PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22535, 31 December 1936, Page 14

PICTURE THEATRES

RANGERS RIDE AGAIN PICTURESQUE PRODUCTION AT GRAND A story as dramatic and as thrillfilled as its background is sweeping, ‘ The Texas Rangers,’ which was screened to a large and enthusiastic attendance at the Grand, last evening, has as its theme the work of the band of fearless men who brought order to the Lone Star State. The early postreconstruction South-west, with its - ever-present Indian dangers and its roaming outlaws, is vividly presented in a picturesque production which depicts the adventurous era in really excellent and graphic style, that has picturegoers keyed up to tho final sequence. Jack Oakie, Fred. M‘Murray, and Lloyd Nolan, as outlaws, find the West becoming too hot for them, and head for Texas; still a sparsely-settled country. They split up, the latter two joining the infant Texas Rangers, with the idea of continuing their outlawry. The Rangers take oath on enlisting to subdue Indians, kill or capture murderers, break up gangs of brigands and cattle thieves, and ‘‘ make Texas a reasonably safe place in which to live.” They meet Nolan again on their first Ranger assignment, and plan to tip him off to gold shipments and cattle which can be rustled. Meanwhile, however, both rangers are taking part in the spectacular work of the police organisation. One of their jobs being a share of the State’s greatest Indian war. Shortly after this the Rangers are sent after Nolan. Fred. Mac Murray refuses to go, his connection is uncovered, and he is gaoled. Jack Oakie, however, together with a boy he has saved from the Indians, Bennie Bartlett, set out for Nolan’s headquarters. He is captured, killed, and sent back to the Ranger camp strapped to his horse. Mac Murray, enraged, obtains permission to go after Nolan. He tracks down the bandit, and after a thrilling, dramatic fight captures his man, and returns to camp a true Ranger at heart. One of the most dramatic scenes in the film is the fight between the Rangers and several hundred Indian braves. The battle, unrivalled since the memorable scenes in the ‘ Covered Wagon,’ took place in the Wildcat Canyon, known to the Indians as Tse-nal-tse, or Sand Canyon. Although only the natural country appears in the picture, a production staff of 116 aided Vidor in filming the event. To get the dozens of heavy trucks and passenger ■ cars to the remote spot engineers had to build new sections of road, and in one place : a bridge was laid across a creek. Edward Cronjager, veteran photographer of ‘ The Texas Rangers, had a dozen cameras trained on the spectacle scenes. Pulleys hauled some of them up the sheer 300 ft cans that form three sides of the canyon, while other cameras were placed for closer shots along the ground and on 4 The Texas Rangers ’ features a cast headed by such top-notch stars as Fred. Mac Murray, Jack Oakie, Jean Parker, Lloyd Nolan, Edward Ellis, and Bennie Bartlett. It was filmed in outdoor locations in Texas and New Mexico, with the Governors of both States giving full co-operation. Jean Parker, the young woman who charmed America in Little Women ’ and ‘ Sequoia,’ is cast in the leading feminine romantic role as the daughterTof the rugged leader of the Ranger post which Mac Murray and Oakie join. Oakie’s humour, the romance of Miss Parker and Mac Murray, and songs, recorded by Mac Murray, Oakie, the Rangers, and others, make 1 The Texas Rangers ’ finely balanced entertainment, set against a dramatic background. Edward Ellis is the leader of the Ranger unit; Bennie Bartlett, appearing as the son of pioneer parents who are killed by Indians, does some good child acting. An excellent variety of shorter features includes a clever Popeye ’ cartoon, 4 1 Wanna Be a Life Guard, and the latest news contained by several Paramount newsreels. REGENT Incorporating the great sweep and vitality of Hervey Allen’s tale and presenting it with a pictorial and dramatic art, ‘ Anthony Adverse,’ now at the Regent, is a film of the_ year. The principal players need no introduction. They include such great names of stage and screen as Fredric March, who plays the role of Anthony Adverse, Claude Rains, Donald Woods, Edmund Gwenn, Ralph Morgan, Olivia de Havilland, Anita Louise, and Steffi Duna, and