Indianapolis Times, Volume 48, Number 56, Indianapolis, Marion County, 15 May 1936 — Page 22

PAGE 22

'SHOW BOAT DESERVES APPLAUSE OF LOCAL FILM PATRONS

Photography, Cast, Music of 1936 Production Bring New Glory to Old Story Irene Dunn, Allan Jones, Helen Morgan. Paul Robeson Acclaimed for Vocal Numbers in Attraction Opening at Circle Today. BY RALPM NORMAN’ As the original “Cotton Blossom” excited Mississippi River town natives in the 1880 s to wild enthusiam, so will “Show Boat.’’ 1936 version, which Is to tie up at the Circle today for a weeks stay, win much deserved applause of modern movie-goers. Splendidly cast, skillfully directed and beautifully photographed, with background of ever-popular Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein II music, the sound version of this old stage and screen favorite offers delightful entertainment for the most discriminating cinema patron.

Only with the sound camera could the true “Show Boat” ever have been produced for movie goers, and it is the sound camera which plays the leading role in making real characters which are pictured so attractively on the screen. Beautiful Irene Dunn as Magnolia, daughter of Captain Andy Hawks (Charles Winninger) of the “Cotton Blossom," is charming enough to see. but it is the reproduction of her voice, both alone and In duets with Allan Jones, her 1 -ading man, that makes “Show Boat” a real movie treat. Production Splendidly Cast Miss Dunne and Mr. Jones are only ♦woof several fine singers in the large group of stars in the new picture. As Julie, a mulatto show girl married to a white man, Helen Morgan makes excellent use of several opportunities to sing two hits always associated with her name, “Bill,” and “Can't Help Lovin' That Man.” Paul Robeson’s singing of his famous “Old Man River” song, with the camera alternately showing his own face and Negroes toiling on the levee, to us is one of the movie’s brightest, spots. Mr. Robeson also introduces anew song, “Ah Still Like Me," which he sings with Hattie McDaniel, cast as Queenie, his wife. As two romantic leading players of “Cotton Blossom’s” stage, Miss Dunne and Mr. Jones are best when together, singing “Make Believe,’' “Why Do I Love You” and other tunes. Aside from vocal ability, Mr. Allan fails to make his interpretation of Gaylord Ravenal, a dashing, handsome gambler, seem real. His voice, though compensates for his lack of personality, and his scenps with Miss Dunne always with music, are very pleasing. Romance of Stage The story, relatively unimportant in such a superb musical show, concerns the romance of Magnolia daughter of Captain Andy and his wife Parthy Helen Westly). When Julie, Captain Andy's leading lady, deserts the troupe with her husband and leading man (Donald Cook* to avoid arrest lor being married to a white man. Magnolia, against her mothers wishes, becomes leading lady, and Mr. Ravenal is commandeered for leadin' 4 man. Already in love, they further then romance with stage courtships, much to the delight of their audiences and disgust of Magnolia's mother. But Captain Andy heartily approves the match and arranges their marriage. When Gaylord wins enough money at cards to take his wife and baby daughter to Chicago, they desert the “Cotton Blossom” and find an exciting, but Unsettled, life among the city's elite. From the best hotels, they move to cheap rooming houses when Gaylord loses his bets, move back to luxury when he wins. Then, when their daughter, Kim. is a youngster in convent school, Gaylord deserts his family, believing his wife and daughter better off without him. New Ending Written From this point on. anew story was written for the 1936 version of “Show Boat.” Destitute. Magnolia meets at a cheap rooming house two old friends of the • “Cotton Blossom” trouping days, Elbe (Queenie Smith) and Frank Schultz 'Sammy White), an able pair of comedians. They help her get a job singing at a fashionable restaurant, but, Magnolia does not know that her old friend. Julie, walks out, of ihe job so Magnolia can replace her. In her first, night audience is Capt. Andy who, with Parthy, has come to Chicago to visit their daughter. Her debut is about to end disastrously, when Capt. Andy steps to the stage, directs his daughter’s singing as he dio on the “Cotton Blossom." Under nis guidance, Magnolia rises to stardom, then retire* from the stage after New York and London triumphs. Her retirement actually is to coach her daughter for the stage. As the curtain rises on Kim's debut, Magnolia sees the stage doorman intently watching her daughter. She recognizes her husband, old. broken and gray. Together th< y take Kim's encore, ending a beautiful show in the romantic way we're all accustomed to having musical shows end. Roquets in Order To Director James Whale and Photographer John Mescall, go our congratulations for reproducing with true spirit of the times the interesting, unsettled and occasionally hectic life of Mississippi show boating. To Messrs. Kern and Hammerstein thanks for both old and new tunes which make "Show Boat” a musical treat. To the entire cast, but especially Miss Dunne, Mr. Winninger, Mr. Robeson. Miss Morgan and Miss Weston, go our romplimrnts for an outstanding dramatization of an old story. If you liked “Show Boat" before, you will like it again. If you haven’t seen It on either stage or screen, all the more reason for your patronage at the Circle this week.

