The Billboard 1921-02-12: Vol 33 Iss 7 (1921-02-12)

100 The Billboard FEBRUARY 12, 1921 OBITU ARIES ee ATTEBERY—lovise Nollard, wife of George W. Attebery, died January 21, at the family home in Kansas City, Mo., of acute Bright's disease. Mr. and Mrs. Attebery were in the show business since 14, having been connected with numerous attractions, and from 1900 until their retirement in 1918 had their own the@trical attractions. Mrs. Attebery is survived by her husband and two sons. IN MEMORIUM OF MY WIFE AND PAL MARYBELLE (HAZEL) BENNETT “THUS. ENDED HERE HER WORK’ OF Gon caLien, HE NEEDED HER ABOVE.” Beloved by aii who knew her, the world is better for her having lived. Devotedly her Husband and Daughter WILLIAM AND BELLE BENNETT, BAKER—George B., former minstrel man, @ied of a complication of diseases January 30, at Columbus, O., after an illness of three years. For many years he was interlocutor with Al G. Field's Minstrels and was also with Vogel's Minstrels. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World, and is survived by a widow, one son, four daughters and one sister. The remains were interred at the Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, February 2. IN MEMORY OF MY SISTER, do ens EEN ce sree . . one, bu MRS. GEO. H. EMBREE, CARLYSLE—Grace, actress, was found dead from gas in ber apartment in Greenwich Village, New York, February 3. he body of the ng woman was discovered by Mary MoreTana. who shared the apartment with her. MY BELOVED WIFE, FEBRUARY &, {918 GONE, SAM BROWN. FORGOTTEN, DARRELI—Madge, burlesque and vaudeville actress, died at the Miserecorida Hospital, N. ¥., January 14, after a lingering illness caused by cancer of the stomach. DUDAEK—John, well known in the circus and Vaudeville world, was killed in Oakland, Cal., January 29. While working as a painter he came in contact with a live wire, and met death almost instantly. Mr. Dudak came to America from Germany with the Hagenbeck Shows, and was featured with a troupe or trained bears, and later played in vaudeville with am animal act. The deceased is survived by a wife and two children. The funeral was held February 1, ECKER—E4 (Phil), well-known outdoor showman and agent, died at the United States Hospital at the National Soldiers’ Home, located near Johnson City, Tenn., February 5. He was bora in Louisville, Ky., about 46 years ny The funeral services were conducted from home of his sister, Mrs. H. Waller, in Louisville, February 7. FOSTELL—Al, veteran vaudeville actor, diced Febraary 3 at St. Catherine’s Hospital, New York, after a lingering iliness. He was born in ‘New York @5 years ago and spent the greater part of his life on the stage. The deceased retired from the profession several years ago. FRANKLIN—John (Jack), well-known demonstrator of specialties in department stores, died January 21, in Chicago. The remains were interred in Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, N. Y. The deceased is survived by a widow and one sister. HAMLIN—Theodore, former treasurer of Luna Park and Hippodrome, New York, died February 6 in that city. He was born in Nashville, Tenn., 53 years ago, and went to New York as a bor. The deceased was a brother-inAg’ Frederick Thompson, founder of Luna rk. HAUPTMANN—Carl, German pape. died in Berlin, Germany, February He visited this country in 1908 and was among the German authors recommended for expulsion by the French Society of Authors and Dramatists fim 1914. The deceased shared in the prize offered by the German Schiller Society for the best play written in 1904. in Loving Benery of Our Only Child, Age 16, LADYS E. KELLEY Resting in Peace. Feb. 2, 1920.—Mother and Father. KREMER—Fount T., 50, formerly secretary of the Kentucky State Fair, died January 9, at Havana, Cuba, two days after he was stricken with a hemorrhage. Mr. Kremer was employed in the pari-mutuel service at the Oriental Park race track at Havana. He is survived by a widow, one daughter, two sons, three sisters and seven brothers. LUTZ—Billy, well known as a wrestler with carnival organizations, died in a hotel at Topeka, Kan., January 31. For the past three years he was the manager of the Athletic Show with the S. W. Brundage Shows. MANCINELLI—Sigcnor, noted composer and eonductor, while putting the final touthes on his new opera, ‘‘Dream of Summer Night,’’ was cken with apoplexy and died Feb: conductor ruary 3 in Italy. He was the of the Royal Italian Opera at Covent Gardens, London, England, for a number of years. McNICHOLS—kKoy B., five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy McNichols, died at the Merchants Hotel, Johnstown, Pa., January 31, after a three days’ illness. Mrs. MeNichols is knowrg professionally as Mildred Basher, of Smith and Basher, in ‘‘The Honeymoon” act. MERLE—W. F.. vice-president of Riverview Park, Chicago, died January 28 at his home, 429 Melrose