The Billboard 1920-11-13: Vol 32 Iss 46 (1920-11-13)

Cer The Billboard NOVEMBER 13, 1920 ts _ QBITUARIES ANDERSON—Hatry A., comedian with the Luson-Clurk 12\““Yirs, while appearing at the Lyric Theater, iwewark, O., was taken ill sudden'y and died at the Mt, Carmel Hospital, that city, November 5. Mr. Anderson is survived by his wife, parents and three sisters. ARBUCKLE—W., J., father of Roscoe (Fatty) Arbuckle, the motion picture star, died at his home, Los Angeles, Cal., November 4 after a brief illness, BARNEY—E. B., well-known circus billPoster, was crushed and killed between two freight cars at the B, & O, yards, Zanesville, 0., Sunday morning, October 31. He was a member of the Owls Lodge, and is survived by his wife and child, CLEMENTS—Mrs. John, wife of ‘‘Governor’”’ Clements, died at Hamilton, Canada, recently. They were married last May. DAREWSKI—Edouard, noted singer, died in London, England, November 6, He was 83 years old, and was the father of Herman and Max Darewski, well-known composers and music publishers. Darewski was famed as a linguist and Talmudic scholar, and was a lifelong friend of Adelina Patti. GEBHARDT—Otto, trombonist of the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, died November 4 at inneapolis, following an operation, The body will be cremated. He was a member of the Theodore Thomas Orchestra, Chicago, for 2u years before joining the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra, in 1911, and of the Royal Russian Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburg Orchestra. Mr. Gebbardt was 55 years old, and is survived by his wife and a son, GRAHAM—Billy, age 37, known as ra R, Wiley in private life, passed away in Phoenix, Ariz., October 8 after a long illness. He was a well-known blackface comedian with Wm. H. West's Minstrels, John W. Vogel's Minstrels and other shows, His friends will remember him in vaudeville as the Fashion Plate Dancer, also known thru the East as “Billy Graham and his Cotton Buds.’’ The Port Huron, Mich., lodge No. 343, of Elks, of which he was a member, officiated at the funeral. The was buried at Rock Island, IL, October 13, GUINEY—Louise Imogen, widely known as a poet and essayist, died in Chipping-Campden, England, November 2. Miss Guiney was the daughter of General Patrick Robert Guiney And was born in Boston, Mass. She wrote and published a number of poems. JOHNSON—John William, pioneer tent and canvas manufacturer, and president of the J. W. Johnson Company, died in Chicago, November 6. He was born in Stervanger, Norway, 1544, and came to America, 1868. Mr. Johnson is survived by wife, three sons and one daughter. ‘KINNEY—aAbbott, founder and owner of the Venice, the largest and closest amusement beacn to Los Angeles, and one of the original Kinney Bros., takers of the Sweet Caporal cigaret, died November 4, in Los Angeles, at the age of 70. He built Ocean Park and later Venice. IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED AUSTIN C. KYLE Sixth Brigade Canadian Field Artillery. Novem Killed in action on the Somme ber 10, 1916. “We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset’s glow, ved and were loved, and now we In Flanders fields.’’ GEO. W, AND MARGARET C, KYLE. front LATOUR—Irene, well-known vaudeville performer, both in this country and Europe, died October 27 of pneumonia, contracted while playing fairs. With her dog Zaza, she had made several trips to Europe, and had played both the big and small circuits in this country many times. She was 41 years of age and is survived by her husband, mot”er and brother. LeVINE—Harry, well-known violinist, died November 3, at Prairie du Chien, Wis. Vine bled to death after having his tonsils removed. He was 22 years old and was a member of tle Gabel Orchestra for a number of years. LYALL—Mrs. Alice, mother of Darrell H. Lyall, the Chicago theatrical producer, @iea suddenly at her home, 1322 Republic street, Cincinnati, 0., November 3 of stomach trouble. Besides her son she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Emma Metcalf. The funeral was held Friday morning, November 5, with interment at Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, MARBLE—Mrs. Dora D., corresponding secretary of the Stage Children’s Fund, New York, and a member of the Daughters of Ohio, died at the Roosevelt Hospital, New York, October 31, after two weeks illness of pneumonia. WcAVOY—Henry, 36, son of former Mayor McAvoy of Fort Lee, N. J., was killed in an explosion of gasoline Thursday afternoon, November 4, in a garage on the McAvoy property, Palisade I’nrk, Monument Park, Fort Lee. His body was badly mutilated and his clothes torn off. McAvoy was for many years location manager for the Fox Film Corporation. McKEEVER—Robert E., of the firm of C. E. Erwin & Robert E, McKeever, owners ana managers of the carnival show, the North Penn, Amusement Co., died October 3, in Philadelphia. He was 34 years old and was sick only a short time. Mr, McKeever was well known and liked among the carnival people. MOORE—Lucy, one of the heaviest women in the world, died at Bristol, England, recently. Miss Moore was born in Kentucky and had been in the show business for many years. At one time she weighed 668 pounds, NEIGHBOUR—Mrs. E. H., wife of E. H. Neighbour, for many years manager of the Alhambra