Variety (April 1923)

'r.", .ri;»'iF7K'''.T\' *f." VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE PARI PC 8 St. MartinU Place, Trafalfar Square 2096 Regent Thursday, April 5, 1823 FRENCH PIAYCENSORMAYRESUIT *™'*IS™J ?.« FROM PARIS CI£AN-11P SAUY «> sisaimd w Httum ^ Musical Revues Under Scrutiny at Present, But French Agree Legitimate Stage Calls for Stricter Censoring, Especially Its Farces Paris, April 4. The sally of the local authorities Into the realm of the music hall to inaugurate a campaign of clean- liness for the French stage has brought up two sharp questions: When docs a performance cease being artistic and become porno- graphic, and why revues only are being given scrutiny for indecency instead of Frencli farces in the legitimate theatres? Many French people are agreed that a stage censor is badly needed, particularly for the odoriferous farces the French have grown to accept and look for. The government, fearing a re- newal of adverse criticism on the license French authors and pro- ducers take in their theatrical pro3- entations, and with the coming Paris season possibly sufCering In consequence, are considering the establishment of regulatory con- duct measures for music hall re- vues. It la a type of entertainment over here such as may bo found l.i several Broadway theatres housing revue productions. The difference Is the I'arlsian output of that char- acter is Inferior in production, but superior in smut. The current instance is the revue at the Palace, Paris, accused of outraging public morals with its manager prosecuted through the arraignment of Harry Pilcer, an American aesthetic dancer, his partner, Rahna, and an Oriental or "cooch" dancer, Zoulaika. Du Frenno, manager of the Palace, has counterclaimed with a statement *lie is willing to comply with any ofUcial ruling on the Palace per- formance, but wants to know why the Palace was picked for the goat alone, whereas a greater display of nudity may be witnessed in several other musical halls which are un- molested. DuFrcnno asserts if strictures are placed upon his show they must equally apply at all mu- sical establishments. The adjourned hearing in the Pilcer et al. complaint coming up, I'ilcer denied he had given a nude rxhibition in the Palace revue called "All Women." Pilcer told the police his tight fitting costume while dancing as a faun was not indecent. Pilcer alleged his entire body is enclosed In tights, whereas he stated Nijinski In a similar ar- tistic dance several years ago with the Russian ballet at the Theatre Champs Elysees was naked to the waist. Pilcer declared his dance was proper and when given In ex- actly the same manner and cos- tume last summer in Marseilles I>assed without objection. Kahna's dance interpretation as a Nymph was termed licentious by the police, while Zoulaika's "Orien- tal" dance exhibition during the per- ormance was declared unfit for pub- lic viewing. In defense of Zoulaika it was stated that "cooch" dances of the description she does have been seen In Paris for the past 30 >ears with little attention previous- ly given to them. While the police reached no Im- mediate decisioh, it is expected a Tuodiflcation of the dances com- plained of will fellow the hearing. The revue at the Palace, already re- l)orted a succcs.s, wius greatly acce- lerated through the unlooked "clean up" movement. for Harry I'ilcer commenced his stage career In New York slh a dancer of the "classical" school. He attracted no attention outside of a theatrical set until becoming the dancing part- ner of the late Gaby Deslys, when the famed Freneli girl first came over here to appear in the Winter Garden, New York. Pilcor con- tinued as Gaby's dancing partner until her death, remaining on the other side with but one incursion Into New York theatricals, occurring last season when he danced in the short-lived English production, "Pins and Needles," In New York. Upon his return to this side after his absence of several years, Pilcer was dancing much the same as when he left LONDON REVERSIONS TO FILM PLAYING 1 FRANK VAN HOVEN This week (April 2), B. F. Keith's, Syracuse. Direction: EDW. S. KELLER Taken Abroad by Charles Lewis—Played Six Out of Contracted 28 Weeks—Some of the People Playing Independent Date* ,. ZUKOR CANNOT SEE ENaiSH COMPETITION \t May Develop Production—Not Familiar With Famous Play- ers-Hearst Severance PLAY OF HEAVEN "L« Haul" in Paris Earth Also Includes Drury Lane and Aihambra Mentioned for^Pictures— Vaudeville Leaves • London, April 4. Reportjr are that two London theatres may shortly revert to a picture policy. An unverified rumor is that "Angelo" at the Drury Lane is too weak to last when that house will be converted to the films, while the Stoll policy of vaudeville, three times daily, at the Aihambra, is only drawing one capacity crowd from the triple attendance. "You'd Be Surprised" moves from Covent Garden to the Aihambra April 16, the house once more re- verting to its former revue policy. '•MUSIC BOX" CAST London, April 4. The London presentation of the first "Music Box" production will start In May. It will have Santley and Sawyer, Solly Ward, Fred Du- prez , Brox Sisters, GiUio Potter, Ethilde Terry. Paris, April 4. The operetta "La Hauf (Up Above), by the prolific Maurice Yvain, as presented at the Bouffes Parlsiens and staged by Edmond Roze, is of an elegant man .who died and went to Heaven. The Angel in Paradise granted him per- mission to return to Earth to see what his widow was doing. Ar- riving there, the dead one located his wife &B the centre of a flood of attentions from a former suitor. Dismayed at her forgetfulness, the messenger from Heaven took her along when he decided to re- turn. Arriving again in Paradise, he awoke. The comedy isn't very well thought of. ^ . Maurice Chevalier plays the dreamer, with Mary Malbot as the wife and Dranexn the Angel. Gabin is St. Peter. 1^ London, April 4. Adolph Zukor will sail from Cher- bourg for New York, April 7, on the "Mauretania." Before leaving Lon- don Friday for Paris, Mr. Zuk ir gave as his opinion that while England may develop picture producing, it ^n never compete formidably with the Pacific Coast In the States, ow- ing to atmospheric conditions and the intensive expansion of Los An- geles as a producing center during the past 15 years. Mr. Zukor stated American busi- ness is now better than at this time last year. He believes it to be at present 80 per cent, normal. Asked concerning the withdrawal of the* William R. Hearst pictures from Famous Players, Zukor re- plied he knew little of It; that the Hearst withdrawal had occurred since he left New Y'ork, but there is no unfriendliness between Hearst and Famous. The Hearst contract with Famous, said Mr. Zukor, expired one year ago. Mr. Hearst held the right to withdraw at any time following it, he stated, but Famous always will be pleased to distribute the Hearst film productions. London, April 4. The American vaudeville show brbught over here by Charles Lewis has closed. Some of the actoru ar<» pilaying independent dates, while others are stranded in this city. It is said Lewis agreed to pay fares but onfe way. The closing ar- rived after six weeks of playing in the provinces, when the company refused to accept a cut In ^lary. Lewis has been trying to arrange time until next season, when he holds promise of dates with the Moss and Stoll circuits. A contract for 28 weeks was given the acts before leaving your side. Under Variety of Jan. 12, last, the following appeared concerning the Lewis company's trip to England: * A unit of American artists are en route for London to appear under the management of Charles Lewis there in a traveling road show he is sponsoring. The company sailed last week, including Lillian Sieger, Agnes Baker, Doris Richman, S. W. Clay- ton, Armento Brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Lchrberger, Mr. and Mrs. George Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Dewey. CLASH ON GERMAN FILM ^ POISON SUSPECTED Police Investigate Death of Meyer Goodman, London Agent TWO EEVIVALS IN PAEIS Paris, April 4. ▲t the Theatre Paris Saturday (March 31) Volterra revived Francis Croisset'fl^comedy, "Epervler" with Andre Brule and Madeleine Lely In the principal roles. At the Renaissance Is a revival of ihrondale's oriental drama, "In- soumise.** WHITEMAN BIGGEST LONDON HIT EVER MADE BY IMPORTATION ''Brighter London*' Sensational Success at Hippo- drome—Orchestra Leader Restrained by Musi- cians' Union From Appearing at Private Party THE TILLEB SCHOOLS OF DANCING 143 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director, JOHN TILLER "ImNSfoNEr THE LITTLEJOHNS 226 West 46th St. New York riioiic UK Y A NX 4337 WII-KTTK KERSHAW OTTARANTY THUFT CO. ill Fifth Avcnu* Iscw York London, April 4. Paul Whlteman and his band have turned London upside down. He Is the biggest hit ever registered by an American importation. Following the first night of "Brighter London," the new Charlea n. Cochran revue at the Hippodrome, tlio libraries (ticket agencies) doubled their quota. Now the show itself is looJvcd upon as a sensational SUCCCG.