Variety (Dec 1942)

S8 VAUDEVILLB Wednesday, December 30, 1942 Tibbett Sets Aid of Crafts Combo In Fight Vs. Leon-Eddie's Nitery Lawrence Tibbett, chairman of the committee a|)|)ointed by the As- sociated Actors and Artistes of America to netioliale settlement of the American Guild of Variety Artists dispute with th» Leon & Eddies nitery in New York, will meet this week with William Feln- berg, secretary of the New York musicians local, to arranga for more decisive action. Understood this will probably consist of formal ap- proval, by the theatrical crafts eombine. of tlie Four A'f compro- mise conlriict. after which all of the crafts are expected to support the Four A's unfair action against the •tub. The dispute stemmed from the nitery's reluctance to sign • new pact, calling for increased mini- mums, with AGVA, a Four A's af- filiate. Following the original Four A's unfair action the dlsput* was handicapped by the theatrical orafts decision that the new proposed con- tract was too steep. Since then the Four A's had modified Its proposals and, with the club stlU unresponsive, the performer union contacted tiie musicians and arranged tor their support. Sedano, Former Dancer, Found Drowned in Fla. Body of George C. Sedano. 49, one- time of dance team of Elizabeth Brown Sc Sedano. was found last week off Miami by Coast Guardsmen patrolling the area by boat. Sedano and a companion, Benja- min G. Brinkman, 55, of Louisville, Ky., had been missing a week after setting out on a fishing trip. Brink- man's body first was discovered by aerial searchers while a search by the Coast Guardsmen yielded Se- dano's body several hours later. Brinkman's body bore head wound, but Navy and Coast Guard intelli- gence ofticers offered no theory of violence. NABE VAUDE ON UPBEAT IN DETROIT Phil Kaye Draft 'Eyaston* Trial Slated for Jan. 4 According to Dave Schooler of USO-Camp shows, Inc., who last week advised 'Variety* that the charges of draft board evasion (gainst actor Phil Kaye had been dismissed, his information came from the chief clerk of Kaye'a local draft board in Union City, N. J. The re port this week is that no hearing was held. Kaye, working in a Camp Shows tabloid unit, had been arrested by the FBI in Philadelphia on charges filed by the draft board. Camp Shows had provided Kaye with eharacter reference. Since news of the dropping of the charges against Kaye, which "sur prised' the U. S. Commlssifmer in Philadelphia who had pos^ned the case to Monday (4), Kaye'a draft board has notified Camp Shows that Kaye would -be Inducted by the Army within 10 days. Wanda Bigley, who used to have her own strolling unit at William Penn hotel's Continental Bar, Pitts- burgh, is back there again, but as accordionist for Billy Oitlzone's foursome. Her own unit broke up couple o'f months back with enlist' ment of her husband, Harry Bigley, In the Navy. Pictalo Pete band set for new Nut House in downtown Pittsburgh when It opens next week. He was at high' way Nut House when It closed last month on account of gas rationing, many months. I 25G Zero Hour ContlBind from race > ^=s| submitted by motion picture com- panies several weeks ago have re- mained unanswered. «l,70«-«-Weck7 In cases of actors, producers, di- rectors and writers currently in the $70,000 to $BS,000-$90,000 brackets, under 40 or 42-week contracts, it appears likely that studios will en- deavor to establish a pro rata week- ly salary basis of around $1,700. Screen Actors Guild officials are prepared to oppose a pro rata sal- ary plan, but thei-e is a likelihood that many performers would be willing to play along with the studios in cases (working the full period contracted for) where the salary difference after figuring taxes would not be great. Where larger salary and/or percentage deals are involved, and in the case of free- lancers commanding $75,000 or more per picture, there is no great con- fidence among studio toppers that the same number of appearances can be secured under the income ceiling. Some possibility exists of a test case emerging should a studio, hav- ing contracted to pay a star .say $250,000 for