Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 46, Indianapolis, Marion County, 4 May 1936 — Page 15

MAY 4, 1956.

'36 'showboat; its veteran skipper ABOARD, DUE MAY 15

New Version of Old Film Brings Historic Production to Date With 2 Song Hits Charles Winninger Heads Many Original Stars in Cast; Helen Morgan, Paul Robeson Featured in Musical Roles as Julie, Joe. BY JOHN W. THOMPSON Hear that whistle? That’s the old “Showboat” with anew coat of paint and a brand new show in the floating theater, and tt is going to puff-puff right into the Circle for a week s stay May 15, I. M. Halpertn. Indlana-Circle manager, announced today. Irene Dunne again plays Magnolia *in the film version of Edna

Ferber’s novel, which became one of the screen* best offerings several years ago. So Universal, the producing company, ha,s trotted out a new camera record of the songs and story. The cast contains many of; the original stars and a few new i ones. Charles Winninger is again the j Capt. Andy Hawks of the “Cot-! ton Blossom”; Helen Morgan, the | sad-fared songstress, will be heard ! in the role of Julia, and Paul Robe- ! son sings the part of Joe. Allan j Jones plays Gaylord Ravenal. Novel Was Best Seller The popular musical show got its | start back in 1926 soon after Miss Fcrbcr's novel became a best-seller. Followed the Jerome Kern-Oscar i Hammerstein production of the book, which ran 17 months on Broadway, i a year in London, then, in 1929. be- i gan a road tour which lasted eight j months. Back in New York, the j play enjoyed another eight months’ revival. Transcribed to a national ■ radio hour, the “Showboat” found ! itself with something of the tradi- j tion of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” When “Showboat” opens at the Circle it will contain all the old music and three new tunes. Hit .songs, written by Messrs. Ken and Oscar Hammerstein IT. include “Make Believe” and “Why Do I xxive you?” They are sung as duets by Miss Dunne and Mr. Jones. Other songs are “Old-Fashioned Wife.” “Cotton Blossom” and “After the Ball.” by Charles K. Harris, on “Good-by, My Love,” by Joseph Howard. Chorus of 200 Sings Mr. Robeson, renowned Negro baritone, sings “Old Man River” and anew song, “Ah Still Suits Me.” Another of the new tunes, presented by Miss Dunne and Mr. Jones, is “I Have the Room Above Her.” Miss Dunne also has a new 7 solo. "Galavantin’ Around.” One of the special features is a chorus of 200 voices. Victor Baravelle, musical director of the stage production, has supervised music for the film. Jame Whale directed the cast of more than 3500 persons. Most impressive record among the cast members Is held by Mr. Winninger. When he slipped into his gold braid for the 1936 version, it was his 1235th performance of the captain’s role. He has appeared in all the original stage show performances, the London engagement. New York revival and on the radio hour. Others in the cast include Helen Westley, Donald Cook, Queenie Smith. Sammy White, Francis X. Mahoney. J. Farrel MacDonald and Arthur Hohl. Fredric March Tries Free Lance Career Timr.g Specie I HOLLYWOOD. May 4.—Becau?c he is determined to captain his own screen destiny, Fredric March has turned a deaf ear on several flattering contract offers and has embarked on a free lance career that is to include bosh stage and films. His first picture under the new arrangement will be “Mary of Scotland.” in which he is to co-star with Katharine Hepburn. “Asa free lance player, lam my own boss and can choose the roles I will play," March says. “If I am miscast, there will be no one to blame but myself. I believe this situation is a challenge to an actor which puts him on his mettle and inspires him to select the right vehicle and give the best possible performance." Garbo Stuns Press, Permits Interview B'j Fnited Pregg NEW YORK. May 4.—Greta Garbo, who used to say "Ay vant to be alone.” was back in seclusion again today after a precedent shattenr.g 10-minute interview. Newspaper men. accustomed only to a back view' of the film star sprinting into the distance on capable looking feet, were astounded yesterday when she uttered a few words as the Gripsholm docked from Sweden. Miss Garbo said she was glad to be back after a year away, that she had been ill, but was now better, and that “the world was full of romance.;’ She wore a black suit, low-heeled shoes and no makeup except an overdose of mascara, which accentuated her pallor. Director Came from Russia Lewis Milestone, directing Gary Cooper in “The General Died at Dawn.” ran away from his home in Odessa, Russia, to the United States as a young man to escape a commercial career mapped for him by his family.

