Variety (Aug 1937)

•2 VARIETY Wednesday, August 25, 1937 OBITU ARIE S CYRIL McNEILE ('Sapper') Lt.-Col. Cyril McNeile, 49, famous novelist and short story writer, died at his home in Sussex, Eng., Aug. 14, after a long illness. His best known book, 'Bulldog Drummond,' was dramatized and successfully por- trayed by Gerald dii Maurier in 1921, and later fllrhed with Ronald Col- man. A sequel, 'Bulldog Drummond Hits Out,' in collaboration with Gerard Fairlie, was recently staged at Brighton, prior to a production in the West End. There have been a number of 'Drummond' sequels in pix. More than $400,000 is said to have been earned by this ariny offlcet with his thrillers. He was. known as 'Sapper' (military term for en- gineer) as army etiquette forbade the. use of his real name, when hie first publishied his short stories while serving in the Royal Engineers dur- ing the war. He is survived by widow and two sons. London and fared well in New York. He also wrote a number of songs. died NICOLA COSCIA Nicola Coscia, 62, musinan, at Freeport, L. I,, Aug. 18. Coming to U. S. from Italy in 1907, he played as a .string bass with San Carlo Orchestra for 22 years. He also played with Hammerstein Opera Co., Metropolitan Opera and with Anna Pavlowa. This summer he was with the orchestra at Joh^s Beach. A son and two daughters survive. IVILLlAMFAIT William Fait, 55, former V. S. ex- hibitor and Latin-American repre- sentative for. U. S. film companies, died by suicide in Rio de. Janeiro. Aiig. 18. Born in Baltimore, he went into show business as a young man open- ing the Jackson Heights theatre, Jackson Heights, L. L, N. Y. Later he opened the Eastinan theatre. Rochester, for the, Eastman interests. After quitting exhib field, Fait be- came Mexican sales rep for First National Pictures and later was ad- vanced'to general sales head of en- tire South American continent until 1932, . Deceased has been in importing business for himself since Reaving film business. Was engaged principal- ly in handling beauty parlor equip ment. A widow and two.children survive. JAMES T. McINTTRE James T. Mclntyre, 80, of Mclntyre and Heath, best' known and most admired of all Negro comedians, and founders of the school which later served as a model for Williams and Walker, Avery and Hart and hosts of others, died at his home in Noyack, L. I., Aug. 18. A detailed story is in the vaude- ville section. MBS. LESTER LONERGAN (Amy Ricard) Mrs. Lester Lonergan, 59, nee Amy Ricard, died iii French Hospital, N. Y., Aug. 18. She was formerly a musical com- edy actress under her own name be- fore marrying her late husband, Lester Lonergan, Sr. Her two step- sons survive. MARRIAGES Helen Beaton to Speirs Russell, actor, at Glendale, Calif,, Aug. 14. ; Bride's father is publisher of the Hollywood Spectator. Marie Brown to Barry Sullivan at Tia Juana, Mex., Aug, 13. Both are members cf the cas): of 'Brother Rat.' Ruth Gillette, radio and screen ac- ;ress, to Stuart H. Hacket in Beverl/ Hills, Aug, 14. Groom is a Los Angeles attorney. Mary Quinn to Charles E. Millen, Columbia studio purchasing agent, in Los Angeles, Aug. 15. Louise Hovick (Gypsy Rose Lee) o Robert Mizzy, at sea, Aug. 13 and in Santa Ana, Calif., Aug. 19.. Elinor Harriot to Frank Nathan, Aug. 18, in Beverly Hills, Cal. Bride is the femme impersonaitor with Amos 'n' Andy.. Grodm is a rto'n- pro. Ruth Stockwell to Leo Winfield Born, chief engineer of KGLO, Ma- son City, Iowa, in Lawrence, Aug. 8, Bride is non-pro. Owen Murphy, song, writer, to Mickey Herson, Aug. 22 in Holly- wood. Bride a musical comedV chor- ister. Anne Shirley to John Howard Payne at Santa- Barbara, Cal., Aug. 22. Bride is RKO actress. Groom is with Major Pictures. June Parish to Reginald Voorhees, in