Metropolitan Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA - December 26, 1925 METROPOLITAN NEWS Vol. 1.     LOS ANGELES, CALIF., DECEMBER 26, 1925     No. 5 PUBLISHED WITH THANKS MR. FRANK L. NEWMAN, Managing Director, Metropolitan, Million Dollar and Rialto Theatres, Los Angeles, California. Dear Mr. Newman: Permit me to take this opportunity of wishing you a prosperous and joyful New Year and to congratulate you upon the splendid entertainment that you have fornished the general public in the Metropolitan, Million Dollar and Rialto Theatres during the past year. I am sure that theatre lovers will join me in wishing you greater success during the New Year. Geo. E Cryer Mayer of Los Angeles. RAYMOND GRIFFITH IN "HANDS UP" AND HERB WIEDOEFT AT METROPOLITAN, JAN. 2 Managing Director Frank L. Newman announces an unusually powerful bill for the Metropolitan Theatre during the week beginning January 2. "Hands Up," Raymond Griffith's latest Paramount picture, which is said to have more laughs than anything shown during 1925, will start the New Year with a big roar at the Metropolitan, and another great attraction will be Herb Wiedoeft's Brunswick Recording Orchestra, retained through the courtesy of Cinderella Roof. Wiedoeft and his players are easily the most popular of their kind in the world. They now are stirring all Los Angeles with their mirthful tunes. "Hands Up," with Raymond Griffith is a picture that is guaranteed to have a big laugh in every foot of (Continued on Page 4) BIG NEW YEAR'S EVER FROLIC AT METROPOLITAN From 11:15 P.M. Thursday evening, December 31, till 1:00 A.M. January 1, a great festival of fun for all will take place at the Metropolitan Theatre. This will be known as an "Extra Special New Year's Ever Frolic," and it will be entirely different from the regular performance. No motion pictures will be shown. Instead there will be ten headline vaudeville numbers. Souvenirs will be given to those who attend. Seats now are on sale at the box office of the Metropolitan at $1.00 each. Metropolitan News Editor of this issue F. T. Thomas Manager Million Dollar Theatre METROPOLITAN, MILLION DOLLAR AND RIALTO THEATRES Published in the Interests of the Theatre-Going Public EXECUTIVE STAFF Frank L. Newman Managing Director Milton H. Feld Assistant Managing Director Samuel I. Levin General House Manager J. M. Loughborough Publicity Director Georg Holl Art Director George Ormston Technical Director Wm (William) Thorneycroft Stage Manager Fred Robinson Scenic Artist A. M. Ahlskog Auditor Mrs. Henry Wardrobe Mistress Earl Hamilton Chief Projectionist She Wasn't Geographical Old Colored Mammy: "Ah wants a ticket fo' Florence." Ticket Agent (after ten minutes of wearying thumbing over railroad guides): Where is Florence, madam?" Old Colored Mammy: "Settin' over dar on de bench, suh." A NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION Frank L. Newman We of the Metropolitan, the Million Dollar and Rialto Theatres extend sincere thanks to our patrons for their heary support during 1925. We have earnestly endeavored to show fine motion pictures, to surround those pictures with the best in music and the best in presentations. That we have been successful is attested by the fact that new records for attendance have been established. Appreciating the fact that Los Angeles is the "motion picture capital of the world," that the people here demand the best screen offerings, we hereby make this pledge for 1926: That during the forthcoming year we will offer in our theatres the best of the world's greatest motion pictures; that we will have stage presentations of a tremendous scale; that we will continue with the finest in music. In the Metropolitan we will have unusual screen offerings. The year 1925 closes with a blaze of glory for our theatres. The historic Metropolitan offers "A Kiss for Cinderella," Paramount's Christmas gift to the world; the Million Dolar (sic) has "The Merry Widow," one of the best of the year's productions, and the Rialto take pride in "The Pony Express," the golden romance of the Golden State, which is considered even better than "The Covered Wagon." Even greater will be our aims during 1926. Frank L. Newman A Chivalrous Thought Teacher: "You'll have to remain with me for an hour after school closes." Bobby: "I dont care on my own account. But ain't you afraid you'll get talked about?" METROPOLITAN THEATRE PROGRAM FRANK L. NEWMAN, Managing Director A. OVERTURE -- "CHRISTMAS ECHOES" Rendered by FORBSTEIN and his New-idea Orchestra It is Christmas Eve. From within the spirit of the season shines forth. Joyfully the children hang up their stockings in anticipation of a visit from Santa. Bedtime as arrived -- strins of "Silent Night" are heard as good nights are spoken, and the children are sent to bed. As dad and mother retire, all conversation ceases, and soon father's snores are hear breaking the deep silence of night, until suddenly comes a rap at the door -- then the bell -- Santa has arrived and in a few moments is gone. Morning chimes announce the brteak of dawn -- the family arises, eager to find what Santa has left -- toys of all description: trumpets, whistles, fish-horns, rattles for the baby, a pop gun for Johnny and for Billy a drum. Everyone is delighted with the gifts -- expressing glee with an old-fashioned square dance -- "Every one stamps on the floor." The jollification ceases as the family prepares for a sleigh-ride. While on the street a blind organ grinder passes. The family is ready -- all aboard for the sleigh-ride. B. Frank L. Newman Presents A CHRISTMAS DREAM Introducing THIRTY TINY TOTS With Lottie Montgomery, Kathleen Bassett, Vonda Phelps, Frances Dexter, Dorothy Bartrash, Bobbie Burch, Verna Fulton, Mary Schultz, Mary Virginia Larson, Marie Crowell, Baby Nanette and HUGO HAMLIN'S TWINKLING STARLETS including Helen Peck, Marie Schlegel, Kathryn Rose, Jessie Draper and Master Robert Buchanan C. Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky Present Paramount's Christmas Gift to the World -- J. M. Barrie's "A KISS FOR CINDERELLA" A Herbert Brenon Production Screen Play by Willis Goldbeck and Townsend Martin CAST Cinderella Betty Bronson Policeman Tom Moore Fairy Godmother Esther Ralston Richard Bodie Henry Vibart Queen Dorothy Cumming Mr. Cutaway Ivan Simpson Mrs. Malony Dorothy Walters Second Customer Flora Finch Third Customer Juliet Brenon Gladys (English) Marilyn McLain Marie-Therese (French) Patie Coakley Sally (American) Mary Christian Gretchen (German) Edna Hagen D. Exit Music "ARE YOU SORRY" By Benny Davis and Milton Ager Harry M. Thorne at the console of the Mighty Wurlitzer GEORGE W. RILEY, Manager          GEORGE B. SHELBY, Assistant Manager MISS ARTIE ADAMS, Head Usherette Leo F. Forbstein Musical Conductor Organists: Harry Thorn; Esther Du Hoff "THE MERRY WIDOW" CAPTURES CITY "The Merry Widow" now being shown at the Million Dollar Theatre is enjoying one of the greatest popular accords given any picture produced this year. Night revelries in picturesque European courts and in famous Parisian cafes are carried out in intimate details as only Eric von Stroheim can direct such gorgeous scenes. Although based upon the famous stage play of the same name which took the nation by storm several years ago, the screen adaptation of "The Merry Widow" is more daring, romantic and spectacular than even the authors of the original opera had dreamed of. Mae Murray firs as "Sally" and then as "The Merry Widow" has the gretest opportunity of her life and takes full advantage of it by doing her greatest acting. Likewise John Gilbert as "the Prince" enacts a role that endears him in the hearts of every audience. One of theoutstanding features of the presentation is Frank L. Newman's atmospheric prologue "Midnight at Maxim's" in which the famous Merry Widow costume used by