EMPIRE

Evening Star, Issue 23499, 13 February 1940, Page 13

EMPIRE

Charles Bickford; gives what is undoubtedly the best portrayal of his career in ‘ Mutiny in the Big House,’ which is the current attraction at the Empire. Ho appears as a prison chaplain whose life is dedicated to preparingl the convicts for their fight with life on their release from gaol, and although he has many successes there is one man whom ho cannot touch, and that is Red Mansen. This utterly ruthless character is played by Barton Mac Lane, and he makes the role a remarkably realistic one. The other parts are all sympathetically filled. The story is of how Mansen plans one of the biggest gaol breaks in history. He and his fellow convicts, with five warders as hostages, mutiny in one of the workshops and threaten unless they are given free passage out of gaol to shoot a warder every five minutes. This dastardly threat is carried out, and it is then that the chaplain takes a hand and walks alone into the mutineers’ stronghold, DEBUT OF " ROCHESTER." Jack Benny, radio comedian, makes another hit in the lavish new Paramount comedy with music, 1 Man About Town,’ which will open at the Empire next Friday. With glamorous Dorothy Lamour and rotund Edward Arnold in co-starring roles, this is said to he the most hilarious of Benny’s offerings. ‘ Man About Town ’ sparkles ■with hilarious situations, bright dialogue, perfect girls, and _ song hits. Among the added attractions of the picture is the sensational dancing of “ Rochester,” who makes his screen debut in this picture. Just as amazing is the dancing of the world-renowned Merriel Abbot Dancers, who do incredible acrobatic routines in the harem sequences. The fnn-stnddcd story by Morrie Ryskind casts .lack as an American theatrical impressario about to present a show in London. In addition are ‘ Tempo of To-morrow,’ bringing to the screen Richard Himber and his

famous “ rhythmic pyramids ” orchestra; ‘ Death Valley Thrills,’ one of the best Grantland Rico sports thrills; ‘ Ghosts Is the Bunk,’ a Popeye cartoon; episode 6 of ‘ Tho Lone Ranger Rides Again ’; and the latest news.