several pictures, seek to retain the services of the player for the fuU number of pictures at the $67,200 maximum salary al- lowed under the law. Detroit, Dec. 29, With the first-run film houses here still hesitant to put In stage shows, despite the big spending in the town, the nabes continue to build up. Most typical case Is that of the Krim theatre, six miles out from the loop in North Detroit, which started off a month ago booking in local' radio names. From such an initial start as Tim Doolitte and His Gang,' which has barnstormed in Mich- igan out of a local radio station, the theatre has worked up to a more expensive policy. For the Christmas weekend the house put in Bob Chester and his band for a three-day spot. House also has gone to matinee use of the big bands and has inked in for sue cessive dates Henry Bus.se, Frankie Masters, Bob Strong, Chico Marx and several others. The Krim's experiment is being watched carefully by other large nabes which figure the time Is ripe for cashing in on the long dearth of vaudeville dowjitown with gas ra tioning being a weighty factor to put them out in fi-ont by offering "more than you get downtown.' Thomson Eaal far Parleya Kenneth Thomson, executive secretary of the Screen Actors Guild, is heading east. First stop will be Washington, where he will huddle with Government execs, pre- sumably on interpretations of the Wage Stabilization rulings. Then he is expected in New York where the Associated Actors and Artistes of America are awaiting his arrival to proceed with the prob- lem of negotiating a contract with the Arthur Wirtz ice shows. Billy Tates' threesome (Yales on the guitar, Charlie Carter, violin and Al Azzaro, accordionist) has re turned to the Music Bar, Pittsburgh, for second engagement there in as 'Proof Thru Higbt'l ace 1 S Continued from pafe she resorted to dope to alleviate pain as the result of an injury All-femme cast play was written about two years ago by Allan R Kenward, who was a Hollywood play reader. Originally the locale was son\ewhere in England, which was changed to that of Bataan Author also staged the play and brought a flock of sound effects ap paratus from the Coast. Most of the effects are on records, the turntables being placed in boxes on either side of the house. Tliat peculiarly calls for a stage manager to be in the front of the house, which is said to have been insisted upon by Ken- ward. Why the equipment was not spotted backstage Is explained by the author's insistence that the opera tors have full vision of the action. New Act ELISSA LANDI Impressions, 10 MiBS. Casbah, N. T. New supper club Introduces Elissa Landl, from screen and stage —and also quondam novelist—to the niterieif. A good booking on name values. Miss Landi brings with her an histrionic artistry which needs better pacing for the cafe league She does two basic numbers, but both are ol the same pattern, i. c.. takeofis or impressions on the same premise. One shows how different actresses would read the same love scene. The second, and last, number contrasts the elopement styles, circa 1600, 1860, 1913 and 1042. Both manifest good writing and intelUgent interpretations, but they're not the best bet for the saloon trade, because after all that' what this is. Not that the diner, aren't attentive, but it's their passive attention which is the more discon- certing. Withal, Miss Landi is more Ruth Draper than Shiela Barrett; more concert platform or parlor entertainment than nite club. The American tyro, the English girl, the Viennese actress and the rank amateur, all doing the same love passage, with different intona- tions, should be cut 50% for best ef- fect What follows is also in the same Idiom, i. e. the romantic gals, on the eve of elopement, in four dif- ferent time periods. Once planted, the progression is obvious. None the less, Miss Landi brings a class style and manner into the sup- per clubs. Now If she would only bring some classier material! AbeV Night Club Reviews Latin Quarter, Miami Miami, Dec. 22. 