THELMA TODD IN THE THIRTIES is a collection of classic newspaper articles about Thelma Todd, reprinted by G.D. Hamann. G. D. Hamann publishes a number of books reprinting classic newspaper articles about vintage movie stars.
Hamann had some of the Thelma Todd items on his blog, which I put in a couple of yahoo groups. Yahoo seems to have gotten rid of the text files ( which was where I had some of them ), but a copy turned up in my e mail, because it had also been put in "Thelma Todd Fans" as a message.
Selections from the book by GD Hamann reprinting period newspaper
articles. This is from his blog. - the living Thelma fan
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thelma Todd In the 30's
2/8/1934 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Lee Tracy starts to work again! The threat of a studio blackball
which seemed, for a time, to end his career in Hollywood has been
lifted. Tracy has signed with Universal, at a very fancy salary, for
the starring role in Where's Brown? A newspaper story by Lincoln
Quarberg. Tracy first catapulted to screen fame in a columnist role
in Blessed Event and most of his best pictures have given him roles
of a reporter or publicity agent. His new contract with Universal
carries no options, chiefly because Tracy's salary demands were so
high. Where's Brown? Will be something of a test picture, in that it
will definitely determine public reaction to Tracy, who figured so
luridly in the Mexico City trouble during the making of Viva Villa.
Where's Brown? Will start work in 10 days. Gloria Stuart is wanted
for the feminine lead, but whether she will take it is another
question, since Gloria is disgusted with pictures and wants to break
her Universal contract so that she can return to the stage. Paul
Kelly, under contract to Twentieth Century, also is wanted for
another big role in the picture, and Edward Sedgwick will direct.
Where's Brown? Was first scheduled to star Edmund Lowe. A rumor also
sprang up that Ralph Bellamy was under consideration for the part.
But now the deal for Lee Tracy is definite.
....
Mona Lisa is the title of a picture which will star Warren William at
Warners. William will not enact a counterpart of that famous sphynx-
like face painted by Leonardo da Vinci. But he will be the central
figure in a story based on the fake painting and antique racket as
pursued in Paris and in this country. The Mona Lisa has been the
object of several famous thefts, and it is believed there are two
paintings of this subject, one of which is such a perfect imitation
that it is almost impossible to tell which is the original. The story
first was titled Self Portrait, and it was written by Carl Erickson,
a most successful scenario writer at Warners who emerged from the
ranks of story readers. William recently was withdrawn from the cast
of The Key, in which he was replaced by Colin Clive, English actor
who has been with Katharine Hepburn in The Lake.
....
The Paramount story board developed an original idea which is now
being worked out by Dorothy Spears under the title Guilty Girl. It is
a murder mystery yarn revolving about a murder committed in a girls'
boarding school. However, I'm told the mystery is not predominant,
and the murder is more or less incidental to a romantic plot. Helen
Mack and Frances Drake are being considered for the leading role.
Miss Drake perhaps is most in favor, since the executives are smiling
over her work in Bolero with George Raft and she is giving another
fine performance in The Trumpet Blows again with George Raft. I saw
Miss Drake performing a rumba dance for The Trumpet Blows and must
confess that her physical beauty dazzled me. It was a dance that
would have been vulgar had not Miss Drake's great beauty made it so
lovely.
....
Weather Permitting is a story by Ferdinand Schumann-Heink which has
been bought for production by Universal. The author is a son of a
famous opera singer. Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink. Ferdinand also
has worked as an actor in pictures, but more recently has devoted his
time to writing. Weather Permitting deals with the plight of a group
fo Hollywood movie extras and follows them through some very
exciting, dramatic and wildly humorous days. Kurt Neumann will direct
the picture after he completes Alias the Deacon.
....
Frank Craven certainly does not resemble Guy Kibbee, but he has been
signed by Warners to play a featured role in Without Honor, which
previously was assigned to Kibbee. That role was to have been
Kibbee's debut in a dramatic part. But Kibbee is needed to inject
some comedy into Dames, with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, so he is
not available for Without Honor. Jimmy Cagney and Joan Blondell head
the cast of the latter picture, and others are Victor Jory, Sarah
Padden, Harold Huber, Russell Hopton and Ralfe Harolde. Lloyd Bacon
is directing. He is the son of the late Frank Bacon, who was long
associated with Frank Craven on the stage.
....
Charles Dickens is becoming the favorite of the film studios, what
was David Copperfield scheduled for a most impressive production at
MGM, and now A Tale of Two Cities announced for production at
Warners. Of course the current French revolution inspired the Warner
plans to make A Tale of Two Cities. The book was made as a silent
film years ago with Dustin Farnum in the role of Sidney Carton.
Recently Cecil DeMille announced plans to make the story with
Frederic March as the star. March was terribly eager to play the
Carton role. Then Jesse Lasky announced plans to make the picture. At
that time Philip Merivale was under contract to Fox, and so anxious
was he to show his ability for the role that he starred in a
production sponsored by George K. Arthur at the Hollywood Playhouse.
But Leslie Howard will portray Sidney Carton in the Warners film
....
Max Marcin has signed a contract with Universal to write and direct
his own plays. He will first adapt his play "Humbug" and later direct
it.
Thelma Todd In the 30's
ABBREVIATIONS
DN – Daily News (Los Angeles)
EE – Los Angeles Evening Express
EH – Los Angeles Evening Herald
EHE – Los Angeles Evening Herald Express
FD – Film Daily
HCN – Hollywood Citizen News
HDC – Hollywood Daily Citizen
IDN – Illustrated Daily News
LAR – Los Angeles Record
LAPR – Los Angeles Post Record
LAX – Los Angeles Examiner
MPH – Motion Picture Herald
1/29/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
MANY PARTIES GIVEN AT ROOSEVELT HOTEL
"Song Writers' Night" in the Blossom Room of the Roosevelt Hotel
Monday night proved to be the incentive for many charming parties.
Among the celebrities who entertained in honor of the guests of the
evening were Misses Lois Moran, Thelma Todd and Molly O'Day; Messrs.
and Mesdames Charles King, Lou Anger, William Beaudine, Irving
Berlin, George Irving and Joe Rock.
Messrs. Buster West, Conrad Nagel, Billy Kent, Leon Errol, Gus
Edwards, Al Christie, Jack Kearns, Eddie Nugent, Clarence Brown, Jack
Oakie, Harold B. Franklin, Roscoe Arbuckle, Arthur Ungar, Con Conrad,
Harry Tierney, Louis Alter, Jerome Kern and others.
2/5/1930 HDC Society in Filmland
By Elizabeth Yeaman
One of the brilliant parties given recently was presided over by Mr.
and Mrs. William Davey, who entertained at tea Sunday afternoon in
their home at 805 Linden Drive, Beverly Hills. The guests of honor
were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hillman of Chicago (Marion Nixon) who
recently returned from their honeymoon abroad. Mrs. Howard Hodge of
Louisville, Kentucky, Miss Cordelia Strong and Miss Wilena Ruzicka of
New York City.
The house was a power of spring flowers, and many persons prominent
in film circles called during the afternoon and evening.
Among those present were Betty Francisco, Dorothy Dwan, Sally Eilers,
Cordelia Tilden, Vera Reynolds, Pauline Garon, Jeanette Loff, Dorothy
Lee, Katherine Bennett, Josephine Houston, Virginia McKinney, Thelma
Todd, La Dessa Gibson, Jo Wallace, Gladys McConnell and Margaret
Francisco.
And the Messrs. Fred Spradling, Hoot Gibson, Jack King, Bob Ellis,
Dr. William Branch, James Fidler, Bobby Agnew, Harry Greenbaum,
Harvey Priester, Eddie Albertson, James Gleason, and Robert McQue.
Also Mr. and Mrs. Paul Speyer, Mr. and Mrs. Norman McLeod, Mr. and
Mrs. William Cronin, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs.
George Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. John Scantlin, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald
Denny, Richard Arlen, Clarence Hudson and others...
