Evening Star Newspaper, January 14, 1937, Page 18

A—18 AMUSEMENTS. Short Subjects Producers Reach for Higher Goals Brief Films of Really Artistic Merit Are Their Bid for Rating Above That of “Filler” Material. BY JAY CARMODY. N THE movies, at least, there are those artistic persons who are convinced that the sins of the fathers are visited on the children. Among those who feel this way are the producers, distributors and exhibitors of those bits of screen entertainment which pass as “selected short subjects.” Time was when short subjects were bits of fol-de-rol which served the real purpose of filling up time. Their« Slwwsm THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, ~ MAYBE BECAUSE THE TMLE IS~ *MORE THAN A SECRETARY * = LIONEL_STANDER TURNS BOUNCER AT THE EARLE — TOMORROW. entertainment value was negligible, if | not sub-zero. They might extend a short feature picture into something resembling the moviegoer's money's worth from the standpoint of time | alone; that is to say, if the feature | ran one and one-half hours, an addi- | tional 30 minutes of short subjects | would make an agguegate sufficient to impress the average ticket buyer. Those who feel today that the se‘ lected short subject got off to a bad start under such an arrangement are the ones who are trying to make it something more substantial. Even when they know they are artistically successful, they turn out so often to be commercial flops. The past of the | short subject arises to curse its pres- | ent with undeserved failure. It is all very discouraging, but the makers of short subjects of something | more than standard merit refuse to give up. If they hold on long enough, l they feel certain that the public can | be educated to look upon the one or\ two reeler as something more than a | time consumer. * ok ok x ,’ JPROFESSIONAL critical opinion en- courages this hope. Either | because of its ennui toward so many \ program pictures, or because it has| seen merit in a few recent short sub- | Jects, the critical group sometimes is | guilty of the heresy of rating the latter | above the former in its reviews. ‘The Robert Benchley shorts, for | uratively, | ler, otherwise Lupe Velez, to help him rick Henry's famous “Give me liberty |or give me death” speech was an | historical bit which, on sheer dra- matic merit, rated above the feature picture with which it was shown. It was so ranked not only in Washing- ton but elsewhere. * Xk ¥ ¥ TEATURES of this character having not only novelty but high enter- tainment value are the hope of those who would put the short subject on & much higher plane than it has oc- cupied in the past. They would lift the brief bit from the category of “filler” to a product of recognizable artistic merit; something not only able to stand on its own feet as enter- | tainment, but to stand that way more | solidly than many a program picture of full length. Their efforts in this direction are one of the developments of the mo- | ment that are distinctly worth watche ing. They are out to emancipate the | short subject from the status of some- thing dull as well as brief, * k X ¥ JOHNNY WEISMULLER, the steak and spinach man who swam, fig- into motion picture fame, arrives in town for a week's personal appearance at the Capitol this after- noon. He will have Mrs, J. Weismul- through his first stage show. Miss BARBARA