Variety (Aug 1939)

Wednesday, August 9, 1939 VARIETY 47 Cli«» Par»« yfs,]\y VaUmlo* CioTcr Club JIng Drynd Ore «'nb Horv«in Fay* lloberU Wnry Kay« <;1P0 It Ruth 2 CoeJs Club Foreit VIrlinl* Grey Bcrdlne DIch.BOB K«l«n Koy« V«ra Weliih Mickey GolUinen Club Madrid OooVIe Harrtliis Or Ariuro a Evelyn Bilnn Enrico poroihy Maye Club MllnaDbfaa Olto Blchter Oro Club Sniiarm Cordle Btnnctt Ore Club Terria Oordon GenKhoro Mona Hendcraoa Bthal WarrtD rhil Ktalln KathiMn Kaya CrI* a Data Joan nenaid June Hurley Edith, nae Congo Club Randolph & H . Christine Mayberrr Irma Wagner Yvonne BroBdwn» Crlamna Buc-kner Morton Bron n Leonard Gay Ora Comlea Sliip Myron Stewart Ore Bobble Stuart flalpb Lawla Fftdya KublkofC Louis Streeter Dorloca Eagle* Bob Garrlty Ore Gloria Gala Mamle'a Ccotto Gua Brhley pro Bote! Sehroedor ^Einplre Boom) Billy Baer Oro Boy Bast Vlrg Hoffman Karl Ratioh'* leppi* B'ocb Oro Helena Sturn Trailer Merhoff Marguerite Dibble Lams'* Kar Ueadowa Ore RoOBd Vp Jimmy Ray* Ore Keb Kacb Llady'* Betty Gray. Marty UoH Vlotor tog Cabin Carl Bergman- Ora Miami Club Trudy De BIng BOIando' A V'tlelta Yvonne Kerr Helen Everett 4 Brucettes Avla Kent Joe Rio Ray Hartell ffeggy Gearr Sen* Emerald otanny Davla Or* tfedentttle Jack Teagarden O Captain-Gregg Len Bsche Maureen Roany Steve Swedls Oro Out* Bert Bailey Oro Bnooka Hartman Old Hcldelborg Eddie ZIpp Or* Donna LuPau nin ne Vere Pcgay Hall Rt Clair ft Diirand Nonle MorrlKon Uui\a Streeter Bobble Rae Pari* ioe Gumln Oro .>uny Kay .iKIe Boy riunkliiUiB Ilnuso (llml Kooiii) Mnrlow Sle rUntallon Club Bert Bailey Oro Mary Webb Plantation ( Bronn A Lyona Hiinky Brown IJiiddy Tenler 3 Jokers KcndesTona. Bob Matheann Ore Grace Brown Bendezvoun IS IjA Nore Sle MnrKe O'Brien Helen Shower frjvelyn Porr Jnrcy Lynn Billy Lambnt Reno Biff BInke Oro Vivian Hotter RUHty.. Bnnka Aon Gregg Alma Wllllnma llrtlen Clnlro lean Hamilton ^ Romnna .Brownvlll Hal While Braler'* George Wald Orb Marie Kerky Jessie ft Viola . Dorothy HamlltoB Ring Biirdick Roma Coatello tW Club At Harris Ore Teddy Capp Scbwarta T* Armstrong Ore Ij Uuchow Ore lied Ravin Oro Ray Wlek Irene Griggs Claude Parmenter Npa Bill Davidson Ore 8I« Point Club. Caaper Reda Ore State GardCB* Earl RIgg Oro Irene Srhrank Anita Allen Rose Marie . June llermaB Bddle Kube Flo Bell Hetty Iipne .iean J.ionnev Jack ft Jill MraBd Aonev Simeon Phlllpolt ncrt Snyder Klhuria Johnson Blllie Lament Sanset Club Eddie Apple Tie. Top Tap Joey FeldatelB Oro KO) I'Cslle Ollly Gray .lerry Bergen Nina VarelA. Virginia Gibson Gene ft Connie C'ltet Hoswell Rider Sis Town *Bd Cosnlry Clnb Tlnney Llveng'd Ore Larry Powell Irene Burke Helen Savage Joan Rogers ^llgnon Rags Galiagher Joan Harris June Cole - Kay Carroll Toy'* Case T.andl* Ore Mtb ft MoHh rlab Kay Crandell Oro WIrth'* Fotarlstle Bill Bchweltier Ore Jack Feier Vellle Jay Ore Maureen Roiay Regan ft Mann WlMonslD Roof Fran Meoiiin Oro M Merrymaker Ore Tom Slierldan (Tappy IjOwIb Arnold Dupre Manlne Beguette Kanber Gardena LyI* Stann Oro Riviera Earl Xlellen Ore Show Botit H Middleman Oro erne ^ Arienu 6ky-Vne Tommy Dolan Ore Union Grill Art Tagello Frank Natale Mike Randreito n'cbiiter Hull Nelson Maples Oro PniSBUBGH Anchong* llaghl* Morten Ore Uaynard Sean* < -ArlbigtoB I«dc* Eler Morrison Oro Balconade* Varsity Club Ore BUI Crc«B'* Benny Burton Ore Ida lola Bill BIrken Crest Jimmy Smith Ore Eddie Jones June Gardner Jack Rodgers Carnevale Puppets . Clnb Carlbil* Red Mitchell Oro Clab Carlton Nell Brant Dl Carmo MIta Norman C*rk and Bottle C'jria Moor* Nick Parlllo Eddie Pejt*B'e Mike Peyton Bertha Muiler Hazel Calloway El Congo King Bass Ore Connie