Midnight Alibi (Warner Bros.) (1934)

Kor his jifty-first picture, Richard Barthelmess has turned out an other hit in “Midnight Alibi.” This First National picture was taken from the popular magazine story by Damon Runyon, author of “Lady for a Day” and “Little Miss Marker.” Ann Dvorak, Helen Lowell and Helen Chandler are in the cast. Mat No. 3—20c “Midnight Alibi’’ Thrilling Romance By Damon Runyon “Midnight Alibi,” First National’s picturization of Damon Runyon’s thrilling romance of metropolitan New York of the present day, is scheduled to open cea 1 gee ep ae theatre on se ed age aes » with Richard Barthelmess in the stellar role and Helen Lowell, famous New York stage favorite in an outstanding characterization. Much in the same tempo as his “Lady for a Day,” Runyon has drawn gangster characterizations in whimsical vein, in a story that carries an unusual romance and many thrills. The unusual friendship that springs up between the proud old aristocrat, Abigail Ardsley, and the young racketeer, Lance McGowan, who seeks refuge in her secluded mansion when pursued by a rival gang intent on putting him on the spot, dramatizes the spirit of New York as few, if any other stories, have done. Barthelmess has the role of the gangster, and also appears in a short episode as the sweetheart of the aristocratic spinster when she was a young girl forty five years before. It is the resemblance of the two youths that draws the spinster to the gangster. Miss Lowell appears as the elderly Abigail Ardsley, and is said to give a remarkable performance, and one that will proclaim her as one of the leading screen players as she had formerly been on the stage. Ann Dvorak plays the role of the present day sweetheart and sister of a rival gangster, enacted by Robert Barrat. It is this love affair that eventually leads to the murder of the brother with Barthelmess accused of the crime, although innocent. For the friendship of the spinster has changed him to a gentleman at heart. How the aristocratic old lady saves the young gangster’s life and unites him to his sweetheart forms one of the most amazing Miss Chandler Can Weep At Will But She Cannot Stop It’s no trouble for Helen Chandler to shed real tears, gallons of them if necessary, when a scene in one of her pictures demands it. But once Helen starts crying, it’s impossible to turn the tears off. She has to ery herself out, so to speak. During the production of the First National picture, “Midnight Alibi,” which comes to the She ee eats Theatre on. with Richard Barthelmess in the stellar role, Miss Chandler had to weep profusely as she held her dying lover in her arms. “We'lk try to get this scene the first time,” said director Alan Crosland to the actress, “so that it won’t be too hard on you.” “Don’t mind me,” said Helen cheerfully. “I enjoy a good ery. It’s healthy. Take the scene as many times as you like and, as long as I haven’t cried myself out, it won’t bother me at all. I have to ery myself out, once I’ve started so that it doesn’t really matter.” So affecting was the situation and so realistic were Miss Chandler’s tears that most of the company watching the scene being played had wet eyes and lumps in their throats before it was finished. “Midnight Alibi” is a most unusual romance based on the story by Damon Runyon, author of “Lady for a Day.” It was dramatized by Warren Duff. Others in the cast include Ann Dvorak, Helen Lowell, Robert Barrat and Henry O’Neill. oo and smashing climaxes imaginable. Helen Chandler has the part of Miss Lowell as a young girl while Henry O’Neill has the role of her fiery father who slays her sweetheart when he finds the two in each other’s arms. Others in the cast include Robert MeWade, Purnell Pratt, Harry Tyler and Paul Hurst. Helen Lowell One Of Barthelmess’ Favorite Players Helen Lowell, who plays the role of the white haired, aristocratie Abigail Ardsley in the First National picture, “Midnight Alibi,’ which comes to the Be ce ae theatre on .................: ; is one of Richard Barthelmess’ favorite stage actresses. But she had to come to Hollywood to find it out. It was one of the thrills of Miss Lowell’s first few weeks in the film colony when Barthelmess greeted her on the set where the two were to work in the leading characterizations of “Midnight Alibi.” They had never met before but Dick greeted her like an old friend. “T feel as though I had known you for years,” said Barthelmess, “And, as a matter of fact, I have. Pve never missed a single show you were in when I have been in New York. I’ve always hoped that someday I might have the pleasure of playing in a picture with you.” Barthelmess plays the role of a gangster in the picture who is befriended by the elderly lady because he reminds her of her youthful lover, slain by her own father. The story is by Damon Runyon, author of “Lady for a Day” and is much of the