Variety 1929-04-24: Vol 95 Iss 2

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~ > 4 _— BROADWAY —————— S as ARIETY: Published Weekly at 154 West 46th St., New Entered as second-class matter December 22, York, N. ¥., by Variety, Inc. Annual subscription. $16. Single copies, 25 cents. =” er D : 1905, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3, 1879. pee ACV. . No. 2 NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1929 64 PAGES Variety Goes Chump for Flaps Who Have But One Life to Give M. C’s Chicago, April 23. Does Jack Osterman love his wife? Why did Al Kvale and his first wife split? isn’t Frankie Masters a darljng? What was Verne Buck going to be before he decided to be an m. c., and does he like his work? Variety's Chicago’ office is now confronted ‘daily with these and worse questions in the wave of flap adoration that has made m. c.’s of apparent greater local importance than picture stars. Flap customers aren't ready to go pash on a guy without knowing something about his past. Until recently they were getting all their dope from critics on the dallies, who Were glad to hand out stuff in re- turn for the prestige of getting a Iot of mail every morning. It was a sign for the editor that the critic had a following. Now Variety is roped into the ask-me-another racket, and with a vengeance. They're even making their calls in person. One cute little gal came breezing in with her mama and wanted to see everything that had been carried in the paper about Al Kvale. Mama explained that the kid was nuts about the m. c. and drank in every word she could read about him. She explained it quite cheerfully, not as though her daughter was slightly loco. How this trade rag was ever dragged into the thing might be a mystery if the answer weren't known. The Paul Ash club girls, a fan organization, started reading it to check on how their red-headed idol was doing at the Oriental, and to see that none of the reviewers squawked at him unjustly. The other m. c. fan clubs are really out- growths of the original organiza- tion, with the girls keeping a double check on the m. c.'’s by reading what their boy friends look like from a professional angle as well as from out front. The phone calls Variety is getting here really wouldn't be missed. L. A. Honkey Blows Los Angeles, April 23. Following repeated raids by police, and with two jail terms already served, Sam Landsman closed his come-on show, “Paris After Mid- night,” which he has been operating with a blow-off in lower Main street for some months. Another contemplated drive by Police against attractions of this type prompted Landsman to put on the padlock. Place is now for rent. ELASTIC CAPACITY Los Angeles, April 23. New Avalon, 1,500-seater erected by William Wrigley, Jr., as part of his new Casino on Catalina Island, has a capacity which can be in- creased at any time to 2,000 by mov- ing the walls and gwitching to the center of dome style of lighting. ‘. Theatre is wired and opens May 9. vv A LIFER’S SONG Companion prisoners caught the satirical drift of a lifer among them, just sent into the institution and assigned to the blacksmith department. At the first opportunity, the lifer sat down and played on his uke, “Show Me the Way to Go Home.” : Cigarette Campaign Aitoona, April 23. Altoona Ministerium has just adopted a resolution condemning the use of the country’s radio broadcasting facilities by tobacco companies in promtion of cigar- ettes as substitutes for “a whole- some food product.” Testimonials by celebrities com- mending cigarettes as wholesome “we denounce as inherently mis- ieading if not deliberately false.” A copy of the resolutions is to be sent to the federal radio commis- sion, with the belief that “public interest, convenience and necessity is not served in what seems to be a campaign to transform 20,000,000 boys and girls into cigaret ad- dicts.” Russian Details Washington, April 23. Russian Wufku has a film nearing completion on childbirth. Prof. G. Pessemski is in charge of the scien- tific direction. Titled “The Mechanism of Child- birth,” an official report on the film states it discloses, through specially developed rapid photography, all details. A film made some time ago over here, called “Motherhood,” and bal- lyhooed along similar lines, turned out to be a very ordinary release. Takes Bow on Crash Cedar Rapids, Ia., April 23. Frank Kanazawa, 17-year-old Jap acrobat, fell 25 feet on stage of the Capitol theatre when the strap broke by which he was suspended by his foot. At Mercy Hospital X-ray showed he had sustained fractured pelvic bone. The lad rose to his feet after the fall, bowed and walked off, and the audience applauded. Then he collapsed in the wings. Anti-Calliope Birmingham, Ala., April 23. After having banned practically everything under the sun here they are now after calliopes. A calliope was recently employed to ballyhoo a picture, politicians trying to have the contrivance put off the streets. No'success as yet. OX MAKES CASE PAT TELLS ‘EN PLENTY AT FEED Big and Unexpected Explo- sions by William Fox in Speech at Annual Dinner —Pat Casey Replies With More Fireworks —All Trade Stuff, But Great NEW DIRECTORS William Fox startied the 350 guests Monday evening at the Hotel Plaza dinner of the Vaudeville Managers Protective Association by telling them the baliroom of the Plaza was no place to hold a meet- ing of theatre owners, with but 50 of those present theatre operators. Mr. Fox then taunched into a laudatory resume of what Pat Casey had done for the variety show business for the past 15 years, concluding by saying: “And | hope Pat Casey will be preserved to continue his good work and not ‘sell out’ as some of the others have done.” Casey followed Fox. Pat told the V. M. P. A, members he had come to the meeting with the intention of resigning his position as the “contact” as Fox had termed him, for the theatre managers. But Fox’s highly flattering references appear to have mollified Pat. In- stead of resigning he launched in his emphatic style of expression, into the internal troubles of the trade in its general theatre operations, and also recited some of his own ex- periences in his dealing with the- atre managers. “For 15 years I have gacrificed my every opportunity for position and more money upon promises that (Continued on page 14) By One Vote Chicago, Apri. 2. Gibson City, with a population of around 3,000, voted for Sunday pictures by a majority of one vote. Losers demanded a recount. ROADHOUSE HIDEAWAYS Managers of road houses around New York are attribut- ing a fall off in trade due to limited parking conditions on their premises. The limited space obliges cars to be placed in the front or side yards. It seems that some cars are more prominent in appearance than others with their owners preferring a bet- ter hideaway when road house bent. One of the best known road houses around New York has passed out of the picture this winter. Its parking place was a front yard looking upon a heavily traveled highway. — | Y “CZAR” Profit in Spice, Art s Poison, Essence of Stage Angels Code Teasers . An aeroplane company will soon open a showroom on 57th street and Broadway, display- ing new models in aerial trans- portation. Street now has windows which permit the peasants to peep at $100,000 cabin cruisers, $35,000 automobiles, $7.500 pi- anos, $10,000 wraps and $2,000 gowns. Distasteful French Health Rules Keep Touristsfrom Paris Paris, April 23. Regulations imposed by French health authorities compelling all visitors to submit to physical ex- amination, a fortnight’s surveillance and possible vaccination for small- pox, is ruining the spring season here. Britons are staying in their own country and Americans are disem- barking at Southampton instead of Cherbourg. Shoving “It” on to French Star—Par.’s Ballyhoo Paramount is giving Maurice Chevaller (French), its latest stel- lar acquisition, what is believed to be the quickest, most expensive and most extensive nationwide bal- lyhoo ever accorded a new favorite. The build-up is being carried on mainly for the benefit of fem fans. Chevalier is being established as the “It’ man of the screen. That angle is being played both in the form of exploitation he is being ac- corded and in his first picture “In- nocents of Paris.” In this latter production Chevalier is the heavy lover. Chevalier is also being featured over everything in Paramount's Saturday Evening Post advertising, one of the recent issues carrying a whole page devoted to this star. HEIR’S LOVE TUNE John W. Green, son of a million- aire builder, has written a song en- titled “I Owe You” which is being published by DeSylva, Brown and Henderson. Boy works for a Wall Street brokerage house and will get a seat on the Exchange from his father withia a year, according to report. The angels who back sows are responsible to a large extent for the number of flops that clutter up Broadway. The majority of backers know nothing about show business, but are business men out to speculate for a profit. They are usually un- able to judge what is a good play and are swayed to put their money into shows for various reasons, few of which pertain to the intrinsic worth of the play. It is very much easier for the pro- ducer of a salacious or risque play to get backing than it is for the producer of any innocent, innocuous play. On good authority it is said that the men who put their money inte shows feel far more sure of 4 play with a sex angle going over; anything with a spicy kick has a chance of being a gmoney maker, they think. ' Undress investment A eouple of undressed girls on the stage sounds like a surefire invest- ment to a good many backers. Also the backers unfamiliar with show business are convinced that the whole game is a trick; that the pro- ducer with whom they will trust their money should be®a sharp shooter of sorts. They don’t want to trust their money to honest pro- ducers and utterly scorn the pro- ducer of artistic purpose as a bum business venture. Again there are the numerous backers who put up their money for purely sentimental reasons; because of an interest in someone in the cast, or the author or producer who may be a friend or relative. When authors have obtained backing they generally meddle with the direction, easting and entire production. After backing a series of flops, the backers often try their own hand at producing, ‘convinced that they have merely run into people who knew less about show business than they did. Any number of flops are created this way. No one advises against the pro- duction of a play if the money is there to do it with. Directors want their jobs; theatre owners want their houses rented and actors, even stars, take any kind of a part. Pro- ducers new to show business never seem to gather any people around them who are capable of advising them, and they are usually taken from all sides. 3,000 Miles by Pencil Little Gene, night club sketch- artist, in New York, is working his way to the Coast drawing pictures of motorists in return for a haul. MME. E. S, FREISINGER The World’s Foremost Maker of Period and Character Costumes Is Now Associated With BROOKS (neees 1D 7 OO WELL We { “4 2 4 $ f : een eget teeny 4 lpi

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lO aa -5 Oy Oy oe, — a ee met et ee pn SE ne ba ala congh ae VARIETY’S LONDON OFFICE ae 8 St. Martin’s Place, Trefaiger Square FOREIGN FILM NEWS 6276-6277 Regent CABLE ADDRESS: VARIETY, LONDON Wednesday, April 24, 1920

BRITISH FORCE INTERCHANGE ISSUE London, April - 23. Pressure is being brought to bear upon the American electrics to bring on a ruling on interchange- ability, move coming from several directions. Gaumont has increased its W. E. equipment orders to 50 houses, and proposes to wire the remainder of its circuit, including Provincial Cinematograph Theatres, with Brit- ish Acoustic and Klangfilm systems on condition that Western Electric agrees to full interchangeability. With Gaumont, Stoll and Asso- ciated British Cinemas going talk- er, around 250 theatres will be wired on various systems before the end of the year. Test of the interchange issue will come up shortly in another way. A committee of the Exhibitors’ Asso- (Continued on page 25)

Paris Houses Wiring

Paris, April 23. Rialto here is being wired with German talker system, Tobis. It is the cheapest device on the Euro- pean market. Cinevox, a French de- vice, has been installed by Jacques Haik at the Mariveaux. JANNINGS JOINS FRANCO

Next Week to Pictures Abroad Star in

Emil Jannings sails next week to make pictures abroad for Franco Films, _ German actor, whose option was not taken up by Paramount when it expired recently, has wired the Franco office in New York that he will sign a starring contract upon his arrival from coast.’ AGFA HEADS EAST Los Angeles, April. 23. Dr. Wilhelm Lohoeffer, president Agfa Film Corporation of Germany and director I. G. Farbenindustrie, or which Agfa ig a subsidiary, have returned east following conferences with King Charney, local represent- ative of Agfa, on the sound situa- tion. Lohoeffer was accompanied by F. W. Petersen, technical director of Agta, who will return this week. JAPAN’S 5 WIRED HOUSES Japan hes adopted talkers for screen entertainment. First five theatre installations will be made upon the arrival of E. B. Allisonsmith, Western Electric rep- resentative, who left for the east last week. Australia By Eric H. Gorrick

Sydney, March 23. Cooler weather picking up trade all around. Her Majesty’s—‘‘Hit the Deck” left to make room for “The Desert Song.” Former in Royal for two weeks. Busi- mess not brilliant. Ro. “The Wrecker” Will move to Palace. Palace—‘‘White Collars’ a” month. doing well. finishes here Will go on road. . ee—"‘Lido Lady” started off well, but has begun to slip. Probably finish after Lenten. Empire—“Clowns In Clover.” Jennie Benson and William Kent featured. Managment spent quite a lot of dough up to date, with heavy production cost and high overhead. Maybe they'll get it back. Opera House—Stock tab revues play- ing to poor business. Fuller’s—Away off here with old bur- lesque stuff. Tivoli—aAll British bill this week, with business nothing wonderful. One or two of “British” acts spoke with a decided American twang. Lineup includes Jack Barty, Wright and Marion, Syd Seymour, Two Daveys, Stella Lamond, Claude de Car; Nell Sterling, Grand Opera Four and Aurora Troupe. Criterion—‘‘Young Wood!ley” (Continued on page 25) epened

GEORGIE WOOD 17 Tring avenue, Ealing Common, London, W. 5, England. “Flonour and shame from no condi- tion rise; Act well your part—there al] the honour lies.”—(Pope).

INDIA’S 21 PRODUCERS

Making More Films Than United Kingdom—116 Traveling Theatres

Washington, April 23. Another stronghold of the western picture is passing. That is in India where, reports the Departmert of Commerce, the features produced by the native countries exceed in num- ber those brought out in the United Kingdom. About 21 preducing firms are op- erating in India, niost of them in Bombay and vicinity. In addition to these there are 17 smaller compa- nies with capital rarely exceeding $160,000. Talkers have not yet made their advent though it is stated one house has contracted for wiring. Count by the Government shows 116 traveling picture theatres. British Exhibs Campaign

For Seat Tax Abolition London, April 23. A joint committee of exhibitors and West End managers, as well as associations of other show interests in the provinces, will open their campaign next week for the aboli- tion of the seat tax. They have pledged the use of their theatres only for meetings of those parliamentary candidates who definitely _Promise support to the object. Directors of the theatre campaign are asking all managers also to use their screens in electioneering for the party that pledges its co-oper- ation. Committee has pooled joint funds. Walter Payne is chairman. . . Dropping Foreigners Los Angeles, April 23. Foreign players who have been unable to get rid of their accents will be off the Fox lot as their con- tracts expire. For the time being these players are being used for at- mosphere work only where the voice is unnecessary. Among those who will disappear from the payroll are Maria Alba, Lola Selby, Lia Tora, Lupita Tovar, Deliv Magana, Antonio Cu- mellas, Gino Conti, Juan Sedillo, Paul Vincenti, and Olympia Guy!l- herme, SOUND VS. MUSICIANS London, April 23. Increase in wiring in England is displacing orchestras with the spread of organ music between pic- tures, Rialto is already without a pit orchestra and two other West End picture places are reported about to air their musicians as soon as the wire equipment is in place. Ingram’s New Co. Paris, April 28. Patricia Films has been formed here with Corniglion Molinier as head. Company will star Alice Terry in pictures directed by her husband, Rex Ingram. Rumored new company is sub-

aidiary wr Franco Films.

se eee, AL Avente FOSTERS AGENCY (Established 40 Years) STILL THE LARGEST IN EUROPE Recent Fi ay Include deoass Dewey Washington HARRY FOSTER Cables: Confirmation, London Phone Gerrard 8818

ier

British Film Field By Frank Tilley :

London, April 14. No sooner does business indicate that it may settle down than up comes something else. Some, and they are mainly distributors, blame the films act. Even the native inde- pendent distribs do this. They say if block booking hadn't been made illegal there would be plenty of business done. But liquor has been made illegal your side, and it has stopped business. There’s a grain, but only a small one, of truth in the distributors’ an- gle. But the real fact is that. the exhibs are holding up on wiring till they can see if the public has fallen 100 per cent for sound films. Those who swear nothing will ever make them go talker are still too cagey to book any silent product in, case in nine months’ time they daren’'t show it. It’s 18 weeks since “Singing Fool” was released, and it has played to around 2,500,000 people. And War- ners are getting anything from (Continued on page 14)

Pathe Worried on French Exhibs Over U.S. Holdback Washington, April 23. Decision by American producers, to hold up all sales of pictures until a settlement igs reached with the Government is causing considerable worry to French exhibitors, reports George Canty to the motion picture section of the Department of Com- merce, One of the principal ones to be hit is Pathe which has been acquiring many theatres during the past months, most recent acquisition be- ing the 22 houses of the Fournier Circuit. Though the French trade press, says Canty, attaches consid- erable importance to this purchase as an outlet for French made pic- tures, fact is known that Pathe is not rushing in with local stuff though the profitable time: of the year is at hand. Aubert has signed contracts for American sound equipment for eight more machines. At present only four houses are wired in France, three being in Paris, the other in Marseilles; all are first runs. Al- together, says Canty, 14 contracts have been signed for wiring before the end of the summer. Though not coming from Canty statistics here disclose that Western Electric is getting practically all this business. No Exam for Barton on “Miracle” Film Prints James D. Barton, British picture man, need not stand examination before trial in the replevin suit by A. H. Woods and Rose Woods against him for the recovery of the film prints of “The Miracle.” Woods, having purchased the screen rights from Joseph Menchen, sold “The Miracle” for pictures to First Na- tional, with a condition that all existing screen versions of the spectacle be surrendered to F. N. Barton denies having such film matter in his possession in New York City, admitting that Woods had placed it in his safe-keeping in London where, to the best of Bar- ton’s knowledge, it may still be. Meantime, Barton claims “in excess of $21,000” for services rendered in connection with the Woods-F, N. deal over “The Miracle,” and states that he hag not been paid by Woods or his wife. Meantime, the Appellate Division on a technical move favored Bar- ton in reversing a previous order which called for his examination be- fore trial by Woods’ attorney, Aron Steuer, son of Max D, Steuer. BERLIN Berlin, April 13. “The Perfect Marriage,” the most successful book of the past season, has been filmed under supervision of the author, Jan Der Velde, with Lil Dagover in the leading role. It will be distributed by Laender Film. Original was a very frank treat- ment of sex for the married, so it is hard to believe that much of it has been left intact, especially as the announcement is made that the cen- sor has already passed it. At any rate, it will have a success here on its title alone.

Numerous English-German agree- ments are being cancelled by Eng- lish picture companies on _ the ground that they are shifting their whole production to sound. It is claimed that no one in England is interested in anything but talkers. In cases where a cancelling of the contract is not possible the English industry has used its influence to persuade Germany to shift to sound.

Although business has been very bad for picture theatre owners in Frankfort, that city has refused to reduce the exorbitant amusement tax. Town has, however, made the concession that those owners who can prove to their certified account- ants that they have lost money dur- (Continued on page 14)

“Show Boat” April 29; Tivoli Changes Wiring London, April 23, Universal's “Show Boat” opens at the Tivoli April 29 for an indefinite stay. House is taking out its present sound equipment, Schledinger’s Phonofilm, and replacing. it . with Western Electric wiring. Harry Thornton, manager, leaves to take up an executive post with Gaumont,. Dr. Klein’s Elevation Washington, April 28. Dr. Julius Klein, former. head of the foreign bureau of the Depart- ment of Commerce, was named as- sistant secretary of the department upon his return from Europe last week. Familiar with every phase of the

motion pieture industry's troubles abroad the appointment ig of par- ticular significance. At Italy’s Request, France Bars “Angel” in N. Africa Paris, April .23. French government, at the re- quest of the Italian government, has banned Fox's “Street Angel” throughout the north African proy- inces of Morocco. - This is the picture deemed so of- fensive by Italians and the occa- sion of riots some months ago in Naples. LOUISE BROOKS IN PARIS Paris, April 23. Louise Brooks, former’ Para- mount player, is expected here April 25. She will appear in a French film with Rene Calirs. Miss Brooks has appeared in a number of German pictures. Film News Over World

Washington, April 23. Summary of reports received by the motion picture section of the Department of Commerce: A new sound picture apparatus, said to be of exclusively French in- vention, promotion and manufac- ture, is being offered in France by Societe Melovox, a partnership di- rected by A. Krikorian, whose prin- cipal associate, M. Jacques Natan- son, is the managing director of La Centrale Cinematographique, a pic- ture producing organization. Melovox can be used with or without synchronization, but in any case without the addition of any extra attachments to the ordinary silent projector. It is being built to sell at even less than the French Tobis, although no price has defi- nitely been set upon either of these makes.

Ever increasing number of thea- tres in Switzerland is reported to be causing disquietitude among own- ers of existing houses,

Received from Trade Commis- sioner George R. Canty, Paris: Atlas-Film Company, just estab- lished in Germany by Erich Mo- rawsky, will concentrate on inter- national sound films and produce solely full length features. Well known directors and artists are to be engaged.

Central Committee for production of machines of Soviet Russia re- quested the government to prohibit the import of projectors, projector lamps and other apparatus, since a sufficient number of apparatus of all sorts is being produced by the Optic Mechanic Trust in Leningrad.

Jacques Haik will open the Paris Olympic in the near future as a sound and talking picture theatre. He has bought the famous music hall on. the Boulevards. and. . will transform it for films made by means of his own’ Cinevo Haik ap- paratusa. MORAL SUPPORT OF GOVT MADE IMPORTANT Washington, Apri) 23. U. 8. diplomatic agents are re- porting back that the State Depart- ment protest has been delivered to the foreign powers named in the note of last week. Little comment has been forth- coming as to the re-action upon the delivery. Embassies here, however, are showing much interest, Mussolini is scheduled to handle thé reply personally for Italy. State Department is advised that the un- der secretary has referred it to the Government's head. With Mussolini credited with doing much to foster the native industry and said to favor legislative moves to keep out American films his reply is looked forward to here. Consensus expressed in official circles is that if the note does noth< ing more it will be of value to the American producers in further ne- gotiations due to the moral support the fact that the Government is be- hind them will have. Replies from the various Govern< ments are expected during the next week to 10 days. _——- Ostrers Head for U. S.; Guessing on Purpose

London, April 23. Ostrer Bros., British bankers, who financéd the General Theatres Corp. and Denman Trust, as well as Gau- mont British and Provincial Cine- matograph Theatres, sail for New York on the Homeric tomorrow (Wed.). Nothing in the nature of a formal statement of their purpose has been made public, but there is plenty of talk. One story is that the Ostrers would like to dispose of all or some of the properties they are interested in, and propose to open negotiations to that end with Paramount or Fox. Another report is that the bank- ers have in mind a deal covering future policy in regard to talker equipment. Paris Meeting aida April 23. Conference of French and Amer- ican film interests went into ses- sion here Saturday morning in an effort to iron out quota and other items of disagreement between the two countries. No definite results achieved as yet. MacLean, commercial] attache of the American legation; Smith, rep- resenting Will Hays, and Bavetta, local Fox representative, are rep- resenting America. Frenchmen par- ticipating include Francois Poncet, under secretary for Fine Arts; Paul Leoh, director, and Gadave, attache, same department; Gallo, Delac, Brezillion and Lussiez of the exhibitors’ group, and Burgcuet, the author. Reports from the conference room mention the extremely fair and reasonable attitude adopted by Francois Poncet and the hopeful feeling among American attaches that a compromise may be achieved, Maclean speaking for the Amer« icans told meeting America could not do business under contemplated plan and that if this course was persisted in American film industry would have to retire entirely from the French market. It was further emphasized for the Frenchmen that America would in- sist upon a long term agreement upon basis would finally be accepted and they would not continue on a 12-month basis with its annual re currence of squabbling and argnu- ments. SCHEER GERMAN PRES. Berlin, Aprfl 23. At the annual meeting of the Ger- man picture exhibitors. association, Ludwig Scheer was elected presi- dent. Dialog pictures were topic of discussion. ‘the ehfef ‘A resolution was passed that no reproducing ‘ap~ paratus will be installed unless suit-

able for all sound systems.

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ee — Wednesday, April 24, 1929 FOREIGN SHOW NEWS

Sunday Show Clamor in London To Save Flopping Legit Grosses

London, April 23. Sir Alfred Butt and Charles Coch- ran are conducting a clamor in the public press for Sunday opening of legit shows. This, they contend, is the only avenue of hope for.the drooping legit. It is claimed by the propagandists that the film houses are permitted to operate after 6 Sundays and that this is favoritism costly to the regular theatre. Approaching sum- mer and general election further increases the legit managers’ pes- simism. At present only a handful of musicals are doing any real trade. These are “New Moon” at Drury Lane, averaging $25,000; “Cinders” at Adelphi, grooved around $ 3,000; Cochran's Pavilion show, beating $20,000; “Funny Face” at the Win- ter Garden, under $20,000; “Five O'Clock Girl” at Hippodrome, around $17,000; “Love Lies” at Gaiety topping $15.000, and “Vir- ginia” below $15,000. For its boW out week at Carlton, “Merry Merry” was under $10,000 and in the red. Of the dramatics “Little Accident” at Apollo, despite intensive publicity campaign, gath- ered but $3,500. “Porgy,” slow start- er, is showing symptoms of robust health, climbing last week to around $15.000. Attractions going out include “The Stag” at Globe; Sir Gerald du Maurier’s “Fame” at St. James; “Fashion” at the Kingsway, “Man at Six” moving from Queens to tlobe, and “Her Past” moving from Shaftesbury to Prince of Wales. “Candlelight” leaves latter house after long engagement. Paris Pelice Put Clamos - On Hauptmann’s Drama Paris, April 23. Local police halted the stage pro- duction of Gerard Hauptmann’s revolutionary drama, “The Weav- ers.” Plot had textile workers on

strike with soldiers suppressing. demonstrations by brutal violence. Singing of Communistic hymn, “The Internationale,” set to the melody of the French national anthem, also created public protests. Vieux Columbier, the theatre pre- senting the piece, substituted the German picture, “Variety.” Paris Vaude Openings Paris, April 23. Bonjohn Girl Band opened April 19 at the Moulin Rouge and got ever nicely. House has scheduled for May 3 Janette Flynn, former Aibertina Rasch girl, doing a new act with two pianists and two as- sisting dancers. ‘ Robins, comedian, is featuring at the Empire, having started April 19. Also Rose and Honey with 12 skaters on artificial ice,

BUNDY’S JINX RESORT Takes Over Taggs Island With Which Karno and Cyril Flopped London, April 23. Taggs Island (summer resort), near Hampton Court, has been taken over by A. E. Bundy, chair- man of the United Kingdom Adver- tising Company, and also connected with British Instructional Films. Bundy is defying the jinx on the location, which caused the bank- ruptcy of two previous operators. Fred Karno went to the wall sev- eral years ago and just last year Herbert Cyril, an actor who made a fortune in stocks, dropped $150,- 000 in a few months, and also met the bankruptcy magistrate as a result.

London Seeks All-Negro Plays, Due to “Porgy” Hit The success of “Porgy” in Lon- don has created demand over there for all-negro attractions. Some talk of “Harlem” being produced in Lon- don by Sir Affred Butt. “The Black Ace,” by Dorothy Brendon, dealing with racial ques- tions, will be presented by an ali- colored cast,

Coupon Lunches Eat-and-run coffee pot and drugstore sandwich rooms are in for a break on a price cut- ting war as the result of the Schulte cigar store chain plan- ning to install lunch counters with coupons redeemable for Schulte and United Cigar Stores Co. premiums. These chains are now affil- iated.

Two New Paris Entries Have CEcking Chance Paris, April 23. “Au Secours” (“Help”), by Marcel Achard, long postponed attraction, opened at the Comedie des Champs Elysees. Show was directed by Louis Jouvet, who also plays the principal part. Cast includes Plerre Renoir, Michael Simon and Valen- tie Tessier. Well acted and nicely received. ‘Napoleon,” adopted from “Sou- venirs,” written in 1847 by Montho- lons, opened successfully with Granville as the Corsican. Play is laid on St. Helena and is without female characters. Dejardins plays Hudson Lowe, governor of the prison island. “Un Homme d’Homme” (“A Man of Yesterday’), by Louis Artus, re- placed “Circe” at the Rennaisance. Jean Debuccourt, Charlotte Lyses, Renee Devillers head the cast. Story deals with a girl who mar- ries her aunt’s former suitor, aunt later encouraging young spark to make love to her niece. Niece re- mains faithful to her elderly hus- band, who, however, gives her free- dom realizing she loves the younger man. Received nicely. “La Famille Heureuse” (“Happy Family”), by M. and Mme. G. A. Jaeger Shmidt, has been produced by Aldibert at the Odeon. Story of a prudish aunt who discovers the family skeleton. Andree Pascal plays Therese, the principal role. Four Days to See and Hear “Faust” in German Berlin, April 23. Municipal Playhouse here can give Eugene O'Neil's “Strange In- terlude” and Shaw’s “Back to Me- thuselah” cards and spades and still outrun and outtalk both. House is currently presenting Goethe’s “Faust” in the full-lunged version running four consecutive nights before reaching the final curtain. Reeves-Lamport Named R-K-O Scouts in Europe Reeves & Lamport of London have affiliated with R-K-O as Eu- ropean agents. The London agency

will offer Continental acts on a commission arrangement if ac- cepted. Keith’s has been without official representation in Europe for about three years. Marinelli Previously the Passpart office was enfranchised. George Godfrey, now booking head of Keith’s, was offered the London job prior to turning agent some time ago and turned it down. He was then an outgoing Keith booker. PERROQUETT BOOKINGS Paris, April 23. Tracy and Hay extend their en- gagement at the Cafe Perroquett prior to going to the Ambassadors, new swank restaurant in Barcelona, Spain. . Rich Hayes returns to the Perro- quett May 17 for three weeks. Da- vid and Hilda Murray are also listed for a fortnight on this date. ‘ CAFE REOPENS London, April 23. Cafe de Paris, entirely renovated, reopened April 17 under the sole management of Wyndham Cook. Fowler and Tamara and Bob and Muriel Johnston, both American

was last.]

WILL MAHONEY The New York “Sun” said: “There is no funnier person on two feet than Will Mahonev. His rendition of the song ‘Lily’ is a scream and his comic tap dancing and falls even more than that. You must see Mahoney. He is great.” Direction RALPH G. FARNUM 1560 Broadway 2 N. Y. Shows Reverse = Rating in London London, April 23. “These Few Ashes” is now at the Duke of York's. Although a flop in New York the comedy was well received here if deemed slightly esoteric for general appreciation. A. A. Milne’s “The Ivory Door,” a little theatre success in New York last season, also came into the Hay- market. Well acted, principally by Francis Lister, but thinness of story makes it a doubtful click. Sevil'e Expo Bust Strands Many Actors Paris, April 23. One of those private wars has develuped between Martinage, wealthy Spanish backer of the Ex- position at Seville and Paul Santos, the theatrical agent, who was lay- ing out the entertainment features of the exposition. As a result hun- dreds of contracts signed with acts through the Sandrias Agency and Santos are now nullified with Mar- tinage refusing to play talent from this source. Involved in the fiasco is 3,000,000 francs and 180 performers, some of the latter rendered destitute by the decision. Several acts already in Seville were given enough money to return home. : American acts booked for the ex- position (to run six months) and now out in the cold are: Patricia Storm, Leon Abbey Band, Billy Collins, Marguerite Wales, Jack Gavin. Jili Astor, June Day, Eddie Fay, Harcourt Sedano, Gloria Page Wilkins and Reilley Hent and Ber- nice, Lud Cluskins’ Band. Exact cause of Martinage-Santos split is not known. Santos arrived in Paris from Seville late this week. English Time Cut Down London, April 23. With stubborness on both sides the customary courtesy between Stoll’s and General Theatres to jointly employ imported acts has drifted into abeyance. Result is that acts can only be imported for one circuit. Under present conditions that means hard- ly more than five or six weeks work. “Rio Rita” Off London, April 23. “Five o’Clock Girl” has picked up at the Hippodrome. As a result “Follow Thru” goes to the Domin- ion as originally slated. “Rio Rita” has apparently been abandoned for this season.

BURIAL AT HOME Paris, April 23. Remains of Sybil Carmen Revnes, 30, following cremation were shipped April 20 on the Leviathan for burial in America. Former Follies beauty was the wife of Maurice Revnes, Pathe film executive, now in Hol- ly wood. She succumbed te pneumonia here

acts, are featured. Had big opening. | April 16. The Shows and Gyps of Paris VARIETY 3 ———=s

By JOLO London, April 15. Perseverance is a~* to be reward- ed. Years ago I was told of a scene at a revue in Paris in which there was a captive maiden brought back by the victorious army and carried across the stage wholly nude. I kept going to Paris once, twice and often three times a year for years. The best I could find was innumer- able girls wearing girdles and smiles of varying sizes. The Folies Bergere current show has a spectacular scene in which a girl is revealed with no clothing. but she had her back to the foot- lights. Later there was another scene in which a girl was adorned with but a moderate sized rose. The Folies Bergere show is prob- ably the best revue in Paris at pres- ent, possibly because the program is printed more or less in English. Why all the shows in Paris insist on complicating these programs so as to make them unintelligible is difficult to imagine. I am toll they print the programs in large quantities before the pre- miere and then immediately after the opening switch the scenes around so that they do not come in the sequence laid out in the pro- gram. Then somebody does a stunt and you want to know who it is, Try to find out. Overheated The theatre was overheated, as indeed all Paris theatres are. I can (Continued on page 59)

Police Censor Spice Play, Defying Constitution Berlin, April 23, As a result of police censoring “Soldiers in Ingolstadt” before pro- duction, it may become an issue of constitutional interpretation be- tween Severing, minister of the in- terior, and the Berlin police. Under the present German con- stitution stage censorship is pro- hibited. Police alibi their interven- tion by stating public morality was menaced and possible riots in- cipient. Play had some spicy scenes be- tween soldiers and servant girls.

PARIS’ ENGLISH “CAPTIVE” Gilbert Miller Staging in June— French Original Now Running as Revival

Paris, April 23. Gilbert Miller will present “The Captive,” in English, at the Femina theatre, early in June. “Prisoniere,” the French version of the same piece, has recently been revived and is still running here. “GYPSY” SUCCESSFUL Berlin, April 23. “Gypsy,” musical comedy at the Kuenstler, looks like a success with its score of international caliber. Robert Gilbert is the composer. Story it tells is of an innocent youth kidnaped by a sophisticated sports woman, who’s daughter saves him with a sleeping powder. VOICE GONE—SUICIDE Paris, April 23. Arthur Julian, 55, known as Yvon- eck, French vaudeville performer, committed suicide by jumping from a window. He had been despondent over the loss of his voice two years ago. SAILINGS May 16 (San Francisco to Syd- rey): Three Freehands (Sierra). May 15 (New York to London) Frank Davis and Adele Darnell (Reliance), May 10 (New York to Paris): Marvin Weit (Carmania). April 29 (Capetown to London) Isadore Schelessinger (Carnarvon Castle). April 27 (London to New York). Nee Wong (Aquitania). April 24 (Paris to New York), George Banfield, William Gell, Simon Rowson (Homeric). April 24 (London to New York) William Morris, Jr. (Homeric). April 20 (New York to London) Edw. Lauillard, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Edelsten, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse L. Lasky, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wagner, Eddie Lambert, Sigmund Romberg (Ma- jestic). April 19 (New York to Rome). William A. Kelsey. (Conte Grande). April 19 (Cherbourg to New York): Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Schwab (Mauretania). April 19 (New York to Paris): Anita Loos and John Emerson (Ile de France). April 18 (Paris to New York). Elsie- Janis and mother (Olympic). April 17 (New York te London? E. H. Sothern, Fanny Tod Mitcheil (Aquitania). April 17 (New York to Bremen): Artur Bodansky (Reliance). April 17 (New York to Lendon),

Harry Howell (Roosevelt).

Berlin Too Low on Concert Singers’ Pay Berlin, April 23. Berlin Managers’ Association has been sustained on appeal in its regulation. setting $250 per perform- ance as the maximum salary for concert singers. This means that Berlin will not see any of the big names of the concert world. This sum is sub- st.ntially t low the money de- manded by the swank tenors and sopranos from other lands. HELEN FORD NOT SO HOT Opened in Vaude in London—Geo. Dewey Washington Cay

London, April 23. Helen Ford billed as direct from her success in “The Patsy” (local flop) opened last night at the Pal- ladium (vaude) doing four songs, Applause after first show sounded suspiciously enthusiastic ag act in- trinsically is a weak deucer, Turn was spotted later on bill om strength o. that applause. At same house Bernoff and Bula- lie assisted by Beatna Bradna in acrobatic dances opened nicely, but without sensation. George Dewey Washington, col- ored baritone, opened strongly at Palladium, also doubling into Kit Kat Club for two weeks. Weather Paris, April 23. Weather here is bright and sun- shiny, but the nights are still chilly.

Washington, April 23. Upon request of Variety. the Weather Bureau has furnished the following. outlook for the week be- ginning tomorrow: Shower period Wednesday and Thursday over western sections, and showers Thursday over east- ea ern section. Otherwise mostly fair: Rising temperature followed by . cooler over western sections Th day, and over the east about Fri- day (26), with rising temperature again at the end of the week. INDEX

Foreign Seewereeeeeeeeeee 3 Pictures ee eee eee eeeesee 4-26 Picture Reviews.......++ 13 Film House Reviews.... 39 Vannevile : i. p0sescdaouws Vaude Reviews......see. 37 NOW AM i cs. ccnstocdnss 38 Bills ovee ces desens tee a Times Square...ccece+s+. 42-48 Editorial ..... pacdebe tas 46 Women’s Page........+- 44-45 Legitimate ...sseseee++. 48-54 MUSIC 2. csccccavecvsessdes SEE OMAUAET” 060 cticdoceciens 60 Correspondence seeeeeeee 61 -63 Letter BMG ss cb e006 bao 63 Inside—Pictures erveeeeee 46 Talking Shorts .......<+ 13 TRAE Fp eatleeeus 47 Legit Reviews ....cescses 52 Foreign Film News...... 2 Burlesque ....sesees thtin 36 MODUS - csi scts dboveuons 44 Inside—Legit ...cceccess 51 Inside—Vaude ...... bees 46 News of Dailies......... 44 Outdoors ....... epee ° 60

RE The Tiller Dancing Scheo!s of America, Inc. 64 WEST 74th ST. NEW YORK MARY READ. President Phoue Endicott 6216-€ New Cinsses Now Forming

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Page 4

4 VARIETY PICTURES Chaplin Maintains Position on U. A. Deal—Fairbanks Coming East vv Los Angeles, April 23. With Charles Chaplin and Joseph M. Schenck still at loggerheads over the latter’s desire to sell Warner Brothers a 50 per cent interest in United Artists Consolidated, the comedian has notified Albert Kelly, his representative in New York, that owing to the uncertain con- dition of his relations with United Artists he refuses to enter into any contracts that even by implication may be construed as affecting the distribution of his future releases. Schenck is encountering difficulty in convincing his allied producers that the merger as outlined will work out to their advantage. Doug- las Fairbanks, speaking for himself and Mary Pickford, it is under- stodd, has objected to giving con- trol of the corporation to the .bank- ing interests, claiming it would leave the United Artists producers without voice in the management of assets created by investment of money and effort. : Chaplin now is working on the basis that he is an independent producer, with the distribution of “City Lights,” well into production, contingent on the action of U. A. If the proposed merger of the other units is abandoned Chaplin will re- lease through U. A. If it is exe- cuted “City Lights” will be dis- tributed through another company. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fair- banks have again changed their minds about staying on the Coast and will leave for New York April 25 in a private car with Joe Schenck and Irving Berlin, Fairbanks said, regarding, his own plans, he and Miss Pickford de- sired to start production on “Tam- ing of the Shrew” June 1 and that much preparatory work remained to be done. Rolfe Plans Short Revues With Musical Comedy Name Los Angeles, April 23. Calvin Rolfe, associated with Tiffany-Stahl, plans to produce a film series of short musical revues with well-known musical comedy stars featured. These will be made in sound and Technicolor, and at a price to meet the small exhibitor who cannot compete with the larger picture houses or stage presentations. Reels will be the flash acts of film shorts. WAITING FOR SARNOFF Only Rumors Concerning RCA, R-K-O and Paramount- Publix Pending expected daily return of David Sarnoff from the other side, only rumors continued to glide over the picture surface. They include as before Paramount-Publix, Radio Corp., and Radig-Keith-Orpheum, with thcir two-sided angles. About the only substantial report meanwhile is that the Publix people don't favor any deal at present which might oblige them to handle the Keith circuit over the summer. That leaves a probability .that if negotiations go blooey at this time, they may be resumed in the late summer. Censors Own Sound Pennsylvania Board of Censors next week can sit in their own pro- jection room and listen to dialog films. De Forest engineers are now installing the device. It is the first of any description to be installed by a State, SPLITTING THE SKY Hal Hoades, director of publicity and advertising for Columbia, has effected an open air advertising tie- up for “The Donovan Affair” via sky projector now being employed to plug Eddie Dowling’s “Rainbow Man.” “Donovan Affair’ will split the sky projector with “Rainbow Man.” — REICHENBACH LEAVING U Harry Reichenbach will leave Universal when his contract expires the end of May. This marks 25 weeks with U for the exploiteer. Universal holds an opiion for two additional months but Reichenbach will take his annual summer trip to Europe. MAY BAR OUTSIDE STILL CAMERAMEN OFF LOTS Los Angeles, April 23. Ola racket of portrait photog- raphers forcing their art on screen stars is being revived again with fan magazine correspondents used as the “go-between.” This has been evident on several recent occasions where the correspondents became finicky in accepting studio portraits of players and demanded that their connection photographer make the necessary pictures needed for their magazine covers and articles. An agreement is now being en- tered into by all studios to bar all outside photographers from coming on the lot and taking up the players’ time. Once a studio complies with this demand the players are at the mercy of the outside photographer who will take several negatives at a special sitting and then annoy the player to order prints. In the event the player refuses to buy, the pho- tographer will bring pressure by inferring a refusal on the part of the mag writer to use the story for which the portraits have been made. If the threat goes over, the player is charged exhorbitant prices and a cut of the 400 per cent. profit is made with the interviewer. A number of the vet press agents are wise to the routine and politely inform the writer that there is not a chance of securing a player for sittings, but that they will make whatever art work is necessary at their own studios, Correspondent claims. however, in the event they want to use a player for the cover, that the studio staff photographer is not sufficiently artistic. If the studio continues to refuse the writ- ers peddle their covers elsewhere. SPRAGUE’S DISTINCTION Fox’s Scenario Chief First to Have Contract Extended Los Angeles, April 23. Chandler Sprague, scenario head at the Fox studio for the past 14 months, is the first scenario chief with that organization to have his contract renewed, It is for two years. Sprague, former newspaper man, joined Fox as scenario head after being assistant to John W. Consi- dine at United Artists and also having collaborated with Benjamin Glazer at Paramount. When Fox went to talking pic- tures, Sprague was called upon to handle story on both Movietone and silent versions. Wampas’ Dues Up Los Angeles, April 23. Wampas will vote May 6 on an amendment to its constitution in- creasing the dues for membership from $12 to $24 a year. Amendment also provides that each member will be required to attend one meeting of the organization every 60 days. Offending members will be dropped. Following committee heads have been appointed by H. H. Beall, president, for the current yéar: Barrett Kiesling, credentials com- mittee; Oliver Garver, publicity committee; Bob Doman, theatre publicity directors; Sam W. B. Cohn, free lance publicity directors; Bill Newbery, exchange publicity, Phil Gersdorf, general committee; Norman Manning, entertainment committee; Harry Wilson, sick visiting committee; M. Finch. ethics committee; H,. F. Arnold, em- ployment committee; Ivan St. John, public relations; Pat Dowling, baby star committee; Chas. West, mem- bership; Pete Smith, auditing and finance; Joe Sherman, civic com- mittee; George Thomas, insurance. and Ray Davidson, chairman and only member of the beach house committee. SHAPIRO’S MEASUREMENTS Los Angeles, April23. Victor Shapiro, head of Fox pub- licity department, is having the physical measurements of all the company’s players taken. Measurements will be used for a number of contests to be held by the company. z aeahalaiagienailidlda a s ~~ ANITA LOOS Who has contracted to write sketches for M. S. BENTHAM, ex- clusively. Her first “Inkwell” will be pro- duced by R. K. O. and later made into a Talking Short by Radio Pic- tures. Shortage of Technicolor Tieng Up Productions Los Angeles, April 23. With Warner Brothers ‘having tied up all of the Technicolor equipment for six months, the other studios have been upset on pro- duction schedule. With Technicolor the vogue, all of the companies are desirous of getting some of these shots into their pictures. Figuring, as they had in the past, that the Technicolor equipment would be available on two or three days’ notice, production has been held up on a number of pictures recently waiting for the Technicolor units, M-G-M has been held up almost two weeks to complete some Tech- nicolor shots on the “Revues of Revues.” Finding it cannot get the outfit immediately, Metro is now ex- perimenting with Multicolor, nat- ural color film controlled by Fox. If the experimentation proves suc- cessful it will be used in the future on all M-G-M pictures, “Queen Kelly” Cut Down to 4} Reels “Queen Kelly,” a personal pro- ducing venture by Jos. P, Kennedy and listed to be released by United Artists, was completed in 21 reels. It is now down to 4% reels, the scissors having been used by Ben Glazer. The condensed picture will be sent on to New York for Kennedy's inspection. He will decide whether to build up from the silent portion left, with dialog or to regular length, or scrap the misfit. Eric Von Stroheim directed the original, with Gloria Swanson starred, A considerable portion of the story bearing upon the raw and a racial trend determined Kennedy, when last out here, to kill out those sections he did not approve of. “Queen Kelly” is said to repre- gent, so far, over $800,000. “Carnation Kid’s” Chi Ban Par. Petitions Injunction Chicago, April 23. Paramount is going to a lot of trouble to bring “The Carnation Kid” into town, Company has pe- titioned local courts to restrain the police and board of censors from prohibiting the showing of the pic- ture here. Censors succeeded in banning the film some time ago, objecting to its gangland theme. LASKY AND BROOK SAIL Jesse Lasky and Clive Brook, Paramount player, sailed for Lon- don last Friday, Lasky is to look over the foreign field for material, while Brook is just visiting England, his native land, for the fin. . time in five years. WANT A NO. 2 ROGERS Universal's home office depart- ment heads have been handed th« assignment by Lou Metzger, gen- eral manager, to hunt up. another Will Rogers or “his closest parallel.” Metzger’s idea is a series of single reel dialogue funsters that will get national reaction, Wednesday, April 24, 1929 a Ronald Colman’s Bulldogs Sore Over Pictures Don’t Bite Some of the Broadway legit producers have been holding meetings with the announced _ purpose of producing plays as talking pictures. The real ob- ject is said to be an attempt to induce the larger picture producers to start bidding. So far the film men have refused to bite. A claim is made that down- town bankers are behind the legits, but that the bankers’ terms are not acceptable. Downtown. bankers heard all about the legit that’ they wanted to know some time ago. The only picture producer mentioned in connection with the Broadway producers is a well-known promoter for coin in that division. This legit group may be the same one which announced it would set the picture world afire with the aid of Voca- film. It never got far enough to strike a match. LOST SCRIPT SUIT. Aborns Ask $25,000 of M-G for “China Blueplate” Milton and Sargent Aborn have filed suit for $25,000, or the return of a manuscript, against Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer as the result of the loss of the only existing script of “China Blueplate”’ which M-G re- ceived for inspection for talking picture production, Aborns told M-G that they had only one script and wanted to make 2 copy, but the production manager asked for it immediately according to the complaint. Defendants claim the script was mailed back ity. ; Complaint alleges that the loss of the script also involves $3,000 in scenery and costumes, which can- not be used any more, while claim- ing also prospective rentals of $700 to $1,000 a week. A. J. Rubien is attorney for the plaintiffs, Order Innerarity on Stand In Cinema-Pathe Action Lewis Innerarity, secretary of Pathe Exchange, Ltd., has been or- dered to stand examination before trial in the $120,000 damage suit by the Cinema Finance Corp. against Pathe, A deal with Bray Pictures, pro- ducer of “Romance of the Colora- do,” whereby Pathe allegedly guar- anteed Bray a $120,000 minimum return on the picture following dis- tribution, is the basis of the suit. On the strength of this covenant Cinema Finance Corp. advanced $120,000 to Bray Pictures. Complaint is that Pathe has failed to release the picture which Bray produced. Frank R. Wilson is president of C. F. Corp. TOUGH ON FIDLER Ultimatum of Fox studios re- straining individual players from having personal press agents was disastrous to Jimmy Fidler, whose clientele was entirely composed of Fox people. Among those Fidler lost were Sue Carol, Nick Stuart, June Collyer, William Howard and Raoul Walsh. THELMA TODD’S RECORDS Los Angeles, April 23. Thelma Todd, signed as leading woman by Hal Roach, was also given a separate contract by the Victor company to record. Miss Todd is a Paramdunt school graduate and recently left First National. Hamilton Opposite Neil Hamilton has replaced Jos- eph Schildkraut opposite Laura La Plante in “Evidence,’ which went into production on the Universal lot this week. Schildkraut will be as- signed to another picture. Robert Ellis and Merna Kennedy have had their short term contracts renewed by Universal. and refuse to take any responsibil-| Bway Hotel, With Ronald on Park Ave. vw Variety’s hardboiled sobber felt herself slipping as she gazed upon the iron grey streaks in Ronald Col- man’s hair. Bravely she withstood them sophisticated mustache, that brown eyes, those elegant nose, but the hair was one of fate’s dirty tricks. Just a complex with Sis. Little did she think as she stumbled with a light and cynical heart into the Ambassador Hotel that an iron grey complex lurked there, waiting to reduce her to a blithering chatterer. “Mr, Colman thinks that the talk- ing pictures will eradicate some of the rotten movie stories the films have been afflicted with,” said Mr. Farnol, the publicity representative, “What adorable blue socks,” thought sobber. “Yes, I prefer light and sophisti«- cated stuff to the romantic things I have been doing,” said Ronald. “Oh, .boy, what socks appeal,” thought sobber. “Talking pictures are, an inter- esting venture for the film actor and are likely to bring the. films to a much higher level.” Mr. Colman was saying it. “But, oh, those socking Sis thought. “To think that I would have to meet up.with iron grey hair at a time like this,” Sister also was thinking. Suddenly she heard Ronald say that “he was tired of loving and wanted to do sophisticated pictures like ‘The Command to Love’.” Ronald’s Mutts “Well you'll be lovely in any- thing,” Sis said sadly. You know, must bull ’em a little because may meet ’em again. Ronald has been having a diffi- cult times about the two bulldogs he brought along to warn off en- croaching dames, It seems that this is animal week in town and the 8. P. C. A. is after him’ because he did not put the animals up at the Am- bassador. It is said that the dogs are staying at a Broadway hotel. This disillusioning rumor about Ronald caused Sis to try pulling herself together, Before she left Sis decided that if he had left those mutts on Broadway he might very well have powdered those white streaks into his hair, R. I, Women Want . To Become Film Censors Providence, April 23. Film exhibitors are raising a big squawk here because of the move started by the R. I. Women’s Chris- tian Temperance Union to have the public boycott objectionable pic- tures. W. C. T. U. move started at the State convention of that organi- zation and plan is to give wide pube licity to “unfit pictures.” Committee has been chosen to keep tabs on all films booked here, and this group is to make written anc verbal complaints to exhibitors and give all publicity possible to objectionable films, N. Y. to L. A. Phil Goldstone W. W. Clark. Ralph Ince, Walter Catlett. Hugh Sinclair. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Morris. Mr. and Mrs, Roland West. Nat Levine. Leatrice Joy. Charles R. Rogers. John C, Flinn Bobby Crawford. L. A. to N. Y. Eric P. Strelitz. Jac.:. Warner. Darryl Zanuck. Dr. Wilhelm Lohoeffer M. J. O’Brien. Joseph I, Schnitzer. Maurice Chevalier. i. Lloyd Sheldon. Ikdward Horne. Harry Glickman. Irene Rich. E. C. Mills. Irving Berlin. Clarence Badger. McCORMACK FOR YEAR Los Angeles, April 23. socks,” John McCormack’s William Fox contract is for a year. It calls for the tenor’s appear- ance in a special talker and several shorts.

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4 re ~ Wednesday, April 24, 1929 PICTURES VARIETY 5 MEEHAN GROUP A No Music Tax Permissible on Any Music Sent Through Air; First Decision by U.S. Court 4 Kansas City, April 23. The American Society of Com- posers, Authors and Publishers was given a hard jolt by Judge Merrill E. Otis; in the federal district court here, when he ruied that reception of a copyrighted composition, over radio, did not constitute infringe- ment of the copyright laws. The decision was in a suit brought last fall by the society against the local La Salle hotel for alleged in- fringement of copyright of a musi- cal composition, received on the ho- tel’s master radio receiving set and carried tothe various rooms by means of a wire system from the receiving set to the rooms. The case is the first of its kind be tried in the federal court. Judge Otis stated that the de- fendants did not perform the copy- righted work, but merely provided means whereby the music could be heard. The law provides that the copyright owner shall have the ex- clusive right to perform the copy- righted work publicly for profit if it be a musical composition. The decision in part: to Opinion “The right to perform a musi- cal composition does not carry with it a proprietary interest in the waves that carry it out upon the air or upon the ether. They are as much the common prop- erty of all as the sunshine and the zephyr. “One who plays a musical composition on a piano, thereby producing in the air sound waves, which are heard as music, certainly performs that musical composition and if the instrument he plays is a piano plus. a broadcasting apparatus, so that sound waves are thrown out, then he is also performing the musical composition. He who only hears the performance is not performing. “If the sound waves fall on the unaided ears of a listener that listener has no part in the performance and if he is deaf so that he cannot hear without the aid of an amplifier, elec- trically operated, which magni- fies the sound waves so that they become perceptible to him, he still has no part in the per- formance. He has heard only what the performer at the piano created and sent out to be heard. ‘If I open a window so that I can hear the music cf a band passing by, am I producing that music? Am I then the per- former or participating in the performances? If I lift the tele- phone receiver and hear the voice of a friend, am I producing that voice? Is it my speech or his? If in perfect analogy to these illustrations, by mechan- ical means I receive as music what has been produced else- where by such means that it penetrates my house, I am not the performer who has produced the music. “Suppose, however, the pro- prietor of a hotel has a phono- graph playing in his dining room for the entertainment of his guests and suppose that without any request from him or participation on his part, a stranger surreptitiously places in the machine a record of a copyrighted musical composi- tion. Would it not be unthink- able that that hotel proprietor should be held guilty of in- fringement and subject to dam- ages? His intent in no wise entered into that performance. If it was a performance, in no sense was it his performance. It is not possible that mere ownership of a musical instru- ment carries with it Mability for any use to which another may put that instrument. “So in this case the defendant did not internationally perform a copyrighted musical compost- tion, even if granted that radio reception is performance. The defendant had a right to have a radio in the hotel for the en- tertainment of guests, and to operate that radio. If while it Was onerating some other than the defendont, wholly without the defendant's participation, A > - An Exhib’s Offer Los Angeles, April 23. After trying every known racket to drag in customers, Robert Brownley, operating the Victoria, neighborhood house, is now advertising he will pay taxes, assessments and mortgages on property as prizes. . Business at the Victoria has been so bad lately that Brown- ley has a standing offer of $100 to anyone who can lay on the main floor of his show house any Monday or Tuesday night and be stepped on. 300 Mongrel Devices Now on Sound Market Hays organization figures that the talker equipment field is mon- grelized by at least 300 home-made devices. This number is reached based on reports from the Film Boards of Trade, which are half way through a compilation of the number of theatres in the U. 8. using sound as well as the type of instruments doing the reproducing. Boards were assigned this job of tabulation because of many inqul- ries coming from producer mem- bers, as well, on theatres equipped for sound. Hays’ office will be the first to have a complete lst, which it will make public within the next week. At present not even the big electric companies can provide in- formation on other than their own installations. Directing Teams Los Angeles, April £3. Fox is instituting a policy of com- bining screen and stage directors on all pictures. Latest assignment as director is Lumsden hare, stage actor, to direct dialog exclusively. Three teams of co-directors are Willie Collier and Raoul Walsh, Donald Gallaher and Charles Klein, and Irving Cummings and Clarke Silvernail. Robert Milton, stage director, and Dorothy Arzner, screen director, have formed voluntary directing team. Milton will help on “Illusion,” while Miss Arzner will reciprocate on “The Feeder,” featuring Hal Skelly and Walter Hueston. Team arrangement has the entire approval of Paramount studio execs. Theda Bara’s Voice Los Angeles, April 23. Theda Bara, Fox's ace in the early days, is negotiating for a return to that organization to work in dialog pictures. —— put upon the ether, and so threw into the defendant’s radio elec- tric impulses which came out of the radio as an audible ren- dition of a copyrighted musical composition, that was not in any way the act of the defend- ant. If it was a performance of a musical composition is was a performance, not by the de- fendant, but by the broadcaster on the defendant’s instrument. “If radio reception of a musi- cal composition is not perform- ance of that composition, and if, though it be, it is not perform- ance by the radio receiving in- strument, it is not necessary to consider whether the defendant operated its radio for profit. The plaintiffs are not entitled either to the injunction prayed or dam- ages sought.” The effect of this decision which establishes the rights of radio re- ceivers to any program broadcast will be far reaching, as it gives every hotel, theatre or other public place the right to receive radio music for its guests. FTER PATHE $10,000,000 AS CONSIDERATION Probability Jos. P. Kennedy Will Retire From Organi- zation if Deal Goes Through — Meehan and Friends Want to Hook in Pathe With Sono-Art— Setting Price on Stock Re- _ ported Block at Present DOWLING’S BUNCH Mike Meehan, one of the biggest of Wail Street operators, with a group of friends said to include J. J. Raskob and Wm. F. Kenny, is reported dickering to buy Pathe. Amount involved for control through common stock is said to be around $10,000,000. Joseph P. Kennedy is reported having entered into a new signed agreement with Blair and Company, Pathe bankers, to generally direct that company for three more years. In the one year Kennedy has been at its head, he turned it from red to black. The story says that Ken- nedy will not oppose any sale, with his Pathe stock to be in the lot sold, and that he will retire as Pathe’s head if the deal goes through, Meehan, et al. are said to be heavily interested in Sono-Art, the independent talking producer, which made the Eddie Dowling talker, “Rainbow,” now at the Selwyn at $2 with Dowling as the star. The intent to acquire Pathe is to hook in Sono-Art with it, The Meehan-Raskob-Kenney coe- terie holds close friends of Dowling, who would like to promote him the- atrically as Dowling might suggest, with money the least of all for whatever is decided upon. The suc- cess of the first Dowling talking picture may be largely instrumental now in shaping up the future of Sono-Art. Considerable Talk It is reported that the negotia- tions for the purchase of Pathe are going through the bankers, on both sides. Other than a delay in agree- ing upon price per share, not much information is available. There is no denial in interested quarters that there has been considerable talk of late along this line. Kennedy has bec.. held in Boston for the past two weeks through the critical illness of his father. In- quiry at the Pathe office as to whether he had mentioned any vther plans for Pathe or another merger with that producer-distribu- tor was met with the answer no one there knows what may be in Kennedy's mind. The statement Kennedy would not oppose a sale of Pathe to Meehan and would sell his own stceck at the same time is quoted by one of Kennedy’s asso- ciates. Chaliapin Free Despite all reports, it is said that Chaliapin has not entered into a picture contract to date. The higtest offer so far received by the singer has been $250,000. He is not holding out for money, it is said, but rather to see that he is properly placed for a singing talker. Beery Going M-G Los Angeles, April 23. Wallace Beery is leaving Par- amount to go to M-G-M, where he will be placed under contract to work in four pictures. M-G expects to develop Beery into an individual talking star. Brenon With Radio Herbert Brenon will direct for Radio Pictures. He has been with United Artists, mostly directing Samuel Goldwyn productions. 4 ‘ Just Listen! Of course nothing can para- lyze the trade again, after the Loew control sale to William Fox, but lsten— It's said that William Fox has offered to buy Paramount or Warners or both— It's said that Warners have offered to buy Paramount or Fox or both— It's said that Paramount has offered to buy Fox or Warners or both. Take your pick, but neither is an idle rumor. U MAY LEASE N. Y. STUDIOS As the outcome of New York con- ferences between Carl Laemmle, Robert E. Welsh, studio chief, and home office executives, Universal is understood definitely set on plans which call for an initial expenditure of $500,000 to lease and equip studios in the east. Budget for its.schedule of releases, which for 1929-30 include 30 features and 62 shorts, has been set at approximately $6,000,000. Of the three sites under contem- plation U will likely pick the old Cos- mopolitan studios, leasing them under a long term lease, interspersed with options for renewal, from Radio Corprof America, It is point- ed out by U men that Cosmopolitan can be acquired in view of Radio's new Grathmercy Park plant. U's production experts figure that transfering Broadway's live stuff to the screen can be expedited more timely and economically in New York, tven four such pictures a year at $250,000 apiece would realize sufficient saving to pay for the maintenance of the studio Universalites believe, Paramount Assembling Enlarged New York Site As another step in absorbing the parcels of property on West 44th and 45th street, flanking either side of the Criterion and Loew's New York theatres, Paramount Monday closed for the row of buildings from Nos. 152-160 West 45th street. This is the property occupied by the Lobster restaurant and annex and dakes in the Van Allen apartments. 160 West 45th, four-story office building, preylously absorbed by Paramount. The deal of this week involved $1,000,000 for the property. It is known that Paramount is planning on a 7,000 capacity amphi- theatre, to top the Roxy in capacity, and serve as the firm founders’ monument, structurally and aesthet- ically. An office building adjunct to the new house, which will front on Broadway from 44th to 45th streets, is part of the plan. Santel With Fox Los Angeles, April 23. First National has relieved Al Santel from his contract which calls for one more picture. Film was to have been “Paris,” starring Irene Bordoni, going into produc- tion June 10, Another director will be assigned. Santel, it is said, will immediate- ly go over to Fox to whom he is reported under contract for five pic- tures at $100,000 per picture. WEALTHY COLORED GIRL Basil Smith, chief of produc- tion for Columbia Pictures shorts, known as Columbia-Victor Gems, has completed production of “Old Man Trouble” with Jules Beldsoe. Other shorts scheduled to be re- leased soon include Nan Blackstone in “Snappy Co-eds,” Mamie Smith in “Jailhouse Blues,” Frank Crumit, here, FOX STEALING NEWSPAPER CONVENTION Showing Movietones on Grind at Waldorf-Astoria —Fox Cigars, Too Converting the stately Waldorf- Astoria during its last week as a landmark, into a grind, William Fox, for less than $5,000, practically stole the American Newspaper Publish- ers convention. He sold Fox Movie- tone Newsreel to over 1,000 publish- ers and editors from every part of the U. S. at the same time. When they were not “listening and hear- ing” and reading Fox booklets and smoking Fox Cigars, they were be- ing taken in batches to the local studio for personal recordings. Fox even scored a beat on Presi- dent Hoover. Fully a half hour be- fore the chief executive's arrival to address in person the Associated Press delegation, Earl Wingart, act- ing publicity director, was supervis- ing the projection on the screen of an address by Mr. Hoover. The reception room on the main floor in which Fox Movietone is transmitted through a portable ap- paratus has been doing such capa- city business since the convention opened that extra bellhops have been conscripted to keep the crowd of peering standees, congesting the lobby, on the move. The room, in- cidentally, costs Fox half the price of its duplicate next door, which the Chicago Tribune is paying and glad to get at its figure. With five hours’ worth of prints, including every notable, from Hoo- ver to Lindbergh down to Tunney, Fox is opening his show at 10 in the morning and closing it at 11 in the evening. Intermissions are taken only when serious business of the convention is under way and then half of the house sits on until shooed away by irritated masters- at-arms. Six operators and a supervisor are kept busy doling out fare at the world’s most socially prominent grind theatre. Incidentally Foxftes point out that it is the cheapest rental ever paid for an S.R.O. house, the six days amounting to just $1,- 500. Fox Going After Commrel. Outlet for Sound Films Concentration on developing non- theatrical phases of sound product will be started: by Fox on May 1, when the Commercial Division of Fox-Case takes over an entire floor for headquarters in a Broadway, New York, office building. Division's staff of 30 men will be augmented shortly after the re- moval from present quarters in the 54th street and 10th avenue build- ing. To date about 20 industrial features have been made, the de- partment taking one of its portable cameras and equipment to the cus- tomer’s plant. 900 Feet Underground Los Angeles, April 23. A Carlsbad Production unit will work 900 feet underground on some sequences of “The Medicine Man” for which the troupe will go to Roswell, N. M., about May 1. Yarn has a covered wagon back- ground with the Carlsbad caves, a Government reservation extending miles below the surface, to be util- ized. The necessary lighting and portable recording equipment will be taken down to a 900-foot leveL Location picked Is a half mile from “The Gay Cabelerro,” and Buddy} the entrance. Doyle. Mamie Smith ts reputed to be th: third wealthiest colored woman America. | wood, in| Keith, and Philo McCullough. Story Principals signed are James Kirk- Blanche Mehaffey, Donald is by John Ellsworth.

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VARIETY PICTURES Wednesday, April 24, 1929 8 = The Speaking Voice By J. C. Nugent The elocutionary efforts of the once silent actors are not as funny as they sound. And «hey sound funny enough. Only the speaker is not intending it to sound funny. However, the effort to develop 4 better speaking voice is in itself praiseworthy. The trouble is, too much is ex- pected of a few lessons and a few exercises. A tew singing lessons will not make great grand opera stars out ot everybody. But quite a few years, under great teachers, will sometimes make a great singer out of somebody. And the others have gained some- thing, at least, ‘by the training. Laymen, “unaccustomed as they are” to speaking in or for large auditoriums, rarely have occasion to use tones that will carry beyond 32 few feet. And when they do, they yell. A trained actor can fill a large auditorium with a whisper. Yelling has nothing to do with k He has, threugh experience, de- veloped a range of tones which in the laymen are entirely unde- veloped. Alse he has, or should have, in his earlier years, mastered all] the a, b, ec rules of voice, the proper in- finitesimal pause before beginning 2 speech, thus chaining the attention Thus, his high tones tan be kept until needed. He learns to know how many per- fect notes he has in his local range, without strain or grate, and adds to Warners’ N. Y. Trucks Warners is reported to have four sound trucks for New York produc- tion. - Plans supposedly call for much outdoor stuff around Manhattan this summer including special sub- jects to be made at Coney Island and other typical New York loca- tions, STARTING ON “GENIUS” Los Angeles, April 23. After postponing production on Theodore Dreiser’s “The Genius" more than six months ago, Para- mont now believes it time ta make the picture, Studio has assigned Louis J. Gas- nier and Edwin Knopf to make the final screen treatment and co-direct BAER-BOASBERG COMEDIES Radiant Pictures, new joint pro- duction venture of RCA Photo- phone, is going into production soon at the Gramercy Studios, New York. Output will-be one and two- reel comedies and shorts. “Bugs” Baer has been engaged for the dialog, alternating with Al Boasberg. The latter will also direct, LEVIGARD’S 2-REELERS Los Angeles, April 23. Joseph Levigard, who’ went to Germany to make “The House 2f Glass” for Universal, has returned to the home studio. He has been assigned to make 13 two-reel mounted police stories fea- turing Ted Carson. Production on first starts May 6. Holland’s Sound Plane Washington, April 23. Albert E. Holland, former and first contact man here for Fox Mo- vietone News, has been placed in charge of the airplane recently acquired by Fox for its sound news- reel, Five men are regularly assigned to the plane, Holland, a pilot, me- chanic, cameraman and sound man. Another “Tarzan” Serial Los Angeles, April 23. Universal will make another “Tar- gan” serial, Frank Merrill and Natalie Kingston will be starred twnder supervision of William Lord Wright. No title selected. Collins’ 1st Jewel Los Angeles, April 23. Lew Collins’ first assignment as a direcior of Jewels for Universal will) be “Flaming Daughters,” .an original by Beatrice Van. George Lewis and Barbara Kent will be co-featured. Bartheilmess’ Rex Beach Story Richard Barthelmess may do “Son of the Gods,” by Rex Beach, for First National. them by practice. He learns t »reathe properly, and not to “waste” while speaking. He learns the value of pause, emphasis, position and ex- pression. And then he forgets it and, if a good actor, devotes him- self to the sense of the text. But it must be learned first. We must know the rules. Then we know what rules to break, Some of our worst actors have beautiful speaking voices, and per- fect enunciation. Each note is as accurate as coins “dropping newly from the mint.” On and Off And that is what it sounds like Something coming from a machine. They have never gotten beyond the “technique.” They are still listen- ing to their own voices. They are not thinking their way through the meaning of the lines. Such were many of the “reading”’ actors of old. And they acted on and off. “Pair-chawnce to dreamme and “where is my laundry” were de- liverea with the same booming majesty. After all the voice is an instru- ment upon which the mind plays and through it the mentality and spirituality are revealed, A savage grunts. A dull wit drones, a hangdog bully snarls, a fool giggles, a boaster yells, an un- sure person halts and hesitates, and a competent character talks in clear, competent tones. If a man is in himself capable of great feeling. love, veneration, adoration, joy and their opposites—hate, fear, terror, etc., his voice can express them, bu. it is the emotion conveyed, more than the quality of voice, that mat- ters, A flat voice comes from a flat- head. No vocal training will put thought into his voice unless he gets his head fixed. On the other hand, an actor with real brains whose only drawback is a hitherto unused voice in public, will, with competent and sympathetic direc- tion, get over on the “mikes” better than many a stage trained actor, Directors Of course, there are few directors who are competent and sympa- thetic. In the influx of so many who are not, and who have more concern for the mechanical results, much promising young material is being spoiled. Meanwhile, you stuttering boys, keep right on with your vocal exer- cises, But not for too long at a time. The voice is the first organ to show weariness. Read plenty aloud if you just must, but once in a while vary it with a practical line that sounds as if you meant it. Something like, shall we _ say, ‘Please pass the persimmons.” Only don’t have real persimmons in sight just to be artistic. The sight of them causes sensitive people to pucker, thus making all talking dif- ficult, 5 WURLITZER’S HORN Wurlitzer is experimenting with a water horn for theatre amplification, which it pur- chased in Germany. Device is now reported to be in Cin- cinnati, but is due* in New York for demonstration within two weeks. New contraption has a water pan at its base to mellow the volume, on the same principle of how a phonograph record sounds when coming across water. Horn is the shape of a reversed L, with a set of tubes directing the sound to the pan after a separator has picked up the various tones and placed them in_ respective channels. Mouthpiece is placed under the sereen with the horn much smaller than those now used by Western Electric, Making Up Lost Time, Columbia’s 5-Unit Stages Los Angeles, April 23. Additional sound stages now be- ing completed at Columbia studios will enable the staff to work four and five units at one time, Normal production at this plant has been two units. In order to catch up with the program it has been necessary to sign 11 directors and 10 writers. Directors under contract from pic- ture to picture include Frank Capra, George Archainbaud, Erle Kenton, Al Rogell, Richard Thorpe, Ralph Ince, Frank Strayer, Joseph Hena- bery, Lynn Shore, Harmon Weight and Phil Rosen. Among the writers are Howard Green, Ralph Graves, also under contract as an actor; Gladys Lehman, Gertrude Orr, Enid Hibbard, Adele Buffiington, George Marshall, Jack Townley, John Nat- teford and Louis Stevens, Menjou Gets “Concert” ‘ Los Angeles, April 23. Emil Jannings has obtained can- cellation of his Paramount contract. It’s due to dissatisfaction over a double speaking his ‘tines in “The Patriot,” with the starz now prepar- ing to return to Germany. Studio is readapting “The Con- cert,” to have been Jannings’ next, for Adolphe Menjou. Victor Schert- zinger will direct, with Ruth Chat- terton opposite, Production sched- uled for May 1. Browning on “13th Chair” Los Angeles, April 23, Tod Browning will direct “The 13th Chair,” by Bayard Veiller, for M-G-M. Work is in preparatory stage, but picture will be all dialog. Gamby-Hale’s Film Ensembles Dances for “Glorifying the Amer- ican Girl” (Par.) to be made in the east, will be staged by Gamby-Hale ae SS ay PEVEREL J. M Acclaimed as one of the best motion picture camera men on the Coast has just completed the photography on “Dynamite” for C. B. DeMille. has been on the DeMille payroll conttnuously for the past nine years, drawing salary whether active or not. Everyone of the important pictures made by DeMille in that time was photographed by Marley. ARLEY He It is under- stood that Mr. DeMille will give him a chance te function as a director shortly, as Marley has shown great aptitude in this direction, Amusement Stock Sale Agents Get N. Y. Licenses Albany, April 23. Licenses issued by the Secretary of State, ixnP connection with the provisions of the General Business Law designed to protect New York state investors in the sale of se- curities, inélude the following: Combined Sound and Color Films (Inc.) to float an issue of seven per cent cumulative preferred, and com- mon stock, no par value. Is a Del- aware corporation, with offices at 55 West 42d street, New York. George M. Forman & Company, Inc., of 120 Broadway, New York City, to act as syndicate manager | in the handing of securities of Fischers Paramount Theatres Cor- poration of Chicago. The securities consist of first mortgage 6% per cent serial gold bonds. Company is a Delaware corporation, with head- quartérs at 16518 North American building, Chicago. Royal Securities Corporation l- censed to act as syndicate manager for securitiés of Famous Players Canadian Corporation, Royal Bank building, Toronto, Canada. Issue is made up of voting trust certificates for 165,375 shares of common stock, no par value, of Famous Players Canadian Co, Concern has New York offices at 100 Broadway. Thomas E. Mulhall & Company, Ine., licensed as dealers in common stock of Jenkins Television Corpo- ration, a Delaware corporation, with headquarters at 346 Claremont av- enue, Jersey City, N. J. Mulhall & Co. have offices at 150 Broadway, New York City. Stark & Company, Inc., licensed to act as deaiers in common stock, no par value, of Picture Transmis- sion Corporation, a Delaware con- cern, with offices at 7 East 44th street, New York. Stark & Co, are at 2 West 46th street, New York. James K,. Westover, of 1704 Lib- erty Bank building, Buffalo, licensed to act as dealer for securities of Universal Wireless Communication Company, Inc., a Delaware corpor- ation, 1702-04 Liberty Bank build- ing, Buffalo. Chester Laboratories, Inc., a New York corporation, with offices at 59 West 9th street, licensed to handle issue of its own common stock, A. G. Becker & Co., of 100 South La Salle street, Chicago, licensed as syndicate manager for Abbott Lab- oratories, securities consisting of 35,006 shares of common _ stock. Laboratories is Illinois corporation, at 14th street and Sheridan road, North Chicago. Secretary of State notified of list- ing on New York Stock Exchange of 164,050 additional shares of com- mon stock of Warner Bros. Pic- tures, Inc. Denny’s U Split Los Angeles, Apri] 23. Reginald Denny’s contract with Universa] wil. not be renewed when it expires June 1. Denny has one more picture to make before this date and is already negotiating with other coast pro- ducers. ' 48-DAY REBUILD Los Angeles, April 23. Paramount’s sound stage, rebuilt following destruction of the first by fire, was put in use just 48 days fol- lowing clearing of the ground. Moran .mné Mack opened it with “Backstage Blues.” Building contains four sound chambers, each 70x100, four monitor rooms and generating, ventilating and heating rooms. ROCKING CAMERAS Los Angeles, April 23. “Isle of Lost Ships,” F. N., di- rected by Irvin Willat, will be made entirely inside the studio. Won’t be necessary for the cast to cultivate sea legs as the cameras will do all the rocking. Brand’s Foreign Assignment Los Angeles, April 23. Harry Brand, scenario writer for Fox, has been delegated to go to Europe and dig up material and lo- cations for a story that is to be made there. Last summer Brand went to Eu- rope with David Butler to make “Chasing Through Europe.” Nat Ross Leaving Los Angeles, April 23. Nat Ross, with Universal for 1 years, working his way up from a menial position to a director, leaves that organization upon completing the picture he is now directing, PAR. SHELVES ‘KID BOOTS” ON TIEGGY'S KICK Prepared It Under Cover —Too Much Strain ‘for Cantor Paramount has stopped produc-. tion on “Kid Boots,” scheduled as a $750,000 to $1,000,000 musical with Eddie Cantor, following a strong protest from Florenz Ziegfeld that he would not permit Cantor to un- dergo. the physical strain ensuing from this extra work. It is reported that Ziegfeld insisted the additional work wouldn't give Cantor a chance to work properly in “Whoopee.” “Kid Boots” was being quietly prepared at the Paramount studios on Long Island. Casting had been practically completed without any publicity of any kind being issued, from accounts. Settings had been arranged and production was set, with Joseph Santley assigned to di- rect. _ ’ Eddie Cantor’s doubling last year brought a severe iliness which partly accounted for his leaving his stage work earlier than expected at that time. Cantor is reported getting $7,500 a week when em- ployed by Paramount for picture work on full time, with salary in proportion when working part time. “Boots” may be resumed follow- ing the completion of the run of “Whoopee.” It is not expected any attempt will be made to produce the picture without Cantor, the silent version of which was made by this firm with the comic a few years ago. DAVIS’ WESTERNS AND SOUND Los Angeles, April 28. J. Charles Davis will make 24 westerns in four series of six each led by a male player. Production starts in June, with delivery Sept. 1 or earlier. One of series will be in dialog. Davis has taken the agency for western states of Kine Tone, re- producing system, made by S. and S. Enterprises. It is for disk, in- terchangeable, and price ranges from $1,200 for under 1,000 seats, to $2,000 for over 2,000 seats. Sound on film device will be available at added cost in 60 days. LAKE’S U COMEDIES Los Angeles, April 23. After some reluctance on the part of Arthur Lake to accept small comedy parts at, Universal, where he is under contract, the actor has again returned to that organization after completing a featured part for Warners. He is doing two-reel comedies. LANE AND PAGE AGAIN Los Angeles, April 23. Following their work as a team in “Speakeasy,” Fox has assigned Lola Lane and Pau] Page to “The Girl from Havana,” an original by Edwin Burke and John Stone. Benjamin Stoloff wil) direct, with most of the picture to be filmed at sea, “HORSE’S” SOUND FILM Los Angeles, April 28. Ken .Maynard’s second for Uni- versal will be “The Dark Horse,” by Marion Jackson. It’s the first sound picture giving a prominent role to a horse. Film will be part dialog. Company at Victorville on location. DOUBLE AIR CHAMBERS Los Angeles, April 23. National Film, which has leased the Century studios, is sound proof- ing one 84x135 stage with double air chambers. It will be one of the largest sound chambers on the coast, Consolidated’s 16mm. Man Consolidated Laboratories has bought out the business of Oscar Bucheister, title maker and 16mm. exchange. Bucheister takes an executive po- sition with Consolidated. Hubbard’s WB Assignment Los Angeles, April 23. Lucien Hubbard, former produce tion supervisor for M-G, named in the same capacity for Warners. =~ >

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929 PICTURES VARIETY ?

Overhead Trolleys Lights on Par Los Angeles, April 23. Paramount will immediately in- stall on its new quad sound stage a double monorail system to anto- matically transport sets and elec- tric lighting equipment. Frank Brandow, superintendent of the studio, began work en the plan three months ago in an effort to cut down one of the heaviest ex- penses in picture production, the erection and striking of sets and staging and striking of electric equipment. . Under the new plan all sets in- tended fo: use on the sound stage will be built on the adjoining stage, No. 3. Each of the walls of the set will be erected separately, and when everything is ready for final installation, one of the sides will be lifted bodily. by machinery to a rail extending into each of the four chambers of the sound stage. The two or three other sections can be placed just behind the first and the entire structure started on its way. There the several sides will be dropped in their respective places and carpenters can quickly join the corners, completing the room. En- tire process of transportation is one of comparatively a few minutes in contrast with the former rule of lifting a side on to a dolly and wheeling it by a crew of 10 or more men. That or constructing the set on the stage, a matter of many hours. Under present practice no set may be struck until 24 hours after shoot- ing of the final scenes, due to neces- sity of inspectiong the rushes and making sure no retakes will be called for by reason of errors. Un- der the new system the set may be dismounted at the corners and the sides again elevated to the monorail and sent on their way to the large storage bin which is to be provided at the end of stage No. 4. This will permit the stage to become immediately available for another set. In the event of a re- take it will be a simple matter to pull the set out of storage and re- assemble. Handling Equipment Above the monorail designed to transport sets will be a duplicate system running to the electrical de- partment instead of to stage 3 or the storage bin. Here, instead of a crew lifting heavy electric equip- ment onto trucks, conveying it to the sound stage and then going through the time consuming process of moving it from truck to floor and then lifting it by tackle to the rafters, a couple of men will hook up the lamps on the monorail and send the equipment on its way. It will land at the proper elevation for placing in the case of a majority’ of the equipment. Lamps for the floor will be put into a receptacle the size and shape of the truck, lifted up on the rail and eveniually deposited on the floor of the stage. It is simply an extension of the principle of the parcel carrier in a depart- ment store. All designs have been completed and contracts drawn for the instal- lation of the machinery and equip- ment covering the sound stage. No extension of the principle to the other stages is contemplated at the present time. LAEMMLE’S CAST CHANGE Los Angeles, April 23. Upon his arrival on the Coast Carl Laemmle ordered Joseph Schildkraut taken from the cast of “Evidence,” in which he was to have been featured with Laura La- Plante. Laemmle believes “Show Boat” has made Schildkrut worthier of heavier responsibility. Neil Hamilton has been borrowed from Paramount to replace.

Metro’s 2 Directors Los Angeles, April 23. M-G-M added two directors; E. Mason Hopper, under a yearly con- tract, and Charles Brabin, who just completed “The Bridge of San Luis Rey” for the company, being given & three-picture agreement.

John Dillon Gets “Sally” Los Angeles, April 23. John Dillon will direct Marilyn Miller in “Sally,” to be_made as a musical by First National.

Young Fairbanks’ Contract Los Angeies, April 23. First National has Douglas Fair- banka, Jr. om a term contcact. for Sets and $ New Sound Stage vv

Femme Barkers a Los Angeles, April 23. A number of street corner lunch box girls have become so dizzy in their aspirations to attract attention and customers that they are now posing and imitating well known stage and screen players. One girl at a busy intersec- tion impersonates Chaplin by going through his hat and cane routine and wearing the famil- iar Chaplin moustaehe. Others put on dance numbers and warble in an attempt to make a twobit sale from which they make a five-cent profit. | U’s Suit on Unused Scenarios Up—Is Test Los Angeles, April 23. After waiting nearly five years in an attempt to find a statement of fact upon which to base suit, Uni- versal filed briefs before Superior Court Judge Bowron in an action to recover from County Assessor Hopkins, $1,129 paid in 1924 as taxes on 40 scenarios, assessed by Hop- kins at a value of $46,830. With the stipulation of facts now before the court, attorneys for the county as- sessor will follow with briefs, after which arguments will be heard. U bases its suit on the theory that scenarios on hand and not produced, or actually scheduled for production, fare intangible property of a ques- tionable value and therefore not subject to taxation. If, however, the court should rule that such prop- erty is taxable, Universal contends tax could only be levied in New York state where its home offices are located. Film company paid the taxes lev- ied by Hopkins under protest, and immediately entered an action for refund, Indications are it will be 60 days or more before a decision is rendered. This is the first case of its kind ever brought to trial in Los An- geles county, and the outcome will establish a precedent upon which future assessments on scenarios will be heard.

M-G’s Dual Versions Los Angeles, April 23. M-G has declared its future pro- duction policy will call for both silent and sound versions on the majority of the current year’s prod- uct. Only in cases where a sound pic- ture does not lend itself to a silent version will it be overlooked and vice-versa with silent versions, WRITERS CHANGE OVER Los Angeles, April 23. Locale of Graham Baker and Harvey Gates, Warner scenarists, has been changed to the First Na- tional studio. At FN Baker will be scenario editor under direction of Al Rock- ett, replacing Anthony Caldeway, scenario editor and associate pro- ducer. Latter will return to War- ners as editor.

Mrs. Wallace Reid Through ist Div. Los Angeles, April 23. Four talking features to be pro- duced by Mrs. Wallace Reid will be released a@hrough First Division. Same organization is also han- dling the James Cruze productions.

Clermont, R. P. Caster Los Angeles, April 23. Harvey Clermont, for past 18 months asst. caster, at First Na- tional, engaged by Radio Pictures for a similar position as assistant to Rex Bailey.

Danny O’Shea’s Comeback Los Angeles, April! 23. Danny O'Shea, former Mack Sen- neti juvenile, returns to the screen after more than a year. He will appear in United Artists “Lummox.”

“The Vow” Bought “The Vow,” novel by Paul Trent, has been purchased by First Na- tional for talking picture produc tion.

LEON LEONIDOFF Roxy Theatre, New York Director of Production (Assistant to Mr. S. L. Rothafel) Greatest program of Spring Divertissements this week (Apr. 20) = be retained for a second week,

FOX REVISES New Lead for “The River” Dialog for “4 Devils”

and

William Fox has ordered back to the workshop a number of cestly pro- ductions which last fall were count- ed upon as leaders of the 1929-30 releases. Necessity for re-editing, re-ghooting and injection of dialog will now take place, “The River,” which played the Gaiety, set for a brand new two- reel lead. Present first 2,000 feet will be discarded and other action will be substituted. Dialog has been ordered for “Four Devils” and “Our Daily Bread,” shelved some time ago, is being reconsidered as a talk- er prospect. Other pictures which have been shown in New York with sound on film method, are now transposing the synchronization to disk at the Victor studios in Camden, ' F. N.’s Contract Chorus Los Angeles, April 23. First National has put under con- tract a complete screen chorus, all members being capable of singing and dancing in pictures, There are 24 girls and 12 men in this chorus. INCE’S TWO Los Angeles, April 23. Ralph Ince is returning here after spending a few weeks in New York in an attempt to obtain suitable facilities for filming “The Aquittal,” to star Bert Lytell for Columbia, It has been decided to make the picture here, but in the meantime Ince will direct another picture for Columbia while waiting for Lytell to finish his present stage engage- ment.

NATHAN’S DIALOG FILMS Los Angeles, April 23. Al Nathan will begin production on 12 two-reel all-dialog comedies and dramas at Tec-Art studio. First will be an adaptation of a vaudeville sketch, “What Price Happiness,” written by and played in by Latty Floren, who will direct the series. Nathan later plans to do features. CAESAR’S BARRYMORE DIALOG Los Angeles, April 23. Arthur Caesar has been placed under contra.t by Warners as a scenarist and dialog writer. Caesar will be an aid to Daryl Frances Zanuck, and is to sit in on all story conferences besides pro- viding cialog for all of the John Barrymore productions. PATHE’S COLORED “FIND” Los Angeles, April 23. Pathe believes it has a “find” in colored talent in Beaulah Hall whose previous experience has been confined to managing a tea room for a local department store. Miss Hall is playing the name part in “Narcissus,” first of series of Hugh Wiley pictures. TAYLOR’S U RECORD Los Angeles, April 23. Ray Taylor completed “Come Across” for Universal five days ahead of an 18-day shooting sched- ule, and was under the budget by $5,000. This establishes a record for Jewel productions. Last reel of pic-

| ture has dialog.

vw

New Vocation

New vocation developed by talking pictures is the pro- fession of hole-borer, On all sound sets a gent with brace and bit goes about boring small holes in the walls and floor. This is to let in oxygen thereby killing the “deadness” that interferes with good re- cording. Another new term is “dog house,” slang for camera booth.

Think Otterson on Coast For Indie Sound Situation Western Electric is now looking for revenue in the independent pro- ducing field. Company aware that indie producers cannot stand even a fraction of the franchise costs exacted from the bigger producers, is greasing the way whereby indie product can get WE recording on a rental basis with a franchise holder. At the company’s headquarters it is gleaned that J. E. Otterson’s presence on the coast is chiefly to consider this angle of the inde- pendent producing situation. It is also heard there that the distribu- tion tape may be cut so that in- dies can pay the rent and sell in their own way the pictures with WE recording.

Los Angeles, April 23. J. E. Otterson, president of Elec- trical Research Products, Inc., is here from New York on his first visit since formation of that ad- junct of Western Electric. He plans to remain several weeks.

8 Color Cameras and 80 Girls for Revue Scenes Los Angeles, April 23. Paramount is using eight techni- color camtras on the modern revue sequences in “Burlesque.” More than 80 girls are in the en- sembles with Earl Lindsay directing the dance numbers. ADDING MUSIC Castle Films is adding music and singing synchronizations to a series of colored shorts already released. RCA is synchronizing on film and Columbia manufacturing the disk records. As many prints are al- ready in circulation any short or cut negatives are worthless for this purpose. Only difficulty reported is in the San Francisco exchange on “Down Hawaiian Way.” Cuts were made in this territory because the picture said nice things about Los Angeles. That’s out in Frisco. AFRAID OF “BURLESQUE” Los Angeles, April 23. Paramount will not release the

screen adapation of “Burlesque” under that title. Company is afraid of it in the provinces. New title not yet chosen, ORIGINAL OPERETTA Los Angeles, April 23. Harry Tierney and William Le Baron will collaborate in writing. untitled operetta for Radio. Former will write music and Le Baron book and lyrics.

Levine’s New Order Los Angeles, April 23. Nat Levine, who produced two serials on the Coast for Mascot re- lease, is en route here from New York with an order to produce two more. Levine plans to make one with sound and dialog,

Muni’s Eskimo Role Los Angeles, April 23. Paul Muni is to be starred by Fox in “Frozen Justice.” He will play an Eskimo, The picture will be a talker di- rected by Alan Dwan.

Dinner for Carl, Jr Los Angeles, April 23. Universal studio employees will stage a dinner April 27 at the stu- dio in honor of Carl Laemmle Jr.'s 2ist birthday.

Fox Throws Out Supervisors; ‘no sign of activity.