STANWYCK AND PRESTON FOSTER JOIN 3\ THE ABBEY THEATER PLAYERs ) IN SEAN OCASEVS “THE OPENING TOMORKDW — AT_KEITH'S ’ ITS DICTATORSHIP THAT \ HAS EDITOR. DENIS CONNELL LOOKING THIS WAY IN SINCLAIR LEW|S/ VIT CANT HAPPEN HEREA THE THEATER'S NEW PLAY,OPE WASHINGTON CIVIC \/@’ NING INAUGURATION NIGHT, B, LUPE VELEZ B AND HER JOHNE-E-E WEISMULLER D. C, THURSDAY, BURTON HOLMES LEADS TOUR OF BRITISH ISLES Large Audience Attends First of Travel Lectures at Roosevelt High. Opening his 1937 travelogue season in Washington last night, Burton Holmes discussed the ancient charm of England, Wales and Scotland be- fore & host of his delighted followers gathered in the Roosevelt School auditorium. A renowned world traveler, Holmes, although not in his best form, still gave proof that travel-talks, regard- less of their confinement in topic- matter, need not be a wearisome droning of dry fact accompanying a succession of pictures which, after the first score or so, become cloying in their beauty. On the contrary, the lecturer injected into his talk a cer~ tain wit and an occasional factual oddity appropriate to the accompany- ing screen projection, to keep his lecture well clear of the proverbial rut. High Commencing with a Communist | demonstration among the famous old the itinerary wended its extensive way through the Royal Exchange, where but few messenger boys wear top hats on business; past the market district and out into Oxford. scape and a number of excellent “candid” shots of the natives un- folded an intimate view of the clean- liness and neatness typical of them, the early Romans for the logical rea- son that the bath was popular there and at that time; also a means of travel afforded in the city is accom- lions of famous old Trafalgar Square, | From Oxford | into Wales a vista of dwellings, land- | and the unchanging customs that | have survived for decades. Inciden- | tally, the town of Bath was named by , JANUARY 14, 1937. plished by glorified baby carriages. Several camera views of former King Edward VIII were shown, as well as the poverty-s ricken slate quarry districts which the former King deplored. ‘Through more bowers and ivy-cov- ered bridges the peregrinating Mr. Holmes crossed the Welsh border into rugged Scotland—purple heather, kil- ties and all. The St. Andrew’s golf course, granddaddy of golf courses, & few “lochs” and an interesting camera recording of the launching of the liner Queen Mary were among the Scottish high lights brought back by Mr. Holmes' mechanical eyes. i J. 8. DUD BOMB HURTS THREE |- BATTLE CREEK, Mich., January 14 ().—Army officers yesterday were in- vestigating the explosion of a dud bomb on the Camp Custer reserva- tion which resulted yesterday in the critical injury of one C. C. C. veteran and less serious injuries to two others. Stave Boniewski, 40, of Detroit, was in a hospital near death. Both legs ve., Jan. 28th Baliroom 0. $1.65 and 83¢ Kitt’s, 1330 G. Nat. 4330 GAYETY BURLESK Now Playing THE SHOW OF SHOWS ANN (Delicious) CORIO NONA (Sensational) MARTIN HARRY J. CONNELLY and MAX FURMAN instance, have been known to top the | Velez is the much more experienced full-length feature in many a picture | of the two in the flesh-and-blood show review. And some of the fea- | aspect of the theater. . . . Hardie tures so subordinated have not been | Meakin, currently engaged in bidding