davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31

Erect at attention! Heels together!
Right arm raised at right angle
with open hand to center Of
brow, I salute the Veterans OF
Foreign Wars, and the Ladies
AuXiliaries, here for the National
convention. Hope you all have a
nice time and see all the sights.
Dedicated to you this issue is the
inside loWdoWn on Hollywood.
Million Dollar Starts New C0i0red
Cast Film
Haiti, legend surrounded West
Indian Island, whose fate hangs
in the balance as European guns
roar forms the background for
Million Dollar Productions new
all-colored cast feature for which
preparations started today. It is
entitled -Four Shall DIE, from the
pen of Edward Dewey, and will be
directed by Leo G. Popkin.
Casting for the mystery screen
melodrama is to start next week.
Pete Webster, handsome, talented
former Paul Quinn College foot
ball ace heads the list of actors
considered for the coveted plum CT
star in the new mystery drama.
There is no leading lady selected
as yet, but all the contestants for
the role in "While Thousands
Cheer won by Jeni LeGon will get
first consideration for -Four Shall
Die'.'
"One Dark Night and Gang War"
on Avenue soon
AS is frequently the case here,
local fans will be the last to see
the popular feature. One Dark
Night, all-colored screen comedy
drama which was billed for its
western premiere to the Burbank
Theatre July 7. During the sever
al months since it was released by
Million Dollar Production, it has
been enjoyed by thousands of fans
of both races in many sections of
the country. 1t will have it's first
eastside showing shortly as Will
also, Gang War"
One reason local fans have been
watching for it SO eagerly is that
it's star, Montan Moreland, is
becoming favorite at the major
studios. Now engaged in his fourth
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
News Of The Theatres
Theatre Opens
Fall Season In
N. Y. Sept. II
BY ANN LANE PERRY

NEW YORK - (ANP) - The
American Negro theatre opens its
fall-winter season on September
II, with a presentation of the play
"On Strivers' Row" written and
directed by Abram Hill.
The play, which was received
with wholehearted approval at its
premiere in the late winter season,
has as its setting the section Of
Harlem, known as "Strivers' Row" :"
The play is fast moving comedy
based on Negro society.
The American Negro theatre
boasts of an impressive array of
talent in all phases of the theatre
for Miss Doris Sorrell is the speech
coach. Miss Sorrell has been called
the best speech teacher in Ameri-
ca. Willis Knighton is technician
for the production Abraham Hill,
chairman Of the group, has had
several years of theatrical expert
ience. His play, ''Hell's Half Acre"
was presented on Broadway and
will be remembered by theatre
gOers of recent years.
The members of the group have
had wide professional experience
and training. They bring to their
present work the enthusiasm and
sincerity of intelligent and accom-
plished workers whose chief aim is
to gain a stronger foothold for the
race in the field of the theatre.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
RATING the RECORDS

kins' version of the first guilty. but
Dorsey carVes him. The latter al
so scores on his second side. -.
Mildred Bailey has torchy double
on Columbia lacked by her cham
Der music with Teddy Wilson at
the piano, Blue and I'll PRAY For
You, - Tommy Dorsey's pair on
Victor, Love Lies and Call of the
Canyon, is on the sentimental
side while the Bluebird by Tommy
Dorsey's Sentimentalists is hot and
Jitttrbug stuff. Quiet Please shows
off the flashy hide, work of Drum
mer Buddy Rich, while So What
is designed to feature the tenor
sax technique Of Don Lodice. Both
are moderately successful.
The Andrew Sisters don't sound
up to par on their Decca of 1 Want
My Mama and On He Loves Me.
This second Okeh by Red Nichols
is worth hearing. He plays Beat
Me Daddy in nice boogie Woogie
vein and features a vocal as does
LoWland Blues. Harry Jeager, the
singer, takes pattern after Jack
'Teagarden. ,Bing Crosby fans
will like his That's for Me and
Gene Krupa plays a pair of COM
Rhythm on the River, a Decca.
mercial tunes on Okeh, Orchids for
Remembrance and Blueberry Hill
Still sounding as good as ever,
Connie Boswell is very appealing
on the Decca of I Can't Give You
Anything But Love, Baby and
When It's Sleepy Time Down
South.
Louie Jordan's little band gets
better all the time. For jump and
Utter grab his Decca OF Never
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
NOBLEST ROMAN OF
THEM ALL


