Indianapolis Times, Volume 42, Number 84, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 August 1930 — Page 6

PAGE 6

1 AVJ D U ■ - -| - - | || MI , mu i'ti—nn t —m— 1 A . aA MURAT BEING REDECORATED AND IMPROVED FOR SEASON

Shriners Spending More Than $40,000 to Make the Auditorium One of the Most Modern, as Well as One of the Most Beautiful. BY WALTER D. HICKMAN ' \T7TTH the Shriners spending more than #40.000 on decorating and W improving the Murat theater. Indianapolis again has a modern home for the drama, musical revues and for concerts. There is every indication that the Murat will be the home of the legitimate theater this coming season, although no definite announcement has been made. Word has been issued from the Shubert office that the bookings •long legitimate lines for Indianapolis will be announced soon.

The Shrine in restoring the beauty of the big theater with its large auditorium, splendid stage and comfortable dressing rooms for the actors again gives Indianapolis a modem legitimate theater. Henry R. Behrens, interior declarator. who is in charge of the redecorating of the auditorium has taken his designs from old Arabic mosques and places. •'All of our designs are based upon authentic designs in famous mosques and represents much work along research lines,” Behrens told me. The foyer on the first floor has light red walls. As Behrens puts it. "We sought to give a friendly and a warm feeling as soon as one enters the. theater.” The interior of the lobby as well •is the foyer and the auditorium of the theater are being decorated in Arabic red. blue and gold which gives a very rich appearance. One of the most beautiful things that Behrens and his men have created is the dome in the auditorium proper. Behrens in wording out a lighting scheme has decided that it should be of a soft golden glow so as to harmonize with the wall decorations. Two beautiful murals, one over the /toxes on each side have been retouched and improved. Many new seats have been installed and all have been worked over, cleaned and improved. Another improvement on the stage is that the asbestos curtain has been completely redecorated. Still another great improvement i Is the lowering of the footlights so that shadows will not be thrown on j the bottom of the stage. The entire auditorium has been i completely recarpeted in red and 1 the wall tapestries have been j cleaned, Charles S. Barker, recorder of I Murat Temple, announces that the j work will be completed around I Labor day.

Divides Time George Jessel is dividing his time between talkies and RKO vaudeville-varieties, but in the latter field he is devoting only a half week. His first half is taken up at the sound studios, and each last half he is appearing in a New York RKO theater with two attractive feminine assistants.

Made in Two Languages The Vitaphone Studio has made a second of its Vitaphone Varieties in both English and Spanish. This is “Alpine Echoes,” a two-reel musical with Douglas Stanbury singing the lead in the English version and Tito Coral in the Spanish- Frank Howson also sings in the English version and Mariono Pueyo in the Spanish. The Tyrolean Quintette orchestra plays and sings folk songs in both versions. Three Songs In Hit “Sit Tight,” which Warner Bros, are bringing to the screen as the next Winnie Lightner-JOe E. Brown starring special, is to have three songs written by L. Wolfe Gilbert and Abel Baer. These are “You Can Bea Man if You Try,” “Just to Be With You” and “Face It With a Smile,” two of which will be delivered by Miss Lightner. Three Favorites in Movie Ralph Morgan, Marjorie Gt teson and Robert Middlemass. popular stage players, have the leading roles in the just completed Vitaphone Varieties drama, “Excuse the Pardon,” which Arthur Hurley directed. A dozen others figure in this prison story. Make Another Short Subject Helen Broderick and Lester Crawford, recently of “Fifty Million Frenchmen,” hace completed their second Vitaphone Varieties comedy entitled “For Art’s Sake” under the direction of Harold Beaudine. Philip Lord. Maude Eby Rock and half a dozen others are in the cast.

Drops Name As the result of numerous requests from motion picture fans throughout the country the nickname of Buddy has been dropped from the trilling and all announcements about Charles Rogers. The nickname originated when Rogers was a schoolboy in Olathe, Kan. It followed him through Kansas university and pursued him into his film career, despite its inappropriateness for the 6-foot star.

