Evening Star Newspaper, July 29, 1929, Page 19

OPENING ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON THEATERS EARLE—"Broadway Babies.” A vigorous piquancy on the part of Alice White, a sure-fire racketeer plot | and the brilliant handling of a gangster by Fred Kohler combine to make Broadway Babies,” at the Earle week, A significant item on the v movie schedule, Let those to whom it matters be fairly informed that this _is another story with a backstage locale, that it follows pretty faithfully in the patterned lead of “Broadway On With the Show” and all of that ilk, but let it be said, . purposes of review, that there is intelligence in the direction by Mervyn Le Roy that distinguishes it from ‘its “grl and music” kin. Miss White, heretofore little more as an’ actress than the “seript girl efe- vated to stardom,” here takes, on stature, so to speak. and with her debut | in the audibles displays a grasp of | movie meanings and an assurance in | projecting them that must hearten her sponsors agreeably. While there is| little warmth, little variety, in her voice, it fits well enough her present role as & “Broadway baby." Mr. Kohler, with a voice that must have been made for the microphone, is as magnetic a bad man with a heart of gold as has been seen on a local screen | in a long time, not forgetting the | Beerys and George Bancroft. who do this same type of work. Kohler's pic- ture of the Detroit importer of perfume and other bottled goods who takes the New York wights into his poker camp is a fine literal. cager piece of work, and one which should bring him sub- stantial recognition There is plenty of expert melodrama in this film, a steady march about it which holds the attention. Some per-. sons have professed a partiality to the m which is part of its presenta- tion: to this obscrver it seemed quite mediocre. The nature of Miss White's singing and dencing as Dee Foster, the little revue and nizht club queen, docs not appear to be such as would win her, in real life, prompt and decisive triumphs as she attains in the picture. | But if the dircctor would have it so, it must be true. That's the way of the movies. Among the players in Miss White's suppott are Charles Delancy, Dee's true-love stage manager; Sally Eilers and Marion Byron, hor co-musketeers on Broadway; Jocelyn Lee, playing Blossom Royale, the menace, end Tom Dugan, as a stuttering buddy to De- Hampden, held over for a second engagement, in songs and mon- ologues, moves along at a quicker clip than before, and proves himself fully as acceptable to the audience as in’ his debut week. His are better se- lected and better . to A Vitaphone sh Eugene Howard, is amusing. and a med 0. h Willie and Newsreels of old-time so ar- ranged by Ray Hart and directed by Daniel Breeskin with the Earle Orches- tra, conclude the theater’s current of- | fering. COLUMBIA—"Dangerous Curves.” Clara Bow, in a film replete with stock mannerisms and cliches of dia- logue, is on viow at the Columbia tI week, offering for its first public judg- | ment the vocal equipment with which | the natural biological processcs endowed her, succored by studious placement of emphasis and the personal charms which have hitherto carried her appeal ‘The picture is “Dangerous Curves,” and whether the title refers to Miss Bo curves or, symbolically, to the vicissi- tudes which beset her, this reviewer does ®ot. know. There are plenty of both. The cupid lips, {ie rampant hair, the finger-to-cheekk coVness, the simpering pout—all are thcre for the fans to rahpsodize about, which, in all frank- ness, they did liberally at Saturday aft- | ernoon’s early show and are apt to con- | tinue to do all weck. In addition. as | noted. there croons. storms and other- | wise insinuates itself upon an expectant public the Bow voice, a dubious asset, | in this reviewer’s poinion. It may be called effective in the sequences which call for stridency of tone, where the actress uses it to express tempestuous emotionalism, when iis blemishes merge into the general excitement. But as an organ of expression, it is lacking in quality. | The story, laid in a circus atmos- | phere, is that of the r neration of a | young tightrope artist, nely proud of his skill, but weak in his_perspective | on human lues, who treats with | costly careleseness the love offered him | little novice. At the big | ifices her own career | on the bill. The scales | fall from his eyes just in time to per- | ceive her discouraged figure leaving the lot. Having perceived, he pursues, pleads | and placates, | Those qualities of personality and lively