Variety (May 1941)

Wednesday, May 21, 1941 LEGITIMATE 49 BaOots for Equity Council Out This Wk.; Indie Alan Hewitt Has Strong Chance Deadline for 'additional Independ- ent candidates for Equity's council waa pESsed late last ne'ek. Ballot holding the names of 15 regular nominees for - a five year term, ac- companied by the Indle ballot cctrry- ing eight names, will be mailed out to the membership Thursday or Fri- day (23) and must be returned on or before June 6, date of the election. Considerable Interest appears to heye been roused over the candidacy of Alan Hewitt and he Is given the best chance for winning among the indie group. Reason why he was not selected on the regular ballot was explained by the nominating committee, and Hewitt's principal campaigner had his say in Equity's monthly. Application to the coun- cil for the privilege of using the as- sociation's addressograph list for campaign n^aterial was expected to be granted in light of .the fact that 372 .members' signed the petition piecing the indie candidates in nomi- nation. Hewitt's record as a councillor Is favorable. . He' attended regularly and did not duck committee assign- ments. Nominators, however, said that he was named as a Communist in the Congressional Record and they did not deem it In the best In- terests of the Gssociatloa to nomi- nate him, especially since It was In- ferred in Washington that the pro- fession would not be aided by Con- gress so long as 'seven Communists are on the governing board of Eaulty.' Denials were made by all those named, but the charges have never been investigated despite Equity's repeated request to the Dies Com- mittee for such action. Byron Mc- Grcth, who resigned from the nomi- nating committee when it declined to name Hewitt—^the vote wes eight to one against—^gave his reasons for quitting and then proposed Hewitt as an independent. The other nomi- nators agreed that the charge against Hewitt was unjust and unfounded,' but still he was not selected because the charge had been made and had not been dlsproven. Why HewiU Was CaUed 'Bed' It appears that the reason he was Included in those ncmed in Wash- ington was his dissent over a motion during a membership meeting. Mo- tion was that Equity declare Itself as opposed to American participation In foreign wars. The chair ruled it out of order. A vote sustained the chair, but Hewitt voted with those who favored the motion. Charles De Sheim, another pro- ponent for the independent ticket, also explains 'his stand. Assuming there is no schism In Equity, he said: 'A working unity in Equity' is both highly desirable and easily at- tainable. The necessity of Introduc- ing opposition to the regular ticket is unfortunate, .but a necessity never- theless.' Actor thinks the regular, ticket does not offer a range of choice which would allow members to vote for a truly representative roster of candidates. He also wrote: 'Despite the essential unity which our common professional interests provides, there are differences of opinion among us. Differences of status between newcomer and vet- eran; between the prosperous and the less fortunate; between stars, featured players and the large rank and file of the up and coming end the down and dragging; between those with managerial affiliations and those most remotely without them—all these make Inevitably for some diversity of Interests and as a conseque;ice a variety of degrees end shades of opinion.' Also claimed that during the last meeting there were privately circu- lated slips suggesting the slate of nominators, whidi Irked those who afterwards came out with the inde- pendent ticket With Ihe new rule to name 50% more candidates than the 10 regulac berths to be filled it was thought there would be no op- position, but It failed to work -out that way. Another Coast 'Hatter Del Monte, Cal., May 20. Oliver H. P. barrett's new play, The Hunters,' opens June 2 at the Del Monte Summer Theatre, with Jerome Corey directing. Garrett leaves for N.Y. after the opening to arrange for fall produc- tion of yie piece on Broadway; Brokers Lose and Win Approximately SO ticket brokers lost a plea for a bill of particulars which they sought against Paul Moss, Commissioner- of Licenses, and Lewis J. 