2/12/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Elizabeth Yeaman
JOHNNY HAMP PROVES POPULAR AT COCOANUT GROVE
Nancy Welford, Al St. John Marie Wells, Laurel Nemeth, Ernest Wood,
Wilbur Evans and other members of the "Bambina" company were guests
of honor last night at the Cocoanut Grove of the Ambassador Hotel.
Johnny Hamp and his Kentucky Serenaders featured a program of dance
numbers from this colorful operetta, and the Grove was especially
decorated with Venetian lanterns for the affair.
Among those who entertained at the Cocoanut Grove during the week are
Sue Carol, Thelma Todd, Lilyan Tashman, Patricia Norton, Polly Ann
Young, Raquel Torres, Janet Chandler, Blanche Sweet, Nick Stuart,
Clarence Brown, Edmund Lowe, Wilson Mizner, Grant Clarke, Cosmo
Bellew, John P. Medbury and Jerry Hoffman.
2/17/1930 EH Scouting the Sinema by Dorothy Herzog
At ye Cocoanut Grove: Thelma Todd, in black velvet frock, dancing
with Harvey Priester...Wilson Mizner and Grant Clark at a ringside
table talking about this and that and looking at ditto....Marion
Nixon and her husband, Eddie Hillman, twirling the jazz
fantastic....Morton Downey and Barbara (the missus) Bennett
requesting the orchestra leader, Johnny Hamp, to play "Chant of the
Jungle." An appropriate theme song for the village.
3/5/1930 HDC Doris Denbo
Harry Langdon has made good with a vengeance out at the Hal Roach
Studio. He has just signed a new contract with them under which he
will make four pictures a year and will have a definite say in the
choice of stories which he films and will assist in gagging and
stunting them. The King was Langdon's last under the old contract.
Thelma Todd, that stunning and most charming blonde, played the
queen. There is a lot of fun in this one, according to reports, if
Langdon does not run away with himself in managing his own pictures.
3/14/1930 EH Scouting the Sinema
By Dorothy Herzog
Thelma Todd has been borrowed from the Hal Roach kumpny to portray a
featured fem role in Famous' musik-komik, Follow Through, along with
Nancy Carroll, Zelma O'Neill, Buddy Rogers, etc. This is Miss Todd's
first picture for Famous Players in several years. Her return is
auspicious. Incidentally, as she must play a golf champ in this
vocaloid the Todd is taking her golf lessons daily.
3/15/1930 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Thelma Todd and Louise Fazenda lunching together at the Roosevelt
Blossom Room.
5/6/1930 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Thelma Todd dancing with Harvey Priester five times in succession at
the new Montmarte.
6/18/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
PARTIES HELD AT ROOSEVELT
Honoring Irving Aaronson's Commanders, who made their farewell
appearance in the Blossom Room at the Roosevelt Hotel on Monday
evening last, many of Hollywood's celebrities entertained parties.
Among those present were Messrs. and Mesdames Douglas Fairbanks (Mary
Pickford) and Misses Lina Basquette, Merna Kennedy, Betty Boyd, Alice
McCormick, Thelma Todd, Grace Kingsley and Betty Pierce.
Also Messrs. James Hall, Josef von Sternberg, Billy Joy, Nino
Martini, Hal Horne, Ben Goetz, W.S. Van Dyke, John K. Arthur, William
Wellman, Sid Grauman, Efe Asher, Rex Lease, Carle Laemmle Jr., Joe
Frisco and others.
6/25/1930 HDC Society in Filmland
Miss Ona Wilson of Milwaukee, who is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Ona
Wilson Brown, was the guest of honor at two charmingly appointed
events today.
Miss Lina Basquette entertained for her with a luncheon at the
Embassy, having as her guests the honoree and Mesdames Ernest
Reicher, Ona Brown, Pearl Dannenberg and Charles Irwin; the Misses
Grace Simpson, Renee Torres, Carla and Elinor Guterlein (the Sisters
G).
Mrs. Pearl Dannenburg was hostess at tea this afternoon at her home
in North Havenhurst Drive, honoring Miss Wilson. Those present
included Mr. and Mrs. Finis Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Irwin, Mr. and
Mrs. Finis Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bard
(Ruth Roland); Mesdames Ona Brown, Peggy McIntyre, Harvey Priester
and Efe Asher; the Misses Natalie Kingston, Lina Basquette, Pauline
Garon, Thelma Todd, Renee Torres, Grace Simpson, Helen Ferguson and
Rose Perfect.
Messrs. Frances J. O'Brien, Robert Ransom, Vernon Rickard, Art
Goebel, Arnold Berry and Edward Halliday.
....
SALLY EILERS WILL BECOME HOOT GIBSON'S BRIDE FRIDAY EVENING
Scarcely has the film colony recovered from the round of festivities
which had its climax in the wedding of Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon,
when another popular pair made know their nuptial plans.
Miss Sally Eilers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Eilers of North
Manhattan Place, and Edward B. (Hoot) Gibson, son of Mrs. Wayne
Anderson, will plight their troth Friday evening. One hundred guests
have been bidden to the ceremony, which is to take place at Mr.
Gibson's ranch near Saugus, with Rev. James Hamilton Lash of the
Hollywood Congregational Church officiating. The occasion will mark
the birthday of Mrs. Eilers, mother of the bride.
The bride, who will be given in marriage by her father, will wear a
gown of satin ivory trimmed with real lace and headed with pearls.
Her veil of lace will be fastened to the cap of lace and pearls, and
she will carry orchids and lilies of the valley.
Miss Carmen Pantages has been chosen to serve as maid of honor. The
bridesmaids will be Mrs. Reginald Denny, Mrs. Edward Hellman (Marion
Nixon), Miss Marie Prevost and Mrs. Mae Sunday. They will wear
georgette frocks in pastel shades, with picture hats in harmonizing
tones.
William (Buster) Collier Jr., will be the best man and ushers will be
Dr. Harry Martin and Messrs. Arthur Rosson, Reginald Denny and
Wallace Davis.
After the honeymoon trip to Lake Louise and Banff in the Canadian
Rockies, the couple will make their home at Mr. Gibson's ranch.
Those who have been bidden to the wedding include Messrs. and
Mesdames Edward Cline, Lonnie Darsay, Alexander Pantages, Ray
Schrock, Allan Dwan, Robert Leonard, George Lewis, Al Rogell, B.
Reaves Eason, Ben Lyon, Arthur Rosson, Richard Hyland (Adela Rogers
St. Johns), Charles Mack, Reginald Denny, Irving Thalberg (Norma
Shearer), James E. Granger, Buster Keaton, James Gleason, Monte Blue,
Morton Downey, Townsend Netcher, Felix Hughes, Millard Webb, Alfred
Martin, Al Christie, Richard Gallagher and Rex Barber, Dr. and Mrs.
Harry Martin.
Mesdames Sadye Murray, Phyllis Daniels, the Misses Mary Fleury, Mary
Astor, Jeanette Loff, Marie Prevost, Eileen Percy, Carol Lombard,
Billie Dove, Dorothy Mackaill, Helen Ferguson, Linda Cronin, Anita
Murray, Mary Catherine Reticher, Helen McEvilly, Lila Lee, Almerita
Hawpe, Hedda Hopper, Marion Smith, Thelma Todd, Mina Wallis, Ruth
Collier, Marion Davies and Beatrice Lillie (Lady Peel).
Messrs. Cliff Edwards, Bud Eilers, Lew Lipton, David Ganzer, Victor
Fleming, Harry Cohn, Norman Kerry, Lew Cody, Roscoe Arbuckle, Harvey
Priester, Mel Coakley, Walter O'Keefe, James Shields, Roger Davis,
Jerry Miley, William K. Howard, Lt. Col. Roscoe Turner, Edward
Brandstatter, Richard Hargreaves, Sam Wolf, Hal Howe, Joseph Schenck,
Lloyd Pantages, Harlan Fengler, Jack Pickford, Howard Hughes, William
Haines, Edward Hatrick, William Randolph Hearst, Hal Rosson, Lt.
William Sweeley and Col. Art Goebel.
6/29/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
From the same studios [Pathe] comes the glad word that casting for
Her Man is completed, with the addition of Matthew Betz and Thelma
Todd. Tay Garnett is directing the picture along that will delight
everyone who ever sang the tragic-comic old song, "Frankie and
Johnnie." For that's the story.