Sinims Great Beulab Gladys Sage Buddy Mack .The Empress Congo Darlings Blllle McAllister Evergreen Gardens George Baurer Ore Ray Saunders Sally Palmer Sherry Lane Mary I^ou Savage Carol Crane Hotel Henry Dale Harkness Ore Hotel JacbtowD Preddy Castle Ore „ Hotel RooeoTelt Bon Aire 3 Hotel Schenley Howard Baum Ore Buza Aston Jack Rogers Hotel Wm Fenn (Continental Bar) Billy Catlzone Harr^ Martia .Inhnny Krit:ft Al Dll^rnla Ilallan Gardens Elsl Covsto Oro Bcrnie Perelia Michael Strange Jolinny Morrla Dirk Smith Betty Nyiandar l.nrry ft Davis Nora Lewie Kenny wood Aerial Ballet Pea Young Ore GInny Braynard 3 Youngsters Monterey Billy Springer Ore New Pcnn Husk O'Hare Ore Mnrly Miller 'I'hontpson Sis n Hot Spots Itayinond ft Ardon S'liOB Cat* AI Marsico Ore Bob Cai-ter • 'hick ft I-ee ■/.nnit ft ToUd Maiirine ft Norvo Angelo 01 Palma Nnt Hons* S Riiytiimnniacs Aiko Brooks Hoogy-Woogy Jftck (.ewis Zip Klein Reggls . IJvorak Al Meri'ur .llm Burhanan Hurry Nossohoff rincs M Rplinlny Ore n;i)y Sherman Fiiye I'arkr-r riaza Cafe Jimmy Peyton Or l.ynn ft Mafon Dewey .Moon Mlml rhe\alicr i'lilc#]iiita jKvk Smith Diliy Rlzzo George Weber Buzz Mayer West View Jack Crawford Ore Harry Crawford ' Carl Miller rub Ulgglns Sam T. Heed mtchey Circus . Willows Red Nichols Oro Hill Darnell Johnny Dulty CLEVELAND Alpine VIHag* Otto Thurn Oro R'ards ft Adrlenne llovt Sloan Co Margaret Aemnisr Herman Plrchner Avalon lly. B.arron Oro HcMile Brown Thelma Sloe lloniiie- LftVonne D.eiine & Thoniaa Doroiney WaynA" Airway Club Troy Singer Oro Judy Black Cedar Country Club Sherdlna Walker O Slim TliomuH Aces of Hliythm A Tin Baker Dorolliea Adama Cedar Garden* Duk* Melvin Ore Uloomfleld ft G Sirennillned Sue Duke ft Prince Dick Montgomery Helen Wiles Cliatean Pet* Gerarl Ore Ex-Gentlemen CmndHll SlKters Doreen . Art West College Ian Norman Brill Oro Robbi* Collin* Jack Raynor Freddie'* Cat* Tony Emma Oro Morgan Sle Kadi* Roiiln* Dolly Dnilene Clare Ray lln* Eddl* Barnes Golden Glow Paul SImonettI Ore Mary Lou Gladys Oelmar Camilla OooraMt Clab B Robinson Ore Harold Copeland Bill Lochmnn Lola Walker Harry Meyers Ration's Club Fred Helkell Lois Miller Uuth Parker Kay KrlHtmiin Mary Jane Hotel AllrrtuB Sondra ft J Steele Hotel CleToland Gen* Erwin Oro Wait Bergen Ore Hotel Sterling Marty Lake Ore Babe Siiorman Joe . Rose Hotel Rollenden Bob Millar Oro Margie Knapp Haskell Pierce ft Roland. Judy Janis Romany Three Jack ft Eddie'* Chick Williams Arlene Rice Oro Vlo Corpora IJndsaj'* Sk'y-Club Poison Gardner Rita White Pearl De.Luca Mooaco'a Cafe Willarrt Poll's Or-; Marilyn >Iaynard Grant Wilson . MouBd* Clnb Dunes Boys' - Jules DeVorzon Jack Webb Ohio Villa Freddie Carlone Or Mickey Katz Olive White Zing ft Todd Gale Sextet Sonlbern 'TaTerB Ted King Oro Don Kayo Stanley Clnb Karyl Norman Sorihy Brooke Oro Billy Bodeway Eileen Castle VbangI Clnb Tommy Barnes Oro Hertel Collins Ethel Avery Rose Morgan Sonny Carr ■ DETBOIT Boob-Cadlllao Hotel (Book Casino) Lowry Clark Oro (Mater Bat) Vic Abbs Oro Cbene-TroBibloy The Drunkard* Marty Souther E A Ferguson •'Gertrude Winer Billy Morell Jim Stevenson Ore Eastwood GardeB* >rlle Shaw Oro I|al Kemp Oro Club Imperial Huntho Chan H'wood Beauties 12 Marge Mansell Nub Brown Oro JvffenoB Beach C. Cartwright Oro riob I.ldo Carroll ft Gorman Clii<iulta Dennett B Ralph Fisher Oro Keblolo'* Yevo ft Doro Freddie Maher r>i Giovanni Monty Wytong Ray Carlln Oro Northwood Inn Rita ft E Oehman Gregory ft Raym'd Marie Kuhlman George Smith Oro OatI* Trfonard Seel Ore Bertie Herron Peggy Penn William Maloniy Helen Gray Edward Fowler Milt' ArnsmsQ Falm Beach AnioB Jacobs Texas Rockets Virginia