same vein. Others in the cast include Ann Dvorak, Helen Chandler, Henry O’Neill, Robert Barrat, Robert MeWade and Purnell Pratt. Alan Crosland directed the picture from the screen play by Warren Duff. Noted Sport Writer Is Author Of New Barthelmess Film After holding the title of one of America’s foremost sports authorities for a quarter of a century, Damon Runyon began to display his versatility a few years ago by creating a series of short stories, dealing with present day New York and its night life that are classics of their kind. Such vivid cross-sections of twentieth century Manhattan and its motley millions have these Runyon yarns proved to be, that several of them have found their way to the screen, a recent one being “A Lady for a Day.” Foremost among his more recent tales of the metropolis is “Midnight Alibi,’ which First National Studios produced, and which comes to the ............. DMOACTE OH oo... poke , with Richard Barthelmess in the stellar role. No story Damon Runyon has written more completely reveals his singular ability to weave a story pattern in which the most discordant and dissimilar elements mingle to form an amazing dramatic whole. A white-haired, aristocratic spinster and a gun-toting racketeer are the leading figures in “Midnight Alibi,” the former played by Helen Lowell, the latter by Barthelmess. Around the person of Ann Dvorak an unusual love story develops. Alan Crosland directed from the screen dramatization by Warren Duff, Dick Barthelmess Heads Strong Cast In “‘Midnight Alibi’’ Richard Barthelmess, star of the First National production of “Midnight Alibi,” which comes RO: GHO he oleic theatre on + ere , is supported in this picture by an unusually strong and well selected cast. Barthelmess, who completes his fifty-first picture with “Midnight Alibi,” has most recently appeared in “A Modern Hero,” “Massacre” and “Heroes For Sale.” Credited with having had more sweethearts in his film plays than any other actor, he adds two more conquests in his current picture. The star has a double role in the picture, one of the present day, and one as a youth forty five years ago. Ann Dvorak, who appeared with Barthelmess in “Massacre,” and also was recently seen in “Friends of Mr. Sweeney” and “Side Streets,” is the present day sweetheart while Helen Chandler is the girl of bygone days. The most outstanding characterization, with the exception of the star, is handled, however, by Helen Lowell, famous Broadway star who recently turned to Hollywood. She has appeared in but two pictures before her current one, that of “The Merry Frinks” and “Side Streets.” Other important players in the cast include Henry O’Neill, Robert Barrat, Robert MeWade, Purnell Pratt, Harry Tyler, Paul Hurst, Arthur Aylesworth and Vincent Sherman. The picture is a most unusual romance based on a story by the famous sports writer, Damon Runyon, author of “Lady for a Day.” It was dramatized for the screen by Warren Duff and directed by Alan Crosland. Ann Dvorak Sets All White Fad In **Midnight Alibi’’ “Wear white if you would look smart and feel cool,’ says Ann Dvorak, pretty First National star. “From the most informal dresses worn in the morning, from beach togs, tennis frocks and street wear to gowns of formal importance, white is the most adaptable and flattering of all the choose.” colors a woman ean Miss Dvorak, who appears with Richard Barthelmess in ‘“Midnight Alibi,” now showing at the ES ae Theatre, models a gown designed by Orry-Kelly that illustrates this theory perfectly. Lustreless sheer white crepe is the medium, a formal evening party the occasion, and simplicity the theme of the gown. The skirt is intricately cut in a moulded line, with slight fullness at its lower edge, which is just a shade longer in back than in front, and lends itself to daneing without tripping. The bodice has conical slits at the shoulder line, set in with flesh toned marquisette and garnished with two huge erystal buttons, which form an anchorage for a detachable cape wrap that has an exciting military dash. Two interesting touches are the use of long sleeves, even for a summer evening gown, and the draped sash, which ties in front. The story of “Midnight Alibi” is a strange and beautiful romance written by Damon Runyon author of “Lady for a Day,” and adapted to the screen by Warren Duff. Others in the cast include Helen Chandler, Helen Lowell, Henry O’Neill and Robert Barrat. Alan Crosland directed. Right Out of the Album Sweethearts of the 1880’s . . . portrayed by Richard Barthelmess and Helen Chandler in First National’s latest drama, “Midnight Alibi.” The all star cast includes Ann Dvorak, Helen Lowell, Robert Barrat and Henry O'Neill. The film was adapted from the short story by Damon Runyon, author of “Lady for a Day” and “Little Miss Marker.” The picture is now on view at the Strand. Mat No. 2—20c¢ Page Three