Variety (Apr 1939)

Wednesday, April S, 1939 VARIETY I 47 Irylnr Bra«(ow Ore El Chic* KaT Uiverly vHrgartt Warsball Jack Marnton Vlrllola Howara Miriam Weema San Sutherland eenorlta Mar<iu«rlt« Shtrry I^a Bubble" Shtlby Arlett Wltbera .Ivan Taahman Ore SiaibaaiT Billy Mapla Alda Alvarei . Bdltb BoarK . i,nla MaUiia . BoloMa O'NelU XT Moor* Ore radr* Blaaca Ora Oiorf* Clinord . KrarcTMB Owto* B«tb Ciiallla Chailwlcka •Wally Rand- Avan Sla Ifarlon Well* A| Eldrlch Jo Ull«s Oro 1313 Clab Bi»ln» King Ore Tommy Monro* Bttaelind Terry Eileen Morcedea -Dolly Parker June Davia Dorotby Tanner Betty McKee . Francis. I^nox HItil Lane Florence llolman Bonnie Stewart a Bishop Bros Ben Perry De Hayoa Tvonettes (6) Bobby Morrow . Or* BartU Xavem 'Alabama Corinn* Bobby Lyon* Greta LaMarr Betty'ThoDia* HUdebrand'a Charlie Neld Dorl*' Blllott' Norman Lewi* M'atto & Tberee* Frankle Hilton ' Richard Bach Bobby L** Ore- Dee Dorea Jack I^Bcb'e Charles Smith . Vincent Rlaao Or* Barney Zeeman Chaney & Fox Joe B, Lewi* Helen Morgan Gloria Gilbert Betty Brodel Maclovia Rntx Herb Dubroir Jimmy Blake J Lynch Ol* Joe Fresetto Orr Ut«Ie RatfaakelW Sniph Lewis Betty ft Jim Love Patsy Sbaw Han Tho Chan Ilene Ford 'Victor Hugo Ore Johnny ft Qeorc* Hanic'* Helen Maxwell Marl* Clair Lena Arlsto Bucky Shore* TounB SI* Kate Smith •Walt 'Woltord Oro Haaoa Ian Leonard Cook Bllll* BIcbmond Ferdez ft Ix>renzo Bob ft Betty Starr Baroness Randonln Billy Gates Oro Up«D Uoor Cafe Bob BIdley Roe* VenuttI Hawaiian Ore Viola Klalsa Ore ' F«(pl* Dccbj Jean O'Neill Andy Russell Buck Calhoun Betty 'Weeks 2Iargle Mealey Jeaii Lamar Dotty Moor* Bobby•Carr Jo* Barns Bay Allen Ore BcndeaTOD* Mldgle Fellow* Foril* Marshall ft J Blain* Alston Miller Sis Ann Sultana Hosa Irwin Bob Uargravaa Ore Stamp'* Cafe Bert L«mlBh Or* Dot Lanily Jack Hutchinson Johnny Walsh Andre ft Francis B^be'SheTman' Cortes ft Marquis V16 Earlson Sllnr T.ake Ins (ClepBcntop) Mickey FamllanI Or Alle* Lucey Armand ft Juliana Jan Jones' George Reed. 'Vcnk* Grille Jack Rich Fay Bay Jney Hayes Ore Elaine Foster Tonl Bdding TUdDC Cat* Blllie Callahan Joe Kcarns Jerry Dklmar Oro Whirling Dervishes Helen Brooks Pepporettes (3> T.«Hlle Sis Lola Bobby Jones Village. Ban Bobby Evan* Jaokl* Miles Frances Carroll Billy Le* Kay Allen Alex Gray Ore Ctaaa ft K Joy WosoB Wheel' Tommy Hahn Joan Marie Jo* O'Sbea Allworth ft Tvonn* Al Wilson Al Bsstlan Ore TTeber'* Het Braa ' (Canden) Use Hart Rudy Brudar . Jules 'Flacco Or* Helen Worthlngton Goodrich ft Nelson La LIta Joan Gardner Belmont Bro* Fat Crantord Bill Evans Eld Golden Signer Karmino J ft T Shellenh'mar International* Eldoradlana Tacbt CInb Kitty H*lmllng Or* Roberta Ramsey hhwauxee Alhletl* aab Hal Munro Oro Bert rUIUp's Pep Babler Ore Ethel Seldel Blata Falm Gaidca Eddia South Ore Louis Mason Blae Moea . D Davidson Ore Virginia Ro*«b Jay Jayson Oal* Parker Cardinal Clal^ Sud VIonI Oro Cbatcaa CInb Gtan Jacobsen Oro Johnny Poat Jimmy -ft Nora Bell Jack Herbert June Carson Dorothy May* Editb Ra* Don ft S Jennlnga Ii«e Bartell a Cents Bort Gilbert 31artln Barnett Patsy Marr Doris .