Chicago, Aug. 20, Bride"lis-'of the Parish Sisters act. Groom is a Chi- cago rep for Co>nsolidated Radio Artists. J. D. JOHNSTON J. D. Johnston, pioneer motion pic- ture theatre owner, died suddenly at LoggieviUe, N. B. He established and operated a film theatre in Chatham, N. B., near LoggieviUe, for about 25 years, retiring several, years ago. He had also been active in the an- nual Miramichi fall fair, held at Chatham, as president and director. ALICE ENDBES Alice Endres, 73, legitimate act- ress, died at St. Luke's hospital, N. Y., Aug. 20. She was born in London and came to U. S. at the age of 15, Her first appearance was in 'The Roy^ Mid- dy' and she spent three seasons tour- ing with George Ade's 'Just Out of College.' She also appeared in 'Pot- ash and Perlmutter' and was under A. H. Woods' management in 'Busi- ness Before Pleasure.' A time was spent in vaudeville with Nita Naldi and Edna Aug. Burial was in Stratford, Conn. MRS. GEORGE LATOUB Mrs. George Latour, nee Birdie Brady, former vaudeyillian, died at Presbyterian hospital, Philadelphia, Aug. 17. She entered show business in a Toad company of 'Peck's Bad Boy' and travelled the world several times «s a partner of Campbell and Brady, Juggling and dancing act. She also appeared with the Mack Sisters in vaudeville. Surviving are her husband, George Latour, and a son, Frank M. Camp bell. MBS. ANNA H. LTTTLEFINGER Mrs. Anna H. Littlefinger, 5b, cir cus midget, died at her home in Waterville, Me., Aug. 22. She cliaimed to be the smallest mother in the U. S. being three feet nine inches tall. For 30 years she toured with traveling shows. Her husband, also a midget, died several years ago. A son, Bustei'. also a midget and who appeared in shows with. her, survives. ADELAIDE HUGHES Adelaide Hughes, 20, night club dancer, died a suicide Aug. 20 in N. Y. She came from California and en tered dancing field in N. Y. per forming both in night clubs and in last 'Ziegfeld Follies.' Her parents survive. RTLAND WOLCOTT Ryland Wolcott, 50, assistant to A Kendrick, vice president World Broadcasting Co. Chicago, died at his home, Aug. 22. Burial was at Memorial Park, Winnetka, 111. Survived by widow ar.d three children. FRANK SHAEFFER Frank Shaeffer, 32, comedian with the Ethel Taylor revue, was killed at. Calais, Me., Aug. 17. He was diving from a bridge when he touched a high tension cable and he was electrocuted. Details in the vaudeville section. HELENE HALS Helene Cals, 36, Dutch soprano, opera singer and especially popular in Holland by her radio perform- ances, died suddenly in Italy while on a vacation there. She was mar ried to Nico Treep, director of the A.V.R.O. Symphonic Orchestra. EMMETT MOORE Emmett Moore, one time producer and more recently in the sales de- partment of KFVD in Los Angeles, died in L. A. Aug. 10. JANE WEIR Jane Weir, 21, Paramount actress, died in Los Angeles, Aug. 21, fol lowing appendectomy. Born in Davenport, la* Her parents survive ROBERT W. MARKS Robert W. Marks, 84, veteran showman, died at Perth, Ont., Can, Aug. 22. • - In show business for over 50 years, he was head of the Marks Brothers' Theatrical Co. At one time" the seven brothers had 11 shows on the road and claimed origination of the 10-20- 30-cent shows. Surviving are a son, a daughter and three brothers." MABK AMBIENT Mark Ambient, 77, actor and play- wright, died ct a nursing-home in Brighton, Eng., Aug. 11. He was best known for his plays, many of which were written in col- laboration, the most successful be- ing the musical 'Thei Arcadians,' which ran for over two years in Mrs. Dora Flnkelstetn, 68, mother of Al Finkelstein, Pacific Northwest exhibitor, and mother-in-law of Mike Rosenberg, president of Prin cipal Theatres, died Aug. 17 at Mon- terey, Cal., from a complication of diseases. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. Maun- tino, son, in Los Angeles, Aug. 18. Father is a 20th-Fox cameraman. Mr. and Mrs. .Robert Rosson, daughter, in Los Angeles, Aiig. 17. Rosson is a writer for Mervyn Le Roy, Warners film producer. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. O'Shea, son, in Los Angeles, Aug. 19. Father is executive assistant to David O. Selznick. ^ Mr. and Mrs. Martin Sangberg, daughter, Aug. 18, at Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Grover Jones, daugh- ter, in Los Angeles, Aug. 23. Father is film producer and author. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Karp, daugh- ter, in Los Angelej, Aug. 22. Father is attorney for Paramount. Mr. and Mrs. J&mes Stanley, daughter, Aug. 23 in Los Angeles. Father is picture agent. 'It's a Plot' (Continued from page 59) presence of an- opera or concert manager on the side of a performer union. AGMA heads, however, were overjoyed at the prospect of Sil- maggi as a defense speaker for the GOAAA. They argued that it clearly indicated that the GOAAA has fur- thered the interests of the managers, instead of the artists. Grounds In Itself That, if nothing else, would be sufficient ground for revocation of the GOAAA charter by the Four A's, AGMA officials figure. Invita tions to the protest meeting had been sent to more than 1,000 per sons, GOAAA heads claimed. Sal- maggi predicted he would have sev eral hundred others at the affair. Executive board meeting of the Four A's will be held Friday (27) afternoon for the GOAAA to show cause why its charter should not be revoked for 'failing properly to or- ganize' the opera performer .field Indication that the AAAA heads are certain to go through with the re vocation proceedings is seen in the fact that AGMA representatives have been active in the reorganiza tion of the Four A's setup and the further fact that the AGMA is rep resented on the board of the new American Federation of Radio Art- ists, an AAAA affiliate. If the char ter is revoked; GOAAA execs say, they will take court action to re tain it., News From the Dailies This department contains revoritten thcatricol news items as pub- lished during the week in the daily papers of New York, Chlccpo, San Francisco, Hollywood and London, Varietv takes no credit for these news iUms; each has been rewritten /rom a daily paper. East Mrs. Rudolph Mate, wife of cam- eraman for Samuel Goldwyn, died in Hollywood Aug. 20 from pneu- monia and a throat infection; George H. Munn, brother of arid secretary, to Frank Munn, radio singer, died at his home in Brooklyn, N. Y., Aug. 18. Ernest A. Sharpe, father of Erik Rhodes, stricken with a heart at- tack in Denver. Mother, 70, of Nathaniel Shilkret, composer and orchestra leader of Norman Sullivan, former doorman at Poll's, Bridgeport, hired as con- tinuity scrivener by WLW, Cincin- nati. Henry Dupre, special events direc- tor of WWL, New Orleans, was also named, publicity director of station by Vincent Callahan, director. films and radio, died In N. Y., Aug, 17. Three other children survive. Wife of Eddie Mills, Paramount publicity department, died in Los Angeles, Aug. 21. Larry Siry, band leader, in court Aug. 18, answering his frau's separa-. tion suit. Charges he introduced a model as his next wife minus for- mality of a divorce and in her presence. Transmitter trouble at Carlstadt, N. J., caused cancellation of talk by Gov. Harold G. Hoffman on station WNEW, Aug. 17. Chester O'Brien, ex-chorus boy widower of Marilyn Miller, plans to wed Anna Parison, model, at Armonk, N. Y., Aug. 28. Col. W. de Basil's ballet troupe, remnants of former Russian Imperial Ballet, will make its permanent home in