Hartford Courant from Hartford, Connecticut • 14

A 4 THE HARTFORD DAILY COURANT: SUNDAY, JULY 16, 1935. Brief Reviews of Current Films Footlights Of Broadway Current Attractions At Hartford Theaters 300 Films In Year Planned By Paramount 1 A scene from "The Sphinx," playing at the Allyn Theater. starring Lionel Atwill, which is now John Halliday and Constance Bennett in a scene from "Bed of Roses," now at the Strand Theater. (Continued from Page 1.) Burke Ziegfeld Follies." The production, necessarily late this year, probably won't be perfected until the start of October, but it should be the best-seller of the stage, because of the triple attraction of the prestige of the late Mr. Ziegfeld and his "Follies," the affection for his widow, Billie Burke, of all of Broadway that counts, and the solidarity of the Shubert backing.

Joe Cook, who has not graced us since he knocked the town over with "Fine and Dandy," is working hard for the opening of the Shu-berts' "Hunky Dory." which will open in Boston around the middle of August, and possibly be in town by Labor Day. Russell Crouse, newspaperman and author, and Corey Ford, the humorist, have done the book. Shubert Openings. The first Shubert opening in New York will be "Going Gay," wnich. will come early in August.

Donald Blackwell and William Miles are already cast. Another Shubert bet, before the formal season starts on Labor Day, will be "The Poor Li'l Thing," by Mary Anne Waters. It has been tried out at the Shuberts' summer resort at Hartford, and pronounced o. k. The cast will polish things up briefly at an out-of-town city theater, and offer it to Broadway in August.

To clinch matters, the same producers promise late in September the "Trip to Pressburg," which has for some time been in the offing and fas adapted finally by John Colton. from the Viennese of Leo Peruch. Colton was the author of "Rain," and "Nine Pine Street," the latter all about the Lizzie Borden hatchet case in Fall River. Mass. There is some secrecy about the leading ladv, but we are assured that a famed Hollywood star has been cast for the lead, and we hope for the best.

Vacationers Menu. A glance at the vacationer's theatrical menu for the coming week shows numerous interesting new plays not stock productions. "A Villa At Cannes" with Charles Bryant and Phyllis Povah in the leads opens Monday at Locust Valley, on Long Island. Summit, N. will have "Career." with Chrystal Heme and Moffat Johnson, and "I've Been Before'' will be tested at Putney, Vt.

The dramatization of the novel, "The Whipping," with Queenie Smith in the lead, is scheduled for Dan bury, and "Beware Of The Bull." a new piav of Robert Hare Powell wil have a try-out on Cape Cod. In Pelham Manor, 14 miles from Times Square. "Broomsticks. Amen." will be produced next week, with Lew Fields topping the cast. Mr.

and Mrs. Charles Coburn are to be featured in "The Yellow Jacket" in West-port. and at Millbrook, N. the new drama, "Cobwebs" will make its bow. "Storm Child." a new play whose author has not been announced, will open Wednesday at West Falmouth, Mass, for a four-day trial.

Processional. Newkirk Crockett, for years publicity representative of New York 4 hotels, is about to spring a play. We understand mat it will give the 'low-down'' on the methods of society folk who like to see their names in the newspapers One feature of "Hunky the musical concerning the men about town at the start of the century, will be a curtain no doubt intended to keep some critics from walking out after the first five minutes. It will have large caricatures of 150 critics, writers, first nighters and boule-vardiers. "If they don't like my show, they may like their pictures," said Corey Ford, co-author, hopefully, just after the producers had ordered him to change the locale of one set from Paris to New York.

The Theater Guild, which usually produces no more than six plays and this year it was five have 15 accepted scripts to work with during the fall and winter As soon as "Biography" actually closes. Ina Claire will take a ship for London. She says she wants to see some plays, not act in them. It is notable that most of the few shows remaining here are old ones. The producers of mediocre "Hot weather" performances have found, at last, that New Yorkers will not bite, and one after another the final curtain has gone down since the end of May Ethel Barrymore, who recently played in Greenwich.

in "An Amazing Career" will appear again Monday in the vehicle which has often been on tour but has never seen -Broadway. The men charged with booking the choruses of coming musicals find several hundred girls anxious to play in each. They have adopted a hard-boiled but necessary procedure. Before the line-up. there la the announcement, "some of you girls will be asked to stay mast of you will have to leave.

