Variety (June 1918)

A) VARIETY ARTISTS' FORUM Confln* letters to 150 words and write on one aide of piper only. Anonymous communications win not be printed. Name of writer must be slcned and will be held In strict confidence, If desired. Letters to be published In this coiutnnjnust be written exclusively to VARIETY. Dvjplloated letters will not be printed. ISttt writer Wno duplicates a letter to the Foruan, either beforo or after it appears here, will not be asra'o permitted the priv- ileges of It ILL AND INJURED. France, May 8. Editor Variety: I am writing to let you know how much joy it gives mc to receive Variety over here in the trenches. To one who has been in the profession it is a Godsend to be able to sit down in the trenches and behind the lines— wherever you may happen to be—and read about what is going on in show- dom at home. I have been over since last Sep- tember and continually in the front for the past three months. I hear we are going to get a rest soon, and if there is any performers who could send me any monologs, sketches, Madi- son Budgets or other material that I could put on with the boy here I would be more than grateful, as you know "the best entertainers are those that entertain themselves." I want to thank those kind enough to think of me and send me words of cheer, especially the Stage Women's War Relief and Rose Harrison of the "Plumphiends." I would also like to have any one who knows the whereabouts of Wil- liam Gallagher, once known in the pro- fession as Roy Rohatsche, inform ^me, as he was my pal in Philadelphia in what I often refer to as "good old days," when I was known as Nat Royall, "The White Man." Private Jimmy Gregory, Co. F, 104th U. S. Inf., A. E. F., France. New York City, June 3. Editor Varietv : I have noted quite a lengthy con- troversy in Variety regarding who was the originators of the business of singing a song while seated in chairs in one. For the benefit of all those interested in this discussion, permit me to say during the season of 1902, when with "Hyde's comedians," "Burton and Brookes" originated the idea of taking two chairs to the footlights in "one," lighting cigars, and singing one of our own songs, entitled "Pictures We See in the Smoke, Smoke, Smoke." We originated at the same time, and with the same song, the business of singing a straight chorus, by Brookes, followed by a parody chorus by Burton. We used both ideas for several years from this date. Any of the oldtimers who played on bills with us, any orchestra leaders, or managers of first-class vaudeville theatres at that time, can readily verify thi. statement. This should settle the question for all time as to who were the real orig- inators of the business as mentioned above, both of which have been claimed as original by so many prominent artists of present day vaudeville. Ned Burton, Formerly of Burton and Brookes. The Friars' Club, New York, June 3. Editor Varietv; ordered Beers to eliminate the said business. Mr. Beers complied so long as he was near enough to be "supervised." »In this week's Variety containing Chicago criticisms, Mr. Beers is no- ticed as again using Mr. Whelan's ex- clusive exit and entrance. Variety has again and again pointed out to Mr. Beers the injustice of doing this, yet he shamelessly continues. How long will he be permitted to defy professional opinion. If he continues to successfully purloin another art- ist's property—then he is destroying the very foundation of our business and successful headliners may as well uive up hope of any further protection— excepting where they are protected by the law. I am bringing this matter, with the aid of several well known performers before the N. V. A. Bert Levy. ^ Mr. Whelan is engaged to reappear in America and should be protected. B. L. New York, June 3. Editor Variety: In regards to the kissing bit used in our aet, we wish to state this is positively our own. There must be some mistake in any one claiming to have used this before. Several performers have explained to us how George Felix and Lydia Barry did their kissing bit and it is in no way like ours. Brendel and Bert. Claire Rochester did not open at the Orpheum, San Francisco, Monday. Ill- ness interfered. She was replaced by Dooley and Nelson, who were laying of in Frisco waiting to resume their tour of the circuit, interrupted by a draft call, but later repaired through exemption. Max E. Hays, the agent, has returned to his work, after a serious siege of three weeks, during which besides be- ing operated upon, his life was des- paired of. Mr. Hayes' strong heart carried him through. He was obliged to take opiates often to alleviate his sufferings. Luce S. Phelps (general manager of the Arthur Hopkins enterprises), quite ill with stomach trouble in the New York hospital, is considerably im- proved. William Lawrence ("Honor Thy Children" Co.) is under a physician s care at San Antonio, Tex., suffering with high blood pressure. He will re- main under treatment for six weeks. Montagu Love, who became ill while the "Stolen Orders" feature was being lilmed in the South, is sufficiently re- covered to resume work in another World picture. Elizabeth Goldberger, in a musical act, had her tonsils removed at the American Theatrical Hospital, Chi- cago. She's out again. Bob Austin has entirely recovered the sight of his eyes and will resume his vaudeville bookings week of June 17th. The wife of M. W. (Buck) Taylor in Philadelphia is seriously ill with acute bright's disease. Armand Mehlrolte, in vaudeville, is under medical care at the American Theatrical Hospital, Chicago. George D. Baker, Coast manager Metro studios, is able to be out and around again after a severe illness. George Roberts, ill with blood pois- oning of the hand, is out George Choos has been troubled this week with water on the knee. Editor Variety - : In Variety- of May 31 Hubert Dyer claims to be the originator of a piece of comedy—that of the comedian pass- ing in front of the straight while swinging on flying rings. This is to let Mr. Dyer know that the Alvin Brothers always used this piece of business in their act. The