Variety (Sep 1942)

Wednesdajf September 2, 1942 6S WHAT THEY THINK Art Sebmldt Protests New York. Editor, •Variety': I would like to' protest a story which appeared In the Aug. 26 issue of 'Variety.' It claimed that The McSorley Mounted Literary Society was 'partly owned' by Perry Charles and Ted Friend. That is not so. The society is leased by Charles and Friend, but it Is not owned by them in whole or in part Together with several other Mc- Sorley members, including Ned Brown, Jack Pulaski, Paul Schoen- stein and Ray Bell, I want also to protest against the treatment ac- corded to Gladwin Hill' of AP in 'Variety.' Hill was not caught steal- ing Ned Brown's watch at the last meeting, which was held at the Fifth Avenue hotel. The story, as origi- nally released to 'Variety,' was to the effect that Ned Brown contemplated spending a weekend at Watch Hill, R. I., in the company of SteHing Noel and Mitchell Benson. No one said anything about anyone stealing a watch. The only thing which your reporter got right was to the effect that Carl Kurbin, Doc Marcus and Harry Mc- Ardle acted as a reception committee, which was as correct as far as it went, but tailed to include my name. I was a member of the reception ccmittee too. Art Schmidt, Corresponding Secretary How Sonrwriters May Help New York. Editor, 'Variety': For the past three months I have been working in city hospitals, giv- in;; so many hours each day for whatever assignment I am handed. This is not a flag-waving gesture, but a duty in a desire to do my little bit in Volunteer Citizen De- fense. With so many doctors, nurses, etc., being called into the .service you cannot imagine the frightful shortage of help in the city hospitals, better known as the hcspitals. of the poor people, and in- cidentally these hospitals are over- crcwded with the suffering poor. My purpose In writing this letter Is to call the attention of other song^ writers to this opportunity to do their bit, particularly fellows who, like myself, are too old to enlist. But there is no age limit to this work. I, myself, am 60 on my next birthday. The work Is clean, in- formative from a medical standpoint, and deeply appreciated. As °Yor writing songs one can take out all the time needed fpr tufning out ditties. I see so many writers around th3 Brill building and at Lindy's, -reading the scratch sheets, when they might be better oft giving an hour or two each day to something worthwhile like this, and it woula bo a nice pesture on the part of the songwriting fraternity. I hope some of the older boys will take an inter-,^ est in this work. Tliere is no re- muneration except that grand feeling that one is at least doing something to help the cause—and health is mighty Important to victory. Eugene West. and titer took the name of Ado Richards, and still later was known as Art Richards. I think possibly there might be «omeone who will re. member hhn and tell him that I am looking for him. Mrs. Anna Price, 701 W. 180th street. N. Y. C. EDtcrtalniof AEF London, England. Editor, •Variety': On the advice of the secretary of the American Red Cross Club I am wriRng you a news item which might interest you. I am touring with ENSA; a four-handed show, and would like to say we were the first of these shows to have the pleasure of entertaining the American troops and navy. I enclose the names in my four-piece show: Fred and Peggy Bryant, comedy duo. Pamela Daye, soprano. Barbara (Red) Stetson, rhythm dancer. This show has played to great suc' cess to your boys and they all re- quest a return visit. We have a show of one hour and 30 minutes of com' edy, singing, dancing and. music, and speed is our keynote. Fred Bryant. Where's Barry Bcynoldsf Bronx, N. Y. Editor, 'Variety': Would appreciate If you can give me any aid In' locating my uncle, Harry Barker. He was In vaudeville about 30 years ago. The name of the act was 'Reynolds & Ashley'; he sometimes used the name Harry Reynolds. I understand that about five years ago he was working for the WPA Theatre Project as a stagehand. He must be In the eOs now and I am anxious to locate him. Gertnide B. (Mrs. James) Louphlin. 