Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 64, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 August 1928 — Page 4

PAGE 4

STUART WALKER WILL CLOSE HIS SEASON WITH ‘KEMPY*

Robert St. Clair’s Unnamed Comedy-Drama of Theatrical Life Will Make Debut at English's on Sunday Night for the Week, NEXT week will close the tenth summer season of repertory in Indianapolis of the Stuart Walker company now playing at Keith's. The play selected for presentation the last week is “Kempy,” a three-act comedy of American home life written by J. C. and Elliot Nugent. Mr. Walker’s Cincinnati repertory company will continue and is expected to last well into the winter. Mr. Walker has said that he will have more companies out this next season than at any other time in his career. The plot of the comedy “Kempy” is a speedy one. “Kempy” refers to a young architect who has turned plumber’s helper, because of an unappreciative world. He has read while in the Y. M. C. A. some books written by the headstrong daughter of a disrupted household and published unbeknownst to her by her suitor.

The books have a description of a church with a lot of domes and spires on it and this so inspires the youth to plan a church of similar proportions he vows to marry her if they ever meet. The girl’s rejected suitor buys the house from the girl’s father and gives it to the young man, which goes a considerable way in placating the parents. But not so the young wife. And so Kempy is called to the girl’s home to make a repair to a broken pipe. The girl is ambitious for a career on the stage. As Kempy enters the family is opposing her. She espies Kempy, grabs his nand, kisses him, and whisks him out of the house and marries him, and all before the youthful Kempy realizes just what it is all about. Elliott Nugent first started in the theater with Mr. Walker. It was Walker who first produced “The Poor Nut,” giving Indianapolis a chance to see this success before it was acclaimed in New York. a tt tt NEW ST. CLAIR PLAY AT ENGLISH’S

One hundred dollars in gold will be awarded to the individual who submits a winning title to the play which Robert St. Clair has recently written and turned over to Charles Berkell, manager of the Berkell, manager of the Berkell Players, for local production. It will open at English's Sunday night with an augmented cast. This is the second play which St. Clair has had in production here. Last year a mystery show won him considerable fame for its highly attractive features, and for this play a prize of SIOO was also offered for a title. Mr. St. Clair is probably one of the youngest playwrights in America. Several years ago he wrote a play which was produced in the East. The present vehicle is judged by those who have read it, as far in advance of the mystery show, and calculated to rank among plays turned out by writers with years of experience. Mr. St. Clair is one of the popular members of the local company, and as a courtesy to him and to his extraordinary talent, Mr. Berkell has invited his mother to take part in the presentation of her son’s play. She will be remembered as doing very capable work here last year in “His Chinese Wife.” She has been an actress for years, winning her first laurels with “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cahbage Patch.” The unnamed play revolves around the joys and sorrows of stage life as affecting stage folks. Many intimate glimpses of back-stage life is afforded the audience, a delightful love theme runs through the entire play, and a very appealing feature is an especially composed love song, the singing of which the author has devised as the means whereby two lovers are reunited. This song has a catchy tune, and as it plays a very important part in the plot of the play, it will doubtless become indellibly fixed in the minds of those present and form a part of the musical experience much like “The Indian Love Call” characterized “Rose-Marie.” St. Clair’s play opens with a prolog, and is done in three act, with three elaborate stage settings. It is classed as a comedy-drama, with a plot consisting of many unusual twists and novelties. Any one holding a seat coupon may attach it to a title for the play and send to “Contest Department,” care of the Berkell Players, English Theater. All titles must be submitted by Monday noon Aug. 13. The successful title will be announced with the winner of the prize at Tuesday evening’s performance. Back to Work Evelyn Brent, has returned to the Hollywood studio after a vacation in New York and is preparing to begin work on “Interference,” her next picture.

To Direct Lother Mendos, who directed Adolphe Menjou in “A Night of Mystery,” has been assigned to handle “Interference.” In the film version Clive Brook, Evelyn Brent and William Powell will be featured.

ENGLISH’S 25 NIGHTLY 8:30 —25c, 50c, 99c MAT.. WED., THURS., SAT. BERKELL PLAYERS Robert St. CEair’s NEW UNNAMED COMEDY DRAMA of Theatrical Life $ °|§ For the best Title Suggested Mb Mail Your Seat Check With in Title to ENGLISH THEATRE GOLD CONTEST DEPARTMENT The Award Will be Made Tuesday Evening, August 14th “NEW BROOMS” AUG. 12TH By FRANK CRAVEN

In Sketch

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Edward Everett Horton

Edward Everett Horton is featured with Lois Wilson, popular movie star in a Vitaphone vaudeville act, “Miss Information," which will be presented at the Apollo starting today. Another Vitaphone act on the program will be the Three Brox sisters in “Down South.” They are harmony vocal entertainers, who appeared here at English’s with the four Marx brothers in “The Cocanuts,” and who were formerly with Ziegfeld’s Follies and the Music Box Revue.