HURRY! LAST 4 DAYS' the GREAT fy / lur, UX SKATi * / |on RESERVED **■.—M to t—Kv*.—to i.as —Plm Tax

Concert Series to End Tonight Bessie Lowry to Sing on Maennerchor Program. With Bessie Lowry, soprano, and members of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as guest soloists, the Maennerchor is to close its season with a concert tonight at the Academy of Music. This is to be the first time that a feminine singer has been heard as soloist with the chorus, as well as the initial Indianapolis performance hv the singers with orchestra. The Maennerchor, however, has sung with the Detroit, Cleveland and St. Louis Symphony Orchestras in past years. With Karl Reckzeh conducting both chorus and orchestra, the following program is to be presented: “Omnipotence” Schubert soprano solo, male chorus and orchestra. over , t ,V re ,0 ‘ Th * Merry Wives of Windsor- . Nicolai . Orchestra Hymn* an die Nacht” Beethoven Ossian . • • Beschnitt Indianapolis Maennerchor Suite. L'Arleslenne - ’ . Bizet Prelude—Minuet to—Carillon Orchestra A“* e .n‘” Metcalfe Wintersong Bullard Indianapolis Maennerchor Dances from “Henry VIII" ... German Morris Dance—Shepherd's Dance— Torch Dance Orchestra Fruehling* Herold” Baldamus Soprano solo, chorus and orchestra

Senior Pupils to Give Plays Washington High School Casts Announced. Three one-act plays are to be presented by the Washington High School senior class Friday evening at the school's auditorium. On the bill is to be “The High Heart,” by Adelaide C. Rowell, a drama of the Civil War. Members of the cast, are to be Allen Williams, Clifford Ernst. Otis Russell, Ann Mitchell, Carl Brown, Charlotte Houser and Elizabeth Miles. A fantasy. “Three Pills in a Bottle,” by Rachael Lyman Field, is to have a cast including: Elizabeth Bohlinger. Leetha Steele. Edward Cotton, Evelyn Holcomb. Carl Brown, Otis Russell, Virginia Cottom and Betty Kreutzinger. The third play is to be “Suzanna Skids.” with Florence Kendall, Pauline Harlan, Precious Geraghty, Lorena Pollock, Sarah Green, Hazel Englert, Betty Bamford. Elizabeth Jones, Dorothy Tucker, Florence Klotcsche, Roselda Zimmerman and Vera Duvall in the cast. Robert Young Gets Top Role in Movie Time* Special HOLLYWOOD. May 4.—Robert Young, popular young leading man, is to have a top spot in “Marry the Girl," with Barbara Stanwyck as the star, which is to go into production this week. Gene Raymond will have the other leading male role. Leigh Jason is to direct the new picture, which is assured of plenty of comedy through the presence in the cast of Helen Broderick, stage comedienne, and Ned Sparks of the “dead pan.” Plays Doctor Role Without Practice Timeg Special HOLLYWOOD. May 4.—When William Powell portrays a lawyer, he spend hours in a courtroom preparing for his characterization. When he is cast as a detective, he talks over cases with local police inspectors. But for his role of a physician in the new mystery drama, The ExMrs. Bradford.’ he eliminated the customary preparations. “None of my friends,” he sadly explained, “wanted me to operate on them." Picture Took 18 Locations Frances Drake had 15 costumes designed for her use in “And Sudden Death.” The film also has a record for the number of different exterior locations—with a total of 18.

|| ' 0/,..r jig a 'MAT! M*’y l tA* g&Jjj f Hiinin/

Newcomers and Old-Timers to Stardom Feature 1936 Version of 'Showboat'

' ffl Ha ' *'-v , * jflfefe j % , *' ; * 4 - . v ‘ ' ■ •/ ~ V ft ■ lii js ■ J §L~ v r* jl i fn * i New York 1 wrnt to sec ‘The Nigl ■ *** k Frank Morgan One ot Busiest 16; , , / ■ \ ■ I was taken out, of the audiem A i . , | ii i and led up on the stage, as we: Character Actors in Hollywood Ability to Play Diversified Roles Well Is Indicated by repeating the two lines I knew ■os Portrayal of Billings in ‘The Great Ziegfeld.’ J more nervous than I had ever bei J MWMW.Lsm im P° rtant Mr - Billings in “The Great Ziegfeld,” now at Loew sin In- -The judge be°-an- ‘Gentlemen al^Ills': mm*. -< dianapolis, is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood—always in demand the iurv ’ and T strwi nn iv -s \ and always hnilrlinc different