'Valentine, police' commis- sioner, when Justice Denis Cohalan in the N. Y.. supreme court ruled that, since thb brokers sought over 4,000 items, it would place an un- necessary burden on the defendants. Brokers are seeking to test the constitutionality of the Mitchell law, which places a minimum of 75c premium on the resale of theatre tickets. Corporation counsel defending the officials also lost air seeking par- ticulars from the brokers case Is due to go to trial next week. Midwest L^t Circuit Plans Now Remote Possibility of an independent legit circuit, starting in the midwest, which loomed early in the spring, appears to be rather remote in light of more recent developments. Deal for the Lafayette, . Detroit, which Israel Slavin, Chicago truckman, sought under lease, has fallen through. Slavin evidently intends operating the Blackston'e, Chicago, however, and has ordered the Interior redeco- rated. Slavin bought the property last winter end is considerinjg a pro- posal to ^ot Coast shows with name leads in Uie house after the run of 'Life With Father,' which concludes a record stay there Saturday (24). Shuberts are said to have contact- ed Slavin with the idea of securing occupancy of the Blackstone. It is surmised that they may keep the house dark if getting the lease, to protect their theatres In the Loop. Shuberts are said to have leased the I,afayette (Det.) from Scripps-How- ard, which owns the property. They may spot musical revivals in the for- mer plcturia house Instead of' the 'Wilson, which J. J, Shubert unsuc- cessfully tried with that policy early this seaso'h. Hey also own 49% of the Cass in the same town. Giflmore Again Proxy Of 4A's; Draft DuDzefl As ExecDtiye Secretary Frank GiUmora did not care .to continue as president of the Asso- ciated Actors and*-Artistes of Amer- ica, a sort of holding company sup- posed to control the talent unions, but he was re-elected for another two-year term Friday (16). It Is an honorary post, but Gillmore re- ceives salary as managing director of the Four A's, It being a lifetime Job for the elderly official. It had been reported that Law- rence Tibbett was being groomed for the. Four A's presidency, but as ha Is now head of the American Guild of Musical Artists (concert and opera), also the American Fed- eration of Radio Artists, opinion among other officials was that Tib- bett has enough on his hands. Four A's is virtually a skeleton organiza- tion, really operated by a board. Most of the detail is handled by the executive secretary, Paul Dull- zell, who has had that post for 15 years. He too wished to step aside, but was 'drafted.' It had been point- e/l out that other than Gillmore and Dullzell, no one knows the routine of the Four A's. Vice-presidents named are Jean Greenfield and JCenneth Thompson, with Ruth Richmond again the treasurer. BUI Doll, p.a. for Michael Todd and for several seasons in a similar capacity for Milton Stiefel's Ivory- ton (Conn.) strawhat, will switch this summer to the Bucks County theatre. New Hope, Pa. Partial Truth First ads in the dailies on the opening of Belmont Park em- phasized that the $I.SO (tax ab- sorbed) admission- charge was half that of Broadway theatres. Faot is it's less than that, aver- age show having a top of $3.30^ Copy -was a laiigh' on Broad- way, especially to those who are well aware what an afternoon at the track costs those who wager on stiffs. MAJ. RICE LEFT $20,000 IN CASH BUT NO WILL Estate of the late Major Edward J. Rice, 78, last charts member of the Treasurers Club, is a problem to officers of .the organization. When he passed away-.about three weeks ago It was thought that he was with- out funds, although he had told vari- ous persons that they would receive fairly substantial bequests.- No will was found, however, but benk books showing $20,000 on-deposit were dis- covered. Upon, his demise it Is reported a horde of relatives appeared and rummaged through his effects. If any foimd the will it was taken away. Only known disposition of his estate made by Rice was to desig- nate $1,000, paycble by the Treas- urers Club upon death, to an elderly woman who had looked after him for many years. Rice lived on the top floor of a brownstone house in the 70's for 30 years. Landlord had no idea that the roomer had funds on deposit. For months he was confined to his bed end when he t«ld a man and his wife, who also attended to him, they would receive $1,500 Qiey thought his mind was wandering. The old bpxofflce man detected their thoughts and insisted he knew what he was talking about. After