ROUNDING ROUND THEATERS with Walter 1 JV-tVO HICKMAN

WITH Stuart Walker getting ready to close his stock season at B. F. Keith’s on Sunday night, Aug. 12, and with Charles Berkell preparing to move to Chicago in about two weeks time, Indianapolis is left without legitimate stock attractions for some time. The decision of Stuart Walker to quit at Keith’s earlier than was expected will result in a civic institution leaving the citv for awhile anyway. That is to be regretted and I personally see a serious loss in the withdrawal of Walker from this city. Donn Wermuth, Walker’s manager here, has made a wonderful showing desipte many bad local conditions.

Business has not been near ax good as it should have been for stock here this summer. Wermuth has gone out for business and has made a dignified attempt to maintain a high press standard for Walker. This Wermuth has done. Wermuth is a trained newspaperman and he has had theatrical experiences with large organizations in New York. His expert ability to awaken public'interest in the Walk-

Buys Planes Howard Hughes, producerdirector of “Hell’s Angels,” has purchased twenty-four additional war-type airplanes to take part in final episodes of his $2,000,000 aviation thriller. The added air fleet includes twelve Fokkers and twelve allied type planes. The ships have arrived at Caddo Field and are being tuned up by mechanics for the battle climaxes of the picture.

In Murder Film Ruth Taylor has been cast as “Alice” in the version of S. S. Van Dine’s “The Canary Murder Case.” William Powell has been given the star role of Philo Vance, the detective. Alice a Show Girl Alice White is taking dancing lessons, preparatory to starting work in "Show Girl.” Her studies include acrobatic steps, together with advanced ballroom dancing. Has Bust Made Clara Bow, these days, Is sitting fcr a sculptor who is making a portrait bust of her. He is Stefen De Vriendt, a Belgian, who has done notable work abroad.

AMUSEMENTS

Dancer to Top New Lyric Bill Nikolas Boilla Offers ‘Garden of Roses’ Sunday, Nikolas boilla, famous maitre-de-ballet for the Shuberts, presents as the headline attraction at the Lyric next week, “Garden of Roses,” one of the few fantasies that has visited the local playhouse for some time. “The Garden of Roses” is set in a fairyland of a garden. Rosemary Dering, the premier danseuse in the production, has studied under Leo Statz and Adolf Bohn and was formerly with the Civic Opera Company of Chicago. Her dancing partner is Gerard Fawlers. Tommy Tucker, who appeared for two seasons in “Princess Flavia” and “The Four Rosebuds,” are also included in the presentation. The bill will include: JOE FANTON—Daring ring performer, presents a lot of thrills with his sensational tricks, featuring the teterboard toe catch. He is assisted by two very clever gymnasts. WALZER AND KUBAN Two hoke specialists in a screamingly funny skit which is more dependent on the humor and personalities of the two artists rather than the material itself.

KOLA—A contortionist impersonating a frog in the jungle. This chap is so realistic as to make one think of prehistoric days when frogs were almost gigantic. ELIZABETH NELSON AND THE BARFY BOYS—Present “Just Off the Links,” a comedy skit replete with comedy situations and good wholesome fun. JACK AND SOL FREED—Lightning steppers in a fast dancing act, "The Motion of Rythm.” VILLA AND STRIGO Strum guitars, sing and inject a tone of comedy in their offering titled “Very Snappy.” ON THE SCREEN—Fox comedy, “Elephants Elbows”; color classic, “The Tenderfoot”; Universal comedy. “Sandwiches and Tea,” and a Pathe News Reel.

er offering has done much in Walker's favor. There are many contributing causes to bad theater business all over the country and Indianapolis is no exception to the general rule. I was in hopes that Walker would remain here all winter as there is much concern over road conditions this fall and winter. “Variety” in its latest issue states in part: But six new shows in rehearsal reported up to this week and although several were added to the group Monday, production is away under normal. Managers appear to be sparring against continued warm weather. Broadway will have an approximate full quota of fresh attractions, according to production schedules, but the road is wondering and worrying about bookings One expert stated this week that there are not enough shows for the road to fill forty consecutive weeks in anv one combination theater in any one principal city. Dark weeks in the week-stands is a certainty as a number are attempting to operate more theaters than there arc available attractions and more than patronage demands. Washington and Baltimore are instances, the former having three legitimate houses and the .attar two. Both could get along with one. Detroit despite its growth is said to be over seated, especially for the legit. Boston’s nine theatres are too many, it is claimed. That goes even more so for Cincinnati and Pittsburgh with three legit houses, and Cleveland. St. Louis. Buffalo and Toronto which have two each and could get along very well with one. The Shuberts and Erianger offices appear to be pooling effectively only in Atlantic City. Los Angeles and Kansas City, failing to go through with that economic plan in the other stands. The pooling plan is also supposed to apply in Chicago and Phialdelphia, but does not seem to work out well. The winners in the Anita Page contest conducted by the Indianapolis Times and Loew’s Palace in connection with the showings of •‘Telling the World” will be announced next Tuesday in The Times. Assigned Part Eileen Manning has been assigned to play a role in “Heart to Heart,” featuring Mary Astor and Lloyd Hughes.

