Variety (Feb 1945)

IS HOUSE REVIEWS Wcfeeafey, Fdmury IV IMS Paramount, N. V. Johnny Long Orch .(19) with Tommy Morgan, Frances Lane; Ar- Miie Russell, Jon Murray, Lorraine ttognan, Louis Jordan Tympany Five, "Ministry of Fear," (Par) rer tnewed in '•Variety," Oct. 18, '44. This now stage show at the Par- amount theatre can make a. low bow in the direction of Louis Jordan's Tympany Five. If it weren't for the jive quintet, the hour's proceedings could come close to failing flat on its kisser. On last, they send the pa- trons home or into the intrigue of "Ministry of Fear" in. a good., humor, quite an achievement ■ considering what goes before. If anything could prove to hard- headed band leaders that the audi- ences they are getting today want entertainment more than they want their ears pinned back, the routine of Jordan's group is an example. Starting off with two things called. "Five Guys Named Moe" ^and "Can't Get That No More," the group makes a fair impression. Then comes the old and- corny, chant titled "Green Grass Grows All Around." It goes on and on, coupled to a fine beat, and the audience even .is .spontaneously prompted to accompany oh the lyric. And for the first time there's some solid audience reaction to the show. Then "Rum and Coca-Cola," another novelty, and a blues item titled "Cal- edonia" put Jordan and his group at the top of the heap ot acts and band. These guys are good and, what's more, provide good entertainment. Johnny Long's band docs' a nice Job on its own and with the acts.. But it means little, because none of its arrangements are outstanding enough, to rate unusual attention. Since Long slanted his style more in the swing band direction, he has lost all track of the kind of things: like "Shanty- Town," "Blue Skies/' that earned him his early reputation. It was an un- wise move. Now, his band dishes out good performance, but doesn't rate iri" competition, with the top bands employing the same style. Long opens with a' fast, nondescript arrangement that's a: perfect throw-, away, and at odd times between acts contributes "Peanut Vendor,""Sweet and Lovely," "Don't Be That Way," and makes little impression. Tommy Morgan and Frances Lane sing with. the band. Morgan's on first with "There Goes That Song" and "Don't Want to Love You," doing them in a harsh, unappealing voice Miss Lake is lively on "Accentuate,' but should give more ,attention.to her appearance. Of the acts, Arline Russell, pert tapster, goes over nicely with two fast routines spotlighted. by a good trick of spinning on one heel and dropping into a split. : Audience liked her. Jan Murray, comic, on midway does nothing to: alleviate the con stant shortage of laugh acts. He could use material to add to the few good gags he's using here. Perhaps the wheeze, "Something old, some' thing new, something borrowed,' could fit his act. He doesn't get blue At any rate, it's not strong enough to fill the featured spot at this house Lorraine Rognah is on just before Jordan. Before the'tragic loss of her husband and partner in the Lisbon plane crash she. was part of one of the best acts' of its type in show business. Doing a single here for the first time, Miss Rognan accumu- lates okay appreciation from audi . ences, but, unfortunately, it's on the basis of her pert effervescence. She has no act. Dancer comes on with Her live-dog lur piece, then goes into a routine, with Long as a. foil, that's as unfunny and in bad taste as often as it tickles the. payees. All the while she's on there's feeling that _ the aud ienc e is waiting for her to -go - find' lifcr*"aL r i., wiTictiVfrctt^-jricie- rializes. The fact that Long is no actor doesn't help. • her situation, either. She has done , well with the turn, such as it is, in other situations, so it's probable that its failure here is due mostly to Long: Wood. ; taken up by the pcwholders as they put the fancy touches on "Hit That Jive, Jack," "I . Realize How," Straighten Up and Fly Right," "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You." Also ringing the bell is a novel bass- thumping solo by one of the trio. The Businessmen of Rhythm polish off .their.slot with a dazzling bit of tap-teTping. Standees in lobby when show was reviewed (Fri. afternoon 1 ). Shirt. 