“THE SHINING HOUR,” by Keith Winter, directed by Raymond Massey, setting by Aubrey Hammond, produced by Max Gordon at the Booth Theatre with the following cast: Judy Linden Adrianne Allen Hannah Linden Marjorie Fielding Henry Linden Cyril Raymond Mickey Linden Derek Williams Mariella Linden Gladys Cooper David Linden Raymond Massey
During the past few weeks the casual observer must have thought that theatrical producers were trying to demonstrate the ease with which money can be lsot by opening and then quickly closing plays. Max Gordon, who produced “The Shining Hour” at the Booth, is an exception. He has a hit, a show that is going to play to the happy rustle of currency across the box-office grill.
Keith Winter, a young man of England, is responible for this deviation from the usual fate meted out to plays this season. Out of simple faterial, the love of one woman for two men, he has fashion a sincere, intelligent play of life on an English “county” farm that is one of the most moving tragedies of the season. It concerns the Linden family, patrican farmers who are interested not only in crops but in hunting, society and the arts. The eldest son, when the play opens, is happily married to a beautiful and thoroughly charming lady. An old-maid sister with a sharp tongue and a younger brother complete this menage. All is serene until another brother who has been abroad, returns to the far maccompanied by his wife (Gladys Cooper). She enters with that calm which precedes a storm and the hurriacne that she unloosens by her actions causes havoc indeed. The oldest son falls in love with his brother’s wife and when the household, well aware of what has happened tries to straighten itself out, theauthor, by cutting bare the emotional reactions of his characters, leads the play to its logical and convincing conclusion.
The company is English. Gladys Cooper, gives an admirable performance, confirming the high opinion with which this actress is held in England. Raymond Massey as David, the elder brother, plays his part the with sincerity, tact and restraint. As the spinster sister, Marjorie Fielding is able to resist thetemptation to overplay her part. Adrienne Allen who is the understanding wife of the elder brother, is also to be praised for her talents. The comparatively simple parts given to Cyril Raymond and Derek Williams are acted with understanding and intelligence.
“This Shining Hour” has everything a play should have. It is well acted, finely directed and sensitively written. It is here to stay.
‘THUNDER OVER MEXICO’
Serge Eisentein’s epic picture of Mexico recently shown hereabouts, in what was regarded by many as a garbled version, is to be further cut up. Sol Lesser, who has taken over the film, announces that the several thousand feet of film left after showing the picture, will be recut and shown in the form of scenic shorts.
EXHIBIT RUSSIAN COLLECTION
A feature in connection with the showing of the film “Catharine The Great” at the Astor Theatre will be a display in the lobby of one of the finest collection of Russian treasures of the eithteenth century. The treasures are from the Hammer colletion.
BERMAN’S ‘DIVORCE’
Pandro Berman, who has recently returned from abroad, is preparing to film the London success “Gay Divorce.” Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire will play the leading roles and Helen Broderick appears in an important part.
GAXTON AT PARAMOUNT
William Gaxton and Victor Moore, the president and vice-president, respectively, of “Let Them Eat Cake” and “Of Thee I Sing,” will be seen in a short version of these plays on the stage of the Paramount beginning next Friday.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
