SENSATIONALIZE YOUR EXPLOITATII

CALLING ALL POLICE!

Number of stunts based on the ‘‘crime doesn’t pay’? theme can be worked out easily and at small expense. Most theatre men are friendly with heads of local police. Thus it’s simple enough to put these suggestions to work.

. Police provide special escort for print when it is delivered to theatre on open- ing day. News photogs cover for paper breaks. Large label attached to film can gives title and billing.

. Police car parked in front of theatre during run of film. Special banners . attached to car tie in picture. Ask for public co-operation with police de- partment to help curb crime..

. Police benefit for families of officers who died in action. Local organiza- tion sells tickets and helps publicize show. Papers run daily stories on local police heroes.

. Present special award of valor to policeman whose recent act of heroism in battling crime has been most deserving of recognition. Police officials present award on stage during run of picture.

- Local paper conducts popularity contest to find town’s most popular po- liceman. Newspaper prints ballots in their columns which are mailed to contest editor or deposited in special box in theatre lobby. Awards are promoted from local merchants.

. If local police department has received any awards for skill in marksman- ship with guns, then place these awards on display in lobby foyer with blow- up head of Humphrey Bogart and card explaining: ‘“Here’s why the odds are against killers like ‘Red’ Gurney — ‘King of the Underworld’.”

Fingerprints Gag

This lobby contest should make an impression. Week ahead of opening, attendants take fingerprints of pa- trons in lobby. Patron is given one set; the other is kept on file. Week picture plays, a few of the prints are displayed in lobby. Those identify- ing prints as their own get passes.

THIS \S WHAT HAPP WHEN THE POLICE CAUGHT THE

G OF TH RWO F

Teletype Machine

Promoted from local telegraph office is set up in lobby. Attendant sends message: “Excitement with the si- lencers off . . . when the king of the

underworld strikes back at the law!

—see Humphrey Bogart in ‘King of the Underworld’ coming to this the- atre Thursday for one week.”

EXHIBIT ‘GANGSTER’ CAR

+ es sa © oe

Wrecked car, looking as though it had been treated with plenty of gunfire, is parked in front of theatre or prominent corner in town. Large banner attached to hood explains: “This is what happens to all public enemies. This car be- longed to the ‘King of the Underworld’.’’ Attendant nearby passes out heralds with theatre imprint and playdates.

[7]

sc HUMPHRE

KING of the-

TOO TOUGH TO DIE BY THIS

Dramatic lobby exhibit shown above c tric chair and giant replica of medicin ing angles with extra emphasis on “‘ba of the Underworld!’ Lights are arran dropper alternately. Red light flickers

DON’T FORGET: You Bogart, the super-gan Dirty Faces.’ This is of ¢

ly if you’ve played ‘Ar

News Breaks

Clip scare heads from recent tab- loids, feature stories dealing with underworld exploits, ete. Surprint copy: “Is It Murder... to kill the king of the underworld? For the an- swers see ‘King of the Underworld’.”’ Add flock of scene stills and blowup heads of “the King of Bad Men” — Humphrey Bogart.

Rogues’ Gallery

From police or newspaper morgue borrow photos of real gangsters. Mount these on lobby board together with blowup of Bogart, “‘King of the Underworld.” Surround with mon- tage of sensational crime headlines, selling copy, and scene stills. This type of display, used to great advan- tage on many gangster films, will ap- peal to the “mug”’ trade.

JN FOR ‘KING OF THE UNDERWORLD’

Y BOGART

NDERWORLD

ontains real machine gun. dummy elec- e dropper. Gets across the strong sell- Iman”? Humphrey Bogart — the ‘‘King zed to focus on gun, chair and medicine on and off above electric chair.

re playing Humphrey gster of ‘Angels With efinite value, especial-

gels.” Play it up BIG!

Ballistics Display

Police department can help arrange a lobby display of modern apparatus used to track down gangsters — ma- chine guns, handcuffs, rifles, tear gas bombs, microscopes, calipers, finger- print equipment, etc. Small cards explain their various uses.

For Your Sniping

‘“‘King of the Underworlsd”’ calls for ‘‘Wanted”’ posters. Tack ’em to poles, fences, buildings, trucks, bulletin boards, backs of newsstands, ete.

Teaser Ads

Spot these in classified section of newspaper: ““WARNING! Be on the lookout for the ‘King of the Under- world’ — Don’t kill this killer! Bring him back alive. See why at the Strand Theatre beginning Friday.”

DON’T PASS THIS UP!

Local radio station might run an “I Met a Bandit” program. In fact it would make good newspaper feature series for say, a week running. “King of the Underworld” gets tied in for free plug by perhaps doing the leg work in addition to supplying the idea. Small, out of the way gro- cers, cab drivers, bank messengers, in fact anybody who has been at some time ordered to “‘put ’em up” should be glad to grant an interview telling how it felt, what they thought about, etc.

