Evening Star Newspaper, June 21, 1931, Page 48

AMUSEMENTS. Flashes From the Screen News and Comment of the Photoplay. By C. E. interesting and at the same time one of the niost puz- gling in all Moviedom. This direc- tor, who was one of the ploneers of the screen, -tepfed to the top rung of the photoplay ladder. He was closely watched, his moves were duplicated, in a way, by ocher directors and producers, and is pictures usually were ruccess- ful.” Then, suddenly, he dropped from the spotlight, and the sound pictures have shoved him still deeper into the beyond. Yet, at one time, Grifith was acknowl- edged as the leading spirit of the movies. Those who made careful study of the matter had decided that he was the one to lead the hotoplay from darkness and place t where it really belonged—as the finest medium of entertainment. * This man Grifith, in the days of long ago, was the first to bring out a long picture—that is, the seven and eight reeler—after film roducers had announced that the “long” picture was an impossibil- ity. “The Birth of a Nation” was a brilliant idea, and it came to the ublic at a psychological time. ollowing this, Griffith produced “Intolerance,” “Broken Blossoms” and “Isn't Life Wonderful.” Of these pictures, “Birth of a Nation” made the most money and received the most publicity, but “Broken Blossoms” was the best produc- tion. If you remember, Dick Bar- thelmess and Lilian Gish were the stars. The group of films served to place Director Griffith at the head of his craft, and the four pictures were considered the most significant esthetic contributions to the screen world up to that time. Although many thousands of pictures have been made in Hollywood and elsewhere since that time, “Broken Blossoms” and the other Griffith works stand out. Griffith was the leader who saw the future of the motion picture. It was he who planned the pres- ent-day technique, who gave the film the foundation for bigger and better things. There was no dis- puting his place among the pro- ducers. Then, it seems, his de- velopment was arrested. For a time, he dropped from the film world. One heard little of his work and his plans. The value of his early work was recognized by others in the production line, and his ideas are followed to this day. But he has produced no more great pictures. “Birth of a Nation” is still exhibited, in more or less mutilated form, and it still ranks high when placed with the con- ventional pictures. The case of Griffith is more or less tragic to the }:hotoplay, be- cause, since he left the cinema. there has been little advance—at least, not in keeping with other progress. Of course, the sound picture has been developed and more or less perfected, but this is the only change from the early days. As far as scenic effects, ligfiting. close-ups and all the other details are concerned, they are no better today than they were when “Intolerance” and “Broken Blossoms” were filmed. The early discoveries and successes of Grif- fith placed the motion picture where it is today, and at that point the work of the master seemed to stop. The movie in- dustry, or art, is waiting for an- other Griffith—a director or pro- ducer who can vision the future— a film executive who can see be- yond the box office and do for the sound pictures what David Wark Griffith did for the silent film. * k kX With plenty of blonds for atmosphere,” “Smart Money” might have been an ordinary picture, but the work of Edward G. Robinson causes it to stand out. This actor, with an abun- dance of natural ability, has captured Hollywood and the public alike. “Front Page” is everything that is e:{ected of it, and *Dolf Menjou shows that he can be just as accomplished a managing editor as a teacup juggler in a parlor farce. The starring vehicle for Kay Francis is far below the average—and the average, at present, is suf- Jering with depression blues. * ok ok ok ATCHER HUGHES, prominent playwright and instructor at Columbia University, is chairman of the recently organized National Council on Freedom from Censor- ship, which is launching an in- tensive campaign to rid the coun- try of all forms of censoramr, including the repeal of the six State laws authorizing advance