Indianapolis Times, Volume 40, Number 257, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 March 1929 — Page 9

.MARCH 16,1929__

GEORGE SIDNEY HAS COMEDY ROLE IN NEW LAUGH MOVIE

John Gilbert Has a Thrilling Time in the Sand in 'Desert Nights’ at the Palace—Apollo Now Offers ‘Stark Mad,’ With Henry B. Walthall. UNIVERSAL’S latest annual laugh classic, "The Cohens and Kellys,” opened today as the week’s new attraction at the Circle. This time the funsters are in Atlantic City, where they land as a result of their activities in the bathing suit business. George Sidney, Mack Swain, Vera Gordon and Kate Price are seen in the leading roles. “The Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City” is considered by many to be far better than the previous releases primary because this picture contains sound dialog sequences. George Sidney and Mack Swain supply some of the best laughs of the film with their chatter.

The two first are seen as partners in a bathing suit establishment with neither of them able to give expression to modern times in their designs. Rather do they try and force 1900 styles on present-day flappers at Atlantic City beach. * Their two children realize the folly of this in time to make a glorious attempt to save the business and the antics of their parents in resulting situations supply come of the best comedy seen here this season. The. picture includes a jail scene that is little short of a masterpiece so far as comedy is concerned. The Circle also is offering Sam Coslow as “The Broadway Minstrel,” and Newhoff and Phelps in “Crosswords,” in addition to the Fox Movetone News. tt It tt “DESERT NIGHTS” ON VIEW AT PALACE By a strange coincidence, the very oasis which serves as the background for the colorful climax of “Desert Nights,” the Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer feature with synchronized score and sound effects which stars John Gilbert, and which appears today served as an inspiration to John Thomas Neville and Dale Van Every, co-authors of the story, while they were writing it. The two men had been enjoying a holiday from the studio and after an extensive hunting trip through the mountains surrounding the Mojave desert, where the picture was filmed, they decided to take an excursion through the sand wastes. They became lost, however, when their car stalled and they were forced to walk. After two days of wandering about the desolate country, thirsty and tired from the heat of the desert, they discovered the oasis which is seen in the picture. Here they talked of their escape from a country which had spelled grim death for them and so the idea for the story was born. The action of the story is based on the sensational robbery of a huge diamond mine in dark Africa and the ensuing experience of its participants when they attempt to cross the desert with their loot. Mary Nolan, former Follies beauty and heroine of numerous screen dramas, appears opposite the popular star, while Ernest Torrence, veteran of both stage and screen, lends himself in anew and surprisingly difficult characterization. William Night directed the picture. In the new Metro Movietone presentations, which comprise part of the program, will be seen and heard Gus Edwards’ new beautifully colored miniature revue, “The Song of Roses,” combining dance, song, comedy, entertainment, all in one subject. A comedy act, with a jazz orchestra and cabaret girls, will be presented in Miller and Lyles’ “Jimtown Cabaret,” produced by the colored star's of “Shuffle Along.” The Fox Movietone News, the world-wide talking newsreel, the M. G. M. News Review and Lester Huff at the organ in anew musical novelty will complete the program. tt a FAZENDA HAS A COMEDY ROLE Louise Fazenda has a big role in the partof Miss Fleming in Warner Brothers’ latest 100 per cent all talking picture, “Stark Mad,” which opens a week’s engagement at the Appollo today. The timorous Miss Fleming is the secretary to the founder of an expedition setting out for the Central American jungles to locate the rich man’s son who, with his guide, has presumably been lost while hunting there. Terrors in mar.y shapes confront not only the sensitivt Miss Fleming, but all the members [ of the party, not the least of which

| j I PLENTY OF PARKING SPACE \ killed mm BELLAMY? ~*uoull find % %V, 's|i|!F the answer in fill HL&6 , IN DIALOGUE AND SOUND v 'rITZ TS I ORIENTAL stin.-Mon.-Tues.-Wed. I Sun.-Mon.-Tues. - ----- ---- - - - ——*

UPTOWN SUN.-MON.—MHON NQVARPO in “The Flying Fleet" ST. GLAIR SUN.-MON.—COLLEEN MOORE in “Synthetic Sin’’ STRAND SUNDAY—Wm. HAINES hi “Alias Jimmy Valentine”

Love Nest A complete Chinese home has been built for Billie Dove at First National Studios. Miss Dove is now starring in “Careers,” which has its locale in Cochin-China and the home is for scenes in the picture.

