Variety (March 1921)

■MMsMi "•■■WW* Friday, March 11, 1W1 LEGITIMATE :rr ,■:■■ INSIDE STUFF 15 ON LEGIT New* of the separation of Ethel Barrymore from Russet Colt, her „u»band. which "broke" in the dailies Sunday was no surprise to Broad- fray. Reports of tho estrangement between the couple have occured for more than a year and last spring a monthly publication reported a divorce. Miaa Barry more firmly denied that there was a divorce Im- pending and Insists now because of religious sincerity and love of her children there will be none. The divorce report was daring the run of "Declasse" at the Empire. The play itself deals with a divorce angle. The star then explained that UJ t,ho divorce story was allowed to become public, aiidiencaejnight take the play to be # her own life and she would become too embarrassed to continue the run. None of the dailies used the story. The name of Jos. M. Schenck up-to-dsle has not been mentioned as one of the partners of Sam H. Harris and Irving Berlin in the new Music Box theatre now building on one of the side streets. The three j a are said to be equal partners in the project. Heretofore Harris and Berlin were only named. MYLES IfcCARTHY TOUR OF JAPAN AND CHINA Writes front Both Countries— Japan Against "White" Shows An old showman, rpeaklng of things in general in the business end of the amusement industry, remarked that the industry has grown weak through the short-sightedness of the magnates in not educating men to occupy executive posts of importance. He claimed there were a number. of vacancies of importance with nobedy in sight to fill them. According to the showman one producer is seeking a booking manager for his shows; another is in a similar position and a film distr'butor also (Pox) needs a man to properly route h's big feature picture*. He went on to Hay that In the event Walter Wanger left Famous Players that concern had nobody in its employ to replace him. "The trouble," he said, "is that managers will not take young mm and train them for posts-of importance. When they have a brilliant advance man on the road they won't break him In to take charge of the bookings, sending him out year after year, with no idea of advancing him to a more important post." A newsfkiper man on one of the dallies sent eighteen models to the meeting of the Actors fiquity Association meeting Sunday at the Astor Hotel in an effort to develop a new angle to a story but his scheme missed fire. The reporter was aligned to the fash on show promoted among a number of women's shops and was slated for the Pennsylvania Hotel. A young riot-recently occurred at the hotel when 1,000 girls applied for the model jobs. Th?n the promoter suddenly disappeared. The eighteen girls selected demanded to know where they got off and the re- porter advised them to attend the A. E. A. meeting, join the organisa- tion and have it fight their battle. The girls failed to get anywhere near the meeting. The reporter did but he was told to take the a'r. Yokohama, Jan. 7. Japan, as a show proposition em- braces Yokohama, Kobe and Tokyo. Individually and collectively these cities offer merely Che opportunity of msmg rtio.tey. The Japanese will not patronise American theatrical companies, not because of any par- ticular racial prejudice, but because white shows are not wanted—(any- thing not Japanese and Chinese is considered white) the language is too hard for them to master from an entertainment standpoint. Yo- kohama will stand four nights if you are in a position to change the bill each two nights. Kobe, one night. Tokio, five nights—this is to say, that a show may remain the number of nights mentioned but the income is problematical. By dint of careful manipulation one might draw enough to pay the leg of the journey from Honolulu to Japan, but the chances are ag.inst it. Racial prejudice was not in evi- dence. Having been warned against the attitude of the Japanese toward all Americans, we naturally looked for some showing but there wn< none. Absolute politeness and care- ful attention to our personal wants seemed to be the watch words. (Continued on page 17.) 