3441 Fish avenue. Eiat Actors Nice Contlnntd from pace again, after a three-day rest. If al- lowed out of bed. Virginia Gilmore goes into 'the tour, is cancelled because of a swell part in a new picture, tried to dC' cide between her picture chore and the bond drive, and winds up back on tour. Herbert Marshall had to be can' celled suddenly because of Illness in his family. And the case of Bette Davis is of the on-again-off-again variety, but In spades. Miss Davis was set for Boston, cancelled because of bad health due to extra work on Hollywood Stag^ Door Canteen, and went back on the list again only to collapse in Kansas City after five days on tour. Miss Davis was can- celled amidst loud squawks from spots where she was booked, and went back on tour again aaginst doctor's orders. Her Warner pro- duction slate had to be set back two weeks. Reasons for sudde(i cancellations are numerous, varied, legitimate and often as important as the bond drive. Henry Fonda suddenly had to be cancelled out because he enlisted in the Navy. Ditto for Tyrone Power in the Marines. Norma Shearer, set for the latter part of the touz, got married and was cancelled. She came in again, however, and will spend her honeymoon selling bonds. Doob, in his message to bond cam- paign workers, points out: "This is war; wc have bonds to sell; real Americans want to buy bonds; they'll buy bonds from Sophie Glutz if they're sold properly, maybe not as many as from Hedy Lamarr, but they'll buy. Please do your best— work under handicaps—and try to understand the problems involved.. Everybody can't get top stars. Everything can't be grooved and oiled.' Paging Art Blehards New York. Editor, 'Varietv': Some 23 years ago my son played on the Orpheum Circuit out of Chi- cago. My residence has been in El Paso, Texas. Through the many years, and perhaps for the reason that I remarried durhig that time, we lost contact with each other, and for these long 23 years I have heard nothing from hhn. My search has been far and wide and for the past three years, since 1 am in New York. I have been seek- '"8 some information regarding his Whereabouts, all to no avail. Will you Please publish this letter with the nope that he might see it, or that someone who knew him might rec- ognize the name and possibly help "le And him. He was born as Abram Richard.s. Canteen Capers Continued from pa(e hive the otlier U a.m. 5aid Mias Marshall to Selena Royle and a group of canteeners already buzzing around: "What are you all doing here so early?" Miss Royle, taking her by the hand, said 'Come, see.' They toured the kitchen, where things were buzzing; then the hang- out of the food checkers; then the canteen itself. Drudgery was all that Miss Marshall could nee as far as the eyes could see. Said she: 'When shall I resign — noiu or later." Two novices were overheard In the ladies room discussing the com- parative merits of Lynn Fontanne and Ethel Barrymore. Said one: 'The best performance ever was given by Ethel in that play with the funny name. You know, 'How Green Was My Corn'.' Selena Royle wants It known that more and more records are needed. They wear oat almost as fast as the eirls' nylon hose. Particularly needed are re- cordlntrs of 'Coodnleht Sweet- heart.' SuecestiveT Payroll Traffic : Continued from page 41; announcer at KDKA is Willard Fraker. from WKPA, New Kensing- ton, Pa. Hartford.—Russell Naughton, of New Britahi, has been named an- nouncer on the staff of WDRC's FMer, WeSH. Mikeman Elliot Miller of the same station has resigned to go on active duty with the Civilian Air PatroL Kansas City—SUff at K49KC, new FM station here, owned by the Com- mercial Radio Equipment Co. and managed by Bob Wolfskill, Includes Milton Woodward, chief engineer; Earl Chamberlain, operator; Jimmy Burke, chief announcer, and Betty Davis, program director. Bruce Grant, formerly with WHO, Des Moines, has joined the announc- ing staff of WHB. Joseph Sullivan is the latest ad- dition to the announcing staff of KCKN, replacing Walton Bodine, who has enlisted in the nwrchant marine. Ringling Circus Boohing Longer Stands As Wartime RJl Measure Troop Carrier Command, Miami Beach. Gene Poteet, former studio technician for the radio dept. of the St Louis Police Dept., succeeds Cas- tanie. Seattle. — Bob Ackerley. news- caster at KOMO. left Monday (31) for San Diego for training in the Navy as a specialist, first class. . SC Louis. — Virginia Vogel has been hired by KWK as assistant news editor and becomes the first femme at that station to hold such a post. The station lost two of its news men in the past few weeks to the armed forces. New Tork.