Variety (Jul 1946)

*2 Wednesday, July 24, 1946 OBITUARIES M. LEWS GOODKIND M. Lewis Goodkind, 41, veepoe and treasurer of Goodkind, .Joice & Morgan, Chicago ad agency, died at his home in Northfleld, 111., July 21, following a heart attack. A partner of Ray Morgan, head of the Ray Morgan Agency, Holly- : wood, who created "Breakfast in Hollywood" and "Queen for a Day" for radio, and'of Clyde M. Joice, Chicago, Goodkind was one of Chi's outstanding . radio - figures, having organized the radio dept. of the Lord & Thomas Agency (now Fbote, Cone Si Belding), where he was as- sistant radio director from 1928 to 193.5, handling time buying and net- work, contracts. '.',''■ In 1935 he was named publicity director for L&T, and then' became" manager of the agency's radio service, leaving the outfit in 1937 to join Burnet-Kuhn for a year. He opened the M. Lewis Goodkind Agency in 1938, Later it was oper- ated as Goodkind & Morgan, and when Joice joined forces with them in 1940 took its present name. . R a d i o accounts handled by the agency are Planters Nut and Chocolate, Goldenrod Ice Cream, Glover Manufacturing, Jewel Foods, Hooker Glass & Paint, and others. Goodkind was one of the charter members.of Chi Radio. Management Club, member of the board of gov- ernors, of the Chi Federated Ad- vertising Club, and treasurer of the central council of the American Assn. of Advertising Agencies. Survived by widow, son, daughter and sister. WILLIAM B. McCALLVM . William B. McCallum, 79, former actor and theatrical executive, died July 21 in the Southside: hospital, Bay Shore, Long Island. He had been a guest at the Percy Williams Home at East Islip since 1935. He was born in Glasgow, Scot- land,, and came to America in 1885, He appeared in mid western stock companies and became associated with Bobby Gaylor and the late Charles E. Blaney before' assuming the management of the Cook Opera house,- Rochester, N. Y.. and the Broadway theatre, Camden, N. J. ■ WILLIAM H. STEIN William H. Stein,. 58, former mem- ber of the dance team of Hill and Stein, died last week at Episcopal "hospital; Philadelphia, after a long illness. . The team appeared oh the old Keith circuit and was one of the featured acts at the Dumont Min- strels, Philly. Up to a few years ago they appeared at local niteries. WILLIAM HABTGENBVSH - William Hartgenbush, 64, air conditioning engineer of NBC' cen- tral division, Chicago, died in Chi July 17, a day after celebrating his 16th anniversary with the midwest office. Survived by wife, two daughters. WILFBED BUCKLAND, SR. Wilfred Buckland, Sr., 80, first art director in Hollywood and originator of much of the modern technique! of lighting in film making, died by a self-inflicted bullet wound, July 18, at his home in Hollywood after kill- ing his son, 35, a former patient of the Camarillo State Hospital for the Insane." Realizing that his own end was ap- proaching, Buckland shot his son, rather. than leave him alone in a mentally helpless condition, and then turned the gun on himself. - In a sui- cide note be named William. deMille as executor of his estate.. Buckland was the first to. intro- duce Klieg lights on interior and ex- terior motion picture sets. Before he moved to Hollywood in the early days of filming he was stage director for David Belasco. MRS. MARJOBIE M. DE MOTT ' Mrs.'Marjorie Malsbury De Mptt.- 51, head of the radio division of Badger, Browning & Hersey ad agency,- died at her home in Bronx ville, N. Y.. July 20. Survived by husband and two sons. EVELYN EAGAN Evelyn Eagan, 38, former film actress and more recently an off I cer of Screen Actors Guild, was found dead July 17 at her home in Hollywood. HERBERT BANKIN Herbert Rankin, 70, screen actor, died July. 16 iii Hollywood after a long Illness. Wife, 31, of Irving Blumberg, asst. publicity . director of the Stanley- Warner theatre circuit, Philadel- phia, died July 20. in that city. of Socialism. His personal charm and Dublin^ voice were great assets. Hie informed me once with a twinkle in his eye that after hearing him speak over the radio, a