& Cooney Clover CInb Harry Weber Or* Ruth Pbllllps Eva Thornton Marg* 'Toung Eleanor Gall Jean Rnrley Flo Radk* Don Kranlch Jaxon CInb Forest Virginia Grey Berdlne Dickson Helen Kaye Vera. Welsh Clab HadrU Jimmy Rota* Ore Roland ft Francin* Rebecca Page. Patrlola Page GIs Marguerite Claudet LiOlIta Roche VM». ft Annis George .Moore Sharon Hale Therese Rudolph CInb Sahara Geo Cerwin Ore CiDb Tcrri* Gordon Genschorc Mona Henderson Bthel Warren Phil Kestln Kathleen Kaye Claudia Ferris Dale ft Dale Congo Clob Irma Kline BIIT ft Raft Bob Freeman Mary Reed Jen Thomas Leonard Gay Ore Comle* Ship Bill Davidson Ore Brown ft Lyon* Myrtl* Thomaa Hunky Browh BendczTooa Betty Mason Helen Grego* Carol Claveland Dotty Norman Katharine Kay* Alma Grant Bob Matheson Oro BCM Jean Allen Pat Marvin Helen Allen Romona Brownwell Rose- Vine VIndIck SI* Harvey Lee Ore Scaler's Tony Bauer Ore Marie Kecky Jessie ft Viola Dorothy Hamilton BIng Burdick Roma Costellb Schwarts Bob Bherl* Oro Lee Leigh ton Ore Biz Point Clab Casper Red* Oro State Garden* Enrl-Rlre-Oro ■ — Florence Bell Mildred Seeley Ann Helen* Even Allen Irene Schrank Flo Smith Shirley Little Peggy Hall Soaaet Clob Eddie Apple Ben Bo* Ore Ralph Lawl* Bailey ft Lamarr Devlnea Eagle* Steve Swedish Ore Mabel Drake Dorothy .Dal* Red Roberta Ore Gloria Gale Jimmy De Palma Howard Gelger Hotel Bchracder (Entplie Boom) Billy Baer Oro Roy Bast VIrg Hotmann Paul Mann Mophandle I Karl Batscb'a Sepple Boch Ore Helene Sturn Walter UerhoB IjtracB'* Ray Meadow* Ore lost Boand Op Jimmy Ray* Oro Ken Keck Undy'* Rick ft Snyder VIcibr • RIa Burke ;Log CabiB Carl Bergman Ore Ulaml Clob Helen Holmes Marlon-XVoiter* Marie Douglas Maroella Paige OInnle Blalny Joan Bolrd Peggy_Geary Gene Emerald Harriet Cross Marib Carroll Johnny Davis pre UUwankcaB Bobby Maynard Oaals Marty Gray Oro Snooks Hartman Old Heidelberg Mary Beth Eddie VIPP Ore Unnna LuPae Allen Dunn Sallle Marshall ninger ft Louise Sandra Marlowe Oped Door TInney LIveng'd Or Larry Powell I'ackard Ballroom Al Cavalier Oro ParadlM Garden* Bill KIngsley Oro Peru Art Rochel Oro rlanlatlon CInb Bert Bailey Oro Mnry Webb Plantation C Tie Top Tap Joey Feldstein Ore Natalie ft Howard Eleanor Leonard Al Gale TewB and Cooatry Clab Knight ft Dae Robortos ' I.uclene Virginia Davis Madeline Gardiner' Betty Harger. Allcon Ronda Zostro ft IWellB }larty Hull Cameo GIs Debutantes Toy's Case Landls Oro t<th * Korth Clob Kay Crandell Oro Trocadero Miron Stuart Ore Jane'Rubey Khutta ft Kent Dolly O'Oea Woodard Sis Bobble Stuart Wlrih'* Faturlstle Bill Srhweltzer Ore Jack Fexer Vallle Jay Oro Maureen Roesy ■Resan ft Mann . Wisconsin Boot Bill Carleen Ore M Merryniaker Ore N!o Harper Oro Tom Sheridan Cappy Lewis Joan Demarls Arnold Dupro Zenker Gardena Lyie Stann Oro ItalliiB Garden* Etzl Covato Ore Bsrnle Perella Michael Strung* Dance Darling* (6) Johnny Morris Dick Smith Betty Nylander Kew PenB Joe Ravell Oro Laverne KIdd Jack Keller Lee Burke Ward Sis MIxon Cafe Al Marslco Ore Bob -Carter ■ Sero> 2 Jimmy Ray SHayne ft Armetr'ng Angelo Dl Palma Claire Ray GIs Not House Al Sherman Jack Lv vis . Lew Doiisofl- Harry NosokolT George De Coata AI.Mercur Jim Buchanan Plaza Cate Jimmy Peyton Ore Adele Curtis Lynn ft Davis Dewey Moon Betty Hurst Billy Cover Le Rol Blvlcrs Joe Lee Oro Show Boat Al Fremont Oro Leola Frazler Joan Grey Billy Keaton Barbara M'Donald Santos ft Elvira Lane ft Carroll Brent. DeW^ ft M Bob Ryan 3 Line (12) Webster Hall Nelson Maples Ore Buzzy Kountx Will Ward . George Weber Union Grill Tony Lombardo Art Tagello Frank Natale Neely Bill (Continued from page 2) CLEVELAND Alpine TUUge Otto Tburn Oro Woods ft Bray Markell ft Faun Margaret Aemmer Herman PIruhner 'AtbIob Hy Barron Ore Bert Gilbert Carol Chapelle Airway CInb Troy Singer Ore Judy Black Cedar Oarden* Duke Melvin Oro Hecht's Unit Cbatcaa Pete Geracl Ore liOon LoVerdle Art West Femmes 1 Fellow CeUege Ibb Norman Brill Oro neddle'* Cate Tony Emma Ore Guy Chemey Hart ft Allison Tvon Nova Eddie Barnca Texas