Lights of New York (Warner Bros.) (1928)

Warner Bros. Present “LIGHTS OF NEW YORK” — First All-Talking Picture cE 1 He ~ STORIES FOR CURRENT USE “Mother” Mary Carr Cast in “Lights of New York” Although Mary Carr has _ portrayed the role of mother both before the footlights and kleigs on innumerable occasions, for the first time she enacts a part in which her voice is heard on_ the sereen in “Lights of New York,” Warner Bros.’ initial effort in producing a Vitaphone picture of fea ture length with Mary Carr spoken dialogue dena asia t zs and sound ef Cut or Mat fects throughout Order Separately the entire story. =". One of the most lovable personalities of filmdom, Mary Carr has devoted her entire life to bringing joy to the hearts of those who witnessed her on the stage or, within recent years, watched her vivid pantomime in the silent drama. Now her voice, as comfortably motherly and as her presence, is brought to the screen as the parent of Cullen Landis, who plays in “Lights of New York,” opposite Helene Costello, under the direction of Bryan Foy. Gladys Brockwell, Eugene Pallette, Wheeler Oakman, Robert Elliott, Tom Dugan, Tom_ McGuire, Walter Percival, Guy D’Ennery and Jere Delaney are also in the cast, portray outstanding supporting roles in the original Vitaphone story of New York’s night iife written by Hugh Herbert and Murray Roth. Oakman Grim “Night Hawk” in the Thriller “Lights of New York” Wheeler Oakman, who plays the grim keeper of the night club in “Lights of New York,” Warner Bros.’ first full-length all-Vitaphone photoplay, now showing at the ‘ . . Theatre, was born in Fairfax County, ¢ Ni ou ne dse In 1890. He is related to Fishting Joe Wheeler of Confederate and Spanish American War fame. Wheeler Oakmaty His theatrical debut was as ee i hd juvenile in “Un— gyder Separa paratel der Southern . Skies.” He toured for several years in “Strongheart” and “Checkers,” playing heavies, and in 1912 went into pictures under Selig, playing Bronco Kid in “The Spoilers” with William Farnum, which, curiously enough, was the first feature length picture. Joining the army in November, 1917, he served in France, receiving his discharge in January, 1919. Since that time he has appeared with Viola Dana, Priscilla Dean, Bessie Love, Annette Kellermann, Colleen Moore and others. Mr. Oakman has played semiprofessional baseball, is an enthusiast at golf and tennis, and is the “Dad” of the Beverley Hills “De Molay,’ the junior Masonic organization. “TLiohts of New York” is now showing at the .... Theatre. “LIGHTS OF NEW YORK” The story Of two country kids Who brave The big town Meet terror And disaster— And go home To settle down! Helene Costello Scores As Lead in First Big All-Vitaphone Picture Helene Costello, who danced her way to fame in the silent drama, portrays a vivacious night club dancer in the leading feminine role in “hichts’ “of 5 New York,” the first Vitaphone feature length picture to reach the screen in which all the characters speak their words through the enfolding of the entire story. Sister of the lovely Dolores Costello, Helene, pci tate is a daughter of Maurice Costello, the first movie idol. Completing her education at an exclusive academy on the Hudson, Helene traveled to all parts of the world, evidencing many-sided artistie abilities. At seventeen the stage‘ called her and she appeared in a sister dancing act with Dolores in George White’s “Scandals,” thus attracting the attention of the Warners, who immediately signed her under a long term contract. “Good Time Charley.” “In Old Kentucky” and “The Midnight Taxi” are among her recent vehicles. In “Lights of New York” Miss Costello finds her greatest opportunity for dramatic interpretation she has yet received—the beautiful quality of her voice being brought to the screen as well as her charming personality. Cullen Landis enacts the leading masculine role opposite Miss Costello in “Liehts of New York,” while the stellar supporting cast includes Gladys Brockwell, Mary Carr, Eugene Pallette. Wheeler Oakman, Robert Elliott. Tom Dugan, Tom Order Separately McGuire, Walter Percival, Guy D’Ennery, Jere Delaney and many others. ” “Tiohts of New York,” which marks Brvan Fov’s initial effort as a director of Vitaphone feature length productions, was written by Hugh Herbert and Murray Roth. Irish Wit Lands Dugan in “Lights of New York” Born in Dublin, Ireland, Tom Duean at an early ave migrated with his family to Philadelphia where he received his education. Leaving school to join a medicine show, he nearly starved on the meager wages which often went unnaid. Beating