THEM ALL
By ALVIN MOSES for amp
NEW YORK-An Harlem is
saying that tOday-about the cele-
brated pianist ana bandsman-
LUCKEY ROBERTS.
Seven weeks ago, Luckey suffere,
frightful injuries in an automobile
smashup that. would have 'kille
outright the average citizen. But
he is not and never was IAN
average citizen" at anything he
set his mind upon to accomplish.
His goal as the topmast run on
the ladder nothing less would
suit him), and you readers know
only too well without further
dramatization from the writer the
dizzy heights he attained in the
field of Music.
Friday night past, thanks to the
thoughtfulneSs Of an old friend
(Alec Moore, the boXer) we were
abel to chat with Luckey for the
better portion of an half hour IL
his ward-room at Harlem hospital.
There he lay, surrounded By small
army of faithful friends and ad-
mirers and his ever-attendant and
charming wife. For a man who had
suffered fractured jaws, 24 stitches
in the front of the mouth, broken
thought once to remove left one)
and 10 loosened teeth extracted
he was livelier than any of us
in his presence. It's no easy assign
ment fer us to write in this vein
about Luckey, for our association
has been one of friendship far be-
yond the ordinary variety. Ten
years ago 1880 when I was box
ing instructor at the Young Mems
Christian Q35th street branch)
Association, we induced the famous
musician to join up with Our Lit
tie Gang There were such fell
lows as Paul Robson, Jimmy
Josephs (customs officiaD, Batto-
lion Fire Chief Wesley Williams,
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
RAVES OF THE WEEK

Duke Ellington gets top rating.
This week he presents another
memorable due, DUSK and BLUE
GOOSE, a Victor. The first is akin
to his great Mood Indigo with
Rex Stewards trumpet's starring,
while the companion, also in slow
vein, gives Johnny Hodges a
chance to display his soprano sax
Columbia of FLASH belongs i'll
talents. Harry James nov
top company. Beginning with
rhythm, the. number sprouts into
Basie-like piano and insistent
a flashy killer built around an
old dill. Thee leaders horn is at its
power1louse best. Coupled is
All Or Nothing At All, a sweet
tune
Credit Count Basic with another
grand blues en- Okeh, You Can't
Run Around, with Jimmy Rush
ing in fine voice. Iiano is in his
How Long vein, and hear that Tab
Smith alto background and finish
ing chorus! Coupled is Super
Chief, fast Jump we'll constructed
- The Raymond Scott Quintet
on Columbia produces two more
ultra modern numbers, Dumpy
Weather Over Newark and Peter
Tamborne, with all the leaders
odd effect.
LESS CAUSE FOR
RAVING
Other new discs not up to those
previously mentioned are Doll
mite and Too Many Dreams by
by Erskine Hawkins on Blue bird
and Dolimitee and Her-Tee Hootie
0y Jimmy Dorsey on Decca. Haw-
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
Sponsors Praised
By Performers
And Noted Critics

is being hailed by outstanding per-
sonalities in all walks of life as
one of the most worthy undertak-
ings in years. The sponsors, w. c.,
Handy, the New York Urban Le-
sue and a Metropolitan weekly, are
being praised by performers, pro
duCerS, critics and the laymen
everywhere. Some of the most
prominent names in every profes-
sion are listed among the support
ers of the affair.
words cannot express what a
fine thing it is to give deserving
talent a chance before the public, J."
exclaimed Jimmie Daniels, inter-
nationally famed singer and owner
of one of Harlem's finest cafes,
when asked to be one Of the judges.
Dorothy Maynor, Well-knoWn
soprano, writes: Il am keenly in
terested in your worthwhile prof.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
FOOTLITE FLiCKERS