Los Angeles, April 23 Fox has abandoned the. use of supervisors for productions. This week it is understood the appoint- ment of an executive production cabinet of three to work under W, R. Sheehan and Sol Wurtzel will be announced. This production cabinet will con- sist, it is understood, of George Middleton, Chandler Sprague and Malcolm Stuart Boylan. Their work will be divided into three separate parts, each responsible for a certain number of stories and their ultimate production. As a group they will sit in on all story conferences for development of the narrative. Bert Millhauser, one of the pres- ent supervisors, has already left the organization. Philip Klein, an- other, will be assigned to writing. Jeff Lazarus will be retained in an executive capacity, aiding on ex- ploitation and publicity. Kenneth Hawks has been assigned to direct- ing as he has a two year contract and is now at work on “Son of Aneck,” started by David Butler. He was given the task of finishing the job as Butler was called over to complete work on the Fox “Movietone Follies.” James McGinnis, the other super- visor, will be kept in executive capacity as a sort of scenario doctor and consultant, NEW YORK STUDIOS ALL FAIRLY ACTIVE Irish is the story theme and the predominating nationality in “My Lady” now in production at Pathe’s eastern studio. In addition to Mor- ton Downey, featured, cast includes Betty Lawford, Colin Keith-John- ston, Halliwell Hobbes, Edward Mc- Namara, J. M. Kerrigan, Richard Taber, Louis Sorin, Mackenzie Ward, Eddie O’Connor, Mary Mur- ray, Tyrell Davis and Ollie Mack, Sonia Karlow is the only non-Hi- bernian in the line-up. Irishers also have a quorum on the productioh end with Kenneth Webb directing, James Seymour staging dialog and Bradley Barker, acting as production manager, Steve — Fitzgibbon is studio manager, and Robert T. Kane, the producer. Irish tunes for the production are being composed by Buddy Green and Sammy Stept. M-G-M studio empty and idle all last week. Franklin Warner was scheduled to start on an independ- ent talker, “Love’s Shadows,” but A mysterious hitch in negotiations between War- ner and M-G has developed. Hap- piness Boys is the only talking short on the M-G schedule after which Nicke Grinde, the director, goes to Montreal to visit Chic Sale, “Giorifying” April 22 Paramount starts “Glorifying the American Girl” Monday. This much . adapted title finally goes into pro- duction with J. P. McEvoy’s script and dialog. Barbara Newberry, Olive Shea, Dan Healy and Edward Crandall have principal roles. Ralph B. Austrian is supervising the sound with Millard Webb directing, Tunes from various editions of the Zeigfeld “Follies” are to be re« adapted, for the picture. Earl Wingart, now with Fox, is returning to the Paramount siudio to, become publicity director. Wingart is the fellow who had to move his family from Coast to Coast four times to keep up with the numerous transfers of stations allotted him by Fox, Paramount last week made @ talking short of Hon. David M, Dow, secretary for Australia in America. This short is to be used on the opening program of the new State theatre in Sydney in May. Warners last week recorded Cis- sie Loftus, Fred Ardath, Roy Sede ley and Albert Spaulding. Addi- tionally, Don Albert and His Ar- gentines made the first known sound picture in Spanish. It is for for- eign release,

NANCY CARROLL’S OPERETTA Los Angeles, April 23. Frank Harling, musical composer, is here from Par’s Long Island stu< dio to write incidental music and score an Irish operetta starring Nancy Carroll No definite story selected,

Page 8

Pe ST ~2 Rr eo atres) (2,000; 20-50). was nusical comedy tab; $6,900. ‘1,400; 25-$1.25). 8 VARIETY PICTURE GROSSES Wednesday, April 24, 1929 “Letter” Drops Par. $10,000 for $29,800: “Coquette” Beats Los Angeles, April 23. (Drawing Population, 1,450,000) Trade at the first run houses last week génerally held up. United Artists, with “Coquette” in its sec- ond week, seemed to have the edge on the town. Picture played to more people on the week than it did the opening stanza, house oper- ating 16 hours on a grind. “Desert Song” was also excellent on its sec- ond week, while “Broadway Mel- ody” was off around $1,000. Paramount dove $10,000 from the previous week of Clara Bow with “The Letter” as the attraction. Neither Jeanne Eagels’ name nor title was seductive from a cash- bringing angle. At that, house got much better results than antici- pated. “Tide of Empire,” with the Hearst newspapers supporting, was rather a big disappointment at the State. Actual draw seemed to be the stage show. Hillstreet, with one kid picture following another, managed to jump ahead of the previous week on “Square Shoulders.” “Iron Mask,” in its sixth week at the Carthay Circle, just bordered the $10,000 mark. Due to go out within. two weeks. “Speakeasy,” in itg third and final week at the Criterion, was not so forte, averaging less than $1,000 a day. by Estimates for Last Week Boulevard (Fox) “Behind German Lines,” sound (Par) (2,164; 25-50). Much like a news weekly, with Benny Rubin on stage helping; $8,500. Carthay Circle (Fox) “Iron Mask” sound (UA) (1,500; 26-$1.50) (6th week). Fading out by easy stages; down to $9,500. Criterion (Fox) “Speakeasy,” dia- log (Fox) (1,600; 25-75) (3d week). Not as hot as expected; final $6,000. Egyptian (UA-Fox) “Carnation Kid,” dialog (Par) (1,800; 25-75). MacLean no b.o. help; $7,400. Grauman’s Chinese (UA) “Broad- way Melody,” dialog (M-G) (2,028; 50-$1.50) (12th week). Mats a bit off, nights and Sat. midnight very strong; near $30,000. Hillstreet (RKO) “Square Shoul- ders,” sound (Pathe) (2,950; 25-75). House making play for two-bit trade before noon; picture, follow- ing another .kid opus, not too strong; stage helped to $15,000. Loew’s State (Loew-Fox) “Tide of Empire,” sound (M-G) (2,042; 25-$1). Hearst plug no help; Hor- ace Heidt’s band helped for around $23,200. Paramount (Pub) “The Letter,” dialog (Par) (3,595; 25-75). Not strong on draw; $29,800. United Artists (UA) “Coquette,” dialog (UA) (2,100; 25-$1) (2d week). Pickford able to draw more people on second: than first week; result $34,800, plenty. Warner Bros. (WB) “Desert Song,” dialog (WB) (2,756; 25-75) (2a week). Music the draw asset; better than $28,000; healthy. “No Defense,” Talker, Good in Portland, $9,000 Portland, Ore., April 23. (Drawing Population, 310,000) After getting away to a rather mild start, “Broadway Melody” ran into its third week at the United Artists, setting up the unusual local record of bigger business the sec- ond week than the first. Heavy ex- ploitation played up film as honkey- tonk jazz stuff. Portland did well for its last week of Publix stage shows. House goes ul-sound next week. Picture, “In Dalarna and Jerusalem,” was road showed at the Auditorium for one day, April 16, doing mild business at $1 top. Estimates for Last Week Portiand (Publix) (3,500; 25-60)— Farewell week of Publix stage shows and Henry Busse as m. ¢.; ilm was “Betrayal” (Par); okay; $11,400 in six days. Broadway (Fox) (2,000; 35-60)— “Duke Steps Out,” sound (M-G). Went well. Good stage show; $19,- 500. United Artists (Parker-Fox) (1,- 200; 35-50). Third and last week of “Broadway Melody,” dialog (M-G). Held up well; $7,000. Music Box (Hamrick) (2,000; 25- 10)—“No Defense,” dialog (WB). Jid moderately well; $9,000. Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (1,200: 25- 50)—“The Spieler,” dialog (Pathe). Only fair for $5,000. ’ Oriental (Tebbetts) (2,700; 25-35) —‘Lady of the Pavements,” sound (UA). Did well as second run: *razier stage players; $11,500. Pantages (Pan) (2,000; 35-50). Vaudeville, “The Shakedown” (U), skay; $12,000. Heilig-Hippodrome (N. W. The- Film feature also Pom Pom. “Sideshow”; Dufwin (Henry Duffy Players) May Robson guest aid star in “Mother’s Millions”; vell; $5,500. Ist Week at $34,800 vv “MELODY’S” $60,000 IN MONTREAL—H. 0. 3D WK Record of Town—“Spite Mar- riage” Neat, $16,000— “Dummy” Light, $14,000 Montreal, April 23. (Drawing Population, 600,000) Weather: Cold and Wet Another record crashed last week when “Broadway Melody” held over at the Palace and tipped its hat to $27,000, making close to $60,000 on the fortnight. It will be held a third week without parallel in any of the local main stem houses. Also last week the second of the two legit houses here, the Princess, was bought by the same interests which now control His Majesty’s. This looks very much as though there will be no legit houses here next season, since It is understood His. Majesty’s will be used for stock while the Princess is due to be wired shortly. “The Dummy,” at the Capitol, could not stand up against the Pal- ace, and did but fairly on an over- flow, for $14,000 at best. “Spite Marriage,” at Loew’s, grossed 50-50 with vaude bill, rating around $16,- 000 between them. Keaton is al- Ways a sure card here, especially if backed with a good variety pro- gram. “Taxi 13,” at the Imperial, was indifferent and plus a change from the usual vaude bill in a tabloid re- vue that filled nine-tenths of the program. About $8,000 came most- ly from the revue. Neighborhoods affected by rain and were under average. Estimates for Last Week Palace (FP) (2,700; 40-65)— “Broadway Melody,” dialog (M-G) (3d week). Hit the roof again on second week; many are seeing it two and three times; being held third week and will have picked up more money than any picture ever shown here; second week, $27,000. Capitol (FP) (2,700; 40-65)—The Dummy,” dialog (Par). Crook play without femme interest couldn’t lure them; house dropped couple of thousand on previous week and was doing pretty well to get away with $14,000. Loew’s (FP) (3,200; _ 35-60)— “Spite Marriage,” sound (M-G), and vaude. Buster Keaton has big fol- lowing here and picture liked; stand out vande halved gross of $16,000. Imperial (FP) (1,900; 35-75)— “Taxi 13” (Radio) and tab. Below Imperial average; tabloid revue took place of usual vaude bill and picked up most of $8,000 gross. “Duke” $24,500 in Prov.; Town Holds Against Rain Providence, April 23. (Drawing Population, 315,000) Weather: Rain and Cold Everything in town clicked last week despite clmost continuous rain. “Duke Steps Out,” Loew’s State, caught first place with a fat $24,500. “Close Harmony,” at the Majestic, and “Weary River,” at Strand, ran neck and neck. Victory had “Speakeasy” and pulled fairly. Friday was a big day as it was a state holiday. Estimates for Last Week Loew’s State (3,500; 15-50) “Duke Steps Out” sgund (M-G). Laurel- Hardy comedy, “Liberty,” proved fine support; Haines very popular with young folks here; house thrived for about $24,500. Strand (Ind) (2,200; 15-50) “Weary River” dialog (FN). Big support bill in short talkers; close to $13,000 not bad. Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 15-50) “Close Harmony” dialog (Par). Show okay an~ caught much praise; around $13,000 brisk. Victory (R-K-O) (1,600; 15-50) “Speakeasy” dialog (Fox). Feature given bier play; no great excitement and no complaints; about $7,800; fair. Fay’s (Fay) (2,200; 15-50) “New Year’s Eve” sound (Fox) and vaude. Came through because of good vaude; $10,500. Fox “Fcllies’” May 15 Los Angeles, April 23. After previewing ‘Fox Follies” at Riverside, Cal., it has been decided to open the picture at the Criterion here around May 15 at pop prices. Picture has been in the making for eight months. It will probably open at the Gaiety, New York, at same time as the local premiere. AN wits oh SRR, LACT /MBA Ry A NATIONAL REPUTATION MEYER DAVIS’ - WALDORF- ASTORIA (Rose Room) CONCERT ORCHESTRA, broadcasting over WEAF (National Broadcasting Company) every day between six and seven P. M., makes the dinner hour more enjoyable for millions of music lovers who are radio devotees. The Waldorf-Astoria Jade Room Dance Orchestra (broadcasting over WJZ) is another popular Meyer Davis unit, STANLEY TOPS PENN; STAGE SHOW, $38,500 Heavy Plug for Expansion— ‘Redskin’ $31,000—‘Letter’ Got $21,500 Pittsburgh, April 23. (Drawing Population, 740,000) Town did an about face last week and for the first time in months the Stanley outgrossed the Penn. For- mer, inaugurating a new stage pol- icy and the city plastered like no- body’s business, stood ‘em up all week, despite two miserable rainy days, for “Wolf Song” on the screen. Stanley’s stage unit, labeled “Southland” and its picture grossed around $35,500, the first time this figure has even been approached since “Singing Fool” last fall. Stage did it, for the picture, despite Lupe Velez’s recent personal appearance in town, received a panning. Tak- ings would have been higher if show hadn’t run away on time clock. Whole thing went well into two hours and a half and turnover wasn’t anything like it should have been. House has now taken on a tremendous nut. Penn, with “Redskin” and Publix unit, ‘Rainbow Trail,” dropped to around $31,000, not bad, but noth- ing like house has been doing. Un- doubtedly felt effects of Stanley’s ballyhoo, “Bridge of San Luis Rey” in this week and highbrows all excited. Probably the real standard of the week, however, was “Broadway Melody” in its third week at the Al- dine. Picture didn’t show a dent from second week, clicking off around $22,000, hardly a noticeable drop from previous week’s takings. “Hearts in Dixie” was set for this week, but after the first few day’s “Dixie” was shelved and “Melody” stays, Picture could easily continue for three more weeks. Matinees, al- ways bad at this stand, pulling just the same as nights. “The Letter” proved a natural for the Grand and clicked off around $21,500 on its first six days. Excellent surrounding Vitaphone program also helped. Run policy, with highest movie scale in town, seems to be clicking. “Letter” stays for another six days, Universal’s “Show Boat” be- ing set to follow. Estimates for Last Week Stanley (Stanley-WB) (3,600; 25- 35-60)—“Wolf Song,” sound (Par). New stage idea gave house best gross in months at $38,500; just about $14,000 over previous six days; stage, and all its advance ballyhoo, responsible; picture took lacing from critics, two hours and 30 minutes of show. Penn (Loew’s-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 60-75)—“Redskin,” round (Par) and Publix unit. Gave house unevent- ful week around $31,000; unit be- ing too similar to feature hurt; a long time since they didn’t have to wait in line here on a de luxe show. Aldine (Loew’s) (1,900; 25-35-50) —“Broadway Melody,” dialog (M- G). Maintained pace in third week, claiming near $22,000; stays an- other six days; first time a picture has been held beyond two weeks here, Grand (Stanley-WB) (2,000; 50- 75)—The Letter,” dialog (Par). Clicked solidly in first week for around $21,500; when they talk about a picture here, it’s out of the ordinary; stays second week, and “Show Boat” (U) follows. Enright (Stanley-WB) (3,500; 25- 35-50-60)—“Queen of Night Clubs, dialog (WB) and Dick Powell stage show. Took it on the chin from critics and East Liberty’s only de luxe house wasn‘t crowing at end of week. ALL-FEMME SHOW WITH HARMONY’ DOES $18,000 Is Toronto’s 2d Holdover— ‘Melody’ $19,000 and Sticks —Pan $13,000 Toronto, April 23. (Drawing Population, 700,000) Weather: Cold “Broadway Melody,” still play- ing six shows a day at the Tivoli, again led the town with $19,000, and is held over. Third successive week for “Melody” being in front and pic- ture looks set for three more weeks. “Weary River” next. Changed shorts on program. “Melody” reported re- turn of many first week fans. Jack Arthur made his Uptown stage show surrounding “Close Har- mony,” an all femme affair, and the result was big. Held over, with holdovers against house rule. But $18,000 big. . Loew’s continued to slip and could only do $10,500 with “Fugitives” after a strong opening. Loew’s has slipped ever since announcement of sound pictures for April 29, while Pantages, which goes sound the same date, has not let the public in on its plans and has held to average biz. Pan collected about $13,000 with “Nothing to Wear,” and opened to SRO Saturday on all-British bill headed by Ella Shields, backed by World Wide picture, “Tommy At- kins.” Due te Saturday opening house gets a two-day break on Loew’s in sound releases and will! spot “Chinatown Nights” (Par), while Loew’s will use “The Duke Steps Out” (M-G). “The Haunted House” did better than most serious efforts of similar type at Shea’s Hippodrome by col- lecting $14,000. Plenty of bad news for picture men with daylight saving and base- ball opening next week and seven weeks of racing almost immediately afterward, Neighborhoods were strong, legit weak, and stock fair, Estimates for Last Week Tivoli (FP)—“Broadway Melody,” dialog (MG) (1,400; 35-65). Led town for third successive week at $19,000; again held over; playing six daily. Uptown (FP)—“Close Harmony,” dialog (Par) (3,000; 30-60). Opened to standing room and built steadily due to all girl revue; $18,009. Hippodrome (FP)—“Haunted House,” sound (Par). Plenty of laughs and counted more than aver- age at this house where tHe real ap- peal is on stage; good enough at $14,000. Pantages (FP)—‘“Nothing to Wear” (3,400; 30-60). Fair enough at $13,000; sound announcement sprung suddenly for next week here. Loew’s—"Fugitives” (2,300; 30- 60). Showed slight improvement over last week at $10,500. “Betrayal” $16,400, 6 Days; Jannings’ New Film Seattle, April 23, (Drawing Population, 500,000) Weather: Fair; Some Rain Past week nothing to rave about, as town and all theatres seemed to concentrate on the opening this week of new Fox Mayflower theatre. As a rule, bigger attractions were booked to combat. Mary Pickford was real hit in “Coquette” at the Blue Mouse. Fifth Avenue was off and the Seattle bet- tered with Singer’s Midgets, closing Publix stage show for this town. Orpheum improved with Photophone on first week, sound being liked. Estimates for Last Week Seattle (Pub) (3,106; 25-60) — “Betrayal” (Par). Emil Jannings publicized, but Singer’s - Midgets heavily ballyhooed; $16,400 oke for six days. Fifth Ave, (Fox) (2,500; 25-60)— “Voice of thé City” (M-G). Not so bad; Max Bradfield back as m. ec. after week in South; $18,100. Coliseum (Fox) (1,800; 25)— “What a Night” (Par). Price cut to straight two bits; first run and wired; only one in town at this price; $4,600. Columbia (U) (1,000; 25-35)— “Canary Murder Case,” dialog (Par). Second run; did better than any recent picture; $3,000. Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (950; 50- 75)—"Coquette,” dialog (UA). In for run and great first week; line outside all evening; Pickford talk all over town; $16,000 takes all Hamrick records. Music Box (Hamrick) (1,000; 50- 75)—“The Rescue” (UA). Second week fair; plugging for “Show Boat” (U); $4,000; very bad. Winter Garden (U Chain) (650; 25). “The Kid’s Clever’ (U). Fair at $2,750. Pantages (1,500; 25-69)—“Dono- van Aair,” dialog (Col). Talkers go good at this vaude house; $6,900. Orpheum (2,700; 25-$1)—Leath- erneck,” dialog (Pathe). First talker in this vaude house; RCA wire; $11,900; okay, Fox Battles in Philly With Stage Shows for $32,000 Philadelphia, April 23. Cold, raw weather and enough rain to keep Philadelphians in the city, combined with a likely array of pictures, meant generally good business in the film houses last week. Sensation of the last two or three weeks has been the stage pro- grams at the Fox. Last week’s bill, excluding the picture, lasted almost three hours. Headliners last week were Blossom Seeley, Harry Fox and Joe Herbert and his Broadway Rebels, a revue in itself. Picture was “Not Quite Decent.” Combina- tion was naturally a mop-up, but it is hard to see how it meant much profit at around $32,000, Obvious reasons for the Fox cam- paign is the new Mastbaum. This house, however, is not going in for names at all, and is getting by on strength of just being a new house. Last week the Mastbaum had “Bel- lamy Trial” and its usual varied stage bill for about $51,000. Stanley, which these days is bill- ing Charlie Melson, m. c., more prominently than their film, had a good week with “Desert Nights,” figured at $30,000. “Canary Murder Case,” at the Stanton, tapered off in third snd last week to around $11,000, but even that was strong, considering length of stay. “Iron Mask” now playing. “Broadway Melody” is still run- ning smoothly at the Boyd and ought to complete six weeks with- out trouble. Averaging around $20,- 000 now. “Speakeasy” was held in for an additional week at the Fox- Locust because the Fox mob couldn’t make up their mind about its suc- cessor. Down to around $9,000, “Noah’s Ark” has developed some weaknesses at the Aldine, notably at matinees. Not quite $17,000 last week. Aldine will probably close after this engagement for the summer, Mastbaum, Stanley, Boyd, Fox and Stanton will probably be the only five that will try for summer con- tinuance. Estimates for Last Week Mastbaum. (4,800; 40-50-75)— “Bellamy Case,” dialog (M-G). Pic- turization of detective thriller well liked; bill up to average; grosses have not varied much since house opened; around $51,000. Stanley (3,700 35-50-75)—‘“Desert Nights,” sound (M-G). John Gilbert not critically liked, but star’s draw helped; so did stage bill; close to $30,000 claimed. Stanton (1,700; 35-50-75)—"“Ca- nary Murder Case,” dialog (Par) (3d week). Taken off last week, al- though it might easily have made it a month’s run; “Iron Mask” (UA) in for run; “Canary” got almost $11,000, good for third week. Fox (3,000; 90)—"Not Quite De- cent,” dialog (Fox). Picture not particularly strong draw, but stage bill a corker; claimed over $32,000, Fox-Locust (1,800; $1)—"“Speak- egsy,” dialog (Fox). Held an addi- tional week for lack of successor; below $9,000. Boyd (2,400; 40-50-75)—‘“Broad- way Melody,” dialog (M-G). Per- haps not the sensation here as in New York, but very strong; looks good for five or six weeks; near $20,500. Aldine (1,500; $1-$2) —“Noah’s Ark,” dialog (WB) (3d week). This one good but not as strong as it might be; using plenty of extra ad- vertising to bolster matinees early part of week; doubtful if it can stick eight weeks; $17,000 reported. “Harmony” $33,600, St.L.; $25,050 for “Duke,” State St. Louis, April 23. (Drawing Population, 1,025,000) Weather: Cool and Clear Generally good pictures helped the theatres hold their own last week, Week got off to a bad start with rain all day Sunday. Fox made an extra effort in a bally for “Hearts in Dixie.” Texas Guinan publicity of preceding week helped “Queen of Night Clubs” at Grand Central, which gave preview showing of “Show Boat” Friday night at $2. Estimates for Last Week Ambassador (3,000; 35-50-65-75) —“Close Harmony,” dialog (Par). Sure hit; $33,600. Fox (6,000; 35-75)—“Hearts in Dixie,” dialog (Fox). Artistic film classed as a novelty; good stage show; under $30,000. Loew’s State (3,300; 25-35-65)— “Duke Steps Out,” sound (M-G),. Swift college comedy and shorts; $25,050. Missouri (3,800; 35-50-65-75)— “His Captive Woman,” dialog (FN). Harry Rose’s stage show; $23,600. Grand Central (1,700; 50-75)— “Queen of the Night Clubs,’ dialog (W. B.). No show Friday with pre- view of “Show Boat” (U) that night.

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a Se el ae ee Wednesday, April 24, 1929 PICTURE GROSSES VARIETY 9 “Eyes” Brought $106,000 to Roxy's: “Duke” Set Capitol at $91,600-H. 0.; New $2 Specials Do Very Well A suniless week helped the picture houses. Capitol apparently got the best break in the spurt when “Duke Steps Out” stood ‘em up for $91,600, plenty heavy on this corner. Marked a jump of $21,000 for the house, with the Roxy also leaping ahead a similar amount by getting $106,000 for “Thru Different Eyes.” “Hole in the Wall” stepped up the Para- mount’s pulse a bit at $68,200, while “Weary River’ had a fine first week at the Strand for $46,700. Both the Capitol and Strand are holding over. New $2 contestants got away nicely after each had slapped $11 on its opening night tickets. “Rain- bow Man” has Eddie Dowling mak- ing personals on all performances. Following a Tuesday night debut it had $13,400 in the till at the end of the first week. That’s neat busi- ness, with the house capable of about $21,000 on a full week. “Show Boat” took a slap on its length at the premiere and, exclusive of the first night, nailed $7,800 on three days and $10,400 counting every- thing. Picture is generally well re- garded and deemed to have a good chance to build, as 1,600 feet already have been cut. “The Letter” finished a respect- able six weeks at the ‘Criterion to $9,400, and the house is dark until Friday, when “Innocents of Paris” (Par) arrives. “Cocoanuts” almost made the Criterion, but execs de- cided to send it into the Rialto, where it will follow “Close Har- mony,” “Wild Party’s” successor. “Coquette” had a satisfactory sec- ond week in divping $9,000 under a heavy getaway for $37,000. Picture will do four weeks, with “Eternal Love,” John Barrymore’s final for UA, next in line. Bow film, at the Rialto, is down to $28,600, so “Har- mony” arrives Saturday. Hippodrome finished its two weeks of “Syncopation” to around $26,000 on a final eight days, house now being turned over to the Pas- sion Play Players. “Godless Girl’ terminated three weeks at the Cameo short of $5,000. “Leather- necks” opened Saturday to a good start. “Mary Dugan” continues smertly at the Embassy, above $9.- 000, but “Christina” is gasping, and Fox’s “Follies” can come in any time to the Gaiety. 31 Weeks for “Fool” “Singing Fool” has become a memory in having quietly departed after outdistancing the mob for 31 weeks. Closing figure at the Harris was aboyt one-ninth of what it opened to at the Winter Garden those eight months ago. It’s a Broadway stay the talkers are apt to shoot at for a long time, with nothing now on the street likely to beat it. “Broadway Melody” prob- ably has the best chance, and claimed $24,000 for its 10th Astor week. “Alibi” is doing well for itself at short of $16,000 in the 44th Street. Recent $2 competition is pretty tough with no discharge from the war as others are on their way here. U. A. hasn't decided whether it will hold on to this site or not. “Alibi” will go six or eight weeks. “Divine Lady” is down to $12,200 at War- ners and “Desert Song” (WB) is announced here May 1. “Noah's Ark” staggered from a $15,700 blow at the Winter Garden and will have to wage a tough fight for life with nothing named to follow and some warm weather overdue. “His Captive Woman” is keeping fts head above water at the Cen- tral for $11,200, while the Colony eontinues to hang around or achieve five figures by a small margin. Last week with “The Charlatan” was about $10,500. Estimates for Last Week Astor—“Broadway Melody” dialog (M-G) (1,120; $1-$2) (11th week). Holding more than its own against incoming tide; 10th week claimed just short of $24,000. Cameo —“ Godless Girl” dialog (Pathe) (549; 50-75). Climaxed three weeks under $5,000; fair run dipping sharply after initial week; “Leathernecks” (Pathe) current and away to good business and notices. Capitol—“The Duke Steps Out” sound (M-G) (4,620; 35-50-75-$1- $1.50). Surprised sparkling valley by skyrocketing house to $91,600" $21,000 bound over “Orchids” sec- ond week; house rarely gets this high and feature obviously holds over. Central—"‘His Captive Woman” dialog (FN) (922; $1-$2) (4th week). Theatre's $2 career of late has been happy; no wild cheering for present occupant but steady trade neither over feeding or starving b. o.; $11,- 200 satisfactory. Colony—“‘The Charlatan” dialog (U) (1,980; 50-75-$1). Not strong enough to move house, running in circles for months; about $10,500. Criterion—“ The Letter” dialog (Par) (862; $1-$2). Closed fair six weeks to $9,400 and moves over to Paramount this Saturday! “Inno- cents of Paris” (Par) opens Friday with Maurice Chevalier personally on tap at premiere. Embassy—“Mary Dugan” dialog (M-G) (596; $1-$2) (4th week). No complaints and reports $9,106; going along steadily since opening. 44th St.—“Alibi” dialog (UA) (1,- 323; $1-$2) (3d week). Deemed good picture making by trade and public and doing all right between $15,000 and $16,000. Gaiety—“Christina” sound (Fox) (808; $1-$2) (4th week). Having its troubles; Fox “Follies” due here. Globe—“Show Boat,” dialog (U) (1,418; $1-$2) (2d week). Opened Wednesday night (April 17), over- board on length; impressed trade favorably byt took some outside raps which hurt following day’s re- ceipts; bounded back Friday and $7,800 on three days—$10,400 if counting $11 premier; trimmed 1,600 feet now and maybe more to come out; well thotght of with uphill struggle ahead because of heavy footage start. Harris—‘Singing Fool,’ dialog (WB) (1,101; $1-$2). Down to $5,- 100 in 3lst week and out; target talkers can aim at; “Madame X” (M-G) opens here tonight (Wednes- day). Hippodrome—“Syncopation,” dia- log (Radio) (4,200; 25-50-75) (3d week). Got in eight days on sec- ond week for $26,000; house dark until Passion Players arrive, 29; $56,600 on fortnight. Paramount—“Hole in the Wall,” dialog (Par) (3,666; 40-65-75-85-$1). Came back little fer $68,200; house plugging heavily for Rudy Vallee’s debut this Saturday with “The Let- ter” on screen; “Nothing But the Truth” away to strong current start for Dix film, his first talker. Rialto—“Wild Party,” dialog (Par) (1,904; 35-50-85-$1) (4th week). Eased down; $28,600 means run will end this week, “Close Harmony” (Par) coming in Saturday, with “Cocoanuts” (Par), Marx Brothers, following. Rivoli—“Coquette,” dialog (UA) (2,200; 35-50-85-$1) (3d week). Held up nicely for $37,000 but will retire after fourth week in favor of “Eter- nal Love” (UA), John Barrymore, May 4. Roxy—“Thru Different Eyes,” dialog (Fox) (6,205; 50-75-$1-$1.50). Tore off neat figure at $106,100; nor- mal for house but $21,000 jump from previous week; “Donovan Affair,” Columbia, Saturday. Selwyn—“Rainbow Man,” dialog (Sono-Art) (1,167; $1-$2) (2d week). Eddie Dowling making personals at every performance; started Tues- day night (April 16), to fanfare $11 premier of typicai Dowling propa- ganda; $13,400 nice on initial week and believed Par will generally re- lease film due to George Weeks’ con- nection; got pre-opening raves from trade press, which were included in souvenir programs. Strand—“Weary River,” dialog (FN) (2,900; 35-50-65-75) (2d week) Excellent week at $46,700 after healthy Central run; holds over; “Singing Fool” (WB), here May 4, with “Saturday’s Children” (FN), next. Warners—“Divine T.ady,” sound (FN) (1,360; $1-$2) (5th week). Not important at $12,200, and “Desert Song.” WB operetta, announced for May 1. Winter Garden—‘“Noah’s Ark,” dialog (WB) (1,494; $1-$2-$3) (7th week). Took heavy slap in getting but $15,700; drastic plunge which means emergency measures or sub- stitution. Picture has already been heavily and well exploited; much too low for comfort but nothing named as probable successor. $9,900 Leads Tacoma Tacoma, April 23. (Drawing Population, 125,000) Weather: Fair Average offerings brought aver- age returns. Pantages had “Square Shoulders,” with the house now wired. Helped the draw, but off from week before at that. Blue Mouse had “No Defense,” and expects more with “Show Boat” opening day and date next with Seattle. Rialto clicked fairly well with “Close Harmony.” Estimates for Last Week Pantages (1,500; 25-50)—“Square Shoulders,” dialog (Pathe). With vaude fair; $5,900. Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (650; 50- 75)—“No - Defense,” dialog” (WB). Did $5,200. Rialto (Fox) (1,250; 25-50) — “Close Harmony,” dialog (Par). Okay at $4,800. Colonial (Fox) (850; 25-50)—“Be- hind German Lines,” sound. Busi- ness building, but no jam; $3,600. JOSEPH CHERNIAVSKY Who synchronizes and scores all Universal pictures. The “Film Mercury,” March 29, 1929, said: “Joseph Cherniavsky is to be singled out for praise by virtue of one of the best musical synchronizations that the screen has had since the advent of sound. His score was effective without intrud- ing itself upon the audience.” Wrote “Love Sings a Song in My Heart,” the love melody for Univer- sal’s “Showboat.” “COQUETTE” SURPRISES IN 2D WEEK—$13,600 Minneapolis, April 23. (Drawing Population, 500,000) Weather: Favorable Box office honors last week went to “Speakeasy,” “Simba,” “Co- quette” and a dramatic stock com- pany doing “An American Tragedy.” Latter two were in their second week. With its daring and frank dialog, “Tragedy,” at the Shubert, was the talk of the town and drew approximately $14,500, absolutely capacity at $1 top for the fortnight run. Show got more money the second week than it did the first. “Coquette” proved considerable of a surprise in its second and fina) week. After a comparatively disap- pointing first week it went great guns during its final seven days at the State, indicating word-of-mouth boosting. First week was $17,800 and around $13,600 passed over the counter the second week. That's more than “Iron Mask” pulled at oF. same house over a similar pe- riod. “Speakeasy,” at Pantages, dis- played a hefty wallop. Boosted the theatre to near $10,000, splendid for this house, about $2,000 under “Old Arizona.” Lyric also goaled ’em with “Simba.” Great lobby and front display helped to lure $5,800 at 35-cent prices. Disappointments were “Wolf Song,” at the Minnesota, and “Syn- copation” at the MHennepin-Or- pheum. Former provoked mixed comment, despite a splendid Pub- lix unit, for a sharp tumble to un- der $22,400, bad for this house Heavy and good exploiting for “Syncopation” and picture seemed to be liked. Vaude had Irene Frank- lin, Bert Gordon and _ Louise Squires, yet returns were under ex- pectations. About $14,500 mark, far from hot. Estimates for Last Week Minnesota (F. & # R.-Publix) (4,200; 75)—“Wolf Song,” sound (Par) and Publix unit. Opinions sharply divided on film; stage show excellent; Benchley’s “Sex Life of Polyp,” also on bill; trade skidded badly; $22,400 not good here. State (F. & R.-Publix) (2,300; 60) —“Coquette,” dialog (UA) (2d week), and stage show. Seemed to have flivved first week with only $17,800, but exceeded all expecta- tions by bringing fortnight total to respectable level; $13,600 very good on holdover; pfeture excep- tionally well liked. Hennepin-Orpheum (R-K-O) (2,890; 50-60)—‘“Syncopation,” dia- log (Radio) and vaude. Picture ex- ploited on a tremendous scale and apparently gave satisfaction, but failed to display much drawing punch; vaude mildly satisfactory; around $14,500 under expectations Pantages (Pantages) (1,600; 25- 50)—“‘Speakeasy,” dialog (Fox), and vaude. Picture a magnet, started like a houseafire, but slowed down during latter part of week; about $10,000, very fine. Lyric (F. & R.-Publix) (1,300; 35) —‘Simba.” Second loop run; fine showmanship helped for near $5,800; encrmous for house at low scale. Shubert (Bainbridge stock) (1,400; 35-$1)—“An American Tragedy” (2a week). Seduction scene drew fans and fanettes and had entire town talking; turned away cus- tomers at every performance; about $7,700, makes $14,500 for two ea- pacity weeks; tremendous. ‘Ark’ Jumps to $18,300 on 2d Chi Wk; ‘Speakeasy’ $40,000 and ‘Truth’ $46,000 “FLYING FLEET” HOPS PALACE OVER $20,000 is $6,000 Jump—“Wild Party” Also $20,000—Fox Down to $18,000—“Melody” $15,000 Washington, April 23. (White Population, 450,000) Weather: Cold and Rain Clara Bow and her “Wild Party” brought joy to the Earle after that same house hadn't been doing so well in the past with the “it” pic- tures. Started as if to bust the rec- ord, but cooled off. “Broadway Mel- ody” goes merrily on its way at the Columbia. Third week getting plenty with possibility of two more. “Canary Murder Case” got busi- ness for the Met and is being held over. Novarro, in “Flying Fleet,” again proved himself an excellent draw for the Palace. Victor Mc- Laglen’s “Strong Boy” was not so hot for the Fox. Rialto got back in the running last night with “Show Boat” at $2 each. Now, at regular scale, though, Estimates for Last Week Columbia (Loew) — “Broadway Melody,” dialog (M-G) (1,232; 35- 50). Third week to a _ reported $15,000; very good. Earle (Stanley-Crandall)—“Wild Party,” dialog (Par) (2,244; 35-50). Started for record, but eased off: got $6,000 more than usual, at $20,- 000. Fox (Fox)—‘“Strong Boy,” sound (Fox) and stage show (3,434; 35- 50-75). McLaglen doesn’t get them at matinees here; slightly over $18,- 000. Met (Stanley-Crandall)—*“Canary Murder Case,” dialog (Par) (1,585; 35-50). Got enough to go another week; maybe $15,000. Palace (Loew)—‘“Flying Fleet,’ sound (M-G) and stage show (2,363; 35-50). Novarre always gets money for this house; last week just over $20,000; Annapolis locale helps in this district, too. Reformers Celebrate No Sundays in Baltimore Baltimore, April 23. (Drawing Populat’on, 850,000) Weather: Heavy Rain With all hope of local Sunday movies dead for another two years, the Lord’s Day Alliance held a cele- bration at a local hotel Thursday night to gloat over the demise. Two hundred sat in at the wake. Four nights of Metropolitan Op- era furnished the opposition last week. Add to this a 42-hour rain beginning Monday, and no wonder business was under previous week’s figures, Among the few downtown houses to make an impressive showing was the New, with “Strong Boy.” Rivoli wags also up somewhat with “Show Folks,” but not big. Parkway, with “Desert Nights,” slightly bettered. Elsewhere receipts were . off. “Wolf Song,” at the Century, fol- lowing a good opening, was damp- ened by the rain and never fully re- covered. “The Letter,” at the Stan- ley, slipped $3,000 below “Wild Party.” The Valencia, making his- tory by holding over “Broadway Melody” for a third consecutive downtown week, came through nicely. Estimates for Last Week Century (Loew) “Wolf Song,” sound (Par) (3,200; 25-60). Started promisingly, but heavy rain Monday night and all through Tuesday crip- pled; however, $20,000, not bad. Stanley (Loew-Stanley-Crandall) “The Letter,” dialog (Par) (3,600: 25-60) Eagels isn't a real picture house name here; mixed notices, al- though film generally liked by cus- tomers; around $16,000, fair. New (M. Mechanic) “Strong Boy” (Fox) (1,800; 25-50). First McLag- len film at this stand to click since “Glory”; well liked and business up; about $8,000, Rivoli (Wilson Amusement Co.) “Show Folks” (2,100; 25-60). Liked and had fair week minus fireworks. Valencia (Loew-UA) Melody,” dialog (M-G) (1,500; 25- 50). Third consecutive downtown week, second in this elevator house; still about tripling average busi- ness in this theatre at $9,500. Parkway (Loew-UA) “Desert Nights,” sound (M-G) (1,000; 15-35). Slightly better than previous week. but still below house average: in opera neighborhood and caters to a ritzy clientele; about $3,500. “Broadway Chicago, April 23. Weather: Fair and Rain Good theatre weather up to Fri- day. It sponsored some fast starts, but a couple of them petered pretty abruptly. “Noah's Ark” got a poor send-ofi from the critics and its $16,00( starter showed that the uncompli- mentary reviews hurt a bit. But last week, its second, gross jumped $2,300 to $18,300 as a result of word- of-mouth and expert press agenting. Despite the accepted opinion that this isn’t a $2 picture town “Ark” has hit a nice stride. State-Lake has taken a shot of pep with its new wiring and last week climbed to $30,000 with “Leatherneck.” The Chicago war among the unfortunates, dropping to $46,000 with “Nothing But the Truth” despite some good exploita- tion. Oriental went up to $40,000 with “Speakeasy,” a neat booking for this jazzy house. After a sensa- tional $48,000 opening at McVick- er’s “Broadway Melody” dropped to $40,500 last week, less than the nor- mal amount of skidding done by run pictures here. “Iron Mask,” holding United Artists’ record at $47,000 on opening, completed five weeks with a final $17,000 tally. “Coquette” went in Friday. Hurt by rain, but still showing indications of a snappy first week. “Wild Party” finished three weeks at the Roosevelt to consistent good strength and closed at $19,000. “My Man” in Saturday “Sin Sister” was above average at the Monroe with $5,160, and “Hardboiled Rose” just normal at the Orpheum. Estimates for Last Week Chicago (Publix) — “Nothing but the Truth,” dialog (Par) and stage show (4,400; 50-75). House dropped $4,000 under previous week at $46,- 000; not good for Dix. McVicker’s (Publix) — “Broadway Melody,” dialog (M-G) (1,865; 50- 75) (2d week). At $40,500, very good; opening was $48,00C. t Monroe (Fox) — “Sin Sister,” Good, with sound (1,000; 60-75). $5,100. Oriental (Publix) — “Speakeasy,” dialog (Fox) and “Wedding Bells” unit (3,500; 50-75). What the younger crowd liked; near its old- time pace, $40,000, Orpheum (WB) — “Hardboiled Rose,” dialog (WB) (760; 50). Av- erage at $7,600. Roosevelt (Publix)—“Wild Party,” dialog (Par) (1,500; 50-75). Bow talker lasted three weeks, opening strong at $28,000 and closing to $19,000. State-Lake (RKO) — “Leather- neck,” dialog (Pathe), and vaude (2,700; 25-75). High $30,000 for film and good vaude. “United Artists” (UA) — “Tron Mask,” sound (UA) (1,700; 50-75). Fifth and last week, $17,000; topped house record with $47,000 on open- ing; “Coquette” (UA) in. Woods (Shubert)—“Noah’s Ark,’ dialog (WB) (1,257; $1.50-$2). Went to $18,300 in second week after $16,000 start; public comment has overcome slaps from critics. “Syncopation”’ $29,000: Frisco Generally Off San Francisco, April 23. (Drawing Population, 762,000) Weather: Fair Lynn Cowan made his debut ars musical director and m. c. at the Warfield Friday. Seemed to be a revival of interest with the opening of the new shows. Following’ a somewhat draggy week for most of the theatres, a gleam of hope for improvement sprang up with changes of bill. Warfield led the field last week, although there was a falling off in receipts. California showed a gain for the first week of “The Letter.” The Davies, after three weeks of “Sonny Boy,” last Thursday changed to “Queen of the Night Clubs.” Estimates for Last Week Warfield (Fox-Loew) (2,672; 50- 65-90)—“‘Syncopation,” dialog (Ra- dio). Got off to a good start but biz fell off; fell to $29,000. Granada (Publix) (2,698; 35-50- 65-$1)—“‘Betrayal” (Par). Only fair; $22,700. California (Publix) (2,200; 35-50- 65-90)—“The Letter,’ dialog (Par). Picked up and week closed to about $23,500. St. Francis (Publix) (1,375: 35- 50-65-90)—“Doctor’s Secret,”. dialog (Par). Took big toboggan; ran only one week for second time on Market street; $5,300. Embassy (Wagnon) (1,375; 50-65- 90)—“Glad Rag Doll,” dialog (WB) Begin second week with receipts for first week about $12,500. Marion Davies (Wagnon)—“Sonny Roy,” dialog (WB). Gross about $9,500. OY OS TE oR Rane we Oe -

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70 cmbhammeer ae 4 10 VARIETY Wednesday, April 24, 1929 =_— Ageressive Bull Cliques Push - Amusements Ahead; Par at 69 Practically all the amusements moved ahead over the week, meet- ing the first opposition yesterday when tightening of money and real- izing checked them at new highs on the movement. Warner Bros. led the climb, beginning late last week, but Paramount, advancing more cautiously, held its gains better. Individual movements were en- tirely professional, each stock’s behavior reflecting only the temper of the clique behind it. At the best levels yesterday Warners stood at 117%, Par at 69%, Loew at 64 and Shubert at 62%, an average of around 10 points above the bottoms of two weeks back. Wall street has been full of pretty wild talk lately concerning picture stock prospects. Paramount showed $1.60 net a share for first quarter operations, and this was made the basis of predictions that the second quarter would show $3, although show business knows that May and June normally reflect a distinct slowing down at the box office. ; Warner Talk Stories were afloat that Warners had in mind a new association, nature and benefits of which were very vague. Another tale sought to make it appear that strong in- terests were in a campaign of ac- cumulation in Radio-Keith. Prob- ability of Warners expanding at this time is rather far fetched. Con- cern has done a good deal of ex- panding already and a period of ad- justment would seem more reason- able. Any idea of accumulating Radio-Keith is in the nature of a gag, particularly at this minute when the people who have accum- ulated supplies of the stock would be glad to get them distributed. Radio is up from around 24 to 31%, the advance probably repre- senting the two usual elements of covering by shorts and efforts of the banks to get the stock back to a level where it can continue its pro- gram of getting it spread around in public hands. Short covering also contributed to the recovery in War- ner Bros. Warners gets play on breaks like that of last week to around 100. Yesterday it looked as though the in-and-out traders were realizing,’ but the selling of that character was well absorbed. It may be that a sleeping short inter- est still lingers in the stock. Stanley New Offer There was a.brisk upturn in Sitan- ley on minor dealings, due to re- ports of a new offer from Warner for the remaining stock which was withheld in the first exchange Stanley had gone to 26, but on re- ports Warners would propose an Yesterday’s Prices Leading Amusements Sales. High, Low. Last. Che. 4000 Am Seat. 41 39% 41 +1 27000 C.n Film 30% 2 29% 20300 Fox ..... 98% 91 92% +1% 1300 Loew ... 64 63 63 16500 Par ..... 69% 68% 69 +% 10200 Radlo-K.. 31% 3046 30%— % 600 Ehub .... 62% 60 eo - a 200 Stanley... 38% 38% 38% —.% 13000 Warner...117% 114% 114% —1% exchange of three Stanley for one Warner, it moved up to parity on that basis, or 38 or thereabouts. American Seating was another that showed strength, advancing more than 3 on dealings in 4,500 shares Monday and another point yesterday. Anticipation of better income statement is behind the improved feeling here. Same is true of Consolidated Film Indus- tries, in which talk is heard of re- tirement of the preferred. With the senior stock out of the way, net on the common would be better than $2 a share. Loew's is neglected while Fox shows signs of determined support. Fox yesterday crossed 93, a new high since the purchase of Loew, when it went above 98. Rumor per- sists that Fox will offer Fox The- atres for the minority of Loew stock at two Fox Theatres for one Loew. Loew holders would, of course, de- cline any such tender at this time, but Loew quotations nevertheless continue to held close to that basis. Fox Thectres on the Curb has done almost nothing, ruling close to 29-30 and very much reduced in point of turnover, since its break from 38. Lay Off, Is Advice Generally conservaive banking ad- vice—and brokerage dope likewise— tends to discourage speculation for an advance now. Credit situation seems much improved, but public enthusiasm has been completely wet-blanketed. Last seven days the market has looked better than itis. Brisk advances have appeared but they are mostly in high priced issues—rich men’s stocks beyond the reach of the generality, such as Industrial Alcohol, Tel. & Tel., ex- press shares and costly utilities. Day by day tape records new tops for these, but right slong there have been about as many new bottoms for stocks in which the public is shut in as involuntary investors, like Schulte. With all their improvement of the past week, the amusements are still appreciably below the top levels at which there was a good deal of out- s'"e speculative play—around 80 for Loew; 128 for Warner and 95 for Fox. Summary for week ending Saturday, April 20: STOCK EXCHANGE 1929-——. Net High. Low. Sales. Issue. and rate, High. Low. last. Chge 41% ‘ 2,500 American Seat (3)...sccesesssesee 30% 85% 3% + 28% 25 12,100 Consol, Film pfd. (2).sescssessesecs 27 26 26 +1% 194% 170 - 2,600 Eastman Kodak (8)...... eevee oo 177% 170 177% +7™% B44. 58% 18,000 Loew (8). ..scsccvvcssccesoscceses 64% 60% 63% + % 110% 98 500 Do pref. (GB). .cccescccereccccese 100% 99% 100% +% 46% 25 1,200 Keith .......csse08 ecccce ccocccsees 81% W% 31% +3% 138 9414 900) 3 =Do pref. (7).csceeseees oreveesen 108% 99% 107% +13% 109% 684 @1,900 Radio Corp....cessacccss soocsecs 104% 93% 101% +6% 101 82 23,100 Fox Class A (4).....00+ sessceess 91% 86 89% +2 24 18\% 1,900 Madison Square Garden (2)..... 19% 19 19% 24 900 Met-G-M pref. (1,89).... cssseee 26 25% 2555 43% 26 4,000 Stanley ..ccccccsccccaccccccccverce 38 28 38 +8 4355 12% 4,900 Motion Picture Cap. (3).....+ses- 40 37 89 +1 72 55% 99,500 Paramount-Fam-Lasky (3)...... «> 67% 6345 67 +2 14% 7% 29,800 Pathe Exchange.......ssesssesees 11% 10% 10% -- 30 1344 3.400 Pathe Class A.....-ccesess Seccce 3% 21% ~7 74% 54% Cee MOR Gicch cc - ccecnestbbosscoeve 62% 55% 60%4 +5% 46% 19 GE Wee MOMS, sc ccicsccvcedss kde ecco” 88% 27% 31 +2% 93 84% 130 Universal pref. (8)..ccscccccccces » 86% 84% 864% -+2% 97 1,131.100 Warner Bros.. ......-. eaecccccee A17% 102 117% =+13% 5914 +4 5,900 De pref. (2.90)... .ccccscscccs ecss§ B1% 47% 51% “+4 CURB 19 5 19,100 Acoustic Pro......csescsescees ee 6 6% — % 26 18 5,400 Con. Film Bint...c.ececcscccvcces 25 23% 23% —1% 31% 29 Ge. COtGGR Wiles. cccoccccccccccetoce - 80 29 29 -—1 387% 27% 16,500 Fox Theatres.......secceseseeeees 80 27% 29% +1% 26% 14% 18,70 DeForest Radio......... pecessccen 17% 14% 16% +% 4916 28 16D TOGW FEB. cc cccscccccccces eecccse «. 29% 29% 29% —-% 12% 7 500 Nat Thr Sup..... oCeecccceessesoe 12% 12 12% —-% BONDS 97 92% boss CORE Ge, "OB .c ccccedecescccccceves ee ee 8 121% 110% SRGOD LeeW GB, “Al. cccccccccccccsccccce » 112% 111% 112% +1% 100%, 98 3,000 BO GE WEP. cecccccscocece cecose GOH 98 99% +1% &4 78 Be TEENS TR “Bec wcccvccesccecceces » 2% 79 79 —% 1005, PRUE 15,000 Par-Fam-Lasky 68, °47.......++. 99% =~ 98% 99 +% 91% 82 Me | ae vxens euths ‘a or ee pdans ISSUES IN OTHER MARKET Ail Quoted for Monday Over the Counter New York . Quoted in Bia and Asked. 2k 31 Roxy, Class A (3.50)....-...ee0005 80 33 Wht BO. cccccccccsccecccevescces oe 2° 8° B% a eoce Umlt GO... cccccccccsceccccccces o> se ee 8 5 seve De Forest Phonod....scscscesseees se oe se 39 41 obs UMEIOOIOR oc cccccceoes. cosesovece ee ad - Los Angeles es oe 80 Roach, Inec.........2e-s-csveseces 15 15 15 —ik% Montreal oe ee 465 Fam. Piay......+---see-eecesseeee 52 51 61% Hersholt in “Genius” Marian Nixon With WB Los Angeles. April 23. Los Angeles, April 23. Jean Hersholt goes with Para- Marian Nixon has been sig..ed by mount for the title role in “The | Warners under aa exclusive long Genius.” term contract. PICTURE GROSSES iva! 4 on MADELINE GREY In Richard Dix’s picture, “Noth- ing but the Truth,” at the Para- mount, New York, this week. Personal Management M. S. BENTHAM 1664 Broadway, New York PUB UNITS IN STANLEYS Newark, J. C. and Philly on Route— Name Changes West Publix units will play Warner- Stanley houses for the first time when the Branford, Newark and the Stanley, Jersey City, start taking these stage shows May 11. E Units formerly jumped from Brooklyn to the Palace, Washing- ton, but will new hop from Brook- lyn to Newark, to Jersey City, and then to the Stanley, Philadelphia, after which comes Washington. ~ _ Omaha, Aprn 23. Jay ‘Mills, m. e¢. at the Riviera (Publix). leaves here May 2 to al- ternate between the Stanley, Jer- sey City, and the Branford, New- ark, when these latter houses start playing Publix units. The local Riviera and the Capitol, Des Moines, will change their names to Paramount May 10. These two theatres are discontinuing stage shows on this date, but whether permanently or just for the sum- mer is not known. Projection Trouble Minneapolis, April 23. When the State theatre lost its direct current Wednesday night and was unable to run its machines for “Coquette,” or any other picture for two hours, Eloise Rowan, organist, held the greater part of the house until the difficulty was remedied. It-was the second time during the fortnight run of “Coquette” that the house had trouble with its projec- tion. First week a thunder storm put the sound equipment out of commission for more than an hour. West for Fox Los Angeles, Anril 22. Fox is bringing Hugh Sinclair west to appear in “The Man Who Came Back.” "BOSTON JUST $0-SO Met, $37,200 With “Truth”—Me- morial, $23,000—State, $20,000 Boston, April 23. (Drawing Population, 850,000) Weather: Rain Majestic in its first week as a first run sound house, with “Noah's Ark,” ran up a good gross of $15,006 at $1.50 top. First-nighters paid the $2, but price dropped on second night. “Nothing But the Truth” was fair at the Metropolitan with $37,200. Keith Memorial showed “The Shake Down” and Lita Grey Chaplin head- ing the vaude for $23,000. “The Golden Girl,” at Keith Albee, did $20,000. Libby dance unit of 12 girls going over well at this house with vaude. “Bellamy Trial,” at the Orpheum, did $18,000, while “Desert Nights” chalked up $20,000 at the State. Estimates for Last Week Metropolitan (4,000 50-60-75)— “Nothing But the Truth,” dialog (Par). Business fair at $37,200 about $3,000 below normal. Loew’s State (4,000; 50-60)— “Desert Nights,” sound (M-G). So- so at $20,000. * Keith emorial (3,000; 50-$1)— “The Shakedown,” dialog (U), Lita Grey Chaplin heading vaud; off at $23.000. Keith-Albee (3,000; 35-60)—“Gold- en Girl” (Pathe). Not losing at $20,000, Orpheum (3,500; 50-60)—“Bellamy Trial,” dilaog (M-G). $18,000. “DUKE” $25,000, K. C; “TRUTH” GOT $15,000 > Kansas City, April 23. (Drawing Population, 700,000) Kansas City paid $3 for a picture for the first time on the mid-west premier of “Show Boat” at the Royal. Picture ran without a cut for two hours and 30 minutes. Starting today the picture runs in- definitely at 50 and 75 cents, four shows daily. Most surprising feature last week was “The Duke Steps Out” at Loew’s Midland. Following two weeks of “Broadway Melody” it was feared it would suffer, but it proved to the contrary. Saturday opening was better than “Melody.” Main- street, with “The Divine Lady,” held up nicely, and “Nothing but the Truth” drew well at the New- man. (Estimates for Last Week) Loew’s Midland—‘“Duke Steps Out,” sound (M-G) (4,000; 25-35- 50). Laughs for this one and press gave it sweet notices; bill seemed one of the most popular house has given for some time; $25,000. Mainstreet—“Divine Lady,” sound (FH) (3,200; 25-35-50). Some liked some didn’t; did $19,000, oke. Pantages—“The Ghost Talks,’ dialog (FX) (2,200; 25-35-50). Lo- calites interested in picture because Harlan Thompson, formerly dra- matic editor of the Star, is respon- sible for part of story; $11,400, all right. Newman — “Nothing °* ‘*~ the Truth,” dialog (Par) (1,890, 25-40- 60) Dix deemed okay in his first talker; Clark and McCullough in Fox short heiped; $15,000. Royal—“Fancy Baggage,” dialog (WB) (840; 25-40,. Another rum- running picture; $2,000. truly remarkabie, composer of many hits.” The New York “World,” Sunday, April 21, 1929. SCANNING RADIO STATIONS FOR THE WEEK By John Douglas Gordon “Erno Rapee put on a magnificent concert with a huge band last Wednesday night during the Mobiloil Hour. This maestro’s versatility is He can conduct a symphony with as great skill as he can a popular orchestra or band and all this in addition to being a Erno Rapee, Director of Music, Roxy Theatre, New York. Brooklyn Strand Romps To New High—$37,500 Brooklyn, April 23. They finally smashed all house records at the Strand. Entire week saw nothing but standing room, and when they counted up on “Weary River,” the management bowled over with chills, for the figures were $37,500. Other houses didn’t have the same luck. Paramount was socked hard by “Hole in the Wall” for a tiny $46,400. Troublewwas with the picture. Fox had a quiet bill with “Strong Boy” and vaude, while the Metro- politan gave them “The Bellamy Trial” and splendid vaude for a fair enough .... Albee was a lively hangout with the hottest vaude ar- ray seen there in a long while, “The Shakedown” was the film. Estimates for Last Week Paramount—“Hole in the Wall,” dialog (Par) (4,000; 35-50-75). Ane other poor week; $46,400 too low. Strand—“Weary River,” dialog (FN) (2,000; 25-35 - 50-60-75), Knocked them out with high fig- ures; house record broken; picture held another week; $37,500 great for this small house. Fox—"Strong Boy,” dialog (Fox) (4,000; 35-40-50-60-75). Ordinary picture with plenty of vaude; long show. Metropolitan — “Bellamy Trial,” dialog (M-G), and vaude (3,577; 35- 40-50-60-75). Picture well liked and interesting vaude; well attended at $24,900. Albee—"“The Shakedown,” dialog (U), and vaude (3,248; 35-40-50-60- 75). Will Mahoney and Lou Holtz on stage. Vaude gets credit for $26,500. ‘Coquette’ Over ‘Mask’ by $4,500 at Loew’s Syracuse Syracuse, N. Y., April 23. (Drawing Population, 220,000) Weather: Inclement A new Mary Pickford meant more to local fans than a familiar Douge- las Fairbanks. “Coquette” got $22,- 500. at the State last week, while the best “Iron Mask,” its prede- cessor, could do was $18,000. But for the worst kind of weather— everything from snow to rain—the Pickford picture might have equaled “Broadway Melody’s” top of $32,000. “Coquette” established itself as a great matinee draw. Business generally hit by the weather. Keith’s, despite a Sunday business 10 per cent above normal, attributed to the advent of sound, finished with $15,000, Estimates for Last Week Loew’s State (2,908; 25-50)—"Co- quette,” dialog (UA), and vaude, Very good at $22,500, Strand (Ind) (1,600; 20-40)—“Why Be Good?” sound (FN). Did $9,000, above house average. Empire (Ind) (1,491; 25-40) “Hearts in Dixie,” dialog (Fox). 9 F caate bettering first week by Eckel (Schine) (1,446; 35)—“Sins of the Fathers,” sound (Par). Off to $6,500. Keith’s (2,514; 25-50). First week of sound saw $15,000; last week of silent films hit $16,800, but excep- tionally strong waude aided that figure. Porzage Directing Rogers Los Angeles, April 23. Frank Borzage :s to direct “They Had to See Paris,” Will Rogers’ first full length picture under his new Fox contract. Picture is to be made from the original by Homer Croy. “Gob” Getting Dialog Los Angeles, April 23. M-G is preparing to make a soud version of “The Gob,” come« pleted some time ago with William Haines starring. W. L. Rivers is writing the dialog. Bob Welsh Westbound Robert E. Welsh, chief of Unie versal City, returns to the Coast today (Wednesday), after particie pating in conferences on next year’s U plans. Trevor's Radio Agreement Los Angeles, April 23. Hugh Trevor, protege of William LeBaron, signed a five-year optional contract as featured player by Radio. STUME R HIRE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTATIONS O20%S SOBTVUMALS co ee 5S BW. SAO WST. M-V¥1 Ss

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: — Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY 11 _— — —— ae ——_—— — a —————— ——_— ahyy, V/V/V NIV Ns >, a/b | ae > wn o so PREPARE FOR PARADISE! “PREPARE FOR PARADISE” when you play “The Desert Song!” as : PREPARE .for love songs that make women yearn for their lovers! * PREPARE for dancing girls! Houris! Odalisques! Charmers of men! . VW, FORGET anything you know about V4 : records, runs and receipts! MAY F WARNER BROS. THEATRE oe cee PREPARE for the biggest box office picture you have ever seen or heard anywhere! With ALL STAR ALL SINGING ALL TALKING CAST 116 DANCERS 104 SINGERS 104 CHORISTERS 109 MUSICIANS _ * 4 Based on the Story by Otto Harbach, Laurence Schwab, Oscar Hammerstein, 2d, Frank Mandel; with Music by Sigmund Romberg; Scenario by Harvey Gates; Directed by Roy Del Ruth. ibe WuTaP= ulers, ——Will BH. Hays, Presiden

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i 12 VARIETY Wednesday, April 24, 1929 Pe — ~ ye et ane SSS ee —— a — Si ln A i = a lage i a = : 4 ! ‘ ae “The Thinker” as expressed by Rodin ‘4 F. ‘ #3 } Qa oS team 3 Ree q Ya a) 3 q ; hy q i } : » LENTY of thinking going on in this industry today. The future? Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer is the answer! M-G-M product, Sound or Talking or Silent, is the: most reassuring note in the business. “THE BROADWAY MELODY,” a national sensation. “THE TRIAL OF MARY DUGAN” Broadway’s new $2 smash. “THE IDLE RICH” coming. Those three ALL-TALKING pictures are the new Era Road-Show-Size Talkies that make early Talking efforts seem amateurish by comparison. M-G-M’s Movietone Acts are marvelous. Now come HAL ROACH’S great ALL-TALKING COMEDIES with “Our Exhibitors, too, are Thinking today! : mi Gang,” Laurel-Hardy, Charlie Chase and Roach: WILLIAM HAINES GRETA GARBO All-Stars. M-G-M silent pictures are life-saversi THE DUKE STEPS OUT WILD ORCHIDS has broken every weekend is doing sensational. bus to many theatres today. The future? It’s rosy record at Capito ode ness. ig eek on Bway. ‘ rom gee A a Gaareers when it’s secure! There’s one company that oe F Ramon Novarro in “THE FLYING FLEET” insures the future—that’s M-G-M! a“ Y TRIAL” (Talking or Sil | TE ab atne? Cine Geko EXTRA! Laurel-Hardy in their first. ALL-TALKING William Haines in “ALIAS JIMMY VALENTINE” COMEDY “‘Unaccustomed As We Are’’ is now playing with $2 (Talking or Silent) gun of ‘Broadway Melody” at Columbia Theatre San Francisco. Ramon Novarro in**THE PAGAN” (He sings !) Lon Chaney in “WHERE EAST IS EAST’’ Willard Mack in “VOICE OF THE CITY”’ (All Talking or Silent) and More! More! More! METRO-GOLDWYN-& Firm and Foremost wee Prey 5 Se SSE ee ree eee 2 Tr EET ———— eg tory aoe ~ ~ -

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929 , FILM REVIEWS

Talking Shorts

*BELLE OF SAMOA” Clark and McCullough starred—Lois Moran featured FOX MOVIETONE 17 Mins.; Musical Comedy Cameo, New York Lois Moran, talking, singing; dancing and undressed, is the only attraction in this Fox Movietone short of 17 minutes without Fox's name having been billed on the Cameo program in connection. Any drawing power Clark and McCul- lough may locally have should help, but the comedy team neither does nor says anything important or funny in this film. Miss Moran, played up heavily enough in the smaller burgs, should turn the trick. She looks good, of course, and better in the cooch dancing costume of little, and that only where necessary. Her native dance isn’t a cooch, just a mild sug- gestion, but her song, “Samoa,” as sung by her, okay. If that’s her voice Lois must be set for the Fox musicals. This is said to be a snatched out of Fox’s “Movietone Follies.” If it were in that talking musical, without the comedians, it should have been left in. This num- ber bit of a harem in color would have added a kick to any picture. For there's a real coocher in it, be- sides a load of girls. Were Clark and McCullough in- serted, that then meant an easy short for Fox, though the two men don't help it. There is money chang- ing in the old burlesque style, and both are threatened by an execu- tioner with a travesty axe for bust- ing into the harem, also old bur- lesque stuff. This old burlesque material had better be more care- fully sifted by the comics who know so much about it. They probably have a trunk or two full of old bits and Dr. Dippy afterpieces. In the production way this short fs all right. Filo and Her Samoan Dancers also programed. Sime. number LOWELL SHERMAN “Nearly Divorced” M-G-M-MOVIETONE 21 Mins.; Sketch Loew’s Elsmere, Bronx Society playlet almed for class in a distinctive comedy vein. Sputters and fizzles long before it finishes. Lowell Sherman, with an effective blonde and another character actor whose appearance in a similar role with Norma Shearer in “Trelawney of the Wells,” was excellent. All contribute finished and telling per- formance. Directorial wand is responsible for the uneven and slightly tipsy continuity. Left much that was de- sirable out and brought most of what was undesirable in. Idea upon which skit is based was, and still is, worthy of more considerate treat- ment. It concerns a goofy English- man, named Sir Gerald, and a still goofier wife, who would divorce him because he cannot afford to buy her a pearl or diamond necklace. In order to procure a divorce they frame a brutality scene, calling in the butler as a witness. Butler throws Sir Gerald on the floor, without ruffling a hair, and reads a lecture on chivalry. All is explained, and the serio-comic but- ler volunteers to make the divorce still easier by going off with the frau as her “congenial companion.” He also explains that for three years he has cherished affections for his mistress which he had never dared reveal. For the dinale Sir Gerald agrees to buy his wife the necklace and the butler feels compelled to serve notice of departure. A considerable number of Bronx Natives had outguessed the butler by the time his relevation arrived, having previously departed. - Too slow for 21 minutes. Mort.

ALPINE ANTICS > UNIVERSAL MOVIETONE 5 Mins.; Cartoon Colony, N. Y. Nonsense animated cartoonery of the Oswald character. Characters move, but action is not particularly lively. running to the use chase and pursuit. Comedy effects derived chiefly from the animals turning themselves inside out and mesmer- izing curious props from their own bodies. A short short—it runs five min- tutes—fair thriller or chaser. Abdel, Jeannette Loff added to “Joe Col- lege,” Pathe. McCarey will direct. Ted Carson starred in a series of 13 two-reel mounted police stories by U. Joseph Lebigard to direct. Kenneth Thompson added to “Girl from Havana,” Fox. Liela Kinelli, Russian stage ac- tress, featured in “Cockeyed World,” Fox. William Boyd borrowed from Pathe by UA for “The Locked Door.” Beth Laemmle added to “Revue of Revues,” M-G. Carmelita Geraghty “Paris Bound,” Pathe. Gregg Blackton added to “Lum- mox,” UA, Barbara Leonard, John Litel and David Kallis added to “Sleeping Porch,” two-reet Christie talker. - added to

PATHE SOUND NEWS RC A PHOTOPHONE 9 Mins.; 5 Clips Cameo, New York Most newsy of the latest Pathe sound news releases is the scene of Babe Ruth and his new wife, the Babe talking into the camera while Mrs. Babe won't look at it. Babe is seated in an arm chair with Mrs Babe on one of the arms, always looking down at him. “What do you want for a wedding present?” says Ruth to the Missus. “A pennant for the Yankees, Baby,” answers the Missus. Then Babe rambles on about what his wife wants; that the buys are outside and he will have to talk to them about it. And so it ends, with- out Mrs. Babe ever having lifted her face or her eyes. Two minutes and plenty. Five clips here. It may be the complete reel. Badly edited in two clips, the first, opening of the 7ist Congress, and again in the D. A. R. dedication to the heroic dead, Long camera work probably in the Con- gressional reopening as photog- raphy was dim, but voices clear. Reading of the Proclamation by the President calling the special session and the oath of new mem- bers didn’t mean a thing except time taking. In the D. A. R. space a woman spoke, and then a minister, with a bugler blowing taps. Cardinal Hayes did some more speaking in his space allotment, ending with a general biessing. . The Cardinal looks well and as a per- sonage, good for Puthe's circulation. Portions of ‘the Classic race at Bowie, with more thought given to the crowds and the noise. Good enough. If Congress is cut down or out of this reel, should be well re- ceived all over. Sime. ——— ee SHOW BOAT (50% DIALOG, Including Songs) Universal production and release. “rom Edna Ferber novel, with original music from Fle Ziegfeld’s stage production of same story and title. Western Electric sounded under Fox-Case Movietone process. Directed by Harry Pollard. Laura La Plante, Otis Harlan and Joseph Schildkraut featured. Dialog arranged by Pollard and Tom Reed. Captions by Reed. »*Photog- rapher, Gilbert Warrenton. Synchronization and score by Joseph Cherniavsky. C. Roy Hunter in charge of recording. At Globe, New York, opening April 17, two-a-day at $2 top. Running time, 130 minutes. All sound prolog, running 18 minutes, probably becoming part of picture. . Holds Helen Morgan, Aunt Jemima and Jules Bledsoe singing their original Jerome Kern numbers from the stage ‘Show. Boat.” Prolog, at opening, also held Carl Laemmie and Filo Ziegfeld, each uttering inconse- quential remarks, with those two probably cut out in the time revision of this picture for regular house showings. Magnolia. .crsccsecccdoe ».-Laura La Plante Gaylord Ravenal........ Joseph Schildkraut Parthenia Ann Hawks.......Emily Fitzroy Capt. Andy Hawks...... eeeee- Otis Harlan Bly. ccccccs 5 supervisors, G. W. Weeks and O. E. Goebel and a decided fault. No credits for photography or dialog. At Dowling has an agreeable screen Selwyn New York, for twice dally $2 run personality. He fits this type of a ae —, as ‘Sadie , Ee me picture ber ause he sells a SONnE, SGGee TAMG. vacan ce adeeecents .Marian Nixon | Knows comedy values and gives full Billy. Ryan. ..ees. eseccecesce Frankie Darro | evidence of not being selfish about Wc Hardy...ces- ereceeerees. + SIM Hardy lauchs. «+ Bacyng ate ari ea eer MShoree Hayes | This effort will set Marian Nixon Rounders Quintet. in talkers. She not only looks good —_—— but unfolds a wealth of charm in Well made independent talker} voice and manner. No direct evi- which rates program leadership in the deluxe grinds for week stands. Doesn't look like a holdover picture, leave alone a $2 possibility in the dence if she can bear up under heavy histrionic responsibilities, but as placed here she's a quiet, un- assuming foil, easy on eye and ear, key cities. Production is not heavy. What It's a naive effort of utter sim-j|flash sets there are simply unfold plicity and broad sentimentality, | minstrel stage stuff, and these are much in the mold of the Eddie Dowling stage musicals which have catered to the $4 audience on Broad- way. With the propaganda Dowling will put behind it the feature may do eight weeks at the Selwyn. That it can profitably stay beyond that, or as long, is extremely doubtful, for it lacks a definite punch and a genuine tear. Dowling is. starting out on his picture career under the premise of rigidly clean stories barren of any- thing to spoil the taste of the apples he will place upon the censors’ desks. That's one angle on Dow- ling’s views of showmanship, em- phasized by him in an opening night speech and also made a promise by the firm in a program summary. If he insists upon becoming film- dom’'s mprality standard-bearer, its obvious this musical comedy boy is going to need a wealth of talent around him to make his future pic- tures stand up sans inherent script power. That or devote the rest of his life to national campaigning be- fore clubs and societies. Should he make no compromise with this prin- ciple Dowling can develop into a mother’s delight, a vacation treat for school children, perhaps:a mat- inee draw, and finish by making the sound version of “Peter Pan.” Wom- en's clubs will adopt him as their favorite example of what screen entertainment should be, but the flaps and their flips will classify him as the fourth Rover boy and expect a halo to be double exposed over his head during the final sani- tary kiss. Dowling shouldn't stress this questionable commercial point to the extent he is left minus an out, for a recent example is that they’re now serving on the “Levia- than.” And Dowling knows too much about show business and is too good a showman not to know how to handle any material. As a picture “Rainbow Man” con- sists of manufactured pathos, the first slice of which is cut before the film has been on 20 minutes in the stage death of the acrobat who leaves. his six-year-old boy in Dow- ling’s charge. Either the studio or the star has been smart enough to give this youngster (Frankie Darro) all the answers to the future laughs, Dewling depending upon his singing sissippi.. Otis Harlan as Andy held ,and the telling of a couple of inter- down after the start. Alma Rubens had a short soft role as Julie, most- ly helped by Miss La Plante, playing straight to the latter’s nice bit of recognition of “Julie,” years later. A standout piece of playing is by Emily Fitzroy, as Parthenia, the hard-boiled river woman, who knew the river and the people on her boat. The only decent woman to her is her daughter, Magnolia, and she shows it in her face. Stern visaged, Miss Fitzroy made up like an Indian and acted like one. She's a fine picture in her character here. Neely Edwards had but a bit as a stage manager in the booze joint, where Magnolia made good on amateur night, but Edwards put much feel- ing and one strong laugh into his moment. Production on interiors so-so, not calling for anything else. Exteriors are so sweeping they become enough. Pollard did a nice trick in indicating the passing of time, also in changing the baby’s sleeping room, with the child awakening each time to note the difference in apart- ments. That was while Schildkraut was in Chicago, gambling away his wife’s money and going broke twice daily. Also a flash at some inside dirty driving in a trotting race is the first time this phase of sport has been used outside of a newsreel. At the Globe premiere Paul Whiteman’s band played in person. Their first was the “Rhapsody,” fol- lowed by a tango medley... The way Whiteman’s did his anthem should have assured the U officials present that if they can reproduce it the way Whiteman can play it U's “Jazz King” is over before it starts. Sime.

xeorge Gillespie added “The Cli- max,” U. Wallace Smith given short term writer contract by Radio. Maurice Chevalier to New York to attend opening of “Innocents of Paris.” Lila Lee opposite Jack Mulhall in “Dark Streets,” FN, Beatrice Van doing adaptation, continuity and dialog on “No, No, Nanette,” FN. George Fawcett and Creighton Hale added to “Great Divide,” FN. polated Irish stories as personal added strength. Musically the feature holds three tunes, the best melody of which, “Little Pal,” is the least heard. (“Little Pal” is the title, at present, of the new Jolson-Warner film). “Sleepy Valley,” the plug waltz bal- lad, is a cross section of half the notes you've ever heard, while “Rainbow Man,” the theme, is ordi- nary at best. Both of these latter named numbers will need heavy concentration to get anywhere, while a revision of either lyric to fit the “Little Pal” melody would have made it easier. Public will draw the inevitable comparison between this effort and “The Singing Fool,” due to both be- ing based on a “Laugh, Clown, Laugh,” thesis and the child in- volved in each case. Young Darro is too mich the typical stage child in self con.idence and facial sophis- tication to win direct sympathy on personality, but is a_ sufficiently clever performer to make all com- edy points register. This is another example of how difficult it is to time laughs in a studio, the punch lines of the boy bringing enough response to blot out the follow-up dialog. How well an actor knows his sure laughs is typified in one of the star’s Irish stories, Dowling perfectly syn- chronizing the wait on it from ex- perience, But that’s a gag outside the script. However, if the child has the comedy highlights Dowling comes closest to arousing a real tear in a phone booth bit when tell- ing the stern grandparent he is sending the boy and the girl back to him, the small town maid having followed the minstrel pair to New York. A strictly worked up theatric and where both she and the boy haye returned since he the chill because he thought it best for them. Youngster runs away to see his pal again and the girl fol- lows in search of her newly found nephew. Handed a ticket by the manager to see the show, she goes | in and is spotted by Dowling in the midst of “Sleepy Valley.” Abruptly

ceasing to sing, Dowling comes down eS ON Oe et a a TE ee tae eek a climax is in Dowling’s minstrel show returning to play a town close to the one in which he met the girl started normal. Recording its sound on film there are a few exteriors one of which, a train, listens as an attempt at a sound dissolve into the roar of Broadway as the camera guides the scene change. Fred Newmeyer is credited with the direction, which lacks the unusual and carries its strong points in generally finishing off a sequence on a laugh line from the child. Picture is running too long, 96 minutes, but with the sound on film that simplifies cutting. If Dowling and Sono-Art can reconcile themselves to sending this one into the picture houses imme- diately, release channels should not be hard to find, they'll be doing both the picture and themselves more good than if trying to stretch it into $2 runs in the keys. “Rainbow Man” is a nice first run talker and particularly worthy for Dowling and his firm in that it’s their first effort. And as a first inde, so much more credit. The boys may not know j what they’re getting into on the $2 thing. Initial performance here was a satisfying and smooth running af- fair having Dave Bernie’s band on stage to play the asgembling audi- ence to their seats. creen sched- ule included a Pathe sound news, “The Great Train Robbery,” brought back for comparison, and a yerbal screen introduction by ex-Governor Smith. Both recording and ampli- fication on the feature excellent, booth holding it too low for the first reel but stepping-up until it was right. No credits given for the re- cording, Sid. NOTHING BUT TRUTH (ALL DIALOG) Paramount production and release, star- ring Richard Dix.. Made at eastern studios with Western Electric recording on disk. Features Helen Kane and Louis J. Bartels. Adapted from John McGowan’s story and James Montgomery’s play of the same name. William Collies, Sr.. director of dialog; Victor Schertzinger, picture direc- tor. FE. Cronjager, cameraman. At the Paramount, N. ¥., week of April 20. Run- ning time, 78 mins. Robert Bernett......sceesesees Richard Dix ii in, SOEs edaabbeos cee Frank Conmelly.....+esess is Clarence Van Dyke@..scecessss++-Ned Mabel Riley. Cee eee eee eeeeese .-Helen Kane Sabel Hiley.....ceceseseeess Wynne Gibson gwen Burke....scescceeess-+- Dorothy Hall Mrs. Burke. eee eee eeeeee . Madeline Gray Bethel Clarks. cccccccocsccesscves Nancy Ryan Frothy piece of work, the im- portant points of which are that Dix is set for talkers, at least for the light comedy type, and that this picture is going to do more busi- ness than other recent entries from the Dix string. After that it’s a mat- ter of a good cast well directed in dialog with either Collier or Schert- zinger to blame for permitting the

And as it’s on disk, that’s not easy to rectify. Pienty of legit people in this re- lease, Helen Kane being an insert and featured to help push’via what- ever draw her phonograph record particularly be a help here, as it was on this stage she first drew important attention. Cabaret se- quence permits her to:sing a com- edy lyric into the ear of a staid | business man, Just all right and short of a solid kick. Playing dumb in a dumb part, Miss Kane is at ease while shedding a nice enough personality which fits. Her appear- ance is in jeopardy for both camera ~ 44 stage in that there’s too much of her. as any film star has ever been, Dix has waged a winning battle against the invader. He can do light com- edy, always could, and with the smartness of the veteran Collier to is assuredly in his favor. Maybe he should carry Collier with him. Anywav Dix now has nothing but his former worry, i.e., stories, In this instance he is capably aid- ed by a male threesome, the trio who bet him $10,000 he can’t tell the truth for 24 hours. Dix’s dough being charity money his fiancee has turned over to him to double, be- cause her father has promised to duplicate any amount over that fig- ure she raises. Inasmuch as the father has a third of the bet the complications aren't long in devel- oping. Churchill, Bartels and Sparks, the latter making his frozen face pessimism fit the mike, are excel- lent support. | Bartels plays quietly and straight | other than having an off screen en- , (Continued on page 22)

pat dee Pr ae footage to run so far past the hour. — rep m:, inspire. Miss Kane should — As much scared by a microphone . coach him his initial. dialog effort, epithe PCD -

Page 14

—), a —e VARIETY PICTURES Pat Casey, “Czar” (Continued from page 1) mever were fulfiilled. I have been offered partnerships and cut ins, but each time the same manager gaid to me, “Now, Pat stick by me Pay no attention to those offers, and like a chump I stuck. For what? For $15,000 a year and never any more,” said Casey. “It was ‘Pat will do that,’ ‘Pat ean fix this,’ ‘Let Pat take care of it’,” continued Casey, “but when there was any coin to be split, no one ever thought of Pat» If I had stuck to the same manager who promised me everything year after year, he probably would have had me pinched for squaring.” All of the insiders knew whom Casey referred to as the “promis- ing manager.” Honorary Founder When reaching the V. M. P., A., Fox said that the “founder of this organization had spent over 50 years of his life in the show busi- ness, Now he is out of it, remain- ing only as an honorary director here.” Mr. Fox prefaced his remagks by stating he had agreed to attend the dinner en the expressed promise he would not be called upon to, talk. Senator Walters had said the same thing when calling upon him, After |. saying that theatre owners wish- ing to talk over their business mat- ters should not conduct an open forum, Fox, who was keeping up the surprises with his every well timed - pentence, dove into the matter of protection for the theatre operat- ing interests. That wags when Fox delivered his oration upon Pat Casey, saying that Casey had always stood for and with the theatre owner, had never been given proper’ recognition, while the theatre men were piling up new theatres or fortunes, their contact man, the one person they could depend upon, Pat Casey, had been overlooked. These were strong words coming from the influential Bill Fox. They made a strong impression, for to the minds of the knowing listening to Mr. Fox’s address, it was equiva- lent to making Pat Casey thé czar of the variety field, in its welfare division, if Pat cared to stick. Albee Out of Control As the evening closed, Mayor Jimmy Walker arrived, later than usual. He had been expected to talk, At the outset of the addresses, Maurice Goodman announced the new ticket for the ensuing year for the V. M. P. A. It has been the annual custom to hold the election and go into business matters of the organization at the Plaza din- rer. The ticket was unanimously voted tnto office. Its material changes are ‘in the board of directors, with several names of picture head chains replacing those formerly known as the Albee group and who ~gave E. F. Albee control. Only Albee himself remains of that group, given an honorary vote, though now being out of the show business, The ticket holds as directors Wil- Nam Fox, Sam Katz, Harry Warner, Hiram S. Brown, Walter Butterfield, E. F. Albee and Nicholas Schenck. Officers, re-elected, are Sam Scrib- ner, president; J. J. Murdock, ist vice-pres.; Pat Casey, 2nd _ vice- pres. and secretary, and ‘Nicholas Schenck, treasurer. Other speakers of the evening, all confining their remarks very briefly, were Judge William Travers Jerome, Walter Vincent, Dr. A. H. Gianninni, Henry Chesterfield and Roxy. Wide Scope The V. M. P. A. in the variety field is parallel in scope to the Hays organization for general picture welfare. The Managers’ Ass'n oper- ates as an arbitrator between the theatre manager and the theatre’s back stage staffs, adjusts contro- veries between manager and actor, manager the various technical mat- ters in theatre operation he former- ly had to contend with personally, much to his nervous annoyance and frequently at a money loss. The Ass’n also has its political connec- tions, and in tote could be called the general adjuster. Pat Casey has been the director of the V. M. A. P. A. during its life. At one time it handled as many as 75 complaints daily. arising out of theatre matters. That was before it had a picture theatre ad- junct. Quite recently the V. M. P. A. had a record day, in which not one complaint was received. Casey has a specially trained staff in the V. M. P.A. offices in the Co- lumbia theatre building. The asso- the country. Monday night was the 13th an- nual dinner of the V. M. P. A. It is the first such dinner which Vari- ety has ever attended as a guest or by a representative. This trade paper or its staff never previously had received an invitation or noti- fication during those years by the express direction of E. F. Albee. The table arrangement: Table No. 1 Jack Willard Mike Shea ep nr A Vincent R. McFaul B. B. Kahane 19 Lee Marcus J. J. Murdock Herman Zohbel Joseph P. Kennedy Mark A, Luescher Al. Boyd L. BE. Thom; son Sidney R. Kent Charles Bierbauer Nathan Burkan . 8. L. Rothafel William Fox John Morin Jack G. Leo 5 Jack W. Loeb Eugene Meyers 8. E. Rogers Cari Levi > Cc, 8. Levin George Schenck A. 8. Kempner William Downe William Long Lawrence Beatus John Zanit Colby Harriman 3 Fred Mitchell J. Henry Walters Sam H. Meinhold Hon, James J. Walker 6 Charles Kerrigan Jacob Lubin George Collins Charles Hand Charles Brady Hon. W. A. Farrell William J. Dixon William Qvigley Edward Stanton Irving Weingart Siiney Piermont Terry Turner Charles sn Hiram ©. Brown Albert Warner E. E. Bucher Sam Morris L. P. Sawyer Herman Starr George Engles I. D. Rossheim Gen. James F. Har- Spyros Skouras bord 8S. H. Fabian Samuel Rosen A. C. Thomas 23 George Godfrey Joseph Schnitzer Monroe C. Gutman Edgar Milne Adam Adams James Adams Nicholas N. Schenck David Bernstein B, T. Richards Fred Schanberger 10 Bernard Mayer L. Guckinheimer Frank Sullivan Philip Stern 26 David L. Loew Edgar B. Hatrick Cc. C. Moskowitz Isidor Frey Joseph R. Vogel Louls K,. Sidney Thomas W. Lamb Leon sae Yami Earl Sanders Mark Leddy Boris Morros Frank .Cambria Jack Partington James Long F. L, Metzler John J. Langhrey T. C. Yovng William J. Lee 12 Arthur Lee M. EB. Comerford George O. Weeden Peter J. Brady John Schultz W. H. Cadoret Marty Monroe RnR. F. Woodhull Martin Kine J. J. McCarthy 16 Frank C. Walker John J. Ford M™, J. O'Toole W. A. Sullivan J. R. Cadoret R. J. Dobbyn 1 Cc. J. Shaw H. Bareford Pat Scollard J. J. Newman E. B. Derr J. Stern Ray Myers Stanleigh Friedman Henry Tavior S. Carlisle 17 BE. Alperson Walter Vincent Ned Depinet Sidney Wilmer Moe Mark Josenh F. Egan 15 A. F. O’Brien elix F. Feist Cc. F. Hopkins illiam Rodgers Charles Freeman Edward Saunders A. M. Botsford Thomas Connors A. C. Keorch Howard Dietz 18 Fred Quimby D. A. Harris Arthur M. Stebbins Eugene L. Connelly Charles K. Stern John T. McGreevey Sam Berger Ike Libson 29 Ben Helidingsfeld Henry Chesterfield W. S. Butterfield John Liddy settles claims arising against the theatre and in toto wards from the J. Firnkoess Char ciation has representatives all over. Edward M. Bowes Burns A. H. Giannini Harry Hamburg Edward A. Schiller Don Prince Robert J. Rubin Fred Shafer Walter Brownley A. C. Herman Hon, M. Sulzberger 24 Aaron J. Jones Joseph E. Bernstein Leopold Friedman Joseph B. Harris 4 John G. Keale Sam Katz Arthur Fisher Sam Dembow, Jr. Sam Greenberg D. J. Chatkin Louis Greenberg William Saal David Greenberg M. H. Feld I. M. Hatperin Harry H. feiber » Harry Hollander Maurice A. Shea Julius Saenger A. J. Kearney ——— ee ee —_——---—- ———_= «= STUDIO ENDS 17% foot pieces for Septs, 86 foot 100 foot Rolls, 10 feet Biack Leader each end 100 foot Rolls, 10 feet Black Leader each end (on spool) Same on the new Bell & Howell spool. ......cccccceccecccccccccecveces cece 200 and 400 foot Rolls, 2%c per foot EASTMAN, DUPONT, AGFA—STRAIGHT OR PANCHROMATIC 35 MM. ONLY TESTED AND MADE INTO eee eee eee eee eee ee eee eee 2) 3 for $1, 7 for $2, 15 for $4 eces in individual cans, 1%c foot in 1,000 foot lots only White Negative Leader, $2.50 per 1,000 feet ALL FILMS SHIPPED C. O. D. FRED C. DAWES Negative Stock Library 1426 Beachwod Drive, Hollywood, Calif. Bob Hall Jack Dempecy Harry Freeman Macklin Mrgiey Henry C. Falk 37 Frank Tannehill J. FH. Aloz 8. Jacobson Ben Piazza William H. Rayoor Lawrence Creen oO. R. McMahon mB M. Fay N. Danziger J. T. Fay Ear! Crabb Rernard Fay Frank Jonee Maurice MacKenzie A. Jutkowits H. M. Addison 38 J. J. O'Leary Bud Irwin Will A. White George rs Wallen 1 Abe Sablosky Louis Warner Moe Silver Stuart McDonalé Lew Golder Clarence H. Wallen Abe Waxman Edward C. Jackson Jay Emanuel Mark Murphy Joseph F. Franklin Johnny Daly 27 John Pollock Myer J. Schine Edward Oakford 7 Louis W. Schine John O’Connor John A. May 32 Siegf’d F. Hartmann Sam Tishman Williard 8S. McKay John Colline : } I sn ry Fp Phillip Cha'eres Dave Beehler 28 Nat Bloomberg R. A. Somerby P. Ba les MeDonal Fred’k R. Joseph Saxe Kane Walter M. Hoffman John A. Sisto Harry Roth M. P. Warmuth I. A. Roth . F. Donnelly Leon Mumford T. J. Glover Thomas Hunter Joseph Vuono Ray Meyers Cc. D. Vuono 21 Dewhit A Mead t . Mea ee ey we Jerome Morris Kutinsky M. H. Kieban L. M. Granat M. H. — . W. Erickson Benj. L. Farrell Arthur ae ia > Nathan pany Hon. Chas. W. Culkin Samuel stein Chas. E. MacIntosh ign Walsh Siuard L. Shaw Tufts Bowen Harrie D. Harvey L. Watkins § -winjam Delaney A. L. Robertson Frank Cronin Francis X. Sullivan; © ponovan William J. Sullivan yom Gorman Roland B. Hennessy wr. van Pree William Kerrigan Louis Metz~er Floyd Scott Charlies Jack FE. Ungerfeld Elmer Rogers William + M Arthur Willi Arthur Blondell Arthur Clary William Howard Jack M British Film Field (Continued from page 2) 33% to 50 per cent of the gross. Played the Oxford, Manchester, for 14 weeks and still there. Oxford is a Universal-owned house. Then there’s “Show Boat.” Looks like exhibts have gone crazy about this. May go into the Rialto, U’s West End house. How They Are Wiring So0 far Western Electric has equipped 25 theatres, which are all the immediate play dates the talk- ers can get. W. E., however, has contracts in hand which line up 240- odd theatres by the end next March. Can figure in this market that 400 major houses wired will give the distributor around 90 per cent of his gross, as the rest cannot make a Western Electric or RCA Photo- phone grade, and would not produce much revenue even on the 50-59 basis the distributors are trying to put over. This last is one of the sticky points here at this writing. At the start they were asking 33% per cent of the gross, but most of the big American distributor houses here have now had the tip from New York to work on the 60-50 basis. Exhibitors are jibbing very hard, and in many cases, when they have figured the standing cost of equip- ment and the additional overhead (which averages some $375 a week), they cannot break even, much less make their houses pay, on a 50-50 rental. It’s queer how often New York puts snags into its own for- eign markets by trying to run them from the home office and by want- ing to take the pants off the foreign theatre owner. If it had not been for this 50-5° demand business might have started to move up again, but that has thrown everything into the discard once more. And Another Thing But the position is liable to change all around again before this is in print. It’s a long and complicated riory, but let’s try to get it short and simple. When Tobis threw their injunc- tion into Seimens, it was forecast in this department this was the prel- ude to a get-together move aimed in reality against Western Electric, and chiefly aimed at the _ inter- changeability position at that. Now, Harry Warner has been in Berlin, and this week put up a strong plea to be let into the German market on the ground the public ought not be deprived of the esthetic, culutral and artistic benefits of American sound films. Tried to persuade the press to start an agitation, shying they ought not be kept out for the bene fit of native money grubbers, and telling how Warners did not want to make money out of'the German market, but only spend it there. Seimense’ (Klangfilm) reply is they don’t want a monopoly themselves, but if there’s going to be one it may as wel) be German as any other. Fact is, on the patent situa- tion they have W. E. by the shorts, and want to use-.that to force free and wide-open interchangeability. Over there at this writing are Dr. Auerbach, of Tobis; Dr. Luschen, of Seimens; Milton Diamond, of Bris- tolphone; Percy Deutsche, of the same; Lawrence Hermes, of Seimens-Klangfilm; Dr. Meyer, of German General Electric, and Coun. Anthony de Bosdari, of British Pho- totone. Holding a general confer- ence. Working out details for the flotation of companies here and in Germany, Holland and Belgium. And that’s not all. Figuring they may contest W. E. patents here. Politics, that. When it was a question of a small native company here contesting these pat- ents, W. E. probably didn’t give a hact. Knew they could play them right out on the bankroll. Any- way, the way it looks is the way Harry Warner was tipped by Klang- film after his Berlin gabfest. In effect, Klangfilm said, “Play with us and we'll play with you.” Which seems to mean, as General Electric has European interests all round, come off this interchange- ability horse and let our stuff go freely over your wiring and your stuff freely over ours, and we'll forget to hold that patent royal flush. And, through Seimens, Gen- eral Electric does seem to have the deck stacked. Klangfilm equipment costs around $3,000, so it would go into plenty smaller houses where W. E. can’t get a break, anyway. That would make a wide-open play date market here for talkers. But, al- though in theory it is now up to the producers to give the theatres in- terchangeability as they pleage, it is another set of false teeth to throw the market wide open by playing over cheaper sets. Because, as soon as there are plenty of play dates this percentage stuff, 50-50, or any- thing like it, would die on their hands. It looks as if the big distribs see heavy money coming out of the few play dates so long as. they can stall on real interchangeability. And they’ll keep stalling unless Seimens can come through with the goods. Notes Herbert Wilcox is going back in two weeks to Hollywood. To help Micky Neilan make another “Black Waters.” Sidney Olcott still here. And T. Hayes Hunter. And Dupont. With nothing at all to do. Maybe Dupont won't make another for British In- ternational. And maybe Hunter will for Gainsborough, if they can find him a subject before the studio has to close down for wiring. International meeting of exhibs in Paris now set for first week in June. Some 150 British, about 1¢€0 German and some 200 Belgian exhibs. as well as all the French and some of the other nationalities, will be there. Berlin (Continued from page 2) pe the: year will be allowed a slight cut. Six managements took advantage of the big hearted offer. Erich Morawsky, who has just left the chairmanship of the Terra Film, announces the forming of his own company which will be called the Atlas-Morawsky. His program will include six films for the coming season with international stars and directors signed. Morawsky stresses sound. Per- haps the entire six will be dialog. Emelka Company, of Munich, has concluded an agreement with the French Societee Aubert whereby they mutually guarantee the distri- bution of three of each other's pro- ductions annually. Both also have the right to choose a portion of the cast and to give advice as to sce- nario and director. Berlin Chamber of Commerce, in Wednesday, April 24, 1929 ———— ite April statement, reveals that production in Berlin studios fell off heavily in February. As against 213,000 hours of cranking in Janu- ary, there was a drop to 160,000. This is undoubtedly due to the general muddle and unsurety caused by the invasion of sound, English firm, Gainsborough Pic- tures, is investing in the Berlin Fel- ner and Semlo production “Bride Number 68” in which Conradt Veidt is being starred. Same firm also has money in the Richard Oswaldt picture “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” taken from the novel by Conan Doyle. Direktor Auerbach of the Tombild Syndikat, leading German sound firm, has left for London, where he is conferring regarding the found- ing of a Tobis company there. Tobis and Klangfitm together are also negotiating with America. The Acoustic Products Company of New York has made a bid for the North American rights of the Ger- man combine’s patents, and this is being seriously considered. A sign of how badly the German picture production is working out this year is the fact that the Terra picture palace has had to fill in with a revival of Fairbank’s “Thief of Bagdad.” Owing to the big success of “The Iron Mask” this old picture caught on. Lya Mara, German picture star, is on her way to Hollywood to join her husband, the director Friedrich Zel- nik. Before the latter left here it was announced he was planning to di- rect on your side. Both are exe pected back in June to begin a series of sound productions, Ernest W. Gross, farmerly of the McCann advertising agency, has been engaged as head of the press department of Terra film. Gross is the first American to hold such a job in an all German firm. His appointment seems to con- firm the probable affiliation of United Artists with Terra—a fact which inside sources states as ale ready practically closed. The Parufamet has brought out Menjou’s latest film under the title “Der Maharadscha von Domelanien.” As the story treats of a chorus man who pretends to be a Maharadscha the title evidently referred to Harry Domela. This young man was the comic sensation of the German press last vear when almost against his will he was royally entertained by vari- ous provincial communities under the supposition that he was a prince in disguise. Domela sued the Paru- famet, but lost on the ground that he was a historical person whose name could be used at will. And last year, when a picture of the for- mer crown prince was used on the jacket of Domela’s book about his own adventures, the court sentenced the publishers to remove it for ex- actly opposite grounds. Publix Drops Pathe Sound - News for Par. Aug. 1 Pathe’s contract for its sound newsreel in Publix houses is only temporary and ends Aug. 1, when Paramount will introduce its own sound reel. At the Paramount offices it is claimed that the Pathe reel has only been booked,in spots and not the entire chain until that time. U’S LOBBY MINIATURE Universal has a miniature replica of the .ight club set for “Broad- way,” which it will place in the lobby of the Globe. Picture is scheduled to follow “Show Boat” at this house laté next month. ——a—— “THAT CUTE LITTLE TAP DANCER” Opening Oriental, Chicago, April 20 Many Thanks te SAM BRAMSON and WALTER MYERS Direction WM. MORRIS AGENCY MADAME IKI JAPANESE PRIMA DONNA Featured in Fanchon & Marco’s “Sweethearts” Idea | Appreciation to FANCHON & MARCO, Gae Foster. Henry Walica MAX TURNER CLIFF CRANE DANCING COMEDIAN Petroff’s “Fore,” Loew’s Penn, Pittsburg 32: WITLIAM MORRIS NAT KALCHEDM

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am Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY Detored HE Belle of the Box Office! Georgeously gowned! Delightfully alluring! Dolores Castello captivates as a lady in love, who finds the hearts of her admirers stepping stones to the man she wants! Gay romance sparkling with clever dialogue and tinkling tunes! A golden triumph for the Golden Lady! Directed hy 4 Michael Curtiz g il SE EL Rs Le et OO = £6 ee et Se tee SD oan - ‘ costello ES

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ne ee Ne ee ee ~~ - i 1} | Wednesday, April 24, 1929 cel Se THE WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER! 16 VARIETY = —- = ees. 4 Maurice CHEVALIER -talking, Singing, Dancing Hit ‘INNOCE OF PARI We repeat: The World’s Greatest Entertainer! { i } | 99 More than a headline— a fact! You'll agree. He talks. He sings “Louise” (especially written for him and already popularized by radio) and four other song hits. He has “je-ne-sais-quoi (French for “It” plus). Opening April 26th at $2 at the Criterion Theatre, N. Y. Richard Wallace Production. PARAMOUNT Everybody’s saying it! ES nee appara, “The trade freely admits PARA- MOUNT is on top as it was in the . silent era!” —The Billboard Vp ea diteeay™

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929 PICTURES VARIETY 17

Unit Rental System and Percentage Demand Plenty Tough on Small Houses

Forcing Indie Exhibs to Reduce Number of Sound Films Played—Claim Producers and distributors are now practically dictating the extent of profit that exhibitors can make on attractions. Where exhibitors are forced to accept the percentage ar- rangements, producers are getting definite and accurate figures as to grosses which will serve them when selling in the future, Talkers are being sold mostly on a percentage basis, and wherever possible with five-year franchises. Some producers have what is known as the “unit system” for de- termining rentals. Week is divided into 10 units, such as Sunday 3, Sat- urday 2, and the other days 1. Where an exhibitor is allowed an expense and profit totaling $1,000 the arrangement is as follows: For a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday booking, five units, they must pay $250 for the film, $100 a unit, or $500, is allowed for operating costs, and the exhibitor is allowed a $250 profit, totaling receipts of $1,000. Anything over $1,000 goes to the distributors. on a 60 per cent up to $1,500 and 70 per cent over $1,500 basis. No Profit Difference Of the small theatre owners in the East,swho have been using sound for several months and longer, it is reported that very few can show bigger profits than with the silents, and that only a very small percent- age register any profits at all/owing te the tremendous rentals being charged for sound. Reeord charges may not be very significant to the larger theatres, but in a house formerly paying $50 rental for a silent film and now charged $150 for the sound film plus $50 for the records, the difference represents an outlay which cannot be made up in rgceipts owing to the limited drawing power of the house. Exhibitors report that all talkers increased receipts, but that sound pictures, without dialog, or only part dialog, have not resulted simi- larly. Yet, the charges for sound without dialog are as high as for all-dialog pictures and the prices for records remain the same. If these rentals continue at the same level it is thought it will primarily force the closing of many small houses. Eventually it may re- sult in extended runs. Instead of three or four changes weekly, small- er houses will have only one or two changes. This would bring down rental costs and expense of record shipments, though also lowering re- ceipts. It would also have the effect of losing business for some of the exchanges. Instead of buying from four or five exchanges those theatre owners unable ta pay the prices would buy from two exchanges, getting enough product on an extended run basis. That would force the producers to throw their product on the market in those territories where they are frozen out. These conditions, it is believed, open up a wider market than ever before for independent producers of sound pictures. If willing torent ata reasonable price, both circuits and independents will be ready to buy as many as are reasonably good. In talkers and more so than in si- lents, the name of the producer means nothing with the public.

