The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 9

MONDAY MORNING. NOVEMBER 16, 1931. --PART I. 9 Cljcarcrs qjotion Pictures Iviicjclec frame MINNA GOMBEL One Day Span Covered in Film "GORILLAS" TO WAX ROMANTIC Crime Film to Take IS'ext Fling in Past i i. IN RAPID RISE Character Actress Reported ISvaring Stardom BY GRACE KIXGSLEY Hitherto despised character roles Evil Deeds Will Thus Avoid Offending.

Hays Office PARAMOUNT'S i j-'IL' l. I. iliiiiiiiiii iiiiijit1- jjV, I in. a iix A OnowV Grid EtorriAuce I 111 Jackie Cooper "Little Old Man" in Latest BY EDWIN SCIIALLERT It must be more than an ordinary tendency when companies making pictures go far afield arid into the past for a special type of story. The recurrence of the mystery-thriller plot has already been noted in this column, and two more pictures of the same genre are to be discovered as prospects.

One is AT IAIT. A FOOTSAtl PICTURE THAT? DIFFERENTI RICHARD ARLEN PEGGY SHANNON JACK OAK1E FARRELL McCONALD CHARLES STARRETT will AddtS Attractinn Charles Chaplin Mabel Normand Ben Tnrpin Wilts Film; Wer. Youna mm V. are becoming the eagerly sought-after roles nowadays, and proud and haughty screen beauties who a couple of yeara ago would have scorned such parts, are now zealously seeking them. They will gray their hair and put on the tragedy make-up joyously, just so they are allowed to play what is known to the theater as a character part.

All due to the fact that our screen drama is growing up, leaving its cut-and-dried beautiful heroines, noble heroes, murky villains and made-to-order comics behind. It is unnecessary to recite the names of our favorites Lionel Bar-rymore, George Arllss, H. B. Warner, Marie Dressier, Edna May Oliver, Louise Dresser and others. And now it looks as though another star were about to arise from among these character players.

Minna Gombel is the actress I have in mind. Miss Gombel has played In no less than six Fox pictures during as many months past, always with distinction. Now she is appearing in "Dance Team," with James Dunn and Sally Eilers. yesterday she was cast for the most Important role she has had since deserting the New York for pictures, a featued part in "After Tomorrow," for AW a ROUSING SUSS RALLY I K'- "VARSITY 1 I I A Merry, Mas I Pi Coll.aS.ta Whirl i. fJ RAH-RAH 1 11 REVELRY! i tt.M-.-al P.

"Arsene Lupin" whose subtle crim IK). 1 .31 inologlcal adventures are revived at LOU ELLA PARSONS, LA. Examiner intervals, and the other "File 113 from the Gaboriau novel, Gaborlau having been the father of the "Tears at your heartstrings lose no time in seeing 'The French detective story. The films are edging away from the gangster dynamics, but they are not avoiding more romantic crime No Hays ban wil be likely to intrude EDWIN SCHALLERT, L. A.

Times "As heart assailing in emotion as any in many months litis Eiiii A here. There is somethlndg too' clas -1 AS E3 slcal about such plots. So the yeggs, wa ru'iiitw wujq 4 au gorillas and the like are about to acquire an aura of effeteness. A I ARRISON CARROLL, L.A. Herald 'The Champ' is a fine picture veryone connected with it has a right be proud," 1 it He would really liked to havt fallen in bve but wet juii too tire whilt others wtr loudly ntcking he was quietly napping! KOmD HUGHES Child Actors' Money miniature Midases are in creasing in filmland.

Yet, contrary to general opinion, the child film actors of Hollywood are not pam Miriam Hopkins Who scored opposite Chevalier in "The Smiling Lieutenant," plays a featured role in "Twenty-four Hours," the new attraction at the Million Dollar Theater. JIMMY STARR, A. Express "Certainly the champion picture of this year and many years to come." i 7m pered little spendthrifts. Sons of comparatively poor families are given more money to spend than A1 are these juvenile stars, we jearn. Jackie Cooper's allowance was recently increased from $2 to $3 per wppk Tad Alexander, a newcomer Pest-Gangster Trend The romantic crime can be far more brutal and insidious than the modern shooting affray, but the tactics used are dated.

The offense, if there be offense, in the gangster film is that the tactics employed might be copied and prove an influence. I don't know exactly who they would influence, particularly where they are directed against the activity of the gangster, and paint him in a very unfavorable light, but then that seems to be the specter of danger that they present. Personally, I can see no reason for a drive against gangster pictures, except that they were becoming an almost boresome routine. If a gangster film was out of the ordinary this was only because it was more brutal than the ones that went before. The brutality was increasing to such a point that it was ceasing to be entertaining.

