The Los Angeles Times from Los Angeles, California • 29

DECEMBER 30, 1027. PART II, FRIDAY MORNING. Of atcts amusements entertainment Cijcatcrs amusements entertainments "Mammy!" Savedjprt ferity 'JAZZ SINGER IS LANDMARK Silent Marx 'Not as Dumb as He Looks' Jolson VitapJione Feature Males Screen History 0 NEW YEARS cur .9 Songs and Dialogue Furnish Thrilling Experience fJ FROLIC ft V5 8t.rt ffl p.m. I I'l Sat. Bit it, Arid slilllby come by thousands from all California to gaze In aw and wonderment at America's foremost temple of art and amusements to thrill and to applaud the marvel program to.

America's Sweetheart Production Presages New Era for Sound Effects MIRY Tf TCKEDRD "Harpo" Marx, the silent comedian of the Marx brothers appearing in Sam H. Harris's musical comedy, "The CocoanuU," now in its third week at the Blltmore Theater, is "not as dumb as he looks." In other words, he can apeak and in an intelligent manner. He became a pantomime comedian quite by accident. It was about ten years ago that the Marx brothers made their first hit in vaudeville In a comedy singing apd talking act. The brothers included "Chlco," "Qroucho." "Harpo" and "Gummo," now in the cloak and suit business.

"Harpo" was playing the straight man, that is, he was used as the foil by the chief comedian to that a Joke would "get over" with the audience. "Harpo" talked and talked at fast rate In this act. One day be suddenly lost his voice. There was no response. He had been all right when he walked on the stage, but the moment he opened his mouth words literally failed him.

He had lost his voice for the time being and it looked as if the curtain would have to be rung down. But he acted quickly. In crude pantomime he got over the lines which he could not speak. The audience seemed to understand. It was but a twenty-minute performance, but "Harpo" was on the stage most of the time and when the curtain "I fli 1 My Best Girl" Dlreelien Watt Cout Theatere Tel.

VA. 446 by all odds her most entertaining attraction. A gem of a picture from United Artists BY EDWIN SCHALLERT (Reprinted (ran lata edition of Thuridej'e Tinea. Al Jolson's voice can now go ringing down the hallways of time. And he himself will be seen when It does.

That much Is assured since we have "The Jazz Singer," the first big feature to blend eong with motion-picture action, end also the spoken dialogue. Here la a show! To miss It would be like falling to catch a glimpse of Lindbergh. "The Jazz Singer" had Its first presentation here Wednesday night at the Criterion Theater. It drew a notable throng; It won ovation upon ovation; It Is probably one of the greatest events In the world of entertainment In years. For once the superlatives may be liberally distributee, and they ought to be the super sort of superlatives such as the movies only can indulge In really vociferously when something away out of the ordinary happens.

"Mama, I'm going to take you to fete" to drink in srr -r fc rr i "ir I "It I I si I I I ih i I I r.i tJ' the marvel music of I 1V4i Dion Romandl, XjL fflf wmMm mi IWwlllvtWVM a the most novel "short- B'r? fB additional enter. V7 frPW tainment yet shown In 9t' ft 2rV Los Angeles aj '3 came down the manager of the theater came back and congratulated him on being such a versatile actor. It was suggested then by Mrs. Marx, who wrote and staged the act for her boys, and also produced it. that "Harpo" remain silent.

fj. Witt Eg V7STCT sOi fitT of mmt Jj ff jL.3 I ft'IN. nrnmt entertainmeiii c0ortt I afOJlT 3 WilSl? 'P intfMt in pwfa 1 Pj; vl3 I 39 li If LWOa Hair of nocrinj Tlf CATO? afifejj devor to continue to mht your WtL InCAIflat j3f eo'mrtlon srettcrontlr ijf ftT.fr.fi during vl" iBV k. ftSt i li 80 million people recommend it JU R- Rogers First National 1 I f-Pu fn thrill urpri J-T I I Mant Indoor Clreua WjT I I I waSawS lYlXIAV fir. LEOV I 1 I aaaij Premiere I I If rviB o'' KniiMtrlfnnet JLr I Va? 'o, BKKNIB t.KIGGS PT I We- ft 4'! "-l Clown It I KTTOKE TMBFRTO If It Fiinacirn rtawl0'-.

