Evening Star Newspaper, February 11, 1929, Page 16

OPENING ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON THEATERS BELASCO—"“Queen High.” “Queen High,” the popular musical production, which had the distinction of a year’s run in New York and an- other of 10 menths in London, was pleasingly presented by the Savoy Musicomedians in the Belasco Thea- ter last night. Getting away to a smooth and snappy start, the show maintained throughout that “pep” so necessary to a successful musical production. Helen Ault as Polly Nettleton, and Frank Gallagher as Richard Johns, the principal lovers in the show, made a pleasing team in various love scenes, in which conversation, singing and cancing figured. In fact, Miss Ault possesses the many attractions which £ to make a charming and “cute” girl, while Gallagher has the qualifications of the ideal stage lover. Robert Capron, or T. Boggs Johns, #s the junior partner in a garter manu- facturing_firm, performed equally well in the role of business man and butler. He was forced into the Ilatter role through a contract agreement with his partner, which resulted from various disagreements in the business. As a means of settling disputes, the garter cyer devised a scheme whereby Boggs Johns, the junior member of the firm, and George Nettleton, the senior member, played by John Cherry, agreed to stake 2il, for the period of one year, on a game of poker, the loser to serve as the other’s butler for the 12- month period. Johns lost. Nettleton glories in his victory, but things develop rapidly when Johns suc- ceeds, with others, in making Nettleton | Jealous, with the belief that the latter's | ‘wife, played by Beth Franklyn, is in'love with Johns and he with her. Polly Nettleton does a Portia stunt by proving that the contract through which Johns has to serve as butler is illegal because the foundation for it is laid in poker, an illegal game. Added to the entanglements during th> various scenes is the fact that Polly Nettleton 1s the niece of the senior member of the garter firm, George Net- tleton, while Richard Johns is the nephew of the junior member of the firm, T. Boggs Johns. Thelma Parker, as Coddles, a house- maid, performs well, skilifully aiding in ths comedy touch, one of the outstand- ing features of the show. Renee Hamil- ton, as Florence Cole, a modern girl; Metealf, the firm’s lawyer; Helen Ran- dolph and Gladys Huntington, garter models; Cliff Youmans, as Jimmy, the office boy, also played in a manner worthv of special mention. Edward Metcalf, as Jerry Vanderholt, the arter manufacturer's Iawyer, scores eavily, giving many examples of good acting. POLI'S—“Manhattan Mary.” Ed Wynn, the perfect fool, more ac- complished in his foolery than ever, and with the added attraction of a typical George White show, sums up “Manhattan Mary,” this week's offer- ing at Poli's. In these days of the revue, now become a vehicle for glori- fication of the American girl, it is extremely difficult to produce effects more startling than thosz which have gone before. The best comment, per- aps, that can be made on “Manhattan Mary” is that Producer White has con- cocted an offering decidedly original within the category of musical comedy. To be sure there are effects which were popular ‘(to use an Ed Wynn expression) in the old Egyptian days of “Tootsykamen,” but enough variation and originality have been introdu into this offering to make it a source of keen enjoyment. From the standpoint of stage effects “Manhattan Mary” is the equal of any similar show that has been seen here. It abounds in beautiful pictures—mov- ing pictures of youth and beauty, for g:lncip:!s and chorus possess a delight- 1 attractiveness, set off to the best advantege by wonderfully effective scenery and costume. There are breath- taking ensembles punctuated by the usual line of chatter, with a very meager and easily discernible love story that runs to the conventional happy ending. Ed Wynn seems to have perfected new methods in the ambition to retain his self-asserted position as America’s champion fool. With all his ridiculous sayings and actions, however, he must share honors with a cast and chorus which, no doubt, would be the talk of the town anywhere. The high spot of the production 1s an_ensemble of glorious color and action in the second act. This ex- clusively chorus number is a tribute to the skill and artistic sense of Mr. White. There are other effective bits in the show, but none that registers with the audience to such an extent as this one. Mr. Wynn finds congenial partners