Evening Star Newspaper, February 19, 1928, Page 55

Theater, Screen and Music Part 4—14 Pages WASHINGTON, D. C, SUNDAY MORNING, AMUSEMENT SECTION he Sundwy Star, FEBRUARY 19, 1928, ' Motors and | ' Motor Touring CHARLES HuEey- Palace -— Latest Moves on the Theatric Chessboard BY PHILANDER JOHNSON. After confident preparation for . fortnight of Ziegfeldian magnif- icences a turn in affairs left the National Theater obliged to call| in its handsomely printed an- nouncements for the week of St. Valentine and darken the theater in melancholy respect for the ill- ness of Comedian Cantor, which rendered him unable to appear. Impresario Ziegfeld has been quoted as declaring with solemn- ity his conviction that Cantor must be very ill indeed. Only| cesperate emergency persuades a player of prominent reputation 1o ieave a theatrical performance without its main reason of exist- ence. When a comedian has toiled from obscurity and gained the proud position of being “the life of the party.” he finds him- self with responsibility as well as reward. Where in his early career his presence on the stage was scarcely noted, in the climax of his popularity he may be- come conspicuous in the atten- tion of the public through his very absence. 2 % x 1t was the expectation of the Na- tional Theater to have two weeks of Ziegfeld; Cantor followed by “Three Musketeers.” When the Cantor production canceled there was a slight hope of advanc- ing the date of the Dennis King opening in “Three Musketeers” in order to fill the vacancy. This could not be done because the new musical play needed the full week for preliminary work and coulé take no chances on jeopar- cizing by an unfavorable intro- tion its future, which is ex- d to parallel that of the Boat.” By opening on sday “Three Musketeers” will ow the precedent set the wow Boat,” which will be re- ded not only as an evidence of ¢ discretion, but as a good omen Manager Rapley philosophically remarked that there comes a time in the year when even a theater may be better for a little rest. He would rather close the house than run the risk of trying to enter- tain empty furniture and the andeliers with another “Six Feet Under” or “La Gringa.” o Dennis King, whose brilliant at- tz.inments are the wonder of the present time, represents the ease with which even a great National Capital, accustomed to familiar contact with the most distin- guished representatives of tori- cal and musical proficiency, can overlook rare brilliancy on the part of an artist ing's engage ment in this city recalls the G r.ck Theater Btock Company un- cer the managemen’. of Garry jarry some hall dozen years McGarry's de not long since brought sorrow to many 1riends who had observed his ar- audacity with sympathetic d hopeful interest. Dennis King v.as a member of this little troupe would sometimes be found urday night computing the possibility of goinz on the following Monday. A spirit of alty was not infrequently U mpany’s chief asset. McGarry 1o Buftalo and sblisned 1t in complete guccess $eid . wvent hir » The disappearance of the Gar rick Thealer from the map at nth and ¥ leave 10 be rec ved only by the personalities hich 0 was associated Among these it has become the fortune of Dennis King to .,:!“ E 2 pound W the Lop of the ladd He 15 one of those players who brcome slightly run{fl-mung he rause they cannot be equipped with astral bodies or some olther yetaphysical device enabling si- pultanecus appearances in dif- ferent parts of the world, No matter how well a duplicating company might sing “The Vag, bond King” the comment was al- | ok, sure Lo be offered AL, yes' Very fine indeed, but vou Really Bhould hear Dennis sfl.mg sing it in New York'” Reference is often made, and bou seldom taken periously, to the conscientious effort and faith in self that mean success in the theater. Thoroughly admired as an actor, dependable as well as competent, Dennis King's talents as a singer were not suspected. Frequently as his fellow players at the Garrick departed home- ward they would turn to look at | !a figure in the dim light softly | touching the keys of the piano as one who plays for his own ear| alone. The comment was often made: “What an odd waj; for a man to_amuse himself! The Washington public cannot be held responsible for an occa- sional lack of interest in the thea- ter. This community is one which | measures