“WOMAN TRAP”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 916, 8 March 1930, Page 15

“WOMAN TRAP”

STIRRING DETECTIVE DRAMA THRILLS AT MAJESTIC Dan Malone was too good a fellow to be a- really good detective. At least that is what his friends told him. Then he started in and cleaned up the city, arresting his girl's brother, whom he sent to the gallows, and his own brother. “Woman Trap," the picture screened at the Majestic last evening 1 , shows the complications that confront a guardian of the Law when a member of his own family is on the other side. Detective-Sergeant Dan Malone was [an easy-going, happy-go-lucky young fellow until an accident, which indi- | rectly resulted through his brother’s associations with a boot-legging gang, was the cause of his mother losing her sight. Hay Malone, implicated in a bootlegging expedition, shoots a Federal detective, but makes his escape. Dan leads his mother to believe that he is dead. Later ay returns and in avoiding arrest kills a man. In cleaning up the city, Malone captures his girl’s brother, wanted for a bomb outrage. He is hanged, and the girl, seeking revenge, sets a trap for Malone, planning so that Malone will be placed in the position of having to arrest his own brother. However, she is not aware that Ray Malone has killed a man, merely thinking he is wanted for a hold-up job. The trap is well laid, and in company with another detective, DetectiveCaptain Malone captures his own brother. There is a tragic scene when the girl realises what her action has led to. Ray Malone’s mother thinks him dead, and they know that the shock of the discovery would kill her. There seems no way out, until Ray, who has gone under the name of Wilson, finds one with the aid of a revolver bullet. A rather tragic ending is relieved by the fact that his death has brought about a reconciliation between Dan Malone and his girl. A STRONG CAST Evelyn Brent is the girl, and Hal Skelly is the detective, with Chester Morris playing the role of the brother. The picture is well cast, and there is some excellent acting, including a fine character study by Miss Effie Ellsler as the detective’s mother. The story is not unduly prolonged, and with a number of wellconnected and thrilling scenes it never for a moment loses interest. An all-talkie comedy sketch, “Station 8.U.N.K.,” tells of the predicament of a broadcasting director, when Will Rogers, A 1 Jolson and Eddie Cantor, whom he has engaged for a radio entertainment, do not put in an appearance. A very capable and versatile young man offers his services, and his impersonations of the three famous artists create considerable amusement. A clever satire on A 1 Jolson was particularly enjoyable. possibilities of the films in regard to the production of opera were strikingly emphasised with the presentation of the big love scenes from Bizet’s famous opera, “The Pearl Fishers," in which Nadir sings his beautiful song of love to Leila, the priestess. The singing is excellently reproduced. An entertaining comedy, “Red Headed Hussies,” an interesting film of submarine life, and an orchestral selection featuring a very enjoyable xylophone solo, completed the programme. SUBURBAN THEATRES I Enjoyable films are being presented iat the Thomas A. O’Brien suburban theatres. The Tivoli Theatre, Karangahape ; Road, will present tonight the talking comedy, “They Had to See Paris,” 1 starring Will Rogers, also a number of : short talkie features. At the Rialto Theatre, Newmarket, and the Regent Theatre, Epsom, are i “Three Sinners," starring Pola Negri, 1 and “Strong Boy," comedy-drama, i starring Victor McLaglen. At the Brittannia Theatre, Three Lamps, the talkie, “A Dangerous Woman," a drama of Africa, starring Clive Brook and Olga Baclanova, is being screened. The Theatre Royal, Kingsland, is ; showing, “The Sin Sister,” a drama of Alaska .starring Josephine Dunn and Nancy Carroll, also “New Year’s Eve,” a story of New York’s underworld, | starring Mary Astor.