Variety (Nov 1938)

Wediiesday« November 16, 1938 VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS VARBTY LOEWS STATE, N. Y. Ruby Z-uaerling's Jiousc orch, Hil- ton Berle, Mabel Todd, Tony Ro- inano, Louis Da Pron, Five Jansleya, Ralph Sanford, Conklin & Thomas; 'Young Dr, Kildare' (M-G). House has surrounded holdover Mliton Berle with more show for his second week. Berle's doing differ- ent, and still sock, material. Film ana rest of acts underwent usual re- placements. , A nifty 60-minuter. Berle is still using much that's old but he manages to . keep punching it out last with a flair that few can match.. Does 'Keep It Over There' parody, a la Cantor, as an-, armistice vreek salute. Warms up his audi- ence with a trailer (not same .as last week) putting the rib on recent gubernatorial race with screen Bashes of political figures upon elec- tion returns* Finally^ he's shown winning & fantastic plurality. From there it's easy sailing for him. . Works with all the other turns and adds materially to their bits. Be- fore introducing Louis Da Pron, dancer, in deuce, he gets in a slightly blue and funny blackout. Rest of show is fast and entertain- ing. Da Pron, rhythm tapster, works well. Oilers some intricate maneuvers while dressiness (tails), polish and looks make turn sparkle a little more than it would other- wise. Five Jansleys are vaude vets and still sock with their risley work. Given final laugh touch by Berle in his attempt to essay similar stuff. Mabel Todd, in from Hollywood, contributes comedy singing. She's one of lesser events in snow. Berle is wrohg in. stating it's her first Broadway appearance becttuse 'she worked at the Roxy two years ago. Formerly with Al Pearce's gang on radio and stage, she's now toting Tony Romano for accomp on the guitar. He sings a song, too, after she gets through clowning with Berle. Miss Todd's best is last, 'Alexander's Ragtime Band,' with special arrangements Conklin and Thomas (New Acts) dancing duet, close show with help of Berle.. H^ works another hurley blackout before-th6ir entrance, for which he employs Ralph Sanford, and does a quickie with them for an exit that's fast and smart. — Hurl. STANLEY, PITT and the elderly dame comes out. After the usual coaxing, even though she's -wearing the dancing slippers, the old gal goes into one of those old-fashioned heel-clicking routines. Stunt's always been good and no ex- ception this time. Finale V contrasts the old with the new and has the kids parading across the stage in Gay '90s regalia for the can-can, foxtrot, etc. Tliere's a fast curtain and show closes to whopping applause. Biz bi Cohen, EARLE, PHILLY Pittsburgh, Nov. 12. Major Bowes' unit with Sid Ray- mond, 3 Smart Girls, 8 Jitterbugs, ■Rigoletto 3, Stewart Sisters (2), Lynn Lawrence, Jack Murray, Her- man Taubler, Helen Breuer, George Roche, 2 Ickies, Dave Broudy house orch (16); 'Drums' (UA). Major Bowes' new swing revue Is one of the snappiest the gong-ringer has sent around in last three years. And many havie played here :since they first started comirig late in 1935, chief virtues are youth and speed, unit including almost a dozen turns and jamming loads of entertainment into an houn The amateur billing is being soft-pedaled, and. wisely so, since practically any one of tiiese acts has a pro polish. Dave Broudy's house orchestra has moved to. stage from pit to ac- company the show, with an unbilled conductor traveling with unit, han- dling the baton. Sid Raymond m.c.s, sticking to straight announce- ments' and an occasional joke. All right, but a snappier looking young- ster would fit better. Show gets off to a fast start with the Eight Jitterbugs, four girls and four boys, footing it hot and heavy, and Two Ickies, colored lads on the Mills Bros, style, keep it rolling. From that point on, it's a steady succession of talented youngsters, with Stewart Sisters (New Acts) wowing on heels of Ickies with their roller-skating and George Roche coming through with some nifty hoofing a la Fred Astaire. He winds up doing a tap on top of his high hat For novelty, there's Herman Taubler, an oldster, playing a mouth organ, strumming a guitar and bass fiddling with his toes, all at the same time. Three Smart Girls (New Acts) get 'em with their knockabout, and another high spot is Lynn Lawrence, nice-looking songstress with potent pipes, who should have little trouble finding a spot with one of the better bands. Rigoletto Three, sepia boys, swinging opera in special