“Shock”? Booth

Large booth is constructed in your lobby. Cards on the outside carry this copy: “Can you meet the ‘King of the Underworld’ face to face? Step inside and find out.” Inside booth is display of scene stills from picture, blowup heads of Humphrey Bogart, ete. Copy: “It’s excitement with the silencers off when the ‘King of Bad Men’ blasts his way to stardom in ‘King of the Underworld’.”

Street Bally

Man resembling burly detective is handcuffed to man dressed as tough guy. They walk through busy section of town. Card on back of “tough” reads: ‘““They’re making me go to the Strand Theatre to see ‘King of the Underworld’ to teach me that crime doesn’t pay.”’

Satety Campaign

Tie into local drive-carefully-cam- paign with cooperation of police de- partment. Get out posters or tack eards proclaiming: “Bad drivers are public enemies. Don’t be in the same class as the ‘King of the Under- world’ — at Strand Friday.”

Book Shop Window

Contact local book dealers and ar- range dispay of recent books con- cerning crime and underworld char- acters — ‘“‘Here’s To Crime”, “10,- 000 Public Enemies’, etc. Surround with batch of scene stills from the picture and tie in your billing and playdate. ‘‘King of the Underworld” is from a story by W. R. Burnett, au- thor of “Little Caesar’? which offers another angle for dealer cooperation.

Evidence Display

Large box is set up in lobby with this copy: “Police seek evidence to con- vict the ‘King of the Underworld.’ Can you help?” Patrons are asked to deposit any information they have on criminals. Box is plastered with scene stills and selling copy tieing in billing and playdates.

Extras Surprinted

Old, but reliable. Surprint back num- bers of paper in red ink. Bold, screaming type reads: “Is it MUR- DER” (and in smaller type) To Kill The ‘KING of the UNDERWORLD’? See the thrilling answer at the Strand Theatre today.”

THREE-SHEET CUTOUT

Above illustration shows how the three-sheet may be cut.out and set up for an attractive and low-costing display. Add title and star billing, and spot it out front, on your marquee, or in

the lobby.

[8]

CONTEST SELLS HUMPHREY BOGART

LOBBY DISPLAY OR CONTEST

One-shot newspaper, herald or lobby con- test. Illustrations show Bogart in under- world characters he portrayed in former pictures. Entrants are asked to name title of motion picture in which Bogart appear- ed. Answers are sent to newspaper or de- posited in lobby box. Award guest tickets

to winners.

For contest order Mat No. 211—30c. For lobby display order special set of ‘“‘Bogart Contest Stills’? 35¢ a set-—from Campaign Plan Editor.

Answers 1. As ‘Rocks’ Valentine, gunman, in “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse.”

2. As “Turkey” Morgan, fight promoter, in “Kid Galahad.”

. As Martin, crime-ezar, in “Racket Busters.”

. As Frazier, mouthpiece, in “Angels With Dirty Faces.”

Sock Trailer Provides Punchy Display Lines

HE'S THE RUTHLESS KING OF THE UNDERWORLD!

THE BAD MAN OF "RACKET BUSTERS" AND "ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES" SCORES AGAIN!

HUMPHREY BOGART IN THE SCORCHING STORY OF GANGDOM'S LAST STAND!

"KING OF THE UNDERWORLD"

AT HIS COMMAND AN ARMY OF KILLERS IS TURNED LOOSE! CITIES ARE RAIDED AND PLUNDERED!

IT'S CRIMELAND'S MOST DESPERATE WAR AGAINST LAW. IF THIS MAN LIVES

HUNDREDS WILL DIE!

CAN AN AVENGING WOMAN DOCTOR STOP HIM

WHEN POLICE BULLETS HAVE FAILED?

"KING OF THE UNDERWORLD"

with HUMPHREY BOGART KAY FRANCIS

IT'S EXCITEMENT WITH THE SILENCERS OFF!

Be Sure Vo Put It To Work On Your Screen

Official Billing WARNER BROS. 40%

Pictures, Inc. Presents 5%,

HUMPHREY BOGART _

“KING OF THE UNDERWORLD”

with KAY FRANCIS 40%, JAMES STEPHENSON @ JOHN ELDREDGE 20%, Directed by Lewis Seiler 20%, Screen Play by George Bricker and Vincent Sherman 3°, From a Story by W. R. Burnett rb A Warner Bros. Picture Bio

a ge ee et hp ee ssn ieee nite prs ag a

Round Out A Full Program With These Vitaphone Shorts

JOE AND ASBESTOS — are up to their necks in "Boarder Trouble.’ As usual they solve their worries at the race track. 4016 — Broadway Brevities — 20 mins.

CLYDE LUCAS AND ORCHESTRA — are a big time band with plenty of the stuff and or- chestrations that made their distinctive style fa- mous. 4707 — Melody Masters — 10 mins.

