Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 243, Indianapolis, Marion County, 19 December 1935 — Page 14

PAGE 14

Richardson Dies on Sword in 'Romeo and Juliet/ but His Performance Lives On Actor Displays Understanding of William Shakespeare's Intent in Writing Role of Mercutio; Miss Cornell Convincing as Juliet. BY JOHN W. THOMPSON Hr died last night before Katharine Cornell’s “Romeo and Juliet" was half over. The villain of the play tan him through while Romeo tried to stay l heir swords. His name, the one he died under, was Mercutio. His real ns.nr. the one we want to praise, is Ralph Richardson. We want the ghost of William \>hakespeare to know that here Is a man who understands him to the depths of his hidden phrases, who knows what he was trying to do when he wrote the part of that bold, redheaded. loyal Meicutio.

His swaggering gait, his pointed jests, his loyalty to Romeo, all were timed, spoken, expressed as they should be. His speech about, dreams and Queen Mab of the Fairies might have been sliced right out of the sixteenth century theatrical production. It most assuredly would have pleased any Shakespearean pit crowd as much as it pleased the English Theater audience last night. Miss Cornell Ccnvincing Miss Cornell is, we think Mr. Shakespeare would have agreed, one of the most convincing Juliets ever to play the role. Into her characterization she has injected depth of devotion, remorse and courage, at the same time has not lost sight of the fact that Juliet was of high school age. In the balcony scene, especially, were we impressed w r ith the balance, the tempo, the Elizabethan atmosph rrc of the adaptation. In 23 scenes, generously elaborate, Miss Cornell's husband, Guthrie McClintic, last night staged Shakespeare's play as we think it should be staged—in “motion picture" form .—short, terse sequences, pitched to the hungry audience like morsels of roast mutton. The settings and costumes by Jo Mielziner w’ere in perfect, taste, gorgeously colored, splendidly designed. fctnry Is Commonplace The story of Romeo and Juliet happened years ago. However, it is a human story, the like of whicn we read in the day’s news. It might have happened yesterday. It might happen today. In the play the houses of Capulet and Montague are at odds. Romeo, a Montague, falls in love witn Juliet, a Capulet. That upsets plans for marriage of Juliet to Paris, kinsman of Mercutio and Escalus, Prince of Verona. In the confusion the expression of jealousies and hatred, Mercutio and Tybalt, Capulet nephew, are killed. Romeo, for his murder of Tybalt, is banished from the country. No one but a friar knows of his marriage to Juliet, She is forced to accept contract of marriage to Paris. To escape it, she takes a potion which suspends life* for 42 hours. Romeo, hearing Juliet is dead, buys himself some poison, swallows it at the bier of his love, first killing Paris, who intrudes. Juliet awakens, her dead spouse, uses his dagger to end it all. Credit Due Playwright Asa cold plot, “Romeo and Juliet” is more or less vacant. It took a great playright to wrap about its shoulders the cloak of immortality. Compliments are due every member of Miss Cornells cast. Without exception they performed for the betterment of the play. Special praise we give to Charles Waldron as Friar Laurence, Irby Marshall as Lady Capulet. Mr. Richardson, agatn our commendation to the best Shakespearean interpreter we ever have seen on any stage. Mr. Shakespeare, again our commendation for having the courage to snub a Hollyw’ood ending to your tragedy. Work With Mae West George Walsh. Conway Tearle and Pearl Eaton, all former stars in their own right, are working in “Klondike Lou” at the insistence of Mae West, star of the production.

1 unhs With l-.cn W EARL DERR BIGGERS’ SEVEN KEYS AttUMK t GENE RAYMOND, k MARGARET CALLAHAN. ERIC J ERIN O BRIEN.MOORE. J§| E*J i ~R5j ■T*""” i.ast time totiay I Surprise Night OP.M. t Claudette Colbert "IMITATION OF UFf Flu* "Midnight Alibi" DIXE and DAXCE CHEZ PAREE D var%4 po,to mTcoV™*DINNER NO MINIMUM 750 CHARGE 5 In j> p m. Excfpt Sat. | rjARAM.VN Klrl >how ing Offi. il I’ielure Joe LEWIS vs. PAULINO U 7 SUDUN —ALSOBURLESK 40—PEOPLE—40

