Indianapolis Times, Volume 43, Number 95, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 August 1931 — Page 6

PAGE 6

GUY BATES POST PLAYS DUAL ROLE IN ‘THE MASQUERADER’

Lionel Barrymore Has a Dramatic Role of a Murderer in Bayard Veiller’s ‘Guilty Hands,’ Which Opens Today at the Palace. V'TUrLTY HANDS'’ opens today at the Palace and places Lionel BarryVJ more In the spot of featured player, offering him the most powerful role he has essayed for the talking screen. The story was written especially for the talking screen VeiUer, master of mystery drama and author of such theater hits as "The Thirteenth Chair” and “The Trial of Mary Dugan.” Kay Francis, who last appeared in “Vice Squad,” essays the “heavy” role of Marjorie West, whose suspicions and Jealousies motivate the startling climax. Madge Evans, former child star, who recently returned to the screen

as Ramon Novarro’s leading lady In “Son of India,” plays the romantic lead, as Barrymore's daughter. Paired with her is William BakeweU, popular Juvenile, who last played in “Dance Fools, Dance,” and "Politics.” C. Aubrey Smith, distinguished British character actor, has the role of the Rev. Hastings. Polly Moran supplies hilarity and screams as Aunt Maggie. Alan Mowbray is Gordon Rich, whose slaying precipitates the hectic situations in which every member of the cast becomes Involved. Other players include Forrester Harvey, Charles Crockett and Henry Barrows. Barrymore is cast as Richard Grant, who, as a district attorney, sent fifty men to the electric chair. Asa criminal attorney he saved a hundred from a HJce fate. Summoned to the island estate of Rich, a wealthy client, he discovers Rich Is going to marry his daughter. Shocked beyond words, Grant pleads with his daughter to abandon her mad infatuation for the rich rounder. She refuses. He pleads with Rich, who laughs at him. Grant then decides to kill Rich to save his daughter. But to spare her a worse suffering, he also must do the murder without involving himself. He makes it appear as a suicide—but — To reveal the progress of the plot beyond this point would serve only to deny the full enjoyment of the thrill on the screen. It is an amazing circumstance that only Bayard Veiller could conjure to mind. The balance of the program will Include William T. Tilden 11, the world’s outstanding tennis champion, in the second picturization of the art playing tennis, entitled “Volley and Smash,” in which the master of all tennis stars explains the fundamental and important points about tennis playing. Charley Chase in his new alltalking comedy hit, “One of the Smiths,” and the latest issue of the Hearst Metrotone News round out the bill.

'‘AMERICAN TRAGEDY” OPENS AT INDIANA The dramatic picture, “An Ameritan Tragedy,” based on Theodore Dreiser’s famous novel, holds attention as the Indiana theater’s main film feature during the current week, which began yesterday. A dozen girls realized the dream of millions when Paramount introduced anew note of realism into Its production of “An American and picked them to mix, mingle and act with a cast of motion picture celebrities during the filming of the picture. Josef von Sternberg, a stickler for iauthenticity of detail, directed “An American Tragedy,” and, when certain sequences of the story called for scenes in a factory, he requested real machinery and “real” people for the set. Thousands of available extra girls were passed over betause none of them knew the intricacies of a collar-making machine. The studio arranged with a big factory to rent out special machinery, install it in working order on the set and furnish experienced Operators. The selected girls were transported to the studio, rehearsed for a few hours, and then, for several days, experienced the thrill of being photographed by a battery of motion picture cameras and of having their voices, mingled with ''the rattle of their machines, recorded on film.

