Variety (Jul 1937)

FORUM VARIETY n Week (Continued from page 1) tension of the five-day work week iot fan* will subBtahtially aid the theatres. Spreadloc Empleymeni Beyond the fact that a/five-day week enables people to give theatres added patronage, an important con- sideration from the point of view of the theatre operator, is that more persons are employed to run busi- nesses, thus spreading employment and money in more directions. Such businesses as operate seven days a week would be forced to hire relief help in order to keep going or stag- ger employees as under the NBA. Wher^ people are off on a couple week days but work Saturdays and Sundays, their added leisiure time must be consideried a b.ol help on days which otherwise might be lighter. Operators declare that they must de- preciate to sopae extent, especially in the summer, the fact that people go away more on weekenl^s when having two days off, but this deficit is minor compared to the added take over the whole year that would be expected if five working days in- stead of six were widespread. A shortened work week, as was noted, undejT.the Blue Eagle, hypoes busiijess ,iSiiturdays as well as Fri- day nf^^ts,..latter because of fact people paja ;^Ieep..the next morning. Any. ipiipojL^aat extension of the pol- icy of'a iSve-day week also helps Saturday morning mats^ Saturday and Sunday Best In some territories Saturdays now are the best days of the week, in others it's Sunday. New York, where many industries remain on the five-day week of the NRA, never having gone back to six, Saturdays are always .bigger than Sundays. In other spots/although not so many people having two days off each week, the Same holds true. Church- minded communities where, the Sab- bath is more generally observed, are among the^. W^hile i|i. the majority of cities and towns, howevei*, Sundays are better grossing days than Saturdays, the reverse very likely would be- come the result if a policy of labor for five days were more generally adopted. It is also held that with labor demanding the five-day work week, business enterprises which are on a six-day schedule, might volun- tarily incline toward a two-day shut- down. At present the five-day week for businesses is a voluntary measure, no change back to isix having been made when the NRA expired. It is rather rare outside of New York, except for •the summer months. All major film companies are among those which stayed on the five-day habit devel- oped by the NRA. Lensers Feared (Continued from page 5) New Name for Burlesque Editor, Variety: Read in last week's Variety the burlesque fellows In New York are debating over a new name to aptly describe their entertainment, now that they have completely annihi- lated 'Burlesque.' If that appellation never appears in print again, it will satisfy all those formerly connected with the. business, who have pleasant memories of the old association. What caught my attention was that they are considering the word 'Fol» lies' as a replacement for 'Burlesque.' If they do I intend to protect my in- terests in that title as a result of .over 20 years of annual 'Follies of the Day* productions. My interests are protected by the renewal at Washington last year for another 28 years. My attorneys,' House, Gross- man St, Vorhaus, have at various times had to notify a number of producers to refrain from using my title and last year I inserted an ad- vertisement in Variety warning pro- ducers and theatre owners of my copyright ownership. Barney Gerard^ selves a break because experience has taught them how they photo- graph best, which side of the face to present before the clicking-shutter barrage, etc. There are more camera hounds hereabouts nowadays than ever be- fore, some of them skilled at their work, others' just dubs. Situation is something like that which ob- tained with the fanmags before they were brought under Hays office and studio control more or less. For- merly freelance fan scribblers and peddlers of sob stuff could practi- cally ad lib their own tickets. This condition led inevitably to abuses and to the printing of irresponsible stuff that, in certain instances, stirred up a-lot of harm. At least one femme star is said to have suf- fered seriously from the fanmag hooey. That Studio Clamp-Down As things are lined up today, no ianmag writer can sell copy with- out the okay of studio publicity cen- sors, and it i:; a censorship rigidly imposed. Talk is heard around that some curb will have to be placed on the lensers for protection of box-office names. Just what form this protec- tion niight take has not been defi- nitely suggested. .However, that gossamer thing called glamour and 'ilusion is what this biz lives by f ven though it be as mechanized and standardized as making automobiles. At present the roving bulb pressers nave declared open season on the lovel.v stars, who flutter as