Evening Star Newspaper, June 25, 1936, Page 52

Hollywood Takes Care Of Former Favorites Old-Timers Get Preferred Roles in Many Films, Including “San Francisco,” Which Also Stars a Man Called Gable. BY E. de S. MELCHER. the one-time great may not be glistening in 10-fcot lights; although the Ruth Rolands, the Katherine MacDonalds, the Mary Miles Minters THE screen has not forgotten the old-timers. Although the names of and the Mae Marshes have gone to other flelds and endeavors, Holly- wood keeps tabs on its veterans and sees to it that if they still yearn for the camera grind they may get the change for which they are looking. Evidence of this comes to us through word that Louis B. Mayer has ordered that étrectors, producers and casting officials shall give screen pioneers pref- erence in casting roles in M-G-M productions. This is a nice thing to do. It removes the report that movie men are big, bad bears, who, when a blond gets a wrinkle on her brow, tell her to go chase herseif. It proves that Hollywood is senti- mental as well as hard-hitting; that it can give as well as take, and that you can grow old in the films without a qualm. The first picture to take definite steps in this direction is “San Francisco,” in which there is a o brigade of old-timers so fat and familiar that it should warm the hearts of all those who are also growing older along with them. There is, for instance, King Baggot, who is said to have starred in 300 pictures prior to 1920, and Rea Mitchell, million-dollar serial, There is Flora Finch, one of the with whom he played in the first “The Hawk's Lair.” cinema queens of more than 20 years ago, who shared honors with rotund John Bunny in some of the first screen comedies; and Naomi Childers, former ¢ Vitagraph star. There is Mahlon Hamilton, a star of 15 years ago, and | Fritzi Brunette, who was a hit at the | outset of the early Yankee films. Helen Chadwick is in the cast, and Frank Mayo, who played leads with Kitty Gordon, Alice Brady and Ethel | Clayton. There is Donald Hall, bari- tone lead in the first “Floradora” show and who appeared (the lucky guy!) with Anna Held and Fritzi Scheff; and Al Shean, who you re- member, of course, as half of the team of Gallagher and Shean. And there are many others, such #s Rosemary Theby, and Jean Acker, Rudolf Valentino's first wife; and Harry Myers, ex-vaudevillian, who was featured in pictures way back in 1910, and Kenneth Harlan, Gertrude Astor, Jane Talent, Lillian Rich, Kathleen Key, Russell Simpson, Eddie Hern, Wilbur Mack, Mary MacLaren, Myrtle Stedman, Bob Ingersoll and Arthur Belasco. Finally, there is Clark Gable—new- eomer. * x k x RUMOH has it that the Columbia Players are about to merge with the Drama Guild. Good. Now how | about a couple of other groups merging? Since the Marx Brothers are coming Fast for four weeks of stage appear- ances in Pittsburgh and other cities, we hope that the Fox management will do its best at snaring them for the -Fox. Poor Marlene Dietrich has gotten herself into hot water by saying that she doesn’t think much of the Amer- dcan “gent.” Ontario, Canada, has said “no” to “Green Pastures,, t00. London started | this unfortunate fad. Donald Novis is definitely set for | the Fox this Friday after being set for a couple of Fridays before. * X ¥ ¥ PTHERE is a new type of vaudeville | performer under the sun. This | 1s the so-called radio “star” who has been singing away at a great way |via the ether waves and who has | had at least six fan letters since he |or she began. She (it is mostly she) | after being a “riot” on the radio for | the past weeks now suddenly is given |a contract to appear “in person” at | a large city theater. She appears. She walks out onto | the stage without as much stage pres- ence as a pomeranian. When she gets to the “mike” (there is always a mike, center stage, with a black “drop or a “drop” of