Variety (Jan 1906)

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VARIETY. THOMPSON AND DUNDY AT ODDS. Trouble Is imminent in the firm of Thompson & Dundy, who direct the destinies of the Hippodrome with the unsolicited assistance of John W. Gates. To understand properly the present cause of disturbance a short resume of the partnership is necessary. When Thompson and Dundy first con- delved "The Hip," capital was required l)efore further progress could be made. Elmer Dundy is the "producing" mem- ber of the firm, and he interested John W. Gates In the financial end of the enterprise. Fred Thompson, who is now in EJurope, is the showman of the com- bination. Mr. Thompson has no preten- sions for any other line of woric, and it is generally conceded that the "show" department of the mammoth enterprise baa been highly successful. The prices at the Hippodrome this '^eek were increased on an average of ^fty cents, the 1150 seats raised to $2 ^nd the others on the same scale. This was at the instigation of Mr. Gates, who, not satisfied with the $25,000 week- ly profit, net, which the Hippodrome "was said to be earning under the old prices, desired to enforce the Wall ■Street rule to "get everything In sight ^uick." Mr. Thompson was unalterably op- posed to the raise, and secured the pledge of his partners before leaving for Europe that no action would be taken in hig absence. But the opportunity was too good to be wasted. With Thompson out of the way, nothing remained to re- strain the increase, and it occurred. That Thompson had an inkling that this would be done during his stay abroad is proven by the fact that he has spent over $250 in cablegrams pleading with his partners not to be hasty and await his return. His return now Is awaited with con- siderable trepidation. Known as a man of determination, the result of this action without his consent cannot be -foreseen before his arrival, but that a serious dissension has been caused, which may even culminate in the firm's dissolution, Is more than probable. PROCTOR HAS SETTLED. The case of Eph. Thompson against F. F. Proctor has been amicably settled out of court by William Grossman, Thompson's lawyer. The act will play Newark next week. I. A. L. ELECTION. They are going from bad to worse in the International Artisten Loge. At the recent election the head of the legal department, one Szkolny, was succeed- ed by Kantotowlcz, which Is twice as difficult to spell. Max Konorah was almost unanimous- ly elected president for another term In recognition of his splendid services to the order. WRESTLING GIRL DEAD. Alice Ross, of the troupe of women wrestlers now traveling with a bur- lesque company, died in Toledo last Monday. She submitted to an operation for an Injury received in her work and did not recover from the shock. TROUBLE IN "DREAMLAND." The internal workings of the "Dream- land" corporation are not running as smoothly as might be expected with the summer season so close at hand, Ex-Senator William H, Reynolds is the main stockholder in the concern and controls It absolutely, although many men prominent on Broadway are largely interested, and are not alto- gether satisfied with Mr. Reynolds' di- rection. '■■■■' "■"" '" ■ '■■""'■■ ■'' ■"• "The Senator" has announced that Ex-Sheriff William J. Buttling, of Kings County, will be the general manager. Mr. Butt ling's nearest approach to di- recting a "show" was when, as Sheriff, he ordered the front door knobs on the Raymond Street Jail to be polished daily. ... .,»,-.•/..■ .■■^■\r The objecting stockholders find it difficult to approve the appointment when "Jack" Hamilton, brother of "Tody," or James A. Bailey's brother- in-law. McCaddon. could have been se- cured, either of whom is capable. Samuel Gumperts was the general manager for the past two seasons, but In name only. Receiving a salary of $7,500 yearly for his services, Mr. Rey- nolds kept such a firm hold upon all the wires that Mr, Gumperts did not have the authority to issue a pass. The outcome Is awaited with much interest. To those conversant with large amusement enterprises the policy of installing an inexperienced man Is humorous. To those financially Inter- ested it seems suicidal. MARINELLI AND THE ARTISTEN