helpless- ly and affrightedly in front of them a flock of gazelles before the Wolves. WHAT THEY THINK Biz In Stix <)uotcs » <tuota Mobile, July 5. Editor, Variety: There are too many foreign pic- tures being played in this country. English pictures, French ^pictures, German pictures, Swedish pictures— me, I say raus with the lot. I read your Variety every week, and almost every week I read about quota laws here and quota laws there, restrictions here and restric- tions there. Now, it's all right enough to sit around and say we Americans are a Democratic people and we don't make any restrictions. But that isn't the case. If they're restricting us, why shouldn't we do the same to them? Reciprocity is the name for it, I guess. I don't say shut down on all for- eign pictures, but a law of tit for tat isn't a wrong idea. If Germany says one out of four U. S. pictures Can come in—and then only after paying a heavy tax—why, okay, let's make the same law hold for Ger- many. Rudolf Karbein. Opera's Capital—H'wood7 New York, July 9. Editor, Variety: Are we simply to regard H as one of the ironies oi fate that American sifigers, lacking Curtis or JuiUiard credentials, should be destined to serve such a shamefully unimpor- tant part in the present Metropoli- tan Opera setup, or are we to be- lieve that the present age ^with its tendency toward mergers, mass pro- duction and materialism, is not pro- pitious to the development of oper- atic talent elsewhere in this country? If you ask me, the Metropolitan- Juilliard 'Americanization' scheme has turned out to be-a peck or two of unadulterated hokum and nothing more. The Met stage today is an experimental laboratory for Curtis- Juilliard's use. The Met-Juilliard merger was sim- ply a press bait which found release in music journals and newspapers throughout the country. If I recall correctly, one of the major condi- tions imposed by the JuiUiard Foun- dation in merging with the opera company prorrtised greater., recogni- tion and opportunity for American singers. " . ' Newjipaper columns in .the West were cluttered up for weeks with premeditated publicity bunk of this sort, unfortunately proxhpting sev- eral aspiring West Coast singers, and deserving ones, to. dash to New York in the hope of crashing the gates to the Met. Suffice to say, the proverbial Met- ropolitan boot welcomed them. Some are still in New York treading the paveinent,s, others took advantage of return trip tickets, arrived back at the family hearth. Mary Gtirden has predicted that the opera of the future rests in the hands of Hollywood's motion picture craftsmen.' How, in the face of such disgrace, the florescence of Ameri- can genius continues to glow through the haze is a puzzle to me. I can only agree with Mary Garden's pre- diction, The once-sacred Metro- politan stage is today a conservatory workbench. My advice to young American singers, in fact, the hosts of aspiring young talents who are recipients of the MetropolitHU-Juilliard fur-lined boot, is to lake a right-about-face pronto, chart a course that will ul- timately lead to Hollywood studios and forget the Carusos and Scottis of yesterday. As preparation for the opera of the future, I do not advise a mad dash to Hollywood via the first plane. On the contrary, first pave the way —study dramatics and dancing and become proficient in those academic branches of prime importance to both music and the theatre and be ready when HoUywood beckons. Grand opera that will make lyric theatre performances look like May- pole festivals is just around the cor- ner. Be ready! Raymond E. Mitchell. [Raymond E.' Mitchell, fotmer writer on musical subjects for Holly- wood Citizen-News, the Los Angeles Illustrated Daily News and corre- spondent there for musical papers, is the husband of Diana Gaylen, mu- sical comedy and concert singer.] immediate extensive acceptance of dance music in our businesses, but herein is a noteworthy solution for much of the daily 'lag' which ever recurs in a society characterized by so high a degree of specialization as our present economic system. It might be worthwhile to con- sider the problem from the aspect of employm.ent, also. More men can be engaged in music, either render- ing personal services or making re- cordings. This, of course, will take place as the workers become more efficient. Prices may then be low- ered (mass consumption increase), permitting greater availability of conunodities for all, etc. It seems as though there be no limits to what music can do! But what about sheet sales! Jock iWills. Next Thing—A Courteous Legii- . Detroit, July 5. Editor, Variety: Maybe before it's too late the dying legit will get around to a sem- balance of what was the old Roxy and Publix service. Not until Ids'* did thtj Broadway theatre managers awaken to the wisdom, of air-cooling their theatres, with result' an out-of- towner who must, see