Welcome Relief From Usual Humdrum Drama

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7314, 15 November 1933, Page 5

Welcome Relief From Usual Humdrum Drama

“BY WHOSE HAND?” IS SET IN FAST-MOVING EXPRESS

A welcome relief from hum-drum screen mystery drama is provided through ‘‘By Whose Hand?” coming to the Kosy on Saturday with ‘‘Mussolini Speaks.” Its series of events take place in an express train, and the stars are Ben Lyon, Barbara Weeks and Kenneth Thomson.

Eurthermore, the picture is replete witli w-cll-placed dramatic suspense, subtlety, and surprise action. In fact, the picturegoer will not easily recall such a consistent string of thrills in one film.

The theme hinges on the escape of a ‘‘killer” and his intention to even up old underworld scores as well as make a getaway. This alone proves a prolific source of possibilities for clever scenario writing. But many other things unfold, and the numerous episodes that take place show to what extent the story has been made to provide an unusual amount of excitement.

A novel, if gruesome, place of concealment is used by Nat Pendleton, who takes the part of Delmar, the hunted man, and many of the threads of the well-developed and logical plot are to be picked up in the baggage car of the train. Mrs Leonard, a ‘‘sorrowing” widow, played with merit by Helene Millard, has had to check her dog in the baggage car. Her visits to her pet are frequent and lit works out that; they have plot significance. Tbero is sufficient comedy inserted to relievo the more tense moments, and keep tbe picture from anything like exaggeration. From tho standpoint of camera work, the picture is a distinct triumph. Battles for guns in precarious positions on swaying railroad equipment furnish many gripping scenes. The audience do not see the most exciting part of the plot unravel until toward the end, and interest is thus kept at a high pitch until the very last. And it would be just too bad to tell about it beforehand —because the denouement is a complete surpriso. Ben Lyon satisfies as Jimmy Hawley, the “star” reporter of the Gazette, who is assigned to “cover” the Delmar case, but who lands a bigger “scoop” than he figured on. He also lands Barbara Weeks in a delightful, rapid romance. Ethel Kenyon capably portrays Eileen Ayensworth, the girl dope fiend. William Halligan plays bis usual good role of detective, and comedy is supplied by Tom Dugan, Lorin Baker and Dolores Rey.

Mare Connelly, author of the Pulitzer prizc-wimiing play, “Green Pastures,” has had his contract renewed by Paramount, .and, at liis own request, will work on the screen play for “Alice in W'onderland,” with Joseph Mankiewiez and director Norman McLeod.

For her next screen assignment Marlene Dietrich will star in “Her Regiment of Lovers,” a story about Catherine the Great of Russia. Josef von Sternberg will direct for Paramount. <S> <s> <i> <S> Dinor Kavkaz, said to be the only Persian girl in motion pictures, is a dancer in Paramount’s "Too Much Harmony,” starring Bing Crosby. <S> <t> <s> <*> Helen Vinsen, whom fate has cast in a dozen "wicked women” roles, breathed a virtuous sigh of relief as Jesse L. Lasky signed her for a ‘clean’ role in" As Husbands Go.” The actress will play the principal feminine role opposite Warner Baxter in this LaskyFox film screen version of the long-run play for Rachel Crothers. ❖ <S> «> <s> Boris Karloff has been assigned an important role in the Philip McDonald novel, "Patrol,” the story of a small military squadron in Arabia. Richard Dix is a probable choice for the leading role. <s> <j> <s> <s> "My Woman,” the inside story of a famous American radio star, will featuro Helen Twclvctrees, Victor Jory, Wallace Ford and Claire Dodd. Miss Dodd is a recent addition to the cast, and will have the second feminine lead. She has appeared with success in several Warner features,. Victor Schcrtzingcr is directing and he .has also composed several songs for the.production,