lyrics, hit high, too. Usual stunt of bringing on an act that appeared only night before on Bowes broadcast is repeated again. This time it's Jack Murray, Brook- lyn high school student, who's the show's too click with his band imi- tations. Using only voice and hands, Murray manages to simulate well themers of Tommy Dorsey, Henry Busse, Guy Lombardo and Horace Heidt. Kid's reception after intro- duction indicates there are still plenty around these parts listening in on Bowes. Next-to-closing, Raymond brings on a little girl and she tears down the house with some Sophie Tucker shouting and a session of cracker- jack hooflng. At finish, kid whispers something to Raymond and he says 'well, bring your grandma out, too,' Philodelphia, Nov. 12. Jimmy Dorsey Orch, Andrews Sisters (3), Slim & Slam, Ray Mc- Kinley, Lee Leighton & Bob Eberle; 'The Gladiator' (Col). Earle has one of those rare com- bos that's 60 minutes of sock enter- tainment, although exceptionally light in quantity of acts. Stands out boldly against some recent shows which, were packed with names and talent, but just didn't jell. Present bill is strictly jive, but can please pretty nearly anyone since Dorsey's 13-man' crew provides some of the finest swing arrangements ever to hit the Earle. Band is in the groove with 'Volga Boatman,' 'My Reverie* and 'Flight of the Bum- blebee.' Maestro is strictly a musician. He lacks the showmanship of Brother Tommy and some oth^r front men and is weak as an m.c, but toots a neat clarinet -and sax, though. Band's pretty short on novelties, attempting only two, both only so-so. First is a burlesque of a sweet band trying to swing 'What's the Reason I'm Not Pleasing,' second, 'Small Fry.' Lat- ter is done by Ray McKinley, drum- mer, and Bob Eberle, warbler with the band. McKinley swell in 'Dusk on Upper Sandusky' drum solo. Eberle's full-throated baritone didn't click with the jitterbugs at this catching. They occasionally aired their feelings with shouts of 'swing it.' Actual quality of his pipes, same as with Lee Leighton and Andrews Sisters, who follow, can hardly be commented on, however, because of a badly rattling public address sys- tem when caught. Andrews Sisters are back at the Earle for the second time in four months, highly unusual, but fully merit the encore. Nicely dressed, lookers warble swing stuff to per- fection and exhib considerable show- manship. Particularly forte on ar- rangements, doing 'Alexander's Rag- time Band,' Tulip Time,' and a Rus- sian folksong in jive. Encore with 'Down the Lonesome Road,' bad choice. Much better would have been one of their old f aves, 'Bei Mir' or 'Joseph.' Slim and Slam, starting out with bass fiddle and guitar, do 'Flat Foot Floogee,' which they created; 'Tutti Fruitti' and other hot ones. Tall, good-looking, colored lads switch to piano and vibraphone with good ef- fect, and also toss in some neat tap ping. Forced to beg off. Band's finale with 'Bugle Call Rag' good but too long for the closing spot. Herb. HIPP, BALTO. Chicago, Nov. 12. Jimmy & Mildred Mulcay, Riley & Heller, Wilkey & Raye, Mann, Dupree & Lee, Dorn Bros. & May, louse Line,, Verne Buck House Orch; 'Broadiocy Musketeers' (WB). After five years of successful oper- ation, this week is the final session for Jones, Linick & Schaefer here. On Friday (18) the firm moves into the Oriental on its own, while this house , is taken over exclusively by Balabail & Katz. Finale show is good vaudeville on an easy budget. Topping are Jimmy and Mildred Mulcay, here after a click stay at the. swank Empire Room of the Palmer House. They are class and register solidly with heir harmon,ica ducting and singling. Can play anywhere. Last minute switch brought in Riley and Heller for trey-spot clowning and crossfire. Plenty of recognizable material, but audience likes it regardless. Gal, too, unhooks notable tonsils. Opening are Mann, Dupree and Lee in novelty ballroom stuff and good tapping and hoofing. One high spot is a contortion num- ber. Dorn Bros. , and May with some stylized vocalizing and impersona- tions show plenty of polish. Have to speech away. Knockabout by Wil- ]cie and Ray wound up show. Well- executed and routined throughout. Biz good at last show Friday (11). Gold. 12 Rey Baltimore, Nov. Horace Heidt Orch, Alvino Red Ferrington, Agnes & George Art Carney, King Sisters (3), Larry Cotton, Jean Famey, Peggy Pope Bernie Mattinson, Charles Good- man; 'Annabel Takes a Tour' (RKO) Plenty of entertainment on tap