Indianapolis Times, Volume 36, Number 43, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 June 1924 — Page 5
SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 1924
‘ABIE’S IRISH ROSE ’ STARTS FOURTH WEEK OF RUN HERE
Anne Nichols' Comedy Success Making Theatrical History at Capitol—‘The Old Soak’ to Be Presented at English’s—Murat Players Offer ‘Kempy.’ Theatrical history is being made at the Capitol, where Anne Nichols’ “Abie’s Irish Rose’’ will start its fourth week on Sunday. Just how long “Abie” will remaTn here is not known, but it is admitted that the show here has not had a losing week. Next week at English’s the Berkell Players will be seen in ‘The Old Soak,” a comedy concerning prohibition.
“Kempy,” a comedy, will be next week’s bill at the Murat, opening Monday night. NICHOLS TELLS HOW SHE WRITES A PLAY Anne Nichols, whose comedy, “Abie's Irish Rose,” is now in the third week of its engagement at the Capitol Theater, and a fourth week is announced commencing next Sunday evening, has some definite and interesting formulas as to the writing of a good play. However, Miss Nichols’ experience as an actress and playwright has shown her the folly of laying down iron-clad rules. She does not try, as so many avowed “teachers” of playwriting. to force the most flexible of all arts, the drama, into rigid categories. Neither does she maintain that there is a definite technique of the drama—quite the contrary, in fact. Miss Nichols said recently: “I write on unruled yellow paper, and as I write I take care to gut down the stage directions ■with the dialogue. This last is important because if one writes the dialogue first and returns to the filling in with stage directions, one will find that the free, spontaneous understanding of the situation has gone. “My first step in play writing is the perception of a definite theme, as a starting point. I mention this because so many playwrights start ■with a character: others with a story. My experience is that the idea comes first, the characters second and the story last of all. "But the characters are not mechanically thrust into the story—they are Inseparable from the idea from tha start. Together with my perception of the idea comes spontaneously an imaginative picture of the characters in the lives of whom the idea is interwoven. “The story is quite the most mechanical thing about writing a play. The situations require the most effort. The characters, once they are strongly and sympathetically visualized. seem almost to write their own speeches. “Os all the plays I have written, ‘Abie’s Irish Rose' was the least effort. My starting point was brother love and religious tolerance, and I brought together characters that were diametrically opposed from every angle. This formed the foundation of the comedy, and the success of the play has been phenomenal.” -I- -!- -!- BERKELL PLAYERS TO OFFER “THE OLD SOAK” Dealing frankly with several aspects of prohibition, without offending in any way the attitude of either “wets” or “drvs,” the Don Marquis comedy, “The Old Soak.” to be presented at English's next week by the Berkell Players, affords clean, non-partisan, non-propaganda entertainment of vast appeal. Originally produced in New York by Arthur Hopkins, it ran for a year at the Plymouth Theater, while two companies, one headed by Thomas A. Wise and the other by Raymond Hitchcock, who appeared here in it last winter, played it on the road. “The Old Soak” is rich in satirical philosophy and good fur. though it also contains tense moments of drama and deft touches of pathos and sentiment. Clem Hawley, the principal character, is a. kindly, likeable old chap despite his weakness for the forbidden cup of cheer, who has been likened to Bill Jones of "Lightnin’ ” fame. Hawley is not a stage puppet, but a character drawn from life with subtle skill. Also much In evidence is Al, the bootlegger, Clem's co-partner in seeking stuff with a kick, whose every entrance is preceded with the announcement, “Al’s here:” which becomes highly mirth-provoking as the plot progresses. Al isn't a mercenary figure, but one who is described as “bein’ ” in the business because he's got a sort of “feelin' for liquor.” The action takes place in the Hawley home, and there is never a lagging moment in Interest or merriment.
