The Des Moines Register from Des Moines, Iowa • Page 32

PES MOIXES SUNDAY REGISTER FEB. .1 ii ill Ir i fjlr JV Ill 1 sti -N, m5iSiiv A mf Ha.v WmSM 'Nil "ttSfcSr.TSI 1.4 Jonathan Hole Is Stage Manager at Princess Jonathan Hole, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. E.

Hole, 1131 Thirty-ninth street, has joined the Morgan Wallace players at the Prin cess theater as stage manager, Hole has spent three years on eastern vaudeville circuits and appeared in a number of production on Broadwav. He played on the Keith circuit with Sara Mebert, character actor, in a one act comedy sketch entitled "The End of the World." Mr. Hole is a graduate of North High school where he took part In amateur theatricals and later attended Drake university. He is a member of Delta Phi Omega fra-terltv. He has made several appearances with the Morgan Wallace players.

Trixie Frlgania, famous comedienne and stage star, Malcolm Walte and Robert Ober have been added to the cast of "The Whole Town's Talking," which will go into production at Universal City under the direction of Edward IiUemmle. Announce Comedy A special all-romcdr bill Is announced by Manager E. F. Lamp-man for the Orpheum theater for the last half of this week, starting with the Thursday matinee. A oo-headliners, the special tnlrth bill will have Al K.

Hall in bis screaming skit, "The Sap the Beach," and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmle Barry in "Scandals of Hensfpot Corners." It is promised that the remaining three acts also will provide laughs galore. Booklet Issued for Scenario Writers A booklet on "Facts About Scenario Writing" has been issued by the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, New Yorfk City. This contains bits of advice from eight of Xhe leading scenario editors and Clves ambitious authors practical -advice.

The chief of this ad-rtce to beginners, Is to publish the at or lei first in magaxlnes or In book form. French Farce in Bill Is Coming Farce Tops Orpheum Bill; Strand; Capitol Presents Princess Introduces New Leading Lady in Comedy George Billings in Person Murray and Francis "Masked Bride" 3' IASED upon a hilarious French "Madame Behave," which opened yesterday, is said to be a worthy "cousin to 'Charley's WILLIE WEST ft M'GINTY will headline the Orpheum bill ths first half of this week, beginning with the matinee Sunday. Their pantomine farce, "The House is a comedy Importation which scored success in European music halls. "Duckln" for Ducks," is a scenic sketch presented by Frank Stafford ft Co. Mr.

Stafford is noted for his bird imitations and. Buddy, the setter dog, provides much of the entertainment for this act. Buddy's intelligence has been compared with the famous Rin Tin Tin of ths movies. I The mystifying magicians, Allen Norman, are super-comedians. Exclusive songs for "An Kvery Day Occurrence" is a unique feature employed by Byton ft Noblet for their Bketch.

A laughable hotel hallway dialog provides the comedy. The novelty act of Claire ft Atwood furnishes the thrills of ths bill. Their agility puts them In the class of better vaudeville. Dimiuutive Clara Bow is "featured In' the photoplay "Free to lioys." Hollywood Buzzes Over Stars' Family Trouble Jwhlch scored so heavily there some time ago. Julian Eltlnge, famous Woman Impersonator, and Ann Pennington, Follies star, have the leading roles, and their supporting cast includes Jack, Duffy, Lion Belmore, Tom Wilson and other character actors.

The story deals with the tforts of a young architect, impersonated by Mr. Kltinge, to win the affection of Gwen Townley, a delicious, comedy part played by MUs fennlngton. They are Interfered with by a pair of old Lotharios who veek to find and marry a missing woman, "Madam Brown," and when Jy force of circumstances, the young architect Is obliged to assume the character of the woman, and finds himself the object of the persistent 4voolng of two men, many laughable situations ensue. The climax is laid to be as novel as it is amusing. The kinograms of news and a new "Made" comedy, "The Vanishing Armenian," featuring Alberta Vaughn, complete he film program.

On the stage at 3, 8 and 0:45 James Mulvaney appear with a pro HOLLYWOOD, Feb. 6. Conversation In the screen colony brightened this week. ever so much. There Is lots to talk about.