here with Horace Heidt's unit giv ing out with a nice mixture of in- strumental and stage divertissement Opening theme, started with cur- tains drawn, gets an audible recep. tion and swingy number by band sends matters off nicely. Lambeth Walk next gives show a lilt with King Sisters handling the vocal nicely, then hoofing it with bands men for amusing turn. Electric guitar, ably handled by Alvino Rey, holds pace. Larry Cot- ton vocals 'My Reverie' to sock, Leads ensemble into glee club ar rangement of 'Ave Maria,' a hand getter, and a decided contrast to ' Had to Do It,' by orchestra, which is next. Punchy interlude of hide thump ing by Bernie Mattinson. and an Irish ditty handled by Red Ferring ton, lead into some hectic shagging by Agnes and George, with Heidt participating for a slew of laughs, It's a hard spot, to follow, with re- sult that Jean Farney's vocal of 'You Got Me,' just fair return. Impres sions of Lionel Barrymore, Major Bowes, Al Smith and F.D.R, by Art Carney ring the bell, with the Smith takeoff a decided standout. Heidt goes into a session of baton swinging, followed by club and ball juggling, good enough and pleasing Legit handling of the Dripking Song from 'La Traviata* is good s iowman- ship. Peggy Pope holding down the femme end of this stint, sells it well, 'Dance of All Nations,' finale, which brings down front most of the outfit for a medley of danttes, from 'Flat Foot Floogee* to. the minuet, has its moments. Heidt m.c's pleas ingly throughout. Biz big. Burm. STATE-LAKE, CHI STRAND, BROOKLYN Teddy King house orch, Alan Car- ney, Three Sailors, Sonya Yarr, Five Dowling Girls, Pert Kelton, Joan Vickers, Lee O'Neill, Midgie Fel- lows, Three Speeds; 'Road to Reno' (17). The Strand is trying to steal the thunder of burlesque houses and niteries which imdrape 'em. It's a daring experinient here this week with Joan Vickers, who's probably amazing many of the theatre's regu- lar customers. There's no advertising outside suggesting what may be in store within. Miss Vickers, billed at 'Temptation of Eve,' appears about midway in a veil dance. Working in a lavender spot down front, the veil comes off for the finish when :Miss. Vickers is shifted to upstage for an 'art' flash, .which finds her with nothing on but panties. Show runs a little over an hour and as entertainment rates fairly well. Top acts are Three Sailors, who redeem themselves near the finish, and Pert Kelton, who was in vaude years ago and since has been featured in .films. She's doing a seven-minute routine which in- cludes opening talk anent Holly' wood, a rhythm tap, trombone solo (not so hot) and the old Chaplin characterization she used to do as a kid, but more effective then than now. Putting on slouch trousers and adding a cane would vastly help her Chaplin bit. After Lee O'NeiU's brief tap, the Sailors go into action. Stale hoke and slapstick leave audience a bit cold at the opening. Their wise- crack during Sonya Yarr's spot, and later, their acrobatic-dancing spree go over well. Miss Yarr does one number in Russian. She hasn't much of a voice. Rest includes Five Dowling Girls (New Acts), fast tumbling-acrobatic turn; Alan Carney, m.c; Three Speeds, roller-skating act, which employs the old gag of getting re- cruits from the audience, including a very fat girl, and Midgie Fellows, warbler with Teddy King's house orchestra. Miss Fellows, away last week to work in a Vitaphone short, is doing two swing numbers satis- factorily. Carney m.cs nicely and clicks solidly in his impersonations. The one on Al Smith, however, could be better. His soap-box oratory, in- cluding Russian, Irish and Italian versions, sends him across stoutly, Carney came to notice recenUy at the Paradise restaurant, N. Y. Business very good Friday night (11). ChoT. do well to include a. straight, peppy song, Paul Remos's Toy Boys register strongly next to closing. The two mites show well-rounded dancing and acrobatics. Remos is the strong man. Boys, said to be 17, are about 36 inches tall and have a definite au- dience appeal. Specialty dancing is handled by the shag foursome of Irene and Billy Lazzeri, Sis Knapp and Sonny Barone. They're in the groove. The Adorables (house line), back on stage after a week's layoff, girls doing a jitterbug introduction for the shag act and later precision routine. Quin. LYRIC, INDPLS. Indtanopolis, Nov. 12. George Olsen Orch (10), Imogiene Coca, Jimmie Brierly, Phyllis Colt, Tanner Sisters (3), Massey & Miller, Julie