Variety (November 1917)

CABLES 3SE IN PARIS By E. G. Kendrew. Paris, Oct. 15. "Lc System D," the new 3-act farce by Guillcmand, H. de Gorsse and P. Veber, just produced at the Ambigu, is a success. The title is taken from a naughty expression used by French soldiers on the front, and signifies the positive way of getting out of a scrape, no matter how. D. is the initial of an expression best left untranslated. The authors, who wrote "Madame et son Filleul" for the Palais Royal, invariably use the System D. to extricate their chatacters at the end of the plot. Yet there is plenty of real fun, however exaggerated the plot may be, during the piece. The new Ambigu farce moves briskly, which is something to be thankful for, but Labiche is not yet outclassed in France. "Le System D." is a popular title, in these days, and as it is a war farce suits the play as neatly as any other Hertz may have chosen. The story is complicated; im- possible except for D. fools. MonUvci is a soldier home on leave, and as he notices a fop of the rear is making up to his wife, he decides to prolong the furlough in order to watch events. He malingers and calls in a medical friend to sign an extended sick permit. Unfortunately he is out when Dr. Pom- erac calls. George, a poilu who is also on leave and come to Montavel's home to court the cook, receives the army physician. Then the exaggeration be- gins. George knows the system D from alpha to omega. He is treated by Dr. Pomerac as being Montavel, and the diagnosis is cerebral weakness, neces- sitating the immediate removal of George to a hospital, followed by his faithful fiancee, the cook. Monteval also goes and mistakes George for the doctor and when his wife arrives with her flirt, he is likewise taken for the doctor. All this tangle is finally un- coiled by the authors with the said D. system. Jean Coquelin is excellent in the role of the simple doctor, Albert Brasseur being a life-like poilu. They are ably supported by Terka Lyon, Blanche Tourtain and Germaine Ar- mand. Judging by the Ambigu, Paris sadly needs some up-to-date theatres. Foreign visitors were astonished at the antiquated appearance of this house, and it is only one in the ville lumiere of the same category. "Carte d'Amour" is the new comedy by Tristan Bernard to be presented next month at the Theatre Michel, when Charlotte Lyses (Sacha Guitry) will take the lead. "Mon Oeuvre" is already coming off at the Athenee, and will be replaced by a revival of "Bleus de 1'Amour," await- ing the new work by G. de Porto Riche. "Femme a la Caserne" is a new mili- tary farce to be given shortly at the Dejazet. This little theatre is famous for such effusions. "C^me Along" is the revue now at the cabaret theatre, Caumartin. To at- tract the boys it is announced as a Franco-American production, but it is more Franco, by Curnonsky and Bark- lett. A new play by Alfred Capus (his first since the war), dealing with the pres- ent hi<«;orical times, is to be mounted at the Porte St. -Martin this winter. Felix Hugucnet. Mmes. Pierny and Dorizat are 'listed. Hn^li-h girl> will be more prevalent thnn e\er in the revue thorus in France this winter. The Olympia and Follies r.cifjere retain the Tiller troupes, while the Casino de Paris managers have appeale-1 to Jackson for a contingent, and Ryner is recruiting for the Tivoli, Rouen. The English girls are found far superior for chorus and ballet pur- poses, while the French are necessary for small parts. The Theatre des Arts, Paris, which was formerly the Theatre des Batig- nolles, is to become a picture house, controlled by the Anglo-American Amusement Co. It will be then known as the Smart Cinema. "Carmeneta," the French operetta, now running in London, is to be re- vived by Mme. Rasimi at the Ba-Ta- Clan shortly. The 3 Kratons have returned to Paris after a tour through the French prov- inces. Eve Lavallierr the comedienne, is threatened with blindness, and is about to enter a convent. Geo. Pasquier has renewed his con- nection with the Nouveau Cirque and is now fulfilling the functions of ad- ministrator and ring master. The Apollo is closing Nov. 4, the summer lease taken by L. Volterra having expired. However, the Casino de Paris will not be ready for reopen- ing by that date. Rehearsals are tak- ing place for the revue wherever a spot can be found. "WILLOW TREE" CHARMING. London, Oct. 31. "The Willow Tree" opened at the Globe Oct. 22. It is a charming poetic play. Rene Kelly is delightful. She is strongly supported by Owen Nares, A. E. Matthews and others. SHY ON MOONLIGHT NIGHTS. London, Oct. 31. Business at the theatres has been slightly affected by the recent air raids. Patrons are particularly chary of moonlight nights. French Company on Its Way. Paris, Oct. 31. Jacques Copeau has left for New York with the French company which is due to open at the Garrick, New York, Nov. 20, where a series of classic French plays are to be given. Pilcer Family Well Represented. Paris, Oct. 31. The Casino will reopen about Nov. 15 with a new revue. Gaby Deslys and Harry Pilcer have been engaged; also Piker's brother, Murray, with a troupe of seven banjoists. PAT MURPHY DEAD. London, Oct. 31. Jack Bodie, professionally known as Pat Murphy, comedian, died at Aber- deen, Oct. i4. DRURY LAKE'S XMA$ TANTOr London, Oct. 