U. S. • North American Committee to Aid Spanish Democracy is organizing a Musicians Committee of local mu- sickers in N. Y. Gay Orlova, Russe dancer and former sweetie of Charles (Lucky) Luciano, deported tQ. Russia. Re- cent marriage to theatre usher Ed- ward Finn was annulled, which erased U. S. citizenship. Katharine Hepburn and Howard Hughes shopping for yacht around New London, Conn., this week. . Ganna Walska announced her fifth marriage to Harry Grindell-Mat* thews.in London Aug. 19. Spouse is in radiotelephpnic industry. Robert Taylor nettled and kidded by reporters of N. Y. papers on ar- rival here Aug. 19. > Starter was. query by reporter on-whether or not actor thought 'he was a beautiful boy.' • Former' Marcelle Edwards, " ex showgirl and wife of Tommy Man- ville cancelled a trip to Reno when she learned that Tommy was will- ing to talk things over to avoid Reno troubles. Looks like a quiet sever- ance instead, now. John Bonn appointed director of New Theatre School, N. Y. Suc- ceeds Harry Elion. Harry Krellberg, ' alias Harold Berg, sentenced from two td five years for attempted grand larceny in general sessions court, N. Y. Krellberg, posing locally as rep of a London film company lifted two watches from jeweler and returned tickets to loser after they were pawned. Elmer Rice's play 'Judgment Day' was refused showing by the Mayor of The Hague, Aug. 18. Dramatiza- tion of Reichstag trial would pre- cipitate Nazi trouble, says municipal exec. Author due back next week. Arturo Toscanlni, ■ conducting Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, heard over NBC on. Aug. 24 from Salzburg. Richard Strauss, composer, re- ported hospitalized at Garmisch, Germany, with severe cold. Paul Berlenbach, former light- heavyweight champ, being sued for divorce in Miami, Fla. Pug says he got a Mex decree sometime ago. Wife charges adultery. Salvatore Ensalaco, known in films as Anthony Orlando, released in $2,500 bail in Buffalo, N, Y., Aug. 19, when charged with child desertion by divorced wife. Wife agreed not to prosecute if he sends weekly coin for kid's support. Adelaide Hughes, 20, nitery chor- ister, died by suicide in N. Y., Aug. 19. Samuel Dushkin^ concert pianist, arrived from France. Will do a winter tour of U. S. Berkshire Symphonic Festival re- cipient of a $10,000 anonymous gift. Six men, including Lpuis Palermo, arrested by police as suspects in the recent night club holdup wave. Being held for identification by vic- tims. Congressman Sirovich (N. Y.) re- turning from Europe states that au- thors,, actors arid musicians are the most affluent and respected citizens of the U. S. S. R. Mike Jacobs has skedded next June for fistic meet of Max Schmeling and Joe Louis. To be held in N. Y. and will be world's championship contest. New Monmouth and Park Lane hotels near Asbury Park's board- walk, gutted by fire over week-end. No casualties in $175,000 blaze. 'A little tired' of autograph hounds, Robert Taylor sailed tor London Aug. 21. Will make a film for MG British over there during six months' stay. Two gals found under his berth looked like a plant. Daniel Frohman, dean of produc- ers and president of the Actor's Fund; celebrated his 86th birthday Aug. 22. Fannie Hurst, novelist, tendering him a feed on Aug. 25. Representative Bacon of N. Y. asked the House in Washington to investigate a vicious lobby group which influences the entire radio in- dustry and attempts to control the Federal Communications Commis- sion. . Proposed inquiry includes Broadcasting Magazine, trade paper, which he says has been represented as channel of communication of the lobby's views. Patent for aging whisky by sound waves granted in Washington, Aug. 21. Mrs. -Mischa Rpss, wife of musician who