Evening Star Newspaper, May 27, 1937, Page 42

c-2 AM Capital’s Dra USENMENTS. ma Advice Impresses Stage Council Theater’s Big Names Hear Viewpoint of “Road” City From Tuttle, Skinner and Others. BY JAY CARMODY. EW YORK, May 27.—Impliedly N At the luncheon meeting, Day Civic Theater, and Richard Skinner,s the same theater’s business manager, and Rev. Father Urban Nagle of Cath- | olic University were among the | speakers. | Then, at the afternoon session, the convention played with an all-star cast. Its subject was “The Dramatist and the Theater.” Among the speak- | ers were Maxwell Anderson, Marc Con- | nelly, Arthur Kober, Paul Green and | Barrett H. Clark. .From them the Other elements of the theater heard | the story of the numerous difficulties which confront the man who con- tributes the foundation of the living drama, the play itself. For all the success of this particular group of Playwrights, one gathered that it was no easy row the brighter dramatists have to hoe to achieve success with their dramatic writings. For their speeches on the meaning | and worth of Summer stock, Messrs. Tuttle and Skinner received applause sufficient to please the proudest Wash- ingtonian. They told, of course, not of their Washington experience during the past eight months, but of what they have learned as a result of sev- eral years of Summer operation in Westchester County. Both empha- sized the contribution of the Summer theater to Broadway, a contribution which included the names of many of the better-known younger actors, dramatists and technicians. Without the Summer stock theater, Tuttle said, such persons as Burgess Meredith, Henry Fonda and numerous others might never have received from Broadway and Hollywood the atten- tion they deserved. His remarks, as were those of Skin- ner, who dealt with the business aspects of Summer stock companies, were received with impressive ap- plause. So were those of Rev. Father Nagle, who spoke on the Catholic theater with its more specialized view- | point as to what the theater should | offer its patrons. * % ok X HE morning session of the con- ‘™" vention, devoted to the subject of *“The Road,” was one of the most in- teresting of the week. Speakers on the program, among them many who have just returned from long voyages | between the coasts, were particularly | emphatic on the two points that non- Broadway theater deserves better plays and prices more definitely in line with those of the competing entertainment medium—motion pictures. The road, which Washington comes moments, Washington figured largely in the third day’s program of the American Theater Council yesterday. the National Capital was there with satisfactory prominence on the morning program of the first national convention of the living theater which was devoted to a discussion of “The Road.” some of the time, directly at other In the first connection, Tuttle, director of the Washington under, is clamoring for good plays but it wants them at prices lower than those which prevail at present. Every speaker emphasized those two points, And, whatever comes of the emphasis with respect to better plays and lower prices, there was a great deal of ap- plause for every speaker who insisted upon them. Marcus Heiman, president of the League of New York Theaters, pre- sided at the morning session. Among the speakers best known to Washing- ton theater-goers were Charles Wash- burn, John Pollock and Florence Reed. The first two, press representatives of Broadway producers, were particu- larly lavish in their praise of the road's enthusiasm for good produc- tions. Both, too, were impatient with the viewpoint that the provinces are particularly different from New York in their ability to recognize a good play. * kX x NVENTION sidelights: Whether or not Broadway like it, it heard a great deal about the importance of the university theater, the little the- ater and the Summer theater in keep- ing alive the thing generally referred to as the “living stage.” And it heard, too, that Walter Prichard Eaton, who presided at the luncheon meeting, thought very highly of Day Tuttle, not only as a former student, but as one who had made good in the world of make-believe . . . And, sneaking out on the late afternoon session, one dele- gate to the convention saw “Tovarich” and liked it quite as much as Gotham | reviewers have indicated. It will be in Washington some time in the Autumn . .. Gilbert Miller is | the producer, as you may have heard, and John Halliday and Marta Abba