Variety (Nov 1938)

^ednesdny, November 30, l9Zfi CHATTER VAMIETy Broadway iSlmer Wilson, Coast impresario, in town* Cole Porter planning a Caribbean rruise in mid-December; Dorothy Vernon 301 mg Marie Banna's agency. . Buth Benedict 13 p. a.mg 'Here Come the Clowns.' Fay Marbe, back from Londoh, nlanning to do a Broadway musical. "^ Max Karper, 'Yiddish legtt p.a., back-on the job after a long illness. Glenn Jreton now ballybooing Funland Amusement Park in Miami. Gloria Whitney, formerly vocalist with BUSS Morgan, oft to Australian vaude dates. . ' , „ „ • Dinty Doyle and Harold Ross among Thanksgiving crowd at Joe Cook's place in Jersey.. ■Jerry Martin, assistant m NBC'b cuest relations division, oft to Florida for a month's vacation. No reasons given, but Paramount employees have 'been asked not to feeoMhe. pigeons that hang, around the Par buUding. Legit whooper-upper Mildred Byram Fishbum, of Philadelphia, in town' for ammunition to do some-- thing about Philly. Mary Martm, in Leave It to Me,' Broadway musical, waxed two of her songs from the show with Eddy Du- chin's orchestra for Brunswick, Molly Picon won't do a play this seasori. Husband - manager Jacob Kalich is dickering for Australian vaudeville for the comedienne. Joe Schoenfeld (Varwty) out of the hospital and will be convalescing several weeks. His fifth operation, but he's voted very much on the mend now. . , * Albert Gibson, of the Chocolateers; injured at' Strand theatre date re- cently, in Brooklyn, laying up with, bad knee. Had to cancel at the Apollo this week. - ^ Sid Spier m receipt of .personal letter of thanks from Gov. Lehman for work in recent campaign. Hes stressing that 'it ain't one of those mimeographed things.' • Tom Mead, Universal newsreel editor^ goes back to the hospital this week to have cast removed from his left foot. Ankle and leg was broken when he was struck by an auto re- Snow-ladeh streets aftfcr 'Gloriana' ofienink night show necessitated dramatic critics Walter Winchell and John Anderson, sharing a cab, to get out and push. Actors stood by and jeered. _ Service' staff of the Pacamount, N. Y., held its annual party Satur- day night (26) at the -theatre, with Larry Clinton and other members of the current show furnishing en- tertainment, Lester Grottlieb, p. a. for Mutual network, almost pinched in Central Park Sunday (27) while taking preK photographs of radio actress Ftggy Zinke. Didn't know he had to have « pjermit. Got. off, though. George McCall. radio . commenta- tor, and Ella Logan discovered they were both born in the sariie town in Scotland. Latter sails for a home- town visit soon; McCall's east trying to set 4 new radio sjMmsor. starred with Constance ceAnett in 'Service de Luxe,' in *own visiting parents.. Price and wife, Edith Bar- rett, legit actress^ will appear in New York play. Wade Tw Childress and A. C. Stan- nard have been, elected directors of the Municipal Theatre Assn. Chil- dress succeeds F. A. Sudholt, de- ceased, and Stannard follows A. B. Elias, resigned. Milton D. Lewis, maiiager of the Majestic, East St. Louis, 111., has complained to police th&t burglars carted OflE $1,500 worth of jewelry, clothing, etc., from his home while the .family was absent, Sufeiy Zone (Continued from page 1) London Qa^ow Ernest Boole's crew at the Locarno Cafe. BBC's new Broadcasting House here officially openied. 'Gold Is Where You Find If (WB) On screen at Paramount. 'Virginia' presented by the Miner- va Operatic Club at the Lyric. Jack Hylton's orchestra completed one-week engagement at the Empire. Vic Oliver and Judy Campbell etarring at the Empire in 'Idiot's De- ' light,' Eddie Peabody and Kimberly and Page played one week at the Pa- vilion. BBC announced appointment of A. P. Lee as press officer for Scot- tish region, Anderson College of Medicine to hold first rehearsal of school revue, •College Daze.' Ethel Forfnby, sister of George Formby; is in Hughie Green's 'Stars of Tomorrow' company. Scottish National Players presented a new comedy by Donald Maclaren at the Lyric. 