They responded to the instruction bf the director, Josef von Sternberg, to cast flirtatious eyes at the handsome young foreman, Phillips Holmes; they rubbed elbows with Sylvia Sidney, former New York stage star who carries the leading woman role in the production; they Witnessed at first hand the start bf a romance between Holmes and Miss Sidney, which ends so dramatically in the development of Dreiser's story. In addition to Holmes and Miss Sidney, the cast of “An American Tragedy” includes Frances Dee, Arlene Judge. Wallace Middleton and Elizabeth Forrester. A cartoon, short feature and Hews reel make up the supplementary program. • m TWO FAVORITES ON APOLLO SCREEN Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell, opened their engagement at the Apollo today in the Fox production, "Merely Mary Ann,” which will be continued through Friday next. The stars, often referred to as the screen's most adorable sweethearts were chosen from a long list of possible screen players, to enact the leading roles of the screen version of Israel Zangwill's famous stage play. Miss Gaynor is seen in the role of a penniless, little orphan girl acting as servant in a London boarding house, while Charles has the part of the sarcastic and rude, but talented musician, who would rather stay poor than adapt himself to his talents. They become fast friends with friendship blossoiAing into a sweet romance after running its course of adverse circumstances. Highlights of the film are said to be Mary Ann scrubbing the stairway as street singers warble “Kiss Me Good-Night, But Not GoodBye;” when Mary Ann is first swayed by the beautiful music of Lonsdale; Lonsdale’s unmerciful

Good Idea Paramount wants the three of the four Marx brothers now In New York to return to Hollywood and do another picture for them with the fourth brother in Hollywood at the present. The company figures the brothers will be too hot with the release of "Monkey Business” to let them cool off with the delay of their next picture until spring.

reprimand of Mary Ann when he learns she has paid the first installment on the piano—and it is about to be moved away; Mary Ann’s first kiss from Lonsdale; when Lonsdale sends Mary Ann away, the girl broken-hearted, believing he does not care for her and Lonsdale’s return to the cottage by the sea—and Mary Ann’s return also. The cast include Beryl Mercer, as the boarding house keeper and J. M. Kerrigan as the thoughtful friend of Mary Ann. Henry King directed. The program includes Bobby Jones in the golf reel, “The Brasrie; ’ Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” series and Fox Movietone News.

a “PUBLIC DEFENDER’* NOW AT CIRCLE The current film fare at the Circle theater is topped by the latest Richard Dix vehicle, “The Public Defender.” The race for new story material and novel situations instituted by the producers of motion pictures has resulted in many unusual plot twists and angles. The effect of this has been to improve film entertainment and consequently to elevate the screen to a more commanding position. Radio Pictures, among the active in the general plan to create something new, offers a novel dramatic theme in Dix’s “The Public Defender.” The picture presents Dix in another different characteristic—that of a returned war hero who has been keyed up by the tenseness and excitement of his battle experiences so that civil life is impossible for him. Peace leaves him strangely disturbed and restless. He tries like countless thousands have done, to reconcile himself to the tame pursuits of ordinary business, but he can’t. There are no more wars, and he can not fight legitimately, so he organizes a unnitive campaign of hi s own against the business shysters and society swindlers who wreck banks, prey on the gullible and steal millions seemingly under the protection of the law. To do this he leads a double life; he makes the rounds of his exclusive clubs in his natural self, a rich, idle young man, searching information. At night he becomes a sinister avenger, descending on his' 1 victims and leaving a card reading: “The Public Defender” to remind them of their ultimate fate. Shirley Grey, Edmund Breese, Paul Hurst and Purnell Pratt support the star of “The Public Defender.” “Oh, Oh, Cleopatria,” a short comedy with Wheeler and Woolsey; “Screen Souveniers,” a Paramount featurette, and a news reel close the program of entertainment.

FIRST-RUN MOVIE AT OHIO The Ohio theater again offers a first-run feature picture at the regular family prices. It is a colorful film story of the outdoors entitled “Branded,” and stars the wellknown western idol, Buck Jones. Buck Jones has anew leading lady in “Branded.” She is Ethel Kenyon, wife of Eddie Sutherland, well-known director. Others in the cast include A1 Smith, who interpretes the “heavy” role; John Oscar in a comedy part; Bob Kortman and Wallace MacDonald. No. 9 in the “African Adventure” featurettes, several comedy short subjects and a news reel are seen in conclusion on the Ohio’s bill.

Will Open

Having been closed the past several weeks, the Colonial theater will open the regular season starting Saturday, Sept. 5. Dick Hyland, for the last several seasons producer at the State-Congress theater, Chicago, has been engaged as director and promises something entirely new in the burlesque amusement field. A large cast has been selected some of whom are well-known and recognized burlesque stars, while others are new to burlesque. The policy of four shows daily combined with talking feature pior tures will be continued.

