Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 25, Indianapolis, Marion County, 9 April 1936 — Page 20

PAGE 20

Frank O. Wilking io Stage His Musical Play in Test Here Before It Goes East Indianapolis Business Man Turns From Soiling Pianos to Write ‘Gypsyana,’ Attracting Attention in Both New York and Hollywood. BY JOHN W. THOMPSON There is an energetic gentleman in town by the name of Prank O. Wilking, whose business is selling pianos. Several months ago rumors leaked out that Mr. Wilking was doing •omething else on the side. When questioned, Mr. Wilking said the Only thing he is doing besides selling pianos is directing the 125-piano ensemble which is to play at the Butler Fieldhouse May 3. But the rumors persisted, some coming from as far as Hollywood and some from New York, indicating that what Mr. Wilking’s sideline is not only directing the 125-piano recital, but writing of a musical play, which both eastern and western theatricalites believe will be a great Success

Confronted at his office yesterday with the overwhelming evidence, Mr. Wilking bashfully admitted all. Work Covers 10 Years H He confessed that for the last 10 years, more or less, he had been Jotting down bits of tunes, libretto and ideas for the musical play he calls “Gypsyana.” It is in three acts, with a prologue and epilogue, both uniquely dramatic. The plot, as sketched to us by Mr. Wilking, sounds like something Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald might do well. After toying with the show several years, early in 1932 Mr. Wilking pushed his pianos aside and decided to finish “Gypsyana.” After spending a month at Marble Lake, Mich., where natives crowded about his piano while he tapped out tunes, and several months in Indianapolis, the show was whipped into shape. Mr. Wilking obtained the services of Burton B. Burkett as arranger and in 1933 the show was played before a select group of friends and local critics. Comment was highly favorable. Every one was satisfied that it was a hit, except Mr. Wilking. Revises Script and Score So all last year was spent going over the script and score, revising and retouching. Mr. Wilking shelved the manuscript, went to Hollywood for a vacation in August. No sooner had he arrived than he was called by Joe E. Brown, who wanted to see and hear his new show. Surprised, Mr, Wilking told him it was at home. Mr. Brown had heard about the show through a friend, Gordon laughedcad of Chicago. So the script was sent airmail to Hollywood and Mr. Brown arranged a hearing for Mr. Wilking with Leo Forbstein, Warner Brothers “biggie.” Mr. Forbstein liked the music, believed it particularly adapted to the stage, advised Mr. Wilking to get it

WHERE, WHAT, WHEN APOLLO "A Connecticut Yankee,” starring Will Rogers. 11:36 1:36, 3:36, 5.36 7:36, 9:36. CIRCLE "The Parmer in the Dell,” with Fred Stone and Jean Parker, at 11, 1:50, 1:40. 7:30. 10:20. Also ''Boulder Dam,'' with Ross Alexander and Patricia Ellis, at 12:40. 3:30. 6:20, 9:10. INDIANA ”13 Hours by Air," with Fred . Mac Murray and Joan Bennett at 11, 1:50. 4:40, 7:30, 10:25. Also, “Too Many Parents," with Frances Farmer and Lester Matthews, at 12:35, 3:25. 6:20. 9:10. KEITH’S “The Barker," Kenyon Nicholson's famous play, directed by Charles Berkell, produced by the Federal Players, with Bernice Jenkins. Jack Duval. Ned LeFevre. Betty Anne Brown, Ira B. Klein in the cast. LOEWS “The Garden Murder Case,” with Edmund Lowe and Virginia Bruce, at 11. 1:18. 3:35. 5:55. 8:10. Also, “Don’-: Gamble on Love,” with Ann Sothir.i, Bruce Cabot, at 12:09, 2:27, 4:45, 7:03. 9:20 LYRIC "The Voice of Bugle Ann.” on screen, with Lionel Barrymoiv and Maureen O'Siuivan. at 11:25, 2:15, 6:05. 7:55, 10,35. “Paris on Parade,' on stage. 1:05. 3:55. 6:45, 9:35.