Go out when you're told to." AN EERIE AND WEIRD DRAMA WITH A BLAZE OF ROMANCE AND MYSTERY Alon m.the house of horror with a man who could speak only his a t. Who was the "Sphinx" with SHEILA TERRY THEODORE NEWTON SECOND BIS FEATURE "EASY MILLIONS" with SKEETS GALLAGHER DOROTHY BURGESS Added Treats SCREEN SOUVENIRS PARAMOUNT NEWS Comedy "THE BIG FIBBER" (T7 GEUnPtM 11 -Tit 41 I i the late Ernest Torrence are the principal players in the story which deals with a reporter's expose of a famous Chinese smuggling ring. The Lenox Theater is now presenting "Reunion in Vienna" and "The Life of Jimmy Dolan." The former film is taken from Robert E. Sherwood's famous play of the same name. Diana Wynyard, Frank Morgan and John Barrymore are the principals.

"The Life of Jimmy Dolan" is a prizefight story with Douglas Fairbanks. Loretta Young and Aline McMahon. "Peg O' My Heart," a popular sentimental love story in which Laurette Taylor made a hit in San Francisco 21 years ago, heads the present double bill at the Lyric Theater with Marion Davies, Onslow Stevens and J. Farrell Mac-Donald in the leading roles. The co-feature is "The Life of Jimmy Dolan," with Douglas Fairbanks, Loretta Young and Aline McMahon.

George Arliss's latest screen ve hicle, "The Working Man," shares the present double bill at the Princess Theater with "The Billion Dollar Scandal," in which Robert Arm strong, Frank Morgan and Constance Cummings have the leading roles. "The Working Man" is a homely entertaining story of a wealthy manufacturer who adopts the children of his late rival. "The Billion Dollar Scandal" is a humorous treatment of the "financial racket" theme. "Reunion in Vienna," which tells the story of an ex-Archduke who returns to Vienna after 10 years' ab sence to visit the woman who was formerly his mistress, heads the present double bill at the Regal Theater. Diana Wynward.

Frank Morgan and John Barrymore have the leading roles. The co-feature is a farce co-starring Robert Wool- sey and Bert Wheeler. Its title is "Diplomaniacs." The Rialto Theater is now pre senting "Adorable," with Janet uaynor, Henry Garat. C. Aubrey Smith and Herbert Mundin in the principal roles; and "Soldiers of the btorm, with Regis Toomev and Anita Page.

"Adorable" has a Cinderella-like theme. It is a musical romance. "Soldiers of the Storm" is a melodrama of the border air pa- iroi. Rumors Start When Dietrich Buys Wardrobe Will German Star Discard Her Trousers? That Is The Question Will Marlene Dietrich discard her trousers upon her return to Ameri ca? Current gossiD in Hollvwood holds she will. Several of her intimates sav that she has written to them to that effect, while further conformation of tne rumor is seen in the announcement that Lucien LeLong, the Parisian fashion creator, has designed nine different outfits all ultra feminine for her.

Previews of her last picture, "The Song of Songs," have afforded the screen colony with a leading con- The interest Greta Garbo has shown in the film, in view of the rivalry existing between the Swedish and the German actress, has not passed unnoticed by Hollywood. Garbo twice has emerged from her privacy to brave curious eyes in order that she might see "The Song of Songs." once at the Paramount studio, and again in a Pasadena theater. It is understood that Garbo. admiring Rouben Mamoulian's direction of Miss Dietrich, is bidding for him as the director of her forthcoming production, "Queen Christina." When Miss Dietrich returns from her European vacation in September, she will be directed again by Josef von Sternberg, her screen discoverer, and the man who directed her in "Morocco." "The Blue Angel," "Dishonored," "Shanghai Express" and "Blonde Venus." Trio Cast for Leads In 'Golden Harvest' Richard Arlen. Chester Morris and Marguerite Churchill are cast for the three leading roles in "Gold en Harvest," the first of ten pictures wnicn cnaries K.