Central Park behind her) she grabs the “mike” firmly by its neck, pushes it down, pulls it up, smiles at the second person who ap- plauded her as she walked on, and bursts into song. She sings three songs—(it is invar- iably three songs). First she sings the most popular song of the day, then she sings the song she knows best, and then she concludes with “Dinah.” During all of this she has also done three things. She has released her grip on the mike, she has stretched her arms out toward the audience | and twisted them this way and that like a jelly roll, and finally she has said “hey-hey” twice when there wasn't anything else to do. As she walks off she is rewarded with an average round of applause— but not enough to walk back again (as she does), grab the mike again by the neck and sing “Annie Laurie”— “because you have been so good to me.” Nobody has been good to her—and she hasn't been good to herself. In the old days it took a really good | vaudeville act years to get set. Now apparently it takes three weeks. Won't somebody come along and agree that the stage is still a distinct medium, | and that it requires training to become a professional?> Do we have to have | amateur hours every week in the | theater as well as on the radio? Leon Rothier Lectures on “Bel Canto” Term Interpreted as Perfect Voice of Perfect Quality. EON ROTHIER, celebrated basso of the Metropolitan Opera, Who is conducting a four-week mas- ter course in singing in Wash- Ington under auspices of Elena de Sayn, gave a second lecture last eve- ning at Wesley Hall. The subject of the talk was “Appreciation of Bel Canto,” illustrated by songs. Several potent facts concerning this almost forgotten art were brought out by Mr. Rothier. He said Bel Canto, which is the Italian for “beautiful singing,” is one of the most abused phrases in the musical world. It has been applied to the method used by the greatest singers and abused by unscrupulous vocal instructors and students. Musically the real interpre- tation of the term “bel canto” should include a perfect voice of the best quality, a perfect technique, a perfect result, underlined by a perfect feel- ing. The essential quality of ‘bel canto’ is legato. To achieve this, many years are required.” Mr. Rothier stressed the difference between the old and modern type of opera by pointing out that in the past “operas were so composed that each principal in the cast had at least one aria of ‘bel canto.’ The modern operas do not provide this. It demands a great deal of the voice, therefore a good foundation is necessary to pre- serve it.” That voice teachers should also be singers was strongly emphasized by Mr. Rothier: “When you study archi- tecture you don’t go for instruction to an accountant—when you study sur- gery you go to a medical college and & hospital; you study painting from a painter, and modeling from a sculptor. Why people persist in becoming vocal teachers when they have never sung and can at best be only coaches. You must be able to prove what you teach. 8inging seems to be the only profes- sion that can be taught by any one who can afford to have a sign painted. Pianists and singers who have been ruined by bad process of singing, can- not be teachers.” ‘Throughout his lecture Mr. Rothier fllustrated his principles by vocalizes and sang, accompanied by Dorothy Paul. “Invocation to Isis and Osiris” from “Magic Flute” by Mozart, “Cava- tine” from “La Juive” by Halevy, “Le Cor” (“The Horn”) by Flegier, and *“La Maison Grise” y Messeger. Mr. Rothier was enthusiastically applauded after each number and encored. After the lecture, surrounded by his audi- ence, Mr. Rothier told some reminis- censes of his long operatic career and answered questions. He was requested to continue his talks throughout the Family Has Same Birthday. TORONTO, Ontario (#).