Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 March 1939 — Page 11
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ve
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ol “TUESDAY, MARCH %, 1939 Jiays Favors
“More Uplift * From Screen
+ Urges More Realism
\
Drawn From Life and
Shorts Which Educate. Since the movies seem to be
everybody’s business, Will Hays’ annual report to the motion picture in-
"dustry, made today in New York,
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commands its usual attention. Mr. Hays’ yearly speech is more in the nature of the President’s message to Congress than of a board chairman’s report to his directors, which it actually is. For it discloses the state of the cinematic nation, and usually indicates which tack the Motion : Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. (just a Jaw-breaking way of saying the movie makers) will take in the coming year. Well, it seems that things are going to be different. At least Mr. Hays has departed so far from his usual form as to arouse even the most casual movie patron.
Thrilling Action Not Enough
In the past, the tsar of all the studios generally has gone along on the assumption that he was dealing with the greatest of arts in this best of all possible worlds. He has espoused the “pure entertainment” theory, which, when translated into
film, is what is known as the “es-|
capist drama.” You know—personality conquers all, including the girl, and they live happily ever after. a Hear, then, Mr. Hays’ words of toay: “It is not so long ago that thrilling action for its own sake was considered satisfying ‘movie’; that the custard pie was the symbol of hilarity and amusement on the screen; that the chase was sure-fire entertainment technique; that boy-meets-girl supplied all the drama that a motion picture audience apparently demanded. “The increasing number of pic*ures produced by the industry ~#hich treat honestly and dramatiUy many current themes proves Nac there is nothing incompatible retween the best interests of the Jox office and the kind of entertainment that raises the level of audience appreciation, whatever the subject is.
Screen’s Scope Enlarged “It was inevitable that the scope
- of screen entertainment would be
greatly enlarged with improved dra-
matic technique and higher stand-
ards of appreciation to a point where the screen would become more and more socially and educationally important. Actual experience has proven that artistry can treat on the screen any subject within the boundaries of good taste and sound morals under the Motion Picture Production Code.” Mr. Hays also urged that some of the current misrepresentations of Hollywood should be corrected by enlarged services of authentic information. (There are now 358 accredited newspaper, magazine, free lance and radio correspondents in * Hollywood.) Of the Justice Department’s pending antitrust suit against many of the major studios, Mr. Hays said, in part, that “in all these problems the industry has dealt with the Gov-
~ ernment not oh the theory that it
enjoys immunity as distinguished from other industries, but rather that its special significance and peculiarly difficult problems should
& be factors in reaching the proper
3
2 *
solutions.” . Would Stress Americanism
Summarizing the force of public Shinion, under responsible group ‘leadership, upon movie practices, Ar. Hays said the call was: For the continuance and increase of those themes and treatments which emphasize “mankind’s long struggle for freedom and the hopes and aspirations of free men Srey: where”; For the proper emphasis on or own screens of the theme of Ameri‘canism “by pictures that present the strongest measure of hope in their portrayal of stories of success attained through initiative, through perseverance and sacrifice, and through the triumph of man’s spirit over material obstacles”; For pictures treated with realism drawn from life, of the problems of
~ the average man and woman among
-
t
in : A arly for the present generation
; 4 Ca
the rank and file of the people; Cites Good Will Factor
For pictures, including shorts and travelogs, which dramatize the home life and habits, the customs and the cultures of all nations and races; for pictures that deal with the great figures of history, treated with sympathy and fidelity to historical fact: For pictures that will meet to an even larger extent our entertainment responsibilities to our sister Americas, “and at the same time help to erase misunderstanding by portraying their history, ideals and cultural patterns”; For the continuance and development of the short-subject field, parsularly of those pictures which
the great events and stirring scenes of our nation’s history. (J. T.)
‘Bolt’ Hitler Jokes, Hurt
Couple Says Walking Out on Cantor Led to Fight.
