Variety (September 1918)

. '. ■ ..... ■ " "•' ' . ' ".".••crn-?iZ$2F'p*:!';r.-\ :.■■■-;.. y..•'""■" •"''-"'. ' ' ■ •■■■: - .---:- . gag ' ' ' ' ' • " • : - ' . . ' '. ' s"-'-' ■ ' \ ti f 2 ; si'- 1 1 i 22 VARIETY • -.-..•■t'.v..-.' NEWS OF THE DAILIES A. H. Woods baa bought the stage rights to a play entitled "Torpedoed." Tbe Solwyn. now complete, will open Oct. 2 with Jane Cowl In "Information, Please." San Carlo Grand Opera Co. has extended Its engagement at the Sbubert tor another week. Ruth Lee has succeeded Eleanor Fox In "Maytlmo," at the Broadhurst Theatre. Wlllam A. Brady la to present a melodrama entitled "Enemies Within," by Kllbourn Gor- don and B. H. Culbertson. David Belaaco has a new play for Frances Starr, a comedy by Edward Knoblock. The piece will be plated In rehearsal shortly. Cyril Maude made his first appearance in •The Saviog Grace" at Buffalo, Sept 16. The play will be seen at the Empire, Bept 30. After a tour of almost two years, "The Wanderer" will be brought back to the Man- hattan for one month, beginning Sept. SO. When "Turn to the Right" comes to the Standard next week Mike Donlln will be Slippery Mugga. "They Come. Back," by Brltton Austin, will be presented by Walter Hast at a local Shu- bert theatre next month. James F. Rellly, for many years a member of the Charles Frohman business staff, has been elected secretary of the Charles Frohman Co., Inc. . In the theatrical unit of the Police Reserve, William Fox baa been commissioned a major, John Zanft a captain and Harry C. Sommers a lieutenant. An extended run in New York in one of the Sbubert houses, starting early in November, Is Included in the plans of Robert B. Mantell for tbe present season. Edwin Carty Ranck, formerly dramatio edi- tor Brooklyn Eagle, has been appointed press representative of the Greenwich Village The- atre. After Oct. 1 the Government virtually abol- ishes the code cable. All messages sent by cable must be In plain language. Nov. 1 the same order affects incoming cables. "The Love Cure," a musical comedy, is being prepared for early opening by Jack B. Loeb, who. with Al. Stoean, wrote the book: lyrics by Edith Jane and music by Leo Edwards. Cleofonte Campanlnl, general director of the Chicago Opera Association, has engaged for the coming season Giorgio Polacco, who was tbe leading Italian conductor at the Metro- politan a couple of years ago. William A. Brady has acquired for early pro- duction a romantic comedy, entitled "Peters Mother." the work of Mrs. Henri de la Pas- teur (Lady Clifford). The piece has been produced in London. "Betty at Bay," a play by Mrs. Jessie Por- ter, will be brought from London by the Shu- berts and presented here next month. J. H. Barnes, who produced the play, will direct it here and have a leading part. Tbe annual ball of tbe Screen Club at the Hotel Astor will be held in November, under the auspices of the Stage Women's War Relief, with the co-operation of the picture industry and tbe stage. Smith £ Golden will shortly produce a new play by Frank Bacon, co-author with Wln- cbell Smith of "Llghtnin'," entitled "Five o'clock." rt Ib a dramatization of a story by Freoman Tilden. Anthony Paul Kelly will assist In making photographic records for the Bureau of Navi- gation of what our navy has accomplished since tbe declaration of war. He Joined the navy last June. Tbe Hippodrome has been placed at the disposal of the Trustees for the Fund for the Welfare of the 165th Infantry, formerly the 60th, N. Q.. N. Y., for a special performance, Sept. 22, for the benefit of the men now in France. Captain James R. Morrison, who played In "Tbe 13th Chair," has returned from the Piave front with decorations bestowed by the King of Italy. Sept. 16 be spoke In tbe Stage Wo- men's War Relief Workroom, 366 Fifth ave- nue, New York. A professional hlsser has been added to the caet of "Three Faces East.v He Is stationed in the wings, nenr enough to be beard on" the stage. When an actor has to say "Gott Strafe England or "Der Tag," he hisses loudly and the audience soon picks it up. Oct. 1 the Government will abolish the custom of serving a la carte meals on dining cars, and the table d'hote plan will be substi- tuted. The charge for luncheon and dinner will be $1. Tbe plan oontomptates a standard- ization of tbe meals. bs unlvoraal membership, which will Include the renewal of tbe present membership and se- curing as new members all the available adult population of tbe United States, excepting men in service. CRITICISM. MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS. A musical play In three acts, book by Fred- erick Lonsdale, lyrics by Harry Graham, Clif- ford Harris, music by Harold Fraser-Bimpson, James W. Tate, Gils Rice. At the Casino, Sept. 11. Tbe music was very pretty, and with a few needed touches in the singing and acting time of It the piece should gain immeasurably.