—Constable William G. Percy and his wife have Jointly celebrated their birthday every years since their marriage nine years 8g0. Both were born June 22, 1901. Now they have another reason to celebrate the day, It's also the birth- day of & son, . Where and When Current Theater Attractions and Time of Showing. Loew’s Fox—‘“Sins of Man,” at 11 am. 1:45, 4:15, 7:05 and 9:50 p.m. Stage shows at 12:55, 3:25, 6:15 and 9:05 p.m. R-K-O Keith—“Show Boat,” at 11:48 am., 2:14, 4:42, 7:09 and 9:36 m. “March of Time” at 11:24 am.,, 1:51, 4:18, 6:45 and 9:12 pm. Earle—“Hearts Divided,” 11 an., 1:35, 4:20, 7:10 and 10 pm. Stage shows at 12:45, 3:35, 6:20 and 9:10 pm. Palace—"Fury,” at 11:15 am.,, 1:20, 3:25, 5:30, 7:35 and 9:40 p.m. Metropolitan—“Border Flight,” at 11:20 a.m., 1:05, 2:50, 4:40, 6:25, 8:10 and 9:55 pm. Columbia—"“Under Two Flags,” at 12:05, 2:25, 4:45, 7:10 and 9:35 p.m. Little—"“The 39 Steps,” at 11:20 am, 1:24, 3:28, 5:32, 7:36 and 9:40 pm. Ambassador — “These Three,” 6:15, 8 and 9:50 p.m. at GARDINER DANCERS APPEAR IN PAGEANT “Mount Vernon Memories” Given in Program for Kiwanis Delegates. ISA GARDINER and her dancers presented a historical pageant, “Mount .Vernon Memories,” before Kiwanis delegates and their wives at Constitution Hall last evening, cli- maxing a series of social events planned for the 5,000 visitors to the twentieth annual convention which adjourns at noon today. Originally planned as an al fresco fete at the Slyvan Theater, properties had to be rushed to the stage at Con- stitution Hall when cold weather and rain descended on the city. Presented in three episodes, the pageant opened with a garden party on the lawn of Mount Vernon in colonial days. Pupils of Miss Gardiner gave a charmingly executed minuet and a lively Virginia reel, the dancers wearing period costumes. The second episode, depicting Civil War times, featured the gay waltzes of that per- iod and the famous “Jump Jim Crow” which won enthusiastic applause from the vast audience of spectators. The final episode presented modern ball room manners illustrated in the “Slag and Shim-Sham,” perfectly staged by the talented young dancers. Miss Mary Day, one of Lisa Gardi- ner’s most talented pupils, executed a graceful solo waltz at the conclusion of the pageant, and Miss Marjorie Mitchell and Walter Doe appeared in a whirling team dance number, Denis Connell played the role of com- mentor for the event, and Thomas Brahany acted as master of ceremon- jes for the pageant, introducing the entertainers, Fred East, Bill Raymond, Edward Steffe, George O'Connor and Jim McWilliams of vaudeville fame. Sidney, a loyal and active Kiwanian, was on hand with his orchestra, -fur- nishing music for the entire evening. g The commonwealth of Australia’s navy consists of four cruisers and ten Gestroyers. g H s —— Helen Morgan sings “Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man” and “Bill,” and plays one of the leadini roles in the Universal icturization of “Show Boat,” which breaks a couple of records 0 stay a sizth week at R-K-O Keith’s Theater. Four New Pictures on Film Rolls Downtown Theaters Change Programs Tomorrow. THE downtown cinema houses will present four new pictures to- morrow, while a pair of films prove their merit by continu- ing already extended runs. Edward G. Robinson, famed “tough guy” of “Little Caesar” and a num- ber of other films, comes back to town still hard as nails in “Bullets or Ballots,” opening at the Earle. Robinson is on the right side of the law this time, though, and will be seen as the detective who puts a criminal gang out of business. Joan Blondell helps him. The Earle stage show will be headlined by the Yacht Club Boys, known for their parodies and original song number and popu- lar as featured performers in several movies. Damon Runyan's bright-quipping typewriter is responsible for the Fox’s new attraction, the comedy, “Three Wise Guys.” Betty Furness and Rob- ert Young