Variety (Apr 1949)

WedneiJliy, April H, 1^9 HOUSE HEVIBWS 6S jftarmmvumU Y* iChorli* BoTtiet Orch (16), Btt?»J «ffl"'jflcfc Carter. "Bride 0/ Sotice" (Par), reviewed in VI^WY Morch 30. Paramount's new stageshow is enfertainlng. nicely paced, fast in SJrformance and time (45 min- ™ -> It features two comics, Tprrv Colonna and Jack Carter, iho do not interfere witli one an- n/hpr a crack dancer (Bunny Br MS) and singer Margaret Phe- in addition to Charlie Barnet's S-iving bop rhythms.. Briggs opens. But he's not quick- iv forgotten. He almost always works with Barnet in vaude and since last caught he has picked iin considerable polish. A crack faoster, he runs through rhythm, fast and soft shoe routines with a fine senSe of timing and showman- ship He took a sharp hold on audience when caught. Miss Phelan has done numerous cafe and theatre bookings around New York. She doesn't show up a$ Well on this date as. others in theipast, but her act gets over well enough. Does three tune.s, "Big, Wide, Wonderful World," poorly controlledT "So In Love," which was better, and her standard, "Man Could Be a Wonderful Thing," which she gets over best. She has good range and presence. Colonna and, Carter follow one another, with a band number be- tween. "The Mouth" strolls on in bop tam and heavy glasses^and doesnt stop until he gets off. Goes through a trombone routine, a host of gags, the inevitable "Mandalay" (to wake 'em up) and a story in Italian dialect' about his dad's ver- sion of Paul Revere's ride. It all adds up for constant laughs and loud applause. Garter seems to be a different guy. He has a host of new material Tat least since this reviewer, caught up with him last) and a new, fast- er style of working. He hits 'em • explosively and doesn't slacken. Bits needling the habits of thea- tregoers, psycho films, horror Alms, and dozens of tossed away gags add his turn up to a solid giggle. Hl's coming along as a re- sponsible comic. Finishes with a tune bewailing "Why Doesn't Someone Step Down," aimed at the top comics of today and a decade ago. ; Barnet's combination of seven .brass, four sax, four rhythm, in- cluding a conga drum, is a crack outfit. Few bands have come along with the sort of exciting drive that characterized the Benny Good« man outfit of the late 30's. This comBo has that, in bop, and it's well-rehearsed and chockfull of spirit. It's a loud aggregation as all such bands of its type must be, but it's not objectionable. Here it gets on'y three chances to rock- away, at the start, midway and finish and it shows enough to be labeled a grouping that will take a back seat to few, if any, combos of its class. Barnet was: out ill when caught and Bobby Sherwood directed and m.c.'d the show< He did a smooth job. Wood. Capitol, Y. Art Mooney Orch, with Made.lyn -Russelli-Jumes^Barton—Rose -Mur- phy, Stan Cavanagh; "City Across The River" iU), reviewed in Va- WETY, Feb. 23, '49. Three solid acts, headed by vet performer James Barton, combine with Art Mooney's crowd-pleasing orch'for a neat layout In the Capi- tols current session. Show runs off with a smooth consistency, with each turn delivering top entertain- ment. _ Mooney's orch, comprising a standard aggregation of five reeds, tnree rhythm and six brass, regis- ters effectively with a medley of current pops, oldies and novelties. 1 wp standout numbers delivered "J J hpked-up style are a revival Five Feet Two" and "To Hell With Her," with vocal by saxist. Band vocalist Madelyn Russell also roakes a nice Impression with her rendition of "So In Love." **eat of the show, however, are we Individual sock turns. Stan ^ayanagn sells a firstrate juggling e J u ^^^^ comedy edge sharp- ened by some verbal gagging and pantomimic tricks. His juggling ?iuhts, moreover, are intricate and attention-fixing in themselves. Hose Murphy, Negro chichi singer, generates plenty of audi- ence response with her peculiar vocalizing idiom. While her thin pipes are not of the highest qual- : Jiyi she more than compensates J>y laryngal trickiness, hot pianis- Jjcs and zestful stomping which •ntects her listeners with maxi- mum penetration. - Headlining the bill, Barton .sings a couple of oldies, "You Made Me W)ve You" and "Annabelle Lee" *n old - fashioned showmanship iiifi?' ."'^ clicks most powerfully wita his impresisionistiti efforts. Hii claasic carbon of a drunk try- ing to crost the street is still lure- flrc, while his less familiar satire ot a dance hall lizard on the make for a gal also earns a heavy laugh payoff to close the show. Herm. OrlentaU Chi Chicago, April 7. Jane Russell, Merriel Abbott Daticers (8), Will & Gladys Ahem, Johnny O'Brien, Carl Sflnd's Orch; "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" (M-G). . Here's a case of a lot of trim- ming and little meat; Will Harris's ranch setting and production ef- forts provide unique background and theme for vaude fare. Enter- tainment-wise, bill falters and cali- ber of individual acts disappoint; Even Carl Sand's orch seems be- wildered in 10-gallon hats; so mUch so, that backing is sluggish and much in need of more rehearsals. Merriel Abbott Dancers open with a number wherein gals peel off petticoats: for aero routines. They seem a bit unsure on stage, with cafe experience hindering projection in large house. How- ever, audience registers approval. Will & Gladys Ahem put kinks in already slow pace. Male roper twirls overhead, with team dancing inside loop, :Male then takes over with rope tricks a nd homespun jokes. . Jane Russell, now billed as the "Buttons & Bows'' gal, does sock rendish of "Blow Gabriel Blow," with gestures, voice and arrange- ment garnering good response: Follows with "Do It Again," and "Tea for Two" for nice returns. Johnny O'Brien serves as best housewarmer in present layout, with heyrrube appeal and commer- cial corn that gets solid yocks. He also exhibits harmonica skill via "Four Leaf Clover" and comes back for three encores, v Abbott dancers set stage for clever closer, . as Miss Russell re- turns to give out with '/Buttons and Bows" in cowgirl regalia. Rest of acts join in square dance for'lively .finale.. Greg. Olympia, Miami Miami, April 9. Alan Carney, Buddy Walker, The Colstons, Walter iVilsson,; Rice^ Sisters, Freddie- Carlone house orch; "Wake of the: Red Witch" (Rep). Standard lineup on tap here sets well; with the regulars. In feature spot, Alan Carney ap- plies his jowl-shaking pan to the soapbox routine by now standard with him, for a solid round of laughs. The buildup to the climax- ing oratorical howl raiser is based on a fair series of impreshes with Richman and Jolson the better aarbonings. Overall impact is of sock variety. As emcee. Buddy Walker applies his years of vaude-cafe experience in setting up amiable and effective introeSf arid in own spot garners healthy reaction with his old- vaude type delivery on songs and gags which giet palmi-rousing re- ception. Teeoff spot is a zingy pace set- ter, with the: Rice sisters hitting "witlmcro^atlagio -rout-inings;— The Colstons purvey clever satires on ballroomology, for healthy re- sponse. Walter Nilsson, another vet, al- most walks off with top honors via: his unicyele • and comedy-built single - wheel contraptions for howls and gasps. Freddie Garlone's house orch handles backgroundings in capable manner. Lary. II ippodroine, Bal to. Baltimore, April 10, 1 Helene & Howard, Jack E. Leon- ' nrd, Bobhy Gilbert, Bobby Jordan, Patti Page, Jo Lombardi House Orch (12); "The Set-Up" (RKO). Well-selected setup benefits by skilled pacing of Jack E. Leonard in iemcee slot and solid musical support from Jo Lombardi house orCh brought on stage for effective backing. Clicko opener is provided by Helene & Howard, mixed duo oi' knockabout steppers who finish very strongly in a hoked up jitter- bug routine. Seated in the orch with his fid- dle, Bobby Gilbert'is brought down front for good comedy sesh, fol- lowed by Bobby (Dead End Kids) Jordan, who essays some impres-, sions and a vocal. Scores best with version of George Sanders, and makes his spot count well enough. Patti Page follows with very well- sold vocals, including "Streets of Laredo" and "So In Love." En- cores with a novelty,item, "Money, Marbles and Chalk," for solid re- turns. Leonard closes with fresh gags, okay vocalizing and a bit of hoofery Which draws plenty of laughs. , ■ . ■ , ■ Biz okay. fiurm., good looks, and a well handled, set of pipes, garners fine appreciation for tenor. Patter is incidental and kept to a minimum, with emphasis on tunes handled straight. Reper- toire includes "It's a Bright Won- derful World," "So in Lovef," an AAF version of the "Whiffehpoof Song," and "New York's My Home." has one of slickest and novel jug gling acts on the, circuit. Do some dazzling tricks with the conven- tional hoops and clubs, but add something new with .sticks and hats.. Wind up, with team twirling hats on sticks and interchanging them, brings dfeserved mitt action. Comedy is handled by Tommy Hanloni With- femme partner, and by the Albins, slapstick dance team. Hanlon is weakest part of, greatest vaude show gagged version of the head-cutting magic trick flops completely, and, despite some laughs, here and there, comic never- quite makes Afiiule Hail, N. V, Leon Leonidoff Production, with Gloria Lane, Ruth Harrison k Alex Fisher, George Roberts, Salici Pup- pets, Paul Haakon, Leila Crabtree, Elaine Myer, Potricio Drj/lic, Brun- hilda Roque, Violo Crucil, M. H. Corps de Ballet, M, H. Glee Club, Rockettes, M. H. Symphony Orch; "Connecticut YanJcee" (Par), re- viewed in VAniETY Feb. 23, '49. With its traditional Easter show teamed with Bing Crosby's ''Con- necticut Yankee," the Music Hall looks set for some standout biz during th next month or so. New stage layout, running about 65 minutes, is split about evenly be- tween the traditional "Glory of Easter" pageant and the lighter- veined "Springtidings." And the now-standard M. H. staging, sots and lighting make it a smoothly- paced presentation throughout. Pageant, with the cathedral-like, settiug as a backdrop for the en- show, despite a baby face appeal tire ;M. H. ■ company, continues as i and: a fast .routine . of gags. A one of the most impressive and inspiring productions staged. Con- tralto ; Gloria Lane' does a stirring solo on Rubinstein's "Kamenoi Ostrow," building to a solid climax 1 the grade. when the Corps de Ballet forms' The Albins poke fun at art Its huge, Illy-banked cross in the to a running accompaniment of center ot the stage. , chuckles. They combine some nice Ruth Harrison and Alex Fisher; terp and aero technique with .the tee off the second half with satiric I usual slapstick. Contrast in size i balleterping on the "Love in ■ helps the comedy effect, and Bloom" theme, with Miss 'Harri- - . - son's contortions in the lifts gain- ing strong laughs. Glee Club and the Choral Ensemble follow with a mild "Meadow Lark" number highlighted mostly by the giant tractor wheeled out to set the "Mountain Greenery" theme. Miss Lane and George Roberts solo okay on "April Love" and "June Is Bustin' Out," but it's still the weakest part of the show. Rock- ettes set the production back in stride witli their high-kicks, this time doing more of'a soft-shoe than their usual taps. Salici Puppets have added some new numbers to their standard routines, but it's the. concert pi- anist bit that continues to draw top audience response. Show winds with .a classic ballet number fea- turing Paul Haakon, other solo- ists and the ballet corps. Set has a reflecting backdrop which adds to the beautiful lighting and color effects. Titled "Symphony of the Birds,'' the number is based main- ly on Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" music and is excellently terped by the company. . Stol. EFriars'Record Contlnuilil from pace 2 ssssll Copy, all proceeds going to MPRP, Additionally, the Teamsters Union, which is donating ail serv- Surprise of bill are the Peiro ices, for the aifair, will charge $1 Bros., who turn a curtain raising | per car parked, all coin going to' stmt into a near show-stopper. Re- I f „j »_ addition to heine historv's' cent imports from Argentine, team aaouion to oeing nistory s " ■• ■ ■ ■ - • biggest grosser, show will boast the most outstanding array of tal". ent ever assembled on stage at one time, topping even, the World War I show at the Metropolitan Opera at which Enrico Caruso and : AI Jolson headlined. Practically all the top male thesps in Hollywood are sweating in rehearsals this week for the payees respond nicely. Lowe. Theatre Ducats Continued trom page I ever at-' tempted in these parts. Working out their new routines on two sound stages on the 20th-Fox lot are galaxies of stars whose total weekly wages would take the Marshall Flan off the nut.' The boys are doing their: spring training, like a lot of big. league teams, for the Friars Club Frolic for benefit of the Motion Picture Relief Fund. It is an event in which the boys can take their hair down and their ; toupees off and romp in; wild abandon for .a good cause. It is up to William Perlberg, co- ordinator of the show, to hold : the reins on the huge field of thesps • who are champing and ready to go. Harry Joe Brown is assigned as U. S. Results of the survey have I , ^ , „ been turned over to the Treasury I oi^^ctor, with Joseph Santley as. Earic, Pliilly Philadelphiai April 9. Marilyn Maxwell, 3 Suns, Mischa Auer, Al !-. Connie Fanton, Frankie Juele's House Orch; State DeparU ment File 649" (FC). Stage manager .and Gieorge jjessw:! : (who else?) as emcee. : LineH up thus :far, with Isite re.*; turns coming in like election nighii, ; are:; Clayton,:: Jackson ;& fitirarite, Peairi : Martin & Jerry Lewis, Jack Biehny, George Bur n Si: Edgair Bergen, Gene Kelly, Bob Hope, Al ' '44 namine the circuit was enoueh Jols«">', Jimmy Cagney, Gary to iSze the ducat' | Cooper),. Robert Montgomery, Ray to legalize tne aucat. I Milland, Walter Pidgeon, Jimmy Batches of tickets in the hands i Stewart, Brian Aherne, Bill Bendix, of the Treasury violate every pro-1 Eddie Bracken, Rod Cameron, Dan vision of the law. The rules re-;Duryea, George Murphy, Jack quire a ticket to name the theatre, [ Oakie, Dennis O'Keefe, Sonny, the net price, the admission tax,; Tufts, Keenan Wynn, Humphrey the total, and to have a serial [ Bbgart, Alan Ladd, Frank Sinatra, number in consecutive order from | Dan Dailey, Lou Holtz, Tony Mar- aud action is expected shortly The last Treasury probe, carried through by the T-men in 1944, re- sulted in the dept. issuing much stricter regulations on tickets. One proviso then passed requires tick- ets to specifically name the theatre at which they are sold; Prior to Name acts, all of whom deliver, brighten the Holy Week outlook at the Earle. Two of the headliners are from the films—Marilyn Max- well and Mischa Auer. Miss Max- well spells glamor right from her entrance and her voice, when she gets into the singing, is. better than average. Her selections are all top faves-^"Powder Your Face With Sunshine," "Little Bird Told Me," "Go.d Man Is Hard to Find" —which also helps for nice re- turns. ■ : . Auer's~"ftlTn~app:earances—have- virtually set his material and the comedian gets laughs merely by going into character. He parodies pop songs with- amusing results and for a sock highlight does his familiar piano routine, playing in- strument with two grapefruit and a lemon. Comic also gets roars i with his Russian dialect version of I "Up in Mabel's Room," with light-1 ning changes of beards and wigs. I Holding headline spot are the i Three Suns, slick recording trio —organ, accordion and electric guitar. They have a good musical presentation, deftly working in clowning, as well as serious , vo- cals. Such faves as "Hindustan," "Cecilia" and "Twilight Time," which they helped restore to popu' larity, rate palm action. Al and Connie Fanton, who combine jug- gling, rhumba and aero-taps, a slick opener. pagh. 1 to 500,000. Only one series in each price: class is permitted and there can he no duplication of numbers.:: Tickets have heen found which are blank as to theatre designa- tion. Others turned out to be "strip tickets," that is, the serial number is on the cover of the strip but not on individual ducats. Circuit tlx, although Illegal, are still being printed as well as coded numbers; Printing houses have also been found : selling ducats printed in the name