Indianapolis Times, Volume 47, Number 250, Indianapolis, Marion County, 27 December 1935 — Page 18

PAGE 18

'TALE OF TWO CITIES' FINE RECREATION OF DICKENS' STORY

Loew's Film Relates Sad Love Story Deserves Ranking Among Best Score of Movies From Hollywood. BY JOHN YV. THOMPSON The wrong man was sent to the guillotine. His head rolled into the basket along with many artistocratic French craniums. Thus ends “A Tale of Two Cities,” now at Loew’s, which, in picture form, as in novel, is still one of the world’s saddest tales. The film deserves to be placed among the best score of pictures Hollywood has produced. ‘‘A Tale of Two Cities” truly is a big picture: big from a production standpoint, massive from view of material covered. In the latter sense it is not apt to be the lasting memory ‘’David Copperfield” was. For in sweeping over so vast a field, it has not had time to deal in details, either of characters or of facts. However, the perfection of each scene is still maintained. The photography, continuity and chronology are excellently patterned, and although few dates are mentioned, it doesn’t seem like a lot of difference to the audience. The story has been nicely untouched. It gives one the best-known characters of the book almost every school child has had to read, and puts them into motion picture form with a delicate plot which lets one recreate whatever is missing from the actual run of things. Colman Is Brightest Star Ronald Colman as Sidney Carton, of course, is the brightest of the stars. His performance seems at times to drop a little into monotony, but it is Sidney Carton in the best manner. He fulfills all our schoolday qualifications of the man who gave his life that his rival might live. Throughout the picture we found ourselves pleasantly disturbed by the fine work of Blanche Yurka, who plays the role of Madame DeFarge —she who knits while she plots a revolution. She steals the show in Old Bailey by refuting Dr. Manette’s patriotic discourse on the merits of Charles Darnay, forces the assemblage to reconsider and decide to execute the prisoner. This is Miss Yurka’s first movie, although she has been in a number of stage hits, including "Hedda Gabler” and “Lysistrata.” Catlett Also Good Another gentleman of the movies who plays his first real dramatic role, is Walter Catlett, who hitherto has been seen only behind hornrimmed spectacles and spouting wise-cracks in two-reelers. Mr. Catlett’s portrayal of the four-flushing Barsad, who would spy for any party who had ready cash, proves that comedy is not strait-jacket for him. Elizabeth Allan is better than usual as the lovely Lucie Manette; Claude Gillingwater is surprisingly adept in the part of Jarvis Lorry. Donald Woods, who played leading roles here in stock with the Casey players, makes an acceptable Charles Darnay, and the comedy oI the piece is ably corralled by Edna May Oliver as Miss Pross and Reginald Owen as Mr. Stryver, Carton's partner. The villainy of the story is ably spread about by Basil Ratlibone. Lucie Manette is told by Mr. Lorry in the beginning of the picture that her father, thought dead, is a prisoner in the Bastille, has been rescued by his former friends, the DeFarges. There she meets him, takes him to England where she nurses him back to sanity. On the trip home she meets Charles Darnay, falls in love with him, marries him. In a trial after Mr. Darnay has been charged with treason, Mr. Carton’s testimony saves his life and Lucie is forever grateful. But Sidney falls in love with Lucie, too. He gives up the drinking which has wrecked his life, takes new hope and aspiration. When Lucie tells him she is marrying Charles he goes back to drink. But he rises from his ruined state long enough to save Charles from the revolutionists' knife. “A Tale of Two Cities” along with “David Copperfield” and "Scrooge” j -—all Dickens pictures—make up the best produced trilogy’ of movies on the shelf. Doctor Summoned to Set Given Role I Ximp* Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—They sent for a doctor and found an actor on the set of "The Good Earth.” During the process of finding Chinese players with perfect English accents for the play, a girl became ill and Dr. Samuel Yen Eng was summoned. "Wait a minute!” shouted the director after the doctor had administered medical aid. “You should be perfect for Wang's eldest son.” After a test the doctor agreed to take the part.