4*1 . Oiicaoo, Feb. *. Mania Louis,' Noble Stesle Orch (15) toith Nornui Otdman. Wynorae Blues Harris, Joe Byrd, Chartey Ray & Co. .(3); "Mile. Fifi" iSKO). Downtown management isn't miss-;; ing any bets oh' Marva Louis' Chi vaude debut, advertising her.all over the lot as "Chicago's Own—Mrs. Joe. Louis!" From indications, however, curious mobs will -settle for a quick look, as they let her oft at opener after a trio of songs, with usual en- thusiasm painfully missing. Rest of the layout, excepting Wynonie Blues Harris' blues singing iri closing spot, s dismal. Mrs. Louis' studied posings, plus torching of such sophisticated num- bers as 'Embraccablc. You." '.Take Me Back to Manhattan*' and "I Get a Kick' Out of You." with segue to 'I've Got You. Under My Skin," sug- gest she just walked out of a singing school. There is a voice, however—• not a strong one. but. sweet— and when.she learns to turn' it loose and bypass the exaggerated posturings she'll do for intimate boites. Harris, who's not billed, has boff personality 'and the right pair, of pipes for such novelties as "Big Fat Mamma," '■■'.'Hurry. 1 ' Hurry" and "I Love My Baby More Than She Loves Me.*' In windup, he seems to snap Noble.Sissie's boys out of the torpor brought on by prior proceedings, in- asmuch as they back him up terrif- ically in the race rtumbers.. Orch, composed'of five reeds, six brasses and three., rhythm, do ear-splrtr ting "Hallelujah" to open,: "Stomp, Stomp"'and "They Got Me Jumpin' Now," with Sissle talking the. latter. Norma Oldman, vocalist, stirs a few ripples with'one song, "I'll Be True to You." Three Bluejackets were billed but didn't show because of transporta- tion difficulties, with Joe Byrd, Charley Ray & Co., held over from last week, appearing twice on the bill. Burley material, especially a.k. Mechanical .Doll and. Baby-in-the- Suitease turns, are too blue for any house. • Mike. ' Rosy, N. Y. Milton Berle, Connie Russell, Ben Yost's Vikilios 16), .'Slayman Ali Troupe (6), 3 Rockets, Roxyettes; "Hrmeouer Square" (20th) re- viewed in. "Variety," Jan.' 17, '49. . With Milton Berle allowed the run of the place, the Roxy hasn't had as Sunny a show, or as many laughs in the house, for a 3on£, long time. The usual Boxy decorum is totally aban- doned with Berle working like a beaver lor excelient Jesuits inside •the bouse and' at "the cashiers* wickets. Berle personally accounts, for aj-ound 80 minutes of enterta>rih\»'.nt aside fnom his fol-<de-nol with the other acts. It may be unfair to showcase other talent on a. layout of this. type.' but neither the audience nor the other performers . seem to mind. He gets laughs with the Slay- roan Ali Troupe. Arab .tumblers and pyramid workers; .totally breaks up Connie Riissell's song act, permitting her only one number, and accounts for some jive with the Thnee Rockets (New Acts). Ali outfit displays fairly orthodox formations but its fast tumbling at the close provides a hearty exit. Highspot is. naturaBy. his act with the Ben Yost Vikings, which is prob- ably one of the rnost hilarious bits of business on the vaude circuit today. In addition, several stooges running through the. audience make for adclr ed laughs, and again he runs into tbe audience lb dance with a.Irorit- row femme. Miss Russell is perhaps the most grievous sufferer by the - Berle bufoonery. She is allowed one num- ber, "Treat -Em Rough.'