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52 LEOITIMATB Wedo^day* Febniarj 4, 1942 Inside Stuff-Legit In a Pittsburgh interview last week, Helen Hayes, star of 'Candle In the Wind,' klddingly told reporters that 'it's practically obscene for a well-known author to have a success this season,' and added that a great common bond has sprung up lately among such fellows as her husband, Charlie MacArthuir, Clifford Odets, Ben Hecht and Maxwell Anderson as result of pannings their new plays have received. Actress spoke to MacArthur day after Hecht's 'Lily of the Valley' opened and said he was more broken up by critical thumbs-down for that play than he was about flop of his own 'Johnny On the Spot.' Miss Hayes also said that she took 'Candle In the Wind' because at the time it was submitted to her she was touring the midwest and was so shocked by isolationist talk she heard, she felt she wanted a play that had 'something, of importance to say in these troubled times.' During the flrst nine months of The Green Pastures,' which opened at the Mansfield, N, Y., in March, 1930, the ticket top was $4.40. which accounted for the play getting as high as $25,000 weekly in a moderately- sized theatre. Price was lowered thereafter. Statement that 'Porgy and Bess' at the Alvin in 1935 was the first colored cast musical at $4.40 was questioned, but that still goes, as 'Pastures' was a comedy-drama. Revived 'Porgy' at the Majestic at $2.75 top commanded steady boxoffice lines throughout last week, while piles of mail orders included many remittances from out of town. Theatre Guild subscribers have the privi- lege of buying tickets at a reduced rate, but all such orders are required to go through the mail. Comments on the scores written by the late'George Gershwin, inspired by the revival of 'Porgy,' mention 'La La Lucille' as his first musical comedy. There appears to have been another show with music by him prior to 'Lucille,' but it never came to Broadway. It was called 'Half Past Eight' and was tried out in Syracuse, where it stopped. Joe Cook was the star, producer being Edward B. Perkins from the Coast. During rehearsals the chorus suddenly disappeared and. it was then indicated the bankroll was not enough to buy costumes. Cook never did sing numbers assigned to him, because there were no chorines to back him up. Music Box, N. Y., dark since the closing of "The Land Is Bright,' has never been idle so long in the middle of the season since the theatre was built It is conceded to be one of the most desirable houses on Broadway. Pointed out that since 'Land' stopped, most of the new show entrants failed to click, so the Music Box is figured to have escaped getting one of the short-stayers. Katharine Cornell, in 'Rose Burke,' is a possibility as the theatre's next tenant That play was due in town this month, but more road dates have been added and the debut, on Broadway will be late March or early April. don, but when last seen over her* she was In a pUy of her natlv* tongue. There may be a dlfferenca of opinion as to Miss Paxlnou'a histrionic ability, but at the flrst night there was little doubt that the visitor's lack of familiarity with English interfered with her per formance. The newest Hedda Is Just as ob. noxious a woman as the author in' tended, which is probably the best test of Miss Paxinou's ability, but it never was an attractive character in its distinctly neurotic, .tiresome per- son. Present version Is the transla- tion by two socialites, with little change in the original lines noticed. There are revisions to make the drama more appealing, were that possible. 'Hedda' has been enacted by a number of name actresses on . this side, Nazimova having been seen in the part about five years ago. It did fairly well and encouraged Luther Greene to present that star in 'Ghosts.' ■ Story is of a woman who has had many love affairs, then lured a pedantic professor Into matrimony only to discover she has trapped herself into boredom. It's likely to have a negative reaction upon the average playgoer, for the peirform- ance does not run to tense dramatics nor keen emotionalism. Miss Paxinou does dominate and she is on stage almost throughout. Ralph Forbes, as her unknowing husband, gives a good reading of the part. Henry Daniell plays the un- fortunate author, who vias a lover and whom Hedda aims to destroy. Cecil Humphreys has the part of Judge Brack, cheated of his desire towards Hedda by her suicide. His playing is rather measured. Karen Morley does much better as Mrs. Elvsted, only attractive personality of the play. Ibee. . When the law stepped in last week and closed the tobacco shop next to Loew's State office building entrance, N. Y., because of creditors' plasters, the 'original' Tyson glass enclosed ticket booth inside was forced to switch quarters, b(it fast. Ticket place which was operated-by Bob Frey and Benny Kayden formerly of Leblang's, moved to 5Ist street and Broadway. Wayne Williams, pilot of the TWA transport in the wreck of which Carole Lombard arid 20 others were killed recently, was the adopted son of Harry Williams, House electrician of the Fulton theatre, N. Y., where the original 'Arseiiic and Old Lace' troupe is current Plays on Broadway SOLITAIRE Play In two act«, elKht ncenen. by John Van Druten, bucd on noi'el by Edwin Corle* Producfld by Dwlsht Dwre TVIman; ■Uiged by Dudloy Dlggos; wtUnRfl by Jo MIelzlner. At the Flymouth, N. T., Jan. Zl. -42. W.SO top. Ctlla Anna Frnnklln YliKlnla Stew.irt. Pnt Hlti^hcock ClHira Entiley Joan McSweeoey Ure. .