Variety (Nov 1939)

Wrdneiidajt November 22, 1930 CHATTER VARIETY 55 Broadway Jeff Biophy is warbling at Manny Wolf's eatery, Ruth Morris out of the hosp this week following an operation. Widow of Nate Leipzig now con- nected with Wairendorff's flower thop. Willie Harris added to boxofTice yliifV at Empire' which has 'Life with Fiilher.' Charles Martin, Coast writer. In New York peddling plays he has written. Monte MacLevy, formerly with 20th-Fox, now president of MacLevy Slenderizing. ,■ ' Channing Pollock has only sevin open dates on his lecture tour that extends into May. Irving Lesser copped , a sudden sneak from the Roxy for a two-week Florida vacation. Gail Mcrrin, secretary to Fortune Gnllo, was wed to Dr. William Zer- nit Saturday (18). Louise Campbell to her Chicago home.-after visit east, and then prob- ably back to Coast. Barney Gerard, with Metro for years, due to make his first Broad- way visit in five years. Gardner Wilson and Frank Bra- den of Ringling outfit in town. Lat- ter is imder the weather. Gregory Dickson, now wi.h Para- mount's home office publicity stafi, h.nndling national magazines. Milton Lazanis, back from the Coast, tells of a former Broadway p..-i. living in a palm tree out there. Eddie Parks, the former actor, has quit the American Guild of Variety Artists, where he was an organizer. Charlie Einfeld leaves Friday (24) for the Coast. He's been east setting campaigns on forthcoming. WB pic- tures. Leon Ames, back from the Co,ast, may do 'The Male Animal' on Broadway, in which he appeared on the Coast. Gene Boyd, News of Day staff man, heads committee of newsreel- ers framing annual frolic for the five reel outfits. Lois January doubling from 'Yokel Bov' to the Rainbow Room starting tonight (22); supper show only, due to the legit. Izzy Dreyfus, w.k. around show business and uncle of Ben Hecht, has bought an interest in the Breakers, Miami Beach. Sam Wood, just arrived, being lunched today (Wednesday) by UA (Goldwyn), for whom be just com- pleted 'Raffles.' Robert Benchley resumes drama criticism for the New Yorker be- ginning with this week's edition. Wolcott Gibbs has been subbing. Sonny (MCA) Werblin, who has been in and out of hospitals with one thing or another the past coiipla years, now laid up with pneumonia. Marlynn and Michael, ballroom team in their second year at the Rainbow Grill, have opened a private dancing studio in the Delmonico hotel, N. Y. Y. Frank Freeman, Jr., son of the head of the Paramount studio, is in Georgia as a production executive on fllming of location shots for 'The. Biscuit Eater.' Charlie Adler and George Kelly are united as the Two Yacht Club Boys. Billy Mann is heading his. own band, and Jimmy Kern now writing at RKO. Jack Coles, the Rainbow Room dancer, okay now. The leg infection not as serious as expected; one pub- lished report, erroneous, was that amputation was feared. Sid Grauman's bid for the Adolph Zukor estate at New City, for a new realty subdivision, looks cold, due to poor railroad commutation, an essen- tial in a project of this nature. Irene Lee. Coast story chief for WB. leaves for Hollywood this after- noon (Wed.), after a two-week gander at plays and .stories in N.Y. Stops over in Pittsburgh oh the re- turn to visit family. Deal on for Blumenthal Sc Shapiro to reopen the French Casino (latterly the Casa Manana) and not raze it after all; but put in a nitery revue on their own. George White has been approached also. Lenore Cohrone, known to oper- atic fans as Leonora Corona, dra- matic soprano of the Met from 1925- 1933, filed voluntary petition in bank- ruptcy yesterday (Tues.), listing as- sets of $700 and liabilities of $4,676. David Blum, secretary of Metro's foreign department, sold Sardi's 36 turkeys for Thanksgiving, averaging 20-2,5 PQunds. Gobblers raised _on his chicken ranch in Jersey, the nlm man marketing 200 birds this fall. Monte Proser's Beachcomber nitcuy, counterpart of the Hollywood spot of that name, primed for the winter Garden building (second floor), will