Variety (April 1953)

W wlnesday, April 15, 1953 ■■aramonnt, N. Y. two and three-high stands while rvwif Fisher. Joey Forman, The understander pedals around, mak- „ Ed t„Ibers I*K Little Buck, ing for exating viewing. There is Beachcombers^ Qrch (26) . a little comedy and also a jive ses- wmiernai sion atop the wheels for some HOUSE REVIEWS w ?£ e 7 f'W 0 X~ r WB>. reviewed hfcumnt «s«e of Vabiety. This triple parlay of 3-D on .'V' n Eddie Fisher on stage and Easter’ week can’t help but mop S at the boxofflce. The three-di- • 1 Aim 1C ni Palladium,. London London, April-7. Tennessee Ernie, Florence Des- —r „.. wo au .nc S ond \ Zer 0 Mostel, Jack Durant, laughs. Louis Basil band does the 1 S eve t rl Vi Sl *ter$ <3>, Annell & backstopping. ‘ Zabe J Brash, Morecambe & Wise, Louise's Dogs & Ponies, Palladium Tiller I wondered out loud why she hasn’t ■ been around in celluloid past year. Cbantoosey has a solid visual ap- peal, both in looks and mannerisms Seville, Montreal Montreal, April 11. o at Modernaircs (5), Edwards Bros,, mensional film is drawing the old- < 3 ) f Johnny Morgan, Herman ! ^'customers for^ the evening Hyde (with Jean March), Migal ‘ Girls U6), Woolf Phillips j rockets Orch. Sky- chows, while the Fisher lure for Twins, Len Howard House Orch the bobbysoxers is jamming this (6); “Bend of River” (U). the , . w house during afternoon the morning and After the powerful and energetic ! display by Johnnie Ray in the pre- vious bill, the calm and leisurely southern approach by Tennessee Ernie provides a strange and pleas- ant contrast. The western vocal- Repeating elicko of last August i * s t» who rose to! the stature of a This is the first date for Fisher when they played this vaUder, gfinVe his exit from the Array, and Modemaires are currently heading !Ji oaralld his reception hy the up present layout and whamming, . . „ one has to go back to the over their socko harmonizing to • performance which starts slowly K1U&I „ 1_ rl_.* v; n ° W..* V..I1J. a. -.1.: .1 r Palladium headliner on the strength of his recordings, makes a satisfying London debut with a tumult over Frank Sinatra at the solid biz. Paramount some 10 years ago. It’s Formed during the heyday of the same screaming SRO reaction the Glenn Miller orch, the Mod- }roin another generation of adoles- ernaires have gone through many ipnts which, if anything, has personnel Changes with only the kfmwn more uninhibited. group’s leader, Harold Dickenson, Although his hitch in the Army and his wife, Paula Kelly, left of --evented Fisher from making the originals. Combo is surefire nersonals in the U.S., the young in rthis house, arrangements are «incer has kept very much in pub- stylish without getting in the way fir focus during the past two years of chirping and their business with his string of hits for RCA around mike is seldom forced and victor Fisher has returned big- adapted neatly to song being of- cer than ever and that’s another fared; iicn of the platter’s potential in Biggest reception is picked up building and sustaining show biz with “Juke Box Saturday Night” Sirs these days. routine and a collection of old B Between and over the squeals Miller fayes used as a boff clinch- from the teenagers,* Fisher socks er. Group’s appearance is fine across his full repertoire of recent with attractive Paula Kelly pack- aiwlicks with his full, open-voiced ?ng a solid visual as well as vocal piping style. He opens with an im Pfct okav special material number, "I Edwards Bros, draw plenty of rin’t Get Used To These Clothes,” mitting, first because of their okay concerning his changeover from balancing and tumbling and sec- vhaki to mufti, but warms up the <>nd because they are back in their ero\vd wim such numbers as “Wish hometown. Their session is brief You Were Here,” “How Do You but vaned and tno work their way Sneak To An Angel,” “Making around the stage with savvy and Whoopee,” “Lady of Spain,” etc. fines se, . . - The whilom Eddie Cantor protege Herman Hyde brings a touch of essays little gab but that doesn’t hurley to the Seville with his gim- hurt. The boyish 1 personality and , musical offering. Act is his modesty in face of the highly toned^downfor the clientele at- audible adulation* from his fans tracted . to this bouse but remains Asim* iphiu clciriv Fisher’-s stint fost as funny, Hyde gets a big K^ th^ maM accomif of Hugh ***** from Jean March, a well- iLUrtin In Addition to the orch 8 endowed femme with ample cleav- ***,,^» ■“ «** *»“ *» OP«¥« 'h« Migal Twins, are ’ This a®, energetic and reasonably original their tapping and Johnny nncl.idine thre^French Morgan’s overall patter both as !? emcee and in- his solo spot gamers horns) and Jow^on cut 4 the yoeks. House orch pianist Len SSpl."rtnS4.Wtr ta ’| >«nd. able support, strumentals, "Blur’ ‘ Violins'* and ‘‘Vanessa.” Winterhalter is also my developing as an emcee, handling Apollo, IV. Y the Intros more confidently than joe Louis , with Leonard Reed; at his last N.Y. theatre date. - Nicholas Bros. (2), Hal Singer The Beachcombers add aparic to Orch (12), 5 Keys, Barbara De the layout. This combo jof three Costa, Frances'Martin; -Outlaw males and a diminutive Hawaiian Women” (Lippert). gal have a showy harmonizing Apollo’s month-long marquee lull is kayoed this sesh with top- liner Joe Louis making his vaude- . , _ ... , .. but. Former heavyweight champ is era" and “Two Fat Polka,” latter still a power household name in the getting a bright choreographic bailiwick of this Harlem flagship treatment. and that assures a soaring b o. In the opening slot. Little. Buck can do no wrong here and flashes a .superlative brand of the crowd cheers him through wnat hoofing. Negro lad ia solid on the appears to be a more ■ grueling taps and spices his fbutine with some sparkling acipleaps and splits for heavy mitting. Comedian Joey Forman is reviewed* under New Acts. Hernu Newt. style and they tell all the way* Tops is their “Hawaiian War Chant” with, good reaction also garnered for “Hello Young Lov- chore than a 15-rounder. Louis’ stint is reviewed under New Acts. Leonard Reed, longtime Louis associate who assists him in the windup set, put the show together with care. It's all arranged as a . ___ buildup for. the main event, and U®l®a|(®* Cm although it’s a long wait before Chicago, April 10. Louis steps in (preliminaries run John Carroll, Jackie Miles, 65 minutes) crowd is with the card Maurice St Maryea, Goetschis (3), all the way. Reed’s undecided as Louis Basil Orch; “Trouble Along yet whether he’ll tour current bill the Way” (WB), I as a package, but if he does, he should prune the early entries. 'This two-week revue is a ram- Along with such house vets as bling concoction composed mainly the Nicholas Bros., the Five Keys of recruits from the nightclub and Hal Singer's orch, Reed is circuit. There needs to be a great 1 preeming terpster Frances Martin deal of re-routining for this to be * * J acceptable fare. As is, it drags most of the time. John Carroll, film star and recent addition to the bistro lights, needs some revamping on his stint for theatres:-- Vocally be has a fine and chantootsie Barbara De Costa, Bothe femmes are reviewed under New Acts. , The semi-finalists on the card are the -standout Nicholas freres. Reception given them at outset indicates clearly that they have dramatic baritone, but gets things been missed. Their turn moves in off to a slow start with some special high gear with^no letup. Graceful arrangements. His patter between ' • - J: - tunes couid also he sliced. How- ever, he receives a brisk mitt with ms treatment of “Celia”: in upbeat tempo and closes strongly with dramatic toning of “I Believe.” Jackie Milesf wan-faced Comic, tapping, comedic terpmg, spins, assorted aero and the inevitable under-leg slides keep the pew- holders’ mitts going full force. Snappy warbling of “Lady Be Good” and a Latino novelty en- hances the overall. It’s a solid \ also works in leisurely fashion, but wham. does better when he gets into a skit The Five Keys, vocal combo, also about teevee. However, it’s still his click with their songalog. Garbed Gene Autry standoff of hordes of in “crazy red” suits, team delivers Indians which gets the most re- in a frantic but well-intergratea sponse. . harmony style. Win easy plaudits Maurice &. Maryea make a hand- from such jivey items as “Louise, some ballroom couple- but their “Serve Another Round ana efforts also are In the lingering “Huckle Buck.” Ghange of pace style. Duo