Variety (December 1922)

Friday, December 1, 1922 ■*' VAUDEVILLE 3 t i y, f* "f wmm STOCKS neglected AS MARKET STAGES RALLY Orpheum Touches New Low, Whole Jtest of List Re- bounds 1 to 6 Points—Gossip About Pools—Loew and Orpheum Contradictions ''MERTON'' IN LONDON I The amusement stocks failed gen- erally to participate in the brli»k rally that came into the market with the beginning of the week. At th« P«ak of the Tuesday buying Or- pheum came out in a few trades around 19. Elsewhere in ^the list everything was up from 1 to 6 points. The western circuit was utterly neglected. Loew did very little better, standinfj at 18 at its best for the day on moderate trans- actions. ^,, ■ ,, .^ ■ 'i. ■'v., "■ - /'/■<■ Famous Players made the best ghowlng and in borh. cases the ten- dency was a direct contradiction of what trade observers had looked for. The expectation had been all along during the gloomy days of falling prices from Oct. 1 until the turn seemed to have come Monday, that Loew and Orpheum would be the fli'at to respond to betterment, while Famous Players would lag behind iai the present. Dope on Pools Tiie way the dopesters figured it out was that the Famous Players pool would have a lot of trouble ca;rrying on during the bear market. With the film stock marked up as high as 107, it was argued the pool wou'.d have to make pretty heavy commitments with the banks to finance their campaign. One of the things that was believed to have brought on the severe reaction was the demand of the hankers that |MK>Is liquidate their holdings and take up loans. It was reported that a, dozen or so pools were forced out of action by the calling of loans. The argument took it for granted tdAt a high priced stock like Famous Players would require a dangei^ous amount of pool financing and would be the first to respond to a clearing out of banking loans. whilA th6 Loew and Orpheum pools had done a considerable amount of their ac- cumulation at low levels all the way from 17 to 25 In the case of Orpheum and 14 to 22 in the case of Loew. On this basis Famous Players should have been exhausted and the other two fresh for a new start at the U)w prices of Monday, whereas the opposite proved to be the case. Famous Players got up to 90H Tuesday afternoon, or more thap'3 points better than its bottom of the previous session on a fair turnover, while nobody seemed in- terested either way in Orpheum and l^oew. "The Famous Players pool people should worry," one ticker fan said. ••After two years or so of manipula- tion there must be a lot of pool In- siders who own stock paid for out of profits." Advance Temporary? At this writing (at the Tuesday close) Times Square speculators re- irard the upturn as a momentary covering movement by professional shorts in preparation for the holi- day. The market was sold to a standstill last week and the short side pretty well extended during the three of four weeks of continual de- cline. There was little uptown buy- ing for the turn. Forty-second street players looked for a period of nar- row swings close to the November lows, extending over the first two weeks of December at least and probably until the end of the year. The expected market exploitation of Technicolor coincident with the first exhibition of a full-length fea- ture by the new color process at the Rialto did not materialize. Dealings in the "when issued" stock con- tinued in small volume on the Curb, with prices unchanged at 25 it share, Which is expected to be the •over- the-counter price. The management of the new company is high-class, and the impression grows that its campaign of di.strlhution will be conservative if outside sharpshoot- ers don't intorfirt'. The hi.story of sensational market manouveri; for new picture flotations discourages picturesque operations. The lesson of Triangle stands as a horrible ex- ample still. One lot ot Triangle was reported on the Curb late last week, by