Rogers will pro duce for Paramount next season. Rogers also has brought Mack Gordon and Harry Revel to Hollywood to write music for his second. "We're Sitting Pretty," co-starring Jack Haley and Jack Oakie. On Honeymoon J. (Ashixiated Press Photo) and actor and hu b-lde the old oil heinss of Tulsa Ok'a who recently, are going prospecting for At the Allyn.

The Allyn Theater's present double bill Is headed by "The Sphinx," a mvstery thriller with Lionel Atwill in the title role. The xuDoortine cast includes Sheila Terry, Paul Hurst. Luis Alberni. Lu rien Prival. Robert Ellis and Theo dore Newton.

On the same bill is "Easy Millions." a farce with Skeets Gallagher and Dorothy Burgess in the leading roies. Atwill, whose fan mail has increased 1000 per cent smre he began to play "horror" roies for the movies has the part of Jerome Breen. a deaf-mute, in "The Sphinx." With silence thus imposed unon him. he is forced to depend almost solely upon the power of his nvpnctic gaze to convey ms sinister and blood-curdling effects. The police in this met lire, have to find the solution a series of murders- strangulations all of which have been preceeded by an identical happeninga straneer.

near the scene of the crime, has stopped and asked someone for a match. A youns reporter, whore best girl is in danger, finally is instrumental in solving the mvstery. On Capitol Screen. The melodramatic career of a New York tenement girl who comes perilously close to the electric chair is depicted in "Midnight Mary," with Ricardo Cortez, Franchot Tone and Loretta Young, which heads the present double bill at the Capitol Theater. It is a thrilling story of life in the upper strata of crookdom.

Miss Young is forced by circumstances to join a gang of crooks and the climax comes when the gang wants to "rut cut" the young attorney with whom she has fallen in love. The co-feature is "From Arizona to Broadway," co-starring James Dunn and Joan Bennett. The plot concerns the efforts of a young confidence man from the West to protect a lone and pretty girl aeainst the advances of other confidence men who are after what little monev she has. That is not because his intentions are honorable, but because he wants her money for himself. Suddenly he realizes he has "fallen for her." On the stage at the CaDitol this week is John Fogarty, well-known radio tenor.

Loew's Offerings. A comedy drama, "His Private Becretarv," heads the new program at Loew's Theater. The film, in which Evalyn Knapp, John Wayne, Alec B. Francis, Natalie Kingston. Reginald Barlow Arthur Hoyt and Al St.

John play the principal roles, concerns a wastrel son whose marriage almost brings about his disinheritance. The girl he marries goes to the father to convince him she is worthy of the son and. mistaken for a girl who Is answering an advertisement for a position, becomes her father-in-law's secretary. The climax, deals with her strategy in winning over her husband's parents and her triumph over another woman who has figured in her husband's past. The co-feature is "Obev the Law." with Leo Carrillo, Lois "Wilson, Dickie Moore, Henry dive and Eddie Carr.

It is a dramatic story of the struggle of an Italian barber against crooked tics in New York's East Side. Strand Fro gram. Constance Bennett's role In "Bed of Roses." now at the Strand Theater, is that of a girl of -questionable manners and morals who is determined to leave her 'bed of roses," cost what it may. Accused of stealing money from a passenger on a Mississippi steamer, she leaps overboard and swims to a cotton barge where the skipper, played by Joel McCrea, shelters her, only to be victimized by the girl. The girl later comes under the protection of a publisher and gets her "bed of roses," but when she gets it she finds it isn't what she thought it would be.

John Halliday. Pert Kelton and Samuel Hinds are also in the film. The co-feature Is "Looking Forward," starring Lionel Barrymore. The pictures deals with the lives of two business men. The life of a department-store owner whose wife deserts him "when he faces financial ruin is counter-balanced with the story of the humble employee who likewise is baffled by his inability to meet his payments and keep his home together but whose family prove their lovalty when he most needs it.

