Inside facts of stage and screen (September 6, 1930)

SATURDAY, SEPT. 6, 1930 INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN PAGE THREE LABOR DAY HITS PICTURE RECEIPTS PARAMOUNT BOX SMASHES ‘AS IS’ GIVEN OFFICE RECORDS ON AUSTRALIA LEGIT TRADE ON UP GRADE; MACKAYE GIVEN OVATION The week end holiday was not conductive to particularly big box office receipts as the out of town resorts took an enormous toll of play goers. However, Paramount theatre broke all records for the past two years, or so, grossing $40,125 with the Marx bros. in "Animal Crackers,” aided and abet-' ted by the first Publix stage show in over a year. Both have been held over another week. This is the first time that a presentation ran for two weeks at this house. Loew’s State, with “Call of the Flesh,” starring Ramon Novarro, a big favorite here, got $25,173 for five days, indicating about $35,000 on the week, a very likely gross. ‘‘Holiday” at the Carthay Circle summed up $11,804 for. five days, with the approximate weekly estim? ate at better than $16,000, basing the two days on those of the previ- ous week. This is the fourth week of the Pathe special and from the demand, it looks like it should run another three or four; two certainly. “Hell’s Angels,” at the Chinese, took $13,280 on the week. This show is slipping badly but it evi- dently has a limited number of weeks to play and Howard Hughes will pocket the loss. “Old English,” at the Warner Bros., in Hollywood, threatens to pile up a record gross with $18,000 registered for its first ■ four days. "Moby Dick” got $21,000 at the Downtown for its second week. The Criterion with “All’s Quiet on the Western Front” got $11,718 for its first four days, indicating about $16,000 on the week, a good average for this house. The United Artists with “Eyes of the World” scored $8800. It will be followed Wednesday by “Follow Thru.” Pantages, in Hollywood, got $14,- 586 'with “Manslaughter” in five days; The Egyptian with “Wild Company,” $2526 (five days) and Boulevard with “Cheer Up" and Smile, $2494 (five days). HENRY DE VRIES AT LOCAL MART Henri De Vries in “A Case of Arson” by H. Heyermans opens Sept. 9 at the Theatre Mart, for a few nights’ run. Mr. De Vries first played it in this country in 1906 in New York. There are nine characters in this 45 minute sketch, of which seven are played by De Vries. The piece shows an investigation of a fire, in which a young woman has been burned to death, and De Vries plays all seven witnesses who are sum- moned before the magistrate. On the same bill with “A Case ; of Arson” are to be seen three original one-act plays, including “Collaboration,” a dramatic comedy by Santa Cowan, “Scherzo” by George Carter is to be played by Dorothy West. Jimmy ■ Jameson, Ricardo de An- gelis, Don L. Brodie, and Mr. Carter, and the concluding play is “The Lost Is Found” by Paul Cruger, in which Jack Angel, Max- i ine Rendeau, and Don English take the leading roles. THEATRE STAFF AVERTS PANIC The house staff of the Para- mount theatre can take a well deserved bow for their masterful handling of the immense crowds that were packed in the theatre during the slight quake which rocked Los Angeles last Satur- day. At a signal from the chief usher, the boys immediately went into their fire drill stations, some going to each exit, while others passed down the aisles quietly reassuring the public that there was no danger, thereby avoiding a possible panic. Manager Brown’s staff has often been the recipients of much praise from press and pub- lic alike of their efficient and courteous handling of the crowds at all times, and, much to their credit, have made many added new friends for this popular downtown house. CAST PICKED FOR NEW LOCAL REVUE Cast for Temptations of 1930” which opens at the Mayan Sept. 22 are: Mona Ray, Carson and Lester, Myra Kinch, Kirby and Degage, Doris McMahan, Bert Prival, Fred Scott, Norma and Monte, Clarence Nordstrom, Eleanor Painter, John Prince, Max Alexander, Directed by Wm. Woolfend in; book fay Frank Davis; dances by LeRoy Prince, lyrics by James Brockman and music by Ted Snyder. THREE WALLACE DANCERS BOOKED Three Earle Wallace dancers were signed last week for a tour of the Publix Circuit. The acrobatic dance team of Franklyn and War- ner opened in the new Publix stage show last week in San Francisco and will go east after playing the principal Publix theaters on the Pa- cific coast. Another Earle Wallace dancer was Betty Grable, featured as pre- miere danseuse in the Publix Stage Show at the Paramount theater last week. BEWARE, BROTHERS Summer romances have settled down on the Playhouse at Pasa- dena, real love competing with the synthetic stage variety. Among those which have ended in matri- mony are the stage friendships of Katherine Edso nand John Marley Marshon; Lucy Leach and Frank Fleming; Luella May Wadsworth and Louis Vicenti. MANY REFUSED HOLIDAY ROOM The hotel at Agua Calientie is doing business, and no doubt its sponsors desire it to continue pros- perous. A very large proportion of its clientele is of the theatrical pro- fession, who are very sensitive to discourtesy. Last week the holiday filled the hotel to capacity, and many promin- ent guests appealed to Manager Ratcliff asking for accommodations. Instead of polietly informing some of them of the crowded condition, he curtly remarked “Filled up,” as though they were so many rag tails