are a huge man-hunting gorilla, a temporary mad man, dwellers in deserted Mayan temples, mysteriously closing doors, disappearing floors and other equally breath-tak-ing paraphernalia of spookdom. The staging and photography of “Stark Mad” are tremendously effective- The cast includes besides the king of gorillas himself, H. B. Warner. Louise Fazenda, Jacquline Logan, Henry B. Walthall, Lionel Belmore, Claude Gillingwater, Andre Beranger, John Miljan, Warner Richmond, and Eloyd Shackelford. The unusual story is from the feryile brain of Jerome Kingston. Harvey Gates did the screen adaption and Lloyd Bacon, who has been responsible for other Warner Bros. Success directed. H. B. Warner appears as an intrepid hunter, who has captured the guide of the missing hunter. Gil Wells, who will be heard in ihe Vitaphone presentation program which he calls “A Breeze From Down South” will be remembered by movie fans for his hunorous impersonations of “The Hall Room Boys,” a series of two reel comedies produced a few years ago. Other added features will be included in the program. a tt BEERY TOPS CAST AT INDIANA “Chinatown Nights,” starring Wallace Beery in a Paramount alltalker, is the new feature screen attraction at the Indiana. On the stage Charlie Davis and his band present Ad Carter, cartoonist, and, his living characters from “Just Kids.” The story in "Chinatown Nights” is taken from “Tong War,” which created quite a sensation in literary circles when published some time ago. Wallace Beery is seen as the “white boss” of New York’s Chinatown, and he is well cast in the role. During the beginning of a tong war one of the city’s younger set members goes on a slumming party and, chances to see the “white boss” in action following a murder scene. She becomes entranced with him and deserts the crowd to spend the remainder of her time with him. Throughout the picture there are rumbles of the tong Avar which keep interest at a high pitch from beginning to end. Beery is supported by Florence Vidor, Warner Oland and Jack Oakie. His voice is excellent for the screen. In the Publix unit, “Just Ride,” Ad Carter, who appears in person, offers real artists in the form of his characters and entertaining bits are supplied by them as they appear on the stage. Dance routines are furnished by the Dave Gould girls. Charlie Davis and members of his band offer “Sweethearts of Alsace Lorraine” as the number for this week and also supply special bits which are well received. As an added attraction Dessa Byrd, guest organist from the Circle theater, offers an organ solo. A Pathe news reel completes the bill. tt tt tt OHIO OFFERS WALL STREET FILM “The Wolf of Wall Street” will be seen in Indianapolis for another week as the result of its engagement at the New Ohio theater where it is being shown in keeping with

MOTION PICTURES

1— Nora Lane will be scan in “The Cohens and the Kellys at Atlantic City,” noAv at the Circle. 2 Wallace Beery has the chief role in “Chinatown Nights,” now at the Indiana.

the house's policy to offer “the pick of the talkies at family prices.” The bill also offers four talking subjects, including “The Lion's Roar,” all-talking Mack Sennett comedy which has attracted such wide attention. The feature picture also is an alltalker and stars George Bancroft. This is his first talking film and his voice is declared by critics to be one of the best recorded for screen purposes to date. Bancroft is supported by Olga Bac.anova, Nancy Carroll and Paul Lukas. He is seen as a ruthless financier of New York who struggled to the top through sheer force and disregard for others. As the result of his keen perception in financial matters, he is dubbed the “wolf” and his word is considered law by his associates. In love, however, he is not quite so adept and permits his beautiful wife to be stolen by a business associate. tt tt tt “THE BARKER” NOW AT FOUNTAIN SQUARE How a man himself tasting the dregs of life and concerned in a profession that partakes of many of the lower elements of existence may place all his hope and confidence in his son, is exemplified in First National’s “The Barker,” which comes to the Fountain Square starting Sunday, with Milton Sills and Dorothy MacKaill co-starred. Sills plays the title role, a ballyhoo spieler with a cheap carnival outfit. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. is his son. He has planned a college career for his son, with the idea of his becoming a lawyer, but the boy joins the show, marries Lou, a girl in the company, who set out to vamp him. Miss MacKaill plays this role. The result is confusion and despair, but finally it develops that the young couple are sincerely in love and and there is still hope for the future. Betty Compson, Sylvia Ashton and others are in the supporting cast. Sissle &. Blake in “Speakeasy,” a Movietone vaudeville act, Pathe Talking News and Aesop’s Fables in sound complete the show. Just Say “No” Success in the motion picture business comes to those who can say “No” the loudest, according to Richard Wallace, noted director for Paramount, whose newest picture is “Innocents of Paris,” starring Maurice Chevalier. Sings Eight Songs Maurice Chevalier, idol of ths Paris music halls, sings eight songs in “Innocents of Paris,” his first Paramount picture.

