Indianapolis Times, Volume 34, Number 158, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 November 1921 — Page 6

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O’NEILL PLAY PRESENTED TO BROADWAY Pauline Lord Wins Honor in ‘Anna Christie’ Cast—Billie Burke Returns to Stage. N. Y. THEATRICAL NEWS Special to Indiana Dally Times and Philadelphia Public Ledger. By GILBERT SELDES. MEW YORK, Nov. 12.—1 swore, but, as Omar asked, was I sober when I swore? I promised last week to catalog end sort out the chief plays of the season so far, to be guide and press agent and friend. But did I know that with two holidays In the week the canny producers would fling more than half a dozen openings upon me? (forgive the apparent egotism of that; some of them even forgot to Invite me) in the first nights of|he week, with more for the remainder. I did not. Not since Armistice night a year ago have I ben invited to see a play on a holiday; yrt such was the pressure of events that even this happened. I withdrew for a moment the critical resume. Here, with the help of a faithful helper, is some indication of what happened last week, with a preliminary note on n play only mentioned the week before.

“Anna Christie” Is the name of It; Eugene O’Neill is the author; Arthur Hopkins has put Pauline Lord Into the name part: Robert Edmond Jones contrived—or I should say more accurately, imagined—a fog scene for it. And. what will make It more Important to many who have admired Mr. O’XeiU's •‘Talents” and hare not been able to bear the grim and undeviating tragedy of his other plays, it has a certain number of lighter touches and ends, within limits, happily. That is to aay, it ends with the two young people in It accepting each other, while the girl’s father, lookihg over bis little barge, only allows himself to wonder. The play ought really to settle the question of the happy ending for a great many people. If a happy ending can make a play popular, while the rest of the play is serious—and that is what is generally believed—" Anna Christie" will have its popularity. , Otherwise it will continue to attract interest for its excellent qualities. It is acted with much restraint—the Hopkins habit—and Pauline Lord, who most subtly suggests the second generation of Scandinavian parents in America, holds most of the tricks. 999 I do not know whethr Miss Billie Burke has ever played in a piece by Booth Tnrkiugton before. Her two principals. Alfred Lunt and Glenn Hunter must know Mr. Tarkington's mind pretty fully by this time. They are together in "The Intimate Strangers,” a play more in the manner of "Clcrcnce” and "Seventeen” than in that of, say “Poidekin.” ! (t is for the most part straight. light comedy with those particular nuisances j about youth, which Mr. Tarkington has j made altogether his own. Miss Burke . hss a grateful part for an actress of courage; for she has to play older than her part much of th-> time and then dazzle with youth at Just the right moment. Mr. Lnnt is the other stranger—the two meeting at a desolate railway ■ sia.ion. Frances Howard, playing the yart of a niece to Miss Burke, has Glenn Ilunter in attendance, and her ever so modern flapper tactics against the sup- I posed maturity <>f her aunt's finMee, j forms the structure of the comedy. In the end the generations pair off successfully; there is enough to go round, in any case. But as in "Clarence” the ending doesn’t matter; high spirits, gently malicious observation and good humor carry the day. Having said good hutnor. what is one to say of "The Perfect Fool,” which Ed ; Wynn presents and claims to be and is? : His new show and he himself are a fairly fresh development of irresponsibility, in comparison with the .Toison show it is, tightly knit and well constructed. Wynn I provides. He has furnished the words and the music and the fun; he has a : large and active caste of principals. His j humor is quite mad and irresistible. "The Great Way” is a dramatization of a novel which is not in the best seller class, but which is Interesting, apart from itself, because it represents the return to book publishing of Mitchell Keniierley. No sooner had Mr. Kennerley published this, book by Horace Fish than it was dramatized (by Helen Freeman in collaboration with the author) Miss Freeman plays the principal part, that of a young Spanish woman who has a long and laborious climb before becoming a great operatic singer. The play has dramatic posslbili'ies not fully exploited and had the disadvantage of opening in

