Critical Moments

When a literary character is created on the screen, one of his inevitable attributes seems to be his delightful ability to attract women. He may be homely, selfish, uncouth, or even dashing, it matters little; you just know that every woman with whom he comes in contact will become giddy and yielding at the slightest move of his smallest finger. I suspect this state of affairs exists because of a wish fulfillment on the part of the creator of these author characters. The idea of women falling all over themselves in their desire to please authors is at variance with the facts. Authors, as a general rule, are notoriously unsuccessful in their love affairs, however the myth continues to be carefully nurtured.

The latest variation of this idea may be seen at the ROXY where Paul Lukas plays the part of Gresham, an author in a Universal Picture entitled “Affairs of a Gentleman.” In this vehicle which groans with age, Lukas is portrayed as a man whom woman can’t leave alone. He is pursued, pestered and annoyed by facile females and villain-like takes his fun where he can. Mr. Lukas is more familiar to screen fans in less robust roles. He is a quiet gent and is usually seen playing parts where he can be kindly and chivalrous to the girls, but in “Affairs of a Gentleman” he must carry on his nefarious deeds and does so with what seems to be some reluctance

THE WAGES OF SIN

It must be reported that as a philanderer our villain is too successful and when one of his lady friends commits suicide because of her unrequited love, her husband very promptly uses a pistol with deadly effect on the author. In presenting this unhappy ending the director began at the end and worked forward. The opening scene shows Gresham draped over a desk, lifeless—the remainder of the film then traces the events that lead up to this fatal posture.

Paul Lukas has been playing the role of a gentleman too long. He is unable, try as he might, to get any real villainy into his part but even at that he manages to give a fairly authentic performance. Leila Hyams and Patricia Ellis as two of his more obstreperous girl friends supply the supporting roles with some skill.

“Affairs of a Gentleman” is just another moving picture.

THE WORLD MOVES ON

Tomorrow evening at the Criteron Theatre Fox Films will present, “with pride,” what they believe is a super-picture called “The World Moves On.” It is described as “The Love Story of a Century” and Madeleine Carroll and Franchot Tine are the featured players. Winfield Sheehan, ace Fox director, is the producer and John Ford is responsible for the directing. It will be shown twice daily after tomorrow evening’s premier.

NEWS REEL

President Roosevelt dominates the news reel at the Embassy this week. He is seen in a variety of places and poses, but he is always himself. His acceptance of an honorary degree from Yale University is an impressive spectacle. The humor of the reel may be found in the scenes showing the closing of the seventy-third Congress. It gives you a chance to see how some of our representatives act when they have removed the stuffing from their shirts. General Foulois, U. S. Army Air chief, is given a chance to defend himself from the recent charges made by a committee of Congressmen— he makes a good job of it and seems very sincere.