Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-15

In Death Takes a Holiday" last sea-
son, won for him the distinction of
being chosen by the author as the ideal
actor to interpret the role Of DIR.
Harmer."
The story of the play revolves around
q young doctor, whose kind, ingrati-
ating ways make him beloved by
all who come within the charm of his
presence. There is, however. brief
period each year when he absents him.
self from all his friends and disap-
pears for his annual holiday mys-
FERROUS sojourn that is uneXplanable
even to those whose lives touch his
most intimately. These holidays do not
appear to be periods of healthful recre-
alton and freedom from care, but rather
do they have a contrary effect upon
him and when he returns he is i'll in
both mind and body. However, he re-
fuses all explanation of his conduct.
DR.. Hammer is something of a dual
character, lovable doctor and the
strange individual whose mysterious
holidays" have such a far reaching
effect
"Dr. Hammer" is described as "a
contrast in scenes" which Pinero, with
all his customary skill and vigor, has
fashioned into strange and compelling
play.
Supporting Mr.. Merivale is a fine
company OF thespians, including Hal
j. Scott, Connie Graham, Helen Vim
son, viva Birkett. Roland Hogue, wal
lace Erskine, Frank Greene, Olga Birk-
beck, Reginald Malcolm and Felicia
Vail. The direction of Or Harmer'
Is credited to Stanley Logan.
NATIONAL-"Trader Horn"
ALTHOUGH the critical may pick
flaws in Trader Horn" which is
announced for its final week at the
National, following a week Of capacity
houses, twice daily, the made-in-Africa
talkie serenely continues en-. Wash
ington has not yet seen a picture that
has met with more flattering patron
age and commentator for its power
to entertain and grip the attention.
It takes a skillful blending of the es-
SentialS to make audiences feel that
their time and money have been well
spent, and that very comfortable feat
Trader Horn" achieves.
Metro Goldwyn-M Mayer, the producers
of Trader Horn" have been highly
commended for their enterprise in
sending an expedition of actors and
technicianS to Africa for the recording
Of the strange narrative in authentic
surroundings. Many were the times be-
fore the company returned that the
producers wondered whether the VEN
Cure was not fcOlhardy, and they
gladly would have recalled the trav-
elers had it been possible. Reports
came back of feverS and hardshipS en-
countered, and expenses began to pile
up rapidly without any idea of what
results were being obtained
1t was different story, however,
when the film began 10 arrive and
thrilling effects moved the stoical mag
mates to express their qualification by
cabling Director Van Dyke a contract
that guarantees him job for life. He
has made three big ones in a row
1.-The Pagan" white Shadows in the
South Seas" and Trader Horn" which
far eclipses his previous efforts
The Hollywood cast deServedly shares
the plaudits received by their director.
The real stars of the picture. how
ever, are the fierce animals and the
grotesque savageS that add the final
touch Of realism to pageant of scenic
beauty and wonder Trader Horn"
reflects both the majesty and the ter
ror Of Africa and its inhabitants. The
National management announces aft
ernoon and evening showings during
this, which is the final week of Trader
Horn" only because other bookings
make it necessary.
GAYETY-"BelIes of Beauty Row."
"RELLES OF BEAUTY ROW." new
Mutual Burlesque and vaudeville
entertainment, appears at the Gayety
Theater this week. The young woman