Show World (October 1909)

October 2, 1909. THE SHOW WORLD 9 WAR ON ASSOCIATION WILL NOT BE DROPPED Artists Determine to Carry on Fight Against United Booking Concern—Doyle Matter in Abeyance That Frank Q. Doyle, the La Salle street booking agent, will not be placed on the "unfair list” for the present, notwithstanding that some drastic ac¬ tion was expected to be taken, as he was given a week in which to accede to the demands of the artists, was set¬ tled by a rising vote at the open meet¬ ing of the artists, held at Koch’s hall, 10 South Clark street, Tuesday after¬ noon. It was decided to let Doyle alone until the artists had the United Booking association "taking water at every turn,” as the latter has been placed on the “black list” for life. Every member that was on the com¬ mittee sent out to confer with Doyle and endeavor to have him come to their terms, reiterated the statement made at the meeting last week by “Pad¬ dy" Shea, who as spokesman, said that Doyle had told him (meaning the com¬ mittee) to “go to h—,” that he would run his business to suit himself, and that it was absolutely unnecessary to send any more committees to wait on him. Will Fight “Unfair Artists.” In addition to letting the Doyle mat¬ ter drop for the present, the artists de¬ cided to turn their guns on tlys "unfair artists,” and will formulate plans to bring them to time. The artists appoint¬ ed a committee to visit the office of Sam Segal, in room 7 of the building at 79 Clark street, the statement being made that he was booking “three splits a week.” The report made was in favor Other features of the meeting were talks by E. P. Smith, of local union, 145, I. T. S. A., and John P. Curtis, a well-known marine engineer. Incidental¬ ly, there were numerous talks by the artists on the different topics brought up during the course of the meeting. Fete Loss Leaves in a Huff. The liveliest tilt of the afternoon oc¬ curred when Pete Loss, the juggler, asked why the United Booking associa¬ tion had been placed on the "unfair list” and why the artists didn’t put them all on it, and when informed that he had asked that same question at least a dozen times before at previous meetings and that the United Booking association, according to the artists’ grievance, had treated them unfair and in the hall and ply the speaker - queries. Undaunted by sharp replies from various artists, the young juggler would be oh the floor with the last word.' Though he doesn’t belong tQ the union, Loss has attended nearly all the meetings, and the way he left the hall, after being refused the privilege of ask¬ ing any more impertinent questions, im¬ plied that he would not be back very soon. But the artists uttered no re¬ grets when he departed. Loss Furnished Diversion. From the way Loss kept bobbing up and down with his quick retorts to the artists on the floor made many of them think that he was there in the inter¬ ests of the United Booking association, and was accused of being everything but a ’coast defender.” After being squelched he left the hall in a jiffy. 1 —-practically the to the artists. There is a better tone II the meetings and they are being better regulated, the artists having their floor speeches limited to five minutes. Question of Spotlight Pay. The question of paying for a - spot¬ light was brought up by one artist, and in response E. P. Smith, of local union, 145, I. T. S. A., made a number of satisfactory remarks. Smith seemed t0 be well posted on his subject. „-£ 1 , K i rby was called to the floor and . t0 ®?£ laln why he had signed contracts with the United Booking as- 52° when he knew that it was on ““"fair list.” Kirby explained, but remarks were not wholly satisfac¬ tory to the artists. Kirby left the hall ZfL,?, 3 became the principal figure '"the following discussion on the U. B. Artists Make Talks. Short talks were made on the good of r hy Chairman Ricardo, who Ijft ‘he gavel in the hands of Albert Jtarkham while he cautioned the artists t>L ,, s i 0 ^ 7? P lac *ng so many agents on tLu n ¥ r T H ?' Ed Wilson, Tom Mor- J ;.