street, Chicago, of a complication of diseases. Mr. Merle, who was a manufacturer, had bees identified with Riverview for thirteen years and took a keen interest in the success of the institution. Interment was made in Mount Carmel Cemetery. was 68 years old. IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR HUSBAND ALVIN H. MURDOCK Whe passed on February 7, 1920, more than ever by his lon wife, BERTHA M, MURDOCK.” “Just waiting.” ing. “Oh for the sound of a voice that be still.” O’SULLIVAN—Dr. William J., father of Mona Kingsley, actress, died at his home in New York City, recently, after a long fliness. ORTH—Charies J., musician and composer, died in Milwaukee February.1. The tions of the deceased were well known, the most famous perhaps being “‘In a Clock Store,’* played by Sousa’s Band, which he composed at the age of 16. PALMER—Charies, composer, died January 31, at the Homewood Sanitarium, Guelph, Ont., at the age of 50. During the South African War he composed a number of patriotic songs. The remains were interred in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Guelph, February 2. RISBALE—Frank, musical comedy actor, died January 27 at Bellevue Hospital, New York. He was born in Australia 60 years ago. His last appearance was with the Gallo Opera Co. ing rather frequent of late with this class of show, The enlargeq auditorium is surmounted with a silvered and jade colored dome. Sir Charles Allom, the well-known engineer, architect and yachtsman, has reconstructed the theater. He returns to your side in March next, where he is buildjng a new mension for one of your financial magnates. He is greatly interested in street architecture and thinks Ame far ahead of us in this matter. LADY WYNDHAM STILL HELPING A. B. F. Everything comes to those who persevere, and Lady Wyndbam bas pegged away at her scheme that every management should donate the proceeds of their 100th performance to the Actors’ Benelovent Fund. She was complaining not long ago that she was not receiving the support the Fung deserves, but things are looking up. A special matinee was held on January 19 of “The Skin Gane’’ at the St. Martin’s Theater, another matinee was held on February 3 of “The Beggar’s Opera’’ at the Lyric, Hammersmith. Grossmith & Laurillard have pledged themselves for a matinee of ‘‘The Great Lover,” with Maurice Moscovitch and Julia James, and “Lord Richard in the Pantry” is giving its second show in support of the idea, Dagnall was the first to give a show, and his willingness to give an encore is one that is worthy of every congratulation. The A. B. F. gives relief to the extent of over $700 weekly, so it requires all the help possible. THE VARIETY BALL The anditors have been busy with the accounts of this, the greatest, event in the history of vaudeville this side, and the figures are available. They are slightly under those already cabled, the gross receipts being around $40,000, with expenses at $25,000 and a net profit of about $15,000. Sixty per cent profit is not bad for a first adventure of such a magnitude, and the publicity obtained is such that it will be remembered when the ball comes along next December. Whilst the Albert Hall is a fine place to hold functions the rent of the hall alone, together with the laying of the dancing floor, is something like $7,500, which is a big item. Covent Garden Theater would be equally suitable, more central and cheaper, so the probabilities are that this will be the next ball's venue. THE VARIETY ARTISTES’ BENEVOLENT FUND AND INSTITUTION the only, artistes’ organization in Great Britain, is run by performers only. The man agement committee consists of 90 men, whose first qualification is that they must, at election, HARRY HEIKES 4.—The body of Harry Heikes, one of the oldtime showmen. Chicago, Feb. from the potter's field by friends this week was saved and given a proper burial. Mr, Heikes died in the County Hospital January 26. Prior to going to that institution he had lived, since February 13, in the Stag Hotel, 22 West Van Buren street, where be became ill with a complication of ailments. Mr, Heikes was 68 years old. had once been opulent, having made his money with side-show attractions with the Barnum & Bailey, Ringling Bros., and other circuses, but that he had lost all of his money. It was learned that Charles Woodward, a business man of Cleveland, had been a former friend of the dead showman, and he was communicated with. William E. Ross, a member of the Chicage Board of Trade, later called at the morgue and said that Mr, Woodward had wired him to look after the is said to have told the nurses that he was a dime museum in Detroit. He said he had He told Dr, Baily, of the County Hospital, that he body. While ill in the hospital Mr. Heikes one of the first men in the country to start lost his money in road ventures, RUSHER—Alfred