Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 12 April 1937 — Page 13

MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1937

RECTO

He's Just 39 But Boasts Top Films

Reputation at Box Office Leads That of Stars

In Coming Movie.

If Frank Capra's life really is to begin at 40, movie audiences should be in for treat. For the director of “Lost Horizon,” which opens Friday at the Indiana, at 39 is one of the big-name megaphoners in

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES:

FRANK CAPRA'S FANS LOOK BEYOND

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PAGE 13

BIG NAME

Mr, Capra also goes to town.

Hollywood. In fact, he is one of | the few directors with enough box-| office reputation to be billed above | the Star, and that happens in “Lost "“ Horizon.” 3 ; Speak of Frank Capra and someone is bound to think of “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,” “It Happened One Night,” (“Lady for a Day,” “Broadway Bill” or some other of his successes. These pictures are apt to prompt enthusiastic reminiscences, and considerable praise for the im-migrant-director from Palermo, Italy. Came to U. S. as Child

Mr. Capra was 7 when he arrived in the United States with his parents and four brothers and sisters. They came at the insistence of young Frank's eldest brother, Benjamin, and eventually found their way to Los Angeles, where Benjamin awaited them. Salvador Capra, the fatherg had a tough time making a living in a strange country. So Frank and his brother Tony went out to sell newspapers. Frank wanted to enter the California Institute of Technology some day, and hoarded his pennies garnered from the paper route. . He graduated from high school at 16, which made him too young to enter C. I. T. So he worked as a riveter’'s helper for a year and a half, and saved some more money. When he finally got to college, he let people know that He had arrived. .- Among other things he played football, edited the school paper, was a captain in the R. O. T. C. and won a $500 scholarship and a trip around the country. But just about the time he was tripping around, the country got embroiled in a European conflict that sent cadet-athlete-editor Capra into the Army.

No Job, No Money

After the war, things didn’t look so good. Frank's father died on Armistice Day, and Frank had no job and no money. Then the movies came into his life, and vice versa. He got a job at the Christie Comedy studios as general handyman, film laboratory assistant and finally director of one-reelers. ‘Mr. Capra had an idea of filming the stories of some original poems. It flopped, and so did his job. Next he went to work writing gags for Hal Roach, and afterwards, Mack Sennett. When Harry Langdon decided to make full-length comedies, he picked Mr. Capra as - his director. All three of the Capradirected Langdon pictures were successful. One, ‘The Strong Man,” was picked among the 10 best in 1926. Behind 8-Ball Again Then Mr. Langdon decided that: directors weren't so important, and Mr. Capra resumed his place behind the eight-ball. After months of looking around, he wound up in New York directing a picture called "For the Love o’ Mike.” Nobody liked it much, ot even the director—nor the leading lady, an unknown whose name was Claudette Colbert. Seven years later the two got together on “It Happened One Night” and did quite well for themselves. After his New York flop, Capra went back to writing gags. One day he had a talk with Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures. Mr.

Cohn had been watching the young |

director's work with interest. He gave him a chance to work on an unimportant picture. - When it was finished Mr. Capra was offered a contract. He took it. Honors by the Score

Since then” Palermo’s gift to Hollywood has stuck by Columbia. His last picture before “Lost Horizon” was “Mr. Deeds,” which was | released a year ago this month. It's | still being heard from.

It won practically every award but ¥

the Nobel Prize. The New York critics, the National Board of Review and the Motion Picture Academy gave it first prize, and it regeived a similar honor from the Minneapolis Journal's poll of critics in 47 states at a banquet Saturday | night. _ Robert Riskin, who has written the screen plays for all of Mr. Capra’s biggest hits, also adapted «Lost Horizon” from James Hilton's well-known novel. The cast includes Ronald Colman, Edward Everett Horton, H. B. Warner, Jane Wyatt, Sam Jaffe, Margo, John Howard, Thomas Mitchell and Isa“bel Jewell.