8TH AVE. AMPHITHEATRE ANOTHER PARK DEAL OFF Willard Mack Engagement at Fox House Cancelled. "JSmooth as Silk." the Willard Mack play in which he is starring, remained at the Lexington in spite of the announcement it would move to the Park this week. It was the second attraction arranged for the Park and then withdrawn since William Fox took over the lease. **His Sweethearts" was suddenly cancelled two weeks ago. The Mack piece was supposed to go in on a guarantee basis of $3,500 weekly, but a disagreement over a clause in the contract is said to have led to the deal being called off. Fox may open a Chinese picture called "Quong"' In the house. Earl Carroll has retained Albert Gross and Nathan April to represent him in a $10,000 damage claim against the Fox Film Corporation. Mr. Carroll, who Is the producer of the Louis Mann show, "His Sweet- hearts" (a revised version of "Daddy Dumplin's"), alleges an oral agree- ment for the lease of the Park The- atre from Ihe Fox people for a period from February 28 to March 18 last. The agreement was en- tered into February 25, calling for a $2,000 weekly rental, with an option for an extra two weeks' renewal if exercised before March 7. Carroll's grievance is to the effect that the Fox Film Corporation re- pudiated the contract when the show was about to open. MORE LEGITS IN ALBANY. Harmanus- Blsecker Hall Announces Attractions. Albany, March 9. It was announced last week by Joseph Wallace, the local Proctor representative, that legitimate shown will again be presented at Har- manus-Bleecker hall, commencing March 16, when "Clarence" will '>e shown there for the matinee and night, followed later by "Irene," "The Passing Show of 1920," "Aphrodite" and others. Only six legitimate attractions* have played the hall this year, the last early in November. The house was acquired over a year ago from the Shuberts by F. F. Proctor, and has since that time been experi- menting with a picture and vaude- ville policy. Feature Alms at pres- ent hold forth and will continue to do so on days when other shows are not available. HOWARD, MANAGER OP RITZ. Robert Howard, treasurer of the Central, has been appointed man- ager of the Shuberts' new Ritz the- atre, now building on 48th street, opposite the Longacre. John Fran- cis O'Neil, treasurer of the Lyric, will be in charge of the Rita box office. Mamie Whalen, assistant at the Central, will become treasurer there. The Ritz is due to open March 21 With William Harris, Jr.'s "Mary Queen of 8cota, n the n ew John jJrfnkwater play. & sinar^fcttTK-py ban beta added to the house, in- •erted lifter the plans had first been Jccepted. The gallery projects like a slulf from the wall and is of small capacity. EDDINGEB LEAVES US Wallace Kddinger will not ap- pear ir. (he east of George M. Cohan's 'Love and Learn." which oPhimI at Atlantic City about two months ; , KO an<| was srlHM |„ lr(1 to Ko on t| lf . , on| , | u . forf . com i n g i Mto • «*w Vork next season. Mr. Bd- Whger will sail for Fans March II 0 •■••tnaii. over there indefinitely. "•• Will a. I for the screen under '"• banner of a French film CO POratlon MB. AND MRS. COLT SEPARATE. Tuesday morning's daily papers carried a confirmation of the numer- ous rumors of the separation of Ethel Barry more from her hus- band, Russell G. Colt. Her attorney, William Nelson Cromwell, issued an official state- ment in which he said that by the terms of the separation agreement Mrs. Colt has the sole care, control and education of their three chil- dren, but that her husband has the opportunity of companionship with the children subject to the con- venience of the mother. Miss Barry- more was married to Colt in 1909 and their children are aged 11, 10 and 7 respectively. It is understood Miss Barrymore at one time contemplated an action for divorce, but refrained from doing so for fear of in any way in- valldating the claims of her children to participation in the original Colt estate. Her husband is a son of Samuel Pomeroy Colt, of Provi- dence, R. I. His grandfather made a large fortune in the rubber and textile industries. It }a IfffstEeftdOfNl' Wisx P«'.v>v,n<>r" at one time contemplated un action for divorce, hut refrained from doing so for fear of in any way in- validating the claims of her children to participation in the original Colt estate. Her husband is a son of Samuel Pomeroy Colt, of Provi- dence, R. I. His grandfather made a large fortune in the rubber and textile industries. MORRIS GREEN RETURNS Tuesday brought back Morris Green to New York. Green went across several weeks ago, with John Murray Anderson, In connec- tion with the English producing Mr. Anderson had in hand and in which (Jreen was interested Reported Demand To Be Supplied in Theatrical Zone The promotion of a big amphi- theatre and exhibition building that would embrace the facilities of both Madison Square Garden and the Grand Central Palace, has the site of the project In the amusement aone. The plot in mind is Eighth avenue from 49th to 60th streets and westward