DANCE TONIGHT Ladies 15c ,n*l- - Gentlemen 25c Before 9 LOUIE LOWE and His ORCHESTRA n.t >re kvkrv Fvl., M. and Sun. INDIANA BALLROOM

Long Careers Held Possible Survey Reveals Star May Expect 10-Year Job. Timm Special HOLLYWOOD, May 15.—1f there's any movie axiom that, has been exploded thoroughly, it is that a star's professional career lasts only about five years. A survey of the film colony shows the career of a normally intelligent and capable p tver lasts at least 10 years, possibly longer. The survey also shows that a character actor can count on at least 11 years during which the box office will be reasonably good. An outstanding example of career maintained is Herbert Marshall, who has co-starred with most top ranking actresses in Hollywood in the last four years, and who now hasn't approached what he believes will be the peak of his professional success. One-Role Careers Short Commenting on the survey, Mr. Marshall said he believes that “playing handsome leading men roles is professional suicide.” “Too many drawing rooms will injure the hardiest of players,” the actor said. “And so I pick stories that give me something to do besides being noble, tense and suffering. Although I haven’t played a villain yet, I think it is not unwise to do a mildly villainous role occasionally. Audiences tire of the too virtuous type. They want actors and actresses to show weaknesses common to mankind. “In the old days, you were either a leading man or a leading woman type chiefly because you were handsome of face or figure. The public has grown tired of these sappy portraits. That is wny an intelligent actor today can look forward to at least 10 years of success if he remains truthful to his characterizations.”

School to Present Graduation Recital Miss Loydlovella Cook, pianist, is to be presented in a graduation recital by the Indianapolis Piano School at 8 tonight in Cropsey Hall, Mrs. Albert Sidney Johnson, the school's director, has announced. An address by Dr. Tolbert Reaves of Butler University is to be included on the program. Miss Cook is to be assisted by Roberta Wilson, cellist, accompanied by Miss Virginia Leyenberger. Others assisting the program are Helen Louise Elliot, Ruth Sarber. Muriel Botner and Catherine Mootz, post-graduate piano students. Mrs. Johnson is to present a student recital in the same auditorium on May 23

WHERE, WHAT, WHEN APOLLO Under ,Two Flags ’ with Ronald Coleman. Claudette Colbert. Victor ?7 C , and Rosalind Russel!, at 11. 1:30. 3:20. 5:38. 7:40 and 9:50 CIRCLE Show Boat.’ with Irene Dunne Allan Jones. Paul Robeson. Helen Morsan and Charles Winninger. at 11. 1:12. 3:24. 5:36. 7:48 and 10. ENGLISH’S "Number Please." Junior League Variety Show, at 8:15 LOEW’S "The Unguarded Hour." with Loretta young and Pranchot Tone, at 11. 1:45 4:30. 7:15 and 10 "Roaming Lady.” with Roland Toung. Aileen Pringle and Lewis Stone, ai 12:30 3:15. 6 8:45. LYRIC On screen "The First Baby.” at 11:11. 2:14. 5 07 8 and 10 24 On stage. Duddv Hoeer.s' Bund, at 1:15. 3:48. 6:41 and 9:34.

