Indianapolis Times, Volume 34, Number 176, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 December 1921 — Page 7

In The Land of Make Believe By WALTER D. HICKMAN '

In handling a review of a show of the type of "Ladies’ Night,” a reviewer faces two alternatives—one to put a soft pedal on the indecent proceedings or tell the honest truth about the stage filth. In exposing the Indecency of such shows, the reviewer must necessarily face the possibility of being accused c! "press agenting a thow.” That is, some people have the foolish thought that people will dock to a theater If the critics brand the show as "Indecent.” Those who labor under the belief can arouse themselves from such a dream. In the review of "Ladles' Night,” this week in The Times, the reviewer honestly | branded the show as Indecent —that was . the way he felt about it. In giving an honest opinion of this "indecent” and silly show, the man who covered the show did so In following out the policy of this paper to give the honest report on all stage and movie proceedings. Honesty—that Is the highest attribute of dramatic or movie criticism. We have no motive in nrglng people to attend the theater if the reviewer considers a performance of an indecent or unworthy i manner. It is our little job to tell the patrons of the stage and the screen the j truth as we see it. Following the review of "Ladles' Night,” this department has been congratulated by patrons of the theater for "honestly" I handling this attraction. The Indian- . spoils public dtd not “break its neck” to see “Ladies' Night.” From the reports j this department has on the business done j here by this show it was worse than fair. ; The sooner all dramatic writers over the country realize the value of uncontrolled stage and movie criticisms, the sooner the public will come to the theater or the movie showing meritorious productions. We may all differ and differ honestly upon the dramatic value of a play and the manner of presentation, but there can be no difference of opinion on "indecency.” Honest reviews are not press agenting. Received in the mail this week that the readers of “Photoplay Magazine.” during a contest to decide ‘"the finest motion picture” made in 1929, have awarded the honor to “Humoresque.” ' This department, 1n considering movie production of last year, headed its selection of the twelve best movies with “Humoresque.” The Cosmopolitan Productions have made the following anouncement: Two million readers of “Photoplay Magazine” have cast their votes in favor of “Humoresque,” a Cosmopolitan Production, as the finest motion picture product In America In 1920. The December issue of the magazine announces the result of the balloting and the consequent award of a gold medal to Cosmopolitan Productions. The magazine, of which James R. Quirk is editor, congratulates Cosmopolitan Productions and all concerned with the making of “Humoresque.” Early In the year “Photoplay” announced that It would award a gold medal to the company that produced in 1920 the picture that was judged by its readers as tbe best photoplay. Ballots were printed in four successive Issue of the publication and it was not long, the editors said, before their offices resembled an Arctic landscape, so heavy was the return of the oallots. The medal is of solid gold, weighing pennyweight and was executed by Tiffany. The Inscription on the obverse reads: “The Photoplay Magazine Medal.” On the reverse: “Presented to Cosmopolitan Productions by Photoplay Magazine for the production Humoresque, the best photoplay of the year 1920," In announcing its plan to have Its readers vote on the best photoplay of 1920, “Photoplay” gave those qualifications to be considered: Theme, story, direction, acting, continuity, setting and photoplay. In its December issue the magazine, in making known the result of the contest, says: “You, the 2.000,000 reader's of this magazine, constitute the jury for the awarding of lilmdom's Croix de Guerre. You are the judges. The photoplay Is by, of and for the people. It was np to you. “We think you made a wise selection in ‘Humoresque.’ “This picture Is truly great It is an artistic achievement and a popular triumph. Its theme, the universality of motherhood. Its direction, worthy of the beautiful theme. Its acting, exceptional. Its settings, extraordinary. Its continuity, smooth and faithful. Its photography, clear and fine. “To William Randolph Hearst of Cosmopolitan Productions, the producer of ‘Humoresque' Is awarded the first medal of honor, the first presentation of n lasting tribute of significance and artistic value. The medal goes to the producer because no picture can be greater than Its producer. It lakes the producer's faith, foresigh dnes, money and appreciation to make a great picture. Mr. Hearat believed in Fanr.ie Hurst's great short story, which appeared In Cosmopolitan Magazine. He believed In Frank Borzage (the director.; He brought these two together. The result has been seen, wept over and applauded by nearly every one in the world.” • • * Following fast on the public pronouncement by William Jennings Bryan that ”the motion picture Is one of the greatest educational Institutions that man has known" and "there isn't anything good that cannot be taught by motion pictures,” comes the announcement from the national non-theatrical exchanges that good films suitable for schools and churches are In such demand that even now reservations for Christmas programs are being made for such films as "The Fairy and the Waif,” “Holy Night.” “God and the Man,” "I and the Mountain” and others like them. Always on the lookout for films suitable for the nontheatrical exhibitor, Harry Levey has recently added several