censorship of motion pictures. The organization is a branch of the American Civil Liberties Union of New York, and among its active workers are Elmer Rice, Fannie Hurst, Barrett H. Clark, Rypert Hughes, H. L. Mencken, George Jean Nathan, Eugene O'Neill and Robert E. Sherwood. The new campaign includes ac- tion against the post office censor, customs censor, radio and book censorship; against city ordi- nances authorizing advance cen- sorship by municipal boards, ban- ning of pictures upon the grounds of obscenity. All this work may bring results, but I hold to my original sugges- tion—that the only censorship be conducted in Hollywood, and through the Hays organization. If this can be accomplished there will be no need for State and municipal censorship—and. no need for organizations to fight censorship. The compact organi- zation of Mr. Hays should be able to bring about the desired end; it could be accomplished smoothly, frectly, and In a thoroughly in- gent and iogical manner. . s Speaking before the National Edif r IWHE case of David Wark Grifith is one of the most orial Association in Atlanta @ few days ago, George Akerson, once a secretary to Presiden: Hoover, announced that Para- mount Publix had definitely abandoned its policy of making and showing sponsored films— pictures containing “hidden” advertising material—and that the company would not compete in this fleld in the future. Es- tablished producers of short subjects are breathing easier as a result of the short-lived ca- reer of ewonsored films, which for a time threatened to obtain subsidies on some of the leading organizations. The rcmm:p of 2 impending menace., has Nelnon. caused many of the producing companies to take on ambitious schedules for thé coming season. * K k X NE of the most interesting characters in Hollywood today is Marie Dressler, whose screen hit has made her one of the most popular actresses in America. From Mollie Merrick, The Star’s correspondent on the West Coast, we have a few words regarding Marie and her ways. Says Mollie: “Marie is 60 years old, and she has more real vim, vigor and vitality than any 20-year-old. She weighs in the neighborhood of 180, and her body is as graceful as a ballet dancer’s. She has been on the stage since she was 12 years old, and she has more’ genuine enthusiasm and eagerness in her work than a beginner in the game. She has endured all the hardships of old-time trouping and of a rough-and - tumble comedienne’s existence, and her skin is as soft l“:i She has suffered every sorrow an and she stil! finds life immense! worth living. She has known two overwhelming peaks of success, on the stage ard on the screen, and seeker afte:’ fame. She has the wisdom which comes from three- score yea;u of living, and she speaks the language and thinks the thoughts of youth. She spares neither her energy nor her time, and she never tires and grows weary. She is ageless, mentally, physically and spiritually. “Marie Dressler refuses to allow herself to think that she is grow- ing old. She simply ignores the matter. There i3 no attempt et false youth. Marie is utterly free from the pathetic and tragic efforts which so many women make to keep a youngness which has left them. She can endure almost unbelievable physical ex- ertion in her studio work. In the picture ‘Reducing’ she spent an entire day on her knees under a table while a trick dog ran up her back. In the picture it was scarcely more than a flash and a laugh, but it had to be timed exactly right, and the scene was taken over and over. Many a day she leaves the studio at 6 in the eve- ning after a hard day’s work; then she days half the night and is the life of the party. Her vitality is amazing. She rises early and always is first on the set at the studio. She loves good food, but she is not a ‘large eater’ She takes no regular exercise, although she does depend a great deal upon systematic massage for physical and mental tonic. “It is impossible, however, to put Marie Dressler on paper, to describe her in words. You can catch one of her many phases, but there are so many of them. She is as versatile mentally off the stage as she is artistically on the screen. She is utterly fem- inine without