Variety (Jul 1944)

Wednesday, July 5, 1944 Inside Stuff-legit Stagehands in Broadway legit houses were to hava received retroactive pay on the basis of the Regional War Labor Board decision which re- cently granted a 12% increase as of Feb. 1, 4% of which wu to be in lieu of vacations. Order to withhold the retroactive coin was sent managers by the League of New York Theatres at the last minute, when lawyers examined the WLB verdict and found an apparently contradicting para- graph. .':;" ■ ; -' V*. Only department heads.are involved by the confusing itipulatioh, but it held up payment to. all, also the start of the weekly boosted scales. Paragraph in question is said to read that heads who were continuously employed for 46 weeks were not to get compensation lh lieu of vacations. That was taken to mean_ that the 4% was not payable,, and so it delayed the whole retroactive pay schedules. Therefore, for the second time WLB I be actually barred from" their thea" Shuberts J Continued from paf« 1 ' l "official," although ,fce was just about to leave for the Coast. Garland was informed that if he came to first nights, he'd have to sit in the back part of the house. The critic replied that maybe the Shubert,shows would look better to him from such location. Indicated that the. cr.tie would re- ceive poor seats from the Shuberts. Shuberts did riot say tha t he w ould has been asked to clarify the order. Paul Robeson's contract With the Theatre Guild for appearances In "Othello," which closed a record N. V-. run last week, 37 weeks, for a revival of the Shakespearean classic; at the Shubert, N, Y„ is more metic- ulous than first reported. .- < ■ ■_">. Colored star's agreement is that if he detects segregation of Negroes- in any part, of the theatre, he can walk off the stage. Robeson opined that the story in "Variety" last week may have indicated that house man- agers out of town might group tickets sold to Negroes, so he stated that there is to be no segregation under his contract. ,;/'..; Show packed 'em in for the final week at the Shubert, gross being around $24,500. ■■•r: . '■ ■■'.:,.:.;: " f - J ';V ■ • It cost • Ralph Steinberg more money to back the beer-hiss-the-villain meller, "Broken-Hearts on Broadway," in an east side upstairs joint than he originally figured. The disc maker established his turkey as "stock" with Equity/ rules of that outfit requiring at least two different plays in order for stock salary minimums to apply. . Show closed'-after-two-weelcs-and therefore-was recVassified-as-^produc- tion" by Equity, which meant that instead of a $46 per week minimum the players got at least $57.50. Two weekend and a midnight performance were given, so the actors.got two-eighths extra pay for each, or one*fourth of a week's coin more than their contractual salary. Manuel Barbera, who did the Argentine translation of Catherine Turney and Jerry Horwin's "My Dear Children" (John Barrymore'i last play) reports that the.Buenos Aires engagement ran 173 performances, ending June 16, and grossed: almost 200,000 Arg.. pesos, or around . $75,000. Said to topArsenic' and Old ace," "The Women" and "Tobacco Road," three previous highs as regards U. S. hits transplanted to B. A.. Company now touring LaPlata, Rosario and Montevideo until July 31 and may return to B. A. Meantime Horwin, on the Coast, is working on the screenplay of "George White's Scandals" for RKO. . .;; ! '".;.'! Army Capt. Shepard Traube, who landed on both feet, by producing "Angel Street" (Golden, N. Y.), says that contrary to reports Judith Evelyn Will probably resume her part in the imported meller when It takes to the road, possibly next season. She was recently replaced by Viola Keats for the Broadway run.. , ■ v -. Traube says that it's also possible that his meal ticket will be on Broad- way during the season of 1945-46. Show is in its 135th week. Lou Walters, whose vaudeville revue, "Take a Bow," folded after a week and a half at the Broadhurst, N. Y., where it drew only fairish notices, " reveals - fhe~s~how~cdst $1^00-"to-prodTtce,—Rereipts-to1sleTr-$-r8;060-^or-the- ■ engagement. '",• / '.''■ ' • •'■ ,'•'".'• '-•■;■, Walters, who produced "Artists and Models," another short-lived revue, last season, plans a Willie Howard musical for the fall entitled "Hail Columbia," with Guy Bolton writing the book, George S. Kaufman, who was announced to stage "The Late George Apley," will also collaborate in dramatizing the John P. Marquard story. It" will have been the first time in three years for Kaufman's name on; a program as an author, H's last previous collaboration was with Edna Ferber in "The Land Is Bright," which played the Music Box, N. Y., for a limited stay, after opening in November, 1941. Additional June birthdays celebrated last week included those of Paul DullzeH of Equity, a close runner-up to John Golden as a legit vet. Golden's general manager, John Pollock, also chalked up another year during the past month. .."'