He Writes Having settled himself in his Long Island home, Groucho Marx is now writing anew book to follow his first literary efforts in “Beds,” which has already exceeded the 25,000 mark. The new book will be a compilation of practical jokes throughout the ages.

Great Artist

Jose Iturbi

Among the great artists booked next season by Mrs. Nancy Martens Is Jose Iturbi, the Spanish

r f IRI 4 j§f itPllli- Jo*—*.. s *' mmSzggi. K JiiT T HI .

I—Freddie1 —Freddie Sherman, who has more than made good with the Arthur Casey company at English’s this summer, will be in the cast of “The Masquerader” next week.

%fcl. 1

1— Charles Farrell has the male lead in “Merely Mary Ann,” which opens today at the Apollo. 2 Ethel Kenyon has one of the chief roles in “Branded,” now on the screen at the Ohio. 3 Lionel Barrymore plays the role of a murderer in “Guilty Hands,” now at the Palace.

At State Fair

• i rS' : -

Rube Tronson

One of the features on the barn dance program at the Indiana State Fair will be Rube Tronson and his cowboys.

Looking at New Movies

“THE AGE FOR LOVE”—Caddo production, starring Billie Dove, with Charles Starrett, Lois Wilson, Edward Everett Horton. Will send the crowds out of the theater in heavy argument regarding the motivations of the Ernest Paschal story. For this reason, “The Age For Love” should be box-office in all towns, large or small. It will cause plenty of talk —that old chatter that sends ’em dnto the theaters —for there is plenty of argument, pro and con, about what each of us would do in a similar situation st st * “THE ROAD TO RENO”—Paramount production, with Lilyan Tashman, Charles Rogers, Peggy Shannon, William Boyd, Irving Pichel, Wynne Gibson. Ladies and Gentlemen —in “Road to Reno” you are presented with a lot of expensive and truly fine talent, good direction and even more expensive sets, utterly wasted on some of the worst piffle, pseudo-sophistication and morbid melodramatics that any studio has ever been “on the spot” for. tt tt u "PENROD AND SAM”—First National production, with Leon Janney, Matt Moore, Dorothy Peterson, Zasu Pitts. Junior Coghlan, Johnny Arthur. Not up to the standards set by such forerunners as “Skippy” and “Forbidden Adventure." Where “Skippy” was a pic l tute of kids—“ Penrod and Sam” is a picture acted by kids. The kids work hard and will undoubtedly get over big with the kids In the audience. But the production lacks the line handling, the deep understanding which made its forerunners adult entertainment as well. st • st “SUNDOWN TRAIL”—RKO-Pathe production, starring Tom Keene, with Marion Shilling, Nick Stuart. RKO-Pathe have a great bet as a a western star in Tom Keene (alias George Duryeal. After being loaded with a picture and story that is like so much lead under a Jockey’s saddle, Keene sends the audience into the lobby talking about him and willing to forget the weaknesses of the production. St SI st “MOTHER AND SON”—Monogram pictures, starring Clara Kimball Young, with Bruce Warren, Mildred Golden, John Elliott. Quite aa “goewraa melodrama aa the

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

2—Gay Bates Post, one of the best-known players on the American stage, will play his original dual roles in “The Masquerader” at English’s next week.

ROUNDING ROUND rr\TY T? A 'T'TT TANARUS) O With WALTER 1 JrLlifA 1 LKo D. HICKMAN

TOM ADRIAN CRACRAFT, who for two years was assistant scenic artist for the Berkell Players at English’s, seems to have landed strong in and around New York. The New York papers lately have printed some interesting stories about this young artist.

Cracraft has gone forward since leaving this city, and he has been identified with some mighty big productions on Broadway. Have received the following from New York: Cecil Clovelly and Tom Adrian Cracraft are inaugurating a series of “tryouts” of new plays for prominent York. City managers previous to their production on Broadway. The Dwight Deere Wiman sponsored play, “Russian Dressing” is the first of these productions to be done by the Clovelly-Cracraft Company in the new $4,500,000 Westchester County Center, located in White Plains, N. Y., and easily accessible to New York City. Mr. Cracraft has made an outstanding reputation in New York with his new and unusual idea as in stagecraft, with his painting of the impressive settings for "The Criminal Code,” the naive scenejy for the famous Hoboken revival of “After Dark” and his interesting settings for the Paris-American Players in Paris, Prance. He has supervised the painting of last seasons Broadway musical hit “Three’s a

