Variety (Aug 1941)

24 HOUSE KEYIEWS Wednesday, August 13, 1941 MUSIC HALL, N. Y. Russell Markert production, set- tings bv Nat Karson, costumes, Willa Van, executed by H. Rfgge, lighting iy Eugene Braun; Richard Leibert at organ; Emo Rapee, Fronic Wowicfci, Jules Silver conducting 'William Tell' overture; 'A Summer Medley' vresentation, dances bv Florence Rogge, with Paul Haakon, Muriel Gray, Nicholas Daks, Louise Fomoca, Johnny Woods, Roclcettes, Duci de Kerekjarto, Selma Kaye, Mario Berini, Glee Club; 'Here Comes Mr. Jordan' (Col) reviewed in Vabhey, July 30, '41, and March of Time. The Music Hall has a happy blend ot stage and screen, not the least o( which is' the "Mr. Jordan' feature (CoU and March of Time's new sub- ject on Hitler. But the stage por- ticn is particularly worthy. Apart from the 'William Tell' overture, which is the 'Sweet Ade- line' of symphonic entr'actes, the 'Summer Medley' is appropriately seasonal and varied. Imaginately staged and decored by Markert and Karson, Paul Haakon's Harlequin to Muriel Gray's Columbine, with Nick £)aks as Pierrot'and Louise Fomaca, backed by the corps de ballet, dis- closes some plain and fancy terping. It's a beautifully executed ballet, of great credit to all Haakon, Daks and the two femmes are finished pirouet- ters indeed. Johnny Woods^ipike and pix im- pressions, now standard and seen around in the other Broadway Sresentation houses, clicks, as do the ockettes. per usual. However, they're spotted this week in midriff, as . a stage-break, prior to Uie Romany conceit, which constitutes the fourth portion. Duci de Kerek- jarto, standard- violinist, is ap- propriately torchy with his wailing Gypsy Echoes' although he would Jirobably be a bit of a wow were t announced that he recorded 'In- termezzo' under the nom-de-Decca of Albert Kerry. However, his 'Dark Eyes,' Two Guitars,' 'Play Gypsy, Dance Gypsy' and kindred stuff registers against k traditlgnal open- wagon setting. A recalcitrant water- falls to right somehow didn't^ func- tion too well openine night, but in toto Karson has provided a highlight scenic background. Selma Kaye and Mario Berini sing the principal vocals backed by the Glee Club (Irving Landau, director), et al. ilbel. and applauded, whistled, and cheered appearance of the come- dians. It took a little time for the team to get started, but then, at this catching, audience laughed before points of gags were reached. Cus- tomers clamored for more, but act was shortened, as nine shows were skedded for day (Sunday), record for season. Preceding A-C ghost sequence, Gae Foster girls appear in effective number in keeping with theme of revue, 'The Ghost Rides High.' Gals appear as skeletons, with lights darkened. Catherine Harris does some snappy taps on her toes. Her rhythmics on one foot bring excel- lent response and encores with trucking routine done entirely on her toes. Gil and Bernlce Maison, with monkey and dogs, put over amusing number. Larger dog brings laughs by disobeying master|s commands. Tiny dogs walk on front paws and balance themselves oi^ Maison's hand. Antics of monkey also good for plenty of laughs'. Paul and Nino Ghezzl do one of the best hand-balancing acts seen in these parts and audience's response was almost continuous at this catch- ing. The Ben Yosters warble 'We're Riding High' and score heavily with theme songs of various bands, letting audience Identify them. Gae Foster girls okay in second number, which is lively and tunefiil, 'and wear attractive blue and white cos- tumes with blue plumed bonnets. Dick Dana emcees and straights for comedy bits featuring Pinkie Lee,. Ryan and Benson and Bobby Morris. Harry James' orch in Marine ball- room; three films, aerialists and cir- cus, water sporte, Gautier & Co., Sharkey the seal, Children's The- atre, Hawaiian and Alex Bartha's orchs among other attractions on pier. Carter. STATE, N. Y. STATE-LAKE, CHI /, _ , „ Chicago, Aug. 9. Cass Daley, Morgan and Randell, Senator Murphy, Rajah Rahoid. TOWER, K. C. Kansas City, Aug. 9. Fred Scott. Lloyd and Willis, Jack Hoist and Milady, Lionel Kaye with Kathleen, Lester Harding, Herb Six Orch, Bud, Bert and Glo: 'Sunset in Wyoming" (Rep)'. Baltet (12), Walter Davidson House Orch (12); 'I Was a Prisoner Devil's Island' (Col). on Show is In the usuS^ein, some better spots, some less impressive, and a barely average 44 minutes in all. There is a semblance of a name - -. , |~ln Fred Scott, who was booked by Consolo and Melba, Dorothy