Coral Gables Riviera

To One Ear . . .

by Wells Bruen Coral Gables night life was swelled this week by a new addition to the ranks: the Lost Lake Casino, which is located right beside the wild duck haven out on Bird Road. It's a strange setting for a nitery, with ducks honking at the front door instead of impatient chauffeurs. A welcome prodigal returned to the Biltmore this winter when Maximillian Bergere came back with his orchestra to carry the music and gayety of the Giralda Room. Max is one of the finest dance musicians in the country, and one of whom even rival narks mutter, speak no evil, which is saying something in a profession where back stabbing is one of the first things a leader learns to do with his baton. All the events in the Gables are not for nighthawks. Take for instance the brush fire along Biltmore Way t'other day. Observers were treated to see the fire department, police, Gene Hunter, secretary of the draft board, City Manager Curry, City Clerk Shaw and a host of other city officials standing watching the blaze. As a spectacle, the fire wasn't much, as an explanation was forthcoming; a man who had molested a University girl had bolted into the heavy brush in the vacant square. But what's silly is that the lot was so thick with brush that police couldn't search it! They burned the durned thing down, instead. P. S. The little man wasn't there. Dan Boone and Tom Manning, managers of the Gables and Coral theaters, are planning a co-operative double feature. Both of them are expecting new productions in the way of a couple of stork deliveries in the not-so-distant future. George Hirliman of Colonnade Studios has a completely new device for introducing the characters in his new movie, "Bomb Shelter." The script looks swell from the early treatment now in Hirliman's hands, but mum's the word on details until later. Mum isn't the word on one "Bomb Shelter" development, though. A big-time picture company made a nice offer for rights to "Bomb Shelter," planning to use it first as a Broadway play, then as a movie. Hirliman said no. He wants to get more than story rights out of "Bomb Shelter," and insists upon screening it himself. Incidentally, Hirliman has $54,000 worth of shooting scripts on his desk which he bought from a movie company now in process of liquidation. One script, and a good melodrama, too, is by George Fielding Eliot, the military expert. The yarn is said to be even better than "Lives of a Bengal Lancer." It's remarkable how far Coral Gables stretches. You may not realize it, but the Quarterdeck Club, way out on the waters of Biscayne Bay, is actually inside the city limits of our town. Gene Hunter, secretary of the local draft board seven, reports that the district is behind its original quota for Defense-Not because of any fault of the board or registrants here. The trouble is that the camps which must house draftees are not yet completed, and many of the men already in camp are housed in temporary tents. The Gables Theater has a new assistant manager, Ralph McEntyre, who worked for six years for RKO theaters in Cincinati, and has been in the Gables for four seasons as cashier at the Miami Biltmore. This is his first term in the theater business in Florida. Adolf Snyder, who summers in Asbury Park, N. J., is back in town, lending some catchy fingerwork to the piano over the Drum Club bar. Adolf, like Alec Templeton, is a blind pianist; but it seems that the loss of one sense sharpens the others. Adolf's tone-sense makes up to a great extent for the loss of his sight. Ramon and Renita, by the by, have brought some new routines with them this season, developed since Ramon took an enforced layoff after a bout with pneumonia last year. Their new work is smoother, quicker, than the pair's previous style. Although approached by few of the highly-touted ballroom dancers appearing in other boites de nuit, Emile Melanson is lucky to have them at the Drum. There's a new presiding genius at the Colony ice cream place on Coral Way now: genial Frank Feuerbach, who took over the direction of the University hangout a week or so back. Today and tomorrow find Jackie Cooper, Bonita Granville, June Preisser and Leo Gorcey, a talented quartet of young actors, in a drama of high-schoolers turned detectives, "Gallant Sons." Bette Davis appears, Saturday through Wednesday in one of her best roles in "The Letter," a poignant drama, with able Herbert Marshall supporting her. "The Letter" is a field day for Davis fans, who have waited months to see it. Grace Moore, appearing next Next Thursday and Friday will bring a youthful musical, "Dancing on a Dime," with Grace MacDonald and Robert Paige, to the Gables. The squarest fish story you'll hear for a long, long time is that of P. J. Schmitz, who takes you out on a charter fishing trip on a basis of "catch fish or get your money back." That's an unusual proposition for a fishing captain to make, and a better break for anglers than you'll find in a month of New Years. The courtesy of the Coral Gables police department is no less than amazing at times. A Gablese got a phone call New Year's Day from police, who said: "If you'll let us know when your maid is all through cooking and serving your dinner, we'd appreciate it. We want to come out and get her just as soon as she's through with her work. She stabbed a man last night in Miami."