HOLLYWOOD, March 28 (U. P.). —A man and his wife, who said they were beaten up because they walked out on Eddie Cantor’s program of jokes about Adolf Hitler,
are to seek assault and battery complaints today against three of the comedian’s friends. Charles Collab, 49, and his wife, Elsie, 42, were treated at the Hollywood Receiving Hospital last night for facial cuts and bruises they said were inflicted by the three men in a sidewalk brawl outside a Holly-|a wood broadcasting studio. They had walked out early, while Mr. Cantor still was cracking jokes about Herr Hitler and other Nazi notables ‘and whether they emitted “Bronx cheers” during their exit was a matter which may be debated in court.
United Will Sell Selznick Pictures
HOLLYWOOD, March 28 (U. P.). —An agreement under which United Artists Corp. will distribute all Selznick International pictures with the exception of “Gone With the Wind” was announced today by John Hay Whitney, chairman of the Selznick Studio. The action. brought to an end several months of speculation over
the releasing plans of the Selznick organization,
WHAT, WHEN, WHERE
APOLLO
“Love Affair,” with Char Irene Dunne, at 13: 46, 3: 45.5. RAR)
“The Great Man Votes,” with John Barrymore, Virgini 11:34, 2:37, 5:40 and 8:4 Jelier, a
CIRCLE
Vincent Lope d hi with Patricia Ellie Ben Bude: Abbot: and Costello, on stage at 12:50, 3:3 6:35 and 9:20. Mar Rand Die,” with Bob Hoge, on screen 4:50, 7:40 and 10:25. 5 1, 1,
ENGLISH’S
“Susan and God,” Rachel Crothgre qirama starring gossie Royce g a tomorrow at 2:30 and 8:30.
INDIANA
“Three Smart Girls Grow Up,” Deanna Durbin, Nan Gre ? Helen Sari at 12:49, 3 45, 0: 59 and
“Beauty for the Asking,” - gile Bal, at 11: a1, 2:46; 5751 and
LOEW'S
Jobo 2psoach, with Sire chevor, Aiichell at VW ido. hid 5, 0:30 and 10. ng ate,” wit . Brown, at 11:25, 2:30, 5:35 3°. “
\
CONSTANCE BENNETT PAYS $4000 DAMAGE
HOLLYWOOD, March 28 (U. P.. —A compromise under which Constance Bennett settled a $20,950 damage suit for $4000, had the approval today of Superior Judge Emmet H. Wilson. The suit was brought against the actres by Darleen Shernanian, 15, who complained she was injured when struck down by Miss Bennett’s auto, driven by Gilbert Roland, actor.
SMRSH WEEK!
SPENCER" TRAGY ripper || “BIG CITY”
Jack Benny, “Artists & Models Abroad”
spe
_ Martens Concerts, Inc., will present these artists at English’s during its 10th consecutive season, 1939-40: prano of the Metropolitan Opera, who will open the season on Oct. 23; 2, the Jooss Ballet, making its third appearance on the course Feb. 5; 3, the beloved violinist, Fritz Kreisler, booked for Dec. 10; 4 and 5,
1, Bidu Sayao, Brazilian so-
sr
Rose Bampton and Nino Martini,
soprano and tenor of the Metro-
politan Opera, in a joint recital April 8; 6, Vladimir Horowitz, returnto the United States after a three-year absence for a local recital
on March 11.
Also on the Martens schedule are Vitya Vronsky and
Victor Babin, the Russian duo-pianists who will be heard Nov. 12.
MUSIC
By JAMES THRASHER
Mr. Iturbi is an old friend,
and facility,
The eminent virtuoso’s sister, also his pupil, incidentally, is an exceedingly talented pianist. She does a creditable job of matching technic for technic and .temperament for temperament ,which is no easy job when Jose Iturbi is setting the pace.
