Variety (January 1952)

W«dn««aMV fMwWT 9, 1952 By LAKY SOLLOWAY • Miami, Jam 8. The holiday aftermath, following, biggest 10 days inyears,is on the hill side, with the heavy traffic going north rather than to .this sun Rector. Resultant letdown for most, cafe and tavern spots is in sharp contrast. Hotels are keeping going though not as plentifully supplied with the roomers, as eeme season time (about Jan. 20). Same ; situation prevails every year. In the two-week or sn break between ‘'Happy New Year" and “Hialeah Is open,” the cry is again raised, where’d they, all go, followed by the almost sudden change to “where are . Wri gonna find the rooms for them?'’ , ‘ Same applies to majority of. the cafes who’ve come up with either heavy personnel, shows at moderate tariffs, big names that draw, or the average who are trying to make a go \yith at least one attraction which might bring them in. In the forefront in this respect are Latin Quarter, with Lou Walters’ lavish production and fiveTbuck food Or beverage minimum; Copa City, with the names, also on a reasonable food or bev idea; Clover Club, with the Billy Gray revue that’s a solid click; the Vagabonds, with their own personal draw; Girding Their Sirloins Most others did okay for the (Continued on page 5&> Hoosier “nr Maxine Sullivan Set For Brit, Vaude-Concert Tour London, Jan. 8. Maxine Sullivan is due in London next month for a concert and vaude tour, having been signed by Harry Dawson, head of Harry Dawson Enterprises, who returned last week from New York. The tour, is being arranged by Dawson in association with the Poster’s Agency. Among, other artists signed for British engagements are Mary Lou Williams, „ Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Art Tatum. Can’t Make It Sans Gaines Indianapolis, Jan. 8. County fairs in Indian?! cannot survive without some games of chance,, according to Robert M. Morse, La Porte, president of the Indiana Assn, of County & District Fairs. He said without gambling customers would not be attracted to these events. Morse, who is secretary of the La POrte County Fair, said the amount and kind of games “is up to the individual fair manager, that is, what he wants and what his community will stand.’’ He said that a fair had to have a carnival to draw crowds, . and carnivals refuse to come with rides and shows alone, because, they can’t make expenses without bringing their games of chance. Morse said that While his group is neither “for” nor “against” anything, fair operators generally were encouraging “hanky-panks” in their fairs as. the lesser of several evils. (“Hankyrpank”; a game in which a player wins something every time he plays, even though the prize may not be worth the price of the game.) Minneapolis, Jan. 8. : Local nlteries are taking heart from the fact, that New Year’s eve business was much better than the earliest signs indicated it would be. The town’s top supper clubs, the . Hotel Nicollet Minnesota Terrace and Hotel Radisson Flame Room; were SRO and many were turned away. Because of the rush o£ reservations neither spot had to advertise its festivities. Results Were considered all the more encouraging because of the subzero temperature, a snowstorm and icy thoroughfares; Even the lesser Spots all reported trade better than normal for the eve. Because of the weather, however, many of these filled up several hours later than usual. And in Minneapolis, owners of the establish-: mients were required to stop selling drinks at the usual 1, a.m. hour and have their patrons out .15 miriutes later. The fact that the Minnesota Terrace and Flame Room forewent New Year’s eve parties last year because it fell on a Sunday, when liquor sales are prohibited, might have been a factor in attracting capacity patronage on this occasion, the trade points out. After a two-year lapse, the public was hungry for another celebration, it’s felt. Modest' tariffs also are believed to have been lures. Minnesota Terrace had a new low tab. of $5 per head minimum which could be used both for food and beverages. The Flame Room $10 per charge included a steak dinner, favors, dancing and entertainment. Hazel Scott Scores In 1.0-Concert Israel Tour ‘SOUTH TERRIFIC’ UNIT IN GERMAN CLICK By CPL. JESSE GROSS' (On Leave From Variety ) Bad Kreuznach, Germ., Jan. 2. The 2d Armored Division, in conjunction with the Bad Kreuznach Military SulTPost, is currently touring, among its units, the first soldier show to be put on by that command since it s arrival in Germany early last summer. Presentation, a musical revue label “South Terrific,” was produced py two femme entertainment specialists from EUCOM (European Command) headquarters. Gals, Lee Eastwood and Faith Forte, both sport show biz backgrounds. Latter appeared on Broadway in Laughing Room Only” and in the *evival of “Burlesque,” starring Bert Lahr. She’s also done some film work, having appeared in Sleeping City’UU) and “Mr. Universe” (UA). Former was associated 'vith little theatre groups in the states. • Running 60 minutes, production js a meritorious one. Broken up into five scenes, offering, though no South Pacific,” makes for generally relaxing viewing for entertainment-hungry GIs here. Qf the talent showcased, two acts are above average, though all Performers draw a strong response tor bits offered. Duo are the Novell's. instrumental-vocal group, and tveily Zobeck, songster. Former unit headlines and holds down the (Continued on page 60) Tel Aviv) Jan. 1. Hazel Scott, who finished a 10concert tour of Israel here a week ago, under management of the Yuval agency, could easily have duplicated 'with another 10, due to the enthusiastic reception and resultant b.o. Pianist was here with her husband. Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., arid son. Her opening concert was held under the patronage of the American Airibassador to Israel, and among those present were Henry Morgenthau, Jr., and other distinguished guests from Israel and abroad. Two days after her arrival, Miss Scott was received by Prime Minister Ben-Gurion in Jerusalem,. who, upon her special request, also attended her farewell concert The Powells were entertained several times by the Ambassador. No guest artist before Miss Scott has been as greatly honored, by leading personalities as she was. v The press was full of praise, most magazines carrying front page pictures, and generally her visit aroused great interest here. All her performances were sellouts. Shay From MCA to WM Dorothy Shay,: Who has been booked by Music Corp. of America for the past five, years, has shifted to the William Morris Agency. Reason for tile transfer is reportedly caused by failure of MCA to deliver a video layout for the singer,; That’ll Make ’Em Happy Circleviltoi O., Jari. 8. J Ted Lewi?; this town’s No; j: show biz figure^ last' week placed a full-page paid ad in r the Cirelevillfl Herald, end of year (31 ), .* '‘wishing . all home »■ folks best of everything' in • 1952,’* r Though Lewis hasn’t been in Circleville for several years, he owns real estate here, and has a park named after him. The Judy Garland show at the Palace, N Y., continues to score heavily. Last week, ending Sunday (6), house drew good $37,000 for 10 performances. Palace held a matinee and evening show on New Year’s Day, and closed entirely on Wednesday (2). Previous week, during the 1 1 performances; theatre hit a record. $53,000, which ' was $2,000 more than previous high. Tickets are still being sold into February. There is still no successor to Miss Garland as has been rumored around. According to theatre spokesman, neither the. house nor Miss Garland has given the four-week closing notice as. required by contract. NeW Year's week saw an additional change in the layout. The Nicholas Bros, replaced Doodles & Spider, who took off for a British engagement. It’s the third replacement from the starting show. The Christianis went in for the Lang troupe and Senor Wences took over from British comic Max Bygraves. Globe Theatre Razed In $4,000,000 A.C. Fire, Worst in 97-Yr. History Atlantic City, Jan* 8. The Globe Theatre, a 1,500-seater which for a score of years has housed summer burlesque, was one of several buildings razed early yesterday (Mon.) as a $4,000,000 blaze took toll of three hotels, partially razed another, and consumed a dozen rooming houses and many more stores in the uptown boardwalk section of the resort. The Globe