attractiveness which have placed | Miss Bow where she is in the affections of countless fans are here fully present. | here i5 enough circus color to carry | the picture well, and the dialogue i3 | harmonious with the tanbark and grease | paint atmosphere. Richard Arlen plays | opposite the star. A talkie comedy. presenting Charlie | Chase a3 the “Snappy Sneezer,” victim | of hay fever; an Irving Aaronson Or- | chestra short and an overture by the Columbia's house musicians complete the program. FOX-—"Masquerade.” Crook comedy drama of the implausi- | ble, but nevertheless entertaining, type is provided in this week. Adapted from Louis Joseph Vance's “The Brass Bowl” the photo- play has been handled with a lightness | of touch and & comedy emphasis that makes 1t easily digestible Summer tare, There are, to be sure, thrills aplenty, arsing from the situation a wealthy | bachelor gets in when contronted with | his bandit double. Of course, there is | the usual mix-up that attends these aftairs, this time giving a chance for some good comedy and thrills in rapid | succession. While most of the excite- ment is swift rather than intense, it Tises to a climax that resembles the old “Saturday matinee” serials. The hero chases his villainous double over the | roof, struggles perilously on the ledge of | the 60-story building and finally suc- | ceeds in hurling the gullty man smack | through the skylight into the detective's arms. i Alan Birmingham, & recruit from the | “legit,” plays the dual role of the bach- | elor and bandit with case and nochalant | charm, but With no attempt at subtie characterization. Lella Hyams is charm- | ing as the girl, and she speaks in excel- lent voice. But Clyde Cook as the valet | does a cockney character bit that has | the spice and the “kick” of real comedy. | | ‘Che stage show this week is up to the enviable standard the Fox has set of Jate. The Foxettes are as amazngly | versatile as ever, the Jazamanians a, hearty ditto and John Irving Fisher masters things as in the past. Bernard ( and Henri, billed as the “feminine Van | and Schenck,” not, only walk away with stage honors, but nearly go their mascu- line counterparts one better. Catherine Irwin sings “Deep Night” in_splendid voice and with fine effect. Born and Lawrence are held over in their comedy act, with their routine unchanged, but thelr reception even bigger. Among tae Yest of the Broadway stars are the Gibson ststers in a clever dance novelty, Blanche and Elliottin, a good adagio number, and Vera Lee, acrobatic dancer. Fox Movietone News, in aif edition of Tustorical interest, and a silent news reel complete the bil. ¥ METROPOLITAN—“Drag. Richard Barthelmess, supported by Lila Lee, Alice Day and a trio of rank- ing comedy stars, provides many a chuckle in his highly entertaining sound film, “Drag.” featured at the Metropoli- tan_Theater this week. 5 “Drag,” the story of an ambitious young man with a flair for play-writing and a ready-made family of in-laws, who would rather see him confine talents to writing checks, is crammed full of human interest and clean humor. It is not a great picture, to be classed with Barthelmess' silent drama suc- . cesses, but it is ‘amusigg. The story it- selt_is well constructed and, barring some inane dialogue,” holds the interest completely. Barthelmess ys the role of the young husband with the “fam- ily drag” convincingly, though his spok- en technique has not yet reached the heights of his silent performance. Lila Lee gives a clever interpretation of the modern girl in search of a career, but not too busy to fall in love with the right man when she sees him. 4 Miss Day is assigned the less attrac- tive role of the young wife—beautiful, but dumb where managing a husband is concerned. She wants to eat her cake and have it, and apparently looks upon a husband as a convenichce to be used to the advantage of her family. Despite the drag, the husband gets foot loose long enough to put his musical comedy across in New York and to discover where his heart really lies. This show of his provides the opportunity for the injection of some scenes behind the footlights, with the theme song of the piece, “My Song of the Nile,” sung (ap- parently by Barthelmess) most effec- tively, There is little doubt that he plays his accompaniment. Katherine Ward, Tommie Dugan and Lueicn Littlefield are the supporting comedians, all giving a good account of themselves. Hurh O’Connell, as the hu- man tank on the reportorial staff of a daily paper, stars in a brief auxiliary sound feature, “The Familiar Face,” in | vhich the “old soak” of the