Variety (Sep 1941)

^edneedaj, September S, 1941 FORUM 63 WHAT THEY THINK Faith Bacon'i L. A. Gross Tucson, Ariz.. Editor, Vabiety: I have read Varibtt of Aug. 20 and found a flagrant mistake. Miss (Faith) Bacon grossed at the Or- Dheum, Los Angeles, $10,561 for the week of Aug. 6-12, and you state she •grossed a healthy $9,500.' * M. -L. Koch. Soldier Entertainment New York. Editor, Variety: I was very much Interested in your recent article in Varibtt con- cerning the entertainment furnished the armed .forces of the United States I would like to add a note on this subjrtct to your report. . I recently returned from Holly- wood traveling via Canada to enter- tain the Royal Canadian Annies sta- tioned at Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa- and Newfound- land. Now I am back in the good old U. S. and working for the Citi- zens' Committee for the Army and Navy, and what a wonderful job Ihey are doing. We are entertaining the soldiers, sailors, marines and flyers in camps via mobile vaudeville units all along the eastern coast line from Camp Dix, N. J., to Pensacola, Fla., and the boys love it! Think of it, enter- taining an audience of as many as 15,000 men at a single sitting. I'll bet even Billy Rose would be en- vious of an attendance like that. We are also broadcasting via sta- tion WMCA, N. Y., and WRUL, Bos- ton, via shortwave to England, so you see radio is also playing ah Im- portant part. Letters show that Charlie McCarthy, President Roose- velt, Jack Benny, Jerry Colonna and Waller Winchell are the Island's favorites to be Impersonated. Arthw Boran, is 'Sergeant York,' also mentioned, an incentive of war?) Being Senators, they are privi- leged to examine any American citi- zen they like, but I strongly suspect they will do this particular job with especial relish, along the lines of Nye's St. Louis speech. One is appalled by the fact that constituted members of Congress, sworn to uphold and defend the Con- stitution, should stoop to the tactics of street-corner fanatics, and, either openly or infcrentially, blame na- tional policies they oppose on racial groups. It's very easy for the bigots to pick on motion picture executives for making patriotic pictures, and reel oil the hames of studio heads with a studied pause for boos after each name, because of their 'Euro- pean' sounding names. But these bigots forget (conveniently) that there are hundreds of Christian men and women making these films, di- recting them, writing them and act- ing in them. This doesn't make them conspirators in warmongering, but rather stout rejectors of a theory to which they are morally and spirit- ually opposed. But the worst tactic of this sena- torial inquisition is to pick out a handful of pictures on the subject of war, call them 'warmongering' (when they are only realistic), and insist that Hollywood produces only warmongering' films. Over 600 films are made in a year; fully 90% of them ignore war and political subjects. Yet these senators charge, without qualification, that the movies are building up a war hysteria! What is art without passionate conviction? And what is an Isola- tionist senator without his petty prejudices? Harold Cabot. Camp Shows Hollywood. Editor, VARiiSTY: I have been mulling ovtr your somewhat surprising story: 'Charge U. S. Army With Falling Down on Adequate Shows for Service Men,' Aug. 13 issue. I say 'surprising' be- cause, in volunteering my services to the Hollywood Committee I had been given the Impression that there were many more actors and enter tainers volunteering their services than could be used for some time to come. You and-1, and everyone else con- nected with show business, know that there are- actually thousands of infrequently-employed or long-un- employed actors and entertainers— Equity, AGVA, AFRA, BAA, SAG and all—who could stand the same sort of a break practically all other Americans are getting today—vol unteering their services for just ex penses if a way cannot be'found to pay scale minlmums. The day will not be far off when it will be said that the repeat ap pearances of the big names at con