in his efforts to- please, notably George Mayo, as Sam Platz, a bond salesman; Daniel J. Wakely, assistant stage man- ager of the “Scandals”; Nick Long, jr., tage manager of the same show, and Victor Munro, chieftain of the Hudson Duster gang. There are numerous others tg stimulate the laughter that starts when Wynn makes his first ap- Eemance as Crickets, a waiter in a roadway restaurant. Doree Leslie, in the title role, is an attractive young woman and makes the most of her opportunities. Marguerite Bell as Helen King, premiere danseuse of the “Scandals” stopped the show with a splendid exhibition of terpis- chorean art. George Goff justified his cholce as Mary’s sweetheart in a series of well sung duets and solos. Andrew George was amusing s Mr. Max Duval of the “Folies Bergere.” Jack Motte was 2 convincing villain as R. C. Black, a dishonest, bond broker. A rteview of the show would be in- complete without _mentioning Vivian Porter, Josephine Defry, Helen Gesty, Vada Alexander and the Embassy Boys, 8 trio, 21 of whom, with many others, contribute to the evening’s entertain- ment. Harry Levant, musical director, also deserves a word of praise for his ef- fective work. Under his baton the melodies of ‘‘Manhattan Mary” were unfolded in a way to make them linger in the memory. STRAND—“Flapper Follies.” “Flapper Follies,” with Mae Dix, a popular name in theatrical entertain- ment, might suggest a theme and a drama of modern frivolities of especial interest to those interested in social wel- fare, but, as presented at the Strand Theater this week it proves to be a rol- licking mixture of songs, dances and comedy of the type popular with the patrons, as attested by the large audi- ences of yesterday. Miss Dix enriches the burlesque with a voice that rings and with feet that sing the melodies of terpsichore, while Jack Montague, who in burlesque feshion is also called “Tramp,” provides the low comedy that provokes loud and lingering laughter. Jack is a droll cuss and his dry humor is infectious. Sharil, the Hindu dancer, is, as might be expected, the choice offering of the bill. Her dances, which are said to be her own creations, evince a grace and charm of their own and unquestionably scored with the spectators. Madeline McEvoy sings catchy songs, and Ruth Hamilton, John Ragland, Tom Fairclough and Jessie Mack contribute important accessories that add to the performance. The show is embellished with several pretty bits, including “The Land of Dykes” and “Lady of the Vase,” which are outstanding. The mansgement has announced & 1 bout for the coming Thursday firm'" i o —“The Wolf of Wall Street.” s decidedly commendable ali-dlalogue version of “The Wolf of Wall - Street,” with _other things, proves that George Bancroft’s voice and laugh are just as virile as the man himself, and that Baclanova's subtle charm and Paul Lukas' suavity arc rather enhanced by’ their synchro- nized utterances. Then, too, the smoothness of continuity and freedom irom that “studied” diction mark this A | Daniel Breeskin, and the Earle T¢ effort as a distinct step ahead in the new-found fleld of the photodrama. Aside from the three leading players, already mentioned, there is Nancy Cartoll, who incidentally is a co-star in another feature picture of the cur- rent week, and who adds infinitely to the success of the film with a small but excellent bit of speech and acting. Arthur Rankin, Crauford Kent and Brandon Hurst are more than adequate in their lesser roles. The slowness which has been char- acteristic of the majority of the “talkies” previously 'is never apparent here, for the action, once started, is fast-moving, gaining in momentum and dramatic power toward a tense and wholly logical climax, most of which may be accredited to the excellent work of the star, Mr. Bancroft, who has more than lived up to his great performance in “Underworld,” the crook classic. Baclanova sings two surprisingly beautiful numbers in an equally delightful soprano. A most fitting Pathe synchronized short dedicated to the memory of Abraham Lincoln, in which Gem’zcl Billings, with striking resemblance, | renders a well restrained recitation on the famous Gettysburg address, is a high light. Frank Orth, assisted by Florence Vernon and Joseph Bernard, offers a Vitaphone bit which perhaps depends too much on indelicacy for its laughs. Donald Brian, a veteran of the musical comedy, also appears in song and shadow, via Vitaphone, but to much better advantage. An overture, “Dance of the Hours"”| of Ponchielli, offered in the usual de- lightful