Evening Star Newspaper, March 19, 1932, Page 5

From the Front Row Reviews and News of Washington's Theaters. "“"NYI Welcome,” Good Entertainment at Belasco. UGMENTED by music, a new cast, eight tall stepping sis- ters, and a cheerful disre~ gard of its erstwhile serious moments, “Up * the Devil” came back to the Stage of the Shubert Belasco ‘ist night (where but & year ago it was taken through its paces by Roger Prior) musical comedy called “Every- body's ' Wel- come.” A fair tomid- diing first act was succeeded better- age second act, and, by the time Frances Williams a n d Jack Sheehan began playing foot ball with a ham sandwich, the audience was thoroughly amused, and more than willing to admit that it had itself pretty thoroughly throughout. While this musicale may not be one of the greater works of art of its kind, it a cheerful entertainment which carries on with a gusto after its first somewhat placid breezes, and builds into greater and greater hilarity until its final act has been shaken out as a gay and burlesque treatment of the man who became & writer by shelling peas in the kitchen. A cast of such welcome celebrities as Prances Williams, Oscar Shaw, Ann Pennington, Harriette Lake, Jack Sheehan, Victor Morley and Mr, Thomas Harty, who should be featured for his inebriate second- act dances, makes the most of its jportunities and comports itself in- fimully in that informal fashion which suggests that they are enjoy- ing themselves as much as the audi- ence. Miss Williams after discarding some kind of a snow garment in the first act, emerges as her true self in the 3 snd her blond, blond head, warbles such ditties as “They’re All Falling in Love” with devastating success. Miss Pennington, as Louella, the way-down-South Southerner, is the best part of the first act, while Oscar Shaw, pouring tea, and Jack Sheehan, doing almost anything, are not without their comic crowns. Miss Lake (once “America's Sweet- heart” at the National) is so good to look upon that the fact that she alternates a British accent with her native tongue may be easily put by the board as “As Time Oscar Shaw. With such a song Goes By,” and with such rollicking entertainers, this offering may well be enjoyed, in spite of the fact that there are not hundreds of glorified nges—al jazzed-up “Bolero” does mot sound the way it did Thursday when the Natfonal Symphony undertook it. E. de 8. MELCHER. Sidney Shines In “High Pressure.” IP you have & weakness for good comedies you will enjoy “High Pressure,” the new screen offering at the Warner Metropolitan Thea- fer. ‘The picture, to George Sidney, cast as Col. Ginsberg, is weil abové the average. It mrgn con- tain around 300 laughs, of which at least 298 are prompted by Sid- ney. Without him the show would be & total loss. All of which makes one wonder why the adv stresses the appearante of William Powell. ‘There is nothing wrong with Pow- ell's acting. In fact, it is flawless. Nevertheless, by no stretch of the tion can he be rated as funny. After all, the true test of & comedian lies in his ability to draw laughs. Powell barges through reel after reel without inducing even a grin. Sidney, on the other hand, soon gets his audience in such a mood that everything he does seems amusing. He is Old Man Hilarity regardless of whether he talks, remains silent or turns hand- springs, if any. His facial expres- sions alone are enough to make the picture a success Powell is cast as a rapid-fire pro- moter. He organizes a company to manufacture artificial rubber. His salesmen dispose of enormous quan- tities of stock. The company puts up a great front. Whereupon Sid- ney loses the man who invented the process by which the firm’s product was to be made. Jall sentences seem in the offing for Powell and Sidney, ‘when the inventor puts in his ap- pearance and saves the situation. Claire at Columbia ll:."Gn&! Had 3 Word for Them.” MISB INA CLAIRE, In “Thg Greeks Had a Word for Them” (the “Them" having been changed from the original “It") now on view at Loew’s Columbia, is a high pres- sure “Riverside Drive Musketeer ‘whose chief line that she is not in any way en- gaged to him. As _a_blondine ex-Follies siren whose life is divided between some of the more important capitals (and who invariably travels on the “Isle de France” —pronounced “Tle de France” —she is a third of three handsome go-getters who do much towards making front-window - club - sitters happy in their old age. Miss Claire at the outset is dis- covered (just back from Paris) sitting disconsolately at the ship's bar, as she says “12 miles from liquor,” with & bill of some $42 staring her in the face. Her having to get this paid and her subsequent arrival in New York with nothing but a small suitcase indicate that all is not well in her financial world. Shortly thereafter, too, she is seen Tquidating some of her more impor- tant wardrobe (namely a simple thing like a dress) and sets out helter-skelter to capture whatever male presents himself. The first male, who happens to be a “piano player,” is about to be discarded, when she discovers that he is paid $2,500 every time he sppears any- where, and at that point, of course, .hlet annexes him for her very own self. Various amatory skirmishes of this nature and finally & near mar- riage with a ‘mw gentleman of prestige, who & yacht, an island and lots of quall on the island, all go to make up a picture which is not by any means up to the standard of its stage parent— but is still amusing enough. Ladies in particular will ind lots of it ex- tremely comical, especially the bridal scene, in which che “Three Musketeers” sit down and polish off a quart of champagne. Miss Claire’s two sisters in fun are Madge Evans and Joan Blon- delle ana they romp through their roles with as much evident fun as ir senior sister. E de 8. M. FOUE actors lend interest to a screen drama, and two others of less conspicuous place in the motion-picture world, create a strong impression in “Dancers in the Dark,” at the Palace Theater for the new ‘week. ‘The work of Miriam Hopkins, as the woman who undertakes the difficult task of creating for herself a new reputation, is the answer to an equally hard problem from the dramatic standpoint. It would test the abilities of any actress, for she must disclose a varlety of personal traits accompanying her advance from the superficial pleasure-seeker to the conscientious and highly emotional person. Perhaps it is not the most attrac- tive role that Miss Hopkins has undertaken. It is a transition from the hardness of a past to the new experience of & hope to establish family life. It is possible that, under a director’s authority, or otherwise, she re too great tautness of mind in the intensity of a new ambition. The picture, however, reveals an actress of ability produc- ing a type, and holding the attention because she has the creative equip- ment. ‘The scenes of “Dancers in the Dark” are, in general, filled with those light and amusing moments that are to be expected from Jack Oakie and Eugene Pallette. There is plenty of the tinsel of the popular dance hall, an abundance the comedy to be found in a large gath- ering of persons who seek only di- version and a sufficient sprinkling of short and closely photographed glimpses of groups and pairs of odd characters. One of the best of those who share in these moments is Lyda Roberti, while Willlam Collier, jr., makes an effective lover, and George Raft is the ideal representative of the racketeer cult. The whole may well be labeled “good entertainment with real characters.” ‘The stage show, headed by “Whirl- igigs.” a dancing and scenic piece in which big hoops furnish the e- work for the chorus, has severdl good dancers; bal Plash Devils,” representing the perfection dancing. D.c.c. “Hotel Continental” Well Acted at the Fox Theater. “Hom CONTINENTAL" is no “Grand Hotel.” It is rather 8 theatric dirge on the passing of the late Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. As exhibited yesterday at the Fox Theater for the first time, it seemed an average, entertaining piece of drama, well acted and not so well directed, in which the characters were all bent on a “crock of gold” hid mysteriously in the wing of m%l;l ’ID.’:.flu en director gets through fussing with the “Grand Hotel” idea, and removes his camera from the lobby, his chief puppets begin to grow more intelligent and their various motives become not unpleas- antly mystifying. Miss Peggy Shan- non—far fairer to look upon than she has been in previous films—is seen as a lachrymose lady on the verge of swallowing some drug_store