Hild, manager Barney J.offee between his n„»-* .. .. ijjji^ chores. Possibly Scott's name will mean a bit more a year from now, as his work -in films thus far hasn't been handled by a na- tional distributing organization. A new setup with Monogram will likely get his celluloid into more spots, with a resultant improvement in marquee strength, but at this date there is little in the name. After a medley of service songs by the Herb Six band, stage is turned to Lloyd and Willis in a terp turn. Three routines are ordinary except for tlie twirling ability of the gal. Theme begun by the band is fol- lowed by Lester Harding, who runs, his baritone over 'Till Reveille' in acceptable manner. Acrobatic niche is filled by Jack Hoist, former (1932) Olympic performer. Work of toss- ing himself between turning bars and twirling around them is first rate, but act lacks presentation and has light pitoh ' despite nice looking femme partner. In the amateur con- tests Joffee discovered a condensed floor show offered by three kiddies^ Bert, Bud and Glo. Two boys fur- nish strong accompaniment for the girls singing and dancing, cute. Toward closing show has a better moment or two. one provided by Lionel Kaye. Works a clever pat- ter around his mediocre magic tricks, and gets across line of thuckles with aid of his partner, Kathleen, as foil, Just straight vaudeville, but good standard acts make this week's bill a winner. Preceding the regular stage show, mind reader Rajah Raboid does a 20 minute stint of answering ques- tions from the audience while blind- folded. Okay as these turns go, Ra- boid gets good reaction and is a ^■■V showman. A midnite spiritualistic seance is planned for his closing night, Thursday (14), and all buyers of tickets in advance S'"uu S??^^ ^private consultations With Raboid following each show • Opening the regular stage show, Dorothy Hild Ballet (12) is on for a fast jazz number, which discloses ■tte gals to be cute, diapely.and good hoofers. An offstage announcement brings on Morgan and Randell, mon- ocled band-balancing team, who work in a slow casual British man- ner that is surefire. Tricks are good, display strength and control. Senator Murphy is baclt again with his familiar line of political chatter which is made to order for Uiis family house. Murphy has brought his talk up to date and suc- ceeds In gathering plenty of laughs. Ballroom dancing of Conso\o and Melba is suave, distinctive and well received." Holding down the next-to-closlng ■pot, Cass Daley gives out with her usual exhibition of funny faces and body contortions, selling her com- edy songs solidly. Gal is a swell performer and knows how to sell material. She had to beg off. Dorothy Hild Ballet closes the show with a novel routine, wherein the gals dance with male dummies. Clever and entertaining. Biz good second show Saturday Loop. STEEL PIER, A.' C. (MUSIC HALL) .^^ . Atlantic City. Aug. 10. Abbott and Costello, Gil and Ber- nice Maison, Catherine Harris, The Chezzis (2), Gae Foster Ballet (16). Ben yost Singers (8), Diclfc Dana, Pinkie Lee, Bobby Morris, Ryan and Benson, WalUr Morton; Music Ball Orch. Bud Abbott and Lou CostQo re- turn to Steel Pier, one of-^he orig- inating locales for their present act, to receive outstanding ovation. Ji huge crowd overflowed the Music Hall, at show caught Sunday (10), James Burton, Beverly Roberts, Duval, Six Willys, Eddie Rio & Bros., Ruby Ztuerling's house orch; 'Billy the Kid' (M-G). James Barton is reminding those who remember the Palace of what vaudeville ain't today. How rarely theatrical virtuosity is viewed in the modern showplaces and how vivid this regular absence is made to seem by an occasional sample. Of course there never were many virtuosi of vaudeville at any one time. But at the Palace in the big days they were plentiful compared to now. Includ- ing—don't forget—all those from the British music halls who now don't come over (1) because there's a war and (2) because unless they also play night clubs there isn't enough worS: over here to come for. It's still quite a sight to see a guy like Barton work. Song stylist, dance stylist, character actor and comedian, the man still can bring an audience up to the verge of cheers. It was instructive, too, at the State to hear persons who were seeing him for the first time suddenly ex- press amazement as his talents un- folded. The hoofing session after the hot song and the Irish drunk affair was the clincher. Another reminder from