The Billboard 1924-01-05: Vol 36 Iss 1 (1924-01-05)

= Ee SS Wwe wae way —-— — JANUARY 5, 1924 The Billboard 17 "Cau O. H., St. Louis (Reviewed Sunday Evening, December 30 A good variety bill ought to pack them tn for the tiest week of the new year. Pictures—-too many—opened. Beatrice Sweeney opened the vandeville aus picfonsly witth a dainty diversion of gymuastics the swinging bar, toe spinning, contortions, rm) vome furious whirlwind tron-jaw spinning for an exceptions!ly strong finish. Seven minutes, full stage four bows. Willing and Jerdan, man and woman, who put over several double song numbers to @ fulr hand the lady ja the life of the act. Twelve minutes, in one; three bows, Four Wardens in ‘‘Pot-Pourri’. A versatile quartet who have an elaborate lineup of accomplishinents, Thelr antastic offering includes numerous trained cocka toos, white pigeons, 2» dog and a [razilian toncan, The elder Worden is one of the few survivors of the famous ofd Ij Tenry minstrel troupe and gave qa minstret mber in an original Hi Henry parade dress of years ago One of the lady members gave a to lance, while the other exhibited me bird training and gave several selections on aluminum chimes Producing piectures from strips of rage also fs one of their varied achievements. A pretty setting and novel costumes complete the pleasing act. Sixteen minutes, in three; four curtains. Rawls and Von Kaufman, “The Willing Worker"’, Rawis makes a typical Southern “hookwormed'’ Negro and | drawling comedy has considerable ek. iTieen minutes, special n one; two p van Frankie Ak juve w ’ all and Dorts Roche, two the rmarks of developing into tapnotchers, Alexander is a clever dancer and gave impersonations of Pat Rooney, Eddie Leonard and G I'rimrose. Doris sang several numbers in good style and carried vander orge berself well on the stage. James Donahue accompanied st Seventeen minutes, mecial in thre four bows larry Pewley end Company. Bewley takes a good inebriate part and is funny to the extren WW ‘Saloon, Saloon, Seloon’’, sumber brought him a goed hand. The act closes with a Bewley conception of grand opera, which burleeqne added to bis applanse-winning ability. Twenty minutes n one three bows Harry Faber and Company in “This Is Paris’’. In scenes Iaid abroad and a plot wherein two *“cake-eaters”’’ endeavor {llegitimately to extract from hetresses with the fake curios, Faber and Jack O'Malley us supposedly comedy lines and the three uonbilled attractive misses sing and dance ral numbers. The playlet is weak and pacer building up. Light minutes, in one and — two curtains. — oe gave his on lities end doings of the qu te a few anges heard him. His« ten-minute comedy and he was awarded a good hand. one: two Max Thielon Troupe, a trio of men and one woman, The comic is a good one and together with the other two men performs some clever aerobatics, chief among which ts thefr hich bouncing and jum; A good foreign music hall act. The woman only as a prop. Seven minutes, full stage; two curtains. F. B. JOERLING. moner ald of hat numer three young regulation monolog day, with last we is full of In present sinee up-t date « discourse howe. tne serves Orpheum, St. Louis (Reviewed Sunday Matines, December 30) ee Swearing was much itn evidence today, every act but the opening one contributing to this breach of stage ett mette. There were more “helle’’, “‘damns’’ and ‘Gods’ an one would ordinarily bear in a pre-Volstead saloon argumént. Jean Middleton, hard spot for ‘ver well, however, kicking, and gave Seven In one Maurice Diamond and Company tn f 1922", Tiamond t« “Little Miss Nobody’, had a act of her kind. She went with her fiddling and high “Kiss in the Dark’ fer an minutes, nn neere “Snapshots an expert soft-shoe dancer and showed some new and varied individual He ts assisted by Edythe Handman and Irene Smith. Mics Tandman gave a specialty Rambalina dance that was a crackerjack, but r voOlee t*# weak and she mnnet put over a song properly for this reason. Miss Smith also a clever daucer ond the two misses danced well fn thetr double onmbers. Twenty minutes, pecial in two and four; eneore and bews. Freok Van Heven The Mad Magician’, in his “bughouwe’’ way had the andlence chuckling rnout and craning thelr necks tn an effort to keep up with his movements on and off stage (ont of doors, aisles and exits. Van Hoven * ortginal and makes much out of nothiag. Thirteen minutes, Captain Prnce 'y several feet ‘hen a in three; three bows. Rairnsfather was introduced of film signed by FE. FF. Albee, series of «Hides of his eartoone flashed the screen feborated upon by the Varions were and on explained We take and captain our hat off to Dalrnefather for being a cartoontat of note and especially for his wonderful work slong thie Ine during the world war Rut as on entertainer he