it to New York the clever lad became acquainted with a number Tom Dugar of newsboys = who had excelStock S-214 Cut or Mat lent voices, and organized the famous New York Newsboys’ Quartette, which toured the country for almost seven years as a vaudeville headliner. Experience thus gained paved the way for making his entry into musical comedy, which he did in “Silks and Satins.” He next appeared in Earl Carroll’s “Vanities,” in several Shubert shows, during which time he wrote many vaudeville sketches and playlets. Coming to Hollywood, he opened with Carter De Haven in his “Music Box Revue,” where he remained until a Warner Bros.’ director induced him to take a part in “What Every Girl Should Know.” Since then he has appeared in many pictures. among them being “Sharpshooters,” “Dressed to Kill” and “The Small Bachelor.” Bryan Foy, director for Warner Bros.’ initial full-length all-Vitaphone photoplay of New York night life, “Lights of New York,” chose him to interpret the part of Sam, the detective. Order Separately L BRYAN FOY DIRECTS bryan Foy Stock S-219 Cut or Mat Order Separately Bryan Foy, son of the beloved comedian, Eddie Foy, and eldest of the “Seven Little Foys,” left the speaking stage two years ago to direct the short sketches which Vitaphone was at that time making. He has directed hundreds of these little masterpieces, starring many of the most celebrated artists of the theatrical and musical world. Mr. Foy has followed the activities of Vitaphone ta its present state of perfection and is responsible not only for the direction of “Lights of New York,” but for the selection of the cast, all of whom have had previous stage and screen experience. He has written many popular songs and sketches, among others “Gallagher and Shean.” Mr. Foy is married and lives in Beverly Hills, California. Elliott a Hit as Hard Guy in “Lights of New York” Robert Elliott, who created the ominously calm, slow-voiced detective in the sensational stage hit, “Broadway,” portrays a_ plainclothesman in ae “Liohts of New York,” the first all-talking motion picture of feature length in which Helene Costello and Cullen Landis enact the lead ing romantic Ne roles. _ Robert E/liott Having ap peared in nuy pepe es merous footlight Gis Repaeetel productions in New York, Elliott came to the west coast in his famous detective role in “Broadway.” His performance attracted the eyes of motion picture producers and directors and he was given different “bits” at various studios. Being the exact type recuired for “Lights of New York,” Bryan Foy, director of this Vitaphone production at Warner Bros.’ studio, obtained him to play the role. Gladys Brockwell, Mary Carr, Robert Elliott, Tom Dugan. Tom McGuire, Guy “D’Ennery, Walter Percival, Jere Delaney, Eugene Pallette and Wheeler Oakman also interpret important parts in this colorful Vitaphone story of New York’s night life written by Murray Roth and Hugh Herbert. Cullen Landis Wins Praise as Lead in First All-Talking Photoplay “With the rush of motion picture stars to study voice training due to the ever-increasing importance of Vitaphone talking pictures, I certainly am glad that my early stage exnerience has cultivated my voice making additional study unnecessary,” says Cullen Landis, who enacts the masculine lead opposite Helene Costello. in “Lights of New York,” the initial Vitaphone production with spoken dialogue and sound effects throughout the entire picture. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Cullen Landis tried his hand at amateur theatricals in his home town. He soon realized that his ability would reach a_ greater audience if he could play to a larger city. Climbing steadily, he received one of the prize roles at that time, the juvenile lead in “The Famous Mrs. Fair.” The success of this stage play and the triumph of Landis in his characterization brought him to the heights of prominence. Attracting the attention of film producers he entered the movies. James Cruze obtained him to play the title role in “The Fighting Coward,” which brought him screen fame. In “Lights of New York” Cullen Landis portrays a young village boy who wishes to do great things in the big city, but finds much to his sorrow that if one gets in wrong New York’s “Roaring Forties” is no place for a fellow who wants to do things in an honest manner. The supporting cast in this first effort in the realm of all-talking Vitaphone motion pictures includes Gladys Brockwell, Mary Carr, Eugene Pallette, Wheeler Oakman, Robert Elliott, Tom Dugan, Tom McGuire, Guy D’Ennery, Jere Delaney and Walter Percival. Bryan