J. C. Keefe, press agent for the Palace (Fox), Waterbury, Conn., has been transferred to Milwaukee to become publicity director for the Fox houses in the mid-west. + =

Profit Remains Same

Advocate Repeats

M-G is selling exhibs on the idea of playing repeat dates on talking shorts. Sales boys ar- gue that practically all of their vaude acts appear from two to four to five times within a year at the big time vaude houses, so why not? Average vaudeville contract, and particularly in smaller towns, holds a clause providing _for nullification if act has play- ed same town within a year. In certain cases houses will not play an act that has appeared in the community within two years.

Theatrical Insurance Firms Get That Merging Urge Mergers have hit the theatrical insurance brokers, Stebbins, Leter- man and Gates, of New York, hav- ing consolidated with Behrendt and Levy, of Los Angeles. These firms have for many years controlleé the bulk of the theatrical and motion picture insurance in their respective cities. Merging of the insurance brokers hecomes ef- fective May 1, with a holding com- pany capitalized at $2,000,000 formed for that purpose, each of the parties to the merger maintaining its pres- ent firm name. Arthur W. Stebbins was in the brokerage business for himself handling the Loew theatre and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer policiés up till a year ago when he merged with Leterman and Gates, who also specialized in theatrical insurance. For the past 15 years Stebbins has had a working agreement with the Coast brokerage house. Recent policies negotiated by Stebbins, Leterman and Gates in- cludes one for $2,500,000 issued to M-G-M on the “Trader Horn” com- pany now enroute to Africa, and another for $2,000,000 life insurance on Herbert J. Yates, head of the Consolidated Film Industries, Inc., in favor of the Setay Co., financial agents of that firm.

Powers’ Upstate Suit Powers Cinephone Equipment Corp., contracted with Sharondale Corp., to install its equipment at the Sharondale, North Tonawanda, N. ¥., for $10,500 over a period of 10 years. Picture house paid $1,000 down but when Powers Cinephone was in- stalled Dec. 24, the second payment of $1,500 upon delivery was refused, Thereafter, the contract calls for the rate of $350 a month until fully paid. A Powers sued for the $9,500 dif- ference plus $368 expenses, delivery charges, etc.

Dog in Person Los Angeles, April 23. “Flash,” canine Thespian of the cinema, will take his manager and himself on a personal appearance tour of the Publix houses in the east. “Flash” acts mostly for M-G-M.

——— —

SE

(Arthur

“SWEETHEART OF (Shapiro, Bernstein) JESSE CRAWFORD ORGAN CONCERT PARAMOUNT THEATRE NEW YORK j WEEK OF APRIL 20 “AM I A PASSING FANCY” “CRADLE OF LOVE” (Leo Feist) Behim) ALL MY DREAMS”

oo ET

LYNN’S EXCITEMENT Expects Three Chairs to Build Theatres—Olympia Drops Vaude

Lynn, Mass., April 23. With the simultaneous announce- ments of three big theatre chains are negotiating for sites upon which to erect theatres, this city may be theatrically placed among the leaders in New Engiand. Publix, Stanley and what is believed to be Fox, are all after real estate in the central section of town. It is believed that one reason why Lynn is the site is that it is favorably situated in the midst of many surrounding towns, residents of which do much of their shopping in this city. On top of this comes the an- nouncement from the Olympia, Publix, that the orchestra and stage hands are to be dropped this week. This means that there will be no vaude in the city during the sum- mer. PROJECTION IS BETTERED BY FILM CRITIC Cleveland, April 23. W. Ward Marsh, film reviewer on the Plain Dealer, bettered the pro- jection of talkers in this city this week by a pan taken by him in his paper last week. Mr. Marsh reported that on a visit to most of the local theatres playing the see and hear films, he found the faults arose mostly from the operators in the booths, and their inattention. This spanking seemed to have had an immediate effect. Improve- ment in projection has been also commented upon by the critic. 3 Months of Personals In 86 Cleveland Houses Western stars, reduced to part time or rendered jobless because of the famine on shoot-’em-ups are, in several cases, making more money in other theatrical phases than they did before the camera. Personal appearance angle is ap- pealing to many. It brings in all the way from $15 to $50 per day. One of the saddle boys, Bob Cur- wood, star of Universal, tells of an engagement which kept him work- ing seven days a week around Cleve- land where he made appearance in 8C theatres. Average return there, he said, was $50 per day and he worked in that city for three months. Curwood admits the racket is tough in the grinds, recalling working in a number of these in Akron, O., where the hours were from i0 a. m. to 11 p. m., and the shows so short that he kept his chaps on the entire time. Bill Cody is another of the west- ern mob plugging the personal ap- pearance end. Cod: is concentrating on the grinds in New York. He has already made several look-ins from Seventh avenue stages. Cody, how- ever, is not confining his activities to theatres. - “Mother’s Boy” at $1.50 «Pathe may open its_ special talker, “Mother’s Boy,” at the Cohan on Broadway to a $1.50 scale. That price or $2 will be decided upon. If $1.50 it will be a long while, since the Embassy, where a special film showing in Times Square was sold at that figure. “RAINBOW” BY PAR Eddie Dowling has effected a re- leasing agreement with Paramount for his “The Rainbow Man.” Result of the first week of his talker at the Selwyn as well as the influemce brought to bear by George Weeks, chief executive of Sono-Art Corporation and former distribution heafi for Famous, are credited with having secured the Par deal,

T-S Dialog Writers Los Angeles, April 23. Tiffany-Stahl have signed Sada Cowan and Tom Miranda as dialog writers, Secret Indictment, With Charges, in Gov't's West Coast Case Added

A Michigan Pipe

Chicago, April 23. A 1,200-seater in a Michigan town of 7,000, sells reserved seats only, giving but one show a night and three matinees during the week. Manager claims it’s a pipe. And the house is not wired. Loop House’s Mechanical Organ Burned by Gunmen

Chicago, April 23. A mechanical organ in the Adams theatre, small Loop grind, was ignited Sunday morning by two armed men who had terrorized the colored janitor. Firemen checked spread of the fire after it had caused estimated damage of $5,000. Coming on the heels of a con- troversy with the Musicians’ Union, Maurice O. Wells, secretary of the Adams Theatre Co., hinted that the fire was an outgrowth of the con- troversy. He said several stench bombs had been thrown in the the- atre, and that J. C. Petrillo, presi- dent of the Union, had ordered him to stop using the mechanical de- vice. He had done so for four days, then had resumed use of the organ. Petrillo denied that his organiza- tion was involved in any way with the fire. He said the controversy followed Wells’ refusal to use a upion musician to operate the organ, as other theatres were doing, but that his organization would not stoop to the use of stench bombs or gunmen. He announced perfect willingness to be questioned by the police, and stated he was prepared to file a slander suit against Wells. Offer for Stanley Stock Warner Brothers are said to have submitted an offer to the remain- ing 14 per cent outstanding of Stan- ley Company stock on an exchange bagis of three Stanley common for one Warner share. Warners hold 86 per cent of the Stanley Company. i City Exhibs Organize Syracuse, April 23. Syracuse Exhibitors’ Board of Trade has been organized here among exhibs outside the first-run classification. Object of new or- ganization is reported to be handling union labor problems. Mitchell Felzer, Harry Gilbert, Frank Sardino, James H. Roe and George Langan are the indie exhibs involved. Langan alse acts as at- torney for board.

Sheehan’s New Personal Rep Los Angeles, April 23. Schuyler Grey, government con- tact man for Pathe when they were making service piciures, has been appointed personal representative of Winnie Sheehan at Fox. Understanding is that Fox will shortly produce a naval film.

_——

Los Angeles, Apri 23. A secret, blanket indictment was returned by the Federal Grand Jury to U. S. District Judge Edward J. Henning, naming West Coast The- atres, and eight picture producing companies, in the Government's new inquiry into alleged violations of the Sherman Anti-Trust Law. This ac The indictment charges that the ~~ defendants by agreement to compel individual exhibitors to contract for their film only in accordance with the terms and provisions of certain zoning and clearance schedules have combined to restrain thes: individ- ual exhibitors from contracting for — first, second and\ subsequent run pictures in southerh California. — a Amen and MacHugh told the’ © grand jury that these zoning and ~ clearance schedules contained nu- merous instances of arbitrary d@is- crimination in favor of theatres op- erated by West Coast Theatres. It was pointed out that the terms of the indictments just returned are broader than those of the informa- tion previously filed by the Gov- ernment against the above defend- ants with the exception of Warner Brothers and Franklin who have _ been added to the list, in that the present indictments include three additional zoning and clearance schedules not referred to in the in- formation.

Nat Levine, president of Mascot, left New York for the Coast Sune day to line up next seagon's produce tion schedule.

FANCHON. & MARCO 'D

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IE EMO ee bt ERE ADOT tet Pat le Ea

Page 18

gettin ae oa ak Ke - e > enASei SAS atl aS ile opal teed ‘ cee > rece st eee a Pe attenay oe ange 3% - etecet> ooannen: A tee gar enne oy ee f : iatehacihconcienaiks Soetaee -18 VARIETY PICTURES

Brookhart Plan of Film Control

Strengthened by New Assignment Washington, April 23. Out of the 700 public bills (there are also another like number of private) floating around the halls of Congress “without any homes,” due to the lack of organized com- mittees to consider them, two are aimed directly at the picture in- dustry and one indirectly. Both of the former come from Democratic Congressman from Missouri, the other is sponsored by a Republican of Michigan. John J. Cochran wants to repeal the law. prehibiting the transporta- tion of prizefight films. It is the same measure he had last year and he still thinks the law the “most foolish ever put on the statute books because you can never catch the transporter.” Other comes from Clarence Can- non “and is also a holdover from last session. Mr. Cannon still wants to prohibit the transportation in in- terstate commerce of films showing scenes, directly or indirectly, of “rape, or attempted rape, adultery, prostitution, seduction, or entice- ment, harlotry, or solicitation to harlotry.” : Both were referred to the non- existing interstate commerce com- mittee. The third, by Mr. James, the Re- publican, tightens up the photo- graphing of the. national defenses either by motion or still cameras. Bill is backed by War and Navy Departments officials with state- ment forthcoming that it is not intended to hamper picture com- panies. However, passage of such @ proposal would naturally add just that much more red tape to com- plicate things. This bill went to.the military af- fairs committee, also non-existent. On the Senate side a Monday as- signment to the Interstate Com- merce Committee takes on particu- lar prominence. That appointment was Senator Brookhart. It is this committee. that did and will con- sider his proposed federal controi of the film industry. New Brookhart Bill Senator Brookhart is expected to have his revised bill ready for intro- duction the first part of the com- ing week. He has not yet started the draft of the revision declining to discuss it until it takes form. It will be along the lines of last ses- sion, however, with provisions to cover the present system of arbi- tration and the film boards of trade. This much the Senator stated sev- eral months ago and he now adds that is still his plan. Assignment of the Senator to this committee is a decided break for the indies supporting him in his move to have the government tell the industry when, how and where. Of the three congressmen who sponsored the Brookhart bill at the last session. Celler, 6f New. York, is the first to reintroduce the block booking control measure. He has made no change in the text. A query put to Congressman Hudson, who also sponsored the Brookhart measure but with cori® siderable personal revision, brought out that, although he has been urged to reintro@uce his bill he will not do so. Hudsom adds that he is working on an entirely new and in- dependent measure which places control of the picture industry in the hands of the Department of Commeree,. He will not, at this time, go into detail on his pamphlet although stating that it’s the for-

Getting Its Share

Gem, a picture house on 181st street in the Bronx, hem- med in on all sides by wired theatre competition, boasts: “100% Silent Pictures,” and is doing its share of biz. Fox Reported in Deal For Nebraska Chain Omaha, April 23. With a Fanchon and Marco Idea replacing Pantages vaudeville at the World here, Manager Goldberg admits a new arrangement which has long been rumored and which is understood to point to a deal for control of the house and chain by William Fox. The World has always been locally owned and heads a city and state circuit owned and operated from Omaha. Pantages vaudeville and talker pictures did enormous business at the World until recently, but the opening of the new Orpheum and the invasion of Publix with the Riviera has cut into takings. World is a 2,200-seat house and under the new Ideas type of show is expected to give its opposition a brisk con- test. “Rolling On” idea will in- augurate the new plan, Gene Mor- gan presiding as m. ¢

Wagner’s Slander Suits Chicago, April 23. Another slander suit for $100,000 has been slapped on Erwin Wagner, of the Wagner Sign. Service, in answer to his charges against the White Way Sign Co. Tom Maloy, business agent of the Movie Operators’ Union, was first to counter with a defamation suit against Wagner, and now Michael J. Kennedy, commissioner of gas and electricity, has started similar action, Kennedy, charged with racketeer- ing to throw business to the White Way firm, denies having anything to do with the outfit and asks dam- ages for defamation to character.

JACK PERRIN’S PERSONALS Los Angeles, April 23. Jack Perrin, featured by Universal for several years in westerns, will make a personal appearance tour across the country. He will take his trained horse and several assistants, with an agent and press man ahead.

Louis La Rocco has severed con- nections with the Park Plaza, New York, as manager. House has been sold to Fox which takes posses- sion Aug. 1.

eign angle he wishes to reach. Hud- son is in doubt whether to intro- duce it during this special session because he believes there is no chance for action. Congressman Cannon, the third Brookhart sponsor at the last ses- sion, has evidently made “up his mind not to reintroduce, but has left himself a loophole should he change his mind.

W. E’S 2 MORE SUITS AGAINST PACENT USERS Two more suits, in addition to the one recently filed against Pacent, were started Monday by Western Electric against Maiden- Toledo, an indie talker manufactur- ing company in Ohio, and Sol Wal- lerstein; a Buffalo exhibitor, with Pacent equipment. All allege in- fringements of the plaintiff's patents and ask that the defend- ants be enjoined from further us- ing them as well as to render an accounting for damages that may be sustained by W. E. Action against Wallerstein sub- stantiates a veiled threat which emanated from W. E. headquarters several weeks ago that users of in- fringing patents are as liable as the makers and sellers and that all three will be prosecuted. Why an independent. theatre owner was selected instead of a chain, such as Warner - Stanley which has over 90 Pacent installa- tions, more than any other group, proved an embarassing question to W. E. Best answer obtainable was: “We want to protect our rights without arousing antagon- ism.” Asked at was meant by “antagonism,” the final reply was: “You will have to draw your own conclusion.” Inference was. clear, however, that the company is anx- lous to proceed at a rate whereby it will have a test case in every Federal district court where there is a Pacent installation, or other equipment operating in alleged vio- lation of patent rights. It is understood that W. E. plans are not to sue wholesale exhibitors using other apparatus, but rather to adjudicate its patents, establish its test cases, and then come to terms with the exhibs who would be effected by an affirmative ruling. Theatre Beat-Up Ends In $50,000 Verdict Newark, April 23. Largest award ever given in New Jersey against a theatre, and one of the largest ever granted against anyone, was given in the Supreme Circuit Court last week against the Hill theatre, a small house on Springfield ave., Ben Harris, its treasurer, and Theron Krum, a spe- cial ploiceman. Total. assessed be- tween the three defendants was $50,000 with $8,500 more against Krum as punitive damages. Harry Senny, a former prizefight- er, won the suit as the result of an alleged beating received by him at the hands of Krum in the theatre. Mrs. Denny won $2,500 more for loss of her son’s services and medical expenses, Krum admitted he struck Denny with a policeman’s club, but said that Denny, with others, had attack- ed him when he had stopped them annoying a young woman. Denny suffered from a mental disease, it was stated, as a result of the attack and he is now in Overbrook Hos- pital. Denny had won 14 out of 22 fights by knockouts.

PATHE’S NEXT TALKERS Next talkers to be made by Pathe in New York, under the supervision of Robert Kane, are “This Thing Called Love,” and “On the Stairs.” Both are adapted from Broadway plays. “Love” is a comedy, with “Stairs” a melier.

Yes! WRITE OR WIRE To ADOLPH ZUKOR DAVID SARNOFF W. F. SHEEHAN JOS. M. SCHENCK H. M. WARNER CARL LAEMMLE WALTER WANGER WILLIAM FOX or whom it may concern ONE TENTH THE COST of one failure would pay for a scientific examination of the public mind and give you an answer to that baffling question “WHAT DOES THE PUBLIC WANT?” It is not an experiment—a test has been made—amillions of dollars have been saved Results? | National publicity. Increased attendance your theatres while the survey is current. million dollars’ worth of information for the ONE executive with vision who buys it. BOX 75, VARIETY, NEW YORK JESSE LASKY LEE SHUBERT SAM KATZ HIRAM S. BROWN at A

Publix May Be Summer Preparing

A. J. Balaban East Chicago, April 23. It is reliably stated here that A. J. Balaban will be a per- manent resident of New York by next Labor Day. East he will, from the story, be in full charge of all Publix theatre stage entertainment. W. E. Wiring From Denver

West at 30-a-Month Rate

Los Angeles, April 23. Western Electric sound equipment is being installed in theatres from Denver west at the rate of about 30 per month, At this time wiring has been completed in 275 houses, a large percentage of which are small seaters, Available records at the local of- fices of Electrical Research Prod- ucts, Inc., show approximately 1,- 700 houges now wired by W. E.

$ HOUSES DROP “IDEAS” - Los Angeles, April 23. Alexandér theatre, Glendale (Fox) wilt discontinue Fanchon and Marco “Ideas” June 6, at which time the agreement with musicians, now em- ployed expires. “Ideas” are also coming out of the Mt. Baker, Bellingham, Wash., and the Rivoli, Pendleton, Ore., after this week. PAR’S “WOBBER MONTH” Los Angeles, April 23. Paramount Coast exchanges will stage “Herman Wobber Month” May 5-June 1, with a special drive for beoking dates for that period. Wobber, former western division manager for Paramount, is now general manager for Publix theatre operations along the Pacific,

George De Kruif, general sales manager for National Theatre Sup- ply Co., has taken up the general management formerly held by Joe Hornstein.

Wednesday, April 24, 1929

——

=, For Houses, With Policy Changes

On the reports coming into New York from various points where Publix houses are located and especially in the south, Publix seems to be shaping its show poli« cies to meet summer requirements, Several Publix towns will play an all sound program this summer-« time, starting at any week now. This is due in part it is said to a large supply of what are ac« knowledged to be good talking pic-« tures. These will be available, and not held back as per the usual cus- tom with big silents in the past, to the opening of the new season, if pictures know any difference in seagons nowadays. Drawing talk- ers at present may be on a wave that is subject to change, accord< ing to the large theatre operators. They will circumvent that chance by playing their own and releases from other chain-distributors dur- ing the hot weather. In the south especially Publix figures the cooling plant in each house as an attraction bv itself. With a good all sound program it is believed the -usual stage show may .be entirely dispensed with through the warm spell. In these houses, notice may be given to the stage hands as well as the mu- sicians. : A late report from Omaha says Publix Riviera there will enter into a new policy May 4, with the union men given their notices Saturday (April 20). Lynn Mayor Orders Off Shooting Talkers Lynn, Mass., April 23. Mayor Bauer ordered “Gang War" and “Weary River” (FN) to be discontinued here because the shoot< ing scenes in each “tended to un« dermine the morals of the city’s youth,” Some time ago his honor order< ed the advertising for “Dancing Daughters” (M-G) 40 be changed. ABRAMSON JOINS COSTON - Chicago, April 23. Joe Abramson, for the past seven years executive secretary to the Chicago Film Board of Trade, is leaving at the end of the month to go with the Coston Booking Circuit. No successor has been appointed.

West Coast Motion Picture Directory of Directors and Writers

Doris Anderson Dialogue Paramount-Famous-Lasky

HARVEY H. GATES WRITER WARNER BROS. “The Desert Song”

Horace Jackson Writing for Pathe

Byron Morgan Original Story “THUNDER” Now in Production tor M-G-M

BEN HOLMES Movietone Director Universal

Sonya Levien Writing continuity on current Frank Borzage Production FOX

Sarah Y. Mason Adaptation and Scenario “The Broadway Melody”

RALPH SPENCE DIALOGUE FOR M-G-M

al

BLOOM PRODUCING Chicago, April 23. Murray Bloom, booking manager for the Marks Bros.,’has also been appointed production manager” for the Granada and Marbro. Bloom, hereafter, will be in direct

charge of all the stage shows.

JOHN GRIFFITH WRAY DIRECTING “DIVERSION” First National Vitaphone Special

‘

Page 19

e.|6U car ea ee we FF weer Fe CU sw ors er =» =F ve Se xi # s.'& S@B@eeor om | wee eS Se ee ————S_ Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY 19 if you found $100 in the gutter, would you pick up fifty and leave Yet it’s just as foolish to play ““The Divine Lady” for only one week instead of two. Metropolitan, shington. at the Grand, Pitts- burgh. With H. B. Warner, Victor Varconi, lan Keith, Marie Dressler. Produced by Frank Lloyd, who made “The Sea Hawk.” Present- ed by Richard A. Rowland. Theme Song “Lady Divine.“ Pub» lished by M. Witmarkh @ Sone ST NATIONAL © \ NU TaPnom=

Page 20

a iF Be 1 if He i ; if “ a er ae Se rea — ——— rt ES ee ee Sores Sam Taylor Production VARIETY . Wednesday, April 24, 1929 | | “There, Bill, is what a real Picture does. \ There’s what happens everywhere that : MARY PICKFORD opens in her first ALL TALKING sensation, ‘Coquette’. | “Business was so big in the Loew Theatres in Providence, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis and ) Toledo that they held it over for an extra week — first time this has ever happened. “Take my tip— go get a date down on this one at once from ae UNITED ARTISTS.”

Page 21

Wednesday, April 24, 1929 — -_—_—

VARIETY 21

Keith’s Publix May Split Up Pan Circutt if Sale Goes Through

A new complexion to the reported buy of the Pantages Circuit by Radilo-Keith-Orpheum is that Pub- lix may go in on the deal, if it Is completed. It is said that through the travel! line of the Pantages chain there are towns more advantageous to Publix than Keith’s (Orpheum) an4 vice versa. Each has a theatre in operation in various of the cities where Pan houses are located. Just what the division might be or if decided upon is not stated. Joe Toplitsky, who is handling the negotiations between the parties, is said to have lately interested Publix on this new phase of chain purchase, Keith's is supposed to hold an op- tion on the Pan properties, expiring April 30. Publix “Book” Shows Out An experiment with musical units with “book” or story in Publix the- atres has been abandoned. - It was the intent to play one of the special class about every other week over the chain, with four hav- ing been set for preparation. From accounts the first two sent out fell so far short of hopes, all of the others were at once called off.

ARTHUR MAYER PUBLIX? Arthur Mayer, of Great States, fis in New York to arrange a trans- fer as divisional manager for Publix in Des Moines. Mayer has been Great States’ gencral theatre operator for the past two years, joining G. 8. after serving as general manager of the Lubliner & Trinz circuit in Chicago.

A. §, C. ELECTIONS Los Angeles, April 23. Board of Governors of American Society of Cinematographers elected John Seitz president; Victor Milner. first vice-president; Alvin Knechtel, second vice-president; Arthur Mil- ler, third vice-president; Charles G. Clarke, secretary; and Fred Jack- man, treasurer.

GOLD GOES BANKRUPT <rwin Gold, picture house man- ager connected with a Brooklyn, N. Y., flicker, lists $127,515 in labil- ities in a voluntary bankruptcy peti- tion; no assets except life insurance policies of no value. Claims are on leases, notes, etc,

OSCARD’S CHICAGO SHOWS Chicago, April 23. Paui Oscard, now on the coast for Publix, has been picked to fol- low Boris Petroff as stage producer of the Chicago theatre here, Oscar's first show goes in May 10.

South Comes North E. V. Richards and Julian Saen- ger, of New Orleans, are in New York for the week, stopping at the Astor.

Cyril Hume Set Los Angeles, April 23. Fox has renewed its option on Cyril Hume as a scenario writer and actor for one year.

Two Girls with Two Megaphones JARRETT AND LISTE Featured in Fanchon & Marco Ideas 4 FOX AND WARNERS NOW PRINTING FOR M-G-FN Los Angeles, April 23. As result of the Fox-M-G-M and Warner-First National combina- tions the printing and release work formerly done by Consolidated Film Laboratories for M-G-M and First National is reported to be slated for execution by the dominant partners in the deals. Warners is tc do release work for First National at its laboratory or the Coast, now undergoing enlarge- ment, and at the plant of the Vita- graph fn Brooklyn, dividing volume so as to ship economically to dis- tributing points. Fox is now doing practically all M-G-M work, the majority of it in the east. Total sum of these studios is es- timated at easily 50,000,000 feet of positive a year. As the cost im- posed by the commercial studio averages three-quarters of a cent a foot for a single printing, and an added equal amount for sound track, the total sum affected ig ex- pected to exceed $500,000 for posi- tive printing alone, disregarding “rushes” and negative developing.

YES AND NO Chicago, April 23. Petersburg, IIL, population 2,400, voted for Sunday shows by a ma- jority of 124 votes. Sunday shows lost in Rushville, IL, population 2,300, by 81 votes.

Stuart, Ia., April 23. By a four to one vote city council repealed the Sunday show ban or- dinance, in force six years. Princess theatre took immediate advantage of the repeal playing a jubilee show Sunday night to packed houses.

Rolfe, Ia., April 23. Largest vote ever polled here was cast last week at a special election at which Sunday movies were ap- proved 328 to 186. Town has one film house.

HOME TOWN HOUSE Youngstown, O., April 23. Warner Brothers are coming back to their home town to erect a the- atre. It may be a duplicate of the Warner theatre, Los Angeles, and will seat around 3,500.

G. 8 Managers Change Elgin, Til, April 23. A managerial switch has been made on the Great States circuit which transfers A. J. Meininger, formerly in charge of the Rialto and Crocker here, to Kankakee. L. B. Slattery, Great States man- ager in Kankakee, comes hére to replace Meininger.

Osborne at Roxy Johnny Osborne, who has been managing Fox’s Academy of: Music, has been transferred to the Roxy office. Resignation of Arthur Klein resulted in the switch of Osborne uptewn. ;

“Black Watch” Opening ; Los Angeles, April 23. “King of Khyber Rifles,” Fox production, has been given a new title, “The Black Watch.” Picture opens May 7 at Carthay

ee eee Circle, PICTURES

| INCORPORATIONS NEW YORK Albany, April 33. The Come-On . imc., Manhattan, theatricals of all kinds, 100 shares no par value; Roy Walling, Herbert Ashton, T. Roger Mahoa. Filed by T. Roger Mahon, 1472 Broadway, New York. Photophune Saies Corp ef New York, moving and talking pictures, 250 shares no par value; Benjamin Bahowitz, Michael Siegal, Joseph D. Karp. Filed by Joseph D. Karp, 11 West 424 street, New York. Morldoa tiom, theatrical and motion picture, 100 shares no par value; Samuel J. Buchbinder, Anna QG. Davis, Gertrude Cooper. Filed by Robert C. Moore, 6802 Fieet street, Forest Hilis, mm Be Aute-Roll-Peol Co., Inc., Queens, gen- tral amusement, 160 shares no par vaiue; James Manfredi, Matthew kL. Cahill, Lawrence J. McGrath. Filed by Law- rence J. McGrath, Broadway aad Main street, Flushing. Alhambra Ballroom, Inc., Manhattan, theatricals of all kinds, $10,000; Charlies Galewski, Moe Gale, Rita Galewski. Filed by Solon B. Dillenstern, 1501 Broadway, New York. Care Inc., Manhattan, general amusements, theatricals, 1,50¢ shares— 600 preferred $100 and 1,000 common no par; Max Zipperman, Isidore Cohen, Benjamin A. Karp. Filed by Benjamin F. Isaacs, 1776 Broadway, New York. Syncro-S. Inc., New York, deal in moving pictures, talking pictures, 1,000 shares no par value; Alfonso Cortella, Calvin Graves, Joseph A. Barrett. Filed by Haaren and Barrett, 225 Broadway, New Y Mutual Park Bridgepert, Inc., Manhat- tan, theatricals, 200 shares no par; Jacob lL. Goodstein, Isidore Zamore. Filed by Jacob 1. Goodstein, 21 Hast 40th street, New York. ‘ io Garden, Ine., Kings, amusements, 6,000 shares—2,000 shares preferred $100 and 3,000 common no par; Nathan Marks, Lioyd B. Kanter, Frank E. Vac- riale, Filed by Lewis, Marks a Kanter, 50 Court street, Brooklyn. ven Expedit Inec., Manhattan, deal in moving ctures, $100,000; Elbridge F. Hills, Bdward J. Lynch, Sarah Pomerants. Filed by C. J. Hills, 154 Nassau street, New York. Charles he Music Co., Inc., New York, musical compositions, 200 shares no par; Charies Bagha, Solomon C. Stember, EB. J. Haire. Filed by L. J. Rosett, 130 West 42d street, New York. Marine eatre, et mo- tion pictures, $5,000; James C. Holmes, Roland Holmes,_Albert V. Holmes, Filed by Maury M. Kots, 16 Liberty street, New York. Imperial Pictures, Imc., Manhattan, moving talking pictures, $6,000; Nathan Lieberman, ie J. Guadagno, George F. Denning. Filed by Nathan Lieber- man, 1482 Broadway, New York. Little Playhouse meaene Corp., Man- hattan, moving pictures, talking, $10,000; Martin E. King, Clinton M. White, Wwil- iiam F. Barrett. Filed by M. & King, Columbia Theatre bidg., New York. Syracuse Amusement Park Corp.. Syra- cuse, amusement parks, dancing halls, 1,000 shares—600 preferred $100 and 600 bhares common no par; Francia HH. Lamon, Harry E. Morton, Harry Hogan. Filed by Syrne, rne & Lowery, 304 City Bank blidg., Syracuse. red Plays, Manhattan, the- atricals, 100 shares no par; uts Bier- fass, Harold Rubenstein, Leon Engelberg. Filed by Murray Miller, 651 Fifth avenue, New York. Center Film Delivery, Inc., New York, motion picture, 1,00 shares mo par value; Henry Sonenshine, George Kerer, William J. Rosenberg. Filed by Emil K. Ellis, 162 W. 42d street, New York. The Houston Theatre Corp., New York, theatricals, $10,000; Emanuel B Wels- berg, Philip Stelnman, Ella Feinberg. Filed by Emanuel E. Weisberg, 1 Madi- gon avenue, New York. The Ben Franklin Radio Corp., Man- hattan, operate radio stations, 10 shares no par value: Francis McTiernan, Gerald B. Borphy, Robert C. Gormley. Filed by Chadbourne, Stanchfiel€d & Levy, New York, Verschleiser Broadway Aomery: Inc., Manhattan, operate theatres, 1,000 shares no par value; Martha J. Hoffman, Bessie Lieberson, F. Augusta Marmor. Filed by Kadel, Van Kirk, Trencher & Villamena, 2804 Third avenue, New York. Allegro Musical Art Lea of Amer- com post- lea, Ine., New York, mus tions, 2,000 shares no par; Edna Gold- stein, Harold I. Cohen; Anschel & Bar- shay. Filed by Harris J. Griston, 165 Broadway, New York. Ashton-Walling Corp., Manhattan, realty, theatricals, 100 shares no par; Roy Walling, Herbert Ashton. Jr., § Roger Mahon. Filed by T. Roger Mahon, 1472 Broadway, New York. _, All Star Grand Opera Co. of New York, Inc., Manhattan, theatricals of all kinds, 4,000 shares—2,000 preferred $60 and 2.000 common no par value: [gino Manec- chia, Anthony Pagannucci, Nathan Vide- ver. Filed by Nathan Vidaver, 25, West 43d street, New York. Seiden Industrials, Inc., Manhattan, educational moving, talking pictures, $500; F. Ray Powers, Joseph Seiden, Mae F. O'Leary. Filed by Clarence U. Carruth, 233 Broadway, New York. Traveltone Sales . New York, talking, moving pictures, 100 shares no par value; Herman 8S. Heller, Hanna Goldman, 8S. Maurice. Filed by Aaron Holman, 220 Broadway, New York. Chromotone Film Studios, Inc., New York, motion pictures, 50 shares no par value: Eugene Spitz, Samuel Rosendorf. Walter F. Bullock. Filed by Mariow & Hines, 76 William street, New York. Phonodise Corporation, New York, re- nroduction of sound, synchronization, 200 shares—100 preferred $100 and 10@ com- mon no par; Irving Saltzman, Anna Jasey, Louls Zimmerman. Filed by Zeiger & Berliner, 44 Beaver street, New York. Queen City Amusement Corp., Buffalo, operate theatres, 400 shares—200 cum- mon no par and 200 preferred $100; Joceph Dworzanowski, Joseph 8. Kastu- bowski, Alfred Grablowski. Filed by J S. Maszubowski, 761 Fillmore avenue, Buffalo.

— Bohnen in “Spielt Auf” On Coast to Start Work Los Angeles, April 23. Michael Bohnen arrives here Fri- day with his wife, Mary Lewis, opera diva, and a former Fanchon and Marco girl, to star in the Ger- man jazz opera, “Jonny Splelt Auf,” for Warner Bros. Vitaphone. Boh- nen sang the original role at the American premiere of Ernst Krenk's opera at the Metropolitan, New York. Miss Lewis will be in her hus- band's support. WEST COAST NOTES Buster Keaton and the Biltmore Trio added to M-G-M's revue, Robert Castle added to “The Sin- gle Standard, M-G. May Boley and Joyce added to “Dangerous Curves, Henry B. Walthall added “Magnolia,” Par. Wesley Fenton added to “Paris Bound,” Pathe. Kay Francis, who has played in two Par pictures in the east, is now permanently at this coast studio, where the will be featured. Ben Hendricks and Doris Dawson added to “Great Divide,” FN. James Ford added to “Fast Life,” FN. Aggie Herring added to “Dark Streets,” FN Raymond Griffith's last of a series of two shorts for Christie Bros. will be “The Sleeping Porch.” Walter Pidgeon opposite Billie Dove in “Lady Who Dared,” FN. Sam Baker, Jack Akroid, Cather- ine Ward and Harry Cordings added to “Isle of Lost Ships,” FN. Title of “King of Kyber Rifles,” Fox, changed to “Kyber.” Alan Birmingham male lead in “The Brass Bowl,” Fox. Walter Catlett and Charles Eaton feature parts in “Cradle Snatchers,” Fox. Kenneth McKenna opposite Mar- garet Churchill in “Scent of Sweet Almonds,” Fox, Color-Art has started on “A Fes- tival of Bagdad” at T.-S. studios. Joyzelle Joyner, James Marcus, Carleton King and Alan Paull in cast. C. F. Nagel directing. Benny Rubin is making “The Statue Man,” fourth of his series of talking shorts for U. Josephine Dunn replaces Mary Nolan in “Harmony Lane,” U. Florence Allen, Crauford Kent, Grace Cunard, Arthur Prior, Monty Montague and Albert Priscoe in “The Return of Blake of Scotland Yard,” U serial into production April 29. Sam Newfield directing Arthur Lake in “His Maiden Voyage,” U two-reeler. Support includes Alice Doll and William Welch. Gus Meins directing the “Sonny Jim” series, U. First three Radio pictures for '29- '30 program are “Companionate,” “Viennese Charmer” and “Fourth Street,” all all-talkers. Donald Gallaher will direct talk- ing version and Charles Klein the silent version of “Scent of Sweet Almonds,” Fox. Kenneth McKenna and Campbell Gullan in cast. — Wells added to “Rainbow,” Rita L. Roy, Anders Randolph and Charles D. Brown added to “Dangerous Curves,” Par. Leo McCarey, former supervising (Continued on page 25)

Compton “ Par. to

deal in moving, talking pictures,’ New York office, 723 Seventh avenue; Michael A. Castalll, president; 2,000 shares, no par. Filed by United States Cop Co., 160 Broadway, New York. Radio Talking Picture Corp. (court or- der). Filed by Kenneth 8S. MacAffer, Standard Bide., Albany. Interstate Pictures Corp., Delaware. real estate, operate theatres, 1,600 shares—600 shares $100 and 1,000 com- mon no par value; New York office, 152 West 42nd atreet; Samuel Zierler, presi- dent. File? by Howell, McChesney &

tement and Designation

Sta Radio Talking Pictures, Inc., Delaware, Clarkson, 11 West 42nd street, New York. Pacent Will Assume All Expenses in Litigation with W. E. Over Patents Sn

=—_—_

Although in the event ils installation contract patent litigation only guarantees exhibitors protection to the extent of the price, 2,500, Louis Pacent now declares that he will meet all court expenses, of the total which may ensue in his battle with Western Electric. Retaining Martin W. Littleton, noted attorney, as chief of a battery of other counsel he has lined up since W. E. opened fire on his pat- ents, Pacent states that the elec- tric's suit is nothing but an attempt to cut Into his business. Propaganda that since Western charged his patents violated theirs, Pacent’s business has dropped off and many exhibitors, fearful of the outcome, are causing his equipment to be removed, is met by Pacent with the statement that his sales have increased since the initial suit. He says that he is now filling 260 new contracts which will bring the number of his installations up to 800 theatres within the next two months. Pacent’s Los Angeles representa- tion opened in the Tivoli, a large house on the outskirts, with “Weary River,” this week. In line with his defense and to quiet unrest among exhibitors, Pac- ent sent on the road this week in the capacity of “booster,” Jos Daley, former sales chief here for DeFor- est. Daley is given carte blanche and bn is armed with an unlimited expense account, Sign Work Internal N. Y. Strike Settled The strike of the Metal Workers’ Union No. 137 which tied up all —~ electrical sign work on New York picture houses which had the sign painters going out in sympathy was settled Tuesday (yesterday). The * Master Sign Makers’ Association | signed up a year’s agreement with — the metalists. i The association, sensing no ap- parent hope of a compromise from its previous stand of objecting to a clause in the union's demands that it be granted exclusive juris- diction over the hanging of the signs, decided to submit with that premise being granted in addition =| to an increase. 7a The new agreement provides for a minimum scale of $13.20 a day with a five-day week basis also in- cluded the jurisdiction grant. With the metal workers satisfied, the association is now wondering what attitude the electrical workers will assume, as they had notified the master painters that they wanted exclusive installation rights for the signs. Up to yesterday the electricians had not relinquished their claim and some sort of a fight is pending unless they reach an understanding with the metal workers. The strike caused the film pro- ducers of immediate pictures for Broadway no end of inconvenience and money. purchase Gerard regardless Bs ee or hii» tho. %

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HARRY ROSS EDDIE EDWARDS OUR PAL AND AGENT ABE FRIEDMAN

CAPITOL, NEW YORK HELD OVER FOR THIS THE SECOND WEEK MUS'CAL COMEDY’S STAR DANCER NicK LONG

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Page 22

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VARIETY FILM REVIEWS ‘Wednesday, April 24, 1929

NOTHING BUT TRUTH (Continued from page 13) trancing laugh planted in the hope that someone will remember they heard it in “The Showoff,” doubtful in $9 percent of the spots this film will play. Churchill pries much from the fuming father, who reaches the boiling point after the cabaret in- stance which ends in a raid, with the sister team therefrom sleeping in his garage all night to catch him the next morning on a promise to back their show..Wife puts Dix on a spot by hopp Me questions at him and because of the bet he makes it worse and worse for the old man, besides getting in wrong with the daughter, Running time is overboard mainly ©n the studio supposition that Miss Kane should get heavy footage. Sit- uations involving her which might have been bright are heavily padded and lose their lustre. Wynne Gib- son is paired with the songstress and foils neatly while hurting the latter on appearance. Of the re- maining feminine members, Dorothy Hall, currently in “The Love Duel,” gets as much as possible from the limited Gwen both on voice and looks, Camera deportment is not new to this girl, she having made a series’ with George Walsh, and plus a definite vocal appeal indica- tiens are that she can handle bigger material. Madeline. Gray, now in a Broadway musical; gives-Mrs. Burke plenty of class while Nancy Ryan “a agreeable in what amounts to @ t Schertzinger has found a means of moving his camera around and Cronjager, at the lens, has taken about every advantage possible of this all-interior picture. Continuity is smooth, except in a bad, awk- ward and sudden switch from Miss Kane to Miss Hall. Production end is worthy on sight, a factor the even in its shorts. Less 1,000 feet this feature could rate at the top of the full length light. talking comiedies of which there haven’t been many to date. It fits Dix and Dix fits it—which ought to mean a sigh of relief all around. A far more than capacity audience gave repeated proof of its approval to the extent it appeared as if the studio didn’t think there was a laugh in the picture, mostly because of the failure to anticipate where the laughs might be ‘and to provide appropriate waits. Many of the laughs carried a distinct Col- lier label, Excellent recording job and an unusually good presenta- tion on amplification at this show- ing, the only slips a booth ten- dency to be overeager on the changeovers in order to get them to first base in time, Sid.

Long Island studio is striving for. GIRLS GONE WILD (SOUND) Fox production directed by Lew Seller. Sue Carol and Nick Stuart featyred. Titles by Malcolm Stuart Boylan. At Roxy, New York, week of April 2. Running me, of minutes. a , Babs Holworthy....-+.-esee+s Sue Carol Buck BroWD....«scecsceseress Nick Stuart Dan Brown,..-sessesseeess William Russel! Tony Morelli. ....ccsseeeeeer* Roy D'Arcy Mrs. Holworthy......++s++e08 Hedda Hopper Speed Wade..scccccececevers John Darrow Augie Stern... .ccecereccrvcers Matthew Betz Judge Blliott....cscesecsees Edmund Breese GramdMa, ..ccccereeeeeereseees Minna Ferry Dilly. ...-csccseccccsececes Louts Natheaux Tom Holworthy......««ee+«** Lumeden Hare Another of the 18-year-old com- edy melodramas Fox and others have been turning out for last couple of years. Persistence of this type of offering predicates commer- cial value for them. They are trifling and unimportant but enter- taining enough in the unreeling. Probably appeal in the generality of film houses because of the con- ceded impertance of the younger generation. “Girls Gone Wild” proceeds on the premise that the adolescent high schoo] crowd and their doings are just about the most vital happen- ings in the world. It thus belongs to what the literary world calls and denounces as juvenilism, the glorification of immaturity. Older persons are apt to be a little impatient with this Fox cycle, but the youngsters and the ro- manties, the ‘predominant movie audience type, will think them cute and interesting. Plot is of a young daughter of wealth who runs wild and gets tan- gled up in a boetleggers’ feud with consequent unpleasantness resulting in a disposition for reform and a more modest pace, Hero (Nick Stuart) is a son of a motorcycle cop (William Russell) which brings in a little moralizing about influen- tial citizens thinking themselves above law. Picture has been neatly directed jand put together. Production values are Grade A and general quality sufficient to get it by. Acting is okay without any individual rating special mention. Sé¢veral -laughs in Malcolm Stuart Boylan’s captions. Film devoid of dialog. That re- duces its availability. Rates as a moderate. Land, SCANDAL (% DIALOG) Universal production and release. Pro- duced and directed by Wesley Ruggles. Starring Laura La Plante. Based on the story by Acele Rogers St. John, continuity by Paul Schofield. Titles by Walter An- thony. Cast includes John Boles, Huntly Gordon, Jane Winton, Nancy Dover, Ed Phillips. and Julia, Swayne Gordon. other players given screen credit.

BENNY MEROFF

Drinkin AM Ressids

Marks Bros. Granada Marbro Theatres, Chicago, Ill., Indefinitely

Colony, New York, Saturday, April Running time, 70 minutes.

direction, pictures, familiar treatment. so that is discounted, versal pictures with dialog. once cared for. but tongtes wag as tongues will pected of murder, ing. the woman he was with. penalty. 7 with wise audiences. clearly and

No At the/|¢ 20.]/in reproduction. Sound process also Not worth spotting in house With a reliable draw. Weak melodrama with an indifferent cast, rarely ef- fective, mostly due to uninspired The story, molded along lines sim- ilar to hundreds of others used in has received an abrupt, Only about 22 minutes of dialog, presumably added after the picture had. been made, Synchronization is mechanically off while the musical arrangement is the same as that used with “Lonesome,” one of the first Uni- Story concerns the bootleg loves of married couples. The heroine, after many years, is again beset by the love of a man whom she had . She repulses him The man’s wife is killed, he is sus- but won't tell where he was the night of the kill- It’s to protect the honor of The girl finally comes through, at the risk of losing her husband’s love, to save the accused from the death | Attempts to make the various se- quences convincing don’t click. The garden scenes, where the woman repulses her lover after submitting to his embraces, may provoke laughs Huntley Gordon’s voice registers strongly in some in- stances, but doesn’t get over else-

where, the difference probably due to the mechanical reproduction. He photographs well and plays excel- lently in this type of role, calling for the characterization of a young millionaire sportsman. Laura La Plante has a speaking voice which should improve. Mort. THE LEATHERNECK (10% DIALOG) Pathe production’ and release. RCA Photop.one recording. Produced by Ralph Block and directed by Howard Higgin. William Boyd starred. Story by Elliott Claweon. Photographer, John Mescall. At the Cameo (Keith's), New York, week of April 20. Running time, 76 mins. William Calhoun. .....+++.e+s William Boyd Otto Schmmldt....ccccersesssseses Alan Hale Joseph Hanlon.....++e++- Robert Armstrong HeckIA. .cecccccscccccscceceses Kred Kohler TAMYA....csscccccccccescvceves: Diane Ellis Tanya's Brother....sescssees: James Aldine Petrovitch......+-.eee. cepeeceecs Paul Weigei COOK. cccvccccccecces er ceccesess Jules Cowles Gunnery Sergeant.....ses+.++- Wade Boteler Judge Advocate. ...essesss Philo McCullough Colonel. ......++ eoesecesevectsons Joe Girard Captain . Brand......sseeseess Michell Lewis Officers of the Court Martial Joseph Girard, Richard Neill, Lioyd Whit- lock, Lee Shumway, Jack Richardson and Philo McCullough

No particular kick to this Pathe talker other than -it is another “trial” picture, This time a court martial. That’s about the only por- tions where there is dialog, during the snatches of the court scene, with William Boyd talking in them, It must rest with Boyd’s popularity or the “trial” end. Picture itself has nothing to pull although some reat should be gotten out of the ames of the two legits in the cast, Alan Hale and Robert Armstrong. It is a film of cut backs. Picture opens with three buddies in the Marines being accounted for, after charged with desertion. One is dead, the other insane, while the remaining me is charged with the murder of his buddy. On trial for that and desertion William Cal- houn testifies. Reciting the adven- tures of the three men after they accidentally gdt into a booze scrape, the picture cuts back continuously. Their travels take them to several foreign countries, with fights and by-play, also a search for the Rus- sian girl Calhoun had married in Russia. Calhoun is the one who locates the other two and also the menace who is dead by that time. As the court martial ends and Cal- houn is pronounced guilty on both charges, Tanya, his wife, shows, with the trial reopened, and you know. Boyd looks pretty good in uni- form, with Hale and Armstrong Playing competently. Diane Ellis looks to be in a constant pose. You get her from every angle. Dialog during the court martial, especially when delivered by Joe Girard as the colonel, is excellent helps Boyd’s delivery. Seems an attempt has been made in this picture to do a dissolve while the voice still speaks. This happens a few times in the cut backs. But there is no voice dissolve, that of one voice fading out and another coming up. The present dissolve is no more than ir the music continued with “the ‘screen scene shifting. However, aids realism to a limited extent. A theme song runs throughout the picture, most of the time by unseen singers. Latter of no apparent benefit and distracting at times. May have been voted differently with a more melodious song. Sime, Adventures of Maya (SILENT) aced and distributed Klein. Written, adapted and directed by Waldemar Bonsel. At the Fifty-fifth Street Playhouse beginning April 20. Run- ning time, 50 minutes.

Edward L.

An unusual popular science study, centering on bees, is represented in “The Adventures of Maya.” Good subtitling contributes a continuity rarely found in film efforts of this class while a number of situations denote ‘excellent accomplishments by patience, knowledge of the sub- ject and sound camera judgment. The picture, however, is not suit- able for the average film ‘audience. High class community theatres and non-theatricals, especially scheole. where biology is taught, will rate this ‘adaptation of the Bonsel novel

by the author a subject worthy of every consideration. Interior shots of a beehive and hornets’ nest compare with little exertion of the average imagination to castle and dungeon sets. Wood- land, flowerbed, night and early morning scenes would make this ideal for coloring. Following the book upon which he bases the picture story, Bonsel focuses his camera on the travels and experiences of a bee. The birth scene in the comb.and activities in the hive with the introduction of a new queen bee at the same time are followed by Maya, as the star in- sect is called, flitting out into the world. Close-ups of insects, magnified many times, add to interest and realism. Grasshoppers, and rabbits. as well as snakes popping out of eggs are incidental to the hetwork of a regular story which starts when Maya, after witnessing a frog gulp a bottle fly and a dragon fly clamly chew off the head of another insect, becomes friendly with a rose beetle. A spider weaving his web so that each thread is discernible on the screen, entraps Maya. The beetle is shown cutting her from the mesh- work. Then a hornet captures the little star and takes it to itsdreary nest. There, after heari plans for an attack on queen ané her horde, so the sub-titles go, lit- tle Maya effects another escape to sound the warning. The climax, a battle royal be- tween the bees and the hornets, is staged inside the hive. Close-ups show the insects actually grappling. Children in the audience with their parents go wild at this point and the production ends with nlenty of applause. Waly. Berlin Films Berlin, April 12, Capitol—“ The Crimson Circle” (Defina). Friedrich Zelnik has here taken one of Edgar Wallace’s best novels but not been successful in getting much of its suspense onto the screen. A blackmailing organi- zation sends a crimson circle to those who refuse to accede to its demands and a short time after- ward the recipients are mysteriously murdered. Sweet heroine is always present at these tragedies, so she gets.suspec‘ad by the hard hearted police. But aot by the audience and that’s why there isn’t any suspense. Lya Mara, is still liked in Germany and looks passable through gauze. Should go in England where Wal- lace is more popular than the king

but hasn’t any chances in the States. Terra—“The Gypsy Violinist” (Aco) based on the Kalman oper- etta “Sari.” Another of those pic- tures taken from operettas—a grave error before the arrival of sound. Operetta plots are nonsensica! enough when accompanied with music; on the screen they become utterly ridiculous. This is all about a gypsy violinist who retires at the height of his fame and plans to marry his charming young niece. But the girl falls for the son, whom the father has disowned because he plays from notes, not in the old gypsy fashion, extempore. Father refuses to come and play for the king and the son takes his place. As he has a tremendous suc- cess, the father forgives him and also lets him have the girl. Kar! Wilhelm, -who directed, is the oldest German megaphone wielder, having even discovered Lubitsch as ar actor for the film. This picture is pretty primitive technically but as it is said to have cost only $10,00¢ it should easily get this sum back from the German provinces wherc it will be liked, Kammerlichtspiele—“The Hero of All Girls’ Dreams” ( Deutsches Licht- spiel Syndikat). There‘is a demand for a certain number of Harry Liedtke films yearly and this one supplies the unquenchable longin« better than the average.. Robert Land is a director of qualities wel’ above the German average. The story concerns an elegant French count who is really poor and merely puts up a bluff of wealth.

He wins away a dancer from his

== = rival, a marquis, and then lets her drop. Out of revenge the marquis bets that he will grab the count’'s next flame. The latter falls for a little seamstress and takes a posi- tion im the country as a horse trainer in order to earn enough money to marry the girl. Under a false pretext the marquis gets the girl to his apartment and then has the count notified so that he will discover them together. Broken hearted he goes back to his old night-rounding but the plot is dis- closed to him and a good middle class marriage looms. From a Con- tinental viewpoint Liedtke has a lot of charm and is even developing some talents as a comedian. Atrium—‘Furnished Rooms” (Strauss). A ridiculous scenario that wanders around without the slightest motivation. The hero lave ishes his affections on most of the Yfemale members of the cast and the heroine is also very big-hecrtec. Fred Sauer, the director, hokes it in the style of 1910 and his lead is followed with enthusiasm by Fritz Schulz and Mar~-+ Landa. Nothing short of a crime. Primus Palast—“You Are the Woman That Everyone Loves” (Deutsche Universal), Henny Por- ten goes on forever and ever. It would seem that in the dark regions of the’ provinces she is still the ideal type. She should stop trying to be cute. What a beautifully trained staff of yes-men she must have about the studio! ; Here she plays a little (7?) shop- girl who is so awfully, awfully tal- ented but daren’t go on the stage because her husband-to-be looks on that sort of thing with disgust and disapproval But then, just by mis- take, she happens to be out alone on the middle of a stage when the curtain goes up, and, of course, just has to become a star overnight. Then her fiance, who is even dumber than usual, falls in love with her as an actress, never having recog- nized her at all, so finally she tells him the truth and he believes it. Karl Froehlich used to be a director before he followed the call of the filthy lucre and started tacking this sort of junk together. Bavaria Lichtspiele—“What a Girl Dreams About in Spring” (Ar- thur Ziem). Well, in Germany they dream that they win a prize con- test and get a trip to the Riviera. There they pretend to be a countess and fall for a film star who is shooting exteriors. It even goes so far as allowing them to step in at the last moment and take the film star’s role in said exterior. But ft all comes out about their not being a countess, and Ramon snurns them. So they return to Berlin and their cloak and suit fiance. But it seems that those scenes were just too wonderful, and so they become a film star, anyhow. In America they would suggest that the scenario writer change his res- taurant. Director’s name is Kurt Blachnitzky and the star Colette Brett. Primus Palast—“People of the (Continued on page 26)

In Production “THE GREEN GODDESS” Starring GEORGE ARLISS Direction ALFRED E. GREEN A Warner Bros. Vitaphone Release

-_ — ——

? DO YOU REMEMBER? TENOR HENRY GARDEN Singing “‘Angela Mia,” Theme Song of the “‘Street Angel” at the Roxy for 4 Record Breaking Weeks Now Tenor Soloist with John Murray Anderson’s “Say It With Music” Accompanied by PAULA THERRIEN { Paramount, New York, Now, Week April 20 Paramount, Brooklyn, Next Week, April 27

Page 23

Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY 23 wo | PAGEAN Tor m TITAN S. | Because he gave “Coquette” e to the stage .. . Because he} | co-authored ‘and. directed “Broadway” .~.x4 Because these were but two of a series of brilliant dramati | triumphs undimmed by an note of mediocrity, George A bbott was destined to give, to RADIO PICTURES his sensational melodrama of the New York fight racket &6 od RINGSIDE (In collaboration with Ted Paramore and Hy Daab) ‘ Percy Hammond, eminent dra critic of New York Herald Tribune wrote of Mr. Abbott: “Ie is my impression, as & drama-lover of many year’ devotion, that Mr. Abbort is the most trustworthy in the American Theatre | wheter eairmnon | are couad, and they ary graphic and credible detail. He blends faithfulness wi “ (devious chat, ton 08. Sai | 7 Actor .-...« director’... author~-s-.-«- ~he stands unchallenged ...... AMERICA’S MASTER OF STAGECRAFT,. who now contributes to a program where 1 h ll PICTURES iu showmanly merit! alone) shall count: my AEE RKO. DISTRIBUTING CORPORATION mate voie GY 1 sie Sone

Page 24

24 VARIETY Wednesday, April 24, 1929 ———_—__ ——s EVERY VICTROLA 4 ha ) ° . | k ‘ . Pathe’s Singing Talking Sensation Q When you open your doors with Morton + gp wane erry nae =e | Downey in “‘Mother’s Boy” you are set to cash Markey, Original songs by Bud Green in on the most intensive exploitation and pub- — cout Fangs = f-> s as licity campaign ever put behind a theatrical | attraction. ue Already the entire nation has heard the golden voice of Morton Downey sing the song hits of ! *‘Mother’s Boy” on the Hudson-Essex Challenger hour over the N.B.C. coast-to-coast hook-up of 33 stations. ay On Friday April 26th and for five consecutive Friday nights thereafter Morton Downey will again be heard over this same giant net work. Q On May 10th, simultaneous with the national re- lease of the picture Mr. Downey will sing the theme song of “Mother’s Boy” in another tremendous national publicity hook-up. e All the Advertising and publicity resources of the Victor Talking Machine Company are behind the picture with 9500 Victor dealers cooperating in a gigantic national campaign. 2 In advance and during your showing every Victor Dealer, Music Store and Song Shop will ballyhoo “Mother’s Boy” with Posters, Snipes, Window Cards, Heralds, Stills, Exploitation Records and Window Displays. @ All the world is waiting to see and hear “Mothers Boy” : | with eee 2 DOWNEY Golden Voiced Idol of Broadway

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929 PICTURES Inside Stuff—Pictures Phonographic records have received heavy impetus since exhibs started playing sound films. Where silent pictures are booked, owners are giving them sound by disk records cued by themselves to the extent of 10 to 12 records, paying $1.25 each for a batch of not less than 50. A number of places around Times Square have disk libraries which meet all demands of these exhibs. One spot sells 500 records for $425. Cost of cable running from the recording room in a sound studio to the microphone on an exterior location on the lot is deemed pretty high. Sound engineer supervising such operation estimate that by the time all connections are hooked up expense of cable is approximately $5 for each 400 feet. A picture producer who should have known better, having had news- paper training, asked his scenic artist to sketch for hix an idea for a “pearl mine” set. It was the toughest time convincing the flicker magnate that pearls aren't mined; they come from oysters. Samuel Goldwyn is retaining his eastern press agent, Lynn Farnol, on his payroll during the latter's enforced rest at Saranac, Goldwyn further assured Farnol that the berth was there when he recovers his health. Stage director in Hollywood less than a year has just completed a dialog picture of feature length in 14 days, Including all rehearsals. Di- rector expresses conviction the present urge for speed in making of talking pictures will not last, citing fact that in preparing play for stage he would not think of going before public with but 14 days’ re- hearsal. He calls attention to several pictures now in production on the same lot wherein schedule has been lengthened to nearly double the number of days allotted to his picture. George Spoor's invention of an over-sized film (raw) will be placed on the screen next September, it is said. R. C. A. Photophone is to be the first producer employing it. Spoor has a fortune invested. He was formerly a picture producer, one of the Big 6 in the Patents Co., Essanay. “Reporting the World,” short subject currently at the 55th St. Play- house, New York, is the sixth of a series of commercial one reelers, all Visugraphic Productions, distributed free to exhibitors and shown on Broadway in recent months. Current release is a plug for the United Press. Will Hays’ divorce story in the New York daily dailies last week was (Continued on page 46) the greatest entertainment in world at one dollar top. As a silent house Capitol has done the most consist- ent business during the year. The State, opening in April, will . run talkers on weekly change. Both oeashia jhouses controlled by Union The- (Continued from page 2) atees. here last week. Hard at the moment to With these two theatres changing Bay la will click or fade | weekly, means the long run houses ow icish thing here in years ‘When it {like Regent and Prince Edward will is not dirty in dialog it is silly in action. |have to click with some pretty in certain parts it is filthy. And yet |strong features to run extended on ee ‘eo py Mon py — seasons. The Regent is run by eurtains. Polite audience laughed when | fovts with Union Theatres having it shouldn't, but otherwise seemed to . ’ enjoy the production. Splendid acting vig interest in the Prince Kdward. CURRENT BILLS by Natalie Moya and Lewis Shaw, Pictures Lyceum (wired)—‘“Jazz Singer” and os » | Shorts: “‘Tannhauser Overture,” ‘Vesti alkers big noise. “Jazz Singer” |La Guibba,” “Howard Bros., Mischa to steady business. Elman playing “Humoresque,’’ Waring's Pennsylvanians and Cellar.” Regent (wired)—‘“In Old Arizona” and shorts, speech by King Alfonso of Spain, Clark and McCullough, Kentucky Jubi- lee Singers and Fox Movietone News. Regent changed last week, when “tn a Monastery business dropped away, to “In Old Arizona.” At Lyceum “Jazz Singer” in 10th week and indef. Prince Edward (wired)— ‘White April 6 the Capitol goes talker, in- | shadows” and shorts: Jehnny Marvin, troducing new talker each week. No | George Dewey Washington, Ella Shields, change will be made in orchestra, yar tha a Se ae organ or stage presentation. Un- apitol—Tremendous this week wit > “Dancing Daughters” and “After the doubtedly this theatre is offering Storm.” Two-bleck fine-up mornings waiting to book seats. Matinees largely patronized, with complete sell-out nights. Next week this house will have the rec- ord of playing to capacity for 52 weeks with two-feature weekly change policy together with special stage presenta- tions and organ features, Haymarket—‘“‘Beggars of Life’ and “Champagne.” John Orren and Co. act. Lyric—‘“‘Red Hot Speed” and “Naughty Baby.” No stage act, Empress — Family house presenting “Someone to Love,” “Mysterious Lady” and “Man, Woman and Wife.” U. T. Crystal Palace—‘‘Red Hot Baby" and “Naughty Baby.” House switching bill with Lyric. No act. Hoyts—‘“‘Kosher’ Kitty “King Cowboy.” UNIGN KINE-VAUDE Acts playing circuit this week in- clude John Orren and Co., Janetzki Trio, Peggy Mackechnie, Fredo Bros., Mantell’s Manikins, Fred Weber, Tommy McAuliffe, Big Four, Carre and Carlotta, “George and Florence, Bush Bros., La Salle and HERMIE KING MUSICAL MASTER of CEREMONIES Direction FANCHON & MARCO Oakland Theatre, Oakland, Calif. Kelly” and GENE SHELDON Secing the World with Mr. Publix VARIETY 25 FORCE ISSUE (Continued from page 2) ciation together with members of the Board of Trade, are running “In Old Arizona” (Fox) tomorrow (Wed.) privately, first at the Rialto on W. E. wire and then at other houses over cheaper equipment of other manufacturer. Purpose is to get a test ruling from the assem- bled trade representatives on the quality of reproduction over all systems under examination. The idea then is to force the interchange question as affecting those systems which in the opinion of trade au- thorities measure up. Thereafter if Western Electric refuses to permit product to be run on approved if cheaper wire, trade can seek legal action on charges of restraint of trade. Systems outside the W. E. group are going forward with plans for this market. RCA Photophone is reported about to install its equip- ment in a studio at St. Margarets where the Strand Film Co., will un- dertake native production of sound pictures, Leslie Hiscott, Strand director, leaves for America in a fortnight in this connection. Strand Film has been making “quota films” for United Artists. Hiscott was for- merly assistant director, working under T. Hayes Hunter and George Fitzmaurice. Mack, Hanley. Samaroff and Sonia, Nat MELBOURNE Legit Bills His Majesty’s—‘‘Desert Song,” record smasher, in last nights, Comedy—‘‘Pigs"’ withdrawn and “‘Ap- plesauce’’ replaced. Alan Bunce and Ruth Nugent featured. “Pigs” did not set the town afire. Royal — Margaret Bannerman’s fare- we'l appearance in ‘‘Marionettes.”’ K ‘’s— Leon Gordon in “Flying Squad” clicked strongly. : Princese—"‘Rio Rita 13th week. Vaude Tivoli—Jean Florian, Vine and Russell, Vivian and Walters, Mack and La Rue, Murray Parker, Howard and King, J. A Powers and Syd Roy's Lyricals. Bijou—Moon and Morris, Nell Flem- ming, Hal Cooper, Duran Marcel, Les Warton, and Ivy Norton, Pictures This city did not enthuse over the talkers, but business picked up con- siderably over last week or so. Au- ditorium opened with “Red Dance,” changing in a few weeks, bringing in “Mother Knows Best.” “Jazz Singer” has been standing up very well; now in 7th week. Sydney went crazy over the talk- ers but this city greeted the inno- vation somewhat coldly. Bills Athenaeum (wired)—‘“Jazz Singer and shorts: Martinelli, Mischa Elman, How- ard Bros., “In a Monastery Cellar.” Union Theatres. ms Auditorium (wired)—‘“‘Mother Knows best and shorts: Bonelli, Raquel Meller, Chic Sale, Ruby Keeler and Fox News. Hoyts, State—Tremendous success since open- ing. Best business in town with two- feature policy together with stage pres- entations and special orchestra and band. This theatre plays along lines to that of Capitol, Sydney, and is Mel- bourne’s ace house. ‘Mysterious Lady” and “Beggars of Life’’ features. Regent—‘“Two Lovers”; stage presen- tation, “Cheerie Ho,” includes Dunio and Gegna, Hodges and Towe, stage band, and Stanley Wallace at organ. Capitol—ith week ‘‘Tempest.” All Around W. T. will send “The Patsy” to New Zealand this week, with Irene Homer, A. 8S. Byron, Brandon Peters and Sam Wren. “The Vagabond King,” with James Liddy, will open at His Majesty's, Melbourne, Easter. W. T. Cast for Year “This Year of Grace” probably opens in Melbourne. Cast: Maisie Gay, Dinka Ararace, Brian Buchel, Ernest Saxton, Frank Fox, Molly O'Doherty, Pat and Terry Keandall, with J. Harris as produer. April is date set. Fullers will ‘take over the com- pany formed by Carrolls for “Fam- ily Upstairs” and “New Brooms.” Wyrley Birch and Leonore Hogarth ~ Picture Possibilities “Rockbound”—Unfavorable “ROCKBOUND"” offering and iacking for the screen, (Kallesser, Drama, Dour New England dramatics of the Cort). “heavy” school, poor as a stage silent or talker. Abel. “The Love Duel”—Unfavorable “THE LOVE DUEL” Ethel Barrymore). A play primarily a dialog work, suitable for the screen. which serves Ethel Barrymore very with suggested situations which may (Comedy drama, Lee Shubert and-.Gilbert Miller, well for the stage but not be “Marry That Man”—Unfavorable “MARRY THAT MAN” Unsavory theme, although happy fashioned marriage is a bust; so much of that, despite the (Independent, Fulton). ending; based on theory that old- “happy” end- ing, that the balance is all wrong; poor parts for principals, no produc- tion opportunities, no Broadway success probable. Lait. featured. Fullers will send show out on road. La Salle and Mack will leave for South Africa next week. Charles Robin McQuestion will act as m. c. at the State, Sydney. The America may also have charge of the stage band. Clyde Hood, Chicago pro- ducer, has also been booked for three years to look after the pres- entation idea at the same theatre. Empire featuring William Kent in the publicity campaign for “Clowns in Clover.” Kent's «name up in electrics outside the house. Assault Case Cold As the result of an action started four years ago by Carr Lynn against Arthur Prinee and Arthur Hurdle for assault when artists were play- ing the Tivoli time, the plaintiffs asked the court through his lawyer to accept a non-suit without costs. Request granted. Os. Perry, presentation manager for Union Theatres, is now con- trolling the stage shows at both Capitol, Sydney, and State, Mel- bourne. Fidel La Barba will return to America this week undefeated in all his contests here. La Barba proved the best boxer sent to these shores in many years. Wirth’s Jubilee Wirth’s Circus will start its jubi- lee season in Sydney Easter. Cir- cus started out in the '80’s with two wagons, and now owns its special train. Celiuleid Row Cold weather giving the smaller men a better break now, although the talkers are making it hard for them to get smash business, New Zealand has not yet reduced the 12% per cent film tax, despite repeated requesst of distributors. Bernard Freeman, M-G-M head here, leaves for America this week. No Native Pictures Picture producing .is as dead as a door nail in this country at the moment. Several attempts have been made to produce pictures with world-wide distributing possibilities, but most of the stuff turned out hopeless. Poor stories, lack of proper supervision and poor acting main reason for failure. Since the advent of the talkers and the big presentation house, four smaller movie houses have shut in Sydney alone. Movie houses running talkers must still continue to pay to the Copy- right Association $125 per week. Things may come to a head shortly by the refusal of the managers to pay this fee. A case in point is the Regent, Sydney. On the current bill only two songs are used in talkers. but the management must pay the $125. Music publishers are inter- ested in the case, claiming that the- atre owners employing this type of entertainment must pay the fee. Theatrical union here trying to form one big union, bringing in every branch of the entertainment field, including musicians. Empire Theatres Productions, Ltd., has gone into liquidation fol- lowing on leasing the Empire Thea- tre to Marlow-Rolls. Rufe Naylor was head of Empire Productions, Ltd., which presented “Sunny” and several other musicals here. Gradually, following on the opening of two big presentation houses in Sydney, the business fell away to a shadow, forcing the thea- tre to close finally. WEST COAST NOTES (Continued from page 21) director at Hal Roach studios, en- gaged by Pathe to direct “Joe Col- lege.” Doris Dawson added to “Great Divide,” FN, Charles E. Evans added (to “Greene Murder Case,” Par. J. McCrea added to “The Single Standard,” M-G. John Robertson directing. Julanne Johnston added to “Smli- ing Irish Eyes,” FN. Kenneth Thomson added to “Girl from Woolworth’s,” FN, Chester Morris added to Life,” FN. Dixie Willson added to scenario department of James Cruze, Inc.,, to write dialog for “Road Show.” Carlotta King placed under a five-year optional contract by M-G, Deal negotiated by Milton Bren. Johnny Mack Brown, opposite Greta Garbo in “The Single Stand- ard,” M-G. a Lyle added to “Thunder,” -G. M-G signed Byron Morgan, writer, to a third year’s contract. Lawrence Leslie added to “Back- stage,” Par. Jack Luden and T. Roy Barnes added to “Dangerous Curves,” Paz, Chester Morris, added to “Fast Life,” FN. Montagu Love added to “Lady Who Dared,” FN. Elinor Flynn added to “Delicates- sen” opposite Reg. Denny, U. Doris Hill signed new contract with Par. Buster Keaton to do solo poker face blackout in * Hollywood Frolics,” M-G. Harrison Ford, opposite Lois Wil- son in two-reel talker for Christie, Mary Carlisle, signed by Jose- phine Quirk to play opposite George McIntosh in series of two-reel ad- we stories. Release through Edward Earle, Jack Beck and Dan Crimmons, added to “Smiling Irish Eyes,” FN, “Fast ROSE VALYDA Featured in FANCHON and MARCO'S “COTTAGE SMALL” IDEA SS ~— —— MARION Personal Representative: CHAS. E. HOGAN TADLER and ROSE — DANCING DIFFERENTLY In JOHN MURRAY ANDERSON’S “SAY IT WITH MUSIC” UNIT PARAMOUNT, NEW YORK, WEEK APRIL 20--PARAMOUNT, BROOKLYN, WEEK APRIL 27 Direction: WILLIAM MORRIS OFFICE oo merge nme oi temmapeecpaanante a 5 :. 7 Lz ft Me } a +f ; ei & By a —

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ce a if err ‘ " el ite ARI Sit ils IES. AE tot * ; I am a ge REI et ete ee = ts BP eee ene seh opti ine wae oe oe 3" ae a ry Ses eae. poe caer RN — =~ oe a —_~ == Vai Teng Se OEE Se See % ee ee ete ees ite eee SE ne ie Te eee See VARIETY FILM REVIEWS =— = BERLIN FILMS (Continued from page 22) Soil” (Germania).* Set among a peason of good features, this would look like mere competent medio- crity—old-fashioned peasant drama. But this spring Jensen and Lang deserve credit for bringing out any- thing even as competent as this. Particularly so, as it gave Albert Steinrueck a chance to play bril- liantly the role of an old farmer and Hermann Valentine could wallow lustily in villainy. It’s about the good son who is away as a sailor and whose letters are kept back by his bad brother, to whom everything is then willed. The father finds out the truth, but is done away by heart failure before he can get to tre notary. But the good brother rc@urns and manages to kick the naughty boy out, any- row. They will eat it up in darkest Bavaria. Trask. KING OF THE CAMPUS (95% DIALOG) Universal production and release in ‘‘Col- legian’’ series. Directed by Nat Ross. Wiitten by Carl Laemmle, Jr. Dialog by Harry Fraser. Starring George Lewis. At the Colony, New York, April 20. Running time, over 25 mins. MG BeRGIB ic sce ccceoecccceces George Lewis June Maxwell...cscescesss Dorothy Gu-liver Don Trent... ..cessveseseesess Eddie Phi.lips Coach Jones, .,-cesessess Hayden Stevenson Doc’ Webster..+ssccesssees Churchill! Ross Dollette. . i crcveivececcioveds Collette Merton This is the first of the Collegians geries of two-reel Universal come- dies to be released with dialog, ac- cording to home office report. Same cast and director are used in each picture. This is the beginning of the fourth series. For filling out an all-talking pro-~ gram this two-reeler can serve as a first-class comedy feature. Al- most all dialog, excepting a few titles, it has been skillfully assem- bled and neatly directed. Plenty of action, a lot of laughs, and more than enough plot. Prac- tically all principals have good speaking voices, Dorothy Gulliver excepted. Churchill Ross, as “Doe” Webster a minor character, has been allowed too much liberty with comedy lines, but the same material read well in acreen titles. Laugh situations built up interestingly enough to overcome . any minor holes in production. Carl Laemmle, Jr., is credited with authoring and supervising. First dialog attempt with this series should prove generally pleasing. with others also standing the same chance if given the same a oe THE RED SWORD (SILENT) Radio (FBO) production and release. Di- yected by Robert Vignola. Original story eredited F. E. V. Taylor, with continuity by Wyndham Gittens. Nick Mueuraca, eameraman. At Loew's New York, one day, Apr# 16, one half double feature. Running time, 65 minutes. POD vccedsccwecsss ¢ie+-William Collier, Jr Vera.s..-,00. rian Nixon Catherine A Russian Actress!.........Carmel Meyer ff... sensseoweewcess-Demetrios Alexis 06 006eseedeqdecseeed ect Roscoe iveleBS. ....eseseeeeseeees+-Charles Darvas COOK. «ecsecessseeeesess- Barbara Bozoky eeepettoensere a Were sound and dialog applied, “The Red Sword” would be a safe bet for a week’s run in one of the better Broadway emporiums. As a silent it is one of the real life savers of the season for unwired houses of all classes, particularly first runs. Theatres with installations which use an occasional silent as a diver- tissement can book this one with- out hesitation, Story, cast, sets, camera work are all big time. Directorial finesse of Vignola is manifested, and to this director undoubtedly goes major eredit for turning out one of the —_—- - _—-— FAMOUS B. B. B.’S Business Before Broads Coffee Dan’s, Los Angeles, Ca). > “THE JUVENILE PRINCE BILLY SNYDER Benny Rubin is a Good M. C., Too Bat See Me First at the GOLDEN GATE THEATRE, L. A. most complete audience pictures of silent class from the old FBO lot in along time. As a rapacious Russian officer, Litvoski is made the target for peas- ant revenge early in the footage when he blinds an innkeeper after raping his wife. -The suspense is built around him. Allan Roscoe handles the heavy lead with sur- prising merit. The force and sin- cerity of his acting, especially the struggle with Carmel Meyers as Catherine in the bedroom scene, de- mands audience concentration at the start. Charles Darvas, as the blind man inculeating the spirit of vengeance into the illegitimate offspring of his dead wife, plays stirringly. His clinching of the whip, which de- prived him of his sight, on the day that a fortune teller has informed Litvoski he will be murdered by a woman, features in the suspense structure. Even the illogical situation of re- venge being abetted by the power- ful Litvoski having a relative in ‘ove with his illegitimate child is so handled by Vignola as to unfold without disappointment to even a sophisticated audience. These roles. Paul and Vera, played by William Collier, Jr., and Marian Nixon, have a skillfulness which allows only a favorahle reaction. A well-timed mystery angle is what woman will assassinate Lit- voski when ‘he returns to the inn. Waly. BORDER WILDCAT (SILENT) Universal production and release. Di- rected by Ray Taylor from the story by Karl Kusaba and Van Moore. Continuity by the authors. Feajuring Ted Wel:s and Kathryn McGuire. Cast includes Tom London and William Malon. No other players given screen credit. At Arena, New York, one day, April 17, half of double program. Running time, 48 mins. Another western. A _ series of chasing episodes and one free-for- all, staged with the usual saloon backdrop. Running time slightly under 50 minutes, it is practically limited to filling on double feature programs. Possibilities are slim. At the Arena, an 8th avente dime grinu, this picture was shown in conjunction with “Interference,” Paramount all-talker, at the usual admission price. Has practically no drawing power, children perhaps excepted. Kathryn McGuire doesn’t photo- graph well, though registering at- tractively in other westerns, Ted Wells walks through. None of the players show much coaching from director. Mori. Anny of Montparnasse (Franco-German Made) (SILENT) Paris, April 11. The energetic Sofar Film Corp. has- launched this picture, meeting with local success. Exteriors made in Paris and studio work in Berlin. Scenario ‘s fixed in Paris, in the art students’ quarter known as Montparnasse. Nothing particular about the story, in fact a bit moth eaten, but diverting. Anny is a popular character of the district, snappy and attractive. She is dubbed a “regular sport.” Poses as an artist’s model for a pro- fession, and still makes good. One evening she meets Jacques Servieres, wealthy young painter, and agrees 40 pose. Jacques’ sweet- heart is jealous of the newcomer and schemes to turn her out of the gg while the lessee is not on the ob. When Jacques learns of this he hunts through Montparnasse for his model and even goes to her former address. He enters the girl’s room and there finds a baby. The dis- covery rather upsets his equilibrium, so he takes leave, - That night he sees Anny at a students’ ball, and his theughts fly back to the poor little kiddie left alone in its credle. He follows his thoughts; goes to the girl’s room which he is able to enter without trouble (no safety locks in this film), and takes the baby to Anny. Then he discovers the mistake. It is not a case of “Bottle’s Baby,” nor “Baby Mine,” but was simply being cared for by the kind girl during the mother’s absence. It belongs to another tenant. Jacques is delighted at the maternal sentiments of his pretty model and marries her. “Anny, de Montparnasse,” is quite amusing, rather American in style, and contains some excellent gags Personal Mgr., Hershel M. Sugarman a= Anny Onéra plays her name-sake. She is a live wire. Andre Roanne impersonates in refined style the youthful millionaire art student The picture has been produced by Charles Lamac, and looks like a winner, from the commercial side Light. Great Diamond Robbery (SILENT) Radio Pictures pioduction and release. Directed by Eugene Forde from Frank Howard Clark’s story adapted by John Stuart Twist Titles by Randolph Bartett. Norman Devol, cameraman. At Loew's New York, one day, April 16, half double fea- ture. Running time, 65 minutes. Tom Markham. ..ssscssesessessees Tom Mix Ellen Brooks ...+ssss+ese+> Kathryn McGuire George BrookS...sscesreeceeeers Frank Beal Aunt Eble. ....csccscccsesess Martha Mattox Rodney StevenS...ecesssssss Ernest Hilliard Barney McGlll..cessceeeceeces Barney Furey “The Great Diamond Robbery” could be edited into three short sub- jects. The production is so brought to the screen that, except for the titles and a few very thin directoria! threads, the first two reels provide an old-fashioned comedy; the sec- ond pair a fast society meller of the quickie school, while the last duet constitute a cowboy comedy-drama. A little realism just before the close as meller tonic. More has never been demanded of Tom Mix in any other picture. He is society man, ranch foreman, de- tective, bouncer and whatnot. While fans usually have the ut- most cordiality for Tom, the guf- faws of a grind audience are un- mistakable when Tom leaped a street width from roof to roof. They were silent when, single- handed, he outwitted a gang of thugs who had stolen the jewels and laughed again when Tom, in a dark shot, hurled his lasso from the ground over a chimney perched three stories up. In this one, incidentally, autos beat trains and horses out-sprinted autos. It’s that way all through, with no regard for plausibility. Tom has to lean out of a taxi and pull a girl off her horse. Many film ‘feet later on Tom’s cab, break- ing down, again halts the girl, this time in a car ducking the traffic cops. Were it not for the heavy’s sly expression the picture could end there. But this bridges a gap to a night scene, burglars and a jewel robbery. Mix awakes and goes in for his first roof-jumping sequence. After trailing them to their den he overpowers the guy with the jewel and uses the bad man’s chewing gum to secret it beneath a table Mix delivers the stone to the girl on an outbound train, inviting the taxi driver to the country. But the audience doesn’t leave here. Following the train fade-out the bad men decide to take a short cut to the ranch and get back the jewel. The picture goes into a cowboy burlesque, the idea being to give the boss’ daughter an idea of the old west. The outlaw gang arrives. Tom allows them to be received as guests, and more rough and tumble ensues. Waly. VOICE OF THE STORM (SILENT) FBO production and release. Starring Karl Dane. Directed by Lynne Shores. From the story by Walter Bard. Photo- graphed by Robert Martin. Titles by Ran- dolph Bartlett. Cast includes: Martha Sleeper, Warner Richmond and Theodore Van Eltz, et al. Running time, 55 min- utes. One day, April 19, at New York theatre. Smalliie with all the melodramatic hokum of pioneer pictures, com- prising such situations as reaching the governor’s cabin in the woods to save the innocent fellow who is standing on the gallows. Trees fall across path of dashing auto. Bridge washed away as car crosses. Wicked butler; scientific formula which can destroy the world; storms, and all the abracadabra of the old school. Karl Dane is trouble shooter for telephone company. ‘His pal in love with a dame whose father, a scien- tist, expects her to marry another gent, who shares his secret formula ‘which can destroy the world. Father murdered by butler, seek- ing the formula for band of for- eigners. Dane’s pal blamed. Dane, the tobacco-chewing blun- derer, loads the film with laughs He essays to be detective, workine in the house. Father’s friend, though one would believe him to be in with the butler, is in reality a hero and uncovers the plot. Big moment of the picture is when Dane and the girl with her father’s friend attempt to reach the gov- ernor, when Butler confesses on deathbed. Get to governor but storm causes break in telephone wires. Boy being led to gallows while friends drive frantically to his aid, the gov. promising to keep call- ing every five minutes on telephone hopeful wire will be fixed. Car can't make it. Dane finds break in wires and lifting telephone pole on his shoulders attempts to join broken wire. Wire too short, Won't meet, so he uses watch chain for contact holding pole up until telephone com- pany wagon arrives. Learns the governor's call got in and saved his pal. Dane then decides to be detective, producing laugh finish, —— 2 S. O. S. (ITALIAN-FRENCH MADE) (SILENT) Paris, April 10, This Latin union thriller is an Erda Sofar preduction, “S. O. 8S. is the classical melodrama for pop- ular publics. Author of the scenario is Carmine Gallone, who has pro- duced it himself. No complaint. Mario Monti, Italian army officer, is called for duty in the colonies (Tripolitain), and leaves with his wife, Sylvia Monti, who was an ac- tress in Rome, Crossing the Mediterranean, Monti sees his former “best girl,” Rita. The ship is wrecked on the voyage and goes down. Call for help, hence title. Monti is separated from. the others and believes them drowned. Rita was saved, and she later meets a mysterious man, Mohamed, by whom she is taken in tow. She becomes his mistress, not an event in her checkered career. Mohamed is a rebel chief, whose tribe is to be chastised by the’ Ital- ian troops, commanded by Monti. Rita becomes the accomplice of her native over and undertakes spy work particularly as knowing a lot about Monti. She is able to get the military plans for the forthcoming Italian attack on the natives, who have declined to pay taxes, etc. But, unfortunately for the honor of the family, Sylvia was also saved from a watery grave and is on hand in the nick of time to save her hus- band. She shoots the wicked Rita, while Monti pursues Mohamed in the desert, recovers the document, and the campaign is a success. Monti is wounded in the battle, but finds a devoted nurse in the person of his devoted wife. The cast for this mixed romance well selected. Liane Haid is the affectionate Sylvia, with Gina Manes as the vamp Rita. The latter has an important role and was re- marked. Of the male parts Aphons Fryland (Monti), Harry Nestor (Mohamed), Andre Nox (in a re- stricted role), and Raimondo van Riel as a young officer devoted to his chief and friend, Mouti,Light. IDAHO RED (SOUND) FBO production and release. Starring Tom Tyler. Featuring Frankie Darro. Directed by Robert DeLacey. Photographed by Nick Musuraca. Cast includes Patricia Caron, Lew Meehan, et al, Fifty mins. One day at Stanley, N. Y. Inferior cowboy stuff with coun- terfeiting outfit attached to hero’s ranch. Photography O. K. Story simple. Story about fellow returning from France, meeting dame in city whom he doesn’t know is sister of his buddy killed in France. In picking up girl’s purse, he accidentally kicks it into gutter getting it all wet, Girl sore from then on. Fel- low takes train h-me with little boy he adopts. Played by Frankie Darro, ' Meets same girl on the train Takes auto to home. Girl obliged to use same car. Wreck. Arrives home, the foreman of the ranch being a villain who makes counter- feit money in cellar of owner's house. Hero finds he and gir) both own the house, insomuch as hero and his buddy owned it tegether and when buddy was killed he willed it to sister. Tyler and girl now own house an” ranch. Girl takes beauti- ful close-ups but not so good at distance. Fake dough bei~~ -assed in coun- try store. Sheriff calls and Tyler is blamed. Shooting affray in the night in which Tyler wings a mar in the dark. Proves to be counter- fe't're outfit makir~ getaway. Windup with Frankie Darro or pony getting to Tyler in sheriff's office to tell where the hidden stair- case is leading to counterfeit plant Tyler gets to scene and is boun? and tied, acid (used in counterfeit- ing) turning over and nearly suffo- cating him, Frankie is on hara -— Wednesday, April 24, 1929 Auto and horse chase in which ~. ‘er licks the mob with fists and turns ‘em over to sheriff. Uninteresting picture, except for possibility of holding kids by virtue of Frankie's pony. THE QUITTER (SILENT) Columbia production and release. Siare ring Ben Lyon. Directed by Joseph B, Henebery. Titles by Harry Corn. From the story, ‘““lhe Spice of Life,’’ by Dorothy Howell. Photographed by Joseph Walker. Cast includes Dorothy Renier, Fred Kohier and Clare McDowell among others. Run- ning time, 0 minutes. One day, April 19, at New York theatre. Splendid continuity and a highly plausible story to which Ben Lyon does more than his usual justice, Bristling with action. Irrespective of its economical phase, the picture is entertaining from the start to finish and a bet for any silent house: Pretty girl lends it added enchant- ment. Played by Dorothy Renier, An ideal cast generally, Ben is a stableboy for cafe owner and his amazing knowledge of med- icine gets him in strong with the boss, played by the hard-boiled Fred Kohler. Brings sick horse around, winning the big race. Cafe owner playing dancing girl in his night club. She treats Ben to chill, When he gets credit for winning the race, she tells him she likes him. He tells her how little her opinion matters. Dame burnt up. That night at club, Ben amazes everyone by his ability to play the piano and finds the girl strong for him, cafe owner playing second fiddle, Boy and girl obviously in love and cafe owner’s henchmen tip him off. Girl gets Ben to tell her his past. Flashback reveals that he was young surgeon, Ben at hospital be- ing congratulated bv his father, a noted brain specialist, on his first operation. Ben’s mother is nearly killed in auto crash, Operation nec- essary immediately. Ben takes her to nearest house. Operates in kitchen but faints. Father arrives. Mother dies. Father says: “Just when mother needed you most you failed.” Ben goes to dogs. Back to scene. Kohler and Lyons fight over girl, Ben nearly being killed. Makes tryst with gal. They intend to flee. Kohler with revolver stands in window to knock off Ben. Gal shoots him from transom. Ben operates, saving man who would kill him. Happy windup. Behind Closed Doors (SILENT) Columbia production and release. Dtl« rected by R. William Neill. Im the cast: Virginia Valli, Gaston Glass, Otto Mathiee son, Andre De Segurola. At Loew’s Circle, April 22, half double feature. Running time, 63 minutes. A rather dull, nicely mounted production, with story about nothing at all, makes “Behind Closed Doors” worthy of consideration by the lesser houses only when the silent famine becomes more severe. The absence of a plot outline ree sults in complications more slow, however, than intriguing Royalists see the re-enthronement of their king if they deliver certain papers to an American woman of great wealth. At the same time Republicans know that the document is to be delivered. Thus it starts. Virginia Valli poses as an-admirer of the rich woman until the latter’s identity as aunt to the ambassador is about to be disclosed. Then Mis Valli reveals herself as a secre service operative and surrenders the Royalists’ plans. The aunt dies and the yarn is back where it started from. During the interval Gaston Glass, as the young man sent to America to see that the papers are not de- livered, is as confused about Miss Valli’s intentions as the average fan in a grind audience. When two gentlemen are shot in cold blood just before identifying the mys- terious representative, there is no concern expressed and the audi- ence gets a matter-of-fact reaction, Who did the shooting is left to the 'megination. Greatly inferior to Colmmbia standard. Waly. - ~-— es STEVE MORONI WHIRLWIND TUMBLER Featured in Fanchor & Marco's “Bows and Reaur” Idea DELUXE MASTER OF CEREMONIES EDDIE CLIFFORD THE CARUSO OF POPULAR SONGS

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‘Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VAUDEVILLE

35 Acts Appeared on Met Stage Sunday Night in N. V. A. Beneft

Of 82 programmed attractions who volunteered for the N. V. A. Benefit performance at the Metropolitan Opera House Sunday night, 35 actu- ally appeared. Show was run with unusua! groothness for a benefit. Expert managerial hand of S. i. Rothafe! was responsible for this as for the several highlights of the perform- ance, opening with the merged sym- phony orchestra of nearly 300 mu- sicians on the stage and closing’ with two Russell E. § Markert troupes, totaling 64 girls. Roxy also personally conducted the pit en semb'e of 85 men for the vocal in- terlude of Evelyn Herbert, one of his former proteges now featured in : “New Moon.” Ward, Fioretta Ensemble, Announcement was made at start that for the first time in theatrical] history all of the allied amusement crafts were co-operating, that the musicians were appearing gratis through courtesy of Local 802, American Federation of Musicians, and the stagehands Local No. 1, dit- to. aiouse was jammed and standees were plentifully distributed, Seats scaled from $25 for the front loca- tions down to $2. Gross, with sou- venir programs at $1 each, reported at $70,000. ; Those appearing in specialties or tn acknowledgement of introduc- tions and the running order of show follow: Roxy,. Francine Larrimore, 300- piece symphony orchestra, Five Reilleys, RKO Collegiate Unit, Barry and Whitledge, 14 Bricktops and Runaway Four, Lou Holtz, N. T. G. and Night Club Girls (Dotty Justin, Lou Carroll and Ruby Shaw), Phil aker and Aileen Stanley, Solly “Red” Grange, Bill Robinson, John B. Dan- jels, Adelaide Hall, Lionel Atwill, Janet Beecher, Erin O’Brien Moore, Jules Bledsoe, Harland Dixon, Nina Tarasova, Clayton, Jackson and Du- rante. Intermission Ben Bernie (m.c.) Johnny Burke, Renie Chemet, Lester Allen and Nellie Breen, Walter Woolf and “Red Robe” ensemble, Healey and Cross, Harry Fox, Roxy Ballet, Whiting and Burt, Jack Pearl, Eve- lyn Herbert, Chester Hale Girls (Capitol), Kitty Doner, Ada May, Geraldine and Joe (children), Rus- gell E. Markert Roxyettes (64). Fox’s Detroit and Philly Added to “Idea’s” Route Los Angeles, April 23. The Eastern route of Fanchon & Marco Ideas has Detroit and Phil- adelphia included in its itinerary. The show which started last week at Denver for the Eastern hopoff will now play Topeka, Omaha, Mil- waukee and then jump to the Fox in Detroit, where they open May 4. From there direct to the Fox in Philadelphia, opening May 12. The first unit into the Detroit house will be “Rollin’ On.” The bookings for Detroit were arranged through Joe Leo, while those for the Philadelphia heuse were ar-

“ranged through Jack Loeb, head of the Fox vaudeville: department in New York. 4 Fanchon, of Fanchon & . Marco, leaves this week for a tour of the ' houses on the circuit and will be | } at the opening of the units in De- troit and Philadelphia. From the latter place she will go to New York where she will remain for sev- eral weeks to purchase acts. Idea shows will return to the Egyptian, Hollywood, April 25, re- placing the “B” units. Ideas will go from the Alexander, Glendale, where they play three days to the Egyptian for one week and from there go on the Northwestern route , Starting at Fresno.

