The St. Louis Star and Times from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 27

"WEDNESDAY EVENING, AUGUST 23, 1026. THE ST. LOUIS STAR THE ST, LOUIS STAR Three Men Who Are Directing ENTIRE TRAIN WAS REQUIRED TO HAUI3 CONNECTIONS OF SKOURAS BROS. INSURE GOOD BILLS First National- Corporation MANAGER BECAME USHER FOR STUDY OF BIG SYSTEMS Golden Piano for New House to Cost ii. ill st' I PIPE ORGAN HERE the finest principles of sorvice.

These men he is placing in the Ambassador. Espj's appointment to the management of the Ambassador follows extensive experience in theatrical work. Ever sinv-- he was a boy and that hasn't 'been manv years ago. for he is still under thirty, he hits been lured bv the stage. For a time his ambition took the form of acting and he joined the R.ark Opra whre ha served in the chorus and as an actor in minor parts.

The war, however, halted thi fnrm I 1 To Present Best of Film Prodac-tions at New Ambassador Theater. Career of CuIIen Espy Reads Just Opposite Typical Alger Story. Reeds on Wnrlitzer Instnrmcsl Weigh From One Ounce tf One-Half Ton. A Mar jorie Rambeau, looted Stage Star, Make Screen Debut Marjorle Rambeau Is going into the movies. Telegraphic advices received in New York from Hollywood stai that Miss Rambeau will make her screen debut in an important supporting role in Corinne Griffith's new First National starring vehicle, "Ashes." by Reginald Goode, now being filmed on thi West Coast under the direction of Richard Wallace.

Miss Rambeau. It is stated, win play the role of a famous Broadway actress who goes to the music counter in a Broadway department store to purchase music from Miss Griffith. In the picture, which has also been referred to as "Tin Pan Alley." Miss Griffith plays the part of a Broadway song plug-ger. Tom Moore plays the leading male role opposite the star. It is not stated whether Miss Rambeau intends to stay in mo-lion pictures permanently.

"Ashes' will mark her first appearance before the moving picture cameras. The career of Espy, in whose hands as manager willrest the responsibility of seeing that every detail of Skouras Brothers' Ambassador theater runs perfectly, reads just the opposite of a typical Alger story. For, instead of rising from usher to manager. Espy, who incidentally is the son of J. Ct Espy, former secretary of the Board of Police Commissioners, descended from ll i 1 1 i si--' '2 i 'Xf it i Uk I i tr 4 i As thousands of St.

Loulsans pass through tho spacious Ambassador lobby into the sumptuous auditorium, they will hear popular melodies played on the most expensive piano In St. Louis a $7, SCO instrument that has been 'finished in gold leaf. This piano will occupy a prominent position the mezzanine promenade above th- main entrance and opposite the grand staircase. At the' conclusion of each de luxe dhow it will be played by distinguished pianist. while at other times, through, the aid of musical rolls, it win reproduce the compositions of the finest music writers.

The gold and, art work of the piano was especially done for Skouras Brothers by a well-known local artist Ralph Ott. After he finished the painting, it was burnished so that the fine finish may be retained. There will be luxurious settings on the mezzanine promenade to provide an adequate setting for the piano, 'comfortable chairs, colorful draperies and thick and costly rvgs will make It a restful haven deavor, but not his stage aspirations. While serving-, overseas, he was not only the leading man, but also the. author and producer cf the 14 8th Field Artillery Follies.

After being mustered out Espv returned to St. Louis and entered the field of theater management in an assistant's capacity at the Kings theater. He soon afterwards was made, manager of the Lindell theater from where he went to a first run managership at the West End Lyric. And now he is to be the manager of the city's finest playhouse the Ambassador Theater at Seventh and Locust streets. HARRY VON METER IS LAST FOR CAST OF 'KID BOOTS' Harry von Meter is the in tost nr.

manager to usher. This reversal of fortune, however, was the chief factor in his becoming director of affairs in the world's most beautiful theater. Until six months ago Espy was in charge of the West End Lyric theater and the Lyric Skydome, Affiliations of Skouras Brothers with the two largest motion picture producing companies in the world. Famous Corpora, tion, makers of Pat amount movies, and First National Pictures, insure St. Loulsans of seeing: the finest pictures at the new downtown Ambassador Theater.

Throughout the years these organizations have consistently ied the motion picture world in mating the best of both the spectacular and huge "specials," such as "The Covered Wagon" and "The Sea Hawk," and also the program pictures, such as "Variety" and "Ella Cinders." Besides their resources' that make possible the production of excellent pictures on a stupendous scale and fine classics on a lesser order, these companies also have engaged the most talented aetor3 In the movie world today and tho most intelligent directors for the making of movies. First National's list of stars includes such popular celebrities as Norma and Constance Talmadge, Colleen Moore, Richard Barthel-mess, Corinne Griffith and Mlltop. Sills. Their directors are also universally known for their unusual ability, such men as Robert Kane, Al Rockett, Alfred Santell and others being engaged to direct the progress of the camera story. Skouras Brothers have spared nJ expense.

in obtaining for the Ambassador Theater not only jon of the most famous theatrical orchestras in the country, but what is pronounced tho best organ ere? turned out by the Rudolph Wur litzer Company. This $115,000 unit i. organ was purchased more than a year ago from J. 15. Moran, St.

