Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 237, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 December 1935 — Page 24

PAGE 24

Hollywood Laughs at Radio Amateur Hours in Picture With Weak Plot at Circle Acting, Funmaking of Wendy Barrie, Willie Howard and Tap Dancing of Eieanore Whitney Saves Film from ‘Rotten’ Classification. BY JOHN YV. THOMPSON Hollywood 'rears" up on its hind legs and has a horse laugh at radio’s amateur hour craze in ‘ Millions in the Air,” but if it wasn't for the acting of Wendy Barrie the comedy of Willie Howard and the tap dancing of Eieanore Whitney, the laught probably would be on Hollywood.

Millions in the Air” suffers from a chronic lack of plot. Maybe amateur hours are like that. Maybe •'Millions in the Air” was meant as a newsreel with an entertainment complex. The odds are against such a supposition, but the picture has some swell entertainment in it. The story concerns a bunch of amateurs who want the SSOO Calvin Keller, of the Kello Soap Cos., is going to give away to the winner on his amateur hour broadcast. There's Tony Pagano, the fruit dealer who has climbed the amateur hour ladder gong by gong. He has been singing “Rigoletto” for years, has never gotten to finish the piece before a single audience. With a Sir Galahad oath, he swears to do h complete “rendition.” of the composition before he passes on. Daughter Has Ambition There also is Miss Keller, the soap man's daughter, who wants a career in radio singing and stands in line lor a chance to sing on her father's hour under a fake name. She meets Eddie Warren, ice cream peddler, who falls for her, thinking she is a five-and-ten store worker. There are Jimmy and Bubbles, dancers, who win the contest with song and dance. Jimmy is played by Robert Cummings (remember him as the daring Texan in "So Red Hie Rose?”) and Bubbles is the sensational little girl tap dancer, Miss Whitney. When Marion Keller appears on the broadcast, her dad happens in with her fiance, Gordon. She gets stage-fright and it is only with the aid of Eddie, whose saxophone has gone sour and ruled him out of the running, that she starts to sing. AU Ends Happily The audience is pleased with the duet but Pop Calvin isn't and he orders them ruled off the program. Letters swarm in asking for a return of the two and the next Sunday they are brought back. Reconciliations all around fix things up for everybody, including Jimmy and Bubbles, and even Tony, who sir.gs a complete composition. "Millions in the Air” is loosely knit. It larks continuity, tempo, color. But it is still funny and entertaining. Mr. Howard does the same skit, lie did with the “Follies'' here several years ago, when he sings with a quartet, as the disinterested fourth member, picking his

ENGLISH TONIGHT. FiII.,SAT. EVES. AT 8:20 E fflftcfa ANDERSON MENKEN old MAID"

GAME COCK SPARRING MATCH Every Nicht (Exeept Sundn.v) —4.5 Minutes of Entertainment 1 NI)I \N A I’OI.I S NATIONAL POII.TKY, RABBIT. PIGEON \NI> PET STOCK EXPOSITION Manufacturers Bldg., State Fair Grounds, Indianapolis Dec. II to 15, Inclusive, 10 A. M. to 10 P. M. ADMISSION, 25c

I o'r REVUE FOLIES BERGERE' | lu*taholio.. but it. •"% i Never more HUMOROUS! Never more HUMAN! Bp GEORGE JL ARUSS A Latent I*Mir (Number 8) i _ 1 ,ri. 1 1 • V as a lovi'.bie vagabond in P™w Miner Hobo TOWNSEND BN\ Patches on his pants . . . holes in his shoes. / Jj PLAN! An Arliss you've never seen before! 1 ■ 1 ■ | 1 If [ 1 V vl (Aniki d' msiMßi b t i | I if n k w 4 mm a WW TVI f _J ;..fj_J. V F ThBI" r see iap\n Wf I fW JiMTiTMI “ 4 MOVING ■ 4k* again