LIL CBF 10a

BN BING CROSBY « BOB BURNS ’ A Ps MARTHA RAYE ° CILIAR SY

anna Durbin, Alice Brady

D «THREE SMART GIRLS” William Powell, Edna Best “THE KEY” SECOND

; ] KEITH S WEEK! Fed

eral Players

Mr. |.

Film House Is Leased

Marlene Corp. to Operate Emerson Theater.

The Emerson, neighborhood theater at 4630 E. 10th St., has been leased for 15 years by the newly formed Marlene Theater Corp. Joe Cantor, Eten Theater Corp. president, and Mannie Marcus of Ft. Wayne, are associate owners, the latter is president and Mr. Cantor secretary and treasurer of the corporation. The Eten Corp. operates the Rivoli at 3155 E. 10th St., a mile west of the Emerson, and Mr. Cantor will supervise the operation of both theaters. Morris Cantor, formerly Rivoli assistant manager, will be the Emerson’'s house manager. Complete modernization of the newly acquired theater will be started at once, according to the new operators. Contemplated changes include a new screen and sound and projection equipment, cooling and thermostatic-controlled ventilation, new seats and decoration. There will be no change in the admission prices under the new management, and the picture policy of double features with changes on Sunday and Thursday will be continued. The Emerson was purchased from Henry A. Calloway, who assumed | its management in 1930. Since then the theater has become one of the city’s most popular community houses. ;

MEXICAN STAR'S FATHER IS DEAD

Times Special HOLLYWOOD, April 12.—Armida, Mexican singing actress, lived up to the letter of the ‘show must go on” tradition of the theater today,

of the death of her father, Jaoquin Vendrell, 62, refused to let her work. Armida appeared on time and ready for work at her studio. five hours after Vendrell died of heart disease. .

WHAT, WHEN, WHERE APOLLO ;

“Fiftv Roads to Town.” with Don Ameche and Ann Sothern. at 11:40 1:40, 3:40, 5:40. 7:40 and 9:40. CIRCLE “Waikiki Wedding” with Crosbv. Bob Burns. Martha Shirlev Ross. at 11:35. 5:55 and 10:05 CIVIC

‘Secret Service.” Civic - Theater nlavers

INDIANA “‘Cloistered.’’ picture of life in the Convent of the Good Shépherd in Angers. France. at 12:05. 2. 4. 6. 7:55

and 9:55. KEITH'S ‘Sis Hopkins.” De Ped-

Bing Rave and 1:45. 3:30.

presented hy Curtain “at

eral Players. Curtain at LOEW'S “The Good Earth.” with Paul Muni and Luise Rainer. at 2:30 and 8:30 LYRIC

‘Marked Woman." Davis and Humphrev Bogart, at 11:09. 2. 4:51, 7:42 and 10:32. “Pine Ridge Follies” (on stage) at 1. 3:51

6:42 and 9:23 / OHIO

“Three Smart Girls," Durbin and Alice Brady. Key.” i Brest.

with Bette

with Deanna Also ‘The with William Powell and Edna

AMBASSADOR

“The Last of Mrs. Cheyney.” with Joan Crawford and William Powell. Also “Oh Duchess.” with Polly

Moran. : ALAMO

“Bulldog Drummond Escapes.” with Ray Milland and Heather Angel. Also “Left Handed Law.” with Puck ones.

but a sympathetic studio, learning

LUISE RAINER + PAUL MUNI All Seats Mat. $1.10-55¢

Eve., $1.50-55¢ Reserved (Incl. Tax)

FRIDAY

en HARLOW r- TAYLOR

"PERSONAL PROPERTY

nn “SIS HOPKINS"

.Prices 15c-25c-40c Next Week—“Petticoat Fever”

MGM-—W, S. Van Dyke Picture

Plus “Racketeers in Exile”

Pull House

Greets Eddy; Series Ends

Martens' Season Cli maxed by Personal Triumph of Baritone.