It scarcely couid be expected that she would possess all her brother’s refinement of style and beauty of tone, for there are not a great many pianists who do. Yet there was an admirable balance of tone and interpretation. Brother Jose's gallantry in permitting Miss Amparo to maintain her place at the first piano throughout the concert was quite. justified. 2 ” ® FTER the first two numbers, the . program partook of an almost popular nature. Mozart’s familiar Sonata in D was heard first. And this ardent Mozart enthusiast is driven to the conclusion, after patient and repeated playings and hearings, that there isn’t much that can be done with it. The lovely Andante and Variations of Schumann followed, and were played with a fullness of romantic sentiment, yet with avoidance of any exaggerations. For, despite the traditional Latin temperament, both players lean more toward the impassive than the overemotional. Musically trifling, perhaps, but certainly arresting and brilliant were the two Spanish Dances of Infante, which came as a decided contrast to the foregoing compositions. Insistent applause after this group brought forth the third of the three Infante Dances. The evening's climax came with
things, Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” It is a pleasure to skip Saint-Saens’ “Caprice Arabe” with-
the final number, which was, of all}.
out more ado and to consider this Tonight, Wed. Eve. at 8:30. Matinee Tomo!
ENGLISH #5 Suki: Bo
JOHN GOLDEN Presents
INCE the bonds of holy wedlock seem to bring together most of our twopiano teams these days. it was a pleasant change to hear the brother-and-sister collaboration of Jose and Amparo Iturbi at English’s last evening in a recital which closed the Martens Concerts season. course, and a welcome one. And it was good to note that he has added this new activity of duo-pianism to his already full schedule as soloist and conductor with his accustomed grace
Gershwin classic, or Iturbi’s transcription
irreverent rather Mr. of it.
2 2 =
HE two-piano arrangement seems much more effective than the| original form, at least when the Iturbis play it. Mr. Iturbi has done more, of course, than merely transfer the orchestra parts to the second piano.
He has juggled things about so that each player has what practically amounts to a whole concerto movement to himself. In places, the transcriber ‘has improved Gershwin’s workmanship, which could stand some improvement, and has made the work more pianistic. Mr. Iturbi also went |Gershwin’s rather famous chromatic| run in seconds one better by slyly rewriting one of the melodies in major ninths. The players’ performance stirred up a storm of cheering from an audience which, be it noted, was singularly attentive throughout the evening.
Inebriates Get Escort Service
HOLLYWOOD, March 28 (U. P.). —A new Hollywood business, the escorting of inebriated persons home from celebrations, today was announced by Mrs. Ken Maynard, estranged wife of the cowboy movie star. Mrs. Maynard said that her organization, called “The Cavaliers,” would make a business—for profit— of escorting. home any gentleman or lady who had had a cocktail or highball too many and was unable to drive. : She has engaged 12 husky, goodlooking college graduates—all of whom have signed a temperance pledge—to do the escorting. In addition, she is filing the fingerprints of her escorts with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington for checking, a safeguard for her clients. Mrs. Maynard said that both police officers and night club operators agreed that her idea was sound and should help avert many automobile accidents.
PLAYS INDIAN
Neal Hart, Western star of silent days, won the assignment to play an Indian with the Brooklyn accent in “The Kid From Texas.”
Joan Keeps Pre-Divorce Rendezvous
Visits Club With Franchot ‘But Her Lawyer Calls Him a 'Pouter.’
HOLLYWOOD, March 28 (U. P.). —Joan Crawford, whose poetic New York rendezvous with Franchot Tone made breakfast table chit-chat for the movie colony, offers an added fillip today by asking a judge to penalize him for pouting. That was the “grounds” offered by her attorneys in a deposition to Judge Benjamin Scheinman asking a divorce. But it differed somewhat from the grounds she offered
.|in New York last night after her
“wonderful” rendezvous with Mr. Tone in a Broadway night club.
Explains Her Action
“It was wonderful,” she said of the pre-divorce date with the slender actor she married four years ago. “My husband is a wonderful person and a wonderful actor. But I can’t be married to him when he is married to the group theater too.” Her reference was to the group producing the current Broadway play in which Mr. Tone appears. 31 can’t compete with it,” she said. Judge Scheinman, whose breakfast table newspaper told of that gay dinner in New York, had, when he opened his court today, made only brief comment on Miss Crawford’s divorce plans. She need not, he had said, expect “any favors” just because she was a celebrity. Hollywood saw it differently, however. If her-plea is granted, by remote control as it were, Hollywood divorces hereafter win be “painless.”
