The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 25

MONDAY MORNING. JANUARY 4, I932PART CHAPLIN ARTIST "DR. CALIGARI" Hellenic Comedy Diverting Fare 71 OF PUBLICITY 1 ACTRESS DOMINATES FILM 'Ladies of the Big House' at United Artists Theater Distinguished by Portrayal of Sylvia Sidney (Reprinted from Baturday'a lata edition) BY PHILIP K. SCHETJER Sylvia Sidney, eyes brimming and lips quirked to a winsome smile, spans her widening emotional forte once again In "Ladies of the Big House," which went into United Artists Theater yesterday. Played in a subdued minor key and photographed with beauty and a tasteful restraint, this is an affecting little film of justice gone awry and We in a prison for women.

But it is carried wholly by its characterizations, and especially that of its leading woman; without her, it would be nothing. Skillfully sounding a note of inU- BECOMES VOCAL George Brent Scheduled for Lead With Star Ken Maynard Preparing to Produce Own Films Fairbanks Still Planning South American Trip BY GRACE KINGSLEY All the spine-ticklers and goose-flesh pagers in the way of stories are being sought nowadays by the producers in an attempt to furnish thrills to an avid public denied its gangster -stories. Universal. is reported to be looking into some old Chinese shockers, while another is interested in Poe's grewsome yarns. And; of course, there remains "The Cabinet of Dr.

Caligari." It V-iv if Ail 1 i faWTHTf? MAAj Make Good Record European Sojourn Reckoned Aid to Ballyhoo English Journalist Accuses Star of Barnum-ing BY EDWIN SCHA1XERT When all the results are tabulated I doubt not but that Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights" will turn out to be one of the big money makers of the year. '-it is having great success abroad, which Chaplin himself has aided by keeping in the spotlight during hia European travels. Interesting, the' fact that the picture leads the year at individual theaters in various cities in this country. Chicago Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal Toronto; Seattle are among cities where it registered notably high, as shown in the record of grosses in a tabulation in the Motion-Picture Herald, a leading trade magazine. All this doesn't portend-a revival of the talking pictures, but it may mean that Chaplin win proceed as a star of silent films, a lonely islander In the midst of the conversational seaV It- was Just bound to happen that if uus would De revived as a talker.

The picture may be entirely remade by Milton Holb of New York, where the feature will be brought to life again, or it may merely be synchronized. Ken Maynard to Produce A Ken Maynard, cowboy star, is to leave Tiffany, following the comple tion of his current picture. A lUi UH if MM M. iv He will henceforth produce his own pictures, and reports that he I PCl D. GDJE A'Dfovemiss ofi93v i IOO ARTISTS i nas arranged lor a.

national release, He will continue to make the westerns, which have been popular. Paul Ellis Changes Name. Paul Ellis, once a Spanish bull II macy by the constant use of close-! ups, it follows her dwindling fortunes through the penitentiary to which, with her husband of a she has been "railroaded" by powerful political interests. To these scenes there has been brought the atmosphere of authenticity; It is, a varied and colorful lot with which Kathleen Storm finds herself cast, such players as Wynne Gibson, Miriam Goldina, Frltzt Ridgeway. Hilda Vaughan, Edna Bennett, Esther Howard, Ruth Lyons and Louise Beavers lending them brief existence.

They are all praiseworthy, particularly the first two and whichever one of the others Interpreted the "stool pigeon." Gene Raymond, remembered as the raccoon-coated, bumptious collegian of "Personal Maid," fits less readily into of things. Portraying McNeil, the boy who, by marrying Kathleen (Miss Sidney.) finds himself speedily headed for the gallows, Raymond curtails expression almost to the point of monotony. His fate seems almost negligible compared to that of the girl; but that, after all, may be an inverse tribute to warm strength, the simplicity, of Miss Sidney's work opposite him. Marion Gering, directing, has punctuated his slight narrative with several telling "bits." For the finish he employs a melodramatic fillip which, although needed cll-mactically, appears brashly "movie" after what has gone before. It Is, at any rate, soon over.

