davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
The Snoring Picture c4lbum
By Robert E. Sherwood.

THOSE stars in Hollywood who
began at the bottom and fought
hard and long to reach the top
Il have reason to look with some
disgruntlement at ELISA I,andi.
For Miss Landi was not compelled to
make the arduouS ascent under her own
power; she was provided with swift
elevator. AS her active press agents
have already informed you, she was
born in Venice, of Austrian parentage
and educated in England. She attained
moderate celebrity in her adopted
country as an actress and as novelist,
and last Fall she was imported from
London to New York to appear In the
short-lived dramatization of "a Fare
well to Arms" She was then subjected
to a screen test by the Fox Corporation
and swept triumphantly to Hollywood.
Throughout the past two months
thousands of people have been receiv-
ing in the mail postcards proclaiming
the rayiShing beauty. the superlative
artistry, of ELISA Landi. Movie columns
in newspapers and fan magazines have
been packed with references to her,
planted by her confident sponsors. Be-
fore the release of her first picture,
Body and Soul" she had become q
star and now that the film is on view
her name is being featured above that
of the firmly established Charles Far
rell
Which brings us to the inevitable
questions: Does she deserve 1t? Is she
a legitimate luminary? Has she proved
that it was no false alarm when the Fox
publicity boys shouted Fire! Fire!" to
herald her arrival? In reply to these
questions, most of the more discerning
of the film critics have said, mo" with
the charitable. reservation that Miss
Landi might appear to better advanta ge
in better picture. My own answer, on
the other hand, is an emphatic Yes"
She impresseS me as distinctly val
liable acquisition to the Hollywood smart
set. She has beauty, power and skill
and fine, ringing sincerity. Further
more, there is about her an atmosphere
of cultural superiority, Of good breeding
which is certainly not necessary fea-
ture in q film stars equipment (as has
been proved in too many cases., but
which is none the less desirable.
In short. ELISA Landi wins this col
umns formal approval.
To continue with lny dissenting
opinion: think that "2cdy and Soul
is a good picture. 1t Is another drama
of the legion of the condemned in a
British-American flying squadron, with
beautiful spy who entraps the doomed
young men with her wiles and then
communicates their condolences to Ger
man G. H. @. But it is exceptionally
well done. 1t Is splendidly acted, by
Miss Landi, Charles Farrell, Humphrey
Bogart and various unidentified avia-
tors, although dishonorable mention
must be made Of one drunken scene in
/ which Mr.. Farrell is both unconvincing
and mildly repulsive. It is also capably
directed by Alfred Santell. and most OF
the dialogue is vigorous and true.
X y
THE first of the new Trans-Lux thea
tiers has opened in New York, and
two more of them (adioining each
other, for some strange reason are ap-
preaching completion. AS I understand
it, some so others are being planned at
strategic points throughout the country.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
BY MARK BARRON.

NEW YORK, April 4 (Pj.-An i'm
Dressiye cast Of we'll known faces
has been missing from the Broadway
stage for the past season. Some of
them. true, have 'forsaken the theater
for the more golden field of talking pic
lures, some have been unable to find
suitable vehicles and others, weary of
worry amid the bright lights, have
sought quieter sanctuaries.
Madge Kennedy, Francine Larrimore,
Elsie Ferguson and Betty Starbuck are
chief among those who have been I'M
able to find roles measuring up TO their
talents.
Miss Kennedy consoled herself with
touring in Michael and Mary" Miss
Larrimore tried out in the halcyon
Storm Song" which proved an inef-
fectual breeze that never reached
Broadway. The Misses Ferguson and
Starbuck merely idled on the side lines
and waited for parts that never came.
Huston, Claudette Colbert, john Crom-
well, Ina Claire. Ann Harding, George
Arliss and Barbara Stanwyck away from
the stages which had grown to expect
them each season. Hollywood also was
gracious enough TO keep a number OF
less talented actors away.
Laurette Taylor and Mrs Thomas
Whiffen seemingly have gone into re-
tirament, although Miss Taylor is eager
to appear again. Pauline Lord is mar
ried and very happy to confine herself
to domestic life.
Peggy Wood. Jack Buchanan and
Beatrice Lille have been showing their
talents in London. Miss Lille is again
on these shores and soon will begin re-
hearsals in the new Little Show"
Constance Collier also has been miss
ing from behind the footlights, and will
continue So She has bsen directing
and revising plays with unusual success
Helen Morgan has divided her time
between touring in "Swest Adaline" and
singing in Florida and Havana clubs
Now she is returning to be Camille in a
musical version Of that romantic bellies
| adventures.
Il 4 X = -
British mystery thriller, THE ST.
/ lent Witness" Is among the new plays
Although utilizing all the hackneyed
devices of such dramas, it managed to
| come of as very interesting evening
Lionel Atwill is a gentleman Of Brit
ish nobility who attempts to take the
blame for murder he thinks his son
has committed. A court room scene Il
/ the setting, and in a series of fash
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
Coming Attractions

