Variety (February 1914)

VARIETY 27 SAVOY (B. Fle«i Bostwlck. msr.).—01lT«r Bailey Stock In "The Crime of the Law" (new play). The elder Benns (Benna and Benna) la dan- geroualy 111 and contlned In a Portland hoa- pltjU. Jimmy Cunlngham la another who waa granted a divorce before he aalled for the Antipodes. Matt Uurton has assumed the management of Brown'8 theatre—formerly called the Pe- nlnselua- Feb. 10. The Abram-Johns company, a dramatic "tab" aggregation, began a four weeks' engagement at the Majestic Feb. 18. Lola Staqtunne PauUsch. musical director of Grossman's banjopbicnds, will retire from the act when It reaches Kansas City. Del Harris has been placed under contract to produce musical comedy at the Broadway theatre for eigbt weeks. Harry Bernard and his musical comedy company, opened at the Oarrlck, Stockton, and, from all reports, made a success. After a costly experiment with the Jules Mendel musical "tab" company, the Majeatlc returned to Its former policy of pop vaude- ville. James H. WiU>y secured a divorce from his wife, Nevada, prior to sailing for Australia Feb. 10. Wiley obtained his decree on the grounds of desertion. Charles King, actor and scenic artist; Claude Martin and Pearl Jardinere, have Joined the Louis Jacobs musical comedy company, now playing stock In Phoenix, Arizona. In pop vaudeville circles the "Country Store" idea seems to be all the vogue. First It waa introduced at the Empress. The following week It was used as a feature at the Republic. Recently Keating and Flood decided that Ta- coma was about ripe for a season of musical comedy and Installed a company In one of the theatres. Two weeks of oad busineaa changed their opinion. Art Hickman, business manager of the Jim Post Musical comedy company, has tendered his resignation to take effect at once, so that he may resume his duties as manager of Huyes Springs for tbe coming season. From Butte. Mont., comes the report that C. M. Van Auker, husband of Jolly Delia Pringle, has accepted a commission In the Mexican army and will forsake the foot- lights to engage in warfare. Mary Ambrose had to retire from "The Candy Shop" and Is confined In a hospital In Los Angeles suffering from nervous prostra- tion. Maud Beatty was selected to replace Miss Ambrose. While playing at the Orpheum here Mabel Russell, of Leonard and Russel, turned over the first shovelful of earth at tbe formal ground breaking of the New York State Pa- vilion at Exposition grounds Feb. 12. Louise Hamilton, playing leads opposite An- drew Mack during his engagement at the Al- cazar, was forced by illness to retire from the cast the early part of Mack's farewell week. Margot Meriam replaced Miss Hamilton. Elaine Hall, of the "Adele" company, while playiHK in Oakland, was stricken with acute appendicitis and rushed to a hospital for treat- ment. The doctor who attended her announced be thought be could cure her without resorting to an operation. According to rumor, most of the acts now appearing on Orpheum time west of Chicago will in all probability be re-routed and switched about to straighten out tbe conflict- ing schedule of dates and routes which now oxist. To substantiate this, most of the turns on last week's bill received notification of a change. The following advertisement appeared in the San Diego dailies: "Which shall it be, dra- matic stock, musical comedy or vaudeville? We have taken possession of the Empress Feb. in, and want to please the public. A letter or card written to us regarding the future policy of the house will be greatly appreciated by us. Palmer Dros. and Faulkerson, Savoy theatre." Palmer Pros, and Faulkerson recently bought the lease of the Empress from the S. £ C. people. There is a movement on among certain members of the theatrical fraternity to or- ganize a club, which will have an exclusive membership of professional people of reputable standing. The motive la to bring agents, managers and ortists together on a social basis. The proposed club will be named ""The Good Follows." So far. the following offlcers have boon