Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 47, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 July 1931 — Page 5

JULY 4, 1991

LOCAL THEATERS OFFER SMART FOURTH OF JULY BILLS

Edward G. Robinson Has Role of a Gambler in ‘Smart * r Money’ Now at the Apollo—The Palace Offers Norma Shearer in ‘A Free Soul.’ *T"'HE Indiana theater is celebrating Fourth of July week by offering "White Shoulders’’ as the principal screen attraction, and on the •tage Brooke John is presenting Lulu McConnell in person. "White Shoulders” is an R. K. 0.-Radio production with Mary Astor and Jack Holt In the stellar roles. The setting Is among New York’s gaveet party apartments, with Miss Astor first seen as a show girl out of'a Job and "crashing parties” for the sole purpose of getting something to eat. At one of these she meets Holt, wealthy American, who just has returned to the United States after amassing a fortune in the wilds of tropical countries. After years of—

absence he is enchanted by "white shoulders,” and immediately asks the show girl to become his wife. This she does, stating that she does not love him. Her infidelity afterward leads to the strangest situation thus far presented in movies, according to Melville Brown, the director, and that is a strange vengeance thrown on the two by the irate husband. The personal appearance of Lulu McConnell is considered one of the summer’s finest theatrical offerings. She is appearing with an entire company in "Parlos Sports,” a farce comparable to those in which Miss McConnell has made such a reputation in pictures. Others in the stage show are Fields, Smith and Fields, and adagio trio, and the Dorothea Berke dancers. tan "SMART MONEY” OPENS AT APOLLO Edward G. Robinson, whose genius for dynamic characterization was demonstrated in “Little Caesar” —quits gunning and takes to gaming m “Smart Money,” heading the holiday program—opening today at the Apollo theater. Tire story was written by those masters of the melodramtic, Kubec Glasmon and John Bright, who did "The Public Enemy,” which recently brought James Cagney to such prominence as a film star. Robinson plays the part of Nick the Greek, a small town barber, who runs craps games in the room back of his tonsorial parlor—and considers life to be nothing else than one glorious round of gambling and girls—the latter to be, v/ithout exception of blonde persuasion. Nick has delusions of granduer, and to make them come true he beats it to the big town to look up the big shots in the gaming field, and to begin his operations. The first blonde he meets double-crosses him. She gets him in touch with not the king of the sharpers, as he had hoped, but one of the lesser fry. Blondes are always bobby up and out—and Nick finally meets the czar, trims him at poker—and so rows in power and possessions. His finish is in the making when he takes in a blonde who has been trying to commit suicide—but that is the story—a vital part, at least, of the story which holds the spectator spellbound from the strange beginning to the startling climax. James Cagney leads the supporting cast, which also includes Evalyn Knapp, Margaret Livington, Noel Francis and Paul Porcasi. Vitaphone Varieties, including Ripley's “Believe It or Not” series and Fox Movietone News, rounds out the program. 8 8 8 SHEARER’S LATEST NOW AT PALACE Professional gamblers mingled in perfect amity with police officers and court attaches when they came together as a band of technical experts in Norma Shearer’s new starAMUSEMENTS |>DANCE<| AT LAND-O-DANCE WITH CORK’S CORKERS THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHTS 8500 E. WASHINGTON ST,

Begins “Petticoat SUN. NITE I Influence 8:30 BE A WISE CHILD! And Pon’t Miss — I “THE| David Belasco’s Greatest Hit! g BACHELOR FATHER" - A mischievous comedy featuring: WILL LLOYD JOAN RUTH As the Gay Old Do* Who Gats Metropolitan Opera Star and Lonesome for His Children Member Original Belasco Cast PLUS Frances Freddie Ponald DALE SHERMAN WOODS and Regular Resident Casey Cast! SUMMER PRICES NITES—SOc, 75c, *I.OO. Monday—Ladies’ iris* COLONIAL c.m. MONDAY I Prof! Wayland Vlllers ~ Presents 'Hiss Hew Orleans[____—jrjpfnot ■IT. —" uvlngmodels •' ' 12'. I AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT IDEA IN PUBLIC SEX EDUCATION! V 3Mi| MFN (INI Y JUKI coMvke I. ‘.Miss New Orleans’ mEn UHLi damaged love; iTiTiM! I BURLESQUE BY BURLESQUERS SPECIAL MIDNITE SHOW TONITE GET UP A PARTY AND ATTEND GIRLS F ,r FOLLIES WITH GEORGIA DOAN LEA PARKS BUDDIE McELVY TEXAS WATERS AND Chorus of GORGEOUS Girls

