The New York Clipper (January 1920)

f 12 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER -January 14, 1920 LONDON MANAGERS SPLIT OVER RAISE I N ADMISSION Half of Association Is Against Raise in Price, While the Other Half Favors Increase. American Managers Inculcated the Idea in the Heads of Englishmen. London, Eng., Jan. 10.—The visits here of several American theatrical managers has started a lot of trouble over the pro- posed raising of admission prices. William A. Brady, Richard Walton Tally, A. H. Woods and others, who, when here, were amazed at the low prices charged for admission to local houses, told of tbe high prices they are receiving for their shows in New York. Naturally enough, the avarice of certain managers being aroused, they immediately began a movement to force the prices Of admis- sion skyward. Meetings, secret and open, of the "Managers' Association, were held and the proposed increase discussed. However, the managers did not agree upon the subject, half of them favoring it and the other half objecting. Among the objectors is Albert De Courville, who claims that $2.50 is enough for admission to any show, no matter how elaborately put on or how expensive to maintain. The movement for an increase of prices has only tended to further the feeling of animosity among the managers, who believe in the ancient cut-the-other-fel- low's-throat policy, and has resulted in an open disagreement between the two fac- tions. Among those who are against a raise in prices are: Sir Alfred Butt, Wal- ter and Frederick Mellville, DeCourvule and several others. Some managers have already raised their prices, and their action has brought forth a host of criticism, for the press and public are against the raise unless it is agreed upon by all concerned. PRAISE GEORGETTE COHAN Loudon, En*., Jan. 9.—The appearance of Georgette Cohan, daughter of George M. Cohan and Ethel Levey, as "Peter Pan" In Barrie's play, during the holiday revival, has earned her praise from an the London critics. The Referee, in speaking of the play, said of her: The latest Peter is Miss Georgette Cohan, the eighteen-year-old daughter of that great favorite Miss Ethel Levey. Miss Cohan, charming of figure and with a strikingly expressive face, is certainly one of the best of the many Peters that have followed the first and up to now unparal- leled Peter, vis.. Miss Nina Boucicault. "Miss Cohan is very interesting to watch. To begin with, she has that often neglected or slurred art, the art of listening, her mo- bile features evincing her varied interest as she Hstens. Strangely enough, her acting, indeed, her general method and facial play, strongly recall the lamented Mr.' H. R. Irving—allowing, of course, for the differ- ence between a man and a beautiful young girl. Her performance would be vastly improved by a lighter touch in the lighter scenes. In those of a more dramatic kind, as in tbe wreck episode, and with the pi- rates, she shows great promise—especially in the pathetic touches." CRITICIZE DUNCAN SALE Paris, France, Jan. 7.—The press of Paris is indignant over the deal in which Isadora Duncan sold her Paris property to the Ministry of Sine Arts for 1,000,000 francs at a time when the Paris opera em- ployees are on strike for more money. La Lanterne says: "And after buying tbe temple, the Minis- ter permits Bliss Duncan to use it. We have no quarrel with Isadora, but we would rather see other money than the State's go for this purchase, especially when opera needs money." From a statement issued by the Opera Administration it appears that the opera has been losing more than 5,000 francs at each performance for six months, although prices were raised. The opera company has thus .'.rot 438,000 francs since July 1, with- out counting expenses' for scenery. New demands are being made, -which, it is as- serted, wonld add 1,200,000 francs to the expenses, and the company is asking for • subsidy of 2,000,000 franca, instead of the present subsidy of 800,000 francs. HAVE NEW FILM INVENTION London, Eng., Jan. 10.—London film men are somewhat excited over the dis- covery of a new device by means of which motion pictures can be shown in broad daylight, without any darkening whatso- ever. The idea, several years old, has never been developed. It is known as the Q. E. I>. daylight saving cinematograph screen. FOLLOWING AMERICAN EXAMPLE I"aki8, France, Jan. 10.