Variety (Jan 1942)

January 7, 1942 Anniversary LEGITIMATE 191 Highlights of Legit Year By Jack Pulaski Present season started much earlier than the past half dozen theatrical years. The period of 1940-41, however, saw a record low in productivity, there being but 62 new shows presented, a dozen under* the total of the previous season. Result was that only 12 hits were registered and four moderate successes, as against 14 standouts and nine moderates for 1939-40. On the road the leading gross-getters were the Lunts in "There Shall Be 'No Night'; Katherine Hepburn in 'The Philadelphia Story'; 'Life with Father,' with two companies malting runs in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Detroit, and 'Hellzapoppin.' Because of vast defense spending the road is figured to be more, profit- able for stage shows than in many seasons. It was expected that Broad- way would boom during summer, what with vacationers from defense factory centers coming to the metropolis, but that never came off. .Hollywood again stayed away from Broadway so far as backing shows —was-conccrnedr-but.speni-plentjLjn.tuying-fllm-rights of- the-hits;—Demand- fqr material resulted in $2,190,000 being paid for rights, plus $100,500 on plays of previous seasons. Totals more than doubled the coin spent by the Coast for 1939-40 rights, ■j— • SUNDAY SHO"'S OK AY [ Sunday performances proved a life-saver for a flock of shows and, as the experimental period approached an end, it was proposed that Sundays not only extend through the summer, but this season as well. Equity, which has the whip hand in that respect, promptly gave the idea its okay It was conceded that Sunday legits were drawing more people into town {or the weekends and the film houses benefited by that. Last season top- priced shows ducked Sundays, idea being that such performances might Indicate weakness. That was disproved this tall and winter, for such |4.40 shows as 'Sons o' Fun,' Winter Garden, and 'Banjo Eyes,' Hollywood, are doing capacity on Sundays. Equity was in turmoU several times oyer Cominunistic charges. At a quarterly meeting it was voted that members with such leanings be barred from office or employment in the association. During the summer council rejected a proposed anti-ism amendment to the constitution. A fresh rumpus followed and another general meeting ordered the issue put to referendum, which resulted in favoring such an amendment. Latter was finally whipped into shape and again placed before the' whole membership by referendum, votes to be counted at the end of this week. Play on Broadway THE FIRST CROCUS ComeOy drama In thre^ aclH proticntcd nt tho l^tnudure, N. Y., Jan. 2, by T. Kdwuril Hambleton; written l>y Arnold SunRnnrd; ntaKcd by' Halitted W'cIIoh; aoi- tlnffH hy Johannos Lanen; fS.no top. Ilonrik Jorlfllund Uilwin I'lilllps liiKH Jorlfllund Mnrthn llrJinan Avlit Jorlfllund Porry WMtuin Mllford Jorlfllund KtiKenc Schlo) T^iom lUllolw I..o\v](« Miirlhi AnBfrnr JorlKlund Herbert NclHOn Ifornuin 'XctnAn Huf;o >Iiinii Violet Molby Jocolyn Mv:indo John llnnfon Jack Pnrsonv TryRve KnutHen CIar<ncc Nc»nlt*lr<nn Mlmt l-^nRCbrctHen Joan Cniyilon Mm. Jons Oni»edRl Ellziibi'th .Moore Alfred 0|)iK>du1 Hurry Mnull J^lRviild IMrkeit Nordnhl Robert J'nntcne I'lLUI JiihnFon Clidrleit Furmlouo IvlHiim1-Jtihn!ion-:7TT-.-7-7Tv.- . .■;-Mlllon K»r«I CiiiKliIld Jonwn Connie Mimll Murlt'l fr-evold Cvallnc Hunter I EQUITY UPHEAVAL Early in the summer there was an upheaval in Equity because of the alleged radicalism. Under the new rules of nominating 50% more candi dates thai\ places to be filled, there were 29 names on the slate to fill 10 council posts, plus a couple of replacements. Eight of the candidates were independents, nominated by petition. Three were elected and two on the regular ticket supported them. When the election results came in, 10 well- known councillors resigned pronto. They claimed to have been repudiated, biit that wasn't clear to observers. .It was the first time in Equity's