'S—For Sugar Candy.' Choral and Orchestral Union of -Glasgow presented its open in con- cert of the 1938-39 season at St. An- drew's Hall. George Szell conducted the Scottish orchestra. SL Lows By Sam X. Hurst ■Ted Shawn nd Co. presented 'Th« Jance of the Ages' in the Roosevelt ^>t{h School auditorium last week. 'Blind Alley' will be presented for ip nights by Little Theatre group starting tonight (Wednesday). i„A.vis Kent, warbler, working at filtmore Country Club, to Nev/^York for screen test by 20th Century-Fox. *Jlissa Landi discussed 'The Dif- wence Between Stage and Screen •Acting* -before members of Junior i-eague last week. Suit to collect $5,829 taxes from *jarry Murdock, owner of Mounds t-iub, eastside casino, was dismissed last week in Federal court. East St. ' °y agreement of attorneys. yincent Price, native, recently co- Welles broadcast. While the FO: crawled back to salety after its faux pas on Eugene O'Neil's 'Beyond th« Horizon/ the fact that one bluenose in an obscure section of the United States could ^write a letter and put the biggest network on a spot has not been reassuring. In any event continual trouble from, programs, that seem innocent enough in script has made the in- dustry self-;Consck>us. Formulation of a series of program standards, a move intended to. end this uncertainty about the way FCC will probably interpret 'public ih- terest, convenience, or necessity,' will be attempted next we^ by a committee created Friday (25) by Neville Miller, president of National Association at Broadcasters. Recom- mendations for method of self-regu- lation will be laid before the NAB directorate at its meeting Dec. 12 and 13. Following talks with . FCC Chair- man McNinch and industry leader?. Miller took the long-advocated step by asking representatives of both networks and independent stations to isee what can be done about find- ing a way out of the muddle created by the Commission's growing habit of spanking licensees ex. post facto for programs which individual regu- lators feel are not in good taste. (Move is in -accordance with the idea advanced editorially by Variety and also sounded recently by David Sarnofl, chairman of the NBC board, and other, industry flfures). FCC WMt Define While many suggestions have been heard, the committee will start from scratch. Exactly what approach Miller has in mind has not been-dis- posed, although in his private con- versations witii NAB leaders he has indicated he. feels definite yardsticks should be adopted. Since the FCC is unwilling to tell in advance how it will apply the vague provisions of the Communications act to any par- ticular circumstances. Miller feels the licensees must make some -move in self-protection. Before any final action, attempt probabljr will be made to gain the endorsement of the FCC, although it id improbable the airwave cops will approve the in- dustry code in a way which binds it in the future. Committee, which assembles in New York Monday (5), comprises Miller,* Edward Klauber, executive vice-president of CBS; Lenox R. Lohr, president of NBC; Theodore Streibert, vice-president of MBS; Paul Morency, WTIC, Hartford; Ed- gar Bill, WMBD, Peoria; and Ed Craney, KGIR, Butte. Shortly before Miller made what was described as 'one of the most forward-looking moves' since he took the NAB helm, the Commish handed out another fiock of tempor- ary renewals. Some 22 stations, most of.which have been aperating with short-term tickets, were affect- ed. Transmitters put on the anxious seat for the first time, receiving ex- tensions of present papers only un<- til Jan. 1 were KHUB, Watsonville, Calit.; KPFA, Helena, Mont.; WBLY, Lima, O.; WBRK, Pittsfield, Mass.; WBRY, Waterbury, Conn.; WCRW, Chicago; W(IrCM, Mississippi City, Miss.; WJNO. West Palm Beach; and WLAK, Lakeland, Fla. In accord- ance with the hush-hush principle, no hint given whether program com- plaints or other reason motivated the action. At the same session, however, the Commish changed its mind