Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 29 July 1936 — Page 4

IRCL

Fredric March Is Cast in Lead Role for Movie ~ Version of Famed Novel

450,000-Word Story Lived to ‘Biggest Release’

of Film Reported Used.

BY JOHN W. THOMPSON

“Anthony Adverse,” the movie

almost as long as it takes to read Hervey Allen's book, is to be seen for the first time in Indianapolis at the Circle Theater for the week

beginning Aug. 28.

As the book world is well aware, when Mr. Allen decided to make one volume out of three he grabbed himself one of the nicest bits’ of publicity that has ben available for years. Folks read the ponderous

450,000-word novel just to see if they could wade through, many of them being agreeably surprised to- find Mr. Allen's writing thoroughly entertaining. r months the by- word of the

“morning trolley was “Have you read

‘Anthony Adverse’?” It was just the kind of a book, however, that readers could say they had read without fear of having to prove it. Report Movie Rights Cost $250,000 Then came the inevitable day when Anthony was headed for the so-called Hollywood slaughtering block. What would movieland do with all those delicate passages? .What would ‘Mr. Hays’ scissorswielders do when it came to censoring the movie? - Warner Brothers, used to making splurges in many directions, decided ta splurge in the direction of “Anthony Adverse.” They are said to have paid $250,000 for the movie rights. Leslie Howard, John Barrymore, Ronald Colman, almost every eligible leading man except Richard Dix, was mentioned as a ible Anthony. And so it was that Fredric March was chosen. With that flare held out to tease the public fancy, Warners closed their doors for|a while, marked time while picking the rest of the cast which includes Olivia DeHavilland (lovely young lady who appeared in “Captain Blood”), Edmund Gwenn, English actor, Donald Woods, Fritz Lieber, Anita Louise and Louis Hayward. Although Anthony, the central character, dominates the entire story, there are, according to Warners’ writers, five different plots in the novel. Each of these, it is said,

would furnish enough material for | a feature film.

Author Approves Script When Warners’ script staff, headed by Sheridan Gibney, finished the oi A scenario, ‘Mr. Gibney cautiously approached Mr. Allen to see what he would say. When Mr. Allen | had been asked about screening his story in the beginning he had thrown up his hands, declared that no movie company could make a film of his story and refused to go to Hollywood himself. . But, according to Mr. Gibney, Mr. Allen read the script, commented very favorably, said it had lost none of the original's strength or flavor. . ‘More than 600 actors ‘were given photographic and dialog tests for rts in the , Another 109 |. were testéd ' Vola down. The film used in making tests| before the picture was cast totaled 12,000 feet, enough for three feature-length pictures. . Other “Anthony Adverse” .statisBien a las listed by the producers, inud f Ninety-eight speaking parts, 131 settings, - 2500 extra players, 3721 costumes, 725,000 feet of film used, 21 weeks of advance research, 2871 wigs, 3194 pieces of property and 10,626 man-hours consumed in the employment of staffs and cast. Other reasons why Warner Brothers say “Anthony Adverse” is the “biggest” production ever released are the 28 changes of co0stume which Fredric March makes; the fact that it took six months to manufacture the seven coaches used in the film; that the African compound, largest set ever built, covered (12 acres; and that more than 11000 | scenes were taken for the picture. August seems to hold promise of becoming an august month at the Circle. “Mary of Scotland” the adaptation of Maxwell Anderson's play, starring Katharine Hepburn and Fredric March, is to open an engagement Aug. 14. The following week, Aug. 21, “The Texas Rangers” starring Fred. MacMurray, Jean Parker, Fred ‘Stone and Lloyd Nolan, is to hold the spotlight. The latter film is a film present | to the Texas Centennial, having te do with the early frontier days of the Lone Star state.