MOTION PICTURES

' SiiSiJH^REsn^r A Novelty Revuette A.V JBL In Technicolor _._ MILLER and LYLES /7//ER\EST TORRENCE ' Colored Musical Comedy ___ _ _ _ _ __ _ . mm DEfEUT NIQIT9 ‘ Chasing Husbands — ( gfa hated him—scorned his advances—and then in Ihe Tlikme o Newsei the burning desert , he gave her his last precious — , drops of water! M. G. M. New* Review * j n — LKSXEB hot A new — a Breate8 reater —JOHN GILBERT is here! The high At The Organ J point of his romantic success! .4 picture of desert love and adventure! j r "" “THE BROADWAY MELODY 1 * COMING SOON- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s SINGING—TALKING—DANCING Picture j

THE INDIANAPOLIS TDIES

Six-Act Bill Due at Lyric Polar Pastimes Will Be Novel Event on Program. A MONG the important offerings on the six-act vaudeville bill starting at the Lyric Sunday will be that of Fielder, Harriett and Harrison presenting a humorous skit entitled “We're in the Navy Now.” The trio add songs and dances to their fun to make their act real variety. The bill will include: Polar Pastimes—A novel production in a zero-like stage setting reveals some sports of the far north. Head to head balancing feats and several dancing numbers are featured. Paula and Polly —Said to be the only feathered creature to make a phonograph record. Polly, a parrot which actually uses its intellect, will be another bright spot on the bill. The sagacious fowl will be presented by Miss Paula. Conversation with its trainer is indulged in by the bird. Imitations of a wide variety of animals and fowls at the air will also be offered by the parrot. Polly is known as “The Human Bird.” Jimmy Allard—And company of five will present a comedy sketch, “Journey’s Inn,” written by Billy House. A1 Rome & Co.—A hoke comedian and his partner Betty Woods, will

MOTION PICTURES

tftl-m THKATHC OF IQO WOWOtltf TB V STARTING SUNDAY II! I r VITAPHONE TALKING PICTURE I Movietone I aikln? I ‘tr I Vaudeville I News and Fables I APEl'fSrjSc dHILPRENTIOc

3 George Bancroft is in the cast of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” now at the Ohio. 4 John Gilbert, in a scene from “Desert Nights,” now at Loew’s Palace. 5 Jacqueline Logan is in the cast of “Stark Mad” at the Apollo, starting today.

First Desire The childhood ambition of Mary Brian, Paramount featured player, was to be a great painter. She specialized in drawing and painting, then came to Los Angeles and “broke” into motion pictures.

amuse with an eccentric offering titled “Chasers of the Blues.” The Kinkaid Kilties A Caledonian conglomeration of national entertaining talents by six children from the land of .heather, will sing Scotch songs and trip highland measures. Vina Keppie, champion lady bass drummer is featured in the act. On the Screen—All the mighty drama and sweeping thrills of Avar on the high seas will be offered in "Blockade,” a melodrama of romance and intrigue aboard the pirate craft of a “twelve-mile-out,” which will be the feature picture for the week. “Blockade,” which presents many breath taking scenes made at sea, with battling crews on ships side by side and machineguns and one-pounders firing upon them from government vessels depicts the ceaseless warfare that is carried on aloqg the east coast of the United States between orgnaized rum runners and the law enforcement officials of the government. Anna Q. Nilsson, seen in the stellar role, portrays a dashing young woman of and riches, owner and commander of a speedy yacht, who injects herself and her ship’s crew into the rum-running and “hi-jacking” game. In the supporting cast are Wallace McDonald, Walter McGrall and James Bradbury, Jr.

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STARTING SUNDAY Is 1 s Opposite Terminal Station ISLE of LOST MEN Also Sixth Episode of “VANISHING WEST” ADMISSION 10c

Big Time Tonight on Roof Collegiate Night Will Be Observed by Students. IN keeping with the collegiate spirit Avhich is pervading the air in and around Indianapolis, Tom Devine, manager of the Indiana roof ballroom, announces a big collegiate frolic Avhich is to be held at the roof on Saturday night. Friday, which is collegiate night at the roof, has proven to be one of the most popular dance nights with the youngsters, according to the ballroom management. Saturday night,' which is always frolic night at the roof, will be turned into a basketball frolic this week. The Smith-McDowell orchestra, well-known dance band which ori-

