The New York Clipper (April 1919)

THE NEW YORK CLIPPER April. 16, 1919 ACTORS TRIM SONGWRITERS 7 TO 0 C A1XED AFTER EIGHT INNINGS The Acton came back with s vengeance last Sunday and succeeded in wiping oat all memories of past defeats suffered at the hands of their hitherto invincible ball- tossing rivals, the Songwriters, completely outclassing the melody merchants and trimming them to the tune of seven to nothing. The sum of $15,000 was realized for the fond from the sale of tickets, donations, programs, etc Dick Jess promoted the field day sports, organized both baseball teams and generally supervised all de- tails of the affair. The Actors' Fond, in appreciation of Jess* efforts, presented him with a bouquet of flowers before the game. The game, which was played at the Polo Grounds, and which was the principal event of the Actors' Fund Field Day sports, given for the purpose of raising funds for the Actors' Home, was a rather spiritless affair, due principally to its one- cudednesa. The game was called in the eighth inning by Johnny Evers, who offi- ciated as umpire, the crowd invading the field at this point in the proceedings to give Bennie Leonard and Willie Ritchie, the other umpires, the once over at dose quarters. All bets stand, reports to the contrary notwithstanding, Evers declaring that both teams left the field, neither making an effort to continue the game after the crowd piled onto the diamond Conse- quently, the game was an official contest, according to the rules, and those mis- guided persons who figured that the Songwriters could really play ball and backed their convictions with coin of the realm, must pay for their misplaced con- fidence, just the same as if the battle had extended the full nine innings. Before the game started the 15,000 odd spectators were entertained by the TJ.S.S. Recruit band, the B. F. Keith Boys' Band and the Hebrew Orphan Asylum Band, the three brass organizations giving a delight- ful programme of musical numbers. The Police Glee Club, iomc four hundred strong, were also largely in evidence when it came to helping along the fete day atmosphere. The coppers made a great appearance and the bunch applauded their vocal efforts vociferously. Shortly before tie players took _ their positions Mrs. George McManus, wife of the newspaper cartoonist, made her ap- pearance over the field in a Curtis J N— 2 D 2 biplane, and dipped and dived for fifteen minutes in a series of da ring mid- air stunts that stamped her as an aviatrix par excellence- Before leaving for Min- eola Mrs. McManus dropped a baseball onto the diamond from a height of three hundred feet, and the crowd gave her an ovation. Capt. M J. Cleary also gave a wonder- ful exhibition flight in a Spad, which in- cluded several th riHing aerial capers that set the spectators wild with enthusiasm. The vaudeville show that was to have been given did not materialize. On the way to the grounds an auto containing little Billy, and several other vaudevQ- Bans, collided with a touring ear going in the opposite direction and, as a result, the actors were severely shaken up. Little Billy, who received a slight cut on his neck, made his way to the Polo Grounds by tajricab, however, arriving some time after the game had started. The tiny entertainer was introduced and loudly ap- plauded for his gameness. It looked as if the game would have to be declared off up to a few minutes be- fore starting time, the weather being showery and uncertain. Just as Alma Qayburgh, a singer from the Metropoli- tan Opera House, emerged from the grand- stand and made her way to the pitcher's box to throw the first ball, however, the clouds rolled away and Peter Prunty, the official announcer, proceeded to give out the names of the opposing batteries. The teams lined up as follows: SONG WRITERS Sitter, ss. Schenck, lb. Llbonati, 2b. Pbelan, catcher. Schoenbaum, cf. Grossman. If. Payton. If. Piantadosi, rf. Eastwood, Sb. Smith, pitcher (capt.) ACTORS. Donohae. ss. Webb, 2b. Doniln. lb (capt). Mack. cf. Stanton, If. Lewis, catcher. Katz, 3b. Robertson, pitcher. Davis, rt, MalnwaririK- (mar). First Inning The Songwriters went to bat first, Marry Bitter stepping op to the plate with his trusty wagon tongue and determination in bis eye. lie waited for one to his liking and, to the Intense dellttht of the Tin Pan alley partisans, hit it right on the nose. The ball soared oat to Jeff Davis and he, possibly having bis mind occupied for the moment with the make-op of the bill for the last half at Lynn or Boston, proceeded to drop the pellet. Bitter galloped madly for first and reached there safely. He was advanced to second a moment later by Moc Schenck. who hit a snappy grounder between second and third, which he managed to beat ont by a hair. With two on base Jess Llbonati now toed the mark and, after giving careful beed to Sammy Levy's injunction to "km it" tried desperately to oblige, but young Robertson's curves were too much for him and he smote the air vigorously three rimes. Phelan du- elleated Llbonatl's fanning stunt and Shoen- sum ended the agony by knocking a slow grounder to right field, which Jeff Davis, having settled on his last half bills by this time, collared with alacrity, nabbing the lanky Schoenbaum at first. No runs, Donohae raised