Evening Star Newspaper, November 20, 1931, Page 6

UFEIS ALIE” - WROTE BELASCO "Great Producer Outlined Phi- losophy in Play Finished Just Before Death. !y the Associated Press. YORK, November 20.—David !el.nsco believed life was a ‘That was his swan song and he never lived to hear it sung. It is in the hands now of Achmed Abdullah in the form of “Pantaloon,” & play—and it may wait yet awhile until actors worthy of the Belasco tradition are found. The great producer—until his death Tast May the dean of them all—wrote the play in collaboration with Abdullah, and, so says the latter, he meant it to be_the symbol of his own philosophy. His philosophy was: Remorse and I zmne will in itself do away with . The play concerns the theater. For | the characters the theater man drew | upon his ancestors, and made panta- Joon and harlequin the chief dispensors of his philosophy. Belasco's father was a fameus pantaloon of England. His grandfather was a prize fighter and| ancestors before him back to the Middle Ages have been showmen of one type or another. “Play for the Masses.” “It's good theater,” says Abdullah, “nothing highbrow: symbolic, but in- terpreted in strict terms of life—it's a play for the masses.” Huleq\lm delivers the theme, a pro- Sira T beg your pardon. I do not mean to disturb you. But—do you know what is back yonder—back stage? No? Permit me to tell you then, sirs! Back yonder is truth—my mistress. Truth and I are lovers, For the sake of truth, I change the patches on my sult day after day. ' Why? Because truth changes. Because truth is never twice alike. Because truth is a thing in motley and bells. Aye! Truth is the road down which I travel. Truth speaks under my feet all day. “Therefore, should there be any liars amongst you, sirs, will you not have the goodness to leave the theater—so that truth may not shock you—or, belike, that you may not shock truth? Ah! No one departs? Capital—by my stom- ach! Now then—bétween men and men—pardon! I perceive some ladies in the audience. All truthful ladies I en- treat to remain. But as to those who are addicted to lies and gossip—out with them! Do I see right? Not a lady de- parts! Good—by my tail! We are all friends. And so—ladies and sirs— (pulling curtain aside) behold truth! “I wonder, though, woulu you know truth if you saw it face to face—you, who are so truthful? No? Ah—permit m;.s to tell, you ladies and sirs—truth is & Lie! “Life Is a Lie.” “Life is a le!” “Love is . . . your pardon, ladies and sirs. We nre at & play—not at & ser- mon. . . And the play goes on. Mr. Belasco spent the last two years of his life working on the piece, Ab- dullah helping with dialogue. A character dies in the first act. He 1s alive again in the third. Remorse and forgiving bring him back. bdullah says the play will be ex- penslve to pmduce @nd difficult to cast. “It requires two Buffimom—m both of them are in Hol ywood he said. “‘Columbine must be a great emo- tional actress—there.is none.” CAPITAL GRANGE MAN IS HONORED BY AWARD Certificates Citing His Membership Continuously for 50 Years Is Given A. M. Cornell. Albert M. Cornell of Potomac Grange, No. 1, this city, was one of 218 mlpl- ents of “golden sheaf” certificates be- stowed as an honor for eonztnum ‘membership of 50 years or more in the National Grange. The awards were granted in a ceremony staged at Madi- son, Wis,, today. Natlonal Mnster Louis J. Taber ex- pressed the opinion that “there is probably no organization in which the membership sticks with sudh loyalty as in the grange.” The certificate reads: “Golden Sheaf Certificate issued by the National Grange, Patrons of Hus- ‘bandry, in recognition of 50 years’ contin- uous Grange membership. Certifies that Albert M. Cornell has been enrolled in the permanent records of those Who have devoted a half century of service to the order, to agriculture and to mankind.” —_— NAVY LETS CONTRACTS FOR LAYING NEW PIPES Quantico and Naval Air Station Will Get Systems Built by Local Bidders. A contract for $26,077 for installing s gas distribution system at_the ln- rine Barracks, Quantico, Va., was awarded yuwrdl}' by the Bureau of Yards and Docks, nt, to ‘Thomas B. m'.hbone & Co. tico. This was a part of the vublu: works program entailing expenditure of $68584 for improvements over the country. Frank Cole of the Bond Building, Bere, was given a contract for $6,867 for installing steam supply and return lines at the Naval Air Station at Anacostia. McCay & Kirtland, Inc., of 23 West Mount_Royal avenue, Beitimore, Md., secured a contract for $1,835 for a lead yaing for an acid tank at the Naval ton Roads, Va. KSONVILLE 'ALM_BEACH . Gl COL '.i'l' ES HAF Sa8! 