The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 35

SUNDAY MORNING. AUGUST 23, 1931. PART HI. 1 HIGHER TYPE OF ACTOR FOUND IN MODERN PLAY RESPONSE INSPIRES NEWPLAY Author-Director p-e Plans for Drama With Co-Producers edy, tragedy or farce, the actor plays his part without needless exaggeration, which I believe greatly adds to the effect of naturalism. "The old type of playing was artificial.

It could be learned and was an effective disguise for any of the player's natural defects. The more casual, modern delivery reveals a good deal more-than the actor's mannerisms. He tries to be himsejf and if he lacks intelligence and breeding, the lack is more surely betrayed." This, according to his theory, ex-lains the increased demand in this country for the young man or woman with a cultural background. I I If I i i 4 3t jt V- 1 I V' 1 i- I Tim" Opening for Week Run Turning from terpsichorean to dramatic fields, the Mosconi brothers are offering "Tim" for the week tomorrow night at the Wxlshire Eboll Theater. Among those in the cast will be youthful Sidney Miller, who is known to Hollywood for his screen portrayals.

Miller, who is 11 year of age, appeared recently in Booth Tarking-ton's "Penrod and Sam," a First Nat ional production. Film folk are expected to be present at the premiere, as the Mos-conis are held in popular esteem for their work on musical productions, and, previous to that, in the theater. MARY NOLAN IN NEW COMEBACK (Continued from Eleventh Page) two pictures, an option for still others if she clicks. On the chance of a comeback, she canceled a trip to Europe. Capriciously, Mary-Nolanly, she had previously accepted a post as "mfc--tress of ceremonies" in a Philadelphia theater, walked out before the week was up She had not been here long before her former house employees were demanding "back wagss." Arrested last Wednesday, she was released on bail, pending trial September 11.

All this, no doubt, is trying to the tempestuous soul of an artist Notoriety, the gray pall cast by material things, has killed the genius for expression often e'er now. Yet the belief persists, strong in herself, strong in others, that there is a place for her on the motion-picture screen. Impulsive, courageous, generous to a fault, Mary Nolan can give much, may give little, to the films which once played her false. ADDITIONAL DRAMA NEWS PAGES 18-19-22 Drama HOUYWOOO ItVD. N(AI HIGHLAND HF.NRV OUf FY Ef.HCAJKM&T.

TOMY if IDNEV I II A DD UAMITV BUT A MEMORY (Continued fr6m Eleventh Page) Whitmore Fox redoubtahles, -were peremptorily refused, the Wampas declining to allow them thus to lose their $2000 iruuranco policies indicated by their memberships. The other ten will not be considered until the next meeting, in September. SAVE INSURANCE As for Fox, representatives of thai firm remain surprisingly undisturbed by the fracas. It is true that they resigned, presumably in a white heat' of indignation. But they fail to be" unduly impressed by any significance of the situation beyond the conviction that a nigger undoubtedly dwells in the woodpile.

The woodpiles erected by press agents are always so populous, anyway, they feel, that this new addition furnishes amusement along with annoyance. One Wampas defense is that announcement of the winners was not made until two days following the voting, therefore the resignations tendered the- night of the voting were without cause. But Fox p. admit slyly that the results were already known that night it being a Wampas "secret." In reply to the Wampas statement about lack of Fox voters as cause of their nominees' failure, these resigning members state that had fifteen Fox men been present the result would have been just the same. The voting, they reveal, is a cut-and-dried and previously outlined arrangement between studios "you vote for ours and we'll vote for yours." This plan has been In operation, they depose, since the very beginning of baby stardom and this is the first time there has been any reneging on the process formally agreed upon.

Beyond this, Fox is playing clam, but hints at an announcempnt of importance soon to be made. Of the two parties, Fox seems the least upset and the more amused. From which any conclusions desired may be drawn. STARS ONLY WANTED Paramount will not sign to contracts players who are not "potential stars." it was ripelnroH Schulberg, managing director of west, uoasx production lor the company. "While the search for talent goes on, the launching of the current production drive will pivp th new nlavers an onnortimitv to show themselves," said Schulberg.