RIVERSIDE SUNDAY AFTERNOON RACE FROM SKY TO EARTH Two Daring Indianapolis Girls HAZEL BRUCE and ETHEL PRITCHETT Will Tumble From the Clouds at the Sound of the Starting Bomb EACH RACER WILL CUT 3 PARACHUTES 1 Monster M Brave „ Flimsy Br 'n M Girls r Parachutes ADD THAT UP! TUNE IN ON WKBF EACH TUESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNING AT 10:30 FOR RIVERSIDE NEWS AND MUSIC. RIVERSIDE

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

I—Robert St, Clair and his mother will appear with the Berkell company in his new untitled comedy-drama, which opens Sunday night at EnglisVs.

Big Events to Be Held Sunday Six Parachute Stunts to Be Shown at Amusement Park, SIX parachutes will be cut loose in the sky above Riverside amusement park Sunday afternoon during the aerial race between Hazel Bruce and Ethel Prlchett, two Indianapolis girls, who will ascend from the park suspended from the big Riverside balloon. When the huge hot air bag reaches a height of approximately one mile, a starting bomb will be exploded in the center of the park and the fair aeronauts will begin their mad dash back to earth. According to the terms of the contest each racer must execute at least three separate parachute jumps before landing. Miss Pritchett, the more experienced balloonist of the two, has agred to allow Miss Bruce a start of a hundred feet, not cutting away from the balloon until the latter is that distance on her journey. This provision was insisted on by the park management as a safety measure in order to obviate the chance of the two racers being blown together and getting their paraphernalia tangled, which would instantly prove fatal. A medal, suitably inscribed, will be presented to the winner by the park management, it is announced. Children from all parts of the city are enjoying the playground in the Riverside Amusement Park. This new feature this season occupies a space just inside the main entrance to the park, and is completely equipped with swings, slides, teeters and numerous other fun devices dear to the hearts of the youngsters, and is, of course, free of any admission charge, as also is the park proper. The deep, cool shade of the trees in the grove right in the center of the park, surrounding the cool waters of the lovely lagoon, is attracting thousands this summer, who bring the children and lunch baskets out early in the day for many hours of fun and relaxation.

More Talkies

Preparations are under way for the synchronization, with sound effects,' of ten Tiffany-Stahl special productions for 1928-29. This step was decided upon at a meeting of the company’s executives held at the home office in New York last week, at which were present the officers of the company and several of the exchange branch managers. The pictures decided upon to be synchronized include “The Toilers,” a Reginald Barker special production, four John M. Stahl special attractions, three additional Reginald Barker special productions and two others to be announced. Thelma Is the Belle Asa belle of a small town, Thelma Todd looks her loveliest in “Heart to Heart.”

AMUSEMENTS

2—A member of the team of Villa and strigo in '“Very Snappy,” to be at s J the Lyric next week.

Reads New Chief Role

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. Miss Edythe Elliott

The Times photographer “caught” Miss Edythe Elliott taking a look at her role in Robert St. Clair’s unnamed comedy-drama of theatrical life which Charles Berkell will present at English's for the first time on any stage, beginning Sunday night. A prize of SIOO in gold will be given to the patron seeing the show who submits the best title in the estimation of the judges.

Patience ’

Virginia Pearson has been added to the cast of the Tiffany-Stahl production temporarily entitled “Patience,” starring Belle Bennett and being directed by Wallace Worsley. Tne cast also includes John Westwood, Marion Douglas,

Til Ttumatim II iNEVggHj^ j£3 iA Q 3 g* dAjA § Efi Fox Comedy—" Elephants Elhoes.” | I JOE milCfii iiUJM 1 < "" :r

3—Muriel Kirkland will be seen in “Kempy,” final bill of the Stuart Walker season, starting Monday night at Keith’s.