So romantic crime may prove an enlivening contrast to all this real-Ism that has been endured. LLEWELLYN MILLER, L. A. Record "Beery and Cooper make their parts vivid and uncompromising pro in pictures, who shares honors with Will Rogers in "Ambassador Bill," A logue colorful." draws only 50 cents a week for pin money, and Jackie Searl is allowed at thu bss-innlrie of each picture With a ra Fl a Star Cat BILLIE DOVE EDWARD EVERETT HORTO.N LOIS WILSON MARY DUNCAN Charlts STARRETT Special Attrctionl In tha Farar aniwarino. your lev arobbmi Ccurtrr 0 (At 77t III.

I in which he plays a role, and it 'THE CHAMP' IN PREMIERE Graumaris Chinese Scene of Brilliant Film Showing; Vice-President Curtis Attends (Reprinted Irom Saturady's iat edition) BY EDWIN SC1IALLERT With Grauman's Chinese once again assuming its rightful heritage as the locale of the elaborate film premiere, the gay and gala atmosphere that has so often pervaded Hollywood was colorfully renewed. Metro-Gold wyn -Mayer's feature, "The Champ," starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper, was chosen to signify the return to former policies at the unique theater and drew a capacity audience, numbering many prominent stars, and including such distinguished visitors as Vice-President Curtis and Mrs. Dolly Gann. Champ" does tread into the realm of ELEANOR BARNES, Daily News I 'llll must last him until tne picture is finished. "Beery never gave more convicing performance Cooper is superb." Jackie Coocan never was allowed to know the value of money, his mother tells me.

That is, he was not allowed to know that he was a Hfh phlld. If he was Koing out ELIZABETH YEAMAN, Holly'd Cit. with some of the other children to Fxl irniTrnfJ a picture show, he was given $1 to Srbfl entertainment ever made by any studio." artificiality. That is its weakness. The Champs Appeal There is a very illogical quality just now to the forces that make for acceptable and Interesting pic spend.

as for Robert Cottan. he actually did not know that he was being tures. Rules, for instance, are paid for his first picture! I nds Wed I Dtn't Mm Thli 3 Fliralni Htmanu THUHS IRENE THIRER, N. Y. Daily News "If it's good.

I'm to De paia ior f. Joan 'The Champ' chalks up four stars the next one," he remarked proud LAWKtrKI IIBKTl often defied in "The Champ," and there are undercurrents in this picture which are decidedly sordid. Yet, the whole film is lifted up by the appeal of a child's (Jackie Cooper's) portrayal, and the great. it's a winner and how!" ly- Jackie Coogan's fortune, earned altogether by himself in the first place, although expanded by the judicious investments of his parents and financial advisers, is variously It was an occasion of both interest and brilliance, as well as one of pleasant sentiment. The Chinese has been missed as the center of the scintillant first evenings, and those who have previously visited the theater must have felt a decided satisfaction in knowing that it was dedicated to its original purpose again with the new presentation.

Optimism marks the spirit which Inspires such a move in fllm-dom. and one can only hope that It will see happy fulfillment. The crowds, lights and introductions of the stars over loud-speaker and radio contributed vividly to the festive aspects of the initial show-ins and both the humorous and LOVE SONG almost overpowering emotion of cer Si. y. RECINA CREW, N.

Y. American "The audience voiced its acclaim in-tears and cheers." tain scenes. One has the feeling that "The Champ" Isn't altogether legitimate In its attack upon the estimated at from $1,000,000 to ti onn nnn ha himself does not know It "SthlMMlt" Durtntt Aa M-B-M Pleturt SLAV2QUE IDEA EVERY DAY 35c Till. 1 P-m feelings; still one must stand amazed just how much money he has, and fjiiVl Directed by Clarence Brown at its power. JULIA SHAWELL, N.

Y. Graphic I personally attribute much of I he isn't interested. Heard in Hollywood 1 Frpm Edgar Setwyn's "Th the character of the production to the scenarist, Frances Marlon. It I tu. AlA (v.

sa a faiinnt. eomollment was be stowed by Richard Dlx on Jane It might also be called splendidly overdrawn in many scenes, while some of the moments are the acme of naturalness. As a whole, it should captivate an unusually large public. King Vidor directed the picture, and while it is not as striking an achievement as his "Street Scene" from the directorial standpoint, it is interesting in motion and outdoor landscape. The portrayals by Roscoe Ates, who stutters only Intermittently, Irene Rich, Edward Brophy and Hale Hamilton are in keeping.

Marcia Mae Jones plays a child role. Jesse Scott as the colored boy Jonah is exceptionally good. In the i stage show the hits were scored by the opening "Blue Danube" number and the spectacular close, wherein a fire-breathing dinosaur prepares to make a meal of the feminine adagio dance star. The adagio dancers during the "Blue Danube" number are unusually excellent, and the oceanic effects in a dance dedicated to a river, devised through film projection, are inappropriate but remarkably pictorial. The prologue sags in some of the specialty numbers and the conventionality of the ensemble effects.

