PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 22773, 7 October 1937, Page 2

PICTURE THEATRES

EMPIRE Frank Capra, Columbia’s maker of hits, masters a totally new mood in ‘ Lost Horizon,’ concluding to-night at the Empire, based on the famous novel by James Hilton. Heretofore concerned with such robust action and mirth ns ‘Mr Deeds Goes to Town ’ and ‘lt Happened One Night,’ Capra puts exaltation into ‘ Lost Horizon.’ Artfully describing th© strange adventure of » young English foreign agent, the action is staged in a fantastic lamasery in Tibet. Ronald Colman is in the leading role playing the part of the young Englishman who finds his surroundings peculiarly congenial, while ho has polished support from Jane Wyatt, as the woman he loves; and from such able players as. John Howard Margo, H. B. Warner, Edward Everett Horton, Isabel Jewell, and Sam Jaffe. SPARKLING MUSICAL.

‘ The Show Goes On,’ .which opens at the Empire to-morrow, presents Grade Fields in a sparkling musical comedy bubbling over with laughter and happiness and brimful of songs. Some of the most entertaining action in Gracie Fields’s latest A.T.P. production, takes place on board th© Queen Mary. Reproductions of the actual boat deck and a section of the interior of the huge ship built at the A.T.P. Studios are most impressive. By courtesy of the Cunard White Star Line the furniture of the Queen Mary was utilised. One scene depicts Grade on tho boat deck, responding to th© cheers of the soldiers on an outgoing troopship. The Tommies recognise her and demand a song, and she replies with 1 You’ve Got to Smile 'When You Say Goodbye ’—confidently predicted to prove one. of the song hits of 1937. With tho completion of ‘The Show Goes On,’ ends the series of Grade Fields films produced at A.T.P. Studios by Basil Dean. The series have comprised eight pictures —‘Sally in the Alley,’ ‘Looking on the Bright Side,’ ‘Sing As We Go,’ ‘Love, Life, and Laughter,’ ‘This Week of Grace,’ ‘ Look Up and Laugh,’ ‘ Queen of Hearts,’ and ‘ The Show Goes On.’ It was Mr Dean and his A.T.P. associates who were responsible for Miss Fields’s entry into pictures, a foresight which has been more than justified by -worldwide release. To this series of outstanding successes the unique personality that is Miss Fields’s, Mr Dean’s skill in production and the splendid facilities of the A.T.P. Studios, have mainly contributed. ‘ The Show Goes On ’ is a sparkling musical comedy reflection on Grade's own life story. Also in the oast are Cyril Ritchard, Australia’s stage' favourite, Owen Nares, John Stuart, and Amy Venness,

ST. JAMES * Espionage.’ which heads the programme concluding to-night at the St. James, is another of the films in the adventures of rival reporters. Edmund Lowe and Madge Evans are the correspondents of, two news .agencies who set out from the Paris office on the track of an international armaments king who is making a secret journey; there is adventure in the way they manage to be upon the assignment, and there is plenty of action. UNUSUAL MURDER MYSTERY. ! A hew : add interesting ,twist is,given to the unusual murder- mystery in ’/Under Cover -of Night,’ the drama Which will be shown at the St. James to-morrow. Edmund Lowe is the star, and as the scientific detective he has a busy time solving a number of killings and tracking down the fiendish murderer. The audience, however, instead of being left in a bewildered state, is soon made aware of the slayer’s identity, and it is extremely interesting to witness the thrilling and logical manner in which the crimes are brought home. When the story opens the faculty members of a university are anxiously awaiting the announcement of the name of the new head, each hoping that lie (or she) has been chosen. When the wife of a prominent scientist dies the cause of her death is regarded as heart failure, but tho witnesses in th© theatre know otherwise. ' Then two members of the staff are killed, and the evidence points strongly to one man whom the audience knows to he innocent. Lowe is not found wanting in deductive powers, however, ad the audience has, after much suspense, the pleasure of seeing the murderer brought to book. The supporting cast includes Florence Rice, Dorothy Peterson, Henry Daniell, Nat Pendleton, Henry Kolker, Dean dagger, Sara Haden, and . Frank Reicher.

TWO ATTRACTIVE FILMS NEW PROGRAMME AT THE GRAND Paramount’s ‘ Student Doctors Can’t Take Money,’ a highly romantic drama, came to the Grand last night with that splendid pair of screen lovers Barbara Stanwyck and Joel M'Crea in the leading roles. Both enact their parts, she as an unemployed girl with a past, and he as a young student doctor, with the charm that has made of them the favourite romantic film pair of millions. Lloyd Nolan is also in the cast in a splendid role.