Barton is how to build a single situation, or plot thread, into a full, rounded comedy routine piling up the giggles and holding an audience In enrap- tured grins. Not much of this kind of trouping is seeti around today, either. (It would be good to see Will IVffe again!) The progressive intoxication of the story-spinning Irishman and the comic va^ries of his mentality is a ioyous episode. Barton came where he was ex- pected—next to closing. The bill opens with Duval, a debonair maker of illusions with smoke and flags who works with easy ingratiation. He clicks. Eddie Rio and Bros, prove a mild deucer, using mechanical rather than inspired comedy devices. Their first hoofing bit:iis entirely standard uni- son work without originality and sets a slow pace. They do better later, but the material and routining needs freshening up throughout. Talk is pretty blah especially. The comedy routine with the prop horses gets laughs, but ' in view of the United States government's wish to improve Latin-American relations it seems a gratuitous affront even in fun to call themselves Mexican bandits, when they could easily be something else. Reference is with- out value to th^ act. Hasn't the booking office heard about Fan- Americanism yet? Beverly Roberta' material Is not stereotyped. Neither, at moments, is it surefire vaudeville. But on the whole the lady is a trouper who works hard, dlsolays Iota of aplomb and works with what used to be called ■ authority. One song cele- brates the night-prowling Latins as lovers, with an implicit slur on Yankees as good workers, but bum wrestlers. Nevertheless, America itself is lyrically hailed in her finale, which has a travel bureau angle on seeing America at last (not first) and finding it pretty nifty. ■The Six Willys, closing the show, are, like many a show-closer, solidly talent every second. Not content with some extraordinary group jug- gling and club-throwing, the various members • do flip-flops, ladder bal- ancing, afid .assorted gymnastics in a mass exhibition of sheer versatility which, group-wise. Is the mateh of the versatility lust unfolded by Bar- ton. Land. partner Bobble, a small white dog, are okay during the act's early mor menta. But they haven't enough material to keep things going at an enjoyable clip. Least cllcky of Proctor's acts is that of Evelyn Wilson. Miss Wilson sings popular songS fairly well, but not unusually so. She begins with straight singing. That's all right. But sRIe turns sour when she imitates a female dnmk and a singer of comic operetta. These aren't funny. House was crowded opening night, Monday (11). Jaff. Majestic, San Antonio San Antonio, Aug. 9. Abe Lyman Orch (16), 3 Sailors, Stapletons (2), Ben Yosfs Varsity 6, Rose Blane, Billy Shennan, Ernest Kauser House Band; 'Ringside Maisie' (M-G). Interstate theatres throughout Texas are observing the 3Sth anni- versary of Karl Hoblitzelle, ita prez, as a Texas amusement pioneer. This is the first of two big stage shows lined up to tour the circuit This week finds Abe Lyman orch highlighting a fast 70-miiiute show thatfias ue audience asking for more. Layout opens with Ernest Hauser's house band in the pit play- ing The Star Spangled Banner.^ To the them^ of 'California Here I Come' curtains part for Lyman's outfit. Band continues to feature a special arrangement of "Melancholy Baby,' highlighting the voice of Billy Sher- man and boys ot the band as a glee club. ■ Ben Yost's Varsity Six are heard effectively in Victor Herbert songs and a college medley. Wally and Vernon Stapleton turn in a neat tap turn aided by clown- ing for a nice reception. Highlighta are Rose Blane and Sherman. Miss Blane has a boogie woogie style and had to beg off when caught She has a nice personality and is made to order for the rug- cutters. On the sentimental side is Sherman, heard in a pleasing rendi- tion of 'Dolores' and 'Beguine.' Chief funmakers are The Three Sailors with their knockal>out. Slightly corny and climax with a rope-skipping bit which had the au- dience applauding. It was announced that the boys had to curtail their routine due to the fact that one of the members was injured returning to San Antonio from an army camp where the entire company had gone to entertain the soldiers Friday (8). 