Variety (Dec 1942)

Wednesday, December 80, 1942 CHATTER 45 Jimmy Troupe due out of hospital '°George Jessel mulling an all-star revival of Jazz Singer." John Peter Toohey la pubUcist for *°Sifn^y BalabWans a Coast trip 'Tave Maye?T'3;-e Golden ('An- gel Street') boxofflce, lost his wife '*Gir^HaskeU is manager of the Morosco, now housing 'Proof Thro **'ch"ari« and Pinltie Gray after moving from Miami to the Coast, haclt in town. Ned Armstrong has talcen over from Bill Doll as agent for 'Stars on Ice,' Center. A servicemens oasis, called the Music Box Canteen, slated for the Greenwich Village section. Songstress Bea Wain's brother, Sid, is publicity aide to Benjamin Son- nenberg, Park Ave. public relationer. ■War workers spending it on them- selves accounted for the biggest Xmas yet,' according to N. Y. mer- chants. John Ringling North spending holidays in N. Y., while his brother. Buddy, is in Peru, Ind., with his family. Lt. Eddy Duchm doesn t go on P-C duty for another month and is reporting at Bklyn. Navy Yard meantime. Jack L. Warner and the Mrs. (Ann Alvardo) will be here for the next three weeks, following their Hot Springs, Ark., vacation. Alfred Harding of Equity to New England for a holiday. Ruth Rich- mond, also of Equity, on annual trip to Cleveland to visit her family. Capt. Bob Loe^^, ex-Liberty mag war correspondent who joined the regular army later, is house-guesting with the Quentin Reynoldses while on furlough. Arthur Schwartz and the Mrs. (Kay Carrylngton) return to the Coast and WB mid-January; ditto Arthur Kober who has a 20th-Fox. rewriting chore. Swank cast side spot slated for a .foldo, unless biz perks, right after first—Ken Liter's Royal Casino a pre-holiday casualty. Andy Kelley due in from D. C. to set the Birthday Ball show for FDR at the White House, which chore he usually handles. Kelley is drama critic of the Washington Star. Madison Ave. modiste Martha Le- vine's daughter is professionally, Lynn Phillips. 'Angel Street' under- study in the original Broadway cast, and now heading the touring com- pany. Federation luncheon for Jack Benny, sponsored by Barney Bala ban and Major Albert Warner, ad joumed until Jan. 7, because of comedian's camp entertainment itin erary. Martin Jurow, new WB talent scout in N. Y., will revive the idea of making tests east; also expedite new faces for the Burbahk plant. This relieves Jake Wilk of much de- tail, so that he can concentrate on scripts, etc. Flames in the Stork Club kitchen Christmas night sent 350 customers running to 53rd St. A few hardies, including Arthur Treacher, Charles Butterworth and Robert Benchley, remained at their tables while the 10-mlnute blaze was being doused. Hope Hampton (Mrs. Jules Brula' tour) laid up with flu following their Park Ave. home fire, which routed them into the nearby Bugs Baers' apartment, as the blaze was being fought. The Brulatours' opened win- dows, to dispel the smoke the next day, aggravated her cold. Harry M. Goetz in on Jed Harris' 'Dark Eyes,' which 20th-Fox is bank rolling. This makes the fourth un der Fox auspices, the others being 'Flarepath' (Gilbert Miller). 'Russian People' and Mike Todd's 'Something for the Boys,' of wrhich Fox contrib- uted a reported $63,0<)0; production nut, $120,000. SLLoois By Sam X. Hnrat Variety Club is sponsoring a drive to obtain blood for the Red Cross. Gillette and Richards currently headlining floor show at Club Con tinental. Hotel Jefferson. Russian Ballet will make five ap- pearances with the St. Louis symph orgh starting Friday (1). Savoy Lounge, is the newest nite., in town Located in the west end, spot teed off last week. M. H. Golds- worth is the manager. Rudy Vallee flew from the West ^-oast to appear at the Xmas party and dance tossed by the St. Louis coast Guard Sunday (27). ..Annual Xmas party sponsored uj 'he Better Films Council and Fan- cnon & Marco was attended by 250 atrl' *he Missouri the Patrolman Victor Rather suffered scalp wounds trying to quell a free inmS" 'I" Victory Club, a down ennM.I?'