Variety (May 1919)

; ' f '■ ' ' ' ■.-:■ . jV' ■.■.;.••■,.; -a,-*-'. 27 » 2 adveree to using the "bird" It they knew bow. At last Thursday's matinee someone threw a hard-boiled egg at one of the acts., which stuck nevertheless and went off a bit The evening root crowd, however, la much more orderly, and during the evening performance there was no misconduct. But the egg Incident may have been the reason why Kane and Herman Inserted some talk about eggs. Kane said something about liking his eggs soft. The team haa recently been reunited and It Is now In better shape than when first out I n fa ct. It la a sure comedy smash for neit-to-closlng on pop bills. In that spot'the pair romped away with most of the laughs and the biggest slice of ap- plause. Though the dialog went over all the way the men got heaps out of the rendition of "Me and My Gal," the laughs coming with Kane's humorous sallies. George Leonard, teamed with Herman when the team spilt. Is also using the same routine, claiming that privilege without apparent objection. The first half of the show was .unproductive, the second portion holding true to ftfrm by. delivering what punch there was. Dudley Douglas opened Intermission, doing nicely there (New Acts). Hyman Adler and Co. followed with their new sketch, "The Result" It seemed too long. The plot basis may be founded on fact—that of two children nearlng maturity who turn upon their financially con- servative old father. The visions are not expertly carried out. however. For the pop ' bouses the turn should have no trouble. A youth In the support played very naturally, his work individually being the best. The Brightens opened the show with their novelty rag picture making Douglas and Fletcher (New Acts) were strong enough for second, they being singing gobs. Third was Techow's Cats;- giving caste to the early sec- tion. The clown cat Is one of the rarest of trained animals-. If that feline could be coaxed Into participating In the "backyard fence" bit at the close, the turn might develop Into a scream. At that, the fence stunt is funny. _ , Qoetz and Duffy tried hard in fourth posl- - tlon with fair success. Their routine Is ver- satile, consisting of dialog, singing and danc- ing. Tbe man is doing a song with various dialects, ending with "Italian Lullaby," at- tendant "wop" talk being by far the best of his dialect attempts. What was supposed to be TlddlBh was a dialect of his own secret brand. The team might try more singing, both flashing fairly good voices, but only briefly. Baraban and Grohs closed intermission with ^ their novelty dances. The turn was at a disadvantage on the roof because their props and scenic effects could be used only In the downstairs house. Hanlon and Arthur, comedy cyclists, closed. nee. 23D STREET. Not a conflicting turn In the entire eight-act I bill at the 23d Street the laBt half. That's a I booking achievement, or accident perhaps, worth while recording in these days when the old baby grand Is dragged out three or four times during the show and three dancing acts often follow each other on the same bill. No- body flopped Saturday afternoon, tbe bunch according every act a fair share of applause, with Lander Brothers and Marie Hart and her Saxophone Quartet dividing first honors. Jack Morrlssey, the Australian cowboy, fol- lowed the news weekly and succeeded In bring- ing the crowd back to life again with Ms dexterous handling of the long stock whips. Morrlssey is there with the pink sleeve garters and the rest of the masquerade paraphernalia that seems to be the regulation garb of the ' professional cow puncher of Kangaroo land. The patter Morrlssey Indulges In doesn't get . him a thing, and unless funnier material can be secured It should be dropped. Most of tbe stuff wltb tbe whips has been done over here in the larger houses by Burt Sbepard and others, but Morrlsey needn't worry about that as long as he sticks to the pop houses. There's a world of homely sentiment In George Beane's little comedy drama. Beane Is a rube character comedian of the strictly legi- timate type, and barring a abort bit of horse- play toward the end manages to score his comedy points without resorting to the con- ventional mannerisms and business of tbe standardized stage rural comic. The kind ap- plause finish went over for Its customary large returns. Berk and White must have taken a good look at the Mosconl Borthera, and then gone Into a long practice session, their opening dance being Identical with the double stepping which forms such a large part of the Mosconl's spe- cialty. Unless the boys have received per- mission it looks as if the N. V. A. Complaint Bureau is due for a loud holler very shortly. The rest of the dancing numbers will do. Tbe 23d Street is not particularly partial to single women. Marie Russell, however, proved an exception to the rule, holding 'em all the way with a nicely arranged routine of rag songs and ballads. "Dixie is Dixie Once More" and "Mammy of Mine," two of tbe bright spots of her repertoire, gathered in the biggest applause rewards. The chocolate colored make- up gives the act a touch of novelty, but Miss Russell should go in heavier for the coon . dialect or else work In white face and forget the character thing. A violinist in tbe pit in addition to lending a competent band In the eocgs, also slipped across a well played solo, while Miss Russell was making a change. Marie