Variety (Dec 1941)

B8 LEGITIMATE Wedneadaj, December 3, 1941 Theatre Guild Plays Up Out-of-Town Reviews on Harvest' Af tw N.Y. Nix When th« crltica gave so-so cover- age to Hope for a Harvest,' which opened at the Guild theatre last week, the Theatre Guild enUrely- ignored 'em and ran extra space ads with quotes from a flock ot out of town notices. Guild's stunt of using outside notices instead of those from N. Y. dallies was a radical idea. On the indicated theory that New York critics are not' the last word in rating a play, Lawrence Langner, one of the Guild's most active direc- tors, has been considering the ex- ploitation of the out-of-town drama observers. He intended going to ex- tra sp^ce in that fashion for an un- disputed hit and, based on the strong grosses drawn by 'Harvest,' the show was regarded as having likely suc- cess on Broadway. 'Hirvesf opened last Wednesday (26) in N. Y. and on Friday ads -in the Times and Herald-Tribune, measuring 14 inches triple column, gave the "national verdict' by means of quotes from the notices of 21 out- of-town papers, three others being claimed but shut out because of ■pace. There were notices in 34 papers in all and a small minority were lukewarm in praising 'Har- vest,' but few were as skeptical as the N. Y. reviewers. Good business out of town of 'Papa Is All,' another Guild show, is evi- dently keeping It on the road until Christmas week. Show was orig- inally dated for Broadway, Dec. 11. Guild's revival of "The Rivals,' also a strong rotid draw, will also tarry before coming to Broadway. It was to have been on the holiday premiere card. Instead it will play Mil- waukee, opening there Christmas night, with St. Louis, Indianapolis and Buffalo to follow. Broadway opening is tentatively set for week ot Jan. 12. Equity Revokes License Of Chamberlain Brown Carlton Milei in Hosp. Minneapolis, Dec. 3. Carlton Miles, former local drama editor and now ahead of Lunt and Fontanne, scheduled for the Lyceum at the end of the month, arrived here early in order to enter Northwestern hospital for an operation. Operation will be on his leg. NEfCANAblAN WAGE DEAL INEFFEa Chamberlain Brown, once knbwn as the Iray agent' but who .has been in legit circles on Broadway for more than 30 years, has lost his Equity franchise to do casting. Plans to rehabilitate the Brown agency have been made, howe'^er, and an attorney who la pleading his c with Equity may supervise the busi- ness end of the office. In which .Lyinan Brown, a brother, has been equally active. Brown got into difficulties dur- ing the summer stock season and when called befiire Equity's council his permit was revoked. There was provision that should he pay-off the financial obligations which he ad- mitted were his fault, the caiicella* tlon would be withdrawn. He ..agreed to pay two stock managers the amount of their claims, total being around $400, but was unable to do so within the 30-day time limit set by Equity, so the permit cancellation was automatic. Agent's trouble Is principally blamed on his irresponsible business methods. He was able to weather many jams through the seasons when he was one ' of the leading legit casters, but with the decrease in pro- duction and the development of other agencies in th( field his troubles started to back up 'oh him. Brown was probably the most active agent in summer stock, but the com- missions were not adequate to cover expenses. Curious angle to Brown's situation Is thai any number of players owe him commissions. Included are well known stage names. Equity insists that agents follow certain rules and adhere to the regular commission of 6%, but agrees to collect commis- sions owed by its members. Known that Equity has helped a number of casters by getting money owed them . by actors. But Brown has per- sistently refused to make claims in writing, so Equity was not able to get the money for him. Expected that the lawyer now acting for the agent will present the claims, it being figured that If Brown collects, his present troubles will be adjusted. Toronto, Dec. 2. New Equity agreement with Ca- nadian theatre-managers, coupled with negotiation* between the latter and the League of New York The- atres, now sees actors In the lower payroll bracket not only protected on the previously-existing nick on exchange, but actually receiving a bonus when they play Canada. First roadshow unit In the Dominion to come under the new regulations was the Coast company ot 'Claudia' at the Hoyal Alexandra for the week of November 24. Any actor now earn- ing $100 a week gets a bonus of $5, whereas, previously the loss to the player was $4.46. Canadian man- agers demurred at the new regula- tions, pointing out that. In the case of a musical show, the payment of the $5 bonus to a possible sixty play- ers jumps the cost to the house an additional $300, an important amount in present-day dose-margin profits. However, the new agreement has been signed. / . Regarding the payment of salaries In Canada, entire system has now changed. Previously Canadian legit managers had the right to pay off in 'coin of the realm,' which was where that $4.46 