Variety (August 1915)

SHOW REVIEWS 13 PALACE. While the heat did not visibly affect the business at the Palace Monday night, a near- capacity house being In attendance. It raised particular hob with the enthusiasm and ap- plause and as a result the program ran along from curtain to curtain In a draggy fashion that practically killed all the amusement It contained. Several acts that ordinarily should have walked Into a small "riot" went through their routines without any encouragement and failed to collect the coveted hit Gertrude Hoffman, in a vaudeville version of "Sumurun," had the entire second section of the show to herself (on paper), the audi- ence giving credit to one Ordynskl, who play- ed the hunchback in the Reinhardt pantomime. Ordynskl is credited with the Hoffman pro- duction in so far as the staging goes, and let It be early recorded that Ordynskl deserves the only playing credit as well. Miss Hoff- man was lost for the hour or more the play- let consumed, her only identification being a costume and her smile. What a few rea- sonably good pantomlmlsts could do with this vaudeville idea of "Sumurun" Is painful to contemplate. It carries eight scenes, every- one a masterpiece, but beyond the scenes there Is nothing. "Sumurun" as produced by Hoffman at the Palace is semi-sensational, but not entertaining. Getting back to the vaudeville of the bill Belle Baker comes next In prominence and popularity to the headllner. Her repertoire of numbers Is excellently selected, barring the fourth, which has pedalled by Its prime. "Tennessee" opened and was followed by two Special lyrics, one an Italian number and the other a Yiddish Idea. Then came the fourth and finally Miss Baker announced Irving Ber- lin's latest ballad, "When I Leave the World Behind." It carries her through to a hit. "When I Lost You" was Berlin's first genu- ine ballad and it sold, but "World Behind" is a masterpiece. One cannot conceive the sentimentality of "World Behind" until hear- ing it. While It doesn't behoove a reviewer to stagger over a ballad, "World Behind" Justifies the move, for It marks an epoch In the career of Berlin, and what it does to a vaudeville routine of songs is sufficient. It helped Belle Baker, and unless all signs fall It should hold up any one. Dooley and Sales were moved up to the first section of the bill Monday evening through the retirement of temperamental Mercedes. Returning from Australia with some new ma- terial this couple landed their usual hit, one of the new lines being "Will You Jim?" oc- casionally Interpolated In tbe patter by Miss Sales. The "Snow" song mlgbt be eliminated for the warm weather, for It slows up the action and while It registers, the subsequent effect Is harmful. Dooley, after Monday nlgbt's experience with an overheated audience, can be classified as one of vaudeville's very best. Bradley and Morris opened tbe bill with a display of versatility, Bradley working on a cycle amid a routine of songs and dances. The construction of the specialty speaks well for the author, for It threads nicely together and leaves little room for adverse comment. Although few were present at the early hour, those on hand voted them a success. Haydn, Bordon and Haydn held the second notch with their clever skit, the English ver- sion of a baseball game carrying away the bulk of the applause gathered by the trio. Moran and Wiser In their hat Juggling turn completed the bill and did well. Le Hoen and Dupreece, with their sharp- shooting novelty act, closed the show In ex- pert style. This couple also use songs. It would be advisable for them to get some new numbers. HENDERSONS. Packed to the doors was Henderson's Tues- day night Manager Lemuel Blakeman Is al- ways on the Job, and his attendance seems to hold up whether hot or cold. Tuesday night was hot even In the beach house, but the audience was most enthusiastic towards the last of every act. This week's headllner Is Victor Morley and Co. In a new musical military manual. The act held down the seventh spot In the nine-act bill In capable style. Of the nine acts seven relied to a large ex- tent upon songs with published numbers con- spicuous. Two popular numbers are used twice, but the second users were more suc- cessful than the first. Elphye Snowden had "Cakewalk Ball" and "When I Leave the World Behind," both used later by Van and Schenck. The "World" number seems to be a fixture In the routine of these boys and Its second hearing of the evening was appreci- ated. Van and Schenck down next to closing were forced to use eight numbers. "Bom Bom Bay" was another they did well with. The use of tho old Irish number should be tabooed. The show started with Nelusco and Hurley, one of the two acts without songs. The manic did not get a very Rood start but the big trick at the finish went very well, putting the couple In favor. Patrlcola and Meyers, "No. 2," sang, danced and perspired. The boy works terrifically hard with his dancing as shown by his condition at the finish. The girl gracefully flits around the stage mak- ing a good Impression at all times. It is this couple's first week on big time, and with a possible bit of improvement here and there they should stay there. The Morln Sisters brought more dancing ef various sorts. The disjointed girl brought many laughs with the manipulations of her flexible members. Elphye Snowden followed with "Tho Fashion Shop" at her heels. Outside of the draping work by Hugo Hansen and the sprightly work of the little song leader there Is little to the turn, although