I th.inplon VN I 1 1 1 Warner Broi. Supreme 1 2 t00' Triumph with May Mc- Avoy New aongs and I I prK'n I old favorites auno by Mr. 7SC Jolaon during the action I eve-. of the ory on -Tr- VITAPHONE JT- I Additional numbers Include i Mitnewr I Harry Wayman and Hia De- i L. butantes "Reallxatlon" Jolson Leaves for New York Al Jolson and May McAvoy.

In a scene from "The Jazz Singer," Warner Brothers' sight-sound synchronization which so closely approximates actuality. It is the latest attraction at the Criterion. Play Finds Its B0SJ3LAS Title in Verse Coney Island." No film subtitle recited this line last evening, but an actual voice, mechanically reproduced. And It was a familiar and well-loved voice. This was attested by the rapt attention, the eafjer reception of the spoken words, and eventually, when about five minutes of conversation between Jolson and Kugenle Besserer, who appeared as the mother, was over, by the thrilled applause.

Jolson, returning home after years of absence. Is telling hlo mother of his ambitions for a musical comedy career. He sits down at the piano and sings the well-known "Blue After singing the melody through a couple of times, he stops and turns to Miss Besserer, and he starts In to oke with her a line of talk that only a Jolson can "put over," and that does not repeat. It Is Joyful natural talk, more like what Jolson would offer In private life than on the stage. There is In It all the sympathy of his personality.

The words are answered quietly by Miss Besserer. Jolson Jollies along for awhile and then he takes up the refrain of "Blue Skies" again, this time In Jazz tempo. The ecene Is broken In on by his father, the stern cantor of the synagogue, and the silent action la resumed. This episode is the high spot of "The Jazz Singer," and It Is one that everybody In town will be talking about. It will probably go down In history.

Indeed, a whole chapter may be written about it some day In the annals of the films. Jolson has certainly given the Vita-phone a new meaning, for this Is the Tarrying only long enough to attend the opening of his first film play, Al Jolson left yesterday on the start of his return Journey to New York. The star crossed the continent solely to be the guest of Warner Brothers at Wednesday night's premiere showing of "The Jazz Singer" the Criterion Theater, and is returning east to resume his stage engagements, pausing for a brief rest et Palm Springs Jolson'a debut in "The Jazz Singer" was an auspicious first-night event, with screen stars, producers, directors and notables of the financial and social world thronging the theater. The effect of Jolson appearing in th screen play and singing his songs through the Vitaphone brought amazement and thunderous applause. In their critical comments on the film, local reviewers have Joined with critics elsewhere in hailing the Jolson Vitaphone film as a history-making event, and scores of congratulatory messages poured in to the Warner Brothers studio yesterday from film executives and authorities Every indication points to a long run for the drama.

gig 6pCI CCIJRT C. PEEBIESS Scats on sals at Owl Hroe. 6th and and Chinese Pagoda Box Ofllce, GLadatone 6184. "Monday's child is fair of face; Tuesday's child is full of grace; Wednesday's child merry and glad; Thursday's child is sour and sad; Friday's child is godly given; Saturday's child shall work f6r a Uvln'." Thus the name of "Saturday's Ch the comedy by Maxwell Anderson, co-author of "What Price Glory," which follows Lionel Barrymore in "Laugh, Clown. Laugh," at the Be-loeco January 8.