Foy directed from an original story by Hugh Herbert and Murray Roth. Cullen Landis Stock S-216 Cut or Mat Order Separately Play Doctors Agree on “Lights of New York” Two men are responsible for the first all-talking picture, “Lights of New York,” which Warner Bros. are now presenting at the. . Theatre. The two men are Hugh Herbert and Murray Roth, two of the cleverest playmakers and _ play doctors in the theatrical world. Herbert was born in Binghamton, New York, and educated in Cornell, where the urge to write and act took such strong hold upon him that he ran away to join a stock He worked during the company. following year into various lines of his chosen profession, writing plays, fixing up other veovle’s plays, and acting—esneciallv Jewish parts. Coming to Hollywood as a member of the Music Box Revue. of which he was a leading comedian—he formed his connection with Warner Bros. as a writer for Vitaphone—and at once went into collaboration with the equally suecessful Murray Roth. The latter, after leaving New York Universitv, secured a position as song writer with one of the bie music vublishing houses. one of his hits, “Olga from the Volea.” being introduced at a New York cabaret, created such a furore that a film executive signed him and at the same time siened Brvan Fov who directed “Tights of New York.” the Roth-Herbert story for Warner’s. Foy. upon coming to Warner’s to take charge of direction of Vitaphone nictres. brought Roth. The Huech-Herbert-Murray Roth combination portends great things for the all-talking picture—of or “Lights of New York” is the rst. ! Gladys Brockwell Superb in All-Vitaphone Film Gladys Brockwell, who appears as Molly Thompson in “Lights of New York,’ Warner Bros.’ first feature length Vitaphone production with spoken dialogue throughout—now playing at the... Theatre — was born in Brooklyn, New York, and made her stage bow as an infant in the arms of her mother, Lillian Brockwell, ay, br a es star 0 the time. ae played ie see — rst speaking tock S-217 part at three eace Weparaiels and when seven was a member of a stock company. Her first vaudeville tour was with Franklin Ardell over the Sullivan and Considine Circuit. She played her first motion picture lead in “The Counterfeiter’s Wife” opposite Romaine Fielding, later going to Inceville where she appeared with Sessue Hayakawa, William Hart, Robert deson and others. She was later under the supervision of D. W. Griffith in what became the Triangle Company. She also played the feminine lead in “Double Troubles” opposite Douglas Fairbanks. In “The Old Highchair’ her characterization covered a period from eighteen to eighty. With Universal she co-starred with Milton Sills in “The Honor System,” and she is remembered for many vampire roles under the Fox management. Among Miss’ Brockwell’s_ cinematic triumphs are “Oliver Twist,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “So Big,” “Spangles,” “The Country Doctor” and “Seventh Heaven.” She makes her Vitaphone debut in “Lights of New York,” the work of Murray Roth and Hugh Herbert, under the direction of Bryan Foy, in which Helene Costello and Cullen Landis enact the principal parts. Pallette Triumphs as Boob Barber in First All-Vitaphone Drama Winfield, Kansas, claims Eugene Pallette as a native son, though it is recorded that before finishing his schooling there he ran away to become a jockey, winning huzzas on the tracks of St. Louis, Lexington. and New Orleans. He then joined the circus as a stunt bareback rider, ; soon receiving’ : an injury which put. him out of Eugene Palletce business for a S time. The public cara ab 5 ut or a next saw him Order Separately doing a teamact in “The Time, the Place and the Girl.” His first screen appearance was in Nestor Comedies under Al Christie. He later worked for In 4 Griffith and Morosco. When t World War turned things upsite down, it found Eugene Pallette ir. the cockpit of an airplane, where he remained for eighteen months. On his return to civil life he switched to farce, such as “Fair and Warmer” and “Parlor, Bedroom and Bath.” He was later with Douglas Fairbanks in “The Three Musketeers,” “The Gallop ‘ing Fish’ and others. Luck turned, California oil investments failed, an accident kept him in bed for a year, but he tricked fate by appearing in “Without Mercy” and “Chicago” which got him his engagement in Warner Bros.’ first full-length allVitaphone melodrama, co-featuring Helene Costello and Cullen Landis. “Lights of New York,” the work of Murray Roth and Hugh Herbert, directed by Bryan Foy, and now showing at the .... Theatre.