....'-■'- . Golden did a .fadeout on his natal day and m'issed a congratulatory tele- phone call from Eleanor Roosevelt. ^ Contracting to go into the Mike Todd-Mae West show, "Catherine Was Great," Philip Huston continues his Unique record of not being out of work for 244 weeks. Actor, whose last Broadway appearance was in "Othello," which closed Saturday (1), has appeared steadily in 30 plays in N. Y., on the road or in summer stock. Frederick Lonsdale's "The Last of Mrs. Cheney" was revived In London about three weeks ago and, according to private advices, it should score another, run. When the play Was originally presented over there it ran for two years. It was also a hit over here, one of, the comparatively few English comedies which have clicked on Broadway. Edition Ryan, Broadway actor, debuts as director, staging "The Male Animal-' for the Bucks County Play- house, Philadelphia, week of July 10. Equity Council OK's Dullzell As AAA Aide Meyer Davis' legit hits pursue him. or vice versa, judging by his current stay in Frisco where "Tomorrow the World" is current and "Merry Widow" opens July 10. Davis owns a piece of both. Meantime he's casting the Coast company of "Wallflower" which Warners bought, WB may lend him some people for the Coast tour. '-.(.' ':■ ■ 'BERNADETTE' TO GET WASH. LEGIT TEST Washington, July 4. Catholic University will put on the first performances of "Song of Ber- nadette" as a play this-summer„With the full approval of author Franz Werfel,the author team of Jean and Walter Kerr, of the" CU faculty dramatized the book.: ■ University also plans to revive Eugene O'Neiirs "Ah, Wilderness" in early July. "Sing Out, Sweet Land." the CU musical, will be tried out by La.wrence Langner at . his Westport, Conn., theatre before the new season starts. On these perform- ances the Theatre Guild will decide whether to "do is professionally. ; "Bernadette,". if it catches on as Play, will be running in opposition to the 20th-Fox: screen version, due for general release next season. ' : ' tres, because under a state law no person with; tickets of admission can be denied entrance, so Garland could buy tickets, if they were not issued to him gratis. The court test was started by an upstater who was barred several seasons ago from see- ing "Panama Hattie"- at the 46th Street theatre, ,N, Y,,, and' : .the plaintiff was awarded $500 from the house. Shubert name did not Critic*' Come-Uppance Broadwayites were inclined to giggle when word was passed around that the Shuberts had barred Robert Garland,, drama critic of the N. Y. Journal- American, because of his adverse notice on "Ten Little Indians," new mystery meller at the Broadhurst,^;One showman said: "Why, you haven't come of age until being barred by the Shu- berts. v . ;.' George Jean Nathan, however, has been covering the theatre for 35 years and, despite his col- orful flair for writing what he thinks of shows, he's always . there on the aisle; cuffo, of course. •'. ■>'>; Producers Demand Right to Hire New Aides, Balking ATAM Contract LEE SHUBERT BUYS ♦ The revised basic agreement be- lt weeri the League of New York The- ■ 'atres and the Association of The- atrical Agents and Managers has 50% OF COAST CLICK b Los .^hgeles, July, 4. supposed that all points at issue had appear in the papers but their lawyers were known to have forced the issue. '■-./',;'' Leonard Lyons' Campaign That case stemmed from another barring matter by the Shuberts, who objected to the comments of Leonard Lyons, columnist but not the critic for the N, Y. Post. Lyons is credited with getting an assem- blyman to introduce a bill in the N. Y. state legislature prohibiting inaiu^ers-__from -keeping. any_one_ with tickets- from theatres, unless for disorderly conduct. •""'':■ Shuberts have been waging con- tests with the press for years arid the only time they won was in the case of. the late Alexander Wooll- cott, who was then critic of the N. Y. Times. Right of the managers to "cancel" a ticket was upheld in court but later that decision j^jis upset. "Variety" is supposed to have been barred from Shubert the- atres for around 20 years but this paper covers first nights regardless. No. other managers except the Shuberts have warred so consistent- ly with the newspapers. They ob- jected to Walter Winchell because of a notice, and the columnist-critic