Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 February 1938 — Page 7

THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 1038

How Abbott Put Laugh in

Hit Comedy

‘Room Service,' at English's, Won N. Y. and

London Acclaim.

(Another Story, Page Eight)

————

Witth “Room Service” past its 250th Broadway performance, packs ing them in in London, and coming to English’s tonight in the course of its “road” tour, it seéms impossible that not so long ago it was a drug

on the play market. But it's true. This John Murray= Allen Boretz hit was being peddled around Broadway when the astute Sam H. Harris saw it and pounced on it for an immediate production. He chose Philadelphia for the tryout. The first-night audience laughed a good bit, but not enough. And there was something definitely wrong with the third act. Everybody said to Mr. Harris, “You can patch that up, all right, and you'll have a hit show on your hands.” Kaufman Gave Aid

He didn’t, however, and the show never got to Broadway. Mr, Harris sought out the collaborating genius of George S. Kaufman. Mr. Kaufman liked “Room Service.” But the

“Roor.: Service” authors did not like Mr. Kaufman's ideas. So the deal was called off, and the authors regained possession of their script. Then George Abbott appeared on the scene. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work, changing a few lines here and a situation there, stepping up the production's tempo and making some cast changes. Then “Room Service” came to Broadway, and Broadway loved it. So, incidentally, did London, when the play opened there about six weeks ago. English audiences couldn't appreciate the insanities of “You Can't Take It With You,” and the George Kaufman-Moss hit (in America) closed in a little more than a week.

London Liked It

All the London critics, however, had kind words for Mr. Abbott's farce, despite its typically American pace. The Times’ reviewer, singling out one actor for special praise, said his restrained humor was like the comparative reticence of a sledge hammer in a street full of steam drills. George Abbott, with a string of hits to his credit, consequently has been dubbed a “lucky showman.” This probably is not quite true, for Mr. Abbott has picked some very choice chestnuts out of the fire while some of his colleagues were standing around and sucking their fingers. It all began with “Broadway.” “Broadway” wasn't such a good play when its author, Philip Dunning, first tried to sell it. But New York's other producing Harris, Jed, saw possibilities which Mr, Abbott's ministering hand might bring out. So he called him in for a consultation. When the play reached opening night the program read “By Philip Dunning and George Abbott.” And it was a hit. Mr. Abbott also breathed new life into that extracurricular graduation

io i ae

STARS OF

LOCAL MUSIC EVENTS

PE

Stars of the week-end’s forthcoming music events include Vitya Vronsky and Victor Babin (above), the young Russian duopianists who will make their first Indianapolis appearance at 3 p. m. Sunday in English's as an offering of Martens Ooncerts, Ine. Below left is Ferdinand Schaefer, who will return to conduct the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, of which he is founder and conductor emeritus, in the concerts tomorrow afternoon and Saturday night. The soloist will be Frank Sheridan (right), American pianist, who is to play the Liszt Concerto in E. Flat.

NEW MODERN BEAUTY 11 a. m, to 6 p. m,

Now Through Sat.

thesis, “Brother Rat,” which was seen her this season. And his touch also gave an added zest to such things as “Three Men on a Horse” and “Boy Meets Girl,” This touch likewise has brought enough money into the Abbott coffers in recent seasons to make the producer feel something like a Hollywood executive. Of course, Mr. Abbott's judgment isn't ironclad, and he misses the boat now and then. In fact, he has had two “flops” this year. But he can claim a higher average than most Broadway producers. And he is among the busiest of that clan.

Usually he acts as coauthor and director of his plays as well. He supervises the casting personally, and usually picks the players “out of his head.” Being an inveterate theatergoer, he doesn't need to telephone the agents for candidates when a new play is being cast. He draws, first of all, on his own recollections, which are a sort of catalog of promising performers. And he is not averse to giving a newcomer a chance. And he probably is remembered in the prayers of many an aspiring actor for, at one time this season he had 143 players under his banner. Now, as if he did not have enough to do, Mr. Abbott is planning to go to Hollyweod when theatrical affairs

Visit BROWN COUNTY in Winter Good Roads—Picturesque Country The NASHVILLE HOUSE Is Open All Year Steam Heated Modern Hotel Chicken Dinners, Mon. & Wed. Special Parties Arranged Call or Write Miss Basteland, Mgr. Nashville, Ind.,, for arrangements,

“EBB TIDE"

Technicolor Sensation Plus

“Stella Dallas’ SARRARA

quiet down a bit. There he plans to direct a picture or two with his

friend and former collaborator, Mr. Dunning.

