The New York Clipper (December 1914)

*0$M1U* J. FRANK HATCH-NAT M. REISS WILL OPEN OFFICES IN NEW YORK CITY. (Special win to Thb Cmpteb.) Chicago, Dec. 7. An event of Interest to all showmen oc- curred last week when It was announced that 1 Frank Hatch had sold the controlling In- terest, of rifty-two per cent, of the stock of ffee motion picture business bearing Ha name. same. - - Mr. Hatch has for a long time been inter- ested In many and Important amusement en- terprises in Pittsburgh, Pa., but will leavo that city and Join hands with Nat Relss In the promotion 'of amusements, feature films and Incidentally tie State rights for Nf-w ♦♦«• York State for the National Mileage Coupon Syndicate, opening extensive offices on Broadway, New York City, for headquarters. These two gentlemen nave long been la the forefront -of America's amusement field, and two more capable business men, experi- enced in all the various phases of the en- tertainment and promotion world conld not well be found. Nat Relss, when Interviewed at the Well- ington Hotel. Chicago, would not talk for publication, but assured us that the readers of This New Yokk Cltpke would have full details of any matters that might interest them at an early date. THE ACTORS' FUHD. The appeal for help Issued recently by the Tnad officials, and spread broadcast by Thb Cippia and other tlieatrlcal papers, as well as the dally press, has had s-ome encouraging results. B. H. Sothern has contributed a substantial check, also David Warfleld. ♦*♦ KNITTING VERSES. From nearly Are hundred contestants who answered the invitation of Al. Jo'.son to write •n additional chorus for the song, "Slater Cnsle's Sewing Shirts for Soldiers," which. be uBea in "Dancing Around," at the Wm- 1er Garden, Thomas J. Ross Jr., a New York newspaper writer, has been awarded first •rise, which Is to be a box at any perform- ence of the Winter Qardlen. Mr. Ross' verse is as follows: Hetty's knitting nick-nacks for the soldiers; Her nobby hack of knitting nets them neck- ties by the score. Some natty soldier knockers would prefer some knickerbockers To the knotty knitted neckties Netty knits for necks galore. Mr. Jolson will use the chorus written by Mr Ross alternating to the one submitted sy Miss Winter, wno secured second prize. <»» JAMESTOWN HOUSE CHANGES HANDS. One of the most Important theatrical deals in Jamestown, N. Y., In some time took place last week when A. X. Broadhead, lessee of Samuels' Opera House there, leased the play- louse to James L. Droben, of Dunkirk, N. Y. Mr. Drohen Is manager of the Opera House in Dunkirk, and operates many moving picture theatres In Western New York. He tag taken the Jo m est own house on a two years' lease, with privilege of three years Bore. All bookings have been canceled, nnd it is understood feature pictures will be used Vy the new management. Edward T. Connelly, manager of the Sam- tels' 0. H. for last two seasons, has an eo- ragement to sing tenor in an opera com- pany, and will return to the stage soon. +-— TREASURERS ELECT OFFICERS. The annual election of officers of tie Treasurers' Club of America was held after the close of the theatres at the Metropolitan Opera House on Saturday night Dec. 5. The elections were as follows: President, James J. H. Scutilon (Wallaces); vice presi- dent, Jed F. Shaw; treasurer, Sol A. De Tries (New York Hippodrome) ; recording secretary, Allan J. Schntbbe (Hammer- stein's) ; financial secretary, Louis A. Mor- ganstern. Governors: Max Hlrsch (Chicago Grand Opera Company), R. H. Klotz, Chas. I. Lyon (Belasco), Bernnard Klawans, Barle Lewis (Metropolitan Opera House), Ralph W. Long (Shubort offices). Auditors: Harry Harris (Cohan's), Mack Hilllard (Eltinge), Leonard Bergman (New Amsterdam). 