Inside facts of stage and screen (February 28, 1931)

Saturday, February 28, 1931 INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN Page Three Joseph Kennedy May Join Fox Organization Freeze-Out As Rise Due The freeze-out is on for a rise in Warner Brothers' stock, ac- cording to some inside information garnered around the brokerage offices this week. First move, which is now in progress, is a barrage of publicity unfavorable to the W. B. stock, making the small, uninformed holders thereof think they’ll play sucker if they hold on any longer. As an example, the slump feature of the quarterly report was played up heavily in wire dispatches this week, and given promi- nent headings on the financial pages of newspapers. These reports pointed out that the profits per share on the current, quarter were 39 cents as compared to $2.07 for the previous year. Net profit for the quarter ending November 30, 1930, amounted to $1,576,421, as compared to a net of $5,629,109 for the same quarter in 1929. But the factor that is getting no publicity- is the class crop of box-office pictures which Warner Brothers now have made or are in the making. The recent W, B. pictures are the best attuned for b. o. value of any they have ever put out, and with the class draw names they are now -signing, the organization will rate up with Paramount and M-G-M during the coming season, if the story and directorial departments live up to the acting end. The insiders see this coming, with a consequent rise in W. B. stock due, and that’s why the present line of publicity on the stock is all bearish. It’s the old idea of not letting the small fry sell when the stock's .going down, but persuading them to sell when a rise is due. DiGeEil SHOWS TO MEET H-F [mi F. (Continued from Page 1) shows for the L. A. and S. Qrpheum theatres. Break For Talent Plans of Paramount and Fox -were not learned but close-in opin- ion is that the former would also build up their stage shows to buck the bigger R-K-O shows and the lower H-F prices, but that Fox is fully satisfied with the product now- being turned out for them by Fan- chon and Marco. The F-M shows hold an ace spot in popular favor on the coast, both because of the class of entertainment given and because they arc the only ones which continued uninterrupted de- spite the advent of Vitaphone. Anyway it is looked at, the en- try into the exhibition field of Franklin and Hughes looks like a neat break for the performer. The present major circuits will do al- most anything before they will seriously chop prices, it is known, and more entertainment for the present money is the only alterna- tive. Bobby May, class juggler on the RKO time, who last week played the local RKO Theatre, is now a full-fledged member of the Magi- cians’ Association. He was elected to the honor at a get-together ten- dered him by the Ushers, who were on the same bill with him. But all wasn’t, jake with Bobby during the week. ITe had a nervous breakdown and, upon advice of Dr. Lou Josephs, practitioner to the theatrical profession, Bobby is now taking a three weeks’ complete rest at Catalina. He will resume his tour at Salt Lake City at the end of the period. Writing Film Story Around ‘Saltoanimalis’ Out Among’ Em By Matson— At the Grove . . . Gun Arnheim —ever trying new combinations to improve his already popular band . . . Now it s a smart Tango group led by Carlos Molino, playing be- tween dances that intriguing Ar- gentine music which makes . one want to try that intricate dance even if one has not been to Eur- ope. . . . Nick Stuart and the Mrs. (Sue Carol) waiting for “Peanuts” before doing their stuff. . . . Bing Crosby looking older, but singing better than ever. , . . Besser re- ceiving a wire from Chicago that he was reported dead. . . . After two consecutive song hits, too. . . . Perhaps they meant he would be dead if. he returned to Chicago. . . . It doesn’t pay to lift a • gag or a lyric in that spot. Tony Travers, player in Gus Arnheim’s band — much in demand for studio record- ing work. . . . This “Fusing Tony” is a real musician. . . . Then to the Blossom Room where genial Bill Mann greets you, and in spite of the crowd can always find one’s party a comfortable spot. . . . And Abe Lyman proving that a good orchestra can double from a the- atre into a class room and make you want to dance. J. C. Cook producer of “BALI” the new Travelogue picture back from San Francisco, where his pic- ture opened. ... Jos Harris, of Harriscolor off to New York on the “Chief.” . . . Ray Boswell, of the Master Productions, returned from Reno with Cliff Harris after looking over the spot for a studio location . . . and of course they knew a few of the natives taking the “Cure.” IT AS' FOR MMim 81 KI 1 MIRACLE Joseph Kennedy, the former strong-silent man back of Pathe, may join the Fox organization, it was reported this week. Kennedy still has a big block of stock in Pathe, and whether he will go over to the Fox group depends largely on whether or not he can dispose of these holdings, it was stated. He is no longer active in Pathe. The story said that Kennedy’s genius for raising capital when financial difficulties loom as prob- able is the reason why he has ^>een made highly attractive offers by the Fox people. It was stated ' that $50,000,000 in notes signed by the William I-ox interests when Fox was on his program of tremendous expansion is due April 1, and about the only Moses the present Fox re- gime can see is Kennedy. These notes were taken over by the inter- ests which Clark and Winfield Shee- han represent, and their due date is reputed to be a day of prospective calamity