history that India candidates were •lected, but the fear of those who walked out that radical changes would be sought by the new councillors has not been borne out. The managers . sought and obtained a new basic agreement that extends for two' years, but there were changes written into the pact as was. !rhe exclusive service clause was removed from standard contracts, or at least moderated over the managers' protest. Another contest between tht two sides concerned salaries in Canada, and the actors demanded pay in American dollars or the equivalent, but it went into the agreement. Figured that the matter is not vital, tor comparatively few shows cross the border. Another new rule excluded agents from collecting commis- sions when managers did their own casting and engaging. ]_V MANAGEBS VS. AUTHORS . . ^here was a threatened legal action by the managers against the authors on the grounds of monopoly. That started a ruction in the League of New York Theatres, a number of author-managers walking out. Eventually th^re was an amicable meeting at which a new five-year agreement was adopted. The suit was withdrawn. Last summer there were three deaths that shocked show business. Sam H. Harris, 69, died July 2; Sam Scribner, 82, -treasurer of the Actors Fund, died Jiily 8; Lew Fields, 73, died July 20. •.B9.'».rt;J!v-Sherwood won..the--Pulitzer-;I>riz«;.-It-was-his-third -iimilar award, having been so honored for 'Idiot's Delight' and 'Abe Lincoln in . Illinois.' Tobacco Road' finally ended its stay on Broadway, closing May 31 after playing seven and one-half years. During that time it had at least 70 red week^ and 42 that were an even break. ■•Variety's' poll among the critics of the best performance of the season was woi^ by Paul Lukas tor his playing in 'Watch on the Rhine.' Gertrude Lawrence was a close runner-up for her performance in 'Lady in the Dark.' Richard Watts, of the Herald Tribune, won 'Variety's' boxscora of the critics, with a percentage of .950. Louis Kronenberger, of PM, was second; Robert Coleman, of the Mirror, third, and Richard Lockridge, of the Sun, fourth. .William Saroyan's "The Beautiful People' played 15 dizzy weeks at the Iiyceum. Never got real coin, but the author won plenty of publicity. For about 10 days patrons could get their money back if they didn't like the •how. Plenty of activity In the summer stocks, strawhats grossing $3,000,000. St Louis opera company got $480,000, a new high. Theatre's Salvation rCoBtlnned from 169^ . »uned at alt productions has taken a heightened toll of its offerings. In- stead, of bothering to bolster up its Manhattan lists the Guild stepped up Its efforts in the provinces. Now, in addition to its organizations in Bos- ton, Philadelphia an^ Chicago, it has organized audiences in Baltimore, Washington, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Toronto, Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianap- ">Us, Milwaukee, San Francisco and Los Angeles.' Subscriptions in these ciUes are sufficient'to guarantee profitable engagements. But that is only half the story. The more significant half is that the «jlld plans to cover more of the road with at least some of its productions betore risking New York. Recent experiences of its own,, as well as of P''''''"'=ers, make this the smart thing to do. Several pUys this fall With stars played to immense road grosses only to be slaughtered by the New York critics. In siJme of these instances, the out-of-town reviewers praised the attraction. In an effort to offset the effecU of a generally Md New York press, the Guild carried an ad In the local dailies contain- •ng highly complimentary excerpts from critics in six different cities. The nipst the Guild got out of it was fun, for the play closed after a brief Immediately, however, they put their new policy in operation and further road bookings for two productions headed for New York, answer isn't that the local press boys are smarter, for some of the "«st critics are scattered