The Bioscope (Jul-Sep 1931)

30 THE BIOSCOPE September 9, 1931 First National’s Busy Season Big Product for Early Trade Show A line-up of pictures that promises to mark a new high level of excellence in First National’s Burbank output is now being prepared for the ensuing year. Although several very powerful films have already been shown to the trade both in London and the Provinces, those in a position to know are aware that these constitute only a proportion of the impressive productions in hand, and for which early trade showings are to be fixed. Two of the oldest established and most successful stars of the company’s contingent launch the new year year product with important pictures. Richard Barthelmess is forcefully cast in the drama of newspaper life, " The Finger Points,” and is followed by Dorothy Mackaill, who can always be trusted to provide a good performance, in the ultra-modern drama " Party Husband.” Douglas Fairbanks, Junr., whose ability has prompted the company to promote him to a fullv-fledged star, is seen in the absorbing romance by A. Hamilton Gibbs, " Chances,” which was so heartily applauded at its trade show. The return of Doris Kenyon into the new medium of the ” talkies ” has also raised the widest interest, and it is a foregone conclusion that this popular star of silent days will quickly regain her great prestige. In " The Bargain ” she is seen opposite Lewis Stone in a domestic comedy, which nevertheless proves her worth as a valuable addition to the sound screen. All sides agree that Joe E. Brown’s newest comedy, " Broad Minded ” sees the wide-mouthed one at his best. The stirring spy romance, “ Men of the Sky,” by the famous collaborators Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach, who have together created many musical comedy successes, features Jack Whiting and Irene Delroy. Dorothy Mackaill makes another very welcome return in " The Reckless Hour,” which has won appreciation both for the engrossing nature of its story and its forceful acting. The distinguished supporting cast is headed by Conrad Nagel, Walter Bvron, and H. B. Warner. The above pictures that have been set for release in the opening months of the new year, in the order given, are followed by a further strong array of productions, and we may look forward to early trade shows of starring vehicles for all First National principal stars. Of outstanding importance is the new Walter Huston drama, " The Ruling Voice ” — for trade show to-morrow (Thursday) , at the Prince Edward, at 8.45 p.m. — which sets out to give a throbbing expose of the methods used by dishonest business men to force up the prices of essential commodities. Yet another starring picture for Douglas Fairbanks, Junr., is heralded in " I Like Your Nerve,” which is the story especially written for the star by the famous English author, Roland Pert wee. As in “ Chances,” the star will be supported by an exceptionally strong supporting cast, including Loretta Young, Edmund Breon, Henry Kolkar, and Claude Allister. The story of this romance takes place in a South American country. This picture will be trade shown at the Prince Edward Theatre on Thursday, September 17th, at 3 p.m. Richard Barthelmess will be seen in another outstanding picture by the author of “ The Dawn Patrol,” when his latest, " The Last Flight,” is presented. The drama deals with a group of aviators who, when hostilities have ceased, go in search of a good time in Paris and Lisbon, taking a girl with them as their mascot. David Manners, Helen Chandler, Walter Byron, Elliott Nugent, John Mack Brown, and other important names are in the cast. The London trade show of this picture has been fixed for Thursday, September 24th, at 3 p.m., at the Prince Edward Theatre. The success achieved by the brilliant child actor Leon Janney in " Father’s Son ” is a reminder that his next picture, " Penrod and Sam,” will prove an even greater hit. Based on the world-famous child study by Booth Tarkington, who also created "Father’s Son,” many people will call to mind that a silent version of this picture was immensely popular some years ago. " Penrod and Sam ” concerns the pranks and adventures of a small boy, and the human side of the character has, it is understood, been brought into excellent relief. William Beaudine, who made such a success of the silent picture, is the director. This subject is due for trade show at the Prince Edward Theatre on October 1st, at 8.45 p.m. The list of titles to follow this big attraction include the very important drama “ The Honour of the Family,” adapted from the novel by Honore de Balzac. This will mark Bebe Daniels’ initial picture for First National in the new season’s batch. Joe E. Brown stages a come-back in " Local Boy Makes Good,” while another Edward G. Robinson drama, " The Honourable Mr. Wong,” sees the star in a Chinese role. Production is already in hand for this picture, which is based on an unproduced David Belasco play. Men Women Love Sterling’s Cruze Picture Sterling are to give a special presentation of " Men Women Love,” directed by James B. Cruze, adapted from a play by Edward B. Sheldon, author of " Romance." “ Men Women Love ” is a story of a woman’s regeneration of the man she loves. Sterling claim that James Cruze’s sensitive direction of " Men Women Love ” brings to talking pictures " an artistry truly different, a stupendous achievement which proclaims him the master director of the screen.” A special show for Trade and Press has been arranged for Wednesday next, September 16th, at 8.45 p.m., at the Prince Edward Theatre. R.C.A. Aboard “ Homeric ” Wilcox’s Schneider Show R.C.A. Photophone’s portable equipment installed recently aboard the Homeric, the giant White Star vessel which will form the official grand stand of the Royal Aero Club during the Schneider Trophy Race, will project a film programme, including Herbert Wilcox’s new picture, to the company aboard at the conclusion of the Air Race on Saturday next. The Homeric is one of a fleet of four White Star vessels equipped with R.C.A. Photophone portable reproducers, the other three being the Britannic, Majestic and Olympic. The Cunard liner Berengaria also is equipped with R.C.A. Richard Barthelmess is supported by Helen Chandler, Walter Byron, David Manners, Elliott Nugent and Johnny Mack Brown in First National’s picture “ The Last Flight,” to be trade shown at the Prince Edward Theatre on Thursday, September 24, at 3 p.m.