With Douglas Fairbanks, Jr, Mary Doran and Isabel Wfthers in Important roles, the production, being staged by Fred J. Butler, promises much. "Saturday's as the name indicates, concerns the lives of a group of middle-class wage earners. Tfcere is a young stenographer who with precocious feminine sagacity wards off the advances of employers and yet holds her Job; the young man In the same office, who marries her; her father, mother, married sis-tet and brother-in-law. 80 natural i the dialogue that if one happens to be a mere wage earner, one will recognize a cross-section of life.

TRADITION OUTRAGED 'Dawa' is Name a See the Old Year Out New Year In! Special New Year's Eve Performances Two Great Shows, 7:30, 10:15 of Witch Magic The "dawa" of the Belgian Congo Cvtry Day Twice Dally, 2:158:30 the Day of Atonement in the place of the parent who lies at death's door. Until he Is shown in the New York show, Jolson continuously appeared without his habitual black-face make-up. Yet one of the finest scenes that he does Is the one in his dressing room in the theater, under the mask of his popular disguise. Movlewlse, his performance does not always click, and he photographs a trifle peculiarly around the eyes. Perhaps, tl.ls can be remedied, with artifices of photography and making up In subsequent films.

In any event, it matters but little in the general effect which will be nothing short of sensational. Jolson himself said in his speech: "They had a hard time holding me back. I'm peppy, and I took it big. Some of the time I tried to do an Emll Jannlngs, too," he kidded. "Did you notice that high light on my chin," he went on to relate, "Just after I finished eating In the Coffee Dan scene, and when I went on to sing 'Dirty Hands, Dirty that" and he opened his eyes wide In true Jolson fashion "that was ham." There are some very excellent portrayals.

Warner Oland as the cantor, and Miss Besserer are both responsible for fine ones, Oland has submerged himself beneath an ample but there is splendid dramatic Interest in his work. Otto Lederer shines forth brilliantly for comedy. May McAvoy adds a pleasing note as the heroine, though the role is of comparatively slight import. There is an excellent bit done by Bobble Gordon, as Jolson in his boyhood. Alan Crosland directed the picture In very capable style, and the technical effects of the Vitaphone, which I believe were supervised by the late Sam Warner, are a fine heritage from his career.

Bryan Foy assisted in this work. The accompaniment, arranged for Vitaphone by Louis Silvers, is very unusual In the effects of its scoring, and decidedly Intensified the emotion of many scenes. "The Jazz Singer" is distinctly an achievement in affording the public a new view of the Jolson personality, and needless to say Is a landmark In screen theater history. NOW! F. W.

MURNAU'S Wm. Fox ProdurtlMi gaSSBsSlflfl 3 barrels -all, fc bad out. lUttUCU WIHI good company fjf, Goodby, with O'BRIEN GEO. GAYNOR Stalwart JANET Adorable Couple Wedded as Curtain Rises on First Scene of "Katlnka" I Lavishly Pmcntrd with CARM ELINOR'S FA 01' 8 f'ONt'KRT ORCHESTRA JACK LAKillLIN MA(iMKI('ENT I'KOLOGIE Tickets at Bon Office. Phn ORegon 1104; Downtown at Wiley B.

Allen, 720 8. Broadway, and 90 Braneh Tlckt-t Ofllfm In 8o. Cal. Take Yellow Can and Traneftf ta Wilihlra Bunet direct Theater, tr P. E.

ar direct. which is plain theatrical magio tn this country, plays a strong part tn "Kongo," necessitating the installation of many electrical devices and spook innovations in the complicated set at the Orange Grove Theater. "Dawa." or witch-doctor magic, is the fear-lncltlng element used by Charles B. Middleton as "Dead Legs" Flint to quell the aroused natives, and Ira Robertson, an actor of many personalities, has found 11 necessary to change from a living thing to a man of death in one of the thrilling scenes when "Dead Legs" calls upon the spooks of the voodoo to aid him. Robertson, whose weird Bnticshave been sending the chills up and down the spines of "Kongo" audiences, has a full wardrobe of ghost costumes, made more hideous by the lack of light and a generous coating of a strange luminous substance used by Congo natives in their voodoo practices.

