Variety (February 1908)

VARIETY ARTI STS* FO RUM '''■''''" ' ...•■■ . •'. . ' ■ ^ • ^. Conflo* your letters to 150 words and write en one tide et paper only. Anonymeue communicatlonf will not be printed. Name of writer must be eigned and wBI be held In strict confidence. If desired. Cincinnati, 0., Jan. 27. Editor Variety: I notice in the issue of Variety the Cycling Carrolls claim to be the first to use the word "Cycling." We wish to state they were not, as the Millard Brothers (Bill and Bob) used it wlien they were first together. They informed us they had the word "Cycling" copyrighted. After they dis- carded the "Cycling" we wrote asking the Millard Brothers if they had any ob- jection to our using it. They replied say- ing we could. So the Carrolls are mis- taken when they say "Cycling" belongs to them. Cycling Bardwella. Homestead, Pa., Jan. 27. Editor Variety: In regards to the statement made by Miller and Russell in last week's Variety, we beg to say that we have not stolen their act, or in fact anybody's, as our own meal ticket will see us through any- where. Our act does not conflict with theirs in any matter, shape or form, as anyone who has seen the two acts can judge. They say they have been "informed." Well, we wish to thank their informants very much, as there is nothing like adver- tising. Lemuels and Scofield. York, Pa., Jan. 27. Editor Variety: In February, '07, Edward A. Locke wrote a sketch for me. When Mr. Locke submitted the scenario to me he called it "The Magic lantern," and at my sugges- tion changed the title to "The Mystic Lamp." This act and title were advertised in VARiFrPY during March and April of last year. "The Mystic Lamp" was elaborate- ly produced and first put on at Glovers- ville, N. Y., April 29, 1907, by me, with the assistance of Sager Dean, Edward C. Riley and C. H. Harris. I noticed in last week's issue of Varikty a statement to the effect that Jos. Ilart had come into possession of "The Mystic Pool," and was revising same for Stephen Grattan. I am mentioning the above facts con- cerning "ITie Mystic Lamp" (which is my exclusive property) in the event of a con- troversy arising when I again produce "The Mystic Lamp," owing to the similar- ity in these titles. Lillian Hale. New York aty, Jan. 27. Editor Variety: I want to give fair warning to certain parties who have been blackmailing and "knocking" me in this business for the past two years. If this is not sufficient, I will resort to the law. Juliet Wood. Chicago, Jan. 27. Editor Variety: According to the latest classified statis- tics of prisoners of the U. S. the "public entertainers" have the lowest rate assigned them. V I think it incumbent on all artists to use influence when necessary to stamp out the growing custom of the press to call people who have had the misfortune to have been murdered, or to have com- mitted suicide, or to have gotten in trouble, and whose real vocation might not look well in print, "actor" or "actress." Real Artist. St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, N. Y., Jan. 28. Editor Variety: I have been in this hospital for a long time. I have had an operation that should have been attended to a long time ago. I am still in bed, but will be out soon. I hear I have lost a number of friends in the basintsa JusI bc-i;ui»»e when I meet them and they put out their hand to shake (I know them well and like them) I don't shake hands with any one. I would not shake hands with George Washington if he were alive, or President Roosevelt, or any other President. I wouldn't shake hands with any woman I ever met. I wouldn't shake hands with the King of England. If I shook hands with three men be- tween 23d Street and 42nd Street, I should be in some hospital getting my right hand fixed. That's the reason. Fred Ray. Mansfield, O., Jan. 20. Editor Variety: I notice in your issue of Jan. 25 that a Mr. Connors, ventriloquist, who played our theatre Jan. C, thought he had a griev- ance and aired it through your columns. From a managerial standpoint I feel it is due our theatre to reply. Mr. Connors savs we arc in the habit of closing acts. We never closed an act that could deliver the goods. In fact, we never closed an act before or after the week of Jan. 6. No manager who wishes to give his patrons their money's worth will be im- posed upon. I refer artists to Reed and St. John, Mr. Buck (animal act), Claude Austin, etc., wlio were on the same bill. H. H. Lewis, Manager Alvin Theatre. Oakland, Cal., .liiu. 2."). Editor Vakiktv: 'J'he reason for my not speaking to Charles Manny, the mannjjcr of the "Arlington Five," is, because he "grabbed" the last VARI^n'Y from the newsstand be- fore I could got a chance. I was in tlie load for about six lengths, bjit Despair certainly stared nic in the face as Manny "plucked" the last Vauikty. You can't imagine how liungry the theatrical and even private folk are for VARI?n"Y. I wouldn't be surpri>od to hoar some "legit" say, "I had Vaiukty for supper." Herman Timhcrg. '■: ' ; "School Boys and Girls." FOGERTY-WHITELAW CONTROVERSY. The controversy between Frank Fogerty and Arthur Whitelaw, both single "Irish" talking acts, reached an acute point this week with each of the artists playing local theatres, - The difference arises over a "political speech" used by both, very similar in con- struction. Mr. Whitelaw said this week he had been telling the "story," as the speech'is called, for a. number of years back, before the time Mr. Fogerty says he told it first, which is ten years ago. ., A number of letters are in Mr. White- law's possession bearing out his state- ment. The question may remain open un- less Messrs. Fogerty and Whitelaw meet to discuss it, when the priority might be decided. ■ ^■'■"■■■ ''^ ■: " L-L- -•■■■-■>V' .