woman had written him: "Listening to your voice is like listening to tne. voice of God." (5) Shaw the Saint: This Is a lesser-known facet of .GBS. His vegetarianism is based on a senti- mental unwillingness to hurt ani- mals. In "Man and Superman," he wrote: "The strongest passions are the passions of the mind." Mrs. Pat Campbell once remarked: "If Shaw ever ate a beefsteak, God help all women.",,, Shaw replied, "A. bull Is the: most-.sexual of animals, and lives entirely. on vegetables," Shaw is a thoroughgoing vegetarian, although Mrs; Shaw, once informed r.ie that, while traveling, he did not inquire too closely into the origin of the soup: His kindness to those who helped him in his early days is proverbial. He pretends, however, to be extremely unkind, a very dif- ficult pose. Writing to me about an article I recently wrote in which I referred to his kindness, he made the following statement: "I implore you not to describe me as 'a lovable human being.' It will bring a million begging letters on me by the- next post. Rather present me as detest-" able, avaricious, ' merciless, con- temptuous, • and everything else odious enough to discourage people from writing to me. Otherwise you may hasten my already imminent death." . (6) Shaw the Businessman: No playwright has ever made more money than Shaw. The Theatre Guild lost $250,000 producing his plays, while he made' over $250,000 in royalties. I showed him the bal- ance sheet. "You can prove any- thing by figures," he replied. When we lost $20,000 on "Back to Methu- selah," he told us we had made a profit of $10,000 because we ex- pected to lose $30,000. Shaw roy- alties are on a sliding scale; but as a practical matter, they are 15%, the highest in the profession. Last Saturday, I received. a letter from Shaw stating: "I am now a classic, except, for the royalties." Finally, the six Bernard Shaws added together have given the mod- ern theatre its greatest importance and excitement. Without the six Shews all workings together, our theatre .would have been a very dull place indeed. May he live 1,000 years—and continue to shout his head off. JAMES H. LITTLEFIELD. JB. James H. Littlefield, Jr.,' 38, lyric- ist, composer and brother of Cath- erine ' Littlefield, internationally known ^dancer, died Saturday (20) of heat exhaustion at his farm, Catham plantation, near Zacata, Pa. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Caroline Littlefield, prominent Philadelphia dancing instructor, and had written music and lyrics for such Ice shows as "It Happens on Ice" and "Stars on Ice" produced, a few seasons ago at the Center theatre, N. Y. Surviving in addition to his sister, mother and son, are a sister, Dorothy and a borther Carl, dancers in "Song of Norway" on Broadway. LEW BUSH Lew Bush, 60, former Keith agent died in N. Y., July 21: Funeral ser- vices will be held at 1.30 p.m. today (Wed.) at the Park West Funeral Chapel, N. Y. Bush had been an agent for past 30 years, operating an agency in as- sociation With his brother, Phil, in N. Y. He had worked for Keith Albee for many years and when latter sold out to RKO he continued business with his brother, agenting for indie vaude houses and club bookings.- In addition to brother, he is sur- vived by his widow and a sister. EMMA PRICE Emma Price, 66, former musi- comedy star, died.last week in Phila- delphia after a long illness. . Born in South Philly, she played vaudeville witli the Weber and Fields units; understudied Lillian Russell and Bessie Clayton, and starred with Eddie. Foy, Sr., and also appeared in "Over the River," and "Time, Place and the Girl." In recent years she conducted a danc- ing school in Philadelphia. Her first husband, Samuel Victor Barr, noted Jockey, was killed while racing in. Mother, 63, of Lenny Kent, vaude and. nitery comedian, died of a cerebral hemorrhage July 17 at the Beth David Hospital, N. Y. Mother of Elmira Sessions, stage and screen actress, died July 16 in Hollywood, Sam Manton, trombonist with the Duke Ellington orch, died July 20 in Los Angeles. Mother, 50, of