The 18th century, which has been the background for so many of our recent films, is again the scene of entertainment at the Fine Arts Theatre this week. The recent trend of events in Germany cannot but increase the interest that is aroused by "Power," also called in book-form, "Jew Suss." Suss as depicted by Conrad Veldt is a pioneer of Jewish emancipation in Germany. Veidt does full justice to the part, which unless capably played, is not an entirely sympathetic one. A man who subjugates every other desire, including that of love, to his desire for power is hardly a lovable character: yet Veidt makes him so. An orchid, or its eighteenth century equivalent, is certainly due Frank Vesper for his performance as the Duke of Wurtemberg, Suss's master. He fits perfectly into the background of Rebecca door-ways and flying cupids. His amorous advisees are suitably unsubtle. Pamela Ostrer is distinctively beautiful in her part as Suss's daughter, but Cedric Hardwick is somewhat disappointing as the rabbi Gabriel. The only other character of importance is Benita Hume, who plays the levitous and licentious Duchess.

The picture was produced in England and is quite one of the best things that has been sent us. There are no great spectacular scenes and so the greatest British bug-bear, cost, has not prevented the production of a really fine picture.

Those for whom historical plays and the Jewish question have no attraction might find it worth their while to see the final hanging scene, which is one of the most graphic and complete yet shown it motion-pictures.

The program is backed up by an excellent Walt Disney. "The Old China Shop," also by a not quite so excellent Geology-Matherism and an unforgettably display of "Percussion" . . . Also, a speech on adult education: presumably this does not apply to college students.