Evening Star Newspaper, April 8, 1929, Page 19

(Continued from Eighteenth Page.) acting honors with his sppealing unat- fected performance, but as it stands, he must share them with the veteran Zasu Pitts, whose eloquent hands say far more than she utters, and with John Cromwell, a recruit from Broad- Wl{': footlights, Vondell Darr, the sad little rich girl; Frederic March, her father; Richard Tucker, her abductor: Jack Oakie, his accomplice; Eugene Pallette, a detective agent, and Fred Kohler, as a master gangman, are all effective in their characterizations. “Fore,” Boris Petroff’s freshly mount- ed stage offering, with Wesley Eddy again mastering the ceremonies, is fair enough to please any audience. A blackfaced clarinet player, whose name is said to be Wilton Crowley, coming on Jjust after the middle of the revue, stops it completely with his wailing blue notes and eccentric acrobatics. Alina Faye, who sings part of the time with Brian McDonald and then dances in solo; CIff Crane, clever stepping come- dian; Alex Morrison, who wields a golf club in expert fashion, and the Al- bertina Rasch Girls in several thor- oughly pleasing dance routines furnish the imported numbers, while Mr. Eddy and his syncopators help them decid- edly, with still the time and energy to offer “I Love You, Ditto, Ditto” on thelr own. An M.-G.-M. silent and audible Fox news reels, the latter of which is very impressive; a Hal Roach comedy, called ‘A Pair of Tights,” wherein ice cream takes the place of custard pies, and the m‘ches‘lml prelude, under Harry Borjes, :rfln[bcr;l.lsh the major attractions with FOX—“Kid Gloves.” Another “talkie” which sets out to demonstrate the color and grim humor of the gangster's vocabulary, “Kid Gloves” proves to be pure ‘“racket” melodrama. There is an unusual situ- ation developed, but plausibility is stretched a point and the motive is never quite clear, although there fis action, comedy and love “punch” to please the less skeptical. This is the story of a strange mar- riage, and yet, social position, a shady past, and an infuriated aunt are ail overlooked for this thing called love. Conrad Nagel, pioneer star of the sound movies, still wearing the siders and mustache of his last few pictures, is starred as the Kid Gloves of the| plece who goes straight and sells in- surance, Lois Wilson is the society “deb” with & bit of tremolo in her voice and a wistful look in her eyes. And Edna Murphy, pert and well cast, | is a little shoplifter with a sense of | humor and a queer boy friend, who, in- | cidentally, plays an important if less attractive part. There is a new person in the film who provides the necessary “menace” | with a suave grace, and who speaks his lines with a hint of stage experience His work is the really outstanding thing in the picture. The stage attraction is beautifully mounted, and features the orchestra, the Foxettes and several Broadway | stars. While much time is taken up by the orchestra’s clowning, the show has | a “hot” dancing team, a “blues” singer with personality, and a good dancer who does her Oriental number with a sense for art as well as acrobatics. “The “Movietone” news includes in- teresting “shots”. of our “home town” cherry blossoms, and a detailed cover- ing of the funeral of Marshal Foch. | “Slavonic Rhapsody” is the Fox or- chestra number, and it is played with unusual brilliance among the violins. EARLE: onny Boy.” Little Davy Lee, who won every- body’s heart when he first appeared on the screen in Al Jolson's “Singing | Fool,” has the title role in Warner Bros. new sound feature, “Sonny Boy,” playing at the Earle Theater this week. | Davy is an adorable baby. He has | the same appeal that endeared Jackie | Coogan to thousands of fans, although | as yet he is so young that only a| suggestion of his real dramatic ability | can be seen. His rendition of the Jolson song, “Sonny Boy,” his baby tongue rolling off the big words with a comical precision, brings down the house. As for the play itsel, it is more than ordinarily amusing. The story con- cerns a young married couple who are on the verge of divorce over nothing in particular other than a jarring of one personality on another. Complications arise from the attempt on the part of the father to take his young son to Europe with him while divorce pro- ceedings are under way, and the check- mate of the mother which leads Sonny Boy to some delightful adventures with his young aunty. Young aunty finds herself “married” to the bachelor law- yer in the case, in whose supposedly empty apartment she had taken refuge with Sonny Boy, and to add more fuel to the fire the lawyer's mother and father arrive on the scene. The un- tangling of the dilemma comes