have Lee Shubert, Harry Kaufman and Walter Bachelor financing him. Shirley Booth will withdraw from the cast of 'Philadelphia Story* when the Philip Barry comedy goes on lour next February. Intends to go to the Coast to join her husband, Ed Gardner; producer of th« Texaco show. Writers Parke Levy and Alan Lip- scott commuting this week between New York and New Haven, where ■Three After Three,* new Shubert musical, preems. They've scripted the legit and also write the Ben Bernie radio turn, which explains the shuttling. Chicago Harry Santlcy. former vaude agent, now with the Filmack Trailer Co. here; Glen Burt no\v on the exec staff of the Planters hotel. Morrle Leonard, of the Exhibitors Assn., handling committee for thea- tres'annual Xnias Basket shows. Abe Lyman back at the baton after a siege of streptococci tonsils. Orch's at the Chez Paree. Fred Bartow back in Chi after a Coast sojourn. A?ron Jones, Sr., and wife ready- ing for annual trek to Florida. London Artie Shaw .Continued from pace 39_ said he was fired from' the show, but technically that's not triie. Band'f Fotara At a meeting Monday night (20) Tony Pastor was elected to lead the band, which has become cooperative. It will be known as Tony Pastor with Artie Shaw's Orchestra. It stays at the Penn indefinitely. Shaw madt them a present of the band's library, worth about $13,000. Pastor admitted two weeks ago that he was to have his own band, but according lo him it was to be an entirely new one. This and the Rich thing indicate how suddenly Shaw made up his mind. Shaw has often made known what he thought of the music business and has reiterated time and again that the financial end holds little attrac- tion for him. His statements were usually in the same vein—that he had enough to support him comfort- ably and didn't need anything else. Few on the receiving end of such cracks thought he was being on the level, but he was apparently always in earnest. Shaw first oame to attention with the type of band he had been leading at the Pennsylvania, while on a loca- tion date at the Stale Ballroom, Bos- ton, in the «arly part of 1938. His air shots from there and various rec- ords made him. Such numbers as his arrangement of 'Begin the Be- guine' (one of the most important items in his ri.se) 'Indian Love Call* and several others were the means of catapulting him into the spot- light and big money. His rise was fast and in less than a year he had become the No. 1 band of the nation in drawing power. Always Scorned Swing Shaw, ever since reaching the top, has jjiven expression of his contempt for the musical context of swing and remarked that his work as a band leader wasn't conducive to a full, rich life. Shaw's main bent since boyhood has been toward study and experiment, and when not practicing on the clarinet, or In front of his band, ho has beei. absorbed in reading books on philosophy, science and economics. Ever since his illness of several months ago he has been in an acute state of mental depression and at frequent intervals he pleaded with his manager, Thomas J. Rock- well, head of General Amusement, to let him out of his contract so that he could go off £.nd live the sort of life ha really craved. Rockwell only re- ce. tly offered him a personal guar- antee of $100,000 a year, if he would promise to stay in business.. .The last time that Shaw .spoke to Rockwell, which was last Friday night (17), Shaw said that he "want- ed to go away and meditate' and added that his destination would probably be Mexico, or even the South Sea Islands. He has already given his mother, who lives in Connecticut, a major part of the residue of his earnings so that she could maintain the $16,000 home he recently bought her. Al- though he had $80,000 in the bank last week almost two-thirds of this will have to go for Government and state taxes and outstanding debts. He has arranged lo dispose of his pre- tentious limousine for a low-priced roadster to take him to Mexico. Also involved in Shaw's walkout Is his co'.