ACHIEVEMENT Jerry Cargill books all the Allan K. Foster dance ensemble upits. Over a dozen troupes of Foster Girls are en tour with Publix and other circuits. Car,ill books anything and anybody, any time, anywhere, any piace, JERRY CARGILL of neg 1560 BROADWAY, WAY, NEWYORK. ————— 7: BROADWAY, NEW YORK

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Page 28

i EM ne Rti cial A i a. - = —~ A le, ot Mr im seminar pet eS pa Bk ena oe PEE 8S Br eee oo tice, dyh’t ae ies Lo es ey ee. Sd on votes Se ee Yam VARIETY Wednesday, April 24, 1929 oe ee —- = ——— a —— WARNER BROS. BOOKING OFFICE INCORPORATED Booking Attractions Warner Theatres ARTISTS VITAPHONE LEW GOLDER GENERAL MANAGER BOOKING STAFF HAROLD KEMP STEVE TRILLING WARNER BROS. BOOKING OFFICE INCORPORATED 1560 BROADWAY, BOND BUILDING, NEW YORK CITY TELEPHONE 1500 BRYANT PHILADELPHIA, PA., CHAS. SHISLER, EARLE THEATRE BUILDING

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SSeS ae ; unit April 27.

Wednesday, April 24, 1929

VAUDEVILLE

“Home Town” Acts Scare Flashing.

Schnozzle Convinces Neighbors

“That's him, look at his nose. It's the same one, I'm telling you.” “Now wait a minute. Let’s get @ good .cok.” “Don't wait. Hurry out the chil- dren.” A snatch of conversation at Keith's, Flushing, L. L, last Thurs- day night, starting the last half of the vauéde-film show. Whether by accident or design, Ed Lenthan, Keith’s manager, had inflicted a couple of home-town acts on the ~ :llage and the capacity audi- ence that evening was commencing to wilt. First they had to see and hear Keno, Green and Mitzi, fol- lowed by Clayton, Jackson and Dur- ante. It appeared as the services pro- ceeded that Mr. and Mrs. Keno (Rosie Green) live somewhere in Flushing. They mentioned Dr. White is their dentist as the con- vincer. Mitzi is their eight-year- olc wonder child, who didn’t seem to give the home-town the impor- tance her parents did. In the rathskeller turn of the three names, all boys, Jimmy Dur- ante mentioned from the stage that “Donovan's” is a good place to eat. Later Mr. Durante, it was re- ported, stole the basket of flowers Dr. White had sent Rosie Green, had it pushed over the stage to the trio, and claimed that the bunch at Donovan's had sent it to him. Also in partial payment for the stage plug, Donovan's invited the trio up to eat the next night, but not their wives. Doubt on Durante Everyone apparently knew the Kenos were citizens, for there was a delegation of Flushers back stage to greet them. The doubt appeared to be over Jimmy Durante, famous for his bad cigars, nose and elegant clothes. One story was that Mrs. Durante, looked upon in the village as a grass widow, had requested Mr. Lenihan to permit her husband to show on the Keith <- age in order to let the neighbors know not only that she had a husband, but he is the same man they have seen sneaking in her house every morning around 6 The neighbors had talked it over. One advanced the theory that if there were a Mr. Durante, he was probably a burglar who worked all night. Another said he must be a gambler who seldom won or he would have come home earlier. Otners thought it was a scheme of Mrs. Durante to keep them from seeing her husband's face. When Mrs. Durante displayed the advertisements in the New York papers mentioning Clayton, Jackson ai.d Durante as an attraction, the neighbors laughed and asked why they didn’t print her husband's pic- ture, too? As no daily newspaper has ever yet had the nerve to print that Durante pan, Mrs. Durante found herself up against it again. Mortgaged the Home When Mrs. Durante approached Mr. Lenihan that smart manager said if she would buy out the house ’ for three nights, her husband's mob, including the band, might be al- (Continued on page 36)

HEIMAN AND ERLANGER Former Orpheum Pres. Back, With Legit Affiliation Reported

Mercus Heiman, former president of the Orpheum Circuit, has return- ed to New York, after a lengthy stay abroad. The report is revived that Hei- man’s future theatrical interests may be linked in with the Erlanger legit offices.

Too Tough Walzer and Dyer, comedy team appearing in the Publix unit “Pearls of Bagdad,” will withdraw from the Team, doing eight minutes, complained that the pic- ture house audiences were too tough for their type of act and that it took four minutes to warm them up. Murray and Alan replace.

Seeks Acts for Australia Los Angeles, April 23. Eric P. Strelitz, American repre- sentative of Union Theatres, Ltd., ' Of Australia, is en route to New - York seeking acts suitable for the Antipodes circuit.

—

DIVISION MGRS. MEET Keith Men in N. Y. for Talkfest— First Conference

Tuesday the 11 Keith division managers got together for the first time in the Palace, New York, building, to talk over their prob- lems along the chain. The 11 headed by Jos. E. Plunkett, Keith’s theatre operator, comprised all of the Keith's theatre heads, all appointed by Plunkett when he lately assumed his office. Nothing unusual was reported as arising at the meeting. It was stated that the Keith theatre and booking, men were conferring in harmony, while the theatre men ex- changed views and experiences be- tween themselves. Most of the divisional heads had reached New York early enough to attend the managers’ dinner Mon- day night at the Plaza. 3. Whiteman Weeks at $7,000 Before Cal. Hop Paul Whiteman, through Jimmie Gillespie, is asking $7,000 a week from RKO for three weeks starting the first week of May to fill in until the Whitemanites jump to the coast on their special 5-car train, chartered by Old Gold. The Ziegfeld Midnite Frolic closes Saturday (April 27), leaving Ziggy open to a legal claim ona contract specifying a two weeks’ notice either way after April 30. Ziggy falls three days shy of the expiration date and also has the two weeks to take into considera- tion. Whiteman’s last Keith salary was $7,800, a barrier to the Palace, but taking in the Hippodrome and Albee, when he doubled from a Ziegfeld show several seasons ago. Now with the Palace paying the Marxes $7,000 net, Gillespie figures he will ask for the same, instead of the previous Palace figure of $6,500.-

Trib’s Vaude Editor New York Herald Tribune (morn- ing) now has the only vaudeville editor on a New York daily. Jules DuBois was appointed last week. His duties include reviewing, han- dling press matter and gathering news. Vaude has heretofore been a part of the dramatic stuff on the Trib, as on most dailies. Since the de- cline of straight vaude, variety news and reviews have been per- functory “readers.” Establishment of a special vaude department by one of the dailies may be an indication of something or other.

R-K-O-Loos Sketch Deal Anita Loos’ sketch, “The Ink- well,” tried out.in Palm Beach this winter at a benefit show with Billie Burke, John Emerson and Louise Groody, will be produced by RKO as a comedy one-acter and later made into a short for Radio pic- tures, Rosalie Stewart will cast and produce, with the M. S. Bentham office representing Miss Loos in negotiations for additional comedy sketches to be handled in similar style by RKO.

Pay or Play Cancelled Though “pay or play” contracts are issued for the Willis in the Bronx, an independent house, now booked out of the Keith offices by Harry Carlin, Nina Caponi, single, was cancelled there after the first show. The Willis has had a plenty checkered existence and every book- inz office in New York has had @ try at it. It shifted from Dow to Linder to Markus to Fisher to Dow who turned it back to the Consoli- dated. Then Carlin got it.

MOLLIE PICON IN VAUDE Mollie Picon, the Yiddish musical star, entering vaude, has been booked by Keith’s to open at the Franklin, New York, June 16. She will be held for a full week at the split week house.

Experiment Razz

Danny Collins, agent, is back on the Keith floor after three months of illness. It was his second recent absence. Collins took the water wag- on oath two years ago and stuck. Since then he has had double pneumonia and appen- dicitis. N. V. A. DOUBLES COLLECTIONS OF LAST YEAR

Cordial Co-operation by Picture Chains Biggest Aid—-$750,000 or More

Over double the amount of total collections in the N. V. A. benefit drive from the public through the variety theatres was the unverified estimate yesterday. It was then thought that the entire gross will reach at least and very probably exceed $750,000. This is exclusive of the several benefit performances throughout the country, topped by the N. V. A. show Sunday night at the Metro- politan, New York. That wound up the campaign. The Met played to nearly entire capacity, with high orchestra seats.at $25 and boxes $220 each. Met’s gross ran around $50,000 for the single night and the N. V. A. Souvenir program held about $20,000 more. The souvenir program, formerly a slug with Keith actors and agents intimated into advertising in it through the former methods em- ployed, carried comparatively little talent advertising this year, with the slug off. Pat Casey, in charge of the drive had made it plain from the outset that no off side tactics would be permitted to force ads into the program. Most of its full pages were portraits of theatrical managers or press agents. Albee Out The abnormal collections in the theatres are mostly credited to the cordial co-operation of the picture house chains. They universally par- ticipated for the first time in the 13 years the N. V. A. has been coin getting. It is also the first time. dur- ing those years that E. F. Albee has had nothing to do with the affair. Previously Albee ran the whole works and always to the complete dissatisfaction of every one in vaudeville,other than his yessers and himself. Mr. Casey states that when the different amounts are compiled an announcement will be issued, That will be another initial departure for anything in connection with N. V. A. moneys: Heretofore Albee seemed to look upon the N. V. A. as his own secret, in money and otherwise. Still Resented The handout collections in the theatres throughout the country created as much resentment as ever, last week, especially over the pleas made for “the poor actors.” The principal pleader was bEBert Lytell, in a splendidly made talking short. Lytell’s vaudeville salary is $2,500 a week. His current engage- ment is a starring one in “Brothers,” now on a run on Broadway. In it Mr. Lytell receives $1,250 weekly for his personal services. While the resentment against the begging plan for money in the the- atres was made manifest in con- versation, the country’s dailies were more lenient than usual last week in their comments upon it. There appeared to be a different feeling held by those same dailies for the Mm. Ve Ms

, . Minneapolis, April 23. Although she had been billed as one of the stars, Irene Franklin, headlining the Hennepin-Orpheum bill here last week, refused to ap- pear for the N. V. A. midnight benefit show at the Minnesota, Hitchcock acted as master of | ceremonies. The entire theatre was scaled $1 and benefit grossed ap- proximately $2,000, making net of $1,600, Emerson and Baldwin, playing the State, also refused to partici- pate. Hitchcock, who is a guest star with Bainbridge dramatic stock, also donated his services,

Backstage at the Met Benefit VARIETY 29 ——— ee

Bernstein Tells Why Soph Thinks That Way “Hey, bo, don’t you know you done a terrible thing to me and Soph, saying I owed Soph $650 and she’s looking for it? You don’t know that gal; pal of mine. “She ain't looking for no dough from me, not Soph. Why, any time I go into a town where that dame is playing, she sends me a car for the week. It’s lousy how that Va- riety can break up friendships of years with them inside stories that ain’t got no business being printed anyway.” Freeman Bernstein speaking. Not burning but a little heated. Mak- ing special requests Nos. 408, 409, 410 and 411. Each is the same, not to print anything more about he and Sophie Tucker or Soph hoping to recover $650 in coin she alleges Freeman put over a fast one on her for, some time ago in- Chicago. “It ain’t fair,” kept on Freeman, as he informed the manicure girl what causes low .ide in the ocean. “And to let you know how wrong you got that story I am a going to tell it all. Everything. “When I was racing out in Chi- cago, I sees my pal, Soph. Great gal. And I says to Soph, ‘Buddy, I'll stake you to the best thing that ever was pulled off on this course. It’s going to run tomorrow and bet it all. If this one doesn’t go over I'll give you your money back. That's how sure it is.’ “See? Square, wasn't it? tells how I was thinking. Sophie Bets “So Soph bets on one of my nags. A thoroughbred. Ani it got left at the post. Soph’s $650 blows with it. And Soph says that as I guar- anteed the horse to win, I owe her the $650. “I ain't disputing I said it to Soph and I don’t remember whether I took her $650 to bet for her myself or she bet it herself. Anyway that dog laid down. “And to make it worse the same day the judges called me up. I stand aces with all of the judges at all of the tracks. They are always calling me to the stand to talk things over, “On this day, the judges were nice. They said, ‘Freeman, you seem to have the smartest stable of horses that ever tried to race under our glasses. In fact, Freeman, they are too smart for the Chicago tracks.’

That Complimentary “That was a pretty big compli- ment to me, wasn’t it? So I says to the judges, ‘Boys where shall I race?’ and they say, ‘Freeman, any- where but where we are. We don’t want such smart horses; we want horses that won't look back- ward at,the far turn or know how to stand still at the post.’ “ ‘Boys,’ I says to the judges, ‘It took me a long while to teach the horses this trick don't make me move now,’ but the judges stuck and I was aired. “So you see, it all happened on the same day. Trying to get Soph a stake I get a vacation, the horses are sore and in the rush I left town without calling up Soph. Can't Trust Dogs “I have been off the dogs ever since. You can't trust them. I told that filly Soph had a bet on it and it nodded. : ‘Now I am in a regular racket. It only needs half a million and looks good for a ride. If I land this rn give Soph a couple of horses if she’s still squawking, although if Soph, my pal, says anything against me, it will hurt me; also May. “If you write Soph, don't tell that dame anything. Let it die. She's in the big money now and should forget nickels and dimes. I ain't doing it any more.” As Freeman waltzed out of the barber shop, he said to the mani- cure, “Keep track of this, baby, it’s only the second time on the cuff for you,” and he borrowed $2 from the boss, “just to see how my credit is,” laughed Freeman, Indies Tilt Salaries With the indies finding it tougher now to get names for the smaller circuits the outside agents are seeking big acts and offering more money, Dave Fine has taken some of the

smaller indie time at $400. This was placed through the Dow agency, said to be the most money ever handed out on a contract by that agency. lo ean Lie RIE TE thay alt ID. Alanya ae ane t Roxy brought some of that 50th street technique to the Met Sunday night and showed ‘em how to run a show. From a backstage viewpoint it was probably the most peaceful N. V. A. benefit show yet staged, or any opher benefit bill. Roxy made all the backstage business his own. Outside of con- tinued harping on the “lousy lights” and a few howls at his bal- let to stay upstage, he was quite an unruffled guy. John Schultz, until recently of the Keith office, managed the stage, under Roxy, and compiled the bill. No acts turned away, all who showed going on. Robert Warwick was holding somebody's poodle dog in his arms most of the evening. John Edgar, timekeeper at the Met for 39 years, looks like a Ken- tucky colonel. He was an opera singer long ago and speaks six languages. Took a long time for the 200-odd musicians to get set, but when they did it was a thrill. Roxy said that first note, when all struck up in unison without a rehearsal, ran up his spine. Milt Schwartzwald conducted the 100-piece pit band for the acts, Wide Open Musicians Clayton, Jackson and Durante, Their first and last time in the Metropolitan Opera House. The Durante “orchestra” standing Mm the wings and watching the sym- phony with their mouths wide open, Bill Robinson’s brown derby. Lou Holtz, with a cane, talking Park Avenue before going on and telling Hebe stories when on. The two “girls” who pull the Met curtains for $1 a show and have been doing it for 15 years. Edward G. Robinson’s “Well, who’s going to introduce me?” when Roxy asked him to introduce an act. Roxy, mistaking Lioned Atwell fer Phil Baker, calling him Paul and then apologizing. Baker wanted to know whether the show was be- ing broadcast. Two kinds ef ma- terial and Phil knows both. Little Girls N. T. G.’s little girls, with Nils beating time for them. He said he

was sorry that he had to leave a new sensation home. She goes through the audience and sings to the men. Cute and a riot, said N. T. G. Too bad. Red Grange stated his “77” stood for double craps. Jules Bledsoe singing opera in the opera house, They ran out of sandwiches three times. Not a bottle in the night. Every time anyone turned around they were bound to bump into five ballet girls. More girls than sand-' wiches, that’s why they ran out sandwiches. Ada May (Weeks) insisting that her mother stand in the wings. M. C.'s trying to pass the buck. The Capitol and Roxy ballet girls vowing to show each other up, Roxy said he'll let someone else handle it next year, “When do I go on?” Piazza to Boston; In New York Later It was officially stated in the Keith office, New York, yesterday, that Ben Piazza, Keith's ‘Chicago representative, had been assigned to the New Envland territory with headquarters in Boston. Following a period there it is the intention of the Keith headquarters to bring Piazza into the New York general offices. Piazza has been in charge of the mid-west Association since Radio- Keith-Orpheum commenced to op- erate Keith's. He has been rapidly building up that booking office. Meanwhile the Boston Keith office is said to have been skidding with its former head, Wesley Frazer, in Keith’s, New York. Date of Piazza leaving Chicago or his successor there not mentioned, Miss Joy Heads West Leatice Joy, currently playing the Palace, New York, will take off for house all

California immediately following this date. Palace week will climax her vaude or for the present . Yiaetene et Lata hs ee Se Besnay: Soxpeo pv NED, samt: PR 08 eet ow linet an A ed 7 Mate ps ob Bat t POP AEP KE Rar Me | ome A -w AS ANIL IRE A E PoeC A ma ea pan RSNA tt - wit ~ See ER y 4

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— LEO. FEIS'T_Inc.._ Cor. BROADWAY and 50th ST. NEW YORK (ENTRANCE ON 50TH ST.) Dance -. | Oixeliaestateyts You Cant. Go ones \ / h ae With Any FEST Song FROM YOUR SAN FRANCISCO CINCINNATI PHILADELPHIA KANSAS CITY DEALER : 935 Market St. 707 Lyric Thea. Bldg. 1228 Market St. Gayety Thea. Bidg. / | CHICAGO BOSTCN_.. DETROIT LOS ANGELES OR DIRECT. 75 W. Randoiph St. 181 Trement St. 310 Michigan Th. Bidg. 405 Majestic Thea Bidg. ; MINNEAPOLIS TORONTO LONDON, ENG. PARIS, FRANCE 235 Loeb Arcade 193 Yonge St. 188 Charing Cross Rd. 30 Rue de l’Echiquier MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, 276 Colline S& BERLIN, GERMANY, 87 Leipziger Strasee

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VAUDEVILLE VARIETY st Girls Act Up, Canned; Mast Pay Fare Home Los Angeles, April 23. Clark and Thelma Swan, dancers, engaged by Wilbur Cush- man and George Clark for their road show, playing at Gallfp, N. M., will have to settle with the man- agers for their return fare to Los Joan Angeles, and forwarding costs, be- fore they can regain their trunks, | held as security when they were dismissed for alleged misconduct | while with the show. The gals filed complaint with the State Labor Commission charging they had been canned, after they had given their notice, claiming the working conditions had been mis- represented. Cushman, replying to the complaint, stated he had ad- vanced railroad fare to brimg the girls from Los Angeles to join, but that after arrival their conduct was detrimental to the show, and that as they refused to live up to their contract, he let them out. Deputy State Labor Commissioner Chas. F. Lowy held the proprietors justified, and directed the girls to settle in order to recover their trunks. LYON GOES VAUDE Los Angeles, April 23. Ben Lyon, picture actor, signed by Publix for personal. appearance tour, opening in Chicago May 65. MERCEDES Most Discussed Artist in Vaudeville! An Amazing And Bewildering Musical Performance! Nothing Like It!! Brililant Showmanship!! Ee ~ ee - Try and Get It One day or two days dates in a couple of Long Island hideouts net some of the acts about $4. Used for tryouts. In one town there’s a “No Smoking” sign or the wall. A vaude femme was puffing at a cig when a fireman walked in and bawled her, “I’m the chief here,” he said “You wouldn't want me to take $25 out of your salary, would you?” Farming Unit People to De Luxes for Summer Figuring that the vaudeville cir- cuits cannot afford expensive unit acts over the summer, Jerry Car- gill is closing down three of his units. He will seek to place the peo- ple individually with Publix units and has it computed that the in- come will be about the same for the talent individually as if he booked the units intact. Jack unit is a $2,900 act; “Palm Beach Nights,” $2,450, and Jack Sidney's Band Show, $2,500. All three units are currently working. @argill takes the position that rather than play his acts one week and lay off two in the summer, he will voluntarily disrupt them for the purpose of individual rotating. Vain's Sousa on Air—$5,500 Another high salaried band is go- ing on the air. It is Sousa with 52 men. The band will receive $5,500 each Monday night for 10 weeks, playing for the General Motors hour the NBC iietwork. The other band once weekly on Gold cigs. Morton A. Millman, of the Morris office radio dept., placed the Sousa engagement. over is. Whiteman’s Tuesday, for Old “Doc” Clowns for Publishers “Dr.” George Rockwell will be the featured entertainer at the annual banquet of the American News- paper Publishers’ Association at the Waldorf-Astoria tomorrow (Thurs- day) night. Will Rogers, who has appeared at the last three banquets of the association, had to cancel the date in order to continue pinch hitting for Fred Stone in “Three Cheers,” now in Boston. LOCAL BOOKING OF JRS. BURNS N.Y. MEN RKO bookers in the east are put- ing up a battle over booking the Orpheum Jr. circuit, since Jos. Plunkett turned booking jurisdic- tion over to his divisional manager, Nate Blumberg. On direct order from Plunkett the New York book- ers may only submit acts for the Orpheum Jr., which must meet with the approval of Blumberg before they can be accepted. The New York boys have taken this as a reflection on their ability while for- getting that it was their own book- ing methods that turned the mid- west territory inside out for the past five years with a loss of $500,- 000 a year to the Orpheum Jr. cir- cuit. Keith's eastern office had been sending shows over the Junior houses that had previously played the Palace, New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. They thought noth- ing of, booking or buying picts for $1,000 or $1,500 that meant noth- ing at the box office of these small western towns. Booking Samples Among the shining examples of big money unknowns thrown into the western books were Herman Timberg at $4,500; Gordon and Squires at $850; Jimmy Savo at $1,000, and Al Herman at $900. At the nominal admission prices and small capacities of the houses it was plain suicide. Now, with Plunkett deciding to let his divisional manager look after each individual house the New | York bookers are burning. They might remember that Sam Kahl once tried to book his houses from out of New York too, and it proved a failure. It seems that the New York men have been booking these houses with small regard to local conditions. Hereafter houses will be booked on an elastic basis. Building up er cutting down a show fo sult con- ditions and the booking of pic- tures. PAR.’S RASCH GIRLS Los Angeles, April 13. Paramount hag Albertina Rasch for a one-year contract to be in charge of all ballets in its produc- tions during that period. Miss Rasch will use the girls for this work now appearing in her bal- let at Grauman’s Chinese. CC Fooled "Em! Pittsburgh, April 23. An exceptionally poor ac- ordion player had just finished his offering at one of those weekly amateur nights in a suburban movie house. There were a few scatterec boos. The aspirant to stage fame walked off, but as he reached the wings, he turned and, look- ing out at the audience, said with as much sarcasm as he could command “Yeh, and I never took a lesson.” ' 3 Minevitch Billing Row Ends in His Release Insisting that his billing second to Helen Kane was-a violation of contract, Borrah Minevitch insisted on -°-n arbitration with Arthur Hammerstein, producer of “Good Boy,” now in Boston. As a result, Ninevitch compromised on an im- mediate release from the show, having foreign bookings for this summer. The harmonica virtuoso insisted that with Eddie Buzzell’s leaving “Good Boy,” he (Minevitch) was to have had top billing. Instead, J. C. Nugent was accorded that distinc- tion on Broadway, and when ‘the show took to the road top went to Helen Kane. Minevitch objected and asked Equity to intervene. Hammerstein countered that if Minevitch wanted a release from his run-of-the-play contract, it was oke. TATE WINS IN COURT Harry Tate, English comedian, sued in New York by Herbert Rosener, for $1,250, won the case in the City Court. Julius Kendler, acting for Tate, not only introduced the Statute of Limitations (matter dates back to 1922 and suit was not commenced until this year), but denied that Rosener had advanced honey to others at his (Tate's) re- quest. In 1922, Rosener was company manager of the “London - Follies” touring in Canada in which Tate was starred. BIG FOX ACTS Jack Waldron’s unit of 35 called “Worries of 1929” opens for Fox Miuy 6. 300ked by Tony Shayne. “Park Concerts,” travesty on the “Home Towners,” and adapted by Harry Conn, also opens for Fox May 6. Act carries 20 among whom are Billy Adams, Edna Sedley, Ann Woods and the 10 Aristocrats, ——— Fox, B’lyn, Paying $12,000 This Week for Six Acts Fox theatre, Brooklyn, is spend- hing over $12,000 for a six-act vaude- | ville bill this week, headed by the Pat Rooney family It may be record high in ormal season for a vaude theatre playing six acts. Top of around $13,500 at Kelth’s Palace, New York, is in a straight vaude theatre with eicht or nine acts Against the Fox, the Albee (Keith's), Fox's opposition for the vaude supremacy of Brooklyn, has a $6,000 bill on its stage. Resides the Rooneys the Fox bill includes Charles Ray, Jean Granese, Jack Sidney's Frolickers (25-people revue) and Lt. Gitz-Rice Co. In'ad- dition to the vaude, “Hearts in Dixie” (Fox) is the screen feature. Albee, besides Barton, Ann Codee, Adler and Bradford, Babe Egan's Redheads and Don Cummings on the stage, is screening DeMille’s “Godless Girl.” Fox seats 4,000, and the Albee around 3,000. Werrenrath’s Shorts RKeinald Werrenrath is making a series of talking shorts for RCA Photephone. Production is at the Gramercy studios on East 24th street. COSCIA: VERDI The Joy Boys of Song, Comedy Talk and Music Booked Solid R-K-O Circuit Viti ~ v7 ) YAY YANIYaNvaNlvaxitvey vItYax iiaxitvexl “S « >> Vitvavitvaxivay iivavivenl Yanivay 4 a“ ri'vaxttya\ XiYaX NEW YORK’S HIT | Weeks on Broadway in 5 Different Theatres PALACE, ROXY , CAPITOL, PARAMOUNT and THIS WEEK (APRIL 21), STATE, NEW YORK THE WORLD FAMOUS COMEDY DANCERS ~~ HARRY A. WHITE ™ MANNING ALICE Maintaining the Standard They Achieved by Originating the Burlesque Adagio Direction WM. MORRIS OFFICE Thanks to AL SAMUELS and His Brothers for Their Able Support in This, Our Present Offering VOLNACL UOT ALOLN VOL I\eL" \e)) x © > ~~ © =— BOTUTS ww ] ¥ RETO OT BOOKED SOLID VIOLA EDWARD RUDELL and DUNIGAN In “SUCH IS LIFE” by Eugene Conrad ! NOW AT R-K-O PALACE, NEW YORK Direction LEE P. STEWART Scalar an acootuansiantbasansnadhgeesnsionentationiismdenanamimmninenmae tate ee Re la Oe a ee 0B ee eal a pa td i A F ah a7} t¥: 4 Ag." acy % ef iy oe ~ neg IG

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YOU CAN'T MISS WITH THIS BALLAD FOX TROT HIT YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU WHY nile YOU ? by CARMEN LOMBARDO énd MICKEY KOPPEL av 4leuKO)>] on ea IMMOF Y Se M. WITMAF PITTSBURGH, Ben Fields, 1018 Forbes St. ST. LOUIS, Elmer McDonald, Ambassador Theatre Bldg. Ppa ,1650 BROADWA viadson ar

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" ad ~y Hh. : 2 Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY PIJLAR-BALLAD sing ballads’ ~~ q EME BALLAD DIVINE Pivine and NATHANIEL SHILKRET NAL! FEATURE PRODUCTION arrmf CORINNE GRIFFITH IVARNER‘’S THEATRE_N.Y — : ve ca - ress ° ing your ==5 Di ~* vi \e, ——___. ==e5 ing, With hope is whis-pring to L = >. A. is eyes, your smile find me long = Hil ry — lc : —— The vinel,. MCMXXIX| pM. Witmark & Sone rnatio ht Secured ‘Past The GREATEST MELODY FOXTROT in MOONS MOONLIGHT STCIN ad M. K. JEROME —————— P e*¢ ee . +t t = * z +—p* ry r _ T -—y) fers uss desrind sy ses perme eee ey See See sma sentation sets in thes oomlight. Thru the a two lov-ing armswillen-fold you. Fate is kind, love will find and oréan ar ny * y . ==. = ===. = = 2S SS = IS Write Jimmy Cuark, 321 W. 44 St. art let me {hold you, Thru the night, these @ You and J in the moonlight. moon-light. WARNER Bros. Bui. DING, NEW YORK. Titmark & Sons International Copyright Secured “HOT OFE* THE. BAT. % AT NEW FOX TROT GO HND SOMEBUDY 10 LOVE ty HERB MAGIDSON and MICHAEL H. CLEARY 2RTAL CLASSIC BALLADS | 5 GS \\g ou* Nia ® Woo we Ne ARK & SONS oii cen Roe KANSAS CITY, Phil Funkhouser, 1820 Wyandotte St. DWAY, NEW YORK Maan LOS ANGELES, Art Schwartz, Majestic Theatre Bldg.

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- ee “ Se Se | radto. “Victor record and talking and Ed S. Keller are wearing and/|..psen rep. R-K-O offered $3,000 showing the 200 (each) wri t| to $3.500 for special] weeks at the watches emblematic of their serv-'| Paiace, Riverside and Albee in New joes as oftcers of the now defunct | TM “minted because, of Hod Keith Agents’ Association, but Bill | ..qio and recording contracts. Vidocg is still waiting for his $500 Act go: $2,500 in a ‘ass nite club, Once a vaude comic of the team/|the Mirador last season, clicking They were the Kit-Cat mildly on a cafe floor a hit in London at Club. Agency-Act Settlement Los Angeles, April 23. Commission suit of the local Wil- liam Morris office against Mitchell and Durant, schedtiled to come up in a New York court this week, has been withdrawn upon outside agreement. Morris office sought to collect back commissions and foree the team to carry out.a personal con- tract. Settlement provides that Mitchell and Durant pay $500 and return under Morris management when Completing their present RKO route.

F. P. Buys in Quebec Quebec, April 23. Avditorium, vaudeville, biggest theatre in this ancient burg, has passed to the possession of Famous Players of Canada, which, since it bought out the Paramount stock in- terest, has been expanding in all di- rections. Actual transaction was completed last week, but announcement of de- tails was deferred.

REMAKING UNIT Los Angeles, April 23. Fanchon and Mareo closed their “Hotter 'n Hot” Idea, and are re- staging the “Up in the Air”. unit. Plan is to utilize services of girls and principals who were in their “Arts’ Object” show. Walter Nilsson and Roy Stickney are to be featured.

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1 90% Film Questions

Los Angeles, April 23. Hillstreet theatre in making a cheek on all telephone queries as to its current at- tractions, discovered that 90 per cent of the calls were on what type of picture was play- ing. Questions were, “What playing?” “Who is in it?” “Is it an all-talker?” and if not, “How many min- utes of talking?” This is the RKO vaudfilm house, yet only 10 per cent of the telephone queries wanted information on the vaude acts.

years. Racketeers.”

Johnny 0’Connor as Rep From May 1 Johnny O'Connor

will be installed as special repre- sentative for attractions Hammerstein theatre bullding on ‘Broadway. His first is Pred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. O’Connor engineered the Waring-Radio Pic- tures deal f - it Radio ,aid $45,000 =; a bonus for Waring in the picture, besides the act's regular salary while working. in the “Syncopation.” Under It’s likely Johnny also will annex Joe Cook for specialized attention. Johnny O'Connor has been famil- iar with the show business for He established himself long ago as a stage material writer and recently wrote one of the best sell- ers of the winter in “The Broadway His expert knowledge comes through actual contact, be- sides his long training as a special writer on Va ‘lety and the Morning Telegraph. It is said O’Connor, who turned down all offers of agency franchises to operate independently, will only take on a few high-grade attrac- tions for his personal attention.

Club Band Doubles Jack White, with the charge of the fair department. There Chateau Madrid Revue and. band (12), will rdeuble from the floor to Keith's met houses, playing: the 81st St. and Madison this week. 7-4

>. ° Chi Agents Put Chill On Legislative Shake Chicago, April 23. Chicago booking agents and thea- tre circuits have refused to interest themselves in the bill now up before the State Legislature to limit the 3 per cent. collection from vaude- ville acts or houses. Legal com- mission rate in this state is 10 per cent. It seems that about every four years a down-state senator brings up a bil) limiting the commission rate of agents and theatres. In the past, every time the matter was brought up, the boys made a collection around here. Four years ago it cost them $2,000. This year they are standing pat. Chi Sun Office Changes Chicago, April 23. Chicago office of the Gus Sun Ex- change is being reorganized by Homer Neer, general manager. Alex Swidler, who joined the office while Billy Diamond was in charge, has been made manager of the vaude- ville department. Frank Maley was appointed man- ager of thé musical comedy depart- ment and will also handle presenta- tions. ‘W. B. Wecker will take will also be a club department es- tablished, as well as a special acts department . for picture houses. Homer Neer is coming in to oversee the new organization and arrange for the opening of a new office in Omaha. —— — ALTOFF FLASH BOOKED Hattie Atloff and her new flash act of 27 people have been booked by RKO Circuit (Charlie Morrison). The cast includes Edith Atloff, Maxie Stann, Zion and Plaza, Gor- don and Reed, “Skip” Hanton, Mons. Georges’ orchestra and a chorus of Lenora Tiller girls, The act will be known as “Paris Bound.”

Palisade Park April 27 Loew's (open air), Palisades Park, N. J., will open April 27 for the summer. Four acts and films, full week, policy.

————— —2 DIAMOND’S 10 WEEKS — Stars Association Department for Mid-West Houses

Chicago, April 23. WwW. V. M. A. Family department, reconstructed and now under the supervision of Billy Diamond, got into swing this week with around 10 weeks of time Route _ now covers 22 towns, stretched over four mid-west states. Stands include Oshkosh, Menasha, Fondulac, Elkhorn, Wausau, Lake Geneva, Burlington, Eau Claire, La Crosse (Wis); Iron River, Iron- wood, Calumet, Negaumee (Mich.); St. Charles, Chicago Heights, Blue Island, Harvey (Ill.);° Carroll and Mason City (Ia.); Indiana Harbor, (Ind.); Rochester (Minn.), and St. Lauis. . Salary Rule This time is to be independent of the regular W..V. M:. A. (Orpheum, Jr.). Acts going over the family time have’ been guaranteed by Ben Piazza, RKO general western man- ager, that those salaries will in no way have any effect on future book- ings over the major circuit. In other words Piazza has assured protection to acts playing the family circuét, advising them that the fifth floor will not be governed by salaries paid on the fourth floor. Diamond's first step in. taking over the family department was to start a campaign for more time, Under a gradual process of rehabili- tation the family route is aimed te take on important proportions, un- der Diamond.

Berger on Woolfolk’s Book Chicago, April 23. Dick Berger will take over Boyle Woolfolk’s Butterfield book in the Keith office here during the latter's two-month vacation. Mr. and Mrs, Woolfolk sailed for curope Saturday on the Adriatic.

BON JOUR Jack Forester REHEARSING CASINO DE PARIS

LEATRICE JOY IN A CYCLE OF SONGS THIS WEEK (APRIL 21) -K-0 PALACE, NEW YORK PRESS COMMENT

as it is on the screen. TELEGRAPH, APRIL 22 Leatrice Joy Triumphs } Film Star Shows Charming Stage Personality Leatrice Joy, star of many screen Successes, Who is sharing headline honors with the Four Marx Brothers on the new bil that opened yesterday at the Palace, has nothing to fear from the talking screen. And after hearing her first number, there is no doubt just why First National so quickly signed her for their coming productions. Miss Joy has an irresistible personality on the stage, as compelling In her talking numbers her*work, as well as her voice, is similar to that of Gertrude Lawrence. vating manner. In addition to a capti- Miss Joy possesses a delightful singing voice.. The numbers she offers allow a wide latitude of characterization, a little comedy, a little Jazz, and a touch of drama, finishing with an imper- sonation of a French actress in Hollywood seeking work in the cinemas. A delightful offering on any vaudeville bill, and Palace patrons are lucky that Miss Joy was persuaded to extend her engagement in vaude- ville for another week so as to be able to play the Broadway house.

looks as beautiful as ever. HERALD-TRIBUNE, APRIL 22 Miss Leatrice Joy, screen star, does a touching bit of acting and Her interpretation of a hapless girl from the “Folies Bergere” who found no sympathy in Hollywood's. treatment of screen-struck lassies, is very good. piano by Mildred Brown. Miss Joy is assisted at the

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ee eS re wwe we Wmmwt we tel er UF P wil . 'ywe IRAE ete Lo ES — eens ne an April 24. 1929 VAUDEVILLE VARIETY 33 ~ Golde Rejects Offer Keith’s attempt to bring about the return of Lawrence J. Golde to the booking offce was met with re- fusal by the William Morris office to release its general manager Golde was sought by Keith's as a booker of the New York houses. Since the Golde deal failed to ma- terialize the New York booking sit- uation remains up in the air with Keith's still looking fo. a booker to fill the gap that will be shortly created when Jack Dempsey leaves the booking floor to join the Keith’s production department. Ass’n Gets Det. Uptown Detroit, April 23. The Uptown, formerly on the major RKO chain, has been turned over to Nate Blumberg, western di- visional manager of the Orpheum Jr. circuit. Blumberg may install a new policy. GEORGE ‘DORMONDE and YV Orvheem Circuit ONNE Rep.: Jente Jacobs TINSEL METAL CLOTH FOR DROPS 36 in. wide at 75c a yd. and up A full line of goid and silver pbro- sades. metai cloths. goid and eiiver trimmings rhinestones, epeng ie a, ‘ights. opera hose. etc.. etc. for stage costumes Samptee upon request. J. J. Wyle & Bros., Inc. (Successors te Siegman & Weil) 18-20 East 27th Street NEW VORK Foreign Film Patents Exceed Those of U. S. Washington, April 23. Foreigners are in the majority among applicants obtaining patents from Uncle Sam for new devices having to do with motion pictures. List contains many new develop- ments in practically every phase. Commissioner of Patents, upon receipt of the number, pame and 10 cents, will forward detailed infor- mation on any individual patent. Motion picture machine (new develop- ment in handling of beam). I. N. Steig- man, Brooklyn, N. Y. Filed Jan. 8, 1924. Ser. No. 684,926. Nine claims. 1,707,498, Film exposure apparatus for motion pic- tures, E. J. Crockett, Glendale, Calif. Filed April 25. 1927. No. 186,249, Six claims. 1,707.625. Method and apparatus for registering films. W. E. Whitney, Germantown, Pa., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Tech- nicolor M. P. Corp. Filed May 27, 1927. Ser. No. 194,640. 14 claims. 1,707,699. Apparatus for liquid treatment of pho- tographic films. D. F. Comstock, Cam- bridge, Mass., assignor, by mesne assign- ment, to Technicolor M. P. Corp. Filed April 17, 1923. Ser. No. 632,666. 21 claims. 1,707,709 Ser. Color Device Multicolor cinematograph and other film. J. E. Thorrton, London, England. Filed May 10, 1924 Ser. No. 712,462, and in Great Britain, May 18, 1923. One claim. 1,707,825. Camera shutter (to control uniform mo- tion throughout exposure). S. M. Fairchild, New York City. Filed April 18, 1927. Ser. No, 183,416, 22 claims. 1,707,849. Television apparatus. J. L. Baird, Hal- ensburgh, Scotland. assignor to Television, Ltd., London, Filed August 4, 1926. Ser. No, 127,113, and in Great Britain, August 6, 1925. Nine claims. 1,707,935 Cinematographic apparatus (cortrol of film gripping elements). J. 8. Pocovi, celona, Spain. Filed August 24, 1922 Ser No. 584,072, and in Spain, June 19, 1922. Six claims, 1,707,943 Film camera (motion picture). E. Guer- in Pash, France. Filed April 14, 1925. Ser. No. 22,991. and in France, April 23, 1924. Four claims. 1,707,980. Cinematographic exposing apparatus, H. Fries, Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Germany, as- signor to Askania-Werke A-G, vormals Centralwerkstatt Dessau and C, Bamberg- Friedenau, Berlin-Friedenau, Germany. Filed November 16, 1926. Ser. No. 148,706, and in Germenv, November 17, 1925. Five claims. 1,708,087, Apparatus for photographic color process. M. W. Seymour, Rochester, assignor to Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester. Filed Au- gust 22, 1927. Ser. No. 214,540. Ten claims. 1,708,370 and 371. Motion picture apparatus G. Bettini, New York City. Filed October 15, 1920. Ser. No. 417,171. Renewed August 17. 1926, Thirteen claims. 1,708,410, Stereo-Sound Idea Method and arrangement for the pro- duction of sétereoacoustic photo films (sound). F. Schroeter, Berlin, Germany, as- signor to Gesellschaft fur Drabtlose Tele- graphie m.b.H., Berlin. Filed June 5, 1926. Ser. No. 113,890, and in Germany, June 22, 1925. Three claims, 1,708,523. Gyroscopic stabilization of cameras and other optical instruments. J. B. Henderson, Blackheath, England. Filed November 15, 1923. Ser. No. 674,871, and in Great Britain, December 1, 1922. Twenty claims. 1,708,314. Auxiliary focusing device and projection apparatus. R. M. Hill, Washington, D. C. Filed January 12, 1927. Ser. No. 160,644. Eleven claims. 1,709,017 Colored picture and method of producing the same. J. H. Christensen, Hoite, Den- mark. Filed January 24, 1927. Ser. No. 163,017, and in Denmark, January 25, 1926. Six claims. 1,709,563. Pose refiecting eystem for photographic apparatus. L. G. Simjian, New Haven, Conn. Filed October 11, 1927. Ser. No. 225,- 442, Twelve claims. 1,709,598. Camera copy, and method of, and medium (sound disk). for making the same. H. . Baker, Los Angeles, Calif Filed August 25, 1927. Ser. No. 215,444. Eight claims. 1,709,600 4 ORTONS Vaudeville's Funniest Wire Act Now in Seventh Month in Europe American Representative: LEW GOLDER This Week Sat., April 20 Fisher’s Theatre, Detroit Direction MILT LEWIS Associate, BILL COWAN Four Feet with a Single Thoug “MACK” “THE ACKNOWLEDGED VAUDEVILLE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL EXTRAVAGANZA OFFERING Written @F \EVILLE FLEESON and AL VON TILZER interpreted by JOHNNY ELLIOTT Clase, Yeuth, “Beaatita Gtete, Marvelous Dancers S WARDS. ge APPEL, Ber AUL =D » PAUSE THALHEIMER DANCE DOCTOR” lorified by His CO-EDS LIFT MAN AT PALACE HAS UPS AND DOWNS Tale of Morris Moskowitz, Who Nearly Sang for the Pack- ing Case Hurlers For the inside dope on show busi- ness go right to the man who knows all about its ups and downs. Morris Moskowitz is the guy. Morris, elevator man back-stage at the Palace for 10 years, has had more ups and downs than the stock market. He’s a bear for show busi- ness—and that’s no bull. At one time it looked as though Morris was going to break righi through the iron bars of his ele- vator cage. That was the time when Will Mahoney heard him running up and down the scales as his gilded chariot perpendiculared the elevator shaft. When Morris stopped at the top floor he let out a top C that shivered the Palace building. It sailed down the shaft to Mahoney's dressing room, where Mammy’s son was practicing a new “Off to Buf- falo.” Mahoney, in gratitude, de- cided to end Morris‘ career by send- ing him to a singing teacher. So Morris mi, ma, moo’d through the vocalesies at Henry Halperin's studio of voice—in between elevator tours at the Palace. During one of his vacations (which he took by get- ting ‘a job hurling packing cases around a department store} he got his big chance. The chairman of the Packing Case Hurlers’ Happy Hour Club heard Morris trying to sing all parts of the sextet from “Lucia” at once, and decided to put him on at the next smoker. Morris says that was an awful comedown for a guy who has topped everything at the Palace. He waited to go on for three hours, consuming sandwiches at frequent intervals By the time he was called on he was in everything but voice. Ever since Morris has confined his outbursts of song to the Palace backstage elevator. But he still practices, and, now that the Movie- tone is bringing about bigger and better chances for singers, he might start singing im earnest any day now. “Though I don’t think I could ever leave the Palace. I did once, and. honest, I was so homesick I had to come back. I hated to think of someone else singin’ in my ele- vator. “You see, I started in business at the Palace. First I was porter: then they made me an usher, ani then they asked me if I didn’t want the backstage job. I'll say I did It’s an inside job, see? You get to know everybody—all the big ones and the small ones. Say, I could tell you more about the acts I take up and down in this boat! But most of ’em are regular. “IT don’t just take the actors up and down; I take an interest in them. I have their trunks put in the proper rooms; I call ‘15 minutes, and I see that they get their income tax blanks. See those slips? I was just taking them around when you came. And it’s my job to keep ‘em smiling. I’m just a handy guy try- ing to get on and keep people happy. But when you hear that I'm not at the Palace there won't be no Palace. JUDGMENTS Harold Atteridge; Mathan Bur- kan; $1,039. Cove Theatres, as B. Blumen- thal; $519. Same; G. Ochs et al.; $89. Geo. M. Garsson; Sam Salvin; $11,191. ; Geo. Graham Rice; D. L. Raine; 2,171. Ben Blue; M. Ohlbaum; $68. Cosmopolitan Enterprises, Williamson Heater Co.; $439. Sidney F. Ross; A. W. Stone; $1,770. Mirador Rest. Corp. and Harry J. - ccc Club Mirador, Inc.; costs, 73. Inc.; Satisfied Judgments Armand Vecsey; State Tax Comm'n; $57: March 1, 1929. Ethel Barrymore Colt; same; $10,040; Jan. 17, 1929. Marks’ Name Drive Chicago, April 23. Marks Bros. are putting on a heavy drive for name attractions. They have booked Frances Will- iams, Tom Patricola and Rose Per- fect, all out of “Scandals,” after the show closes here. Joe Regan, Irish tenor now working for RKO, has also been signed. Phil Tyrrell goes to New York next month to act as booking rep- resentative for this firm in the east. He will replace Irving Yates. SS eee Jeanie Jacobs-Klein Franchise Prospects; Jenlie Jacobs and Arthur Klein have arplied to Keith’s for indi- vicual . gency franchises. It was sicted in the booking office that favorable action may be taken on both applications. Miss Jacobs’ present partnership with Willie Edelstein will be dis- solved June 1 when the latter joins Lyons & Lyons as foreign repre- sentative. Together Miss Jacobse and Edelstein have been among the prominent independent agency combinations, with Miss Jacobs generally regarded to be the best of the feminine artists’ representa- tives. Arthur Klein left the Fox theatre department two weeks ago. He had been assistant to John Zanft, Fox's general theatre manager. There is a likelihood that if granted Keith franchises, Miss Jacobs and Klein will form sep- arate partnerships. Report is that Miss Jacobs and a former Keith booker, now abroad, contemplate affiliation. ILL AND INJURED Jeanne Houston, vaude dancer, injured April 16 in an’ auto acci- dent near Indianapolis en route to Florida. Ted Elder, rider with 101 Ranch injured in Chicago in a leap over an automobile, William Hicks, trainer, 101 Ranch. suffered fractured .skull when hurled against a wall by an‘ ele- phant. Evelyn De Gage (Kirby and De Gage) fractured her hip while danc- ing at the Addison Hotel, Detroit. Emile Boreo was forced to cancel his engagement at the Metropolitan Brooklyn, last week and Loew’s State, New York, this week due tc an attack of laryngitia. Carolynne Snowden, night club entertainer, fell while dancing at Apex club, Los Angeles, straining ligaments of her leg. George Huston, juvenile, “Fio- retta,” out of cast last week with throat trouble. Hughie Clark (bandsman), ton- sils removed at the Michael Reese hospital, Chicago. Dewey Barto (Barto and Mann) developed blood poisoning in left arm while at the Granada, Chicago, and examination at the Edgewater hospital showed condition not seri- ous. Lottie Pickford recovering from flu in Santa Monica, Cal, Betty Compson in sanitarium, Glendale, Cal., under observation, following nervous breakdown. Mabel Granger, Broadway Play- ers, Jacques, Waterbury, Conn., badly burned on the legs when gun used in play was fired too close. Fred Ardath and White and Man- ning in Loew’s State Monday, sub- bing for Emile Boreo, unable to ap- pear due to laryngitis. James Thatcher recovered from recent illness, which kept him from business. Zazu Pitts, confined to home in Santa Monica, Cal., with flu, post- poning her RKO tour debut until May. Emil Boreo canceled at Loew’s State, New York, this week, with laryngitis. Jane and Katherine Lee out of Keith's Flushing current first half through illness, Trixie Friganza substituting. - Mrs. Arthur Willi, wife of the Keith booker, recuperating from ap- pendicitis operation at Polychinic hospital, New York. Neil Kingsley, of the Sun’s drama department, operated upon at Elizabeth hospital (Washington Heights) for tonsilitis, now home convalescent. Jacques Cartier of the Publix unit, “Pearls of Bagdad,” out at the Paramount, Brooklyn, this week due to a dislocated jaw. Rejoining in Washington, SWITCH MEMPHIS BOOK Chicago, April 23. Earl Crabb, RKO western division manager, has taken the Orpheum Memphis, and changed its policy. Hereafter house will open on Sat- urday instead of Monday and will be put on the Interstate circuit's books. TRENE RICH’S PLAYLET Irene Rich, pictures, arrived in New York April 23 and started re- CHARLIE ALTHOFF His Unique Talents Can Be Utilized for DRAMA MUSICAL COMEDY VAUDEVILLE TALKING PICTURES SILENT PICTURES RADIO RECORDS Swamped with communi- cations after broadcasting over WAEC and network of 47 stations during the Majestic Hour, Sunday evening, April 14th, at 9 P. M. Negotiated by T. D. Kemp, Jr. Hammerstein Bidg., New York Dramatists— Playwrights A high-grade production by ‘one of America’s most prominent. the- atrical managers awatts the play which best suits Charlies Althoff as a suitable starring vehicle. Authors familiar with the char- acter created and portrayed by Mr. Althoff are urged to submit their ideas, play synopsis or com- plete MMS. to the undersigned, who promises prompt considera- tion and respcnse. CHARLES ALTHOFP, 12 Friedland Road, Nutley, N. J. Phone Nutley 2257-W “As perfect a characterization a8 was ever portrayed on any stage.” Abel, VARIETY. hearsals in a skit. 4 sions ms an thee ase 2 aioe? RAE IH es In. 1 , - . . 7 -T pas man. og arbey LHe ee ee co ee a one

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F NEW YORK CITY LUBIN

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A VAUDEV “ae AGE~C¥Y WHICH PRODUCES MORE THAN IT PROMISES NSISTENT. Lackawanna 7876 EFFICIENT SERVICE SINCE 1913 The aly Markus vaudeile ra qater Theatre Bldg., N. W. Cor. 45th St. and Broadway New York City

Co Burlesque |

ard, mati; tual, om, > 25-27, tual, ety, Star, pire, pire, Rare Facts—Gayety, Beat Bohemians—Gayety, Louisville; 29, Bowery Broadway Scandals — Gayety, 2, L. O. Dixon's Big Revue—Star, Orpheum, Paterson. Flapper Follies—Gayety, Haymarket, French Models—Emplire, Gayety, Boston. acne 0.; 2, Gayety, ee. Ginger Girls—Gayety, 0. Girls from the Follies—Empire, 29, Columbia, Cleveland. Girls of the U. C.; 29, Gayety, Brooklyn. Hello, Paree—Gayety, Baltimore; 29, L. O. High Flyer Lyric, Allentown; Hindu Belles—Globe, Bridgeport; 29, Sporty Widows—Grand, Hartford; Stee Along—Columbia, Cleveland; Step On It—Gayety, Boston; 29, Grand, 29, Em- Wine, Woman and Song—Empress, Chi- cago; 29, Cadillac, Detroit, Weeks of April 22 and 29 Montreal; 29, Boston, 24 Indianapolis. Burlesquers — 22-24, Schenectady; 29, Colonial, Utica Chicago. Kanegas City; heum, Paterson; 29-1, -4, Palace, Trenton. Jamaica. Kansas City Rouge—Empire, Brooklyn. Trenton. Providence. Hartford. Stolen Sweets—Cadillac, Detroit; Toledo.

T. O. B. A. (Colored Show Wheel Week April 22 *Shufflin’ Sam,"" Liberty, Chattanooga. ‘‘Miss Broadway,’’ Palace, Memphis, “Sensational Sadie,"’ Zoe, Houston. “Shake Your Feet, vo time and St. Elmo, Houston. “Syncopated Sue,” “Birth of Blues,"’ Globe, Cleveland. “Step On It,’’ Ogden, Columbus. Drake and Walker, Koppin, Detroit. “Louisiana veston. Avenue, Chicago. Blackbirds,"’ How- Show tn Town—Empresa, Cincin- L. O. Mu- Wedfeway; Scranton; Brooklyn; 29, Milwaukee; 29, Providence; 20, Milwau- 29, Toledo; 8. A.—Columbia, N. Y. Mu- Jazztime Bevue-Haymarhet, Chicago; 29, Empress, ago. Kuddling Kutles—Howard, Boston; 29, Columbia, N, Cc. Laffin Thro—cesrick, St. Louis; 29, Gay- Lid Litters—Cotonial, Utica; 29, Gayety, Montreal. Merry Whirl — Mutual, Strand, Washington. Mischief Makers — Victoria, Rochester; 29, Temple, Syracuse. Moulin Jamaica; 29, Newark; 29, Nite Club ‘Girls—Temple, Syracuse; 29-1, Lyric, Allentown; 2-4, Palace, Nite a in Paris—Lyceum, 29, L. O, Parisian Flappers—L. 0.; 29, Gayety, Buffalo, Radium Queens—Strand, Washington; 29, Academy, Pittsburgh. Record Breakers — Gayety, Buffalo; Victoria, Rochester, Red Hots—Academy, Pittsburgh; 29, Em- press, Cincinnati. Round the Town — 22-24, Lyric, town; 25-27, Palace, Trenton; Newark. Columbus; Allen- 28, Empire, Social Maids—Gayety, Brooklyn; 29, Em- 29, 29, split between Pas- Princess, Gal- ‘Raisin’ Cain,” Lincoln, New Orleans. “Hot Ella,’’ Pike, Mobile. “Radio Sam,’’ Frolle, Birmingham. *‘Miller and Silater,’’ Whitman Sisters, Lincoln, Louisville. FOE ise of to Hades,’’ Walker, Indian- pol “Brown Skin Models,"’ Palace, Dayton. Elmore, Pittsburgh SCHNOZZLES Continued from page 29 lowed in. Putting the fifth mortgage on the home, Mrs. Durante raised all of the necessary money ex* cepting $88. Linihan said he would let it go at that. When Durante walked into the theatre Thursday, he was taken downstairs to the animai room and told he would dress there. The floor had been coyered with sawdust. It delighted Jimmy. His two com- panions, Lou Clayton and Eddie Jackson, were given the star dress- ing room. They had no sooner entered it than both started a fight as to which one sh-uld take the first shower. On Saturday night wher. they left that argument had not been settled. The Verdict Mrs. Durante did not visit the theatre the opening day. She re- mained at home awaiting the verdict from the neighbors, Early Friday morning she got it. Mostly in phone calls. One of the neighbors said over the wire: “That must be your husband. No one else would have him.” Another remarked: “My dear, you have my sympathy for living with a crazy man like that.” Among the telegrams stating: “Keep Jimmy Durante out of Flushing.” While a cruel message, although

was one

ton Beans,’’ Booker Washington, St. uis “Twenty Dark Spots," split between Beaumont, Tex., and Lake Charles, La, “Happy Go Lucky,’ ’ 81, Atlanta.

ay ———— coinciding with Mrs, Durante’s own opinion, stated: “I only wonder you let him come home.at all.” On the stage the Kenos did 24 minutes and the Durante trio 42. Mr. Lenihan sent back a rubber for each turn, to take the crinks out of their bowing backs. Mr. Keno was pretty sore because his agent had not had Mr. Dilling- ham, Mr. Ziegfeld and the Schwabs or Aarons’ over to hear their re- ception, Joe thinks they should be in a show and he’s waiting. Rosie was radiant as Mitzi did the rest of her stuff in the dressing room. Clayton and Jackson stalied a few minutes when about to leave for the Rendezvous, where they work on a straight salary, unafraid of the Jones Law, The boys were settling another dispute, this time wi** dice. Meanwhile the audience continued its discussion after the acts had firished. Some sent out word to Mr. Lenihan asking when the show vould commence. Others rushed up to the box office and wanted their monc~ back. Toid they came in on passes, they answered it was worth something to sit through the home-town acts. As the neighbors gathered in the lobby they commenced to admire the poster display of coming attrac- tions, neatly set forth by Lenihan, It’s one of the most attractive lob- bies around New York. The new Keith’s over there, opened about four months and built by E. F. Albee, is an atmospheric house, closely following the Alber- so style of architecture, although not designed by that noted archi- tect. It seems complete excepting as usual] in an Albee-built theatre, someone: forgot to put in a cooling system,

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. oe ee a ; Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VAUDE HOUSE REVIEWS

VARIETY 37 —- _ ——— —— — sane —<— ~ — —— i : received. In the deuce were Fulton zebra are put through stunts by . PALACE and Parker in songs and polite oom ORPHEUM - joelineer The pm tee is cute and PALACE (St. Vaude) edy chatter, nicely dressed and ex- (8t. Vaude) clever, posing, playing a hand or- (St. Vaude) The $13,000 bill at tne Palace this| Pertly delivered. Miss Parker looks Los Angeles, April 21. gan and bowling. Also does the Chicago, April 23. week plays like a lot less than that. and works well, making three cos- Looks like ready money this week black bottom and some eccentric Oh Mr Go-0-0-d-fr-r-e-e-y! It is an inconsistent show, sparkling tume changes and act can fill the stepping, topping it off by riding a , here, stumbling there and too often marked with bad vaudeville. It @idn’t jibe at all the first show Sun- @ay and seemed to be the sort of bill that would run the same all week. From point of entertainment there is doubt that the layout is worthy of the apparent expenditufe. At that it may be a box office bill. The Marx Bros., second week or not, are certainly b. o. Leatrice Joy should draw plenty, anyway. Duke Ellington's band is yes and no, most likely no. While Trixie Friganza is around too often to be the same attraction value at the Palace she is elsewhere. In the current bili, and standing against it, are two examples of questionable booking, one as bad for the act as for the show, and the other a case of a highly rated turn not reaching expectations. The top hand Sunday matinee™ went to Gordon and King, dance team that sticks to dancing and a repeat for the Palace. The boys were in the deuce, pretty early to stop an eight-act show, but it later proved to be the only thing of its kind all afternoon. Marx Bros., closing the first part (fifth), are again climaxing Har- po’s and Chico’s solos and bridge bit with the Du Barry scene from “Animal Crackers.” Under that ar- rangement the Palace regulars were looking at last week all over again, with this week not so funny as last. ‘When the repeats laughed it was etrictly at the Marx Bros. this time, and not the act, where it was both last week. Rudell and Dunigan, mixed com- edy two-act of intermediate classi- fication are far from home in No. 4 at the Palace. Perhaps another attempt by the bookers to find new talent, which is commendable, but muffed in this case, and the act was the loser. Miss Rudell is a smart little comedienne, mostly a wide- eyed mugger, and evenly balanced by her semi-straight man partner. Probably the turn’s virtue is the matching of its people. But still not an act for the Palace in the torch four spot. Second part was all femme, start- ing with Leatrice Joy, who sailed home as a hit. Trix Friganza, mak-/ ing it two single women in succes- sion, which may be questioned, de- spite their dissimilarity Trix knew her audience just as the audience knew her and had it her own wav throughout. The bathing beauty number, done as Trixie does it with her heft, is one of the funniest Pieces of feminine comedy piece in waude today. Closing, and making it 100 per cent dame, were the Paulsen Sis- ters, mostly a novelty because they enter man’s domain with hand-to- hand balancing. No other turn of that sort can be recalled as in vaude at the present time. Nearest thing to the Paulsens, though a bit more sensational, are the Rubio girls, but latter a circus team. Also because they are women doing the work of men, the Paulsens held the house as well as any dumb closer at the Palace possibly can. A Trip to Tokio (New Acts) opened the show. Japanese trick- ster (Kin Tanaka) is assisted by two’ girls, one billed as his daugh- ter, for 10 minutes of good opening material. The act now needs some staging and dressing, without touching the action. Duke Ellington’s band, doubling from the Cotton Club, New York and presented in vaude by Irving Mills, shot below ballyhoo par Sat- urdav, with two of its three accom- panving specialty people doing most of the damage Sunday. There is lack of vaude showmanship some- where. It was a cafe band before entering vande, and still is a cafe band in vaude, so not a vaude ban4 and minus a vaude routine (New Acts). Show was on at 2:15 and over at 6. Close to capacity business in the afternoon. Bige. STATE (Wired-Vaudfilm) Nicely balanced layout of five acts at the ace Loew house this week with enough songs, dances, comedy and novelty attractions to please any average audience and a sure- fire lineup for the regulars here. Fred Ardath and company, head- Mning, the comedian doing his fa- miliar souse characterization in “Men Among Men.” This is one of Ardath’s old standbys for vaude and has been done by him as a talking short, recently screened in Times Square. Act holds plenty of laughs. Ardath does a drunk perfectly with Jack McGregor straighting in fram- ing an alibi for the ball and chain. Some bright new stuff added for £00d comedy results. White and Manning, assisted by the three Samuel Bros., were at the Palace three weeks ago with their dancing and comedy turn. Plenty of hoke stuff in the dance routine with travesty on ballet and adagio dancing the high spots. The three boys in unison tap and soft shoe stenping help it along nicely. Blue Ridge Ramblers (New Acts)

in the closing spot were also well spot most anywhere. Serge Flash, juggler, whose forte is manipulating odd shaped rubber balls, getting plenty of returns in applause. A little speeding up and Flash would be set. On the screen “Wild Orchids” (M-G-M) and Fx Movietone. Busi- ness Monday night close to eca- pacity.

FOX (BROOKLYN) (Wired—V audfilm) As a double load for the marquee Monday there were the Rooneys and Charles Ray, who, like the Rooneys, carries human interest in his satchel. Ray needs to meet a clever lyric writer if there are any left on this coast. Equipped with more unctuous material he is very apt to discover the pass word- on this vaudeville stuff, even as he once had a half-Nelson on the screen tech- nique. He appears to have a sense of humor and he very definitely pos- sesses an intuitive pitch for estah- lishing cordial relations with his audience. His present act is not strong, but it is pleasant and prom- ising. Many will no doubt wonder whether the scarlet-coated members of the Lieut. Gitz-Rice turn are au- thentic Royal N. W. Mounties. Their singing is at times poor enough to suggest an amateur rating. It was not quite clear whether it was en- tirely their fault or whether the orchestra was minus where 2 vaudeville trench should be plus. There is unquestioned interest in those red tunics and whether the singers came from Alberta or the St. Regis restaurant they have ro- mantic appeal. Jean Granese, the never-changing songstress with the two audience stooges, laid an egg. Failing to de- liver adequately either in their comedy pretentions or ag straight singers audience had them spotted as phoney. Two girl acts, full stage, oven and close. Lew Kessler’s Co-Eds (New Acts) did okay and ditto for Tony Shayne’s more aspiring All- Girl Revue with Jean Rankin, Jerrv Breen and Lillian Rice. “Hearts in Dixie” (Fox) screen attraction. And the Rooney,s as ever, a mop. 81ST STREET (Wired Vaudfilm) This house one of the smartest places in town of a Sunday night. Only the keenest vaude goes with the patrons. It’s a regular rendez- vous for folks, who meet and frame poker and bridge parties. Biz great. This Sunday night they went for Carter DeHaven’s sartorial splurge, but indicated no favorable response to the material of which his act is constituted. Again in Julius Tan- nen, there was no unusual cordial- ity accorded his “Vanities” chatter. But they relished his current cracks about the weather. Vaude bill was delayed until late by length of “The Godless Girl” (De Mille). Joseph Gershonson, pit di- rector, wisely curtailed the overture. Gerardo and Adair, night club dancers, late of the Parody and pre- viously of the Silver Slipper opened, assisted by another dance team. Act was mild first five minutes with the featured dancers merely ball rooming about the stage, followed by apache by the other team. Last five minutes not only saved the night, but proved a hit, the foursome winding up with a double adagio routine, a mild sensation. Some novel and interesting acrobatics cah be effected by dance teams in such a hook-up. The Original Honey Boys deuced, five blackface harmonizers, one a good tenor and another a tap wiz- ard. Tenor in his solos affects a fal- setto yodel, which is O. K. while har- monizing, but spoils the excellent effect of his natural voice. The beys go over harmonizing. Received three genuine encores. Julius Tannen leaped into the trey, returning to vaude. Gave them his chat from the Earl Carroll show and even revived the bathtub epi- sode, Talked ten minutes, probably under wraps. for this neighborhood. Carter DeHaven, in exquisite set- ting of black with silver covered divans, headlined with his son, as- sisted by a blonde and an extrane- ous boy tap dancer. Father and son hokum. The youthful looking old man and the boy, both-in futuristic formal attire, let off some simp'te chatter that never ensnared the at- tention of the 81st Streeters. Car- ter’s own dancing gave the act im- petus, the blonde and the De Haven boy going over for their “cute” ap- pearances. With the layout De Haven has as a background, his sonny boy wisectacks and those of “Junior” ought to be in conformity. A weak element is the taxi cab skit done by the son. Carter, with showmanly finesse, winds up in a toreador scene with son and blonde, taking a string of framed bows by virtue of as many different colored silk shirts, stripping one each time he goes off. Dancing and dress held up the act. The chatter juve- nile. with Van and Schenck responsib.e, again demonstrating that two-a-day Orpheum vaude can garner the kale here if there are names that meen anything. Topping a show that was practically an entire holdover, with only two other new acts, the melody boys had things pretty much their own way tonight and for close to 35 minutes gave the custoluesw every- thing they had. Van auJ Schenck did not make an apypear.nce until 10.20, after the Sundiy aight mob —and it was a mob reminiscent of the old days, had sat through the Ken Murray unit and lamped and heard pretty much the same routine as dished out a week ago. But the customers were out to hear Gus and Joe and the boys re- sponded freely and how! They could have remained on indefinitely. With the exception of Foster, Fa- gan and Fox being off the deuc« spot, where they chanted and har- monized last week, first part was virtually complete repetition. But there was one noticeable featurs as compared with a week ago, the Tiller Girls wore garb that was spick and span. This outfit of seven line gals, with a solo dancer who is a darb, can add class to any bill and they were nicely spotted during the entire first part to snap things up when something was ‘needed. Currently the No. 2 position is allotted to Donald Novis, a good looking blonde chap who got his opportunity through winning first prize in the recent Atwater Kent radio audition. Novis is a tenor. His voice seems well suited for micro- phone work, but he hardly fits in here. There was so little variation in the entire Murray unit offering over last week that the regular Sunday nighters fatied to get much of a kick, although they were more than liberal. Helen and Milton Charleston again garner the, hon- ors, the former with her sensational kicking and the brother with his comedy and his. dead pan expres- sion, Harry Webb and his band are much on view. They have only one outstanding bit, where Violet Maye warbles “If Winter Comes” with a sort of a tableaux effect, represent- ing a winter scene. Only new feature of the offering was a com- edy bit by two of the band boys un- programmed, in which they por- trayed a pair of femme entertainers at a strawberry festival. This was a clever bit of comedy and the boys clicked solidly. During imtermission Billy Small and the house band offered a spirit- ed overture, “Hymn to the Sun” that was appreciated. Will Fyffe, who headlined last week, among the holdover and gave an entirely new routine. He opened with what is probably his best characterization, that of a centenarian. This he fol- lowed with one not so convincing, a sailor returning from a cruise, and for a finish another souse charac- ter, this time a Scotchman just re- turned from a “successful funeral.” Fyffe opening the second part did about as well as he did a week ago. Van and Schenck are still a pair of fashion plates and they run the range from ballads to blues and dialect numbers with the same ease they always exhibit. Most of their numbers have been heard herea- bouts on the Vitaphone shorts, but that made Httle difference. Finally they had to sing “Cohn is Leading the Life of Reilly” and they finished with their Mussolini number, send- ing them off to great demonstra- tion. Other new act on the bill were Ricardo and Ashford, man and woman aerialists, who do some sen- sational work on the trapezes. A corking closing act and holding many customers in for the curtain. With the Van and Schenck popu- larity and the individual numbers in the Murray unit now reduced to three acts, show provides plenty of good fare. Orpheum ought to chalk up a profitable week. 58TH STREET (Wired-Vaudfilm) Four-act layout, neatly balanced with a good animal act opener, a fair music, song and talk deucer. Fiske O’Hara and Patricia Quinn in songs and comedy crossfire on next to shut and Billy Batchelor’s min- iature revue winding it up nicely to the apparent satisfaction of the patrons, Fiske O’Hara, Irish tenor, assist- ed by Patricia Quinn, billed as the “Rose-Marie” of Anne Nichol’s “Abie’s Irish Rose” is the headliner in a song and talk skit, “Patsy the Pest” (New Act) and clicked nice- ly in this Irish neighborhood house. Billy Batchelor and Co. offer a speedy prodction act which is a take-off on Russian night clubs, quite a fad not long ago. Batchelor has a fine sense of comedy working in an easy manner that reminds one of the better class old schoo! bur- lesque comic. Revue has Helen Carol, vivacious soubret; Bob Ma- zur, acrobatic dancer and Ruth Granger and Dot Richmond, sister team in harmony and legmania, do- ing specialties. Turn closed the bill and registered a solid impression. “Oddities of the Junzle,” i

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act opened. A baby elephant, #"d

huge tricycle. Zebra and dog do little but act as background for the jungle billing. Act can open or shut anywhere. In the deuce were Philson and Duncan, boy and girl, in an instru- mental turn with talk and songs thrown in for good measure. Dun- can can play a half dozen instru- ments acceptably, but his crossfire talk with Miss Philson is or indif- ferent quatity and was mildly re- ceived. Turn is just fair for the spot in this type of vaudfilm house. “Godless Girl” (Pathe) and soupd newsreel (Pathe) on the screen, Biz big Sunday afternoon. Weather ter- rible. RIVERSIDE (St. Vaude) Good takings for the opening mat- inee at this upper Broadway house. The straight vaudeville policy seems to be clicking, says Eddie Goodman, the house manager, although that second week with Gilda Gray was brutal. The shimmying one didn’t seem to interest the neighbors, al- though they went heavily for Belle Baker-Rudy Vallee as the initial week's attractions. Currently, a four-ply aggregation of features costs the house $7,600 for the quartet alone: Lou Holtz, Vin- cent Lopez’s orchestra, Red Grange and Ada May. Lopez, closing the first half, with Harold (Red) Grange in the trey. and the funny Roy Rogers in the ace spot, made that first half very important. Ada May reopened, Holtz next-to-shut, and, incidenially, scored the hit of the bill; the Japs, Hama and Yama, preceded the exit march. Julius Lenzberg, now given an- nunciator billing, also did a per- sonal announcement with his “Faust” rhythmicpation, while his brass section stood up in novelty fashion. The neighbors went strong for Phil Fabello’s pit jazzists, jus- tifying continued featuring of the house orchestra. Col. Fred Lindsay opened, and nicely. The versatile Ewing Eaton deuced with a variety routine of song, dance, violin and sax, but most heavy on the stepping. Voice not so hot, but the rest strong. She’s a hard worker and labored 15 minutes solidly on the rostrum be- fore a prop exit. Red Grange with one of those’ “Good News” things has his sketch built about an actual episode in the Illinois-Pennsy game when he tore through the Quakers for four touch- downs in 12 minutes and put his team ahead 24-20. Red’s is an en- gaging personality and he kids it off fairly well. He can’t troup worth a Fally Markus, but with the name and the support he gets by in great style, That Virginia Bennett is a cork- ing potentiality as a production comedienne. She's an Inez Court- ney type and works well with Chic Chandler as the goof would-be gridder. Chandler sustains the male comedy support well. Gladys Head, a towhead, is a prima lghtweight. It might be a good idea not to show up Grange, working opposite her, but the spot could stand bolstering. Pete Purcell, as the trainer, com- pletes the cast. . Grange, incidentally, has cut out distributing those prop pigskins to the matinee youngsters. It’s great stuff for the kids and should be re- instated, especially for the Satur- day-Sunday mats. He was wont to punt out or forward pass about 20 of the miniature footballs and the overhead wasn't anything to worry about much. Roy Rogers with his stooge hoke was a comedy mop-up. With Lopez closing, that made it four of the first five acts an all-male aggrega- tion. Show was all to the stags, not forgetting Holtz, with Ada May the sole prominent femme relief. Lopez closed with his‘ Hotel St. Regis orchestra and had ’em thor- oughly with him. He has a new opening number, 10 of his boys vo- ealizing, and that characteristic number, probably titled “A Day at Coney Island,” which closed, was another pip entry. It depicts the sound and noises of the surf, pea- nyt whistle, barker, shooting gal- lery, scenic railway and carrouse! and won a flock of legitimate laughs. Ernest Watson, that saxophonist with a flair for comedy, was intro- duced as its composer-arranger, and merited the salvo. The Riversiders seemed very partial also to certain song titles, ah-ing and oh-ing at the mere announcement of “Precious Little Thing” and “If I Had You.” Lopez now has a specialty dancer, Pauline Gaskins. She is literally “pretty and sweet” if not petite, as announced, being a rather lithesome Miss. While not extraneous or detrimental, the act doesn’t need any femme bolstering, although this spe- cialty was eminently satisfactory. Ada May reopened. She’s doing the same routine as at the Palace last week, with Jack Allen assist- ing Lou Holtz had ’em in his palm from the start. His “Wild About

Automobile Horns,” the “rain” bal- lad and the inevitable “O Sole Mio” were the vocal highlights, with a} flock of corking comedy material in- | tersperred Abel. j Bsa iS REE DOC TN echoed tel Raven Phy Mt Come a-running. Look what's hap- pening at Chicago's big $2 top Pal- ace! Second largest city in the country—3,000,000 people and the Watson Sisters headlining this week. Last week they had George Jessel and the Duncan Sisters, Week before that they had the Dun- can Sisters alone—and this week the Watson Sisters. Ashes to ashes, Dust to dust; Two big weeks, and Then a bust. Sometimes it’s one week and three busts. Sometimes three busts in a row. But always tickets to be sold at $2. And what competition! From the State-Lake, which also happens to be a Keith house. It peddles as good and better bills with a sound picture included for 75c top. Three weeks in which to pick a headliner for this week, to cinch the mob of extra trade made known to the Palace by the Duncans and Jessel. Three weeks, and Mr. Booker is scurrying around at the last minute; notifying, for instance, Anatole Friedland Thursday night that he goes into the Palace Sunday afternoon. Friedland can’t get all his people collected in time. He goes on Sunday, with the stage full of ushers and people from another act. That’s Chicago! Everybody knows that an average week here shows a loss. Everybody also knows that the house can break above the red with a recognized headliner. This week's bill isn’t bad. It's simply without a real drawing name, which, come to think of it, makes it simply without everything as far as the box office is concerned, Watson Sisters are a good act— standard vaude team—but it’s fool- ish to exploit them as a draw for the week. In Chicago the girls mean a hundred times more on the stage than they do on the marquee. And they have played everything in and around and everywhere, For six bits you could call it itt but it happens to be selling for $2, without a feature picture. Poorly booked in some instances and very poorly spotted in the first half. Li- bonati, xylophonist, opened in “one,” showing big-time talent and family time showmanship. His act was finished several minutes before he walked off, He made a speech, took a fake encore and milked another, His talent doesn’t need that; he seems trying to convince people he’s a good act long after they’ve ac- cepted him as such, Maurice Colleano and Family, three girls and three boys, in a mis- cellany of dancing, springboard ac- robatics and tumbling, were in the deuce with a cafe set. Friedland had a cafe set, too, and he also was in the first half. Colleanos got @ wow reception, and deserved it, They would be even better if they tightened the act. Third were Grace Hayes and Ne- ville Fleeson, and fourth were Hal Jerome and Gloria Gray. When Jerome came on he announced that @ different act had started, and the an- nouncement was almost necessary. Both were mixed acts with comedy in “one,” and using a piano. The Hayes-Fleeson combo clicked with special lyrics and talk by Fl Hot finish, with Miss Hayes @ an accurate Mae West--blue in spots for vaude, but sold with class, Jerome and Gray were heavil handicapped following, and went off to less applause than should have been theirs. Jerome belonged in next to closing, where his talk would have held without a waver, He should omit one crack, about “vaudeville—what’s left of it.” Anatole Friedland and his night club revue, first time ever in Chi- cago, closed the first half well. Reg- ular floor show in cafe setting, ex- pertly handled and m. c.’s by Fried- land. Vein of comedy throughout, worked by a pantomime waiter her- alded as the man who can’t do any- thing. Joseph Regan, Irish tenor, started the second section in the slowly progressive manner befitting a seri- ous singer. He mixed his folk songs with pops, and everybody should like at least part of the act. Regan is one of the R-K-O radio winners, and he scored heavily here. Wat- son Sisters followed in next to clos- ing, duplicating Regan’s hit with their comedy. George Dormonde and Co., comedy unicyclist, closed see . Respotted and with one headliner, this show would have brought a real money week. Bing. ACADEMY (Wired—Vaudfilm) Whale of a show on quantity. Problem down here has been to get the show in such-running order that the audience is out by sunrise. A complete change in routine had the first act starting before 8 o'clock, giving several turns time to churn encores and steal bows. Vaude fin- ished shortly after 10, This permit- ted the feature, “Stolen Kisses” (WB) to get well on its way be- forse 1) oclock. Barly schednh (Continued on page 63) - “

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Page 38

genach query. little results. vod ‘VARIETY NEW ACTS — Wednesday, Apri 24, 1929

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DUKE ELLINGTON Band (15) Band and Specialties 30 Mins.; Full Palace (St. Vv.) This colored cafe Cotton Club, and ‘one of the hottest in town, was not fully prepared for vaude, After 30 minutes the general impression seemed to be that, on the Palace showing, it is not a vyaude band. Most of the music is torrid. When it is, it's good music for vaude or anywhere else. When not torrid, it's not good. The musicians are all trick in- strumentalists, with probably no more than-two legit men in the or- ganization. In solo they're great. Sax section, brass section, string section, etc., are superb alone, When they join in crescendo, it’s a battle of instruments, or it sounds that way. They finish by themselves and apparently when they want to. »,Of the numbers played here, “Tiger Rag,” an old standby for hot bands, was best. Of three specialty people with the band, all from the Cotton Club floor, two should stay on the floor. They are boy soprano, girl blues singer and a man who dances with the dummy. Latter was the sensation of the act at the Palace. The boy was choked with fright Sunday mat and perhaps not to be judged under such circumstances, Blues singing girl picked the wrong song, “Handy Man,” and seemed to offend the audience. That's the same number Ethel Wa- ters was‘ forced to drop at the Pal- ace after the first show a year ago. Doubtless this girl got the same or- er. If she did, it was for her own good. ‘ Major portion of the: band's in- ‘terest to vdude audiences should be the musicians’ uncanny trick play- ‘dug: What they can do to the bell of a trumpet or trombome makes any- ‘beody’s feet move, Bige. band from the

N Y..U. BAND (37) ;Music Audubon (V-P) 15 Mins.; Full Stage The New York University band, $36 pieces under the direction of urel Hunkins, played a special gagement at the Heights Fox house, nearest theatre to the cam- . No effort at individual spe- Cialties.’ Just straight band stuff, but entertaining. Feature helped ‘biz, as there was a turnaway the night show was caught. The band hasn’t really a vaude layout. It's a concert program with the standout, “The Evolution of ‘Dixie,”. diversified and novel in its arrangement. This gave all the boys ‘@ chance to do their stuff, and they Saijed into if The band closed the vaude section and for once did not overstsy. Act opens with the N. Y. U. col- ‘lege song. Drum major climbs on a raised platform and takes up the bass horn while Hunkins steps out and goes ‘into directing. First number a lively march and then into the “Dixie” number. The boys wear purple coats and white trousers, the colors of the university. An unquestioned local draw as evidenced by some of the boys standing who chimed in on the opening refrain. Mark. The ENVOYS (5). Jazz Band. 12 Mins.; Full. Bth Ave. (V-P). ' Band act featuring Andy Potter, pianist and xylophonist, and Ruth Love, torch singer. Quartet of in- strumentalists double on the banjo, piccolo, trumpets and the various keyed saxophones, playing some difficult arrangements, but the con- _tinual change of instruments takes ‘the edge off whatever favorable im- pression is created. Miss Love, petite black-haired girl, looks well and delivers pop tunes and does a bit of hot-footing neatly. Boya show the Rudy Vallee influence, attempting vocal trios ‘behind megaphones, with little suc- cess, lacking in personality and stage presence. Xylophonist regis- ters best with a pop tune played on

the sounding ticks with his -knuckles. Fair act for the intermediate houses in its present shape. LEE and LE FREE “Tne Beauty Parior”’ (Comedy) 12 Mins.; One bth Ave. (V-P) Man and woman. Beauty doc is the femme who greets a fly cus- tomer continually pulling gags to Mostly ancient with Act just fair here. Mark.

THREE JACKS Songs 10 Mins.;' One American, Chicago (V-P) Three boys with a slight radio rep around Chicago, trying for stage work. It doesn't look like they'll make it. As a regular fea- ture over WBBM, on its “Nutty Club” hour, they will be more ap- preciated. It's an instance of weak stage ma- terial. Same crooning harmony that sounds great over the air fails to make much impression in the the- atre. Boys accompany with gui- tars. Loop. r who. AL WOHLMAN and Night Club Revels Revue 40 Mins.; Full Academy (V-P) Among the flash acts and units comes Al Wohlman and his night élub array. With him is the Sun Dodgers orchestra, a pleasing little band that attempts nothing other than the accompaniment and does a good job. Woblman is the m. C., spills his announcements and gags facetiously. Usual run of special- ties, including an adagio, taps, songs and some eccentric and acro- batic routines. Wohlman also sinzs several numbers. There is a novelty by one of the men who works a doll standout for a dance on a black curtain. Decidedly effective. Plenty of entertainment. No outside billing and lack of proper announcement of the spe- clalists failed to denote who was Wohlman has two corking acrobatic boys, two gals doing taps on stairs sell their stuff splendidty Miss Roselle, songs, has an ingra- tiating personality, while Gautshi and Phelps, adagio, were a stand- out. Mark.

BLUE RIDGE RAMBLERS (10) Orchestra and Songs 15 Mins.; One and Two (Special) State (V-P) Novelty nine-piece orchestra, boys dressed in overalls and blue work shirts playing banjos, guitars and fiddies. Anmneuncer, on first, de- livers spiel about the boys’ radio and record rep in the various sec- tions of the Blue Ridge Mountains that they call home. Back drop is a barn interior with the boys doing most of their playing while seated on soap boxes. They play and sing backwoods tunes, such as “Coming Round the Mountain.” “Pop Goes the Weasel,” and “Who Broke the Lock on the Henhouse Door,” and other barn dance favor- lites all in fine style, none of the boys being a Joe McGee when it comes to handling his instrument alone or in ensemble numbers. Music is of the quiet tempo type that seems to be gaining in favor hereabouts. For a finish the boys go into a fast pop number with the announcer doing a rube dance. Okay band act for the intermedi- ate houses as a closer.

os egies LAMOTTE and MAR- N . Songs and Talk. 15 Mins.; are, Two (Special). 5th Ave. (Vv Two men Kol a woman, the latter doing straight for wop comedy characterizations before an immi- gration office drop. Men remain in comedy clothes throughout, with the girl making a change from a nurse’s uniform to evening gown to soprano one of those high register operatic numbers that mean little. Talk fs not particularly brilliant, most of it being released wop hoke. One of the boys sings pop tunes in a style that just about puts the act over. Just a deucer for small time spots.

