Nelson Eddy In the 30's
9/5/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
If you wish to be ultra Hollywood you really should team up with an ex-husband or ex-wife. Sue Carol and Nick Stuart are the most recent estranged couple to link their names professionally. The two of them have been signed for the leads in Girls of the Follies, which will be produced by Mayfair-Pyramid at the Darmour studios. I wouldn't be surprised if Carole Lombard and Bill Powell should be the next to do a teaming act while their divorce is still news. Frances Marion and George Hill are back as a writing and directing team, but their professional reunion is more understandable, since both contributed some of their best work as a team. These nonchalant professional or publicity reunions are becoming so common that nothing would surprise me now, unless perhaps Mary and Doug would decide to do a picture together.
Girls of the Follies, with Sue Carol and Nick Stuart, will be directed by Wesley Ford. It is a story of the show world, but will not be a musical. There are many sisters of the follies in Hollywood, by the way. One day Peggy Joyce named ever so many of them. Among her contemporaries were Marion Davies and Billie Dove. And there are ever so many newer follies girls now devoted to the cinema.
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I really hesitate to mention another rumored candidate for the cast of By Candlelight, at Universal. Chevalier, Melvyn Douglas, Esther Ralston and several others have been rumored for this picture. But this morning there seems to be rather a reliable rumor that Laurence Oliver may join the cast. At the moment he is vacationing in Honolulu with his wife, Jill Esmond. It would be interesting if he does sign for this picture, since John Gilbert at one time was slated as the star of this play. Now Gilbert is playing the Garbo lead originally intended for Olivier.
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Word from Paris brings the news that Pola Negri is having a most energetic revival of her career. At the moment she is starring in the French and English versions of Fanatismo, from a story by Max Maures with Gaston Ravel directing for Via Film. In addition, she has written her autobiography under the title of My Confessions. In this book she recounts her meeting with Lenin, Trotsky, two crown princes and English diplomats. And of course one chapter would have to be devoted to her romance with Rudolph Valentino. One incident in her life, hitherto unknown, is revealed when she tells that she first came to the United when she was falsely accused of espionage in Germany. When Pola completes her film engagements in Paris, she is scheduled to go to New York for a stage play, "A Trip to Pressburg" which first was produced by Max Reinhardt in Germany.
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You may have suspected that make-up artists and plastic surgeons were brothers under the skin. At least they have the same clientele in Hollywood and often are good friends. Dr. Joseph Ginsberg, the plastic surgeon who has remade many a film face, and Ern Westmore, the famous make-up artist have teamed up to buy Bill Boyd's yacht, the Minx.
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You really have not experienced in the theater until you have attended a performance of "The Drunkard" at the Theater Mart. This famous old play first was produced by P.T. Barnum and in a charming setting at the Theater Mart it is being given a faithful reproduction. A sophisticated audience last night barely escaped hysterics over the various escapades. The entre act entertainment and supper and music after the show are equally enjoyable. The production now is in its tenth week, and I don't believe the producers are too optimisic when the predict that "The Drunkard" will run a year.
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ZaSu Pitts has been mentioned for so many pictures on the Radio Pictures lot that when a press agent tells me about another one, I am thrown into confusion. It seems that ZaSu now is to share honors with Ginger Rogers in Sweet Cheat. Bill Cagney and Robert Benchley also are in the cast and William Seiter will direct.
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Russ Brown, stage comedian of musical comedies on Broadway, has been signed to a term contract at Twentieth Century. His first picture will be Moulin Rouge, with Constance Bennett. Darryl Zanuck still is busy signing up talent. He has borrowed Cary Grant from Paramount for the male lead with Loretta Young in Born To Be Bad. Harry Green, Henry Travers and Jackie Kelk also have been engaged for the same picture, which Lowell Sherman will direct.
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Fontaine Fox, creator of the Mickey McGuire and Toonerville cartoons, is due here soon to start a writing assignment at the Darmour Studios. Seven years ago Larry Darmour introduced Mickey to motion pictures, and the screen Mickey has built up an enormous following.
Nelson Eddy In the 30's
ABBREVIATIONS
EE — Los Angeles Evening Express
EH — Los Angeles Evening Herald
EHE — Los Angeles Evening Herald Express
FD — Film Daily
HCN — Hollywood Citizen News
IDN — Illustrated Daily News
LAR — Los Angeles Record
LAPR — Los Angeles Post-Record
LAX — Los Angeles Examiner
MPH — Motion Picture Herald
SFC — San Francisco Chronicle
Note: FD (Film Daily) and MPH (Motion Picture Herald) are professional journals. The Motion Picture Herald, in particular, served small town and rural motion picture exhibitors and presented a very different outlook on films than the Los Angeles daily newspapers.
6/13/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
Musicals still seem to be holding their own at the studios. George Houston, the baritone who recently completed a year's engagement in the leading role of "New Moon," has signed a contract with MGM to play romantic singing roles in forthcoming musical productions. Houston, who was a leading member of the American Opera Company, has received wide recognition as a concert singer as well. The son of a New Jersey minister, he has been an evangelistic singer, a sailor, French soldier and school teacher. He is also a close friend of Lawrence Tibbett, whom he gives credit for giving him musical recognition in the studios.
11/16/1930 LAX Ray De O'Fan
6:15pm—"Atwater Kent Program." Josef Hofmann, Polish pianistic genius, and Nelson Eddy, baritone, are guest artists with Josef Pasternack's Orchestra. The music of Mendelssohn, Ireland, Aylward, Rubinstein, Mascagni, Krenek, Chopin, Moszkowski, Schubert, Brahams, Quilter, Reddick and Wagner is interpreted. (One hour.)
1/5/1933 HCN Radio
By Zuma Palmer
Nelson Eddy, who sang several years with the Philadelphia Grand Opera Co., and who has made guest appearances with the New York Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony and the Philadelphia Symphony, will be presented for the first time on "Captain Henry's Show Boat" tonight at 6 over KFI. The baritone is scheduled to sing "My message" and "Stout Hearted Men." The Show Boat Four and the Show Boat Singers, a double quartet, are two other new features of this program.
2/26/1933 LAX NELSON EDDY COMING TO AUDITORIUM
Nelson Eddy, baritone, American born and educated, comes to Philharmonic Auditorium next Tuesday evening, and will help to strengthen the resolve of his countrymen to patronize concerts given by American artists.
Such eminent artists as Josef Hofmann declare it is no longer necessary for students to go abroad to study; that there are fine teachers in this country, with even foreign students coming here to study.
Eddy was born in Providence, R.I., June 29, 1901, and as a boy sang in church. In 1915 his moved to Philadelphia to do newspaper work. His first job was writing obituaries. Later he was writing obituaries. Later he was assigned to cover baseball and banquets, and eventually became a copy reader, singing between times, and learning opera arias from a phonograph.
Finally he left journalism for advertising. On the day he was to make his debut in "Pagliacci" a rush order for a spaghetti-promoting campaign kept him in the office until six. Rushing from the office to the theater, a quick change into the costume and role of Tonio was made and the young artist was bewildered by the reception accorded him by press and public. He now has more than thirty opera roles in his repertoire and has given twenty-seven concerts in Philadelphia during the last two seasons.
2/27/1933 EHE NELSON EDDY SINGS IN SAN DIEGO
Tonight Nelson Eddy, American baritone, gives a concert before the members of the Amphion Club of San Diego which has sponsored such events for the last 25 years in that city. Tomorrow night he sings at Philharmonic Auditorium. These two concerts are his only appearances in Southern California.
He has been re-engaged so many times in various cities where he has appeared that it an old story with him. Twenty-seven times has he sung in his own city, Philadelphia, during the past two seasons, including four appearances on the Penn Athletic Club Series and six musicales at the Warwick.
2/28/1933 EHE NELSON EDDY CONCERT ACE
Nelson Eddy, young American baritone, who makes his Los Angeles debut tonight at the Philharmonic auditorium has appeared in concert and opera with foremost organizations.
He has chosen an interesting program for his local appearance. Among his numbers are two arias, "Non Piu Audrai" from Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro," and Massent's "Vision Fugitive" from the Herodiate.
