PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22718, 4 August 1937, Page 5

PICTURE THEATRES

ST. JAMES * San Francisco,’ the popular Barbary Coast drama, which is proving popular at the St. James; brings Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald together as a co-starring team for the first time. The film gives Miss' MacDonald her widest scope in vocal numbers in her screen career—a total of 10 presentations, ranging from a solemn hymn to the most beautiful operatic arias. Clark Gable returns to the vigorous .type of role that first elevated him to stardom as a blustery, gambling baron, who has no faith in anything but his own power and his charm over women. Costarring with Miss MacDonald and Gable is Spencer Tracy in his most unusual role, that of a priest. A distinguished supporting cast includes Jack Holt, Jessie Ralph, Ted Healy, Shirley Ross, Harold Huber .and A 1 Shean. Among Miss MacDonald’s vocal numbers are—‘ The Jewel Song, *Trison Trio,’ and other excerpts from Gounod’s ‘ Faust,’ an aria from ‘ La Traviata,’ ‘ Love Me and the World Is Mine,’ ‘ My Heart Is Free,’ Gounod’s ‘ Ave Maria,’ ‘ Nearer, My God, To Thee,’ Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ ‘ San Francisco,’ and Would You?’- ■* Audioscopiks * supports. £ MAD HOLIDAY.’ While a Chinese dragon writhes its way across the stage, blood drips from a theatre box in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and thus murder finds its unique setting in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s ‘Mad Holiday,’ which will be commenced at the St. James on Friday. The film presents the unusual plot of a movie within a movie/ 3 with Edmund Lowe cast as a Hollywood star. Sick at being typed in mystery parts he walks off the set while a film is in production, ans takes a long-wanted lioliday on a passenger steamer. Ehssa Landi, playing the author of the picture out of which he has walked, also embarks on the ship, determined to bring the actor back at any cost, even to devising a make-believe murder. When the hoaxed murder turns out unexpectedly to be a real one the complications begin. Oriental faces appear on the ship, international jewellers and criminals long wanted by police, and all become in some way or another tangled in an ingenious plot. Supporting players that add hilarious comedy to the film include Zasn Pitts and Ted Healy, while Edmund Gwenn, Soo Youg, and Walter Kingsford are prominently cast in. minor roles. GRAND The inside operations of the American postal inspectors are brought to the screen for the first time iu the thrilling photo-play, ‘Wanted: Jane Turner, co-featuring Lee Tracy and Gloria Stuart, -which heads the new Grand programme. Dealing with a murderous gang which holds up a mail truck and kills its driver, ‘Wanted: Jane Turner, throws an illuminating light on the well-organised activities of the Postal Department experts who, like the Canadian North-west Mounted . Police, never stop till they get their men. Drawing its exciting incilents from the headlines of the day, the film speedily reaches dramatic heights as the ace department inspector, Tracy, pursues the gang leader after his cohorts Jiave been placed behind the bars. North, south, east, and _ west, the happy, scrappy Jones family travel the trail to adventure and romance in ‘ Back to Nature,’ which supports. Featuring Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane, Dixie Dunbar, Tony Martin, Spring Bymgton, Kenneth Howell, George Ernest. June Carlson, Florence Roberts, and Billy Mahan. ‘ Back to Nature ’ is the riotous story of the Joneses on a vacation —a vacation more thrilling, more exciting, and more riotous than your own. For the Joneses don’t go vacationing in any ordinary manner. When Dad .Tones announces that ho is going to the druggists’ convention at Tranquil Lake the family announce to dad that they are going along. When Dad Jones asks how they expect him to pay railroad fares and hotel expenses for the entire family they, present a simple solution—buy an automobile trailer 1 Outnumbered and outargued, dad gives in, and the whole family starts out for Tranquil Lake in a house on wheels. REGENT The spirit and the legendary of Elizabethan England live again iu ‘Fire Over England,’ the latest success of the English film studios, now screening at the (Regent. A. E. W. Mason’s famous novel has suffered nothing by its transmutation to the screen. Its story is still the same, and its characters live and move with even more conviction. There is about the picture an atmosphere of suspense and of courage which must have been the atmosphere of an England threatened by the greatest fleet and the largest invading army the Channel had ever seen. Among the characters of the story, one stands out clearly, that of Queen Elyizabeth. It is the finest portrayal yet seen- on the screen of England’s presiding genius through those troublous times. Flora Robson secures the greatest success of years of acting experience. The part of the Earl of Leicester is ably played _ by Leslie Banks. Eine work also is done by Morton Selten, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Tamara Desni. The supports, which include a Silly Symphony entitled ‘Country Cousin,’ a travelogue,, and newsreels, are, as usual, excellent. STRONG MEDICAL DRAMA. Based on a sensational American novel, ‘ Green Light,’ which will commence a season at the Regent on Friday, is a dramatic story of love and sacrifice in the medical, profession. In the principal roles are Errol Flynn and Anita Louise. There is also a strong and competent supporting cast. Errol Flynn, whose first two pictures, ‘ Captain Blood ’ and ‘ Charge of the Light Brigade,’ proclaimed him one of the greatest screen “ finds ” of recent years, adds stature to his dramatic reputation with his handling of the role of Newell Paige, the young surgeon, who sacrifices his own professional integrity to cover the mistake of an