teeth as the others sing, making faces at the audience, looking rapturously at the girl soprano beside him. Miss Whitney is tops as a tap dancer. Her steps are intricate, fast as a machine gun. So far she is much better as a dancer than as ah actress. There is room for improvement, but she has all it takes, except experience. We were surprised at Mr. Cummings’ versatility. He can sing and dance, as well as the best. Miss Barrie is the best of the actors, fair as a singer. a a a Bvrd Film Nicely Made “Little America” the second Circle picture, is a nicely made film of the Byrd expedition. To those who are interested in a long new'sreel which packs real drama and human interest, it will be superb. The scenes of the explorations, the outpost at which Byrd stayed alone, the storms of the Antarctic, the little problems of everyday life, have been faithfully portrayed. One can recognize here and there, touches of Hollywood “fill-ins,” scenes which the expedition's cameramen didn't get, but it all links together well. The Admiral is a lot better actor than most public heroes, but not as good as some of ln,s men. Clyde's Lucky Piece Found in Kern River Timex Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 12.—Andy Clyde again is steering a true and tranquil course after a serious scare that followed loss of a good luck compass. The Scotch comedian lost the compass in the Kern River w'hile playing a scene in "Mother Lode” which stars Richard Dix. Film operations ceased until the trinket was found. Mr. Clyde first wore the luck piece when he appeared in “His Wife's Relations,” the picture in which he created the inustached character which has made him famous. He since has refused to step before the cameras without it.

Opening Tomorrow Indiana “MISTER HOBO”—George Arliss, Gene Gerrard. Viola Keats. Frank Cellier, Patrick Knowles. George Hayes. Mary Clare. Milton Rosmer, director; Maude Howell, associate director; story by Paul LaFitte; H. Greenbaum, photographer. Story—Lovable vagabond and pal. arrested after befriending young girl: released from jail when police discover vagabond is named Francois Rothschild. Other Rothschilds give wandering son check, his pal spends it. Sinking bank makes hobo president, thinking name will save it. It does. Hobo saves girl from swindling, ruins banker, gets pal job, goes South in old clothes. Lyric “FRISCO KlD“—James Cagney. Margaret Lindsay, Ricardo Cortez. Lilli Damita, Donald Woods, Fred Kohler, Barton MacLane, George E Stone. Lloyd Bacon, director; story and screen play. Warren Duff. Seton I. Miller; Sol Polito, photographer. Story—Bat Morgan, tough guy, takes it on the chin in San Francisco's Barbary Coast. Fights back, winning against desperate characters. Becomes king o' the coast, falls for lady newspaper editor. Reveals good streak by attending opera. Knife meant for him gets George E. Stone who dies. Bat captured by vigilantes, escapes gallows when newspaper girl talks cops out of it. Acts on Stage—Donatella Brothers and Carmen, musical; BUI Anson, movie star impersonator; “Deauville Revue,” ensemble dancers; Reynolds and White, "A Musician's Nightmare”; Willie Solar, comedian; Chuck-w r agon Boys, WFBM artists; Lester Huffs’ organ solo, “Let’s Go Collegiate.”

Films, It, portant in History of Industry, Are Added to Collection 20th Century Fox, Disney, Mrs. Jean Leßoy Donate Three Groups of Memorabilia to Art Library. The Museum of Modern Art Film Library has announced acquisition of three important, groups of film memorabilia: One from 20th CenturyFox Film Corporation composed of 13 motion pictures produced from 1915 to 1933; a group of animated cartoons from Walt Disney Prductions including “Plane Crazy,” the first Mickey Mouse, the first Silly Symphony, "Skeleton Dance,” and the first cartoon in technicolor, “Flowers and Trees”; and the Leßoy collection, which includes old and rare books, photographs, slides, manuscripts, articles, letters and documents relating to the early days of the films.