TARZAN CALLS

BP b

To the beasts of the jungle it's the call to battle . . . but to a daring American

beauty it's the FO Eg JN 7.

call of love! wh

J

Ny 27>

16,000 See Sonja Fall

Skating Star Unhurt as Rough Ice Upsets Her.

BOSTON, Feb. 3 (U, P.).—Sonja Henie rested today after the excitement of her ice carnival opening before 16,000 at Boston Garden last night, during which she fell while skating solo, was slightly disturbed by a small fire in the bandstand ang announced she would become an American citizen. She received a severe bump when her skates caught in an ice crack during a Viennese waltz number, Soon after, a carelessly swung torch in the “fire” dance started a small blaze in some decorations.

MISS BRENT RISING

In less than a year Evelyn Brent has worked herself up from extra roles to second leads in her comeback. The former star of silent days is currently portraying a part in “Highway Racketeers,” second only in importance to the one enacted by Mary Carlisle,

'3 STARS IN FILM

Robert Taylor, Margaret Sullavan and Robert Young will head the cast of Erich Maria Remarque's novel, “Three Comrades.” Only top role to be filled is that of third “comrade” among the three boys in post-war Europe.

INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

FABIEN SEVITZKY, Oonductor

FERDINAND SCHAEFER, Guest Conductor.

Soloist: FRANK SHERIDAN, Pianist MURAT THEATER

Tomorrow Feb. 4 at 8:30, Saturday Feb, 5 at 8:30

RESERVATIONS—RI. 9697

AGAIN!

“HOLLYWOOD

SEE the Belles of New Orleans pay honor to Jean Lafitte and Old Hickoryin the glorious pageant of America’s greatest Victory Ball,

EAN LAFITTE...once a name

to chill the heart of every

merchant-captain, to thrill the heart of every New Orleans Belle . . . now a name to flame in undying glory upon the

nation’s screen.

For Cecil B.

DeMille, master showman of them all, retells in thundering sequence after thundering sequence the life and loves of America's favorite pirate, the lad who, with a price on his head and the shadow of the gallows on his lean, young face, led his buccaneers to battle and to victory in the War of 1812 and in twenty minutes of blaz. ing warfare saved the United States from foreign rule forever,

The Battle of New Orleans... most thrilling battle scenes ever filmed... a new triumph for Cecil B. DeMille, greatest of all action directors . . .

SEE the march through the bayous as Jean Lafitte’s pirate crew answers the call to arms when the British threaten New Orleans.

Last Day! SONJA HENIE and DON AMECHE in "HAPPY LANDING"

PAGE 79

LIADLRSIORE

WASHINGTON AND DELAWARE STS

Closeout of Small Lots, Remnants, Samples—Save V4, V3, 3!

FRIDAY SALES

AND AFTER INVENTORY CLEAN-UP

CLEARANCE of Hundreds of Remnants—Small Lots—Samples—Few of a Kind Discontinued Numbers—Manufacturers’ Closeouts — Special Buys — Timely Merchandise in Every Department at Bargain Prices for Quick Action! Just a Few Examples Listed Below! Plan to Come Early! Doors Open at 9:30 A. M. Sharp!

No Mail or Phone Orders! No Refunds or Exchanges! All Sales Finall |

fl RAE i I

WOMEN'S $1.98 NOVELTY

SHOES

Better Hurry—They’ll Go Fast

All late fall and winter styles that we sold by the thousands at $1.98 a pair, Not all sizes in every style, but a complete range of sizes.

Men’s House SLIPPERS Men's House Slippers. $1 49c

Values. Leather soles, rubber heels. Irregulars. E “ 00 (ITT) Pes. Rayon Undies ______

Regular 19¢ and 25¢ value. Lace and tailored style. Full cut.

(139) Handkerchiefs _._._._____

Women's and children’s styles. Plain and printed.

(69) Porto Rican Gowns _______

Nice quality, hand appliqued. Tuck and side tied styles.

: y (110) Children’s U-Suits ____ 1 Sprint and winter weight, knee length, sleeveless. All sizes. y (39) Women’s Underwear ___... Winter weight union suits and shirts. $1.00 value,

(44) Children’s Handbags _. ._ ..