Lewis Stone, Benita Hume, Elizabeth Allan. Phillips Holmes, Colin Clive, Alec B. Francis and Doris Lloyd are among the well-known players in the film. At Other Theaters. "Christopher Strong," with Katharine Hepburn, Colin Clive, Billie Burke.

Ralph Forbes and Helen Chandler, is now playing at the Cameo Theater on the same bill with "Out All Night," a farce co-starring Slim Summerville and Zasu Pitts. "Christopher Strong" is the story of a famous aviatrix and her love affair with a married man who. until she met him, was a model husband. "I Cover The Waterfront," a film which merely borrowed its title, and not its plot, from Max Miller's pon-ular book, is now plavmg at both the Central and Colonial Theaters. Ben Lyon, Claudette Colbert and Plan Gold Hunt if; A Li Alcxmdfr P.

Grav, Jr'. 33 s'aKr txr Pcrw Jane McCrsy. 19 year married at Crown Point, Largest Schedule Ever Attempted By Company Includes 65 Features A total of sixty-five feature-length pictures, the largest schedule ever attempted by the company, will be produced during the coming twelve months at the Paramount studios in Hollywood, according to an announcement today from George J. Schaefer, general manager. The ambitious program is held as an indication of the confidence of Paramount in a general revival which will benefit the picture industry.

In addition to the features, 229 short subjects are to be released. Heading the list of the new pictures are a number of starring vehicles for such screen notables as Richard Arlen, Maurice Chevalier, Claudette Colbert, Gary Cooper, Ricardo Cortez, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, the Four Marx Brothers, Cary Grant, Miriam Hopkins, Charles Laughton, Baby LeRoy, Carole Lombard, Fredric March, Herbert Marshall, Jack Oakie, George Raft, Sylvia Sidney, Helen Twelvetrees, Mae West, Dorothea Wieck and such comedians as Mary Boland. George Burns and Gracie Allen. W. C.

Fields, Charlie Ruggles end Alison Skipworth. Productions Listed. Following are some of the feature pictures either in production at this time or scheduled for early turning: "The Song of Songs," starring Marlene Dietrich, with Brian A heme, Lionel Atwill and Alison Skipworth. and directed by Reuben Mamolian. In addition to.

this picture. Miss Dietrich will appear in two others to be directed by Josef von Sternberg. "I'm No Angel," starring Mae West, directed by Wesley Ruggles; and a second West vehicle "It Ain't No Sin." Maurice Chevalier in "The Way to Love," with Sylvia Sidney and Edward Everett Horton and directed by Norman Taurog. The Four Marx Brothers in "Duck Soup," directed by Leo McCarey. to Be Filmed.

Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland." which Norman McLeod will direct with Charlie Ruggles, Alison Laughton, Jack Oakie and an unknown girl, now being sought in the title part. "The Search for Beauty," with the fifteen most beautiful girls and the fifteen most handsome men being gathered in the intensive international contest. "Funny Page," bringing to life "The Captain and the Kids," "Boob McNutt," "Polly and Her Pals." "Tim Tyler," with Charles Laughton, Wynne Gibson, Charlie Ruggles, Jack Oakie, Shirley Grey and Grace Bradley in the cast, and Norman Taurog directing. Cecil B. De Mille productions, "The End of the World," "This Day and Age," and "Four Frightened People." Coward riay Cast.

Noel Cowards "Design For Liv ing. directed by Ernst Lubitscn, with Fredric March. Miriam Hopkins, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr, and Edward Everett Horton. "Fifty Years From Now," by Ru pert Hughes. Fredric March and Claudette Colbert in "Death Takes a Dorothea-Wieck, star of "Maed-chen in Uniform." in her first American-made film.

"White Woman," with Charles Laughton. Herbert Marshall and Walter Abel, and later, "Cradle Song." Eight B. P. Schuiberg productions including "Three-Cornered Moon," with Claudette Colbert, Richard Arlen and Mary Boland; "You Need Me," co-starring Sylvia Sidney and George Raft, and "Here Is My Heart," starring Miss Sidney. Rogers Makes Ten.

