Indianapolis Times, Volume 39, Number 154, Indianapolis, Marion County, 5 November 1927 — Page 5

NOV. 5, 1927

WILLIAM HODGE AND THE MARX BROTHERS AT ENGLISH’S

Berkell Players Next Week at the Colonial to Present for First Time Here ‘What Anne Brought Home,' a Comedy of Marriage. "William Hodge, now starring in his new mystery comedy, “Straight Thru the Door,” will open an engagement of three days at English’s on Monday night. This is the first time that Hodge has brought this show to Indianapolis. Among the members of William Hodge’s company there is no more popular individual than young Paul Jacchia, who in the comedy, “The Man at Home,” plays “brother,” a typical boy, who loves to go adventuring with his dog and capture crows, trap wood chucks and skunks, and at home tease his fair

sisters about their beaux. “Brother” is largely a counterpart of Mr. Hodge’s only son, William Hodge, Jr. In the play “brother” is quite a hero, for his imaginative and inquisitive mind discovers the real clew to the solution of the murder mystery. Although only 15, Paul Jacchia is almost a veteran in the theater. He was first carried on the stage at the age of 3 months by Ed Norton, and when 3 years old played girl parts. At 4 he played in “Somewhere in Prance.” At 40 he expects to play Hamlet, he says. Paul has played many parts on Broadway. He was seen in the title role of “Dick 'Whittington,” and he also appeared in “The Music Box Revue,” “six Characters in Search of an Author,” “Sweet Nell,” “Merton of the Movies,” “Is Zat So?” “Move On,” and in about a dozen feature pictures. NEW COMEDY ON VIEW AT COLONIAL A comedy of home life, entitled “What Anne Brought Home,” will be the theatrical fare offered by the Berkell Players at the Colonial next week, starting Sunday night. Miss Idabelle Arnold, who starred, recently in “Pollyanna” and “Peg O’ My Heart,” will also have the leading role in this play, which was announced by New York critics as being a thoroughly amusing comedy. The play has but one setting, and requires four women and five men in the cast. It is written in three acts with the scenes laid in a household where the usual domestiv difficulties are present. Miss Josephine Aumann, the Colonial organist, will give an organ recital before the ten performances and between the acts. "What Anne Brought Home” con-

an'iaTl berkell |WL.UmftL| PLAYERS Week Starting Sunday, November 6th “WHAT mil BROUGHT HOME” WITH IDABELLE ARNOLD The Larry E. Jolinson-Earl Carroll-Wallacks Theater Success Nightly at 8:15. Lower Floor, 90c. Entire Balcony, 50c. Gallery (not reserved), 25c. Gov. Tax on 90c Seats Only MATINEES—WED., THURS., AND SAT. AT 2:15 Bower Floor, 50c. Entire Balcony, 35c. Gallery, 25c Week Starting Sunday, November 13th FAREWELL WEEK “SOME BABY”

I THE DYNAMIC FORCE OF VAUDEVILLE §1 FRANK HUGHES & GIRLS ‘‘ROMANTIC MOMENTS IN DANCELAND” 11 THE DeKOE TRIO i WINFRED & MILLS Human Jugglers | “In China” M SHADOW S McNEILL EXTRA ADDED FEATURE ATTRACTION! “W 808 LARRY’S ENTERTAINERS Re RUTH by in “ A TRIP THROUGH NOVELTY LAND” HOLLER SCREEN COMEDY, “THE LOVE WALLOP” —KINOGRAMS S4aPtS EDGAR GUEST POETIC JEWEL, “WHEN REDSKINS 12:40 Hooas STEPPED TO DEATH”—FATHE COMEDY, "SMITH’S COOK” jjDpEVILLE STARTS AT -

In New Comedy The Messrs. Shubert have decided to present Miss Edna Leedom in “Breakfast in the Sun,” a play with music, adapted from the French. In all probability, the title will be changed. The score is by Dave Stamper and Harold Levy, and the lyrics by Cyrus Wood. Rehearsals begin Thursday.

cerns a newly wedded couple who find it necessary to return to the wife's home for an indefinite adjustment of financial conditions. Anne’s parents are loath to believe that their daughter has captured anything worth while, and they at once proceed to depreciate their new son’s efforts and abilities, thereby causing many heartacnes to the girl who sees in her husband all that is worth while. How they work out their px-oblem and win the commendation of the old folks constitutes the interesting material of the play. MARX BROTHERS AT ENGLISH’S THURSDAY At English’s, beginning Thursday, Nov. 10, for three days only, with a matinee Saturday, Sam Harris will present the Marx Brothers in “The Cocoanuts.” . Heretofore, through the medium of “The Music Box Revue,” Harris has given elaborate entertainment of the traditional type, but this year he has a story of sufficient volume to be dignified by the name of plot, and then has added his dances, sketches, and musical numbers, all of which are indigenous to the narrative. He has taken for his locale Florida during the recent land boom and he has, through the fertile pen of George S. Kaufman, a hilarious

