The Billboard 1923-03-31: Vol 35 Iss 13 (1923-03-31)

_MARCH 31, 1928 The Billboard 107 manager for William Harris, Jr., and Mrs. eary B. Harris. TO Me. and Mrs, Edward Lacey Wheeler, at Seaside Hospital, Long Beach, Calif., February ti. a son, christened Edward Lacey, Jr., ac cording to a letter from Mrs. Wheeler. She een pret ssionally as Peggy Dusban and has been with various burlesque and tabloid companies. lier last engagement was with one of James Bova’s rotary tabloid companies in Cincinnati. THE BIG ONE OPENS (Continued from page 5) avenue end four tigers under the command of tudolph Matthies made some amazingly high iumps over their fellows and thru a huge and high fork One of the striped beauties rolled on a globe and finished with a spectacular leap over the entire group posed on high pedestals. In the center arena Mabel Stark handled six striped tigers and a black one in beautiful fashion. Miss Stark is a superlative showwoman and worked the animals with a nerve nd a dash that counted much for the fine » ae they produced on the audience. The posing and croupmg of her string of beasts was consummately managed, At tbe Fourth avenue end of the Garden Rruno Radke exhibited a group of four lions, These buge fellows snarled and snapped at the trainer while be worked them thru a routine of stupts that were both daring and effective. At one point he assembled them into a “happy family crovp and jJaid down with them, then repeated the performance with bimself in the center lying on a couch. The audience gasped = 3. bit at this, but there were no casualties, A ringing outburst of applause greeted the finish of these anima) displays and Mickey Graves’ coborts of property men started to * Ttear down the arenas. While this was being ‘. Bone “the strange people’? paraded around the ot BDippodrome = track There were Zip and a ig couple peor enough like bim to be his brother ne Band sister, fst women, dwarfs, giants and BDsoy other queer sorts and freaks of the tribe of Homo Sapiens. 5 As the last ef the strange procession filed of @thru the exit doors, Lew Graham announced that Hillary Leng would slide down an inclined og B Yue on bis head) Whereupon with a willing on morts to eblige that was most commendabie, od@eeiiary did just that. poreeen a just meed of applause at the conclusion of the feat. Lew Graham again raised his powerful voice to announce that Beatrice Sweeney would pow presept ber specialty. At this a small bex was hoisted to the rafters and upon a volley of shots eulng from its interior Miss Sweeney was Io. limpsed thu the smoke hanging to a rope ot, BOs ber teeth and whitling around at a dizzy ““ Bpace. She was then lowered to the ground and eafter tying herself into a pretzel) knot was ing again raised. This time she made an unconor Mscionable number of revolutions while twisted he uP and earved a bearty band from the spectaet tore by so doing. ' By this time all was ready for the entrance aw Mo! the elephants. A group of five each ocle, copied the end rings, while im the center six er Mny fellows disported themselves. These inj pltter were in the charge of George Denman yor eed made a great hit with their antics. None ‘g gof these beasts appears to be more than four olk Beet high and they presented a novel sight that particularly delighted the children. They followed about the same routine as the bigcer fellows, one herd of these being handled by L. B, Clarke in one ring and another uintet being put thru their paces by Charles jampton in the other. All the bulls played all, performed in the Behemoth Band and danced. They posed and played dead and went thru all the stunts these fine animals are Usually tanght. The babies went the bigger ones one better. One of these little chaps walked a plank and then threaded his way thru @ line of his fellows who were revolving on pedestals. This stunt made a great hit ? eth with the crowd. At the finish more of the tha ulis were brought in and twenty-six in all “ tood up on their hind legs for a big finish as the eleyiants left Mickey Graves’ minions preered for the next exhibition and a procession motley and curious automobiles driven by the jocys entered. These strange vehicles fell part, ran by themselves and biew up. while he house chortled with glee at the antics of bh cars and occupants, At this point a special announcement was ade by the genial Lew Graham to the effect hat Berta Beeson would be seen in the center mg displaying an unparalleled assortment of fats on the tight wire. Berta certainly lived to Lew's