straight program pictures either, One recalls, for example, the case of the critic who reted Benchley's Sleep” above “The General Died at Dawn,” the picture which introduced Clifford Odets to audiences That rooking got the critic in ques- tion into many a hot argument, but it offered no end of encouragement to those who wanted the short subject to be better and to receive suitable | recognition when it was better. “The March of Time,” a highly par- ticularized short subject, has enjoyed | the honor of being rated above the | feature picture in many a critical | analysis of film bills in various parts of the country. The rel‘PnL short built around Pat- “How to | motion picture | ** the local Irish sector to “The Plough | and the Stars,” entertained at Variety Club yesterday in honor of George | Gerhard and Jim Brennan, R-K-O | big-wigs who refuse to act bigwig. . . . Four More Years in the White | House” will be Benny Davis special | contribution to inaugural festivities at | the Warner Bros.’ Earle Theater start- ing Friday. It was written especially | for the occasiorr of Davis’ appearance here when the whole country is sup- | posed to come to Washington. . . . At 8:30 tonight, the Sheridan Theater will become the fifteenth theater in the Warner Bros. local chain, It is lo- ANOTHER HIT OF A FEW MONTHS BACK RETURNS. RONALD COLMAN AND HELEN HAVES, YOU REMEMBER ,ARE. &> THE STARS OF YARROWSMITH" TO BE REVIVED AT THE *LITTLE” SUNDAY cated at 6217 Georgia avenue, seats 11,000 persons, and will be dedicated | | by Ernest H. Pullman, president of | 'the Manor Park Citizens' Association. ~ Where and When Current Theater Attractions and Time of Showing. National—"Frederika,” at 8:30 p.m. R-K-0 Keith's—"That Girl From | Paris,” at 11:24 am., 1:26, 3:28, 5:30, %9:32 and 9:34¢ pm. Palace—"College Holiday,” at 12:15, 2:35, 4:50, 7:15 and 9:35 p.m. ! Uptown—*“Reunion,” at 2:27, 4:16, 603730lnd940pm ‘ Howard—"Gold Diggers of 1937," ll 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:45 and 10:15 p.m. Stage shows at 1:30, 4, 6:30 and 9 pm. JOHN H PAYNE NAMED TO COMMERCE POSTI | " sl INew Jersey Man Appainted Elec- attended | trical Division Chief to Succeed at A. W. Cruse. Earle—"Sing Me a Love Son 11 am, 1:35, 4:15, 7:10 and 9 s‘[;‘:ep ::a s at 12:40, 3:25, 6:15 and, Abpolittenent of Johril i Payne of| Essex County, N. J., as chisf! of the (‘:mtol— ‘Garden of Allah” at 11 Electrical Division of the Bureau of | , 1:45, 4:25, 7:20 and 10:05 p.m. F\)rzlgn and Domestic Commerce was smee shows at 12:40, 3:25, 6:20 and | announced late yesterday by Secretary | 9 pm. | of Commerce Roper. Payne, who has | Metropolitan—“The Jungle Prin- | been connected wuhsthe Westmghcme: ecess” at 11 am, 1:05, 3:10, 5:20, | Electric Co. for 15 years. xucceeds‘ atana b Bop 8 Andrew W. Cruse, who resigned | S5 ¢ 0 | recently. | Columbia—"Born to Dance,” at 11| *This appointment,” Roper ex-(‘ am, 1:10, 3:20, 5:25, 7:35 and 9:45 plained, was the result of harmonious pm. collaboration between the electrical | Rialto—“It Happened One Night,” industry and the administration.” at 2, 440, 7:04 And 947 pm. “The | ocBornl | Iy Tlamille B8, Plough That Broke the Plains,” at | 4:07, 6:27 and 9:11 pm. Little—"‘These Three,” at 11:28 a.m., 1:31, 3:34, 5:37, 7:41 and 9:44 pm. Ambassador—"“Come and Get It,” &t 5:45, 7:35 and 9:35 p.m. Tivoli—"“Winterset,” at 