the way. totalling 10.000 shares at prices between 8 and 4 cents a share, tue stock's closest approach to zero up to date. Reports of liquidating the company have been in the air for several weeks. Griffith at ZVz One round lot of D. W. Griffith also was reported on the Curb at IVi, also a new low. A new Griffith production impends and |)rob!iJ>ly involves new financing, and. an usual, negotiations for loans un- settles stock prices. The quotation of 2H* is understood to represent only an urgent sale, and probably does not reflect a very definite esti- mate of value. It has 'oeen esti- mated that the Griffith stock could liquidate for much more than that price. The rummary of transactions Nov. 2S to 20, incluBlve: ' STOCK EXCHANGE Thusday— Salea Hlfh.Low. Last. Chj. Fam. Play.-L.. '-MOO W>% 80% 90 t;ol(lwyn 200 X,\ 5S V% — '4 i.o?w. Inc.... i.ario 18^; 1»>., Igt^ -% Orpheum 400 10«4 19 10 — ^ Friday— . Fam. Play.-L.. l.OOn W>i W>*i 89^ -% l>o. pf 10« 07V, OT,", »:V4 -I- H Goldnyn 700 Vu 54 51,, _ v, I.04»w. Inc 4.000 1S>» l«H IS'i Orpheum 100 \^\ 10\ 10*. + K HoBton »old 210 Orpheum at lir v^Tl^^i- Saturday— ' Fam. Ptoy.-L.. 8.400 8ft% 87*i 88% -IVi Go;dwyn 200 r.H S% Mfc 4- H Loew. Inc 1.000 18% 18',i 18^i — «i On>heuni 100 M» 19 10 — % Itoat<.-n sold 200 Orpheum at 10. Monday— Fam. Play.-L.. O.COO 89 87% 884 + H Do. pf ,100 U7vi 07 irrvi Ooldwyn 700 5V, 54 ri% -f % Loew, Inc a.W«0 IS^^ 17^ 17% — 4 Orpheum SOO 18% 184 W4 — ^ Boston sokl 500 Orpheum at 18*4618%. Tueadny— Fam. Play.-L.. B.500 00% BH% 00% -fl% Do. pf 100 U8 08 08 -(- Vt Goldwyn 2.100 04 5% &% Loew, inc 1.100 1B% 17% 18% -4- % Orpheum ' «00 19% \» 19% -fl% tNe curb Thursday— 8alea.Hifh.Low. Last. Chr. Triansle 10,000 *8 4 B -ft Friday— Technlcol., w.l. 600 25 *4%- 25 -|- % D. W. Orl%th.. too 2^ 24 2% Saturday— Technlcol.. w.l. 100 2$ 20 28 Monday— Teohnicol.. w.l. 100 »» » Tuesday- No aales * ^ Caata % sbara. '/^dKfobf,itn&t)/e in^rtKth^rii!' mwm r I STUDIOS OF I SVyCEDAIKIIIC II- 229^KW45t!!StlltwYprk ■■■/>t«r AxwoUv rei 6Q99 3rv^h 200 FOR 3 JOBS (Continued from page 1) tional response to the call at t!;ls period of the season is indicative of ttle oversupply of professional talent. "Old Bill" takes form as one of the unusual presentations th's sea- son. There are 17 scenes In the production, perhaps the bii^gcst set- ting that used for the flooding of a coal mine. The play is a sort of sequel to "The Better 'Ole," pre- sented over here by the Coburns. Lewis & Gordon are producing "Bill." although it was flrst under- stood the presentation here would be made by Sam H. Harris, who secured the rights through Al Lewis (of the firm) with Mr. and Mrs. Coburn in mind. The latter are appearing in the Chicago company of "So This Is London." A special representative Is on the way from Lopdon to take charge of the "Bill" production. The play will be directed by Percival Knight, who, however, will continue his ap- pearances In "Thin Ice." At least two actors from the orig- inal English company will be in the American cast, Harry Wenmin, who will play the lead( he has been playing "Old Bill" in London), and Lord Lyvedbn. who is really a titled Englishman. Charles MacNaughton will play "Bert." which character he had in "The Better 'Olo' here, the others being Jolin Park. Herbert Evans, Leo Stark, Charles Cardon. Rnlph Sumpttr. Cliarles Brown, George Harcourt. Harold Christie. Ali':'e Belmore. Olive Beovrs-Smith. Frances Homer, Betty r'.