Crackers sponge and Music Mins.; Two Academy (V-P) An act of typical hill-billy con- struction, with George Stanley mak- ing his banjo do everything but talk and his “sister,” formerly in his double act, doing a backwoods gal and working with the other four crackers. A bully combo that scores alone on its music, both from Stan- ley’s banjoing and the four boys’ singing. Special drop of the Georgia hills has the six representing natives. Four boys are a versatile outfit. Have fine voices and each man alsv plays various musical instruments. Act scored an emphatic hit here and should make even a better impres- sion in houses of lesser size. Mark. _— GEORGE algae and Georgia

KENNY and TRACY Talk and Songs 12 Mins.; One 5th Ave. (V-P) A sister duo, one of the girls wise- cracking flippantly and breezily. Gags hinging upen love and married life,. their material seemed spe- cially written. Several of the gags pretty close to the border with meaning as pointed as an ice pick. Girls work well together. They sing, but the vocal end is secondary to the exchange of wise cracks. A pleasing little act. Mark.

HAL SANDS and Girls (7) Girl Act 11 Mines Full JOreve) American (V-P) Less than intermediate girl act with a featured man and belongs on small time, though slight chance of getting beyond the dividing line, It concentrates on performance instead of flash, therefore commendable, and therefore welcome in the houses for which it has been built. Sands is more of a clown than 4 dancer, though dancing here and there. At present he sings too often. Girls are a dancing “sister” team and four in line. Team a peppy one. Evidence of smart costuming and act looked nice at the American in a golden draped full stage set, prob- ably special Bige.

yr HYDE CARNIVAL (38) nit 60 pales Full Sist St. (V-P) A variation of stage band presen- tations that Hyde has been doing for a long time, Jimmy Moran is again in the association; likewise Hyde's 10-plece orchestra. Unit idea consists in addition of Frank Sinclaig, doing m. «, mixed dance team, Lubow and Dupree; , Carl Ritchie, young man solo stepper; Master Al Gale and eight Chester Hale girls in the line. To these resources may be added one special drop representing a cir- cus lot side show front and a faint suggestion of a book that holds the proceedings loosely together. The net works out at just fair unit entertainment. Weakness of com- edy element costs dearly. Moran is doing a Hebe tliroughout, arrange- ment that does not bring partic. ularly happy returns as compare with his nut style as revealed in other frame-ups with the Hyde band. Sinclair serves in about the same capacity as a burlesque straight, and most of the unit aside from specialties and the band num- bers, has the Wheel flavor. Comedy is dreary. Trio of men, for instance, take up minutes and minutes in developing the familiar money. changing bit without a vari- ation from the burlesque routine. There is a series of these mechan- ical comedy interludes, all of them rather awful. Any old burlesque man could have framed them in an afternoon. Moran does a 10-minute monolog in Hebe cowboy character, deliv- ered in mechanical rote, although the gags themselves are bright. item misses because of the comic’s lack of spontaniety, and that seems to be’the flaw in the whole unit. Specialty stepping has merit. In- deed dancing is always good even in the poorest of modern flash turns. Boy pf the Lubow-Dupree act is a dandy acrobatic stepper. Girl is a pretty kid and well trained. Young Ritchie is another crack terp soloist. His combination of Russian steps with acrobatic buck and wing is a highlight. Hale girls are a rather uneven octet in appearance and distinctly ragged in precision work. Film de luxe groups of Hale and a dozen other coaches have spoiled the racket for just passable stepping groups. A line that would have been better than average half a — years ago is now set down as Hyde orchestra furnishes excel- lent music, but the surrounding show isn't there. Specialty mate- rial is filler stuff to stall between band numbers, and the whole thing is bare of ideas and showmanly exe- cution. Rush.

MURRAY and LEONARD Songs 11 Mins.; One American (V-P) One particular row on the Roof Monday night applauded when this pair walked on. ' A team of singers who sidestep all efforts to either stall or get laughs on a talk exchange. Apparently y they have cabaretted, working along familiar lines, Songs of a light nature and of the popular stripe one hears so many times on the stage and air. Average voices and act. Mark. A

BARTEE SISTERS (2) wOngs and Instrumental 11 Mins.; One 5th Ave. (V-P) Familiar type of sister team. Published numbers exclusively, partly vocal and partly instrumen- tal. Latter group includes a little pianoing, a session on clarinet- saxes and a windup with accordions, Girls make change of costume mid- act, going from. trunks and blouses to short skirt affairs. Both sport curls hanging over shoulder. Femininity and musical pep give them moderate value for smaller stands. Land.

“POOR OLD JIM” (3) Comedy Sketch 19 Mins.; Full (Parlor) American (V-P) Revival of an old vaude theme by three unbilled players—two men and a woman. It’s the one about the stew husband who is reformed by friend wife and the Doc when made to believe that he is dead. This trio, apparently veterans, play it well. Smali-time stuff now, but the laughs are seemingly still there. Bige.

KRANZ and KAUFMAN Songs and Talk 14 Mins.; One 58th Street (V-P) Two men peddling gag verses and hokum of the housewife imitation »pecies, Has the advantage of Loisterousness and breezy tempo. If most of the wheezes are decrepit the spots team will hit won't mind Turn is well adapted for the over-sized vaudfilm temples where considera- tion for those behind row @Q calis for volume. Both partles possess agreeable

tenors. Did weil here. Land,

Fiske OHARA and Patricia QUINN “Patsy the Pest.” 15 Mins.; One. 58th St. (V- P). Fiske O'Hara, well known Irish tenor, is assisted in this act by Patricia Quinn, who was “Rose Marie” in “Abie’s Irish Rose,” and Dorothy Green at the baby grand. Material, credited to Irene Franklin, consists, of a comedy interruption ‘of Mr. O'Hara's songs and stories by Miss Quinn, spotted in-a front row seat, as an audience plant... Cross- fire is of the amusing sort, with the girl interrupting a Pat and Mike story with a burst of laughter be- fore the gag is started. Quieted down, she breaks out again just as the tenor is at the finish of a song, and is brought on for an introduction while O'Hara goes off to autograph a photo, Mat- inee idol stuff and okay as some- thing different to break up the set routine song recital. O’Hara sings all the old time fa- vorite Irish ballads and warbles “Deep Night,” pop, in fine style, while Miss Quinn has a dramatic bit built around a song saleswoman ina department store who is being given air by a boy friend. Turn can top any neighbor vaude bill, but lacks punch for class houses.

FOUR JOLLY TARS instrumental and Singing 12 Mins.; Two 5th Ave. (V-P) Three tall young men in ‘white navy uniform appear, ‘two with ban- joes and the other with saxophone. Joined by a fourth gob, who ts said to be formerly of the Brown Broth- ers. He has a huge bass sax and wears white oversized goggles for comedy effect. Apparently the leader, he resorts to much low- keyed pumping on his instrument for laughs. Rather overdoes it. Essays the old altercation between the little sax and the big one, Boys are not hot, but play well. Banjoists go into a duet that runs more to speed than warmth. Occa- sionally the foursome kneel at the footlights and harmonize, softly, but without punch effect. Lads all good looking and chant a few cracks about the Navy Yard. Leader goes into one of those “Asleep in the Deep” affairs on his huge sax with the other instruments playing in the background. First three boys dance, leader nimble on feet, being of ex- ceeding lean frame. Comedy con- — but act gets over fairly well.

Fp TRIP TO TOKIO” (3) 4 ae ‘At (Special) - Palace (St. V.) Kin Tanaka's feats of magic are paced by songs and dances by Tora Tana (his daughter) and Miss Kume Fan. Which is which isn't appar- ent, but she who appears in shorts for a black bottom eonforms in every way to the American flapper idea of chassis de luxe, enhanced by perfect Japanese facial beauty: Between this girl and Tanaka's completely mystifying stunt work, it’s a good opening vaude act. With some dolling up it would be an even better one. Tanaka is an excellent trickster, hever missing, with a broad knowl- edge of comedy misdirection Bige.- BERTRAND and RALSTON Talk and Songs 14 Mins.; One and Two American (V-P Veteran mixed couple but not, on file, individually or together. Wom- an does the straight work and sing- ing, accomplishing the latter alone and straighting for her partner’s low comedy. He's in eccentric dress and intersperses his speech with a slight “bird” when pronouncing the letter “f" for most of the laughs se- cured, Woman breaks into. vocal solo to go into two, log cabin drop, for a mammy impression, and then back to “one” at the final note. Hokey bit for a straight singing woman, but gets returns. Bige. GENE and JEANETTE Instrumental 10 Mins.; One Sth Ave. (V-P) Openers, just a fellow and gal harmonizing instrumentally, the for- mer playing fair accordion and the latter passable violins Play pleas- ant selections, the girl changing the violin for a sax, which she handles with more skill than the bow. Good looking girl with plenty of attraction. They do a medley of popular music, winding up with a radium effect for a flash finish. Nicely applauded. Clean cut pair, lacking something to go over stronger. JOYCE and WESTON. Songs, Talk and Dances. 12 Mins.; One. 5th Ave. (V-P). « Man and woman combo in eccen- tric dance routine of no_ great merit, the material most likely han- dicapped in getting over because of jack of orchestral assistance, only an organist being present in the. pit at the downtown Proctor house. Gags are all of the old school and for the most part were received

silently... Lightweight. early spotter for intermediate vaudfilm. KESSLER’S co-EDs (10)

-—_ Revue 17 Mins.; Full (Special) Fox, Brooklyn (V-P) Passable revue of conventional pattern and rather aing-songy tem. po that narrowly averts tedium. Headed by Lew Kessler, dancing juvenile who insists on singing, act has a 9-1 ratio on gender. Two of the gals are used as a stepping team for fill-ins. Kessler has a thin, jagged-edged sub-tenor and no amount of foot- stomping could put it over. His bal- lads just lay there. He is, however, a nimble hoofer with an assortment uf better than ordinary gymnastics. Girls fluffily rigged in veiles and chiffons and modest outlay for cou- ple of hanging’ pieces. Opened show here and okay for similar assign- ments on family time, Land.

i COOLEY and PETERS Comedy and Dancing 10 Mins.; One American, Chicago (V-P) Two boys with a smart knack for comedy points that put them over. Nothing original about the slapping business or the rest of the knock- about. Still, this family audience thought it excruciatingly funny and howled. Cooley Martin (formerly Martin and Mayo) is the front man in the act, carrying the laughs with eccentric hoofing and falls. Peters is a cred- itable foil, also not a bad stepper. They're starting on the Pan cir+~ cuit and should make it easily. Loop. JACK SIDNEY’S FROLICKERS(19) Song and Dance Revue 25 Mins.; Full eee Academy (V-P Loosely knit unit type act fol- iowing. the lines lald down by the better class picture house shows, but. failing to pack a punch, not go much because of lack of talent as because of poor stage direction. Sidney acts as m. c., conducting an unbilled 11-piece jazz band combo, mostly brass. Introduces the vari- ous turns in lacklustre style and grabs the best sposs for himself for a couple of pop songs for meager returns. Sidney might also throw his entire stock of released gags out in the alley. Hammiil Sisters. opening make a neat appearance and dance accept- ably while Addie Seaman, a youth- ful looker, shows plenty of latent talent in the song and dance line, but is submerged. Given a chance, this kid might stand out. Mills and Shea, comedy acrobats, are a cou- ple of topnotchers clowning in fin- ished style, and King and King, hoofers, recently in production, are an accomplished duo of dancers showing a difficult routine «f hot footing. Specialties offered by the band are just so-so. Act is well dressed, but has been poorly handled and needs plenty of fixing for consistent booking in tc intermediate vaudfilm houses. FIVE DANCING FOLLIES Songs and Dances 20 Mins.; One and Full Jefferson (V-P) A man and four women comprise this dancing group, which does much stepping and little dancing. High light the acrobatic solo dances of one of the girls. There are sev- eral tap routines and also a double toe number by two of the women. The man works hard and shows nimble stepping. There appears to be a sameness to the general layout. Mark. “DEARS and IDEARS” (6) Singing, Dancing, Music 16 Mins.; One and Full American, Chicago (V-P) Typical flash act with four comely fems and two boys. Attractively dressed special sets enhance its value considerably. Juvenile, carrying light comedy strain, works with the girls in good style, while the other male fills in with accordion and incidental tap dancing. One or two novel features , in this put it ahead of the ordinary kind. Youth, speed and ginger, should make this act a workable one around the intermediary stands. Loop. NEW ACTS Sir Willlam Adams opening Mone day at the Prospect theatre in new act, “Society Circus.” Bernard Loemuller is rehearsing Jean Murray, late of “Vanities,” and Louise Brooks, of “Fioretta,” in a one-act vaude sketch, “The Understudy,” written by Sidney Skolsky. Berton Churchill, legit, is prepar- ing to enter vaude in one of two dramatic sketches Onder considera<- tion. One is,a new skit by J. C, Nugent, the other a condensed ver- sion of “Alias the Deacon.” Mae Busch, rehearsing three peo- ple comedy skit, “Glad Rag Sadie,” by Frederic Chapin. Opens RKO tour at Bakersfield, Cal. April 28. Paddy Cliff (All Girl Band unit) and Sid Reiss (“White Way Gaie- ties”), have teamed.

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. — ee ‘sell them Wednesday, April 24, 1929 FILM HOUSE REVIEWS ‘VARIETY

LOEW’S STATE (Wired) Los Angeles, April 18. With Clark and McCullough hav- ing an idle week or so, Fox loaned them to West Coast to head the show with the Fanchon and Marco “Wheel” Idea, featuring Will Ritchie, tramp cyclist. Their use made it a wow of a show. The natives here do not know C & Me. But it took but a second or two for the locals to recognize real talent. Aiding the boys as a feeder was Netta Packer. formerly of Anger and Packer. She is a great foil. They did just 12 minutes, with half the time devoted to comedy parody, “We're Patriotic.” It was a wow and took them off as show stoppers. Had the pair been exploited here as they are in the East customers would have realized they were get- ting a $4,000 extra buy and gift with the show being offered. Fan- chon and Marco when they do have names that mean box office in some way slip up on the opportunity to It is the policy of picture houses to sell the picture and. set stage policy first, but where they are spending money for names to draw they should devote extra dili- gence to exploitation and advertis- ing. “Wheel” idea shows how far stagers of girl acts can go with the damsels. What these F and M girls can accomplish is nobody’s business. They had them doing stilt manip- ulation and that was thought the last word. Now they put them on bicycles and they do a routine that would do credit to the Kaufman troupe years ago. Girls also dance, do gymnastic feats and even chant Six weeks ago only two of them had ever been on cycles, But train- ing made good bike riders out of a dozen, of them. Reason for the “wheei” unit is Will Ritchie, tramp eyclist. Act opens with girls doing a semi-esthetic hoop routine dance led by Natalie Harrison, soloist. Then they go into “The Gay 90's,” staged by Roy Mack. This has girls in the promenade costumes of that era, with Ritchie and his femme aide leading song number. Then come the dilapidated trick bikes ridden by the various girls, with Ritchie going into his trick routine. For comedy pantomime Ritchie is in a class by himself, a creator. He goes into his breakaway routine, doer tricks with various wheels, and is over in great shape. There are also the Rondus Duo, two men with unicycle feats ending with the boys playing sax and accordion on their moving contrivances. For the finale number 16 line girls do a military drill and dance and then 12 mount the cycles. Routine starts off with forming of figures, then into parade and squad formations, after which several do solo work, one in particular, a con- tortionist, doing a bit of body twist- ing which seems new on the bike Then more of the mass formation with fast riding in group form for the finale. Prior to the start of the “wheel” idea Rube Wolf with his orchestra in bit played a pop medley and then went into comedy singing number After unit leaves here for East one or two punch acts probably will be added to fit the time groove left by Clark and McCullough. “The Barker.” Vitaphone (F. N.) on screen, and Movietone news. Trade not as heavy as might have been, due perhaps to picture having recently played at Carthay Circle for the $1.50 tariff. Looks better than $26,000 on week. Ung. STATE (Wired) Minneapolis, April 18. The title of this week’s stage show, “The Surprise Party,” bore no apparent relation to the enter- tainment itself. The setting was the street of a southern town in the days before the Civil War. Two mansions with porches fronted on the thoroughfare, The stage held six dancers, an elderly woman posed with a young man beside her, ‘a violinist and a young girl vocalist. The orchestra worked in the pit for the first time in months. Attired in the vari-colored leng skirts and poke bonnets of the ante- bel'um period, the sextette of girls started the ball rolling with a neat dance. Singing a mother number to the white-haired woman the good- looking young tenor displayed an indifferent voice and the applause returns for this sentimental ditty were meagre. Then the mother her- self essayed a vocal number of sen- timental import, Emerson and Baldwin, featured, offered their fami'iar routine of bur- lesque magie and comedy juggling which found favor and provoked a considerable laugh response. An electric effect of fireflys was used during a violin number’ which led into a song by a young girl and a dancing finale with all the per- formers before the footlights. “Coquette,” feature photoplay, in its second week, went over big. An overture by the orchestra in the pit, “Naughty Marietta,” pleased. Fox Movietone news good as usual and an Eloise Rowan pop organ se- lection also liked, “The False Alarm Fire Co,” Smith & Dale comedy, a laugh hit. Business good.

PARAMOUNT (“Say It With Music”-Unit) (Wired) New York, April 20. Dick Dix’s first talker, “Nothing But the Truth” (Par) here this week, and with Helen Kane getting second billing, because she’s in the picture, there were more people jammed into the lobby at 1730 Sat- urday afternoon than this star has drawn on his two previous getaway days for preceding pictures. Rea- son can be split between hearing Dix open up vocally and the screen bow of Miss Kane at the house where she first clicked on the stage. It’s the first good look the Para- mount regulars have had at the cooing, baby-talk songstress, as everybody can’t get into the first three rows. The revelation is apt to be none too happy, for Miss Kane has become something more than cutely plump. House ought to have a good week, as they liked the pic- ture, and no matter where you walk outside the auditorium Rudy Vallee gets in your shoes. He’s due next week in conjunction with “The Let- ter,” the management looking for- ward to an $80,000 total on the com- bination, Current show is tearing off two hours and 19 minutes before getting a turnover. That's mostly due to the 78-minute feature, six on the overture, Crawford's usual seven, 34 for the stage show and another six for the news, which is again padded by a Technicolor fashion display, proving nothing as much as that ‘Doris Dawson looks like a com- posite of four magazine covers, but should steer clear of long shots. Evidently neither Manny Cohen or the Roxy has yet convinced Publix that a newsreel means anything. Boys have got it cut and dried that two to four clips of heavy or mod- erate action, plus what the girls will wear and the trailer on next week’s feature, is enough screen informa- tion for anybody. Meanwhile there's a Broadway restaurant which may install newsreels for its hit-and-run lunch patrons, and the Roxy is drawing between $5,000 and $10,000 on its news from people whom it has educated to drop in just to see the current clips and who take their chance on what else the program holds. There’s more showmanship in compiling a newsreel than telling an orchestra leader to dig up an overture with a violin solo for him- self. As regards entertainment value. an inquiring Publix reporter can tab it, and quick, and this cir- cuit likes to clock things—at pres- ent being concerned with all Broad- way grind marquees on the matter of how many persons read ’em and then buy. News is news, and an orchestra sounds better playing for something that is moving than be- fore an inanimate curtain before ~which a spotted pit leader fiddles. John Murray Anderson produced this week’s unit, the features of which are a rough-and-tumble com- edy adagio couple, Standler and Rose, and a laugh instrumental in- terpretation of the Dempsey-Tunney fight by the band. Beyond that, 12 Foster Girls do one neat Tiller rou- tine in the midst of a drum num- ber, and Sammy Krevoff demands attention for his s-‘ns after pre- viously flirting with an egg on taps. Henry Garden, annuonced as a star of the Chicago Opera Co., means nothing, got little more on one song. and has presumably been declared in because Anderson had to have an operatic air among these music sou- venirs. Specialists also include Charles Irwin, a name which recalls nothing to picture audiences, whose monologing was continuously strug- gling to make the grade. A suave Englishman, neither fast nor broad enough for this type of patron. Wainwright Sisters, three, sang without shuffling the deck. Set had an enlarged table on the upper rear platform, holding books from which the specialists emerged. Usual sight finale had these volumes turning for girl standees, two more of whom descended from the flies trailed by a drape which spread be- hind them as wings. Performers reached the stage via a stairway dividing the orchestra. Stadler and Rose can either stick in the picture houses, go vaudeville or take a spot in a revue, Couple have discovered some new wrinkles and don’t pause for applause on the tough ones. Good anywhere and cleaned here. Trailing a trailer on Vallee, Crawford is devoting his time to tunes made familiar by the U. of Maine- Yale radio lad. Organist was assisted by the booth in the use of double stereopticons, one acting as an enlarged picture background for the lyrics. Sightly and a help. If Crawford didn’t have to come up on the elevator he could have played it with one hand staved in the rummy frame with the other. Overture is “Chanson Russe.” a medley ending on “1812.” A lot of show which can take scissoring in many spots. Rid. (Wired) New York, April 20. Still playing to about 100 custom- ers on a heavy Saturday afternoon at 75 cents top, and still trying to draw against the three higgest pres- entat'on houses in the country. an‘ on Broadway with neighborhood

material. Any other kind of opera- tion couldn't be any worse for box- office returns. With light picture material like “Scandal,” a talker with less than 25 minutes of dialog and no names. against 100 per cent talkers with stars of drawing power all along the street, Universal neeris powerful and costly stage attractions to bolster with. Stage bands of any kind, with a half-baked, inexpertly rou- tined stage show lacking even a hoofing clincher, will never do. Cost puts elaborate presentations out of the question, due to imited capacity. Sammy Kahn and a _ 410-piece stage band trying hard, but useless This week there are 12 Dancing Marvels, a carelessly formed group of girls doing presentation dance numbers which were used in the other houses years ago. No punch, speed or novelty, and that is the basis upon which the girl numbers have been built up elsewhere. Natalie and Darnell, adagio team. are added, with Buddy Truly as the ace songster. Total is not Broad- way in any sense. Two newsreels are growing where one used to show before. Pathe sound news and International. The Pathe reel is very slim, but valuable on account of the sound, In this house each of the newsreels has a separate showing. Babe Ruth and his new bride are duplicated. Between band numbers the 12 Dancing Marvels perform indiffer- ently on two or three occasions. Buddy Truly warbles again, the adagio dancers waltz and Sammy Kahn insists on being funny despite his appearance, speaking voice and other hindrances to comedy at- tempts, “King of the Campus,” of the Col- legians, series, in dialog, rounds out the program with 20 minutes of fairly amusing fun. Superior to the majority of silent comedies recently seen, Mori. STANLEY (Wired) . Pittsburgh, April 19. Inaugurating a new stage policy, they’ve sunk anywhere from $38,000 to $10,000 in this show, but it’s worth it. Units are supposed to be brought in directly from Mastbaum, Philly, but new stuff has been added here, notably Ben Blue and his dance act. Going Roxy more or less, there is a permanent chorus of 32 mixed voices under Frank Rybka and a ballet of 24 girls, with Frank Mas- ters in charge. Catherine Little- field, ballerina of Philadelphia opera company, however, makes a weekly trip to town for the purpose of help- ing both Rybka and Masters arrange the routines. Stage band under Vic Irwin who does only straight announcing, getting away from the hotsy-totsy m.c. While packed with sure-fire and class talent, show doesn’t run as smoothly as it should. Seems to be some lack of co-ordination, more like a straight vaude bill than a movie house presentation. Top- heavy with dancing, but all of high order. Caught again toward the last of the week, however, things were running considerably smoother than at opening. Unit labeled “Southland” and idea carried out in costuming and set- tings. Orchestral production, “Her- bertania,” Bits from Victor Herbert’s numbers, with stage revealing gypsy outdoor settings and chorus grouped about in pairs singing. Ballet on and then soloist, poor, steps from gypsy wagon for “Romany Life.” Symphony, under David Broudy. who’s getting more prominent bill- ing now, finished up alone. Following news reel and organ- logue, show proper opens with band number, then Byron and Willis, a pair of crackerjack tap dancers who recently wowed ’em at the Davis, two-a-day vaude house. Boys clean- ed up. Paul Kirkland with his lad- der dance and paper nose juggling for nice returns. Production number had southern mansion idea for background with ballet and chorus in colonial cos- tume. Freddy Bernard, in black- face, warbled an unimpressive blues number, with sky blue background and seven men in blackface strum- ming away at banjoes. Taylor and Randell, assisted by two men, on next for the best adagio turn seen around here. Got great returns and deserved twice as much, handi- canped as they were by half stage Ben Blue, with his two “person- ality boys,” had mob eating out of his hand. Gave ’em the works from his “dying duck” to that whisky- bottle “Sonny Boy” number and everything clicked. Finale had girls and boys grouped about stage in eye-filling scene. Picture “Wolf Song” (Par) and hovse capacity. Whole show runs two and a half hours, much too long, and film wasn’t able to hold them. Cohen.

Mary McCarthy, under care of the N.V.A. in Kings Park State Hos- pital, Kings Park, L. L., is not of the McCarthy Sisters, She was of the Harmony Sisters combination.

Larry Lawrence, once an actor recently with the Yates office, is now in the haberdashery business.

STRATFORD (Wired) Chicago, April 15. Russell Cooke, new band leader here, has started talking to cut ex- penses. ORIENTAL (Wired) Chicago, April 20. When stage bill at the Oriental has been properly edited it probably will be one of the best in the house for some time. Plenty of entertain- ment; in fact, an overabundance of talent, that made the first per- formance (Saturday) much too long. Running carelessly for a 65- minute stretch, it still looked like a@ fine show with the edges smoothed, Will Harris turned out this unit, entitled “Play Ball,” timely topic. Harris has turned himvgelf around in his last couple of shows, It seems he has found that a light but enter- taining production will get much farther than heavy book ideas. This show should prove thé contention, With practically no plot, it still car- ries its title theme along gracefully for about three-quarters of the way. Then it digresses, but not enough to hurt. Scenically the show is pretty, attractively laid out, intelligent designed and tastefully produced, If there were no one else but Ray (Rubberlegs) Bolger it would still be sufficient. Bolger has come up like a rocket. This boy is the clos- est thing to Jack Donahue yet seen around, Jack Osterman, going great guns since coming here, is as fast and guileful as always. The kid is here, there and everywhere; pronounced impression of what an m.¢c. should be. Starting with a screen sequence of the Cubs-Pirates opening game, scene fades on to the stage, dis- closing the boys in bageball togs around Osterman. Maurine Mar- sailles walks on to patter with Os- terman about a ball game, he cracking wise. Then the Grant girls (12) do a collegiate strut, with a colored kid hoofing a bit in front of the line. No apparent reason for his being there other than the mascot idea, First band number by Victor Young and his gang clicks with @ hot arrangement on “I'd Rather Be Blue.” Babe Morris, snappy little tap dancer, originally’ starting around here and later going to the Coast, gets across two routines that should keep her in picture houses indefinitely. Just a slip of a o but plenty of action in her f in a cross-fire bit with Oste that drew langhs right off. He walks on and off aimlessly thereaf- ter, always for a laugh. Miss Mar- sailles, despite her ‘ability to sing and dance, at the first performance did too much, One personality song with Osterman, followed by her high kick routine, would have been more to Miss Marsailles’ and the show’s advantage. Second line num- her by the femmes, with chairs and baseball bats, neat and better exe- cuted than their initial offering. Osterman trails the ballet in base- ball uniform. Bolger again on the scene, clowning with Osterman in @ “one” drop to permit shift in scenes, A very clever team, Inez and De Wynn, doesn’t belong in this show, In another spot somewhere they’d be great with their gymnastic step~ ups showing muscle control. Ostere man, for the first time, takes the stick to conduct the band in an interpolation of various melodies, brought out Individually first, then blending sypmhonically. Arrange- ment, by Young, is a darb, Bolger, bringing the windup, is a near riot. For trick and eccentric steps, a fine sense of comedy and ability to talk and warble, this boy measures up. Theme @rifts in the finale to an orange grove picture, with Osterman exploding a pop bale lad around the ensemble finish. House portion has Preston Sellers eelling his stuff at the organ to a willing audience; singing bees still popular here. Pathe sound camera urreels five interesting items, with “Hot Stuft” (F.N.) the feature, Torrents of rain Saturday hurt trade. Loop. MARRIAGES Anthony Bertera to Mary Car- men, both in “Scholars,” vaude act, April 3, in Pittsburgh. Dorothy Dean, actress, to Cyril J. Caulkins (non-pro), at Waukegan, lL, April 12. Bride is the daugh- ter of Jap La Cour, former field manager for Equity in Chicago. Marriage of Ginger Rogers to Jack Pepper just announced. Mar- ried in New Orleans March 25. Marie Ferruson to Frank Simeone (musician), Greenwich, Conn., April 13. Sylvia Grossman (dancer) to Irv- ‘ng Wolf (stage manager), in New York April 18. :

Ruth Knapp, non-professional, in New York, April 18. Lewton is a serhbew of Alla Nazimova, Frances Kertley Lyons, film act- ress, daughter of the late Eddie Lyons, to Russel Saunders (non- pro), April 20 at Riverside, Cal. Ivan Kahn, screen artists’ rep- resentative, and Doreen Pastor, actress, April 21 at Agua Caliente, Mexico. Mildred Stevenson to Charles J. Besse in Phoenix, Ariz., April 11. Bride former trombonist with Babe Egan’s “Redheads” band. Bride- groom is secretary of Musicians’ Local 586, Phoenix.

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Bolger puts in his first appearan % * Val Lewton, M-G press agent, to ~ I SE ee en ps . mi ponemanaleaann ee. Seer see sng y NE RRP 6 PRE TNT » Py Bites “a

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eee we LT ota incwe ln 5 ae +> a Ss = 7 : a alte ° ‘ oo Uses > - - —= TS or Se Os nn mn r ih } oe Sa he ae Sa, Fit VARIETY Wednesday, April 24, 1929 PRESENTA Shows carrying numerals such as (28) week on Sunday or Monday, as date may be. ATIONS—BILLS NEXT WEEK (April 29) THIS WEEK (April 22) (22) For this or with split weeks also indicated by dates. An asterisk (*) before name signifies act is new to turn, reappearing after absence or appearing for first Pictures include in classification presentation as adjunct. PARIS Week April 20 Empire Tracey & Hay Max Wall Jovers Tr * Bitter Sis Di Mazzei Nita Jo Athos 3 Firzel Facorys Polaro Sam Linfleld Medrane Tony Bastien Ba bylas Londonia Harry Carre Bruna & Yo'anda Johnny Sis Mile Mamie Nors-Bertys Tr Caroidi-Porto-C Ferrari 2 Medini 3 Roberto Matsumoto Tr Dario-Dario-Rhum LONDON Week April 23 FINSBURY PARK Empire One Dam Thing ? N Vietoria Palace Talbot O'Farrell Jane Dillon A C Astor May Henderson Jim the Bear 3 Kirakaku Bros Brennans Tommy Trinder NEW CROS Empire Mumming Birds Chas Austin BIRMINGHAM Empire The Seafarers Clowns in Clover BLACKPOOL Grand Killing of A Drake Opera House Burlesque BRADFORD Alhambra This Year of Grace CARDIFF Empire The Yellow Mask EDINBURGH Empire Bainb’gh Opera Co GLASGOW Alhambra Her C’rdb’ad Lover Empire B’siness Is B'siness HANLEY Grand Something New HULL Palace Lucky Girl LEEDS (Norris Girls & Max PROVINCIAL picture policy, w ’ indicate opening next week (21) or (22) city, doing a new time. ith vaudeville or Moulin Rouge Joe Jackson Barbette Florence & Grip De Biere Isabelita Ruiz Jean Gabin & D Nina Payne Kamichka Josette Dave Beni-Tony G Tehernoyaroft lym pia Walton's Marinelli 6 Pelissier Oviedo 5 Blanche de Paunac Aiax 3 Titze-Tarazoft Lydina Vivarel Daminska Lillian Donald York Bros Balaguer & Joe Willys Naughton & Gould Uptewn (20) ‘Spring Chickens’ U Verne Buck Bd Jue Fong Jones & Elliott Max & His Gang Herbie Edwin Peterson Giris “Close Harmony” ATLANTA, GA, Howard (29) “Blue Rev" Unit Bob LaSalle Irene Taylor Frank Steva Pell & Coa Small Bros Gamby-Hale Girls BIKRM’GH'M, ALA. Alabama (29) “Volcano” Unit Frank Melino Co T & J Dale Eleanor Terry Gil Wray Foster Girls BOSTON Metropolitan (20) Chinese (Indef) Grauman Prolog Buster West Rasch Ballet Jerre Coe Alfred Latel ‘Broadway Melody’ Egyptian (25) Frank Jenks Bd “Close Harmony” Loew's State (25) Rube Wolf Bd “Oddities” Idea 6 Hassans Bake & Jones Mary Louise Treen Edris Purcell~- “Voice of the City’’ Paramount (25) “Vanity Fair’ Unit Renoff & Renova Monsieur Berg Co Erner & Fisher Johnny Payne Emily Daye Milton Charles ‘Sat’day’s Children’ The Daros Louis Hertel } Doris May & Hilda 5 Resau Girls Trixie Mason STRATFORD Empire The Junetros Smirnova & Trip'ft Johson Clark Gladys Sewell Hatch & Carpenter Carr Lynn Burns & Allen Royal Show's the Thing LIVERPOOL Empire Virginia MANCHESTER Palace Good News NEWCASTLE Empire The Truth Game - NEWPORT Barbed Wire NOTTINGHAM Em Formby’s Nite Out Ro Carl Rosa Opera Co ee — laa a Roy Trial of Mary D |; SALFORD Palace And So We Go On SHEFFIELD Empire League of Stars SOUTHAMPTON Empire Show Boat SOUTHSEA ing’s The Desert Song SWANSEA Empire All Fit Change Over Picture Theatres NEW YORK CITY Capitot (27) ‘Shades of Blue’ U Charles King Dave Schooler Chester Hale Girls *Voice of. ps City’ 20) “Crystals” Unit Dave Schooler Nick Long Jr Evelyn Wilson Nayan Pearce Bob Bob & Bobbie Chester Hale Girls “Duke Steps Out’ Colony (22) Sammy Kahn Buddy Truly Natalie & Darnell Adagio Dancers Paramount (22) ‘Say With Music’ U Dave Rubinoff Char'es Irwin Henry Garden tadler & Rose Sammy Kreroft Foster Girls “Nothing But T'h” Rexy (20) Patricia Bowman Leonide Massine Florence Rogge Harold Van Duzee Isabel Norwood Douglas Stanbury Markert’s Dancers Reine Valerie Lew White ew Jenny Delaroft Leo Pernikoff “Girls Gone Wild” CHICAGO, ILL. Avalon (20) Roy Detrich Bd Jones & Hull Billy Carpenter Capitol (20) Charlie Crafts Bd Harry Downey Bentel & Gould Chicago (19) *‘Are’tine Nights’ U H IL Spitainy Bd Joe Penner Dorothy Berke Billy Meyers George Nelidoff “Duke Steps Out” Granada (20) Jazz Lips Rich’ds’n 6 Jansleys June Harrison Arnold Frazier Carnival 8 ¢ —. ree ~ | * Harding (20) “Show Boat’ U Al Morey Bd Gregory & Edison Masters & Grace 4 Cotton Pickers Sam Arco Ballet ‘Alias J Valentine’ Marbre (20) Benny Meroff Bd Barto & Mann Morgan & DeLima 6 Reillys Norshore (20) ‘B’ty Shop Blues’ U Al Kvale Bd Gibson Sis Stanley House Rosemary Pfaff Karavieft Foster Girls ‘The Bellamy Trial’ Oriental (20) “Play Ball’ U Jack Osterman Bd Ray Bolger Inez & DeWynn Babe Morris Maurine Marcelles Grant Girls “Hot Stuft’’ Paradise (20) ‘Wedding Bells’ U Mark Fisher Bd Zelaya Buddy Raymond Carter & Aalbu Sis Gene Morrison “Close Harmony” Rialto (20) Chas Semon Cowan & Grey Stratford 2d half (25-27) Cooke’s Bd Audrie & Severn Stanley & Bernes Haynes & Beck Tivoli (20) “Gheerlo” Unit Frank Masters Bd Helen McFar'and Wally Jackson Dorothy Neville Ga & M Eline Gamby-Hale Girls “Close Harmony” Tower (20) “Stop Thief” Lou Kosloff Bd Ldvey 2 Earl LaVere Newman & Rogers Eleanor Masquelet Kurniker Bal et Unit THE LEADING — SOCIAL AND CLUB REPRESENTATIVE of GREATER NEW YORK Catering to the Elite ALF T. WILTON 1560 Broadway Suite 500 Bryant 2027-8 “Bright Lights’’ U't Ted Claire “The Letter” BROOKLYN Fox (22) Pat Rooney Marion Bent Pat Rooney 34 Jean Granese Lew Kessler Jack Sydneys Co Lt Gitz Rice Co Char'es Ray “Hearts in Dixie” Paramount (22) “Bagdad Blues” U Paul Ash Jaques Cartier Walzer Dyer Arch Gannon Idrena Gladys St John Persian Ballet Carl Bitterl Art Frank ‘Noth’g But Truth’ BUFFALO Buffalo (22) ‘Bubbling Over’ U Lou Forbes Boyd Senter Markel & Faun Campbell & Witmer M Haley & Joyce S Gamby-Hale Girls “Hole Tn the Wall” CLEVELAND State (20) “Coo ing Of’ Unit Stubby Gordon Geo Givot & Seal Burt Faye Wallace Sis Helen Anderson Gamby-Hale Girls ‘Nothing But Truth’ DALLAS, TEX. Palace 27) “Bubbles” Unit Gatanos M Martell Ross & Edwards Gene Sheldon Dave Gould Co Marta Kay DENVER, COL. Denver (25) “Magic Rug” Unit Burns & Kissen Emile & Romaine Starr & Rolla Harry Johnson DES MOINES, IA. Capitol (27) “Monte Carlo” Unit Harry Rose Joseph Griffin Mario & Rosita Gluck & Sorel Co DETROIT Capitel (20) “Melody Menu” U't Del Delbridge “The Wild Party’” Fisher (20) “Hodge Podge’ U't Al Donahue Leon Vavarra Patsy Griffin Lucille Peterson Sonny & Sally 4 Karreys “Wolf Song” Michigan (26) “Carnival C’tail’ U Al Evans Joe Besser Moore & Pal Charles Marsh Foster Girls ‘Voice of the City” HOUSTON, TEX. Metropolitan (27) “Stars’’ Unit Evans & Perez Jack Powell Harm & Nee Jack Egan Maureen & Sonny Chas Barnes Gamby-Hale Girls LOS ANGELES Boulevard (25) Benny Rubin Bnd & Eleanor Col! Buddy Emmett “Biue Skies” Carthay Circle (Indef) Carli Elinor Orch NEWARK Branford (20) Benn Ross Bobby Folsom La Grobe G & B Pares Ed Ernie Donabue-Boyle G'ls “Why Be Good” N. ORLEANS, LA. Saenger (22) “Crinoline Jazz’ U Jack Egan Bayes & Speck John Quinlan Chapman & Snyder Ned Jewell F Sorrell Girts OMAHA ’ Riviera (27) “Topsy Turvy” U Terry Corwey Caffery & Miller Phelps 2 PHILADELPHIA Carman (22) Turkish Nights Eddie Hill Mae Wynn J Brown's Orch Peggy English Roland Thomas 8 Hannissan Girls Dare & Yates Hickey Bros “Last Warning’ Fox’ (22) George Jessel Rome & Gaut Harry Girard’s Co Tony Shaynes’ Rev Lilian Shaw “Trent's Last Case” Stanley (22) “Let’s Celebrate” U Charlie Melson Caulline Gaskines Primrose Semon Sydell & Spotty “The Dummy” PITTSBURGH Enright (20) “Ride 'Em C’b’y” U Dick Powell Bob Albright B & B Miller F D’Armore Co (20) J I Fisher Bl Cleve Bleanor Chartier Ben O’ Mar 3 Demons Margaret Shilling 40 Jazzmanians Leon Brusiloff Foxettes Jos LaRose Co “Speakeasy” Palace (27) ‘P’ris of Bagdad’ U Jacques Cartier Wesley Eddy Walzer & Dyer Arch Cannon Idrena G 8t John Ballet Carl Biterll “Voice of the City” (20) ‘Say with Fliers’ U Wesley Bddy Sammy Cohen Maxine Hamilton Stone Vernon 4 Gould Girls “Spite Marriage” Loew cow vos cITy merican Ist half (29-1) 3 Students Krugel & Robles F D’Armore Co Delro Fred Ardath (Two to fill) 2d half 12-5) Rose Kress Duo U S Thompson Freshm’n & Co-Eds Bernard & Henrie Davis & Nelson Reed & LaVere 3 Westerguards (One to fill) Boulevard ist half (29-1) Takewa Japs Scherr Bros Harry Stanley Co Jas C Morton Co Gibbs 2 24 half (2-5) Zelda Bros Gertrude Moody Co Boyle & Della Gibbs 2 (One to fill) Commodore Ist half (29-1) Bob & Bayer Brennan & Shaw Reed Hooper Rev Marjorie Burton Pie'ds & Georgia Varsity Collegians 2a half (2-5) 8 Students Dave Roth . Bertram & Ralston (One to fill) Delancey St. ist half (29-1) Bronkley Sis Davis & Nelson Evans Wolf Orch (Three to fill) 2a half (2-5) Hayes Marsh & H Lydia Harris Jack Marcus Fields & Georgia (One to fill) irmount Fa ist half (29-1) Breath of the S’th Martha Lawrence Ritz Bros Putting on the Ritz (One to fill) 2d half (2-5) Glen Dale Co McL’ghiin & Evans Marion S’nshine Co (One to fill) Grand ist half (29-1) Zelda Bros Ship Ahoy McL’ghlin & Evans Bue Ridge RK’blers (One to filly 2a half (2-6) Helen Carlson Mae Francis Harry Koler Co Krugie & Rubles Dave Apollon Co Lincoln Ist half (29-1) Tda & Joe St Onge Natalie Alt Co Van & Vernon Memories (One to fill) 24 half (2-5) Plorence Baker Co Cora Green Co Cuby & Smith Stepping Ahead (One to fill) National ‘a’ ist half (29-1) Floretty 3 Goodwin & Rash T & R Romaine Co Murphy & Wilton Breen LaBard & B 24 half (2-5) Takewa Japs Fulimer & Wayne Smith & Hart Blue Ridge R'blers (One to fill) Orpheum ist half (29-1) Lohse & Sterling Jack Waldron Grace Du Faye Mae Francis Harry Koler Co Smith & Hart Oscar Lorraine “Love in Ranks” 2d half (2-5) The Bardelongs Murphy & Wilton Jack Sidney Co (Two to fill) Gates Ave. Ist half (29-1) Ford & Price Doyle & Donnelly Al Wohiman Night Club Revels (One to fill) 2a half (2-65) Calvert & Hird Ship Ahoy Bert Walton [£o NTG’s B'way Eves (One to fill) Metropolitan (29) France & LaPell White M & S Bros Nan Halperin Dave Harris & F Dave Harris Girls (One to fill) Oriental ist half (29-1) Mazola 3 Cora Green Co Jerome Mann Rah Rah Tommy (One to fill) 2a half (2-6) Realm of Dance Jean Barrios Co Phillips & Murray Joe Phillips Rev (One to fill) Palace Ist half (29-1) Ruff & Rumble Ed Hill Ed Hill Frolics (Two to fill) 2a half (2-5) Brennan & Shaw Clay Crouch Co Gordon & Walker Breen LaBard & B Premier Ist half (29-1) Wilfred DuBols Gertrude Moody Co Jack Marcus Co Boyle & Della Hayes Marsh & H 2a half (2-6) Floretty 3 Marjorie Burton Stuart & Lash Cavaliers (One to fill) AKRON Leew’s (29) Sheldon Heft & L Milo? Wally Sharples Co Sunshine Sammy ist half (29-1) Plorence Baker Co Boyce & Evans Mari’n Sunshine Co Carney & Jean (One to fill) 2a half (2-6) Ida & Joe St Onge Ed Hill Ed Hill's Frolics (One to fill) BOSTON Orpheum (29) Black & Gold Fein & Tennyson Carl Emmy's Pets McKay & Ardine Gaston Andree Co CANTON Orpheum (29) Conley 3 Trado 2 Anderson & Graves Milton Douglas Co ranada 2d half (2-5) Conley 3 Milton Douglas Co (Three to fill) CORONA, L. IL Plaza Ist half (29-1) Kodak & Sister Lydia Harris Mr & Mrs Phillips Bert Walton Co Stuart & Lash De Toregos Co —— — MONTREAL Loew's (29) Campbell & Brady Hinds & Leonard Lane & Harper Billy Arlingten Co Maddocks Co (One to fill) NEWARK State (29) Chapelle & Carlton Baby Marguerite Murray & Maddox NTG Parody Club (One to fill) NEW ORLEANS State (29) Paul Bros 3 McCann Sis Tucker & Smith Great Blackstone (One to fill) NORFOLK, VA. Loew's (29) Stickney’s Circus Hale & Hoffman Alton & Wilson Lillian Fitzg’r’'d Co Masterpieces SYRACUSR State (29) 3 Flying Hartwe!ls Lucille Benstead Morris & Campbell — — Coscia & Verdi (One to fill) TORONTO Frank Salt Co . Herbert Clifton Co Cole & Snyder Lee 2 Co W’DHAVEN, lL. L. Willard ist haf (29-1) Bland Lenore & L Bernard & Henrie Kerr & Weston Co Bobby Randall Casting Campbelis 2d half (2-5) Jordan & Grace Gus Mulcahy Jules Howard Co Love in Ranks (One to fill) YONKERS, N. Y¥. Yonkers ist half (29-1) Pisano & Lauderer NTG’'S B’way Eves (Three to fill) 24 half (2-5) Mazola 3 Natalie Alt Co Van & Vernon Memories (One to fill) a Keith’s NEW YORK CITY Chester Ist half (28-1) Side Kicks Jean Upham Lumm & White Schwartz & Clift'd Bee Gee & Kupee 2a half (2-4) Donovan Girls Palace (28) Shean & Cantor James Barton (Others és fill) 1 ) Gordon & King Trixie Friganza Leatrice Joy Marx Bros Duke WBilington LYONS & LYONS‘ ffs, Intimate Chats: xy - FOREIGN BOOKINGS Can use a number of good specialty See imm LYONS © LYONs === PARAMOUNT BLDG NEW YORE ce t . ki e Bozo Snyder Rev (Three to fill) 2d half (25-27) Del Ortos Texas 4 Morton & Ruseell Monologist 4 Aces & A Queen Coliseum Ist half (28-1) Kiddy Doner Lewis & Ames Talent & Merit Shaw & Carroll Co Kaswell Sis 2d half (2-4) Alex Hyde Carnival Five Nelsons Robinson & Pierce 2@ half (26-27) 4 Pepper Shakers Carlisic & Lamal Kousnitzoff & N Roy Cummings Tillis & LaRue 8ist Ist half (28-1) Morton & Russell (Others to fill) 2d half (2-4) Frankel & Dunlevy Babe Egan Orch (Three to fill) 2a half (25-27) Webster Marino Or Ray Huling & Seal Millard & Marlin Kitty Dener Jimmy Savo Co Fordham Ist half (23-1) Toto 4 Nelsons Roy & Martin 4 Dales Julius Tannen 2a half (2-4) Joe Matty & Dotty Bennie Davis Gang Lewis & Sherry Master Jay Ward (One to fill) 2d half (25-27) Dance Bits Kranz & Kaufman Side Kicks Allen & Breen 56 Mounters Franklin ist half (28-1) Wm Morris Family Brian McDonald Olive Faye Wilton Crawley Audrey Carter Helen Brooks Betty Verner Gloria Foster Cecile Campbell Anne Ferris A Rasch Girls ‘Bridge of Luis Rey’ S. ANTONIO, TEX. Texas (27) ‘M’strels of '29° U ST. LOUIS Ambassador (20) “Rarcelona” Unit Ed Lowry Jack North Rene & Eviyn D Berne Girls “The Letter” Missouri (26) “Footlights” Unit Harry Rose Arthur Nealy “Retrayal’ W’SHIT'GT'N, D. C. Fox (27) J I Fisher 40 Jazzmanians Teon Brusiloff Foxettes Jos LaRose Co ‘The Bellamy Trial’ “The Iron Mask" “True Heaven” Bob Albright Co Geo Fredericks Co Happiness Boys Les Gellis Rev - (One to fill) Victoria Ist half (29-1) He'en Carlson Violet McKee Co Gordon & Walker Dave Apollon Co (One to fill) 2a half (2-5) Ford & Price Al Wohlman Night Club Revels (Two to fill) BROOKLYN Bedford Ist half (29-1) Realm of Dance Phillips & Murray Joe Phillips Rev (Two to fill) 21 half (2-6) Kodak & Sister Jerome Mann Lane & Lee Harry Stanley Co Evans Wolf Orch 46th St. ist half (29-1) A'lpine Sports Irving & Lewis Leew’s (29) Larimer & Hudson Alice Morley Scott Bros & V’non Conrad & Eddy Doc Baker Co HOUSTON Houston (29) C & L Earle Georgie Hunter Jack Bains Bd (Two to fill) JAMAICA, L. L Hillside Ist half (29-1) Alice Déyo Co Esmonde & Grant Clay Crouch Co Ruth Royce (One to fill) 2d half (2-6) Flying Harpers T & R Romaine Co Eddie Lambert Co Rainbow Revelries (One to fill) MEMPHIS, TENN. Loew's (29) Reck & Rector Victor Oliver Co Dave Gardner Co. Lydell & Higgins Casa Lehn Girls oe . JACK LE: Laps = HOTEL ; SHUTZ MANHATTAN “ 159 West a7th st. TAILOR, 908 Walnut St. Phil NEW YORK ut ? a. Martha Patti Cavaliers 2a haif (2-5) Ann Codee “Strange Cargo” 2a half (2-5) Morgan & Stone Carter Bros Rev Penn (20) Breath of the S’th/| Violet McKee Co Norman Thomas 6 “Fore” Unit Ritz Bros Kerr & Weston Co 2d half (2-4) Teddy Joyce (Three to fill) Pisano & Lauderer} Milt Bronson Girls Alex Morrisson State (29) Winnte & Dolly Lou & Grace Miller Cuff Crane Deiro EV’NSVILLE, IND. | Geo P Murphy Al K Ha'l Jack White Rev Sid Hall's Revels Hamilton Ist half (28-1) Louis & Sherry Bozo Snyder Rev (Three to fill) 2a haif (2-4) Tke Rose Midgets Donald Sisters Carlisle & Lemal (Two to fill) 2d half (25-27) Chevalier Bros Diehl Sis & McD Jack Norworth Co Talent & Merit Stop Look & Listen Jefferson ist haif (28-1) Mowatt & Hardy Geo P Murphy Norman Thomas 6 (Two to fill) 2a half (2-4) Sid Hall's Revels (Others to fill) 2d half (25-27) Milt Bronson Co Columbia Comedy 4 Joe Freed Co Al Abbott Ben Bernie Orch Regent 2d half (28-1) Chevalier Bros Hanwood & Carroll Teller Sis & Acki’d (Two to fly 2d half (2-4) Pearl 2 Co (Others to fill) 2d half (25-27) Ojedo & Imbert Co Dave Gerano Co Jerome & Evelyn Barle Hanson Orch (One to fill) Riverside (28) Roger Imhoff (Others to fill) (21) Ewing Eaton Red Grange Roy Rogers Vincent Lopez Orc Ada May Lou Holtz Hama & Yama ~* Duke Ellington Orc Fred Lindsay Royal y Ist half (28-1) Chevallier Bros Eddte Pardo Unit (Three to fill) 2a half (2-4) Little Pipifax Correlli Sis Tiny Town Rev Savoy & Manna (One to fill) 2d half (25-27) Briants Formassano Harry Holman Co Brems F & M Bros Jeanne Upham Co CONEY ISLAND Tilyou ist half (28-1) Lestra La Mont Corrinne Ti'ton Dixon & Morrelli (Two to fill) 2a half (2-4) Geo P Murphy (Others to fill) Little Pipifax Perry 2 Co Mack Copeland Co Collins & Peterson Gypsy Harmony 5 FAR ROCKAWAY ist half (28-1) Benny Davis Rev (Others to fill) 24 half (25-27) Collegiate Unit (Others to fill) BROOKLYN Albee (28) Lita Grey Chaplin Hickey Bros . (Three to fill) (21) Don Cummings Adler & Bradford Ann Codee James Barton Babe Egan Redh’'ds Bushwick ist half (28-1) Kate Pullman Co (Three to fill) 2a half (2-4) De Dio’s Circus Wood & Mooney Joe Browning (Two to fill) 2d half (25-27) Will Morrissey Teller Sis & Cckl'd Morrissey & Miller Ted Marcel (One to filly Greenpoint lst half (28-1) Dewey & Rogers Fileen & Mariforle Babe Egan Redh'ds (Two to fill) 2a half (2-4) Hanwood & Carroll Corrinne Tilton Dupree Unit (Three to fill) 24 half (25-27) Eilleen & Marjorie Kelly & Killeen Tony Williams Co Bob Halil Earle Carpenter Ox Kenmore Ist half (28-1) Mack & Rossiter Allan & Green Ruiz & Bonita re 4 Aces & A Queen (One to fill) 2d half (2-4) Will Mahoney Undercurrent Harry Roy & M Crystal 3 (One to fill) 2a half (25-27) Lockett & Page Noble Sissie ey ——-— Sunshine Boys Jarvis & Harrison Frankel & Dunl' vy Crazy Rhythm BROCKT’N, MAs&, Brockton lst half (29-1) Paula Lorma Co Ada Brown Jack Conway Co Lytell & Fant J R Agee’s Horses HOWARD SLOATZ BONDS FOR INVESTMENT AB Leach & Co_ Inc Fi 57. William St N.Y; Shean & Cantor Dooley & Morton Friscoe Bd Mad lst half (28-1) Alex Hyde Carnival (Others to fill) 2d half (2-4) Loma Worth Side Kicks Talent & Merit Kaswell Sis Jarvis & Harrison Schwartz & Cliff'rd 2d half (25-27) Gruber’s Oddities Carder Bros Yarmark Lewis & Ames Jack White Rev ist half (28-1) Society Circus (Three to filt) 2a half (2-4) Eddie Pardo Unit (Others to fill) 2d half (25-27) Mowatt & Hardy Davis & Dwan Broadway Flashes Marks & Ethel Flora Le Breton 2a half (29-1) Maurice Colleano Sargent & Lewis Nathal 4 Camerons Jim McWHtiams 2a half (2-5) Marie Valente Black Kat 4 Leavitt & Lockw’'d (Two to fill) 2a half (25-28) Muriel Kaye Herbert Faye Betty Blythe Harris & Radcliffe Harlequins ALLENTOWN Colenial ist half (29-1) Kranz & Kaufiman Teck Murdock Co Ray Huling & Seal Music Art Rev (One to fill) 2d half (2-5) Florie LaVier Co Frank M’Corm’'k Co (Three to fill) 2d half (25-28) Keliy's Cabaret (Others to fill) ATLANTIC CITY Earle ist half (29-1) 3 Londons Lee & Gould Guy Voyer Co Olyn Landick Scanion Denno & S 2a half (2-5) McCaffrey & Miller Billy Batchelor Co McManus & Hickey Francois Densmore (One to fill) BALTIMORE New Gardens (29) Harry Carroll Show (Others to fill) 22) Claires Baby Rosemarie Wm Edmunds 2d half (2-6) Raymond Pike Emmett O*Mara Musical Enchanters (Two to fill) BUFFALO ppedrome ( Dack Shing Tr Byron & Willis Jack Norworth Bob Hall Muriel Kaye Co (22) Palermo’s Dogs Jay Velie Senna & Dean Glenn & Jenkins Paviey-Oukransky CANTON e Ist half (29-1) a Kellogg & Lewis Ethel Davis Harris & Radcliffe (Two to fill) 2a half (2-6) Darling 2 Seott Saunders Paul Remos Co (Two to fill> 2a half (26-28) Lang & Haley Yates & Lawley Baby Oxman (Two to fill) CHARLOTTE Carolina 2d half (2-5) Chinko & Kaufman Norwood & Hall Rome & Dunn 4 Diamonds (One to fib) 2a half (26-28) Scott & Swift Sis Weston & Lyons Jack Pepper Koran (One to fi'l) CHICAGO Palaee (29) 7 Nelsons Falls Reading & B Murray & Oakland Indian Bd Herbert Williams Joe Kirkwood Don Lee & Loutse (22) Maurice Colleano Hayes & Fleason Hal Jerome Co Joseph Regan Co Watson Sis George Donohue Co State Lake (29) I C Flippen Unit (Others to fill) (22) Burns & Siamese 2 Frank Hami!ton Harry Watson Jr Beskes & Sully Down Home CINCINNATI Albee (29) Bob & L Gillette The Ushers Jos Regan Ben Blue Vaness!i (22) Bird Cabaret Sargent & Lewis Rose & Thorne 4 Camerons Gilda Grey: ‘ (29) De Pace EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED GARMENTS FOR GENTLEMEN EN ROCK 1632 B’way. at 50th St.. N Vv City George Beatty Maryland Colleg’ns BENN’GTON, VT. Ist haif (29-1) Stoddard & Brown Homer Lind Rev Alen & Norman Maree & Pals (One to fill) BINGHAMTON Binghamton 2d half (29-1) Franciss Ress & D (Two to fill) . 2d half (2-5) Roscoe Ails (Two to fill) 2a half (25-28) Marcus Rev (Two to fill) BOSTON Albee ist half (29-1) Val Harris Co Shapiro & O'Malley (Three to fill) 2d half (25-28) Yocan Dance Arts Galla Rini Willie West & McG Patricola Will Mahoney Tiny Town Rev DeCosta & Gridley (Others to fill) Egleston Sq. ist half (29-1) Tom & Louise 3 Hall & O’Brien Wm Morrow & § (Two to fill) Howard ist half (29-1) Jack Joyce Don Cummings Anthony & How'l'’d (Two to fill) Memorial (29) Slim Timblin Ada May George Jessel (Two to fill) Scolilay Sq. (29) Wright-Douglas Co Johnny Walker Co Val Harris Co (Two to fill) 22) (22 Sawyer & Eddy _ —— Bobbie Rowland Niles & Mansfield Eddie Borden Pallenberg’s Bears (22) Nolan Bros & V Ernest Hiatt Happiness Gir's Goss & Barrows Ora CLEVELAND 105th x ist half (29-1) Paco & Cansino Chaz Chase Betty Biythe Lang & Haley 9 Allisons 2d half (2-5) Jimmy Burchill Spencer & Williams Ethel Davis Mel Klee (One to fill) 2d half (25-28) Marie Valente Byron & Willis Niles & Mansfield Arthur Corey (One to fill) Palace (29) 4 Haas Bros Lucille Benstead Claire Vincent Meyers & Hanford Gilda Gray (22) Nathal Jay C Flippen nit (Twe to fill) COLUMBUS Palace (29) Midgetland Walter Wahl Monica & A Skelly Little Jack Little The Dakotas (22) Irene Vermillion The Ushers Lasses White Joe Marks (One to fill) CONCORD, N. H. Ist half (29-1) Bobbe & King " Mona Mura Boys (Two to fill) oer PP UREN es ,

Page 41

Te al")

Rt Sele eae tall

peren S

= = Wednesday, April 24, 1929

VARIETY

—S es — —$$_$______ — —_——— ——-~ — 24 half (2-5) (Two to fill) Felovis 24 half (2-5) Boro Snyder } 2 2- w & H Brown 24 half (25-28) | Marshall @ Larue |Sawyer & Bad edhe oy 4 iat half (29-1) | SIOUX FYLLS, SY., 2a half (2-4) ¢ : i y y « @ to fill) Marie Valente ss Keo Taki & Yoki Honeymoon Isle Dirkson & Cassidy | N. BEDF'D, MASS. | Alice Hamilton WINNIPEG Black Kat 4 state Billy Champ Co : (Three to fill) Brodus Erle Ist half (29-1) 6 Crackerjacks we Leavitt & Lockw'd ist half (25-30) Hudson Wonders Stanle -Fabian CUMBERLAND | The Rangers Emmett O'Mara (Two to fill) Orpheam (29) (Two to fill) Reynolds & White | Princess Pat Ist half (29-1) JERSEY CITY 3 Rah Rah Girls SAN FRANCISCO | Bee Starr 24 half (2-5) Art Henry Co ST. LOUIS, MO. Armand Devora Co State Dainty Marie Co Golden Gate (29) Gordon & Squires Maurice Colleano Hooper & Gatchett Grand (28) Hamilton & Bucher ist half (29-1) , (twe oa, Fleurette Jeoffrie A Friedland Rev Sargent & Lewis SO BEND, IND, | 2. 0f @ Kind ELIZABETH, N. J. PASSAIC, N. J. Ruth Ford 4 Tiny Town Rev P. 1 — (2-5) Angus Searle & Co | (Twe to fill) Nathal ’ Palace | | Mack & Argo Rita Montauk California Night’ks | Brems F & M Bros ym “2 arma Co Nick Lucas (22) 4 Camerons ist half (28-30) Al Lubin ist half (29-1) Ist haif (29-1) (One to fill) (Three to fill) 2 Srown The Agemos Large & Morgner Jim McWilliams Revel Bros & Rea | Hendericks Co Vera Gordon Co Marty Dupree Rev DAYTON 24 half (25-28) 7 Gonwes Co (One to fill) Irene Franklin 2d half (26-28) Frank Hamilton Pacheco Tr Marty & May 2d half (2-5) Keith’s Jack Major Co R Agee’s Horses ((22) Norton & Haley De Pace Hibbitt & Hartman| ST. PAUL, MINN, | (pnree to 41) Afleen & Marjorie Ist half (29-1) (Others to fill) (One to fill) Adela Verne . | Frank De Voe Chas Chase ee . of ates Palace-Orpheum od h lf ( 5) Kayre & Sayre Harum Scarum LARS ASTER NIAGARA FALIS | Angus & Searle Lee Gail Ensemble | Jackie Coogan 2a half (1-4) ist half (26-80) Chevalier Bros i Voyer Co Burns 2 Belleview Bob Nelson YOUNGSTOWN, QO. | Ethel Davis Campus 5 Arthur Crane's Co Fisher & Gilmore (Two to fill) Ken Christy Ist halt (29-1) Ist half (29-1) Watson & Cohan Keith's The Dakotas O’ Dean & Pave Farnell & Florence | (7phree to fill) | PATERSON, N. J. Mayo & Lyne ee ae weet | Brockhs & Ress a - \apeen McLellan & Sarah | (Two to filly HOBOKEN, N. 3. | ist maw "59-1) am . - ‘ . 3 (One to fill) oo . Fabian a 2a half (2-5) (Three to fill) Irene Vermilli’n Co] Lewis & Winthrop Bes Wm Ebbs a A Fisher & Gilmore Along Broa@way 24 half (2-5) (Two to fill) Kelly Jackson Co Proctor a LD, ILL. Art Henry Co ae eee Rebby Henshaw bin Larry & A Billy Moody 24 half (2-5) Frankie Heath Fpneam Kikuta Japs ; — - N’ ville (One to fill LANSING, ‘neat. Strand Ist half (28-1) Gus Fowler Co Frank Conville Melody Mansion 2d half (2-4) LaVarre Bros & P Meyers & Hanford Frank Dobson Co PONTIAC, MICH. State Ist half (28-1) Prosper & Merit Hamilton Sis & F Freda & Palace 2d half (2-4) Frank Conville Melody Mansion (One to fill) SAGINAW, MICH. Temple Ist half (28-1) Springtime Follies Mel Klee Unit 2d half (2-4) Emory Manley Bill & Ed Arthur Corey Co Co

inant Oe ee et eee ot ee J'RS’Y CITY, N. J.) UNION CITY, NJ. Central Lincoln Ist half (29-1) ist half (28-1) Don Santos Co Jones & Rae (Others to fill) 2a half (2-6) Baby Rose Marie (Others to fill) (Others to fill) 2d half (2-5) Don Santos Co (Others to fill)

OFF'CTAL DENTIST TO THE N. V. A. DR. EGEL 1560 BROADWAY This Week: Judson Cole; Jack Allen Fox-Poli

BRIDGEPORT WATERBURY Palace (22) Palace Maytime Melodies ist half (22-24) HARTFORD Daerm Bros Cantor & Duval Jim Coughlan Co Irving Edwards 15 Syncopators 2a half (25-28) Robinson & Pierce Palm Beach Nights (One to fill) WORCESTER Street 24 half (25-28) Maxine Co Ruth Waner Co Roxy Gang Palace Capitol (22) Keller Sis & Lynch Dooley & Sales Jimmy Carr Orch (Two te fill) NEW HAVEN Palace (22) Dancing Husbands (Two to fill) SPRINGFIELD 2a half (25-28)

Noree Co (22) Claude & Marion Dave Appolion Rev Roxy Gang (Others to fill)

a Cabarets

a NEW YORK Casanova Club Litha Hill illy Mann Duke Ellington Or acht Club Boys Dome Ohman & Arden Alice Boulden Ramon & Rosita Jerry Friedman Or Bobby Brooks Or Club Barney Walter O'Keefe Hale Byers Orch Ernest Charles Imogene Coca Sue Baxter Walt Feldkamp New Frivolity Art Swanstrom Ry Evelyn Sathier Mary Bay Club Lido Jeanne St John Fannie Brice Nina Lopez Chie Endor Teddy King Orch Bobby Brooks Ore Club Monterey Af Davis Rev Louise Ayres Muriel Warner Layton & Carroll Jim Buckley June Clark Orch Oakland’s Terrace Will Oakland Buddy Kennedy Landau's Bd Paramount Hotel Roy Ingraham Or Nita Carrol Medisca & Sergins Club Montmartre Roy Strom Ernie Coeman Or | Maxine Johnson & Murphy Rendezvous Club Plaza D’ Don Howard Kay Durban Chas Baron Dick Gasparre Or Clab Richman Geo Olsen & Orch Adia Kouznetzoff Connie’s Inn Leonard Harper Rv Snake-hips Tucker Le Roy Smith Bd s Dancing Dames Cl'yt’n J’cks’n & D Patrice Gridier The Alvarados Ruth Adams J Dorante's Orch Betty Baker Mickey Cleo Cullen Margit Dybfest Betty Dybfest Mary Philips Topsy Humphries Cotton Club Dorothy Gordon Dan Healy Rev Gretchen Grant Berry Bros Estelle Fratus_ 5 Blazers Olga Royce H & Mil Dixon Josephine Hall Dot Knowlton Joly Benton CHICAGO pe Ely Khmard Bernie Adier a Mirarva Dorothy Donnel Kalaulula 8 Marie Kitaeva Ralph Bart ese ‘. Patsy O’Connor veee al o gums, Bates, | Brien” ddie Ja herban Blackhawk | G*° Siherker Ba Coon-Sanders Bd Herbie Zeller Bd Cinderella Terrace Garden Art Kassel Bd Henri Gendron Bd | Charlotte Van Dae Turkish College Inn Ray Miller Bd George De Costa Golden Pum Al Gaut M Sherman Bd Margie Ryan i wa Janis Ba Guy Lombardo Bd | y Gecclanct’ s Ba Green Mill Vanity Fair Joe Lewis Rick & Snyder Virginia Cooper Harry Glynn Lilian Barnes Madelon McKenzie

Madelon McKenzie | Dot Meyers . So! Wagner Bd Keith Beecher Bd Aster Swanee E Dougherty Orch Rose Doucette < Carlton Max Lowe Ent Meyer Davis Orch Venus Chantecler Harry Br asse McWilllams Orch Wardman Park Max Lowe Ent Happy Felton Orch Paul Fidelman Meyer Davis Orch Lotus Irv Boernstein Or

Lou Irwin placed Blanche Vin- yard, Charlotte Carrol and Mabel Albertson with the Lido Club, Dee troit. Trio opened last week.

F. Jacobs, of the Willis, Bronx, is managing the Canal theatre, East Side, New York. L. Miskell ree places Jacobs at the Willis. . ise POR, Se

Page 42

= ae ae) “ir Gee en eep-etie | > - * - nt Ban Ths, a ney VARIETY TIMES SQUARE Wegematay, April 24, medi New York Chatter Paul Fejos, Coast Monday. Irene Shirley making a bust of Bert Lytell. director, Harry Tierney, composer, goes with Radio Pictures, A. P. Waxman taking acido- philus. Roy D’Arcy has shaved off the Bob Colemar about his ears. Edra Luce out of Julius Cohen’s office, r_placed by Henry Kaufman. Girls are going in for Fuschia en- sembles in sweater material. Pauline Stark and husband, Jack White, in town. Salley Mack has left for Holly- wood for a few weeks. The Frank Doelgers (Edna Lee- dom) are expecting an arrival any day. Kitty Watts, recovered from ner- vous disorder, back on Broadway attending all premieres. Bill Kelcy, of the Schwab and Mandel office, has left for abroad with his wife. Jack Lenigan leaves for Paris next week after talking about it for a year. Don Dillaway, Frank McHugh and Spencer Tracy have gone on the wagon and are training at a gym. Doris Carpenter going up to Skow- hegan May i: Sister Laura, at the Longacre in “Mystery Square.” Norman Pierce announcer for WMCA went into the cast of “Ap- left for the ; station | Same thing when Pierce did a stew starting plugging the show. bit in “Town's Woman,” but it flop- ped. Johnny Hudgins sent in to bolster second company of “Blackbirds” In Philly. Residents of an apartment going nuts since a bird there has taken up the study of castinets., Prize for Ladies’ Day at Clear- view golf course was bride’s set which was won by married woman. Girls using the new ointment which produces phony tan, inundat- ‘ng dental chairs to have teeth cleaned to amplify effect of the tan. Rains and sluggish weather massacred roadhouse buginess all week. Only a fleet of gondolas can save the racket now. : Alice Brady, reported operated on, had no operation. Alice has what they call appendix phobia, which merely neccesitated freezing. Greta Masson and Roma Dent Moore (Mam Tea Rocm), 47 West 49th, on bankruptcy circuit; volun- tary petition. Charley Weinert, former heavy- weight fighter, has gone into the circulating library business in Jersey and likes it. Bill McEvoy, Washington news- paperman and one of the boys that went to South America with Hoover, is now connected with Castle Films. Steve Hannagan is to press agent pearances” Monday. Sunday that the fight promotion .activities of . —-THEATRE GUILD PRODUCTIONS— The CAMEL Through the Needle’s Eye Martia BECK Th., 45th St., W. of 8 Av. Evs. 6:60, Mats. Thurs. & Sat. 2:60. / Man’s Estate By Beatrice Blackmar and Bruce Gould BILTMORE 7;. Mts. %% . Ev. 8:50 ¢ Sat. 2:40 CAPRICE A COMEDY BY SII-VARA Thea., W. 524. Evs. 8; GUI Mais. Thur. & Sat. 40 LAST WEEKS! STRANGE INTERLUDE Joba Thea., 58th, E. of B’y | Thea,, W. 48 St. Eva. 8:30 LIBERTY fiat’ Wea a ‘Sat, 2:30 MILES OF MUSICAL SMILES [_ady Fingers with EDDIE BUZZELL & LOUISE BROWN Morris Gest, by arrangement with DAVID BELASCO, Presents ULRIC in Mr. Belasco's “MIMA” Masterpiece Thea. W. 44th. Evs. 8:30 BELASCO Mats. Thur. & Sat., 2:30 PLAYHOUSE *: Blackmer 48th St. Eves. 8:30 Matinees 2;30 3 Matinees Every Week Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday STREET SCENE 2 ZIEGFELD SENSATIONS Glorifying the American Girl NEY aust RDAM., ‘’The House Beautiful” erect = St. Erlanger Dillingham Zi gfeld Matinees WED. and SAT. EDDIE CANTOR in “WHOOPEE” with ETHEL SHUTTA and All Star Cast ZIEGFELD T*- “ih. St, & oth, Av. Mats, THURS. & SAT. LAST TWO WEEKS” SHOW BOAT Norma Terris, Howard Marsh, Barbara New- berry. Senay White, Helen Morgan, Edna with Sidney May Oliver and CHARLES WINNINGER Thea., 50 St. & 7 Ave. Mats. Thurs, & Sat, performances at Box a Ys men ERROL & ATWILL n thé musical comedy hit “FIORETTA” Music by George Bagby & G. Romilli EARL CAR CARROLL Tickets for all Cm, son & wore. Ma 2As 8:45 INTER GARDEN RO XY Ave. and 560th St. L. BOTHAFEL (ROXY) LIAM ON Presents WILD with SUE on GONE STUART FOX-MOVIETONE Score, Most Glorious Stage remment on Broadway, Entire Roxy Ensembie Cast of , Hear ar — “IT Speaks Midnight Pictures CAPITOL sien Pictur WILLIAM HAINES in ‘THE DUKE STEPS OUT’ B'WAY &50 ST. Tth Direction Ry WIL Bway & 6lst St. An Stage: DAVE SCHOOLER and CAPITOLIANS, NICK LONG, JR., EVELYN Conducting. in “WEARY RIVER” = = with JOAN CRAWFORD and KARL DANE— M-G-M Sound Picture with Dialogue—On the WILSON, Nayan Pierce, Joe Hart and 49 CHESTER HALE GIRLS, CAPITOL GRAND ORCHESTRA, David Mendoza MARK ALL SEATS 35¢ toi BP. M. T R A N Deluxe Midnite B’way & 47th St. Show 11:30 2nd and Last Week at Popular Prices HEAR | BARTHELMESS He talks! He sings! He plays the piano! F PROCTOR | DELUXE SHOWS | F-EPROCIOR 5 euy Ort AND JANE WEAF Radio Stars KATE PULLMAN aay SANs with JAMES MURRAY Maaacwe TRIXIE FRIGANZA IN PERSON Talk and Sound Film “THE SHAKEDOWN” 38'St | with BARBARA KENT man Vaudeville—Pictures Continuous Noen te (tf P. M. Low Tod Browning is preparing an or- iginal, “The Sea Bat,” to be pro- duced in the South Seas for Lon Chaney, M-G. Arthur Hausman, added to “Back- stage Blues.” Stuart Erwin and Monte Collins, added to “Dangerous Curves,” Par. Wallace Beery, added to “Mag- nolia,” Par. Nas MEWE Thurs.-Sat., April 25 to 27 = Thaw Meant It Twelve little girls of a night club ensemble were invited by Harry K. Thaw to have ice cream. Seven ordered chick- en salad, the rest took steaks. Check was for $97. Thaw declined to pay for other than the ice cream. Girls Jack Dempsey and Jack Fugazy. Last winter he was contact man for Miami Beach. Betty Gray streaming along Broadway in new straight «ight. Also has taken summer home with Valerie Raenter at Lido. Elinor Hunt, “Whoopee,” while passing a studio advertising lessons in personality and charm, entered and was sold on the charm course. Pineapple bill is $4 a week in “New Moon” company, which uses one each performance. Cost half.a buck, Free in Chicago. Press agents are trying to find Mare Lachman’s address to give him the needles around four and five a. m., as he is won't to do. Alice Bartlett, wife of Joséph Schildkraut, dees not appear in “Showboat,” although listed in the cast. Her part, that played by Eva Puck in the show, was cut. Broadway wisecracker trying 15 minutes to get telephone number chirped into the mouthpiece: “Op- erator, I've given you the best years of my life!” Some of the literally self-refuting marquee billings seen around~“in- cludes: “‘The Dummy’—All Talk- ing,” Another reads: “‘The City of Silent Men’—With Sound.” Broadway street cars newly dec- orated on the interior with iron work done in gold and ceiling in bright yellow. Spring must be | here. Returned Byrd expedition flyers called the Ziegfeld office for rake- off on tickets for theatre party they are throwing. Office declined the courtesy. Marty Herman, Dr. Philip Graus- man and a party of eight clubmen are aboard a yacht noW in Florida waters. Fishing is said to be the main idea. Francis Albertanti, assistant to William Carey, the, new boss at Madison Square Garden, was once ‘on Variety's staff, New York office. Before that he was sporting editor of the Evening Mail, since merged with the Telegram. Last Thursday Lou Schwartz threw a surprise birthday party for Jack White at the Club Madrid, where Jack is m. c. There were 12 candles in the cake. Only reason for that was that White could not blow out more in one puff. Grant L. Cooke, vice-president of Tiffany-Stahi, recently collected $1,000 from L. A. Young, president, on a bet that he could lay off smoking for a year. He's cured now. A youth using the name of Stein is reported asking for theatre pass- es on the strength of his supposed connection with the press depart- ment of Gilbert Miller. No such person is employed there. Jimmy. Cohen, utility man at the Music Box, New York, wonders if anybody knows he is still alive. He played in Rice’s “Evangeline” with Nat Goodwin, W. H. Crane and Henry E. Dixie in “The Petite Corseur” and in many Gilbert and Sullivan shows. Tex Guinan wired Babe Fenton in Detroit to pack up and join her club show. Babe bought new clothes and entrained, arriving at the club just as police officers closed the place for the season. Tex will take Babe in vaude. with ‘her. John Bannon, 76, stagedoor man of the 48th Street theatre, former- ly teamed with Gallagher before the latter went with Shean, took his first vacation in 10 years. John spent his week off visiting doormen of other theatres. Reports he had a great rest, Nunnally Johnson, the scrivener, bound for Europe, was the recipient of an automatic harmonica from A. J. Rubien, the attorney, when he left last week. It plays only one record, “Turkey in the Straw.” Rubien tipped the purser of the boat that Nunnally is one of the world’s greatest harmonica artists in the show business and to be sure to get him for the ship’s concert, Tribe of little night club dancers, out of work, were promised a paid benefit at Pavillon Royale Sunday night by N. T. Granlund, who told them they would first have to work the Metropolitaa Opera House benefit. Kids did the Met. benefit free and went in motor cars to all in the red. ) HIGH COST OF KISSING” William Moss Socked 30 Days For One Lil Smack One kiss cost William Moss, 29, of Brooklyn, operator of a dance stu- dio, 4 West 40th street, 30 days in the workhouse, Moss insisted he was not guilty. However, Magis- trate Abraham Rosenbluth, in Jef- ferson Market Court believed dif- ferent and imposed the sentence. Moss was arrested by Police- woman Mabel Leonard on the com- plaint of Eleanor Hall, former model. She testified she went to Moss’ studio to apply for a job as an instructor and that after she had danced with Moss he kissed her. Miss Hall went to the West 30th street station and complained to the police-woman. The latter arrested Moss. Mrs. Leonard testified that she had received other. complaints from several other applicants, but they refused to prosecute, fearing publicity. Moss denied he had ever danced with Miss Hall. He said he had formerly worked for Gov. Smith as a steward and chauffeur. Tried to “Make” Cop Mrs. Margaret Taylor, police- woman attached to the 19th Divi- sion, yanked Bernard Cohn, 24, sales- man, of 19 Cummings street, The Bronx, out of his seat in the Para- mount Theatre and rushed him to the West 47th Street Station on the charge of disorderly conduct. Cohn denied the charge, Mrs. Taylor testified she sat in the orchestra when Cohn placed his coat over his lap and hers and be- gan to pinch her thigh. She pushed the coat aside and there was a re- currence of the act, she said. It was then she seized Cohn by the nape of the neck and rushed him out. Cohn stated he worked for Weber & McLoughlin, coal dealers. It was raining and he wanted shelter, he said. The Court found him guilty. After a probationer’s report the Court suspended sentence on him. Sneak Thief’s $9,000 A sneak thief entered the apart- ment of Mrs. Edna Bancroft, wife of David Bancroft, Brooklyn WNa- tional’s second baseman, at the Ho- tel Alamac, it became known after the Bancrofts left for Boston, where Banny is playing with the Robins, Thief stole more than $9,000 worth of jewels and negotiable bonds. The latter have been stopped. Entrance was gained while Mrs. Bancroft was taking a bath. Mrs. Bancroft, it is said, left her door ajar, expecting an expressman to take some luggage. When she had completed her bath she looked for her black leather handbag that had rested on a table nearby and it was gone. Steals From Ex-Boss Who Gave Him Shelter Roland Simpson, 22, formerly em- ployed as an usher at the Palace Theatre, was arrected by Detectives Pat Maney and John Kennedy of the West 47th street station on the charge of stealing a strap watch. Lewis L. Pressler of the Rivoli Theatre eharged Simpson with stealing his wrist watch. Pressler gave -shelter to Simpson one night at his home. When Pressler awoke in the morning he said that Simp- son was gone and so was his strap watch. Watch was found pawned. Press- ler at one time was Simpson’s boss and had known him for years. Simpson could give no reason for taking the timepiece except to state that he was broke, Pavillon in rain, arriving too late for the show. Agencies’ Air Tour Stubs Legit theatre brokers are now ex- ploiting air tours. Nearly every ticket office speculating in reserva- tions for flights over New York and vicinity. Sight seeing trips sell at $9.90 per person, entitling holder to morning or afternoon cruise, or $12.20 per passenger for night flying after six. McBride’s, Tyson, Bascom and the numerous other brokers have special departments for the flying. Each reservation nets the agencies $2.20 commission. Nite life scale of things is a break for Spinrad’s barber shop, (Continued on page 44) where Chatter in Loop Inaccurate Biographies H. LEOPOLD SPITALNY H. Leopold (Pug) Spitalny, musi. cal director at the Chicago theatre, is the only orchestra leader of his type who can wear a white vest without getting borscht stains on it. He doesn’t like borscht, having ai- most drowned-once while trying to drink it out of the bowl. Spitalny was born in Russia, but looked so funny in a beard that he came to Cleveland and got a shave. Being a fiddler of a sort, he joined the Henry Savage Opera company and toured the country for many seasons while the Savage Opera company remained in Cleveland. Unable to find a job, he returned to Cléveland and rejoined the Savage troupe under the phoney name of Sir Joseph Ginzburg. Evidently he had taken th; mice out of his fiddle, because he stuck with the outfit, soon resumed his maiden name, and even was promoted to the first chair next to the head guy. It was then that the Spitalny cunning first asserted itself. What, thought young Spitty, would hap- pen if the head guy took sick? Spitty would get the job. Sure enough, the head guy was taken sick by coincidence, or pos- sibly arsenic. Grabbing the stick, Spitty waved it at the orchestra that night while the rea! leader lay in his bed, and the next day our hero was hailed by the Cleveland critics as a second rate comedian. Later, Spitalny carried his act into the Hippodrome picture house in Cleveland, and had no trouble at all as these joints are quite dark. From then on it was one path of dead roses for the fellow, because most orchestras in those days were made up of tle manager’s sister-in- law, brothers, several cousins, and now and then a grandfather to whang the triangle and whinny happily t. himself. Real music was unknown in Cleveland until] Spit- alny came to Chicago for Publix. Spitalny has directed the pinochle players in almost all the B. & K. theatres here, and originated a series of burlesque tabs known as orchestral productions: He has two brothers in the same racket, one named Phil and the other Maurice. It’s quite funny when you think of it. About that borscht, we mean. State St. to B’way; A. J. Balaban, Arthur Mayer, Claude Rubens. Recommended for the Tribune's monthly bravery award: the cop who stalked into United Artists and demanded that the sign electricians quit throwing old bulbs at his citi- zens, Grace Doro, vaude pianologist, has placed “You Only Made Bee lieve” with Ted Browne. Bill Pine had a shave. body knows when. Emil Levy directing the music for Thurston this season. Chicago American headline writer crowned Ronald: Culman the “lover supreme of gelatine land.” He didn’t win the bonus. When Clive Brook passed through, Faith, 7, and Clive, Jr., 3, got all the breaks in the dailies. Izzy Stein sold his interest in the Tysen office and may open a spot of his own. Mrs. Ralph Kettering and Tom, the youngster, motoring to Califor- nia. Mrs. Billy Weinberg doing the same, only to New York. Sid Silvers fresh from Hollywood. No more Rufus LeMaire at the Comedy Club rummy sessions. Mrs, LeMaire in town. Three indoor golf stands mushe roomed over night in the Loop. Milton Berger, of tne English- speaking Bergers, off to New York for acts. Marvin Welt either is or was here. Lou Bolton, who managed “Lil Esther” in Paris, back because Esther’s mama went for one of those Sengalesians and made him manager. One of the Sells-Floto elephants got pneumonia and Prohibition Administrator E. C. Yellowly signed a permit for three gallons of alcohol. But no- Promoting Outdoor sport of one Broadway sect this summer will again be a campaign to make a country club favorite of Louise Shurr. As previ- ously the movement. will be launched with a picnic which last year ran up an overhead of $160 and busted up only when everyone thought Lou had made a conquest, only to find the girl simply passed a their hero had broken the fall.