Bouldin Vincent Yarrow Don Pablo Oro PowataB Sammy Dlbert Ore R^Iford Inn Don Miller Sak* Dancing Remos Johnny Hals Shirley Handler Dniolhy Mayo Betty Robin Don Juan Bodrico O San Diego Jane Bower Nelson Tiiomas Jack Campbell Bill Slesnick Geo Presnell Merle ft Earl Ore Rtaller Hotel (Terrace Room) Frank Gagen Oro Bob Allen Walled Lake Caslao McFarland 1. Ore We«lwood Gardens Buddy Rogers Ore SYBACnSE Club Candee Leon Royky Ore 'I'exas Peggy Peaches Norman Club IrTln* Oble JohnHon Oro l^ina' Martin Clianiionettes Johnny ft J Horn Knna Jettlck Park RIt.i Bio Ore Waldos Hotel Onondnga (SIsrIlght Roof) Herb Gordon Ore Royal Jesters Bonnie Blue Hotel SyraenHe . (Walnut Gtlll) Fhvingflters Ore Nancy Wayne (Rainbow Boom) 3 Scamps Rlrliardson'a Cass Sanders Ore nila Arniltage Mario Darin Town Club Hayw'ds Swing Bd Eliot ft Dufrae MsNln* Wright Prisclila Davis ATLANTIC CITY Biibetle* Erie Correa Ore \ ernon A* Vano/I Dorothy Wood Klo A tiloria Hart Until and Turf Club Frances Fays Carroll SiH Trances Shirley J'nnne (Soodner Bill Brady Celebrity Club Alan Gal* Hen Tracty Frances Leslie Sonny ft S Dahl Andrews Sis Eddy Bra'ld Ore Chez Pnree Gypsy Nina <;eorgeite Buddy Bryant Clicquot Club Alice Fields (Iporge Seoul FMythe Fields Mll'e Keeley C Robci Is Ore DNIle . Hi.rriR F Fjirnii-ry Ore Can- ii Cule Porndlke Club Charlie JtiMnvon Or ft l.indy llfM'lJeis Wiia Mae Low Willie Jnckson Bill OniU-y Edward Sis Knloniia Leiliia Hall Uobljy Ousto'n Itaymond & Ford l-ienry Wetzel Mnrga^M Wutkins Billy Orirrin Killy Murray Mae Lewis President Hotel Lola King Ore Rooney ft. Tintberg Theodore ft Den'lia El'ia Harris llennult Tavern (Frank Polumbo's) Lee Bartel Dene ft Le* « Yvonetles Toppers Pops ft LeRoy Frank Hull Jon Arthur Oro Rltz Meriy Go >Bd Nat Brandwynn* O I'nifl Shei-niun Al Slielleday Hit at Managers Jo^ .Comornlta Bobby Varges Club Nomad Sally Keith Dave Fox aOO Club Sophie Tucker .White ft Manning T/Ois Harper Cene Marvcy Rodrlgo ft Prnnr'e Sam.my Waiklns O Harlem Club Larry Steele Detroit Red Myra Johnson Lois Deppe Billy Nightingale ■ 11 Pcnn & Pcnnelt'--- llotel Trnymore Bill Mad<len Oro Lumberion's Pooshee Pooshee Le Hole Nick Nlckeraon Paddock Intern'tl Zorltft Johnny Eillnlt .Marie Kirky (Continiiet] from page 1) seats on the lower floors of all legit houses in New. York. Ticket Prices Vary Too Much Claimed ''also that there ia too much variance in ticket prices. Noticed in some instances there are three tops lor the flrst floor and bal- cony, a uniform rate being suggested as more .satisfactory to the patron. Some boxoffices are not adequately staffed, with the result there are de- lays at the window. Obselrvers say that a live attraction should have four in. the b.o. crew, never less than two on duty, since there is necessity to answer phones in addition to di- rect sales. Inclusion of 50c tickets in scales is criticized, there being so few—usually one row—that many are turned away from the boxoflice with the impression that.the price is a take. Practice of 'dressing the house' is a false theory, especially if done to buoy up the players, who should give a good performance regardless of the size of the audience',. Charged that the number of passes issued runs to an abnormal percentage and 'smartens' prospective playgoers to seek cufto admission. Some pro- ducers who present hits' are too prone, it is alleged, to devote their attention to the b.o. instead of seeing whether the players let'down or re- sort to ad-libbing. No Parking Bule Hnrto Inadequate parking for cars of pa- trons has been one of the most an- noying problems connected with theatres. A solution may be a deal