spoofed the Shuberts by attending at least one first night disguised with a beard! Among those they picked on was George Holland, Bos- ton columrfist-critic who is still supposed to be in the doghouse. Last year J. J. Shubert was in- censed Over a Washington, D. C, no- tice of a musical he presented and demanded that the critic be barred. He was politely told by the National theatre manager that the house was not controlled by the Shuberts, so his protest sputtered out. —-New- operetta, "Song of Norway..",, which played to capacity for three weeks here and is now doing three weeks in Sari Francisco, will open on Broadway in September. Lee Shubert, after seeing Satur- day's (1) final performance of "Song of Norway." . at the Philharmonic, met with Ed Lester and Homer Cur- ran, . co-owners of the show, yester- day '<!$)' and' made arrangements. ■ to buy 50% interest in the attraction. Co-owners, prior to Shubert's. ar- rival, had set $175,000 outright- for the stage rights, ypl us 50% of •profits. However, it is understood that Shu- bert is paying between $50,000-$75,- 000 for half interest. Final papers will be signed this week, according to Shu^rt/'^Kow^ttrteir-TrTS?!! Francisco run this week. ";.:.•' ,- Same executive personnel, headea been JrjDned__out_ai. Jeast one pro- vision must be negotiated before the contract will be accepted by both sides. Point in question is that of "new blood," which the union de- clares is out entirely^ making ATAM virtually a rlosed shop. League says it did not agree to such an arrange- ment, v J''-V I'l.y' ■ ': ■. Producers want leeway in the stringent membership requirements, . similar to provision in the original basic pact. If a producer selected a new or non-member of ATAM whom he considered invaluable to bis staff, the union would then have to admit that individual to membership, with- out a three-year apprenticeship. Last year a couple of producers placed new press agents on their staffs in. that manner. Newcomers had news- paper experience." ATAM contends that its appren- ticeship system is ample provision by Lester as producer, will head the ''for "new blood" in the union, though setup for the eastern premiere, with j virtually restricted to publicity likelihood that some Broadway people. Rule is that a press agent names will be put in cast, atjestiga- may hire a newcomer as apprentice tion of Shubert. to give the show but latter is not eligible for ATAM Broadway prestige. Shubert remains membership until having worked in here for another 10 days before re-|ihat capacity for at least three sea- turning east,' likely visiting San Francisco for another gander at the show."- .'•';'.' Lee Shubert had tha inside track on the bidding- but other Broadway, bankrollers. in addition to west coast backers, have offered to finance the show in the east. With the op- eretta clicking on the Coast, coin was a secondary, consideration with Lester, who was more concerned about a theatre in New York. The Shuberts, of course, control most of the N. Y. theatres. Picture rights to the play will npt be sold until the musical authors, Robert Wright arid George Forrest, 'gHa^h^rKKik'-^thOTr-lVHltorr^aza-- urs, give the word. They want "Norway" to achieve a Broadway , a. Brady was one of several run before turning it over to the' . .. . . studios. . - sons of 20 weeks each. League people say such a strict formula is not acceptable, contend- ing that producers continue to have the right to engage "exceptional" people occasionally rather than be forced to use available ATAM'ers who are, in their judgment, less preferable. Brady Nixed Radio Offer for Playhouse ^—J^OMdEb^^ Sale of the Playhouse, N. Y., by Marlowe in Chi Turtle' Hugh -Marlowe, wilj/do the Elliott Nugent role in the "Chicago com- pany of "Voice of the Turtle," op- posite K. T. Stevens (Sam Wood's daughter). Margaret Sullavan, who created the. Broadway role, incidentally is mentioned as tiring of the part and plans a Christmas getaway. Hayward's 'Corner' Play Leland Hayward, the agent, has a piece of "Children's Corner^" new play by Patricia Coleman which Guthrie McClintic may do. Miss Coleman, newcomer playwright, au- thored "Magnolia" for Jack Kirk- land a couple of seasons back. ' Hayward^ besides having a piece of "Voice of the Turtle," in which his wife, Margaret Sullavan, is starred, is also in with Lindsay * Crouse on the Hudson theatre buy. Paul Dullzell, executive secretary of Equity, has been granted permis- sion by Equity council to serve as arbitrator with American Arbitra- tion Assn. He will serve on arbitra- tions arising from show biz contro- versies. Pe-rrnission of Equity coun- cil