The Washington times., 1928-12-19
CLEAN INGSI
SCREENINGS
By ANDREW R. KELLEY

DJ <AANONGW Ne n ELL z
Not all the talk about condi-
tions in the theater world of
Washington is of a pessimistic
kind. But most of it is. So it
was surprising to get line on
some inside information about
a proposed new theater for the
National Capital.
The deal is cooking. In. fact
it has been stewing quietly in
the theatrical pot for some
time, but has now reached the
point where signing of papers
for the completed deal is
imminent.
The new theater, If and when
erected, will add several thou
sands of seats to those row
available for Washington amuse-
ment-seekers, and will be
challenge to the many who feel
the city is overseated, insofar as
theaters are concerned. / hope
to be able to tell of the site and
plans directly after Christmas.
Where do new musical come
dies come from? Well, unless
my information is entirely
erroneous the new Earl Car
roll show "Fiorellav is q 1928
version Of 'tDon Caesar de
Bazaar" a French comedy first
acted in 1914. Edwin Booth
also presented the piece on
tour.
From the preface Of the Ed
win Booth prompt book is this
description of the central
character: "The Spanish noble
man had stained his ermine,
and dragged his honor through
the Wineshop and brothel; but
he had never wholly lost him
self, and had not perverted his
original nature. Very shortly
you perceived the real nature
of the man underneath--the
nature stained, not spoiled by
reckless dissipation; and it was
therefore, no surprise when, as
the play proceeded, the nobIer
elements of this nature asserted
themselves, and Don Caesar
claimed respect.
Accordingly it is safe to say
that this description fits the
role which Leon Enroll will play
in the very elaborate musical
Mr.. Carroll is providing. Fannie
Brice, by the same assumption
process should be "Maritana,"
strolling singer and dancer,
beloved by the king. And who
but Lionel Atwill of this three
star cast should enact Charles
II of Spain.
A bundle-laden friend of this
department, who happens to be
prominent business executive,
tarried few moments yester-
day to inquire about the future
of the talkies. Do you think
they will entirely replace the
silent films I? Will all movie
theaters eventually be equipped
for sounds /? Are Orchestras due
to become passe
Such information and opinions
on the subject as gathered from
off-hand observation were passed
along cheerily in keeping with
the giving season. Then came
the reason for the impromptu
QUESTIONABLE.
He has. it seems, a very good
friend who is a motion picture
director. Last January this
friend advised that the talkies
were only a fleeting fad. So
my confiGante, who dabbles oc-
casionally in the financial mar
ket, trimmed his sails accord
ingly. On October Is this judg-
ment had cost him exactly
100000. Then he decided that
perhaps. after all, the talkies
might stick around. He gam
bled the other way and got it
all back and a big wad besides.
Christmas will be merry for
him. as usual.
Oh, yes, the motion picture
director who gave him the a9-
vice last January is now super
vising talking films.
Somebody on the Washington
ian, nee the Mayflower Log,
sends an advance tear-out con-
tanning an exclusive story by
none other than John ]. DAILY,
spreading the glad tidings that
Maude Adams has consented to
give season of dramatic read
ings for Manager Charles L.
Wagner. A teasing hint that
this tour will be followed by
the Adams talent in a new
Barrie play, perhaps, is Mr..
Wagner's hope rather than
promise.
And if Mr.. Wagner cares to
wager on the possibility of the
Adams return to the legitimate
stage, | can place him in touch
with a man who has half a mil
lion and more and will bet it
all, every penny, that the
Adams signature on such con-
tract will never be secured.
Manager Stephen Dillingham;
Cochran announces that he will
do his bit for those with thin
pocketbooks after the Christ
mas spending season. To be
specific, the New Year week