being of the cling- ing type. She is very decided in she is as ursspoiled as any young report, picked up a brick and shied her opinions, but without a trace of intolerance. She gives freely of herself, and yet she conserves her strength. She is dynamic and yet repressed. Just Marie Dressler —a kid of 60. * ok ok ox A late dispatch gives the in- formation that David Wark Grifith has obtained Eastern backing for a film venture and that he is preparing to produce an original story by John Emer- son and Anita Loos. The pic- ture, it is said, will be made in a New York studio, and the director ezxpects to wuncover some new talent. Among the players being studied for the principal * role is John Drew Colt, son of Ethel Barrymore. * % ¥ X Short Flashes. ¢«“T'HE MILLION DOLLAR SWIN- DLE,” starring Richard Dix, has been completed. In the cast are Shirley Grey, Purnell Pratt, Alan Roscoe, Edmund Breese,! Nella Walker, Ruth Weston, Ro- berta Gale and Fred Sheridan. Irene Purcell, signed by Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer for a part in “Just a Gigolo,” has been given a | long-term contract by the com- pany. She has just completed a part in Robert Montgomery's starring vehicle, “The Man in' Possession.” Mary Doran, who agpeared in “The Criminal Code,” has an im- portant role in “Fifty Fathoms Deep.” Loretta Sayers has the feminine lead. “The Ruling Voice” is the new| and permanent title of the picture | which was once known as “The Upper Underworld.” Among those in the cast are Walter Huston, Loretta Young, Doris Kenyon, David Manners, Dudley Digges, John Halliday and Gilbert Emery. There is evidently no truth in the report that Ruth Chatterton | was leaving the Paramount com- pany to enlist under the Warner Brothers’ banner. Ruth Roland—she of the movie serials—is headlining a vaudeville biil in New York this week. John Gilbert’s next Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer picture will be “Candlelight,” with Harry Beau- mont directing. The story is an adaptation of the New York stage success in which Gertrude Law- rence and Leslie Howard played the leading roles. Universal has finally signed Tom Mix to a contract. The cowboy star will appear in a series of Westerns, and circus days will be forgotten, Of course, the horse Tony, will be featured. “Bed and Board” has been de- cided upon as the next starring picture for Bebe Daniels. She has just completed “The Honor of the Family,” a modernized form of the Balzac story. Edward G. Robinson is the star of “Five Star Specl tation from the Harry Carey and stars of “Trader Horn, pleted work in “The Vanishing %gign," a 12-episode serial of the est. Frances Starr is completing her second picture. Four other pic- tures have been assigned to he by First National. George Arliss says Hollywood “is the most misunderstood and the hardest-working place in the world.” 4 3 THE SUNDAY Wasl'n'ngton'a. Players At the Arts Club. evening, under auspices of the Hospitality Committe, following a buffet supper, at the Arts Club of ‘Washington a comedy in one act will be presented, entitled “I'm Married.” Weather permitting, the performance will be given in the garden. This play was written last Fall for entry in the contest eonducted by the ‘Workshop, a little group of people seri- D'Annunzio Hurls Brick. wm somebody takes a shot at & news reel camera man, that's ?:.vu, even if it does happen in sunny is happened, the cables report, re- cently when Bixio Alberini, who turns a cracnk for Paramount Sound News in Italy, dodged a brick hurled by Gabriel d’Annunzie, noted ght, poet and as a baby’s and almost as wrinkle- | .o, grief known to human beings, | boat promptu shot. umph of Death,” however, so runs Lrie it at the machine. Lila Lee a Busy Girl. ILA LEE, who may be seen at-the Metropolitan Theater in having Ladies,” is sald to have played le parts in 21 pictures during the year, It might thus appear that Miss Lee is in no r of be: coming unemployed. Her roles ranged from the sophisticated to the simplest. Her first talking picture was Warner Bros.' “Queen of the Night Clubs,” and er previous to ‘‘Misbshaving was “Woman Hungry. Lila Lee began her theatrical career ‘when a child in a Gus Edwards review. She was billed as “Cuadies” Lee. - "Aliaon’s HO\IDC.