• VON TILZER HAS TIME. Harry Von Tilzer has received con- tracts to play all of the Keith-Proctor houses with the act he showed at Ham- merstem's not long ago. He begins on the K.-P. time at Fifty-eighth Street Mon- day. Engagements were offered the music- publiaher-singer following his appearance at the Victoria, but he held out for hi.i own terms. The vaudeville managers have now met his conditions. , ANOTHER VON TILZER ON STAGE. There will be anotlior Von Tilzer in vaudeville next month. Jules, brother of Harry, is going to make the try with his "Amateur Night," opening in Atlantic City, perhaps February 17. 'there will be four poojde besides Mr. Von Tilzer in the act. It has been the source of miioli amusement at private en- tertainments for a long while, always with Jules in the cast. STOCK PERHAPS AT VICTORY. San Francisco, Jan. 30. The Victory (Alpha Circuit) still re- mains (lark, though it is not expected to long continue so. There is strong evidence that E. A. Fischer, of Los Angelos, and who formerly ran The Fischer in this city, is making an effort to secure the hGUs»^ If he succeeds there is little doubt but he will follow his former policy of stock pro- ductions of light musical comedies, with the Alplia Circuit's acts furnishing an olio. VAUDEVILLE STARS AT CIRCLE. Holioarsalij commenced Thursday for the now show which Cus Edwards and Folix Isman are to put on at the Circle Theatre in the early part of March. When tlu' company is completed it is pnibalde that in the cast will appear Mabol Ilite, (Jeorge Evans, Bobby Noitii, M<(Jay and Cant well and Dolly Jordan. The producers have indicated that those artists have already been secured and it is probable that Daizie, who retired from "The Follies of 1JM)7" at the conclusion of its Philailt'li»hia cngaKoniont, will also be a feature of the organization. Jerome and Jerome, with "The Cliam- I)agne Girls," have a new scenic produc- tion tormod "Frolics in Frogland" under V av. ,-■,:- ,,~ V • FISHEL IN CHARGE. . Chicago, Jan. .'JO. Dan Msliol, formerly of the Klaw & Kriangor forces took Ufi lils new duties as general manager of tlu> Chicago ollices ot" tin' Sulli\ an ( oii-i(lii!c (inuii yo^tcr- day. I"'rcil l.iin-uln on that da\ h-t't tor Seattle, Wash., where he will be located hereafter. PROPOSITION OFFERED MORRIS. It is understood a proposition has been made to William Morris to vacate his theatres in Springfield and Worcester, Mass. It is also understood the propo- sition has been declined. No information could be gleaned as to whether Mr. Morris had countered with a proposal of his own for the same purpose. ■/ ^ Until Morris returns from Europe, it is not likely that any settlement can be ar- rived at, ........... :■: ; :■.' ■ ^^ STAGE MANAGERS' BALL. The stage nuinagers of all the Keith- Proctor theatres are planning a gladsome time for the evening of March 25th. It falls on a Wednesdav. ■■'■■'\ l ■'. After the night shows the directors of aflairs "back of the stage" will gather their families and friends together at Ter- race Garden, 5Sth Street and Lexington Avenue, where one long continued jollifica- tion will occur. LOSING EASY IN "SLEEPYTOWN.** Philadelphia, Jan. 30. Philadelphia is right after Cliicago as the home of sneak-thieves, if the present avera^ie of thefts is kej)t up. Last week while A. L. Erlanger was in town, overseeing the rehearsals of "The Soul Kiss," Mr. Krlanger had $000 taken away from him in his room at the hotel. L'ichard Anderson lost $r)0, an<l three members of "The Follies of 1907" were also the victims of robbers. Dazie can not find a diamond brooch valued at $ir)0. Annabelle Whitford, "the (Jibson girl," is minus a $900 ornament, and Louise Alexander, of that show is moaning the loss of a $1,000 gold hand bag. Nothing has been recovered. ! DeLORIS UNMOLESTED. MoLoris, the sharp-shooter, who laid such violent hands upon Alex. Steiner, the agent, recently, that Mr. Steiner swore out a warrant for his arrest, is still at libortv. Mr. Di'Loris' apprehension by an officer of the law was daily expected, but after the marksman had strayed in the St. James building a few times, he forgot all ab(»ut seuocy wli« ii a blue coated minion of the law appeared. Dol.oris has enga^'od to play two weeks at the Cleveland llijiixxlromo, commencing February 10, and to spend another week f(dlowing that engagement at the Savoy, Hamilton, Canada. "DE AGENT." By John W. IIvmik. (Of HyiinT uiid Ki'iili. (I)ci1U-h1(<1 liy .Mr. II.Miifr (u .link Levy, llic )i«('Mt, uiid now ncciip.N In;; u «v»iis|»i(ii>>ns position lu .Mr. I.cvy'H olHcc.) "Who gets up at break uv day, Ciral»s some IuikIi en runs away To 20tli St. and llro.idway? Do Agent. Who says conn' up ev'ey day Mak('s \ ou t iiiiik y''U i^wifie to ])lay 'Til vou'm' raL'i:ed. old and «/ra\'? |)e Agent. W ho sets licliin' his Jifl desk Says lli-^ acts are all de l»c.->' rulV- out l»ig up in (!«• eho'? De Agent. Who -jot caneeled in de >kies - .' ■ •I'll do tliiee a day,' h'- (lies Who"- iiooked in hell for t';"'i fu. lie^* |)o Agent.