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About The Omaha morning bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927 | View Entire Issue (April 5, 1925)
----N New Play Empty Hammond Finds Latest l\ew York Drama Shal low; Follies Starts Well *■ j By t H 4RLES BE I.MONT DAVIS. New Tork, April 4. MR. PERCY HAMMOND, having sailed for foreign parts, has paid me the signal honor of ap pointing me his understudy for the few weeks that he is vacationing and, i trust, enjoying a well earned, much needed rest. That the suddenness of this announcement should not toq, seriously' upset his many admirers, I aui at least able to quote from one of tiip reviews he wrote just previous to his departure: “It takes ‘Ostriches’ only an hour and three-quarters to tell the story of a New York lady, Miss Janet Beecher, whose paramour, Orrln Johnson, and whose daughter, Miss Katherine Alex ander. fell in love with one another. The time, though brief, seemed ample last night, and most of us went away from the Comedy theater hav ing had enough. The Idea was In teresting and the acting not so bad, hut the play was only a shallow little pamphlet marked by mediocrity. “It was amusing, however, to see Two pretty women so mad about a middle-aged actor. Mrs. Charlton, as played by Miss Beecher, was a dis tinguished sinner, very respectable, .though living an evil life. A presum ably well-to-do widow, she had fallen into questionable relations with what was suspected to lie her husband’s host friend. Tou can imagine her discomfiture, therefore, when, enter ing the drawIng*room one afternoon, site discovered her lover in the arms "f her young daughter, both of them lost in the dubious blisses of a kiss. “Mrs. Charlton thereupon bade t;purge begone and commanded her offspring to have no more to do with hint. 1’pon tliis situation Miss Amelia Bingham obtrudes, an obstreperous woman of the theater, full of loud, wise saws and sayings. Her name was Mrs. Parterton and she was ft'ank and noisy. There was another character in the entertainment, a pleasant young fellow called William Lovey (Edward Crandall), who. being fond ,of Kit Charlton, was distressed, though not Ignobly, at her undue re gard for her mother’s elderly sweet heart. “It all ended In the girl’s decision to forpgo the attentions of her adult wooer. She came eventually to the conclusion that it was not quite nice for her and her mother to he so much interested in the same man. So Ceorge left the play defeated, while 1 he mother and her daughter showed -dgns of having come to an affection ate understanding . . . Miss Alex ander, a young acertss of unaffected practices, played sincerely as the dis fraught ingenue, though she may have been a bit adult for the role. Miss Beecher, as intimated above, was distinguished and handsome: Mr. Johnson was well groomed, and his various postures resembled somewhat •Tosely those of a New York man of; the world. The play was just one of | those things." During hi' ever fresh and ever! amusing sayings at the opening of!, t’-ta “Spring rollin'.” Will Hagers was) good enough to tell us that it wa«| touch the most human first-night au dience to which he had played in New | York. And. indeed, it was a most friendly audience—friendly to its oil favorites and ready to welcome the new, and friendly to the chief artist, v i' in most of those present had never seen. Of course, we refer to Mr. Zleg fcl.l whose Vvery new edition to lit? ’ f ollies" put' us the more deeply In bis debt. On this pniticulir occasion he had promised the best of the short-lived “Comic Supplement.” and, whatever may have happened to the plot and s 'ore of that disastrous wreck, the safe containing the comedy gems was > vidently rescued ami the jewels of fun were spread before the gaeze of an TO-llence that fatrly shouted and rocked in their pleasure. Never hAve I seen W. C. Fields so subtly humor ous as he was in two sketches, “The Drug Stove” and “A Back