are the chief interpreters . . . all three | of them are good, especially the latter | two, who play the prince and grand | duchess. They are gay and wise and | tender (toward each other and the| world) as the victims of the Russian | revolution . . . Robert Sherwood, who | adapted the play from the French of Jacques Deval, has done a sympathetic | dition, it is an airy and often amus- THE EVENING :STAR, WASHINGTO Finds Pets in the Jungle MRS. OSA JOHNSON, ) widow of Explorer Martin Johnson, is shown here with two of the friends she made when she and her late husband were in Borneo, making the last of the jungle films, “Jungle Depths of Borneo.” Mrs. Johnson will speak at Constitution Hall tomor= row afternoon and night and show the picture. KING-SMITH PLAYERS SCORE IN LOVE COMEDY ANY and varied (as the saying goes) have been the types of dramaturgy essayed by the histrioni- cists of the King-Smith Studios, but Philip Barry’s “Spring Dance,” com- pletely light and completely unimpor- tant, represented a completely impor- tant addition to the roll of noteworthy presentations offered at the studio playhouse. Although Mr. Barry’s piece has not achieved imposing station among the efforts which have had the fortune to receive Broadway ren- ing play, and the company last eve- ning capitalized on every opportunity afforded by the lineage. The role of Mady Platt is not Job ... and an impressive one . . . if he wrote a third act that is a trifle | tiresome at moments, it still remains | forgivable . . . It is quite easy to under- | stand why the play has been one of the ‘ major Broadway successes during the | last six months . . . and to predict that | it will be similarly successful on “the | road.” MARINE BAND ORCHESTRA PLAYS SEASON CLIMAX Ravel's “Tzigane” One of High Lights of Concluding Pro- gram in Auditorium. THE United States Marine Band | Orchestra concluded its season of | popular presentations of music classics Iast night under leadership of Capt. Taylor Branson in the Marine Bar- racks auditorium. And men and leader alike held to their course again in offering a program of works which are of great favor and interest to the crowds that gather weekly for these concerts. It was apparent that the group pushed itself a little more than usual to provide a fitting climax, with craftsmanship blended with requisite apirit. Johannes Brahms’ glowing “Aca- demic Festival Overture,” written as a gracious gesture to the University of Breslau, marked a substantial opener With its popular German student songs woven through an attractive thematic setting. Except for a tempo which raced at times, the orchestra rendered 8 good reading emphasis on the horn and violin sections. Some sterling solo work was mani- fested by Musician Albert Schoepper in Maurice Ravel's “Txigane” for violin and orchestra. Arresting typi- cal gypsy atmosphere and making it the basis for this opus, the composer musically relates a story of a 8YDsY Who attempts to awaken his expired love from the grave by means of his violin. The themes commence sadly with a long solo passage and work up to a fierce climax of wild dance sug- gestions—orchestra and violin inter- weaving. Musician Schoepper played With smooth style and generally clear and full tone, evoking definite response from the audience. Occupying a featured position on the fare was a symphony (No. 1) written by Arthur Tregina, a retired former member of the Marine Band. It is comprised of four movements Which carry a dominant theme that BOAT TRIPS On Washington’s Finest and Most Modern Excursion Steamer “City of Washington” MOONLIGHT Crnlsu Nightly Leave 8:30 ~Five Cents 60¢c| rmer pancmc | 60c Sidney’s Orchestra—Added Features MOUNT VERNON Leave Daily and Sundays 10 AM.—2 P.M. - [50¢ Round Trip Adm. te Grounds 25¢ MARSHALL HALL Washington's Playground on e Potomac River Opens Saturdsy, May 20th ROUND-UP AND RODEO Sponsgred by OMahoma State Soctety |S0c| Round Trip Ly Wash. 10 A M., 2. 