for a rate with garages within the th.atre zone to those showing ticket stubs. That may mean a cost item for theatres, but Increased attend- ance which should result would be to the advantage of the managers. Negotiations with garages were started sometime back, idea being that men stationed at theatres would drive cars to garages until the end of the show. Plan fell through be- cause it was thought the police might object to possible solicitation. Most of Broadway has air cooling systems, majority using cake Ice as a basis, but there have been com- plaints that the plants have been shut down too early In the evening, for a picayune saving. Double let- ters on tickets has been questioned, :t being argued that A should call for row one and not 10 rows back. Permission to souvenir book sellers to hawk such literature as programs is confusing and con.rtitutes a minor type of gyp. Misleading use of the term mezzanine when balf-ony loca- tions are more accurate is another complaint. Boo.^ting prices on Satur- days and holiday nights is another fault. So is the turning out of can- opy lights on rainy nights when patron's are waiting for cars or taxis. A common annoyance are the cloak room people standing just inside the door luring patrons_to check hats and coats, instead of the head usher directing patrons to the proper aisle. 'There is some difference of opinion over that complaint, since checking of apparel is a protection and prevents possible thievery dur- ing intermissions, when drifters sometimes filter in where the pass- out check sy.stem has been discon- tinued. Among other faults is dead billing, paper and signs remaining after shows clo.>:e. instead of being re- moved on iht closing night. Some billing remains until the next show, which may not arrive until months later. Stated there should b>! more attention given retiring rooms. Too many Broadwzy theatres were built hurriedly and too economically, with the result that the lobbies arc small and drafly, especially that part of the house where exits are used at inlermis.'-ions. Miniature lobbies, too, add tO' confusion as curtain time ncars, becRitse of the current sale, reservations and advance sale. Some of the inconveniences are correctable at this time. Others will be eliminated it new legiters are con.itnicicd, <■• and when. House Reviews MINNESOTA. MPLS. (Continued from page IG) acts, the Marfields, iindistinguished ballroom terpers. Line is on llrst for a tennis num- ber; they're in white sweaters and short skirts, swinging rackets. The production turn brings them out in rosecolored gowns and their finale comprises barclimbcd military pie- cision tapping in .striking uniforms of plumed hats,, white satin jackets and red shorts. More attention' to wardrobe and general appearance, plus elimination of ineffective, corny patter would improve the Ballard and 'Vrae aero turn. Boy and girl should also con- fine themselves strictly to their acros. Ted Lester, tall and personable, in tails, plays several instruments which he extracts singly from the folds of his evening cape. His se- lections are cleverly chosen and played well. He refrains from talk, going from one strument to another Without interruption. Standout, per- haps, is his 'Flight of the Bumble- bee' on a mouth organ, which he manipulates through a rubber hose: Comic-looking Harry Savoy has 'em laughing KirouKhout wiih his monolog and gags delivered partly in a stuttering st.vle. Considerable of his material is bluish but the audi- ence seems to relish it. A gal looker, stooges for him and sings, too. High- light is Savoy's impersonation of a lion trainer entering a cage. For an encore he waxes serious with a brief, vivid portrayal of. Shakespeare's 'King Richard III.