Evening Star Newspaper, March 14, 1933, Page 20

From the Front Row Reviews and News of Washindton'& Theaters. By E. de S. MELCHER “Cavalcade” Coward's Great Film. OEL COWARD, when he was last in Washington was asked what he thought of “Caval- cade.” He replied, “It is the best picture I have ever seen.” Most of the audience at the Na- tional last night, which came to the local premiere of this film, must have felt the same. It is a picture in which no flaws are visible. From the smallest de- tail of scenery and costuming, to the great and luminous_pano- rama which it spreads before you—rich with the _incidents that have gone to make peace and understand- ing in the growth of a family—it is a moving and sympa- thetic “spectacle.” The wonder of it is that it should be so intrinsically compelling, when its theme is merely the theme of our times. It is perhaps hard to believe, after hearing so much in advance about it, that it is so funda- mentally simple and unpretentious. You will hear none of the vibrant cynicisms of “Design for Living” in it: none of the gay and foolish patter of “Private Lives"; none of the som- ber ashes of “Post Mortem.” Its words are words with which you are familiar. and its pcople are neither so fanciful or so theatric as not to seem vaguely related to a part or parcel of a family within a stone’s throw of your own. What is most remarkable about it is that you have become so fond of Jane and Robert Marryot that when you are reluc- tantly torn from them by the cur- tain you could almost swear that you are saying good-by to scme very old and some very devoted friends. Few pictures have this hold of friendship on you. Few pictures are natural enough for you to believe that the whole of what is happening before you is true. Few pictures are so absolutely fine and strong end courageous in their faith that they leave some of the taste of that faith with you. “Cavalcade” is not merely a spec- tacle or a pageant. It is the very real chronicling of a family which has been built on the foundations of love for its country—and love for each other. The Marryots are a “great family,” just as “Cavalcade” is a great picture. They advance with the times, husband and wife, smilingly courageous, giving their sons to the various causes which England demands of them, having their little triumphs and their infi- nitely greater sorrows, and growing ' old together with courage and un- derstanding. When you consider what they have gone through and what they have suffered in the “dis- asters” of the times, you are bound to admire their creeds and their stability and their loyalty to a coun- try which has been far from gentle on them. Mr. Coward's “march of time” is done with a powerful and at the same time simple gesture. He lets you in on the funeral of Queen Vic- toria, the sinking of the Titanic and other events without more than in- dicating them. When. as the funeral Frocesuon of the Queen goes by, ittle Joey Marryot (Douglas Scott) turns to his mother and says, “She must have been a very little lady,” you are somehow closer to the event than if the whole parade had been spread out before you. Similarly, with the sinking of the Titanic, you are shown only the name’ of the boat after the young honeymoon couple has pledged love to each other—ard you know (without being told) that their first night will be their last together. The settings, the costuming and the acting in all of this has been done so unostentatiously and so perfectly that it is difficult to break the picture into fragments and hold any of it up as being better than the rest. Diana Wynyard, beautiful and sincere, lingers longer in the mind, perhaps, than the others—although Clive Brook never makes an unin- teliigent gesture or speaks, as it were, “out of turn”; Una O'Connor, & British actress of note, gives Ellen just enough of that cockney as- surance to make her seem complete reality; Frank Lawton is by all odds the most believable “son” that the films have produced; John War- burton is well enough as half of the honeymoon couple which goes down on the Titanic; Ursula Jeans, blonde and sometimes handsome, plays the musical-comedy daughter with re- straint and disgression—and Herbert Mercer contribute Noel Coward. |3rd & K Sts. N.W. lesser moments of grace which are well worth watching. There is really nothing more to be said at this late date about “Cav- alcade.” The proof of its great- ness lies twice in the theater—once on the stage and once