Alfred Tucker, DR.. Binga DESMOND,
Lem Foster, lIasOn- officer to
ErellOn SOmerville), d.. Peyton
Andersen, and scores of amateur
ana professional athletes from
every nook and Granny Of . . our
Harlem
Luckey was, III Our opinion, one
OF the finest physical specimens
we'd ever seen,, and since the age
of, CHATS been Is years ago. our
life has been thrown in with great
athletes. black and white. Listen
ing to Luckey tell us about his
miraculous escape from death ana
permanent injury, our mind travel
ed back to the days when he and L
would tuSsle and grappie with each
other5 play handba4, frUw the
medicine ball against Uoughened
stomachs, cts.
We tried to appear blase and
nonchalant in the presence Of Mrs.
Roberts, but deep inside something
continued to play football With Our
heart strings. No, dear reader.
there was nothing easy about this
particular job, Did you know that
James p. Johnson we'll known
orchestra leader, suffered a stroke
today?' he asked. We confessed we
did not. Be sure to say some =
thing about it in your column as
his many friends throughout the
country will be shocked to know of
it, We promised we would. and
like always. we're keeping that
promise right here and new. I'm
gGAag to South America, when 1
get up from here kid, continued
the irrepressible Luckey and I'd
love for you to make the trip with
us (meaning his band as it's some
thing right in your line an We'll
make plenty of money 1 told him
I'd be tickled to go and am look
ing forward to it in a big way. In
response to our query would he be
able to play the piano, he replied.
"Oh my yes, definitely. My doctor
has had me exercising my fingers
in a special way adm each morn
ing I practice. -. I'll play as well
as ever, Thank God for that. You
know, 1 was faced with the choice
of having this foot (pointed to
left) amputated or, walking with
a limp for rest of my life, you
know what 1 said don't your.
Luckey told the doctors Then I'll
limp, for the rest of my life". Mrs.
Roberts. who Spartan like carries
en- daily and nightly at his bed
side despite the additional worry
of an Sc year old blind mother;
broke in at this point: You know,
my darling possesses the courage Of
a lion.
''It was a rare demonstration OF
courage to see him take d stitches
in lip so mangled and torn that
it caused me to cry out inwardly;
without any anesthetic of any
sort. On the seventh (hubbyS
birthday, his friends made it a
never to be forgotten day here in
the hospital ward, A Is pound
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
New Negro Theatre Movement
Watched Hopefully On Coast
"BoianeIes" Robinson
BRINGS Down Audience
By HARRY 'LEVETTE

HOLLYWOOD-(ANP)-In spite of the fact that some
may think like Clarence Muse suggested in column that only
etts interested local stage enthusiasts disregardng any
Counit accusations hoping that New Negro Theatre
movement launched last week will prove the long felt
need 1t also hoped that will results than have
preceding movements
The inaugural meeting held last Thursday night at the
Music Box theatre the home Hollywood Theatre alliance
which for months has been presenting Meet the People,
with allwhe The New Negro theatre planned
work in association and along the lines of the alliance nonpro
organization original plays and undiscovered nonprofes
talent
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
vehicle for Martin Scott.

vehicle for Martin Scott.
Strange Victory is a gay, bold
tale of a once-Wealthy girl who
must earn a living for herself as
a gOverness in the home OF a young
steampShip magnate, and In SO do-
ing encounters exciting romantic
complications.
The -Four Tones will appear On
the stage tonight at the new
Hippodrome theatre in their first
Of a series of important stage book
ings. The boys have a lot of new
ar. angements. They will also be
guest artists next Sunday after
noon at Wesley Community Center
in a dramatization of Yours Truly's
poem of river life 'Yazoo Bill.
Scoop EXtryl The Ol Kolyum
jit got wire that Jos. Dunning,
streets analyst for the Douglas Air
craft Corp. and the first Negro
technician to break past the coios
is engaged.
Miss Vivian Ingram is the charm
ing young lady wearing the en-
gagement ring and the date set for
the nuptials Isl Aug. 80.
Eddie wilcox, popular pianist OF
the Jimmie Lunceford aggregation
is the guest of Mrs. Exalyn Harris
popular owner of the Dunbar Dress
shop on Maple avenue. Many So
cial functions have been given in
honor of him.
Returned by tuTnultuouS popular
demand, Erskine Hawkins, the
twentieth century Gabriel, once
again invaded the local scene Sun
day night, for giant pre-LaboI
Day dance at the beautiful La
Monica ballroom, on the pier at
santa Monica,
Securing the spacious pleasure
palace, easily capable of housing
the vast throngs expected, was
heralded as triumph for pro-
moters. Hundreds who failed to
hear the mighty man OF the
trumpet on his recent appearance
at the vogue will be able to make
up for lost time.
News of this Second Chance fCr
Angelenos has sent a thrill through
the city's modern music lovers,
Hawkins reappearance coupled
with the precedent smashing La
Monica Ballroom local has the
town on end, according to those
In the know"
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
Richard Wright
Sponsors Youth
Photo Contest