Theater in Paris, died at her home in London, England, on October 16, She had been a sufferer for many years, PALMER—Frank C., well-known showman and concessioner, died recently after an operation, at the Georgia-Baptist Hospital, Atianta, Georgia. The body was interred at the West View Cemetery, Atlanta, Ga. PATTERSON—J. W., one of the tallest men in the United States, died of Bright's disease October 31 at Bloomburg, Tex, He was 7 feet, 5 inches tall. PERRILLIAT—General Arsene, 55, presiaent of the French Opera Club, New Orleans, and former member of the Mississippi River Commission, died at New Orleans, La., October 23 after an operation. RIGGERS—Joseph, father of Joe S. Riggers, Jr., well-known side-show band master, died October 31 at his home in Lexington, Mo. He was 69 years old, and is survived by his wife and son. RODRIGUEZ—Juan, 25, a native of Monterey, Mc ico, and a former member of the slack wire team known as Rolriguez and Venezuela, died suddenly November 2 ia a Tullman car at the Pennsylvania Station, New York. ROSS—Mary P., wife of George W. Ross, of Howe's Great London Circus, died after a sbort illness November 1 at Vanceboro, Me. Mrs. Ross was born in Campbellton, N. B., 61 years ago. Her busband, one daughter and two brothers survive. SCHULTZ—John, for thirty-five years organist and music teacher at the Roman Cathotic — of St, Nicholas in Brooklyn, died last week. SPITALNY—Jacob, father of the famous Spitalny brothers, leaders in orchestral direction in theaters and motion picture houses, died October 29 following an operation at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Cleveland, 0. He was born in Russia and came to this country fifteen years ago. At the time of his death he was a member or the Stillman Theater orchestra, of which his son, Hyman is director. TOLLETTE—Madame, died at her home in Chicago, November 6, of heart failure, Mme. Tollette will be remembered as the manager of Ted Dunifon, the famous child actor of a few years ago. VRONER—Mrs. Rosanna, cabaret singer, was killed when an automobile in which she was riding crashed into an iron telegraph pole at Secaucus, N. J., November 7, IN MEMORY OF MY LOVING MOTHER, Anna Elizabeth Walker whe passed to on ed Beyond November FLORENCE KEAN. WILL—Mrs. Aaron, mother of Artie E. Will of the Kaplan Greater Shows, died Novemver 1 at Bloomington, Ill. She was 80 years old. WORDEN—Allen E., 68, scenic artist, died at his home in Fulton, N. Y., Sunday night, Octoner 31, after a long illness. For many years he conducted a studio in Fulton and manufactured scenery for theatrical productions. Mr. Worden is survived by his wife, two sons and twu daughters, YOUNG--Mrs. Ida M., wife of Samuel Young, and one af the four Melville Sisters, stage stars, died October 29. The body was Duried from her home in Indianapolis. She is survived by her husband and one son, Richard, CABLES FROM LONDON TOWN (Continued from page 14) to 15 per cent of the German production, because German films could only be exported on a large scale if the importation of foreign films were permitted. THE V. A. F. GERMAN BAN It is openly stated on the Continent that the ban on the performers of ex-enemy origin will be raised in October, 1921. Apparently those who desire this are working on the false assumption that the embargo by the V. A. F. operated as and from the armistice. That is not so. The resolution as to the enforcement of the restr’ction on the Hun and others is as follows: ‘‘For three years after the declaration of peace.”’ Now, the question er'ses, when was peace declared? The Attorney General recently stated in the courts that, according to the reading of the Law Officers of the Crown, Great Britain is etill at war with some States, and therefore peace Das not been declared. But notwithstanding this, certain British managers are making their booking preparations with the object of starting these enemy folk after October next —'f not before. Not in connection with this, but as an item of interest, E. H. Neighbour, for many years the manager of the Alhambra in Paris, is now responsible for the continental attractions as regards their booking into that house, and Brookes, the former stage manager, is now the manager. Recently Neighbour and Sherek of London have been hunt!ng the continent together in the search for novelties for Enzgkand. But we do not suggest they have been looking for German acts. By the way, Mrs. Neighbour dicd on October 16. She had been a sufferer for Many years, and leaves a mourning circle behind, in which are included many American acts who met her in Paris. THE L. C. C, AND THE “UNIVERSAL” LICENSE The question of a general license for all places of public entertainment was again raised at a meeting of the L. C. C. The Theaters and Music Halls Committee brought forward its recommendations that in dealing with applications for licenses the Council] should, unless special circumetances exist which make exceptional treatment necessary, grant licenses to enable buildings to be used for every kind of entertainment for which their construction renders them suitable, and in respect of which application is made for a license. There had been a lack of uniformity on the granting of licenses and there had been since 1913 and would, so far as could be seen, continue to be