BOAT IRENE DUNNE • ALLAN JONES f Hear ,jp ; CHARLES WINNINGER • PAUL ROBESON 1 I HELEN MORGAN . HELEN WESTLEY * 5

Wins Degree at Cooking School

*3 •••

'Fame? Not Yet Mine Despite Hard Work' Says Robert Taylor Actor Admits He’s on His Way, But Statements That He Has ‘Arrived’ Cause Amazement.

BY ROBERT TAYLOR As Told to RUTH M'TAMMANY Times Hollywood Correspondent HOLLYWOOD. May 15.—“1 always am amazed when I read about my swift, meteoric rise to fame. The fame is out as far as I am concerned because to date I have not accomplished, anything to warrant that tag. As for the ‘swift rise’ —it seems to have been.a long pull to me. “I have heard many stories about stage people who started in the chorus —played in the chorus—played small parts in stock —walked the streets unnoticed and then suddenly read headlines which announced their discovery in an overnight success on Broadway. I don't mean to say that I've been years going ’through the mill' but I certainly don't consider that I burst forth ... an actor. "I was born in Filley, Neb., and the trouble started then. I was and am the only child in our family. I say trouble because I don’t recall ever asking for anything when I was a kid that I didn't get. Perhaps I was pretty reasonable in my requests. A kid brought up in a small town isn’t likely to want the moon, bright lights aren’t just around the corner. The family moved to Beatrice, Neb., and I went to public school there. I guess I was about 9 when I wanted to play the piano, ’cello and sax. I wanted to be a musician and I was in a hurry about it. The piano and 'cello were in but the saxophone was out as far as my parents were concerned. “I started to take music lessons. “ ‘Robert,’ said my teacher, ‘everything depends on serious practice—and more practice. You will have to do more of it . . . two hours a day.’ 15 Minutes a Day “I went home and told my mother: then proceeded to do a 15-

StcwdciOedkl Ik f/l ONLY FOUR SUCH STARS . . Could Capture the Romantic Rapture L of Ouida’s Novel! —-*- ■Bjfafe*g I l CARTOON llKj u Miss ** ej ii'ivi k i jfc ii wi ■■ i

THE INDIANAPOLTS TIMES

•—• • • • • • • •—• Recently Anne Shirley, finished a course in cooking school. As can be seen here, she still handles “hot potatoes” gingerly. • • • • • • • • • • •

minute-a-day stretch between riding my bike and playing ball on the lot with the kids. At the finish of my next music lesson my teacher said: “ ‘Good boy, Robert. I can tell that you have been practicing your two hours a day.’ ‘That was just too bad. I found out that I could go a long way by doing very little. I wonder if I am doing that now. ... I hope not. “My school life was uneventful—except for a speaking contest I won. That may have been significant of my future, but I did not know it at the time; I had not thought of becoming an actor. I entered college at Deane, Neb., and those two years are marked by some study and a great deal of tennis. Then I went to Pomona, Cal., and it looks now as though that were a lucky move because I became interested in dramatics there. I always did think that it was a good study, whether a student took it with the idea of a professional career, or just as ‘first aid’ to business and social ife. But while I was in Pomona I still didn't think I would go in for acting when I finish college. Likes Psychology “Every student has a favorite subject and mine was physchology. You can’t go wrong with some knowledge of that sort if you take up acting. You need all you can get of it . . , and more. I came to Hollywood for a summer vacation and joined up with a theater group. I played in several productions including ‘Camille.’ I can't just say when the thing ‘got’ me: perhaps it was during the run of ‘Camille.’ At least it should be that way because I am going to play with Garbo in a film version of that story as soon as she returns. I suppose right here I should say that that will be the big event of my life. I don’t say it. I do say that I am glad of the opportunity

