GAMBLER’S LUCK

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1039, 1 August 1930, Page 15

GAMBLER’S LUCK

“STREET OF CHANCE” AT MAJESTIC THE LURE OF GAMING The most successful gambler in all New York . . . and yet, when he sat in to the greatest game of his life, with his own brother, he lost his most valued possession—his honour. THE hectic excitement ami glamour of the Jives of those who exist by staking their all on tho flip of a card or the roll of the dice, is realistically portrayed in “Street of Chance,” ti e Paramount production which opened the new picture week at the Majestic Theatre last evening.

The flashy, gilded aristocracy of the underworld of America’s greatest city are the principals in the theme. Cheap “sports,” gamblers who prey on “lambs,” foolish youths who simply crave to Jose money in a big game, are shown in their true colours.

Greatest of all gamblers, “Natural” Davis, Broadway’s most successful and daring professional, is looked upon as the squarest man who ever backed his luck. His honour and integrity stand high with the punters from San Francisco to the Atlantic seaboard And “Natural” Davis expects the square deal from those with whom he plays him there is no mercy Such is his stern code toward tho;,e who play the games of chance. SECRET GAMBLER

Wliile lie makes his living at the gambling tables, ho is educating a younger brother at University, but his heart almost stops when he finds that his younger brother is a secret gambler, intent upon getting into games where the stakes are high.

Risking his domestic happiness and sacrificing his reputation for straight playing, Davis completely ciyes his younger brother of the habit. Tense situations, dramatic developments and intriguing surprises follow fast upon each other in a picture that is crowded with incident. The final bet made bv Davis —a winning one—is the most dramatic and surprising of any of his career.

William Powell as Davis plays the part of the cool, debonair gambler to perfection, his interpretation of a difficult role leaving nothing to be desired. Regis Toomey, who is a newcomer to the screen, ably plays tne part of the younger brother gripped by the gambling fever, while the chief feminine part, that of Davis’s wife, is admirably handled by Kay Francis Other prominent players are Jean Arthur, Stanley Fields, Brooks Benedict and Betty Francisco. There are splendid supporting p‘ctures, too. A Universal News, showing many interesting things all over the world, is admirably described by the talking reporter. The troubles of n spider’s life when there is a slump in the fly market is shown in a delightful cartoon novelty, “'Wise Flies.” Two other comedies, “For Dove or Money” end “Getting a Ticket.” are shown also “Getting a Ticket” features Eddie Cantor, the famous New York comedian, at his best in a delightful “speeding” sketch.