Porch," both of which were introduced in the new first act. Much of their humor was no doubt due to the author. J. P. McEvoy, hut to interpret his fun he had a super lative comic in Fields, and who In turn received valuable assistance from the diminutive Ray Dooley, I have seldom heard an audience laugh more uproariously than did this one at the latter of these skits, and per sonally T know of no fifteen min utes on Broadway at present that contains so much excellent fooling. Of course Will Rogers, as is his wont, rose 1o the occasion. Our favorite philosopher was even more disrespectful than usual to those who sit In the high places, and the more disrespectful he was the better he pleased his audience. 1 always rath er imagine Roger’s chewing gum is Die same, hut everything else was new—jokes, rope, and, in the last act, ho played the part of a rube In a sketch of his own devising and Ijki.ved it extraordinarily well. '■Of the other stars I gladly speak ' ' the nimble and, to me (and T uii ■ Wrstand to many others), bewitching <nn Pennington. There was no pi s Tide danger of any newcomer tak ing Allas Pennington’s place In the iiT'itions of her followers, hut for M ine reason she danced as I have never seen her dance before. There was no much more abandon and so touch less discretion—and both the gain and the loss added to greatly tc her attractiveness. A purple back • loth, ft blaring brass band and Miss Bennington's dimpled, flying knees surely must he Included in the at tractions of our great city! “HIS HIGH HORSE” RIALTO COMEDY Lee Moran will furnish the comedy ■ t the Rialto theater this week In “His High Horse," the latest Mer maid comedy. Moran Is seen as a young man who pretends to be an expert horseman In order to impress the daughter of a rich family. When he is given the wildest horse In the etahlns to ride the results are • asicr Imagined than deaerlhert. It is said to be one of the heat comedy films that Moran haa produced. xAtthe cJane and 9\'(aiherirze J^ee, AT ORPHEUM cWalfeer Whiteside, coming to brandeis 11 j r~—-;-> Well Knmvn Lees Come in Their New Comedy at Orpheum s-:-' The Orpheum theater hill this week I is headed by Jane and Katherine J.ee, those charming little stars of the stage and screen, who are appearing In a brand new comedy sketch, “At the Studio.'’ The comedy films fea turing this pair of precocious young sters have heen numerous. Jane's humorous frown and Katherine's bright and winning smile are familiar to all movie fans. Some of their re cent pictures were “{louble Trouble.” "Town Terrors," and "The Wise Birds." Last season they were fea tured in the "Greenwich Village Fol lies,” and they have also starred In London Music halls. Their phenom ena^ acting ability for their years is equally impressive on both stage and screen. Jane and Katherine have al ways been special favorites with < hil dren and their present sketch lias been fashioned to the fun demands of young as well as old. Music lovers will be Interested in the appearance of Duel De Kerek Jarte. the brilliant young Hungarian violinist who is playing his third sea son on the Orpheum circuit. Kerek jarto has played his way into the hearts . of the American public through his ntngic mastery of the tio lin. His technique is said to he per fect. He has individuality of style end the sort of personality that brings immediate response. Dave Ferguson Is featured in n new one-act playlet entitled "The Lucky Stiff." It is said to he one of the outstanding contributions of vau deville to drama In the current sea son. Nitsti Vernllle, terpolchorean urtikt. Is a dashing beauty possessed of every physical requirement neces sary for success in her profession and with the technique of a master. The scenic effects of "Wonderland," her vaudeville offering, are gorgeous. Willie Solar, "America’s Interna tional musical comedian," Is «n no compllshed linguist. Ills latest ve hicle, "The Laugh Factory," is one long continuous