billing, Programmed as *'The Itinge of the Wire’, this artiste fooled those f the audience who had not carefully read heir books into believing him to be one of the entle sex. Tastefully costumed in a dress of ilks and furs Berta danced gracefully on the ire, did a cake walk and a speedy lot of azz dancing. This artiste is a daring perormer, who combines a deal of grace and dash ith a fine assortment of showy tricks. The (tt was put over with showman-like skiil bd registered a genuine hit. The joeys again entered and filled the time ith & lot of comical capers while the horses ere led in for the equestrian acts, which im‘diately filled the three rings. In one were ren the Ernestos, two boys who specialize in buble riding and do it superlatively well. the center ring were the Reiffenachs, two oune ladies who did a handful of graceful unts, and in the remaining circle The Sevil*. This quartet of riders mounted the horses gly and doubly and for a finish the whole ur dashed on the back of vo pura, q The roar which greeted this touching of humor showed that the house fully con in the action. esiibition of high school riding was Siven in the hippodrome track by Rudolph Manuel Herzog, Austing King, John pe *, Prank Miller, Jobn Foley, Madame Cotll, Robert Cottrell, Minnie Ta lor, Lillian mpton and Harry Herzog. T beautiful ia tle 4 GOOLE NCR! BEE eT, Reg ‘COMBINATION | Why pay $100.00 or more for a The Champion 32x18364. It closed and legs. up and again bereer Griddles shipment in two minutes’ time with al] equipment ete... ~Weight 75 Ibs. than 5 minutes to set it start operating machine when you can own the Champion for considerably less? The equal in speed and capacity of any machine made Strong light, com. pact, safe, simple and reliable. A com plete concession outfit in one machi measure : ne. ean = Converts instantly into Coney Island locked for or Hamburger stand. In every way the quality equal of machines that cost several times as muc’. Write at once for price and new 1llustrated circular showing details of Champion’s many exclusive features. Champions are goirig big. You are wise to get your order in early. IOWA LIGHT CO. 115 Locust St, Des Moines, lowa. inside Less Gct our prices on Gasoline Stoves, Jumbo Burners P ° Pressure Tanks. ers, Candy Fummaces, Ham Hollow Wire, Lamps, Lanterns, ete. animals danced and pranced under the ekillfol yee rt riders, and one horse which a of jazz dancin lea exceedingly. & pleased the house As the last horse disappeared the lights Went out and five velvet canopies were yh played in the glare of a battery of spot lights. On being raised an equal number of posed groups, in glistening white, were made visible. Two of these groups used posing dogs and horses to fine effect and the remaining three were occupied by groups of fair maidens. The Plastic poses were done with an eye for beauty and the big audience quite evidently relished the display of feminine form and animal Patience, Now the Wild West exhibition commenced. All forms of rough riding were indulged in by the daring horsemen and women. A lariat thrower roped eight horses at one clip and for the finisb one of the girls rode an obstreperous bucker She got a fall or two in the attempt, but pluckily stuck to her job until she had guided the tossing animal to the exit gate. After the joeys bad cut some more of their Precious didoes. Lew Graham raised an authoritative hand and a resonant voice to announce the impending appearance of Lillian Leitzel. This winsome snd spectacular artiste eptered bathed in a sea of spotlights and went up the web and into the rigging hand over hand. Arrived there, she gave & brief exhibition on the rings, which was but a Preliminary to the one-arm puvll-up-plunge stunt which has made her famous the world over. She did this trick one hundred times by actual count and descended amid a roar of applause and into a great quantity of flowers which had been presented her by admirers. She made a remarkably pretty picture as she bowed smilingly, her tousled blond head, white tights and golden blouse gleaming in the white flood of light. Miss Leitzel is an artiste from the top of her curly head to the tips of her twinkling toes and combines this artistry with a knowledge of showmanship that makes an unbeatable combination. As the applause died out Lew Grabam announced that Theol Nelson would do a row of back somersaults along the length of the hippodrome track and this remarkable feat was duly performed by Miss Nelson, She must have turned thirty or more of them along one side of