7/25/1930 EH Screenographs
By Harrison Carroll
ANOTHER PREMIERE
The first-nighters had two premieres in as many days when Dixiana
followed the Ina Claire play, and opened in a blaze of lights at the
Orpheum.
Lowell Sherman acted as master of ceremonies and introduced Bebe
Daniels, Everett Marshall, Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Amos `n'
Andy and the supporting members of the cast.
The flappers in the crowd created a commotion at the arrival of Nils
Asther. Nils still prefers blondes and was escorting Thelma Todd.
Amos `n' Andy, the latest RKO stars, paused to mumble a couple of
monosyllables over the microphone. Betty Compson and Hugh Trevor, who
have been seen going about together quite frequently of late, were
present. William LeBaron, Radio's big boss; Luther Reed, director of
Dixiana, and his bride, Jocelyn Lee; Ruth Roland and Ben Bard, and
many others attended.
The shades of The Cuckoos which recently played this house must still
hang around the theater. For a bat, attracted by the powerful lamps,
flew overhead for some time. Eventually it made a landing atop the
box office, which might signify anything.
7/30/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
LUNCHEON GROUP AT EMBASSY
Miss Lina Basquette entertained a small group of friends at luncheon
recently in the Embassy Club, included were Miss Thelma Todd, Mrs.
Ernest Belcher and Dorothy Woolridge.
8/6/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
Hollywood extended a welcome to Miss Gilda Gray upon her return after
a long absence in the east, Monday night, when she was guest of honor
in the Blossom Room of the Roosevelt Hotel.
Many of her friends entertained for the occasion. Among those present
were Messrs. and Mesdames Ivan Kahn, Lou Anger and Maurice Chevalier;
Messrs. Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Maurice DeMond, Don Alvarado, Tom
Waring, Joe Frisco, Charles Farrell, Mack Sennett, Basil Woon and Tom
Douglas; the Misses Thelma Todd, Colleen Moore and Lillian Roth.
8/27/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
SPANISH SUPPER IS RECENT EVENT
Mr. and Mrs. George Crone of the Casa Granada apartments will
entertain a group of friends in a novel manner Saturday evening, when
they will be hosts at a Spanish supper. Mrs. Crone lived in Spain for
a number of years and she plans to carry out details in an authentic
manner.
Those who have been bidden include Dr. and Mrs. Rudolph Marx, Mr. and
Mrs. William deFrees Mann, the Misses Mollie and Helene Merrick, Miss
Thelma Todd, Capt. James F.J. Archibald and Burton Holmes.
9/4/1930 EH Follow Thru
By DeSylva, Brown, Henderson and Laurence Schwab. Directed by
Laurence Schwab. Opened at U.A. Sept. 3, 1930.
CAST: Charles Rogers, Nancy Carroll, Zelma O'Neal, Jack Haley, Eugene
Pallette, Thelma Todd, Claude King, Kathryn King, Margaret Lee, Don
Tomkins and Albert Gran.
By Dick Hunt
If musical comedy is on the wane, it was not apparent at the United
Artists last night, judging from the filled theater that enjoyed
Paramount's version of Follow Thru, featuring Buddy Rogers and Nancy
Carroll.
Like the stage production of this musical, the picture version goes a
long way toward breaking "par" as far as entertainment is concerned.
Follow Thru leans heavily upon comedians and they are not found
wanting. Its one big drawback is having its romantic leads sing too
many songs which slacken the tempo in spots. Otherwise it is a fast
moving, rollicking film capable directed and played.
PAR FOR LAUGHS
Outstanding is the work of Jack Haley and Zelma O'Neil, who scored so
heavily in the stage production. Appearing before the camera for the
first time this pair duplicate their former comical stage efforts and
are the source for many laughs. Eugene Pallette is another who helps
this film breeze along with his wise-cracks.
The love interest shows Buddy Rogers and Nancy Carroll struggling
with meager material, but nevertheless giving pleasing performances.
Some day someone is going to write a musical comedy in which the
romantic leads become really important both in dialogue and song.
SCORES IN ROLE
A straight role which offers a bit of characterization is ably played
by Thelma Todd. Margaret Lee and Don Tompkins are responsible for a
few laughs in supporting parts.
The direction of Follow Thru has been effectively handled by Lawrence
Schwab and Lloyd Corrigan.
Accompanying the picture are shorts which include a Tom Terriss
vagabond travelogue, the vaudeville star, Luly McConnell, in The
Introduction of Mrs. Gibbs and a newsreel. Gaylord Carter completes
the program with an organ recital.
9/4/1930 LAX Follow Thru
By Jerry Hoffman
Oh, dear! Now we're in for it. Just because Follow Thru, which came
to the United Artists Theater yesterday, happens to be unusually good
as a screen musical comedy, the recess given fans from the constant
feeding of words and music may be suddenly terminated. It really
isn't worth worrying about. If the rest of them contain as much charm
and enjoyable moments as Follow Thru they will be sincerely welcome.
It shouldn't be necessary to relate the plot of Follow Thru. George
M. Cohan once startled his intimates with the sudden statement:
"Boys! I've got a great idea for a show." Breathlessly they all
shouted, "What is it?"
George replied slowly: "A boy loves a girl."
There you have it. In Follow Thru, two boys love two girls, and
several girls love one boy. That's to add complications, you see.
There must be complications to make plot. There must be such things
in order that a boy and a girl may sing a love song and then repeat a
chorus with a seeming ache in their hearts. Don't let it worry you.
They're only acting.
A golf club is the locale for Follow Thur. Golf lovers, miniature or
normal (which is normal nowadays, by the way?) May learn how to putt,
since "Buddy" Rogers gives Nancy Carroll some very effective
instructions. Incidentally, rarely has the beauty of Nancy Carroll
been so well exploited as it is in the technicolor of Follow Thru.
There are some new names to screen fans in this production. They are
Jack Haley and Zelma O'Neal, who can return to screens as often as
they wish in the future if they remain as pleasing as they are in
this musical comedy. Thelma Todd is the main factor in lending
complications—and the man who wouldn't want to be complicated by or
with her—well! Claude King and Eugene Pallette are very good and a
little girl named Margaret Lee makes a decidedly good impression as a
comedienne. Don Tompkins and Albert Gran are the other principals who
do well.
Laurence Schwab, who produced the stage show, directed the screen
version with Lloyd Corrigan. DeSylva, Brown and Henderson's music
from the original show is still present and entertains highly.
Particularly clever is the staging of "I Want to Be Bad."
The Introduction of Mrs. Gibbs is a hilarious farce, with the
delightful Lulu McConnell. Another excellent Tom Terris Travelogue
enhances the program.
9/14/1930 FD Follow Thru
Paramount 1 hr., 9 minutes
Adapted from the musical comedy by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson. The
entire production is in Technicolor and is handsomely mounted
throughout. The story concerns the love of a young golf pro for a
girl who is the champ golfer of a swell country club. Then, of
course, there is the vamp who tries to win the hero away from her.
The rest of the plot you can put in a thimble, a la musical comedy.
Also in the same style, they introduce songs and dances throughout
the action, which doesn't help the interest any. Charles "Buddy"
Rogers, Zelma O'Neal, Jack Haley, Eugene Pallette, Thelma Todd,
Claude King, Kathryn Givney, Margaret Lee, Don Tomkins, Albert Gran.
Directors, Laurence Schwab, Lloyd Corrigan; Authors, De Sylva, Brown
and Henderson; Adaptors, Laurence Schwab, Lloyd Corrigan; Editor,
Alyson Shasser; Cameramen, Charles B. Boyle, Henry Gerrard.
Direction, All Right. Photography, Very Good.
9/16/1930 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Thelma Todd among those glimpsed at the Montmarte.
9/21/1930 FD Her Man
Pathe 1 hr., 23 mins.
A knockout underworld melodrama splendidly acted by fine cast under
keen direction.
