John Batten, Wyn. Clare, and E. Bransby Williams, OCTAGON ‘ Infernal Machine,’ at the Octagon, is as gay and diverting a comedy as you would meet in a long day’s march, and possesses the added graces of being as a picture technically sound and well acted. As though tho picture had not enough virtues to pass muster, it has also that of a bright and witty dialogue. The central idea of the story is not altogether original, but that detracts nothing from its entertainment value. Tho supporting picture is entitled ‘ Walking Down Broadway,’ which features Boots Mallory, Janies Dunn, and Zasu Pitts.