Precedent May Develop
If Miss Crawford succeeds in getting her marital ties severed while 3000 miles away from the courtroom fans here, other movie stars will
help the local divorce business. When she made her deposition, it was announced that she would be “unavoidably” away from Hollywood on her way to South America. Next day her studio and her attorneys were vague about her plans and she personally had nothing to say. Then she went to New York and last night she and her almost-no-longer husband went places together. Miss Crawford's lawyer, Ellis I. Hirschfeld, insisted her divorce by deposition—which she made in his office before going to New York — was routine court procedure. He
“unavoidably detained” in the East, this procedure was necessary. The deposition of Miss Crawford says Mr. Tone was an unsympathetic husband, who refused to stay home with her after a hard day's work at the studio and “pouted and would not talk for three or four days at a time” when she refused to go out socially evenings because she had been exhausted by her work.
[ 25¢
{iil | LAST 3 DAYS! |
have a legal precedent which may|
said that because she was being|
HOLLYWOOD
By PAUL HARRISON
plenty of redskins in Hollywood
OLLYWOOD, March 28.—A new high in well-publicized authencity is the importation from Montana of a dozen Blackfeet injuns for atmosphere in the Shirley Temple picture..
"There are . who need the work, but there's
nothing very exciting, off-screen, about an Indian who dresses like
The hawk-nosed gents from the reservation are colorful and taciturn enough, partly because the studio keeps ‘em in character all the time. They live right on the lot, in an overheated sheet-metal
bungalow, and their enormous
meals—steaks, mostly—are prepared in the nearby Paris. The press agents actually believe that only one of the guests speaks English, but I think their silence is just a defense against the mad chatter of Talkietown. A secretary who's pretty enough for screen-testing says she rounded a corner of the sound stage the other noon and passed a group of Blackfeet squatting in the sun. They looked at her boldly, and one of the crinkle-faced old men made a guttural crack. “Yeah,” agreed a younger one. “Pretty cute!” # ” »
Simple truth about the shelving of the. Hedy Lamarr picture, “I Take This Woman,” is that it looked pretty bad as far as they'd gone, and Metro couldn't take a chance with its overpublicized glamorist on her first film for her home studio. 2 2 8 AJOR studios this month have the busiest spring production schedule in history. Before April 1, 58 features and some 20 shorts will be shooting, which means about 60 per cent more activity than last spring. But it also presages a slump for May and June, when some flicker factories may close. Just now, though, the extras are having their happiest days, and there actually has been a shortage of $5.50 and $8.50-a-day players, with studios petitioning for permission to use nonunion mob atmosphere hired off the streets! Several spectacle films are working on location, so their extras get free lunches. And in a
for “Waterfront” and “The Magnificent Fraud,” real beer is provided. It’s like a picnic.
A certain producer walked on a set the other day and asked: “Who's the guy in the fancy uniform?” The director explained that he was supposed to be Naps. leon. “Napoleon!” stormed the executive. “Why did you pick such a
Bing Crosby and sits around studying a racing form.
Cafe de .
couple of big barroom sequences,
little man to play such an ime portant part?” = ” 2. . Tots of divorces lately. Holly« 3 wood, says Stuart Erwin, is a place where a bride who goes home to her mother finds that her = mother has gone home to her mother. . . . A certain director, complaining to friends about his wife’s unexpected divorce action, said, “She ought to know that I still love her. Why, in the last month I haven't been out with the same girl twice!”
POLLY MORAN'S SON SLIGHTLY IMPROVED
HOLLYWOOD, March 28 (U. P.). —Jack Moran, 22-year-old son of
Polly Moran, film comedian, was reported slightly improved today at Wilshire Hospital where he is being treated for a broken neck. The youth was injured when he fell down a flight of stairs at his mother’s home.
NOW EXE] |
HELD OVER! NOW _ THRU THURS. Tyrone Power—Henry Fonda Nancy Kelly—Randolph Scott
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NOW EE
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