city room brings home the bacon unbsknownst to himself, thereby winning fame and for- tune at one stagger. Another short skit, | “Booklovers,” gives Joseph Santley and Ivy Sawyer an opportunity to show their terpsechorean talents in their former vaudeville phantasy. . Both sound and silent news features are included in the bill, as well as pipe organ interludes. PALACE—“River of Romance.” “River of Romance,” adaptation of | Booth Tarkington's novel, “Magnolia,” | with Charles Rogers in the stellar role, | the screen atfraction at the Palace | Theater this week. It is a Paramount 100 per cent talking picture with Mary Brian in the principal feminine role and June Collyer, Wallace Beery and Henry B, Walthall prominent in the supporting cast. Charles Rogers ap] pea ‘om Rum- ford, who returns to his as T ther's planta- 1 tion with ideas of honorfentirely dmer-# ent from those of his’ dueling, feud- flghtln¥ neighbors. An unsuccessful rival suitor for the hand of his father’s ward (June Collyer) challenges Tom to a ducl, but Tom refuses to accept the challenge and is branded as a coward by every one except -the little school- girl sister of his fiance, who shares his attitude toward dueling. There ensues another version of the familiar story of the timid boy who becomes the neigh- borhood terror in order to live down his reputation for cowardice. Photographically this film has much to recommend it, for the scenes of Southern plantation life are very beau- tiful. Rogers gives a capable perform- ance in a role, which, however, is not so spectacular as the one he played in “Close Harmony.” His voice, as well as that of the other principal char- acters, registers clearly over the micro- phone. Mary Brian has more to do in this picture than merely to look pretty, and she demonstrates that she can do so when given the chance. Henry B, ‘Walthall gives a sympathetic and con- vincing impersonation of Gen. Rum- ford, Tom’s “honor-loving” father, and Wallace Beery, as the proprietor of a river boat imbling resort, furnishes some good laughs in the usual Beery manner, Natalie Kingston stands out in cn: minor role of a slave girl in the resort. Perhaps the outstanding act of the' stage program, “Let’s Go,” by Charles A. Niggenmeyer, is an unusual display of dexterity and agility by the acrobatic team, the Five Brachs, which nearly stopped the show Saturday night. The Dave Gould 'Girls execute a dazzling colorful butterfly dance against a black background which alone is worth the price of admission. Others on the stage program are Heller and Riley, comedy team, who claim a good share of the applause; Al and Gussie Blum, Herbert Rawlinson, master of ceremonies, and the Palace Orchestra. M-G-M News completes the bill. You Can Relieve » » » SWIFTLY...SAFELY. .. SURELY Stomach Trouble With this newly discovered, amazing preparation containing a perfect anti-acid plus the most effective known starch digestant called “Japtase” found exclusively in this marvelous remedy. Just ask your druggist for.... Check S v/ Indigestion Sour Stomach™ Gas Sick Headache Acid ACIDINE You can’t imagine the superiority of this sooth- ing, different, proven relief until you try it. Sold only under a money back guarantee to help in ~our case. If your druggist does not have ACID- INE, write Health Laboratories, Inc., Dept. 57, Pittsburgh, Pa. Home Office 1845 Fourth St. N. E. e DIGGLY: WIGGLY | 22828828 as possible. The quality of these Fancy Fresh Peas ADVERTISEMENT. These fancy peas arr and are being distributed to our stores as rapidly them in our nearest store. pleascd with both the peas and the price. Fresh PEAS —IN THE POD— ived early this morning peas is excellent . . . see You are sure to be Lbs. for ADVERTISEMENT. 'GRATEFUL INDEED, SAYS | THIS LOCAL WOMAN MRS. MARY LANGLEY AND DAUGHTER. | “Words can hardly describe the wonderful relief Miller's Herb Extract | has given me. The two bottles I used | relieved me of chronic ailments that | other medicines had failed to have | any effect on and I am only too glad | to recommend such a wonderful rem- | edy. Before I used the Herb Extract | there ‘were days when I was hardly | able to do my housework; everything | seemed to be wrong with me and I | was in so much misery that I could | not rest.day or night. The least little {thing I ate caused gas form, stomach seemed swollen, gas pressed up around the heart and I was con- tinually belching up sour bile. Spots seemed to float before my eyes, nervous dizzy spells would come on and I would have dull pains across the back of my neck. Then, too, my feet would swell and pain so I