Critical Moments

It is some weeks now since “The House of Rothschild,” Twentieth Century Picture production starring George Arliss, opened in London, but from reports from England it is proving one of the most successful pictures in years According to United Artists, which released the film, a record was established on the opening night, when $46,000 was taken in at the box office of the Tivoli Theatre, where the picture is being shown. The entire proceeds of this performance were donated to the Personal Service League and the Fund for German-Jewish Women and Children.

The American ambassador attended the premier, as did Mrs. Anthony de Rothschild, celebrities from the stage and screen and members of British Royalty. Tickets sold for as much as $50 a piece. The London newspapers outdid each other in showering praise upon the acting of Mr. Arliss and the production itself, an unusual procedure for British movie critics, who usually are hard to please when viewing American-made films. Of course the appearance of Arliss in the leading role didn’t hurt the film’s chances in England.

IRISH REBELLION ON SCREEN

The picture companies have a confirmed habit of dodging anything that might offend a political or religious group and I was surprised when Warner Brothers bought the dramatic rights to the English play, “The Key,” which deals with Irish Rebellion in 1916, but after seeing the film as it ran at the Strand with William Powell, Edna Best, J. M. Kerrigan and Colin Clive in the leading roles, I was no longer worried. Warners dodged the issue and used the Sinn Feiner trouble as a background for a typical Hollywood triangle story that might just as well have been about any Civil War you can name. The only thing Irish about it is the fine acting of J. M. Kerrigan of the Abbey Players, who easily steals the acting honors.

ANOTHER TRIANGLE

In substance “The Key” traces happenings in the lives of Captain Tennant (Powell) and Andrew Kerr (Clive). Tennant runs into Kerr in Dublin and finds the latter married to an old “flame,” a girl with whom he had had an affair. Kerr knows nothing about it until his return from a mission against the Sinn Feiners, when he is informed by his wife that she loves Tennant. Out again goes the intrepid Kerr, to be captured by the Sinn Feiners, who hold him as hostage. He is threatened with death but the thoughtful Tennant gets him out of his predicament earns a prison sentence and incidentally gives the lovers a chance to reunite. This, for some reason, pleases Captain Tennant. And that is about all.

William Powell as the dashing, careless army captain doesn’t click in this role. His lines are a bit coy for a robust swaggering soldier and he doesn’t seem happy in the part. Colin Clive is much more real and convinces the audience that he has some idea of what he is supposed to be.

DON JUAN TO BE ‘EXPOSED’ OTHER NOTES

Add to the list of historical cinemas for the coming season “The Private Life of Don Juan.” It will be produced by Alexander Korda, London film producer who did “Henry VIII” and “Catherine the Great.” United Artists will release the picture in this country.