* and during the subsequent song... "Don't Fence Me In," Belle's antics break up the house with his direction of the band. In her single effort; she displays ex- cellent, selling ability, strong pipes and makes a pleasant appearance in a gown with a tight-fitting bodice and flared skirt.. ■ Atmosphere and a single dance routine, are. contribbed by the Gae Foster line. Biz good. Jose. .'• turing quick changes of mood and tempo. Barton and Bardy, cast as two drunks In formal attire, strike up some hearty guffaws with their, fall- ing-down ■ tactics In ■ an . acrobatic comedy act. The Montes De Oca duo gets a. fine hand for its risks and sharp timing iri a trampoline routine with some unusual twists. Judy Kelly, a good-looking contortionist, ties herself in all kinds of weird ■knots and turns cartwheels in syn- chronization with flie house orches- tra for much applause. Biz okay when caught Corn. TL. A. Los Angeles, Feb. 9. Barry' Savoy, Billie HoUiday, 'SiapLctons (2*, Dick <t Dinah. Paul Gorddn. Al Lyons' Orpheum Orch (14); ••Alaska" (Mono). ♦ AtfaniN, Newark Newark, Feb, 8. Woody Herman's Orch tl8) fea- turing Frances Wayne, Chubby Jackson, the Woodchoppers, Afar- jorie Hyams, Dave Tough, Joe "Flip* Phillips; Marion Daniels, "Baby' Lawrence, Dick Buckley; "Nevada' (RKO). Orpheum is offering a. , straight vao.de bill this week and acts are all delivering variety stuff that pleases. Harry Savoy, • stammering comic, and Billie Holliday, sepia songstress, head the bill and each scores. Savoy's rapid-lire delivery of old and new fiags, prefaced by his stutter work, all sold big and for encore he does a dramatic bit that verged close to genuine histrionics. . Billie Holiday's blues' voice and underplayed delivery makes her four numbers (op listening. Tunes are "I Cover the Waterfront," "Miss Brown to You," "Don't Blamed Me" and "Got to Treat Me Right, Baby." Al Lyons has moved augmented pit erew to stage to share in show; and he also, m.c.'s. Paul Gordon, cyclist, opens with his standard turn on high and low bicycles. Dick and Dinah, comedy acrobatic dancers, put plenty-of pep into act, using large rubber' ball for novelty close: The Stapletons (2).are slick dahoers with clever routines and ingratiating personalities would click. Brog. Oriental, Chi Cnioooo, Feb. 9. Phil Spitaliiy All-Girl Orch <25). .with Evelyn, Katherine, Framine, Viola. Mack - Triplets-, Beatrice Howie, All-Ainerican Glee. Club (8) "Lake Placid Serenade" <Jlep). ' RKO, Boston Boston, Feb. 9. Ina Ray Hut ton Orch <1'4), Lasfca Sisters, Frank Paris Puppets, Joe Besser, Danny Riccardo, others; "Belle of the Yukon" (RKO). The Hutton show -remains essen- tially the same from season to sea- son, but this isn't to say it;, doesn't work. It consists, of plenty 'of jive from the band while Miss Hutton performs various lerpsichorean' ter- giversations, known hereabouts as modified grinds,' while leading the ensemble. Band' does "9:20 Special;" "Ac- centuate the .Positive," "Hedge Hop- pin'" and "Dark Eyes," all of them featuring Miss Hutton in either the vocal or the calisthenic department and more frequently both. It sounds good to the customers and looks good, loo. ' Danny Riccardo sings "Embraceable You" and ."I Dream of You" with pleasant vocal quality and clicks with the pew-holders. Joe Besser does his standard com- edy routine to wow all around, and there is some smart dancing by the Laska Sisters and some clever* pup- -p *,try b y- •Fi'<M'.'*--Famft- s;vi-his- pup- pets. Show stacks up okay, and is doing biz although blizzard in open- ing days hurt somewhat. Elie. Earle, Phllly Philadelphia, Feb. 9. Benny Carter Orch (15) toith Savannah Churchill; King Cole Trio, Businessmen of Rhythm. Ttmmie Rogers; "Enter Arsene Lupin" (U). The Earle is back .on sepia time again this week and, as usual, the place is rockin'. . Benny Carter, longtime fave of the colored jive devotees, makes his bow at . the Earle, and his reception as well as that of his mate's on the bill is excellent. The band is strictly in the Harlem- ese groove,, with plenty of zing in its arrangements of "Ole Man River, "Back Bay Boogie," "Poincianna," among others: Savannah. Churchill, Carter's war bier, knows her way around the mike and gives out ■'Baby's Prayer, "Hurry, Hurry" and "Jelly, Jelly,*' in proper style. . ' ."