seeking a handout, according to the plaints heard here. There may come, a time when Mr. Ratcliff, formerly of the Alexandria, will be grateful for the patronage of the theatrical crowd. Courtesy is a valuable asset that costs nothing, but its lack is a liability plus. BENGE JOINS CAST Wilson Benge, has been cast for a featured role in “Charley’s Aunt.” JOINS LICHTER Katherine Blanchard, formerly as- sociated with her father’s and moth- er’s : Sagency, The Blanchards, is now with the A1 Lichter agency in Hollywood. Lichter is offering con, tracts for about six weeks of fairs throughout the western states. NEW STORY PLAN With the signing of a number of stars prominent in the comedy world, Educational Pictures starts a new departure in their story writ- ing policies. At both the Educa- tional and Metropolitan studios, as- signments are being made for the special writing of stories to suit the individual requirements of such per- sonalities as Charlotte Greenwood, Johnny Hines, Tom Patricola, Joe Phillips, Bert Roach, John and Bus- ter West, Lloyd Hamilton, Ford Sterling, Clyde Cook, etc. FOREIGN STARS HERE Eight German and French picture stars have arrived in Hollywood to make foreign versions of American films. The new arrivals are Suzy Vernon, Jeanne Heiblin, Rolla NSr- man and Daniel Mendaille of France, Lissi Arna, Carla Bertheel, Anton Pionter and Wilhelm Die- terle. (Continued from Page 1) whose kindness to me will not be forgotten. William Faversham had an un- happy experience with Australian against his better judgment, to pre- sent some of the relics of his mat- inee idol days, and the result was sad to say the least. Faversham’s talent and technique are of the highest order, and need no apologies, but Australian insist- ence that he play “Prince and the Pauper” and such Mid-Victorian antiques gave him no chance to dis- play his sound dramatic qualities. His season was a disappointment through no fault of his own. Taxed Extra As a word of caution, might I add that a visiting artist pays ten per cent income tax. All acts should specify tax to be included in their contract, and salary equivalent to be paid an agent or bank in America. Hollywood’s wise-cracks, ex- aggerated slang accent, and driveling dialogue are all tend- ing to reduce the popularity of the American films, and you may be sure the British produc- ers are on their toes to make capital of the situation. It is rumored that Paramount is negotiating to acquire controlling interest in one of the two major chains. Under the present condi- tions in Australia, it would seem the only solution to a vexing and involved distribution problem. If this deal is consummated, Fox will have to protect its own interests likewise. Radio Situation The radio situation in Australia is similar to that of England. The “A” stations are government con- trolled and operated. The public pays a license fee for listening in, and the programs are provided by means of these funds. The “B” class stations operate on an adver- tising fee basis as here. My radio fan mail came from all sections of Australia and my year of broadcasting over two “A” sta- tions, 3LO. and 3 AR. was a most pleasant one. Fuller’s have definitely abandoned the legitimate stage, and have equip- ped their houses with talkie equip- ment. J. C. Williamson, better known as “The Firm,” has made valiant efforts to combat the talkies, but with indifferent success. Apparently they need an infusion of new blood. Vaudeville is entirely defunct. Hugh McIntosh is making a come-back that so far seems to be a box-office success, by producing light revues suited to the Austral- ian taste. Shows Failures Such singing and dancing shows as “Hold Everything,” “Five O’- clock Girl,” “This Year of Grace,” and “Follow Through,” were com- plete failures. The“ New Moon” was having an indifferent reception in Melbourne when I left. It was not particularly successful in Syd- ney. “Gold Diggers of Broadway” had a seventeen-week season in Sydney and a fourteen-week season in Mel- bourne, which would indicate the trend of Australian taste in enter- tainment at the present time. CRESPO WINS ROLE Jose Crespo, has been given the role of Morgan in the Spanish ver- sion of “The Big House.” MUSIC MANAGER DENIES RUMORS ABOUT LYRICS Sig Bosley, manager for Rob- bins, is denying consistent re- ports that the sudden spurt on the sales of “Go Home and Tell Your Mother” is due to the splurge of discontented husbands grabbing a copy of the hit to sing the first line of the lyrics to their June brides. On the other hand, Sig is ready, on the receipt of the usual thirty-five, to mail any discon- tented couples a copy of his other hit, “Just a Little Closer,” and when they get through sing- ing that one, he’s still ready with another plug which is guaranteed to send ’em home happy, “Sing- ing a Song to the Stars.” Hast week, the El Capitan playing- “The Poor Nut,” with Elliott Nugent rang up $7000, about the best gross they have had in several months. This show is unusually attractive to the theatre goers, both ♦from its excellence and the fact that ‘SOVIET PRESS’ LAUDS ‘FACTS’ DEMANDS COPY Inside Facts has been signally honored by the Soviet Press of Moscow. The following letter was received recently under date: 13 viii/1930. (You guess its Los Angeles euqivalent.) To the redaktion of Inside Facts . . . Inform-Bureau of Soius-King (Central Corporation of the