This is the best drama of its kind to come along in quite a while. A
compelling human interest story in a Havana dive setting, where the
beautiful Frankie, enslaved by the racketeering Johnnie for whom she
robs the café patrons, meets the good and brave sailor hero, Dan, who
rescues her from the evil environment. Story has deep appeal,
principally because of the loveliness of the heroine, Helen
Twelvetrees, and the boyish charm of the hero, Phillips Holmes. And
the action has real guts. A fight scene in the dive, marking the
climax where Dan comes to carry off Frankie, is a robust performance
that should just about lift the folks off their seats. The entire
cast is aces, and the same goes for the direction and the acting all-
around.
Cast: Helen Twelvetrees, Marjorie Rambeau, Ricardo Cortez, Phillips
Holmes, James Gleason, Harry Sweet, Stanley Fields, Mathew Betz,
Thelma Todd, Franklin Pangborn, Mike Donlin.
Director, Tay Garnett; Authors, Howard Higgin and Tay Garnett;
Adaptor, Tom Buckingham; Dialoguer, Tom Buckingham; Editor, Joe Kane;
Cameraman, Ed Snyder; Sound Recordists, Earl Wolcott and Harold Stine.
Direction, Excellent. Photography, Fine.
9/24/1930 HDC SOCIETY IN FILMLAND
By Rachel Rubin
DOMINOES COMPLETE REVEL PLANS
Final program arrangements for the revel to be staged by the Dominos
Saturday evening at their clubhouse in North Sycamore Avenue have
been announced by Mary Forbes, chairman of the entertainment
committee.
The opening number, entitled "Sisters Dominos," will be presented by
Nancy Carroll and Mary Lawlor.
A Clara Beranger playlet, "His, Hers and Theirs," will have in its
cast Thelma Todd, Mae Busch, Mary Fort and Jeanne Kent Armstrong. It
is directed by Renee Denny. Anna Dolloff will be heard in a monologue.
"Scarlet," a playlet written and directed by Maude Fulton, will be
enacted by ZaSu Pitts, Louise Crolius and Angie Norton.
Claudia Dell and Renee Denny are both on the program for songs.
Alden Gay and Carol Marmon are slated for a blackout called "Double
Trouble," written and directed by Lucile Webster Gleason. Mrs.
Gleason is president of the Dominos.
"The Wall of Silence," written and directed by Lenore Coffee will
have in its cast Jo Wallace, Claire Dultray and Dorothy Van Buren.
Marguerite Churchill will be mistress of ceremonies and Bernice
O'Neal will be at the piano.
Among the chorus girls to appear on the program will be Mary Eaton,
Carol Marmon, Norma Lee, Nancy Welford, Ruth Nugent and Mary Lawlor.
9/26/1930 EE Four Playlets On Dominoes' Bill
Final program arrangements for the revel to be staged by the Dominoes
tomorrow night at the clubhouse on North Sycamore have been announced
by Mrs. Mary Forbes, chairman of the entertainment committee.
A Clara Berenger playlet, "His, Hers and Theirs," will have in its
cast Thelma Todd, Mae Busch, Mary Fort and Jeanne Kent Armstrong. It
is directed by Renee Denny. Anna Dolloff will be heard in a monologue.
"Scarlet," a playlet written and directed by Maude Fulton, will be
enacted by ZaSu Pitts, Louise Crolius and Angie Norton.
Claudia Dell and Renee Denny are on the program for songs.
Alden Gay and Carol Marmon are listed in a blackout called "Double
Trouble," written and directed by Lucile Webster Gleason. Mrs.
Gleason is president of the Dominoes.
"The Wall of Silence," written and directed by Lenore Coffee, will
have in its cast Jo Wallace, Claire DuBray and Dorothy Van Buren.
Marguerite Churchill will be mistress of ceremonies and Bernice
O'Neal will be at the piano.
Among the chorus girls will be Mary Eaton, Carol Marmon, Norma Lee,
Nancy Welfort, Ruth Nugent and Mary Lawlor.
10/3/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
With Marian Douglas signed for a featured role in Aloha, the number
of featured players and stars amounts to ten. Other members of the
cast include Ben Lyon, Raquel Torres, Alan Hale, Robert Edeson,
Thelma Todd, Robert Ellis, T. Roy Barnes, Donald Reed, Otis Harlan
and Al St. John. Production will be started today at the Metropolitan
Sound Studios.
10/10/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
Although Al Rogell has not yet finished making Aloha in which Ben
Lyon, Raquel Torres, Robert Ellis, Robert Edeson, T. Roy Barnes,
Thelma Todd, Otis Harlan, Alan Hale and Al St. John are featured, he
already is planning his next production for a Tiffany release. His
next picture will be The Beloved Enemy according to an announcement
made by Rudolph Flothow, vice-president and general manager of Rogell
Productions. The story is an original by Seton Miller who adapted The
Dawn Patrol to the screen. Casting for the production will be started
within the next few days.
10/22/1930 HDC Society in Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
ROOSEVELT DRAWS CELEBRITIES
A large number of notables entertained guests in the Blossom Room of
the Roosevelt Hotel Monday evening. Among those present were Count
Andreas de Segurola, Messrs. and Mesdames Frank Joyce, Lou Anger,
Denison Clift, J. Ward Cohn, Murray Fell and Sammy Cosen; Messrs.
Manuel Reachi, Lou Schreiber, Sid Garry and Dan Danker; the Misses
Thelma Todd, Jean Bankhead, Mildred Harris and Ruth Delroy.
10/25/1930 EH Screenographs
By Harrison Carroll
Thelma Todd, who's a Boston miss, has received a pot of Boston baked
beans through the mails, compliments of a hotel in her home town.
11/24/1930 LAX Her Man
By Louella O. Parsons
Her Man, excellently atmospheric, splendidly endowed as to cast and
undeniably good entertainment, opened Saturday at the Orpheum
Theater. This is a surprisingly good picture that brings to our
attention the skillful work of Tay Garnett, director-author. Mr.
Garnett is young and so far he has made no outstanding successes. Any
veteran in the business with a long string of box office masterpieces
could be proud of Her Man. It puts Mr. Garnett into the front rank of
capable directors and scores another outstanding success for Pathe.
The story by Mr. Garnett and Howard Higgin deals with men and women
who have sunk to the very depths of degradation. The panorama of the
dives along the wharf on an island, presumably Cuba, is admirably
presented with a moving camera. There is no attempt to whitewash any
of the denizens of these dumps. They are obviously what they are.
Women who live from the bounty of men they meet in the saloon, and
men who find their forgetfulness in drink and loose women.
A demanding role is given Helen Twelvetrees, the Frankie in the life
of Johnny, the saloon-keeper. A youngster who steals, who leads men
on and yet who gropes for something outside of the dingy saloon, Miss
Twelvetrees has a characterization that would tax the ingenuity of a
much more experienced actress. She does an admirable piece of work
and one that is sure to attract attention, not only in film circles,
but with the picture public.
Another lonely soul, a sailor boy, young and hopeful, drifts into the
dive and meets the girl. Their romance is carried on, you might say,
under fire. Johnny (Ricardo Cortez), proficient with the knife, plans
to murder the boy (Phillips Holmes). Young Holmes is always likeable
and he does a nice piece of work as Danny. Cortez, as the lawless
Johnny, dead to all decency and not even true to Frankie, gives one
of the outstanding performances in the picture.
Mr. Garnett is wise in having given Her Man a cast of more than
passing interest. Even the small parts are played by the finest
actors obtainable. Marjorie Rambeau, an artist to her finger tips, is
superb at Annie, who cannot get away from the island. Miss Rambeau
gives a performance so fine you wonder why she didn't leave the stage
long ago for the movies.
Even the comedy is far above that usually seen in a picture of this
kind. James Gleason and Harry Sweet as the two drunken sailors, pals
of Johnny, are consistently funny. Franklin Pangborn is another good
actor who registers; so are Slim Summerville, Thelma Todd and Mathew
Betz.
I should like to have more space to tell just what Slim Summerville
does to get a laugh and all about the slot machine episode, but go
and see the picture; it is one that belongs on the list of all who
appreciate good things.
