Variety (June 1919)

■ ; ' .;'..• ;'•>■ j: ;■:. - ■;; v - ■■. ■' - ' | . ' ■■■;...■ ...-,; . : , ' . '' VAJUETTS SAJTFRANCISCO PANTAGES THEATRE BWLWMG. ORPHEUM, SAN FRANCISCO. San Francisco, Juno 18. Trlxle Frigania with her "Block Party" vehicle, carrying a grade ot excellent ma- terial made to order for this popular vaude- ville star, was the life of the Orpheum bill, of which half the acts were holdovers from the previous week. Miss Friganza got them going right at the start, with some good stories, a mock ballad and the attending applause, call- ing for a burlesque dance, insured her the hit ot the bill. Looking a bit more portly than ever in a beautiful ermine coat, her turn was Indeed a welcome one. Half the bill was made up of holdovers, but with the new arrivals it was very pleasing entertainment, with Miss Friganza the life of the party. She landed from the start with her stories and the mock ballad, then stopped the show cold with the burlesque dance finish. Bill Bailey and Lynn Cowan, holding over from last week and assisted by Estelle Davis, closed the show and ran second to the headllner's riot score. They took a flock of bows and then a speech, surely going some tor that spot. Ann Gray, a harpist, whose routine also .included vocal selections nicely selected for vaudeville, merit* lng and winning fine applause. Miss Gray has a sweet personality, and that helped a let. Harry Holman and Co. in the comedy playlet, "My Daughter's Husband," proved highly en- tertaining, largely on Holman's playing, for the supporting cast Is below par. Thomas F. Swift and Mary H. Kelley In "Offer 13,000." a talking skit with songs, was far away from the conventional and pleased Immensely. Edwin George In "A Comedy of Errors" re- peated his Buccess of last week, taking tha going in second spot. Some of 'the regulars took the air while the beautiful Marion Mor- gan Dancers repeated their pretentious classic dance ottering. Yet the class ot the 'turn and its well arranged musical score could not be denied. Ed Alexander, a painter with oils, was excellent, but the accompanying chatter could not be heard beyond the footlights. He should either speak louder or cut out the talk entirely. jack Joseph*. PANTAGES. San Francisco, June 18. A lot ot show this week, and most of it very good entertainment. The bill carried enough names of native sons to draw la extra at- tendance. This being Jimmy Britt's home town,' he was given a good old-fashioned send- off with floral piece and everything from, tight tans and others. Britt's finished style of talk- ing hit 'em between the eyes and the crowd seemed justly proud of their "son." Stripped to fighting togs, Jimmy's rendition ot "The Kid's Last Fight" won a big band.' Blackface Eddie Ross, however, who followed In the clos- ing spot, easily drew down the hit ot the bill with his stories, ianjo strumming and special ditties. Headlined were "The Stam- pede Riders," with a fast clever exhibition ot old-fashioned Wild West days, roping and bronco-busting; made a big flash and strong impression. The "Denlshawn Dancers" pleased . with a well-staged dancing novelty, the aggre- gation including six attractive girls. Gordon and Day gave the bill an excellent start The man's pantomime drew plenty of laughs, to- gether with his comedy cycling and the girl's captivating appearance, aiding the score. Raines and Goodrich did but fairly. They are handicapped by a routine holding mediocre ' talk. But the team la a clever ene and pos- sesses good voices. More singing would help them at this time. - Jack Josephs. HIPPODROME. San Francisco, June 18. The Bhow was quite under the standard established In the lost few weeks. Comedy, particularly, \was lacking, and the running order was badly Jumbled. About the only real comedy came with the closing turn, Bijou's Circus, which was the headline offering. It Is an unusual dog act and the canines adept acrobats, working upon rather high apparatua Austin and Russell attempted a none too suc- cessful routine. The man doing "wop" offered a "mother" recitation in dialect, but It failed to register. The double-character number at the close drew but light returns. The Two Edwards showed an unusual eharpBhootlng exhibition, several difficult shots