AMUSEMENTS. I BERT BAKER,, ' % "PREVARICATION 11 C|lT||l( % CLARA HOWARD WiW i 1 if€ li M ORIGINAL SONGS Wb *4? m Had £u 11 AND OAN'CES fjl F ;vm SROADWA/5 MUSICAL COMEDYSM i * W THEIR NEW OFFERING-- A Ednn—Pierce & GotT—Hazel . I“L * l\l Artistic Musical Entertainers COM 3! N A HON OF A Fantastic Spectacle \\ ltli coMgy /I| j JjL 1

WITH PLAYS INDIANAPOLIS IS TO SEE

fger. wm Upper Left—Bert Baker and wife, at B. F. Keith's next week. MBaPMZPBrewgBBBi * * * k * . j Second Upper From Left—Nancy Gibbs, prlma donna with “The Whirl ffi Vnotber O'Neill play. “The Straw.” jSB of New York,” opening Monday night at the Murat. 1 B ’‘ l ' 1 ' Bt ■ld.'d to the necessities of the oeoa- Bn WM 9&t * Third From Upper Left—Dale Winter, who sings the chief role In * mats. KA* n and postponed its opening Follow- KtA %, ' X "Irene” at the Murat, opening Monday night Nov. 21. BJ CVT ra WJ S sL JA vr~ w-jr*-• Lm *y ***? ** *•*•-<• n,vil airs, if i have not mentioned it be ife . / v,l Lower Left—Helen St. l.eger, with Earney Bernard, In “Two Blocks %AiJCW?I£ ***•***- •e, let me remark that at the Neigh- '* T T Away.” opening at English’s Monday night Nov. 21. VV (UiC.l'A FIR rhood playhouse on the east side is ySgWjQfc| .. ’ Lower Right — Verna Merceru, in “Re-Incarnation,” a dar.ee drama at - 11 *' ng presented for the first time in the Lyric next week. f*Oft/IR/lPk leriea a serious and intensely interest- ~ jg Lv/IVIIfI C.P r piay by Granville Barker. It has cheek on conditions as they exist In the 1 patriotism and distributing These visual 3 t ig been available in print and no |fc | |BRB ■ motion picture world today. | messages to theaters, schools, enliven 9 £ Z 4 Jfpiid MBH ontim.ed on I a„e 'even.) L^jjEKsifflKlilKßlSS j--. * - “The only remedy that Beeniß feasible . tlons, clubs, community centers and 3 '• rt f • -. Ktfawssaiiai isiiii ■■TiKiWiti.e | nn H nrscticsi is tn m*'Mne through every other channel where Voter- ■ It. fSVfcjt

New York without a previous tryout ou the road. Bessie Barriscale, long the bright star of Triangle and later of other pictures, "returned to the speaking stage” In “The Skirt,” for me It was not a return, for, as I remember, I had seen her there seven years ago and more. It is comedy she is now playing; not the grave, troubled roles she is wont to be in the moving pictures and in this comedy she enjoys vast poplarity. * • • A thing I do not recall having seen before in the "business” of “Hamlet” was introduced by Mr. Sothera in the I scene of his “Get thee to a nunnery, go,” with Miss Marlowe. When Hamlet asks, ; "Where is they father?” and Ophelia : says that Folonius is at home, Mr. j Sothern has so arranged that he catches sight of Polonius over Ophelia’s head; and he turns suddenly With swift anger, realizing that even she is faithless and the instrument of his enemies. It Is very effective. In general, of course, the production is similar to the Sothern-Marlowe productions of before—productions which hare been amazingly successful on tour, and which will continue here for the rest of this month. Rowland Buckstone is, as he has been for long, a wonderful gravedigger. * * * Another O'Neill play. “The Straw,” yielded to the necessities of the occasion and postponed its opening. Following that precedent, I must withhold even comment upon tho of the week’s affairs. If I have not mentioned it before, let me remark that at the Neighborhood playhouse on the east side Is being presented for the first time In America a serious and intensely interesting play by Granville Barker. It has long been available in print and no (Continued on Fage Seven.)