Page 43

eo Mees wmew we ——=— —-— — ee OSS aS lCLrl Lee —>t Wednesday, April 24, 1929 TIMES SQUARE oa ~ Stories by Jack Conway | From 1920, onward, Jack Conway wrote a series of stories appearing jin Variety. Variety of April 1, 1921. & ys Mestly the stories dealt with baseball dg te and pugs. This series is reprinted weekly. and prize fights Story below appeared PLENTY HOOCH, BUT CON YEARNS FOR PLAYMATE jt’s “Lonesome in These Slabs,” Even When Janes Are Friendly Troy, Nov. 3, 1920. Dear Chick: Plenty of Mquor here and havin’ @ great week, but you got to be one of the mob to get in where the *“hoeoch” is flowin’, You remem- ber in the old days the way they used to trade the ad- dresses of the Janes in these hum pt y- dumpty burgs? Well that’s all old stuff now, and they trade the names of the joints where you can get the throat oil instead. I’m standin’ in the hotel the other night when a travelin’ man of- fices me and starts crackin’ about he seen me on the bill at the Idle Hour, etc. I was wonderin’ what it was all about when he says, “where do you go from here?” I said “Troy.” He comes back with “I made that town last week and if you witl give me the names of a coupla joints in Hartford where you can get the old six per cent.. I'll trade you a couple in Troy where they will sell you junk that will tear you collar off.” Can you beat it? Well he made good and I've been on my hip ever since we arrived. We only missed four shows up to Wednesday and the stage hands think it’s old home week, Im gettin’ sick of this racket and I think my two leapin’ companions are also. It’s all right as far as the jack is concerned, but you never know when to stop worryin’, and to please these commuters you got to change your act every time you make a new burg. Last week we were featurin’ the old hoke, but in this town they think their a suburb of New York and their strong for the wise cracks. We did several frolics this afternoon and had no trouble flop- pin’ all over the neighborhood, I! got sore and said, “Lean back and don’t let us disturb you, for when we're through we're goin’ to fire off a pistol.” This got a rise out of a couple of the town bloods who subscribe for Broadway Brevities and make the big town on excursions about twice a month. So from now on it’s strictly the nifty chatter from your three little comraces. There are plenty of Janes in this town, for the collar factories are all up here. I was lookin’ for that guy who poses for them Arrow signs in the street cars, but I guess he don't live here either. Johnnie Evers put this burg on the map and they have a coupla streets named after him. You know Johnnie helped McGraw manage the Giants last season and the natives up here think he will have full charge of the club next season. He don’t live here either. As soon as they save up fare to New York the boys pack the keister and lam to Broadway. The buys that stay bome pull all that routine about they can’t understand how any one can live there, for theirs no heme life, etc. -You know the gab. I suppose their happy here. but to me as I walked down the main stem the whole town leoked like a street in “one.” Tll be glad when we get some regular towns to play, for I’m be- ginnin’ to look like these honky tonks. If thig act can’t enteptain them in the big places we're goin’ io ditch it, and we’ll never find out on these chowder parties, I'm goin’ down to Albany to- night to take a look at the capitol arid maybe I’! meet a couple of the mob. If I run into Al, Smith I'm liable to kiss him, that’s how lone- some I am. For the love of Adolph, shoot me some big town chatter. Your homesick sidekicker, Con. CON QUAINT GIFT COMPLEX B’klyn Gent Pesters Miidred Klar With Trinkets Mildred Klar, buyer in Sak’s de- partment Store, tired of receiving gifts of red ties, old shoes, cartoons from newspapers and miscellaneous other stuff, caused the arrest of Henry Dunckelman, 30, jobless citi- zen of Brooklyn. After a hearing in West Side Court. Magistrate Adolph Stern suggested that Dunckelman needed medical treatment. Defendant con- sented to go to Bellevue Hospital for a period of observation. Dunck- elman was arrested by “Bill” Roddy of the Roddy Detective Bureau in the Albeesbuilding in Brooklyn. Roddy had Dunckelman under surveillance and when latter ar- rived at Miss Klar’s home with a large package of old shoes Roddy arrested him. He was taken to West Side Court and his relatives were notified. He admitted in court he sent the gifts. Boy’s Slayer Off Lightly On the recommenadtion of the District Attorney, James A. Wynne, 28, of 68 Van Cott avenue, Garden City, L. IL. indicted for the murder of James Landusky, 17-year-old ele- vator operator in the 44th. Street Theatre Building last February, was permitted to plead to manslaughter in the first degree by Judge Man- cuso in General Sessions. He will be sentenced on April 26 when he can receive a term of from 15 to 30 years, Landusky was fatally shot by Wynne about 6:30 on the morning of Feb. 19 in the lobby of the. the- atre building. Wynne, intoxicated, had called at the place and demand- ed the boy take him to the Little Club in the basement. The boy pro- tested the night club was closed. This angered Wynne and he drew a revolver and fired two shots into Landusky’s body. COUGHLIN SENT AWAY Newlywed Forged Check—Short In Accounts John M. Coughlin, 27, son of a police Heutenant, was sentenced to Sing Sing Prison by Judge Joseph F. Mulqueen in General Sessions to a term of from one year and three months to five years, following his plea of guilty to an indictment for forgery in the second degree. The sentence covers two other indict- ments, ; Cougkiin was arrested March 1 at Miami, Fila., after a search of sev- eral months. He was living at the Florida resort with his bride of a few months, a former night club hostess. The charge on which Coughlin was sentenced was the forgery of the name of A. W. Schenck, of the Savage Distributing Co., 100 East 42nd street, by whom Coughlin was employed. The chec?:, forged and cashed at the Bank of America by Coughlin on August 25 last, was for $551. When Coughlin disappeared on Dee. 15 his accounts showed a discrepancy of $15,000. House-Grossman-V orhaus Returning to District Theatrical law firm of House, Grossman and Vorhaus returns to the Times square sector May 1, when it takes the entire 20th floor of the Lefcourt-National building on Fifth avenue at 43d street. In 1924 Alfred Beekman and William Grossman, members of the firm, who were in charge of the Timer building branch office, returned to the main quarters downtown at 115 Broadway. House, Grossman & Vorhaus went into business in 1907 at that lower Broadway address, where they have been until now. The entire office will abandon downtown altogether, moving with the times to a vicinity wherein are located most of the theatrical attorneys’ clients, Firm has a personnel of 50, of which 16 are practicing attorneys. Of this 16 seven are members of the firm. The veterans are Judge Moses H. Grossman, William Grossman, Louis J. Vorhaus, Judge Herman Joseph and Alfred Beekman. VARIETY == SS A Broadway Veteran Kitty Reilly, one of Tex Guinan’s veteran little girls, holds the unique record of having weathered 12 raids while working for Tex. Kitty is about ready to sue the city and government fos damages to her nerves as every time there’s a raid she breaks down and cries for a week. Girl contends that the Fed- eral raiders are not so hard on her as the city depredations. Her slant is that the govern- ment boys are entitled ta a raid now and then because they spend, but the city in- truders don’t turn loose a dime. She is recuperating from last week’s downpour of bulls. $7;800 in Gems Tangle Women and Men Another flare on the Rothstein case occurred when Jane Kaplan, Hotel Fairfield, 20 West 72nd street, who admitted she was until three weeks ago the sweetheart of Titanic Thompson, companion of the slain gamer, caused the arrest of Mar- jorie Allen, 16, 198 llth avenue, Brooklyn, and Michae) Gorman, 2%, broker, Marcy Baths, Brooklyn, on charges of grand larceny. Gorman and Miss Allen are ac- cused of implication in the theft of two diamond rings and a diamond brooch valued at $7,800 from a trunk belonging to Miss Kaplan. After Magistrate Edward Weil in West Side Court had heard part of the testimony he adjourned the case until May 2, in Tombs Court. Miss Kaplan said she had been living at the Fairfield for about a year. Three weeks ago Titanic Thompson left. She admitted under cross-examination that she had lived there during that period with him ds man and wife. After he left she told a Miss Alice Jacobs, who occupied .another suite, and an- nounced her .mother was coming from Uttea to live with her. She stated she was lonesome and probably would not be joined by her mother for severa) weeks. Miss Ja- cobs invited her'to share her room. April 16, according to Miss Kaplan, she left the hotel about 1.30 a, m to get something to eat. Miss Ja- cobs went out with her, leaving the apartment empty. When returning about/ 40 min- utes later Miss Kaplan said she was surprised to find people in the apartment and the door chained. When it was opened Miss Jacobs was there and she s7id she heard her say to Gorman “push that trunk away.” Inside she said she found Gorman and the Allen girl and Miss Jacobs. . Just Called She quickly observed that her trunk, which had containce* the jew- elry, had been jimm’ ~ open. At this moment, Miss ““aplan declared, Miss Jacobs fled from the room and was followed by Gorman. She followed Gorman and attempted to frisk him when he decided to return to the room. He said he did not know who had forced Spen the trunk. Later, Detectives Maloney and McFarland, West 68th street station. questioned Miss Allen and Gorman. They said Gorman admitted he had forced the trunk in the belief that it belonged to Miss Jacobs. Miss Allen said she merely had come to ~isit Miss Jacobs and*had not par- ticipated in any theft. After Miss Kaplan had been sub- jected to severe cross-exa™’ ....n the attorney -for Allen and Gorman asked for an adjournment. He said he expected to produce evidence of a vice ring in New York and he be- l'sved *ciss Kaplan was associated with it. When the lawyer was asked if the case had any connection with the Rothstein case, he said it may have but he was not in a position now to divulge his defense. The jewelry has not been re- covered. Neither has Miss Jaccbs been located. Ambassador Fire Burning draperies in the Ambas- sador Theatre, where “Little Acci- dent” is current, almost did serious damage to the theatre. Only for the asbestos curtain that checked the flames fire would have done se- rious damage. Damage was estimated at severa! hundred dollars. The show weni on at night as usual. The asbestos cur- ——E— Ee — On the Square Moving Over Advent of Warner, First National, American Sound Studio and the Film Center to the Ninth avenue and 44th street section has resulted in opening of stores in the formerly brownstone residence district. The Hustlers’ Club A new club with an exclusive membership is called The Hustlers. In the lst to date, whfth is elastic enough to reopen upon motion, are Arch Selwyn, Sam Harris, George White, Adolph Zukor, Jesse Lasky, Rae Goetz, Harry Rosenthal, Dr. Lou Schur, and Nicky Blair. Lou Holtz was a member but got fired when refusing to attend a meeting of the club in company with a young woman. The club agreed that was a libel upon its good name, Some applications are pending. To become a member the applicant must agree to attend every weekly meeting. Initiation demands that the applicant shall truthfully answer each question. That accounts for the small membership to date. “Mississippi” as Atmosphere “Mississippi,” colored eabbie and a Broadway character for many years with or without his horse and buggy, has been taken downtown to Fay’s Bowery theatre and installed as carriage man at the house where “Under the Gaslight,” old time meller, is current. In his period costume “Mississippi” helps supply part of the old- fashioned Bowery atmosphere now plentiful around the old People’s theatre, Cops With No Hangout With Bert Satz’ jewelry store moving over to Fifth avenue the de- tectives of the 47th street station and Times Square assigned have lost their hangout. Satz’ was their favorite place. One could be found in the store at any time by appointment. So far no new place on the big alley has. been located by the dicks, Screen Test For 25¢ Simile Art Studios, 141 West 5ist street, has leased a store on 424 street, between 7th and 8th avenues, for exposing the trieks of picture making. The same concern operated one on Broadway and 54th street about six months ago, but closed it, probably from lack of business. The fixtures being used have been brought down from the other store, A young man, who certainly knows his onions when it comes to spiel- ing, lures the tourists in by talking through a sawed off phone, into an amplifier on the top of the window. In the window there is every- thing from a rubber pistol to Irish confetti. Spieler says that’to see the nine specials it costs but 25c and all those who pay get a free screen test. 72 Go Wrong in 8 Hours One of the cigar stores on the square has everything on the display 4 counters chained down. Inquiry brought forth the reason for the chain store’s lack of confidence in its regular clientele, a philosophical clerk explaining that recently a clocker was stationed in an inconspicuous vantage point. During eight hours he noted that 72 persons lifted various articles off the counter. Of these 72 people who committed petty larceny, at least 60 were women. Articles stolen were packages of gum, cough drops and other confectionery that sold for a dime or less. Bootlegger at Society’s Call The younger set from Park avenue visiting the Broadway nite spots with not too much money to spend, keep in touch with an on-call boot-* . legger who supplies them with scotch at $8 per, no matter where they may be located In the mid-town section. : A legger was noted making six trips to one club Saturday night to keep his young party of clients supplied. ? A New June Joke It was very nasty of Prince Olaf of Norway to get married. on the same day as June. What is the good of an actress marrying a peer if some mere prince can push her off the front page? Surely a woman who can dance on the stage is more important than the heir to a throne. On behalf of the world’s press agents,*I protest. Still, when I had read all the nonsense in the interviews with June as to whether she was going to marry Lord Inverclyde or she was not; when they had come back together and their photographs had appeared again; and when all the tripe about her trousseau had been printed, I murmured, with a sigh, “Oh, to be in America now that June is here.” A Strange Corner Average Broadwayite will sense on invading East 24th street, between Lexington and Third avenues, where the RCA Photophone’s Gramercy studios are situated, that here is a corner of lHttle old New York that is radically new to him. Studjo is located amidst horse stables and equine auction rooms. On Mondays and Thursdays, you’re knee deep in horse flesh. They knock down the old plugs for as little as $20 a head; sometimes less for the junk-wagon type of animal. Eateries around the studio have boomed with the advent of theatrical activity on East 24th street, Back on Theatre Duty . Detectives Tommy Ward and George Meyers of Captain Louis Ditt- man’s staff, West 47th street; who have been doing theatre duty élean- ing out undesirables have been restored to detective duty. Last week Variety told of both men being returned to uniform duty. j ‘ Waldorf-Astoria’s Finish Current convention of the editors and publishers at the Waldorf- Astoria is the last one for this tavern. May 1 its “last day” banquet closes after 36 years. , During May a continuous auction of all furnishings will be in progress with the actual] work of tearing down the building starting June 1. A new Waldorf-Astoria Hotel will be opened in the fall of 1931 at 49th street and Park avenue, built by the Boomer-DuPont interests. With the closing of the Waldorf its personalities will be scattered, Oscar (Tschirky) who has been with the hotel since the original building” was opened in 1883 and is perhaps the best known maitre d’hotel in America, may decide to retire. Albert Lazarus for 27 years information clerk becomes assistant manager of the new Governor Clinton which opens in /ugust. This TD hotel will also have as chief chef, Eugene Thomann, who has that position at the Waldorf. Edward Boelger, chief engineer, and Frank J. Klabough, head waiter, are also Waldorfites. John W. Rogers, who has been at the Waldorf 30 years, becomes an assistant manager at the Biltmore, Joseph Farrell, office manager, goes to Roosevelt as assistant manager. Herman Dupuris goes to Plaza as assistant manager. Mrs. Bertha Smith, who opened the Western Union stand in the Waldorf 36 years ago and has managed it ever since, will have charge of the W. U. stand in the Clinton. Thomas Murray, another Waldorf fixture, moves to the Sherry-Netherlands in charge of the parcel room, Will Taylor, genera] manager of the Waldorf, will become an associate manager of the St. Regis. In connection with the closing several books are appearing telling the tain was badly scorched, however, 9 EM cnn nin ETDS) Fm TIE hb. Site A Sle a BE ah story of its years. Joe Smith, house detective, and Albert Crockett, presg agent, are authors of the first two. eee i hee a he Pp ere UFR A Ee >) *» BEF SEFPOE OR EEN oe . betaamneal WEE AE tere RD oxen Sige agmrEno « sR See Prd soe vee RRR - A ie oa ee Neg eet . paetns Re te,

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a Orn oe (cen seem ied ameter oe ee RE a — ea VARIETY WoO San Francisco. Los Angeles ang News From the Dailies This department contains rewritten theatrical news items as pub- lished during the week in the daily papers of New York, Chicago, for these news items: each has been rewritten from a daily paper London Variety takes no credit NEW YORK Norma Terris goes with Fox talk- ers. Waldorf will house this year's Little Theatre Tournament, week of May 6. Elisworth Childs, 60, one of the four brothers who founded the chain of restaurants bearing their name, died suddenly last week. If a decision by Supreme Court Justice Lydon handed down last week is upheld, the $1,000,000 suit of Evan Burrowes Fontaine, dancer, against Cornelius Vanderbilt Whit- ney for breach of promise, which began several years ago, is ended. Justice Lydon ruled that a decree of the U. S. District Court of Cali- fornia «where the case was trans- ferred) dismissing the action, bars assertion of the claim elsewhere. Mrs. Frances Judge Fugazy, wife of Humbert J. Fugazy, sports pro- moter, died last week at her home. 115 Coleridge street, Manhattan Beach. Commissioner Doran has assigned 35 more dry agents to New York State, 15 in the metropolitan area. Madge Kennedy, who arrived from Europe last week, has gone to Dal- las for a stock engagement as guest star. Albertina Rasch left last week for Hollywood with a ballet of 24 girls. The company will appear in a Par sound picture. Hampton Players will open season at Southampton, L. L, July 3 under the direction of H. C. Potter. and George Haight. First production will be a new comedy, “Haven't We Met Before?” Society of American Magicians will hold a two-day session, May31- June 1, at the McAipin. With the idea of preserving “a certain glamor,” the Shuberts are writing a clause in the contracts of their stars which will not permit them to be seen in public places. A new club to be called the Tor- mentors is being organized as a successor to the Green Room Club. Addressing the fifth anniversary meeting of the Jewish Theatrical Guild Sunday afternoon at the Jol- gon theatre, Mayor Walker advo- cated a liberal attitude toward the theatre and said he did not propose to have the stage dragged in the social sewers and ruined by those who have no genuine regard for: it John E. Kellerd, veteran actor, after a long stay at the Hospital for Ruptured and Crippled, has gone upstate to recuperate. “Reporting the World,” a m. p depicting the world-wide news gathering activities and modern methcds of news dissemination of the United Press Asso., is having its first showing at the 55th St Playhouse this week. Associated Press had a previous film on the same subject. Two night clubs and six restau- rants and alleged speakeasies were raided by the police early Sunday a.m. Ten arrests were made and small quantities of liquor seized. Richard K. Richardson, m. p. op- erator, and Elsie Lindon were mar- ried on Saturday in a plane flying “over the airdrome at Bristol, Conn “Red Russia” is the new title of the play from the Russian which will open at Atlantic City next week. It was previously known as “The First Law.” Frieda Inescourt and Percy Waram have been engaged by the Theatre Guild to tour next season with a company presenting Bernard Shaw's “Major Barbara” and “Pygmalion.” Louis F. Werba will open a spring and summer musical stock at the Boulevard, Jackson Heights, May 13. — John D. Williams has been en- gaged by A. H. Woods to stage Jack Kirkland’s “Frankie and Johnny,” now being cast. It will be sent to Chicago for a summer trycut. Happy Edith Hinton, 30, colored singer and dancer in the Harlem cabaret belt, is in the Harlem Hos- pital in a critical condition. She was chasing her canary when the fire escape on which she was stand- ing collapsed and she fell four fioors to the strect. Mrs. Minnie Roisman, New York, member of a theatrical company, suffered several broken ribs in an auto accident Sunday near Reading, Pa. She was taken to a hospital Mrs. Roisman was on her way to Erie, Pa. A nine months’ tour of the Far East in October, under the auscipes of Joseph E. Shea will be taken by a repertory troupe of 17 players. Tour will start in Honolulu. The Lambs, Players and Actors’ Fund of America were each left $1,000 in the will of William Norris, comedian, who died March 20. Announcement was made April 18 of the engagement of Cissie Loftus to Dr. Edward R, Johnson, West Haven, Conn. Annual summer theatrical season at Skowhegan, Me., will begin May 20 and I@st until August. Board of directors of Warner Bros., April 18, voted to extend an offer to the minority stockholders of Stanley Co. to exchange their com- mon for Warner common on a basis of three shares of Stanley for one of Warner's. At present Warner standing stock of Stanley Co. CHICAGO John Henry Mears is bringing “The Nut Farm,” with Wallace Ford, Helen Lowell and Pat O’Brien, to the Cort May 5. Cast includes Natilie Schafer, Graham Valsey, Lou‘se Huntington, Edward Keene, Sam Coit and Morton Le Roy. Marks Bros. and Goodman and Harris, theatrical interests, have sold their real estate holdings near the Granada theatre, Property con- sists of the entire block on Sheridan road, between Loyola and Albion avenues. ~ With “Boom Boom” oming into the Apollo April 28, “Diamond Lil” will be transferred that night to the Great Northern. Chicago companies of Thru” and “New Moon” nounced for fall. “Follow are an- Bros. own 85 per cent of the out-/ LOS ANGELES W. E. Curry, father of Lita Grey Chaplin, who died April 2, left an etsate of $75,000, bulk of which goes to widow, Mrs. Louisa Curry. Veloie Weaver, cigaret girl at the Cotton Club, made unsuccessful sui- cide attempt in drinking poison. Publicity in Louella Parsons’ col- umn of Hollywood chatter is respon- sible for additional grief for Nancy Carroll. After being cleared of a charge of failure to pay wages to a reputed employee, Miss Carroll is now faced with a suit by Penner and McFadyen for $54 for gas and oil, alleged to have been used in de- livery car of a confectionery store, ownership of which was attributed to the actress by the writer. Action is again based on the,story naming her as owner of the store. City council amended licénse or- dinance changing cost of licenses for dancing academies from flat yearly rate to sliding scale, based on annual register of pupils. District Court of Appeals denied tress, that Superior Court be re- strained from t>ving an action filed by Independence Indemnity Co. to levy against a lien of $15,000, which she claims she was awarded as damages in a recent accident. In- demnity company filed lien to sat- isfy hospital and medical bills con- tracted by actress. Alma Rubens paroled from State Narcotic hospital at Norwalk, after a month. Marion Blackton, scenario writer. divorced from C. Gardner James, scenarist, on charges of cruelty. Couple married three years. Superior Court Judge McComb sustained demurrer to suit of Mrs. Lucy Roberts, widow of Theodore Roberts, against her husband's heir, Edward Higgins, in which she at- tempts to collect alimony from es- tate of late husband. Frank L. Titus, manager of Won- derland, small grind picture house will be tried by Municipal Court Judge Bogue on charges of show- ing an indecent film titled “Bare Legs.” He pleaded not guilty at preliminary hearing. Alexander Pantages informed the dailies here in two or three weeks RKO will take over his circuit. House Peters, picture actor, was plea of Lila McComas, screen ac- }| FORE Joe Kirkwood, trick golf expert, will play for Keith's, opening next week at the Palace, Chicago. Kirk- wood was a. the Roxy, New York, two weeks ago. Big party and entertainment will inaugurate season opening of Clear- view golf club next Saturday night. Dinner and dance at $4 a head in conjunction with entertainment. Volunteer entertainers include Leon Errol, Joe Frisco, Bert Lahr, Chris Thaulow and his fiddle. “Cheerful Charlie” and his orchestra will supply the din. No Newport Geegees Providence, April 23. Rhode Island Legislature ad- journed last week without acting favorably on two bilis for pari- mutuel horse racing in Newport, although society leaders were strong for legaiized betting. Senator William H. Vanderbilt, wealthy Portsmouth Republican leader, made bid to get bills through, but committee killed meas- ure because of opposition from church groups throughout the state. Tia Juana Passes Los Angeles, April 23. The old Tia Juana race track will be a thing of the past next fall. A new one is being erected three miles away at Agua Caliente by the or- ganization headed by Wirth Bow- man, It is figured the new track, which is to be 15 miles in length, will cost around $1,500,000. With the opening of the track in Agua Caliente old Tia Juana will pass out of existence. STUDIO BASEBALL Los Angeles, April 23. Fox studios opened the Studio Indoor baseball season by defeat-_ ing R-K-O studios, 11 to 2. compelled to give a $1,000 bond by Judge Strelinger in Beverly Hills Court, so that in the future he would not disturb the peace of his neighbors by making mock musical noises and aping radio announcers at all times of the day and night. Mrs. Verne Kornman, mother of Mary Kornman, child actress, grant- ed divorce from Eugene Kornman, cameraman, by Superior Court Judge Schaur. Charged cruelty. Cullen B. Tate, screen director, fined $25 by Municipal Court Judge Miller upon conviction of liquor pos- session charge, Phyllis Haver to New York for her marriage to William Seaman, merchant, scheduled for April 24. Art Acord, screen actor, declared bankrupt and given ten days to file schedule. Gladys McConnell, screen actress, and her husband, Arthur Hager- mann, press agent, are living apart. MEN-SPORT Wednesday, April 24, 1929 ee — —=z Uncommon Chatter By Ruth Morris Stirring Melo “Alibi” is a swell picture. It’s out-and-out melodrama, well told, with two knockout situations worked out with suspense. Only one situation, that of the death of the boy detective (who over-acted consistently throughout the film) was drawn out with typical movie pathos. Eleanor Griffith was rather weak in the leading feminine role. Her most flattering shot was in a black felt cloche with turned-back brim dipping down on either side. Ches- ter Morris made a good dirty dog of a villain, with beettling brows and nasty facial contortions. Not alittle of the enjoyment of the evening was contributed by a short that preceded the feature—a fashion display of the styles of 1900 and thereabouts. It is almost un- believable that the “derriter cri” of not so many years ago should be so utterly the last word in comic values, * Clean Picture Eddie Dowling, in a personal ap- pearance preceding “The Rainbow Man,” described it as “not the big- gest picture in the world, and not the best picture in the world—but, at least, it’s clean’”—which is good enough criticism as any. But it’s an entertaining picture nevertheless, “due chiefly to the agreeable personalities of Dowling, Marion Nixon and the lovable little Frankie Darro. Miss Nixon plays the role of minstrel man’s sweet- heart with a great deal of sweet- ness and charm. She wears a long, immaculately waved bob awfully well and looks very attractive in the costumes assigned—a nice one be- ing a travel-ensemble with modish two-toned dress and matching tur- ban. In the Shops Nice three-piece angora suits at Best's. Good for golfing on these un- certain days....Cute sports things at Altman’s, including natty little tennis dresses and a bathing suit with a French jersey blouse and flaring panties of moire. Interest- ing hats at the Reboux Salon—one, “Arc-en-ciel” in baku with arched brim and giddy chiffon drapery at the side; another, “Coup de Cray- on” of milan with the new high flare off the face....Deep collared sleeveless afternoon frocks at Stew- arts. Also, backless beach pajamas. A printed short jacket to match flaring trow, and a blouse held to- gether in tbe back by tiny bows per- mitting wide open spaces below as well as above the official neckline. One deep breath and you're lost.... Gingham checked pajamas in crepe de chine at Kurzman’s. Expensive, as such things go, but cute....An- other smart suit for the golfer at Bonwit Teller’s, made of an orig- inal Chanel fabric....Unusual Jane Regny sports model at Franklin Simon's. Made of narrow pleats Hollywood Chatter Hollywood, April 20. Bob Collier, of Fox theatre- pub- licity staff, is on a prune juice diet. Frank Whitbeck traded in his little car for a leaping lena and can’t keep within the speed limits. Starting signal for taking pictures used to be “Camera.” Now it’s “Quick, the needle.” , Clara Bow spending most of her time at studio wardrobe depart- ment being fitted-for several pairs of tights to show her “Dangerous Curves” for picture of same name. Pathe studios transporting actors by airplane from Culver City to Metropolitan airport, 12 miles away. In taking his initial airplane ride Bill Hart admitted it to be the first time he has allowed fear to over- come him. Large percentage of incoming calls at picture studios are from brokers asking for margins. George K. Arthur exchanged $500 for silver chips at Agua Caliente, looked over the tables and without making a bet returned to the cash- ier’s wicket. Cashed in and broke even. Arthur is Scotch, Otis Harlan became so accus- tomed to wearing a nightgown in his current picture that when he retired one night he crawled into bed with his business clothes on. Josef von Sternberg is sending out an appeal for a flock of extras who can speak congenially and ex- temporaneously. Many hostesses are in the same fix. Winnie Sheehan and Joe Schenck attend Hollywood fights together. Louise Fazenda has made a bet with Bill Beaudine that she will wear a washwoman’s costume at the next premiere in Hollywood. . Studio cat gave birth to litter of kittens in Dorothy Mackaill’s dress- ing room. Dorothy has. adopted them. Hal Mohr, chief photographer on “Broadway,” vacationing in the Fiji Islands without a camera. Olive Borden being taught to hoof at a dance studio. George Gillespie, dude cowboy, who eloped with Chicago heiress to Montgomery-Ward holdings, mak- ing good in pictures and father-in- law reported weakening in opposi- tion. . Lloyd Bacon off on fishing trip seeking specimens for scientific museums, Vic Shapiro installs blackboard at Fox’s publicity department as means of checking whereabouts of his rambling assistants. Sarah Padden writing play in be- tween scenes at M-G studios. English lessons are making Renee Adoree speak French with an {American accent. running high upvinto the bodice, caught in by diagonal bands. Comes in beautiful shades (pale yellow, delicate green, gray-green and powder blue) and awfully smart.... New stocking fad at Russeks— openwork lace achieving a bracelet effect around the left ankle. It was impossible to escape the Russians at the little cinemas last ‘week, with “Krassin” at the 55th Street and “Prisoners of the Sea” at the Fifth Avenue playhouse. The latter was the most confused pic- ture, with continuity as much at sea as the “Prisoners.” But the last episode with a ship’s crew trapped 180 feet below the water in a doomd submarine, needed no previous exposition to add to the stark horror and gripping tragedy. Roxy’s Divertissement The Roxy...Bert Lytell’s grand movietone for N. V. A. subscription. He deserves a gold medal for its straightforwardness, likeableness and utter lack of cheap appeal... Rapee conducting the Rhapsody in Blue moderately we!ll—had almost forgotten what a grand composi- tion it is...Divertissement, opening with “The Music Box,” charmingly done in the Chauve Souris manner ..-Precision number for the Roxy- ettes, titled “Black and Gold,” with gold spangled tulle dresses...Series of MacDowell’s Woodland sketches, the numbers picked up with light behind a scrim drop painted with graceful silver birches...Judge Landis on the Movietone. What a comedy personality!...Shots in a steel factory, looking like Robert Edmond Jones’ settings. Various outdoor shots for the vacationist— oh, to be almost’ anywhere, now that spring is here...Beautiful shadowy stage setting for “Voices of Spring,” with those lovely, but lovely, Montedoro colors in the costumes...Amusing dance by Pa- tricia Bowman and Massine... Spring shower followed by a clever rainbow effect achieved by knock- out costumes. Awfully good. Same Weird Clothing Diane Ellis photographs beauti- pfully and makes a perfectly lovely looking heroine in “The Leathere neck.” A pity that she was per- mitted to speak when the film gathered vocal sequences—her flat, middle western drawl completely blasted the illusion of a high-born Russian lady educated in England. It might have been expected that she would have picked up, if not an accent, at least some smart clothes while in England, but- the costume designer saw fit to clothe her in weirdly flavored Russian gar- ments. The film concentrates on three likeable -roughnecks serving in the Marine Corps in China—modern musketeers always ready for a rousing fight or a drinking bout. It goes along with’a fine sweep until one of those silly unsatis- factory movie twists negatiates a happy and sappy ending. Collegiate atmosphere at Proce tor’s 86th street, with the 14 Brick- tops matriculating, articulating, graduating and orchestrating. The Bricktop Orchestra is a very trim organization with lots of style and agreeable entertainment. Other members of the unit are Ada Brown, perfectly swell Aunt Jemima songstress; Madie and Ray, those two nice rope-spinning kids and the delighffully silly Runaway Four, Barry and Whitlege offer some aw- fully good fun—there’s not one serious word in the whole act ex- cept in a few spots where the non- sense takes on the keen edge of satire: they’re a grand pair. NEW YORK CHATTER (Continued from page 45) the nite life impresarios, entertain- ers, racketeers and ‘leggers don’t trade in anything under a_ buck, The barbers rate $1 a shave for a tip, and a deuce for a haircut, etc, Manicurists trim ‘em at the rate of $2 to $5 as a tip. Friendly Field Rivals Leo Durocher and Lin Larry, both Yankee infielders, are seeing the sights together. Angle is that Dur- ocher is the cause of Larry being on the bench, Leo beating him te the short-stop post on the spring training trip. Club paid $100,000 for Larry, who is spending his initia! season on the big time. a. Sra nee eeaeerere fi +Hswu b ee ae ee ee ee ee ee oe ne. ee =— om tee Ge be Goh oot ot OO. 2 ao ee a

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i- ly “a 2 ly n it ot 18 18 oa th ne re lg to 1s or ial Wednesday, April 24, 1929 WOMEN’S PAGE VARIETY 45 —* Gray Matter By Mollie Gray (TOMMY GRAY’S SISTER) Dancers at Riverside Riverside must cater to more fat, fussy, seat-changing women than any New York theatre. Usher was positively angelic too; they'll can- nonize one of them yet if army rules let them. Ada May did a new step named for the subway, good too. New ensemble in shades of pink, flower beaded and becoming until it opened on the side due to dancing., Ewing Eaton, another lady alone, wore her name suit until she changed before a six inch screen to a one piece affair in cerise fiecked with silver, a single row of silver fringe for a collar. A neat dancer and musician. Lopez and his band of 14 men and three hand- clappers make music.and sing. “In- troducing Pauline Gaskins, pretty, petite and sweet” (Lopez speaking). And telling the truth but not all, she can dance, her frock of pale pink satin and crepe unruffled skirt. Harold “Red” Grange in “77” which is just as homeopathic as that number is in a drug store. Could have been “What, no ice?” but for the fact there was a blonde in the act, Gladys Head. Virginia Barrett, a cute brunette, helped a lot though both her frocks were homeopathic too. Gladys appeared first in white satin making her look all the same color from the top of her head but her pink crepe en- semble later was much more be- coming. Hama and Yama closed. Age Limit for Costumes Forty-second street on the way to the American. About 8.30 p. m. Sounds like Coney Island, ticket barkers trying to drown out each other. “Canary Murder Case,” de- vocalized, is like reading a story— so many titles necessary—wiih in- terruptions. “Wild Wood Workers,” a short film, “By Western Electric.” “Taxi Dolls,” a Mack Sennett crea- tion, gave Virginia Vance an oppor- tunity to do a mechanical doll very wer’, “al Sands and his six girls dance amid a profusion of gold curtains, but in costumes that deserve pen- sions. There really should be an age limit to ostrich, especially. Girls wore orchid color first when the Doll Sisters wore many colored feathers. with blue bodices and finally with red satin frocks; the four in the line were topped by red plumes. Russian costume was prettiest, of green velvet and chiffon banded with white fur; the Spanish girl had to wear red satin covered with black lace and the lady from Hawaii, of course, alfalfa. Feminine member of Bertrand and Ralston looked nice in silk ensemble of del- icate yellow, the coat partly covered with embroidered flowers and a few touches of the same on the frock, soft hat matching. Clinton and Stoner, the girl hold- ing the hoop for the man to jump through, opened. Myrtle Boland, in a silk gown that was a liability, was second, and Gifford and Gresham closed, Happy, genial little old man who takes the tickets says “Good Night.” Must be there good many years and still smiling, probably never sees the shows. Pretty Gals at Colony Colony has a show this week, if it only weren't backed by wrinkled rags. Twelve Dancing Marvels, girls are all pretty and the costumes still holding together, Opening in those double duty feather skirts Broadway knows so well, different solid color back and front and full face’ masks on the backs of their heads. White taffeta ruffles with saucy hats and again flesh color crepe trimmed with blue used for a ballet number. Natalie and Darnel! opening costumes scant, feet bare during the adagio but a pretty pink frock for the waltz. Olga Baclanova plays the main part in “The Czarina’s Secret” done in color. She is Catherine, the lady who could make a throne fall but not Sally Rand’s white haired boy. Laura La Plante is splendid in “Scandal.” Quite a fashionable pro- duction even going in for polo. Laura looked smart always, es- pecially in a soft wool coat with wide belt and patch pockets, Her velvet gown had a circular flounce dipping in back also more spangled in back of the bodice than front and her heavy lace negligee with dark silk edging at the neck com- ing to a bow at the waist very graceful, Jane Winton’s black satin pajamas had knee length coat of metal brocade. Bees and Baby Snakes Anyone interested in “How doth the busy bee?” could see “The Ad- ventures of Maya” and find out. They’d learn many other things, too, including how baby snakes, about six feet long, come out of their shells and what various insects eat and how! And if they haven't squirmed out of their own skins by that time they will see the Great Battle of Beehive between the hor- nets and the bees. Certainly mar- velous photography. Wear Stunning Gowns Ann Codee, at the 8Ist Street is always worth seeing if only for the careless way she handles her part- ner, he gets tossed about like corn in a hopper. She is just as attrac- tive as ever in both her red satin coatdress with black satin hem and deep cuffs, her huge hat buckle surely has been seen before and in her jacket gown of solid blue se- quins whose upper skirt was cut straight across the back but fell be- low the hem in a double point in front. She sings songs in French and English and German—the latter very good, according to overheard comment. She is doing the same ones she has always done, Adelaide Kendall is the charming cause of the argument in “Apple- sauce,” a sketch whose title covers its description. She wore a good looking white frock whose cape col- lar hung from tiny -red buttons on the shoulders to near the hem, be- ing lined with red and decorated with several rows of red braid near the bottom. The same red made the bow tie and the pockets on the blouse, and two groups of red but- tons; skirt, box pleated in front, with fine pleats on the sides, Olive McClure makes her poorest impression in her first dance, a kicking routine. But her perform- ance as a prisoner in chains and handcuffs (the most plentiful part of her covering) was so fine it was a surprise, She made the audience feel with her while most dancers are lucky to make an audience understand what they are only try- ing to express, if anything. It was disappointing that she only ap- peared for a few steps in the finale, her costume then of orange velvet spangled and black net cap. “Now and Then,” a talking short, using a vaude troupe as the 1879 (it was 1890 in vaude) whoopee makers gets several laughs and gives Vina Delmar’s “Bad Girl” a close-up as one of the symptoms of 1929. Mary, “Just Adorable” What a perfect pair Mary Pick- ford and “Coquette” make! In the earlier scenes she is, to use her own favorite expression, “just adorable,” and later, after the shooting and at the trial, she is just splendid, a genuine actress if there ever was one. She looked sweet in white taffeta and maline and her gray ensemble was very becoming with its fox trimming and monogrammed tie. The printed frock did things to Our Mary that it didn’t seem possible anything could do to her. It’s hard to lose “Sunnybrook Farm” and “Daddy Long Legs,” but it was worth it for “Coquette.” Radium Effective Cecelia Weston closes the Fifth Avenue’s five acts. Her first gown was a faded green crepe hemmed with exhausted ostrich, but -the elaborately beaded white crepe with rhinestone shoulder straps was much better. The skirt showed three lengths parted in front, each bead-edged. Her pianiste was probably relaxing here. Gene and Jeanette, musicians. Girl played first in blue net and finished in radium, her coat, the }edge of her sax and the pleats in his accordion. Hollingsworth and Crawford argued bobbed hair, the wife in a good-looking yellow satin frock, some small red bead flowers or. the front panel, red slippers matching, a loop and long separate Mrs. Hoover Ist White House Lady on Radio Washington, April 23. Mrs. Hoover is the first “first lady of the land” to speak over the radio. Though recordec by the talker newsreels on several occasions, Mrs. Coolidge never got before the mike, though it was a common oc- | currence for Mr. Coolidge, the for- mer President, Mrs. Hoover, though not on the scheduled program, spoke over a nation-wide N. B. C. hook-up dur- ing the dedication of Constitution Hall, the new Daughters of the American Revolution building, dur- ing their convention here last week. HOLLYWOOD STYLES Hollywood, April 18. Because of the preponderance of clothes as they are not worn, seen on the screen, it is at times difficult to believe that movie costume de- signers are actually men of dis- criminating taste, with a thorough knowledge of clothes as they should be worn. There are so many im- pediments to the expression of their better judgment that by the time their design is finally made up it is a cruelly distorted version of their original intent. Just as censorship makes it nec- essary to sugar-coat a plot dealing honestly with life, so must the cos- tume designer for the movies pret- tify his creations to interest the movie-going public, which is not one to care much about the beauty of line, They exclaim over mag- nificence, eccentricity, bizarre pat- terns, and who is the costume de- signer to give them instead esthet- ics, when the whole picture indus- try is concentrated upon satisfying their devotion to, things as they don't really happen. Before a design is okayed it must convince the one who is to wear it, the director, and the supervisor, and producer that it is right. The taste of so many individuals is bound to vary from that of the designer, who was hired because he is supposed to know his subject. Very few sereen players, judging from their personal wardrobe, are in touch with what is accepted as good style. The background of many directors and supervisors being what it is, wealth is symbolized to them by great elaboration, tremendous quan- tities of furs, velvets and brocades. Yet women who have unlimited quantities of money to spend on their clothes spend it for a little Chanel jersey dress or a classically simple crepe Vionnet evening gown. The screen itself is a foe to be placated. -Color is lost to it, yet color as it photographs is a study in itself. Subtle nuances in shades become drab; brilliance, dull. Now that every set is micro- phone-infested, certain fabrics that swish with movement are banned. The stiff silks, such as taffeta and moire, so very smart right now, are denied the talkies, Limited by so many different considerations, the designer cannot help but make the compromises his costumes so plainly reveal. Jean Arthur, featured in “The In- sidious Dr. Fu Manchu,” plays the wily Oriental’s adopted English daughter. Her clothes, therefore, have been given a decorous Chinese influence. She looks fetching in a black ‘velvet suit with ermine at the collar and cuffs. The short coat simulates in outline a Chinese pa- jama coat with kimono sleeves, flar- ing out slightly toward the bottom. Its only trimming is two silver and pearl tassels which fasten the jack- et at the side neck, The skirt is straight and narrow. Her hat, a black velvet skull cap, has a brief cireular veil, for mystery. For the “Jig-jig-jigaloo” number in “Broadway Babies,” a title oddly mindful of “Dig-a-dig-adoo,” Alice White is costumed in musical com- edy South Sea Island style; black and white short, backless, bizarrely figured bodice, torso as is, then a short black fringed skirt. The head- dress is a tight helmet with a great cockade of black cock’s feathers on top. The chorus wears similar cos- tumes, with the addition of fringed anklets. The number is done against, a futuristic background of palms, banana trees and native huts. “The Wheel of Life” reveals Esther. Ralston looking smartly blonde in an evening dress of stiff black net, polka-dotted with circles panel over each hip. Among the Women By The Skirt, Jr. Best Dressed Woman of the Week LEATRICE JOY (Palace—Vaude) Women at the Palace—At Last! At last some women at the Palace—and such women as Leatrice Joy, Trixie Friganza and Margaret Irving. Miss Irving was lovely in an orchid tulle bouffant and a white period gown, and Margaret Dumont was stunning in a green velvet royal costume, Miss Joy would have been equally charming as Mary Smith. Here is one film star devoid of that superficiality, with some real ability besides. She entered in an exquisite white organdie bouffant trimmed in pink and a large white horsehair hat with a pink band. A white fitted gown of crystal enhanced her lovely figure and combined nicely with a white velvet wrap trimmed in white fox. For a dramatic French number she wore a dark blue gown and beret. Miss Joy has a pretty blonde accom- panist who added a great deal and looked sweet in periwinkle chiffon. Miss Friganza, irresistible of personality, is certainly welcome back. She unfolded some fast numbers and plenty of laughs as usual. Her costumes were worn one on top of another in Friganza fashion. She even stripped down to a smart red bathing suit with beach cape of red, white and black which was most becoming. Mayfair Bars Are Down Quite a number of outsiders are being admitted to the Mayfair dances on Saturday nights due, no doubt, to the sketchy attendance of it’s members. Leatrice Joy was a charming picture in a white net gown with ruffles gathered into a tiny bustle effect in the back, and Claire Windsor was blooming in a white crystal gown. Gertrude MacDonald chose a soft flowered chiffon in white and red, and Dorothy Hall was brilliant in red chiffon trimmed in huge red flowers. Madame Francis wore a pretty black lace. Ona Munson, a pink and rose taffeta bouffant, and Giadys Baxter wore yellow chiffon with a metallic blouse. Eddie Buzzell seemed in good form not to mention Percy Helton, Jack Whiting and Harry Reichenbach. Sam Katz was there and Mrs. Douglas Fairbanks the first, also little Virginia Smith, wearing a lovely frock of jade chiffon with trailing feathers, Louise Groody wore yellow satin. The Guild’s Trifle Strange how the lightest of plays take on an importance when pre- sented by the Theatre Guild, for instance: “The Camel Through the Needles Eye.” A frothy .little trifle but charmingly done and affording a nice evening's entertainment. Miriam Hopkins was most attractive, having a certain vividness rare in blondes. She looked prettiest in blue and peach pajamas and her black and white printed ensemble was sweet. Helen Westly gave a strong performance as did Catherine Calhoun-Doucet and Elliott Cabot in smaller roles, Dowling’s Opening If you’re an Eddie Dowling fan you'll like him immensely in his first talker, “The Rainbow Man.” Perhaps you'll like him anyway, for in spite of old hackneyed situations, sloppy sentimentality, and a good deal of Irish propaganda there are moments of pathos and Dowling is un-’ deniably winsome. Marion Nixon established herself as a good bet for dialog, combining loveliness with vocal proficiency. Frankie Darrow, a typical theatrical child, handled himself excellently and made up in unction what he may have lacked in natural appeal. Dowling was present opening night and everybody was introduced from Al Smith to D. W. Griffith, Morris Gest, O. E. Goebel, George Weeks, Frankie Darrow and Dowling’s wife and mother, Kate Smith sang. Dix’s First Talker “Nothing But the Truth,” at the Paramount, and contrary to reports, proves itself a good laugh picture. Richard Dix emerges with flying colors as a light comic with a good voice and a sense of tempo. Dorothy Hall, new to pictures and from legit, played opposite Dix, photographing well and having an unusually appealing tonal quality. Helen Kane is featured. Her personality and voice register well but her appearance is a disappointment, owing to a tremendous increase in weight. Winnie Gibson, beside Kane, looked beautifully slender and had charm, Katherine Grey made a stunning mother type, well groomed, with a stage experience which stood her in good stead. Miss Hall wore a crepe frock, pleated here and there, and a small hat. Later, a chiffon trailing gown with a scarf. Miss Kane was badly dressed in short sleeves and flowered material which tended to enlarge. Catherine Grey chose a stunning lace gown and was exquisitely shod. Hearsay Did you know that: Percy Wenrich has recovered from triple pneu- monia with the assistance of his wife, Dolly Connelly. ... Barbara New- berry has a gorgeous new diamond pin. ... Don Dilloway has been rest- ing on a farm but has joined “Courage”. ... Robert Emmett Keane and Claire Whitney are in demand for talkers. ... Leatrice Joy is anxious to get back to California to a certain four-year-old miss. ... Mark Barron writes a charmingly characteristic scrawl....Roy D'Arcy lunches with the mob these days. ... Gladys Feldman is recuperating from a bad knee at French Lick, ... Doris Kenyon has a sweet sing- ing voice. ... Beth Brown, the authoress, is said to have physic power. Benefit at the Met wildering than usual, and more entertaining. A profusion of talent with a great many of the stars merely saying a few words before in- troducing the next. Lou Holtz scored with his easy clowning; Ada May was charming, Harlan Dixon danced expertly and Clayton, Jackson and Durante were as nonsensical as ever. Evelyn Herbert looked lovely in a banana colored gown with huge fringe sleeves and a tiny turban. She sang beautifully. Bill Robinson was very popular, Kitty Doner was nicely received and Harry Fox filled the entire Metropolitan with his really pleasing voice. “Fioretta” ensemble sang and the Roxyettes, Roxy bal- let, and Chester Hale girls, from the Capitol, added to the total. Walter Wolff was handsome and Adelaide Hall seemed to be suffering from laryngitis. Jules Bledsoe sang “Old Man River” and Lester Allen showed real poise with obviously no rehearsal. Ben Bernie made a great m. c. and later Jack Pearl relieved him. Phil Baker is always amusing and Aileen Stanley assisted him in a song. She chose an unbecoming yellow lace gown. Lionel Atwill introduced a radiant Janet Beecher, who in turn introduced Erin O’Brien-Moore. Many more and many who didn’t show up, else it would still be going on. black sequin spangle in the center. | V waistline is defined in spangles, The dress, built over a sheath slip | as is the scalloped skirt, which dips of black satin, has a short sleeve- less jacket with a scalloped edge | gracefully at the back. Miss Ralston arried a huge fan made of the of black satin, each bearing 4 outlined in spangles. The inverted | same material as her frock. N. V. A. Benefit at the Metropolitan Sunday night was much less be- (0 hee 3 yn Fast eae ABB hg Ln yaa oes oe an yer eel

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prenerr srt 46 VARIETY EDITORIAL ARIETY frade Marr Kegistered Published Weekly 05 VARIETY. ine. Sime Sliverman. President 164 West «6th Street New York City SUBSCRIPTION: Anmnual....... $10 Foreign....... $11 Bingie Cople@....cccecsececceees 26 Cente VOL. XCV «t@egaieo 15 YEARS AGO (From Variety an. “Clipper” ) Employment Agency law of New York really regulated agents and there was much dissatisfaction with it. Incoming commissioner of li- censes, Arthur H. Bell, undertook a reform. He called theatre interests into conference to learn their views as a basis of legislative proposals. No. 2 Loew having absorbed Sullivan- Considine circuit, it was expected Pantages would make a new book- ing connection and dope favored a‘ Keith alliance. William Morris was showing pic- tures at the New York theatre, but both Loew and Mutual. Film were bidding for the lease at the end of Morris’ tenancy. The Mastbaum-Earle people opened the new Stanley, Philadel- phia, another step toward the build- ing of their big chain. Elsie Janis made a sensational hit in “The Passing Show” in Lon- don, the beginning of a foreign vogue that has kept her mostly overseas ever since. Union Square, New York, which had lost money both with big time vaudeville and straight picture,s switched to pop policy and got $3,000 net on the first week. U. S. Sen. Hoke Smith of Geor- gia was preparing to introduce a bill calling for Federal censorship of the screen. A similar measure was up in the New York state leg- islature, sponsored by Assemblyman Eadie. Top rental for a first run pic- ture was $1,000 a week, paid by the N. Y. Strand. Out of the metropolis practice was to book on 50-50 shar- ing terms for super-features. Dance craze extended to the high seas. Crack Atlantic liners were offering $500 for dance team fea- tures for the trip. 50 YEARS AG) (From Clipper) Six-day walking matches having becomie a public craze, it was in- evitable that the legislature should do something about it. Accordingly a New York assemblyman, one Langbein, introduced a bill in Al- bany making it a misdemeanor for any owner of a place of ‘public gathering to permit such competi- tion for money at the gate. One of the most punishing prize fights ever staged was fought in England between two heavyweights for a stake of 2 pounds. It lasted 15 rounds and at the finish the loser was out until they carried him to a public house and “applied restoratives.” The winner was not much better off. “Black Crook” in revival contin- ued to play to capacity at Niblo's. Weekly change of specialty people helped. This week the new acts were Fred Levantine,*juggler; Sie- grist troupe of acrobats and a quick sketch artist. Parole, an American horse, won the Newmarket Handicap at 100 to 15. American turf victories abroad were rare. The Barnum circus was doing a landoffice business at the American Institute on Third avenue in the 60’s. It is recorded that business was aided by having the New York elevated railroad trains stop in front of the place. Jennie Yeamans was the toast of the town. She was playing Little Buttercup in “Pinafore.” WANTED—Good tenor vocalist. Strictly moral and total abstainer, to help me in el temperance work. Lecturer, Box Gocumseh, Mich. ——— Inside Stuff—Pictures (Contiuued from page 26) hopped upon by the tabs for Hollywood coloring. No such reports, even on the inside, have reached New York. Hays, starting the divorce, charged incompatibility. It is known around the Square that in the seven years Hays has been in New York, Mrs. Hays has never visited him. He went to Sullivan, Ind., where the Hays live and the suit was brought, about twice yearly, to see his 14-year-old son. That record spoke for itself. Printed accounts say Mrs. Hays will have the custody of the son. is very devoted to the boy. Hays Sidney Kent got his first vacation this month in eight years. It lasted two weeks. A honeymoon trip, Paramount's distribution head marrying a New York young woman, not in pictures, “Show Poat” is being premiered in key cities at $2.50 or $3, for first performance only, then house scale. This is happening in towns where previously no tilted prices have prevailed. From reports the locals have gone for the “exclusive” performance readily, Picture also being shown in these towns as first in New York, without cutting and going beyond two hours. Report is that the “Show Boat” negative filmed at the opening of the New York run at the Globe last Wednesday night was not the-one which had been previously seen and okayed by company executives. Understood that there was a split as to which version was better edited and also that the camera work showed up better in the unused print. There’s a yarn floating around about Ben Frank, of the L. A. Ambas- sador Hotel Franks, which the proverbial wild horses couldn't drag out of the principal involved. It goes back to the war and Pelham Bay. Ben was a sailor and in charge of the company mess. How much the other mess boys were getting away with, in cheating on food and pocket- ing the cash surplus, didn’t bother Frank because he wouldn't hold out. Nothing happened until the gobs started to ask why they were just eating while Frank’s outfit was dining. The other charge de affaires burned, sent a message to Frank he was queering their racket and to lay off or else. They finally sent one of their own number, a former heavyweight boxer, over with the ultimatum. Frank didn’t do anything but invite the gob-pug to dinner to talk it over. But the meal was at a well known roadhouse just a little way from Pelham. The fighter arrived to find that Ben was, at least, doing it right with a private dining room n’ all. Both having entered the room, Frank locked the door and kept the key. Some time later he emerged and returned to the camp. ‘ The condition of the pug, when he finally got back, was Frank’s an- swer to the other boys. J. J. Murdock and Joseph P. Kennedy have taken no decisive steps to organize their reported circuit of theatres, now booked but not owned by Keith’s. In view of that fhe reports are more readily believed that those houses are under consideration by other chains, for purchase. Because of the height of the cabaret set used in “Broadway,” musical synchronization on the picture did not come up to expectation. It is said that the sound carried too far away from the microphone and also that a cement floor on the stage did not help. Carl Laemmle, Jr., producer of the picture, is having additional syn- chronization-done at the studio. Most of it is for the background music with 20 men being used instead of the original 12 who were working when the picture was taken. Howard Jackson is supervising the syn- chronization. When working on his Indian story near Tucson, Ariz., Robert Flaherty. directing for Fox, picked up a young Spaniard named Juan Sedillo, good looking fellow of the Valentino type. As the latter was sitting in the hotel lobby he saw an attractive girl and a male companion, who turned out to be her brother, register. He made inquiries about the young lady, found out that she was a Danish countess touring America and headed for Mexico. He managed to get an introduction and the next day as it rained there was no work. So he began rushing the girl and took her to a picture show. He proposed and the couple immediately went to Nogales where they were married. , Brother proceeded on his tour and the Countess joined the Flaherty company with her husband. Strand, New York, is showing the stills of a forthcoming picture in an unique manner. Public is to be kept guessing as to the title of the picture. Stills disclose the cast with the faces blocked out by strips. Thomas J. Geraghty, writer for First National, found working at home difficult when he clocked more than 125 phone calis in one day. Decided to pack his typewriter and move to an apartment where he would not be annoyed. Second day tn this seclusion proved too much. He missed the phone and began calling up his friends. A picture director who in the past four years has come from nowhere into the ranks of high priced megaphone wielders, {s suffering from an extreme case of ego. Success has cost him the good feelings of many friends and practically the good will of all actors and technicians with whom he has worked during the past two years. Condition is said to have so affected the morale on the lot where he had one picture to make that the executives decided to give him his re- lease rather than go through a tumultous period on another production. While working on a picture recently the director is reported to have done so many things to belittle people that the star finally told him he had stood for enough guff and insults to others; that he was personally calling the director to task because he wasn’t afraid of him., director, in- terfering with his picture career, and finished by saying that if the abuse continued he, the actor, would take him to task, and physically. Picture had about a week to go and the director behaved. A classic of foolish economy in Hollywood has percolated east, re- volving about a sleigh and two horses for which the owner wanted $20 for the day’s services. Production manager decided $15 was enough. Sleigh owner, counting up his time, fodeer for the nags, etc., was adamant about that 20 bucks. The production manager, miffed, vowed he would shoot the picture regardless. He dug up a sleigh, got a couple of nags, and was apparently all set, having shot his st21:es At the exhibitions of the rushes, somebody noticed that the sleigh was of decidedly Russian character, low-slung, with the seats elevated. That couldn't go. It meant a $50,000 loss for a re-take. That guy with the 20 buck toll for his sleigh of contemporary character finally got his double saw-buck but it cost the studio plenty. Those stereoscopic tests RCA has been making with the “Lady Fingers” (musical) troupe are being taken on 70mm. film. on the same order as the grandeur film Fox is*using for “Fox Follies.” As far as can be learned Fox rates its extra width film at 77mm. While Fox is currently aiming to send ita big film tnte the Gaicty. New York, and a few key cities, theatre men bring up the question of this sized film being capable of filling the entire proscenium opening Wednesday, April 24, 1929 — > — of the present picture house stage. Not because the film and the speciaj projector head can’t do it, but due to measurements which will show these openings to be much higher than they are wide, forcing the picture to spill over the arch on each side if the full height is used. Theatre men claim the proper ratio of a stage opening should be four feet high to three feet wide and that there are few if any film theatres in the country boasting this ratio. Studios acknowledge that the use of this big screen eliminates any thought of close-ups because of the terrific dimensions when reproduced on the oversized screen. Universal's “Broadway” and Paramount's “Burlesque” will carry new examples of combined color and sound on the same strip of standard sized film. Trouble so far has been due to color emulsion spreading over the entire frame, including the one-eighth inch strip on the side allotted to the sound track. This prevented the proper recording .of sound due to its requiring a different emulsion. To avoid this difficulty sound pictures shown in color previously have been projected by means of two films,.a separate one for the sound track, or by use of film and disk. ‘ A Under the new plan as developed by Technicolor, two negatives, one for the image and one for sound, will be taken as formerly with the ex- ception that the negative containing the picture will be on a reduced frame to allow space for inclusion of the sound track. In preparing the positive print the sound track is first developed and printed, then the remainder of the film, the section allotted to the photograph, is cleared and gelatine spread in its place. After that the color picture is im- printed by the Technicolor absorption process, This procedure also eliminates one of the difficulties in the black and white sound on film method—that of getting proper contrast in sound track and picture. Paramount has expanded its titling department. ‘Increase is due to added work caused by dialog writing. Inside Stuf—Vaudeville In the buying of sound shorts, syncronized comedies and feature talkers the big vaude circuits around New York have discovered that there is at least a 50 per cent increase over their former silent films consumption. Circuits are now buying almost two months or more in advance. Mail carrier who took a walk on his day off isn’t must different than Eddie Cantor and George Jessel. A couple of weeks ago the boys found themselves together on a Sunday with neither having a benefit sched- uled. While motoring around the city, they jokingly framed a vaude act and wondered if it would click without the Cantor and Jessel names, This led them into a.search for a benefit, and they finally found one in the herring district. Using ficticious names, they tried their act and did fairly well with it. Later, however, Jessell squawked that Cantor had killed a laugh. Anxious to prove that he hadn't, Cantor started another search for a benefit, and found one in an Italian neighborhood, Taking no chances on getting just a fair reception again, they used their own names and naturally everything went great. This proved nothing, so they headed for the Fulton theatre to try it out on a cash crowd. Everybody had gone home but the night watch- man, a friendly but not overly interested gent. Told of their argument, he said: “I’ve nothing to do all night. If you fellows think you’re funny, come in and do the act for me and I'll give you my honest opénion.” Jessel and Cantor grabbed at the chance, and went through the act while the watchman sat alone in the auditorium. Not a laugh. Recently a young chap who worked as a box plant with a stage comedian went to Hollywood to gag and write material on pictures, He was given an office with a so-called gag man and wise-cracker who has been writing vaudeville material. The young fellow, wanting to get the low-down on what was what for picture comedy would tell the veteran gag man an idea. The latter would laugh it down and inform him that it was not adaptable for pictures. One day a director came into the office where both men were and before he could be stopped by the older gag man, thanked the latter for an idea he had given him. The idea, he said, was so good that he had made a two-reel short of it and was giving the gag man credit for it. The youngster heard the oration of how the idea worked out and discovered it was just as he had told it to the veteran gag man. When the director left the office, the veteran gag man turned to the youngster and said, “Be very careful] in this business. Everybody steals your ideas. You can’t even trust your own mother in this racket.” Chicago Yiddish press was up in arms over Ethel Water's singing of “Eli Eli” immediately following a salacious ditty, “Handy Man.” One well known and important Jewish newspaper burned. claiming that if there had been a demand for the chant Miss Waters might have been pardoned for using it, but that the only requests for the number came from the ushers. Some 52 miles out of New York and on Long Island is the Kings State hospital, subjected lately to published attacks on cruelty to and the treatment of some of the patients. The N. V. A. has a number of men and women there receiving treatment, none of whom is said te have complained. Among some of the stage people under treatment are Sim Collins, Bob Ferns, Charles Elwood, Yoshi (Jap), Howard Langford, Joe Mad- den, Speedy (high diver) Charles Potsdam and Mary McCarthy. When Leatrice Joy appeared at Keith's Riverside, New York, two weeks ago, the advertisements read: “Only appearance in New York.” This week Miss Joyce is at Keith’s Palace on Bropdway. Eddie Darling has returned to New York from his trip abroad. He has not yet made a New York connection in the booking or agency line. Two recent and expensive theatres have been built for Keith’s without a cooling plant in either. They are the Albee, Flushing, and Keith Memorial, Boston. Cooling plants are now being installed in both. Using about $2 worth of cream pies and awarding a prize of only 28 cents the manager of the vaudeville house in Woodbury, N. J. packs his theatre each Saturday afternoon with a ple-eating contest. Kids have to finish their pie and then whistle. When Charles B. Ward, of the vaude trio, Ward, Claire and Ward, died, his widow, known on the stage as Kathryn Claire Ward, continued in the east as a single. She played most of her dates around New York for Fox. About two years ago she came to the Coast and did extra work. Recently Jack Gardner, now an agent, became interested in Mra Ward who had been unable to obtain employment. Talking to Frank Lloyd at the First National studio, the director stated he wanted a woman for a mother part. Gardner suggested Mrs. Ward, she was brought out, given a test and immediately placed under con- tract for Barthelmess’s “Drag.” Irvin Willatt. also looking for a “mother” for “Isle of Lost Ships,” on the same lot, saw rushes on Mrs. Ward in “Drag” and immediately cast her for his picture. Mrs. Ward is now playing juicy principal parts with her daily earn- ings six times what they have been. It is expected she will click strongly in the Barthelmess picture, eereteche == || wena ee edger Heerye tHe es Se Ss » wee 26” 2 ae ah Oe Oe. 28 Le ae

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929

LEGITIMAT

= — Equity in Coast Drive, Based

——

On Stage Actors Film Invasion

Los Angeles, April 23. Equity will invade Hollywood stu- dios within the next 60 days. Frank H. Gillmore, president of the Ac- tors Equity Association, is here now eonferring with members of the lo- eal council regarding plans for mak- ing the motion picture field 100 per cent Equity, and eventually having the closed shop. Gillmore has not conferred with any studio officials on his plans for the future, nor will he discuss them for publication. He is leaving here next week for New York to attend the annual meeting of Equity. Then, it is understood, he will return to Hollywood and begin the plans for recognition of Equity by the pic- ture producers. At the present time he is understood with Charles Mil- ler, Equity representative here, and I. B. Kornblum, their attorney,. is laying out the campaign for organ- ization. The plan, it is understood, will not call for strict enforcement of the closed shop nor will any at- tempt be made at this time to bring it about, especially in the case of actors under contract at the time the Equity claim for recognition is asked. Closed Shop Later The program it is understood is to permit Equity members to work with non-Equity people who are under contract or are free lancing for a period of ..t least six months, or until the existing contracts of the term people run out. During the interval it is proposed that Equity “sales talk” can be applied to those not belonging to the organization and by the end of this period there will be such a large percentage of Equity stage actors working in the film colony that to make the closed shop move will be a very simple proposition. No efforts have been made by Gillmore while here to confer with Will H. Hays or members of the Association of Motion Picture Pro- ducers, It is said that there are around 3,000 people carrying Equity ecards in and around Los Angeles with about 40 per cent of them paid up to date on their membership, with the possibility of Equity be- coming recognized by the producers. It is figured that the delinquent members of the organization will pay up to avoid any controversy regarding their status while being employed in the studios.

Buchanan’s $25,000 for Bordoni Film on Coast Los Angeles, April 23. Jack Buchanan, English juvenile, gets $25,000 for six weeks’ work as leading man for Irene Bordoni in the screen version of “Paris,” which First National will make. Clarence Badger will direct. He replaces Alfred Santell, originally slated. Badger goes east to see the Play before starting on the picture June -10.

Guild’s London “Caprice” The Theatre Guild will send “Caprice” to London, with the Guild theatre company intact as at pres- ent, A season of eight weeks at the St. James, operated by Gilbert Miller, is planned. Originally the Guild planned a summer season of at least four Plays in London, but that program has been shelved for the time being. It was figured that “Caprice” could stick well into the summer here but Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, the leads, were definitely slated for vacation abroad. They agreed to the London date for “Caprice,” however.

SANTLEY’S CONTRACT Joseph Santley has been signed to a new Paramount contract whereby he will direct four musical comedy pictures during the coming season. Santley will write, direct and act. Santley will) probably rate as chief of musical production, under the terms of his new contract.

Miss Shutta’s Successor Ziegfeld is flirting with either Frances Williams or Joyce White for-the femme lead in “Whoopee” to succeed Ethel Shutta. Latter (Mrs. George Olsen) leaves the cast as #00n as her successor is certain, an- ticipating one of those events, the second in the family.

LAMBS NO PIKERS

For the Lambs’ Gambo) at the Metropolitan Sunday eve- ning, the top In the orchestra is set at $50 per seat, and printed on the ticket. With the Met’s capacity and the relative nick for the boxes, a@ gross at the scale of between $90,000 and $100,000 can be re- alized, if a sell out. If not a sell out the gross may be only $75,000. Youmans Musical in White and Black Shades Vincent Youmans’ new musical will be a novelty black and white entertainment with a mixture of white and colored names, Miller and Lyles are engaged along with Cora Green and Fletcher Hender- son’s orchestra. For the white contingent, You- mans is dickering with Charles King and Marion Harris. Miss Harris is in New York, talking things over. Youmans is seeking to effect a temporary release of King from M-G-M for the stage appearance. An ultimate M-G-M movietoning of the musical with the original cast may result, John Wells, newcomer, did the book; Youmans the music.

Ethel Barrymore Lends - Ear to Talker Siren Radio Pictures is. seeking the services of Ethel Barrymore, sole member of the family not in talk- ing pictures, with Miss Barrymore listening to the siren call of the audible screen providing she can have her brother Lionel as her di- rector and can choose her own stories. Negotiations for Miss Barrymore are expected to be completed this week with M. S. Bentham acting for the. star. ~

Kalmar and Ruby Teaming With Short for M-G Films Los Angeles, April 23. M-G-M has signed Hazard Short to stage musical productions and Kalmer and Ruby to write them. Trio will be in the batch of talent due on the coast June 1. Kidding B. O. Scale Los Angeles, April 23. In addition to operating through a cut-rate agency for the sale of seats for “Little Orchid Annie,” the Mayan is giving out day and date passes, : The passes are for two entitling the holder to a pair of $2.50 orches- tra seats, but 50 cents service charge is required from each per- son, The stunt has helped little. ‘Civic Stock a Bust Chicago, April 23. Playing permanent stock and backed by citizens of Warren, O., the Swayne Gordon Players went broke at the Warren Opera house in that city. Cast was paid off with the Equity bond and disbanded.

Helen Chandler in Lead Los Angeles, April 23. Fox is going to make a talker of “The Family Upstairs,’ from the stage play by Harry Delf. Helen Chandler is to play the feminine lead. A. H. Van Buren will direct the talking sequences and James Tin- ling will hold the megaphone for the silent end.

Sinclair in Fox Talker Hugh Sinclair, English actor, who closed with “Serena Blandish” re- cently left for the west coast Sun- day under contract to Fox to play the juvenile lead in the talking pic- ture version of the Jed Harris play.

Paul Harvey in “Truth” Los Angeles, April 23. Pathe is bringing Paul Harvey from New York to play opposite Ina Claire in “The Awful Truth.” Office Hours Los Angeles, April 28. George Arliss, legit actor, starred in the “Green Goddess” (film) by Werner Brothers, had his hours of work defined hefore he signed his contract, Provisions are that he work from 10 to 4 only each day and Arliss, who s‘arted last week on the pic- ture, is religiously observing this schedule,

CATLETT AS DIRECTOR Also

Acting in Fox's Musical Talker

Los Angeles, April 23. “Cradle Snatchers,” though pro- duced on the stage as a comedy with music, will be made as a musical comedy talker by Fox. Walter Cat- lett, in the lead comedy party, will also function as director of dialog. This is the first time a man act- ing in a talker will wield the mega- phone, The silent sequences will be di- rected by Raymond Cannon. Book and lyrics are to be written by Con Conrad, Archie Goettler and Sidney Mitchell,

Joseph Spears a Suicide; Leaves $400,000 Fortune Joseph Spears, former advance agent and company manager, com- mitted suicide early Saturday morn- ing by slashing his throat with a razor in his bathroom at the Hotel Flandeds. Despondency over the death of his wife last December prompted the act, according to Ollie Mack, his brother-in-law. Spears was 60 Several years ago he attempted suicide by slashing his wrists. His estate is estimated at nearly $400,- 000. The fortune was an inherit- ance from his family, his father having owned a cemetery in the heart of Kansas City. Recently the graves were moved and the land cut up. Mack was his nearest relative and is said will -inherit the bulk of Spears’ estate. Spears managed the former Murray and Mack show and he had several small stand companies of his own at one time. He also was agent with Cohan and Harris attractions. “Pirate’s” Quick Exit As Flop in Los Angeles Los Angeles, April 23. Three nights and a matinee were enough for Belasco & Curran to satisfy themselves thty had a fiop in “The Pirate,” starring Doris Keane, which got under way at the Belasco April 15. Final curtain falls Saturday, April 27, with pro- duction destined for the storehouse. Belasco will go dark for two weeks, reopening May 11 with “The Night Hostess,” by Phillip Dunning, re- hearsals for which are under way. “The Pirate” never reached first base at the Belasco. Opening night was far from capacity, and the take on the third night (Wednesday) around the $500 mark. Paris Goes to Jail As Equity Impostor Chicago, April 23. Robert Paris (alias Parish, alias Franklin), legit actor who pleaded guilty in Lansing, Mich., of accept- ing money under false pretenses from Equity, is serving a 70-day sentence in ths Mason county jail. Equity, after a long search, dis- covered Paris when the Auditorium Players, with whom he was playing in Lansing, stranded. He had been obtaining dates in the east under assumed names as an Equity mem- ber. He was discovered when signing a receipt for $70, using the name of Robert Franklyn, who was in the east at the time. Chi Finishes “Scandals” Chicago, April 23. When the current edition of “Scandals” concludes its engage- ment at the Grand, it will fold up. It is understood that George White intends to begin rehearsals for next season’s show shortly. Only Harry Richman and Frances Williams will be retained. Howard brothers and Tom Patricola are leaving. “GHOSTS” MEMBERS REPEAT Los Angeles, April 23. Beryl] Mercer and Charles Mc- Naughton, members of the original stage version of “Three Live Ghosts,” will have their same parts in a talking picture of same story. Max Marcin wil! direct for United

} Artista. VARIETY 47:

Sermon or Gag?

Minneapolis, April 23. The public got giggles out of Shubert theatre (Bainbridge dramatic stock) billboards, carrying 24 sheets, reading, “Second Week of ‘An Ameri- can Tragedy’ — ‘The ° Great Necker.’ The sheets for “The Great Necker” had been put up be- fore it was decided very late in the first week of “An Amer- ican Tragedy” to hold over the latter. Bainbridge had large strips printed with the an- nouncement of the second week to be pasted over “The Great Necker” billboard sheets. Prankishly inclined billpost- ers placed the strips just above the title of the underlined at- traction. Equity Stops Play; Will Open Non-Equity Los Angeles, April 23. ‘“WNegitimate,”* produced by Hun- ter Keasey, was called off one hour before curtain time of the premiere Saturday night because Charles Miller, Actors Equity representa- tive here, refused to grant permis- sion for the show to go on. Miller did not like the line-up of arrangements at the theatre. No bond had been posted. The play is scheduled to open without Equity members April 24. One Equity member who was in the cast and had put up $400 or $500 for an interest in the show was informed that he would not be per- mitted to remain an Equity mem- ber if he played. Keasey was formerly head of an advertising agency and at one time operated small tent shows out of Chicago and Kansas City.

Peggy Wood Wants $3,600 From Shelved “Blackface” Peggy Wood (Mrs. John V. A. Weaver), suing as Margaret Weaver, claims $3,600 on a written contract from Talkaphone Pictures Corp, for three weeks’ minimum at $1,200 a week for services she is willing to render in Talkaphone’s “Blackface” production. Actress was slated to star in mid-January at Talkaphone’s studio, 318 EB. 48th street. Miss Wood was to have been fea- tured in “Blackface.” Another pro- viso called for $200 a day for any re-takes or re-recordings for the talker.

Alvin Contract Up Pittsburgh, April 23. The Shubert booking contract expires this week on the Alvin, legit stand controlled by Stanley-Warner Brothers. Stanley-W. B. took over house from Harry Davis upon pur- chasing the Davis and Rowlond & Clark chains. Thus far the Shuberts have evi- denced no hurry in renewing the ar- rangement. Shubert attractions have been playing Alvin for years under booking agreement with Davis. Last year t.e Shuberts were reported about to build, but nothing ever came of it and their shows continued into the Alvin up untij last week, when house closed suddenly with “Hello Yourself.” GERTIE LAWRENCE’S PLANS Gertrude Lawrence returns to England the end of July to start rehearsing in the company which will come to New York to do “By Candle Light,” to which Gilbert Mil- ler holds the American rights. Rehersals are due to start over there early in August with a few provincial dates to be played and then the opening here the first week in October. . HAL SKELLY’S FILM Los Angeles, April 23. George Manker Waters and How- ard Easterbrook are writing an original for Paramount to star Hal Skelly. Meanwhile, Skelly is appear- ing in the stage production of “Bur- lesque” at the El Capitan. Picture goes into work June 15.

Bolton’s Talking Original Guy Bolton is writing dialog for an original story by a Hungarian author which will be produced as an operetta by Paramount during the coming season. Ernst Lubistch will direct, ac-

GUINAN CASHES IN SUPER-FAME Leonard Wood, Jr, son of the Governor-General of the Philip- pines, who cleaned up in Wall street some years ago, co-authored the play, “Sin Tax,” which Texas Guinan is taking out as a starring play, Harold Sherman is the ac- credited playwright. Tex is going legit on the Erlanger time, planning a quick road clean- up to cash in on her recent national publicity in her successful legal tilt with the government's prohibition staff. After the road, Tex may try Broadway. Louis F. Werba is as- sociated in the production; August Pitou of Erlanger’s is handling the routing. Tex's Club Intime, in the Hotel Harding, has been shut down by the police. Instead of bucking the local authorities, which the hostess is now convinced was a foolish move, La Guinan figures on getting a Big Hand for herself from the more sober customers via the box-office, Tex is further cashing in by sell« ing her autobiogrpahy to Hearst for $15,000 against a 60-50 split on everything from the syndication, A ghost author will assist. Guinan figures on her Warner Bros. Vitaphone feature, “Queen of the Night Clubs,” as another good advance ballyhoo for her personal appearances. Texas Guinan with her mob opens for Fox on Monday (April 29) at the Academy at $5,000 through Lyons & Lyons agency. For the same reason that her trial in the federal court prohibited her open- ing last week, the past few days’ legal tribulations with the police authorities once again set back her vaude touring. She was slated to start Monday at the Brooklyn Fox’s, Instead she opens at the Academy where her showing will determine a percentage arrangement which the Lyons office is working out with Jack Loeb, the Fox booker. Tex also figured in an agency squabble between William Morris and ‘Lyons & Lyons, both claiming her. Guild Stars Pass Up All Summer Coast Proffers Despite nibbles from M-G-M and Paramount, Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt will not spend the sum- mer on the Coast having thelr voices recorded. 3 Guila pair have decided that a vacation is more important than pictures at this time. Studio-Stage Double _ Colin Keith-Johnston, English ao« tor, playing one of the leading roles in “Journey’s End,” has been added to the cast of “My Lady's Man,“ Pathe talker, starring Morton Dow« ney, doubling between the studio and the theatre.

BUZZELL’S IFS If “Lady Fingers” shonld call i a@ career by not making an out of town attempt this summer, Eddie en will join those near the Pa- cific. Buzzell may do “Little Johnny Jones” for Warners and Metro- Goldwyn is bidding for the come a mito Saett |

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Page 48

ee ee ee Aa le MOP, Nhe Wl 0* ce ees me | 48 VARIETY LITERATI Wednesday, April 24, 1929

Dirt for Dirt’s Sake Tabloids in New York went out of their way to scare-head the side- walk tragedy in front of the swanky Hotel Marguery, 270 Park avenue, which resulted in the death of Ar- thur M. Smith and the arraign- ment on a homicide charge of Samuel E. Bell, wealthy oil man. The conely and socially prominent Mrs. Bessie Brown of Lexington, Ky., was named as the femme in the case. Not alone the tabs but the New York “American,” seem- ingiy hungry for a strong scandal story, spread itself generousiy and hinted direly at the usual hotsy- totsy tabloid causes. Yarn broke for the Monday pa- pers, perfect for anything smack- ing of news possibilities, on a day when choice front page text is searce. The social prominence of the three ;-rincipals made it per- fect for the tabs and looked like it was a “news” life-saver. Arthur Morgan Smith is a Cleveland mil- lionaire. Mrs. Robert Schuette, $11,000,000 heiress, also lent tone and finance to it as having been the hostess of a party which all three attended. Reports from the home towns of the victim, the accused and Mrs. Brown, the Kentucky social light, have it that the scandalous import of the New York sensational sheets has brought considerable misery into all their existences, especially since there seems to be no “dirt” of any nature. Mrs. Brown’s husband quickly came to’ her side and re- gretted the untoward publicity but otherwise had nothing to say. Tabs, in seeming intent to sub- stantiate their lurid innuendos, played up every detail with in- creased vigor.

St. John Ervine at Home In the London Observer of April 7, St. John Ervine summarized his impressions obtained over here while serving for seven months as dramatic critic on the New York Morning World. Before telling what's the matter with the Ameri- can theatre, Mr. Ervine said: “The critics in New York are all agreed that the season 1928- 1929 was the worst in the re- cent history of their stage. An unusually interesting theatrical paper, ‘Variety,’ which is more entertaining than any paper of its sort we have, reports that 129 plays were produced in New York up to and including March 9, and that no fewer than'90 of them were total failures. “‘Variety’s’ figures, of course, are based upon financial re- turns, for it would be impos- sible to make a list of successes aad failures of any value on any other basis.”

Clean “Well” “The Well of Loneliness” book by Radclyffe Hall, morals are concerned, according to Special Sessions. The decision was handed down in the case against Donald Friede, and the Covici-Friede Publishing Co., of 79 West 45th street, charged with publishing and distributing the work. Friede and the corporation were summoned Dec. 17 after John 5. Sumner, head of the Vice Society, had purchased a copy of the book at the Friede establishment. Sum- ner declared the work lewd and in- de®ent and his opinion was upheld by Magistrate Bushel in the Tombs Court who held the defendants for trial in Special Sessions. The Jus- tices of the higher court, however, after reading the volume decided differently and dismissed the case. X

Quickie Marriages Tip Off The New York Daily News has a lot of Justices of the Peace in and around the metropolis tied up on specs at 10 bucks per tip-off on any q. t. marriage of importance. Any- thing and anybody involving show people, society and the like is im- mediately rewarded with a saw- buck for the tip-off from the marry- ing J. P.

Unusual Copy An unusual ad, ingerted in Editor and Publisher by the _ Blaine- Thompson Co., welcomed the an- nual meeting of the Associated Press and the American Newspaper Publishers Association to New York, being held at the Waldorf- Astoria this week. Full-page copy thanked the publishers “for mak- ing outstanding the advertising pro- gram of its theatrical clients, War- ner Bros., The Vitaphone Co., First National Pictures and the Stanley Co.” The advertising concern han- dles the account of the Warner Bros. and allied producing and ex- hibiting concerns.

Advt. Rates Tilted Amusement advertising rates on Los Angeles dailies have been slightly tilted, with combined daily rate for six papers now totaling $34.47, and the Sunday combined rate (two papers) at $18.41. “Ex- aminer” has top Sunday rate, $10.71 an inch, with “Times” set at $7.70. On the daily except Sunday sched- ule “The Herald” leads with an amusement rate of $8.12. Other rates follow: “Examiner,” $7.28; “Times,” $6.02; “News,” $6.02; “Ex- press,” $4.97; “Record,” $2.06.

70 Per Cent Discount Outcome of the scrap between E. P. Dutton & Co. and the Book-of- the-Month Club, following the for- mer’s contention that one of its books, “The Pathway,” should have been the club’s selection instead of Joan Lowell's “Cradle of the Deep,” is the decision of the book publish- ing house not to submit any more

the English woman writer, is O. K. as far as of its books to any of the book-of- jthe-mente clubs for consideration. The quarrel brought out that the

Publishers Upstage on Questionnaire

of Variety’s.” talking films? An attempt by a Variety reporter to get a cross-section opinion on theatrical advertising from the publishers and delegates currently assembled in the A. P. and Publishers’ convention at the Waldorf- Astoria brought out some startling reactions from the news gentry. The dominant idea carried away was: “What the hell business is it Variety drew up a series of questions relating to the percentage of theatrical advertising, amount of gratis space given to “readers,” source of said blurbs, what experience film critics on sheets had had, what else they did besides writing about pictures, what did the papers think about film censorship, the theatres in their towns, and It was darkly hinted that Variety, a mere show sheet, had a lot of gall and that Variety was, in brief, crazy to expect newspaper- men to answer such questions under their own signature. publisher said he would think a long while before answering such a questionnaire even anonymously. Wording of some of the queries was criticized as biased in con- struction, calculated to mislead, do dirt to innocent managing editors and advertising directors having their own troubles with hard-boiled press agents. The question: Is it true that you are considering equalizing the rate,” (theatrical and run-of-paper), seemed particulaarly offensive. It elicited colorful expressions commonly associated with the recoil - rs One distort, embarrass and otherwise from failing to remove the thumb under the impact of a hammer. The turned-down questionnaire. 1. What percent of advertising carried by your newspaper is theatre advertising? 2. On your amusement page, besides the paid for theatre ads, do you carry readers—who supplies this material—what reader interest and circulation building influence has it? 8. Have you a motion picture reviewer or critic—what experience has the critic had—how many shows ust the critic cover—what other work besides reviewing pictures does the critic do? 4. How does the advertising rate for amusement advertising vary from the regular rate? 5. Why do you think there should be this difference in rate? 6. Is it true that you are considering equalizing the rate? 7. If you equalized the rate would theatres do more newspaper advertising? 8. How does radio advertising rate with amusement advertising as to space? 9. Do you favor censorship of motion pictures and would it not lead to censorship of newspapers? 10. Does your community need more theatres? 11. How do they feel about talkers?

Book-of-the-Month Club gets a 70 per cent rebate on those books which it selects as the best of the month. It’s a far greater rebate than given for any other purpose, and only because the Book-of-the- Month Club distributes 65,000 copies of every book it selects. Book-of-the-Month Club is not worrying over Dutton’s action, claiming other publishers are not only willing but eager to submit their books to it for consideration.

Hackneyed -Words George Young, publisher of the L. A. Examiner, is offering $100 in prizes to members of the staff who can suggest words that will take the ylace of “heart balm” and “solon”. The prizes are $25, $15 and $10 for each word. Young claims that these words have been hacked to death by the copy desk and their mean- ing is unknown to half of the read- ing public.

Vanderbilt’s Next Expose Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr., whose recent novel, “Reno,” was an “ex- pose” of the American divorce cen- ter, is planning another “expose,” this one of Newport. He will prob- ably call the novel “Newport.”

Goldens Throw Party Mr. and Mrs. John den threw a party Sunday in honor ef Mrs. Sailing Baruch, who acted as Florida hostess for the Artists and Writers’ Golf Asso’n. during their visit to Palm Beach this winter for their annual golf tournament. Among those who attended were Mr. and Mrs. Rube Goldberg, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Webster, Mr. and Mrs. Charles McAdams, Mr. and (Continued on page 61) RITZY Favorably Disposed Socially registered Assemblyman Langdon Post has long been favor- ably disposed towards the show business. Graduating from Harvard in 1923 he became film critic for the New York Evening World. Leaving journalism for politics, he recently sponsored a bill which would spare actors from arrest in connection with plays considered immoral, but, after passing in the Assembly, it was killed in the Sen- ate Rules Committee. However, the bill is expected to come up in the next session of the Senate. Known as “Tubby,” Post is a son of the fashionable Mr. and Mrs. Waldron K. Post, of New York, and a grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Post, The old lady was nicknamed “the double Post” be- cause after the death of her first husband, A Kintzing Post, by whom she had children, she marfted his cousin, Charles A. Post, by whom she had more. Her children were cousins of each other. Langdon’s sister, Mary, is Viscountess Lym- ington. Langdon’s wife was Janet Kirby, daughter of Rollin Kirby, the newspaper cartoonist. Janet was previously married and divorced.

Like the auctioneer’s cry, “Going! Going! Gone!” are the repeated reports concerning the forthcoming marriage of Anita Stewart, movie star. The latest date is June 1. At that time she is expected to wed George Peabody Converse, New York banker, grandson of the late Edmund C. Converse, a founder of the Bankers Trust Co. and presi- dent of the United States Steel Co. George was divorced by Olivia Converse. Miss Stewart divorced Rudolph Cameron, actor, whose real name is Brennan. Her sister, Lu- cille Stewart, divorced Ralph Ince, movie director, who then married Lucilla Mendez, actress. Cameron was recently attentive to Marjorie King, who was in “Show Boat.” A brother, George Stewart, is report- ed a chronic invalid as the result of a beating given him about three years ago by Ince. The Ehret Fortune Through the recent death of George Ehret, aged 53, the head of the family is hig brother, Louis J. Ehret. Sisters are Countess Anna von Zedlitz, Mrs. Josephine Burg- hard, Mrs. Elizabeth Conley and Mrs. Madelaine Ottman, The father, the late George Ehret, left an es- tate of $38,896,321, accumulated in the brewery business. So there is plenty to go around! Last January the old Ehret resi- dence and garden at 1197 Park ave- nue sold for $2,550,000. The north- east corner of 124th street and Eighth avenue brought $1,000,000. Louis J. Ehret, who is a popular man-about-town, married a Miss Donahue, sister of James B. Dona- hue. James married Jessie, a

daughter of the late Frank W. —_—<—_<_—$$ KS

London As It Looks By Hannen Swaffer

London, April 12, 1929. It would be interesting to ask a showman who has become a national character why, suddenly, one morning, he woke up and found he was a subject of general conversation, why the newspapers suddenly put him in headlines and why he figured as a subject of stage jest. I want to refer to my own case merely because it is the only one about which I can talk frankly. Things | Want to Know When, in the Savoy, the other day, I saw Ivy Lee, whom I regard as the cleverest publicist on your side of the Atlantic, lunching with Sydney Walton, his English prototype and a man who refused a knight- hood after his work for the Victory Loan, I wandered over and asked them a question. “This week,” I said, “I am referred to in a song at the Gaiety theatre: I am mentioned in a song by Billy Merson at the Coliseum, and another song by Flotsam and Jetsam at the Alhambra; my caricature, drawn by Binnie Hale, the leading lady, is the cover of the throw-away for ‘Mr. Cinders’ at the Adelphi; Billy Bennett referred to me in a speech at the end of ‘Charivari’ at Golder’s Green last Monday, and I am a character in Cochran’s new revue at the London Pavilion. Now, what would you guys charge to get all that done for a client” “It couldn't be done,” they said. It is the Bunk That Counts Now, can any reader tell me why, although I have been in Fleet street for 27 years, and although, long ago, I did as much as any man in the world to create daily illustrated journalism with the Daily Mirror and then, in 1914, changed the whole course of the history of English Sunday journalism by transforming the Weekly Dispatch for Lord North- cliffe, all this earnest and careful work was ignored by everybody, and ill paid, too, whereas now, just because I write a few silly paragraphs about a gang of actors, I suddenly assume apparently a position of na- tional importance? I have not done any work worth doing for nearly a dozen years. now, all the fools think I am important. When I was helping to make Lord Northcliffe’s fortune—and I may say that both the Daily Mirror and the Weekly Dispatch were created in spite of him and not with his assistance—nobody in England knew my name. Now, suddenly, I become one of those guys who have only to be mentioned on the stage to set the house roaring with laughter. The Stage One Great Mystery The only surviving mystery of public entertainment is that if a man who is paid $1,000 a week comes on the stage and says, “I am not Wins- ton Churchill,” an audience rocks with merriment, whereas, if he said it to you in the street, you would push him in the eye. - Well, now, comedians come on and say, “As Hannen Swaffer said”— and up goes their salary. What a world! Now, what I want to ask you experts in publicity is “What does it? Hew does.it start? Why do strangers at first nights ask their neighbors, ‘Has Hannen Swafier come?’ You would think I was Gladys Cooper.” Don’t You Guys Start It! Well; now I dread that it may spread: to America. When, the other night, I met the two young authors of “Gentlemen of the Press,” who are over here on a vacation, one of them started with, “You are very popular on our side.” “Popular,” I said, “I am very sorry to hear it. You ask Jake Shubert.” When, at the first night of “Porgy,” du Bose Heyward was being in- troduced to people by Charles Cochran, his eyes lit up when, suddenly, he heard my name among the others. : “Oh, I read you religiously in Variety, every week,” he said. religiously, you mean,” I replied. Charles Dillingham’s remark, of course, was the best. “Oh, the man who put London on the map,” he said, when he met me for the first time. Now, all this is just by way of making you entertainers study your publicity more. I cannot advise you about it. I don’t think anybody in the world can. It is all such a mystery. Yet, in the life of a public entertainer, it is the most important mystery of all. Yet, “Tre St. John Back in Heaven Well, St. John Ervine is back, unscathed, and looking as earnestty surprised as ever. I came across him in the crowd going into “Porgy” at His Majesty's. He mentioned my reference, in that morning’s Daily Express, to his battles with the New York critics, and said that the only trouble there had been was with the Brouns, Walter Winchell and someone called Ben Hecht. Over here, the wildest stories have been whispered. Still, I don't suppose it was anything compared with what would happen if I went over. I should love Ellis Island. Still, it is nice to have Ervine back. They are always changing the scenery on the stage at first nights, but they never change it in the stalls, Even a new super in the house alters it a bit.

My New Joke ‘ George Stephenson, if you remember, when attacked at the ime he was starting railways, was asked by a critic what would happy 2 if a cow walked across the line in front of the train. if “It would be rather awkward for the coo,” he said. | The other day, we were chatting about the peril of the talkers.’ Sev- “ eral actors were jeering, criticising, sloshing, and yet fearing. } “What do you think, Swaffer?” said one of them. ‘ “It would be rather awkward for the boo,” I said. ’

About “Porgy” “Porgy” is a show that grows on you, as New York found. My mild comment the morning after the opening was followed on Sunday by my long scream yelling to London to go. up from $1,500 to $2,000 a performance, and the interest mounts daily. Dubose Heyward and his wife were feted the other night by a com- pany of English authors who overwhelmed them with congratulations. They have written a fine play. It grows better every time you see it.

Woolworth, of the 56 and 10, and heiress to many millions, In 1925 staff. He employed Gunboat Smith, former pugilist, as chief runner, and ”

As a result business is already the Donahue apartment at the Plaza Hotel was mysteriously robbed of jewels valued at $683,000. Another Woolworth daughter, Helena, married Charles E. F. Mc- Cann, and attained the Social Regis- ter, which is more than her sister has done. The McCann daughter, Constance, married: Wyliys’ R. Betts, Jr., of Syosget, L. L

Benkard Missed J. Philip Benkard, who died re- cently, will be missed by hosts of friends well known in the theatre, as well ag by society notables and Wall Street magnates. He and his wife entertained in homes in New York and Tuxedo. Senior partner in the Stock Exchange firm of J. P. Benkard & Co., he introduced

the wearing of smocks by his office

taught the brokerage business to Arturo Ramos, who married Milli- cent Rogers, after the $40,000,000 heiress divorced Count Ludwig Salm. He was divorced by Julia Olin, who then married Lewis Stuy- vesant Chanler. Benkard then mar- ried Anne Ditchburn, who was the widow of Rudolph Schirmer, music publisher. She was formerly well known on the musical comedy stage .. as Anne Swinburne. Rhea Reid Topping, wife of Henry J. Topping, recently sold her house at 875 Fifth avenue. Not that she needs the money! She inherited the fortune of her father, the late Dan- iel G. Reid, the tin-plate king, finally estimated at $4,668,697, Topping was an only child, (Continued on page 64) off-

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Page 49

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| Wednesday, April 24, 1929 LEGITIMATE

VARIETY

Stock Mars. Comments Lowdown On How Main St. Sees Bway Hits

“play criticisms and comment as to what certain pieces do in stock are submitted in occasional com- piled form by the Theatrical Stock Managers’ Association to its mem- bers. A survey of the last report in- eludes some of the following eriticisms: “Adam and _ Eva,” Oklahoma City.—“A fair pleaser— nothing particular to recommend it. Business good.” “Big Pond,” Salt Lake.—"“Opened weak—finished strong. Poor box office title—good stock bill. Busi- ness fair.” “The Gorilla,” Scranton, Pa— *Not what it used to be. However, gave us good week. Draws dif- ferent crowd. Don’t appeal 60 strongly to regulars. Business fair.” “Ghost Train,” Springfield, O.— “Needs two weeks to get effects to- gether and rehearse. Business fair.” “The Jest,” Minneapolis.—“With- out a guest star and featuring my leading man, business is better.” “Jimmie’s Woman,” Harrisburg.— “Very funny, also very risque, went over to good business.” “Madame X,” Washington, D. C.— *stil a great play but must have a leading woman who can do it. Very expensive four sets and many extras. Marvelous business.” “The Rise of Jimmy Calligan,” Worcester.—"Play liked but title not as good as original in our mind. Business good.” “Mary’s Other Husband,” Wash- ing, D. C.—“Very cheap to do. One simple set.” “Pigs,” South Bend.—‘Fair. Pigs are no novelty in these tewns.” “Sure Fire,” Worcester.—“A good play but needs an audience to put it over.” “Saturday’s Children,” Salt Lake. —"Poor title, poor play, talky. They didn’t like it here, might be ali right in cities where they like domestic eomedies. Business bad.” “These Few Ashes,” Cincinnati.— “Looked fine in rehearsal but didn’t get over at all in spite of fine cast. (Business bad.” “The Wooden Kimona,” Man- echester.—"“Audience didn’t go for this one—first flop in 12 weeks. Opened good then fell after Wed- nesday.” “Wanted,” Indianapolis.—“News- papers didn’t like show—went pretty g00d with audience. Business fair.”

Five All-Colored Shows All-colored shows are multiplying along Broadway. “Blackbirds” is intrenched in Times Square, “Har- lem” across the street in its 10th week. A third, “Messin’ Around,” spon- sored by Louis Isquith (white), epened Monday night at the Hud- son. A fourth, “Darktown Affairs,” presented by Jake Strouse (white), with Garland Howard, Mae Brown, Speedy Smith and Hattie Noles, is aimed at Broadway. It is at Wer- ba’s, Brooklyn, this week. A fifth, “Mr. George,” headed by Moss and Frye, from vaude, is in the making with Broadway in view, and hopes of sticking out the sum- mer. } NO. 2 “BE GAY” A special company organized by J. M. Nichols in New York to do “Let Us Be Gay” on the west coast Went into rehearsal this week. Edna Hibbard heads the cast, which includes Grace Hampton, Niles Welch, Effie Afton, George Renavent, Elaine Baker, Stapleton Kent, Jeanette Miller, Allen Dailey and Harry Stafford. Troupe opens May 6 in Santa Barbara, Cal., and is due for Los Angeles May 13. John Cort Ili John Cort, who went to the Coast some time ago to visit his sister, is under treatment in a Los Angeles hospital for a @iabetic condition. Treatment is principally that of a strict diet. Reports that the showman’s con- dition was serious and that he en- breakdown are denied by his family im New York. j tered a sanitarium after a nervous

Leads From Legit Walter Pidgeon, Charles Delancy and Ian Keith have been signed by First National ae three leads. -

Shows in Rehearsal

“Grand Street Follies” (Act- ors-Managers), National. “Lovebound” (Lew Cantor), Cantor studios. “Let Us Be Gay” (J. M. Nicholas), Little Theatre. “It’s All in the Game” (George M. Cohan), K. of C. Hall. “Chinese O'Neill” (Captain Cushing Donnell), Liberty. “Merry Wives of Hollywood” (Dillingham-Dowling), Dowl- ing offices, “South of Siam” (Shuberts), Masque. nN

Cook Seeks Ruling on No-Film-Work Clause Joe Cook, under a run of play contract with Morris & Green for “Rain or Shine,” which closed Sat- urday, but is slated to reopen in Chicago Labor Day, wants a ruling from Equity as to whether he can play picture houses in the interim. Cook’s contract forbids any kind of picture work, yet it is Cook’s contention that he made a sound film which was shown at the Para- mount simultaneously with his run at the Cohan theatre across Broad- way and that it did not affect busi- ness nor jeopardize his standing. Cook is said to have received an offer of $5,000 weekly to play some picture houses, but turned them down. He also has reipsed to con- sider any present vaude offers, al- though Keith’s has bid for his services. Equity’s finding is ex- pected next week.

Shubert-Péarl Jam Up The dispute between the Shuberts and Jack Pearl which comes up for arbitration tomorrow afterncon be- fore the American Arbitration As- sociation will have Eddie Cantor, William P. Phillips and William C. Dickerman as the arbiters. Cantor is Pearl’s selection, Phillips is the Shubert’s selection and Mr. Dicker- man was selected by the association as chairman of the arbitration board. The latter is vice-president of the American Car and Foundry Co., and a director of Columbia Phonograph Co. Pear] claims the Shuberts breach- ed his contract by co-featuring him with Phil Baker, Aileen Stanley and Shaw and Lee in “Pleasure Bound,” after agreeing that he was to be the show’s top feature. The Shu- berts contend that Pearl is at- tempting to leave their current mu- sical revue in order to accept a2 talking picture contract.