**'y- ^ riot call resulted in enough cops being on hand to pinch in the place. The Illinois SUte Fire Marshall is ""8 to determine the origin of the Are that destroytd the nilnol*, • tiS. seater in Metropolis, 111., last week O. F. Lessing, SL Ijoula, owner of the RItz, St. Charles, Mo., and the Va- riety Pictures, an Indle exchange here, is owner of the theatre. Death of Ben G. Brinkman, S5, once owner of Forest Park High- lands, major amusement park here, and the Arena, In Miami, Fla., still under investigation. At the time of his death Brinkman, who lost about $1,000,000 in enterprises here, was making a strong comeback with skat- ing rii^s, and an amusement park in Louisville, Ky. Spitalny Concert Continued from page 35 the Juilliard School, seemed, per- haps, even more facile at Liszt and Mendelsohn than the popular idiom with which they've best been iden- tified. And just for versatility's sake they displayed a sample of jive that was in the best tradition of that music. The tipoff to the Spitalny show- manship is when he can break up the musical interludes with a young- ster's reading of "The Night Before Christmas.' To the seasoned Tin Pan Alleyites—who comprised most of the audience—perhaps this little lady's reading may have been out of sorts from an entertainment standpoint, but there's no gainsay- ing its showmanship values in cater- ing to the more conservative ele- ment. The auspices were the Bap- tist Home for the Aged, hence all the more fitting. Another thing: no intermission. It's something practically unheard of in concert. But it wasn't missed. Still featured with Spitalny are Evelyn, violinist and arranger for the orch; Vivian, soprano of class- ical and light operas; Rosalinda, the pianist, and Maxine, contralto. All were excellent. This was an hour and a half of delightful charm. Kahn. No Guestars Continued from pafe 3 London fied soap operas. So far the only future booking is that of Wallace Beery and Marjorie Rambeau in The Bugle Sounds' Jan. 4. What lies beyond that is purely speculative, but ther; is some talk in the J. Walter Thompson agency of sending up a trial balloon of featured play- ers who do not have to worry about how to handle those big salaries. If it clicks, and the ratings don't suffer too much, the star guest sys- tem is as good as out imtil the lights go on again. That little matter of exchanging guest shots, becoming quite the thing with radio stars, may serve as at least a partial out for those programs which lean so strongly on visiting actors. That old saw about an ill wind, etc., will blow a wind- fall in the direction of those who need both the coin .and prestige, so mebbe it's happening for the best after all. Fred Allen and Jack Benny are swapping calls, as are Fibber Mc- Gee Si Molly and The Great Gil- dersleeve.' Plan looks like a way of getting around paying or re- ceiving coin to those over ceiling. William Mollison undergoing eye operation. Tom Bostock ju.t gut over a bad attack of ptomaine. Ben Lyon has applied for commis- sion in the American Army. Squadron Leader Roy Royston in civvies after thrt- years in the Brit- ish Air Force. Bessie Hay (Tracey &) in Univer- sity hospital under observation. Ex- pected to give birth in April. Bud Flanagan, Jr., now doing vaudeville act on his own. It com- prises ventriloquism and comedy patter. Stetson out of "Venus Comes to Town,' the Whitehall theatre revue, for several weeks, due to knee jury suffered in blackout. Maurice J. Wilson has purchased film rights of 'Blackout in Gretley,' J. B. Priestly's latest book which he intends to film early next year. Milton Rosmer appointed director of Stratford-on-Avon Shakespeare Festival* in succession to B. Iden Payne, who held the post for eight years. Jack Waller to io musical version of Avery Hopwood's old farce, 'The Best People,' which will tour the sticks. Come:, to the West End in M.rch or April. George Black, despite having lost appeal against recent $8,000 fine, has intimated to his friends he intends to appeal, and is even prepared to go to the House of Lords with the case. Butcher's films is dickering with Jessie Matthews and Sid Field, pro- vincial comic. 