Variety (October 1908)

VARIETY LEO CARRILLO'S CARTOON OF THE WEEK \wO AlomttSa PANTAGES IN SAN FRANCISCO. San Francisco, Oct. 1. There is a good deal of unauthenticated gossip going about just now that Alex. Pantages contemplates establishing a San Francisco connection to his northwestern circuit. The rumors may be partly ac- counted for by the recent visit of Attorney Winstock, of Seattle, who looks after the Pantages interests, to this city, where he was in conference with the Western States people. The subject of the conversation was not divulged, but here again gossip is busy and the theatrical sharps would not be surprised if, when all things are known, Alex. Pantages developed as the big man of the Western States crowd. Otherwise he will probably enter San Francisco any- way. "FEMALE HARRY LAUDER" COMING. Before Harry Lauder shall have ceased his vaudeville labors over here this com- ing trip, his female prototype, according to the reports, will be playing on the United time, commencing Dec. 7 next at one of Percy G. Williams' theatres. "The Female Harry Lauder" is Jessie Preston. She sings Scotch songs only, and has something of a reputation abroad. CLOSE THROUGH "SALOME." Chicago, Oct. 1. "The Girl Behind the Counter," Lew Fields' show, ends its Chicago engage- ment Saturday night, a few weeks ahead of time. The "Salome" dance/as given by Lotta Faust in the production, is generally at- tributed as the reason for the premature ending of the run. Chicago isn't wild over the "Salome" tiling. How a woman looks undressed isn't important out here at least not $2 worth. SECOND POLITICAL MASS MEETING. The second mass meeting of the White Rats Political League will be held to- morrow night, Oct. 4, at the American Theatre, loaned again to the League by William Morris, Inc. A number of well-known public speak- ers have volunteered to address the crowd. Agnes Mahr will have a new act in No- vember when playing the Orpheum Circuit. It will be called "A French Poodle." GUYER AND CRISPI SPLIT. Messages reaching here this week from Paris told that Ned Nye has formed a partnership with Ida Crispi, formerly of Guyer and Crispi, and the new act is look- ing for American time, Nye having writ- ten the Casey Agency to secure it, while Miss Crispi wired M. S. Bent ham. Guyer and Crispi were on the opening bill at the Olympia, Paris, appearing Sept. I. In the revue which was also given in the same theatre, Ned Nye appeared, hav- ing been specially engaged for the produc- tion. Nothing has been heard from Guyer. FULTON THEATRE OPENING. Independent vaudeville came to Brook- lyn last Saturday night when the Fulton Theatre opened its doors to an audience that packed the place from orchestra pit to gallery. By 7 o'clock not a seat was to be had, and by the end of the overture the back of the house was lined with standees five deep. It was said that the evening performances for this week were sold out by Monday afternoon. The house is on Fulton Street, three doors west of Nostrand Avenue. This is half a dozen blocks beyond Keeney's, a United Booking Offices' connection, with which it enters into active competition. It has a capacity of about 1,800, and is a modern building of cantilever construc- tion and cosy interior. Opening night the big chamber in the dome was not lighted as the audience entered, but when it was turned on the house had a cheerful look. When William Slafer stood up to direct "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the opening overture everybody recognized him as the former Hyde & Behman leader and Brighton Beach bandmaster. He came in for a cordial welcome. William Trimborn is the manager of the house, and also secretary of the Ful- ton Theatre Company, the corporation which built the house. Matinee prices are from 15 to 75 cents; evening scale, 25 cents to $1. The staff includes Henry J. Blossom, treasurer; George E. O'Brien, James L. Schonberg, stage manager, and George Fostner, advertising agent. PARIS VERY MUSSY. Paris, Sept. 23. Another theatrical crime, although not yet with fatal results as was that of the Scala music hall, is causing much discus- sion in theatrical circles of the Gay City. At the Ambigo Theatre, the home of melo- drama, on Sept. 11, just as the perfor- mance was finishing at midnight, Jules Stien, the former press agent of the house, walked into the office of Mr. Freygefond, the manager, and demanded the return of some money he claimed was due him. This was refused. Stien immediately cov- ered his former employer with a revolver and fired thrice, each shot taking effect. He then rushed away. Stage hands, at- tracted by the noise, hastened to the as- sistance of the manager, whose condition was found serious. Stien has since been arrested, and is now preparing his defence, which may bring to light the manner in which some Parisian playhouses are run. Mr. Freyge- fond is dangerously wounded, but there is hope of saving his life. FITZSIMMONS' DOUBLE KNOCKOUT. Watertown, N. Y., Oct. 1. Bob Fitzsimmons picked up some little loose change last week while here as the headline on the Orpheum's bill. One eve- ning, by especial invitation, Fitzsimmons met two "locals" in the same ring on the same evening, and quickly disposed of both.