4 ■» DAUGHTER OF JOSEPH BROOKS TO MAKE AMERICAN DEBUT. Virginia, Brooks, daughter of Joseph Brooks, will make her first appearance on the American stage at the Shubert Theatre en the afternoon of Dec. 13, when she will be seen In a one act playlet at the special performance arranged by the New York City committee ot the Secours National to raise funds for the relief of the women, children and aged people of France who lave suffered through the war. Miss Brooks, who for five Sears has been completing her musical and ramntlc training In Europe, will be seen in a one act comedy by St. John Hankln, called "Ponetnnf Ias»" "Constant Lover.' ♦ '» LAMBS, FRIARS AND PLAYERS CLUBS TO CO-OPERATE. The Lambs, Friars and Players Clubs have agreed to cooperate with the Fund, to or- ganize a series ot big public performances after th» holidays to relieve the organlzn- . lion of its present distress. The details will be determined at a meeting set for next Wednasdav. The life members of the Fund elected leaterday were Samuel F. Nixon, Fddle Foy. Charles J. Wlnnlnger, William Faversham and Charles Jehllnger. ♦ *♦ THB YONKERS ORAND THEATRE. Work on the new Yonkers Grand Theatre, which Is being oreoted bv Charles L. Robln- S>n, fai progressing rapidly. Mr. Robinson opes to hive the house open early next loar. Vaudeville, with a chango of bill twice B week, will be the ooltcy. m »» . NO MORE VAUDEVILLE. The Fourteenth Street Theatre (near Sixth Avenue), New York, which has been ■laying popular vaudeville, has gone Into ■freight pictures, beginning Dec. 7. ELSIE JAMS IN COMEDY. Charles Dillingham's next production will probably be a straight comedy, with Elsie Janls as Ibe star. The play will be pro- duced sometime in January. The author and the name of the play is being kept a secret. ■»»♦ THE BELGIAN BENEFIT. At the Strand, New York, the benefit for the Belgian women and children was an- nounced for Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 8. Among those who wore programmed were: Ellen Terry. Rose Coghlan. Ruth Chatterton, Marie Doro, Mac. Nazlmova, Viola Allen, Edith Wynne Matthlson Marie Tempest, Mrs.. Patrick Campbell, Ethel Barrymore, Frances Starr, Mile. Dorzlat, Julie Opp, Jane Cowl, Annie Russell Mrs. Sol Smith, Mrs. Phyllis Nellson-Terry, Mine. Frances Alda, Sybil Car- lisle, Henry Miller, William H. Crane. Walter Hampden, Thomas Jefferson, Holhrook B'lnn, Francis Wilson, William. Gillette. William Faversham, Bben Plympton, Joe Weber, Lew Fields, Henry E. Dlxey. 4 <» BLACKMORE IN TWO ROLES. Wlllard Blackmore Is again playing the two roles he created In "Experience," at the Booth, New York. When the play opened Its New York engagement It was deemed advisa- ble by the management to get another actor for Ambition, and let Mr. Blackmore con- tinue In the role of Work. Several players attempted to play Ambition, and Manager William EUlott decided that be would return the role to Mr. Blackmore in addition to his acting of Work. 4 ■ ♦ "SECOND SIRS. TANQUERAY" POSTPONED. The benefit performance of tins play which, was announced for Sunday night, Dec. 6, at Wallace's, was postponed until Monday afternoon, 7, as the New York Sabbath Com- mittee protested against It as a dramatic performance. In the cast were Mrs. Patrick Campbell, Marie Tempest. Edith Wynne Madison, Aubrey Smith, Kenneth Douglas, Grahnm Browne, Philip Merrivale and Cyril Kclthley. ♦ ■ » WILLIAM GRADY ILL. William Grady, of the Iloston office of the United. Booking Offices, was suddenly stricken with an attack of appendicitis while watch- ing a performance at I he Union Square The- atre, New York, on Tuesday evening, Dec. 1. He was taken by his friends to the Poly- clinic Hospital, 345 West Fiftieth Street, and Immediately operated upon. At this writing he is doing nicely, and a speedy recovery is predicted by the physicians. ♦«» "THB GIRL OF GIRLS." Engagements for "The Girl of Girls," a new musical comedy, to open soon In New York, are: Alexander Clark.?, Charles An- gelo, Ben Hendricks, Frank Pollock, Natalie Alt, Leola Lucy, Ollle Osnourne and Jean- netto' Thomas. The production will bo staged by Frank Smlthson, and the musical director will be Slgnor Dl Novell!