the track and was greeted with a salvo of applause which lasted thruout her return to the exit door. The clowns had another inning at this point until the rings were made ready for the next exhibition. This consisted of Joe Bagonghi, who vastly entertained the customers with comedy stunts on a horse. Joe, trussed in a mechanic, fell off the animal, rode his head and tail and caused much laughter with his ludicrovs exploits. In the rings and stages were four Knock-about comedy acrobatic acts consisting of the Jung Brothers, the Four Comrades, the Hart’ Brothers and the Rice Trio. They took the bumps and slaps to the manifest glee of the audience and made a solid hit with all. The seals then were brought in for their exhibit in the two end rings, while Alf. Loyal’s Dogs occupied the center one. This latter act, which is without a peer, proved one of the jJolliest spots of the evening. Loyal’s Dogs appear to like their work and enter into it with all the vim and zest imaginable. The somersaulting dog and the clown quite wor the hearts of the crowd and they laughed uproariously at the antics of the dog. Meanwhile the seals, onder the direction of Mark Huling and Frank Huling, were doing their share. These marvelous animals balanced objects and juggled fire sticks and led the applause themselves by slapping their flippers. After they had been removed Alf. Loyal crowned the act with a spectacular finish, which took five dogs harnessed tandem around the ring bank. while another dog galloping in the opposite direction leaped rover their backs. It was a trick which appealed to all and got a tremendous hand at the finish. Five perch acts then occupied all the avaiiable space in the huge auditorium. These consisted of the Andresen Brothers, the Three Jahns, the Weise Troupe, the Karoli Brothers and the Maytells. They all were agile, finished and artistic, going thru a series of stunts in their perilous positions which more than satisfied the onlookers. A _ pretty exhibition followed when Madame Bradna occupied the center ring with a dozen girls dressed in hoop skirts and holding the garlands, which Madame Bradna supported from a may pole while mounted on a beautiful white horse. Some riding was done hy her and a flock of snow-white pigeons aided in composing a picture that was uncommonly pretty. Meanwhile, in the end rings the Tarneffs and the Osentos presented two clever equestrian acts. These riders gave an enjoyable exhibition of bareback horsemanship. The exit of Madame Bradpa was made in a liberty chariot surrounded by a melange of girls, horses, dogs and pigeons to continuous applause. Then the clowns put on the prize stunt of the evening. They discovered a fire in a house and the clown fire department responded. This latter consisted of miniature motor apparatus, faithful replicas of the larger engines used in real life, and manned py dwarfs. Several comically Gallant rescues of the joeys were effected, accompanied with much pounding and misdirection of the water, and a merry time was had by the audience in watching the funny fellows’ foolings. In the interim half a dozen aerial artistes had scampered aloft to perform On the trays. M. Bernard, the Rooneys, Edward Millette, Ira Millette, Hillary Long and Les Zerados, severally and collectively, balanced and swung their way thru a routine of tricks that were pleasing to the eye aod well executed. Following this John Agee put a group of eix trained horses thru their paces in the center ring. These fine animals dr:lled nicely and then gave way to another group of twelve blacks that went thru a series of intricate evolutions with precision. For tbe finish Lew Graham called the attention of the audience to the numbers on the anima’s’ backs, and predicted that thev would string themselves out in proper numerical order without interference on the part of the trainer. This the horses did, while the audience voiced the number of each enimal as it took its proper Place in the walk areund the ring. The trick Made an instantaneous hit with the onlookers and resulted in a generous burst of avplauxe. All the rings and staces were then filled with tumblers and acrobats. There were seen the Joe Dekoes Troupe, the Nelson Family, the Arena Brothers, the Picchianis Troupe ang the Aljos. All went rapidiy thru a routine of feats which made a visible impression on the crowd as it looked frem one troupe to the other in a vain attempt to see them all at once The Picchianis came in for much favorable comment thru a remarkable routine on teeter boards. which