PORKY THE GOB — joins the navy for a whirl, and helps to capture a pirate vessel in a new and rollicking manner. 4805 — Looney Tunes —.7 mins.

e NATURAL COLOR — enriches the striking

shots of ‘Nature's Mimics,’ birds and animals with the peculiar ability to imitate their fellow creatures. 4604 — The Color Parade — 10 mins.

[9]

THE LONE STRANGER AND PORKY — meet out where men are men and women are always damsels in distress. Rip roaring plot. 4806 — Looney Tunes — 7 mins.

TECHNICOLOR — "'Swingtime In The Movies." Cast includes Pat O'Brien, Marie Wilson, John Garfield, the Lane Sisters, etc. 4003 — Vita- phone Technicolor Featurette — 20 mins.

KING OF THE UNDERWORLD —ADVANCE PUBLICITY

Action In Gangster Film

HUMPHREY BOGART

Mat 212——30c

KAY FRANCIS JAMES STEPHENSON

Play lead roles in “King of the Underworld” coming to the Strand.

‘King Of Underworld’ New Strand Picture

Blind men blasting away with revolvers, sawed-off shotguns, Thompson sub-machine guns — that’s a new touch in motion picture situations! Not even the oldest scenarist or director at Warner Bros. could recall any-

thing like it.

The new wrinkle was duced in the Warner Bros. film, “King of the Underworld,” which stars Humphrey Bogart, opening Friday at the Strand. Bogart led the blind gangsters in blasting away at “the Law” from their hide-out. They couldn’t see be- cause Kay Francis, as a woman doctor treating the gangsters (under duress) for bullet wounds, had temporarily blinded them by putting adrenalin drops in their eyes,

Of course, she did it by a trick. Claimed they had a bad eye di- and were speedily going blind — had to have immediate treatment. They got it!

The gangsters weren’t really blind in the long shots, but Bo- gart and his fellows did have to submit to some drops of bella- donna dilating the pupils of their eyes for three closeups. They “slept off” the effects, which last- ed for several hours.

Bogart has suffered many vio- lent deaths on the screen, but to be captured by a mere woman, was indeed something of a bitter pill for him to swallow.

Sease

Fitting Hobby

John Eldredge, film villain who was graduated (by popular de- mand!) into hero and semi-hero parts such as he plays opposite Kay Francis in Warner Bros.’ ‘«King of the Underworld,’’ which comes to the Strand Theatre Fri- day, has one of the best collections of duelling pistols in America. Every pair of the eighty-odd in his collection has participated in some notable affair on the ‘‘field of honor’? in days past.

Extra Fears Realism In Operation Scene

Kay Francis plays a famous woman doctor in an operation scene from “King of the Un- derworld,’ a Warner Bros. drama starring Humphrey Bo- gart, coming Friday to the Strand.

The lady surgeon carefully raises her scalpel, when sud- denly Director Lewis Seiler decides to halt the scene for some reason, and promptly, in best filmdom jargon, yells, “Cut!”

“No you don’t, not me!” came like a shot from the operating table where a fear- ful extra was having grave apprehensions regarding the realism which he thought was about to be exercised.

(000

intro- |

Nerves Steadied By Needlework

Some movie stars—Kay Francis is one—ecan’t be placid between scenes unless they are doing some- thing with their hands. It relieves the mental tension they undergo.

Kay did some fine needlepoint work while engaged in ‘‘ King of the Underworld’’ starring Hum- phrey Bogart at Warner Bros. This is the melodrama that comes to the Strand Theatre next Friday. One day her secretary accidentally picked up Miss Francis’s work and carried it away downtown on a two-hour errand.

Kay couldn’t read, couldn’t sit still, couldn’t do anything but walk up and down the stage until the girl returned.

‘No, it isn’t temperament; it’s simply jittery nervousness,’’ said the star. She was so relieved at getting the linen between her fin- gers again that she didn’t even bawl out the embarrassed girl.

As a matter of fact, when she had finished the fine needlepoint, a beautiful piece ot work, she gave it to the girl, and asked her to keep it as a memento from the actress.

‘Napoleon’ Bogart

Reading up on Napoleon in or- der to play an American bandit character may seem a little unusu- al, but Humphrey Bogart did it for his starring title character in Warner Bros.’ ‘‘King of the Un- derworld,’? which comes to the Strand Theatre on Friday. His bandit has a Napoleonic complex, wants to be ‘‘ Napoleon of crime.’’

His peculiar ideas include ecap- turing a young novelist to write his biography for him, and fore- ing a woman doctor to care for

the wounds his followers receive in their brushes with the law.

(Lead )

“King Of Underworld’

Brings Star Rating

To Humphrey Bogart

In his first starring role since making his mark in Hollywood felt as a featured player in “Angels With Dirty Faces,” “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse,” and “Crime School,” Humphrey Bogart, filmdom’s ace gangster, will star in “King of the Under- world,” which comes Friday to the Strand Theatre.