Supplementing Her Man on the Orpheum program is an amusing Grantland
Rice Sportlight. Not only is Mr. Rice represented, but the rotund,
amiable Mr. Cobb as well. An RKO comedy, Ants In the Pants, and Toby,
the Pup Cartoon, and a Pathe World Newsreel complete the
entertainment offered.
A
articles. This is from his blog. - the living Thelma fan
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Thelma Todd In the 30's
2/8/1934 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Lee Tracy starts to work again! The threat of a studio blackball
which seemed, for a time, to end his career in Hollywood has been
lifted. Tracy has signed with Universal, at a very fancy salary, for
the starring role in Where's Brown? A newspaper story by Lincoln
Quarberg. Tracy first catapulted to screen fame in a columnist role
in Blessed Event and most of his best pictures have given him roles
of a reporter or publicity agent. His new contract with Universal
carries no options, chiefly because Tracy's salary demands were so
high. Where's Brown? Will be something of a test picture, in that it
will definitely determine public reaction to Tracy, who figured so
luridly in the Mexico City trouble during the making of Viva Villa.
Where's Brown? Will start work in 10 days. Gloria Stuart is wanted
for the feminine lead, but whether she will take it is another
question, since Gloria is disgusted with pictures and wants to break
her Universal contract so that she can return to the stage. Paul
Kelly, under contract to Twentieth Century, also is wanted for
another big role in the picture, and Edward Sedgwick will direct.
Where's Brown? Was first scheduled to star Edmund Lowe. A rumor also
sprang up that Ralph Bellamy was under consideration for the part.
But now the deal for Lee Tracy is definite.
....
Mona Lisa is the title of a picture which will star Warren William at
Warners. William will not enact a counterpart of that famous sphynx-
like face painted by Leonardo da Vinci. But he will be the central
figure in a story based on the fake painting and antique racket as
pursued in Paris and in this country. The Mona Lisa has been the
object of several famous thefts, and it is believed there are two
paintings of this subject, one of which is such a perfect imitation
that it is almost impossible to tell which is the original. The story
first was titled Self Portrait, and it was written by Carl Erickson,
a most successful scenario writer at Warners who emerged from the
ranks of story readers. William recently was withdrawn from the cast
of The Key, in which he was replaced by Colin Clive, English actor
who has been with Katharine Hepburn in The Lake.
....
The Paramount story board developed an original idea which is now
being worked out by Dorothy Spears under the title Guilty Girl. It is
a murder mystery yarn revolving about a murder committed in a girls'
boarding school. However, I'm told the mystery is not predominant,
and the murder is more or less incidental to a romantic plot. Helen
Mack and Frances Drake are being considered for the leading role.
Miss Drake perhaps is most in favor, since the executives are smiling
over her work in Bolero with George Raft and she is giving another
fine performance in The Trumpet Blows again with George Raft. I saw
Miss Drake performing a rumba dance for The Trumpet Blows and must
confess that her physical beauty dazzled me. It was a dance that
would have been vulgar had not Miss Drake's great beauty made it so
lovely.
....
Weather Permitting is a story by Ferdinand Schumann-Heink which has
been bought for production by Universal. The author is a son of a
famous opera singer. Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink. Ferdinand also
has worked as an actor in pictures, but more recently has devoted his
time to writing. Weather Permitting deals with the plight of a group
fo Hollywood movie extras and follows them through some very
exciting, dramatic and wildly humorous days. Kurt Neumann will direct
the picture after he completes Alias the Deacon.
....
Frank Craven certainly does not resemble Guy Kibbee, but he has been
signed by Warners to play a featured role in Without Honor, which
previously was assigned to Kibbee. That role was to have been
Kibbee's debut in a dramatic part. But Kibbee is needed to inject
some comedy into Dames, with Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler, so he is
not available for Without Honor. Jimmy Cagney and Joan Blondell head
the cast of the latter picture, and others are Victor Jory, Sarah
Padden, Harold Huber, Russell Hopton and Ralfe Harolde. Lloyd Bacon
is directing. He is the son of the late Frank Bacon, who was long
associated with Frank Craven on the stage.
....
Charles Dickens is becoming the favorite of the film studios, what
was David Copperfield scheduled for a most impressive production at
MGM, and now A Tale of Two Cities announced for production at
Warners. Of course the current French revolution inspired the Warner
plans to make A Tale of Two Cities. The book was made as a silent
film years ago with Dustin Farnum in the role of Sidney Carton.
Recently Cecil DeMille announced plans to make the story with
Frederic March as the star. March was terribly eager to play the
Carton role. Then Jesse Lasky announced plans to make the picture. At
that time Philip Merivale was under contract to Fox, and so anxious
was he to show his ability for the role that he starred in a
production sponsored by George K. Arthur at the Hollywood Playhouse.
But Leslie Howard will portray Sidney Carton in the Warners film
....
Max Marcin has signed a contract with Universal to write and direct
his own plays. He will first adapt his play "Humbug" and later direct
it.
Thelma Todd In the 30's
ABBREVIATIONS
DN – Daily News (Los Angeles)
EE – Los Angeles Evening Express
EH – Los Angeles Evening Herald
EHE – Los Angeles Evening Herald Express
FD – Film Daily
HCN – Hollywood Citizen News
HDC – Hollywood Daily Citizen
IDN – Illustrated Daily News
LAR – Los Angeles Record
LAPR – Los Angeles Post Record
LAX – Los Angeles Examiner
MPH – Motion Picture Herald
1/29/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
MANY PARTIES GIVEN AT ROOSEVELT HOTEL
"Song Writers' Night" in the Blossom Room of the Roosevelt Hotel
Monday night proved to be the incentive for many charming parties.
Among the celebrities who entertained in honor of the guests of the
evening were Misses Lois Moran, Thelma Todd and Molly O'Day; Messrs.
and Mesdames Charles King, Lou Anger, William Beaudine, Irving
Berlin, George Irving and Joe Rock.
Messrs. Buster West, Conrad Nagel, Billy Kent, Leon Errol, Gus
Edwards, Al Christie, Jack Kearns, Eddie Nugent, Clarence Brown, Jack
Oakie, Harold B. Franklin, Roscoe Arbuckle, Arthur Ungar, Con Conrad,
Harry Tierney, Louis Alter, Jerome Kern and others.
2/5/1930 HDC Society in Filmland
By Elizabeth Yeaman
One of the brilliant parties given recently was presided over by Mr.
and Mrs. William Davey, who entertained at tea Sunday afternoon in
their home at 805 Linden Drive, Beverly Hills. The guests of honor
were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hillman of Chicago (Marion Nixon) who
recently returned from their honeymoon abroad. Mrs. Howard Hodge of
Louisville, Kentucky, Miss Cordelia Strong and Miss Wilena Ruzicka of
New York City.
The house was a power of spring flowers, and many persons prominent
in film circles called during the afternoon and evening.
Among those present were Betty Francisco, Dorothy Dwan, Sally Eilers,
Cordelia Tilden, Vera Reynolds, Pauline Garon, Jeanette Loff, Dorothy
Lee, Katherine Bennett, Josephine Houston, Virginia McKinney, Thelma
Todd, La Dessa Gibson, Jo Wallace, Gladys McConnell and Margaret
Francisco.
And the Messrs. Fred Spradling, Hoot Gibson, Jack King, Bob Ellis,
Dr. William Branch, James Fidler, Bobby Agnew, Harry Greenbaum,
Harvey Priester, Eddie Albertson, James Gleason, and Robert McQue.
Also Mr. and Mrs. Paul Speyer, Mr. and Mrs. Norman McLeod, Mr. and
Mrs. William Cronin, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs.
George Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. John Scantlin, Mr. and Mrs. Reginald
Denny, Richard Arlen, Clarence Hudson and others...
2/12/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Elizabeth Yeaman
JOHNNY HAMP PROVES POPULAR AT COCOANUT GROVE
Nancy Welford, Al St. John Marie Wells, Laurel Nemeth, Ernest Wood,
Wilbur Evans and other members of the "Bambina" company were guests
of honor last night at the Cocoanut Grove of the Ambassador Hotel.
Johnny Hamp and his Kentucky Serenaders featured a program of dance
numbers from this colorful operetta, and the Grove was especially
decorated with Venetian lanterns for the affair.
