AT THE ORPHEUM

The capabilities of Edward G. Robinson as an actor are well known. In this picture the audience is provided with an excellent opportunity to decide which they prefer: Mr. Robinson the hero, or Mr. Robinson the gangster-villain. For in this picture Mr. Robinson is both. The story concerns itself with the adventures of a poor, harmless, rabbit-like clerk when it is discovered that he bears an astonishing resemblance to the escaped killer and big shot, Mannion, Both paris are played by Mr. Robinson. Jean Arthur, who has seldom shone very brightly in the stellar firmament of Hollywood, gives an excellent, performance as an easy-going, devil-may-care sort of girl who knows that in the long run the cards are stacked in her direction. In her acting she reveals a sense of humor that should take her far. The picture does not drag, although it is a long show and is very ably directed.

If one's taste is sufficiently high or sufficiently low the other part of this program ought to be a source of considerable enjoyment. The impressario-virtuoso. Mr. Calloway brings his well known midnight growls, quavers, and rhythm to Boston with the usual bevy of cafe au-lait skinned "danseuses" and hoofers who maintain that especial negro poker-face and stiff shoulders while their feet execute the most fantastic feats of time and space. All the performers get very hot de musico and de facto and the band fades out to the well known dirge of Minnie the Moocher leaving the audience to its inane exhilaration and to possible neurosis.