Evening Star Newspaper, September 9, 1929, Page 20

EARLE “Hard to Get” ) orothy Mackalll, in her first star- ipg plcture, “Hard to Get,” at the Tin Farle this week, does splendidly by mn Ferber's story of the manikin wanted a Fifth avenue millionaire and wound up preferring a N.nth street garage mechanic. Louise Fazenda, James Finlayson and Jack Oakie sup- port Miss Mackaill in turning out an amusing picture. he young English actress, who here- ore "has been teamed often with Jack Mulhall, plays the part of Bobbie, a, manikin who wants a millionaire hysband so bad she waits on a Fifth avenue corner every morning hoping & “top hat” will give her a ride to the mediste shop. (Yes, (there are views of-Miss Dorothy in charming clothes.) The range of scenery is not wide, and the fact that most of the action takes place in the family flat is proof enough that the greater amusement piuceeds out of funny lines, of which there are many. Louise Fazenda, as Bobblie' mother; Finlayson, as the father, ane Jackie Oakie, as the wise-cracking brother, give splendid performances. Oskie alone makes the picture good entertainment. Bobbie finally lands the millionaire, played by Edmund Burns, and then de- cides that all along she has been in Jove With her brother’s mechanic friend, played by Charles Delaney. The pic- ture 1is excellent entertainment for those whose hearing is so acute that the lines can be heard before laughter sweeps the house. The one unsatis- factory feature of “Hard to Get” is that laughter in the audience cuts out some of the spoken lines. A short feature starring Eddie Can- tor in “The Midnight Frolic” supple- ments the picture. but even more en- tertaining is the Earle orchestra’s ren- dition- of Gershwin's “Rhapsody in Blue.” The difficult piece is very well done, under Daniel Breeskin's direc- tion, its gaudiness tempered by a piano solo played by Dorah Minovitch, guest pianist. Miss Minovitch - plays ex- ceedingly well. The overture is the first of a serles of “international over- tures” which Mr. Breeskin “has ar- ranged for coming weeks. The Evening Star-Universal News Reel, showing incidents of interest in the realm of world news, completes the very entertaining program. PALACE “Our Modern Maidens™ It is not quite a year since Josephine Tovett's up-to-date story of jazzy youth, “Qur Dancing Daughters,” inaugurated sound pictures at the Columbia The- ater and held the boards there for sev- eral weeks. Now the sequel, “Our Modern Maidens,” comes to the Palace and was given initial performance there before a crowded house Saturday morn- ing. Joan Crawford, popular young star, | again has the leading role. She ha: contrasting feminine support, Anita Page. The latter, in the role of an un- sophisticated Southern girl, comes mighty near to walking away with top honors, in spite of Miss Crawford’s be- ing the star. Miss Page has an emo- tional role and she plays it with ad- mirable restraint.’ Miss Crawford is not nearly so convincing in her part. The two men* of the picture are Douglas Fairbanks. jr, and LaRocque. While the former recently became Miss Crawford’s husband in real life, it is Mr. LaRocque who has the final inning in this picture. Even 80, Mr. Lal ue is not quite old enough to fit his role -completely, but he plays up to the part admirably. The plot is not wmusu It "is the old triangular-quadrangle . with jazz decoration. As in its predecessor, “Our | Modern Maidens” has modernistic | background in the bizarre rooms of B. | Bickering Brown's millionaire resi- as the jazz band, confusion crowds ‘motoring nlons"::u road and a choir singing the wed music at the ultra-smart ceremony involved in the picture, are given in sound film. The picture is filled with rioting gay youth, “whooping it up,” as the cur- rent phrase has it, every minute of the film. A happy ending is contrived rather lamely, as a distinct anti-climax. This picture may be quite popular, but there are indications that it will suffer, as most “follow-ups” suffer, by the very fact that it is a traller and not an original. On the stage Al Evans and his “Syncopators” give colorful entertain- ment in “Creole Nights,” with a par- ticularly good stunt in the slow-motion ht staged by “Three Rolling Stones.” The dancing is excellent by the a tractive chorines. The news reel com- pletes a well-balanced bill. METROPOLITAN “Say It With Songs” Al Jolson and little Davey Lee have done it again. This pair, who made one of the earliest hits in the history of the talking picture, are back again at the Metropolitan, this time in “Say It With Songs.” Judging from the effect upon the audiences which filled the showhouse to capacity Saturday and Sunday, the film, which takes the same theme of father-and-son love as that early hit, “Singing Fool,” has suc- ceeded Tar beyond expectations. These stories which attempt to bring back the hits