elcrted : Harold Holland, presi- dent ; Pletro Sosso, vice-president; Walter Mc.VIann, secretary. Since the Anderaon Gaiety company has t>«en producing In the city one or two small mualcai comeuy companlea have gone aa far as they dared in using billing wniuh U nut only mialeading, but provoklug aa well. Re- cently an alleged musical comedy company opened an engagement in Fresno under tne billing of "The (iaiety Musical comeuy Com- pany. " Lately Bd Armstrong produced one of nia "Tabs" under the title of "The Candy Ship," about as near to "The Candy Shop" as ne could get. Recently a manager of a small picture house locateu in the suuurbs called upon a well- kuuwn booking agent and said he desired to be iurnisbeu wiiu good vaudeville bookings. The manager further stated he Intended to pluy vaudeville in conjunction with pictures anu wanted real acts. The agent asked what he thought he coulu ahord each week for a good bill and the manager replied he would pay good singles ^l.oo per day. Headline dou- bles he was willing to pay 1(^.50 per day. But he must have new acts each day. The Anderson Gaiety Company has entered a claim against the S. P. R. R. for damages amounting to a substantial sum to cover the money lost by the tilckel and Watson show not opening on time in Liob Angeles, it seems that the train which carried tne scenery and csstumes while en route south waa side-track- ed at Chowchllia Creek In a storm and the water entered tne baggage car, not only soak- ing some of the costumes, but damaged the scenery to such an extent it had to be re- painted before the show could open. The Gaiety people feel that they ahould t>e re- Imbursea for the extra expense and promptly UleU a claim, it id uuderatooU that represen- tatives of both concerns have taken the matter up and hope to adjust the matter without going Into court. LOS ANGELES. Charles H. Brown, treasurer of the Weatern States Vaudeville Association, has returned to San Francisco, after completing arrangements with Lester Fountain, of the Hippodrome, for the installation of a huge and permanent tank in the Hippodrome. This tank is to be 4Ux3u and 20 feet deep. It will be used flrst for Carver's Diving Horsea, booked for an in- dehnlte engagement, beginning March 9. John Schumann, chief movie operator at the Princess, and Clara Bryson, of the same house, were married recently on the stage between shows. Grace Travers, of the Burbank stock, and wife of Joe Montrose, manager of the Majestic, has recovered from a serious attack of pto- maine poisoning and is rehearsing for "Rita's Romance," which follows Kitty Gordon at the Burbank. Lillian Lawrence has been engaged by John Blackwood for the Little theatre company, maning her first appearance in "Anatol." PHILADELPHIA. KEITH'S (Harry T. Jordan, mgr.; agent. U. B. O.).—Six of the nine acts on the hill this week are labeled "flrst time here." The newness to Chestnut Street audiencee made them interesting and the show waa sparkling. Trlxle Friganza, the headllner, won honors with ease. Trlxle's burlesques brought down the house, especially her revival of the Apache dance in which her little partner gets enough bumps to qualify aa a knockout. Miss Orford's dancing and the feats of her three elephants were warmly appreciated and the act was received aa one in a class by itself. Next In order of popularity came Dunbar's White Hussars, talented musicians who sing as well as they play. Heath and MUlershlp. the former a looaJ product, were allowed to go off only after Bobby made a speech. The singing and dancing honors of the act un- doubtedly go to Miss Mlllership. but Bobby's comedy talk is all his own and makes the hit it usually Is. The Big City Four found de- cided favor but their methods lack novelty. They are still singing the "Rosary" and pass with this selection only by their perfect har- mony. C. H. O'Donnell and Co. appeared in "Flashlight Cragin." another of the overworked crook playlets. The acting Is good, but the lines reveal a terrible mixture of cheap melo- drama. Supporting Mr. O'Donnell are Minnie RadclifT, Pauline Rona and Addison Dolan. The Tuscano Brothers opened the show with battle-axe Juggling, the best opening number seen here In a long time. Tim Kirby and the Lawrence Twin Bisters, billed as the "Dancing Bugs," were only mildly entertain- ing. The Hassmans gymnasts were good at the close. The house waa the best Monday night for some weeks. COLONIAL (F. G. Nlxon-Nlrdllnger. mgr.; agent. U. 13. O.).