"Those wno succeeo will remain, to be built for the future." Cijeatcrs PHONE CR II ACT THtATPt hFAUTIfUL mm HOC "BAD GIRL" IN NOTABLE DEBUT Borzage Film Best Since His "Seventh Heaven" James Dunn, Sally Eilers Impress Heavily "Bought" "Sporting Blood" Also Reviewed BY NORBERT LUSK KEW YORK, Aug. 22. (Exclusive) Unquestionably the big picture of the week is "Bad Girl." The Roxy Theater is crowded as it has not been iriv months and laughter both tender and boisterous is heard in a house which often receives the efforts of professional comedians In silence. And this from a picture that is. humdrum in its circumstances and its characters.

But what might.be defects under other conditions are transformed Into extraordinary virtues by real-Ism, humanness and sympathy. Thus a picture that might easily have been dull becomes a box-office attraction of the first order replete with the qualities that lift a film from routine into inspired workmanship. It is hardly necessary to add that reviews have been enthusiastic in the extreme, the most reluctant critics astonishing their readers With praise of a kind usually vouchsafed only to films of foreign origin, preferably Russian, at little theaters. It is even less necessary to say that Frank Borzage is recognized as the dominant force behind the first big hit of the new season and Is praised accordingly, although this does not mean that the player of the smaller part is less deserving of credit for his contribution to what is considered a perfect whole, with especial emphasis on Edwla Burke's dialogue. This is looked upon as amazingly skillful in satisfying the demand for wisecracks while retaining the quality of naturalness and always keeping in character.

The listener is never conscious that a single speech is spoken for Its value as a smart crack, but rather as the spontaneous and fitting utterance of the character. DUNN TRIUMPHANT Of the players individually there Is much to say in reflecting general opinion. James Dunn is one of the very rare instances of the enthusiasm of a producing organi-eation being justified in the first appearance of a player. His local triumph might well be the envy of all actors in Hollywood, old and young alike, for no performance has lately equaled the impression made by this rather plain young man, who. aside from having a likable personality, scores a major hit by his ability as an actor.

His work is considered flawless and his scene with Claude King, as the sympathetic doctor, is looked upon as the equal of any of the treat moments in past pictures, including the farewell of the young lovers in Mr. Borzage'i "Seventh Heaven." Sally Eilers. always a favorite with critics hereabouts, is now welcomed into the fold of the elect. Be that as it may, this is easily her Theaterdom Rejoices in Their Presences Leo Carrillo (at left) continues to bolster "The Broken Wing" at El Capitan, while James Eagles (right) lends meaning to "The Bad Penny" at the Biltmore. The stge is today attracting, professionally, a higher type of young person than ever before, is th conviction of Leo Carrillo, of "The Broken Wing" at El Caritan Theater.

Carrillo has been on' the stage since he was a youngster, and has observed plays-and players in America and abroad. "Acting has undergone a radical change in the last few years," he points out. "The trend is now away from the declamatory school into a more natural type of speech. Ah actor used to declaim, now he simply converses. This applies to every type of play, whether com best performance and it, too, is perfect.

Perhaps the most surprising quality she reveals in this picture is a newly acquired sympathy as well as variety of expression and intonation. Mipna Gombell is likewise commended for a fine performance, as perfect in its way as that of the leads, and her future on the screen is assured, for of all the wisecracking sisterhood she is perhaps most successful in communicating underlying warmth and sympathy. Helen Ware, recognized in a bit, stands out because of her artistry and William Pawley in his brief scene is conspicuous for the same reason. Of course, "Bad Girl" will be held over and it would surprise no one if the picture set a new record in "Cathedral" attendance. MISS BENNETT IMPROVES Next in importance as a draw if not as a contribution to art is "Bought," at the Hollywood Theater, where admirers of Constance Bennett are flocking.

These include Mrs. Rudy Vallee, the former Fay Webb, who made an inconspicuous entrance the other evening, looking very pale and interesting, accompanied by her brother-in-law. The picture is easily the star's most satisfying and at the same time it yields her best performance. For the first time she succeeds In creating a character and is commended for her courage in going about it without compromise or equivocation. It is true that the character suffers at the hands of men, as is usual in Miss Bennett's vehicles, but this time the motivation is stronger and the picture as a whole is more substantial, though that does not mean that it is taken too seriously by the cynical.