Etching Art to Be Seen in Displays

Hoosier Print Makers Open Annual State Exhibit Here Monday. The third annual exhibit of the Indiana Print Makers Society is to opens Monday in the H. Lieber galleries and continue to May 30. Etchings, aquatints, lithographs and block prix.ts are to be included in the show. Among exhibiting artists are George Mess, Indianapolis, who won the Frank Cunningham prize for the best group of etchings at the 1936 Hoosier Salon in Chicago; Harry L. Taskey, former Indiana artist now living in New York, whose prints were shown in the Chicago International Exhibition of Lithography and Wood Engraving; Chester Leich, among artists represented in the 1935 “50 Prints of the Year,” and Frederick Polley, society president. Officers, besides Mr. Polley, are Constance Forsyth, vice president; Paul Shideler, admissions committee chairman; Loreen Wingard, exhibitions chairman, and Mrs. Evelynne Mess, secretary-treasurer. to play opposite a great actress: I think Greta Garbo is that. “Well, back to my theater group, my summer vacation and the result. M. G. M. signed me to a contract and I thought I had arrived somewhere . . . but I hadn't. I found out, after making innumerable screen tests, that I had time on my hands and not even tennis or music was enough to satisfy me. I arranged with the studio to complete rny college work and graduated. When I returned to Hollywood the going was slow. Occasionally I played a small part of no importance. I got discouraged realizing that I was tied up to a contract r.nd could make no plans for the future. I finally decided not to be an actor. I went to see Louis B. Mayer. 'Mr. ftlayer, I’ve come to ask you to relase me from my contract with you.’ f ‘I should say that was a unique thing to ask . . . out here.’ ‘lt may be but I have decided against acting.’ ‘Why, Robert?’ Tm getting nowhere and’ in the meantime I am spending valuable time—roaming around Hollywood —just waiting.’ ‘Have you any plans; do you know what you want to do?’ ‘Not exactly, Mr. Mayer; go into some sort of business, I expect.’ ‘Do you think you are .any better equipped for business than for the acting profession?’ ‘I didn’t think so when I signed my contract but I do now; it shows on the face of things or you would be casting me in some productions.’ ‘Taylor, this advice may not help you, but I am going to give it to you anyway. Success in any field take3 patience. Things may not be moving along according to your way of thinking. But if you go out of here and take a job—any job—you aren’t going to move any faster. There’s nothing like being ready for an op-

A Fed? ral Theater Project Works Procress Administration KEITH’S GSKTI FEDERAL PLAYERS in the Satirical Comedy and , ‘'Behold This week i Dreamer” VIGHtsS, fjic, 25c~40e 1 BAT. MAT., 10c, 20c, 30c | Next Week “THE TRIAL. OF MARY PI7AN“

I TODAY Back to Our Regular Policy With TWO SMASHING HITS: First Show 11 A. M. tXc,t ‘ng 0 i' n /^,/ g* @§§jjSr ' Alter c

Unusual Actress

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An unusual young actress is Irene Wirston (above) who is to be seen i l “Boy Meets Girl” at English's Monday and Tuesday. She got ner stage training as a medical student, doesn’t think she is ready for the movies, likes “the road” and is trying to gain weight.

Film Architects Skillful Workers They Remain Anonymous Despite Creations. Times Special HOLLYWOOD. May 15.—The lot of Hollywood architects should have been included in W. S. Gilbert's classic remark that “a policeman's lot is not a happy one.” Called upon to create anything from Cleopatra’s barge to a futuristic laboratory—and create it in a hurry— they have to turn it out one day and see it torn down the next. As much skill and ingenuity is displayed in their work as in the work of the stars, but must remain anonymous. Everything must be subordinated to the people who appear in the picture. portunity when it comes your way and that is not original with me. You are at this studio to get ready for the first real part handed to you You’ll be handed that part—l don’t know when . . . you’ll have your chance. You’ve got ability—everything that is needed for the screen—if you hadn't, you wouldn’t be here. Think it over.’ “I did; the chance was given me in ‘Society Doctor.’ It was the beginning of a long series of pictures which biings me up to the part which I am doing in ‘The Gorgeous Hussy’ with Joan Crawford. Almost any day now. I am going to wish for some of the time I had during the days of waiting. I think even I'd be glad to practice the two hours a day which I didn't do when I was a kid. “I wanted action—l got it. I wanted to ‘go places'—l seem to be on my way—but please . . . don’t call it fame.” ENGLISH, Kay 18-13 ht; S*™“ DRAMATISTS* GUILD I'RI/.K PI, AT FUNNIEST—FASTEST— FINEST j BY BELLA AND SAM SPKWACK I | A GEORGE ABBOTT PRODUCTION EVES., 85c to $2.75. SEATS NOW.