ring picture, “A Free Soul,” which will be seen commencing today at the Palace. The officials were there to furnish authentic technical detail in the courtroom scenes, and some even acted in them. The gamblers, recruited from famous gambling establishments in locales where gambling is legal, dealt faro, black jack, roulette and other games. The new picture is a filmization of Adela Rogers St. John’s novel of San Francisco. Miss Shearer plays the role of the headstrong girl torn between the love of a gambler and a society man, and Lionel Barrymore, her lawyer-father, who bares his own sins in court to save the happiness of his daughter. Leslie Howard, Clark Gable, James Gleason and Lucy Beaumont have important supporting roles. The gamblers were brought from Nevada and Agua Caliente, and are seen in the picture stacking chips and operating their games with deft fingers that from long practice seem to do the work by magic. The world’s happenings, explained in detail by the Globe Trotter in the Hearst Metrotone News, a Silly Symphony cartoon comic and a curiosity novel subject will complete the program. tt tt u COMEDY OPENS AT THE CIRCLE “Big Business Girl,” starring Loretta Young and Ricardo Cortez, is the new screen offering at the Circle theater this week. Other attractions on the bill are a comedy, “Cab Waiting”; "Down the Blue Danube,” and "Tune Detective.” The theater is observing the regular daily schedule today and will present two complete shows tonight with the last starting at approximately 9:15 o’clock. "Big Business Girl” is said by William A. Seite'r, director, to be a new and different treatment on the modern office girl problem. Unlike “Office Wife,” the picture is said to strip the mask from downtown office doors and reveal the temptations and problems which the average working girl is compelled to face. First National executives, at a preview of “Big Business Girl,” expressed keen satisfaction over the portrayal given by Miss Young and predicted that this would be “one of the pictures of the year” from a box office point of view. The picture is full of action and is considered by many to be Miss Young’s best bet. 8 8 8 TWO FEATURES NOW AT OHIO The Ohio opens anew week today with two complete feature attractions on the bill of fare. "Virtuous Husband,” <rom the stage play, "Apron Strings,” is one, and “Kiki,” starring Mary Pickford is the other. "Virtuous Husband” is a Universal production with Elliott Nugent, Betty Compson, Jean Arthur and Tully Marshall in the leading roles. It was shown at the Indiana theater several weeks ago, where it was acclaimed as one of the year’s outstanding comedy hits. AMUSEMENTS COLONIAL TODAY AND SUNDAY LAST PERFORMANCES KANE BROS. BURLESQUE MIDNIGHT FROI.IC 11:30 TONIGHT ■■■■■■HBiHMaanßaMßßi

Trawl |||||jl| gfaS Mra

I—Joan Ruth, a player new to this city but well known on Broadway, will play her original role in “The Bachelor Father” at English’s Sunday night.

1— Edward H. Robinson plays the role of a small town gambler who “cleans” the big boys in New York in the movie, “Smart Money,” at the Apollo. 2 Elliott Nugent and 1 Jean Arthur In a scene from “Virtuous Husband,” at the Ohio. 3 Norma Shearer in a scene from “The Free Soul,” opening today at the Palace.

ROUNDING ROUND THEATERS “hYAE! 3

THE DRAMATIC LEAGUE of Chicago will come into Indianapolis and give us a season of six plays if this city will guarantee the audiences. That is just what Chicago, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and other cities are doing, and those cities are guaranteed a season of fine plays.

