Variety (August 1919)

I I SHOW REVIEWS » : r ' : : PALACE. ; Summer business at the Palace seems to reflect Broadway's remarkable summer sea- son. Perhaps tbe leading vaudeville bouse Is getting a healthy play from tbe visitors. Monday night saw standing room attendance. Tbat was true, too, at the matinee—a cinch there was no ball game at the Polo Grounds that afternoon. There appears to have been some doubt as to the headllner, for a four section box held Hyams and Mclntyre and Oua Edwards on top with the Marmeln Sisters and David Schooler and Nat Noszaro, Jr., directly under- neath. But It might Just aa well have been Clifton Crawford (New Acta), who held the bottom box, for he slipped In a new routine which went over ao nicely and strongly that leaves no doubt that he belongs in* vaude- ville even more than tbe legit. The- bill was loaded with songs, probably doped for tbe season, but a few more laughs would have been welcome. Tbe "Topics of tbe Day" film actually drew down more real laughter than anything else in the show, yet the going was about true to Palace form in tbe matter of scoring. The bunch of favorites present as- sured that, and most delivered. It looked as though Mr. Crawford had the hit honors safe to himself after bis 26 minutes on fourth. Along came Venlta Gould opening after intermission, completely stopping the show. Miss Gould does Imitations and has been doing 'em for several years. She may not have been at the Palace before tor a regular showing, but recently she slipped into a Sunday bill and showed to such advantage tbat tbe current booking resulted. On tbe showing Miss Gould is "made." For her patience and perseverance she deserves credit, but the girl is tbere.. Suiting off somewhat mildly she got better and more faithful In her imitations. Coming somewhat as a sur- prise her scoring grew tbe more insistent. Miss Gould worked something around 21 minutes. It was four minutes later when the stow was permitted to proceed. She came out three or four times to explain tbat the show was a long one, that the stage, manager had said this and that and finally when she said she had nothing more rehearsed- with the orchestra the bouse decided to be good. Miss Gould has retained some of ber earlier Imi- tations, they including Bert Williams (card game) and Julian Eltinge singing "Land of Wedding Bells." The latter is one of ber beat bits, both as to vocal imitation and man- nerisms. She started fairly with Grace La Rue, then Jack Norworth and snowed eome- tht<-- with Leonora Ulrlc. An impression of Fay Balnter was much too low for tbe back rows. Mary Nash In "The Man Who Came Back" was taken quite seriously and was good. She encored with George M. Cohan singing "When You Come Back," and she had Mr. Cohan's voice and walk. That, too, ap- nea to another encore, of Tanguary. After so many have imitated tbe cyclonic Bva for Miss Gould to start a panic with It for a closing bit says a lot. * It was quite clear tbat John Hyams and Leila Mclntyre, wbo followed, wanted Miss Gould to have everything coming to her, tor they waited until all was quiet before at- tempting to appear. "Maybloom" appeared as fresh as ever and It has been freshened here and there. Miss Mclntyre 1b doing a now number, "Tbe Language of tbe Flowers," which drew laughs through Hyams' "busi- ness." . « ." < ■ Herbert Clifton entered next to closing, having several new numbers plus costumes and hangings. The first section of bis turn is like last season's, tbe last two numbers bringing forth tbe new material. Clifton Is always trying with something different tor each season. A number called "Borderland" had him white robed and nun-like. The final number is probably called "Nedra," with Clifton arrayed in a cloak like costume' tbat was finally discarded to disclose an evening gown. Smiling Nat Naszaro, Jr., was alloted the closing spot, but that was entirely too late for the clever youngster. His turn was speeded to the limit, yet could hold but bait the house, closing at 11.06. His dancing finish held the faithfuls in and won the kid a good band. A new songster warbled "Bub- bles" from the box, flashing an excellent voice. Gus Edwards with his "Demi-Song Revue" closed intermission.. Be now has both the Furness sisters (Alice and Hazel) in the turn, and both did nicely, as did Vincent O'Don- nell. Tbe Furness girls were formerly teamed In Gus' revue at tbe Martinique. The