Variety (July 1915)

14 SHOW REVI E-W_3 PALACE. All good things come in pair*. At least that seems to be the rule at the Palace this week. There are two dancing acta and two bridal songs, both done In a comedy vein and each scoring proportionately. Incidentally, there is a mighty good show at the Palace. An audience Tuesday night practically packed the house to the doors and they liked the bill. It was rather long for the Palace and consequently Manager Rogers started it off rather early, the first act coming on at 8.06, bringing the final curtain down at 11.02. There Is one thing which Is a steadfast rule with Mr. Rogers and that Is that his show must be over as near 11 o'clock as possible and he adheres to It most religiously. Following the usual overture and the news weekly the Regent Four (New Acts) were the openers. The drop in "one" before which they appeared Is a new one and It resembles In execution the work of Maxfleld Parrlsh. Bert and Bettle Wheeler held down the sec- ond spot In likeable fashion. The girl after a quick change of costume sang an old Tren* tlnl number, which was encored and Inciden- tally gave the man an opportunity to assume a Churllu Chaplin make-up. As an imper- sonator of the film comedian Bert Wheeler hus Homethlng on a great number of Im- personators. As a matter of fact his lmper- Honation Is the one big thing In the act at present. An eccentric dance finish with the boy doing the falls brought big applause re- turn. John Hyams and Leila Mclntyre were rather slow in getting started, but once they reached the full stage the act brought laughs and ap- plause. Lew Dockstader, presenting "Teddy and His Policies," was a laugh from start to finish. Closing the first part, Adelaide and J. J. Hughes danced delightfully. Cecil Lean and Cleo Mayfleld, opening the second part, and the opening with Mr. Lean singing "I'm the Ouy that Paid the Rent for Mrs. Rip Van Winkle," started the after- intermlsslon section with a bang. The follow* ing numbers with Miss Mayfleld got over very big, especially "The Widow and the Tired Business Man ' and the "Telephonies." In the former Miss Mayfleld wore a wonderful cos- tume, suggesting a military uniform. It Is a stunning affair of red and white and Is only uetracted from by a pair of those ugly-appear- ing Russian boots which practically spoil the picture. Banaoff and i+lrlle were the second dancing act. At the opening of the turn It looked as though it was rather too bad this act had to follow Adelaide and Hughes, but once the boy got under way with his eccentric solo work there was never a doubt as to what the an- swer would be. The act on the strength of this was the applause hit of the bill. Trlxle Frlganza followed In the spot next to closing and did her usual sterling perfor- mance and received the usual share of ap- plause that Is her due. The closing act was OdlTa. Fre A. PROSPECT. The Prospect is experiencing its first sum- mer. From all appearances It has proven a successful experiment. Frank (Tlrard, who has managed this house since the closing of the Orpheum, has put Into effect several neigh- borhood draws, with a Chaplin Contest Tues- day nights. The first was held last week, and Is said to have filled the house, with a large turnaway. This week it was not quite ho successful, but drew In a good sized crowd, considering the heat Rebate tickets have been spread rather- freely around the neigh- borhood, which seemB a necessity with all houses drawing from the locality the Prospect does. It keeps the house well filled, which means more money then empty seats. The show this week headed by Lillian Shaw shaped up as well as a summer bill Is wont to be. Miss Shaw down next to closing, easily took first honors although the bill contained several other hits. The u*ual numbers were used by the headllncr,, who closed with a new one called "Little Grey Mother," a war ballad, rather different from any of the others used by her. Considering hits, two prominent factors were Mllo and "A Mile a Minute," a melodramatic offering with a big finish, both under New Acts. Two sister acts were conspicuous and al- though both resorted to songs, there was a marked difference between them. The first was the Wilton Sisters, with songs, piano and violin. These two girls look decidedly young and have lots of pep In their work. One has a most pleasing voice, but confines her en- deavors in this line to a heavy piece, which Rho handles admirably. The rest of the time nhe Is at the piano with the other girl leading the numbers and playing a violin. They could have stood a later spot to advantage, but the way the bill was framed this was Impossible. The other two-girl act was presented by Pearl and Irene Sans (New Acts), second after In- termission. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Wilde, No. .1, figured as a hit. The shadowgraph work so artistic- ally worked out with enough of patrlotlcs worked In to got the best results without carrying it too far. made one of the strongest Impressions of the evening. John Splssell and Co. In the opening spot failed to get very far until the finish, when the tumbling down of the stove caused a big laugh. It Is a turn that relies entirely upon pantomime, hut one of the men persists In talking now and then, and that gets nothing. The Danube Quartette, consisting of four men who do some clever casting, closed the vaude- ville show, with the Chaplin picture and con- test to follow. Toney and Norman also ap- peared. AMERICAN. The roof show for the earlier half of the present week provlued a goou round of enter- tainment, but dragged perceptibly In spot* ami for this reason ran slow and detracted somewhat from tne general value. There were several individual hits and to those go tne honor of pulling the bill through, wnile a few other specialties warped the speed and threatened to smear the goou Impression reg- istered by the successful contenders. The Jardys opened with some semi-startling exhibitions of hand balancing, the male unaer- stander providing good work wltn the band apparatus utilUeu. ine top-mounter, a woman, looked rather heavy for the work, but nas the required grace and skill to quality tor the portion. Some nlity hand to hanu and hand to head and Jaw stunts featured the routine and earned the couple sufficient appre- ciation to Juatliy their presence. The ward- robe could be improved upon. Allen and Francis held the second spot with a song and talk routine. The fami- liar garden bench being employed for the introductory opening. The same line of patter Is likewise in evidence and until the couple introduce their eccentric dance the act made little or no Impression. The girl has a good Idea of character work and should drop the engenue endeavors. The man Is a good loose dancer and through his efforts the turn passed. With the ability displayed this pair court! construct a genuinely good specialty, but the present vehicle will never help elevate them to any degree. "Ye Old Song Revue" Is a small time produc- tion with a quintet composed of three men and two women, the prima donna of the five carrying the best vocal power. The harmony Is not of the best, although the act has been staged nicely. It consists of a succession of old time melodies and carries a sentimental appeal that helps the total score. For the pop houses It will serve the purpose Intended, but even there it will never create a furore. Bernard and Roberts were the first natural hit of the Initial section, a good character man and an excellent "straight" distributing an unusually good list of "gags." A few old boys were recognized In the routine, but on the whole their list smacks of originality. The comic's dialect and delivery are a bit away from the beaten path and the couple have a reasonably good idea of distance, tim- ing their material nicely to meet the laughs which means much to a talking turn. They landed heavily. Sullivan and Keough held the sketch posi- tion closing the first part with the Three Chums, coming directly after the abundant overture. The Chums have a splendid Idea for the presentation of a rathskellar specialty, carrying a special set In "three" depicting the interior of a club. A poetic Introduction is followed by a series of apparently special numbers, all well delivered and equally well liked. They went decidedly big. Cole and Denahy, Texas Tommle dancers, found It rough going until they displayed their speed, and then finished with the usual re- sults. They gave way to Avellng and Lloyd, two men who work In street clothes with a Southern dialect and a supreme confidence that will never fall. Comparisons are con- sidered Improper, but after listening to this team a few minutes one automatically begins to measure their ability up with Conroy and Le Maire, the delivery and work being some- what similar without any suggestion of a copy. Their routine is somewnat rough, but the sting Is removed through their style and carriage. In other hands the same talk might be almost disgusting, still It sounds smart and comical as distributed by Avellng and Lloyd. They were the unquestioned hit of tho bill in next to closing spot and could have continued indefinitely without reachltg the tiring point. Their open In v and finale are novel and helped wonderfully. Whether the talk would sound acceptable in a high grade house Is a problem. The Three Heltons closed with their musical turn, keeping the majority In for the pictures. Wynn. FIFTH AVENUE. A mighty well balanced show at the Fifth Avenue this first half of the current week. So good a show it bordered on the bl<* time standard. The bill comprised eight acts and five reels of pictures, one a two-reeler. In spite of the warm weather the Fifth Ave- nue held an audience almost capacity. Three reels of pictures opening the show and were followed by "Prince Charles" (New Acts) opening the vaudeville portion. The chimp was followed by Mary Melville (New Acts) formerly of Melville & Hlggins. Tom Davis and Co. In "The Strikebreaker," held down the "No. 3" spot, and were seen to better advantage than they have been on apy bill they have played In some time. The act got laughs