Ten Charles R. Rogers productions including "We're Sitting Pretty," with Jack Haley and Jack Oakie, directed by Ralph Muiphy, the book by Jack McGowan, music by Gordon and Revel and screen story by Nina Wilcox Putnam; "Golden "I Can't Go Home "No More "Eight Girls in a "Swift "She Made Her and "Green Gold." Gene Fowler's the Wild Mare," with Claudette Colbert and George Raft. "Cloudy With Showers." musi-comedy with Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie and Burns and Allen. Claudette Colbert, Ricardo Cortez in "Torch Singer." Comedians Assigned. "Too Much Harmony," with Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie.

Skeets Gallagher and Harry Green. Gary Cooper and Claudette Colbert in "Honor Bright." Fredric MaTCh. Miriam Hopkins. George Raft and Frances Fuller in "Chrysalis." "One" Sunday Afternoon." with Gary Cooper, Fay Wray. Neil Hamilton, Frances Fuller and Roscoe Karns, directed by Stephen Roberts.

F. Yeats-Brown's "Lives of a Bengal Lancer." with Gary Cooper, Cary Grant and Richard Arlen. Ernst Lubitsch's "There were Four Women." Will James' "Lone "The Great I Am," from the Lewis Graham novel: Zane Grey's "To the Last Man," "The Thundering Herd and "The Code of the Miriam To Be Artist. Miriam Hopkins will play the role of an artist in "Design For Living" based upon Noel Coward's stage hit. Ernst Lubitsch will direct.

ELIZABETH MACK Presents "CASTE" Big Hit of the "Stilted 60's" SHARON PLAYHOUSE Sharon, Conn. Phone ll Tues, July 18th to Saf, July 22nd 55c. to fl.es 8:30 Curtain Adults 1.1c Child. IOC. Katharine Hepburn in '(Hartford't Own) "Christopher Strong" and Slim Summerville Pitts "Out All Night" 'Bobby Jones in Golf" 1 in "Midnight Mary," which heads "His Private Secretary," at Loew's World's First Drive-In Theater Formally Opened Camden Playhouse Ac commodates 400 Cars Ushers Ride Bicycles Camden, N.

The first Drive-in Theater in the world, where motorists and their guests can see and hear motion pictures without leaving their cars, has been formally opened in Camden. The ushers in this unusual theater have been equipped with bicycles to enable them to cover the ground without becoming footsore. Covering an rea of 250,000 square feet, the Drive-in Theater accommodates 400 automobiles or, on a basis of four persons to a car. an audience 1600 people, all comfortably seated their own cars. There are seven rows of vertically inclined grades insuring uninterrupted vision regardless of cars arriving or leaving their places in front aisles.

This is made passible by a slight uograde the extreme front in each aisle which brings the front wheels upward at a five degree angle. Plenty of Room. Each aisle is 50 feet deep, more than three times the length of the average motor car. More than 30 feet of space is available for each car to come in or go out without including the length of the car itself. From the bumper of a car Row A to the front bumper of the car in Row is a fifty feet clearing space.

For weeks the utmost secrecy enshrouded the undertaking due to pending patents upon which the whole idea is based. As soon as the paients were officially granted in Washington, D. a horde of artisans, architects, camenters and workingmen laid the foundation of the 60-foot screen stage for the world's first Drive-In Theater. In the meantime, the entire Photo-phone engineering department of the RCA Victor Comnany had been experimenting with directional sound. Simultaneously with the patent grants, RCA engineers announced that they had perfected what they had not dared to horie for orieinally controlled directional sound.

Acoustical Problem. In other words, the motorist seated in a car five hundred feet away from the screen stage not only sees but hears the sound at the same volume as the auditors in the first row and vice versa. The new outdoor theater present- Actress Weds Benn Levy, English playwright and the former Constance Cumniines. film London, to a of De De on up to Franchot Tone and Loretta Young the present double bill at the Capitol. Evalyn Knapp and John Wayne Theater.