Apparently, however, the only cynics who attend Miss Bennett's pictures are critics and even the most self-contained of this gentry concede that the star is at her best here. Archie Mayo Is patted on his broad back for excellent work in never overlooking box office values and at the same time presenting a more credible tale than some in whicji the star has been seen. Ben Lyon is capital as the hero. He, too, succeeds in conveying a real character and his reading of lines is guided by a sure instinct for what is right in dramatic speech. Raymond Milland is considered well cast, Dorothy Peterson is effectively sorrowful as the heroine's unhappy parent, and Richard Bennett is magnetic and restrained as her father.

Maude Eburne is, as usual, highly successful In her ec centric comedy, and adds more to the picture than is usually found in a part of like length. "SPORTING BLOOD" Another attraction of stimulating quality is found in "Sporting Blood," at the Capitol, where, incidentally, Polly Moran is appearing on the stage and convulsing audiences with her singing, dancing and frank utterances about fellow-players. The picture is a departure from from usual race-track romance and impresses because it acquaints the spectator with horse-racing more as a racket than as the sport of kings. It has the further drawing power of Clark Gable, whose mere appearance nowadays seems to quicken any picture, though he has less to do in this than in some others, and, of course, good notices have been given to Madge Evans, Ernest Torrence, Lew Cody and Marie Pre-vost. "Silence," at the Paramount, is looked upon as a companion piece to "The Secret Call," seen at this theater some wwks ago.

Both are well wrought "plotty" melodramas. Direction is good and the acting is all right, but the newer contribution has the same quality as the earlier one. It is rather old-fashioned and incidentally is thought not to capture thrilling suspense to the extent that was found In the silent version presented some five years ago. John Wray, who distingushed himself in the stage presentation, repeats his vivid performance. His is easily the outstanding acting.

"The Miracle Woman," at the Mayfair, never quite makes the grade. It is slow and unexciting save for the well-managed fire at the end. Yet it has the advantage of an exceptional performance by Barbara Stanwyck, whose art-lessness is more fascinating to watch than brilliant technique and whose simple appeal is undeniable. The picture has also an unusual story and background and, lor that matter, good performances by all concerned, including, especially, Sam Hardy. Current Drama BELASCO "On the Spot." Opening tomorrow night.

Edgar Wallace melodrama with Anna May Wong and Crane Wilbur. BILTMORE "The Bad Penny" with Henrietta Crosman and Charles Grapewin. EL CAPITAN "Broken Wing" with Leo Carrillo. MUSIC BOX "Nine o'clock Revue." THE HYBU3GESS MOST SENSATIONAL ARE0PIANI CRASH EVER STAGED CPENSSUHBAY MAYlftEE Mild IB 1 MB WJmmmk Cheered by the response theatergoers of the West accorded his initial production of "The Bad Penny" at the Biltmore, William Anthony McGuire, the author and director, says he is speeding plans to launch a second play in association with his co-producers Charles Dillingham and Erlanger Productions, Inc. "The Bad Penny" will bow to Manhattan under the auspices of the local showing a combination that has been represented in the Gotham Theater consistently for a decade.

McGuire and his associates vested unstinted expenditure in mounting the production here, bringing from the eastern stage a group of recognized performers, and exerting painstaking preparation before submitting it for first view. Henrietta Crosman, beloved grande. dame of the. New York theater, enacts the principal feminine role, with Charley Grapewin, popular comic, in a featured opposite part. Other well-known names in the cast are Wallis Clark, James Eagles, Donella Donaldson, John Westley, Paul Nicholson, E.

H. Calvert, Charles E. Evans, Cornelius Keefe, Ashley Buck, Donna Earle, Maurice Murphy, Helene Clive, J. R. Manning and Hector V.