his hit shows during a summer vacation visit to New York can now tear the. strain. In the past even the charms of a Broadway smash couldn't offset the stuffiness of the theatres. Perhaps, then, there is hope also for a change of tack in Broadway legitimate theatre methods. Maybe, for a change, anybody inquiring at the box office windows of a hit show will be greeted with some courtesy and not curtly cued that the only way to get into the sanctum sanc- torum of what one broadly sus- pected was a public theatre is to first visit a scalper. As a layman who has read Variety for many years, what the box office treasurers call the 'ice' from the ticket brokers almost chilled any and all interest In the average theatregoer's legit theatre attendance. Why don't the boys get wise to themselves before it is too late. Ernest A. Mughes. Miss WllUs Denies Gooding, Idaho, July 7. Editor, Variety: In Bill Rice's circus "article about Russell Bros, it was rumored tht;l L. L. Claude Myers, band leader, was to marry Betty Willis. It is not true at all and is causing trouble. I woijder if you would please print 'that it is'false. I have been with Russell Bros, with my Canadian collie act, and Was formerly with Wilbur Ciishman unit, 'Gypsy Car- avan.' It was only done as a joke, as Rice is an old friend of Myer's. . Betty Willis, (Russell Bros. Circus.) Record Crops (Continued from page 1) Akron Overseated Akron, O., July 9. Editor, Variety: Real estate agents and promoters are responsible for wrong impres- sions that Akron is fertile ground for motion picture theatre exhibitors, and imless changed will prove injuz- ious to aU, and perhaps fatal to some of the theatre operators in Akron. The poor business in our theatres proves we have too many theatres now; certainly there is no room for morie. An editorial in the Akron Beacon Journal last June 25, on the futiire of Akron, foreboded fatalities among Akron exhibitors. To correct the erroneous impres- sion about Akron, the men-.beis of this association would thank you to publish this. J. G. Deeijen, Secretary, Akron Independent Thea- tre Owners Association. Winchell's $3,(t00 Net on Radio Hollywood, July 8. Editor, Variety: For the second time in a year. Variety is wrong about my weekly salary on the radio. You robbed me of 500 bucks. You also overlooked the fact that my entire earnings are net—I pay no commissions to any agents or anyone. I do not pay anybody anything for my news and material, therefore, if you are going in for comparisons of salaries—^mine remains tops for the ohce-a'-week, 15-minute programs. WaltCT WiTichell. the past several years since the de- pression^lows. They are expected to put more on the line this year for shows, rides and concessions. They get heady in this country when they have the wherewithal and they're going to have it this year. The small burg is coming back into its own and on their own small scale their blowouts are just as potent to their communities as biz getters as any of the big city expositions and fairs. Free Acts Free acts, of a better quality than in the past, will be in demand from indications gleaned from inquiries. Some of the burgs are coming around to hiring baUyhoo agents and pro- ducers for their fiing at show biz. They're jgctting discriminating out in the short grass and quantity isn't the keynote—they're asking for quality and are able to pay for it. Late July and August will find Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma highways littered with small town good-wlllers bannering their town's fair or what-not> And their labors won't go .unrewarded. The boys have had a wheat crop, $16,000,000 in cash was paid out last week from Kansas City alone. As concerns Kansas City, week- enders from the prairies will un- doubtedly be in greater number than last year and will be an amusement'b.o. item of some value. However, K.O. itself will wait until the period of Sept. 17-25 before dip- ping in up to its elbows in the farm country cash. The second annual Jtibilesta being chalked for those dates. Last year's $150,000 gross should be well surpassed. In fact, that amount of coin alone will go on the market for talent. (Continued from page 1) tion of 50, is having a big pageant and bidding for custom from the farm hinterland—and getting it, Or take that annual affair at Cen- tral City, Col. Richard Aldrlch, New York producer, is putting on a new play there this week with a Broad- way cast of players brought all the way out just for the two weeks. And Sheila Barrett heads the nite club show run iii addition. In a spot, mind you, which, throughout the year, is almost unheard of. Next week's gross is expected to be $32,000. Those big ppen-air shows in St. Louis can probably be skipped. They're unimportant. They merely run through the summer and gross $30,000 to $40,000 a week. Did reach .