3/1/1933 HCN NELSON EDDY'S SONGS HAILED AT AUDITORIUM
By Raymond E. Mitchell
A most unusual spectacle was that afforded by the concert of Nelson Eddy, American baritone of the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company, which took place at Philharmonic Auditorium last night. It was an extraordinary experience to witness an American youth in his early thirties triumph to such a degree before an audience of distinction and under his own native skies. There was praise for his superb voice, his dignified, unaffected bearing, the subtle blending of tone and text, and for a temperament that comprehends all that is human and much that is spiritual.
The program began with Recitative and Aria, "Non plu andral," from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." It was sung with a purity of style and beauty of tone almost past belief. Back of this voice is an artist and a personality, a fine, big, virile nature, strong with all the strength of a real man, yet tender, poetic and sane in sentiment.
A feature of note was Mr. Eddy's generosity in the matter of encore songs. He had many walks to the footlights after each group, most of them ending with extra numbers coaxed by the eager listeners.
3/2/1933 LAX NELSON EDDY WILL SING
Next Tuesday night Nelson Eddy, American baritone, will be heard on the Behymer Series in a program of English, German, Russian and Western songs, as well as an operatio aria. A group of piano solos by Theodore Paxson, assisting artists, will also be given. This is Mr. Eddy's first trip to the Western Coast. An American artist, who secured most of his musical training in America, Mr. Eddy is an outstanding example of what America produces in the way of singers.
3/6/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Maiden Cruise, the big musical picture scheduled at Radio Pictures studio, underwent a change of cast today. Ben Lyon, who was scheduled for the leading male role, will not be seen in the picture. He was loaned by MGM. And Dorothy Jordan, now free-lancing, also is out of the cast.
Helen Mack, little auburn-haired ingenue who was at Fox under contract for a time, has been given the feminine lead. This is the biggest break that she has had since coming to Hollywood. She both dances and sings and these talents are requirements for her role.
Although no one is definitely set for the male lead replacing Ben Lyon, there is talk about signing a young concert singer by the name of Nelson Eddy. Eddy has never made a picture. Mark Sandrich is to direct the picture and Chic Chandler will have the comedy lead. According to the schedule now mapped out, the picture is due to go before the cameras day after tomorrow.
3/27/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
A number of people who have heard Nelson Eddy sing were very much disappointed when he was not signed for the lead in Maiden Cruise at Radio Pictures. In fact I was quite amazed by the number of disappointed inquiries which came to this desk when he did not get the part after it had been announced that he was considered for it. However, Eddy may land a movie contract yet. I understand that he is taking tests at MGM, where he is being considered for a part in the musical Hollywood Revue and also for a singing role in The Cat and the Fiddle, which this company will produce this summer. Lawrence Tibbett is to return to MGM for one or two musical pictures, and Doris Kenyon also is making tests out there for musical roles. Although they are a bit late in starting production of musicals, it appears that MGM is very much in earnest about them.
3/30/1933 HCN Radio
By Zuma Palmer
Tomorrow's concert by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, the Reading Choral Society, the glee clubs of Princeton University and Haverford College, Robert Steel, tenor; Rose Bampton, soprano, and Nelson Eddy, baritone, is the program of primary importance to be mentioned tonight. This group of artists, under the direction of Leopold Stokowski, will present the Prelude and First Act of Wagner's Parsifal" at 11:30 our time. KHJ releases the program. Mr. Steel, who sings the title role, has sung in opera in Milan, Venice, Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, Naples and Farrara. His concert tours have taken him to Vienna, London, Prague, Paris, Budapest, Christiana, Olso and other European capitals. "La Traviata" was the vehicle for his debut in Italy in 1924.
4/25/1933 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Eighteen encores for one solo at the Philharmonic brought Nelson Eddy, operatic and concert singer, to the attention of Louis B. Mayer. Plenty of singers loose in the world, but not many of them with this Lawrence Tibbett personality. Eddy has it and now it is to be circulated through the medium of the screen by MGM. He was signed by Mayer.
The new screen discovery reaches here August 1 and his first MGM picture will be I Married An Angel, opposite Jeanette MacDonald. Interesting history attached to Eddy, who hails from Rhode Island and started in life as a choir boy. He made his debut in "Pagliacci" in 1924.
6/1/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Nelson Eddy has arrived in Hollywood and soon will report for work at MGM. His first picture will be a musical version of The Prisoner of Zenda, in which he will be co-starred with Jeanette MacDonald. Eddy has had a phenomenal career. At his last Los Angeles concert he drew 13 encores for one song! He started in Philadelphia as a trap drummer. Then he became a telephone operator, shipping clerk in a plumbing firm, newspaper reporter, copy reader, advertising writer. He never had any vocal instruction, so learned to sing by listening to phonograph records. When his voice was well developed, the late David Bispham became interested in him and taught him. When Bispham died, William A. Vilonat and Dr. Edward Lippe completed his musical education. And Eddy, like Lawrence Tibbett, was first recognized as a great baritone in Los Angeles.
6/3/1933 EHE Strolling Along Hollywood's Gossipy Corners With Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy, LA.'s own "discovery" in classy baritones, is back in town to do some HIGH-POWERED warbling for MGM pictures.
6/3/1933 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Which one of our Hollywood beauties will have first innings with Nelson Eddy? He has arrived in town and has taken a house. His mother will live with him, also his secretary and accompanist who are motoring here from the East. Plenty of raves over young Eddy, who is said to have that something that made Chevalier such a favorite. His first picture, Prisoner of Zenda, for MGM with Jeanette MacDonald, will give us a chance to see his screen personality.
6/7/1933 HCN Society In Filmland
By Jane Jackson
CINEMA FOLK WILL ATTEND JACK GLENDOWER SERIES—
Many of Cinemaland have planned to attend the Charles Wakefield Cadman and Liana Galen concert tomorrow at 8:30pm at the Woman's Club of Hollywood, 7078 Hollywood Boulevard. This is the last concert of the season to be sponsored by Jack Glendower.
Mrs. Artie Mason Carter, patron of arts and founder of the Hollywood Bowl, will introduce Mr. Cadman and welcome him back to Hollywood. Among those who plan to attend are Capt. And Mrs. Ben Hershfield (Rita LaRoy). Mr. and Mrs. S. George Ullman, Misses Doris Kenyon, Josephine Dillon Gable, Fannie Charles Dillon, Ferike Boros, Melva Oorez, Margaret Messer Belt, Merna Kennedy, Lois Wilson, Kay Hammond, and Messrs. Leon Lance, Lawrence King and Nelson Eddy.
6/22/1933 HCN Cinemania
By Edwin Martin
MIDNIGHT WANDERINGS
And there goes Joan Crawford and Walter Winchell, riding to Culver City together...and Jean Hersholt and his young son are doing the Boulevard together after Jean's visit to Denmark...and Nelson Eddy, the singing actor and Wally Beery driving by in his new sedan.
6/29/1933 EHE Jimmy Starr
...Maybe Nelson Eddy, the blond single chappie, will get his big cinema chance with Greta (yep, she's talking) Garbo in Queen Christina...
7/18/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Tempus still fugiting on The March of Time at MGM. Four long years now this musical revue has been in the throes of production. It is periodically shelved, then dusted off and worked over again. The last session of new work-overs has been particularly thorough. Just about the time I thought the picture surely must be finished. I get the announcement that May Robson and Nelson Eddy have been added to the cast. Eddy, the recent baritone discovery who has been placed under contract by MGM will sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "In the Garden of My Hart." The March of Time goes on and tempus fugit!
8/13/1933 LAX Sometimes They Cannot Live Up to Press Agents
By J.B.L. Lawrence
Soon we shall see on the screen four new faces—Francis Lederer, Anna Sten, Dorothea Wick and Nelson Eddy.
Reams have been written about each; the public's appetite has been whetted; each is promised as the answer to the movie-going-fans' prayers; each is as yet a picture-less star.
9/2/1933 FD Broadway to Hollywood
MGM 85 minutes
Swell backstage drama with musical touches highlighted by some swell performances.
For fidelity to its theatrical locale, for the excellence of its performances, particularly the grand work of Alice Brady and Frank Morgan, and for the sustaining interest of its story, this backstage picture is in a class by itself. Exhibitors need have no apprehension that they are getting a partly remade March of Time made some years ago, but never released. It is a new production in all respects except for a short color sequence, a tableau number which may advisably be eliminated. Story traces the ups and downs of a theatrical family through three generations, starting back in the Tony Pator vaudeville days and winding up with the third generation starring in the movies. Besides the grand acting of Miss Brady, Morgan, May Robson, Russell Hardie and Madge Evans, there are fine bits by Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney, Eddie Quillan and others.
