Variety (July 1917)

SHOW REVIEWS 19 Houah and LaVeHe. "When the 'Worm Turns'* (Comedy). 12 Mina.; One. American Roof. The act starts off quite well in a street front with Kathrvn LaVeHe as a "souse." Jack Housh s first remark is "Drunk again," Miss LaVelle reply- ing, "So am I." That predicted sec- ond handed material, but the turn moved along rather nicely for a few moments, then commenced to slide) back, later held up by the singing, Miss La Velle getting something out of "Joan of Arc." She also changed her purple colored white fur lined gown toward the ending and that was another relief, on a warm evening. Mr. Housh also scored with "Lookout Mountain." Since they did so much better with the songs than the talk, they might use more songs if they cannot procure better talk. Miss La Velle should be able to develop the "souse" and carry the character throughout the turn. There is a police signal box on the stage and a "plot" to the skit, the lat- ter described by the title, "When the Worm Turns," which leaves it wide open for a facetiously inclined audi- ence. Sime. Billy and Ada White. Songs and Dances. 10 Mins.; One. American Roof. "Opening the show" at the American, for a singing and dancing act in "one" isn't expected to create an over-favor- able opinion at the start, and Billy and Ada White did nothing to offset it. Miss White in kid dress sang "Constan- tinople," for which probably Frances White could be blamed, but otherwise this team just sings and dances, 50-50 either way. aune. Sam Harris. Talk and Songs. 12 Mins.; One. American Roof. Sam Harris has fortified himself with some established popular songs and simple talk, the talk being very simple, for the time it lasts, but as simple as it is it still holds some old boys. In songs were a "Billy Sunday" number, a parody on "Tennessee," "Sometimes You Get a Good One" and "Come Over." The entire lot just about held Mr. Harris in the No. 2 spot on the Roof in the summertime, and the songs could not be blamed for that. Sime. PALACE. After a season on the road as the stars of "His Bridal Night" the Dolly Sisters new acts are back in vaudeville and headlined at the Palace. Tuesday evening, despite the sweltering weather, the house was packed. The running arrangement was switched about from the lay-out on the program. The Pathe Weekly closed instead of opened the performance, Edge of the World was switched from last to first turn, Mullen and Coogan from next to closing to fourth, and so on. --} • " 'iT'-r Y 'h iW'l'tw **? T J TT F "**}?_ sight act, the woman now cavorts about the - stage in fleshings, which does not enhance the value of the offering. Caites Brothers, step- pers with some chatter, do neat double dan- cing to muted music, the musicians whistling. They use for the dance accompaniment some classical melodies. The act was short and sweet. What little they do is worth while. Ous Edwards' "Bandbox Revue," slated to open the second part, was changed to third, and the Morgan Dancers, slated for that Bpot, was first after intermission. The stars of the revue, "Cuddles" and Oeorgle, are growing up rapidly. Gcorgle's voice Is now very deep and "Cuddles" is also maturing. The "plot" calls for "Cuddles" to make her appearance first as a child In rags. Under- neath her ragged dress she wore silk stock- ings and silk panties with spangled trim- mings. Oeorgie's travesty on Fannie Brlce Is very funny. Mullen and Coogan offered their usual "nut" crossflro and singing and the smaller of the two did some good eccen- tric stepping. Nellie and Sara Kouns, with their excellent soprano voices, gave a most artistic concert recital, consisting of "La Pa- loma" as a duet, one rendered the "Blue I'anulx- Wal'zes," with roulades, after whleh the other did a Swiss echo number with the first soloist off stage doing the echoing. For an encore they had a* a duet "Forever Is a Long Time," after which another encore was insistently demanded and given. Their good sinking was appreciated by all. The Morgan Dancers are announced for their fourth and lnpt week. Their historical Roman ballet in threo episodes is the finest thing of its kind and a rare treat to thoae U*>A of that tort of .thin* The turn vUgbl be mar.criQ.1i3r Improved by the woman play- ing the Sister in the nrst episode Bitting stili while the girls are dancing. She Is con- stantly shifting about and pantomiming, which detracts from the dancers. The great big applause hit was Duffy and Inglis with their "crazy" singing and in- strumentation stuff. Both their songs are corkers and their musical Instrument non- sensicalltles stopped the show. Alexander Brothers and Evelyn, with their marvelous ball bounding, held the audience in, well on to eleven o'clock, and had the good sense not to prolong their