^lract with RCA Victor which guarantees him $50,000 a year, with a year and five months yet to go. Leslie Howard laid up with grippe. Horace Goldin, the illusionist, left $2,500. W. B. Yeats, poet and playwright, left $40,000. Vet comedian ■ Lew Lake recover- ing from illness. Joe Coyne still seriously ill in a sanatorium in Surrey. Mrs. Charles Cochran advertising some old masters for sale. Diana Ward has been presented with chicken farm by her ma-in-law. Vera Lynn, Ambrose's vocalist, signed for two more years with Dccca. Martinus Poulsen again dickering with Jack Harris' band lor the Cafe de Paris. Dr. Royal Raceford returning to show biz after retirement some 18 years ago. The Earl of Jersey, hu.sband of Virginia Cherrill, has become an army officer. Alter two years. Jack Jackson has renewed with His Master's Voice for six recordings. George Foster's life story published in book form. Titled 'The Spice of Life,' it's selling at $2.50. Arthur l}ent's two sons have joined the army. One is in the air force and the other in the artillery. Fred Marlow; formerly, booker for Gaumoht-British, is now in same capacity wiih Bernsiein circuit 'Young England,' which made a foriune for its-author, revived twice nightly at the Holborn Empire. Sam Smith, who goes to work at Beaconsfleld studios on a bicycle, skidded recently, and so to bed. After a protracted absence owing to ill health, Donald Calthrop is cast for a part in a Gainsboirough film. The Isidor Ostrers back from Aix Les Bains, w'nere Mrs. Ostrer had been staying to recuperate from seri- ous illness. John Greenhill, until recently man- ager of the Adelphi, succeeds Nor- man J. Norman as manager of the Vaudeville. Major Norman Loring, play pro- ducer and son of Dame Marie Tem- pest, is a superintendent in the Po- lice War Reserve. S. Van Lier, besides being head of Keith, Prowse Music Co., is also partner with his brother in concern selling medical instruments. Carlton theatre is applying for a stage license. House originally opened as such, but for years has been run by Paramount as a cinema. Captain Richard Norton now fully recovered from car accident, but has been left with stiff finger, which is proving hindrance and may have to be severed. Latest member of the Lupino fam- ily to break in for the stage is An- toinette, daughter of Barry Lupino, who is in the new Saville show, 'Runaway Love.' Francis Laidler's pantomime pro- duction of'Cinderella,' which was to have been the Christmas attraction at Covent Gairden Opera House, will go to the Coliseum instead. Hippodrome, Willesden, and Grand Clapham, two spots owned by Charles Gulliver and A. E. Abrams (Lough- boro Trust, Ltd.), back to vaudeville, with Archie Parnell as booker. Ann Todd married to Flight Lieut. Nigel Tangye in London. Couple met when he was aeronautical adviser to Alexander Korda for his film, 'Things to Come,' in which she ap- peared. Alexander Korda's picture, 'The Lion Has Wings,' made in conjunc- tion with the government, is playing to $3,000 dally at Leicester Square Theatre, which is deemed good coin these days. Bert Montague running seven pan- tomimes this year. Biggest is one starring Sandy Powell, at $1,600 per, which opens at Hippodrome, Coven- try, for six weeks, and then tours the Stoll circuit. Rosle Lloyd, sister of Marie and Alice Lloyd, who brouyht suit against her hairdresser, claiming .she suffered facial dermatitis following bleaching treatment, lost the ca.se and had to pay costs. Cyril Smith, in George Black's re- vue, 'Black Velvet,' at. London Hip- podrome, had previously played for Black in 1912, In pantomime at the Theatre Royal, Blyth, Sunderland. His salary then was $10 per week. A.ssociated British has clo.sed its forcigri sales department N. Hubrich and F. Alven in charge since forma- tion of company, are out along with Arthur F. Greenspan, general sales manager, who had been with the firm 14 years. Charles Tucker behind 'Young England' revival at Holborn Empire. Spot was originally to have a George Black revue, starring Tommy Trinder, Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon, but Trinder Is bu.