^ c i!P eid , er ’ L - Jack, Har- Smi»h rt wnii K d - Wilson, Barnes, E. P. SWIsPM lam Brewster, A1 West, Re- aMs, Waddell, and others, and also some of the ladies present took an ac¬ tive part in the discussions. George Parker, who is the long-dis¬ tance talker of the artists, managed to get an inning and he handled a half dozen subjects as fast as he could think of them, taking more than a half hour with his remarks. Lefflngwell Grows Eloquent. Myron Lefflngwell, the man who wrote Joe Tinker’s starring piece, made a ten-strike with a short speech, his fire and eloquence being appreciated. He gave the artists some excellent advice. The committee, named to confer with Agent Segal, consisted of Messrs. Mor¬ rissey, Renalls, Carter, Tom Wilson, and Waddell, and on its return from an im¬ mediate sally to his office, Renalls acted as spokesman. He said that Segal claimed that he did not have set of books, visible or invisible, but that he had a card system which was open and above board. Furthermore, he claimed that he (Segal) did not play splits or any one-night stands. He further told the committee that in regard to his be¬ ing against the union, there was noth¬ ing in it. It was “Kid” Wilson who made the motion that the matter of “blacklisting” Agent Doyle be laid aside indefinitely, and it was carried by Artists to Get Cards. On motion of Lew O. Jack, which was seconded and carried, the artists decided to issue cards and distribute them among the artists, union and nonunion, urging them to stay away from the booking agents on the "unfair list.” A1 West made the motion which re¬ sulted in the committee being sent over to Segal’s office. The, best speech of the afternoon from the artists’ viewpoint was made by Bert Thatcher, the blind entertain¬ er, who said that if he could manage to exist without entering the offices of the agents on the “black list” that there was absolutely no excuse for a man with his eyesight haunting those particular agents. Thatcher’s remarks were loudly applauded. Owing to the absence of Ed. W. Stout, business agent, E. F. Flodean acted as secretary, S. D. Ricardo being appointed chairman. “Unfair Houses” Face Crisis. From the tone of the meeting, it is practically assured that the Actors’ Union of Chicago, No. 4. will endeavor to get the American Federation of La¬ bor to have its delegates secure a list of the houses on the “unfair list” and have the union members and their fam¬ ilies act accordingly. At the invitation of several of the artists, John Curtis and J. Lawson, marine engineers, came into the hall and were given seats on the platform. Mr. Curtis was called on for a speech and graciously respond¬ ed with an encouraging talk. He said that he had .come to the meeting to listen and not to speak, but neverthe¬ less since he had the floor would tell the artists of the trouble the union men were having on the lakes. He said that while many of the engineers had gone to the other side, tempted by flat¬ tering and bigger salaries, that the ma¬ jority of them had remained true to the Curtis Tendered Thanks. He said it was up to all organiza¬ tions to hang together. Commenting on the welfare plan that was being agi¬ tated, he said that it would result in making the union men all slaves. When Curtis had finished his re¬ marks, Mr. Markham made a motion that a vote of thanks be tendered to the two engineers present, which car¬ ried unanimously. The artists decided to hold another meeting next Tuesday afternoon at the same place, at 2 o’clock. Parker Plans Colossal Show. ABILENE, Kan., Sept. 29.—Colonel Charles W. Parker informs your cor¬ respondent that next year he intends to put three shows into one, making one of the strongest carnival aggregations ever on the road. Colonel Parker is now preparing to build a number of new rid¬ ing devices as well as new shows for the coming season, and states that the Parker Shows will leave the factory next spring in better shape than ever with new productions. Sam H. Blair Offers Vaudeville Enter¬ tainers a Novel Singing and Dancing Specialty. Sam H. Blair, who has several novel offerings in vaudeville, has a new act that is bound to get the time and money. It is called the "Pony Boy Girl” act, and he has a number of prominent vaudeville favorites featured in the act. Mr. Blair has two of the acts playing good time now and the act has met with approval at the theaters where it has appeared. Recruited from the vaudeville ranks