offering. With the exception of "The Bandbox Revue" and the Morgan Dancers, all the turns were short. Jolo. Later, clad In a uniform, he slogs "Some- KJusra 'a-Franee moat Affecirrelr. ...Toe num- ber J* well worked nut with M*"* Bavee com- ing right back with "Laddie Boy" in reply to it. The other materials In the act.ure hold- overs from single turns that Miss Bayes pre- sented, Including the "Around The Town," "Jonah or Daniel" and "Over There" num- bers. Next to closing Williams and Wolfus were a laugh producing hit all the way. The clos- ing turn was presented by Burdella Patterson, too pretty a sight act for the closing spot. The offering Is a series of poses with the girl the central figure of a number of stereoptl- con slides, but decidedly different from the usual run of this type of act. Fred. BRIGHTON THEATRE. Two or three days of real hot weather and everyone flocks to the beach. At least that is the way It looked at the Brighton Tuesday night. The whole lower floor, with the ex- ception of a scattered few seats In the last three rows, was filled, while the balcony held rapacity, there being some vacancies In the boxes at the front of this floor. And in spite of the heat it was a mighty easy audience to get to. They laughed easily and applauded vigorously at the things that they liked, so much so that more than 50 per cent, of the show was over in the hit class. One thing about the Brighton audience and that Is that it gets to the theater rather late, even though the opening act Is on only after R :20. This naturally makes for hard going for the opening and second acts. This week those respective positions were held by Jack Onri, followed by Myrtle Young and Jack Waldron. Slg. Franz & Co., with La Petite Vlolette featured, looks like another of those Charlie Abearn graduates. Funny signs and freak wheels getting a few laughs, the girl, who looks cute, getting the applause on some trick riding. The final trick to the turn Is the rid- ing of the highest single wheel In captivity. HENDERSON'S. Henderson's selected Eddie Foy and his troupe of descendants to forestall the Nora Bayes engagement at the Brighton, and the Foy detachment appears to be doing the trick. It's the "Old Woman In the Shoe" act, with not a Foy missing, which shows how much easier parents can make their company be- have than Just a mere traveling manager. The Foys entertained the Hendersonlan bunch, who Just enjoyed them and laughed right out when Pere Foy patted himself on the chest, as he followed the troop off the stage. That was pie for Al Herman, who followed. He mentioned the Foy success In his own way and the audience got It. Herman has made other audiences laugh more, but he made the Coney Island crowd laugh enough, and thev knew him down there. It looks as though Al Herman Is the black Chauncey Olcott. In the orchestra seats they talked as familiarly about Mm ss though he was one of the family Herman has omitted his sad recitation, hut used a male plant for two songs and did quite well right down the line, dragging on some of the people In the program he had mentioned during the act for the "bows." About the biggest hit on the bill was the Watson Sisters. Fannie and Kittle, with Fan- nie now using pollshed-off comedy that keeps PROTECTED MATERIAL VARIETY'S Protected Material Department wilt receive and file all letters addressed to it. The envelopes are to be sealed npoo the back in a manner to prevent opening with- out detection, unless by permission of the owner of the letter. It is suggested all letters be regist ered, addressed to Protected Material, VARIETY, New York, and receipt requested. VARIETY will acknowledge each letter received. Full particulars of the ^'Protected Material Department" were published on Page 5 in VARIETY of Feb. 4, 1916. The following circuits, managements and agencies have signified a willingness to adopt such means as may be within their power to eliminate 'lifted materi al** fro m their theatres, when informed of the result ot an investigation con ducted by VARIETY: MARCUS LOBW CIRCUIT BERT LEVEY CIRCUIT PANTAGES CIRCUIT (BertLeveyl_ (Walter F.JLeete) CIRCUIT (Joe. M. nVshench) fox encurr CEdaa r AJJhm) M1LBB CrJCUTT (Walter F. Eeese) FINN-HBIMAV OECUTT B. & MOSS (B. a Mom) CIRCUIT RICKARPS **m IT (Australia) shea cmcuir caRcurr gus sun „ « .. . • MICH. VAUVmuXcote a. H. Alos) (W. a tattedscld) U. Ow V* SI* A* (Welter J. PUmmer) This brings the turn sufficient applause to bring a "tag" bit which is a little rough. It Is just a little too ruf-flned for vaudeville. The bill scored its first big hit with the advent of Jimmie Lucas and Company, the latter in this case being Joe Hall, who does the straight and plays piano. The idea is a rather novel one for legitimately introducing a "nut" of the Lucas type. He is an es- caped lunntlc and Hall Is his keeper. The turn had the audience laughing from start to finish and it was easily the hit of the show, outside of the Impression made by Nora Bayes. Mr. Lucas has originated and developed a "nance" bit that is a positive scream. In a song that is called "Transfor- mation Rose" 'he starts off with a cute little fairy story of the type one would tell the kiddles. Suddenly he develops Into a rough- neck and then with a single wave of tne rose under bis nostrils he becomes a "nance". It the laughB well up, although that simulated kick for Kittle couldn't be called polished, but It's really funny and Fannle's own. Herman said one night Fannie forgot herself and let the right foot go. Kittle should put that In as part of her dialog. The girls are working finely together, Fannie dressing well and Kitty upholding the "sight" end. After the opening act the Stantons appeared, then the Ford Sisters and Marshall (New Acts), with Mr. and Mrs. Mel-Burne In their "On the Fourth Floor" the next turn. The Mi'1-Uurnoa did very well. The playlet could be better named and the original faults will always exist until rectified. The Mel-Humes have a couple of corking dialog remark* and these should be added to. Now the talk runs to and away from each. The Five Nelsons closed the show. Sime. strates with him and then falls for the rose treatment. In turn the orchestra leader and a burly stage band all are Inoculated and the finish Is a howl. Then closing intermission Bert Kalmar and Jessie Brown with "In Nursery Land" scored the second bit of the show with a corking dancing finish. The closing section held four acts and each scored on Individual merit. George M. Rosencr opened his half with character Im- personations, presenting three of them. Ills closing number, the old soldier, was a llttio overdone and too long, he repeating some of his business time and again. Miss Bayes, now assisted by Irving Fisher, held the stage for exactly 4«1 minutes. With the adding of an assistant Miss Bayes has also added several numbers and a lot of talk at the opening. The early talk is more or less meaningless and suffices to get a laugh Just here and there. It is in the open- ing number, a double with Miss Bayes and Mr. Fisher, that one gets the Impression the former has been teaching the latter a number of the Jack Norworth stage tricks, Inciden- tally In this sontr. which tells of the famous loves and Iovcih <jf history and tlrtlnn, t tic? lyric Is oft regard In? Faust and Marguerite. (Marguerite never went crazy—the girl in historv who went hugs over her love was Ophelia.) "How the Time Does Fly When You're In Love" Is offered by Mr. Fisher as a solo. It seems rather unsulted to him. An- other of the new numbers la a "Bungalow ' song, also a double, which is made much of. ~~~£I£EfiSlQE «* With General Humidity registering his first oppressive invasion it was well that the River- side had a show Monday night that ran largely to comedy. It was unmlstakeably evident that the heat put a crimp Into tbo box office re- turns, yet there was a goodly crowd which appeared to obtain a lot of wholesome satis- faction out of the bill which came close to being an "all-man" show. The audience found much to tickle their risibilities, and laughing proved far more de- lectable than cursing at the heat. The Kanazwa Boys, three Japs, with only one looking as though bo was still In the boyish age, don't attempt too much, devote half of their turn to the try for comedy via the misses of tb« Jugglers tossing a barrel to and fro with their feet. Though far from being new to vaudevlllo It Is still surefire. The other half of the act has one man spin- ning the youngest member with his feet, the latter taking the speedy whirls on his tummy. Act not Bensatlonal, but a good one of Its kind. Scnrploff and Varvara are not comedlanB, but they looked funny on a hot night wear- i-iif tliOHi: fancy foreign outfits, presumably Russian designed, the short neck bands of th<> body raiment seemingly choking the life out of the young men. Scnrploff must be com- mended for sticking to hlB vocal knitting, and at no tlmo does be attempt to tear up any section of the stage. Good singer, but the collar-choker appeared to be cutting short tho volume of his notes. Scraploff could use an- other popular number without Injuring his YOcaJ.lmDreesJqn. Mercedes, carded for the "third soot, "dWl no> " show, and his place was filled by Marshall Montgomery. •■"»« One surmises Marsh must require a shoe- horn to get Inside that tuxedo outfit. And In trying to carry out the drawing room eti- quette at the table. Marshall may have to keep a large supply of "tucks" on hand as he gets up every time Miss Courtney arises to serve