-I- -I- -I“ivEMPY" TO BE NEXT BILL OF MURAT PLAYERS The Murat Players next week, opening Monday. will present “Kempy,” a comedy success. The story' is that of a stage struck country girl, of high temper, infinite conceit and highly artistic temperament, who expects to make her fortune as a heroine in musical comedy and quarrels with her fiance, a well-to-do lawyer, because he doubts her .genius and disapproves of her theatrical longings. He does not tel] her that he has paid out of his own pocket for the publication of a little book which she has ■written, and of which she is inordinately and unjustifiably proud. When a young plumber, a total stranger, hurriedly called in to mend the water pipe, says that he has read the book and been so inspired by it that he has vowed to win the author, she insists then and there upon marrying him. does so, and presents him to the astonished family, just as lover No. 1 returns to seek reconciliation. The plot thickens when it is revealed that the young plumber, Kempy', was really in love with the girl’s younger sister, but was so dumbfounded at the whirlwind action of the ojder sister that he let matters take their course. Extricating the young married couple from their dilemma, healing the breaches and bringing happiness to the disrupted household afforded the authors unusual opportunities in fun-making. That Automobile you have thought of selling can be sold through The Times Want Ads.
Buys Rights Negotiations covering the last six years endel last week when agents for the estate of Marie Corelli, famous English novelist, sold the motione pictur rights of her best-known novel, “The Sorrows of Satan,” to Paramount Pictures. The sale was cbnsummated in London by Jesse L. Lasky, first vice president of Famous Plaj*ers-Lasky Corporation, who went to England two weeks ago to confer with novelists for the purchase of material for the screen. In point of time the transaction which will bring “The Sorrows of Satan” to the screen is believed to be a record. Negotiations with Marie Corelli, through her agents. Watt & Son, were begun in November, 1918, by John Cecil Graham, head of the Famous PlayersLasky Corporation's London office. Nearly every leading motion picture company made bids for the screen rights to this novel, and Miss Core.li took an active part in the negotiations right up to the time of her death. Who will direct “The Sorrows of Satan” and who will play the leading parts has not yet been determined, but it was annunoced by Parmount that it will be one of its most ambitious productions of next season.
Music Miss Florence Walden, pianist, who recently returned from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, Baltimore, Md., has resumed ‘teaching with the Associated Artists at 28 W. North St. Miss Walden will be guest artist at a recital given by the advanced pupils of Mrs. Mary Traub Busch, contralto, at the school Thursday night. • * • The Metropolitan Shcool of Music has engaged Nigel Holme, violonist, advanced student under Hugh MeGibeny, to teach in the school. He is taking the class of Miss Ruth Fillmore, whb has resigned. • * • A piano recital will be given by the pupils of Miss Harriet Hofer, assisted by Bruce Savage, tenor, and Miss Fern Hardy, reader, at the Cropsey auditorium Tuesday night. Program follows: Trio—“Barcarolle” .'. . . .Zilner Thelma Hansford, Helen Minnick. Anna Coffman. “Moss Rose” Fieldhouse Marcella Stanfield. “Os Thee. I Am Thinking. Margareta” Meyer Helmund Mr. Savage. ''Merry Midgets” Anthony Ruth Crall. “June Roses” Anthony Esther Schuek. "X Want to Go to Morrow”.. Miss Hardy. "Jolly Ltttly Brownies” Paxton Elizabeth Hocker. “Twilight Meditation" De Vaux Virginia Stanfield “Serenade” Schubert Mr. Savage. “Jolly Darkies' Bechter Martha Heller. “The Clock” Maxim Helen Short "Deacon Adams to His Son" Miss Hardv. “Sleigh Ride” Dutton Elizabeth Viewegh. “Valse de Concert" Demarcate Virginia Holman. Miss Thelma Schlegel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Schlegel. 4615 Winthrop Ave., will graduate Monday night in a recital program at the Third Christian Church. She is a pupil of Mrs. Lillian Carr Greene.