laugh. Percy Bron son and, Edith Evans offer a song re Cltal with shafts of wit keeping the songs from crowding too close upon each other. Carte and Jule Luster are gymnaats who specialize in hand balancing and contortion. Ideal Theater. Richard Barthelmess' recent pic ture. “Classmates" will he shown at the Idea] theater as the feature at I traction today arid tomorrow, to gather with Aesop's Fables and Galloping Hoofs," serial. Tuesday ' and Wednesday. Lon Chaney will be | seen In "He Who Gets Slapped." Thursday only, the feature picture will be "Tile White Pin," and a cam ' edyf "Getting Gertie's Goat." The j iaAt two days Of the week will he 1 shown Mae Murray In "Ctiree, The Enchanti-eae;’’ comedy, “Stepping Fast, and two acts of vaudeville. mBMOMQDO TMAT03 BOULEVARD - 334 and Loa von worth Vl#l* Dana and Raymond Griffith in "Forty Wink." Co mod y Garvla’t Hamilton. .40th ond Hamilton Nor mo Talmadfo in "Tha lady" Co mod y and "Daniol Boone" Sorlal IDEAL - - - - 14th and Dorraa Richard Barthelmeaa In "Clasomatoo" Aaoop't Fahloo and "Galloping Mania." Sarlal GRAND • • • 14th and Blnney Richard Bartholmoao la "Now Taya" Comedy and Newa A , I ; d'Cargaret Jhiglin Vat BfiANPEIS ' ’ A Funniest of Modern Forres Opens Stay nt Brnndeis Theater Tonight v_/ “The Nervous Wreck” with Otto Kruger, under the direction of Lewie nnd Gordon in association with Sam H. Harris, will he the attraction at the Braudels theater tonight and through Wednesday, with a Wednes day matinee. It has been raid that not since the days of “Charley’s Aunt” and “The Private Secretary” has such uproarious laughter been heard in the theater ns is provided by t his Owen Davis farce. The locale of “The Nervous Wreck” is Arizona. Henry Williams, impersonated by Otto Kruger, from Pittsburgh, on his physician’s advice, buys a melancholy flivver and motors ,<ut to “Hod’s great open spaces.” He imagines himself afflicted with every disease in the physician’s book of I symptoms and ailments and curries a compete medicine chest with him. In his travels. Henry and his pills arrive at the home of Hally Morgan, in Arizona. It seems ns though he had arrived just In the nick of time to save the damsel from <lt*tresg end she Immediately commandeers both himself and the flivver. From then on he is at the center of all the hilarity, although at times the notion verges on the border of the melo dramatic, only to he turned Imck into a most farcical situation. The play Is grandly funny. It starts out lie ing funny and winds tip with an Im promptu wedding, and that is funny too. Mr. Kruger has the sort of role In which lie feels perfectly at home, and certainly does make the best of his opportunities, and Is ably assisted by Jean May, Kdward Arnold. 'Wil liam Barwald, Jack Raffael. Albert Hnckett, Hetty t.larde, Clifford Hall, Charles Henderson, Jefferson Hall and Lawrence JMdmger. RIALTO APRIL FILMS ANNOUNCED 'Hie Kinlto theater announce* for the week of April 4. "('ode of the Went;” April It, Colleen Moore in "Sally;” April 18, all-star cast In “Quo Vadis;” April 2u, Sid Chaplin in "Charlie’s Aunt.” Week Starting 1 Today's Mat. | I_:_§ 'I THE BABY GRANDS * | JANE & KATHERINE LEE | In a Comedy Sketch Entitled “AT THE STUDIO ’ 4 M--—- - K I>lr»« from U||| I |C Cf|| ID T1 •j l.wlHlon ffILLIt vULMll millniinl < iiiwhIIum •> jjj In “TUB UVftH FACTORY* If ^1 Former Mnr of Mnnj 'Hi* Well Ke«« m W. W >1 MRl. nl Hnrfeaaei, Chnrneter l oner<11 ho A I NITZA DAVE 1 VERNILLE FERGUSON 1 | A CO. I* "WUMIKRLASID" B» •*TIIK IUKT RTtFF" ! PERCY BRONSON 1 THE LUSTER § & EDITH EVANS BROTHERS f> PrfMIt "A KoHF.R RF.i rate «r»lnu». Kurnardlaiirjr jj Roal Vltllala. Tlrtaaan 14 DUCI DE KEREKJARTO ? M.I Mil l I HM II—Ai-rompiinl»l ft ... 