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(166) Child’s Gloves-Mittens _____

All-wool and part-wool. Bright colors.

(696) Valentines ____________..

Sentimental and comic designs in a large selection.

(129) Men’s Dress Hose ..__...._.

First quality, all sizes, fancy patterns.

Full Fashioned

Silk HOSIERY

29c¢

Regular length and kneehi styles. Wanted colors, all sizes. Firsts and imper= fects, of a high grade mill.

Leader—First Floor.

1c 24: 250 35¢

Men’s Vat Dye

SHORTS & SHIRTS

17

Each A regular 25¢ value, well made of vat dyed material. Combed cotton shirts too,

all sizes. Leader—First Floor.

Infants’ Warm

SNOW SUITS $7.00

2 and 3-piece heavy blanket cloth suits in navy, maroon, green and brown. Sizes 2 to 8. Leader—Second Floor,

Boys’ Up to $1 WASH SUITS

50

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(36) Men’s Coal Swealers __ __ Shawl collars, maroon and black, all sizes. (56) Men’s Fur Felt Hats____ __ Regular $2.00 value. Some slightly soiled from display. LEADER-FIRST FLOOR 000000 OOO I 000 OO Crowds — Crowds — Crowds Final Clearance 342 Pairs 1.00-1.95 Handbags FABRIC GLOVES HE Actual 59¢ to $1.00 Value —Pelts Zippers— A final clean-up of suede Pouches—Top Handles— 3 Q- and chamois fabric J 4 Underarms — Evening— gloves. All sizes in the C Colors—Pastels—Whites. lot and all wanted colors. Leader—First Floor. Leader—First Floor. PPO 0000000000 (155) $2.98 “Angelica” Uniforms 39: Bix colors. Sizes 34, 36, 38, 40. These are soiled, (36) $3.94 All Wool Robes _ $9.00 Wool flannels, maroon, navy. Jovaer. green, brown. Sizes small, medium, large. Soiled. 5 (11) $2.94 Corduroy Pajamas. $1 .00 Broken sizes soiled from display and handling. (103) Girls’ Lucette Dresses _._. 69 3150.51.04 a 4 Droken sizes and color assortment. (76) $1.94 All Wool Slipovers ... §0, Dark and pastel shades. Counter soiled. (30) 99¢ All Wool Sweaters ....... 3 Brown and bleck colors. A good serviceable coat. (160) $1.94 Blouses .......... £0, * Counter soiled and broken sizes in better type silk blouses. (58) 99¢c Blouses _.__.__._._.. 39: Attractive styles in cottons, rayon crepes. Sizes 34 to 40. n (15) $1.94 All Wool Skirts____ $1 .00 Men's wear woolens. Broken sizes. (19) $7.95 All Wool Jackets .. $3.00 All wool plaids—full lined. Sizes 14 to 20. (175) Pes. Infants’ Wear .____.. 25¢ . n Fast color dresses, all-wool shawls, slip-over sweaters. = i he LEADER—SECOND FLOOR LEADER'S BARGAIN BASEMENT « 98-Lh. Sugar Sacks _...___5¢ 36-In. Unbl. Muslin ___Yd., 4c Washed, bleached and mangled Good quality for mattress covers, curtains, ete. 3-Lb. Unbl. Cotton Batts _.._25¢ Toiletries _____________ Ge Just the kind for comforts. usa) SI 2s Set Powder Hit and Miss Rag Rugs...._10c Window Shades ._______15¢ T5%06, . e Kottle oe 36x5 ft. Made of first quality muslin. Green 6-Qt. Prasery oitle_____ and tan. Green ne» tin lid. Lace Curtains - Pr., 19¢ Table-0dds and Ends Gea (n 2% Yds, long. Irregulars of $1.10 quality. Shelf oilcloth and paper, forks, dishes, china- 100 Aspirin Tablets ey .9¢ ware, ete. 5 Grain, high quality, 100 in a bottle. Prints, Ginghams, Silk Shoe Laces, Buckles, Belts, DarnCrepes, Suitings, Curtain 1 ing Cotton, Shoe Polish, Buttons, Materials, Cretonnes. 2 Pencils, Drawing Books, Snaps, Cc Usable lengths. PRICE Watch Bands, Purses, ete.