Cast: Alice Brady, Frank Morgan, Madge Evans, Russell Hardie, Jackie Cooper, Eddie Quillan, Mickey Rooney, Tad Alexander, Edward Brophy, Ruth Channing, Jean Howard, Jimmy Durante, Fay Templeton, May Robson, Claire DuBrey, Muriel Evans, Claude LeKaye, Nelson Eddy, Una Merkel.
Director, Willard Mack; Authors, Willard Mack, Edgar Allan Woolf; Adaptors, Same; Cameramen, William Daniels, Norbert Brodine; Editor, William S. Grew.
Direction, Aces. Photography, A-1.
9/8/1933 EHE Harrison Carroll
...To avoid holding up the Dancing Lady company, MGM is shooting closeups of Joan Crawford, whose ankle is too badly swollen to dancing scenes. It's an uncommon practice, y'know for stars to wear bedroom slippers when making closeups. Jeanette MacDonald often does it, as does Kay Francis.
9/23/1933 MPH SIGNED.......
MGM
Nelson Eddy, singer, added to Dancing Lady.
10/6/1933 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Nelson Eddy reported dividing his attentions between Lila Lee and an unknown Spanish senorita.
10/6/1933 LAX Stars To Perform at Midnight Benefit for Families Victimized by Griffith Park Fire
World famous stars of the stage and screen...
Singers, dancers, comedians, the cream of the Los Angeles and Hollywood artists, all contributing their talents to aid the families left desolate by the Griffith Park tragedy. (Ed. Note: more than 30 firefighters were killed when trapped in a canyon by advancing brush fire!)
How's this for a list of stars, all gladly agreeing to appear in person:
Lionel Barrymore, May Robson, Polly Moran, Max Baer, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Weissmuller, Jean Hersholt, Lennie Hayton, who is Bing Crosby's accompanist; Nelson Eddy, concert and stage singer; Ted Healy and his stooges.
10/6/1933 LAX GRIFFITH PARK FIRE VICTIMS RECIPIENTS OF FABULOUS BENEFIT STAGE SHOW
World famous stars of the stage and screen...
Singers, dancers, comedians, the cream of the Los Angeles and Hollywood artists, all contributing their talents to aid the families left desolate by the Griffith Park tragedy. (Ed. Note: more than 30 firefighters were killed when trapped in a canyon by advancing brush fire!)
How's this for a list of stars, all gladly agreeing to appear in person:
Lionel Barrymore, May Robson, Polly Moran, Max Baer, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Weissmuller, Jean Hersholt, Lennie Hayton, who is Bing Crosby's accompanist; Nelson Eddy, concert and stage singer; Ted Healy and his stooges.
10/9/1933 HCN Cinemania
By Edwin Martin
Nelson Eddy, MGM's singing star, who called on Eddie Hitchcock of the advertising staff of the studio the other night, and instead of announcing himself sang an aria from Rigoletto...and won considerable applause from the neighbors.
10/13/1933 HCN Cinemania
Nelson eddy, MGM's singing laddie, wondering what to do with the first speeding ticket he ever got in his life....
10/14/1933 EHE Strolling Along Hollywood's Gossipy Corners With Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy, the single star, got in the toils of the law for the FIRST time when he was tagged for speeding the other day.
10/18/1933 EHE Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy's BLACK-EYE which you probably saw at the Tibbett performance was caused by a slip in the bathtub—at least, Nelson says so.
10/20/1933 LAX Broadway to Hollywood
By Louella O. Parsons
Broadway to Hollywood, at Loew's State Theater, is only reminiscent of the two-year-old "March of Time," from which it is supposed to be taken.
Fay Templeton in a sprightly song number and a few glimpses of Lew Fields and Joe Weber are all that remain of the original picture.
Harry Rapf has shuffled his cards and given the dear public an entirely new deal so that those who have heard of the "March of Time" would not feel they are seeing a film resurrected by MGM to save the money invested.
The story in brief, directed by Willard Mack, who also had a hand with Edgar Allen Woolf in writing the scenario, takes in old theatrical New York. Dating back to the days of Tony Pastor and coming right down to the present glamorous Hollywood, three generations of Hacketts take part, first in vaudeville, then in a Broadway revue, and later in the Hollywood movies.
Through all these years Alice Brady and Frank Morgan, as the original Hacketts, continue to dominate the situation. In the early days the first Hackett had a roving eye for women. It was his wife's sense of humor that kept their marriage from going on the rocks.
The second Mrs. Hackett (Madge Evans), wife of Ted Jr., didn't have the same sense of humor that saved her mother-in-law's marriage. She killed herself when her husband acquired the roving eye habit.
Undoubtedly, Broadway to Hollywood combines the story of three or four well-known theatrical families. Frank Morgan, who in my estimation, is one of the most versatile actors on the screen, all but steals the show in his performance of the elder Hackett, who never forgets the tradition of his name. Alice Brady assists in this show-stealing business by giving a swell performance as Lulu Hackett, his wife.
Madge Evans, with little to do, is decorative and satisfactory. Russell Hardie scarcely has an opportunity to show any of his advertised ability. Eddie Quillan is good in a limited role. Others who make the most of small parts are Jimmy Durante, May Robson, Claire DuBrey, Muriel Evans, Nelson Eddy and Una Merkel.
The song numbers are attractive and the Albertina Rasch dancers up to the minute. Mr. Rapf has done remarkably well with the yeoman's job of remaking the picture. Broadway to Hollywood is not one of his masterpieces, and neither will it go down in history as an epic; but those who know the theater will be pleased at the faithfulness of certain scenes.
I do not care for shorts, but the Charley Chase comedy this week, Arabian Nights, is really packed with laughs. Pete Smith is at his best with Menu. There is a Hearst Metrotone, and Ed Lowry, aided and abetted by Jimmy Grier, completes the program.
10/20/1933 EHE Broadway to Hollywood
By Harrison Carroll
In terms of very human drama, Broadway to Hollywood brings back the fine traditions, the frailties, the courage to face hardship of the vaudeville performers of days gone by.
The new picture at Loew's State offers spectacular revue numbers, but it is the story of the Hacketts, who have the two-a-day in the marrow of their bones, that gives the film its claim to distinction.
These Hacketts, in the beginning, are Alice Brady, Frank Morgan and Jackie Cooper, who already is being trained to carry on. Moving on through the years, the story carries the boy to fame, marriage and tragedy, traces the gradual eclipse of the original Hacketts and ends up in Hollywood with the third generation, Ted Hackett III, facing the test of early success, failing, and then coming into his own to carry on the tradition of the family.
HAS TRADITION
And that tradition: "A Hackett never holds a curtain, never lets a manager down."
MGM has given this story into the hands of men who have treated it lovingly. Associate producer Harry Rapf, director and writer Willard Mack and writer Edgar Allen Woolf know what they are putting to the screen.
They could not have chosen better than Alice Brady and Frank Morgan to play the loyal, courageous Lulu Hackett and the vain, flirtatious, but withal lovable Ted Hackett Sr. Both these performers give moving, authentic characterizations.
Praise is due also to Jackie Cooper and the Russell Hardie, as their son; to Madge Evans as the dancer whose death brings tragedy to the boy; to Mickey Rooney and to Eddie Quillan as Ted Hackett III, and to various others, notably May Robson, who appears tellingly in a bit.
RECLAIM NUMBERS
In addition to recapturing the spirit of a passing era of vaudeville, the makers of this picture also have reclaimed and used to good advantage many revue numbers planned for an earlier story.
Broadway to Hollywood is convincing drama except in the Hollywood sequence, which leans to the fantastic.
MGM has turned out a picture that will be of special interest to the show business, but that also will give the public an insight into the lives of people they once knew from the other side of the footlights.
For its short-subject program Loew's State offers one of Pete Smith's funny specialities, Menus, a Charley Chase comedy, and a Hearst Metrotone-Fox Movietone newsreel. Ed Lowry and Jimmy Grier's orchestra divide honors on the stage.
10/21/1933 HCN Radio
By Zuma Palmer
Tonight's NRA program released at 9 by the Los Angeles and Hollywood stations is originated by KFWB. Included in the list of entertainers will be Ruth Durrell, soprano, Nelson Eddy, baritone, the King Men, Jane Raymond, Harry Green, New York comedian, a large vocal ensemble, and an augmented orchestra under the direction of Jack Joy. Elliott Roosevelt will speak. This is the second in the series of NRA programs to be produced by the KFWB staff.