Footlight Urge Peoria, April 23. A patient from the State Asylum at Bartonville who attended the first performance of the Peoria Players’ (amateur) current offer- ing, turned thespian the second night. He crashed the entrance after rise of the first curtain, announced that he was an actor, too, delivered two knockout punches to an amazed member of the cast who was on the stage, engaged in a free-for-all with other players and made his exit with three cops escorting him. Neighborhood Shakespeare Chicago, April 23. National theatre, 63d and Halsted, closes its stock season 29th and will then install the Mantell- Hamper Co. in a repertoire of Shakespearean plays for three weeks. Genevieve Hamper (Mrs. Robert B. Mantell) is heading the com- pany.

Memphis Stock Memphis, Tean., April 23. Lysle Talbot has leased the Mazda theatre, formerly the Lyric, for two seasons, heading his own company, the Lysle Talbot Players Opens Labor Day.

Crane Wilbur Directing Los Angeles, April 23. the Fox staff of stage directors, He will work on talkers in con- junction with a silent director.

ROSITA MORENO Now in the Messrs. Shubert’s “Pleasure Bound” at the Majestic Theatre. The New York “World” said: “Rosita Moreno stopped the show with her dancing. Not only ‘[has she great charm, but she dances with style and finish.” Direction RALPH G. FARNUM 1560 Broadway Two Shows Out Two productions staged in little theatres suddenly closed Saturday. A revival, “Under the Gaslight,” quit on the Bowery at the same time but may resume uptown. An- other revival, “Cyrano de Bergerac,” will stop at Hampden’s this week, while two special attractions—Ruth Draper and Fay Marbe—are also off the list. Miss Draper started at the Comedy early in the winter for a single week’s showing of her one girl show. She established a unique record of remaining three months, “He Walked in Her Sleep” stopped at the Princess after showing three weeks to very slim trade,

HE WALKED IN HER SLEEP Opened April 4. Subs got ° this chore.

i ss “The Vegetable” was taken off Sunday night at the Cherry Lane.

It played a couple of weeks. Had no chance, THE VEGETABLE Opened April 10.. Littell (Post) opined: “dreary revival of dreary satire.” Variety (Abel) said: “utter- ly inept, dull and pointless.”

‘

Zieggy-Felix Deadlock; Law Suits Threatened Filo Ziegfeld, who burned when Seymour Felix, dance producer, took the Hollywood leap to stage tie dances for the Fox Movietone “ollies,” has stopped payments due Felix on “Whoopee” and “Rosalie.” Felix’s contract calls for one per eent of the gross on each of the eurrent Ziegfeld productions, with the producer holding back royalty checks for the past two weeks. Amount involved is around $1,500. Felix threatens court action, Efforts to adjust the difficulties came to naught with Joseph Bick- erton, representing Ziegfeld; Har- old M. Goldblatt, Felix’s lawyer; at- torneys for the Fox Film Corp., Ziegfeld and M. S, Bentham, per- sonal representative for Felix, sit- ting in on the conferences. Ziggy wants Felix to return east to stage the dances for “Show Girl,” now scheduled to go into rehearsal about the middle of next month. This Felix has refused to consider. As a compromise offer Ziegfeld was willing to allow the dance stager of his last two successes to remain on the West Coast until he wants him baek to help ready other musicals on his production list. That plan also held no appeal for Felix and a deadlock is on.

“WISHING WEL.’ WISHING Los Angeles, April 23. With withdrawal of Ernest Geary, San Francisco millionaire, who ‘thought $50,000 a sufficient loss for his share of “The Wishing Well,” this Australian musical had diffi-

ecnlty opening last night at the ; Mason. Crane Wilbur has been added to | Equity has $6,400 on assignment to cover salary list. With indica- tions of trade siight, two weeks’

notice was posted opening night. _|be produced by George Olsen. Future Plays “The Rumble Seat,” new play by Marion Moore, is being tried out by the Smith-Robinson Players, a stock at Reading, Pa. Three additions were made to the cast for the try- out, Helen Holden, Ethelyn Brad- ford and Bryan Dunlevy. “Chinese O'Neill,” by Capt. Cush- ing Donnell. Rehearsals. started Monday. Cast includes Douglas Dumbrille, Hugh Buckler, Audrey Ridgewell, Georges Romain. Opens here May 13. Eddie Dowling, in conjunction with Charles B. Dillingham (not Belasco, as reported), has placed a new farce in rehearsal, “The Merry Wives of Hollywood.” Show opens May 13 in Atlantic City, with a summer run expected to start at the Fulton, New York, early in June. Among the principals are Jere Mc- Auliffe, Herbert Corthell, Hale Hamilton, Grace LaRue and Jobyna Howland, Robert MecLaughlin’s company, headed by Wallace Ford, in “It’s the Climate,” by John C. Brownell, is in Cleveland for two weeks, pointed for the Cort, New York, May 5. Brownell, author, is with Radio Pictures scenario department In Hollywood. “Fancy Lady,” by Gertrude Pur- cell and Charles Marshall, which is in Horace Liveright’s possession, deferred until next fall. “Move Over,” comedy by Arthur Somers Roche, which Hamilton MacFadden has under production option, has been postponed until fall. Roche, meanwhile, will make some changes. “Out of the Pit,” mystery play by James Ashmore Creelman, and scheduled for immediate production by Alex McKaig, has been deferred “Pay Day,” staged by Henry Myers and Donald Haywood, a new melodrama, which was to have starred Ida Anderson, is being re- written. “The Silver Rule,” by Sally Kemper, produced by Hyman Adler, in rehearsal around May 10. “The First Law,” adapted from the Russian by Leonid Snegoff, will open in Atlantic City April 29. Sne- goft will direct and appear. “Babylon,” by George P. Keogh, will Re- hearsals start in August for Sep- tember Broadway showing. “Horseshoes,” by Vincent You- mans, with a mixed cast, goes into rehearsal next week. It is being primed for an expected summer stay at the Cosmopolitan theatre, The colored section of cast com- prises Duke Ellington and Band Cora Green, Miller and Lyle, Ex- position Jubilee Four, Six Dancing Boys and 40 Jubilee Singers. Marian Harris is signed as one of the white principals. This is the show for which Charles King, now in M-G-M talkers on the west coast, was reported .having been engaged. “See Saw,” changed to “Love- bound” and starts rehearsals this week. Helen MackKellar heads cast, show scheduled to open May 13 at the Majestic, Brooklyn, with At- lantic City the second week. Lew Cantor producing. “Your Uncle Dudley,” by Howard Lindsay and Bertrand Robinson. Produced by George C. Tyler. Ray- mond Hitchcock in lead. Opens in Chicago in May. “Camera,” a new play by Ralph Murphy and Helen Baxter, will be tried out in Syracuse next week by the Murphy Brown players, stock. Miss Baxter is the stock’s leading woman, Play’s locale is _Holly- wood. Willard Keefe, assist. dramatic ed. of the Morning May 21. Keefe wrote “Celebrity.”

Civic House Gains Minneapolis, April 23. The net operating income of the Minneapolis municipal auditorium for the first three months of 1929 shows an increase of approximately 100 per cent over the correspond- ing 1928 period, W. D. Bugge, man- ager, reported. Steps have .been taken looking to the construction of two new wings at a cost of $2,- 000,000.

Burnett on “Hurdy Gurdy” Los Angeles, April 23. Dana Burnett is enroute here from New York to put the finishing touches to “The Hurdy Gurdy Man,” a story which he wrote and in which George Jessel is to be starred by Fox. The latter is due here some time

in July. Telegraph, has written play called “The More the Merrier,” which goes into rehearsal urpose and we shall hold you personally responsible for any such action or expenditures.” Meeting Demanded It is demanded that a meeting be called on May 8 for the purpose of properly naming a chairman and officers for the first time and for the valid adoption of a constitution and by-laws. The militants claim that according to the present so- called by-laws, present officers would coytinue for three years, since one*provision states that no officer can be eligible unless a mem- ber in good standing for three years. The association was formed last summer, Mitchell as head of the A. T. A. M. draws a salary of $100 weekly. When a committee of the militants called on him last week, Mitchell questioned the good .standing of one present. The individual showed a paid up card, as did the others. It was aNeged that Mitchell failed to show his card and that he had forgotten the matter of dues him- self, although paying the following day. The objectors at a meeting last week engaged Paul N. Turner as counsel, It was at his suggestion that a formal demand for a gen- eral meeting and reorganization. The letter of demand for reorgani- zation and a new election of offi- ecerse and directors was sent to Mitchell, Milton T. Middleton, Lode- wick Vreom, William M. Roddy, Samuel I. Tuck, Lawrence A. Nelmes, Rod Waggoner, Charles F. Lawrence and Willard Holcomb.

Chorus Boy as Lead in Macloon’s “Desert Song” Los Angeles, April 23. With the walkout of Eddie Feath- erstone, comedian with “The Desert Song,” Louis O. Macloon had to fill the part with a chorus man. Mac- loon, being on Equity’s unfair list, must make all replacements from within the original cast. Lee Parvin, company manager, and Ned Holmes, advance agent, have both walked out on “Laughing Louie,” both Macloon shows.

GANNA WAESKA’S DISPUTE A dispute over $10,600 commission between Ganna Walska and her for- mer manager, Charles L. Wagner, will be settled by three arbitrators. I. Nick Gordon, attorney of 1440 Broadway, is one of the arbiters. Meanwhile Ganna is in Paris run- ning a beauty contest for the selec- tion of 100 French dames, who will be brought to America by the opera star. Howard Potter, formerly asso- ciated with Wagner is now handling Ganna’s business affairs. KEITH’S DIVORCE SUIT Los Angeles, April 23. Peg Entwistle, appearing with the Theatre Guild repertory com- pany, at the Figeroa, has filed a divorce suit against Robert Keith, actor. Mental cruelty is charged.

Three in Short Wynne Gibson, Rella Winn and Hobey Cavanagh, all from legit, are | featured in the two reel comedy | talker, “Sympathy,” by Murray | Roth, now in production at the War- iner Bros. studio with Bryan Foy directing.

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terrae a me: 6 | ewe —y a ee a oe Sn ne eet a inl ene Ne Senn roe we oe ee ee ey A ge Ge et A SP alt ane QE. SE Speak a EN ae i ne emp ilps — ——————_ —--—- VARIETY

Shows in N. Y. LEGITIMATE ___ Wednesday, April 24, sant

‘and Comment

mediocrity or loss. play is also considered. admission scale given below.

Figures estimatec and comment point to some attractions being successful, while the same gross accredited to others might suggest The variance is explained in the difference in house capacities with the varying overhead. with consequent difference im necessary gross of profit. in business necessary for musical attraction as against dramatic Classification of attraction, house capacity and top prices of the Key to classification: D. (drama); ® (revue); M (musical comedy); F (farce); O (operetta). Also the size of cast, Variance C (comedy);

Admission tax applies on tickets over $3. “Appearances,” Mansfield (4t) week) (D-1,050-$3). Was slate: to go uptown; last minute book ing switched engagement fron Hudson here Monday; busines: along Broadway showed improve ment last week: “Before You're 25,” Elliott (2nd week) (C-924-$3). Notices wer mixed and business first week no encouraging; rated under $5,000. “Blackbirds,” Eltinge (5lst week) (R-892-$3). Reaches a year’s run mark after another week; is ex- pected to play into summer: pe- riod; business better last week: $17,000. “Bird in Hand,” Morosco (4th week) (C-893-$3.85). Moved here from Booth; English comedy rated a hit, with business capacity to date; $14,000'and should do bet- ter here because nearly 200 seats more. “Brothers,” 48th St. (18th week) (CD-960-$3). Making money right along, and, with number of at- tractions shrinking, should main- tain pace into summer; went to $11,500 last week. *Carnival,” Forrest (1st week) (CD- 1,015-$3). . Presented. by Irving Lande, kid manager; written by William R. Doyle; title used. be- fore, but this is new play; opens Wednesday (April 24). “Caprice,” Guild. (17th week) (CD- 914 - $3). Outstanding" among Guild productions this season; could probably span the summer, but is being sent to London early in June; $17,500. “Conflict,” Vanderbilt (7th week) (CD-771-$3). Moved here from Fulton Monday; attraction guar- anteeing house as so with former house; business under $5,000, prin- cipally cut rates. “Courage,” Ritz (30th week) (CD- 945-$3.85). Moved upward with other successes last week, gross approximating $14,000; has chance ‘to go through summer. “Fioretta,”’ Earl Carroll (12th week) (M-968-$7.70. Though one of name players left cast last week, busi- ness improved materially, gross going to about $33,500. “Follow. Thru,” Chanin’s 46th (16th week) (M-1,413-$5.50). The season's outstanding musical smash; never a let-up, and pre- diction is for a year’s run; close to $41,000. “Harlem,” Apollo (10th week) (D- 1,168-$3). Colored drama _ will move to Times Square, next door, next Monday; paced at $10,000 and for good profit. “Hello, Daddy,” Cohan (18th week) M-1,371-$5.50). Moderately good business for this musical; paced around $16,500; due to move soon, Pathe taking house for exploita- tion May 6. “Hold Everything,” Broadhurst (28th week) (M-1,118-$5.50). Still a favorite among the leading mu- sicals and figures to go through summer; pace again $32,000. “Holiday,” Plymouth (22nd week) (C-1,012-$3.85). Among the non- musical leaders, only a couple of recent Arrivals getting bigger grosses; $17,500. “Jonesy,” Bijou (3rd week) (C-605- $3). Claimed improvement last week; though gross of about $6,500 was light, new comedy fig- ured having a chance. “Journey's End,” Henry Miller's (6th week) (C-946-$4.40). One of two English playS of recent ar- rival that have clicked (other. is “Bird in Hund’); this one betters $20,000 weekly, “Kibitzer,” Royale (10th week) (C- 1,118-$3). Has been exceptionally successful in getting theatre par- ties; takings again about $14,000. “Lady Fingers,” Liberty (13th week) (M-1,202-$4.40). Picked up with most others last week, takings approximating $17,500, and ex- pected to stick. “Let Us Be Gay,” Little (10th week) St. (C-530-$4.40). Playing an extra matinee weekly; sure feminine draw, though all performances capacity; takings quoted at $14,- 800. “Little Accident,” Ambassador (29th week) (C-1,200-$3). Another com- edy success and a cinch to finish out the season; business has been bettering $13,000. “Man’s Estate,” Biltmore (4th week) (D-1,000-$3). Doing well to date but not figured to extend much beyond six week subscrip- tion period: $15,000 claimed. “Marry the Man,” Fulton (ist week) (C-914-$3). Presented- by Clyde Elliott, first production Broad- way; written by Jean Archibald; opened Monday. “Meet the. Prince,” Lyceum (9th week). (C-957-$3). Should last an- other month or s0; moderate , Mooney show, paced around $3,000. “Messin’ Around,” Hudson (list week) (R-1,094-$3). Presented by Louis Isquith; colored musical, in a house previously devoted to drama; opened Monday. ‘Mima,” Belasco (20th week) (D- 1,100-$5.50). Engagement an- nounced to extend through May: business jumped materially last week, going to $17,500, which was best mark in month. “Music In May,” Casino (4th week) (O-1,477-$5.50). Rated an in-be- tween musical; aided by theatre parties takings last week about $18,000, “My Girl Friday,” Republic (10th week) (C-901-$3). Management still expectant of landing with a show that has drawn but mod- erate trade with cut rate aid; $7,000 to $8,000 estimated, “Mystery Square,” Longacre (4th week) (C-1,019-$3). Claimed to have climbed last week, gross quoted over $6,000; changes in script said to have bettered per- formance. “Pleasure Bound,” Majestic (10th week) (R-1,775-$5.50). Doing good business though under capacity in large house; rated around $36,- 500, which was an improvement. “Rockbound,” Cort (2nd week) (D- 1,094-$3). Opened late last week; notices not favorable to new drama. “She Got What Ske Wanted,” Wal- lack’s (8th week) (C-776-$3). Small cast show may be getting by; frankly cut rated; tdast week’s pace about $5,500. “Show Boat,” Ziegfeld (70th week) (M-1,622-$6.60). Goes to road af- ter another week; that was ex- pected following opening on Broadway of picture’ version; business $32,000; picture will be held out of Boston, Chicago and Philadelphia until after show plays those dates. “Skidding,” Bayes (49th week) (C- 861-$3). Another short cast show, inexpensive to operate, getting by with cut rates. and claiming a weekly profit; $4,000 to $5,000. “Spring Is Here,” Alvin (7th week) (M-1,387-$5.50). Jumped upward, gaining back in pace that lost previous week; better balcony trade; $30,000 claimed. “Strange Interlude,” Golden (65th week) (D-900-$4.40). Expected to play into summer instead of stop- ping June 1; nine-act drama still making good money at $13,000. “Street Scene,” Playhouse (16th week) (D-879-$3.85). Extra ma- tinee scheduled until Fourth of July; tops the dramatic group and still capacity with $21,000 weekly approximated. “The Age of Innocence,” Empire (22nd week) (D-1,189-$3). Has made a good record; engagement nearing end; business off, but better last week at $11,000. “The Camel Through the Needle’s Eye,” Beck (2nd week) (D-1,189- $3). Guild's final production rated having a very rood chance; first week’s gross was over $16,000. “The Come-On Man,” 49th St. (1st week) (C-708-$3). Presented by Roy Walling; written by Herbert Ashton; Jr.; opened Monday. “The Love Duel,” Barrymore (2nd week) (D-1, 090- $3.85)., Ethel Bar- rymore highly regarded in new play; business first week spotted attraction with dramatic leaders; $21,000. ‘ “The Little Show,” Music Box, Pre- miere postponed until next week; revue booked this week out of town for revision purposes. “The New Moon,” Imperial (32nd week) (O-1,446-$5.50). Operetta smash is cleaning up; business approximates capacity for most performances; $37,000, “The Red Robe,” Shubert week) (O-1,395-$5.50). Business not exceptional, but apparently bettering an even break; rated around $19,000. “Whoopee,” New Amsterdam (21st week) (M-1,700-$6.60). Broad- way’s actual leader; takings over $48,000 every week since opening. Special Attractions—Little Tneatres “Mrs. Bumpstead-Leigh,” Klaw; re- (18th vival; doing very well; date in- definite. “After Dark,” Rialto, Hoboken; re- vival; big. “The Black Crook,” Lyric, Hoboken; revival; big. “Under the Gaslight,” Bowery; re- vival; closed Saturday; may re- sume uptown. “Cyrano de Bergerac,” Hampden’s; revival; final week. “The Sea Guill,” Comedy; revival; going on regularly after this week, which is final week for Ruth

Draper. ad “The Perfect Alibi,” Hopkins; In- definite. “The Vegetable,” Cherry Lane; closed last Sunday. “Three Cheers” $42,000,

Boston, April 23. does— Will Rogers in Cheers,” at the Colonial, set a new record for the house in the opening week with $42,000. Capacity is $40,- 000. Rogers panicked the town. Show is in for two more. House is understood to have had 65 grand in the till at curtain time opening night. Top for show is $5.50. Weather was at its worst, but ad- did well by others. “Good Boy” tried to open Monday at the Shu- bert, but mechanical difficulties blocked the attempt. Audience handed back the dough. With but five days it grossed $21,000 and is clicking. “The National Opera Company,” at the Boston Opera house, folded up: the same Monday night with an audience in the house and another reverse line crowded the b. a, The Majestic went talkie with “Noah’s Ark,” at $2 top, for one night only. Pric® was cut four bits second night and with advance sale refunds still another line ‘backed into the b. o. Grant Mitchell in “All the Kine’s Men,” at the Hollis, stayed at $8,000 and then folded up. E. E. Clive has signed Mitchell to open in his rep- ertory theatre at the Copley in a new play next Monday, “Andrew Takes a Wife.” “The Silver Swan” went into the storage cans after a tough stretch at the Tremont. Un- derstood the show is to be pepped up and tried again later. “Young Love,” the Dorothy Gish naughty-naughty, picked up a grand at the Plymouth, but disappeared over the week-end. “Luckee Girl,” at the Shubert Apollo (old B. F. Keith), is still hitting a $9,000 pace. Mitzi in “Lovely Lady,” in her first week at that house, was off only two grand from previous week at the Shubert. Openings this week included “Beggar's Opera” at the Hollis; “This Thing Called Love” at Plym- outh. Rumor has it that Henry Jewett’s Repertory Theatre, which difficulty, falls into Shubert hands as try-out house next fall. House appointments are ideal, one of the best in the country. Last Week’s Figures Hollis — “Beggar’s Opera’; week). “All the King’s Men” with Grant Mitchell closed with a gross of $8,000. Show just about made overhead. Colonial — “Three Cheers” (2d week). Will Rogers knocked b. o. records for goal... $42,000. Tremont — Closed — “The Silver Swan,” to the warehouse after fina! week of $13,000. Plymouth—“This Thing Called Love” (ist week). “Young Love” closed after two weeks. Did $12,000 second week. Wilbur — “Lovely week). Mitzi Gross, $17,000. Apollo—“Luckee Girl" (4th week). Getting a good play at $17,500. Shubert—“Good Boy” (2d week). Hit $21,000 five days. A hit. Copley—“The Ringer” (6th week). Run ends this week with plenty of profits in this unique repertory house. Last gross $8,000. “Rio Rita’s” Pittsburgh Lady” (3d holds her public.

Pittsburgh, April 23. and biz quiet. “Rio Rita,” playing gagement at Nixon, return en- here. show, week. coming in for two months. At Alvin, “Hello, sylvanian in this vicinity. Sharp stock, at Pitt, with Staging “Excess Baggage” seen here. STOCKS CLOSING

hot weather. Rogers’ Boston Record If memory serves—and it seldom “Three vance sales filled the Colonial and heard the overture and then was closed doors due te alleged labor dist $30,000 on Second Visit Last week of regular legit season got around $30,000 at $4.40 top, quite a drop from $45,000 obtained on first visit Started off slowly, but picked up in the middle of week and close’ at full speed. Amateur and college shows scheduled for this house until May 27 when the Rogers-Stone “Three Cheers,” comes in for Then shutters go up until last of August, with Theatre Guild Yourself” grossed around $19,000, due in large measure to draw of Waring’s Penn- “Si- lent House,” had nice week, regular summer trade starting to butld. never After 20.weeks at the Playhouse, Glendale, Los Angeles, Thomas R. Mills dramatic stock is closing April 27. Figures it.better to close with a profit than risk a run into the L. A. TAKES PLUNGE | Guild Opens Rep Sea: Season to $13,000— “High Road” Slighted

Los Angeles, April 23. Business was shot last week, with nothing much outstanding on the local list. Estimates for Last Week “Strange Interlude” (Biltmore, 7th week). Down to $15,000, but not bad at figure and date. “Doctor’s Dilemma” (Figueroa, Ist week). Opening attraction of Theatre Guild repertory season here; subscriptions will figure in these grosses; around $13,000. “Pirate” (Belasco, 1st week). Doris Keane's newest won't do. “Burlesque” (EK) Capitan, Ist week). Hal Skelly in original role; smart take at $1.25 top, $7,400. “The Hottentot” (Majestic, 2d week). Around $7,000 for old one. “This Thing Called Love” (Holly- wood winnings 2d week). Average Dufty gross, $5,700. “Royal Box” (Mason, 3d and final week). Walker Whiteside revival reported at $5,200 on exit week. “Little Orchid Annie” (Mayan, 3d week). Cut-rating and materially aided; $5,800. “Broadway” (Vine Street, 5th and final week). Didn’t create a ripple on second coast presentation; out to $2,600. - “The High Road” (Music Box, Ist week). Slighted among many en- trants of week; around $3,600. “Blackbird” People Quit; Will Sail With Sissle Tim Moore, one of the featured comics in “Blackbirds,” demanded more money from Lew Leslie. He didn’t get it and handed in his notice. Leslie had the Winifred and Mills act from vaude under contract and Billy Mills rehearsed the Moore part. Leslie held Moore under a two-weeks clause. Then Leslie notified Johnny Hudgins, who shares toplines with Bill (Bo- jangles) Robinson with the show that he (Leslie) was sending Hud- gins to the second edition to strengthen the No. 2 troupe, in Baltimore this week. The two incidents stirred up Bo- jangles so that he passed up a matinee performance last week, but showed up at night’ Then five of the regular show band served notice. they were leaving Leslie April 20. These pit men de- manded more money, claiming Les- lie had been promising them the ante but had never made good. Among the insurgents were Balti- more, drummer, who has been with Leslie for years, playing with his companies in Paris, London and Germany; Pike Davis, first trumpet, another Leslie vet; Jack Smith, banjoist; Johnny Deans, second cor- netist and the bass player. All five have-signed with Noble Sissle to open at the Ambassadeur’s, Paris, May 15. None of the men had any contract, having worked year in and year out for Leslie on a verbal understanding only. S. H. Dudley, Jr., and the fast stepping chorus girl, known as Lit-

tle Baltimore, doing the “gaga” dance, handed in their notice to Leslie, They are both signed by Sissle for Paris. Another rumpus was raised at the midnight show last Thursday when Leslie instructed a girl from the second “Blackbirds” to go on and do the “St. Louis Blues” number that Billie Cosdick has been doing at the regular performances. Billie walked out then and there.

Stocks Opening Playshop Players, direction W. E. Heitland, to open 15-week summer stock engagement at Stamford, Conn. Spring Byington and Bruce Adams have the leads. The Clemant- Walsh players open- ed their season in Waterloo, Ia, The Lyric Musical Comedy Co., direction John Sims, rehearsed in New York, left for Montreal to open at the Princess next Monday. *"FRISCO GROSSES San Francisco, April 238. Henry Duffy staged a dual Sun- day at his Alcazar and President. Robert McWade opened as the star of “The Big Pond” at the Alcazar. Edmund Breese came to the Presi- dent in “The Maniac.” There was a general slump in biz last week. William Hodge ended his run Saturday at the Columbia, and the house turned to pictures for atime. “Broadway Melody” opened

“He Walked in Her Sleep,” cess; closed Saturday. “Bare Facts,” Triangle. well.

theatre; revival. Prin- Victor Chenkin, Lyric; Russian art- | 000. ist in special recitals doing very Fay Marbe, Belmont; closed Satur- day. “Streets of New Yorke” Spanish Sunday for a run. Estimates for Last Week Curran—Nance O'Neil in “The House of Women,” about $14,000. Geary—“The Front Page,” $15,- Columbia — “Straight Thru the Door.” Final week. $9,000. President — “Spite Corner,” third and final week, $4,200, ; C1 naitilaaaiainedl final |. araek, $4,600.

Gat < ‘ (LILLIE SHOW'S — $39,000 IN CHI Chicago, April 23. Last week's count. of. shuttered legit theatres indicates the season ig about over. Out of the 11 houses do- ing business, two with musicals copped $75,000. “Scandals” did capa- city at $40,000 again, and “This Year of Grace” mounted to $35,000 at $3.85 top. Beatrice Lillie show, com- ing with such impetus, is being held for one more week than scheduled, “Rosalie,” cheer leading for 13 weeks at the Illinois, wound up Sat- arday to a respectable figure at around $25,000. Considering the fast company it has had to run with in the last month, the Zieggy show turned out fine form. With its re- moval from the Illinois, house went dark indefinitely. Runner up in the musical field is “Connecticut Yankee.’ Holding on in great shape and looks to make a summer run. Drama grosses finctuated, “Jeal- ousy” retaining its lead and better- ing in second week by more than a grand. The Adelphi has added two weeks to its original six. “Diamond Lil,” with an extra midnite performance (Saturday), came in a close second. With the cone bottom nut on the show it can tay in town for the summer. It pul s out of the Apollo to continue at the Great Northern. “Boom, Boom,” first tabbed by the Shuberts for that house, will open at the Apollo Sunday night. “Jarnegan,” quiet at the Selwyn, is another attempting to stretch. Called. off its closing next week to linger a few more. Meanwhile “Har- lem” has been switched from the Selwyn to the Majestic for the 28th, Fast pace of “Dracula” hasn’t sim- mered to any extent. Backing of press notices and general discussion of the mystery, is getting a good call, “Scarlet Woman” exited from the Cort Saturéay to a highly satisfac- tory run. House goes dark until May 5, when “The Nut Farm” will ‘re- light it. Thurston, at the Erlanger, is in his final week, chalking up a profitable score. “Billie” succeeds next week. One new entrant this week has Otis Skinner at the Harris with “A Hundred Years Old.” Estimates for Last Week Thurston (Erlanger, 3rd week). Picked up to better $12,000. “Connecticut Yankee” (Garrick, 3rd week). Standing still at respect- able $23,000; next fortnight should tell. “Dracula” (Blackstone, 3rd week). Slid back about a grand to $13,000. If it can hold to that figure should profit until the heat. “A Hundred Years Old” (Harris, jist week). Opened Monday night to class turnout. Skinner name a draw around here. “Scandals” (Grand, 2nd week). Brokers hold a four week buy that insures house. Hit $40,000 twice in a row. “This Year of Grace” (Majestic, lst week). Biggest attraction house has held this year, Came in to sen- sational $35,000. Holding over an extra week. Three weeks in all. “Jealousy” (Adelphi, 3rd week). Best window call of the non musle- cals. Up a grand to top $19,000. “Rosalie” (Illinois, 13th and last week). Held on as long as it could, but decided to blow rather suddenly. Still at good figure for final $25,000. “Jarnegan” (Selwyn, 9th week). No speed. House limitation in size a factor. Strictly staying on Ben- nett’s name. Around $15,000 again. “Diamond Lil” (Apollo, 13th week). Winding up here to let “Boom Boom” in Sunday. Moving to the Great Northern at a last minute decision. About $17,000 with extra show. “Scarlet Woman” (Cort, 14th and final week). Took off with a final $9,000. Very good. Cast Changes Janet Reade is rehearsing to re- place Ethel Shutta in “Whoopee,” when the latter leaves the show. Tim Moore and Johnny Hudgins, featured comics, quit the New York “Blackbirds” cast. Moore, replaced by Billy Mills (Winifred and Mills), may go into vaude. Hudgins has been switched to the second com- pany, opening Monday in Hudgins’ home town, Baltimore. In strength- ening the road troupe which goes to Cleveland, Leslie plans to send Hudgins to London when that com- pany sails this summer. Eddie Mayo steps into “Good Boy” in Boston next Monday with his Harmonica Rascals. He suc- ceeds Borrah Minnevitch. Patti Harrold has replaced Doer- othy Knapp in the Carroll show, “Fioretta.”

Gould’s “Grand St.” Numbers Dave Gould, of Publix, is staging the musical numbers for “Grand

| Street Follies.” Adee ©

Page 51

eal- ter- in & two xtra ay), the can inue om, erts the vyn, ‘tech, « to lar- the 8th, jim- sion rood the fac- May re- ger, ip & eds ek). ‘ick, ect- ould ek). 000. ould rris, t to raw ek). that » in stic, use sen- ek). usle a last puld, nly. 000. ek). size 3en- 13th let g to nute xtra and final re- yee,”” rins, fork iced lls), has om- rins’ sth- 's to send om- ood with suc- Jor- 10W, ging rand Wednesday, April 24, 1929 LEGITIMATE VARIETY 52 3 Enslish Hits on Broadway So Far Becomes Record for One Season A notable feature of the spring arrivals on Broadway is the success of two English plays. London dra- matic successes have heretofore peen a negligible factor on this gide. It is different with “Journey's End” and “Bird in Hand.” To be coupled with them is “The Perfect Alibi,” also English, which came earlier in the season. While housed in a little theatre, it has fared ex- eellently. That three British plays should land here in, one season is exceptional. As for the native product, it has fared very badly of late. Every new show that opened within the past two weeks is to be found in cut rates, with two exceptions, “Camel Through a Needle’s Eye” and “The Love Duel,” which is an adaptation from the Hungarian. The latter show started very well at the Barrymore last week, grossing $21,- 000. “Camel’s Eye” naturally started well with the aid of the Guild’s subscription, “Street Scene,” the season's out- standing drama, leads the non- musicals, bettering $21,000 weekly on a nine-performance basis. This attraction, “Journey’s End” and “Let Us Be Gay” are the actual dramatic leaders in demand in the premium the run attractions, which eased off somewhat. “Journey's End” over $20,000, actual capacity; “Caprice” and “Holiday” got $17,500; so did “Mima,” which picked up for some reason; “Let Us Be Gay” nearly $15,000; “Man Estate” almost as much; “Bird in Hand,” $14,000; same for “Courage” and “Kabitzer’; “Little Accident” and “Strange In- terlude” got $13,000; “Brothers” went to $11,500; “Age of Innocence,” $11,000; “Harlem,” $10,000; “Meet the Prince” and “My Girl Friday,” about $8,000; “Jonesy” and “Mystery Square,” $6,500; “She Knew What She Wanted,” $5,500; others less. “Whoopee” has not failed to bet- ter $48,000 any week since opening: nor has “Fol'ow Thru” deviated from a gross close to $41,000 weekly; “The New Moon” got $37,000 last week; “Pleasure Bound,” $36,500; *“Fioretta” improved, $33,500; “Hold Everythigge” and “Show Boat,” $32,- 000; “Spring Is Here” also jumped. $30,000. There is a wide gap be- tween these shows and other musi- cals. “The Red Robe” about $19.- 000; “Music In May,” $18,000; “Lady Fingers,” $17,000; same for “Black- birds” and nearly as much for “Hello Daddy.” The latter shows are claimed to be bettering an even break. 2 Ree eS ree agencies, with “Follow Thru,” “Whoopee,” “The New Moon” and “Hold Everything” the musical de- mand leaders. Better Biz Business showed improvement last week, though that did not apply to Next week the Freiburg “Passion Play” comes to the Hippodrome, “The Little Show” at the Music Box, “Congratulations” at the Na- tional and “Grand Street Follies,” Booth. Last Saturday “The Vege- table,” “He Walked In Her Sleep” Inside Stuff—Lesgit When Pathe called Ann Harding to make test for her forthcoming pic- ture on the Coast, she was accompanied by her husband, Harry Ban- nister, playing a part in “Strange Interlude” at the Biltmore, Los Angeles. Bannister played straight for his wife in the test, and the studio ex- ecutives thought so well of his work that they signed him to play op- posite her in the picture. When the Warner-Shubert deal was considered {t was understood eonsumation was close. According to report, the Warners agreed to pay the Shuberts par for their holdings, but instead of cash the transfer was to be an equivalent in Warner stock. J. J. Shubert is said to have refused to consider the sale except for cash, arguing against the passing of control otherwise. Several Shubert insiders are said to have loaded up with Shubert stock when it was quoted at 77. When the Warner deal dragged the market price dropped more than 20 points. Lawrence Boyd, who presents the production “Before You're 25,” which opened at Maxine Elliott’s last week, was not identified with show busi- ness previously. He is a wealthy New Englander. Boyd used the Winthrop Ames office in preparing the show and that force is handling the enterprise for him. Play brokers say there will be more young blood in legit producing next season than usual The success of several young producers in the past two years is the inspiration. The success of Jed Harris with “Broad- way” is a notable example. Abe Blatt’s success with “Harlem” and Jack Linder’s with “Diamond Lil’” are also encouraging instances. Two things are aiding the juv producers. One is the vast number of Plays available. Another is that the young producers are having no trouble in finding New York theatres available for bookings. In other years the house control was caution as to who was sponsoring a play. Nowadays, with the houses seeking attractions, rentals are wide open. A finishing scene in “Rockbound,” which opened last week at the Cort, requires a large fish at every performance, except on matinee days, when the fish used in the afternoon is kept on ice for the evening performance. A deal was made by the producer with a sea grill nearby to supply the fish. Fish costs $10 to $12 each night. Restaurant man asked for pro- gram mention a la Hepner, agreeing to give fish gratis. Producer de- clined to list fish among art objects, so dealer refused to deliver it, obliging producer to send house attendant for it. By the day, if that arrives, when Flo Ziegfeld may be prepared to use his own name as a picture producer or for a picture of his own, its value in ballyhooing may have been consumed through Ziegfeld musical play rights already sold to picture makers. Universal paid Zieggy $200,000 for “Show Boat” and its music, while Radio Picture (RKO) has “Rio Rita,” at $85,000. Each calculates that the publicity of the Ziegfeld name in conjunction is worth more to the respective pictures than the price of either. Recently a business man who stutters called on Philip Goodman. The manager patiently waited while the caller finally spoke his piece. Said Goodman: “Sit down, young man, and let me tell you something. When I was 15 I stuttered as badly as you. My father turned me over to a Professional boxer who proceeded to knock me out once & week for 14 straight weeks. But I knocked the guy out myself the following week. It gave me self-reliance and I have never stuttered since. You should try it.” “Conflict,” which moved from the Fulton to the Vanderbilt Monday, is guaranteeing the latter house. That also applied to the Fulton date. The show is being backed by Hiram C. Bloomingdale, department store. Osgood Perkins, identified in legit with virile characterizations, plays his first character role in Pathe’s “Mother” Boy.” In it he impersonates an elderly and kindly musician. Perkins is an accomplished violinist requiring no double in the scenes ealling for fiddling. When Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic closes Saturday, Paul Whiteman, the roof’s feature, will also withdraw from “Whoopee.” The pit or- chestra will be used for two numbers the Whiteman outfit played near the close of the show, a saving of around $3,500 weekly. and “Under the Gaslight” (revival) joined the closings. This week “Cyrano de Bergerac” (revival) closes. Agency Buys The past three weeks there was but one addition to the agency buys, it being “Bird In Hand.’ Total num- ber—-18: “Spring Is Here” (Alvin), “The Love Duel” (Barrymore, “Hold Everything” (Broadhurst), “Fioret- ta” (Carroll), “Music In May” (Casi- no), “Follow Thry” (Chanin’s 46th St.), “Caprice” (Guild), “The Per- fect Alibi” (Hopkins), “The New Moon” (Imperial), “Let Us Be Gay” (Little), “Pleasure Bound” (Majes- tic), “Journey's End” (Henry Mil- ler), “Whoopee” (New Amsterdam), “Bird In Hand” (Morosco), “Street Scene” (P'ayhouse), “The Red Robe” (Shubert), “Show Boat” (Ziegfeld), “Holiday” (Plymouth). Cut Rates The attractions offered at bar- gain rates include nearly all the newer arrivals as mentioned above. List: “Lady Fingers” (Liberty). “Hello Daddy” (Geo. M. Cohan), “Meet The Prince” (Lyceum), “Skidding” (Bayes), “Little Acci- dent” (Ambassador), “My Girl Fri- day” (Republic), “She Got What She Wanted” (Wallack’s), “Before You're 25” (Elliot), “The Come-On Man”: (49th S8t.). “Appearances” (Mansfield), “Messin’ Around” (Hudson), “Jonesy” (Bijou), “Marry The Man” (Fulton), “Brothers” (48th St.), “Courage” (Ritz), ‘Con- flict” (Vanderbilt), “Harlem” Apol- lo), “The Age of Innocence” (Em- pire), “Mystery Square” (Longacre), “Rock Bound” (Cort), “Carnival” (Forrest), “Mima” (Belasco). “Venice.” Praised in Philly Start, Does But $22,000 and Ends Stay Philadelphia, April 23. Conditions have reverted to the low ebb of the fall, probably a little worse, Five shows bowed in Monday night, making 11 in all. “Houseboat on the Styx,” figured a weak sister, did as well as any. Up at the Er- langer this one surprised the talent by its strength. In for three weeks and may move to another house. The Shuberts’ big new revue, “A Night in Venice,” was a disappoint- ment in its opening at the Forrest. The critics were highly laudatory. and word-of-mouth that spread around during the week was friendly In the Shubert, would probably have clicked from the word go, but this new theatre is taking time to build up. “A Night in Venice” was re- ported at around $22,000, which was not promising for the four weeks scheduled for it, and early this week it was decided to end the run this Saturday. Cohan’'s “Billie” was a disappoint- ment in first week of a fortnight’s return at the Garrick. Played to virtual capacity at the same house last fall, but couldn’t repeat al- though gains at end of the week (Continued from page 48) Mrs. Arthur William Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hubbell, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. John La Gatta and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Buddington Kelland,. Among: the entertainers were Eleanor Painter, Reinald Werren- rath and Rube Goldberg with mov- les and wise cracks about the Flor- ida pilgrimage. Party started at noon and continued till dawn. Lucky’s Campaign Advertising budget for Lucky Strikes this year is $12,300,000, with $6,500,000 going for newspaper space, $3,000,000 for billboards, $1,- 200,000 for magazines, $1,000,000 for dealers’ displays and $600,000 for radio. No mention is made in the announcement of the appropriation set aside for the solicited endorse- ments of stage and screen person- alities. Wrong Title Alfred A. Knopf’s decision to change the title of Charles Morgans British best seller, “Portrait in a Mirror,” to “First Love” has cost him much money, as_ booksellers have been handing out unsold copies of Mrs. E. M. Delafield’s novel of the same title, published about two years ago. As a result, Knopf will call the American edition of Morgan’s, work by the same name it bore in .Eng- land, and will reprint the book by its original title. Park Joy Riding Joseph Israels, 2d, and three news- papermen narrowly escaped death in Central Park the other night when one of the scribes contended Israel’s car could not go 80 miles per hour, without the rear end fall- ing out. Israels to prove the worth and performance of his barge, a middie class motor car, gave it the gun and at 60 miles an hour skidded turning three times. After Circulation After interviewing more than 150 prominent screen figures in Holly- wood as a circulation builder for the St. Louis Star, Harry Brundidge returned home, leaving the field open there to Helen Hurd, dramatic critic of the St. Louis Post-Dis- patch. While Post-Dispatch boasts the largest circulation in St. Louis. they believe an occasional feature from Hollywood might aid in sus- taining their high mark and recover some of the customers lost through Star’s recent campaign of Holly- wood interviews. Fannie Hurst on Novel Fannie Hurst will write a novel while in Hollywood, where she is consulting on dialog that goes into “Lummox.” Want Shorter Stories Evening Telegram staff got or- ders this week to lay off the long- winded yarns. This applies to the various column conductors in the sheet, among them Joe Williams, sports editor, and Heywood Broun’s Literati “It Seems tu Me.” Idea is to fol- low tabloid style with plenty of short stuff on page one. Mrs. Schaffer With Fox Rosalind Schaffer, wife of George Schaffer, L. A. correspondent for Chicago Tribune, has been added to Fox west coast studio publicity office. She will be assigned to write personality stories of Fox players. Aboard a Tanker Gene Fowler, Joe Laurie, Jr., and Frank Mackin, who was Philly’s champ baseball rooter and known as “the mad hatter,” have returned from a three weeks’ trip to Vene- zuela. They were aboard a Stand- ard Oil tanker. Wanted a restful trip and got it, except one day ashore. Fowler is through with newspaper work for the present. He is writ- ing a book on prominent news- paper people who were born and started in Denver. John E. Cullen Promoted John E. Cullen, publisher of the Baltimore News and American since Sept., 1925, has been promoted to the general staff of the Hearst pa- pers in New York. Cullen is a native of Baltimore, being at one time on the staff of the Sun pa- pers. He was with the Hearst or- ganization in New York and Mil- waukee before taking charge of the Hearst string here. Earl W. Wald- ron, publisher of the Albany Times- Union, succeeds Cullen in Balti- more. Serial, Picture and Novel Reilly and Lee Co. of Chicago will publish “The Studio Murder Mystery” by A. C. and Carmen Ed- dington of Culver City. This novel first appeared in serial form in Photoplay magazine, and later pro- duced as a feature length picture by Paramount. Mrs. Robinson Locke in L. A. Mrs. Robinson Locke, widow of the publisher of The Toledo Blade, and a sister of Henry E. Dixey, actor, has been giving the Holly- wood studios the once over. She also talked on the theatre before the Women’s University club of ae School of Publicity Charles Donald Fox, who at one time did publicity for Douglas Fair- banks and Mary Pickford, among other screen luminaries, has started the first school to teach publicity. He calls his organization the Fox Institute of Public Relations. Greta Innescourt has signed with the Theatre Guild to play feminine leads in the Guild's traveling com- pany. The tour of “Macbeth” ends Sat- urday. Florence Reed, who is in all-star cast, is signed for three weeks of “Shanghai Gesture” for Buzz Bainbridge in Minneapolis. Eleanore O'Reilly has left for the west coast to join the Fox casting department. brought gross up to nearly $17,000, Show goes directly to Chicago. “Blossom Time,” in third week at the Chestnut, specially plugged for this, its fourth visit, failed to repeat. The dramatic offerings were equally disappointing. In its third and final week at the Lyric, “Co- quette,” another repeater, which didn't click as expected. Next door at the Adelphi, “This Thing Called Love” wound up a seven weeks’ run to the tune of $7,000 or less. It stayed too long. At that they took out plenty of profit. Blanche Yurka got plenty of crit- ical praise for her revivals of Ibsen at the Walnut, but not so much financia! support. Fritz Leiber, with a $1.50 top, had a successful and profitable single week at the Broad. This player demonstrated unexpected strength and could have remained longer. Still another repeat that flopped was Irene Bordoni's “Paris.” House booked (Keith’s) probably had e lot to do with poor business. This week shows signs of an im- provement. Advance for Eva Le Gallienne’s two weeks at the Broad in repertoire very healthy indeed, in vivid contrast to last season's dis- appointing trade. Alice Brady has a moderately good advance sale at the Adelphi for “A Most Immoral Lady.” Show originally booked for Keith’s, but switched. Reported for four weeks, Other openings this week include “The Whispering Gallery,” at the Lyric (twce weeks oniy), and “The Desert Song” (return), at the Shu- bert for a limited stay, probably about three weeks. Keith’s is now officially closed for the season; the Chestnut will prob- ably wind up Saturday night, de- spite recent wiring. The Shubert, Broad, Adelphi and Walnut have nothing announced to follow cur- rent attractions, The Lyric has “South of Siam,” new tropical melodrama, to follow “The Whispering Gallery.” The Ere langer has “Three Cheers” booked for May 6, succeeding “House Boat on the Styx.” The Garrick has two open weeks after this, and then an- nounces Cohan’s new comedy melodrama, “Gamble.” The closing of “A Night in Ven- fce” this week leaves the Forrest without a show, but every effort will be made to keep the house open. Estimates of the Week “A most Immoral Lady” (Adelphi, lst week). Reported as trying for month's stay. “This Thing Called Love” went out to a weak $7,000. “Whispering Gallery” (Lyric, 1st week), Mystery thriller in for two weeks only. Then “South of Siam.” “Coquette,” in return visit, went out to $8,500. “Wild Duck” (Walnut, 24 week). Blanche Yurka in. Ibsen repertoire, but “Wild Duck” has proven strong- est bet and is being given all this week. Talk of third week. with “Hedda Gabler.” Around $7,500. Eva Le Gallienne (Broad, tat week). Civic Repertory star. Ad- vance sale looks very strong. Fritz Leiber pleasant surprise this week, Shakespearian at $1.50 top. Could have hung on for second week. “Billie” (Garrick, 2d week). George M. Cohan’s musical not as strong as expected on repeat. Around $17,006, House dark two weeks, then Cohan’g new ‘Gamble.” “House Boat on the Styx” (Er- langer, 24 week). This moderately rated musical comedy did better than expected, although no sensa- tion. “Three Cheers” scheduled May 6. “Blossom Time” (Chestnut, 4th week). Last week for fourth en- hacen here. Weak at $8,000 or ess. “Night in Venice” (Forrest, 24 week). Revue highly touted, warm- ly praised and apparently a natural, but never caught on at this house. Mentioned for four weeks, but now set to leave Saturday. $22,000. ~ “The Desert Song,” (Shubert Ist week), return with Western com- pany. Indefinite booking. Keitht’s closed for season Satur- day night. Irene Bordoni’s “Paris” return, $8,000. Original Cast Rule By arbitration Edward Redding was awarded a week’s salary, his claim regarding “The ‘Town’s Woman” being upheld. Redding claimed that he was a member of the original cast, The show, after a brief try-out, was closed for revision and under an Equity ruling players in the original cast were to be first choice for re-engagement. Redding was not in the show when it played the Craig. The award was against Thompson Burtis. Mme. E. &. Friesinger is now with the Brooks Costume Co. For 40 years the Mme. conducted her own ;character costume establishment.

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- Plays on Broadway

THE LOVE DUEL

Comedy orama in three acts by Lili Hat- van) Adapted by Zoe Akins. Ethel Bar- rymore starred Presented by Lee Shubert in association with Gilber Miller. At the Barrymore April 15. Staged by E. M. Blyth BO. . cccccvcccccccescose’es Aele. Calheorm An Attache...... ecose+++++-Martin Burton A Footman. .eceeses Mees # iF he... .cccceccccccccceses minal Barrymore Herr Profeasor.........++ Henry Stephenson An Ambassador...... Ferdinand Gottschalk An Extra Young Man....... Leslie Barrie OO FS seoesscecces ececcee Dorothy Hall BERETS. oc wownsncdeceseoecesecen Anita Rothe COOGE cco sceecee .-Gertrude Maitland Kitchen Maid..cccesessecsses: Carol March Young Widow.....csse«- Jeannette Sherwin

Ethel Barrymore, again using her baptismal name of Blyth, has staged her own attraction in the newest Broadway legit theatre, the Ethel Barrymore, “The Love Duel” is con- spicuously suitable to the star. On the strength of her personal draw it should attract excellent grosses, though a mid-April start would pre- clude the chance of a real run. The play as a play is rather tepid stuff. Attendant to the premiere no lit- tle attention was called to Lili Hat- vany and but a tithe to Zoe Akins, who adapted “The Love Duel.” Mme. Hatvany is described as quite a society personage in Vienna. Whether her Lydia of the play was a woman of her acquaintance is left open. Stories about the stories the Lili has written hint at something of the kind. “The Love Duel” is a lengthy play, perhaps too quiet for average tastes and with little aim at laughter. In original form the play may have been warmer than in Miss Akins’ version. The central idea suggests that and promises a splash of ver- million. Being essentially a dialog play, the promise is hardly fulfilled. Lydia is a woman of great charm. tn her train is a famous physician, Who lets his practice wait while he Ambles to the places she goes. Then there is a gabby ambassador and several dazzled youths. Into her life comes Carlo, a count and very proud of his lineage. She had refused to meet him for five years. There was a woman who shot her- self when count’s interest chilled. So Lydia pretended to detest the man. _ So when Lydia and Carlo do meet there is a challenge. That there is to be an affair is not left to the imagination, but the terms of their association are unusual; it is to be a love duel. Lydia wants the time to come when he will grovel at her feet. Six weeks elapse. She is

WANTED INGENUE For Broadway Production LOU IRWIN, Inc. 1560 Broadway, New York City BRYANT 1626 by then madly in love with Carlo, who is away in Belgium on family matters. Lydia has taken to faint- ing spells, has lost her appetite. There is an effective passage when she learns from the doctor that she is in delicate condition. Lydia, jeal- ous, is prone to believe reports about Carlo—one that he intends marrying a cousin, just widowed. She decides to make him believe there is someone else she cares for. There is a quarrel. Carlo then ad- mits defeat. In answer to her ques- tion as to what he would say if she told him she was to have a baby, he answered that was a serving maid's stuff. Though Lydia had previously believed the same thing, she is hurt to the quick and permits him to depart. Some months laier ina little Swiss mountain town Lydia has had her son. The doctor finds the hid- ing place and offers marriage. The now wan Lydia is inclined to accept, for it means comfort. She had jumped at another conclusion about Carlo—that he had married a lght- headed little friend. But Carlo has been searching for her, and he comes. Was the person she cared for still there? Yes. Had he taken care of her? No, not very well. He demands to see the someone, and Lydia shows him the babe—the image of its father. And so the love duel ends in marriage. Miss Barrymore seemed to mold her talents into the womanly wom- an Lydia. It is hard to imagine the performance without the star, Miss Barrymore looked rather thin, per- haps the effect of her recent illness. The attack stopped “The Kingdom of God.” She mentioned influenza in chatting with the doctor, and the lines were evidently inserted. One was to the effect that a person could be made thoroughly miserable by a cold in the head. Louis Calhern, handsome and count-like with a mustache, was an excellent Carlo. Dorothy Hall nicely contributed the lighter touches as the very pretty dumbell, Baby, who has just divorced a husband and is seeking another. She tried the “I'm going to have a baby” line on Carlo first, but it didn’t take. But she finally landed a man she didn’t know very well. There are, in addition, such substantial actors as Henry Stephenson and Ferdinand Gott- schalk. “The Love Duel” serves Miss Barrymore well indeed, end will un- til warm weather really oeriees. ee.

YOUNG MAN 24, married, cultured, alert, re- sourceful, with six years’ experience in the theatre—actor-stage manager— SEEKS CONNECTION AS ASSIST- ‘ANT DIRECTOR OR SIMILAR POSI- TION WITH FIRM OFFERING OP- PORTUNITIES, Address Box 65, Variety, New York.

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MARRY THE MAN Clyde Elliott present Vivian Martin in new comedy by Jean Archibald. At Fulton April 22, $3.30 top. Mate. .scveccesesccccccecsesccssce ay Warren Leland... cseceseseees-d. Anthony Hughes Timothy..... eccceceeSecceses Richard Ward Mrs, JeMries. .ccorcocccccessecess Ann Dere John Jeffries... .ccscvecceces

TAllian Jeffries....ceseseeees.--d0an Peers Jack Hanno.....seeeeseess+-Jerry Bowman Mollie Jeffries... eeeee. Vivian Martin Gregory Martin....cesseseessss: Lester Vail MAry...scs-ccsccceseeses. -Fiorence McGee

One of the best busts of the sea- son. It had to happen. Someone had to write it. Well, it has been writ- ten. So that’s that. And still it has to be written, “Companiona Marriage” was a natural. But this version is not it. Independently produced, with a cast featuring a not unknown but insufficient star, a salubrious ama- teur started to immortalize a sub- ject both timely and important. But by the time she got through, it was neither. Nobody could do less by such an important topic, on which one could write controversial copy pro and con. This girl (Jean is a girl's

monicker) did the obvious and in-

PAUL WHITEMAN Booking Exclusively Through His Own Office 1560 Broadway New York City fy JAMES F. GILLESPIE Personal Representative

dited a screed about a lovely dame who hooked “up with a guy on the quit-when-ready plan. And she has a young sister who is hooked up with a boy she loves. And she over- hears. And she goes companionate too. But that wuncatch-as-uncatch- when fails to work out. So senior sister finally gets married a la chump, and li'l sister goes and does likewise. So everything concludes “happily”—except the gross. This piece will not get the dough The production is okay (one set) and the troupe is sweet. But the plot is so thin and the progress so palpable this hard- boiled burg won't take it. No single member of the should be panned. woman delivers accordingly—but only accordingly. As far as the author permits, very good. But the author is circumscribed, though first in with a very hot theme. Due for a month or less. BEFORE YOU’RE 25 Play in three acts presented by lawrence Boyd. Written by Ken,on Nicholson. At the Maxine Elliott, New York, April 19; $3 top. Mary Elien........e.++++-Harriet Donovan Gibbons........+ ecccccccess+ William Eville Marabeth Downing......--Carolyn Ferriday Miss Mumfort....ssccceeses++Mary Hubbard Cornelia Corbin.....ees.+...Josephine Hull Jeffery A. Corbin.,...+.see.-Fritz Witliams cast Every man and Lait. Leonard Corbin. ....ccees+++-Donald McKee Clement Corbin. ...sceseess+-Eric Dressier oS re eoceseek. Cecil Butlei Joan Abbott......... veeses-Mildred McCo, Rev. Dwight Simpson....Edward Broadley Norman Phiibrick......Hrnest Glendinning Giuseppe Bellini........Frederico Conzona Norina Bellini..... Sceccecoceces Lola Vanni Broad farce that never clicks, most forceful in its impression of futility as dramatic entertainment. It is a cut rate show from the be- ginning with little chance beyond a féw weeks even at bargain rates. Nicholson deals with dull people, writes dialog which is uninspired and result is a production conspic- uously lacking in entertaining quali- ties. The author deais with a super- ficial young radical, aged about 25, with an unmarried mate and an unchristened baby boy. Clement Corbin (Donald McKee), son of a Chicago furniture magnate, is at the age when he still thinks it smart to be arrested and thrives on his ability to shock older people. A shallow character, without sav- ing graces, not ridiculed for his ec- centric beliefs sufficiently to inspire either laughs or Interest. His love mate calls him a. boob and that's how he. registers with the audi- ence. There is an attempt at the farcical which never materializes. The play has been poorly staged and poorly cast. Mildred McCoy and Ernest Glendinning are about the most nat- ural and most effective members of the company, Glendinning easily the best of the group. Apparently owing to direction the players are obliged to hurry their speeches and dash on and off the stage in feverish, nervous haste. Josephine Hull, in a role which calls for continuous fainting spells, is in- tended to be funny, but isn’t. The butier talks more than any butler, on or off stage should be allowed to talk. For the finale the young idiot dis- covers that he is respectable at heart and marries the gal in pref- erence to letting her marry the par- son, Mori.

MESSIN’ AROUND Colored revue presented by Louis Isquith at the Hudson\ April 22; score by Jimmy Johnson, lyrics by Perry Bradford; dances directed by Eddie Rector, Cast: Sterling Grant, James (Slim) Thompson, Billy McLaurin, Monette Moore, James Thomas, Audrey Thomas, Sam Cross, Cora La Redd, Joseph Willis, Hilda Perleno, Willlam McKelvey, Charles Johnson, Paul Floyd, Three Harmony Sis- ters, Emma Maitland, Aurelia Wheeldir, Olive Ball, Bebe Lynn, Bamboo McCarver, Susie Wroten; Frank Lioyd, Walter Brogs- dale, Arthur Porter, Lena Shadney, Louis Craddock.

Summed up, “Messin’ Around,” a colored revue that came to the Hud- son Monday, is mediocre. Very lit- tle in the performance to indicate it will tarry. Louis Isquith, identified with sev- eral attractions in the past few sea- sons, has his first try with a col- ored show, with what he bills “an all star cast.” A few of the names are more or less familiar and they may be hot in their own neighbor- hood, without meaning much in “Messin’ Around.” Seemed as though most of the players were collected from the smaller vaude- ville circuits and perhaps several from Harlem cabarets, . The mistake of too often encoring cropped up at the start and the first

act was almost encored to pieces.

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Yar »Mabpertin Management WILLIAM MORRIS

———— —— Plays Out of Town

NIGHT IN VENICE Philadelphia, April 23. “A Night in Venice,” the Shuberts’ newest musical offering, referred to “Ss an extravaganza and not revue, and which is having a tryout en-

Funny how presenters of colored’ shows fall into that error so con- sistently. The chorus line was worked too much in the earlier sec- tion. Staging of such numbers was not diversified, the girls going into the same stomp in nearly every en- semble. It is a matter of opinion in what department the show is weakest. Comedy is certainly not outstand- ing. No program credit is given for the book end of the affair. Slim Thompson and Billy McLaurin were left to their own devices. Not onc real laugh recollected. There is one hot number. It came late in the going. Called “Put Your Mind Right On It.” Handled by Monette Moore and Joseph Willis is scored strongly. The scene was a Harlem cabaret and the guests at the tables seemed to enjoy the number more than those out front. Boy how they encored that one! The ballad of the show came as early as the other did late. It was “Your Love Is All I Crave.” Rather pretty. Partly reminiscent. About half a dozen encores for that one Hilda Perleno and Sterling Grant sang the ditty. Audrey Thomas and McLaurin did “Get Away From My Window,” which was all right as a semi-comedy number, but in encor- ing it they went all the way through the lengthy thing. Cora La Redd did well enough with “Skiddle-De- Scow.” First act introduced two num- bers bordering on spirituals, if not actually such ensembles. The first act finale had the company on its knees wailing for aid from above. The scene was a Mississippi levee with the flood waters supposed to be on-coming. Spirituals were not accomplished as weil as_ heretofore in other colored shows. The specialties were only fair at best. Bamboo McCarver did get something with a buck dance on roller skates. Susie Wrotem, fair on her toes, Frank Lloyd appeared as a strong man and looked it, though the big dumbbell he used did not look very weighty. The Three Harmony Sisters started well enough, but cracked on a high note when they reached out of their class. William McKelvey bucked his way into favor, appearing to advan- tage in both sections, For novelty there were Emma Maitland and Aurelia Wheeldin, girl boxers, who worked four one-min- ute rounds in a ring. Billy Grupp, who runs a gym, was referee, but wasn't required. Girls looked okay but one was a lightweight and the other a bantam. The bit was di- verting in its way. ‘Messin’ Around” {is just a colored show. Its women performers run to plumpness. It impressed as better suited to Harlem than to mregeeed: ee. ROCKBOUND Michael Kallesser’s production of three- act drama by Amy Wales and Kallesser, staged by Jerome Collamore; opened April 19 at Cort, New York, at op. Elien Higgins........Emily Ann Wellman

JOG TRISMINS. cc cccccccces -Willard Bowman Maudie May Higgins.......... ..Gene Paul Dave Higgins......- +«-Ricardo De Angelis Amos Higgins...........John F, Hamilton LUCY. es eeeceeesceeeresessenita Randolph “Rockbound” resembles early O'Neill stuff, but more sophomoric. It’s one of those dour New England sea coast drayhmas, depicting the narrow existence of the five Hig- ginses until little PoHyanna Sun- shine, in the being of Lucy, breezes into the household. Amos and Lucy get that way about each other, so Ma Higgins must up and ’fess that Lucy is real- ly her illegitimate offspring, a fact unbeknown to all but the mother. The son suspects it’s a ruse to keep them apart, but, convinced of the truth, the shiftless father of the household turns the mother out. In the end, Ma Higgins’ absence is felt to such a degree and she’s more than welcome back again. Obviously, homely stuff of this nature must be masterfully written to register. A dramatist like O'Neill could only handle it ade- quately. As a result, Kallesserized it becomes guite ridic, although a not bad cast struggles with it hero- ically. In spots, it has its moments, especially that first scene of the last act. “Rockbound” is strictly a cut- rater. The one set and the six people can get it by for a herring, but it’s not of lasting qualities. Nor has it the allure for the Woolworth ;sales girls that a box office baiter like “One Man’s Woman,” that other Kallesser opera three years ago, had to the extent that a seem- ingly hapless and hopeless theatri- cal junk lasted something like eight months on Broadway. Everything

’ Leblangers. considering, “Rockbound” hasn't much of a chance even with the Abel. gagement at the Forrest theatre, is accredited here as being one of the best of the firm’s productions in recent seasons, and certainly a re- lief after “Boom Boom” and “Well, Well, Well” (as they looked here), It has plenty of comedy and al- though there is a generous amount of dirt in that comedy, it registers with a bang. And it is dispensed, toe, not by some of the old Shubert standbys, but by younger talent. Furthermore, it is novel, nutty, un- usual comedy, not a long succession of skits, made from smoking car anecdotes. Ted Healy is the works. The comedy is built around him and up until now he has garnered all the honors. Yesterday the Shuberts brought in Arthur and Morton Havel to replace Jans and Whalen and it is likely that when the Havels work into their roles, a funny show will be funnier still. Healy works with a gang that, for looks, is collectively and indi- vidually, homelier than the bunch Joe Cook has around him and just as funny. Shemp Howard reappears with hig brother Harry and Larry Fine, and this trio serves as a re- markable foil for Healy’s nonsense. They work with him in virtually every number, in his special appear- ances before the curtain and in the scenes that advance whatever plot there is to the piece. They also appear in a pretentious sketch in the second act, a travesty on “Street Scene.” Their parts demand that they take plenty of punishment, and also look dumb. They accomplish both. This crew is not the only nutty feature of “A Night in Venice.” In addition there are the Stevens Brothers and their bear, who do the famous face-slapping business and wrestle with bruin. Healy and the Howards work in with this one and it’s a riot. There is plenty of com- edy, too, in the astonishing acro- batic act of Joe and Pete Michon, The tumbles and falls this European pair take have never been equalled here. They get more gasps than the demons did in “Fioretta.” They've been stopping the show cold night after night. The thread of the story, such as it is, utilizes an fieroplane flight from the United States to Europe, winding up in Venice, where a carnival gives opportunity for gorgeousness and set pieces and tableaux. “Night in Venice” is notable for the fact that there is not a set of costumes or a piece of scenery that has been seen here before. That's something of a record for a Shubert revue and deserves a hand. The coloring is tasteful, too, and seme of the scenes rival Carroll's for sumptuousness. The outstanding scenes from the pictorial angle are Cellini’s Plate, with a huge gold plate against the cye decorated by living models; a Venetian canal set, a number called “The Mistinguett Fan” and one called “The Legend of Leda.” The latter in design is accredited to Ouren Kelly and shows a half- dozen swans on water. Show girls are the swans and their arms serve as the hecks of the birds. The effect is corking and drew plenty of com- ment. There is a native dance number entitled “The Jungle,” which is also elaborate and novel but too long. In this one the girls have their faces ferociously painted and are all in black. Here in Philly, all near- nude and semi-nude stuff was cut out, but there are a couple of num- bers that will give plenty of chance in this direction. One is the Cellini plate tableau and another is an ef- fect that shows a big liner being sunk at sea by an iceberg on which a half-dozen or more seductive show gals recline. The show has plenty of dancing. Busby Berkeley again is deserving of a lot of credit for his work with the choruses. An aviation scene at the beginning gives him his first chance, and after that he doesn’t get much chance until the first act finale, a big staircase effect on the order of the last “Scandals,” but more effective. In this Vincent You- mans’ song in “Rainbow,” called here “Sunrise” and in New York “The One Girl,” is used, and it fits the evolutions on the stairs and the marching up and down of the girls perfectly. For the very end of this number the Albert and James John- ston xylophone bunch are employed, down in front of the stairs, and it’s a darb of curtain. In the last act Berkeley again clicks with a couple of numbers be- fore the curtain, the jungle scene, and the Mistinguett fan. Show employs a troupe of Chester Hale girls and a group of Allan Foster girls. The other principals of the show are more or less submerged by Healy. Ann Seymour, lacking ma- terial, fails to click in this as she did here in “Boom Boom,” although one number with Healy in the last act gets a nice hand. Halfred Young, Colletta Ryan, Ethel Louise Wright, Harry Stockwell! and Johnny Byam take care of the singing and do it satisfactorily. There is only one outstanding song hit in the show, and that's reprised. all

(Continued on page 54)

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Page 53

ePtas pe Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY 53 —=— —

— — ———— —$ Sponsored by Mr. Paul Bloc payable to Morris Gest and self addressed envel- 4 ‘s ope sent now to N. Y. Hippodrome will be filled * TUESDAY NIGHT, APRIL 30 in order of receipt. w | Benefit Performance for the Free Milk Fund for Babies or Sponsored by Mrs. William Randolph Hearst SE ATS NOW ON w x WEDNESDAY MATINEE AND NIGHT, MAY 1 SALE AT THE t os Benefit Performance for the Knickerbocker Hospital BOX OFFECE

— - . suet ee Shnasindilichtiitte . : eee ia ESS — J

Page 54

" VARIETY LEGITIMATE _ Wednesday, April ‘24, 1929

| ~ Plays Out of Town

(Continued from page 52) Betty Rees stands put hot stepping on her toes Laura Lee is more or less lost in her role. Piece is filled with blue lines, the rawest that haye been heard in a long time, although most of them tend towards vulgarity, not viciousness. It’s a very expensive show, much more so than most of the recent Shubert musicals, and it will have to gross plenty everywhere to make profit. That it should do on the comedy angle alone, not forgetting the gorgeousness, the nudity and the risque lines. Waters. 100 YEARS OLD Albany, N. Y., April 23. Otis Skinner in comedy in three acts by Serafin and Joaquin Alvarez Quintero: Englich version by Helen and Harley Gran- through. with some

ville-Barker: Directed by James Whole At the Capitol, Albany, April 18. Manuel. ....cccccccccescccocs Arthur Lewis Carmen CampoS.....e.e+++- Georgia Harvey Dona ao ae op eeee-+Katherine Grey Don Evaristo.. Cocccovedeoee Fred Tiden Papa Juan. cocccspeccccens cele Maer Dona Filomena. coc cececes Octavia Kenmore Eulalia........ ce scesocccecces Mary Howard BHIMGs ccacecceceosec eeeees++-Hardie Albright Currita obreseccddoccvceséomasy .Arbens BBecccpesepee eccccescccoces Veromica,, Rey Antonon...... ecccccoceeses-Cnaries Dalton Alonaso........ va eweceeees Reginald Barlow Guitar Player. ...sererereess -David Bolster

Gilbert ' Miller has landed another money maker with Otis Skinner in “A Hundred Years Old,” a Spanish comedy. Play has many dramatic and reveals Otis Skinner performer than ever. who gnoments, as a finer Skinner plays a centenarian, to celebrate his 100th is planning birthday, and has invited all his relatives. There are many in his clan, some poor and others wealthy, but he wants them all together again seated at the same table Many types and characters among the relatives, the aristocrat, the humble, the radical, the egoist, the adventurer and so on, all brought together to please the good-na- tured Papa Juan. During the hilar- lous moments at this party, all the relatives make merry with one an- other as equals, just what Papa Juan strives for. There is the entire play in a nut- shell, and there is the plot. But with such a character as Otis Skin- ner and his fine acting and the well directed and smooth dialog much of a plot is not needed. Take Otis Skinner out of the cast and the play would vanish. Veteran star is supported by a stiperb cast. “A Hundred Years 01a” is a course in philosophy of life The play is in one beautiful set. Retonda. Olive Bailey and William Grew have taken over “My Girl Friday,” comedy, at the Republic Theatre, from Schnebbe & Bacon. | Bailey holds the lease on the theatre and

Grew authored the play. jac ts and one scene by Wm, DuBols. | Los Angeles,

THE PIRATE Los Angeles, April 15. Belasco & Curran present Doris Keane in a romance of the Caribbees in three Staged Worthington Miner. At the Belaseo, April 15; $2.50 top. Clatre Evers burke by Pancho ....+++++ eoesecs A. St. Bernal. ...ccccseccsvissstees Morgan

IM@SZ...cesecsse e+e+-La;,elah Monif-faltane TiO RUY...cccccscccverseses George Pearce Miguel. ....cecses ceveees- Nicolas Caruso ROMO. ..ccccccccctsesccsces Horace Button Marianna. .cccccccccescossssse® Dore Wilson Ledoux. -.sseces eoccecsoes Pierre du Ramey ROD IOdO. . sccoscccceetereesecnes Lucian B6eif Diego. ....se« eceeceeees++Demitris Emanvel Fuentes...... Scoecegwococesscece, Don Miller Ricardo. ...cseees ecesecce Richard Alexander DOB. occvccccessecs eceses Frank K. Dawson Amelia. .csccsccees eovccecs Mitzi Goodstadt CIOONE. «vo cscocsec eccescesse-Alice Keating Elvira ———— gh aalaamaamasaiey .. Doris Keane Capt. Veneno English Captain.....-cscsecsess Boyd Agin COMA cc cc ccvccscésouvecsececes Kay Rogers BoleGad. ...ccceccoccvwececeses Joan Bennett Don Carlos Serpa...+.seees+.-John Warner Don Felipe Serpa....«+>+ +. Vernon Steele Orozaca «+-.Wm. Spelvin Ayale...cccccccccccccecces. mgith Haswell VOS0O0. ccccccccccccevecoces Sanford Wheeler

—- After four years in London Doris Keane is back in America minus her “Romance.” Her new play will never approach her standby. It will hardly get very far as it is not sin- cere in intent and taxes Miss Keane to the last degree of her acting ability to enact a part which does not ring true and that will not in- erease her prestige. te‘asco and Curran gave Miss Keane every possible aid. Their production, though in one set, is as fine as it could be made regardless of expense. It is the interior of*a eabin of a pirate ship with detail and settings rich and elaborate to admirable as is the staging of Worthington Miner. Pictorially and atmospherically the play is all that can be asked but that cannot overcome unskillful dialog or befogged motivation. Story deals with the daughter of a pirate king, bitterly unfortunate in a love affair, taking the place of her father as commander of one of the most notorious pirate ships that has ever sailed the Main. She is a wanton, bold, and feared by her crew. What a part for the gentle Doris Keane! The girl now calls herself “Cap- tain Poison.” From her spies she hears that the nephew of her former lover is about to make her sister his mistress The sister believes her dead. So the pirate ship cap- tures the vessel on which are the girl, youth eand uncle and brings them all within the power of the “she” pirate. The girl, an innocent creature, is just as strong in char- acter as her pirate sister. So there is a battle of wits. The pirate gir! tries to show the other that the lover means no good. The innocept maid scoffs; so the pirate gal has the lover brought into the captain’s cabin and kept over night. Then starts an auction of girls including the sister with the dice being loaded to let the boy lover win. A _ battle of cutlasses is waged between the lover and one of the pirate crew which ends in victory for the lover. Having been received into the ranks of the pirate, he Geclares himself unfit for mar- riage. ' Here the play begins to wander, though action is tense. Attempts to build emotional situations are

the minutest degree. The cast is rather vain.

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LOT TRUCOULGUSESUOUCUCRATOSEUOENEUUNOUEOPEOUSEESDASUREOOUAODOEAOUQIUEANQTENRUIEINIEINEGAP

Broadway rarely wakes up before late forenoon

The SHOWFOLK’S SHOP KEEPS SHOWFOLK’S HOURS —and rarely goes to bed quite as early. as less incandescent neighborhoods. And so, to re suit, the Broadway Shop keeps open until 9 o’clock each night. This is a good thing to remember when one needs a pair of slippers urgently some time, or when one would rather shop downtown than at some less representative neighborhood store. eeerre yyy |

BROADWAY AT 467™* STREET Open until 9 P. M. To wind up the play the good girl is taken ashore, the lover is released by the she pirate with a king’s ransom in wedding presents and told to marry the-girl. “Captain Poison” has dramatie farewell scene with the lover who threw her down. Vernon Steele plays this part in suave and sincere way right down to the denouement when he drinks a toast to his for- mer love and goes over the side to self destruction. Another prize ship comes into. sight, the girl -pirate’s lust for treasures and blood revive and the curtain goes down amid thundering of guns and the yells of the savage crew. Play has an abundance of action and sound, with gun fire at the rise of the curtain and battling and scuffling whenever the author finds himself out of resource to meet a situation. Cast is large and intelligently placed. Vernon Steele is excellent with Horace Button also entitled to _ mention for his Characterization, ~ John Warner as'‘the ju’ lover not so hot. Joan Bennett, great to look at, did not seem to be the player for the sister role: Belasco & Curran should = be credited with trying something unique but they will hardly get far with this endeavor. Una. Engagements Vannoy Sisters, dancer, “Vanities.” Arthur and Morton Havel replace Jans and Whalen, “A Night in Ven- ice.” ‘ Owen Martin, vaude with Harry Steppe, has signed with “Little Ac- cident,” which, after a long run in New York, goes to Chicago. Mark Sullivan, fér George M. Cohan’s new “All in the Game,” opening May 13 at Garrick, Phila- . delphia. John Cumberland replaces Rich- ard Sterling, “My Girl Friday.” Marion Phillips replaces Virginia Barrett, “Pleasure Bound.” Bert Mathews, “The Little Show.” Helen Freeman replaced Dorothy Sands, “The Sea Gull.” Sam Colt, Louise “The Nut Farm.” SHOWS CLOSING “The Desert Song,” Shubert booked, closed Saturday. Jules Murray and George Nicolai. finan- cially interested. “Rosalie,” making exit : from Chis cago, hopped to the Shubert, Newe ark, N. J., for one week. Come pany disbands after that with all contracts terminating. George Choos, “Hello Yourself,” with Waring’s Pennsylvanians, closes its road tour at the Hanna theatre, Cleveland, Saturday, RITZY

Omar, acrobatié Huntington,

(Continued from page 43) spring of the first wife. The second was Clarisse Agnew, a chorus girl, and the third, Mabel Carrere, was also a chorus girl. When Mabel secured a divorce, she was awarded an income of $30,< 000 a year for life. In the spring of 1928 the law firm of former Corpo- ration Counsel, Charles 8S, Thornton, of Chicago, sued the Reid estate for $35,860, for expenses incurred in having Mr. Reid admitted to vari- ous sanitariums for treatment for drug addiction. Topping is well known as an amateur golfer, hav- ing held the Connecticut State championship An Arty Famiiy Mr. and Mrs, E. Paul Nevin are in the Social Register. He is a son of Mrs. Ethelbert Nevin, and his late father wrote “The Rosary.” The younger Mrs. Nevin was Jen- nie Fassett, sole representative aq her immediate family in the Regis- ter. Her brother, Truman Fassett, ig an artist, and painted a striking portrait of Walter Hampden as Cyrano de Bergerac. Another brother, Jay Fassett, is an actor, ‘Their mother, Mrs. J, Sloat Fassett, was Jennie Crocker, of California, sister of that spectacular personage, Aimee Crocker, in turn Mrs. Porter Ashe, Mrs. Harry Gillig, Mrs. Jacke son Gouraud, Mrs. Alexandre Miski- noff and Princess Galitzine, having divorced her fifth husband. A son was born recently to the fashionable Dr. and Mrs. Russell H. Patterson. Mrs, Patterson is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rector K, Fox, who move in exclusive so« ciety in New York and Moun* Kiseo, Her uncle, the late Joha ox, novelist, wrote “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come” and

“The Trail of the Lonésome Pine.”

am married Fritzi Scheff, who later |} divoreed George Anderson, actor.

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~~ ee ve —_— oS ~~ Fe F&F © oo oe ool! eo = =— SF tw Ge §t Pee eS “Qe Wee Bese de TAWs twee teow * tages ” od MUSIC SONG WRITERS —- eee ee OE CSC + . VARIETY 55 Mills Tells Music Men Screen Threatens Life of Am. Society As Member Hostility Grows Los Angeles, April 23. Counting on a vast renewed source of revenue from pictures and syn- ehronized screen productions, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, hopes to reach a $4,000,000 goal for a royalty melon split-up. As is, they have bettered $250,000 quarterly for the past few years, or over $1,000,000 a year. : E. C. Mills of the American So- ciety is quoted stating that within the next thrie years it hopes to de- rive $4,000,000 from Wired Radio alone. The North American Co., whose subsiliary, Wired Radio, Inc., starts functicning in Cleveland later this spring, has $1,000,000 in ap- paratus to be connected for ser- vicing at $2 per month toll for “wired wireless” entertainment. Mills came to the coast to go into the picture-music situation where- upon the film producers decided to ignore Mills and not deal with the “music trust” representative, stating that all such matters be handled by the home offices in New York through the legal staffs. Will Hays had called a meeting to that effect. Any contact Mills wanted with pro- ducers was refused and referred back to New York. Mills is particularly anxious about the foreign music synchronization rights. Regarding these foreign rights, the American Society’s royalty de- mands are deemed impossible and exhorbitant. He asked one pro- ducer a sum, running into a few thousands, which would be in ex- cess of what the producer could get for the entire exhibition rights for that particular foreign country. The picture man bitterly stated he would rather get a new synchronization, utilizing non-copyrights or foreign copyrights, rather than be forced to give up so much money to the & 8.0: 4, -?. Against Mills Mills, meantime, is encountering bitter antagonism from within the rarks of the American Society. Its writer-members more than ever be- fore are up in arms against the classifications, They argued that the present-day songsmiths, those who are. -oducing the contemporary song hits, are not getting the same attention nor the same financia] re- turns as some of the older writers in New York who are in class “A” and collecting the cream of the royalty dividends through living on their past performances. Mills encountered this situation when he called a dinner-meeting of the American Society on the coast, which some 75 music men attended, including songwriters, pluggers and business representatives of music publishers. [In a sep.urate box here- with are the names of the attend- ants an., incidentally, it is a sym- posium of the writers now active on the coast in*pictures.] Victor Herbert wes remembered ir tribute. After the dinner, only members of the American Society remained for the business discus- sion. Mills told them that the basic reason for this gathering was for common protection against the pic- ture producers who threatened to drive the A. 8. out of business. He cautioned writers to be careful in their dea.ings with studios; not to turn over their copyrights to stu- dios, but to see that the American Society was ceded these rights for royalty collection purposes, because it was from the A. S. that the writ- ers were deriving considerable rev- enues., Warners, “Offenders” It was stated that the Warner Brothers were “the worst offenders” of the society, as they were signing up so many men and insisting that the copyrights remain their prop- erty, and that if the other studios followed suit there was considerable danger that the picture industry would, in time, control so many of its own copyrights that the Ameri- The Warners, through their Wit- mark publishing connections, now own alj their theme song copy- rights. The other musico-film tie- ups are in a similar position for such control. Classification At this point of Mills’ diatribe, a captious faction of writers headed by Joe Goodwin wanted to know about reclassification. This has long been a bone of contention among the upcoming writers and j publishers whose hits account for the importance of the A. S. These writers complained that their class- ifications were not right; that they should be way up in front and that as the picture business would be re- sponsible for a flock of hits, ind that the writers of these prospec- tive hits were presently lowly clas- sified, their classification should be changed. . Irving Berlin, Al Jolson and By- ron Gay took the position, in refu- tation, that the writers’ hit produc- ticn governed their standings and that a couple of hits did not war- rant their being continued in class “a” if their subsequent songs dropped off in popularity. As far as Mills’ purpose for the meeting was concerned, it was a generaj bust. Called to discuss copyrights and picture music, it wound up as a general squawk about unsatisfactory classification. Mills subsequently, after being snubbed by the west coast picture men, stated that it was not his in- tention to deal with the producers on the coast, knowing he had to treat with the distribution end in New York. The American Society is asking $100 a song for each number syn- chronized and $25 for partial use of a number for foreign rights syn- chronization, On a blanket contract for all their product the rates re- duce 50 per cent., to $50 and $25 per number or part of a number. The A. S. is now deriving $250,000 gross per annum from Electrical Research Products, Inc. (ERPI)— the Western Electric subsidiary— and RCA Photophone, Inc., at the rate of $125,000 each, against a per- seat tax arrangement of 3%4c. Mills’ Offer Producers using devices other than ERPI or Photophone are sub- ject to the $100 and $50 per number or part thereof, as above, for the American-Canadian exhibition rights only. For foreign rights the same tax is once more tacked on. Mills stated that if any member of the Society wanted to be relea3.d he would turn back their contracts. This Mills had no authority to do individually or otherwise. It - is strictly a membership voting propo- sition, unless Mills reckons on his self-ordained czaristic powers to in- tluence the necessary votes. Mills, meantime, is counting much on the North American Co., the public utility corporation, which controls Wired Radio, Inc. This lat- ter company went far afield to buy up a foreigr catalog in order to dodge the American Society, but Mills figures the wired wireless en- terprise will be compelled to come to him for pop music stuff. “Glorifying” to Employ Old “Follies” Tunes Walter Donaldson and Edgar Leslie are writing the songs for “Glorifying the American Girl,” the Paramount picture. They go to the Coast June 10 to take up duties for Fox, this latter by arrangement with Bobby Crawford's firm, De- Sylva, Brown and Henderson, Inc. “Glorifying” assignment is also a “by arrangement” deal with the Harms-Paramount subsidiary, the Famous Music Corp., as the con- trolling firm. Ziggy held out for Donald-Leslie to do the “Glorify- ing” release. A medley of past Ziegfeld “Follies” and other pro- duction song hits will be part of the picture’s score, with the spe- ean Society would be exterminated. cial themes by Donaldson-Leslie. Songwriters West Ballard Macdonald Con Conrad Dave Stamper Sam Coslow Jesse Greer Ray Klages Jo Trent Jack Yellen Alfred Bryan Byron Gay Harry Akst Grant Clarke Al Dubin Nacio Herb Brown Arthur Freed George W. Meyer James Brockman Sidney Clare Jack Stern Dave Dreyer Bud DeSylva Ray Henderson Lew Brown Louis Silvers Harold Berg Milton Ager Fred Fisher Leo Robin Richard A. Whiting Gus Edwards Irving Berlin Al Jolson ° Ray Perkins Chris Schoenberg Dr. Hugo Riesenfeld Archie Gottler W. Franke Harling Sidney D. Mitchell Lou Alter E. C. Millis Saul H. Bornstein -Ben Bornstein COAST REPRESENTATIVES Art Schwartz, Witmark Harry Coe, Feist Leonard Van Berg, Sherman- Clay Sig Bosley, Robbins Tubby Gérron, Santly Bobby Gross, Remick Leonard Goldstein, Shapiro- Bernstein Carl Lamont, Ager-Yellen- Bornstein Dick Powers, Donaldson- Douglas-Gumble Ben Berman, DeSylva- Brown- Henderson ‘ Sid Clark’s Divorce Theodore J. Lesser, New York attorney, went to Chicago to inter- pose an answer in Sid Clark’s di- vorce suit against his wife, Mrs. Betty Gluck, non-pro. Clark is m. c. at the Cafe Royal and alleged de- sertion, whereas Mrs. Gluck has a final decree of separation in New York calling for $10 weekly alimony and $100 counsel fees. Clark owes his wife 10 weeks’ alimony plus that $100 counsel fees which she is trying to collect. They were married in 1924 and have no children, Last fal) Justice Mahoney granted her a separation decree. 2 More Ace Songsmiths Go Fox; Quit Old Firm L. Wolfe Gilbert and Abel Baer go with Fox as a songwriting team, with DeSylva, Brown & Henderson, Inc., as publishers. This means the disassociation of Gilbert and Baer from Leo Feist, Inc., after many years as ace staff writers. Mabel Wayne, the third Feist songwriting standby, is said also to be in receipt of a Fox offer, but she is sticking with Fe.st’s. Feist’s took the graceful attitude on Gilbert and Baer switching con- nections ‘at an offer like Fox-Craw- ford’s couldn’t be denied. Gilbert is guaranteed $750 a week on a two years’ contract, $250 of which is paid by Fox as a salary for ex- clusive services and $500 of which is against song earnings on royalties. MENDOZA-AXT WEST David Mendoza and William E. Axt, musical directors of the Capi- tol, New York, and more recently in charge of synchronizations at M-G-M’'s eastern studio, supposedly are due for Culver City. M-G features are to be synchro- nized on the coast with very few silent releases left to require the eastern studio facilities. Some Fox pictures have also heen avnchronized in the New York M-G studio. Flying Bandsmen Broadway band boys now have their own private Albatross Flying Club, with clubhouse and hangars at Roosevelt Field, Long Island. Roger Wolfe Kahn, now a seasoned pilot, is president of it. B. A. Rolfe, Andy Sannella and Sam Herman are among the prominent radio jazzists who can handle the “stick” on their own and are members of the Albatross. Shapiro-Bernstein Sue On Pathe Theme Song Waltz theme song of the Pathe feature, “Syncopation,” is the sub- ject of an injunction suit by Sha- piro, Bernstein & Co., Inc. agains* Green & Stept, Inc. The song is “Tll Always Be In Love With You,” published by Bud Green and Sammy Stept and authorized by Green and Herman Ruby. Louis Bernstein's firm claims an arrangement for a _ turn-over of this song to S.-B. under the same conditions as that when S8.-B. took over “That’s My Weakness Now” from the same firm. These terms were a $2,500 advance, cost of plates, a three-cent royalty on sheet music and 50 per cent. of for- eign rights. Green & Stept, Inc., contend that “Weakness” was turned over while it was practically in manuscript, after Helen Kane had clicked it over, whereas with the waltz, after they had been up half the night plugging and landing acts and get- ting it set 200 per cent. on the me- chanicals, they didn’t think it fair to turn it over to Shapiro-Bern- stein. Meantime Justice Henry L. Sher- man in Supreme Court granted a temporary restraining writ on an order to show cause, pending adju- dication of the regular motion for an injunction which will be argued this (Wednesday) morning. Studio’s Fancy Wages Bring Pit Musicians Los Angeles, April 23, With their future status in the picture houses more or less of an uncertainty, and with the lure of fancy wages for picture studio re- cording work, a large number of lo- cal pit musicians are giving up their jobs and casting their lot with the picture companies. The claim is they have a chance of earning as high as $100 a day. as compared with an average wage of about $12 a day in the pit jobs. Stu- dio recording scale runs $10 per hour. Some of the more fortunate players have been on the job as much as 10 hours at a stretch, and even longer. In a few instances the recording time has extended close to 24 hours at one sessiqn. Where steady employment at the studios is not possible, some of the more proficient musicians are en- abled to get an occasional day’s work, employing a substitute at the regular theatre scale to play for them in the pit during their ab- sence. Musician Gets Acting Role in “The Climax” Los Angeles, April 23. John Schonberger, violinist with- out acting experience, has been given the third important part in Universal's “The Climax.” Renaud Hoffman, director, was ready to sign an actor for the part, that of a violinist, but following a test of Schonberger latter was chosen. New player is leader of Studio Trio, which has provided music on sets for years. Also he has had concert experience and for a long time has played over the radio, BANJO MUTE PATENTED Washington, April 23. An automatic mute for banjo has just been patented by W. J. David- son and M. G. Wolf, Chicago, and A. Bernich, Riverside, Ml. Patent is numbered 1,708,169. Commissioner of Patents will for- ward description upon receipt of the number and 10 cents for mail- ing costa: ee — IN ASS’N + p00 EXPECTED IN NEW CLUB Protective Organization — Outgrowth of Rapidly Changed Ccnditions for Writers—Ways and Means Committee Appointed NO CONFLICTIONS At a meeting of the Song Writers’ Club Friday night in New York, it was resolved by the members present to reorganize the club under the title of the.-Song Writers’ Protective Association. All reqog- nized song writers were declared eligible. It is anticipated that the new association’s membership will reach 600, all pure writers. Ap- plicants will be scanned for mem- bership along the lines of admis- sion for them into the American Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers. During the dinner, with Earl Carroll presiding as president of the old club and Gene Buck, guest of honor, a Ways and Means Com- mittee was appointed to develop the new association. On it are Mr. Buek as chairman, Billy Rose, Joe Young, Irvirg Bibo, Ray Hubbell and Jeff O’Hara. Each represents a distinctive style of song writing, the committee as a whole covering the entire field. Abuses Alleged abusive corrections to he worked out are said to include a standard form of contract for writers with the publishers, to con- tain a minimum salary, guarantee or royalty clause, along with proper methods of auditing; a clause that shall call upon the publisher to circulate the song within six months after receipt or return it to the writers, and another to prohibit publishers from cutting in starring deadwood as a frontispiece billed writer at the expense of: the real author’s royalty. There is no confliction expected between the song writers and the other music societies they are iden- tified with in one way or another, such as the American Society and the Music Publishers’ Protective Association. The meve to organize comes from the greatly altered con- dition and position of the currently in demand song maker. , Other corrections deemed re- quired by the Committee will be formulated and submitted to the membership. Requirements It is said there are 750 song writers at present in the U. 8S. To secure recognition in the Amer- ican Society, a writer must have had published five iegitimate songs, legitimately circulated with a proper return from a_ publisher. Those rules will apply probably to the association’s listing, to keep away the horde of amateurs. The old Song Writers’ Club had lain dormant for a long while. The Friday dinner was mainly called to eat up a treasury balance, with the association idea arising from it. RUBINOFF IN ROCHESTER Publix, not wishing to conflict two such names as Rudy Vallee and Rubinoff, are switching Rubinoff to the Eastman, Rochester, when Val- lee makes his debut at the Para- mount April 27.. Rubinoff was guest conductor of the Paramount pit orchestra for six months, Walter O’Keefe for Fox Walter O’Keefe, M. C. at Barney Gallant's, and Bobbie Dolen, for- merly pianist for Earl Carpenter, have been signed by Bobbie Craw- ford to write music for Fox. They will work on the coast and will jieave for there May 1, a eee et NBR 3 Nee ten oie 4, ©. a. » hie | sdihanivomeae ne Rah pigs 4 #ege2 aR SR Bed SR po PRO . See sad Se PERT OTOP SS Shame 4 re wa ARE cease eIA: Se