the quality of the enter- | tainment with a care often so conservative that a production] which scores a New York success | finds a reception far less enthusi- | astic than it deserves. Response to merit was lavishly in evidence during the engagement of Diplomacy.” * X ¥ % In a season when smashing suc- cesses are limited in number so as to give a few theaters, even in New York, a near monopoly of patronage, large theaters become | often available for special enter- tainments ranging from grand cpera to pictures de luxe. It is not reasonable to expect that another season will go by with so pronounced a limitation of the list of available dramatic and light musical attractions. In the discussion of future housing facilities for operatic organiza- tions, the Fox Theater has been mentioned as an ideal home for great musical productions. The hope that it will one day afford zppropriate shelter for singers of orld-wide reputation was ex- pressed in the literature asso- ciated with its opening, which EORGE C. TYLER'S revival of “She Stoops to Conguer” will open in Philadelphia March 5 and will be presented in Brook- lyn and this city before goi to New York. Fred J. Butler will direct Chamber- lain Brown's proposed production of “The Great Necker,” in which Taylor Holmes and Marjorie Gateson will ap- pear. The Pacific Coast rights to “Burles- que” have been sold to Lilllan Albert- at 5 the lay will open In San was one of the most brilliant oc- i eico next month, The German casions in the history of Wash- | und Central European rights of the play ington theaters. Grand opera in have been sold to Otto Klement of Ber- the Fox Theater for a few weeks |lin. scattered through the season is a | dream now entertained by mana- | gers and one which will gratify ! many patrons if it can be made to come true. The support given the Albion company’s presenta- tions during the past week was sufficiently liberal to indicate a substantial and increasing desire for this form of entertainment > Opera will presently turn from the tragedies of the old poets and composers to the comedies of Gil- bert and Sullivan. These operet- tas were 50 lightly regarded that highly educated musicians often apologized for the keen enjoy- ment to be found in them. The works were called nonsensical in subject matter and rather trivial in musicianship. W. 5. Gllbert | present Arms” 15 to be the name of cast aside the pride of the author | 1w pFlelds’ new production, which s to as he referred in “Pirates” (o|have its initial presentation in April that infernal nonsense ‘Pina- | Rodgers nng‘.!:n;}‘ -k;"l:h""ll“:"\':;l""l'n fore”” As current information |it and Herbert Flel ORI e concerning the Gilbert and Sullf- | bok van engagement s distributed | rhe New York Players are making liberal guotations are made from | preparations for their revival of “The the dextrous and resourceful | Beaux Strategem” early in June. The rhyming. This method was pur- | casting wil be made by a committee sued when the operettas were first | consisting of Walter Hampden, A. H produced, Mr. Gilbert remaining | ,‘“',“"'L"‘;’;-m”';{,',‘{,(n' g to this day one of the very few s theatric poets who can without subject his productions to tne test of the reading lamp »x Louise Brown, now appearing in “The Girl Priend” in London, has been en- gaged by Philip Goodman for a musi- |cal production for Broadway next | season Edward to John s Spider.” “Cock A play called “Women. ™ and Edith Ellts, has been so! Halliday, now touring in * Mr. Ellls is now appearing in 7 Robin” in New York The firm of Boothe, Gleason & ‘Truex, which was quite prominent two | the Pall with four plays. They include | “Wilbur,” & comedy by John Peter |Toohey 'and Anne Morrison; “Snare Drum,” & drama by Louise Closer Hale; “pufty,” by James Gleason, and “Poor | Nigger,” by Lucille Webster Gleason Croshy Galge will be assoctated in staging the latter plece. Margaret Wycherly will return to theatrical activity March 1 in the role (of Mrs. George Collins 1n the Washing ton Square Players’ production of Ber- nard Bhaw's “Gettng Marrled” This A new school of playmaking 50 s to be the first production of the sea- much in contrast to what the son at the Brooklyn Little Theater. The present week will have Lo offer second is 1o be “Fanny’s Fist Play continues Lo proceed, as in the Joseph Santley's musical comedy, of “Broadway," on