10/23/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Nelson Eddy, although under contract too MGM, is continuing to fill concert engagements. He leaves by plane this afternoon for Fresno to appear in a recital tonight. Eddy recently appeared before the camera in Broadway to Hollywood and Dancing Lady.
10/23/1933 IDN Radio
By Kenneth Frogley
Hundreds of children in dire need of medical attention and other health necessities are to be directly benefitted by a program for the El Nido Council Lodge of Undernourished Girls, to be given tomorrow at 2pm at the Ritz Theater, Wilshire Boulevard and la Brea, in Los Angeles.
Among the many stars of stage and screen to be featured are Lupe Velez, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Weissmuller, May Robson, Nelson Eddy, George Givot, Bobbie Arnst, Arthur Jarrett, Ted Healy and his "stooges," Curtis Coley, Madame Rasch ballet, several feature acts from Sid Grauman, "The Rangers," "Harmonetts," and dozens of other performers.
10/27/1933 IDN Eleanor Barnes
Nelson Eddy, the blond baritone of the Behymer series, opened this winter season of music at Fresno last Monday night with a capacity audience, his second in that city within seven months. Tuesday evening, November 21, he will be heard again on the Behymer series at Philharmonic Auditorium, and one of the numbers programed is the largo from "The Barber of Seville," by special request of many who heard his rendition of this difficult air on the NRA program last week.
10/27/1933 LAX Hollywood Parade
By Reine Davies
Nelson Eddy will be host to a hundred or more guests in his home in Beverly Hills on Sunday afternoon.
10/31/1933 EHE Harrison Carroll
Judith Allen's latest interest is Bill Thomas, Paramount advertising man. They were together at Nelson Eddy's cocktail party and made a complete round of the late spots.
11/2/1933 EHE Harrison Carroll
Friends of Nelson Eddy are annoyed with Halloween pranksters, who had fun switching the street numbers of various houses in Beverly Hills. Invited to dinner at Eddy's house, the group had to ring doorbells for two blocks to locate it.
11/8/1933 IDN Eleanor Barnes
Nelson Eddy, the young American baritone who was with the Philadelphia Philharmonic orchestra , and who has been under contract at MGM since last June, has been engaged for two concerts with the San Francisco symphony orchestra, according to announcement today. Eddy's contract will expire at MGM the middle of December, after filling the western engagements he will make a concert tour of the principal cities of the United States. He will appear in San Francisco December 22 and 23.
11/8/1933 EHE Strolling Along Hollywood's Gossipy Corners With Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy not only sings via the ether waves, but teaches pretty young things to win at roulette.
11/8/1933 EHE Radio
A special National Broadcasting Co. program will be broadcast with coast-to-coast hook-up. From New York this program will be re-broadcast by short wave to Europe.
Louis B. Mayer, chief executive of MGM will be toast master, and will introduce such notables as May Robson, Lionel Barrymore, Governor James Rolph Jr., Norma Shearer, Mary Pickford and Polly Moran. Those who will contribute musically are: Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Jimmy Durante and Harry Jackson. Pete Smith, MGM publicity director, is in charge of the program.
11/9/1933 LAX MARIE DRESSLER BIRTHDAY FETE ON NBC TONIGHT
By Ray De O'Fan
Strike me pink, but I'd never imagine she could be so active at 62 years! Yet they say Marie Dressler reaches that milestone today in life today.
NBC thinks so much of the birthday party arranged for her that it will broadcast the ceremonies from MGM studios this evening over a nationwide hookup at 8:30 o'clock for one hour. KECA is the local outlet. Shortwave stations will pick up the program and rebroadcast it in foreign countries.
Jeanette MacDonald, whose voice has enthralled millions of motion picture goers, is going to pay her tribute and extend congratulations through song. Her number or numbers have not been announced, but they will be typically Jeanette MacDonald and that satisfies any demand.
Nelson Eddy also sings, as does Jimmy Durante, Polly Moran will be herself and Harry Jackson's NBC orchestra will play.
Louis B. Mayer is toastmaster and speakers include Governor James Rolph, May Robson, Lionel Barrymore, Mary Pickford, Norma Shearer and Miss Dressler.
11/9/1933 EHE NELSON EDDY APPEARS
AT MARIE DRESSLER'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
"Queen Marie" Dressler, beloved screen star was all aflutter today for it is the occasion when Hollywood and the world at large were celebrating her sixty-second birthday.
A dinner dance will be the means tonight at MGM studio whereby the official greetings of the world of statesmanship and of the screen will be given to the famous actress.
Governor James Rolph Jr. was to be on hand to present Miss Dressler the compliments of the state of California on her birthday.
Others who will speak at the dinner dance are Mary Pickford, May Robson, Will Rogers, Irene Franklin, Lionel Barrymore, Polly Moran and others who have played with her on stage and screen.
Louis B. Mayer, vice president of the studio, will be toastmaster and will introduce, as part of the gala entertainment program, notables such as Nelson Eddy, Jimmy Durante and others. The program will be broadcast internationally.
11/11/1933 MPH What the Picture Did For Me
The Big Brain: George E. Stone, Fay Wray, Phillips Holmes—A very good program picture killed by no title. No brains could have picked out a better title.—G. Carey, Strand Theatre, Paris, Ark. Family Patronage.
Obey the Law, Leo Carrillo, Lois Wilson
That's My Boy, Richard Cromwell
Night of Terror, Bela Lugosi, Sally Eilers—
Power and the Glory, Spencer Tracy
Devil's In Love, Victory Jory, Constance Bennett
Worst Woman in Paris, Adolphe Menjou, Benita Hume
Tombstone Canyon, Ken Maynard
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper—Here is mighty good entertainment. Better than program class. Russell Hardie, Mickey Rooney and Eddie Quillan give good dance number. Lots of girls. One number of about five minutes in color that was very classy, two or three hundred in it. Color was used in this according to my idea of how it should be used in pictures. Boost this, it will satisfy. Played October 19-20.—D.E. Fitton, Lyric Theatre, Harrison, Ark. Small Town Patronage.
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney—One of the best pictures in months. A little long, but no dull spots in it. Step on this one hard. It has everything.—Warren L. Weber, Ellinwood Theatre, Ellinwood, Kansas. General Patronage.
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney—Picture went over all right and they liked it. The National Screen Service, however, put out a trailer on this that they have no right to make. They pledge the house to show the knockout of knockouts with the theatre's reputation behind the statement. Theatres can speak form themselves. The trailer company can speak for the films. I guard my relations with those who read my advertisements and keep scrupulous faith with them—don't want this sold out.—Herman J. Brown, Majestic & Adelaide Theatres, Nampa, Idaho. General Patronage.
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney—Very good picture but did only about 25% of average business. The greatest picture of back stage life ever made. Should have done better business than it did. The best acting you will see for a long time. Great story. Music and sound perfect. Running time, 88 minutes. Played October 2-24-25.—Edward M. Starkey, Rex Theatre, Berlin, Wis. Rural and City Patronage.
11/14/1933 HCN ‘ROUND UP' AT AUDITORIUM
Nelson Eddy, popular baritone, who will appear next Tuesday night in concert at Philharmonic Auditorium will include on his program the popular cowboy song, "The Last Round-up."
Eddy's program at Philharmonic will be the same as that he offered at San Diego, where he was called to take the place of Lily Pons when she canceled her engagement at the southern city.
The Philharmonic concert is the only one on the baritone's schedule for Los Angeles this season. He will appear, however, with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in the Bay City on Dec. 22 and 23.
11/15/1933 LAX NELSON EDDY "PINCH HITS"
Nelson Eddy, baritone, who sings on the Behymer Series at Philharmonic Auditorium next Tuesday evening, took the place of Lily Pons at San Diego last Friday night, where Miss Pons was so ill with bronchitis that it was impossible to sing the San Diego engagement. Mr. Eddy was hastily consulted and gave a most successful program.