'Sing a Song with ,Lyman* Is a novelty audience sing contest Intror duced here by the orchestra. Show is closed with an Irving Berlin medley. Excellent lighting ■effects are used throughout, with the violin section effect on "Russian Lull- aby' taking top honors. Supper show caught openine day ha3 a full house. Andy. EARLE, PHILLY PROCTOR'S, NEWARK Neuiark, Aug. 11. O'Connor Family (3), Peg Leg Strictly' Bates, Robberts and Weis, Moxifie Bros. & Robbie^ (3), Evelyn Wilson; 'Reluotant Dragon' (RKO) and 'Ac- cent on Lov^ (20th). Proctor's curre- t show, with a neat balance of singing, hoofing and novelties, stands above par in both One stunt of- pulling fully loaded quality and length. "The five acts. glass of beer or milk.from his trou- sers pocket rings the bell. Scott gets the closing stanza, and while hilled as the singing buckaroo from Hollywood and dressed as screen cowboy, he confines his bit to three tunes. His singing rates belter than the usual screen six-gun toter aind has an outdoor twang to it Medley of range songs, 'San Antonio Rose' and 'Love Song of Renaldo,' all get across nicely. Act could be more rounded with a possible line or two of chatter, especially since Scott is a newcomer to the vaude patrons and not without nersonality. For future vaude his singing win serve as a basis of an act, but will have to be garnished. , Quin. Kayoes Bicyclers Hollywood, Aug. 12. Fox-West Coast is saving $700 weekly by abolishing film bicyclers. Theatre chain eliminated the practice when taggers started to organize. Circuit had been getting along on 12 to 14 prints for up to 25 houses. Exchangemen squawked but to no avail. spotlighted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings of this week, cover 65 minutes. Pat^ O'Connor, former child fea- ture of 'Panama Hattie,' does some time singing and got a terrific hand. Socko audience response came after PaUys rendition of 'Let's Be Bud- dies,' which she did in 'Hattie.' Girl has the cooperation of her grown-up brothers Donald and Jack. Donald sings. Jack jokes, but neither helps sis very much. Act is too long, and could be improved by having broth ers spoof less and Patsy vocal more. Peg Leg Bates, one-legged colored dancer, got show's biggest hand opening night. Bates has speed, ver satility and pep, putting his artificial leg to plenty 'of intricate use. His one fault is his excess verbal em- phasis on his physical condition, too little on his real business, which is dancing. Ballroom dancing is kidded by Roberta and Weiss, male and female. There's no rough stuff here, but much hoofing that is not only comic but also clever. Act slumps at end when partners imitate an American and Englishman dancing the boogie- woogie. The Maxlne Brothers and their Philadelphia, Aug. 8. Eranfcie Masters Orch with Phyllis Myles, Buddy Shi#man, I,ane and Ward, ArTtaut Bros., Dennis Day; 'Ringside MoisiC (M-G). HAMID'S PIER, A. C. (Hn>PODROME) Atlantic City, Aug. 10. Belle Baker, Uncle Don, Ray Mayer and Edith Evans, Four Dowl- ing Girls, Dave Seed and Lillian White, Marten Brothers and Fayne; 'Rags to Riches' (Rep). Belle Baker is the show at Hamid's Pier this week. Despite the strong, est competition on the rival (Steel) pier, with ti. a. of Abbott and Costella, Hamid's drew largest crowd of season at show caught Sunday night (10). Miss Baker first sings 'Argentina' and follows with mirthprovoking 'Professor Iz.' Then swings her audience from chuckles to solemnity with her dramatic interpretation of The Last Time I Saw Paris." At this catching audience responded with hand clapping, whistling and cheers. La Baker encored with medley ot her old songs, 'Alabamy Bound," 'I'll Be Loving You,' Ten Baby Fingers,' 'AU of Me,' and 'Blue Skies" to tako three bows, and came back with brief comedy yarn. Crowd still asked for more and Miss Baker gen> erously responded again with nov- elty song number, after which she begged off. Ray Mayer, in tengallon hat and Edith Evans please in comedy song and patter. Mayer m.c.s for entire show. Miss Evans" warbling of Thank the Man Upstairs," goes over well. "rhey"re a-vet team, he more recently having been in pix. Uncle Don. of the children"s radio program, received welcome from the family customers. Radio spieler's appearance was tor this one day only. The Four Dowling Girls have a neat turn, including acrobatics and roller skating. Dave Seed, diminu- tive comedian, with Lillian White in daffy antics, is good for laffs and Marten Brothers and Fayne have nice routine in modem dance num- ber. Mai Hallett"s orch in Ballroom of the States; Bishop"s Marionets; Ter- rell Jacobs" Circus; wild animal show. Princess Yvonne, and fun house are among