- -Timniie Rogers, mimic .and hoofer, wraps up his end of the bill with some uninhibited clowning in which he dashes up and down the aisle for a sock finale. The King Cole Trio are presold to their audience, judging by the shouts of approval which greet their every number, thanks to recent popularity Capitol, Wash. Washington, Feb 9. Cracie Bdrrie, Johnny Burke, Adriirs (2), Herzoys, Sam Jack Kauf- man's House Band with Bob Nichol- son;. "Sunday Dinner for a Soldier" (20th). ■ Sam Jack Kaufman's band opens show with a Valentine overture; bringing in heart songs, with Bob Nicholson as soloist; singing "Ma- cushla."' Trailers part with the Adah's, most 1 graceful of tap dancers ■working iieatly to . "Embraceable You.." They go into another routine, timing their steps to "My Heart Stood. Still." All to good returns. Gracib Barrie, who was for years ■at the Earle-theatre' as mistress of cercmon'es, returns to a warm wel- come. She opens with "Smiles," bringing in a number of topical verses about our enemv war lords. Then a ballad, "My Heart Sings," followed by the familiar "Rum and Coca-Cola." She really puts this one over, coming back for scries of en- cores, With extra verses. A solid hit and could have stayed longer. Johnny Burke comes out in his 1917 soldier togs and tells about' the trials of a doughboy in World War I. Liiigo and deadpan delivery rocks them with laughter.' The Herzogs have a nifty act on the flying trapeze. They, go through their acrobatic Bright music and plenty of laughs ' in the "Blues on Parade" revue;led by Herman's casual, smart personal- ity. This band has power, an oddly attractive humorous style of playing old pop. times and popularity based on sbcko . past performances. ; . Hep audience at opening fell heavily. Best liked was a medley ("To- gether." "Don't Blame Me," "Whis- pering" and "I'm Confessing"), with Herman doing vocals and sax. .and clarinet bits for special applause. Barrel-house, is l centered mostly in Herman's bit. with frantic slap bass by Chubby Jackson, complete with beard,- while Herman sings. Spook curtain and antiphoriy. from band help band leader's'familiar rendition of "Who Dat." Frances Wayne, 'orch warbler', looks nifty in black silk blouse .and long candy-striped skirt. Her "Rum and Coca-Cola" has two'weak' verses and audience seemed let down. Birch tree scrim backgrounded nice- ly for her "Saturday Night." Dick Buckley makes smacko im- pact, putting up a funny effect of effrontery and bragging about hav- ing a cigaret to light. He' wades around ihe audience too long pick- ing participants for a pantomimic sketch, however. ~£BahyV lawipnce..; ront.rjbufes a xltck stretch of tapping, just going along with straight, clear rhythm and not trying to knock himself out. Big hand for this. Marion Daniels does acrobatic dancing which is mostly a matter of poise to a slow beat. Especially favorable reaction was elicited by Herman's use of vibra- harp and electric guitar for hot or- chestral, effects. Dave Tough's hide- beating still just about tops., in the trade. ■, Bran. o£ their recordings. Their beat is I work with speed and agility Arke, . Phil Spitalriy's All-Girl Orch is providing plenty .of charm and melodic, arrangements on current stanza' here. . And, if hefty biz on hand .at opener, is any sign, those over-classicized arrangements of "Besame Muono," "Amor" and "Say a Prayer for the Boys Over There" are the answer to b.o. blues. Sandwiched by two elaborate pa triotic numbers by whole company—, abovementioned "Prayer" and "Stars and Stripes