Inside facts of stage and screen (September 27, 1930)

SEPT. 27, 1930 INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN PAGE FIVE In Hollywood—Now By BUD MURRAY Pictures - REVIEWS - ^Legit' Bud Murray / Now that the Summer months are over, “The Masquers” are be- ginning to worry about their monthly Revels, which were so popular last year, under the Sam Hardy regime, but this coming season promises some very interesting shows“FOR MEMBERS only,” and so we were at the Club for a little luncheon, and a get-to-gether talk, with Mitchel Lewis, Harlequin, Edward Earle and Harry Joe Brown, both “Head men” of the en- tertainment committee. We noticed some old-timers and friends, such as—Stuart Holmes—our dear Chicago friend, Ad- dison Burkhardt—Lee Moran, a comedian who can “hoof”—Lawrence Grant, the genteel head of the House committee—Paul Nicholson, who takes us back to George M. Cohan’s Revues about 1917-18 in Chicago—Sam Hardy himself has a mess cf make- up on—You know Sam only got back from Noo Yawk last week and must be in demand to have the grease on so soon after arrival—Sam confides the Big town iust isn’t, and is glad he is back IN HOLLYWOOD NOW. Received quite a few surprises including a letter froniREDMOND WELLS, now sojourneying in Europe—From Paris he writes about a party in- cluding a few of our dear friends—Mr. and Mrs. Jack Pearl whom we were with in the “Dancing Girl” in 1921—Jack Curtis, a first rate theatrical agent and the (Mrs.)'Mabel Ford, whom we danced with in 1915 in the Winter Garden “Maid in America”—and Harry Pilcer, whom we trouped with in “The Whirl of Society,” when Gaby Delys made the “Gaby Glide” dance famous in 1913— Redmond said they all got a kick out of this column (no foolin’) Another surprise was the Lyons and Lyons (booking agents) Radio Show, one evening at home (yes we are at home every once in a while) —We heard a peachy voice and the announcer said Nora Schiller—who worked for us at our “Cotton Club Revue” when we first came out to “Sunkist” California—Still another was when we tuned in on the Para- mount hour and heard Noo Yawk announce Mary Brian, (our pupil) and rite in our Big City—We hope Mary’s sweetness isn’t spoiled by the jaded Noo Yark natives— Radio seems to have everything interesting this week for the writer, as still another station gave us a look-see back stage at the Mayan Theatre, where our old boss, Franklyn Warner, is putting on what promises to be a revealation in Revues for Hollywood—and our old boy friend Sully Ward, who just got off a train from Broadway spoke a few words over the “Mike”—Paul Gerard Smith whom we workt with on the “Padlocks of 1927,” said a few witty things—Paul is writing the “Black-outs” for Temptations—Our friend, Charley Judeis, (another ex-Shubertlite) who is staging the sketches was introduced and for once he was real serious and very dignified—IN HOLL’T- WOOD NOW. Finally after two years in Hollywood, got ourselves together with the family, and hied our bodies over to Catalina Island, thinking we wouldn’t see any New Yorkers who are in HOLLYWOOD NOW— but rite there on the boat was that sterling writer of real music for so many years with Arthur Hammerstein productions. Herbert Stothart —and Herb had his family with him too—We saw the flying fish, the glass bottom boats, went to the aviaries, and at the end of the day we figured we had done a good days work, but now we can say we’ve been to Catalina—SO WHAT? If you want to know something—We didn’t go to the Olympic Fites last week and we got our first break—we didn’t see one of those “shindigs” they have been putting on. So this week we are not one of the disgruntled Fans you have been reading about, and next week there is no show there at the Olympic and that is break Number two— Dropt into the L. A. Press Club atop the American Storage Build- ing where _we are located, and ran smack into old Jess Willard and fite fans will be pleased to known Jess is looking great and happy and young—Also our dear friend from Long Beach, Roy Reid, whom we staged shows for at his Strand Theatre— A lite lunch at the Brown Derby with Maurice Gebber of the Ambassador Fur Shop, and we noticed that many of the Broadway Boys are still left in HOLLYWOOD—among them are a flock of Theatrical Booking agents all huddled in a booth talking very seriously about what is going to happen—There is Lew Schreiber and Rufus Le Maier and Walter Herzbrun. all from the Wm. Morris offices IN HOLLYWOOD—and Max Hart, but not in their booth. In another booth a flock of the “Tinpan Alley” boys including Lew Pollack, whom we were with in the Passing show of 1921—Grant Clark at Warners—Sid Claire at RKO—Max Steiner at RKO a musicyal director, who is always in demand in the big city—and another Musical Director whom we workt with in 1919—on the Winter Garden pro duction of “Monte Christo, Jr.” our dear “Ole Lunnon” friend Frank must be laying off—IN HOLLYWOOD NOW. A visit to Loew’s State this week to see Le Roy Prinz’s initial Fanchon and Marco unit, and we must say it “Broadway” alright rite in this Idea is Warren Jackson who workt in “Passing Show of 1916” with us—Warren has improved with age, except the boy friend must not get too fat—Bobby Callahan is the comic with Jackson and doe? nicely too—Rube Wolf certainly has class written all over himself and his “pack” is shown by the clever way