—Following the example of the strikers in New York dar- ing the American theatrical revolution, tbe chorus, musicinnB and mechanics of the Opera. Nationale are giving benefit per- formances, organized from among their own talent, the receipts going to the strike fond. TRYING OUT NEW PLAY London, Eng., Jan. 10.—Laurie Wylie and Benedist James, the latter the author Of "The Little Brother," a drama of Jewish life which made quite a hit in New York, have collabeorated upon a new comedy called "There's Money In It," which is being given a road tryouL "RED MILL" CAST COMPLETE London, Eng., Jan. 10.—The cast of "The Bed Mill," the Henry Blossom-Victor Herbert musical comedy that was such a great hit when first produced in America, includes Ray Kay, Little Tich, John Lux- ton, Clara Simmonds, Amy Augarde, Ivy Tressomnd, Lily Alaine, Gladys Sylvano, Bube Welch, Alfred Bennett, Tony O'Brien, Gus Sbarland and Alfred Austin. ALLEN LEAVES MOSS EMPIRES London, Eng., Jan. 9.—Frank Allen, for years managing director of Moss Empires, Ltd., has resigned his position and retired actively from participation in theatrical affairs. R. H. Gillespie, a financier and ac- countant, has taken over his position. "AFGAR" AVERAGING $17,000 London. Eng„ Jan. 9.—The weekly re- turns, for "Afgar," which recently passed its thousandth performance, shows, accord- ing to reports, a gross weekly profit of $17,- 000 for each eight performances. "LITTLE WOMEN" MOVES London, Eng., Jan. 9.—"Litte Women," the American play from the book by Louise M Alcott, which was produced here under the personal direction of Jessie Bonstelle, the American director, has moved from The New Theatre to the Holborn Empire. Business; at the new house is good. DUTCH ACTORS STRIKING Amsterdam, Holland, Jan. 9.—The ac- tors in this city, Rotterdam and some in The Hague, have gone out on strike, follow- ing the example of others all over the word. Their demands are an increase in pay, which is sometimes as low as $30 a month, regulation of Old Age Pension Fund and more liberal allowances for tra- velling expenses. CALLS AMERICAN HUMOR POOR London, ■' Eng., Jan. 10.—The Wflkie Bard incident in New York, which created such a great stir in -variety circles both here and abroad, has given rise to an idea imong English theatrical people that Amer- ican humor and joviality has been dulled and made stolid as a result of prohibition. "The 'Era," London's oldest theatrical jour- nal, has this to say upon the topic "American audiences are difficult at first. Their ideas of humor are entirely different from ours, and can be learned only from experience. They are even more stolid since they have been robbed of a stimulant to-their joviality by prohibition. It wonld be as well if entertainers made themselves acquainted with American humor before accepting a contract for a tour there." "British humorous entertainers are told that if they can "put it over" they may ex- pect handsome remuneration. Some Eng- ' lishmen who have travelled through the United States and Canada recently say that the conversation of the average American and Canadian has become absolutely unin- teresting as a result of prohibition. NEW BRIEUX PLAY OPENS Paris, France, Jan. 10.—A new inter- national comedy success, written by Eugene Brieux and titled "The Americans in Our Homea," has been produced at The Odeon Theatre. Its premiere took place last night The play deals with two Americans who have settled in a provincial home and shows the difference in living modes and dramatic conflicts between the American and Frenchman, It is the intention of the author to further cement the friendship be- tween the two nations. "CHARLEY'S AUNT" GOING STRONG London, Eng., Jan. 10.—On the twenty- seventh anniversary of its first appearance here, "Charley's Aunt," that ever-running comedy, made its re-appearance here and has been running strong ever since at the Royalty Theatre. William Kershaw heads the cast, assisted by Ada Ferrar, Wilfred Forrester, Jean Brandon-Thomas, Frederick T, Cooper, Kathleen Grace, Betty William- son, Agatha Kentish, J, B. Page and Syd- ney Gompton. CHICAGO NEWS STATE LAKE HAS FIRE SCARE ' A slight fire, breaking out in the cigar stand in the lobby of the State Lake Building, caused .much excitement among the patTons of the theatre, last week. Of recent days, the cigar stand manage- ment has been having trouble with the management of the building. The