Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-02-15
Joan Crawford in paid"
And Strong Show at Palace.

n period OF lie DeIOre the
camera in which she strug-
giles with depressing misfortune
while rising to a place of leadership
in her own circle. These contrasting
forces, which tug at her personality
and must be shown, offer test OF
her acting ability. 1t was a test for
her predecessor on the speaking
stage when this Bayard WELLER ex-
ample of brilliant technique was
produced under the name Within
the Law" The searching cinema
lights bring out. in even more dis
tinct outline, the lone figure OF
woman, innocent of crime, who has
been railroaded to prison, and on
her release becomes an essential
part of criminal clique. Miss
Crawford's task is to present Mary
Turner as a woman of good instincts,
forced into this environment, but
pointing to the improbable nature
of crime.
Mr.. WELLER built a story which is
saturated with theatrical effects, and
yet exhibits the truth Of life itself.
Its position in dramatic history is q
guarantee of the probability Of its
several incidents. It is simple In
theme. but complex in the weaving
of a group of personalities into a
human machine that follows
definite course of action to the SEN
sational climax. A new element has
been introduced into the drama by
recognizing the force Of the modern
Baumes law as greater incentive to
caution. It has modified the mys-
terry in the story by elimination Of
the gun silencer, which was a fea-
ture of the original production. Yet
its power over an audience runs
parallel to that which could be ex-
pected from well selected cast on
the stage.
Miss Crawford, as a popular movie
heroine in lighter pieces, interests
her admirers because of the serious
ness of the role. Perhaps her ex-
pert conception is correct, but ques-
tons arise as to WHISTLER a more
joyous note might not be introduced
somewhere along the border line of
helplessness and masterful action
and as to the general consistency
displayed in the finesse of her deal
ings with the two men who are as
ISOLATED with her life.
Excellent acting Is a feature of the
support that she receives from the
members of the company, especially
the work of the resourceful Robert
Armstrong, and the well poised and
humorouSly inclined Marie Provost.
Other valuable contributors to the
total effect of the picture are Polly
Moran, Kent Douglass, John MILAN
and George Cooper.
The stage program at the Palace
is one Of the most energetic that
human ingenuity could d:vise, and,
carrying the title, Broadway Stars
OF the Future" offers a variety of
acts, some by very youthful enter
taiEers. Benny Davis, who conducts
the proceedings, presents a collec-
ton of his well-remembered songs.
and Is assisted by Dorothy Davis in
their Interpretation. There is an
abundance of distinctive dancing by
Wilma and Buddy Ebson, Marguerite
and Leroy and Duke McHale. The
Three Ryans, with piano and songs,
and Jackie Heller with his guitar
and songs, maintain the average of
merit. Dave White performs at the
piano and the newsreel has the
latest selections. DEC,
Bernice Claire Appears
On Stage as WeII as Screen.
A THOUGH the title, The spirit
and the Tilt of the original are
gone, kiss Ne Again." which you
may or may not recognize as Vic
tor Herberts Mile. Modiste," now
being shown at Warmers Earle
Theater, is pleasant and placid
enough entertainment.
Those who take their Mile.
Modiste" seriously will not like it,
since it is diluted copy of its
ancestor, but those to whom this
operetta means only two or three
songs and a drum will find that it
is the kind Of gentle screen operetta,
colored, lavish and impreSsible, that
the picture magnat.S are so fond of.
In it Bernice Claire, comely mem
ace" of screenland, whose voice Is
one of the real voices of the screen,
sings and is photographed delight
fully.
Here one might say that Miss
Claire's appearance on the stage this
week is causing no end of rejoicing.
Echoing the theme song of the pic
ture yesterday before the footlights,
she brought forth such enthusiasm
as must have been heard clear at the
summit of the Washington Monu-
ment. Miss Claire Is one of those
fortunates whose TRANSPORTATION
from screen to stage adds rather
than otherwise. Many a tear has
been shed in that very same theater
on account OF some Of the celebrities
who have been brought hither to
make personal appearances and have
fallen by the waySitle of popularity
at the first MARBLE. Not so Miss
Claire. Although her voice is not
so prodigious as the screen would
have us think, it is clear and light
and we'll trained-and does not slip
and slide all over the place in its
effort to tear the heartstrings apart.
Furthermore, this lady, who has
reached the very peak OF the cinema
world in remarkably sudden fashion,
may be recommended particularly as
pleasing TO lok upon, and thoroughly
gracious, unspoiled and adroit in the
manner and method of her attack"
Back to the film, kiss Me Again"
Somehow, with Miss Claire disposed
of, it does not seem so very great
nor so very good. 1t has this and
that and the other, but they come
only internationally, and the result
is mild-vary mild-but docile and
we'll enough for those who have
gotten over being fond of excitement.
The outstanding role in it, old-timers
will be glad to hear, Is done by
Claude Gillingwater-who Is said TO
have played in the original back in
the-well, way back.
Tie stage presentation, other than
Miss Claire. includes Anatole Fried
lands Twelve O'Clock Revue"
which is just about on the order OF
it's title, and Kafka. Stanley and
Mae, who are Ringing Brothers
acrobats. and easily deserve the
much applause they received for
swinging about and hanging from
their teeth. E. de s. MELCHER.
CoIman Delights
Large Audiences at Columbia.
ID ONALD COLMAN, idol of a mil
~ ron OF more lady rcmanticists
and otherwise, is continuing to en-