play the leading roles in the film. Donald Novis, popular sing- ing star of the stage and radio (he recently was in Billy Rose's “Jumbo™) will be the top attraction on the Fox's vaudeville bill. Loreits Young and Robert Taylor are the stars of the Palace’s next film, “Private Number,” and Basil Rath- bone has an important role in the supporting cast. Loretta is seen as the maid who marries the son of the wealthy family for which she works, the son, of course, being Mr. Taylor. “Abdul the Damned” brings to the Metropolitan an exciting story of the despotic ruler of Turkey during the early part of this century, and his at- tempts to obtain a lovely dancing girl for his harem. The girl's lover ob- jects with such enthusiasm that he leads a revolt against the sultan. Prits Kortner is Abul, Nils® Asther his scheming advisor and Adrienne Ames the dancing girl. “Show Boat” breaks all records for major downtown picture theaters and BALDWIN’S DRUG STORE Open All Night No. 7991. 16th & You Sts. N.W,| We've a Big Stock of BLANK BOOKS Let Us Supply Your Needs. E. Morrison Paper Co. 1009 Pa. Ave. Phone NA. 2945 HAVE YOUR EYES EXAMINED % Den't _nes- BTl m-.tr:‘\- for & M. A. LEESE Optical Co. 614 9th St. N *Smilin’ Thru’ Tonight TH!: Blackfriars’ Guild will present “Smilin’ Thru” to- night, regardless of weather con- ditions. If the day and eve- ning are clear the play will go on in the National Sylvan Theater at the Washington Mon- ument as was originally an- nounced for last Tuesday. If the weather is inclement the play will be given at Roosevelt High School Auditorium instead. All chair tickets issued for the Sylvan Theater will be honored at Roosevelt Auditorium. stays on for its sixth week at R-K-O Keith’s. It has lrene Dunn, Paul Robeson, Helen Morgan, Charles Win- ninger, Allan Jones, music by Jerome Kern and the Edna Ferber story. “Under Two Flags” also holds its own in the popularity race, remain- ing at the Columbia for a second week, its fourth on F street. Claudette Colbert, Ronald Coleman, Rosalind Russell and Victor McLaglen are the stars and the story is an exciting one about the Foreign Legion. i s SPECIAL CARTOON SHOW ‘Amhnudor Has Program to Be‘ Given Saturday. WAENm BROS. Ambassador The- ater, Eighteenth street and Colum- bia road northwest, will present a spe- cial cartoon show Saturday morning at 10:30. This is the last of & series of these cartoon shows which have been presented at various Warner Bros. neighborhood theaters, and which have proven unusually popular. The Ambassador’s program will in- clude “Flying Mouse,” and “Who Killed Cock Robin,” two Silly Sym- phonies; “Mickey's Man Friday” and Mickey's Service Station,” two Mickey Mouse comedies; “Pep Vim and Vit- raliky” and “Dizay Dives,” two Popeye cartoons; “The Little King,” a Betty Boop comedy, and three other car- toons, two of them in Technicolor. Ruby Keeler Tosses Role To Play Wife Part Again There Are Other Versions, But Star Sticks to Love Story—Amateur Films Become Scouts for Producers. BY SHEILAH GRAHAM. OLLYWOOD, JUNE 25 (N.AN. Keeler was all set to play the « sudden surge of wifely love H leaving shortly for New York. And .A.).—Ruby Keeler and Al Jolson are thereby hangs a tale. Miss feminine lead in “Let’s Pretend” when made her decide to throw up her role, and, instead, indulge in a vacation with her singing mate. Of course, it may not have been that at all. The real reason behind Miss Keeler's decision might have been that she did note think her part in “Let’s Pretend” im- portant enough or suitable for her brand of talent. But we like the first story better, and we're sticking to it; 80 is Miss Keeler. Patricia Ellis takes over the part vacated by the dancing star. Leading man James Mel- ton —you heard him sing in “Stars Over Broadway” — has shed 15 pounds under the rough handling—eand we han, former wel- terweight boxing champion of the world. Old-timer Hugh Herbert and newcomer m:’pmv;mo; Shellab Graham. take care care of the comedy and everything is now smooth sailing for the picture, scheduled to go before the cameras July 1. Consider the case of Freddie Bar- tholomew, problem child No. 1 of Hollywood. His acting in “Little Lord Fauntleroy,” coupled with the coincidental (?)