Louis manager of the Wurlltser Company, and it has taken this company's mammoth plant at Tonowanda, New York, that long to design, manufacture and install the instrument. The console is tho largest Tr made. It is finished in gold and will make a glittering spectacle as lights play upon it. In one unit are more than SCO individual instru-" mc-nts. Its range of expression is described as marvelous.

Tho slen- der thrill of a flute, a violin solo, tho blare of trumpets, the deafon-ing roar of thunder are all within -its When properly played tho organ is said to give the effect of a 160-piece symphony orchestra. i- Thp reeds and pipes of this or- gan vary in weight from an ounce to half a ton. Miles of electric wiring were used in connecting the various sections. It took an entire freight train to transport the organ ffom tho New York factory to St. Louis.

i Stuart Rarrie, who will be the organist, added his advice In designing it. The tone effects and vol- lime of exprssion are said to bo greater than that of any 4her or- iran in the world. will be the last to be added to the cast of Paramount's "Kid Boots' starring Eddie Cantor, now hi pro- Top. left, nobort Licbcr, president. R.iglit, It.

A. Rowland, general manager. IVlow, Samuel iSpring, To Move Headauarters. Upon completion of the Ambassador office building, Skouras Brothers will move their general headquarters from the New Graud Central Building to the seventh floor of the Ambassador Building. Skouras Brothers' houses in the West End.

His enterprise was such at these institutions that he built up the patronage through his courtesy and attentlveness to business, and" Skouras Brothers decided on him as the ablest man to handle their downtown palace of amusement, But they qualified their decision. "You must go to Chicago and become Ian usher in the Chicago theater so that you can see how other theaters are run and adapt the good points of their system to the Ambassador. We want to have the finest corps of ushers in the world, they told him. So last May Espy -departed for Chicago and applied for a position at the Chicago as an usher. Even though he was going to handle a finer theater than any in Chicago, he was no better than any other usher.

He took tickets at the door; he directed the public to the aisles where the best seats were available; and he escorted guests of the house to seats. In the performance of his duties he even showed visiting St. Loulsans down the aisles. And though they wanted to know what he was doing as an usher, he was unable to tell them the reason for his strange fate. As an usher, he was not allowed to talk.

When Espy felt that he had perceived enough of the Chicago's system, he returned to St. Louis and began the development of a corps of ushers which will embody uucuon in Hollywood. Special Car for Scrnery. A special car was required to oring the special scenery and curtains to be used in the opening program at the Ambassador Theater from studios in Chicago to St. Louis.

It reached the city last Friday. Stage Show Third Week. The stage show for the third week that the Ambassador is open will be, "Love's Enchantment." It is a Publix stage production prepared in New York with Broadway artists by Frank Cambria. women wishing to rest after shopping and before visiting tho Ambassador jnatlneea. Mirrors In Iobby.

Women will thoroughly appreciate the grand lobby of the Ambassador Theater, for it will be virtually a "hall of mirrors." Along the soutK wall thero will be only large, beautiful mirrors before which milady can adjust her hair and apply powder and rouge. There will also be numerous mirrors on th grand promenade and In the ladies' rest rooms. Three Officials of Mammoth Picture Producing Firm Are Here for Ambassador Opening thelmess in addition to stars of a lesser magnitude and hundreds or extras. Only recently First National moved Into a large and spacious studio In Hollywood where its facilities are practically doubled and the latest applications for the mak 3DUK A IS ing of 'films can be used. This represented an investment that ran well over a TnilHon dollars.

It is Robert Lieber. who as president of tho concern supervises the general progress of First National. He it is who makes the decisions concerning- the signing of new Three distinguished representatives of one of the largest motion picture producing organizations in the world are in St. Louis today for the opening of Skouras Brothers' magnificent Ambassador Theater. Robert Lieber, president of First National Pictures Richard Rowland, general manager, and Sam A.

Spring, treasurer, are the three representatives of First National Pictures that have come to St. Louis to see the palatial show place Skouras Brothers have presented the middle west. Only an event of such magnitude could have drawu them away from their duties in New York City and Los Angeles. But after hearing Skouras Brothers tell of the wonders they were weaving in a theatrical way at Seventh and Locust streets, they decided to drop their many affairs for the trip to the Mississippi Valley. Upon the shoulders of these men hinges the financial and popular success of a great Investment.

Millions ae tied up in such a mammoth company as First National. The payroll of this corporation runs into hundreds of thousands of dol lars a month with such celebrities as Colleen Moore, Corinne Griffith, Norma Talmadge and Richard Bar- Many Paramount Stars. Paramount's list of celebrities is every bit as extensive Gloria Kwanson, Adolphe Mcnjou, Thomas CHHghan, Harold IJoyd, Richard Raymond Griffith, Rebe l)an-itfa, Ernest" Torrence and Wallace Beery being among their stra. In Its list c' directors Paramount i3 no less famous. And, after all, it is the director who really makes or breaks any motion picture as far as tha audience appeal Is concerned.

