Theatres

“Crucible”, “Sellout” and “Universe, Inc.”, the three plays which opened during the past week, have not succeeded in lifting the jinx which has so far hung over the new theatrical season.

“Crucible” is a pitiful conglomeration of dope racketeers, small-time thugs and kidnappers, embellished with a dose of Communism and topped off with an affirmation of the belief in God. “Sellout” is a weak attempt to satirize radio advertising agencies. Despite its humorous moments, it remains nothing but another theatrical attempt gone wrong. Heralded as “a modern impressionistic dramatization of the sixth day of creation”, it would have been much better for “Universe, Inc.” if it had never seen the light of day.

KULTUR OPENS SEPT. 18

“Kultur”, a play concerning the present situation in Germany, adapted and staged by Adolf Philipp, will open at the Mansfield Theatre on Monday evening, September 18, under the management of J. J. Vincent. This will be the world premiere of the play which will shortly be produced in Vienna in the original version by Dr. Theodore Weachter. Supporting Charles D. Coburn in the cast will be Madeline Grey, Arlien Marshall, Allan Ward, Craig Ward, Kathleen Lowry, Craig Williams, Lester Alden, Charles Reynolds and Hans Hansen.

RICE WORKS ON NEW PLAY

Elmer Rice is back in town and working on a new play after travelling in Spain and Mexico. At the end of the month he will leave for a fortnight’s lecture tour in nearby towns. . . . From London, A. C. Blumenthal, theatrical producer, has brought back an English hit called “Eight Bells”, which he will put on in mid-October. Percy G. Mandley is the author and it seems that it is all about a British sailing ship anchored in open sea. Colin Clive is to have the leading role. . . . Lee Shubert has been forced to hold up the production of “The Man of Wax” in which Leonore Ulric was to play the role of Josephine in the play about Napoleon, because no one as yet has been found to play “the Little Corporal”.

HITLER BUYING NEWSREEL?

According to Variety, consistent use of Hitler propaganda scenes in Fox Movietone Newsreel is beginning to revive the previously scouted report of a deal between one of the American newsreels and the Hitler group for propagandizing Hitlerism. Fox Movietone some time ago, officially denied such a deal.

NOTES FROM THE STUDIOS

The screen version of the John Balderston play, “Berkeley Square,” in which Leslie Howard was starred, will have its premiere at the Gaiety Theatre Wednesday evening. Leslie Howard plays his original role in the picture and in the supporting cast are Heather Angel, Valerie Taylor, Irene Brown, Beryl Mercer, Colin Keith-Johnston, Alan Mowbray, Juliette Compton, David Torrence, Ferdinand Gottschalk and Betty Lawford. . . . John Barrymore will play the stellar role in “Counsellor-at-Law” which has been adapted to the movies by its author, Elmer Rice. Four members of the stage play have been engaged for the picture. They are: Clara Langsner, Malka Kornstein, Angela Jacobs and Elmer Brown. . . Ethel Merman has signed a contract with Paramount to play the leading feminine role opposite Bing Crosby in his forthcoming starring production, “Cruise to Nowhere”. Before leaving for Hollywood, Miss Merman will make a personal appearance at the Paramount Theatre for the week commencing September 22.