By JAMES THRASHER

Amid squeals: of delight and applause of tremendous enthusiasm, Nelson Eddy returned to English’s yesterday afternoon in a recital which closed the season’s Martens concert course. One of the largest crowds ever assembled in the venerable theater filled the house

and pit and barely left room on the stage for the piano, while standees thronged the orchestra and balcony. : It is noteworthy and commendable that Mr. Eddy once again sang a program which, for the most part,

was unhackneyed and of musical |

value. If he were not a musician of serious intent, he would not need to do this. His ovation was largely a personal one. The greater part of yesterday's audience was made up of young ladies of high ‘school age and under. They came to pay adoring homage to the handsome and gifted young baritone who has captured the public heart as a motion picture star.

Music Well Chosen

Yet ‘while they were doing this— and many doubtless were attending their first major song recital—they heard a well-chosen and diversified two hours of music. To begin with, there were Lully’s

‘Bois Epais” and “Gloire a Vanna,”

from Fevrier’s opera, “Monna Vanna.” ‘A group of Russian songs followed, sung in English, which included Tschaikowsky’'s “None But the Lonely Heart,” “The Old Corporal” by Dargomizhsky. Mussorgsky's “Child's Evening Prayer” and Varlaam's Song from the same composer’s “Boris Godounov.” A German group contained Fleischmann’s “Fruehlingsreigen”’; a setting of “Der Tod, das ist dic kuehle Nacht” by Theodore Paxson, Mr. Eddy’s able accompanist; “O was ich mich Betruebe,” which the stuttering Wenzel sings in Smetana’s “The Bartered Bride,” and “zur Johannisnacht” by Grieg.

Encores Are Added

Songs by Cecil Forsythe and Jacques Wolfe, and John Alden Carpenter’s Serenade completed the listed numbers. Numerous encores were added, of course, to please the clamorous audience that applauded in and out of season. In addition there were two piano solos by Mr. Paxson—a Chaconne by Handel and the Scarlatti E Major Sonata know as the Capriccio. As soloist and accompanist,” Mr. Paxson is always the impeccable musician, a player of discernment, excellent taste and abundant facility. Many must have been surprised that Mr. Paxson has reset the song that Mr. Eddy included in the German group, and that Brahms has set so superbly. /There is no valid reason, however, why it can not appeal to different composers in different ways, or why Mr. Paxson can not like the Brahm version, if he so ‘chooses. Though patently inferior to the profound sentiment of the German master’s music, Mr. Paxson setting is sensitive and musicianly.

Shows Technical Improvement

Throughout the program Mr. Eddy showed a technical improvement over last year’s recital. The top of his scale still gives him considerable trouble, but he has learned to ‘“cov-

ALWAYS A GOOD SHOW

LYRIC

SFovoen 4 Last Days! 1 ANN

TN (TERT

HUMPHREY BOGART |” by Warner Bros.

commented | Ret onldren

FOLLIES"

SILVER CORNET BAND DIC K JUDOLE STON

& 2% HE.

wnt SLIM SUMMERVILLE JANE DARWELL | STEPIN FETCHIT

STARTING FRIDAY RED, HOT so~O00H !

TUXEDO

Charlotte Greenwood (seated) in a scefie from “Leaning on Letty,” an adaptation of ‘“The Post Road,” which is to come to English’s April 22 for

er” these tones to good effect. Though not the possessor of a big voice, nor a great one, he employs it with skill and musicianship. His phrasing, tonal line, breath control and especially his diction, are of high order. . As an interpreter, he is best in songs of a narrative of humorous nature. Depth of feeling often shows him at a disadvantage, or finds him largely concerned with the business of singing at the expense of more emotional things. But he seldom fails to please, and the charm and genial warmth of his personality are not restrigted to the young and feminine mémbers of his audience.