238! TROPOLY S3'I4 ,before, & moderately large THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1931. Music and Musicians Reviews .nd News of Capital's Programs. Joint Reecital At University Club. long, lrtcloul living room of the University Club, which is splendidly endowed for concertizing purposes, Wwas the leuln. l‘]‘t:lnlxx:?‘: for .::"\ esting local rec! esent s public were two well hnown artists (three, in fact, since Genrude McRae Nash, the accompanist, is an “artist” in her own rkht $00). Gretchen Hood, soprano, who, it will be recalled, made her operatic debut with the Aborn Opera Co. under the finely spun_gold wig of a Marguerite, and Malton Boyce, pianist, especially popu- lar with Uni- versity Club au- diences, pre- sented a pro- gram which but for the fact that it ran at first into some pit- falls, afterward adjusted itself handsomely, and by the time it h a d finished was as distin- guished and as calm as the un- troubled waters of Galilee. Mr. Boyce's only straying from the strajght and narrow was in the Beethoven (Moonlight) opus 27, No. 2, which had its planis- tic hiccoughs somewhere toward the middle and was rather too loud and then too soft to be entirely conven- tional. However, his Chopin selec- tions, the “Waltz in A Flat i the particularly graceful * ks”; the “Etude in E Flat” and the (But- terfly) “Etude in G Flat,” were played almost faultlessly, and by the llme the artist got to the Liadon “The Music Box"—shades of Lily Pons—he was rewarded with a veritable ovation. iss Hood, one of the really inter- esting sopranos about town, whose pupils have a habit of running off with the Atwater Kent audition gflm was in best voice after she ad disposed of the opening Donaudy songs. Her particularly excellent were the Rebey “Tes and the Messager “La Maison Grise,” sung with much feel- ing and with a soft, velvet quality in the lower range which it would be difficult to improve on. Her early English songs were nice, too, and she ended up in somewhat of a blaze of glory with an encore which easily deserved another. D de S. MELCHER. Edith Virden$mith Presents Pupils in Recital. EDITH VIRDEN-SMITH presented two of her pupils in recital at the Southern Club last evening, Gretchen Kier, as- Gretchen Kier sang the major part of the program. For such & youthful ;mger she has a xurpmlnz sense of form. Roger Fry relates that he once asked a little gtrl about her method of drawing and got this answer: “First, I have a think and then I put a line around it.” Last ht’s soprano seems to have adopted sound esthetic system. If some of the trills were amateurish, as in Gretchen Hood. Yeux” He Has 4 Announcements to Make I An organ- ization of good stand- ing can engage our Virginia Room for its New Year’s Eve party. We will serve a delightful supper, furnish decorations, noise makers, etc. Capacity, 125 to 150 persons, at tables. 2 We invite the ladies to bring their luncheon and ¢ bridge parties to the Lee House. Private dining room. A con- summate luncheon, followed by your bridge—$1 per per- son. A careful atten- tion to the niceties of the occasion is prom- ised. 3 The Lee House has public dining rooms of vary- ing capacity and in- vites committee chair- ‘men to inspect our -facilities for their banquet or luncheon. The cost can be as you determine. The service will be our best. 4 Always a fine, large, outside room and bath for the day or week — at- tractively priced on monthly basis. 