The Billboard 1916-02-26: Vol 28 Iss 9 (1916-02-26)

FEBRUARY 26, 1916. The Billboard 63 FRANK P. SPELLMAN i His Version of Philadelphia InOnt ae in Connection With His Indoor Circus Philadelphia, Feb. 19. Editor The Billboard; I bave just read your erticle regarding the Frank Spellman Winter Cireus, and in view of the fact that same will have wide publicity, deem it only fair to myself to correct some of these statements. Your correspondent states that a number of ormers were left here stranded. I was unaware of that until I got your current issue. In reply to that beg to acquaint you with the real in the case. oy nile playing Newark, I decided to add eight or teu more acts for Philadelphia, due to the enormous length of the Convention Hall, and accepted six acts that were represented to me both by tongue and letter as high-cless acts, end, upen such representation they were booked by me at salaries runing from $150 to $250 per week. Five of the acts were counterfeits and never were adipted to work in connection with other acts that | bad. I told the acts and the managers, after their first appearance Monday afternoon, that they were not what I had been led to believe they were, and that they would be chopped all to pleces at the night perform. ance. Their mansgers were uotified promptly after the matines that I would not pay $250 Saturday for an act that was only worth $20 at the most, and which I preferred not to have. same acts were stranded before they left New York, as they had to be lifted into Philadeiphia, ard these same acts will be stranded fo the future if they are under the impression that they can sel] a $20 act for $250 and get away with it om false pretenses and deliver to that manager an act that has never finished Yoo also state that no salaries were paid in Newark. You tre Every salary was Saturday night at the Shriners, and we play same again next year. You als state that Frank P. Spellman said this and Frank Spellman said that. I am at lowe as to whom Frank Spellman made all these remarks that you have quoted to him. Frank Speliman meade none of the statements that you bave credited him with saying, and anyone who tells you he made such statements is misleading you and telling you an untruth. It appears strange to me that ir reporter should quote words from a man cp he heard the man say them himeelf, unless your reporter does not care to got facts and believes in fights of imagination. As to your statements that frequent clashes eccurred between Mr. Randall and the performers. No soch thing ever occurred. Mr. Randall hes not heard of such an occurrence, and the writer never beard of same until he read your paper this week. There never was such an occurrence, and if such appeared in any paper the writer nev-r saw it. and it must have been im the paper that the writer stopped from pass—. their friends ir. t you can aay this, which comes direct from Frank Spellman, that no 830 or $20 act will ever sell him a $200 act and deliver a $20 act. and expect to get $200 for same, as be will Bever get away with it, that is positive, You might further state that the Spellman Winter Circus paid out tno salaries, in four weeks, nearly $16,000 to circus acts, which four weeks’ work did pot exist and which was cre ated by Frank Spellman and financed by him without the ald of any acts or outsiders, and that a great number of real circus acts did receive this money, which helped them defray expenses during the winter. It is true that an attachment was made on Saturday, two minutes before the courts closed. I say it was illegal and will prove it. I had been in Philadelphia, and why wait until two minutes before court closing time. Surely they had twelve days to find me: I was bere. J will tell you why the attachment was illegal; they knew it and waited until the eleventh hour in order to scare some one who did not scare. They made an attachment on Saturday, and, without my knowledge and consent, relea aame early Monday morning before court opened. Why was this done? Surely if their claim was just they would have beld it. Not a soul knew that the attachment was made; I never knew it myself until Sunday morning. No performers were excited Saturday, and your statement that they were quicted by me is wrong in every —. 