Variety (Apr 1939)

4t VARIETT LEGmMATE Wednesdaj, April 5, 1939 FTP UNDER HRE IN WASHINGTON; 'UNFAIR COMPETITION' CHARGED ^wing Mika^doV Presentation in N. Y. Draws Legis- lative Attadb—'Waste and Extravagance' CKaf ged; to Project Washington, April 4. Growing dissatisfaction with the Federal Theatre Project echoed in legislative lobbies last week. Repri- mands for drama venture heads ac- companied the latest relief appro- priation bill, with both Republicans and Democrats heaving rocks. Unfair competition with private enterprise—familiar G.OJ. chant- was charged by Representative Sol Bloom, New York Democrat, who is the producers' outstanding Con- gressional friend. Waste and ex- travagance was charged by Repre- senUtive John Taber, N. Y. Repub- lican, and Representative Clifton A. Woodrum, Virginia Democrat A bout the only pleasant word for the FTP was spoken by Representative. Clar- ence Cannon, Missouri Democrat Subsidized 'Swing Mikado* caused most of. the furore^ although other Government attempts to lend a hani} to jobless actors also drew denun- ciation. Without mentioning any in- dividuals by name. Congressional critics of the WPA bleated that the law has been flouted by bosses of the drama program, particularly in Importing the hypoed Gilbert & Sul- livan operetta to N. Y. Publication of secret testimony showed that the Appropria tions Committee scrutinized the FTP closely, grilling Mrs. Florence Kerr, deputy administrator in charge of white-collar understakings, inten' sively about costs, policies, types of productions, etc. Woodrum and Taber fired particularly critical questions, with Representative J. William' Ditter, Pennsylvania Re- publican, chiming in frequently. Ifs the most complete picture, ever given by the secretive WPA crowd, With a record of more than 1,000 plays, ETP has used up $41,715,597 • since operations started in the sum- mer of 1935, House purse-watchers learned. Of this total, $38,053,644 went for labor. Outlay in the prin- cipal centers was: New York, $20,- 531,846; Chicago, $3,413,793; Los An- geles, $2,777,055; San Francisco, $4,097,431. Projects In tt Stotes Present curtailed operations spread over 21 states,' projects having been abandoiied in 11 others, either be- cause of the shortage of \memployed professionals, oe the incompe- tence of the jobhunters, Mrs. Kerr testified, Latest check showed 8,060 ' persons employed, more than 90% of them from the un- employed roUs. Supervisory pason- nel, getting considerably more than the WPA's security wage, repre- sented 8.3% of the total. Although some of the shows—like the 'Swing Mikado'—^have been profitable, admissions amounted to only 5% of the expenditure over the 42 months WPA has been function- ing. Take from July 1, 1935, through Feb. 28, this year, was $1,844,082, New York City topping the list with $649,297. Chicago coUected $381,863; San Francisco, $279,027; and Los An- geles, $149,736. . Yelping about the 'Mikado' was essentially a lament over the re- fusal of ; WPA. to allow comm'ercial managers to take over the Chicago production. Instead of shipping the outfit to New York under FedereJ auspices. Wailing about Impolite treatment, Representative Bloom gave the committee a lengthy ac- count of attempts to hire the entire cast and put the production on in Gotham as a regular professional enterprise. By not forcing the ac- tors to take the offer of Erik Char- rel and Richard Aldrlch, the WPA execs flouted orders of Congress to encourage reliefers to accept outside jobs, the Congressional critics charged. This complaint was aired on tlie floor when Woodrum said 'no one has yet explained how they got around the plain mandate of section 7 House Joint Resolution 83, which we passed a few weeks ago, which provides that any WPA worker who refuses bona fide employment of- fered to him at reasonable wages shall be stricken from the rolls.' . According to Congressman Bloom's account, the 'Mikado' cast was of- fered tiie Equity minimum scale, while Charrell proposed to reim- burse the Government for orchestra- tlona and the Idea. Declairing the actors had a chance to accept the proposition if they desired, Mrs. Kerr explained her. refusal to apply pres- sure by noting that another overture had been made. She could not act as agent for any manager, the as- sistant administrator con tend ed. An- other answer was that WPA execs do not feel they should encourage reliefers to take jobs which may blow up in a short time. Mrs. Kerr also argued that 'no direct offer was