could hardly stand on them. Also had what I thought was rheumatic or neuritis pains in the arms and limbs. So le praised the medicine that I will say to every one that it is the I md?:glmy mind to try it also, and 'most wonderful thing I ever used; brought me relief after other treat- ments had failed, and today, thanks to it alone, I can truthfully say I am better health than I have been for years. I no longer suffer with my stomach, all pains and aches have left and since I began using Miller's Herb Extract I have not had one of those nervous, dizzy attacks. Another thing I want to mention is that as a regulator for the bowels it is simply wonderful. In fact, I was so well pleased with it and the way it acted, I gave it to my daughter and find it to be just the thing for her, as she was troubled more or less with con- stl‘pluzn." 'rmi lt’a‘t:nent was given a few days ago by Mrs, Mary Langley, who resides at 631 Raleigh Place. llyuuledlnu:‘ih.llhh-flklne | | When Buying Eggs Insist Upon 'SANICO” Selected Eggs “SANICO” Fresh EGGS { ©N Twelve C Good, Fresh Eggs in the Carton. PIGGLY WIGGLY Our 20th Anniversary Thursday we began our Special Twentieth Anniversary Sale GOLD MEDAL Kitchen-Tested CERY CO, Office and Warehouse 1845 4th St. N.E. The Prices Prevail in Our Washington Stores ITAR & Lb. Bag 12 3 73¢ Sale this sale is to continue until Saturday night’s clos- ing of this week. We have listed a number of very popular items at exceptionally low pricés and we suggest that you buy your present needs and also a supply for the future while these low prices are still in effect. Anniversary Sale Special! FRIEND’S BEANS Priend's Beans are cooked in ovens before they are canned, thus gaining an entirely different flavor from most other brands of beans. wr. 20c Anniversary Sale Special! WELCH’S GRAPE JUICE Grape Juice is wonderfully good as a break- fast drink. Take advantage of this special price on Welch's. Pint, 25¢ Quart, 49¢ + Quarts 2 = 95¢ Anniversary Sale Special! LIFE BUOY OAP The soap you see so extensively advertised as a 17¢ Anniversary Sale Special! KELLOGG’S CORN FLAKES Buy this popular breakfast food at this big g Anniversary Sale Special! ARGO—Red SALMON 27%49: Anniversary Sale Special! PALMOLIVE LUX SOAP 3 Cakes; 20c 6 == 39 Regular or Kosher Cakes for Pkgs. for Tins for Cakes for . Hamburg Steak ................."™ 35¢ For These Hot Days Canned GRAPEFRUIT Many tasty salads and desserts may be made with Grape- fruit. Now that fresh Grapefruit is very scarce, we suggest you try this fine quality canned Grapefruit, Sliced PINEAPPLE Brand Nothing is better during the hot weather than Pincapple as a salad or as a dessert. We offer Honey Dew Sliced Hawailan 17%¢ & 2 49¢ An excellent Mayonnaise for your Summer salads at reasonable price is “Sanico” Mayonnaise. & 'amoes “‘Sanico’’ Mayonnaise You can buy no better quality Mayonnaise than “Sanico” . And for your meat course we offer in our Meat Markets: Rib Lamb Chops......... * 65¢ Shoulder Lamb Chops. ... * 42¢ Anniversary Sale Special! FORD’S PRESERVES Six tasty flavors from which to choose. Single jar, 23c. 2 = 45c Anniversary Sale Special! HONEY DEW SLICED PINEAPPLE Honey Dew is the finest quality ripe Hawalian Pinnppxe and an excellent Summer food. Large No. 23 tin, 25¢c. Lge. Tins 49c Anniversary Sale Special! SEALEC MILK 3 :25¢ Anniversary Sale Special! IVORY SOAP 4 =25 Anniversary Sale Special! ARGO Light Meat TUNA FISH Tin, 19¢ Tins 50 c for Annivenarf Sale Special! FRE One cake of CAMAY free with each purchase of three cakes at this special price. | CAMAY SOAP 321c Pineapple and there is none better. Honey Dew No. 1 Brand Tin Specially Priced This Week Large Mayonnaise. For those who want to serve America’s fi e S D s e America’s finest quality butter, LAND- O’LAKES weet Cream Butter Every carton of Land O'Lakes = 5S¢ Fruits and Vegetables! Home-Grown Beans, 3 Ibs., 29¢ Yellow Onions . . 4 lbs., 25¢ Fresh Green Peas . 2 Ibs., 25¢ Home-Grown Squash . . Ib., 5¢ Fancy Red Porto Rican. SWEET POTATOES Tall Tins Additional Hot-Weather Suggestions! Del Monte Fruit Salad. . . Del Monte Fruit Salad. Del Monte Peaches . Colton Peaches Afternoon Tea 13¢ 45¢ 23c 15¢ 19¢ 25¢ 15¢ Del Monte Picnic Tips. ... ............% 17¢ IN OUR MEAT MARKETS 163 Modern Meat Markets Offering Only the Finest Quality Government-Inspected Meats. Select PGRK CHOPS . Ib., 45¢ Breast of Lamb. ............ 20c Shoulder Lamb Roast. . . . 38¢ Shoulder Lamb Chops ... 42¢ Breast of Veal . ....... 30c Shoulder Veal Chops. . 35¢ Shoulder Veal Roast ... . 32¢ Prime Rib Roast. . . ... 42¢ Rib VEAL CHOPS . . Ib., 50¢