turn is sadly in need of a finish. With the wolcome home bit out and nothing to replace it the routine Just ends, minus punch, and tor those who had seen tbe revue before somewhat dis- appointedly. Gus maybe is stringing out the season and waiting for the fall tor something fresh. Miriam and Irene Marmeln and David Schooler did very well on third. There's so question about Schooler's worth, In fact his performance on tbe piano is more than fifty per cent, of "Ita strength. He figures In the neat finish, which drew a bunch of curtains. Harry Kranz and Bob La Salle tore oft a nitty score on second, shooting over about all they had prepared. The fast working Flying . Martins turned In a clever opening aerial act, a neat girl assistant adding to tbe picture of black and white contrast to tbe white tights and black silken hangings. Itee. RIVERSIDE. Very slim waisted entertainment at the Riverside this week. Lack of comedy seemed the proper diagnosis. Seven of the eight acts run to funmaklng, and all succeed more or less In exciting mild merriment, but with the exception of Fallon and Brown in the deuce spot and Mason and Keeler. closing the first bait, there were no violent outbursts. "An Artistic Treat" opened the vaudeville portion and proved one of the most beautiful posing acts seen in ages. Two females and a male figure are seen In a series of postures be- fore a red velvet drop, using; a marble plat- form for a pedestal. The immobility of the ' figures created comment. Fallon and Brown were next, and on much too early. They tackled tbe early spot cour- ageously and rolled up an impressive total. Fallon is constantly Improving as a comic and Brown has all tbe attributes of the Ideal straight. He possesses appearance, person- ality and a pleasing singing voice., They were one of the comedy hits of the bill. The Arnaut Brothers followed with their familiar offering. "The loving birds" at tbe finish remains the outstanding feature, and never falls. It Is an artistic bit of mimicry. Tbe melodies used in the gymnastic violin playing might be brought up to date. "Every- body's Doing It" is aa obsolete as tbe local draft board. Vlnie Daly was fourth and made quite a flash In blue before a drop that matched ber gown. She is a prima donna and carries an accompanist. Her repertoire adhered to the classical, two ot the selections being rendered in Italian. Much to the surprise of the audi- ence she encored with "Smiles," making it a rag number and breaking out in a fast jui dance tbat made the upstairs portion holler for more. "Smiles" doesn't tit *and It is questionable showmanship to erase the early artistic Impression, but if Miss Daly must dance, she should get one ot tbe more modern song numbers. Homer B. Mason and Marguerite Keeler in a comedy sketch were on Just before intermis- sion. It is based on the eternal triangle the' lover of the neglected wife about to elope with her la interrupted by the entrance of the husband, who is mildly soused. He polls the unexpected and offers to aid them. From here on the situations are very ■ far fetched and nothing but tbe artistry of Mr. Mason saves it trom degenerating into broad farce. Tbat be does is a great tribute to bis ability.. The act was enjoyed by the Rlverslders. After Intermission and "Toplca ot the Day" Josephine and Henning danced and sang their way into favor. This couple are at the top of their form Just now, and Leo Hennlng's danc- ing compares with any. Ted Shapiro is at tbe piano and has a solo that was applauded. The Lightner Girls and Newton Alexander were next to closing. The act is framed around Winnie Ligbtner'a personality, and aha hogs all the honors. Her mugging and mannerisms are always sure fire, but they had to work hard to get them. Four solos by Winnie, with ber sister at the piano, was the answer to the reward received. Maybe It was the lateness ot tbe spot, but they didn't regis- ter as usual. . .