*. ♦ » » ELLEN TERRY INTERVIEWED. All the New York dallies of Dec. G carried extensive Interviews with Ellen Terry, who arrived In New York last week. She re- referred to the European war as "a glorious thing," as she hopes that the reconstruction ficrlod after peace will be declared will great- y benefit the entire world. Miss Terry will appear la New York in vaudeville In a few weeks. ♦ » » THEATRE CLOSED TILL JAN. 1, 1010. Manager R. W. McQratb, of the Hudson Opera House. Fredonla, Kan., sends us the following, under date of Nov. 30: "The Hud- son Opera House will be closed Indefinitely to all attractions' playing for an admittance in money, pending the present Intertill Revenue War Tax. or until January, 1010." *—•> ALTERATIONS FOR VICTORIA. In order to derive some returns fr..m the be.it corner In New York, a store will be con- structed at Forty-second Street and Seventh Avenue In what was part of the lobby of the Victoria, and tbe main entrance will be on Seventh Avenue. The auditorium will also be altered. »»» THB P. W. L. BAZAAR. This annual event at the clubrooms last week was well patronized. Amelia Summer- vile, Emma Cants, Dorothy Maynard, Con- stance Wolfe, Grace Bunnell!, Jeanetfc I*n- geard, Amelia Bingham. Lillian Golden and Susanne Allen were active on the com- mittee. KLIBGL BROTHERS' LATEST. Kllegl Bros., proprietors ot the Universal Electric Stage Lighting Company, have just completed a wonderful apparatus for chang- ing colors automatically on a scene. This) is entirely new. Several ot these apparatus are to be completed for the United States Government's scenic production of Messina, Reclamation. Yoeemitc, Alaska, etc., for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, at San Francisco. The changes of color and the illumination of built-in bouses, the rising moon and twink- ling stars, are all done automatically by a newly patented device. All that Is needed Is the turning of a switch, and the Illusion operates indefinitely, or until the switch is turned off at night No electrician is re- quired for making tbe changes or the special Illuminating of bouses as the illusion repeats without attention. 8everal cars have been chartered, and leave within a few days, to transport the different electrical devices and effects to their destination. The entire scenic productions and Illusions must be Installed and In operation by Fob. 1. The designing of the scenes, as well as the painting, was executed by Messrs. Gates & Morange, New York City. Kllegl Bros, have also made the various electrical effects In Llcbler A Co's. produc- tion. "The Garden of Paradlae." the dream illusion In "My Lady's Dresa," and the elec- trical effects for the tremendous production. in the Century Theatre, "Pilate's Daughter." 4 ■• NEW POLICY FOR DALY'S. "Yoscmlte," the play which re-opened Daly's Theatre, was withdrawn Dec. 5, and tbe theatre has been given over to moving pictures nnd vaudeville until Frank Keenan has brought to readiness a play he now has In rehearsal. Mr. Keonnn will appear dally In one of the sketches which have made him popular In vaudeville. This new policy was announced Dec. 4 by Mr. Keenan In a short talk he made follow- ing a matinee he and his company tendered his professional associates. Following the premiere of the new production the manage- ment purposes to maintain a dramatic pol- icy throughout the season. 4 «» "TODY" HAMILTON, INVENTOR. The Inventors who arc going to have their own show and exhibit their own Inventions, Saturday, Dec. 12 and tbe following week, at the Grand Central Palace, New York, have had an lrqulry about the purposes of tie show and exhibition apace from a Baltimore inventor, Richard F. Hamilton, who thinks he may want to erhrblt some of his numer- ous paten-ted Inventions. Tho inquirer Is Identified as "Tody" Hamilton, who wag a world-wide celebrity when press agent of Barnum It Bailey's Circus. Mr. Hamilton has had a number of patents Issued for his Inventions, which are of a widely varied character. 