film actress Ann Blythe, died July 22 at St. John's Hospital, Santa Monica. Wife, 49, of talent agent Hyman Schallmahn, died in Chicago July 21 Theatre Guild ; Continued from page~l ; pose was publicity, and. he was, and still is, the best press agent in the world for himself. (2) Shaw the Dramatist: GBS has written some of the greatest plays in the English language. "St Joan," "Heartbreak House," "Caesar and Cleopatra," "The Doctor's Di lemma," "Pygmalion." "Arms and the. Man," "The Devil's Disciple, 1 and "Man and Superman" are clas- sics. Shaw would have been greater dramatist had he been less of a propagandist. Many of his plays are now obsolete because the social abuses at which he aimed his shafts of satire have now been almost completely abolished by his success ful attacks on them. (3) Shaw the. Social Philosopher: No rhan has done more for his era in showing up social hypocrisy, cant, and humbug. His iconoclasm, how- ever, has always been his strong point. His "Intelligent Woman's Guide to Socialism" is a bewildering mixture of common sense and non- sense. "Voice of God" (4) Shaw the Public Speaker: In MARRIAGES Jeanne Knipper to William Webb, Hollywood, July 14. Groom is a film editor at Metro. Glorya Holzman to Harold Silver, Chicago, July 11. Bride is secretary to AI Raymer, head booker for the Manta & Rose theatre circuit. James Clemens to Kathleen Hult- gren, Davenport, la., July 18. Groom manages Spencer theatre, Rock island,. 111. Ruth "Dusty" Anderson to Jean Negulesco, Hollywood, July 21. Bride is a screen actress; groom a film director. ■ Kay Hurrell to Ralph Dietrick, July 19, Santa Barbara. Bride for- merly was married to George Hur- rell, photographer; groom is film producer. Evelyn Keyes to John Huston, Las Vegas, July 23. Bride is the film actress; he's film writer and son of Walter Huston. Big Ben gasp of surprise went up, for the old showman is 73 and it was known that this was a comeback intended to : break the record and reestablish the impresario on his former ped- estal. Cochran had a collapse at the dress rehearsal—his second break- down in recent weeks — and was forbidden by his doctors to leave his apartment. Cast wasn't informed of this decision, only a few Insiders being warned. ' Though lacking in big names, show is a honey for brilliance of showmanship and a fine, swinging score that's Veen compared with the saucier moments of Gilbert and Sul- livan: Herbert, tuning up from Westw minster, has put Parliament and the. House of Lords on the stage, has punctured the follies of both and given, a light, but telling upperctlt to the national killjoys. Behind the. political burlesque he sets a big dept. store stacked with typical Cochran ladles and lasses, a Thamesslde tavern reeking with beer and ribaldry, a superb parade of the King's Waterman in scarlet uniform and ceremonial splendor, the Terrace, of the House of Com- mons, and a final scene of Big Ben itself which calls forth a burst of patriotic applause. •The theme is a bit of Old England laughing at her traditions but re- specting them, and a bit of Young England throwng off the chains of economic slavery and determined to salvage some'of the old fun and games. As such, It's exactly in the mood. Carole Lynne, pretty young red- head, takes her first top role as the .shopgirl M.P., putting commerce into Parliament, and comes out of it creditably although she 'lacks force. She Is well served with num- bers and has one song, "I Want to See the People Happy/' which easily registers as a national hit. Next to this is an old piece of nostalgia. "Let Us Go Down, to the River," showing the happiest partnership of author and composer. Musically, the show whips out tune after tune bearing the hallmark of the best- seller. Keynote of the political gag- ging is Joan Young's slick and pretty number, "Let's Stop Somebody Do- ing Something," a shot right on the target of current revolt. Trefor Jones, who has most of the chesty singing; Eric Fort, as the poltical juvenile; . Lizbeth Webb, young newcomer, and Gabrielle Brune, representing