Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 August 1936 — Page 10

Circle Theater Contracts for Gaumont Movie Firm's

Output in Coming Season

Numerous

American Stars Featured

in Products of

London Studios; Local Patrons May See English Picture Every Two Weeks.

BY JOHN W. THOMPSON

Recently the air has-been full of messages from Hollywood producers _- in Europe who say that the continent wants more American-made films, that foreign products are not satisfactory. Either Indianapolis is an exception to the rule or the movie moguls

v

are given to self-promotion.

For yesterday afternoon the Cir-

cle Theater contraced for the en-| _... oi pe seen in “Land Without

Mr. Tauber was seen last Studio, to be shown here during)... “4 1oew's in “April Blossoms”

the coming movie season. The go 4 io 5ne of Europe’s outstanding

Mr. Durante, manager of the Indiana and Circle | oyervhoqy “nose.”

Sabatini Novel Scheduled From the pen of Edgar Wallace

tire output of Gaumont-British Music.”

move, made by Art Baker, general singers.

theaters, Frank Monyhun, press counsel for the two theaters, and Fritz Wagoner, Gaumont- -British

New Talent Sought for: Civic Plays

100” Applicants Expected to Be Given Parts

This - Season.

A “definite drive” for new talent to be used in the coming Civic Theater season has been: announced by Frederick Burleigh, Civie director, in a letter to his staff from Cohasset, Me., where he is directing the South Shore Players. “I want a definite drive. this season to get new actors and actresses,” wrote Mr. Burleigh. “Many of o “dependable performers have been active for many years. These folks are very good but I am sure there is a lot more talent fo be found. I want to encourage all the people in Indianapolis who are

PRIMA DONNA'S STORY 1S MODERN FAIRY TALE

b By United Press NEW YORK, Aug. 20.—Where there is a will, not even relatives ‘can stand in the’ way, says Mignon Spence, vest-pocket prima donna of the late American Opera Co. who proved it by running away from home when she was 16 to sing herself arovr.d the world. The real story of how a very, very young girl with the determination of a very, very mature woman-— “stubbornness” she calls it—literally liited her way from Metropolis, Ili, to all the capitals of Europe sounds like another “version” of. Alice in Wonderland, but Mignon in Musicland is a modern tale with all the requisites of good theater, drama, comedy and a sprinkling of the intangible qualities. which contribute to make the human intkrest element paramount, “All I knew—or cared about--was that I had to'sing,” she seid today when asked to begin at the beginning and “tell all.” “Naturally my parents objected beca ot

much publicizing of their immature voices. So instead of singing on here in America, I went to Italy and studied in Milan under Filippo Na Under Navi's expert tutelage, Miss Spence became known throughout the Italan provinces, especially in Pthe “stumbling-block towns” such as Turin, Genoa and Bolanzo, avoided by most singers because the audiences are so critical that few singers ever pass the tests’ imposed upon them. Mignon speaks Italian as fluently as she does’ English, while her German and French sound to natives of those countries like her mother tongue. “In the provinces,” she explains, “the people know all their: operas by heart and will not tolerate any inferiority in their interpretation. They either accept you and love you, or else they black ball you after your first performance.”

Called Sensational Success

After what was termed in the vernacular press sensational

success of America's musical future lies in Municipal Opera—State Opera organized from government subsidies, just as public schools are organized and operated—and as Jrovingial opera is conducted in y

Deplores American Conditions “So. many American artists,” sh says, “are prophets without honor in their own country, and today when all countries are taking such an interest in their own national affairs, this seems such a .shame, America has only one real opera company — the Metropolitan—and yet there are dozens of cities that would eagerly and enthusiastically conduct opera companies if they were subsidized to do so. . The lack of a chance to be heard forces many excellent singers to prostitute their voices or take them to other countries where there is greater opportunity and where politics does not play such an important part in the making of musical careers. “You hear so much about ‘opera doesn's pay.’ It would pay, and pay abundantly if a sound financial plan were worked out whereby sufficient funds were available for a. period of years and net just one season. The public has proved to

Indianapolis representative, Will | comes the story for “Strangers On A Marking the . first real invasion of the British film product into [interested in acting to get in touch my youth and they thought all theatrical and motion picture box

bring 24 English-made pictures to

Indianapolis.

Hollywood in England

That will mean there will be at least one British picture every two weeks at the Circle. time the British studio has sold its entire output to one theater in In-

dianapolis.

In the 24 pictures to be shown here will be seen more than 30 former Hollywoodites, now appearing before British cameras. of the directors, authors and composers are refugees from the Amer-

ican film capital.