AMUSEMENTS x ■ * CLICK and DOUBLE CLICK MUTUAL cs:;, BURLESQUE - VAUDEVILLE The Greatest Combination of Talented Players That Have Been Presented in Recent Ye^rs OPENS siiE AUG. 23rd STEP LIVELY GIRLS 24-GORGEOUS GIRLS-24

Anita Has I Rapid Rise to Fame Youthful Beauty in ‘Just Like Heaven’ Furore. Anita louise, who has the featured role in Tiffany’s “Just Like Heaven,” was born in New York City. Her parents and grandparents were born in Alsace-Lorraine and Anita speaks German and French perfectly^ When Anita was nothing more ! than a baby she showed an aptitude for stage work and when she was j 6 years old she was on the stage In New York. She has had many stage roles and most recently she has been seen with Walter Hampden, the Actor's Guild and the Greenwich Village Players. Three years ago, this young screen star went to Hollywood and the first picture she made was "The Music Master” for Fox. She played in "Wonder of Women,” “The Floradora Girl” and “What a Man,” I this last season and when Phil j Goldstone, Tiffany studio executive, i was casting for the role of “Mimi” j in “Just Like Heaven,” he discovI ered. that of the numerous young I leading ladies, who made screen tests, Anita, who was the youngest ; of them all, filmed best and was closest to ideal for the parti Anita Louise is very young, now ; being at the age when most girls 1 are fussing over parties and new boy friends, but Anita is too busy keeping up her piano lessons and learning to fence, play tennis, golf, swim and ride. Most of Anita’s day is taken up with various instructors and when she is not busy learning to do something, she is at the studio acting in new pictures. Anita is an accomplished pianist. She loves to play, but better than that she likes fencing. Fencing is a great sport and, according to this young sportswoman, it lends her poise and grace. While Anita was in Europe she studied fencing in France and she has kept up her instruction in America. During her two tours of Europe, Anitd studied dancing, perfected her use of French and German and found time to act in a picture, “The Life of Franz Shubert.” Anita is a busy youngster, but to let you in on a secret and one of Hollywood's budding romances, she isn’t too busy to have a boy friend and Anita is more than frequently seen with Philippe de Lacy. Anita and Philippe are constantly going to singing lessons together, or taking a dancing lesson, or swimming or riding or fencing together. This lovely new star has a fiveyear contract with Tiffany and even after that has been fulfilled she will still be younger than the average young leading lady. The beautiful blue-eyed, golden-haired Anita has a long, successful career ahead of her, Mr. Goldstone says, and she is one of the child actresses who will make good, now that she is a little bit grown-up.

Opens Today

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Lee Morse

Today at the Lyric, Miss Lee Morse, well-known recording artist, opens a week’s engagement in person.

Left—Showing the oasis mural over the right side boxes of the Murat theater which is being redecorated by Henry Richard Behrens, interior decorator. The boxes are ready for the box drapes. , „ , Center —Henry Richard Behrens on a stepladder surrounded by Robert Zehlicke,

Fat Men Now in Demand Riverside Park Goes In for Some Heavyweight Patrons. THEY say nobody loves a fat man! Riverside amusement park management is going to prove the fallacy of this saying, and announces that the various rides in the resort will be free from 1 to 5 o’clock Sunday afternoon to all men weighing 225 pounds or more. Scales will be found in the administration building at the park, and all men who claim a poundage of 225 or more may prove their right to the free afternoon of fun by stepping on the scales. If they qualify they will be given a certificate which will entitle them to ride to their hearts’ content on the thriller, merry-go-round, mill chutes, aerial swing, whip, canals of Venice, flash, and other devices. A special prize of a season pass for the Riverside rides will be given to the heaviest man presenting himself for the ”weigh-in” during the afternoon. - - The regular weekly free athletic carnival will be presented tonight on the elevated stage in the center of the park. An exceptionally large number of amateur boxers and wrestlers are entered in tonight’s events, many of them holding over from last Saturday night, when inclement weather interfered with the show'. Sergeant George Craig, the Hoosier ring giant, will act as referee for the mitt contests. The sergeant stands 6 feet !£ inch tall and weighs 225 pounds. The Riverside sports? arena will be the scene of two events next week. On Monday night Jimmie McLemore will present his weekly wrestling card, with popular performers at popular prices, while on Friday night Bowman and Crouse will hold their weekly “thin dime” boxing program. Sergeant George Craig will meet a tough opponent in the main event of the mitt show, it is announced. Craig has proved a great drawing card at the Riverside arena, nearly 4,000 fans having turned out to see him in action a weeks ago, when he knocked out Tiny Jim Miller of Columbus. The Riverside roller skating rink also has announced a reduction in its price, and it is now possible to skate all afternoon or evening for 10 cents. Skates are furnished free and there are competent instructors on the floor at all times to aid beginners. Next Wednesday the Indianapolis Lodge of Elks will entertain the oi phans of the city at Riverside. This has been an annual event at the park for many years, and is a red letter day in the lives of the childen at the various local orphan-, ages. In addition to being given free rides on the fun devices, the youngsters will be entertained with games and a big feed in the pavilion.