— Herald. Tbe humor of tbe piece, too, was of a sound old vintage, as was tfaet mustclanly score. It was a characteristic Elllott-Com- stock-Gest production, which is to say, that It was distinguished for tbe generous use of money, inspired by good taste.— Timet. CROPS AND CROPPERS. A comedy in three acts, by Theresa Helburn, at the Belmont, Sept 12. There Is material for admirable satire, and for an Inspiring object lesson, in the main situation of "Crops and Croppers."— Timet. Miss Helburn'a comedy, though It has not much substance, is smartly written, with clever thrusts which border on satire at the young women who are struggling to increase the Nation's store of provisions. ANOTHER MAN'S SHOES. A comedy In three acts by Laura Hlnkley and Mabel Ferris, based on a story by Miss Hlnkley, at the Sflth Street. Sept 12. It must be seen to be understood, and those who like fascinating mystery complications will not fall to appreciate tbe simple explanation which the play divulges.— Herald. The best part of the play la lta mystery.— Timet. AN IDEAL HUSBAND. A comedy In four acta, by Oscar Wilde, at the Comedy. Sept. 16. No one who cares for intelligent wit and gentune gayety can afford to miss "An Ideal Husband."— Timet. "An Ideal Husband" is nicely staged and superbly costumed.—World. HTJMPTY DDMPTY. A comedy In four acts, by Horace Annesley Vachell. st the Lyceum, Sept. 16. The comedy will go only as far as Mr. Skin- ner's following will take It.— Herald. The play is pleasurable, If only for-lts star's finished and graceful performance.—World. THE GIRL BEHIND THE GUN. A musical comedy In three acts. Book and lyrics by Guy Bolton end x». 0. Wodehouse, music by Ivan Caryll. At the New Amster- dam. Sent 16. 'The oiri Behind the Gun" made a perfect score.— Herald. Military musical comedy up to tbe minute, with situations suggested from the other side, properly deplrved of all of war's grim reali- ties, end drwwed un In frivolity for Broadway, describes "The Girl Behind the Gun."— Timet. SOME NIGHT. A musical comedy In three acts, book, music and Ivrlcs by Harry Delf. At the Harris, Sent. 16. The most Interesting things about "Some Night" were the girls of tbe ensemble and the author. Harry Delf— Timet. Able Senman Pelf's war duties may take him far from Broadway, but "Some Night" J I undoubtedly remain In tbe Harris as asant reminder of him for some weeks to come.—Herald. THE UNKNOWN PURPLE. A melodrama In a prologue snd three acts by Roland West and Carlyle Moore, at the Lyric, Sept 14. The stage settings, necessary to the tricks of this queer nlav, are some of the best fea- tures of It— Herald. Scenleallv the play falls into the long cate- gory of pieces that owe their dramaturgy to "On Trial," and ultimately to the movies.—- Timet. Shuberts Drop Name from Title.. Syracuse, N. Y.. Sept. 18. Following the announced intent of the owners of the Weitincr to take legal steps to force the Shuberts to discontinue the employment of the name of the theatre as Shubert-Weit- ing, the Shubert name has been dropped. Eleanor Gates' Play to Be Rewritten. "Phoebe Pretends," the new comedy by Eleanor Gates, has returned from its try-out tour, and it is said that it will be the first of the year before it will resume playing owing to the ne- cessity of rewriting before it can come into New York. The second Christmas membership campaign of the American Red Cross will be held tho latter part of December. The objective will "Melting of Molly" Once Again. The Shuberts have once more placed in rehearsal "The Melting of Molly," and the piece is scheduled for im- minent presentation out of town. STOCKS OPENING. San Francisco, Sept 18. The Sandusky Dramatic Stock will open an indefinite engagement at Butte, Mont., about Sept. 22. Lowell, Mass., Sept. 18. Henry Jewett, manager of the Cop- ley, has announced the members of his company. He proposes to open the season next week. They are Essex Darre, Mercedes Dismore, Fred W. Pcrmain, Montague Weston, Leonard Craske, H. Conway