Variety (May 1918)

CABLES IN PARIS Paris, April 22. Since the bombardment of the city by the Kulturcd Huns, which has been going on more or less daily tor a month, with the risk of shells striking theatres, hospitals and churches (and the risk has materialized), business has been poor at places of amusement. But wc are still carrying on, and we have even had a novelty in the form of a topical sketch, "Les Gosses dans les Ruines" at the Theatre des Arts. This trifle by Gsell and Poulbot has met with a certain success, considering the present conditions. It depicts the joy of a number of street boys who have remained in their native village during the German occupation after it has been reconquered by the Franco-Brit- ish forces. Mile. Jeannins Zorelli plays the role of a distressed woman, who has lost her son, with much talent. Poulbot, now famous for his drawings of street urchins of Montmartre, has recruited a number of children for the minor roles, and has naturally painted the set. This sketch follows an old farce by Veber, "Que Suzanne nc sache rien." Cochran, now in Paris, is nego- tiating for the sketch for London, where it will be given in English. * Another house has also the courage to announce a new bill. The Imperial (closed for some time) will reopen with "La Grande Marcelle" by Poinsot and Leo Poldes. Poinsot is now liter- ary editor of the Paris daily "Le Pays." The Comedie Francais, like the Op- era Comique, is sending troupes on tour through France, the home thea- tres still remaining open in Paris. However, the price of hotel accommo- dation in the provinces is not inducive for traveling—unless special allow- ance be made for living expenses. Other less important and unofficial troupes touring the provinces have thrown up the sponge and returned to Paris, the mere price asked for sleeping room be- ing in many cases in excess of the sal- ary paid. Berthal A. Downey (of California) has arrived with his military band of 30 at a port in France, and last Sunday gave a concert in the public park, much appreciated by the people of the town. The new tax on luxuries is not meet- ing with a good press. So many neces- sities arc now classed as luxuries that the poor housewife has to foot the bill for almost every article except food. Drinks arc, of course, luxuries when costing more than one franc. If two men take a wet and one pays, as is cor- rect in good society, the total invar- iablv exceeds the 20 cents. Then there is 10 per cent, extra for luxury tax. This applies particularly to the vaude- ville theatres, and managers have been advised by registered letter from the fiscal authorities to collect and ac- account for the tax on such refresh- ments. How the control is to be kept is net yet definitely explained, but as there is already much opposition to the new tax. which has only been in force a couple of weeks, there will un- doubtedly be many alterations in thc- original text before it is put into prac- tical operation. The British budget proposals, ju-t i^ c ued, aNo provide for a tax on luxuries. From a French point of view it has already had a disastrous effect on the dressmaking, jewelry and fancy poods industries. Thi= W il1 probably lead to a remodeling of the law. It has been suggested that a special class for picture players be created at the Paris conservatory of music. This famous government theatrical school, where the troupes of the Comedie Francais, Odeon and Opera Comique are recruited, has a class for almost every branch of the profession, includ- ing every musical instrument. If as- pirants for movie actors be included it is probable (according to local press) that Antoine will be given the pro- fessorship. Gustav Quinson (manager of the Palais Royal, and interested in a num- ber of other legitimate houses in Paris) has leased the Siren cabaret, in the Rue Montmartre (off the grand boulevards) and intends to present a revue by Lucien Boyer and Albert Willemetz about May 1. Jane Pierly, Lucette Darbelle, Gaby Morlay, MM. Boucot (now at the Casino de Paris) and Riviere will appear—surely a big company for such a small hall. But it is underground, almost a cellar, and for this reason will be renamed L'Abri (the shelter). The Theatre Edouard VII, which is almost underground (somewhat like the Criterion, London), advertises the fact and has revived "La Folle Nuit" probably for another good run. In these days of air raids and bombard- ments it is comforting to feel you are well covered by five or six stories, and managers may be pardoned for an- nouncing their theatres are so protect- ed, when such is the case. But it must not be forgotten the other establish- ments are still "carrying on," and the performers who contribute to this gratifying result cannot be covered with too much praise. The vaudeville company engaged for the Casino at Aix-les-Bains and Thea- tre Municipal. Chambray, has now been disbanded. No new troupe will be formed for the present, owing to pres- ent events. The Casino at Aix-les- Bains will remain open, as a club, for American soldiers and sailors. COCHRAN'S PAVILION. London, May 8. Charles Cochran has taken a lease of the Pavilion Music Hall at a rental of $86,500 per annum and a percentage of the gross receipts. The next production there will be the Paris revue, "Plus ca Change," adapted by Cosmo Gordon Lennox, with Alice Delysia and Leon Morton in the leads. 