'Folies D'Ahiout,' tuith Lou Walters, Helen Carroll, Jacqueline Mitrinc, Stanley Twins, Gvpsv Ab- bott OTid Mazzone Dancers, Herraro, Joan Stanley, June Gruuielt, 3 Shades of Blue, John & ElizabetJi Chadtuick, Jane Wood & Douglas Sylvan, Carol King, Bob Fuller Sextet, Wally Wanger Girls. Lotin Quarter Lovelies, Manny Gates Orch. Lou Walters opened the Latin Quarter on 'Palm Island last night (21) with the Miami version of Folies D'Amour.' the revue that was so succe.«ful at Walters' Latin Quarter in New York. It's by far the most extravagant production Miami has seen in night clubs this season, and the opening night audi- ence showed its approval. Prior to the opening in Miami Uic revue .<:topped over in Jacksonville for five performances in two days at Uic Naval Air Station. As an added attraction. Walters had Jimmy Durante, who came down from New York especially for this occasion and tlien retin'ned im- mediately, Nitery was filled to capacity open- ng night, with civilian population, for the first time in night clubs this season, outnumbering the Army and Navy about 10 to 1. Folies D'Amour' i.s a revue in two acts and 14 scenes. Show opciis with traditional song. The Latin Quarter,' sung by Helen Carroll, and then goes into an opening can-can dance which introduces the eye- filling line. In midst of number, Jacqueline Mignac contributes her high kicks. The Bob'Fuller Sextet, group of neat-appearing young men. whose versatility includes dancing with the line and later singing in the background, gives the opening an added lift, and the Stanley Twins top off this number with a series of acrobatic steps while the line is dancing. Entire opening is well staged, exciting ~and sets the mood and pace of the show. Scene two Is 'Montmartre Mad ness,' presenting the Gypsy Abbott and Mazzone dancers. Apache group who were big favorites also at the Latin Quarter In New York. Their furious knockabout is still sure flre. Scene three is a specialty spot for the Stanleys who, while smoking cigarets, do a series of arrabatics to strong applause. Scene four in- troes for the first appearance in this country, Herrara, who sings 'I Wont My Mammy' and 'South American Way.' Just didn't click and made his first American exit to mild ap- plaus. Jacqueline Mignac on next with smooth aero dancing. Scene billed as 'Ptiantasie Bleu et Blanc' introduces several acts for individual spots. Miss Carrol vocals while the 'Ladies in Waiting' and 'Chevaliers' parade. Joan Stanley does a swing toe dance, and June Gniwell solos with a tap number. The Three . Shades of Blue, Char- lotte LaVelle, Lynettc Brown and' Francine Warner, then go through modernistic terps. John and Eliza- beth Chadwich, ballroom team, dis- play the seme rhythmic grace that made them a hit at the Latin quar- ter in "ew York. After short intermission of cus- tjmer dancing, act two opens with production number. The Bridal Waltz.' Wally Wanger Giris dance as bridesmaids, the Bob Fuller Sex- tet as ushers, and the Chawicks return to dance. Stanley Twins are effective in Ttence of the Shadows.' Herrara, in second appearance, gives an im- pression of a Brazilian Gypsy Rose Lee, with a special song extolling the virtues of strip teasing. 'She' finally removes a wig to reveal that she is a he. Act is clever, but Herrara is handicapped by first ap- pearance. If he had come out in one spot, done his Carmen Miranda and then the Brazil flan strip tease, he would have been a much bigger hit, and could easily become the out standing novelty of the Tolies' DAmour.' Carol King ballerina, next dances to the 'Blue Danube,' displaying showmanship. Audience wanted to see more of her. Next on is Fuller Sextet led by Jane Wood and Douglas Sylvan in singing specialty First number Is dedicated to the late George M. Cohan J.