Forever"—is a 60-minute layout that, despite sameness of girls' fcouffant get-ups,' never ■ cloys. Phil Spitalny .is on-stage throughout, emcecing mostly but occasionally picking out a few piano chords him self, to big returns. Evelyn, in mid die spot, lives up to "First Lady of the Band" hilling, fiddling her own arrangements - of "Beguine" and "Holiday for Strings," besides tak- ing a bow for arrangement of Schu bert's "Ave Maria." Latter and"Ori- wasd, Christian Sotdiers" is warmly contraltoed by Francine, with boff choral accompaniment. Jeari. sopranoes "Amor." Anne plucks the harp and sings "Besarrie Mucho," Viola beats.out "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the skins, with Anita and Ruth joining in for some neat trumpeting, Katherine sings "Merry Widow" medley, and whole company joins in "Prize Number" gimmick—all for heavy palm-pouncl- ing. Adding variety are the cute Mack Triplets who sing "Down a' the Canteen" with olio of tunes from World Wars I and IL and Bea trice Howie's Hollywood impreshes, of which Barbara Stanwyck is the topper. Mike. ■ Keith's, Inripls. Indianapolis, Feb. 10. Nan Roe A Mrs. Waterfall, Barton Brady; Judy Kelly, Lester Jfard- infl, Jimmy Vcy, Montes De Oca; .'•The Singing Sheriff" (U). ; Keith's lias put- together a lively set of six nicely varied acts for the current stanza. The bill is topped by Nan Rae and Mrs. Waterfall, who click for plenty of laughs in ; their screwy interview between t|^e an- nouncer and a character who comes up from the audience. Mrs. Water- fall's double talk version of "A Tis- ket, a Taskct". makes for a strong finish. Lester Harding runs- the show smoothly and scores himself with his vocal offerings of "Okla- homa!," "Don't Fence Me In" and a medley of service songs. Jimmy Vcy shows; his versatility to advantage in a snappy dancing and xylophone act. His tap routines get him off to a good start, then.he goes to town on the xylophone, with a swell version of "Whispering," fea- Mafi'Mie, Saa Antonio . . . San Antonio, Feb. 8. Dante's "Cockeyed Inferno" toith Moi-Yo Miller, Victoria Lopei; Ma- jestic House Orcli (12) u>ilh Pete Brotun; "The Climax" (U). Interstate Theatres is offering the magical aggregation headed by Dante iri a fast moving 50-miniite magic show which is mystifying the customws.. . , Dante; is proving himself a -master" magician but should stick to his illusions instead of giving out with the patter which doesn't go over wrth the Vocalites. Show gets under way with regular materialization of pigeons and geese out of nowhere and is followed with a bit by Vic- toria Lopez, billed as. a Mexican escape artist. Miss /Lopez escapes in a few seconds from a huge: trunk which .is locked arid then covered with a canvas. Best of the illusions is the Sim Sala Bim which lets tbe audience in on the rehearsal of a Irick in which his aides appear and disap- pear from two cabinets. Suspended girj who' disappears in midair also Rocs over big. Another good stunt is the magic beer-keg. trick.' • Sock finale is the sawing of a girl in half. Many versions have been seen here but Dante's version is tops.. Eye appeal is lent to the proceed- ings -by Moi-Yo Miller and her Maids- of Magic. Miss Miller par- ticipates in several of the illusions. Andy. State, N. V. Earl Carroll's "Vanities of 1945," with Wiere Bros. (3), Dave & June Hacker, Park A ClifTord, Al Norman, Eddie Shine, Earl Carroll Beauts (20), "She Gels Her Man" <U). This latest stanza of the Earl Car- Kin-scries Of abbreviated revues ■oonlribs a 70-nllnute pleasing "diver- lisserncnt as stage fare- here this weelC Production numbers and sceiuc backgrounds provide a color- ful frame for, the score of Carroll sunkist beauts, who matriculated at ' the Earl's Hollywood restaurant- theatre, before taking lo the road with his units. 