manner by the orchestra un;lm; ical Revue furnish the other interesting subsidiaries. FOX—“The Ghost Talks.” With a less decrepit plot and more polished acting, “The Ghost Talks,” at the Fox this week, might recommend itself more surely than it does now. With an amateur correspondence school detective who wears a Sherlock Holmes cap and smokes a Sherlock Holmes pipe as its central figure, the picture rocks along unevenly, with dialogue =and sound effects as a very quentionable addition. The juvenile detective role was played by Charles Eaton, a Washington boy, with Helen Twelyetrees of the legiti- mate stage the ingenue opposite. The dialogue and general sound fea- tures of “The Ghost Talks” are no great propaganda for this new and potentially brilliant motion picture technique. There is a lack of what is fundamen- tally necessary, restraint and economy of sound effect. Into the flood of sound has been poured all manner of ex- traneous and disturbing noises, from the creaking of an automobile’s brakes to the raucous scratching of a key in a latch. To hear a confused babel of voices on a railway platform, or the slamming of a door and other sounds which have no real relevance to the action, one imagines that the director is putting movie-sound through its paces just to show what it can do. That is no longer necessary; the sheer novelty of the new device cannot be relied upon to push across weak stories; it needs, at this stage, to be helped, rather than burdened; it has still to face a large measure of public skepticism, and its primary novelty wears off quickly. ‘The voices in the film under consid- eration are, for §e most part, monot- onous and ly “fuzzy” in repro- duction. Oceasionally lines are so rap- ced | idly delivered as to be lost; in other instances it 1s obvious that the char- acters are striving to get their lines across, speaking them in the manner of a high school valedictory. And so often the action awaits the spoken word would gfve a mystery farce of this sort slower tempo of speech. True, there are stretches where the action is as ex- citable and uncontrolled as the most rabid fan could want, and in these speech is abandoned, leaving the thrill %o be provided by shrieks and groans and the shrilling of fire sirens. Many of the children in Saturday’s audiences howled with glee over the antics of the colored couple in the haunted house, but the female member of that team was so palpably a painted lily as to rob her words and actions of conviction. As other screen features on its cur- rent bill the Fox offers a Chic Sales sketch about “an old man who knew Lincoln,” celebrating the Emancipator’s birthday; a fashion bit in colors and a Fox movietone newsreel. ‘The stage unit presents the Lester Irving trio, acrobats; Omar and Nagle, their human personalities hidden under cat disguise; Al Norman, an ectentric dancer with limber joints, and Llora Hoffman, a coloratura soprano. The orchestra’s rendition of an “Hun- garian Lustspiel,” under Mr. Brusilof's baton, was musically adequate. Henri Sokolove. concertmeister, played the | long violin cadenza. | PALACE—“The Shop-Worn Angel.” Nancy Carroll and Gary Cooper are featured in “The Shop-Worn Ange]."l sound and dialogue picture at the Pal- | ace Theater this week. Just before the United States’ actual participation in the World War, as a detachment of soldiers march down Broadway, one of them, a tall, awkward, lonely and home- less rookie, accidentally meets Daisy Heath, red-headed jazz dancer of the chorus of “Red, White and Blues,” a current Broadway hit. Attaching him. self to her as a stray pup to the first kind human, Bill appoints himself her protector and guardian, much to the amusement and later t othe chagrin of Daisy’s regular “guardian.” The rookie's naive sincerity and his need for human ties so appeal to Daisy that she too goes out A. W. O. L. with Bill, returns his love and the rich guardian with his cocktalls and diamond bracelets drops out of her life. Dialogue is not used except in the last reel in the marriage ceremony and in a subsequent stage rehearsal. Mr. Cooper’s voice registers very sat- isfactorily over the sound device and in all respects his characterization is well- night flawless. Although Miss Carroll's voice does not carry so well, otherwise her excellent impersonation reaches the 'The mmlm;n Valentine ! The complete Book & Valen: its effectiveness is subjugated to the [ THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C.; MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1929. high level