Additional good performances are contributed by Frank Sheridan as the warden, and Earle Foxe, Rock-llfie Fellowes and PumeQ Pratt as assorted villains. The story is by Ernest Booth, with-the effective adaptation credited to Louis -Welt-zenkorn. But the picture remains, in the last analysis. Miss Sidney's. A and Interesting bill of short reelers includes the sixth of the "Screen Souvenirs," events of the early century and high lights from Biograph days relived; "Camping Out," an amusing comedy with Edgar Kennedy; a cartoon and a newsfllm.

mi fighter and lately of pictures, has ENGAGING MUSICAL SCREENED New Film From Germany Affords Enjoyment for Filmarte Patrons atevrinted Irom Saturdays lata edition) Coming a bit too late for the holiday season but establishing a holiday of its own is the present program at the Filmarte Theater. A gayer or more engaging two hours is not available anywhere else at the moment The picture Is "Die Drel Von der Tankstelle," (Three Men from the Gas Station made by TJFA in musical mood. Like Lubitsch. the only director to fully realize musical comedy- on American screens, his compatriots treat such' subject matter as pretty drollery. This film, except for the music which distinguished "Two Hearts in 3-4 Time," is a much better pic-ture than that predecessor.

Its pace is fast and graceful, it is superlatively mounted. It achieves an utterly charming absurdity. The story, unimportant and slight as a musical comedy plot should be, Is lightly concerned with three young men who lose their money, sell their car, open a gas station, fall in love with a pretty girl, quarrel over her, are reconciled at the fadeout which finds her in the arms of the handsomest. More important is the treatment The photography has a bright sparkling quality, the settings are among the finest examples of that modern decor which was born in Germany. The acting of a group of attractive young people is enthusiastic.

Irresistibly gay. The direction is Inventive and resourceful, unafraid of flights into fantasy. The dialogue is brittle and highly amusing but for those whose German is slight the story Itself is quite apparent, in the action. Music, which pervades the scenes as naturally as bubbles rise on champagne, ts charming. It is, in short a picture to be seen without delay.

Directed by Wllhelm Thiele, blithe performances are given by Willy Fritsch, Lilian Harvey, Oskar Karl-wels, Heina Ruehmann, Olga Tschechowa, Kurt Gerron and others. DAZZLING DANCE ENSEMBLES Company of 50 THE HILTON SISTERS WofU.famotn SiamcMt Twins Only novtby of Hi FkinJ in Aa arocld hxJayl Betty Mack Supplies much of the humor in the stage attraction, "Lysistrata," which Is enjoying heavy patronage at the Carthay Circle Theater. changed his name after consulting a numerologist. He is now Luis Alonzo, and Just to prove that the numerologists are right, and that the right name brings luck, he went right out and got himself a Job. Alonzo since, he win have It so has signed with Columbia for a RAYMOND and VIRGINIA RkytKm ml Btsuty GOLD AND RAY They ntvt A.

Chaplin GeU Spotlighted I surmise that Chaplin was intent on seeing that everything went well with his picture in foreign" lands, and that that has been one of the reasons for his long sojourn abroad. News has been pretty consistent regarding the comedian during much of this He knows a publicity trick or two himself. The only let-down was the "slaps," so-called, he received from the Judge during the court argument with May Shepherd, secretary and publicity agent. Nor can that be entirely dubbed a let-down. From correspondence I receive from England I gather that Charlie was sympathized with in this suit.

It seems that Miss Shepherd wrote a confessions story' in which she told how Chaplin campaigned to "put himself over" didn't rouse only cheers. Publicity Versus Art Here incidentally. are some comments by Viscount Castlerosse in one of the British newspapers anent the whole affair, and its revelations, though these are not overly sympathetic. "It seemed to come as a shock to the West End that Chaplin had a carefully worked-out publicity role in the Spanish version of Buck Jones's current starring vehicle, "South of the Rio Grande." "FRANKENSTEIN" A HIT Crowds at Theater Denote Popular Interest in the Shivery, Shudder Screen Plot (Reprinted from Saturday" lata edition) BY EDWIN SCHALLERT. If crowds lining up in front of a theater waiting patiently for admission mean anything and they usually do "Frankenstein" is going to be one of the stirring popular events of the season of 1931-32.

And a fine brisk start it is for the "thirty-two" part of that season. A ROB BINS A Novelty Swiitiion. HELENS HUGHES and ELMER HERLING The Soul of Melody Lloyd Reports Progress The reports that he will make no more pictures are. all wrong, says Harold Lloyd. In fact, Vincent Lawrence is completing the dialogue on his next vehicle, and work on it win start early in thenew year.