111111 l 111111111111 l 111111111111 l Wlllffi 111111111111 l lllllllll!lli lIIMiIII II [lilllllill llllllillllll lllllll! HUM / .... WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE ” t £ You’ll find a world of cheer and gladness in these three theatres, of JpfW After the games visit the Indiana, Circle or Ohio .. . where you’ll 1 jHfP J find three of the best Pictures of the year .. . two all-talkers and ™ & f Jf one talk aKd sou,ld comedy sensation TLUS a wealth of novelties tse!r Jk an glorious music. jii RESULTS OF TONITE’S FINALS ANNOUNCED lIN ALL THREE THEATRES! LAST PERFORMANCE AT THE INDIANA STARTS AT 9:45 P. M. ilirjHllJ 11 ' 'r j jjjjfp* AtiAWTW \| \ XjPI CHINATOWN NIGHTS' " MooftAV ‘ WE'ftE ALU HERE TOWWf \ 1 ff | \ ■ /NIB r RJGWr FROM THE FUNNIES ONTO THE STAOE TO 11 2IT djUffl] !|[ 5*4 V Jn! MMCE LOTS A -WHOOPEE WITH 'PAPPY* F’JpfT\L wfn|| i 'SW # # iLTdlfi!! CHARLIE DAVIS * RHYTHM. BOVS, let THE PUBLIX PRODUCTION lO •?? / £alW 1 -*. (JW^ l I ' JUST ft IQS*/ A HUGE CAST OF COMEOIANsA V. i 'G&' *5 WL \ I SINGERS. DANCERS AMD PC-RSONAL APPEARANCE \ / <HLyftW JyW in OF OUR 6055 AD CARTER. WHO DRAWS 1 f \ ’•; US EACH DAY (N THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR / \ H •** W ll!!l . WATCH US STEPJ A SYNCOPATED CARTOON / \ \ All ffQU* W \ in the flesh/ soul- tickling fom for. kios ano /1 %_ \\*** 1

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ginated at the Vanderbilt university. and which is being featured at the roof, Avill take advantage of this opportunity to unfold their unusual collection of dance numbers most popular on the campus. This aggregation of youthful musicians promise some lively entertainment. The winning teams in the Indiana state basketball tournament will be announced from time to time throughout the evening. A New Daily Dozen A “daily dozen” on s he day keeps the blues away. That's the theory of Charles (Buddy) Rogers, Paramount screen star. “Buddy” has a bout with his piano every morning before breakfast It puts him in the right mental attitude for his day’s work, he says Besides, musical talent comes in handy in talking pictures. In his latest production, “Close Harmony,” “Buddy” plays six band instruments. Has a Beauty Role Margaret Livingston, one of Hollywood’s most popular free lance beauties, plays an important role in “Innocents of Paris,” the Paramount all-talking picture that totroduces Maurice Chevalier as a screen star.

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PAGE 9

Ziegfeld to Send • Big Hit •Rio Rita,’ With a GreaV Cast, to Open at Murat. ZIEGFELD S success, “Rio Rita,” which is now attracting capacity audiences to the Auditorium theater. Chicago, is to be presented at the Murat the week commencing Monday, April 1, Mr. Ziegfeld is sending to Indianapolis the original New York cast which enjoyed a run of two seasons in his Metropolitan theater. Among the principal players presenting the operetta may be noted Ethelind Terry, J. Harold Murray, Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Vincent Serrano, Marie Lambert, All James. Eunice Holmes, the Albertino ,Rasch dancers and 100 glorified Ziegfeld American beauties. Manager Ad Miller Jr. announces that mail orders are now being accepted for this extraordinary engagement. Popular matinees arc to be given on Wednesday and Saturday.

Big Job

j Columbia’s statement that “RcI demption,” its latest special, is go- ! ing into immediate production under the direction of Frank R. Capra, creates a situation that is not only unique, but also without precedent In the annals of motion pictures. Nearly a year after Columbia Pictures had announced the acquisition of “Redemption” by Count Leo Tolstoi, as one of the specials of its 1928-1929 program. M. G. M. issues a statement that it has bought the rights to the play from Arthur Hopkins to serve as a vehicle for John Gilbert, with Fred Niblo at the megaphone. In the meantime Columbia has completed the screen adaptation, put its o. k. on all preliminary steps, j and camera work on “Redemption” | has started this week. Now Under Contract Mary Brian and Doris Hill danced • in the prologues of the Paramount theater in Los Angeles Avhen it was I called the Metropolitan. Both play- ■ ers are now under contract to Para- * mount.