The Leßoy collection was acquired through the courtesy of the widow of Jean A. Leßoy, American film pioneer. Foremost in interest are negatives and prints of the famous "trick” films of the Frenchman George Melies, whose original and imaginative productions from 18SG marked the transition from Ihe earliest foreign motion pictures of sceinic view's of simple action to the story telling era. Notable Films Included Other notable old films in the collection are the first pictures taken out of the kinetoscope and show'n on a screen: “The Execution of Mary. Queen of Scots” (1933) and "Washing the Baby”; short reels showing Houdini performing his escape tricks; street scenes and news reels of the nineties, such as the inauguration of President McKinley; early comedies and melodramas, and films showing celebrities of 30 and 40 years ago. In addition to the above cartoons, Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse, has supplied the Film Library with material showing the step-by-step process in their production. This includes the original rough story sketch; the scenario suggestions; the scenario changed into final form; completed scenes of animation with exposure sheets, music sheets and the corresponding completed scenes with backgrounds: and painted celluloid sheets ready for the camera. Beginning next month, the Museum is to circulate programs of noteworthy motion pictures to museums, colleges and study groups throughout the country. Fastor in Film The Rev. Neal Dodd, pastor of a Hollywood church, plays the minister who performs a wedding ceremony between Herbert Marshall and Margaret Lindsay in "The Indestructible Mrs. Talbot.”

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

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Actresses Believe Movies Dangerous By United Press HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 12. Bette Davis and Barbara Stanwyck decided today motion picture work should be listed among dangerous occupations after each suffered a minor accident. Miss Stanwyck was burned by exploding corn beef hash. Miss Davis had an embedded wood tick removed from her arm. The scenario in Miss Stanwyck's picture, based on the SpanishAmerican war, called for Wallace Beery and John Boles to cook corned beef hash over a soldier's campfire. Miss Stanwyck was watching the hash when it flared up. Miss Davis will be unable to act for several days as a result of her operation. Physicians believed the insect became imbedded in her flesh while she was working in outdoor scenes. No Stable This Winter Clark Gable will not maintain a stable at Santa Anita this winter, but is planning to import ponies from Santiago, Chili, in the future.

ft. 1 '% ■ 3CST ? Grand ' wu ' t>n,y " i T f “ ,B ™ Feature# Marion Davies —Dick Powell “PAGE MISS GLORY” ■4 Plus Jane Withers GEM! I [*l§| Surprise Niffht 9 p. m. Sylvia Sidney—Gary Cooper ••30 DAY rRINCESS" also "AGE OF LOVE” FREE BEER Tonight CHINATOWN 6780 E. Wash. Free Dancing NO COVER CHARGE

CHEZ-PAREE Downstairs Apollo Theater Bldg. Table D’Hote Dinners 5-9 Presenting the City’s Only Dinner Hour Floor Show Dancing and Entertainment 6:30 to X A. M.