In other words, the Van Sloan and Lionel Bel 8 more are others in the cast I PERRY ASKAM wfth migMy male cnorui THE KIKUTAS Direct from Japin IS' tidaMaaaaanaaaaaMi Twice 8:1 Sfi Secured for scheme. It has even unless my 13 P.M., SaaHCanBeSt MMM All FuUre Parfoi la. 1 irauntet Now. I Mn.30e,7J,n lm.75c,tt 1 apawwaiwM ears have deceived me disgusted the West End slightly. pheum, where ft is showing, Is opening the new year energetically with the presentation of this weird shiver feature, which seems to cause Its audience not only to experience the spinal chills, but also "to laugh, cry and otherwise express hysteria of the moment.

Universal, which produced this picture, doubtless has something to be proud of as regards its effect on the theater exchequer. Based on" the Mary WoUstencroft Shelley novel, adapted by Garrett Fort and Francis E. Far agon, and directed by James Whale, It is nothing to shout about estheticaHy, but the thrill stuff does the trick. George Brent With Chattertoa All at once George Brent finds himself one of the most popular figures In pictures." If nothing happens he is to have the leading role opposite Ruth Chatterton in her first Warner Brothers vehicle, "The Rich Are With Us." However, there is just a possibility that be may not be able to finish in "So Big" in time, but as the story of "The Rich Are With Us" has been held up for some changes, the odds now are that Brent will get the role. Doug May Visit South America "Personally I found his advertis ACTRESS SIGNS Irene Dunne, who rose to starring heights in "Cimarron," has signed -a new term contract with Pictures.

ing admirable. The way he played up the publicity hounds of London was masterly to such an extent that I could not help bursting into a Ctcatcrs Spoken Drama Frankenstein, hero of the film, is a scientist who succeeds; in creating a semblance of a man that needs only a brain to complete his physical form. The brain is procured from a laboratory, but In the haste of stealing if the- dwarf Frankenstein's assistant takes that of a criminal by mistake. Frankenstein's synthetic man is then given the vital spark through some ray beyond the ultra violet which is secured during a thunderstorm. Once animated, the Monster, as be is called, is the dread menace of the man who brought him to life, and his friends, as well as, later on, the Inhabitants of some obscure village in Germany.

It's a welsh-rarebit tale all right, but if you like shudders a chance on it The dull-faced, heavy booted, awkward and lanky figure that Karloff makes, with huge Iron-like hands, is great inspiration for nightmares. Indeed, he is nothing short of excellent All the other units on this program at the Orpheum are happily chosen. Louis John Bartels dis paean of praise in the "Evening Standard' at the time. Indeed, it if. nrnjnjTjririrTjxruix waa obvious to me that Chaplin was a greater publicity artist than oouKias fau-Danks nas bv no he was an actor." iUy 4bX3 Whoever thought up the make' means entirely relinquished his plans' for visiting South America Which is mixing praise with more up for Boris Karloff is the real star of the film.

One look from those leaden-lidded eyes and the and producing a travelogue-adven PHILHARMONIC AUDITORIUM MI. 1271 5th and Olive POSTPONED: In order to co-operate with bif? Catholic benefit Tuesday; than a trifle of Troublesome for Men jo The writer continues: UnfortU' ture picture: there, we learned yes audience is ready to believe any terday. ON THE STAGE IN Pa-HSON thing that happens. Indeed, I think Despite the fact that the success of "Around the World in A rosco i 1 GINGER the onlookers are prepared to imagine much more than actually NEW DATE: does take place. So as a feat of IS C2CTB-.

Eighty Minutes" did not fulfill, his optimistic expectations, still not all the returns are in. rrtO0lUM JFViday Eve. Jan. 29 suggestion "Frankenstein" seems to be a triumph, in fact Besides which Fairbanks feels FilmoWl Fjmtd Comic I Dainty Stage fir Screen Star Photography by Arthur Edeson closes his superior comedy talent in II If lllill uicit 1271 fanchon ir maaco's mw a ta wvv" and settings by Herman Rosse increase the atmosphere indubitably. "Selling Shorts," which is an amaz ingly contrived filnu that he has a cultural subject in hand, in his travel pictures, and he is enjoying producing them in any case, feeling sure of the plaudits of the educated.

T7 II VVi Ticket, dated Jan. 5 will be honortd Jan. 29. which the performances of some of the players seem only fairly to bear REFLECTORS' attTUTWCE-W ON THI SCREEN 'STEPPING SISTERS' out. Colin Cnve Is a good actor, but the character he plays is more nately for the cinema business, this case with Miss May Shepherd will cost every visiting star dear.