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-—— anes ae aaa “ Scene esa gS ~wedico fi. Secee raeed Ss me re ee ee ee ee Ng ra 56 VARIETY MUSIC—RADIO Wednesday, April 24, 1929 ~ Disk Reviews By Abel VICTOR Two 12-inch disks, Gershwin himself contributing the piano interludes, carry that com- poser’s “An American in Paris,” hi: four-part jazz symphony. Nathaniel Shilkret with the Victor Symphony Orchestra have done a workman- like job of it. Bernie Cummins and his charm- ing rhythmic jazz from the Hotel Biltmore, New York, are new to Victor. Their debut couplet is “Til: We Meet” and “Just An Old Love Affair,” fox-trot and waltz. Vic- tor’s enticed Cummins away from Brunswick where he was a good seller. Victor No. 21894 might be termed a $300,000 record for it was this brace of tunes, “Fioretta” and “Dream Boat,” particularly the lat- with George ter, a waltz, that. prompted the wealthy Mrs. Penfield to back Earl Carroll for 300 g’s in producing “Fioretta,” in order to satisfy hei nephews, the composers of these numbers. Nat Shilkret and The Troubadours “canned” them; the waltz is a peach and, under more favorable auspices, would be a cer- tain hit. This is probably Roger Wolfe Kahn’s last recording for Victor “Shady Lady” and “You're the Only One for Me” are the selections. Thai “Shady Lady” label, as unromantic and negative a song title as could be desired, reminds of some of those titles the Tin Pan Alley boys are gagging about, such as “Redskin, Why Are You Blue?” or “Marriage by Contract, I Love You.” Eve: since they named a song, “Woman Disputed, I Love You,” there's no telling what those cinematic theme songsmiths will not do. Strangely enough, “Shady Lady,” with its impossible title, is the better of the two tunes, despite the more plausible qualifications of “You're the Only One for Me.” For fetching torridity get a load of Boyd Senter and his Senterpedes with “Shine” and “Doin’ You Good.” Two dandy waltzes are “Raquel,” from “Vanities,” and “Dear, When I Met You,” by Edwin J. McEneli- ley’s orchestra, while Nat Shilkret, again, with “Something to Live For” and “You're Perfect,” melody foxes from- “Lady Fingers,” completes a good assortment. The two best stage bands of their type, Irving Aaronson’s Command- ers and Fred Waring’s Pennsyl- vanians are backed on No. 21888 with “Outside” and “Won't You Tell Me. ion” in a couplet of brisk fox- trotulogy. The inimitable Gene Austin with “Wedding Bells” and “That's What I Call Heaven” is at his ballady-est best, croonin’ "em pretty, while for vocal contrast, the concert-y Rich- ard Crooks sings a pair of lovely operetta ballads in great style. They are Romberg’s “One Alone,” from “Desert Song,” and “When You're Away,” by Victor Herbert from “The Only Girl.” Leo Reisman, shifting over from Columbia, is a new Victor recording artist. He debuts with the smart European fox-trot favorite, “I Kiss TED HENKEL Musical Director Conducting Pit Orchestra Overture and Special Scores WITH ORCHESTRA OF 30 Also Conducting and Supervising Stage Band Presentations WITH BAND OF 20 CAPITOL THEATRE SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA ACTS WANTED Detroit’s Largest Cafe Address FRANK J. GILLEN ORIOLE TERRACE DETROIT Publicity Man I want a manager and publicity man for my daughter. She possesses a marvelous radio voice, is chock full of personality and charm, and puts her songs across 100 per cent. She is a fmd and needs a capable man to put her across as a star. Write A. AWE! 8°] Wet 99nd St.. Mew York. Your Hand, Madame,” backed by “Josephita,” a theme from M-G- M's “Tide of Empire.” Another couplet is a simon-pure pop brace, “Mean to Me” and “That's What I Call Heaven,” all played in the same clean and clear-cut manner. The recordings are thoroughly musi- cianly and withal danceable. Gene Austin’s “Dream Mother” and his own, “Gardens in the Rain,’ are exceptionally appealing. That “Garden” number, a British impor- tation, merits hitdom. It's a charm- ing ballad. Other novelty vocal soloists are Helen Kane with “Do Something,’ from “Nothing but the Truth,” and “That's Why I'm Happy,” in her same poo-poopity, baby-talk man- ner, while Chick Endor’s “Good Lit- tle, Bad Little You” and “Love Me or Leave Me” (from “Whoopee”) is rhythmically nite clubby in tempo; so much so that while it’s a vocal solo it could be danced to. Maurice Chevalier, since coming over for Paramount, is now a Victor artist, with his two “Innocents of Paris” hits, “Louise” and “Wait ‘'Til You See ‘Ma Cherie,’” as the initial offerings. They are tanged with a piquant French accent, but otherwise clearly understandable as to their lyrics and, basically, the numbers are swell, especially “Louise,” already a dance floor favorite. Helen Morgan does another Zieg- feld number, this time not out of “Show Boat,” but “The Midnight Frolic,” “Who Cares What You Have Been?” a thoroughly sophis- ticated and—curiously enough for a pop song—intelligent number. “Mean to Me” is the back-up; swell! Rudy Vallee’s “Bye and Bye Sweetheart” (waltz) and “My Time Is Your Time” (fox) introduces in the latter one of his pioneer radio favorites. COLUMBIA Ted Lewis now gets a specially designed label all his own, a la Paul Whiteman, meriting this distinction as a good seller for Columbia. Lewis again revives two old-time stand- ards, “Limehouse Blues,” with its eerle instrumentation, and “Roses of Picardy,” accelerated into a fox-trot tempo. Leo Reisman, now a Victor artist exclusively, made ‘‘Wedding of the Painted Doll,” for Columbia before switching, and is backed by “No- body’s Fault But Your Own,” fox- trot, by the Knickerbockers; both very oke. Ted Wallace and his Campus Boys in true collegiate style snap over “My Kinda Love” and “Sweet 17.” Vocally, Charles W. Hamp, this time on Columbia, registers with “My Sin” and “Heigh-Ho.” Art Gillham, The Whispering Pi- anist, has a couple of those senti- mental ballads he favors so strongly. “Sweetheart of All My Dreams,” the radio song fav, and “Some Sweet Day,” the theme of “Children of the Ritz.” (Continued on page 60) Used Car Dealers Argue Over Radio Rights in L. A. Los Angeles, April 23. Dalton’s, Inc., local used-car dealer, purchased radio _ station KGFH, Glendale, from Frederick Robinson. This .is Dalton’s second station, as firm recently acquired station KMIC, R, L. Kelly, rival used-car dealer, lost a suit of mandamus in Superior Court over the KMIC deal, with court holding Kelly protest should be settled by Federal Radio Commission. Kelly charged he paid $1,000 a month to have KMIC_ designated as_ the “Kelly Kar Station,” and _ that Dalton had no right to buy station “from under him” and call it “Dalton’s, Inc., Station.” Engels’ Dual Job George Engels, managing director of the National Broadcasting and Concert Bureau, has been elevated additionally to the post of program director of the NBC. This placing of both the artists’ bureau and the programs under common control is the ideal proposition for broadcast- ing. John W. Ellwood, previous in- cumbent as director of programs, becomes a _ vice-president of the NBC, Etherized Dough Milt Gross will “nize baby” it over the Kodak hour from WABC (Columbia network), at $750 per spiel. Cissie Loftus is also penciled in at $500 for her bit. CHI COPS RADIO DRAGNET SYSTEM Chicago, April 23. With all police squad cars carry- ing radios tuned to station WGN, police alarms broadcast from the station are hot stuff at times, but must be an annoyance to commer- cial accounts. Wednesday night the Palmolive hour was interrupted three times by the clanging bells. First it was announced that a man and woman ir an old Dodge had just burlgarized a south side flat and were speeding down Exchange avenue. Next it was announced that the car was seen heading for Jackson Park; and then that the pair had been caught by cops. ° Palmolive program became just background for this real-life drama. Choir Singer, Now Opera, Cans Baltimore Hubby Baltimore, April 33. Hilda Hopkins Burke, operatic soprano, who made the grade with the Chicago Opera Company this past season, filed suit here for ab- solute divorce. Local papers in giving much space to* the suit, dampen their pages with tearful reminiscences on the busted romance. married early—a school’ day ro- mance—and “Billy” carried her books. She has apparently decided that she won’t need him to carry her opera parts. Neither the former church soloist, her husband, or George Costello, the local vocal teacher who coached her to prominence, has anything to say. Mrs. Burke goes to Brussels this suminer to sing at the Mon- naie. Blade-Publix Hook-up : Toledo, April 23. Toledo Blade moving into Para- mount theatre for its radio pro- grams, Half-hour programs of Publix talent, direct from the stage, to be offered next two Saturday nights. Thereafter, hour’s program, 10 to 11 p. m., each Monday night from studio in the theatre, now being hooked up with station WSPD. Blade now has most of tal- ent from all local theatres tied up for use in its nightly programs. Joseph Regan, Irish tenor, loaned by Keith’s last week. Ager-Yellen’s Show Los Angeles, April 23. Milton Ager and Jack Yellen are writing the lyrics and melodies for the road show in which Charlie King is to be starred by M-G-M. Clark and Roach Los Angeles, April 23. W. W. Clark, manager of music and record division of Victor, here to see Hall Roach on producing all- musical pictures. NBC Gets Western Favs Ed Scheuing of the National Broadcasting Co. went to Chicago to sign up Correll and Gosden, better known on the air as Amon ‘n’ Andy, one of the most popular midwestern ether teams. Correll and Gosden will be exclusively with NBC for commercial and stage ap- pearances, Guy Lombardo, on top of Varie- ty’s story on radio favorites, is be- ing dickered with by the NBC by arrangement with the Music Corp. of America, Lombardo’s exclusive management. NBC is very anxious to have Lombardo on its staff of exclusive talent. New Pub’s La Palina Plug Last Wednesday night the Santly Bros. Music Co, broadcast over a network of 44 Columbia broadcast- ing stations for 30 minutes. It's the half-hour usually taken up every week by the La Palina hour, Maresca in Charge Los Angeles, April 23. James V. Maresca has beén made supervisor of recording by Radio Pictures, For the past five years he has been a director and chief engineer. of station WRNY, New York. The singer |- Cleveland Bans Lucky Strike Hour For "Unethical" Slaps at Sweets Radio Rambles From Philadelphia, over the CBS, comes Oliver Naylor's bright jazz- ique. Anything peppy from Philly may be somewhat of a paradox, but Naylor delivers handily. He holds forth at the Palais Royal in Quaker- town and has feminine vocal as- sistance for the interludes, Naylor was once a Victor dance recorder. On the matter of femme assist- ance in the vocals, Phil Spitalny from the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York, on WEAF, also enlists a sis- ter team for th- audible choruses in between his instrumental renditions. Larry Funk's Band of a Thousand Melodies sure dig ‘em up and those old ones sound swell at this late date. Funk outdid himself from WJZ Saturday afternoon from 2.30 to 3.30. That's going some for just a straight dance combination, sans any vocal or other relief, playing their numbers in short medleys of twos and threes and mixing up the current favs with the revivals, It’s a brisk little combination and a great bet for an intimate cafe. Smith Ballew, fram the new Whyte's on Fifth avenue, now reg- ularly exploits that restaurant... . Rudy Valee of Saturday afts is on WJZ, going in for more diversi- fied programs, although stressing “Weary River.” ... Pickard Fami- ly’s instrumental novelties are oke. . - Ditto Ted Husing’s sports’ talks, arresting through the announcer’s compelling mike personality... .. Lew White and Emil Velazco, two organists, from WEAF and WOR, on same evening, surfeit one sat- isfactorily with their console pro- grams, ... Mildred Hunt, “sweet- heart of the air,” sings well with orchestral back-up. ... Huge Ma- riani is again conducting the 7-11's, the NBC's sustaining dance orches- tra, succeeded Merle Johnson. Abner Silver has a great plugfest Saturday nights over WMCA start- ing at 12.30 until unconscious, Sil- ver is a quite famous songwriter and has so many ditties around that the guest talent inevitably is bound to give him a plug whether by de- sign or accident. Being also Broad- way-wise he manages to con enough of the names around town to hop into the Hammerstein theatre build- ing studios of WMCA and cut-up ad lib gratis, Mac and Lennie are another pair destined for important stage pres- tige with their bright novelty vo- ealizing. They did an _ honest-to- gosh request repeat of their fort- night ago’s program with Ted Hus- ing assisting as announcer. They have a peach of a novelty song about radio announcer and that 15 minutes’ frame-up, as is, can walk into anybody’s theatre and register in person; i.e., Mac and Lennie with Husing, Between Hamp, this combination and a few others, the CBS can do an NBC and book its stuff heavily for personal appearances, Arthur Judson, the Columbia svstem’s head man for programs, oughta give that some important attention. Packard Electrical Products tie up their Camoah Mystery hour on WJZ and network with the Sateve- post for national exploitation, both on the air and in printer’s ink.-It's a diverting hour with its principal singing pair and Sam Lanin’s or- chestra, “Am I A Passing Fancy?” and the Santly brothers’ new “Feeling I'm Falling” are being generously etherized. DeSylva’s ‘“‘“Mean To Me,” the “Broadway Melody” songs, “Lover Come Back To Me,” “Deep Night,” “Honey,” “If I Had You,” “Russian Moon,” “Carolina Moon,” “Follow Thru” hits and “Precious Little Thing Called Love” also heav- ily exploited on almost every dance program, commercial or sustaining. B. A. Rolfe again with his Lucky Strike dance programs, scored heav- ily. ,.. Eddie Davis from the Heigh- Ho, successor to Rudy Va'lee, has every bit as good a rhythmic aggre- gation if not the Vallee singing per- sonality. .. Ben Pollack from Park Central is another dance highlicht. Abel. M. K. Jerome Another M. K. Jerome left April 22 for Hollywood as one of Warner-Wit- mark’s songsmiths. “You and I In the Moonlight” is his first theme, Toronto Gets Bernie New Royal York hotel, Toronto, which opens June 10, is importing Ren Bernie and his band for the first three we _ks. A local outfit will continue after the inaugural flash engagement. Cleveland, April 23. American Tobacco Company’s “Lucky Strike” dance hour, a Sat- urday cvening relay feature for the past several months, was canceled for an indefinite period last week by WTAM and another orchestra substituted at the last moment. Station officials said program was canceled because it was con- ducting unethical advertising and also due to a report that action had been taken at Washington to cancel the licenses of WTAM and other stations for broadcasting this program. This is the first local reaction of the fight now being carried on by large candy and dairy interests against the Lucky Strike slogan, “Reach for a Lucky instead of a sweet.” It is believed that the program canceiation was brought about by pressure exerted by local producers of food products. Lord and Thomas, Lucky Strike publicity reps in New York, had already received warning from WTAM, and changes in the program had been suggested. Crawford in Arrangement With Donaldson Firm Under the arrangement entered into between Bobby Crawford, of DeSylva, Henderson & Brown, and Walter Douglas, of Donaldson, Douglas & Gumble, Walter Donald- son’s music played in any William Fox talker will be published on an equal split of the sales. Donaldson is shortly leaving for the Coast. It is denied by Crawford that he has engaged Cliff Friend to go to the Fox lot in Hollywood, or that he made the reported offer to Gus Kahn of $1,000 weekly guarantee, BERLIN SAILS MAY 18 Los Angeles, April 23. Irving Berlin leaves for New York this week and will sail for Europe May 18. After a two months’ rest overseas he returns to Hollywood to enter production. EDWARDS BOOKING Chicago, April 23. Gus E. Edwards, orchestra leader, has gone into the booking business, joining the Kennaway office with Gerald Barry and Gene Wentz. Ed- wards for many years was a Benson band, _ A CHOP HOUSE OF EXCEPTIONAL MERIT 156-8 WEST 48TH STREET East ef Broadway ——— England’s Biggest Hit “IF | HAD YOU” Is Now America’s Song Sensation We took this number ove: from Campbell-Connelly, one of the foremost’ British firms, and easily proved to be f The Best Melody Fox-Trot We Have Published ca

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Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY 57 a — —_——— - — = a -- — a EE ———— Se

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58 VARIETY MUSIC-NIGHT CLUBS Wednesday, April 24, 1929 L.A. Scans Hideaway Halls for Chink, Jap, Mex, Sheiks; White Girl Dancers Los Angeles, April 23. Police Commission has ordered an investigation of all so-called dance- halls and resorts operating with taxi dancers, with a view of revok- ing their permits. Police Commis- sioners Mark Pierce and F. W. Gol- len were ordered to visit various re- sorts and to make their report back to the Commission. This investiga- tion was ordered following informa- tion brought to the attention of the Commisison that in many instances white men are forbidden entrance to dance halls where white girls are sold on the floor for partners to Chi- nese, Japanese and Mexicans and Orientals, It was claimed that favor- ite politicians and their relatives op- erate these joints in which white girls must dance in pitch darkness with the riff-raff of the Orient. Police Commission was also told that these dance halls are in fire traps, on second and third floors, from which the partners could not escape in case of fire. It was also brought out that there is one dance hall known as the Philippine-Amer- ican Club, Inc., where white girls are used, which has a placard o 1: its entrance door reading “Ne Japanese allowed.” It is claimed that every- body but white men are permitted to enter this place. There are no Ori- ental or Mexican girls employed in these halls. They are all white girls almost all of them being blonde. These halls charge ten cents a dance which lasts not more than two min- utes with the girls supposed to get five cents for each dance. F vorite dances in these halls are the moonlight waltzes when the lights are dimmed to nearly total darkness. The racket for the girl in these places is to get the boys to buy them a drink. The price of a drink for two, which is either pop or a small glass of punch, is 50 cents each. The dollar is split 60-40 between the girl and the house; the house takes the big end. It is said close to 1,000 white girls are em- ployed in these dance halls which cater exclusively to the yellow men. M. C. Dl, Musician Subs And Receives Contract Chicago, April 23. Roy Dietrich, m. c. at the Avalon and Capitol, has been given his no- tice and will be replaced in a few weeks by Charles Agni, member of Charlie Craft’s orchestra that aiter- nates with Dietrich. Agni got his chance during the ill- ness of the regular m. c. and made good. He is a trumpet player. Ray for Paris Joey Ray, recently of the Rich- man Club, who was operated on two weeks ago for sinus, has been signed for the Ambassadeurs in Paris. He sails May 10. ‘¢ Welcome in the Royal Box?” JOE ZELLI IN PARIS has opened his famous night club again after being closed for three months. There is a telephone on every table which will connect you around the world. Suspended Sentences for Helen Morgan and Others Seven of the eight co-defendants indicted with Helen Morgan in the Helen Morgan's Summer Home en- forcement case, concerning her for- mer nite club at 134 West 62d street, received suspended sentences from Federal Judge Edwin 5S. Thomas before whom a jury had acquitted Miss Morgan last week. The eighth, Herman Brooks, did not appear, A bench warrant has been issued. Nicky Blair, principal backer of Miss Morgan's nite club venture, and now active in the strictly non- selling Club Casanova, was given a six months’ suspended sentence and fined $500. Louis Zalaud, headwaiter, ditto, and $300 fine; and the five waiters, Charles Hansen, Louis Holzer, Jack Green, Nathan Gordon and Sam _ Harris, two months’ suspended sentences, one year’s probation and $100 fines each. The case against Nils T. Gran- lund (NTG) will never reach trial. The indictment has been dismissed. Granlund figured only as the radio announcer in the nite clubs. Hyman Vietts and others of the Furnace Club, formerly “the hottest place in town,” and regarded by the Gov- ernment as one of its minor cases, have yet to be tried. In the Morgan case, J. Arthur Adler, defending the waiters, stat- ing that they should not be classed as criminals; that_they were filling a demand because “the best peo- ple” wanted beverages with their meals. To this, Leslie Salter; special deputy U. S. Attorney General, re- torted that “the best people” do not patronize nite clubs; that in fact it’s the hinterlander and New York visitor who supports the nite life and that New Yorkers and the really smart people stay away from questionable rendezvous-like couvert charge places. MacLean in Contempt of Court for Phoney Poverty Arthur E. MacLean, owner of Hunter Island Inn, the Pelham parkway roadhouse, has been af- firmed by the Appellate Division to be in contempt of court, granting Mrs. Madeline MacLean’s motion to punish him for non-paying of ali- mony at the rate of $50 a week plus $350 counsel fees. The wife's affi- davit refutes MacLean’s plea of poverty, attesting that in November, 1927, he deposited $6,017 in the 42d street branch of the Bowery Savings Bank in the name of Frances E. Harcourt, . his secretary. She even cites the passbook number; also that he owns a house and lot at East 192d street and is still making money at the Hunter Island Inn. Suit is for separation started in New Orleans, MacLean averred he was not served personally and de- cree went by default. On the poverty plea, Arthur MacLean, Inc., and the McLean Plumbing Corp., previous enterprises, were set forth as having been financially disastrous when the courts ruled his shut-off valves were unconstitutional. Hunter Island Inn is held to be a flop. MacLean alleges he owes $20,- 000 thereon; that creditors once took it away from him; that he was wiped out by the Mississippi flood damaging his Louisiana Shell Prod- ucts enterprise; and that, above all. when he made money before prohi- bition he was a good time Charlie and a free spender, but that now when he’s broke none of his old pals or his former guests whom he feted and toasted, were coming through for him. Wife reiterates that MacLean has concealed assets. By the Appellate Division order, if MacLean doesn’t settle, it’s a case of “or else,” HERE AND THERE Paul Specht starts tonight (Wed- nesday) at the Walton roof, Phila- delphia, indef. Engagement closed when Specht and orchestra played the Earle, Philly, last week. He will double around Philadelphia from the roof. Dave Kent is in charge of band and orchestra department for Wit- mark’s. Jimmy Clark given charge of slides department, Lew Cobey and his band have been engaged for the summer sea- son at Domine Inn near Pough- keepsie, DISPOSSESS REASONS Hotel Harding Landlord Officially Ousting Tex Guinan’s Nite Club Following her unsuccessful legal tilt with Police Commissioner Gro- ver A. Whalen, Tillie Landauer, les- see of the Hotel Harding, 20?-11 West 64th street, filed dispossess notice against the Club Intime. Lat- ter is the corporate owner of the adjacent ground floor Tex Guinan nite club on the Harding premises Tex sought to enjoin the cops from interfering with her and her after-curfew hour whoopee opera- tions, but the gendarmes were sus- tained in the state courts. It is for these reasons that Mrs. Landauer seeks to oust the nite club, citing that Texas Guinan’s playground occupied the premises for allegedly illegal purposes in vio- lation of Local Law No. 12, which is the 8 a. m. Curfew atatute; that it operated without a license; and that the Club Intime, Inc., failed to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the Building Dept. KFNF’S Owner Weds Shenandoah, Ia., April 23. Mrs. Bertha Mitchell, for 20 years employed by the Henry Field Seed Co., is now Mrs. Henry Field. Mr. Field is the owner of station KFNF, nationally known farm station. Two wives by previous marriages are dead. Of 11 children born to Field’s two previous unions, 6 are at home. “Padded Cell” for Nut Club Post-Graduates Meyer Horowitz opens a new ‘ joint, the Padded Cell, on West 4th street in Grenitch Villitch shortly, Horowitz will have Larry Funk as a 25 per cent partner, Funk being, the leader of the Band*® of a Thousand Melodies, a daily feature on WJZ. Unlike Horowitz, Village Grove Nut Club at 72 Grove street, also in the Village, the band will dis- pense dance music, but the Padded Cell, it is averred, will be nuttier than the Nut Club—if possible. CRAWFORD BACK TO COAST Bobby Crawford, of DeSylva, Brown & Henderson, leaves for the coast tomorrow (Thursday), for two weeks to supervise all the music writers contracted by him. Dan Winkler will be in charge here during his absence. Woodmansten Opening Gene Geiger is staging an invita- tion opening Friday at his Woode mansten Inn, Pelham, N. Y. Vine- cent Lopez, his partner, will again dispense the dance music this sea- son; doubling from the Hotel St. Regis, Penciled for Palace Art Landry’s band is penciled for the Palace, New York, April 28. Tony Shayne arranged. — — ——-——— LEADING ORCHESTRAS DIRECTORY | IRVING AARONSON _| and HIS COMMANDERS Opening Soon for the Summer ROOSEVELT HOTEL Los Angeles VICTOR RECORDS EXCLUSIVELY PHIL FABELLO - nd Hi« ORCHESTRA The Different Ensemble Precentation Feature COLISEUM THEATRE New York City | THE BRICK TOPS (PARISIAN RED HEADS) America’s Greatest Girl Band Permanent Address 28 West North St., Indianapolis, Ind. | DANNY CAIRNS | R-K-O antlopr BAND Now Permanent Feature Each Week at ORPHEUM THEATRE Los Angeles BILLY SMALL, Director ROY FOX __| “The Whispering Cornetist” AND HIS ORCHESTRA AMONG THE STARS MONTMARTRE CAFE HOLLYWOOD + | VINCENT LOPEZ | and His ORCHESTRA ST. REGIS HOTEL New York City AND HIS ORCHESTRA CINDERELLA ROOF LOS ANGELES, CAL. FROM DETROIT JEAN GOLDKETTE| Orchestras VICTOR RECORDS DOUBLING IN Office: 812 Book Tower R-K-O VAUDEVILLE ETROIT | Marion McKay ||| TOM GERUNOVICH | And His ORCHESTRA Now Closing 1ith Week ARBUCKLE’S PLANTATION CAFE CULVER CITY, CALIF. | CHRIS MANN | AND HIS ORCHESTRA LAFAYETTE CAFE LOS ANGELES, CALIF. | PHIL PHILLIPS | BAN D CLUB BAGDAD “Southland’s Most Beautiful Club” DALLAS, TEXAS | JESS STAFFORD | and HIS ORCHESTRA Now PALACE HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO P. 8.—Brunswick Recording [PAUL WHITEMAN| And His Greater Orchestra indefinitely ZIEGFELD MIDNITE FROLIC Personal Direction, JAMES F. GILLESPIB and His ROOF GARDEN ORCHESTRA Exclusive Brunswick Artists ROOF GARDEN CAFE Broadway and Kearney Sts. San Francisco | MAL HALLETT | AND HIS ORCHESTRA America’s Greatest Dance Band Headin’ Home to N. E. Personal Management CHARLES SHRIBMAN Salem, Mass. | HENRY HALSTEAD And His VICTOR RECORDING ORCHESTRA NOW PLAYING ROOSEVELT HOTEL HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. | GEORGE OLSEN AND HIS MUSIC Featured Nightly CLUB RICHMAN NEW YORK CITY Office: 20 West 43d Street New York City VICTOR RECORDS ——— ee B. A. ROLFE | Radio’s Premier Conductor Lucky Strike Dance Orchestra Palais D’Or Restaurant Orchestra Edison Ace Recording Orchestra Now Headlining RKO “Collegiate Unit _ | JACK DUNN 1 RIN Nate, MOORES eect

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ew *‘ ith ly. me ire ve iso is- ier V By he ‘or sic ae de ne in “pe St. or 28. lad OR 52 ee | > . _ WE tite Wednesday,. April 24, 1929 FOREIGN VARIETY 59 South Africa By H. Hanson Capetown, March 23. CAPETOWN African Theatres, Ltd., expect to m their new Alhambra theatre in July. It is modeled after the Jatest American architectural ideas with an “atmospheric” motif, hidden lights playing on ceiling and recesses and all the rest of the folderol. House is to have over 2,000 seats, tremendous for these parts. It will cost $600:000, of which sum about $200,000 represents the value of the site. New also for South Africa will be a house sign standing $0 feet above the pavement with letters 15 feet high in colored lights. Hotsse is to be wired for sound pictures. Building Boom African Theatres, Ltd., and its competitor, Kinemas, Ltd., are def- initely embarked upon a theatre building campaign. African has an- nounced a $5,000,000 program with theatre sites already selected in many suburbs. They are additionally completely remodeling the Cape- town Opera House which they. have on lease. A new circle and gallery is to be built in. Kinemas‘ Plans Kinemas, Ltd., have been and are erecting film halls in many parts of the South African country. They sell their programs on the sentimen- tal and patriotic grounds that they feature British-made films. They are additionally the sole licensees for South Africa of DeForest Phonofilm. They have just issued special 8 per cent. cumulative par- ticipating preference shares to take care of the financing of their the- atre expansion. : > Zena Dare, supported by Martin Lewis, did well at the Opera House with “The Squeaker” and “Other Men’s Wives,” under direction of African Theatres, Ltd. Season closed March 16. A short tour round the country and they sail for England next month. Vaude Full vaudeville bills at the Tivoli has attracted business. Week Feb. 27: The Monkeys Max, Moritz and Akka put over a success with their clever act; Keeley and Aldous, sing- -ing and dancing; Bob Albright, car- toonist; Edna Maude, talented dancer; Ruth Howell Duo, aerial act, one of the best seen for some time; . Three. Ernestos, ‘acrobats clever; Horace Kenney in a bur- lesque, “The Trial Turn,” clever comedy work. Week March 6; Frank Fay and Dixie Lady put over big hit with good show; Haley and Cliff, Irish -vocalists: Jane Croft and Dunstan Hart, vocalists; Wynette and Rob- rts; dancers; Leonard, Semon and Sonia, midget artists; Bob Albright, cartoonist; Three Ernestos, acro- bats. Week March 13: Omega Duo, acrobats and _ posing act; Edgar Benyon, the one man revue; Frank Fay and Dixie Lady, Croft and Hart. Binnie Ash and Dennis Brogan vaudeville act; Wynette and Rob- erts; Leonard, Semon and Sonia, Chatter British theatrical and film artist, |' Guy Newall, will tour this country at the end of May under contract to African Theatres, Ltd. He is bringing several plays, including “Just Married” and “77 Park Lane.” Gerald Lawrence, the English actor, is coming over here with cos- tume plays, under direction African Theatres, Ltd. Muizenberg, a popular seaside re- s0rt outside Capetown, is to have a fine théatre. It will occupy the center of the New Pavilion built by the Town Council, It will seat 1,200. with all the latest improvements, Coney Island, directed by African ‘Amusement Parks, Etd., has been showing in town. Bad weather af- fected business. Captain Perry in his “Wall of Death” act proved a sensational feature. Side booths, big wheel, etc., attracted. African Amusement Parks, Ltd., gave a fire- works display on the pier March 6. attracting good crowd. A troupe of Tiller dancing girls have arrived to take part in the musical comedy season starting in Johannesburk next month. Margaret Bannerman, the English actress, at present in Australia, is coming over here under direction of African Theatres, Ltd. A new Yiddish company opens at the Opera House April 17, under direction African Theatres, Ltd. The queue trouble over here has resulted in the town counci! framing regulations to contro] same outside places of amusement. The rules and instructions are many and to get the public to remember each one is Sheer nonsense. Any person in- fringing the list of rules or disobey- ing the police is Mable to a fine of five pounds, or in default, one month in jail, with or without hard labor Autal Sandor Kouya, the Hun- &arian artist, famous far his many fine scenes for famous films, is in town painting the mural decora- tions for the new Alhambra. All suburban’ cinemas business good. George Robey will open his return visit to South Africa at the Opera House in April with his new revue report . Jean a Chatter in London London, April 14, This year, in honor of Shake- speare’s birthday, “Measure for Measure” will be staged at the Hay- market by Robert Atkins, This, the rawest of the bard’s plays, has not been done in the West End since 1906. Aubrey Hammond will de- sign the scenery, and special music will be provided by Norman O'Neill. Forbes-Robertson heads the cast, the others being Margaret Yarde, Ion Swinley, John Gadside, Baliol Holloway, James Carew, Morris Harvey. Matheson Lang closed “The Chi- nese Bungalow” April 13 and takes a long holiday before staking “Jew Suss” at this house in the fall. In the interim “The Few Ashes,” by Leonard Ide, will be presented, star- ring Owen Nares. His four loves will be portrayed by Stella Arbe- nina, Grace Wilson, Athene Seyler, Nell Carter. Consternation reigns in the gipsy world at the warning that no cara- vans or encampments will be al- lowed on Epsom Downs this year during the race meetings owing to complaints from residents of the litter and nuisance of their presence. From time immemorial one of the big features of the famous derby has been the cocoanut shies and fortune-telling booths, and the taboo may result in litigation, as the Downs are a public place. “Paris Bound” replaced “Berkeley Square” at the Lyric April 30 with Edna Best and Herbert Marshall, supported by Gillian Lind, Betty Stockfield, Betty Schuster, Marion Turner, Malcolm Keen, Laurence Olivier. “In Other Words,’ under direction African Theatres, Ltd. A new musica] comedy, “Cheat the Calendar,” with the book writ- ten by Alfred Holtzer, music by Max Miller and Walter Swanson, all lo- cal men, is being produced at the Opera House. The cast carries local talent and ba /et. JOHANNESBURG Macdona Players are putting over good business at His Majesty’s the- atre with George Bernard Shaw's plays, under direction African The- atres, Ltd. Empire (African Theatres, Ltd.). Business is keeping steady at this vaudeville house. Week March 4, Jack Edge, Walsh Bros., Jack Allen, Lynda Martell, the Fanjacks, Binnié Ash and Dennis Brogan, Tom Glen, Horsburgh Bros. Week March 11, Walsh Bros., Jane Moore and Billy Revel, Jack Edge, Jack Allen, Fan- jacks, Ross and Radford, Lynda Martell, Horsburgh Bros. Week March 18, Lily Burns, Stréeth and Streeth, Mina Tomchinsky, Moore and Revel, Walsh Bros., Jack Edge, Peter Bernard, Edna Maude ballet. The revue, “So This is Love,” is down for production at the Empire March 25. The principal parts will be played by Rosa Pinkerton, Kath- leen Patrick, Eric Le Fre and Ewart Locke. Annette Mills and Herbert Sielle are the spetialty dancers. Orpheum (African Theatres, Ltd.). Bio-vaudeville. Business good, Week March 18, the African The- atres, Ltd., panto, “The Sleeping Beauty,” is at Opera House, Pre- toria. The Zoo has a dozen lion cubs for sale, and purchasers must pay® in advance and take delivery at the Zoo. Several offers have been re- ceived from English and Continental wild animal dealers, menageries and zoos. Luella Paikin, vocalist, will tour South Africa for African Theatres, Ltd. A cornet player in a tearoom or- chestra was recently summoned on complaint of ~°rsons occupying ad- joining premises, for causing an- noyance by his playing. He was fined, but appealed against the con- viction. The judge considered the law bad, and the municipality had no control in prohibiting the play- ing of musical instruments on @®ri- vate premises. The conviction was set aside, and the appeal granted. DURBAN Week March 11 the panto “The Sleeping Beauty” at Theatre Royal. At the Criterion week March 18, Bruce Green and Edith James. Pic- tures. African Theatres, Ltd., making immediate start with the new the- atre, and inviting tenders for build- ing the place, which will cost $450,- 000. Natal Musicians’ Association re- cently appealed against a decision of the Durban magistrate. In ac- cordance with the rules of the as- sociation, a member was called on to appear before the committee to answer verbal allegations of unpro- fessional conduct. He admitted the charge, but refused to pay the fine of ten pounds imposed by the com- mittee. The association took the matter to the magistrate’s court, who said that autocratic powers were vested in the association, but the rules were not complied with as no charge or complaint was made in writing. The high court dis- jthe continent. missed the appeal with costs. Chatter in Paris | Paris’ Shows and Gyps Paris, April 14. Barbette, female impersonator, narrowly missed breaking his neck yesterday when he fell from swing- ing rings onto the stage at the Mou- lin Rouge. Luckily for him he struck on his shoulder and thigh. Player had run about five minutes of his routine when his foot slipped and down he came. A shudder be- fell the house, but the reappearance of Barbette brought out a full round of applause. Chez Fysher, which has long been a standby, folded up with the news that the old site is to become a bank. And the El Garron, the Ar- gentine’s delight, which was moved a little higher up on Montmartre and expensively refurbished last fall against the advice of all the smart mugs, is also blowing. Max Darewski, popular pianist, married Ruby Miller, They. will leave for England shortly, where another marriage ceremony will be performed in a synagogue. Ruby will embrace the Hebrew religion. French populace are finally get- ting wise that some of their tourist business is being taken away by some of the smarter countries on Minister in charge of advertising and publicity has asked the government to increase his allotment. of 4,000,000 francs a year to 25 times that sum. He pointed out that Germany is spend- ing 60,000,000 franes annually, with not nearly as many tourists as France, Latest racket here is an East In- dian employed in Florence’s as a coffee boy, reading the palms of the guests during spare moments. The brown-skinned lad has become very popular, his services being sought whenever he is not pouring out the thick Java. Frenchmen are starting to believe in publicity. “Les Nouveau Mes- sieurs,” Franch-made picture, once banned because it was supposed to ridicule French congressmen, has crammed ’em in at every perform- ance at the Paramount. The ruling against the film was originally brought on by a couple of smart news men. The censorship gained such momentum that it got out of the fellows’ hands. At the Bouffes Marcel, Gerbidon will figure as the author of an eper- etta adopted by himself from one of his comedies. Albert Willemetz will do the lyrics to music by Joseph Szule. ; . , Jacques Haik, nicture distributor, is renorted to have paid $300,000 for the contro] of the Olympia, music hall, to be converted into a picture house. Dumien remains interested in the deal, - IRWIN GIRIS LOSE SUIT Paris, April 23 Irwin Sisters lost their usit for $4,000 damages against the Concert Mayol. They alleged injury to their reputations when insufficiently bill- ed by new management of house. Girls claimed an understanding with the older management which sold out. ? COLORED MUSICIANS DIE Paris, April 23. William Johnson, 47, colored band leader formerly at the Ritz here, died April 49, while asleep of brain hemorrhage. Adolph Crawford, colored saxo- phone player, died.jApril 21 at the American Hospital. FRENCH “NEW MOON” Paris, April 23, Schwab and Mandel have sold to Foutaine and Lehmann the French rights to “New Moon.” Operetta will be done here at the Chatelet next season. SNYDER DIVORCE Paris, April 23. Herman Romanov Snyder, theat- rical agent, is suing Madeline Brickmann for divorce. Couple have no children. Morris’ Expansion London, April 23. While in Paris, young Bill Morris made arrangements to enlarge the Paris office of the William Morris Agency. : They take over the interests of Paul Arnaud, formerly associated with Henri Lartigue. Morris sails tomorrow for Amer- ica on the “Homeric.” Fox and Moulin Rouge Paris, April 23. Fox is practicaliy set to buy into the Moulin Rouge currently operat- ing with a vaudeville policy. Deal will mean house will adopt an American vaudfilm policy with talking pictures, (Continued from page 3) begin for the first time to under- stand what an Englishman means when he says American hotels are overheated. The trouble with the Paris theatres is not so much the plenitude of heat, as the fact there is no ventilation, They still play the Sousa marches for the spectacular maneuvers. In point of novelty production the show is superior to anything I have ever seen. There are more ideas to be copped for America in that show than can possibly be utilized by all the New York producers combined in any one season, The cooch dancers are now per- forming downstairs instead of on the balcony, and the charge for ad- mission to the “danse du ventre” at intermission has been raised from three to six francs. Raquei Meller’s Show Erom a scenic standpoint, the Raquel Meller show at the Palace is beautiful, the curtains being all made of Spanish shawis. The show itself won't do. It is built too much on one key. No one in the cast of outstanding importance, with the exception’ of Meller herself. She has several tries with numbers about various flowers, in a palpable attempt to repeat her success with “Violets.” Each of her numbers is heavily staged with scenery and supporting cast.. There is a rather good troupe of Spanish dancers, but a concession has been made to Parisian tradition by eliminating the women’s petticoats, revealing breech clouts and naked legs when twirling. Barring this, no attempt at nudity. Meller works hard but she grows tiresome by repetition. Casino de Paris The Casino de Paris show is made up of all old tunes, incipally American, with not as big a pro- duction as usual and tiresome waits between scenes. The theatre seems more like a circus than a music- hall. The principal dancing spe- cialists are Mitty and Tillio who are, if anything, better than ever, but the production does not give them the same opportunities as heretofore. Splendid comedian, Henri Dorville, so good’ that he played the principal role in a 20- minute sketch, never leaving the stage himself, speaking.nothing but French, and without understanding a single word, you know exactly the plot and every move in its develop- ment although, of course, the witty dialog could not be appreciated. The Folies Bergere’s chief come- dian is Randall, a Frenchman, who has played for some time in Eng- land and who speaks perfect Eng- lish. In many respects he resem- bles Chevalier, but looks older, only because of extreme baldness. If that man wore a toupee, he could pass for 30 or 35 and impart the one thing lacking at present in his performance—“romance,” His act- ing is youthful enough, and he would be a splendid musical comedy bet or light comedy comedian for America. : Moulin Rouge The Moulin Rouge had for the basis of its entertainment a con- signment of American turns, includ- ing Hank the Mule, Little Esther and Abe Lyman’s’ band, with the Three Pirates and Erne Dillon from England, a Spanish dancer, pair of Japenese jugglers, Argentine chan- teuse and a male consignment from the Bosphorus. The show seemed te be thrown together rather than arranged, with apparently no reason for innumerable stage waits. House orchestra played a long succession of jazz and syncopation immediate- ly preceding the appearance of the Lyman band. Abe should have known better, even if the house didn’t. “Mariette” At the Theatre Edovard VII, Sacha Guitry has revived “Mari- ette,” musical comedy in four acts, with music by Oscar Strauss. He is, of course, featuring his charming wife, Yvonne Printemps. She would be entitled: to stellar honors even if not his wife. It is the story of an incident in the life of Napoleon III. Some of the characters sing, but as Guitry apparently cannot, he con- fines the stellar role principally to monosyllables- and occasionally demisyllables. This grew tiresome after an hour or so. Usual Gyp The usual gyp’ prevails every- where. Arriving at the Guitry show, the ticket purchasers were ranged in a queue or line while the ticker holders were permitted to enter the lobby by another entrance. Having no tickets, I walked to the door where the ticket holders were being admitted and held up a 10 franc note. Immediately the ticket taker shut off the ticket holders, admittinz me first, bursting into the line of purchasers and securing me two orchestra seats ahead of anybody else. It is a fair sample of how they do things in Paris. . The crowd was pretty big in Paris and the hotel where I usually stop made it quite difficult for me to get the rooms I usually book.” After three days they were assigned to me, but I was told that in my letter reserving same I made a mistake, in that the rate was $1.60 a day hivher. They insisted I had" paid it RC Sheriff Wants To Teach School! London, April 23. R. C. Sheriff, the insurance clerk, who has leaped to overnight liter- ary fame as the author of “Jour- ney'’s End,” a amash hit in both London and New York, plans to en- ter Cambridge University this fall. His ambition is to become a school teacher. He has little interest in the stage as such. SOCKING ACTORS SOCKED Roth and Shay Taking It on the Purse for Assault London, April 23. Roth and Shay, who recently beat up Rio and Santos for doing what they allege was a copy of their act, have further trouble on their hands. Pummeling guys have already coughed up $150 as a magistrate’s fine. Now Rio and Santos have filed a civil action for $750 com- pensation for four black eyes and two weeks’ loss of work. It is ex- pected that Roth and Shay will have to pay, as there are no legal grounds to escape the additional tap. 50-50 Summer London, April 23. General Theatres Corporation will install revues in most of its Lon- don houses over the summer. The- atres will split 50-50 with the at- tractions on receipts. Palladium and Holborn Empire, vaudeville houses, are the excep- tions. POPULAR FARCE London, April 23. “Baa, Baa, Black Sheep,” by P. G. Wodehouse and Ian Hay, opened last night at New theatre. It isa frivolous farce along lines of same authors’ “Damsel in Distress” and with practically same cast. Figured to have an even break for popular favor. Premiere netted plenty of giggles. e@ “Merry Merry” Off . London, April 23. “Merry Merry” folded suddenly on Saturday (April 20) at the Carlton. Succeeding attraction jis not set, didi the last time and that they looked up their books to verify it. I called their bluff by putting my hand in my pocket and saying I had the bill with me for the last visit, and if I produced same would they give me the same rate? Oh, no! . They had them coming, and, old client or no old client, I had to pay the new rate. One wouldn’t object so much to’ paying the increase on the theory that you have to get the money when it is coming, but why go to the trouble of trying to kid you’about the yore you paid the previous time Something for Women ~ I was seated one evening outsidea small cafe, having my aperatif be- fore dinner, when a delivery boy pushing a tricycle, carrier trundled up to the curb and sat down near me. He was immediately greeted by a bunch of females who “hap- pened” to be there at the time, and the proprietor was obsequious in his attentions. The lad was about 18 or 19, and bought drinks Aith a sump- tuousness indicating he was pos- sessed of means. I quizzed the pro- prietor, but he was reluctant to tip. Finally I got in touch with the lad himself. After he had had enough to loosen his tongue, he spilled. It developed he is special messen- ger to one of the largest and most famous of Parisian modistes, who specializes in exclusive models to the American trade. To guarantee these models will not be copied, they personally seal the package in the D ce of the customer before she leaves the place, permitting her to — her John Haricock over the seals. This lad is entrusted with the task of delivering the packages to the purchaser in person, and is usually sent down to the lady’s hotel be- tween six and seven, when she is sure to be home dressing for din- ner. Directly the boy gets these packages for delivery about five p. m.,ghe dashes off to one of.the pi- rates, who copy the models) when the seal is so artistically broken and resealed that you could not de- tect it. It takes them but a few minutes to make a drawing and de- scription of the gown. For this privilge the lad receives 100 francs ($4). He boasted to me that he received on an average from six to eight of these 100 franc notes in an evening, and had, indeed, gone as far as a dozen. Sometimes, when his deliveries were not so heavy, he would take the same model to more than one copyist and the seal would again be broken and again resealed. And we think we have bank bur- giars in America! _ ahs te rie Sy 8 f CESS, oa Fi 5 e a Bye ae > t Fe aa a 3 ih tae ip. y ff af ae a es a * es ‘ } ae Rg fe Cant é on oe Rr IQR ARO ION oy pig abe ES Be Ch A lat a Nett nes

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omnes aan Rieke yet a aethanina ‘maar ‘ arid ae? ne. 7 a a Se —— > = 60 VARIETY OBITUAR . —OUTDOOR Wednesday, April 24, 1929 * 269 Huron avenue, Cambridge,| circus rider with 101 Ranch, died Circus Leaves Garden: Mass., of pnemonia. of heart disease at Toledo, April T. > Wwuary Mie Deus wes _fectsh $500,000 3-Week Gross dancer and piper and among the itch, doorman at Loew's acts in which she appeared were Leon J. Fitch, do die The Ringling, Barnum and Bailey Liberty, died March 17 at hig home| circus closed its engagement at the GORDON ASH cyanide {nm a Philadelphia hotel| the Kin Kaid Kilties and McDon- in Cleveland. His death was pre-|Garden Sunday night, after mee Gordon Ash, 62, English actor,| room April 19. Steinhardt was/ald’s Highland Band. ceded but by a brief illn shoes Weale, Meanuhe of the iaeeae died in Bellevue hospital April 20] about to surrender to the Govern- Her husband, H. J. Hollick, of acute alcoholism. Mr. Ash is survived by his widow, Eva Leon- ard Boyne, actress, and two chil- dren, living in England. Mr. Ash came to the States in 1913, but returned to England to serve in the British army, being a member of the famous Coldstream Guards. He came back to New York in 1918 and resumed his stage career. He made his first stage appear- ance in “Brewster’s Millions” at Wyndham’'s theatre in London in 1909. For several years he was a principal with the Horniman com- pany at the Galety, London. Among some of the shows in which he appeared were “The Green Goddess” (George Arliss), “The Wonderful Thing” (Jeanne Eagels), “Little Miss Bluebird,” “The Circle,” “Fannie’s First Play” and “Spring Cleaning.” Funeral services were held yes- terday (Tuesday) under the joint auspices of Actors’ Fund and Cath- olic Actors’ Guild, with interment in Kensico cemetery. JAMES NEARY James Neary, 84, veteran clog dancer, died April 18 in the Central Islip sanitarium of a complication of diseases and infirmities of old age. Mr. Neary, unmarried, was an Englishman and went on the stage in 1864. He had been a vaude single during all his professional life and in the old days had appeared at Miner’s Bowery, People’s, Tivoli, Volk’s Gardens, etc. His last ap- pearance was at the old Bowdoin theatre, Boston, in 1915. He entered the Actors’ Fund Home in 1922, but left in 1928 only to return later under the Fund care. He was then in the Brunswick home at Amityville but in October of last year was transferred to the Central Islip institution. Ke is survived by a niece, Emma Smith (non-professional). His funeral was héld under the joint auspices of the Actors’ Fund and Catholic Actors’ Guild with in- terment in the Gate of Heaven ment attorneys. He 1s survived by his widow and a daughter, 18 years old. Steinhardt was well known among many theatrical people who had been among his clients prior to the bankruptcy scandal. THOMAS A. HART Thomas A. Hart, 35, stage direc- tor with Shuberts for 12 years, died April 19 of pneumonia following a week's illness. He was with the new show, “A Night In Venice,” having worked hard in helping get it ready for a New York premiere. He caught cold while the show was in Brooklyn. A year ago Mr. Hazel Hurd, prima donna, who survives. The body was Aaken to Huron, Mich., for interment. He was identified with “Artists and Models,” “Gay Paree” and “The Student Prince,” among others, Hart married E. BURTON STEENE E. Burton Steene, 43, perhaps the best known aerial cameraman in pictures, died in Los Angeles, April 21 of heart disease. His widow and two sisters survive. Mr. Steene started specializing in aerial photography as staff camera- man for Pathe News 17 years ago. His last assignment was in shoot- ing the flying sequence for “Hell's Angels.” To him went credit for the camera work of the air scenes in “Legion of the Condemned,” “The Flying Fleet,” “Now We're in the Air,” ‘The Flying Circus,” “Lilac Time” and “Wings.” OSCAR SAENGER Oscar Saenger, 60, who had trained many grand opera singers, and himself a singer and violinist of note, died April 20 at the Wash- ington Sanitarium, Washington, D. C., of pneumonia. Saenger conducted studios in New York and Chicago. Among his pupils were Leon Rains, Joseph Regneas, Bernice de Pasquali, Jo- sephine Jacoby, Florence Hinkle, cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, N. Y. JOHN 8S. WOODY Jonn Samuel Woody, 39, assist- ant to James Grainger of the sales department of the Fox Film Corpo- ration, died April 24 at his home, 423 Riverside Drive, New York, aft- er a six weeks’ iliness. His widow survives. Jack Woody, as he was known, was associated with a number of picture concerns. He was general manager of Real-Art Pictures, pres- ident and general manager Asso- ciated Exhibitors (later absorbed by Pathe), and general sales man- ager of Selznick Pictures. After he left Associated he and Jay - Gove, now with First National, engaged in 4 picture house exploitation and also handled independent pictures. Mr. Woody was a native of St. Louis and had spent 17 years in the picture business. He belonged to the Seattle Elks, New York Ath- letic Club, Motion Picture Club and the Wing Foot Golf Club. The body was shipped to Los An- geles. “HAPPY JACK” GARDNER “Happy Jack” E. Gardner, Chi- cago vaude agent and former vaudevillian, died April 16 at Muskegon, Mich., where he made his home. He was born in Syra- cuse, N. Y., and went on the stage as a juvenile with the Tom Brown repertoire show then traveling through midwest. Later he went into vaudeville with the Three Gardners, the act comprising his two nephews, one Richard Gard- ner, and they appeared with the original production of “The Yellow Kid,” little Dick playing the kid. His sister, the late Georgie Gard- ner, was a well-known production and vaudeville player up to the time of her death, having appeared® with J. K. Emmett and other stars. About five years ago Happy Jack quit the stage to become an agent, locating in Chicago and operating on a franchise in the W. V. M. A. Interment in Muskegon. DAVID STEINHARDT David Steinhardt, 42, fugitive New York attorney, with offices at 1,500 Broadway, sought by the Fed- eral authorities for three months as embezzler of about $560,000 in New York bankruptcy cases, com- Sara Anderson, Henry Scott, Ricardo Martin, Marie Rappold, Rudolph Berger and Orville Har- rlod. A widow and a daughter survive.: CLARENCE DEAN Clarence Dean, 73, newspaper man, circus agent and theatrical manager, died April 22 in the Hotel Sherman Square, Chicago, Mr. Dean engaged in newspaper work some years ago in Chicago and then went on the road as agent for circuses, serving in that ca- pacity for the old Barnum & Bailey show on its tour abroad and also being with the’ Buffalo Bill outfit at one time. After leaving the circus life he became a theatre manager, handling the Grand Rapids theatre up to three years ago when he became too ill to work. GEORGIE MILLER Georgie Miller, actress, died April 20 in the House of Calvary, New York, where she had been under the care of the Actors’ Fund for some time. Miss Miller at one time had worked in burlesque and also ap- peared in “America” at the N. Y. Hippodrome. Later she appeared in vaudeville with the “10 Merry Youngsters” act. Interment tn Catholic Actors’ Guild plot. Calvary cemetery, Brooklyn. JOHN T. POWERS John T. Powers, 61, veteran vaude- villian, died April 17.in French hos- pital, New York, of a complication of diseases, For many years Powers with his wife, who survives, formed the team of John and Jessie Powers. Pow- ers was born in Liverpool but be- came an American citizen. Since last February he had been in ill health and several times had been near death. GLENN AUSTIN Glenn Austin, 34, stunt balloonist, was killed April 16 in Ogden, Utah, when his balloon crashed during a carnival show. He was unable to cpen his parachute. His home is in Jackson, Mich. GERTRUDE DOUGLAS Gertrude (Hollick) Douglas, vau- mitted suicide by taking potassium devillian, died April 21 at her home, mother, brother and sister survive. ETTA 8S. COLLINS Etta Stewart Collins, 45, actress was found dead in a furnished room opposite the N. V. A. Club in West 46th street yesterday (Tuesday) with the police reporting suicide by gas. Miss Collins appeared with Mont- gomery and Stone in “The Red Mill” in 1910. Her husband, de- ceased, Joseph J. Collins played the bourgomaster in the same show. Her daughter, Helen, who sur- vives, is also an actress, appear- ing at one time in “The Merry Countess.” DEATHS ABROAD Paris, April 10. Filippo Manara, 60, Italian com. poser, died at Trieste. Desire Bijou, 55, former French clown, died in Paris. Edouard Schure, 87, French au- thor, died in Paris. F. Parsons, American colored saxophone player, with the King’s Jazz, died at the American Hos- pital of Paris of pneumonia. JACK DRUMIER Jack Drumier, 60, actor, died April 2 in Clearwater, Fia., of pneumonia. He had appeared in legitimate shows, vaudeville and in pictures. Body has been shipped to 305 Sixth avenue, Asbury Park, N. J., where the funeral will be held April 28. BOBBIE BURNS (Mrs. George McCarthy) Bobbie Burns, 36, actress, died April 16 in Ocean Park, Cal., of in- fluenza. Miss Burns in private life was the wife of George McCarthy, manager, Egyptian ballroom, Ocean Park. Miss Burns had once appeared in musical comedy and vaudeville. JOYCE ROSS Joyce (Vanmarter) Ross, 27, at one time in vaudeville, died of peri- tonitis at the home of her parents in New York, April il. She had been ill two years. She ts survived by her husband, David Ross, with M- G-M sales office in Chicago, E. J. “Bowery” Quinn, 62, stage hand, died of tuberculosis in Los Angeles, April 17. Quinn was busi- ness agent and president of the Bill Posters’ Union for a number of years; then-he got a transfer card to Local No. 33, L A. T. S. E Sarah Brody, wife of William Brody, for many years musical di- rector at Tony Pastor’s theatre on 14th street, was killed April 19 in an auto accident in New York. Hus- band and two sons survive. Edward Becman, French come- dian, died suddenly April 20 ir Paris. He was a native of Belgium and at one time was partner of Irene Bordoni. . Williafm Johnson, 47, colored band leader formerly at Hotel Ritz, Paris, died April 19 in-that city of hem- orrhage of brain. Adolph Crawford, colored saxo- phone player, died April 21 in the American Hospital in Paris. The mother of Dorothy Phillips (screen) died April 8 at the home of her daughter in Hollywood, Cal. Edward M Woodworth, 60, the- atre manager, died April 7%. He once managed the Corinthian. Rochester; Grand Opera House, St. Paul, Minn., and the Bastable, Syra- cuse. Gertrude Jaeger, 24, in booking department of Fox West Coast The- atres, died April 11 itn Queen of Angels hospital, Los Angeles, of uremic poisoning. In the obituary notice of Janet Melville, it was inadvertently stated she was the widow of Col. John Hopkins. Refutation of this er- roneous statement was made by Ethel Hopkins, daughter of Colonel Hopkins, Mother of Hettie McCree, former circus performer, Mrs. Heinka Hedges, died April 8 in Toledo, O. The mother, 77, of Joe Hodgini, Burial in his home town, cuse. Syra- P. W. McAuley, 47, scenario and magazine writer, died April 6 in Los Angeljes of injuries received in a fall from the window of the third floor of the Howard Hotel. The mother, 72, of Harry Ellis died April 3 at her home in Jack- son Heights, Long Island. Edward A. Carton, non-profes- sional, husband of Millie Butterfield, died April 6 following an internal operation. The father, 68, of Dave Strumpf, director of Radio pictures, dled April 8 of pneumonia. William E. Curry, 70, died in Beverly Hills, Cal., April 2. He was grandfather of Lita Grey Chaplin. The mother of Frank Denette died in Danbury, Conn., last week. Disk Reviews (Continued from page 566) “Some Sweet Day,” again, and “Deep Night,” are the Ipana Trou- badours’ fox-trot offerings unde: Sam Lanin’s baton. Another radio standard, Fred Rich, clicks with “He, She and Me” and “I'll Tell the World,” while Ted Brownagle’s or- chestra, ballroom favorites in the south and east, register with “A Night of Memories” and “Helen” in strict dance tempo. OKEh Gus Arnheim and ais Hotel Am- bassador orchestra (Il. A.) click neatly with “Gilad Rag Doll” and “My Troubles Are Over” on Okeh No. 41208. Sam Lanin’s b'amous Players’ versions of “Wedding ol the Painted Doil” and “Toymaxers’ Dream” are two novelty instru- mentals. Charies W. Hamp, the nifty WOR ether:zer, does “My hinda Love’ and “»ppell of Blues’ in great style. al Bernard has a noveity couplet in “ze Lears trom Now” and “Times am Gittin’ Hard.” BniunSWwicK Brunswics« nas canned a flock a Siasuug Udlinayauon vy Viiwanusd J4é6 - Vaoyecnours, beans UNU wWiS Deulveue MOOL vor- Cucsura (uirecucrceu vy vuaarney bo- tlanos DAVE Lured UU © wiemusig Lue wiues’ and “ssigQ DBOcaey,” auu “aueas”’ Cuupled wath “Gae- wit-at. crannl wuarceily lrum tae Liitie clus, Olters ‘“ruuug’ anu “owes pavy,” Wihue tony rarenci’s New viuwwans ALO Pitury lorrmd wWitu “wumveo” and “avu Maue me Like 4a.” Ben Bernie's “My Castle in opun’ auu “mean to oie” are a pau va Lacmery au Layenssac lLuX-ivucs. KGU:6 wuNs.cucers Organ suiUsS OU, Cacuuna wavul’ “nd “wane” are SeNiumenlauy appeaung, anu frum tue WeSL CUuUSE mall Burinets’S bili- mere lio Maltulen.zes “AVaOU 4uwn,” a Calilurnua tuvorite, backeu up vy Vernon nuckaru’s tenoring oO. “vhe Goiuen diuur Walton x0U,” sen- lumenlauy accumpanied by pill traccas melouy maxKers. vust to record iueme songs, Brunowick now nas tue ‘sbemauces vrenesira in tne Leld with “Lady 4uvine’ and “Giovanna” ag the in- uat WallZ.coup.et, With Frank wiunn and Viuver Ymitn, respectively, con- trinuung the vocal inceriudes, Jack major, a new disk person- aluy, is isum tne west, and now aaving ater buluding up sume ether repucauon. “uive Lour tatue buvy ivls Of LOovin'” and “sweet- neart of All My reams,” are his uevul brunswick recoruings, Ray Milter, now at tae College Inn, Chicago, dishes torth brisk aance music Witn “snat’s a Plenty and “Angry,” pob tveison coniriv- wing Vocal choruses. Uf an even “nucter” tempo is tne Jungle Band» versions Of “alger Kag” on a two- part disk, playeu witn ail the rhyth- mic avandon only a colored outni can oer. brunswick is taking advantage o. the Muay Valiee rep, althougn the latter is a Victor ar.ist exciusively). to mention Vailee’s name in the viling in connection with “Deey Night,” which bob Haring plays with his orchestra. “Wedding Bells compietes the couplet. Haring registers also with two picture themes, “Weary River” and “Some Sweet Day,” Dick Robert- sco, of radio rep, doing the vocai choruses, From the west coast, Jesse Staf- ford (nee Herb Wiedoeft) and or- chestra, offers “Precious Little Thing Called Love” and “Kewpie,” western novelty. Craig Leitch han- day lay-off in Boston, where the show opens indoors Thursday, two Sunday performances were again played. Business for the date was esti- mated somewhat under former sea~ sons, the gross being -something under $500,000, a neat profit, how- ever. Gallery business was affected and the long climb to the top of the Garden was the explanation given. Hagenbeck Injuries Cleveland, April 28. Eari Shipley, clown in the Hagen- beck-Wallace circus, fell and broke his shoulder during cirous’s en- gagement here last week, He was scheduled to m. c. the N. V. A. bene- fit show at the Palace, but had te let Jay Flippen pinch-hit for him. Mrs. Earle Sutton, horseback rider in the circus, was serlously in- jured when her horse stumbled in the fox chase and she was pitched over its head. The horse stepped on her, inflicting injuries that were said to be almost fatal at the time of the accident. Miss Sutton’s home is in Portland, N. D. Harmon’s 20,000 Passes Chicago, April 23. Paddy Harmon of the Chicago Stadium issued 20,000 passes to kids for the 101 Ranch shows and circus, Harmon made a tieup with the L&T circuit, giving away the free ducats et matinees. It boosted trade for the circus and increased the mati- nee business for the houses. Anti-Carnival South Norwalk, Conn., April 23. This city has banned traveling carnivais this year. Residents of Naugatuck are pro- testing against the issuing of l- censes to carnivals, but so far no official action has been taken. Another city in this section to bar the outfits is Poughkeepsie, N. Y. PARACHUTE JUMPER KILLED Ogden, Utah, April 23. Glen Austin, 34, Jackson, Mich. parachute jumper with the Oriental Fiesta Carnival, was instantly killed here last week when he was: dashed to the ground from an alti- tude of 250 feet. His parachute failed to open. MIX IN 8-F CONCERT Chicago, April 23. Next week Tom Mix will join the Sells-Floto Circus as its concert ate traction. Mix is in at $10,000 weekly. DAYTIME CAR SNATCHING Fred Lorraine, who has a freak act in vaude, parked his car Monday opposite the State teatre stage en- »trance, The cops after chalking up six hours’ stay called an emergency tow wagon from the Street Cleaning De- partment and carted it way. Lore raine pays $10 for tow service and a parking fine also. Dixon’s New Partner Harland Dixon assisted by Anne Garrison in singing and talking act will open for Keith's out of town May 12, booked by Charley Allen. HOUSE CHANGES Vaude has been resumed at the Opera House, New Brunswick, N. J. Five acts on a aplit week. The theatre discontinued vaude five weeks ago and was Wired, but the picture policy was not successful. Luxor, Bronx, now sound. Strand, Port Jervis, N. Y., all sound. Fort Lee Theatre, Fort Lee, N. J., has changed from picture grind te ‘five acts with sound pictures. Warner-Stanley’s Montauk, Pas~- saic, N. J., will drop vaude for Straight sound films in a week, opening with “The Singing Fool” House has been playing five acts booked through Keith's, John P. Harris Memorial theatre, McKeesport, Pa., opens April 26. House is owned by the Harris Bros. Amusement Co., Inc., and will be all-sound. dles the vocal refrain well. Bob Nolan, who has recorded with Ray Miller, is given vocal solo opportunities with “Rose of Man- dalay” and “Caressing You,” two Chi hits. Noland is a feature with Miller at the College Inn in Chicago : i ' —-~ pamemhnmew mA wm @& 4 4. 50 7K

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Ss igo ids us, & T ats for ti- ng ‘O- no ar tal tly as: ti- ite he it~ uk Ay nie iw Bo re id res ct 18 NY. 18 fe ~_ — eos ormr @2@ sant =s ; a VARIETY’S CHICAGO OFFICE Wednesday, April 24, 1929 VARIETY Ersscowenats nave the free use of Variety's : icago ce for intormation. Mail ma HAL HALPERIN in Charge be addressed care Variety. Woods Bidg. Ww. Is Bldg., Suite 604 | se sn 2 it - LB wage to call, orwa or adve . tt Phones: Central 0644-4401 List, peta Bite dn ip State-Lake ‘would fill the house, but sound pic- | have just been settled. Show closed A six-act bill of no importance at the State-Lake this week. From the box office view point only the Siamese Twins (Violet and Daisy Hilton) may be expected to get the house extra dollars. A putrid gag pulled by Johnnie Berkes this week is certainly not going to help it. Question is how long will this sort of thing be tolerated, these kind of gags. As a specimen of a variety layout this one is shy of plenty. Early Sunday crowd, usually a suspectible one, wilted away before the last act got started. What with the faulty spotting throughout, it measured up to punk entertainment. “Harry Watson, Jr., whose sketchy burlesquey material might have bolstered the middle of the bDiil, found himself on the tail end, witb a finish that left the audience quar- ulous. Again, the Burns Twins, boys, with the Hilton girls, were ealled upon to fill in the No. 2 spot. Maybe this kind of an arrangement is considered cute and economical! by the booking gents in New York. But let them try and convince a hard-boiled audience who come to see a vaude show regularly every week. ™he Hilton twins did not work as enthusiastically as they could. Their matronly chaperon, familiarly introduced them, with proper dig- nity and class. This lady never fails to be charming and personable, and presents a cultured and refined ap- pearance. The San Antonio girls romped through their routine of song, dance and instruments, clos- ing with the Burns boys in a dull dencing number, . ust ahead was Frank Hamilton, songologist, with Jack Neal at the piano. Hamilton’s best number seemed to be his stuttering song. Something he’s been using for a good many years and evidently sure fire for him. One of his character ditties is an old Van and Schenck number, which they have long dis- carded, Berkes, assisted by Virginia Sully throaty gal, let himself down com- pletely after discharging the bad boy gag at the opening. House went cold on him from then on. Berkes seemed to sense the chill, but made no effort to redeem himself. Wat- son, with a four-people company, earned only laugh hit. Watson is doing the phone skit and the boxing scene. Both favorable here. Spot was rather unfortunate for him, as they began walking early. “Cohens and Kellys in Atlantic City” (U) in dialog, screen feature. Biz somewhat off at the first show. Loop. Belmont This 3,000-seat palace of empties looks like the champ flop contender for title of the old Orpheum Cir- cuit’s folly. Maybe some policy —_ When in Chicago Visit These Hits SELWYN A Rombshell in the Theatre Richard Bennett in “JARNEGAN” The Low-down on Hotlywood ~ WOODS—Twice Daily SEE—The Spectacle of the Ages—HEAR DOLORES COSTELLO “NOAH’S ARK” “aro VITAPHONE = Picture NEW Matinees APOLLO Wednesday and Saturday On the Site of the Old Olympic SEASON’S SENSATION! MAE WEST “DIAMOND LIL” THE MOST-TALKED-OF STAR AND PLAY IN THE WORLD A A. H. WOODS’ Matinees Wednes- D E L P H I day and Saturday ~ e H. WOODS’ EASTER GIFT FAY BAINTER in “JEALOUSY” with JOHN HALLIDAY Fresh from 6 months in New York MATINEES WEDNES- ERLANGER DAY AND SATURDAY BEST COHAN MUSICAL HIT! George M. Cohan’s Comedians with POLLY WALKER —[N— BILLIE After an All-Season Run in Boston Ss tures and three acts of Ass’n. vaude- ville won’t turn the trick. Bill seen was advertised as extra, with four acts instead of three. Sat- isfactory family stuff, but in a pal- ace like this it looks out of place. Openers were Kohn and De Pinto, in one, with Kohn singing, fiddling and talking and De Pinto accom- panying on the accordion. Plant used for closing ballad. Kohn is a suitable light entertainer, hurt by tenacious desire to make himself visible too long. It was especially damaging here because he was used as m. ec. for the rest of the bill, and had a little spot later on with a blackboard comedy song bit. Broadway Revue, second, is an Ass'n. style dance flash, with blues- last summer in Oregon. James Coston has wired two more houses on the National Playhouse circuit, Highland and Grove, while at the same time closing the Chat- ham. Barnes & Carruthers have booked the original company of “The Red Robe” for 16 days at the Auditorium, Dallas (Tex.), next October. George Hannaford will join An- drew Downey’s circus upon complet- ing his engagement here with the 101 Ranch, Downey outfit opens April 23 at Havre de Grace, Md. Great States’ Orpheum in Gales- otherwise indicatea. follows and on pages: BRONX ...ccceccccvceee CHICAGO CINCINNATI CLEVELAND .,.......ceeeveee 61 INDIANAPOLIS .......0e00+- 62 KANSAS CITY .....cceeeeees 62 LOS ANGELES ..........+++5 62 MINNEAPOLIS .......0000++5 62 MONTREAL see eee eee eeeeeeene 63 NEW ENGLAND ............ 62 coocce 61 eeeee eer eeeeeeeeeeeee 61 eeerereeeeweeeee 61 CORRESPONDENCE All matter in CORRESPONDENCE refers to current week unless The cities under Correspondence in this issue of Variety are as OTTAWA .ncccsevvcccseeseses 62 PITTSBURGH ....ceeeeeeeeee 62 PORTLAND, ORE............ 62 PROVIDENCE ..csseseeeeeess 63 ROCHESTER ..csccsssecesees 61 SEATTLE ..cccccccccccccccee OF SYRACUSE ..cccccceceececees 61 TOLEDO .ncccccccccrccccscccs 6 TORONTO... .ccscecseeseeses 63 WASHINGTON .........505++ 62 singing pianist, sister song and dance team, boy singer, and boy abrobatic hoofer.. Talent and stag- ing generally okay for split week midwest spots with exception of the boy singer’s habit of warbling through his nose and overgesturing a ballad, Third were Creadon and Davis, fat comic with blonde girl straight. Comic has a good method of get- ting fun out of big words correctly used, with his fault lying in work- ing the idea too long. First sev- eral minutes were strong .on laughs, but faded toward finish. Mildred Andre and Co. ,eight peo- ple in blackouts and musical bits, closed and looked like feature ma- terial for this time. Outfit is com- posed of Miss Andre, singing, fid- dling and playing in the skits; comic and straight for the skits; boy hoofer, and four girl violinists. Blackouts are mostly straight from burlesque and a trifle snappy for families, but the crowd here rel- ished it. Big act with a miscellany of entertainment, and carrying no noticeable low spots. Feature was “Shady Lady” (Pathe), with dialog on Photophone equipment, sounding great. Pathe sound news and Grantland Rice Sportlight completed. One of those down-front crowds Thursday night. Bing. American Regular meeting of the fraternal brothers of the Black Book came off in usual form at the American. All the boys were in an unusually happy frame of mind, including Bill Dia- mond, in charge of the entertain- ment committee. Following the cus- tomary discussions and debates, business meeting was adjourned in favor of the entertainment. De Wilfred, talkative xylophonist, opened; would do much better had he remained silent. Particularly weak comedy attempts. Next were the Three Jacks (New Acts). Harmony boys with guitars, tried hard and were well received. Act comes from a radio studio. Variety Four, following, offered a youthful song and dance turn, paced too slow. Straight dance routine would make it look better. A ball- room routine and acrobatic whirl by the team excellent. Also the eccen- tric hoofing of the other boy. Jack Birchley, contortionist, showed usual twists and bends. For the smaller houses. Gillio and Scott Revue, three girls, two boys, was another hoofing affair. Straightaway dancing with not a break in the whole routine. Rather weakly framed. Adagio couple looks best in the turn, Cooley and Peters (New Acts), next to closing with knockaboW™® comedy and dangng, scored. This and the closing turn, “Dears and Ideas” (New Acts), stood out. Last named act a novelty flash, attractively dressed and well routined. They were refreshing. “Slim Fingers” ¢(U), screen feature. Loop. Crawford, L&T house, opened with sound, It is the 13th on the circuit to be wired. L&T Pershirg is being remodeled. Entire back of house is being re- built to improve acoustics. Claims of the Sherman tent show troupe against Bob Sherman, owner, burg discontinues vaude and goes sound May 14. Dick Bergen, Ass’n, has Parthe- non, Hammond, Ind., last half, on his book. He previously booked just a Sunday show there. Monte Brooks is with the Sacco office. CLEVELAND By GLENN C. PULLEN Ohie—''The Nut Farm.” Hanna—‘‘Hello, Yourself.” Stillman (wired) — “Coquette” (3d week), ~qenee (wired) — “Donovan Affair’’; vauce, Alien (wired)—‘The Letter.” Hip (wired)—‘Sonny Boy.” , State (wired)—‘“Nothing but Truth’’; unit. 105th (wired)—‘Spieler”’; vaude. “Nut Farm,” new comedy by John C. Brownell, is being given first try- out at Ohio this week, aimed at Broadway. Wallace Ford, Helen Lowell head cast. John Henry Mears, producer. Keith's 105th Street, split week, is experimenting with one-week runs for its films, Tried it recently with “Simba” and “Cohens and Kellys,” and both did well when held over. New policy will save house much in rentals, Duchess, Yiddish house, reopens April 25 with four-day engagement of Vilna troupe with “Parnosse” in Yiddish. ‘Tron Mask” shifted from Allen to Cameo this week for indefinite run. Fairyland, neighborhooder, sold by Sam Fine to Abe Kramer and Myer Fine, chain operators. Keystone purchased by E. Moran from Henry Greenberger. SYRACUSE, N. Y. By CHESTER B. BAHN Wieting—Murphy-Brown Players. Keith's—Vaudfilm., State—Vaudfilm. Temple—Mutual bur. and film. Strand—‘‘Clear the Decks.” Empire—‘“Simba” and Johnson in per- son KEckel—''His Captive Woman.” Brighton—Vaudfilm. Riviera, Regent and Syracuse—- Change; wired. “Camera!” Hollywood comedy, written by Ralph Murphy, director, and Helen Baxter, leading woman, of the Murphy-Brown Players, will have a tryout in stock here next week. Miss Baxter, before turning to the legit, was’ on @@pristy Ca- bannes’ staff at Metro-Goldwyn, B. F. Keith’s passed up several exploitation bets on its bill for the first half of the week. The unit film program embraced “Night Club” and “Pusher-in-the-Face.” In the former was Mary Williams, who at 14 leaped from school books here to Ziegfeld’s “Follies,” along with her older sister, Alma Jean. The latter film was originally screened here by the dramatic department of Syra- cuse University as its first movie venture. No attempt was made by Keith's to capitalize either fact. The house last week similarly ignored ' May 1, under lease. ‘building new the fact that Jack Henderson of this ! city was in the cast of “Fugitives.” Biz of the Murphy-Brown stock at the Wieting is building nicely, aithough the troupe, high-priced, is not yet off the nut. The Cornell Dramatic Club will play Auburn May 4, the booking re- placing the annual spring perform- ance by the Auburn Amateur Dra- matic Club, which will sponsor the Ithacans’ appearance. TOLEDO By E. H. GOODING Palace—W. H. Wright stock. Paramount—'"'Letter”’; stage show. Vita-Temple—'‘Syncopation” 2a wee). Valentine— “Coquette.” Pantheon—'‘Hot Stuff.” State—"‘Sunrise."’ Princess —‘'Behind German Lines.” EKmpire——Mutual bur. Ohio (wired)—tChange. World (wired)—Change. Rivoli-—Vaudfilm (Pan). Keith’s— Dark. Warner Bros. announce they will build $700,000 theatre in Youngs- town, O., seating 3,000. Deal for $359,600 hotel and theatre in Fostoria, O., held up by protests to council against city selling land given it by Gov. Foster. Managers of three Portsmouth, O., theatres, fined $24 recently for showing on Sundays, have decided to keep on with Sabbath shows. Ar- rested again last week, but police did not stop shows. Young Amusemént Co. to operate Marion theatre, Marion, O., after Former oper- ators, Marion Photoplay Co., in re- ceivership. SEATTLE By DAVE TREPP Fox—"'The Broadway Melody.” Seattle—'‘The Wild Party.” Fifth Avenue— “Speakeasy”; F. & M. Ideas. Coliseum—'"'Sin Sister.”* _ Blue Mouse—''Coquette” (24 week). Music Box—'‘Show Boat.” Pantages — “Love in the Desert’’; vaude. Winter Garden—"Eyes of the World.” Columbia—'‘"The Shakedown.” Admission price at Coliseum (Fox) drops from 35 to 25 cents, this be- ing the only first run sound house in town at this price. A new Fox alignment in North- west sews up Everett, Bellingham and some sub houses in Seattle. New corporation called Fox-Pacific Theatres, Inc. Fox-Everett, Inc., is house in Everett in conjunction with Finklestein & Rosenberg, of De Luxe Théatres. In Bellingham the company controls Mount Baker, American and Avalon houses. In Seattle, the Egyptian, Neptune and Uptown. Main offices to be in new Fox theatre here, Big division meeting of West Coast held in Olympia hotel here April 20. By JOE KOLLING Shubert—“The Royal Family.” Taft—-Stuart Walker stock. Cox—-National Players stock, Albee—'‘Nothing but ‘* the taude. Palace— ‘Noisy Neighbors’; vaude. Empress—Mutual bur. Capitol) — “Broadway Melody” week). Lyric—"‘The Wild Party.” elth’s—"‘Blue Skies.” Strand—‘‘Jazz Age.’’ The Albee, with Jackie Coogan topping vaude bill last week, re- verted to four stage shows daily and continues this order this week. with Gilda Gray as headliner. Truth,’’; (Ga John Robinson’s Circus opens its season here, playing Cumminsville lot April 29 to May 1. Miller Bros. 101 Ranch Wild West and Sells- Floto will play Cincy later in season. Swiss Garden, suburban cafe, will combine pictures with dancing for its outdoor season. ROCHESTER, N. Y. By DON RECORD Lyceum—Dark., Temple—Stock. Kochester—'‘Pavements”’; vwande, Keith’s—Vandfilm. Kastman—" if Song’: stage unit. Piccadiily—"‘The Letter,” Regent—‘‘Night Club.” Fay'’s—‘‘Queen of Night Clubs.” Strand—C hange. Family—C hange. Gayety—Dark. Victoria— Dark S. S. Solomon, manager of East- man for two weeks, has returned to New York Rivoli. William A. Cali- han also out. May go to the coast for Publix. Jack Roth succeeds So! omon, Sound device being used at Tem- ple in Hen of orchestra or silence Millerphone plays canned music for overture and between acts. Can be used for sound effects in plays. Eddie Guest man, new m. c at East Rochester Motion Picture Theatres Owners elected Jules Greenstone. Empire, president for llth term Other officers: George H. Caffery, Clinton, vice pres.; George H. Kress, Hudson, treas.; Howard W. Shan- non, sec. Sir John Dunn, English actor, scheduled to play in “Royal Family” at the Temple, prevented by illness. Drastic changes te meet down- town problem of serious overseating scheduled. Both Publix and the Rochester practically certain to slash admission prices next week, Publix to open week Friday instead of Saturday, Meantime neighborhood owners are putting into effect plan of co- operation to combat downtown houses, .Idea is to lessen competi- tion among themselves by method of city-wide distribution of hit films so as to avoid high-priced features in same neighborhood at same time. Recent efforts to warm up the East- man (Publix) and draw trade by stunts has killed off the logical class element. BRONX With the acquisition of the Boston road theatre by Leo Brecher, Louis Gans has been installed as manager. Gans was last in this borough as general manager for the Consol- idated houses, Bert Korbel out as manager of the Avalon, with J. L. Krausman, the proprietor, temporarily filling in. Fox, prior to taking over the Park Plaza, vaudeville and pictures, in two weeks, did not renew Louis La Rocca’s contract as manager. Silas Clarke, La Rocca’s assistant, tem- porarily in charge. McKinley Square theatre reopens tomorrow (Thursday) with Yiddish vaudeville and pictures, Abe Cogut operating. EET cal —, Call for--- and be assured of receiving the best materials properly blended | SOLD EVERYWHERE Manufactured by, Stein Cosmetic Co., N. Y. MORRISON HOTEL CHICAGO World's tallest. 1944 rooms and baths ST. REGIS HOTEL Single Room without Bath $7. $8. $9.00 Single Room with Bath .$16.56 $12.00 Twin Beds without Bath... $11.00 Double Room without Bath.. $10 $12.00 Double Room with Bath..... 12 $14.00 Twin Beds with Bath ...... $14.00 Running water in al) rooms Conveniently tocated to al) theatres Within walking distance of the loop 616 N. Clark 8t., Phone—Superior 1322 MLNERS MAKE UP Est. Henry C. Miner, Inc. a!) CO. ine NEW YORK STANDARD ENGRAVING THE Z 22S West 39 Se SSBC Ra ene SDSS 9 ees 7” — etait. ra oe tes TRS > noe ee nage ee BH >> 2 Se aT aaa ae Er eens

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VARIST Wednesday, April 24, 1929

VARIETY’S LOS ANGELES OFFICE ARTHUR UNGAR in Charge Loew’s State Bldg., Suite 1221-22 707 So. Broadway, Trinity 3711-3712 Oe OE OIE A ST ST EE NEE LL OE TEE ECS OS ANGELES

Bidg. Suite 1221-22, Los Angeies. it will be held subject te call oe tisea in Variety's Letter List.

Professionals have the free use of Variety's Les Angeies Office tor information. Mail may be addressed care Variety. Loew's State forwarded, or adver-

Pantages Lots of people on the Pantages stage this week. Rather unusual for Pan to use a bill which calls for the transportation of some himself to F. & R. vaude- ville,

Two weeks notice posted by the McCall-Bridge stock at the Palace, but nu definite date has been set for the closing. The company has had a poor season and does not plan to return to Minneapolis next fall

Reports of a William Fox invasion of Minneapolis persist. It is known that Fox is dissutisfied with repre- sentation by his pictures in the Twin Cities. INDIANAPOLIS By EDWIN V. O’NEEL 8 nglish’s—Berkell stock. Apeollo—‘‘Hearts in Dixie." Circle—“‘Nothing but the Truth.” Indiana—‘“‘Hot Stuff.” Ohio—**Wolf Song.” Loew's Palace—*'Coquette.”

Eugene Ford, New York, is di- recting rehearsals of the Junior League Follies to be given May 2-4 at the Murat.

Louisville, has taken over the Lyric, vaudeville. The house reopening May 12 with sound. This is the 17th house in Indiana acquired by concern,

J. L. Greedy, Indianapolis, has taken over Palace at Hartford City.

Frank J. Rembusch, Shelbyville theatre operator, won the legal bat- tle for Sunday shows at Columbus. Ind. The Crump theatre resumed Sunday films, BROOKLYN, N. Y. By JO ABRAMSON . Werba's Brooklyn — “Darktown 1irs.’ Ma jestir—*Congratulations.” Werba’s Flatbush—‘‘Zeppelin.' Beule~ard—‘“‘The Front Paes” Jamaica—“The Rat” (stock).

Af- stage show. Fox—''Hearts in Dixie’: vaude. Loew's Met—*‘Wild Orchids" ; vaude, Strend—‘‘Weary River.’ Star—“Big Bevue’ (mutual bur.). Gayety—'‘'Social Maids’ (mutual bur.). Albee-—"“Godless Girl": vaude. Orpheum—‘“‘Love in the Desert."’ Momart—"F aust.” St. George— ‘Street Angel.” Two new attractions here this week: “Darktown Affairs,” negro

comedy with cast of 60, presented amount week of April 20-26. Section Fourth Avenue Amusement Co. Pararcount—"Nothing but the Truth’; by Jake Strause; Majestic has Law- rence Shubert’s production of “Con- zratulations,” featuring Henry Hull.

Circus in town for a week this year under canvas in Flatbush vi- cinity, Week May 6.

Jean Bedini of the vaude team of Bedini and Arthur being sued for divorce by Helen Bedini, Case came up in Supreme Court before Justice Mitchell May who reserved decision.

Big special section put out by the Standard Union for the spring radio show held at the Brooklyn Par- ran in last Saturday's issue and gave the theatre the biggest break of the year. Lou Goldberg, Par- amount’s press hound in this bor- ough, put the affair over. PORTLAND, ORE. By JAMES T. WYATT Portland--‘‘Betrayal.” Broadway—"‘Duke Steps Out." United Artists—“Broadway Melody,” 3d week. Masie Box—“No Defense.” Blue Mouse—’‘The Spieler.” e Oriental—“‘Lady of Pavements.” Puntages—‘‘The Shakedown." Hippedrome—Musical tab. Dufwin—Duffy stock,

Multnomah chain of suburban theatres now has two wired houses, Bagdad and Granada.

Independently produced. stage shows at Bagdad and other Mult- nomah houses stopped.

Withdrawal of Publix stage shows from Northwest started rumor F. & M. Ideas in Fox-Coast houses would also discontinue. Manager Floyd Maxwell denying rumors. F. & M. shows going big.

James McBride, film director, is up from L. A. to produce campus picture for U of Ore at Eugene. Cast of students, with Bill Miles Overstreet in lead. Drama has to do with college athletics. KANSAS CITY By WILL R. HUGHES Leew’s Midland—‘‘Coquette.” Mainstreet—‘‘Hot Stuff’; vaude. Newman—‘‘The Letter.” Royal—‘“‘Showboat.”’ Pantages—‘‘The Donovan Affair.” Orpheum—‘‘Dancing Mothers”; stock. Gayety—Mutua! bur.

“Coquette” at Orpheum (stock) this week Pickford picture at Mid- land next week.

Although Loew’s Midland had two record weeks with “Broadway Mel- ody” and another good one with “Duke Steps Out,” rumors of stage shows of some kind still persist.

Several changes in Publix forces recently. H. E. Blevins moved as ass't, Royal, to Ad Sales department of the local Paramount exchange. succeeded by L. O. Gill. C. C. Woo- ton has gone to the Palace, Dallas, as chief of service. PITTSBURGH By HAROLD W. COHEN Nixon—Kaufmann Players. Pitt—Sharp stock. Academy—Mut''al bur. Pictures Penn—‘Bridge of San Luis Rey’; Pub- lix unit. Stanley—“‘Chinatown Nights.”’ Grarnd—‘“The Letter” (2d week). Alfine — “Broadway Melody” (4th week). Enright—‘“Strange Cargo"; stage show. Regent—'‘‘The Wild Party Liberty—“‘A Lady of the’ Pavements.” Olympic—Change. Harri+—‘*The Leatherneck”; ~ ena Square—'‘‘The vau William Penn—Change, Seuth Hills—Change.

vaude. Leatherneck” ;

“Broadway Melody,” fourth week at Aldine, holds the house recoré here, both gross and length of stay

Academy, Mutual burlesque, may remain open during summer. House has been claiming nice grosses.

Olympic, local downtown grind house, exhibiting double feature sound pictures at a low scale te compete with State, showing double feature, but silent, across street at 15¢c top.

John P. Harris Memorial Theatre in McKeesport, dedicated to founder of Stanley chain, will open Friday night with “Close Harmony.” House may go vaudfilm in fall. NEW ENGLAND By R. V. TRIBE Irving T. McDonald, ef Spring« fleld, Mass.,

organize and direct a new depart- ment devoted to dramatics.

Lynn, Mass., is in the spot. Mayor Bauer barred gun battles between gangsters and police in films in twe houses, saying morals of youtn were hurt. Lynn petters can “neck” in Central Square only after getting a license to hold a public meeting, city solicitor has ruled. They can pet in the woods without violating law, he added, in commenting on activities of vigilantes taking reg- istration numbers of autos parked in dark spots. As a result of the mayor’s orders “Weary River” and “Gang War” were withdrawn from the Olympia and Capitol, respec- tively,

OTTAWA By W. M. GLADISH Capt. J. T. Randell, skipper of the “I'm Alone,” in Ottawa now, has joined up with Ernest Shipman for a South American film expedition, The “I’m Alone” was sunk by a U. S. coast guard cutter, but there are many “investors” in and around Ottawa who were sunk for thou- sands when Shipman made “The Man from Glengarry” and “Glen- garry School Days” locally. Ship- man’s enterprise, the Ottawa Film Productions, Ltd., has long since been defunct. N. L. Nathanson, managing~direc- tor of Famous Players Canadian Corp., and Joseph E. Plunkett of R-K-O, New York, paid a flying visit to Ottawa April 17 to look over B. F. Keith's -theatre, which, with houses in Montreal and St. John, N. B., are figuring in negotiations with the F-P (Canadian) Corp. ag the prospective buyer.

P. J. Nolan, proprietor of the Ava- lon theatre, Ottawa, Ont., got into a jam over the parking of cars by patrons. Paddy Nolan presented Chief of Police Alex. Ross with an engraved silver pass to the theatre. Now we'll see.

na gre tee petites ett eM LOBE NP i AAO formerly city mapager for Fox, has been appointed to the’ faculty of Holy Cross College to rk wee er

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wea Wrz 84 VARIETY Wednesday, April 24, 1929 — ————— eo, A LAUGH RIOT » IN ALEX A. AARON’S AND VINTON FREEDLEY’S NEW MUSICAL COMEDY HIT ‘SPRING IS HERE Book by Music by RICHARD RODGERS OWEN DAVIS Lyrics by LORENZ HART ALVIN THEATRE, NEW YORK EXCERPTS FROM THE NEW YORK PRESS AT THE Personal Management HARRY BESTRY, 1482 BROADWAY, NEW YORK “VARIETY,” March 13, 1929 “It remained for Cy Landry in ‘Spring Is Here’ to wham ‘em with his eccentric dance specialty.” Abel “TMES,” March 12, 1929 “And twice during the evening in ‘Spring Is Here’ a blank looking clown, Cy Landry by the program, plays astonishing simple tricks with his anatomy. But, best of all, he can shift from one idea to an idea completely foreign through the most logical pantomimic transitions.” J. Brooks Atkinson “EVENING WORLD,” March 12, 1929 “Cy Landry in ‘Spring Is Here’ stops the show with his eccentric dancing. There should be more of Cy in ‘Spring Is Here.’” Bide Dudley “HERALD TRIBUNE,” March 12, 1929 “There was a cheering bit-in the second part of ‘Spring Is Here’ when the droll and imperturbable Cy Landry had the stage for a few minutes with one of his amusing solo dances.” Arthur Ruhl “DAILY NEWS,” March 12, 1929 “Cy Landry in ‘Spring Is Here,’ one of the best of jelly dancers, sticks in his diverting specialty.” Burns Mantle “EVENING GRAPHIC,” March 12, 1929 “One Cy Landry, just an eccentric dancing fool in ‘Spring Is Here,’ who does things with his torso, arms and legs that force the audience to do things with its hands that phrase makers call loud and prolonged applause.” Louis Sobel . k Oe es 6 ee a : { é _% 2 wi +