The Billboard 1922-02-11: Vol 34 Iss 6 (1922-02-11)

a FEBRUARY 11, 1922 The Bi llboard 103 ——_—_ ae, = ‘ paque and more recently of Polly's ony vaudeville act, were married at the city Hall, New York, two weeks ago by Alderman Cruise, REY NOMOORE — Harold Reyno, formerly with the Barnes, Gentry and Suen Brothers’ cir uses and at present in vaudeville with the rol twins, and May Moore, of the twins, were married in Washington, D. C., early in Januar’ \t present they are touring the Keith Cireuit, COMING MARRIAGES In the Profession Tte announcement of the engagement of Milton F. Samis, press agent for the California and Portola theaters in San Francisco, and Edna Neikert of Berkeley, a student at the Tpiversity of California, was made in Frisco January 27. Loney Haskell, character monologist, at presat touring the Keith Circuit, and Carrie CarYork City, will be married this BIRTHS To Members of the Profession son, of New week. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B, Bracken, professionally known as the Musical Brackens, at 8t. Elizabeth's Hospital, Hutcbinson, Kan., an cight-pound son, December 28, 1921, To Mr. and Mrs. Ed Copeland, the latter known professionally as Audress Walsh, at the Walsh home, Kulpmont, Pa., a daughter, January 25. Mr. Copeland is part owner and manager of the Copeland Brothers’ Stock Company, of which Audress Walsh-Copeland is leading lady. To Mr. and Mrs, Douglas Fleming, at their home, Fairmont, W. Va., January 25, an eightwho has been christened Douglas, and Mrs. Fleming were recently with the Marty Brooks vaudeville act, ‘‘The Owl."’ Mr. Fleming now has the Douglas Fleming Producing Company at Fairmont, producing home talent shows, To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Groundwell, the former connected with the Tivoli Theater, Sydney, Australia, a daughter, December 9, 1021, in Sydney. To Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Jack, at their home, 705 Page street. Springfield, Mo., January 24, a daughter, christened Betty Ann. Mrs. Jeck is a musical director and Mr. Jack a well known agent. To Mr. and Mrs, Arthur Kavanaugh, of the team, Kavanaugh and Raymond, a daughter, January 2. Te Mr. end Mrs, B, J, Lorow, a sevenpound son, January 25, in Chicago, He has been christened Con T. Lorow, in henor of Con T. Kennedy, with whose show Mr. and Mrs. Lorow have been engaged for the past three seasons. Three of the other Lorow children, two boys and a girl, are expert bagpipe players and dancers of Seotch steps, To Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy (Tex) Wallace, at their home, 128 West New Jersey street, In dienapolis, Ind., an eight and one-half pound son, February 1, who has been christened George C To Mr, and Mrs, 0. Homer Williams, January 30, a nine-pound son, who has been christened Edward Albee Williams. Mr. Williams was in a imindreading act, DIVORCES In the “Profession William Brunton, associated with the motion Picture industry in Los Angeles, was granted & decree of divorce in that city from Lulu Brunton, known to filmdom as Taulu Maxime. Mrs. Burr McIntosh, wife of the actorauthor, now playing in ‘‘The Squaw Man” at the Astor Theater, New York, announced last week that she had obtained a divorce in Paris and was about to marry Rupert Higgins, of London. The case was uncontested. ENTHUSIASM MANIFEST AT MEETING OF PENNA, FAIRS (Continued from page 5) taken rapid strides toward the betterment and success of county fairs is evident by the large and enthusiastic attendance at the meeting of 22, when secretaries from fifty-tive county fairs attended and were interested participants. Some of these fair representatives are not at present members of the association, but the fact that they were present, and were applicants for membership, is proof positive of the success of Fire {2us¥ivania State Association of County One of the greatest fights this association has ad to contend with was the suppression of sev*ral legislative measures, and the passing of ethers, in aid of the county fairs, and while herd Several battles as yet have not been legisrong d won there is most: sanguine faith in tha hearts of the members of the association b t before another year a sufficient appropriaan from the State to support State and county airs will have been made. PE ad morning session was opened by President begat White, of Indiana, Pa., who chose for S theme liberal advertising and local newsper publicity