Variety (October 1923)

V^ARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE PART FQSSt. MartiiTa Place, Trafalgar Square nnoccc vaoicxv irkNnnN \^ r\ O M^ M^ *J 2096 Recent Tl CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON Thursday, October 4, 1923 PARIS STAGE HANDS STRIKING MAY LEAD TO GENERAL MOVE Crew at Laparcerie Claim to Be Underpaid—Man- agers Contrast With Wage of Minor Actors— Affiliated Syndicate Talked About AMERICAN ORCHESTRA KEPT OUT OF lONDON London, Oct >. The Ministry o( Labor has re- fused a labor permit (or the appear- ance at the Grafton Qallerieshere of k 10-piece Paul Whlteman (with- out Whiteman) orchvtn^ A contract for the entire season ha4 been Issued to. the Whlteman combination with the members of It having been due to sail from New Tork Oct 10. 1 Paris. Oct. I. Stage hands at the Theatre Cora liaparcerle have gone on strike al- leging they arc under paid. A gen- eral strike of tho back stago work- ers Is proposed if tho requested arbitration by the government and tho minister of ].ibor Is refused. It Is unquestioned the cost of living is rising here, although the manaKcrn" argument Is that, why pay the stage hands more than the minor actor? A minimum of 30 francs, dally. Is being demanded by the stage hands. The stage crew of the Comedle FrancalRc contemplate an afllllated syndicate. According to them they are unable to obtain any satisfac- tion despite promises, besides work- ing over 10 hours a day while there Is an eight-hour law. TITLE CONFUSING "Bridos" '" Name of New Play Accepted for Whist Paris, Oct. S. Opening at the Theatre Nouveau- tes Saturday Louis VerneuU's three- act farce, "Maltress de Bridge,"' met with an Indifferent reception despite Us strong cast Those In the roles are Legallo Gallpauz, Jacques Deferaudy, Vincent Hyspa. Albert Brasseur, Mesdames Tem- pley, Reglna Camler and WHUams. The script tells of a trivial detec- tive named Pont, who calls himself Bridge, and although married Is In Jove with friend Robert's wife. The would-be sleuth attempts to prove Robert's InfldeHty so that a divorce may be bad. Robert, In his turn, Is In the midst of a prolonged secret Intrigue with the wife of the so-called Bridge which ultimately leads to the de- tective's better half being discov- ered and the example being fol- lowed by Bridge and Robert's spouse. •The title of the production was taken by the public to mean the play concerned the bridge as played with cards. BALLET TOUR FA^ American Dancers in South America Mildly Received DEMPSEY-FIRPO HGHT FILM IN LONDON Added to "Scaramouche" at Tivoli—$2,500' for Week London, Oct. 3. The Dempsey-Flrpo Alms opened at the Tivoli today as an additional feature to "Scaramouche," without any advertising beyond a three- sheet In front of the, theatre. The rental for the flght pictures at the Tivoli Is $2,500 for the week. CISSIE LOFTUS' OVATION Opens -at Palladium—Julian Rose Also Big London, Oct. 3. CIssle Loftus returned to the stage this week after an absence of years and was given a sensa- tional reception at the Palladium. The only visible change made In Miss Loftus is a stouter llgure but her work is still as remark- ably clever as It was years ago. Miss Loftus has been confined to a sanatorium following a nervous breakdown for more than a year. Julian Rose, the American, who is one of England's biggest favor- ites, presented a new monolog on the same bill, and was also accorded a big ovation. LEGION FOR SACHA French Government to Honor Act- or* Author at Pasteur Celebratipn Paris, Oct. J. The French Government will con- fer upon Sacha Guitry the Legion d'Honneur during the celebration of the Pasteur centenary. At the same time a number of other notables in various fields of endeavor will receive the honor. Buenos Aires, Ocx. t. The American ballet touring South America for the past several months has not been having a very successful time of it