Party Tickets Are Distributed Unions to Aid in Making Yule Show Success. Free ticket to the Indianapolis Variety Club's Christmas party for local poor children, Monday at the Indiana, are being distributed through 21 organizations. The party is to be given at 10 Monday. Local theatrical union business agents, Art Lyday, operators; Don Barneclo, stage hands; and Abe Hammerschag, musician, have donated the services of their workmen for the show. On the stage for the show is to be Louis Stockman’s kiddie revue. On the screen is to be shown “Stormy.” A number of*short subjects and cartoons are contained in the proposed program. Dessa Byrd is to be at the organ. The organizations which are aiding in the distribution of tickets are: Marion County Guardians Home. Flow'er Mission, Baptist Christian Center, Crawford Industrial Home, Castleton School, Fletcher Place Mission, General Protestant Orphans Home, State School for the Deaf, State School for the Blind, Sunnvside Guild, Lutheran Orphans Horne, Christamore Settlement House, American Settlement, Indiana Orphans Home, Indianapolis Day Nursery, Catholic Community Center. Indianapolis Boys Club, Indianapolis Girls Club. Children’s Bureau, William H. Block Cos. and radio station WIRE.

LaMar Band Is Billed at Roof Group to Open 4-Day Stand Tomorrow. Ayars LaMar and his orchestra are to return tomorrow from a musical sojourn in Louisville to play a four-day engagement at the Indiana Roof. Their music is to be supplemented by the voices of the Three Southern Co-eds. a singing trio. Following their four-day stand at (he Roof, the LaMar band is to go south to fulfill an extended engagement. Taking their place at the Roof are to be Carl Meeks and his band from Chicago. The new band is to open Christmas night. Appearing with the Meeks band is to be Billie Lynch, "Orphan Angel of Broadway.” who gained recognition as an amateur contest winner. Officials Will See Kidnap Film Preview Anew kidnaping picture. “Show Them No Mercy,” starring Rochelle Hudson. Edward Norris, Bruce Cabot, which will not have its regular public showing until Jan. 3, is to be given an invitational preview at 11:45 p. m. tomorrow. Police officials, Board of Safety members, and other law enforcement officers are to be guests.

iff 1 , GEORGE ARLISS in “Mister Hobo” f TOMORROW ftft | >| I T f' l W a a> na. m. BBwx.jLLa.iLji.tJl M j yoiFrejustaTampered, > fIBf SPOILED, BEAUTIfUL, BRAT...ALWAYS TRYING, y ~ ro c/r Youßom way 7 Claudette is even funnier than in "She Married Her Boss" . . . even gayer than in 'The Gilded Lily!" ffS UkRA CLAUDETTE COLBERT ||PiP FRED MacNIIRRAY ROBERT YOUNG #'T 0 i * Af, m I 7Ae Mae Corns WILLIAM COLLIER SR. DONALD MEEK j§ - JEHy

Op ening Tomorrow A polio “THE LITTLEST REBEL” Shirley Temple John Boles. Jack Holt. Karen MsHey. Bill Robinson. David Butler, director; screen play by Edwin Burke; photography by John Seitz. STORY—Shirley's papa goes off to join Confederate ranks. She frowns, cuff.-, sling-shcots visiting Yankee officers. One Colonel falls for her. catches her father when he comes home in time for Shirley’s mother's death. Papa and Colonel are both imprisoned when Yankee attempts aid for Shirley. President Lincoln produces effective finale. Shirley dances plenty. Sings “Polly-Wolly Doodle All Day." Indiana •THE BRIDE COMES HOME”—Fred Mac Murray. Claudette Colbert, Robert Young, Donald Meek, Edward Kennedy, William Collier Sr. Story—Hot-headed daughter of one-time millionaire goes to work in "man's" magazine office owned by her childhood sweetheart, run by woman-hating editor. Latter resents invasion of femininity, handles new-comer caustically. For spite, girl elopes with schoolboy sweetheart. Editor gives chase, turns tables at home of marrying squire. Lyric “SUNKIST REVUE” on stage, with Henry Armetta in person. Italian comic seen in 200 movies makes first personal appearance here. Acts—Herman Clyde pantomimist; Stuart and Lee, acrobatic dancers; Ben Dova, “drunk” comedian; Murray Wood, singing midget; Castle. Arden and Faye, ballroom dancers; Gae Foster girls. “BROADWAY HOSTESS” on screen. Wini Shaw. Phil Regan. Lyle Talbott, Genevive Tobin, Allen Jenkins, Marie Wilson, Spring Byington. Story—Small-town girl hits New York with age-old ambition to sing. Rough time by all until Broadway gambler guides her to success. She falls for him, he turns cold shoulder. Surprise ending.

