Evening Star Newspaper, May 16, 1926, Page 71

Theaters “ @he Sy Stad Part 3—14 Pages WASHINGTON, D. C SUNDAY MAY MORNING, 16, 1926 Amusemen ToLLIo CARMINATI Strand BARRYMORE IJ UtCO]& SWRELT Central News an_d C«»owrpment By W. H. Landvoigt. ers and modifications in the world theatrical, the at Middle Class, next scason, will have the thrill of its life | the choice of its amusements. As the theater proper shrinks nd a cursory glance over the field of public in its imitators expand. entertainment suggests the possibility that, except in the word theater, | ature of the amusement world will have to be remodeled. | Road shows in the theater, meaning thereby, to avoid misunderstanding, | even the nomc the articulate stage. have heen growing poorer and poorer in their quality and power of entertainment to those who like to soothe their minds as well as tickle their eves or cars, and with a pronouncedly sagging sensation in the box offices. Unless the hox office is happy nothing else matters. Art for art's sake and the theater to reflect the manners and customs of the times are vagaries or idle dreams. This is not the age for things of that kind. ; s I s merry jest is being crowded. if not off the platform, at least into one of these modern mergers with the movies which will require a new name to identify it before-——who knows whe Some say that burlesque, which in recent years has been more or less disinfected and fitted for milady’s eyes | and ears, is faltering in its climb to the heights, and already the radio is | heing suspected of merging its mystic charms with an advertising com- | bine. All told, the show pot is boiling and somebody is monkeying with | the ingredients. A few years back and our dear old grandmothers would have been astounded at the mention of “the cat’s pajamas,” or “the cow’s kimono,” but now the movie has both, and they seem to fit perfectly. As sure as you're born, unless the great general public wants to be all dressed up and nowhere to go in the near future, it will have to get accustomed to new names and the new character of recreation that is being provided for it by the showmen of the modern world. * ok kK E suggestion a short while back concerning the movie “road show” is rapidly being converted into a realization. Its purpose is to bring more money into the movie box office. So eminent an authority as Adolph Zukor, who represents the Alpha and Omega of moviedom, under the captlon “Five Years From Now,” opens an explanatory screed with the announcement “Co-operation between producer and exhibitor to the end that greater revenue will be deserved from the publi This, to my mind, will be the greatest development in the next five years.” The article appears in Film Daily, “the Movie Bradstreet,” and unfolds with charming naivete. In making clear just what he means, Mr. Zukor starts off with “The public constantly is demanding hetter and better pictures. To satisfy his public the theater exhibitor also is demanding better pictures. While extrava- gant expenditure does not necessarily mean greater entertainment value, it is true nevertheless that ‘bigger’ pictures” (Mr. Zukor first said “better” pic- tures) “will cost more money. So we arrive at this problem: The producer, to make a profit on his investment of money and effort, must get a greater return for his product.” Mr. Zukor then deftly shifts the train of thought to the need of getting more people to attend the movie. He is very clever, but his five years more may casily be reduced to three or two years, indeed to one year of grace, before the boost in movie prices is administered. * % HE mixing of the adjectives better and bigger in Mr. Zukor's reference to the kind of pictures the public is «lemanding is so obvious as to merit the retort “Punk!” The annual reports of dividends by the various producing concerns, if not the monstrous sums which they announce they are to expend in the coming season, would seem to indicate that producers already are getting a pretty fair return for the money and effort invested by them. The talk of “bigger” pictures costing more is beside the question, because no body is asking for “biggar” pictures, You can make pictures better without making them bigger and also, it is confidently believed, without making them more costly. If it is the common purpose of