PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 21966, 28 February 1935, Page 18

PICTURE THEATRES

ORIENTAL DETECTIVE YARN l CHARLIE CHAN BACK AT GRAND The latest adventures of Earl der Biggers’s well-known character, Charlie Chan, are told in the thrilling melodrama, ‘Charlie Chan in London,’ which opened at the Grand Theatre yesterday. The smiling Oriental detective is always a welcome figure, and his philosophical sayings are delightful. The talented actor,. Warner Gland, is, of course, once more the keen detective. Each of the films in which he appears in this role is in distinct contrast to the others so lar as plot is concerned, but in type they are all similar, as they are all' treated in a light and ' rather satirical manner, which is indeed very refreshing. The story in this case supplies one of the most batfling mysteries of the series, and the suspense is well worked up to a startling climax. Gland undoubtedly achieves his greatest triumph in this film. He plays his part to perfection, and his bland use of witty oldtime proverbs is only equalled by his accurate summing up of a situation. He is swift and- logical, and the main interest is, concentrated on his figure every time he appears on. tire screen. The action of the story is rapid, and the plot is ingeniously conceived. While visiting London, Charlie Chan is prevailed upon to, come to the aid of Pamela Grey and her brother, who has been tried and convicted of murder. The execution is but sixty-five hours’ distant, and Chan quickly sets about gathering threads of evidence together to solve the mystery. He follows Pamela to, a house party-, all the guests at which were present at the same house on the night that a murder, for which Pamela’s brother has stood trial, was committed, and he .questions the guests one by one. Various apparently meaningless happenings attract his attention, but he says nothing. The next morning a second man is found murdered, a fact that justifies Chan's tin .ry that the original murderer is at the house. That night an attempt is made on Chan’s life,-and one of the guests looking from her room, sees a figure fleeing through the garden. Two persons we held under suspicion, but still the hand of Chan remains by his side, waiting to shoot out at the critical moment to grasp the guilty party. Events follow ono another in almost breathless haste, and Chan finally makes his arrest after cleverly setting the stage at the house. , , Warner Gland is surrounded by an exceptionally strong cast of supporting players, chief among whom is Drue Leyton, whose performance in a previous Chan picture evoked a good deal of praise on the part of Press and public • alike. Playing opposite Miss Leyton is Raymond Milland, a talented newcomer to Hollywood, and, judging by his work in this picture, he is likely to rise rapidly in the film world. Mona Barrie, whose fine acting in ‘ One Night of Love’ will long be remembered, has a prominent part in ‘ Charlie Chan in London,’ while Alan Mowbray, Murray Kinnell, Douglas Walton, and Walter Johnson are among the .foremost of the Jess important artists.' A full list of supporting items is shown in the first portion of the programme. The main subject is a comedy featuring the old favourite, Harry Langdon, who this time appears as an amateur actor in- a small town play. His antics completely convulse the audience. Newsreels and other interesting films put the finishing touched to an altogether entertaining bill. STATE A glorious feast of singing.from-start to finish, ‘ One Night of Love,’ will condude a three-weeks’ season at the State to-night. A brilliant young Metropolitan Opera singer, Grace Moore, appears in the leading role. Nothing more unlike the traditional prima donna could be imagined. Ihe picture is particularly notable for its delightful story, which, besides maintaining strong interests, introduces in logical fashion a largo number ol operatic excerpts. EMPIRE The noted English actor, George Arliss, turns to comedy in the outstanding film, ‘ The Last.,-Gentleman,' which is enjoying a successful season at the Empire Theatre. He demonstrates convincingly that he is equally at home in a light and modern role as he was in his celebrated historical portrrfyals. He appears as an old _ man who is attempting to decide which 0110 of his family will inherit his largo fortune. An excellent supporting programme includes a coloured Silly Symphony, ‘ The Flying Mouse.’

, BECENT Bebe Daniels scores, a greht personal success as Mitzi Hansen, famous musical star, in ‘The Song You Gave Me, - which concludes at the Regent theatre to-night. She is supported by Victor Varconi, another recruit to the British screen from Hollywood. An engaging story spun in. a disarming manner, hill of charm and whimsical gaiety, provides an ideal setting tor Beoe Daniels s hrst British picture.' ST. JAMES . A particularly entertaining picture is ‘ Desirable,’ which concludes to-night at the St. James. The picture tells the story of an unsophisticated daughter ot a sophisticated actress —a story full ot sweetness and pathos, made still more appealing by the excellent acting of the attractive Jean Muir, the beautiful Verio Tcasdale, and big George Brent. STRAND Comedy, a detective mystery, and gripping drama mingle with the excitement of the baseball field in ‘ Death on the Diamond,’ which, together with ‘ Straight is the Way,’ concludes to-night at the Strand. The story ot the first picture, featuring Robert Young, Madge Evans, and Nat Pendleton, deals with mysterious crimes in"volving a baseball team during elimination matches. OCTAGON Hilarious comedy and popular songs are perfectly interwoven through a charming story in ‘ Gay Love,’ which closes at the Octagon to-night. The comedy is. provided by a big band ot merry-makers, and at the head of which is Florence; Desmond, famous as an impersonator. Also in the cast are Sophie Tucker, Garry Marsh, Sydney Fairhrother, and Leslie Perrins, all ot whom do their share towards keeping an audience in fits of laughter. MAYFAIR ‘ Should Ladies Behave,’ based on ‘ The Vinegar Tree,’ Paul Osborne’s scintillating comedy of a group ot people who get into amusing difficulties at a week-end house party, is proving popular fare at the Mayfair, with a sterling cast headed by Lionel Barrymore and Alice Brady.. The principal trio of the Osborn play- described its a wry commentary on modern life, are Augustus Merrick, a touchy but lovable old crab with liver trouble, whose picturesque country estate provides the romantic setting for the action of the story; bis slightly giddy wife, Laura, who constantly cherishes love affairs ot the past but who somehow or other can never remember the names of the men involved; and Max Lawrence, a specialist in amorous adventures. Wills i arc crossed, temperaments clash, and I general fireworks ensue ns a result ot Ihe emotional conflicts of the various persons involved with the story rising Ito an uproarious climax,. #