LOGE. A report reached here that at a meet- ing of the Artisten Loge, held in Berlin on Dec. 31, It was recommended that no member book through the H. B. Mari- nelll Agency for an American appear- ance, which would practically amount to a boycott of this agency by the Loge members. E. Wolhelm, the New York represent- ative for Marinelll, when questioned as to this, said: "It Is only true In part. The action was not taken at a regular meeting of the Loge. but was inform- ally discussed, and really resulted from a misunderstanding. The B. F. Keith Agency wrote to the Loge saying that Marinelll could not book over the Keith circuit, and would thereby be unable to give American time. We answered that letter by informing ihe Loge that the B. F. Keith Agency was a vaudeville agency, and was a competitor of Marl- nelii. That explained the matter, and 1 am quite sure that you will hear In a few days that a corrected report has been sent out by the Loge." CORBETT MAY COME BACK. James J. Corbett, who elevated him- self to the stage of Daly's Theatre in "Cashel Byron's Profession," has been casting around with a view of ascertain- ing the likelihood of Immediate vaude- ville booking providing that play should (*los(\ Carter DeHaven and Flora Parker will open at the Colonial on Jan. 29. it is said that one of the reasons that • ausod Fred Thompson to make his last Irip to T.ondon was to complete some de- tails regarding a Hippodrome in that town, the site of yshU-h has been m- lected. POLI IS waiting; There have been no further develop- ments in the matter of S, Z. Poll enter- ing Boston. Mr, Poll Is perfectly willing to make a fight unless he has positive assurance that his interests In other towns will not be interfered with, but the vaudeville managers generally are unwilling to see a fight precipitated and are seeking to bring about an amicable settlement. Poll does not object to the Keith invasion of Worcester, but he in- sists upon being permitted to do busi- ness without having the artists under engagement to him taken away by the opposition, and" It Is believed that some solution will be arrived at within the week. A PENNSYLVANIA CIRCUIT. The Pennsylvania Theatre Company, through its president. Edward Mozart, on Thursday last consummated an Im- portant deal in theatrical affairs and se- cured the control and placing of acts In seven large theatres In Pennsylvania. Mr. Mozart has been In communica- tion with M. ReiR. of New York city, who controls nineteen houses In Penn- sylvania, for some time, and the sign- ing of the contract is the culmination of various negotiations. Under the new arrangement the New Family Theatre at Lancaster becomes the centre of an extensive circuit of vaudeville houses, beginning at the New Family Theatre. Lancaster, Penn., and including Shamo- kln, Mahanoy City; Grand Opera, Potts- town; Academy of Music, Pottsville: Grand Opera House, Hazelton; New O'Hara Theatre, Shenandoah: Academy. South Bethlehem; Morgan Grand Opera House, Sharon; Park Opera HoUse, Erie, and the Majestic Theatre. Akron/Ohio. In the future all acts will open for the circuit at Lancaster, This change and arrangement will have considerable ef- fect on the large traveling attractions, as all contracts In the houses mentioned which were booked after Monday. Jan 15, and Monday. Jan, 22. have been can- celed. No disposition has as yet been made as to the Grand Opera House In Harrisburg, the Academy in Lebanon or the Grand Opera House in Reading, but they will no doubt be affiliated along the same lines. *' ' M. H. GROSSMAN IN VAUDEVILLE. Through the kindly oflBces of M. H. Grossman, of House, Vorhaus and Grossman, and the generosity of Percy Williams, James F. Morton will lecture at the Alhambra Theatre in Harlem to- morrow (Sunday) morning at 10.30, on the Russian question. Mr. Morton (who must not be con- founded with "James J,") is a wide traveler with a thorough knowledge of the racial situation and troubles in''the storm-brewing country. The sale of seats under Mr,* Grossman's manage- ment has been large^ and*"the" element of the uptown district will be^ repre- sented. A* Harris Rosenthal, the father of Jake Rosenthal, of Dubuque, Iowa, manag.er of the Bijou Theatre, and of Lew Rose, of Rose and Severns, died at his homeln Chicago on Dec. 30. 