getting nice applause. Plunkett and Romaln won out with their dancing. The talk la but fatr, but the old man eccentric number scored heavily. The girl appeared Inclined to wiggle a bit too suggestively at the finish. De Winter and Rose, in a neat classical dance routine, showed enough to Indicate the turn to be above small- time average. The closing number, an Indian dance, Is the best, and It delivered the punch of the pair. Eugene and Klndler, with violin and accordion, offered the usual musical rou- tine, but the jazz section drew heavy returns. fe Jack Joiepht. CASINO. San Francisco, June 18. The Beatrice Morelle Sextette headlined the vaudeville portion which held five acts, though six were programed. Yorke and Marks being the turn schedule, for second position, that was withdrawn. The sextette of musicians and vocalists headed by Beatrice Morelle, and Including Katherlne Bernard, Susanna Savelle, Phylls Davles, Amory St Amory and Elizabeth Kirke, and formerly a feature with "Let's Go" here, were accorded a hearty welcome. The dignified and talented artists presented the highest class musical turn that has been seen In vaudeville here, reflecting considerable credit and being a big boost for the Aekerman & Harris brand of vaudeville. Earl Taylor and Ethel Arnold, closing the vaudeville section were another turn of Dig time calibre that distinguished the entertainment, lifting it above the visual standard. Miss. Arnold, blessed with gooa looks and a commanding personal- ity, had the bouse with her from the start, her likable manner and the ease with which she puts over her wares made her a big favor- ite. Taylor makes a worthy partner, assisting at the piano, and registering a big score on his own account with some well delivered numbers. Delmore, Fisher & Delmore, in a travesty labeled "Down Below," were a big laughing success with the rather old idea, but sure-flre comedy. The action takes place In the infernal regions, the characters being Satan, a blackface conic and a girl. B. Kelly Forrest, In a hobo monolog, got some scattered laughs In an early position. The Artols Brothers opened the show with some comedy bar work, their meritorious work receiving deserved appreciation. The Will King Com- Sany, in its third week, offered "What A light." It. is in two parts. The action in the first part takes place in an attorney's office, with Will King and Lew Dunbar, as the lawyers. The funniest situation is that of Will King making love to the actress (Vera Ranadale), with the unexpected appearance of the wife. This is similar to the bit from Bert Baker's "prevarication" and naturally got screams. Jack Joteptu. NOTES. Charles Yule was specially engaged for the stock presentation ot "Back Home," the cur- rent attraction at the Alcazar. sentatives to Toledo to cover the big fight on the "fourth." Dave Lerner, Jimmy Rose and Alleen Miller are rehearsing a three act. Lerner and Miss Miller were formerly with the Casino shows, and for one week members of the George White Company. Jimmy Rose has been "slngleing" and appearing in musical shows hereabouts for " years. Thomas Nunan, dramatic critic of the San Francisco Examiner, is vacationing. Ray-O. Brown, the music editor, la handling Nunan'a work. • . ■'■' the past several Ben Linn, touring on the Fantages circuit, was presented with an-elk tooth charm by the Portland Lodge of Elks during his appearance in that city. Lee Bacon, of "48 Camp" fame and theatre program magnate, was granted a divorce here lost week. According to a report, Bacon will take another dip In the matrimonial sea, with Miss Antoinette Larson, of the Will King Com- pany mentioned as the next Mrs. Bacon. Miss Ruth Florence was awarded $160 last week in her suit against the Fielding Hotel for jewelry lost there about.two years ago.' Miss Gloria Davis, formerly with Remlck, will be in charge of the new Wltmark profes- sional offices in the Kohler-Chaae building, with Miss Mildred Crawford at the piano, ex- ploiting the Wltmark operatic and standard catalogue. The office is under the general direction of Al Browne, Pacific coast manager ' for Wltmark. Walter Smith, Hippodrome manager at Spokane, will be switched to the Stockton house of the circuit about July l. The Mary Pick ford feature "Daddy Long Legs" has the distinction ot being the first Jicture to remain a full week In Ban Jose. t was shown at the T. * D. theatre In that city last weak. Jane O'Rourke, who has been ill with pneu- monia, has fully recovered. Miss O'Rourke will shortly open at the Fulton in Oakland, as the leading woman. Among the notables scheduled tor the Ye Liberty In Oakland, which has discontinued the stock polloy are, Otis Skinner, David War- field, Chauncey Oloott, Julian Eltinge, Mar- garet Illlngton, Robert Bdeson, Wilton Lack- aye, Henry Miller, Ruth Chatterton, Blanche Bates and Holbrook Bllnn. Zana Vaughn, who had the leads with the Orpheum Stock Company In Edmunton, and Nina Gilbert, .the leading woman the past sea- son or George Summer's "Girl I Left Behind," are.apendlng the summer at Long Beach, Cal. George Baldwin and Jess Mendelson plan to t leave here this week for New York, having received a wire to join the Kitty Gordon-Jack Wilson vaudeville act that will shortly open In New York City. Harry David, associate manager ot the California, left this week for a trip through thajfNorthwest to spend a vacation, . Van Clement, manager of the Portola, Is visiting his folks In Minneapolis. '. William Muehlman, assistant treasurer ot the Columbia, Lloyd Campbell) ot the Orpheum and Harold Reed, of the Curran, were detained In Los Angeles last week by the authorities for speeding. While in the Southern city, the boys closed contracts tor San Francisco show- ings of features which they will exploit during their leisure time. In a baseball game here last week between acta and stage hands from the Casino and Orpheum theatres, and a team composed of pugilists, the former won by a score of 6 to 5. Jack Rose was the umpire, and while several ot his decisions did not meet with the approval ot the fighters, he escaped unharmed. Jim Furness, ot the Continental, played his usual 50-50 game, acting as substitute for both teams. ACTORS' FUND BENEFIT, JULY 1. San Francisco, June 18. The benefit for the Actor's Fund of America will be given at the Columbia July 1. Mayor Rolph, of San Fran- cisco, has sent his check for $250. Among those that will appear are: .Henry Miller, Otis Skinner, Ruth. 'Chatterton, William H. Crane,.. Thomas Wise, Blanche Bates, William Court- enay, Richard Bennett, Crane Wilbur, Belle Bennett and many others who will be here that day. George White, who has temporarily disbanded, his musical comedy show, left tor Los Angeles last week, where he will reorganize if a thea- tre can be secured. According to Earl Taylor, ot Taylor ft Arn- old, he will have charge of the professional offices ot the Broadway Music Corporation who contemplate opening a branch here about August 1. The St Francis Orchestra, of which Art Hickman is the leader and Ben Black, a mem- ber, will, according to a report, go to New York for the Victor record making. Blanche Bates, scheduled for an early ap- pearance at the Columbia Theatre, arrived here laat week accompanied by her two chil- dren and her husband, George Creel. Roe and Helmar, who recently appeared at the Orpheum hero, were a special attraction at Talt's Cafe in their posing and hand bal- ancing turn. It Is the first act of this kind ever to appear In a, cafe here. OBITUARY Memorials In this department, in dis- play type, are charged: to per inch (14 lines) and S10 two Inches (28 lines). No space smaller than % inch (7 lines) accented; % inch, 13,50. All memorial copy must be accom- panied by remittance. SHOCKING. ; San Francisco, June 18. The Strand, devoted to pictures, has a "shimmie" contest as an added at- traction this week. Four couples are participating. I WESTONS DIVORCED. San Francisco, June 18. On an agreed verdict, Ella Weston, booking manager of the Acker man- Harris interests, was granted a divorce . from William Weston, recently a prin- cipal with a Columbia wheel burlesque show *-.-.