5:: FM Leave Murshail Hagl 15, 6:45, 10:35 P.M. Free Admission te Park Always WVILSON LINE NA 2440-7TH STREET WHARVE S might be called the “motive”—some- what after Tschaikowsky. Much of | the flavor of the work seems to indi- | cate that the composer looks favor- | ably upon the great Russian—notice- | able especially in the first and last| movements. The symphony is long, but proved popular with its abundance of “catching” rhythms. Mr. Tregina was forced to acknowledge the ap- proval of the audience from his seat, J. 8. o TWO ARTS CLUB PLAYS # Irish Free State Minister to Be Guest Tonight. “’THE RISING OF THE MOON" and “Spreading the News,” two' plays by Lady Gregory, performed by play- | ers directed by Marie Moore Forrest, will head tonight's program at the Arts Club entitled “An Evening With | Ireland.” The program also will include harp solos by Edythe Marmion Brosius. The Minister of the Irish Free State, Mr. Michael MacWhite, will be the guest of honor. The program in the garden theater will be preceded by a dinner at the club. Thrillingly these real-life sweet- hearts achieve theirtrue greatness .. . together . . the most important storyeither one has ever had! n DANCING. MAE DAVISON. 8all room classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 811 pm.", Teaching 8 io 0. Practice: to 11.° Tap. health, children's classes, .00 mo. 1330 M 8. N.W. Natl. 3341, 150 private lessons any time. 10 ST T TR 2% 4 & TAYL among those dubbed as “leads,” being | merely one of the feminine characters interested in promoting a successful love affair between one Alex Benson | and her very much intended, but Anne | Perkins contrived to make it the most | convincing characterization of the | production—a spirited, flighty lass with an undertone of serious, un-‘ selfish purpose—well handled through- out. This is not meant to detract, of | course, from the work of Phillipa | Hutchins (“‘Alex”) and Frank Gaunt, the latter playing the more than a little phlegmatic male love interest, both of whom discharged their re- | | spective chores in able fashion. | Serious, studious Kate McKim and | fluttery Frances Fenn (just two more | of the girls) were portrayed in un-{ questionable style by Matilda Tillman and Jane Eoff, respectively, while Ed- | ward Baggs played a thoroughly cyn- ical companion of the male victim of the love bug and was properly caustic in the role. Richard Murphy and the dependable Frank Koonce were the ! other cronies, and their lesser assign- | ments received creditable treatment. James Carroll played the accommo- dating biology “prof,” with Richard| Stringfellow and Margery Hood, as two more people aligned with their respective sexes in varying degree, per= THEATRE GAYETY ..JMATe, STAGE AND SCREEN PRESENTATION “ROAD TO SIN” FRANK—VIVID—TRUE N STAGE SHOWS FOR Living Models | ADULT MEN forming superbly from entrance to exit. Judith Owen and Louise Singer had little to do, but did it well. An 8. Wesley McKee production, which means something, too, | C. A M. OPPOSITFE WHITE BELASCO i — NOW SHOWING — 2 DELIGHTFUL FRENCH HITS ON ONE PROGRAM 4 DAYS ONLY Charles Boyer In “Napplness” (Le Bonhear) Sim N “ladies Lake” (Lae Aux Dames) WITH Complete English Dialogue Titles Why Don't They Do Thinos Like This in Hollywood—XN. Y. Post. Superb—N. Y. Timen. Ercellent—N. Y. M. Tel. ALL SEATS 25¢ TILL 1 P. EVENING, BALCONY ¢ W KEITH'S JOHN BOLES In “As Good a3 Married™ DORIS NOLAN @ ALAN MOBRAY ADDED ... The DIONNE and NOW THEY TALK .1 A PATHE NIWS FEATURETTE COMING GENE RAYMOI © ANN SOTNERN i “THERE GOES MY GIRL™ SEASIDE TCHISAPUAKE 17403 M | 3 NO On The Bay NEW BOARDWALK Promenade ot the Seashere FREE PARKING ALWAYS Every day. Fast. 4 BUS B $ ROUND TRIP One Day Only ok INPORMATION CALL NAtional 0213 W. M. & A. Motor Lines, Inc. "Let them say what they will ... we'll love each other ALWAYS!" -STANWYCK in the picture the world is talking sbout! VICTOR McLAGLEN in his most powerful role L] BRIAN DONLEVY ¢ JOHN CARRADINE SIDNEY BLACKMER *ALAN DINEHART S1G RUMANN - ROBERT McWADE DOUGLAS FOWLEY - FRANK CONROY Last Day-Norma SHEARER-Leslic HOWARD in “noneo_alid JI“Ot" ~N L] D. C, THURSDAY, MAY 27, 1937. C 's Aid Director and Lens Ex- pert Together Seven Years. BY HARRY MacARTHUR. HE Hollywood wiseacres who used to aver that “Capra couldn’t make a picture with- out a script by Bob Riskin,” have changed the song. Now they're claiming it's his cameraman, Joe Walker, seen talking things over with the director elsewhere about thesc pages, who is the power behind the throne, This is not said to detract from Frank Capra’s reputation as a direc- tor of hit motion pictures, for two reasons. First, we don't want any of Capra's supporters striding in the office swinging double-edged battle axes, and, second, we think he's a mighty good director. But the fact remains that Joe Walker, whose skill with a camera | you know if you have been to the | National to see “Lost Horizon,” hu; helped considerably in establishing | Frank Capra among the top-flight | directors. At the periodic conferences Capra has with the