Claude Rains Held Many Theater Jobs Before He Became Actor Began as Call Boy in London; Later Was Stage Carpenter, Mechanic, Electrician, Treasurer, Manager. Times ftfiecinl HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 19.—1n the matter of learning one's profession from the ground up, consider Claude Rains. His theatrical jobs have run the gamut of stage callings. He is to play “Don Luis” in the forthcoming “Anthony Adverse.”

Mr. Rains began inauspiciously at His Majesty's Theater in London as a call boy, progressing to carpenter, master mechanic, electrician, property man, treasurer and company manager. Then followed seven years as stage manager for Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, after wdiich he w ; as given his first chance at acting in "The Gods of the Mountain.” Went to Australia He was a member of the company which went to Australia with Maeterlinck's "The Bluebird,” and it was in Sydney that he made his first important hit in “You Never Can Tell.” Returning to England, Mr. Rains appeared in “Golden Doom” and “Typhoon” before making his debut in the American theater. Coming to this country as general manager for Granville Barker, he enacted his first role on the American stage in “Androcles and the Lion.” The World War temporarily halted his career, and he enrolled in the London Scottish regiment, gassed, transferred to another regiment and emerged with a captain’s commission. The resumption of his stage ca-

WHERE, WHAT, WHEN ArOLLO "In Old Kentucky." last of the Will Rogers pictures, at 11:34. 1:34, 3:34, 5:3%. 7:35 and 9:34. CIRCLE "Scrooge.” screen adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol." at 12:40, 3.30. 6:15, 9:05. "Seven Keys to Baldpate,” with Gene Raymond and Margaret Callahan, at 11:10. 1:55. 4:40. 7:30 and 10:15. CIVIC “Louder, Please." a comedv bv Norman Krasna. with Frederick Burleigh in the leading role, at the Playhouse. Curtain at 8:30. INDIANA “Mister Hobo." with George Arliss. at 11:30. 1:35. 3:40. 5:45 7:50. 10. LOEWS "Crime and Punishment,” with Edward Arnold. Peter Lorre. Marian March, at 11:15, 2:30. 5:25 and 8,30. Also, "She Couldn't Ta£e It.” featuring George Raft and Joan Bennett, at 12:45, 3:50. 6:50 and 10. LYRIC "Frisco Kid." with James Cagney, Margaret Lindsay, at, 11:23, 2:10, 5:03, 7:55 and 10:42. On stage, vaudeville. at 1. 3:47 6:45 9:32. OHIO “Imitation of Life," featuring Claudette Colbert and Warren William. at 10:30. 1:13. 4:04. 7:11 and 9:54. Also "Midnight Alibi.” with Richard Barthelmess and Ann Dvorak, at 12:18. 3:01, 5:52 and 8:59.

THV. INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

reer in London was signalized by a succession of important triumphs in “Reparation,” “Julius Caeser,” “Polly With A Past,” “A Bill of Divorcement,” "A Doctor’s Dilemma” and “A Man of Destiny" in which he played Napoleon, to whom he bears S a striking resemblance. Scored With Guild In America again, Mr. Rains scored in “The Constant Nymph,” the success of which led to his be- ; coming the leading character actor of the Theater Guild. His memorable performances with the Guild | were in “The Apple Cart,” “Miracle at Verdun,” “He” and “The Moon in the Yellow River.” Hollywood called him to take the lead in “The Invisible Man,” which was followed by “Crime Without Passion” and “The Last Outpost.” He has signed a starring contract with the producers of “Anthony Adverse,” and is to appear in a series of strong dramatic vehicles giving full scope to his unusually versatile talents. Collection of Dolls Insured for $25,000 HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 19.—Anne Shirley has a collection of dolls worth $25.000 —yet all 44 of the | souvenirs would bring less than SSO at auction. She has proved their value by insuring them for that amount with Lloyd’s of London. Obviously, it was sentiment, not intrinsic value that prompted the j film star to insure them, as each I doll is a memento of some famous screen luminary. Each doll was a present to the little flame-haired youngster when she was known as Dawn O'Day and played supporting I roles with nearly every star of the j period. She had more than 100, but i the majority was desroyed in a fire S recently. One of them is a present from the i late Marie Dressier.