Richard Wright, prominent Ne
gro author of Native Son. is one
of the sponsors of Youth In Focus,
the national photography contest
which offers camera fans under &c
years of age the opportunity to
win $155000 in cash prizes for
pictures about young people in
America today In this statement
to Joseph Cadden, Executive Sec
retary of the American Youth
Congress, accepting the invitation
to sponsor YOUTH IN FOCUS,
Mr.. Wright stated, 81 realized the
deep importance of the work you
are doing through the contest and
wish you all the success possible
The sponsors Of YOUTH IN
FOCUS are particularly interested
in having Negro young people from
all parts of the country participate
in this contest. What they do for a
living, what schools they attend
ed, the huoses they live in, the
recreation they enjoy, the discri-
mination they face, and the con-
tribution which they make to our
American culture, are a very i'm
portant part of the Photographic
document YOUTH IN FOCUS
will produce. Through the seven
subject classes, work, play, mar
raige, school, home, religion, and
citizenship, YOUTH IN FOCUS Of
fers them an unusual opportunity
to bring local conditions to ma
tional attention.
In addition to the 281 cash
prizes, YOUTH IN FOCUS will
reward contestants by publishing
a weekly page of pictures IN Fri
day magazine, by publishing a
book of prize winning pictures, and
by arranging a travelling exhibit
which will tour the entire country
YOUTH IN FOCUS is sponsor
ed jointly by the American Youth
Congress and FRIDAY magazine
In its initial announcement it
stated that pictures will be judged
by "The skill with which you put
Youth in focus. Csl how well you
capture young people doing in
teresting things in interesting
ways. The subject, the story, and
the skill will determine the win
ner. Technical ability will be en-
tirely Incidental" ."
The board of judges includes
Margaret Bourke White, heao
photographer of PM; Daniel S,
GiImor, publisher of Friday maga-
zine; Joris Ivens, president of the
Association of Documentary Film
Producers; Carson Kanln, direc-
tor-producer of RKO pictures;
Rockwell Kent, noted artist; and
Roy E. Stryker, chief of the His
torical Section of the Farm Sc
curity Administration.
In addition to Mr.. Wright, the
sponsors are Sheldon Dick, William
o. Field, Jr., Dorothy Garfield
Fisher, DR.. Frank P. Graham, Jay
Leyda, Hon. Vito Marcantonio,
Hon. James E. Murray, Alfred K.
Stern, DR. Mary E. Woolley.
Entry forms, rules and complete
information about the contest may
be obtained from YOUTH IN FO-
GUS, IT'S Broadway, New York
City.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31

Let Your Left Hand Know What
Your Right Hands DOM and
Penthouse in the Basement
Both should please you The
Cats and the Fiddle. with their
rough but ready rhythm, are in
the groove on That's On, Jack
That's On and ust A Roamer, a
Bluebird Using Johnny Temples
more famous style. Lee Brown
sings Little Leg Woman but it
doesn't compare with the Temple
opus. Brown is hard to understand
on this and the companion side OF
this Decca Lucille Blues. .Twang-
ing away on her guitar, Memphis
Minnie sings old fashioned blues
on the Okeh of Nothing In
Rambling and Boy Friend Blues.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
Stars Of Tomorrow Hailed AS
Most Worthy Undertaking Of 40