>:y making picture for Lew Jackson. 'Let's Face It,' an intimate revue .starring Dorothy Hy.son and Charles Heslop, opened at the tiny Chanti- cleer theatre, Kensington, recently, and showed <tself to be amateurish. London Palladium has ral.sed price of top seats from $2 to $2.50. Harry Foster has joined Tom Arnold in . production activities. Their first show jointly is musical by Stanley Lupino in which he's starred with Florence Desmond and Sally Gray. Opens Blackpool at Xmas, and will tour four weeks, after which it comes to the West-End. Titled "Laugh, Town, Laugh.' 'Me and My Girl' was scheduled to close at the Victoria Palace, but after notice went up, management of house, Lupino Lane and Jack Eggar got together and decided to play afternoon and evening shows in.stcad of second - show- starting early in afternoon. Result has proved profit- able, and is now slaying on indeHn- itely. Hollywood Pittsbargh By Hal Cohen Harry Hoehle, band leader, re- covering from a serious illness. The Ben Steermans expect their second visit from the stork in couple of months. "Y" Playhou.se's second-show of the year will be Irwin Shaw's 'The Gentle People.' Eddie Hess coming around all right after an emergency operation for appendicitis. Vera Dunn, of 'Leave It to Me,' and George O'Connor to wed in New York next month. ■ , Martin J. Fallon named director of 'Veronica's Veil,' annual Pitts- burgh Passion Play. Reggie Dvorak has wound up seven-month stay at Nut House to join a skating revue. Angelo Di Palma back in Nixon Cafe's show after being bedded for 10 days' with laryngitis. Nixon gets its second musical of season Jan. 15 when Shuberts send Three After Three' here. Madeleine Skelly Foust back at dean's deskv Duquesne - U. drama school, after an operation. Clara West cast for original Ethel Barrymore role in Playhouse's next, 'Ghost of Yankee Doodle.' Jean Wald came on from Spring- field, O., where her band's playing, for annual Warner Club party. Bassist Eddie Safranski has quit Wanda and Her Escorts and will re- join Herman Middleman's orcb. Forest Crosman in ahead of 'To- night We Dance' and Fred Spooner here drum-beating 'Mamba's Daugh- ters.' Raymond M a s s e y breakfast- guested yesterday (Tuesday) with Women's City Club and femme Press Club. Joe Cappo and his wife, Ruth Hazen, cleared Europe okay and are now working in a Rio de Janeiro club. Elmer Kenyon home again, having left Maurice Evans' 'Hamlet,' which he had been agentihg for two months. Tom Kenyon has resigned as American Theatre Society sub- scription secretary, Dorothy O'Con- nor replacing him. Sol Heller, Jackie's older brother, will be associated with Nick Ando- lina in management of Show Boat when that spot reopens. Jackie, inci- dentally, is home to spend a week with his folks. Harold Lloyd to Frisco on biz. Jules Levy back from Mayo Clinic. Zorina checked in from Manhat- tan. Eddie Cantor lo Palm Springs for a rest. A. C. Blumenthal back from Maij- hu'Jan. Joan Fontaine to hospital for ob- servation. Bess Lunergan laid up with an in- jured knee. Richard Greene back at 20th-Fox after illness. Joe E. Brown back from six-week eastern tour. Vincent Sherman and Lee Katz lo Mexico City. Smiley Burnette east on six-week personal tour. lb Melchior joined Henry Rogers publicity .staff. Erie Hampton rejoined Metro publicity staff. Richard Carlson recovering from appendectomy. Guy Fowler joined Metro's ex- ploitation staff, Leon Lconidoff checked in at RKO ioc dai ce director job. Jiiscph M. Schenck lo l-'alm Springs to thaw out a cold. Scolty Brown back in hospital lor IrnatTntnt of an old injury. Frederick Brisson joined Edinglon- Vincent agency as associate. Joan Davis called home from per- sonal tour by daughter's illness. Robert Montgomery soaking up desert sunlight for two weeks. Ed ward. T. Lowe reported back to Paramount after Mississippi vaca- tion. Joseph M. Schenck back at his desk after visiting Mexico and