‘ Student Doctors Can’t Take Money ’ is a powerful story of a dilemma which arises when M'Crea finds it impossible to take a fee from a patient which would make it possible for him to wed Miss Stanwyck and to bring her happiness by reuniting her with her child by a previous marriage. Miss Stanwyck does not understand why M'Crea cannot take the money, and they part after a cpiarrcl. Thfeir destinies are worked out when a racketeer, grateful for what M'Crea did for him, takes the complex situation and removes the obstacles in his own manner. The film is noteworthy for tho accuracy with which it portrays hospital life. This was made possible through the services of Dr John J. Toma, onetime athlete and at present chief resident physician of tho Hollywood Hospital. who was technical adviser to Alfred Santell, and through whose efforts much of the behind-the-scenes action is candidly portrayed with life and vigour. Picturesque in its scenic background, gripping in its dramatic theme, and exciting in its thrilling action, ‘ Park Avenue Logger,’ the associate feature, starring George O’Brien, is a film full of unexpected surprises. Adapted from a story by Bruce Hutchison, ‘ Park Avenue Logger ’ concerns the exciting adventures of a wealthy son of a lumber millionaire, who convinces his father that ho is an intellectual giant more interested in pursuing scientific phenomena than exorcising his physical attributes. The deception works according to his highest expectations, and he is shipped off to a logging camp, where his father hopes ho will make use of his brawn. The young man’s daring exploits in the big tree country, where he satisfies Ids elemental taste for physical labour and

battling, supply tho thrilling events loading to a whirlwind finish. Beatrice Roberts, a former Ziegfeld girl and Atlantic City beauty contest winner, makes her debut as O’Brien’s leading lady in the role of a courageous girl who struggles to save her invalid father’s lumber business from failure at the hands of Willard Robertson and Ward Bond, who portray two conspiring foremen. Bert Hanlon, a former vaudeville comedian, Gertrude Short, a popular film comedienne, and Robert E. O’Connor have roles of importance. Tho awe-inspiring beauty of the big timber belts in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California supply the outdoor background for most of the exciting action. STRAND ‘ Breezing Home,’ a sprightly comedy-drama featuring William Gargan, Binnie Barnes, and Wendy Barrie, heads tho programme concluding tonight at the Strand. The rivalry of two girls, one a cabaret entertainer and tho other an owner of a string of racehorses, for Gargan’s affections provide the principal theme of the story, while Alan Baxter, as a racecourse bookmaker and night club owner, is the villain of the piece. The second picture is ‘The Longest Night,’ featuring Robert Young. • FREEDOM FOR SALE.’ Columbia’s ‘ Freedom For Sale,’ featuring Paul Kelly and Rosalind Keith, coming to-morrow to th© Strand, dramatises the means and methods utilised by a crime syndicate to buy paroles for killers and convicts. The story is based on a sensational story concerning a detective who joins the criminal forces, has himself arrested ai d paroled, and is thus able to learn tho identity" of the men responsib’c for the nourishing racket. Paul Kelly is starred as the young detective, and Rosalind Keith plays th© girl reporter with tho conviction and charm that has characterised all of her screen work. Others in the cast are Thurston Hall, Leona Maricle, John Spacey, A 1 Hall, Arthur Loft, Howard Hickman, Edward Earle, Edward Le Saint, Gene Morgan John Gal lan dot. ‘ Freedom For Sale * is an original story by Harold Shumate, and was adapted for the screen by the author and Owen Francis. Several comedy personalities keep ‘ Mister Cinderella,’ the associate feature, moving at a fast pace that sends th© audience into uproarious mirth. Betty Furness, Arthur Treacher, and Raymond Walhum occupy the principal roles. STATE A delightful musical romance, ‘On tho Avenue,’ is the principal attraction on the well-selected programme concluding to-night at the State. This Darryl F. Zanuck production is outstanding for its modern atmosphere. It presents all the latest ideas in this type of screen entertainment, fascinating new songs, uproarious comedy, and pleasing romance. Leading roles are handled in capable, fashion by Dick Powell and Madeleine Carroll. DRAMATIC ADVENTURE. Although Russia experienced no serious Tartar invasion for three hundred years, Jules Verne, the great French novelist, invented an invasion for dramatic purposes for his famous adventure story, ‘ Michael Strogoff,’ which opens at tlie State to-morrow. The Tartars, who derived their name from the Tata Mongols of the Gobi region, are of mixed Turkish and Mongolian ancestry. They first overran much of present-day Russia early in the thirteenth century, and it was not until 1480 that Russia broke tho tenacious Tartar hold on her land. Sporadic troubles along the border flared up, and it is these periodic sorties which Verne ingeniously incorporated in the elaborate dramatic adventure of ‘ Michael Strogoff.’ The great wealth of detail which, attends the invasion, fictionally led by a former Russian colonel who had been exiled to Siberia; and the two great battles, one in which the Tartars trap a Russian army between their divided forces, and the other occurring at Irkutsk in. Siberia, with the Russians finally wiping out their adversaries, are remarkably filmed. The chief character is enacted by a newcomer to the screen who has achieved fame abroad. He is Anton Walbrook. Playing the role of the Tsar’s emissary assigned to converge the forces of two besieged Russian armies which are to rout the Tartar rebels, Walbrook is surrounded by a fin© cast, including Elizabeth' Allan, Akim Tanliroff, Margot Grahamo, Fay Bainter, and Eric Biore.

