Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-12-30
METROPOLITAN :
sShow of Shows

l. NIL NIi-|A ~ one doubts
Show OF Shows" the future
81 the talking picture, let him see
Show of Shows" If there is any one
who doubts the versatility and great
ness of John Barrymore, let him wit
ness the soliloquy from Henry W. In
''Show of Shows"
1t is probable that nothing greater
has ever been done in screen enter
talpment.
The sole criticism that might be di-
rected against 'SnU@ OF Shows" which
has opened at the Metropolitan Thea
ter, is that it is too colossal; encom-
passes. perhaps, too big an area. But
1t is Kaleidoscope magnihcence, never
thelesS.
Stars flash across the screen so rap
idly that one scarcely sees them. Per-
haps the picture was constructed on
that basiS-that an appetite should not
be overindulged. But, whetted. it re-
mains keen and eager for the next
morSel.
So many stars appear that it would
be difficult to list them. 1t is said there
are H. With Mr.. Barrymore, there
are certainly Richard Barthelmess, Ted
Lewis with his band, Georges CGrpen-
tier, Irene Bordoni, Winnie Lightner,
Douglas Fairbanks, jr.; Monte Blue,
Beatrice Lille, Alice White, Betty
CompSon, Lila Lee, Noah Berry, Ben
Turpin-but this is beginning to take
up space.
Take the high spots from about two
dozen of the best reviews you have
seen, dress them up with absolute origi-
nality, new tunes (good ones), new and
elaborate dances and enormous stage
effects; string them along together with
no attempt at such Serious-minded
business as conference, and there's a
remote idea of what the SHOW of
Shows" comprises. It is carried along
with Frank Fay as a witty and alto
Rether interesting master Of ceremonies.
OF all praise accorded the various
parts of the picture, perhaps that law
ished upon Barrymore's colorful solilo-
guy stands out most clearly. He is
allowed to drift from his familiar ro-
mantle types into Elysian fields of act
ing-and how he does it!
Genuine thrills are produced by the
military number in which Monte Blue
appears as leader. The tune contrib
utes. The black and white ballet is
another to fill the old heart with salts
faction.
Take, for an example, the Floradora
Sextet. The thing first is done by wom-
en- in the original garb. Then along
come a cast Of ugly-looking fellows,
headed by Ben Turpin, who do the
OCbIcIS dlOcE d 1dSI1OA1s
than their immediate predecessors.
A novel departure from established
screen customs also occurs in this pic
-E-~. whereby four rows of dancers are
shown, each in distinct line on the
shadow board.
Some of the jolliest moments of the
film beyond reasonable doubt come in
the times in which Winnie Lightner
appears on the screen.
he fIAo& oil
colored revue, featuring a dancer of
rare agility, is an outstanding bit. In
deed nothing seems overlooked in the
picture. There's even Georges Carpen-
tier.
But II you want the full cast of play
ers and what each does you really
must see the picture. j. N. p.
Due to the capacity crowds, through
out the engagement of SHOW of
Shows" except on Sundays, the doors
of the Metropolitan will open at Gas
am. The feature will be shown at 10
am, 12:15, 2:32, 4.49, 7:06 and 1928
pm.
EOX AS a laugh manufacturer,
Victor McLaglen is a past
Hot master judged by his perform
for ance in Hot for Paris" the
Paris" current attraction at the Fox
Theater. Playing the part of
q happy-go-l lucky, globe-trotting sailor,
McLaglen proves he knows how to make
his public merry to the nth degree. He
captures his audience early in the first
reel. Everything he does is mirth-
provoking. BY the time the picture
ends every laugh in ones system seems
to have been exhausted.
FL Brendel, comedian extraordinary Of
Ia TTvN RnT nrrln spHaS
supporter, is a riot. with the coaching
of McLaglen, Brendel develops into a
lover of parts. He puts himself over
with the girls after a fashion all his
own. Nevertheless, it works.
When the film begins, McLaglen. as
First Mate Duke, canvaSseS his ship
while nearing port and attempts to sell
a lottery ticket for a song in order to
obtain a bit of coin of the realm with
which to play barnyard golf. Duke has
no idea that the ticket is worth a COO
million. Nor has any one else and he is
forced to keep it. On arriving in Havre
Duke lodges two men sent to inform
him he is the lottery winner. He thinks
they are detectives They believe he is
post. Meanwhile Duke falls in love
with Fiji Dorsay, dancer. She realizes
he is a ladies' man and he has q deuce
of time proving he Is sincere In the
process he permits the detectives" To
catch him. When the final curtain
falls. Duke has ample cause for
happiness.
The film is very snappy and reminds
one of McLaglen'S success in The
Cock-Eyed World" Raoul Walsh is the
director.