'sandwiched • between, production numbers the three Wiore' Brothers eontrib plenty of nifty-.."buffoonery, teeing off With their familiar violia {Qowaanlics arid later Rilling 'them, in their dame bit with the line in' the Spanish .Fiesta number, .Dave, and June Hacker arc., also socko with their satirical ballrooivrology which provokes ■ plen ty of - pa 1 m - whacking. Park and Clillord, male duo. score with top-drawer . gymnastics and hand-to-hand balancing. Al Norman, subbing for Eddie Rio, out because of. illness, paces' things, nicely and scores with his own spe- cially. Eddie Shine coiiliibs some nifty slepology. Fiesta number and' "FIhrs ot. All Nations" finale are tops among the Several, production numbers. The gals are all lookers and are helped by nifty costumes. Ertbn. Orpheiini, Mpls. Miu'ncnpolis,. Feb. 10. Cob. Caltoivay Orch (18) with. Doltu Sautters, Holmes & Jertn, CabuteVLes (6), Bill fluiky; "3 Is A : Family"- (VAh ; As is always true of a Calloway . show, -the -current ■"Jnmpiri' Jive Jubilee" provides a wealth of enter- tainment embellished by Calloway's dynamic personality,, herculean en- cry and .artistry. No one coming this way is more generous in dish- ing up quality talent in quantity arid, as a consequence'of this fact, as well as because ot his own per- sonal pull and band's platter popu- larity, the Calloway trademark spells box-office here. ' Calloway's vocalizing, emceeing, _ dancing and own original. brand of hl-de-ho are in their usual evidence,. . to the customers' delight, and his band with its eight brass, five saxes and four rhythms, measuring well up to the usual high Calloway stand- ard, not only gives out hot jive, but also occasional servings of really tuneful, extremely listehable mel- ody. The-lively show is swiftly paced throughout. Band begins tonridly with "Cruis- ing 'With Cab," spiced by much In- dividual soloing. Dotty Saulters is not only a very effective, vibrant . vocalist, but also a first-rate dancer who jitterbugs with Cab and scores with her two .number's, "I Didn't Kriow About You'' and "That's Tabby the Cat." Holmes and Jean lop off eccentric, acrobatic and other dancing of a high caliber with some remarkable tricks of lighted cigar- ette mouthirig by'the team's'male mernber. The musical highlight is a semi- classical arrangement of "Kashmiri Love Song," featured by individual solo interludes' arid a bit of hot drumming. This number is strictly socko. Calloway vocalizes while his six "Cabalette" girls and Miss Saul- ters dance to the strains of "I Dream of You" for a smash ensemble con- tribution, with the band doing a brief glee club stint. Jonah Jones from the band takes the spotlight to'nil.on all cylinders with a vocal and trumpet rendition of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love."- Bill Bailey supplies perfec- tion m tap dancing and some amus-. ing patter lb stop the srib'w'for on*' of its biggest hits. Calloway's orig- - ina] style of vocalizing is al its best in a tricky arrangement of "Don't Pence Me In." More Calloway vocalizing is in order when he ■ pilots-. the : band thromgh a medley or old hits, in- cluding "Minnie the Moodier," "St. James Infirmary" and "Jumpin' Jive*.' which have .helped to win him farne and fortune. The entire company participates in "A Hot Time in the Tow.n of Berlin" for a rousing finisher. House well-filled, at rioon show Saturday.. v Rees. Cabot With Kay Francis Hollywood, Feb. 13. , Bruce Cabot was inked for the. male lead iri the Kay Francis starrer, "Divorce," to be produced by Jeffrey Bernerd at Monogram; stalling on Feb. 1*3.'\ Picture will be Miss Francis' debut as a cp-produoer, jn addition lo her acting chore. 'Swamp' iveissmuller - Hollywood, Feb. 13. First starrer for Johnny ' Weiss- muller under his three-picture con- tract with Pine-Thomas will be "Swamp Fire," a tale of Louisiana. Film is based.on a yarn by Geof- frey Homes and is slated for an April start.