«'lla:r s. Alisfi Carewe-Carcwe and Hart'.ey Power Robert Courtneidge, ths London producer, has secured the E}nglish rights to the Kaufman-Connelly dramatization of tha Harrr I«eon Wilson story, "Merton of Chei Movies." The contracts were signed Tuesday by Cieorge C. Tyler and Hugh Ford, owners of the play, and Herman Fellner. American repre- sentative for Courtneidge. Glenn Hunter will not play the title role In the English production, although the London manager tried to secure his release from Tyler and Ford, who have a contract with the actor for the run of the play In America. Tyler is to select another Ameri- can player for the role and Hugh Ford Is to go abroad to stage the play. Courtneidge Is the lessee of the Shaftsbury, London, and it is pos- sible that the London premiere will take place In that house shortly after the first of the year. NON-TOP BUL (Continued from page 1) vaudeville using "names" from pro- ductions when possible and "names" from vaudeville. The failure of the "names" to ilraw patronage away from the Ke(th brand of vaudeville and the belief that salaries were suffering from the wartime inflation induced the determined stand on the salary question. The Keith organization started the current season in the face of opposition and gambled it was right. Act after act was given a top figure, which if not up to ex- pectations was raised by the op- position. In many cases the acts taken by Shubert units received 60 per cent, more than their highest Keith salary. The willingness of the unK cir- cuit to pay higher salaries induced some "names" and feature turns to sign up with the new venture. Other acts, knowing they could sell to the opposition at top figures, re- fused sH^t Increases on Keith routes and deAianded a generous raise. The drawing ability of these turivi rated on the unit grosses and the salaries asked and received from the unit producers was away out of proportion, the Keith people be- lieve. Added attractions of "names" which the Shuberts have been using lately to bolster up business with unit shows, disproved and shat- tered many former stimulators. The Palace experiment will have a definite reaction in future stand- ards of comparison. The house will advertise and stress the fact that the bill that week will feature no one in particular, being framed as a good strong average Keith vaude- ville bill minus a headUner. FRAZEE SETTLEMENT (Continued from page 1) parts in several farces produced by Frazee. ^ '• The settlement, arranged by Nathan Burkan. attorney for the wife, calls for $40,000 ia cash, it is said, to be made In two payments within two years. Mrs. Fraxee also receives a one-third interest in everything possessed by the man- ager, including his holdings In the Boston American League Baseball Club, his theatre interests in the Cort, Chicago, and Frazee. New York, and in addition sha is to re- ceive $1,000 monthly for the remain- der of her life. It is believed the settlement was acceded ta In order that Frazee would escape being haled into court to show his assets. As a guarantee that he will follow the provisions of the settlement. Frazee is required to place in escrow one-third of his stock holdings in all the ventures in which he is concerned. NOVEMBER'S SIX BEST SELLERS VICTOR RECORDS ''Gallagher and Shaan" "Chicago" and ''Early in the Morn- ing Bluaa" *^Wh«n tha Laavas Come Tumbling / Down" and "Zenda" eRUNSWICK RECORDS 'nrricks'' and "Dancing Fool" "'Way Down Yondsr" and "True Blua Sam" "Panorama Bay" and "Thru* ths Night" "Three o'Clock" and "Oriental Fox "Blue** and "Haunting Bluas" Trot" "Ara You Playing Fair" and "Say "For the Sake of Auld Lang Syna" It While Dancing" ^ ' and "Call Ma Back, Pal o' Mina" "Call Me Back, Pal o* Mina" and "Suez" and "1 Wish I Knew" "Mary Daar" '■• "^ '.■".. 'Q. R. S. ROLLS '^^'''' ■ - \ "Tricks" "Sunshina AileyV "True Blue Sam" "Ji-Ji-Boo" "Suez" "Cow Bells" Again, for optimistic reasons. It proves an impossible task to select the six biggest sellers in view of the large number of songs going equally as strong lust now. Xh^ following are unusually popular: "Homesick," "Blue.' "Tomorrow," "Gallagher and Shean," "Why Should I Cry Over You." "Say It While Dancing," "Carolina In the Morning." "Love Sends a Little tlift of Roses." The next group are either month-old favorites still going strong or brand new numbers, first hitting their stride: **Three o'Clock," "Lost— A