Rube did his “Hokem” razzer number—and then in the picture, all one one bill we rockt in our seats at our very dear friend, Marie Dressier whom we were with in the “Passing Show of 1921” at the N. Y. Winter Carden-You can’t say her stage technique doesn’t help her—How she waits for those sales of laughter—If Fanchon and Marco can continue like this, no one in town better try and outdo them any angles— Jimmy Clemons and his “Mrs” J is rehearsing a new act, and confides he will be on his way to Noo York rite soon—And flashing by in a beautiful “Eight” our dear friend Tom Gallery and the Mrs. (Zasu Pitts) a real trouper who looks like a flapper on the street—but whai she does to her pan in pictures is nobody’s business—There are very few good looking woman, who do eccentric comedy parts—No, they want to be pretty, but Zasu gets the money for not looking pretty but looking DUMB— Then Jack Holt is another army uniform—Harry Delf dashing up the street. Noah Beery wearing a wild and wooly looking beard Arthur Caeser that Steeplechase grin—Mrs. Robert Woolsev with her Dog—Grant Withers and William Wellman and rie IN HOLLYWOOD NOW. ^ And once again to the fites at Tom Gallery’s the bouts didn r look so hot on paper, but it seemed that all of Alhambra was there to watch their idol Bobby Reister knockt out by “BOOBY” BOBBY LA H^e’s a cuckoo if there ever was one—Our first impression of The ad Boy was that he was acting, but it looks like he is “Just Around the Corner —B. B. B. gets quite a kick out of this “mug” on account of the ‘song and dance man” pan that he pulls—Spied A1 Rosen that Hollywood producer of Drama rite in back of us—and a flock ^ brother Masquers” including, Ernie Hilliard, Walter Weems, Allan Hale, Harry Gnbbon, Paul Nicholson, Ray Hallor, Roger Gray and many more—Mr. and Mrs. Macklin Megley grinning at that La Salle bov—and our pal Sammy Ledner voicing his best opinion of anything —Sam just finished a year at United Artists and thought he was in for a short rest, but he had a call that nite and it looks like he g^oes rite back into the harness—Rite opposite our boy friend Edgar Allen Woolf whom we workt with on the “La Maires Affair” in 1927—The dailies had Edgar “Gone to N. Y.”—But he is still here—IN HOLLYWOOD After the Fites to Henry’s where it is the custom on Friday Nites to talk the Fites over—and at the same time have a little “snack”— and again we run into that infectiously smiling Frances McCoy What (Continued from Page 4) wood and Johnny Arthur, and rea- son enough. No comedy, new or old, has been offered from a local stage in years, that has the quantity and quality of laughs as this team jerks forth in the old farce. If one had never seen it before, he would vote the per- formance an ultra modern scream, but to those familiar with it, it ap- peared to be brought up to date in a new version, but neither would have been correct. It was the per- fect playing of the two central char- acters and the interpretations given the roles by the stars that made it a distinguished offering. The idea is of the wife, who, while jealous, is proud of the lurid reputation of her husband’s past, which was but a myth cooked up for her benefit. When it is almost proven that her shrinking, timid hubby has had no past, he is com- pelled by a friend, in order to pro- tect his happiness, to live up to his reputation. A room in a hotel is engaged, and a sensational society reporter is in- veigled to be the woman in the case. But inadvertently, the wife of a friend of the family, a newly- wed, who has had a tiff with her husband, runs away with the bashful spouse, and they go to a hotel where they have been regis- tered as Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. The reporter gives the hubby a les- son in love making, which he em- ploys on others, who come to the hotel seeking to save them from the irate husband of the eloping woman. The husband arrives, and things get complcated—the real wife is ar- rested as an immoral person, when she claims to be the Mrs. Smith on the register. All is finally straight- ened out when the reporter uses the big stick of publicity on the hotel manager. Johnny Arthur, as the shrinking hubby, was a revelation. His every move was a rib tickler, and when Charlotte Greenwood does a run and swing into the picture the fun- fest becomes a banquet. Charlott has never been seen here to better advantgae. The part is ideal for her, and what she contributes to it is marvelous. Her appearance in a turkey red suit of pajamas, the like of which would turn the Devil green with envy, was a panic. She still takes advantage of her gawky kicking ability, and when she favored wth a song and dance between the acts, she added dessert to the happy menu. Dainty Sally Starr, who is also building a reputation in the talking pictures, plays the part of a young wife and gave it plenty of verve and ginger. She was very pretty, and registered strong with the crowd. Myrtle Hubert's blonde prettiness showed to good advantage, and Mia Marvin was admirably cast as a dashing society belle. Grace Stafford was excellent as the wife, with a hero worshiping complex, and looked and played the part to entire satisfaction. Among the men, John Litle as the assistant lead, who tried to fix things for his friend as well as get over with his own fiance, furnished the setting for the fun. John can