Evening Star Newspaper, December 9, 1929, Page 24

The Week’s Attractions in Local Theaters Reviews of New Photoplays and Stage Productions NATIONAL Wllhlnlton‘: somewhat dral Earl Carroll's and, to date, spotty “Vanities.” theatric season will be enlivened mightily by the presence of Earl Car- roll’s “Vanities” at the National Theater this week. Those who look to the stage for diversion and relaxation—and that includes the vast majority of theater patrons—will find in the current edi of “Vanities” almost a plethora of en- tertainment. It is apparent that Earl Carroll has spared no efforts or expense in the production. All those attractions which bring the g:pulncz to the theater in throngs— autiful girls, gorgeous costumes, comedy, music and dancing—are there in abundance, blended into a fast- moving performance in which pep and vivacity—and, perhaps a bit of the risque—sparkie at every turn.’ They place before a delighted audience two and a half hours of entertainment, during which time 41 scenes are pre- sented and not a moment of ennui is suffered. With W. C. Fields and Dorothy Brit- ton, the latter winner of the beauty contest at Dallas, Tex., which earned for her the title “Miss Universe,” head- lined, and with a galaxy of substars, including Ben Blue, the Bennett boys, Joey Ray, Grace Wells, Dorothy Lull, Paul Russell, Theodore Enrica and No- vello, Patrick Henry, Vivian Wilson and Elsle Connor, the current edition of “Vanities” is so paced full of talented performers that even Mr. Ziegfeld might well envy such an array. Earl Carroll haa to subordinate a proud claim to fame in billing W. C. Pields above his “Vanities” trade mark. However, the producer must feel well rewarded, for 1t is the eminent comedian who has undoubtedly been an inspira- tion for the show. Many of the sketches are credited to his composition, and in romping through -numerous scenes Fields' droll personality never fails to amuse. A special treat is permitted in the presentation of .two of the out- standing laugh-producing hits of his career, his golf and peanut vender scenes. These are scintillating spots in an abundance of sparkling murth. Feminine beauty, that prime essen- sial of the revue, is to be found in generous quantity, headed by “Miss Uni- verse.” Miss Britton is the glittering jewel in an assemblage of 56 pulchri- tudinous girls, which, it is claimed, represent the most expensive chorus array ever offered. Viewing them, scantily or gorgeously costumed, they infuse pep and grace into varied dance and tableau numbers and one gets thati highly diverting enjoyment expected in a “girl show” to the fullest degree. Grandeur of spectacle, ever a high point in revue production, reaches a pinnacle in the “Temple of Mythology” scene. In this, a dazzling effect is achieved, with the song “Blue Shadows™ as the motif. Staged on a classic Grecian setting, and with costuming of various shades of blue, it presents a gorgeous spectacle of muses and god- desses, and_ends in a blaze of real fireworks. Hardly less noteworthy in sumptuous investiture and colorful ef- fect are the Raquel and tassel curtain numbers. By way of contrast, an ultra- modern effect is achieved by the “Mechanical Ballet,” said to have been inspired by a visit to a big automobile manufacturing plant. This number ap- proaches the “robot” theme in providing music and dance routine for mechanical figures. Supporting W. C. Fields throughout the show in'the riot of fun are Ben Blue and the Bennett boys. When Pields is not making the audience laugh these three are on the scene doing so, and any one wishing for many hearty laughs may get the same out of his system by seeing Ben Blue in his “Dy- ing Swan” and minuet burlesques. “Vanities” is a _sure-fire hit as a revue. : GAYETY B, o, 0, o Y given by Harry Steppe Steppe’s himself, there is nothing Show’ special in the way of ex- cellence to commend “His Own Show” beyond its gay and merry predecessors at the Gayety Theater. Steppe knows and unloads all the tricks of his line and contributes as a funmaker in an outstanding way, and he has a good company of assistants, epecially among the singers and dancers, and a chorus that adds much to the eye-pulling qual- ities of the performance. Bud and Betty Abbott stand out well from the others with their lively chat- ter and special line of entertainment, while Prances Knight is both a good singer and a dancer of grace and charm. Rube Walman and Lee Laird are others who contribute to a good time for all present, and the chorus easily does the Test. A ;?