Cinemaland fairly seethes. The placid atmosphere which has pervaded social gatherings and brought bordeora to unconventional gatherings has been electrified. Primarily, there is the split between Adolphe Menjon and his wife, Kathryn. and the filing of a ault for divorce by the sophisticated screen villain. Rumors had been circulating that their martial bark had encountered cyclonic weather and when Mrs.

Menjon recently went to a Los Angeles hospital for an operation while Adolphe complacently remained in New York, credence was given to some of these rumors. When he arrived home a week or so later, he vehemently denied the break, but his divorce complaint belles his assertions. "She told me I was 'good for nothing'," he says. "She declared I was puffed up and conceited and she had a few remarks to make about my mother. I went the limit.

Now I'm through." Films at X. Bushman Featured at Dea Moines. "the Al Christie comedy, a week's engagement at the Strand "I Wish You Were Jealous of Me, culine role opposite Miss Murray, Is on the Des Moines screen for the week. The star has a congenial role as Gaby, French dancer in a sen-sRtional Parisian underworld, where she Is both a Jewel thief and cabaret favorite. Bushman is cast as a French nobleman and millionaire who, while slumming with his friend the prefect of police, played by Roy D'arcy, sees and falls in love with the charming dancer.

The picture unfolds the Strang romance and adventures in the Montmartre underworld and in the homes of the rich, finally depicting how the marquis effects the girl's regeneration after she has admitted her part in the plan to steal his finest Jewels. The production Is said to abound in color, heart interest, thrills, drama and beauty, and gives the star opportunities for several dancing specialties. The picture program includes the Paths news and Harry Lang-don's latest short comedy, "White Wing's Bride." Zelma Smlthpeter, coloratura soprano, offers a program of vocal solos on the stage at the de luxe shows. "Phantom of the Opera" Returns to Rialto. "The Phantom of the Opera," that remarkable production of the fantastic melodrama by Gaston Leroux, with Lon Cbaney, in the title role, presenting one of his most weird characterizations, returns to the' Rialto for the first four days of the present week.

Mary Phtlhtn and Norman Kerry play the leading romantic roles in tins gorgeous picture, many scenes or wblch are In natural colors. These scenes include portions of the stage pres entation of the opera "Faust." and a picturesque masked ball given In the foyer and on the grand staircase of the Grand opera in Paris, a replica of which was built for this production. The story concerns a young opera singer, her romance with a French nobleman, and her teach er, the Dhantom of the onera For the three remaining days nt ine weea Muarna Ham nova better known as Mrs. Rudolph Valentino, will be seen in her llrst screen production. When Love Grows Cold," in which she has the stellar role.

It is said to ba a most elaborats and ornately A dressed plcturlzation of the popular novel by Laura Jean Llbbey. Mrs. Valentino has the role of a beautiful but neglected wife, whose1 loyalty and devotion to her husband and child are the themes of the story. Cllve; Brook, eminent, English actor, plays the leading male role opposite tlut star, as the misguided young inventor whose sudden rise to affluence leads fo his indifference to his wife and child. "Any Woman" and "Slave of Fashion" at Garden.

THE GARDEN presents for the first fourdays of the current week a pictnrlr.atlon of Arthur Somers Roche's story, "Any Woman," in which Alice Terry plays the leading role. She is supported by an unusually large and compotent cast which Includes Henry Kolker, Margarita Fischer, James Herring and Lawson Butt. The young leading man, Ernest Glllen, is a newcomer who is said to be most promising. "Any Woman" is the drams of the adventures of a young girl who, believing herself rich, suddenly finds that her father has spent all he had on her education. She takes a business position but her beauty attracts the two men for whom she works, while she herself falls in love with a poor but ambitious youth who Is promoting a soft drink of his own Invention.

The resulting complications, both In romance and In business, make up the story. "A Slave of Fashion," featuring Norma Shearer and Lew Cody, returns to the (iarden for the last three days of the week. This was the pleasant romantic comedy in which Norma appeared as a girl from a small Iowa town who aspired to Broadway, the bright lights and fashionable clothes. Taking her courage In her hands she sets out, and after a train wreck finds rfcrself in possesBton of a letter offering'' her the use of a New York apartment, whose owner. Lew Cody, is in Europe.