PM AYRES t, Sand His Orchestra Featuring the M IW THREE SOUTHERN ( OF.DS

Circle Film Is Bloodless Melodrama

Cast, Except Raymond, Is Competent; ‘‘Scrooge” Also Shown, For those extreme pacifists who won't go to see a mystery movie if there is any bloodshed, “Seven Keys to Baidpate.” now at the Circle, is just the thing. There is a scratch or two here or there, and three or four smart blows across several craniums, but we failed to see a drop of blood. “Seven Keys to Baidpate” is an old, old story. Originally written by Earl Derr Biggers as a novel, and translated into a drama by George M. Cohan, it was made into this particular movie from a screen play by Wallace Smith and Anthony Veiller. It's beginning to show yellow along its frayed edges. It, however, still has its moments. Raymond Rather Weak Least impressive among those who hold up the tradition of “Seven Keys” is the leading man. Gene Raymond. He seems a bit too young, too fragile, to do everything he is supposed to do in the picture. His portrayal makes us think that somebody told him when he started that it was only a motion picture, that he would never get shot, that when the bold, bad man tied him to a chair he needn't worry, for the heroine was in the next room, would untie him right away. At least, these occurences, which in any normal melodrama would incite some little degree of anger, disgust, rage or even surprise in the hero, are passed over with a smirk by the blond Mr. Raymond. What Mr. Raymond lacks the others in the cast have plenty of—they are always scared, always suspicious, always lying. As you may or may not recalj. the locale of the comic-mystery is 6aldpate Inn, where “Mr. * MaGee.” novelist, repairs to win a wager with the inn owner, by writing a complete novel in 24 hours. He is told he has the only key to the place. Secured within the inn, he is hastily followed by six other key-holders who also are under the “original key” impression. Quite a Crew One is an insurance detective, one a newspaper girl, one a business man who has lost some jewels, and others include a gunman’s moll who poses as the wife of the business man, and several gangsters interested in $200,000 reward for the return of the stolen gems. They take turns at opening the Baidpate safe, one waiting on the stairs until the one before has finished. Then they take turns conking each other over the head and running away with the money. One hides it in the stove, and an old hermit, Henry Travers, who has an option on playing ghosts in the

ENGLISH ™“ BEG. T rVrc s 26 In IMVAbn IO I I ONLY MATINEE SATURDAY Seats Now On Sale L • JnlßSf _■ J U fjw at Box Office lift |Jr 1111 Tl l ¥TH Prices <lnel. Tavt NIGHTS, ||l 1 UM{ j| ■ 55c. sl.lO. St .65. $2.20, ■l#- Tußft /‘ lk I I An SPECIAL ATTENTION Ijr L TAII) to mail orders „ COMPANY OF 75 IX PERSON INCLUDING Clark and McCullough BUSTER WEST VIOLET CARLSON LUCILLE PAGE HUGH CAMERON CRANE SISTERS AL. SEXTON CHARLES CARRER And many others with the famous Earl Carroll Beauty Chorus of FINAL DAY—WILL ROGERS in “In Old Kentucky” John BOLES'Jack HOLT TOYLAMO* KAREN MORLEY eue^ROS BILL ROBINSON ~ cartoem - K 9ft W FLOWERS TOR SI V k I k 1 ■ ■ b THE madamc w a u pi ■ a

Ballet Russe Troupe Catches Up on Gift Buying, Practice

More than 50 members of Col. W. de Basil’s Ballet Russe troupe today were catching up on their Christmas shopping, beauty sleep and—most important to them—their ballet practice. They clambered off their special train in the Union Station yesterday afternoon into Indianapolis’ chilly breezes, said it was the warmest weather they had encountered in the last month of their tour.

The rest of the 150 members are taking vacations elsewhere, some to spend a week with American friends, some to go home. Some of those who alighted from the train carried 1 gaily wrapped gifts to be sent rela- ; tives in Russia. Others inquired as j to the best places to purchase Christmas presents. Christmas Party Arranged Junior Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of the ballet's appearance here Dec. 25 and 26 at the Murat, disclosed that plans for a mammoth Russian Christmas party for the troupe members are being made. It seems that wherever the troupe j happens to be on Christmas, there j is a Christmas party. “Mr. Hurok, our producer, sent 35 pounds of candy for our Christmas i party here,” one of the ballerinas j vicinity, builds a fire in the stove, : hides the money in a chair cushion. j The picture sort of squeezes itself out at the end w-hen three members of the local constabulary arrive, are convinced “MaGee's” story is true, arrest all but him and the newspaper girl. Girl Good As Reporter Margaret Callahan is excellent as Mary, the girl reporter. She is as pleasant as anew leading lady as we have noticed in the lists this year. The ever faithful Eric Blore (butler in “Top Hat”) is the mysterious insurance detective, and a dandy one; Maroni Olsen (Buffalo Bill in “Annie Oakley”) is a fine gangster; Murray Alper makes a nice beginning as the gunman. It’s an unusually light and bubbling picture, with more fun than mystery, more action than plot. The minor operations which have been performed upon the aging story are all for the best. “Scrooge” Is Excellent The second Circle picture, “Scrooge,” is worth its weight in gold as a holiday reminder that Christmas and its accompanyinghappiness and joy is not a modern invention. Sir Seymour Hicks, the English actor, is excellent as “Scrooge”; Donald Calthrop even better as “Bob Cratchitt.” Photography, direction lighting are the best we have ever seen in a Britishmade picture. With the possible exception of “David Copperfield,” “Scrooge” is the best Dickens picture yet. TONITE HHHHI LADIES FREE! FALLS CITY CASINO 3547 E. WASHINGTON ST.