In The Land oj- Make Be 1 ieve By WALTER D. HICKMAN

The work of Harry Levey of the Harry Levey Service Corporation of New York, is attracting much attention following his efforts to nke educational films of an appealing nature. He has just announced a Nation-wide motion picture campaign of such a vital nature that I am devoting this space today in interest of Mr. Levey. A public spirited movement has been started for the purpose of filming the story of the United States showing every section, its advantages, attractions, resources and opportunities, ffn addition the films will show the best method to harness together all economic, educational and business forces in order to promote good living, good roads, better rail and inland water transportation and will be used to promote each and every beneficial movement that will tend to make our American States, counties and towns better communities in which to live. The Harry Levey Service Corporation has been engaged to produce these pictures and already a competent staff Under the personal direction of Mr. Levey has started work on the first of the series. The pictures are to be released through the exchanges of the National Non-Theatrical Motion Pictures, Inc. Each State will have Its separate and distinct-organization under the direction of a competent man and will be affiliated with the parent organization which will conduct an educational Nation-wide campaign for the State. Each State will .he divided into regional zones, each zone to comprise (not to exceed! ten counties, geographically located, the exploitation

of those interests will b of the greatest benefit to the counties and communities of the State covered. The Regional Film Service will send to each regional zone of the State (entitled to Regional Film Service) its motion picture directors and operations and an educational motion picture reel of not less than 1,000 feet will be produced. Motion picture reel to be devoted to said regional zone of the State, portraying for the screen tho advantages, attractions, resourdl>s and opportunities that said regional Stats zone offers to boniesc kers, investors, tourists, industrial interests and the public at large. Educational motion pictures will portray for the screen the advantages, attractions and recources of said regional zone, carrying a message and telling a hitman interest story to millions of people throughout the United States that they may know their State. Judge John It. Davies of New York City, prominent in public affairs, a prominent educator, and one of the bestknown judges in the country because of his decisions in tenant landlord cases, is chairman of the directing committee for the State of New York, and will appoint the regional chairmen at once. Judge Davies, hi speaking of this movement. said: “It's a wonderful idea for which there can only be the heartiest commendation. There has been much said of censorship, but censorship goes against the grain of patriotic and sincere American citizens. Yet those who believe in clean, wholesome entertainment realize that censorship provides an unsatisfactory though seemingly needed

INDIANA DAILY TIMES, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1921.

Upper Lest —Bert Baker and wife, at B. F. Keith's next week. Second Upper From Left—Nancy Gibbs, prima donna with "The Whirl of New York,” op*njng Monday night at tho Murat. Third From Upper Left—Dale Winter, who sings the chief role in "Irene” at the Murat, opening Monday night, Nov. 21. Upper Right—Gertrude Ralston, In “Lid Lifters,” at the Park next week. Lower Left—Helen St. I_eger, with Barney Bernard, In “Two Blocks Away,” opening at English’s Monday night, Nov. 21. Lower Right—Verna Merceru, in “Re-Incarnation,” a dar.ee drama at the Lyric next week.

check on conditions as they exist In the motinu picture world today. "The only remedy that seems feasible and practical Is to do something constructive in tho way of providing better pictures. The public wants films with meat and substance, and such a film can be both educational and entertaining. No country lias a more Inspiring history, nor one that lends itself better to the screen. Where you find more romance, more thrilling feats of action than in the story of the early settlers or more ideall - than shown by the United .States in tb last two wars in which though we were victors we played fair with tho vanquished and asked no spoils? Histories may make dry reading but. a film woven around tho life of Abraham Lincoln, showing where and how ho lived, his struggles and the hardships he overcame would have sufficient human interest, to make a world wide appeal. The story of the growth and development of a man, a community, a nation can be made an absorbing screen drama. Americans should take a great interest in their own history and industries. I know of no way which will accomplish this more effectively than a scries of film ns Mr. Levey proposes to make, building region by region in all parts of tho United States, pictures depicting American life. American business and American social, economic and educational forces, carrying through them all the Ideals of.