2:05, €, 5:50, Plyna | TOMORROW..! chool and later was graduated from | the electrical industry, In the Public's Interest @ wEmg establishment in Washington, nor the oldest. In fact, we've just started, but we have everything that it takes to give you @ good print- ing job, regardless of the specifications. We have set out to build a reputation for friendly service in the public’s interest, and invite your inquiries accordingly. are not the largest publishing and print- The Friendship Press Edward B. McLean, Jr., Pres. PUBLISHERS AND PRINTERS MAGAZINES LETTERHEADS PAMPHLETS BOOKLETS 1065 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Phone WEst 1643 KEITH'S s AMUSEMENTS. were shattered by the explosion. Nahtaniel Eatman, 42, of Kalamazoo, suffered serious body burns and Henry Elfgen, 48, of Detroit suffered | leg burns. Investigating officers said the men | were on hike when they discovered the shell which had been used in the Army maneuvers last Summer. It ex- ploded when Boniekski stepped on it. Gonstitation Wall, Nest Sundey Aftorseen, 4 P. B. LILY PONS Aw.., I Consert ll'. ®20, Mr. nn.-‘ X 7% ROSENTHAL arm L) $2.24, Mre. Dersay's, 1300 8 (Dronp's) Newest Theatre SHERIDAN o A A1 Shren 5 .. Gala Opening Performance TONIGHT AT 830 PM. all seats 35¢ DOORS WD‘I AT 745 PR Atnraction “SING ME A LOVE SONG“ A Vet Broe Comepitas Kt Wit JAMES MELTON @ PATRICIA LUS o HUGH HERBERT . TICKETS GO ON SALE TJODAY AT 3 OCLOCK Tonite ATIONAL Nites $1.10 to $3.30. Sat. Mat, $1.10 to $2.75. - New York ERNEST KING. GLEASON TRUEX In Franz Lehar's New Operetts Stared and Directed by HASSARD SHOHT Choreography by Chy Settings by Watson D'oYLY flRTE GILBERT & Opera Co. from Lon St RIALTO :=mr The Greatest Prize-Winning Picture in Sereen History! PRODUCED BY PRANK CAPRA (Who has since made “Mr. Deeds™) G GABIE u! bt COIBERT L Aleo “THE PLOW that BROKE the Fostoria, Ohlo, hxgh active experience in various phases of | 12 of them | the Armour Institute of Technology, | devoted to development and handling Chicago. He has had 25 years of | of export business. S Prson WITH SONJA HENIE Adolphe MENJOU e Jean HERSHOLT. NED SPARKS ¢ DON AMECHE RITZ BROTHERS BORRAH MINNEVITCH AND HIS GANG ARLINE JUDGE ¢ DIXIE DUNBAR STAGE LUPE VELEZ FRIDAY 1937°S Wonder Show ENOUGH STARS . LAUGHS... FOR A MILLION HITS « - SONGS LOVE...THRILLS Johnny WEISSMULLER HOLLYWOOD’S ROMANTIC SWEETHEARTS FRANK GABY GIFT OF GAB 20 ELIDA DANCERS Extra Added Attraction! 4« ON THE STAGE |-n‘s Mest Popla DAVIS In response great stars) the PLAINS” to thou- sands of requests, we proudly an- nounce a return engagement of the greatest picture of two truly Borrah MINNEVITCH AND HIS HARMONICA RASCALS HOLD IT BILL! All records smashed! We're COMING BACK TOMORROW William POWELL Kay FRANCIS C] Ja Waner B Tremph WAY PASSAGE FRANK McHUGH %:45 and 9:40 pm. LEAVING TOWN? ¥izgn Via Union Station STORE YOUR CAR in the Heated CONTINENTAL GARAGE Attached to Hotel Coninental Entrance on D St. NEAR UNION STATION @uard Against Theft, Parking Bans and A Handful of Heroes They took one chance in a thousand and lost . . . Tense swift, sweeping human drama ripped from the flaming heart of Dublin’s Easter Week Rebel- lion! It will worm you to tears|f; and thrill you to cheers. . . . ! K Freezing Weather Telephone Met. 4642 LOANS 71 years of buying, selling and lendingondiamonds, jewelry, etc. Liberal