Inside facts of stage and screen (January 25, 1930)

PAGE EIGHT INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 1930 Uaudeville and ^Presentations ORPHEUM SEATTLE (Reviewed January 19) The stage bill at the R-K-O Orpheum this week shows about as wide a variety as anything sent us this season, and it can be truth- fully be best described as from the sublime to the ridiculous. The Pavley - Oukrainsky ballet opens the show with a group of dances which for skilled perform- ance, colorful costuming and back- ground and effective music haven’t been equaled since this same group’s visit here a year ago. Edris Milar, premier danseuse with the Chicago Grand Opera Company for six years, heads the group of figurantes who charm in this offering;, and her work is just as superlative as to quality as when we last saw her. She pre- sents again her famous mechanical doll number and also offers a charming solo to Delibes’ “Vari- ante.” Lydia Arlova is another capable performer with this troupe who is seen in the solo number in a gypsy dance and also offers a solo interlude in the flower ballet which opens this act. Nine finely-trained girls work with the principals, along with Nelson Henderson. Here is an act which is far above the class of ordinary vodvil offer- ings and one to be recommended. Owen McGivney, protean artist, who is a familiar player to all vod- vil fans, presents his sketch from Dickens, in which he plays seven characters himself. A novelty is seen this year in that he exposes how these changes are effected, making it a highly interesting fea- ture, even to those who have watched this finished artist work before. The remainder of the bill can be classified as for laugh' purposes only, and include William and Joe Mandel, two athletes who offer just as much comedy as they do well-handled R i s 1 e y and stand work. Dick Nash, a sort of human Eifel tower, and Midgie Lately, a little half - pint - size comedienne, who have a popular offering, with Nash/s d,roll humor and rope twirling getting over nicely, and Miss Fately, very eye-pleasing as a foil. “The Wager,” closing offering, is a burlesque on McGivney's quick change act, and everyone on the bill except the opening act work- ing in it. The Mandels grab a load of laughs with their hokum. Tiny Burnett’s R-K-Olians and Myrtle Strong at the organ com- bine forces this week in a well- received medley of songs from a coming picture. The screen opus was William Boyd’s “His First Command.” H. B. M. RKO THEATRE LOS ANGELES (Reviewed Jan. 16) Rathe’s feature flicker titled “His First Command” with Wil- liam Boyd and five acts of excel- lent entertainment were the rea- sons for the satisfactory box-office this downtown vaude house had on the current week. The five acts of good entertainment were a decided improvement on last week’s stage talent. blonde LeVere with Edyth Handman and a capable pianist substituting for Lou Handman’s valuable position in the act, easily scored top applause honors. Flor- rie LeVere is a sure-fire enter- tainer, dynamic in pep and with ability, personality and delivery outstanding. Smooth tempo and construction of the act is also particularly noticeable. Her char- acterizations are exact, and she sells her songs and dancing spe- cialties for everything they’re worth. Edyth Handman shows stage education since her last ap- pearance in coast vaude houses, delivering with pleasing style a brace of songs that hit the bell. She’ll be doing a single, in one, some day and will be better than good. Plenty of bows tagged this one, with the encores bowing in Lou Handman, a relation of the pair, visiting from the lots where he is sojourning lately. Lou’s medley of past song compositions landed in cyclonic style. Chamberlin and Himes landed okay with their familiar Bowery turn. They’ll click on any bill and anywhere. Six Brown Brothers in closing spot made the grade with a rou- tine of saxophone nonsense and otherwise. Another good bet for entertainment. Wm. Nunn and Company offer- ing a condensed old-time melo in burlesque gesture, went over in double forte fashion. The fans trumped the few probable audience plants with a double-barreled burst of hissing and a goodly time was had by all. LaSalle and Mack, a better than ordinary a c r o b at i c turn, opened and had no trouble in reg- istering. Sold their wares for full value and reaped results accord- ingly. The forerunner of a com- pletely satisfactory bill of talent which was devoid of opportunities for criticism, Eddie Meredith. BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES (Reyiewed Jan. 20) Slim Martin, who holds the great record of a year at Long Beach and held the master .of ceremonies berth for a long time at Pasadena, opened at the Boule- vard this week. On his opening show, Slim received a round of applause that proved that he is a great favorite with the Los An- geles fans and it looks as though Slim is at the Boulevard for an indefinite stay. He has loads of personality and with his showman- ship he is bound to be a big success. Assisting on the bill were Bar- num and Bailey, a couple of hoke funsters and singers; Toki and Yoki, and the Boulevard chorus in their usual nice routine coached by Flo Kelly. The band offered a hot tune with Slim entertaining with a trombone solo in his individual style that drew him his share ol applause. The ensemble offered a snappy routine which was followed by Toki and Yoki, who added an oriental touch to the show. Barnum and Bailey, who have been seen at practicaelly all the night clubs around town, provided the comedy for the evening to- gether with their pleasing singing which never misses. Picture ^ was “They Had To See Paris” (Fox) with capacity business. W tody. FIFTH AVE. SEATTLE (Reviewed Jan. 16) Peabody’s back and with it he brought the . smile to Jim Clem- mer’s face, for the diminutive banjo twanger’s boxoffice records