Run on Hats Several hundred former American soldiers found jobs for their tin hats in RKO Radio wartime comedy with music, “Half Shot at Sunrise,” featuring Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey. Hollywood and Los Angeles were scoured from end to end to obtain enough war helmets for the soldiers in the production.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

Due Soon

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Maureen O’Sullivan

When John McCormick opens in his first talker, “Song o’ My Heart,” Maureen O'Sullivan will be prominent in the cast at the Apollo.

Spuds!

Two hundred bushels of potatoes were used in one scene for Moran and Mack’s second Paramount starring picture, “Anybody’s War.” The potatoes half filled a set, which showed he annex to a cook shack near tl iv front during the World war. I nthe midst of the spuds Charles Mack, lazy-voiced member of the comedy blackface team, sat peeling the vegetables, cinematically assigned to K. P. duty. Chosen to Play Lead Evalyn Knapp, newly-elected Warner star, has been chosen to play the ingenue lead in “Red Hot Sinners,” in which Winnie Lightner will have the starring role. Eddie Morgan has also been signed for a leading role in this forthcoming Vitaphone comedy. Decide Upon New Title “Captain Thunder” will be the title of the forthcoming Warner Bros, comedy formerly known as “A Gay Caballero,” according to announcement received today from J. L. Warner, vice-president, in charge of production.

Six Song Hits Featured

Six melody numbers, sung by four former stars of the Broadway musical stage, feature “Let’s Go Native,” Paramount’s shipwreck and tropical island romance. “My Mad Moment” and “It Seems to Be Spring” are sung by Jeanette MacDonald, golden-haired heroine of “The Love Parade” and “The Vagabond King” in harmony with James Hall. Jack Oakie and Kay Francis have a snappy duet in “I’ve Got a Yen for You.” Oakie also teams with William Austin in singing “Let’s Go Native” and has another number, "Joe Jazz.”

Grandfather Was a Magician

Karpo Marx comes by his fondness for other people’s silverware, watches, ties and handkerchiefs honestly, he explained at Paramount’s New York studio recently during a period of rest from work in “Animal Crackers.” “Grandfather was a magician and quite successful at it, I understand,” Harpo said solemnly. “He once stole the Brooklyn bridge and was half way home to the Bronx before they

Do You Know That?

* Milton C. Work, the international authority on the game of bridge, who made a Vitaphone Varieties novelty bridge number, was a lawyer in Philadelphia for thirty years until the war when he began giving bridge demonstrations to raise funds for the Red Cross. Helen Broderick, comedienne of “Fifty Million Frenchmen,” who has made two Vitaphone Varieties comedies with her husband, Lester Crawford, “Nile Green” and “For Art’s Sake,” was a close friend of the late Jeanne Eagles when they were chorus girls. Olive Shea, radio star, who has appeared in several Vitaphone Varieties —“The Varsity Shew,” Lew Fields’ "23 ~ . Skiddo,” Eddie Eoy's “The Heart Breaker,”' etc.— will act in Crosby Gaige’s stage play, “Saturday Night.” Ona Munson, the musical comedy star, who had the lead in the VitaI phone Varieties two-reel comedy i with songs, “The Collegiate Model,” I has completed her first feature picture role, "Hot Heiress,” for First National. She may appeac in a Sam H. Harris musical comedy before resuming a picture career.

steward of Murat temple; Charles F. Barker, recorder of the temple, and Henry Kellenbach, auditor. , ... . ... ... .. . . • Right—The newly decorated dome in the main auditorium ceiling of the Murat theater. ■