4 »» "POOR LITTLE THING." This Play Is now being rehearsed to open 22 at the Bandbox Theatre (formerly Phil- lip's). New York, with the following cast: Eric Blind, Phyllis Blrkett, Frances Carson, Anita Clarendon, Amy Dennis, Vera de Cor- dova, Ernest Elton, nelen Fulton, Janette Ferrrll, Mabel lnsley. Agnes Kemble, Carroll McComaB, Kirah Mnrklian, Dora Mayer, Will- iam Raymond, Cella Randolph and Beverly Sltgreavcs. 4 < * MILES' HIPP. OPENS. Tbe Minneapolis (Minn.) Miles Hippo- drome opened Its regular vaudeville season, Monday Dec. 7, after a Summer of feature films. Manager W. V. Gallagher, who hai been in charge of this house for several sea- sons, continues to officiate at this theatre. The policy of four shows of vaudeville dally at popular prices, reduced under last year's schedule. ♦«♦ PROCTOR SUED. The Belmont Iron Works, of Philadelphia, filed suit, Dec. 2, in the Supreme Court Cir- cuit, Newark, N. J., against F. F. Proctor, as owner, and Topllss & Street, contractors, of the new Proctor Theatre, 118 Market Street. The suit Is to recover an alleged balance Of 13,501.03 on a bill of $36,593.41. No answer has been filed as yet. ♦ » ♦ "THE BETTER WAY" FOR LIBERTY. There is a strong likelihood that Eugeno Walter's new play, 'The Better Way," will go Into the Liberty, New York, opening there •round Christmas. Mrs. Walter, hotter knorn as Charlotte Walker, will head the <ast. ♦ »» J. A. KEOUGH IN MINNEAPOLIS. J. A. Keough has been appointed manager of the Strand Theatre, in Minneapolis, Minn., a high grade picture theatre, operated by tho Saxe Brothers. The theatre was formerly known as tho Saxe Theatre. «i » NOW WE KNOW WHY. Dave Lewis' car has often been standing in front of Weber's Theatre. New York. Now the Joe Weber Producing Co., which was incorporated Dec. 5, has Max Weber, Dave Lewis and Philip Friedman as directors. 4* » "A GREASER." This sketch, by George Cronin and Ralph Morgan, will bo presented Wednesday after- noon, Dec. 0, at the Cort, New York, with Luclle Watson, Ralph Morgan, Dodson Mitchell and Frank Wuppcrman, in the cast. ■4* » "PILATE'S DAUGHTER" CLOSED. "Pilate's Daughter," the miracle play, which was presented at the Century with a cast exclusively of women, closed Dec. 6. It It reported that Paul Keith was Interested In the production. «■ » SOME OPPORTUNITY. F. Ray Comstock offers at a modmate rental, first class large capacity theatres in St. Louie, Louisville and Rochester. BELASCO ANDJROHMAN UNITE. CELEBRATED MANAGERS UNITE THEIR RESOURCES FOR FIRST TIME IN TWENTY YEARS, PRODUCTION TO BE HADB IN COMING SPRING. Charles Frobman and David Belasco ha to •greed to unite their Individual resources and to make in common an all star produc- tion this Spring, It is the first time these managers have united upon one play in over twenty years. Mr. Frobman and Mr. Belasco began their careers together at the Madlsou Square The- atre. Both were later connected with the Lyceum Theatre, and both remained In asso- ciation through the early days of the Kmplrn Threatre. But they have not. In over two decades. Joined hands In the production of one play. The present project all came about by accident, and from nn Impromptu sugges- tion quickly grew into an actual contract. The other night Mr. Belasco Invited Mr. Frohman to attend his theatre. After tie performance Mr. Belasco asked Mr. Frobmao. to meet him in the dome of the Belasco The- atre. There, as a llttl surprise, a small sup- per party had been arranged In advance. Before sitting down Mr. Frolimnn touched a piece of fruit and, turning to Mr. Belasco, •aid: "If* real." ■'Of course," said Mr. Belasco. "What did you expect*" "Well, you have a supper scene In 'The rhantom Rival,'" said Mr. Frohman, "so at first I feared you were going to glvo a 'prop- erty' supper—actor's food." "No," said Mr. Belasco, "this Is the rcnl thing, and so It Is In my play, by the way. I see I should hare taken you hack stage before bringing you up here." "Everything Has to be real this season" said Mr. Frohman—"everything has to bo real and