Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-21

whose smile and profile are still in
tact. Mr.. Rogers with the Buddy
left off and-(could it have beenO
a slight downy substance on his
upper lip, seems more Ill at ease in
every new suit he dons, and there
are at least 10 in this film. Although
meant to be a starving American
turned cook, every time he appears
he has some new shimmering tailor
display on his back, until 1t is al
most with sigh Of relief that one
sees him tossed into a mud hole,
soiling the spotless breeches that he
had worn for horse race.
Thankfully, Stuart Erwin hobs, up
every time the story tries to get
serious over a love affair which
brings Frances Dee into Mr.. Rogers
immaculate arms. Mr. Erwin, incl
dentally, has an affair on the side,
too-and what with the trouble he
has to see without his glasses, and
the sub-miniature golf course that
he rigs up in the kitchen, the film
Is shot fun Of laughter which, with
out him, might have been tears.
The story, adapted adroitly by
George Marion, jr., but exceeding
even molecular intelligence now and
again. concerns millionaire horse
fancier who goes broke over the
Grand National. becomes cook to
keep up appearances-and howl
and finally wins a race, a small
fortune and the hand of winsome
lass whose mother had hoped to
drop her into the lap Of a rich
American.
Apart from certain long-drawn-
out references to ''poached eggs"
the comedy proceeds with speed,
foolishness, and pleasing results
and with holiday blessings on Mr.
Erwin, is recommended without
stint TO those who crave complete
foolishness in their entertainment
as is the lot of this observer.
The stage show, presided over by
Allan Rogers in appropriate Christ
mas attire-a Palm Beach suits
called "Knick Knacks." 1t contains
Phyllis Rae, a frst-class dancer,
assisted by the first-class Ambassa-
dor boys. Coscia and Verdi. comics,
the Trado Twins. and lots Of melody
and rythmn Of the kind the audi
ence wents--and gets.
Christmas greetings. newsreels
and comedies conclude the COM
mendable show. e. de S. M.
Griffith's abraham Lincoln
offered at Columbia.
n w. GRIFFTTHS impressive
~ talking motion picture, "Abra-
ham Lincoln" Is offered for the
first time as popular attraction
at the Columbia Theater, with Wal
ter Huston in the title role, which
has added distinction to his film
career
This production reveals the Grif-
fifth method at the high point Of its
development. and the crowding of
the action, the stirring effects and
the thrill of human emotions which
are so pictured that little is left to
the imagination, make it a picture
which will be remembered for its
execution.
There is also the historic phase
which lifts 1t TO position as one
of the landmarks in the realm of
the screen. The attempt to repro
duce the voices of those who have
appeared on the pages Of history is
believed to approximate reality,
while that very fact subjects actors,
producers and director to the
severest test from the public, for
the general characteristics of Lin
coin and his contemporaries have
been a matter of common knowl-
edge since the period in which he
lived
The Griflth spirit is discerned in
the fact that there is, as in all
his big productions, touch of that
striving fors a worthy goal that
transforms many human actions
into, vital incidents in life. The
privilege Of seeing the artists COM