Rocket* GoldcB Glow. Paul SImonettI Ore Sherry Panay Del Grey Gonnnet Clab Louis CIna Oro Gloria Olenmora HnttoB's Clab Lenny Colyer Bob Armstrong Rose-Usrie Honna Crill Joanna Gordon Kay Bush Don ft Lou Len .Ensign Hotel Oleveland Gene Brwin Oro Walt Bergen Ore Hotel Fenway BaU Wlllard Pott* Oro Beltis Allen Hotel Sterling Marty Lake Oro Gayle Gaylord Hotel HollcndfB Sammy Watklns Or Patsy Parker Frank Cook Jack ft Jill Romany 3 Hotel Statler Dick Stabile Oro Evelyn Oakes Glover ft LaMae Jack <s Bddle'e Chick Williams Arlene Rice Ore ' VIo Corpora Uadsay'a Sby-Clab Poison Gardner Harold Simpson Monaco's Cafe Ross Pierce Oro Marllynd Maynard Moiuda Clab Orvelle Rand Ore Sonthern TaverB Paul Burton Ore Don Kaye Nick Bontemp* Ubangl CInb Tommy Banies Ore Hortel Collins Bthel Avery Rose Morgan Sonny Carr DETBOII Ambassader Billy Meager Bill Tracey Brucettes Geo AKano Ore Book-CadlUae Hotel (Book Casino) Bob Grant Ore >lanno ft Strafford Charles Farrall (Motor Bar) Pater Kent Oro Cheae-Trenblcy Jimmy Oargane Or Frankle Little Harry Jarkey Mitchell ft Rayburn Bob O'Neill Ginger Sutton Commodoie Clab C Coatello Ore Lee De Bain Oldtlmers 4 Rita & Ruben* Sorelll Una Cooper Lovely Ladles (4) Clab F^tcnae Baker 2 Oro VIckl Lauren Marian Kay 4 KImbells Jay Jason. Sweethearts (t) ClUr Bell'* Kaye Andre Gardner Smith Ore Hotel Statler (Terrace Boom) JCavIer Cugat Oro Carmen Castillo Judy Lane Eddie Astaerman Castalino Rblbn Paul ft Eva Imperial CInb Don Carlnl Geo Sella ft Jo-Jo Boniile Nicholas Fin LIvltes Margo Wade Woody Mosher Frank Rapp Ore Kebtolo Cat* Leonard Seel Or* Mario ft Marina Parisian Coeds Jack Stacey Kortliwood Ina Frank Glllen Ore John Hale Ted ft Mnry Taft Arlene Whitney OasI* Lillian lM May . Ilenee DeRoy's GIs Josephine Campbell Harry Goodman Don Rlcardo Oro Falm Beach Amos Jacobs Curtia ft Clare Wade ft Wade Don Pablo Ore riantatloa Clab Guatavus Jones Evelyn Whit* Moke ft Poke Desorce Alexander Billy Ekstein Sadjal Don Albert Oro House Lin* II) Fewatan . Mickey Alpert Katherlne Dolores 4 Cameos Sammy Dlbert Oro Sab* Don Harris Buddy Lester Renee Villon Lonette Sis Geo Kavanagh Ore PUTSBUBOH Anohorag* Hughl* Morton Ore Maynard Dean* Arlington Lode* Art Norku* Oro Balcounde* Ted Waldon Oro Sally Calrna BUI Green'* Tommy Carlyn Ore Johnny Duny Clab Fetlte Freddie Castle Oro Terry Holmes Rao Ruaaell Pherry I.jine Dave Jeftreys Cork and Bottle Jack Davis l^dle .Peyton'* Johnny Ra'dlon On- Jerry O'Dar* Harlem Casino Bherdlna Walker Or After 41 Years, Josef Hofmann Switches Mgrs. Josef Hofmarin, pianist, whose 41 years'' business association with the m^jiageinent of Richard Copley ter- minated with the latter's death re- cently, has shifted over to Metropoli- tan Musical Bureau. .(F. C. Coppicus and F. C. Schang), subsid of Co- lumbia Concert Corp. (CBS). Hofmann's last recital of the sea- son at Carnegie Hall April IS termi- nates the artist's Copley hookup. George Gould Pete Nugent Monette Moore Johnson ft Grldsr Otto Easons Harlemettes ri> lAtry Steele Ozzis Dial Hotel Henry M Contreraa Oro Conchlta Hotel Roosevelt Buddy Russell 3 Hotel Sclienley. Howard Baura Ore Buzz Aston Jack Roger* Hotel William Penn (ChaUerhoz) Bernle Cummins Or Connie Barleau Walter - Cummins (Continental Bar) Versatlllans (Grill) Bavarians Janssen Back in Bfilto Baltimore, April 4. Werner Janssen, for the past two seasons conductor of the mtmicipally controlled Baltimore Symph, has been re-«ngaged for next season. Plans being worked out by Fred- erick R. Huber, municipal director of music, call for an increase in