Frederick Donaghey. former critic and now in charge of the organized audiences of the Dramatic League in Chicago and Cincinnati, writes me that Indianapolis could have the Dramatic League shows. He writes in definite terms: If 4,000 persons could be induced to subscribe on a $2 scale for six plays, the league would give six plays in Indianapolis for three nights apiece, four weeks apart.” A few weeks ago I asked Indianapolis to wake up and get out its organized audience ,for the Dramatic League plays. Now Donaghey assures me that the league would come into Indianapolis under certain conditions, the same that other cities have met, His letter is so important that I am giving it to you in full: Dear Mr. Hickman—The Times of June 13 has been here on my desk since the 15th. the while I’ve been pondering the ethics of writing to you .concerning your printed reactions to what Nelson Trowbridge told you of the Dramatic League of Cincinnati. ... I am assuming your knowledge that the D. L. of Chicago is preparing for its third season, with seven plays on subscription and. perhaps, as many more not on subscription, but. owing to the league's direct or collateral interest in them, available to the Chicago public at a scale of prices corresponding pro-rata to the league’s subscriptionschedule. Also, that the first and as yet most successful of our affiliates., the professional players of Philadelphia, also are going into a third season; while their offsprlng. the P. P. of Boston, ars waking ready for a second season after a glorious first. And, perhaps, that Cincinnati is in line with Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland. Detroit. St. Louis and Kansas City in obtaining what I can slangily call a "fran-

AMUSEMENTS §bVi this youthful love pitted against the power of money. I,UUU You will love it —live it—re- CPATC m member it for many, oliAtO Wgtyy many days to come. TODAY illfllK % 1 CE buy f L WACBRJUWiOIViigVjrx and Company "Heres /*/ TNjB "The Vtrtett HOSET "Two Black Rays One of those famously funny CHEVALIER BROS. DUNCAN SISTERS in a rlot"Aee Athletes on# reme. "Everythin* New But the Laughs.’* I IbllMmUJYl^sirsnnrial

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

chise” for the Dramatic League’s plays and system. . . . You suggest that Indianapolis "get busy.” and inform the Messrs Shubert that you are "still on the list.” (Perhaps, Mr. Hickman, here is where I should insert the statement of fact that the Messrs. Shubert have not as yet billed themselves as the sponsors of the Dramatic League and its affiliates, although their theaters are used in all cities where they have one or more, and they have been most liberal in encouragement, having in a matter of less than two calendar years Invested more than $130,000 in plays which, in the ordinary traffic, could not survive were it not for the subscription-system of the league. But their allies also are part of the league: last year’s programs contained productions made by William A. Brady, Charles Hopkins. Kenneth Macgowan, et al., and the program for the coming season will involve those producers and others.) We have not been unconscious of Indianapolis. I devoted some part of last summer (1930) to the task of trying to make up a week of three nights apiece there and in Columbus, but was unable to elicit any enthusiasm from the Messrs. Boda. I am still eager to do just that—or. if not Indianapolis and Columbus, then Indianapolis and Louisville. (We are unable, because of high overhead, to consider less than a half-week for any of the league plays: we simply couldn't afford the daily multiplication of transfer bills, railroad hauls and such. We haven’t as yet ventured for less than a wedk stand; but we are willing to try such halfweeks as suggested above —IF the citizens of those communities show a willingness to do their part.) . . . You see, Mr. Hickman, in none of the three cities specified have we "a stake in the soil”: that is, we have no local investment. Nevertheless, we are willing to go into any half-week, regardless of that fact, and try to do for each what we have successfully been doing in the wSsk stands. We should give every possible aid in organizing an audience on subscrip-

2 —Rosetta Duncan, a modern Topsy, heads the new bill opening today at the Lyric.

4 Mary Astor and Jack Holt as they appear in “White Shoulders,” now at the Indiana. 5 Lew Ayres plays the lead in “Up for Murder,” now on the screen at the Lyric. 6 Loretta Young and Frank Albertson have the leads in “Big Business Girl,” now at the Circle.