—the question mark belongs to the writer—arrival of Freddie’s mother, seeking the custody of her son, has placed him among the top-notchers in box-office appeal. But two sad facts have to be faced. One, that as he grows older his popu- larity will perforce diminish. Two, the contributors-in-chief toward his success—his gentlemanly ways and precise English accent—could, unless controlled, prove the waterloo of his film career. To combat the latter, Freddie will appear in future only in films in which he portrays a tough, fighting, 100-per-cent he-boy. His current as- signment, “The Devil Is a Sissy,” dis- plays him in the company of Mickey Rooney, and Jackie Cooper as a rois- tering youngster, but with a heart of gold. It is rumored his next picture may be Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer,” to be produced in t,he near future KIDDIES’ DAYS Every Monday and Friday 10 AM. and 2 P.M. Trips Only. Kiddies Under 12—10c. Adults 25¢ Round Trip Marshall Hall and Return. —Special for Friday— Frank Portillo Washington's _Favorite Clown Will Entertain on Boat and Special Show at Park. MOONLIGHTS Nightly 8:30—Free Dancing 60c 6o ! and Holidays 75¢ Mt. Vernon Daily AM—2 PM Round ‘l'nn ———— \VILSON LINE NA 2440 775 STREET WHARVES FRIDAY THREE WISE GUYS AND A GIRL who outsmarted them plenty! he breeziest romance in months! ANOTHER HIT FROM DAMON RUNYON THE THREE Buster Radio’s Greatest Tenor DONALD NOVIS VIRGINIA BACON and CO. New Dancing Delights SEVEN DANWILLS Teeter Board Thrills Extra Added Attraction Lucille WEST PAGE The screen comic and Eleanor Powell's FRIDAY FOR ROMANCE IN JUNE.. +#his- PERFECT LOVE TEAM in a PERFECT LOVE STORY only rival in a stage novelty with PATSY KELLY IL RATHBONE URDER TUIO FLAGS' VICTOR MCLAGLEN-ROSALIND RUSSELL Direction f Sidney Lust by David Selznick, who owns the rights to all the Mark Twain stories. But this item, despite the new Bar- tholomew policy, seems slightly far- fetched, in view of the typical Ameri- can background of Master Sawyer. There are probably a thousand un- known American youngsters who have more right to the role. Mady Christiaas has another chance to make good in Hollywood in Samuel | Goldwyn’s “Come and Get It.” As is too often the way with well-known | stage stars who attempt to storm the | film citadel, Miss Christians was given an unsuitable role in her first film here—“Escapade,” starring William Powell and Louise Rainer—and as & result yecelved little encouragement to remain. Her comeback is said to be the result of the boosting of Miriam Hopkins, one of her closest friends. While on the subject of “Come and Get It,” several nights ago a friend brought a 16-millimeter, amateur, col- lege-made film to the home of Director Howard Hawks. They sat down to look at it, “for a laugh,” as Hawks sald. When a brunette, by the name of Andrea Leeds, former student of the University of Californis, appeared on the miniature screen, Hawks leaped to his feet with a ery of, “Who is that girl?” (Copyright, 1936, by the North American E. Lawrence Philljj !VIRYBODY’! OLD MAN." with H JUNE ocl.é.m And LLOYD HUGHES in “A ASHTO CLAI.!NDO! Y TEMPLE . cAP- TAIN JANUARY. Cor CAROLINA (NEW) CIRCLE o weai*o6ss GENE RAYMOND and WENDY BARRIE in OVE New: toon. DUMBARTON pk’#&x"”‘n"m"‘ &= ROSS, ALEXANDER in "BOULDER “THE 39 STEPS o With MADELINE CARROLL. One en “air Bonditionea for i PRINCESS e i " Fiane ARD iOLD gcouzs'nw w’ e SECO 8241 Gm Silver Conm:é.&;s rom 6 0 DIONNE QUI! JEAN HERSHOLT. B6EToN 'LETS ant STANTON ».i S -h-nl From 5:30 P. TADY." with PAY wnn and SO WARDE with #fi: LK!'