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'King's Men' King-Size Film Of the Demon in Politics By Jay Carmody They have made a corking movie out of Robert Penn Warren’s Pulitzer Prize novel, “All the King’s Men.” Indeed, the screen ver sion which opened last night at the Playhouse should collect a few additional awards, for Robert Rossen has made it a sizzling study of the corruptive force of political power. Warren’s demagogue turned loose on a democracy too innocent to recognize a political demon is a man to deep-freeze the heart. As movie hero-villains go. he is the best character the screen has found in a long time, and surely “All the King's Men’’ makes the dramatic most of him. Willie Stark, the label the man wears, is played by Broderick Crawford and he never did a bet ter job. Yet the full view of Willie, the exposure of his rotten human essence, is the work of a large gifted cast which includes Mercedes McCambridge, Joanna Dru, John Ireland, and many others. Willie, a supposed paraphrase i of the late Huey Long, is the fellow most likely to be remem bered among a year’s film char acters. His climb from back woods buffoon to demented dicta tor is drama not to be missed, especially in a day when political uncertainty lies so uncomfortably upon all mankind. The rich—actually over-rich— detail of Warren’s novel is absent from the film but the simplifica tion of the screenplay makes it a sharper X-ray of Willie Stark. His tale begins in a small, Southern town were the beady eyed political machine beats him in his first Quest for office. The defeat merely adds one more welt to the tough, scarred surface of the huge country clown. Next time out, life and dirty politics give him a break. He becomes a community hero and a minor political idol whose veneer of idealism needs only a tiny crack for the power lust in him to come roaring through. When a pair of State capital slickers, a newspaper col umnist and a hard, wise girl show him the way. Willie is off to a ruthlessness his old machine made enemies never conceived. If Willie’s story were not rigid history, it would have a fairy tale incredibility about it. It is, however, an old headlines account of a power-crazed politico who got the mob behind him, whipped it to an emotional frenzy, and rode this dizzy force wherever his whims led him. Willie’s whim was empire. He was willing that every man should be a king, if he could be the king of kings. He bought power with every device ever used. He built . roads, improved markets, con structed schools, made the State university an architectural model and bought it a football team Willie could be proud of. He built hospitals, established medical cen ters, and extended health services. All of these on the surface were good, but the core of them was rotten with Willie’s own rotten ness, his mad worship of power for power’s own impure sake. In both his personal and official life he was^sts inhuman as his creations looked humane. Everything he created, everything he touched became corrupt, and the Playhouse picture takes a look at most of it. On the private side of his being, Willie is shown two-timing the wife who led him out of illiteracy, four-timing the tough-hided girl who made him Governor and se ducing the fiancee of his most patrician and faithful friend. In his public role, he established a new high in bribery and wanton waste of State monies; to repress his enemies he established an EVENING PARKING 40c 6,2Mf;«TO CAPITAL GARAGE 1320 N. Y. Art. N.W. Between 13th and 14th E. MORRISON PAPER CO, 1009 Penna. Ave. N.W. 1 Calendars Diaries Office Supplies Phone 1VA. 2945 ■ssss as ■ : ’■ 58 ©tjankagtoing Stntwr From Noon to 9:00 P.M. $2.25 Celery and Olives Fresh Fruit Cup Chilled Tomato Juice • Crab Gumbo Clam Chowder Shrimp Cocktail Consomme Claret • Young Native Turkey Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce • Mashed Potatoes Fresh Spinach Green Peas Candied Yams • Lettuce Chiffonade with French Dressing • Brondied Mince Pie Peach Melba Swiss or American Cheese with Saltines • Rolls Coffee Tea Thos. A. O'Donnell 1207-1221 E St. N.W. “ALL THE KING S MEN." a Columbia release; produced by Robert Rossen; di rected by Rossen; screenplay by Rossen, based on Robert Penn