Indianapolis Times, Volume 35, Number 238, Indianapolis, Marion County, 13 February 1923 — Page 7

TUESDAY, FEB. 13, 1923

Mrs. Whiffen Is ‘Madonna of the Stage’ Because Eternal Faith Is in Her Heart

By WALTER D. HICKMAN i WINTER has turned white the! hair of Mrs. Thomas Whitten, but the chill of winter has not touched her heart. Mrs. Whiffen tells Eugene O’Brien In "Steve” that she has kept her heart filled with water to keep It fresh. That really tejls the story of Mrs. Whiffen, who, at the age of 77 (bless her heart, she will not find fault with me telling you that) Is young in spirit. Year after year, Mrs. Whiffen has been before the American public. No history Is complete without a long chapter on this "grand old lady" of the stage. Mrs. Whiffen must have kept her aeart and soul mighty close to the food things of life here and above Decause her kindly face and her white hair makes her the Madonna of the stage. I- I- II seldom go back stage, but I asked Nelson Trowbridge to take me back to the dressing room of Mrs. Whiffen. We went to the “star” dressing room. Mrs. Whiffen "was changing her gown; will we wait?” we were asked, and we did. The door was opened by Miss Peggy Whiffen, a daughter of Mrs. Whiffen. It was a beautiful picture—a mother at 77 the intimate friend and companion of her own daughter. Mrs. Whiffen was dressed in the gown she wears in the last act. Her daughter placed a little lace cap on her white hair. Let me tell you that whcij one meets this grand woman, one gets the feeling that the proper tiling to do is to kneel and kiss her hand. That Is the way I felt. Happy? Yes, she was happy. Life’s long Journey seems to have left only smiles. At 77 she Is in love with the work! and every one in thi# wide old world. Happy because her daughter was with her. Happy because Mr. O’Brien is “so lovely" to her. Happy because so many peopje are crowding the theater to see the play. Mrs. Whiffen will never be compelled to say “every day In every way, etc.,” because she has lived well and good her many years. This old world today needs more women of the character, the beauty and the spirit and the faith of Mrs. Wliiffen. Why is she trooping at her years? Her daughter told me.

"Granny, well, just os soon as she can buy her peach farm,” she explained. And may the best and the biggest peaches grow on her farm. -I -I- -!- Now, getting back to earth —what about Mr. O’Brien, Miss Vivian Ogden and the play? Here are my deductions - The show is playing to big business because the producers have not cheated by giving poor support to a movie star. “Steve” is crowded full of many laughs, a good love story and lots of sunshine and moonbeams. (I did not say moonshine). It is easily the best acted and the i most pleasing vehicle that a movie I star has revealed in this city. Not a great show, hut it is full of ] the things that most of us like to see and hear on the stage. Mr. O’Brien has a chance to live ; up to his title as a "perfect lover.” Not much of a play, but darned good theater. Successful because Mrs. Thomas Whiffen shines like a diamond in her laces and her black gown. Because Vivian Ogden makes every one howl. Because the entire cast is good. Mr. O’Brien has a pleasing vehicle in “Steve.” I believe that he 's a sure hoy office attraction, especially among the women. He pleases. Mr. O’Brien is much more successful in his return to the stage than ; - ny of the screen stars who have been here this winter. This show pleases. That is evident. At the Murat today and Wednes- i day. -I- I- -ITwo Dummies ''lake Big Hit on Keith Bill Two "dummies” are the sensations on the bill at Keith’s this week. One of the dummies is a “lad” who rides a velocipede. The other la a “girl” who rides on roller skates. These are two of the "dummies" ) u~cri by Walter and Emily Walters. ; I am going the limit in my praise, j To my way of thinking this is the most unique and the best presented i act of ventriloquism on the stage today.