Mile. Deslree and IS ballet dancers comprise the company. The Latin countries have received the production but mildly. The company Is due to return to the States by the end of fall. PILGER—PEARL WHITE Both Opening in Paris Cabaret Oct. S—Maybe Raquel Meller. Paris, Oct 3. Harry Pilcer Is opening next Fri- day, Oct. 8. at Rector's Club, for- merly known as the Acacia Cabaret. He win appear with Pearl 'White, American screen actress, and lately star of the Palace revue. In the same performance will be Splnelly and probably Raquel Meller. BECKETT'S MONEY WITHHELD London, Oct. 3. The aftermath of the Beckett* Carpentler fight, suspected a frame, Is that the Englishman's share of the purse Is to be withheld. There Is no official reason given, although Major Wilson stated privately, Im- mediately after tho contest, he would endeavor to stop Beckett's share with it to be donated to cbarlty. Pilcer Recovers Paris, Oct. 3.. Harry Pilcer Is l^ck in the Palace revue after a siege of Illness. OUTDOOR AMUSEMENTS The Clipper Is the only papsr in ths «v«rl4 solely devstcd !• oUt- dosr •musements. Nswa vf •<fr> kliMl aiHl sMnHtsr. ' > "n i-' " "CYMBELTNE'S" FLOP London. Oct. 3. Sybil Thorndyko's production of 'Cymbeline" at the New theatre la a flop and will close Saturday after playing two weeks. The play failed to draw sufilclent business to pay even part of the expenses. SHAWS PLAY MILD 'f^gmalion" Laclcs General Appeal —Givsn Cool Reception Paris, Oct 3. Shaw's Pygmalion" was accovded a mild reception at Theatrd Arts where it opened last Friday. It Is general opinion that It lacks popul- lar appeal and will only attract class auiiences such as the literary folk and others who enjoy the veiled sarcasm of the author. PIzani was cast for the role of Hamon, the wealthy dilettante who takes up a vulger flower girl, turns her Into a ravishing butterfly only to have her fall In love with him. Paulette Paz was attractive >is the gin. Despite the cool reception ac- corded the piece the management seem determined to force a run. Al- ready they have adopted cut-rating. WEST END SITE Pickle Factory Selected as Next for Picture Theatre London, Oct. 3. PrOM time to time every vacant site in the west end of London Is mentioned as having been acquired for the building of a gigantic plc-^ ture theatre. Important financial magnates are mentioned as being Interested. ThCn the projects seem to pet^r out anj the trade waits patiently for the next rumor. The latest is to the effect an Im- portant syndicate is after a big site In Oxford street to build a big house, to which will be attached a hotel, restaurant, and many other attractions. Although not exactly in Oxford street, the great derelict pickle and Jam factory of Cross & Blackweil is near enough for the purpose, and has already been mentioned as hav- ing been "negotiated" for by film men. "GOOD LUCK" BIG HIT Sporting Drama at Drury Lane Gets $100,000 "Buy" ALHAMBRA CHANGES Paris, Oct 3. Mayol terminates bis engagement at the AJhambra tomorrow, while the following day Louise Balthy, French vaudeville comedienne, will start as a feature of the show. OAJTE BOCHQUART REOPENS Paris, Oct. 8. Galte Rochquart. closed since the fire last spring, has reopened with Georges Arnould's Rc\ je. In which Serglus Robert Burnler and Nina Myral are featured. "Wagon" for Paris Dec. 20 Paris, Oct 3. "The Covered Wagon" opens at the Madeleine on Dec. 30. A re- served seat policy will be adopted by George Bowles, house manager for the run of tho picture. Paris. Oct 3. Vienna Wants French Plays The Burg Theatre. Vienna, is ne- gotiating with tho Comedio Pran- cal.se for a series of performances of French plays i i Rene Rocher Withdraws Paris, Oct. 8. Rene Ilocher has withdrawn from the Comedle Franc.ilse to assume management of the new Theatre Caumart. "Last Warning" at Comedy London, Oct. 3. Oulliver and Vedrenne will pro- duce "The Last Waralnc" mt