Warren's novel. At the Playhouse. THE CAST. Willie 8tark_Broderick Crawford Tom Stark _ .. _ .. John Derek Anne Stanton_ Joanne Dru Jack Burden_ John Ireland Sadie Burke _Mercedes McCambridge Adam Stanton_ Shepperd Strudwlck Tiny Duffy _ Ralph Dumke Lucy stark _ Anne Seymour Mrs. Burden_Katharine Warren Judge Stanton_Raymond Oreenleaf Sugar Boy _ Walter Burke Dolph Pillsbury_ Will Wright Floyd McEvoy _Grandon Rhodes Pa Stark _ H C Miller Hale _Richard Hale Commissioner-William Bruce Sheriff __ _ A. C. Tillman Madison _Houseley Stevenson Minister - Txuett Myers Football Coach_ Phil Tully Helene Hale _ Helene Stanley elaborate system of blackmail; and when the showdown came he resorted to simple force to dispose of the stubborn, including his own son whom he maimed for life. * a * a Rossen has produced and di rected “All the King’s Men” with a clear eye to its riches. He has come up with a completely realis tic picture of a demonic character and, more han that, of the system which spews the type upon a credulous public. His settings have been chosen with an expert’s taste, the hamlets, the soft-drink joints, the slums, the hotels where shady deals are made and the plush ones where shady victories are celebrated. Just as effective are the marble palaces of politics and learning, the supreme monuments to Willie’s lust. From top to bottom of the cast, including scores of amateurs, Rossen’s cast rises to the challenge of showing what a monkey de mocracy can be in hands like Willie Stark’s. Crawford is splendid in the film’s major role, but no better actually than Miss McCambridge, film newcomer, as the hard-bitten Sadie Burke; or than John Ire land as the befuddled, tortured patrician in Willie’s reaper. You should not miss them, or the others, in “All the King’s Men.” ON THE BLOCK — Claudette Colbert plays the leading jeminine role in the comedy, “Bride tor Sale,” opening to day at Keith’s. Where and When Current Theater Attractions and Time of Showing Screen. Ambassador—“Miss Grant Takes Richmond”: 1:45, 3:45, 5:45, 7:50 and 9:55 p.m. Capitol—“The Gal Who Took the West”: 11 a.m., 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 and 10 pm. Stage shows: 1, 3:45, 6 30 and 9:15 p.m. Colombia — “That Midnight Kiss"; 11:35 a.m„ 1:40, 3:40, 5:45. 7:50 and 9:55 p.m. Dupont—“Monsieur Vincent”: 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:35 and 9:40 p.m. Keith’s—“Bride for Sale”: 11:35 a.m„ 1:35, 3:35, 5:40, 7:40 and 9:45 p.m. Metropolitan—“Special Agent"; 11:15 a.m., 1:50, 4:35, 7:20 and 9:55 pm. Little—“Hamlet”; 10:20 a.m., 1, 3:40, 6:20 and 9 p.m. National—“The Fighting Man of the Plains.” 11 a.m., 12:50, 2:40, 4:30, 6:19, 8:05 and 9:55 p.m. Palace—“Pinky”; 11 a.m., 1:05, 3:15, 5:25, 7:35 and 9:45 p.m. Pix — "Down Memory Lane”; 2:15, 4:55, 7:35 and 10:10 pm. Playhouse — “All the King’s Men”; 9:40 and 11:40 a.m„ 1:45, 3:50, 5:50, 7:55 and 10 p.m. Trans-Lux—“The Fallen Idol”: 11:30 a.m., 1:20, 3:05. 4:55, 8. and 11:10 p.m. “Holiday Inn"; 6:30 and 9:30 pm. Warner—“Miss Grant Takes Richmond”; 11 a.m., 1, 3, 5, 7:05 and 9:10 pm. “Always Leave Them Laughing”; 11:15 p.m. AMUSEMENTS. AMUSEMENTS._ _ A Come Anytime After 5 P.M. j£f0Fl/f£lAf I See Two Complete Features I * n a/ivy* I "Fallen Idol," I TOritTc y At 5,8,11 p.m. U l/ "Holiday Inn," ~ At 6:30, 9:30 P.M. a x Si/H?taa fo a ^ way wto * f I __ I , Irving Berlin's *BU_ Chrirtmoi'Pktur* Starring ^1 ■; |Jm^ Bing Civsby 1WW *lred Astaire • , - ; ■ wilk MARJORIE VMONM WAITER REYNOLDS • DALE • ABEL 1L#X .mmSunni-inii • H Prluc*** W Um* Ptey ty &•»*• iMyon • Ad#yt»lion by l\m*t Pic* ir*-* ' STARTS TOMORROW-OPEN 10:45 A.M. 14th at H N.W.