the Hendersonlans were In- clined to approve of the comedy. Mary Mel- ville sang some songs of her own as well as telling "gags" that also belong to her. More of the catchy little so*g numbers would have been appreciated. FIFTH AVENUE. While pretty hot Monday night and busi- ness waa affected theatrically aa a result, the Fifth Avenue business was splendid. The show as a whole gave satisfaction. The bill ran largely to comedy and music, which helped offset the oppressive heat. No matter how hot a theatre may seem If there's a good run of comedy the folks don't have mood for reflection upon weather conditions. Hand 'em a few heavy dramatic sketches and some dull vaudeville, and right then and thtfre a dent Is put Into the good Impression desired to be conveyed and the audience quits the house hotter than ever. DIDlos' Circus opened. Dogs and monkeys are put through paces by a man and they are followed by some trick riding by two men, carried for the purpose, upon the back of a long-eared Jack called "Dynamite." The mule doesn't become as riled and active aa sbme others seen, but he upsets the riders for a few laughs. That very black, black man look- ed hideous with that red smeared around bis mouth. The act lacks showmanship, but will get along in tbe pop houses. The Four Har- monists came within an ace of doing a Brodle, but a dance by two of the men and a lyrical travesty at the close boosted their percentage. The men sing fairly well together. Their comedy is off snd needs reconstructing. The quartet should permit the tenor to exercise his vocal chords more. There's music in his voice. Act best fitted for the pop time. Amy Butler, with hair down her back and her stage dress some inches above her shoe- tops, received applause aa she walked on. Miss Butler works hard. She opened with "Jane," but the first genuine applause came on one the war Is sponsor for, "When We Celebrate-the End of War In Ragtime," whlcn has a timely reference to President Wilson that reaches home. Miss Butler worked this number up well for a rousing encore. The piano man Miss Butler carries, in spot, sang "The Song of Songs" fairly well. His voice wasn't strong and he showed a tendency to swallow his words. This song Is getting a great play of late, has a sweet refrain and sentimental lyrics that are making It popular. Miss Butler's medley "impressions" and char- acter work at the close helped her score im- mensely. An echo of the old days was Miss Butler putting over a coon song, "I'm Ooln* to Live Anyhow Until I Die," with bully effect. The Farrell-Taylor Trio gave a corking good demonstration of how hard a vaudeville act can work on a hot night This black-faced turn never lagged for a moment, went through their minstrel by-play, comedy bits and muslo to a laughing hit The man doing Mandy was In fine fettle and when he and the other men harmonized on "The Song of Songs," the ap- plause was spontaneous. One forgot the same number had been rendered a few minutes be- fore. This turn rocked the house wflh the "Tulip Time In Holland" number. One of the biggest laughs of the show came when Mandy did a comedy fall during a pistol shot and from where "she" sat, yelled, "Send 'em a note." Timely and it got over. Following the Pathe weekly and the 111.- anlmated song by Miss Burke, which pleased, Walter DeLeon and Muggins Davies appeared. The folks appeared to like this young couple and the novelty of their picture finale rounded them Into big favor. This picture Idea Is wholly different from that used by Jack Gard- ner. DeLeon and Miss Davies play panto- mimic characters a la wild west In a flicker- ing light and they well work up the photo- play travesty. "On the School Playgrounds," with Its bare- legged "school girls," splnster-tyne teacher and the eeccentrlc Swede Janitor, stopped the show. This act, when first presented, seemed unable to get started around New York, but as seen Monday night. It has evolved Into a valuable bit of comedy vaudeville property. The chorus Is only a secondary consideration. The dancing and gyrations of the comedian put the act over. This boy has natural talent and bears watching. The audience forced the act to take a "curtain" several times after the card had been placed for the next act. Surefire stuff for any pop house. Carl McCullough appears to have grown stouter at the waist line and his hair doesn't look as pompadourlsh as of yore, yet this didn't prevent him from favorably registering. McCullough hasn't changed his act much, using pop songs and giving the department store demonstrator Impersonation as well as his mimic "impressions" of Foy and Warfleld, singing "Just for Tonight." The Toyo Troupe of Japs, four In number, using the old routine of equlltbrlstlc stunts and the comedy with the barrel tossing, closed. The "flesh" came with tbe full som- erset evolution done by one Jap standing on the feet of an understunder. It's a corker. Mark. DE KALB, BROOKLYN. The first opening of the newly-formed nrooklyn pool which gives the Loew Circuit two houses in the Bushwick section occurred Monday, when the DeKalh, a former combina- tion house, opened with Loew vaudeville, play- ing six acts and a feature picture. From appearances Monday night, the De- Kalb Is going over with Its new policy. The house is large, and In all probability that Is the reason the shows wore shifted from the Shubert. which was always a money maker with its three-a-day policy, although next door to the Bushwick with Its big time vaude- ville at popular prices. The De Kail) is located In