made' by the New Yorkers. The Chicago presentation of 'Mi- kado' was highly successful from a monetary, as well as an artistic, point of view, Mrs. Kerr revealed. Total receipts from 158 performances during five-month run were $105,284, putting the show in the money-mak- ing'category. Disap proval of the whole concept of FTP was reflected in Wpodrum's quizzing of Mrs. Kerr and Admin- istrator F. C. Harrington. He mir- rored the feeling that too much em- phasis is put on the cultural aspects of the activity, instead of consider- injg the chief purpose to be relief for jobless actors. He also was dis- pleased at the idea of sending suc- cessful shows on tour. In defending the N. Y. production of 'Mikado,' Col, Harrington noted the desirability of furnishing low- priced entertainment and assumed full responsibility for moving the show out of Chicago. He denied there is any unfair competition, ob- serving that 'up to the present time no responsible producer has come forward with an offer to employ that cast.' 'For a period of more than three years we have been put in associa- tion with theatre projects,' Col. Har- rington told the critical legislators, 'and most of the criticisms about it have been aimed at the fact that the productions were not up to standard, or that they were not good enter- tainment Now we come- along 'with a production that the public, by pat- ronizing it, indicates is good enter- tainment and we seem to be under criticism for having produced a good show.' White Setdng 'Scandals' George White is back in New York from a short trip to I<ondon and is preparing to open a new 'Scandals' oh Broadway the end. of May. Boat ride was for the purpose of working on the script White has signed Willie and Eu- gene Howard, Ella. Logan, Ann Miller arid the Knight Sisters so far. Group Sets 2 Special Shows in N.Yi%ys' Concession Reversed "The Quiet City' opens a series of special Sunday night showings start- ing this week (9) at the Belasco, N. Y. It is one of two special at- tractions by the Group Theatre, the other being 'My Heart's in the High- lands,' which goes on for at least five times, starting April 13, at the Guild. 'City' players are to be paid two-eighths of a week's pay for each showing, plus rehearsal money. Same originally applied to 'High- lands' when slated for Sunday show- ings, but because of the changed status, of the show, cast is to receive not less than two weeks' salary. Group also changed the schedule of 'Awake and Sing* and 'Rocket to the Moon,' which were being shown somewhat in repertory style at the Windsor. 'Rocket* was withdrawn Tuesday (4) and the revival of 'Awake' is announced for the full eight times weekly. I^ast week a concession was granted management of "The Happiest Days,' delayed for further rehearsals and now due to open at the Vanderbilt Saturday (8). Cast received full salary for the last half of last week, and rehearsal pay was to have ap- plied for this week, Tuesday (4) council reversed the grant, after querying the management Stated that the conditions were misrepre- sented and full salaries will be-re- quired -this week. -. 'Days' is being presented by Courtney Burr. LoebJ(i!r N(«iiiiatioiis to Equity Coimdl Staved Off Fomm Revival Although the Indicated block at Equity's recent quarterly meeting proved a dud, it Is fairly well sub- stantiated that the nominating com- mittee's selection of the slate for in- coming council members prevented agitation within the membership. Speed with which the nominations were made was unusual, slate being chosen in one session, telegrams were dispatched to the nominees during the afternoon and all accept^ ances were on hand tlie following morning. Insiders aver that unless the names of Philip Lbeb and George Heller, who were militant meml>ers of the younger group, had been placed on the ballot, an opposition ticket 'would have been certain and the re-form-, ing of the Actors Forum, which was continually in the hair of association officers for four years^ would have resulted. Leaders declared that re- version to~Forumite tactics would have threatened thie status of Equity and would have brought about resig- nation of key officers. There were 19 names submitted for the memberstiip portion of the nominating committee, with an hour's discussion following before a vote was taken. Both Loeb and Heller were among those who rose, both in effect saying they worked in council for the welfare of Equity and did not indulge in factional moves. Winifred Lenihan, credited with forming