10 star in 'First Night,' story by John Byrd, from the British Broadcasting Corp. Would be pro- duced by D. T. Stewart, with Red Davis directing. A revival of 'East Lynne' in the West End is 'threatened' by Jack Buchanan shortly. Buchanan, inci- dentally, has leased the Lyric thea- tre from Associated Theatre Prop- erties for one year, having paid $20,000 rent in advance. Complaints Directors of ad agency radio de- partments have been complaining during the past week that they have encountered considerable difficulty in lining up film talent for guest ap- pearances after the first of the year. The talent agents, say the agency men, tell them that the screen names contacted have declined to accept any more radio dates imtil they see whether Washington issues any re- vised regulations on the $25,000 net income ceiling. The stars don't want to be put in the position of being unable to accept full salaries after doing the air appearance. Several agency radio execs have for the past several days been trying to check on a report that film stu- dios have tied up their contract names in such a manner as to make it almost impossible for them to ac- cept radio guest dates if the income ceiling remains as is. According to the report, most of the Hollywood producers have prevailed upon their major contract talent to agree in writing not to accept any outside work until their earnings from the contract-employers has first reached a gross total of $67,200. If this report, say the agency men. turns out to be true, they figure they won't be able to obtain as guests anything but the fledgling element among screen players, or known players whose services are not in such great demand among film pro- ducers.' Allied Theatres group held open house at their film row headquarters Christmas eve. Rialto Theatre charging $2.20 top for New Year's Eve performance. Charged $1.65 last year. WAC publicity committee met in Bill Hollander's office to map plans for this sector. Hollander is chair- man. Lester Stepner doing pubhclty for McVickers Theatre in addition to his duties as manager of the LaSalle Theatre. Candy shortage felt on Randolph St. a couple of days before Christmas when Mrs. Snyder's store had to close because of a sell out. Edward Alperson, general man- ager RKO theatres, held meeting of film theatre owners here in behaU of United Nations War Drive. Murray Bloom, former agent here, making his first visit in years as manager of Ella Fitzgerald and the Four Keys, playing the Oriental. James C. Petrillo was host at an annual Christmas party and dinner given for the blind musicians of Chi- cago. Affair held at the Blackstone hotel. Some 1,000 sailors, students of the Navy's Radar school here, Army and Navy officials and others attended the Christmas luncheon given at the Hotel Sherman last Thursday (24) by John Balaban. of the Press, in town last week doing publicity for Siginund Romberg. Harry Goldberg, WB biggie, around pepping the boys up on com- ing United Nations War Relief drive. U exchange manager Pete Dana's son. Warren, turned down by marines because of color-blindness. Mike Stranges — he quit nitery singing for a defense job — have named the new arrival Michael Ivan. Grace Lunt, the dancer to Fort McLelland. Ala., to spend the h3li- days with her husband, Milt Broudy. Roberta Lee's (Lee Brown Singer) gift from the boy friend, Artie Dunn, of Free Suns, was a wire-haired ter- rier. Mary Lou Savage, show girl with 'Priorities,' back to Chi after spend- ing four-day layoff with the folks here. WB district managers and depart- ment heads presented their boss, Moe Silver, with combination radio and victrola. Critic Karl Krug's son to MIT for his basic training in air force. He was a junior at Penn State College when he enlisted. C^rl Robinson, former Variety Club steward and now manager of Officers Club at Rapid City, S. D.. home