Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 78, Indianapolis, Marion County, 10 August 1929 — Page 7
AFG. 10. 1020.
FIRST NATURAL COLOR ALL VITAPHONE FILM AT APOLLO
‘On With the Show’ Has a Great Singing and Dancing Cast, Headed by Betty Compson, Arthur Lake, Ethel Waters, Fairbanks Twins and Hardy. “/''vN With the Show,” Warner Bros.’ first 100 per cent natural color, V/ talking, ringing, dancing Vitaphone picture coming to the Apollo today, is the mos’ important milestone of this year of grace in the film industry. At least that is the consensus of Hollywood, ever alert to progress in this new art. There is not a single scene in. “On With the Show” which is photographed the old-farhomed way. The glamorous-stage and back-stage story is .seen through the medium of enchanting, ever-changing color. An entirely new color process is being used which brings out each
hue in its proper value. Jack L. Warner, vice-president in charge of production, was quick to seize on this new art and combine it with Vitaphone. The wedding of the two bids fair to start another revolution in the film industry. Vitaphone, pioneered by Warners, it will be remembered, eliminated the silent picture. “On With the Show,” with its music, dancing, songs and gorgeous colors of settings and costumes and people on the stage, is really stunning. One forgets entirely that it is a motion picture, or even a talking picture. The effect is utter reality. It is as if one were sitting in a theater seeing a musical comedy, with the added privilege of going backstage with the players where the real comedy and drama of their lives take place. The cast of “On with the Show” Includes Sally O'Neil, Arthur Lake. Betty Compson, William Bakew’ell. Louise Fazenda, Sam Hardy, the Fairbanks Tw’ins, Joe E. Browm, Lee Moran, Harry Gribbon, Wheeler Oakman, and many others. It is based on a story by Humphrey Pearson and adapted by Robert Lord. Words and music are by Akst and Grant Clarke, dance and stage presentations by Larry Ceballos. Directed by Alan Crosland. tt tt tt CHANEY’S LATEST NOW AT THE PALACE Phyllis Haver started her film career in a bathing costume —and she sang her sw'an song in moving pictures in the same garb. Miss Haver, who graduated to feature roles from the Mack Sennet bathing beauties, played her last role, before her marriage to William H. Seeman of New York and retirement from the screen, in Lon Chaney's new railroad drama “Thunder,” a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer sound synchronized production. coming to the Palace theater Saturday. Her role was that of a night club dancer and actress, and in the night club scenes, in a spectacular ballet, she appeared in the costume she used to w’ear in the bathing parade —her last appearance on the screen in her first type of costume. The new picture is a drama of railroad life, in which Chaney appears as a veteran locomotive engineer, in thrilling drives over frozen rails, a sensenational rescue run during the Mississippi floods, and other spectacular details which surround a pretty love story. Contrasted to the spectacular side of railroad life is an intensely human tale of the intimate lives of the men of the rails, their joys, sorrows. and their homes. The building of a complete locomotive in the great shops of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad the scenes in the engine cab, in which Chaney actually drives locomotives more than 600 miles, and was rewarded for his proficiency by membership in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and other elaborate details mark the picture. The Chicago and Northwestern turned over all its facilities to the Metro-Goldwvn-Mayer picture unit for the production. James Murray and George Duryea play Chaney's two sons, both railread men, in the story, and Frances Morris, Wally Albright Jr. and others of note are in the cast. The picture was directed by William Nigh from an original story by Byron Morgan. Chaney as the engineer appears as a man approaching 70. in his role as the “hard-boiled” old engineer. Many actual railroad men appear in the railroad scenes and the Mississippi flood episodes. The balance of the program will Include Stan Laurel and Oliver Hr dv in another of their riotous co edies. “Men O' War,” in which this pair of jolly funmakers and laugh dispensers live the lives of merry sailor aboard ship. Metro Movietone offerings include Billy Jones and Ernie Hare, who are known the world over as the “Happiness Boys,” in a medly of catchy songs which have made them favorites to the radio world, and William O'Neal, star of musical comedy. In a stirring dramatic recital of colorful atmosphere. “On the March.” in which he is assisted by a chorus of thrilling voices. The M. G. M. International newsreel, Lester Huff at the organ console, and the Fox Movietone News complete the bill. tt a tt “CHARMING SINNER” AT INDIANA "Sauce for the gander is sauce for the goose" and “Charming Sin-