“h] midnight performance by the “Big Black and White Revue” next ‘Thursday evening was announced by the management. J NP A A suspiclous old gentle- PALACE man returns home un- “The Kiss” expectedly catch his pretty g wife kissing & callow adolescent, jumps to the nat- ural conclusion suggested by such an incident and proceeds to demolish the youth with burly fists. The wife, who, of course, is faithful, long suffer- ing and misunderstood, shocked by her husband’s brutality, proceeds to shoot. him to save her unwanted lover. She lies clumsily to the gendarmerie, is lodged in jail and finally saved by the eloguent efforts of her real lover, who manages to convince the court that the husband took his own life. Then she tells the ambitious adolescent to chase himself and falls into the arms of her ingenious defender. Such is the material of “The Kiss,” the picture at the Palace this week, fea- turing 'Greta Garbo and Conrad Nagel. It is a silent picture, which now is somewhat of a novelty. “The Kiss" is one of those routine, standardized prod- ucts of the motion picture factory, dis- tinguished only by the personality of Greta Garbo. It is regrettable that she is not given situations more in keeping with her talents. Greta Garbo can rise to the heights, but her lot has been cast in a flat country. ‘The scene of the story is Lyons. This is of advantage in a court room epi- sode, because the justices wear more colorful robes. Otherwise the French scene is not French at all. There are only French names in an American setting. Besides the feature picture, there is & comedy, “The Perfect Day,” portray- ing the preparations for a Sunday picnic. It has all the stock comic situ- ations. The entertainment on the stage is ofa much higher class. Helen Yorke and Virginia Johnson have a delightful act, singing “The Wedding of the Painted Doll” and “St. Louis Blues,” with elaborate stage effects. Others on the program are A. , an eccen- tric musical comedian with trick cos- tumes; Vivian Fay, a splendid toe dancer, and the Stone-Vernon Four- some, adagio dancers. Allan Rogers, master of ceremonies, appears in four eongs. T.H. FOX |, M the talkies have their way i in the matter, there will soon “Song be no more mystery about back- of Love” stage life than there is to the private affairs of the glass- house family. Columbia Pictures have their inning this week at the Fox, where Belle Baker, late of vaudeville, plays the role of a heart-broken mother in “Song of Love,” a picture which proves the substantial truth of the old saying that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. It is a picture made of the same stuff that went into “The Dance of Life” and “Big Time.” How- ever, in fairness it should be pointed out that hfld"mmluflme of Life” there Was no c! er, “Song of Love” is & good picture, but it is not original. It is, however, en- joyable. Belle Baker, Ralph Graves and David Durand ‘work hard and blend their talents into a finished production. ment is that of a backstage romance, marriage, the child, backsliding of the | nt'fiulfle( of the mother and at the end nion and happiness. lle Baker does well with her songs, particularly with “Take Everything Away but You” and “I'm Walking With the Moonbeams.” Her domination of the plcture, however, is seriously threat- ened by David Durand, a juvenile who tion | Will walk in high places if he keeps the promise of his youth. Ralph Graves turns in a praise-deserving piece work as the father. Arthur Housman, a “Scotch acrobat,” and Eunice Que- dens, the home wrecker, also add to the picture. Fanchon and Marco's “Beacon Nights” revue tops the list of stage en- tertainment. This company of sunshine girls has no dull moments in its reper- toire. Maxine Doyle, songstress and dancer; Davis and La Rue, eccentric dancers; Art Hadley and a company of Japanese foot jugglers also