Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 276, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 March 1930 — Page 7

MARCH •*), 1930

‘VAGABOND KING’ GETS BRILLIANT START AT THE CIRCLE

John Boles and Vivienne Segal Have the Singing Leads in ‘Song of the West,’ Which Opens the New Program Today at the Apollo .

WHAT Is regarded as one of the most brilliant openings for a movie in this city was accorded “The Vagabond King 1 ’ at the Circle last jilght. ">7ith the radio broadcasting the names as well as the voices of noted people who attended the opening, as well as the filmine of the crowds in front of the theater, all gave the opening added importance. Many mayors of Indiana cities, accompanies by their wives, as well as men and women prominent in social and civic life here, were specially invited guests at the first show last night.

Mrs. Harry Leslie, wife of the Governor, was hostess to the wives of the mayors. A banquet was tendered the out-of-town visitors at the Columbia Club by the Chamber of Commerce. Today, “The Vagabond King ’ assumes the regular Circle theater schedule of shows daily. Photographed throughout by the . perfected Technicolor process, “The Vagabond King" is said to be the creation of the imaginative artist. The grandeur of the sets, fifty-five of them, is said to be magnificent in every detail. The shadowy, winding streets of fifteenth century Paris, the Paris of mystery and intrigue are faithfully reproduced, according to those who have viewed this picture. It is these crooked, twisting, cobbled streets that lead into the torch-lighted taverns, underground channels of romance, vulgarity and bravery, where the rabble sing, drink, love and rail against their weak, indecisive king. And it is in such a setting that the swaggering vagabond, poet and swordsman, Francois Villon, inflames the rabble of Paris with biting song—- “ King Louis loves to sleep so much, We really should endeavor, To figure out a way for him. To stay asleep forever." Dennis King is in the leading role of the “Vagabond King." Playing opposite him is Jeanette MacDonald, the prima donna who scored so favorably in “The Love Parade." Others in the cast are Lililan Roth, O. P. Heggie and Warner O'.and Ludwig Berger directed “The Vagabond King." [ Jho short feature on the bill this *4ve i? ts Charles Ruggles in “The Family Next Door." bob “SONG OF THE WEST" NOW AT THE APOLLO In “Song of the West," W r arner Brothers have given us another of those melodious all-color pictures ♦ lor which they are already famous. This one, that opened at the Apollo theater today, is simply ablaze with color, alive with action and tuneful melodies and intelligently directed and acted. It sets anew high mark in the production of these entertaining musical screen shows. “Song of the West" is an operetta with a genuine plot. The gay singing and dancing, the magnificent , outdoor scenes and the march of the covered wagons, form a perfect background for a story that is tense with drama. It is anew picture of the old west, thanks to the magic of the Vitaphone and the technicolor process. *|JTie story opens at Ft. Independggy, the jumping off place for covw wagons going to California in HpR. Even while the wagons are •thering, with the occupants not Snowing just what is in store for jjnem, a dance is going on between che soldiers and plainsmen and sAheir wives and sweethearts. -1 John Boles is cast in the leading H 4sle role, and during the lapse of le falls in love with Vivienne ial, who has t lie leading feminine Complications set in that Boles, in the role of Stanton, E" njeconie a deserter. He longs to yr*ihe uniform once more, and * many heart-stirring sequences he is re-imited with the service and the girl he loves. * The most exciting scenes are those showing the covered wagons crossing the vast plains, in color. You can hear the crunch of the wheels as these brave pioneers set out to seek their fortunes. You can hear the simple songs of the plains as they gather around the campfires at night. The cast includes as a support to John Boles and Vivienne Segal, Joe Brown. Marie Wells. Sam Hardy, Marion Byron, Rudolph Cameron, Eddie Gribbon and Ed Martindel. Short subjects, including Vitaphone acts and Fox Movietone News, are also on the program. Ban GARBO TALKS AT THE PALACE “Another Month of Great Shows!” This is the slogan used by Loews Palace in launching “Loew's Spring Carnival." Loew 's theaters throughout the country have joined in a nation-wide campaign, whereby the leading producers have released some of the outstanding motion picture productions of the 1930 entertainment season for this big celebration. “Loew’s Spring Carnival" first hit is “Anna Christie." Greta Garbo’s long awaited first all-talking picture, and will be presented by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Saturday at the Palace theater. The picture which was adapted by Frances Marion from Eugene O'Neill's celebrated play, was directed by Clarence Brown, responsible for the production of two of Miss Garbo's past successes, “Flesh and the Devil" and "A Woman of Affairs." The supporting cast includes Charles Bickford. George F. Marion. * Marie Dressier. James T. Mack and Lee Phelps. Marion will play the role of the father for the third time, having had the part in the original stage presentation in which Pauline Lord played the title role, and again in the silent picture made years ago with Blanche Sweet playing Anna. Miss Dressier plays her first straight part in the characterization of the hag. Marthy. having been previously confined to comedy roles. *• <*■ It is stated that Miss Garbo entered upon her first talking role without the slightest hesitation despite considerable anxiety upon the part of both producers and public in connection with her voice, which is said to be characterized by