venient locations are being paid for handsomely in invaluable publicity for those names and their backers —and then the Citizens Committee and all the other Committees, as well as the Morale Branch of the Army will be forced by the de mands of the extended-service men themselves to call for the talents of the general run of troupers that make up the Great Army of Show Business. Show business never was, and never will be, made up, in the minds of either the general public or the armed forces, of just the top names, anymore than the public Is made up of only top politicians or the armed forces of oiiy top-rank Ing ofTiccrs. 1 think you have hit on a vital subject here, that needs thrashing out right now, in the public press, and Variety is the key-pin with which to make the strike. Believe the great mass of show people would be back of you in going to bat on this. - - Arch Macnalr. Ized under the name of Espectaculos de Mexico, S. A., a corporation for theatrical exploitation of Cantihflas, so that Mr. I^ky's statement in this respect is unwarranted. I might add that Espectaculos de Mexico, S.A., has taken over a the- atre in this city which will be re- modeled at a cost of $200,000 pesos and in which Cantinflas will be the principal attraction. The show will include first-class talent imported from the United States and other countries of America. Mr. Ramon Reach!, now in the United - States, will be the manager of the theatre, and has been authorized to obtain data and information regarding first- class American talent, equipment, etc. The above is given you in the spirit of constructive understanding, that Mexico's new theatrical indus- try may not suffer by means of un- fair criticism, usually handed out by those that have not the scruples, nor the gratefulness sufficient to keep away from messing up things. Santiago ReaM, President,'Posa Films, S. A. Night Club Reviews ^Continued from pace 52; CLUB BALI, MIAMI siders grabbing their soup and bend- ing over backwards. Smarter cos- tuming would improve presentation. Phyllis Kapp's terping turn is lim- ited to fandango and rhumba routine. Lacks flash. Brenay Morrow's eight Baliettes are spotted in three .dicky exposi- tions of legology, and go to head ot class as flashiest line in town. Finale utilizes 'V campaii^ for bellringing returns, gals reversing capes to spell out 'Victory' as climax of military drill In tempo. Tommy Nunez has pruned his ag- gregation down for the summer slump, but they stlU manage to dish out a sprightly brand of dansapation. Leslie. IVhere'a Jaa. "Imer FcrgnsoD? > Chicago. Editor, Vabiety: It has now become a matter of life-and-death Importance that I get in touch with a member of the the' atrical profession whom I have not seen for 20 years, at which time he was conducting a theatrical proper- ties warehouse on 8th ave., New York. His-name is: James Elmer Ferguson, a native of one of the southern states and my brother-ln law. He was well known in the the- atrical profession as 'Fergie.' At that time he was, of course, a member of the union made up of stage prop- erty men and stage carpenters. Prior to entering the theatrical properties warehouse business (of which I can find no record at pres- ent) Ferguson was chief property man for many leading stage per- sonalities like Mrs. Leslie Carter, Mrs. Fiske, Joe Weber and the Shu- bcrts, both in New York and on the road. He is approximately 45 or 50 years old. I am seeking the good offices of Variety of which, of course, he would be a regular read- er, no matter if now out of the pro- fession, in locating him either through himself or members of the profession or through the union, all other efforts have failed. The question of the settlement of an estate is concerned. Arthur E. Alexandre. 