Variety (Oct 1941)

9i Wednesday, October 1, 1941 OBITUARIES 1 CLIFFOBD GBET Clifford Grey, 54, one of the best known British lyricists of the past three decades, died Sept 26 at Ips- wich, England. He had written for the stage, musical comedies and screen. Grey, born in Birmingham, Eng- land, went on the stage in 1907 and began to write lyrics In 1913. He was the author of the lyrics to 'If You Were the Only Girl in the World.' His first effort on leaving musicals in 1913 (he had been act- ing up to this time) was 'The Bing Bing Boys Are Here,' which was a music hall hit when produced in 1916. Other shows for which he wrote lyrics were 'Arlette,' 'Hullo, Amer- ica," 'Baby Bunting,' "The Kiss Call,' 'Artists and Models,' 'June Days,' •Hit the Deck,' 'The Thre« Musk- eteers," 'Mayflowers,' "Kiss In the Taxi,' 'Marjorie,' and 'The Vogues of 1924,' on which ha collaborated with Fred Thompson as author. The best known of hi» film works was 'Rome Express,' a Gaumont- British production. He was an ASCAP member. Three daughter! survive. BENJAMIN J. MILLEB Benjamin J. Miller, 44, attorney and secretary of the Milwaukee Film Board of Trade, died Sept. 23 at his home in that city. He represented motion picture interests for years in many legal contests and was largely responsible recently for the Wiscon- sin Supreme Court outlawing bingo. He was a veteran of World war No. 1 and served several terms as secre- tary of the Milwaukee Variety club. Survived by widow and two daughters. FRANCIS X. BURLANDO Francis X. Burlando, 51, World War veteran cited for bravery, a well-known entertainer, operator and manager of night clubs in the Albany area until his retirement some time ago, died In Albany Sept. 25. Widow, three sisters and a brother survive. MATTHEW V. rAJAKOWSKI Matthew V. Pajakowskl, SS, com poser and veteran orchestra leader on Buffalo Polish-language broad- casts, was killed in an auto crash Sept. 24 outside of Buffalo on the eve of his 20th wedding anniversary. A bandleader for 25 years, Mr. Pajakowski's orchestra was one of first to be heard on Buffalo foreign language programs, in which he was active until his death. Survived by his widow, three daughters and a stepsister. WILL CARLETON Will C. Cummings, 70, retired comedy writer in days of the silent Alms, writing undor nqme of Will Carleton, died Sept. 21 in Los An- geles. He was scenario editor for Mack Sennett and wrote material for Kolb & Dill and other stage comedy acts. Also acted in several of his own vehicles and the play, 'Joan of Arkansas," in L. A. 17 years ago. WILLIAM H. MACK William H. Mack, 81, veteran vaudeville actor died Sept. 25 in N. Y., after a cerebral hemorrhage. Mack started as a boy actor, ap- pearing with his brother in an act known as Wade and Mack. He toured the Keith circuit and trouped with Mrs. Minnie Maddern Flske and Ben Shields in vaude. ■ A daughter survives. MICHAEL J. GALLAGHER Michael J. Gallagher, 68, retired member of the Manhattan quartet, singers of Irish ballads 40 years ago, and owner of the Empire Theatre, first theatre built in Wellston, Mo., died in St. Louis of a heart attack. After his singing career was ended Gallagher had numerous State posi- tions and was also night sheriff in Clayton, St. Liouis county. JAMES G. MORTON James G, Morton, 84, retired Broadway actor, died Sept. 25 in Brooklyn. Morton made his stage debut in 1875 in 'The Stranger.' He also appeared with Marjorie Ram- beau in 'Eyes of Youth' and in plays with Laurette Taylor and Florence Reed. His last show was 'Up Pops the Devil.' AL GOSDEN Al G, Gosden, 68, pioneer in color films, died Sept. IS in Hollywood. Came from England in 1911 with an Idea known as 'Kinema Colour,' and was in various capacities with Bio- graph, Lubin