Variety (Jun 1947)

Wednesday, June 25, 1947 49 House Reviews State, N. ¥# Rert Wheeler with Artie Rice; Maureen Cannon, Btl & Cora Baird, Del Rlos (3), Saul Grauman (4) , Harry Kahne; "Lost Honeymoon" (E L) Reviewed in Variety, March Punch of the State layout is con- fined to the early part of the show which doesn't make for sustained brand of entertainment. Once the Del Rios in the opening spot and Bil and Cora Baird, following, complete their chores, entertainment values simmer to a placid pace, with only occasional sparks coming from Bert Wheeler. , . . ' The Del Rios, a trio with fine blend of aero and terps, get the meas- ure of the house with a well-con- ceived routine that calls for three highs with.femme in the middle slot, with decorative dance designs interspersed. The Bairds, skilled puppet manipu- lators, display a high degree of charm and comedy in their work. Their dolls have distinct character, and routining is based on a nitery idea. Wind with a stripper and a trio of cats singing to an Andrews Sisters recording of "Pennsylvania Polka" for applause . winning finish. Name values of the show are in- vested in Wheeler, with assistance by Artie Rice, and Maureen Cannon (New Acts). Wheeler with his per- petual air of injured innocence is an immediate winning characteriza- tion, but leisurely pacing of act comes at a time when a punchy turn 8 is needed. There are many laugh items in his repertoire, ~such as standard sandwich munching bit, and his repartee with Rice. These stanzas make him a winner. Harry Kahne, who writes back "wards, upside down, and throws in some math wizardry, is an oldtimer who has been around since old Palace days. He contribs display of "genius" unrelieved by any light touches that would ingratiate him Nevertheless his act commands re spect from the house. Saul Grauman's musical staircase and three femme terping assistants are the closer. Novelty aspects of act are still considerable, and terps away from the stairway are stand ard, but returns are good. Jose. Earlc, Phllly » Philadelphia, June 24. Louis Jordan Orch, Toy & Wing. Tim Herbert, Pat Hill & Co., House Orch with Lou Schrader; "Hit Parade of 1947" (Rep). her rhumba-Lindy Hop dances with Arnaz. Piping isn't bad, but she has plenty other assets to put her over. ■ Rudy Cardenas, youthful juggler, making American bow, has unusual and' fresh routine. He balances twirling 16-inch rubber balls on tip of sticks which are held between teeth, and maneuvers with top hats as he spins and dances. Start is sim- ple baton juggling, with intricate aero feats following. He's a hard worker and wins salvos. Three Nonchalants complete zippy bill with comedy aero stunts, and knock themselves out a la Three Stooges. Their shoulder-on-shoul der tricks are especially good. "I'll Take the Rhumba' T by Arnaz our good neighbor's answer to South America, Take It Away; Smoothest tune is "Babalu." Although leader tries a few Bob Hope gags, he is definitely not a comedian. Hunt. The Louis Jordan show moved into the Earle Friday (20) to mark up a bouncing hour of entertain ment as finale stage bill of season Management did well in bringing this aggregation for windup show, tor it shapes up as one of the paciesi; bills to hit the Earle in a long time, and customer reaction was excel lent. With Tim Herbert emceeing and house band under Lou Shrader's di- rection on stage, show gets off to good start with the dance routines offered by a Chinese couple, Toy and Wing. Gal is a looker with an at- tractive figure, arid the team works well in tap and ballet routines. Pat Hill & Co. delight customers with puppet act, beginning with a pair of jitter-bugs, and then moving Into a humorous bit depicting grand- ma asleep by baby's crib, the kid climbing out of the crib and doing a dance with the old doll. The antics of a sepia piano playe. and cornetist close act, with good audience response.' Herbert is a clever mimic and monologist, and especially funny with his takeoff on a "theatre guild actor." He delivers with plenty of punch for sock returns. Topping show, however, is Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five, a musical combo of seven men. Jordan