1400 E. 97th St., Chicago. Let 'Em Have Cake, Also? Chicago. Editor, VARirrY: In a country estate In Wisconsin that has' a movie theatre on the premises, cakes and coffee are served before the film is shown. Many are the lonly people in our cities and towns, and countless are the throngs who go to movies. The more elite theatres once tried the cake-and- coffee stunt in the lounge. That was before the dishware era and bingo games. Who knows whether or not we have become more sociable? The present terrors and a common need of morale are supposed to be draw- ing everybody closer together. May- be cake, coffee and cigarets are just the touch that would start people talking about the movies as an art and inspire better movies and make the folks more ociable. Cat I Peter^ jfi. Bills Next Week jContlnncd from pace S6; COLOSIMO'S, CHI Hl-Hat Pete Tfermon Oro Lucille Grey Frank Petty Hotel Bradford (CIrcDi Boom) F16rence HallmRn Runkip A Lambert Hotel K«sei Erneet Murray Ore Billy Kelly Jack MaoDlns Al Lewie Victor Donate Adele Corcv Rita Henderson Hotel Gardner Burt Shnw Uvalyn Harvey Hotel KheratoD (Sky tiarden) Don Dudley Ore Hotel fliatler (Cafe KoURe) Salvy Cavlcchio Ore In re: 'Warmongering' New York. Editor, Variety: So a Senate sub-committee is going to 'investigate' the alleged 'inr terventionist propaganda' by the motion picture 'adustry, beginning Sept. 3. What a witch-hunt It's going to be! An idea of the fairness and neu- trality to be accorded the movie figures when they are called for testimony can be gathered from the list of Senators involved. Here are a few of them: Nye of North Dakota. (In St. Louis Nye called it 'war- mongering,' and mentioned a few nlms, all of which were anti-Hitler- ite and quite factual. And just how Seeks Tim (Mills and) Shea. Pensalcola, Fla. Editor, Variety: I have just arrived at the below address, having been sent here from England to train as an aviator, would be very obliged If you could help me trace the present where abouts of my uncle, Tim Shea. The last time I was in touch with him he was in an act which went under the name of 'Mills and Shea.' D. D. O'Shea, British Flight Battalion, U. S. Naval Air Station. Reacbi's Setup Mexico, D. F. Editor, Variety: Variety, issue of Aug. 6, carries a story on. page 45, headed thus: 'Andre Lasky Says Chi Promoters,' Not Mexico, to Blame for Acts Diffi- culties.' I do not care to comment upon Mr. Lasky's letter, but I do want to straighten out his statement in that letter, which reads as follows: '...I am going into this together with Cantinflas, the foremost comedian here.' As you perhaps know, this com pany has contracted Cantinflas ex. clusively for the production of pic tures and for a period of five years, Another company has been organ Hotel Wrutmlnnter (Boot Garden) Jimmy McHale Org Harry Drake Rev Tanner & Thomaa Muriel Daniels Dob Flynch Johnny Argo Hal Freed Noel Sherman GIs Hotel RItr CarlelOD (Rlli Roof) Dick Rogers Ore Or Giovanni Adrlenne Interoullonnl CaAlno Henri Joberl Ore The Cave Ralph Porras Oro J<KCk Fluher Tanmrn Dorlva Jerry & I.llllan ColllR & Corral Phil Barry PITT8BUBGH AnclioroBe Hugh Jlorton Ore Maynard Denne ArlinRton f.o4lRe Pbll Cavezza Oro Balconades Buddy Carlson Ore Bill Grceo'a Hoaeland Ore Don Burke Boogle-n'oogl* Clab Bouc ShermaD Maxie Simon Harry Comorada Buddy Blaine Tubby Miller Reggie Dvorak Cork and Bottle Lloyd Fox Colonial Eddie Welti Ore Gerry Richards Eddie reylon'a Art .Sohambcrg Ore Mildred Kegnl Kddie Peyton Sandy .Mccllntock Marlon Muller Evergreens Revelers Kay Burke Ray Vahinfo Nancy Grey Hotel Fort ritt Ken Dalley Ore Johnny Mitchell llbrry Walton lintel Ilenrr (Silver Grill) Stan nucUcr 4 (Hoy BO'S) Dorothy NcKhllt Hotel Itli Avenue iivw Saunders Ida tola Everett Hardn Betty Donahoe Al Devin Evenrreen Cnrdenr Revelers Sam Sweet Alice Sone Zelda Wicked Willies Hotel RooTCTelt Johnny Kaalhue Royal Hawllans Hotel Wm Penn (Continental Bar) Wanda Caenrls Merry-fio-Konnd 'Denny I'u-Ion Ore Betty Harper UhI>s IthudeH KenD.\uood Tark Del Courtnf.y Ore Rck .Mllinn oe Mnrtln DUk I>lldlne ■3 Dells Bob Moonnn Faluilys New renn Ralph Allen Ore " eon & Dawn Buddy Birch Janet Lee Flash Davis Ida Jane ^ Nlion Cafe Al .Mnrliico Oro Bob Carter (^aryl Gould Mary Jane Brown Hlnncharo/* Golden Pair \UI HOUHO Aherilina Walker Ted Ulaku George Gregg Evelyn .Nellls Arthur Lloyd Chuck Wilson ttnsls Bobby Annls Ore Stu Braden I'lncs Howanl Hecker Ore Mae lllirrlH Trelon yacht^iitn Niini-y (;iirdner George Wtliber Vnrlit Club n MI<lclleMi:in ore r;ord;in A- .Kiiwyer Kollelte At iJorothea Al ForguNon Mancll GI.4 Shirley Heller Sky-Vne Teddy King Ore I'ninn Orlll Art Yaijcllo Krank .S'otale Mike .oandreito Villa .Madrid Btzl Covnto Ore Mark Lane <:\ia WInehlll 2 CO-Eds J'eler Hlgclns Key Taylor Chicago, Aug. 24. 