culminated in tossing one of the lads to the shoulders of a three-high stand; this got a big hand. Lew Graham then drew attention in his familiar fashion to the Nelson Family, who did a flock of somersaults at lightning speed with one of the girls doing hers on top of a big pedestal. This, too, got a fine hand. Then the clowns got the hippodrome track all to themseives while the rigging was being prepared for the aerial acts. They had some michty up-to-date lampoons on current foibles. King Tut came in for bumorous exploitation, as did Doctor Coue, prohibition, home brew and radio. These all won the desired laugh. Finally, there was a parade of clown horses. These animals were dressed in the forequarters with suits and gowns, shoes were on their feet. hats were on their heads and a pair of arms dangling at their sides completed the effect of a gigantic human when viewed headon. It is a clever idea and was well worked ont. The big aerial acts were clambering to the rigging as the last of the clowns disappeared. The Siegrist-Silbon Troupe of nine, the Clarkonan-Tomelson Troupe of five and the Charles Siegrist Troupe of seven then went thru a lot of hair-raising feats on the flying traps. Singles, doubles and twisters to the hands are commonplaces to these folks, who accomplish all with the apotheosis of artistry. As the last of them bounced down into the nets the hippodrome races started. The usual routine was followed, winding up with the Roman chariot races. This ever-thrilling contest resulted in a dead heat and as the band struck up the national anthem the crowd departed into the night. There is more show than ever this year. There was a bit too much at the opening performance if that is not complaining over a plethora of good things. Doubtless there wit be cuts made and the running time will be shortened. At the opening the performance was over at 11:10, which was doing very well when one considers the amount of material which was displayed in that time GORDON WHYTE. Merle Evans, bandmaster, has surrounded himself with a very capable aggregation of musicians to dispense the forty-six musical numbers necessary to display the many acts with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus this season and is to be highly commended for the selection of the program and the natty attire of his men. The outstanding feature of the program is the grand entry march played by full band accompanied by the pipe organ, with R. Louis Sanderson at the keyboard. This entry march was composed by Mr. Sanderson as an opener for the evening’s entertainment and was enthusiastically received. The complete roster of Mr. Evans’ band is as follows: Phillip Garkow, Mathias Ebner, Tom Dobie. Carl Scholtz, Frank Lochschmidt, Maurice McKay, Henry Keys, Glen Dando, Earl Hurst, Rudolph Pitch, Wendell Witalis, ? rul Davis, Arthur Morel Joe Simon, John Popson, A. B._ Croswait, Nick Franzen, O A. Counts, Robert Gene Miller, Bill Clark. Martin Hoech Crone, ster, Maurice Esson, Arthur Rosenroth, Tony Raminez, Rhoe Kessel, Wilber Werrick, Joe Turrenco, R. Louis Sanderson, organist. with the cirens, the soneunees he merrymakers, the funniest fellows in a Ry world, ranging in stature from pyemies to giants. when visited by The Billboard reporter on Saturday night presented a_ scene long to be remembered. About seventy-five of the droll cutups and merry skylarkers, embracing the greatest talent of its kind in the — of circusdom, were their outlandi “Clown Alley’ regalia gnd putting on the clownish makeup in order to entertain the young and old with their endless antics and new and laughable creations. It is truly said that a man who can sit nefore this army of funny men and not smile had better see a plumber and have bis face thawed out. The compound essence of nonsense, double-distilled tomfoolery and the mother tincture of laughter are uncorked by these hilarious imps from the moment they come tumbling into the arena till the end of the performance. Among the famous clowns with the Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey this Season, men who have made clowniag their life work and have found it not only remuherative but healthy, are: Arnt Augested, Felix Adler, Buck Baker, Tony Martin, Andrew Deltoreli, Jack Lyons, Roy Barrett, Joe Deltoreli, Willie Moser, Charles Cheer, Tom Hart, Eddie Nemo, the Six Casinos, Everett Hart, Fred Meers, Harry Clemens, George Hartzell, Herman Poline, Jack Hedder, the Four Jungs, the Rice Trio, Al Sylvester, Herman Joseph, Billie Rice, Danny McPride, Spa der