1 wae right there and not a per r came near me until after the perform: ance was over; not a word or a ripple of excitement was there, unless it was in the fertile brain of your correspondent, The weer was at the Convention Hall unttl 5 a.m. Sunday, and until «ll the seating equip ment was taken down and ready for loading and he never aaw this excitement you mention. After seeing they could not scare the writer they made an attachment on Sunday, which any layman knows js wrong and unwise for any one to do, but they did it. They then released the same attachment early Monday morning without my consent, but they still have one case there that they will not be able to release without my consent, and they will have & great time getting my consent until I prove conclusively to them that they can not use those methods, On the last minute, Just before & show moves, they made a mistake thinking they were going to scare some one. our statements an to local tradeamen waiting to collect their bills ts also incorrect. There were no local Dilla, as all advertising forces were pald on the opening day, and all news. paper and billboard bills were not due until Saturday night, and we paid on demand. Your statement that the cirens was the best cirens ever produced wae correct. Your article contained so many untrothfol statements that it wonkd take too mach spece to correct them all, bat fn conclusion will say The Spellman Circus will en » tt, A. as it has in the past. to employ and best talent the world can produce, and I will run my circus along the nes I think right and just, and will not be influenced by the criticism of day laborers who come on to a show under the guise of artists and think they will get away with it, and that same thing applies to any one who fails to deliver what he sells me. In view of the fact that it is much easier to tear down q business than it is to build up, I trust that you will give the same prominence to this article that you did to the one this week that was founded greatly on immagination, and possibly the raving of a $30 act that thought it was to get $400 for a week's work when they were misplaced from the start and in the wrong company. It may be one of the group to whom I told a few things after Monday matinee could give you a few more things I said, provided you would print them. My real performers went on their way and wiil be back with me when I desire them. As to the rest, I am not worrying about them, as their acts do not §t my show and never will. Respectfully yours, FRANK P. SPELLMAN. SECRETARIES OF LEADING STATE FAIRS ARRANGE SHOW FEATURES (Continued from page 3.) son, Detroit, Mich; C. N. Mellvaine, Huron, 8. D.; B. M. Davidson and Senator Len Small, of Springfield, I11.; C, A. Nash, Fargo, 8. D.; C. W. Harvey, Beaver Dam, Wis.; Mr. Weaver, Oklahoma; Don V. Moore, Grand Forks, N. D.; Mr. Barber, Mason City, Ia.; Joe Morton, Sioux City, Ia., and Frank D, Fuller, of Tennessee. The amusement field was represented by carnival managers, booking agents and independent acts. Con T. Kennedy, Tom W. Allen, K. G. Barkoot, Herbert A. Kline, representing tbe Johnny J. Jones Shows; W. H. Rice, Nat Reiss, Jas. Patterson, Harry 8S. Noyes, C. W. Parker, Col, I. M, Fisk, Arthur Davis, Fred Beckman, George Barkley, The Wortham Shows; Major Lillie, Ed A. Evans, John Pollitt, Earl Kennedy, Baba Delgarian, J. B. Warren, *‘Broncho’’ John Sullivan, Chas, Kilpatrick, Fred Barnes, Mike Barnes, Edward Marsh, Charles Marsh, Ed Hutchinson, W. H. Davis, Mort B. Westcott, George Colby, J. M. Sheesley, John Miller, Ed Carruthers, Sam Levy, ‘“‘Irish’’ Dore, W. M. Ewing, Col. F. J. Owens, L. Howell, Mrs. MceKenney-Hunter, Ethel Robinsor, Tom Sax, Walter F. Driver, Charles Van Auken, C. W. Hart, Lew D. Nichols and a host of others were on hand. Herbert A. Kline closed Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana for the Johnny J. Jones Exposition Shows, and has two or three other fairs pending. Immediately after the meeting he left for Dallas and Houston. It is rumored that the Wortham Shows will have Minnesota, Iowa State Fair, Huron, 8. D., and Sioux City, Ia. Fargo and Grand Forks were reported not yet closed at the conclusion of the meeting. It was said that the Great Patterson Shows have secured the Springfield and Kankakee fairs. F. M. Barnes, The Robinson Amusement Corporation, Edward Marsh. of the W. V. M. A. Fair Department: E. F. Carruthers, of the United Booking Office; co-operative and independent acts al) presented their claims for free acts. While a number of acts were contracted for from the various agencies, the full list will not be be made up until after the meetings of WHITE RATS AND LABOR LEADERS’ “GET-TOGETHER” MEET IN BOSTON (Continued from page 3.) the houses on those circuits for a minimum salary of $25 a week. The same announcement was made in 1912 or ‘13 concerning the same circuits. Apparently Messrs. Hamburger and Webster thought well of the White Rats, for in spite of the agreements they were supposed to have signed they went merrily on their way with a large load of cans and a dozen balls of cord. A vaudeville performer, not a White Rat, who is undecided as to whether to join or not, recently asked this question: “If I join the White Rats and have a contract over good time, and on the bill with me there happens to be a button-hole maker, who thinks be is an actor, and for some reason is closed, must I, who don’t need the White Rats and have an established reputation, cancei a contract which I made in good faith, because the ex-button-hole maker paid $5 to join the organization, as he admits in order to be kept working? Am I, who will not join, a parasite or is he a parasite? Webster defines the word parasite as one who eats beside or at the table of another, a hanger-on, a fawning flatterer, a trencher-friend, a sycophant. The synonym for sycophant is flatterer, flunky, toady and wheedler. From our experiences and knowledge of the Rats and their methods we would say that a majority of them and not the non-Rats are the parasites in the true sense of the word.’’ The postponed conference between President Gompers, of the American Federation of Labor; Mr. Mountford, representing the White Rats, and members of the Insurgents, which was scheduled for last Friday, has been postponed until Thursday of this week. At least Hugh Frayne, Mr. Gompers’ New York representative, is sending out a call for a meeting to be held in bis offices, Broadway and Twenty-third street, this city, next Thursday afternoon. Mr. Frayne refused to discuss the forthcoming meeting, beyond stating that there were no new developments. OTIS SKINNER AND E. H. SOTHERN LATEST TO JOIN “MOVIE” RANKS (Continued from page 3.) very desirable additions to the vast field of ecameradom. Skinner has been called the greatest romantic actor of the American stage. He is now appearing at the George M. Cohan Theater, this city, in Cock o’ the Walk, and, while his surrender to motion pictures has not been complete, it is none the less significant, important and cheering to lovers of animated photography. Sothern has appeared in two Broadway productions this season, both at the Booth Theater, his first vehicle being The Two Virtues, which was followed by Lord Dundreary, the English comedy in which his father scored such a decided hit years ago. Sothern is now en tour with The Two Virtues. For some months it has been rumored that he, with Miss Marlowe, would eventually capitulate to the pictures prior to returning to London to take up their permanent residence. A few days ago the Vitagraph Company announced the acquisition of Sothern, which was admitted by the actor himself in Philadelphia and it is now further announced the different boards, a while they last, c.oseD crew thoroughly rop ave for Sale about 1,000 Hardwood Chairs, like cut, brand new, at 50c each. 1,000 Folding Canvas Cots, 75c and up. One brand new Moving Picture Tent, 30x50, 10 0z Black Duck To . one end round, one end a , with 10 ft., 8 oz. Black Walls, complete, except poles and stakes, for $125.00. Many other bargains in new and second-hand tents. Write for our big second-hand list. TUCKER DUCK & RUBBER CO., Ft. Smith, U.S.A. WARTED--COLORED MUSICIANS | Wanted Bass, Clarinet and Trombone, Second Violin and Bass, Violin who doubles brass. Car Cook and white Billposter. Lufkin, Texas. All musicians must read music and double stage or orchestra. Can place Address CLIFTON KELLEY MINSTREL CO., wae 5—DivVInG GIRLS—5 WANTED —Fire Girls who can do & littl more than fal) off a 7-ft. springboard. If you have worked in a water show before and can Jive, you are wanted for Schlomberg’s Society Water Show, booked with Dorman and Krause Shows, going through the New England and whal you expect to get per week. We have a long season, communications, COMMODORE BEN), H. SCHLOMBERG AND GODFREY, Clarsnden Hotel, Seabreeze, Fia. WANTED FOR CLARK’S COMBINED SHOWS Performers and Musicians suitable for wagon shyuw; Brother Act that does bars; Contortion Act, lady preferred; good al)-round Team, man and wife, can do double and single traps; Ladder Act and others; Clowns, Wire Runper, WANTED qty SHOW—Cowboys, Cowgirls, Indians and Mexicans, Trick Ropers and Rope roncho Riders — CLARK'S COMBINED Spinners, T LFET—Candy Stand, Balloons, Whips and other privileges. Ad SHOWS, P. 0. Box 397, Alexandria, Louisiana. finest tales—will . WANTED Two more Girls for Iron Jaw, one doing Traps preferred; between 120 and 130 lbs. No amateuts. State all in first letter. AERIAL LUCKEYS, Hotel Windsor. Denver, Colorado. JUST RECEIVED, 100 RHESUS MONKEYS mal) Medium Sise; al) in fine condition; live arriva) ohh creed ROBISON oat 306 FANTON AND CO., 4188 guaranteed BROS., 1260 Market St., San F G. CREWELL, SOLE OWNER, anywhere in the U. S $10.00 each, reseless, Callt that work on the first of a number of Shake spearean plays, Hamlet, siiortly will be started, The vehicle in which Skinner will make his screen debut, Kismet, is one of the greatest spectacles of the modern stage, a play in which his picturesque and eloquent art may be brought to a wider public than ever before achieved through his almost universal popularity. Skinner frequently declared himself opposed to the practice of actors and