Little Eva Had Weight Circus Fat Woman in New Movie Had a Tough Problem. FAT women have their troubles, and so do movie directors, espepeci&lly director Bill Seiter, who lost half of his fourteen remaining hairs during the filming of “Sunny,” because of one. “Sunny” is a story about a circus, built around Marilyn Miller" as the bareback rider of the troupe. In order to make the circus background as authentic as possible First National scoured the country to collect a number of genuine circus sideshows. 1 One of the necessities of any proper circus is a fat lady, and First National signed “Little Eva,” weight 614 pounds at the time of her “weight test,” to sit around and look just as the fat lady a circus does look. . One of the scenes involving “Little Eva” shows the buxom damsel on a scale. The barker is seen pointing to the scale’s hand, which registers 614 pounds. Most of this scene was taken on a Tuesday, and at 5 o’clock director Seiter dismissed the company until the following day. One Wednesday morning, with everything in readiness for continuing the scene, the fat lady stepped on the scale—and the hand jumped to 621 pounds, a gain of seven whole numbers! Pandemonium reigned. Even a director is not allowed to cut off a lady’s arm or leg, and anyway, as Seiter said, “How do I know I could cut off the exact poundage?” All sorts of suggestions were made. No food for “Little Eva.” Tell her sad stories so that she can worry the weight off. Make her inhale helium. Give her strong drink so that she will be light headed. It was no use, nothing was practicable. Then someone discovered that the scale could be adjusted, and the sun began to shine. When you see the scale register 614 in “Sunny” you should know it really is 621. Such deception. '

“Don’t! I Do,” is sung by Skeets Gallagher. Miss MacDonald, Oakie, Hall and Gallagher all were stars of New York musical shows before they came to the screen. Miss Francis and Austin are making their melody debuts in the picture. The song numbers have dance routines and seventy-five chorus girls worked throughout the production. George Marion Jr., co-author with Percy Heath of the story, wrote the lyrics and Richard A. Whiting composed the melodies.

caught him. I'll never equal that record.” The elder Marx died in Chicago at the age of 101 after having lived to ground his numerous grandchildren firmly in the magic art. Makes New Kid Revue Roy Mack, who directed a number of technicolor Vitaphone Varieties with the Vitaphone Kiddies, has made another kiddie revue, in black and white, titled “Showin’ Off,” at the Brooklyn Vitaphone Studios. The Jack Loeb Juveniles, a group of twenty-three singing and dancing children, are featured. The children range from two to eleven years in age. Special music for this revue was written by Harold Levey. A Record in Shorts With the production of “For Art’s Sake,” the Eastern Vitaphone Studios in Brooklyn completed its 375th short reel talking picture since the opening in February, 1929. One of the pioneer sound studios, the Flatbush lot recently took over the consolidated production *of all Vita--1 phone Varieties and is now working on a heavier schedule than ever before.

RIVERSIDE AMUSEMENT PARK SLASHES FUN PRICES—AND HOW! YOU CAN NOW ENJOY mm* ANY RIDE OR FUN DE- " f FNTS VICE AT RIVERSIDE, VLiIIU AFTERNOON OR NIGHT, W ■■■—. SUNDAY INCLUDED, FOR Na Charge *At Riverside, Gate!

ROUNDING ROUND THEATERS D^ffICKMAN

SINCE Helen Kane broke all box office records at. the Indiana several weeks ago. the management has seriously been considering the bringing of other well-known players to the stage in person. Announcement has been made that Joe E . Brown, the comedian, has been definitely booked and that Jack Oakie and Buddy Rogers will be here soon.

Have been asked to tell you the following about Brown: The personal appearances which Joe E. Brown, famous comedian of the stage and of the screen, will make at the Indiana during the week beginning next Friday, will be that star’s first official return visit to boards since he left them two and a half years ago for a fling in the films. The occasion should, therefore, be something in the nature of a treat for the actor as well as the audiences, if any reliance can be placed on that old saw to the effect that “absence* makes the heart grow fonder.” !Way back in January, 1928, Brown took leave of the footlights before which he had danced and clowned his way to fame. It was merely a step—a step of only 3,000 miles —to Hollywood and the picture' studios. He wisely accepted work in several silent films immediately after he arrived ,in the cinema center, thus becoming accustomed to the demands of the camera. This preliminary practice apparently gave him an advantage when the opportunities of the talking picture era began to appear on the scene, for he quickly outstripped numerous would-be rivals. During the past year, this zany of the mammoth mouth has clinched a definite place of prominence for himself on the screen as a result of his amusing antics in “On With the Show,” “Sally,” “Hold Everything” and other productions. His tap dancing, his ludicrous boxing efforts, his acrobatic slapstick work and his sure comedy sense have been factors in his favor. When he was only 9 tyears old, Brown became one of the Five Famous Ashtons, a team of circus performers. Four years later—still a youngster—he went on the vaudeville stage as the latter half of the team of Prevost and Brown. Vaudeville held him in its ranks for a considerable period of time, during which time his experience became more varied and his mouth more cavernous. The legitimate stage finally claimed him, and he moved upward through such successes as “Listen Lester,” “Jim Jam Jems,” “Greenwich Village Follies,” “Betty Lee,” “Captain Jinks” and “Twinkle, Twinkle.” Those days are gone but not forgotten. By way of a vacation from film work, Brown is coming to Indianapolis to enjoy himself by personally entertaining audiences as he formerly did, instead of merely sending his talking shadow. From this city, he probably will go to