—Charles F. Semon gave the Colonial audience a big treat Monday afternoon. Frances Clare with her nine girl companions and assisted by Guy Rawson, were well received. Another clever act was that of Ernest Carr and Co. In "The Grafter." The .Merino Sisters, as Spanish vocallste and sing- ers, pleased with their operatic music and YOiJR VOIC If you want to increase the efllcicncy of LET US SEND YOU A FREE SAMPLE OF MENTHINE OINTMENT AT ALL GOOD DRUG STORES, 51 CENTS THE CASMINE CO., 890 8th Avenue, NEW YORK gorgeous costumea. Marceau and Co. were graceful aa well as akiUfui *r> their Juggling and club-swinging. Marie Stoddard gave aat- isfactiun. WILLIAM PENN (William W. Miller, mgr.; agent. U. B. 0.>.—Capacity Tuesday afternoon at the William Penn. Comedy galore in the excellent bill. A hearty weioome waa given the Nichols Slaters, whose black (ace act won generous applause. "Mrs. O'Malley's Re- ception " proved to be the biggest laugh pro- ducer on the bin. A chorus of a dosen girls, every one pretty, helped out Kitty Francis in this turn. Harry Lewla provided 16 minutes of wholesome laughter. Lowell and Bather Drew in a drug store setting worked over some much used stuff and Paul La Croix and his company were amusing. The Vernon Castle dancing pictures were also shown and seemed to be appreciated. LYRiC.—Gaby Deslya opened a week'a en- gagement to a' good house. Newspaper, critics 'panned" the snow. FORREST.—'Oh! Oh! Delphlne' f'^r two weeks. Seen here last season and welcomed back by a good houae. CHESTNUT ST. O. H.—Orpheum Players in "The Concert," are drawing well. WALNUT.—Bartley Campbell'a "The White Slave," by a traveling company at popular prices. Although thia play dates back to the old slavery daya, the audience heard "Peg o' My Heart" and "Sailing Down the Chesa- peake Bay" sung by gentlemen in ante-bellum costume. Small audienue Monday evening. AMERICAN.—"He Fell In Love with His Wife," stock. ORPHEUM.—"In Old Kentucky." by tbe same company which recently appeared at the Walnut. Business continues big. ADELPHl.—The tenth and last week of Helen Ware in "Within the Law" began Mon- day evening. The run has been very success- ful but business is lagging behind somewhat this week. GARRiCK.—"Nearly Married" conUnues to attract large audiences in its second week. BROAD.—"The Poor Uttle R^ch Girl" in its second week here Is going weli« CASINO.-"The Gay New Yorkers," strong holiday attraction Monday. EMPIRE.—"Ginger Girls" drew big house Monday. TROCADERO.—"The French Models' have a lively ahow and give aatlafaction. PEOPLE'S.—Eva Mull and "Beauty Show" drew capacity Monday. New movies are being planned (or several locations. One at 62d and Liocust streets wLl cost 9^,000 and will be b«llt for the Federal Amusement Co. Another at 53d and Lans- downe avenue nas been sold by Robert Ham- ilton to Robert Goldstone. Capacity houses were the rule Washington's Birthday despite a severe snow storm. Jane Grey appearing in "Nearly Married" at the Garrlck reported to the polica Tuesday that her silk bag containing $400 in money, her bank book, keys to her Jewelry cases and other articles were stolen. She said she missed the bag after she was Jostled by a man in the street The Little theatre was dark Monday night when the opening of a new bill of tour acts was scheduled. The reason was the illness of Forbes Aylmer, the leading man, according to an announcement made by Mrs. Beulah B. Jay, the manager. The opening was held over until Tuesday night, the plays being "Brenda's Elopement." "The Eternal Mystery." "Th« Man in the Street," and "Utarature." The flrst named is by J. O. O DuSy. local news- paper