Among those who entertained at the Cocoanut Grove during the week are
Sue Carol, Thelma Todd, Lilyan Tashman, Patricia Norton, Polly Ann
Young, Raquel Torres, Janet Chandler, Blanche Sweet, Nick Stuart,
Clarence Brown, Edmund Lowe, Wilson Mizner, Grant Clarke, Cosmo
Bellew, John P. Medbury and Jerry Hoffman.
2/17/1930 EH Scouting the Sinema by Dorothy Herzog
At ye Cocoanut Grove: Thelma Todd, in black velvet frock, dancing
with Harvey Priester...Wilson Mizner and Grant Clark at a ringside
table talking about this and that and looking at ditto....Marion
Nixon and her husband, Eddie Hillman, twirling the jazz
fantastic....Morton Downey and Barbara (the missus) Bennett
requesting the orchestra leader, Johnny Hamp, to play "Chant of the
Jungle." An appropriate theme song for the village.
3/5/1930 HDC Doris Denbo
Harry Langdon has made good with a vengeance out at the Hal Roach
Studio. He has just signed a new contract with them under which he
will make four pictures a year and will have a definite say in the
choice of stories which he films and will assist in gagging and
stunting them. The King was Langdon's last under the old contract.
Thelma Todd, that stunning and most charming blonde, played the
queen. There is a lot of fun in this one, according to reports, if
Langdon does not run away with himself in managing his own pictures.
3/14/1930 EH Scouting the Sinema
By Dorothy Herzog
Thelma Todd has been borrowed from the Hal Roach kumpny to portray a
featured fem role in Famous' musik-komik, Follow Through, along with
Nancy Carroll, Zelma O'Neill, Buddy Rogers, etc. This is Miss Todd's
first picture for Famous Players in several years. Her return is
auspicious. Incidentally, as she must play a golf champ in this
vocaloid the Todd is taking her golf lessons daily.
3/15/1930 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Thelma Todd and Louise Fazenda lunching together at the Roosevelt
Blossom Room.
5/6/1930 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Thelma Todd dancing with Harvey Priester five times in succession at
the new Montmarte.
6/18/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
PARTIES HELD AT ROOSEVELT
Honoring Irving Aaronson's Commanders, who made their farewell
appearance in the Blossom Room at the Roosevelt Hotel on Monday
evening last, many of Hollywood's celebrities entertained parties.
Among those present were Messrs. and Mesdames Douglas Fairbanks (Mary
Pickford) and Misses Lina Basquette, Merna Kennedy, Betty Boyd, Alice
McCormick, Thelma Todd, Grace Kingsley and Betty Pierce.
Also Messrs. James Hall, Josef von Sternberg, Billy Joy, Nino
Martini, Hal Horne, Ben Goetz, W.S. Van Dyke, John K. Arthur, William
Wellman, Sid Grauman, Efe Asher, Rex Lease, Carle Laemmle Jr., Joe
Frisco and others.
6/25/1930 HDC Society in Filmland
Miss Ona Wilson of Milwaukee, who is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Ona
Wilson Brown, was the guest of honor at two charmingly appointed
events today.
Miss Lina Basquette entertained for her with a luncheon at the
Embassy, having as her guests the honoree and Mesdames Ernest
Reicher, Ona Brown, Pearl Dannenberg and Charles Irwin; the Misses
Grace Simpson, Renee Torres, Carla and Elinor Guterlein (the Sisters
G).
Mrs. Pearl Dannenburg was hostess at tea this afternoon at her home
in North Havenhurst Drive, honoring Miss Wilson. Those present
included Mr. and Mrs. Finis Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Irwin, Mr. and
Mrs. Finis Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bard
(Ruth Roland); Mesdames Ona Brown, Peggy McIntyre, Harvey Priester
and Efe Asher; the Misses Natalie Kingston, Lina Basquette, Pauline
Garon, Thelma Todd, Renee Torres, Grace Simpson, Helen Ferguson and
Rose Perfect.
Messrs. Frances J. O'Brien, Robert Ransom, Vernon Rickard, Art
Goebel, Arnold Berry and Edward Halliday.
....
SALLY EILERS WILL BECOME HOOT GIBSON'S BRIDE FRIDAY EVENING
Scarcely has the film colony recovered from the round of festivities
which had its climax in the wedding of Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon,
when another popular pair made know their nuptial plans.
Miss Sally Eilers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.P. Eilers of North
Manhattan Place, and Edward B. (Hoot) Gibson, son of Mrs. Wayne
Anderson, will plight their troth Friday evening. One hundred guests
have been bidden to the ceremony, which is to take place at Mr.
Gibson's ranch near Saugus, with Rev. James Hamilton Lash of the
Hollywood Congregational Church officiating. The occasion will mark
the birthday of Mrs. Eilers, mother of the bride.
The bride, who will be given in marriage by her father, will wear a
gown of satin ivory trimmed with real lace and headed with pearls.
Her veil of lace will be fastened to the cap of lace and pearls, and
she will carry orchids and lilies of the valley.
Miss Carmen Pantages has been chosen to serve as maid of honor. The
bridesmaids will be Mrs. Reginald Denny, Mrs. Edward Hellman (Marion
Nixon), Miss Marie Prevost and Mrs. Mae Sunday. They will wear
georgette frocks in pastel shades, with picture hats in harmonizing
tones.
William (Buster) Collier Jr., will be the best man and ushers will be
Dr. Harry Martin and Messrs. Arthur Rosson, Reginald Denny and
Wallace Davis.
After the honeymoon trip to Lake Louise and Banff in the Canadian
Rockies, the couple will make their home at Mr. Gibson's ranch.
Those who have been bidden to the wedding include Messrs. and
Mesdames Edward Cline, Lonnie Darsay, Alexander Pantages, Ray
Schrock, Allan Dwan, Robert Leonard, George Lewis, Al Rogell, B.
Reaves Eason, Ben Lyon, Arthur Rosson, Richard Hyland (Adela Rogers
St. Johns), Charles Mack, Reginald Denny, Irving Thalberg (Norma
Shearer), James E. Granger, Buster Keaton, James Gleason, Monte Blue,
Morton Downey, Townsend Netcher, Felix Hughes, Millard Webb, Alfred
Martin, Al Christie, Richard Gallagher and Rex Barber, Dr. and Mrs.
Harry Martin.
Mesdames Sadye Murray, Phyllis Daniels, the Misses Mary Fleury, Mary
Astor, Jeanette Loff, Marie Prevost, Eileen Percy, Carol Lombard,
Billie Dove, Dorothy Mackaill, Helen Ferguson, Linda Cronin, Anita
Murray, Mary Catherine Reticher, Helen McEvilly, Lila Lee, Almerita
Hawpe, Hedda Hopper, Marion Smith, Thelma Todd, Mina Wallis, Ruth
Collier, Marion Davies and Beatrice Lillie (Lady Peel).
Messrs. Cliff Edwards, Bud Eilers, Lew Lipton, David Ganzer, Victor
Fleming, Harry Cohn, Norman Kerry, Lew Cody, Roscoe Arbuckle, Harvey
Priester, Mel Coakley, Walter O'Keefe, James Shields, Roger Davis,
Jerry Miley, William K. Howard, Lt. Col. Roscoe Turner, Edward
Brandstatter, Richard Hargreaves, Sam Wolf, Hal Howe, Joseph Schenck,
Lloyd Pantages, Harlan Fengler, Jack Pickford, Howard Hughes, William
Haines, Edward Hatrick, William Randolph Hearst, Hal Rosson, Lt.
William Sweeley and Col. Art Goebel.
6/29/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
From the same studios [Pathe] comes the glad word that casting for
Her Man is completed, with the addition of Matthew Betz and Thelma
Todd. Tay Garnett is directing the picture along that will delight
everyone who ever sang the tragic-comic old song, "Frankie and
Johnnie." For that's the story.
7/25/1930 EH Screenographs
By Harrison Carroll
ANOTHER PREMIERE
The first-nighters had two premieres in as many days when Dixiana
followed the Ina Claire play, and opened in a blaze of lights at the
Orpheum.
