“Diamond Jim”

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 97, 18 January 1935, Page 14

“Diamond Jim”

]£VEN before the contract was signed for the purchase by Universal of Parker Morell’s sensational biography of “Diamond Jim,” Universal had the ideal actor in mind to play the part of this “Mae West” of the gay ’9o's. As a matter of fact, James Buchanan Brady was the man who made the gay ’9o’s gay. Universal had the choice of a great many actors, all of whom would have been Intensely flattered to be asked to play what will undoubtedly be one of the most sensational roles of the year, Diamond Jim. No actor could play “Dia • mond Jim” without having been born to the feeling which animated the greatest spender who ever entertained New York. Edward Arnold was born on New York’s east side and had to make his own way in life. He started out as an engine "oiler. Diamond Jim was the son of a water-front saloon keeper. He also took up engine’ oiling and eventually sold railroad equipment. Hecanie to the conclusion that if a man was to make money in New York he had to look like money. Nobody in the world ever looked like more money than’Diamond Jim Brady. . j