the hopes of the Actors' adherents to a high pitch by working Sammy Smith for a pass to first. Webb raised these hopes still higher a second later, by slamming a clean single to right and. sending Donahue around to third. Jeff Davis, who is some ball player by toe way, if his show- ing on Sunday is any criterion of his ability, . hit a long fly smack into Bernle Grossman's hands ont In left garden. Bernle Is a song- writer and mast nave been computing his royalties or doping oat a new number, for, sad to relate, be allowed the fly to fall gracefully through his fingers. Donahue meanwhile streaking it for the borne plate with Webb a second behind him. Mike Doniln. noted in his day as a ball player who always used his head as well as his ^sn* 1 * 1 ! Immediately arrived at the conclusion that left field was "soft." The foxy Mike was correct, for Grossman re- peated his dropsy tactics in handling the sky scraper sent out bis way by the ex-Giant Star, and Davis scored. Doniln ins caught on second a minute later, Jess Llbonatl, who Is a headline Xylophone player when he isn't playing ball, catching Mike unawares and nimbly rapping out a Xylophone solo on his ribs with the pill, much to Donlln's disgust. Pete Mack made a game effort to uphold the honor of the Gas Sun Circuit, but best that he had to offer was a buah league bounder that Sammy Smith grabbed and relayed to first before Pete knew exactly bow it all happened. Stanton reached for three of Sammy's wide ones and the Actors retired with what turned ont to be a safe lead to their credit. Three runs. Second Inning Grossman still seemingly intent on creat- ing a new summer song bit opened up the second stanza for the Songwriters, by strik- ing out Piantadosi, who isn't exactly a songwriter, but who is quite a ball player, walked to first on four wide ones. East- wood's grass cutter to short center, settled the chances of the Songwriters as far as the second session was concerned, however, the Actor's infield working like a well oiled ma- chine, and palling a snappy doable play. No runs. The Actors didn't cut much of a figure in their half of the second either, Sammy Smith striking out Lewis and Eats in the order named and retiring his slab opponent Arthur Robertson, with the assistance of Mike Don- iln. No runs. Third Inning Sammy Smith who has the reputation of being somewhat of a slugger with the willow, when he is in trim, fanned industriously and sat down to ruminate on his past triumphs as a batsman, when he was the star twlrler of the Torontos. Marty Bitter, tapped a slow one which rolled right into Robertson's mitt, and joined Sammy Smith on the players' bench. Moe BchensfF laid down a nifty little bunt, but failed to beat the ban to first the Actors' Invincible Infield distinguishing itself by putting over some corking team work. No runs. After Donahue had flown to Rltter, Webb negotiated a pass for the initial sack, and moved op to second on Jeff Davis's alxallng line drive to deep centre. Things commenced to look a bit warm for Sammy Smith once more with the hard-hitting Mike Doniln due for a turn at the bat, and Sammy's concern seemed to be justified when Mike landed squarely on the second ball pitched, sending the pellet sailing ont toward Chicago, via the direction of right field. Mike apparently had overlooked the fact though, that one Jess Llbonatl, who had previously proved to be bis nemesis, by «-g»-fc<»»jr him off second base earlier in the game was right on the Job In right field, and Mike's hopes of an old (Continued on page 28) FLU CLOSES ALL AUSTRALIAN HOUSES LATEST OUTBREAK WORST OF ALL Sydney, Australia, April 12.—Due to the spread of influenza, all theatres and places of amusement in Australia have been closed by the government. Last week there were ninety deaths in Sydney alone and hundreds of new cases are being re- ported daily. Masking regulations have been extended and meetings of all kinds forbidden. When asked about the above, Edward J. Tait, representing J. A N. Tait, Australian managers in New York, stated that a cable had been received at his office to the effect that the Sydney houses had been closed and that there was a strong likelihood the ban would spread over the entire country. Mr. Tait had just returned from London and had not as yet got in touch with the Australian headquarters. According to the cable received by Mr. Tait, the Sydney houses closed April 2. Nothing has been beard since. This has been a disastrous season for Australian managers, Mr. Taft said. The ' rage of influenza has caused the theatres to shut down on a number of occasions. All the Australian houses were closed from January 8 to March 8. They reopened on this latter date. The loss to managers is several hundred thousand dollars. Theatrical units of the Tait interests which have suffered under the closing edicts are the Pantomime Company, "Peg o* My Heart," "De Luxe Annie," and "The Eyes of Youth," an the companies of which have had to dose. DEMPSEY HAS $25,000 WEEK Tosonto, April 14.