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produced in New York before selling the movie rights. The Shuberts, New York’s famous producing team, are interested in “Gypsyana," but Mr. Wilking is going to test out the show on a picked local audience at English’s April 17 before presenting it in New York. The private performance will be done or a darkened stage without showing any of the action. The music is to be played by members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, songs will be sung by Jane Johnson Burroughs and her associates and the dialogue will be presented by a group headed b 7 Elizabeth Whetzel. As far as known, this is the first time a proposed New York show has been tried out in Indianapolis in this manner. The dialogue and songs will be presented over a public address system, with the pit orchestra playing the accompaniment. There are approximately 18 principals and a chorus of about 60. Jim Tully to Write Dempsey Life Story Times Special. HOLLYWOOD, April 9. _ Jim Tully, pugnacious writer of hobo cales, today was en route to New York by airplane to begin work with Jack Dempsey on the life story of the former heavyweight champion. Tully said he and Dempsey, long close friends, also would do a play on the career of the Manassa Maul--2r who rose from a hobo riding the rods to heavyweight champion and then became a suave restaurateur in New York. The writer said a motion picture company, which he declined to name, had indicated that a movie of Dempsey’s life, with the exchampion playing in it, would be good screen material.

Foo Wong Woeful; Film Career Flops By United Press HOLLYWOOD, April 9. Poo Wong, Chinese chef at a film colony restaurant, had been bitten by the movie bug for many moons and frequently lamented his inability to convince directors he was an actor. Director Michael Curitz finally gave in to Foo Wong’s pleadings and cast him in a picture. But Foo Wong was downcast when he found that he was required to play a chef in the film. His cup of woe ran over when his part wound up on the cutting room floor. Curtiz now is eating at another restaurant. Player Was Teacher Moroni Olsen, who has played nine film roles in as many months was a teacher in the Ogden, Utah, high school for two years. He is now in “Two In Revolt.”