building, facing the ocean, had been operated by the Hersch circuit, of Philadelphia, the past 14 years, with Jack Beck managing it through the 10-week summer season. It was shuttered on Labor day, although it had been rented out oh several occasions. The building was directly in the path of flames which gave the resort its worst fire in its 97-year history* Only the fact that the Wind was blowing from the land to sea kept the flames from roaring through the island’s big business centre. Firemen : fought for six hours before getting them under control. Hotels destroyed were the Congress, Lorraine and New Davis. Gutted and virtually wiped out was the* 12-story Delaware A ve. tower of the 96-room St. Charles Hotel, Which cost $1,000,000 when built. Scores of rooming houses up and down nearby streets were either razed or1 suffered other fire damage. The Globe will probably have to be demolished. Standing only, are its four walls. Its inside Is completely gutted. No estimate of the building’s damage could be made until its owners arrive. The insurance is undetermined. . Before becoming a hurley house it was used by the Shuberts arid other New York producers for their Atlantic City openings. Gardiner’s N.Y. Cafe Monte Gardiner, Who at various times operated cafes in New York; is propping to open a bistro on the site of Jack Eigen’s Guest Room, which had a brief run a little more than * year ago. Gardiner plans to bow the spot around Jan. 20. Name, and policy not yet set. Gardiner ^operated La Conga and La Martinique, both N. Y., for short periods arid was boniface at the Golden Key, an afterhour private club. Buddy De Franco signed a term deal with Music Corpi of America. He was formerly with General Artlists Corp.: VAUDEVILLE 55 Larnoor to Roxy in Feb.; 1st N.Y. Vaude Since ’40 Dorothy Lamour will play her first N, Y., vaude date in many years at the Roxy, in February* MisS: Lamouf forked the Paramount. Theatre in 1940 and pad been booked to play that house recently, but changed her mind shortly before she was officially billed. Miss Lamour is currently on a series of personal appearances. She’s now at Last Frontier, Las Vegas. Boston, . Jan. 8. The Latin Quarter, Hub's lone nitery stronghold of name acts, shuttered New Year’s eve with lessees Lee Fields, Eddie Meister and William Oxman bowing out of the operation. LQ, owned by Michael Redstone, ozoner operator, had been leased to the trio for; the past three seasons, but with biz getting progressively worse arid when it became apparent Hub citizens' would not support a glamour spot if the tab ran into more than a buck, the boys decided to throw in the sponge. While several policies had been tried, with cover or minimum and cover, policy of late had been a $2 minimum with reports that many customers refused to go above the limit and in some cases reluctant to even use that up. If the Cafehad handle® 1,000 such Customers nightly, this would have* worked advantageously, but with a 400 seating capacity it failed to match the topheavy nut. . Bonifaces had previously gone on all-out binge of staunch names in an effort to hypo biz, but with exception of a few they failed to click at the b.o. While the Ritz Bros, and Andrews Sisters were the biggest disappointments, Lena Horne, Danny Thomas, Frankie Lai , Billy Daniels and Some others were socko here. There just weren’t enough of the latter with solid draw to balance the books* It’s expected LQ will reopen within a few weeks, but definitely under new management which Will of .necessity be okayed by owner Redstone. Acts Lure 28G in Ft. W. Runyon Fund Benefit Fprt Worth, Jan, 8. More than 3,000 persons attended the pre-holiday Damon Runyon Cancer Research Fund benefit show staged here at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, with $28,215 earmarked for the fund. Site was changed twice due to overwhelming demand for tix, which went at $2, $100 and even $500. There were 13 acts on tap with headliners appearing in specialty bits. Entertainment was arranged through cooperation of Vincent Lee of American Guild of Variety Artists and union-affiliated booking agencies in the Fort Worth-Dallas area, and Dick Leonard of Music Corp. Of America. Other