Variety (May 1939)

S4 VARIETY FORUM—OUTDOORS Wednesdajr, May 10, I939 WHAT THEY THINK Badl* Day on Cunpiu . Stockton, Calll Editor, VADiErr: . You may care to know that the College of Pacific tit Stockton, Cali- fornia, will stage its first annual Radio Day on May 11, 1939, at which . time the school will do honor to Its campus radio director, John Crab- be, and entertain several radio stars at an assembly and luncheon. The event is l>elng sponsored by. the camp«is newspaper. The Pacific Weekly. NBC In San Francisco is co-op- erating through its promotion and sales manager, Robert J. McAn- drews, who has promised to send at least six radio personalities. Ira Blue win m.c. the event, and will interview the- guests at the 10:45- a. m. assembly in the college audi- torium. We feel Indebted to radio and what it can mean to a campus and .to the :development of students in radio classes, forenslcs and radio drama. The campus studio broad- cast from KWG seven times each 'week, some sort of a record for any Pacific Coast college. Hence, our Radio Day. Golen 'Stub' Harvey, (Alias the Cat's Whisker, College of Pacific Weekly). A Posy for Dave Vine New York. Editor': 'Varieit: You are in error re story printed In issue of April 26 concerning benefits control.'conceived by Ralph "Whitehead.' Following la accurate -account of situation and Is check- iable for proof: 'Whitehead, now head of the Amer- ican Federation of Actors, was only one of a group of sponsors and unpaid officers of' the Theatre Authority, then known as the Actors' Better- ment Assoclatioa The only person rating credit tor ABA Is Dave "Vine, stUl active in show business, though forgotten among glory grabbers. There is a letter of record dated April 1, 1932, and which was signed by many notables, stating 'Vine's association with the mattet. Signed by Charles Mosconl, Herman Tim- berg, Ma]. Donovan, Pat Rooney, Noble Sissle, Georgle Price, Eddie Dowllng,. '.Arthur Tracy, Harry Hershfleld as..witnesses. I<etter gives full recognition to 'Vine. Letter was written by Dave Vine to his daughter, Harriette, to com- memorate the occasion. It tells of the formation of the ABA and con- tains laudatory quotes from all who attended and signed^ Whitehead's own quote Is: 'Your father has done a great good. May jroUr daddy and the ABA live long.' Further, the ABA grew Into the Theatre Authority and was also the nucleus of the .AFA^ Both sprung from the same tree, AFA currently ushig the original charter of the ABA. I would like to see . this included In your letter-to-the-editor depart- ment, first because of accuracy, be- cause It makes a good story that tew really know and because yow fair paper should give credit where it is due. Dave Bums. With, us, any horse*that wins Is a wonder horse.) ' As a press agent's only incentive for continuing to be a press agent Is that occasionally some mention of his exploitations are made in the press, hence our rise to protect our claim to priority in the idea of pre- senting the tale of a horse on the air in a personal appearance.. .and that's no horsefeathers. Jerome E. Olentck, (Welntraub-Olenick.) 'Twai Dolly, Not Lya Hollywood. Editcr, VMUErt: Due to an error in the review of 'Confessions of a Nazi Spy' appear- ing In the May 3 iasae, Lya Lys was credited with the portrayal of the Nazi hairdresser-spy in the film. Dorothy Tree a.ctually appeared in the role and as the comment was favorable 1 would appreciate a cor- rection. The 'error was undoubtedly due to the fact "that Miss Lys is under contract to Warners and, as a consequence, has received more pub- licity in conjunction with her role than Miss Tree. Incidentally Miss Tree was an es- tablished actress on Broadway be- fore coming to Hollywood and is not a 'new face' as stated In the review. Milt Watt. Dover, 0^ Sets Curibs For Outdoor Shows Dover, O., May 9. Tuscarawas county Agricultural Aasn. has banned Sunday shows from the fairgrounds here, prohibited car- nivals at any time and increased the ground rental from $50 to $250 a day for- circuses. Boost in rate means there'U be few circuses ih town here- after, as the new charge is regarded as prohibitive; Action is said to have resulted from scores of complaints following the appearance here last summer of the 'Wests' Wonder Shows... County authorities and police reported there was an average of a half dozen beefs nightly from persons 'victimized' by joints on the midway. SECEITEB OEta dBCUS Lincoln, May 9. . NeAvly organized Clark Bros. Cir- cus went into the hands of a re- ceiver in Junction City, Kas., It was repotted he^e after the show tailed to appear in Washington, Kas., and DUler, Neb. FairK,6.'8B'way Pedlar ft Byan Invaded New York. Editor, Variett: I regret to note that In 'Variett you disseminate the canard that we are about to cultivate a farm In Chi Nothing could be further from the truth. Worst of all, some 400 stranded* actors have already written me on this falsa