cigar stand man, having; a five year lease on a small corner of the lobby, is reported to have violated this by permitting gamb- ling. However, he claims that an effort is being made to oust him owing to the fact that a large drug concern is reported to have had the only cigar and cigarette privilege in the building. He refused to move when ordered, and the management of the building cut off his electric power. In order to have light, he purchased a large gasoline lamp and placed same on his counter. On Friday afternoon, the lamp exploded and the burning wood and stock went into the lobby of the theatre. The audi- ence, smelling fire, became uneasy and, for awhile, it seemed as if a panic must result. However, quick work on the part of the theatre management assured the patrons that there was no cause for ex- citement and the audience settled down. The stand carried fire insurance. SUES FOR $25,000 IN TIPS Exposing the system whereby "tips" to girl checkers in Chicago's leading cabarets and cafes go to a "tipping trust." Miss Hannah Stires, on Friday, filed suit against the "trust" for $29,425, which she asserts is rightfully hers. The case will be heard in the Superior'Court. Sam and Clifford Wolff, and a Mr. Russo, are the defendents in the suit. Acording to Miss Stires, the trio has acquired the "checking concessions" in most cabarets and cafes in this city. They pay girls from $0 to $15 a week, she said, and compel them to drop "tips" received from patrons into a small iron bank which is camouflaged with paper. Miss Stires stated that she was a checker at the Fountain Inn, a prominent cabaret, and claims to have turned in more than $25,000 in tips in a year's time. She stated that someone from the trust came around and too!, the money and, if there -wasn't enough to satisfy them, they would bawl the checkers out. "SMILEY" CORBETT DIES "Smiley" Corbett, one of the most prominent figures in sporting and theatri- cal life in this city, died last week after a lingering illness. Corbett was the owner of the City Hall Square Hotel, a well- known living place for theatrical people. The remains were laid to rest in Calvary cemetery Thursday, the funeral being at- tended by many prominent theatrical persons. SHOWMEN TO DINE FEB. 18 Advanced preparations are being made for the annual banquet and ball to be given by the Showman's League of Amer- ica at the Gold Room of the Congress Hotel on Feb. 18, Full information re- garding the plans of the organization are not ready for publication, but the event promises to outshade any yet given. At the banquet $10 per plate will be the top price. Edward P. Newman is in charge of the reservations. GETS DAVIS COLLECTION . Mrs. WiiL J. Davis, widow of the "Daddy of Theatre Managers," has do- nated to the Press Club of Chicago, the famous theatrical photo collection gath- ered by her late husband. The WiD. J. Davis collection of rare theatrical- photo- graphs comprise several hundred, many of them autographed. It was the last wish of Mr. Davis that his photo collec- tion be turned over to the Press Club. STOP YOUNG OPERA STAR Rosa Raisa, the youngest star of the Chicago Grand Opera Company, has been stopped by the Juvenile Protective Asso- ciation from appearing in any more oper- atic productions, due to her age. The youngster is five years old. Her parents have been charged with contributing to her "delinquency" and will have to appear before Judge Fry some time this week. NEW COMPANY FORMED The Decatur Amusement Company, 190 North State street, has been' incorporated for $16,000, to carry on a general theatri- cal business. The incorporator named in the papers is Benj. B. Kahane, a theatrical attorney. The address is that of the Western Vaudeville Managers' Associa- tion. STERNAD HAS NEW JOB Jake Sternad has accepted the manage- ment, of the Star Hippodrome, a West Side vaudeville house. He recently re- signed the management of the State Con- gress theatre after being in harness only a week- SCHWARTZ CHANGES HOUSES D. L. Schwartz has sold the Milda theatre and purchased the New Appolo, which he will devote to vaudeville, with attractions supplied by the Western Vau- deville Managers' Association. ONE OF KEOUGH SISTERS MARRY Charles Mack, a member of the staff of the Correll Booking Agency, and Teresa Keough, of the Keough Sisters, were united in marriage here last week. The couple will make their home in this city.