about grilling WJJD, Chicago, about ad- vertising copy which has been the object of intensive investigation: Foreshadowed dropping of inquiries into numerous transmitters which have aired propaganda for products known as Kolor-bak and Cystex. Renewal was issued when the Com- mish granted petition of Paul D. P. Spearman, counsel for WJJD, for re- consideration of the hearing order. Attorney argued the Commish is in- vading the precincts of the Federal Trade Commission. Cy Landry in Zurich, Switzerland. ' Harry Roy forming own vaude- ville unit. Dick Henderson signed for 10 weeks in America. Freddy Zay. has had six months' work canceled in America. 'You Can't Take It With You' (Col.) doing big biz at. the Gaumont. Dorchester hotel's new show post- poned from last week in December to Jan. 18. CTaUgary -Bros, at the London Coliseum Dec. 12, doubling from Dorchester hotel. Frances Day, Margaret Rawlings and Leslie Stoll obtained final di- vorce decrees Nov. 14. Marjorie Dash, daughter of Irwin Dash, married Arnold Someray, wholesale meat purveyor. H. M. Tennent celebrated first an- niversary of 'Robert's Wife' at the Globe, with party at the Savoy'hotel, Nov. 23. Charlie O'Donnell and Eddie Fields, two of the original Three Rascals, getting together again for vaudeville. A second will found here dis- closed Pearl White left English es- tate valued at $250,000, to be divided among her father, brother and sis- ter.- i Jacques Charles staging bi£ Christ- mas speietacle at Earls Court with 200 gals, including 17 champion skiiers. Show opens Dec. 6. It's in for eight weeks with option. (George Black unearthed old Clark and McCuUough musical, 'Where's the Flag,' while in America re- cently, which he intends to use for the next Palladium 'Crazy' show. Oiarles L. Tucker wanted AI Trahan to double from his vaude- ville unit at Holbom Empire week of Dec. 12 to the Troc, which Tucker books exclusively, but deal fell through on account of salary differ- ences. Duchess,' which Maurice Lehmann will present at Mogador. Henry Garat suing Bagnoles de YQvne Casino for 2.000.DOO francs (about $53,000) for loss of one eye as result of fracas there two years ago. Budapest Sandor Ince prepping for Holly- wood trip". 'Souhrette' playing to capacity at Vigszinhaz, with Klari Tolnay a big hit as the lead. 'Star of Variete' in German and Hungarian versions now being shot at Hunnia. Variely stage shots being made at the Muvesz, now dark. 'Accidents Don't Happen* shots 'finished at Hunnia. Current produc- tion is patriotic .musical, 'Hussars of Fehervar,' featuring Maria Egry, Piro^ Vaszary, Pager and Kafoos. Actress. Cornelia Gardos dis- missed from National theatre for publicly professing eixtreme ri^t political views,' which might affect peaceful cooperation among mem- bers of the company." . 'Puszta Princess,' feature now being made at Filmiroda Studio, is based on story by Catherine Boce- kay, village schoolmarm, who six months ago married' Archduke Al- brecht of Hapshurg. Pittsburgh By SaJ Cohen The Sol Zionts celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Jack Durvis has left Baron El- liott's band to organize- his own crew. Lew Mercur plotting a duplicate of his local Nut House in Miami this winter. Max Arnow here looking over tal- ent at Playhouse and tiny Kilbuck theatre. Jackie Heller's band now definite for William Fenn hotel opening'New Year's Eve. Herman Middleman playing piano in Jerry Mayhall's house orchestra ■at new Senator. R ,E. . Baltz handling Buxton Holmes' lecture series at Carnegie Hall this season. Bob Geffel, managing Earl Mel- len's band at Bill Green's Casino, also playing in it Lela Moore home for a tew days following South American tour with her 'Dance of Lovers.' Margaret Daum in from east to sing at annual banquet of -Al Abrams' Dapper Dan club. Mrs. Lyle Harding, wife <of Sheri- dan Square manager, out of hospital after having tonsils clipped. Dorothy Scott playing lead in Toin Wilmot's new play, 'And Niobe Wept,' which opened last night (Tuesday' at the Playhouse. WLW's Defense iContlnued from page 27) r Hollywood Paris By Huero Speck Jack Warner back home. Jack Cohn in from London. Roland Toutain in from Africa. Walter Dare Wahl, at the ABC, Nadia Dauty topping Bobino bill, Denise Bosc went linder operation. Josette Day plans theatrical debut. Gilbert Miller in on the Norman- die. Serge Glykson's band into Ambas- sadeurs. Cecil Sorel in from South Ameri- can tour. Bobby May doubling at Ambassa- deurs and ABC. Maud and .Corbay featured at Chez les Nudistes, Andre Daven and Albert Prejean in from Hollywood. Marian Anderson played to full house at Opera recital. •'Mother Carey's Chickens' (20th- Cent) opened at Balzac. 'Adam,' new Marcel Archard play, opening at the Gymnase. 'Retour a I'Aube,' Danielle Dar- rieux's latest opening at Marigan. Matinee entrance fees hoisted by common consent of cinema directors. Gaston Baty has written 'Ducinee,' next presentation at the Montpar- nasse. Francis Carco adapting 'Bubu de Montparnasse.' by Charles Louis Philippe, for film. Gary Cooper and wife got big greeting at Casino when Chevalier presented them to house. 'Robbery in the Rue de la Paix,' new - play by Jean de Letraz and Fodor, in rehearsal at Theatre des Capucines. Raimu to appear on stage for first time in 10 years in "The Grand much weight given the statements of individuals with acknowledged self- ish interests, Patrick implied. WLW counsel noted, the substantial contributions to technical progress which have been made possible only through actual field tests of 500 kw. Program of future research also should justify a grant, in as iaath as physical considerations' i>reveht car- rying, out scheduled experiments with SO kw and no laboratory ' in the nation is able to embark on the Pribram. Among the ways WLW has benefited the industry and thus lielped the public Patrick listed de- velopment of novel type of line am- plifier, automatic modulation cor- rector, unique photo-electric cell, and glass pipe insulation, as .well ^ multitudinous discoveries regarding the standards of signal .intensity needed to insure satisfactory recep- tion. Numerous citations to the record were made in attacking- the commit- tee finding that WLW lias had an undesirable economic effect upon tiie remainder of the industry because of the coverage advantage which ^500 kw gives. In taking several excep- tions to the conclusions about ■ Hie economic problem, Patrick' declared the committee erred in o.verlooking statements of its own witnesses-and other factual information.abottt busi- ness conditions in the area served by the Cincinnati behemoth. Otiiera Raised Bates In discussing the economic phase, which was of outstandings importance in the long hearing last summer, Patrick called attention to the steady increase in rates of local and re- gional stations within the daytime area covered by WLW while the super-power outlet's time charges have 'remained static*. Expansion Of NBC in the WLW zone, through ad- dition of outlets in recient years, was mentioned as another jniportant ref- utation of the cOminittee's findings. The volume of NBC programs car- ried by the Cincy.outlet has declined since 500 kw operation began and WLW's share of earnings has not mounted disproportionately, .showing advertisers have not been dis- couraged from purchasing time on other stations. On the matter of service rendered with 500 kw, the Crosley counsel re- marked upon unique types of pro- grams, the increased outlays for entertitinment and information, the continous drop in percentage rela- tionship between net income and gross sales, the lengtlis to which WLW has gone in providing pro- grams particularly designed for rural audiences, and the dependence of listeners in thinly-settled sections on clear-channel transmitters. Fail- ure of th6 committee to give suffi- cient weight to the postcard survey demonstrating W L W's popularity with listeners was singled out as a basic error. Conjectural nature of the testi- mony about interference between