5td Tomack and Reis Bros., Gale Sextet, Betty Atkinson, Hestwood and Stone, The McKays (2), Andree An- drea, Mildred Parr, Jacfc ■ Prince, Colosimo Cuties (12), Frank Quar- tell Orch (9); $1.50 minimum. This south side nitery has been undergoing some ownership changes, with local garage man Ben Bortz buying in for 50% from Mike Potson, who formerly owned the spot out- right. Potson remains as manager. Stock transaction hasn't helped the show, however, and it is one of the dullest witnessed here in months. There are a few good acts, but they are smothered under a mass of 'un- important, uninteresting production numbers staged by George Pronath. And they seem to go on for hours. Opening number and a Chinese fan- tasy closer are each a half hour in length, and the gals are not attrac- tive enough to merit being on dis- play half that time. In addition, the dancing is below par and routines uninteresting. Of the acts, Sid Tomack and Reis Bros, turn in the only class perform- ance. Boys labor to get their comedy across and manage to get good re- sults, though Tomack was suffering from a - case of laryngitis when caught. Only two remaining acts worthy of mention are The McKays, comedy ballroom .team, who sell their stuff well, and Betty Atkinson, cute tap- per, who, while lacking in stage pres- ence, has developed some personality since she was last seen locally. Gale Sextet, three boys and three gals who do ballroom work, show promise but aren't ready yet. Hestwood and^Stone, puppeteers, were at a disadvantage due to some mechanical trouble with their record outfit, which they use for sound ef- fects. Without the machine, act lacks presentation. Other turns on the bill include Jack Prince, rotund vocal fixture at the nitery, who sings the production numbers and does a spot in the show to fair results; An- dree Andrea, acrobatic dancer of average ability, and a hefty blonde singer, Mildred Parr, who does risque songs badly. Frank Quartell's orch plays an im- inspired show and dance music of the same type. Biz at show caught way below average. Loop. PANTHER ROOM. CHI (Hotel Sherman) Chicago, Aug. 30. Lionel Hampton Orch (16), Billie Holiday, TuJO Zephyrs; $2.50 mini- mum. their feet at the finish of his whirl- wind drum session. And then it's back to the quiet tunes such as 'Moon Glow' and 'I Surrender, Dear' that made this, audience recognize the versatility and change of pace of the orchestra. There are two outside acts, also colored. Billie HoUiday scored nicely with her unusual vocal style: She Is on for just a short session, but to the point. For comedy, there are the Two Zephyrs, who clicked sharply with their slow motion craps game and fight Gold. BLUE ROOM, N.O. (HOTEL BOOSEVELT) New Orleam, Aug. 29. Peggy & Moro, Joey Rardin, Dor- aine & Ellis, Three Sailors, Moria Monferio. Del Casino Orch. There .is hoih quality and quantity in the new offering in this swank spot. Show runs the gamut from light opera to comedy, with mimicry thtown In for good measure. Acts provide solid entertainment which received a big response from the first nighters. Del Casino's band has been held over for an extra month. The only other crew held for an added stretch in nitery was Glenn Miller's, and that was four years ago. Paced by Casiiio, who doubles as m.c, layout moves along in mount- ing climax. The nearly-filled din- ner show when caught was cordial, but not overly responsive, to the- heel and castenet clicking of Maria Monteria's I,atin dances, but warmed up when Doraine and Ellis, billed aa The Sweethearts of Song,' cut loos* with some nice warbling of selec- tions from "The Chocolate Soldier,' 'Naugh^ Marietta' and other oper- ettas. Personable young couple re- ceived nice hand and were called back for encores. Peggy and Moro are a