Inside facts of stage and screen (August 30, 1930)

PAGE SIX INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1930 S<SEP(§QSQ, One Year Published Every Saturday $4.00 Foreign $5.00 Advertising Rates on Application Established 1924 As a weekly publication: Entered as Second Class Matter April 29, 1927, at the Post Office at Los Angeles, California, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Published by Inside Facts Publishing Company, Inc. 800-801 Warner Bros. Downtown Bldg., Los Angeles, Calif. Telephone TUcker 7832 JACK JOSEPHS ARTHUR WM. GREEN JEAN ARMAND - LOU JACOBS - - - President and Editor - - Vice Pres, and Counsel Secretary and General Manager * Associate Editor Vol. XII Saturday, August 30, 1930 No. 9 PICTURES RUINED BY TALK QUOTA Finis Fox, brother of Edwin Carewe and writer of some of the biggest screen successes, puts his finger on a sort spot in an endeavor to account for the slipping interest of the public in the present product of the industry. “People, attending motion pictures are intelligent in the vast majority and do not like to have every little angle of a story explained by word of mouth,” says Finis. He is absolutely right. More pictures have been ruined by a surfeit of talk than by a lack of it. In the old days, if the titles were tiresome or trite, one did not have to read them, but it is impossible to get away from the garrulous chatteries. It seems all of the writers are trying to aid the producers in diagnosing the illness of the movies. It cannot be denied that there is something wrong, but what—Ay, that’s the rub. Robert E. Sherwood, in a recent issue of McCall’s Maga- zine, believes that it is standardization. He believes that pictures are being turned out as Ford machines. He, too, is right. PRODUCERS FOLLOW LIKE SHEEP Someone hits upon an idea and it clicks. Then every pro- ducer hammers at it ad nauseum. For example, Sherwood points, George Arliss scored in “Disraeli,” and now we have a cycle of old men leads, until soon even Arliss will not be ac- cepted. They killed off Adolphe Menjou, Charles Ray, Thomas Meighan, Mary Miles Minter, Connie Talmadge and numer ous others. Types, too, says Sherwood, is one of the curses of the cinema. A player who is formally identified as a type is doomed. Such a fate is now descending upon Will Rogers. For his first picture, “They Had to See Paris,” he was cast as an American tourist. In his next and coming pictures he is similarly cast. Unless his versatility is taken advantage of, or another type of role, such as a senator, or a preacher or a hobo or other native character is found for him, he will all too soon pass from the eye of popularity. _ The rule also applies to the cycle of pictures. M-G scored with “Broadway Melody,” and instead of other producers originating their own themes, theer came such a plethora of back stage pictures as to sicken the audience against song pictures as a whole. It’s too much of a good thing cloying the taste of the public. JUST ANOTHER IRONY—GOLF For upwards of a quarter of a century, motion pictures have been the prime favorite and the darling of entertain- ment seekers. They forced every other kind of amusement from the stage. First vaudeville, then the drama, then bur- lesque, then musical comedy, lately revues, went by the boards one at a time as pictures took firmer and firmer hold o nthe affections of the dear public. The irony of it is that now, they in turn are being shoved into the discard by such a ridiculous toy as pee-wee golf. Mumblypeg could have done it, or tiddle-de-winks, or even ping-pong. In short, anything to capture the fancy of a gre- garious animal. The great game that did not even waver before the onslaught of the free entertainment delivered at home via radio is shivering in the face of a glorified croquet game. The answer is, when the play slumps, the box office nat- urally reflects it. To stimulate show business, stimulate shows. It is trite but true that it’s always a poor season for a poor show, and there is no excuse for a poor picture when the proper intelligence is incorporated in its making. Monotony is killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Originality and novelty is the medicine to save it. WHY NOT GIVE THEM A NAME? While Fanchon and Marco are the only ones presenting live talent in the local theatres, they are naturally the only ones offending at present. In justice to the acts and clever performers who comprise their Ideas, some effort should be bade to give them individual credit for their work. The other night in the “Gobs of Joy” Idea, the m. c. an- nounced the names of only