Lowell Sherman acted as master of ceremonies and introduced Bebe
Daniels, Everett Marshall, Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Amos `n'
Andy and the supporting members of the cast.
The flappers in the crowd created a commotion at the arrival of Nils
Asther. Nils still prefers blondes and was escorting Thelma Todd.
Amos `n' Andy, the latest RKO stars, paused to mumble a couple of
monosyllables over the microphone. Betty Compson and Hugh Trevor, who
have been seen going about together quite frequently of late, were
present. William LeBaron, Radio's big boss; Luther Reed, director of
Dixiana, and his bride, Jocelyn Lee; Ruth Roland and Ben Bard, and
many others attended.
The shades of The Cuckoos which recently played this house must still
hang around the theater. For a bat, attracted by the powerful lamps,
flew overhead for some time. Eventually it made a landing atop the
box office, which might signify anything.
7/30/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
LUNCHEON GROUP AT EMBASSY
Miss Lina Basquette entertained a small group of friends at luncheon
recently in the Embassy Club, included were Miss Thelma Todd, Mrs.
Ernest Belcher and Dorothy Woolridge.
8/6/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
Hollywood extended a welcome to Miss Gilda Gray upon her return after
a long absence in the east, Monday night, when she was guest of honor
in the Blossom Room of the Roosevelt Hotel.
Many of her friends entertained for the occasion. Among those present
were Messrs. and Mesdames Ivan Kahn, Lou Anger and Maurice Chevalier;
Messrs. Charles "Buddy" Rogers, Maurice DeMond, Don Alvarado, Tom
Waring, Joe Frisco, Charles Farrell, Mack Sennett, Basil Woon and Tom
Douglas; the Misses Thelma Todd, Colleen Moore and Lillian Roth.
8/27/1930 HDC Society In Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
SPANISH SUPPER IS RECENT EVENT
Mr. and Mrs. George Crone of the Casa Granada apartments will
entertain a group of friends in a novel manner Saturday evening, when
they will be hosts at a Spanish supper. Mrs. Crone lived in Spain for
a number of years and she plans to carry out details in an authentic
manner.
Those who have been bidden include Dr. and Mrs. Rudolph Marx, Mr. and
Mrs. William deFrees Mann, the Misses Mollie and Helene Merrick, Miss
Thelma Todd, Capt. James F.J. Archibald and Burton Holmes.
9/4/1930 EH Follow Thru
By DeSylva, Brown, Henderson and Laurence Schwab. Directed by
Laurence Schwab. Opened at U.A. Sept. 3, 1930.
CAST: Charles Rogers, Nancy Carroll, Zelma O'Neal, Jack Haley, Eugene
Pallette, Thelma Todd, Claude King, Kathryn King, Margaret Lee, Don
Tomkins and Albert Gran.
By Dick Hunt
If musical comedy is on the wane, it was not apparent at the United
Artists last night, judging from the filled theater that enjoyed
Paramount's version of Follow Thru, featuring Buddy Rogers and Nancy
Carroll.
Like the stage production of this musical, the picture version goes a
long way toward breaking "par" as far as entertainment is concerned.
Follow Thru leans heavily upon comedians and they are not found
wanting. Its one big drawback is having its romantic leads sing too
many songs which slacken the tempo in spots. Otherwise it is a fast
moving, rollicking film capable directed and played.
PAR FOR LAUGHS
Outstanding is the work of Jack Haley and Zelma O'Neil, who scored so
heavily in the stage production. Appearing before the camera for the
first time this pair duplicate their former comical stage efforts and
are the source for many laughs. Eugene Pallette is another who helps
this film breeze along with his wise-cracks.
The love interest shows Buddy Rogers and Nancy Carroll struggling
with meager material, but nevertheless giving pleasing performances.
Some day someone is going to write a musical comedy in which the
romantic leads become really important both in dialogue and song.
SCORES IN ROLE
A straight role which offers a bit of characterization is ably played
by Thelma Todd. Margaret Lee and Don Tompkins are responsible for a
few laughs in supporting parts.
The direction of Follow Thru has been effectively handled by Lawrence
Schwab and Lloyd Corrigan.
Accompanying the picture are shorts which include a Tom Terriss
vagabond travelogue, the vaudeville star, Luly McConnell, in The
Introduction of Mrs. Gibbs and a newsreel. Gaylord Carter completes
the program with an organ recital.
9/4/1930 LAX Follow Thru
By Jerry Hoffman
Oh, dear! Now we're in for it. Just because Follow Thru, which came
to the United Artists Theater yesterday, happens to be unusually good
as a screen musical comedy, the recess given fans from the constant
feeding of words and music may be suddenly terminated. It really
isn't worth worrying about. If the rest of them contain as much charm
and enjoyable moments as Follow Thru they will be sincerely welcome.
It shouldn't be necessary to relate the plot of Follow Thru. George
M. Cohan once startled his intimates with the sudden statement:
"Boys! I've got a great idea for a show." Breathlessly they all
shouted, "What is it?"
George replied slowly: "A boy loves a girl."
There you have it. In Follow Thru, two boys love two girls, and
several girls love one boy. That's to add complications, you see.
There must be complications to make plot. There must be such things
in order that a boy and a girl may sing a love song and then repeat a
chorus with a seeming ache in their hearts. Don't let it worry you.
They're only acting.
A golf club is the locale for Follow Thur. Golf lovers, miniature or
normal (which is normal nowadays, by the way?) May learn how to putt,
since "Buddy" Rogers gives Nancy Carroll some very effective
instructions. Incidentally, rarely has the beauty of Nancy Carroll
been so well exploited as it is in the technicolor of Follow Thru.
There are some new names to screen fans in this production. They are
Jack Haley and Zelma O'Neal, who can return to screens as often as
they wish in the future if they remain as pleasing as they are in
this musical comedy. Thelma Todd is the main factor in lending
complications—and the man who wouldn't want to be complicated by or
with her—well! Claude King and Eugene Pallette are very good and a
little girl named Margaret Lee makes a decidedly good impression as a
comedienne. Don Tompkins and Albert Gran are the other principals who
do well.
Laurence Schwab, who produced the stage show, directed the screen
version with Lloyd Corrigan. DeSylva, Brown and Henderson's music
from the original show is still present and entertains highly.
Particularly clever is the staging of "I Want to Be Bad."
The Introduction of Mrs. Gibbs is a hilarious farce, with the
delightful Lulu McConnell. Another excellent Tom Terris Travelogue
enhances the program.
9/14/1930 FD Follow Thru
Paramount 1 hr., 9 minutes
Adapted from the musical comedy by De Sylva, Brown and Henderson. The
entire production is in Technicolor and is handsomely mounted
throughout. The story concerns the love of a young golf pro for a
girl who is the champ golfer of a swell country club. Then, of
course, there is the vamp who tries to win the hero away from her.
The rest of the plot you can put in a thimble, a la musical comedy.
Also in the same style, they introduce songs and dances throughout
the action, which doesn't help the interest any. Charles "Buddy"
Rogers, Zelma O'Neal, Jack Haley, Eugene Pallette, Thelma Todd,
Claude King, Kathryn Givney, Margaret Lee, Don Tomkins, Albert Gran.
Directors, Laurence Schwab, Lloyd Corrigan; Authors, De Sylva, Brown
and Henderson; Adaptors, Laurence Schwab, Lloyd Corrigan; Editor,
Alyson Shasser; Cameramen, Charles B. Boyle, Henry Gerrard.
Direction, All Right. Photography, Very Good.
9/16/1930 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Thelma Todd among those glimpsed at the Montmarte.
9/21/1930 FD Her Man
Pathe 1 hr., 23 mins.
A knockout underworld melodrama splendidly acted by fine cast under
keen direction.
This is the best drama of its kind to come along in quite a while. A
compelling human interest story in a Havana dive setting, where the
beautiful Frankie, enslaved by the racketeering Johnnie for whom she
robs the café patrons, meets the good and brave sailor hero, Dan, who
rescues her from the evil environment. Story has deep appeal,
principally because of the loveliness of the heroine, Helen
Twelvetrees, and the boyish charm of the hero, Phillips Holmes. And
the action has real guts. A fight scene in the dive, marking the
climax where Dan comes to carry off Frankie, is a robust performance
that should just about lift the folks off their seats. The entire
cast is aces, and the same goes for the direction and the acting all-
around.