said yesterday at the station. “We will have a regular affair, with a tree and presents for everybody.” Slippers by the Fireplace The girls of the troupe will hang up their ballet slippers and a Santa Claus with long Russian whiskers will probably drop down the Claypool chimney for the party. Among those to arrive yesterday was the youthful, very lovely Tamara Toumanova. youngest ballerina in the organization. The 17-year-old Caucasian beauty began her dancing career with Anna Pavlowa when she was only 7. Tamara, the daughter of one of the Russian Czar's officers and a Georgian princess, was born in a freight car which was carrying her mother aws y from the Russian revolution. Had Devious Journey By devious journeys, the family finally arrived in Paris and Tamara went to work studying dancing with Mme. Preobrajenska of the Imperial Ballet. In the programs of the Ballet Russe, Tamara dances the lead in “Prince Igor,” and sometimes in others of the troupe's ballets. Her mother is her constant companion. Descriptive of the constant work necessary for perfection of ballet work, was the announcement by ballet officials that they would hold a rehearsal last night. The dancers, tired after a long train trip from Huntington. W. Va., were interested in where and how they were going to practice w-hile in Indianapolis. A w'eek of leisure easily might soften the strong muscles needed for the work. Leonide Massine, maitre de ballet of the Ballet Russe. was scheduled to arrive later this week in his automobile trailer.

"BROK MM T ° 6 | Loew's Has the Pictures! Christmas Brings "A TALE OF TWO CITIESY^L L fl I m > hwjwj i mmbMmUki Mm COMEDIAN ml lfipcrldi I I OH THE SCREEN U I BROADWAY ‘"SS*, 1 | UACTKC i • | \l Ii cliJtsrx >Puuaj I <4 Phil Regan • Genevieve Tobin I gutter *** njjß Lyle Talbot • Allen Jenkiiu ft *NO A O, T Jj A Ftftt pßMui ftCMT* 1 oM‘--MDSIC*CO^ -L m V.T .'.Vic % ‘.zZ..>r 2a9

DEC. 19, 1935

'Vanities' to Spend Week Holiday Here

Showgirls Reach Here Today for Vacation Before City Appearance. Earl Carroll’s “most beautiful 1 girls in the world." will do much more than “pass through” Indianapolis “portals.” The “Vanities” show arrived in town today, will spend a week here before appearing at English's Dec. 26. 27 and 28 Among the girls who arrived this morning are Rita Dugan, Edrih Fleming, Lorraine Janee. Ruth Denis and Jerry Frank, who are featured in the show. Others were Violet Carlson. Lucille Page, feai lured dancer; Crane sisters and A1 Sexton. Miss Page is one of few show girls coaxed to go on the stage. Her family finally gave its consent for Ia show career, providing Lucille rei tired from the stage early. So she is dancing just as fast and as much | as possible in the short time allotted her. Danced Since Childhood When a child. Miss Page wanted |to study dancing. Her family did | everything it could to keep her from ! it. But she appeared in an amateur i and charity show in Las Angeles, | with a friend, and their dancing attracted the attention of producers. ! She received an invitation to appear I in a kiddie revue in the Warfield | Theater in San Francisco. The 1 stage manager thought he saw ! talent in the youngster, passed the | word on to the officials of Fanchon j and Marco units. The result was an offer to ap- ! pear in those units. She was only 14. but away she went and she's j been going ever since. Two years later. Miss Page was allowed to go j on the road, but only along the Pacific Coast. Then two seasons . ago her family let her make her I first trip eastward in a vaudeville 1 act.