part of the acts. The others were left unknown. Now recognition for their work as as dear to the heart of an earnest act as is their pay check, and fre- quently more valuable. Many an act is willing to cut salary for desirable publicity breaks, but not to mention them at all, either in print or announcement within the theatre, sub- merges their personality to the audience as well as the press reviewers. Short Shots At the News Samuel Goldwyn, film producer and Lenorc J. Coffee, a writer, were acquitted of plagiarism charges by United States District Judge Sawtelle. Gabriel D'e Bar- badillo and Phyllis Waters Forbes, plaintiffs in the action, sought $1, 000,000, declaring that the screen play, “The Night of Love,” was taken from a story by them called “The Christ of the Alley.” * * * Norma Shearer, who, at home is Mrs. Irving Thalberg, this week became the mother of an eight- pound boy. Thalberg is production chief at M-G-M. * * * Mrs. Margery Wellman sued William A. Wellman, film director, for divorce. Mrs. Wellman stated in her complaint that her husband was addicted to the use of pro- fanity and was of a jealous nature. There is a very important communication in this office for MRS. LYDIA M. KUHL- MAN. Anyone knowing her whereabouts please notify. Helen Kane, stage and screen star, appeared before Referee Peter B. Olney to explain how she ob- tained 50,000 dollars, which cred- itors of Murray J. Posner and his bankrupt Bond Dress Company claim belongs to them. * * * Leroy B. Shield, radio musical director, and Mrs. Katherine Wil liams Dolman, filed notice of in- tention to wed. Shield is a di- rector of the R. C. A. Victor Company. * * * Margaret Ekdahl, “Miss Amer- ica’ of 1930, and Will Osborne, orchestra leader, have announced their engagement. * * * CHICAGO. — Lucrezia Bori missed her first curtain-call in five seasons when Virgilio Lazzari basso, became too rough while singing Flora in “The Love of Three _ Kings.” He put too much enthusiasm in a scene where he is supposed to throw the diva over his shoulder. Mime. Bori fainted. SPEED WRITING FOR THESPIANS Tuesday night of each week has been set aside by Jane Cowle’s Secretarial Studio, 735 South Grand avenue, for free lessons in Super-Speed Writing to members of the theatrical craft. This system of ultra rapid writ- ing is based on the use of ordi- nary script letters and is much more simple than the old pot-hook and character shorthand. It can be learned in five weeks taking about an hour a day of time. Benefit of this system to script clerks, directors and executives as well as actors and others, whose work requires them to make notes, is inestimable. The notes are legi- ble and can be read by anyone. On Tuesday nights during the next two weeks, between 7 and 8:30 p. m., Jane Cowle will give without cost or obligation the first lesson or groundwork of the sys- tem to those who go to the studio with the advertisement published in this issue of Inside Facts. THAT CERTAIN TOUCH Peggy Prevost, sister of Marie Prevost, under contract to M-G-M for the past two years, has been secured by the Tiffany studios to work under George Sawley, chief of the property department. She will function as an expert in put- ting in the well known “feminine” touch in furnishings, details of de- sign and other features of scenes. LETTERS There are letters at the Los Angeles office of INSIDE FACTS for the following: ANTONE, Franco BIDMEAD Bros. BIDMEAD, Mr. BUSHMAN, Francis CLAIN, A1 DECKER, Kirke M. GRANSTEDT, Greta KUHLMAN, Lydia M. PARSONS, Ruth RIFKIND, H. TEL-A-PHONEY bj) JAMES MADISON Hello, Kolb and Dill. Hello, James Madison. The other day a man en- tered the Congressional Hall at Washington and wanted to buy some motor oil. Guess he mistook Congress for a gas station. =t= * * Hello, Ma Kennedy. Hello, James Madison. What was that row between yourself and Aimee? The nose knows. * * * Hello, Moran and Mack. Hello, James Madison. I always rest my mind be- tween Saturday and Monday. A sort of weak-end holiday. * * * Hello, Vera Gordon. Hello, James Madison. Was Mayor Jimmie Walker in the late war? If he was, that explains why it was late. * * Hello, Mack Sennett. Hello, James Madison. What is Rockefeller’s favorite hymn? “Oily, Oily.” * * * Hello, Four Marx Brothers. Hello, James Madison. Why has the Prince of Wales started in again to ride horseback? Because, now that the Duchess of York gave birth to a daughter, the Prince must fall for a bride. * * * Hello, Constance Bennett. Hello, James Madison. Dr. Fisk states that man has three outlets for his enegies: alcoholic intoxication, love and work. The trouble with