“ ¢ A LISON'S HOUSE,” Susan Glas- pell's Pulitzer prize-winning play, which, like all its predecessors, natu- rally started a discussion that developed almost nation-wide interest, may be among the Winter attractions of Wash- ington. The play is to be sent on a tour of the Shubert-controlied theaters in the larger cities, which includes the Belasco in Washington, with the origi- nal civic repertory cast, excepting only Eva Le Gallienne, who has, previous to her recent severe accident, announced ‘her retirement from the stage for a year. Swiped Emr.n the Stage. LUMBIA'S “Lover, Come Back,” has “deprived” the stage of many noted players. For instance, Constance cummr‘:fi formerly of the “legit”; Jack Mulhall, who once plied his trade in musical comedy: Jameson Thomas, PFred Santley, Jack Mack Katherine Givney, once our very own in the National Players. Susan Fleming found her way to the screen via the “Follies” route. Another John Gilbert Trial. OHN GILBERT'S next Metro-Gold- wyn-Mayer picture will be “Candle- light,” an adaptation of the play that was a New York stage success when Gertrude Lawrence and Leslie. Howard lpfiued in it. is production, in light, sophisti- cated vein, is in marked contrast to Gilbert's role of a French magician in the recently completed melodrama, “Cheri-Bibl." Makes Debut ELDA VOKEL, A former stage comedienne who makes her screen debut with the Fox Co. Al- though her contract has been signed, her first picture assignment has not been made. Beauties in “Nancy." Tmu.'l.‘ nationally known beauties are vying for pulchritudinous honors in Radio Pictures’ flhufluud drama, ;}Wln;y'l Private air,” now being imed. Mary Astor, who plays the leading feminine role, once won a beauty con- test in , which inspired her to try her fortunes on the stage and screen; Noel Francis, who enacts a siren role, also won & beauty contest in the South and was a featured beauty in Zlegfeld’s “Follies” for several seasons, and Ruth Weston, who halls from New and even CONRAD NAGEL AND DICKIE Two of the principals in “Three Who Loved,” at R-K-O Keith's this week. ON THE HORIZON FREE SOUL,” Norma Bhear- but in this instance another of those which | mysterious Charlie Chan happenings as er's newest picture, the man: is now bel ment announces g shown in New “A | York at the $2 admission | mystery located this time in Honolulu. price, will follow “The Lawyer's Secret” | into Loew's Columbia Theater, arriving, | jd maybe and maybe not, the coming Sat- Exuberant publicity pronounces = Theater next Prid: 1t “the greatest picture in Norma | Twain Shall Meet,” on the screen, with and the manage: ment adds that it|fare announced modify | Theater for the week starting Saturday. will not the regular prices maintained at the | screen version of the New York stage Columbia. The Earle Thea- | oil milliona ter, beginning Sat- | and Harry Stubs holding the cash, and without|such feminine allurements as Charlotte urday doubt, will coun- with the younger Fairbanks, | Lillian Bond, Cliff Edwards and Merna in | Kennedy helping out, is the attraction t | announced for the Warner Metropoli- National - Vita phone screen vel Norma Shearer, sion of A. Hami > Gibbs' well known novel. the love of two brothers for the same girl, but, of course, young Doug must surely get her in “the happy ending.” Warner Oland in “The Black Camel,” the Shriner's symbol of death, Late New York News BY MARK BARRON. EW YORK, June 20 (#)—Hilda, Louise and Maxine have de- cided that they will stay in New York after all. These are the three Forman sisters who left their native plantation in Liberty, Miss., to win Broadway with their crooning of Southern songs in the mus- ical comedy, “America’s Sweetheart.” The trio of pretty singers said that it was nice to be making so much money and to be given so much praise by the critics, but they preferred their home town as a place to live, Also they didn't like New York men very much, and they wanted to go back home to find husbands. Broadway is still demanding the Forman sisters, so they have relented and signed as stars in the new edition of Earl Carroll “Vanities.” Rehearsals do not begin for several