Coral Gables Riviera

Tomorrow Brings New Shows, Openings, To Coral Gables Night Life

In One Ear ... by Wells Bruen

One of the most refreshing spots to burst forth on the night skyline is the new Rodeo, an intimate bar and restaurant on Coral Way, where the waitresses dress in Ziegfeld version of ranch togs, and the house specialty is a big, broiled Western steak. Saturday night's the big opening, so put on your spurs so your feet won't fall off the table, and go to it. Breaking the family tradition after a long line of doctors, Dr. Marcus, after finishing a medical course and interning at Bellevue, swapped his instruments for a deck of cards and a few disappearing cigarettes and went into the magic profession... The good Doctor, who originated that scrambled rhetoric known in broadway as double-talk, has expounded his science of confused speech on the Jack Benny program, and is now killing the customers every night at Jimmie's nitery on the Trail... If you could concentrate on what his hands are doing while he's unloading his lissom lingo, you might be able to unravel his magic, if not his English... But the two deceptions, verbal and manual, are too much to take in all at once. Don't look now, but there's a mystery abroad in our hamlet. Those of you who know Tommy Hands' little oasis on Tamiami Trail know that privacy is at a premium—when you can find it—in Tommy's bistro. But one striking soul has been in the place every night for a month, and nobody knows who she is—and that's news, when Hands' fine Irish wheedling can't unravel the tangle of the tough-est customer by the end of the second visit. Just to dress up the mystery, the glamour gal wanders around like a movie star in disguise—dark glasses, long-bobbed hair, quiet, low voice and everything. Either Gable is just like the Gables or someone is practicing to be a retiring celebrity. After beating the Drum for Melanson for a week, Hem Olson and his hep-cats are back in the Grotto's Cleft of Coral Gables... Karl Schmite, manager of the Country Club, just retuned to the Gables after a state-wide jaunt to rest his nerves and find out how the country folks live. Sammy Leiderman, new recruit of the Fifteen, has made a sway since fur breezed into his grade A emoting as officer Finkelstein in "Margin for Error." He deserved the applause that his first appearance here met with Tuesday night, and I hope he'll be around for a long, long time. In the theatrical groove, still, another local boy is doing all right at the Gaither Theatre on Miami Beach—Maxwell (Speed) Marvin, who left the University dramatic department last year to take a fling on the West Coast movie lots. Another Tommy Hands classic is the story (he swears it's true) about the horse player who was going broke faster than usual. The poor fellow had a devoted family, who went to church for the first time in years to put in a good word for the unlucky wagerer, and to ask the Lord for just one good winner. So help Hands, the horse player walks away from the tote windows next day $75 ahead of the game! Gableites may not realize it, but they have something mighty valuable in their city government in the accessibility of city officials. The way the city officials, from the top men down the list, are available to the public without a lot of red tape, and willing to talk over any citizens' problems in a spirit of good-natured cooperation. I've never seen a city official easier to talk to than City Manager Curry. Ralph McIntyre, who was installed as assistant manager of the Gables Theatre last week, has left Coral Gables in a blaze of glory. He's now working on the Beach, manager of the Colony Theatre over there! The British War Relief officials, Mrs. Edwin Raynor and Mrs. Lloyd Shepard, called in to throw a few posies at the merchants in Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. "They've been simply splendid," Mrs. Shepard said, "in helping us out with contributions and prizes for us to auction off for the British relief funds." One of the funniest things in the parking controversy is reported by Police Captain Reeves, who says that he sees the episode repeated every day. Merchant "A," driving in his store in the morning, is too smart to park in front of his place—it keeps customers away from his entrance. So he pulls to the other side of the street and parks in front of his placeukolR shrdf shrdl shrd hr hhh parks in front of another man's store. The other man, "B," drives up each morning and parks his car in front of "A's" where he leaves his car all day. Reeves says that "A" and "B" have been parking in front of each other for the past three months, both thinking that they're saving themselves business by keeping their storefronts clear. Frank A. Holley, president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Holley stores, has been laid up this week with a bad cold. It looks like he's missed the flu, though, which is something to be thankful for. He's too busy a gent to spend his days horizontal. There's going to be a real, top-flight tennis tourney at the Country Club courts January 27th through February 2d, with some fine tennis stars, some of them for the first time, coming to this area to participate. Bobby Riggs, Frank Kovacs, Wayne Sabin, Jack Kramer, Gardner Mulloy and Elwood Cook, all of whom are in the first ten tennisers in the land, will take part in the tourney. It's called the First Annual University of Miami Invitational Tennis Tournament, and the proceeds of this year's matches will go to a fund to build some tennis courts for the University. The Coral Theatre is going to bring a real treat to the kids here: Buster Crabbe, the action picture star, will make a personal appearance for the Kiddie Matinee, Saturday, January 25th, when the theater will show the first two reels of the new Flash Gordon serial, with Crabbe playing the fabulous Flash. I've seen a few strange sights in Coral Gables, but Bill Fuller of the FPL is the first man I've ever seen who dumps two spoonfuls of sugar into a glass of tomato juice.