he left the theatre Rice was employed by the Interborough Rapid Transit lines, being retired on a pension. Strawhat Ops Sqnawk About High Stock Rates; Ask Equity/War'Rofing .Some of this season's shows have been arranged for rural stocks, but the authors are asking stiff royalty in one or two instances. Instead of percentage, stock rights are leased for a flat fee according to the draw of the community; prices varying from $500 to $1,000. Newly formed summer stock managers association has contacted the Dramatists Guild with the Idea of moderating the rates. There seems to be a difference of opinion among the summer stock bunch over booking unit shows. Some are opposed because when shows play intact the regular stock company lays off but Is paid con- tract salaries. Not as many unit out- fits are In sight as last year, in fact none, appear to have been definitely set so. far. Among those who will not use units Is Milton Stiefel, head of the hideaway showmen's group. Despite the difference It Is stated that last summer the unit shows drew much better grosses than the regular casts and (he houses earned more. Stiefel, Theron Bamberger and John Wildberg, as a committee of country stock operators, visited Equity to clarify salary responsibil- ity in the event of war. They were particularly interested In the status of visiting stars, engaged in advance. Show people were told that in no event were such contracts subject to cancellation, unless by mutual agreement or unless Equity's council took special action. 'WhUe during the past two weeks there has been a pick-up in summer stock registrations with Equity, where 26 outfits have complied with the requirements such as depositing salary guarantees, the number is stiU far behind last season, when double the toUI had filed. Esti- mated that not more than 80 straw- hats will operate, not counting ama- teur, semi-pro or projects primarily designed as schools. Decrease is at- tributed to the loss sustained, by a considerable percentage of stocks last season. Sunday Shows Assured Another Year On Broadway Following Encouraging Figures on This Seasons Results Revue as Aid to Alies Dejscribed as a revue, 'Let Free- dom Sing" will be given at the Im- perial, N. Y., Sunday (25) by the women's division of the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies. Show is not called a benefit, but the aim, as announced, is to en- courage writing and the use of music in the present crisis. R. H. Bumside Is In charge of staging the performance. Most of the tickets, which are $3.30 top, are being disposed of among the commit- tee a^d'those subscribing to its ac- tivities. Shubol-TMA Peace Cancek Natl Strike CaO Theatrical Managers It Agents union advised members, press agents, company managers, and house man- agers, with 10 shows on Broadway and seven on tour to be ready to strike Saturday (17). Settlement of the short-lived .rumpus was made the previous dey, however, when J. J. Shubert agreed to comply with the IMA rules In connection with 'the road company of "The Student Priiice.' ■Prince' was'dated to close and a ShtAert staff-man, Ruben Rablno- vitch, in advance was called back to N. Y. When the operetta continued TMA demanded that an agent be engaged, Shubert refusing. It seems the showman was peeved over the union rules, but It's understood he was prevailed upon by other man- agers to change his mind. Some producers thought differently and believed that It was a good time to adjust matters with TMA, at the tell end of the season. TMA's status on the road Is still to be clarified by the American Federation of Labor but it Insists that all attractions orig- inating In New York come under the regulations of the basic agree- ment with the managers. Shubert agreed to pay the agent two weeks salary, during which time the man did not work, but the union agreed that he work this week gratis, 'Prince' being due to stop In Phila- delphia Saturday (24). 'Meet the People' was elso Involved, rules call- ing for the press' agent to be en- gaged two weeks prior to opening. Howevei;, it was proved that the Shuberts did not take over the show until last midweek and it was agreed that the agent's pay start on that date. 