glamor and cheek, carry the show through at a brisk pace. Though there are one two slow patches, these will doubt- less be tightened up in the cutting stage, Clothes and decor are on a scale of pre-war extravagance and the old Cochran artistry, with never a false note, is conspicuous by its presence. First night press was nev- ertheless critical, claiming there were too many things of several kinds instead of an overall unity. But bookings are strong and the terrific sendoff for the premiere is likely to keep SRO notices up" for many months. Show is 100% Brit- ish, mainly confined to local poli tics, and with American chances re m °te- Euet. Plays Abroad ES Continued from page M G.I. Brides at Sea A. A.. Slicnburn presentation or nlnv in line* aols by Lionel Birch, Hans Itvhliw,I. Directed by "John Hnnnu. ' At'"''Cr'Hn!•Vl'^, n n 1 1 J• utro, London. .! r,x ' 4 -> •. Joan Whit. Toni.. ...Mary iw? Wqndy Brown Peggy Korbcs.RolwrtsnS Mrs Mruwii... Sydnoy Thornier! .mils Morgan.- Jo i ln Mu £ l.t. Harry - Iloopet- f.tna Negro Steward..., Mnrcla. Angela............', "lannuh ■ mil).. Mllen. This, is an amusing but' slightly, constructed comedy whose title -is self-explanatory. It's designed to de. pict the different types, fear and hopes of those bound for a new world. It dabbles in mild.propaganda, a dash of sentiment, love at first sight and jangled nerves, but' all told doesn't amount to much. With some of the dramatic possibilities in- tensified, it could be turned into l!OOd screen material, but as a play it has scant chance of achieving. West End production or presentation even further West; John Allen wins sympathy with his portrayal of a newspaper re- porter who meets his ideal , girl in one of the brides, Toni. A fake cable engineered by Trixie, a spiteful slut, leads to the girl's belief her husband has started divorce pro- ceedings, ana* sEe plans a new life with the scribe. The shock of dis- appointment— particularly to the man—gives the play its most moving movements. Joan White adds, full measure of in- solent pertness as Trixie, and Mary Horn provides calm, classy contrast as Toni. Production commendable, and supporting cast good. Clem. 1902. She later married Charles the U. S. A., this phase of GBS Is M. Swearer, unknown, but for decades Shaw Survived by son. > stumped all over England on behalf BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. William Creamer, son, July 12, Hollywood. Father is ah assistant cameraman at Metro. Mr. and Mrs, William Lively, son, Hollywood. July 13. • Father Is screen writer at Universal. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Corrigan, daughter, Hollywood, July 17 Father is film actor. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Russom, son, Hollywood, July 13. Mother was a Warners' contract player; father is a composer. Mr. "and Mrs. Charles Dingle, Jr., son, Hollywood, July 16. Child is grandson of Charles Dingle, screen actor. Mr. & Mrs. Angus Duncan, son, New York, July 22. Father is a rep on Equity's staff. Mr.' and Mrs. Robert Miller, son, Cincinnati, July 16. Father is asso ciate farm program director of WLW. Mr. and Mrs. Ge—ge Temple, son, July 18. May wood, Calif. Father Is brother of Shirley Temple; mother is former Florence Bruce, ballet dancer and daughter of Howard Bruce/Detroit talent agent Orion Le Tueur ("Orion the Killer") ' Paris, July 8. Agnes Capri presentation uf musical skit In six scenes by Jean Pierre Gren lor ond Maurice Kombeure. Music by Pierre Phi- llppe. Sets and costumes by Raymond Pcy- nct. Acted by the Clrcnicr-Husscnot com- pany. At Theatre Agnes Capri. July 7. '40. "" r: "' e Joan Pierre Grenlcr * 00 ■ • ..Olga Ken ;, u "> c -, Madeleine Burbulee Eugenie Mario Mersey Oregolrc. .. . M r fhc , Bouleftu Plerro de Rochcmnlle Yvc» Ilobcrt Jean de Itochcmolle Reno Roymbnd Jusslou. .Olivier Hussenot o. Cf "v Marcel Chevalier Stagehand Jacques Hilling Chorus. ...Tlirco Jacnuea Bros This evidences conditions currently prevailing , in Paris, where many young actors are getting together in small companies in an