Sarno. Introductions Take Too Long in Film Scenes That "how do you do" and the traditional formula of introductions are a serious danger to the onward progress of the talking picture is an interesting theory of Ernest Vadja, noted Hungarian dramatist. "Talking pictures nave very unie time to get over their essential drama," stated Vadja, who most re cently completed a screen play of "The Guardsman" for the New York stage stars, Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. "In fact, they must tell their story a uuie over one hour, as against two and one- half hours for stage play. This means that the dialogue and situations used must be shorn ox all extraneous matter, and cut quickly through to the core of the central situations.

"The surest sign of an amateur writer Is the appearance in a story of conventional salutations, such as 'how do you and 'Permit me to introduce "The trained screen dramatist gets around this by writing tricks. He starts his scene just as an introduction has been concluded, or he has a character acknowledge the presence of another by a wave of hand. There are still other devices." DRAMA TO END SUMMER HUSH (Continued from Eleventh Page) be open though the factories are closed. What, one wonders, will be the new year's substitutes for "Grand Hotel," "Once in a Lifetime," "As Husbands Go," "Tomorrow and Will there be something to take the place or "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" or "Precedent," "The Vinegar Tree," or the show whatever its name was that Miss Helen played so long for Mr. Belasco? Of course there will be.

You can discover twenty prospective "hits" in the catalogs of producers in case you have a drama-lover's naive faith in the vague probability of show business. As one who Is experienced in the unreliability of producers' predictions I read them carefully with an aim to detect the spurious items, thereby forgetting most of them. Among the Imminent plays In which I put my prudent trust is, of course, Eugene O'NelU's "Mourning Becomes Electra," a trilogy requiring vnree nights to put its message over. Although I am not sure that the world has been made better and wiser by Mr. O'Neill's dramas or those of any other showman, I am willing to expect that the performance of "Mourning Becomes Electra" will result In public Improvement.

And if It doesn't a lot of Theater Guild subscribers will be none the wiser. I look forward to a pleasantly theatrical evening with Mr. Cohan, our first actor, in a cordial piece of his own construction called "Friendship;" and to Arthur Hopkins's "The Warrior Husband" with Mlfs Hope Wllllam3 as one of its certain attractions. Messrs. Shubert will bring a dramatization of "The Good Companion" from England and if they can get away with it I shall enjoy it as I always enjoy the miracles.

In oaso Ben Hccht and Charles MacArthur ever finish their play called "Twentieth Century" for Jed Harris, It will probably be sensational; but those dramatists are too busy with other recreations to waste time writing third acts. James Bernard Fagan's "The Improper Duchess," a Shubert Importation from London, should bo amusing, since it makes fun of a pccw-e United States Senator, an object impossible even for a British oramatlst to exaggerate. Satisfaction should be expected from some adventures by Messrs. McUowan am' Rood, and Outhrle McCllntlc will Include comedies by the eleck 8. M.

Bchrman, "Love Story" and "Brief Moments.M It seems that the supply of upper-class amusement will equal the demand as UMinl. Meantime Mr. telegraphs me Atlantic City that Earl Carroll's "Vanities" and George Willie's "Scandals" are both fairly pood shows Not. of course. In the class of the "Fotllrs" but competent in their imitative way.

He adds that Mr. WhIUj is "selling out" at $4.40 per chair, and that Mr. Carroll has emptv senU, though his tariff is but $3 with no war tax. "I know the answer." Mr. Zieg-frld wires "do you?" My replv Is that.

I do not nd I'll bet that he doebn't cither. LFksI INTERNATIONAL COMEDIENNE LATEST NEW VOCK HIT! IN JOHN Ft Mi nm in NBERIDNCEDB(liilLJ I GOLDEN'S IN. SEATS MAT Sua VERY BELASCO M'Ll AT II WE.4J383 mats weo SAT 'Vl It A I I OINA mil If i Aw'RtNtoA. El ffiESSS BOUQUETS FROM ABROAD NOTED i (Continued from Eleventh Page) signed to appear in an operetta. "It wasn't very good, but the Viennese are an enthusiastic people," she said.