t, The House of Many Fans” W-onday i o o°to T |i N oo U rw I INII lIIIMUI IIMIIIIMIIMIIIIIIIIIIIII ||l||||||||||COCO<y3#CO#COQOC^(l 1| A lfl MINSTREL MEMORIES • //\ti fTAf || \ S A 1924 REVUE £ [vVUp introducing S m MO An exceptional organlza- £ yfiKjflj: 1 1ICjag jlfl/fl§ diana, singers and dancers. £ | JACK merlin f 1 Kj mkk ill “A PACK OF CARDS” ? Girl | & mOuRE | S A sconic novelty. § ROMANCE. | S OF THE 3 MILT DILL AND 8 MOST $ SISTER 1 HMMmmf fascinating* in § • PHASE OF § “Kink and Tangle” 3 imm we'w york § . * life 8 BILL GOSS § 1 \ § & co. I A H * _ "Oh, You Flirt" S scoeCA)eC/DeCA>*C/D*<yD*<^)
ATTRACTIVE STAGE OFFERINGS FOR HOLIDAY WEEK
DEMOCRATS AID BROADWAY SHOWS Convention Crowds Create Boom in New York, By NEA PLAY JURY p"“| EW YORK, June 28.—1f you IN I 0311 ink of a more a PP r °- t * priate name for a play than "So This Is “olitics,” staged the week of the Democratic convention, you certainly can think.* A play of this name came to Broadway the other day and while its very title aroused advance prejudice because it seemed a bald attempt to ensnare the visiting delegates, this prejudice proved baseless. The play has nothing to do with the convention. It tells of the tears and fears and humorous situations that arise in a mid-western town through an attempt to elect a woman mayor. The women decide they can't win if they are to use knitting needles against their opponents’ bullets. So they engage the first ward boss to handle the campaign and what that worthy individual fails to do to get votes for Mrs. Buckmaster isn’t mentioned in a political dictionary. It is a wholesome comedy, very true to life, and provides /many laughs. It is the kind of comedy that revives one's faith in the stage, for while it isn’t heavy stuff and will not go down in history as a great play, still it reflects accurately lifeas it is today and sugar-coats this instruction with an abundance of merriment. William -Ourtleigh, as the First ward boss, red-faced and politically wise, walks away with the honors of the piece. This veteran actor never was better and this juror predicts the part he plays will live long after the play itself has passed to the storeroom. Alice Fleming, as the newspaper woman,“doesn't overdo the part. Being familiar with newspaper women we know most stage newspaper women are unreal. But Miss Fleming some time in her life must have worked as a newspiper woman or studied them vat clot e range. The third one of the cast to deserve passing notice is Marjorie Gateson, as Nina Buckmaster, the woman who runs for mayor. * * • The convention is providing a
AMUSEMENTS
THE INDIANAPOLtS TIMES
No. I—Jetta1 —Jetta Geffen in “Kempy,” opening at the Murat Monday night. ' No. 2—Maa-y Hill in “The Old
Broad Ripple Observes July 4
The management of Broad Ripple Park and Bathing Beach is making elaborate preparations for July 4 week. Instead of one day’s celebration there will be features throughout the entire week starting Sunday. During the week each day will be laid aside for civic and other bodies. A number of picnics will occupy each day, and on July 4 a celebration will be made a special feature. \ An added attraction for next week will be the appearance of “The Hicksville Follies,” a big vaudeville and summer park act. This act will be shown July 3 to 6, inclusive. There will also be band concerts, sports events and prize dancing in the new dance garden with music by the Royal Palm Orchestra. A real old-fashioned F’ourth of July will be celebrated, from the catching of a greased pig. the customary fireworks, tug of war, speaking and other festivities that were enjoyed by our grandfathers. A swimming contest in the pool by swimmers 70 years and older will be a special feature on Independence temporary boom to the show business. Even those shows which do not deserve the patronage of the public are going well. Take "The Locked Door” for instance. This show, under ordinary circumstances, vvould not deserve the dignity even I of an adverse criticism. But it illustrates the point in question. People are buying tickets for it because they are in town on a visit and are show-hungr>'4-and “The racked Door” sounds like it might be a mystery show. “The Lacked Door,” in stage par lance is a piece of cheese. As you might have suspected, that term means it is terrible. Its lines are risque to the point of being vulgar end coarse. Repetition of lines and thought add to the annoyance, and the staging is crude. It's awful. It tells the story of a young couple on their wedding day. Hubby thinks it a good idea to tear up the marriage license and throw away the ring and pretend they aren't married at all. Wife locks the doo’- o' her boudoir the first night and what follows may best be imagined.