effort to get their name on a bill even if there is practically nothing else in it for them. Agnes Capri is housing in her theatre what can hardly be called a production, with sets left more to the imagination of the audience than actually built, except for a few bits of material and. some drops. For their company, Jean Pierre Grenier and Olivier Hussenot have tailored to order a kind of farce which is a skit on a meller. The theme shows Yves Robert, as the killer, kidnapping a girl, done by Olga Ken, who after a hot pursuit is finally rescued and can marry Michel Bouleau. The whole thing is bur lesqued with most of the fun pro vided by Hussenot in the role of the detective. It's meant to be accepted as a joke by the good-natured audi ence. Before showing "6rlon" the same actors do a curtain raiser titled "Pa rade." This is a pantomime done on a set by Jean Denis Malcle* to look like a caravan, with the various characters rehearsing the act they would perform if they were an ltln erant company. .Norman Wlllinnu, . .Roiiamond Burnt ■ Uriel Porter ...Viola Johnstons .....Helen Volento . ...Sylvia Caslmlr ..... Judith Fellows ..... .Jean Hunter Play Out of Town Topsy, Eva and Tom San Francisco, July 18. Barry Hrcdon production ot muslcnl mchr Iranm billed on Harriet Bcechcr Btowc's "l : nclo Tom's Calilh," In two acts and nlnu scenes, supplemented by Magnolia Blossom Show olio In six acts. Play adaptation by Van Nlbrni: and AkHoil. Lighting und pro- duction by James McMillan. Musical ar- rangements -written and directed by Dr. Robert lleger-Uoctssl. Staged by Ross Van •Nllnoc. Undo Tom ' .Marsdcn Argnll <'hl"e .Betty McDonald Kl' 51 " ;...Jcan Ixingslrcct Simon l^givo. Joseph Alston Widow Wilson.: Marlon McDonald Alexander Fudcriteld........lOdgor lverscn T.awyor Marks Hobs Van Nlbroo Aunt. Ooh-ll.i. Virginia Hlalr Nhiinmy Ixin Betty McDonald Augiisllne St. Clair .Joseph Alston I.lttlo Kva Jean T^ngsireel Topsy... ....Judy Roe This is "The Drunkard" half so- bered up but now taking dope by way of diversion. No good will come from this doubtful contribution to the dramatic art, in spite of the will- ingness, of audiences to hiss at the right moments, and of several earnest performers to give of their talents in an inappropriate setting. Such things are funny just once. The corn of an- other era is not so pat in this atomic age and one doesn't have to hark back to Simon Legree and his boll weevil pals to run smack Into an ob- ject lesson of the frailty of man's humanity when there are Bilbos, Rahkins and Talmadges in the wings. Consisting of equal parts of high school histrionics, little theatre mean- derings a"nd professional awkward- ness, "Topsy, Eva and Tom" is poor fare. It can neither be cried with or laughed at sufficiently to warrant the Sunday to Friday setback, of $3.30 for adults and $2.20 for children, with $3.30 straight oh Saturdays and $2.20 and $1.20 Sunday matinees. The play is a series of scenes de- picting the woes of Uncle Tom, the villainy of Simon Legree, the chisel- ling of Lawyer Marx, the tomboy- ishness of Topsy, the heroics of Liza, the. sex-starvation of Ophelia, and the general all around sappincss of Little Eva, who -would have done the audience a real favor by dropping dead and ascending to the prosce- nium in the very first scene instead of the last. The costuming is the best part of the performance with the stage drops interesting and colorful.. All except the ice-laden river scene, which leaves one cold. The olio Is not altogether a waste" of time chiefly because it has the fine voice'of Virginia Blair, who has done time with the San Carlo Opera Co. and the Savoy Opera Co. Eclg;ir Iverson also turns in an appreciated singing job. Both the Two Black Crows and Sam Moore, who plays fiddle on a saw, have nostalgic values though they also, bring back mc ■- ories of the ghastly days when nv - one who did things that most pec-. didn't do was vaudeville timber. 1- ' dance by Leo Leonard is Unlnspinn: and the sister act by the-McDonfl'i Sisters is badly dated without being funny. Tei.