rumor, and I have been forced to acknowledge that you for once are wrong, and my lawyer will see you tor the postage. Tom Hyan, Pedlar & Ryan, Inc. No Horsefeathers New York. Editor, VARiExy: In your issue of April 19, under Radio Daffodils, I note that Station KFRC, San Francisco outlet tor MU' tual-Don Lee, claims the distinction of being the first to present a race- horse on the air direct from a broad- casting ' studio. I'm afraid that KFRC will have to be satisfied with 'place money,' because this idea was conceived by us about a year and a halt ago when our client, George Jessel, presented Playmay, the won' der horse, who romped home at Santa Anita at 351-to-l, on his pro gram emainatlng fiom' the Fllmart Theatre Building, Feb. 13, 1938, over KHJ <Los Angeles) Mutual-Don Lee Network. (Don't pay any attention to our appellation 'wonder horse.' (Continued from page 1) Carny Biz Hit By Restrictions, SL Lonis St Louis, May 9. Ordinance restrictions, which bar carnles from residential districts; extra vigilance of cops against games of chance, plus cold and rainy weather have crimped the local carny season so tar. The restrictions, etc., have dis- couraged some of the larger outdoor shows that usually hit this burg early in the spring, and; whereas an average of a dozen are In operation at this time of the year, less than 50% of that number is on hand, with biz below expectations. N. Y. Eqio Attractions ROSE'S $170,000 COMMERCIAL TRAILERS Billy Rose Is reported to have re- ceived a good chunk of his Aqua- cade production cost back through the sale of vending rights within the New York State BuUding. to Pabst beer, Chesterfield clgarets and Pepsi- cola pop. While the figure isn't of- ficial, it's said he got $170,000-from all three. Aquacade's production nut was $325,000. Pabst, Chesterfield and Pepslcola also get commercial plugs over the show's p.a. system In return tor their coin: The Pahat and Pepsicola deals are ouUghtsubsIdles, while Chesterfield is paying for the privi- lege of plugging its clgarets via pro- viding uniforms and notated boxes for the five girls who sell 'em. They also sell the other brands of smokes, but Chesterfields are pushed. They're 20c a pack, however, 5 cents and more over the price in spots outside the Fairgrounds. Pepslcola, though, is keeping Its price down to the usual nickel, but Pabst is higher at the Aquacade than in city restaurants and bars. are reports that the opening days' attendance figures were bloated, yet there Is no doubt that New York has the greatest show in' the world. Last week all show grosses dived. The musicals which were expected to be the best catch tor visitors dropped as much as $8,000 from the levels of the previous week. 'While B'way show business is hopeful, it's still a guessing contest Chances are that visitors wUl be so tired after viewing Fair that they will not have enough energy to see shows, that Is If they have any money left Complaints about the gypping brought reaction at the Fair. Cafes are now posting their menus and prices and block-long bars with rates comparable to New York are bound to benefit. The squawks, however are not confined to the Fair, for neighborhood changes, par- ticularly in mldtown, have upset bushiess. Hotels Calling "Em Back Hotels which turned out per- manent guests quickly realized their mistake. Within a few days those ousted were asked to return, with the increase in prices moderated at least 50%. Cafes which were pa- tronized by hotel guests felt the drop almost at once. People who had to change residences were missed and there are not enough out-of-towners to fill the void. Fair itself was mostly to blame for the bad biz, but it was the first week of daylight time, while greatly moderated temperatures sent many to the country. There were addi- tional legit closings, but it Is evi- dent there are too many shows and the list Is Ukely to be considerably constricted before the crowds ar- rive, unless fresh bankrolb appear to keep the hopefuls operating. FRISCO FAIR IN BIG SHAKEUP San Francisco, May S. Long predicted shakeup of brass hats heading the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition got under- way last week when Harris D. H. Qinnick, general manager of the Fair, stepped out Although Connick is no longer on the expo payroll, he's remaining on the staff in an ad- visory capacity in connection with the staging of the Shuberts' 'Zieg- teld Follies' in the California Audi- torium next week. Until the smoke has cleared the driver's seat will be taken by Atholl McBean, chairman of the Fair's board of directors. 