$72,000 one week last season,' but why mention that? St. Louis is a big town. Or the Cleveland Expo, with its hefty array of nams talent and attractions, for Cleveland is a big city too. But Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a small town, even if a college town, and even if only 100 milfes out Of Detroit. Ann Arbor annually has a ' play, festival utilizing a dozen or so of the strongest naiT\4 actors in legit; in a half dozen plaiyjs. Name actors can afford to travel all the way out there for a week or two of work, or less.. Could that indicate the sticks know what they^ want—and are ready 16 pay for it? Who's Your Ghost, Jack? New 'York, July 8. Editor Variety: I see by the Manhattan paper.s with date line London that dance music has a new economic value-to the big businesses of the da.v. Name- ly, that it po.sse.sses a stimulant which, during working hours for a greater number of workers engaged in montononous jobs, spurs greater efficiency and more mass-produc- tion. This information is authentic in that it has been B,ipplied by an experimental board of the Medical Research Council over a period of 24 weeks. Of course, practically oullawe the Northwest BulIhA, Toe Minneapolis, July 13. With present business far below par, exhibitors in the territory, how- ever, are taking heart from reports that nearly $500,000,000 in wheat and corn alone are forecast for the Northwest this season, based on the present ,crop outlook and current prices. The government forecast as of I July 1 shows winter, spring and I durum wheat running far over 1936 yields and, on the basis of the present value of Minneapolis Sep- tember futures, is worth $220,816,380, H. R. Foster, Journal financial editor^ said. Based on the Chicago Septem- ber future, the large corn crop is worth even more than wheat— $261,017,800. In addition to the millions which Northwest farmers will receive for their wheat and corn, $215,8,30,000 will be received from barley, rye, oats and flax, based on present values, Foster points out. North Dakota crop yields will be seven times, those of a year ago; Minne- sota's will be double, according to present estimates. Dallas, July 13. If things continue their current: pace, Texas will have a cow pasture circuit to match the straw hat loop in New. England. Dallas and Fort Worth are in their second session of ambitious entertainment projects and the latter, at least, is tailting in terms of a permanent fiesta. Other spots around the state are taking a census of monuments and checking history books to discover an excuse for staging summer pageants and historical spectacles as tourist lure. First to get into the swim is an obscure place called Prarievllle, which could be dignified as a crossroads village if it had a second road. Mark Hamilton, storm center of the Cavalcade production at the Centennial in Dallas, prodded this community into action and literally is putting his home town on the map. He started out as director of the outdoor shoW last summer but was steered out when it failed to open with a fair premiere. He has the faculty of inspiring intense loyalty and clubwonten over the state are . still writing letters about the 'out- . rage,' Suit for damages was filed against the Centennial but it's beeii lost among court postponements. This summer he went back to his barefoot stomping ground and scoured the country for support.' He organ- ized a Pioneer Theatre of "Texas and sold 150 shares at $20 each. -Farm and club women went on a co-op sewing project and turned out cos- tumes. Overalls brigade dropped the plow handles to build a set which Is a miniature duplicate of Cavalcade in Dallas. The ISO shareholders took, roles in the run-through of .Texas history and Hamilton called it Centinela. None of the cast gets any pay, their remuneration being culled from ultimate profits—if any. Show is given Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights over four week-ends in July. Gate tariff is 35c. and the first week- end lured a total of 4,000 payees. Hamilton chose as the site for his show, a hamlet called Pralrleville. Place is 60 miles south of Dallas and eight miles off a paved highway. Last census recorded a population of 50. Village can't be found on any Texas map, but its name is getting into plenty of newspaper datejiines, nowaday.s. Plenty Brogue (Continued from page 1) ing to inside reports, but Bald pre- vailed upon Dowling not to sign con- tracts abroad unless both were present. Dowling had no deal on wijfh the Abbey bunch but has an option on 'Shadow Substance,' Dublin group's prize play last season. Drama is steeped in a highly religious atmos- phere. Option iiolds for the balance of the year. If the opposition Irish repertory plan in decided on, it' is expected that some players may be contracted for over there, with the bulk of the cast picked up here, where there are ! plenty of Iri.^h players', according to I last estimates.