ject. Young artists need ali posi-
ble encouragement, and 1 send you
every wish for the success Of your
coocert.
''The idea of sponsoring a special
concert fer deserving talent is in
deed a splendid one" said Chappia
Willet, owner Of one Of the best
equipped recording studios IN New
York. 81 feel that there is great
need for affairs Of this type to
afford encouragement to those in
terested in becoming future stars.
l shall be very glad to serve in
any capacity for which I am quail
fled.
The famous voice and dramatic
instructor, Joe Stewart, wrote:
your proposed concert for un-
knoWns is timely and commend
able, and under the association
sponsorship is should be sue
cess"
Mercedes Gilbert, the eminent
radio and stage artist, who is now
starring, in Morning STAR" says,
81 am indeed TO be a patron to
such worthy cause. AS you know,
I am deeply interested in our young
artists"
CELEBRITIES TO JUDGE
The Board of Judges, of which
the great W. c. Handy is chair
man, and assisted by Mrs. Madge
Bryant, has swollen from just a
few to a long list of who is who in
the theatrical and musical fields.
Noble SiSSle, Paul Whiteman,
Franc Wilson, F'redi washington,
j. Tim Bryrnn, Edna Thomas,
Jimmie Daniels, Wen Talbot, Ma
bic Horsey, Byde Dudley, radio
critic, Sigmund Spaeth, Marty
F'olkins, Henry w Simon, music
critic Of the newspaper PM, Alber-
ia Hunter, Carl Diton, Frank
Schiffman, Otta Cesana and 9TH
erS.
Among those on the present list
who are supporting the concert
are: George Gordon Battle, Fannie
Hurst, Lewis Gannett, literary
critic of the Herald Tribune; Judge
Charles E. Toney, katherine Car
venS, E. A. Niles, Carl Van Vech-
ten, Geraldyn Dismond, John Cor
nell of the Westport Country
Players Rev. Shelton Hale BIZ
shop, Prot. Mable Carney of Co.
lumbia University, Rev. George H.
Sims, Jr., and a list too long TO
include here.
STARS Of Tomorrow" to be held
at Town Hall on the 29th of Sep
tember, offers everyone who can
sing, dance, act or play instru-
ments an opportunity to appear on
its program. There is no charge for
any one to participate. Nor will
any participant be paid. The pro-
ceedS will go to the New York Ur-
ban League to help in its contin-
uance of the splendid work it has
been doing for Harlem and its peo-
pie during the past twenty years.
WRITE NEW YORK LEAGUE
The sponsors of "Stars of To-
morrow cannot assure any one
that he or she will appear on the
program without an addition. In
order to obtain one, applicants
must write to the New York Ur-
ban League, 204 West 136th Street,
New York City, and in their letter
state just what they can do. ALI
letters must be post-marked not
later than midnight September
7th. Applicants will be notified by
mail as to when and where the
additions will take place.
Tickets and reservations are
now available at the New York Ur-
ban League, Handy Brothers Music
Company, 4597 Broadway, the Me-
gro World Digest, / West s125th
Street, and Foto Features, "A West
125th Street.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
BOJANGLES" SCORES

Following two such celebrated
authors as Theodore Dresser and
Cedric Belfrage, Bill "Bojangles"
Robinson brought the house down
many times with his oratory alone
Other speakers preceding the en-
tertainment portion of the pro-
gram were Willis o. Tyler, Norman
0. Houston, Laura Bowman and
Otis Rene. Following them, the
drive committee, headed by Mrs.
Sammie Moore, launched into ac-
ton and signed up the audience
for various memberships.
Among those appearing in the
following ship, which was assem-
bled by Alfred Grant, the produc-
ton of NNT were, Ernest R. Whit
man, Jeni LIE Con, Clinton Rose
mond and the Three Shades.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31