start off-with a slow ballad, “I Don’t Stand A Ghost Of v. altz which, while beautifully done, A Chance,” also wins. . is more for the supper club than Hal Singer’s crew (three rhythm, the theatre stage. Terpers follow four brass and four reed with y.iih a modified samba that has a maestro on sax) hits an otay little more lilt and then display rhythm. & blues beat; Open with some nice lifts and spins in a * rousing “Come and Get It and y-indup scored to songs from are spotted mid-show.with sul l llar Broadway shows. * styled “MAcDuff” and “Blue Vel- but builds to achieve effective au- dience response. For the main part, Ernie wisely capitalizes on his disclicRs in a shrewd selection of hits. That part of the act is solid with hefty mitts accorded some of the top faves of the calibre of “Shotgun Boogie,” “Smoky Mountain,” “Blackbird Boogie,” etc. The one weak link in the pacing is a tendency to over- do the gab. In an act strictly timed to half an hour* two long yarns plus ample introing of each number are too much. This com- ment apart, the star is warmly re- ceived by an audience obviously familiar with his work. To back him, Val Parnell has lined up a top vaude bill Which accents the comedy angle. Flor- ence Desmond, always a standout here with her impressions, adds some new faces to her star por- trait gallery, bringing in a topical touch by the addition of Shirley Booth in her w.k. Oscar sketch. For local consumption she.has add- ed some top British names, using “Any Questions?” as her peg. The takeoffs are faultless and the scripting admirable. And, as . a special , touch, she achieves strik- ing contrast as Queen Victoria. Another Yank first-timer in the program is Zero Mostel, an unin- hibited comic with a broad, expan- sive and winning personality. By the time he got around to the sec- ond opening night performance (the show caught) he had*sharpen- ed his routine to a nifty 1{5 min utes, whamming home, his choice, bits of comedy business with ,con fidence. He had the audience with him most of the time and the laughs flowed freely. Another U. S. comedian on the bill is Jack Durant, who has pre- viously established himself locally. He. is still in the top pop- grade and- again proves -a surefire hit. He is a lively and colorful yarn- spinner whose routine i£ impecca- bly timed and. indulges In bits of ‘Slapstick .at. the right moment He keeps the, customers .rolling.and merits the unanimous mitting and the inevitable begoff.. ( Playing their first Palladium .date since their recent return from the States, the Beverley Sisters get a warm welcome-back with a nifty lineup of songs which they put over with their perfected harmony style: This vocal trio specializes in a demure approach to provocative •lyrics which is always good for a solid reaction. In their .current stint /they score nicely with J‘The Doggie in the Window,” “We Like To Do Things Like That” and “Momma’s on the Warpath.” Last- named was introed by them at the Royal Command Performance. The resident dancing line,. per custom, opens the show with some spirited stepping and also fill the curtain-raiser spot after the inter- mission. The No. 2 position is filled by Louise with dogs and ponies. Performing animal acts are invari- ably popular and the smart antics of a couple of terriers raise plenty laughs. A local British comedy duo, Morecambe Sc Wise, have dubious appeal. The situations are forced and the humor almost non-existent. Annell & Brask. who follow the dancers after the intermission, have a first-rate trick cycling act. They do all the conventional stuff but have half a dozen specialties for good measure: The Woolf Phillips aggegation again backs the entire production with faultless skill. In support of Tennessee Ernie they move from the pit to the stage garbed in western out- fits. Myro. Paramount, L, A. Los Angeles, April 10. Pearl Bailey, Duke Ellington . ... u- u i. - ii--u j Orch, Louis Bellson, Bill Bailey , with which she sells her songs, and R a y Nance, Cat Anderson, Jimmy has talented pipes to boot. She Qrisson; “Sombrero” (M-G), ¥ walks on to gratifying wolf whis- tles from the tourist and .service crowd, and walks off to solid ap- preciation for a solid act. Selections are varied, and