for 10 days. Don Bestor's 16-year-old dctler. Mary Ann. who was born here while dad was playing at William Penn Hotel, signed for No. 2 com- pany of 'Eve of St. Mark.' Hollywood By Hal Cohen John McGreevey, head booker for Harris outfit, bedded with the flu. Playhouse has extended run of 'Ten Minute Alibi' for another week. Ellen Vargo, former local dancer, back for an engagement at Villa Madrid. First week of Variety Club Can- teen, the juke-box there was played 5,040 times. Jimmy Spitalny and two members of his band go into the army air force Jan. 22. Gene Kelly's mother has left for Hollywood to spend a few weeks with the actor. Jackie Heller to Dallas after finish- ing record engagement at I.atin Quarter in Chi. Lou Boltnn taking his 16-year-old singing protege. Patti Lou Bolton, to N. Y. next month. Mrs. Felming Carpenter, wife of the exhib. in 'Topeka, Kansas, with her ailing father. Jimmy Balmer back in town after company-managing 'Icecapades' on road for few weeks. Enoch Rauh Club turning over proceeds from New Year's Eve party to Variety Club Canteen. Joe Tucker, first m.& of WWSW 1500 Club, on the same show again after three-year absence. Band-leader Arthur Ravel owns a chicken farm in Morristown, N. J. His wife and in-laws run it. Capt. Herb Morrison, former WCAE announcer, home on leave from Oklahoma City air base. Art Cnrman, former radio editor Miami Lew Mercur's Nut Club for sale. Gus Van into Mother Kelly's in definitely. Danny Yates and orc-i opening at Ira's Supper Club. Elyne Condos, sister of the Condos Bros., opens at the Bali. Tom Williams out of hospital and back at the Clover Club. Kitty Davis starting new policy with Sunday afternoon shows. Curfew Law extended one hour for New Year's Eve in niteries. Harry Richman trained out for Cincinnati and the Beverly Hills Country Club. Acts for Olympia theatre missed first show because of transporta- tion difficulties. George Biddle, American painter here from Rio where he painted r irals for the National Library of Brazil. George Sedano, professional dan- cer and former head waiter at the Latin quarter here, found drowned, af,er a fishing trip. The Riptide on the beach which has been renamed the 'Riptide Ball of Fire' opened a new show with Priscilla Barber, Judy Martin, Mar- guerite Haas, and Dolly Edwards. Mexico City By DoDflai L. Graham* Niteries did big biz Christmas Eve. Lynn Bari, screen actress, vaca- tioning here from Hollywood. Rio and Rita (Charles and Lucille Romero), U. S. dance team, featured on the floor show at the Waikiki nitery here. Walt Disney paid courtesy calls upon President Manuel Avila Ca- macho and Miguel Aleman, Minister of the Interior. Salvador Ortigosa, Jr.. has as- sumed charge of the publicity de- partment of Pan-American Films, newly organized distributor of Mex- ican and foreign pix. Ann Sheridan presented with a handsome Mexican sombrero by the Mexican pic industry at the party it gave in her honor at El Patio. Pres- entation was made by pic actress Susana Guizar. Triplet daughters of Dr. Jorge Boyd. Panamanian Minister to Mex- ico, Christmasing here from Holly- wood where they are studying. Ac- complished guitarists and singers, they ve been featured in a special show over XEW. Delicados Cigar- ettes sponsored. Luplta Tover signed for the femme lead in Spanish version of Tolstoy's 'Resurrection,' which Jesus Grovas 8c Co. is to start here soon. She played the name lead in 'Santa' CSalntess'). first talker produced in Mexico in 1030. Grovas version of 'Resurrection,' It is claimed, will be the first in Spanish. I Hub 'System' || Lj^s Continued from pax* 41 ^^sl turned for his own use or there would be no performance. Seems he had trouble getting tickets for friends and 'went' for $22 for a pair. On Saturday (26), at matinee time there were no tickets for the night performance on hand. Com- pany manager thereupon warned the Shubert house management thai he would expect a statement for capacity. Late in the afternoon some tickets turned up in the boxofflce