they perform in settings which are of extraordinary vastness and in three continents. There are just on 'IOO important parts, there are two operas presented, one in an opera house of enormous dimensions. The film ranges from Paris in the days of Napoleon to Leghorn, and from Havana to Africa, and all of it is made of drama and spectacle. This story of Anthony, born in the snows of Spain, denied a name, left as a foundling at a convent, and adopted by a rich Scottish merchant,who then travels the world in search of his lost love and his vanished peace of mind, is familiar to many. In presenting it Mervyn Leroy has undoubtedly scored » triumph of direction, and Fredrio March has added to- his reputation «s a player of versatility and vigour. The cast which supports him is also at its best, Edmund Gwenn is outstanding as Bonnyfeather, the old Scotsman. Olivia de Havilland proves herself an actress of outstanding qualities as well as a beautiful one. Anita Louise, one of the screen’s most attractive personalities, has her best role to date. Claude Rains again proves his rich talents as,, the Spanish marquis who is Anthony’s nominal father. An entertaining supporting programme is also shown. EMPIRE Janet Gaynor gives a fine performance in her first picture for MetroGold wyn-Mayer, 4 Small Town Girl,’ which concludes this evening at the Empire. With Robert Taylor as her leading man, this actress gives a thoroughly likeable picture of a young girßs aspirations and yearnings for city life, and the way in which she realises her desire is an intensely human one. The story is taken from a book noted for its true-to-life characters, and this virtue has been fully brought out in the picture. PULITZER PRIZE-WINNER TOMORROW. The greatest play from the pen of George Kelly, the Pulitzer Prizewinner, ‘ Craig’s Wife,’ reaches the screen of the Empire to-morrow. A Columbia picture, it offers Rosalind Russell and John Boles in the starring parts, and an imposing supporting oast that includes Billie Burke. Jane Danvbll, Dorothy Wilson, Alma Kruger, Thomas Mitchell, Raymond Walburn, Robert Allen, Elisabeth Risdon, Nydia

Westman, and Kathleen Burke. ‘ Craig’s Wife ’ marks Miss Russell’s first portrayal of a dramatic role on the screen. Previously the star, who has been in films only since 1935, when she appeared in 4 No More Ladies,’ has identified herself solely with comedy parts. , It is said, however, that Miss Russell gives the best performance of her career in the emotional title role of 4 Craig’s Wife.’ Boles, co-starred with. Miss Russell, is making his first important screen appearance since ‘ A Message to Garcia.’ He enacts the role of Walter Craig, one that gives him an excellent opportunity to display his.acting talents. 4 Craig’s Wife ’ is the story of a cold and calculating woman who marries merely to attain her lifetime goal—absolute independence. She stands aloof from everyone, even, subtly, her own husband, whom she considers merely a necessary evil. Gradually her world conies toppling down, until she stands alone, a tragic figure, surveying the ruins of her life. STATE Starring an exciting new love team, handsome Robert Taylor and lovely Loretta Ypung, ‘Private Number’ is to conclude this evening at the State. Taylor’s debonair manner and youthful banter complements Miss Young’s beauty and wide-eyed appeal perfectly. And added to the thrilling love story is suspense, drama, and comedy by the irrepressible Patsy Kelly. Basil Rathbone and Marjorie Gateson are also featured prominently in the supporting cast. WARNEh BAXTER AND MYRNA LOY STARRED. Warner Baxter and Myrna Loy are the stars of 4 To Mary—With Love,’ which will commence a season at the State to-morrow. They receive strong support from lan Hunter and the remainder of the cast. The film is one which traces the lives of three people through the domestic tribulation into which the slump plunged so many, and the experiences or the characters must come close to not a few members of the audience. That may he said even though the scene is New York, for the emotions which it touches are far deeper than the superficial differences of place and nation. The action commences in 1925, when the Wall street crash brings the plot to one of its climaxes, for it ruins Jock Wallace (Warner Baxter) after he had worked