25TH OPERA ANNIVERSARY. Paris, May 8. Note, the Belgian baritone, cele- brated May Sth his 25th anniversary in operatic appearance, singing "Rigo- letto" at the Paris opera, and was warmly applauded. Note was originally a working man in the railroads. NO "LIFTS" AT HIP. London, May 8. "A Box o' Tricks" at the Hippo- drome contains no features from "Miss 1917" as produced at the Century, New York. This statement is made by Albert de Courville in contradiction to a re- port in Variety* of April 12 that his show contained many features from the New York production. Mr. de Courville adds he wouldn't be surprised to hear that some of the summer musical shows preparing for Broadway will have features from "A Box o' Tricks," however. "QUINNEYS" REVIVED. Paris, May 8. The Theatre Gymnase has revived "Quinneys." GERARD'S FILM IN LONDON. London, May 8. Ambassador Gerard's film "My Four Years in Germany" was presented pri- vately to a distinguished audience at the New Gallery Kinema April 30. It was regarded as very impressive, but its usefulness for propaganda is likely to be spoiled by tne proposal to issue one of its ten reels weekly. RILET ST. JOHNS MARRIED. London, May 8. Riley St. Johns, a charming actress with the "Yes Uncle" company, has been married to Capt. Grant, R. A. F., who in July last flew from Aberdeen- shire to Norway. Capt. Grant was a member of Scott's last expedition to the Antarctic. "RING BOTS ON BITAY" BIG HIT. London, May 8. "The Bing Boys on Broadway" at the Alhambra has passed its 100th per- formance and is packing them in. KEYS 20 TO 1 SHOT WINS. London, May 8. Nelson Keys, actor, mimic and race- horse owner, won his first victory at Newmarket with Vanity Fair, which started at 20 to 1. Many artists bene- fitted by the winning. CLARA BUTT RAISES $285,000. London, May 8. Clara Butt is giving seven perform- ances of Louis Parker's pageant of "Freedom" under the patronage of the King and Queen. May 7 was English night, followed by American, French, Italian, Jewish, Australian and Cana- dian nights. Miss Butt has raised $285,000 for war charities. IRISH HOEY IN -BOX B.- London, May 8. At the Coliseum Irish Hoey is ap- pearing in a sketch "Box B"; also on the bill are Stanley Lupino and Croak. GEORGES OHNET DIES. Paris, May 8. Georges Ohnet, novelist, author of "The Iron Master," died in Paris May 5, aged 70. JEAN AYLWIN IN NEW SKETCH. London, May 8. Jean Aylwin is presenting at the Euston a new sketch entitled "Some- thing to His Advantage." Sadrenne Storri Die*. London, May 8. Sadrenne Storri, a charming actress and dancer, died, aged 19. HAZEL HASLAM Late lead In Willard Mack's "Who Is She?" "The Green Beetle,** etc; now of HALL and HASLAM, appearing in "What Really Hap- pened." Proctor's Fifth Avenue NOW (May 9-12). Direction, MAX GORDON. "HOTCH POTCH" SUCCESSFUL a. ... ~ . London. Mav 8 At the Duke of York's A. P. DeCour- vilte presented May 2 his tourln. ™~ pany playin* '•d^A^^f C0 ^{ as°t?f, h l.y C ™t/ n „ ,POt i '* *"•«■«,«: 1!^"M mom M&:" "°i \ . ^COCHRAH SECURES "MAGGIE." During a r.r—. Lono >n. May 8. Charles B U» n ' r'',^ Par » "A and AmerJe r a a „ n A3K ^.f^ act operette entitled *M,g&.» BUSINESS IMPROVING. There has been a ^r^ 0 "' ™ ay 8 t „ h A"Vr r l. Ci » b ""«» of a e"Thf. 1" probably due to the r.»n. f, "J ! reports from the front 'avorable "WCLE ANYHOW ," HIT. Alfred Sutro's -UndteA^jS? R tlT^LV tht »»^arket y M°af 1 ^ "ced^V Den" eTS" U 'a .? me< * "e> Randal Ayrton *"' A,hene S 'y'". PARIS IMPROVES. Paris. May 8. Business is imoroviniT'in ".V % amusement establishes. '" th * exdt e em:n ath o e v r er iS the m ? r ° Vin,f * nd «* bardmenit has abated.' 0n *- ran <* *«»- • _ DOROTHY MONCRMAN WEDS. Dorothy Monckman' 0 s n ist 0 e n r o^pLm- ^me^PromisfeB-^: MAUD ALLEN AT PAV AGENCIES AMALGAMATED. ti,- j ... London. Mav 8 .The vaudeville and producing a Jen nes of Edelsten & BuVns, Murray & Dawe and Julian Wvlie have been J^tomated. with offices a? 5 Lis," DE FRECE AND ROBEY RIVALS. «r ,. ~ _ . London, May 8. Walter DeFrece is rivalling George !&. y Ti! auct,one 5r J n& ^r war char- ties. The competition is most friend- ly, each hoping the other will win. BRADY'S HOLIDAY FOR HALLS. T ,. Ca , , London, May 8. Leslie Styles has written and corn- nosed a musical sketch called "Brady's Holiday, which Louis Bradfield will present in the halls. Yvonne Granville in Single. London, May 8. Yvonne Granville has been engaged to tour the Gulliver circuit in* a single turn. New Version of "Mumming Birds." . London. May 8. Fred. Karno is presenting a new ver- sion of 'The Mumming Birds" on the Stoll Circuit. "General Pott" Replaces "Lot 79." London, May 8. At the Queens' "Lot 79" has been withdrawn and replaced by "General Post," presented twice daily. Gertie Millar a Farmerette. London, May 8. Gertie Millar is trying the open-air life, working three days on a farm in her own garden.