* leaving the audi- ence clamoring for more. Considering the Ilingling circus, Rudy Vallee and 'Hardy' opposition, the nearly two-thirds filled large lower floor at the opening matinee was fair biz. Rees. ORPHEUM, L. A. Los Angeles, Aug. 3. Buster West & Lucille Page, Prince & Princess Selandie, Three Revnolds, George West, Rich ■& Adair, Paul Roberts, Three Caitt Sisters, Al Lyons orch; 'Timber Stampede' (RKO), 'Gorilla' f20fh;. Several old standby acts make current vaude show stand out pre- dominantly, but occasioned only casual interest yesterday tWednes- day) at boxoffice. Oldtimers are Rich and Adair, Buster West and Lucille Page, and Prince and Prin' cess Selandie. Latter pair are head- lined with their fancy and burlesque ballroom stepping. West and Page (Mrs. West) are surefire and tie up proceedings completely while they're on, and Rich, of Adair and Rich, is still doing his GAR vet tui'n with which he has long scored. Another return engagement is that of Paul Roberts, seen on the Or- pheum stage a few weeks ago with tab version of 'Two-a-Day.' Roberts has a remarkably strong baritone and puti over several oldtime bal- lads excellently. He should go far. Three Galli Sisters, all juves, who work from orchestra leader's plat- form in pit, harmonize effectively. Three Reynolds, two males and one female^ uncork some dexterous tightwire work that starts main show off with bang. George West follows with novelty instrumental turn, playing profi- ciently on the clarinet, and then get- ting tunes from various other con- traptions. He incidentally tells a few not-too-new gags. Rich and Adair spotted next, with Rich sure- fire with his garrulous old-mnn char- acterization and winding up with the GAR bit that never fails to register. Miss Adair foils straight.' Paul Rob- erts follows and then the Selandies with their peculiar dancing. First, a straight ballroom routine and then impressions of different personages doing a tango. Some of their im- personations are exceptionally good, although routine is a bit hokey. West and Miss Page close. Time was when he was pretty much the whole act, but now the missus pretty near stents the honors. She's a for- mer Fanchon & Marco prodigy and can dance like nobody's business. Her contortion stuff is especially good. West's stuff is mo.stly stand- ard, with a few variations from his routine to bring the turn up to date. Bdwa. CIO picket clubbing by police aroused adverse comment by this audience when caught. Metro scores with- supposedly ac-- tual first scenes of Sinu-Jap battks. punctuated by artillery duel.s; Chinese girl battalions and crowd.t fleeing Chunkiang air raids by Jap.<:. Movietone also ties in with battle scenes of Russ-Jap conflict in Mon- golia, showing Russian plane being brought down and the captured Soviet aviators and wounded sol- diers.- Minor happenings, showing mini- mum of conflict, are also contributed by Universal, such as Jap blockade of Tientsin; searching of whites at barriers, and shots of British and American officials engaged in cur- rent controversies. In lighter vein is Paramount's .sub- ject of sand-hogs completing E<-ist River tunnel, N. Y,; opening of the Saratoga racing season; U. S. Army. .Wiation 30-year celebration, show- ing the progress of Army flying since 1909; Moody Bros, breaking air en- durance records; trapeze artist dangling over the Colorado River gorge; and news flashes of film stars' departure for Europe. Pathe contributes interesting Eu- ropean happenings such as Holland's new