falls absolutely Gat. Too much Keith’s, Cincinnati (Reviewed Monday Matinee, December 21) Tho overweighted with dancing the current progrem is quite the best here in some weeks, The capacity audience equalized applanse honors Alba ‘I mark and Walter C. Pathe News, The Dupents. The men intrednces not a few her-tofore unseen effects In comedy joggling, in among wrio, Yar Moody and Duncan, Kelly, which line be tx an expert. The lady does a bit more than handle props. An ideal opener for anv high-les« bill Nine minutes, in two; three legitimete ~ortains. Ivuesell Carr, in English military uniform, with "Orace, bis figure, dreased likewise, ix very presentable and quite proficient in the art of voces] deception, yet bis routine ix lacking im laughs and in need of more punch at the finish leven minutes, In one. *Yarmark"’. go presentation by thirteen men and women of Russian carnival jollity.. Theodore Stepanoff, a particularily lively dancer, i* featured. The voices are good, the settings and wardrobe are colorful, the music is tuneful and the comedy is of the right amonnt. Twentyminutes, specials in one, two end full stage; five curtains. A valuable acquisition for vandeville two Gertrode Moo@y and Mary Duncan. In the femir line for vocalism and light comedy this team is difficult to ontelass. Personality is ant and knowledge of stage conduct Is con ne sbund splenous. Songs registered were “‘“Morning Will Come”, “She Knows It, a blending of classieal and popular numbers for a finish, with Miss Dunean soloing “You May Be First, But” and “A Kiss in Mixx Moodr the Dark’’ being rendered by Nineteen minutes, special in one and one-half; encore, talks Alba Tiberio, a vivacions miss employing decidedly foreign accent and possessed of magnet eyes, won admiration with the sk!l!ful and artistic way in which she played the viclin, one-string cello and concertina, and ¢@id_ rifle shooting, sketching of various people in the andi ence, and dancing. Fast changes of appare! are made for each number, even to the answering of curtain eats. Miss Tiberio ix billed as t “world’s most versatile entertainer’, which most certainiy is untrue. unless all of rw are not incorporated in this act Sylve Schaffer is at least one person who bas demonstrated supremacy to American audiences of his protean power, Ry and large Miss Tiherio does not profit by such programming. Twenty-two minutes, in full stace Walter C. Kelly. after thoroly demo to the initiated that he specials six curtains natrating , can make them laugh as hearty as ever at his oft-repeated character stories and Vircivia courtroom humor, sprong a complete surprise by using berbecne inx<tead of fishing as th edjourning alli. Withal his initiala may signify ‘world’s * ampion konversationalist’’. Nineteen minntes, in one: several hows Comez Trio, ¢'rl and two men, in Castilian end Aragon dances, worked rgetically, but rom the great number of absentees it was evident that little credence Wes placed in the house organ heralding, “Spain's most celebrated dancers”’, and that the show h ing. Six minutes, special in t 24 too much dimeone curtain. JOE KOLLING. ezo and he devends in the war to pot him over in the vietory of the allies it was o @uty then and not something to “*harp for years to come and profit thereby. He bored and was tiresome. Finished with drawing two caricatures Tw minutes, black plush drop. in entirely upon his records Others, too, helped six years ago and en’’ nty-three . one and four. Gordon Dooley and Matha Morton, ‘Famous Babies From Fameus Families”. sang, talked and made merry for. thirteen minutes. Martha is an accomplished singer and dancer and works well with her newly-wed hushand. The Dooley falls and antics always get their share of laughs. In one; three bows, Sophie Tucker tucked away applause honors, receiving an ovation which called for several encores and a «peech. Beantiful drops, tasteful gowns, a Knack of delivery that never fails to register solidly, and with her beaming personality she gave us as only can “Mama Goes Where Papa Goes", “Wild Women”, ‘‘Vamptng Raby’, “Kentucky Sure as You're Rorn”, “Old King Tat’ and “Just a Girl That Men Forget’’. Ted Shapiro and Jack Carroll ably accompanied at the piano. Twenty-ive minutes, in four The Four Mortons—Sam, Kitty, Joe and Clara in ‘Wearing of the Green”, Kitty is as sweet and darling a® ever, and Sam the same robust Irishman as of yere. Clara is versatile, being a singer, dancer and instrumentalist, and Joe with different wantrobe would fare better, we think. Gerdon Dooley and Martha came in at the clore for a regular family reunion, Twentyfour minutes, in one and four; encore and cur tains Nol) Anderson and polo pony The pony base almost the Drains of a human and it's a rare treat to see such equine training. Does almost