Thorn In Lion’s Paw?

KAY FRANCIS

Mat 209——30c

HUMPHREY BOGART

Humphrey Bogart is “King of the Underworld,” title of film soon at the Strand.

Boyhood Experience

Forecast

Bogart’s

Future Film Roles

Humphrey Bogart, starring in the Warner Bros. melodrama, “‘King of the Underworld,’ which comes to the Strand Theatre Friday, was almost shot to death when only 15 years old, and a happy-go-lucky prep school stu- dent in Connecticut. Of course it was only an accident, but one which might have had dire consequences.

While on vacation in New York City, he and a chum took a room in a hotel. There his friend show- ed Humphrey a 22-caliber target pistol which he had gotten from some source, and while the kids were inspecting it, the gun went off, sending a bullet into Bogart’s left forearm.

Young Ingenuity |

Bogart says, “Calling on my schoolboy instincts, I screwed a light bulb from the socket and broke it on the floor so that if anyone inquired about the noise of the shot, I could tell them we had broken the light. Then I wrapped a towel around my arm, hung an overcoat over. it, took my suitcase in my right hand, and went down and checked out.”

“By the time we reached the office of a doctor who was a friend of my dad’s, I was pretty badly scared, but the doctor fixed

Achieves Stardom In New Role

HUMPHREY BOGART

Filmdom’s ace gangster portrayer, Humphrey Bogart, steps up to stardom in “King Of The Underworld,” a Warner Bros. drama coming Friday to the Strand. Bogart led up to star rating with smash performances in “Kid Gala- had”, “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse’’, “‘Crime School” and “Angels With Dirty Faces.”

Mat 108——15c

[10]

me up, and I guess he notified my mother right after that. My mother was a good sport, and kept my secret.”

No Spirits Here

Humphrey Bogart, as the ban- dit in Warner Bros.’ ‘‘King of the Underworld,’’ which opens Friday at the Strand Theatre, tells Kay Francis that hero James Stephenson is writing an autobiog- raphy of him called ‘‘The Napo- leon of Crime.’’

‘“Ghost writing?’’ queries Kay. ““Naw, none of dat mysterious stuff,’’ says Bogart. ‘‘Dis is straight facts.’

STORY SYNOPSIS (Not for publication)

Kay Francis and her husband, John Eldredge, are successful surgeons at the County Hospital. When Humphrey Bogart, a gang- ster Chief with a Napoleonic com- plex, admires their skill in oper- ating on and saving a fellow mobster, he forces Eldredge into working for the gang, until killed in a police raid.

Kay goes to a small town where the gangsters are hiding out, hoping to avenge her hus- band’s death. The gangsters are wounded in a fight with the po- lice, and with them is James Stephenson, novelist, held by the gang. Stephenson and Miss Fran- cis fall in love, and plot the doom of the gang.

A Warner Bros. picture and fea- turing Kay Francis as a surgeon, the cast includes James Stephen- son, John Eldredge, Jessie Busley, Arthur Aylesworth, John Ridgely, Harland Tucker and Charley Foy, and was directed by Lewis Seiler. The picture marks Humphrey Bo- gart’s rise to starring ranks—a fact welcomed by his fans.

Crime and Humor

Although ‘‘ King of the Under- world’’ is a e¢rime picture, it is not without its humorous twist. The capable Bogart, possessing a Napoleonic complex, really thinks he is the king of Crime—so much so, that he kidnaps a young novel- ist, Stephenson, and commands him to write a biography, glorifying the exploits and achievements of ““Red’?? Gurney, which is Bogart’s character name.

Red Gurney’s philosophy of life, his inordinate vanity and his dicta- torial treatment of his underlings are said to be highly amusing.

But he fails to take into account the surgeon’s feminine ingenuity and her complete knowledge of drugs which eventually proves dis- astrous to the gang chief.

The story, by W. R. Burnett, who wrote the famed ‘‘ Little Cae- > which starred Edward G. Robinson a few years ago, was adapted for the screen by George Bricker and Vincent Sherman.

sary?

CAST OG; GUIMCY. 50a as ee HUMPHREY BOGART

Carol Nelson............ Kay Francis Bill Forrest... James Stephenson Niles Nelson.......... John Eldredge

Aunt Margaret ...... Jessie Busley Dr. Sanders... Arthur Aylesworth Sheriff............. Raymond Brown

Mr. Ames ........ Harland Tucker Mr. Robert ......... Ralph Remley Bddie® ..cc3.0606.04.0. Charley Foy BC Oe Murray Alper POPRKY. 3. istics: Joe Devlin Mugsy.................. Elliott Sullivan Slieke es... Bea See Alan Davis Slatse. 22 eS John Harmon WGI Sse asc ee John Ridgely Interne ................ Richard Bond Dist. Attorney........ Pierre Watkin Dr. Ryan ..... Charles Trowbridge Dr. Jacobs................ Ed Stanley PRODUCTION STAFF

Directed by....... LEWIS SEILER Screen Play by . George Bricker and Vincent Sherman

Adapated From a Story by.... W. R. Burnett Photography by .. Sid Hickox, A.S.C. Film Editor...........