and ballet, and in the latter Rita de
Leporte, premiere danseuse, will be seen
with the entire corps de ballet of the
Metropolitan Opera. Hasselmans will
conduct.
Peter Ibbetson" has a long list Of
principals. johnson appears in the title
role, with Bori as Mary, Duchess Of
Towers; Hibbett as Col. Ibbetson,
Rothier as the old French major and
Milo Picco as Guy Mainwaring, support
ed by group Of charming ladies, Louise
Lerch. Dorothy Flicker, Philine Falco,
Minnie Egener and Aida Doneli. Sera-
fin will conduct. Deems Taylor used
the most exquisite bits of the Du Maui
rier novel, the Constance Collier play
miss Collier also assisting with the
libertto) and his own work in writing
both words and opera score.
Rhapsody in Black"
7 EW LESLIES new, all colored, mus
- ical production, entitled Rhapsody
in Black" will have its premiere at the
Shubert- Belasco Theater Sunday, April
II. Following the weeks engagement
in Washington the company will play
a week in Pittsburgh and then go to
New York fer its Broadway run.
Ethel Waters, who was largely re-
sponsib!e for the success OF Mr.. Leslie's
early editions of "Blackbirds." is being
starred in Rhapsody in Black" sup
ported by Valaida. Cecil Mack's Choir,
Blue McAlister, Al Moore and Pike
Davis Continental Orchestra. The en-
tire production was conceived and
staged by Mr. Leslie. While several
members of his present organization
were seen in "Blackbirds." his "Rhap-
s3dy in Black" is an entirely different
form of entertainment and is presented
on a much higher class scale.
Mr.. Leslie will be recalled as the dis
coverer of the late Florence Mills and
recognized her great talent and helped
to project it in his revue, From Dixie
to Broadway"
"HeIlO, Broadway"
NEXT weeks attraction at the Gayety
y Theater will. be Hello. Broadway"
smash hit of the Mutual Circuit, con-
tanning a mixture of high-class vaude-
vile and burleSque, with all the lure of
a musical comedy The cast includes
Clyde Bates, Reggie White and Jean
williams. An added attraction will be
John Quigg, The Accordion King"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05

The pioneer Trans-Lux house pre-
sumably sets the standard for the sub
sequent establishments. In size 1t re-
sembles the first of all the film parlors,
being limited to a converted store and
seating only 150-odd persons. In its
decoration, however, it Is violently mod
ern, with chromium plate accessories.
The price Of admission at all times and
for all classes is one quarter Of dol
lar. The program consists entirely of
newsreelS.
The news flashes are kept UP to date.
For instance, within "a hours after the
first reports of the disastrous explosion
OF the Viking in the Arctic the Trans
Lux Theater was showing views Of the
vessel and its crew, with comments on
1t from Capt. Bob Bartlett, who was
its skipper for many years.
One Of the advantages of the Trans
Lux Theater is that the projection ma
chine is behind the screen. The chief
disadvantages are that the customers
must enter through one OF those re-
luctant turnstiles which bruise the
thighs and promote charley horses, and
the only exit is next TO the screen, so
that those on the way out are con-
stantly spelling the view
The term "Trans-Lux" is from the
Latin, and means across light" or
something like that. I don't consider it
very good name for a chain OF movie
theaters, as a great many people are
bound to assume that it indicates a
laundry.
FROM Carl Laemmle (who writes
most of this column) comes the
following communication: "You ask
me what I would do IL I were running
theater and did not happen to have
good picture to advertise; and you
add that you do not expect any reply
But there is perfectly valid reply, Just
the same
IF theater is caught with a picture
which is not so good. there are still
certain points which viii interest many
movie fans. These should be stressed
In the advertising. 1t is certainly not
necessary to say the picture is bad, for
the divergence of opinion as to enter
talnment value is so wide this would
be folly. have seen enthusiastic news
PAPER reviews on pictures which I
thought were so terrible that no one
could speak a good word for them.
have seen pictures considered almost
perfect ripped to pieces by some one
with a different point of view.
"Of course, I don't believe that every
picture should be advertised as the
greatest in the world. But do believe
that the good points of every picture
and there are always some-shuuld be
sold to the prospective audience with
out Misrepresentation but with enthusi-
asm. You favor advertising with the
highest esthetic appeal You might
get by with that If you were running
theater for esthetics, Mr.. Sherwood,
but I hope for your sake you never
experiment with it elsewhere, unless
you are backed by bankroll which can
weather a permanent business depres-
sion"
Mr.. Laemmle's kindly advice Is here
by accepted and put into effect Never
| theless, still insist that p. T. Barnunn
is dead. whereas Bruce Barton, who be-
lieveS in dignity in advertising, is alive
and extremely prosperous.
Copyright, 1917
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
S.R.O. in a Dying Theater.