DANCE ALL NIGHT fc NEW YEAR'S EVE RUSS DONAHUE’S BAND ALL-STAR FLOOR SHOW j||! WESTLAKEI p2£K*^g] Last Time Tndav Marian Davis-Dick Powell ••Pate Mia* G'.ory." Burns and Cookie 1 ’ fciatXi.il j s rnivf ‘CHARLIE CHANjo SHANGHAI’ rSoyd Cassidy

Chaplin's New Film Billed at Loew's

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The latest of the Charlie Chaplin pictures, “Modern Times,” is to be shown at Loew’s Theater some time next month, according to an announcement made today in New York by Oscar A. Doob, Loew’s circuit manager. With Mr. Chaplin in the picture is Paulette Goddard, his new leading lady. * ,

Film Directors Wrack Brains to Trick Stars Into Proper Moods Music Used in Making Silent Pictures Is Replaced by Subterfuges to Obtain Best Results. Timet* Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—Being in the proper mood is an important factor in Hollywood, especially when so many of the “takes” are not filmed in sequence. Consequently, the directors resort to many methods of putting the actors in the right frame of mind. During the silent films, music often was played on the sidelines.

Anew subterfuge was used to achieve realism in “Man Hunt” by director William Clemens in a scene where four members of the cast who were playing “G-men” were to return from an all-night futile quest for an escaped convict. The men were to be tired and sleepy, an effect that could be stimulated t a certain degree, but the mere effort of the actors would not satisfy the director. Mr. Clemens called the four men before him an hour before filming, to give them instructions. It was prearranged that he should be called away on some other business, and while waiting for his return the four men were bathed in the hot glare of a battery of arc lights. All went to sleep under the oppressive heat. When Clemens was ready for the scene, the quartet was awakened and rushed into the scenes while still sleepy. Film Realistic, Extra Believes Screams, Faints at Grewsome Hanging Scene. Times Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—A fainting extra gave director John Ford the signal that his job was well done in a difficult scene of “The Prisoner of Shark Island.” It occurred during filming of the hanging of conspirators in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, a grewsome picture of realism. There are times when the grimmest scenes of horror have an adverse effect upon the audiences, and the director eagerly scanned the faces of the 250 extras to ascertain their reactions to the scenes. He was relieved when one of the extras unleashed a terrifying scream and fainted. Contract Prevents Wedding of Players Times Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—Betty Grable, screen actress, and Jackie Coogan, former child star of the films, will not be married for at least another two years, despite the fact that they recently announced their engagement. That much was assured through a clause inserted in the new contract Miss Grable has just signed. The clause stipulates that Miss Grable, now 19 years old, is not to marry until she is 21. The blond actress and her fiance left Hollywood recently for a personal appearance tour which takes them to the leading cities throughout the country. Fooled Crowds With YVigs Ann Harding and Ginger Rogers wore wigs while doing their Christmas shopping to avoid being recognized by the crowds.

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Philo Vance Is Love's Victim Detective Has Romance in New Picture. Times Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—Phiio Vance, the scientific dectective of many screen mysteries has fallen in love. S. S. Van Dine’s famous literary character, who' has managed to retain his keen analytical mind in previous stories, is cupid’s target in “The Garden Murder Case.” The part is to be portrayed by Edmund Lowe, co-starred with Virginia Bruce, the young society girl who makes him forsake the laboratory for the altar. The supporting cast includes Gene Lockhart, noted for his portrayals on the stage, screen and radio, who is cast as the egotistical millionaire who pays with his life for a clandestine love affair. H. B. Warner has the role of a retired British army officer, and Frieda Inescort, New York stage star, takes the part of Warner’s wife. Cobb Promises Not to Sing Irving S. Cobb admits that he has debased literature by becoming a star in motion pictures, but promises that he will never sing on the screen. Builds New Court Wallace Beery is having a badminton court made in the garden of his new home—his next problem is to learn how to play!

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- NEW YEAR'Si^EVE. jClw HARLOW

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THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