1. Sammy White, a newcomer, plays thp villain in the above scene from the 1936 version of “Showboat,” to open at the Circle May 15. The young heroine is Irene Dunne. 2. Singing such memorable hits as “Ol’ Man River” in the film is Paul Robeson, remembered for his excellent work in “Emperor Jones.” WHERE, WHAT, WHEN APOLLO “I Married a Doctor” with Pat O’Brien and Josephine Hutchinson, at 11:37, 1:37, 3:37, 5:37, 7:37. and 9:37. CIRCLE “Till We Meet Again" with Herbert Marshall and Gertrude Michael, at 11:25, 2:20. 5:25, and 8:30. Also “Rhodes” with Walter Huston at 12:35, 3:35, 6:35 and 9:40. KEITH’S “Behold This Dreamer’’ with Hal Hawkes, Jack Duval and Federal Plavers cast. Directed by Dr. Lee R. Norvetle. At 8:15. LOEW’S “The Great Ziegfeld” with William Powell. Luise Ranier. Myrna Lov, Frank Morgan and Ray Boigar, at 2:30 and 8:30. LYRIC Duke Ellington and his band on state at 12:57. 3:01, 5:05, 7:10 and 9:33. “The Country Bevona 1 with Rochelle Hudson. Robert Kent and Paul Kelly, at 11:33. 1:47, 3:51. 5:55, 8:09, and 10:23 Born in Show Business Edward Sutherland, directing W. C. Fields in “Poppy,” is a nephew of Thomas Meighan and Blanche Ring, former film stars. His father was a Broadway theatrical agent, A1 Sutherland.

INDIANAPOLIS 2 DAYS SAT. Q SUN. 4 MAY i| MAY I y AUSPICES INDI- BENEFIT ANAPOLIS OR- SUNNYSIDE PHANS’ HOME GUILD WEST WASHINGTON ST. GROUNDS ~I|S<IYDfttATTY , * T R 0 C TIMS >WS PEOPLE 30ELEPHANTS $7,580 DAILY EXPENSE STARS FROM 18 NATIONS! 3 RIDING ACTS - GREATEST IN TNI. WQRID-.S-HISTORY ZAVATTA TROUPE ERNESTO SEXTETTE CLARKONIAN FAMILY 2 GREAT FLYING ACTS PEERLESS HAROLDS —.tfw^wmsg— STREET PARADE 11A.M. TWICE DAILY 2ft 8 DOORS OPEN 1A 7 RESERVED AND ADMISSION TICKETS ON SALE CIRCUS DAT AT HAAG DRUG CO.. CLAYPOOL HOTEL BLDG.

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

3. The name of Helen Morgan is linked consistently with “Can't Help Lovin’ Dat Man” and “Bill,” which she will sing in “Showboat.” 4. Irene Dunne is shown in an ancient model motor carriage with her new leading man. Allan Jones, who made his screen debut with the Marx brothers in “A Night at the Opera.” Three Parts Await Katharine Hepburn HOLLYWOOD, May 4.—Three new pictures for a Katharine Hepburn already are planned as soon f as she finishes her present vehicle, “Mary of Scotland,” in which she is costarred with Fredric March. “Quality Street,” from Sir James M. Barrie’s famous play, will give Miss Hepburn a part she has wanted to play for many years. The next film, “Portrait of a Rebel.” is to furI nish the star with a modern characterization. It is possible that Her- | bert Marshall may share leading J honors with her. Third on the list is “Marie BashI kirtseff.” noted Hungarian play from the pens of Lajos Balint and Erno Anday.

ggasgEmcy;

Frank Morgan One ot Busiest Character Actors in Hollywood Ability to Play Diversified Roles Well Is Indicated by Portrayal of Billings in ‘The Great Ziegfeld.’ BY RUTH M’TAMMANY Times Hollywood Correspondent HOLLYWOOD. May 4.—Frank Morgan, who plays the role of the important Mr. Billings in “The Great Ziegfeld,” now at Loews in Indianapolis, is one of the busiest actors in Hollywood—always in demand and always building different characters. He plays anything from an absurd, senile philanderer to the serious, clrtf IMfr A f o rtflllful einimLlnt*

doting father of a willful daughter. He is a comedian of the first rank—his dramatic roles are tinged wifch subtle satire or suppressed pathos. Frank Morgan, the man, is a genial sort of person who is more interested in what you are doing than in his own career. He is alert in his attempt to absorb any event of interest to him. His friends are many and his name is synonymous with kindness. He started out as a lawyer but changed his mind and viewpoint; he became an actor. Broadway knows him well for many successful roles. He has been a trouper doing one night stands; has served his time in many stock companies. He quite definitely considered his cqreer at an end when he was haled to Hollywood, where he has played in more feature pictures than he can remember. Mr. Morgan is one man w’ho appreciates *what the motion pictures have done for him. Any legitimate actor passes through periods of bad