the Comedy Oct. 21. London. Oct. 8. The new sporting drama, "Good Luck," at the Drury I^ne, was given a buy by the libraries of 8100,000 following Its dress rehearsal. It is Bcenlcally magnificent, with a brilliant cast and unusual me- chanical effects. Seats are on sale until Boxing Day. At tho Lyceum. "What Money Can Buy" revealed Itself as a sure- fire but Inane popular priced melo- drama, avidly devoured by Just the audience it was built for. In "Good Luck" are 12 scenes in four acts and 21 principals. It was written by Seymour Hicks and Ian Hay, with Herman Flnck composer of the music. Sir Alfred Butt and Arthur Collins produced it. "SCARAMOUCHE" SID |6,700 London. Oct. 3. The Tlvoll did 85,700 last week with "Scaramouche," coming within 81.300 of the house record. The big- gest week the theatre has done be- fore registered 87,000 on the week. WHTONS AT METROPOLE London, Oct. 3. The "Midnight Follies" at the Metropole has reopened featuring the Wilton Sisters. ROSTAND'S NEWIRON MASK" HAY ONLY FAIR New Version of "Masque De Fer" Produced at Paris Mogador ' Paris, Oct. S. Maurice Rostand has written a different version of the "Man In the Iron Mask" legend Into a four-act melodrama which was produced Monday at the Mogador and shows fajr promise. 'The work In In verse. Toung Rostand uses Mlchelct's supposition that the "Man In the Iron Mask" was the twin brother of Louis XIV., who was Incar- cerated because his existence threatened political difficulties. Inspire^ apparently by the Du- mas novel, Rostand describes his hero's escape from L'Isle Ste. Mar- guerite, where he was Imprisoned, visiting the Palace of the Louvre where he confronts Mazarin w|?lle he Is scheming a marriage between Louis and a Spanish princess. Realizing the danger to France if his brother is dethroned. The Iron Mask patriotically effaces himself from the situation by voluntarily re- turning to prison In the Bastille where he dies after receiving his mother's kiss of blessing. Mme. Delve impersonates the dowager queen (motberX, while Mme. La Parcerle plays the dual role of the supposed twin brothers. Blgnoret plays Mazarin, and Colin has a good part In the Jailer Salntmars. There Is an Imaginary love scene In the second act be- tween the masked prince and Saint- mars' daughter, the girl disappear- ing when she realizes she has dis-' covered a state secret In the iden- tity of the Man in the Iron Mask. WAITING FOR HEARST 'YES" GETS OVER Andre Chariot's Newest Revue Lacks Women London, Oct. 3. "Tes," the latest Andre Chariot revue, put on Saturday at the Vaudeville, got over, but it lacks women; also star names. Despite these absentees the show is satis- factory entertainment, and has been voted nice. A. couple of vaudeville recruits, a team, Norah Blaney and Gwen Far- rar, looked amateurish playing roles for the first time, but passed. Her- bert Mundln and Albert Baskomb handled the skits very well. What women are In the cast ari weak. Laddie Cliff Not Coming Over London, Oct 8. Laddie Cliff will not play In America this season, according to Ernest Edelsten, his manager. ClifTs plans fo- the future are un- decided. MARIE DORO WITH STOLL London, Oct. 8. The Stoll Film Co. has secured Marie Doro for the screen version of Temple Thurston's novel, "Sally Bishop." F. B. 0. BUYS 18 WARNERS London, Oct. 3. The Film Booking company has purchased the English rights to 18 Warner picture productions. Gus Schleslnger made the sale. TALKING FILMS (Continued from page 1) State offices to be taken In connec- tion with four-minute talks, these to be widely circulated throughout the country. The films can be shown wherever there Is electric light, and if it should be that in some small com- munity electricity Is not In use a picture machine can l>c so rigged up as to run from the generator of an automobile. It is not Improbable that for the rural communities that automobiles will t« set up with