carries most of the act, vocalizing in humorous fashion on "TP Special," I Know What You're Puttin' Down," "Jack, You're Dead" and Lookout." Jordan and lads not only make music, -but make merry in a man- ner calculated for plenty laughs ineir principal ingredients are fun and informality. Biz fair when caught (20). Shal Chicago, Chi _ . Chicago, June 20. Dest Arnaz Orch (18), Dulcina, ™ay Carnenas and the Nonchalants W; 'Blaze of Noon" (20th Fox) Nate Piatt had natural lavish pro- auction material to work with in Ultra revue headed by Desi Arnaz. out failed to take advantage. Con- sequently it's only routine succession of acts. Opening show was delayed- sev- eral hours, due to bands' trouble getting through flooded area from ^J 10 !! 8 engagement, but when they made it, house gave hefty reception Husky Arnaz opened show with "Cu ban Pete" and "Managua, Nica ragua " with neat backing from es- pecially large orch. Dulcina, blonde, torrid tamale songstress, is best appreciated in Golden Gate, S. F. San Francisco, June 24. Dick Haymes, Gloria Gilbert Helen Forrest, Wesson Bros., Dick & DoCRemy, Bud Moore House Orch; Desperate" (RKO). by mild terp routine for fair ap- plause. Band takes over for comic num- ber, "Rebop," with screwy lyrics vocaled for good results by Gillespie and Haygood. Bassist Ray Brown fronts for a sock "One Base Hit." Snake dancer Tanza Goyaz writhes niftily—and that's all. Gillespie's torrid trumpet heats up the novelty, "Oom-bops-ze-bop" then he seques into a wacky dance while Milt Jackson takes over on the vibes. Unbilled saxist registers on long solo. Statuesque Sarah Vaugh, svelte in a blue gown, pipes a fair "Across the Alley from the Alamo," improves with the oldie, "I Cover the Water- front," plus "September Song," and encores with a sock "Mean to Me." Her expressive voice finds strong favor with aud. Four Step Bros., terp quartet, are a polished turn that's been around for years. Their challenge stuff, followed by a fast group finale win hefty palmwhacks. Variety Qills WEEK OF JUNE 28 New Acts Current layout at Golden Gate shapes up neatly with lineup of talent which keeps the customers happy from moment Gloria Gilbert oes into her spinning routine to )ick Haymes' last encore with Helen Forrest. Biz has perked to its best since Mickey Rooney was brought in to lure 'em in; most of credit going to draw of Haymes. Miss Gilbert paces and gets sock applause, giving way for Dick & Dot Remy, whose standard hoke stuff, heavy on corn, but pays off in laughs. Gal plays up fat-girl routine, with partner turning in good acro-stunts, especially alligator crawl and skating on hands. Miss Forrest, who makes good ap- pearance, scores with "Sunny Side of the Street," "Them There Eyes" and "Sunday Kind of Love." Offs to solid applause. Wesson Bros, kill them as usual with mimicry and knockabout finale in Edgar Bergen-McCarthy routine and double-talk speech to audience. Haymes, who follows, is a definite draw, especially with distaffers. Comes on modestly for "Swanee," follows with "Stella by Starlight," Mam'selle" and "Old Man River" for sock effect. As closer he joins Miss Forrest for duet on "I Don't Know Why" for additional salvos. House band with Bud Moore front- ing, augmented by five fiddles, gives spiffy support to show. Al Lerner turns in top job as piano accompanist for both Haymes and Miss Forrest. Ted. PAT MILLBANK Songs 14 Mins. Buttery, Chicago After fronting orchs of Bob Cros- by, Phil Levant, Les Brown and Louis Panico under name of Patti Long, and after two year stint for USO-Camp Shows,. Pat Millbank is now doing a single at Chi's intimate Buttery, where her past experience is showing up for top results. Gal comes on with good stage presence to snag and hold attention. As in band stints, she has voice that switches from sweet to sultry, but new song selections are of tailored material with variable tempos of new tunes and oldies. Tunes from smooth ballads to rapid delivery material. Numbers include "Somebody Loves Me," "You Are So Loveable," a calypso "His Feet's Too Big for the Bed," "Papa Don't Preach To Me," and special treatment of "McNamara's Band." All go over well enough to