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story to which Irving Berlin has added the lyrics and characteristic numbers. Here is entertainment that surpasses the “Revues,” not excepting the “The Music Box Revue,” which “The Cocoanuts” has supplanted in Irving Belin’# affections. Once again we have beauty and art combined in the- expert staging of a large working chorus, in the gorgeous ensembles costumed to fill the eye and to the varied talents of an unusually expert company of comedians, singers and dancers To begin with there are the Marx Brothers, who made themselves such distinct favorites through their long success “I’ll Say She Is.” Into a most up-to-date story of Florida and its erstwhile land boom, the author has placed these comedians, suiting the picture and situtations to their style of talents. Holding the story together has its own difficulties where the Marx Brothers are concerned. Prominent in the large cast are Olga Elsler, Roy Storm, Margaret Dumont, Antonio and Catherine Cansino, The Lovey Sisters. Marian Benda, Nell Jewel, Philip Mann, Edward Metcalfe, Porto Rican String Orchestra, and the liveliest, peppiest, and the most handsomely gowned chorus presented on the stage in many a day.

Vaga bond King

Os such remarkable proportions has the success of “The Vagabond King” been in this country that Russell Janney recently staged the production at the Winter Garden, London, with an all-English cast, and the play is now in its sixth successful month in the British capital. Derek Oldham, one of England’s best singing-actoi-s, and Miss Winnie Melville, former star in the London company of “Rose Marie,” were secured by Janney for “The Vagabond King.” These roles in the coming presentation of the operetta at English’s will be sung by Edward Nell Jr. and Carolyn Thomson, respectively. Miss Thomson has not sung the role of Katherine De Vaucelles outside of New York until this season. The soprano is accredited one of the highest-salaried prima donnas on Broadway.

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THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

I—Bernice Marsolais will be seen in “What Anne Brought Home” at the Colonial, starting Sunday night. 2 Bob Larry and his entertainers will be among the important offerings at the Lyric, starting Sunday. 3 William Hodge opens Monday night In “Straight Thru the Door” at English's for three days. 4 Dorothy Knight will be seen in support of Four Marx Bros, in “The Cocoanuts,” opening at English’s Thursday night. 5 Ernest Hiatt will be present on the new bill starting Sunday afternoon at Keith’s.

ROUNDING THEATERS

Indianapolis failed completely to give the needed support to “The Cradle Song” at English's this week in order to make it a satisfactory engagement. The truth is that the box office side of “The Cradle Song” is a dismal failure, according to Ad F. Miller, manager of the theater. Regarding the quality of the play and the ability of the players, there is no controversy at all. Have received many letters from people stating that they saw this play on the strength of my opinion of it.

* None of the writers complained of the play, but all pointed out the dismal support given it in this city On Thursday night, I again saw this play and on leaving the theater I heard a stranger ask his companion, “What is the population of Indianapolis?” When told, he said, "I can not understand the failure of any city to respond to this play. It is beyond me.” And I silently agreed with the stranger. Business was bad for “What Every Woman Knows” and it was worse for “The Cradle Song. “A business man of this city told me that he was of the opinion that this city did not know that such a fine play was here,” Mr. Miller told me “I told him,” Mr. Miller said, “that we had spent more money advertising this play than we would spend in exploiting ‘Artists And Models’ and if that revue were here this week we would be playing to capacity. I am sure that ‘The

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ROUND With WALTER D. HICKMAN

Cradle song’ gave greater value than the box office prices.” “The Cradle Song” had the right admission scale, the top price never being over $2.20. The New York Civic Theater has done its duty in including this city in its tour, but we failed completely to respond. Road 'conditions seem to be bad. So bad that Dayton and Toledo, 0., I am told, have eliminated the legitimate theater where road attractions have been presented in otiier years. In Columbus. 0., this week, Laura Hope Crewes in the Theatre Guild production of “The Silver Chord” played to a total gross of $420 in one performance. In that same theater a week ago, “What Ever? Woman Knows” played to only ten filled rows for one performance, according to reports received here. If this keeps on for worthy productions, the “road” is doomed and so is Indianakrlis. There are many bookings at English’s this season

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but failure to support good shows will hasten the end. And that is a fact. Bad shows, poorly written and even more poorly acted, deserve bad support, but not the better things. Will we ever agree on what is worth while? Unsatisfactory business will cause the closing of the Berkell Flayers at the Colonial on about Saturday night, Nov. 19. That plain announcement of Charles Berkeil tells in a few words certain conditions that the legitimate theater is facing here. He will return to English’s in the early spring. Meredith Nicholson told me that he was recently in New York and saw the Walter Hampden production of “The Enemy of the People” and was so impressed with the “applicability of Ibsen’s play” to Indianapolis that he wired George Somnes and urged the Little Tneatre to produce it. Somnes tells me that he has altered his production plans and that the second offering of the Lttle Theatre Society of Indiana will be “An Enemy of The People.” We thank both Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Somnes. Arthur on Vacation Johnny Arthur is enjoying a rest fishing for the big ones in the Pacific Oceans. The Tuxedo comedy star has completed four comedies, and also has finished his engagement in the stage production, “I Love You,” in San Francisco.