for some time, a suspension of construction of new buildings fer entertainment purposes. The importance of the matter is exemplified by the increase in recent years in the number ef licenses issued for London. In 1889 some 360 licenses were granted, while last year the number had risen to 961, of which 70 were granted by the Lord Chamberlain and 882 by the London County Council, These Icenses were granted in respect af 635 places, There are also two theaters which are kept open under letters patent, granted by the Crown. There are 37 theaters licensed by the Lord Chamberlain, nine of which are also licensed for kinematograph displays, while there are three theaters licensed by the Council. There are 50 vaudeville theaters (London) licensed by the Council, and the majority of these buildings ate licensed for all kinds ef entertainment concerned, most of them being licensed for stage plays, as the ordinary vaudeville theater performance generally includes a dramatic sketch. COMPOSER STARTING YOUNG Eric Fogg has conducted a ballet suite of his own composition at one of the promenade concerts at the Queen's Hall, London. Fogg is aged 17 and is the author of some forty pieces of music. He does not wear long hair and dresses without any peculiarities. His father is the Halle organist of the famous Halle Orchestra of Manchester. Musical critics state that despite his traditions of the Manchester school thus bred in his bones the surprise was that the young man’s compositions, tho reflective, reflected nothing at all typical of that rather intimidating city. In choice of theme he seemed to flee deliberately from the suggestions of Manchester's somber aspects and atmosphere. Fogg declares himself an ardent student of Debussy and of Stravinsky in his ballet suite, “‘The Golden Butterfly.”’ SURREY AND KENNINGTON THEATERS’ PANTOMIMES Both of these houses will feature pantos this Christmas. Exnest Rolls is alleged to have burnt hie financial fingers at the Kennington last year, as his expenses were so heavy. This year George Shurley, who at present is responsible for running Louis Douglas and ‘‘Sonny Jim,” two colored men, with a troupe of white girls, is going to have a crack at the Kennington. The book will be by Frank Dix, who will be responsible again, with Arthur Collins, for the Covent Garden-Drury Lane show. At the Surrey Theater Harry Burns will run ‘The Forty Thieves’ in conjunction w'th the Hamilton-Milne interests. Kennington is to have “Dick Whittington.” MORE ABOUT THAT “DAVY GARRICK” OPERA Reginald Somerville has taken Tom Robertson's story, made so familiar to the public by Sir Charles Wyndbam, and has altered the text but very little, but the atmosphere has not been interfered with at all. He hag maintained the charactere of the vulgarians, with their asPirateless words and vigorous language. Certaln scenic alterations have been made. The first scene is laid at Ranelagh Gardens, the second in the ballroom, instead of the after-supper scene of the stage version, and the final act is laid in the green room of Drury Lane Theater. Great care has been taken to get the correct scenic effects and atmosphere, and the composer has made great use of the illustrations by George Cruickshank of the modes and Manners of the times. The new opera will not be played at Hull after all, but will be pre®Sented by the Carl Rosa Company during their coming season at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, which now opens on November 22. LATE SIR CHARLES WYNDHAMS RECORD AS “DAVY” Wyndham first appeared in the title role at the Criterion Theater thirty-four years ago, and subsequently played the part on hundreds of occasions. He translated it Into German and played it in Berlin and leading cities of Germany, and also jn St. Petersburg, Moscow, and, as the showmen say, “‘before all the crowned heads of Europe.’’ CONTRACTS CLOSED te For Buildings and Rides for Rendezvous Park New York, Nov. 5.—Advices reaching The Billboard today indicate that Oscar C. Jurney has closed contracts for the ball room and main front building for Rendezvous Park, Atlantic City, costing in the neighborhood of $300,000. Mr. Jurney has also just closed a contract with the L. A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company for Roller Coaster and Old Mill to cost $150,000, and with the R. 8S. Uzzell Corporation of this city for the Frolic Airplane Circle Swing. This latter is the special 1921 model. The property of the Rendezvous corporation is one of the most advantageous on the Boardwalk, fronting 150 feet on the famous Boardwalk, at the corner of Georgia avenue, and running back a distance of 648 feet, or practically two and a half city blocks, to Pacific avenue, then on Pacific avenue 350 feet to Mississippi avenue and 450 feet on that avenue, covering an area of approximately four and three-quarters acres. A new theater and other improvements which will be completed ‘ater on property adjoining will cost in the neighborhood of $25,000,000. The operation of the park will be actively managed by men of long experience in the amusement world. Philip M. Julien, Washington, D. C., is the architect, and Oscar C. Jurney, six years manager of Luna Park, ia the consulting amusement engineer, Practically every recognized form of amusement device will be installed