ETHEL BARRYMORE now is making
her first tour of the South in many
years. Theatrically she finds it a
changed country from that she last
visited with Pinero's Channel"
| Then there were between IS and 80
| travelling companies playing that Sec
ton of the world. This year hers is
only the fifth road attraction to be seen
there, Strange Interlude," Strictly
! Dishonorable," Cherries Are Ripe" and
| Flying High" having preceded her
earlier this season. Miss Barrymore has
had S. r. o. houses everywhere she has
appeared. as did Strange Interlude"
Instead of a regular circuit of thea
| tiers, such as she acted in on her last
tour, Miss Barrymore now plays chiefly
in motion picture palaces" and occa-
sionally civic or Shriners auditoriums.
Infrequently she is seen in a theater
left over from the former era of road
prosperity.
lit is significant" the news report
states, that the public, long deprived
Of spoken drama, and consequently ex-
pected to have outgrown the habit of
attending such performances, after a
thorough weaving on the talkieS, EVIL
IDENTIFY Is keener than ever 20 see play
acted by living players. For the thea
tiers sell out days in advance and mail
orders come from points 100 to $50
miles distant"
When Miss Barrymore reaches New
Orleans. on April Z, she will have tray
eled 3,246 miles from New York in four
weeks and will have appeared in %
cities. Her largest receipts thus far
were in the Mosque. in Richmond,
Va, where at one performance she APP
peared before 3,718 people, who paid
S5,783 to see her And no scare of CEN
sorship had been Haunted in Richmond
to hasten the public to buy seatsl She
is booked in six civic auditoriums in
Texas. and the managers insist she will
eclipse the Richmond record in their
cities
If the South, as is apparent, is en-
joying looking at Miss Barrymore, she
is having a grand time looking at the
South. No sooner does she arrive in a
city than she orders her car and drives
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
News of Stage Folks.

backs, the actual murder is re-enacted.
1t turns out. of course, that the silent
witness becomes not so silent and testi-
fleS that both Sir Lionel and his son
are innocent.
Atwill, Anthony Kemble-Cooper, and
Kay Strozzi give excellent performances
and the critics largely feel that the play
is a success. Perhaps now Atwill may
have an answer to his recent inquiry
as TO why SO many of his plays failed.
The public merely wants good plays.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
Has PLAYED the Bard.

WITH the possible exception of John
Barrymore, Helen Chandler. who
is now doing Ramon Novarro's Day
break" at M-G-M, has probably ap-
peared in more Shakespearean plays
than any thespfan In Hollywood
Helen started keeping immortal the
name of the great bard at the age of S.
Among others. she has been in Mac
BETH" Richard III" and Hamlet"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
Reducing Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE GREENWOOD, in
- Metro oldwyn- Mayors Stepping
Out" had to dash madly up and down
fight of stairs dozen times in a
scene.
Il want to reduce" she painted to
Chuck" Reisner the director, after the
scene was finished. But not as quickly
as this!"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05

Forth"
Regular patrons
of the Washington
theaters will recall
that this unusual
American play
which is a strong
contender for the
l930-31 Pulitzer
prize, really started
in Washington dur
ing the past Win
ter. The tryouts
we're held in Lam
caster, Pa. but
the real first nights
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05