It is the first

Honeymoon,” which will star Miss Cummings and Noah Beery. “The Marriage of Corbal,” written by Rafael Sabatini, will be one of Gaumont’s feature films. The cast is to include Nils Asther, Mr. Beery and Hazel Terry. Roland Young and Paul Robeson are to be seen in “King Solomon's Mines,” a legend of diamond mines owned by the famous king. Clive Brook, -out of pictures for several years, is to star in “His Majesty's Pajamas,” with Helen Vinson and Mary Carlisle in the cast. The Gaumont-British studios, and

Hollywood's Indianapolis theater “monopoly,” Art Baker, Indiana-Circle Theaters general manager, yesterday signed for the entire 1936-37 output of Gaumont-British studios of London. Fritz Wagoner, GaumontBritish’s Indianapolis representative, is shown seated at the table as Mr. Baker signed the contract and Frank Monyhan, the Circle's press counsel, looked on.

»

Opening Tomorrow

Apollo . “CHINA CLIPPER”—Pat O’Brien, Beverly Roberts, Ross Alexander, Humphrey Bogart, Henry B. Walthal. Directed by Raymond Enright; screen play by Frank Wead; photography by Arthur. Edeson. .

Story—Young salesman, inspired by Lindbergh, makes aviation

with the theater.” Starting Sept. 1, according to Dick Hoover, Civic press representative, the theater will have available application blanks for persons wishing to act in Civic plays during the coming season. Auditions are to be held for those unknown to Mr. Burleigh. Mr. Burleigh is to return to start the new productions about Sept. 15. The casts for all plays during the next year will probably total more than 200 persons. Of these it is hoped to use more than half new actors, according to Mr. Hoover. Mr. Burleigh also would like’ to

ho things about the theater that most parents think. It was a way, however, and the only way I saw to begin. I took it, and came to New York where, after singing in small vaudeville acts and everywhere I could get a chance to prove my voice, I finally made my debut in light opera with the American Opera Co.

Told to Get Experience

“I was thrilled, of course, but the company did not last long and before I signed up for another permanent engagement, my closest friends realized that if I went ahead

€ | success” in Malta, Miss Spence sang on the French Riviera and then in Belgium. Success came to the little girl from Metrapolis, who made good a second time at the Flemish Opera House in Antwerp. Back in America after six years, this international guest artist is amazed at the lack of opportunity for ; American singers to become known in their own country. “Why I even discovered that one of our best singers with the American Opera Co. had signed himself up as a barber on the Major Bowes program just to get an audition Why can't America . discover her own talent instead of forcing it to

offices that it wants good shows: and good pictures. It ought to rise up also and demand good music— and it would get it. When America learns to discover her own talent Europe will cease to be the artisiic center and the United States will have real grounds for being the cockiest country on any continent.”

INDIAN MAKEUP USED

Spurning the makeup supplied by Hollywood, the 1000 Cheyenne Indians working in Cecil B. De Mille’s “The Plainsman” on their reservation at Birney, Mont, in<: sisted upon using their own per-

contact persons interested in scene | without first getting more ex-|be recognized by European coun- | sonally manufactured war paint for painting, designing and property col- | perience, I would be ruined as many | tries before she will see it herself?” | battle scenes. They made it out lecting. other singers have been from too Miss Spence believes that the | of cclored clay dug from the hills,

Alfred: Hitchcock is to direct |Alxander Korda, whose “Henry VIII” Sylvia Sidney in the adaptation of | brought him into the movie light, Joseph Conrad's. “The Hidden |are planning mammoth expansion Power,” as one of the English pro- | plans for the coming year. It cerductions. It was Mr. Hitchcock |tainly looks like Hollywood had who directed “The 39 Steps,” a dis- | struck a foreign menace—at least as tinguished British film starring | far as Indianapolis is concerned. Robert Donat. ee i ——— Exteriors have been completed

for Kipling’s “Soldiers Three.” They Ol d - hi a were made in India. The comple- - as Ione tion of the film awaits the arrival Make-Up Used

in London of Raoul Walsh, Hollywood director, and Victor McLaglen, Burnt Cork Remains Best for Blackface.

life work. With two friends, helps develop transport planes. Wife leaves because she loses faith in him. Flyer makes first commercial ocean flight. Suffers because capitalists fail to back his efforts. Finally swings trans-Pacific commercial line. Wife comes back.

TATA

Circle

“MARY OF SCOTLAND”—Katharine Hepburn, Fredric March, Florence Eldridge, Douglas Walton, John Carradine, Moroni Olsen. Directed by John Ford; screen play by Dudley Nichols; photographed by Joseph H. August. Story—Mary Stuart returns to England (1561) in attempt to wrest English throne from Elizabeth. Latter schemes to get Mary marrie dto Lord Darnley, also in line of succession. Scotch nobles contrive to help Darnley murder Mary's secretary, Rizzio, then try to force her to sign confession of guilt. Defying them, Mary flees with Bothwell. Nobles lay trap for Bothwell, are defeated when Mary forgives Darnley for murder of secretary. Nobles flee. Mary's son, James, adopted as King. Nobles slay Darnley. Lay blame on Mary and Bothwell. Both take refuge in Bothweil’s castle, are married. Public reaction is disastrous. Bothwell leaves country to get Mary back on throne. Nobles betray bargain, imprison Mary. Smuggled to England, Elizabeth tricks her, has her tried for treason. Bothwell dies in Denmark and Mafy goes to scaffold. Loew’s “KELLY THE SECOND”—Patsy Kelly, “Big Boy Williams, Charlie Chase, Pert Kelton, Edward Brophy. Directed by Gus Meins; : Screen play by Jess Moffitt and William Terhune. Story—Lunch counter waitress and drug store manager promote bouts for half-cracked Irishman. Racketeer muscles in, fixes bouts so he can win bets. Moll, wanting revenge, gets fighter drunk. Before waitress revives himp-racketeer switches bets to other man. Drug store manager and waitress get, Irish in audience to sing Irish ditty and fighter wins. . “TRAPPED BY TELEVISION”—Mary Astor, Lyle Talbott, Nat Pendleton, Joyce Compton. Directed by Del Lord; screen play by Lee Loe band Harold Buchman; photographed by Allen Seigler.