'Vanities' at English's in New Edition Earl Carrol! Cast Warms Stage; Hailed as •Real Show.’ With all the dash and gusto which usually accompanies an Earl Carroll show’, the “Vanities” blew into town last night on the cold wave, and immediately proceeded to w r arm up the neighborhood. They will be at English’s tonight, tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night. The "Vanities” is a real show. And so real things happen in it. For instance, at the last performance in Cincinnati where they played before ! coming to Indianapolis, Violet Carlson, one of the mainstays of the cast, fell, dislocating her arm. Last night, a little trouper, Jean Lorraine, | with black, curly hair and a dazzling ! smile, grabbed the part by the horns 1 and shook out of it one of the neat--1 est comedy roles in the show. Another Falls And besides that, in the finale last night, a dark-haired girl in the chorus fell, sprained her ankle and fainted on the stage. Her boy partner carried her off, and, excxepting momentary looks of alarm on the faces of several others, no one ever would have known. Although this year’s edition falls short of the standard set by former “Vanities,” it still is a show’. The lack is in quality, not quantity, and in talent, not effort. Bobby Clark, of the Clark and McCullough team, holds the show aloft with spontaneous comedy, delightfully sprinkled with insanity. Mr. McCullough, his partner, mostly is silent. Hugh Cameron, aide-de-camp in the fun-nuking trio, is excellent. Buster West Is Hit Hit of the show last night was stumpy, blond-headed ,Buster West, who looks like a college freshman or: the make. His dancing, done in fast, accentuated steps, and accompanied by splendid humor, brought thunderous applause. His best number was “The Fleet’s In,” in which he did a soft-shoe comedy routine, full of fake falls, tumbles and turns. Close on Mr. West’s nimble heels is Lucille West, gracefully acrobatic. In her finale solo she reached the peak of her energetic and artistic efforts to stretch as far away from and between herself as possible. A1 Sexton’s show number solos were fair support, Charles Carrer’s juggling was intricate and unusual (such as throwing an orange into the air, sticking it with a 20-foot pole), but the dancing and singing of the Crane Sisters was on the debit side of the ledger. The boys’ chorus was unusually good. Jeannie Lorraine Good Jeannie Lorraine’s comedy dancing, stumbling, or whatever name would fit a combination of the worst characteristics of both, is a natural comedienne, with a flair for pantomime, which should develop into real stardom. Her most impressive scene was “The Great Waltz,” in which she whirled through with Mr. Clark. “Disorder in the Court!” last of the scenes, was the funniest. It mocked the broadcast racket, portrayed the “airing” of a murder trial, in which each participant was in it for the “ether” advertising he could get out of it. This year’s novelty scene is called “Silver Glen,” in which girls, scantily attired, carry crystal balls and parade behind a sylvan screen. Costumes for all dance numbers are outstanding, with those for “Cabaret” and “Soldier of Love” best. The girls are about as beautiful- as ever. Yes, there’s a bedroom scene. (By J. W. TANARUS.) . Ohio's Double Bill Is Held Over for Day The Ohio Theater is holding over for an extra day the latest of the Marion Davies pictures, “Page Miss Glory,” which also stars Pat O’Brien, Dick Powell, Frank McHugh and Mary Astor. The second picture on the holdover program which is to terminate tonight, is “Here Comes Cookie,” with George Burns and Gracie Allen.

# Gets Another Duck

\. •

With two ducks instead of one, Joe Penner is to be seen in his next picture “Collegiate” which is to open at the Indiana Tuesday. Jack Oakie, Frances Langford, Ned Sparks, Betty Grable are in the cast.

Young Operatic Soprano Hailed Miss Fisher Praised After Metropolitan Debut. Bp United Press NEW YORK, Dec. 27.—Music critics today praised Miss Suzanne Fisher of Sutton, W. Va., w’ho made her debut with the Metropolitan Opera Cos. yesterday. Miss Fisher sang the role of CioCio San in Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.’” The young soprano w r as educated at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and received a Juilliard Fellowship on graduation. She studied abroad and came to the Metropolitan after three years with the Paris Opera Comique. Os her singing, Francis D. Perkins of the New York Herald-Tri-bune wrote: “The young soprano’s characterization of the title role offered much material for praise. Her interpretation of Butterfly was unusually well thought out and intelligently realized both in general dramatic conception and in fine points of detail. It was the work of an artist w-ho had gone much farther in her study of the role than merely memorizing its text and music.” Olin Downes, critic for the New York Times, said: “It was a very creditable achievement for a young and talented girl. She showed what can be done by a young artist with a fresh, youthful voice, intelligence and ambition. She evidently has worked hard and to good purpose.”