§K Hb

breaks, either through the failure of the play or lack of finding a suitable role. But when an actor like Morgan signs a long term contract, he can settle back in comfort with financial security. And that is exactly what he has done. He enjoys his many friends in Hollywood. He is enthusiastic about his home, the first he has had since he went on the stage. “This is. my first home,” he says. “It would take a great deal to get me out of, this and back to a Broadway hotel. I don’t know that I would be able to play a part on the stage now. On my last visit to

Tiiijpra Last 4 Hays yon season’* j /l will never best!” r forget. Tucker, rtsr HERBERT MItRSHMtT WALT IB Ssr.". pWjtHODty V\Ff* „ * _ //nSs m IMM JY • ™mi raw rBE ON HAND FRIDAY! WILLIAM POWELL | JEAN ARTHUR in j “The Ex-Mrs. Bradford”

New York I went to see ‘The Night of January No. 16.’ “I was taken out of the audience and led up on the stage, as were other members of the jury, and was selected for the small role of foreman. I took my place in the jury box and watched the trial. I kept repeating the two lines I knew I would have to say later.l was more nervous than I had ever been on an opening night. I was glad to file out with the jury for deliberation and scared to death when we came back to give our verdict. “The judge began: ‘Gentlemen of the jury . . ~’ and I stood up. My knees trembled and my mouth went dry. ‘Have you reached a verdict?’ said the judge. ‘Y-y-y-e-s- your Honor,’ I began, and when I heard laughter in the audience. I made up my mind that I had played my last role in the theater.”

Peddled Candy for Start Benny Baker, young comedian, began life as a “candy butcher” in a Rochester (N. Y.) theater. Cummings Operates Glider Robert Cummings, youthful leading man, is Hollywood's youngest accredited glider pilot. Gable—Harlow—l.oy H V “WIFE vs. I SECRETARY”! Ml i Plu “ROAD GANG” ";-f F

B TONIGHTS' ' ' ENT at lONS IrWllfH BOR H oripS^THlATfffg

WEST SIDE O T A T p 2*ft2 W. 10th St. S I A I bj Doable Feature x a x u Jeanette McDonald "ROSE MARIE” "YELLOW DUST” npi 11/YYinp W. Wash. Sc Belmont BELMONT nS-fc.ffiSK. "LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY” "THE PRISONERJ)F SHARK ISLAND” Di ip V 2540 YV. Mich. St. A I N Y Doable Feature Fred Bartholometr "LITTLE LORD FAUNTLEROY” "WHISPERING SMITH SPEAKS” 1 NORTH SIDE RI rp f-m Illinois at 34th 11/. Double Feature , A A " Dionne Quintuplets "THE COUNTRY DOCTOR” "FORCED LANDINGS” UPTOWN SeSSSr’ 4VIUI Gary Coo!>?r "DESIRE” j "TIMOTHY’S QUEST" r-i a p% r\ 30th and Illinois GARRICK s-ssr. "SPLENDOR” "THE WIDOW FROM MONTE CARLO” nrp f . Bi. Clair A Ft. Wayne ST. CLAIR "KLONDIKE ANNIE” p p.■. 30th at Nortbw’t’o K K A Ginger Rogers Fred Astaire "TOP HAT” “WE ARE ONLY HUMAV^ m i l n/Ylvr Talbot A 22nd 1 ALdOI 1 * Double Feature 1 7 Leslie Howard ' THE PETRIFIED FOREST” __ "THE GHOST GOES WEST” STRATFORD SWiSSR u * * * Marg. S alia van "SO RED THE BOSE" "THE GREAT IMPERSONATION” MECCA 225. V5Ei LTIDVJ VUI Miriam Hopkiua "BABBARY COAST” Betty Paris—"DANGEROUS” rvr P A If 23*1 Station 8C LIKLAM Doob,e * L,M Nelson Eddy ’’ROSE MARIE" "WE RE ONLY HUMANEAST SIDE TUXEDO i Viauiyvr Harold Lloyd “THE MILKY WAY” Chl Sale#—"MAN HUNT” m a p/iif a YMt E. Wash. SL I ACOMA Feature James Corner “CEILING ZERO" IBS LON* WOLF RETtRtNB”