big." . . , "That's why I invited you hero to-night." answered Mr. Belasco. And at that they ant down and talked of tho work they had done • « In connection with the thontro for the past twenty yens, anil of their years of associa- tion together In New York nnd California. "See here," said Mr. Frobman, "the coun- try hat had several good all star productions People seem to like them. How would It ho to offer tho public an all star cast produced by star managers ?" "Meaning?" asked Mr. Beiasro. And thereupon It was settled that Charles Fmhmnn and David Hclnsco will present a number of stars, probably six. In the dramn- tltatton of a play to be selected by Mr. Be- lasco. And now Mr. Belasco Is deep In the work of looking up tho play, and Mr. Froh- man la bard at work gathering In the stars. It lias been agreed between the managers that the play chosen shall bo ready for pro- duction next March, and that it will play brief engagements In all tho principal cities, •jiidlng Its career after tho following cities have been visited: Four weeks tu. New York, followed by short engagements In Iloston, Springflold, Hartford. New Haven, Washing- ton, Philadelphia, Baltimore. Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Louisville. St. Louis and Chicago. Mr. Belasco nnd Mr. Frohman will travel with tho company on tour. The meeting between tho two managers, (he first occasion that each has ever had time to sit down at a tablo and review their pasts with each other In twenlv years, ended Just before daylight. As they loft the Belasco studio*. Mr. Belasco personally touched the necessary button to signal the Insurance company that It should be on the watch tho rest of the night to keep intruders out of the Belasco Theatre. "Why do you wish to keep them out?" said Mr. Frohni.in. "I've been signalling ail season to let them In my theatres." "CROSS ROADS" PRODUCED. Waller A. Stone, Burlington's (In ) author-playcr-manager, gav.« his first legiti- mate drama, entitled "Cross Bonds," lis premiere in that city at the Grand Opera House, Dec. 2, for the beneilt of lite Burling- ton Hospital, with tho following cast: Lnlly, Katherlno IIbsscI; Mrs. Lnwensteln, Mrs. Gertrude Lundgren: Joey, Wilson Campbell • Bob, La Vorcc B. Lupton; P:gs, Walter A. Btoue. It Is said tho setting of this plcco would have done credit to a metropolitan produc- tion. A large and critical audience were present, anJ the concensus of opinion was that the play wus the best thing that Mr. Stone has accomplished. The unique feature In the fact that it Is a play founded on frlendjhlp without a hero or heroine. Mr. Stone nnnouuees that his new piny, "Pen- rod," dramatized trom the stories, will be produced In Burlington In February, 1015, for the benKilt of the Y. M. C. A. there. "Tho Mlsrjlng Miss," mystery play, will bo produced under tbe auspices of the F.Ms Club some time Id April. 4 •* HAMILTON REVELI.B HURT. While crossing Broadway nt Forty-eighth Street, at noon. Dec. 7, Hamilton Itevcllo, an actor was knocked down hy nn electric car owned nnd driven by Mabel Taliaferro. Mr. Kevelle was shielding himself from the rnln so that his umbrella prevented hl» seeing tho approaching car. Miss Tallnfirro ende-iv- ored to stop, but she was too close to tho actor to avoid the accident. One wheel passed over his right foot before the car was stopped. Traffic Policeman Flarncry carried Mr. Iterelle to the stage of the Longnrro Theatre on West Forty-eighth Street, whero he was due for a rehearsal of "Secret Strings." the play In which Lou ToMcgen Is to appear later this month. An ambulance Mirgeoa from Flower Hospital attended Mr. Hevcl'e. who fortunately suffered nothdig more serious than a bruise. + ■» THAT IS THB REASON. Jean Sothern, the little dynamo of per- sonality, Is now on the Loew Circuit. She has pat several new songs in ber act, and Is always on the look-out for new Ideas end novel costumes. «»» CELIA BLOOM ACTIVE. The Inter-State Circuit representative is In New York securing acts for the West- em and Southern houses on that time. Hho has signed a number of headline™. 