of one theatre to others. ■ ■ , While the chief crackdown is ex-1 pected to be directed against the j printing outfits, all of which are i theoretically under Treasury su-1 pervision; theatre ops using the I tin, Dennis Morgan and Ronald Reagan. / Meanwhile, the local radio sta- tions are: plugging the Frolic with one-minute and 30-second spot , an* nouncements by Robert Taylor; Walter Pidgeon, Ray Milland, Van Johnson, Jimmy Stewart, and George Murphy.: Blanketing the entire L. A. area are platters aired by KFI, KHJ, KNX, KECA, KFWB, KMPC, KRKD, KGFJ, KLAC, KFMV, KPAC, KWKW and KMGM. Pix Biz and EGA Continued from p;ige 3 panies must either get more than tlx are in the way for tr-ouble also, i mere out-of-pocket dollars for Ger- Use of improper ducats, regard-1 man distribution, or some relaxa- -TesS-Df-whether-itHs^ "festrictlons-wh-ich- prevent- duck taxes or. not, is deemed a ^ j, ^ ^ »»i crime. Under the.regulations it is the Yank distnbs from putting interpreted as a willful failure to keep proper records as- prescribed by the Treasury dept. Penalty is the same as for will- ful tax evasion. . Jolson Off Radio Continued from pftse; 1 year next month. J. Walter Thomp- son is the agency on all. "Music Hall" teed off in 1933 with Jolson and the Paul White- man orch in the starring roles. | reportedly would be satisfied Capitol, Wasli. Washington, April 10. Peir'o Bros. (2), Tommy Han- Ion, Donald Richards, The Albins, Sam Jack Kaufvian House Orch; "Caught" (M-G). Customer, enthusiasm 'runs high for most of: the current line up at Capitol, Payees are put in good humor, to begin with, by return of Sam Jack Kaufman house/ orch after a fortnight hiatus. Presence of band onstage, rather than in pit, plus Kay de Witt," staff chan- toosey and a great fave here, gets things off to fine start. . Headliner D o n aid Richards clicks with a. routihe of pop tunes, including medley from his latest Broadway starrer, "Finian's Rain^ Bing Crosby subsequently: took over the Jolson spot, only to give way to the latter again two years ago. Earlier that season, Jolson had appeared : frequently as Crosby's guest. During its 16-year tenure, the program set the pattern for the many - singer-emcee and guest star shows which followed and also | cradled several subsequent stars, | such as Victor Borge and Jprry | Lester, Jolson; who has reportedly proved to his own satisfaction that his recent comeback was no flash- in-the-pan, had threatened retire- ment at the close of this season. their frozen currency to any use whatsoever in the occupied zones. Under the' agreement, which ex- pires July 1, expenses: for prints, distribution overheaid: and shipping charges are paid out of a $10,- 000,000 fund created for all in- formation media, . No dollars, how- ever, are forthcoming in lieu, of revenues. If the ECA would cause the Army' to ease restrictions in Ger- many so that legitimate deals could be made to convert some of the frozen currency, the majors In I the absence of that move, it is I said they will stand on their de- mand for liberalization of the ECA payments. Feeling among majors is that a strong enough fight was not staged last year when the initial agreement was made. Hence, the: flat notice to the ECA that ship-:, ments, are off if the agreement is; not irhproved'next year. Justifying their stand, film execs- point out that the companies are in the hole for several hundred thousand dollars,; which: it cost' them to service Germany during Thomp.son agency and the NBC I 1946, 1947 and half of '48. Some brass previously had consented to his taping the program in defer- ence to his plea for less work. That Jolson is one of the. wealthiest per- formers in show business is no .secret in the trade. Kraft and the agency are now taking him at his bow." A pleasing personality,' word on the retirement tlireat. 3;500 prints were shipped into the country in that period for which . the companies have not received one. penny; it is said. During all that time rawstock had to hi shipped from the U. S. for print- ing work in Germany, with Yank. distribs footing tlie bill.