WHERE, WHAT; WHEN

APOLLO

: “Poor Little Ricn Girl " ith Ber 1 mple ce Faye c . ab 11:40 1: i. 3:41, 5:41, 7.41 and 9.4 CHE«CLE

“Spendthrift.”” with Henry Fonda, Mary ian, Pat Palisrson, at 11, 53, v5 - nd a 9 0, Also * “The with Ger3:45, 6:20

t an JT Sean, Hage "Hi. oi felon Chester, Bi dmteers 12:35, 3:35, 6 : KEITH'S

“It's a Boy," Pederal ral Plagers produetion under direction Charles Berkell. Curtain at 818,

ter

“Arizona BAe Grey Bus TY:

1 . kode Be “Girl of the’ er, El

Also and

and turned|

Up to by Producer’ s Claim Title; 725,000 Feet

version of which has been awaited

Producer May Sign Ex-Purdue Athlete

By United Press - HOLLYWOOD, July 29.—Duane Purvis, football player who won AllAmerica rating when he played for Purdue University, today was being tested by Universal Studio as possible movie material. The tall athlete was said to have possibilities as an actor and may be signed to a long-term contract if he

records well in the tests.

CHAPTER TWELVE N the sudden darkness, with only the spot of yellow from Jameson's flashlight, Helena’s head began to whirl. It was with an effort that she managed to follow him to the elevator, Inside the cage they brushed together for an instant, and he caught her arm. “I . thought you were falling,” he said uncertainly—and then Helena found herself held firmly against him, heard him whispering, “I love you . I've loved you since that first day in the store!” “Please . . .” Helena struggled, feeling her face hot with swift anger. “I had to tell you,” Jameson rushed on plaintively. “I didn’t mean to tell you tonight—but you ge so close, I—" With an effort that was beyond her own strength, Helena shoved herself . free and staggered back against the wall of the elevator cage. The flashlight clattered to the floor and she retrieved it quickly, sént its beam full into Jameson's pale, twisted features. “If you come near me again,” Helena told him evenly, “Ill use this as a club!” The threat was unnecessary. Wordless, Jameson stepped to the control lever and started the cage downward. He did not speak again until they were outside the warehouse. His voice was shaken and pitiful. “I suppose it’s too much to ask you to forgive me?” tJ - =

UPPOSE we pretend” that it

never happéried,” Helena said. “I'd rather go on home alone, if

you don’t mind. And—and I ap-|

preciate what you've shown me.” She hurried on through the darkness as if pursued by some frightful apparition she dare not turn and face. It was an apparition made up of many facts. The fawning Jameson, so lacking in control that she felt . somehow ashamed for him. The cold deceitful, malicious Leah Frazier. Ad Roger Barnes, pretending to be an ally. Even—yes, even John Lassiter. John Lassiter who would have friendship only until it began to pinch. “I've got to leave . . .” she told herself over and over as she rushed on in the darkness. “I've got to get out . .. As publisher of the town’s two newspapers for all of 30 years, Ben Morris had seen a varied Jpt of people walk in and out of his office. But never in all those 30 years had he seen a more determined one than” Helena. Her usual attractiveness marred by a sleepless and restless night, she sat across from the publisher’s desk, relieved to find that there was much she did not have to tell him. Ben Morris had watched the town too long to have missed what was going on the past few weeks. 2 2 n

to do this?” he asked again. “How do you know you won't regret it afterwards? And in all fairness, you deserve something in return for your services at Henderson's.” Helena shook her head. “This

{isn’t a sudden thing, Mr. Morris. My

mind’s made up.” “Let me get this straight,” Morris said gently. “You say you are going to ask Courtney to draw up papers which will - make Henderson's an employes’ stock company. The salary you have coming you wish given to some worthy town charity. ‘The Henderson house you intend to have sold, and the proceeds turned over to the same charity. Is that correct?” Helena nodded ‘slowly. “I'm leaving town tonight. Mr. Courtney can draw up the necessary papers and send them to me. I'm asking him to

}i be one of the officers of the new

. I'd like to have you as one, Mr. Morris.” “But why?” “As a newspaper publisher you're interested in the town as a whole. You'll want to see the store—the biggest establishment here — be a success.” | » > »

- Morris told her. “But Ill make you a promise,” he added with a

felt I could count on ydu.