Tropical Park-

(Continued from Page One) 16. Other leaders of the record jockey colony include: Irving Anderson | 6 W. Emery | 6 H. Lindberg | 6 A. Bodiou | 5 C. Knisley | 5 T. May | 4 F. A. Smith | 4 Phil Reuter saddled 7 winners safely to head all other trainers for the 16 days of sport. Reuter was captured three in a row to give him a stranglehold on honors among the thoroughbred conditioning fraternity. Bert Pomeroy sent 6 winners to the post to finish second, closest followed by J. M. Healy and Fred Huntley with 5 apiece. Deadlocked with four winners were Hirsch Jacobs, Paul Kelley, L. J. Wilson and J. Serio, Jr. Three "firsts" were captured by J. F. Quinn, Jr., W. B. Martin, J. Hanover, W. O. Hicks M. W. Cox and Waldo Freeman. Long-shots and odds-on favorites peppered the daily speculative with excitement, running the gamut all the way from a mutuel return on Williamstown of $3.20 to Portsmouth's payoff of $162.70. Other hefty prices of the meeting included Polina's $149.40 and Master Key's $105.40. The curtains will be drawn over the Coral Gables racing scene until March 3 when the final Florida meeting gets underway, to run through April 10. A 34-day sport. During the interim officers of the Gables Racing Association, Norman W. Graves, president; George W. Longford, vice-president; James Donn, secretary and Abe Allenberg, operating director, will continue to further improve and embellish the stands and grounds in anticipation of another record-shattering meet. The betting for the second session will continue in the same hands which guided it so well throughout the 16 days just ended.

Perky Funeral In Baltimore

Funeral services were held Tuesday in Baltimore, her former home, for Mrs. Helen Davis Perky, who passed away suddenly of a heart attack last Thursday afternoon at her home 16 Oviedo Ave. The body was shipped Saturday following brief prayer service conducted by Father Thomas Comber at the McGahn Funeral home. Mrs. Perky was a member of the Church of the Little Flower. Mrs. Perky was the widow of the late R. C. Perky, developer and builder of Perky, Florida.

My Topper, young greyhound sensation who has won three out of his first three starts at the West Flagler Kennel Club. My Topper is a brother of the fabulous Rural Rube, sired by My Laddie out of Lady Gangdrew. He came within 3-5 of a second of the record in winning the Inaugural Stake at the Flagler oval.