PAGE 15

Festival of Pianos Sets Music Pace Program by 900 Players Presents Miracle of Organization. BY JAMES THRASHER The 125-piano festival must be dealt with in superlatives: The “grandest” grand piano show in history, the most pretentious of the country’s many celebrations of National Week, the largest crowd that ever attended a concert in Indianapolis, and so on. More than 10.000 people were in the Butler Fieldhouse for the opening performance yesterday afternoon, while newsreel cameras ground away and the country heard tha pianists on an NBC network broadcast. It was a colorful, dramatic spectacle, and a deserving musical accomplishment as well. First of all. the performances wera a miracle of organization. With swift assurance, 900 players made their entrances and exits and, what is more important, played their notes without a noticeable hitch. To Frank O. Wilking, who directed the entire program. go°3 credit for evoking a coherent musical performance from what necessarily a cumbersome ensemble. Yesterday’s concerts were the cIN max of many weeks of almost daily rehearsals here and throughout the state, which Mr. Wilking conducted. Contrast Always Present Mr. Wilking presided over the several groups with forceful initiative and a baton technique of great clarity. It would have been enough of a task to keep the players together, but dynamic contrast always was present, and in the groups of more mature pianists, considerable niceties of interpretation as well. This was particularly true of the 25 “artist” pianists’ playing of the Arensky Suite. Four groups of players were heard in special arrangements by Burton B. Burkette: Children of 10-12 years; junior and senior high school students and adults. In addition to playing the Arensky suite, the 25 artists performed with each group. An added feature was the excellent singing by the combined choirs of Butler University and the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music under Prof. Donald C. Gilley of “Dear Land of Home," arranged from Sibelius’ “Finlandia”; Nevin’s arrangement of “I Dream of Jeanie,” by Foster; “Though the Last Glimpse of Erin,” by Clarence Loomis, and “Now the Vesper Hymn Is Stealing.” The musical significance of the 125-piano festival goes beyond the performances of yesterday. An immediate effect will be the benefits derived from the receipts, which become a part of the scholarship and student loan funds of Sigma Alpha lota, the national professional music sorority whose Zeta chapter in Indianapolis sponsored the event. The young players who participated yesterday have learned a necessary and valuable lesson in precision, attention and ensemble playing. Their interest in music, and that of other children, surely must have been stimulated by this experience. And Then Came Acting Jonathan Hale, playing in Walter Wanger's “The Case Against Mrs. Ames,” was a United States consul, sculptor, aviator, psychologist and lumberman before he turned to acting.

A Federal Theater Project Work* Progress Administration KEITH’S rjrsn FEDERAL, PLAYERS In The Satirical Comedy “BEHOLB THIS DREAMER” I NIGHTS. 15e, 2.5 e. 4(le | SAT. MAT.. I Or, 20e, 30c In Preparation—“THE TRIAL OF MART DUGAN”

EAST SIDE | rs U I M C 55®? E - Wash. SL IK VINO D H onb '?., F sw Harold Lloyd "THE MILKY WAY” "PETRIFIED FOREST” tv tv rr\T t 3153 E> i® tb st. """* J\l y II 1.1 Double Feature v Dionne Quintuplets “THE COUNTRY DOCTOR” “DON’T GET PERSONAL” EMERSON Double Feature Clark C.ablc "WIFE VERSUS SECRETARY” "WE’RE ONLY HUMAN” HAMILTON SSS " Clark Gable "WIFE VERSUS SECRETARY” “ANOTHER FACF,”_ PARKER "s£&lS2r ' Bette Davis “THE PETRIFIED FOREST" “OUR LITTLE GIRL” STRAND I^'^ George Raft "IT HAD TO HAPPEN" "THE EAGLE’S BROOD” RA y V 2*?l E. Wash. StT^ U /I, I Double Feature Warner Baxter ’ KING OF BURLESQUE" "THE LAST WILDERNESS” Also Big Amateur Show Tonite—Ten Aeti Paramount I ws‘ * Victor MrLaglen "PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER” "PADDY O’DAY" I SOUTH SIDE FOUNTAIN SQUARE' Double Feature Dionne Quintuplets "THE COUNTRY DOCTOR” DO NT GET PERSONAL” SANDERS **Sls?r "STRIKE ME PINK" •'MARY BURNS. FUGITIVZ” i Fountain Square Granada Feature uiattaua Last Time Tonight Clark Gable —Myrna Lay—Jear Harlow "WIFE VERSUS SECRETARY” Been Lyon—Joan Maavah DANCING FEET" A ir a Irv XI Frospect-Churehmaw VAL UIN ••* Featnro vxaxa wiv James Cagney "CEILING ZERO" "EAST OF ORIENTAL "iaf©“STRIKE ME PINK” "DANGEROUS WATERS’* GARFIELD ~£Bf "ANYTHING GOES” 50U ”""