and 15 remained unsold. Manage- ment refused to settle unless that deadwood was included as tickets sold. Miriam Hopkins ill at home with flu. Ronald Colman returned from hit Broadway hegira. Pal O'Brien to be guest of honor at Boston's biggest bond rally Jan. 21 Fred Maguire joined Walt Disney productions as supervising film edi- tor. Lily Cavell Smith, screen actress, divorced A. Wayne Smith, studio technician. Morgan Conway going back to the Broadway stage after several years in pictures. Melvyn Douglas, now in the Army, resigned as a memt>er of State Social Welfare Board. Drvid E. Rose, managing director for Paramount in'England, passing the holidays here. Jack Chertok in Washington con- ferring with officials on an Interna- tional goodwill film. Howard, Fine and Howard (Three Stooges) resume film work on their current eastern stage tour. Charles P. Skouras and Charles Buckley returned from National T!~»ati-es meeting in New York. Scott R. Dunlap, severely burned in the Boston night vlub fire, helped Monogram celebrate Christmas. George D. Burrows, former New York banker, checked ' at Mono- gr-m to handle the studio's finances. Edward Everett Horton taking bis -Springtime for Henry' on the road again, opening Christmas Day in De- troit. .loseph M. Schenck and WUliam Perlberg returned to their 20th-Fox desks after business trips to New Yo'k. Walt Disney returned from Mexico City, where he collected material for a second Latin American cartoon feature. Tyrone Power billed by Uncle Sam for $14,802 back taxes, BiUie Burke for $4,744 and Joseph I. Breen, $2 309 Jesse Lasky back from San An- tonio, Tex., where he attended hU daughter Betty's wedding to Lieut Buddy Barasch. Jose Iturbi aired back from Broad- way to resume his Metro film job in 'Private Miss Jones,' interrupted by Christmas concerts. John Qualen and Jean Hersbolt succeeded Olivia de Ravilland and John Butler on the board of direc- tors of Screen Actors' Guild. Mary Phillips (Mrs. Kenneth Mac- Kenna) resuming her film career in 'Lady In the Dark* at Paramount after an absence of five years. Freddie Bartholomew's parents ob- tained court permission to renew their $1,000,000 suit against the young sUr and his aunt, Mllllcent Bar- tholomew. Spencer Tracy returned from New York following postponement of bU overseas tour to entertain soldiers. Trip will be made when the Gov- ernment clears necessary transporta- tion arrangements. By 81 ShaltB Children of staffers guests at Xmaj party at WIP studios with Howard Jones acting as St Mick. Minto Cato, formerly with 'Show- boat' added to Irvin Wolfs Rendez- vous show at Hotel Senator. Hank Lawson has taken hit wrx ii 'KnighU of the Road' to WHK, Cleveland, for a t wo-mo nth's stay. Bernie Barth, WFIL spieler, is spending a vacation In South Dakota, with Johnny Scheuer subbing for him. Black Hills Passion Players wind up a successful month's stay at Town Hall ThuTs. Ol) sponsored by the Lions' Clubs here. Bandleader Tommy Tucker was guest on Harold (Buzz) Davis' show over WDAS from backstage of Earle Monday nieht (26). Lieut. Kenneth Stowman, ex- publicity director of WCAU, now head of radio division of the Navy Public Relations Office here. An- other navy addition is Lieut, (j. g.) Lou Cunningham, ex-p.a. of Atlantic City. Shuberts Lose Continued from page 41 ss Robert W. Christie against the 46th Street Theatre Corp. and Select Operating Co., Shubert subsidiaries, asking $500 damages for breach of contract on the ground that the plaintiff, holding a ticket for 'Panama Hattie,' had been refused admission to the show, then current at the 46th St. theatre, N. Y. Suit was regarded at that time as a test case brought by the Shuberts against themselves. They have for years carried on sporadic feuds with critics and the press, in ntmierous instances barring them from thea- tres. They strenuously but vainly opposed passage of the state law, which had been introduced at the suggestion of Leonard Lyons, N. Y. Post columnist at that time barred from .^►'••h»-f house?