Anders Randolf, Johi St. Polis, Roy Laidlaw, Jack Singleton, Dick Beifield and Gene McFarlan. All in Picture Mary Astor, Lloyd Hughes, Louise Fazenda and Thelma Todd are completing their work in “Heart to Heart.” Much comedy is supplied by Lucien Littlefield, Raymond McKee and others.

AMUSEMENTS

New Events on the Screen

Carlyle Blackwell, Benita Hume and Gordon Harker will be featured in the Gainsborough production, “’The Wrecker,” under the direction of G. Bolvary. This is a railroad story which lends itself admirably to sound effects’, which it will have. Theodore Komisarjevsky has completed all of the interiors for "Yellow Stockings,” featuring Percy Marmont for Welsh-Fearson-Elder Films, Ltd. Maurice Elvey has taken the Gaumont, unit headed by Cyril McLaglen and Chili Boucher to Falmouth where the boat scenes for "Rough Seas” will be enacted. W. P. Kollino, the director of Gaumont’s motor racing story, “Paco,” promises some thrilling scenes during the auto race, as many of the drivers are the best in England and an unexpected accident lends plenty of realism. British Screen Productions will soon start on “Yellow Corn,” by Upton Gray. Frank Miller will direct a cast headed by Betty Siddons, James Knight and Wyndham Guise.

Horsewoman

Nora Lane, who plays the leading feminine role opposite Ricardo Cortez in the Tiffany-Stahl production, "The Gun Runner,” an adaptation of the Arthur Stringer novel of the fame name, is an intrepid horsewoman, having gained much of her riding knowledge while acting opposite Fred Thompson, the noted western star. While doing a very hazardous scene, under the direction of Edgar Lewis, Miss Lane, astride a fiery horse going down a mountain pass at break-nick speed, rode right, into a cameraman who was planted below a gulley to get an angle shot of the rider. The cameraman did not figure on the speed of the animal and was in danger of being trampled by the horse when Miss Lane made the horse leap over the cameraman. The only damage done was a broken tripod leg and a ripped shirt. Miss Lane was congratulated by all those who watched the scene on her quick wit and daring.

AUG. 4, 1923

Big Crowd Will Be at Park Here Citizens of Counties Gather; at Broad Ripple Park, TTROAD Ripple Park is making elaborate preparations to take care of an enormous crowd Sunday when the home folks who attend the park in legions will be mented by visitors from Shelby* Johnson, Morgan and Putnam Counties, who will attend the special “harvest time outing,” which will be celebrated at the park Sunday from sunrise to sunset and with special features during the evening. This is the first of these outings that will be held each Sunday throughout the balance of the season, terminating Labor day with ti huge mardi gras celebration that) will be made a State-wide affair. Starting Monday novelty week will be celebrated, with special days as follows; All red-headed boys, girls, men and women admitted to the park and pool free. Tuesday all boys, girjs. men and women weighing over 200 pounds admitted to the nark and pool free. Wednesday, “family night,” one admission at gate before 0 p. rru admits entire family to park Thursday, fraternal night. lodge! and fraternity members admitted to park free bv showing paid up lodge! or fraternitv card. Friday will be known as “whiskers and bald headed night,” any one with whiskers or possessing a. bald head admitted to park and pool free. Saturday night, which brines the noveltv week to an end. will be “long hair night,” any girl or woman who has not fallen for the “bobber shop" and possesses long tresses will be admitted to the park and pool free of charge. All of the rides and concessions will be bedecked in gav colored flags and bunting. Special musical programs will be given by the Musical Miracle and a program of aquatic stunts will be given daily at the swimming pool. Starting Sunday every woman attending the park throughout w’pek up to 7 o’clock in the evennig will be presented with a handsome shopping bag free of charge. There will be free dancing, children will be admitted free, free parking and the big free zoo.

AMUSEMENTS

OH BOY “Wotta Week” 7-Big Days-7 Packed and Jammed With Features Starting With Harvest Time Outing SUNDAY Gala Surprise Week Starting Monday LOOK MONDAY Red Headed boys, girls, men and women admitted Free to park and pool. TUESDAY Pays to Be Fat Men, women, boys and girls over 200 pounds in weight admitted Free to park and pool. WEDNESDAY NITE This Helps Pop Entire family admitted to park on one paid admission. Thurs. Fraternal Nite You Win, Brother A paid up Lodge or Fraternity card gets you Free admission. FRIDAY NITE Head and Tails Any one with whiskers and baJd head—Free to park and pool. SATURDAY NITE Barber Shop Blues Any woman or girl with long hair admitted Free to park and pool. FREE SHOPPING BAG To every woman entering park before 7 p. m. all week, starting' today. The Town Will Be Talking Come Out and See the Reason BROAD RIPPLE INDIANA’S FAVORITE PARK OF COURSE