.R .YOAN ‘WOODBURY and LIAM FARNUM. STATE-BETHESDA seieie da- NOW, 12 A M. CONT. TO 12. Every Hour on the Hour, JOE LOUIS VS. MAX SCHMELING | Exclusive Round-by-Round Fight Pictures. A 60-Minute Performance. Admission 30c All Times. FREE PARKING LOT. (A qCommesticut Yankee previously booked for this date ostboned 9 and 10.) FALLS CHURCH. VA. A LEE 'WORRIES GARY COOPER in “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town.” HIPPODROME able “Peature leh ht‘!_m MT. RAINIER. MD, Goes to ARCADE “Tfia‘:‘;’!%o‘? Margaret, Sullavan in “Moon's Our RICHMOW ALEXANI VA -To Robert Tavlor. S MILO mooe Boris Karloff. “Walking Deld AMBASSADOR ™ &, * Joel McCrea, Miriam Hop- kins and Merle Oberon in “THESE THREE.” Special All-Cartoon Show June 27 at 10:30 A M. APOLLO &% ik, suuvfl’?y B uSONS _HOMI ase Comedy. AVALON “3c 4%, <588% CL ARROW ™ with "GEORGE 5 S.E. LI SRz inee: 200 P, TEMPLE S RNGAry l- CENTRAL #3058 %% o« | LORETTA_YOUNG and FRANCHOT TONE. “THE UNGUARDED HOUR.” S |COLONY % 2 Ges 6r00" GARY GRANT and JOAN BENNETT in “BIG BROWN EYES.” HOME 1230 C St. N.E. Phone Line. 10206 PAY WRAY in nvou mu.wum . Mui.nrl. °fi.¥s& = . SAVOY IGIH & Col. &N '. SYLVAN s st & L iw uTXe‘"Boimi‘a”““’om - STAN LY meds. CHoveity. noT PAW THEATER P%EsT “THE TRAIL OF THE REVUE A HIT Julia Cunningham’s Show, Staged Last Night, May Be Repeated. swmnumummmm- dance achool were presented last night at the Belasco Theater in » bright, colorful display of their terpsi- chorean talents, “The Department Store Revue.” Staged cleverly and executed with considerable finesse, t| ly, in fact, that there is a possibility it may be repeated. All of the dancers displayed a lot of talent and indicated that that talent has been guided correctly. Among those participating were Jack Alexander, Jack Fitzgerald, Mary Adams, Florence Tilling, Gertrude Mason, Marian Webster, Alice Heflin, Jean Barry, Cecile Herman, Patsy France, Betty Johns, Caroline Thomas, Betty Fitzhugh, Shirley Holtz, Jeanne Janu, Rosle Oregory VER TRIPS Go by 8. S. Potomac To COLONIAL BEACH SUNDAY Don’t miss this 140-mile all day water e Beach. lwl-l-l i m- Lv. ® Adults, round te uu p 3 Mosnlight Crulses Ll Dance lnl‘:tgnlt I Vightl Distriet 5611 Rita McAuliff, Lois Wrathall, Vire ginia Lee Middleton, Sarah Rivers, Peggy Stockett, Caroline Nix, Betty Luckett, Patsy Watson, Shirley Tut- wiler, Myra Lee Tolmack, Patsy Thomas, Virginia Hunt, Barbara Wil- son, Dolores Anderson, Elsie Shapiro, Vera Sturiale, Dorothy Souder, Mary Elizabeth Orr, Alice Terrell, Jack Day, Eileen and Jessie Thornton and others, The entire production was staged and costumes were designed by Miss Cunningham and she has done a fine Jo “KEITH'S 2 WABKINGTON INSTITUTION th WEEK! 'SHOW BOAT' IRENE DUNNE -this NEW added at s The 'MARCH of TIME CONNG RADIOS MOSY YOUTHTLL $IaING STAN @ BOBBY BREEN in “LET s SING AGAIN" MORE THAN FIFTY FEA- TURES, INCLUDING SWIM- MING, QANCING, MOTOR BOATING, FREE PICNIC GROVES AT THE FORTY ACRES OF FUN. GLEN ECHO TO HELP YOU WHILE AWAY THESE GLORIOUS SUMMER DAYS & NIGHTS. 40 MIN. CABIN JOHN OR GLEN ECHO STREET CARS, OR VIA MOTOR OUT MASS. AVE, 20 MIN. “G-MEN'S” PRODUCERS NOW GIVE YOU A LEAD-RIDDLED REVELATION OF THE NEW DICTATORSHIP OF CRIME! EDW. G. (Little Caesar) Again Warner Bros. Raid the Headlines, to Give You the Lowdown on the igher-Ups of the Modern Underworld! The “Smart Money" Blonde Who Defled The Top Rats of the Rackets! ROBINSON Muscles In On the Modern Mobs in BULLETS or ' ( JOAN BALLOTS with BLONDELL and Barton Maclane « Humphrey Bogart Frank McHugh A First National Picture o On The Stage » YACHT CLUB BOYS Singing Stars of “Thanks A Million” and “Singing Kid” (s2ses, ke |N PERSON EARLE & FORTUNE WITH VIRGINIA POPE NELLIE ARNAUT & BROS. TOMMY TRENT Warner Bros Cool 25CTO1P. M. Last Day MARION DAVIES in “HEARTS DIVIDED” On Stage— EDGAR KENNEDY B METROPOLITAN EZB