The woman of the team holds a “dummy baby” in her arms and mimics perfectly a crying baby. Nothin? better on the stage today. The Walters bring real talent, refinement and Bpdc-ndid showmanship to the vaudeville stage. If I had a Hall of Fame 1 would put this team In the hall Will tell you a secret. I am going back to Keith’s again this week just to see this act. Some seasons ago “The Storm” was presented on the legitimate stage. Its big scene was a forest fire. A splendid achievement in stage realism. The fire scene has been taken from the play and made into a vaudeville headline act. Edward Arnold has the Burr Winton role. Neel Bar:.es Is SJanette. The cast gives the needed atmosphere to the play, but the forest fire Is the main feature. Tom Smith belongs to tl\at variety of entertainers known as “nut.” or eccentric comedians. At times he is funny. He is assisted by Harry Newman at the piano and in the aisles during a burlesque on mind-reading acts. That stunt is good for laughs. Bronson and Edwards offer "Nonsensical Absurdities.” That billing explains everything. “Stars of the Future” is a real act. The girls in this act are easfiy the best looking seen at Keith’s this season. They have talent and display excellent showmanship. . Flaherty and Stoning engage in some patter. Margaret Taylor opens the show. I missed that act. Late as usual, but not my fault.. A beautiful tribute was paid to the memory of President Lincoln yesterday. Meredith Nicholson, author, introduced Charles W. Moores, an attorney, who spoke of Lincoln and told j several Lincoln stories. A number of old veterans of the Civil War occupied chairs on the stage. It was an Inspiring picture. A fine tribute. Mr. Eggleston. * -I- -I- -IGoL Pattee Fiddles Old Time Songs on His Fiddle CoL P&ttee, who is way up in years | because he fought In the Civil War, is J

- r CWisline.. Heltzn> The handsome Uteir fcioouz b<zro

MANUEL ROSENBERG, TIMES ARTIST. HAS DRAWN A SKED OF EUGENE O’BRIEN, MOVIE HERO, AND HELEN WEIR AS TIL APPEAR IN “STEVE” AT THE MURAT. O’BRIEN AUTOGRAPH! THE DRAWING. GIRLS. YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO TROIJB O’BRIEN FOR HIS AUTOGRAPH. ROSENBERG HAS TAKEN CA OF THAT FOR YOU.

£d the Palace this week. He fiddles the good old tunes on the same violin on which he fiddled for President Lincoln. He has the assistance of Joe Mills, an old time comedian, representing a Confederate soldier. The good old tunes are good to hear again. The olcf timers know how to play the fiddle. Colonel Pattee calls It “fiddle’’ and not violin. Colonel Pattee is always welcomed In Indianapolis. North and Halliday in “Back to Wellington” is a rural classiq* Have often seen this act on the Keith big time. It is chucked full of good wholesome humor. Well done. One of the few real rural acts on the vaudeville stage. Sammy Duncan appears in songs of the nature which Harry does so well. His crying woman characterization is his best. But there is only one Lauder. Frazer and Bounce offer some nonsense in “Similarity.” They look alike but claim in song that they are not brothers. Their closing song about the signs they saw in New York is well done. Something new. The Melnotte l Duo open their act. “His Night Out,” as a souse comedy affair. This gives one of the men a

& Co*

Mile. Elaine, Representative of Helena Rubenstein Is Now in the Toilet Goods Section Explaining Mine. Rubenstein’s Methods. By special arrangement. Mile. Elaine is here for three weeks for the purpose of discussing individual beauty problems with our clients and suggesting just the right method of treatment for each skin according to its character. Her Personal Training Under Mme. Rubenstein Assures Authoritative Advice —Ayres—Toilet goods, street floor.