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big features to his film library, among them being “Kismet,” nine reels, featuring Otis Skinner; “Joan of Arc,” eight reels, the life story of Joan of Arc; Dicken’s famous classic "Dombey and Son,” in five reels; “Big Happiness,” With Dustin Farnum, five reels, the popular novels, “Diane of the Green Van,” "The Mistress of Shenstone,” “The House of a Thousand Candles,” translated to the screen, and the Brentwood series of wholesome stories of American life, which include “The Heart of Twenty," “Seeing It Through,” “Better Times,” “Bright Skies,” “The Turn of the Road,” “Poor Relations” and “The Third Generation,” five reels each. A remarkable film now available to schools, churches and clubs through the National Non-Theatrical exchanges the thrilling and dramatic screen narrative of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s trip to the Sonth Pole in three reels, entitled “The Bottom of the World,” and showing the good ship Courageous starting out to brave unknown perils to which she finally falls a prey, the great explorer himself and his dauntless men, some of the difficulties they underwent and the strange sights they saw. This film is of Hmely interest because Shaekleton has Just started on a second trip to the South Pole to collect scientific data which will add to the world's knowledge. In contrast to the untamed wildness of “The Bottom of the World,” one of the most noteworthy films in National NonTheatrical's film library, is “The Animal Circus,” a one-reel novelty showing the clever tricks of trained goats, cats, birds, dogs, polar bears and seals and a vaudeville series showing tumbling, acrobatic, sleight-of-hand and dancing acts. Another novelty Him, “Miracles In Mud," shows rough clay taking shape by means of unseen hands. Harry Levey has also acquired for the non-theatrical field a series of ten “Vim” comedies, one reel each, and ten two-reel comedis. The series of twelve unusual and chucklingly funny "shadowgraphs” or animated silhouettes, known as Tony Rarg's almanac, which have convulsed Broadway and entertained old and young, the most critical and the uncritical are now available to churches, clubs and ! schools through the National nontheatrical exchanges. They are just the kind of clean, wholesome, clever* de- | liciously finny one reel film the non- | theatrical exhibitor will hail with delight. Latest additions to “National’s” library of films made primarily for 1 school use are four new Peters’ textfilms subjects—“ The Commonwealth of ! Australia” in two reels, showing glimpses 'of the seven States that com ise Australia, the chief cities, the f wers, the fauna, the industries and th- native Inhabitants; “Industries of the Phllipi pines,” one reel, showing how hemp Is ! grown and prepareu for the market and how copra Is made from cocoanuts; “How Sugar Is Made,” one reel, and j “The Chinese Rep .olle,” one reel. Two reels of Park’s Popular Science ; series just completed are one reel on “Time.” which answers such questions as What Is a meridian? What is sun time? Why are some days longer than others? The ree. on “The Story of the Seasons” shows what causes the change of the seasons a id why we have summer and winter. These are only a few of the more noteworthy films which have recently been added to National Non-Theatrical’s steadily increasing film library.