about in a highly amusing manner. Edward Evergtt Horton is one of the principal factors in the success of tI production. His interpretation of tile clever young lawyer is amusing. Betty Bronson is charming in the role of Betty, the accommodating sister. A 'Vitaphone special, heading the auxiliary features, presents Jay Velie in a song tour, with interpretations of Irish, Viennese and Italian melodies. A Mack Sennett comedy, “The Bride's Relations,” furnishes an additional laugh. The usual news features, in- cluding some interesting night photog- raphy of New York City and views of Gen. De la Vega's cavalry troops just before a yecent battle at Jimenez, com- plete the screen program. Hits from “The New Moon” are offered by the Earle Concert Orchestra, with Daniel Breeskin directing. METROPOLITAN—"“The Divine Lady.” Lady Hamilton, one of the most fas- cinating characters of all history, win- ner of the heart of the great Britisi naval hero, Lord Nelson, and one of the dominant inspirations of the paint- er, Romney, is admirably portrayed by Corinne Griffith in “The Divine Lady,” which began its second week at the Metropolitan Theater Saturday. There probably is no American actress of the screen who is more popular than Miss Griffith. Her art and her own type of beauty combine to make an_excellent likeness of Lady Hamilton. Also, vocal- 1y. she is very satisfying in the singing of old English folk songs, accompany- ing herself on the harp. H. B. Warner is equally admirable as Lord Hamilton and Victor Varconi plays the role of the famous Nelson. ‘With such a trio in the leading roles, the action of the story is carried for- ward convincingly and always effec- tively. The smaller roles are well cast, too. The dramatic climax of the great battle of Trafalgar, where the French are decisively defeated, is the supreme achievement of the picture. photo- graphically. As this is the second weel of the ficmre‘s showing, it is unnecessary here detail the story, which follows close- ly the novel of E. Barrington. of the same title. Suffice it to say that this tale of the ignorant but ambitious little daughter of a cook who rose to the position of wife of a leading diplomat and confidant of & queen is absorbingly ; portrayed, aided by all the most modern devices that make screen characters +geem to live and breathe on the silver sheet. The Vitaphone short reel subject, *“The Four Synco-Pets” has an instru- mental trio as a leading feature. The picture of Marshal Foch’s funeral, with B o Jw& bord, pro a ly of solemnity in the Pathe Sound News. COLUMBIA—“Broadway Melody.” “The Broadway Melody,” now in its ‘sccond week at the Columbia, drew as Iberal a patronage over the -hot week ‘end as it did In its first week’ 2 “Such & stir Was been created by the pice: G ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON THEATERS already ture ere now that analysis is outmoded. Its chief point of distinc- tion, of course, lies in the fact that i has overridden the bogey of “unnatu- ralness” which sat upon early talkies; that it has reproduced faithfully through voice and sound a literal im- pression of its original setting and characters. While no one has the te- merity to maintain that the story of “The Broadway Melody” is anything more than a feeble narrative about two sisters who loved the same man in the dismal reality of life beyond the glitter of the footlights, no one, on the other hand, can reasonably maintain that the story has not been well handled. The players talk with assurance, the whole thing moves along with speed, no one seems afraid of the talkie medium; the result is naturalness. In its elements of spectacularism, the reproduction of glamourous musical comedy sceres, “The Broadway Melody" presents a serious claim to considera- tion as a legitimate vehicle for this form of theatrical entertainment. Even the musical comedy producers them- selves have admitted that. Here the scenes are incidental to the story, but the talkie studios of various companies are working now on real musical com- edy material for the presentation of full-length spectacles. It will be inter- esting to see what comes of these. Bessie Love, staging a big comeback after years of submergence in the movie background, acts as though her life de- pended upon it, or at least her bread and butter. She won't have to worry now. Whatever she gave “The Broad- way Melody” it gave her back 10 times over. Anita Page, the bewitching little sister, and Charles King, as the man between, e finely cast. A short_talkie feature, well directed by Lionel Barrymore, is also on the Co- lumbia’s current program. News reels and an orchestral overture complete the bill. LITTLE THEATER—“Looping the Loop.” It