UT are you quite sure you want |°

So Nuch for

grin. “I'll watch Courtney, and if it looks as though he’s not doing right by your ideas I'll—I'll blast him good!” . Helena smiled. “I... I sort of And now there’s one more thing I want to ask of you.” “And what is that?” “It—well, it may sound silly, but I'd appreciate it if you'd give what I'm doing a big story in the papers. You see, a lot of people have thought that I—I'd fail to make the store pay, and that somehow I'd planned all this.” “I can understand you,” Morris grinned. “And I'll get a couple of the boys on the story right away. We'll have a story on the financial page, showing how Henderson's has increased its business in almost every department. But your idea of the employes’ stock company, and the bequests to local charity, will be iront page news, and don’t you forget it.” Morris got up from his chair, moved around the desk and confronted Helena seriously. “I just want to say I'm sorry you've decided to do this. The town needs a woman like you. But I can tell by the cut of your jib that neither love nor money could stop you. ...” He chuckled to himself. “Well, after ell, you're a woman and maybe love could. But anyhow, not money, and that’s what's involved in this case.”

— «ww

said Helena slowly, “That's &4¢ 4 all that’s involved in this case.”

It whs still early when she left the publisher's office and made her way toward Henderson's Department Store. The clerks were just drawing off the coverings from the counters and tables when. she climbed the stairway to her mezza-

‘nine office. Without removing her

hat and coat, she sat down to a typewriter and tapped out a short note to Courtney. . “I am leaving town tonight,” she wrote. “Please draw up the papers

necessary to turn the store over to the employes, with yourself in a

salaried advisory capacity. Whatever details you decide upon will be satisfactory with me, and you can send the papers to me for my signature. The salary due me is to be turned over to charity, and also the proceeds from the sale of the house.” She added a paragraph of appreciation for Courtney's help, and signed it “Helena.” . This done, she left her own office and walked briskly down, the hall to Roger Barnes’ door. He beamed pleasantly at her entrarice, but this expression faded quickly when he saw Helena’s eyes. “As soon as I leave here,” she told him evenly, “I'm going to ithe cashier’s office to have her write you a check in lieu of notice.” EJ 2 =

OU'RE" what?” he said, unbebelieving at first. “I—I don’t know what you mean.” “I mean youre through, Mr. Barnes.” ‘She smiled grimly. “Fired ase oliarged—whatever you like to ca »” Barnes got to his feet, his. thin face crimson. “I expected something like this from you. But In warning you that—" “No,” Helena interrupted him quickly, “I'm warning you. I have certain plans for this store, and if you try to stop them—if you ever attempt to question the legality of Peter's will—I'll give you some explaining to do. You see, I know about those binders in the warehouse, Mr. Barnes.” She remembered Jameson's insinuation and added some pure bluff. “There are

explaining. . She did not wait for Barnes’ reply —if indeed, there was one. A glance was enough to tell her that she had found her mark. With a flourish she SWung eut of the room.

; F 4 » COULDN'T very well accept” |last

other things, too, that would need |

ove.

how it felt to fire somebody. oo i

‘Well, in this case,” it was a real pleasure!” » \ » » ELENA peered from the window of one of the town’s easygoing taxis, her knees pressed hard against the single black suitcase she had so gaily packed for Crest Mountain Lodge. That seemed years ago now. Far more years than than a leather bag might last. The car sped down the main street, past Henderson's department store, past the biggest movie house. "Then past the newspaper office. Helena wondered what they would be saying tomorrow. Human, honest, a little bitter . . . she hoped they would regret some of the things they had said and done. Perhaps they would, all except Leah ¥razier and her mother. Beautiful Leah Frazier who wore a tiny gardenia in her hair and brought John Lassiter with a crook of her finger. ‘ “Here's the station, lady . . . ” The driver jerked the brake lever

with one hand, indolently reached |

back with his other to -open the door. “My bag, please,” Helena said. “I'll take your bag, Helena.” = = =»

OHN LASSITER was standing in front of the taxi door, waiting!