have never been topped here. It’s true, the long line of standees are smaller, but that can be laid to the door of the weather man, who has had the city under snow for the past few days. They turned out for the opening day, plenty strong, and witnessed one of the best all round bills that Marco has ever sent up this way, topped off by a whale of an outdoor western that clicked. This “Black and Gold” Idea evidently hasn’t lost any of the pep since playing Loew’s State, although nothing could drag with Eddie out there in his first day back at work, putting everything he had. into the show. The girls are good-looking, well-costumed and dance ... a triple quality that has been lacking in some of the “Idea” line-ups, at least when they hit here. They’re gratifying to the _ extreme, looked “Sun-kisted” against a gorgeous setting, with lighting far superior to the av- erage. This one will go over to a fare-thee-well in the east. The Three Kemmys, assisted by Eva Ivey, put across as neat an exhibition of acrobatic adagio topped off by a balancing offering that clicked heavy. Maxine Hamilton lead the girls through their several numbers in addition to warbling a number or so, but her big forte is her high kicks and spirited dances. In these she surpasses. Lee Wilmot, eccentric dancer, also landed heavy with his stuff, his ‘deadpan looks grabbing over the laughs. The boy is nimble to a nicety. Arnold Grazer, the last of the specialties, was forced to a short speech following his efforts. Doused in gold paint, the boy is a statue for the better part of the opening, coming to life for a neat toe offering. Peabody’s bit was the highlight, naturally, of the afternoon. He pranced on the stage to a nice opening reception and stepped into the first band number, “Happy Rhythm,” with the saxes headed by Eddie and the trusty fiddle leading the group in some fine soloing. And then to his own especial offering. He went the limit on “pops,” including the following: “Painting the Clouds With Sunshine,” “Am I Blue?” “Vagabond Lover,” “Some of These Days,’’ “Talking Picture of You,” “Singing In the Rain,” “So n g of the Nile” and was forced into the aisles to appease some of the requests. They hol- lered for “St. Louis Blues” but Eddie talked them out of the old favorite and kept talking the gang from keeping him overtime, but they finally let up enough to let the show continue. There is no doubt that Eddie Peabody hasn’t lost one iota of his popularity, and he’ll always be going strong when some of them are back selling neckties. They crave him here, and he likes it. For a boxoffice attraction, Marco showed his shrewd show- manship when he dragged Eddie up to Seattle for these few weeks. He’ll make dough here, or any place, for, after all, there’s only one Eddie Peabody, a great little showman. The screen attraction was “The Lone Star Ranger.” Jean. FOX-WEST COAST LONG BEACH (Reviewed Jan. 18) Herb Kern opened the “Ivory” Idea with a band number, Stra- della Overture, from the pit. At the conclusion of the number Bet- ty Lou Webb introduced herself as mistress-of-ceremonies. Carita, a snappy yqung lady, did well-executed back bends before the ensemble who were presenting a Far East rythmatic dance. The tap dancing of the evening was furnished by the Four Hi-Hatters. These four young men displayed some fine work in their dancing and functioned as a well-trained group. Each gave an individual dance that was different and each one was well received. Miss Webb next presented the line girls in a Cameo number rep- resenting the eighteenth century. Their dancing was nothing extra but Carita’s toe dancing was the highlight of the act. Her rapid whirling while on her toes brought solid applause. The mixed comedy team of Goetz and Duffy ended up much better than they started. The couple opened up by interpreting an old man and woman ‘about to be married. Most of their wise- cracks fell flat. However, a quick change to collegiate costumes, singing and dancing brought much better results. Their harmony whistling at the finish of their act did considerable to strengthen it. Betty Lou returned to offer two interpretations to the tune of “Could I? I Certainly Could.” Her interpretation of a sober Eng- lishman and of one when ine- briated was excellent and brought approval. Miss Webb has a pleas- ing personality and inasmuch as she was perfectly at ease on the stage she made a good m. of c. The finale followed presenting 11 pianos arranged to form a pyramid. Their first number, “Rhapsody In Blue,” gave each girl an opportunity to show her musical talent. The next number, “Turn On the Heat,” was played with the girls standing and pro- viding the breaks with hot steps. After playing a nice arrangement of “Nola,” all came on to end the Idea by singing and dancing to the theme song. Picture was “Navy Blues” (M- G-M). 0. K. Hoffman. CASINO SAN FRANCISCO (Reviewed Jan. 18) This Sam Harris-staged show had for its setting a New York roof garden night club, a particu- (Continued on Page 9) PAUL MALL “HOT DOMINOES” Idea Senator Theatre, Sacramento Thanks to Fanchon and Marco SYLVIA DOREE Featured in Fanchon and Marco's “JAZZ TEMPLE IDEA” EN TOUR MURIEL STRYKER Fanchon and Marco’s DESERT IDEA JOAN HARDCASTLE Featured in FANCHON and MARCO’S "FAR EAST IDEA” TOOTS NOVELLO Fanchon and Marco’s “Overtures” Idea Direction Wm. Morris FANCHON AND MARCO PRESENT KENNY CREEL A FEATURE IN “TREES” IDEA AT LOEW’S STATE, LOS ANGELES, THIS WEEK PHIL SYLVIA WHITE and NOIR TENOR SOPRANO Booked Solid Over R-K-O Circuit In “Songs and Steps” MAVIS AND FEATURED DANCERS IN a TREES 1DEA--AT LOEW’S STATE, LOS ANGELES, THIS WEEK THANKS TO FANCHON AND MARCO ARTISTIC SCENIC ADVERTISING CURTAINS BY FAR THE BEST IN AMERICA—CURTAIN PRIVILEGES BOUGHT FOR CASH OR SCENERY 1215 BATES AVE,, HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. Phone OLympia 2914 CHAS. F. THOMPSON SCENIC CO.