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Star of 'Old Maid" Began Career at 5 Appeared in Annie Russell Revival of Work by Shakespeare. There were no roses strewn in the early theatrical pathway of Helen Menken, luckless spinster of “The Old Maid,” Pulitzer prize play which opens tonight at English's. Neither was there a publicized | dramatic school diploma to spur her : efforts, for at the inception of her i climb to stardom she was a child. Her first pay envelope contained I $3.50. and was received for being one I of the bespangled fairies in Annie Russell’s revival of “A Midsummer Night's Dream.” She was then 5 years old, daughter of poor parents. Old Trouper at 10 More engagements followed, and at the age of 10 could call herself an i old trouper. There is scarcely an i opera house in the country with | which she is not familiar; many of them she will revisit on the current j coast-to-coast trek, j Os her early theatrical days. Miss Menken says, "Being out of money and a job are situations by no means limited to actresses. They’re | all too common to every one nowaI days. The chief problems of the | actress are hunting plays and staking everything on their success, and constantly adapting one's art to new techniques, it’s a trying business, but a thrilling one.” Scored in “Three Wise Fools” Miss Menken's first success on Broadway was in a leading role in “Three Wise Fools.” She played several seasons and later made a sensational success as Diana in j "Seventh Heaven.” The play con- | tinued two years in New York and was followed by "Tire Captive.” She appeared as an exotic native girl in “Congai,” and appeared as Queen Elizabeth in “Mary of Scotland.” It was Miss Menken, incidentally, who brought the script of “The Old Maid” to Hdrry Moses, its producer. She salvaged it irom Hollywood where it had been pigeon-holed for several years. “The antagonism between the two women, the Lovett cousins,” she says, “is what makes ‘the Old Maid’ ” a good play. It is a conflict not often seen in the theater these days.” ■ Press Agent Makes Plea in Civic Show When a movie press agent prays what does he say? Well, just after he has gotten his protege lost at sea and the story Ls on the front pages of the country’s newspapers, Herbert White, the publicity man in “Louder Please,” W'hich is to open at the Civic Theater Saturday says: “Oh, Lord, I beseech thee to avert war and prevent Mrs. Roosevelt from divorcing President Roosevelt, just for 48 hours, O, Lord.”

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LESLIE HOWARD IS SELECTED FOR SCREEN ROLE OF'ROMEO'

After months of speculation among movie stars and agents as to who would get the role of Romeo in the forthcoming picture. "Romeo and Juliet.” the question finally has been settled. A dispatch from the coast today definitely announces that Leslie Howard is to play the nart. with Norma Shearer as Juliet.

WHERE, WHAT, WHEN APOLLO “In Old Kentucky,” last of the Will Rogers pictures, at 11:34. 1.34. 3 34, 5:3*, 7:35 and 9 34. CIRCLE "Little America." the picture of Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Antarctic Expedition, at 11:30. 1:55. 4:25. 6:50 and 9:20. Feature attraction. Millions in the Air" with Willie Howard and Eleanor Whitnev, at 12:25, 2:50, 5:15, 7:45 ar.d 10:10.' ENGLISH'S “The Old Maid," Pulitzer Prize play, with Helen Menken and Judith INDIANA "Folles Bergeres." French stage ivvue. featuring Emil Boreo, Gloria Gilbert and a Dallet, at 12.35. 3 10, 6:55, 9:20. Also ion the screen >. "Coronado,” musical fun picture with Jack Halev. Bettv Burgess and Leon Errol, at 11:10, 1:35. 4:10. 5:25, 7:55 and 10:20. LOEWS • The Perfect Gentleman.” with Frar.k Morgan, at 12:37. 3:30. 6 23. 9:16. “Whipsaw" with Myrna Hoy and Spencer Tracv, at 11, 1:53, 4:46 7:39 and 10:32. LYRIC “Bring on the Dames.” on staee, with Harry Savov and Muriel Page, at 1:10. 3:57, 6:53. 9:40. On screen. “Navy Wife,” at 11:34, 2:21, 5:17. 8 04 and 10:40. OHIO "Thirty Day Princess.” with Sylvia Sidney, Cary Grant, at 10 30 123. 4:16. 7:09. 10:02. Also 'Age for Love," with Billie Dove. Edward Everett Horton, at 12. 2:53, 5:46, 8:40.

Song Group to Break Custom Maennerchor to Present Foster Works Monday. Deviating from its custom o' singing nothing but German songs, the Indianapolis Maennerchor is to present two of Stephen Foster's melodies at its first concert of the season Monday night. Guest soloist is to be youthful Frieda Gallanticre, pianist, who made her debut in Chicago last year. The program for the evening: "Sturmbeschwoerung” Duzrrner “Waldmorgen” Koellner The Maennerchor Sonate in B Flat Minor Opus No. 35 . Chopin Miss Gallantiere ■ “Old Black Joz” Foster "My Old Kentucky Home” Foster The Maennerchor Ballade Onus No. 24 Grieg Etude Opus No. 36 Arensky "Si Oiseau J'Etais” Henselt Rhapsodie Opus 11 No. 4 Dohnanyi Miss Gallantiere "Der Pilot" Spicker The Maennerchor Bonnie Loder La Shelle Is to be at the piano. De Witt Talbert is to sing the baritone solo. Gains Eight Pounds Edna May Oliver is enjoying success with her program to gain weight for the role of Juliet’s nurse in “Romeo and Juliet.” Her latest bulletin carries word of an eightpound increase in three weeks. Starts Hunting Trip Wallace Beery is off for Portland. Ore., on a hunting trip, flying his own plane.