and, in later years, with Universal and RKO as a technician. Surviving are four daughters and • son, critic died Sept. 26 in the State capi tal. He was the first manager of Harmanus Bleecker Hall, famed Al- bany legit theatre, and brought Emma Albanl. Lily Langtry and Theodore Thomas to Albany. JOE COLUMBO Joe Columbo, 42, owner operator of the Vanity Club, French Quarter night spot, died in New Orleans, Sept. 24. Columbo was known as 'Singing, Smiling Joe" to radio lis- teners and was originator of the Milkman's Matinee heard over New Orleans stations. Widow, seven brothers and sisters survive. GRACE CANTER Grace Turney, singer known pro- fessionally as Grace Canter, died Sept. 19 in Chicago after a long ill- ness. She sang in musical comedies from 1922-24. Among survivors is a sister, Lynn Canter, vaude actress, who had ap- peared with Al Shean in the act, Al Shean and Lynn Canter. MBS. BMILIE JOHNSON Mrs. £milie Johnson, 75, pioneer screen writer, died Sept. 23 in Holly- wood. Among the early silents she wrote were Name of the liaw,' Third Alarm,' 'Westbound Limited' and 'Fourth Commandment.' Surviving is her son, Emory John- son, film director. mer with Hal Wayne's orchestra, died Sept. 18 in Chicago. Joseph Dellar, father of Lincoln Dellar, manager of KSJO, in Seattle Wednesday (24). Was Is 'Hellz* ; Continued from page 3: along this line. They were not sub- ject to resolution now pending be- fore the Associated Actors and Artistes of America banning all for- free camp shows, inasmuch as the commitment had been made some weeks ago. Whispers that the cast thought it was being put on the spot to make the Monmouth appearance brought quick action from Equity and Alan Cor- elli, exec secretary of the Theatre Authority. Vote was taken among cast members as to whether they wanted to go or not, and the trip was overwhelmingly nixed. Camp was so notified late last week. $35«-40e for Shows Fort Monmouth, N. J., Sept. 30. With clarapdown by the Four A"s on cuiTo appearances at Army camps. Major Albert P. Walker, morale of- ficer here, has set aside a budget of $350-$400 a week for talent to con- tinue the Monday night shows at the camp. First one will be held next Monday (6), with a professional booker engaged by the camp obtain- ing the acts. Theatre Authority de- clared it will make no objection to one or two star names working for free If the other acts are paid. Admish of 10c will be charged for the entertainment, about $250 a week being counted on from this source. Remainder of the coin will be made up out of the profits of the Post Ex- change. There will be two shows nightly, each running about 90 min- utes. Bills Next Week sConllDued from page 88; Mildred Perles HIIKO Gveifory, KayM & C LO'lo CarlyU Oi'c llantVa 3 Old TImpra Manuol Lopoa lAnddQ Chop HoDM Dnrney nieeo Ruby Ore Clarice Club Maytitlr Marty Joyce I'urol Crane Morvln Jonaen J)orothy Gerr<tn Phil Olaen Oro Clnb Har-J« Carroll St Gorman .Tune Caraon Dnnclns DIetrlclia Merrill Lamb Oro Morocco 'Gay NInetloa' ReT Buddy Duray .Tne Kodcr Ore Madelon Balcer Neblolo'a Fay £ Andre Johnny Polity r.aykey Sla (.^Ittin Huwklna Leonard SocI Oro Nortiiwood . Inn Anita Jacobl Wooda Bray Harry Schlllins Hiiatioe & Lee Ray Carlln Oro Olde Wuyne Club Eddie Mann Oro Freda Mann ralin Beach ICuco & Taym l.oula Kagglo Duke An. Jr Carloa Vesta Don Pablo Oro Hork'a Bedford Ins Muo McUraw Oro Royal* Peler Hlgglno McKowann Park & Clirtord Faber Dane Dick Worthlngton Don McGrane Oro StRlIer Hotel Enrlc Madrlguern Snk* Fin do Vlllerle Buddy Lester RoasllianoH Johnny Hale Saxettea (6) Karl Spaeth Oro Bnn DlPKO Radio Joalera Jimmy Durant Leola Taylor Neualey ft Norman Mary Jania Paul Gordon Oro Steradora Everett & Conway Bin Harria Roland ft RIto Irene Burke