The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-08-31
BACKSTAGE MEN
AT INDIANA ARE
ACTORS PALS
Martin Larner Got His Start
at the Old Park Theater
Many Years AGO.
BY TOM LONG


Larner. Orin Platt and Charles
Kuhns.
Upon delving into the histories Of
these three men and their connec-
tiOns with theater business, many
interesting things were found out.
Martin Larner is Young old
timer in the amusement game. AS
property man Marty his shortcut
namej has had a most coloriul eX-
perienCe.
Ending a short career as a pro
fessionaI boxer. he entered the old
Park thcater as a stage hand. While
at this theater he had the oppor-
tunitv Of forming acqualntanceS
with the world renowned stars
Weber and Fields. Lillian Russell
Pete DALEY. Raymond Hitchcock
Robert NantelI Mrs. Flske, William
Hodge and a host Of others are per-
sonaHy known 70 Marty.
In his time he has handled Such
shows as The Dairy Farm, Cow
bov King" Shakespearean plays,
isis Hopkins." The Music Master,
.s-Toe Auctioneer. Blood and SAND,
..Bon-Hur." "ZIegfelds Foiles'
Music Box Revenues "VanltleS'
George Whites Scandals Passing
snow Student Prince Rose
Marie and hundreds OF others.
Travelled a Great Deal
His travelling experience included
tour with The Pleasant Glrl
and A tour with Stuart walker
which consisted of one-night stands
with a repertoire of thirteen dlfier-
ent plays e
walkers cast was made up oil
George Somnes. Ben Lyon and
feet Of others now enjoying the
height of success
Marty and the late Gregory hely
we're the best of friends, and 1t was
in Kelly's stock company he did pits
of acting The writer asked MI
I.arner lust what a property man S
duties were. and he reluctantly re-
plied. Z often wonder.
Then smiling he explained ne hao
been called upon to furnish every
thing from a maybe to JlnrlKlSlla.
Different shows naturally needed
different properties, therefore, he
has been obliged to furnish live ba-
hies furniture of all descriptions,
fat girls. thin girls. horses, and even
collins.
Those who do not remember the
DAYS when Dickson & Talbot had
the leading theater in indianapolis
should get in touch with Grin Plat,
veteran stage electrician. and get hlm
otell YOU all about such plays as NO
Mother to Guide Her An Angel
of the Alley" only the Brave,
who Cut Little Neu's Curls?" etc.
Started With Road Show
Mr. Platt Travelled with the road
show companies of the afore-
mentioned plays and has visited
nearly every town and city in Amer
lea. When the late Bob F1tzSlm-
mons was on tour in play called
THE Honest Blacksmith Platt was
his stage manager. He recalls an
incident worthy of mention While
with Bob. The company played a
theater in the middle west which
had A brand new stage floor. Mr..
Fitzsimmons did not like the new
ness of the boards and ordered Platt
to oil them thoroughly. The order
was fulfilled.
The boards were soaked with floor
OF. During the show that followed
everything went smoothly until Mrs.
Bob FitzSimmons entered for her
part. Dressed in a gorgeous gown
with a train. estimated to cost nearly
$1,000. she made her entrance.
The oil proved too slippery for she
lost her balance and enacted a
scene not on the program. She was
assisted to her feet and she made a
hastv exit. What followed remains
for Mr.. Platt to explain Charley
Kuhn of the Indiana theater back
stage. boasts of thirty-four years in
the amusement business.
Starting as a stage hand in the
old Park theater he handled all of
the old-time dramatic and opera
companies on tour. His first travel
ing experience started with Devils
Island" then considered the dra-
matte sensation. Next he toured
with James O'Neu in Village Post
master"
Charley recalls while in this COM
pany one of the characters failed TO
show up jlIst before curtain time.
Nfr. O-Nel commissioned Charley to
fiji. the spot. 1t seems the bit re-
ouired Charley to appear as a part
ticipant in a duel. He was to
fence with his boss. Mr.. ONell
4 Big Job
Being instructed to act realistic
and emotional. Charley was TO rush
at the hero and thrust forth his
sword The hero was to jump aside.
thus causing Charley TO get stabbed.
That is the way 1t was supposed
TO be.
However. in the course of the
actual scene Charley became con-
fused and thrust his sword so
vigorously the hero could not get
out Of the way in time and was
Knocked down. The next perform
ance. they had to get a substitute to
fill the hero's role and also one to
I'LL Charley'S Job.
Mr.. Kuhn travelled with Robert B.
Mantell for two seasons. also was
out with The Eternal City"
Charley Will be recalled by many
local people as a SpaTing partner
for jim Jefries. former world
champion heavyweight boxer. He
continues 10 box as a psStime, and
is also a great lover Of horses.
These three men, Larner. Platt
and Kuhn. have been together for
many years. and IL IS doubtful if a
better crew can be found on any
stage in the country.
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