The New York Clipper (October 1917)

THE NEW YORK CLIPPER October 3, 1917 N..V.-A. FORCES AGENT TO GIVE BACK $400 TOOK THE SIDE OF THE ACTOR As the result of an investigation con- ducted by Henry Chesterfield, secretary of the National Vaudeville Artists, Inc., Ar- thur Horowitz is shy $400, which he ob- tained from a strong man act' to obtain booking for him. Chesterfield told the agent to return the money last week. Several weeks ago, the "strong man" went to Horowitz, and the latter told him that, if he would give him $400 as his fee, as manager, he would obtain fifteen weeks' work. This the man did, and Horowitz gave him a contract to play an engage- ment for that length of time. A week or two later the man was taken sick and it became necessary for him to go to a hospital for treatment. There the doctors informed him that he would be un- able to work, for some time to come. The man then went to Horowitz and told him that he would have to cancel the engage- ment on account of illness and requested him to return the money. This, Horowitz was unwilling to do, Chesterfield found. He told the man that be had lived up to his part of the contract and-that it would be up to him to fulfill his end by going to work. The man in- formed him that he was too ill to work and that he needed the money on account of the heavy expenses he was under. Last week, the man called on Chesterfield and explained the case to him. Chester- field got into touch with Horowitz and ar- ranged a meeting for the pair. Tbey met last Thursday in Horowitz's office and the latter told the man that he, personally, was not inclined to return the money, but, if Chesterfield so ordered, he would. The report of the conference was taken back to the secretary by the actor and the later instructed Horowitz to call on him at once. When Horowitz arrived at Chesterfield's office be was very much inclined to keep the money, but when the latter informed him that if he did not return it he would probably be compelled to call it to the attention of the V. M. P. A., and that they might take action which would be unpleas- ant to him, the agent-manager quickly changed his mind and turned the money over to the N. V. A. secretary. On Satur- day the money was returned to the actor. ACTOR AND WIFE RECONCILED Howard Truesdale, appearing with Sam Mann at the Palace Theatre this week, had a narrow escape from becoming a resi- dent of the "Alimony Club." at Ludlow Street Jail, last Monday, but was saved by his attorney, David Steinhardt, who interceded in time and brought about a reconciliation with his wife. Truesdale, wbo in private life is known as Howard Truesdale Fish, was a defend- ant in a divorce action brought by his wife, Minnie Pish, in the Supreme Court, which allowed her alimony pending the trial of the action. But Fish did not seem to be inclined to make the payments as directed by the Court, and his wife's attorneys ap- plied for an order committing him to Lud- low Street Jail, for contempt of court. On Monday, prior to the matinee, Mrs. Fish, accompanied by her attorney and a Deputy Sheriff, appeared at the stage door of the Palace and awaited the arrival of her husband. He come along, and the Sheriff was ready to place him under arrest when he asked if they would accompany him to his lawyer's office. The four then went to Steinhardt's office and, after a session of more than an hour, the attorney was able to bring about a reconcilliation and the withdrawal of the contempt proceedings. The couple left Steinhardt's office arm in arm, announcing that they would live together again. CINCINNATI STRIKE SETTLED Cincinnati, O., Sept 28.—The long con- troversy between the union musicians and the managers of the Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre and B. F. Keith's, had been adjusted and contracts for a year .signed. Both sides, of course, claim a victory, but the fact is that concessions were made, all around. It is hinted that the arrival in this city of J. J. Mnrdock of the Keith in- terests had much to do toward ending the dispute which seemed to. be resulting in nothing but truces, meetings and threats. The orchestra at B. F. Keith's is given $2 a week increase from $28 to $30. This is a compromise. The big point of contention, the right to decide the size of the orches- tra, also resulted in a compromise. The musicians were granted that right for one year but they in turn agreed to have only nine instead of ten men in the Keith or- chestra pit. No increased salaries de- mands were made on the Grand and Lyric There the trouble arose over the union's insistence on a 30 week clause in their contracts. Here, too, a compromise re- sulted—a compromise that seems to prom- ise little