from the start to finish. The young woman who is playing the striKebreaker has Improved wonderfully and is proving her- scii quite a clever little actress. A Keystone comedy entitled "Gussel Rivals Jonah," with Syd Chaplin, as the principal comedian. Syd is following In his brother's footsteps In trying to see how much dirty slapstick and revolting hokum he can pull. The picture was about as mtny a reel as has been shown In some time! and how the cen- sors ever passed it is a wonder. Tho last half of the show ran like a big time entertainment. John -> Malley. the irlsh tenor, lollowed the picture. Ho is using the same three Irish ballads that he had originally and has added, "If We Can't Be the Same Old Sweethearts," to his repertoire. In addi- tion on Monday night be offered for an encore number a new stirring mnrch ballad, by Ernest Ball, entitled, "Never Forget You're Irish, Too," which Is a real timely snng. The Im- perial Ballet, headed by Leo Plrnlkoff and Ethel Rose, followed In the next spot and got over nicely. The Kaufmann Brothers next to closing were the real applause hit of the bill. The boys went right to the audience from their opening and had them laughing all the way. They are using two rather aged rag numbers for Broadway and couiu replace them to ad- vantage before the new season opens. La Renle, Hamll and Co. Is a small time electrical experiment turn along the lines of the Dr. Hermann act, but a very poor copy as far as the electrical experiments are con- cerned. It isV the hokum and slapstick comedy with the aid of plants that puts the act over. A Hearst-Selig Weekly was the finisher. Fred. * HARLEM OPERA HOUSE. The customary large attendance Monday night. There seemed to be an awful lot of girls to the show the first half of this week. This was probably emphasized by the pres- ence of two acts, consisting of four girls each, one opening and the other closing the bill. The Four Xela Sisters made brave efforts In the opening spot, and they succeeded remark- ably well. They come early up here and an opening act has a good chance. Coleman Uoetz, the youthful song writer, was "No. 2." He Is not like the song writer actors who rely entirely upon their own numbers. Goetz Is young and at present he Is only using one he announces as his own It being "The Clutching Hand," a sort of a sequel to i aul- Ine." A green spat makes it doubly weird. Goetz has "Back Home in Tennessee" (new) for a finish. More songs of the popular variety were brought into play by Armand Cortez and Co., in a turn consisting of situations and songs, together with some laughable talk. The two young women both handle songs, the first adding seasonable flavor to the bill, and later a nice ballad, "Kentucky Lady," was used. One of the girls owns a pleasing voice, while the other passed along creditably. The two men figured In the talk and other busi- ness. They have Charlie Chaplin up here. After the sketch an old Keystone called "Cruel, Cruel Love" was used. It showed Chaplin In a different costume than he uses at present, and also a larger mustache adorned his face. His appearance In this looked like many of the impersonations given In the small time houses near ana far. A local attraction in the way of a ragtime piano playing contest followed the picture and a sailor boy was awarded the $5 for first prise. A young announcer announced as Al Salisbury (although he did not figure in the money), showed a touch that was recog- nized by the musicians ~resent as something out of the ordinary, but his selections was not any too new and that rather hurt him. ^ sailor boy Is a hard thing to beat in a con- test where handclapplng uecldes the winner. After this Sol Levoy sang "Kentucky Lady" for the second time during the evening. After the various Interruptions, which made it rather hard for the following turn, but Shlrlle Rives and Ben Harrison (New Acts) had little trouble in getting started right away and put over one of the hits of the evening, after which "The Jolly Models" (New Acts), a turn of no class -assed alonr to little enthusiasm. The Four Kiltie Girls skated the show to a close around eleven. JEFFERSON. A rather heavy bill at the Jefferson the first half. A small hand-full was In front. Weather conditions has hurt attendance at this house, and Manager Walsh Is running the show through with the speed of the wind, not Inserting a picture in the midst as of yore. Leona Hegyl, clay modeling opened, and passed off to llrht returns, followed by the Clancy Trio, three men, offering the "Try ' Out," nothing beyond horseplay, and singing. The boys secured a good many surprises with their singing. Five Romeros with grand opera and music were next. The troupe brought out some tuneful melodies, and worked fast. Some new popular songs for a closer would help. Knight and Raymond, man and woman, billed as Golden and Clark, brought forth songs and talk. The woman 1b displaying a couple of stunning gowns. The "Bungalow" died long, long ago. Lee Fong Tong (If not Hong Font-) the. Chinese who appeared at Hammersteln's some few months