again on the screen. We can at least be grate- ful for having one of these produc- tions. No finer entertainment will be forthcoming . this year—or pos- sibly any other. “Luxury Liner” At the Columbia. ULLING in with the usual jangle of engine room bells and hoarse, throaty growls of tug boat whistles, “Luxury Liner” tied in at the Co- lumbia Theater yesterday afternoon. “Grand Hotel”-likke in theme, it brought with it as many dramatic and piquant cross-sectional views of life as there are decks to a liner. Presenting life from the steerage to the first class, with its pleasure- made, bar-clinging younger genera- tion, as it is seen by the ship's sur- geon, it offers many tense and en- Joyable moments. “Luxury Liner” also brought the return of Alice White in one of the more flippant roles which Miss ‘White handles so well and in which she decidedly takes many of the Thonors -of the picture. In the hospital quarters the young surgeon (George Brent)—seeking to bring about a reconciliation with his faithless wife, who has run away with a financier, but thwarted in every attempt because of his duties to humanity—ultimately falls in love with his nurse Zita Johann (looking more beautiful than ever in her ‘white uniform). The murder and suicide of the financier and the runaway wife on the last day of the voyage bring about the climatic_ ending and happily unite George Brent and Miss Johann. If you have not tired of “Grand Hotel” themes, this picture will intrigue and please you. “Keyhole Kaite the College Snoop,” a rough and lust burlesque of the Broadway columnist on the campus; “Do You Remember,” a Johnnie ‘Walker release with scenes of the first flight attempts of the Wright brothers, and the news reels com- plete the program. Peking Shadow Puppeteers End Play Series at Arts Club. 'HE Peking Shadow Puppeteers made their final bow last night, ending the series of four typical dramas presented in the Arts Club ‘Theater. The enthusiasm shown, the first presentation was again renewed as Washington playgoers for the second time showed their approval of this new form of entertainment. Last night's presentation of “The Feast of Peaches” and “The Flowery Ball,” by Genevieve Wimsatt and Ada Rainey brought again to the mulberry-paper screen the tiny Chi- nese figures in their natural color. ‘The full effect of these figures as they went through all the motions of living beings delighted the audience which filled almost to overflowing the small theater. The figures are carved from lan- chow, originally coming from the Je- hol territory of China, and their erformance here is first of its nd to be given in thé United States. A brief address by Miss Rainey prefaced each performance, in which she explained the story in full so that it might be fully appreciated by the audience. The Chinese shadow shows were, in all, clearly welcomed to this city as a new and pleasant form of entertainment. P. N. J. A full 2,240 1bs. in egg size. You'll find our delivery service unusually prompt and clean. Try it. TERMINAL 'GE.& PROCTOR SPEED IRON > T 8 N & TE Jo Aoz‘ anc/ no Aotter./ Place pointer on name of fobric and the safe, efficient heat is assured. @ Dainty rayon garments cannot be | ironed safely exceptatalow temperature. The delicate fibres scorch easily. . . even a little too much heat does damage to life and lustre. With the ordinary iron, you must guess at the right heat, and often you make costly mistakes. But here is an iron that is utterly safe for rayon. Just set the dial for “Art Silk” and the heat is regulated automatically by a dependable thermostat which, in effect, says, “So bot . . . and no hotter!” Then, for any other fabric, you get the right heat by dialin ... and this iron boi the fabric name the right heat no matter how damp or heavy the material. ‘The Proctor Iron saves time and current. It is the only iron with an off-switch right on the iron itself, where it is hand- iest. . . the only iron with a built-on cord, eliminating the ever-troublesome plug connection ... the iron that gives fullest satisfaction and economy. Ask for it at electric appliance or department stores. | You'll want, too, the Proctor Glow Cone Automatic Waffler. No need to watch the waffles, just waich the Glow Cone. It nals when to pour batter, when waffle is done. Two models . . . $9.95 and $11.50. Proctor Glow Cone Toaster—Toast as you tike it, two slices, kept hot until served. The Glow Cone tells when toast is done, $5.95 DISTRIBUTED BY GRAYBAR and DOUBLEDAY-HILL Manufaciared by PROCTOR & SCHWARTZ ELECTRIC CO. Philadelphia, Pa. R A L e = WV T Co.