the just Paney,” s now in it sixth week that the worse it 15 the | in Chicago. better folks like 1t A well acted ! {play 1s almost invariably able to {defy poiite protest, and a two- fear tear “Golden Duwn' in’ New York, expects o revive “Cousin Bonla” next sewson week season here for this par- | The paly 15 sn adaptation by Miss ticular specimen 18 renewed evi-|sylva from the French of Louls dence of a4 numerous element of | Verneull the public that enjoys brlng{ ‘Ueated rough” {#tock company in Pittsburgh in April One of the motion pieture | wpim “imPaty l,,_'y e e i patrons who read the titles with | gunnister 18 & well known Brosdway repressed audibility was struck by jactor, with many friends in Washington the reference 1o the “Jazz Bing- | He is the husband of Ann Harding, who er's” vocal pathos in the line “he | 13 now sppearing in “The ‘Irial of Mary |has & tear in his volce’” The |PDukan % {patron spoiled the {mruv by pro-| Awrons and Freediey will present an- nouncing it "tear” Lo rhyme with | other musical comedy, entitled "“Here's | "hear.” How." Their other, “Funny Face,' 1s Hurry C. Bannister will install a seasons ago, will resume production in | Murguerita Bylva, now appearing in | A PrOPP- Gayety IN THE SPOTLIGHT Notes of the Stage and Its People. ! raid to be doing more than quite well at present on Broadway. “Here's How" will introduce Roger Wolfe Kahn as a musical comedy producer. He is to collaborate with Joe Meyer on the score. | Fred Thompson and Paul Gerard Smith | will write the book and Irving Caesar the lyrics. Sammy Lee will supervise dances. The Show Boat” which made its tart in this city a few months ago, is {0 have a second company. The present company has been turning people away cver since its premier. It is the bellef that two theaters can be filled nightly in New York with people who are anxlous to see the show. A Roxy Theater alumn! club might be formed among those who assist in | “Rain or Shine,” the musical comedy | Which has become one of the leaders in New York. Russell F. Markert, director of the Rockets dance troupe; Clark Robinson, art director: the Bachelor Quartet and Willlam Robyn, tenor, are #reduates of the Roxy presentation pro- gram. Coming Attractions NATIONAL—“King of Kin “The King of Kings,” Cecll B. De ! Mille's biblical spectacle, which w: {seen carly in the season at the N | Uonal Theater, is to return to that playhouse for a week's engagement, be- | ginning Sunday, February 26. For his subject De Mille took the greatest drama of history—the life, arrest, trial, death and resurrection of the Savior. Admirably acted by a cast (of 18 stars and 5,000 others, “The King lof Kings" s the outstanding motion picture of the year. A Riesenfeld musical score of great beauty 1s played by a symphony or- chestra that travels with the company. KEITH'S—Sessue Hayakawa. Sessue Hayawaka and company will dline the bill at B. F. Kelth’s The- * next week in a playlet by Edgar 1 Woolf, entitled “The Man Who Laughed " Eddie Conrad, with Marion Eddy, will be festured In "Whoo-Ha " GAYETY—"Bathing Beauties.” Next week's United Burlesque attrac- tion wt the Cayety Theater will be a new show entitled “Bathing Beauties,” which boasts a large cast of players and chorus of 20 “Bathing HBeautles” iclecied for thelr ability to aing and dance Anne lavUp and ming._ "Allll'! IRISH ROSE," rapidly bel completed, Anne Nichols has an- nounced that she will leave Hollywood for New York February 20, with her business manager, Willilsm Delignemare, o start rehearsals for her sequel to “Able," which 15 scheduled to open at the Republic Theater within three months. Miss Nichols 18 personally writing the lyrics for the theme song of the screen version of her play, the music of which 18 being prepared by J. B Zamecnik, who also wrote the score for “Wings" and 1s to do the music for Kl ’Il von Buohelm's “The Wedding March" DEeNNIS KING - LULEY, MEALEY and CROOKER= National News Reels anq Q}_)timism. SNJEWS reel * Vtors for opt of the world” declared Editor Ray Fall of Pathe News. in addressing a meeting of the Associated Motion Pic- Advertisers in New York | ditor Hali's topic was “What the Public Wants in News Reels” He ated that the real news itself was what the public wanted. and then pro- ceeded to explain just what news imeans in news rocls, as follows: | “Every trained newspaper man be- | lieves