pro- ducers and exhibitors to get together and present a solid front toward inereasing their profits, it is the amusement-loving public that is going to be juggled into furnishing the funds without getting either bigger or better pictures than are now provided. At least that is what one man thinks. * ok k ok 3 BUT what efforts are being put forth at this time to make pictures either bigger or hetter? “Presentations” is the answer. The ranks of vaudeville are being-drafted for prologue and presentation talent by the movie exhibitors. The purpose of that might be to thus put over mediocre pictures, that cost even less than the common run of today, with subsidiary entertainment that may serve to distract attention from the picture feature Tt is dreadful to be so skeptical, but how can one help jt? Of course, it is possible to devise a new form of entertainment to take the Lfl:ce of that now served in the average movie theater, and it may be t hodgepodge may be worth the money. But it also means that the present form and character of movie entertainment which is provided within the | t X 1 fwell within their mimic story and all worked to an‘effective end. Many means of almost the poorest household and which has attracted millions of people to the movie houses is going to fade out and be replaced with something more costly, even if more elaborate. The public just now is not looking for costlier entertainment. It is not in a position to reform its lines of endeavor so as to make a slim pocketbook grow fat with greasy, green money and thus enable it to meet the increased cost of its few hours a week of recreation and forgetfulness of its common cares, Even vaudeville with its strident song, its tumbling athlete and its | Not to Write Miller Memoirs at this new | MarT Moorr Awmbasrador e BAR B %fiffio EDFORD politan. 10 // RAYMOID CRIFFITE Pa}aCe ey WILLIAM S HART Mutual | Nazimova. | (ONE of the greatest emotional actresses of her time comes to | Washington this week to play the lead in a sensational one-act play. Nazimova herself, she of stage and screen fame, returns to the two-a.day, after a long absence, iIn A new pro. duction, “That Sort,” written for the “Empress of Emotion” by Basil Mac- Donald Hastings. Since Nazimova's laat appearance here in “War Brides” she has starred in many screen successes, but there has never been a vehicle, either of the silver sheet or the stage, that has brought out the great possibili Wardmtan Park Uhea’rer ties of her talent like the playlet, hav- 8 ing for its foundation the horrors : of_war behind the lines, Not long ago a celebrafed dramatic critic was asked who, to him, repre- sented best the true dramatic irit of the dramatic stage. His answer was Nazimova, ‘“because,” he said, “she combines the best qualities of Duse, Bernhardt and Modjeska, and still she remains human.” FRANK P. MORSE, who for many years had been in intimate touch with the late Henry Miller, states that he had occasion recently to communi- cate with Ollie Alger, manager of Henry Miller, with reference to cer- tain memoirs of the late Henry Miller, which purport or are alleged to have been written by Laura Hope Crew: “Mr. Alger telephones,” says Mr. Morse, “that he has spoken to Miss Crews upon the subject, and that she positively denles having written such a series of articles, or that she enter- tains any Intention of signing her name to such a publication.” Billie Burke is to play once more under the Charles Frohman manage | ment, according to announcement from the Empire Theater. Arrange- ments have been made by [lorenz Ziegteld and Gilbert Miller for her ap- pearance in Zoe Akin's new play, “Pardon My,Glove,” with Louls Wol- heim in the leading male part. It will be one of the first Frohman produc- tions next season.. NOBODY prominent in the moving picture game, so far as this column is advised, has yet gone to the poorhouse because of his effort to give the world better pictures. There has been a splendid effort in the ranks of picture production toward making pictures more wholesome, less open to the charge of offense against the proprieties in matters of morals. This effort has been rewarded by increased patronage and the general favor of the public at large: But it would seem from Mr. Zukor’s drift that the prime effort now of himself and his associates, in