! a slight Swedish accent. It is further stated that studio consternation was no little increased when Miss Garbo refused to take a voice test, i That she must have been possessed I with the utmost confidence in reI gard to her voice qualifications is indicated by the report that once : in front of the microphone. Miss Garbo broke all existing records for : unbroken length of talking sequence, her very first running almost nine minutes and using up nearly 1.000 feet of film, which is the capacity load for camera magazines. It is said many of the subsequent : scenes ran nearly the same length, the average being four minutes long, but the dramatic action demanding from six to eight minutes each. The unusual length of these sequences was determined by Miss Garbo’s insistence on learning her lines by entire scenes rather than by bits. When the throwback was heard folj lowing completion of the initial scenes all apprehension regarding i Garbo's voice was dismissed, the recording proving to be perfectly attuned to the requirements. The worry over microphone haz- ; ards once over, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer went ahead with extensive preparations for the production which is expected to set anew example for artistry on the screen. Particular stress was laid on the water front settings which play an important part in the drama. Strict adherence to actual conditions was demanded in protraying the old cobblestoned paving on West street against which the barge docks jutted, the background of grimy warehouses and gas tanks, the gaudy saloons, the horse-drawn drays and : other characteristics of the time. An old barge was acquired and refitted to conform with O'Neill’s | description with its cabin contain- . ing the typical tin wash basin, oil , lamp, stove gramophone, rickety ; tabie and stuffy bunkroom. A reproduction of a section of 1 Coney Island was built showing the beer gardens. Eden Musee, merry- , go-round, shooting gallery and side Nshows, the whole made more vivid j by inclusion of the clatter and din | common to the surroundings. From all advance indications, | “Anna Christie" with its three-star I combination of O’Neil. Brown and ! Garbo, should be one of the biggest drawing cards of the year. ! Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in another all talking comedy laugh : fest. “Blotto,” Hearst Metrotone : News, the talking newspaper, and 1 other screen novelties wall also be • shown on the same program. a tt a NEW MASTER IN VIEW AT INDIANA “The Virginian" and his Vermont “schoolmarm" are reunited on the all-talking screen in "Only the Brave,” which is playing all this week at the Indiana theater. In this adventure-romance of Civil war days, however, their positions are reversed. Gary Cooper, the westernized son of the south in “The Virginian’’ is seen as the northern spy behind the Confederate lines, while Mary Brian, the erstwhile Vermont school teacher, is seen as the belle of old Virginia. In “Only the Brave" Cooper is again seen as the dashing man of action to whom danger and love are equally acceptable adventures, j Frank Tuttle, whose latest work was "Sweetie,” directed “Only the Brave.” Paul Spor, coming here from a j thirteen-month engagement at the Paramount theater. Toledo, will be seen as master of ceremonies with the Publix revue,“ Jazz Preferred.” Spor is leading the Charlie Davis

MOTION PICTURES yhe Romantic Golden West IN NATURAL COLOR VIVIENNE si(BAL I^APOLLQI

1— Dennis King lias the leading role in “The Vagabond King,” now at the Circle. 2 Vivienne Segal has one of the singing and acting roles ir “Song of the West," opening today at the Apollo. 3 William Powell has the lead in “Street of Chance,” now at the Ohio.

“Lime House Blues.” In the cast of Publix entertainers supporting Spor are Yvette Rugel, the golden voiced star; Cy Landry, the rubber-legged comedian; Kendall Capps, versatlity personified: Bryant, Rains and Young, adagio trio and the Dorothea Berke girl, musical dancing staff. Dessa Byrd is appearing at the organ this week, playing a community singing organ solo of songs of spring. a a a “STREET OF CHANCE” NOW AT THE OHIO The fascinating quality of a stcjry which possesses sweeping dramatic action and is peopled by living, breathing men and women, is said to be vividly brought to the fore in William Powell’s first starring picture, “Street of Chance,” now at the Ohio theater. William Powell makes his bow as a full-fledged star. His portrayal of Natural Davis, notorious gambler and sportsman, is said to be easily the finest, most sincere effort he has yet given to the audible screen. The character of Natural Davis is said to be one of moods and shading in which one false note would break down the effectiveness of the character. As the gambler who double-crosses the “game,” risks his own life and sacrifices his love for his young wife in order to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps as a gambler, Powell’s delineation of character is said to be well nigh perfect.