always be depended upon to turn in a performance worthy of the best stars. Eric Kalkhurst repeated the good impression he made in “The Poor Nut,” as the irate husband, who could not decide twxt love and Wall St. Donald Campbell in the bit of the hand writing expert played a real- istic few moments, and got quite a few laughs of his own. Hugh Kid- der, in the role of a French hotel keeper, gave a very effective per- formance of that official, trying to uphold the reputation of his domi- cile. Edward Seabrook, as a bell hop, was also very effective. Doro- thy Cecil completed the cast as a maid. Film Row Cuttings By THE ROUNDER If there’s a world’s series on, or the hunting season open, there might be some excuse, but with the summer weather in the doldrums and vacation time over, just why did F. E. Benson and George Naylor both pick Monday to report sick, and stay away from the office? Its wurry, wurry su- persterious. * * * Max Milder, special repre- sentative of Warner Brothers, dropped into town on his round of visits to the western exchanges of the firm. He will remain here, going over local conditions. Then he will pro- ceed to San Francisco, Port- land, Seattle, Denver and other points. That’s what I call a position, othing to do but trav- el around and talk; then turn in a pleasant expense sheet and have it met without question. That’s the kind of a wage slave to be. * * * “Buzz” Briggs, of Denver, one of the Pathe pets, directing the destiny of the State the atre and other Mile High City and Colorado town’s amuse ments, dropped in last week for a visit. Incidentally, he took a trip to Agua Caliente and is still turning around like a rou- lette wheel in amazement. Tia Juana’s resort ought to put him on the pay rool for the next month, for the publicity he will spill when he returns home. They can prepare for a Denver delegation soon. * * * Gordon Allen, formerly salesman for Sono Art here, has resigned to accept a similar position with Tiffany in San Francisco. He started on the new job last Monday. ■ * “Umbagi” has had its name changed. It will henceforth be known as “Africa Speaks” as it ran into too much sales re- sistance on account of the “In gagi” unpleasantness. PARVIN MOVES Lee Parvin. has retired from the management of the Dorothy Mac- kaye show at the Vine St. and has returned to the Macloon-Albertson organization- to aid in their forth- coming productions. He has been the personal representative of the Macloons for several years past. ANOTHER MARATHON Dick Parks Agency is promoting another marathon dance but will not divulge the location at this time. Jackie Shannon is now as- sociated with this agency. TOUR NORTHWEST Manuel and Vida, who were in the “King of Jazz” picture and several shows hereabouts have been booked through the northwest’ by the Bert Levy agency. Under the name of Vida Renardo, Miss Vida Is also known as a vaude single. SEC. IS BEAUTY Marcelle Lewis, former secretary of Abe Meyer, resigned to become secretary of J. M. March, Caddo head during absence of Howard Hughes. Miss Lewis is stad to be one of the moh beautiful secree- taries in the industry. EARLE WALLACE Always Busy Developing Dancing Stars but Never Too Busy to Create and Produce Original DANCE ROUTINES and REVUES That Sell Belmont Theatre Bldg., First and Vermont Phone Exposition 1196 Los Angeles, Calif. Associates—Gladys Murray, Lafe Page Ballet Dept.—Mary Frances Taylor PRACTICAL DRAMATICS AND STAGE DANCING Tap, Off-Rhythm, "Modernized Ballet” and Acrobatic “MODERNIZED BALLET” by Mary Frances Taylor (Premier Danseuse) "Oh Susanna," “Gone Hollywood," "Student Prince," “Broadv.'ay Melody” “Tap and Off-Rhythm” by Bud Murray and Lafe Page “THE ORIGINAL MURRAY SCHOOL” ,OF NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND LOS ANGELES, WALTER S. WILLS STUDIO OF STAGE DANCING 7016 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD GLADSTONE 9502 PROFESSIONALS TAUGHT BY PROFESSIONALS Enroll now—New Autumn Classes for Adults—Tap, acrobatic, soft shoe, eccentric, waltz clog, musical comedy, ballet. Also children’s classes. GEORGE and FLORENCE BALLET MASTER AND MISTRESS Formerly 68 Successful Weeks Producing Weekly Changes in Australia’s Largest Theatres THE STATE, SYDNEY Producers Desiring Originality WRITE or WIRE -Permanent Address: INSIDE FACTS, Los Angeles— is this thing called “Telepathy”—and as usual our very old friend from back in the Tin Pan alley days about 1909-10—Herman, Paley and Mrs. are with Frances—Dot Coonan one of the “Sunbeams” just finished a long contract at Paramount—A couple of real referees in a booth—Larry McGrath with jet black hair and a John Barrymore mustache and our pupil, Abe Roth—We notice that the “Three Musketeers” are together a,gain—John Medbury, Hal Horne and Will King, all in close harmony conversation—Murray Bloom our Chicago pal and Abe Lyman Cali- fenia’s own M. C.-—Henry himself eating in his own establishment and our dear pal Joe, Head man, hustling hither and thither to see that everyone in Henry’s in HOLLYWOOD NOW is satisfied— FINISHES FOURTH John St. Polls, veteran actor has just completed playing in his fourth talking picture in the last two months. He was cast in “The Devil with Women” (Fox) Kismet (F. N.) Captain Thunder, (W. B.) and Man in the Sky (F. N.) Formerly a stage star, and in the days of the silents was much sought after for roles.