Mae Murray is worn by one of the dancers in "The Merry Widow" waltz scene. Special musical scores taken from the original opera have been arranged as an accompaniment for the picture. Hear Herb Wiedoeft's great orchestra at the Metropolitan Theatre the week beginning January 2, appearing in connection with the showing of Raymond Griffith in "Hands Up." A Moonshine Recipe Take one d---- fool Soak in moonshine a few hours. Place in a fast auto, and race for a railway grade crossing. Remove what's left from the right-of-way. Place in satin-lined box. Garnish with flowers. SEE THE NEW YEAR IN with merriment by going to the big New Year's Eve Frolic at the Metropolitan Theatre Thursday evening, December 31, at 11:15 P.M. (Continued from Page 1) film. In this production, directed by Clarence Badger, Griffith is seen as a Confederate spy who is sent West to divert a wagon train of gold. Arrested for robbery, he claims he is a prisoner of war, only to learn that the war is over and that he is just an ordinary criminal. "Hands Up" begins with a gale of laughter and has a surprising ending. Griffith is supported by Marion Nixon, Virginia Lee Corbin, Mack Swain, Montague Love and George Billings. Get ready to start the New Year with a big laugh by seeing Raymond Griffith in "Hands Up." FLORENCE VIDOR ACTS AS OWN CASTING DIRECTOR When Florence Vidor wanted a child to play the part of a daughter in "The Sea Horse" she acted as her own casting director. She interviewed more than 300 children and finally selected little Mary Elizabeth Dow whi is said to possess a strong resemblance to the Paramount star. The fortunate little girl is five years old and the picture will be her first appearance on the screen. ADOLPHE MENJOU TO BE FEATURED IN ARLEN PICTURE Michael Arlen, famous young British novelist, has left for New York to complete the final arrangements for the filming of"The Ace of Cads" as a Paramount vehicle starring Adolphe Menjou. The picture will be filmed at the Famous Players-Lasky Long Island Studio. Friendship Pays! Sandy: "Hoo is it, Jock, that ye mak sic an enairmous profit off yer potatoes when ye gie a special price to each friend?" Jock: "Well I tak a half-crown off the price because he's a freend o'mine; then I tak ten pounds off the hundred weight because I'm a freen' o' his" -- London Opinion So Did Ours Hints in the family paper: "If not convenient to move household furniture outdoors to clean, place a damp cloth over the piece of furniture and then beat it." We tried this but the wife made us come back. -- Boston Tanscript (sic) MILLION DOLLAR THEATRE PROGRAM FRANK L. NEWMAN Managing Director -- A -- An Atmospheric Prologue to the Motion Picture Production of "THE MERRY WIDOW" Introducing the Most Familiar Themes of the Stage Play Scene I. "MY VILLA" Sund by Miss Edith Griffith Scene II. "I'M HAPPY AT MAXIMS'" Sung by Mr. Arthur Burckley Scene III. "MIDNIGHT AT MAXIM'S" The Prince Arthur Buckley Sonia (The Merry Widow) Edith Griffith Lo-Lo, Do-Do, Jou-Jou, Clo-Clo, Margot, Fru-Fru The Misses Saville, Elliott, Carmon, Clifford, Snyder and Hill The Hottentots The Misses Gannon, Lee, Arthur, Merton, Gale and Lee Whirlwind Dance Moore and Edythe Cigarette Girl ("My Man") Nora Schiller The Spanish Dancers Manuel and Vida The Oriental Dancer Bobbie Tremaine Ensemble Dance Arranged by Miss Bobbie Tremaine -- B -- By Arrangement With Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Frank L. Newman Offers Eric von Stroheim's Production "THE MERRY WIDOW" A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture Presented by Louis B. Mayer THE CAST Sally (The Merry Widow) Mae Murray Danilo John Gilbert Crown Prince Roy D'Arcy Queen Mileno Josephine Crowell King Nikita George Fawcett Baron Sadoja Tully Marshall Danilo's Adjutant Count Conti Danilo's Footman Sidney Bracey Crown Prince's Adjutant Don Ryan Innkeeper Hughie Mack Innkeeper's Wife Ida Moore Innkeeper's Daughter