one of the moat thickly populated sections of tbe town and haa a community to draw from that can easily make the house a winner without trying for any but neighborhood patrons. The prices at night are 10-35 (box seats), with the or- chestra a quarter. The one balcony Is ex- ceptionally large and has a good-sized ten- cent section for the evening shows. It Is the balcony that Is going to draw a good deal of money Into the De Kalb box office. Matinees the entire house are ten cents with the excep- tion of the boxes, 20. The opening show was an exceptionally costly one for a summer small time bill. The audience favored the pictures and a serial In this neighborhood is bound to prove a draw, as was shown by the enthusiasm displayed towards a detective one. The vaudeville started with Martini and Fabrinl, who dance. Like other dancers, they use a aong for an opener. It la not on a par with their stepping. They had no trouble In the opening spot, for the audience files In early and stays late. The serial followed. » tCammerer and Howland with songs, piano work and imitations, kept the show going along at a good clip and the peo- ple laughed at the antics of the man In bis Imitation work. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cortls presented "The Master Move," which proved mirthful to those present The talk about sinking ships comes In pat at this time. There is plenty of acting in the piece and everyone seemed to enjoy it. Marshall and Trimble, under the card of Clayton and Lonni, stopped the show in the next position. These col- ored boys made the most pronounced hit of the evening. There seems to be no cause for tbe change of costumes on the part of tbe fel- low doing the wench. The men have two songs that sound exclusive, and both suited to their routine. The two big names of the bill appeared towards the last, the first being Nell Mc- Klnley. This chap with his customary "nut" work, had the audience at his mercy and scored tremendously. Liplnskl's Dogs closed the show In the way of acts. Tbe big canine turn Is bound to please In tbe neighborhood bouses. It held entire house In, everybody also staying for the feature picture at the close. HARLEM OPERA HOUSE. Usual attendance Monday night The smok- ing section was quite light, but tbe other parts of the house well filled. Manager Harry Swift used his annunciators along the street for almost IS mlnutea, telling his patrons to get Variety and keep In touch with the the- atrical profession. It would be hard to say what drew them in, if not the Courtney Sisters, for that was about the only big name on the program. The re- mainder of the show appeared to suffer from the one big attraction. The first part especi- ally ran bad, but the last half after the Key- stone held up the entire show. The Four Asnators (New Acts) were given the opening position after a Universal two- reel drama, followed by Powers and Joyce (New Acts), both passing off quietly. Start- ley and LaBrack (New Acts) gave the show a little speed at this time with some Chnplln comedy. The turn started well singing "Don't Blame Me for What Happens In the Moon- light" to good returns. Madeline Clark and Co., In "A Little Touch of Nature" (New Acts), closed the first half. Sol Levoy sang after an old Keystone com- edy, followed by Max Laube billed as "The Human Bird." Mr. Laube easily lives up to his billing, but outside of that nothing to hold continued Interest Is in his turn. As a whistler he can pass, but as a singer he can not. Talking with a German accent, nothing of his announcements or the lyrics of his one number were understood. It was the whist- ling the gallery boys liked. "The Nine Kraiy Kids," with an appro- priate drop representing a school room, came In for the first real hit Four girls and five boys with the usual characters comprise the turn. The Hebrew comedian Is about the best amongst them, and Monday night regis- tered everyone of his "gags." It would be best for the turn to dig up some more talk Instead of the singing In harmonv which Is away off. Listening to the solos that are far above the singing of the entire company, one won- ders why they would not try and pick Just a few that could harmonise. The tenor especi- ally, who also handles the role of the Italian very poorly, disrupts tbe whole thing. That boy should hold back on lung power. The re- mainder of them handle their parts well when called upon, but a little more "pep," which school children generally possess, could be shown. The Courtney Sisters, appearing in two stunning gowns, were received with their usual reception. The elrls sang "Over the Hills to Mary." "Dublin Bay." "Song of Songs." "Way Down Yonder in the Corn- fields" and "Midnight Cakewalk Ball." th« latter for an encore. Thev could not get enough of them, and 1 after quite a number had started to leave the house, the girls returned for another number, barely hesrd owing to the people scrambling back for their seats. La Vine Clmeron Trio closed. ROYAL. About the best and simplest way to describe the attendance at tbe Royal Tuesday night would be to say nothing but crowds and crowds. Things did not. get under way until after 0 o'cloek through a three-reel Rellg. Interesting ss a funeral. The patrons trlrd their hardest to clap It off. but the manage- ment took no heed to their request and al- lowed the film to continue. (Manager Egnn Is on his vacation.) Right there the show rerelvrd Its first set back, and the remainder continued that way, although applause came easy for those de- serving it The