"After the first performance men and women both rushed backstage. Ladies kissed my hand (imagine my embarrassment) and one little gill asked me for the stockings I wore, the first night of the show. She said if she wore them they would bring her good luck. "Then came one round of pleasurable events after another. But there was also a lot of hard work and finally I decided to go to a sanatorium and rest.

The head doctor told me they would not take patients for less than a fortnight. I assured him that I would be there at least that long. But four days after my arrival, there came a frantic wire which insisted that I attend the world premiere of a German film which was opening, in Zurich. So that rest period was a short one." When Miss Wong decided to return to the United States, it was to be for a short time only. She brought only one trunk and a few bags.

She arrived in New York on a Saturday and on Monday began rehearsals for "On the Spot." Then came film contracts, and Hollywood. Paramount, to whom she is under contact, has just renewed her option and plans more productions for her. Hollywood bows to the famous. SCENARIST'S URGE HEEDED The actress's meeting with Scenarist Joe Jackson and his wife in Vienna had much to do with her decision to return, she said. The Jacksons viewed her performance in the Viennese play and urged her to come back to America Miss Wong typifies the essence of refinement.

She is a fascinating personality, radiating Old World charm, yet every now and then slipping back into the American idiom. Picture a Chinese girl, black-haired, dressed in the latest fashion, talking with an English accent (not too thick) and gesturing now and then with expressive hands in the French manner. Her facial expressions are varied and extremely Interesting. At times she wears the oriental mask of immobility. Again a twinkle comes into her eyes, and the next moment she is the picture of animation.

STAGE OR SCREEN? The stage or the screen which does she prefer? "So many people have asked me that question and it is a very hard one answer," she said. "My feelings are best expressed by saying that my film experience led me to the stage and now the stage training makes it possible for me to appear in talking pictures. Surely I should have deep affection for both." And Miss Wong does have deep affection for both. Her oriental blood gives her the ability to concentrate on one thing until it Is finished. When she is on the stage, she lives her role.

The same applies to picture performances. The actress gets so wrapped up In her portrayals though, she says, that she becomes exhausted. "My mother once warned me, about the time I entered pictures, not to be photographed too much, or I would lose my soul. I could not see much In the remark then, but now it is vory clear," she said. Miss Wong hopes to divide her time in the future between screen and stage.

She plans to return before many months to Europe and collect hrr scattered belongings. Some are In' London, some in Parts, some in Vienna and others in Berlin. Current i 1 in CHINESE "Transatlantic." Opening Tuesday, "Bad Otrl" with Jamrs Dunn and Sally Eilers. CRITERION "Transatlantic." Opcnimr. Tuesday, "Bad GlrJ." FILM ARTE "Way Down East." with music and sound.

LOEW'3 "Sporting Blood" with Clnrk Oable. MILLION DOLLAR "Mother and Son" with Clara Kimball Younn. PARAMOUNT "Serrcto of a Secretary" with Claudelte Colbert. PANTAGES "The Macniflcpnt Lie" with Ruth ChHtterton. Public Defender" with RUlmrd Dlx.

Orphrum "Dlrliilble" with Jack Holt and Ralph Grave. UNITED ARTISTS "An American Trncedv" with Phillips Holme. WARNER'S (both hou.se) TjmiKht" with Comtance Tcnnr tt. BUSINESS MEN FLOURISH IN ART (Continued from Eleventh Page) excellent little pen drawings of the same country. And John Sherman himself showed a workmanlike still life picture.

WHAT KIND OF MEN? What kind of men belong to this unusual organization? for it is unusual. We have amateur musical and xiterary societies but, until now, no such organization of avocational artists. Here are a few of them: Louis Heiman, auditor for Pacific Clay Products Corporation, is one of the club's directors. Fred Cady, he-man swimming instructor of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, is vice-president. Russell Wilson, architect, is an enthusiastic member and ripening into a brilliant etcher.

Mr. II. F. Herrier sells orders for a local lithographic concern but at night and Sundays he paints with the boys and so keeps sweet-tempered. John E.