Lucille von Lent Sally's Maid Dale Fuller Flo Epstein Charles Magelis Jimmy Watson Harvey Karels Dopey Marie Edna Tichenor Hard Boiled Virginia Gertrude Bennett Frenchie Christine Zala Zorana Madonna Jacqueline Gadsden French Barber Estelle Clark Hansen Sisters Clara Wallacks - Frances Primm Chorus Girls Louise Hughes, Anna Maynard, Helene Howard Beaumont, Beatrice O'Brien Francois Eugene Pouget Ambassador Edward Connelly Based on the stage Play by Victor Leon, Leo Stein and Franz Lehar Produced on the Stage by Henry W. Savage Screen Adaption and Scenario by Eric (sic) von Stroheim and Benjamin Glazer HOUSE STAFF F. T. THOMAS, Manager          BERNARD J. HYNES, Assistant Manager MISS FLO DOBBS, Head Usherette Million Dollar Theater Orchestra Maurice Lawrence, Conductor Organists: F. Quentin Landwehr, Anne Leaf "THE PONY EXPRESS" SETS NEW RECORD AT RIALTO James Cruze, the famous director of "The Covered Wagon," has won new laurels for himself in his latest epic, "The Pony Express," a Paramount picture now enjoying a record-breaking run at the Rialto Theatre. Like its predecessor, "The Pony Express" is a gigantic episode of pioneer days. It has, however, a greater romance and a more humorous touch than has heretofore been incorporated in a western picture. Assisted by a cast of several thousand people, Cruze has been able to make the picture truly spectacular. Thrills abound throughout, yet delicately interwoven is a gripping love story -- one that spans the continent and helps save California for the Union. Betty Compson, as "Molly Jones," plays the greatest role of her career. Ricardo Cortez, who enacts the part of the lover and a Pony Express Rider, acquits himself admirably. Ernest Torrence as "Ascension Jone," brings to the picture the same lovable characterizations that elevated him to stardom in "The Covered Wagon." Even Wallace Beery forsakes his villainous parts and enacts the role of a humorous, irresponsible roustabout who is always starting for Rhode Island, but never gets there. Ernest Torrence          Betty Compson Man (in barber's chair): "Be careful not to cut my hair too short; people will take me for my wife." SEE THE NEW YEAR IN with merriment by going to the big New Year's Eve Frolic at the Metropolitan Theatre Thursday evening, December 31, at 11:15 P. M. RIALTO THEATRE PROGRAM FRANK L. NEWMAN  Managing Director -- A -- Frank L. Newman presents "ON THE TRAIL" An Atmospheric Prologue to "The PONY EXPRESS" The Roper Sam Garrett Jim Lloyd De Sues Joe Fred Mayo Baldy Warren Gustin Jack Johnie G. Myers The Dancer Tom Boatman -- B -- Adolph Zukor and Jesse L. Lasky present the James Cruze Production "THE PONY EXPRESS" THE CAST Molly Jones Betty Compson Jack Weston Ricardo Cortez "Ascension" Jones Ernest Torrence "Rhode Island" Red Wallace Beery Jack Slade George Bancroft Charlie Bent Frank Lackteen Billy Cody John Fox, Jr. William Russell William Turner Senator Glen Al Hart Sam Clemens Charles Gerson Aunt Rose Tapely Baby Vondell Darr Special Music Score arranged by Mischa Violin and rendered by MISCHA VIOLIN and his ORCHESTRA HOUSE STAFF ROBERT BLAIR, Manager          ROBERT SLATER, Assistant Manager MISS DIXIE McLEAD, Head Usherette MISCHA VIOLIN, Musical Conductor Organists: Delle Sargent; Natalie Yoo   1926 Resolution No. 1 For every Motion Picture Patron in Los Angeles Swear off everything you want to but be sure to start the New Year laughing by going to see RAYMOND GRIFFITH in "Hands Up" A Paramount Picture Special merry attraction with this mirthful picture Herb Wiedoeft's Great Brunswick Recording Orchestra Courtesy of Cinderella Roof Here he is again RAYMOND GRIFFITH Metropolitan Week Beginning Saturday, Jan. 2 More Information on the Metropolitan Theater... The Metropolitan Theatre at CinemaTreasures.com Heralds and photos from HANDS UP (1925) Herald from THE MERRY WIDOW (1925) Photos from THE PONY EXPRESS (1925) Last Modified February 22, 2022