PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22354, 2 June 1936, Page 13

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE Cicely Courtneidge, well known for her capable acting in English " ln makes her debut in American films in ‘ The Perfect Gentleman, which is now at the Empire. In this, hei latest production, she has the typically wild and madcap role exactly suited to her temperament, but oven though it is her first appearance in a Hollywood film, the inevitable “ grooming process lias already been at work, and sbe exchanges a little of her exuberance for an elaborate coiffure. Miss Courtneidge s vivucity is as great as ever, and she nnds a splendid foil in Frank Morgan. Morgan, it will be remembered, was the henpecked governor iu ‘ A a ugh ty Manetta,’ a part in which ho was very successful. There are in the film manv amusing situations, the best of which are those at a bishop’s garden party, a charity auction sale, and iu a London music, hall. A fitting climax to one series of amusing adventures is a scene in which Miss Courtneidge dances a rumba with Herbert Mundin, who is cast as a debt collector. Lna O Connor, who takes the part of Morgan s sister in the film, is outstanding among the supporting actors. STATE ‘ The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte. Carlo,’ Twentieth Century’s romantic comedy, starring Ronald Colman, which is now showing at the State, lias an unusual plot. It tells ot an impoverished Russian prince who gambles bis savings and those of his friends at Monte Carlo and wins 10,000,000 francs, breaking the bank. He divides half his winnings among his friends, and then uses the rest to pursue Joan Bennett, with whom ho has fallen in love. Although hired to lure him back to the gambling tables, she lulls iu love with her intended victim. She and her companion in deceit, Colin Clive, lead Colman a morrv chase through the gay centres of Europe to Interlaken, Switzerland. It is here that Miss Bennett- falls in love with her victim. She tries to save Colman, but Clive manages to get him back tq Monte Carlo. Colman loses his winnings, but wins Miss Bennett, much to the satisfaction of both principals and the audience. iMuch of the film’s excellence is undoubtedly due to the able direction of Stephen Roberts. There is also an outstanding supporting programme, ST. JAMES An attractive story, which embodies quiet comedy, a series of tuneful songs, and an appealing romantic interest, is told in ‘ Two Hearts in Harmony,’ whith heads the current programme at the St. James. Bernice Claire is again given a part which enables her to display her qualifications as a singer and an actress, and acquits herself with distinct successwhile, playing opposite her, George Curzon is responsible for a restrained yet characterful portrayal. The story opens iu a marionette show, where Mis Claire, as Micky Brady, is employed to provide the soprano voice for the dolls. The ardent attentions of the elderly proprietor of the show impels her to seek employment elsewhere, and under the impression that she is being engaged as a model by a stainedglass window artist, she unexpectedly finds herself employed as governess to the precocious son of a young widower of noble lineage but slightly_ disreputable habits. His interest in her is immediate, and the position is not improved by the fact that he is engaged to marry another girl, who, however, is engaging in a flirtation with a second man. How the somewhat tangled situation is eventually straightened out and a satisfactory conclusion is reached makes an intriguing story. REGENT “ Easily Grade Fields’s best work ” is how oiio Ei glish critic describes ‘ Queen of Hearts,’ which is now at the Regent. He continues; “Of any Grade Fields picture it lias become a habit to say it will appeal to the great majority of the picture-going public. History must repeat itself here, but it must be added that never has the English star been seen to greater personal advantage, never has she worn such artistic and eye-catching gowns, and never has she had such a worth-while story, with the addition of sentiment, comedy, and song.” In ‘ Queen of Hearts ’ the Lancashire star is presented as Grace Perkins, a humble seamstress with a secret “ crush ” on Derek Cooper, a matinee idol, appearing in tlie ‘ Queen of Hearts ’ revue. Grace is able to render first aid to Cooper after one of his wild nights, and, although not knowing the first thing about cars, she succeeds iu driving him home. It is her passion for Cooper that results in her unwittingly masquerading as a wealthy Airs Vandeleur, who is going to invest money' in Cooper’s shop; and it is here that the funniest scene iu the picture occurs, when Grade tries to emulate Mrs Vandeleur’s role as an apache dancer. OCTAGON Two first-ijfass films arc at present being shown for a return season at the Octagon. They are ‘ The Thirty-nine .Steps ’ and ‘ Bulldog Jack.’ The first is a film adaptation of John Buchan’s thrilling spy story, and it has Robert Donat in the role of John Hammy, the hero. Hannay accidentally becomes involved in a murder mystery, and has to flee in an endeavour to clear up the puzzle himself iu order that he will be able to point to the real criminals when caught by the police. The scene changes from London to the Highlands of Scotland, ami after some exciting and amusing adventures the scene again changes to London, where a tense and unexpected climax is .staged. Playing opposite Donat is Madeline Carroll in what is for her an unusual role, but in which she is quite at home. ‘ Bulldog Jack ’ is an uproarious comedy starring the inimitable Hulliert brothers, Jack and Claude. The story is really' a burlesque of detective thrillers, and is as full of thrills as it is of laughs. Fay Wray has the leading feminine role, and gives a consistent performance. MAYFAIR Charming little Shirley Temple is very much the featured player iu ‘ Our Little Girl,’ which concludes this evening at the Mayfair. A poignant story, freighted with pathos, tells of a happy family, disunited b.y suspicions, ami a little" girl who runs away from her home when she finds all the joy and safeguard gone. Rosemary’ Ames and Joel APCrac support Shirley Temple. Oa the same programme is a romantic comedy' attraction, ‘ The Bishop Alisbehuves,’ featuring Edmond Gwenu, Maureen O’Sullivan, and Norman Foster. STRAND At present being screened at the Strand are two films of considerable entertainment value. ‘ The Calling of Dan Alatthews’ which is from the novel by Harold Bell Wright, has Richard

Arlcndn the title role. As the Rev. Dr Matthews, minister of an American town church, Aden enters wholeheartedly into a self-appointed mission of ridding the town of an amusement park which is a sink of iniquity. His efforts to do this at first meet with pronounced success, especially after the killing in a motor smash of a young girl on her way' home from one of the many riotous parties that take place in the "park. However, the fighting parson at last strikes the hidden power at the hack of the “racket.” and discovers it to be the town’s leading citizen, who, unwittingly, has been led into the venture in the belief that it is a legitimate enterprise. A difficult problem to solve now faces Matthews, and the way in which he accomplishes it brings the picture to a suitable ending. A bright musical film called ‘ Sweet Surrender ’ is the other attraction. which features Robert Parker and Tamara. GRAND For those who like a film filled with excitement 1 The Arizonian,’ which concludes at the Grand this evening, can be thoroughly recommended. It is a Wild West story of the first order, and from the time the first red flashes on the screen until the very last loot there is a continuous crackling of revolvers and rifles. Also on the programme is ‘ People's Enemy,’ a story of racketeers and gangsters, starring Preston Foster and Lila Lee.