Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-25
From the Front Row
Reviews and News of Washinston's Theaters.

couples. Orchestra musicians play
with the tempo of a new freedom
and cab drivers are prepared at all
times to serve, with speed. frantic
persons meeting new emergencies.
II is all presented in The Road to
Reno" without any moral obliga-
tons to interfere with the rushing
stream Of merriment. and the repro
duction omits no detail that might
contribute to the striking effect. But
the play, like all other dramatic
contributions, has some individual
types and experiences to disclose,
and IN their presentation Lilyan
TaShman, Buddy" Rogers, Peggy
Shannon and William Boyd are in
Volved in a series of emotional ex-
perienceS. which are as neatly car
ried out as anything that they could
have undertaken. One might wish
that Miss TaShman were employing
her talents in aiding a real character
to achieve something. 1t is likely to
seem that Miss Shannon ought to
have less changeable assortment of
morals and that Mr.. Boyd ought to
be something heroic. Buddy Rogers
Is one well-drawn, worthwhile char
acter, and with him Is Tom Douglas.
who saves the family with a double
tragedy. Otherwise, 1t is just pic
ture OF Reno, with the final outcome
involving some fine examples of SUI
preme regret.
The Earle stage program for the
week is offered by a group of tall
ented players, whose acts represent
the variety that should make them
popular. One of the best numbers
nf hn pnl1 Nxyln
bine gymnaStic skill with juggling.
Al Shaw and Sam Lee. heretofore
observed as unique in their examples
of dry humor, are unquestionably
good contributors to the bill, and
Oklahoma Bob Albright, assisted by
Beverly Birks and Elinor Hoffman,
offers an elaborate collection of mu-
steal and comedy features, not the
least OF which is the singing of "Old
Man River" while a young dancer
adds sparkle. Primrose Semon, with
an associate young woman, performs
in the spirit Of the entire program,
which Is notable for its energy.
D. c. c.
Twenty -Four Hours
Continues Another Week.
THE Louis Bromheld story, Twenty
-Four Hours" which has been
made into an excellent film, is de-
serving of its second week at the
Metropolitan. A closely knit yarn,
spun out of the best of the BFom-
field books, is interesting. exciting
and full Of speakeasy fire and thun-
der. While it may not please those
who have never seen the red and
white table upholstery of a metro
politan beer parlor, 1t should satisfy
customers who prefer lusty story,
acted handsomely by handsome
cast
Give Brook. who seldom disap-
points, assumes the role of O rich
gentleman who, finding his wife cold
to his embraces, seeks the affections
OF Rosie. the night club charmer.
Rosie-played conSummately by
Miriam Hopkins-unfortuna has
married q worthless racketeer, who
insists on haunting her for the gold
which she makes and which he can't
make. Being sensitive gangSter,
who shoulders at the thought Of an
other man making love to her, when
he finds that Mr. Brook has ad-
vanced far beyond the friendship
line, he Sneaks into his wife's apart
ment and quietly strangles her. AZ
ter this, Of course, he gets what is
coming to him. but not until Mr..
Brook has very nearly gotten what
he didn't deserve.
It's all handled with great skill
and considerable tact. And you are
apt to enjoy the murder scene par
ticularly. Go early-but don't bring
the kiddies-and remember Kay
Francis Is in the cast
e. de s. M.