Wonderful Girl." "Nobody Lied." "November Rose," "Loving Sam," "Suez," "Who Cares." "Mary. Dear," "Japanese Moon" (potential hit, judging from the response for this comparatively new^song), "When the Leaves Come Tumbling Down," "Through the Night/' "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans," "Panorama Bay," "Picture Without* Frame." "All th* World Is Waiting for the Sunrise." "Who Did You Fool After All." Production music still has its "You Remind Me of My Mother" and "Nellie Kelly." from "Little Nellie Kelly"; "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" (stronger than ever), from "Chauve Souris"; "When Hearts Are Young," from "Lady In Ermine"; "Syncopate," from "Molly Darling"; "Kiss In the Dark," from "Orange Blossoms"; "Four Leaf Clover" and "Stairway to Paradise," from "Scandals"; "You Are My Rainbow." from "Greenwich Village Folliea"^ "Journey's End," from "Up She Goes"; "Just As LoAg As I Have You." from "Giotham Oirl"; "Crinoline Days" and "Lady of the Evening." from "Music Box Re- vue," and the Ziegfeld "Follies" trio. "South Sea Hooo,*' "Radio" and "Rambler Rose." •f ■<;>.' -t IN LONDON / %:. (Continued from page 2) " petually mentioned as being pros- pective candidates, but their o^'ners generally change their minds before the election day arrives. However, we have Sir Walter de Preece up for re-election and Sir Alfred Butt is another "winner." The freak candidature of Kycle Bellew came to nothing owing, it is said, to doc- tor's orders. The authors have been better represented, A. E. W. Mason, Mr. Hemmerde. K. C, and Francis Neilson. authors of "The Butterfly on the Wheel." have all represented popular constituencies. Reginal Berkeley, author of "French Leave," is up as the Liberal candidate for one of the Nottham divisions. The kinema world takes much more in- terest in politics than does either t^e legltinmte or vaudeville. It Is somewhat surprising that neither Albert Voyce or Monte Bailey, the two high lights in vaudeville organ- ization are conteating seats. James Seddon, who Is fairly safe to be re- turned^ is the big supporter of the kinema people and has also done yoeman service for other branches of the show world. In collaboration with Bertram Davis. Robert Courtneidge is hard at work on a new musical play, "The Little Duchess." This is scheduled as a Glasgow holiday at- traction. Mark Lester will be the "star." "Polly." the sequel to Gay's "The Beggar's Opera," will be seen at the Kingsway, Dec. 30. It was sup- pressed in 1728, but a version was produced at the Hay market, July, 1782. . Despite the many comments on Its supposed old-fashlonedness Sir Ar- thur Wing Pinero's "Mid-Channel" has settled down to a successful run at the Royalty. Later Leon M. Lion win send the play on tour. Old P.ill. ^\.V." wlM open in citlior Toronlo or Montreal Chiistnias Monday, not Ining tli:c into New York until litt^ January. IN AND OUT Smith and Troy did not '^iiow at Loews Stale, N»'W York, tho last half of last week because of illness. ' L. Wolfe Gilbert substiiuttd. ^^ ^.^ GILSEY HOUSE SOU) (Continued from page 1) player (who were real attractions), the paid entertainers always en- couraged volunteers, as Shea him- self did. Many an exhibition of fancy Jig and reel dancing were given by pa- trons as an adjunct to the "show." The show was continuous from noon until well after midnight, ac- cording to the regulations obtaining) on the Island during any particular political regime. Shea and Dennis .Sullivan, brother of the late "Rig" Tim .Sullivan, as his partner at first, +»«t laler bought him o^*^- A few years before the advent of l>rohi)>ition, Shea had a couple of imitators but it never affected his business. The dry law eventually (leciileil liim to give up, following last season, the poorest the Island h;id had for years. The proj)erty will be renovated and it is said made over into a hotel and res- taurant. X" '• ^■■' ■■■■" ■■,.