Coral Gables Riviera

In One Ear By Wells Bruen

There's been a lot of curosity as to what would come of the proposed new water contract between Coral Gables and the City of Miami, in which the Miami commission would have us sign to buy water from them on a fifteen-year contract. Well, a new developement popped up this week. City Manager Curry refuses to comment on it, but there's a rumor going around that Coral Gables may buy the Consumer's Water Co., the outfit which piped our water from the old Power and Light water system. That looks like some kind of nice water plan. If all this does happen I think Gableites will find themselves in a position where they can save money on their water. Someday it'll happen: When a long and dull evening has been spent in a night club, and the waiter brings in a check that looks like the new debt, some wag is going to write across the face of the check, "Insufficient Fun." Nicest merchandising quote of the season was heard in the shop of a Gables merchant, who shall be nameless as far as this yarn is concerned. Seeing a salesgirl accumulating a pile of rejected dresses while fitting a customer, the merchant called "Why are you putting all those dresses aside? What's the matter with them?" Replied the salesgirl: "They don't fit this lady correctly. They seem to be misfits." The shopowner roared like a stung bull. "Don't say that! The dresses are never misfits! The customer is the misfit!" El Bolero is always digging up something hot. This time it's a young pianist, who is one of the hottest things this side of Death Valley. His name is Tommy Griffin, and his is an odd story. Tommy was a boy prodigy. At the age of eleven he was in demand everywhere as one of the best boy singers in the area. Well, you know how it is with boy singers-eventually his voice changed, and there he was, a prodigy without a talent. He left the wing of Sonny Shepherd, who was his manager at the time, and took up piano. Lately he's been concentrating on the Novachord, that machine-gun piano and organ, and the results have been swell. He's a little scornful of his piano playing since he's worked on the Novachord, but his piano is all right with me. He can deal out the sweet stuff very nicely, but it's when he's hot that he shines. Get him to warm up one of your old favorites some evening. By the time you read this he'll have a Novachord-just put in by Charlie. One of the fastest workers in these parts is Al Burke, who is directing the Junior Women's Club Cabaret show, which will be produced April 5 at the Country Club. You've never seen anything like the way Burke takes a bunch of completely untrained amateurs and in less than two weeks whips 'em into a capable and synchronized dance routine. Incidentally, it looks now like this year's Cabaret will be a faster show than the edition of last year. There are no dulling scenes at all this season. Every number is punched up with music and dancing, and it should shape up into a really enjoyable revue. If you've ever known a heavy eater from New Orleans-and most New Orleans citizens seem to be pretty sound trenchermen-you've heard about the Orleans gift to the solid appetite: the Poor Boy sandwich. Well, tie your napkin firmly, for the Poor Boy sandwich has come to Coral Gables. If you don't know what that means it means that for a very small coin you can buy a loaf of french bread, split through its length, with about five kinds of meat and a couple of cheeses thrown in for filler. The place that imported this practical, if not delicate, Creole specialty is Andre's New Orleans Inn, a new gathering place for the Gables' gustatory gamblers.

Best Dressed

Alice Frost, CBS dramatic star and Fashion Academy's choice for the "best-dressed woman in radio," here shows her recommendation for a theatre party or formal dinner: A green satin evening gown with a front panel of matching green crepe, with an 18-inch slit in the skirt. The coat is a silver fox knee-length one, while bag and belt are of gold kid.

Gabler Play Tailor Made For Fifteen

In all theatrical history very few companies with the exception of Moliere's troupe in seventeenth century France and Burbage's players in Shakespearean England, have had plays written expressly for their use. In the present day Clifford Odets and Irwin Shaw write exclusively for the Group Theatre in New York, and it is from them that Charles Faber has taken his cue and written a play especially suited to the talents of the Fifteen. The play is his new tropical comedy, "The Lady Breaks a Lance," which will have its world premier Tuesday, April 1st, at the Theatre of the Fifteen. Having watched his colleagues in action for several years, Faber has created a large group of characters with particular attention to the part of Nina Bristol, dynamic musical comedy star of World War days, for Hale McKeen, and the part of George Everett, an attractive but irresponsible young actor, for Willard Thompson. "The Lady Breaks a Lance" is the story of Nina Bristol, who believes that her services to the army during the last war and her tremendous popularity with the soldiers in France, give her the right to tamper with important issues now that the United States is faced with a repetition of 1916. However, her first thought is for the safety of the irresponsible young actor. Nina's plans are complicated by the presence in her house of a number of people more or less interested in her welfare. Most important of these are Homer Kingston, the celebrated American novelist, played by Frank Rollinger, who shuns the drudgery of writing for the excitement of acting in summer theatres; Ellen Grant, Nina's caustic secretary, played by Elisabeth Cope; a blustering United States Senator, played by James Crow; and a benign U. S. Army Major, played by Samuel Leiderman. Barbara Parmley plays a shrewd young actress who opposes Nina politically as well as romantically. The rest of the characters are played by Pat O'Connor, Vaughn Baggerly, Elise Werthman, Edward Sheffield, Fern Greaves, Theron Adams and Douglas Campbell. "The Lady Breaks a Lance" is the third play by Charles H. Faber to be produced by the Fifteen. His "Give My Regards to Broadway" still holds the record for the longest run legitimately conceded any play in Greater Miami. It was equally popular when produced in Palm Beach, during the summer season in Osterville, Cape Cod, and later in Boston. Another of Faber's comedies, "Home of the Brave," was also one of the Fifteen's outstanding successes last year. Hale McKeen directs "The Lady Breaks a Lance," and Edward Sheffield has designed the settings. The production will continue through Saturday, April 5th, at the Theatre of the Fifteen, Douglas Entrance on the Tamiami Trail, Coral Gables.

'Strawberry Blonde' Rash

Olivia De Haviland, James Cagney and Rita Hayworth, the three leading players in "Strawberry Blonde," the new picture coming to the Gables Theatre Sunday and Monday.

Firestone Broadcast With Miami Symphony Is Musical Potpourri By JOHN SHINN

The usheress handed us a wide assortment of booklets, leaflets, and handbills when she showed us our seat in the Miami High auditorium last Monday night. In retrospect, we find that handful of vari-colored paper symbolic of the evening entertainment. We heard Richard Crooks, selected members of the University Symphony under Alfred Wallenstein, the whole Symphony under John Bitter, Carlos Salzedo, plus a condescending by rich-voiced network announcer. We heard them perform everything from Bizet to Haydn to Juan Jose Castro. The "Firestone Symphony Orchestra" was a good orchestra and Richard Crooks has a beautiful voice. It was too bad that both were wasted on a program of overblown, mainly second-rate "popular classics," and that no one on the stage seemed particularly concerned with anything beyond finishing on time. The complete orchestra and John Bitter were much more interesting. Mr. Bitter as always brought to his conducting and the students to their playing real zest for music. This was called a Pan-American Program, earning the right to the title with two compositions by South Americans. The first was the overture to Carlos Gomez's opera "Il Guarany." It was a strange mixture of idioms; straight Italian opera, Wagner, fruity Neepolitanese, a bit of Spanish, and a dash of Indian. The second South American composition was the "Arrabal" movement of Juan Jose Castro's "Sinfonia Argentina," which we thought the surprise package of the evening. It was an exciting work, skillfully maneuvering unusual rhythms and stirring dissonances. The orchestra rendered it expertly; Praise to Mr. Bitter and the Pan American Program for offering some-thing as interestingly off the beaten track of symphony repertoire. Between these two numbers, Josef Haydn stumbled into the program. He bore up very well with a good, workmanlike performance of his good, workmanlike Symphony in D Major. Papa Haydn satisfies. Carlos Salzedo was guest artist. His part of the program suffered from the unfortunate dearth of good harp literature. Handel's "Harmonious Blacksmith" was good material. The harp is well suited to eighteenth century music. However, Mr. Salzedo's own compositions, while showing, as the program noted, "the wide range possibilities of the instrument," showed little else, and the "Choral and Variations" of Charles-Marie Widor was no musical colossus. It was rather unfair to Mr. Salzedo to have his major work at the end of such a long program. However, he left no doubt in the minds of his hearers that he is a superb artist, with a master's control of his instrument. Too bad he could not find compositions worth his talent.

Amateurs Easy Actors, Cabaret Director Claims

"You might not think so, but it's easier to direct amateurs than professional actors." That's the surprising opinion of a man who ought to know-Al Burke, veteran of 21 years of directing amateurs in musical shows, and director of the Junior Women's Club Cabaret, which will make its bow to Gableites at the Country Club April 5. "Two things make amateurs better to work with," Burke continued, "The fact that they'll take direction much more easily, and the fact that they don't feel compelled to put on displays of temperament." Burke said that there was nothing remarkable in putting together a musical show in three weeks time with a group like the one in the Cabaret; and that in every way he prefers working in amateur producing to working in professional show business. He was in the business end for some time in the North, acting and working in the managerial end of the shows as well. In 1928 he designed the costumes for two revivals: "The Black Crook" and "After Dark," acting in the latter. While both the revivals were successes, his short stays with two Broadway turkeys made him think that there was something unsubstantial in show business-a discovery confirmed by the record every year. Eleven years ago Burke got into the amateur show profession, and ever since then he's been traveling the eastern half of America, molding club groups into musical productions, and teaching songs and dance routines to Junior Leaguers and members of Elk's Lodges. He works today with the John B. Rogers Producing Co., an outfit that sells shows, complete with music, costumes, scenery and director, to all the United States. "This Cabaret is different from our usual show," Burke explained. "We're using a lot of popular tunes, keeping the running time down, and making it a purely musical production. It's really designed especially for the Junior Women's Club." Al Burke, who is slim and not nearly as nervous as you'd expect a director of amateurs to be, once directed the largest pageant with an amateur cast ever held in America-the New Haven Tercentenary Pageant, which had a cast of 4,000. He has spent 3 summers on the waters of Long Island Sound, managing a traveling show boat which served as a sort of summer stock to a group of 16 young players who toured the Sound cities with him. "Every show I direct brings one or two people who come to ask me how they can get into show business," Burke added, "and all I can usually say is 'Don't do it!' In those rare cases when a really good personality pops up, I always say forget it-unless they have the means to spend at least a year in New York without any additional income."

Two-Year-Olds Run at Tropical In Viscaya Feature Tomorrow

Two-year-old fillies, 31 strong, have been named for Saturday's second running of the $2,000 added Viscaya Stakes at Tropical Park. The debs of the local colony will be asked to travel a half mile of ground in the quest for top honors, and the field will be drawn from the likeliest juveniles of their sex, including Fate, Fade, Bellocda, True Wave, Small Time, Tower Maid and others. The initial 1940 running of the stake was won by J. A. Best's Alethe, running about the finish line by Misty Isle and Puro Oro. They went the distance in the fast time of :46 3-5, a mark that may be equalled in Saturday's running. It will mark the final stakes engagement for two-year-olds of the Florida session, which has seen several outstanding racing prospects developed, among them Albatross, Bold Question, General Jean, Zozo and others. Assistant Secretary Robert S. Shelley, aware of the racing fans' aptitude for long distance affairs, has written a two miles and seventy yards race into the condition book on Saturday for four-year-olds and upward. An allowance race, the Biscayne Purse, has also been prepared for the Saturday sport at one mile and one eighth. If the twenty-two nominations written it will provide one of the most interesting afternoons of sport of the entire Tropical Park season.

Top Dogs Eye Derby, Coming Up at Flagler

With both the Nursery and Futurity championships out of the way, greyhound fans in this area now will turn their eyes toward the West Flagler Derby which carries a $1,000 purse. My Topper, Fern Nature, First Mate, Big Brother and several other big stars are entered in the classic. The derby final will be staged over the 3-8th mile course. Fern Nature, brilliant young sister of World Champion Rural Rube, has been crowned 1941 Futurity Stake champion at West Flagler Kennel Club. Meeting her famous brother, My Topper, in the championship final at Flagler, Fern Nature ran one of the finest races of her young career to capture the rich $2,000 purse and turned in a time mark of 31 4-5 seconds, 3-8th of a second off the world record. Fern Nature led the race from box to wire. Breaking from her favorite eight chute, Bus Carroll's famed female speedster got away on top and try as he did, My Topper was unable to catch the new champion. Fern Nature finished three lengths in front with First Mate annexing place money and and bettor the show award. My Topper went to the post a 4 to 5 favorite in the race, but broke poorly and was forced wide on the first turn, thus causing him to lose several lengths. He recovered to move up from sixth place to third, but the early setback was too much for even a super greyhound to overcome. Following the running of the race, William L. Huntley, vice president and General Manager of the West Flagler track, made the award from the judges stand.

Our Town-

(Continued from Page One) been officially stated yet, Mr. Bell is almost a "sure thing" to run for re-election. Another possibility to consider in this year's race is Millo B. Garris, a former city commissioner. Earlier this year Milt more or less indicated that if enough of the citizens showed a desire to see him run, h would consider it. So jut down Mr. Garris' name on your possibility list. Next week, we undoubtedly will see at least one more candidate announcing "officially" in the Riviera and perhaps more. From then on in, there should be at least one announcement a week until the deadline.

Mrs. Christine Kight of the Field Apartments has as her guests Miss Marita Schimmel and her brother, Chase Schimmel, of Marietta, Ohio.

Florida home owners desiring to enjoy the benefits of homestead exemptions must file applications with their tax assessors before April 1.

Attendance at the Bok Singing Tower has broken all records this season, reports the Lake Wales News.

GABLES THEATRE

AIR-CONDITIONED MATINEE 25c TAX INCLUDED EVENINGS 35c Smoking Loge; NO EXTRA CHARGE! OPEN DAILY 2 P. M. Fri.-Sat. March 28-29 HUMPHREY BOGART "HIGH SIERRA" Sat. Matinee Show, March 29: BARBARA STANWYCK "THE LADY EVE" With HENRY FONDA SUNDAY-MONDAY, MARCH 30-31 IT WILL BURN YOU UP! THE HUG WHO TAMED THE '90's! JAMES CAGNEY • OLIVIA DeHAVILLAND STRAWBERRY BLONDE AND RITA HAYWORTH ALAN HALE • JACK CARSON • GEORGE TOBIAS A WARNER BROS. First Nat'l Picture • Directed by RAOUL WALSH

AFTER THE THEATRE THE HUDDLE BAR

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

Cabaret Restaurant Mayfair IN THE TROPICS

FRENCH CUISINE-NEVER A COVER DINNER from $1 2 ORCHESTRAS-Continuous Dancing 3 Shows: Dinner, Supper, Breakfast JOE MOSS and his BERT FROHMAN PRESENTS "Springtime in the Tropics" Revue W. FLAGLER ST. at 18TH AVE. Phone 3-0779

DOG RACING WEST FLAGLER KENNEL CLUB

STEAM HEATED GRANDSTAND Only track in Greater Miami with Hurdle Races! ALL GLASS STARTING BOXES West Flagler at 37th Avenue POST TIME 8:15 P. M. ADMISSION 25 Cents

★ SCOUT NEWS ★

Troop 7 Boy Scouts of Troop 7 met at their cabin on the Golf Course last Tuesday at 5:30 to leave for Matheson Hammock for a "victory picnic" in celebration of their winning a Boy Scout field meet held at their cabin a week ago. The Scout meet was to find out what troop among the other outstanding troops of the city was the best. There were eleven events, including signaling, knot, water boiling, fire by friction, first aid, Morse and semaphore signaling, tent pitching, knot tying, tower building, rescue race and undressing race. Troop 7 got 8 first, 2 second and 1 third place, winning by a large margin over Troop 12, second place, and Troop 32, third place. Troops 12 and 32 are considered to be two of the finest troops. A very large audience of Troop 7 parents and friends were present. Boys winning for Troop 7 were: Jack Mueller, "Eggs" Nichols, "Willy" Morse, "Fats" Wood, "2 Bits" McWhorter, "Scuttle" Peacock, Thomas Blount, "Cowboy" Roll, "Gage" Nichols, Ray Gibbens Julian Bell, Julian Gallay, "Red" Burr, "Slurp" Beardsley, "Greasemonkey" Wells, "Bad Boy" Wright, "Mosquito" Wood and Julio Clarke. SCUTTLE PEACOCK. TROOP 38 The meeting was opened with the scout oath and laws led by Wylly Keck. Dennis Kellner's Flaming Arrow Patrol won the point banner. The programs for the Coral Gables Methodist Church on Saturday morning, March 22, were glad to welcome Johnny Aguire and Edward Rawle as full-fleged members of troop 38. We were glad to have David McHugh and Robert Heizer as our visitors. Each Scout gave his dues to the Community Chest last Friday night. The meeting was closed with the Scoutmasters Benediction led by Donald Doughty. Gordon Craig Jr. Scribe

Charlie of El Bolero Says... Have You Heard

Our new Novachord? Everyone is talking about it and the swell music Tommy Griffin makes on the keyboard. Of course, it's at El Bolero MEXICAN LOUNGE BAR 3181 CORAL WAY

Howard Johnson's

Restaurants and Ice Cream Shops TAMIAMI TRAIL AT DOUGLAS ROAD - CORAL GABLES

TODAY'S SPECIAL SEA FOOD PLATTER (Feast for a Gourmet)

• SOFT SHELL CRAB • OYSTERS • SCALLOPS • SHRIMP • POTATO SALAD THAT'S DIFFERENT • FRENCH BREAD 85 CENTS REAL FRENCH COOKING ANDRE'S (Formerly Of New Orleans) NEW ORLEANS INN 4857 Southwest Eighth Street Miami, Florida

Tommy's Bar