15th and L Streets N. Phone Decatur 0160 Lottl's “Pur Dicesti” and the changes in register not quite smooth enough, time will remedy these in- consistencies. ‘The first two groups were well selected from Italian, Russian, French _and Spanish classics. Ar- diti's “I1 Bacio” was appropriately given in a light staccato sty\e and the Gretchaninow ‘“Lullaby” was equally appropriate with controlled planissimo. Her perception of style showed most clearly in Puccini's famous aria from “La Boheme,” “S{ Mi Chiamano Mimi” where Miss Kier came out with ringing tone and a highly convincing recitative. Mas- senet’s “Crepuscule” showed re- strajued legato as contrast Bizet's “Oeuvre ton Coeur,” with its Spanish abandon and varied rhythms. Jack Hayes took a few moments to reach complete freedom of man- ner, but by the time he had come upon the second chorus of “Manda- lay” he was singing with a strong, sustained voice. The “d” consonants were unfortunately rather submerged 1n ‘Tosti's “Good-by Summer.” The “Little Grey Home in the West” had an easy swing, which, combined with the familiarity of the song, charmed the audience. ~Mr. Hayes sang Dvaroek’s “Goin’ Home” as his encore. Miss Kier's third group was com- prised of American selections. She is a charming person to look upon and this {with a gracious manner added much to the enjoyment of the audience. Mrs. Smith accompanied both of her pupils, carefully (olluwmg their moods. D. C. Piano Recital In Andrew Rankin Chapel. ILLIAM DUNCAN ALLFN, Jr., instructor in piano and history of music at Howard University School of Music, presented a most enjoyable and artistic recital Wet gudlyl noon in Andrew m h ’;hp: program, distinctive in that every number was by a living com- poser, was opened wm:n four M, tive preludes from “Op. 23, by Rachmaninoff, the poetic D major, the popular G minor, the wistful Eb major and the majestic and dra- matic Eb major. Of these the sec- ond and fourth proved to be out- standing in performance from the standpoint of poetic feeling as well as of a facile technique. The second part of the program consisted of Fnlzr(‘ns “May Night, Cyril Scott’s “Passacaglia,” Dett's “Barcarolle” and Dohnanyl’s “Con- cert Etude in F Minor.” The nuances in the Palgren number presen a marked contrast to the lively - Plsslcsgll&" and the playfulness of the “Concerf Etude,” which is also entitled a Capricclo. The “Bar- carolle” by R. Nathaniel Dett proved to be a particularly poetic and melo- dic composition, Mr. Allen’s playing is character- ized by fluency, clarity and artistry. He is scheduled to make a concert tour next February, Ctlioral Society To Present Cantata. THE Choral Society of American University, _under the direc- tion of Harlan Randall, will present Maunder's Cantata “Song of Thanks- giving” Sunday afternoon at 4 o’clock in Hurst Hall on the campus. The soloists will be Carolyn Schoenthal and Evelyn Randall, sopranos: Bar- ret Fuchs and Leon Bryner: and Edward L. McAdams, bariton: Mrs. James S. Montgomery will as- sist at the piang EORGE MYERS tenor, will as- sist Lewis Atwater, organist, in a half-hour program of music by Karg-Elert at All Souls' Church 0 CHRISTMAS pllOTOGDAPI-IS » Bachrath 1342 Conn. Ave. N.W. Potomae 4470 17 Reasons Why you will want an ATWATER KENT Radie From Mayer & Ce. 1. A superhetere- dyne. 2. Tone contrel. 8. Static redueer. 4 Automatic volume control. . Variable-mu and pentode tubes. 6. Screen grid. 1. 10-kilocycle selee- tivity. 8. Adjuster for any length antenna. 9. Quick-vision dial. 10. Velvet-action sta- tion selector. 1. Smooth,uflm Volume control and on - and - off switch combined. Golden voice electro-dynamic speaker. Besutiful cabinet. Every model com- _plete with tubes. 12, Dependable May- er & Co. serviee. No interest “ charge for de- ferred payments. Console No. 86 $99 Gomplete With Tubes. Bxquisite Amarican gralnut low highboy with matched buté ‘walnut front panels, With a s vel- wime m b Automaiie volume con- trol and other big-set features. Gothie arch of zebra wood. $69-90 With Tubes Hand - rubbed walnut highboy with sliding doors. Ornamental grille over beautiful duo-tone fabric. Tubes include va~ riable mu’s and two pen- todes. With automatic volume control. $132 With Tubes Come in and Hear Thom MAYER & CO / Seventh Street Between D an/ E e TS D (uwmn) on Sunday afternoon a$ Tfll Cantata Chotr of Concordia Lutheran Church, under the direction of John R. M A sing J. B. Bach’s “Sleapers Wake,” evening at 8 pm. at the soloists will be Cath- reen Carrico and Alice Wilcox, so- pn.nnl Howard Bursley, _tenor; R. Coe and Howard Samsel, b. tones, and R. H. m!.hvon bass. MODEL PLANES EN ENTERED D. C. Contestants to Take Part To- morrow in Telegraphic Tourney. ‘The third of a serles of preliminary States telegraphic model aircraft tour- nament will be held for