tion. put In the system, and provide the necessary reclame and propaganda—and by this I don’t mean effusive and effervescing "press-work,” but genuine Jouralism of exposition and information. . . . What, in turn, would Indianapolis do? What is the reason it has in recent years been passed by? Is there still an appetite for the legitimate stage? . . . When, some years ago, I included Indianapolis in my itinerary. I found it a normal town of playgoing. My last visit there. 1921, was marked by an inexplicable apathy of the populace toward what I had to offer—a revival of "Erminie” mosting $16,500 a week to operate, with Francis Wilson and De Wolf Hopper, "teamed” for the first time after two generations of rivalry, as the stars. I took in less than $12,000 on the week, leaving me to find $4,500-pius for the deficit. However, that may merely have meant that Indianapolis din’t care for that especial show. . . . As to the Dramatic League, it can not thrive and grow and function without the newspapers. In turn for their aid, we must make good on our promises. As we are forging onward, it is safe to assert that we have made good, so far. . . . Now. what can you and your colleagues of the Indianapolis press do to restore first-class plays to your city’s bookings? Do you believe that the desire for good plays properly acted is strong enough to warrant the newspapers in asking your civic leaders to get behind the organization of an audience for the Dramatic League? (It hardly -seems necessary to say that, if the League could succeed there, other ventures would again seek the city, as of old). . . If (in brief outline) 4,000 persons could be induced to subscribe on a $2 scale for six plays, the League wuold give six plays in Indianapolis for three nights apiece four weeks apart. That is, the per head subscription would be from sl2 downward, so that the average receipts for each play (to be divided per contract—terms with the theater) would be $7,500, or $45,000 for MOTION PICTURES -o - *. '-- '' l Re, Beach's story with — MARY ASTOR JACK HOLT —Funniest Stage Show Yet! LJ BROOKEJOHNSI introducing _ _ K lULU McCONNELII Person 1 with her lass-hit ‘PARLOR SPORTS’ ■ ROBERT HYMAS.* VIRGINIA MANN and GRAHAM VELSEY ■ * FIELDS, SmltTs FIELDS, RAYMOND BAIRD, DOROTHY RYKER mm

3—Walter Davis is in the cast of “The Bachelor Father,” at English’s next week.

the six plays. The box-office rates would not be lower than $2.50 downward, and might be $3. . . . Here, I think you will say, is a. proposition to restore the drama at its best to your city in terms of civic PXide: and I, for one. am convinced that the subscription-plan—thi “organized audience,” as it is termed—is the sole and only solution for such restoration. In brief, if a community desires the best, let it say so! Chicago, with more than 3,000,000 population, wearied of missing many a good pjay regarded as too fine for the communities outside New York, and rallied to the suport and upbuilding of the league in order that the league might have the courage to bring those plays hither. . . . What about Indianapolis. Mr. Hickman? Now we have the chance’ to have a guaranteed season of some of the most important plays of the season. Does Indianapolis want those plays? Write me at once and let us see what can be done. MOTION PICTURES rv? Jig &a*S TsL* pTckforo this! * ,N ~ VIRTUOUS , Kllcl . HUSBAND uart romance || adapted frcm with “APR°H R^'* A ¥ LD i* STRINGS” 31 Art Kflb Free. Tickets.. 10. Neatest . . j;' Translations Sent Circle ■ p First Nationa’-Vitaphone Picture 1 What a Mix-Up! Her Boss I band, and Her Husband Wanted to Be Her Foss! L f-g g @l*l I 1 yfli

Arthur Casey Brings Joan Ruth to English’s to Play Her Original Role in ’Bachelor Father’—Rosetta Duncan Heads Bill at the Lyric. “'T'HE BACHELOR FATHER.” one of the most successful comedies ever X produced by the late David Belasco, will be presented at English's byArthur Casey for acne-week engagement, starting Sunday night at 8:30 o’clock. Originally presented at the Belasco theater In New York, this comedy in three acts and seven scenes, ran for ten months before going on a profitable road tour. Its production here by Casey will be patterned In detail after the Belasco version. Joan Ruth, a featured member of she original Broadway cast, has been brought here to play the same role which she had in New-