Pete Smith's sports novelty, "Athletic Daze," meets with audience approval, and is an interesting forecast of Olympic Games events. "Jackie Cooper has rival." ROSE PELSWICK, N. J. Journal "Every superlative in the dictionary needed to do justice to Jackie Cooper." ut-iiia me Bltuny ui wuai one uiu ui "Stella Dallas" and "Mln and Bill." But it has more dignity than the latter, if dignity is the word to be used. 4 ft I' f.

-1 1 A iL Aft ak 1 MM .1. Cooper, the "Midget" The most remarkable thing about Jackie Cooper is that he suggests a peculiar maturity. He has been likened to a midget rather than a child by some people. He often seems grown up in his attitude. In "Sklppy" it sometimes appears as if the dialogue were contributing to this Impression rather than little Jackie's own personality.

But in view of the fact that he registers much the same way in "The Champ" iUmust be himself. JOHN COHEN, N. Y. Sun "For acting 'The Champ' is unbeatable." W. BOEHNEL, N.

World Telegram "Cooper tears your heart out." bGVPTf All CONTINUOUS II roll Tlce Dally Grey the other evening a compliment that was a credit to both. Dlx and Miss Grey found themselves attending the same party. They had not met before. When Dlx was Introduced to Miss Grey, he exclaimed: "Jane Grey! Oh, I remember you as an idol of mine when I was just starting out on my acting career! What an inspiration you were to me. You are a fine artist.

This is a great honor." And he bent gravely and kissed both her hands Flfl Dorsay, touring French actress, writes home about the gold digger she met in New York, who remarked to her, "That bank teller doesn't like me. I guess. He keeps writing, 'No account on my checks," Ona Munson left Tuesday for New York, where she will spend two weeks seeing good shows and buying clothee. It is possible' she may return to the Broadway stage, although her favored plan is to come back to Hollywood James Gleason played twenty-four games of polo las week, during his vacation from the studio Sigmund Moos, peacemaker despatched to Germany by Universal on behalf of "All Quiet on the Western Front," and who succeeded in making it all quiet in Germcjjy for the film, has come home and is domiciled at his old stamping-ground, the Hollywood 1. GRETAGARaOLARKGAilTA E3 DOS CANTO R- "SUSAN LENNOX' ff 'PALMY PAYS -4A -1 fcv ll iM aWA am ai xl rl 7 'HOUYWOOOONIV JESf i Yaudevi! Anal km THI THRfil DYNAMOf JACK IIS CHOA.MIIMKA NELIO4 KNIGHT MERRY MAO GANG tlh ywf ft'Orit titfialitiM OAVLORD ARTtR Vi UMFIOWI MXTITTI CLIFF WI1ITIR 9 r' FRAGMENT OF LIFE WRENCHED FROM THE HEART OF THE CITY WE LIVE NO WONDEfc WE CRY OUT Plaza Hotel.

'ME 1EESE OHEl 1 .1 serious were stressed in providing entertainment for those watching the arrival of celebrities. The humor was due to the whimsy of one Jimmy (Schnozzle) Durante, whose tireless and diabolical unrestraint kept the interest outside the theater at high pitch. Ceremonies within doors included the introduction of the Vice-President as well as the members of the cast. This following the showing of the feature picture. The program Included the stage product on "Once Upon a Time," featuring Keith Wilbur, Raye, Ellis and La Rue.

Dorothea and Helsne Blossom and Franklyn Record. And, of course, there is one great show that Hollywood invariably provides both for those who actually attend Its premieres and those who watch the stellar procession, and that show Is the personality of the stars and the attractiveness of their raiment on occasions such as this. A show indeed that never diminishes appeal! However, that is something that belongs to the premiere alone, while the picture and the accompanying stage presentation are to continue on. The spotlight therefore is eventually on Champ," which proffers that beloved youngster Cooper of "Sklppy" fame 'n one of its two primary roles. And Jackie promises to be the hero anew, preying all that promise which he disclosed in the earlier production.

Indeed, "The Champ" belongs distinctively to this boy, owing to five closing minutes in the feature which are as heart-assailing in their emotion as any that have sent shafts into the heart of an audience in many months. Perhaps "The Champ" is the old "Steiia Dallas" recipe for film-making, perhaps It is overstressjd in ita emotion, perhaps it is slow and even dull in the opening -eols. but. the punch of the finish is terrific. A crushing battle in the prize ring and a youngster's hopeless sorrow over a bitter tragedy lift ttis film into the champion class.