title would Indicate, without the excuse of being well done. The acting Is so obviously acting that there is no illusion of reality, and consequently, no tears from the feminine element the picture is made for. The story itself, while by no means new, would be Interesting enough to hold the interest of the audience, had it not been for the “hammy” delivery of the lines. st st st It is a kid picture deluxe—packed with laughs, human interest and excitement. Coming as it does on the heels of the successful "Skippy,'’’ it can’t miss, for the entertainment is there ... a picture for everybody between the ages of nine and ninety. st st st "Rebound,” RKO-Pathe production, with Ina Claire, Robert Ames, Myrna Loy. Sophisticated comedydrama, all about the smart set, and if “Holiday” did good business in your neighborhood, you can count on “Rebound.” It has many of the same quality—including smart, witty dialogue. st st st “An American Tragedy,” Paramount production, with Phillips Holmes, Sylvia Sydney, Frances Dee. In two sequences it reaches great climactic heights, that will raise any audience to a high pitch of interest and excitement, but as a story, it is only fair—as a character study it is sadly lacking—and as a work of artr—it is nil. * "The Man in Possession,” MGM production, starring Robert Montgomery, with Charlotte Greenwood, Irene Purcell, C. Aubrey Smith. Hie sort of gay. sophisticated, naughty but nice play that will appeal to anyone who is looking for genuine entertainment. Montgomery will double his following with this one. - st st m “Newly Rich,” Paramount production, with Mitzi Green, Jackie Searle. Bruce Line, Louise FasendA, Edna May Oliver.

4 Phillips Holmes has one of the biggest assignments of the season because he plays Clyde Griffiths in “An American Tragedy” at the Indiana. 5 Mae Clarke has an emotional part in “Waterloo Bridge,” which opens today at the Lyric. 6 Richard Dix has the chief role in “The Public Defender,” now at the Circle.

Crowd” and “Band Wagon” is a current Broadway hit showing his handicraft. His White Plains venture is not his first experience, and, at an even earlier age was connected with the managerial department of professional companies in Utah * n Have received an interesting and instructive letter from Charles E. Mclver, 1048 Hosbrook street, asking me why critics of movies in the papers generally “fail to mention the music in the picture,” and state whether it is good or bad. He writes that he “can hear all the talk and noise I want to on the street free, but can not hear good music.” I am making immediate plans to make that item a part of reviews in The Times and over WKBF on Tuesday noons. Write me some more and make other suggestions.

Nelson Trowbridge, manager of the Shubert in Cincinnati, writes me that his season opens the last week in September with “Crazy Quilt.” Lucky Cincinnati, because they have a guaranteed audience for the Dramatic League shows which follow the musical show. So far I know nothing definite about Indianapolis, but I do know that the only guaranteed audience for dramatic fare in this city at the Civic theater. She Is to Free Lance Marjorie Rambeau is through as contract player for MGM. Term deal was cancelled by mutual consent after the player felt it would be better to free lance. Richard Is Hospital Patient Richard Dix has been admitted to the Union Memorial hospital in Baltimore for surgical treatment.

New Idea Series of twelve “Screen Tidbits” being produced by Robert Bruce Coleman of Visucolor. Consists of published jokes put over by well-known actors. First number ready Sept. 1.

AMUSEMENTS "RIVERSIDE 1 Best Place to Go Just for Fun BALLOON ASCENSION \ Double Parachute Drop From the Clouds Sunday, Aug. 30, 6 P. M. BEECHNUT SURPRISES FROM THE'AIR for the Kiddies and Grownups

3 —Lilliam Kemble-Cooper, from a noted stage family, will be leading woman for Mr. Post in “The Masquerader” when the engagement opens Sunday night.

Is Bad Boy

■gi Rt ||| HHIaB

Phillips Holmes

Although considered as a “newcomer” in Hollywood, Phillips Holmes was selected by Paramount to play the role of Clyde Griffiths in Theodore Dreiser’s, “An American Tragedy.” Now at the Indiana.