—-Hus Our Completu Newsreel Digest - I Hollywood Diary ' Gene Autry One-Nighters Pay Off Well --By Sheilah Graham-— . HOLLYWOOD. Gene Autry made $800,000 on his last tour of 56 one-nighters in 61 days. He goes out again Jan uary 14 for 67 dittos in 71 days. His aim—$1,000,000. It’s all very stylish. The troupe travels by chartered bus; the two horses by horsecar, and Gene pilots his own plane. Ronald Colman has a clause in his contract that he is not to re ceive any advertising for his ap pearance in the Bing Crosby pic ture, “Mr. Music”! This is some thing new and unheard of for an actor. Celeste Holm explains why she turned down the plum "South Pacific” touring lead. “It would have meant leaving my husband and son for two years. It’s dif ferent for a New York play—then they could join me. But not on the road.” Celeste’s engagement in “She Stoops to Conquer” with Maurice Evans, in New York, is for two weeks only. Glenn McCarthy can take pun ishment, then come back for more. He lost every cent of the $450,000 invested in his first picture, "The Green Promise.” Now he is look ing for a new movie to produce. Every one told him he would lose his shirt in the mammoth Sham rock Hotel in Houston. I hear the place is always about 80 per cent full. That’s good. * * * * Jean Parker’s about-to-be-di vorced husband, Curtis Grotter, says he has the finances to pro duce “Rebellion” in Mexico City. No, Jean won’t be the star. But ~ AMUSEMENTS. Douglas Fairbanks might be. He J is reading the script. Ray Milland’s next picture is , “Jack of Diamonds.” It’s about the fascinating—to the gals who ' get them—diamond-cutting in dustry. Lila Leeds can legally come back to California before her five- } year exile is over. All she has to do, according to her lawyer, Grant • Cooper, is ask permission. I hope she will be allowed to earn a living. That’s the shortest cut to rehabilitation. James Mason is the heavy in “Death on a Side Street.” And Dan Duryea, while not exactly the hero, plays a sympathetic role. Sounds like good casting. John Wayne says he had heard; that Howard Hughes was hard to get along with. And he was ap prehensive about their picture, “Jet Pilot.” But to date every thing is peaches and cream, with the two men conferring cosily AMUSEMENTS. STARTS TODAY! a. RKO KEITH’S * jama all she wanted .. WAS OAE tMClf $vsmw/ ^ of a charmfng husband /SMh^2^L// ; hunter who knew aH about matrimonev ft ... but too little about love I You’ll want to see it.. 6*0*** 1 (SS-SKSn 4«| ^tfrPf TOR SA^ f ff.« ICMIOONO • CM*e«* ABNT “^7 7' «» MAX »At» * 0 Vj .7. . •&' f ^ ' ■ frodvcW by JACK M. SKMOAll • Dint** by WHUAM 0. RUStaU Sctmo Way by bull Maiming aaU hi* Aialar SPOTLIGHT OM MIXICO THIS IS ^AMERICA STARTING WITH A A SPECIAL ADVANCE SHOW TONIGHT at Warner at 11 p.m. 1 and at Ambassador at MIDNIGHT, Last Showing Tonight "Miss Grant Talccs \ Richmond" at Warner at 9:t5 p.m. and' 1 Ambassador 9:55 p.m. • No Advance in Prices I > • • REGULAR CONTINUOUS PROFORMANCES Start TOMORROW at WARNER at 10:45 a.m. at AMBASSADOR at 1 p.m. 1 JffWfJPfl/ --larraaiTiimasMa ivery day. The starting date to low November 29. Lon McCallister gives 16-year ild Lois Butler her first screen :iss in "Blaze of Glory.” Having tudied Lon’s technique with feanne Crain and June Haver, ^ois says "I can’t wait." * * * * Denise Darcel’s ex-GI ex-mate, Villiam Shaw, makes his acting iebut in “Stardust” at the High and Playhouse. Denise came to his country as a war bride. Joan Fontaine with Sir Charles dendl at all the current parties ~Tsee GRAHAM, Page A-15.) AMUSEMENTS. I Iacr\ 2ACHM«rc rirnil ‘SPECIAL A6ENT’ I nmj Jsjiy Marshal g|M2 POPULARWTS BR0U6KT BACKij ! AMUSEMENTS. AMUSEMENTS. I End« .Tcday « Coluwbli • “THAT MIDNIflHT KISS'* Txlinlo»l»r Osrryt F. Zmuckprsssnts THE POMNANT LOVE STOPY OF A OWL WHO PASSED FOP WHITE-1 JEANNE CRAIN • ETHEL BARRYMORE ^ ETHEL WATERS • WILLIAM LUNDIGAN m noouciD (v DARRYL F.ZANUCK •micro •» ELIA KAZAN i TODAY W6 *rtfE „ THE \ SURPRISE . PICTURE ^ OF THE YEAR I starring GLENN FORD CHARLES COBURN GLORIA DE HAVEN • JANET LEIGH I with BRUCE BENNETT Screen Ptey by Theodore Reeve* Ok S&tyt' ^ RscsrAjnC Artist I w TT., ptcturt* -'1 By” *' * ^sur »t Jto'-Ail"*-- '3— ; NOW I XSN^l CABOT & DRESDEN" A Now Thrill in Oaneing, MORRIS a RYAN Look Who Droppod In THE WORKMANS, birthful Musicalitios, Ends Today _ “THE GAL WHO TOOK THE WEST” Technicolor CAPITOL On Stage * GRACIE BARRIE . . . Others__ -HE f PULITZER PRIZE WINNING NOVEL | BECOMES A VITAL, « j VERY GREAT « MOTION PICTURE Jk you. And if you couldn't be bought, he’d ruin you! ■ im 1 . ...—■mm— (OIBNIIA PICTOttS ynurts ROBERT ROSSER'S PRODUCTION Prize Novel "Ail The King’s Men’’ by Robert Penn Wuren •Joanne DRU John IRELAND-John DEREK-Mercedes McCAMBRIDGE ViMm hi Hw Somr mi fc«*W ky ROBERT ROSSEN STARTS TODAY the PLAYHOUSE 15th AND H STREETS • ST 8500 DOORS OPEN 9:15 A.M.