4 '» "BUFFALO JONES" IN MOSS HOUSES. B. S. Moss baa secured Buffalo Jones, who was with Col. Roosevelt on bis African hunt, and lie Is fining an engagement at tho Jeffer- son this week, ««» ■ ■ CARRIE REYNOLDS ILL. Carrie Reynolds, who has been called "Tho Sweetest Olrl In Vaudeville," has been com- pelled to cancel her time on account of a severe cold. ♦ ■» HO WORRY. STEADY WORK, Ulls Bros., novelty si Hiring act, are fea- tured at Fleishmann's Cafe, New York,. They certainly oan put over a number. ♦»» STAGE HAN4.GBH BIRR. Jack AbblattJ. stags manager at Loews Mmsv Street Th;atrc, Now York, died PrJdny, Dec. 4. ♦<-• MKHOBIAL SEHVICBS, The Elks Lodges throughout the country >iftld their beautiful memorial services Sun- day, Dec. 0. LIEBLER CREDITORS MEET. Since the first part of this week's ('Ml'* run, which contained a story of the failure of Uiv Llcbler Company, went to press, there has been a meeting of the creditors In tho unices of tbe linn, but details of the discus- sion were withheld. One ot those present wns A. L. Krlangcr, of Klaw A Brlnnger. Mr. Llcbler says that ho hopes to pay dollar for dollar, ns some of tho Llcbler production! are making money. Mr. IXtteiiliuefer Is now In entire charge of the firm's affairs, and hn has reduced and rc-orgfiulstcd the oflico force, (leorge Welty, who has long been connected with the Liehlcr ConiiMiny. was made manager under Mr. 1)11- leiihoefer, and will be in active charge of tin firm's IjiHlrichS. Theodore Llchtei- Jr. Is Mr. Dlttenhuefer's lu't-sonil assistant. Herman Friedman has been made oflico manrger. "The Harden of I'n ru ill si 1 ," at the Paik Theatre, will be continued there. Business at that theatre has shown a slight InrreiMu In the Inst few days, and there are Imp'* that eventually tho play will bo put upon it paying basis. Arrangements hove alreidy been made for a reduction In the running expenses of the company. '"Disraeli" and "Joseph and Ills Brethren" will be continued, and "Urmiipy," with Cyril Mnude ns tlm star, will kcip on In Iloston. Mrs. Patrick Campbell will suy in "Pyg- malion" at Wallai'k's Thoitro for this week, and will thou begin In Detroit a tour of twenty-fJiir weeks. The engagement of Phyllis Nellson-Tcrrv, Li "Twelfth Night." cuinu to nn end nt tbe Liberty Dec 5, after an unprofitable run of two weeks, and Miss Terry will probably go to Australia nn a starring tour wltlilti a few weeks. The vaudeville theatres wore approached In reward to Miss Nellson-Terry playing nil engagement In the two-a-day houses, but th,- United Booking Offices had already engaged ICIIen Terry for vaudeville at a big salary, sad the time was not considered propitious to send out the younger v/ouiuu over tho same clreiiir. It is po.-isildc that the receiver will arrange to produce a new play for May Irwin, < • > SUBS SULLIVAN ESTATE. Mrs. Sarah 0. H. Mnhr Is suing tho estate of the late Timothy D. Hulllvnn for $MO0, on account of a promissory letter written by the deceased on Nov. I, 1010. 4 »» MAR(tUAIlI) SIGNS. Bubo Manpiard has signed an $11,000 contract -wlt'i the Federal League Club of Brooklyn, for tlm lOlfi season. + »» NEW STAGE MANAGER. The new slage manager at Loow's Delanrey Btreot Thcntro since Do?. 25 Is Oscar A. Ik'lmes. THREE NEW ACTS FOR HART. Joe Hart will produce "The Fast Horse." "I Beg Your l'ardon" and "The Refugees." "IN THE VANGUABB." This peace play will he produced shortly on the road. *-►•■ ADLEIl AT THE PEOPLE'S. Jacob P. Arllor Is now nppoaring at tlo People's Theatre, New York. GABSAR TIIOHN* IMPROVING. Oarsar Ihflrn, the playwright, who It wis thounht would lose his eyesight, hits been steadily )m|in/»lng miller medical treatoitnt, and It Is rs.w lielle'ed his eyes ulll be restored to their normal condition. During the time Hint thing* looked darkest for 1dm. Mr. Thorn continued to dictate to his ttenorrapher a new play he was working on at the tlioo lie wo* first stricken.