These queer articles of "dawa" play an Important part in the ps-chologlcal plot. AUFMDEH Bf -Ntranelna Thelnw TeM in pornon and on the btw reman Bargain Matinee SATURDAY 25c 50c 75c OV WHAT A MAN' 1HENRY DUFFY PLAYERS aw Prtsant device tnat is usea lor me eouna reproduction. He himself was present at the show and he Indicated in his amusing talk from the stage his anticipation of returning here to make another production. In the picture he (one should perhaps say rather "his sings "Dirty Hands, Dirty Face" in a way to bring tears to the eyes. I do not know that he has ever given It more poignantly.

It Is almost like the rev-of a new personality for him. The picture closes with "Mammy." There Is also the deeply pathetic number, "Mother," that will touch the heart. There Is a scene where he takes the place of his dying father in the synagogue, Deeming to give up his entire career In this and sings the Jewish chant "Kol Nldrel" that plays deeply upon the feelings. Jolson's performance In this picture (and naturally I am speaking of his voice primarily) spreads a new Inspiration, and the production Itself, though it Is nothing sensational from, the film aspect alone, greatly Impresses. I am frank to confess that I have not known any experience quite to parallel It in ages in the theater.

Perhaps the spoken dialogue takes from the gloss of some of the silent action. One keeps constantly desiring more of the voice. It was a canny and skillful trick, however, to give the auditor Just a trifle less than he might want of song and spoken word. It will probably make the next Vlta-phonlzed production even more desired. "The Jazz Singer" tells of a boy who ran away from home, because he rebelled against strict traditions and desired to become a performer on the stage.

He is aided In his career by a young musical comedy star. On the night of his big debut In New York the old traditions sweep upon him and the love of father and mother. He implies his willingness to say farewell to a future of successdespite all pressure that Is brought upon him by his footlight associates to fulfill the family wish that he sing the Hebrew hymns of MKW KAR'S KE. MAT. II p.m.

I rlrbrate iirrvt 0 In A'n. with fublli Ml (Sn Nothing but the best-see who made It tot a i a PALACE ADDS ONE SHOW The Broadway Palace Theater will Special Beery 1 fglve an extra performance Saturday NEW YEARS MATINEE ViONDAV, JAN.2 EVERY EVE MJVSiH 25ro75 The story of "Katlnka," which will be presented by Al Malaikah Temple at the Shrine Civic Auditorium Mon-day night, differs from most talcs in at least one respect. The curtain rises upon a wedding scene, whereas in most films, light operas and plays the nuptial ceremonies come at the close. In defying the dearest tradition of scenario writing Otto Harbach has introduced a most novel situation as well as an extremely amusing one. The scene of "Katlnka" Is laid on the Rusfto-Turklsh frontier Just before the war.

As in a number of musical plays, the country is a mythical one la the Balkans. This is a favorite rue of scenarists, as that section of the world is so crowded with tiny sovereign states that few know whether the state 1 a real or an imaginary one. The story concerns diplomatic dif-flctuaes in an embassy, and, of course, love affair. An American woman and her husband figure largely in the proc.edings in their efforts to right an unfortunate marital situation. The leading role will be played by Chariot Woodruff, prima donna, and opposite her will be Ralph Errolle.

The part of Katlnka, an ingenue role, will be taken care of by Eva Ollvottl, instead of Cora Bird, who was taken ill with a severe cold last week. Louis Templeman, the Prince Danllo of "The Merry Widow." will figure prominently, as will Pauline French, George Kunkel, Richard Powell, John Cherry. Beth Laemmle and the Shrine chorus, MOORE FILM TO MAKE WAY FOR II. B. WRIGHT OOWNTIIWN SOXOfFICtS- WRMlli WIWY.WPTSIOnt wd MM CO nignt 01 victor nugos masterpiece, "Les Mlserables." This extra show will start in time to be finished at midnight for the celebration of New Year's.