Studio Snapshots

Ullrich Haupt, an experienced film and stage actor, who speaks English, French and German, has been assigned to an important role in Paramount’s “Morocco,” which Josef von Sternberg is directing with Gary Cooper and Marlene Dietrich heading the cast. Haupt’s linguistic ability is necessary to the part which is that of a sergeant in the Foreign Legion. Russell Medcraft, co-author of “Cradle Snatchers,” is the latest addition to the scenario staff at Paramount’s New York studio. He joins several other well-known Broadway writers, including Austin Parker, Gertrude Purcell, Bertram Harrison, Donald Ogden Stewart and Preston Sturges. George Irving, portrayer of parental and professional roles for the screen, has been added to the cast of Paramount’s “Social Errors.” He is appearing as a family physician in this production which features Leon Errol, Richard Arlen, Mary Brian and Stuart Erwin. Oliver H. P. Garrett, author, and Max Marcin. dramatist and director, have signed new long-term contracts i as studio writers for Paramount in Hollywood.

Lillian Kemble-Cooper, Noted English Actress, Will Have # the Leading Feminine Role at English’s Next Week, Starting Sunday Night. GUY BATES POST, one of this country’s distinguished actors, will appear at English’s in person starting Sunday night at 8:30 o’clock in one of his most famous dramatic successes, “the Masquerader.” He has been brought to this city from the Pacific coast by Arthur Casey to serve as guest star for one week in this play. Lillian Kemble-Cooper, noted English actress, who has often played opposite Post in the past, came here from New York at Casey's invitation to enact the leading feminine role in “The Masquerader.” “The Masquerader” was dramatized by John Hunter Booth from the novel of the same title by Katherine C. Thurston. Its action is unfolded in nine scenes, which re-

unfolded in nine scenes, which require a revolving stage in order to take care of the rapid changes of locale. Post, who has had full charge of the staging and direction of the play here, is completely familiar with every detail of the production, having originally created the piece on the stage. It is said by many to be his outstanding achievement, surpassing his work in “Omar, the Tentmaker,” “The Climax,” “The Bird of Paradise.” “The Virginian,” “The Nigger” and “The Play’s the Thing.” Post portrays a dual role in “The Masquerader.” He appears as John Qhilcote and John Loder. The former man is rich, a secret slave to morphine, and is weak of character. The latter is strong, selfreliant, ambitious, but poor. As he makes his lightning-like changes from the impersonation of one character to the other, Post is called on to display all his skill in differentiating carefully between the two men. At the beginning of “The Masquerader,” Chilcote and Lod6r meet by accident in the London fog. Both are at their remarkable resemblance. Some time later, Chilcote’s weakness for drugs becomes a detriment to his career and he fails miserably one afternoon in parliament. Loder is persuaded to exchange places secretly with Chilcote as a result. Chilcote’s estranged wife is a complicating factor in the strange maze of circumstances which lead to the climax of this thrilling drama of two men wlio look alike. The several settings for “The Masquerader” are the first to be designed and painted for the Arthur Casey company in Indianapolis by Alex Deßeers, scenic artist formerly with the Chicago Civic Opera Company. Deßeers is ae successor to the late Milo Denny.

RADIO STARS BOOKED AT FAIR The initial Indiana state fair attraction on opening night, Sept. 5, will be the WLS National Barn Dance show to be held in the Coliseum at the fairground. A crew of some forty entertainers, who have been units of the National Barn Dance broadcasts for years over WLS, are arriving from Chicago for the barn dance show Saturday night, Sept. 5. The WLS National Barn Dance is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, continuous ether program, and one that has been built on informality, WLS and WKBF are combining their forces in broadcasting fair events throughout fair week, in cooperation with the Indiana state board of agriculture. WKBF is also offering their star performers on the WLS National Barn Dance. A three-ring circus will precede the ham dance show, as will the Indianapolis Military band. An exhibition of old time square dances is to be presented by eight couples tar the music of Rube Tronson and his Texas Cowboys. Such popular radoi artists as the Cumberland Ridge Runners, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Hal O’Halloran, “The Old Timers,” Bill Vickland and his “Book Shop,” Harry Hosford, “Arkie,” the Arkansas Woodchopper, the Maple City Four and Mac and Bob are scheduled to make appearances as well as many others. • From WKBF, Ruth and Charlie Flagler, Jimmy Boyer, Vaughn Cornish and others have been announced for appearances on this show and broadcast. Bradley Kincaid with his “Houn Dawg Guitar,” who has met with Indianapolis fa*or in other appearances in this city, will also appear on the barn dance. Throughout fair week, WLS will broadcast from the fairground studio, the Dinnerbell program. F r officials and" judges, 4-H Club members, prize winning quartets and fair features will be featured on the program. The first reservation was made by Governor Harry G. Leslie for a barn dance box.

