The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Hollywood, Calif. THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 1927 Page Thirteen t i. n A PAGE ON THE SPOKEN DRAMA “LAFF THAT OFF,” at the El Capitan Theatre. This is what the writer has been trying to do ever since seeing this play, but it seems much easier to cry. It is only fair to say that the audience laughed. There was a fairly well filled house at the theatre to see this opus, which caused reflection on the empty seats at such admirable plays as “Chariots Revue” and “The Firebrand.” This no doubt was partly due to the very reasonable scale of prices, proving Los Angeles and Hollywood are not too concerned about quality. The plot of this comedy is reminiscent of “Three Wise Fools,” “Daddies” and numerous other stage plays. There is a formula to these works, which is faithfully adhered to. Between naps one could easily follow what had happened on the stage during the period of sleep. In this type of story the heroine suffers with arrested mental development. Nor is she hampered by the emotions of a matured woman. We wonder when Christmas Eve will find its place in the movies as the night which can be used to bring everybody together. It has long held its place in the theatre. The one realistic touch in this comedy is the running over of the water in the ice-box. Dale Winter as Peggy did almost all that tvas possible with the part. A little more fire in spots would have been an improvement. Kenneth Daigneau as Leo was good. Frank Darien as Mike contributed an interesting character bit. Henry Duffy is unsuited to the part of tough guys, although the spectators laughed at the lines. It is very probable the Henry Duffy Players (Inc.) will enjoy a long and prosperous stay at the El Capitan, as the audience appears to sincerely enjoy them. — Anabel Lane. “THE SCARLET VIRGIN,” at the Orange Grove Theatre. While Will Hays works industriously to clean up motion picture titles, stage producers are trying to lure the public into the theatre by salacious, lurid ones like “The Unborn Child” and “The Scarlet Virgin.” No doubt in a few weeks another stage masterpiece will be born with the name of “The White Harlot.” In plays, heroinps who are so innocent that they still believe in Santa Claus and the legend of the stork, invariably seek dives, dens and other places of iniquity as a place in which they can earn their living honestly and without being molested. If Sue had contributed the money towards her daddy’s operation that she spent in traveling to look for work, she would have saved herself a lot of trouble. But there would have been no play. Although our heroine is nearly sold for $2,000, she is saved by the hero and an old drunk. The plays ends happily, the scarlet virgin is scarlet only in the title, she will marry her honest sweetheart, and we hope the operation saved dad, as so much suffering was endured by everyone, including the audience, that it would be cruel to think it had been in vain. There is some Spanish music between the acts that is creditable.— A nabel Lane. * * * “A Woman of No Importance” opens the 8th inst. at the Gamut Club. Unusual characterizations, delightful repartee, subtle irony and intense drama weave about through the play, giving it a variety of moods seldom seen in one drama. Edward Everett Horton will open in “In Love With Love at the Playhouse August 8th. Helene Millarde, who was seen in “The American Tragedy,” will play the role opposite Mr. Horton. * Footlight Notes By Anabel Lane It will be interesting to watch the theatre in Los Angeles and Hollywood. In one year a distinct effort towards producing better plays has become effective. The little theatres are arousing interest and gaining followers. Dickson Morgan has sponsored worthwhile dramas. Producers, recognizing that audiences do not patronize extensively, poorly acted plays are endeavoring to engage experienced actors and actresses. New York stars who have heretofore avoided Los Angeles as being too far from Gotham are pleased to journey here to have a run. The coming year will prove the most important one in the history of stage progress in Los Angeles. It will eventuate into the survival of the fittest. The producers who do not keep up to a first rate standard will return to their former occupations whatever they may be. Of course we shall always have with us the theatrical managers who present trashy, meretricious plays with dirty PROMPT SERVICE ANYWHERE TIRES RETREADING TITDrC VULCANIZING" 1 UDIjU H. H. Andrews 6426 Selma Avenue HEmpstead 4468 Henry Kolker has announced as the players who have been engaged for the comedy, “The Wild Westcotts,” Ida Darling, Wyndham Standing and George Pearce. The play has started rehearsing and is scheduled to open around August 1 5th at the Vine Street Theatre. titles. We shall also always have audiences who will rush to the theatres that show these things. Mainly, however, much advancement will be shown in entertainments and casts, in this city, that is groping to find itself. While Los Angeles has a few producers who are competent to present worthwhile dramas and comedies, there is a need and a great opportunity for a manager who is able to stage first rate musical comedy. The only musical comedy the writer has seen out here that suggested a New York production, was the first one produced at the Music Box, and it was severely roasted by the Hollywood knockers, who have been forced to see cheap, garish ones ever since. „„ .i, + | King Charney says: — I Agfa | “A Good Film Always” Alfred Weiss, Pres. I 6380Santa Monica Blvd. ! Phone: HE 9674 1 ; [ Multigraphing Mimeographing I Copying Plays — Sides — Manuscripts ] Eight Hour Service WRIGHT-O Steno Studio Phone: HEmpstead 6812 6282 Hollywood Boulevard