Life — May 24, 1928 — page 27: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

correspondent was su ffering from Blighter's Cramp, and I have only just caught up with it. . I'm glad that I did see “Sadie Thomp- son” at last. It has increased my respect for Gloria Swanson, a star who has not always clicited the unqualified admiration of the critics. Miss Swanson has made a serious, sincere and largely successful effort to bring a great play to the screen, without sacrificing too much of its greatness. To accomptisH this was no mean feat; she first had to overcome the prejudices of Will H. Hays and of all the undesirable elements that Will Hays (whether he likes it or not) represents, Having done this, she confronted the supremely ticklish usk of making the picture itself. “Sadie Thompson” has faults and frail- ties that were not apparent in Somerset Maugham’s story nor in the play, “Rain.” Raoul Walsh's direction is relatively un- inspired. Although Lionel Barrymore does some heroic acting, he is miscast as the religious fanatic—his incurably satanic countenance being too completely out of harmony with the requisite sense of spiritual exaltation, Miss Swanson’s own performance is very uneven. But these faults don’t weigh heavily in the ultimate balance. “Sadie Thomp- son” stands as a fine picture, and a gen- uinely creditable one. Ixcipentatty, “Sadie Thompson” sug- gests. another episode for the Great NokrtH Povar Emety Titreat Trucutent Eskimo: Gawn! I'll knock you cold! American Movie, which is still in process of preparation (the cleven hundredth recl is nearing completion). There will be a scene in the South Seas wherein a strong and upright man is being subjected to the agonies of temptation. His ordeal will not be ac- centuated by views of Samoan natives, humming passionate Kanaka melodies and beating gently on tom-toms in the depths of the tropical night. R. E. Sherwood. The Confidential Guide to current movies will be found on page 26. The Auctioneer Takes a Fling at Auction Bridge “Wext, well, well, your bid, partner! What do I hear? Anything at all to start the ball a-rolling! Come on, speak right up, it’s just a sociable little game. What's that, one Club? Well, that shouldn't stand for long! Who's going higher? One Club is bid. What do I hear? A Spade! Well, we can’t sell it for a Spade. I'll bid two Hearts myself. There you are, la-deez and gen-tel-men, two Hearts! Now what do you say? Two Hearts bid, two— How's that? Two Spades? Fine! Two Spades, are we going to let it go for two Spades? Three of anything beats it. Do I hear three, partner, do I hear three? Three Hearts! Good! Three “Who's the comical little fat gink with the] Hearts, who's going to raise it? Three goofy swing?” Hearts bid. Last chance, folks, going for “That's Clare Briggs, the chap who draws | three Hearts! Three——Beg pardon? Oh, those funny pictures of us golfers.” three Spades. Well, folks, three Spades bid, takes four Hearts to beat ‘em. I'll bid ‘em! Four Hearts. Now! Who'll go higher? Who'll say four Spades? Do I hear four Spades? Four Spades, anybody? Anybody at all, four Spades? Four Hearts are bid. Can't I get four Spades? Going for four Hearts! Your last chance to bid, folks! Four hearts bid and she's going, going, GOING, GONE! SOLD for Pus Hearts! Lead.” C. D. Markley. First Knicut: I challenge you to com- bat. Seconp Knicut: I have decided never to fight again. First: Oh, come on, joust this once. Tue Proressionat. Biro-Catt Imrrator Sounos aN Unrortunate Note comicbooks.com