man. Nearly 2,000 theatrical people attended the annual entertainment and ball of the Phila- delphia Actors' Progressive Association In Harmonle Hall, Friday evening. The pro- gram Included eight acts. A committee com- posed of Al Burke, president of the association, Charles Devlin. James Collina and George Lt. Phillips had charge of the affair and handled It in very successful style. Hughey Dougherty, the veteran minstrel, es- sayed a serious role last Sunday when he lectured at the Franklin Home for Inebriates. Hughey. who recently celebrated hla twenty- sixth year on the "wagon" gave some good advice to the audience. BOSTON. m s. oeoLTB. LOEW'S ORPHEUM (V. J. Morris, mgr.; agent, Loew).—Vaudeville. LOEW'S ST. JAMBS (William Lovey. mgr.; agent, Loew).—Vaudeville. NATIONAL (George Haley, mgr.; agent, U. D. O.).—Morton Opera Co. using "Madam Sherry." HOLLIS (Charles J. Rich, mgr.).—'The New Henrietta." House good down stairs. COLO-NIAL (Charles J. Rich, m-r.).— 'The Dol! Girl." Unexpected slump in busi- ness. Last week. PARK (Charles J. Rich. uikt.).— "The Argyle Case." Last week to fair business. TREMO.NT (John H. Schoffel. mgr.).—"The neauty Shop." Good show doing good busi- ness, but will be hurt seriously by flood of openings next we<'k. PROVE TO ttW That there has nerer been a closed door where Gau- mont Filihs are shown— They are a BiK^cesa and in public demand. Why not start with "The Better Mai" t BmIs A feature with a pnneb. nrinaiss (ahlpplnff) date Feb. M. BVBRT iORT OP PUBUCITT BOTH POR BXCHANOB ft EXHIBITOR 6a(ifl>0Dt Coi lit West MCh Utrmi, K. T. EL^«laI'iaI CORT (Homer F. Curran. mgr.).—Bmma TrenUnl In "The Firefly" (second and last week). COLUMBIA (OotUob, Marx ft Co., mgrs.).— Bessie Abbott Opera Co. (flrst week). GAIBTY (J. J. Rosenthal, gen. mgr.).~ Marie Dressier "Merry Gambol" (second week). ALCAZAR (Belasco A Mayer, mfrs.).—Mrs. Douglas Crane In "Her Soul and Her Body" (flrst time on any stage). PLYMOUTH (Fred Wright, mgr.).—"Under Cover," the melodrama surprise. Business holding up well this week despite run lasting since Christmas. 8HUBBRT (B. D. Smith, mgr.).—Grace GTeorge In "Jim's Marriage. Metropolitan pre- miere. One week only. Notice elsewhere. MAJBBTIC (B. D. Smith, mgr.).—"Within the Law," with original New York cast On Its second week and apparently good for two months. CORT (John B. Cort, mgr.) .—Joseph Bant- ley In "When Dreams Come True." Last week of unexpectedly good run. BOSTON (William Wood, mgr.).—"Way Down East." Last two weeks with new policy of three matinees weekly Inaugurated this W99k. "Bunty" underlined for March 0 pend- ing the arrlTal of "In Old Kentucky." CASTLB 8QUARB (John Craig, mgr.).— First performance on any stage of new com- edy with prlie of flOO offered for best title by patrons. HOWARD (George B. Lothrop, mgr.).— "The Jolly Girls," with the house bill headed br Fatlma. the Hammerstein Turkish dancing girl. Playing capacity on guarantee. GRAND OPERA (GTeorge B. Lothrop, mgr.). —"The Follies of Pleasure," with Dan Cole- man. Excellent business. GAIETY (George T. Batcheller, mgr.).- 'The Gaiety Girls." Good business. Hurtlg's Taxi Girls last week rated locally as one of best shows this season on the Columbia wheel. CASINO (Charles Waldron. mgr.).—"The Girls of the Great White Way." Bxcellent business. Margaret Anglln will use "Twelfth Night" and "As You Like It" during the flrst week of her fortnight's engagement at the Cort next week. Forbes-Robertson and Annie Russell have coTered the field gulte thoroughly dur- ing the past month so far as the Interest In Shakespeare Is concerned, but Miss Anglln Is expected to draw her own following hesTlly. March 16 will bring Kitty Gordon In "Pretty Mrs. Smith" from the west. The Toy theatre will have a double bill next week. Including an arrangement of "The Happy Prince," played by Margaret F. Allen and Lou Wall Moore from the Little theatre, Chicago, and "An Episode from the Old Cvrt- onlty Shop." with Russell Churrhill and Mrs. (.'harles Davis. CLAIRE WHITNEY LEADING LADY SOLAX STUDIO. Fort Lee, N.J.