The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

August 19, 1931 THE BIOSCOPE 29 First National’s New Air Drama Alfred Green Directs “ Men of the Sky ” A drama in which the friends of the morning become enemies ere night fall, due to the plunging of their respective countries into war, is unfolded in First National’s “ Men of the Sky,” specially written for the screen by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach, who adapted to the screen such popular successes as “Sunny,” “Sally,” " No, No, Nanette,” " Song of the Flame ” and “ Showboat.” It is directed by Alfred Green, who directed “ Disraeli,” " The Green Goddess ” and " Old English.” The cast of " Men of the Sky ” is one of exceptional interest, as it includes Bramwell Fletcher, the British juvenile, recently seen to advantage in "The Millionaire” and “ Svengali,” John St. Polis, whose screen successes go back to his remarkable performance in " The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” Otto Matiesen, the Danish actor, and Lottie Loder, who went to America from Vienna. The leading roles are played by Irene Delroy and Jack Whiting, while Frank McHugh, the inimitable character comedian has a part which is stated to display his talents to great advantage. The story takes the beholders from the military headquarters in Paris, through plane-darkened skies to the heart of Germany’s military activities, and finally brings the hero and heroine face to face with the firing squad, and the ignominious death that awaits all who serve their country in disguise. A striking scene from First-National Pathe’s new drama of espionage, “ Men of the Sky,” which is to be “ Men of the Sky ” will be trade shown at trade shown at the Prince Edward Theatre on Thursday, August 27th. Jack Whiting (centre) and the Prince Edward Theatre on Thursday Irene Delroy are starred August 27th> at 3 p m Big Story for Dorothy Mackaill “The Reckless Hour” Trade Show Great Britain may claim to have given Hollywood its greatest mistress of screen technique in the perennially popular Dorothy Mackaill, who is once again permanently and exclusively established under the First National banner, where she has reigned as a star for a period far exceeding that of any other performer in a similar capacity for any one company. When first plans were evolved for the securing of Miss Mackaill’s services for First National’s 1932 programme, many extremely important stories were considered. Outstanding among them is " Ambush,” the famous play by Arthur Richman. This has now been produced at Burbank, where the title has been changed to " The Reckless Hour.” In accordance with the new policy instituted at Burbank, where fewer pictures are being made at one time, thus permitting the employment of only the best talent in each cast, “ The Reckless Hour ” will have, in addition to the star, two big leading men in Conrad Nagel and H. B. Warner, as well as Walter Byron, Joan Blondel and Dorothy Peterson. " The Reckless Hour ” will be trade shown at the Prince Edward Theatre, at 3 p.m. on September 3rd. Business-Like Gangsters Huston as Commercial Napoleon The extraordinary progress of a man, whose iron personality and appetite for power and profit help him to build up an enormous business by a system of tributelevying, is unfolded in the new First National and Vitaphone drama “ The Ruling Voice.’’ Burbank studios have lavished exceptional thought on this amazing drama, which tells of an entirely new type of corruption that is possible under certain conditions in modern commerce. It is a story that deals primarily with the juggling of milk prices, and Walter Huston, who has distinguished himself in a variety of strong roles, bring to the screen an altogether unique type of rogue. He is seen as a business genius who, unable to reap just profits from his business by honest means, is forced to adopt the unscrupulous tactics of his rivals. He loves his daughter tenderly, and she learns of his dishonest dealing. Her love is far more desirable than power, but by this time his business has reached dimensions beyond his control. He is anxious to call off the war, but his fellow directors refuse to allow him to back out, and the war proceeds. According to those who have already viewed the production, Huston gives the picture the portrayal of his career. Not only does he enact the outward characteristics of his role, but succeeds in conveying the mental phases through which his character passes. Loretta Young has the feminine lead, and Dudley Digges, a British actor, is another important member of the cast as Huston’s shifty lieutenant. David Manners, Doris Kenyon and John Halliday have other roles. Trade show of “ The Ruling Voice ” has been fixed for Tuesday, September 1st, at the Prince Edward Theatre. During his recent visit to London, Dr. S. G. Bendien, the eminent Dutch cancer research worker, made a special talk film for “ Pathetone Weekly,” in which he discussed the possibilities of curing the disease