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■ tV'ktini' Ist Run in Indianapolis , n*. f-ic> Ist Run in Indianapolis “THE SHAKE-DOWN” J&f With BARBARA KENT—JAMES MURRAY News—Yitiphone Act*—Review wT IMg^vao^ J TALK arid SOUND SUNDAY. MONDAY. TUESDAY s> ALSO Mile. Tbeo Hewes’ Kiddie Dancers AfWIK^>W Accompanied by Chuck Haug and W* Helen Thomas—the 12 and 13-year- 4ft £, M old or.an wonders. AalAv V Also the state Harmonica Cham- ® * A| plans. Johnny Hint and Walter OSk -wt Justus. 12 BIG ACTS S; Y/ Two Appearances Sunday Oaly 4. an . Smaahin* scenes that (rip the 4 ’*° ** d *- 30 smatlaas. AM a tfaisr lave Weak Day. *:00 o'Cleek wfl". * *'"* “ "** Urß Baldwin Plane Used FIRST RUN NEWS EVfNTS
ners.” W. Somerset Maugham’s drama of domestic rearrangement, which Paramount has made into an all-taker, shows that a woman has often the best of the argument in a battle of wits with her husband. “Charming Sinners” is now playing at the Indiana Theater and Ruth Chatterton, Clive Brook, William Powell and Mary Nolan carry the leads in this picture which is the second attraction of New Show Era at this theater. The stage show this week is “Fifth Avenue” and presents Charlie Davis and his band supported by a cast of Publix stage stars. The story of “Charming Sinners” has to do with anew treatment for philandering husbands. Ruth Chatterton, as the wife, applies her unique remedy in a smart way that leaves a smile, even with the defeated husband. Clive Brook, is the husband, and gives a different characterizatios than that which he has been seen in heretofore. William Powell as the “other” man and Mary Nolan in the role of the infringer, support the two leads. Montague Love, Laura Hope Crews and Florence Eldridge are also in the cast. This story served Ethel Barrymore as a vehicle not long ago under the title of “The Constant Wife.” “Fifth Avenue” the Publix extravaganza produced by Jack Partington surrounds Charlie Davis and his orchestra with a capable cast including the Novelle Brothers, the Malinoff Foursome, Hector and Pals, Robert Cloy, Helga, the dancing doll, and the Albertina Rasch Ballet. A song cartoon and Paramount talking news reel complete the bill. a a a MARX BROTHERS CONTINUE AT CIRCLE The Marx Brothers, long known as the world's four funniest men, have struck the funny bone of Indianapolis and are being held over at the Circle theater for another week, in their inimitable talking, singing and dancing screen version of “The Cocoanuts.” Groucho, the talkative member of the Marx quartet, introduces an interminable line of funny chatter that keeps the picture bubbling with laughter. Harpo, with his dumb show and his constantly changing pantomime, is always surprising, and Chico pulls some of tire' funniest stuff in the whole film. Zeppo, who always plays straight, is not only the successful foil for his mad brothers, but he stepp out once or twice for jesting hoonrs. Joseph Stanley and Robert Florey directed together. Irving Berlin wrote the music for the original stage production and contributed the theme song, "When My Dreams Come True.” Oscar Shaw and Mary Eaton, stars of “Five o’clock Girl” and other musical comedy successes, have the romantic leads in the picture. m . The short subjects have been changed for this second week. Dessa Byrd is at the organ. tt tt tt CLARA BOW’ TALKER AT OHIO Clara Bow’s second all-talker, "Dangerous Curves,” opens today at the New’ Ohio. In this picture Miss Bow changes her character somewhat, leaving the flapper type to master the tragi-comedy. “Dangerous Curves” is a story of circus folk, and all the scenes taken were made under the big top and on circus trains. Miss Bow’s character is that of a bareback rider and clown. She is in love w’ith Richard Arlen, and in order to be nearer him she learns tight-rope walking, his profession. She conquers this, but while doing so finds that Arlen is slipping from her into the hands of Kay Francis, female menace in the picture. In addition to Arlen and Miss Francis, support is furnished by David Newell, T. Roy Barnes, Joyce Compton and Jack Luden. Extra features on the bill include an all-talking comedy, “The Right Bed.” one of the talking series of “The Collegians,” and three Vitaphone hit acts.
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She's Here .Main! CLARA BOW lYith Richard Arleo in “DANGEROUS CURVES”
1— Clara Bow and Kat Francis in a scene from “Dangerous Curves,” now at the Ohio. 2 The Four Marx Brothers in “The Cocoanuts,” which is now in its second week at the Circle. 3 Lon Chaney as the old engineer in “Thunder,” which opens today at the Palace.