Opening Tomorrow Apollo “A MESSAGE TO GARClA”—Wallace Beery, Barbara Stanwyck, John Boles, Alan Hale, Herbert Murid in. Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck; directed by George Marshall; screen play by W. P. Lipscomb and Gene Fowler, from the book by Andrew S. Rowan; photographed by Rudolph Mate. Story—A y mng lieutenant goes with message to Cuban army officer, hires a renegade marine to lead him through jungle. Girl promises information, goes with party, but is wounded. Lieutenant leaves her behind with marine, but the girl, fearing for lieutenant’s life, sends marine to help him. He is led to officer’s quarters, but the enemy is in control, the lieutenant is tortured to reveal secret. The marine, with officers, arrives in time to save lieutenant and girl and to recover the message which is delivered, completing lovers’ perilous mission. Circle (Opening Today) “THE FARMER IN THE DELL”—Fred Stone, Jean Parker, Esther Dale, Maroni Olsen, Frank Albertson. Directed by Ben Holmes; screen play by Sam Mintz and John Grey from the novel by Phil Strong; photographed by Nick Musuraca. Story—lowa farm family goes to Hollywood for rest, but daughter wants to get in movies, persuades father to take her to studio. He is recognized as a typical farmer, is given bit part. Wife thinks daughter is in movies, makes her break engagement with lowa boy friend. When husband signs contract, she gives big Hollywood party, but when husband threatens to return to lowa, she forgets big ideas, allows daughter to renew engagement. “BOULDER DAM”—Ross Alexander, Patricia Ellis, Lyle Talbot; Eddie Acuff. Directed by Frank McDonald; screen play by Sy Bartlett and Ralph Block, based on story by Dan M. Tempiin; photographed by Arthur Todd. • Story—Youth accidentally kills boss, goes West to escape punishment, lands job at Boulder Dam. Hard work and courage make him a favorite of the boss, but a rival in love threatens to reveal his past He saves rival’s life, tells all to girl and company. Both stand by him to clear his name. Indiana “THE SINGING KID”—AI Jolson. Sybil Jason, Edward Everett Horton, Allen Jenkins, Lyle Talbot, Claire Dodd, Yacht Club Boys, Cab Calloway’s orchestra. Directed by William Keighley; screen play by Warren Duff and Patsy Flick; music and lyrics by E. Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen; photographed by George Barnes. Story—Stage and radio star discovers business manager has falsified income tax reports, then eloped with fiancee. He ha3 nervous breakdown, goes to mountains with secretary and gag writer. Actor falls in love with young authoress, but makes her angry by paying an agency to buy her play. He returns to Broadway, leaves show just before opening to meet girl, returns in time to give best performance of his career. Loew's “SMALL TOWN GlßL”—Janet Gaynor, Robert Taylor, Binnie Barnes, Lewis Stone, Andy Devine, Elizabeth Patterson, Frank Craven, James Stewart. Directed by William A. Wellman; screen play by John Lee Mahin and Edith Fitzgerald, from the book by Ben Ames Williams; photographed by Charles Rosher. Story—Small town girl, bored with uneventful life, accepts invitation of passerby to go to roadhouse. Drunk, he proposes; she accepts. Family sends couple on honeymoon to avoid scandal; a divorce is planned. Family likes daughter-in-law, husband learns he loves his wife when she helps him to success in difficult operation. She returns to small town, where husband finds her. “MOONLIGHT MURDER”—Chester Morris, Madge Evans, Leo Carrillo, Frank McHugh, Benita Hume, Grant Mitchell and Katharine Alexander. Directed by Edwin L. Marin; screen play by Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf; photographed by Charles Clarke. Story—Famous tenor dies on stage while singing. A few nights later, a ballerina loved by singer also dies of poison. Her jealous partner is suspected, but sleuthing by young detective and niece of the singer’s doctor discloses an unsuspected plot and the slayer confesses. Lyric “EVERYBODY’S OLD MAN”—On Screen—lrving S. Cobb, Rochelle Hudson, Johnny Downs, Alan Dinehart, Donald Meek, Norman Foster, Sara Haden, Warren Hymer. Directed by James Flood; screen play by Patterson McNutt and A. E. Thomas; photographed by Barney McGill. Story—Wealthy canner retires when competitor dies, goes to Europe, where he finds deceased competitor’s children wasting their fortune. He becomes their guardian, manages their business well, but nearly bankrupts own firm with competition. Merger and marriage save both happiness and business. On Stage—Chick York and Rose King, comedy team, in “The Old Family Tin Type”; Steve Evans, impersonator, in “Hollywood Snapshots”; Howard Weslee and His Debutantes, dancers; Grant Gardner and Company, comedy and songs, and Alexander and Santos, comedy dancers.

Star Is Given Dog Louise Latimer, leading lady of “Two In Revolt,” became so fond of Lightning, canine star of the film, that she was given one of his puppies, by Earl Johnson, his owner. Flays Role of Lawyer Murray Kinnell, who portrays the defense attorney in “The Witness Chair,” starring Ann Harding, studied law in his youth, but gave it up because it wasn’t exciting enough.

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THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

KEITH’S | pho j:„ li - TONIGHT AT 8:15 Federal Players In “THE BARKER” " NIGHTS—ISc, 25c, 40c SAT. MAT.—lOc, 20c, 30c NEXT PRODUCTION “DO UNTO OTHERS” With Charles Althoff, Guest Star,

Child Star's Parents to Ask Custody Mrs. Bartholomew Arrives From England to Conduct Fight. By United Press NEW YORK, April 9.—Mrs. Lillian Mae Bartholomew, mother of Freddie Bartholomew, had arrived today from England aboard the liner Europa and announced she would fight “all the way to Washington” to regain custody of the child film star from his aunt, Miss Millicent Bartholomew. “They can not deprive me of my own flesh and blood.” said Mrs. Bartholomew, a black-haired, softspoken woman of about 35. In a statement written in her own hand, she charged her sister-in-law wrongfully had herself appointed guardian in California and announced her intentions of retaining counsel to set aside the guardianship. Anxious to See Son “I am anxious to see Freddie and take him into my arms again,” her statement said. “It has been a dreadful time for us this year. My husband’s sister in the summer of 1934 asked us for permission to take Freddie for a two-month holiday in New York, which we agreed to, feeling it would do him good. “We little knew then that my sis-ter-in-law had a letter in her possession, promising a film contract for Freddie the moment of his arrival in New York. She took Freddie straight to Hollywood. Later under California laws she became his guardian.” Mrs. Bartholomew traveled third class. Her husband, who is a war cripple, saw her off at Southampton and told her to “be sure to bring Freddie back, but not injure his future.” Bartholomew told her, she said, to send for him if he was needed. Mrs. Bartholomew revealed that she had been in communication with Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. The mother said that at the time her sister-in-law began guardianship proceedings in California a letter was sent to her by ordinary mail advising her that she must appear within 20 days if she opposed the guardianship. “The letter took 15 days to reach me in England,” the mother said.

