We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.
Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.
20:
UNIVERSAL WEEKLY
Sept. 28, 1935
"DIAMOND JIM"
CALLED EPIC PICTURE
Henry Lawrence in News Telegram of Portland, Oregon Appraises Universal ’s Lead-off Production at Full Value.
ABOVE a cheap saioon on New York's east side one night in 1856 began the life of one of America’s most colorful men, James Buchanan Brady, who rose from his humble birthplace to become the greatest spendthrift of his time.
"Diamond Jim," new attraction at the Broadway theatre, shows how this unusual personality achieved this great success, how he made millions and squandered them, how he tried desparately to find marital happiness, and died a heart-broken bachelor.
Because of the film's historical value, besides its topnotch entertainment value, "Diamond Jim" must be considered as an epic picture. It is apparent that Universal was determined to make its 1936 lead-off attraction a masterpiece, and this aspiration was accomplished.
The Broadway theatre could not have chosen a more suitable film with which to open its Greater Show season and the near-record crowds which jammed the showhouse last week-end were a worthy reward for the management's selection. It is likely that attendance will increase to even greater proportions when mouthto-mouth advertising really gets under way.
There are many elements which contribute to the success of the attraction. Foremost is Edward Arnold's
superb portrayal of "Diamond Jim." This talented actor brings out every iota of the paradoxical personality of Brady — a strange combination of shrewdness and recklessness.
Although Brady was one of the smartest capitalists in the 1890s and
Full page in the News Telegram of Portland, Oregon, illustrated icith stills from “ Diamond Jim ” for the shotcing at the Broadway Theatre.
1900s, he had absolutely no ability to conserve his wealth. If he made a million dollars on a railroad deal, he would squander it on his friends. Brady was a "sucker" as far as his
YOU'LL NEVER FORGET IT!
See
Next
Weeks
Universal
Weekly
Heavy selling full page story by Clark Rodenbach in the Chicago Daily News during the run of “ Diamond Jim ” at the Palace.
friends and acquaintances were concerned. He knew that, and liked it! "The point is," he told some one who scolded him for giving money to strangers, "it’s fun to be a ’sucker’ if you can afford it — and if you know you are one."
"Diamond Jim" was as well known in his day for his enormous appetite as for his financial wizardry. He would begin a meal with three dozen giant oysters, followed by two full-size lobsters and a dozen hard-shelled crabs. Then came meat or poultry, vegetables, salad and desserts, topped off by a box of bon bons.
The film gives an authentic insight on Brady's unhappy love affair with Jane Matthews, a girl he worshipped because of her striking resemblance to a former sweetheart. Jane played by Jean Arthur, was in love with another man, and when Brady learned the truth his life was ruined.
"Diamond Jim" also proposed marriage to Lillian Russell, played by Binnie Barnes, but the woman, realizing that they were only fine friends and not lovers, refused the offer.
The colorful events of Brady's life make an intriguing story, and Universal deserves much credit for depicting these incidents in flawless fashion.