number of concerts next season. New Ihvehtioh (Continued from page 1) the stage appeared to fly in the spectator's face. Under Greathouse's process, he uses' a screen 15 x 30 feet, as against the standard 13 x 18. The screen moves sideways in a theatre into the wings and out <>f sight when cutting to the stage action. It is electrically- controlled and wiU take any color to suit the action desired Also, the screen is perforated so that parallel action. can be obtainecL In other words, if the screen portion of the show embodies exteriors, mob scenes, ships at sea, ah airplane crash, or a horse race, but with a group of actors in the flesh on the stage, as though part of the scene, this could be done simultaneously for effect. Large kxterlors An important phase of the <3reat- house method deals with the pho- tography—with actors, if wanted— of large exteriors or other at- mospheric scenes, which cannot be used on the legit stage. If the 'parallel action' isn't desired or called for by the script, then the show would cut from a storm scene, for example, to living characters on the stage that are concerned in the storm. The same size actors on the film as in person would have to be used under tlie process so that illusion is not disturbed. Thus, in the film por- tions of a film-legit play, there would be no closeups or three-quar- ter figures. While the same talent as employed for the speaking scenes on the stage could be used for the film portions, such contingencies as change of cast, deaths, etc^r the desire for more than one company of the show—is taken care of by avoiding film scenes that do not too closely identify the talent. How- ever, just as doubles are used In films tot certain scenes, .so can this be done under the Greathouse system. Although doubles can be dubbed into screen portions if humaiis are so used in the film scenes as to make that desirable, the film would be shot silent in any case. In the event a scene of Broadway is called for, the noises of the street, auto horns, etc., would be dubbed in, thus leaving no microphonic voices to conflict with natural sounds.' In addition to creating a new type of stage writing technique, combin- ing the art of playwrighting with that of the scenarist, Greathouse's patent also embodies a new type of lighting. Because of the fact thait box sets on stages and other heavy scenery would be eliminated, since the film would establish the scene and back- ground, it is claimed that tremendous savings in legit production could be effected. according to Hayser. Referring to mounting trade barriers, he said U. S. exporters still have substaiitial share of overseas market, but cautioned 'when this bill is passed we're licked abroad.' ^ritlsh particularly would like to see -such legisl4.tIon enacted, because 'they doht care . about mor- als,' but simply desire to hamstring American combetitors. - Questioned by Senator Barkley, Pettijohn told how the tone of pic- tures has. been lifted without gov- ernmental coercion. Mae West has disappeared because public taste has changed, he observed, and producers, in cooperation with film councils and other public groups, have been able to keep in touch with patrons' wishes. Sometimes the studios make a bad guess, he conceded, but there is a constant effort to make and en- courage a. better quality of screen fare. Passage won't help the public, Pet- tijohn argued. Every-person who buys a ticket buys blindly, just as exhibitors who, incidentally, are like- ly to have more information about the sort of