Lower pvTY 'C'QCTT'Q Priced Ivlvll/OoilzO For the Larger Woman fTI HE result of our search of the Eastern market for “the best dress at the lowest price, ” is a collection of gracious, wearable, comfortable gowns available at such happily moderate prices that the woman of large proportions need no longer sigh discouragingly when she starts out on a shopping tour with a limited purse. Sizes From 42 to 48, and From 42 A /± to 52\ 2 IN these new dresses, Canton, flat crepe, tricosham, and velvav are the predominating materials, with the staple street shades, aided and abetted by a few grays, representing* the color scale of the assortment. The Prices Are Just $24 and S2B —Ayres—Southeast corner, third floor.

Men’s Grenadine Ties, 49c A Noteworthy Collection of Good Quality Knitted Neckwear Nicely .shaped, neatly patterned ties that should prove very popular for spring wear. Shown in a gratifying extensive variety of effects—plain colors, vertical stripes, bias stripes, jacquard effects and the like. Full length ties that knot into neat and graceful four-in-hands. t Useful Valentine Greetings fV>r Men —Ayres Neckwear —Ayres—Men’s store, street floor. /

chance to do some clever bidderbalancing The act then becomes a wire-walking event. Nice work. - Because of the long running time of the bill yesterday I missed BessTe Browning in songs and Col. Fred Lindsay and company In “Australian Sports and Pastimes.” I will try’ Id “catch” these two acts for you very soon. Madame Jewell and her manikins In "Circus Day in Toyland” also is on the bill. A long and interesting bill at the Palace this week. -I- -|- -ICats and Dogs Frolic Together on Lyric Stage Cats atjd dogs can live together as a peaceful family. These animals can be trained not to quarrel. Sure. You will agree with me if you go to the Lyric this week and see Kluting’s Entertainers. Am told that it is nearly impossible to train a eat because cats are temperamental. Kluting must have knocked the temperament out of his pets because the eets behave splendldly. . „ Just to prove that lie knows how to train anything, Kluting releases a flock of pigeons and puts them through a series of tricks. I am not ashamed to advance a dumb animal

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

act to first place on a bill when the act has the merit that Kluting s entertainers has. Tamelo Kajiyama is announced as the “marvelous Japanese caligraphist.” Old man Webster declares that it is “calligraphist” and not “caligraphist.” Webster defines the word as “one who -writes beautifully.” That just about explains the-. work of Tameo. He does write beautifully and jazzes up his writing by doing several other things at the same time. I failed to get excited over Tameo. He may be an expert in his line, but ho uses some poor showmanship In not speaking so we in the rear of the house can understand what he is saying. Bollinger and Reynolds opens the show with a wire walking act. Pleasing. Brierre and King offer a singing act. The only number of merit Is Miss King's version of an old maid. Other musical contributors to the kill are Dan Casler and the Beasley Twins. The pianist is the real feature. The Hickville Follies will not set the world on fire with their jazz playing. Only fair. Sidney S. Styne, an eccentric comedian, mdkes a mistake by making alleged funny remarks to members of the audience who happen to leave or come into the theater during his act. That is bad taste and is not entertainment. At the Lyric all week. I- I- -IYour Observer Liked the Fields’ Show Harry Fields, star of the “Hello Jake Girls” at the Broadway this week, has discarded the “Satan, get behind mo” idea when being tempted by the "evil one,” and In its place uses a bunch of balloons. When he feels himself slipping a balloon bursts. Before the scene was over the balloons were bursting in rapid succession. Harry Fields Is a local man and is well known here, but without a following he would get over, for he is really a comedian. Pep and speed would probably best (escribe this show, for It la the f&sttst moving show the Mutual wheel has offered so far this season. The chorus Is composed of young girls who seem to put every ounce of energy Into their work. The costumes and scenery are clean and at-. I tractive-looking, and much better ! than the average. Os special Importance in the cast is Dixie Mason, a care free sort of person. Another member of the cast to win approval Is Charles Taye, tho second comic. His dancing Is a feature of the show. (By the Observer.) -I- -I - I - Song Numbers Used to Good Advantage Several song numbers are worked to advantage in “Beware of Widows," the musical comedy attraction at the Rialto tills week. One number In parUvular to get over Is “You TpII ’Em, Cause I Stutter,” sung by the leadlug j woman. In this number the chorus j girls have a good time trying to do some balancing stuff. Another number that is put over In good stylo Js “Rose of tho Eidelwelss.” The photoplay offering Is Richard Bartholmess in “The Seventh Day.” (By the Observer.)