poison, when Theodore von Eltz, as a not-too-gay caballero, dashes into her room and snatches the death tonic from her. There- upon, their friendship assumes gi- gantic_proportions, and love waxes in such leaps and bounds, that be- fore the evening is many minutes under way, the gentleman has bought the lady an evening dress (with all its accoutrements), has taken her dancing in the ball room, and has promised to take her to distant lands as his permanent wife. All of these evidences of hurricane affection are aided by the fact that the lady seems to be quite alone in the world, and that the gentleman expects to find a vast fortune hidden in the fireplace of the room next door before the evening is over. Lit- tle knows he, in the beginning, that his heart cHarmer is the tool of two crooks, who have hoped that she would be able to plant herself in his heart 50 as to be able to wriggle his mm;wy lfvny Iromuh‘}nlx“ A series of unexpect appenings and Bert Roach crying “ lpl','ewhen he is. m})punz with & cherry at the bottom of his glass, carry this along agreeably until the climax brings out the sun in the midst of what seems to he;" been unending clouds of tragedy. On_the lhf. Miss Ruth Roland, who in the old days fought a gallant cinematic fight every cow- boy, pirate and robber in the film world and was the feminine rival of Mr. Douglas Fairbanks, presents a few songs and a dance very agree- ably and proves herself a proficient mistress of ceremonies, lacking only a certain local trade mark, “thank you." Other highlights of the Fanchon and Marco stage presenta- tion are the radio favorites, Eddie East and Ralph Dumke (“Sisters of the Skillett”); the Three Jays, tap dancers; Rector and Dorren in an acrobatic stunt, and Alice and Sonny La Mont and E.deS. M. “Law and Order, A Western at Rialto. ] AW AND ORDER," at the Rialto, is the traditional fron- tler story, with Walter Huston at the ‘WOODWARD fully apprecia in the fourth e “elimax of “Law agd Order” as its sh#ing hero, with Mr. Huston Tombstone, in been called to ?e‘r.ve as United States marshal, in an emergency. Death is inflicted on a member of Huston's group, they have decided to seek peace without the use of firearms. As & result, the new marshal declares his rpose to avenge the death, which g:a ended his own brother's career, but as he is leaving town, the e gang waits for him in well armed condition. The resulting battle is one of those spectacular engage- ments which have been made to serve as great moments in melo- he ages. drfwm.! l?l(usnv;wln,l by gn-nsun of much experience and an impressive physique,” combined with convinc- ing voice and manner, 1§ the one fighter who emerges from the great struggle without a scratch. As he rides out of the old frontier settle- ment, after his complete victory, he earns a place, once more, as the per- sonification of the spirit of the ioneers. P Associated with the chief actor in this story is an unusually convinc- in group of actors, including ]-hni Carey, Raymond Hatton, Russel Simpson, Russell Hopton, Ralph Ince, Harry Woods, Richard Alex- ander, Alphonz Ethler, Andy De- vine, Dewey Robinson, Walter Bren- nan, Nelson McDowell, D'Arcy Cor- rigan and Arthur G. Wanzer. With this roster, it may be said that the producticn, showing primitive qual- ity. is a welcome relief from an abundance of plays based on less noisy but more deadly intrigue. The Rialto also offers several short reels, chief among which is a typical picture starring Daphne Pollard expert in a distinctive type of comedy. D. C. C. _—————— VAIDEN IS APPROVED 0. K.’d by Senate Committee for Farm Loan Board. The nomination of Volosko Vaiden of Farmville, Va., to be a member of the Federal Farm Loan Board was refined favorably yesterday by the Senate - ing Committee. Vaiden was nominated to succeed George R. Cooksey, was resigned to be- come an official of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. “Crepe Myrtle 75¢ Pink Dogwood, $2.00 MARYLAND NURSERY Edmonston (East Hyattsville) & LoTHROP 10™ 11" T s> G Snesrs XXX Quality For a Limited Tim At 3314 Below Regular Prices e Every woman who has longed for these superior simulated pearls can now buy them at these very spe- cial prices. Richelieu pearls (simulated) are famous for their exquisite quality and their perfect