some men is that they forget the last two. * * * Hello, Mitzi Green. Hello, James Madison. I understand there is a war- rant out for your arrest for “stealing” the last Clara Bow picture. Don’t be a meenie. * * * Hello, Jimmie Lyons. Hello, James Madison. I understand that in the Colorado State Penitentiary there are 3000 men and only two women. Correct, but the warden states those two women cause more trouble than the 3000 men. * * * Hello, Harry Zehner. Hello, James Madison. One mother in Hollywood claims she sold beer to feed her babies. That’s what I call being raised on the bottle. Sitting in on the Irving Mills night at the George Olsen night club . Irving, dapper and debonnaire, meeting the press. . . . Jack Demp- sey and those million dollar hands telling a story. . . . And the lady at the next table wondering how Jack’s dancing partner’s hands felt lost in his. . . . Estelle Taylor, his charming wife, also relating a funny one . . . and despite the hosts of stars, they still remained the center of attraction, . . . Jack’s boyish grin winning everyone present. Eleanor Barnes, brilliant drama critic, captivating with her mag- netic personality . . . and her co-worker, Hal Rorke, the young and efficient city editor of the “News,” also among those who thrilled'to the tuneful melodies of Duke Ellington’s boys. . . . The talented new Paramount star, Lillian Roth, paying a gracious thanks to the col- umnist for a well deserved tribute . . . together with her mother . . . and a dazzling brunette beauty, Lillian’s sister Ann, who couldn’t pos- sibly miss . . . with that famous Roth smile . . . that centered upon Herb Oshins . . . also in the Roth party . . . lucky boy. . . . Lillian will be seen in “Animal Crackers,” the Marx Brothers’ new flicker. Don Eddy and Billy Gibbs, the R. K. O. press purveyors and inci- dentally two of the best copy writers in Hollywood, seeing that Irving Mills’s guests were well taken care of . . . and Billy Gibbs, together with Eleanor Barnes, runners-up in the dancing contest . . . such tal- ent . . . and not under contract. . . . Joe Frisco, cigar and all, gra- ciously allowing the other couple to win against him and his partner . . . and clowning to the amusement of the packed house. . . . Sally Blane, Pauline Starke and Jack White . . . thoroughly enjoying the evening also. . . . The Gittleson Boys, guests of honor, taking advan- tage of a night off before the rush on the new legit shows flood their various agencies. . . . Frank Fay, Lew Brown, Lew Brice, Grant Clark, with their vari- ous parties . . .applauding the gypsy trio. . . . Dave Wolfe and Jack Russo, former owners of the old Plantation, getting an eye and ear- ful of the same place now hardly recognizable from its former stand. . . Bobby Goldstein, who, with his brother Leonard, were there look- ing after their various interests. . . . Bobby is associated with Abe Lyman, the drummer, who was also there, getting an earful of the band . . . Mike Levi was on hand, tripping the light fan- tastic. . . . while that master maestro of ceremonies, Ben Bard, and his charming mistress of finances, Ruth Roland, thoroughly enjoying the secrets of the cuisine. ... Clarence Brown, Sally O’Neill, Molly O’Day . . . looking like the proverbial million . _. . Harry Hassall, noted English cellist, and his talented wife. . . . Pierre Carta, violin virtuoso, rehearsing with Esta- Ieah, eighteen-year-old prima donna ... the latter also visiting the editorial room. Gregory and Louise driving their chariot . . . and giving tne cub lift. . . . Lawrence Grant, Robert Edeson, Jack Whiting ... at the opening of “The Poor Nut.” . . . J. C. Nugent, co-author of the play, taking a bow. . . . Charley Miller, political boss of Hollywood, elec- tioneering for Rolph, Golden and Lyons. . . . Ben Dillon worried . . . three apartment houses . . . two hundred and forty apartments . . . one vacancy ... one headache. . . . Max Dill smiling at last . . .’ he starts work Sunday. Ah those good old days. . . . Magic. . . . Max Asher presto! Universal make-up man. . . . Phil Rock studying Jap- anese.. . . must converse with his new star, Mykoto. . . . Mike Newman re-resident of Los Angeles . . . measuring them for ushers’ costumes . . . Walter Kolfeldt now managing the Newsreel Theatre ... a clog in the wheels of progress . . . Marco takes a fif- teen-minute rest. . . . Bill Simons with a worried look outside of the new Leighton’s lunchroom . . . like Postum, there’s a reason . For sale, one reducing machine. . . . Lost, one waistline. . . . See Monte Carter. . . . Carey Chandler boosting Judge Valentine.