of Cooper’s. Paul Lukas gives a very good characterization of the rich “daddy” in Peggy’s life and Roscoe Karns does splendidly in the role of the hard-boiled stage director. It is difficult to say who carried off the honors for the colorful and unu- sual stage program, “Southern Belles, so generous and general was the aj plause. Wesley Eddy gave another demonstration of his ability to perform as well as to-direct by stepping down to the console and playing “Mighty Lak a Rose” so well that a packed house apparently was disappointed because of his refusal to give an encore. The Dic- tators, a male quartet; Eddie Mathews, dancer and impersonator of extraordi- nary ability; Will Aubrey, “the last of the minstrels,” comedian of unusual merit; the Ormonde Sisters, dancers and singers of “March of the Wooden Soldiers” fame, and the Albertina Rasch Girls compose the entertaining person- nel. 2 Organ recessional, orchestral prelude and the M.-G.-M and Fox Movietone newsreels supplement the major fea- tures of the program. ‘The Redeeming Sin.” Conrad Nagel again proves his out- standing ability in the talkies with his latest, “The Redeeming Sin.” With the fragile Dolores Costello in a not so fragile role, and Nagel with mustache and side-burns that give a real Gallic effect, this picture of Paris underworld goes to show that even the habitues of Montmartre have sometimes more than Apache dances on ‘their minds. To be sure the picture has little to recommend it aside from this team of lovers, which bids well to rival the fa- mous Garbo-Gilbert, Banky-Colman combinations. For the scenario is a rather implausible, disconnected thing with a heroine who suffers from a rather absurd complex and is finally regen- erated through love to higher things. Of course, the cigarette-hazy cafes of the Montmartre are always fascinating, their denizens surrounded by a wild glamour, and the “back-stage” confi- dence this picture affords is ever in- teresting. And with George Stone and an exotic new face that has flitted across several of the recent films, these scenes are fairly convincing, done with a ribald humor on the part of Stone that is reminiscent of Villon in his prime. Dolores Costello is also interesting in that she has cast off most of her erst- while languor, and has, with the aid of a trick hairdress and cheap jewelry, made her Fleurette a convincing under- world type. Perhaps her rather sudden metaphor- phosis into a sweet young thing does lack conviction, or maybe it is just an- other instance of this miracle called love. Anyway, with Nagel in the role of a doctor who falls victims to love and Apache intrigue, and Philippe De Lacy, Hollywood's wonder-child, in an older but none the less appealing part, the picture surmounts the difficulties of poor plot and inattention to detail, and gets by on good cast alone, There is a Glynnish element in the love episodes that will irritate or delight according to temperament, subtitles that savor of “East Lynne” and dialogue that is poor but well spoken. A very successful subsidiary, “The Eligible Mr. Bangs,” really deserves first honors, perhaps the cleverest, most amusing sound comedy to date. COLUMBIA—“Alias Jimmy Valentine.” William Haines remains a second week at Loew's Columbia over St. Valentine's day, as “Alias Jimmy Val- entine,” the beloved crook, who proves that a fellow will make good if he has the proper incentive. The proper in- centive in this case is supplied by Leila Hymans as Rose, the banker's charm- ing daughter, whose love for Lee Ran- dall sets the high standard to which he_aspires. METROPOLITA%}— that the whole swift movement which |' Numerous laughable situations develop as Jimmy and his confederates try to adapt themselves to the customs of the little Southern town, especially when they are invited to go to church. Dipsy, one accomplice, posing as Jimmy's uncle, passes out of the picture in a rather touching death scene, and Karl, the big Swede, goes straight with Jimmy, and together they provide De- tective Doyle (Lionel Barrymore) with the surprise of his life when he finds them trusted employes in a bank, where he traces Jimmy through an illustrated newspaper announcement of his coming marriage, Doyle is so certain of his man, and Jimmy puts up so good a bluff' that it ‘WoobwARrD " Gordon All-silk Chiffon tan and others .. shades . ... French nude, biscuit, Novelty Net Silk Hose, Hostery, First FLOOR. Gun metal with black heels. Jane Wandl Allsilk Chiffon Hose, with open clocks, in street and evening becomes a battle of wits, resulf