conjunction with the picture exhibitor, is to be devoted to making more money. It was the scramble to make more money that got the movie into its original trouble that brought the censor down upon it. As a rule, the fellow whose chief aim is to make more money very quickly dispenses with restraints and makes it in any old way that he can. If the rumor as to burlesque he true, and the exactions of refinement, if not decency, are to be relaxed there—to make more money—why may we not presume that the same effort on the part of the movie will tend to undo all the good that has been done in the recent past to make better instead of bigger pictures? The movie is a precocious and illimitably ambitious kid. No one wishes to restrain its climb to true greatness. But when Money alone is the chariot to which it proposes to hitch its star, the chariot is in danger of being consumed in the wasting fires of a comet that may utterly destroy both. All of which will serve to vary the monotony of its meditations between times when it is not exploiting one or another of its wares. Meanwhile, the public, being forewarned, will have time during its Summer dolce far niente to frame its plans for ‘meeting the new conditions that seem to loom before it. 3 * ok kK ND yet there is time and space for a word about the performance of “Thank-U,” by the National Players. It is very easy to say a play is good or bad, even very good or very bad, and then to leave your reader wondering how or why it is so. It is just as easy to dismiss it with a flip- pant sncer or a merry quip. that has more of an aim on its own account than an intention to do justice to its object. “Thank-U" was admirably cast and quite as admirably played. Few road companies of the year, indeed, have offered anything as good, and fewer anything better. The characterizations were natural and effective, all of them. The players kept thought “Thank-U" the best play of the stock season thus far. At any rate, there wasn't a single discordant note of criticism. It was certainly one of a collection of very. delightful entertainments that the gifted players of the company have presented this season, complementing last season’s excellent repertoire that carried the company successfully through the entire Summer. Washington will not be without its (’htll!l’ this Summer. Current Attractlons. At the Theaters This Week. NATIONAL-—The Last Warning." comedy mystery play. tomorrow evening. KEITH'S—-Nazimova, vaudeville. EARLE NATIONAL PLAYERS—"The Last Warning.”” At the National this week the N: tlonal Players wi 3 mystery play, “The Last Warning.” The story has to do with the the- atrical business and practically all of the characters are actors, managers. stage hands and such. The action takes place In the manager’s office of a supposedly haunted theater and on the stage. In the last scene novelty hits the peak when a play within a play, “Thé Snare,” is given. Much of the hilarious comedy is supplied by one Evelynda Herfdon, a | burlesque chorus girl who is employed | by the ma ¢ to make the other actors laugh and forget the ghostly menace which hovers over their prep arations to' Iynda does a lovely job of mangling the well known English language. To those who enjoy a good show well plotted and well staged and re- plete with laughter and _suspens ought to like “The Last Warning. The action takes place on both sides of the footlights and in the boxes, and a decidedly novel twist is given the last act with the appearance in the aisles of honest-to-goodness live police- men. KEITH'S—Nazimova. Nazimova, the great emotional ac- tress, herself will headline the bill at B. F. Kelth's Theater this week. Nazimova will he remembered for her last appearance at Keith's in the gripping playlet “War Brides." This time she is appearing in a sation- al one-act play, “That Sort,” written for the modern Bernhardt by Basil MacDonald Hastings. The famous comedian, Will Ma-* honey, also will be featured. There may be plenty of troubles in the world, but_Mahoney knows nothing of them. His business is to make laughs In his rapid fire gloom chaser, “Why Be Serious.” Eva Clark\of the beautiful voice will be heard in a program replete with lovely numbers; the Weaver brothers, known the world over as “The Arkansaw Travelers,” will en- tertain with their novel musical