Rivoli, Film: "Topsy and Eva"

(United Artists)

  The more or less amusing musical, Topsy and Eva, with the Duncan Sisters (Rosetta and Vivian), has been transplanted to the screen as a more or less amusing picture. A lot of laughs are to be found in the cavortings of Rosetta Duncan as little Topsy, with expert direction of comedy scenes making up for the dialog that was found in the stage version. Both the Duncans screen well and find themselves quite at home before the camera. They are the entire picture, but shoulder the responsbility exceedingly well, with the result one cannot find any serious complaint with their first effort in noiseless entertainment.

  The direction, by Del Lord, is ingenious in many ways and more than able considering the difficulty of shaping Topsy and Eva into a motion picture story without perpetrating the usual banalities. The supporting cast is unimportant but good, and the titles and photography are in good taste.

  Be not afraid to book Topsy and Eva. It will delight old and young. United Artists may exact its customary "fancy" price for the picture, but considering everything, it is worth no more than the program pictures from competitive companies.

  The Duncan Sisters appear on the stage in connection with the film sans Topsy and Eva makeup, offering a number of comedy songs, expertly sold. They are without support in their presentation and some of their numbers are a little silly, but on the whole one's time is not ill spent in watching and listening to them.