1 .. .. ...i;* 3J einra fahi.k* •rortria of thk im r\nn: I | Next Week —TED LEWIS end Hie Musical Clowns * ' Cdith 6vans at ORPHEUM Screen Version of “Sally” at Rialto Soon CulU'm "Sally” lias come to the screen in all the siiendor which marked her long reign as a favorite of the musi cal cornejy stage. In the screen ver sion of this Zicgfcld success. Colleen Moore will play at the llialto theater the week of April It. There was no stinting In “Sally's" wardrobe when It came to trans forming her Into a screen heroine, for Miss Moore was determined that her .Sally” should stand out on the screen with all the sartorial grandeur that went with the original creation. To this end she Bpend endless effort on her costumes. She drew her own designs and supervised the assem bling of a ravishing garment of tur quoise blue pan velvet trimmed with rhinestones and silver braid. We can't have another war. Dis turbance of atmospheric conditions wouldn't he tolerated for a minute by radio fans.—Waterloo Tribune. John McCormack in Concert % Monday Evening April 13 AUDITORIUM SEAT SALE ON NOW Auditorium Seat Sale Now Price*: *1.00 *1.50 *2.00 #2.50 #2.00 No To* f—: Miss Anglin Has Faith in American Liking for Classics V._J People who sincerely wish to uplift the American drama ought to be de voutly thankful to Margaret Anglin, who will make a Joint appearance at the Brandels next Friday and Sat urday, April in and 11, with 'William Faversham In Zoe Akin’s "Foot Boose." Her achievements In pro ducing and making financially and artistically profitable, not only tlie plays of Shakespeare, but the great est masterpieces from the classics, especially such Greek tragedies as "Antigone," "Electra,” "Medea” and "Ithigenia” nre well known. ‘‘I believe that the public i.« ready to give its support to the best classic drama." said Miss Anglin recently. "In fact, I have always believed that it was willing to and ready to accord that support if adequate productions of tile great Greek tragedies and the classics could be made, but the diffi culties that the producers must over come in making successful produc tions of this kind are very great. I These things cannot be done in a hurried fashion. They must be thor ough accomplishments, well studied, thought out and executed with the greatest rare. "I have found the public gratefully responsive to Greek tragedy. Also, T am Inclined to think that there is a field for Greek tragedy and the classics, far beyond our expectations. It is possible that in company with Mr. Faversham I may decide to play a classic repertory next season, which will include several Greek tragedies, and if we succeed in doing this, 1 will feel my Mg dream lias come true at last.” She was her own stage director and personally took charge of every thing connected with the preparation and rehearsal of the plays. Ixmg be fore she called a rehearsal she had thought everything out, planned everything and had arranged every thing. Scenic artists, costumers, elec tricians, property men and stage car penters had their orders—and it can be imagined what a mass of detail there w*as to be attended to in con nection with these departments. It is said tha^ Bernhardt used to do It, but it is a well-known fact that she left nearly all the technical work to her stage manager. She never bothered about scenery, costumes, lights or props, and her productions showed .this, for most of them in this country were very slovenly in detail, far from befitting her fame and great ness. Miss Anglin's productions., on the contrary, were upon the highest artis tic plane. She stressed the importance of atmosphere, background and prop er support more tlian any other great dramatic star has in the field of classic drama since the days of Mans field. An fiUn-Vaver sham Combination Promises \ Much of Pleasure v____J No theatrical event of the present season holds greater promise than the joint appearance at the Brandeis next Friday and Saturday nights and Saturday matinee of Margaret Anglin and,William Faversham In the Zoe Akin's drama, ‘ Foot-Loose,’* These two celebrated players have this season been brought together by George C. Tyler who. in the rast. i has sponsored many of the most