Dialogue Director.................... Vincent Sherman

Sound by............... E. A. Brown Art Director........... Charles Novi

Frank Dewar

Gowns by.....00............. Orry-Kelly

Technical Advisor ................... Dr. Leo Schulman

Musical Direetor...................... Leo F. Forbstein

Authoress Kay Francis

Kay Francis reveals that for the past three months she’s been lei- surely jotting down quips for a volume of humorous epigrams. She has sold the title and a sheaf of samples to a publisher—the title is ‘‘Flippancies.’’ She appears in ““King of the Underworld,’’ star- ring Humphrey Bogart which is coming to the Strand Friday.

KING OF THE UNDERWORLD—ADVANCE AND OPENING DAY PUBLICITY

Roles of An Ace Villain

HUMPHREY BOGART

Through a series of smash performances in “Kid Galahad”, “Rack- et Busters”’ and “Angels With Dirty Faces,”’ steps into stardom with the lead in “King Of The Underworld,”’ coming Friday to the Strand.

(Above illustration is also used for the ‘Humphrey Bogart Contest’ — See Page 9 in this Campaign Plan.)

They say Humphrey Bogart is the best — or should we say worst? — villain

screen, it’s due to a theory.

His theory is that villains shouldn’t be played as bad men at all, except in the nature of their

deeds. They should be depicted as |

interesting and human characters. A villain of the old school is a vil- lain and nothing else. Bogart’s type of villain can be greatly di- versified.

‘“‘The great danger in playing villains lies in making them all alike, in making their whole char- acters over-sinister, and above all in making them inhuman,’’ says Bogart. ‘‘For that reason every effort ought to be made to make

villains intensely human and un- |

derstandable.

| Humanizes Villains |

‘¢Making them villainous is su- premely simple. The character simply does villainous acts. And the more human he is when he isn’t actually committing a vil- lainy, the more appalling his mis- deeds seem when they’re perpe- trated.’’

His greatest bit of villainy to date he thinks, is in ‘‘King of the Underworld,’’ in which his princi- pal victims are Kay Francis, James Stephenson and John El- dredge. He thinks this particular villain, a bandit and gang leader, is most interesting because the character is the most human he has ever played.

The fellow is many-sided — full of whimsical humor, interesting weaknesses and hobbies, capable of friendships and loyalties, but thinks he is the Napoleon of crime. He’s full of native intelligence, but

Mat 201—30c

Humphrey Bogart Top Screen Villain

(Opening Day)

‘King Of Underworld Opening At Strand

A new star comes to the Strand Theatre today in Warner Bros.’ latest melo- drama, “King of the Underworld.” His name is Humphrey Bogart, and featured with

him is Kay Francis.

Although Bogart has played fea- tured roles in many successful pic- tures—among them ‘‘ Racket Bus- ters,’’? ‘‘The Amazing Dr. Clitter- house’? and the sensational ‘“Crime School’’—he has never be- fore actually been a star. ‘‘King of the Underworld’’ marks the eli- max of his swift rise to the top.

In this picture he is a half vil- lainous, half humourous gang lead- er with enormous conceit—so much, indeed, that he makes prisoner a young novelist to write a eulogistic biography of him. He wants the world to know him as the Napoleon of crime. All this is reported to be very funny.

On the other hand, he doesn’t

| hesitate to make a prisoner of Miss

Francis, a noted surgeon, so that she may dress wounds the gang- sters receive in their conflicts with the police.

Bogart’s characterization of ‘«Red Gurney,’’ the mob leader, .is said to be one of his finest efforts. But he is outsmarted in the end by the woman doctor, and lands behind the bars.

Other notables in the picture, which was directed by Lewis Sei- ler, inclues James Stephenson, John Eldredge, Jessie Busley, Arthur Aylesworth, John Ridgely, Harland Tucker and Charley Foy.

The screen play, by George Bricker and Vincent Sherman, was based on a story by W. R. Bur- nett of ‘‘Little Caesar’’ fame.

in motion pictures. Whereupon Humphrey, who has his first starring part in “King of the Underworld,” his latest Warner Bros. film, which comes to the Strand on Friday, says that if there’s any truth to the rumor he’s the most effective bad man on the

Mat 110—1l15c

HUMPHREY BOGART Plays “‘heavy”’ in “King Of The Underworld” coming to Strand.

steeped: in ignoranee. And he’s a

ruthless killer.

| Present Role Best |

Bogart believes the character in ‘“King of the Underworld’’ tops that which won him such great fame on stage and screen, the ban- dit in ‘‘Petrified Forest.’’ That bandit hadn’t enough opportunity to show his human side. Yet any- one who remembers the picture will agree that the thing which made

him great, as villains go, was his flashes of humanness, revealed here and there as the plot unfolded.

Modest Gangster

Next to ‘‘King of the Under- world,’’ Bogart is fondest of his recent villain role in Edward G. Robinson’s picture, ‘‘ The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse.’’ He thinks it doesn’t stand out greatly from the rest of the action however, because attention centers on Robinson’s amazing doings and the specula- tion on whether or not he’s insane. But it’s not always the attention he wins which pleases Bogart. ‘<Tt’s the fun I have!’’ he de- clares. ‘‘I enjoy depicting types— creating a little variety.’’

Temperature Up

In the melodrama, ‘‘ King of the Underworld,’’ coming to the Strand Theatre Friday, Kay Fran- cis takes a thermometer from the mouth of wounded gangster Hum- phrey Bogart. He looks a question. “Your temperature’s 103,’’ says Dr. Kay. Bogart brightens. ‘‘I’m gettin’ better then, huh? Last time you took it, it was only 98!’’

Bogart plays a gangster with a Napoleonic complex. This peculiar characteristic brings many humor- ous twists to the story. He even kidnaps a novelist to write his biography, and wants a private surgeon to care for his mob.

[ih]

KAY FRANCIS

Mat 210—30c

HUMPREY BOGART Dramatic scene from “King Of The Underworld” now at Strand.

Oxygen Inebriates

Players In Scene

A film east that became intoxicated recently at Warner

Bros. studio imbibed no lquid stronger than water.

Kay

Francis, John Eldredge, and others performing a cinematic surgery operation before the camera in scenes of ‘‘King of Underworld’’ starring Humphrey Bogart, now showing at

Stephenson Once Writer

You’ve seen many actors who played whimsical characters on the screen, but never one so whimsical in person as James Stephenson, lanky Englishman now playing in Humphrey Bogart’s first starring picture, ‘‘King of the Under- world,’’ the Warner Bros. melo- drama soon to open at the Strand Theatre.

Portraying a novelist in the sto- ry, Stephenson is in real life a pulp magazine writer and what he calls a ‘‘penny dreadful’’ writer. He has had four paper-backed novels published abroad.

He started out to be a dentist be- cause, he insists, a certain dentist was the most interesting man he ever met. He gave it up when he realized being a dentist didn’t give one the gift of gab and knowl- edge of the world his tooth-pulling friend excelled in.

Praise For Seiler

Lewis Seiler, who directed Humphrey Bogart and Kay Francis in “King of the Un- derworld,” opening Friday at the Strand Theatre, has been voted.a “Junior Acad- emy Award” for directing “Crime School,” according to the secretary of the Brooklyn Youth Association, which states that the director por- trayed the tough tenement “kids” sympathetically. Seiler says he should have, as he grew up among them.

COUOUUCUUESERUOSSEOL CSTR EEASEO AR DSE DREAD AOEERAOEEOUEEREAOTEAOODOESS PERSE EOSEDEDDOOEEGEO DOOD EONS OED EAR IAT FELT

the Strand Theatre, were vic- tims of the liquidless intoxica- tion, as were Director Lew Seiler and Cameraman Sid Hickox.

They got drunk on air, or more accurately, pure oxygen, but didn’t spoil a “take,” as it was all over in a few minutes. What’s more, no one had a hangover.

The oxygen came from tanks representing part of the anaes- thetic apparatus, which was rent- ed from a surgery supply house. The escaping gas was supposed to be merely compressed air, but one of the tanks really contained oxygen. It was supposed to es- cape during the scene, so as to produce the hissing sound fami- liar in using gas anaesthetic.

Drs. Paul McWilliams and Leo Schulman, technical advisers, be- gan to note the symptoms and the increasing spirit of hilarity of the actors, and discovered its cause. The set was a small oper- ating room with closed doors and no overhead ventilation.

Director Picks New Gangsters

Tired of seeing the same ‘‘ gang- ster’’ types on the screen again and again, Director Lewis Seiler chose an entirely different group of bit players and extras to play gangsters in the Warner Bros, film ‘“King of the Underworld,’’ which stars Humphrey Bogart. The only men oft-seen in mobster parts in this picture are principals of the big east, Bogart and Charley Foy. The picture opens Friday at the Strand Theatre.

Kay Francis plays a supporting role to Bogart as a lady doctor in the underworld maelstrom.