other attractions on pier for 7Sc. admission. Carter. LYRIC. INDPLS. Indianapolis Aug. 8. Clyde McCoy Orch (12), Bennett Sisters (4), Freddy Stewart, Bob Nelson, Rigoletto Bros, and Aimee Sisters, Keaton and Amfield, Sylvia and Clemence; 'Bullets for O'Hara' (WB). There's a little more strength to the stage layout this week, thanks to the appearance of Dennis Day, Jack Benny's bashful tenor. The Siy could put a little more oomph to his chore, however, if he would get some of that material that the writers ot the Jello show whip up for the Sunday night stint. While he"s singing, Day is very good, but his in-between gags would l>e better left unsaid. Day's tunes are well adapted to his voice and bis shyness—he seems al- most frightened—helps keep up the illusion of a helpless kid that he's built up over the ether. He's intro- duced by a recording of Jack Benny offstage. When caught he sang 'Amapola'—in English and Spanish— ■My Sister and I,' 'Reverie' and an Irish ballad. Hie Only One for Me.' ^ The Amaut Bros., last seen here on Jack Lynch's Walton Roof, are plenty entertaining with their standard turn including some dex- trous fiddling and their 'comic finale In which they imitate birds. It's novel and always amusing. They got a terrific hand. Lane and Ward hold down the No. 1 slot with adroit terping and acro- batics. Frankie Masters* orchestra has a neat but not spectacular way of gresentetion. Like many of the ands recently gandered here, the Masters outfit needs a few novelties to make it a topnoteh stage click. Masters, however, has a pleas- ant personality. After teeing off with "Aurora,' he brings on his femme vocalist blonde Phyllis ' Myles, who registers well with her deep-voiced rendition of 'Blue Champagne* and 'Green Eyes.' Also spotlighted by the band is Buddy Shiftman, who proves to be an excellent craftaman on his clari- net soloing of "Long Long Ago' and other tunes. House well-filled when reviewed Friday afternoon. ShaL Once more Clyde McCov tucks his trumpet under his upper Up and totes it into the Lyric for his annual seven-day stay. "The natives of this part of the state are loyal, and once they've met a band leader and liked his wares they turn out on subse- quent appearances to bid him wel- come, as with McC^y. McCoy keeps the band working during the 60 minutes and has with him three time-proven vaude acta to lend variety to his modern tempos. After the 'Sugar Blues' intro, McCoy handles the vocal on a boogie tune called Tear It Down' and continues in. the same grobve as Bob Nelson geta a spot at the ivories on 'Little Rock Get Away.' The Bennett Sis- ters, who are on stage throughout come down front to beat it out on 'Ragtime Cowboy Joe' and 'You Made Me Love You.' following with a unison tap dsnce which is strictly amateurish in execution. Later, McCoy tnimpeU 'Basin Street Blues.' Freddy Stewart band vocalist follows with 'Berkeley Square" and 'Hush of the Night' Stewart struggles with a falsetto rendition and makes agonizing faces while he squeezes out the notes. He's new and may smooth out later. At present the v. ater is ton deep. Stewart joins the Bennett Sisters to make it a fiyesome on 'Daddy.' McCoy then gives the full treatment of 'Sugar Blues," encoring' with 'When Day Is Done." For the final cxirtain, the entire company goes through a comedy version of the 'Conga.'. It"s a weak closeout Sylvia' aiid Clemence are the first of the added acta to appear. They're old-timers at this hpus£ but still click plenty with their mayhem done to music, indulging in comedy dances and knockabout aero. The Rigoletto Brothers apparently have everything in their act but a trained dog. "They open with magic tricks, work in some acrobatics, have some comedy gags, and appear as a dual version of the old one-man street band. With them are the Aimee Sisters, who ap- pear briefly in a military dance. Keaton and Armfleld are another of vaude"s perennial boy and girl plota, the wisecracking, nifty dresser and the deadpan girl. It's been good for laughs for years end it still geta the chuckles this week. New angle is changeover of femme from a scarey-puss to glamour babe while doing a strip tease and changing makeup on stage. Those who .take their stage shows weekly will be pleased with this bill currently at the Lyric, while those who can take it or leave it alone won't be pulled in by the urgent recommendation of any wit- nesses who have seen it Biz fair at third show Friday (8), opening day. Kiley.