Gay" which was
C h os e II by the
management from
a goodly list of
American plays be-
cause it has never
been seen before in
Washington a n d
q so because it Of
fers splendid OPP
portunities for the
talents of the 1881
C o m p ny that
hopes to provide
the National Capt.
tai with its only
theatrical e n t e r
tainment for some
time to come.
Let Us Be Gay"
ls foiiiit ont Of the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05

to points of interest in the town and
its vicinity. She is enthusiastic about
these cities and naturally Is gratifioa
by their response to her appearance in
their theaters.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
"Philin Goes Forth. !"

EOR the week beginning Monday
April 10, the National Theater
Players will offer George Kelley's latest
piece OF playwriting, Philip Goes
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
NATIONAL PLAYERS-"Let Us F
Gay"

T%HE opening of the new Spring
theatrical season tomorrow eve
ming in the National Theater
should prove an suspicious
event as it will also mark the
opening of the seventh annual season
IF the National Theater Players In the
washington premiere of Rachel Croth-
prs' delightful comedy, Let Us Be
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05

FRIDAY afternoon, 2:15 o'clock, at
the Belasco Theater. Miss Hawke
will give her annual children's dancing
recital, introducing the fantasy. Polly
Meets the Moon Man The recital
will include many new and pleasing
numbers by the pupils as well as a
number of popular solo and group offer
ings, as we'll as tap dancing. Oriental
ballets, Russian dances. waltz numbers
and fancy dancing About 100 chill
dren, ranging from years to Is years
will take part.
Tickets NAV be secured from Miss
Hawke at 1871 @ street.
An evening dance recital has beer
announced also under Miss Hawkes. di-
rection, at Wardman Park Theater
Friday evening, April "a, at s:l5.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-04-05
NATIONAL JUNIOR THEATER-
Master SkyIark."

mdSteT ShstdFhs
THE National Junior Theater an
4 nounces its last play Of the season
at Wardman Park Theater Wednesday
instead of Saturday, With morning ana
afternoon performances.
The play is Master Skylsrk," from
the book by John Bennett, read and
loved by chill iren everywhere. At Is
gorgeous picture Of EliZabethan times
and has to 90 With Queen Elizabeth,
Shakespeare. Ben Jonson. Tom Hey
wood and other real and romantic hg-
ures Of that day. It concerns little
hoy of a simple Puritan family, eager
and adventurous, who wanted more
than anything else TO see some OF the
plays played by the strolling companies
in his own as we'll e7 neighboring VIII
lagos. but because Of the stern principles
Of his Puritan father he was never per-
mitted this privilege.
The Junior Theater management, BOB
Seventeenth street, promises that this
will be the richest and most attractive
play OF the whole season. Bretaigne
Windust. the irresistible Valentine
Brown Of Quality Street" will come
, from New York to play the part OF
CASTOR Carew. Kate Conway plays the
part Of Margaret Atwood, the mother
of Nick. and Christine Ramsay that OF
Queen Elizabeth.
Nick Atwood, who is Master Sky
lark. will be played by George r. Vest,
Sd. a choir boy at ST. Paul's Church, by
permission Of Samuel A. Leech, choir
master Of st. Paul'S.
GAYETY-"Wine, Women and Song"
THIS weeks Mutual Circuit offering
at the Cayety Theater, Wine,
Women and Song" is said TO present
cast of unusually fine CALLER on its
first haunt over the circuit, headed by
Harry Steppe, Hebrew comic, with Lee
Hickman as his runner-up, in tramp
delineation; Sonny Kest, singing beauty,
as a featured feminine lead, Florence
Naomi. prina donna Murray Green,
singing and dancing Juvenile; D3t Alex
ander, Lew Denny and Thelma Carlton.
BURTON HOLMES-"Grand Tour Of
Europe"
GGTHE GRAND TOUR OF EUROPE,
a visual record Of a delightful
vagabondage through the capitals
and countries Of Europe, is to be the
next offering in the Burton Holmes
series of pictured stories OF travel nov
current at the National Theater. II
viii be presented next Thursday alter
noon at 4:30.
An acquaintance with London anc
Ferris Brussels and Amsterdam, thu
EiEieTa and the Rhine Is taken FOL
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
CHRISTMAS SHOPPER USED RUBBER CHECKS1
Campaign Started
 For Firemen's Day
Natiem.Wide Drive Started By National Retirement
 Club for Firemen and Policemen

