Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-08
OPENING ATTRACTIONS IN WASHINGTON
THEATERS

paniment and the scene closes with q
masculine chorus of perfect training
intoning a dirge-like tune in the back
ground. Where they came from no one
knows.
This story of q young woman's re-
generation in the crucible of war is,
again, essentially solid movie stuff. That
women actually fought, and can fight,
on the battle front is well known, but
we must have the idea more convinc-
ingly presented than in "She Goes to
War" before we can accept 1t ad-
niringiy. Some Of the tank scenes, es-
pecialiy the interiors, are not without
strength; the acting of John Holland
and Edmund Burns in support of Miss
Boardman is satisfactory throughout.
A second feature of the Columbia's
bill presents Our Gang" in a talking
picture. 1t won delighted response
from many of Saturday afternoons
early audience. A grave danger illus
trated by this first audible vehicle for
Tubby and Farina and their irrepres-
sible co-conSpirators is that talk will
make them self-conscious and rub the
bloom Of spontaneousneS from their
pranks. If they become automatons in
stead OF ragamuffins their unconscious
art will suffer and many a tear will
be shed among their fans.
FOX-"From Headquarters"
With the cheers of the Fourth still
resounding memory, From Head
quarters" is timely and adds to the
glorihcation of the United States Ma
rine. Built on the gallant episode of
a party of "Leathernecks" who set out
on venture Of heroic rescue with the
ODDS against them, the story has as
its centrar character an ex-Marine,
victim OF circumstances attendant on a
great personal sacrifice, and still thrill
the Marine uniform
The picture is of the part-talkie
variety. Frequently it misses fire by
Subtitling the moments Of greatest
punch and possibilities and talking I'M
necessarily in the less important shots.
Monte Blue assures us that behind the
villainouS exterior of his role lies a
kind heart and true, and thereby does
just what ne is supposed to do with
conviction and ease.
Quinn Williams proves a glory to the
corps, to his country and to its language.
which ne speaks In good, twangy Amer
lcanese. Two old-timers, Henry b.
Walthall and Gladly Brockwell, are in
the cast, the former in a minor part
That does give him a chance to be. as
nsual, grimly serious. Miss Brockwell
is Just little melodramatic in her
lines about That's Gods truth from
oyng woman" but her part is only
a short. though important, episode in
the picture. A--
The heart interest, which is subordi-
nate, is sustained by Ethelyn Claire. a
newcomer, whose Spanish accent and
outnt remind us little of an Ameri-
can Happier at fancy dress ball.
The stage frolicking is even more
poppy than usual this week. with the
Foxettes again winning footlight honors
Tor their amazing versatility. John Irv-
ing Fisher does his mastering I'D to
par. and has some amusing moments
with the perSonable Sally Sweet, who.
incidentally sings as a side line. Edison
and Gregory get music" from auto
tires, rubber gloves. vacuum cleaners
and other available accessories with as
tonlshing casualness. Helen Windsor,
an excellent contortionist; Jack How
ard, a gum-chewing eccentric dancer;
Maxim Brody, good tenor, and Ewing
Eaton, trick violinist, all come in for
honors. Fox Movietone News has its
usual program place.