provoke encores. Gal is solid for vauders or niteries Hunt. Numerals In connection with bills below Indicate opening day of show whether full or split week Letter in parentheses indicates circuit: (I) Independent; <1.) Loen: (P) Paramount; (R) RfcO( (W) Warner Olympla, Miami Miami, June 20. Joy Hodges, Eddie Bartell, Don Zelaya, Harold Boyd & Jigsaws, Pritchard & Lord, Les Rhode House Orch; "The Two Mrs. Carrolls" (WB). Smooth, neatly blended layout adds up as satisfying fare. Topliner Joy Hodges rates spot with her slick delivery of the cur- rent pops. Looks nifty and works with a zing that gets palm pounding from first song. Eddie Bartell emcees adeptly and displays usual parade of radio, screen and stage. Celebs in impres- sions" sequence. Though standard, gets over via comedy angled stuff and fresh approach. Vet terp duo Pritchard & Lord tee off with fancy taps comboed with neat lifts and spins, to garner solid returns. Don Zelaya clicks with comedies and deft pianoing. Latter is partic ularly standout. Harold Boyd & Jig-Saws close with zany acro-tumbling that gets howls and gasps. Les Rhode's orch does nice Job on the backgrounding. Lary. Apollo, N. Y. Di*zy Gillespie Orch (15) with Milt Jackson, Kenneth Haygood; Nick & Viroie, Tanza Goyaz, Sarah Vaughn, 4 Step Bros., Garner & Wilson; "Philo Vance's Gamble" (PRC). MAUREEN CANNON Songs 12 Mins. State, N. Y. Maureen Cannon, fetching and personable singer, who has been around mainly in musicomedy such as in 'Up in Central Park," has played previous vaude dates but is unlisted in Variety's files. As yet Miss Can- non is more suited to the intimate legit houses than to the vaudfilmers. There's a deal of subtlety in her de- liveries that's lost in larger halls. Another factor militating against complete acceptance in vauders is her choice of repertoire. Only item to register in major manner is a tune abetted by occasional glee^club riffs from the pit band. On the strength of this number she's encored. Pipes are warm and arresting and once she accustoms herself to vaude work will be perfect for top houses. Jose. NEW YORK CITY Capitol (L> 26 George Paxton Oro Lena Home Johnny Burko Ruby Ring Music Hull (I) 26 Luclenno & Ashour Robt Shanley Janet & Taul Roekettes Corps de Ballet Glee Club Sym Ore Paramount (P) 24 Lloyd Schoffer BU Perry Corao Larry Storch 4 Evans Satisfiers Roxy (I) 28 Jerry Lester Sallci Puppets Art Lund Jan August State (I.) 26 Duke Art & Jr Jack De Leon Marjorie Knapp The Cracldocks Cross & Dunn F & E Barry Strand (W) 21 Vaughn Monroe Or Prank Fontaine Beryl Davis The Dunhills QUEENS Jamaica (I) 25-28 Tommy- Dowd Mimic Men Don Henry 3 Harry & Gerrl J & B Paysee V Nicholson Norman & Dawn Bob White Mills & Powers AKRON Palace (I) 26-29 Louis Prima Ore 3 Claire Sis Nip Nelson ATLANTIC CITY Casino (I) 22 B Wells & 4 Fays Benson & Mann Phil Brito Peggy Taylor 3 Paul Kohlev BALTIMORE Hippodrome (I) 26 The Marvelettes George Akers Frank Marlowe Coleman Clark Co State (1> 26-28 The Raymonds Adele Parish Fielder & Harriet Boots & Saddles 20-2 Lane & Claire Billy Romano Doris Faye Large & Morgner CAMDEN Towers (I) 27-29 B Carlell & Rosa Tucker & Gloria Freddie Jena] Black & Dundee The Del Martins CHICAGO Chicago (P) 27 Desi Arnaz Ore Rudy Cardenas Dulcina Nonchalants Oriental (I) 26 Lionel Hampton Or Red & Curley ' Zephyrs COLLMBUS Palace (R) 30-2 Louis Prima Ore Claire Sis Nip Nelson EL.HIRA Keeney (W) 2-S Grand Ole Opry MIAMI Olympla (P). 28 2 Jacks Graham Sis Leon Fields Sylvia Froos Ben Berl PHILADELPHIA Carman (!) 26 The Bel Aires Roger Ray Abdullah Girls Roy & Irene Drake ROCKFORI) Pnlacc <I> 27 Pamela & Louise Asta Svenn Johnny Knapp< Ross & Ross Lang & Lee P Jenkins & Pals SALT LAKE "CITY Lyric (I) 23 Francis Dainty Co Pa & Ma O'Hagen Bob Merrick Tau Moe 3 Billy Farrell SAN FRANCISCO Golden Gate (R) 25 Donald O'Connor Gloria DeHaven Gwen O'Connor Canfleld Smith SPRINGFIELD Court So (I) 26-20 Owen & Parker 3 Gobs Phyllis Willis Mara & Maurice Jack Leonard Geo Ross & Ruth WASHINGTON Capitol (L) 26 Burns 2 & Evelyn Ginger Harmon Wally Brown Lane Bros Howard (I) 27 The Charioteers D Gillespie Ore Congaroo Dancers Eddie Rector Sam & Eddie Stuart Langley Peggy Palmer D'Qulncoy & Qlv'ns Zimmerman'! Paul Smith Jan ml Makula Zslga Bela Paulens Doris Haywood Gone Kardos O CHICAGO Blackhawk Ray Pearl Sherman Bros Sabina Chez Paree Danny Thomas Miriam Lavalle Dorothy Porter Marty Gould Barry Sherwood Rode'es & Phyllis Adorables (12) Hotel Btsmarcta Debutantes Paul Rozlni Eddie Fens Ore Benno Delson Ore Helslngs Janet Stevens Randy Brown Mickey Sharp Denny Miles Sid Fisher Oro Hotel Blacbstone Bill Snyder Ore Joe Frisco H Edgewater Beach Henry Busse Ore Myrtle & Picaud Haass Elephant Preston Lambert Rudells D Hill D'cers Hotel Sherman Carl Marx Joe Mooney Ore- Stan Kenton Ore Vido Musso Linn Burton Hotel Stevens' Henry Brandon Or Franks'& Janyce Lola Ameche Bobby May Leo Gilmoro Boulevar-Deara Latin Quarter Gertrude Niesen Doc Marcus The Garcias (2) Latin Lovelies Bob Lee Buddy Shaw Oro Palmer House Jack Fina Oro Herb Shrlner Bob DuPont Abbott D'ncera (11) Rio Cabana Thelma Carpenter Sonny Richards Estelle & LeRoy The LovelleB (6) Ceo Davidson Oro Vine Garden* Dick Galo Rita Yoraks Johnstones Jackio Soo Joe Klsh Oro Cabaret Bills NEW YORK CITY JEANNE BURKE Songs 10 Mins. Clover Club, Miami Jeanne Burke huskj voiced vo- calist originally booked into the small Vagabond room of the Clover Club, has moved .into the main room for a showing which marks her as having possibilities. An attractive gal, she turns in a stint which with smarter song selec- tion, plus experience should bring her into the smart room group of femme chirpers. At present her throaty style comes off well enough on such tunes as "Great Day," "How Deep Is The Ocean" and "Sooner Or Later." Getting away from the torchy style and letting her voice ride full, she reminds of the better vocalures, both in voice and delivery. Lary. With Dizzy Gillespie as the show's kingpin, Apollo has tied up a spright- ly vaude package that falters only occasionally. Gillespie's outfit, com- prising three rhythm five reed and six brass, launches the session with a fast "Cool Breeze." Milt Jackson follows with "Man I Love" on vibes, which resolves into a nifty bit of improvisation netting neat returns. Ballad "Sunday Kind of Love" seems poor choice for vocalist Ken- neth Haygood whose voice isn't suited for this type of tune. Nick & Virgie, roller skaters, are a good novelty act. Male holds the gal for several gyrating spins and climaxes with femme spinning in midair held by strap attached to her mate's neck. Win solid reception. Garner & Wilson, comedy team, run through some stock gags followed VICKEE RICHARDS Songs 11 Mins. Chanticleer, Baltimore Femme vocalist shows consider- able promise via good vocal equip- ment, looks and svelte gowning. A wholesome looking brunet, she gives out with arrangements of current pops in legit style and builds her numbers to strong climaxes and solid returns. Rep when caught included "Sitting on Top of World," "My Desire, "Black Magic," "Mam'selle," "Gal in Calico" and good working out of "St. Louis Blues." Burm. Gov't Okays Longchamps Sale to Brass Rail Corp. Provisional contract for the sale of the Longchamps restaurant chain to Edward and Julius Levine, operators of the Brass Rail restaurants, N. Y., has been approved by the Federal Government. Government has a stake in the eatery chain because of $3,000,000 in back - taxes and fines due. Longchamps restaurants are cur- rently operating without liquor license because of revocation by the State Liquor Authority. Blue Angel Alice Pierce Marc Lawrence Lil Green Nype & Cote Jay Marshall Ellis Larkins 2 Cafe Society (Downtown) James MacColl Mary Lou Williams Buck Miller Ore Cafe Society (Uptown) Luclenne Boyer Dave Martin t Abbey Albert Oro Carnival Olsen & Johnson C & T Valdez Dick Buckley Blackburn Twins Michael Edwards Mr.Manus Ore Reid Ore China Doll John Tio Moo Song Fran Yang Jadine LI Sun Tai Sings Coimcntiana MlUi Green Mel Torme Copsey & Ayres Gerrl Sutton Terry Allen Nancy Doran Michael Durso Oro Fernando Alverez O Diamond Horseshoe Ross & La Pierre Slrl Herman Hyde Turner Twins Rosebuds Billy Banks Tables Davis Renald & Rudy Jack Mathers Noble Slssle Ore Syd Strange Ore El Chlco P.oslta Rlos CabalKros Alice Farrar Havana-Madrid R & L Reyes M A LuIb Noro Morales Bertlca Serrano Sacassae Ore Maro Starr Iceland Lucille Peterson McQowan & Mack Jerry Mapes Joanne McGowan Bllmpy Blank Ore Tiny Clark Latin Ouartct Sophie Tucker Pinky Lee Debonalrs Ralph Young Cecil Lewln Chick Gladke Vincent Trovers O Little Club Walter Gross Leon ft fiddle'* Eddlo -Davis Trudy Richards Tahja Mayo Bros Danny Sullivan Judy Sargeant Shepard Chorus Monte Carlo Joel Shaw Ore Rhumba Oro. Roberto Hotel New Yorker V Lombardo Ore Marlon Spelman June Arnold Joe Satcr Trio nissell & Farley 4 Esquires Waldorf-Astoria Phil Regan Griff Williams Ore Mischa Borr Ore Belmont-Plaza Bob Dixon Phil Leeds June Taylor Dcrs Ruban Bleu Ronna Lord Day Dawn & Dnsli Elliot & Jurist Cedrie Wallace S Wally Blacker Versailles Bob Grant Oro Lisa Kirk Myrus Panchlto Ore Village Barn Harry Ranch Oro Toni Palmer .Lou Ceasar f.'orday & Trlano Duke Alden Jimmy Treston Pappy Below Eddie Stone Ore Nino Bd Hotel Blltmore Ray Heatherton Arthur Ravel Ore Mlnevitch' Rascals . Hotel Lexington Alomas Hawaiian* Hotel Pennsylvanli Randy Brooke Ore Hotel Pierre Roberto & Alicia Stan Fisher ChaB Reader Ore Hotel Plaza Pancho Ore Jacques Peals Monte Ore Hotel Roosevelt Lawrence Welk Or Hotel St Regis Milt Shaw Laszla & Peplto Paul Sparr Ore Hotel Tnft Vincent Lopez Oro Charlie Drew Maya Ore No. 1 Fifth Are Pat Bright Jack Kerr Hazel Webster Downey & Fonvlllt Riviera Jackie Miles Grade Barrle Beatrice Kraft tMorgan Dcrs ay Malone Tony Bavaar Joel Herron Oro Curbello Oro Villago Vangnnrd Josephine Premlce Eddy Mansop Three Flames Don Frye Wive) Bob La* K&y Carole Art Wan'jr Oro Shakespeare-Pix Continued from page 1 predictions of Shakespearean film productions to come. Sparking the trend, of course, is the Orson Welles filming of "Mac- beth," now under way at Republic. Just how much of this is going to be Shakespeare and, how much Orson Welles is a matter of speculation. But—Welles being what he is the show isn't likely to be overly weighted with the tradition that has developed around the presentation ojt Shakespeare. In fact, what started this flurry of Shakespearean drama, is the success of "King Henry V," British made with Laurence Olivier. After seeing what the British did with "Henry," the boys are inclined to stand in awe of the Bard, and some of them are even beginning to think he's a top screenwriter.'* Over at Universal-International they haven't gone so far as Republic, but the picture, "Imagination," now being filmed, contains two plays within a play (like "Hamlet," in- cidentally) and one of those plays is a sequence from "Othello." Ronald Colman, starring in the picture, has never yet played Shakespeare, but he is called upon to do it in this picture. Republic, by the way, denies any foundation for rumors that they may feature Andy Devine as Falstaff, but the notion has brought expressions of approval in certain quarters. Meanwhile, David O. Selznick, who registered all the Shakespeare titles with the Johnston office shortly after the release in this country of "Henry," still insists he hasn't given up the idea of doing "Romeo and Juliet," which was done before. Supplementing the other Shake- spearean activities is the scripting of a comedy of Elizabethan London by Morgan Cox and a collaborator. Cox is not only picture producer and writer but his background includes the teaching of Elizabethan drama at Yale. Yarn, which makes robust farce out of intrigue in the court of Queen Elizabeth and in the Globe theatre, reportedly has been con- sidered by Samuel Goldwyn studios as possible vehicle for Danny Kaye. Buchman's Deal S Continued from page 3 indie production completely on his own. Prexy Harry Cohn has been endeavoring to sell him on remaining with the studio. It's believed that Buchman was finally convinced to stay by a combination of the attract- ive Col offer and the difficulties presently facing the indie producers. Hcllinger Set With Col.V Mark Hellinger, checking out of his releasing pact with Uniyersal following his last production, "Brutt Force," planed to the Coart ifemd^-y (22), reportedly to wrap up tii$ deal ■ with Columbia this week. Hellinger returns to New Yorti next Sunday (29).