Jack Rank

              193?

Figure

THE HORNER BUREAU
PRESENTS
JACK RANK
ACTOR CREATOR PLAYWRIGHT
IN
THE VIENNA EXPRESS
A Three-Act Drama Based on an Actual Railroad Disaster in Austria

JACK RANK made his debut in the theatre at the very early age of five in a musical version of Snow White, at which time his interest in the theatre began.  At twelve years of age the famous prima donna, Amelita Galli-Curci, became interested in his voice and became a great factor in his earlier years.  Parts in high school productions followed which swept on to dramatics in college.  An honorary student and position of assistant in the College of Fine Arts was bestowed upon him at the University of Nebraska.  Five years of trouping through twenty-eight different states inspired him to try New York City, the goal of all actors.  While there he played in such noteworthy productions as LULU BELLE, ABIE'S IRISH ROSE, CRIME, THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN, TENTH AVENUE, and THE LITTLE SPITFIRE.

The theatre is important only in proportion to the need it fills in the lives of the people.  It should be a source of mental and spiritual stimulation to the Community.  The theatre should be an instrument for giving, not a machinery for getting.  It should be to the town what a library is to the individual.

JACK RANK.

JACK RANK has combined experience with knowledge of the theatre and his idea of what the public wants.  The result is THE VIENNA EXPRESS.  The play, adapted from Hubert Dail's THE APE MONSTER, is based on actual facts.  Mr. Rank not only wrote THE VIENNA EXPRESS, but desgined and executed the scenery and costumes.

Five characters, three men and two women, are portrayed by Jack Rank.  By means of trick scenery and quick change costumes this young artist leads his audience into a realm of dramatics entirely new to the theatre.  Audiences everywhere are enthusiastic over THE VIENNA EXPRESS.

It is a performance requiring great skill and ability on the part of the artist, and so far as known, Jack Rank is the only one on the platform who is attempting to present an entertainment of illusions of such a difficult calibre.


Management of
CHARLES F. HORNER
3000 TROOST AVE., KANSAS CITY
CHICAGO   NEW YORK





Figure


Figure


Figure


Figure


Figure

STORY OF THE VIENNA EXPRESS
Martin Leipnik, a German peasant arisen to Aristocracy at the head of a group of revolutionists, plans to wreck the VIENNA EXPRESS as it passes over the famous bridge of Biatorbagy in Hungary, in order to give work a'plenty for his people whom he represents.

Mata, a French spy working for Leipnik, is instructed to go to the Festival at the Palace where the Ambassador is to be murdered during the progress of the dance.  She betrays Leipnik and he plans to do away with her also.

Annastasia, a dancer secretly in love with His Excellency The Prince Palfy-Daun, who in turn is secretly in love with her, asks her old friend Leipnik to arrange a meeting with the Prince at Leipnik's apartment.

Leipnik learning of the journey of the Prince on the VIENNA EXPRESS to his father's domain sees a two-fold mission, as he plans to do away with His Excellency anyway.  Therefore, he arranges the meeting.

Mata fails Leipnik at the Palace and also warns the Prince not to make his journey as the train is to be blown up.

Leipnik, after the exploision, learns that His Excellency was saved and blames Mata.  Plotzky, the Ape-Man, is ordered to kill Mata for her betrayal.  Her limp body is carried out in the early hours of the morning.

Palfy-Daun has already planned to marry Annastasia.  Before the wedding he notifies the police of the whereabouts of Leipnik, the man who is wanted in connection with the disaster.  With the house surrounded and no chance of escape, Leipnik crawls into his bed and there ends his life rather than give himself up to the people he loathes.


A most unusual attraction presented with skill and dignity.  The students are still talking about it.  I can sincerely recommend THE VIENNA EXPRESS to all types of audiences.

R. R. COOK, Principal of Roosevelt High School, Des Moines, Iowa

The finest dramatic attraction ever staged on the Great Artist Course here in Oskaloosa.  It was difficult to believe that one person was playing all five parts.  The women characters were sincere and very lovely.  The Vienna Express is certainly an achievement for this young artist.  I endorse it heartily to anyone wanting clean entertainment.

PRESIDENT GREEN, William Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa

I am very eager to see Vienna Express, Jack.  Knowing your vivacious nature and your untiring desire to work, I feel the production will reach great heights.

JULIUS LEVENTHAL, General Manager to Miss Margaret Anglin, Mayfair Theatre Bldg., New York City

It is with pride that I recommend Jack Rank in his new play THE VIENNA EXPRESS.  It is worthy of the finest of audiences.  Mr. Rank possesses great ability.  The quick changes were smooth and clean cut.  His characterization was superb.

H. ALICE HOWELL, Professor of Speech, Fine Arts College, University of Nebraska

Congratulations on your fine performance of last night.  The rapidity with which costume changes were made combined with the skill in characterization made the play move with a convincing and pleasing illusion.

VIRGIL L. BAKER, Head Dept. of Speech, University of Arkansas

Mr. Rank certainly has a unique and ingenious performance which shows much skill on his part.

PAUL L. FICKINGER, Asst. Supt., Haskell University, Lawrence, Kansas

The repeated expressions of appreciation from those who were fortunate enough to be in your audience last evening, do in their own way suggest the success of your unique rendition of The Vienna Express.  We were delighted!  The staging and lighting effects—perfect as they were—formed the background, and the background only, for an excellent dramatic production.

SISTER MARY DE CHANTAL, College, Leavenworth, Kansas

The students of our college certainly enjoyed your play, 'The Vienna Express,' last night; and many were the favorable comments this morning from faculty members.

They enjoyed it because of its uniqueness, originality and above all, dramatic artistry.

They marvelled, and well they might, at the accuracy of character portrayal, and the lightning rapidity of change of costume.

I personally wish to commend you on your stage setting and faithful impersonations of the five difficult characters.

We shall have a still greater audience for you when you return next season.

Very cordially,
J. R. PELSMA, State Teachers College, Pittsburg, Kansas

Dear Mr. Rank:

The fact that the Horner Bureau recommends you is sufficient assurance that you are a worth-while artist and there is no question about membership being granted to you in THE INTERNATIONAL LYCEUM ASSOCIATION.

CAROLINE MCCARTNEY

Your clever exhibition of histrionic ability in 'The Vienna Express' was a pleasure to your audience here.  You are offering something different and, in my estimation, something worth-while.

ISIDOR SMITH, O. S. B., St. Benedict's College, Atchison, Kansas

The play was an innovation to Emporians and it seemed magical that the same man could leave the stage by one door and an instant later came out the other side in unruffled feminine attire or hideous rags.  The successful simulation of appearance of several persons required near-ventriloquist abilities.

EMPORIA GAZETTE, Emporia, Kansas