HINES THANKFUL FOR ADVENT OF TWO NEW PLAYS (Continued From Page Six.) | tile queen. Beginning with her amorous | eonqnests the play runs through the ' troublous times of Louis until the aroused ! populace, following the burning of the i bastille, led by the traitorous Due d’ Orleans, demands the head of Marie. In this act, too, a most realistic mob scene has been staged. It Is a pictorial and nt times Impressive performance, and Miss George and her supporting cast have made It significant. “Suzette.” a musical comedy by Roy Dixon and Arthur Gutman, was presented Ttanksgiving night, thus bringing to an Inglorious close a day wnieh hnil been given over to thanksgiving. “Suzette” Is a mystery, however Judged. And it Is hardly worth the time required to seek an excuse for its presentation. AI.ONG THE RIALTO AND OTHER NEWS. * | “Ambush,” the play that Alan' Dale | said was so good that any one would be i Justified in breaking any engagement to witness It, has been removed to the Belmont from the Garrick Theater with the ; original cast. Bessie Bari scale goes Into rehearsal j shortly with anew comedy. “The Skirt,” ■ln which she lately appeared, has been ; withdrawn. Avery Hopwood’s new comedy, “The Demi Virgin,” is at present the most widely discussed play on Broadway, es- | pecially since A. H. Woods, the prot and jeer, is scheduled to stand trial this . week for presenting an “Immoral” play. The Repertory Theater Is planning a | new season on Broadway. Among the plays announced Is "The Shadow,” by Eden Phillpots, which Barry Maeollum secured some time ago. ; “The Pigeon," by John Galsworthy, Is ito be revived next month. Whitford i Kane, now acting In Granville Barker’s I “Madras House,” will play the leading | role. He created this part when the play j received Its premiere in London. Melba McCreevy, the brilliant American i singer whose debut at the Hippodrome, was a musical event, Is planning a long concert tour under the direction of Roger de Bruyn, who sponsored her Metropolitan Introduction. Clara Clemens, daughter of the la to ! Mark Twain and wife of the conductor

of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, will ma&e her first appearance on the concert stage since her return from Europe next week at Aeolian Hall. She will sing a program composed exclusively of songs by Hugo Wolf.

Italian to Speak in Evangelical Church An Interesting program has been arranged for Monday evening at the First Evangelical Church, New York and East streets, when the Rev. August Giuliani, of the Milwaukee Evangelical Association, a converted Italian, will tell his life’s story. The Rev. Giuliani was formerly a resident of Bologna, Italy, where he assisted Slg. Burattinl, pastor of the Methodist Church of Bologna. While there he took part In the baptismal ceremony for the eldest son of Ougllelmo Marconi at his villa near Bologna. Among the mementoes of his Italian days are a small and exquisite painting of the “Annunciation,” handed down for centuries in his family in Italy, which Is credited to Raphael and a copy of the “Vulgate,” dating from 1501. On coming to America, Mr. Aiulianl, became connected with the Evangelical Association In Milwaukee. INITIATE 30 NEW MEMBERS. Twenty candidates were initiated into Shambah temple, No. 139, Dramatic Order Knights of Khorassan at Castle Hail last night. The temple was organized in September with 150 members. During the session of the grand lodge Knights of Pythias, fifty more membe.rs were added. A third ceremonial will bo held early In 1922.

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INDIANA DAILY TIMES, SATURDAY, DfcLtftiße.ii 3, 1921.

MATT MOORE RECOMMENDS By Matt Moore (Copyright, 1921, by Matt Moore)

NEW YORK. Dec. 3.—George Loane Tucker’s last picture, finished just before his death, “Ladles Must Live,” Is not Tucker at his best, but it contains many touches that characterized Tucker’s best work. I took the leading part In the first feature George Loane Tucker directed, and one of the first feature pictures made, “Traffic In Souls,” and I was associated with him in the early days of the old Universal Company. I regard George Loane Tucker as one of the best craftsmen the motion picture art has developed to date. In “Ladies Must Live” Betty Compson is as lovely as usual, and the rest of the cast is adequate. William Farnum in “Perjury” does some excellent acting. The story is interesting and thrilling. Critics of this type of picture are Inclined to say “It’s all right, if you like that sort of thing.” But this sort of thing, as typified in “Perjury,” is something we all like and are all ashamed of liking, melodrama. William Farnum does admirable emotional acting and Is ably supported by Sally Crute. Will Rogers takes the audience Into his confidence in the title role of ‘‘The Ropin’ Fool,” for which he has written the scenario and the subtitles and in

which he plays the main part with his lariat playing opposite him. With the aid of the slow motion camera Rogers has produced an enterthlning comedy of a high order, and the subtitles are up to his usual brilliant standard. A good time is sure to be had by ail at this picture. Auto Fails to Halt After Injuring Man An automobile ran down Jesse Simpson, 1041 South Delaware street, last night, and the driver failed to stop after the accident. Simpson was found lying in the street at Illinois street and Russell avenue, with a broken leg. John Stlner, fireman at No. 10 engine house, and another man, who found Simpson, carried him to the engine house and he later was removed to his home 1n an ambulance. WIFE IS GOOD LOSER. CHICAGO, Dec. 3.—Mrs. Helen Kellicott sent her wedding ring to her maid, when she returned from a hospital, where her was born, and discovered her husband’s friendship for the servant. Judge Lynch gave her a divorce and SI,OOO a month.