Tiny Gorman Jack Tliomna Oro The Tropics Juchlteco S Linda Garcia Hal Wayne Ore Vema Billy Meagher Bobble Robbing Raul 8t Annette Alto Fryer pre Whltller ilotel (Cold Cub Room) Herman Fine n'ooder Bnr Josephine Del Mar Vocallonn Ore Sammy Dlbort Ore SOS Club Dale Rhodes Dl (SlovonnI Claire Wllloma Good & Goody Chaney & Harley Capt Franks Julie Hewitt .rune Hart Horace Houck Ore PITTSBUBGH CHARLES A. TEAFF Charles A. TealT, 59, retired legit actor, died Sept. 25 in St. Peters- burg, Fla. TeafI and his wife, be- fore going to St. Petersburg.in 1921 operated a stock company under Mrs. TeafT"s maiden name, Marie La' tour. MBS. VICTORIA DESJARDINES Mrs. Victoria Daignault Desjar dines, 43, former dancer, died Sept. 22 in Woonsocket, R. I. She had been a member of the Denno Sisters, Thiebeault and Cody troupe which toured the U. S. and Europe In the early '20's. LTNN B. DANA, SR. Lynn B. Dana, Sr., 66, president of the Dana Musical Institute of Warren, O., died in Toledo, Sept.'22, of a heart attack. Dana was a com- poser, pianist and one of Ihe few American members of the ■ Royal Academy of Music, England. CHOT ELDRIDGE Chot Ildridge, 49. of the mechanl- oal department of Paramount Pic- tures, in California, died there Sept. 28 of injuries suffered In a fall last week. Eldridga was a former mem- ber of the vaudeville team of Eld- ridga, Barlow and Eldridge. MARJORIE DODGE Marjorie Dodge, 47, former oper- atic and teoncert soprano, died in Chicago Sept. 27. She had sung with Coast opera companies and symph- ony orchestras as well as in Chicago theatres and on radio. JOSEPH ROMAIN . Joseph Romain, leader of a dance orchestra In Jacksonville, Fla., died Sept. 28 while on a hunting trip in Plaster Rock, N. B. EUGENE WALTER Eugene Walter, 64, scenarist and author of many Broadway legit suc- cesses, died in Hollywood, Sept. 26. Further details in Legit. Mrs. Gladys E, Peskay, wife of Ed- ward J. Peskay, operator of Palace and Strand theatres, Stamford, Conn., and Pickwick, Cfreenwich, died Sept. 24 in New York. Brother, Neil Wealty, manages Stamford houses. Gladys Welly Peskay, wife of Ed- ward J. Peskay, Connecticut exhib and eastern rep for Hal Roach Pro- ductions, died Sept. 24 in New York. Three daughters also survive. GEORGE EDGAR OLIVER ■ George E^gar Oliver, 86, retired Albany theatre manager and drama Jesse Vineyard Owens, 76, father of Harry Owens, orchestra leader, died Sept. 24 in Los Aijpeles.' Sieve Vsrlea, Jr., 2, son of drum- London Legit Continued from page 3 .— panics are awaiting Its Broadway opening on Nov. 5 before making an offer on it. It"s 'Blithe Spirit," the Noel Coward comedy which preemed in London in July and has been do- ing strong biz there since. John C. Wilson will produce the Broadway version. ' Another play originally produced in London which shortly will find its way to Broadway is 'All Men Are Alike.' It opens next Monday (6). There's little film interest in it. Lon- don production, which teed off in July, 1940, was labeled 'Women Aren't Angels.' Reason for the slackening off of British playwright output is obvious. Many of the writers are much too engaged in military duties to get down to their typewriters, while the others are in no mood to concoct drama with so much of the real thing happening around them. MARRIAGES Betty Korbell to Lieut. John Leonard Meakin, Sept. 18,- Washing- ton, D. C. He's the son of Hardie Meakin, RKO manager in the capital. Virginia Sweeney to Laurence Riley, in Hollywood, last week. Groom Is a playwright. Charlotte Brockway to Howard Young, in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 26. He's a stage antl screen producer. . Betty Jane Morrison to Robert Sherry, Sept. 26, In Buffalo. Bride is women's commentator and he's an announcer, both with WGR-WKBW, Buffalo. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dyer, daughter. In Des Moines, Sept. 23. Father is in promotion department of stations KSO, KRNT, Des Moines. ■ Mr. and Mrs. Dale McFarland, daughter, in Des Moines, Sept. 22. Father is publicity director of Tri- States Theatre Corp., D?s Moines. Mr. and Mrs. John Wright, daugh- ter, in Hollywood, Sept, 24. Father is in Universal publicity department. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sande^ daugh- ter, in Hollywood, Sept. 23. Father is a screen actor. Mr. and Mrs. Hal Roach, Jr., daughter, in Hollywood, Sept. 23. Father is a film director. * Mr. and Mrs, William Guy, son, Sept. 23, in Dublin, Texas. Father is announcer at KCMO, Kansas City, Mo. • Mr, and Mrs. John Maschio, daugh- ter, in Hollywood, Sept. 28, mother is Constance Moorfe, film actress; father is film agent. Mr. and Mrs. Ted Bliss, daughter, in Los Angeles, Sept. 27; father is CBS producer. Ancliorags Hugh Morton Ore Maynai-d Deane Arlington f.adg« Phil Cavezza pro Dalconade* Buddy Carlson Oro Bill Green's Henry King Ore Gloria Faye Vincent Caruso Uoogle-Woocio Club Boog Sherman ALixie Simon Karry Onmorada Buddy Ulnlne I'ubby Miller Hcggle Dvorak Club Petite Piccolo Pete Ore Cork nnd Oollle Lloyd Fox Cnlonlul Joey SIma Ore Eddie PeytoD'a Art Schamberg Ore Mildred Segal Kddle Peyton Sandy Mccllnlock Marlon Muller £1 Cblco Mario Ore Virginia Ramos Dancing Players Evergreens Revelers Kay Burke Ray Valance Nancy Grey Hotel rort Pitt Ken Bailey Ore Johnny Mitchell Httrry Walton Jessie Wheatley . Hotel Henn (Silver tirlll) Contreras Oro Conchlta (Cay AO's) Dorothy Noabllt Hotel Tth Avcnns Ue^B Saunders Ida lola Kv-fretl Havdn Betty Donahos Al Devln Evergreen Gardeas Revelers Sam Sweet Alice Sune /elda Wleked WUIIes Hotol RoOMTClt 1 Skyllnora Hotel Schcnler Billy Hinds Ore Hotel Wm Pcnn ' (Continental Bar) Wanda KacorLs Merry-Oo-Ronnd Bubbles Becker U New Pena Ralph Allen Oro Stone Sc Victor Buddy Birch Renin & Klalno Dixie Hey Buddy Hosklns NIxnn Cii re Al Marlsco Oro Bob Carter Carlos & Chita Simpson Marionettes Nut House Sherdlna Walker a Ted Blake George Gregg Harry Frank Joe Klein Chuck Wilson Onsia Frank Shean Ore Fines Don Butter Bill LeRoy Ore Trelon Tom Kerr Oro <3lurla Jolley UIno Belli George Webber Yacht Club H Middleman Oro Barkers Mazonne-Ab'tt Dane Harry Stevens Hoo Shee Shirley Heller Skr-Vue Johnny Martone Ore Allen Trent Union Grill Art Yagello Frank Natal* Mike Sandretto Villa Madrid Et-/.l Covato Ore Mark Lane Giovanni Arturo & Evelyn .loan Hope Manhaitanettes Hotel Kssex Brneat Kfurray Ore Ullly Kelly Jack Planning Al Lewis Victor Donate A'lele Corey Rita Henderson Diane & Mitchell Hotel Gardner Burt Shaw Kvalyn Hurvey Hotel lUlnervB Harry Bay Ore Barbara Douglass Hotel Rtntler (Cate Rouge) Saivy Cavlcchio Oro Hotel RKc rarletoD (Rlls Root) .Toe Marsala Ore Mills Bros Frank Marlls Oro Juanlta Juarez Hut«l IVestminster (Blue Room) Jimmy McHale Oro Internationsl ChTs Ted Crowley Ore Tom Chaleh Helen Arnold Alila Marova Lenny Fliz Ken Clob Stuir Smith Ore Ruea Howard Sinclair Boot Trust Jesse James Latin Quarter Anthony Bruno Ors Hlca Marline Oro Sammy Walsh Ruth Clayton tialvan Dane Helen Carroll Rio Casino George Harris Oro Harry Spear Wally Wanger Rev rhaqulta Victor, Mncey & N Marco Se Hamola Steuben's (Vienna Room) T*w Conrad Oro Boyd Heathen Chester Dolphin .Armstrong Sc Stark Barry & English Dolores Reed The Cave Don DIBona Oro J.ick Fisher 'Vamara Dorlva Currlto & Carol Phil Barry Wise. Fair's 50€ Profit Vs. 30G Loss Last Year Milwaukee, Sept. 30. Wisconsin's State Fair, held here recently, made a profit of $50,000 as compared to a loss of $30,00(1 last year, according to Ralph Ammon, director of the