*^tewart Sally Bate* Mr. Stewart Ben Smith Ben Victor Kllinn Gosh Hnrry Grfflhani Tei Tony Albert no.nvy Howard Smith Dean Frederic Tozere First OfTlrer , Blair Dnvlea Second OfTlcer Charles Oeorge Third Officer Robert Gilbert Ryland John D. Seymour This is a sometimes beautiful, but consistently bewildering, exposition of the theme that the world in which we live is created within individual consciousness, and a change of view' point brings about changed circum- stances. It's taking a long chance to epitomize in a sentence what John Van Druten seemed unable to ex- Spund in two acts and eight scenes, fevertheless, that appears to be the Idea. In the Broadway competition, 'Solitaire' will have a hard road ahead. The passages' which best held the audience are exchanges between a nine-year-old poor, little rich girl, possessing a weird Imagination, and an elderly tramp, who lives the life of reilly in an improvised shack on the ground floor of a Pasadena ar- • royo, far removed from the tempta- tion of a steady Job. The child is in quest of wisdom. The old man ex- pounds philosophically of the inner self. Between them, they make out « pretty good case tor the proposition that things aren't as bad as tliey seem, particularly when the little girl brings canned goods to the wamp which she pinches from her mother's pantry. As for making some effective use ' of these theories In a dramatic plot, van Druten falls completely. A bit of excitement occurs lat« in the play Vrhen the child's life is endangered by advances of some extremely .tough aharactera, an ex-convict, a thief and a moif>n, unsavory neighbors of the old man, At this point all the po- etry flies out of the stage door, leav- ing only unpleasant implications of ' "what can happen to a little girl when. In disobedience of her parents' wishes, she strays from the safety ot a California patio. The police enter In time to snatch her ftom harm. It caoppt, pe ,}l)e^t, fiijy lapy^ess In the acting, the directing or the production itself accounts for the fog which envelops Van Druten's play. Part of the child is played flawlessly by Pat Hitchcock, nine- year-old daughter oif Alfred Hitch- cock, film director. Apart from the length of the role, which she. takes right in stride, she wins the affec- tions ot the audience with each suc- cessive scene. 1 As the old man of the ditch, Victor Kilian turns sordidness and sloth into a kind of decency by the tenderness of his affection for the little girl He's a slightly whacky character in a harmless sort of way. Two settings by Jo Mielziner are extraordinary. The hobocamp at the bottom of a gulley is fine stage real- ism, enhanced by excellent lighting. The patio of the home overhead is neatly designed. Action of the play alternates between these two back- grounds, which are whirled into position with remarkable speed. Others In the cast are distinctly secondary to Miss Hitohcock and Kilian. Sally Bates and Ben Smith t|re the parents; Howard Smith, Harry Gresham, Tony Albert and Frederic Tozere are the other arroyo residents. Joan McSweeney, of Miss HItohcock's age, Is as self-possessed a youngster with a cute manner as has been back of footlights in some time. It's a pity that she only has a bit. FJin. HEDDA GABLER (BEVIVAI.) Drama In three acta presented at the 'Longacre. N. T.; Jan. 20. '42, by Luther Greene; written by Honrik Ibsen; Katlna Paxinou starred; translated by Ethel Borden and Mary Cnsa CanAeld; staged by Greene; setting by Paul Morrison; $3.80 top. Miss Juliana Teaman. ..Margaret Wycherly Berta Octavla Kenmoro George Tesman Ralph Forbes Hedda Tesman Katlna Faxlnou Mrs. Elvatd , Karen Morley Judge Brack Cecil Humphreys Ellert Lovborg Henry Daolell There are Ave revivals on Broad- way's list, 'Hedda Gabler* being the latest addition, and the indication Is that It rates a distinct fifth in the group. It is regarded as a sort of classic, but in boxoffice terms hardly rates more than a limited engage- ment Whatever interest there may be Inr the drama Is the flrst appearance over here of the Greek actress Katlna Paxinou, in an English- speaking part She appeared in '.Ghosts,'^ another Ibsen plqy, ii^ Ifln- Joe Cook -Continued from page I; patoong, N. J. When he sold the Jersey place last year the star ex- plained he no longer needed it since his children had grown up. First N. Y. Appearance His flrst appearance in New York was in 1907 at Proctor's 125th Street, vaudeville theatre, in a brother