add to the entertainment and the Fox Movietone News and the overture from Bizet's ;fil‘mm“ by the orchestra complete the METROPOLITAN Themovie Irene Bordoni in “Paris.” beenmiss- ing some- thing. ‘That’s Irene Bordonl. And, as an example that a mere male reviewer may be generous, it's been missing Jack Buchanan, who makes love to her sincerely, but with a sparkling sense of humor, in “Paris,” which is the attraction this week at the Metro- politan. The show, however, is completely Irene Bordoni's. She is remarkably pretty—with a face modeled as if a sculptor had actually groomed it in marble. She adds to that a superb singing voice and, In talking, an accent that sets the nerves a-tingling. ‘The story is simple enough, but amusing, concerning a staid Bostonian boy and his sterner mother, who are taken to Paris. The boy, preceding the mother, falls in love with the delightful and dashing French musical comedy star, to the horror of the mother, when | she arrives later. Irene’s stage partner, | who_Joves himself, hits upon the novel ' scheme of making love to the Bostonian rival's mother, as a means of regaining his lost (it proves tem- gor-ry) love. Comical situations can't elp being developed. The mother wl;ldx up as a cocktail-drinking female | rake. One of the stage scenes is startling in its scope and perfection. All are done in color, and all are a bit breath- taking. But there is one in which the chorus presents itself as one of the most perfectly drilled groups ever assembled. ‘The tunes are not without merit, either. One or two will be whistled in _the days to come. Frederick March and Louise Closser Hale are seen in support of Miss Bor- doni and Buchanan. ‘The orchestra, news events and short subjects complete the bill. Morton Downey, who RIALTO climbed the ladder of suc- | Morton cess via the night clubs | Downey in of New York, has found “Lucky in 8notherintriguing medium “Love” for displaying his excel- lent tenor voice in a new “talkie” musical drama, “Lukcy in Love,” the current feature at the Rialto ‘Theate: T ‘The picture unfolds a romantic but somewhat age-worn story, although it in punctuated with good old Irish wit that is refreshingly reminiscent of Anne Nichols' epic, “Able’s Irish Rose.” (Conf on Twenty-fifth Page.) Best Purgative for mr.n'f"é-";'xm#”f:‘ 12:00 Midaight. - oL BT 7 Motor Coaches Daily to PHILADELPHIA = 8350 _ round 8G50 t Philadelphia for Atlantic City NEW YORK = 8550 _ round §950 For timetables and information Telephone—Metropolitan 1513 Ticket Office and Waiting Room UNION BUS DEPOT. 1336 New York Ave., N.W. (Ais6 stop at Hotel Willard) Owoed i . Puiladdiphia Kapid Tramit o™ Mothers . . .Watch Children’s COLDS COMMON head colds often “settle” in throat and chest where they may become dangerous. Don’t take a chance — at the first snifle rub on Children’s Musterole once every hour for, hours. o e Maatercla s just good ol Musterole, you have known so long, in milder form. i . Working like the trained masseur, this famous blend of oil of mustard, camphor, menthol and other ingredients brings reliefnaturally. It penetrates and stimu- lates blood circulation, helps to draw out infection and pain. Keep full strength Musterole on hand, for adults and the milder — Children’s Musterole for little tots. All druggists. CHILDREN'S The story {n. the order of its develop- . THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €, MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 199, New Gift Hose For Boys and Girls $ 1 .50 pair A new wool Sports Hose that will not shrink . . . and they are in the very smartest *young people’s colors—the shades fash- ionable boys and girls want. Rib- bed effects with turn-over cuffs. Sizes 8 to 11. Blue Acorn Tan Black Green Navy Gray CHILDREN'S HOSIERY Arsie 20, First FLOOR. Frencfl Briar Pipes, 50c Far Below Their Usual Prices Woodward & Lothrop appreciated the abilities of these pipes that please the men folk . . . the pre- ferred shapes with straight and curved stems, and their tube cen- ters that make them so easy to keep clean. The quantity at this special price is limited. BmoxING Accessorizs, Fmst FLOOR. Boudoir Scarfs For Christmas Giying Petit Point Lace Scarfs with small vanities to match are at- tractive and useful gifts. Scarfs, 36", 45”, 54" and 72" From $2.75 to $4.50 LacE AND VEILINGS, A1sLE 20, F1rsT FLOOR, Handmade Gowns Come from Europe to $3,95 Sell for From Belgium and Austria come these dainty gowns. Handmade on pastel shaded nainsook, with round or vee neck. Others from $2.95 to $4.50. ‘WOMEN’'S UNDERWEAR, THIRD FLOOR. Ftilly Ribbon Things Femininity Likes Feminine tastes approve these gifts. Handkerchief cases— trimmed with lace and rose- 50c to $1.50 Ribbon Sachets, sets of 3......