Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1930)

SAVES YOUR PICTURE TIME AND MONEY The Best Pictures of the Month THE DAWN PATROL OLD ENGLISH MANSLAUGHTER OUR BLUSHING BRIDES ON YOUR BACK RAFFLES THE SINGER OF SEVILLE The Best Performances of the Month Richard Barthelmess in "The Dawn Patrol" George Arliss in "Old English" Ronald Colman in "Raffles" Joan Crawford in "Our Blushing Brides" Robert Montgomery in "Our Blushing Brides" Claudette Colbert in "Manslaughter" Frederic March in "Manslaughter" Ramon Novarro in "The Singer of Seville" Dorothy Jordan in "The Singer of Seville" Renee Adorce in "The Singer of Seville" Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., in "The Little Accident" Milton Sills in "Man Trouble" Lowell Sherman in "Lawful Larceny" BiUie Dove in "Sweethearts and Wives" William Powell in "For the Defense" Casts of nil photoplays reviewed will be found on page 146 OLD ENGLISH— Warners HERE is a picture you will never forget, and a characterization by Cleorge Arliss so beautiful and flawless it will go down in the gallery of screen immortals. Galsworthy's play, "Old English," was one of the outstanding stage plays of the last decade. It is one of the few perfect e.xperiences of the phonoplays. Now it comes to the screen, dwarfing even "Disraeli." Arliss is superb as the patriarch, Old English, who sits in his office above the Liverpool ship yards, and plots to jirotcct the future of his grandchildren. His manner of accomplishing it is not recommended in boy scout manuals, but the play is distinctly adult matter. Here is acting that transcends mere acting. "Old English" is a rare example of perfect casting. Every minor role stands out as an individual cameo. The cast boasts few well-known names, but you will not miss the faces of favorite players. Betty Lawford is as fresh and lovely as an English springtime as the granddaughter. Ivan Simpson, playing his original role, is particularly fine as the quavering ship owner who connives with "Old English." Doris Lloyd is the improvident daughter-in-law. The picture has gentle humor, biting irony and [jathos. It is one of the screen's great triumphs. Don't miss it. ON YOVR BACK MUCH the best opportunity Irene Rich has had since her talkie comeback. Irene's picture throughout, it reveals her as a stunning woman and splendid actress. As the ambitious dressmaker who fights her way from a tiny shop in the slums of New York to an exclusive establishment on Fifth Avenue, Irene offers the best characterization of her career. The story is based on the actual life of a New York dressmaker who became internationally famous. Scenes in the.si(/<i); o{ J ulinu'w include an elaborate mannequin parade. Raymond Hackett, as the adored son, and Alarion Shilling, as a showgirl, contribute love interest. Fine performances are turned in by H. B. Warner and Ilka Chase. Highest honors go to Miss Rich. Irene gets a chance to wear clothes — and how she wears 'cm! RAFFLES— United Artists FOR the purposes of playing a suave and glossy crook^ a thorough rapscallion but ever the perfect English gentleman — the screen has nothing to offer that can touch Ronald Colman. Ronnie proves it in " Raffles. " As the dinner-coated gentleman-thief of London, Colman charms even while he cops the jools. In this exciting story, Ronnie, on the point of reformation for love of Kay Francis, steals Lady Melrose's emeralds to help a pal who needs a thousand pounds at once. Naturally, on his last big job done for love, he is caught. Hut he escapes and leaps off to a new life abroad. To be shared, of course, by Kay. (icorge Fitzmaurice directed with all his usual finesse. Colman is effortless and charming as always, the Francis girl delightful. Great entertainment 1 A talkie that moves! 63