Sharps And Flats' By Pierre Key (Continued from Page 1.) is that none has yet been able to say which answer, if any, is right. A creditable "Rigoletto" with one or two oldtime popular-priced singers in the cast was followed by a "La Gioconda," "Madama Butterfly" and "Forza del Destino." Some of the singers are inexperienced, some are too experienced. But several are worth hearing, and that, together with some excellent conducing on the part of Maestro Bam-boschek, is keeping this organization clicking. Singer Rebukes Prince. Trust Rosa Ponsell to hold out for her rights.

When she rebuked Crown Prince Humbert for smoking while she was singing in a performance in Naples the Metropolitan Opera diva leaped more conspicuously into public notice than ever and that had been decidedly marked through her "Vestale" appearance in Florence. The details are lacking, so I didn't know whether Rosa knew it was Prince Humbert who was smoking, or whether it was some person of lesser prominence. Cabled accounts say that the Prince promptly put out his cigarette, and that Miss Ponselle thereupon continued with her singing. It is Quite likely that Prince and singer met and that "I didn know it was you and on that's quite all right" passed bacK and forth. Later, we are mtormed by cabled dispatches, Miss Ponselle had an audience with Mussolini; and that Italy's premier gave her one of his photographs bearing the inscription, "with admiration and sympathy." I can understand his admiring Rosa, but I doubt if she requires any sympathy.

He's Doctor Ilofmann Now. We must all remember, in future, to salute Josef Hofmann with the prefix "Doctor." The University of Pennsylvania is responsible for this great musician's title, but not for the means through which he be-1 came deserving, of it. He might have had that honor conferred many years ago and. incidentally, by all the world's foremost univer sities. As pianist, composer, educator, Josef Hofmann has made an unforgettable contribution to music, musicians and the musical public.

Just at present Mr. Hofmann is resting with his family at The Rock, his Maine summer home. He will need to store up plenty of vitality tor the extensive European tour ne is to undertake in the early autumn, and for the most extensive one of this country (beginning in January) he will have made in several seasons. In the meantime there will be the responsibility of laying our plans for the operation of the Curtis In stitute of Music which Mr. Hof- man is Director and in which he ha.s the keenest possible concern.

From the time he took charge of its affairs, it was Mr. Hofmann's determination to make Curtis an unique institution. New Conductor on Horizon From Mexico City comes word that Jose Iturbi stood the natives figuratively on their heads by his conducting of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and from memory. According to accounts, Mr. Iturbi had an audience of 8000 in the Politeama (largest theater in the capital) to sit through a performance in which the Spaniard appeared as conductor and pianist.

The dispatch states that Mr. Iturbi was cheered for half an hour at the conclusion of Beethoven's Ninth. Prior to that he had led an orchestra of 100 through the Beethoven Third Leonore Overture, and playpd the p'anoforte portion of the "Etnnrror" concerto. Certain New Yorkers, as well as other Iturbi admirers, probably won't be satisfied now until this very popular music-maker has appeared before thorn, stick in hand, leading an orchestra. Just how able Mr.

Iturbi is in the conducting line I do not know, since I have never sat through a concert wherein he waved the stick. But I shall be Interested to undergo the experience, and better still to watch him dur ing a rehearsal, since that is the place where one may discover the precise extent or ones conducting capabilities. Hand Are Expensive, Elizabeth Young always reveals pont-up emotion in the rapid con tracting ot her hands, when appearing before the camera. Wirt i in of in of in in ed an unusual acoustical problem but, recognizing that the nev, project might be the forerunner of scores of other Drive-In Theaters presenting the same general problems, Photophone engineers applied themselves to working out a practicable solution. How well they succeeded may be judged from the fact that even in a rain storm with all the car doors and windows closed the sound may be clearly heard within the cars, yet the volume is not objectionably loud at any location in the theater.

Richard M. Hollingshead, the inventor, gave some of the reasons which prompted him to devote years perfect the plan to the point of patent grants. A Boon To Smokers. "Inveterate smokers rarely enjoy movie because of the smoking nro- hibition," he said. "In the Drive-In Theater one may smoke freely, converse or even have refreshments brought to their cars without dis turbing otners.