—After a series of one-night stands which Included Ogdens- burg, Watertown and Montreal, the Jack Dempsey Athletic Carnival wound up the week here last Saturday. The total re- ceipts for the week were $25,000. In this city the show drew a tremendous crowd. In Montreal, Dempsey boxed six rounds, two with Spike Sullivan, whom he knocked down, and'two with each of his sparring partners, Dan Daly and Jim Johnson. Renato Gardini, the Italian Grappler, wrestled Frank Saxon, of this city, and failed to gain a fall Tofalos, the Greek, did better' and pinned the shoulders of Choquette, a local man, to the mat. Sher- man and Lajoie boxed a draw. Burke boxed three rounds with a colored fighter and Young Henry outpointed Young Lewis in foor rounds. Dempsey's work was declared by the Montreal critics to be disappointing. He displayed a good punch but did not shape up as a great boxer. FRISCO LOCAL ELECTS OFFICERS San Francisco, April 12.—Local No. 16 of the International Alliance of Theat- rical Stage Employees held an election of officers at a meeting here last week, with the following results: Robert Wakeman, president; Max Fo- gel, vice-president; Ike Marks, treasurer; William 6. Rusk, recording secretary and business agent; Oscar Melby, financial sec- retary, and Charles Jackson, sergeant-at- arms. NEW TOURIST RATES COMING . -The Railroad Administration will place in effect on'June 1, the same tourist rates that were in effect last season. The tourist rate will be ninety per cent of the regular rate, and will remain in effect until Oc- tober L RAP SUPPORT IN ELTINGE SHOW Chicago, April 14.—The opening of the Julian Eltinge revue at the Olympic The- atre Sunday night was marked by a capacity audience, the orchestra and bal- cony floors being completely occupied, while the galleries held a well scattered audience. Local critics take the view that the show does not do credit to the name of Eltinge, and that he outclasses it all the way. Amy Leslie, writing in the Chicago Daily Netct, emblazons the name of Eltinge, admires his manly portrait of the female character, but distinctly states in cold type that the company is one of these hurry-out-to-get-the-money affairs, with deficiencies. The show is badly staged, too, and carelessly directed, she says. Miss Leslie praises the efficient work of Eddy Trio and dainty Marie. Ashton Stevens, writing, in the Ex- aminer, says that Eltinge wabbles a wicked hip and praises the wonderful work of Dainty Marie. Stevens swings a vitrolic pen among the vaudeville mem- bers of the aggregation. Critics of les- ser light seem in accord with the verdict of their more famous colleagues. The cast of the Eltinge revue is as fol- lows: The Eddy Trio, the Radium Ballet, Reno, deo, Qascoigne, Arthur S hirley , Velma Whitman, Majorie Bennett, Will- iam Ferguson, S. Nakada, Misses Betty Jones, Nellie Harris, Hazel Clarke, Irene Parker, Peta McDonnell, Nellie Reynolds, Marienne, Marjorie OaxvUle, Mile. Gorhada and Misses Dewey, Arnberg, McDonnell, Dainty Marie and Sidney Grant. The Eltinge executive staff is as fol- lows: James D. Barton, manager; Walter S. Kinback, business manager; L. L. Cronkhite, advance representative; Chas. A. little, musical director; Virgil Ben- nett, stage manager; William Donohue, master carpenter; Ed. Wentworth, assist- ant carpenter; C. A. Ferguson, master of properties; Carl Neumister, electrician, and Harry Dodge, cinematographer. PLAN GREENWICH VILLAGE REVUE A plan to capitalize, theatrically, the prestige Greenwich Village has gained dur- ing the last few years by reason of its Bohemians, artists and artists' models, was revealed last week when it became known that Philip Bartholomae has written a musical show called the "Greenwich Vil- lage Models," which he is trying to place in the Greenwich Village Theatre. Ber- nard Gallant, manager of the theatre, stat- ed Monday that Bartholomae is dickering with him for the house, so that the play may be exploited in the principal theatre of the village. Gallant also stated that a musical play would be presented at the Greenwich early in June even if the negotiations with Bar- tholomae fell through, for he is also nego- tiating with Harry B. Smith, A. Baldwin Sloan and Ray Hubbeil for the book and score of a new musical show. The cast for the musical show planned for the Greenwich will consist of six prin- cipals and twenty girls and already. Gal- lant says, he has engaged eight girls who were recently in "Hitchy-Koo" show and three who appeared in the Ziegfeld "Fol- lies" before that show was sent on tour. MILL HAS NEW MINSTREL SHOW Gus Hill is organizing a new minstrel show scheduled to open in Canton, Ohio, May 3.- The show is to be known as "Gus Hill's California Minstrels," the or- ganization carrying forty-five people, of whom the following are principals: George Wilson, Jimmy Wall, Jack Mc- Shane, George Gorman, Ed. Clifford, Eddie Horan, Jim Quinn, William Hallett and the Saxo live. From Canton, the show will journey westward until it reaches the coast, where it is scheduled to remain all Summer. OSCAR EAGLE HAS PNEUMONIA Oscar Eagle is confined to his home with a severe attack of pneumonia and the re- hearsals of "The Red Dawn," the Thomas Dixon play which he was to produce, have been called off. - *•-•. - •■■ :. ARRANGE TWO BENEFITS Boston, April 12.—Thomas Lothian, Grover BuTkhardt and Frank Cauley will be given a testimonial at the Colonial The- atre on Easter Sunday evening. Another benefit to be held here win be on April 27 for Henry Taylor and Vincent Fetherston at the HoUis.