If you wish to be ultra Hollywood you really should team up with an ex-husband or ex-wife. Sue Carol and Nick Stuart are the most recent estranged couple to link their names professionally. The two of them have been signed for the leads in Girls of the Follies, which will be produced by Mayfair-Pyramid at the Darmour studios. I wouldn't be surprised if Carole Lombard and Bill Powell should be the next to do a teaming act while their divorce is still news. Frances Marion and George Hill are back as a writing and directing team, but their professional reunion is more understandable, since both contributed some of their best work as a team. These nonchalant professional or publicity reunions are becoming so common that nothing would surprise me now, unless perhaps Mary and Doug would decide to do a picture together.
Girls of the Follies, with Sue Carol and Nick Stuart, will be directed by Wesley Ford. It is a story of the show world, but will not be a musical. There are many sisters of the follies in Hollywood, by the way. One day Peggy Joyce named ever so many of them. Among her contemporaries were Marion Davies and Billie Dove. And there are ever so many newer follies girls now devoted to the cinema.
....
I really hesitate to mention another rumored candidate for the cast of By Candlelight, at Universal. Chevalier, Melvyn Douglas, Esther Ralston and several others have been rumored for this picture. But this morning there seems to be rather a reliable rumor that Laurence Oliver may join the cast. At the moment he is vacationing in Honolulu with his wife, Jill Esmond. It would be interesting if he does sign for this picture, since John Gilbert at one time was slated as the star of this play. Now Gilbert is playing the Garbo lead originally intended for Olivier.
....
Word from Paris brings the news that Pola Negri is having a most energetic revival of her career. At the moment she is starring in the French and English versions of Fanatismo, from a story by Max Maures with Gaston Ravel directing for Via Film. In addition, she has written her autobiography under the title of My Confessions. In this book she recounts her meeting with Lenin, Trotsky, two crown princes and English diplomats. And of course one chapter would have to be devoted to her romance with Rudolph Valentino. One incident in her life, hitherto unknown, is revealed when she tells that she first came to the United when she was falsely accused of espionage in Germany. When Pola completes her film engagements in Paris, she is scheduled to go to New York for a stage play, "A Trip to Pressburg" which first was produced by Max Reinhardt in Germany.
....
You may have suspected that make-up artists and plastic surgeons were brothers under the skin. At least they have the same clientele in Hollywood and often are good friends. Dr. Joseph Ginsberg, the plastic surgeon who has remade many a film face, and Ern Westmore, the famous make-up artist have teamed up to buy Bill Boyd's yacht, the Minx.
....
You really have not experienced in the theater until you have attended a performance of "The Drunkard" at the Theater Mart. This famous old play first was produced by P.T. Barnum and in a charming setting at the Theater Mart it is being given a faithful reproduction. A sophisticated audience last night barely escaped hysterics over the various escapades. The entre act entertainment and supper and music after the show are equally enjoyable. The production now is in its tenth week, and I don't believe the producers are too optimisic when the predict that "The Drunkard" will run a year.
....
ZaSu Pitts has been mentioned for so many pictures on the Radio Pictures lot that when a press agent tells me about another one, I am thrown into confusion. It seems that ZaSu now is to share honors with Ginger Rogers in Sweet Cheat. Bill Cagney and Robert Benchley also are in the cast and William Seiter will direct.
....
Russ Brown, stage comedian of musical comedies on Broadway, has been signed to a term contract at Twentieth Century. His first picture will be Moulin Rouge, with Constance Bennett. Darryl Zanuck still is busy signing up talent. He has borrowed Cary Grant from Paramount for the male lead with Loretta Young in Born To Be Bad. Harry Green, Henry Travers and Jackie Kelk also have been engaged for the same picture, which Lowell Sherman will direct.
....
Fontaine Fox, creator of the Mickey McGuire and Toonerville cartoons, is due here soon to start a writing assignment at the Darmour Studios. Seven years ago Larry Darmour introduced Mickey to motion pictures, and the screen Mickey has built up an enormous following.
Nelson Eddy In the 30's
ABBREVIATIONS
EE — Los Angeles Evening Express
EH — Los Angeles Evening Herald
EHE — Los Angeles Evening Herald Express
FD — Film Daily
HCN — Hollywood Citizen News
IDN — Illustrated Daily News
LAR — Los Angeles Record
LAPR — Los Angeles Post-Record
LAX — Los Angeles Examiner
MPH — Motion Picture Herald
SFC — San Francisco Chronicle
Note: FD (Film Daily) and MPH (Motion Picture Herald) are professional journals. The Motion Picture Herald, in particular, served small town and rural motion picture exhibitors and presented a very different outlook on films than the Los Angeles daily newspapers.
6/13/1930 HDC Elizabeth Yeaman
Musicals still seem to be holding their own at the studios. George Houston, the baritone who recently completed a year's engagement in the leading role of "New Moon," has signed a contract with MGM to play romantic singing roles in forthcoming musical productions. Houston, who was a leading member of the American Opera Company, has received wide recognition as a concert singer as well. The son of a New Jersey minister, he has been an evangelistic singer, a sailor, French soldier and school teacher. He is also a close friend of Lawrence Tibbett, whom he gives credit for giving him musical recognition in the studios.
11/16/1930 LAX Ray De O'Fan
6:15pm—"Atwater Kent Program." Josef Hofmann, Polish pianistic genius, and Nelson Eddy, baritone, are guest artists with Josef Pasternack's Orchestra. The music of Mendelssohn, Ireland, Aylward, Rubinstein, Mascagni, Krenek, Chopin, Moszkowski, Schubert, Brahams, Quilter, Reddick and Wagner is interpreted. (One hour.)
1/5/1933 HCN Radio
By Zuma Palmer
Nelson Eddy, who sang several years with the Philadelphia Grand Opera Co., and who has made guest appearances with the New York Philharmonic, the Detroit Symphony and the Philadelphia Symphony, will be presented for the first time on "Captain Henry's Show Boat" tonight at 6 over KFI. The baritone is scheduled to sing "My message" and "Stout Hearted Men." The Show Boat Four and the Show Boat Singers, a double quartet, are two other new features of this program.
2/26/1933 LAX NELSON EDDY COMING TO AUDITORIUM
Nelson Eddy, baritone, American born and educated, comes to Philharmonic Auditorium next Tuesday evening, and will help to strengthen the resolve of his countrymen to patronize concerts given by American artists.
Such eminent artists as Josef Hofmann declare it is no longer necessary for students to go abroad to study; that there are fine teachers in this country, with even foreign students coming here to study.
Eddy was born in Providence, R.I., June 29, 1901, and as a boy sang in church. In 1915 his moved to Philadelphia to do newspaper work. His first job was writing obituaries. Later he was writing obituaries. Later he was assigned to cover baseball and banquets, and eventually became a copy reader, singing between times, and learning opera arias from a phonograph.
Finally he left journalism for advertising. On the day he was to make his debut in "Pagliacci" a rush order for a spaghetti-promoting campaign kept him in the office until six. Rushing from the office to the theater, a quick change into the costume and role of Tonio was made and the young artist was bewildered by the reception accorded him by press and public. He now has more than thirty opera roles in his repertoire and has given twenty-seven concerts in Philadelphia during the last two seasons.
2/27/1933 EHE NELSON EDDY SINGS IN SAN DIEGO
Tonight Nelson Eddy, American baritone, gives a concert before the members of the Amphion Club of San Diego which has sponsored such events for the last 25 years in that city. Tomorrow night he sings at Philharmonic Auditorium. These two concerts are his only appearances in Southern California.
He has been re-engaged so many times in various cities where he has appeared that it an old story with him. Twenty-seven times has he sung in his own city, Philadelphia, during the past two seasons, including four appearances on the Penn Athletic Club Series and six musicales at the Warwick.
2/28/1933 EHE NELSON EDDY CONCERT ACE
Nelson Eddy, young American baritone, who makes his Los Angeles debut tonight at the Philharmonic auditorium has appeared in concert and opera with foremost organizations.
He has chosen an interesting program for his local appearance. Among his numbers are two arias, "Non Piu Audrai" from Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro," and Massent's "Vision Fugitive" from the Herodiate.
3/1/1933 HCN NELSON EDDY'S SONGS HAILED AT AUDITORIUM
By Raymond E. Mitchell
A most unusual spectacle was that afforded by the concert of Nelson Eddy, American baritone of the Philadelphia Grand Opera Company, which took place at Philharmonic Auditorium last night. It was an extraordinary experience to witness an American youth in his early thirties triumph to such a degree before an audience of distinction and under his own native skies. There was praise for his superb voice, his dignified, unaffected bearing, the subtle blending of tone and text, and for a temperament that comprehends all that is human and much that is spiritual.