DANCING HER HOBBY

Claire Trevor, portraying the featured feminine role in “King of the Gamblers,” names dancing as both her hobby and pastime, but for obvious reasons, never goes dancing while working in a picture.

FRIDAY NITE at 8:30

“CATEST proput’

CWICE DAILY THEREAFTEn, 2:30 & RESERVED SEATS ON SALE T-0-D-A-Y

BOOKED FOR INDIANAPOLIS RUN

ISABEL LEIGHTON AT R-K-O STUDIOS

By United Press HOLLYWOOD, April 12.—Isabel Leighton, a versatile young woman, was here today to begin a scenariowriting career for R-K-O Studios. Miss Leighton, author of: “White Man’s Burden,” popular novel, and “Polly With a Past,” musical comedy hit, has been in turn war correspondent, actress, authoress, playwright and politician. She is a cousin of British Statesman Winston Churchill.

COMING ROLLER

8:30 rl

TAR

pert JOR

JILL

NDIAN,

A COLUMBIA PICTURE MATINEES: b50c, 75¢ and $1.00

(plus tax). EVENINGS: 50c, 5c and $1.00

(plus tax) and $1.50, including tax!

Tonight's Presentations at Y our

Neighborhood Theaters

BIJ

EAST SIDE Double Feature Paramount Suble Feat “COME CLOSER FOLKS” i 0 U Double Feature Wm. Gargan “CAPTAIN CALAMITY” ; 3155 E. 10th Fred McMurray “MAID OF SALEM” 2442 E. Wash. St. TACOMA Double Feature Sonja Henie “ONE IN A MILLION” 4020 E. New York Double Feature “GOD’S COUNTRY AND THE WOMAN” “THREE SMART GIRLS” Double Feature “GOD’S COUNTRY AND THE WOMAN" “MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS” 4630 E. 10th Double Feature “THE LAST OF MRS..CHEYNEY” : “DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND” Double Feature George Brent “GOD’S COUNTRY AND THE WOMAN” “YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE” | Pouile Yeatnre ’ oan rawford “THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY” Helen Lynd—*“HATS OFF” a= . 2361 Station St, D R b A M Double Feature 0 7 “ONE IN A Tone ____ “UNDER COVER OF NIGHT” Illinois and 34th

411 E. Wash. “GOLD DIGGERS OF 1937" "414 E. Washington “FLYING HOSTESS” Doors Open 5:45 Roscoe Karns—“CLARENCE" “THE JUNGLE PRINCESS’ Geo. Brent 5507 E. Wash. St. I R \ N G Geo. Brent EMERSON Wm. Pywell ET I ee 2a ZIG E. 10th SU. HAMILTON = Tt ” © 1332 E. Wash. St. STRAND : i NORTH SIDE MILLION” Double Feature

“BELOVED “COUNTERFEIT LADY”

PRE ~, 1500 Roosevelt Ave. Hollywood gubie Feature “THE PLAINSMAN" ouper “THREE SMART GIRLS" .Central at Fall Crk Double Feature via Sid “YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE? > “THEODORA GOES WILD”

UPTOWN Double reste “THE LAST OF MRS ie, ____ “SMARTEST GIRL IN TOWN” ST. CLAIR >" pousie I Vine

Barthol “LLOYD’S OF LONDON” SEY James Cagney—' ‘GREAT GUY”

‘Udell at Clifton U D B L L Double Feature “LITTLE MISS MAW dames Cagney—"GREAT GUX”

TALBOTT

NORTH SIDE

7 Talbott &. 22d Double Feature Fred McMurray

“CHAMPAGNE WALTZ “BELOVED ENEMY” Srv 30th at Northw’t’n k E X Double Feature Walter Huston “DODSWORTH” Joe E. Brown--"POLO JOE" 5 — El 30th and Illinois GARRICK Double Feature Paul Muni “THE STORY OF LOUIS PASTEUR” (1936 Blue Ribbon Winner) “WITHOUT ORDERS”

ps psa 19th & College Double Feature Stratford Marlene Deitrich “GARDEN OF ALLAH” “WANTED—JANE TURNER”

MEC CA . Noble & Mass.