Hart and her Saxo Revue constitute a fast working and talented combination. Marie haB developed Into a first rate vocalist, tearing off the aria from "Madame Butterfly" while balancing herself on the slack wire on one foot and getting away with both feats with equal C ■ , II , I I ■ 1 ,,1,1 =3 success.. -The Saxophone Quartet compares favorably with the beat of the cabareters that have tooted their way into vaudeville since tbe Jazz erase started.' The turn is ready for the big houses any time the call comes. The comedian of the Eadle and Ramsden act, one of those quiet English comics, bad things all his own way when he reached the con- tortlonistic stuff. The woman "feeds" accept- ably, but the couple need a regular act, tbe present line of talk being too weak .to cause "any excitement even In the small timers. Gautler's Bricklayers, closing, pulled down a decided hit, tbe canines working with their usual clock work precision. 125TH STREET. . Eleven acts, five of them try outs, at Proc- tor's 126th Street, Friday, played to • capacity gathering of vaudeville fans. These tryouts are continually turning up new talent and have the same relation to show business as the minor league to baseball. Three of the tryouts showed possibilities and will probably go rlgbt along. The Seebacks opened with tbelr bag-punch- ing specialty and were followed by the first of the hopefuls, Chong (New Acts),. Another newcomer, F. J. 8kau, followed with the Inevitable red lamp accompanying the piano. The lamp has grabbed the honors once accorded the bench. P. J. was a simon pure amateur and confessed he came from Albany. He baa a planolog, and his delivery>*was as wild and uncertain as Rube Waddeli in - his palmiest days. After'the show Bob O'Donnell said that Skau would not be present at the night show. It was a short season for tbe Albanian. * The show got a real start with Lieutenant Berry and Sister, with their neat little offering in third position. Lowery and Prince, who followed, were nicely rewarded. The boy bangs out the signs all through the show In an appropriate uniform and hangs It upside down when Miss Prince starts to solo. Joe Towle has been doing It, and that piece of business bas been identified with htm. Fred Dyer, the boxer, was next, and scored quite a triumph (New Acts). He was a tryout, and delivered solidly. Dan Mason and Co. (New Acts) followed Dyer. Mason has a sketch offering which pleased after a rather slow getaway. Another tryout, Raymond and Raymond (New Acta) .followed Mason and did well. Cbas. Wlllen, on eighth, was the last of the tryouts (New Acts) and was followed by "Holiday in Dixie," 12 colored people who do the conventional routine of harmonizing and dancing. They have a special drop and set and work full stage. Ward and Van, next-to-oloslng, were an emphatic hit with their harp and violin play- ing. Both affect a wop character and get many laughs, mostly through pantomime. One member seems about to lose a very baggy pair of trousers continually and works It up for big laugh returns. They are excellent musi- cians. • Berzac's Circus had tbe honor of blowing the whistle. BEDFORD, BROOKLYN. The Bedford has practically no opposition. Perhaps that's the reason why the shows are not better. It won't be long, however, before this particular Fox house will have a. couple of contenders battling against it As soon as this happens, the Bedford will have a lot to worry about, unless Fox decides to put in a regular orchestra and spend a little money on his show. The atmosphere of the house is very small-tlmey. The stage has about the cheapest-looking collection of worn-out drops and borders that can be found outside of the smaller of the Middle West pop houses. Karl Emmy headlined the last half. Emmy's bunch of canines seemed to feel the general untidiness of their- surroundings and gave a listless and don't-care sort of a performance Thursday night. The 'chute, with its oppor- tunities for comedy, landed the best results. The Emmy act is a great turn for the kids and passed, closing the show. The Tashl Duo, at tbe other end of the bill, showed little that has not been done time and time again in rlsley work. The Japs work along conventional lines, and as presently constituted the act Just about fits for an opener on the Fox time. Valente Brothers played the regulation pop and classical selections on a .couple of piano accordions. The team wears the white uni- forms affected by almost every accordian act since Frozlni proved that the instrument could produce music that would pass In vaudeville. One of these days an accordion-playing turn will wear business or dress suits Just for the novelty of the Idea alone. Gertrude Arden and Co., In a dramatlo sketch that hovered between melodrama and comedy until tbe tag line, managed to pass. The sketch is one of those cut and dried affairs that contains a finish obvious two minutes after it starts. MIbs Arden and her com- pany are capable players, but will never get very far with the vehicle they are now using. The two bright spots of a tedious show were Frank Busb and the Whiteside 8lsters. Bush Is telling ancient ones ' and some of more recent vintage. He tackled every known dialect, except Eskimo, and got away with all of them. The Whiteside- Sisters, a pair of litbe-llmbed dancing girls, need a new stage jetting to make the act stand up. Both are strong on personal appearance and dance well enough to do a much better act than they are offering at present. A good producer could give them the sort of assistance that would quickly send them up the ladder. HAMILTON. Players Percentage Wilbur and Lyko..... 250 Tony (woman) 260 Sidney and Townley 300 Conrad and Mayo 810 Jones and Greeley 820' Percentage scale: 350-400, excellent; 300- 340, very good; 260-290, good; under 260 did not score, - Tbe first and second act at tbe Hamilton last Thursday evening JUBt about managed to stay in the good percentage class, while . the closing act would have stood a better test in a more appropriate spot. Wilbur and Lyke opened -the show with a little singing by the woman, while the man executed some bouncing feats off a few specially arranged springs. Tony, billed as the "Wandering Violinist," did not do much during her stay. She is dressed like a young boy, with patches here and there in the trousers and coat, which attire does not help ber materially. She Is a fairly good looking woman and would un- doubtedly be more appreciated in some hand- some, costumes. Her present offering will only keep her on small time bills. Sidney and . Townley in "A Subway Flirtation," Jumped from the 280 class to 800 at the last minute. They appear with the stage darkened in "one" Immediately going to "two" in a typical sub- Way scene. After each one supposedly pur- chased a ticket, they become acquainted while waiting for an Imaginary train and go through a routine of songs and dances that placed tbe act in a standard class. Their conclusion finds ber In one of those Indescribably tunny fitting costumes which accounted for the women going into roars of laughter. Conrad and Mayo followed the "Victory Loan" speaker, who, by the way, was a sergeant who presented every purchaser of a $300 bond with a - relic from the other, side. The team consists of two men, one a supposed passenger on a street car, while the other Impersonates a conductoress. Tbey both then change to Chinese costumes, with one talking "Chinese" for about five minutes, when in- terrupted, being asked, "What the Hell are you talking about?" Followed up by. some dancing. The team was well liked. Jones and Qreenley, In next to closing spot, got away with tbe highest percentage of the show, undlsputedly. They enter In "one" out of a hotel drop, conveying the Impression that tbey have been thrown out on account of ber dog causing trouble. Both tben sit themselves on a valise and criticise each other, with material that stands out most conspicuously In the comedy line, After he delivers a comedy number, she returns, say- ing, Bhe don't want to go home and tell father, followed by a song anent what he Bald he would do before tbey were married. He then continued with a recitation "I'll Come Back," which In all proved tbem to be real entertainers of higher grade. A drop explained tben briefly the following act, Blllett No. 13, which closed the show. The scene Is in a delapltated Billet (Billet meaning a hut somewhere In tbe trenches) occupied by three men, presumably off duty. Going through their customary routine, as If they were actually behind the lines in Flan- ders, the trio demonstrated real living while at war. After a few ballads are sung, and the word "Canadian" well emphasized, peace Is declared, putting a finishing touch to the vaudeville for the evening. jfrtaco CITY. After a tiresome overture (selections from "The Olrl Who Smiles," by" Jean Briquet), Donal Sisters opened. Frances Dougherty (New Acts) was second. Van and Carrie Avery, in "Madame Slrllon, Medium," were about .the best bet on an exceedingly mediocre bill last Thursday night During the Victory Loan Drive, a young woman wbo might be the ."maid" In Gilbert and Friedland'B act, plugged several choruses of her Arm's num- bers. Tbe act was laying off that week, so that may account for her presence on 14th street. Tbe International News Reel followed Chinese Musical Entertainers, in Oriental garb with an overdose of the Bweet Incense in the air, entertained on several Instruments. Tbelr xylophone finish Is sure-fire, but a selection of popular material in lieu of the present pa- triotic medley, which lets tbem off cold after "Ragging the Scales," would make them a feature on the small time. The act has not been seen In the big town for a' couple of years, having probably been on the road. With their advent Into the metropolis a better selection of numbers should be secured at once. Warren and Templeton, two boys, with ordi- nary comedy and dances, passed, considering the standard of the entire show. Tbe straight's dance solo, done to the air of "Tackln' 'Em Down," is a weird collection of grotesque gyra- tions. Bob Dalley and Co. offered a farcical skit—Inane, but a laugh provoker. Without any plot, it Is Just an excuse to pull off a number of bits with the various props. Cook and Oatman, a classy-looking couple, accepted an encore with their songs. Tbe en- core was somewhat suggestive. To speak Yid- dish on Delancey street need to be considered sure-fire ; now an Irish ballad shot at the Ital- ian 14th street patrons, whether at the Jef- ferson or the City, Is Just as certain of returns. Cook and Oatman knew it after their Irish ballad. The Stanley Revue (New Acts) closed tbe show at 10.45. The Kerrigan feature film concluded well near midnight 0RPHEUM, SAN FRANCISCO. ' San Francisco, April 80; " The bill at theOrpheum this week can be