Theater of Fifteen Presents Latest Clare Booth Comedy

It is not surprising that Walter Winchell said of "Margin for Error", "This is my favorite show!", because Clare Boothe's exciting satirical melodrama, which opens Tuesday, January 14th, at the Theater of the Fifteen, is a savage indictment of Nazidom. "Margin for Error" gives the audience the vicarious satisfaction of seeing a sadistic German Consul thrice-murdered. It is the first successful post Munich subject that has baffled a score of other accomplished playwrights. The reason may be that these other playwrights dealt with the crisis in as heavy-handed a manner as the Germans themselves, whereas Miss Boothe boldly assaulted the villains with her justly famous wit and stinging satire. The New York Justice reported that "Miss Boothe treats the entire ideology of the Reich government as something which, when the world's sense of humor is at last restored, will be laughed to death." That "Margin for Error" should have come from the same person who penned "The Women" is a source of amazement to everybody except the people who are personally acquainted with Clare Boothe and her previous form. Although the German Consul General Baumer has been described as the "most satisfying likeness of official German ferocity that we have yet had on the stage," it is with the character of the genial Jewish policeman, who is ironically assigned to protect him, that Miss Boothe has been most successful. Henry R. Luce, publisher of "Life", "Time" and "Fortune", has this to say of the Semitic arm of the law: "The character of Moe Finkelstein is the best advertisement of Democracy have seen for many moons." Richard C. Sullivan plays the German Consul, whose murder throws suspicion on a group of people who hate him bitterly. This group includes Sophie, his wife; Moe, the policeman; Baron von Alvestor, his secretary; Thomas S. Denny, a newspaper man; Otto Horst, the Bund leader; and Dr. Jennings. Mary Greene plays Sophie; Samuel Lieberman, the policeman; Vaughn Baggerly, the Baron; Willard Thompson, the newspaper man; Frank Rollins, the Bund leader, and James Crow, the doctor; Louise Long and Gerard Grondin complete the cast. The Fifteen first presented "Margin for Error" last summer during their highly successful season in Osterville on Cape Cod. The play is directed by Hale McKeen and the setting is by Edward Sheffield. The production will continue at the Theater of the Fifteen, in the Douglas Entrance, through Saturday, January 18th.

Power Co. Gives Party

With a service pin presentation ceremony and a dinner at the Green Lantern Restaurant the fifteenth anniversary party of the Florida Power and Light Co. was held Wednesday evening at the company's Demonstration Kitchen at 6 p. m. William D. Fuller was chairman of the meeting, and presented a transcribed talk by McGregor Smith, president of the company. H. N. Fairbanks spoke on the history of the organization and presented a twenty-year service pin to Fuller. Fuller made the following service pin presentations: Fifteen years-Lillie M. Chandler, H. N. Fairbanks, Harry Masters. Ten years-H. B. White, George Baxter, F. G. Hadfield, T. J. Croucher, S. J. Nelson, V. D. Wells and Lola Culpapper. Five years-Doris Carlton, W. L. Garrett, K. D. Walker, E. L. Starling and R. A. Fauderl

Chamber Plans Parkways for Gables Streets

The proposed beautification of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Coral Way by planting palm trees along the edge of the sidewalks at intervals from Tamiami Trail to Almeria on Ponce and from Douglas Road to the City Hall, got away with a flying start Wednesday night when the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce directors not only endorsed the movement, but donated four trees. The directors were most enthusiastic over the proposal made by Andrew N. Houston, Treasurer of the chamber and chairman of the Merchants Bureau not to narrow the street by putting a parkway an either side, but to plant the trees at the edge of the sidewalk. Trees donated Wednesday night were from Judge D. J. Heffernan, Frank N. Holley, Jr., Upton C. Ewing and Andrew N. Houston, and with this nucleus to start with, it is hoped that palms will be donated by the various civic organizations including the Woman's Club, Garden Club as well as other individuals.

40-8 Society Holds Locomotive Jamboree

The 40-8 Society of the American Legion will hold its second locomotive jamboree Friday evening January 17th at the Country Club of Coral Gables. The 40-8 orchestra will play for dancing and arrangements have been made for a good floor show. The 40-8 locomotive is a familiar sight to citizens of Dade County. It has been in the line of march of nearly every patriotic and civic parade held in the past few years and was seen in the parade opening the Festival of Values week in Coral Gables. The locomotive with its crew recently made the trip to Boston for the national American Legion Convention. On the return trip the motor gave up the ghost and had to be replaced, resulting in considerable publicity for the locomotive and Dade County. Proceeds of the jamboree will be used in payment of the new motor. The general public is invited and a large attendance is expected by the club.

RETURNS FROM SON'S HOME

Mrs. T. J. Clarke, 2530 South Bayshore Drive, has returned home from a holiday visit with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Clarke, Baton Rouge, La.