gen- erally interesting, with accent on Pearl Bailey and Duke Ellington headline this one-hour revue in which Louis Bellson, Miss Bailey's husband, and her brother. Bill Bailey, also do numbers. It’s a Package which should find reflec- Bellringer is final fling, with assist ; n Kpftv aft»nd 3 nr>p Hno in th*» from agile terper Ray Malone, at Th© Old Soft Shoe,” with words and terp steps. As a matter of fact, Miss De Haven’s entire rou- tine, has a terjJ quality, with her feet beating out the tunes, and her hands and entire body adding in- terest and a vitality belied by her fragile build. Miss De Haven makes strong en- try with “Almost Like Being in Love,” then, goes on to “Where is Your. Heart,” from “Moulin Rouge.” Gives latter quite differ- ent but equally effective treatment from the sultry interpretation of Zsa Zsa Gabor in film. Also wham is her torchy effect with “Here Gomes the Blues.” Less effective, but fine in the vocal department, is an overlong novelty based on a love theme to tune of all the faves —Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, etc. Terper* Ray Malone is nimble of feet and bright of personality. Act has class, though he starts slowly with galleries. However, once they catch on to his hep technique, they go all out for act. Best bet is his “Moods impromptu,” with clarinet solo, a nonchalant, casual type of number that flows smoothly across tion in hefty attendance, due to the draw of two headliners and pub- licity attendant upon singer’s re- cent marriage. Miss Bailey knows what her audi- ences expect and enjoy, and de- livers handsomely, interspersing some of her lazy patter into her songs. Her experience pays off when she satirizes such a tune as “Frankie and Johnny,” and again in dragging the most out of “Two to Tango” and “Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye.” Taking over the final 13 minutes of the show, which build up to singer's appearance, nitery and re- cording artist socks over a total of six numbers She also warbles ‘Tired,”. “Wonderful Time Last Night” and “That’s Good Enough for Me” in her familiar lusty tones. Bellson, at the drums, appears with the Ellington band t and also does a singleton, “Skin Deep,” his own composition, pounding out some loud, tempestuous rhythm in his mastery of the percussion in- struments. Bill Bailey scores with his impression of the late Bill Rob- inson. Ellington emcees the show and in addition to presenting some i JJ 1 HI auuiliuil tu ULCbCXIUlIC OVIIIC nn i g £' n , A li a tSS band and vocal numbers does a solo and humor with a “Dr. Jekyll routine that impresses sitters. All in all, a hep terp routine, far above average. Comic Dave Barry tops bill in the mitt action department, reach- ing show-stopping proportions a number of times during act. Ap- peal seems to lie in variety of ma-1 latter terial as well as colloquial quality, plus comic’s warm personality. Customers split.their sides as Bar- ry satirizes the wife, the kids, British pix. Makes strong entrance with a tune called ..“Sounds, bodying takeoffs on noises — mono'og, “Pretty and the Wolf,” with musical backing. Jimmy Gris- som sings “The Vulture Song,” latest Ellington recording, and Ray Nance hops up “St. Louis Blues.” Band blares out “V.I.P, Boogie” and “Jam With Sam.” with Cat Anderson hitting, the high notes for WJiit, Olympia* Ml»**»l ^ Miami, Aoril 11. The Goofers, Carol King . Al eni- ; Robinson St Alkali Ike, Mike Mon- . . * , familiar roe, Havk The Mule. Les Rhode trams/ planeS, gangster Housp Orch; “The Hitch H'ke.r” films, etc. Reaction is sock throughout, but best bet is his Ar- thur Godfrey:. Show .tee’s off with an Oriental flavor and a fast pace w T hen : the Kanazawa trio go -through their acro^alancing paces. This is a flashy let of its class,- and .always plays to sock returns, here.. Fine curtain-raisers. Flor. fialeiy, Ayr. 4JUCO). Topliners here this week, carry the ”bIP into better vaude category with‘ ‘the Goofers, instrtimental- vOcai-comedy quintet, hottest item tor the . stallholders. Zany* proun has been working the niteries in this area all season arid impress as an act better suited to the larger confines of. a- presenta- tion house than an- intimery. It’s Avr Scotland Anril ll i screwy /comedy plussed b.v. sock Jimmy U>yan,__Anth»m/ Tuppan «2K St. Lilian Jeans, The Meltones <2)v Jack, Short, May Daiziel, "Anna- bell e Logan, Heather Logan ft Nicky. Ricaro, Alan MacRitchie, Jesson Jt -Farrellv, Gaiety Orch under. George Keenan. drums, trumpet , trombone and bass player 'standouts.. Work in driving jazz beats, to blend, and wind into Show-stop with group work on con- certo arrangement. ' Added attraction slot is held down by Carol -King, attractive bal- lerina who garners interest and Jiriimy Logan, yoUng.Scot come- h i s „ n, “S ic : embrace hei Uthe toe work! haU family, the Logans, following TOSJS h SS™, Iwl.’ his recent personal click in Howard & ;Wyndham pantomime at Edin- y vvjt ^ backround includ.ng burgh. Tall, goodlooking youngster with much charm, he show's grow- ing talent in fairly attractive lay- out; mainly upheld by members of his family. Group has . at its head mum and bare “talking” stage light which “understudies” regular spots. It’s highly effective and earns her a resounding sendoff. Balance of show is on the fair side. Al Robinson & Alkali Ike are regular returnees here. Del’berate two experienced trouDer^ S Jm?v delivery of ibe ventro oquist takes DMzill fs sister of E?1 a T of™ cdge off p0od manv of ^ b?rbs * frSm^ IhWn* So;r3e of the material could stand its stage nam?K Annabel^ daSgh- reclntton®' ^ thrt ’ tmMr h " a,thy ter of family and recently returned Mike Monroe sets up trampoline trickery in good enough style with stunts angled for laughs, giggles come but .mitts are on the mild side. Hank- the Mule, mother- from the U. §. : , is a looker with loads of s.a., sophisticated poise and much talent as a chirper. Others are daughter Heather, baby a £ _j , i * j qiuv, iiaim • vuv muic t iuuuiu” St* K be r,,^ arni ^ y * ^ nd husband, daughter combo with Mom playing the “Mule,” depends on that finale- unve? T ing twist for aud response. Les Rhode house orch background- ings add pace to the proceedings. Lary. Nicky Ricaro, who combine in new musical act in which she sings and he plays accordion. At show caught, Logan Family, in 25-minute spot, exited to warm applause. Group has strong gim- mick in family angle, and holds . big following throughout Scot Isiiipire* IvlasgOfv vauderies. Stubholders at this Glasgow, April 7. Firth of Clyde house are mainly of Johnnie Ray; Hy Ida Baker 12), rural variety, Ayr being leading iKf ista le Knstcl, Rex & Irene Gray, market town in southwest Scot-1 VL Joe & Vic Harvard, Desmond & l an{ j. . [Marks, Jack St Mary Kinson. Le- Vocal chores are taken care • of > vanda & Van; Bobby Dowds Orch. Capitol* Wash. Washington, April 12. Gloria De Haven, Ray Malone, Dave Barry, Kanazaicas (3); “Ma & Pa Kettle on Vacation’’ (17). This is bright, top-<lrawer vaude right down the line, and stubhold- ers show appreciation with -noisiest mitt display in weeks. Marquee lure isn’t strong enough to build b.o. to solid heights, but biz is pleasant, and reaction smash* Headliner Gloria De Haven does , such a thoroughly professional, ap- L pealing job of peddling her tuhoHi| tb# t bitj tav, c “l5lfi pftljwsfree.’ and personality, that towri’a Crix» ^ ' Gord. by Alan MacRitchie, kilted Scot singer, in medley of Irish hits, and by English duo Anthony Tuppan 8c Lilian Jeans. Male half of the twain has jaunty personality. The Meltones, musical couple, offer pleasant song and instrumental in- terlude. Standout scene, on comedy side comes W'hen. Jimmy Logan, in role of ancient Scot spinster, is visited by members of an American film unit prospecting '.for Scot talent. This rouses solid yoeks. Finale depicting a New York cabaret with old Irish couple for guests has May Dalziel closing with U. S. singer, with his w.k. “Cry” gimmick, has moppet and juve stubholders in frenzy at this nor- mally dour Auld Lang Syne music hall. Johnnie Ray’s special brand of showmanship goes over big* drawing raised . eyebrows from older vaudegoers but pleasing con- siderably the. younger element. Gasps and shrieks of delight Waft from the gallery, circle and stalls. At show caught, audience was 70% youthful arid emoted as much as Ray. Opener is ” erping duo of Rex St Irene Gray, who also tee off in g&iond segment, where fhqilvl925- (Continued on page 70)