for fair dates. A nominating ommittee was appointed, to report at the Thiladelphin meeting February 8. It gave in fe names of Harry White, Indiana, for presi Breneman, Altoona, vice-presidents; J. F. Selmosis Lancaster, Pa., secretary and treasfanite fon. N. L, Strong, Brookville; C. C. Pick » Warren; W. A. Boyd, Stoneboro; D. J. 1? Meyersdale; John Koebert, Waynes ral and J. L, MeGough, Burgettstown, execu feed mittee. These men have done much on the snecess of the association, and it is eens they will be re-elected. the Fesatution of sympathy was passed upon pole "th of Sidney S. Toman, member of the “aton and recently deceased, At the afternoon session J. S. Herron, ex-president of Pittsburg City Council, gave a stirring address on the great possibilities of the county fair as an educator and a form of interesting amusement, at the same time regretting that the progressive county of Allegheny, in which the city of Pittsburg is located, has no fair or annual community celebration. J. F. Seldomridge, secretary and treasurer, read an interesting report. Prof. J. Steirs, of Washington, Pa., and State of Kansas, in his address said that from an educational point ef view no county fair was complete without a midway, with all the hokum that P. T. Barnum taught Americans to look for and enjoy. Marvin M. Smith, sport editor, and an authority on the equine interest of fairs, paid a tribute to the county fair as an educator, and to the man who helps make it a success, the showman who gives a good line of attractions to the fair's midway to counterbalance the interest in the equine sport. He also said an upto-date and live fair assuctation would see that the fair’s guests were furnished with good meals and clean ones, a factor too often overlooked rg laying out the program for a successful air. A. TI. Cosden, of Stronghold, L. I., talk filled with practical suggestions. There followed the round table discussion in which members discussed sundry problems with which they have to deal. Among other things it was agreed, almost unanimously, that a fair cannot be made a financial success without midway attractions. The subject, ‘‘How Can Greater Ceoperation be Established Among Secretaries?”’ brought ont many excellent ideas. Dave MeDonald, of Pittsburg, gave a terse answer when he suid: “Boost; don’t knock.” Henry W. Turner, of the State Department of Agriculture, gave a short lesson in sanitation, After an exhibitor had told how his fair built a skeleton frame and hung it with canvas to house the animals in the overtiow exhibit Mr, Turner gave his 0. K. to the plan, saying it was sanitary. So the outdoor showman’s idea of a canvas top, with a hastily built wooden frame. bids fair to become a popular housing quarters— endorsed by sanitary agents—for live stock of gave a Carrol, Dr. J. A. Knox, director, Waynesburg Fair and Agri. Assn.; W. A. Boyd (vice-president), George H. McIntire (secretary), Stoneboro; W. F. MvrCoy, Mercer Agri. Assn., Mercer, and Henry W. Turner, Department of Agriculture of Pennsylvania. Showmen present were W. 8S. Cherry and C. G. Dodson, Dodson & Cherry Shows; Jas. M. Benson, Jas. M. Benson Shows; Felix Blei, Brown & Dyer Shows; Robt. Kline, Gloth Greater Shows; Wm. McCloskey, McCloskey Greater Shows; J. C. Simpson, Wortham Shows; Tom Hasson, A. B. Miller Shows; R. C. Josselyn, Bmith Greater United Shows; Harry Copping. Harry Dunkel, Harry Copping Shows; A. Wilson, Homer E. Moore Shows; J. L. Cooper, Cooper Rialto Shows; J. L. Cooper, Cooper Rialto Shows; J. M. Lane, Louis Berger, Wm. Murphy, John’ Gillespie and Reginald Hoerner; Chas. H. Duffield, ThearleDuffield, Chicago; Sam Levy, United Fairs Booking Assn.; Harry Oliva, Pittsburg; Bedy Lizza, American Italian Fireworks, Dunlear, Pa.; Barney H. Demarest, free acts, Newark, N. J.; C. B. McKeown, novelty advertising, Coshocton, 0.; R. J. Gooding, riding devices, Lancaster, 0.; Frank E. Evans, amusement enterprises, Yonngstown, O0.; H. F. Fried Expo., Chas, Watmuff, general agent; Maurice Levy, Pittsburg; Austin Wilson and Jobn P. Flanagan, Youngstown, 0.; Harry Thomas, Frank Cervone, H. Smith, George Kopp, George Allen, Pittsburg; Qe J. Biondi, New Castle, and Ivan L. De Bray, Altoona. $10,000 GIFT (Continued from page 5) early and shorten the committee’s burden. The dance will be held in the Tiger Room of the Hotel Sherman. Several embryo Patrick Henrys then had their verbal innings on this and that subject when Mr. Barnes arose. “I would like to know,"’ he said, ‘‘what plans the league has for raising money for future needs. mean money for living members; we already have a cemetery paid for. I wish to say that if this body will raise $10.000 I will personally cover the amount.’’ The audience heard Mr. rnes' proposition and sat in silent speculation for a few seconds. WILLIAM DESMOND TAYLOR William Desmond Taylor, one of the most eminent motion picture directors in the country, was shot and killed in his apartment in Hollywood, Cal., the night of February 1 or early the next morning. The cause of his tragic end is unknown to the police at this writing, but their theory is that revenge formed the chief motive for the crime. That Mr. Taylor was all that an American gentleman should be was attested by several of the country’s premier screen stars, among them Mabel Normand and Mary Miles Minter, who related their dealings with him at the inquest held shortly after his body was discovered. The corpse was found by his only servant last Thursday morning. He had been shot thru the neck, the bullet ranging downward, piercing the heart. William Desmond Taylor was born in Ireland in 1877. Clifton College, England. Canada. During the late World War he was a captain in the English army. He received his education at In bis youth he specialized in engineering and at one time was connected with the gold mining industry in Alaska, He farmed for several years in He began his picture career with Thomas H. Ince, Previous to becoming affiliated with the Famous Players-Lasky Corpovation he was with the American Film Manufacturing Company at Santa Barbara, Cal. He directed such films as ‘‘The Furnace,"’ ‘‘Morals,"* ‘‘The Witch ing Hour,’ “Huckleberry Finn,” ‘‘Tale of Two Cities,” ‘‘The Soul of Youth,” “Sacred and Profane Love,”’ ‘‘Wealth’ and several in which Mary Pickford starred. rear, causing internal hemorrhages. crime, as no valuables had been taken and his desk. It is re mand, who had cal producing plans. good-by as her chauffeur drove off. Mr. Taylor was alone in his bungalow when the fatal shot was fired from the Evidently robbery was not the motive for the a purse containing almost $100 was lying on rted that the last person to see Mr, Taylor alive was Mabel Norearly in the evening tc consult with the director upon some future She was escorted to her limousine by the director, who waved a cheery The police are following up various clues, but up to the hour of going to press nothing definitely had been discovered on which to fix the blame for the crime. all descriptions on the county and State fair grounds, in place of the well put up live stock buildings seen upon fair grounds—beautiful to look upon from without, but dark and dismal from within. Representatives of the association present were: Harry White, president, Indiana; J. F. Seldomridge, secretary and treasurer, Lancaster; D. Holcomb, Conneaut Lake; ©. G. Breneman, Altoona; BR. R. McGeorge, secretary, and H. E. Goll, New Castle; J. I. Sipe, Luna Park, Johnstown; G. Hipps, Cambria Co. Agri. Assn,, Carrollton; H. T. Cochran, Harry Cochran, Dawson Fair, Dawson; D. J. Fiske (secretary), J. H. Lenhart (president), Meyersdale Fair & Racing Assn., eyersdale; John F. Hayes (president), A. S. Hindman (vice-president), . F. Stewart (secretary), North Washington Agri. Assn.; G, B. Straub, Elk County Fair Assn., St. Marys; Ira Bloom, Greater Cambria County Fair, Ebensburg; D. B. Hartford (president), M. J. Patterson (secretary), . Beaver Assn., Beaver Falls; C. G. Rrennerman, secretary, Blair County Road Drivers’ Assn., Altoona: A. Gibson, W. B. Purvis, Butler Driving Park Fair Aesn., Butler; A. E, Leatherman, M. J. Kelly, Philadelphia; FE, 7. Moredock, Carmirhael Fair and Agri. Co., Carmichael; J. L. McGough, secretary, Burgettstown; Jos. M. MeGraw, Ned McCarr, Arden Mines, Washington Fair Assn.; Harry Serene, Reaver Fair, Beaver; Cc. G, Smith, Warren County Agrl. Assn., Warren; Dave McDonald, Schenley Matinee Club, Pittsburg; Marvin M. Smith, Buffalo, N. Y.: Lewis Collner, Clarion; Dr. Luther Haymond, West Virginia Fair Association, Clarksburg, W. Va.; T. T. Wilson; J. M. Williams, Punxsutawney Fair Assn., Punxsutawney; John J. Hoehert, Waynesburg; D. D. Guppy, J. Woodward O1cott, assistant secretary, Clearfield Agri. Society, Clearfield; 8. B. Russell, Lewiston Driving Park Assn., Mifflin Co.; Chas. Culp, Kiski Agri. Assn., Apollo; H. 