PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22192, 21 November 1935, Page 19

PICTURE THEATRES

FAMOUS HOVEL SCREENED ' GRAND COUPLES ‘ LADDIE ' WITH 1 PARTY WIRE 1 Perhaps one of the most widely-read novels is Gene Stratton-Porter’s ‘ Laddie.' It was very much in demand when it was first written, and through the years its sales have substantially increased, testifying to the popularity of the story Now it has been transferred to the screen, and already there is ample evidence that the picture version, which retains the title of the book, is fast becoming equally as popular as the original story. 1 Laddie,’ the picture, "presents one of the most sympathetic of all love stories, and proved wholly entertaining to audiences at tlie Grand Theatre, where it was released yesterday. Life on an Indiana farm, where, apart from the ploughing of fields, the cooking of meals, going to church on Sundays, life consists of little more than courtships and marriages, and all that comes between them, makes the backbone of the story. Against the colourful background of the farming country, Gene StrattonPorter laid the story of ‘ Laddie,’ a saga of life that is listed among the 10 best-sellers of the last 60 years. To the screen this drama has been brought by R.K.0.-Radio, with cast, direction, and production standing out in distinctive manner. John Beal, who’ is Laddie, has been cast in some most unpromising parts. In ‘ The Little Minister,’ for instance, playing opposite Katherine Hepburn, he made an outstanding success of a difficult piece of work, and here in ‘ Laddie ’ he has undertaken a similar part. He is more convincing this time—he has more opportunity to he —and he is cast in a lighter story. The story of ‘ Laddie ’ is well enough known; it is built upon the life of several members, and one in particular, of a family on a farm in Indiana. Laddie falls in love with the daughter of an English squire who has settled on the neighbouring farm. The obstacles in the way of marriage seem, of course, insurmountable, but chiefly through the interference of a younger sister, who carries letters and says prayers, Laddie’s difficulties are overcome. Gloria Stuart, who plays opposite John Beal, has an easier role, as the beautiful “ fairy princess ” living next door. It is the simplicity of her acting, of the acting of Beat, and especially of two small children ni the story, that is the chief attraction of the film. Also in the cast are Donald Crisp, as the nobleman, Williard Robertson, and Dorothy Peterson as the Hoosier pioneers who symbolise the nobility of the soil; Gloria Shea, Charlotte Henry, Greta Meyer, Virginia Weidler, Jimmy Butler, and Grady Sutton. George Stevens directed the picture, which is a worthy successor to ‘Little Women,’ and ‘Anne of Green Gables ’ made by the same studio. The second film on the programme, ‘ Party Wire,’ is the story of a gossiploving, small American town. All the gossip and scandal is spread by people who listen-in on a party telephone wire that links up all the dowagers in the town. When a wealthy young business man returns from a trip abroad and is attracted by one of the lesser lights of the town’s society, the party buzzes with scandal. The gossipmongers nearly bring tragedy, h.ut a surprising climax is reached. As Matthew Putman, Victor Jory plays his part withskill, while Jean Arthur is admirable as the heroine. EMPIRE The inimitable actress Mae West, gives a characteristic performance in the principal role of ‘ Now I’m a Lady,’ which concludes at the Empire to-night. She appears in a thoroughly modern role. Set On the large ranches of the West American country, many of the scenes have a rural charm, and the story is related in a most interesting manner. STATE The famous Hulhert brothers make a very able pair to handle the difficult but humorous roles of ‘ Bulldog Jack,” which closes at the State to-night. Dealing with the supposed adventures of the fiction hero Bulldog Drummond, the film is a distinctly entertaining and witty production. The leading feminine role is successfully taken by Fay Wray. ST. JAMES An exciting story and much rollicking comedy make ‘ Vagabond Lady,’ the main attraction concluding at the St. James to-night. .It concerns the adventures of two rich brothers who are both in love with the same girl, and has a strong cast headed by three very popular artists, Reginald Denny, Robert Young, and Evelyn Venable.

REGENT Treachery at the court and the betraying of Drake, who is looked on with a kindly eye by Queen Elizabeth, are skilfully woven into the story of ‘ Drake of England,’ concluding at the Regent to-night and which deals with the sea rover’s romantic wooing of Elizabeth Sydenham, a lady-in-wait-ing. Matheson Lang and Jane Baxter have the leading roles. OCTAGON The leading artists of ‘The Gay Dl-, vorcee,’ concluding at the Octagon tonight, are Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who appeared together in ‘ Flying Down to Rio.’ They are seen in the new dance ‘ The Continental,’ which is delightful. Some excellent comedy touches are contributed by Edward Everett Horton and Alice Brady. ‘Red Morning’ supports the main feature. STRAND Noah Beery heads the cast of ‘ Mystery Liner,’ which heads the doublefeature programme concluding to-night at the Strand. The picture is an adaptation of a story by Edgar Wallace, and it has to do with a series of thrilling incidents on hoard an ocean liner. ‘ Beggars in Ermine ’ is the other picture. MAYFAIR A welcome return season of the delightful film ‘ Viennese Nights,is being presented at the Mayfair; Nothing just like ‘ Viennese Nights ’ has everbeen shown on the screen. It contains an original symphony played by the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra of 100 pieces, and the story is one of the most hauntingly beautiful even transferred to the talking screen. Walter Pidgeon, Jean Hersholt, Vivienne Segal, Alexander Gray, Alice Day, Louise Fazenda, and Bert Roach head the gifted cast of players, ‘Viennese Nights ’ is fully reproduced in colour. The story is one of exquisite tenderness, the theme being the deathlessness of beauty. The settings are gorgeous. being all in natural colours, and the glamour of old Vienna, told so often in story and song, is caught with stirring vitality.