STRAND'S NEW BILL

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 22

STRAND'S NEW BILL

TWO ENTERTAINING FLIMS A wide variety is offered in the double-feature programme at the Strand Theatre, whore ‘ The Mine With the Iron Door ’ and ‘ Stars Over Broadway ’ are being shown. The former is a- picture from another of Harold Belt Wright’s well-known books, and for those who have a liking for his quick-moving tales there will bo no disappointment. Most of the pictures from American studios recently have been placed in the groat cities of the United States, in high society, in hotels, or in gangsters’ dens, so that it comes as a relief when a director has a story to handle which requires practically all out-of-door work. There is something clean and healthy, although perhaps not always comfortable, in the wide open spaces of sunburnt Arizona. This picture is not a Wild West talc of cowboys—good and bad—between whom the eternal fend is still ranging, hut it has the cleaner ami more satisfying thrill of fortune-hunting. Three hundred years ago the abbot and monks of San Capcllo Mission worked feverishly to bury the gold and treasure of the mission as the Indian war drums beat not very far away, and the only clue left is a strangely-marked cross. The treasure is found, but there is a madman in charge of it, and he has a pistol, flown the dark caverns of the mine, with buttering candles at great distances, there takes place the grand finale of the film. The two principals are not confronted with any hard acting in the piece, but both Richard Arlen and Cecilia Parker are adequate in their parts. Music, song, laughter, and a lively theme woven around the adventures of a theatrical agent, are served up in delighful manner in ‘ Stars Over Broadway.’ Pat O’Brien has the part of the agent whom the world has been using roughly, so roughly, in fact, that he is about to go to find another profession when lie hoars the porter at ins hotel singing as he goes about his work. Charmed by what he recognises as a voice with unusual possibilities lie places the youth under contract. James Melton, well known as a radio star in America, has his first screen part, and, as the hotel porter who becomes a singer, ho makes the most of his opportunities. He finds a singing partner in Jane Froman, another recruit from the ranks of radio, and together they feature several numbers, chief among which is ‘ At Your Service. Madame,’ which has as its settings the carpeted halls of a millionaire mansion and the bare boards of an employment agency. Jean Muir, who hitherto lias remained “ silent ” as far as singing is concerned, has a chance to show her talent ami her numbers have a special appeal. With O’Brien she is the pretty complement to an equally pretty romantic interest. Altogether, ‘ Stars Over Broadway ’ is a bright show that simply bubbles over with fun and light-hearted frivolity, and the story succeeds admirably for its. plot and suitability.