Munson, Hank Russell, Singing Ensemble; 'Just Around the Corner' (20th). Appearing at house for the first time, George Olsen starts a six-week cycle of band shows with 52 divert- ing minutes. Maestro takes four min- utes to introduce his band at open- ing, explaining 'music of tomorrow* tag in verse. Band consists of 10 pieces and Hammond electric organ. Entire cast is onstage throughout, with acts occupying chairs in front of band. Tanner Sisters, harmony trio, sing only 'Alexander's Ragtime Band* , and could work later in bill to advantage. Tom Massey and Joan Miller score well with tap tango, encoring with 'Dipsy Doodle' tap. Imogene Coca splits her turn into three spots, first a comedy dance and song, 'I Must Waltz,' which is over- long. Does .better later on a strip- tease burlesque, also closing show with comedy song with Julie Mun- son. Latter also does brief comedy hit. Band shows off style with pop medley, including 'My Own,' with vocal by Hank Russell, organist; 'Josephine,* and 'My Heart Is. Unem- ployed.* Finishes with 'Night and Day,' with choral effect by entire company. Phyllis Colt is standout with her singing of 'Just An In-Between,' 'Make Hey Hey,' 'Small Fry7 and the oldie, 'Great American Homfe,' lat- ter good choice for Armistice Day touch. Also appears next-to-closing to join general singing of If Ybu Wanna Prove Your Love for Me.'' Jimmie' Brierly tenors, 'Change Partners' nicely, and is joined by ensemble for solid comedy sock on special lyrics to 'A-Tisket.' Set is good, Olson carrying own hangings. House full at last show Friday (11). Kiley. CAPITOL, WASH. TOWER, K. C. Kansas City, Nov. 12. Hal Kemp Orch with Judy Starr, Bob Allen, Saxie Dowell, Mickey Bloom, Paul Remo's Toy Boys, Sis Knapp & Sonny Barone with Bill & Irene Lazzeri, House Line; 'Road Demon' (20th). After a few weeks of variety bills, the Tower reverts to orchestra units, with Hal Kemp supplying the mar- quee name thfs sesh. Name bands have consistently proved strong at- tractions here and this 13-piece crew is top b.o. with a snappy show. Kemp features his specialists rather than his band, but the orches- tra more than holds its own with a couple of medleys and outstanding support of the acts. Mickey Bloom's trumpeting plus S&xie Dowell's nov elty singing stand out. Vocaling is also supplied by Bob Allen and Judy Starr. Gal's work is strong on clowning but she would Washington, Nov^ 12. Nan Wynn, Rolf Holbein, Gil Lamb, Harriet Hoctor & Ballet, Phil Lampkin house orch; 'Submarine Patrol' (20th). Harriet Hoctor and 16 ballet girls give this' week's show a touch of spectacle, but since they're presented as separate acts, it all adds up to straight vaude. Even though Gil Lamb is available for m.c.'ing, no at- tempt is made toward revue idea, introductions being made as for- merly, from pit by Pliil Lampkin, pit maestro. Opens with gals, minus Miss Hoc- tor, in standard version of the old phosphorescent arms-and-legs harle- quin idea, loosely done for sparse applause. Nan Wynn warbles mod> erately well, 'Gonna Lock My Heart,' 'So Help Me,' and 'Exactly Like You,' getting fair plaudits. Rolf Holbein, with 20-foot rec- tangular white (drawing board, goes right into whirlwind routine that picks up show immediately and builds steadily for sock hand. Starts with black crayon, drawing hook and hanging hat on it, then cigar box and taking cigar out of it, followed by bird that flaps wings and whistles. Finishes by getting beer from keg and disrobing himself to clothe twins in baby carriage. Backdrop goes up on full stage as Lampkin gives elaborate description of what is Miss Hoctor's 'Night Flight' number. She has stage to her- self throughout stiff-arm spins, in imitation of plane, finishing to nice hand by strutting up incline across rear-stage in front of effectively lighted silhouette of crashed mail plane. Gil Lamb bounces out next to tickle them with hoofing and swell look-at-my-muscles chatter. More patter with Tommy Sanford playing straight until Lamb gives youngster stage alone for smooth mouth-organ ing of 'Toy Trumpet' and 'Hold That Tiger.' Lamb back alone to click again with his swallowing the mouth-organ pantomime. Encore brings Sanford on sidestage to play while Lamb finishes witii his top acrobatic taps. Miss Hoctor and troupe provide finale with toe ballet, line leaping low hurdles and working out simple formations in between Miss Hoctor's specialties to satisfy. Biz fair. Croiff. Embassy New^reel, N, Y» The hue and. cry