'People' opened out of town this week. NO REST FOR WEARY Meredith, Peters, et al CompUIn t« Haversiraw, N. T., Officials Nyack, N. Y, May 20, Burgess Meredith, RoUo Peters and their, neighbors In one of Rock- land County's theatrical settlements have become so aroused at the oper- ation of a cement block manufactur- ing plcmt on Camp Hill Road, town of Haverstraw, that they have sub- mitted a petition to Supervisor Vic- tor J. Shankey. Blaming the noise from the plant on lack of zoning, the petitioners -state: The undersigned.. .hereby re- quest the proper authorities to tzke such steps as may be necessary to insure them the peaceful, quiet and healthful occupation of their homes, which Is now being Interfered with by the operation in and unneces- sarily noisy and objectionable man- ner of a cement block plant.' CHalmlng the value of reel estate they own will be reduced, the com- plainants add; 'Certainly you must realize that it Is a bad thing for any community to have the word passed around: 'Watch your step when buying In Haverstraw—they have no zoning.' Sunday legit performahces en Broadway will be extended for an- other year. So favorable was the report of an Equity committee, which was given fiigures on Sundays by showmen at the League of New York Theatres on Monday (19) that Equity's council promptly okayed continuance of Sabbath shows at yesterday's weekly meeting. Sundays were credited with keep, ing a number of shows on the boards on Broadway, as well as indirectly figuring in sending them to the road. In addition to 'Johimy Belinda,' "To- bacco Road' and 'Hellzapoppin,' other shows cited were 'Meet the People* and "Cabin in the Sky,' 'People' came to New York with a Coast reputation but its business was only fair at the Mansfield, where.lt re- cently closed. Stated, however, that 23% of the week's gross for 'People' was drawn on Sundays, same going for 'Cabin.' Both shows are now on tour and It was pointed out that, had either not survived as long, as they did, neither might have been booke^ out of town. Eqnity's Changed Atiltnde Finale of the 'experimental pe- riod' assented to by Equity would ^ have terminated June. 1. Originally, when Sundays were legalized in the state. Equity nullified the statute by ruling'that actors must be paid dpu> ble salary for those performances. By referendum vote last fall a large majority of the membership agreed to remove the double-pay stipula- tion for the season. It is not neces- sary for the issue to be voted on again, council having the power to extend the period. Managers present at the meeting Monday were Lee,Shubert, Allan Atwater ^general manager for 'Johnny Belinda'), Harry H. Osbrln (representing "Tobacco Road') and James F. Reilly, who compiled the figures on Sundajr receipts. For Equity there were Maida Reade, John Alexaifder and Alfred Harding. Not all showmen favor summer continuance of Sundays, Anrtotmced that "The Man 'Who Came for Din- • ner' (Music Box) will drop those showings after next week and re- vert to the Monday to Saturday schedule. ' Others who depend on Sunday patronage will continue for the balance of their engagements. 'It Haptens on Ice' (Center), which started Sundays before the other shows, likewise depends co.n- siderably on those performances. Business at the matinees^ has been much better than Sunday nights and the latter may be dropped. 2 Sisters Altemate 'Johnny Belinda'lead, Rephcing Helen Craig Unusual stunt of two sisters alter, nating in a stage play Is being puUed by Harry Wagstaff Grlbble, who pre* sents 'Johnny Belinda,' Longacre, N. Y. Louise and Jean Piatt are step- ping Into the part originated by Helen Craig, who withdrew from the cast because of measles. - First named Miss Piatt went into the show Tuesday (20). Girls will alternate OR a weekly basis, according to plan. Claimed- that the part' is tqa strenuouis for one actress, yet the show's femme -Tead has but one wOrd to speak, character being that of a mute. "Bellpda' Is advertised as the play that defies Hollywood, so far as being made into a picture. Be^ fore it was produced Paramount had the rights, but passed It up. At that time It was an original story by Elmer Harris -written for Sylvia Sid- ney. Raymond Massey. Is leaving the cast of "The Doctor's Dilemma,* Shubert, going to Hollywood early in June. He will be replaced in the male lead to Katharine Cornell by Colin Keith-Johnston. Joe Click With Stoki Joe Glick, from legit, has joined Leopold Stokowski's Youth Orches- tra In a managerial capacity. He will tour with the aggregation on its cross-cotmtry jaunt to th* ^ Coast.