Junior League's Musical Directors Here Because of Lull in Show Business Arthur Seelig and Wesley Totten Don’t Mind So Much, However, Because They Get Real Kick Out of Their Work With Amateurs. If there were enough vaudeville houses to book the theater's available talent. Arthur Seelig and Wesley Totten would not be in the city producing the Junior League musical show, "Number Please,” which is to open at English's tonight. Not that they don't like working with amateur groups, Mr. Seelig, the show’s director of skits and songs, explained, but the real business

of his New York firm of Jerome H. Cargill is booking and not producing. It was the decline of vaudeville and the legitimate stage that forced the organization into new enterprises, one of which is managing Junior League shows in large cities. But even the clasing of hundreds of vaudeville houses had its recompense for Mr. Totter, dancing director of “Number Pletse,” and Mr. Seelig find they enjoy the enthusiasm displayed by amateur groups which hire them as producers. The directors came here from St. Louis where they coached a Junior League presentation of ‘ Number Please.” and they have produced the same show with Junior League groups in several Eastern cities. Their next assignment is with a Democratic Club in Washington which is to stage a satirical variety show. Tells How It’s Done Each season, Mr. Seelig explained, his firm purchases material from Broadway song and comedy writers. Costumes then are secured from closed musical productions, and the show is ready for production in several cities. A little more work than this, perhaps, but this is the general idea, Mr. Seelig said. For several years Mr. Seelig was in charge of the European branch of Jerome H. Cargill, booking vaudeville performers throughout the continent and England. Mr. Totten was in South America doing similar work until two years ago. European audiences, compared to American theater-goers, are much more responsive and informal, Mr. Seelig says. He recalled a performance of Sophie Tucker in Paris when, because she received more flowers than favorite French sing-

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WEST SIDE S"—. . _ _ 2702 W. lOth St. - ” j A I r- Double Feature 1 ’ ' 1 *“ Kane Richmond “SILENT CODE” ffm. Garden "MAN HUNT" nr Is i/ss iY 1 W- Wa>.h. Sc Belmont. Special Attraction Jeanette McDonald ‘ ROSE MARIE” Charlie Chase Comedy Di, | C V *540 w - Mich. St. > J • Double Feature “THE MAN wno BROKE THE BANK AT MONTE CARLO” “THE MYSTERIOUS AVENGERNORTH SIDE Rl t "T Illinois at 34th. I / Double Feature ' Warner Baxter “ROBIN HOOD OF ELDORADO” Jack Hairy—”F MAN" UPTOWN Feature w t t -a Gloria Stuart “PRISONER OF SHARK ISLAND” Claire Trevor—”MY MARRIAGE” a fs rs | /■> i/ 30th and Illinois. GARRICK Double Feature Claud Rams “THF CLAIRVOYANT” "KIND LADY” fr 1 1 in St. Clair A Ft. Wayne ST. CLA R feature W'arner Baxter “PRISONER OF SHARK ISLAND” Tom Kean—“TIMOTHY’S QUEST” Rr w 30th st No'thw’t’n. t A Tonight Only Margaret Sutlavan In “SO RED THE ROSE” The la*t time It will he shown on the North Side ADDED ATTRACTION The 125 pianos that played at Butler Sunday, May 3. will be shown on tbxcreen. Alin Derby pictures in latest Paramount News; also Betty Boup Cartoon TALBOTT Ss* Jeanette McDonald “ROSE MARIE” __ Charlie Chase Comedy f. . . r 1 19th At College btratTOrd DeMe Feature 11 allwi va jack C|lkle “COLLEGIATE" Robert Donat—”39 STEPS” Me 1 Noble li Man. L C C A Dotble Feature I. V/ V/ rt Ricardo Cortei “THE MURDER OF DR HARRIGAN” Bing Croiby—“ANYTHING GOES” D REAM *£■&? “ANNAPOLIS FAREWELL” __ Chap. 2—" GREAT AIR MYSTERY” EAST SIDE XI TUXEDO D *" bl * Featoro * George Rati “IT HAD TO HAPPEN” Jackie Cooper, “TOUGH GUT”