| “Cavalcade” Opens Here FILM VERSION OF COWARD PLAY COMES TO WASHINGTON. Diana Wynyard and Frank Lawton, two of the all-English cast in a scene from “Cavalcad National Theater last night. 0™ 1™F anp G StrReETS Shorter Women’s Sizes 315 to 43V the film version of Noel Coward's play, which opened at the || D. C, TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 19 PACKARD COMPANY OPENS Regular Production and Shipments Resumed. DETROIT, March 14 (#).—The Pack- ard Motor Car Co. today resumed reg- ular production and shipments which had been curtailed because of the bank- holiday. . M. Gilman, vice president in charge of distribution, in making this announcement said: “Up to yesterday the entire industrial situation was partially tied up. Almost over night the ‘frozen’ situation has been relieved and is beginning to thaw out.” “EVERY HOUSE NI wlsTlNG-oUlh WESTINGHOUSE Electric REFRIGERATOR We are still gusranteeing evers | Westinghouse. refrigerator we seil' for FOUR YEARS. Small Size, $129.00 Large Size, $194.00 Small Cash Payment Balance, 24 Months < MUDDIMAN § 911 G St. Nat'l 0140-2622 | Organi; 1888 1 l?m Si Until 3 P.M. il WoobpwARD & LOoTHROP Prone District S300 You have no idea what a smart frock your money will buy here—until you have seen these new Jacketed Dresses 51075 As you know, every- thing is jackets—capes. And to find such partic- ularly smart ones in this selling—at such a price—is nothing short of amazing. There are prints—plain sheer crepes—simply tailored crepes—in Spring’s best-liked, most-wanted colors. Misses’ Sizes 14 to 20 Dresses, THIRD FLOOR. WooDWARD & LOTHBOQP 10™11™F anD G STREETS Prone Distmicr BUTTONS and BUCKLES, that we cover (with the material you furnish)—prove an exhilarating economy—for they multiply chic on Spring costumes at such a little cost. Wide selection of new styles. HEMSTITCHING AND PICOTING DESK, FIrsT FLOOR. Our Bake Shop Prepares to Help You Entertain on St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock-cut Green-tinted Sandwiches 50c and 75¢ dozen Green-Iced Tea Cakes 45c dozen Green-tinted Bread 15¢ loaf Mint Flavored Green-Iced Chocolate Cake, 65¢ Of course, our usual wide selec- tion of rolls, English muffins, en salad and salad dress- ing is offered, as well. Place Orders Day Before Desired BAKE SHOP, SEvENTH FLOOR AND DOWN STAIRS STORE. i = For a Limited Time Eyeglass Frames “ (lenses not included) 4 ngu(arly Muck More Frames that are as dura- ble as they are good look- ing. White gold filled— with plain or engraved temples, that are curved or straight. The frames are regularly much more —and are offered for a limited time at this ex- ceptionally low price. We suggest you see them to- morrow. OrrIcAL SECTION, FrmsT FLOOR. @ =8 T 7 -‘3“‘:- Ury RN g Tomorrow— Special Selling Silk -and -Wool CREPE SC yard Would regularly be $1.50 One of the most fashionable of fabrics for Spring costumes is offered at this excep- tionally low price. It has the important rough surface, with an indefinite self check—and is in light Spring weight. Choose from the new blues, gray, white, black, and other smart bright colors. Also, Acetate Crepe (wool and rayon) in rough weave; Spring weight; yard, 85¢ WooLLENS, BECOND FLOOR. These Embroidered Eyelet Pique Voile Frocks $5.95 should be seen to be appreciated There is nothing about these frocks that is the “usual eyelet frock.” To begin with—they are of tremendously smart PIQUE VOILE, instead of the usual batiste— which makes a world of difference. The designs are not just the usual petal-like pattern—but beautifully finished intri- cate designs. Another fea- ture, we are so enthusias- tic about—the styles that are really different. For instance, the two-color, yoke-top model with puff- ed sleeve—the elbow- length sleeve one—the cape style—but then, you will have to see them. Pastel and Dark Colors. Sizes 14 to 44. INEXPENSIVE FLOOR. FROCKS, And, as to— Seersucker —we can not over-emphasize its fashion importance Here you will find an unusually attrac- tive selection of this really important cot- ton. Plain colors—pastels—fine stripes— wide stripes and candy stripes—tiny checks and plaids. You will want to make a number of seersucker frocks for Spring and Summer—and you will be equal- ly delighted with the economy it offers, as well as its smartness—for it is only— 38C to 75(: Yard 39 inches wide Corrons, Szcowp FLOOR.