last year’s Academy Award winner. Walsh is also to direct Wallace Ford in another film for Gaumont.

Arliss Film Included

“Head Over Heels” is to be the next vehicle for Jessie Matthews, whose “It's Love Again” was a re- ; By United Press cent Circle hit. Her husband, Son- . nie Hale, is td direct. Strangely] HOLLYWOOD, Aug. 20.—Motion enough, the score for “Head Over picture production ' technique : has Heels” is to be done by Mack Gor-| made tremendous advances during don and Harry Revel, listed among | {he past 10 years. . Hollywood's ace song writers. There are a few old-fashioned

Oeorge Arliss is to be seen In |methods and practices, nevertheless, The Nelson Touch” which is to be | that science has been unable to

a Gaumont special, based on Neil touch. One of these carry-overs Grant's successful play. Mr. Arliss| from an earlier day is. the usé of will probably make two pictures on | burnt cork for blackface make-up. the 1936-37 schedule. Despite the progress that has Geoffrey Barkas, who issisted in| been made in the science of cos- - the production of “Rhodes” and | metics, burnt cork still remains the

“Soldiers Three” is directing “The | best substance for blackface, studio Great Barrier” for the British | artists contend.

studio. The picture will star. Rich-

Two Nations Tremble as’ Two Women Clash and a fighting “son of Scotland

goes to war ! » The sweeping. human

ard Arlen, J. Farrell MacDonald It is the story of * of “Covered Wagon” theme and describes the building of

and Lili Palmer. “Iron Hi

the Canadian

through the Canadian wilds. British View of Racket

The sixth British film is to be “Everything Is Thunder,” starring Constance Bennett, from the story by Jocelyn Lee Hardy. Montgomery is to be her leading man, with Oscar Homolka in the

supporting cast.

Coming to the Circle soon is “Nine Days a Queen,” the story of It stars Nova

Lady Jane Grey.

All. manner of other substances have been tried. Nearly all of the experimental’; either proved too expensive or were unsatisfactory because they were oily, and produced a glistening effect, or became liquid when exposed to the heat of studio lights. Of course, in preparing makeup today, the blackface comedian does not heat the cork over a candle. The makeup department broils it in an electric rotisserie. Then the cork is crumbled by hand and moistened with water. After being dried in cake form, the blacking is applied to the face with a damp sponge. Statistics for those people who

Story—Struggling inventor and bill collector team to get $200 from Lady promoter. She gets it from broadcasting mogul. She falls in love with inventor, gives him money. Rivals break up equipment on first demonstration, are thwarted in second when television transmits fight to police,

Lyric , NOBLE SISSLE AND BAND on stage-~Also Chuck and Chuckles, song and dance team; George McLennon, clarinet specialist; Leana Horne, Negro blues singer; Billy Banks, comic.

“CHARLIE CHAN AT THE RACE TRACK” on screen—Warner Oland, Keye Luke, Helen Wood, Thomas Beck, Alan Dinehart. Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone; screen play by Robert Ellis, Helen Logan and Edward T. Lowe. Story—Gamblers cause horse to lose race. Horce owner murdered by gamblers. Chan gets on track, runs: gamut of mystery, is kidnaped. Returnssin time to see horse win race. He gathers suspects, reveals murderer,

“drama of the virgin queen

whose passion was her

greed for power . . . and of the fiery queen who threw away her throne for a priceless hour of love!

Pilbeam #nd Cedric Hardwicke. like to place things end-to-end, Constance Cummings and Ed-|show that a cork from a one-gallon mund Lowe, two other Hollywood | jug will provide blackface mdke-up stars now in London, are to be| for one and a half adult faces. starred in “Seven Sinners,” being| A super-colossal cork from a fiveproduced from an original story by | gallon demijohn will black three Arnold Ridley. The story is based | and one-quarter white faces into on a new kind of racket. It will | minstrel-show end-pieces. be interesting to get the British A face with the approximate area ~ plant on the graft business. of Shirley Temple's can be blackRichard Tauber and Jimmy Du- | ened by the cork from a pint bottle.

. 2 FEATURES! ___

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