Cast: Helen Twelvetrees, Marjorie Rambeau, Ricardo Cortez, Phillips
Holmes, James Gleason, Harry Sweet, Stanley Fields, Mathew Betz,
Thelma Todd, Franklin Pangborn, Mike Donlin.
Director, Tay Garnett; Authors, Howard Higgin and Tay Garnett;
Adaptor, Tom Buckingham; Dialoguer, Tom Buckingham; Editor, Joe Kane;
Cameraman, Ed Snyder; Sound Recordists, Earl Wolcott and Harold Stine.
Direction, Excellent. Photography, Fine.
9/24/1930 HDC SOCIETY IN FILMLAND
By Rachel Rubin
DOMINOES COMPLETE REVEL PLANS
Final program arrangements for the revel to be staged by the Dominos
Saturday evening at their clubhouse in North Sycamore Avenue have
been announced by Mary Forbes, chairman of the entertainment
committee.
The opening number, entitled "Sisters Dominos," will be presented by
Nancy Carroll and Mary Lawlor.
A Clara Beranger playlet, "His, Hers and Theirs," will have in its
cast Thelma Todd, Mae Busch, Mary Fort and Jeanne Kent Armstrong. It
is directed by Renee Denny. Anna Dolloff will be heard in a monologue.
"Scarlet," a playlet written and directed by Maude Fulton, will be
enacted by ZaSu Pitts, Louise Crolius and Angie Norton.
Claudia Dell and Renee Denny are both on the program for songs.
Alden Gay and Carol Marmon are slated for a blackout called "Double
Trouble," written and directed by Lucile Webster Gleason. Mrs.
Gleason is president of the Dominos.
"The Wall of Silence," written and directed by Lenore Coffee will
have in its cast Jo Wallace, Claire Dultray and Dorothy Van Buren.
Marguerite Churchill will be mistress of ceremonies and Bernice
O'Neal will be at the piano.
Among the chorus girls to appear on the program will be Mary Eaton,
Carol Marmon, Norma Lee, Nancy Welford, Ruth Nugent and Mary Lawlor.
9/26/1930 EE Four Playlets On Dominoes' Bill
Final program arrangements for the revel to be staged by the Dominoes
tomorrow night at the clubhouse on North Sycamore have been announced
by Mrs. Mary Forbes, chairman of the entertainment committee.
A Clara Berenger playlet, "His, Hers and Theirs," will have in its
cast Thelma Todd, Mae Busch, Mary Fort and Jeanne Kent Armstrong. It
is directed by Renee Denny. Anna Dolloff will be heard in a monologue.
"Scarlet," a playlet written and directed by Maude Fulton, will be
enacted by ZaSu Pitts, Louise Crolius and Angie Norton.
Claudia Dell and Renee Denny are on the program for songs.
Alden Gay and Carol Marmon are listed in a blackout called "Double
Trouble," written and directed by Lucile Webster Gleason. Mrs.
Gleason is president of the Dominoes.
"The Wall of Silence," written and directed by Lenore Coffee, will
have in its cast Jo Wallace, Claire DuBray and Dorothy Van Buren.
Marguerite Churchill will be mistress of ceremonies and Bernice
O'Neal will be at the piano.
Among the chorus girls will be Mary Eaton, Carol Marmon, Norma Lee,
Nancy Welfort, Ruth Nugent and Mary Lawlor.
10/3/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
With Marian Douglas signed for a featured role in Aloha, the number
of featured players and stars amounts to ten. Other members of the
cast include Ben Lyon, Raquel Torres, Alan Hale, Robert Edeson,
Thelma Todd, Robert Ellis, T. Roy Barnes, Donald Reed, Otis Harlan
and Al St. John. Production will be started today at the Metropolitan
Sound Studios.
10/10/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
Although Al Rogell has not yet finished making Aloha in which Ben
Lyon, Raquel Torres, Robert Ellis, Robert Edeson, T. Roy Barnes,
Thelma Todd, Otis Harlan, Alan Hale and Al St. John are featured, he
already is planning his next production for a Tiffany release. His
next picture will be The Beloved Enemy according to an announcement
made by Rudolph Flothow, vice-president and general manager of Rogell
Productions. The story is an original by Seton Miller who adapted The
Dawn Patrol to the screen. Casting for the production will be started
within the next few days.
10/22/1930 HDC Society in Filmland
By Rachel Rubin
ROOSEVELT DRAWS CELEBRITIES
A large number of notables entertained guests in the Blossom Room of
the Roosevelt Hotel Monday evening. Among those present were Count
Andreas de Segurola, Messrs. and Mesdames Frank Joyce, Lou Anger,
Denison Clift, J. Ward Cohn, Murray Fell and Sammy Cosen; Messrs.
Manuel Reachi, Lou Schreiber, Sid Garry and Dan Danker; the Misses
Thelma Todd, Jean Bankhead, Mildred Harris and Ruth Delroy.
10/25/1930 EH Screenographs
By Harrison Carroll
Thelma Todd, who's a Boston miss, has received a pot of Boston baked
beans through the mails, compliments of a hotel in her home town.
11/24/1930 LAX Her Man
By Louella O. Parsons
Her Man, excellently atmospheric, splendidly endowed as to cast and
undeniably good entertainment, opened Saturday at the Orpheum
Theater. This is a surprisingly good picture that brings to our
attention the skillful work of Tay Garnett, director-author. Mr.
Garnett is young and so far he has made no outstanding successes. Any
veteran in the business with a long string of box office masterpieces
could be proud of Her Man. It puts Mr. Garnett into the front rank of
capable directors and scores another outstanding success for Pathe.
The story by Mr. Garnett and Howard Higgin deals with men and women
who have sunk to the very depths of degradation. The panorama of the
dives along the wharf on an island, presumably Cuba, is admirably
presented with a moving camera. There is no attempt to whitewash any
of the denizens of these dumps. They are obviously what they are.
Women who live from the bounty of men they meet in the saloon, and
men who find their forgetfulness in drink and loose women.
A demanding role is given Helen Twelvetrees, the Frankie in the life
of Johnny, the saloon-keeper. A youngster who steals, who leads men
on and yet who gropes for something outside of the dingy saloon, Miss
Twelvetrees has a characterization that would tax the ingenuity of a
much more experienced actress. She does an admirable piece of work
and one that is sure to attract attention, not only in film circles,
but with the picture public.
Another lonely soul, a sailor boy, young and hopeful, drifts into the
dive and meets the girl. Their romance is carried on, you might say,
under fire. Johnny (Ricardo Cortez), proficient with the knife, plans
to murder the boy (Phillips Holmes). Young Holmes is always likeable
and he does a nice piece of work as Danny. Cortez, as the lawless
Johnny, dead to all decency and not even true to Frankie, gives one
of the outstanding performances in the picture.
Mr. Garnett is wise in having given Her Man a cast of more than
passing interest. Even the small parts are played by the finest
actors obtainable. Marjorie Rambeau, an artist to her finger tips, is
superb at Annie, who cannot get away from the island. Miss Rambeau
gives a performance so fine you wonder why she didn't leave the stage
long ago for the movies.
Even the comedy is far above that usually seen in a picture of this
kind. James Gleason and Harry Sweet as the two drunken sailors, pals
of Johnny, are consistently funny. Franklin Pangborn is another good
actor who registers; so are Slim Summerville, Thelma Todd and Mathew
Betz.
I should like to have more space to tell just what Slim Summerville
does to get a laugh and all about the slot machine episode, but go
and see the picture; it is one that belongs on the list of all who
appreciate good things.
Supplementing Her Man on the Orpheum program is an amusing Grantland
Rice Sportlight. Not only is Mr. Rice represented, but the rotund,
amiable Mr. Cobb as well. An RKO comedy, Ants In the Pants, and Toby,
the Pup Cartoon, and a Pathe World Newsreel complete the
entertainment offered.
A
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