Wingfield, E. E. Clive, Nicholas Joey, B. N. Lewin, Cather Lexow, Viola Roach, Jessamine Newcomb, William Podmore, Es telle Thebaud. Buffalo, Sept. 18. Dr. Peter C. Cornell, manager of the Majestic and Star, has announced the opening of the Knickerbocker Players at the Star Sept. 23. The first produc- tion will be "The Brat." Howard Rum- sey, who will manage the players, states that he has secured rights to some of the latest plays. The company will be under the direction of Ekmer Brown, and the roll is made up as fol- lows. Frank Wilcox, Julie Heme, Miss Mary Compton, Alice Colcord, Thomas V. Emory, Broderick O'Farrell, John Powers, Max Wiseman. San Francisco, Sept. 18. The Denham, Denver, Colo., has, ac- cording to a report, been leased by Ernest Wilkes, for one of his dramatic stock companies. Portland, Me., Sept. 18. Alice Fleming opened the season at the Alcazar Monday, the opening at- traction being "Johnny, Get Your Gun." In addition to Miss Fleming, the com- pany includes Edward Everett Horton, Marie Curtis, Nancy Muston and Jessie Brink. Philadelphia, Sept. 18. ■ Stock will open at the Orpheum Theatre here on Oct 7 under the direction of Frank Fielder. Mae Des- mond is to be leading woman, Ash ton Newton being the juvenile. Boston, Sept 18. The Castle Square Theatre will again offer a season of stock, the open- ing date being Oct. 12. C. H. Allen is in charge. Lee Parvin in Divorce Action. Chicago, Sept. 18. Lee Parvin, head of one of the "Friendly Enemy" road shows, has been made defendant in a divorce ac- tion started by Mrs. Gladys Parvin. Mrs. Parvin alleges cruelty and asks that Parvin be restrained from spend- ing several thousand dollars which she says he has in the bank. .■.:!■ SHOW REVIEWS. (Continued from page 18.) FIFTH AVENUE. the others, although tbe first number. "We Don't Want the Bacon" '(Shapiro, Bernstein & Co.), was nicely filmed. The others were, "If He Can Fight Like He Can Love" (Feist), sung by Artie Mchllnger, and "When the Yanks Come Marching Home" (A. J. Stasny & Co.), sung by Harry Bernhardt The Stasny num- ber got the worst of It, even though the finish- ing number. Several of its moving; scenes were the same as in the Foist number, and the "Inserts" In both, of the several parades la New York, also the u. S. cruisers, had evidently been seen often before and were quickly recognized. -- -- . , The Contest held the bouse, and the applause sounded genuine for each song without a suspicion of a "clacque." It did look as though the Waterson singer had a- "plant" upstairs, who took up one chorus, for him. Now, if Bill McQuald, for the final next Tues- day nlgbt, will allow Mabel Burke to- sing all the winning songs of this week, there can be no partiality shown by the audience toward the voice or personality of any one or more singers the various publishers would otherwise send down to render the numbers. Miss Burke stands well with the Fifth Avenue patrons; she knows all about Illustrated songs and bow to sing them, and It would really bring.out the winner on Its pure merit plus tbe excel- lence of the picture aside. But BUI is a manager, with an acute business sense. He may send along a bunch of rooters at the same time which would make the walls bulge through tho attendance. .,. The show opened with Osakl and Takl, a Jap balancing turn, followed by. the "-Sherlock Sisters and Jlmmle Foley. Next'.were Mason and Owynne, and then Doris,.Dare, all under New Acts. It was only last week the Sher- lock girls were with Jimmy Casson. Mr. Foley was formerly of Foley and O'Neil. No. 5 held Cook and Savo, who went to a stop-the-show finish, the first real big score. They have a "baby-boy-baby-girl gag" that brought them a howl, and the turn has been considerably smoothed out since showing at the 23d Street some weeks ago. It still closes with tbe "Hula" business by Savo and that gave them the hit, although It's not.a certainty tbe same result would come to them from a regular blg-tlme .audience. Though you can't tell. It's an act that will amuse more quickly tbe out-of-small-town audience than tbe big- - gest big city one. but the. act -will yet easily shape up Into big-time timber. Savo has certain funny ways; he Is fast learning; how to handle to the best advantage, and when he Is set in that line their advancement for vaude- ville Is sure. Some of the talk is still old In years and the cold feet conundrum is a raw 'un for a red fire. Next were the De Wolf Girls (New Acts) in a dressy turn that did not get much, for the same reason perhaps Conk and Savo got a / lot—the Fifth Avenue audience. Regal and ^Moore. who were next, were another resound- ing hit. getting It on their finishing tricks. It's under New Acts. .