of yesteryear in another form so frequently fall into disappointing second-class that it is a surprise and distinct satisfaction to find Al and his little pal, Davey, “ringing the bell” long ;nd loud through the emotions of their ans. Jolson registers from the talking pic- ture with an appeal that strikes deep. He has strong support from little Davey Lee, who, of course, is growing up, as little boys will, but whose en- dearing childish ways bring laughter and chuckles, smiles and tears from his audience. At times an indefinable murmur, neither of laughter nor sor- row, swept the crowd at the playing of this eager winsome little chap, Of course, Jolson says it with songs all through the picture, so evidently written for him. He takes the role of a radio artist, whose lovely wife is desired by the manager of the radio studio. In a rage the singer kills the studio manager, is sent to jail and in a fit of remorse and sadness at the sorrow he has brought upon his wife, renounces her, sending her back to a physician who always has loved her, too. The longing of little Davey for his daddy, the true love of the radio singer and his beautiful wife, excel- lently played by Marion Nixon, and the heart break of the “jail bird,” who not only has deliberately lost his wife, but also his boy through a near-fatal acci- dent, and a father's self-sacrificing love, all tie up together into a climax of such appealing depth as to wring audible sobs. Theres is a very happy ending. ‘Warner Bros. Vitaphone reproduction continues to improve into beautiful clarity. There are also shown many views of the recent firemen's parade here and a highly-entertaining sound novelty about Chinese songs. COLUMBIA “Mysterious Fu Manchu" ‘That melodrama, even to its mellow- est_degree, is still considered by the “talkie” producers as a good box office bet, is further made evident this week at the Columbia, where “The Mysteri- ous Dr. Manchy,” from the Sax Rohmer novel of the same name, is Jocally featured. Certainly no one will argue the point that a little well-timed, nicely turned melodrama, appropriately served up as entertainment, is enjoyed by even the most cagey playgoer, occasionally. How- dence. Also the conversations are not in “sound,” but’ rely on restful "old- style subtitles, . Only mass noise, such ever, when conviction is lacking, in this sort of effort, the le impression like- OF AUGUST 31ST La Valle Custom-made Foot- wear—for every evening and daytime .activity—as advertised in “Yogue” and “Harper’s Bazar”’—are ready for you— exclusively Hahn’s. in Washington at of young |4 wise is altered. 'n-mn-” be called the only weakness of an other- wise excellent “talkie”; for, while the acting, direction and setting, along with good photogruphy and sound reproduc- tion, "~ consisten maintain & high standard, it is - avoidable lack pendulum away Claptrap ingredients, from the pro- oF bypritiom: afe all here 40 enhancs o , are all here to enhance the effectiveness of “Dr. Fu which they do in some measure, but of greater interest is the marked transition of a keen and brilliant mind, changing with circumstance, from one of benevolence tooneof fiendish revenge and slaughter. ‘Warner Oland, in the name role ©. P. Heggle, his clever Scolland :Yard antagonist, head ‘s capable cast, with excellently _restrained performances. Not since the “Jazz Singer” has Mr. Orland been so im) ive as in this Oriental part, which, at least, proves beyond question, his remarkable ver- satility. Mr. Heggie's chief claim to fame has heretofore been 6n the speak- ing stage, with the exception of some notable interpretations for the " ‘The light touches which a icture of this type needs, are all gmdled by ' the dependable William Austin, What love interest there falls to Jean Arthur and Neil Hamil- ton, and they bear up through all the weird underhanded business pleasingly. “Unaccustomed As We Are,” an all- star talkle comedy short, featuring the team of Laurel and Hardy, found favor with Saturday night’s audience, which also seemed to enjoy the other sub- sidiaries, including Vincent Lopez in several plano numbers, Screen Snap- wfth d Hamilton as master ilent and noisy news Eremn well of ceremonies: reels and a brief, but tuneful, by the orchestra. The bl | balanced. Carl Laemmle’s spectacular Movietone production of “Broadway,” taken from the successful New York play of the same name, opened for a second week at the Rialto. Few, if any, screen f¢ tures could place the Ninth street play- house so conspicuously on the map as this colorful and tuneful picturization of night club life, with its hoofers; boot~ leggers and gangsters moving in an in- teresting plot. . Most_of the sction in “Broadway" takes place within the modernistic set- tings of the Paradise Night Club. The shifting scenes in this resort of pleasure, intrigue and even death, are bewildering’ to behold at first. [ Those who saw “Broadway” on the stage will remember at least two mem- bers of the screen cast who were in the original play. They are omas E. Jackson, the detective, and Paul Porcasi, the night club proprietor. Both are in- dispensable to the success of the screen version. . This week adds to the laurels already won by Evelyn Brent, the chorus girl who avenges Scar's murder. Practi- cally all of the singing is done by Glenn Tryon, the hoofer, and his partner, Merna Kennedy, comes in for a share of popularity as a pretty, graceful per- former. The cast is large and talented and the filming throughout is excellent. ‘The plot is often interrupted by the song and dance scenes within the night | club, but most of these serve as a timel; safety valve for emotions, which are keyed to the straining poin! Wo0ODWARD » lhcofins her husband. The detective mn er by declaring it is a case of e. ' ‘The length of the feature film gives opportunity only for showing The Eve- tar-Universal News reel on the Georgetown University foot ball team at practice at its N’wlw.nney quarters, There are also many mr%ely news subjects pictured, “The Cock-Eyed World” ‘The inimitable due, Victor McLaglen and Edmund Lowe, as Top Sergt. Flagg and Sergt. Quirt, are still quarreling over women and fighting over nothing in rticular in “The Cock Eyed ;or d,” playing its second week at the X, Much of the success of the picture should be accredited to William K. Wells, the writer of its dialogue, for it is t! h this medium that most of the lai are obtained. McLaglen, is|in his demotion from captain to top sergeant, gains rather than loses any of his suthoritative manner, for he rules his subordinates with an iron hand, with the exception of his rival, Quirt. The two sergeants, after battling for women in Viadivostok and Coney Is- land, with Quirt usually coming out on top, are sent to the tropics, where they meet and fall for Mariana, played by Lily Damita, who leads Flagg and Quirt on until near the end, when they find out that she has been merely playing with them. 3 Alding McLaglen. and Lowe in the comedy is El Brendel, late of vaudeville harmonica selec- tions re especially enter- taining, although it is his “horse laugh” that carries off top honors. The only gnhnl in the whole picture is instilled y Bobbie Burns, who takes the part of Connors, & young Marine in love with & girl he thinks untrue. He later finds that she is still waiting for him. Our Fall collection of beautiful materials for reupholstering is and you are assured of absolute our established reputation for high-cia: SPECIAL LOW PRICES THIS MONTH Estimates cheerfully given free NEW LIVING ROOM FURNITURE AT FACTORY PRICES A call will convince you that our living room furniture is from 25% to 50% lower in price than elsewhere. NEW YORK UPHOLSTERING CO. most comple 617 F St. N.W. PHONE—CALL—WRITE & L TLF aND GISTREETS 2| sy s, g ly. dancing, while on the darkened stage couplu‘ are walking back and forth. In either corner are screens showing films depicting all the walks of life, while in a lighted area in the center is a Marine marching through the glare of torches and the flashing of bombs and shells. The only other supplemen- tary is the Fox Movietone News. LITTLE “Passion of Joan of Arc” In this small though comfortable theater, where plctures are still sig- nificant as well as silent, a new sea- son, managed by the Pilm Arts Guild of Washington, is auspiciously under - | way, with the exhibit of that much- talked-of French film, “The Passion of Joan of Are.” This picture, though made at the Studio Clamait in France by the So- clete Generale des Films, with French artists performing, is essentially a Ger- man one in technique, which is directly traceable to the rk of Carl Th. Dreyer, who was loaned by the Ufa Studios, it is said, to handle the monu- mental cinema effort. Those acquaint- ed with German will recognize immediately the unique and charac- teristic thythm, which is generally con- sistently ponderous, and the unusual chen “\:121 of that school of photo- ay making. = Every effort here seems to be to stri that part of Joan of Arc's life wi which the film deals, namely, that of her trial and death, of every shred of glamor with which the imagination has surrounded it and to chronicle the whole grotesque affair in homely but dramatic lines. It is all a very sincere and masterful effort that builds in in- tensity and crowns itself with the ut- most_conviction. Mile. Falconetti as Joan of Arc is sfaction backed by ervice. Phone District 3687 ,OTHROP Inexpensive Classroom Frocks $19.95 In the Home Frock Section Yes, they are Nelly Don Frocks—the very smartest of inexpensive new Fall fashions. Chiffon tweeds, flecked wools, knitted wools, jerseys and silk-and- wool combinations offer a variety for the first crisp days at school. In new colors and