everything bat talk. Fourteen minutes, special in full stage: two curtains. Fe. B. JOERLING. she Majestic, Chicago (Reviewed Sunday Matines, December 30) In sustaiped effectiveness, the Majestic’s new hill today was one of the very best offered by that .theater in months. ‘The characterization muy be a bit far-fetched, but it relates a fact. Keno, Keyes and Melrose, three men, offered a dancing and novelty equilibristie act that is honestly good. Here is where a sound presentation sorely needs some snappy talk to liven slow moments, It would round it out greatly. Nine mioutes, in one: two bows. Madelyn Young and Singers took second spot vith two men and two women in a harmovy and comedy -~iuging presentation. The lead soprano has a light, supple and resonant voice of pleasing qualities. It was the clever comedy singing in ensemble and not/the other three voices that gave the act vitality. All personalitics are pleaxing and offering was popular. Ten minutes, special drop, in ene; three bows. Colonel House and Orchestra have @ standard Presentation of merit. Band dressed as cowboys and plays well. Western theme on special drop. Leader sings “La Paloma” and another song with effect. Introduction or prelude by same man when curtain goes up starts aet off strong. Fifteen minutes, full stage; four curtains and encore. Five Sweethearts took the bill, All juveniles, One very little Other four are cations, with main honors of the Three boys and two girls. sang himself into a big hit. dancers of exceptional qualifigood repertory. Presentation is full of life and fire. Fifteen minutes, one to full; seven bows and encore. Ernie Demarest might be called a nut pianist if he excellently. <As it is he leaves the he if explained. Maybe that auditors liked it all showman par excellence, boy didn’t play so only tb was one reason his He is a ‘kum so well. Fifteen minutes, im one; three bews and could have taken mwre. Lew Seymonr and company. man and four gir! a comet sketch, shows the replies to an advertis: meat for a stenographer. Enter taining all thru, with a little d iz ris are all unusually good and everybody in two and a half; attractive teen minutes, curta ips, Eckert and Francis, two men, straight and ‘ icter, have a line of comedy and the straight man sings a soug or two. They etart light and grow very much. Act went good. Twelve minutes, in one: bow. special drop; three brief encores and well-staged posing act, with the bul. Artistic settimg and light effects. Pr tation was well received, stage; two bows. FRED HOLLMAN. Loew’s State, New York (Reviewed Monday Matinee, December 31) Reveries, a women, losed ese minutes, full” The afternoon's Dill of ente: aiong at a ron ‘talnment moved teady stride, never threatening to with itself even when the leader of a jazz band in the closing number announced * offering of a “Jazz Band G ing Crazy” — but what he evidently meant “Going stupid’. The Leach La Q away was inlan Trio opened the show with a povel exhihition ef wire balancing, the ends of the wire clutched ia the mouths of two women propped on either stanchion, while the third member of the troupe performs his daring feats, Clarke and Oneil, well, followed shoe two young lads, with a ev who mean and softtuxes and straw of songs dances, showing of their hats to admiring «ect. Came next the Variety FP yneers entertainers of two generations a or another oldtimers’ act of late 1 me the specialty o. a certain local firm of vaudeville producers. Age tried hard and youth applauded. What Annie Hart, a variety fivorite of thirty-five years ago, lacked in quaity of voiee she made up in volume. Her melange of melodies, made famons by her at Tony Pastor's Theater on the Rowery thirty-five years ago, brought her a heavy hand. The four old bors with her scored high as they held forth in song, tapping of bones and varied dancing of ancient vintage. Ham-Tree Harrington, star of “The Planta tion Revue", assisted by Cora Green, promised much at the outset, but failed to come up to expectations. His conception of “Waiting for the Evenin’ Mail"’, the opening number, seemed to lack an occasional touch of melody, but gut a fine respuuse from the audience. His routine turned out to be lumbered with too many flat gags. Cora redeems herself as a feed, Henry Slatko heads a conventional singing, dancing and jazz band act, stressing the differences in the mode of entertainment for the youth of today and yesterday. Eva Sully, replete with verve and versatility, pleased with her finished stepping, bringing the act to s whirlwind finish in an apache dance with Slatko. A word ef praise is due Joseph Jordan for the high standard to which he had browght the theater orchestra. Its rendition of “Morning, Noon and Night’’ stirred and charmed, evoking the prolenged plaudits of the