—William Fariss joins WHN as program manager of the frequency modulation outlet, W63NY. He was most recently pro- gram manager and newscaster for WCOP, Boston. Greenville, S. C. — Wilson Pace named chief audio engineer at WFBC, succeeding Hubert Brown, now in Cincinnati. Byron Jenkins shifted from aimounclng-production department to technical division. Bill Miller, announcer, resigned to enter college. George Bowdler suc- ceeds. San Francisco.—Bob Mullen, free- lance radio writer, was named staff continuity writer at KSPO. Howard Gordon is a new an- nouncer at KSAN. Bob Wesson, executive secretary, San Francisco Junior Chamber of Commerce, moved into publicity director job at KGO. O. G. Morby, former radio space buyer for McCann-Erickson here, replaces Frank Oxarart as Frisco manager for Radio Sales, Ins. Oxar- art goes to Hollywood as network and local sales rep for CBS. Borrie Hyman, head of KPO-NBC guest relations, left to join editorial staff of local newspaper and was suc- ceeded by Art Holter. San Francisco. — Mary Belding Scribner, news and publicity woman, was named news editor at NBC- KPO to succeed Robert Barrington, who took a Government job. Mary Jane Porter was transferred from thesaurus to assistant to Fay Pattee, NBC-KPO sales traffic di- rector, to replace Helen Stenson, re- signed. Boston.—Ray Howard, formerly with WLLH. Lowell, joined WEEI announcing staff, replacing Art King, who left to join U. S. Marines at Parris Island, S. C, with rating of master sergeant Bills Next Week ^sContlnned from pace Des Moines.—Barbara Oliver haj been named assistant traffic man- ager of KSO-KRNT, replacing Ger- trude Wells, resigned. Boston.—Alfred E. Teachman, as- sistant to WEEI's chief, engineer, has been commissioned a first lieutenant in the Army Air Force, and leaves Thursday (3) for six weeks at Of- ficers' Training School, Miami. Doris Tlrrell, WEEI, organist, has taken over music librarian job at station. Portland, Ore.—Walton McKlnney, staff tenor of KOIN-KALE. is in the navy now. Left the station for the sec Aug. IS. Frank Hemingway has left the an- nouncing staff of KOIN (CBS) to join the opposition, KGW (NBC). Newcomers to the KOIN-KALE musical staff are Pauline Jorgensen, for viola and violin, and Gladys Johnson, violinist Mrs. Mary Phalen, former free- lancer from Iks Angeles, joined the rontinuity staff of KOIN-KALE. Rcglna, Sask.—Barry Wood, an- nouncer with CKCK, Regina, moved to CJVI. Victoria, B. C, as produc- tion manager. Oscar Gullander, announcer with CJRM, Regina, gone to University of Toronto, and announcer Bob Hill to Royal Canadian Air Force. Pearl Powell added to announcing staff. St Louis.—Frank Castanie. a.s.sist- ant supervisor in the onginecring dept. at KMOX, has become the 17lh member of the .station to join the country's armed forces. He has been commissioiv.-d lli«t lieiilenant in the Ftaaa ralambo's PrankI* Schlutta Doyd t Smith Iria Ways* Jeanottea Valentine Gloria French Balnbon Terrac« (StralTord, Pa.) Oene Eyman Ore BlU Caritoo Howard Lanln Ore Bomaa Orllla Wndo A Wade Keeley & Kaye Little Skelter Claudlne Sandy McPheraon Olorla Dale Marty Devlne Orch RlTcr DriTe Tcr Dick Wharloii Oro Sam'a Cala Betty Shields Jack Lamont Mark Baker Anne l>ee Rddle Howard BUI Kelly Klnga of Rhythm Mike Ray Oro ScloUa'e Prankle Rietaardeon .Sonny Ray Mildred Ollson Black-Bye Peas Gertie Taylor Ore Silver Lake Ibd r.a Marlta Col Geo Reed D & J Herman Alice Lucey Montez ft Adele Ted Hale rrank Haaxel Ore Soo Bay Oardena Betty Behrle .'^wlniriTtera Kathorlne Kins Grace Lynn Roaalle Juvanelll nth St. RathakeUer Mario ft Marina Klton Brown Dixie Kenton Dave Vanfleld Ethel Brown VIette WIngo Joyettes Tony Bennett Ore Swaa Ciab Troy BrowD Clrllloa 3 Lane Sle .Maxine Coleman Baron Lee Vincent ,Rlzn> Ore TovB Tavern PrInceHA Chang Lee Barbara Joan Johnny Wacea Trana Allanllr L'tr Jack I^eura (3) Jamen r.«onetU Venice Grill Antone Bore Dolores Laurel Norma Norton Geo KrInog Marie Lament t>on Romero Don NIcbolojB Ore Weiier'* Hof Brao Carodea DIaa & Diane Hay O-Day Jane Mathews Irelanila Colemnna (21 Jinny O'Leary Templft nty 4 Julea Flncco'fi Ore Rather Eldora'llan> Vncht Club Betty Kernan I.