weekly 'Gift" night was mostly re- sponsible for the big attendance, although the program contained some favorites. Quite a number make It their business to be preaent on Tuesday nights In hope of taking away some of tbe prises. This could be seen after tbe "Gifts" were passed out, for those stand- ing to that time found plenty of seats through- out the house, quite a number passing out Bertie Ford was given the opening posi- tion, Warren and Deltrlch holding down "No. 2." Hyman Adler and Co., in a light sketch, scored easily. Mr. Adler's comedy through the violin, which he bought from his young boy clerk, had them laughing throughout. Al- though a character of this kind is always good for comedy. It was tbe way Mr. Adler got his points over that brought the returns. An old Keystone that could have been drop- ped for the evening came in at this time, followed by the "Gifts." Camp night was the special occasion and nothing but articles use- ful for that line were given away. Trovato then scored the hit of the evening. Before half through his act the entire house was whistling his popular airs. Trovato's "plant" In an upper box sang "Song of Songs" and re- ceived applause galore in response. Although they started walking around this time. It be- ing rather late, with a number of acts yet to come, Will Oakland and Co. came on and held right up with singing. The audience ap- preciated everything they sang, although a new moving picture number did not go aa jtprell as expected. Lucas and Lucille on rather late, with the audience again on Its way outside, had a rather hard time making their "nut" stuff register, but It did not take long. The aet runs along the style of Dooley and Saylee. but at the same time could not be termed a copy, for this couple work In an altogether different way. Those who remained could not get enough of them and their fool- ish comedy. The woman's final costume looks freaklHh and the bit when one of the men In the orchestra pit stands up, while dancing could also be dropped. If there for a laugh, It did not g»>t It Tuesday night, and besides It Is burlesquy. "Dream Dancers" closed the show at 11.30. NATIONAL. Tuesday evening the house was comfortably filled. The show got Its start with I^eonard and Alvln, men who dance. They have gotten away from the regulation routine of male-duo dancers, doing a few extra dances in an extemporaneous way, suggested by the orchestra leader, with music. The boys did fairly well considering they were still com- ing In throughout their set Alexandria Dag- mar (New Act), woman amused, on the "floundering" way In trying to dance. Willie Smith, a Juvnlle evening-dress sin- gle with a rearranged routine, was a succeas In No. -8. A character number was well handled. Willie is Imbued with an abund- ance or ginger, which goes to make him an excellent small time single. An episode of a serial held Interest. The sketch position was upon the shoulders of Carrell, Plerlot and Co. In a comedy entitled "I Died." The sketch drew laughs, due to the erratic playing of the "butler." A num- ber of comedy situations make this act a good small timer. The first real winners of the evening came forth In Lewis, Belmont and Lewis. The turn will remain unless a better finish can be se- cured. Another good song number would also go to bolster things In general. A good closer were the Six Navigators, all men, who did amazingly well In acrobatics. 58TH STREET. Six acts of good timber Individually, a sin- gle reel drama and a split-reel picture com- prised a good evening's entertainment Mon- day at Proctor's 58th Street The house held tbe usual big crowd. The hill received a peppery start with Eve- lyn and Dolly, two little girls bubbling over with versatility. Though Monday night waa misty and sticky, the girls worked throughout and were well rewarded. Their opening num> ber In character of kids might be touched up somewhat, and It would be advisable to do more of the bicycle riding, the act's best. Fred Hlldebrandt, a youthful appearing chap, though placed at a disadvantage, easily scored with a newly-arranged routine. A goodly quantity of new material has replaced a cou- ple of song numbers. He still retains many old Jokes that passed long ago. The only setback of the evening came forth In the person of Flora Stern, a good-looking little miss, who has youthfulness and ability, but was handicapped with material. Her ef- forts were not taken seriously until the piano specialty, a conglomeration of classic and popular medleys, for a finish. The sketeh position was effectively handled by Beatrleo Clayton and Co. (reviewed last week ss Bertha Crelghton and Co., st the Fifth Ave.). This audience was quirk to csteh the talk, and readily came forth with applause after much laughter. The customsry "Song Festival," and a weekly review held Interest. Ratcllffe and Anthony were a riotous suc- cess. The hoys still have a number of rough edges to work off. The "Bryan" Joke came In for laugh. The "Push 'em up" line by the eomedlan Is being overworked at present along with the "Sonofagun" line, which does not sound any too good. The comedian Is rx- rellent. while the straight Is equally effective. "Dublin Bay." the only song number, earned applause and was delivered In style by the straight. Elsie Ollhrrt and Clrls w»«re a splen- did closer, holding the mnjorltv In until the la«t curtain. Miss Gilbert handles most of the numbers, harked up by four girls, who know how to dance and sing. The flippant manner In which Miss Gilbert speaks brought laughs.