older doctor. Sir, Cedric Hardwicke, who was knighted for magnificent work on the stage, is superb in the role of Dean Harcourt, the minister whose advice and philosophy shape the lives of the other characters. And Margaret Lindsay, as Frances Ogilvie, who loves Paige but has to give him up, gives a convincing and sympathetic performance, as does Henry O’Neill as the older surgeon who is the cause of Flynn’s martyrdom. Walter Abel fits completely into the role of Paige’s friend anil colleague. STRAND A powerful and dynamic drama, Columbia’s ‘ Devil’s Playground,’ which is now screening at the Strand, unassumingly lays claim to being one of the most entertaining films of the new season. Richard Due is starred. Ken. Maynard, called the king of cowboys, rides into the face of new dangers in Columbia’s latest outdoor drama, ‘ Fugitive Sheriff.’ which supports. ‘ Tho Mighty Trove,’ tho Universal picture featuring Noah Beery, jun., and Barbara Read, will bo the first film on the new programme which will be screened on. Friday at tho Strand. Tho story, taken from the novel ‘ Treve,’ by the noted author Albert Payson Terhune, relates the adventure, romance, and pitfalls encountered by a young fellow when he sets out to \make his way in the world. The movie gains its dramatic force from the simple, direct way in which it is presented, according to advance reports. The exciting adventures of a race track sleuth, one of those hardy, hard-bitten track detectives whose job it is to keep the sport of kings out of the hands of the underworld lords, provides tho theme and action of Columbia’s ‘ The Frame-up.’ the second feature. The story tells of tho events preceding the running of the Granville Sweepstakes. _ With a number of gangsters and bookies overrunning the town on the eve of the big race, Paul Kelly in the leading role of Mark MacArthur, chief of State Racing Commission detectives, decides to investigate the cause of the sudden influx of gangsters. STATE With Ann Sothern and Gene Raymond to provide the romantic interest, with Eric Blore once more as the incomparable valet, and with Helen Broderick for ever finding a new description of her scapegrace husband, it will bo seen that ‘ Smartest Girl in Town,’ the R.K.O. picture now at the State, is a film that will appeal to theatregoers of all types. Ann, as a beautiful photographic model, makes up her mind to marry money. Her friend, Helen Broderick, cryptically remarks that she will probably waste her charms on a penniless nobody, and this Ann guards against. Even when she meets Gene Raymond and is strongly attracted to him, she refuses to regard his attentions seriously, believing that he is only the free-lance photographer’s model he pretends to be. _ Unknown to Ann, it is really a '.millionaire whose proposals she refuses so definitely. Finally Gene Raymond, in a scheme whereby he may see her more often, organises another advertising business, and instructs his valet, Blore, to play the role of manager and to engage the services of Miss Sothern as model. At last, won by the young man’s persistence, Ann finds herself too interested in him. Miss Sothern is given the opportunity for wearing many lovely gowns and ensembles suitable for every hour of the day.

‘THAT GIRL FROM PARIS.'