■„ ._ Jack Alfred and Co. closed with few walk- outs. Tbe boys grabbed attention right from their opening and held It with their fast, graceful routine of spring board work and acrobatics. It's one of tbe beat. Con. HENDERSON'S. Slow moving show at Henderson's this week, with bits few and far between. Charlie King and his tour dancing girls in "Dream Burs" easily the class ot the bill, ran away with the applause honors, with Stan Stanley next to closing capturing second place after a plucky battle with one of tbe toughest audiences ot tbe season. ■■■'>. _ Langford and Fredericks made an excellent impression at tbe start ot their, offering with classy wardrobe. Tbe conversational section drags badly however, and tbe team found the going very hard until they reached the danc- ing. A topical song of ojd fashioned con- struction exceptionally handled by Langford, and a double number at the finish pulled the act through. .j '■'•_ Wilton Sisters on second got the most with tbe violin and piano selections. "Hear You Calling Me" seems a bit too heavy for this style of act, and should be replaced by a pop number better suited to Miss Wilton's vocal capabilities. ..' .. „ Gallagher and Martin use a skit called "Sweaters" to display their dancing ability. The act la far too talky as it stands. The sing- ing and dancing helped to atone in a great measure for the lack ot comedy. Gallagher Is a good light comedian and with proper ma- terial should develop rapidly. Miss Martin, a corking dancer, snowed to best advantage In the closing number, a bridal affair. King has a real novelty for vaudeville that should carry him through the season. The act fairly breathes class and King and his female .assistants work like beavers to put it ever. Tbe finish, with the girls in at- tractive black lace tights Is sure in any house. Tbe applause warranted a speech Monday night, but King wisely ducked the oratory. At. Raymond (New Acts) got 'em at the go-off with some clever language twisting, but lost 'em several times before he finished. Rosamono. Johnson and Co. (New Acts) ot the old team of Cole and Johnson, did fairly 'with .pop and high class songs. Davis and Pelle (New Acts) opened and Sylvia Loyal closed. Miss Loyal succeeded In holding a full house, tbe well Btaged finish with some thirty doves doing the trick. Bell. ROYAL A fall bouse at tbe Royal witnessed one ot tbe best entertainment of the current season. Al Darling Is back from bis vacation and again presiding. Not a seat in the rack when the Dancing Kennedys opened with their whirlwind dancing. They were an uproar and got a good break, as the house was nicely seated. Bert Howard had the contention spot and did well with hla piano imitations. Frank Mulane was programed second, but refused the early position and was oft tbe bill. How- ard was moved up from second after intermis- sion. Ruth Budd, assisted by ber mother, held in- terest , In third position. After tbe song in "one" she went to full stage where her ring work and gymnastics on the rope drew ap- plause. She has a pleasing personality and worked as though she liked it. Sylvester and Vance followed an- shared the comedy hit ot the first part with Eddie Foy and family, who were next. Sylvester is still doing the house fireman and has developed into, quite a comedian. He bad one comedy solo song, "Laughing Water," that sounds like- tbe best lyric ot its kind yet heard. It was a scream in the Bronx. Malda Vance Is a capable feeder and has some nice ward- robe. She exhibits a pleasing soft soprado in her solo, "Wonderful Mother of Mine," They cleaned up. Eddie Foy and the Younger Foys followed, closing the first halt. Eddie is a big favor- ite here and bad them right from the start Charlie's imitation ot his dad and his whirl- wind dance with Mary were outstanding fea- tures. It is a refreshing vaudeville turn and tbe youngsters are constantly Improving in delivery and showmanship. "Topics of tbe Day" after intermission, fol- lowed by Eddie and Birdie Conrad (New Acts). The picture is a good idea as it gets tbe house settled tor the opening after in- termission act. Maryon Vadle and Ota Oygi were next to closing and opened to a few walkouts. They played and danced to an artistic triumph la spite of the handicaps, and rewarded those who remained. It's quite a feat to arrest a walkout at tbe Royal with a violin and a pair of ballet slippers, but these artists ac- complished It. Miss Vadie didn't elevate after the first dancing specialty, but her solo work le the essence of grace. Burns and Frablto closed. "Shoos" Is tbe vehicle, and they are going to spring a new act in two weeks. "Shoos" will do for tbe Royal any time; Everything they did trom the "Balloon" bit to the harmonising on the banjo and guitar was applauded. They would have been bard to follow up in the middle of the bill, and it was good judgment to allot them the