are the Rainbow Sisters, Edythe and Ruth, who, with Ward DeWolf, are being fea¬ tured with the “Pony Boy Girl” act which played the Haymarket in Chicago recently. There are six girls in the act and they work well in the choruses. The Rainbow Sisters introduce several pieaging dances and their “Yama Tama” song and dance is one of the most at¬ tractive features. The girls are clever dancers and carry an extensive ward¬ robe. Ward DeWolf has a pleasing stage presence and has a splendid voice, which he uses to good advantage. De¬ Wolf could work up his entrance in the first number to better advantage. De¬ Wolf and Edythe Rainbow introduce Some tidbits from burlesque that were well received here. More jokes would make the act stronger. The act is well staged, a rural scene being car¬ ried. The act closes with DeWolf in cowboy attire and the girls on mechan¬ ical ponies, singing “Pony Boy.” The song is too old and entirely too short for the finale although DeWolf, the Rainbow Sisters and the other chorus members make it go with a dash and swing that makes it effective. A more popular and later song would be more appreciated. The girls selected by Blair are comely and possess ability. The act was well received in Montgom¬ ery, Ala., this week. Blair’s other "Pony Boy” act fea¬ tures Billy Baker, a clever singer and dancer. He is a handsome chap and Crotty Puts on New Act. John Crotty and company are offering this week at the Trocodero theater a new sketch entitled “A Dress Rehear¬ sal." This farcical offering tells a unique story of two aspirants for vaude¬ ville honors, who are rehearsing an act in which the principals interpret the roles of “Marc Antony” and “Cleopatra.” After donning Roman garb, they enter¬ tain for fifteen minutes, with many hu¬ morous Speeches and excruciatingly funny situations . The act is new and, the players, after a few performances, will undoubtedly work in a more har- “lonious manner, and when they do, the Parker Shows to Close. LA CROSSE, Wis., Sept. 29.—This week’s engagement of the Great Par¬ ker Shows in this city is a great suc¬ cess in every way. General Manager Con T. Kennedy is authority for the announcement that the Great Parker Shows will wind up the season at Ke¬ okuk, Iowa, Oct. 9, after one of the most successful tours in the history of the Parker enterprises. According to Mana¬ ger Kennedy, the 1909 season has eclipsed the expectations of the manage¬ ment, which would seem to give evi¬ dence of the fact that the carnival, which delivers the goods and gives the people what they want, is not a dead issue by any means. Change at Columbus. Manager Max Weber of the Columbus theater is contemplating a change. It is probable that he will make his thea¬ ter a two-a-day house and offer eight O’Leary Will Build. James O’Leary, who has been known as the “king of gamblers” of Chicago, and who last season had Luna park, has decided to build a new $40,000 the¬ ater near Luna park, in Halsted street. This theater will probably be booked by the Walter F. Keefe agency. New Publicity Office. William G. Shand, well known in all branches of show business, has opened up a theatrical typewriting and press bureau. His offices are located in the Kedzie building, Randolph and Clark streets, rooms 510-511, in the heart of the theatrical colony. His wide ac¬ quaintance among agents and managers practically assure the success of Mr. Shand’s venture, and we are among the first to congratulate and wish him the best of luck in same. partner of A1 Jolson _ _ _ _ a hospital in Muskegon, Mich., for some time, is recovering. Friends of Mr. Palmer have been circulating a sub¬ scription list for his benefit and a nice sum of money has been realized. Member of Famous Independent Pirm Visits Milwaukee in an Endeavor to Get Back Playhouse. MILWAUKEE, Sept. 30.