spe- cial bodies as small theatres for the express purpose of showing these talking-motion picture pollti- I cai subjects. "IITTUE REVUE" EXCELLENT London, Oct. 3. The "Little Revue" premiered at the Little theatre Tuesday and proved excellent entertainment of the sort. RINGING IN A KING Alleges Duke Is Working Under Proxy Due d'Arcal. a cousin of the Kins of Spain. Is. In New York, at the Ilitz. He frankly admits that he is here "on account of" Lcnorc Hughes, the dancing partner of Maurice. Mlis Hughes is as open about It, but says that the duke is not func- tioning on his own behalf, hinting that he Is the direct confidential aide and a;tent of his royal cousin, Alphonfo, who, she proclaims, gave her the inch-square diamond she we.irs and who, she confesses, has a "date" with her In Paris, follow- ing her cabaret run In New York. Believe Possibility He May Purchat* Empire, Lenden London, Oct 3. 'William R. Hearst is expected hei« within a fortnight There is a bcllet he may consider liurchaslng the Bm> plre. Previous negotiations have been-conducted on Hetirst's behali; George Alison now holds ths Hearst power-of-attorney to repre- sent bim over here In all picture transactions. The Elmplre is understood to be held under an option to buy by a syndicate of four Bristol (England) business men. who paid a deposit of 856,000. They have a month to com- plete the transaction. It accounts for Sir Alfred Butt declining to confirm the report of sale of the Empire tfor commercial purposes. However, It Is said It Is tlie.sxn« dicate that Is awaiting Hearst's ar- rival. BISCOT MAKES GOOD . IN FLATEAU'S-REVUE Film Star Featured in Gay Performance at the Cigale, Paris Paris, Oct. 3. Blscot, popular film star. Is being featured In Raphael Plateau's re- vue, "Tout Voiles Dehors," openinf'' at the Cigale. The piece seems In for a run. It Is the Joint effort of Michel Carre and Andrea Barde. Particularly bright la a tableau representing national drinks, which takes a satirical fling at dry Amer- ica; also a' Spanish burlesque, car- ried by Blscot. in which German thousand-mark bills are distributed. The only dlscordanl note Is a skit on social joys under communism. It will undoubtedly be pruned out. In addition to Blscot the cast In- cludes Lucette Darbelle, Edmond Castrt and Jane Aubert . .^ A OPERETTAS IN PARIS New Crop for New Season in the French Metropolis Paris. Oct. 3. There is to be another crop of op« ' erettas here during the winter sea* son on the lines of last season. At the Theatre Daunou. Mile. 7ane Renault will present "Madame," by. A. Wlllemetz, music by Christine^ with Baron flls, Alice Cocea, The« rese Dorny and Cheiret In the lead, "La Dame en Decolte," by Yves Mlrande. score by Maurice Yvaln< at the Boulfes, under the direction of G. Qulnson (F. Salabort, pub« Usher). Andre Messager is alstf busy on a musical comedy, on the lines of "L'Amour Masque." Alexandre Georges Is making C musical version of Marcelle Ty^, here's "Malson de Pechc." "Flirting" Moving From Queens IX)ndon,' Oct 3. > "Flirting" will move from thd . Aueen's at the end of the month t«, make room for a revival of "Th«i. Little Minister." Alfred Butt says he has anothei* house for the former piece. DEATHS ABROAD V *5t Paris, Sept. 25. . Ji Victor Raekosi, author, died at ', Budapest. The deceased was known /f as the Hungarian Mark Twain. ;?^ Henri Davin, stage manager of**;* the Theatre Femina, Paris, recently' died. n :• SAILINGS Oct 9 (London to New York); " Nora Bayes (Leviathan). Oct. 6 (London to New York), John Flinn (Berengaria). Sept. 29, (New Tork to London) Rex Ingram and Mrs. Ingram (Alice Terry), E. J. Boughs, Clarence Car- man (Leviathan). Sept. 24 (Paris to New York), Galwey Herbert (Paris). THE TILLER SCHOOLS OF DANCING 143 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director. JOHN TILLER HII.KTTK KERSHAW IOUAnANTl xnuBT CO. S» Fifth AvcoH* _.„„,„, ^•w •"■