for the musicians. They are to be given thirty weeks' work, providing the season does not actually end before that time is up. "JOHN THE BARBER" BANKRUPT John J. Reisler, known along Broadway as "John the Barber," filed a voluntary petition in bankruptcy in the United States District Court last week. He gives his liabilities as $2,977.82 and his assets as fonr suits of clothes and one share of stock in the Reisler Co., valued r.t $110. The petition was filed after John had been ordered to appear in supplementary proceedings, on a judgment obtained against him by Simon Phillips, for $1,- 021.82 for money loaned. Herman L. Roth appears as attorney for Reisler. READING THEATRE RE-NAMED Reading, Pa, Oct L—The new Rajah Theatre here is the new name for the Academy of Music, which was purchased last season by the A. A. O. Nobles Mystic Shrine. In its remodeled condition it is said to be one of the finest theatres in the State. Phil Levy, well known in New York, is the new manager, and advises that he has booked a long list of first rate attractions for the season. "MISS 1917" GETS CECIL LEAN The latest bulletin from the Century Theatre states that Cecil Lean has been engaged for the new production, "Miss 1917." Lean and his wife, Cleo Mayfield, returned from their summer home a few days ago, and this week he was engaged for his new part. His last appearance in New York was in "The Blue Paradise" at the Casino Theatre. WILL OPEN OCTOBER IS The Fourteenth Street Theatre, under the management of Walter Rosenberg, will inaugurate its season with shows playing the International Circuit on Oct. 15. The first attraction to play the house will be "Capt Russell, U. S. A." The house is being remodelled and thoroughly overhauled and is having many new fix- tures added to its interior. CORT PRESENTS NEW PLAY PrrTSBUBOH, Pa., Oct. L—At the Duqnesne Theatre here last night John Cort produced a new play by Thompson Buchanan, with Miss Josephine Victor in the principal role. The play was offered without a title, and Mr. Cort is offering a prize for the best one submitted. CAMPBELL GETS FROHMAN PLAY By arrangement with Daniel Frohman, Robert Campbell, in association with Walter Jordan, will direct the production and Canadian tour of a special company to appear in "Seven Day's Leave," an. Eng- lish drama. t "THE; BARREN WOMAN" QUITS Albany, N. Y-. Sept. 25.—"The Barren Woman" terminated its seasoh Here, to- night SELWYNS ENGAGE. MME. YORSKA Madame Yorska and Fred. Burt have been.engaged by the Selwyns for.the cast of "Madame. Cecile," a comedy, by Louis K. Anspacher. PRODUCERS TO HIM WEINGARDEN WANTS FRANCHISE Izzy Weingarden, whose franchise to operate the "September Morning Glories" on the American Circuit was. taken, away from him last week, has appealed to the Mutual Burlesque Producers, Inc., of which he is a ■member, to aid him in his differences with the Circuit and have the franchise restored to him. On Monday, he wrote a letter to. Izzy Herk, president of the Managers' Asso- ciation, calling the attention of that offi- cial to the fact that his franchise, had been revoked and asking, him to get the organization to intercede, for him with the circuit and have the Baker show, "The Gay Morning Glories," displaced on the wheel and his. show restored to its route. Weingarden feels that as this organ- ization is composed of the producers of shows on the American Circuit, and is organized for protective purposes, that, it should come to his aid. However, Herk is placed in a very "ticklish" position, as, besides being presi- dent of the managers' organization, he is also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Circuit. As a member of this board he was compelled to vote upon the question of taking up the Wein- garden franchise as there were no votes to the contrary when the matter was submitted to the board. The action which Herk will take is be- ing watched with interest by burlesque producers and managers, as they cannot see what course he can take without get- ting himself in hot water one way or an- other. Should he sustain the ruling of the American Circuit, Weingarden will probably charge that, as a member of the association, he has not protected the in- terests of a brother member, and if he acts in favor of Weingarden he probably will have a great deal of explaining to do to the American Circuit for bis action. Weingarden expects to hear from Herk toward the end of the week, and in the meantime will defer any other action relative to the restoration of his fran- chise. ASKS $50,000 HEART BALM Bertha Kiley, professionally known as Dixie Compton, a motion picture actress, has brought an action for $50,000 in the Supreme Court against Albert E. Potter, an