Furnishings for Boys The Sort a Boy• Likes to Wear Three-quarter length wool mixed hose in heavy ribbed effects with handsome wide cuffs* 35(1 pair, 3 for SI.OO. Boys’ flannel blouses for Saturday' or after school work or play; warm, well-fitting and nicely made In khaki or gray; $1.15. —-Avres—Bovs’ furnishings, street floor. LACES That Are Very Good Values at K p The JL Yard. At this very modest price has been collected a special assortment of very’ nice quality laces in an attractive variety of different and desirable styles. Among them are clunys, torchons, Vais, and imitation crochets in white, cream and ecru, varying in width from 1 (o 2 inches. All laces in the lot are in onstant demand; at this unlsual price arid in ion of their quality, they should go quick#. , —Ayres—Laces, Street floor.

©ollarTO DOWNSTAIRS <* AYRES’

Pattern Table-* cloths $ | .00 58x90—Hemmed JUST 138 OF ’EM The largest pattern cloth to our knowledge ever sold for SI.OO. Also 50 soiled tablecloths of various <£-j sizes to sell for $ 1

House Dresses ,dA In percale, light and vl dark, long-waisted mod- tpH els, square collars, rick- B rack trimmed. Sizes 30 B to 41. Aprons, Bungalow St y ,e Dozens to se'ect from. nB Slipover (style. Light and ' B dark. Some with sashes. B others belts. **s■ Gingham Petti- dg| coats, 2 for— <£■ Seersucker stripe B with flounce. Petticoats Black cotton tat‘- jj)9 feta with novelty B flounce. ■■ 25 Corduroy Breakfast Coats Rose and blue. Women’s Sweaters y * , All wool, slipover tI style. Black and col- B ors. All sizes. Handmade Waists <Ng T uck -in style, tI ha n and drawnwork; > all sizes. Wash Blouses Dimities, voiles and a>B batiste; large variety \B of styles to select from. All sijes. Round and roll collars. Corsets of Coutil aod Brocades rfdl Medium low and elastic yH top models; back laoe; B four good supporters; all sizes, 22 to 30. nutria* Corselettes, Mesh and Check c| Jacquard tB Cloth cup and new. 33 to 44. Four so "*" Chemise, 2 for— Os cambric, tai- $9 lored and trimmed H models. 38 to 44. Jk Cambric Gowns, 2 for— <F9 Set in sleeves, tai- t 9 lored styles, run full. I Sizes 16 and 17. msS*, Bandeaux Oi n gh a m and d>|| mesh; all back p 0 fastening. All sizes 9 in the lot. j __ Velvet and adM Jersey Blouses Only twenty-one in 0 the lot. Bleached Cambric, 8 Yards— *9 Fine for spring sew-'' Jg/l ing. Fruit of the Loom Muslin, rt|l 10 Yards— •Pi Mill lengths up to 1% yards.

JV BUCK SUEDE COATS’FOR WOMEN | sms x Sport styles, 36-inch lengths, sizes 16, 18, 36, radically reduced to —

&C(>* Downstairs Store

Steadily growing to serve the needs of its customers, the Downstairs Store is becoming more and more a factor in the community. Dollar Day tomorrow offers a large number of items of real value—every department has several values worth your attention.

200 PLAIN AND FANCY HOUSE DRESSES “AMOSKEAG” GINGHAM Most of these are waistline models with bolt, V. three-quarter length sleeve. All have a good hem. .fy Spi| All fast colors. Collars are round and square, '7 made in colors contrasting with garment. The percales have long waist with sash. Collars are sqmire with rick-raek trimmings, in light and JESS dark patterns. Sizes 36 to 44.