her guest. He didn't appear to be ex- erting himself Monday night, although (he singing and whistling "bits" carried him over nicely. The program had A. Robins and the Bmma Carus-Larry Comer combination Hated to close the first half. A . ^arrangement brought Marguerite Farrell into the fourth position, with Conroy and LeMalre on Just before In- termission. Mlsa Farrell worked up some laughter with the lyrical twist of several of her numbers. Miss Farrell has no number In her present routine that brings out her talents like the "Kelly" selection. She tried a new patriotlo song for an encore, and It pleased Immeasur- ably. The patter about the insurance money and the subsequent tomfoolery with the "prop" car tent Conroy and LeMalre over to a hit of unusual proportions. The laughs came thick and fast, with the fun making style of these blackfaced comedians hitting a happy me- dium. They brought the comedy average of the first section of the show away above par, leaving the second half comedy weight to be carried by Carus-Comer. The olosing period received eloae attention, and bounded along to substantial applause ell the way. The originally programed spot of Miss Farrell was taken by Miss Cams and Mr. Comer, their opening being preceded by a short talk on food economy by A. 8. Aaros- stamm. He appeared to be affected with stags fright at first, but after getting warmed up made himself heard to advantage. A. 8. put In a dash of monologlstio flavor when ha re- marked that the "public should lay its double chin upon the altar of patriotism." Miss Cams didn't seem to mind the heat, and any time an audience doesn't show any inclination to laugh or applaud she doesn't mind, aa ahe has so much dally exercise ie go through anyway. But the Rlversiders liked her Immensely, and applauded her enthusi- astically. Comer appeared In splendid voice. Pretty hard spot for A. Robins, next to dos- ing and following Mins Carus inimitable fun- provoking fashion, y»* the audience took a decided liking to his Imitation of the different musical instruments and his strive for comedy was noticeably successful. The Hlrscboff Troupe closed the show, and bold everybody In for the fast-stepping Russian legmanla finish. Mark. FIITHAVENUL Tuesday night the heat made Inroads on the generally crowded business. The bill seemed well diversified. A comedy turn embellished by muslo, and a singing duo got the lion's share of applause, with a dog and a bunch of Hawallans proving features worth watching. To show how patient and kindly considerate that audience waa Tuesday night It waxed manifestly enthusiastic over the Hawaiian muslo at the close, notwithstanding that a singing act had Just preceded the dark- skinned entertainers. The show opened with bountiful supply of pictures, a comedy following a two-part Uni- versal dramatic that held Interest In spots. There wasn't much to the scenario nor the acting, and about the best thing the film did was to kill time. And a hot night In the bargain. Charles Leonard Fletcher's Weekly Screen Jazs edition (New Acts) caused Intermittent laughter, each slide being carefully read and digested. The Great Johnson la a contortion- ist of more than passing ability, though not ontitled to be characterised as "great." He gets away from the ranks of the average _ boneless man by performing all sorts of on a suspended trapese bar, some excel Km t stunts being done as he hung downward with ono foot on the swinging bar. He opens with the usual bending of the body, legs and r * into all sorts of Inconceivable shapes and then takes up the trapeze routine. Smith and Farmer had an almost hopeless task in their efforts to make their patter land, and tbey would have faded from view without a ripple had It not been for the combined cornet playing of the man and the singing of the woman at the finish. This musical bit established them in popular favor and brought them back for a bow. Henry dive and his hag of legerdemain tricks plus a running chat- ter of comedy qulbs mystified and pleased, ('live worked quietly but effectively and got over nicely. Routine much along the familiar lines used by Cllvo In other seasons. Barnold's Dogs work along the lines form- erly laid out by Barnold, with the "drunk" the piece de resistance of the turn. The dog- town setting has been refurbished and several new "bits" Introduced, but It Is tho "drunk" thst holds up the art. Rome actor, this dog. After the Topical Review, which featured dVneral Pershing visiting points of interest and hospitals in France, appeared Frank Burt, Kd Johnston and Co. Tho Hurt-Johnston comedy Idea, with the duos on tho banjo and flute, has a made-to- order spot and the turn was surefire all the way. The Co. Includes a nlee-lnoklng young, (Continued on page w.)