SANITARY BODY MAY TRY TO GET LAW AMENDED Clause Regulating Bond Issue Is Held Unsatisfactory. Possibility that an attempt will be made to get the special session of the Legislature, called by Governor Warren T. McCray for Dec. 14, to consider an amendment to a section of the law regulating bonds issues of the Indianapolis board of sanitary commissioners which has proved embarassing to tbe board appeared strong at the city hall today. The sanitary board found Itself in the predicament, from which it would like to be lifted by the Legislature, several weeks ago when, after a $350,000 issue of five-year, 6 per cent bonds had been awarded to the Fletcher Savings and Trust Company and the company refused to take the bonds because its attorneys had advised there was some question ns to the legality of them. The attorneys pointed out that the bond issue was advertised as being for the purpose of paying for construction of the sewage disposal plant and for new motor equipment for the garbage and ash collection department. They also contended that the sanitary district law provides that short-term, 6 per cent bonds can be is-

n DAY NEXT WEEK T SMILING e JACK JOHNSON 1 Ex-Champion Heavyweight of the World WITH BROADWAY SCANDALS AND Henry (*") Jines ONE OF AMERICA’S FOREMOST COLORED ENTERTAINERS The POCKET EDITION of BERT WILLIAMS THIS COUPON AND 10 CENTS WITH 3 CENTS WAR TAX ENTITLES LADY TO RESERVE SEAT AT ANY MATINEE EXCEPT SUNDAY

sued only for sewage disposal construction purposes. The board more than two months ago bought about $40,000 worth of motor equipment for the collection department and as a result of the inability to sell bonds has not paid for It. It would be possible to make the payment out of the maintenance fund and this may have to be done, but such a draft on this fund, which the board claims Is inadequate to meet its needs since the garbage and ash collection department was taken over from the board of public works, would cripple the collection work, city officias say. Corporation Counsel Samuel Ashby Is of the opinion that the present law permits the sale of the short term bonds for equipment as well as construction funds, but In vie wof the fact that the question has been raised by a potential purchaser of bonds he said it might be well to have the problem solved once and for all by an amendment expressly permitting an equipment bond isgue. The present law giving the sanitary board the power to issue short term bonds was passed by the 1921 Legislature. It was an amendment to the original sanitary district law of 1917. At that time the sanitary board did not have control of the garbage and ash collection department and did not contemplate purchase of equipment such as subsequently has been bought. This is given as the reason why the amendment did not provide expressly for equipment bond Issues.

CRESSYS WILL ADDRESS CLUB Vaudeville Folk to Describe Work of Rotarians. Rotarian Will M. Creasy and Mrs. Will M. Cressy will be the headliners for the weekly luncheon of the Indianapolis Rotary Club, at the Claypool Hotel, Tuesday. They appeared on tha program of the Rotary Club of Cleveland last week, but that Is no unusual experience for them, as they have appeared as guests and speakers before Rotary clubs from New York to San Francisco and from Winnipeg to Galveston, as well as before the Rotary clubs of Paris, London, Honolulu, Shanghai and Manila, The program subject will be “Rotary at Work.” and It is explained that, because of their extensive travels and their work with the executive committees of so many Rotry Clubs, they are especially flted to speak on the work of Rotary, not only in the United States, but many other countries. Mr. Cressy is a member of the Rotary Club of Memphis, Tenn., under the classification of “Sunshine Manufacturer.” Working in cooperation with* various Rotary clubs, they have given CressyRotary days, consisting of gifts, food and shows to nearly ten thousand poor, crippled and homeless children. They also worked in France, where they headed America’s Over There Theater League and spent a year providing free entertainment for the soldiers. They will be at B. F. Keith’s theater the week of Dec. 5.

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