about 600 feet. The property i« now occupied by gar- ages and a car barn. Back of the venture are named several men now interested in the former Grand Central Palace. The latter is no longer availa!,?e Tor the many exhibitions and shows it formerly- housed, having been con - verted into an office building, with additional wings now being'con- structed. Discussion of the plan discloses the demand for such an arena as planned for the Eighth avenue site. There appears no suitable berth from the numerous exhibitions formerly handled by the Grand Cen- tral Palace and the present control of Madison Square Garden has made for bidding for tenancy, especially with the Palace out of the exhibition market. JEWETT PLAYERS' HOUSE Company Planning to Take the Fine Arts Theatre. Boston, March 9. The Henry Jewett Players, who will be forced to abandon their pres- ent home when the house is torn down, may lease the Fine Arts the- atre, which will be located In the new State theatre, the Loew uptown house now being built. This first named theatre seats 688 persons and would be an ideal lo- cation for the Jewett Players. It is also understood that Jewett has a plan which would* practically insure the perpetuation of his com- pany through financial backing, which has won considerable support so far. WEBER THEATRE MYSTERY Joe's Going to Build on Broadway, But Where? AMONG THE WOMEN By THE SKIRT. . iftSi JS lL »er is. okipqinjj the. buiUJ- ing of a theatre on Uroadway. The matter is being held a secret, as is the location of the site. A group of business men are said to be interest - ed in the project. Mr. Weber is not interested in the revival of "Fileen," now in rehearsal. Barry McCormack, with the backing of Cleveland men. is putting the show on. it opens at tho Musie Nail in that city late this month. FLORA ST0MBS GETS DIVORCE. i.os Angeles, March*.*. Flora Rtombs, formerly a rhoru* |uiri in ihe New York Hippodrome. 1 was granted a divorce from Richard I). Htombs, :i Clown with the Hire- ling Brothers, last Thursday. The wife alleged desertion. >'ew York will long have to suffer these French farces done into For lish. In "The Tyranny of lA>ve." at Bijou (matinees) the only novelty is a peculiar twist Is taken at the finish, where the husband forgive! the erring wife. A better combination than Cyril Keightley and F.stelle Winwood couldn*' have been chosen. They have done well together always. Kven a bad i>lny can't daunt them, proven in this one. Miss Winwood has an evening frock, most alluring. Of flame chiffon, ih skirt WAS cuT in uneveffpoint ft'. The titaflce was-^ffecewfYy cut 'with wide shoulder straps, and the waist was girdled with a wide sash of velvet ribbon of the same shade, with the bow to the front. A semi-house dress was of pale violet chiffon over yellow. The skirt was short, with a pointed train, the sleeves also hanging In flowing points. A street cos- tume consisted of a long blue cloth coat with a one-piece dress to match A girdle and ends of fringe encircled the waist- The turned-up hal rhowed a white facing, with a flowing veil of black hung from each side Margaret Dale for a idiort scene was in a blue coat and skirt, smartlj made. Her hat was black velvet with Jet ornaments. Fthel Wilson, with but a short bit, wore a good-looking cloth dreas The neck, cut round, had three rows of gold braid. The oversklrt, cul on three narrow panels, was also trimmed in braid. The set, a library. showed many a book with furniture indifferently chosen, and ugly hang- ings. It looked as though the producer had gone blind-folded into a store house and pieked the nearest at hand. •Dear Me," at the Republic, with Grace La Hue and Hale Hamilton. I hould prove a record, breaker. When New York approves of a Chlcagg h t something out of the ordinary is bound to happen. Aliss La Rue deserves all the success she is achieving. The'star may have had a new wardrobe coming Into New York, but the models remain the same. From the slavey of the first act Miss La Rue goes into a navy blue dress of thin material over white, with collac and cuffs of white lace and red ribbon belt. A pale grey cloak was empire In lines, with astrukan trimming dyed to match. A close fitting turban of the same fur had a dangling steel ornament. Underneath was it grey lace dress, with touches cf blue to match the lining of the coat. -"wo stage dresses were unique. One, of orchid satin,- made severely plain, had cerise tassels hanging from the belt, while a panelled back was attached to a collar of cerise, satin. The "other costume consisted* of a skirt of fringe In every color. A green chiffon jacket, gold lace petti- coats and a green bandana completed it. In the last scene Miss La Hue wore a white satin evening gown made rather short, with the skirt showing green linings. The shoulder straps were of brilliants. A word must be said of Mr. Hamilton's evening dress. The tails were actually gathered at the waist line. It looked the essence of smartness. 