discount on $100 came in. Under the new agreement all salaries will now be paid in United States lecal tender for 'serv- ices rendered In Canada.' Should the specific actor's salary be $250 or less the management pays oS in either Canadian money at the then current ratfe ot exchange (now at 11% premium), or in actual Amer- ican funds.' In the $250-$500 bracket the Canadian manager pays 90% of the foreign exchange differential. Over the $500 stipend the actor bears the entire discount This is not as serious as it might sound, however, for the higher-paid actor, and it is a definite financial break for those In the $100 or so classification. The procedure Is that when the company arrives in Canada and reports at the theatre oh Sun- day night or Monday morning they estimate what will be their personal expenses for the week plus what ad- ditional expenditures they may wish to make in the way of clothing,' lug- gage, etc., such commodities being reputedly cheaper up here and also allowed Into the United States duty- free up to $100 valuation. This esti- mated amount is handed over In Ca- nadian money and only the re- mainder is subject to foreign ex- change discount. On the basis of $100 a week, the actor is paid $111 Canadian. Living expenses for hotel, etc., are estimated as totalling $50 for the week, this leaving the $100- a-week player with $61 which, turned back into American money, represents a $3 bonus. Bnth Matteson planed east Mon- day (1) after closing an extended run In The Male Animal' on the Coast, In the part she created on Broadway, Rush Harry Kaufman To Hosp After Rehpse Harry Kaufman was rushed to the Doctor's hospital, N. Y., shortly be- fore the premiere of 'Sons O' Guns' at the Winter Garden Monday (1). It was believed that the strain of getting the new Olsen and Johnson revue routined for Broadway caused the attack. It is the second time Kaufman has been hospitalized since he was operated on for intestinal trouble early last spring. Further surgery may be necessary. Kaufman supervised the production of 'Fun' and Is credited with bring- ing 'Hellzapoppin' to Broadway. SONS O' FUN Revuo In two pnrta praMntod at the "Win- tor Qanlen, N. T., D«c. 1. '41. by HhuborlB and llnrry Kaurman: ■klli br Olam nnd Johiiaon and HalBlook:aonKa by Jnok Tcll«n and sum E. Fain; danrca atased by Robart Alton; coatumfe and a«tllnga by Raoul Pone Dunola; nIaKlnit and llghling by Edward Duryrn Dowllns; I4.-40 top. Caal: Ola Olaon, Chic Johnaon atnrrod; CnmiFn Miranda, Klla Logan, Frank r.lbuHC Roaarlo and Antonio. Pltchmtn, Joe Ui-aaor. featured; alati Lionel Kayo. Walton and O'Rourko. milmoratlea. Ban llorl, Murgot Brandor, Milton Chnrlctfton. .Momn and Wlaor, ValantlnoR, Janiea Little, Stanley Rons, Ivan Kirov, Hk'hard Cinig, Martha Rawllna, KItly Murmy, Vllnia Joaey, Carlner and Bowie, Statler Twina, Mullen TwIna, Cryaliil TwIna. Blackburn Twiiia, Don Tompklna, Don Oautler. John Kano. Katharine Johnaon, Bddle Davla. Kmlly Jewell, Magma and Sprenger. 'Sons o' Fun' is a double 'Hellz- appoppin,' the original of which Ol- sen and Johnson thrust on Broad- way more than three years ago and, much to their surprise, clicked. New revue is so superior in production that It is rather a super 'Helzz,' be- sides which the comics have sur- rounded themselves with more tal- ent, and those factors should ensure its success. Pattern ot 'Hellz' is followed, and there seems more of everything, from pistol shots, bombs to audience bits. In fact, there's so much of the latter that even the wlseguys at the pre- miere were not sure who were stooges and who werin't. In addi- tion to classy performers, there are some oldtlmers In the lineup, and some material Is distinctly corny, especially in the first part Afler In- termission comes the best portion. Some of the audience stunts pre- ceded the show's start, and early comers were escorted to the stage or 'fun house,' compressed air upped the girls' skirts, especially those of stooges who knew where the vents are. Some stand-ins climbed a high ladder to a box. Another stooge roosted on a lookout seat atop a pole at the side ot the proscenium and stayed there most of the petform- ance. A baldhead bowled a ball across the apron and waited more than an hour for the pins to drop. A tlrl stooge down front groaned and sure enough a stork slid along a high . wire and dropped a baby. Another followup of 'Hellz' has the chorus in the aisles, and they had no trouble getting chumps from nearby.' seats as dancing partners. They re- moved the men s coats, put them on, and all trooped onto the stage, then changed partners. Took quite a time before the guys reclaimed their own coats. One of the volunteer hoofers was former governor Al Smith. Another stunt adapted from 'Hellz' Is an auction surprise party with articles and money given away. There again It was not certain about stooge participation. One daffy bit was a contest three girls taking off the undershirts of a ttlo of ladsr win- ner getting $10 others also getting coin and presents. Katharine John- son Is stlU calUcg for 'Oscar,' want- ing to know who's going to take care of the baby. First It is an In- fant, and by the time the kid appears as a good-looking 4ame ot deb age there is a concerted rush for her, even the mug on the pole coming down and joining the mob. Chief femmes In action are Carmen Miranda and Ella Logan. Miranda is the little Portuguese songstress who arrived on Broadway by way of Rio two seasons ago and clicked In 'Streets of Paris.