The great human drama behind the building of the greatest wonder ever wrought by man!

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ROAR OF RIVERSIDE RIDES IS MUSiC TO PARK CHIEF

For a third of a century feminine shrieks and roaring trains have been music in the ears of John Darter. superintendent of rides at Riverside Park. Now he’s preparing to start his thirty-fourth season at the fun resort with as much enthusiasm as ever. ' Mr. Darter joined Riverside in the spring of 3903, when the park was only a few small concessions along W. 30th-st at White River, with an aerial swing and a “figure eight” to tempt the more daring. He has had much to do with its development into one of the country’s leading amusement parks, both in size and variety of entertainment. Each of the complicated fun and thrill devices has been built under his supervision. Their upkeep is a fulltime job. He’s Trouble Shooter Summer park patrons often hear the public address speaker booming: “Superintendent Darter, please come to the office.” That call may mean anything; perhaps the merry-go-round organ has gone “flat,” or * motor boat on the lagoon is missing fire, some lights may be out in the “Fun Castle,” or maybe someone has tried to stand up on “The Flash” and needs a good talking to. Mr. Darter’s winter season is much like chat of the boss of a circus crew. From late fall until the new season, he and a corps of helpers are busy in the Riverside shops putting the “thrillers” in shape for a busy summer. In addition, fie manages the skating rink, open all year. He takes pride in the big park where he has spent much of his life, and where he has made friends of thousands of Indianapolis fun seekers. Many people have wondered “So there was nothing much we could do at that time.” Mrs. Bartholomew has two other children, Eileen' 15, and Hilda, 14. Writer Practices Law Erie Stanley Gardner, who authored the original story from which ‘Special Investigator” was adapted, writes his novels and practices lav; in his home town, Ventura, Cal. ALL SEATS JUTS IsrSURTIs Positively Last Day! I j Surrise Nite, !> P. M. “STARS OVER BROADWAY” I “FEATHER IN HER HAT” f

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John Darter

what Mr. Darter does for amusement. Well, he admits that his biggest thrill comes from riding all the fun devices in his spare time. Known As “Billboard Girl” In “Murder On a Bridle Path.” Sheila Terry is known as the ‘‘Billboard Girl,” whose lovely face appears in dozens of advertisements the country over.

LAST DAY "GARDEN MURDER CASE"—"DON’T GAMBLE WITH LOVE” 2 ETTT "A f >4J[ 'm HITS \ M IB Jt&m Bfc^H tfi Jt' * \ m BWIfW , f & \ to ft MURDER IN FAMOUS HOLLYWOOD BOWL! “MOONLIGHT MURDER” LEO CARRILLO—MADGB EVANS—CHESTER MORRIS—FRANK M’HtGH