weeks, so they are making quick trips back to Liberty and Memphis, Tenn., to visit relatives. Also, as Maxine put it just before she boarded a Dixie-bound limited, “I'm just dying for some fried chicken and cream gravy.” “TH‘E GREEN PASTURI has taken on a new spurt of life and will not close, as it was expected to, next week. Nearing its 550th perform- ance, this dramatization of Roark Bradford's religious stories remains one of. the town's dramatic leaders. The play will be taken on tour in the | | ton It gets its mix-up in|and Dorothy Peterson, fresh ust | wrote the story and directed the pic: D, C. JUNE 21, MOORE, a Chinese detective, with the murder A Fanchon-Marco “Top o' the World” will back it up in the stage pro- gram, and both will come to the Fox Peter B. Kyne's classic, “Never the Fred Waring's famous Pennsylvanians in the stage program, is the alluring for Loew's Palace Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer's comical show, "Suvflnl ©Out,” the story of two res, with Reginald Denny Greenwood—remember the funny girl with the long you knows—Leila Hyams, tan, beginning next Saturday. Universal's sizzler, “Up for Murder,” starring Lew , supported by the feminine beautles, Genevieve 'x’o::th.n artistic hands of Monta Bell, who both ture, is announced for R-K-O Keith'’ Theater for the week beginning next Friday. Fall and with its original company. No othe ractor has been found who can adequately play Richard Harrison's part of “De Lawd,” s0 it is expected that there will never be more than one troupe of this play Incidentally, Al Jolson's desire to play the part of the Lord in motion pictures is denied. His offers to buy the movie rights was rejected. ‘The single opening of the week was the revival of “Patience,” with Vivian Hart sin the title role. The Gilbert and Sullivan repertory troupe is receiv- ing enthusiastic yeport, and its next of- fering will be “ Pirates of Pen- ‘This latter is a favorite of New York- ers, for it is one Gilbert and Sullivan operetta that had its premiere on Man- hattan, its first performance having been at the Fifth Avenue Theater on New Year night, 1879. It was not until three months later that it appeared in London. EN years ago, come September 22, Irving Berlin and Sam H. Harris decided to build an especially unique theater which they called the Music Box. It helds a record of having housed | only two failures in the 10 years. On its tenth anniversary there will be a new edition of the famous Music Box Revues. Berlin, of course, is writing the music. Moss Hart, the young man who co-authored “Once in a Lifetime,” is turning out the bcok. Crashing the Movies RMULAS for crashing the motion very well,” Heath said, “but en the picture gate to fame are legion, but few of them succeed today unless— says Frank Heath, casting director at| the Paramount New York studio. “The days of picking the beautiful little blonde or the big handsome youth because he or she might be ‘developed’ is practically over,” Heath said. ““Today we are considering only those people who have had training either on emeorlnmotbnflnnru.ud they must be good. That mcg must. have more than just an idea of what it is all about. Beauty alone means very little in getting & chance.” Heath cites the case of Sue Conroy, who is making her first aj opposite Charlie Ruggles in Girl Habit,” as a practical example of what is required in 1981. “TWo years " he said, “Miss Con- roy used to visit the studio looking for a job. I couldn't give it to her be- cause she had never had any actual dramatic experience. After rience in stock, landed as most in Gotham at her “coming out” party | Sia8® (date not given). “Nancy's nP:l:nh Afl_lll.r'p‘uvyu ‘:gawd vides both s _col and lavish wardrobes for the beauties. Has Movie Talents. A BRIEF flash of beauty and charm in one picture, it is explained, was enough to convince Paramount execu- tives that Helen Johnson would be quite le of Madeline it Paul Lukas’ suitable for the rol in “The Vice icture, now current at Loew'’s P on onneon played the:part Johnson ;’:Wfldfln French ;counm" in orman T ture, “It to Advertise.” She now LY . training which stock gives in becoming a quick study is other hand, ‘the