closing position.. Cos. KEITH'S PHILADELPHIA. Ph iladelphia. Aug. 6. This week's bill bad the appearance of be- ing more like a regular season show than a Summer layout, and from the way it opened Monday with the house almost filled promised e large week's business. There was a cluster of-names In the list, with tbe Mosconl boys who are Pfalladelphlans being an extra draw feature, and a headllner in Stella May hew .that is usually sure ot bringing them out. It proved so Monday afternoon, and while the show did cot, run so smoothly as it will after one or two performances, there was nothing to find fault with and the general average was high. As a sort of extra number, Eddie Borden and his partner busted Into Miss Mayhew's act and worked up a three cornered finish that earned all ot them big returns. Miss Mayhew had a budget ot new song bits to offer—all her' numbers being new here—and . she put them over in her usual style. She used more talk between ber songs than Is usual with ber, but it bad plenty ot snap to It and got good laughs. Borden was on right ahead of her and while he bad to follow the "nut" comedy ot Bert FlUglbboa and the rapid fire stepping in the Mosconl act, Eddie labored diligently and suc- ceeded in getting 'away with a liberal share of tbe honors. After Miss Mayhew had the house well In hand, she pulled Borden onto the stage and he called on Fred Courtney, tbe three doing what was Intended to prove an impromptu turn. It was so tar as this au- dience was concerned, but their work was too plainly routined to surprise the regulars. It was none the less tunny, however, and helped work up a great finish that went over with a bang. Whether Miss Mayhew and Borden have been doing, this work or sot, it is a happy idea and they will find no trouble pleasing with it, besides giving any bill what might be considered an extra act. Tbe Mosconl boys have a girl working with them this trip and the trio opens with a song. It gave them a bad start for tbe song didn't fit one of the boys wbo sang it with tbe girl. They should let the girl sing It alone or throw it out all together, the latter would be the best Idea, for the Mosconl boys are dancers and stand well In front of anything in tBetr line. When they got to the stepping they were the usual riot, finishing with tbe whole bouse applauding. The girl showed she can step some, too, and maybe she can sing, but it did not show in that opening number and no song Is needed to help the Mosconl act get over, even if all three depend on the dancing. Op in an early spot, Sylvia Jason and William Hale, a young couple landed in solidly with an odd little idea, called, "The Book of Vaudeville." It is really only an Idea and a thin one as con- structed, but It serves splendidly tor this team of young people who make every number show Its best They blend the songs nicely, both single,and duets and finish with a neat bit of stepping tbat won lots of recognition. Apparently a new act, Jason and Halg should' make themselves extremely popular along tbe big time route before tbe new season Is very old. It Is not often that two "nut" comedians of the class ot Bert Fitigibbon and Eddie Borden show on tbe same bill and while thero was no conflict, each working In totally different style, Fltzglbbon'a appearance ahead of Borden did not make It any too easy for the latter. v ■ Bert Is working with a nice looking girl this time and her singing goes well with bis fun-making, the two getting plenty ot return for their efforts. Fits showed nothing new, but It was good. There are few "sister teams" playing tbe big time who are liked better, or get more out of their work here than Helen Trlx and her sister, Josephine. Their songs are quaint, quiet and delivered with a finish • that cannot help but make them hit the right spot Tbe girls have one or two numbers which fit in nicely with their old ones and they are still using the same finish- ing number which could hardly be improved upon. After Felix and Fisher opened the show In good shape with a mixture ot horizontal bar work and comedy, the latter being a bit dragged out and getting little, Leon Varvara played himself into a good sized applaud hit with a variety of piano numbers. He uses one song that is Just fair, but it fits in well and bis lingering of tbe Ivories was warmly ' appreciated. Mang and Snyder, one of tbe best ot tbe hand-to-hand turns seen here, had the clos- ing spot and did remarkably well holding tbe house seated alter all the comedy and singing ahead of them. They have a good routine of tricks and handle all of them In a showy man- ner. , '••;•■. KEITH'S, BOSTON. 