f FREEPRESENT THIS NOTICE BEFORE 9 P.M. I Good For One Round of Golf at Illinois and 56th Sts. S. W. Corner B Mcßride Tyler

BROAD RIPPLE TONIGHT! BOXING First of Series of Saturday >lght Elimination Tourneys Real Fights—Best Show in Town —Admission FREE Also FREE Wrestling and Bet* Ins: Shows Monday and Thursday nights. FREE DANCING—FREE SKATING EVERY NIGHT Special Attractions Sunday • Follow the Crowds to the Golden Tower

several other larger ones before he returns to Hollywood. But, this is his premiere personal appearance in a motion picture theater and, as two certain rather popular radio stars would inquire, “Ain’t Dat Sumpin’?”

AMUSEMENTS Indianapolis Wm *7^SECOND psHS floor. . WBm MYSTERY* S With Hollywood's Most Romantic Earl Derr Bigger’s LORETTA YOUNG riotously funny and and thrilling mystery rn AIIT UMTlimfi drama—A real treat AH 1 Wli Illiilf 9 on the talking screen. With H. B. Warner f i —— ' ——’"""‘“v —Extra— *<• On the Stage—RKO Vaudeville Stars Movietone - “The Mellow Swanee Voice” News i . MISS LEE MORSE Exclusive Columbia Record Artist Lyrio (In Person) with Bob Downey Orchestra SAXTONand CHASE BOY Music Hit “ FARRELL SINGERS / n In Comedy Playlet [ GRACIE THOMAS CIRCUS *"- 35 c Featuring; Sir Victor, Wonder Peny •> I day,..,

COLONIAL ILLINOIS AND NEW YORK STS. STARTING TODAY THE ASTOUNDING STORY IbeHnled !|. 16 WEEKS I I a was 1 : liti urns wv I • AUSa&SEfPUOTOPiiSYISPEaAL miuamZuman * NOW STARTLING THE - \ A LECTURE WITH j I LIVING MOPELSJ B 9 B B Sin ON THE STAGE 25—PEOPLE—25 HIGH CLASS MUSICAL REVUE[ MEN ONLY | ADM. 50c MIDNIGHT SHOW 11:30 TONIGHT

AUG. 16,1930

Whale Now Has a Big Contract New Director Signs With Tiffany for a Long Contract. s ‘.‘ JAMES WHALE, famous Englisfl stage director and the man wl)<? made the Tiff any-Gainsborough all* talking- screen version of “Journey’s End” the outstanding picture success of the last season, has been signed by Tiffany Productions, Inc., to a long-term contract, according to an announcement made yesterday by Grant L. Cook, executive vice-president oi Tiffany. This is considered one of tnc biggest individual deals for a di* rector’s services made by i company in many years. The sum involved in the transaction, representing the salary to be paid Mr. Whale, is said to be very close to the record-breaking classi Ml*; Whale’s services for the Tiffany company begin Oct. 1. Whale arrived in New York frbni London a week ago and directed the final rehearsals of the revived stajis version of “Journey’s End,”, now at the Henry Miller theater. For his work in directing Tiffany's screen version of the famous stage play by R. C. Sherriff, Whale wa& awarded a place among the rttt greatest directors of the last year*, notwithstanding the fact that “Journey's End” was the first picture he ever directed. It is announced by Cook thfCfc Whale will devote his time to thg directing of big special productions of all types for Tiffany. Movie Ready for Release *“* “Outward Bound,” Warner BfOS". adaptation of the famous Sutton | Vane play which was produced on j the New York stage several years j ago, has been completed and is noiv 'jeady for release.