Assorted Wash Fabrics, 6 ya/rds— Black sateen, plain col- wH ored sateens, lingerie il cloth !n all colors, heavy |i suiting in plain colors, mjtke etc. Scout Percies Mill Lengths, 10 20 Yards to a customer. **"™ 2,400 Yards Plain Chambray, 8 Yds. 27 Inches; several ~B good colors. Pillowcases, j 5 for — $i Size 42" i 36, full j bleached. ***"■* 36-Inch Sheeting, fJH 5 Yards— $1 Kxtra heavy quality, ‘ full bleached. wJA 81-Inch Bleached Sheeting, 2 y 2 Yds., <jjß A very good qual- fl ity. .* * ** Bleached Muslin, 6 Yards— <j|B A well - known B brand. * Bleached Cheesecloth, 10 Yards— (Ml A '‘C'urity" product, tB made up in the “Seal- IB tyte” package. Kitclusn Toweling, 13 Yards— (j* 9 Bleached towel ing, *r M suitable for kitchen 1 hand towels. • •***■ Fancy Bath Towels, 2 for— A host of beautiful fancy towels which ‘B have never sold at this price before. , * Cotton Huck Towels, Dozen— p 9 lloramecL JL Turkish Towels, 4 for— <M A much used sire, suit- tpM. able for use as band tow- ■ els. Comes tn white with colored borders. Cotton Huck Towels, 6 for— <JB A soft quality towel that ts will stand, much wear. tM Much used by hotels, instltutions, etc. 64-Inch Table Damask, 2 Yards— (£■ A splendid damask VI for such a low price. B Bleached. Table Napkins, * Do>en — <F| Mercerized quality, *PB damask patterned, 19 Si inches square. Women’s Cotton Hose, 5 for— Black and cordovan. vH Seamed up the back, 4- tD II thread heel and toe, dou- ■ bk> sole. Firsts. Sizes &% to 10. Women’s Hose, 10 Pairs— d|| Cotton hose, seamless wl back; high spliced heel, H double heel, toe and sole. tg| Black, white and cordovan. 814 to 10.

Women’s Silk Hose Semi-fashioned hose -qgS with silk embroidered in T"B| cloakings. Mercerized \§| lisle, garter top double yl| heel and toe; to 10; H black, cordovan, gray, SSI beige and white | first "" quality. Women’s Fiber Hose, 3 Pairs— IVomen’s fiber hosiery, Tig! seam up the back, sash- (PH ioned darts, double sole, wl mercerized lisle heel and H toe; black, cordovan, beige, etc. These are firsts and irregulars. Sizes 8% to 10. Children’s Hose, 6 for— *^o Children’s hosiery. English ribbed; su- *PH perior quality; first a. g Sizes 5(4 to 9. n ™“ Women’s Union Suits, Garment— , “Princess May” brand. (TH Cotton and wool with silk u)H stripe. Cotton slightly H fleeced. Built-up shoulder and ankle length. White and a few pink. Sizes 36 to 48. Women’s Shirts rl j% and Drawers, 2 for tf|| I Fine ribbed medium w<jlght gurmeats. Good ■ ! for wear now and early y pL. spring. Sizes 38 to 40. Women’s Fiber Silk Hose, 2 Prs.— Women’s fiber silk hose. wH Seamed hack. fashion Ipg darts, lisle heef, toe and H sole. Black and colors. Sizes B'4 to 10. Firsts and ir regulars. Children’s Union Suits, 2 Garments, (hjjja High neck, long sleeves, tJ);S| ankle length. Drop seat ‘ H styles. Sizes 2 to 12. Medium weight. Finaribbed. Some are fleeced. Women’s Hose, 6 Pairs— Cotton hose, seam- v*9 less back, double heel Yi and toe; black only. g Sizes 9 to 1014. Women’s Heather Hose, 2 Pairs— Women’s cotton and \H wotii hose. Plain and vH drop stitched styles, some H with clocks. Brown and gray. First, quality. ' H,air Brushes, a*!® 2 for — si Brushes of Imitation vH ivory. Concave hacks. li Very special. Imported NeckWear, 4 for— dßj Collars, cuff sets, lace tvR eyelet embroidery; round H collars; Venetian lace and hand-embroidered panel •*“ collars. Hand Bags, 2 for Small lot all-leather d*i| bags, well lined, fitted with change purses and H mirrors. JPlte Boys* Neckband Shirts, 2 for— jhgj Good quality striped percales In sizes 13 and 14. French roll cuffs; fell neatly made; coat styles. Boys’ Outing Nightshirts, 2 for Good assortment of yh 6izes in good weight fij material, neatly made. *™“* Boys’ Corduroy Knickers <J*l| Good quality corduroy TH knickers, well and firmly pi made. Included are a few asUan wool mixtures.