^ The senorita, with the bizarre, but attractive headdresses and geegaws around neck and arms, still effects shoes with lift soles, she is that small Her style of warbling, backgrounded by an octet of native musicians, has sent her to the Coast into the smart night clubs and back on Broadway. Miranda is singing partly in English now, songs being especially written with that in mind by Jack Yellen and Sammy Fain. One number in English is 'Thank You North America.' Her Brazilian songs are 'Ella DIz Que Tem,' 'Area de Noe,' 'Rebolabola' and 'Manuelo,' productively a standout. Latter has a cock fight setting. For contrast, a lilliputian, Helen Magna, comes on at the finale of Miranda's ntunbers, dolled in tiny replica of Miranda. Miss Logan leads most ot the other numbers and turns in an excellent performance. There is nothing Scotch about the songstress in 'Fun.' She won the top individual hahdHate in the show with 'Happy in Love.' Earlier she gave with 'It's a New Kind of Thing.' 'Let's Say Goodnight With a Dance,' done at the close by Richard Craig and Emily Jewell, sounded like a likely hit and looks like two numbers will land in the winning brackets. Comedy slcits that stand out in- clude 'A Quiet Night In the Country,' which has Olsen and Johnson - in action along with Frank Libuse, Joe Besser and Miss Logan — Libuse flgiires in other skits also, giving his musical specialty with Margot Brander and Ernest D'Amato: 'In- duction Center,' which is military nonsence, with Besser the principal aid tb the chief comics: 'Hellzapoppin Night in Buckeye, Arizona,' with most of the same comedians plus Milton Charleston, Shorty Renna, Inside Stuff-Legit Although tha cUck ot Noel Coward's •Blithe Spirit' at the Morosca N.Y., placed John C. Wilson back In the Broadway running, along wltS his associates, principally Coward and the Limts, he was so deeply db^ appointed when th« author withdrew the picture rights from the market- that he scooted to Florida, being due back next week. There was no actual bidding for the rights, but Wilson placed the figure at $250,000 plus a per« centage ot the profits, with Coward's- share 60% of the total film coin. Coward Is known to be at work on a war picture In London and may do 'Spirit' himself over there. Leonora Corbett the British actress -who plays the ghost ot a deceased wife in the play, has her dressing room at the Morosco decorated in gray akin to the costume she wears In the play. Because of the color scheme; Miss Corbett's dressing roohi Is called the 'ftineral parlor' backstage. sS has received picture offers, but has nixed them. Treasurers Club has revised Its rules covering the process of joining the outfit. For a long time boxofflce men eligible for membership could ' be excluded if three black balls were cast against them. Rule now is that those proposed will be made members if a majority okays their admission. Black ball system was originally adopted when it was felt that the size of the membership should be limited, but that view no longer exists. Last season, when a young assistant treasurer was turned down, there was considerable embarrassment all aroiind. New membership possibilities are growing sparser each season, the Tresaurers union requirements being such that virtually ho new ticket sellers can join. Those .without requisite experience cannot join the club, which Is not a union but primarily de< signed for sick a,nd death benefits. Eddie Cooke, of the John Golden staff. Is due out of Mayo Clinio Rochester, Minn., this week and after a few days in Chicago 'will return to New York. He is expected to resume as company manager of "Theatre' at the Hudson, George Leffler having batted for Cooke during bis illness. Captain Dixie French, general manager ot the Golden attractions, has l>een transferred back to Governor'! Island and is able to visit the man- ager now and then. Steve Cochran, former Washington manager, is reconstructing the summer theatre he has been operating at Olney, Md,, for several seasons. His new backer is C. Y. Stephens, wealthy Icecream, maker, who has 65 stores In D. C, operates a poultry farm In Maryland and owns other enterprises in several southern cities. Cochran will open the summer,.stock season at Olney sometime in May,. Mrs. Nellie Hutchinson Inza, legit actress under the name of Dorothy Delmore, who died penniless in the Philadelphia General Hospital Nov. 0, was saved from Potter's Field Sat (2S) by a group of friends, who con- tributed funeral expenses. Services were held by Rev. Robert Fraser,^blind evangelist, who con>' ducts revival services over Philly radio station?. Moran and Wiser, Don Tompkins and James Little, On the dance end, Robert Alton has worked up several striking en- sembles, with four sets of twins and the