a rump committee and nominee slate, said that she had no idea of trying to keep Loeb out of the council -room, although neither candidate was on her ticket Loeb was promptly nominated for council at the regular committee's session of last week (27), the selec- tion being referred to as an 'appease- hade Stoff-Legit Saturday (1) night's April fool thunder storm around theatre time was no joke to theatregoers, nor showmen. It rained so hard that traffic was beyond control' Nearly every Broadway attraction held the curtain, latest show to ring up being 'The Philadelphia Story' (Shubert), which was 22 minutes past its regular starting time. Patrons missed most of the first act of most attractions regardless. It took an hour and 10 minutes to reach the tbeatrci zone from the East Side- and .«ne-patty, claimed'.ltslcab consuiiied .pAe hou;. flajt in going from.,' Gallagher's chop house, whidh Is within the theatre z6ne,' to a hbiise on 45th street Another party, going from Moore's place on 46th street reached the Majestic ('Stars In Your Eyes') on 44th street, only after 20 minutes of stop and go proceedings. A rib was fixed for Irving Becker, company nianager of Tobacco Road' on tour in St Louis last week. A 'surprise party' was tossed for him at the American hotel, just to celebrate the number of times Becker has been threatened with arrest becaiiM of the show's profanity. It appears that the manager has talked himself out of a pinch In a number of spots played by the show. However, Paul Biesman, manager of the American theatre there, had it fixed so Becker would feel in character should he be tossed into the klink. So the guest of honor was escorted to the party by two cops and he was adorned with leg irons until he squawked that his dogs were barking. Percentage contracts for agents used as field men by the American Theatre Corp. are out. Originally the- agents, whose assignment is to book four attractions for next season in a virtually new flight of one- nighters at $5,000 per stand, had a drawing account as'against 5% of the contracts obtained. The percentage was to apply to the credit of the agents if the contracts were renewed the folio-wing season. ' New deal calls for $100 weekly salary, with $25 allowed for railroading. Pay is somewhat under the level set by the Theatrical Agents, Managers and Treasurers, the union having classified the ATC jobs as special em- ployment Old legit patrons, some of whom haven't been to the theatre for many years, turned out for John Banymore's play in Washington, according to managerial observation. Barryniore resumes in "My Dear Children' Sat- urday (8) in Rochester, N. Y., and, because of strong road business, th« show will stay out for a considerable time before coming to Broadway. Show was forced to close In Washington before finishing the engagement I>ecause of a severe attack of laryngitis sustained by Barrymore. Doctors warned him he might lose his voice for as. long as six montlis if he didn't take a rest Refunds 'were made for the Friday, night (31) and subsequent appearances. New play being written'by George Abbott Is an adaptation of an un- revealed book. He is collaborating with another author. Work is not titled and is still not sufficiently completed to be estimated as a possible production for the fall. Although Abbott is interested In producing Robert Thomsen's 'Carriage Trade,' he has not optioned It' That depends on revisions. . Still definitely on the Abbott schedule for faU is a new musical by Rodgers and Hart, with whom he coUabbed on the current 'The Boya from Syracuse,' at the Alvin. The new one wiU have an Arabian Nights theme. Although 'Knickerbocker Holiday' closed Its Broadway run without entirely paying off its original nut, the Maxwell AndersOn-Kurt Weill musical rates as a financial success. Show had earned back all but about $7,00)0 of its original $52,000 cost and was still operating at a profit when it was taken on tour. Idea of the Playwrights' Co., the presenter, was to offer the production to road audiences while it is still fresh.. It drew hefty grosses in Phila- delphia and Pittsburgh, enough to pay off the remaining nut There's alsa a possibility that when the Chicago run ends in May the show may be brought back to Broadway for a brief stay. Bernard Simon has resigned from the board of the Theatrical Managers. Agents and Treasurers union. He is press head tor the WPA theatr* project in New York and, when he took the job, it 'was conjectured that he 'would necessarily