Jug- gling act. The page ad which he mentions In his announcement was the front cover of "Variety' about 18 months after the paper was foimded. It principally consisted of a photo showing him in knee pants. That ad was reprinted in 'Variety's' 25th anniversary issue, Dec. 30, 1930. As he tnatured Cook became a standard single in vaudeville, spotted number foiir or next-to-closing in the nation's top two-a-day .theatres. Cook brotight laughter and Is es- tablished in the annals of the stage as a star comedian. But he did not stop there. He hosted countless gather- ings at his Jersey estate, inhere the table Was prodigal and his humor boundless. Cook had the neat trick of inviting guests in segregated groups, such as reporters, critics, au- thors, ete., the idea being that those in the same fleld would be more at ease with one another, and it worked out that way. As for tiewspaper- men, the only requirement was: 'Come sober, after that you are on your own.' 'HItchy Koo' Cflick In his mid-twenties Cook entered musical comedy, his flrst showing be- ing a click In 'Hitehy-Koo' (Raymond Hitehcock) at the Liberty, N. Y., in 1919. Soon afterwards he was in 'Vanities,' but in 1929 and 1931 he starred in the musical standouts, 'Fine and Dandy' and 'Rain or Shine,' followed by 'Hold Your Horses' lat- ter at the Winter Garden. Succeed- ing seasons found him in pictures and radio, while last season he ap- peared in 'It Happens on Ice,' cur- rent at the Center, N. Y., from which he withdrew after several months. Cook was ill when he Joined 'Ice.' He could skate and planned a rou- tine of his own, but was imable to go through with it After leaving the ice revue he appeared last spring in 'Cook Book,' a biographical show of his professional life presented by the Catholic University in Washing- ton, D. C. It's now revealed that It was a tremendous effort for him to go on the stage at that-time. No one knew Cook was sick, in- cluding Arthur M. Wirtz, who co- produced 'Ice' with Sonja Henie. That showman recently voiced the opinion of many others when he said: 'Joe is the salt of the earth.' Eddy In Toledo Concert Toledo, O., Feb. 3.' Nelson Eddy will concert in the Paramount theatre here Feb. 23 in a benefit for the Toledo Symphony Orchestra's operating fund. The next concert to be given by the Toledo Symphony will be March 23, with |Helet\ ^ ef\m ^lojst L iter at i Man See Tronble Ahead Magazines, particularly the week- lies, are approaching serious times under the new war economy, and a number of casualties may be ex- pected in coming months, according to well-informed publishing circles. One ot the major weeklies, long un- able to attract stiRldent advertising to float ita large' circulation, la re ported being considered for a casket by Ita owners. Loss of advertising from firms which have been converted to war production is the main big factor in. the coming crisis. Second is upped costa of personnel and paper, Although not serious yet, paper shortage Is also said to be ahead for the slicks. There's no difficulty about pulp, but certain chemicals needed to provide good grade paper are on the priority list and becom- ing scarcer. Weeklies are being hit hardest by the advertising decline. They de pended principally on copy from automobile, tire, refrigerator and similar manutacturers, which have l>een the first to feel the eflecta of war priorities. Suffering least are the women's mags, which have derived most of their Income from ads for foodstuffs, clothing, household, materlala and cosmetics. Sees Paper Shrinkage Shrinkage in size and number of American newspapers before the end of the year appears likely, due to a shortage of paper, Norbert A. Mc- Kenna, chief ot the Paper Pulp Di- vision of the War Production Board said last week. Rationing of news- print Is Inevitable, he declared. McKenna said there Isn't any shortage of newsprint currently, but that paper production is using too much critical material, too much transportation and too much labor. In view ot the war program. In, addition, he asserted, production at the present rate is using up copper and bronze parts in Oie mills' equip- ment faster than priorities allow these parte to be replaced. How soon the'ratloning will come depends on how soon Canada de- cides to appropriate for aluminum production th«r power now being used by the paper mills. No plans for rationing have been made, Mc- Kenna said, but he opined that ton- nage will be allotted without re- strictions as to Ita use, that is, how miich is to be used for news, how much for advertising, how man/ editions, are to be allowed, ete. Sleotkln' Editor Charles W. Lelth, veteran Pitts- burgh newspaperman, was last week named chief of detectives In Alle- gheny County by newly-appointed District Attorney HusseU H. Adams. Lelth, presently assistant city editor of morning Post-Gazette, will take over his new duties on March 1, and post is generally regarded as one of the plums of the year. He started in newspaper work In Pittsburgh 28 