THE FAMOUS COMEDY STAR. WARD BHNDEIL and CBM PAN V 1 h LOST BOY* an uproariously funny farce WITH AGNES AKERS AND MARIE NELSON SHERMAN, T~\VAN AND Entertainers HYMAN MELODIOUS NONSENSE ROYAL LOUIS MASSART HUGHES & REVUE & SISTER MERRITT YOUTH, MELODY A VAUDEVILLE ROMANTIC MOMENTS AND MIRTH FRAPPE IN DftNCE LAND A. TURELLY THREE LONDONS ' JUST A HOHNER AERIAL 'CASTING STARS v | MACK SENNETT COMEDY, “BLACK OXFORDS/ 7 FAST DANCING IN THE LYRIC BALL ROOH AFTERNOON AND EVENING
Soak,” at English’s, opening Sunday night. No. 3—Hughes and Merritt, ats the Lyric all next week. No. 4 —Ernie Gold and Grace
day, as will a “flapper” swimming and diving contest by a dozen or so pretty girls who have entered th& affair. The management announced that preparations are well under way for the forthcoming York Rite picnic, and that everything will be in shipshape for the event which is scheduled to be held on Saturday. July 19. George J. Lehnert is chairman of the various committees. Selwyns Book ‘Spring Cleaning * ___________________ When the Selwyns give this city an opportunity to see “Spring Cleaning" r.he forthcoming season, it will be with the identical com pan • and production which has been a> the Eltinge Theater. New York, through 300 performances, and which will continue In that playhouse until commencing a tour of the leading cities of America the second week in September. This company is' headed by Violet Heming, Arthur Byron, Estelle Winwood. and A. FI Mathews in four leading roles of Frederick Lonsdale's audacious comedy, and includes a long list of other distinguished names. t "Spring Cleaning” has been the outstanding comedy hit of the past theatrical year in New York. In it Frederick Lonsdale frankly scores modern society for its parasites and wastrals. Just a year ago the Selwyns he- i gan rehearsals for "Spring Clean ing” with the same cast now appear 1 ing in it in New York, and which will j present it on tour during the forthcoming season. The itinerary includes Boston. Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Newark. Jersey City, New Haven. Hartford. Springfield, Worcester, j Providence, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, ; Detroit, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Dayton, Cincinnati, Lou?~- ; ville, Columbus, Akron, Canton, j Youngstown, Mansfield, Marion, .Li- ; ma, Toledo, Toronto, Buffalo, Rochester and Albany. This tour will begin the second week in September. ;
AMUSEMENTS
Sunshine, opening at the Palace Thursday afternoon. No. s—George B. Nolan as Abie in "Abie's Irish Rose,” at the Capital all next week.
Favorite Due
GEORGE GAUL Early next week, George Gaul, a great favorite here as well as in New York, will arrfv< at the Murat to begin rehearsals. He will make his first appearance at the Murat in two years time on Monday night, July 7. last appearing here two years ago, he has been on Broadway in “The Seventh Heaven." The Jungles for Corinne Corinne Griffith has turned her back on the ballroom. Her next feature takes her into the jungles of the Malay D lands<^ The Fin National star, so long assoclateo with the society picture, is tr he arred in a feature entirely different from anything that she has eve.- done before. The picture is ”\Y 1 Idem ess," a highly dramatic story, widen for'the most part, centers about, a Malaysian prison camp. Miss Griffith completed her part in Earl Hudson's “Single Wives,” this week and immediately left for New York. She will spend three weeks In the metropolis and while there will gather her wardrobe for the new picture. Production will begin as soon as she returns.