-■ Famous throughout British vaude- ville as "The White-Eyed Kaffir," G. H. Chlrgwin died in London. Nov. 14, from dropay. He had been ill for some time and his death was prematurely reported some time ago. He was born In 1854 and made his first appearance at the age of six In a long demolished hall off Regent street, known as the Swal- low Rooms. He and his brother, as the Brothers Chlrgwin. were a popular double turn until 1877. In the same year he made his first appearance at the Oxford as a sin- gle turn and soon became an estab- lished favorite. For many years he was one of the little band of artists of whom the audiences at the Oxford, the TivoU. and the Pavilion never tired. Throughout all this time he hardly ever made any changes In his act and he was never allowed to leave the stage without singing "The Blind Boy." His famous "white eye" was the rcKuIt of an ai^cldent. One day while singing at a gala, he was doing an ordltiary black-face act at the time, a particle of grit flew Into his I'ye. He rubbed it and the audi- ence roared; he rubbed again and the laughter grew. Later he dls- coverfd that he had rubbed a dia- mond-.•ilm|K>d patch clean In his make-up and from that moment the White e^ c became as famous as the black alt^vether tightf and the hlfk tophat. A . <> Tim O'Connor, ona of the prin- cipala in the Cabaret Follies at tha' Queen's Hall, dislocated his ankle so seriously. Nov. 11, that despite tiM attendance of the famous bon«-set« ter Sir Herbert Barker he was un- able to carry on. Jack Hylton. tho director of tha cabaret, has engaged Lupino Lane and his pardnar, Betty Blythe, to deputize in O'Connor*! absence. Captain Bruca Balrn«fathar will make his vaudeville debut at tha Victoria Place. Nov. 20, in a sketch entitled "Old BUI and Me." In thia he will explain how his famous caricature of the British "OM Con- temptible" came into being. Two companies of the Lyceum play "Old Bill, M.P." will shortly go on tour. "Polly." adapted from the original Gay play by Clifford Bax. will ba produced at the Kingsway, Dec. SO. Nigel Playfair will be the producer and the company includes Adrienna Brulne, Muriel Terry. Pitt Chatham, Percy Parsons. The orchestra will be directed by Eugene Goosscns. "If Winter Comes" will be seen In the West End at thu St. James* toward the end of January. Tha play will ba presented by Frank Curzon, Owan Nares, and B. A. Meyer, by arrangement with Gilbert Miller. Nares will play his original part of Mark Sabre. The Australian rights of the play have been secured by the Williamson organization. Sybil Thorndyka brings the run of "The Scandal" to an end at tha New, Oct. 27. The last fortnight of her season, which ends Dec. f, will be occupied by "the poet SheU ley's play, "The Cenci," which sha produced Nov. 18. This production has been hailed as the most per- fectly artistic seen In London for * long time. Mrs. Patrick Campbell, who la appearing in the suburban houses in Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler," will shortly put a new play into re- hearsal. This will be dona first of all In tha provinces, after which it will be brought to the West End. A company from the Adelphl will start touring at Christmas with tha lately produced "All-British" mu- sical show. "The Island King." It will open In Edinburgh, where It stays a month, and will then do a fortnight each at Glasgow and Newcastle, before proceeding to iha big Northern and Midland cities. ^'■—^ —M 11— — ..■»■■ ■■■■II , m TTLEB BROOKE'S SECOND TRIP The "Baltic" Saturday carried Tyler Brooks away from New York, bound for London, where he may appear in the Charles B. Cochran's production over there of "Llttla Nellie Kelly." ' Brooke returned to New York a couple of weeks ago after scoring a personal success In tha revived failure of "Angel Face" In England. He had gone over there to take hit original role in that piece. I U 1_ r,Jg^: .fV ;:-*SrM: