Variety (Aug 1948)

Wednesday, August 18, 1948 House Reviews PRriety 41 Casino, London London, Aug. 10. Hoaov Carmichael, Les Compag- , 0 ns de la Chanson (9), 3 Wiles, Johnny Lockwood, nous de Al Norman, Mariora. Rex Ramer, The Kenways (4), Thermontreals, Harold Collins & Orch. There's something about Hoagy Carmichael London audiences like. Certainly, the fans who turned up at his opening show knew what was coming to 'em and enjoyed every minute of it. In his casual, confident way songsmith-filmster tapped away on the keys, sang some of his own compositions, and gave the audience a couple of easy lessons on writing a song hit. They clamored for his favorites and he responded; and when they ran out of requests yelled "just keep on playing." His intimate style was something new, and normally reticent Lon- doners were quick in showing their appreciation by vociferous ap- plause. He was compelled to over- stay his time, took four curtains on opening show, and would have gone on playing had there not been hundreds more clamoring for admission to second show. The fans got all their favorites commencing with "Stardust." But there was no satisfying them and he could have gone on and on without limit. The 45 minutes which he held the stage wasn't enough to appease their yen for more. Held over from previous bill, Les Compagnons de la Chanson continue as one of the favorites on the London vaude scene. Another successful holdover are the Three Wiles, repeating their wooden sol- dier act and adding another nov- elty item for good returns. Mariora, a girl juggler, opens show displaying more dexterity than originality, followed by Johnny Lockwood, a confident comedian with an easy, fluent style of story telling. An improved ver- sion of the one-man band is con- tribbed by Rex Ramer, whose lively act includes good impresh of Gracie Fields. Th£ Kenways' aerial gymnastic »ct, which opens the second half, runs true to form, giving way to Al Norman describing the origin of the Conga and a few easy les- sons on how to get a night's sleep. Bright and breezy act, interspersed with a flow of good stories. Myro. Apollo, rv. V. Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Brown Trio, Boyd Raeburn Orch (14) with Gwen Bell, Howard Bros., Louise Madison, Apus, Eslrelita & George Wiltshire; "King of the Gamblers" (Col). s Sl«*el Pier, A- €. Atlantic City, Aug. n, Olsen & Johnson, Clark Bros Kate Murtah, Johnny O'Connell'i Orel,,- "Who Killed -Doc' Robbin" Olsen and Johnson with their Laffeade of 1948" in Steel Pier's big Music Hall this week is a zany 60-minute socko show. Principals and company pop up from everywhere and audience plants keep the outfronters roar- ing throughout. ■ High point is giveaway,, sesh Country Store Nite." Johnson takes mike through audience and after getting right answer to some silly question gives away liquor carpet sweeper, candy, flowers' carving sets, etc. Crowd went for it in big way. Skits by pair top show. First has them asleep in hotel bedroom. Phone awakens them. A dozen characters including a burglar, a girl in the wrong room, etc., appear to whoop skit up. Picture of battle- ship on wall opens fire and duo fire back, and crowd roars as boat Ui frame sinks. Roars again when actor in sailor suit with huge fish Hushes onto stage claiming he was on boat. Another skit has them as barbers in a shop near railroad station. Every time train goes past the place shakes so violently that the bar- bers grip their chairs and the cus- tomer in the chair, while those waiting hold up walls. They send chorus girls in the audience where each nabs a male, puts a bonnet on him, and then takes him onto stage for more foolery. Pair get swell support from Ben Yost's Vikings, who give with slick harmony. Clark Bros, do nice tap dance routine while Kate Murtah clicks with imitations. Supporting the comedy team in their skits are J. C. Olsen, Michael Edwards, Billy Kay, Frank Cook, Maurice Millard, Shannon Dean and Johnny Howes, Andy Ratousheff, Shorty Renna, the Six Mighty Atoms and Frank Hart and the sixteen glamor gals. It's a show the average vacation- ist will remember for many a day and easily season's topper for this spot. Walk. for extra laughs before introing Calloway and his lads. Calloway and his lour musicians, I comprising piano, drums, bass and I trumpet, make an ear-splitting I bowon in fast and furious rendi-1 tion of "Everybody Eats When riiey Come to My House," "Nature Boy," "Manana," along with hi-de- hoing of the audience with "Mim- mie the Moodier" and closing with "St. James Infirmary" for smash finish. Larry Paige is admirable, as al- ways, in the in-between chores. Stan, The Apollo, Harlem, should have plenty happy returns on current stanza, what with double marquee lure of Ella Fitzgerald and Boyd Raeburn's ofay orch, both giving out in a manner to keep salvos coming consistently from the iive- happy colored clientele this house gets. Both contrib solid sessions. Aside from Raeburn and crew, it's an all-sepia layout. Raeburn's toptlers, comprising three rhythm, six saxes, two trum- pets and two trombones, with maestro alternating on miniature sax and licorice stick, give out with slick arrangements and provide neat backing for other acts. Teeing Sir u vitn nep arrangement of Night in Tunisia" to nice recep- tion, lads segue into "Man With a Morn," in which Raeburn and the sidemen have a field day. Prac- tically everyone is spotlighted in this stanza. Sets things pretty for the Howard Bros., youthful hoof- ers, \vho get over neatly in a brace «f rhythmic and tap routines. Wen Bell, personable band voca- list, wins nice reception for her Brace of ballads. Then band takes over for a musical salute to Duke JMUngton via "Concerto for the JJuke,' worked out in sizzling style and climaxed with reprise of El- lington's "Sophisticated Lady." Apus Estrelita & George Wiltshire contrib the usual comedy skit, f^nty corny but nevertheless hits with this house. Louise Madison «oes nicely in her brief tapstering sesn. Ray Brown Trio, piano, bass and arums, contrib a couple of sizzlers « s prelude to Miss Fitzgerald's song stanza. Songstress walks on w> terrif reception and sustains it throughout her song stylings of new tunes and reprise of her best- seller diskings. "Don't Worry About. Me," "If You Ever Leave Wdu l', Ut - Paganini" and "How «igh the Moon" are as solid as ever to cue recalls. She encores • T-i » a . calv Pso treatment of J'Svfy J 6 £ actional plaudits and" oegoff. Raeburn takes.it from there with everybody on for torrid finale. £dba. Olyinpia, Miami Miami, Aug. 14. Ames Eros., Benson & Mann, Sue Carson, Vanderbilt Boys, Arthur Ward, Les - Rhode House Orch; "Sainted Sisters" (Par). Steady summer pace set here in recent weeks is sustained by cur- rent layout, which is pleasant fare for the regulars. Ames Bros. (who played here last as the Amory Bros.) are a solid quartet with potent blend of harmony. Audience went for their versions of "Sabre Dance," "Or Man River," featuring the bass, "Because" and an old fave medley. Showmanship and delivery have improved since last around. Teeoff slot sets bright pace^via Vanderbilt boys' footwork. Comedy spot is okay, with Benson and Mann turning in comic crossfire that reminds of the old vauders. personable pair gather good meas- ure of laughs with broad material. Femme comedy slot has Sue Carson. Attractive lass offers spe- cial material songs to fair returns. Delivery shows flair for song- comedics; stronger routines would bring her into sock class. Novelty is contribbed by Arthur Ward and Co. with a palm-bringing return for juggling of hoops. Les Rhode house orch backgrounds layout capably. Lary. Chicago. Chi »" Chicago, >Aug. 13. Toni Harper, Sara Vaughan, Dick "Two-Ton" Baker, Herbie Field Orch (7), Ernie Simon, David Garroway, Eddie Hubbard, Linn Burton, Jack Fulton orch; "Give My Regards to Broadway" (20th). Chicago theatre has brought back the quartet of local disk jock- eys that appeared at its sister house, State-Lake, four months ago. Producer Nate Piatt has sup- ported them with strong record personalities and in most cases, the d.j's are only mildly obtrusive. Most improved is Ernie Simon, who has dropped his mugging and comes up with several bright bits of comedy. Dick "Two-Ton" Baker is strong opener as he is a radio fave and has built up hefty following. Over- sized singer also does neat job on piano and comic asides, scoring with specialty, "I'm A Little Petu- nia" and his closer, "Civilization." Dave Garroway, jazz disk spin- ner, introduces Sara Vaughan, songstress, who impresses with "Don't Blame Me" and "It's Magic." Eddie Hubbard does the honors for the Herbie Field combo. While Field has acquired more stage polish since then, he still favors high jumps and bends to work on his clarinet or sax. Freddie Rad- cliffe, drummer, does neat job in setting the beat on "Jealousy," "Dardenella," and "Flying Home." Group had to beg off. Linn Burton', last of the spin-, ners, gets over-enthused about- newest discovery, 11-year old girl, Toni Harper, who gives out with "Good Day."' Youngster has fully developed contralto voice with na- tural rhythm 'and clear diction. Follows with "Candy Store Blues" and "Jingle Bells" for happy re- turns. Jack Fulton house orch does neat backgrounding for show. ■Kobe. VARIETY BILLS WEEK OF AUGUST 18 ___. - Numerals in connection with lilll« below Indicate opening- day of show ' t , ,. whether (nil or split week. 1> pare " n ""*' i ■«***»*■ elreult: (I) Independent) <L> Loevr; <M) Moss: (nraramountj (B) RKO; (8) gtoll; (W) Wnrner; (\VB) Walter Rende 1* New Act NEW YORK CITY Capitol <L> 1* Dick .Tureens Ore Dick Powell Gil Maison Lathrop & Lee Muiic Hall (|) Win Mayo Charles Tyrell Willie Jones Andy Arcari Idalys Estelle Sloan Kockcttes Corps de BaUet Sym Ore Paramount (P) II Ray Eberle Bd Martha Tilton Jan Murray Rudy Cardenas Roxy (I) 11 Dick Haymes Tommy Trent Buster Shaver Carol Lynn Arnold Shoda Jean Sturgeon Frits Dletl Strand (W) 50 Count Basie Ore BUlie Holiday Zephyrs Stump & Stumpy BRONX Crotona 0) .3-24 3 Fontaines V & G * Haydock Don Henry 3 Marilyn Frechette (one to fill) QUEENS Jamaica (I) 11-21 Marcelli & Janis V & G Haydock 3 Harpers Yvonne Moray Sully & Thomas Jack Bruno Raquel The Marfields Al Ruskin 22-24 Pat & Sylvia ATLANTIC CITY Steal Pltr (I) IS Hal Sands Girls Georgie Price Theron Troupe Franklin Twins The Bellaires BALTIMORE Hippodrome (I) 1* Holloway Sis Bobby Sargent J & L Seller Dick Foran State (I) 17-21 Gilbert & Carroll Norman & Dawn Bobby .Herman The Fontaines 22-25 Mario & Francisco Zenith Sis Sir Alexander CAMDEN Towers (I) 20-22 The Twirlers Leo DeLyon The Briants Al Schenck The Marlboros CHICAGO State-Lake (P) II Disc Jockey Rev Herb Fields Ore Sarah Vaughn 2 Ton Baker Toni Harper Oriental (I) II Page Cavanaugh 3, Monica Lewis (two to fill) COLUMBUS Palace (R> 23-» Parade of Stars Horace Heidt John Mungall Melodaires Pat Theriault Jack Green Jimmy Grosso Johnny Vana Stanley Morse DETROIT •'way (P) 21 Rose Murphy Harry Babbitt Bela Lugosi Barney Grant 4 Evans KINGSTON B'way (WR) 20-31 Kay & Karol Phyllis Willys F & A Carroll George Freems 3 Arnauts MIAMI ■ Olympia (P) 11 Garcias Workmans Stuart Foster Al Stevens Ladd Lyon PHILADELPHIA Carman (I) 1» Martez & Lucia Lee Davis Ducnt & Ksye Fontaine Sis ROCKFORO Palace (I) .20-22 "Full Speed Ahead" McNallis Sis Tony DeMarco Ray Se Nardo Biff, Bev & Bob WASHINGTON Capitol (L) 1* Emerald Sis Betty J Watson Bob Evans Dunhllls Howard (I) 20 Jimmy Dale Ore Gene Amnions Sonny Thomson 6 I Wynonie Harris Garner A Wil.so» Fred & Sledge ' Sonja Milbourne BRITAIN BIRMINGHAM Hippodrome (M) It Klefe Bros & Annette John Boles Phlllipe & Marta Riley & Heller Marie Louise Albert Whelan Medlock & Marlowe Bill Kerr Vernon Sis BRADFORD Alhambra (M) U Eva May Wong Merry Macs Valmar 3 Jackie Hunter Terry O'Neill Jack Edge Doyle Kids Ivor Keyes 2 Dancettes BRIGHTON Hippodrome (M) 14 MacD'n'd & Gr'h'm Jack Durant Johnson Clark Donald Peers Broatlwny-('«pilol, Del. Cob Calloiuay & Cabaleers, Jack E. Leonard, Whitsou Bros., Peggy \Mann and Larry Paige Orch; "I, \Jane Doe" (Rep). VILMA SHERRY Dance 7 .Mins. Carousel, Pittsburgh Vilma Sherry practically pops the eyes with the things she does with her feet. She's like a top, only faster, and at times one fears she may fly right out the front door. It's a flash act that can fill a spot anywhere, on a cafe floor or in a theatre. Miss Sherry starts outs in con- ventional fashion with some edu- cated taps, and then she shoots off j E, p G /" ndas * into her spins, going around the A rnaut Bros platform like a propeller gone | Joyce Guiding berserk without missing any of her v'ISc_M_rteU tatoos on the hardwood. Her arms Veronlca MarteU poised for flight, she takes off and makes fuzzy blur spinning around as if some mechanic had wound her up hours before. For a finish, the bandleader. comes on with one of those circus I Bro " * announcements and Miss Sherry, | joy Dexter after catching what breath she has left, tops everything that's gone before with an illustration of a whirling dervish in flight. The turn's top-drawer anywhere. Cohen, CHISWICK Empire (S) 1* Naughty Girls '48 Ben Wrigley Maria Carmen Tico & Chlco Dick Thorpe ! Cab Calloway and his Cabaleers 'register solidly as topliners of new j bill here. It's a well-paced offering, nicely balanced, and presented in a manner that has the customers | veiling for more. Jack E. Leonard, hefty comic, teesoff with some localized gags, that pop all over the place, to bring on the Whitsons in a comedy balancing act. Their gags and stunts are nicely timed to a whirl- wind finish that brings salvos. Leonard returns for more clown- ing and then goes into his song and dance that rocks the house with laughter and applause. Raven-haired Peggy Mann fol- lows in a smooth delivery of "Somebody Loves Mo." "It's Ma- gic," pop medley "The Man I Love" and "Black Magic." i,The gal is terrific,with her soft., crMning voice," aftfl 'sWe- lias thfetn, .in .the palm of her hand when she bows off to allow Leonard a final chore with some impersonations Exhib Apathy Continued from page 3 sugarcoating in the form of pooh- ' poohing possible video forays. Fig- . ures have been so "spotty," it is Isaid, that no conclusion can yet be reached. TOA is mulling the idea 1 of putting a couple of paid statisti- : cians in the field to get results. Exhibs had been asked to check on the percentage of television set jack'' Keily Co owners who have been staying away i pf^°naf tqs from films as a result of video , Leicester programs and relationship of j <«> B '« ss length of ownership of a set to film- j Harold Benes -nine habits ! Gladys Hay going iiduua. .... Michael Moore Number of agencies, including ; Matt Nixon the Motion Picture Assn. of Amer- • Fouiharmonic Ore lea, have despaired in the past of i 0 « Richards Bunny & Byron Moore & Hatton Poppy WiUiams DERBY Grand (S) H Jimmy James Co Con Colleano Taylor & Harris Nor Kiddie Ravic & Renee Bob Gray 3 Garcias GLASGOW Empire (M> H Hamilton & Vassi Hal Monty 3 Spallas Konalde Samuels A Marvclle Herschel Henlere Barna & Brook Houston & Stewart Zfska LEEDS Empire (M) 14 And So We Go On Issy Bonn T & D Kendall Norry Al & Kemble whenever any sort of figures have H ,_ ood 0 0 N m D , OM M , » been asked of them. ' vie Oliver Pat Klrkwood Fred Emney Melachrino Ore Marilyn Hightower Michael tBentine Julie Andrews Jean Garson Santigo Bd Palladium (M) 14 Andrews Sis * Lew Parker M CoUeano Co Frank Marlowe Elsa & Waldo Fayes 3 Len Young Jose Moreno Co Yvonne Watts FINSBURY PARK Empire <M> 14 3 Astalres D Wakefield Co Tommy Fields Wallabies Beryl Orde Bobbie Klmber Max Bacon 3 Bertwinis F Marx * Iris HACKNEY Empire (S) 14 Piccadilly Hayride Nat Jackley 4 Hurricanes 4 Pagolas Marianne Lincoln Jack Francois SHEPHERDS BUSH . Empire (S) 14 Ta Ra Rah Boom Frankie Howerd Adtienne & Leslie Morgan & Royle Irving Girdwood WOOD GREEN Empire (S) 14 New Madhatters Syd Seymour Madhatters Bd Constance Evans Earle & Oscar Pat O'Brien Eric Plant MANCHESTER Hippodrome (Si F Mendelssohn Hawaiian Ser'ders Berry Bros Sirdani Scod & Foster Mr Lyons BenKe & Single NEWCASTLE Empire (M) 14 Skating Merinos Vera Lynn Peter Itaynor Terry-Thomas Allen & Lee Morris & Cowley Robinson & Martin Patinas 3 G & L Calienta NOTTINGHAM Empire (M) 14 Country Cousins Harry Lester Co Marie Lawton Chris Sands Bi.lou Freda Konyot. & Marion SHEFFIELD Empire (Ml 14 Balmoral 4 Nicholas Bros 14 SWANSEA Empire (M) 1* Shane Sis Fogel P Wingrave Co B Wright & Marion Less Lee Cyril Levis WOLVERHAMPTON KaTe%^ U Betty Driver Victor Barna Alec Brook C & H Yale Payne & HUliard Cabaret Bills NEW YORK CITY Cafe Society * Downtown Mildred Ballef Avon Long Calvin Jackson Edmund Hall Ore Copacebana Morton Downey Jean Carroll Gali-Gall Betty Bonney Ralph Young Ray Malone M Durso Ore Alvares' Ore Diamond Horseshoe Jay Marshall Grace & Nicco . Norma Shepherd Choral Octet II Sandler Ore Alvarez Mora Juenger Ballet Line El Chlco Fernanda Crespa Conde Luis Victoria Baroeld Rita &"Rozino Los Panchos Havana-Madrid Los Bocheros Trinl Reyes II SantUlana Ralph Font Ore Machito . Ore Hotel Belmo't-Plaxa Eddie Stone Ore Hotel Blltmore Russ Morgan Ore Harold Nagel Ore ' Hotel Edison Henry Jerome Ore No 1 Fifth Ave Turner Twins Jack Kerr Jock Kerr Hazel Webster Downey & FonviUe Penthouse Club Johnny Thompson Oscar Walzer Riviere Jane Froman Paul WlncheU Mario & Floria Tony Bavaar Joey Gilbert Donn Arden Line Hotel Aster Dick Jurgcns Ore Lenny Herman Ore Hotel New Yorker B Cummins Ore Ice Revue Hotel Piccadilly. Dell Trio Hotel Pennsylvania Skltch Henderson O Hotel St Morltz Menconl Ore Jacquetina Vida & Varo Hotel Taft Vincent Lopez Ore Charlie Drew Litlnjhutttttr 1 MiHufrtieifle D'Andrea Trio Dorothy Clare Bon Vlvants • B Harlow Ore Le Ruban Bleu King Odom 4 Naomi Stevens Louise Howard Edo Lubich Nermann Paris 8 Leon ft Eddie's Jerri Blanchard Art Waner Ore Cernoys Terry Twins Bruce Howard Roslyn Paige Shepord Line Old Roumanian' Sadie Banks Joe LaPorte Ore D'Aquila Ore Splvy's Katrina Van Oss Mary McCarty Splvy Versailles Nancy Donovan Bob Grant Ore Panchito Ore - Village Barn Hal Graham. Ore Chubby Roe Eddy Howard Bill Duffy Barbara Duffy Mons. Richard Piute Pete Waldorf-Astoria Freddy Martin Ore Mischa Borr Ore CHICAGO •Isckhawk Al Trace Orch Jackie Van Hotel Blsmark BUly Bishop Ore, Florence & Fred'rlc Helslnbt Prof. Backwards Lanny Colyer Mike Young £111 Chandler Ore Lola Amechce H Edgewater Beach Geo Olsen Ore H Williams Trio Paul SydeU Hal Raywin Betty Gray D HUd Dancers (12) Gaynor & Ross Chez Paree Danny Thomas Martha King Mage & Karr Leroy Bros (2) M Gould Ore (10) Ann Hathway D Chiesta Combo D Dorben Dcrs Co ' Hotel Stevens Benny Strong Ore B & F BaUard John Flanagan Jean Arlen Marian Spelman Skating Blvdears Bog Turk Rebfteld & Del Toro Doris Dnnavan Elwood Carl Palmer House Llberace Clifford Guest M Abbott Dcrs (10) Florlan ZaBaoh Ore Giselle L T Szyoni Few If. Y. Bistros .dJeh^-St'lco.' ^: A \P Pou'eVs ' Sandy Lane Rosinas Mayette SS Continued from page 1 sss the minimum check "for beverages only." Hereafter, as of July 20, any minimum tariffs in niteries, hotels, clubs, restaurants, etc., can- not be restricted to liquors, but will also include food. The only spots to be affected are several east side intimeries and some 52d street spots. Le Direc- toire, Le Ruban Bleu and the Blue Angel minimums applied to bever- ages only. At some of the swing street cubicles, minimums applied at the bar as well. It's apparent that the SLA had received numer- ous complaints about drink min- nies. Beefs, it's reported, were mainly directed at one spot which charged an unusually high mini- mum, and after the fust drink the waiters got "lost." There were re- ported instances where after an initial coke, patron was billed the minimum plus the 20%-tax. Cus- tomers squawked, not because of the high tariff for one drink, but because of the retarded service which looked like a deliberate managerial gyp for a large-profit margin. For practical purposes, so far as the N.Y. spots are concerned, most bistros include "food or beverages" in the minimums. Nationally, the same is true. Generally, the mini- mums were devised as a palatable subterfuge in lieu of the couvert, since it covers many hidden charges, upped items, etc. The .major N*Y.» hotols,, featuring' nJtne *tfance; 5 bah_*,'' to*» M?<6n\y s3ots today which get away with! a couvert, usually $1.50-$2.