‘Silver Cord’

T. G. Sinclair

When “The Silver Cord" opens. I Tuesday nignt, at English’s. T. G. * Sinclair will be in the cast.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

Current Musical Events

THURSDAY. April 3, the third recital of French music will be given at the Odeon, 106 East North street. There is no charge for admission. The public is invited. The following is the program: "Appreciation of Debussy.' Lenorn Coffin "The Submerged Cathedral." "General Lavine—Eccentric." "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair.” "Fireworks.” “The Joyous Isle.” Wiliard MacGregor. ‘Romance.” “lie Pleure dans Mon Coeur.” “Mandoline." Ruth Sterling Devin. Mrs. Flickinger at the piano. “Arabesque." "Reverie." ‘ Evening in Granda." "Gardens in the R.ain." Boris Rosenfleld. "Ballade." "Minstrels." "Reflects dans l'eau.” "Prelude.” Mrs. Arthur G. Monninger. Friday evening, April 4, the advanced students of the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music will present the following program at the Odeon at 8:15, “On a Lot" Clements The girl. Maxine McKay; the boy, Fletcher Woodbury; the property man. Gordon Brmgle. “Novelette" Gade ; "Allegro and Moderato." Paul Munger, violin; Mary Lohrman. cello; Ramona Wilson, piano. ! “Whv-Whims-Fable-Soaring".. Schumann Gertrude Free. "Eratikon" Grieg ! "Noboddv Knows De Trouble" White Georgia Bauman. Harriet Payne. M&rgarite Billo. Lorinda Cottingham. "O del Mio Amato Ben” Donaudy "The Little Shepherd's Song" Watts Eva Allen. "Eclogue" Lisct Louise Henderson. Waltz" Brahms "Tango” Aibeniz Georgia Bauman. Harriet Payne, Margarite Billo. Lorinda Cottingham. "Nuanges" Debussy La Von Patrick, Inez Loyd. "Etude E ma.lor" Chopin "The Little White Donkey” Ibert "General Lavine” Debussy Anita Wandell. F. Elmer Marshall of the dramatic art and public speaking department of the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music, gave a program for the Brotherhood of the Methodist church of Frankfort on Thursday evening, it being ladies' night. Saturday, April 5. there will be a recital by junior pupils at the Odeon at 2; 15 p. m. Jean Elizabeth Boling, Dallas Smith, Priscilla Brown, Cleo Justice, Harold Kottlowski, Francele Cranshaw, Geneva Howell, Kathleen Rigsbee, Charlotte Dunn. Mary Liebenderfer, Lucille Morris, Elaine Lawrence, Elizabeth Todd, Paul Scheuring, Virginia Burford and Lucile Wagner will give the program. They are pupils of Mrs. Arthur G. Monninger, Otis Pruitt, Lucile Wagner, Earle Howe Jones, Thomas Poggiana, Fanetta Hitz Brady, Marie Zorn, Allie F. Eggleton, Leone Rick-

5 Sue Carol and Dixie Lee as they appear in “The Big Party,” opening today at the Lyric 4—Greta Garbo and George Marion in a scene from “Anna Christie," opening today at the Palace. 6 Mary Brian appears in "Only the Brave," now at the Indiana.

man, Frieda Heider and Franklin Taylor. Opal Reyonlds, dramatic art pupil of Wilma Davis Hine of the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music, will read for the ParetitTeacher meeting of school No. 86 on Wednesday afternoon, and will also give a group of readings for the Martha Hawkins Society of the First Baptist church, on Thursday afternoon. Saturday, April 5, a recital by members of the faculty of the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music will be broadcast from the stage of the Odeon from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m. ■ Boris Rosenfleld, Frances Beik, Lilliam Flickinger, Willard Me-j Gregor, Ila Friermood, Edwin Jones,‘| Adolph Schellschmidt and Pasquale Montani will also take part.; Ina Davis, vocal pupil of B. F. i Swarthout,; Ramona Wilson, pupil 1 of Willard MacGregor, and Opal Reynolds, reader, pupil of Wilma Davis Hine of the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music, gave a program at the West Park church on North Addison street on Wednesday night. nan NEW FACULTY MEMBER ANNOUNCED The Irvington School of Music announces the addition to the faculty of Mrs. Elizabeth Cameron Stephenson. Mrs. Stephenson is well known in Indianapolis as an exponent of the Curry method, and is director of the Stephenson school of expression. Her work at the school will begin on Wednesday. April 2. The Conte Ensemble of the Irvington School of Music gave programs for the Lions Club at Greenwood for school No. 15 and the Christian church of Clairemont. The programs were given March 17, 19 and 29, respectively, and were received with great enthusiasm. Sidney Makes Another One “The Cohens and Kellys in Scotland,” featuring the original Cohens and Kellys cast, George Sidney, Charlie Murray, Vera Gordon and Kate Price, has been completed at Universal City. William J. Craft, who directed, is putting the finishing touches on some of the Scotch jokes.