Scroti H-Ea-IF OS EE LETT "SUNRISE" WILL ADD EXTRA PERFORMANCE There will be two performances of "Sunrise" at the Carthay Circle Theater tomorrow night (New Year's Eve.) Both shows will be complete wtth orchestra and prologue accompaniment and advance indications point to boh playing to capacity crowds, the theater reports. "Sunrise" has received the highest of praise from both press and public. It Is the first American-made production by F. W. Murnau, European director, and features Janet Gaynor.

George O'Brien and Margaret HeriRH to rue speAKNti siaok or IXC.IVSIVE flKSr KUH PHOTOPLAYS tMARIE PREV0ST net Showa New Year'tl rr.tet.r,e OWNERSHIP OF COINS There Is no law in the United States prohibiting the melting of gold and sliver coins In order to obtain the metal. A coin is the owners individual property and he can destroy It if he doolrts to. However, there Is a Federal law which prohibits the defacing of a coin and then putting it into circulation again." This is to prevent fraud by "clipping" coins. Pathfinder. YATESS LAWLEY THE RUSH HOUR Eva I WITH UABQIC1-M FnOtl CKW A riWCM TOTO AMO OTHFR ORtltFUM CWtf'tT FrA7VfS VT -fif MTHF NFWS COM? 0Y' Af SOP'S rAlttCS MATS.

MON.rO 1-RI. I SAT. MATINt RS NIGHTS MOIST. I'O FRI. I All St ATS I CHlLOfttN SfATS I CHtLCRfH fA FLPtM I I PTW I rf i St ATS I CM'LPfftN 350 1 1K I ROvM 151651 SO I 15? I 65 I 25( Cbcaters amusements ntcttainmcnt0 WEI).

MAT.I BCS1 SEATS MAT. SATURDAY 14; WEtK WA9IS FAMOUS DDAMA OF IHE CABARETS II Whlnt.n iCTjTy1 A il t'lrat Hun Plrtur 1 at Vermont Sow mjtng II rONRAft MAC EL GENK MORGAN If Ml KM A LOV In nl hi. HhsI "Tin. l.lrl (rem hlrBajo" NKI I. KM I nlver.al- nll-slana POLK )l AKTKTTE oiiiMlr fl 1IKKU ktKN womenHH men TODAY ONLY dwW TONITE 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. IJ I morrow, Sun. Mon. Last Times fc tSrfdJLl Cont- 10 "m--11 Pm- TAf UC BROADWAY ALL CH Positively Not 1 CiLLYO WEAR 9TH SEATS WWW 8hown Elsewherel AIRPLANE COMEDY TO BEGIN RIALTO RUN The aviator and his plane, the Immortal "We" of Lindbergh, are now human-interest elements of the motion picture. Cold cash figures prove that the news reels of Lindbergh's arrival and various receptions were box-office magnets.

This Is all good news to Wallace Beery and Raymond Hatton, Paramount comedy team. They appear in "Now We're In the Air," which opens at the Rlaito today. Frank Strayer directed and the cast Includes Louise Brooks, Russell Simpson, Malcolm, Watte and Duke Vltnphone Acta 1 Colleen Moore in "Her Wild Oat" and a kiddle revue on the stage, comprising the Christmas week show at Loew's State, have their last performance today. Tomorrow begins the first Loew show of the new year, although this will be officially chrtttened Saturday at midnight with a special matinee. Into the preparation of this show have gone many resources of the West Coast chain.

IOHV GILIIKKT In "Man. IVomnn Si Wn" In Inn Krrmrr Tuning In i Blarkamlth Bhoo Aunt Jrmlna I.nn (eaa ana Jan Jr. (era In "Niu lilts of '21" "WHERE TIIK STARS KEK THE riL'Tl'KKH" Serpentine Dance 7 ENDS JAN. NOW "Til GORILLA" with lburl! Murru; WILL MOKKISMKV ft MIHGIK MILLER MART I.KWI JOK HROWMXG YMIM1IJNV OK( H. ON TIU.