interior decorator, alleging breach of promise of marriage. , In the complaint filed by August Dryer, attorney for Miss Kiley, it is alleged that on July 26 she procured a license to marry Potter, at his request. She states that this was done after a long and ardent courtship and after her promise to aban- don her stage and picture career. How- ever, when she finally asked Potter, after procuring the license, to marry her, he replied that he did not care to do so at that time and had no intentions of doing so in the future, she says. Attached to the complaint are several "mushy" letters from Potter to the plaintiff, in one of which he says: "1 will sell my soul for you if you will only give up work and love me." Other letters of- this nature are also filed. Potter is fifty-three years old and is said to be very wealthy, while Miss Kiley is twenty-eight years old. THEATRE MAN WOULD BE SENATOR Boston, Sept. 29.—George E. Curran, one of the best known threatrical men in the country, has received the Democratic nomination, for the. state senate in the sixth senatorial district He. will have no Republican opponent so he. is as good as elected right now. Curran. began his theatrical career as a mechanic at. Keith's Theatre.. THEATRICAL LAWYER GETS PLUM Harry Steinfeld, the theatrical lawyer, last week found, himmtlf the executor of a $500,000 estate, when the will of Geo. E. Neil, who was killed in an automobile accident in New Rochelle, where be had large, motion picture interests, was read. In addition, be found that he had been bequeathed a new Packard limousine, by the dead man, as a "token of esteem for courtesies rendered." Neil was killed when, his hat flying off, he turned to reach for it and the machine swerved into a pole. Under, the terms of the, will he. leaves a. fund, of $50,000. to be held in trust for the education of his three children. When they, reach twenty- five years of age, they can divide it. $50,- 000 was also left for his mother, Mrs. Myra J. Neil, and $10,000 to Margaret Spitz of New Rochelle. His wife, from, whom he was, separated, was, cut off- With $1.00. These trusts, together with the remainder of the estate, is left in Stainfeld's care for administration and preservation. "LAND, OF FREE" SEEN Stami-okd, Conn., Oct L—William A. Brady presented; for. the. first time on any stage to-night "The Land of the Free," by Harriet Ford and Fannie Hurst. The cast, headed, by Florence Nash, includes Giorgio Majeroni, Edith Campbell Walker, Alice Lindahl, Dora Kashinsky, Nadva Gordon, Vera Gordon, Leslie Austin, Rich- ard Tabor, Frank Hatch and Semion Kovsoloff. FORM PLAY BROKERAGE CO. For the purpose of dealing in vaudeville and legitimate play manuscripts the Cen- tury Play Company was incorporated in New York last week for $5,000. The in- corporators were Morris Rothstein, John G. White and Harry Hechheimer, the lat- ter also acting as attorney for the com- pany. The new company has opened of- fices in the Candler building. THEATRE CLUB HAS OUTING Springfield, Mass., Oct 1.—Over 100 persons enjoyed the fifteent i annual bake of the Springfield Theatrical Club, held at Strickerts' Grove here, last Sunday. Bill . Casey, formerly president of the club, and "Dad" Fraizer, of Philadelphia, were the guests of honor. STORK LEAVES: COOPER A BABY Harry Cooper, the vaudeville actor, play- ing this week at the Alhambra Theatre, was presented with a baby girl Monday night The newcomer weighed exactly nine and one-half pounds, and-first saw the light of day at six o'clock. FORM No. 2 COMPANY John Cort will send out a number two company of "Mother Carey's Chickens," the current attraction at the Cort Theatre. The play was produced at the Cort last week and is recorded as one of the sea- son's biggest successes. ABE LEAVETT MARRIES Abe. Leavitt was married to Ruth Lock- wood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lockwood, at the home of the bride's aunt Mrs. Stephen Roll, at Short Hills, N. J., Sunday. They left immediately for Cleve- land-to continue on their U. B. O. Route. SAM J. PARKS GOING TO WAR Sam J. Parks, of the producing firm of Maddox and Parks, and formerly of the vaudeville team of Van Osten and Parks, has been called to the colors and will leave shortly for a training camp "Somewhere in America." RUTH LAW BREAKS RECORD Peobia, 111., Sept 27.—Ruth Law broke the woman's altitude record to-day at the implement show grounds when she reached the height of 14,700 feet in her aeroplane. Miss Law, held the previous woman's rec- ord of 12,800. feet TERRE HAUTE CABARETS CLOSE Terse Haute, Ind,, Sept 27.—The new police order closing dance halls and saloons at. midnight and Sundays has caused all cabarets to dose their doors..