that he knows what news is. | But when news reels were developed land a new medium was invented for llh: dissemination of news, it was soon discovered that, as is always the case {where a new medium is employed. | variations in treatment, and even in | fundamentals, had to be made. | “The motion picture makes descrip- | tion unnecessary. You do not need to be told where a thing occurred when you see it occurring. It became necessary, therefore, to develop the ! narrative use of the motion picture camera, (o that the pictures them- | selves told the story. In doing this 2 new vividness and reality was im- parted to the news story. “Time is & news factor. We are {apt to believe that nothing is so dead | as yesterday's newspaper. And yet if you were on an island far from New York and a copy of one of New York's | leading newspapers were handed to |vou 60 days after its date of publica- |tion, it would still contain, so far as you are concerned, the very latest 1!)1‘\\3, ‘The reason for this is that |such a newspaper would bring to you | | with surprising vividness the events | depicted. And this, in almost exactly | the same sense, s true of news reels. are the greatest face imism in the history and vivid- ress inherent to the news story as told in moving pictures, your first glimpse at the news reel is just as fresh and just as interesting as would be your st glimpse at a 60-day-old newspa- r on this desert island. ally, in attacking the news field wi discovered new principles of news. We have found things which apply equally s well to the newspaper fleld as to the news reel field—and so the news reels have had a decided influence upon the newspaper. “The news reels have certain restric- tions which come from the nature of the medium which they use. We can- not hope to compete with the M Pickfords. We cannot hope to thrills constantly. Because of the viv idness of the medium with which we deal, criminal news cannot be shown because it is so real that the audi- ence's reaction is automatically against it. And the same thing is true of those pictures which would depict sor- didness and sorrow. “News, in my own definition. is a reflection of the great factors of cur- rent life. Guided. in part, by the in- hibitions and limitations we have noted. in part by the needs of the screen. the news reel has developed a new news fleld. Progress, develop- ment, achievements of science. of me- chanics and engineering and inven- tion, human interest based on stories of wholcsome achievement: all these have been opened up through the news reel as real news subjects. “The news reels have become a fac- tor in the progress and advancement of the country. To me they are the greatest factors for optimism in the history of the world.” (CECIL B. DeMILLE'S production of “The King of Kings" which is | having a return engagement at the Na- ! tional, brings together in opposite roles | three stars, who, to a large extent, dom- inatec the theater of Vienna a decade |ago. They are Rudolph and Joseph | Schildkraut and Victor Varcont, who | play, respectively, the roles of High | Priest Cataphas, the false disciple Judas and the Roman governor, Pontius Pllate. The elder Schildkraut and Mr. Var- | cont were rival stars, playing across the | street trom each other in Vienna 10 {years or so back, while Joseph Schild- B()tlvli Si;fles \VMEN the Little Theater of the Motlon Picture Guild was opened to the Washington public about a year ago the first picture shown was the Russian film, “Potemkin.” the recrea- tion In celluloid of the Black Sea revolt of 1905, depicting the hardships of the Russian people, particularly of enlisted men in the navy under the regime of the Czar. ‘The events it deplcted happened more than 20 years before the film was made, and the substantial accuracy of the production, even though it was made under the megls of the Soviet govern- ment, may be checked by the news- papers of that time. It was offered because it was generally accepted by critics as a remarkable pictuve, one of the most noteworthy ever produced Douglas Falrbanks sald that he ocon- sidered It the greatest picture ever made. Now the Motion Picture Gulld shows, for the firat time, the other side of the confilct between the classes in Russfa—the hardships suffered by the arlstocracy during the Soviet upheaval. “Hlinding Passion” 18 its title, It shows the