PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21716, 10 May 1934, Page 7

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE Life in a modern American city is vividly portrayed in ‘ Penthouse,’ at the Empire. Warner Baxter takes the loading role as an enterprising young lawyer who, through successfully defending a notorious criminal, is discharged by his firm. His next official case is the defence of his personal friend, and in these scenes the film is particularly dramatic. ilyrna Loy has the principal feminine role _ as a liequentcr of night clubs, .while Charles Bn tterworth brightens the story considerably by his performance as a whimsical valet. The shorter films include a Zasu Pitts-Thclma Todd comedy. OCTAGON The dare-devil exploits of the crack newsreel cameraman “Scoop” Adams and his boy assistant Dick are thrilling Octagon audiences in ‘ Above the Clouds.’ “ Scoop,” well played by Robert Armstrong, makes his reputation, but it xvas Dick (I’ichard Cromwell) who undertakes the hazardous stunts. Adams double-crosses Dick till tvpist Connie (Dorothy Wilson) opens las eyes. Then in tbe most breathtaking feat of all young Dick keeps his camera going as a. giant airship goes to pieces in a storm and sinks in midAtlantic. The star cameramen part, Dick to take “ Scoop’s ” position and Adams to slioot the Garbo girl. GRAND One of the best efforts to date of Wheeler and Woolsey is ‘ Hips, Hips, Hooray,’ at the Grand. This picture has all the wit and humour of their former productions, and the comedians move against a much more imposing background than usual, and have the assistance of a largo cast headed by Thelma Todd, Dorothy Lee. and Ruth Etting, while a graceful ballet lends an added attraction to the film. Throughout the story, which is, as usual, of a wilcllv improbable nature, there runs a delightful double romance, and there are introduced several charming song numbers. A Charlie Chaplin comedy heads the supports. STATE The success which attended the joint appearance of Jack Hulbcrt and his wife. Cicely Courtneidge, in ‘ Jacks the Boy ’ is repeated in ‘ Falling for You.’ the current attraction at the State Theatre. Hulbert appears as a journalist on holiday in Switzerland, a country which makes an admirable background for'his accomplishments as a skater and eccentric dancer, and Ins efforts to learn ski-ing at a x’osoit in the Alps make an excellent start lor die film. As Hulbevt’s rival Cicely Courtneidge is well cast, and her performance should do much to enhance her growing popularity. The part of the heroine, pursued by an unwelcome suitor, is taken by Tamara Desm, a young artist who is assured of a successful future, while Garry Marsh and vlfrod Drayton handle other important roles with ability. The supporting programme is fully in keeping with the spirit of the big picture, and each item has been carefully selected lor its entertainment value. — | REGENT The screen version of the Noel Coward play ‘ Design for Living has en■oved a most successful season at tiie Ueo-ent. Among the prominent players who give the stroy such a dramatic interpretation are Fredric March, baiy Cooper, and Edward Everett Hoi ton. 'The artistry with which the whole production is’presented is result of the masterly,, direction of Ernst Luhitsch. Without doubt tlns_ is of the smartest plays of the’ past icm rears—an entirely fresh point of view on the eternal triangle. Good supports are screened. ST. JAMES Modern songs arc combined with popular operatic numbers in ‘Going Gav,’ a bright English musical comedy at “the St. James. Magda Schneider, a voting German actress, who appeared opposite Jan Kicpnra in ’Toil Me lo- ’ has her first singing role in tins, film, her beautiful voice being heard m excerpts from' Offenbach’s ‘ La belle Helene ’ and Donizetti’s ‘ Daughter of the Regiment.’ A new comedy team, Naan ton Wayne and Arthur Riscoe, is introduced, and should become very popular if the high standard set m this film is maintained. STRAND < From Headquarters,’ at the Strand, is a baffling murder mystery, in winch a second killing takes place right in police headquarters while detectives arc investigating several suspects. George Brent/ as the inspector in charge of ilie case, appears later as the romantic hero, relentlessly investigating the woman he loves when the finger ol suspicion points to her as the murderess of a millionaire Broadway “ plajboy. Margaret Lindsay has the leading feminine role. XING EDWARD Sensational fare is provided in : Emergency Call,’ at the King Edward, it is a fast-moving story of gangsters and the efforts of the police to eliminate them. 'The plot centres around the adventures of two young men who fall victims to a murderous gang, one ci them being stabbed, the other saving his life by a delicate operation. The latter’s activities in avenging the deed leads him into further trouble, which makes for good entertainment.