District con- testants Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock in the Adams School. The wurnlmem is scheduled for Novem- three types of models. They are hand- launched _scientific, types Philadelphia Model Aeroplane Associa- tion. The District and 17 States have been asked to participate. P-B Nationally Boys’ Fine quality high and little gents’ sizes 10 to sizes 1 to 6. Boys’ 15 years. Boys’ Boys’ cial purchase. Newest styles. meets in preparation for the Eastern T 28, ".l‘rlnl flights will be conducted for rising off floor fuselage and rising off water. All three will be used in the Eastern States tournament, which is sponsored by the Two- Knicker $9.67 Special purchase. woolens and plain blue cheviots. Two- Longie $14.67 Special purchase. Suits in Fall’s new col- ors and patterns, with 2 pairs trousers. 14 to 18. Two- Longie $17.67 The new patterns; also blue cheviots; single and double breasted. Sheep-lined, including collar. Boys’ P-B Quality Knickers, $1.97 Wool and corduroy. Sizes 6 to 18 years. Boys’ P-B Quality Shirts. .....77¢ White and colors, also fancy. FOOD SHOW BOOTHS PREPARE FOR FINALE Shelves Replenished With Food " Gifts to Be Presented at Close Tomorrow. Food Show exhibitors who are dis- tributing samples of their wares to all visitors to the Auditorijum this morn- | ing moved fresh stocks into their booths so that they may enter the closing day tomorrow with ample supplies. Thus, with replenished shelves, the Food Show tonight and tomorrow nl‘h! will continue nrovldl.n. buffet lunch- eons to visitors. This “menu” includes coffee, buttered crackers, hot bhculu, mayonnaise, relish and ginger al ‘The final conzut of the Food !!w"l NOTICE, LAWYERS! ble farnished offices for rent nable terms in sulte with other atforneys. Apply Room 202 ) 815 15th Street Northwest Prior to Reorganization Closing Out Known Quality Shoes $2.95 ‘Were $4 and $5 low shoes in black or russet leather, radically reduced for clearance. Boys’ sizes 2!; to 5Y2: youths’ sizes 1 to 2; 13%. Boy Scout Shoes $4.75 Were $6. Official Boy Scout Lace Shoes, Special Purchases At Very Low Prices Suits Smartly patterned Sizes 8 to Suits Suits 15 to 20. Spe- Juvenile P-B Overcoats. . .. .$9.67 Sizes 4 to 10. Special purchase. Boys’ P-B Leatherette Coats, $3.57 Sizes 8 to 18 years. Special purchase. Sizes 121 to 143} ALL SALES FINAL AND FOR CASH No Charge for the Usual Alterations Free Parking at the Capital Garage While Shopping Here Likon Bt o New York Avenue at Fifteenth Branch Store—3113 14th St. fefl NATTONATLY KNOWN (g N.wW., entertainment program will be staged tonight, when girls over 18 will compete in an old-fashioned bubble-blowing com- m""m Agnes Campbell of 764 Sixth street southeast won the apple-eating MMM Elizabeth Peasley, year-old “lhfa‘ of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Peas- ley of 1900 P street, was victor in yes- terday’s popularity contest for bables. 'h has been mnn( tooth for nr?t.“:: m‘hnd td when ven! {5e Tounder business. l{:gmthemmyoldnmmxmdm bnun- they were of the bua JWMM Yo:r Lo Uphohtermg Chmr Caneing , ARMSTRONG’S 1235 10th N.W. Mdt. zuz | rom, NEW YORK AVIENUIEat FIFTEENTH @ Heeping Washington Men Well Dressed ® Prior to Reorganization Closing Out Haberdashery (Except a Few Restricted Brands) P-B Nationally Known Quality OUR entire regular stock is drastlcally reduced, and, in addition, for heaping good measure, we ha\ = made a great— Special Purchase ‘Shirts $115 If Not a Special Purchase, Our Price Would Be $1.95 to $2.50 SHIRTS you can buy with every assurance of utmost satisfaction. Regular P-B quality at a price 'way down. Preshrunk broadcloths in white, blue, tan and green solid colors; collar-attached style. White also in the neckband style. Chambrays, broadcloths and woven madrasses in smart stripings and fashionable, neat figures, with one or two collars to match. Sizes 13Y; to 18; sleeve lengths 33 to 35. Neckties 55¢ THREE FOR $1.50 If in Our Regular Stock They Would Be $1 One of the finest groups we have ever presented—luxurious silks and silk-and-wool combinations in the newest stripes and ultra-fashionable small, geometrical figures. All Sales Final and for Cash Only Free Parking at the Capital Garage ‘While Shopping Here MW& New York “venue at Fifteenth Branch Store: 3113 14th St. N.W.