'When the house- cleaning has been completed, it's rumored that either Dr. Charles Strub, prexy of the Santa Anita race track, or Louis R. Lurie, local capi- talist and theatrical figure, will boss the expo. George Whitney, co-owner of Playland at the Beach, Is the new boss of the Gajrway. Under him is Major Art McCrystal. J. Edward Brown is the new expo-Gayway lia' son man, and Ray Maxwell has been retained in charge of restaurants. McBean' states that the streamlin- ing is expected to be completed within two or three .weeks. Wage claims totaling $2,200 have been filed by dancers and other em' ployees against the owners of the closed Greenwich Village, John Castle and Harry Set>er. Rodeo Star Badly Gored Pittsburgh, May 9. Grant Marshall, cowboy gored by a steer at the annual 10-day Du quesne Garden Rodeo last week, Is In a critical condition at a hospital here following an emergency opera- tion. Marshall, after the accident, hob- bled away, apparently only slightly hurt 'When he tailed to report the next -night however, a search re- vealed him unconscious In his room. He was rushed to the hospital im- mediately and an operation was per-' formed on bis abdomen three hours later. - (5oTne of the major free and paid shows at the N.Y. World's Fair will be reviewed in detail, in this de- partment, during the jlrst weeks of the expo.). CRYSTAL PALACE (25c) Roslta Royce with her 'dove dance' will probably wind up the Sally Rand of the New York World's Fair. So far she's the most sensational in- dividual midway entry in the s.a. de- partrtlent and already is doing ter- rific biz. The way the yokels rush to the rails, up-front, tor the unpeel- ery would make Minsky, Wein- stock, Herk and all their strippers cry with shame. At the same tap, and in greater comfort, - the bur- lesqueries have been doing the.same thing tor years. This. is strictly a stand-up, walk-through, but a long show, hence tough on the feet Among the favorable aspects at the Crystal Petlace is the showmanshipi of the presentation that's much to the credit of entrepreneurs P. Benjamin Kaufman and Phil Gelb. Both - are 100% new to the outdoor field, but seemingly know what it's all about In a 700-capacity structure, whose decor is more by Thompson-Starrett and the Fuljelr Construction Co. rather than Elsie de Wolfe, It's a con- tinual grind: After getting a load of the frothing peasants as they rush in, the .structure sturdiness is a good idea. The 1853 Bamum era tees off, with Arthur Elmer doing a creditable pitch routine as he introes six ponies. Sandow and the Amazonians, under the Zlegfeld auspices, covers the 1893 period. Little Egypt is the plece-de- reslstance of that era, doing her stuff to a throw-money bit that inspires some real coin hurdling. The can- can on the.runway is also embraced In that period. The second room, for the blowofl, Includes a replica of 'Stella,' the famed nude, done here by a real-Ufe model. Stella's prime feature is a generous epidermic display from the waist up, in reclining fashion. Then the bubble routine by Wilma Josle and finally Roslta Royce, with her dove dance, in a rather aesthetic presentation. Miss Royce, around 22, IS a looker, and does her interpretive terps in gossamer covering. For the finale the doves peel her, at the same time returning to rest on. her arms and shoulders in pretty postures. Apart from the great patience that must have taken to train the birds, it's a very effective picture, before or after the undrapery. Punctuating the spice Is a Carrie Nation ^e of femme reformer who iriterrupts and heckles the barker and the 'hussies'. It's a nice touch. A Hammond electric organ, back- stage, plays tor lioth portions. WUma Josle, the shapely stripper who does the bubble routine, sup- posedly typifies the 1933 Sah Diego Expo period.. 'Stella', portrait Is cur- rently reviewed at the "Frisco Fair and Is the famous nude painting first Intorduced at the 1893 Chi Expo. The organist has his comedy mo- ments, during Miss Josie's bubble strip, by using 'Wonder What Be- came of Sally?' as a theme song. Though the wldmay is 50% Incom- plete, the Crystal Palace has been doing a rushing business. Abel. MERRIE ENGLAND (INCL. GLOBE THEATRE) (S5e) One of the largest concessions In the amusement zone, this repUca of an English village was still in proc- ess of completion early this week. Its main attraction is a copy of the old Globe theatre where Shake- speare's plays were originally pre- sented. . It opened Monday <8) eve- ning and drew the critics who now have attended openings at the Fair for the second time in three days (they sat in for the Acquacade start). Located on Fountain Lake, the breeze which swept the water made it uncomfortable in the open but okay in the theatre. Entrance to the latter is an extra admission at 40c top. Admission to the village is 25c for which a varied show on the green Is given, but it was too chilly to hold the limited customers, besides being uncomfortable for the players. Principal feature of that show Is the Christiansens' animal act con- sisting of 10 horses, two Shetlands and a dozen great Danes. Albertlna Rasch has a ballet Russell Bradshaw, an escape artist is a specialist there also being on band the Welch Choir and Dragenham Pipers. A pageant called the 'Queen of Scots' Is