To make a third drawing card for public attendance at the Shakespearian drama. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer has obtained John Barrymore for the role of Mercutio. The picture is scheduled to go into rehearsal this week at Culver City. Mr. Howard has completed work as the leading man in the picture, "The Petrified Forest." the play in which he starred on Broadway last year. He is to play; “Hamlet" on Broadway later this season. He also is under contract for radio programs throughout the year. Katharine Cornell is to be seen at English's next Wednesday in "Romeo and Juliet,” with Maurice Evans. Ralph Richardson and Florence Reed.

Museum Holds Mexican Display Marionette Play to Be Given on Sunday. A colorful display of contemporary Mexican paintings and crait work is now on exhibition at John Herron Art Museum. The examples of craft work are from various local collections, and include rugs, pottery, glass jewelry and toys. T ■ stimulate interest of younger per ile in the exhibit, a Mexican m; -ionette play, "The Painted Pig. ' Ls to be given in Sculpture Court F jnday afternoon. The story is by Jrs. Dwight Morrow, and the production has been prepared by the Junior League, under direction of Harry Fowler. Display donors include Mesdames A. W. Bowen, Robert F. Daggett. H. Glasser. John Joss, Anne Rocker, Inez Samper, Mr. and Mrs. H. R. McMickJe. Mr. and Mrs. Roger Williams, Misses Anna Hasselman, Florence Lanham. Grace Speer. Dorothy Spiegel and Betty Anne Williams and Paul Hadley and Donand Mattison. Named for Godfather Wendy Barrie, vivacious English actress is the god-daughter of Sir James Barrie. Hence her professional name. Takes l T p Golf Maureen O’Sullivan is the latest of the film colony to take up golf. The reason is because she likes to walk if she has something to look at.

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Meeks' Band Will Be Gift of Ballroom Chicago Orchestra to Open Local Engagement on Christmas Night. Carl Meeks and his orchestra are to spend their first Christmas away from Chicago since the band was organized. Manager Tom Devine has enticed the boys away from their home town triumphs to be his present to Indianapolis dancers Christmas night. They will be here i a month. The local engagement will be the start of the first trip the band has made. It has built up a large following outside Chicago through radio broadcasts, and has developed a style in dance rhythm that is said to be entirely different. In addition to his orchestra, Mr. Meeks Ls to offer Miss Billie Lynch, vocalist, known as “The Orphan Angel of Broadway.” Left an orphan while still a child. Miss Lynch made her first public appear- ! ance in an amateur contest in Toledo, O. She has been featured with some of the country's leading orchestras. Opening the pre-holiday season, the Roof is to present Avars LaMar and his orchestra, who are to come here from four weeks at the Casa Madrid in Louisville, to open a four- ' day engagement Dec. 20. Visits Grid Team When the University of Hawaii football team stopped in San Francisco. William Henry spent three days with the gridders. Members | of the squad are his former classi mates. Celebrates Birthday Clifton Webb celebrated his birthday with his mother, leaving shortily afterward for Palm Springs where he will remain until summoned for "Elegance. ’

M • l. s !' M Seals Tomorrow yfnglly KATHARINE CORNELL in William Shakesprart > ROMEO AND JULIET Florence REEI) Maurice E\ ANR R. RICHARDSON tha. WALDRON