Palace Books ‘Single Standard *
Greta Garbo and Nils Asther The management of the Palace today announced that Greta Garbo's and Nils Asther's latest movie has been booked. It is called “The Single Standard” and will be show’n soon at the Palace.
Universal Gets Fine Story
“All Quiet on the Western Front,” the sensational war novel by a* German soldier, Erich Maria Remarque, which has passed the million mark in the number of copies sold in Europe and America, will be made into a super screen production with full dialogue and sound effects. Screen rights to the famous book have just been acquired by the Universal Pictures Corporation, Carl Laemmle, presi-
The Stay of Another Snowball
“Snowball,” the diminutive darky with the Ruth Mix Rodeo Revue now touring, was formerly a bootblack. One day, when the manager of a Columbus, 0., vaudeville theater was having a shoe shine, he grinned back into the responsive face of the nimble footed “Snowball.” “Do you dance as well as you shine shoes?” he asked as the boy nimbly moved about the shop, going through about ten extra steps every time. “Sho I does, boss. ‘l’ze got feet what am hotter’n’ jazz!” The following week the manager
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dent of that company, announces. Maxw’ell Anderson, co-author with Captain Laurence Stallings, of "What Price Glory?” the great American war play and picture, has been signed by Laemmle to adapt the German book for the screen. He left New York last night for Universal City, Cal., the Universal studio plant, to confer with the company’s production experts as the first step in his big task.
gave the little Negro boy a chance to prove his statement by placing 'aim on the stage with the Paul Whiteman band. That was the beginning of a dancing career for the youngster with the rhythmic feet. Garnett, Director-Writer, Is Busy. Tay Garnett, director of “Oh Yeah!” the Pathe all-dialogue production featuring Robert Armstrong and James Gleason, is not only one of the youngest and most successful directors in Hollywood, but- is also equally known as a waiter of screen stories. He v/orked with James Gleason on the dialogue of "Oh ■Yeah!” #
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THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES
Richman Arrives on the Coast New York Musical Comedy Star is Ready for Work. PREPARING to launch work on his first motion picture, Harry Richman, famous New York musical comedy star, has arrived in Hollyw’ood to make an all-singing, all-talking extravaganza for United Artists. Irving Berlin wrote the story, tentatively titled “The Song of Broadu’ay,” and composed eight songs especially for Richman’s film debut. Richman is famous, both on the stage and as a night club entertainer. In recent years, during w’hich he starred in “George White’s Scandals,” he had his own night club—the Club Richman —that occupied his time after theater hours. Otto Kahn, the financier, bought Richman’s Ciro Club for his son, Roger Wolfe, arid it became Le Perroquet. Richman’s phonograph records, W’hich are said to sell in greater numbers than those of any other singer, have made him world famous. He sang for the first time, and was largely instrumental in establishing the popularity of such songs as: “Muddy Waters,” “Laugh, Clown, Laugh,” “King for a Day,” “Lucky Day,” “The Birth of the Blues” “Will You Remember Me?” and “Linger Aw’hile.” He was one of the pioneer radio entertainers, and was on the air when New York had only two broadcasting stations. Bob Armstrong Is a Singer When Robert Armstrong and Patricia Caron sing together in “Oh Yeah;“ in which Armstrong is featured with James Gleason for Pathe, the song is put over in vaudeville and musical comedy style. For both Armstrong and Miss Caron are products of the New York stage and have been featured in both musical comedy and vaudeville. Bob played in the musical comedy success, “Honey Girl,” and also did an act in vaudeville. Miss Caron followed Cleo Mayfield in the featured role of “Innocent Eyes.”
4 —William Powell is the featured member of “Charming Sinners,” now at the Indiana. s_Lee Moran is very much in evidence in "On With the Show,” now at the Apollo. 6—Johnny Mack Brown and Marguerite Churchill in a sweet scene from “The Valiant," movie feature at the Lyric.
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Busy Redhead With a shooting schedule that will keep her working steadily for the next month, Nancy Carroll, Hollywood's newest redhead star, has begun work on her first featured vehicle, “Sweetie,” at the Paramount studios in Hollywood. An original musical romance of campus life by George Marion Jr„ "Sweetie” is the story of a New York chorus girl who inherits a boys’ college in Connecticut. Lloyd Corrigan wrote the screen play.