last TAYJ.OR HOLMES —prices—--2 TIMES IN Mat.. 50 to SI.OO today “SMOOTH AS SILK” Nitc, 50c to $2.00 FNfil KITQ LIIVILIWII V Matinee Wed. SEATS HEADY THURSDAY CHARLES DILLINGHAM Presents Barney Bernard (Os “Abe Potash” Fame) AMERICA’S GREATEST CHARACTER ACTOR IN “Two Blocks Away” AARON HOFFMAN’S BEST COMEDY Nights, 50c to $2.00 Only Matinee Wednesday, 50c to $1.50 3 DAYS COM. THANKSGIVINg"mAt" SAM H. HARRIS Presents GRANT MITCHELL OF “A TAILOR-MADE MAN” FAME IN “THE CHAMPION” A COMEDY KNOCKOUT PRICES: NIGHTS 50c to $2.00 THANKSGIVING and SAT. MATS. 50c to $1.50 SEATS READY NOV. 21. MAIL ORDERS*NOW Mon., Tues., Wed.- Nov. 28,29,30- Mat. Wed. The Brightest, Most Picturesque Musical Show of the Season The Right Girl" A creation of tuneful, jingling musical numbers —Direct from 6 months run at Times Square Theater, N. Y. Mail Orders Now. PRICES—Night, 50c to $2.00; Mat., 50c to $1.50. MAIL ORDERS NOW—SEATS NOV. 24.

I patriotism and distributing these visual j messages to theater*, schools, oonven- | tlons, clubs, community centers and through every other channel where American citizens and prospective or potential citizens gather.” Nazimova is not going to desert the screen for the stage. She has thought out anew idea in movie production. I received her plan in the mails this week. I aui using It In full. After many montns of serious thought, during which period Madame Nazimova very carefully weighed In her mind the vario'us inducements offered to her for a return to the spoken drama, the Russian artiste has turned again to the motion picture ns a medium of expression, and will not desert the screen at present, j This is ns it should be. j Os all the motion picture players now 1 before the public Nazimova is perhaps the greatest dramatic artist. To take her art away from the multitude and give it to the selected few who can Journey to the dlles tvhcry she appears, would be a mis take. No doubt Madame Nazimova would he th” last one to take thin view of it. but if is a condition she must not over look, the has endeared herself to millions of admirers throughout the civilized world, and these very admirers would not ■wish for her absence, even for a little while. After debating on a possible successor

to “Camille,” Mr. Charles Bryant, business manager for Nazimova, has decided on a course of action the ramification of which will go far toward advancing •he art of the motion picture. Madame Nazimova’s next picture really will be two pictures, in other words, her next medium will inaugurate anew fashion, and instead of an eight or ten(Contlnued on Page Sevan.)

ALLYmat*' f| CURT Alii la/pgew mitq it 9 \fVC,E.n FIRST TIME IN INDIANAPOLIS M L I EVENINtt-SHaiKSMMnm I if t . ; *' T '■ f \ v 1 •; \ '■ | i L . —V IDO YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY?! THE MESSRS. LEE AND J. J, SHUBERT, THE WORLD’S LARGEST THEATRICAL | PRODUCERS, PRESENT THEIR LATEST AND GREATEST NEW YORK WINTER GARDEN SPECTACLE I “THE WHIRL OF NEW YORK” A Stupendous Carnival of Mirth, Melody and Merry Maids in Cy MASTODONIC ry COLOSSAL -J Qf- CLEVER PEOPLE HEADED BY dmt ACTS . / SCENES 1 A WORLD RENOWNED CAST AT THE FOLLOWING PRE-WAR LOW PRICES