VITAPIIOXB For the week beginning Fox Weekly Movietone Comedy and other novelties. NOVELTY WEEK Coming Wednesday, Jan. 4th John Gilbert In St, Elmo. a a aa nuiu i iiir.ui "WHAT PRICE GLORY" SPECIAL MAT. JAN.

2 WED. FOR BEST SEATS SAT. MAT. SO TO '1. 50 IVENINGSSOO'JSO lVlth liilor IM Hlo lit or Mrl.aajlrn Kliwnui at Knnta llarlmra and Wn.

Denjarent IHa Twa Daea Chaa. Haekatt Tka Ralliehrra aa) the Vltaglima KBERVt NOW FOR NEW YEARS PRICE ADVANCE S'uW-SftTlRDAY'S CHILDREN' SSf "JESSE JAMES'! "BIG ITCATt RS PREVIEW TONIGHT" H. hire Hurl AUsrailu Ml. Hatch for rirwclal Muillo I'rrt Irna rllll AT 111 Httr to THi SUA. SCO 1321131 I.AT KAY "TMK GIRL IN THE FIT.I.M IN- Maria Pranael Harrltoa Fera.

But "THa Tlra4 WORLDS GREATEST MUSICAL SH0 FAtS.50,TO,2lP-WtD.MAT.50'TO,ira-MT.MAT.WTffi lVll.hlre) at La Brrai Watt, tar PreiKw SaankMtkt Butiaew Mas' wltk Raaiane HIhmmK. 11 I nnrma uon Wright's "Shepherd of the Hills." directed by Albert Rogell, and an Indoor circus on the stage will comprise the program, MULLIGAN, GARRITY INVADE NEW FIELDS With the appearance of Fred Kel-eey in the roje of Mulligan, the other half of those detectives, Mulligan and in "The Gorilla." which will be on the screen at the West Coast Uptown Theater for one week starting Friday, a new screen team will be introduced to the neighborhood. Edward Small, the man who united Charlie Murray and Ocorge Sidney for "The Cohens and the Kellya," and Murray with Chester Conklln In "McFaddcn's Flats," has come for-ward with a new partner for Charlie in Fred Kelaey. A Vitaphone program will be SINflEIt TO HE HEAItn Glib Chandrowaky, the basso pro-fundo who attracted notice in the roles of the High Priest at Grau-man's Chinese Theater during the showing of "The King of Kings," will make his first personal appearance elnce his engagement In the Orauman prologue at the Brooklyn Theater, 2524 Brooklyn avenue. Bun-day, Monday and Tuesday.

Chan-drowsky was the outstanding soloist with the Ukrainian Choir which appeared throughout the country, rHIKL KF.OAY IS 01 EST Pearl Regay, stellar attraction at Pantages Theater this week, will pre. sent the prizes, offered in the popularity contest of the Cinderella Roof at Sixth and Olive streets tonight. Mihs Regay, who has danced her graceful way to stardom in "Rose Merle." the "Desert Song" and other noted hits, will be Introduced to the dancing fraternjty by Roy Hugh, master of ceremonies of the same tbsaterv fefviiit. New Vear'l Day.Mldnita Frolie'jifw' Vwir r.w SnZ IZI3 laalla-af iZil wm BURBANK THEATER Sixth ard Main "MATINEE MAMAS" It) BARGAIN MATINrK 11 A.M. ou ueautiesi To r.u.

all seats is laii NOW tnrrt -re. frtfifMIW IMDfflft 0 T7T0NICHT 8 JO-HATS. liilJVlv. I mum hit RUTH MEIFH naVII rnte "THE MONSTER" BELMONT NIGHTS, 8:15 1ATS. WED.

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art alavt thnr haw few aa aaatauful QOK BY etO KAUFMAN far a Malar af vaaka al aH Balawct Tkeatar will ba ratuanal attar Ui kaliaay 4.