CHAUTAUQUA TO OPEN SESSIONS $ Elaborate Program Is An- \ nounced by Committee, Tonight under a tent in Irvington, a six-day Chautauqua will open. It is sponsored by the Irvington Community Chautauqua. The talent is furnished by the Central Community Chautauqua system. On the opening night, “Three Wise Fools." a comedy, will be presented and on Friday, July 4, another comedy, “Buddies" will close the sessions. There will be no regular Chautauqua program carried out on Sunday, but the churches of Irvington are planning to have a union service Sunday night. On Monday night Charles D. Isaacson's Company, opera singers, will appear in a program. The program includes a number of noted lecturers. One of the chief speakers will be Robe Carl White, assistant secretary of labor, speaking on "Guarding the Gates.” Elliott With Fox Frank Elliott, famous for his many characterizations of b -Id bad men who plot and scheme morning, noon and night, has been selected to play the role of Roger Lew's in the Chester Bennett production. “The Painted Lady,” now in the making at the William Fox West Coast Studios, Hollywood. Others of importance in the cast are Dorothy Mackaill, George O'Brien and Lucille Ricksen.
MURAT THEATRE Week Beginning June 30th Mats. Wed., Thurs. and Sat., 2:15 * The Murat Players in KEMPY A Delightful Comedy by the Nugents f Prices: Eve., sl, 50c, 25c Mat., 50c, 25c—Plus Tax ' DANCING IN THE LOBBY * * Shrine Party Monday Night NEXT WEEK GEORGE GAUL in “THE COPPERHEAD”
ENGLISH’S SIS “AL’S HERE! An’ He’s Got Good News” 1 BERKELL PLAYERS In the Hilarious Comedy Hit “THE OLD SOAK” By DON MARQUIS One Solid Year in New York | MATINEES: WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and SATURDAY Afternoon, 25c, 35c, 50c, PLUS I lUvLU • Night, 25c, 50c, 68c, 90c, TAX Reservations May Be Made for the Entire Season Phone—Circle 3373 WEEK JULY 6TH—“THE ALARM CLOCK”
COMEDIAN TO BE SEEN AT LfflC IN ‘THELOST BOY’ Black Face Fun Maker to Be Featured at Palace Monday, Edward Blondell, a comedian who has long enjoyed the reputation of being one of vaudeville’s most original funmakers, come to the Lyric next week in “The Lost Boy,” a farce in which he appears in his unique characterization of an overgrown youngster of an, absurdly mirthful type. Blondell is assisted by Agnes Akers and Marie Nelson. It wilf be his first visit to Indianapolis in several years. The bill will include: HUGHEST AND MERRITT Terpsichorean artists, in a lavishly staged offering called “Romantic Moments in Danceland,” in which they interpret a charming love story entirely through the medium of the dance. SHERMAN, VAN AND HYMAN— Popular singing trio known as “Big League Entertainers,” in their melange of "Melodious Nonsense.” LOUISE MASSART AND SISTER —Two girls who sing and present a j variety of modem dance steps toi gether with some costumes of beauJ tiful design. A. TURELLY —Whistler extraordinary and harmoriical virtuoso whose program is one of rare quality. ROYAL REVUE —A sextette of girls who typify youth, melody and mirth. THREE LONDONS —Most daring of all aerial casting artists, who perform a routine of breath-taking feats in midair. On the SCREEN—Mack Sennett comedy, “Black Oxfords,” a merry travesty on “Black Oxen;” the latest edition of kinograms and “Shootin Star,” the third episode of the “Fast Steppers” series, starring Billy Sullivan. -!- -V -IMINSTREL AIT TOPS NEW BILL AT PALACE “Minstrel Memories” are revived at the Palace the first half of the week by a company of black-face comedians. This is a 1924 revue introducing seven burnt cork singers and dancers. Bill includes: BRENT HAYNES —Exhibits hi 9 i skill on the banjo as only a man who is called the “master” of the banjo- can. OAKES, BELMORE AND MOORE —Offer their scenic novelty of danc*. and song in which all the newest | dancing steps and popular melodies | are put across. JACK MERLIN —With his assisti ants bill their “Pack of Cards" in j which all kinds of card tricks are | done. SIMPSON AND BEANS —Are the I names of two funsters who make j merry at their audience's expense (Turn to Page 6)
AMUSEMENTS
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