Evening star., 1928-10-01
OPENING ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON
THEATERS

| The show is based on a book written
| by Gus Flaig, who takes part IN the
performance His conception Of soldier
| life in the sketch, "a French Billet"
| with Mr.. Moore and his assistant, Abe
Gore, as doughboys, is excellently pre-
sented 1.-The Show Boat" another
sketch, proves entertaining.
Numerous dances and songs offered
by the remaining members of the COM
pany are surrounded by the Partisan
atmosphere and are we'll received by
the burlesque fans. Nanette Daily,
Grace fremont, Pauline Lee and Billy
Berning assist in making the per-
formance an "all-around good show"
THE Paris Pleasure Chorus, compased
of girls, gives a good performance and
deserves mention.
METROPOLITAN-"The Singing Fool"
The home town folks turned out en-
maSSe to greet AL JolSon in THE Sing
ing Fool" his second Vitaphone produc-
ton. A crowded lobby which over
flowed into the street, and a line of
waiting patrons extending from the box
Office Of the Metropolitan Theater to
the corner of Tenth street last night
evidenced the popularity of Washing
tons own singing comedian.
Although a great picture in its own
right, study of THE Singing Fool"
must result in comparison with Jol-
sons first Vitaphone picture, The Jazz
Singer" which played here for several
weeks earlier in the year. There are
many points of similarity In plot, and
the general tone of the two pictures is
the same. Just as a gently developed
strain of pathos constituted the strong
appeal of ''The jazz Singer" so in THE
Singing Fool grief over a loved ones
loss forms the pictures human appeal.
Jolson is cast as waiter in New
York cabaret. He is gifted with voice
which takes him from the obscure pur-
suit of night club entertainer to star
dom in big musical show. Fame and
fortune do not bring him to the full
measure of happiness. however. for
domestic infelicity stalks across his
path, and the death of his little boy
breaks him with grief. This is the story
which provides the emotional fabric for
Jolsons songs, which are well repro
duced by the Vitaphone device.
1t is during the tragic moments OF
the pictures unfolding that Jolson
pours forth in melody the turmoil of his
troubled heart, and it must be said that
he sings his way into the hearts CT the
audience His rendition of Sonny Boy"
the theme song woven around his little
son, is one of the most effective demon
strations achieved to date in the au
dible movie field. However, it is in the
cabaret scenes, amid the atmosphere of
gay, noisy night life, that Jolson, as
master of ceremonies, presents himself
as the captivating songster best known
to the public In such numbers as 1T
All Depends On YOU" "The Spaniard
Who Blighted My Life" and Sitting on
Top of the World he reveals that in
gratiating personality which stamps
him as unsurpassed in the field Of ballad
singing.
OF the supporting cast, those who
contribute important parts in the story's
denouement are confined to Josephine
Dunn, as the frigid opportunist who
marries Jolson when his success as
song writer appears most advantageous;
Betty Bronson, as the cabaret cigarette
girl, whose sympathetic attachment to
the star forms role of strong contrast,
and little Davey Lee, who. as Jolson's
small son, gives such an effective
demonstration OF juvenile talent as to
warrant the prediction that he may
succeed to the position Of youthful
stardom so long held by Jackie Coogan.
Due to the length Of THE Singing
Fool" the supplementary attractions
are confined to the Paramount news
reel.