W., grandfather of R. L. Rusher, concession manager, and Allie Rusher, concession agent with Smith’s Greater Shows, died during the week of January 30 at the age of 86 years. The deceased was a member of the United Confederate Veterans. SYKES—<Arthur J., manager of the Andrews Theater, Sherman, Tex., died January 12. The deceased was also interested in the Micheaux Moving Picture Co. VERRA—Vivian, in private life Ruth Hoovan, committed suicide at the Western Maryland Hospital, Cumberland, Md., January 30. She was a member of the chorus of the “Cheer Up, Mabel” Company at the time, and had been on the stage two years. The deceased was 19 years of age. VIDOR—Charles, Hungarian actor, committed suicide February 5 by inhaling gas at his studio in New York. Vidor was 22 years old, and the principal player in the Hungarian Company which has been playing at the Bramhall Theater, New York, on Sunday nights. WENZEL—Frank, who played the original role of “‘Peck,’’ in “Peck’'s Bad Boy,’ was found dead at his home in New York, February 2, as the result of asphyxiation from coal gas. The deceased was 65 years of age, and is survived by a son and a brother. ZACH—Max, conductor of the St, Louis Symphony Orchestra, died February 3, at St. Louis, as the result of pneumonia, following an illness of two weeks. He was born in Lemberg, land, 57 years ago, and came to America in 1 The deceased had held the position as conductor of the St. Louis orchestra since 1907. He is survived by a widow and three sons, The body was interred in Forest Hill Cemetery, near Roxbury, Mass., Sunday afternoon, February 6. CABLES FROM LONDON TOW. (Continued from page 12) covered America during the year of the Chicago Exhibition. And now they are no more as music halls, The Tivoli torn down, the Pavilion playing full blooded and alluring revue, and the Oxfora with real dramatic fare. Cochran has regutted the old house, and none of the old patrons would ever recognize it. The old roomy and noisy bar, where all who were anybody in those days used to congregate during the show—especially those whose entree was ftiat as known as ‘‘on the door.”’ or, in other words, a face admission, This has now been demolished and reconstructed log dainty Watteau-like chamber decked with ev pictures and beautiful bric-a-brac. Th while of the pevend Soor cougrions 06 stelle, thus eliminating the pit—this fashion becom be working performers, and they are subject to election yearly by the subscribers. No agent, manager or proprietor is allowed to have anything to do with the Fund administration, and the whole business lies with this committee, of whom, truth to tell, not more than 20 are active workers. The others, as is usual in many organizations run by performers, and Harry Mountford can tell you more about this than most folk, are content to let the willing workers do all the business, while the others just remain passengers. Every man on the committee is a V. A. F., but this must be recorded of them, they make no distinction in the distribution of their charity, be the applicant a V. A. F. or not, white or black. The committee meets every Wednesday, and the weekly bills amount te about four or five hundred dollars. THE BRINSWORTH ENDOWMENT FUND Money is always wanted for the V. A. B. F. and I., and it is increasingly hard to get. There is a struggle sometimes to keep things going, and the worry has been to see that the institution out at Twickenham shall not go on evil times. Here are 35 old men and women in a beautiful home—as already described—and the latest plan is an enlargement of the endowment scheme. Twenty-five per cent of all money gotten from all sources by the V. A. B. F. is placed to the “‘Brinsworth’’ Endowment Scheme, and the executives are now starting on an endeavor to raise $50,000 on the same lines as the Wesleyans with their $5,000,000 Fund. That is, by issuing at $5.25 a certificate that the holder has donated that amount to the fund. The certificate is handsomely engraved and bears the picture of “‘Brinsworth House.'’ As the promoters are out for money, and as they are anxious to obtain it from every direction, it is hoped that the effort at $5.25 a time for the Old Folks’ Home will be successful. While Sir Oswald Stoll and R. H. Gillespie have been great supporters of the Fund, Charles Gulliver is peculiarly averse to following suit, He holds that the Fund should be supported by the vaudeartistes wholly and solely, yet, whenever any other fund wants help, Gulliver sees no harm in having the vaudeartistes perform for these other charities—tho it must be admitted that he consistently sende along the five per cent from these functions for the V. A. BR. F. Vv. A. B, F.’8 FIVE PER CENT LEVY The Variety Artistes’ Federation has a standing rule that in the case of all charity matinees where V. A. F, performers appear, which means ery one, that