Pho- to-Kinematographic Industries) beg you to send us a copy of your edition for acknowledge- ment. It is possible to send you, if you wisch, some copies of So- viet film journals for exchange. INFORM- BUREAU SOIUS KING (Manuchin) USSR Moscow—6 Tverskaia, Gnesdnikovsky, 7. TO OPEN REVIVAL FILM HOUSE HERE Mike Rosenberg will reopen the Alhambra theatre as an exclusive revival talking picture house. Policy of the house will be the showing of such attractions as “The Arizona Kid,” “They Had to See Paris,” “Dynamite,” “Cockeyed World” and “The Virginian.” DECIDE ARLISS FILM most of the original New York Cast are appearing with no advance in prices. It simply bears out the fact that the public is discriminat- ing and will patronize what they want. Final week of "The Champion" at the Hollywood Play House drew but $4000. This was a good farce well acted, but g.p. would not fall for it, due largely to lack of proper exploitation. Kolb and Dill are now in, and seem to be drawing with “Those Good Old Days,” which is a new version of their former success “Now and Then.” If the boys click at the box office with this one, it is believed that they will revive “The High Cost of Loving” next. Vine St. opened last Monday with Dorothy Mackaye in “A Cup of Sugar.” There was a great deal of interest in this young lady’s come- back and she was given splendid and sympathetic encouragement on her opening. The indications look good for a run. “Candle-light” at the Biltmore is not going so well as it deserves. It took in but $7000 for its first week with indications for the current week about the same. The Egan theatre opened with a new play called “The Missing Wit- ness” which has elicited consider- able interest with entertainment buyers, who have shown an inclina- tion to patronize it to the tune of $ 1000 . At the Belasco, "It’s a Wise Child” has been getting but slight attendance. The Mayan has a big musical revue in rehearsal slated to open later this month. Other houses are still dark. '“The Devil” will be the next play which George Arliss is to make for Warner Bros. Arliss was starred in one of the two versions of this symbolic morality drama when it first became the rage some twenty years ago. No date has been set for its production as yet. STUDIES ROUTINES Mile. Thelma De Lorez, “dan- seuse,” who has toured European music halls with her “Dancing Re- vue,” recently came to California and is studying off-rhythm and tap dancing at the Bud Murray School for her fall tour, which starts in September on the “continent.” SIGNS O’BRIEN Edwin K. O’Brien, who recently completed a writing assignment on the latest Wheeler and Woolsey starring vehicle, “Half Shot at Sun- rise,” at RKO, has been signed to join the comedy forces at the Larry Darmour 'Studio. STEVE IN TOWN Steve Newman, former roadman with Fanchon and Marco shows, and before that stage manager of Salt Lake City Orpheum, has switched from the Colorado theater, Pasadena, to the Paramount stage, Los Angeles. Steve is best known for having-been a city commissioner of Salt Lake City a few years ago. EVA SHIPLEY HERE Eva Shipley, middle west stock actress, is now in Hollywood. Un- derstood to be considering both a movie and a legit proposition. USE MEYER AID Majestic Productions, producers of “Today”, directed by William Nigh, has selected the Meyer Syn- chronizing Service to handle ex- clusively their music department. “Today” has already been scored under the supervision of Abe Meyer. SIGN PHILLIPS Norman Phillips, Jr., who ap- peared in vaudeville for many sea- sons with Mr. and Mrs. Norman Phillips in a skit written by Edgar Allan Woolf, has been signed for the role of the son in “Fifty Mil- lion Frenchmen”, a Warner Bros, picture. DANCING STAFF IS INCREASED The staff of teachers at the Wills Studio of Stage Dancing in Holly- wood will be greatly increased dur- ing the ioming week, according to Walter S. Wills. George Boyce arrived recently from New York to specialize wtih the latest vogue in off-rhythm danc- ing technique. He is one of the in- structors, while Jimmy Fawcett, who has acted as the premier acro- bat of Fanchon and Marco units for the past five years, will teach professional acrobatics. Buddy Eson, balletmaster, will be in charge of ballet, toe dancing, mu- sical comedy and jazz steps. The tap and acrobatic classes, which will include dohbles, groups and ensembles, will be in charge of Wil- liam Ritchey. New classes for children will start Monday, September 7. En- rollments for the new fall classes for adults, which started last Mon- day, were especially heavy, accord ing to Wills, LONDON AGENTS LAUD MURRAY’S “FACTS” COLUMN An excerpt from letter from Redmond Wells to Bud Murray. —Editor’s Note. Regent Palace Piccadilly Circus London W. 1. Aug. 13, 1930. Bud Murray, Care Inside Facts, Los Angeles. Dear Bud: Just a note, Hope you are fine and dandy. Everything here is a “clam-bake.” Seeing all the shows. No novelties. Here’s news for you. Your column in “In- side Facts” seems to be quite popular over here. Everyone who knows Broadway and Hol- lywood gets a kick out of it. Reeves and Lamport and Mr. Sherek, all big agents over here, told me personally they read and enjoy it and look forward to it every week. We go to Paris next week. Will write from there. Kindest regards from Fern and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Kramer. Always your pal, RAYMOND WELLS.