exaggerated dramatics of the average stock company’ is likely to spoil a potentially good or actress.” quite actor 1931—PART FOUR. Eking. for the Nl'tionll.l N announcement from the manage- ment of the National Theater con- tains the cheering news that two out- standing successes of the present season are already booked for presentation at the famous old playhouse for the early Fall—John Golden’s “As Husbands Go,’ Rachel Crothe: audiences ew York, and Ne hit, “Private Lives, Kennedy and Otto Kruger. T"g. other attractions that will be seen comed! W week of :’mpumn ire by the Stratford-Upon-Avon yers. Not a Hero. “DON'I‘ call me a hero!” The ap- 1 comes with real earnestness from Paul Lukas, one of the screen’s popular actors. Although he is now past the point of being & villain, mere oh: ter actor, Lukas says he has never been a hero and never hopes to be. If you must tell what I am in & picture, say I am the central figure or the leading man, but never the hero,” he added in that charming accent which has contributed much to his qul-rlty, smash! Mindge" ukas does not want to be known as t‘en}:?mbg.m he believes that the otes a “Prince chnmlncgpe and this he dislikes. Paul, probably, is thinking in terms of his profession “No hero is true to type,” Lukas says. “There are no bertecr s the without some good traits. No e is ever as bad as the old style of h were. Lukas’ latest part is that of Stephen Lucarno in the Paramount picture, “The Vice Squad.” . “Throws Over" the Stage. HAMY BERESFORD, for 20 years on the New York stage, recently turned down an offer to return, but gr‘:rl.e;ed, instead, to join the cast of the Devil. role in “The Roof,” a worthy play to be presented in New York, but decided he would rather remain in Hollywood, where he had already appeared in two pictures for Paramount, the first he had ever made. He will be remembered for his char- acterizations of the old schoolmaster friend of the publisher in “Scandal Sheet” and the “white-wings” in “Finan and Hattle. Born in England, Beresford came to the United States in 1888 with Henry E. Dixey, the matinee idol of that time. l;:.kfl'?.m the title role in “The Old Serious Joan JOAN BENNETT, ‘Who is following in the footsteps of her sisters, Constance and Barbara, as a screen actress. Her newest pictures, “Hush Money” and “Doctors’ Wives.” “Bouquet of Melodies." THI New Capitol Theater (New York) stage revue, “Bouquet of Melodies,” at the , 1is bringing back Wesley Eddy as master of cere- monies for a musical revue which should tax his knowledge of orchestral direc- torship, his personality and his ability as a dancer and entertainer. It brings also the team of “The Three Sailors,” formerly a feature of Earl Car- roll's ketch Book,” who are said to duplicate the smash hit they made in “Sketch Book” with most of their hilari- ous comedy bits and dances that were seen for $5.50 a seat by the tired busi- ness man, with many new comedy skits and gags. Olive Sibley, a fine soprano, a!a(az Blanche Bow, and tall, also will sing Joyce Kilmer ballad; musical comedy danseuse, will present her dancing specialty, and Twenty Chester Hale Steppers will appear in a varied routine of dances, including a toe dance and a snappy jazz dance. Movies Have Everything. A FILM director's office that looks like a chemical laboratory is un- usual even in Hollywood. Dr. Paul Fejos, now a Metro-Gold- ‘wyn-Mayer director, has a little labora- tory in a corner of his office. A fa- mous bacteriologist and member of the Rockefeller Institute before he took up screen direction, Dr. Fejos is said to l:np up with his science between pic- ures. The Swimmi GLEN ng’s Fine at ECHO i FREE ADMISSION AMUSEMENT PARK l Enjoy Today an d Every Day at The New $200,000 CRYSTAL POOL with Seashore Open from 10 A. M. to 11:30 P. M, Suits rented or bring your own Lockers for thousands SPECIAL PRICES FOR KIDDIES MORE THAN FIFTY FINE AMUSEMENTS “The Fun Factory of Washington® AN IDEAL PLACE FOR YOUR PICNIC GLEN ECHO PARK. EVIN the far-famed Coney Island, states the t, can boast 1In the ball room. the dancers will find an ideal floor, cooling breezes and musie by McWilliams and his enlarged band laying every night, except Sunday, K-um 8:30 until 