Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-02
Attractions in Washington Theaters

the dictionary. Ernest Terrence does
his bit well I'm the character of Mac
Donald, veteran racer, whose love for
the boy, Bill, transcends his disgust
for his Boosting ways. Karl Dane ADDS
touch of humor here and there, but
he is given little opportunity. It's a
Haines picture-all Haires.
Val and Ernie Stanton, stage come
dams, liven things up with their several
appearances. Al Evans is much In EVIL
dence as the new master OF ceremonies
and very able director OF synco-
pating jazz group, but he didn't tell us
who was in the cast. There are two
dancing sisters who prove very popu-
lar, backed up by a pretty choral group
in beautiful costumes, and there is a
team of acrobatic dancerS-a man and
girl in Indian costume-whoSe inter-
probation of some old Indian love lyrics
is most pleasing. The entire stage show
is excellent.
METROPOLITAN" Argyle Case"
An excellent detective story, excel
lently filmed, 1.-THE Argyle Case" which
opened its second week at the Metro
politan Theater Saturday, is well de-
serving Of being held over. With its
logical, clear use Of psychology on the
part of the brilliant, yet thoroughly
human detective hero, the story is
worthy of place beside Conan Doyle's
best efforts. Thomas Meighan, who has
long been firmly established in popu-
lar appeal due to his acting ability and
personality, is admirably cast in the
leading role: His voice, too. records re-
markedly pleasingly.
One still remembers Mr.. Meighan in
some of his pictures OF several seasons
ago when Lila Lee was his leading lady.
Miss Lee Is just as successful and ap-
pealing in that role in this picture, too.
II. B. Warner is equally well cast in
another role that turns out, at the end,
to be of supreme importance. Zasu
Pitts and Gladys Brockwell, other tried
trouperS of the screen, also are intelli-
gently cast and give good characterize
tons Other members OF the cast are
well fitted to their roles. Particularly
praiseWorthy is the very human quality
Of both dialogue and action, and the
easy naturalness of the diction Of all
the actors concerned. There is not one
voice that records disagreeably or gives
a false note in characterization. The
plot moves swiftly. thrillingly. yet sem
sloly to a surprising and satisfying end
ing.
Two short comedy reels, one a sketch
about newspaper reporter, the other
modern version of black-face come
dams, typical "end-men," give variety
and the newsreel completes the bill.
THE COLUMBIA-"Madame ""
Madame X" the intense French
melodrama, is starting its second week
at the Columbia. The intelligent work
OF the notable cast, headed by Ruth
Chatterton, Lewis Stone and Raymond
Hackett, combined with the very able
Of 7 DO -
pie justice to the original play. 1t is a
production of which the Vitaphone may
be justly proud.
The story Of Madame x" concerns
French gentlewoman, who because of
the auSterity of her husband leaves
him and their young son for the love
OF another man. A year or two later
she, hearing that the boy is i'll. comes
back to see him. The husband. en-
FILTERED by her desertion, refuses her
request. saying that the boy thinks her
dead. From then on the wife gradually
sinks to the very dregs of life, a slave
to absinthe. However, through all her
degradation she is faithful to one pur-
pose-that her son, who now has be-
come an attorney, should never know
or suffer because of the sins of his
mother. She falls into the hands of
crook. who intends to use her as a
source of blackmail. To prevent this
she murders him and is brought to trial.
1t Is here that circumstances are so
assembled that the climax is terrific In
its emotional intensity and relentless
ness for by chance the son is appointed
by the government as the defense at
torney of Madame X"
Madame X' is an interesting study
Of the art Of makeup, for 20 years
elapse during the story. during which
time is portrayed the marks of advanc-
ing age and. in Miss Chattertons role
the effects Of continued dissipation.