manner in which peas- ants were Inflamed by the urgings of -rmmn, thelr transformation from willing vetaln bloodthirsty mob capable of almost any violence, the burning of manor houses, the butehery of landed proprietors, the privations, Night and exile of the despalring no- Kraut, then but a boy in years., was ris- ing to eminence. The real test of an actor. versatility these three men have displayed to a marked degree. For instance, Varconi and Joseph Sehildkraut are known to 3 | the public mainly as romantic herves. In this picture, however, they are strangely marked characters; Varcont, polished. authoritative, hesitant; Schild- Kraut, cynical, ambitious, deep of feel- ing under the cloak of worldliness Rudolph Schildkraut, who is an out- standing Shakespearean actor in the Teutonic world. has been doing re- markable father roles and royal roles stage and screen in this country. In “The King of Kings" he is a haughty, cruel and passionate priest. Presented. bility, all pietured in their grim terror. ‘The picture, produced in Europe by the great UFA organization, is said to be mccurate in every detall as regards the Russian setting. ¢ A Immortality of Actors. ON the first night of “The Merchant of Venice" in New York, Qeorge Arliss remarked to the audience that he had always understood that the actor wrote his record in shifting sands | and, unlike the composer, the painter and the writer, was dented Immortality yet when he came to act Shylock, Arliss discovered that the actars of the past, far from being dead and buried. all rose up to challenge him. ‘This recalls the story of Jacobl, the illustrious mathematiclan. In his old age, Jacobl was ance being consoled by a flattering disciple with the remark that all future mathematicians wouid delight in his work. “Ah, yes," replied Jacobl, “but to think that all my pred- ecessors know nothing of what I have donet” . Lothar Mendes, who Adolphe Menjou's ploture, of Honor," was formerly an actor with Max Reinhardt's company in Berlin, before the celebrated Reinhardt staged “The Miracle" Krnst Lubltsch was an actor with the company at the time Mendes jolned, 18 divecting “The Code A h 'a new medium we have cc X, | Spokesmen Esrle \ttractions in Washington Playhouses This Week l MUSIC AND DRAMA. NATIONAL—“The Three Musketeers,” operetta. ning. POLI'S—Washington Opera Co. in “La Tosca.” Tomorrow eve- ning. BELASCO—"The Letter,” drama. Tomorrow evening. KEITH'S—Kitty Doner, vaudeville. This afternoon and evening. GAYETY—"Band Box Revue,” burlesque. This afternoon and evening. Tuesday eve- NATIONAL—“The Three Musketeers.” The world premierc of one of the musical organizations in the sented at every evening performance during the week, a number of enter- taining specialties will be given by the Vincent B. Costello Post, No. 15, Ameri. can Legion, under the personal direc- tion of Bugle Sergt. Jack Lynch. The program inciudes drum and bugle se- le ns. speciaities and songs by Capt. lc'll ey L. (“Heinie™) Miller. U. S. M. Ziegfeld calls this the finest Tommy Murray, Jack Lynch and eretta crganization in the world to- st Three Muskete: unded perb story of Dumas which en and women for vears ng plot. its bravado. its vement and humor. Wi nounced by afternoon at the Nat roam around Paris by night with an expert guide is a rare treat. Mont- marte at night takes the lead for every kind of animation, for on the the heart. or at any rate the pulse. of Parls beats. It is the paradise of pleasure seekers. The maze of brilliantly lghted narTow streets teems with swift cur- rents of tumultuous life, sweeping in opposite directions and circiing sparkling ecdies in the more open spaces of Place Pigale. Place Clinchy and Place Blanche. Mr. Newman has. among other things, brought that amazing revue. the Folies pictures, the first showing of this as- tounding spectacle in America. Coml “Paris by Night” with superd views of the PyTenees and the French Alps is something entirely new in traveltalks. il . “Rosalie™ successes, is said to have re- ilt this marvelous tale and injected e extraordinary plot a modermn nd an avalanche of laughs. responsible for the s among the foremost cox cent ensembles and tunes. It was Ru wrote “Rose Marie." “The Vagabond King The cast. indeed brilliant eve: Ziegfeld production, has as i Dennis King. who created the t The Vagabond King.” noted perb histrionic ability