is a good deal more than the usual circus clown, with tears ever lurking behind his painted grin, that Werner Kraus gives us in his Botto in “Looping the Loop.” a UFA film, at the Little Theater. Botto is & canny man whose man made for laughter, either an audience's or a woman'’s, renders him neither unduly cynical nor ugduly melancholy. He simply accepts the fact in his system of life and wins more than a ugual delight from the woman's love that proves him Wwrong. In the treatment of this little seg- ment from Botto's life there is nice re- straint. It haes neither the lush senti- mentalism of “Pagliacci” nor the keen- edged satire of “He Who Gets Slapped”; it takes the middle course of realism. ‘The result is convincing. There are no great peaks of emotionalism, no woeful depressions. The appeal of the picture must lie in its straightforwardness, its simplicity. ‘Werner Kraus is a dependable actor, one with imagination and refinement in his work. His Botto, a composite pic- ture of the Fratellini and Grock, be- loved of all Furopean audiences, is a very human creature, directed, as all good clowns must be, by his brain and his compassions. Jenny Jugo, playing Blanche, gives a clear portrayal of a lovely but none too brainy woman. Warwick Ward completes the trio of principal players in the role of Andre. Charlie Chaplin’s old success, “Shoul- der Arms,” is also presented on the Lit- tle Theater's program. It proves the possession of certain timeless values, a really sound comedy. ‘The theater’s violin, cello and piano trio gives a selection by Bennett which was well applauded Sunday, and news reels reveal pictorially what we have already read about in the newspapers. Mrs. James Byler to Speak. Mrs. James Byler of the District of Columbia Congress of Parent-Tgacher Associations will deliver an address at a reception meeting under auspices of the Conduit Road Branch Library to the Reservoir School Parent-Teacher Association in the library tomorrow aft- ernoon from 2 to 5 o'clock Byrd Radios Easter Greeting. An Faster greeting. sent over the radio by a member of the Byrd expedi- tion was received vesterday by Right Rev. James E. Freeman, Bishop of Washington. Recently Bishop Preeman broadcast a message to the members of the expedition. R, F. & P. New Motor Coaches quickest and best to Richmond. Phone National 9711. WoobpwarDp & LLoTHROP DOWN STAIRS STORE Mid-Season Fashions for Women who are not slender ' SPECIALIZED VALUES $16-50 DRESSES with such tail of line, color and conserva- tive smartness that woman choosing from this group finds fashion value price value. There are georgette and crepe dresses, in small prints, plain tones and many models in navy and black; sizes 42 to 54. 51.85 Washable—All Sill Printed Crepe de Chine An unusually attractive price for such fine quality crepe. surely want several dress lengths— . especially as Printed Chine is so smart for early Summer. 40-inch Silk-and-Rayon Alpaca, in the most desirable shades, yard, 95c. DOWN STAIRS STORE careful de- the larger as well as DOWN STAIRS STORE You will Crepe de Spring and Tomorrow—200 ‘Boys’ Wash Suits, ‘1 Inexpensive, practical and in the most desirable styles. Flapper, Button-on and Overblouse models in fast-color fabrics. Well tailored, and in choice colors and combinations. Mothers will do well to purchase their stock of Wash Suits for their sons in this offering. Sizes 2 to 6 years COATS giving straight, slender- izing lines that offer the same de- sign as more expensive coats and the same generous cut. Of twill, tweed, celanese, and broadcloth, many with smart flat furs, in - black, navy, blue and tan. larger woman can be fitted, for the sizes are 40 to 50, 39Y; to 4974, 40V to 505. For These Charming Bar Harbor Sets New designs, veritable riots of col- or, in keeping with the Summer Vogue—are these charming Bar Harbor Sets shown in entirely new modernistic and floral designs. Bar Harbor -Sets, you know, are comprised of 18x20 seat cushion, and chair-back, covered in cretonne. DOWN STAIRS ETORE INVITATIONS EXTENDED FOR BUSINESS CLINIC Trade Board Arranging for At- tendance of 450 Friday at U. 8: Chamber of Commerce. Directors and sales executives of business houses and public utilities of Washington are invited by the Board | of Trade to attend a business clinic and sales conference, uhder the auspices of the trade body, Friday evening at the headquarters of the Chamber of Com- merce of the United States, H street and Connecticut avenue. Arrangements are being made by the trade body for the attendance of about 450 business men at the meeting, which will be addressed by Profs. Richard C. Borden and Alvin C. Brusse of New York University on executive and sales metheds