The romantic interest in Cecil B. DeMille's Technicolor production for Paramount, "North West Mounted Police," is focused on Gary Cooper and Madeline Carroll, who have the top starring roles in this epic of theCanadian wilds. It opens Saturday January 18, at the Gables Theatre. Eight more stellar film personalities are featured in the cast.

Attendance, Mutuel Play Soar As West Flagler Packs 'Em In

All previous records in mutuel play and attendance at West Flagler Kennel club will be shattered to bits this season if the track continues at its present pace. Attendance and mutuel play are far above last year at this same time. Like last year, favorites again are having their inning at the Flagler oval. To date more than 35 percent of the favorites have come through for the betting public and this according to racing officials is attributed to the perfect racing strip and the class of high-bred greyhounds Jacob Sher, and William L. Huntley, track owners, have assembled here for the 1940-41 meeting. The leading greyhounds during the first two weeks of the meeting at Flagler were My Topper, Fern Nature, Big Brother, First Mate, Rip Snorter, and Rip A Roarin'. Both My Topper and Fern Nature, full brother and sister of world champion Rural Rube, have come within 3-5th of a second of Rube's 5-16th mile world mark in recent starts. And since they have turned in performances like that so early in the season, indications are that a new world mark may be in the books not long from now.

Congreve Play Shown Sunday

"The Way of the World," by William Congreve, a racy comedy of the Restoration period in English literature, will be presented in playreading under the direction of Sydney W. Head in the University of Miami theatre at 8:30 Sunday evening. The play is the third in a series being presented by the Florida Playmakers using the playreading technique. In this system of presentation, actors taking part in the play sit about a long table, wearing modern evening dress, and read the parts, relying entirely on voice and facial expressions for dramatic effects. Edward S. Gaylor will read the narrative portions of the production and music of the period will be arranged by Harry Estersohn. Admission charge for the performance for which no seats will be held, is ten cents.

Cuba's sports queen, Miss Maria Elena Castaneda, will arrive in Tampa Jan. 20 for a 3-day visit. She will be the honor guest at Tampa's Latin Carnival

Fifteen Show Improvement In 'Margin For Error' Opening

The Theatre of the Fifteen, although far from flawless, climbed up the ladder several steps, in its second offering of the season, "Margin for Error," Clare Boothe's Nazi-mystery, which opened at the Douglas Entrance playhouse, Tuesday night. A newcomer to the group, Sammy Leiderman, who, we understand, has had experience on the West Coast with the Pasadena Playhouse, paced the performance. It was Leiderman's lines that brought laughs, though there were many opportunities for same with the rest of the cast. In the story of the Nazi consul who was murdered after he unwittingly committed suicide (if you follow me) Miss Boothe has declared a one-woman war on Germany and all its leaders. Richard Sullivan, as the consul, but more particularly as the dishonest man, did an excellent job. He roared and stamped, sneered and deceived to perfection. Even after death, he created an eerie feeling of reality with his stiff corpse-back facing the audience. Personally, we enjoyed just about every minute of "Margin for Error," even to the overemphasized examination of suspects, in the second act, which, of course, is Miss Boothe's fault, and not the Fifteen's. It was regrettable that the punch line, the curtain line of the entire show, was timed so poorly. We know a certain proprietor of a certain bistro who could say "Well, I'll be a s--- o--- a b---" with far finer emphasis than Mr. Gerard Grondin did, as Captain Mulrooney. To repeat a few of the layman's criticisms which have reached our ears, we will say: that the Fifteen pace their entire performance too swiftly, with rather a nervous apprehension, a fear that their "time on the air" will be up all too soon, not waiting for laughs on laugh lines, just running blindly ahead to the finish. To criticize this criticism a bit, we shall add that it is slightly brutal. The Fifteen still present a more polished show than many other small groups do, in our opinion. Further, they proved last year that they can give a smoother performance than they have so far this season. It is said that Miss Mary Greene, who was the wife of the consul in the present show, is too conscious of her diction and her lady-like poise. However, we recall her unbending more than slightly in one scene when she ran, sobbing from the room. Vaughn Baggerly, as the Baron, did an amazingly fine piece of work, after nothing but bit parts for some time. James Crow, Willard Thompson, and Frank Rollinger all helped to carry the show along with their support, and a bright moment came with each appearance of attractive Louise Long, as the maid. The Fifteen will next offer "Argosy at Forty," a new comedy by DeWitt Bodeen, opening Tuesday night. We understand Hale McKeen will have a part in the show which he directs. M.T.M.

Sets Sales High

Louie E. Lanford, general agent for the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, received word this week from A. L. Dern, first vice president of the company, that he had placed ninth in the nation in insurance written during the past year and that his agency had placed 12th. Mr. Lanford, who lives at 4401 Palmarito Street, took over the local agency last May and has been in the insurance business for only two years.