Makes Hit

Evelyn Brent, who made an instantaneous hit in her latest production , “Underworld,” and who has been signed to play opposite Emil Jannings in his new picture for Famous Players, will be seen in one of the principal roles in the Tiffany production, “Women’s Wares,” which has just been completed by that organization. In this picture Miss Brent portrays the role of a Fifth Avenue mannikin, wearing, it is said, some gorgeous fashion creations. Star New Comedian Monte Collins, anew comedy find is being starred in one-reel Cameo comedies this season. His initial laugh picture, “He Tried To Please,” scored a great hit at pre-view showings on the West Coast, and is said to be repeating this success in first run houses this month. His second comedy, “Rest Day,” is reported to be as funny as his initial comic effort.

MURAT— SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT 3 O'CLOCK GERALDINE FARRAR IN SONG RECITAL PRICES (Plus Tax) $3.30,52.75,52.20, $1.65, sl.l0 —Phone Lincoln 7878

TODAY THE PRICES mat. PDflni c Qfifyp Mat -’ 50c to SL6S NITE unnuLL uUIIU Nite, 50c to $2.20

ENGLISH’S MON., TUES., WED., NOV. 7-9 Mr. Lee Shubert presents jr ; jjjaSß\ America's Inimitable Star § W& \ A ml hodgP. In His Latest Success STRAIGHT THRU THE DOOR A Mystery Comedy A Whimsical Play of Love, Mystery ami Humor With a Cast of Unusual Merit --r MATINEE WED. ££sl.6s m THUBS., FBI., SAT., MOV. 10, 11,12—MAT. SAT. PRICES ”* ‘ MfliL KITES, SI.IO to $3.85 OR “ RRS | ' I S i<3* COMPANY OF 100 INCLUDES—h [AW gftftp MYNN niHOjt. IKT V 'VU S ninv mviti THE I.OVKY SISTKIO. EDWARD ME TCAI.yL ' r(*KTT> KI<;AN STI{IN<i OBrHKS T KA AND uf?BK ffifftiMlffiW THE rAMOt’S cm UIM I <.ltO\ K CHOltl *. ENGLISH’S ONE WEEK Beginning: MONDAY, NOV. It. MATS., WED. AM SAT. MAIL ORDERS NOW. MJBMO SEAT SALE TIHRPDAY, NOV. 10 Rntwll Jnnney’s NEW YORK AND LONDON 8t Ct'ESS 600 Time. N. Y. t !il J 1 Tlie Mu.ln fl Mo*, in London |*ystSjJMUjM2j&Sw I. 1 rlml' -32 1 New York Featuring Carolyn Tlionmin. Will 'll rliillirlek. Edward Nell Jr.. H. Cooper fllfl'e, and Twenty Other Broadway Musical Comedy Favorite*. Price.: Night., Bn., $3.85. Orrli. (entire) $3.30. Bale.: Ist 4 rw. $3.15: next 4 row*. $3.20; last 5 rows. $1.05. Dal.: sl.lO. l *” ( hM*t'i **'*.?; Oreh • $2.15 Bale.: Ist 4 rows, $2.20; next 4 row., $1.65, last 5 row. and Dal.. sl.lO.

Patriotic Night in Ballroom American Legion Ball to Be Held Soon at the Indiana, A patriotic celebration that will come up to that of Armistice night nine years ago will be featured at the Indiana Ballroom when the American Legion Ball takes place there Armistice night, Nov. 11. Every American Legion Post in the city is back of this gigantic dance frolic, and is doing everything in its power to make this an outstanding figure in the history of the city. Jonas Perlberg, manager of the ballroom has produced hundreds of colorful patriotic spectacles, and will try in every way possible to give In* dianapolis the best he has. V. M. “Army” Armstrong, who la one of Indianapolis’ loyalist legionnaires, says that this is really the first time that the American Legion, or in fact any of the posts, have ever gotten in back of an event of this kind, and he says that they want the people of this city to come up and celebrate this memorable event, lest they might forget Its true meaning Tickets for this celebration wero placed on sale last Thursday as there will bo only a limited amount sold. Many patriotic features have been obtained for the event and the management believes that this affair will surpass that of the Mask-O-Wcen ball held there last Monday which broke all house records. Renew Author’s Contract Grover Jones, veteran motion picture author, renewed his contract with Paramount for a long term. During the one year Jones has been with the organization he has had a hand in five stories: "Rolled Stockings,” Wedding Bills,” “Figures Don’t Lie,” “She’s a and “The Big Game Hunt.” ones also wrote “The Gay Defend! r,” an original Richard Dlx starring vehicle now in production.

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