Biltmorettes figuring. The duos are the Statler, Mullen, Crystal and Blackbiu-n twins. There are also Valentinofl, a high leaping dancer, and Ivan Kirov, who is' quite a stepper, too. Principal specialists, however, are Rosario 'and Antonio, a dance team from Seville, The peppery couple first attracted attention at the N. Y. Waldorf-Astoria, went Into a picture and are making their debut on Broadway. The boy Is a speedy foot- stamper, but the routines are not in the usual Spanish style, their dances being ot gypsy Spain. Specialists include the Pitchmen, who imitate musical Instruments- by means ot gadgets between their lips, called 'sing-a-tina.' They are all right but some of the routine should be clipped; Ben Berl, a juggler who' might drop the phony opening bit; Lionel Kay, who is the auctioneer and does his assignment well; Charleston, with his long-time hock- ing; Walton and O'Rourke, pup- peteers who have scored in night spots and repeat Olsen and Johnson are all over the auditoriiun, including the t)Oxes. It they were In action in 'Hellz' they seem more so In 'Fun.' Theirs is most ot the screwy stuff that goes on often. Interpolated dance miulc Is by Will Irwin. There Is a long list of credits and mentions of several well known night clubs during the per- formance, so somebody in the outfit should be welcomed cuffo. Raoul Pane DuBois designed both settings and costumes, with Brooks executing the latter. ' Ibee. HOPE FOR A HARVEST Drama In three acta prcaontod at tho Qulld, N. T.. Nov. 20, --11, by Theatre Guild; written by £A)phIo Treadwell; Fredric Mnn-h, Florence Bldrldge starred, Alan Reed featured; ataged by Leater 'Vail; act- ttnga by Wataon Barratt; $S.30 top. Mra. Matilda Martin Helen Carew Antoinette Mnrtln Judy Parrlah Rlllott Marlln Fredric March Carlotta Thatcher Florence KIdrldge Nelaon Powell John Morny Victor do Luccbl ....Arthur Franz Billy Bamea Bholley Hull Bertba Barnes Edith King Joo de Lucchl Alan Reed A Woman Doro Morando Third act registers best and, most- ly because ot that portion of the play, there's a moderate chance It will make the grade. Earlier sec- tions are very talky and rather dull. Authoress sets her story In the rich farm lands of California,, far re- moved from any semblance of pic- ture atmosphere or mines. Her gold is In the soil, but the people are mostly.those who lost their enthu- siasm tor the land. Only casual references are made to battle-torn Europe and none to the war industry of this country, yet there iir some reality to the prob- lems of far west retrogression of farmers. That probably explains why 'Hope For a Harvest' seemed potent to out-of-town audience^ compared with the disappointing re- action of the N. Y. premiere. Fredric March and Florence Eld- ridge do much for 'Harvest' and that. particularly appears to have counted both last spring and during the more recent prosperous tryouts. Elliott Martin, son of successful farmer, has soured on the land and is eking out a living with a gas sta- tion. He has abandoned peach tree culture at which he was expert, ex- plaining that there )3 no longer a price for fruit because there is over- production and he isn't even per- mitted to cart the product to tha market because of the ' teamsters imion. That and other reasons ac- count tor him -becoming a rather dour mldtlleaged man. Back to her ranch comes Carlotta. Thatcher, the woman he should have marriedj the one he has longed tor through the years. Both are widow- ed, but he has a daughter, Antoin- ette, something of a problem. Lott as he calls the woman from the past, is imbued with a desire to till her land, while he says it's impossible. Elliott's principal antagonism are the Italians and Japs who have settled nearby and made good as farmers. Joe De Lucchl, whose son 'Victor is sweet on Antoinette is anathema. SudJenly Elliott recaptures the de- sire to form again and there is hope for a harvest with lA>tt as his wife, after Antoinette and 'Victor go off to wed, even though she is in delicate condition and the lad forgives her transgression with another youth, lliat is one of tha (Continued on page 63) City of St. Louis Still Pursues the Showlwat St Louis, Dec. 2. The City of St. Louis, in the role ot the villain, was again foiled last week In its fight against Capt. John W. Menke's ShowboaF^ Goldenrod (heroine) moored on the riverfront when U. S. District Judge George Moore refused to modify a restrnln- Ing order issued four years ago against the city. Last summer the Board of Aldermen enacted an or- dinance specifically covering show- boats which have a seating capacity ot more than 100 and seated cus- tomers above the" main floor. The city contended this applied to the Goldenrod. Judge Moore held the ordinance did not apply to Capt. Menke's enter- prise as evidence was presented to show none of the spectators was seated above the main deck, although this had been the custom before the passage of the bill. Captain Menke is owner-impresario of the floating theatre which presents mellers. -The city maintains the boat is a fire trap and the ordinance was aimed to compel Capt. Menke t« make it flreprooL