Critical Moments

Despite the number of cinema holdovers—witness “The Gay Divorcee” as a prime example, picture fans still have a large variety of attractions this week. At the Paramount Joe (Wanna Buy a Duck) Penner rambles through a hodge-podge of non-sense, dancing and singing in a vehicle called “College Rhythm.” He is aided and abetted by the syrupy-voiced Lanny Ross, metallic-rhythmed Lyda Roberti, the slapstick Jack Oakie and a group of lesser performers. Mr. Penner is surprisingly entertaining. Of course, the tunes supplied by Mack Gordon and Harry Revel, especially the “One to Ten” number which is as catchy a song heard in some weeks, helps more than a little.

Fannie Hurst’s novel, “Imitation of Life,” has been made into a picture by Universal and although it was shamlessly conceived to jerk tears, it remains a rather moving and poignant film. The mother-love question, always good for a long weep, has been used with little regard for the wear and tear on handkerchiefs. Claudette Colbert plays the leading role of the young widow torn between love for her daughter and a man, and executes her part with much feeling.

An unusual film is being shown at the Criterion. It is “The Battle,” an adaptation of the novel by Claude Farrere. Leon Garganoff is presenting the picture in this country after great success with it abroad. It is well-played by Charles Boyer and Merle Oberon, who portray the roles of two Japanese. Boyer, as the husband, is so intent on furthering the welfare of the Japanese nation that he sacrifices not only his honor but that of his wife. His tragic ending is a logical conclusion to a gripping and sensitively-made and acted film.

OTHER CINEMA NOTES

George Cohan, who has become an institution of the stage, may be seen in “Gambling,” at the Mayfair. This is a film based on his own mystery melodrama in which he played some years ago. It is a Fox Film produced by Harold B. Franklin. It is a story of a New York gambler who is a friendly enemy with a police inspector….

“Life in the Congo,” a detailed camera study of the tribal customs of the Congo savages, will be shown for the first time in New York at the Acme Theatre on Thursday. In addition to the human element, there are many scenes taken in the gorilla country. Ben Burbridge, who went into the Kivu jungles, is responsible for the film….

FROM THE LEGITIMATE

Last night Donald Heywood’s Negro operetta of Congo life opened at the Venice Theatre. Violet Heming and William Harrigan are among those in a large mixed-race cast…. Another opening last night was “But Not For Love,” at the Empire. This is one of those little things that tells of life in a small town in Illinois. It is the work of Geraldine Emerson and in the cast you will find, among others, Hortense Alden, Walter N. Greaza, Effie Shannon and Helen Brooks…. Tonight’s openings are two in number: Hatcher Hughes’ “The Lord Bless the Bishop,” at the Adelphi, and “The Saint’s Husband,” at the Belasco…. Tomorrow evening there will also be two new plays: “Gold Eagle Guy,” by Melvin Levy, which will open at the Morosco, and “Revenue With Music,” in which Libby Hollman will sing at the New Amsterdam.

Johann Peter Spaeth, late seventeenth century theological student, embraced Judaism when an incident vividly brought home to him the sufferings of the Jews ### persecution.