It's useless to say that "The Champ" isn't in the epic class, and also to reiterate that there are not many evidences of epics in the films, for that has become a commonplace. One has to look for different values from those which used to "lake pictures worthy of the Chinese showing. "The Champ" offers instead whit might be called, a "heart wallop." The force of thU will prove irresistible, Bnd the film will therefore be talked about, and Jackie Cooper, the little, hero of the films, will be loved mor than ever. Beery is cast sympathetically. He Is a rapscallion, but does the noble thing at the culmination.

There is a tremendous note of devotion in the two characters, and Frances Marion, who wrote the story, is on her native heath when limning love parent and child. Beery has a great variety Ecntiments to reflect in his particular and does this ably and well. If he does fall short at times of absolute conviction, he makes up for this in the superlative effectiveness cf her scenes. Nnr would I hold Erery completely responsible for any LAST nS DAYS ERIC LINDEN, ARLINE JUDGE, ROCI1ELLE HUDSON, BEN ALEXANDER, ROBERTA GALE STORY AN IK1CTION av WESLEY RUGGLES EDAR9G.nC3IHS0n W.A-a,l STAGE SHOW SUPREME ONCE UPON A TIME Direct from kha ROXY THEATRE NEW YORK CHINESE MERRY MELODY MAKERS Oten conducting WM MM1XMMUVM 4 HURRY! HURRY! This picture will not ha nhowri at other theaters for soma time, It MP STRICTLY tlTQA ATTRACTION lk MARIAN MARSH h.b warmer GEORGE STONE FRANCES STARR Afi.uN.iWP.rt... Dki MOWN WW 1P ll JnKiLLiny, JOE 111 nv tnfiM A TRIBUTE.

Ifvrr vming mmit hn di rttfttf pwiurt iht it iht ftnrtt and kcftittl contri-button tht cren hn beheld public ind I ha mniinn ALBERT HAY MALOTTE MiMBvyMvOflMI Laurie, jr. tr' oltio StlrfltJ fiiram 9f tntttm 1 VAUDEVILLE ACTS it atknOMlrdttthit grtaV! 7 OTHER ACTS far nroCAtf A9 "fs crulvtrnf nt MlKVYM STARTS IJ DM STARTS CmMUm PAUL LUKAS SIDNEY FOX LEWIS STONE A UnhrarMl Plctura 1:19 Tvlea Daily 11:30 Fr aeatl Phorri OR. 1104. All Attneln. Ctmitccs pobcit Drama His supreme dramatic achievement fit in HOUTWOOO 1 NIAt HIOHLAND oi suhjeft so darinqirt its tkme it mil amaze tjou SUNDAY MAT.

PHONE U7 TMkAlKi BtAUllfuL rctm.f HlNt DUFFY Th Incomparabi 0 I Ik JAN USINI jiSfotiHM mm a a. 1 -i i Matinees: SOc, 75c, $1.00 Evenings 75c, $1.00, $1.50 Phone GL. 5184 All Agencies GORGEOUS GIRLS' COMPANY Or SO NEW SONGS ft DANCCS MATINEES S' SO 73-tVEY tVt. SO" 73- K. US 2 KGBI5- Li A Wrrmrr Broi th MARIAN MARSH Dif MICHAEL VirupKonr 1 Vtt Binoiii Ta.

Oscar Eankln for California Llibt Heavy Tltla. JACK GROSS VS. I OLYMPIC GEORGE GODFREY" TUE not. Picmrf CURTIZ 3 CHARLES BUTTERWORTH DONALD COOK PHILHARMONIC AUDITORIUM. MI.

1271 Sth piive E. BEHVMEB presenta aNawSiijhaajS FOLLIES 80 pEPLE, MOSTLY GIRLS! 8:15 CAROLA GOYA BEWITCHING SPANISH DANCER nnt Boi omcf. mi. iv.i. i.n.

11. TOM EVE. riM Rril iBh pi-ire! 4 p.m. to P.m.. onllra inner Beiatco tnd Cura prtitnt ytEiAscosx I LAST I MIDNKili SHOW F.VEIIY SATURDAY BRILLIANT IVAN LEBEDSFF GENEVIEVE TC2JI! BETTY aWPSOil 8TAGE lb "24 HOURS" wUh Clive Brook, Br IWVji S3 TM Prrtiint (0rllnll Hill Billiei KMPC, Bevirl Hilli, Ah, titw SImi ma.

uniWMlMdC'CHfiSitA BIUY SNYO'Jl tOTHEHS Till 6 Pit raowio eorrxHawAWnorw eamr--KA'MlBtrt S'Swast- 6AWIN GORDON fr1 AT UM(XWim "The momentsj for unconvincing all lira it? PkW(WbI r..