fire departments, paid and volun- teer, in the United States to select, through their national organiza- tions of chiefs and privates, the date they prefer for Firemen's day.
 There are in this country to- day about 55;000 paid firemen and slightly less than million volun- teer firemen. They constitute tremendous power, not only as pro- tectors of lifeand property, but also in their effect upon public opin- ion, for the bonds between all fire men and all fire departments are very close. They think alike and feel alike.
 "They would celebrate Firemen's day with parades, demonstrations of fire-fighting equipment. and all the customary forms of amusement with which Americans enjoy a holi- day. All departments in given areas might assemble in one city and put on a big show, as was done here last September when firemen from eight states took part in our p aade; or those departments which preferred to do so could re- main in their home towns for their celebrations. What we want to find out now is what date most depart r1ents prefer for Firemen's day. We areall agreed, think, that 1t should be in the early autumn, the beginning of the season when dam ger of fires, in both towns and for ests is on the increase"
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

Leaving in his wake a number of sadder, but wiser merchants. one Harry Steinorth, formerly a resident of Highland avenue, has moved to parts unknown. He left Waterbury richer to the extent of several hundred dollars in cash and merchandise. As souvenirs of his belief in patronizing Waterbury stores he left number of worth less checks. He is alleged to have made a cleanup here last Saturday afternoon when Nthe banks were closed and clerks and merchants, too busy with early Christmas shoppers to devote much time to investigating the worthiness of the checks. MT Steinorth added per sonal touch to his transactions by using the names of several we'll known residents of the, Brooklyn district.
 The Vogue shoppe on South Main street was swindled of $20 worth of merchandise and $30 in cash. J. Johnson 6 Sons parted with an overcoat valued at $46 and $39 in money. An Arch Sup port store on Grand street, the Hotchkiss company and the Elite store on East Main street were victimized for various amounts.
 Lieutenant James Murphy had a collection of returned checks in his possession to-day and was investi- gating the complaints of the stores Him. damned. It was made evil dent in certain instances Steinorth was assisted by his wife. The lat ter would make some selections of merchandise and the husband would place a cash deposit. usual ly $1, on the articles she pre- ferred. She made the selections a week ago Monday. The checks were passed without suspicion Sat- urday afternoon. The idea of a cash deposit and the weeks inter yening time offset suspicion. The checks were not deposited for pay 1nent until Monday or Tuesday and they bounded back yesterday. Mir and Mrs Steinorth departed from the city in an automobile.
 The local police were also rec ported interested to-day in the claim that couple, whose descrip- tions tally with the Steinorths,
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16
Name Receiver For Federal National
 Bank Of Boston
Closing Tied Up S5l, 100000 in Deposits Eight A-
 fiIiated Banks in Mass. Closed

Credit corporation might assist the Federal National in reorganizfng brought no immediate response from district directors of the cor- poration. Bankers expressed doubt however, whether such aid W0t1ld come within the new organizations scope, since It's purpose was to as- sist going banks, not closed ones.
 Confident that. the Gloucester National bank, which closed yes- terday for the first time in 135 years, was entirely solvent, other banks of that city volunteered to. cash checks drawn on 1t. They held a quarter million dollars in readiness but expected wholesale withdrawals did not occur.
The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-12-16

Washington, D. C., Dec 1e.-A nation campaign for adoption of f1remen's day in the early au- tumn, to be celebrated annually by every paid and volunteer Ire department in the country, was be- gun to-day by the National Retire. ment club for Bremen and Police men, an organization with mem. berships in all sections of the country.
 "What we are trying to accom- plish by instituting Firemen's day" declared George s. Watson, chief of the fire department of the District of Columbia, lis to focus public attention upon the firefght- CTS. The benefits to both firemen and the public will be incalculable. Firemen will realize that their courage, work and high character are properly appreciated by the people they protect; and the public will learn, from the various ex- hibits of the departments, how many different kinds of service remen can give. ranging from re- suscitation with a pulmotor to in- struction in the dangers of ex- plosions from dusts and fumes.
 We are convinced that 1t will not be long before Firemen's day will be a big event on the national calendar. All that has to be done to bring this about is for all the