throughout this country. The difference is in the point of view. In New York, at least some of the critics are satiated from PSfpetuar theatre-goini. In the provinces they don't get enough plays to °* bored and they know they will get fewer if they don't give the theatre every break they can and retain their integrity. Ih y^^rs ago there were producers who couldn't be bothered with ine road. Now any manager with a non-star success rushes out two or |?re€ duplicate companies. If they are good they don't have to bear Imprint, 'Original Broadway Cast.' Indeed, the way things are going, new legend may appear any day. « wiU read, 'Original Road Cast.' Has the distinct indications of an in-betwccner with no more chance of getting across than any other mediocrity this season. 'The First Crocus' is a homely play with a mass of trivia which the average playgoer is likely to And a bore. That its joeople are Norwe- gians, resident in a Minnesota town not far from Minneapolis and-, St. Paul, may supply a trace of novelty but in total seems very ordinary. Any numt>er of points in the story take on a bit of importance to those concerned, then fade in and out. There are no laughs and no dra- matics that mean much, so it is just a story nlaced upon the stage. If there is diversion it is for very few. Martha Hedman. little known to the present generation, returns to the footlights to handle one of the talki- est of parts. She is now a buxom, middle-aged woman, which is the character assigned her. Most of the dialog is in the living room of the Jorislund family. Mil- ford, the youngest of three children, has found the first crocus of the sea- son and is supposed to get a prize, a custom of the rural school for years. During the exercises - it comes out that the kid did a bit of cheating in locating the flower and that spoils the evening. Avis, the marriageable daughter, has a budding romance clipped through interference of Inga, the mother, who also had meddled when the girl was In the university. Henrik. a boy In his late teens, has a sweetheart who doesn't say much, but they've been going together since early schooldays asd provide most of the romance. Ansgar. the father, works in a fire pump factory, his pal being Herman X^elson. even It he is a Swede. Lars Hilleboe is the fainlly friend and to. wards the end it looks like he and Avis will wed, although he is con siderably older. Ma Jorislund dioped into the petty cash box of the school social fund to buy her youngest kid a new suit and it takes some time before that little matter Is straight' ened out. She threatens to walk out, but doesn't. ,. The_Norweglpn. dlalecj;..srejrathjc olentiful.'.but add little atmosphere. Miss Hedman Is capable as the mother, but has too much to say. Herbert Nelson and Hugo Haas are okay a.*; elderly pals, the former beine Pod Jorislund. Perry Wilson is good as Avis. Clarence Nordstrom was liked in a smaller pari.' Eugene Srhiel does well as the kid. But the .actors don't get much chance to liven up a very, quiet eve ning. /bee. New Yr. s Wk Great for Musicals; Tm $50,000, Tace If 41G, 'Banjo' , 'Best Foot' 26G, All Socko Legit Followap 'Porgy and Bess' Boston, Dec. 31. Cheryl Crawford, in association with John J. Wildberg, has revived the George Gershwin opera in a style befitting this interestinc work and matching the Theatre Guild's original version of several years ago. Most pt the original cast are in the revival, including Todd Duncan as Porgy. and Anne Brown, as Bess, so there's little new to report in the acting-singing department. Among the principals are two new voices and personalities who do make news, however. Avon Long, the new Sportin' Life, is a most colorful and entertaining player and he easily cops top honors in his unique, lively interpretation of 'It Ain't Necessarily So.' Long, who flits in and out of the story like a combination hoofer and ballet dancer, is properly costumed, in some rare, dazzling rigs which add zest. He is In motion almost every