brilliant nil-star" acting combina tions that have ever appeared on tour. Mr. Tyler brought together the late Kvrle Bellew and Kleanor Rob-; son In a brilliant revival of "Romeo and Juliet " be produced Goldsmith's “She Stoops to Conquer" with Wil liam H. Crane -and Kill* Jeffreys:! "Oliver Twist." with N'at Goodwin. Marie Doro. Constance Collier and Lynn Harding was another: while this season. In addition to sending Miss Anglin and Mr. Faversham oh tour as co-star, he is commemorating the 160th anniversary of the produc tion of Sheridan's Immortal comedy, "The Rivals." "by sending it to the Important cities of the country with an "aH star" cast composed of Mrs. Flske Thomas A. AVise, James T. Powers, Chauncey Oleott and Lola Fisher. It Is seldom that the present gen eration of play goers has in oppor tunity to witness such s plsy as "Foot Loose," with two such stellar lights as Miss Anglin and Mr. Faver sham. The piece is a modern version oT “Forget Me Not," one of the most famous and successful plays ever produced In this country; and as re written by the brilliant Zoe Akin, author of "Declasse" and "The A’ary lng Shore." provides meny fine mo ments for acting. Genevieve AVard and Sir Johnston Forbes Robertson were the first to appear ns Stephanie de Mohrlvart and Sir Horace AA'elby Its two leading characters, so theater goers can appreciate the rare treat that awaits them In the performance nf two such players as Miss Anglin and Mr. Faversham at the very maturity of thetr powers. Ideal Easter Week Film to Be at Strand I t ! Few pictures would lie of more in terest during Faster week than the j one which the Strand theater has! scheduled, starting April 11. It is ■‘The Dressmaker From Paris,” and is a veritable fashion show. Pea trice Joy and Ernest Torrence, j two of the best known characters of the screen, have the leading roles, j Featured in this picture are 14 inter national beauty models, all playing real parts in the film, which was written by Adelaide Heilbron and Howard Hawks. The Ben All Haggin tableau scenes, with Miss Joy as “the dressmaker,” and her 14 models stand, it is said, with anything Zlog feld has ever produced. “Two Steppin’ Fools” to Be on Rialto Stage ■ ' ~ ~n Gates and Kane will be the stage attraction at the Ittalto theater this week. These boys call themselves “Two Steppin' Fools," and are claimed to be two of the cleverest dancers on the stage. Of late they have been appearing exclusively in motion picture houses throughout the country and have the reputation of ! stoppin# the show in each house In ! w hich they have appeared. The act which was scheduled for appearance several weeks ago was postponed be cause of an injury one of the boys | received while playing in Denver. ZANE GREY LIFE STORY THRILLER * The story of Zane Grey's own life would make as interesting reading as his novels. Born in Zaneville, O., he comes from a line of hunters, farmers and sturdy pioneers. From them lie inherited a strain of Indian blood. As a boy, the famous author preferred swimming, fishing or hunt ing to school and work. pillions of fiction readers the world over have every reason to feel grate ful to Zane Grey's folks, for It Is a certainty the stories he has written would never have seen the light of day if he had adopted a Babe Ruth career. His latest novel, "Cods of the West.” translated to the screen by Paramount, is a present-day story of Arizona mountain life and has Its share of the brand of thrills and red blooded action characteristic of Zane Grey's stories. Richard Rarthelmese is in Florida filming scenes for "Soul-Fire." his | latest picture fdr First National re-1 lease. ____. r \pjr Dancer Cornet Out of California to II in fry Her Grace V - A precedent in gorgeous ami imag>- " native dancing productions is set by the beautiful danseuse, Nitza Vet nilla, in her new ,irterlng, "Wonder land," at the Orplieum theater this week. In the supporting cast are FI ore n re Barry, Marie