^. Another of the oa.^'t to ecoro strongly is Lupiiio Lane, while liilly Merson is certain to advance' him- self into a big hit in the show. "Brighter London" is an expensive and artistic production. Reinforce<l by the W'hltomnn band, the advance reports from I^ivojp(n>l, where the s-how lM<>k«' in, iiMii<'.ii«ii London would go Willi ovrr Whlteman. That meant the succes.s of tiic show. Startling off»r.s h;ive been madr Whitoman to appear In London cabaretf, but the muhical union says he may not appear outside of the jlippodrorne, whore he is contracted London, April 4. Meyer Goodman, vaudeville agent, died Monday under strange circum- stances. The police are investigat- ing the matter and it is declared there aro signs that the showman was poisoned. Imported "Godiva" Banned When It Opposed Stoll Production -;<i|i London, April 4. Following Stoll's announcement that his company is ihaking a pic- ture based on the Lady Godiva legend, a secondary renting concern heralds the release of a German pro- duction of the same subject. The license will be refused by the British censors for the imported version it is assured indirectly. : **KATINKA" HAILED London, April 4. J. L. Sacks produced "Katinka* Monday night to aa enthusiastic^ audienca .;; :■ ■■. .■•/..',':" ^i'-'-s -Cm IN LONDON INP. The new English theatrical and general show-world paper, "The Actor and Entertainment World" ha« ceased publication after a very short life. The paper was backed and published by the old-established firm of Royal and Government printers, Harrison & Sons, who also print a large proportion of the post- age stamps used in this and other countries. The paper had for editor Ernest G. Allighan and the staff was drawn from theatrical and klnematographic Journals. for (noted on English labor permit required for contracted labor to en- ter England) without engaging as many English musicians as he has Americans. The union objected to Whiteman's band playing at a private suinior party In the Hotel Savoy, wli re no admission was charged. Whlteman would have been within his rights in arcepting the ongagemont, but gave way. Pressure iR being brought to bear for the Whiteman band to appear in a cabaret. The American Ambassador has communicated witli Whiteman, se- curing all of the correspondence. The Amba.ssador told Whiteman In an interview the American Govern- ment will not stand for 4liscriminii- tion. It wants to know the facts of his trouble with the musicians' union and If the ICnglisli Labor Board is Involved. The Hippodrome Monday night did £C48, within £8 of the house record. An action has been started in the Westchester County Court against May Palfrey, widow of Wcedon Grossmith, for breach of corttract. Early last autumn she took out a jtour of her husband's successful farce, "The Night of the Party." The company was engaged for 10 weeks but closed In four, it was said, owing to the action of the Actors' Association vehicle who attempted to promote a boycott. They used the same tactics when the farce was revived at the St. James some time ago. This may possibly affect (Continued on page 20) ADDITIONAL FOREIGN NEWS (Continued on pages 20 and 21) SAILINGS ' March 81 (from New York for London), Guy Bolton, Pauline Lordv Jacqueline Hunter (legit), Ethel LeginsHa (pianlste), (Majestic). Reported through Paul Tausig * Son, 104 E. 14th street: — March 28 (from New York for Paris), Marie Wallace. ; March 31 (from New York tot London), Mr. and Mrs. Bobby (UkeX, Henshaw, Celia Turril (Majestic).;, April 4 (from New York for Lon-,< don). Yokes and "Don" (President > Van Buren). i March 31 (from New York t^ London), Arthur Hopkins, Guy Bol- ton, Rita Welman (Majestic). '■ March 31 (from New York Ul/- Paris), Marjorie Wood (Orca). April 11 (from London fo New' York) Mr. and Mrs. Martin Beck' (Majestic). April 7 (from Cherbourg to New York), Adolph Zukor (Mauretania). April 2 (from New York to Lon- don) I'^rnest Hilliard (Saxonia). March 31 (from Paris to New York), Helen and Josephine TriX (France). March 29 (from New York td Havana), Mrs. Jack ^Tanion, Kath- orine Manion (Ksperanz). March 28 (from New York fo** Paris) R Ray Goetz, Irene Bordon* (.Mrs. Goetz) (Paris). '. FOSTERS AGENCY, Ltd flEORGK F08TEII 32 We Place All the BIGGEST ACTS in England COMMlJNirATE THK<)i;oll UILI.IAM ViOKUlS AGKNCY. INC 14t» BBOADWAY: PLTNAM BLILDlNO MEW YORH CH BARRY F08T