KING OF THE UNDERWORLD —CURRENT PUBLICITY

Has Souvenirs

(Review )

Gangster Film

Starring Bogart Is Strand Hit

With Humphrey Bogart stepping into his own as a star, “King of the Under- world,” a Warner Bros. melodrama, had a successful local premiere yesterday at the Strand Theatre. It combines tense and thrilling action with plentifully interspersed

humor, unusual angles, and

Humphrey Bogart is the new _

But he’s not new to audi- ences, having been featured in |

star.

many a dramatic picture — for | example such triumphs as “Pet- rified Forest,’ “Marked Woman,” the recently sensational “Crime School” and “The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse.” But this time he gets top billing. It was predicted after his first picture that this chap with the menacing voice and eyes would soon reach star- dom.

| Bogart Scores |

Bogart plays the part of a gang chief with a Napoleonic complex. He thinks he’s the smartest and most daring bandit who ever lived — that he is, indeed, ex- actly what the title of this pic- A different role, Bogart nevertheless comes

ture calls him.

through easily. Kay Francis and her husband, in the story — John Eldredge —

are surgeons. The husband, by his skill, saves the life of a wounded mobster, whereupon ‘Red’ Gurney (Bogart) presses him into the service of the gang, without Kay’s knowledge. But the husband is killed and Kay has to carry on alone.

Red Gurney also presses into his service — as historian and biographer of his conceited career — a young novelist whom he picks up along the roadway. He is James Stephenson, a London stage favorite recently arrived in Hollywood.

Romance

Then the woman doctor, Kay, is made prisoner by Red and his followers, and forced to dress their wounds after another of their conflicts with the police. Between her and Stephenson there is the beginning of a ro- mance as they remain fellow captives.

Kay outsmarts Red and his men and is able to turn them over to the law by putting them out of commission for the time through administering a tem-

porarily blinding fluid.

| Humor |

As usual with his menacing parts, Bogart bestows upon his villain-character certain elements of likeableness and humor. You know that Red Gurney is a terri- ble person, but you’re willing to laugh with him and to a certain degree sympathize with him. This is the best part the new star has ever had in his three- year-old movie career, and the picture is one that should please all picture-goers.

Others in “King of the Under- world” include Jessie Busley, Ar- thur Aylesworth, Raymond Brown, Harland Tucker, John Ridgely and Charley Foy. The picture was directed by Lewis Seiler from a screen play by George Bricker and Vincent Sher- man. Based on a story by the famous W. R. Burnett, who wrote “Little Caesar’ and many an- other thriller.

a surprise ending.

Camera Running Backward Halts Film Production

Something that doesn’t occur once in 100,000 “takes” of motion pictures, actually did happen recently in a

HUMPHREY BOGART, Kay Francis Stephenson in “King of the Underworld.”

and James

Mat 213-—30c

| scene for Warner Bros.’ “King of the Underworld,” the

melodrama starring Humphrey Bogart, which is now playing at the Strand Theatre.

The scene called for James Ste- phenson, the new British leading man of the picture, to be stretched out on the floor after a knockout punch from a gangster. Then the action required Kay Francis to dash to his side, kneel and try to revive him. Then Humphrey Bo- gart was to cross the room and splash a piteher of water in his face to restore consciousness.

They all went through their parts perfectly, but suddenly Sid Hickox, the cameraman, shouted ‘‘Cut! Hold everything! The camera’s running backwards! ’’

And so it was. It was a new camera, the adjustments of which had not been checked over. The

gadget which controls the direction of the film’s run was set the wrong way.

| Strange Effect |

Had this ‘‘take’’ been projected upon the screen, it would have shown water leaping up from Stephenson’s face into the pitcher held by Bogart, and would have shown Miss Francis springing from her knees and backing away from the prostrate man, and also would have pictured Bogart dropping a filed pitcher on a table and walk- ing to the rear out of camera range.

FASHION AUTHORITY OFFERS HELPFUL HINTS FOR ENJOYABLE TRAVEL

By Orry-Kelly

(Famous Hollywood Stylist)

Too often a vacationer will buy the first thing she sees, providing it’s large enough, regardless of whether it harmonizes with her travel clothes and regardless of whether it pro- tect her clothes packed there- in. Kay Fran- cis, now fea- tured in the Warner Bros. melodrama, ‘¢King of the Underworld,’’ now at the Strand Thea- tre has spent so mueh time traveling that she is well equipped to give some luggage advice.

‘<Three pieces of hand luggage are extremely mecessary,’’ says Kay. ‘‘I like one big bag, a hat box and a cosmetic container. My big bag has hanger arrangements to keep gown and coats from wrinkling, another compartment

Mat 107—I15c KAY FRANCIS

for shoes and a third for such things as lingerie. Since hats are so easily bent and ruined by trav- eling, a special box for them is important even to the girl dashing off for less than a week. The third piece of luggage I like is a make- up box which in many ways is most important of all.