'Jrey walls and blue hangings at .lenic Jacobs' new office, 114 West 44th street. Down a long corridor lined with pictures of Miaa Jacobs' admirers, you reach the main office. Several lamps and plenty of flowers, and still more pictures adorn this room. Off the corridor ar< two rooms, prettily decorated, and one waiting room, which always w I. be crowded If Jenle's friends' wishes come true. The beautiful Time» Square theatre won't long hold the 1 "Cradle Hong." judging the tiny Friduy matinee. But the 40 or 60 people who were there enjoyed the Spanish translation, judging from the applause. The convent life is so well depicted it is a pity there Isn't more action. A "Follies" chorus was never more picturesque than the 17 nuns, attired in white cloth gowns with the black veils and faces bound in white, with the novices in all white. Of the 17 women on the stage some were pretty, some interesting, and others downright ugly. Not a.type was missing. Th« playing of Louise Randolph, Mary Hampton and Angella McCahlN is unTorgetable. Florence Flinn did nicely a young girl, in a grey frock. She strangely resembled Frances Starr. HISLOP'S TOUR Will Have 100 Scotch Pipe* at Hip, New York. Joseph, Hislop, the Scotch tenor, who closed with the Chicago \>pera Company Saturday, will inaugurate his concert tour under the direction of William Morris, at Washington, D. C March 10. The tour was arranged by Willium Morris, Jr., in the absence of his father, who is in England, and con- sists of the playing in twenty dif- ferent cities In as many weeks. Hislop*! accompanists will be Oscar Nicastro, 'cellist, and Albert Scairretti at tho piano. The foature of tho route will be the performance at the Hippodrome. New York, for which the # Caledonlan Club is gath- ering 100 Scotch pipers, from six states, who will appear in conjunc- tion with the regular program to be offered. This is said to be the first time such a number of pipers have ever been gathered upon one stage. u JUNE LOVE"' DEBUT ClevelsnH Manager Making First Production. FIGHT HOSTILE BILLS. P. M. A. Names Hopkins to Lead Campaign. At a meeting of the Producing Managers' Association last Friday the matter of legislation • tile to theatre interests was considered and a committee, with Arthur Hopkins as chairman, was appointed. Idgno i Johnson as counsel for the I'. M. A. was in Albany this week -o learn the status of the several bills re- cently Introduced. Mr. Johnson also represented tie U. M. P. A., of which he is seen- tary. Managers are particularly concerned with the proposed Far- rell bill, which proposes to compel the filing of .i bond to the amount of $250 for each player as a guaran - tee providing transportation bad; to New York from the point of clos- ing. The important producer* won; . hardly be affected, but such a measure, It ie believer?, would drive the smaller manager out of the Held entirely. In all four bills interesting the managers' are pending. None have progrMwM ** far as committee hearing* as yet. Sherman T. Brown, manager or ii,e Davidson^ MIrK'autrFerwitt'ViltV*■ the production Held, his find try be- ing with "June Love,** a moelcgl piece which opened In Boston some weeks ago, but was withdrawn. Mr. Drown is in New York arranging for the restaging of the attraction. Rudolph Friml, who wrote the score for "June I,ove," is also said to be interested in it. The lyrics were h) l*i Ian Hooker, the book coming from w. ii. Tost and Charlotte Thompson. New Stock Pirector Mt. Vernon, N. V.. March B Manny Bagnell, stage manager al the Westchester theatre, has sue- i..I Harry McRae YVebster as director, ussumlng charge this weel PAPER FOff CENTURY Lithograph Tickets at Half Prtzs Fill House A flOCk of "lithograph" tickets f< r "In the Might Watch," at the Cen- tury, were distributed Monday Willi tho result that the aoune drew e.i paoity early thit week. The pnst< boards < ailed for tickets at one b I the box office scale The efiVet of the distribution ivi - almost Immediate in the cut r» e agency, where sales fell to aim". nothing. The attraction has be libera II) supfairled by the cut it- < him* htTopciiing. Ii has also dm n well in the udvaneed pi M k. t ofth