PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22066, 27 June 1935, Page 6

PICTURE THEATRES

SINGING PICTURE AT GRAND ‘D'YE KEN JOHN PEEL?' IS CHARMING Inspired by the well-known song of the same name, ‘ D’ye Ken John Peel?’ which the Grand Theatre management has secured as the new picture, brings to life a colourful period in England’s history. ' It should be clearly understood from the start that the film, without any pretence to historical importance or social significance, is just a straightforward human story of old England, based on the ideals of old English hospitality and good company. Jt provides an agreeable blend of sprightly humour, attractive romance, and excellent singing. Where the 23rd regiment is waiting orders after the battle of Waterloo, a restaurant scene in Brussels opens the picture. There is much _ drinking and laughing and singing, which serves as a general introduction to the spirit of the story. Many of the characters wh<9 can be assembled at this early stage are placed before the audience in this scene. In one corner, playing with loaded dice against unsuspecting officers of the regiment, sits the man who is known as Craven, while in a more noisy corner are seated Sam Small, personal servant of Major John Peel, “ spinning yarns ’’ to his cronies. Then comes the major hiTnself to announce the Duke of Wellington’s order that the regiment is to proceed home, leaving the next day for Dover. The major has inherited a large fortune, lands, and a manor home in England, not forgetting a pack of hounds. In detail, the story tells how Major Peel becomes master of his country seat and his hounds, but not before the malicious Craven almost upsets matters. The fact' that a certain soldier of fortune turns up as a highwayman on the Merivale road—a highwayman, ot course, of tho gallant .kind — also has a direct bearing on the story. There is a pursuit by moonlight, a rallying of the hunt to save the master of the hounds, and a final triumph of virtue and good English hospitality. It is notable that every part of importance in ‘ D’ye Ken John Peel? ’ is filled by someone outstanding. The part of John Peel is taken by John Garrick, and, although properly speaking he is the central figure, his batman, is actually the focus of attention whenever he is within sight or earshot. The reason for this is that the latter, Sam Small, is no other than _ Stanley Holloway, the Yorkshire comedian. His famous monologue, * Sam, Pick Up Thy Musket,’ is undoubtedly tho humorous gem of the whole film. Everyone must be familiar with the Sam Small series of recordings, but to sec him giving one means double delight, as he is a master in the art of facial expression. Apart from the humour, the principal attraction of the film lies in the' singing. John Garrick and John Stuart, who plays a gentleman of adventure, have voices of excellent power and quality, and the songs they sing are all old favourites which everyone can appreciate. There are rousing choruses and hunting songs, and tender love songs, all woven like bright threads into the web of the story. The Orpheuin Singers gave very good assistance in many of the songs. John Garrick makes a very fine and upright John Peel, a clean-living, hard-riding young squire, while Winifred Shotter, as Lucy Merrall, is appropriately demure in the chief feminine role. Previously known only as an actress, Miss Shotter now shows that she knows how to charm with a small voice.

Patrons have now learned to regard the Grand featurettes as consistently good, and this week’s list of “ shorts ” does not detract from the recognised standard. REGENT Some of the most famous characters in English literature, and endeared to readers the world over, come to life with vivid reality in the screen version of Charles Dickens’s celebrated noved ‘ The Old Curiosity Shop,’ which closes to-night at the Regent. The characters are portrayed by a talented cast of English players, including Elaine Benson, Hay Petrie, Ben Webster, and Gib M'Laughlin. ST. JAMES ‘ The Firebird,’ concluding to-night-at the St. James, boasts a cast which is headed by Verree Teasdalo, Ricardo Cortez, Lionel Atwill, and Anita Louise. The story deals with the outburst of the dammed-up love emotions of a young girl whose life has been a series of repressions. Included in the list of supports is a tcchnicolour film, ‘ Treasure Island.’ EMPIRE Whizzing knives, screams, cut telephone lines, and fused lights add to the suspense which keeps the audience with nerves tensed right up to the closing scene in ‘ Menace,’ a picture dealing with a madman’s revenge, concluding at the Empire to-night. Gertrude Michael. Paul Cavanagh, and Bertou Churchill all give sterling preformances in the three main roles. STATE The beautiful Loretta Young makes a welcome reappearance in the moving an human drama ‘ The White Parade,' which will have its last screening at the State to-night. One of the first films to glorify the profession of nursing, it is true to life to the smallest detail. Included in a splendid support-

ing cast are John Boles, Dorothy Wilson, and Joyce Compton.'

OCTAGON 1 One flour Late,’ the principal film on the double-feature programme which closes at the Octagon to-night, _is an attractive comedy m which music, romance, and humour are deftly blended. Helen Twelvetrees, Joe Morrison, and Conrad Nagel play the leading roles. If anything, the other feature, ‘ The Strange Conspiracy,’ is even better man the main picture. Edward Arnold and Arthur Bryon have the main roles. STRAND Zane Grey’s celebrated story of a lawless West has been faithfully reproduced per medium of the screen in ‘ Home on the Range,’ which hea ls the double-feature programme concluding at the Strand to-night. Fighting nun. jealous intrigues, and romance—all arc shown to the best advantage. Rant m Scott has the leading role, supported by Jackie Coogan. ‘ It’s a Gift,’ featuring W. C. Fields, is also shown. ' MAYFAIR ‘ Hide Out,’ now at the Mayfair, is the story of a jovial racketeer who believes he has everything youth could desire—plenty of money without earning it, pleasure, and romance. But it is not until he is driven into the sheltering bosom of a simple farmer’s family that he really discovers life and love. Robert Montgomery as “ Lucky ” Wilson, runs foul of the law in New York, and is forced by his gang brothers to “ hide out ” for a few weeks. The manner in which “ Lucky ” adapts himself to the farm environment and the climax of the story add the finisning touches to an amusing picture. As Pauline, the country girl, Maureen O’Sullivan gives one of her best performances.