‘The most important thing to do is to plan your luggage, just as you plan your wardrobe. In my travels, people have remarked how compactly I keep my things. The secret is having a place for everything and placing each arti- ele in its proper compartment. With a special make-up box there is no danger of powder or per- fume spilling over your beautiful new gowns.

‘When luggage is not in use, it should be carefully wiped and put away where safe from dampness or too much heat. Too much care? Not when you remember that ev- eryone sees your luggage.’’

[12]

Of Big

Career

Kay Francis is going to have three pleasant souvenirs of her film career when and if — as she has announced — she retires from active screen work.

These are movie prints of ‘‘Gentlemen of the Press,’’

her first picture, ‘‘One Way

her all-time favorites, and “King of the Underworld,” the Warner Bros. melodrama starring Hum- phrey Bogart, her most recent picture now showing at the Strand Theatre.

She will purchase the prints from Warner Bros. and Para- mount, and keep them for exhib- ition in her own home in a small fire-proof vault built especially for the purpose.

The success of “King of the Underworld” at preview showings may change her retirement plans, but still she’ll secure the prints, which mark, she believes, three separate phases of her career. If it is necessary for the actress to purchase the prints she will pay only the actual film and process- ing costs, after agreeing not to exhibit them for paid admissions.

“King of the Underworld” is next-to-last on her current War- ner Bros. contract. Opposite her in the picture are two leading men, James Stephenson of Brit- ish stage and screen fame, and John Eldredge, with Humphrey Bogart starred as the gangster villain.

””

Passage,’’ which was one of

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KAY FRANCIS, who plays oppo- site Humphrey Bogart in “King of the Underworld” now at the Strand Theatre.

Steve a D.D.S.

The only qualified dentist who appears on the sereen as a film hero is James Stephenson, British stage and sereen idol. Now in Hol- lywood, he played in the Warner Bros. picture ‘‘King of the Un- derworld,’’ starring Humphrey Bogart, now showing at the Strand Theatre. He practiced dentistry a year before becoming interested in theatrics and going on the stage.

Bogie Photo Expert

Humphrey Bogart, a candid cam- era enthusiast, exhibits his snap- shots under another name which he doesn’t want revealed. But if you see a picture of an electrician dozing against the switches beside a movie set, you’ll know it’s one that ‘‘Bogie’’ took during the filming of ‘‘King of the Under- world,’’ his latest Warner Bros. melodrama new playing at the Strand Theatre. It’s called ‘<Asleep at the Switch’’ and will appear in photographic salons.

Titled Visitor

Kay Francis’s fiance, Baron Erik Barnekow, visited Warner Bros. Studio recently to watch night scenes filmed for her latest picture, ‘‘King of the Under- world,’’ starring Humphrey Bo- gart, which is now playing at the Strand Theatre. He doesn’t care much for the artistic side of films but is interested in their mechan- ics—although by no means so much as he’s interested in aviation, his own pursuit.

Learned Gangster

Kay Francis says to gang lead- er Humphrey Bogart in the War- ner Bros. film, ‘‘King of the Un- derworld’’, ‘‘Sounds as_ though you’d read a good deal.’’

‘‘Dat’s nuttin’,’’ says Bogart. ‘<T was librarian for three years.’’ Seeing Kay is startled by that, he adds: ‘‘Dat was after I gotta cough an’ dey took me outa the jute mill.’’

PRESS AND PROGRAM SHORTS AND FILLERS

Debut At 70

Jessie Busley, famed 70-year- old stage actress in ‘‘King of the Underworld,’’ the Warner Bros. melodrama starring Humphrey Bo- gart, now at the Strand, filmed her first cinema scene only a few days after stepping out of the cast of ‘The Women’’ which stage play ran on and on in New York. She says film work seems easy to her because it’s new and interesting.

Aid For Medicos

Surgical equipment purchased for use in certain scenes of the new Warner melodrama, ‘‘ King of the Underworld,’’ now showing at the Strand Theatre, was donated at the end of the picture to a co- operative clinic of young doctors in East Los Angeles. Other equip- ment used in hospital scenes had been rented from a surgical supply house. No regular studio ‘‘props’’ were used because Director Lewis Seiler sought the ultimate in real- ism for his scenes.

Players Reunited

Humphrey Bogart played in a drama with Kay Francis for the first time since they were on the stage together on Broadway, when he stepped into the lead of ‘‘ King of the Underworld’’ recently. The Warner Bros. picture opens Friday at the Strand Theatre. He has a bandit role said to afford oppor: tunities greater than in ‘‘ Petrified Forest,’’ one of his greatest screen hits.

Quick With Pen

The readiest autograph giver among the film stars is Kay Fran- cis. She tosses out a signature, well-written in record time — and if it’s not in a crowd, or she’s not in a hurry, she’ll give it that personal touch: *‘To Jane, with best wishes — etc.’’ Her latest Warner Bros. picture is ‘‘King of the Underworld,’’ which stars Humphrey Bogart.