"The aged and infirm will find the Drive-In a boon, mothers be assured of the safety of their youngsters. Neither is it necessary," continued Mr. Hollingshead, "to dress up particularly." McLeod Will Direct 'Alice' Filmization Direction of "Alice Wonder land," one of Hollywood's most ambitious undertakings, has been assigned to Norman McLeod, director the Four Marx Brothers in their two Hollywood comedies. McLeod starts work immediately studying the thousands of letters which are coming into the Paramount studios voicing opinions as to the type oi actress to play the title role. Colbert, Boland in New De Mille Story Claudette Colbert and Mary Bo land have been chosen by Cecil B.

Mille as two of the quartet of principals in his next production. Four Frightened People," adapted from the E. Arnot Robertson jungle novel. The picture will enter production within a few weeks after Mille finishes "This Day and Age." Going ln. Mack Gray, erstwhile bodyguard for George Raft, is patting himself the back.

George got him a small part in a picture and he moved right from a butler in the background a high-class crook in a close-up. Gray has expressed a desire to have Mae West as his leading lady in his first starring film. in London (A P. PhntO) producer, is shown with his bride, actress. Inst nftpr tv.ir I Famous Legend Of Rhode Island To Be Re-enacted Outdoor Opera Based On Life and Love of Hannah Robinson (Copyright, M33, by Inc.) Providence, R.

I July 13. Shades of "the unfortunate Hannah Robinson," famed in Rhode Island legend as the most beautiful girl in the original American colonies, will stir uneasily near the lilac bush at her birthplace in historic South Coventry on the afternoon of August 4. For on this date and at this spot will be given the first presentation of an opera written by George Spink, himself a Rhode Islander, and based uoon the story of the unhappy life and love of the beautiful girl. Proceeds of the affair are to be turned over to the Gilbert Stuart Memorial Association which has recently supervised restoration of the Colonial painter' birthplace, a few miles from that of the Robinson homestead. Colonial Romance.

According to the generally accepted legend of "the beautiful Hannah," she was the victim of parental opposition in the one consuming love of her life. The object of her affections was Peter Simons, a young gentleman of Newport whose home was almost directly across Narragansett Bay from that of the girl's family at Saunderstown. The two were once schoolmates and their acquaintance had deepened into love. Hannah's father, for some reason unknown, was hostile to the friendship and his efforts were unwearied to prevent their union. As a result of the elder Robinson's harsh and unyielding attitude, the occasional trysts of the lovers in the shelter of the lilac bashes near her window became too dangerous and the girl at length agreed to an elopement.

An uncle of the girl. Col. John Gardiner, aided in the plans and the couple met at a point on the Old Boston Post Road. Despite the protestations of a servant who had been ordered to accompany the girl wherever she went, the lovers hurried on to Providence and were married. Short-Lived Happiness.

But the anticipated happiness of the ypung woman was short-lived. The severe and unkind treatment she had endured had preyed upon her health. At the urgent solicita tions of her mother, the obstinate father allowed his daughter to return to the family home where a few weeks later she died. Conflicting details of the story of Hannah's life exist. Some say that her lover was untrue, others that he was a French officer rather than a Colonial gentleman, but in one particular there is complete agreement, namely: that "her figure was graceful and dignified, her complexion fair and beautiful, and her manner urbane and captivitating site was the most beautiful model of beaut' that the colonies knew." About this romantic tale will revolve Mr.

Spink's opera, its effectiveness increased by its presentation on the very grounds where the characters once lived. In addition to the principals in the story. Mr. bpink includes in his cast lour negro slaves to form a male quartet and 12 young ladies to present a Colonial minuet. Four Acts.

The four acts have been located and their action -indicated follows: Act 1 Mrs. Osborne's dancing school, Newport; Act 2 the lilac bush outside the Robinson home: Act 3, Scene 1 the lovers meet at Hannah Robinson's rock for the elopement; Scene 2 the wedding in Providence; Act 4 Negro slaves bring Hannah back home on a stretcher and she dies as her family surround her and a whipoorwill chants in the lilac bush. Howard M. Chapin, librarian of the Rhode I'land Historical Society, is assisting Mr. Spink in the matter of historical data, settings and costume.

Dr. W. Louis Chapman, music critic of the Providence Journal, is acting in an advisory capacity in preparing the score..