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Ballet Russe Scores Again in Final Show Dancers Wildly Applauded by Enthused Audience at the Murat. BY JAMES THRASHER If one is to judge by tumultuous applause, two nights of ballet are far too small a portion to serve Indianapolis’ devotees of this colorful | art. The final curtain which closed the two-day engagement of Col. W. de Basil's Ballet Russe at the Murat last night found an enthusiastic audience which turned away reluctantly after repeated and insistent curtain calls. The performance opened w-ith the gossamer Les Syiphides, Fokine’s classic choreography to Chopin's music. A comparison with last year's performance of the same ballet showed the strides toward perfection that have been made m every department of the company. The scenery and lighting created the cool background of a Corot landscape, before which the whiteclad dancers floated like mist. Shows True Classic Spirit Here is dancing conceived and executed in the true classic spirit; there is no story to tell, but a play of movement, form and rhythm which is pure delight to behold. Outstanding solo performances were given by Tamara Toumanova in the vibrant Mazurka in D Major, and Tatiana Riabouchinska in the familiar A Major Prelude. The Fantastic Toy Shop, which came next, was a triumph for Leonide Massine, who conceived the dances and took the leading male role. Surely Mr. Massine W’on’t mind his piece of droll artistry being called a glorified Silly Symphony, for any one who outstrips Walt Disney’s ingenuity has gone far up the. slope of comedy's Parnassus. To the lilting tunes of Rosfeini, which gained considerably by Respighi’s orchestration,, the story of the dolls in a toy shop who come to life was unfolded. Royalty of the 52 members of the House of Hoyle, cossacks, dancing poodles, mechanical melon vendors, all paraded across the stage in brilliant procession. Fun Raised to Artistry And when the two cabaret dancing lovers are sold to separate customers by the wicked shop keeper, ( the dolls rise to the occasion and' see them through to a happy reunion. It was fun raised to a high degree of artistry, and superbly done by the entire cast. The Polovtsien Dances from Borodine’s “Prince Igor” closed the program. Nicolas Roerich’s settings and costumes, of fiame-like brilliance, received a well deserved round of applause as the curtain rose. The warmth of the back-

WHERE, WHAT, WHEN APOLLO "The Llttlest Rebel.” starring Shirley Temple, at 11, 12:51. 2.42. 4:33. 6:24. 6:15 ar.d 10:06. CIRCLE "I Dream Too Much,” starring Lily Pons, at 12:45. 3, 5:15. 7 30 and 9:45. ENGLISH "Earl Carroll s Vanities.” with Clark and McCullough, at 8:15. INDIANA "The Bride Comes Home," with Fred Mac Murray and Ciaudette Colbert at 11:45. 1:45. 3:45, 5 45, 7:45 and 9:50. LOEW’S Dickens’ "A Tale of Two Cities.'' featuring Ronald Colman. at 11:05, 2:20, 4:50. 7:20 and 9:35. LYRIC •'Miss Pacific Fleet" with Glenda Farrell. Allen Jenkins and Joan Blondell. at 11:37. 2 20. 5 21, 8:04 and 10 37. Vaudeville on stage, headlined by Billy Barty. at 1:05, 3 48. 6:49 and 9:32. OHIO "Page Miss Glory" with Marian Davis. Dick Powell and Pat O'Brien at 10:30. 1:07, 3:52. 6:54, 10:06. Also "Here Comes Cookie" with George Burns and Gracie Allen at 12:02, 2:47. 5:49, 9:01.

Powell Dislikes Film Publicity Plaudits Force Movie Star Into Seclusion. Times Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—Publicity and plaudits are bread and butter for most movie stars, but they have chased William Powell into seclusion. Mr. Powell went into hiding immediately after completion of "The Great Ziegfeld,” and will not come out until work starts on "One to Two.” Moreover, Mr. Powell is on a wardrobe strike. He again has been acclaimed the screen’s best-dressed man and is disgusted that people point him out as a model fashion plate. He claims he has not bought a suit since 1933 because of the title forced upon him. “I resent being called the bestdressed man, even as I resent the obnoxious adjectives ’polished’ and ‘suave’ being attached to my name.” he exploded. “So, until the nominators retract the libel I refuse to buy another suit of clothes.” Crawfords Make Novelty Film Times Special NEW YORK, Dec. 27.—Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Crawford, noted theater and radio organists, have just completed a one-reel novelty film in which they were assisted by Bob Simmons, radio tenor. ground was caught up and intensified by the dances, which piled climax upon climax to a conclusion of wild intensity above the crash of pagan music. Tamara Grigorieva and Yurek Shabilevsky, who did excellent work in the preceding ballet, gave the leading roles a fierce and dashing performance, and with unerring skill.