in Doyle acknowledging a puzzled defeat. A harder test, however, comes & few minutes later when Rose frantically rushes in crying that little sister is locked in the big vault. Only his nimble fingers can save the child. He does not hesitate, although his identity is re- vealed, but Detective Doyle rises nobly to the occasion and Jimmy's chance for happiness is assured. The conversa- tion is clever and full of double mean- ings. “Love's Dream,” played by the orchestra is continued throughout the picture as the theme song. Flying gets a big hand this week. Elinor Smith, 17-year-old aviatrix, is greeted by her mother after 13 hours in the air, and admits that she is tired and glad to reach terra firma again. Lady Drummond Hays, a passenger on the Graf Zeppelin, gives an interesting ac- count of the famous five-day voyage from Berlin to Washington, showing pictyres of the cabins and passengers during the flight and places they passed over. Dr. Eckener also gives a talk expressing a desire to co-operate with all nations interested in air traffic to promote technical and cultural progress. Next a glimpse of our own air hero, Lindbergh, and the course of his flight from Miami to Cristobal, South Amer- ica. Other interesting news deals with a new invention demonstrated by Lieut. Charles B. Momsen, whereby crews in a sunken submarine may reach the sur- face safely, also a workout of the pos- lséble coming champion of the prize ng. PRESIDENT—"White Slave Traffic.” The President Theater opened yester- day under new management, it was an- nounced, with a picture film devoted to efforts that have been made to suppress the vicious white slave traffic, that seems to have been more recently carried on, judged by the scenes, in Athens, Con- stantinople, Rome and Berlin. The pic- ture, which is of German origin, is said to be based upon a League of Nations report, and its exhibition is accompanied with a talk by George Figg. ‘The main picture is supplemented with comedy and news reels to round out the program and supply a light- ening effect to the grewsome theme of the feature picture. NATIONAL—Newman Traveltalk “Lon- don.” A novel bus ride through London was enjoyed by Mr. Newman's audience at the National Theater yesterday after- noon—novel at least to Americans, for what with motorists, drivers of hacks, dog-carts and what not all hugging the left-hand side of the road, one was in a constant state of astonishment that the whole tangled mass of traffic did not pile up in the center of the streets in a grand melee, But it never did. When a London “Bobby” raises that white-gloved hand of his every Englishman knows what's expected of him, it seems, and does it, with most gratifying results from a traffic director’s point of view. On the top of an omnibus Mr. New- man conducted his party through the fashionable and financial districts, the shopping centers and the quaint out-of- the-way corners of old London town. He paused for glimpes of the Old Curiosity Shop, the Tower of London, the Bank of England, the graves of British rulers, heroes and poets in Westminster Abbey, across London Bridge and through the fashionable shopping dis- trict, where the women of the party would like to have lingered for a second glance at some of the smart shop win- dows, but had to forego. this pleasure for the greater pleasure of a visit to the Houses of Parliament. Mr. Newman's photographs of the interior of the houses of Parliament were of unusual interest.. After some little difficulty he was able to obtain magnificent views of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. St. Stephen's and Westminister Halls also were revealed and the party was per- mitted close inspection of the famous coronation chair, with the stone of Scone beneath its seat, on which_rulers & LoTHROP 107 11™ F.Axp G STneers ifrs Sheer Silkén Hose Hose, with the Gordon Vee-line heel, in fair tan, Circe, Suntan, blush L8250 $2.50 .....$2.50, $3.50 g : 4 Diamonte” Silk Hose, for evening wear; in gun metal. . ....$3.95 for street and evening wear; in rachel, pearl blush, parchment, French nude and gun metal. v 8395 Handkerchiefs and Handkerchief Cases Dainty Printed Linen Handkerchiefs, in a wide variety of styles, with borders, rolled hems, modernistic patterns ................50c Colored Embroidered Handkerchiefs, of fine white linen, with dainty designs. Linen Handkerchiefs, with “Patches’—of white iinen with colorful applique. ..........50c Printed Large Chiffon Handkerchiefs. ...