unless some good banker like Kennedy steps into the situa- tion with a solution. Drawing Them To Qrove Carlos Molino, whose picture appears on page one of this is- sue, and his Argentine Orchestra, now playing at the Ambassador Flotel, are proving a big draw both at afternoon tea affairs and in conjunction with Gus Arnheim and his Orchestra in the Cocoanut Grove evenings. Molino has brought the true type of Argentine tango music to Los Angeles, and the class trade of__the Grove are going for it on a grand scale. The Molino aggregation consists of nine pieces, including a soloist, and their numbers, interspersed with the Arnheim dance music gives that touch of ultra which the Cocoanut patrons de- mand. Molino has had a varied career, with success written across every phase of it. Making a big hit in the role of Don Alvarado’s brother in The M-G-M film, “The Bridge of San Luis Rev,” he has many picture successes to his credit, both in support and in lead- ing roles. In addition to this he has played numerous leading roles on the Stage, being of that clean-cut, alluring personality which car- ried Rudolph Valentino to the top, with a touch of Barrymore thrown in. His latest engagement .in the East was at the exclusive Casa Lopez Club in New \ ork. In addition to this his orchestra was in big demand for concerts at such class spots as the Astor Hotel, etc. Molino toured the Orpheum circuit several seasons, and also played over all the other major circuits. Pie and his’musicians were also fhe big feature of the last Santa Barbara Fiesta. ’Round the Lots By BETTY GALE Film Row Cuttings By VI The Exhibitors’ and Exchange- men’s Benefit show slated for mid- night, Saturday (28) is sure to be a smash. The scheduled preview is a big special, Fanchon and Marco are contributing their biggest and best flesh entertainment, a well known band will furnish music and several stars will appear at the Fox Wilshire for the event. Everybody the accordian! lias responded to this affair with ! whole-hearted generosity and will get big returns at the show. For the last nine years the Exhibitors’ and Exchangemen’s Benefit Fund has been replenished by an annual picnic, and the entertainment is a new and probably profitable de- parture from past custom. ^ Ralph Ceder, Pathe director and scenarist is writing a story for Otar Shillet, actor and pantomimist now appearing in the “Cimarron” prologue at the Orpheum. The story is said to have many unique comedy an- gles for Shillet to interpret with his new Gargoyle Danc- ing, “Saltoanimalis.” The Har- riscolor Pictures are working on a special fantastic sequence for the artist. Shillet, washed up on the hitch-kicks, pirouettes, and hop- jump-shuffles of the general run of dancers has devised some new steps with names that are highly indicative. For instance: shamble gorilla, mo- dus coyote, skunk fugio, ele- phas mimus, taurus lunge. That’s a list requiring no ex- planation despite the lofty looking Latin endings. And those are the technical names used in “Saltoanimalis.” Claim- ing that a theory is as signifi- cant as its practical applicabil- ity, Shillet is proving his hy- potheses to be more than high- brow chatter, delivering dra- matic material that is of actual value to' the entertainment business. E' DVER TOP ST B. B. 4‘Once in a Lifetime” the Grau- man importation is the prize legit piece for the week. $17,485 was the take and the end not yet in sight. Grauman looks to holding on with this satire for weeks yet. Word of mouth on this opus is about the best that legit offering can boast. It is duck soup for the box, housed in the middle of the industry it pokes fun at. “The Merchant of Venice” held over at the Hollywood Music Box for $4,400 which is a nifty testi- monial to the directorial ability of Noel Matlison and the drawing power ot his dad, Maurice Mos- covitch. The last week of the “Torch Song” gathered to the tune of $6,000 which is satisfactory con- sidering that it offered nothing in the way of a name popular to the Hollywood clientele. Johnny Ar- thur moved in with “The Butter and Egg Man.” No prophesy on this farce comedy as the draw ele- ments are hard to guage. Perry Askam and Eddie Lam- bert opened at the Hollywood Playhouse, Feb. 26 to a sellout and the musical well received. The names on this billing and a par- ticularly smooth performance rates this for a stay. Patsy Ruth Miller moves into the Music Box, Holly- wood, March 2nd with “French Leave.” Outside of that all is quiet I here s an intensive campaign on for R-K-O-Pathe's Johnny Farrell series of snorts. Farrell has a big golf following and the series is well worth the effort expended on it. J. H. MacIntyre, Pathe di\ dsion manager, is about to take off for a swing around the division. Frank Newman, well known through his connection with Para- mount for many years, is now dis- trict manager supervising out of town theatres for Warner Brothers along the coast. Another face temporarily missing on the Row is Harry E Klein’s, of the Western Thea’tre Premium Co. He s visiting San Francisco on business. “Polly,” Miss Pollock, of Lola Adams Gentry’s Film Board of trade office, was getting the best of an attack of flu, when she sud- denly had a relapse due to a bad nervous condition. Salesman Tom Kitching, of All Star, is making permanent Arizona headquarters for the firm at Phoe- nix. Great mystery surrounds the identity of the Minor bird, latest feature recruit of RKO. The bird needs no voice double, according to report (from the publicity depart- ment). It is claimed he clicked big at a line rehearsal with superhuman modulations in such phrases as “In your hat,” and