She darlnelv tskes possession and the resulting iricldenta make for Interesting comeny ana wen dressed scenes. The supporting cast Is food, the production unusually lavish. "Abraham Best Film of 1925 "Abraham has been ae lected as the best photoplay of 1925 and has been awarded there fore the Photoplay Magazine medal. This picture, telling the life story of the great president, was made by Al and Ray Rockett and achieved Its great reception after preliminary floundering. Once the public was thoroughly aroused to the beauty and great ness of the picture, the response was ready and willing.

Abraham Lincoln Is the fifth picture to he awajsrfed the Photo play medal, others whlrh have received this mertnl are "Tol'able "Humoresque," "Robin Hood," and "The Covered sn sdsptatlon of the novel by Gertrude Atherton. Search for ft new but silent. David Warfleld lias been started by Fox Films, which has purchased from David Belusco the screen rights to "The Music Master," "The Grand Army Man," "The Auctioneer" and "The Return of Peter Grlmin." An actor must be found who tan give to the screen the masterpieces of drama which Warfleld gave the stage. This is a difficult task because Warfleld's perfect enunciation, the timber of his voice and his dramatic tone that varied with the changing moods of the roles he played were acquired by years of acting and added much to the portrayals which made theater history. Who Is the actor who can, without the aid of voice, put these great roles on the screen as powerfully as Warfleld put them on ths stage? Louise Faienda has been signed Universal to play a role In "Tbe Old' Boak," Jean Hers-holt's first starring yehlcle.

Percy Hammond Letter New York, Feb. 6. JOHN COLTON. author of "Rain" and "The Shanghai Gesture." la a gentle man, with a soft voice, sedate habits, a deep interest in the arts and a facility for friendly conversation. He is, In private life, a warm admirer of the human race and his personal contacts with that institution are agreeable.

An hour spent with him in his library is ft suftny experience. Skilled in tha amenities, he can make more cheerful remarks about his fellow beings than any person of my acquaintance. His bosom glows with the ruddy hues of faith, sympathy and understanding. Often when I am bruised by criiel adventures with a hardhearted world I seek Mr. Colton out and am healed by his unguent philosophies.

He Is, I think, the first optimist. Evil to him does not exist. In the theater, however, Mr. Colton is less companionable. The cloudless eyes, the smiling lips, the attitude of forebearance, the charming credulity disappear.

In their place come grim and horrible disbeliefs. He regards existence as but a peck of troubles. His dramas are a snarling cluster of woes. Women are wicked, men ditto. Lust rules the earth and there are sins unknown to Slnat.

An accusing Mr. Colton is twin to Eugene O'Neill as he lacerates the drama lovers with his rococo scourges. God's children, as he sees them on ths stage, have no wings to speak of. They just crawl and squirm. Misery is their lot: although I must admit that this misery Is accompanied by considerable gayety and ptcturesqueness.

In "The Shanghai Gesture" Mr. Colton is particularly violent. The drowsy orient is his canvas and he populates it with pessimistic events. The happenings occur in Shanghai's swellest brothel, the aueenlv proprietress tit jrhicar jrioE-1 "What's lour wife MISS BELVA MORRELL will make her, first appearance -sr. as leading woman with the Morgan Wallace Players at the matinee and evening performances today.

The Morgan Wallace Tlayers are offering a comedy, "What's Your Wife Doing." with which to Introduce Miss Mor-rell to the Des Moines audience. Herbert Ashton, well known for his skill in comedy, has the leading role opposite Miss Morrell. He is said to have one of his most amusing parts in "What's Your'Wife Doing?" Miss Mary Tarry, who makes her farewell appearance at the Princess this week, has also been cast In, a prominent part. Arthur R. Edwards, Jack -Westerman, Ernest Kast and Garth Rogers will appear In humorous roles.

The Princess orrers the usual matinees toduy, Wednesday and Saturday, with performances every night. Garrick Opens Today. THE Garrick theater presents today for one day only a Mutual burlesque attraction, "Step Along." Matinee and evening performances will be given. The company is headed by Max ence Reed) Is a Manchu princess who in her childhood wss betrayed by a careless Englishman (Mr. McKay Morris).

Madame Godam is her sobriquet, that title having been bestowed upon her by the visiting sailors. She Is a rich and lofty ahbess of the night and can quote from such classics ss the "Song of Solomon" and Maeterlinck's "Life of the Bee." Into Madame Godam's gorgeous slum-salon come the fine flower of American and European residents in the far east. There are. I should estimate, fifty or more of them, all despicable. She Is, she says, the Chinese government, dominating its every activity, lucluding the police force and the fire departmeut.