actresses confusing their identity by alternate appearances on the stage and on the screen, and was quick in his refusal of all overtures to accept a season in various motion picture enterprises. He has been flooded with fabulous offers, but no figure could tempt him and no inducement seemed competent te budge him from this attitude. With a popularity on the stage reaching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, he was repa te abandon his clientele even temporar J. Some weeks ago Kismet was proffered to the California Motion Picture Corporation for pieturization, but the Western concern would not consider a production of such a magnificent and costly drama with any other than Skinner in the leading part. ° “Give us Otis Skinner. and we will Kismet,”’ they said, 4 — That star had previously hinted that if he was to be lured even for a single season from his footlight friends noplay but Kismet would entice him, and his reasons for this were obvious and legitimate. With Kismet aa bis vehicle for a screen bow Skinner’s objections to a departure from the stage would naturally crumble, as will shortly be shown. be . its rélease bei seheduled > aha next fall, Hid | and languor of the Arabian Nights’ entertainments—of which Kismet is one of Scheherazade’s be, produced with all the ddelity to the original that is found in Burton’s unyn nnge w Nights. © production yet undertaken by a film producing firm suggests the possibilities implied tn the presentation of Kismet, as any one of the hundreds of thousands who saw the staged production will realize. That it will he a greater achievement in motion picture Production than in its stage presentation is patent to all who ow the ar = ee of its setting and resources © alifornia Motion Picture Corporation to reveal them. FIGHT AGAINST CENSORSHIP CONTINUES WITH UNABATED ZEAL (Continued from page 3) asked and comments made by committeemen, and developments after the hearing, it appears that a majority of the committee is lined up 4 Lye 3 = ne x! of motion picture cenw r or + aoe in the State of Mr. Binder addressed the committee on behalf of the organized moticn picture industry of the United States. He brought forward strongly that prepublicity censorship of motion picture films is fundamentally wrong, violating the basic principles of a free government maintained by a free people. There are three means, he said, of expression—speech, the printed word and motion pictures. The Federal constitution guarantees of speech and the press. third and newest means of expression can not be shackled in Maryland or elsewhere and the other two remain free. Other speakers were Mr. Wonder, Fulton Brylawski, of Washington: W. Stephen Bush, of The Moving Picture World; Paul H. Crome of the Cosmofotofilm Company, and J. H Bennett, of Baltimore. For the Proponents to the bill the principal spokesmrn was B. Wolf, of the Baltimore Bar. CHICAGO IS THRILLED ee By Night Flying of Katherine Stinson Chicago, Feb. 19.—Many residents of the Windy City who were not initiated into the mysteries of aeroplane night flying were gazing skyward last Wednesday night at what they thought to be a comet without a home, das hither and thither as though chasing the North Star around above the skyscrapers on Michigan boulevard. But those who were closer to the scene of action knew that it was no less @ personage than Katherine Stinson performing one of the most spectacular night fighta ever seen in Chicago. With her machine leaving yellow streamers from burning magnesium pots Miss Stinson flew. f twenty minutes above Grant Park, using a military biplane. Bach turn was clearly marked, and when at a height of 2,500 feet the girl flyer was noticed to execute a double reverse loop. When her machine righted she sailed for the Blackstone Hotel and did another loop, after which the machine was seen to pitch directly toward the earth for about 1,000 feet. This was easily the most thrilling part of the flight, and caused a chorus of gasps the watchers below. Miss Stinson righted the biplane when it was but 100 feet above the Pavement, and climbed skyward again for one more loop, after which she landed. Earlier in the afternoon Miss Stinson gave an exhibition of dayligh: flying by looping the loop half a dozen times and performing all the feats known to present-day aviators. Her exhibitions were a contribution to the entertainment of the State Fair Secretaries, who had gathered for their annua) mesting. The maiden flyer made a big hit with the fair men, and rewarded some has been with contracts of the biggest fairs, BART AITIS Formerly with 8 Dog and Pony Show, wil) learn something to his advantage by communticating with FRANK FAHRENBERG, 1386 Sterling Place, Brooklyn, New York. Fancy Egyptian Dencers; must WANTED bave. good costumes to work in ee ee ed AP NS ARM am he om ah at enters