WLW and WOR was foundation for another series of exceptions, with the Crosley attorney noting that WOR did not appear in opposition to the request for further 500 kw operation. Whatever serious interference did exist at the outset has been cut to near the vanishing point since WOR went to 50 kw and WLW installed dire<itive aiitenna, he said, calling attention to the FCC's.own standards on interference. Howard Benedict to Mexico. Barnett Parker to. Honolulu. -Ralph Byrd called off p.a. tour. Herbert Yates in for two weeks. Alexander Hall laid up'with flu. Mary Maguire going to England. Saul Bornstein in from Broadway. Pauline Holman laid up with flu. Mike Levee back from Broadway. Cecil Humphreys in from Lon- don. Boris Karloff celebrated 51st birth- day. .Tudge Walter C. Kelly injured in fall. Joe Brandt to hospital for opera- tion. Ctiester Morris east .on personal tour- Helen Ferguson laid up with bron- chitis. Frank Morgan bruised in auto crash. Howard Strickling vacationing on desert, Ruth .Weston plaiied in from Man-, hattan. Lloyd Wright back from N. Y. conf^>s . Harold Robb and Rowley back to DaUas. Bea Silvey laid up with ptomai poisoning. Gracie Fields in from England for conferences. Edith Fellows recovering from ap- pendicitis op. Jack Bachman back to work after 11. days of flu. Dalton Trumbo recovering from hanjd infection, Bette. Davis back to work after four-day illness. Harold Lloyd's father to hospital for observation. Sam Bischeff leaves next week for European vacash, Paquerette Pathe. received her first citizenship papers. Count Kiyosbi Kunoda ganderinff' studios on way back to . Japan. Sam Wren in from N. Y. for Thanksgiving with Virginia Sale. Harry Warner out of hospital, re* cu»erating at his Calabassas ranch. Mddie Welch lectured 150 teachers at "University of Southern California. Donald Crisp ovexhaiiling^ hi& schooner for .a cruise in the South Seas. Harvey StephOns recovering', from buiTts sustained during filming of Warners' 'Dod e City.* Eddie Prinz took a leave of ab- sence from Paramount to direct hoof routines .ihpEari Carroll's .new nitery. Ay -Eric '^Gorrlek Cinesound's 'Dad and Daye' tloing big in the stix. Tolefson was held over by Greater Union in Brisbane. 'Alexander' (20th) is takiqg real coin for Hoyts in Sydney. Horace Sheldon appointed musical director Australidn - New Zealand Theatres. Larry Adler jot away to a fine start in Melbourne lor Tivoli, Syd- ney season follows. Dave Martin waiting for the com- pletion of his Minerva theatre be- fore setting production plaDs. Frankie Browne and Jean KerruJsh hav6 been appointed to assist Mike Lustig with Metro e3q)loltatiM. Joyce BOwden has .quit Austra- lian-New Zealand Theatres* publicity office. He's now With Snider'-Dean. Cinesound's find, Jean Hatton, booked to play major role in 'Mr. Chedworth Steps Out* with Cecil Kellaway. Dan Eckley, newly appointed dance director Australian - New Zealand Theatres, picking ballet talent for 'I Married An Angel,' Magda^Neeld, local femme, has re- placed Joan Abbott as lead in Harxiy Howard's 'Hollywood Hotel.' Latter returned to U. S. following a re- ported nervous breakdown. Chicago Ed Voynow laid up with sluggish tonsils. Hank Richards off to Arizona for a month. Sam Roberts back from New York talent hunt. Ros Metzger back to tongwriting as a hobby sideline. Duke Hickey, ex-Universal p.a., out of hospital after long siege. Frank Rand, Columbia web press chief iiere, back from New York. Gertrude Lawrence topped the show at the Bachelors and Benedicts ball. - Cecil Widdifield, Seeds agency ra- dio chief, recuperating from laryn- gitis. Walter Donovan song-plugging with the aid of cane following ankle injury, Joe Kaufman, Bdlaban & Katz film booker, in hospital for emergency appendectomy. Alfred Landoa the center of the lobby Interest at opening of Td' Rather Be Right* in the Auditorium. Jerry Bergen, vaude and nitery comic, obtained divorce from Mary £, Bergen on grounds of jdesertion. Mrs. Bergen awarded settlement of t3,500.