'Boston, Aug. C. There were only five acts In which piano playing was featured Monday night, which made it seem a little better than last week's bill, although fllilio Montgomery rather rubbed it In next to closing when be dragged out an upright and then bls_ little toy piano, mak-. ing a grand total of six pianos played dur- ing one evening. A fair idea of tbe general batting average of the bill may be obtained in the fact tbat Blllie Montgomery and Minnio Allen virtually saved the bill by Injecting a good sized dose of laughter. It was one of those hot nights that were, sticky, and despite this tbe nous* was unaccountably packed with no especially featured drawing card to draw them in. The general layout of the bill made a flno sot-up for Montgomery and Allen in next to closing. This wane situation took tho edge off the ordinarily delightful "Song Romance" of Amelia Stone and Annan Kallz, local favor- ites always sure ot a big reception in Boston. Billed as they were directly after the langu- orous-eyed Craig Campbell, who sang through his entire programed repertoire from uoup to nuts, tbey worked under a great handicap, and perhaps as sincere a tribute as they could receive was tendered; in the surprisingly gen- erous applause tendered them by the aung-to* death and planoed-to-death audience. Miss Stone wore only one gown, but it was a fas- ; " clnating and almost risque creation that no. one could blame her tor not wanting to change. .-■..-■ • "■..• =,-.....• ...,,-...,.,. Campbell was in wonderful voice, but was.. in too sorious a vein for a summer audience. In a regular season be would have gone twice as well as be did Monday night, as the house was not In a mood to even want to watch. V anyone take himself seriously, especially when " it was as pronounced a case as that of the leading tenor of the Opera Comlque. In fact, Campbell bad his own troubles, as he was Immediately preceded on the bill by George Bobbe and Eddie Nelson In their rough classic, "His Girl." This was one.ot the real, bright spots on the bill, and while their sing- ing may have lacked technique, it certainly abounded in volume, enthusiasm and harmony, and the house went to it and applauded itself into stickiness, all of which took tho edge oft Campbell's legitimate warbling which fol- lowed. "Jim,' tho J iiiz King," opened and when tbe curtain went up it, looked like a sure flop, as It proved to be a trained cinna- mon bear and a typically swarthy Italian trainer, ot the type that used to play the country fairs and tbe wealthy suburbs. Tbe Italian, speaking broken English, Is appar- ently an unconscious comedian in many ways. It was not until tbe closo of tho act, however, that/he pulled bis sure-tire specialty of having a genuine , "shimmy" dance pulled oft by tho bear to a slow curtain with tho audience bowling for more. Tbat specialty alone would carry the act any week at either of the mid- night roof shows In New Ydrk, as after watch- ing that loese-sklnnod cinnamon bear sol- emnly shimmy to mustc, it will be impossible to see Bee Palmer or-any'other specimen of feminine pulchritude shake the shimmy with- out a grin. Lew Hawkins did fairly In next to opening in a one-cylinder assembled monolog tbat re- quired priming and cranking constantly, and would not run smoothly even on lovel ground. Bradley and Ardlne started the op Idem I c of pianos in a roily nifty little act. Miss Ardlno , was neatly costumed' and presented an ex- ceptionally delightful appearance, having dis- covered the art ot keeping herself ippearlng cool despite some really strenuous dancing specialties. Following Bobbe and Nelson came the in- evitable summer bill dramatic sketch featur- ing Beatrice Morgan In "Moonlight Madness," one of Edgar Allen Woolf's latest, and which makes one yearn for those he turned out in the days when his pen was not so pro- v line. Tho sketch dragged Interminably and was handled none too well, one member ot tbe company stumbling sovoral times on his lines,' a rather unusual spectaclo in big-time vaude- ville. ."'; ; i Roland Travers closed In a rather elaborate legerdemalne routine In whlcb bet displayed -ranS m m ■:U ''■■■ i - a .•■■■••*' V ■: ?:* ■ ; as