PLAYS AND PICTURES

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 34, 12 February 1929, Page 2

PLAYS AND PICTURES

ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS (By "SPOTLIGHT.) KING'S THEATRE. To-night, Tuesday and Wednesday, "Topsy, and Eva" (The Duncan Sisiers). Thursday Only "Dancing Vienna" (Hen Lyon-Lya, Mara).. Friday Only, "The Little Snob (May MeAvoy). Saturday and Monday, "The Big Killing" (Wallace Beery-Raymond Hattqn). The romantic glamour of the old South, with happy Negro slaves; 'a cruel Simon Legree defeated and the incomparable Duncan Sisters —that is the film fare to bo presented at the King's Theatre on Tuesday and 'Wednesday, when "Topsy and Eva" is shown on the screen. The picture is a comedy version of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the novel and play that historians credit with influencing the Civil War. But how different! Tne celluloid story is so given up to humorous situations and the buffooneries of Rosetta and Vivian Duncan that the source is almost forgotten. Rosetta Duncan jg seen as the black-faced little slave girl, "Topsy" while her sister impersonates the saccharine and doll-like "Eva." XXXI "Dancing Vienna" is a delightful romance in which the clash of the modern jazz and the old-time waltz form the main theme. Within the recent years jazz has bqcome the favourite of many, but there still exists m large; number who show a great appreciation for the' old-time music. In this direction probably the waltz is the more appreciated than any other. Lyra Mara was selected as the most suitable actress to typify the Viennese sentiment of tho waltz, while Ben Lyon, one of the screen's leading actors 1 typifies the modern age. 'xx x x Dainty May MeAvoy is at her loveliest and most amusing in "The Little Snob," a Warner-Master Picwhich comes to the King's Theatre on Friday only. The cast* includes Alec Francis, Robert Frazer, Virginia Lee Corbin, John Miljan and Frances Lee. John Adolfi directed. "The Little Snob" has to do with fortunes of Maizio Banks, daughter of a Coney Island slftfWman, who sends her to a fashionable boarding school. In due time she returns with her swanky friends, SCOT-

ning pa and the husky, old-time beau, who is a backer in' a show across the) boardwalk. XX X X When there are mountain feuds to be settled Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton should settle ihem. These monarclis of merriment demonstrate themselves to be eminently qualified for this perilous occupation in "The Big Killing," playing at the King's Theatre on Saturday and Monday. Blundering into moonshine stills, stumbling into broken hearted lovers, holding what they fear may be their last tryst, Beery and Hatton pass through one hair-rasing adventure after another. xx x x It is reported in Australia that one of J. 0, Williamson's next big productions will be "This Year of Grace," the highly successful Noel Coward work, which has taken both London and (New York by storm. It is also stated in the Australian Press that Miss Rowena Ronald at present playing in the YanbrughBoucicault company now in New Zealand, will play the part that Jessie Matthews was allotted in the original London productions. In a recent interview, Mr John Tait expressed the opinion that "This Year of Grace" would prove a most popular production, and judging by the wntiicypatory Press notices, the J. 0. Williamson head is not alone in his opinion. XX X X From the ranks of solo violinists of Petrograd, Paris, London and other great centres of the world to those of the Russian Guards, and after years of war experience to again achieve success on the concert platform and as an orchestral conductor, is the exporie.nco of Gregory Ivanoff, now with Edgley and Dawe's (J. O. Williamson) "Midnight Frolics." He comes of a very musical family. His father was a professor at King's College, Canterbury, and his too brothers have already made their mark in. the world of music. As a solo player .before many of the Royal heads -eg Europe who formerly wore crowns, he was very popular on. the Continent. His playing and conductorship are outstanding features of the "Midnight Frolics" very bright entertainment.

Alice White and Corinne Griffiths have been signed to long term contracts by First National. Miss White is to appear in i'nur big pictures this year and Miss Griffiths' contract calls for two special productions oach year. XXXI It wna Myrna'g Ley's slanting eyes that brought her film fame. A photographer first brought her to the notice, of the Warner Film Company, and. persuaded them to give her a film test. She has found her niche in crook pictures. So well did shedo in a film entitled "The Girl from Chicago" that she has won a featured part in a. new vitapliono picture titled "Hard-boiled Itosio." XX X X Gwen Lee has definitely broken hep engagement 'with George Hill. Gwen is beautiful ajnd attractive, and a splendid dancer. Hill, once a camera man, now a director 3 had ) no interest in the social life~ of | Hollywood. He avoided parties and opening nights, which meant, of ' course, that Gwen avoided them too.

THE ANSWERMAN. The Answerman wili be pleased to answer any questions relating to the stars or the motion picture industry in general. Write a short letter, ask what you want to knew and post it to "Answerman care Evening Post." All letters must be endorsed with the writer's signature, but for publication a nom de plume may be assumed. Questions wilJ be answered only through these columns.

Gwen, Midhirst.— So this your first letter is it? Well I just hope 1 can ge.t soma more suck nice, ones from you. Coleen Moore, is your favourite, is she? She certainly is every nice. Write to her at First National Studios, Burbank, California. She is married to John McCormick, a director, and is 2Q years oldold. Constance Talmadg© is at First National Studios also. Shei is 28 years of age, and was recently divorced- So John "Gilbert is your ideal man, is her' Lucky John. AVrito to him at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayetr Studios, Culver City, California. He is not married and is 31 years old. Let mo know if you get the photos.

Doris, Stratford.—Just one little question tins time. Well Mary Pickford is married to Douglas Fairbanks still, and all these rumours are just lakes. So you won your bet —good luck.