REGENT New contracts were awarded Billy and Bobby Mauch, the twin film stars, by Warner Bros. First National on the basis of their work in pictures and particularly in ‘ The Prince and the Pauper,’ the screen version of Mark Twain’s famous story, which concludes at the Regent to-night. ‘ The Prince and the Pauper ’ presents the boys in the title roles. Errol Flynn, last seen in ‘ Green Light,’ plays the dashing role of Miles Hendon, soldier of fortune. MODERN TECHNICOLOUR STORY. In ‘ A Star Is Born,’ which will begin a season at the Regent to-morrow, motion picture lovers are promised the greatest picture with a movieland background that has ever been filmed. It is said to be an entertainment achievement endowed with the master touch of David O. Selznick. Selznick produced such memorable productions as ‘ David Copperfield,’ ‘ Dinner at Eight,’ ‘ Little Lord Fauntleroy,’ and ‘ The Garden of Allah.’ ‘ A Star Is Born,’ his latest picture, is stated to be the most remarkable account of motion picture making that has yet reached the screen. For the first time the audience is taken “ behind the scenes ” in Hollywood and shown a bold revelation of the people and places, the laughter and love, the bitterness and jealousy, the talent and tears that all go into the making of pictures. The entire production has been filmed in technicolour, and is the first modern story to be done entirely in colour. The story has been studded with gems of comedy and hilarious situations. Janet Gaynor makes her reappearance as the little country girl, unassuming, untrained, unknown, who went to Hollywood with the high hopes and dreams cherished by most girls, and faced the odds of 100,000 to 1 against her. Fredric March plays the role of the established star, an exasperating, spoiled, lovable wastrel. Adolphe Menjou, May‘Robson, Andy Devine, and Lionel Stander are featured in the supporting east, which also includes Owen Moore, Peggy Wood, Elizabeth Jcnns, Edgar Kennedy, and Guinn Williams.

OGTAGOK Basil Rathbone and Ann Harding are responsible for admirable characterisations in ‘ Love from a Stranger,’ the attraction concluding to-night at the Octagon. Aim Harding is seen as a typist who falls headlong in lovo with a handsome stranger and marries him only to find that her husband (Rathbone) is by no means the man she thought he was. The second feature

is ‘ That Man’s Here Again’ an amusing comedy with Hugh Herbert in the leading role. ‘THE GIRL FROM SCOTLAND YARD.’ Tho story of a girl who matches her wit and beauty against the depredations of a band of spies seeking to destroy her country’s armaments is told in the Paramount production, ‘ The Girl ’From Scotland Yard,’ which will head tho double feature bill at the Octagon to-morrow. Karen Morley and a newcomer, Robert Baldwin, have the starring roles. The second feature is also a Paramount production, ‘ The Crime Nobody Saw,’ with Lew Ayres, Ruth Coleman, Eugene Pallette, and Benny Baker in the major roles. The story is unusual in. that it is a mystery where there are no master-mind detectives or police officers. It is solved by three authors who are in quest of a plot for a play. The mystery walks right in on them. A man is killed in their apartment. They trick all the suspects into coming into their apartment, find the guilty person, and have a first-class plot for their play. The story is described as a typical Ellery Queen brain-teaser which defies solution by the most skilful of movie or fiction mystery lovers. Others in the cast are Colin Tapley, Vivienne Osborne, and Jed Prouty.

MAYFAIR A great and rich and glowing motion picture, a picture signed all over with distinction, like one of the master’s own canvases. This describes Alexander Korda’s new production. ‘ Rembrandt,’ starring Charles Laughton, which is now being screened at the Mayfair. ‘ Rembrandt ’ is as much one of Mr Korda’s.greatest productions as

it is, perhaps, the noblest subject and the best likeness in Mr Laughton’s gallery of historical portraits. With the exception of * Ruggles of Red Gap,’ this new film gives Laughton his first really sympathetic role. And in giving it to him Korda has proved that he has bis finger on the pulse of public opinion. There are many pioturegoers who while admiring Laughton as a great actor have been somewhat repelled by the harsh and cruel parts he has so often played. But in ‘ Rembrandt ’ the stress is laid on the debt which the artist’s genius owed to women and beauty and romantic love. This debt is acknowledged in the film in a marvellous monologue on the subject of women, which Laughton delivers with all the artistry at his command. There is roystering, rollicking in ‘ Where There’s a Will,’ the associate feature. A gang of American crooks arrive in London with designs on a bank which is below a solicitor’s office, ai?d the solicitor is Will Hay, who becomes the catspaw to the robbery.