simulation of real pearls. We suggest im- mediate selection—for your- D. C, SATURDAY, MARCH 19 -« . and, of course, you will want to select these smart new accessories to make it a most suc- cessful one. Clever tallies start any bridge party right — these two are especially Easter- like. 35¢ dozen Easibid playing cards table of honor-tricks p: ed on them; two packs, $2. Spring - like “Bridle Path” cards; two packs— This set of Proverb Tallies in cross-stitch print is clever for your own party or a prize; set of 12, 50c. Cigarette box and set of 4 match boxes— WoobpwARD & LoTHROP Bow Scarfs $|-95 season of many chic scorfs, is outstandingly chio—and may be had in that very nice spun silk. In any number of color-combinations—with white. Others, $1 to $395 NECRWEAR Arste 15, Prst Froom. Scarf Clips, I One doubles one's chic when one clips a pin on a scarf in this approved manner. And, there are numbers of different ones, too, from which to choose. NOVELTY JEWELRY Ausiz 7, st FLOOR. Handsewn Doeskins $7.50 Perfect gloves for the perfect Springtime costume—the it. These wide-flared—in white or chamois yellow — are smartly stitched in black for contrast. Groves, Atz 11, Fmst FLOOR. 10™ 11™ F axD G STrRE®TS . Straws of Fashion —continue their fescinating manoer of tilting far down over the right eye—and, whether one prefers the chic of a brim, or one of those clever beret affairs—thers is smart choice here. Rough straws—shiny straws—dull straws— transparent straws—and s decidedly “Baster” note in ribbons—feathers—fowers—used in ofl wn;l::k hmrlmiu “?;-i ar-ri- hat sketched in milan with t green grosgrain ribbon—$22.50. Others, beginning at $12.75 MninEry SaroN, Tamp FLoom. Exclusive @ self and for Easter gifts. And, to facilitate your selec- tion, a pearl expert from the factory will be here next week, $38.50 to $[23.25 NovELTY JEWELRY AisLe 5, PRst FLOOR. Meanwhile, Powell woos and wins acts, the nearest to original among Evelyn Brent as Francine. D. B. W. which is a series of scenes offered to Silk Hose, sl-65 —of the dull “sheenless sheer” quality—both sandal and cradle foot—and s very chic new diagonal mesh included at this price. In fawn brown, suedette, sunbeige, and sllegresse— gy:i::l’- !l'llklflslhd_fl. 12 other exclusive Jane il tockings answer every need—S$1 to $2.95 pair. i Hosrzxy, Amsix 19, Fmst Froom. Woobpwarp & LoTHrOP Mixes Batters . . . Creams Butter . . . Appliqued Squares, $1-50 ~—the smart news in handkerchiefs—and thess sre in perfectly stunring color combinations. Others, from 50c to $2.50 Hawpxencurers, Amsie 20, Fmsr Fuoom. Chic Handbags $7.50 ilk—all handmede—any one of r of smart shapes—with most attrective metal frames. Often with a jeweled setting— or, of leather—corduroy patent, for instance— like this sketched—or fine calf, with « note of metal trimming. And, of course, Spring’s smart shades are here. Others, $495 10 $10 Learmer Goops, Amstx 8, Fmsr Froon. Sandals Preferred Whips Cream . . . Lovely prizes—leather- bound engagement book with pencil for after-Lent engagements, $1; or this quaint box of matches— The First Time We Have Had a Representative from Harriet Hubbard Ayers Salon New Mixabeater This new motor-driven beater eliminates the weariness and arm strain that is a result of hand-mixing—it takes about half the time needed to mix the same amount by hand—and it makes cakes of finer texture, mixes mayon- naise of creamier smoothness, in fact, mixes all ingredients with greater uniformity and thor- oughness. Phone orders—DIstrict 5300 filled. Avail yourself of this rare opportunity to obtain the advice of this beauty spe- cialist. Miss Belt is the first representative we have had from the Ayer Salon—she will advise you on the care of your complexion and give you an analysis of your individual needs, without charge. She will also tell . ou of new beauty prepara- Easter designs and colors; {lonu recently added to the ; . .l:*‘;l, ZSG-MSpooBI:.: already famous Ayer line. paN 3 4> designs, Tonsrams, Amix 18, Pst Fioon. 75 feef. 25¢ SraTIoNERY Amix 6, Pst PLOOR. L Equipped with one large (sketched above) and e smaller mixing pan. To wrap your gifts ep- propriately, psper with Motor and frame ing back and rest, in rketch (left) —batter dnpp-.n( from beater falls back into pan. ELECTRIC APPLIANCES Frrre FLoor.