classy ball- room team with novel and striking routines, featuring thrilling lifts and spins. They have an extensive rei>er- toire and their contributions attain a high degree of smoothness, smart- ness and sophistication. Joey Rardin gets plenty of laughs with a lengthy routine of novelty songs, a little hoofing and imitations of everything from auto horns to bagpipes. Rardin, who resembles Jimmy Cagney, closes turn with Cagney's deathhouse scene from 'An- gels With Dirty Faces' to win plenty of palm poynding. Comedy honors are carried off by the Three Sailors with their knock- about act. Their many antics, al- though somewhat, corny, are good for plenty of bellylaughs. They close with a burlesque rope-skipping act that left the audience asking for more. Casino contributes several songs and went over big. Boy can hold his own with the best of them, be- ing particularly effective in the high registers. Casino's band is just the kind of music patrons of this noc- turnal rendezvous want. Not too hot and not too soft but an Inbetween blend that's danceable and listen- able. Their music keeps the .floor crowded for the dance periods, and provides excellent background for the acts. Liuzza. Unit Reviews Lionel Hampton is back in Chi- cago the midwest home of the best in swing. In the light of consist- ent swing band bookings here. Pan- ther Room more pertinently is ac- knowledged as the Chicago haven for the top swing bands. The best is not too tough compet- tition for Hampton's new all-colored orchestra, which indicates that it will do big business here and will go out having established more friends In this territory. Hampton orchestra turned away many on opening night, and the hotel man- agement states that reservations for the future indicate a powerful stay here. Band Is here on guarantee and percentage. Hampton has an outstanding musi cal aggregation, one with solid ar- rangements, shading and a sense of musical nuances. At the dinner hour the band was playing in a manner which permitted conversa- tion in whispers; and that's more than can be said for most of the orchestras which play here. Later band cut loose and the joint wai truly jumping. In other words, the Hampton band can pick its spot' and indicates an ability to, make the grade with every type of music fol lower. Layout Indicates smart handlnip by Joe Glaser. It's a young outfit with smart appearance. Hampton 1: in front throughout, playing hi: usual terrific vibes and later takinp over the drums for a sensational ey luy.u. scssion of rhythm-pounding. He had West view Pork I the diners letting their food and nnlrA.h.,^ nrr drinks sUnd, and he actuall.v Tor" v"u,ri.., I brought a good portion of them If =Contlnued from pace 5S 1942 'SCANDALS' □ ability is nothing to rave about. However, this almost a break-in date, the show having jumped here from Atlantic City,.l)eing only two weeks out so with more rehearsing and training their numbers should attain smoothness. Kemper is a hefty comic of Billy House proportions, whose dialect is somewhat reminiscent of Joe Pen- :^er's. Aided in his two scenes by rst-rate straight men, George Hag- gerty and Jess Mack, he lands solid- ly Miss Morgan makes a single ap- . pearance, singing 'Show Boat' num- bers and "Tea For Two,' getting a good hand. Freda Sullivan is a so-so eccentiip dancer and Martha Burnett and Kay Penton are satis- factory vocalists, the latter being especially effective. Harris and Shore, popular here as a result of a Minnesota Terrace nitery and other theatre appearances, are on twice and their comedy dancing, as usual, whams 'em. Pat Henning, also well- liked here, adds to the laugh count with his buffoonery and comedy dancing. Betty Raye assists hirii. The lone novelty number has three choristers apparently strip- ping, only to step out from behind wax figures fully clad for a sur- prise finish. It's been used before by White. White has resurrected Charleston, rhumba and conga dance numbers from his previous shows and connects them up. by name, with stellar '•erformers \»ho ap- peared in those revues, It's » 'pntl- mpn'fil t«"<-t P/""!).