HAVE YOU TRIED THE GREEN CANDLE TEA ROOM

IT'S A MOST CHARMING PLACE TO DINE FOURTEEN YEARS IN OUR PRESENT LOCATION We have no connection with any other restaurant in Miami or Coral Gables. Look for our big Neon sign. GREEN CANDLE TEA ROOM Giralda Avenue, 1 Block East of Ponce de Leon Blvd. - Ph. 4-9334

New Dog Star Setting Pace At West Flagler's Oval

BY GEORGE GALLET Another Rural Rube is in the making at West Flagler Kennel Club. He is My Topper, a full brother of the mighty Rube. Sired by My Laddie and out of Lady Gangdrew, Bud Carroll's new champion has had three starts at West Flagler since official racing got under way Dec. 27 and won all three of them so impressively that the experts are predicting big things of him. Many believe the Topper will endanger Rural Rube's world 5-16th mile record. However, that remains to be seen. In capturing the Inaugural Stake race opening night, My Topper came within 3-5th of a second of the record when he covered 5-16th of a mile in 31 4-5 seconds. His other two starts found him winning in 32 seconds flat. The latest Flagler sensation seems to have many of the racing qualities of his famous brother. He isn't an altogether fast breaker, but neither was Rural Rube. My Topper has some of the cleverness of his brother while he has that tremendous stretch drive which netted many a victory for the world champion at Flagler last year and the season before. A number of other outstanding stars are being developed at Flagler this meeting. While in addition to the fine youngsters, Jacob Sher and William L. Huntley, track owners, have gathered up the cream of America's derby champions, dogs which gained supremacy during the past summer months on leading tracks of America. Flagler, which has been featuring national and world champions for a good many years, has another national title holder at the track this a season. He is Another Upset, which during the past summer captured the National Coursing Association futurity championship outwest. Another Upset is owned by Merrill Blair, who has produced two National Coursing champions in consecutive years. Royal Upset was his brother.

New Officers Installed By Gables Kiwanis

At their regular meeting at the Country Club of Coral Gables Tuesday the Kiwanis installed their new officers for 1941, with seven new directors, a president and two vice-presidents taking office. A. N. Houston was installed as president, while W. L. Gray, Jr., and R. A. Rasco took office as vice-presidents. Harry N. Rath was reappointed secretary. The new board of directors is made up of A. R. Cassidy, William D. Fuller, John Gautier, Frank Holley, Jr., Judge Thomas Mayes, Wade L. Street and Christian L. Wittkow. Jim Hoffman, state lieutenant-governor of Kiwanis, is automatically a member of the board of directors. Colonel Jack Skinnell holds the attendance record of Kiwanis with 11 years of perfect attendance at meetings. Fifteen of the fifty members of the Gables club received badges for 100 per cent attendance during the past year. Last night the new board of directors met for the first time to appoint committees for the activities of 1941.

Coal Man Speaks At Lions Meeting

W. S. McLarin Illinois coal operator, spoke to the Coral Gables Lions at their luncheon Wednesday at the Country Club of Coral Gables. Mr. McLarin spoke on the problems and methods of coal mining.

BRIDGE PARTIES ARE SCHEDULED

Mrs. Charles Ledbetter is chairman of a series of benefit bridge parties which will begin next Wednesday at 1:30 in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church parish house. Friends and visiting bridge devotees are invited to make reservations with the chairman or with Mrs. L. C. Olson, woman's Auxiliary president.

Ponce Cagers Beat St. Pat

Ponce de Leon's basketball teams won both the games played Wednesday night at St. Patrick's school on Miami Beach, taking the "A" game 43-32, and the "B" game 22-14. Bud Thuey and Robert Price showed up to good advantage in the St. Pat "A" game, and seem headed for a good record in their first season of varsity play. Alan Hutton, playing his varsity game, waged a strong, aggressive battle against the Beach cagers. Al Houghby met be the fastest developing player on the Ponce squad judging by the improvement in his game since last year. Today Ponce's freshman squad high at the Ponce court at 3 p. m. The next varsity game will take place at Ponce de Leon gym tonight, with an "A" and "B" game scheduled against a fast squad from Boynton. A dance will follow the second game. First game starts at 7 o'clock.

