The Billboard 1924-12-20: Vol 36 Iss 51 (1924-12-20)

a 4) we Pee Der eoe at pia i wee oe" DECEMBER 20 1924 The Billboard FOREIGN ACTS ANXIOUS TO GET BACK TO THEIR OWN COUNTRIES International Theatrical Agencies Besieged With Requests for Book ings Abroad---Turns Prefer That Method o Sailing on Their Own —— EW YORK, Dec. 15.—International theatrical agencies are being besieged by at least 70 per cent of the floating population of foreign acts In this country, which have been here since the post-war period of depression in England and the seeking bookings abroad. and Conditions in Europe have Continent, opportunity. anxious to sail at the earliest possible so far advanced toward a normal state during the past few months that the offerings in question believe it is better for While there is nothing to prevent these acts from sailing on their own, with a reasonable amount of assurance of getting plenty of work, contracts are sought here because of the slightly better salary that might be commanded in dealing with foreign agents and bookers. An act that arrives abroad with a contract does not have to go thru the formality of making a suitable bargain for as much money as_ possible. Once arrived on the other side the managers recognize the need of work and are apt to get them at a lower figure, while a New York agreement gives a better tone to the whole affair and usually more ney. w Most of these acts, it is said, have not been seen in either England, ance or Germgny for several years, having preferred to cast their fortunes in the United States while impossible conditions prevailed in Europe, due to various causes and restrictions resulting from the war. Now, almost all of the difficulties that beset vaudeville actors in Europe during the past few years have disappeared. Contracts. of course, for the present season cannot be made as routes have already been Mid out, but all acts that eame here, on speculation and under contract, are trying to get set for next season's business in Europe. On _ the face of it, more money is obtained here for the various acts, especially the better class. Other conditions here, howéver, not existing in Europe, cause the actual net profit of an act to drop far below what is generally believed. Both the United States and Europe have several fine features not oxteting in its respective domain, but in the final analysis foreign turns say it is better for them to work in their own and nearby countries. Some places the managers pay all railroad fares, while in Englanda’ and Germany there is much less work to do. Instead of doing two to four shows a day here, including matinee and evening performances, acts can get away with merely two shows a night and have all day to themselves. Few houses on the big British or German circuits run afternoon vaudeville shows, and this, according to the actors, is what attracts them to a great extent. Eddy Estate $162,966 New York, Dec. 13.—An estate of $162,996.96 was left by Ezra Butler Eddy, who played in The Pawn and was a member of the vaudeville team of Eddy and Allain, whose death occurred in Hull, Canada, his birthplace, July 20, 1922, it was revealed here Wednesday when an accounting of his estate was approved by Surrogate O'Brien Eddy had been twice married and he left half of his entire estate to his second wife, Mrs. Caroline Margaret Maguire Eddy, and the other half to his son by his first wife, Fzra Butler Eddy, Jr. Eddy named his second wife in the will as Caroline Margaret Maguire, a_ friend, which led to the belief that the will was made out before he married her. The boy lives with his mother _ George C. Howard, friend and attorney, is executor of the estate and guardian of the boy. Hippodrome’s Second Year as Keith House — I\ New York, Dec. 15.—A Fifth avenue caterer has made a huge cake which is on display at the Hippodrome this week, celebrating the beginning of its second years as a Keith house. After the final ‘rformance of the week the cake will cut and a piece distributed to each employee and performer. Rose Signs Royal Midgets for Three More Years ths ‘icago, Dec. 13.—Ike Rose reports Midwew has again signed the 25 Royal fr gets for a term of three years, dating ‘m next August. The act played Pan a James Theater, Columbus, O., last capac Mr. Rose said it played four apacity shows on the Sun ay opening. Morrison Presents Acts . New York, Dee. 15.—Charles Morrison recting Lillian Lorraine in a new audeville act, soon to open, and will Present Robert Emmett Keane and Claire M tney this week in a sketch by Homer ’. Mason, entitied Room 908. ’ ~ them in every way to play their native heath, Wodetsky Manager of Liberty, Terre Haute Ind, Dee. 13.—J. C. years in the theatrical business and for 10 years associated with the Keith Circuit in various capacities, has taken charge of the Liberty Theater, Terre Haute, Ind. He came from Grand Rapids. Mich., where he managed the Keith Theater there. The Liberty stages both motion picture and vaudeville. The policy in the future provides for the showing of a high-class motion picture and vaudeville. The vaudeville, however, wiil not be presented in the usual manner, but will be arranged so the program will be more snappy, than the usual combination. Various novelties and features will be staged also, including the prologing of pictures. Certain scenes in motion pictures will be reproduced on the stage with special lighting effects and other features, Miss Diamond Under Knife New York, Dec. 15.