PICTURE THEATRES

Evening Star, Issue 23724, 4 November 1940, Page 10

PICTURE THEATRES

REGENT

After a record run of two years and a-half in London, where it was recently described by a well-known critic as a tonic for the black-out blues, and enjoying extended seasons wherever screened, the brilliant English comedy, ‘ French Without Tears,’ is at the Eegent. Directed by Anthony Asquith, of ‘ Pygmalion ’ fame, this screen adaptation of the stage play by Terence Eattigan is sparkling entertainment. The light-hearted fun and witty dialogue put over by a cast of all-round excellence keep the entertainment going at a merry pace. The direction is brilliant, and the staging attractive, and makes suitable backgrounds for the gay humour. Ray Milland gives an engaging performance in the lead.

EMPIRE

An outstanding attraction, which is at the Empire, is a British thriller, * Dark Eyes of London,’ with thrill-master Bela Lugosi starred. Others featured are Greta Gynt, Hugh Williams, and Wilfred Walter. Walter Summers was the director, and Edgar Wallace was the author of the story, which concerns the nefarious and particularly sinister activities of a mad doctor. Bela Lugosi was Hungary’s most distinguished actor, and he .was invariably cast# for the most important role. His role m Edgar Wallace’s ‘ Dark Eyes of London, Lugosi’s first British film, is to produce chills and thrills.

ST; JAMES

A picture which combines magnificence, •heer spectacle, and breath-taking action with the poignance of human drama. Paramount's ‘ The Lives of a Bengal Lencer’ is at the St. James. Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, Richard Cromwell, and Sir Guy Standing head the cast of the picture as officers of this colourful regiment. The drama arises from the conflict between Sir Guy Standing, who plays a crusty, hardshelled colonel, and his subordinate officers. Cooper and Tone adopt Cromwell, the colonel’s impulsive son, as their special charge. When he becomes involved with a Russian girl and is carried off by a neighbouring chieftain, Cooper and Tone follow, although the colonel refuses to go to his son’s rescue.

GRAND

Lloyd Nolan gives a typically fine performance in the title role of ‘ The Man Who Wouldn’t Talk,’ the unusual drama at the Grand. Portraying an unknown man who confessed to a murder, Nolan relies on hie eyes and imperceptible changes of expression to make his role believable. It is a part which, without subtle treatment, might appear ludicrous, but he gives the correct touch of realism. The associate film, * City of Chance,’ has a totally different theme and atmosphere.

STATE

The original story of *He Married His Wife,’ which is at the State, by Erna Lazarus and Scott Darling, is a gay, informal tale which opens on a scene between Joel M’Crea and Nancy Kelly, celebrating the first anniversary of their divorce. Joel, who is liable for a phenomenal amount of alimony, is a hit behind in his latest payment, and Nancy immediately has him gaoled. Then the handsome and romantic Cesar Romero turns up to pay dashing attention to Nancy. The hilarious results of this comedy of errors make for a really enjoyable movie evening.

OCTAGON

Howard Spring’s novel, ‘ O Absalom,’ well endowed as it is with strong emotional drama, has been successfully transferred to the screen in ‘ My Son', My Son! ’ at the Octagon. This film is outstanding in o year of worthwhile screen presentations. A man’s loye for his son and his great expectations are shattered by the boy’s selfishness :»nd his lying tongue. A brilliant study is given by Brian Aherne as William Essex, disillusioned and heartbroken' by his son’s wilfulness and deception. An arresting performance is also given by Louis Hayward as the son—“ able to lie his way out of anything.” Sensitive and appealing in her role of a young Woman, whose life is made unhappy as Hayward’s wife, Madeleine Carroll gives an unforgettable performance. Others in the cast are Henry Hull, Sophie Stewart, Josephine Hutchison, Loraine Day, and Bruce Lester.

STRAND

The story of ‘ Buck Benny Rides Again,’ at the Strand, permits Jack Benny to cavort without surrendering any of his sparkling personality. The picture opens in a broadcasting studio. The New York heat is unbearable, and Benny’s side-kicks on the air arc trying to sell him the idea of a vacation. Phil Harris wants to go to Nevada, with an eye to meeting a Reno divorcee there. Rochester is getting tired of buying ice cakes for Carmichael, the polar hear. It’s no go, however, until Jack meets Joan Cameron (played by Ellen Drew) and falls in love with her. ‘ Half a Sinner’ supports.

MAYFAIR

Gloria Jean, the talented juvenile actress, has the leading role in ‘ The Under-Pup,' now at the Mayfair. Robert Cummings, Nan Grey, C. Aubrey Smith, Beulah Bondi, and Virginia Weidler lend excellent support in this brilliant musical romance. A story of a small-town doctor’s • life, ‘ Meet Dr Christian,’ which supports, has Jean Hersholt in a gripping characterisation in the leading role.