audience. BEN BODEGC. Palace, Cincinnati (Reviewed Monday Matinee, December 31) Picture program: ‘“The Age of Desire’’. The Ching Ling Hee Troupe, five in number one of whom is q woman, presents @ series Oriental magie tricks with such secrecy « rapidity as to astound and mystify. A lea) ' one of the troupe thru five octagon-shaped © jects, each having a number of sharp kni placed inwardly, was one of the outstand features. A youngster abeot five years age rolled to and fro across the stage in tl shape of a ball and executed other contortion feats while spinning two china plates on sticks vith ease and grace and drew the biggest apI Twenty-two minutes; full stage; applause thruout. Peggy Brooks, dark hair and plump, rendered an Irish song for an opening, following with two numbers that bear the stamp of newness, Miss Brooks became a bore at times by throwing unfunny remarks in the orchestra pit. Eight minutes, in one; one bow. Rolland and Ray, in “By Appointment’’, gave no time for sober reflection while they were on. The dialog deals with a fellow trying to show a new acquaintance a good time on promises. There is an engaging humor all the way thru, particularly in the cafeteria scene. Elsie Ray is elegantly dressed in evening clothes, is a good looker and talented artiste. They sang “Love, plause. lioner and Obey", a comedy number, in a pleasing way. Eighteen minutes, in one and two; two bows, Alexander Girls dance gracefully and sing not ich. The girls look like sweet sixteen. Scott, accompanist, filled in at the piduring the changing of costumes. Seventeen minutes; full stage; several bows. Johnson and Hayes, two men, furnished one of the comedy hits, extracting laughs with their misfit attire at the opening while strutting the stage in silence. During the dialog laughs eame frequently. Each rendered a comedy number that seemed to hit the public fancy. Fifteen minutes, im ome; several bows. Fries and Wilson, two men in tuxedo, brought a bag of new songs that met with responsive reception. Each renders a character number so m Oliver ano in a way that made them distinct favorites. The one who assists at the piano gives an impersonation of a Hawaiian dancer for a finish that was vulgar enough to cause severs! of the fair sex within the reviewer's sight to direct their eyes anywhere but on the stace. Thirteen minutes, im one; epplause. Antonio and Nina De Marco dance nimb!y ané gracefully to the music of seven string musicians, who are attired in Arabian costumes The musical contingent fills the intervals between dances in excellent fashion with native and American song hits. There is an appropriate stage setting. Twenty minutes; full stage; applause. LONG. VALENTINO DISPUTE SETTLED 29.—Rudolph Valentino has return to the Famous Players-Lasky New York, Dec. agreed to Corporation immediately after the holidays and resume the making of pictures, according to a joint statement issued by the Famous Piayers-Lasky Corporation, Max D. Steuer, rep resenting the film star, and the Ritz Pictures Company, which also has the star under a contract that will begin upon the completion of his contract with Famous Players. Valentino will make two pictures for Paramount, the first of which will be ‘‘Monsifeur Beaucaire’’, by Booth Tarkington, which will Iney Olcott, who made “The Green Goddess" and ‘Little Old New York’’. The scenario has been prepared by Forrest Halsey, also responsible for the scenario of ‘*The Green Goddess”. By the terms of the settlement all litigation between Mr. Valentino and Famous Players will be dropped upon completion of his contract. In the negotiations for the settlement Mrs. Valentino, as attorney-in-fact for her husband, played an important part. Before sailing for Europe last week after she had affixed her signature to the contract, Mrs. Valentino said: “It is gratifying to reach a satisfactory con clusion and to see BRudolph again in a posi! to pursne his career under satisfactory tions. Some sample tests were made while we were abroad and the results demonstrate co: clusively the character development and arts advance made by him since he ): appeared on the screen. In all respect fit and ready for his new tasks.” TO VOTE ON SUNDAY ISSUE Geneva, N. Y., Dee. 29.—The issue of * day movies for this town will be decide the people, Council having decided to ho! referendum election after hearing a dis sion of the question. Four ministers favore! the bive law, and Ross A. McVoy, former theater manager of Auburn, N. Y., spoke for Sunday amusement. be directed by S -ondi tie The Victory Theater, formerly the State, Salt Lake City, Utah, opened recently. The playhouse has been beautifully redecorated, both as to exterior and interior, and wil! feature only high-class pictures. The house has a ten-piece orcbestza, ‘The Victorians” Ky