The World of Motion Pictures

Southland Times, Issue 25343, 23 July 1935, Page 5

The World of Motion Pictures

THE CIVIC

Now Showing: “Charlie Chan in Paris” Mary Brian, Thomas Beck, Erik Rhodes). Commencing Wednesday: Double feature bill "The Grand Old Girl” (May Robson. Alan Hale. Mary Carlisle, Fred McMurray), and “Red Morning" (Steffi Duna, Regis Toomey, Raymond Hatton). Commencing Saturday: “The Little Minister” (Katharine Hepburn. John Beal, Donald Crisp, Lumsden Hare, Beryl Mercer).

Coming Attractions: "Lottery Lover” (Pat Pattc.son, Lew Ayres, Reg Dennv); "Dirty Work” (Ralph Lynn. Gordon Harker. Robertson Hare); "The Silver Streak" (Sally Blane. Charles Starrett. Hardie Albright, William Farnum).

Warner Oland, now appearing in “Charlie Chan in Paris,” at the Civic, has become famous for his characterizations in the role of the bland Chinese detective. On this occasion the detective is concerned in the problem of solving a number of bond forgeries which threaten the existence of a great Parisian banking house. Early in his investigations Chan is convinced that he has to do with a band of desperate characters who will have no scruples about attempting his life. His most important lieutenant is murdered almost under his eyes, and it is not long before Chan finds himself confronted by a mysterious hooded figure. The identity of this person is not divulged until

the last few feet of film, when the picture reaches an exciting climax in the sewers of Paris. * * * * The school teacher comes into her own on the screen in “Grand Old Girl,” starring May Robson. Objects of caricature and good natured gibes in many films and stories, the teacher is painted in her true light in “Grand Old Girl.” Her service to childhood is eulogized as second only to that of motherhood. A vivid picture of that service is given with Miss Robson portraying the elderly principal of a small town high school. When a sinister influence in the town threatens the welfare of her students, she steps outside the realm of the school room and conducts a onewoman campaign to eradicate it. The fight threatens to cost her job, but that doesn’t check her zeal, and she sticks to her guns right up to the climax. Carrying the youthful romantic interest which runs through this picture are Mary Carlisle, and Fred Mac Murray, handsome young newcomer to the screen. This film comes to the Civic on Wednesday.

“Motion Picture Daily,” writing of “The Little Minister,” coming to the Civic on Saturday, says: “This is a beautiful translation of James Barrie’s novel and play, artistically photographed by Henry Gerrard, and depicting the lives of plain folks in a small Scotland village during the period of 1840 when religion dominated. Good judgment was exercised in surrounding Katharine Hepburn with a capable cast such as John Beal, a newcomer; Alan Hale, Donald Crisp, Lumsden Hare, Andy Clyde, Beryl Mercer, Reginald Denny and others. Richard Wallace’s direction is very effective, bringing forth splendid characterizations without losing the thread of the story. The conflict between love and the church is well handled until the final clinch, when, to the satisfaction of the community, it is found that Miss Hepburn has been misjudged and all is forgiven. There is sincerity in which Beal and Miss Hepburn, as well as the balance of the cast, command the appreciation of the audience because of the delicate, tense, dramatic tempo carried throughout.” .