Adolphe Menjou is on his way here. If he takes my advice he will avoid all posturing and posing and simply say that he Is coming here to work because he is paid for it, and that, as for being great lover in private life, he is really a most respectable married man." Keith Planning to Do 'Hamlet" Ian Keith, in addition to his duties as Baron von Galgern in "Grand Hotel," plans a series of special matinees, beginning with "Hamlet," at the Belasco Theater. "I have played 'Hamlet many C21ASCO mad than real Perhaps, the mad MUl. AT HMi vo.38J Jose Creepo to Spain From Jose Spanish actor formerly appearing in Spanish versions, now in New York, 9a MIGHTIEST OBAMATIC ato vmt ness is its main requisite; however, like better the madness which has wiih LOUISE DRESSER WM. COLLIER.

WW 0 a method in It comes word that application for ex A FOX HCTUM Tde Most Thrillini, Startling. Rapid-Fire An amusing and therefore reliev mm ing personage is the baron pre Dramatic Swccesi of th At sented by Frederick Kerr. Just another of those excellent minor vic CtmTMN 8:11 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON SRAKESrCAKE FESTIVAL CO. Trvn tfae Khtkaipw Mmxyltl TtataKr iMMry 4 AS VOU UK IT TiMtfey. Juiwry MtAtUHK FOR MIA1URC imii MttitM.

Juur, THI MIRKV WIVE OF WINDSOR Wrtmity Imiai. Maatnr A wintir talc ltuntty. laaamry 7 KINS LEAS Juuary TMt TAMINa TNI MEW -Utsrtrt Mltlaf. jMry TWtLFTH NIHT Strr EMlM, Juttry A misht tkui WHIm Wat. (at.

tn Wfydimh Wed tories for the character actor. Kv Mae Clarke gives personality to WHIR! THE EVIDENCE WAS FOUND! i aeuiMMiuaaiNMiAM 6ii44 tt tne role of the heroine, and John Boles la the sympathizing friend, A dwarf enacted by 'Dwlght Frye is outstanding while he lasts, but he mnnitS the spot tnii II jj mm; with lEWCODY'MAEY NOLAN mm FORD SALLY KANE ts an early victim of the Monster. times," said Keith, "and It occurred to me that a series of special matinees, with whatever profit might accrue to be turned over to the Employment Relief Association, would be a good I discussed tension of his leave, to remain in this country has been denied, and that therefore he will return, to Spain and the Madrid stage for the time being at least He hopes, however, to secure a new- passport later this year. Bette Davis With Warners Bette Davis, with Universal during the past several months, has been signed by Warner Brothers-First National on a long-term Her first role will be the Ingenue lead with Barbara Stanwyck. In "So DOUGLAS WINS ROLE Melvyn Douglas, husband of Helen Gahagan, has been signed for the late Robert Ames's role In "The Wiser Sex." max w'SKSgrt 7y rar I I trmril vED.rvTi:s lASTefitaLaarnsT' the matter with Mr.

Cumn and WE'RE SORRY! MmP JbmU EUSBY BERKELEY fi? Mr. Belasco and found them more than willing to assist. "Strangely enough I had'Xhought of the late Tyrone Power for the part of the King or of Polonius and was about to communicate with VAT ff. 'I tt im. Mftcw Hmttwtna We Apolooiie to tff Thovmtit to Gm AdmSHbHK to lha Orafcewm to Sm -FRANKENSTEfR" To Accomolat tka Hwf OUR DOORS WILL OPEN DAILY AT OrOO A.

him when I heard of his death. TLDCICSi DTAV iii lY.l STCTYC? S6 THE HAPPIEST, inn SNAPPIEST HIT I JG CF THE SEASON i af CI C- fPS? TaUaa Sylvia WARD RETT HORT0M (I yi) 11 A Monster MaJe From SioUn Kaaw He Janet matt arwiK-liliaA uium A PARAMOUNT I I Tsscondl 1fi "I Woatan Nor Pity Ill If A rarklu Can't hold it longer! i i i i i T'a ctaamct Week MaDTUII MA. ON TNI rasiai rin.ro aiaca OH THE STAGE NANCE ONEIL 670 STAGE IQTMIANONIT 'MANHATTAN llllNAnl' 0W PLAYING on thi aiaa-t HAJttT BARM 2CE SEE" a.uaral M.IMUml Ml MM Nil IMMa'a MIRIAM HOPKINS 10UIIN MAMOU1IAN owcno A AtAMOuMT ncrusi ISM IHTTMia Laa La Jid JanRusini talvafOit Santaeua ftnaeftBa rwaF'TrT fwvemn 1 III I I iiiii II a vwfcir. JACK DCMrsCV. IDOU Utlt'l I 11 -rr.

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