New York. Harlan Thompson back from his parents' golden wedding celebration in Missouri. Lionel Barrymore recovered suffi- 'ciently from his hip injury to walk short distances. Berg-Allenberg appointed Holly- wood rep for Mary Pritchett-Ad- rienne MorrLson agency of New York. Minneapolis By Les R«es Nettie Goldle to Chicago for night club talent. Minnesota Amus. Co. reopened re- built Uptown theatre. Yehudi Menuhin here at Min- neapolis Symph soloist.' Littlefield Ballet did one-nighter at Municipal Auditorium. Fred Finnegan replacing Eddie McErleen on RKO booking staff. Sol Torador, indie nabe exhib, back from New York pleasure trip. Sam Shapin, of Warners home office maintenance, department, in town. Martin Lebedeff, indie nabe ex- hibitor, taking whirl at -distributing game. Granada, Duluth, broke hou.se record with "Mr. Smith Goes lo Washington.' W. ri. Workman, Metro branch manager, recovered in health and returning to job. Hugh Herbert opening at the Min- nesota Friday (24), with A. B. Marcus unit to follow. Because 'all the proflts.were being eaten up,' Sol Lebcdoff di.sconlihued his ko.sher cornbeef sandwich give- away at the Homewood, nabe house. Australia By Eric Gorrick War has slopped Tom Eslick from opening an amu.sement park in Brls- I bane. ; Dan MIchaelove, Charles Munro , and Dan Carroll feted by the 47 Ad- vertising Club. 'Juarez' (WB) n.g. at b.o. in Syd- ney for Hoyts. 'Wuthcring Heights' (UA) a click yet Edgely and Dawe plan a return to Australia to present a series of Lon- don revues. They were here some years ago. .Salici's Puppets and Bobby Morris signed by Tlvoll Theatres for a sea- .son in Melbourne. Recently com- pleted a New Zealand tour for Sir Ben' Fuller with 'Funzapoppin,' which hit the skids. SL Louis By Sam X. Hurst First St. Louis appearance of Veloz and Yolanda began Friday (17) at th« Chase Club. Osa Johnson, widow of Martin Johnson, exhibited 'Jungles Calling' film during two-day visit . Orchs of Don Bestoi- and Pinky Tomlin appeared in a 'battle', at the Tune Town ballroom last week. Sam Magin, manager of Brooklyn Club, east side nitery, back from Chicago, where he booked forthcom- ing attractions. Variety Club threw, dance and en- tertainment on the showboat Gold-, enrod, anchored In the Mississippi here. Sammy White m.c.d. Margaret S. Smith, Ibcalite, won $50 offered by Newton H. Wil.son for an original one-act play written by Washington U. students.. Her "Death House' capped the ca.sh. Margit Bokor, Hungarian singer, clicked in American debut with role in 'Pagliacci' at Municipal Auditor- ium last week. St. Louis Grand Opera Assn. sponsored. Ruth Chatterton, star of Tonight We Dance,' at American theatre, last week,. was guest of honor at luncheon given by Playgoers of St. Louis, Inc.. which is conducting drive to obtain 1,000 more mem- bers. Robert Wallsten, who has role in 'Tonight We Dance,' was winner of $250 ca.sh prize offered by Little Theatre in 1934 for his dramatization of the English novel, 'Tpm Jones.' Play was nrc-sented 10 times, but Wallstein did not apnear in the cast. Di.scord between Dr. Ernest Lert, .stage director for the St. Louis Grand Opera A.ssn.. and Laszlo Hala.sz. musical director, resulted in the former chucking hi.s job last week on the eve of the combo presentation of 'Pacliaccl' and 'Ame- lia Goes to the Ball' in the Munici- pal Auditorium. New Haven Ry Harold M. Bone 'Ice Vanities of 1940' at Arena this week (21-25). Yale Dramat did 'Rope's End' for annual fall production. Locals trekking to Bridgeport to catch stale's . only hurley at the Lyric .Seipe Koussevitsky batons Boston Symphy in Woolsey Hall concert to-, ni'iht (Wednesday). Simonc Simon, Mary Brian, Mitzi Green open 'Three After Three' at Shubert this weekend (24-25). Larry Hart Vinton Freedley, Bur- gess Meredith, Jimmy . Durante in for premiere of 'Aries Is Rising' at the Shubert last week. Jimmy Dorsey resumed one-day vaude at the Arena, Saturday (18); spot formerly operated Sundpy vaude but this had been rcplaord +)v hockey.