ago, followed, and is offering n vehicle somewhat the same as the latter men- tioned. But with his funny English, and the singing of German songs, he pulled down one of the big hits of the evening. At times Tong shows signs of possessing a fairly good bass voice. Frank Rae and Co. (New Act) pleased. With another new act. Browning and Lewis, followed. They also got big return with their parodies. The Inas Family, acrobats, proved a splendid closer. CITY. Despite the severe handicap of summer weather and competition, Fox's City theatre, located directly across the street from Fox's Academy of Music, is attracting an unusually large patronage, probably because of the ex- cellent brand of vaudeville and the variety in the bills. The early half of the current week brought a good comedy group of spe- cialties to the house with a four-part fea- ture picture, "The Builder of Bridges," util- ized for a chaser. An extra feature is a serial placed In the center of the bill. i he advertising honors went to the Hippo- drome Four, a comedy quartet with a school room setting, the general idea being reminis- cent of the Avon Comedy Four. The stereo- typed routine of business is supplemented by some mediocre harmony, the comedy standing out beyond the vocal department and father- ing the four men the expected laughs. Where this particular kind of entertainment Is ap- preciated, the Hip Quartet can easily qualify. Chas. Ledegar, a talking rope walker in "Dutch" makeup, opened the bill accompanied by a cleverly arranged orchestration and an excellent line of tricks. The talk is splendid in spots and weak in others and Ledegar takes some good falls on the rope. He gave the show a great start. Jack McCowan and Emily Gordon offered a specialty In "one" that ho.ds a unique ooen- lng, the card bearer placing the name of each principal on either side of the stage. An in- terrupted number brings on McCowan and through some nifty Introductory dialog the turn is started. McCowan oerworks and should give his partner a better opportunity. The man is clever, evldenuy writes his own lyrics and closed with a war recitation that was wisely interpolated Into the lyric of a closing number, carrying the oouple off to th« Inevitable appiause. The Ogden Quartet, a mixed operatic ag- gregation, came next In order with some clas- sic renditions, finishing with a costumed re- cital of a selection from one of the operas. The younger woman is decidedly attractive, carries plenty of personality and held up the appearance end. The voices were of the usual calibre. After the i«earst-Scllg weekly, Midgley and Elton contributed a comedy sketch with a few songs Included, the latter nttlng In nicely, but carrying little weight through poor delivery. The comedy is clean, well delivered and nicely arranged to precede the comedy climax. It shoum carry through anywhere as shown at the City. Glen ElliBon, working "straight" wltn a Scotch dialect, has all the essentials of a big time turn barring the opening number "Slater Susie," which has had its fling for stage usage. Ellison works this number with a slide, and while it returns some laughs. It doesn't be- long. His succeeding material was especially weii delivered and earned him one of the hits. The artistic honors of the program went to the Cameron Sisters, two pretty girls who can dance with the best. Their opening In "one gave them the necessary start with the follow- ing numbers earning solid applause for each effort. This team will bear watching, tor they belong on the bigger circuits and could even quality for a production. The Hippodrome Four followed and Alvln and Kennedy closed, the lat- ter act introducing tho former clown comic In Charlie Chaplin makeup, a good idea and one that earned plenty of applause. Wynn. OBITUARY. Mrs. Margaret. Witt, a vaudeville artist and sister-in-law of the late George Fuller Golden, died last week in the Seton Hospital. Chas. A. Neaves of the 6th Man- chester, an English regiment, the brother of Mrs. Chauncey Jesson (Jes- son and Jesson), was killed in action May 27 in the Dardanelles. Lee Charville, employed in 'The Old Mill" at the Exposition, San Francis- co, died July 7 of injuries sustained from a fall, which occurred the night before while doing repair work on a scaffold. Moira Creegan, last season in "Pyg- malion," died July 9 in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, from acute con- gestion of the liver. She is survived by a husband (John Imeson), appear- ing in London in "Peg O' My Heart." Leon Mooser died July 11 in San Francisco. He was of the Mooser Bros., a firm that dealt extensively in oriental theatricals, and of which his surviving brother, George, was the other partner. A sunstroke suffered in the Orient, together with theatrical depression there, following the war, which materially affected the Moosers' circuit of theatres in the Far East, hastened the end. The office at Shang- hai will be discontinued. Leon Mooser was well known as a showman around the world. He was 40 years of age. If you don't advertise In VARIETY, don't advertise.