D. W. Griffith, creator of such masterpieces as "Tho Rirth of a Nation," "Way Down East" and "America; James Cruze, director of The Covered Wagon." 'Mannequin," 'The Beggar on Horseback" and others; Marshall Neilan, maker of Erich "Von Stroheim, who handled the megaphone for the filming of 'The Merry Go Around; Ernst Lubitch, maker of "Lady Windermere's Fan," "Pas-slon" and other celebrated hits, are Just a few of the master minds at worlo turning out groat pictures that will be shown at the Ambassador Theater. With the resources of two such tremendous motion-picture corporations at their command, Skouras Brothers have' arranged to give St. Louisans at the Ambassador Theater the best and finest program that has even been offered.

Already Skouras Brothers have lined, up a commanding group of pictures that will be shown at the Ambassador within the next few months. They range from the ablest of feminine stars to the most talented of men, and include classic gems as well as mighty screen spectacles on a mammoth tcale. A Glimpse Into te Future. A glimpse into the future shows that Colleen Moore in 'It Must Be hLove'; Thomas Melghan in "Tin Constance Talmadge in "The Duchess of Richard Barthelmes3 in "The Ameateur T. W.

Griffith's Sorrows of Satan." with Lya de Putti, star of Adolphe Menjou and Rtcardo Cortez; "Beau Geste," with. Ronald Coleman; Corinne Griffith In "Into Her Kingdom." These are. just a few of the attractive group of films that Skou stars, the development of young artists into "names," and the general direction of the company's management. Sam Spring as treasurer ha3 a difficult position. He has to beat down the stars' demands for salaries that would be too exorbitant.

30) Ao Mo And he must find ways of getting WW AY the million dollars to spend on such a mighty screen epic as "Men of Steel" that is coming to the Ambassador. What First National's main offices will do without the presence of these three executives is problematical, but Skouras Brothers are planning to show them one of the world's show places during their stay in St. Louis for the Ambassador opening. i'V to 7 'Jin ri i'V, Paramount and First National think nothing of paying for magaizne stories, novels or plays that possess potentialities of being made into wonder pictures for a wonder theater. 9J ducing organizations in the world Famous-Players and First National.

Other classics by the same stars; forthcoming specials such as "Old Ironsides." "Ths Rough Riders" and he Greatest Show on Earth'; directorial masterpieces by such geniuses as Griffith and Cruze will be available to St. Loulsans at the palatial mm Taxieab gerrtce. Ambassador Theater patrons may obtain taxicab service at any time during or after a performance by requesting same of a member of the Ambassador service staff. Ambassador. 1.

ras Brothers are able to offer the The pictures will be made from the finest stories available, for Louis public through their af- fatlon with the two leading pro- mm 'Jt if lift I'M i HiitiiuiiiiimiMiiiuim iiiiniiiiiniii i i liiiini 4ni i i in iiiii i 1 1 ffv; To 1 URAS BROS SKO 5 5 la 2 I 3E If We Wish to Extend Our Heartiest Congratulations and Best Wishes for Success 5 C'mon, St. Louis! Tomorrow. Only 24 hours. And then. Crowds! Throngs! St.

Louisans. Visitors. Neighbors. From Clayton. Webster.

Kirk-wood. Ferguson. Maplewood. Hi-Pointe. Baden.

Carondelet. St. Charles. East St. Louis.

Granite City. Alton. Madison. Belleville. Collinsville.

They'll come from everywhere To Attend the Greatest Event in St. Louis Since the World's Fair Make no appointment. You must be present. At this tremendous opening. You'll behold Fairyland.

It's ready for you. It's waiting for you. Gorgeous! Vivid! Awe-inspiring! Dazzling! Sweeping! Amazing! It's wonderland. Your wonderland. Superior Pictures.

Publix Stage Presentations. Produced in New York. Skouras entertainment and service. Join the throngs. Get in line.

C'mon, St. Louis! No seats reserved first come, first served. All seats the same price. THE PLACE DOUTTOTN) 7th mad Locust St. THE TIME -a II A.M.

to 11 PJtf. (Doors Open et J3.30 A. Mm 3-iE 5 A s-J 1 2 to a a a mm it) We are very proud of our record in handling the erection of this structure without serous injury to persons or, property. Especially in view of the heavy type of construction, which necessitated skill and the utmost in technical knowledge. mm.

I I i r.ifff 1 5 m. a wmm, in 4 a a Ilk- i 4. a X' a a TODAT AT NOON to a to Ben Hur Erection Co. 5100 Farlin Ave. St.

Louis Ambassador Theatre Opening Parade to a to to to -to rrrnnWWmiiiii i TiYi iWririri i iTi i Wiiiiiniimi 1 1 mm 1 1 i ii i 1 1 1 i i it.