instant he's on stage. • The other new voice rating special mention is that of Harriet Jackson's, who does 'Summertime,' the most popular number In. the show. Hers IS the outstanding femme singing in this production, rating high in clarity, richness and interest. Anne Brown seemed to be troubled with hoarseness, but she became more' impressive as the story prog- ressed. Todd Duncan handles his Porgy role about the same as before and he fills the bill satisfactorily. Some of the unimportant bits of business have been cut from the original version and the show now runs two and a half hours. Fox. Some remarkable grosses were drawn by Broadway musicals last week, but there was a limited num- ber of sellouts New Year's Eve and not so many at the holiday matinees. While attendance was big during week considering war and air raid tears, showmen anticipate sharp dip starting this week. That is indicated by dropping advance sales. Estimates for I^ast Week Keys C (Comedy), D (Drama), CD fComcdiz-Drania;, R (Revue), U (Musical), O (Operetta). 'Angel Street,' Golden Uth week) (D-78U: $3.30). Around $14,000 in nine performances: figure isn't ca- pacity, but excellent money for short cast one-setter. 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton (51st week) (CD-93U: S3.30.». Accom- plishes year's run this week; held to eight performances, approximating sellout $17,000, with New Year's Eve prices counting. 'Banjo Eyes,' Hollywood (2nd week) (M-1,563: $4.40). No perform- ance on holiday eve because of Eddie. Cantor's radio program; in- the big money: standees New Year's matinee; $38,000 estimated. 'Best Foot Forward,' Barrymore (14th week) (M-1,104; $4.40). Played three matinees and picked up slack of previaus two weeks; quoted over $26,000. 'Blithe Spirit,' Morosco (9th week) (CD-93B; $3.30). Maintained eight performances and was sellout ex- cept one evening; holiday eve prices aided In gross going to $18,50(^ again. 'Brooklyn, U. S. A.,' Forrest (2nd week) (D-1.195; $3.30). Holiday eve helped, but so far business under ex- pectations; figured around $7,500; no extra performance. 'CUndIa,' Booth (47th week) (CD- 712; $3.30). Picked up again, with gross around $12,500; no extra mati- ness for run comedy that may play through winter. 'Candle In the Wind,' Shubert (D- 1,402; $3.30). Final and I2th week; got good share of holiday trade, with gross approximating around $16,000; goes on tour; The Rivals' due next week. •Clash by Night,' Belasco (1st week) (D-1,000: $3.30). Fared some- what better than indicated by so-so notices; estimated around $12,500 with holiday eve a help. 'Cnokoos on the Hearth,' Ambas- sador (C-1,172; $3.30). Closed lest Saturday after playing 16 weeks to mild business; rated over $3,000; may .tour, .... 'High. KIckera,' Broadhurst (9th week) (M-1,142; $4.40). Regulation eight performances: considerably helped by eve scale to around $20,- 000. 'It Happened on Ice,' C:enter (2nd repeat engagement) (25th week) (R- 3,027; $1.65). Scored another long jump In takings and in 12 perform- ances the indicated gross for New Year's week quoted around $45,000; big capacity of spot and Radio City crowds explain the money pos- sibilities. In Time to Come,' Mansfield (1st week) (D-1,050; $3.30. Management hopeful of improvement for histori- cal drama; theatre party people buy- ing blocks of tickets'; mild first week; $6,500. - 'Johnny On a Spot,' Plymouth (C- 1,075'; $3.30). Presented by John J. Shubert;. script revised by Charles MacArthur; well regarded In Boston; opens Thursday (8). 'Jonlor Miss,' Lyceum (7th week) (C-1,004; $3.30). One of the season's real good things; again played nine performances; that plus holiday eve prices sent gross to around $19,500. 'Lady In the Dark,' Alvin (re- sumed) (39th week) (M-1.387; $4.40). Back in the big money and esti- mated around $30,000: no extra mati- nee, but benefited by New Year's Eve like otjier leaders. 