act, including a surprise feature; a gorgeous dance act will be' staged by Paul Yocan, assisted by Evelyn Saether, Eunice Schramm and Joe Cooney. Others will include a se- lection of original songs by Louise Wright, with a wardrobe of bheauti- ful gowns; the Youngsters in an athletic_routine; the Rols in what they call “A' Novelty Surprise,” and screen features, Aesop'’s Fables, Topics of the Day and the Pathe News pic- torial. EARLE—"The 0ld Homestead.” “The Old Homestead,” a condensed version of the stage classic in which Denman Thompson played, will be the remove the jinx. Eve-| Opens Opens this ‘afternoon. The Old Homestead,” vaudeville. Opens this afternoon. headline attraction at the Earle Thea- ter this week, beginning this after. noon, with Henry Horton in the well known character role, supported by a cast of 18. All of the original features of the plece have been retained, it is said, including the double quartet, the old-time square dances, the Swanzey Band, the Salvation Army and the Grace Church Cholr. Others billed are Ed Blum and sis- ter, xylophonists; Ray Fern and his partner, Maree, comedians;,Etal Look Hoy, who offers unusual lyrics and melodies in “A Chinese Fanta: * and Rilly Glbson in his latest offering, “Just Songs and Sayvings.” The photopl will he Priscilla an's production for Producers, The Danger Girl.”” with a supporting cast led by John Bowers. Hoffman-Hoskins Kiddie Revue. The Kiddie Review of 1926, to be produced by Hoffman and' Hoskins at the Belasco Theater Friday and Sat- urday of this week, promises to be a real treat. - One feature of the show which Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman boast of is a chorus of bathing beauties com- posed of 40 tots all ufder the age of 5. which should fill Mack Sennett with envy. The revue is arranged in four seasons, which give scope for beauti- ful and novel numbers. The scenery and costumes have been designed es- to this end. Spring, with all of budding trees; Suminer at the seaside, with bathing beauties and snappy jazz numbers; Autumnm, with Halloween in full swing; and Winter, with its white heauty and Christmas. Many of the girls and boys in the show have heen developed in_their work and technique to ‘a degree equal to many of our large musical shows. The bables will show you some new steps In the Charleston and also show the old folks how it should be done, TCHERNIKOFF DANCERS— THURSDAY. Among the ballets to be given by the Tehernikoff-Gardiner Dancers in thelr single performance at the Shu. bert Belasco Theater, Thursday, is “Orlentale,” a tale of a Persian harem with an exotic background and mise en scene. The role of Sultan and his favorite wife wiil be danced by Mr, Tchernikoff and Miss Gardiner, respectively. Louise Arnold will por: tray a Christian slave brought from Greece and Jean Densmore will be a dancing girl from India. Thirty beautiful odalisques will form a back- ground for the leading characters, while others will include tumblers, warriors and serving boys,. Special scenery is being painted for this ballet. The pantomime-ballot, ““Cinderella,” will include Kathryn Hereford in the title role, Jeam Lyof as the Prince; Marguefl: Weighell as the cruel | have the leading roles in_ First | tional' | Rudy | Surve; Nattonal CONSTANCE BENNETT Tivold ‘P}iotopl‘ays This \Veek At the Photoplay Houses This Week. COLUMBIA—"A Social Celebrity.” ning. ROPOLITAN nd evening. PALACE-—Wet Paint.” Shown this afternoon and ev RIALTO—"Watch Your Wife.” Shown this aiternoon TIVOLI—"“Beverly of Graustark.” ning. AMBASSADOR—"Old Loves for New.” evening. CENTRAL—"The Checkered Flag 4 Shown this afterno ME *0ld Loves for New.” Shown thi Shown this afterno Shown this after Shown this afternoon an She.” Shown tomorrow evening. METROPOLITAN—"0ld Loves and)former manicure girl, who unmas New." : him Lewis S. Stone and Barbara Bedford | Curiously enough. however. the a- | real story of his masquerade les and the girl he loves sees things dif ferently and makes possible his lans cherished desire for a heauty salon « his own. A juvenile comedy. “Rai the International Newsreel Columbia Orchestra will featu ke o production, “Old Loves and New announced as this week's at traction at Crandall's Metropolitan | Theater. It was adapted to the screen by Marion Fairfax from E. M. Hull's | story, “The Desert