Eat, Drink and be Merry Tommy's Bar

Eat, Drink and be Merry Get Rid of That Old "Ho Hum" Feelin' • GOOD FOOD • GENIAL COMPANY • PERFECT DRINKS • PERFECT FOOD Distinctive Entertainment Party Reservations Suggested Jimmie's Bar and Grill 3651 Southwest Eighth Street Phone: 4-1313

Herbert Marshall, Bette Davis and James Stephenson are shown in a scene from "The Letter", which opens Sunday at the Gables Theatre.

Thrills, Spills, Speed Galore As Midget Racers Reopen Season

Midget auto racing returned to Miami last Sunday night, presenting the finest program ever held at the Flagler Speedway. The season's largest crowd-more than 4500 racing enthusiasts-turned out for the gala reopening of the Miami oval. Apparently the two week holiday furlough did the Flagler pilots a lot of good. The rest brough them back to the Miami speedway raving for action, and that's just what they got. The rain soaked track caused slower driving, but, conversely, made the track a setup for spills, spinouts and crackups which always delight a midget fan. This Sunday night Santo's "Knights of the Roaring Road" come back for another exhibition of thrilling driving. Midget auto racing at Flagler settles down now to a serious twiceweekly run throughout the remainder of the Miami "season" and from all indications it will be the finest season ever enjoyed in Florida. The Wagner Point Standings Trophy will be awarded to the driver who first amasses 1,000 points. Harry Sheeler, is leading with a little more than 500 counters. The second Wagner Cup goes to the winner of the 100 lap Championship race, to be held at the end of the season. The Brundage Trophy will be awarded to the champion pilot of the year. Races are now being conducted at the Flagler Speedway every Wednesday and Sunday evenings. Gates open at 7 p. m. with the first race starting at 8:30 p. m. The Flagler Speedway is located in Miami at 65th avenue and West Flagler street.

NOW THE MAYFAIR CLUB

ON Flagler at 18th Ave. CHEF'S SPECIALS $1.00 FULL-COURSE DINNERS From $1.50 "The Ultimate In Fine Food"

AFTER THE THEATRE THE HUDDLE BAR

IS THE PLACE FOR A LIGHT LUNCH - AND BEER - HOME COOKING PIES - COOKS AN BALLENTINES Free Parking Direct form the Keg Phone 4-1010

AIR-CONDITIONED GABLES

Phone 4-1221 25c TAX INCLUDED 35c MATINEES EVENINGS Smoking Loge - No Extra Charge OPEN DAILY 2 P M. FRI. SAT., Jan. 10-11: "Gallant Sons" Jackie Cooper Bonita Granville Leo Gorcey June Preisser SUN. THRU WED., Jan. 12-15: BETTE DAVIS "The Letter" Herbert Marshall James Stephenson Thurs. and Fri., Jan. 16-17: "Dancing on a Dime" Grace McDonald Robert Paige Virginia Dale Lillian Cornell

THE THEATRE OF THE FIFTEEN

LAST TWO NIGHTS "DESIGN FOR LIVING" THE THEATRE OF THE FIFTEEN Presents the Broadway Smash Hit "Margin for Error" Exciting Satirical Melodrama by Clare Booth (Author of "Kiss The Boys Goodbye" and "The Women") ONE WEEK ONLY BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 14TH THE THEATRE OF THE FIFTEEN DOUGLAS ENTRANCE - CORAL GABLES Tamiami Trail at Douglas Road SEATS NOW $1.65 - $1.10 - 55c For Reservations Phone 4-6226

DOG RACING WEST FLAGLER KENNEL CLUB

DOG RACING STEAM-HEATED GRANDSTAND Only track in Greater Miami with Hurdle Races! ALL GLASS STARTING BOXES WEST FLAGLER KENNEL CLUB West Flagler at 37th Avenue POST TIME 8:15 P. M. ADMISSION 25 CENTS