Alvin Brothers inserted it while play- ing Keith's Union Square, New York City, season of 1906-07. The Alvin Brothers always knew that they origi- nated this piece of business. Mr. Dyer lias no right to claim it. One of Mr. Dyer's former clowns— Peter Alvin—can verify this. If Mr. Dyer wants further information we can recall a few acts that worked on the bill with us at the^ Union Square. Alvin Bros. WILL NOT ENGAGE DRAFT MEN. Burlesque managers have decided between now and next season not to engage any men within the draft age, or those about to become 21, fearing disorganization of casts that would be sure to follow as the season prog- ressed, due to the draft. The man- agers are also going to get a line on those in the different "deferred classes," who may also be called into service in local fields operated by the Government. CURTAIL TRAVELING. Burlesque producing managers of the two big circuits will hold meetings this summer to provide for a new con- tingency which has arisen through the decree that passenger tickets and berths are to be increased over former rates by the Government. To face the new season with such a noticeable increase in one depart- ment, absolutely necessary for the maintenance of the circuits, the man- agers plan to cut down their traveling payroll. "FRENCH FOLLIES" AGAIN LEADS. With the ending of the current bur- lesque season officials of the American Burlesque Association find that the "French Follies," direction of Ed Beatty and Ed Daly, has again re- peated as the biggest money-getter of the year, with Jack Reid r s "Record Breakers" second and Rube Bernstein's "Follies of Pleasure" third. Each of these shows made more money than on the previous year's finishing "one-two-three" shows. The TJeatty-Daly outfit eclipsed its leading receipts of last year, with the officials declining to give out any figures. ..» ABANDONS PRODUCING. The Mirth Amusement Co., of which William V. Jennings, an officer of the American Association, is secretary, has decided to abandon its burlesque pro- ducing activities next season, which means that the Jean Bedini "Forty Thieves" company will not be back on the wheel under Bedini's direction. Bedini will have a show on the Columbia, while Jennings will devote all of his time to his American execu- tive position. The franchise operated for this show will be taken over by I. Hcrk, who, in association with other producers, will continue the "Forty Thieves" under another title and with a brand new show, cast, scenery and everything already directed by Herk. CHICAGO STOCK CLOSES. Chicago, June 5. The Empire closed last week for the summer, cutting its burlesque stock sea- son short because of the weather. The house has been alternating between Harry Steppe and Sam Michaels stock. The Michaels troupe has disbanded, but the Steppe company, intact, is aat the Gayety, Milwaukee. IN AND OUT. Eddie Foy leaving the Henderson, Coney Island, bill this wek brought Barnes and Crawford into the bill. The death of Bessie Crawford's brother prevented the team starting the week there with "The Passing Show of Vaudeville" and the Honey Boys going into the program. The Dancing La Vars substituted for the Mosconi Bros, in the Bessie Clay- ton act Monday night at the River- side, and will continue in their place for this week. Owing to an injured ankle, Louis Mosconio could not ap- pear. John Giuran, of Giuran and Newell, was recruited to the*Bessie Clayton act at the Riverside this week, replacing the Mosconi Brpthers, who were forced to retire owing to Louis Mos- coni spraining an ankle. Helen Trix and Sister left the Or- pheum bill after the matinee on Mon- day. Harris and Morey doubled from the Prospect Monday night, with Mill- er and Masters going into the show on Tuesday. Hudler, Stein and Phillips were com- pelled to leave the Orpheum, Oakland, last week through Fred Hudler being drafted. Eddie Nelson, of Dooley and Nelson, did a single in their place. Through playing a benefit Sunday night in Baltimore, Seabury and Shaw were unable to open Monday at the Palace, New York, owing to a baggage delay. Eddie Foy did not open at Hender- son's, Coney Island, this week. Mrs. Foy was expected to have had an- other operation, with her husband wishing to be near her during it. Lew Dockstader quit the bill at Proctor's, Newark, after one perform- ance the first half last week, with Chris Richards substituted. Helen Trix and Sister did not open at the Orpheum Monday. Laughlin and West substituted. Miller and Rainey replaced Eddie Collins and Florence Wilmot at the Hippodrome, San Francisco, this week. WORK FOR A. B. A. DIRECTORS. A number of important matters will be taken up when the directors of the American Burlesque Association hold their regular quarterly meeting in the organization's headquarters in the Columbia building June 7. It is a certainty that the map of the American will undergo a big change before the season becomes operative for the fall. New York and Chicago will change complexion more than any other city points on the wheel, with almost positive elimination of one- night stands in certain eastern terri- tory to be provided for by the directors. In New York will be added the Follies, in the Bronx, and the Winter Garden, on Houston street; while the Crown in Chicago will repkee the Gayety; further disposition of the latter house to be decided upon by the Chicago interests following the local meeting. There will be no new shows added to the wheel unless new time is added, the outlook now being that 36 will again start the new season. With New York and Chicago having a change as contemplated it may be that the matter of route opening may be altered, although last year the shows moved up four pegs. The new season will open Aug, 19. Drive for New Members. Now that the Burlesque Cub has moved into its new quarters it is planned to conduct a "drive" for mem- bers, and already there has been a noticeable increase in the number of applicants. Among recent acquisitions arc a number of comedians, who have become most enthusiastic members and are already booming things for the annual outing this summer.