was necessary before he could accept appointment with the AAA. Council also authorized Equity to purchase $25,000 worth of Fifth War Loan bonds, which would bring Equity's war bond holdings to $175,- 000, and also authorized Chorus Equity to purchase $10,000 of same issue, which would bring its quota to $65,000.. Producers Unalarmed by Edict From WMC on Drafting of Labor Monty Wpolley will repeat his Broadway role in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" for the Bucks County Playhouse, Philadelphia, this summer, date as.yet not set.. :}' Broadway producers are not ap- prehensive that the War Manpower Commission will vitally affect cast- ing of next season's attractions. New labor regulations, which became ef- fective Saturday (1), classifies non- essential or "less essential" indus- tries, the Commission and Its zone representatives being empowered -to divert persons between the ages of 18 and 45 to war work. Anna M.- Rosenberg, regional WMC director for New York, has indicated the amusement and entertainment field will likely be affected. If so bond campaigns. Were it not for actors there would have been very few individual War Bonds sold at the numberless rallies, civilians nearly always failing to deliver the clincher. At a recent USO-Camp Shows re- port it was revealed that over 300 name players from the stage, Holly- wood and radio have been and are entertaining fighting riien based here and overseas without compensation. Only the actual expense of those professionals is paid, and in some in- stances the actors insisted on paying their own way entirely. There are, too, many entertainment.units on the theatre realty deals consummated or pending as of last week. Playhouse will continue to book legiters though three _pi the" six houses on \ 48th-street have or will become radio - studios'. Currenlly_flie Longacre antT^ Rite are in broadcasting use and it is likely the Vanderbilt will again be similarly devoted. Due to continue with stage plays are the 48th Street and Cort, in addition to the Play- house. Day before the latter theatre was sold Brady received an offer to lease it for radio. New owner is a group . Headed by Harry Fromkes, who is president of the City Title Insurance Co. and who is said to have an in- tense interest in show business. Brady owned the property free and clear and is reported receiving more than $325,000, the Fromkes interests having arranged for a mortgage of $230,000. House was built in 1911 by ' E. Clarence-Jones_and_Brady at a reputed cost of $400,000. When Jones died Brady bought his interest from the widow, Marjorie, formerly wed to songwriter Henry Blossom and now married to an Englishman. A. O. (Bert)' Brown represented Jones at the Playhouse for many years. Brady has no intention of retiring and. will produce, now having a "nest egg" from the sale o f the Play- house. He is seeking a play for "hits "" wife, Grace George, and would like also to produce a farce or melo- drama should the proper scripts'turn up. Vet showman also has an ar- rangement with Fromkes to act in an advisory capacity and each has, the right to buy . in on each other's at- tractions. Reported over the weekend that the 48th Street is back in the hands - of the Joe Leblang estate, per Wil-' Ham F. Jasie, * attorney-husband of the ticket man's widow. There has been_ involved deals concerning that property, currently tenanted by MV- ehael Todd's "Pick-Up Girl." Todd was reported buying the theatre, but appears to be occupying it under a sub-rental from Harry Oshrin, who casting of plays and pictures, would move, and while those pros receive j had it under lease! Latter's deal with be virtually impossible, but it is just as -likely that the WMC would seek labor from:stage and studio techni- cians rather than player talent. In show circles it is known that Washington fully recognizes the value of professional entertainers, as such, in the war effort, for their work at'or near, the fighting fronts, in the camps, base hospitals and modest pay. they must endure hard- iTodd called for the payment of $100 ships they ordinarily wouldn't.have |weekly, which .Oshrin turned over; tp undergo, , ., to a third party and which is sub- Alicia Markova and Anton Dot in will make their first appearance * : s a team outside the Ballet Theatre wheri they dunce at Robin Hood Dell. Philadelphia, with the Philadelphia Orchci.tra, July 10. • ' ;'. ject to a pending court action. The 48th Street has a-, mortgage of S-300.00C held by the Bank For Sav- 'riiiS : which wes reoorted about to .foreclose 'but Jasie exorcised the ' rifjht to buy in. for a .return take- over, according to reports.