1905. The family were all at home <iuring the last hours of their parent. AN APPEAL. The following has been issued in cir- cular form by the Actors' Society. It will interest the variety profession, as for a long time one of the murdered actors was of the team of Talbot and Davidson: My Dear Slr:—On the 15th day of last month (DecembtT), two worthy members of the dra- matic and vaudevUlrt prufesslon. Abbot David- son and Milan Bennett, wore shot and killed by Qt'orge Hasty, In Oaffney, South Carolina. Said Hasty is now Incarcerated in the Jail of that plac« awaiting trial for murder, while the hospitable and law-al)ltlinff citizens of Oaffney, South Caiollna, have nmnlfetited every desire tn see that JiJMtice will be done, the Actors' Society of America,. bellevinR that It Is their duty to assist in all wavs in the protection of the mem- bers of the profesftioii, held a special meeting of its board of directors and passed the following reftnlutions: Whereas, Mllon Bennett and Abbot David- son, two members of the dramatic and vauile- vllle profession, were shot and killed by .me. George Hasty, for no apparent reason other than they resented an insult offered to two women of their company. Miss Verine Sheridan and Mis:* May Bishop, and whereas that the said Ha.sty is a resident and property owner in the place where the shooting occurred and the said Milan Bennett and Abbot Davidson were non-residents and Were without personal friends or relations in the vicinity; therefore. Be it resolved. That the Actors* Society of America deems it proper in fulfilling Its miK- slon of ministering to the welfare of the pro- fession in America that it should ask for sub- scriptions from members of the profession to create a fund sufflclent to defray the exp^-nscs of an attorney to act as consulting attorney with the authorities of Oaffney, South Carolina, and such other necessary expenses that may be in- curred in order that every opportunity may be afforded the authorities to enable them to se- cure the ends of justice. We hope yoJ can see yoUr way to h»>lp in this worthy caiisc. which a proper regard for the dignity of our profession demands that the Actors' Society should foster. A committee has been appointed to receive subscriptions which the Actors* Society has headed with a donation of *25<), and James K. Hackett f'J.'SO All subscriptions, communications and checks should be addressed to William Courtlelgh. Chair- man of Committae. ■ ,y. . Very truly, ; . .T.NMES K. HACKRTT. ... .*^i'cretary of (""ommittee. Subscriptions should be sent direct to the Actors' Society and NOT to Variety. • ' BIMBERG'8 NEW THEATRE. ' M. R. Bimberg will have a new thea- tre in Harlem, and the present intention is that It shall be conducted for vaude- ville. Mr. Bimberg declines to give the site upon which the new building will be erected, but It is suspected that the southwest comer of 116th street and Lenox avenue has been chosen. Exca- vation for foundations has been going on for some time at this spot. NEW THEATRE AT MANHATTAN. Plans are now being discussed for a new theatre at Manhattan Beach in place of the Casino, Percy O. Williams has been offered the house for this sum- mer for vaudeville, but does not look upon the i)roject with favor. ANITA ALLEN'S SKETCH. Anita Allen will make her appearance in vaudeville in a Cressy sketch. The introduction will show a railwav station through moving pictures, the biograph throughout having an important part. The action does not commence until the passengers are seen to leave the sta- tion and board the tiain, when the in- terior of a Pullman coach will be shown, with wheels revolving beneath and scenery flying past the open windows. The principals are now rehearsing. .Mabel McKlnley does not realize the value of publicity. i)roperly adminis- tered. It Is a fault of very many vau- devllllans. but fpw have had the oppor tunily lost by >liss McKlnley, Philip K. Mlndil. the Pi'octor general i>ress repre- sentative, su^gestprj to Miss McKlnley that she write a song, dedicating it to .\lice Roosevelt on her approaching mar rljHgp The niece of the late President McKlnley did not receive It favorably.