adaptor, author, property man, musical director and all the other people involved, during the filming of a picture, it is not the director, but Joe Walker who sits at the head of the table and bosses things. The pair made their first picture together seven years ago and their list of successes includes “Submarine,” “The Bitter Tea of General Yen” (not “The Bitter Yen of General Tea” as one dear lady called it once), “It Happened One Night,” “Broadway know say Capra would not leave Bill” and “Mr. Deeds.” The boys who claim to be in the Columbia to go to another studio so long as Walker is under contract there. The two of them did & fine job on “Lost Horizon” anyway, no matter who's the head man. “The Girl Sald No,” new Grand National fiim, is to have the world premiere of its road-show engage- ment here in Washington. It's the culmination of a 10-year dream of its producer, Andre L. Stone, this first attempt to put Gilbert and Sullivan operettas on celluloid on a large scale. Incorporated in “The Girl Said No” | are the complete operas, “The Mikado” and “H. M. 8. Pinafore,” excerpts from six other Gilbert and Sullivan pieces and an expose of the taxi dance hall racket. That, somehow, seems almost enough for one film. Henry Pearson came to town yester- day with the Roadside Theater'’s di- rector, Anton Hardt, to take over nis duties as designer-technician for tuc theater this Summer, to immediately 80 to work on sets for “The Wizard of the Wave.” He has a job cut our, for him if the tall tales Kitty Prichard brings in the office are any truer than they sound, for “The Wizard of the Wave” calls for boats appearing in the distance, growing nearer, then be- FRIDAY A The machine- _gun nest is cap- tured! A hero in 1917—and then see what h:p- pens to him! Lo over War is © “I'll be waiting for you! No matter how PHIL R % Extra Added Attraction ! ! love — Ty Screen play by Cyril Hume, Richare M Starts Tomorrow (Pls.... ON EGAN POET AND POETESS OF THE ORGAN Lest_Day » WALLACE.BEERYin **The.Good.Qld Sock” om o In-Person, RS 3} e COLUMBIA | JANET GAYNOR AMUSEMENT ing blown up to sink and such easy little technical jobs as that. Mr. Pear- son ought to have fun. He comes from Yale's drama de- partment, though, where he's a sec- ond-year student and where the Road- side’s former scenery wizard, Edith Allen, learned her trade. He also worked with the w-k Playmakers at the University of North Carolina, be- fore going to Yale. But if Kitty's been telling us the truth ke is going to have to call forth all he's learned kefore he is through with “The Wizard of the Wave.” Sigmund Romberg wrote the musi- cal “underscore” for “They Gave Him & Gun,” which opens tomorrow at the Capitol. Romberg has written before for screen musicals, but this is the for a film . .. Robert Taylor, accord- ing to an M-G-M stop-press bulletin, has & burning ambition to play the Lon Chaney type of character role, burying his light under a bushel of | own answer to that ... Spencer Tracy does another swell job in “They Gave Him a Gun” . .. Down at the Colum- bia Pictures exchange there's a huge picture on the wal Chevaller . . . Remember him? . . . Fred Perry reveals some of his tennis secrets in “Tennis Tactics,” a two- reeler on the Loew's Palace program starting tomorrow. F-AT 12 TH Production by w, S. you “San Francisco» ;nd If you |, yourself o From the famous best - sell- ingnovel! Shediscovers that the hero of 1917 is the killerof 1937! A at LOEW’S THE STAGE d Maibaum and \aurice Rapf ROMANTIC SINGING STAR OF STAGE, SCREEN AND RADIO POPEYE THE SAILOR MR. & MRS. JESSE CRAWFORD Y first time he ever did a score directly | make-up . .. You'll have to write your | of Maurice | (HARRY FOSTER WELCH) The Comedy Faverite of the Nation NATIONAL THEATRE NAtional 0501 2:30—Twice Daily—8:30 500 SEATS—50¢ ol All Seats Reserved Mats. 50¢c, 75c, and some at $1.00 Eves. 50¢, 75¢, $1 and some at $1.50 (Plus Tax) “$th s, Abeve’s Opens (:30 PM. BRI THOPKINS = 1000 seC a1 EDWARD G ROBINSON ia GsndROBERT DONAT 5 GHOST GOES WEST A A T IN ADDITION TO ALL THE MORE than 50 AMUSEMENTS EVERY DAY FROM 1 P. M. YOU NOW CAN SWIM IN THE PERFECT SANITARY =+ = FAEE ADMISS AMUS EMENT PARK CRYSTAL POOL 40c ADULTS. CHILD. 15¢ OPENS TODAY AT NOON THEREAFTER from 9:30 AM. \ They gave him a gun—and he turns mobster in peace-time! The daring X /bank hold-up! o P and il G give Coming! The most amazing film ever madel Robert Montgomery n ssell in_M-G-M's “NIGHT MUST F, LIME TRIO “THE GOLLYWOGS"” TIP TOP GIRLS "o’ 2 PAUL WHITEMAN.and.ORCH