Russell and John Walsh, tenor, all of whom were In the last "Muslx Box Revue." Miss Verville is a tall, lithe beautv I from California. After dancing se\ i era I seasons at the Fairmount and Palace hotels in San Francisco, she went to New York, and was featured in "Spice of 1922." "The O'Brien |Girl.” "The Little Revue” and Irving Berlin's "Music Box Revue.” Tic scenic investiture of this act is said to be marvelously picturesque. "Won derland” is among the most alluringlv staged and dressed dancing acts evir seen in va ldeville. VILLAIN LUCKY IN HIS THROWING After professional skill had failed him, sheer beginners' luck came to the aid of Pauie Sloane during the filming of Richard Dix’s picture "Too Many Kisses.” William Powell, who plays a villain role in the production, to intimidate Iiix and warn him against making love to "his woman." Yvonne, gives an exhibition of adroit ness in knife hurling, the national sport of the young bloods of the Basque country, where the story in laid. Powell's screen training does not include efficiency In this sport, so veteran circus knife thrower was en gaged to “do his stuff” from a posi tion behind Powell. Unaccustomed to long-distance throwing, the expeit made a dozen or more fruitless at tempts to hit the mark, a paper heart stuck up against a well. Powell thought he'd try a couple of shots. And when the blade struck “home” earner!* happened to be turning at the time and the film registered a bit of accidental "business” that hours of practice might not have secured. Powell is left handed. t-~\ ^Neighborhood Theaters At the Grand. "New Toys," Richard Barthelme'*’ latest picture will be the feature film at the Grand theater for the first two days of this week. A comedy "Stretching the Truth," and New« will complete the program. Tuesday and Wednesday. Buster Keaton will be seen in "The Navigator," his re cent comedy success. A serial "The Way of a Mao," is an added attraction. Thursday and Friday, Lionel Barrymore and Ain n Rubens will be seen in "Enemies of Women." adapted from the novel b Fiasco Ibanez. Saturday, RIn Tin Tin The wonder dog, is the star in ' Find Yobr Man." At the Boulevard. Viola Dana, Theodore Roberts and Raymond Griffith are the stare plac ing in "Forty Winks," the feattr^"" photoplay offering at the Boulevard theater for today. Monday and Tues day. It is an adaption of the play "Lord Chumley." Another comedy.drama win he the offering for Wednesday and Thurs day. "The Fast Set." a screen adap tion of the stage hit "Spring Clean ing.” with Betty Compson and Adolphe Menjou in the cast. Cecil B ; PeMllle's production of the “Golden Bed." with Rod la Rocque and Vera Reynolds in the attraction for Friday and Saturday. Garvin's Hamilton. Norma Talmadge's recent picture "The Lady,” will be the feature at traction at Garvin's Hamilton theater for today, and tomorrow, with a comedy and "Daniel Boone" serial a« added features. Tuesday and Wednes day, Conrad Nagel and Eleanor Boardman will be seen In "So This Is Marriage." together with a "Go-Get ters" film, "Playing with Fire." Thursday only, A1 Wilson will be seen in "The Air Hawk," with a comedy, newe reel and twe acts of vaudeville as added attracUons- For the last two days of the week the feature film will be "Abraham tin coin," comedy and serial "Ten Scars Make a Man." 4-PAYS tonight 1 Bargain Matinee Wednesday..BOc. $1.00, $1.50 Nites 50c, $1.00. 91.50. $2.00. $2.50— Plus Tax jj "Funniest comedy of all time."—C. J. Sutphen. ,v» 1 Lewie A Gordon Present | In Association with Sam H. Harris THE OTTO KRUGER FRI. AND SAT. RIGHTS, APRIL 10-11 111: Curtain, Fvauinga. 1:10, Motors. 10:40. DDirrCa Mat.. 80c. |1. *1 SO. 82 and 82 80. CCXTC klAUf rmirc.a. Num,: Soc. st. si so. 82. 82 so and S-V aw ■ a Rvi» A MAGNIFICENT AND MOVING PERFORM ANCE WHICH OMAHA THEATER-GOERS WILL LONG TREASURE IN MEMORY "No two artiata on th, stag* today can play an auporhlv and with suck hoau tilul Individuality."—BOSTON POST. *