11:30 p.m. Glen Echo is reached by a pleasant car ride along the banks of the Potomac, or 0:‘;:: & smooth boulevard by auto- me 3 Park is al bl ke '[cngnmu ways available at SEASIDE PARK. popular feature of the resort. Vari-colored bathing suits of the latest style, worn by dainty nymphs who swim mdmnmnm‘hn‘mur to excite admira- decorate these pet out the night bathing now available. ‘The ball room, where Bill Strickland and his orchestra hold sway, and many rides and other amusements always hold leell, For those of more contempla- tive mood, the picnic tables, affording a | view of the b-autiful and ever-changing | panorama 6f Chesapeake Bay. Past and convenient service.to the rt is provided by the Chesapeake 2ach Railway from District Line, through trains making the trip with- out stop. in an hour. The park is al- ways cool, and there are amusements sufficiently numerous and varied to pro- vide enjoyment for all who come. Free Emering, at the wheel, will pull away from the Wilson Line pier at Seventh Street Wharves tomorrow at 8:45 p.m. for the first moonlight trip of the gu- son. Moonlight trips will be operated dail: ;’fi"‘u"‘""“‘,f and su\;ndly at l:lg L jarve, rasse p{ o Chestra . the latest musical mumbers for these trips. t, erful seareh- light will pick up all glx':u of inf along the shores of the Potomac. Colonial Beach has been added to the day schedule and trips will be made to this resort on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Harvey Brasse and his orchestra will furnish music for the Colonial Beach run on Satur- days and Sundays. The sailing time will be at 9 a.m. except on Saturdays, when the steamer will leave at 2 pm., in order to accommodate Government employes. Daily trips will be made to Chapel Point with the exception of Mondays. From “Down in Maine” P}m.LlPS LORD was brought up in Maine on his grandfather's farm. There he absorbed the homely ideals, philosophy, customs and viewpoint of the rural strata. It was these youthful experiences that gave him the idea for his half hour on the air, “Sunday Eve- ning at Seth Parker’s.” Lord was the first to bring to “the air” a genuinely authentic presentation of the old-time cmug; ‘githerin’,” with the singing of old-time hymns. Rube sketches and burlesque exaggerations of the rural populace had been common in the world of entertainment. But Lord brought a spiritual, vital note with his idea which ultimately brought the world to his feet. ‘The newly-signed Radio Pictures star declares his Seth Parker conception of Phillips Lord was a gradual evolvement. He became interested in entertainment early, and in Bowdoin College took an active part in the glee club. He also admits he was more interested in ath- letics than in literature. Graduating in 1925 he accepted a position as principal of the high school in a Connecticut town. During this time he heard of fortunes to be made in writing for the movies and endeavored to write sce- narios, but they were politely returned. Short stories submitted to magazine edi- bor& m;t w;‘t’h the same fate. oving to New York, he turned his hand to the candy business, the law and publishing, still continuing his " Ten the radio en the attracted him. He sketched out the idea of Seth Parker to a radio broadcaster, who had a gap in his program and gave him an portunity to display his wares on the air. For six weeks he went on with his singing school, without pay. A broad- casting station in Hartford, Conn., be- came interested and paid him $25 a week for his program. Soon other st tions took up his program., and before long “Seth Parker’s Old Fashioned Singing School” was on five stations. Not until then did the National Broad- casting Co. become interested. " For two years ncw he has been on the air for N.B.C. Lord has the inimitable Yankee m?