Back to Stage Leslie Howard has left Hollywood without signing with with either MGM or Paramount, according to latest information. The actor has definitely decided to return to the stage since studios refused to meet salary requirements. Returning to England for a visit, then back to Broadway for stage appearances later in the autumn.

AMUSEMENTS DANCE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NITE Reginald Duvall’s Blackbirds HOTTEST IN TOWN RIVERSIDE PARK PAVILION, Park Plaa

OPENING OF THE FALL SEASON STARTINS WITH MIDNITE SHOW SATURDAY HITE JENNIE REESE—FLORENCE OXFORD nni I V navicc billy mossey-jack wald WvLl-I UMVICO BILLY STONE—LEW ROSE With “TOO HOT FOR PARIS” CHORUS-tfeGl RLS

AUG. 29, 1931

War Morals Is Theme of Movie ‘Waterloo Bridge,’ With Mae Clark, Opens at Lyric. “'ITTTATERLOO BRIDGE,” which for the last five or six months has been heralded from Hollywood as Universal’s first big picture for 1931, opens its local engagement fit the Lyric today. Although this production is not officially released until mid-Sep-tember, it is said, that through special arrangements the management of the Lyric has been given permission to show it several weeks ahead of any city in the nation, including even New York. It is also reported that “Waterloo Bridge” is worthy of being called a companion production to such Universal hits as “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Seed” and “Dracula.” James Whale, the brilliant young English dramatist, who first jumped into the fame spotlight for his direction of the screen version of “Journey's End” wielded the megaphone on “Waterloo Bridge.” Mae Clarke, who scored her biggest hit in “Front Page,” is seen as Myra, the girl of Waterloo Bridge; Kent Douglas, a boyish stage juvenile who made his talkie debut in “Paid” with Joan Crawford, is the male lead; Bette Davis, a newcomer to the screen, who scored her first *hit in “Seed,” also is prominently cast in “Waterloo Bridge,” as are Enid Bennett, former popular silent star; Doris Lloyd of the English stage and likewise Frederic Kerr. “Waterloo Bridge,” which is based on a well-known stage play by Robert E. Sherwood, gets its name from one of the most famous and most beautiful bridges which span the historic Thames in London. The story concerns itself about a girl who wanted desperately to love decently, when it was too late for her to deserve it, and a boy who knew all and still would surrender the world to his heart’s cry. These two young lovers are caught in Jove’s cross roads on “Waterloo Bridge” in a tangle of love morals and war’s dire needs. In conjunction with the showing of this feature picture the Lyric programs, a four-reel special comedy, ’’First to Fight,” with Slim Summerville; a Fox movietone news reel and an interesting travel film, Author Is Called to Aid Charles Brabin is working on a treatment with the hope of getting MGM out of the bag with their “March of Time.” The Brabin yarn is to be dramatic. He will direct the romance, if story is okayed. Hope Is Ready for Work Hope Williams arrived in Hollywood yesterday for screen debut in stellar role of “Pent-house” at radio. John Halliday slated to play opposite.

AMUSEMENTS Sunday Nite 8:30 Flash! A lighted match in a London fog reveals to John Chilcote and John Loder their remarkable resemblance. The men exchange places and t-h-e-n Don’t Miss Augmented Cast Headed by LILLIAN KEMBLE—COOPER Frances Dale, Donald Woods NOTE. Revolving Stages Make This | Production Possible! II ————— Special Prices Nltes ...,75c, SI.OO, $125 Mats. Wed., Thurs., 5at...25c. 50c, 75c Mon.—Ladles’ Bargain Nite 75c