“Ill just put it in my car, be:

cause Jore going back up town.” Helena tried her best to keep her voice steady. “You're wrong, though. I detest the town, so I'm leaving, and—and hadn’t you better climb into your car and—" her voice was

getting shakier and shakier, “zo take h Frazier for a ride?” Lassiter grinned. “It was Leah who thought she was taking me for the ride. But I'm grateful to her because if*it hadn't been for Leah I might have let you get out of town. You see, she telephoned that Barnes said you'd tied the can to him. Wanted me to do something about it. So I am.” “W-what could you do about it?” “I could ask you to marry me. I could suggest that we have a disgustingly big wedding and not invite the Fraziers or any of their friends. Would you like that?” “I—I don’t know.” “Well . . .” John Lassiter lifted Ler bodily from the cab, “one is certain. You're going ‘to. stay here until you decide!”

THE END

“RESORT HOTEL”

New daily serial story starts today on Page 1.

Newsreel Has Wreck Pictures

New Times-Universal Series Shows Current Events.

Featured in the current issue of the Times-Universal Newsreel is a tragic lesson in careful driving. Graham McNamee describes the accident in which nine persons were killed when a speeding train struck their automobile at Dundee, Mich. Members of two

the Courtney letter into Othe

1—Here Anthony Adverse, child of Hervey Allens fiction, played on the screen by Fredric March, is shown speaking to slaves in

Africa, after. years as a ‘slave trader had hardened his. once generous nature, 2—Claude Rains, veteran actor whose portrayals always are high-

lights of the films he plays in, is. shown as he appears in “Anthony -

LD IZZY JARENZ, rubbing his hands and smiling, advanced from the rear of his little pawnshop as Dirk Frigdon cntered. “Yes, sir—and what can I do for you, sir?” ‘+ "Frigdon laughed. “Hello, Izzy!

/ Don’t you even recognize an old

¢| friend and customer?”

: | tacles.

“What? What?” the old man’s eyes blinked behind his thick spec“It can’t be you, Mr. Frig-

: | don?”

Adverse.” He plays the part of villainous Don‘ Luis, whose attempts to destroy Anthony begin early in the film. 3. Preity to look at, and also a. gzand_ little actress, is* Olivia - lide Havilland- who plays’ Angela in “Anthony Adverse” = Miss De Havilland, first seen. in “A Midsummer Night's. Dream,” had the leading feminine role in “Captain Blood.”

Towns Razed, Ships Wrecked When Hollywood Cleans House

Movie Studios Do Their ‘Dusting’ on Big Scale; Comedies and Tragedies Revealed.

By United Press

HOLLYWOOD, July 28.—Moving picture studios, just like the nation’s

housewives, go

spasms of cleaning.

through The cinema’s attic-dusting, however, is done on the usual Hollywood scale—hundreds of men and trucks are employed to tear down and

cart away old sets and scenery. Studio executives set the cleaning

thing | work in motion early in the sum-

mer, preparing their lots for construction of new scenery and ad-

‘| ministrative buildings. Usually the

first gesture constitules a wave-of-the-hand order by an executive and workmen launch their attack |P: on an obsolete set.

Prop Ship Goes

This year at one studio spring cleaning became official with removal of the screen capital's largest “prop” ship. The old vessel, built on the proportions and lines of the French liner Normandie, was broken up afer ave years of sieady service.

. Next, workmen ripped down native barars, a desert basis and -an entire Algerian village used in the picture “Under Two Flags.” Then down came the huge prison fortress where Dr. Samuel

DE of E-aot odious tasks dure :

ing the cleaning was destruction of the pseudo French battleground used for “The Road to Glory.”

Some of the area is to be used for new sound stages, administration

CIRCLE

"LAST TWO DAYS ‘SPENDTHRIFT

HENRY FONDA PAT PATTERSON :

Tue nETORN oF LANG

building offices and additional sets. Other lots remain barren for some time, usually until crowded sets in other parts of the studio necessitate additional space for filming new pictures. During the cleanup, workmen get opportunities to smile. at the scenic effect contrived by the “prop” department. Small tragedies also are uncovered in some dark corners. One laborer, breaking up a seetion of a set depicting a New EngWas [land street, found an old pair of overalls among the debris. In one pocket was a wrinkled slip of paper, ( one Charleg Adamson that “after June 14, 1933, your services no longer will be required.” While tearing down the jungles used in “A Message to Garcia” workers came upon a pile of dried and shriveled during

Atop the pile of bark rested a reading: £Do hot. Yemove; it Works on set.”