$1.50 Colored Linen Handkerchief Cases, with fine hand embroidery. In blue, pink, green, or- chid and yellows. ...c.iu vl bisiy . 0. 82 'HANDKERCHIEFS, FIRST FLOOR, 5.400c of the British Empire have sat upon the occasion of ir coronation for many centuries. An airplane trip from Croydon over the heart of London was another in- teresting feature of the lecture-tour. Later the party took part in the cele- bration in honor of the birthday an- niversary of the well beloved monarch of Great Britain and enjoyed a glimpse of King George and Queen Mary as the{ rode through Picadilly. It would be impossible to enumerate all of the pleasures of this trip; Ken- sington Palace and Kew Gardens, of course, are included in the little side excursions made. Mr. Newman carried listeners on a three-week journey in as many hours or less and made those of us who are not familiar with every corner of London impatient to cross the big pond once more and be about the business of visiting all of the fascinating spots we had missed on| previous journeys. Body of Drowned Boy Recovered. WILMINGTON, N. C., February 11 (#).—The body of Randolph Huggins, 16, who is believed to have drowned in the Cape Fear River January 18, with three others, was found yesterday morning in the river one mile below the point where the body of Fred Englert of New York, one of his com- panions, was recovered Saturday. Gradi McCormick Medieal Glasses Fitted College Eves Examined DR. CLAUDE S. SEMONES Eyesight Specialist one Main 721 MecLachlen Blds. G Bts. N.W. Phe 409-410 10th and So[———=[1] FEBRUARY i @ 144" Send “Her” Flowers Bros. sGUDEC: 1212 F St. N.W. Tel. National 4218 8103 14th'St. N.W. 5016 Cenn. A Tel Columbia it BIG MERGER RUMORED. $60,000,000 Corporation of Movie Concerns Believed Under Way. LOS ANGELES, February 11 (#).— Oficials of both Warner Brothers, Inc., and Metro-Goldwyn-Miyer today de- nied having any knowledge of reports that negotiations. were under way in New York for a merger of the two motion picture concerns. Announcement of the pending deal was_made here last night by Claude C. Ezzell of New York, who sald he Best was general sales executive for War- ner Brothers. The projected merg:r would involve $60,000,000, he sald. F Coffee growers of Colombia are com- pelled to raise wages to keep plantation workers from drifting to public wori. projects. for Children’s Colds } Justrubiton... This modern external treatment is best for children’s colds because it brings relief without “dosing.” Everymotherknowsthat toomuch “dosing” is so dren’s delicate likely to upset chil- stomachs. Vicks is just rubbed on, so of course it cannot disturb the diges- tion. Itshealing vapors, released by thewarmthofthebody,areinhaled direct to the inflamed air-passages. At the same time, Vicks “draws out”thetightnessand soreness like an old-fashioned poultice./ Vicks VaroRus ; {/ 2Ways | \atOnce, Moz your home life richer with the magic of the RADIOIA o@perd/w‘emdyne The Radiola Super-Heterodyne is available in various table and cabinet models, with and without loudspeak- ers, at prices ranging from $147 t0.$550. RCA RADIOLA 60—Tab le model of the incomparable RCA Super-Hetero- dyne. Finest receiver of its type ever de- signed. Super-selective. Super-sensitive. A. C. house-current operation. $147 (less Radiotrons) RCA LOUDSPEAKER 103—A mag- netic type reproducer of unrivalled qual- ity, for use with Radiola 60 Teceiver. The Radiola Super-Heterodyne is the result of the efforts of a great company of engineers and scientists in the research laboratories of RCA, General Electric and Westinghouse to provide for the home the highest pos- sible quality of broadcast reception. To enjoy to the fullest the realism of modern radio there is nothing like the Super-Heterodyne. Its incomparable qualities of reception and reproduction place it in a class by itself. 1t’s like having your own private orchestra when you are the proud owner of this wonderful instrument. Sym- phony concerts at home just as they are heard on the concert stage. Dinner music from the restaurants— dance music by the masters of rhythm—recitals by great singers and instrumental soloists — the magic of the Super-Heterodyne brings them all at your command. And many other features from the big broadcasting sta- tions—drama, opera, vaudeville, lectures, education, news —aworld of entertainment to make your home life richer. OF ,THE RADIOTRON or any fine $37.50 Buy with confidence where you see this sign. AnyRCA RadiolaDealer will demonstrate this Radiola in your home. Time Payment Plan. AMERICA + NewYork . Chicago - Atlanta « Dallas Sam Francisco