155" TONIGHTS ._. . .#•' IO N S IUW NEIGHBORHOOD THEATIRI 1

WEST SIDE O T* A T* 1? 2702 w - 10th St. N I I |j j Double Feature U Chester Morris “PURSUIT’' “THE THROWBACK” BELMONT "-JKifcWffir 5 raven a. Dolores Del Rio “I LIVE FOR LOVE” “PUBLIC MENACE” Da jrs \t 2540 W. Mich. St. ANY Double Feature u * Lee Tracy “TWO FISTED” “GUN PLAY” NORTH SIDE Rf rr\ rw Illinois at 34th I /. Double Feature * A William Powell “RENDEZVOUS” “BARNYARD BABIES” UPTOWN Double* ,SSS? yJ * a Mit Edmund Lowe “KING SOLOMON OF BROADW AY” “WAY DOWN EAST” ______ /"’ADDIPIf s * nh * nd I|linoi UxIIaIvIUIV Double Feature “SUPER SPEED" “BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET” C'T' p| A|D St. Clair & Ft. Wayne w** UIL/lllU Lionel Barrymore “RETURN OF PETER GRIMM” Cartoon—Musical UTV 30th at Northwestern Kr,A Double Feature Robert Young "VAGABOND LADY” Cartoon—News on a ¥ Tb/'VTVT' Talbot & 22nd lALdUII Double Feature Nancy Carroll “ATLANTIC ADVENTURE” “THE MURDER MAN” n, . r i 19th & College Stratford Double Feature juauuiu G.acie Allen “HERE COMES COOKIE” ■BLACK FURY” Mw-* /"i /"* a Noble A Ma*. EC C A D °gii r £\r “STORM OVER THE ANDES” DREAM Kay Francla “THE GOOSE AND THE GANDER” CHAPT. 9 “THE LOST CITY” E ASTRIDE Rw wr /\ r y Dearborn at 10th I V (1 L 1 Double Feature 1 T u 1 Barbara BUnwyck “BED SALUTE” “CASE OF THE LUCKY LEGS’*

DEC. 27, 1935

Local Violin Students to Give Recital Works Arranged for Two Instruments Are to Be Presented. A recital of seldom heard music for two violins is to be presented by Jeanne Edwards and Violet Albers, with Ramona Wilson as accompanist, in Cropsv Hall at 8:30 tonight. Both violinists are pupils of Stefan Sopkin at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Miss Edwards is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.* William S. Edwards. 530 E. 25th-st, and Miss Albers, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Albers. 521 N Emerson-av. They are to play the following program: Sonata No. 8 Handel Andante—Allegro. Largo—Allegro con moto. Concertante Mozart Allegro con spirlto. Andante. Allegro molto. Suite Antique Albert Stoesse! Bcuree. Sarabande. Rtgaudon. Aria. Gigue. Minuit (Midnight) Godard Navarra Sarasatc Ends Work on One Film, Begins Second Times Special HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 27.—Having completed "The Petrified Forest" with Leslie Howard, Bette Davis is to start work immediately on “Men on Her Mind,” opposite Warren William. The new picture is from a story by Dashiell Hammett, who wrote “The Thin Man.” It has been adapted for the screen by Brown Holmes, and includes Alison Skipworth in the supporting cast.

funniest,

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EAST SIDE TUXEDO Double Feature , _ Wallace Beery “O SHAUGHNESSY’S BOY” “LITTLE BIG SHOT” TACOMA noubieVelure*' Claudette Colbert “SHE MARRIED HER BOSS” “THE PUBLIC MENACE” ID V I \I r 5507 E. Wash. St. ~ lIVVI IN (j Do ” b ] e Feature Ted Lewis “HERE COMES THE BAND” “SHE MARRIED HER BOSS” EMERSON - Double Feature “WITHOUT REGRET*’ Drike “CRIMSON TRAIL* HAMILTON Jack Okie “BIG BROADCAST” "PURSUIT" PARKER "Double Feature" “MERRY WIDOW” “HERE COMES COOKIE" STRAND Joan Crawford “I LIVE MY LIFE" “THUNDER MOUNTAIN” DAW 2721 E Wash. St. K U A I D °“ bl Feature Gloria Stuart “LADDIE” • “HI GAUCHO” Paramount 4 &HS!iKr “THE GIRL FRIEND” “STRANGER THAN FICTION” SOUTH SIDE FOUNTAIN SQUARE - Double Feature Charles Boyer "THUNDER IN THE EAST” "LOST OUTPOST" SANDERS John Wavna “DAMM RIDER” “DEATH ON THE DIAMOND” AVALON pr Do SSrfcttT" “DANTE S INEE P RN f O” Tr * CT “EAR FOB MUSIC” ORIENTAL Lionel Barrmor* “RETURN Or PETER GRIMM” “HOT_TIP” GARFIELD “SHE GETS HER MAN" “THUNDER IN THE NIGHT’*