% ’.:\nd folks just naturally “cot- Looking Ahead THE latest addition to the list of Professional Players attractions to be presented at the Shubert-Belasco ‘Theater next season is Charles Hopkins’ | production of Ben W. Levy's charming little comedy, “Mrs. Moonlight,” which is to be presented here by the original company, including Edith Barrett, Sir Guy Standing and Haidee Wright. “Mrs. Moonlight” played the Charles Hopkins and Little Theaters in New York 316 times last season. Edith Barrett will be a newcomer to Washington. She won high acclaim in |New York for her charming perform- ance of Mary in A. A. Milne's “Michael d Mary” two seansons ago. Madge Kennedy interpreted the role when this play was presented in Washington, be- cause Miss Barrett was at that time preparing for the production of “Mrs. Moonlight.” Sir Guy Standing is an old favorite in Washington. Years ago when the Belasco boasted a Summer stock com- pany he was both producer and star. Before that ne was one of the famous stock stars at the old Columbia Theater. Perhaps it is not always tactful to refer to plays and players of 20 years ago, but when those reminiscences pic- ture only delightful memories of such actors and actresses as Jane Cowl, Ed- win Arden, tal Herne, Charlotte ‘Walker, Guy Standing and many others who brought so much pleasure to the 1 patrons of Washington theaters in those days it should be remembered that the old-timer in the present-day audiences also had his or her favorites who will never be forgotten. Guy Standing was absent from the American stage during the days when his native England was at war, but hi returned several years ago. He knighted by his country for his valian services, but just the same he again donned the mask of his profession to | become a member of Jane Cowl's com- ny. His last appearance in Wash- n_was in the role of Hannibal in “The Road to Rome” upon Miss Cowl's second engagement here. Haidee Wright, the third featured member of the “Mrs. Moonlight” cast, | made her debut in the American thea- ter in the role of the Painted Lady Sir Johnson Forbes-Robertson's long-to- be-remembered production of “The Passing of the Third Floor Back.” Some time later she appeared with E. H. Sothern, and two seasons ago sh® “carried New York by storm” with her | remarkable interpretation of Fanny Cavendish in “The Royal Family.” | Benn W. Levy, the young British playwright who wrote “Mrs, Moon- light,” has added to his fame during the past year. He it was who made the adaptation of Marcel Pagnol's “Topaze” for the English-speaking stage, a skillful and intelligent adapta- tion which lost nothing of the subtle charm and humor of the original French and materially contributed to the instant success of the American production. ‘While “Topaze” was still “turni them away” on Broadway, Jane Co was winning added laurels in Mr. Levy's “Art and M Bottle” and Charles Hopkins already had produced his “Mrs. Moonlight.” Three eminent successes running simultaneously in the same city is a record of which even the seasoned dramatist might well be proud. In addition to *“Mrs. Moonlight,” the Professional Players will also bring Charles Hopkins' production of A. A. Milne's “Give Me Yesterday.” Mr. Hopkins is a great admirer of Mr. Milne and has been responsible for the produc- tion of two of his plays in this country. Mr. Hopkins says Milne's plays are de- void of rhetorical flubdud, always charming and literate, and “Give Me Yesterday” has a rightful place among his finest dramatic achievements. GAYETY-BURLESK Final and Farewell Week of the Season With CENTRAL LABOR UNION FAIR ALL THIS WEEK Every Eve. and Sat. Mat, Sensational Free Acts Rides—Exhibits—Shows 5th and Fla. Ave. N.E. ENGAGEMENT 7 Additional Days, ATIONAL Late arrivals are onjs seated during ihe GOOD SEATS AT BOX OFFICE FOR ALL PERFORMANCES TODAY PROMPTLY AT 5:30 P, M. EXTENDED !!! Starting Tomorrow SEATS SELLING- POPULAR PRICES—$1 $1.00 AND 50 Acclaimed and Praised by the Pre « events that one would have said was impossible. But -nrm:': ooy oo o and docs, Take Of one's Mt to Sl concérned i Dk 8 MELCHER, Star. * d infully real. e o “Aimebican dry I come. [ stage today. A play you will iramatist and the most notewo: al t to see.’—] One of ‘the finest things that has ever E SOI‘L??E:':‘ = The Theater Guild’s STRANGE INTERLUDE EUGENE O’NEILL’S A$T=Reun pmawa Evenings Only at 5:30. o Final Curtain 7:40 to 9:00. ; forceful, studl “I¢ 18 prol e “I hope you may L e e s e 420 this DSy NARELEE JENNI that for years to come the merit. Dinner Intermission at 11:00 tion D of ‘com| stock Comparizon by B. BEI [NGS, News.