*a J.awlor June Van Harry ll<illy Jack Hulrhlnsnn victor .Velnon Ore PITTSBtJBGH Detroit, Sept 1. Because of transportation difficuU ties, Ringling Bros. Circus Is play- ing longer stands this year and prob- ably will follow a similar policy next season. Hours late on Its opening here be- cause of transportation delays, the circus has been set in for six days, the longest run in years, whacking up the sUnd with three days each on the east and west sides of th« city. Big tent biz also is up enough, it was felt to warrant the longer playing dates with the consequent curtailment of smaller centers on the usual itinerary. The circus management feels that it does not want to be placed in the position of competing with troop trains and defense materials on the busy tracks—not to mention oil transportation. Transportation has become the Big Top's greatest head- ache with the circua train frequently standing for hours on sidings while troops roll by on the main tracks. However, there was one hearten- ing thing for the circus. Although Army officials and defense plant of- ficials here had protested the circus as too distracting' to men in th« arsenals, the City Fathers ruled the circus essential to morale and gave the green light to the local engage- ment. STRANDED IN VENEZDEU Alplae Lodga K Duffy Rev Art Farrar Ore Stadlers Horry St Lyna Muriel Page Gayle Robblna Arilagloa Ladse Pall Allwea Ore Jenny Lee BalcfHiadca Bob Lazar Ore Dale Spohrer -Mil Greea's Freddy Nagel Ore Lorraine Benson Uob Lochen Ble« BIdge laa I.OU Lucky Ore Cornell Cooper Boosle-Woacla Uub Cozy Harris Dancing Buddy Book Sherman Racehorse Wllllama Harry Comormdo Cork and Bottia Lloyd Fos Cotonlal J Splialny Ore Eddie Pejloa's Oeo Overholl Ore Ifcldle Peyton Marlon Muller SI Clab Maz Tarahia Pat McCauley Unda Cotta .Sally Rice Torchy Cole Sherrly Lane .Margie Norria Hotel Fort PHI Ken Bailey Ore Johnny Mitchell Harry Walton Jesale Wheatley lintel Henn (SilTer Urill) .Marty Schramm 4 Kings & Queen Dorothy Nesbllt Hotel 7(li Amat Many BIgley UHcorts Hotel RiHMeTcIt DIr-k Ilfirding Ifnh .MOHM Dime Juyce ildlrl Ki'lirnley rillly Minds Oic Jriy l.lntl llnlrl U'm Prnn IConllnrnlal Ilur) Itilly Caliy.one l.i-iirii f;«>r(loo l)>-no lirlll J"hn rr;iT Merry-Go-Rnnnd Mary Marahall The KHijulres Don Shore Nev lllllcrnt George Wclln Oro Mxun C.-ita Al Mnralco Oro Bob Carter Helene & Violin Cheater Dolphin The Leslies Not Uoase Piccolo Pete Ore Hal tt Dolly ' Tiny Miller Eddie Miller Ted Bloke Orchard laa Benny Burton Ort Oasis Al Snyder Ore Johnny Wiles Ptnes Don Rirtter Bill LeRoy Oro Jarfiues Belle Bedd's Cats Rudy Paul Oro Jans Irwin Hobby Normao esddle Palmer Sqnirrel Coop Rny Dunn Dale Harkneae Pat McOowan Snowball Jackson TrcloB Joey Reynolds Freddy Kose Eddie Meyers Yacbt Clab R Middleman Or> K.d'lle Metcalfe Jurkic Miles Joe & nctfy Lee Ruth Wayne Mtaco Sky-Vue Jimmy tjamtle Ore Ult:k ftliHH L'nion Grill Snmniy Walters Frank Notole MIko .Satwlrotlo Villa Madrid ntzl Covato Oro .Mark l.nno Inih Mti arihy Vvimii** * \"i«;lf.ry .Itili" .\al(.lty IJrii; <l»iiy In hft \lrlnry l.«iiince Vlrl^.ry 3 Mrlii-trr lioll S'-lf"n ,\1ai»l<-« itrc Caracas, Sept 1. Unable to secure permission to travel within Venezuela because ha is Italian and his wife is Austrian, Averse Pletro Blacaman, lion tamer and circus owner, is stranded in Maturin, Venezuela. The circus has been In the Interior Venezuela city more than a month and Blacaman says his 30 lions, 70 crocodiles and assorted animals, in addition to his 66 artists and laborers, are costing him over 1,000 bolivares I $300) a day to feed. He was scheduled to appear In Qulrl- quire and Carlpito following his Maturin appearance, but is ^eld up by strict Venezuelan rules regard- ing traveling by Axis nationals In petroleum producing states. Blacaman says that -if he Js .not. soon civen permission to continue his journey or to return to Caracas he will shoot the 11ns and burn the circus. • WIND WRECKS BLDGS. AT OHIO PARK; 6 HURT Cleveland, Sept 1. Six persons were injured and • rol ler-t'oaster ' structure - blown over by a near-cycIonlc wind that wrecked part of Geauga Lake Park last week. Customers Injured were trapped in the summer resort's bingo house and penny arcade, which were leveled when one end of the sky ride fell on those buildings. Damage estimated at $50,000. Fla. Tourisni ^sContlnned from pace Ida this winter, although troops and war supplies will, of course, have first call on all facilities. Optimistic outlook was revealed when Lockwood, following his Wash- ington visit, conferred here with E. P Owen, Jr., secretary of the Florida League of Municipalities. Lockwood is nrst vicepresldent of the league. After receiving assurances from war transportation officials that tourist travel will be permitted this winter, the two Palm Beach officials cor.lactcd operators of the resort C'ty's seasonal hotels and shops and lc.:rncd they plan to open for the