The Washington times., 1929-06-03
IGLEANINGS
SCREENINGS
AND
By ANDREW z. KEII.EY

New York papers on sunday
provided not. only food for
thought but abundant newsy
paragraphs if the right amuse-
ment sections were picked. They
were first aids to yawning col
umns which must have their
daily quota of type. Between
seasons, as at present, they are
as empty of toothsome readable
morsals as Mother Hubbard's
cupboard.
One of the Broadway wise
crackers drew a laugh with the
observation that the best col
umnist is the one who reads
the most and has the longest
memory. The description might
have fitted more aptly the Hol-
lywood title writers, but the
weather is getting too warm for
argument. The point of all
this is the dull season for news
is on for Broadway.
There is a hoary old belief
that the gentler sex just makes
bets to win and-chivalry be-
ing what it is in this fast age
if the luck should go the other
way, forget it. Mrs. T. D.
Bonneville, wife of Polls man
ager, demands equal rights in
wagering.
On an opening night some
weeks ago (the play being "The
Devils Mistress"), ventured
an opinion after the second act
the Brandon lyman starring
drama hardly looked promis-
ing as a bright success. "Bet
you a dinner for yourself and
Mrs. K. that you're wrong"
said the seasoned first nighter
in the aisle seat behind, who
happened to be Mrs. Bonneville.
Thus does the element Of chance
creep into our lives.
The next chapter occurred
Saturday when the telephone
jingled and q soft voice an
nounced she was ready to cook
and serve aforesaid dinner. ]
might add that / matched pre-
dictions with a pennant winning
guesser. for Mrs. T. D. B is a
confirmed opening night addict
and bears the reputation Of
seldom picking 'em wrong.
Thumbing through my auto
graphed copy of David Belasco's
plays, / find that "Girl of the
Golden West" which Impressario
Cochran will revive at tie Ma
tional Theater next week, was
also done as an opera by the
Metropolitan opera troupe, hav-
ing its premiere on the night
of December 10, 1910.
The renowned Caruso played
and sang the role of Dick John
son (Rammerez, the road agent)
and had the benefit Of Mr..
Belasco's direction. Emmy Des-
tim played the girl.
This was five years after
Blanche Bates had won stardom
and national attention for her
superb performance in the
Belasco production. "Girl of
the Golden West" opened at the
Belasco Theater. Pittsburgh, on
October 1905, and came into
New York for its long and mem
orable run on October ID.
The play has seldom been
given consideration by stock or
ganization, not only because of
the heavy royalty demanded, but
because it's four acts and pre-
tentious scenery make it Q cost
ly stage venture.
New York producers are keep
ing a weather eye peeled on the
Washington reaction to this
Belasco masterpiece. If it at
tracts record-breaking business
here it is certain to be given
an all-star revival for the road.
Walter Winchell and the New
York Evening Graphic have
parted company. The crack
columnist goes over to the Mir
ror. Louis Sobol replaces Mr..
Winchell.
Wesley Eddy is a Pittsburgh
prima donna. His dressing room
has been supplied with a baby
grand pianoo, carved mahogany
desk and fancy shower bath.
Lenore Uric may stay in
Hollywood indefinitely. AT
least she will not tour with
mimi" when Morris Gest takes
that prodigous production en-
tour. Instead of her $4,000
week salary, some actress at
quarter the weekly assessment,
will have the role.
Not that it makes much diff
ference, but the English censor
has denied sanctuary for public
performance to Dorothy Gish's
play, ''Young Love-" which
raised not murmur from
Lieutenant Van Winkle.
"Alibi" is being advertised as
q musical melodrama because Of
q fear that the movie public
will take it as just another one
of those "trial" features. AS a
matter of fact there are no
courtroom scenes in hits screen