One haughty word from her and (ttaiesmfii kneel, i What she Uvea for, however, is to revenge herself upon Sir Guy, the author of her sinfulness. This she does by showing him that two of his daughters are inmates of her bagnio. To fill the cup more fulj of horrors it is revealed that one of these ladles is her own offspring. So, in a dim corridor of her sinister flesh mart, Madame Godam murders her erring child and is to be heard muttering tragically over the dead body as the curtain falls and you are dismissed in time to drink and dance at the supper cabarets. Mr.

Morris, as Sir Guy, Is intensely American. A good, hand some portrayer of honest midwest-era trpss, Is cast, as usuaW la a Coleman, Hebrew comedian and prominent in the supporting cast are Claire Stone, prima donna; Agnes Nichols, ingenue; Marion O'Neill, soubrette; Harry Jackson, comedian; Edward De Velde; Mae Lorraine and the Nichols sisters. A fast, moving singing and dancing chorus of pretty girls will be seen In attractive costumes. The scenic and electrical production is said to be complete In every detail. My Girl" at Majestic.

Ms GIRL," a new song and nnce revue, win open at the Maiestlc theater today for four days with Thelma and Bobby Whalen featured In singing and dancing. Lillian Murry and her partner, Elmer Wright, offer the comedy of the production. Each will' present single specialty. The "My Girl'' company numbers twenty members with a -chorus of ten. Each of the principals will have Individual vaudeville turns and musical numbers.

"The Beauty Prie," Viols Dana's latest picture, will be shown the first four days of the week. It is a screen version of ft story by Nina Wilcox Putnam. An entire change of program is billed for Thursday. role nnsulted to his Individuality. Put him in chaps or overalls and he will coavlnce you.

But in the silken tights of Romeo or the swsl-lowtails of a titled Englishman he Is 8 trifle bizarre. His employers are his vorst friends. Aside fro'ra Miss Reed's opulent impersonation of Madame Godam, the most effective acting in "The Shanghai Gesture" is Miss Mary Duncan's merciless portrait, of a wild flapper, let loose among the oriental vices. It Is almost too bad to be true. "Big Bill" Tllden, the tennis hero, is, I fear, up against It as an actor in ft play called "Don Jr." In that little nursery tale he appears as a meek worker In social settlement, very mild and self-effacing.

Although his name glitters In electric lights upon the fascade of the Forty-ninth Street theater, a few tenni9 lovers are tempted to govto see him. At Forrest Hills last summer I saw the multitude throw its hat the air and acclaim him as he served the final ace which put "Little Bill" Johnson out of the running. Sporting 'life is full of chills. Ther.is nothing colder than a grandstatm in Its right mind. Mr.

Tilden, being an asiateur, Is, of best actor In the play. He doesn't cheat a hit In his humble Impersonation. I hope that he Will not be discouraged bv small and frigid audiences, and will continue to double aUUstica TrJUv tat, p-am of popular song hits, featuring rANNEQUIN," the Para mount production or the Fnnnv Hurst serial storv for Vhlch the sum of $50,000 is said io have been paid, is the attractive film offering at the Capitol or the current week. The direction of the picture was put Into the hands df the famous director, Barnes Cruze, and the cast is made up of many popular players and several most promising newcomers. The story concerns the lives of John Herrick, a rising young lawyer, his wife of artistic and extravagant tastes, and their daughter, Joan, whom her mother desired to have reared among beautiful things.

Joan is stolen way, while a baby, by a stupid nursemaid, and brought up in the slums of the great city. Retaining her inherited instincts, the girl grows up hating ugliness and vice. She becomes a mannequin In a great gown establishment, where she becomes acquainted with John Herrick and his wife, and also with Martin Innesbronk, young newspaper man. The story works up to a tragedy, the girl Is tried for murder before the Judge, John Herrick, and the drama la said to be remarkably effective. Dolores Costello, daughter of Maurice Costello, first screen matinee Idol, plays the role of Joan Herrick, Alice Joyce and Warner Baxter are her parents, Zazu Pitts Is Annie Poganl.

the nursemaid, and Walter Fidgeon, a new leading man, Js Innesbrook. The fashion show is said to be a lavish feature of the production. The film numbers include the Tox news and a short Vomedy, "Llckety Split," starring Lige Conley. The stage presentation has two features. George Bill-Jngs, famous impersonator of Abraham Lincoln in the motion picture life of the great president, will appear In a one-act playlet representing a well known Incident in Lincoln's life.

