The Mad Genius (Warner Bros.) (1931)

‘ die ainiacialie HIS MARVELOUS PERFORMANCE! Climaxing his eminent career on stage and screen, John Barrymore comes to the ____ coer ais Theatre next in ‘The Mad Genius,” Warner’ Bros. picturization of Martin Brown’s play. Others in the cast are Marian Marsh, Charles Butterworth and Donald Cook. Cut No. 16 Cut 1r5c Mat 5c Barrymore Comes Today In Thrilling “The Mad Genius” Lovely Marian Marsh Again Plays Leading Feminine Role As In “Svengali” \uurrent<wunt 1st Day) MAMA OT 5. = OL Phere ee ‘Theatre is pleased to announce the opening of “The Mad Genius,” the Warner Bros. picture starring John Barrymore and featuring Marian Marsh and Donald Cook in the leading juvenile roles. Mr. Barrymore considers the role of Tsarakov, the mad genius of the Russian Imperial Ballet, the most weirdly dramatic role of his entire eareer. Tsarakov, embittered because of a physical blemish which prevents him personally becoming the embodiment of the dance—kidnaps a homeless lad, pours into him all the fanatical ambition thwarted in himself—dominates him body and soul — and finally. banishes the dancing girl whom Fedor loves. Tsarakov’s ruthless selfishness finally alienates the lad who has become the world’s greatset dancer— then follow scenes of tremendous power in which figure a drug-crazed ballet master—and a strangely glittering concourse of persons and situations—which lead the melodrama to its inevitable end. Others featured in “The Mad Genius” are Carmel Myers, Charles Butterworth, Luis Alberni, Andre Luget, Boris Karloff, Frankie Darro and Mae Madison. Michael Curtiz directed. Famous Dowagers Are In Scenes Of ‘‘Mad Genius” (Current Reader) Many of Hollywood’s professional dowagers who sit in theatre boxes and serve as backgrounds for society affairs in pictures, are seen in ‘The Mad Genius” the Warner Bros. picture starring John Barrymore, BWV LHC. oe. ose ee | Theatre. Many of these extra people are charming women of another generation and some have names which were once the ‘open sesame’ to society’s doors. Many of them remember, not only John Barrymore, Lionel and Ethel as children, but their parents, the famous Maurice Barrymore and Georgie Drew—and their grandmother, Mrs. John Drew—the grandest of them all—receiving the plaudits of the stage at eighty. BARRYMORE chan Barrymore Crowns His Eminent Career By Portrayal Of “Mad Genius,” Marian Marsh Again Is Playing Lead Donald Cook, Charles Butterworth, Carmel Myers And Other Famous Players, Appear In Warner Bros. Feature Now At The Theatre Here (Review Featuring the Cast) John Barrymore, who has given so many masterly screen portrayals of characters tragic, romantic and even comic— offers what many eritics consider his finest characterization in the title role of ‘‘The Mad Genius,’’ the Warner Bros. picture, which opened its local engagement last night at the Theatre. Hollywood Friends 0 John Barrymore Visit “The Mad Genius” Set (Current—Plant 3rd Day) All Hollywood fought for an opportunity to visit the final ballet scenes in the new Barrymore feature picture, “The Mad Genius” the Warner Bros. picture now at the Theatre. With Adolph Bolm, the greatest living master of the Russian Ballet in charge of the dancers and with John Barrymore playing the role of the demoniac impresario — a character similar to that of Serge Diaghileff; everybody wanted to see the final magnificent scenes of the picture. Special invitations were issued by the studio, by Mr. Barrymore personally and by Mr. Bolm. While the ballet scenes are used only as a background for the melodramatic action of the play, they are authentic— and the result of weeks of rehearsal on the part of seventy girls and thirty men. —The irge Supporting cast ificludes | Marian Marsh, Charles Butterworth, Donald Cook, Luis Alberni and Carmel Myers. Michael Curtiz directed. The Man Was Mad— But A enw , Genius! More intriguing than than ever as the master who “made” many famous stars! JOHN BARRYMORE in his crowning glory The Mad Genius with : MARIAN MARSH at her marvelous _ best CHAS. BUTTERWORTH Donald Cook A Warner Bros. & Vitaphone Hit APOLLO Cut No.2 Cut 2oc Mat sc The star is supported, as in “Svengali,” by Marian Marsh, youthful sereen discovery of the year, who is exquisite as the dancer, Nana. The girl is dominated by the mad genius, Tsarakov, first seen as master of a traveling marionette show, and later as impresario of the Russian Imperial Ballet. Tsarakov, while haunted by a burning desire to be the world’s supreme interpreter of the dance, is