Double Feature Dick Foran “GUNS OF THE PECOS” Walter Huston— ‘DODSWORTH”

~ WEST SIDE

a 2540 W. Mich St. D A | S Y Double Feature Pat O’Brien “THE GREAT: O'MALLEY” “MY MAN GODFREY”

HOWARD : oward & Blaine

H Double Feature Fred McMurray . “CHAMPAGNE WALTZ” «yOU ONLY LIVE ONCE” ——————1T" 703’ W. 10th St, : Double Feature S T A T E Larry Crabbe “ROSE BOWL” «LLOYDS OF LONDON” S W. Wash. & Belmont Double Feature Joan Crawford “THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY” Roscoe Karns—-CLARENCE”

SOUTH SIDE |

Double Feature

ARFIELD Jack Benny

“COLLEGE HOLIDAY” “ONCE A DOCTOR” Double Feature

LINCOLN Gary Cooper

“THE PLAINSMAN” Lf . uSMART BLONDE" . __ __ FOUNTAIN SQUARE Dn Fast oF MES. CHBYNEY" “WE'RE ON THE JURY’ ———— A} Fountain Square SANDERS ~~ pauble Fraisre «GOLD DIGGERS OF 1937” “CAN THIS BE DIXIE?”

; A IAL ~—"""jpres., Churchman ALON Double Feature Edward Arnold “COME AND GET IT” Joe E. Brown—' ‘POLO JOE” Double Feature

pe 11105 S. Meridian St. ORIENTAL Spanky McFarland “GENERAL SP. » Walter Hustop--“DODSWORTH”

§. East at Lincoln

three evenings and a Saturday matinee performance. The play, in which Miss Greenwood is starred, had a 20-weeks’ run in Chicago this season. .

SONJA PLAYS TENNIS

Sonja Henie not only was Norway’s greatest skafer, but also gained runnerup honors in the Norwegian national tennis tournament a few years ago.

SHIRLEY ALSO PIANIST Shirley Deane, who is the good

looking eldest daughter of “The Jones Family,” is an dccomplished

: HOLLYWOOD, April

Formula for

Films Simple

Director Seeks Variety; Hero's Pal or Father Js Killed. By PAUL HARRISON

(NEA)—Unlike most

jmovie executives, Noel Smith makes his job sound absurd-

ly easy. Too easy; there must be a catch in it somewhere. -

What Mr. Smith does is

ery. He has been doing this for years and years, and if all the cowboy films he has shot were joined end to end they could make a triple-strand fence around Texas. The boots-and-saddles epic now being directed by Smith is “Miracle Mountain.” It has Dick Foran and a story with a new twist. The new twist is that the hero’s father doesn’t get killed. The director says that it’s a good idea

father. That's for pathos, and to provide justification for vengeance. But Smith determined to. do something unusual this time, so he is killing off the hero’s pal instead. When he gets hold of a hew

‘Wild West” |

direct westerns, or hoss op-

always to kill off the hero's old j

Movie Fans!

Your attention is called to the fact that The Times maintains at Washington, D. C,, a special Question and Answer Service for your free use. See Question and Aunswer cnlumn on Page 18 for details.

script, Smith calls for his blue pencil and begins slashing. He cuts out dialog until there is just enough left to guide the customers through the story. “Western fans don’t want talk,” said Smith, “They want to see chases and hear guns going off.” : The boy-meets-girl, boy-loses= girl, boy-gets-girl formula is no good for camera rodeos, declares the expert. The western formula is: Villain chases hero, hero chases

villain, villain double-crosses hero and kills father (or pal), hero shoots villain, hero sgets girl. No western is complete without a stagecoach holdup. There are three of these in “Mirace Mountain.”

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