safely classified In tho excellent division, carrying several features, particularly Harriet Remple.' ■and Co. In ''Tarrytown," who, through being held over from the preceding week, wsb placed <■•■; on the same program with her sister, Bessie, In a skit called "A Child from ChlldB." This brought two vehicles by the same author on - . the program by two sisters, both familiar- to San Francisco theatregoers. Harriet Remipel . was second on tbe bill because of her repeat engagement, but duplicated ber hit of last week despite tbe position. Bessie's skit, a farce full of action, In which she is capably supported, • has some humorous situations and bright linos, and landed successfully with Harriet's appear- ... ance at the finale aiding immeasurably in the applause. Both playlets are of widely different-' themes, and their presence on the same pro-' •' gram provided no confllctton whatever. . "The Reckless Eve," a William B. Fried' lander production, closed the show and held down tbe headline honors. Tho production has been staged well, carries pretentious settings and wardrobe and a string of capable prlnci-. pals and shorus people. It is somewhat ahead . •'•'•• of the many girl acts shown here "and was easily a big hit the best results being gathered by Dewey, of Dewey and Rogers.. Lester Crawford and Helen Broderlok in a specialty called "A Little Bit of This and That" were next to closing, and got an in- stantaneous hit with the bright dialog. The couple exhibited some genuine class In the rendition of their talking songs, showing an Individual style somewhat strengthened by tbelr versatility and personality. They looked new to the coast, but will always be welcome. Florence Merrltt and Gaby Bride well also look new to this territory, surprised the regu-: lars by stopping the show Monday with their songs, tbe "Alexander" version outstanding tbe others. This couple show unlimited possl- Blbllitles, and with tbelr talent will be heard from when tbey strike the East Neta Johnson, through the arrangement of the bill, was forced to open, a rather difficult spot for a quiet number of this specie. With songs and a plnalog Miss Johnson was sadly handicapped at tbe beginning, but once started never lost tbe Interest worked up, and with' ber skilfully staged violin imitation closed to solid applause. c* V Clara Morton with the same repertoire- of numbers repeated last week's bit, and "The Miracle" did likewise. A good entertaining show. Jack Josephs. PANTAGES. _ San Francisco, April 80. PANTAGES.—April 27. The bill this week, while not containing any striking features, wast well-balanced and above the average, and at- tendance showed a great Improvement over the. last two Sunday, matlnoes. The Dancing Cronlns had the opening spot and got away to a fast start. Their dancing pleased the audience Immensely. Their vas. . range was one of the features of the act. Starting with the sailor's hornpipe they wound up with the latest ballroom numbers. They were appropriately dressed tor each.' Helen Miller was second, singing a number of songs which were thrown on the screen, while tbe stags was being prepared for tbe Paul Pedrlnl and Monks. Tbe latter turn was enthusiastically received. The animals are well trained and do a number of clever stunts.- Lillian Watson won • good band with her , cleverly delivered Yiddish number, and her/' other dialect songs. "A Fireside Reverie/'' - with Jack Princeton, Is a well written act w " a lot of smart dialog. Tbe work of the/ principal Is highly commendable, some/ -,'; looking girls would enhance the vnlue/he Coast was otherwise a neat and effectives) meeting offering. -I beliove„ Tjovato, eccentric violinist, scored to hax' of the show and annexed many laug^.'tb'rte played everything from Jazz to grand opera In bis own necutar style and wltb each num- ber the applause Increased. The last number of tbe program was the Four Bards, who gave an exceptionally clever display of gymnastics, a new difficult band-balancing stunt being the particular feature. / HIPPODROME. San Francisco, April 80. HIPPODROME.—April 27. In one of the biggest and brightest programs of the season, the Hippodrome offered eight sterling acts of vaudeville and a feature picture. Allen, Llnd- say and Co. bad tbe opening spot and were seen in a line of "Hokum" which was a laughing success. The act bas been well put together and runs as smoothly as a well-oiled machine and there is a laugh a second. The turn received a big hand. "Hello Toklo," a musical tab, wltb four chorus girls and two male principals, almost stopped tbe show. But the logical beadllner and the chief honors wont to an added starter, In Fatlma and ber Oriental dancers. The act was originally engaged for tbe Casino, but was switched to the Hipp circuit. Fatlma'n artlBtlc efforts, while they went over big, did not get the applause they deserved. It seemed as 'it tbe audienco was unable to appreciate the fine work or tho artiste. The act makes a big flush and undoubtedly bas been a great asset In Casino shows, had she opened there. Billy Doss, In blackface, was screamingly funny, he has a pleasing personality and car- ried the bouse with him. He had a routine of up-to-date songs. Sax, Wood and Lawson, tbe second singing turn, pleased, getting many laughs with tbelr comedy choir rehearsal finish. Tbe "Fyllng Weavers" made a good YM i ■•*_ *. ..-*.- «■ .. ; .''"*i— . .-■'■'. . V^ . t ••.■/ •A