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WEST SIDE ry rp 4 rp p 2702 W. 10th St. S I A I K Double Featf.re O 1 Marion Davies PAGE MISS GLORY” "HOT OFF THE PRESS” npi W. Wash. St Belmont BELMONT k “ "SPLENDOR” "FRESHMAN LOVE" Ds Is ■/ 2510 W. Mich. St. A I ,S I Doable Feature an a a Claudette Colbert "THU BRIDE COMES HOME” "THUNDER IN THE EAST” NORTH SIDE R m fs Illinois at 31th 11/ Nelson Eddie * * Jeanette MacDonald "ROSE MARIE” News—Cartoon __ UPTOWN ‘£i.£ t:£? IV/ ' UI Henry Wilcoxon "THE CRUSADES” News ___ inn i/y*/ 30th and niinois GAKKIIK M * Norma Bhearer "SMILIN' THROUGH” "THE GREAT IMPRESSION” nni /yi a m St. Clair St Ft. Wayne ST. CLAIR K ~; t k 1 l '." a ‘”;:„ "SYLVIA SCARLETT" “IF YOU COULD ONLY COOK” n 39th ait Nnrthw't’n K KX George O’Brien “WHISPERING SMITH SPEAKS” Comedy—News in i I n/Ylvp Talbot St 22nd TALBOTT ”■' "ONE WAY TICKET” "CHARIIF, CHAN'S SECRET” STRATFORD ~$M “A TALE OF TWO CITIES” "MISS PACIFIC FLEET” MP /n p a Noble A Mass. kL li A Dwl'te Featare UVI v '“ Irene Donne “MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION” ‘‘KING SOLOMON OF BROADWAY” an to aii tm Btetten St. DREAM “SPLENDR” Chap. 15 ‘‘ROARING WEST'—Comedy EAST SIDE , Rw wty\ | o ''lM E 10th 5 V (11,1 Doubte realure t * Gcorse Kelt _ "IT HAD TO HAPPEN” —* “NEXT TIME WE LOVE”

.APRIL 9, 1936

Studios Scrap Over 'G-Men' Film Title (Copyright. 1953, by United Press) HOLLYWOOD, April 9.—A typical Hollywood “teapot tempest” raged today between two studios over right to the title. “G-Men.” Warner Brothers studio, which made a picture under that, name, feels it has sole rights to the expression. Ambassador Pictures, an independent concern, is determined to call a film based on the Canadian Mounted Police “G-Men of the North.” To complicate the alphabetical controversy, another studio recently made a picture called “F-Men,’* meaning Federal men, while “GMen” stands for government men. Both refer to agents of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Investigation. ONE NIGHT ONLY ' - NEXT SUN. BUDDY [f § FISHER YM and Ills Hollywood Orchestra Favorite of theMovio Stars 40c Before 9 P. M. After 55c, Inch Tax TOMORROW ~ Brjl LADIES’ NIGHT ■ JA HERE THEY ARE FOLKS' THE mijSi jc/Jfco.

EAST side rtiTTvnrv/\ 4020 E. New York TUXEDO Double Feature 1 u ALUO Miriam Hopkina “SPLENDOR” “THE GIRL FRIEND” m a TACOMA Double Feature 1 itUUltirt Rochelle Hudson “WAY DOWN EAST” “HOPALONG CASSIDY” r n tr 5507 E. Wash. St* R V I N (r Double Feature u ' T 111 u Will Rogera “IN OLD KENTUCKY” “THE MAN OF IRON” EMERSON SS£ rSSf L/IULd\OUiI Jeanette MacDonald “ROSE MARIE” Major Bowc*' Amateur Theater __ HAMILTON WiSS “PADDY O’DAY” “WHISPERING SMITH SPEAKS’* n an |r p n 293A E. 10th St* PARKER Do j u “ e p F nn.r “COLLEGIATE” “WE'RE ONLY HUMAN” S T R A EsS? 1 lv nn u Richard Arlen “THE CALLING OP DAN MATTHEWS* _____ ’NEVADA” n y \T 2721 ", Waih. St* ROXY Bargain Night “BARS OP HATE” “SPEED DEVILS" n . 411 E. Wash. Paramount ££&*&& “MAGNIFICIENT OBSESSION” Comedy—Cartoon—SerlaL SOUTH SIDE % FOUNTAIN SQUARE Double Feature Arlino Judge “SHIP CATE” “ESCAPE ME NEVER’* SANDERS “AFPAIRS OF SUSAN” “HI GAPCHO” AVALON "NAVY WIFI” •’DOUBLE CROSSED” ORIENTAL ‘ “ . “MISTER HOBO” GARFIELD YOUB UNCLE DUDLEY’ Sheri Reel*