also on the green. Spacious quarters on the second floor of the main building are occu- pied by the Sulgrave Club, member- ship of which is made up of British- ers. Membership is $100 yearly and it Is the only private club at the fair except the more costly Terrace, also fronting the lake. A crier announces the start of the theatre shows, claiming it Is the only legit house In the world that starts on time. Because the critics were on hand It was decided to go throtish three of the four condensaUoM which constitute the full bill. First done was 'MIdsimimer Night'i Dredm,' it being followed by Taming of the Shrew' and •Comedy of Errors.' Fourth piece is 'As You Like If all being of the Bard's lieht- er works. mie staging was done by Margaret Webster, English director, who haa attracted attention over there prln- dpally for her work with the Maur- ice Evans attractions. The actors are all members of Equity but be- cause of the tab versons, the usual rules do not apply. Schedule calls for seven performances during the day and night Rhys Williams Is general manager of the Globe. 'Merrle England' is virtually the same, as presented at Chicago's Cen- tury of Progress, and the tab Shake- speare . plus ■ the shops were rated among the most successful ventures there. Concession has a good chance to repeat and, like the Aquacade, la in' *Tlme» Square,' the first portion of the zone entered by those com- ing down from the exhibit area. No scenery Is used for any of the entertainment all being spotted di- rectly on the green. Edmond Stevens, m.c, who also doubles in an English comedy act with Dale Jackson, apol- ogized for the unftnisned surround- ings and mentioned the eject was only started two months rirevlous. Louis Topps and Jimmy the Won- der Monkey- opens. Jimmy goes through his antics on a smaP rect- angular table playing ball, swinging a golf club and climaxes his flve- mlnute bit with a nice impression of Sally Rand's fan dance. Monk screens himself behind a small pink fan and peers coyly at his observers from behind Its protecting surface. A tave with the kids. Harry Fetterer, with a standard Punch and Judy routine, also scores with a nice setup, although it was difficult to hear the dialog in the top tiers. Much of this probably can be ascribed to a strong-'cross-wind which arose along v.lth the showers In late afternoon. For sheer novelty Merrle England should rate bows for the Dagenham all-girl Bagpipe and Drum unit There are 25 girls in all ranging from 14 to 18. A strikine -nlcture In black velvet hats and jackets, lace collars, Scotch plaid shawls and skirts, they march through the green playing several English airs and close with the easily recognizable 'Suwanee River' and 'Over There.* While all the lassies are exception- ally well built their physiques stand them In good steaa, tor, -to produce such prolonged pitches peculiar only to their ii..truments, they require copious lungpower. John T. Schless, wealthy Chicago contractor who had the concession in Chicago, also has it here. Estimated that his Investiment is around $300,- 000 and with the shops added the total cost may reach a halt million. There are two taverns where re- freshments and meals are moderate- ly priced, a factor that should Im- prove the spot's chances. Ibee. E. L DU PONT CO. (FREE) "The wonder world of chemistry* aptly describes the free lectures and highly imaginative marionette show in the E. I. du Pont building, located a short distance from U. S. Steel's headquarters. Fanciful creations of the company's chemists form artistic decorations for the big hall. Every phase of laboratory creative work is vividly described with illustrative tests for visitors. But it's the series of five stages on which the table of chemical research Is summed up In the language of the layman which Is bound' to draw most attention. Oversized marionettes portray the significance of Du Font's lab work In the home, health and beauty, clothing, transportation and agricul- ture. Each stage has an elaborate set with several hidden scenes that are brought Into the episode through skillful lighting. A clever ampliflca"' tlon carries the marionette dialog to l^rge audiences clustered about the stages. Wear. Consolidated Edison (FREE) The vast diorama, fetching, along one side of the building and up six stories high, is the show to see In Consolidated's structure. Realistic reproduction of New York City, even down to subways in operation. Is explained by announcer on sound track, with lighting effects synchron- ized to his lecture. 'Night never comes in the city of light' (NYC) is the theme the nar- rator pounds in. Lighting effect which has been made almost as real- istic as a motion picture, depicts the city from sunset to dawn. Special sets, supposed to be Interior shots, flash out on occasion. One is a re- production of Music Hall interior. Spot can be easily located because entrance is through a curtain of water. Wear.