—Phoebe Diamond, of The Four Diamonds, was removed to the Georgetown Hospital, where she was operated on for a tumor, following the dancing act’s engagement at Keith's Theater, Washington, week before last. Indianapolis, Wodetsky, for 26 The operation was performed by Dr. Dearcy Magel, leading Washiggton physician and surgeon, and Miss amond is reported to be resting easily. The Diamonds were forced to cancel a 10 weeks’ tour of the Delmar Time because of Miss Phoebe’s illness, but expect to resume their vaudeville dates in a few weeks. he three Diamonds are staying at the Arlington Hotel in this city until their sister recovers. Princess White Deer in Vaudeville Revue New York, Dec. 15.—Princess White Deer, of whom we have heard so much recently, opened her new American Indian revue, From the Wigiwam to the White Lights, at the Columbia Theater, Far Rockaway, last week, and came into the Royal today. The Princess is the daughter of Jim Deer, last hereditary chief of the Mohawks. Featured in her com— of 11 are Chief Eagle Horse, Alas an Indian, who recently “singled” in vaudeville, and Peppy D’Albrew, young tango dancer from the Argentine. Sam Shannon produced the act. McIntyre. Heath and Quinlan Honored by Elks Auburn, N. Y., Dee. 13.—Syracuse Lodge, No. 31, of the Elks, at its meeting Thursday evening honored three brothers who have gained fame in the vaudeville world and are still enthroned behind the footlights. The stage people are McIntyre and Heath and Dan Quinlan. who are playing at Keith's Theater this week in the The Georgia Minstrels. Following the regular lodge ritual the three guests entertained the Syracuse herd and in turn were entertained at a banquet and reception. Christmas Treat for Kiddies New York, Dec. 13.—Manager De Wald of Keith's Alhambra Theater in Harlem has organized an Alhambra Theater Patrons’ Christmas and Theater Party, with the object of assisting needy children in that section of the city to enjoy Yuletide. He has arranged a special performance for the youngsters Christmas morning, when there will be a huge Christmas tree on the stage loaded with gifts sent in by patrons. In return for the presents De Wald is passing out tickets to the patrons to be distributed to the kiddies. William Courtleigh Opens in “Good Provider’ New York, Dec. 15.—William Courtleigh opened today at Keith's Hamilton in The Good Provider, by Elaine Sterne, the vehicle used by Elliott Dexter on the Orpheum Circuit. James Neill, of the original cast, is among Courtleigh’s sup orting company, which also includes illiam_ Friend, Miriam Hicks and Constance Beaumar Sophie Tucker Drops “Mme.” From Her Name Boston, Dec. 15.—The “Madame” we have been seeing before the name of our own Sophie Tucker has caused the popular vaudeville entertainer so much uneasiness since she acquired the title that she has decided to give it the air, and from now be just plain Sophie Tucker. The “Empress of Jazz’ made this decision last week while playing the Keith Theater here, and announced she felt all out of place with the appellation Madame in front of her moniker, and has banned it forever. Miss Tucker was first billed as Mme. Tucker upon her return engagement at the Palace Theater, New York, early this fall, then was similarly featured in Earl Carroll's Vanities of 1924, which she joined following her Palace appearance. The jazz queen said she thought it was all a little joke at first, but that it had gotten serious and the public was taking her for granted, expecting to make a Metropolitan prima donna out of her, and she didn't want that, preferring to be her plain self. “This Madame title of nobility nearly was my ruination, and was beginning to feel unnatural with it staring me in the face all the time,”” Miss Tucker confided in an interview here. She hails from Boston, having been born in Parmenter street, in the north section of town. Colored Acts in Benefit New York, Dec. 15.—More than $200 was realized at the Christmas Charity Fund Benefit staged at the Lincoln Theater, in which a dozen colored acts, gether with “Tiger” Flowers, Negro boxer, who has been achieving fame recently, took part. The proceeds were turned over to a committee of women for the purchase of presents for the poor children of the district. The Tattler, a Negro publication, promoted the benefit. The wife of its publisher headed the committee, which included Mrs. Regan, secretary of the Lincoln Theater, and Mrs. Gabriel Jackson. Among the entertainers were Parker and Gaston, Brown and Demont, Little Anise Boyer, Arthur Sequira, baby dancer; Gant and Perkins, Zeigler’s Band, with Kitty Ablaunche; Freeman and McGinty, “Slim” Thompson, George McClendon and the orchestra and artistes from Small’s Cabaret. The show was staged under the direction of Billy Mills. Lopez Band Act to New York, Dec. 15.—The orchestra act formerly done in vaudeville by the Vincent Lopez Hotel Pennsylvania organization will be duplicated by a new 11-piece band to be called Vincent Lopez’s New Yorkers, Harry Weber, who handled the original orchestra in vaudeville for the Keith office, will have the new offering under his direction. All scenic effects and other novel presentations of songs will be with the new band. which will be led by one of the original Lopez personnel. The week of December 28 has been set for a tryout of the orchestra at Keith's Jefferson Theater. A long Keith route will follow if the offering comes up to expectations. ‘ Overexertion Fatal New York, Dec. 15.