and problems in modern busi- | ness practice, The scope of a survey just completed by the two experts is said to include all branches of insurance, investment banking, as well as specialties and all business involving the functioning of substantive selling. A number of the larger business houses of Washington have made res- ervations for the conference at the office of the trade body, in The Star Building. PARKING SUPERVISED. Supervised automobile parking was inaugurated in the rear of the Muni. | tions Building this morning by mem- | bers of the guard force of the Office of | Public Bulldings and Public Parks. On | both outside drives a 90-degree angle arrangement is being observed, while | in the central drive 45-degree parking ! is enforced and the head-in system s | in vogue. Inspector Willlam Wright | explained that under the new plan| room for 30 additional cars is made. A similar system was put into effect | in the rear of the Navy Building re-| cently and is sald to be working sat- | isfactorily. The plan there permits 35 more care being parked, Inspector Wright said. In the rear of both the Navy Indi’ Munitions Buildings there are some 800 | cars parked on work days, it is esti- mated. Any 31.55 DOWN STAIRS STORE WO‘ODWARD & L.oTH 10™ 11™ F aAND G STREETS 3 ROP Again we emphasize the importance of Colonial Furniture —and the authenticity of our collection Woodward & Lothrop is devoting an entire week to the featuring of Colonial Furniture. It is planning this week to emphasize upon Washingtonians that because Woodward & Lothrop recog- nizes and is able to appreciate the enduring quality and charm of Early American furniture, no effort has been spared in re- creating for you, and your modern home—the finest examples of present-day craftsmanship. Washington itself (with its own appreciation of Colonial architecture and the close proximity of Mt. Vernon) should prove an inspiration to see our authentic collection. Throughout the entire store special Colonial Displays have been planned for you—including these of Colonial Pictures Colonial Fireplace Appointments Colonial Rugs Colonial Lamps Colonial Draperies Colonial Pewter Colonial Silver Colonial China Colonial Glass Colonial Spreads Colonial Furniture . Choose Your Chintz in Our New Chintz Room Here, in a delightful atmosphere that hints of the Colonial, you will find an infinitely varied selection of the same type design that were used in Early American homes. Old English wallpapers were the inspiration of many—exquisite flower colors, the at- traction of all. You can immediately appreciate their loveliness—a beautiful contrast to the natural pine walls of the Chintz Room. 85¢ to $1-50 yard Tue New CHiNtz RooM, Sixt PLooR. Artcrete—to enhance the beauty of gardens Springtime is in the air—gardens are to be planted and made ready for the coming festivity of Summer. And Woodward & Lothrop has a most important part in it all—for it is now showing its new collection of “Artcrete” garden furniture. Artcrete, as you know, is preferred because of its special composition that combines the snowy beauty of marble—the weather resistance of granite. Bird Baths " Urns $8.50 to $16 $4.75 and $15 Qil Jars Benches $19.50 $18 and $22.50 ArtcreTE Garvex FURNITUREZ, Frrre FLOOR. Our First Showing This Season Kleatflax Linen Summer Rugs We are most enthusiastic about them—so much so that we want you, too, to see their attractiveness, at your very first opportunity. Their glorious plain colors are delightfully refreshing, and they really can do the most effective things to your rooms. Room color schemes depend upon them for inspiration—modern housewives place their con- fidence in their sturdy resistance to wear. Woodward & Lothrop shows these rugs in their smart variety— they are ready to make your floors ready fer Summer, in the most attractive way. Sizes include: 27x54 size, $5 6x9 size, $26 3x6 size, $950 8x10 size, $38 4.6x7.6 size, $1650 9x12 size, $49 Rugs, Prrre FL00R. Lothrop’s distinctive collection of old Colonial lamps—is this candle-effect table lamp. The parchment shade offers smart contrast to the green metal and brass-finish base. $27.50. Lamrs, Severtr FLOOR. This Connecticut Pine Chest lends particular Colonial inter- est, It is an authentic copy of the old handmade chests cre- ated by America’s first home builders. The woed has been left in its natural loveliness. $85. Forxrrore, Sixte FLOOR. N O30, - —— The traditional grace and deli- cacy of Hepplewhite furniture is inherited in this lovely ma- hégany sideboard—which re- creates for your home the splendid work of a master craftsman. $350. Fornrtore, S1xTR. FLoOR. Collection of Silhouettes $2; 52.50 and $4.50 Pictures, SIxre FLOOR. L]