The program began with Recitative and Aria, "Non plu andral," from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro." It was sung with a purity of style and beauty of tone almost past belief. Back of this voice is an artist and a personality, a fine, big, virile nature, strong with all the strength of a real man, yet tender, poetic and sane in sentiment.
A feature of note was Mr. Eddy's generosity in the matter of encore songs. He had many walks to the footlights after each group, most of them ending with extra numbers coaxed by the eager listeners.
3/2/1933 LAX NELSON EDDY WILL SING
Next Tuesday night Nelson Eddy, American baritone, will be heard on the Behymer Series in a program of English, German, Russian and Western songs, as well as an operatio aria. A group of piano solos by Theodore Paxson, assisting artists, will also be given. This is Mr. Eddy's first trip to the Western Coast. An American artist, who secured most of his musical training in America, Mr. Eddy is an outstanding example of what America produces in the way of singers.
3/6/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Maiden Cruise, the big musical picture scheduled at Radio Pictures studio, underwent a change of cast today. Ben Lyon, who was scheduled for the leading male role, will not be seen in the picture. He was loaned by MGM. And Dorothy Jordan, now free-lancing, also is out of the cast.
Helen Mack, little auburn-haired ingenue who was at Fox under contract for a time, has been given the feminine lead. This is the biggest break that she has had since coming to Hollywood. She both dances and sings and these talents are requirements for her role.
Although no one is definitely set for the male lead replacing Ben Lyon, there is talk about signing a young concert singer by the name of Nelson Eddy. Eddy has never made a picture. Mark Sandrich is to direct the picture and Chic Chandler will have the comedy lead. According to the schedule now mapped out, the picture is due to go before the cameras day after tomorrow.
3/27/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
A number of people who have heard Nelson Eddy sing were very much disappointed when he was not signed for the lead in Maiden Cruise at Radio Pictures. In fact I was quite amazed by the number of disappointed inquiries which came to this desk when he did not get the part after it had been announced that he was considered for it. However, Eddy may land a movie contract yet. I understand that he is taking tests at MGM, where he is being considered for a part in the musical Hollywood Revue and also for a singing role in The Cat and the Fiddle, which this company will produce this summer. Lawrence Tibbett is to return to MGM for one or two musical pictures, and Doris Kenyon also is making tests out there for musical roles. Although they are a bit late in starting production of musicals, it appears that MGM is very much in earnest about them.
3/30/1933 HCN Radio
By Zuma Palmer
Tomorrow's concert by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, the Reading Choral Society, the glee clubs of Princeton University and Haverford College, Robert Steel, tenor; Rose Bampton, soprano, and Nelson Eddy, baritone, is the program of primary importance to be mentioned tonight. This group of artists, under the direction of Leopold Stokowski, will present the Prelude and First Act of Wagner's Parsifal" at 11:30 our time. KHJ releases the program. Mr. Steel, who sings the title role, has sung in opera in Milan, Venice, Heidelberg, Wiesbaden, Naples and Farrara. His concert tours have taken him to Vienna, London, Prague, Paris, Budapest, Christiana, Olso and other European capitals. "La Traviata" was the vehicle for his debut in Italy in 1924.
4/25/1933 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Eighteen encores for one solo at the Philharmonic brought Nelson Eddy, operatic and concert singer, to the attention of Louis B. Mayer. Plenty of singers loose in the world, but not many of them with this Lawrence Tibbett personality. Eddy has it and now it is to be circulated through the medium of the screen by MGM. He was signed by Mayer.
The new screen discovery reaches here August 1 and his first MGM picture will be I Married An Angel, opposite Jeanette MacDonald. Interesting history attached to Eddy, who hails from Rhode Island and started in life as a choir boy. He made his debut in "Pagliacci" in 1924.
6/1/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Nelson Eddy has arrived in Hollywood and soon will report for work at MGM. His first picture will be a musical version of The Prisoner of Zenda, in which he will be co-starred with Jeanette MacDonald. Eddy has had a phenomenal career. At his last Los Angeles concert he drew 13 encores for one song! He started in Philadelphia as a trap drummer. Then he became a telephone operator, shipping clerk in a plumbing firm, newspaper reporter, copy reader, advertising writer. He never had any vocal instruction, so learned to sing by listening to phonograph records. When his voice was well developed, the late David Bispham became interested in him and taught him. When Bispham died, William A. Vilonat and Dr. Edward Lippe completed his musical education. And Eddy, like Lawrence Tibbett, was first recognized as a great baritone in Los Angeles.
6/3/1933 EHE Strolling Along Hollywood's Gossipy Corners With Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy, LA.'s own "discovery" in classy baritones, is back in town to do some HIGH-POWERED warbling for MGM pictures.
6/3/1933 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Which one of our Hollywood beauties will have first innings with Nelson Eddy? He has arrived in town and has taken a house. His mother will live with him, also his secretary and accompanist who are motoring here from the East. Plenty of raves over young Eddy, who is said to have that something that made Chevalier such a favorite. His first picture, Prisoner of Zenda, for MGM with Jeanette MacDonald, will give us a chance to see his screen personality.
6/7/1933 HCN Society In Filmland
By Jane Jackson
CINEMA FOLK WILL ATTEND JACK GLENDOWER SERIES—
Many of Cinemaland have planned to attend the Charles Wakefield Cadman and Liana Galen concert tomorrow at 8:30pm at the Woman's Club of Hollywood, 7078 Hollywood Boulevard. This is the last concert of the season to be sponsored by Jack Glendower.
Mrs. Artie Mason Carter, patron of arts and founder of the Hollywood Bowl, will introduce Mr. Cadman and welcome him back to Hollywood. Among those who plan to attend are Capt. And Mrs. Ben Hershfield (Rita LaRoy). Mr. and Mrs. S. George Ullman, Misses Doris Kenyon, Josephine Dillon Gable, Fannie Charles Dillon, Ferike Boros, Melva Oorez, Margaret Messer Belt, Merna Kennedy, Lois Wilson, Kay Hammond, and Messrs. Leon Lance, Lawrence King and Nelson Eddy.
6/22/1933 HCN Cinemania
By Edwin Martin
MIDNIGHT WANDERINGS
And there goes Joan Crawford and Walter Winchell, riding to Culver City together...and Jean Hersholt and his young son are doing the Boulevard together after Jean's visit to Denmark...and Nelson Eddy, the singing actor and Wally Beery driving by in his new sedan.
6/29/1933 EHE Jimmy Starr
...Maybe Nelson Eddy, the blond single chappie, will get his big cinema chance with Greta (yep, she's talking) Garbo in Queen Christina...
7/18/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Tempus still fugiting on The March of Time at MGM. Four long years now this musical revue has been in the throes of production. It is periodically shelved, then dusted off and worked over again. The last session of new work-overs has been particularly thorough. Just about the time I thought the picture surely must be finished. I get the announcement that May Robson and Nelson Eddy have been added to the cast. Eddy, the recent baritone discovery who has been placed under contract by MGM will sing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" and "In the Garden of My Hart." The March of Time goes on and tempus fugit!
8/13/1933 LAX Sometimes They Cannot Live Up to Press Agents
By J.B.L. Lawrence
Soon we shall see on the screen four new faces—Francis Lederer, Anna Sten, Dorothea Wick and Nelson Eddy.
Reams have been written about each; the public's appetite has been whetted; each is promised as the answer to the movie-going-fans' prayers; each is as yet a picture-less star.
9/2/1933 FD Broadway to Hollywood
MGM 85 minutes
Swell backstage drama with musical touches highlighted by some swell performances.
For fidelity to its theatrical locale, for the excellence of its performances, particularly the grand work of Alice Brady and Frank Morgan, and for the sustaining interest of its story, this backstage picture is in a class by itself. Exhibitors need have no apprehension that they are getting a partly remade March of Time made some years ago, but never released. It is a new production in all respects except for a short color sequence, a tableau number which may advisably be eliminated. Story traces the ups and downs of a theatrical family through three generations, starting back in the Tony Pator vaudeville days and winding up with the third generation starring in the movies. Besides the grand acting of Miss Brady, Morgan, May Robson, Russell Hardie and Madge Evans, there are fine bits by Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney, Eddie Quillan and others.