that preceded the Munich pact in martial Europe is ob- viously unalterable, despite the more remote possibility of a war on the Continent. Fop the reels here this week paint a picture whose under- tones reflect forcefully upon a world presently practicing peace with acts of war. ' It's a seething universe caught by the reels, one that's cofitinuing to - arm in the event of an emergency, bent upon reaching a peak crisis that will ultimately result in- another world conflagration. The Nazi victory over the Czechs has its repercussions in that it has fused Poland, with whom Germany has a cordiale, to demand, and re- ceive, Teschen, which it lost during the war to the Czechs when they formed the Slovak republic. The Poles' annexation Of the territoiry is shown. Then, too, there's the United States maintaining its rearmament program along with'the British, who have de- vised a new type of balloon defense. To round out the program, there's March of Time's 'Inside the Maginot Line,' a stout, underground fortress France built to ward off its unfriend- ly German neighbors in the event of another invasion. The Far Eastern crisis is also in- cluded in the war angle, with the Chinese ambassador to the U. S. giv- ing his country's side. The feeling of imrest is also caught graphically in Jerusalem, where Moslems and Jews are warring against each other. Politics, of course, draws consid- erable space on this program, with the Republican upbeat played up as an important factor. Senators and governors throughout the country are shown, although Herbert H. Lehman of New York draws the ma- jor attention along with the young G.O.P, opponent he defeated, Thomas Dewey. Jim Farley and Tom Hamil- ton also air their views. Rest of the program is fairly well- rounded, although sports once more occupy the top spot. Cameraing comes In for a couple of accolades in several footbaU games, namely ^e Wisconsin-Northwestern contest, in which the latter, bowed to .the Badf gers." The anniversary of the first football game, that between Rutgers and Princeton,- is marked in New Brunswick, N, J., when the latter re- peated history in losing to Rutgers. I<ie hockey comes in for much of the spotlight, since the reels show the opening game of the. professional. season in Chicago, which the Chicago Black Hawks, S+anley Cup cham- pions, won, 6---1. Then, too, there's a humanized treatment of the hunt- ing season opening, with the canny hunting dogs touching a sentimenttu spark in their trailing of the pheasants. Sonja Henie is given more than just a mere buildup by Fox, which has her under contract, since Miss Henie is amply able to stand on her own. She's caught in her ice show in Hollywood. For more sports, too, there's the Six-Day bike race in Chi- cago, which just about settles the tact that the indoor sports season is here. Rest of the program Is routine. STATE, HARTFORD Hartford, Nov. 12. Gautier*s Steeplechase, Ffazee Sis- ters (2), Don Zalaya, Earl .& Fran- cis, Noody, Harris-Howell & Zerlda, Blanche Calloway Orch with Charlet Pharm, Sam Kaplan house orch; 'Gangster's Boy* (Mono) . The State has become strictly a band house, with Vaude acts receiv- ing minor billing no matter how good they are. Take away the bands, fill it with good strong vaude —and the turnstiles would rust. This week it's Blanche Calloway; next, it's Mai Hallett. Show opens with a pop medley by Sam Kaplan's house orchestra, fol- lowed by Gautier's Steeplecha.se, a standard dog and pony act. Well received. Oh next are the Frazee Sisters (2), who do pleasing arrangement of 'Pocketful of Dreams,* 'Manakoora* and 'Joseph.* Encore with novelty arrangement of 'My Heart Is Taking Lessons' to get warm response. Don Zalaya next, with click comedy patter and classical piano Elaying. With a chart of a human ody, Zalaya explains the reaction of various types of music on differ- ent -parts of the body. Sam Kaplan, playing the violin, and house orches- tra assist. Miss Calloway*s crew comes next with a medley of .pops. In a jam session several of the instrumental- ists get a cliahce to get before the mike. Charles Pharm, vocalist with the crew, does 'Coquette' and 'Change Partners' to get by nicely. Earl and Francis, colored, chck with their speed and rhythm taps. Miss Calloway pipes 'I Haven't Changed a Thing* and later Tutti Fruitti.* Hatris-Howell and Zerida, colored, score sOlIdly with gags and patter. Howell also vocals 'Music, Maestro.' Noody, colored, closes with a good, fast tap. £cfe.