MAY 15, 1056

ers, she was ridiculed by th* same Frenchmen who had cheered her frantically. Americans in the audience tried to cheer more loudly than the Parisians booed until the theater wai a melee of confusion. The singer retired behind a bank of flowers until order was restored. In England. Mr. Seelig told us, the theater is enjoying a revival unequaled in the United States. Most of America's best vaudeville acts have crossed the Atlantic to more lucrative contracts in London, although the legitimate stage remains largely English. Mr. Totten, before depression, movies and radio closed most vaudeville houses, danced with many star performers, and had dancing parts in George M. Cohan a’nd A1 Jolson shows. Deplores Radio ‘Exploitation* Mr. Seelig is a brother-in-law of Ted Collins, Kate Smith’s manager, and his firm managed Kate's vaudeville appearances before radio made her nationaly famous, although even then, he said, she received up to SIOOO a week for stage appearances. Like most stage devotees. Mr. Seelig deplores radio's exploitation of stage and screen stars, feeling that radio uses talent so rapidly it saps dramatic art of its best talent, developing none of its own. Incidentally, Mr. Seelig has no objection to our reporting that he feels he has a first-rate show in the local Junior League presentation of “Number Please” and that he thinks it will be enjoyed by its audience tonight and tomorrow night. 'By R. N.)

EAST SIDE X A es t J A 2tt2 E. Wash. St. ACOMA Double. Feature Warren William “THE WIDOW FROM MONTE CARLO** Frank Buck’a ‘ FANG AND CLAW" Ir% \/ | k | r* 5507 E. Wash. St. IRVING Dionne Quintuplet* Jean Hersholt “THE COUNTRY DOCTOR” Approved Comedies—-Ca’toon R| wr\ I I 3155 E. — ieth St. ” VOL Double Feature 1 w *“ * Will Rogers “CONNECTICUT YANKEE” "SILVER SPURS” EMERSON LIVILIWVyn Jeanette McDonald "NAUGHTY MARIETTA" Ann Shirley “CHATTERBOX‘S HAMILTON “IT HAD TO HAPPEN” “LAST OF THE PAGANS" Pi |s 1/ rp\ 2936 E. 10th St. A R K E R Dnub,e Feature ' ,x *“ ,x Ricardo Cortex “THE MURDER OF DR. HARRIGAN” Alice Fay, “MUSIC IS MAGIC” STD A kl r\ 13,2 F Waih. StT T R A N D Double Feature 1 iv rt 1 y ur Harold Lloyd “MILKY WAY” “STRANGERS ALL” w w 2721 E. Wash. St, O X 1 Double Feature w 1 A Real Westerner “SMOKY SMITH” “NOW OK NEVER” Serial. Tom Mix—"MIRACLE RIDER” n . 411 "E. Waih.^"" Paramount r k *. rd Lina°ker 1 “THE MURDER OF DR HARRIGAN” Pirate Party—Cartoon—Fox New* SOUTH SIDE FOUNTAIN SQUARE^ Double Feature Sylvia Sidnev “TRAIL OF THF LONESOME PINE” •WOMEN TRAP” r i kiomr At Fountain Square SANDERS se-fiBSS "EAST OP JAVA” Wallerjtble. TWO IN THE DARK” / I At Fountain Square* Granada D *wX!‘ l2Sr “CONNETICCT YANKEE” Paul Kelly—Arlene Judge “HEBE COMES TROUBLE” a \/ a I evk | Proxpeet*Churehman. AVALON “THE GREAT IMPERSONATION” Buster West—"DAME SKY” AniTklT A I 1195 S. Meridian 3k ORIENTAL “THE CALLING OF DAN MATTHEWS'* Walter Connelly, “SOAK THE RICH * GARFIELD oouM h r*/t.ri June Lang “EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT” Zaoe Gray’* “NEVADA”