1D. Sofer, Tarentum; J. FP. MeKeown (vice-president), A. HL Klugh (director), E. G. Thompson (speed director), J. G. Spencer, J. R. Schall (treasurer), Allegheny Volley Fair and Racing Assn., New Kensington; TY. TI. Butlurf (president), M. L. Ritter (secretory), Perry County Agrl. Society, Newport; Wm. BF. Marquis, New Castle; Jos P. Mack, J. Willis Wilson, James ©. McGregor, H. H. Brilhart, Indiana County Agri. Assn.; J. F. Myers, Lawrence County Assn., Pulaski; Harry F. Barby, F. 0. Rinehart, Dr. W. A. Titur, H. J. ~~ Then nearly everybody sought the floor. The importance of the matter was a little stunning and it is probable that the subject of ways and means was in everybody's mind. President Edward F. Carruthers paid a tribute to the magnanimity of Mr. Barnes’ proposal and said that it could be done, in fact simply must be done; that the league could and would meet its part of the proposition. Beverly White moved that the chair appoint a committee to assume the league’s burden in the matter. The president said that in view of the importance of the committee's work he wished to personally talk with prospective committee members before announcing their appointment. Mr. Barnes further enlivened the enthusiasm which rapidly crystallized by saying he would cover the amount the committee raised each thirty days. A questioner who wanted to know what the league would do with the money when it got it was informed from nine different parts of the house that ways would be found to use it in plenty of time. On the request of Thomas J. Johnson, chairman of the committee on by-laws, a special meeting was called for Monday night to pass on the committee’s work. NOT AGAINST FOREIGN INVASION (Continued from page 5) as it can be done, so that there can be no misunderstanding, that the Actors’ Equity Association is not in any way attempting to close the door on foreign actors of any nation, but we are determined to fight to the death the renegade type of actor who insults and derides the reputable members of actors’ unions in the country he comes from. We stand as we have always stood, with @ friendly greeting and a welcoming hand to the actor who is willing to become a part of an organization that thousands of his fellow players fought and sacrificed to make possible.’ "’ It is more or less of an open secret that players in several English companies that have come to this country recently have spoken in _terms of contempt of the British Actors’ Association and have been antagonistic to Equity. This has been strongly resented by American actors, who have felt that if they came to this country the foreign actors@should at least conform to the customs of the players of this eountry and snpport their organization. If they were not willing to do this the American actor has felt that they should’ do nothing to hinder the organization which has improved conditions here and obtained a form of contract which is immeasurably better than the form in use before Equity came into existence. The British players who are members of Equity are particularly bitter in their denunciation of their countrymen who adopted these practices. This was one of the matters discussed last Wednesday at the conference held at Equity headquarters between Samuel Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor; Hugh Frayne, State organizer for the American Federation of Labor; Joseph Weber, president of the American Federation of Musicians; Harry Spencer, assistant president of the I. A. T. S. E.; John Emerson, president of Equity, and an Equity committee consisting of Paul Dulizell, Grant Stewart, John Cope and Paul M. Turner. It was not the only thing taken up tho. Other matters of far more importance were discussed. One of these, about which none of the participants will utter a word for publication, will, if consummated, be perhaps the momentous happening in the theatrical world since the Equity strike of 1919. Each of the conferees was pledged to secrecy on this point and all so far have kept the news from the papers. It is well known “Pins and Needles,”’ the English revue, which opened at the Shubert Theater Wednesday night, was looked at askance by many members of Equity. Their attitude was said by some actors to be strongly antagonistic to Equity. Another English company playing here is due to close next Saturday night, tho there was no objection made to this cast by anybody. This piece is ‘*The Voice From the Minaret,’’ which opened January 30 at the Hudson Theater with Marie Lobr starred. AUTO TRUCKS (Continued from page 5) elaborate nature are iow fieing worked out and a more detailed announcement will be made some time later on. It_is-sdfficient to say for the present that there will be fifteen trucks and trailers and fifteen wagon trailers for the heavy rides. ‘The trucks will be of the two and five-ton class. Both trucks and trailers will have artistically carved and decorated sides, so that the caravan, as it tours its way thru the country, will present the spectacle of a gorgeous parade. It has been figured out by the transportation expert, who has _ been going over the plans, that two trips of the trucks between towns will be sufficient to move the show from its closing stand on Saturday night in time to open in the new town on Monday evening. It is known that showmen of recognized ability will be connected with this organization. Walter White, of Quincy, Ill., is the general agent. Mr. White is now making his entire advance trip by automobile. Among those contracted for the 1922 season of the Polack Bros.’ 20 Big Shows are Omar Sami, with his famots illvsion show; J. M. Kinsel’s carousel; an Eli wheel; a toboggan slide, a trick house, aero swings and many others. Milton Holl and Sam Peterson will be connected with the company. | Mr. Polack, when seen at his headquarters at the Continental Hotel, declared that his time was fully occupied in preparing the Polack Bros.’ 20 Big Shows and the World at Home Shows for the coming season. While Mr. Polack will direct the latter organization, a6 formerly, he wili have Robert Gloth associated with him as manager of the show, with PF. Percy Morency, a3 assistant manager. NEW CIRCUIT (Continued from page 5) theaters they have liued up, but a definite announcement is expected within a week or two. “We are going to go the limit to put this proposition over,’ declared Crawford, “and we shall not fee] satisfied until we have ten or fifteen towns lined up. Our success in stock burlesque here has convinced us that it is what the public wants. But we need a change in principals, and a circuit of this kind would solve the problem at a minimum of cost, We have found that moving an entire chorus is unwise. Patrons like to see familiar faces in the chorus. It is surprising the number of fans that come to a stock burlesque show to see certain choristers. This was brought out forcibly last week when we lost an especially popular member of the chorus. Almost immediately business slumped and dozens of patrons who had left refused to purchase tickets when we answered their queries. “Pretty, hard-working chorus girls are the backbone of burlesque success. The principals are secondary.”’ In making this comment Crawford forgot to mention that nearly every girl in the Gayety company is a winner in individual numbers. The girls have been carefully selected until there is little comparison with the choruses brought here before by wheel shows. Another vital factor in the progress made by Whitehead & Crawford is due to the Tuesday and Thurslay night boxing contests, which have proved a tremendous drawing card. They have become so popular that Whitehead is laying plans to open a large gymnasium in the vicinity of the theater, where amateur fighters may practice. LEGISLATION (Continued from page 5) which have no building codes, and it also proposes that he be given supervisory power of enforcement of existing codes. The legislation is intended to provide that all places of amusement now in operation must be inspected, and if they are found to conform to the new State requirements they are to be licensed. SECOND SEASON IN QUEBEC (Continued from page 45) season over the Drapeau Canadian Cireuit. There seems to be little doubt that the orchestra is attracting favorable newspaper comment. However, the Page must admit that the clippings which our correspondent has sent are entirely to Frenchy for his limited education, English, Spanish and profane are the total of our linguistie abilities, with just a bit of Pennsylyania Dutch. *¢ From reports volunteered by white showmen returning from the Far North it is gleaned that these people have done much te make Canadians think well of our artists. ty 0 Na scorned ease mead . or a ibn Senet emenes Met yhen song She wing weit > 5 ns HE pe ge eee ay eae yee ie . oo Met i ae. i 2 . : Fe aie = fem ia ics: j 4 a Pe | dee ci ae ee oy wate ne