$1 Garters From 50c to $1.75 Dainty Organdy Curtain Tie- backs in all the boudoir shades, $1 Norions, Atste 21, Fimsr FLook, AW, O I)WARD & LLoT -l he Christmas Store e PEN LN Sports Enthusiasts Will Like These Warm Gift Stockings As “bonny” as the land from w hich many of them have been sent to us, these warm hose add to the zest of sallying forth on frosty ; mornings. Just the gifts for sports enthusiasts among your friends. Imported Silk and Wool Hose. ...$3 With hand-embroidered clock in blend- ed tones. wiiel o 9 v uDNDO Our own importation—Rayon and Wool Hose with open clocks. Beige, brown and tan tones, and oxford, " $2.50 WoMEN’s HosE, AsLe 20, First FLOOR. All-Wool Heather Hose, mixed and plain, $2; with clocks, $2.50. Under- hose, made in France, $3. Others, 75¢ to $2 Imported from Scotland—Jacquard pattern wool hose; hand seamed, woven on hand machines, $5 and $7.50 The Upholstery Section has A Wealth of Smart Gifts Latest conceits for The Home Beautiful . . . curtains, wall hangings and tapestries, pillows, table runners, bedspreads with matchjng window draperies ... come from far and near to bring gift sentiments. Rayon Twill Satin Bedspreads; with full ruffled valances $16.50 Curtains with valances; to matcl; : 1 Tapestry Wall Panels; fine French im- ports. Size 28x38 inches $12.50 Others from $3.75 to $40 UpnoLsTERY, S1XTH FLOOR. New Hand-dyed Chrome Plush En- sembles. Scarfs = ..$5 to $13.50 Piano Throws ... $37.50 Small Mats .. .$1.75 and $2.75 95, $5.95 and $9.75 Brocade Pillow-and-Scarf Ensembles. . ....$4.50 ..$3 to $4 Boxes for the-Entire Household A Specialty with The Gift Shop Boxes for everyone, that will serve in every room, can be found in tempting array in the Gift Shop. Wardrobe Boxes, covered in washable oilcloth, They will hold hosiery, hats, shoes and accessories. In orchid, blue, rose and yellow From $5.95 to $15 Hat Boxes and Suit Boxes to match the wardrobe boxes. .$1.75 and $2 Grrr Suor, Srvents FLOOR. Make-up Boxes, hand-decorated; in antique finish, with French prints, or with Godey prints. In shades to blend with the boudoir. ... $3.50 to $25 Tidy Boxes Stocking Boxes. . ROP ) 4ttr. oo Mrts. Athey from McCall Studios -Here for Four Days Mrs. Alice B. Athey, Supervisor - of the McCall Pattern Company, will be with us on December 9, 10, 11 and 12. She will be pleased to give advice and help on your sewing problems. PATTERNS, SECOND FLOOR. Rayon Underwear Chooses Loveliest Pastel Shades for Giving Soft pastel shades, feminine and lovely, are featured in these Rayon Undies—dainty gift sug- gestions. Bloomers to match, in regulation lengths and short lengths.....$1 Step-in Panties Step-in Chemise ....... KNIt UNDERWEAR, THIRD FLOOR, 4 Mary Phipps Author of “Liza Jane” here in The Book Store Miss Mary Phipps will be here tomorrow afternoon to tell you all about Liza Jane and the Kinkies. She will autograph books and sketch as many Kinkies for you as she has time, Books, ArsLes 23-25, Fmst FLOOR. Gift Kodaks Are Blue and Green $12.50 Nungber 1-A Pocket Kodak, Jr., with carrying case and shoulder strap—a gift to delight the en- tire family. It has a fixed focus, and it takes pictures size 214 by 414. Attractively finished in blue and green. CUTLERY AND FRAMES ArsiE 8, FIRsT FLOOR. Umbrella Gifts That Serve All Year Women’s Silk Umbrellas, mount- ed on 16-rib frame; assorted han- dles .. $5 Others of plain and fancy silks, with novelty and carved handles —some with imported handles. From . ..$7 to $22 Men's Tape Edged Black Silk Umbrellas, mounted on 8 and 10 rib frames; assorted wood and horn handles, with silver and gold metal trim. From......$12 to $20 UmerrLias, Amste 13, Fmst FLoor.