other nifties, new and old, including a stuttering gag of technical intricacy. RKO’s Minor bird was imported from India, is about the size of a small parrot, sports a primitively colorful perma- nent wardrobe, and is now working on his first comedy release. Mrs. Charlie Ruggles is aboard the S.S. Vulcania on a West Indian cruise. Ruggles is being featured in the Lubitsch production, “The Smil- ing Lieutenant,” starring Maurice Chevalier, now under way at Par’s New York studios. Paramount is shooting snow scenes for “Confessions of a Co-Ed” at Lake 1 ahoe with Phillips Holmes and Sylvia Sidney, though the pic- ture will not go further into pro- duction for some time. The same pair is scheduled for “An American Tragedy” on their return from the northern location. John Darrow had a visitor on the set the other day. Bob Sieter, broth- er of William Sieter, who seems to be looking for a job like a lot of others since the Antique business seems to be rather shot during the present business depression. By a contract recently made, all of the sixteen British-International features from All Star will play consecutive weeks at the Filmarte Theatre in Hollywood for the next four months. “Lonely Wives,” R-K-O-Pathe special has been sold to play 100 per cent over the West Coast Cir- cuit. IT. D. McBride is cruising around San Francisco on one of his publicity trips for Universal. J. J. Milstein, resident manager of M-G-M is also away from the local exchange, looking things over up north. Flying in the interests of M-G-M, Hal Elias is up in Seattle on what might be termed a “Trader Horn” trip. Going by plane helped the busy man to gain a few hours on his many activities. Helen Chandler is back at the studio after being laid up for a few days with badly infected eyes. r Charles Hutchinson left for New York Tuesday night, taking with him Randolph Scott, his latest find. Hutch may return to the coast in about a month; then again, he may go to England to do a few pictures. P-P EXECS MEET Jesse Lasky and B. P. Schulberg have gone to Kansas City for a two days’ conference with Adolph Ztt- kor. Traveling west with Zukor as as Kansas Citjr were S. R. Kent, vice-president in charge of distribution for Paramount-Publix; Sam Katz, in charge of Theatres’ and Harry Goetz, treasurer and comptroller. The meeting is a pri- vate conference preceding the an- nual spring sales convention. Fol- lowing it, Lasky will proceed to New York and Schulberg will re- turn to the coast. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 26.— Apparently authentic reports this week linked United Artists with the Premier and President theatres. Rumors claimed the U. A. chain was seeking either of the houses as a release for its «product which nasu t had a Frisco screening since “Hell’s Angels” played the War- field several months ago. Premier is currently operated by M. L. Markowitz' but lease of the house is held by Fox West Coast who recently took it over from Publix. 1 he President is owned by the Winship Estate and was previously operated by Duffy as a legit theatre, being closed ’ about a month ago. The new Louis Macloon-Idllian Albertson musical show “Paris In Spring” opened at the Hollywood Playhouse to the usual brilliant audience which attends premiere nights of these producers. Followin g night attendance and advance sale indicate a long and lucrative run for the show, which drew a unanimous big rave from the L. A. daily paper critics. “Paris In Spring” is an adapta- tion from a Viennese success, and is strong on both tuneful music and comedy. Eddie Lambert and Richard Powell are handling the latter and got a big hand from the critics for the way they did it. Perry Askam took 'his usual bows in his leading role, while others of the cast all got a good send-off. Included are Janice Joyce, Charles Boyle, June Sumner, Plarokl Stan- ton, Georgie Harris, John Wagner, Harry Burgess, Milton Halperin and Howard Nugeiit. The Cecil Stewart Orchestra was given high credit for its most ma- terial contribution to the big suc- cess of the Emmerich Kalmar score. (Inside Facts’ review of “Paris In Spring” will be in the next is- sue.) LOEW^ GROSS BEST IH OFF FILM WEEK Nothing to throw a rave over in grosses this week. Loew’s State with Edmund Lowe and Jeanette McDonald in “Don’t Bet on Wo- men ’ and an F & M stage show grabbed the top downtown with $23,270. Out Hollywood way the Chinese is going strong with Trader Horn at $27,500. The R-K-O Orpheum and “Cimarron” held good at $18,502 for five days which at that ratio actually puts it in the lead with approximately $26,000 for the full week. War- ner’s “Illicit” in both the Holly- wood and Downtown locations did well enough at $18,000 and $19,000 to warrant holding this master- piece over for another seven days. United Artists was fair with “Rango” and Paramount with “Fin and Hattie” starring Leon Errol and Mitzi Green. Paramount looks forward to a big week with Fred- ric March and Claudette Colbert coming in with “Honor Among Lovers.” “Fast Lynne” is pulling them in sufficiently to warrant a continuance. R-K-O Hillstreet with Vaudeville and “Resurrection” did an average business at $14,222. Four days of “New Moon” with the Tibbitts-Lawrence team col- lected $9,922 which is considered good. The Egyptian got $4,513 and Pantages $11,820. Average grosses not indicative of trend. TO GIVE BANQUET Fanchon and Marco are putting on a banquet and show for mem- bers of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce March 3. It is a house- warming for F. and M.’s new head- quarters at 5600 Sunset boulevard. Talent will be recruited from the F. and M. roster.