A musical act will also be presented by Codes and Trigg, two male MAE MURRAY returns to her well beloved France, the scene of so many of her most successful pictures, for the setting of her latest photoplay since "The Merry Widow," "The -Masked Bride," in which the old film, favorite, Francis X. hmaujilays-the. leading mas While the Menjou rift was- being aired, discovery was made that Harrv Lanadon. comedian, who is to be starred by First National, had left his home on the boulevard and la living at the Hollywood Athletic club while his wife is preparing to pursue a business career. A property settlement has been arranged, their friends say.

The Langdons drew space on the front pages of local newspapers recently when Mrs. Langdon wrecked her motor car while pursuing her husband who was said to be In company with a "beautiful blonde." Eugene V. Brewster, wealthy owner of several motion picture magazines, then arrived In Hollywood and called on Corliss Palmer, former cigar stand girt who was accused by Mrs. Brewster of wrecking her home. The wife of the publisher had refused to give him a divorce although she knew that he had presented Miss Palmer with a I7SO.000 home In New Jersey.

Now, according to Brewster, he has given her up. "Corliss was amhitious to enter the films." Mr. Brewster said to a Los Angeles reporter, "and her ambition caused a forced separation between us. However, I am not going to finance her career or produce any pictures that will star her. She will have to make her own way." Miss Palmer has a small role In a First National picture and Is endeavoring to "go It alone." Then Ethel Shannon came Into the limelight through a Biiit for divorce from Hubert J.

Cary. He deserted her, she says, after less than a year of married life. On the same dHy her petition was filed, Olive Ann Alcorn, dancer, was given her fiuai divorce decree from Louis H. Soberer. These marital difficulties afford much material for gossip but the most sensational bit was the announcement that the stork Is bringing a second child to the home of Charlie Chaplain.

Charlie, often referred to as "the mvs-tery man of Hollywood." has been assailed as the head of a house disinterested In his wife and child. There has been talk of a separation and property Bottla-ment and all that Rut It appears now that he not onlv is interested In his wife and child and home but that he is goine to have Ifamlly, Mrs, Chaplain, herself has admitted that: tits second child is coming. Material for conversation? Rather! CRYSTAL gazing thrilled "Our Girls club" when Mrs. Harold Llovd (Mildred Davis) entertained the club at her home on Irving boulevard. The shrine of the, future revealer was the most popular corner in the house.

A buffet supper was served from a long nunow table, laden with sweet peas and Chinese llllos, as well as delectable food. "Our Girls" welcomed two of its members back from New York Pauline Garon and Helen Ferguson. Others present were Carmel Myers, Florence Vldor, Adele 8t. John, Virginia Vallt, Carmellta Gerachty, Gloria Hope, Virginia Fox, Julanne Johnstown, Leatrlce Jov, Kathleen Key, Laura La Plante. Patsy.

Ruth Miller, Edna Murphy, Gertrude Olmstead, Zasu Pitts. Lillian Rich, Vilma Banky, Jane Thompson, Mrs. J. L. Mur phy, Virginia Brown Falre, Jo- byna Rnlston, Marlon Nixon, Viola Dana, Prlscilla Doner and Colleen Moore.

Mrs. Howard Davis, the host ess mother, and Mrs. Frank Lamborn assisted in receiving. t'IGI MONTAGNI, better I known as "Bull" Montana, and motion picture actor, made a personal appearance In Justice Northrup's court In Al-hambra, where he was fined $5u0 for the possession of wiue. Four-fifths of the sentence was suspended and "Bull" placed a $100 bill on the clerk's table and was permitted to'leave the court.

LARS I1ANSKN, famous Swedish actor of atage aud screen, recently brought to America under contract by the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, will play his first American role opposite Lillian Glsh in "The Scarlet Letter," a filmlzatlon of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic, soon to be directed by Victor Seastrom. Mae Busrh hss returned temporarily to the scene of her first great movie triumph. She is playing the feature feminine role at Universal City In King Baggott traduction, tha peril," I.