Cast: Alice Brady, Frank Morgan, Madge Evans, Russell Hardie, Jackie Cooper, Eddie Quillan, Mickey Rooney, Tad Alexander, Edward Brophy, Ruth Channing, Jean Howard, Jimmy Durante, Fay Templeton, May Robson, Claire DuBrey, Muriel Evans, Claude LeKaye, Nelson Eddy, Una Merkel.
Director, Willard Mack; Authors, Willard Mack, Edgar Allan Woolf; Adaptors, Same; Cameramen, William Daniels, Norbert Brodine; Editor, William S. Grew.
Direction, Aces. Photography, A-1.
9/8/1933 EHE Harrison Carroll
...To avoid holding up the Dancing Lady company, MGM is shooting closeups of Joan Crawford, whose ankle is too badly swollen to dancing scenes. It's an uncommon practice, y'know for stars to wear bedroom slippers when making closeups. Jeanette MacDonald often does it, as does Kay Francis.
9/23/1933 MPH SIGNED.......
MGM
Nelson Eddy, singer, added to Dancing Lady.
10/6/1933 LAX Louella O. Parsons
Nelson Eddy reported dividing his attentions between Lila Lee and an unknown Spanish senorita.
10/6/1933 LAX Stars To Perform at Midnight Benefit for Families Victimized by Griffith Park Fire
World famous stars of the stage and screen...
Singers, dancers, comedians, the cream of the Los Angeles and Hollywood artists, all contributing their talents to aid the families left desolate by the Griffith Park tragedy. (Ed. Note: more than 30 firefighters were killed when trapped in a canyon by advancing brush fire!)
How's this for a list of stars, all gladly agreeing to appear in person:
Lionel Barrymore, May Robson, Polly Moran, Max Baer, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Weissmuller, Jean Hersholt, Lennie Hayton, who is Bing Crosby's accompanist; Nelson Eddy, concert and stage singer; Ted Healy and his stooges.
10/6/1933 LAX GRIFFITH PARK FIRE VICTIMS RECIPIENTS OF FABULOUS BENEFIT STAGE SHOW
World famous stars of the stage and screen...
Singers, dancers, comedians, the cream of the Los Angeles and Hollywood artists, all contributing their talents to aid the families left desolate by the Griffith Park tragedy. (Ed. Note: more than 30 firefighters were killed when trapped in a canyon by advancing brush fire!)
How's this for a list of stars, all gladly agreeing to appear in person:
Lionel Barrymore, May Robson, Polly Moran, Max Baer, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Weissmuller, Jean Hersholt, Lennie Hayton, who is Bing Crosby's accompanist; Nelson Eddy, concert and stage singer; Ted Healy and his stooges.
10/9/1933 HCN Cinemania
By Edwin Martin
Nelson Eddy, MGM's singing star, who called on Eddie Hitchcock of the advertising staff of the studio the other night, and instead of announcing himself sang an aria from Rigoletto...and won considerable applause from the neighbors.
10/13/1933 HCN Cinemania
Nelson eddy, MGM's singing laddie, wondering what to do with the first speeding ticket he ever got in his life....
10/14/1933 EHE Strolling Along Hollywood's Gossipy Corners With Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy, the single star, got in the toils of the law for the FIRST time when he was tagged for speeding the other day.
10/18/1933 EHE Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy's BLACK-EYE which you probably saw at the Tibbett performance was caused by a slip in the bathtub—at least, Nelson says so.
10/20/1933 LAX Broadway to Hollywood
By Louella O. Parsons
Broadway to Hollywood, at Loew's State Theater, is only reminiscent of the two-year-old "March of Time," from which it is supposed to be taken.
Fay Templeton in a sprightly song number and a few glimpses of Lew Fields and Joe Weber are all that remain of the original picture.
Harry Rapf has shuffled his cards and given the dear public an entirely new deal so that those who have heard of the "March of Time" would not feel they are seeing a film resurrected by MGM to save the money invested.
The story in brief, directed by Willard Mack, who also had a hand with Edgar Allen Woolf in writing the scenario, takes in old theatrical New York. Dating back to the days of Tony Pastor and coming right down to the present glamorous Hollywood, three generations of Hacketts take part, first in vaudeville, then in a Broadway revue, and later in the Hollywood movies.
Through all these years Alice Brady and Frank Morgan, as the original Hacketts, continue to dominate the situation. In the early days the first Hackett had a roving eye for women. It was his wife's sense of humor that kept their marriage from going on the rocks.
The second Mrs. Hackett (Madge Evans), wife of Ted Jr., didn't have the same sense of humor that saved her mother-in-law's marriage. She killed herself when her husband acquired the roving eye habit.
Undoubtedly, Broadway to Hollywood combines the story of three or four well-known theatrical families. Frank Morgan, who in my estimation, is one of the most versatile actors on the screen, all but steals the show in his performance of the elder Hackett, who never forgets the tradition of his name. Alice Brady assists in this show-stealing business by giving a swell performance as Lulu Hackett, his wife.
Madge Evans, with little to do, is decorative and satisfactory. Russell Hardie scarcely has an opportunity to show any of his advertised ability. Eddie Quillan is good in a limited role. Others who make the most of small parts are Jimmy Durante, May Robson, Claire DuBrey, Muriel Evans, Nelson Eddy and Una Merkel.
The song numbers are attractive and the Albertina Rasch dancers up to the minute. Mr. Rapf has done remarkably well with the yeoman's job of remaking the picture. Broadway to Hollywood is not one of his masterpieces, and neither will it go down in history as an epic; but those who know the theater will be pleased at the faithfulness of certain scenes.
I do not care for shorts, but the Charley Chase comedy this week, Arabian Nights, is really packed with laughs. Pete Smith is at his best with Menu. There is a Hearst Metrotone, and Ed Lowry, aided and abetted by Jimmy Grier, completes the program.
10/20/1933 EHE Broadway to Hollywood
By Harrison Carroll
In terms of very human drama, Broadway to Hollywood brings back the fine traditions, the frailties, the courage to face hardship of the vaudeville performers of days gone by.
The new picture at Loew's State offers spectacular revue numbers, but it is the story of the Hacketts, who have the two-a-day in the marrow of their bones, that gives the film its claim to distinction.
These Hacketts, in the beginning, are Alice Brady, Frank Morgan and Jackie Cooper, who already is being trained to carry on. Moving on through the years, the story carries the boy to fame, marriage and tragedy, traces the gradual eclipse of the original Hacketts and ends up in Hollywood with the third generation, Ted Hackett III, facing the test of early success, failing, and then coming into his own to carry on the tradition of the family.
HAS TRADITION
And that tradition: "A Hackett never holds a curtain, never lets a manager down."
MGM has given this story into the hands of men who have treated it lovingly. Associate producer Harry Rapf, director and writer Willard Mack and writer Edgar Allen Woolf know what they are putting to the screen.
They could not have chosen better than Alice Brady and Frank Morgan to play the loyal, courageous Lulu Hackett and the vain, flirtatious, but withal lovable Ted Hackett Sr. Both these performers give moving, authentic characterizations.
Praise is due also to Jackie Cooper and the Russell Hardie, as their son; to Madge Evans as the dancer whose death brings tragedy to the boy; to Mickey Rooney and to Eddie Quillan as Ted Hackett III, and to various others, notably May Robson, who appears tellingly in a bit.
RECLAIM NUMBERS
In addition to recapturing the spirit of a passing era of vaudeville, the makers of this picture also have reclaimed and used to good advantage many revue numbers planned for an earlier story.
Broadway to Hollywood is convincing drama except in the Hollywood sequence, which leans to the fantastic.
MGM has turned out a picture that will be of special interest to the show business, but that also will give the public an insight into the lives of people they once knew from the other side of the footlights.
For its short-subject program Loew's State offers one of Pete Smith's funny specialities, Menus, a Charley Chase comedy, and a Hearst Metrotone-Fox Movietone newsreel. Ed Lowry and Jimmy Grier's orchestra divide honors on the stage.
10/21/1933 HCN Radio
By Zuma Palmer
Tonight's NRA program released at 9 by the Los Angeles and Hollywood stations is originated by KFWB. Included in the list of entertainers will be Ruth Durrell, soprano, Nelson Eddy, baritone, the King Men, Jane Raymond, Harry Green, New York comedian, a large vocal ensemble, and an augmented orchestra under the direction of Jack Joy. Elliott Roosevelt will speak. This is the second in the series of NRA programs to be produced by the KFWB staff.