film. Patrons simply fol- low favorite stars or take a chance on the title. The Legion of Decency was applaud- ed by the industry spokesman. Re- marking upon difficulty In putting the production code over at the out- set. Pettijohn said the Catholic groups did 'a grand job' toward in- ducing studios .to live up to stand ards. Church groups have aided by reviewing and classifying output, he conceded. Last year the Legion con- demned only six pix—three imported and three domestic quickies sold sin- gly and not made by any major studio. Injurious effects of such legislation stressed by Pettijohn, as well as Rob- ert Montgomery, who was windoW' dressing for the first round and drew large attendance of goggle-eyed femme attaches of Senate staff. "This bill is a proposal to destroy the distribution system of the motion picture business—a system which distributes daily more than 25,000 miles of film to some 17,500 theatres in the United States with less than- a dozen miss-outs per year,' Petti' john predicted. 'It is a proposal to set aside the distribution system of the motion picture Industry without offering a better one tp take its place, which every producer and dis- tributor of pictures would welcome if the substitutes 'was more efficient, economical and fair to all parties concerned. This bill tears down and destroys. It does not build up. 'Why. would this bill destroy the motion picture production code? An' nually, in addition to providing the buyers and sellers of motion pictures with thousands of lawsuits based on whether or not a correct synojpsis had been given each and every ex- hibitor on each and every picture in several million separate sales, this bill would make every exhibitor his own censpr, and all co-operating groups would have at least 17,500 'fronts^ for their activities and cO' operation instead of one, namely, the motion picture code. 'Motion pictures cannot be mana factured in mass production. Their production is not comparable to the making of soap or automobiles. Vou can make good soap by putting into the soap kettles and boiling the best of ingredients, but the best of icgredients put into a motion picture kettle do not always turn out the best of products.' - Instead of putting curbs on the U. S. film business, the Government should give the industry a boost, Pet- tijohn urged. All other countries, besides fighting our product, are en' conraging their own producers— many of them with subsidies. Pictures cannot be sold individual- ly if there is to be a solid foimda- tion for the industry, he maintained. Studios must have some idea of their outlet before gambling large amounts; distribs cannot assume the service costs to provide pix for $10 to $20 apiece; exhibitors have to be assured of reliable supply of prod uct. "To Pettijohn's mind, 'it is as necessary for the motion picture to have well In advance a definite schedule of play-dates for pictures as it is for the railroads to have timetables for their trains.' Montgomery Gives Side Of the Stuidio Employee Giving the employes' slant, Mont- gomery said Screen Actors (3uild feels Neely bill 'would cut In half the production schedules of the mo- tion picture industry' and predicted 282,000 workers would be hurt Actors are only one of 276 crafts dependent for livelihood on films, he emphasized, and with exception of small group of contract players 'the earning power of these people is ex- tremely limited and depends entirely upon the volume of production.' I should like to point out that the methods of production and distribu- tion wfiich are attacked by this bill, while admittedly not perfect, are the result of 30 years' experience and effort,' actor said. 