PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21640, 8 February 1934, Page 2

PICTURE THEATRES

GRAND Literally one ol the finest films the Gainsborough studios have yet turned out, ' It’s a Boy,’ at the Grand, has so much to commend it that even an indifferent cast could not spoil it, but in this instance the best available cast has been assembled with the most satisfying results. Its humour is broad at times, but frequently subtle; its jests and jokes arc all wholesome; although on occasions daring; but their chief charm is they they are all relevant to the irresistible humour of the tale. ‘ It’s a Boy ’ is a film that should not be missed on any account, for the simple reason that the sound screen has not yet reached the stage at which it can turn out such quality consistently. EMPIRE Simplicity and frank mirth are contributing factors to the success of 1 The Hayseeds,’ the vivid comedy of Australian character to be finally screened at the Empire Theatre tonight. The wide popularity of ‘ The Squatter’s Daughter ’ ensured that this picture would receive an eager reception, and the quality of the acting and plot has been a guarantee of pleasant entertainment. A “ back-blocks ” family comes to town, and from the time they leave the farm till they shako the dust of city streets from their feet the audience is presented with an unending succession of mirthful episodes. There is a varied supporting programme. REGENT Lionel Barrymore, one of the screen’s finest character actors, heads a cast of distinguished players in ‘ The Stranger’s Return,’ which, after attracting large audiences to the Regent this past week, will be finally shown to-night. He appears as an octogenarian farmer whose family is waiting for him to die, a shrewd, determined old man who does not hide his dislike for his relations. The coming of the “ stranger,” a city-bred granddaughter, changes the tenor of life on the farm and the old man neatly turns the tables on his grasping relatives. ST. JAMES A thief fleeing from his accomplices with a stolen “ old master,” a bullying millionaire and his secretary, a film actress who is tired of the fuss of her work, a ruthless criminal, a couple who are running away together; these are the principal characters of ‘ Rome Express,’ at the St. James. They become involved in a story which lias much drama and humour, and which is well told. The large cast includes a band of international stars, at the head of whom are Esther Ralston, the American actress; Conrad Veidt, who has a European reputation for his work in German films; Harold Huth, Donald Calthrop, a fine English actor; Joan Barry, Gordon Harker, Hugh Williams, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke. OCTAGON After two successful weeks, ‘ Peg o’ My Heart ’ will conclude its run at the Octagon Theatre to-night. Marion Davies gives a delightful performance as an Irish girl who suddenly inherits a huge fortune and is sent to England to he educated by an aristocratic English family. Her discovery that money is not the real cause of happiness forms the basis of a story in which comedy and sentiment arc cleverly mingled. Marion Davies is supported- by J. Farrell Macdonald and Onslow Stevens. STRAND Action is the keynote of Spencer Tracy’s picture, ‘ Shanghai Madness,’ at the Strand. The exciting story tells of the adventures of an American naval officer, who is dismissed and marooned in Shanghai. A battle between the crew of a river steamer and a band of Communists provides a stirring climax. Fay Wray has the feminine lead, and a strong element of comedy is introduced by Herbert Mundin and Eugene Pallete, cast as the third mate and skipper respectively of the steamer. The supporting programme includes a news reel and an English comedy. KING EDWARD Katherine Hepburn is most successful in ‘ Christopher Strong,’ the current feature at the King Edward. Her role is that of a famous aviatrix who imagines that romance has passed her over. She meets a London society man, noted for his martial fidelity, and they fall in love. This brings suffering to all concerned, until sacrifice on her part clears the trouble. Colon Clive plays opposite the star.