Resultant of the tireless efforts
of Mrs. Meredith Thatcher, moving
spirit in the Little Theatre play,
Don't You Want to be Free"
written by Langston Hughes and
played all last summer, 8 large
crowd of both races was present.
Some of the biggest names of the
screen entertainment and literary
world, both colored and swhite,
Joined hands in the meeting, and
many interesting talks were made
by the speakers from the stage.
PAUL robson SENDS WIRE
First on the speakers portion of
the program was Bernard Vor-
haus, noted motion picture director
and member of the HTA executive
board, who spoke on the nature of
HTA's affiliation Mr.. Vofhaus in
troduced Meredith Hatcher, execu-
tive director of the New York
theatre, who read the following
telegram from Paul Robson:
Am indeed glad to be a sponsor
Of the New Negro theatre. There
is urgent need for such a profess
sional organization, presenting
plays which deal honestly with tbs
pressing problems of important Sec
tions of American people and de-
veloping aidoence sympathetic with
its aims. Of great significance is
the cooperation of the Hollywood
Theatre alliance. More power to
you. Sorry not there tonight. Will
be there during coming season. All
best. Paul Robson
Other kilograms read by Mrs
catcher included messages of sup
port from Paul R. Williams, Ma.
tional Negro congress, Motion Pic
ture Democratic committee. Will
liam R. Carter of the National
Youth Administration, Fay Allen
of the L. A. Board of Education
and John E. Hargrove, chairman
of the Dining Car Employees Un-
ion.
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31

NEW YORK-'tStar of To-
morrow" a concert for the benefit
of deserving talent who want
chance to show what they can do,
The Phoenix index., 1940-08-31
[IN[Z Zll[IT[AIaN
%|}N5Mas sE& 1![El1

feature at Monogram Studio, with
Frankie Darro, critics predict that
they will soon be considered team
rivalling in fame Jack Benny and
Eddie Rochester" Anderson.
Patsy Kelly's reputation as "a
good fellow stood the greatest test
in her career during the filming OF
her latest role, and she came
through with flying colors
The scene, in Hal Roach's Road
Show, called for Patsy to get the
Whirl Of her life in an Aeroplane.
This is one of those amusement
park contraptions used by the U.
S. Air Corps to test the staying
powers of Would-be-pilots, and
automatically duplicates the power
dives, barrel-rolls and other hair
raising stunts of an actual war
plane. She refused to allow a double
to do it.
SAM WOOD TO DIRECT JEAN
ARTHUR IN RKO'S DEVIL AND
MISS JONES"
Sam Wood, currently preparing
to handle the megaphone in kitty
Foyle', in which Ginger Rogers
will portray Christopher Moreley'
heroine has received the additional
assignment Cf directing The Devil
and Miss Jones', to be produced
for RKO Radio by Frank Ross
Norman KraSna, Inc, with Jean
Arthur starring.
Woods most recent pictures i'll
clude the highly successful Our
Town and Goodbye, MI. Chips
New Fashion Color Named 666
Gloria Jean
First motion picture star to have
color named for her is twelve
year old Gloria Jean, according to
an announcement by Women's
Wear Daily that "Gloria Jean gar
net" will be the newest fall color
for young girls dresses.
The merchants trade publica-
ton describes the color as rich,
jeyeltone re (Which ssaid TO flat
Eahdy-troWn hair and blcklde
coloring.
Following the advance fashion
news, Universal studio designer.
Vera West, styled q dress in the
new color which has been added TO
the stars wardrobe in "A Little
Bit of Heaven current film. The
Il year old star will add the out
fit to her personal wardrobe on
conclusion of the production.
Race Beauticians Get Break
at Paramount
COlored makeup experts and hair
dressers had to be rushed out to
Paramount from Central Avenue
last week to cope with the sepia
makeup problem for 500 Negro
dress extras used in a scene for
Love Thy Neighbor', the Jack
Benny-Frred Allen starring picture.
Rochester, Jack Benny's screen
valte, has Stuff Crouch his own
man Friday on the set Of Love
Thy Neightbor' Just to be different
he dubbed him Saturday.
Sol Lesser Stars Strange Victory
Sol Lessor has purchased the
stirring romantic novel Strange
Victory by F,ranken Meloney, and
announced it will be a starring