York. Belasco selected her from the Metropolitan Opera Company especially for the role of the little Italian girl whose mother was an operatic star at La Scala in Italy. The role gives Miss Ruth an opportunity to sing an aria from "La Boheme.” The important title role of the bachelor father is to be portrayed by Will Lloyd, character acting expert with the Casey company. Donald Woods, Frances Dale, Freddie Sherman, Jane Wheatley, Yvonne Stebbins, Walter Davis, Dick Elliott, Eddie Fitzgerald and Nan Reasoner are also to appear in the cast of players. Staging and direction is by William Blair. The four settings for the play are the work of Milo .Denny, Casey’s scenic artist. "The Bachelor Father” is the story of Sir Basil Winterton. Having had his affairs as a young man, he comes upon the lonesome days of his sixties. He decides to call in and do what he can to help the illegitimate progency he has been supporting for many years. His lawyer rounds up a boy named Geoffrey in rural England, a girl— Marie —in Florence, and a girl named Tony in New York. The children are taken to Rooksford house, Sir Basil’s estate, and there agree to give the old gentleman a chance to act like a father. In quick order, Sir Basil is happy and the children content. But, life and plays never did go that smoothly for long; therefore, problems arise which complicate the situation and bring an amusing series of comedy tangles that are not unraveled until the final curtain. “The Bachelor Father” will be given the usual matinee performances Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2:30 o’clock. 8 8 8 ROSETTA DUNCAN NOW AT THE LYRIC Fourth of July celebration at the Lyric, starting today and continuing through next Friday, holds an array of stage and screen attractions that should interest holiday amusement seekers. “Up for Murder” is the title of the feature picture in which Lew Ayres and Genevieve Tobin are the stars. Rosetta Duncan, the “topsy” of the once famous Duncan sisters, headlines the stage show of six RKO vaudeville acts. “Up for Murder” tells the story of a young man who works in the

MOTION PICTURES W&BB WOMEN -Can a Man's Man Bea EDWARD, C. ROBINSON CAGNEY co-star of “Public Enemy** , in a smashing, thrilling SMART MONEY With NOEL FRANCIS—EVALYN KNAPP 5f An iron man! He was that, but found games and dames were dis- / “ OF^CLVTT rOST RETURN RIPLEY’S "BELIEVE IT OK NOT” JOE FENNER IN' "MOVING IN” ’<VSF|f \~TREB AUTO PARKING FOR P.VTRON T s| Suporbl Sleeping! Words cannot I describe the surge of this picture > —the very soul of o girl who tried ■ man's fieedoml NORMA I MIRER ‘ tnd LIONEL BARRYMORE I 'A FREE I „ SOUL". I ■ I | Beautiful Souvenir Photo of Robert Montfomery, till IQ * Our New Star, Will Be Given Free to the First * B * W B 3.000 Ladies Attending This Week’s Matinees. HEARST CURIOSITIES SILLY METROTONE OF THE SYMPHONY NEWS WORLD CARTOON

PAGE 5

inky grime of the mailing room of a great metropolitan newspaper, later he is promoted to the position of cub reporter. Here he falls desperately In love with the beautiful society editor of the paper, only to discover that the object of his affections is the mistress of the publisher. This discovery leads to a tragedy which has a devastating effect on all of the principal characters of the story, and from this point on the story is said to become one of the most absorbing interest. It is an unimportant but interesting coincident that the sir names of two famous sisters teams of the contemporaneous theater both begin with the letter “and.” The two combinations in question are the Dolly Sisters and the Duncan Sisters. The Duncan sisters barring their appearance in London in “Topsy and Eva,” have devoted all of their time to the American stage. Here they have been seen in pictures, in musical comedies and in vaudeville. Recently, at the Palace theater in New York, the Duncans played their last engagement for some time to come as a team. Vivian Duncan has left the stage for the time being, and the artistic standards of the family are being carried on by Rosetta, who appears today and all next w'eek on the Lyric stage. Rosetta is the comedienne of the pair. In "Topsy and Eva,” the musical comedy In * which they gained International repute, she played “Topsy,” the pickaninny girl who “just growed.” She is recognized as a particularly capable character comedienne as well as an exceptional delineator of songs in her new act—her premiere as a single—she does both. Rosetta presents a series of numbers written by - Blanche Merrill in addition to comedy chatter and dances not to forget, however, the immortal "Topsy” characterization. Among the other five acts on the stage bill will be found Joe Christy and company in a riotous revue of foolery, songs and music; Earl S. Dewey and his minature musical comedy revue called “The New Partner;” Haig, Haig and Haig, billed as “Just Kids,” and the daring Chevalier Brothers, a duo of ace athletes. Gloria to Have Good Role Samuel Goldwyn has purchased the Belasco play, “Tonight or Never,” to star Gloria Swanson. Production set for this fall.