- The Westons are tfie, parents of one child, a daughter, who, after their separation, some, years ago, remained with her mother in California and was recently graduated from a California college. Weston was at one time Den- ver representative for the Pantages Circuit and later, when that stand was dropped from the circuit, entered Vaudeville. PAN TIME FOR NEW HOYT. . San Francisco, June 18. The New Hoyt in Long Beach, Cal., when completed, the latter part of this month, will play the Pantages shows. This will add a full week'to the cir- cuit, the bills going to Long Beach following the San Diego date. Pan- tages shows for Santa Barbara has also been announced. Jack Dingwall V Jack Dingwall, press representative for Chas. Maddock. and a theatrical reporter for 25 years, died in the Fordham Hospital, Bronx, June 17, after an illness of several weeks. Be- fore joining Maddock, Dingwall was connected with Metro Pictures. — Edward A. Ferguson, grandfather of Sidney Shepard (Heart of the He- brew) died at Detroit, this week. Tha mother of George Baldwin, died at Sacramento, Cal., last week. Tha father of Cliff Hardy died June 2. The deceased was 80 years of age. F-P EXPECTS THIRTY THEATRES. (Continued from page 3) picture show and the Moss operation - sends in a Rivoli or Rialto program, the price will be tilted perhaps to SO cents top, with this scale permanent. The attention of the outlying or sub- urban exhibitor is expected to be at- tracted to the F. P.-L. house and its policy, With the possibility of the sub- urbanite lamping the chance of an in- crease of his own prices, maybe from •15 to 25 cents, with the same style of show. If the smaller.exhibitor takes to the bait and places his house on a higher plane, he is not expected to object if finding eventually that F. -Pvli.1 r. T attwe^ it* pictures" : draw more money through the increased scale, is asking more money for its product from the exhibitor. Those who know say that the F. P.-L. scheme of theatre operations is interlocking with its own producing interests, diverging into sev- eral lines, from the suppression of ac- tive competition to the profit of the theatres and the producer represented by it, (A story dealing more with this phase is in the Picture Department of this issue.) , . Mr. Zukor, according to the report, has $30,000,00 at his disposal to obtain all the theatres he may want for Moss to operate. This is "Wall Street money," where it : flows in abundance for anything that Zukor wants to go after. The F. P.-L. theatre operation will not be conducted under any cor- porate head, according to report, with the theatre secured and controlled con- tinuing their identity that is recog- nized in the majority of instances as a trade mark of value to the house. Mr. Moss is understood to be re- tained as the theatre operator at, a very large yearly salary, together with the opportunities of investment that the theatre obtaining plan presents. His will be no official title. The an- nouncement sent out said Mr. Moss will be in charge of the "Acquisition, construction and managing," which covers the entire F. P.-L. plan of ob- taining 100 or more houses. According to word from Los Angeles, Lucille Cavanagh did not open on her scheduled date in that city, preferring to open a week later on account of Annette Kellerman, who Was Slaying her second week, again topping the tiling. The California has discontinued the Sunday concert at which tuna forty-ova musicians were employed. FRAWLEY SAILS JULY 2. San Francisco, June 18. T. Daniel Frawley and his shows, organized for a tour of the Far East, will sail from this port July 2. Jesse Lasky Wednesday. Is due to arrive hare next San Francisco newspapers will send repre- Marion Morgan's Dancing School. San Francisco, June 18. Marion Morgan, director of the Mor- gan Dancers, at present touring the Orpheum circuit, has announced that she will remain in California this sum- mer at the conclusion of the Orpheum time for the purpose of conducting a summer school of dancing in Los An- geles for one month. ~m :&i Liberty, Oakland, Stops Stock. > ' San Francisco, June 18. The Liberty, Oakland, is discontinuing its stock policy to permit road attrac- tions to come in. Jotfn McArthur re- tains stock plays intended for Liberty and will turn them over to Harry Cor- nell who has opened a stock engage- ment at the Orpheum, Oakland, with the Baker Players. , Crane Wilbur in "Eyes of Youth.'' San Francisco. June' 18 Crane Wilbur will be the leading man with Marjorie Rambeau in the "'Eyes of Youth, which will open for a run at the Curran June 29. *»' .,- ■}>'• ■■■■: ;< ■ i