five per cent of the proceeds must be allocated to the V. A. B. F., but the B. C. of the V. A. F, invariably waives this sight ip any cate of national calamity, and during the war forewent this 1} on all war cbarities. When one remembers that it is eajculated thut vaudeville alone raised over §25,000,000 the V. A, B. F. lost over a quarter of a million by this sacrifice. CLOSES ON 350TH PERFORMANCE “The Skin Game” registered this num January 29 and then closed at the 8t. a Theater. During the week of January 31 the Reandean company produced the new comedy by H. G. Wells and St, John Ervine, in which J. H. Roberts, Lawrence Hanray, Fewlass Liew. ellyn, Malcolm Keen, J. A. Dodd, A. G. Poulton, Miss Moyna Macgill, Agnes Thomas Ethel Grifies and Miss Compton appeared. : GEORGE TULLY’S ENGLISH Plans After he returns next March George will pitch into a new play in four acts by Find Howard, which will be produced under Robert Courtneidge’s direction at the Theater Royal, Brightou, on Easter Monday next. B.S. Moss Broadway,N. Y. (Continued from page 9) bred only with long association w tage. Ten minutes, -eeed Ryan and Bronson were fair in second Both are songsters. They offer a routine of published —-yy-%rather good voice. The “tenor” needs a g course in dicti Eight minutes, states Frank Burt, assisted by Myrtle Rosedale, fo}. lowed, getting away to a good hand. This is q musical turn, interspersed with some langhable comedy and some rather acceptable dancing Fourteen minutes. i Carl Emmy and His Pets, who have been ° ing about town for several weeks, got ot. a fair-sized hit. The routine of stunts, thro which he puts his canines, is unique if no small degree. At times Emmy seems just a trifle too ae in pores out his commands. This ends to mar the general effectiveness ee at Seventeen minutes. vahenen ac uffy “& Co,” followed. Du comedian, who tells ‘'2.75"" jokes ~ AT and then. We don't think much of his material nor of his ability to put it over. The “& Co.” is a rather pretty miss, who ought to be a “bathing beauty’’—from what we saw of her— gee eed an — artist to a nut comedian. e has a sma ce and shape! ¥ OR nieces. 7 e Megleys have a great act. They do noth. ing but dance. But, oh boy! how they sell it, A Chinese number, offered first, is a gem. A hit of “lavender and old lace” following proved effective, and a jazz dance in closi was 8 veritable whirlwind of intricate stepping. They scored a big hand. Fourteen minutes. Jack Denny, in next to closing, just fiddled a Uttle and pulled ‘‘wise cracks." There is a rticular art in pulling ‘“‘wise cracks," and Jenny has maste it. As to his fiddling—oh, well, he scrapes a wicked gorgonzala. elve minutes. “The Georgia Magnet’ closed show.— EDWARD HAFPEL. . ? aed ‘i Keith’s, Cincinnati (Continued from page 9) for innovative tricks, but style and ease of doing them. The youngster is a wonder. Two colored boys are then given full swing of the stage. The little fellow, ‘‘Buck,”” pounds the “‘ivories’’ with alacrity and “rags” any classic or popular air selected by the audience, while his taller associate, ‘‘Bubbles,"” sang some ‘“‘blues” and Sentimentals with feeling, *‘Mammy o’ Mine” being impressive, and he also did some clever dancing. Nat and “‘Jimmie’’ did a stunt as a finale, and all four ‘‘stalled’’ three minutes, in one, during stage changing. In all, thirty minutes. Roy Harrah, assisted by a former Cincinnati girl, Bonnie Barger, closed the bill. Harrah is a clever skater, but not a comedian, and would Go stronger with more skating and less mechanical monologing. Miss Barger is a graceful roller artist and did well during her appearance with Roy, who finished the act with a “whirl.” A little revamping and rebearsal are needed. Would have gone better in another position. Six minutes. “Newspaper” is a film showing the complete method of getting out an “Extra,’’ from reporters to delivery, and illustrates the complete Workings inside the plant of The Cincinnati Post—all departments in full operation—and it proved highly entertaining and interesting to the audience for twenty minutes.—CHAS. BLUE. AMANDA HOUSER IN NEW ACT New York, Feb. 5.—Amahda Houser, who appeared with Santley and Sawyer, ia “Bits and Pieces,” last season, will return to the vaudeville stage in the course of a few weeks. Miss Houser will be featured in her own act, and will be assisted by Ely Williams. MOORE IN CHICAGO Obicago, Feb. 3.—‘‘Quiet Jack"’ Moore, well known in vaudeville, was a Billboard caller this week. Mr. Moore has been booked over Ass0ciation Time in a comedy wire trio, and will open this week. LEAVES MARY GARDEN New York, Feb. 7.—Amilia Galli-Curei bas bad a “falling out” with Mary Garden, it Decame known today, The management of the Metropolitan Opera Co. this afternoon the acquisition of Mme. Galli-Curci to its list of songsters for next season. auauaramweoeese =