—J. J. Shu- bert, junior member of the firm of Sam S. and Lee Shubert, is in the city to ap¬ pear in a suit in which an attempt is being made to oust Arthur Friend from the Shubert theater. It appears that there is some dispute as regards the rent of the playhouse. The Shuberts contend that a certain amount is due them, and Mr. Friend has another side of the story to pre¬ sent to the court. The theater has been operated as a stock house for the past year. There are several theatrical men who now desire to take over the house, and among them is Will Page, a well- known writer and theatrical man. It has been rumored that the Friend Players have not been playing to the best business possible, until quite re¬ cently. The matter comes up in court today and a stiff fight is promised. Fitzpatrick Popular. No manager in Chicago has a greater list of friends than Harry B. Fitzpat¬ rick, the head of the new President the¬ ater in Fifty-fifth street. South Side, and the California theater. Twenty-sixth street and Trumbull avenue. Mr. Fitz¬ patrick is justly proud of the President. It is one of the handsomest vaudeville houses in Chicago. The interior deco¬ rations of the President are unusually attractive. Magnificent oil paintings of the most noted presidents of this coun¬ try line the walls, while other exception¬ ally beautiful paintings go to make the interior of the President most appeal¬ ing. The California theater is built along the same lines as the President. Both are owned by I. A. Levinson. The William Morris Company, Inc., furnish the attractions. Mr. Fitzpatrick ger of the Gayety theater, South ( 3 formerly mana- cago, and the Pastime thea’ter in Madi- son street. He is most popular among show folk, and as a manager of ability he has but few equals and no superiors. White Bats Help. An attempt on the part of J. P. Ready, manager of the Crescent theater, in Nashville, Tenn., last week to cut the salary of the vaudeville team of Mar¬ tin and King, resulted in Harry Mar¬ tin, who is a White Rat, wiring to the Chicago White Rats’ office, explaining the trouble and asking Sam Du Vries, who booked the act for the Crescent, and pressure was brought to bear whereby Manager Ready paid Martin and King their salary. DuVries threat¬ ened t0 „ take away all of the bookings of the Crescent theater if the manage¬ ment did not pay the act full money. Ibe Martin and King case shows that the White Rats were able to use influ¬ ence that means much to the artists who leave for other cities to play time and have managers attempt to reduce their salaries. New Press Bureau. A press bureau, to further the in¬ terests of the Walter F. Keefe agency and the houses which this firm books, will soon be established. The bureau will furnish press matter for the nu¬ merous acts booked by this concern, and will also supply news of all sorts in the vaudeville field. Monkey Frightens Actress. BOSTON, Sept. 28.—A peculiar inci¬ dent occurred in the Keith theater last week when the Swat Milligan act played here. Peter, the monkey, was on the same bill as the headliner. Dur¬ ing the act, in which a little girl takes part, the monk was sent across the stage. The girl, Miss Viena Bolton, turned around, and there stood the hi- dious Simian squeeling at her. She screamed hysterically and then burst into tears. It is said that she required the services of a physician after the performance. If the perpetrators of the “joke” (it was pronounced an outrage by many people in the audience) were endeav¬ oring to boom this kind of vaudeville, they made a dismal failure. “NEW YORK BELLES” STRANDED. TORONTO, Can., Sept. 27.—A com¬ pany of Toronto actors and actresses, who had been appearing in “The New York Belles,” stranded in Belleville re¬ cently, and the members have been straggling back from time to time. Bad business is given as the cause of the failure. Among the players were the following: W. J. Florence, Frank Mackie, Jack Browne, Art Edmunds, Theresa Rollins, Mildred Leslie, Bea¬ trice Montell, Lily Blonde, May Starkey, Gertrude Hawley, Lillian Withrow and Muriel Francis. Willard Buys Music Outfit. C. D. Willard, of Temple of Music fame, passed through Chicago on his way from New York to Omaha last week. While in Chicago Mr. Willard purchased twenty-five hundred dollars' worth of new musical instruments from the J. C. Deagan company. cided to build a new vaudeville thea¬ ter in Elgin. The house will cost from $30,000 to $40,000. Instrument Makers to Build. The J. C. Deagan company, instru¬ ment makers, have had plans drawn for a new factory, to be erected in Chi¬ cago, to occupy a p'ot of ground one hundred by one hundred and fifty feet, the building to, be six stories in height.