withdraw as' a tmlpn official. Dick Maney has re- placed him. Elise Chisholm will also leave the TMAT board, not having enough tim* from her press agent duties to devote to the union. WilUam Fields la slated to take her place. menV to the former 'militants. Selec- tion of Heller provoked a difference of opinion, for which reason he was nominated for a. one-year term rather than five years, which is the regular council term. Part of the committee did not beUeve he should be named because of his paid posi- tion with the American Federation of Radio Artists, Heller getting $3,500 as assistant executive secretary. It was figured that in matters of juris- diction he would-.probably favor AFRA. However, others figured that as the radio union is an affiliate in which Equity has a $20,000 stake (money loaned AFRA), it would be well to have a representative there, a sort of ace in the hole. The slate as named includes two 'or three members Identified with the younger, element, in addition to Loeb and Heller, but it is claimed that these candidates are balanced by the names of known conserva- tives. Sfelections have apparently been satisfactory to the general membership, with no hint of an op- position ticket so far. Election will be held May 26 at the Astor hotel, New York; Last Friday (31), the Chorus branch held its quarterly meeting for the purpose of chosinj cjndidates for the executive committee and five nominees to the Equity council. It will raise the number of x>ersons in the latter body to 55 and, while the chorus end will be entitled to sit in at council sessions, they may vote only on matters pertaining to their union. Idea of having chorus people in the council came during discus- sions when it was proposed that Equity at>sorb the branch. That plan has been set back and could not be effected until a number of consti- tutional changes sire made. Treasurers Club has moved offices from the Hudson theatre. N. Y., where it was quartered for many years, and is now located in the New Yorker theatre building, originally buUt as the Gallo. New quarters are commodious, with enough space for the boxoffice men to hold most of their meetings. Old office was in the rear of the second floor, reached down a dimly lighted corridor and poorly ventilated. - Stage Relief Fund office is also at the Hudson. Reported that thieves recently entered the place, taking a typewriter and $25 in cash. 'Henry IV,' the Maurice Evans revival which closed at the St. James, N. Y., last Saturday (1), totalled about $140,000 in nine weeks. Same actor-manager's fuU-length 'Hamlet,' which preceded 'Henry' at the St James, drew around $245iQ00 in 14 weeks. The two productions wiU be toured in repertory, opening Saturday afternoon (8) in Hartford. They may also be brought back to Broadway for a short engagement at the conclusion of the road trip. Two of the stage crew with The Boys From Syracuse' recently died. One was Frank Detering, who was handling the spoUights. He formerly conducted his own ptage electrical shop and devised Qie effects, both light- ing and mechanical, for 'Ben Hur.' Ernest Trace, assistant carpenter with 'Syracuse,' also passed on. They expired within five days of each other. Though only 11, Lenore Lonergan in the Hepburn play, 'Philadelphia Story,' is a picture and radio vet as well. She's the third generation of acting Lonergans, her father being Lester Lonergan II, and her grand- father the late Lester Lonergan. Her mother, Juliet Lonergan, was an operai singer, now retired. Cancellation FnrtHer Crimps Balto's Season Baltimore, April 4. Cancellation of 'My Dear Children,' new John and Elaine Barrymore play due for three-day date at Ford's here this. week, coming on lieels of .similar sloughing of Ruth Chatter- ton's 'West of Broadway' last week, is not doing town's legit setup any Sood. With bullish advance and mail order sales chalked up for both plays and notice of killout not com- ing through until Saturday (1), cus- tomers are putting up considerable beef. 'Children' shut in Washington Thursday night (30), due to Barry- more's throat ailment Listings at present call for Katharine Cornell in,'No Time for Comedy,' due at the indie Maryland, April 10, and Gertrude Lawrence in 'Skylatk,' set for Ford's, April 17, against Cornelia Otis Skinner in 'Candida,' opposish at the Maryland for three-day booking. Big sales are reported for the Cornell and Lawrence plays. Cur- rent season, although meagre as to attractions, is claiming a nice profii for first time in moons.