in the park. ANDY NOLAN TAKEN HOME Andy Nolan, recently adjudged insane and committed to an asylum in has Chicago, been taken home by his sisters, Mrs. T. ©, Sheve and Mrs. P. H. Gilbert, of Atlanta, Ga., who will care for him until he recovers his reason. Mrs. Sheve states that someone got Nolan's diamonds, one a_ two-carat and the other a stik pin. “If he lonned them to someone to keep,’ says Mrs, Sneve, “or if he borrowed money on them or disposed of them while in bis demented state his people would be glad to pay for them and take care + So YA recovers,” rs. eve’s address is 103 Wal Atlanta, Ga. AP om PRAISES BENNER’S SHOW Mr. and Mrs. Chas. W. Benner, of “Peck's Bad Boy’ Company, were pleasant visitors at the Cincinnati office of The Billboard Monday. Mr. Benner had in his possession a laudatory letter he had received from Manager John H. Broomhall, of the Jefferson Theater, Ham'lton 0., which read as follows: ‘We w'sh to express our opinion of Charles W. Benner’s ‘Peck’s Bad Boy’ company, which played our theater today (November 6) to a gross buxiness of $908. Wish to say that Mr. Benner’s attraction is the best ‘Peck’ show we have ever played, and it is the ouly ‘Peck’ show that will ever play our theater. The show is a sure business-getter, having played us three successive years to capacity Keith's, Cincinnati (Continued from page 9) again registered appreciation with her Qneen City audience, and took advantage of every opportunity, without effort, to display her versatility. The sett‘ogs were beaut!ful, comprising an exter’or, with an open well, mill wheel, arched gateway, and growing flowers, in profusion. The supporting cast did full justice to their respective characters and consisted of Thomas H, Mann'ng, Kathryn Mills and Lionel a. Thirty minutes; four curtains, Bert Fitzgibbon demonstrated—almost by acClamation—thnat he is still one of the “‘nuttiest’”’ purveyors of ‘‘squirrel food’'—talks and action— in vaudeville. Abont the middle of the act he ve full sway to ‘Brother Lew,” who man'pu ted tbe ivories, to show bis remarkable ability on the xylophone, while Fitzgibbon operated the piano. A box singer, whom he introduced as “Mr. Crouch,” of Cincinnati, responded to repeated calls, allow'ng Bert to do stunts on the stage and in the boxes. Twenty~one minutes, in one; three encores; stopped,the show. Four Readings gave the stow a geod closing with their artistic feats of mostly handbalancing. The double blindfold leap to bands, being thiown by the other two partners, was loudly applauded, as were several other routine offer The finish, that of one member of the act sliding on a dip chute from the borders to the waiting hands ef the heavy understander, whose back is to the chute and about ten feet distant, brought rounds of applause. They work in a special (gymnasjum) {oterior, Nine minutes.—CHAS. BLUE, FINANCIAL RESUME OF THE PAST WEEK New York, Nov. 8.—Commodities appear to be on their way to levels approximating those existing in the pre-war period. Regarding the iron and steel market the demand shows further curtailment, but there is a big underlying demand for iron and steel that must be eventually satisfied, There was no actual boom of demand in the textile trades the past week, but experts declare that there is no doubt that the Republican victory did much to strengthen the strong undercurTent of optimism. Just what the election of Harding will do toward stimulating business is a problem only time will solve. Southern advices report substantial cuts in ginghams, plaids, hickory stripes and tickings. The new prices have not yet been met by New England makers of similar goods. Reports from London state that the dumping of German leather on the British market is bitting the English tanning trade hard. The price of petrol in Britain has been reduced, with prospects of further reduction in the near future. Overproduction in the United States, with consequent weakness in the market, due to inability to absorb the entire output, is advanced as the reason for the reduct’en in Great Britain. In grain regions the troubles of farmers are eimilar to those of the Southern cotton growers. Wheat is down jn price, and there is no United States Grain Corporation to artificially maintaln now, nor will the financ'al power of the government lend ald that farmers may carry their grain until matters mend; so the price of wheat 4s at the mercy of the law of supply and demand. METROPOLITAN OPERA COMPANY May Tour Principal Cities of This Country Next Spring The directors of the Metropolitan Opera Company, having decided to abandon an operatic season in London next year, are now considering a short tour of the principal cities of the United States in the spring, at the close of the regular New York season, Urgent invitations from representative organizations of the leading cities thruout America are constantly being received by the organ!zation, and it may be that an interesting announcement will be forthcoming shortly. G. Sandler, manager of the United Concession Co., advises that Leonard T, Meehan will take charge of concessions under the Trans-Canada management and that he will place boys witb the various shows to sell music. Mr. Meehan will have his office in Montreal. Earlier in the season he was ahead of “Bringing Up Father. hilue }