—Overexerted from strenuous dancing, Daniel Burns, 24, of Brooklyn, appearing in a skit presented by the 27th Division Boys, collapsed upon reaching his dressing room after his specialty at the Monday night performance of the act at ew's Avenue B Theater. He died before medical aid could be secured. Members of the act said Burns had worked unusually hard to put his dancing across and complained of feeling faint after the curtain had descended. His death was caused by a weak heart, physicians reported. New Material for Team New York, Dec. 15.—J. H. (Slim) Thompson, of the team Wilson and Thompson, is playing dates in and around New York with the Wilbur Sweatnam Band, while Miss Wilson is doing a single at the Hollywood Club. The team is rehearsing some new material on the side provided for the act by Henry Creamer. Chevair in New Skit New York, Dec. 15.—Buster Chevair and Company, in,a new singing and dancing skit by George Libby, entitled The Arrival, opened the second half last week at Utica. N. Y., for the Keith Circuit. Doris Lee and Nat Anson constitute Chevair’s company, while Tom y is the producer of the offering. Heming-Matthews Debut New York. Dec. 15.—Violet Heming and A. E. Matthews are making their vaudeville debut this week in A Unique Opportunity. a sketch in which Fay Compton and Leon Quartermaine are now appearing at the London Coliseum. There will be another member in the cast. Lewis. & Gordon are presenting legit. favorites in this sketch. 13 LOPEZ MAKES CHANGE IN PLANS Manhattan Opera House Concert, Canceled and Complete Change Made in Route New York, Dec. 15.—The Vincent 1 pez Concert scheduled for the Manhatta. Opera House the night of December 2» has been canceled and a complete chang made in the general plans of the orZanization’s intended route and style of performance. Some change is also being made in regard to the tour’s management, On January 10 the orchestra, composed of 25 men, instead of the forty that appeared at the Metropolitan Opera House recently, will start a six weeks’ concert and dance engagement, possibly thru Pennsylvania and adjacent territory. The concerts will be along lines of the one given at the Metropolitan, but the program will be reduced to about an hour. Following the concert a dance will be given. Present contracts with the Hotel PennSylvania provide Ey Lopez must appear at least once in si® weeks in person at the hotel grillroom with his orchestra. The present tour is made possible by the doing away of the contract with the Greenwich Village Follies which he teft some days ago. The six weeks’ tour will be in advance of the original transcontinental and world-wide tour which will be started some time in the spring. S. Hurck, who had the Lopez concerts under his direction with the William Morris offices, has withdrawn and it is expected that Loeffler & Bratton, gr John Loeffler on his own, will handlé the routing of the orchestra in conjunction with the William Morris Agency. Vaudeville engagements for the Lopez Hotel Pennsylvania Orchestra, which is the nucleus of the concert organization, have definitely been decided as out of the question and another band will do the old act in vaudeville. Tannen Makes Address at Warburg Banquet New York, Dec. 15.—Julifus Tannen canceled a few dates on the Orpheum Circuit last week in order to come east from Milwaukee and make an address at the testimonial banquet to Felix M. Warburg, held last night at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel here. : He was compelled to leave the Palace bill in Milwaukee after the matinee performance Saturday. Willie Solar, who opened today at Winnipeg, filled the spot Saturday night. Can’t Kid “Mr. A” on English Stage London, Dee. 15.—A ruling has just been handed down by the London Board of Censorship interdicting the production of a vaudeville sketch which uses _ as its subject the recent trial here of “Mr. A”, Rajah Hari Singh, Indian potentate. A London sketch producer, who was to present a sketch entitled Mr. A or A Matter of State, was enjoined from so doing, and a ruling subsequently made prohibits the use of the sensational trial for vaudeville material. Hipp.’s Birthday New York, Dec. 15.—The Hippodrome this week enters upon its second year under the Keith regime as the largest vaudeville theater in existence. A special bill of acts to celebrate the occasion has been booked and other features have been added for this week. During its first year as a Keith house, the Hippodrome has been attended by more than 3,000,000 persons, it is reported. Rose Maura To Open at Tulsa New York, Dec. 15.—Rose Maura’s Revue, featuring Miss Maura, Herb Webster and a Scotch bagpipe band, is opening at Tulsa, Ok., December 21 for a tour of the Interstate Circuit. The act hasn't appeared onthe big time since February of this year. It will probably make a tour of the Orpheum Circuit following the Interstate engagements. O’Brien and Hall f. Return to Keith Time New York, Dec. 15.—Billy O’Brien and Frankie Hall, presenting a musica! fa! called Aerial Male, opened last week a Asbury Park, N. J., returning to the Keith Circuit after several months’ absence The special melodies used in their offering were written by Jack Baxley. Barry and Whitledge ; Open on Delmar Time New York, Dec. 15.—Clara Barry and Orville Whitledge, in For Just a Few Moments Oniyv, opened a tour of the Delmar Circuit last week at Richmond and Norfolk. They recently a on the Keith Time in New York to t thelt act to the bookers,