10/23/1933 HCN Elizabeth Yeaman
Nelson Eddy, although under contract too MGM, is continuing to fill concert engagements. He leaves by plane this afternoon for Fresno to appear in a recital tonight. Eddy recently appeared before the camera in Broadway to Hollywood and Dancing Lady.
10/23/1933 IDN Radio
By Kenneth Frogley
Hundreds of children in dire need of medical attention and other health necessities are to be directly benefitted by a program for the El Nido Council Lodge of Undernourished Girls, to be given tomorrow at 2pm at the Ritz Theater, Wilshire Boulevard and la Brea, in Los Angeles.
Among the many stars of stage and screen to be featured are Lupe Velez, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Weissmuller, May Robson, Nelson Eddy, George Givot, Bobbie Arnst, Arthur Jarrett, Ted Healy and his "stooges," Curtis Coley, Madame Rasch ballet, several feature acts from Sid Grauman, "The Rangers," "Harmonetts," and dozens of other performers.
10/27/1933 IDN Eleanor Barnes
Nelson Eddy, the blond baritone of the Behymer series, opened this winter season of music at Fresno last Monday night with a capacity audience, his second in that city within seven months. Tuesday evening, November 21, he will be heard again on the Behymer series at Philharmonic Auditorium, and one of the numbers programed is the largo from "The Barber of Seville," by special request of many who heard his rendition of this difficult air on the NRA program last week.
10/27/1933 LAX Hollywood Parade
By Reine Davies
Nelson Eddy will be host to a hundred or more guests in his home in Beverly Hills on Sunday afternoon.
10/31/1933 EHE Harrison Carroll
Judith Allen's latest interest is Bill Thomas, Paramount advertising man. They were together at Nelson Eddy's cocktail party and made a complete round of the late spots.
11/2/1933 EHE Harrison Carroll
Friends of Nelson Eddy are annoyed with Halloween pranksters, who had fun switching the street numbers of various houses in Beverly Hills. Invited to dinner at Eddy's house, the group had to ring doorbells for two blocks to locate it.
11/8/1933 IDN Eleanor Barnes
Nelson Eddy, the young American baritone who was with the Philadelphia Philharmonic orchestra , and who has been under contract at MGM since last June, has been engaged for two concerts with the San Francisco symphony orchestra, according to announcement today. Eddy's contract will expire at MGM the middle of December, after filling the western engagements he will make a concert tour of the principal cities of the United States. He will appear in San Francisco December 22 and 23.
11/8/1933 EHE Strolling Along Hollywood's Gossipy Corners With Jimmy Starr
Nelson Eddy not only sings via the ether waves, but teaches pretty young things to win at roulette.
11/8/1933 EHE Radio
A special National Broadcasting Co. program will be broadcast with coast-to-coast hook-up. From New York this program will be re-broadcast by short wave to Europe.
Louis B. Mayer, chief executive of MGM will be toast master, and will introduce such notables as May Robson, Lionel Barrymore, Governor James Rolph Jr., Norma Shearer, Mary Pickford and Polly Moran. Those who will contribute musically are: Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, Jimmy Durante and Harry Jackson. Pete Smith, MGM publicity director, is in charge of the program.
11/9/1933 LAX MARIE DRESSLER BIRTHDAY FETE ON NBC TONIGHT
By Ray De O'Fan
Strike me pink, but I'd never imagine she could be so active at 62 years! Yet they say Marie Dressler reaches that milestone today in life today.
NBC thinks so much of the birthday party arranged for her that it will broadcast the ceremonies from MGM studios this evening over a nationwide hookup at 8:30 o'clock for one hour. KECA is the local outlet. Shortwave stations will pick up the program and rebroadcast it in foreign countries.
Jeanette MacDonald, whose voice has enthralled millions of motion picture goers, is going to pay her tribute and extend congratulations through song. Her number or numbers have not been announced, but they will be typically Jeanette MacDonald and that satisfies any demand.
Nelson Eddy also sings, as does Jimmy Durante, Polly Moran will be herself and Harry Jackson's NBC orchestra will play.
Louis B. Mayer is toastmaster and speakers include Governor James Rolph, May Robson, Lionel Barrymore, Mary Pickford, Norma Shearer and Miss Dressler.
11/9/1933 EHE NELSON EDDY APPEARS
AT MARIE DRESSLER'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
"Queen Marie" Dressler, beloved screen star was all aflutter today for it is the occasion when Hollywood and the world at large were celebrating her sixty-second birthday.
A dinner dance will be the means tonight at MGM studio whereby the official greetings of the world of statesmanship and of the screen will be given to the famous actress.
Governor James Rolph Jr. was to be on hand to present Miss Dressler the compliments of the state of California on her birthday.
Others who will speak at the dinner dance are Mary Pickford, May Robson, Will Rogers, Irene Franklin, Lionel Barrymore, Polly Moran and others who have played with her on stage and screen.
Louis B. Mayer, vice president of the studio, will be toastmaster and will introduce, as part of the gala entertainment program, notables such as Nelson Eddy, Jimmy Durante and others. The program will be broadcast internationally.
11/11/1933 MPH What the Picture Did For Me
The Big Brain: George E. Stone, Fay Wray, Phillips Holmes—A very good program picture killed by no title. No brains could have picked out a better title.—G. Carey, Strand Theatre, Paris, Ark. Family Patronage.
Obey the Law, Leo Carrillo, Lois Wilson
That's My Boy, Richard Cromwell
Night of Terror, Bela Lugosi, Sally Eilers—
Power and the Glory, Spencer Tracy
Devil's In Love, Victory Jory, Constance Bennett
Worst Woman in Paris, Adolphe Menjou, Benita Hume
Tombstone Canyon, Ken Maynard
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper—Here is mighty good entertainment. Better than program class. Russell Hardie, Mickey Rooney and Eddie Quillan give good dance number. Lots of girls. One number of about five minutes in color that was very classy, two or three hundred in it. Color was used in this according to my idea of how it should be used in pictures. Boost this, it will satisfy. Played October 19-20.—D.E. Fitton, Lyric Theatre, Harrison, Ark. Small Town Patronage.
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney—One of the best pictures in months. A little long, but no dull spots in it. Step on this one hard. It has everything.—Warren L. Weber, Ellinwood Theatre, Ellinwood, Kansas. General Patronage.
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney—Picture went over all right and they liked it. The National Screen Service, however, put out a trailer on this that they have no right to make. They pledge the house to show the knockout of knockouts with the theatre's reputation behind the statement. Theatres can speak form themselves. The trailer company can speak for the films. I guard my relations with those who read my advertisements and keep scrupulous faith with them—don't want this sold out.—Herman J. Brown, Majestic & Adelaide Theatres, Nampa, Idaho. General Patronage.
Broadway to Hollywood, Alice Brady, Madge Evans, Frank Morgan, Eddie Quillan, Jackie Cooper, Mickey Rooney—Very good picture but did only about 25% of average business. The greatest picture of back stage life ever made. Should have done better business than it did. The best acting you will see for a long time. Great story. Music and sound perfect. Running time, 88 minutes. Played October 2-24-25.—Edward M. Starkey, Rex Theatre, Berlin, Wis. Rural and City Patronage.
11/14/1933 HCN ‘ROUND UP' AT AUDITORIUM
Nelson Eddy, popular baritone, who will appear next Tuesday night in concert at Philharmonic Auditorium will include on his program the popular cowboy song, "The Last Round-up."
Eddy's program at Philharmonic will be the same as that he offered at San Diego, where he was called to take the place of Lily Pons when she canceled her engagement at the southern city.
The Philharmonic concert is the only one on the baritone's schedule for Los Angeles this season. He will appear, however, with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in the Bay City on Dec. 22 and 23.
11/15/1933 LAX NELSON EDDY "PINCH HITS"
Nelson Eddy, baritone, who sings on the Behymer Series at Philharmonic Auditorium next Tuesday evening, took the place of Lily Pons at San Diego last Friday night, where Miss Pons was so ill with bronchitis that it was impossible to sing the San Diego engagement. Mr. Eddy was hastily consulted and gave a most successful program.
Labels: Nelson Eddy, Pola Negri, William Boyd, ZaSu Pitts
posted by GDH at 8:39 AM
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