'Lady Comes Across,' 44th Street (M-1,463: $4.4Q). Called off when Jessie Matthews fell ill; tentative de- but Friday (9), with Evelyn Wyckoff taking over. Let's Face It,'- Imperial (lO.th week) (M-1,450; $4.40). Contends with 'Sons O' Fun' for money honors: bettered $41,000 last week; played extra matinee anjil goi $7.70 on the eve, which brought in $8,000. Xettcrs to Lucerne,' Cort (2nd week) (CD-1.064; $3.30). - Looks doubtful; played .regulation eight performances for an estimated $6,500; outbreak of war evident bad break for this one, 'Life With Father,' Empire (112th week) (CD-1,082; $3.30). Didn't need extra matinee to get good share of holiday husiness;' takings picked ujj to around $17,500, great for long run show.' My Sister Eileen,' Biltmore (54th week) (CD-Sei; $3.30). Came back nicely in holiday going, gross ap- proxzimating $13,000; no extra per- formance. 'Papa Is All,' Guild (C-956: $3.30). Presented by Theatres Guild; writ- ten by Patterson Green; drew goodly grosses out of town; opened Tues- day (5). 'Sprlnir Again,' Miller' (etii "weck>~ (CD-940; $3.30). Strong matinees ^d with holiday help gross went back to $11,000: moving to Play- house. I, 'Sons o' Fun.' Winter Garden (5th week) (H-1.519: $4.40). Incredible gross of almost $50,000: that was pos- sible because of $8.80 eve perform- ance, which topped $10,030, and an extra matinee.. The Corn Is Green,' Royale (S7th week) (C-1,047: $3.30). Going to road after another two weeks: picked up very well in holiday going and credited with gross of $12,000. The First Croens,* Longacre (D- 1,106; $3.30). Presented by T. Edward Hambleton; written by Arnold Sun- gaard; opened Fridr^ (2); doubtful press. Theatre,' Hudson (CD-1,094; $3.30). Final and 9th week; moderate business, with last ^eek estimated around -$8i000—slatea for "extended tour.. 'Watoh on the Hhlne,' Martin Beck (40th week) (D-1,120; $3.30). An- other run show that fared very well during holiday period and approxi- mated $16,000; set through winter. Bcvlval 'Macbeth,' National (7th week) (D-1,162; $3.30). Played three maU< nees last week and climbed back ' into big money; few straight shows, if any, bettered; claimed $19,500 here. 'HELLZ' BIG $44,000 IN 10-DAY prrr RUN Pittsburgh, Jan. 4. Playing 10 performances at Nixon last week, including special New Year's £ve performance at $4.40 top, 'HeUzapoppin' grabbed a spectacular $30,000, giving show nearly $44,000 for the 10-day run. Biz was really phenomenal. In view of fact that this was a rettim engagement for Billy House-Eddie Garr touring company, madhouse musical having played a fortnight here last February to the tune of ♦?5,?0!)^. Regular JoB- was- MJO, acal» - going-up only for rriidnight show, which went clean and had flock of standees. First time local legit housa has. ever put on a midnight per- formance. Nixon opens another musical. Monday (6), 'Pal Joey.' 'Arsenic'Great 23i(; In 1st Detroit Week Detroit. Jan. 4. In Its first full week, 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' helped by a - midnight New Year's Eve show with prices at $3.50, soared up in the vMlnity of $23,500 at the Cass here. Opening on Christmas Day, the comedy rung up $9,000 in the first four days. It goes another week. 'Rivals' OK 15G in St L.; Le Gallienne Vice Boland St. Louis. Jan. 4. Eva Le Gallienne, on deck to o.o. The Rivals' preparatory to its New York opening Wednesday (14), stepped into Mary Roland's role when the latter became ill Wednes- day (31) and played out the one- week engagement at the American. Piece copped raves from crjx and grossed estimated $15,000 for eight performances. Admish scale was upped to $3.85 tor New Year's Eve. Miss Boland's condition resulted In her being taken to St. John's hos- pital for treatment. House Is dark currently, but-re- lights Monday (19) with 'Louisiana Purchase.' Break Oot on B'way Hollywood. Jan. 4. Dr. Herschel Fergelman sold a half interest in his play, 'My Wife Has the Measles', to Sam BischofT for legit production on Broadway In the spring. Play was written and produced by Fergelman five years ago in Berlin.