3i. At the Drury Lane, Oct. 26, was given the first English performance of Moussorgsky's opera, "Khovantchina." It contains some striking scenes, picturesque costumes and quaint Rus- sian music. Arthur Collins, Frederic Anstey and Frank Dix have concocted an "Alad- din" pantomime production for the Drury Lane for Christmas. In the cast will be Robert Hale, Stanley Lupino. Will Evans, Harry Claff, Whimsical Walker, Madge Titheradge. LONDON CLOSINGS. London, Oct. 31. R. C. Carton's "The Off Chance" was withdrawn from the Queens Saturday, followed by a revival of "Brewster's Millions." On the same night "The Liars" closed at St. James's, and is succeeded by a revival of Ibsen's "Ghosts." Also "Damaged Goods" at St. Mar- tin's and "The Three Daughters of M. Dupont" at the Ambassador's have closed. ONLY MATINEES AGAIN. London, Oct. 31. After the recent air raids the ques- tion of closing all theatres during the evenings was raised and no concerted action was arrived at. The matter was left to the independent judgment of the respective managements. The Society of West End Managers failed to come to any unanimous de- cision. Many theatres are playing only matinees this week. NEW AUTHOR INTERESTING. London. Oct. 31. At the Strand, Arthur Aldin's pro- duction of "Wild Heather," by Dorothy Brandon, although not a masterpiece, is interesting for a first play, giving ' great promise of future work from the authoress. Edyth Goodall and Lyn Harding were the chief scorers in the cast. CAN USE PIANO FACTORIES. London, Oct. 31. There are indications here the Gov- ernment will probably commandeer all the pianoforte factories in the United Kingdom to aid in the manufacture of aeroplanes. ARTHUR PRINCE CONVALESCENT. London, Oct. 31. Lieut. Arthur Prince, ventriloquist, is now convalescent and is on his way to London from Salonika. TWO KILLED IN ACTION. London, Oct. 31. Herbert Darnley's son, Bertie, aged 20, was killed in action in France. E. Gibson, formerly of the Ferguson and Mack duo, was killed in action recently. He leaves a widow, profes- sionally known as Daisy Clifton. CELEBRATING RUNS. London, Oct. 31. "Theodore and Co." celebrated its 450th at the Gaiety and "Inside the Lines" its 200th at the Apollo, both still going strongly. "Mr. Mayfair," Touring Revue. London, Oct. 31. "Mr. Mayfair," a touring revue, is at the Balham Hippodrome. It was written by Herbert Darnley and Wal Pink. In the cast arc Darnley, Dan Leon, Jr.. and Violet Parry. New Number and Scene. London, Oct. 31. At the Palladium Ruth Vincent pre- sented a new number, composed by Max Darcwsk!, the composer conduct- ing. Billy Merson put on an amusing new scene. "The Movie Man," based on his own film experiences. LAUDER DOES *3<M>W. The Harry Lauder week at the Lex- ington Avenue Opera house, ending last Saturday, reached a gross of $30,000. Saturday night the scale went from $2 to $2.50,- and the final three nights of the engagement the over- flow was placed upon the stage. It was the opening week of Lauder's present tour under the management of William Morris. The most sanguine had not expected the result, especially in the Lexington, considered an out of the way house. PARIS REVIVALS. Paris, Oct. 31. Revivals in the Paris playhouses are as follows: "Within the Law," at the Theatre Rejane, October 27; "Potash & Perlmutter," Theatre of Varieties, November 5. "GRANDPERE" TO GO ON. Paris, Oct. 31. Hertz will produce shortly Lucien Guitro's comedy, "Grandpcre," at the Porte St. Martin theatre despite re- ports to the contrary. NOV. 2 MEMORIAL DAY. Paris. Oct. 31. The French theatres will all close November 2, commemorating All Souls Day, out of respect to those killed in the war. ELLIOTT BUYS LONDON HIT. London, Oct. 31. It has been announced the Amer- ican rights for "The Maid of the Mountains" have been disposed of to William Elliott. Mr. Elliott is to do the piece alone without either F. Ray Comstock or Morris Gest, his partners in other ventures. "LAZY JUGGLER' 9 FLYING. • London, Oct. 31. T. Elder Hearn. "the lazy juggler." is in France with the Royal Flying Corps. LONG DISTANCE REHEARSING. London. Oct. 31. C. Connell, who is in France, has put in rehearsal his musical comedy, "Tur- nip Tops." He hopes to secure leave shortly to appear in tqe production. DUPREZ HEADLINING. London, Oct. 31. The headliner at the Victoria Palace this week is Fred Duprez. Others on the bill are Beattie and Babs, Kirchner Girl tableaux. AVIATION SKITS. London, Oct. 31. The Six Brothers Luck are present- ing a new aviation sketch, by Ernie Lotinga and Charles Baldwin, entitled "Air Birds." A. Spencer has written an electrical aviation sketch, "Youth Carries On." "The Prodigy" Reopening Court. London. Oct. 31. Charles Windmere will reopen the Court theatre with Estell Burney's new play, "The Prodigy." Challoner's London Venture. London, Oct. 31. Bromley Challcner. a touring man- ager, has taken the Kingsway theatre for a brief term, for a revival of "When Knights Were Bold," playing the lead- ing role. Joe Elvin'* Latest Sketch. London, Oct. 31. At Finsbury Park Empire, Joe Elvin is appearing in a new sporting sketch entitled "Punch and Judy," written by George R. Sims. Also on the bill is Blanche Tomlin, accompanied at the piano by her hus- band, Ronald Wakley, a wealthy ama- teur composer.