200 Hats to Sell for $1 jo A special purfihase for our dollar day. Hats for spring and summer, for the matron and miss. These were especially purchased and marked for this sale. —Downstairs at Ayres—Millinery.

Silverware, 8 Pieces for— All are the ‘fancy yn Belmont patterns in H A-l 'Sheffield silver J&ka plate. Butter Sprmders Teaerpoona Dessert Spoons 5 o’clock Tea Soup Spoons . Sugar Shells Butter Knives Tablespoons Medium Forks Orange Spoons Ivnives Make up a whole set at this price. Boys’ Hats oS® Good quality tweed C|| hats for buys, neatly Y made and lined; assort- [ ed sizes. . mSaa Fiber Silk Striped ** and Mercerized Madras Shirts Greatly reduced. Sizes §9 14 and 14% only. Slightly soiled or mussed. Limit *** one garment Boys’ Corduroy and Woolen Suits This is a very special ff jjj value for dollar day. Sizes u)9 Sto 6. Oliver Twist Nor- H folk and French sailor H styles. Can be had In many of the darker shades. Men’s Union Suits Salesmen’s samples. All sizes to 42. In a wide variety of cotton and wool ffH and cotton mixtures. Fine (91 and warm: excellent val- *■ ues. In this assortment HI there Is a quantity of ■*< boys’ wool-mixed union suits, sizes 34 or age 16. Men’s Wool-Mixed Hose, 3 Pairs for Fine quality wool and tjz|| cotton mixed and silk H and wool. Not all sizes. Slightiy irregular. “ Outing Flannel Nightshirts and Pajamas for Men These are nightshirts of the well-known Amoskeag (PH outing fiannel. Fine finality, heavy weight, good ' H assortment of sizes. Radleally reduced. Pajamas wn* re of good flannelette, the famous “Knight of the Night” brand. Limit two garments. Fine Quality Mus- _ lin Nightshirts . ijJ Good material, fully \B bleached, V-neck style, YB well made, sizes 16 to 20. Men’s Cotton Work Socks, 10 Pairs for dB Jood quality in black **rH suit! cordovan; sec- B aids; limit 10 pairs. 0 ~® “K Girls’ Middies These are extra special d>|a| for Hollar Day. Made of \H dark blue spoyt wool storm serge. Trimmed H with braid and have ties, mt&mSUe 16 to 22. Girls’ Checkered Skirts (>yj Black and white, on ipg waists; also a few in H blue serge. Sizes Bto aMm 14. * Girls* Gingham Dresses Checkered ginghams, em- tp iA broldered. some with white B pique collars and cuffs. Few with narrow black belts. Sizes 7to 14. Children’s Dresses, 2 for— ?! Pantie and apron styles, checked' ginghams and plain chainbrays. Sizes 2 to 6. Infants* Sweaters, 2 for— White, huff, blue and jj| red. a

7