slew Anna Lubova, violinist- dancer, in N, Y. last Spring, granted a divorce in Monticello, N, Y., Aug, 21. Will resume her maiden name of Nesselowitz. Rosg is now. serving 35-year sentence for the murder, Bidu Sayao, Brazilian soprano, re- turns from native land for. fall sea- son with Metropolitan Opera. Hereafter, use of guns in plays in London will require licenses, accord- ing to Scotland Yard dictum. Field offices of a contractor on the N. Y. World's Fair grounds, at Flushing were robbed of $200 Aug. .22. Three men bound watchman and blew open safe. Chase Barn Playhouse, property of the Forty-niners, summer stock com- pany of Whitefield, N; H., was saved from fire when the actors formed a bucket brigade and extinguished flames, Aug. 22. Audience of 8,000 routed from Randall's Island Stadium night of Aug. 21 because Of shower.. . First annual Starlight Symphony Festival, of, the Silvermine Guild of Artists held at Norwalk, Conn., Aug. 21 was witriessed by 4,000. Jose Iturbi conducted the concert with 75 mtfiiclans of N. Y. Symphonic. Italian Minister of Popular Cul- ture has' issued a decree as of Sept. 1 whereby Italian exhibitors must show at least one native film ° to every two importations. Heretofore rule was thret to one. Geraldine Farrar emerges from 10-year retirement on - Sept. 18 to sing at charity concert for Danbury, Conn, hospital. Charlotte T. Parker, Kathleen C. Quinn, Hal James and Hugh Norton will "have salaried positions as junior members of the 1938 Mohawk Drama Festival at Schenectady, N. Y. Quar- tet honored at semester's conclusion this week. Suffolk County Agricultural So- ciety holding its 85th annual fair at Riverhead, L. I., N. Y. this week. Joseph Shumiatsky, head of Rus- sia's him industry, attacked by na- tive newspapers as extravagant, giving misleading reports on produc- tion of mediocre films. Industry in general was attacked for quality and quantity of work. William C. Handy, composer of 'St. Louis Blues' honored with a plaque by the St. Louis Musical Associa- tion of the National Association of Negro Musicians in. St. Louis, Aug. 23. Coast Court in Los Angeles approved contract between Tim Holt, 19, son., of Jack Holt, arid Walter Wanger Productions, starting at $100 a week. Manual Komroff was granted a Reno divorce from Mrs. Elinor M. Barnard Komroff, British artist. Divorce suit was filed in Reno by Mrs. Mildred R. Robinson against Joseph S. Robinson, New York at- torney, charging cruelty. Wanda Perry, Metro actress, and Dr. Irving J. Browne filed notice of intention to wed in Los Angeles. Eric Blore, picture comedian," re- plied to the separate maintenance suit of Mrs. Clara Mackin Blore, former actress, with a cross-com- plaint in L. A. Both seek custody of their 10-year-old son. Rudolph Valentino, who died U years ago, was remembered Aug. 23 by women in Salzburg, Austria, various U. S. cities and by the British Memorial Guild. Hollywood cemetery officials received money 'orders to place flowers on his crypt. There also, was an influx of visitors. Al Jolson and Chico Marx testified in L. A. against a Negro who. tossed a whisky bottle at a fight stadium. Glass from the bottle shattered Ruby Keeler, Jolson and Marx. Negro was bound over to a high court on charges of assault. Mrs. Mary Medgyesi McGowan was granted a. divorce from John Wesley McGowan, scenarist, in Los Angeles, and was granted alimony oi $150 weekly. Alice White, actress, announced she would file suit for divorce against Sy Bartlett. screen writer, on the grounds of mental cruelty. - Ralph Maddox, production direc- tor and announcer for radio station WJDX, Jackson, Miss., joinfed the production department of the Na- tional Broadcasting Company in Chicago as a production director.