S. Heath is a lawyer of week days, but week-ends he goes into the hills with Hanson Puthuff, the noted painter, and brings back canvases that combine nature, Put-huff and Heath in equal parts. Harry Marshall sits all day in a pleasant office at the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company, examining applicants, but really he is longing for the moment when he can go home and paint or etch and he does both these things with thorough craftsmanship. Then there's Julius Wright of the Ail-Year Club. California is so beau tiful to him that he simply has to paint its beauties.

The Business Men's Art Club gives him the chance. HAPPIEST WITH BRUSH "Vft- tnifm 'oY "iV. SaivaT'ore Monaco as a gentleman of unusual social grace without whom no musical event would be complete. One can visualize him in a drawing room. But that is not enough for Dr.

Monaco. He is really happiest these days when drawing or painting. And last, but not least. Clifton MacKay. the energetic secretary, must not be forgotten.

Art comes in his line because he heads the artists' materials department at Duncan Vail's. The headquarters of the club are at 405 Chamber of Commerce Building, and here the business men-artists meet from 7 to 9 on Tuesday and Friday evenings each week to draw and paint from models. On Saturday afternoons they go into the country to work from nature. So if time hangs heavy on your hands, business man; if bridge or dancing or even fishing and the ball game do not bring you the satisfaction they used to, maybe you have a secret yearning for self-expression. Willy Pogany told his hearers that only the avocational artists get the real pleasure out of painting the painters, he said, are too busy producing what their audience demands.

The Business Men's Art Club feels there must be many more men who would enjoy its privileges and Invites them to pay a visit to their classes or contact Mr. MacKay, the secretary. ERNST LUBITSCII SELECTS ELITE (Continued from Eleventh Pane) sational personalities Is In a poor picture. Though Mr. Lubltsch did not point this out, It occurred with both Chevalier and Greta Gnrbo.

Very few people today remember the name of Gnrbo's first effort in America. Chevalier's is, of course, recent enough for most people to recall that it was "Innocents of Parts." Miss Gatbo was first scon In the film version of Ibanez's "Torrent." Harold Lloyd blundered for a few years while he was playing the "Lonesome Luke" character, but almost immediately when he created the horn-rlmracd individual that Is familiar today he won great success. Lloyd's Is the most peculiar stellar Instance, since he has always depended to a certain extent on mechanical aids. Olorlii Swanson flamed as tho romantic idol amonir feminine players under tho Do MiUe banner, but Gloria had already been partially discovered through some of her earlier pictures. That and the Plckford And Fairbanks gaining of fame is a matUr of history.

But few of these stars had to wait long tor popular recognition. fvrn though they miy not have Rtrurk Tire ni did VnWiflno. Gnrbo and Chevalier. Dut then the period Uj which they "arrived'1 was decidedly a primitive one for the movies. Ohcij answered for Hm-fc InJkcd loo much mm 1 asnamei to ask ill em over mm Jlctnsvo and Gtrran, pesen Edgar Wallaces GRIPPING AUTHENTIC PLAY OP THE NOMAOS OF GANGDOM Cenuinejm F- LIAS THE DEACON FAM NOW ON SALE Wd-Sr 50 75 1 EVE 50to ISP OpeninS? mm mm i Nluni WITH1UE STACS OF THE NEW YORK PRODUCTION CRAKE VHEUR Am MAY W0 OLEtiDA FARRELL "SSS1S9 ARIZONA' VEARL WHITEHEAD ELASCO TOMMY HERMAN sai sorio cyclone Ml MM Li .1,1 AY W1LUAM fcl6HilY.

(7 tsp yrj 1 a 1I "The Smiths have such lovely things, I wouldn't want them to see our threadbare rupa and shabby There's no need to deny yourself the satisfaction of a perfectly furnished home not if you choose the thinps you need through the "Furniture" column of Times Classified Ads. Every day a big selection is offered In chairs, tables, rugs, lamps, mirrors, beds in fact, every kind of home furnishing. And you'll be pleased to find that the prices In classification 23! are in a range to fit every pocketbook, I CMY WUJICAl SHOW IN TOWN" I Times Classified Ads World Leader in Classified Advertising uHha LUIS mamoatim 0AVD TUESDAY, AUG. 25 a iAir.