himself into a position of what he thought was considerable financial security. He loafs about, living on borrowed money and drinking, hut his young_ wife (Myrna Loy) stays at his side, just as she had in other severe tests of their affection, because she .felt she was needed. Always when she feels she is at the end pf her tether his ardent love and bewilderment at the. prospect of her loss keeps her with him. Hard times she thinks have cured him of his drinking and disregard tor her while he grubs money, but with the turn of tho tide she thinks she sees him the same old road, and, afraid' for their future, asks their mutual friend since before their wedding day, a lawyer, to institute divorce proceedings. Even though ho has protested his love for her a few months earlier, he repairs the broken tie. OCTAGON .Kay Francis has one of the best opportunities of her career in ‘ I Found Stella Parish,’ which has ite finale at the Octagon this evening. Essentially a drama, the moving and absorbing story has. its lighter moments, making for the ’ideal type of entertainment—drama and comedy. The story deals with the life of a famous stage star who, though shunning publicity, is dragged into a scandal dealing with her past. Paul Lukas, Barton Mac Lane, and little Sybil Jason are also featured. ‘ Son of a Sailor ’ stars Joe E. Brown. TALE OF THE KLONDYKE GOLD RUSH. 4 Call of the Wild ’ is no misnomer for Twentieth Century’s film version of Jack London’s famous classic of the Kldndyke gold rush of 1897, which is to commence a season at the Octagon Theatre to-morrow, with Clark Gable, Loretta Young, and Jack Oakie in its leading roles. Gable swashbuckles through the gold camps, a picturesque prospector ready to stake his fortune on toe flip of a coin. His code is the code of the frontier, a rough but honest variation of tho 44 golden rule.” Into his life comes Loretta Young, a San Francisco socialite. Thrown together on the trail, they begin by hating each other, he detesting her code, she not understanding his. Under the spell of the Arctic their differences diminish, and a romance _ ensues. Life becomes a primitive thing with the artficial lustre of civilisation stripped from it. Their close companon is “ Buck,” the huge St. Bernard in whom Jack London vested the symbolical story. William Wellman directed the production, which was filmed on the rugged, remote heights of Mount Baker, Washington. Frank Conroy, Reginald Owen. Katherine de Mille, Sidney Toler, and the dog “ Buck,” who makes his screen debut in this Joseph M. Schenck presentation, are also prominent in the cast. ‘ Call of the Wild ’ is released through United Artists. 4 Transatlantic Merry-go-Round ’ will be the associate feature. STRAND ‘Snowed Under,’ the Warner Brothers picture which concludes to-night at the Strand, is a riotous comedy-ro-mance, in which interest and suspense are sustained from start to finish. Though an unpretentious film, it gains in entertainment by its very modesty, and brings its many bright spots into cheerful relief. George Brent, Genevieve Tobin, Glenda Farrell, and Patricia Ellis are the principal players. Also screening is ‘ Shakedown.’ ENTERTAINING DOUBLE BILL. A man and a woman thrown together at a winter resort despise each other’s sex, and the man’s son and the woman’s daughter are similarly affected. Eventually the adults fall in love, but the children determine to break up the romance. When they succeed, however, they take pity on their parents and strive successfully to reunite the lovers. All this takes place in Columbia’s gay romantic comedy, 4 And So They Were Married,’ to be shown tomorrow at the Strand. It has been called one of the most hilarious pictures of the year. Topping the cast are Melvyn Douglas, Mary Astor, and two of tiie funniest children on the screen, Edith Fellows of 4 She Married Her Boss ’ fame and Jackie Moran, a newcomer. The story goes that Stephen Blake and his son Tommy and Edith Farnham, charming divorcee, and her daughter Brenda are thrown together at a winter resort, much to the distaste of all four. What happens to the two wild kids and their parents before the end of the picture provides some choice entertainment. A comedy; ‘Tho Big Noise.’ starring Guy Kibhro’ Warren (Tull. Marie Wilson, and Alma Llo3'd, will also be shown.