and his grat- ¥ing sense of humor and endowed with a voice and appearance to make a perfect D'Artagnan. adventurer, duelist and great love Vivienne Segal. who plays the part of Constance, is one of he most distinguished prima donnas light opera stage. She created principal role in “The Desert Song” and “Castles in the u e role tn “Adrienne.” Her voice is al beauty. Lester Allen. who part of Planchet. is one of skillful comics of the day. DArle, who plays the part of the Queen, was until recently one of the principal voung prima donnas in the Metropolitan Opera Co. She ated the principal role in “The ntess Maritzs.” Another mportant nber is Vivienne Osbor ! CURRENT HISTORY—Friday. Clara W. McQuown at her weekly Ik on current history will discuss re. in Congress and mat- at home and abroad. ak especially of the meet- g of the committee on arbitration and security and of the Franco-German menn.‘nnehnd ignments in Europe. every Fridar the ballroo: Clud, 1010 Sever recently plaved " starring Billie Bu: play the part of the Cardinal. The roles of the three musketeers are impersonated by Douglas Dumbril | Detmar Poppen and Joseph Macauley. who plaved in “The Love Call” T remainder of the cast includes Lewis Hector. Harrison Brockbank. John Clarke, A Kline, Wilfred Seagram. D. Burns. Naomi Johnson and m a Rasch. who staged ck-and-white t he “Follies the ensembdl which are Thursday cvening at 1 the auditorium of Central ty Center, in a lecture o ’tr;e Moral Odligation t Be Intellf- gent.” John Erskine is professor of lish Columbia l'h!v:‘slty. 'h"'&‘f‘ said he handles his enormous amo s manner that wo one but & physical and he sen- al b | *and e headed by Hoctar, e A mam- nging ensemble galaxy of Ziegfeld glorified beauties are other fea- tures of “The Three Musketeers The production has the typical feld elaborateness of costume scenic display. lev are o de had School Butlding, the sstand, and will de on sale Rt at the door of Ow ! | and KEITH'S—Kitty Dener. { Miss Kitty Donor, one of Americas | greatest male impersonators, will top the bill at B. F. Keith's Theater this | week in “Twenty Minutes i Paris | She will be assisted at the plano oy | Billy Grimith E Also featured will be Nick Altrock /and Al Schacht. base ball's famous | clowns, with Joe Engel, well known members of the Washington Base Ball Cludb, who will present “Travesties on Popular Sports | Others will include Master Jay Ward. known as “The Typical Ameri- can Boy” and mascot of the Second A E F, who will appear with Ward and Dooley. Elste Pllcer. Dudley DOUSIAS - from and “Boots™ McKenna, musical comedy | th, favorites, i an _original act. Harey | Norword and Alpha Hall in “And She { Belleved Him"; Eltinge and Vernon in a [ new act, "My Caravan”. Miss Marion Aills and Miss Marie Goodwin A Cycle of Memary Songs and the Martell Brothers, who offer “The Where She Belongs. \\'h‘“ vandeville siars on every ok tage dut thetr own. and legit: PACKS an artist stage has dee tdhood. he ballet at t days when its stag: Kiutty's mermatds droves and St that were spectacles Because e was & all her flare for dan mbdovs 2) wore her tmy Alr that thex e beent her aficlal regalia ever sive Al Present ale presents a4 whole SRS~ i of lvely malte—-a purple-suited | Frenchman, an pnprovident dut oo | etely dashing amd properly monovled | Englishman, & triefly kiliad Scetchman and. just by way contrast, she W cludes I her program a Novely walty {danced and sung m fufty. frivelows Sl clothes. | Surrounding the bill will bde new additions of Aesop's Fables, Topies of {the Day and the Pathe News. GAYETY—"Band Rox Revue" The “Band Box Revue” this week's United Burlesque attraction at the | Qayety Theater, has & large cast of en- tertainers, including Jack Exickson, oc- fcentric .\\\;ur«m\ Auna Propp, sou- {bretie, Margle Burke, comedienne - Ruth ' Darling. fgenue, AU Flation, |, Ad few, stapect that the apparentty Clyde Schaffer, Henry Newer, and s | AW AU ST REE Ba | a {chorus ‘af 30 girls, who put over the | Al braid af lag atr tucked up wndec [dzen or mare musical numbers with {18 fUESe Tttt r:-‘;. Ly speed and harmony. Rt - o v ey Among the novelty features offered | M Wwill be the “Hand Box Revue' Drum Corps, the Saxophane Ovtel, m.al Qlarta Swanson's “Sadie » Sheikee " an Oriental dancer W osald 10 be umashing records at the As A apecial atiraethw, 10 be e New Yok Rivall . \