State Dept. of Agri- culture. Receipts from general ad- mission, grandstand and sale of space reached an all-time high, gate receipts from approximately 550,000 customers totaling $128,000; grand- stand, $102,903, and space to com- mercial exhibitors $63,000. Prize money to the amount of $102,000 was distributed to premium winners. BMI-Marks ^Continued from page 8Zs BOSTON Beachcomber Harry Morrlssey Lu-Ollla I'hef^ita de Slmone Kleanor Teemun Klalne Jordan Buster Kelm Rev Bllnstrub's Karl Rotido Oro Harry Stockwell Flying GlaHBons Una Cooppr 3 KllaroDs Casn Monona Al Tory Ore Harrison Aulger Joye Martin Tom Brown Kathyrn Forlener Tjouise Sherwood Karl Gregg Jane Glddlngs Jean Carle Don. Muckel Club 3Inyralr Ronny Weeks Oro Bornle Bennett O' CIcorge Llbby Rev .Mae Murray George Fontono Jack Fowler l*epo Llorens J)acllo Ncgoa Allen Carney .lerry tt Turk Doris Abbott Club Vanity Fnlr Farren Bros Oro Stella Ray OInnI* O'Krete Bette Claire Cocoannt Grove Mickey Alport Oro Don Rico Oro Wally Wanger Rev Hilly Palno Marianne Francis Amapola Lopez Arno & Annette Colette & Dean Mathea Merryneld (Slelody Lonnge) Marjorie Garretson Herb Lewis Coiiley Plosa (Terrace Room) Ruby Newman Ore (Merry-Oo-Bound) Mark Gilbert a Crawford Houss Rny Collins Ore Sally Kellh Jac(|uellne Hurley Marlon Joyce Gene Bnylos Crawfordettes Fox Si Hounds Milton George Oro Irene Donahue David Ballentlne lU-Hnt Pole Herman Oro TiUclllo Orey Frurtli Petty Hotel Bradford (Circus Boom) Warren & Bodee Hotel Brunswick (nermuda Terrace) Ella Fitzgerald Ore Babe Wallace Maiks seeks to have the court affirm his claim to license the performing rights of songs in his catalog even though the writers of these works have assigned the rights to ASCAP. BMI, with whom Marks has a five- year deal, instigated the suit. Justice Steuer's ruling was on a motion by ASCAP to declare BMI an mproper plaintiff on the ground that BMI, as sub-licensee of Marks' per- forming rights, alone, could not seek declaratory judgment'of the court. The court, which gave no reason for the ruling, also denied ASCAP's plea that BMI be compelled to state sep- arately the allegations in the com- plaint as filed by itself and Marks. The complaint which names five composer-members of ASCAP stated that despite the contract which Marks had made with BMI the So- ciety continue to assert claims to the exclusive broadcasting rights of the five writers on the ground that they were not only bound to ASCAP by 10-year contracts but expressed pref- erence for retaining their ASCAP af- filiation. BMI has taken the tack that a ruling on this question will affect the writers' rights to all songs controlled by publishers that have allied themselves with the radio- financed combine. Minn. Violations ^^. Contlnued from page cky nor Friedl will make any com- ment. Keeping silent on the ipat- ler, they are leaving Northwest Al- lletl leaders entirely in the dark. (It may be the deal on 'Hold Back' was actually set outside of the state). J. W. Finley of St. Paul, attorney for Par and Minnesota Amus. Co. and, along with David Shearer of Minneapolis, representing the distrib- utors in the injtmction suits, says he presumes 'Hold Back' was sold under the decree, 'although I don't know what the arrangement was on this specific picture.' 'But why shouldn't it be sold un- der the decree, when It is so obvi- ous that the state law is unconstitu- tional and when the federal court requires the film companies to be governed by decree provisions?' asks Finley. 'Our brief states plainly that we're prepared to sell and are selling un- der the decree. The film companies' position is clearly stated in this brief.' William Edison scoring 'Rhythm in the Ranks,' George Pal's Technicolor Puppetoon at Paramount