ST. JAMES A fast-moving story with action galore, ‘ Kelly the Second,’ having its final screening to-night at the St. James, is not what one might term a prize-fight picture, although the story hinges on the ring career of one of its principals. There is a pretty romance between Patsy Kelly and Guinn Williams, while Pert Kelton as the “ girl friend ” of Edward Brophy, in the role of a racketeer, supplies menace as well as mirth. The supporting players include Charlie Chase. DELIGHTFUL BRITISH FILM. Thoroughly enjoyable light entertainment is promised patrons of the St. Janies to-morrow, when the eagerly-awaited film, ‘ The Beloved Vagabond,’ in which the popular Maurice Chevalier makes a welcome reappearance on the screen after a prolonged absence, will be presented. Skilful direction lies behind the success of ‘ The Beloved Vagabond,’ the film version of W. J. Locke’s tale. Locke’s hero is a violinist who derives a quiet pleasure from the simpler things in life. Naturally ho has his ups and downs, but passes over the gloomy days as not worth worrying about and welcomes those when the sun shines. He is the complete philosopher, and as such is something new for the screen. The role of the vagabond is admirably suited to Maurice Chevalier. His lackadaisical manner and good humour fit the part to perfection. Of the supporting artists Margaret Lockwood and Betty Stockfeld are specially deserving of credit. The background is the French countryside, and if this sphere has not been explored greatly in films to date, there is every reason to think it will in the future. Second only to the performance of Chevalier is that of Desmond Tester, who plays the part of Asticot, the artistic Loudon boy. In his boyish charm there is appealing humour, and he makes an ideal partner for the roaming vagabond. Equally good is Margaret Lockwood as Blanquette, the demure, happy-go-lucky gipsy girl, with her simple country ways. MAYFAIR Warner Baxter proves his versatility when he plays the role of Cesar, the gaucho, in Fox Film’s ‘ Under the Pampas Moon,’ which will be shown at the Mayfair to-day, with the film of the Louis-Schmeling fight in support. Baxter sings, dances, plays the guitar, throws the bolas and rides a horse in addition to playing a number of romantic scenes. The star could sing, play the guitar, and ride a horse before he began making the picture, bub ho had to learn to throw the bolas and dance the tango before the _ picture could go into production. Ketti Gallian is co-starred with Warner Baxter in ‘Under the Pampas Moon,’- and the supporting cast includes such wellknown personalities as the internationally famous dance team of Veloz and Yolanda, John Miljan, J. Carrol Naish, Soledad Jiminez, Jack Le Rue, George Irving, Blanca Vischer, Rita Cansino, and Armida. GREEN ISLAND CINEMA BRILLIANT ACTING IN NEW ATTRACTION. ‘ The Passing of the Third Floor Back,’ by Jerome K. Jerome, which will be shown at Green Island Cinema to-morrow, is a world-famous play. When first produced in London in 1908, its strange and unusual theme caught the public j imagination and subsequent revivals in 1913, 1917, and 1938 showed definitely that the appeal of this play has by no means diminished. Powerful and moving as this story is when portrayed on the stage, the medium of the screen brings the audience into closer contact with the private lives of this unusual crowd of boarding-house characters. One is able to live their lives with them, appreciate their .worries and joys, sense the influence of the Stranger and feel the quiet change that is wrought in the Hotel Belle-Vue. Apart from the quiet acting of Conrad Veidt, as the stranger, Mary Clare (Mrs Sharpe), Frank Cellier (Wright), Anna Lee (Vivian), John Turnbull and Cathleen Nesbitt (Mr and Mrs Tompkin), and Sara Allgood (Mrs de Hoolcy) are outstanding ; while Rene Ray as the browbeaten ’Stasia, the only person to perceive the true goodness at the stranger, reflects great genius in her delicate handling of a difficult character role. ‘ A Feather in Her Hat,’ starring Basil Rathbone and Pauline Lord, will be the featured attraction on Saturday evening.