^.opener and the group did Justice to the songs. Strong ap- plause greeted singing and patriotic medley was a fitting prolog to the finale that followed. Final number sUrts with Wally Wanger Girls as Drum Corps Cadets beating martial rhythm on drums and parading around floor in various formations. Lynette Brown as niajoret handles baton with a series of tricky twirls. The entire com- pany marches on, carrying colorful flags shining in dim lighting. It's spectacular and deeply Impressed .the audience. Lou Walters hw • T»pened * the Miami season with a show that will give impetus to the night life of this military area. It's a show that Army, Navy, civilians and military alike will go for in a big way. Manny Gates and his orchestra supply the music, and an extra bow goes to Dave Lester, who was called in at the last moment to direct. Bill. CASBAH, N. Y. Etissa Lniicli. Elsie Hoiisloii, Don Maya Orcli (8); $3.50 dinner, $2.50 niininiinn. Situated on Central Park South, in the Hotel Navario, the New Casbah for the S\Tsi time, h;is a real chance to click. It's in a currently popular idiom. North African (Tunisian French), decor by Franklyn Hughes who has done well with other smart boites. and under a distingui.Mied style of operation, bossed by Max Cassvan. Latter hiis been identined with many popular French spots, familiar to the pre-war international set such as Le Perroquet El Garo'i, Hungaria and Liiln. in Paris: the C^smo St. Maxim and Juan Les Pint on the French Riviera; Le Palais de la Mcditerrane. in Nice; and La Bon- boniera, '•omc. The Cai^ah brings to midtown Manhattan a lw. "rful and nostalgic class atmosphere, m> '^hed by superb cuisine (chef from the Belgian Pavi- lion of the N. Y. Worid's Fair) Shortcoming is the divertissment which, however, is adequate, albeit not as dLstinguished as the environ- ment. The Don Maya band (8) Is OK, and Paul Taubman at the Nova- chord makes with the musical inter- ludes in more than satisfactory man- ner. Elissa Landi brings a quasi-name (New Acts) to supper clubs, but re- quires punching up. Elsie Houston, the Brazilian songstress, long stand- ard at Le Ruban Bleu, and later the Rainbow Room, is the topper-offer with her Portuguese conceits. For the $3.50 dinner minimum, however, it's an excellent buy on food and at- mosphere values alone. Abel. CAFE ROUGE. N. Y. (PENNSYLV.^NIA HOTEL) Cliurlie Spival; Orch (16) with Gury Stevens, June Hufton, Star- dusters (4); no iiiininiiiin, cover 75c weekdays. $1 weekcndK. Considerably more popular since it was here last, Charlie Spivak's or- chestra has also improved its musi- cal stature to a point where it's now a fine band from any angle. For som time after the band was formed a couple years ago it plryed like a comer in a ballad groove, but couldn't quite coordinate itself in up tempos. Happily, that failing' hlfe been corrected, along with rnintv musical weaknesses, and the outfit .now stands out in bold relief from the class of bands just below the top bracket, needing only a nud^e lu project It among those. This band, like the majority of really outstanding comt>os, is pegged on the ability of its leader. Spivak plays trumpet, and he's a master «f the instrument. He confines his soloing, wisely, to slower tempo de- liveries like 'White Christmas.' on which he does an outstanding job. When he first started to receive recognition. Spivak did virtually all his soloing muted; gradually he shifted more and more to open trumpet until the muted jobs are few and far between. As a imit Spivak's band, com- prised of five sax, three trumpeU; (four with leader), three trombones and four rhythm, now plays with excellent ensemble feel. Brass and sax sections are full and toneful, but it's the rhythm that becomes immediately noticeable because of past performances. It now sparks the whole with a steady, solid and rounded beat. That it appeals in a definite way to youngsters was ap- parent the night caught. Room was jammed with them. Gary Stevens is back again on vo- cals, until the Army Air Corps calls him for training, and he's doing his usually excellent job. June Hutton is also an asset on rhythm lyrics, while the two, plus three other boys, form the Stardusters. a likeable group. Wood. Union Reelects Dailey Frank Dailey, owner of Meadow- brook, Cedar Grove, N. J., was re- elected to the execirtive board of local 16, Newark. N. J., arm of the American Federation of Musicians, li.- also won reappointment as • delegate to the national ATM con- vention. It's -Ws second -yeBT ■ in* botir Jobs.