1000 SEATS NIGHT OR LESS MONDAY I 1 406 SEATS AT $2.00-A FEW AT $2.50 Bargain Matinees Wednesday and Saturday 2000 Seats at from 50c to $1.50 REMEMBER THIS IS A REAL WINTER GARDEN SHOW WITH THIS GIGANTIC GALAXY OF STARS NANCY GIBBS ROY CUMMINGS CLARENCE HARVEY KYRA J. HAROLD MURRAY CARL JUDD FLORENCE RAYFIELD BARD AND PEARL BILLY SHAW ROSIE GREEN PRUCELLA BROTHERS DOLLY DEMPSEY 4 FLORENCE SCHUBERT TEDDY WEBB AND A VERITABLE ARMY OF SNAPPY BEAUTIFUL WINTER GARDEN GIRLS f | SEATS NOW SELLING-2 BOX OFFICES—THEATRE AND MERCHANTS HEAT AND LIGHT CO. f COMING STARTING NOVEMBER THANKSGIVING ATTRACTION ■ ru- Seat Sale Thursday 9A. IVI. 1 WEEK MONDAY EVE. 21 -mailordersnow-1 a THE SMART I An Unparalleled Triumph Extending from New York to London, Australia and the Orient •mm rn nrnnnr Tim/rm nu mu Address letters, make checks, postoffice money orders payable to Shubert-SSrrssfc HOW TO SECURE TICKETS BY MAIL: Theatre. Al>l> 10 PER CUNT WAR. TAX TO PRICE TICKET DESIRED. Include self-addressed stamped envelope. r ; jfjSj j, . DDI^TC I Evening: Orchestra, $2.50, $2.00; Balcony, 2 rows, $1.50; Balcony, 6 rows, $1.00; Balcony, rEiIVLVi 6 rows, 500. P siar Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) Matinee, Orchestra, $1.50; Balcony, 500 and SI.OO. ** ..urday IWatinee, Orchestra, $2.00, $1.50; Balcony, 50c, 75c, SI.OO, Plus Tax.

Shuberts Send Biggest Show to Murat Monday ‘Whirl of New YorkWith Great Cast, to Play All. Week —Musical Comedy Act at Lyric . WATSON SISTERS AT B. F. KEITH'S New life will be given to the local theatrical season when “The Whin of New York” opens a week’s engagement at the Murat on Monday night. The Shriners have taken the house for the opening night, but all other performances are open to the public. Interest also centers upon a special matinee to be given Tuesday after; noon at 3 o’clock by Kyra, the dancer with “The Whirl of New York,” for the women of Indianapolis by special arrangement with the Indiana Dally Times.

'A coupon will be found elsewhere In | this issue admitting only women to this i matinee at the Murat Tuesday afternoon. ! Fanny and Kitty Watson will be the] headliners at Keith's next week. The Lyric will feature “Last Night,” a musical comedy. The Park will present Lew Talbot’s “Lid Lifters” next week. WINTER GARDEN SHOW OPENS AT MURAT. “Tho Whirl of New York.” thirty-first big attraction to be produced by the New York Winter Garden, will be the offering at the Murat Theater for one week beginning next Monday night. And of the thirty colossal entertainments that hare preceded it, this one is the first to depart from the revue and extravaganza type for which the Winter Garden has become famous. “The Whirl of New York,” is a musical comedy with a real plot running through its entire action. This departure seems to have filled a, desire on the part of the Winter Garden followers for a change in style, for even "the tired business man” becomes surfeited with one kind of amusement diet just the same as he tires of one kind of pastry. “The Whirl of New York” tells a real story fuU of love interest and comedy.

AMUSEMENTS.

And its score is filled with a variety of musical gems which run the gamut from the modern “jazz” and smart topical songs to the good old-fashioned ballad so popular in the good old days before the war. And it is in these older songs that the public seems to find its great delight. They are of the tunefal and mnsieianly order that makes them impressive and easily remembered and at every performance the audience leaves the theater whistling and humming their catchy refrains. There are two big acts and seven scenes in “The Whirl of New York.” Where do the Messrs. Shubert get so many youthful and beautiful choristers? One would think that with the vast number of girls constantly used in their many musical shows that the supply would be exhausted. But it seem* to be inexhaustible. There are fifty or more .of these beauties in “The Whirl of New York” and even more care than usual has been necessary in this case as each girl must possess a good singing voicei. A cast of more than ordinary excellence has ben engaged for “The Whirl of New York” and includes Roy Cummings, Nancy Gibbs, J. Harold Murray, Bard (Continued on Page Seven.)