prevented by a physical deformity. He is embittered by this fact and takes an insane delight in pulling the strings to make his grotesque puppets dance, while the yokels applaud. One night a drunken peasant lashes his child into the caravan of Tsarakov—who suddenly gets a great inspiration! He will steal the boy— pour into him the flame of his own genius—make him the Divine Dancer the world awaits—and then gloat over his idol in the knowledge that it is not really Fedor the crowds are applauding but Tsarakov himself! The frenzied Tsarakov works on the lad’s mind through the years— and finally beholds his fulfilled desire. Fedor, the youth, is the greatest of dancers and star of the Imperial Russian Ballet, of which Tsarakov is impresario. ——Fedorfalls in tove with Nana, > the dancer, and, fearing that she may stand in the way of his success, Tsarakov banishes her. Fedor discovers the perfidy of Tsarakov and follows the girl. With hatred only equalled by his former love, Tsarakov brings the lad to the dregs of poverty—finally making him believe the girl is false to him—and winning him back. But it is the later experiences of Tsarakov—who is snared in his own trap—his dealings with the drugmaddened ballet-master—his tragic battles with himself—his sardonic and impotent rage—that make “The Mad Genius” so compelling. Back of the thrilling scenes are flashes of the great ballet done to the musie of Rimskikorsikoff—the intricate dances arranged by Adolph Bohm—formerly of the Imperial Russian Ballet. These are used merely as atmospheric background to the drama. Mr. Barrymore is supported by Don Cook as Fedor—Charles Butterworth as the solemnly amusing secretary—Luis Alberni as the musician who brings Tsarakov to his just deserts—Carmel Myers as a former mistress — Andre Luget, Boris Karloff, Frankie Darro and Mae Madison. Michael Curtiz succeeds admirably in his direction, “The Mad Genius” is a picture no lover of great drama should miss. Marian Marsh’s Hollywood Diary Praised By Critics (Current Reader) Marian Marsh, seventeen-year-old more in Warner Bros. “The Mad Genius” began to keep a diary in her high school days and has kept it up since her spectacular entry into the sereen world, during which, in less than a year, she has appeared opposite William Powell, Edward G. i | Robinson and John Barrymore. Those who have been privileged. to see the diary say that it is a really fascinating human document and a vivid presentation of Hollywood as seen through the eyes of a fresh young girl. Miss Marsh admits that she may some day consent to its publication. ITTOOK A LIFETIMETO MAKE! All Barrymore’s Former Triumphs Have Been But Rehearsals For His Master Performance! —F “You pull strings— Marionettes dance! But I’m one with a heart — pulled by a power stronger even than you—LOV E!” Guile Genius of of The Mad MARIAN Passions of a madman— JOHN RRYMORE in a role that fulfills his highest dramatic ambition! in a role that gives her charm its greatest chance! CHARLES BUTTERWORTH DONALD COOK 7, “He shall have no other loves before ~ me! Give him up— I made him. He’s mine!” ee a genius— a master! Genius MARSH A WARNER BROS. & VITAPHONE HIT STRAND Cut No.7 Cut 4goc Mat roc Barrymore Outdoes Own|Remote Trinidad Gives Record As ‘‘Mad Genius” (Advance Reader) Except for the fact that he has an unruly foot, John Barrymore is his old handsome self in his role in “The Mad Genius” the current Warner Bros. feature picture which comes-to. the... = ea Theatre ..next. Those who have followed Barrymore’s entire picture eareer believe the star has never done finer work than in this fascinating and mysterious role. Barrymore In Real Life (Advance Reader) After being forced to limp eight to ten hours-daily for more than a month because of the heavy shoe he wears in the picture “The Mad Genius,” John Barrymore, the star of this new Warner Bros. picture, found himself limping around his own premises in his ordinary shoes. It took him a week to get out of the habit. “The Mad Genius” Comes = 00. the 23. Theatre Pe Se next. The Films A New Star (Current Reader) The Island of Trinidad, British possession off the coast of Venezuela, is the birthplace of Marian Marsh, the seventeen-year-old screen discovery who is now to be seen at Theatre as the leading lady for John Barrymore in Warner Bros. “The Mad Genius.” Miss Marsh was also Mr. Barrymore’s lead in “Svengali.” She recently appeared with William Powell and with Edward G. Robinson. LAST TWO DAYS! IBARRY MORE The MADG CAPITOL Cut No. 19 Cut 20c Mat 5c Page Five