■■ ^ Harry Carroll was next to closing, singing, talking and dancing himself to a. riot closing. Mr. Carroll sang some new songs of his own. One Is called "Mary's Little Calf," comic, and another. "Dixie's Military Ball," 8 war num- ber. He said that as there was a war song contest to close, he might JUBt as well put over the winner before It stsrted. Then he sang the "Dixie" number. Hsrry also re- marked, "It Is pretty tough up here all alone." but he didn't mean It for he was doing too well at tbe time. Then he added that, as one of tbe acrobats had done some "hoofing" In the Regal and Moore turn, there was nothing to stop him, either. After - the war song, he did a dance, not exactly like Emma Carus or Stella Mayhew. but an Imitation of both. Still Harry can hoof It a bit. but a little Is enough. He should be satisfied to be a song writer, and a good one, and an entertainer, Just as good. But Mr. Carroll doesn't take himself too seri- ously. Therein lies his chief charm'upon the stage. Bime. With a War Song Contest as an extra at- traction for the first five days of the week, starting Monday, the Fifth Avenue, Tuesday night, for tbe first half, held a vaudeville program of eight acts that did not call for any assistance. Nearly all of the turns were new to the house and New York, but they turned out 'fairly well In the main, leading the entertainment In excellent shape. The program proper closed at 10.30, Includ- ing the Contest as the last number before a finishing picture, probably a Triangle comedy film. Tbe bouse was big, following tbe Mon- day holiday rush. If the Tuesday nlgbt at- tendance was above the average for that eve- ning, then the Song Contest should receive tbe drawing credit. It's a nice diversion any- way from the regulation vaudeville program. It brightens up the finish of the performance, stirs the audience through seeing patriotic scenes and hearing patriotic songs at this opportune time after the long years of this wild war. Tuesday evening in the Song Conest, "Hello Central" (Watorson, Berlin & Snyder), with Harry Hart singing It, was declared the win- ner by tbe applause of the audience. It didn't require much time to decide the winner through the plaudits. "Hello Central" was the best known of tbe four numbers aung. Also its animated plcturlrlng was much superior to 81ST STREET. At last the. 81st Street has changed the feature picture from the middle of the bill to closing. Whether this or the show for the first half was the direct cause for the big business Is not known, but tbe house was crowded at 8 o'clock Monday night. Things seemed altogether different because of the change. The patrons knew they did not have to sit through the picture and still see the vaudeville show. A large percentage of the audience walked out after the vaudeville. The usual five-act bill was a pleasing one, and all the turns fared well. It is also a much better arrangement for the acts. Robert Swan opened with comedy Juggling and did nicely. His work Is tbe familiar routine, but combined with his comedy and dances, puts him out of the ordinary and eligible for the two-a-day houses. Goetz and Duffy (New Acts) followed and went over. Bertha Crelghton and Co., In their comedy playlet, "Our Husband." by Wlllard Bowman, ran about half way through before a laugh was scored, but after that they came a little faster. The piece Is a small time affair and will do there. Preceding Intermission Corp. Derby Holmes, an addod attraction for the evening perform- ances of tbe first half only, told about his experiences during the two yearn of service "over there." He first told of thrills and then of tbe humorous side In the trenches. He was greatly liked, closing with a service poem and an appeal for smokes for the boys. Sam Hearn, "The Rube with His Fiddle and Bow," followed the Semi-Weekly News Pictorial, which Intercepted and stopped the show. He was a strong favorite and forced to return for a couple of encores. "The Shlel," an original fantasy featuring Lola Fatlma and Ell Dawson, closed tbe show and passed. About half the house remained seated for the five-reel feature, Bessie Barrlscale in "The White Lie."