Johnson, John Slater, Gene Dekoe, Jack LeClaire, Joe Spiessel, Jim Spriggs, Charles Smith, Paul Jerome, Joe Stirk, Fred Stelling, Pat Valdo, Joe Arena, Jules Turnour, Fred Voody, E. W. White, George Zammert, Frank MeStay, Zolly Zora. Cy Compton's “In Whoop "Em Up” Cowboys and Lady Riders with the Ringling Bros.Barnum & Bailey Circus, comprise many wellknown riders and ropers, and in the ten minutes allowed by the ringmaster perform stunts in real Wild West fashion, the rope spinning and the roping of eight running horses being among the principal features. The following comprise the roster: Hank Durnell, John Rufus, Jobn Mullen, Albert Mann, Bud Hurlin, Joe Flint, Charles Nelson, Gordon Jones, Art Romaine, Stanley Sturges, Buck Boland, Bob Durant, Lillian Compton, Myrtle Compton, Rose Clark, Minnie Chenette, Helen Rufus, Vira Me Ginnis, Fanny Nielson, Sally Royce, Billie Mack. . & Sidelights They have the giraffes in the Curio Hall An nex, and they dress it Wonderfully. With every light in the house donsed and only twelve limes playing, as in the Leitzel ont, the garden seems more imposingly majestic an ever. John Agee is there with bells on. He will not put out that one-ring circus—not this seaseason. There are all sorts, sizes, kinds, conditions of clowns. There are ancient, medieval and mod ern clowns—also futuristic ones. There are talking clowns. singing clowns, pantomimic clowns, acrobatic clowns and just clowns— scads of them. Also there is Jim Spriggs. It rained dismally Friday, but Saturday, March 24, broke clear and brigbt. The sun shone warmly, and, despite the fact that there was a slight nip in the air, it was an ideal ‘opening’? day. We missed Jim Donalson in the press lineup. Mr. Charles Ringling could get away with the reputation of being an iron or an untiring man if it were not for his eyes. They give bim away. After three days of rehearsals, during which he was almost constantly on the job, responding to the thousand and one demanas upon his attention, he was cool, calm, collected and imperturbable after the dress rehearsal, and, to the superficial observer, as fresh as ever. But there was a tired look in his eyes. Some genius has succeeded in pitching a una-fon (air calliope) with the instruments of Ringling Brothers’ band with most happy results. It makes another feature of the band by centering attention upon it, it amplifies its tonal volume, it lends it an added and distinctive instrument, and makes of it something more than just a brass band. Mlle. Leitzel is as compelling a feature as ever and her aerial flings arouse as great wonder. We hope she will be prompted one of these days to offer us a series of picture poses in her descent of the web. She has the artistry to evolve something rare and fine in this line, and it would be a fitting finale for her famous feat. Gathered in a Walk Around The largest gathering of notables of the financial, newspaper, stage, motion picture, cite cus and amusement world in general, possibly, ever assembled at a dress rehearsal of a circus entered Madison Square Garden Friday evening, March 23. As large an audience was on hand at eight o’clock as some tented shows play to in two performances with pay admissions—and it was only a dress rehearsal. The arena of the Garden was never more brilliantly illuminated. It little behooves anyone to criticize the Ringling Brathers when it comes to putting on a circus performance, advertising that show and creating new patronace. It is safe to predict they will draw people into the Garden and “Big Top’’ who have never before seen a circus. The astuteness of the Ringling Brothers les in the fact that they have set the standard for the ultimate in circusdom and each year hold that standard at par. One trade paper which never gets anything right but its title each week bemoans the fact that the billing in New York is very light for this engagement. It never seemed to occur to them that the circus will not play either Brooxlyn or Jersey City—and that both these cities have been heavily billed to that effect—and naturally the patrons of the circus will most naturally wend their way to the Garden, taking into cousideration, tov, that the carfare from both sections to the show shop is under ten cents. signers and makers of the costumes PR ig Bae for the Grand Tournament de serve a world of credit for originality and the art of color blending and contrast as well. and Woman for HIGH-CLASS TICKCT SELLER {)"), Lady ta fon. Show opens April 14 in Chio. Harry fare Ehmot Express Co, Covingten, rentucky.