Gurgles Holds Up Talking Picture Norman Hopps, year and a half old baby boy, who plays a part in the Tiffany-Stahl production, "Whispering Winds,” held up a company of more than forty people while John M. Stahl, who was directing the talking sequences for the picture, waited until the baby fell asleep, so that its coos and gurgles would not be recorded by the delicate microphone. At last the child fell asleep and the company went to work on tiptoes, Malcolm McGregor and Patsy Ruth Miller going through their dialogue sequences. In due time Malcolm dropped a plate and the noise awakened the baby, making it cry, and giving the scene just the atmosphere it demanded. Gets Important Role Kay Francis, the brunette actress who competed with Clara Bow for the affection of Richard Arlen in “Dangerous Curves,” was assigned today by Paramount to play one of the principal roles in the talking picturization of Edith Wharton’s novel, “The Children.” Musical Revue Is Staged The Rosemont Rollickers, featuring Bernard Gorcey and Ed West, Arline Melburn, Harry Elsworth and the Rose Buds, in a sparkling musical comedy revue, present anew offering to Radio-Keith-Orpheum. The revue w’as both written and staged by Walter L. Rosemont. Gladys Hart in the Movies Gladys Hart of the famous Hart and Coleman team In vaudeville is* the leading lady of George Le Maire’s latest comedy hit, “Barbers’ College.”
The ‘Kid’ to Thrill at Park Parachute Jumper Takes Chief Role in Aerial Drama. 'T'HE Patent Leather Kid will be the leading man in the aerial drama to be staged at Riverside amusement park Sunday afternoon, when he will play the principal role in a realistic presentation of "Shaking Dice With Death,” a part he has taken numerous times this summer. In oother words, the smiling Kid will ascend in the huge Riverside balloon and make the return trip to earth on the installment plan, changing from one parachute to another in rapid succession as he tumbles through space. There are baseball idols, basketball idols, football idols and other heroes in the realm of sport, and the stage and movie studios have likewise furnished characters for their “public” to rave about, but it is doubtful if aeronautics has yet produced an outstanding star, at least in the midwest, who has gathered such a following of fans as has Claude Shafer, who, under the name of the Patent Leather Kid, has thrilled the Riverside crowds this summer. It remained for Shafer to cast aside tradition in the “profession.” Instead of doing his aerial stunts in the conventional tights or white duck suit so dear to the older jumpers, Shafer goes aloft attired in conventional evening clothes, patent leather shoes, spats and all that sort of thing, looking more like a young swell making a New Year’s call.
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Our Gang Kids to Be Here Soon Herman ,Timberg Writes Special Sketch for Children. TW TONE other than the well-known comedian - author, Herman Timberg, wrote the vaudeville act which the three original “Our Gang Kids” are to present here on the Lyric stage in the near future. “In and Out of the Movies” is its title and offers each kiddie ample opportunity to display his or her individual ability. The three “Our Gang Kids” who will play here are Mary Kornman, the original leading lady of Hal Roach Rascals, who has appeared in some hundred Aims; Johnny Downs, dubbed “The All-American Boy” and original juvenile leading man of the gang, and little Scooter Lowry, the original “tough guy” and life of the gang. The opening of the act show’s the kiddies on the movie lot, with the director and cameraman doing their stuff. The kiddies are introduced one by one through some mistake they have made in the filming of the scene. They exchange some patter with the director and then go in for some mighty find vaudeville entertaining. Johnny Downs, can also dance and sing. The high-light of his perform* ance is a “Merry Widow” walta number with Mary. Little "Scooter” is a real comedian and as clever a tap dancer as any performer twice his age or size. The act closes with an ensemble singing and dancing specialty that has never failed to stop the show anywhere the act has been presented. Gleason “Goes Hollywood” James Gleason, author-comedian, now' featured with Robert Armstrong in the new Pathe production, “Oh, Yeah!” has “gone Hollywood” to the extent of installing a beautiful swimming pool on the grounds of his home. But he has gone Hollywood one better by taking out a $50,000 accident insurance policy to protect all swimmers against accidents and damages that might result from water splashing on ladles’ finery and the like.
Ben to Play Ben Turpin will play the cross-eyed lackey in Ernst Lubitsch’s romantic musical operetta, “The Love Parade,” it was announced today by Paramount. Addition of Turpin to the cast brings a second noted comedian into the picture. Lupmo Lane having been furnishing comedy during the several weeks that the film has been in progress. Maurice Chevalier, the French music hall favorite, heads the cast.
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