groups also gave full cooperation. | Acts included Margaret Phelan, Andy Sc Della Russell, Joan Frank Dancers, Wimpy, Ching Ling t Soo, Ray Riggs, Les Lamar Si Poppy, the; Lesters, Uncle Willie, the Harringtons, the Gascas, Henry Hale, the Dancing Kramers and Joe Reichman orch; Curly Broyles band in pit. Dink Freeman and Bobby Peters alternated as emcees. N.Y. LQ’s Foreign Acts Lou Walters, operator of the Latin Quarter and Gilded Cage, both N.Y., is concentrating heavily on foreign talent. He’s signed Freddy Bamberger Sc PAtri -to open Jan. 27, at the Cage. Others parted are Fernanda Montell, Seven Ashtons and the Curibos. Marilyn Hightower, originally an American act, who has been working in England, will play LQ in April. Guild of Variety Artists; which is meeting for three days starting Jan. 14 at Hotel Taft, N. Y„ will face , the major problem of selecting a new national administrative secretary to succeed Henry Dunn. Latter leaves Jan. 18 to open Hollywood office for the Lew & Leslie Grade Agency of London. .indications at this point are that Jack Irving, who has announced his candidacy for the job, will get the nod. But Irving will reportedly stipulate that he also be allowed to retain the position of midwest regional director which he now ’ holds. Board will come smack up , against the question of whether to ‘ permit Irving to hold two Union jobs simultaneously, but with one salary.. Irving, is determined to hold, onto the Chi position and will even forego the national' job in order to maintain his status in Chi. He had been previously offered; the national job, but always stipulated that national headquarters be moved to the midwest. This time, he’s willing to h.q. in New York* Petrillo Precedent Irving will likely cite as precedent the fact that James C: Petrillo, American Federation of Musicians prexy, also heads the Chi loOal. ;He stated that he feels he can handle the two jobs simultaneously. A stiff fight is expected On that score, however. For example, AGVA president Georgie Price, who has. declared himself put of the running, has stated that (Continued on page 60) Fairmont 2-Room Scram Leaves Frisco Hotel B.0. Wide Open to Mark Hop, San Francisco, Jan. 8. Folding of the Venetian Room of the Fairmont. Hotel as a name talent spot $75,000 in. the red, the blackout of the Birch Room and Its projected removal to another spot in the hostelry, and the shuttering of the inn’s coffee shop eclipse that hotel as a major centre of Frisco gaiety. With the Rose Room of the Palace Hotel also dimmed as an entertainment spot, only the Mural Room Of the St. Francis Hotel remains currently to book top names and bands in the hotel scene. The Mark Hopkins Hotel will; resume its entertainment policy in June with Hildegarde, Dorothy Shay and Julie WilsOn pencilled in for the season. . The Venetian Room show policy foundered in spite of bookings of stars such as Lena Horne, Denny Thomas, Martin 8c Lewis, Ethel Waters, Margaret Whiting and others. FOREIGN AGENTS 0.0. NY. TALENT, SHOWS New York Is again hosting foreign talent buyers. Among those currently gandering acts and shows are Leslie MacDonnell, partner in the Harry Foster Agency, London; Rene Fraday, on the staff of the Lido, Paris, and David N. Martin, managing director of the Tivoli Circuit, Australia, who had been in N. Y. last week and left for England. He’ll return to the U. S. in about four weeks. MacDorinell arid Fraday are o.o.ing talent for the upcoming tourist season, while Martin will confer oil his next trip with his U. S. rep, Eddie Elkort; of the Lew Sc Leslie Grade Agency, London. Cleve., Shrine Pay V/zGFor Stampeding Bulls Cleveland, Jan, 8. Stampeding elephants frighten-, ing a circus spectator, who suffered injuries in a fall, cost the A1 Sirat Grotto And the City of Cleveland a lot of hay in a. lawsuit here. Settlement of $7,500 was made with Mrs., Geraldine Noles, who dras thrown Into a panic by several unruly pachyderms at. a performance of the Grotto’s annual winter circus in Civic Auditorium Feb. 14, 1950. Plaintiff’s attorney charged the circus Sponsors arid city with negligence in allowing spectators to be in a “zone of danger,” and in placing seats so close to th®/. ring.