models, their expert designing, cutting and ' tailoring make these Nelly Don Frocks worthy of higher prices. Other Models, $10 Homz Frocks, T FLOOR. Tweed Effects in Sports Hose To wear with one’s sports tweeds — tweed hose, for they most smartly complete the tweed outfit. Woodward & Lothrop collection of tweed- weave hose includes many interesting self de- signs in novelty weaves. . The shades e the neutral. outdoor tones which. are worn well with any sports outfit. Plain Lisle Tweed-effect Hose, $1 Mercerized Lisle Hose, Tweed Mixtures, with open clocks, $1.50. Lisle Net Hose, $1.50 Rayon-and-Wool Hose, $3 ‘WoMeN’s Hosizry, Aisie 17, Fmst FLOOR. Tomorrow—a very Special Selling JImported Wool Blanket Rugs Exceptionally Low Priced $77.50 A large variety of handsome plaids offer an unusual selection - in these blanket robes—not only useful in the home, but indis- pensable for traveling, and decidedly popular with young people going away to college. All pm woal_ Buawxers, SzcoNp o Popular size 60x72 acting role, pport, whose individual - ide are not made clear, all follow h'g::‘;'l?n! :I‘M example with well defineq interpre- tions. o There seems an attempt to keep the in for the all extra the usual timely news reel, have at least Tom an ex a somber note, fi modernistic camera study of Poe’ of the House of Usher” to s ghost ted n re'mm thra llx'l to i own complete The incidental muglc !utr':fh’m orchestra is, of course, of the “Broadway Scandals” “Broadway Scandals,” burlesque, was played before & packed house at the Gayety Theater last night, In :lddm’oo:“ to peppy dances and suggestive , to be expected in burlesque performance, a g:rlely of pretty scenes, both artistic in grouping and effect, are offered. Outstandin; among these were an Indian scene, el titled 'l'hf_ ta Fe Trail,” and “Im- migration,” supposed to depict im- migrants arriving at New York. A str] kt:& effect was obtained in the lat- ter, with a stage background showing lfimfi wmmn« York Harbor dnelu{ is above par for bur- lesque. Joan Lee and Joan Collette are the principal feminine stars of the per- formance and are frequently called back on the for encores. Wesson and les. fat and lfi“’;fl. lwd many & Y Andy White and Johanna Slade also succeed in satisf) the audience with not least, the “ of girls” through dances and gestures in a m:? ner pleasing to the assemblage. All Saved From Wrecked Ship. LONDON, September 9 (#).—Ex- change Telegraph dispatches today from Copenhaven said 40 e steamer Heimdall, its entire comple- ment, reached the shore safely in the ship's boats after it struck a rock Sun- day night off Ostnas, northeast of Stockholm. Argentine Gold for U, 8. By Cable to The Star. BUENOS AYRES, Bfiphmber 9.—The Bank of the Nation will ship $1,500,000 in gold to New York on the steamship Van Dyck todsy. — pr?nnd ship canal connecting Goole, England, will cost disorders attending crow a b was thrown at the ration Bullding, mortally wounding a girl cashier and severely injuring several employes. Jlgln _—_—xporud EETR “e l]n‘:{eytel:l: $16,000,000 Real rolisf—INSTANT RELIEF— for hay fover has been discovered at last! A marvelous new scientific ::u‘ctt( Beadeckss, fover? oty at oncs. WoobpwARrD & LLoTHROP DOWN STAIRS STORE New Satin Frocks for Fall achieve smartness inexpensively $16.50 and offer black in a variety of styles for Women, Misses and Special Sizes Shorter waistlines —longer skirts—fitted hiplines—ecru lace collars, cuffs and vests—tiered and pleated skirts are fashion notes that make this selection of Fall dresses important. Sizes 14 to 20, 36 to 44, 16Y2 to 26Y2, 46 to 54. » DOWN STAIRS STORE Boys’ Needs are met with School Specials All-Wool Sweaters New Fall all-wool cricket sweaters in a variety of large and small designs. Sizes 26 to 36. All-Wool Knickers The popular style golf knickers in light and dark Also corduroy Sizes 6 to 16. Cut Silk Ties Special 35¢, 3 for $1 DOWN STAIRS STORE astems. ickers. Onyx Silk chiffon hose with lisle reinforce- ments at hem and .sole. Fall shades— narrow French heel. Sizes 814 to 10. DOWN STAIRS STORE Fi ull-fa:hx'oncd hiffon Hose Special $9.45 Special $165 33.95 feature Autumn colors and styles The Home Frock Section is prepared to meet—and most inexpensively—the school girls’ and business girls’ need for jersey dresses. with attractive, becoming touches. At $3.95, sizes 16 and 18, 36 to 42. At $5.95, sizes 16 to 52. DOWN STAIRS STORE Jersey Dresses $5.95 One-piece models Crepe de chine Sil-O-Ette Slips Quite the newest $1.25 oy tom. to 44, thing in following out the new silhou- ette vogue — fitted waist and flared bot- White and flesh. $9.95 Sizes 36 DOWN STAIRS STORE A Specialized Value s5'85 Very important at this low price is a strap ump of genuine lizard vamp and kid quarter. n b k and brown with center buckle, cut- out sides and Spanish heel. Sizes 3 to 8. DOWN STAIRS STORE