frontier fortifications along the canals and review of the Polish arm.v, navy and cavalry strength. Of Interest to feminine fans are Irene Castle's return to the dancing stage and revival of the Castle Waltz (Pathe); Metro's scenes of Barter Theatre in 'Virginia, and the School of Dramatic Arts, with students re- ceiving training In the art of kiss- ing; beach fashions In France (Movietone) and Universal's bathing beauty contest In Conev Island, picking a Miss 'Venus of 1939. Some fine action events of out- board regatta races at Long Beach (Cal.) (Metro), showing some thrill- ing spills in the water; wild pony roundup in Virginia (U), French fleet maneouvers with firing from heavy cruisers (Movietone), midget auto racing In miniature cars with youngsters driving (U.); tennis matches at Seabrlght. N. J. (Pathe) and junior blcyclie daredevils doing trick stunts In Omaha (U). Jitterbug contests. World's Fair publicity stunts of bathing girls in tug-of-war; a Fitzpatrick - Metro travelog of Egypt and other unim- portant subjects, such as annual sheep rounduD in the Rockies: pie contest; freckle contest; new Sono- vox voice machine demonstrations and Dempsey recuperation, round out the reels. - EMBASSY, N. Y. (NEWSREELS) Tied with Universal on tne num- ber of subjects contributed to this week's compilation of neWs events. Paramount garners top honors of the entire program with a corking dra- matic coverage of auto strikers in Cleveland plants. Topical items comprise 75% ol the reels and re- | veals a lack of hot .spot news and laugh-provoking len.sing. . | Paramount cameras deliver a i smashing riot subject replete '.vith I clubbings, crowd dispersions, tear | gas attacks and arrests. Scenes such i as' these ?i'e unpleasant but timely. Goodman (Continued ftom page ]) usual, he had the mob eating out of his hand, Goodman gave his dis- ciples and converts a program of 17 scorchers, tossing in a few request numbers so as not to let the bleach- erites down. Crew was moved out on the apron, a tiny group of 15 huddled together In their white togs. To the far away seats they must have resembled a cotton ball. Had they taken position under the .shell it would have required strong eyes from the boxes to distinguish one from the other. Bill Goodwin, called to the loud speaker for comment, set the eve- ning's tempo when he flipped 'the place will soon be jumpin'. Good- man-also cut himself a nifty when he bon moted during a vocal spree with his charges, 'I never dreamt I'd ever sing in the Bowl.' Judging from applause from the stalls. the king swinger whammed the curious as well as the rug cut- ters. To the carriage trade it was in the nature of an exploration into a new musical realm. They must have liked their discovery, for they clapped and stomped along with the rest. Wouldn't be surprising if the Palomar put on a society night. Evening was voted a huge succe.ss, also the rowdiest night, ye Bowl has ever put up with. Goodman proved his showmanship by ignoring hillside hecklers, one even tboting a horn. He also had to contend with whirring planes overhead but the braids sec- tion easily overcame that. A per- centage of the proceeds was. ear- marked for the Philharmonic con- tinuance fund, which will be around $7,500. TED EAin:0£'S SUIT Philadelphia, Aug. 8. Ted Kantor, Chicago actor snd manager, filed suit against George R. Bright, of Pottsvllle, Pa., for $10,000 damages in U. S. Di.sti'iet C6urt here last week. Kantor claims injuries received when Bright's car collided with his in October, 1937, caii.sed him to cin-_ eel 30 performances for his troiipei" through which he lost $1,500 pioflt.