SWIM—DANCE

“But it just is. I reckon my own

i mother wouldn't know me now.”

Jarenz, who was the city’s best patronized fence, shook his head. “What won't you fellows think of next? Your hair to be red, and now it’s black. Your nose

% | used to be crooked, and you used t | to didn’t wear glasses or a musto@ne.

You look like a lawyer, or a bane,

maybe.”

» ® tf J RIGDON grinned. “That’s what I'm hopin’. A while ago, passed a dick I know, an’ maybe you : don’t think my heart was poundin’. But he never gave me a

glance. Look here—I need your.

help. I want to lay low a while. Can you put me up?” “Sure,” said Jarenz. He maintained a number of rooms for such

purpeses. ~““Fhey’re ~lookin” for me just a little too hard, since that last bank job,” Frigdon explained. “But nobody figures I'm in this part of the country.” Jarenz started toward a stairway. “Come along, an’ I'll show you your room.” . Frigdon paused. “Say, there’s another thing. I'd like to see the fight tonight. Can you get me a good - ticket for it?” Ticket scalping was a sideline with Jarenz. The old man shook his head. “If you was my own father, I couldn't. Not even for standin’ room. All the tickets for that brawl was gone days ago.” oy sl said Frigdon, disappoint-

“But. you can listen to it over the radio in my office.” “Okay. Now let's see the room.”

= # 2 =

ATER, after dinner, Frigdon came down to Jarenz’ office and turned on the radio. It was nearly time for the fight. The announcer was already talking, describing the scene at the arena. Old Jarenz was in the front of his

FIGHT TICKET By LEAD Saw

shop; dealing with a customer. With a sigh of resignation, Frigdon sank into a chair, glared at the radio, and bit off the end of a cigar. He fumbled in his pocket for a match without finding one, then jerked open the top drawer of Jarenz’ desk.. A piece of green cards board caught his eye. It was a ticket for the fight, with “Ringside” stamped across it in red. Frigdon laughed. “The old cootl He’s savin’ it for some other guy, of course, but let him make excuses!” He slipped the ticket in his pocket and went to get his hat. “Going for a walk,” he told the old man, as he passed through the shop. “I'll listen to the broadcast somewhere else.”

t 4 2 » PFTER a dash across the city in a taxi, Frigdon entered the arena and presented his ticket. An usher took the stub and led him to a seat close to the ring. The fight had just started. Frig-

don forgot everything else. In the middle of the second round, some one touched his shoulder. He half turned. “Pardon,” said an usher. “May I see your ticket stub, plea Frigdon produced it mechanically, eyes on the ring. “Just. come along ‘with me,” said a harsh veice. Frigdon felt. a hand grip his arm, He turned angrily—to look straight into the eyes of a policeman. Frigdon, in sudden panic, lost his head. His hand darted toward his shoulder holster as he leaped to his feet. . But quicker than that, the policeman’s, heavy fist / crashed against the’ point of his chin. He tumbled backward into the lap of a fat woman. = = »

ATER, at the police station, Frigdon had recovered part of his poise. “Where did you get that ticket?” demanded the booking officer. “I bought it from a scalper down on First-av.” “Maybe. It just happens a bunch of clothes Siolen mayor's house. They ber recorded Frigdon felt very weak in the

“Hold ‘him for investigation, and ‘a gun,” he heard. the officer “And have his fingerprints

THE END.

(Copyright, . by _ United Peature Syndicate, Inc.)

Dit was in from the d the num-

say.

STATE

“UNDER TWO FLAGS” Harding—* “WITNESS

CHAIR” ° W. Wash. & Belmont BELMONT ogiis Testers . “THE GOLDEN ARROW” ~ “RING AROUND THE MOON” DAISY “I MARRIED A DOCTOR” John Howard—" "BORDER FLIGHT” NORTH SIDE RITZ “THE KING STEPS Fay Wray—"ROAMING LADY” Central at Fall Crk,

ZARING. Denbe Feature

Grace Bradley

[PARKER ‘od tor be. 1 Kal

BE ie Poh. Sb.

STRAND