years ago as a t)ollce reporter and has held current P-G berth sines 1938 except lor one year, 1940, when he left to take a Job in the district attorney's office. He quit there several months ago to return to his Post-Gazette desk. PhUly Ledger's AP Franchise Sold The U. S. District Court last week approved the sale of the Associated Press franchise of the defunct Phila- delphia Evening Ledger to the Phila- delphia Inquirer for the sum of $10,000. The Ledger Uustees told the Court that the Inquirer was the only bidder; The Inquirer has been pay- ing the weekly AP assessment since the Ledger folded last month. The transfer is subject to approval by the AP board ot directors. Reason the Inquirer bought the AP franchise is not clear. Rumors are current that the Inquirer, a morning paper, U planning an evening edi- tion. • Folton Oorsler'a Plans Fulton Oursler, whose resignation as editor ot Liberty took effect Sat- urday (31), plana to devote the next couple months to production ot the play which he co-authored with Al Lewis, The Walking GenUeman.' Victor Francan has been inked for the lead, and rehearsals wiU start in three or four weeks. Oursler said he Is also working on several books, Sheppard Butler, an associated ed- itor with Liberty tor a number of years, has been name4 ■ executive editor, the.post l^et h^\i^ ti;on) 19^ to 1931. Gerald Mygatt, former edl- tor of ThU Week supplement has' been appointed editor. Lee Pasquin continues as managing editor. LITEBATI OBITS Robert S. Carver, 72, newspaper* man who annually got congratula^ tory telegrams from President Roosevelt, who became his close friend when the latter was Governor ot New York, died in Dallas, Jan. 28. WI|IUm H. H. MacKellar, 72, for many years a. newspaper publlshec or columnist, later a charcoal manu- facturer, died in Peekskill, N. Y^ Jan. 27. He was founder of the Evening News, Peekskill, of which he was president and editor for soma' years. Frank J. Sopple, 44, labor and re- ligious editor ot the Boston Post, died in Everett, Mass., Jan. 28. Charles Merrill, Jr., 65, publisher ot educational books and prominent in public welfare work, died in New York Jan, 28. Joe Toye, 52, veteran, newsman and editorial writer on the Boston Traveler, died In Boston Jan. 29. Samael Ellsworth KIser, author, poet and editor, died in New Rochelle, N. Y., Jan. 30. Edward Dale Appleton, 84, retired New York book publisher, died in North Andover, Mass., Jan. 29. Harriett Collins, 81, former Boston Globe columnist, died Jan. 31 In New Philadelphia, O. Robert Paol Crawford, 69, veteran Ohio newspaper editor and pub- lisher, died Jan. 28.-— Alberlo Cahnet, 64, French jour- nalist and novelist, died in Lyon^ France, Feb. 1. George W. Foster, 64, on advertis- ing staff ot the Buffalo.Courier-Ex-' press, formerly managing editor of- the Erie (Pa.) Dispateh.'died in Buf- falo Jan. 30, F. Hartley Woolfall, 85, retired New York and Boston publisher, died In New Rochelle, N. Y., Jan. 30. William Monypeny Newsom, 54, broker and author, died in New York, Feb. 1. Emerson B. Penrose, 51, veteran news photographer on the Philadel- phia Record, died suddenly Jan. 27 at his home in Colllngswood, N. J. CHATTER ' H. Allen Smith due in Hollywood next week to do a Satevepost yarn on BIng Crosby, Verne Haugland, of the Los An- geles AF staff, left for an undesig- nated front as war correspondent Quentin Reynolds In Hollywood to speak the foreword for Walter Wanger's picture, 'Eagle Squadron.' Arena Revue ^^Continaed from page quately reach the large arena audi- ence without being too circusy. Pro- ducers bidding on the production claim that singing as well as com^ edy .acta can be effective, since most of the arenas are comparatively well equipped with p.a. systems. Acts of the circus type would be limited to rlsley, aerial and acrobatic routines. Indications are that arenas may cut down size ot floor space tor a ' musical revue, temporarily creating larger seating capacity as well as thereby keeping the stage in better view. A musical revue ot the type which has been under consideration tor past few months woulid be assured of a route of approximately 25 weeks' playing time. In addition to the 16 spota booked through Arena Man- agers, show would also be routed for state fairs and into mimiclpal auditoriums in towns where there are no ice shows, such as Memphis, New Orleans, Louisville and Hous- ton. — AMA circuit was Increased by two ■ arenas last week, when Clarence- Linz, Dallas Arena, and Ray Rice,, Pla-Mor Ice. Arena, Kansas City. Joined the Association. Linr and Rice were appointed directors of AMA, of which John H. Harris, Pittsburgh theatre operator, is presi- dent George Tyson, director ot the an- nual 'Miss America' pageant at At- lantic CUy tor past six years, has resigned that post due to increased activities as general manager of Arena Managers' Association. •Miss America' show is reportedly. to be continued although there has been some talk it might be cancelled due, (C| ^e vfif-.. ,.. i 11'l