She jilts her fiance, finds four beaux to take his place, and then pursues them overseas to America! This is the start of a madcap musical romance for Lily Pons, attractive little French prima donna, who is starred in the gay musical comedy. ‘ That Girl From Paris,’ which will be the next attraction at the State, with Gene Raymond and Jack Oakie. A musical pot pourri is unfolded for melody lovers, running the gamut from hot “ swing ” tunes to the coloratura soprano’s rendition of ‘ Uno Voce Poco Fa,’ the memorable aria from Rossini’s * The Barber of Seville,’ Panofka’s ‘ Tarantella,’ Strauss’s ‘ Blue Danube Waltz,’ and three popular numbers by Arthur Schwartz and Edward Hey man, ‘ Seal It With a Kiss,’ * Call to Arms,’ and ‘ My Nephew from Nice.’ The music intersperses a rollicking tale of a famous little French singer who scorns an, operatic career and a chagrined fiance to pursue romance across the ocean to a strange land. There she is adopted by four American jazz band musicians—namely, Raymond, Oakie, Mischa Auer, and Frank Jenks. and she encounters undreamed-of adventures which make * That Girl From Paris ’ a rousing, merry, lilting entertainment. EMPIRE * Born to Dance,’ the latest attraction at the Empire, is the_ season’s most lavish potpourri of music and dancing. The new musical extravaganza presents the dynamic Eleanor Powell as a star and just about runs the entire gamut of rhythm. The story of ‘ Bom to Dance ’ involves the romance of a small-town girl who falls in love with a navy man and almost loses him to a show girl. The personable James Stewart is the navy man, and stunning Virginia Bruce gives an outstanding portrayal as the temperamental show girl. Also scoring in a topnotch supporting cast are Una Merkel and Sid Silvers furnishing laughs galore, the lovely-voiced Frances Langford of radio fame, Raymond Walburn, Alan Dinehart, and Buddy Ebsen. In its music, production value and dazzling array of supporting talent, ‘Born to Dance’ in every way lives up to the high standards set by its brilliant dancing star. The songs, written by Colo. Porter of ‘ You’re the Top ’ and ‘ Night and Day ’ fame, are of the type that once heard linger on the ear for weeks after. The romantic ‘ Easy to Love,’ the haunting ‘ I’ve Got You Under My Skin,’ the catchy ‘ Swingin’ the Jinx Away,’ and the lilting waltz number ‘ Hey, Babe, Hey,’ are songs that everyone will be whistling and humming for weeks to come. MAYFAIR Janet Gaynor, Loretta Young, and Constance Bennet are starred and Simone Simon featured in the second feature, ‘ Ladies in Love.’ a fascinating story of four lonesome young ladies looking for a love that will last for ever. So romantic about love, so practical about lovers, the picture is a bitter-sweet romance of the adventures and heartaches of the four in search of the men they love. Don Ameehe, Paul Lukas, Tyrone Power, jun., and Alan Mowbray are also featured in the supporting cast in ‘ Ladies in Love.’ Unsurpassed in entertainment value and boasting one of the outstanding performances of the year in the serio-comic characterisation by Edward G. Robinson, ‘ P.assport to Fame,’ which is now screening at the Mayfair, is a robust, exciting, and hilarious comedydrama. It is a decided success, and one that will keep the whole town talking for a long time.

OCTAGON In ‘ Where’s Sally?’ the main attraction at the Octagon, Claude Hulbert plays the part of Tony Chivers, and is responsible for a great deal of the comedy in the film. Dick Foran is said to surpass all previous performances in a role which gives his talents full play in ‘ Land Bevond the Law.’ Heading tho programme which will bo screened on Friday at the Octagon is Herbert Marshall.in ‘Till We Meet Again.’ As a British matinee idol, in love with a Viennese actress, Marshall is cast into the maelstrom of tho World War. The actress is forced to desert her lover and return to Germany to take up her duties as a spy. Marshall joins tile British Intelligence Service, and, while operating in Germany, again meets his fiancee. She saves his life at the risk of facing a firing squad. Gertrude Michael, Rod La Roque, Lionel Atwill. and a large cast of capable players support Herbert Marshall. ‘ Romance buster ” is the role Warren William plays in Mae West’s latest Paramount comedy, ‘Go West, Young Man,’ which will be the second film on the programme. Miss West plays the part of a movie star, and William is cast as her Press agent. One of the clauses in her contract forbids her to engage in romancing during the life of the contract. It is William’s job to see to it that she lives up to this clause. He breaks up a romance between Miss West and Lyle Talbot and another with Randolph Scott. _ But he is unable to break up the one in which he finds himself.