Healer.” The cast | includes Katherine McDonald, Tully | Marshall, Walter Pidgeon, Ann Rork | and Arthur Rankin. | Heading the added-offering wiil be | Wiedoeft, “the Sultan of the who is making his first local ng Cain and, the be other RIALTO—“Watch Your Wife.” “Watch Your artist ginia Valli s films | photoplay theatrical appearance as gues 3 b of the Metropolitan. Auxiliar will include the Metropolitan World | i the story and “Broken China,” a com- | couple and the p starring Bobby Vernon | menace their happiness “Old Loves and New" is sald to re. | " eppdq e I e thot who £ veal a story of unusual inteest lald | wore B wife in his work A divore fn_an unaccustomed locale and con- | £ 8 B 0 b atel taining adventurous episodes that lead | (/" 0 F 0 !'IHV:';W\N v ok w‘,‘: s to a dramatic cll | hunter. With the wife gone, home COLUMBIA—"A Social Celebrity.” | % no longer home to the husband. who seeks happiness in the compan- Adolphe Menjou, the suave Para-|jonship of another woman. mount star, will be featured at Loew's | aid that the gowns worn by Columbia this week, starting this af- | 11t and the several hun- ternoon, in “A Social Celebrity,” an | reveal the latest in fash- original story by Monte Katterdohn, | jon's mode. & directed by Malcolm St. Clai i | In the ¢ cast including Louise Brooks, who|ing, Nat Alhert Conti, Aggie was the alluring dancer in “Louie the | [ferring and Nora Havden. 14th;” Elsie Lawson, another favorite: | The s presentation is headed Chester Conklin, Roger Davis, Hugh | by the Dale sisters, harmony singers, Woed, Josephine f who will he heard in ballad and | “blues” gelections, Menjou is pletured smalltown | The comedy fllm offering is of spe- harber, whose wizardry with the | cial interest, in that Lionel Rarry shears sets him dreaming of a career | more, Gertrude Astor and (Clvde in Manhattan as the proprietor of a | ook are its featured players. great heauty salon. Armed with his| The Rialto Orchestra, under tobls of trade and a few dollars, he in- | Mischa terson, will play selec vades New York where he meets| tions from “The Red Mill" for Kitty Laverne. a former manicure | overture, and the International News girl from the old home town, now an |reel and other subsidiaries will com actress. Kitty spurns the hero as a | plete the hill. “hick barber,” and some young bloods persuade him to impersonate a for- eign nobleman and assist them to vie- timize some wealthy friends. In his bogus role he falls in love with a debutante who returns his affection, and then he again encounters the the quarrels st are Tielen Lee Worth- Drake and Ida W PALACE—“Wet Paint.” Raymond Grifiith will be the pleture star at Loew's Palace this week, starting today, in his latest screen of- fering, “Wet Paint,” a laughable ro- mantic comedy by Reginald Morris, supported by Helena Costello and | Bryant Washburn, former Paramount comedy star. Arthur Rosson directed it Griffith’s silk hat. synthetic mustac| and immaculate evening attire are in evidence, while the comedy rally one of upper social cir the tomfoolery that originates th The story concerns a young who, very much in love with a tiful girl, is tricked into propos to her s0'she can win a bet. Humili- ated by such treatment. the hero swears he'll have nothing further to do with her and, instead, will marry the first woman he meets. This rash {vow engenders most of the comedy { values of the picture. and in his mad efforts to avoid everything in skirt Teéti: Viawss; FAlla- La GArde; and thus evading his vow. he pa Lotise Hunter. Jean Sothorone, Wil. | threugh some hairraising adventires, liam Hill, Arthur Braey and Issac |0t the least of which is a 60-mile-an- Simons. , 5 (Continued on Third Page.) stepmother; Ann Breithbarth as the fairy godmother and Betty Harts- horn and Olga Harveycutter as the Jjealous stepsisters. The “Chopiniana” will present Miss Gardiner and Mr. Tchernikoff as solo- ists and Madeleine von Unschuld, Marguerite Weighell, Kathryn Here- ford and Jessie Stronach as fi dancers, with a corps de ballet of 16. “Death,” a modernistic ballet, with the Valse Triste as a musical setting. will present Dorothy Burr and Philip Gordon in the leading roles. Other _dancers include Marion Grimes, Helen . Notes, Amanda Ch tum, Amelita Alf: Helen Sweeley, Jane and Jean Dav Evely’ Catherine Browne, Ruth Lew