PONCE DE LEON AT ARAGON CORAL THEATRE PHONE 4-4422

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, Jan. 17, 18: KAY FRANCIS RANDOLPH SCOTT In "When the Daltons Rode" SUNDAY-MONDAY, Jan. 19-20: LORETTA YOUNG in "KENTUCKY" In Technicolor TUES., Jan. 21: DOROTHY LAMOUR In "MOON OVER BURMA" WED.-THURS., Jan. 22-23: "THE GREAT McGINTY" With BRIAN DONLEVY MATINEES --- 20c EVENINGS --- 25c

Florida Transportation Co. SIGHTSEEING GREATER MIAMI TOUR

Leaves 9:30 A. M. from the COLONNADE BUILDING 4 Hours $1.50 50 Miles The tour covers Greater Miami: Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Miami Springs, Coral Gables, Hialeah and Hialeah Race Track. This tour is conceded to be the most complete tour in the South. These tours are conducted in large open-air buses, built and equipped especially for sightseeing. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 4-9857 OR YOUR HOTEL

Tommy Bar

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"

The Following Restaurants Are Recommended by DUNCAN HINES' - - - 1940 BOOK "ADVENTURES IN GOOD EATING"

IN CORAL GABLES IT'S THE TIFFIN in the San Sebastian Hotel University Drive and LeJeune Road "Serving Delicious Food All Day, Every Day" EVERIL B. GRUTE, Manager PHONE 4-9285 This Is What Duncan Hines Says About THE ROSE BOWL 515 N. E. 15th STREET - Near Venetian Causeway - MIAMI, FLA. "Here in delightful surroundings, you may partake of their famous 'Cock Robin' dinner. Other specialties prepared by 'Chef Joe', who has been in the family for over forty years, are 'Old Southern Plantation Dinner' 'Rose Bowl Belle' and many other delicious dishes. Susle, in her white pinafore, passes the hot biscuits. Dinners from $1.25 - Special Luncheons from 75c Phone 3-2045

AIR-CONDITIONED GABLES Phone 4-1221

25c TAX INCLUDED MATINEES 35c TAX INCLUDED EVENINGS Smoking Loge - No Extra Charge OPEN DAILY 2 P. M. SAT. THRU TUES., Jan. 18-21 Paramount presents GARY COOPER • MADELEINE CARROLL CECIL B. DeMILLE'S "NORTH WEST MOUNTED POLICE" In Technicolor! IN THEATRE WED.-THURS., Jan. 22-23: FRANK MORGAN In "Hullabaloo" Virginia Grey Dan Dailey FRI., SAT., Jan. 24-25: JUDY GARLAND In "Little Nellie Kelly" With George Murphy Charles Winninger

AFTER THE THEATRE THE HUDDLE BAR IS THE PLACE

FOR A LIGHT LUNCH AND BEER - HOME COOKING PIELS - COOKS AN BALLENTINES Free Parking Direct Form the Keg Phone 4-1010

THE THEATRE OF THE FIFTEEN

LAST TWO NIGHTS "MARGIN FOR ERROR" by CLARE BOOTH Presents "Argosy At Forty" A Sparkling New Comedy by DeWitt Bodeen ONE WEEK ONLY BEGINNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 21ST 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

NIGHTLY

DINNER DANCING GIRALDA ROOM AND MAX MILLS AND HIS ORCHESTRA With A.M.A. Society Dance Orchestra MARTHA BURNETT Musical Comedy Chanteuse THE BARRYS Artists of the Dance JOSE and BEAUTY Exotic Mexican Dancers HASKELL The Perplexing Prestidigitator Ten Dance Attractions $2.00, $2.50. Also a la Carte Deluxe Dinners from Reservations: Fred 4-1661. Every Sunday Evening Entertainment in the Gardens 5 to 7 DAILY CASCADES COCKTAIL DANCE, 5 to 7 In J. W. McDONALD at The Organ And His Mystifying Magic Supper Dancing and Complete Floor Show at Midnight No Cover or Minimum at Any Time at the BILTMORE In Coral Gables MIAMI BILTMORE

HELLO PARDNER! YIPPE-EE Collect Yourself a PLEASURE BONUS AT THE RODEO

THE UNIQUE NEW SPOT WITH THE WESTERN FLAVOR • UNEXCELLED CUISINE • Featuring Aged Western Steaks • Barbecued Spareribs 3488 CORAL WAY Phone 4-9479

Jimmie's BAR and GRILL Presents

Foran Sisters and Tom Comedy Singing—Dancing MIKE PEYTON Master of Ceremonies George and Marvia King Dance Eccentric Ravelle and Jeannette Twentieth Century Skaters DR. ARTHUR MARCUS The Mad Magician Miss Chick Kennedy Comedienne Star of Stage, Screen, Radio 3651 Southwest Eighth Street Phone 4-1313 We Serve DELUXE DINNERS CHARCOAL STEAKS AMERICAN AND CHINESE FOOD

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