'The sponsors of this bill ask the Congress to desti-oy the entire business structure of one oC the largest industries of the United States without offering any alterna- tive plan except one which has failed every time it has been tried. "The officers and directors of the Screen Actors Guild feel that they would be neglecting their duty to the people they represent it they did not point out to this committee that the enactment of the Neely bill would bring about a chaotic condition in the motion picture business from which, in their opinion, there could be no recovery within a period of 12 months or 12 years.' Outlining the purposes, Atkinson, making debut for the sponsors, said the legislation will protect 'the basic right of the community to determine the kind of entertainment shown in neighborhood theatres' by liberaliz- ing buying so that local patrons can influence exhibitors.. When asked by Senator Barkley whether block or blind selling Is more offensive to re- formers, Bostonian said the prac- tices are inseparable and 'there would be no advantage in abolishing. block booking if the exhibitor has no way of knowing what he's buying.' Need for remedial legislation was amply demonstrated in 1036 and 1938, he Insisted, and for the sake of both young people, and adults theatres should have unlimited freedom to° build their own programs. It would be 'in accord with the tradition ot local independence.' DETROIT AGOG OVER NATl VARIETY CONV. Detroit, April 4. National Variety -Club conclave here April 27-29 incliidies several unique plans which are being worked out by the entertainment committee, headed by David M. Idzal and J. O. Brooks. General chair- man of the convention is John E. Flynn, aided by George Trendle, E. C. Beatty, William Carlson, E. E. Klrchner, Frank Downey, Charles C. Perry, H. M. Rlchey, David New- man and IdzaL Heads of the various committees are Harold Robinson, transportation; Earl Hudson, publicity; Elmer Kieh. ler, decoration; H. Clem Merritt, re« ception; Charles Perry, speakers; E. E. Klrchner, hotel reservations; William Carlson, program, and Frank Downey, banquet Darfanontli Execs In N. Y. on FesdTal Plans Dartmouth College officials are conferring with Dramatists Guild representatives this week regarding plans for the $1,000,000 playhouse and theatre workshop to be erected on the campus at Hanover, N. H., and the annual summer drama fes- tival to be held there. Jens Fred'- erick Larson,, the architect, and War- ner Bentley, head of the college drama department, arrived in New York yesterday - (Tuesday) and Sid- ney Hayward, secretary of the col- lege, is due tomorrow (Thursday) to attend a limcheon of the two groups. Previous day (Monday) Robert E. Sherwood, Dramatists Guild presi- dent, was elected president of the American National - Theatre and Academy, which -is seeking to co- ordinate plans for summer drama festivals at Dartmouth, William and Mary and several other colleges. He succeeds A. Conger Goodyear, Paft- mount director, who becomes chair- man of the board. New directors elected by the ANTA include Brooks Atkinson, drama critic of the N. Y. Times, who also succeeds Mary Stewart French as secretary of the board; John Mason Brown, drama critic "of the N. Y. Post; Vinton Freedley, Dwight Deere. Wiman,. Jens. Frederick Larson and Lee Simon- son. It is hoped to hold a world drama ' conference at Dartmouth next year.-