Loans at Lowest Possible Rates CASH FOR OLD GOLD (Government License) Loan_ Office 505 King St. Alevn ria Wash. nlllrn 1215 H Established 1866 Award Winners ari by RKO Radio Pictures SEAN O'CASEY'S The pleasant way to visit FLORIDA Sail from Baltimore any Mon- day for a 12-day cruise. Vis including nd comfortabl ions on ship .nd best hotel reservations sightseeing in Mmm Also tours to St. August Bok Tower, Daytona Beach, St. Petersbu: points of suit your and a new edition of Business Girls in the Big City China’s Dleu:m Kidnapped A SCREEN SNAPSHOTS “MERRY CAFE"Cartoon “The ICE MEN," loe Skating Stare And the Always first PATHE NEWS MERCHANTS & MINERS LINE « 6 Feature Show “The MARCH of TIME" A % Out of the genius of Aeldu:y a GREAT NEW DRAMA proudly presented e PLOUGH:>STARS' DIRECTED BY JOHN FORD AND WITH BARBAKRA STANWYCK PRESTON FOSTER UNA O'CONNOR AND PLAYERS FROM THE FAMOUS ABBEY THEATRE, DUBLIN, IRELAND LAST DAY © LILY PONS * JACK OAKIE * GENE RAYMOND ¢ "THAT GIRL FROM PARIS® _ CADMY Of Perfect Seund P BERT MONTGON (BRY Yol Roe.u.mn RO . “TRO FOR RUSSELL FOFAR FOR A NIGHT. CLATRE TREVOR and _JANE DA ASHTON CLARENDON. VA. SIR_GUY STANDING and PRANCES D GIVEMY L with, WELL. CAROLINA ‘it R and “THE FINAL OUR CIRCLE 2103 Pen: Free Parking, J. WEISMULLER and M “TARZAN !scAP!:s DUMBARTON YRNA LIAM POWELL. JEAN HA SPENCER TRACY in “LIBELED TADY med: | n better than origi- nal Thin Man!” say criti "POWELL “™L0Y And ASTA In MG M's Happiest Hit "“AFTER THE THIN MAN JAMES STEWART - ELISSA LANDI é’m PALACE TOMORROW TOMORROW e COLUMBIA #W/[[ gl.u. LIONEL BARRYMORE LAST DAY “BORN TO DANCE" with ELEANOR POWELL 7, \. BERNHEIMER’S A FAIRLAWN MEN ON A oth Bflvun Fand o OBERON nnd RIS HOPKINS “THESE THREE.” ES 1119 B n' 3 ERINCESS o o coug. WALTER PRI '_with VALERIE HQBSON T8211 Georgia Av SECO Shiver Sorine. Ma: “WOMEN"ARE TROUBLE,” FLORENCE RICE and STUART ERWIN. “THREE MARRIED MEN.” Star_Comedy_Cast STAN'I'ON Fiseh otnd £ Eanl-mil. Cnnnnuous Pwm 5 P.M, WHO LIVE] ANACOSTIA. D. FRANE EHUGH in MERLE O 6970 Wi STATE BETHFSDA ‘220 MAX RHINEHART'S “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” ACT AND NEWS EVENTS. FALLS CHURCH. VA. LE! STATE i FRCeRD LEW AYRES Nllh(ly MARY OCARLISIE Peatur n TAKOMA W . P I"l “THEODORA GOES WILD o Selected Short Su WIISON R 1838 Iryine .IESSE THEA “Big Broadcast of 1937 o JACK BENNY. BDRNB and AU-IN SYLVAN === carsiew. “LIBELED LADY,” ‘WILLIAM FOWCE';L"O_QEAN HARLOW. LW TREATER _Decar. P EMBRANDT,” - CERARLES LAUGHTON. Oartoon. WARNER BROS. THEATERS > AMBASSADOR 5" o ®sSts Col. 5505 EDWARD ARNOLD and FRA! E'RL in CCOME AND GET k it APOLLO ofzimis: MAE WEST and RANDOLPH GO WEST, YOUNG MAN." AVALON 12 Giev e “THREE MEN ON A HOI FRANK McHUGH and __BLOND! rch of AVENUE GRAND &3 &4 l% GUY STANDING and \NCES RAKE in_"“I'D GIVE MY LIFE CENTRAL 425 Ninth 8¢, N. Phone Met. 2831 BURN and KRR MARSHALL REBELS” "and DITH and U‘R/(" A_WOM. ARGO in COI.ONY ol E| WINTER- MAE WEST and RANDOLH-I VEST. JUNG M. E.” with JOAN _Tim Line. 2 3 -nn“’ufificu FLLS 1nd JAMES MELTON. “Al Seate 1‘1 k!ll on SIXQ OY ‘This TlVOLl S radiotinee. BURGESS MEREDT n_*WI rk !l N' Cllullnl 3100 atinee P HIPPODROMEM‘D!:;.'. Wow. Shearer-Marsh-Howa: in “SMILIN’ THRU ARCADET""“_ RICHMOND. ATEXANDRIA VA Jane Withers. “Can This e *Dixier* ROCKVILLE. MD. Today-Tom. LO MAE WEST in “Go West, Young Man.” 9 Direction of Sidney Lust