MOTION PICTURES TRIUMPH! i Talking Comedy-—“ Blotto” J

Tennis to Continue on Roof Indiana Ballroom Will Hold Band Over a Week. Lowell TENNIS and his Trianon Rhythm Kings, a youthful aggregation which was organized in Canada two years ago, will start the i second and last week of their engagement on the Indiana Roof to- | night. ‘j Although made up of a young ; ! group of musicians, the Tennis or- : I ganization does not confine itself j j to the newest tunes. They carry a ; ! library’ of old favorites, with the j ! result that their dance programs are in accordance with the new vogue in the musical world which calls for the favorite melodies of from five to ten years ago. I In speaking of this revival of old tunes. Tom Devine, Roof manager, ! said: “Strange to say most of the melodies revived are either of the blues or sweet type. Such old hits :as “Whispering,” “Who’s Sorry Now?” “Somebody Loves Me” and Wabash Blues” are among the melodies which bring back memories to the older dancers and have the appeal of anew tune for the younger dancers.” Following the close of their eni gagement on the Roof, Tennis and i his Rhythm Kings will go to Terre Haute where they are offered a location engagement. Harry Hardini is still mystifying the dancers on the Indiana Roof with his escapes. Handcuffs, shackles, manacles, : rope bindings, strait-jackets and a sealed and strapped coffin do not offer much restraint to Hardini. Gary Saves Horses The love for horses and the out of doors which have made Gary Cooper, Paramount star, a “strong, silent man” of the screen is a heritage from a long line of ancestors. For many generations, the Coopers have been stock men. Gary himself, spent most of his boyhood on his father’s ranch in Montana.

Will Play Abe Lyman and his band, one of the best known jazz orchestras in America, will be featured by Warner brothers in “Hold Everything,” a forthcoming Vitaphone version of the musical comedy success which has been photographed throughout in Technicolor. Also feaured in this special production are Winnie Lightner. George Carpenter, Joe E. Brown and Sally O'Neil. Credited with the direction is Roy Del Ruth, whose recent work includes “Gold Diggers of Broadway.”

MOTION PICTURES ta*.* 1 tespoio Hk f. THEY CAME! THEY SAW! ’ wk *'s THEY CHEERED! Thousands were thrilled at the grand ; opening of this great motion pic- I -J§ tere. last night. H 'I tiry n-clalienl it without a doubt the mb/W® " mr most anm/InKly Koreu soiir rnmanor eier pr**Aon*ofl on th- talktn* | Vdf4Dofld M i fum^% j ’ j£AN£TT€Hg;DOALD W v ' il 10 ” t * Mwen in "The. fjm

PAGE 7

‘Red Hot’ u Opens at ? Colonial George Fares Produces New Burlesque Show. RED HOT," a burlesque attraction built along new lines, has been selected by George Buttons Fares as his new offering at the Colonial. starting today. Picking his comedy hits, he has been caretul to select a number of new skits. Buttons himself, assisted by Eddie Ware, handles the comedy. The song numbers and chorus routines will also be found new with Ruth Osborne, Maxine and Flo Rich, presenting some snappy runway numbers. Stella Du Claire will offer another of her blue numbers. Lilly Howard sings the elaborately staged posing number. New ideas have been introduced in the opening, the finale, ami the picture numbers with special scenery and wardrobe. "The Los! Zeppelin.' Tiffany's big special production, will be offered on the screen for the week. Conway Tearle, Virginia Valli and Richardo Cortez head a distinguished cast. Tearle takes the part of the Zeppelin commander who, on the eve of starting for Antarctic regions, learns that his wife is in love with his chief aid on the expedition. When the Zeppelin gets near the south pole it is wrecked. All of those on board except the commander and his aid perish. The situation furnishes one of the most dramatic moments ever shown upon the screen and the ending is an unusual surprise.