Variety (March 1921)

B^BJBJBJBsJbbsbssIbbbbbI VARtETV Friday, March 11, 1! SOUTH AFRICA By H. HANSON. .... f CAPE TOWN. OPERA HOUSE (Direction Afri- can theatres; Manager E. Vincent). —On (In 1st ma a Eve the Opera House was tilled to capacity to greet the opening night of Ada Reeve in "Tli* ISwrv Widow," and she. re- ceived a big ovation. Ttfis clever actress is "an" artiste, clever and delightful in her acting, giving an excellent study of her character. As ''Prince Danllo," Joseph R. Cunning- ham failed to bring out the charac- ter. His acting was stiff and wooden throughout. As "Nish," Jess Sweet made a hit. His comedy wag excellent. Myrtle Wedge wood Introduced a dance in the third act Which was cleverly executed. TIVOLI (Manager John S. Gold- Stone; Assistant Manager W. Vern- |ey).—Manager Goldstone has pro- vided some excellent programs for the holiday season. Week commenc- ing Dec. 23, Wish Wynne, a clever artist, presenting a performance that won the packed house. She is no stranger to Cape Town, and her work is delightful. Harry Thurston and Co. in a comedy playlet, "Old BUI." Amusing, but could be con- densed to advantage. Rosa Loader and Laney, a clever couple, with arood business. Received several curtains. Billy Rogers, the humor- ous "Labour Leader." A good act. and well worked. The Great Maurice, card manipulator, clever and neat In his card tricks. Doro- thy Lena, revue girl. A clever and versatile comedienne, giving a bright, attractive act. Les Brissons, a splendid pair of dancers, who scored a success. Their Apache dance was a feature. Bell and Bar- ney, entertainers, fair show. Week commencing Dec. 29: Bart and Edie in "Shifting a Trunk." The man was "the" show. Carlton and Ros- lyn, comedy duo. J. W. Rlckahy, character comedian. An excellent act. winning big applause. The Corelll Trio, harpist and two violin- ists, in musical act. All three are masters of their instruments. Belle and Barney, entertainers. The Great Maurice. Bart and Edie. Rosa Loader and Laney. Week Jan. 6: Norman White, presenting his mu- alcal Invention of a figure playing the concertina. Went well. Horsa and De Lil, man and woman, acro- bats. A clever act. Ackerman and Wynne, vocal; fairly good act. The Three Nltos, comedy acrobats. Good show, and tricks well worked. J. W. Rlckahy, character comedian. Bart and Edie, comedy act Corelll Trio, musical act. Week commenc- ing Jan. 12: Ivor Vlntor, Llliputian comedian. Audrey Knight, come- dienne. Bertini and Asche, bur- lesque act. Three Nitos, comedy ac- robats. Norman White and his musical invention. Ackerman and Wynne, realists. Horsa and De Lil, acrobats. Commencing Jan. 26 the Tlvoli will revert to dramatic business for a short season, when the London Dramatic Co. will pro- duce "French Leave." RAILWAY INSTITUTE. — Com- mencing 9. A. M. on Jan. 11, John L. Roberts, billed as the champion club swinger of the world, started to make a record of swinging clubs for 100 hours, without stop, night and day, giving 100 revolutions per min- ute. He Intends to finish at 11 P. M. on the 15th, and on the date this report closed, the 14th, was going strong. ALHAMBRA (Manager M. Fos- ter).—Doing capacity business dur- ing the holiday season. .Dec. 23-25: "Leave It to Susan," featuring Madge Kennedy. Dec. 27-29: "Rim- rock Jones," featuring Wallace Reid. Dec. SO-.lan. 1: "Her Only Way," starring Norma Talmadge and Eu- gene O'Brien. Jan. 3-5: "Madcap of the Velde," featuring Mabel May, Released and produced by the Afri- can Films Productions. Deals with the South African gold fields, and is full of adventure and melodrama. The photography is good and the directing first rate. Mabel May, as "Madelalne Courtney," known as "The Made j p." works well before the camera. Jan. 6-8: "Inside the Jan. 10-11. "Human Clay," starring Mollie King; Jan. 13-15, Her Son." featuring Violet Hopson and Stew- art Rome. The serial "The Man of Mystery," featuring Harry Houdinl, is being screened. It abounds with sensations, rather far-fetched. RAILWAY INSTITUTE. — Week commencing Dec. 27, "The Woman Thou Gavest Me," adapted from Hall Caine'8 novel, presented by Nina Kortsman. Miss Kortsman halls from Canada, and Is the first woman moving picture proprietor in South Africa. She intends to make a bid for South African support. GLOBE (Woodstock; Manager H. Lerner).—This picture house Is do- ing capacity. Jen Latona, the comedienne, opens at the Tlvoli. Jan. 19; also the Two Janes, dancers, and Margaret Den- nis, comedienne. JOHANNE5BERQ. HIS MAJESTY'S.— Commencing Christmas Eve the African theatres produced their pantomime "The Sleeping Beauty," to a house hold- ing capacity. The show is under the direction of Barry Lupino. The production is a success. STANDARD THEATRE (Lessee, Leonard Ra^yne; General Manager Grant Fallowes).—Week Dec. 27, Leonard Rayne Coy, in "The Sign of the Cross." Week Jan. 3. "A White Man." Week commencing Jan. 10, Allen, Doone and Coy, supported by Edna Keeley, in the four-act com- edy, "Broadway Jones." EMPIRE PALACE (Manager Q. Fletcher).—This fine and popular music hall is doing big business. Week Dec. 27: Wish Wynne, the clever comedienne. Charlbert Bros., acrobats. La Belle Marie, human aeroplane. Key and Keyworth. Capt. Alban. J. Roberts, presenting his invention, "Light and Sound Vi- brations Harnessed." The Miller Sutcliffs, Scotch act. Margaret Dennis, comedienne. Freddie Er- nesto, comedian. Week Jan. 3: Wish Wynne, comedienne. Jack Win and Nora Windle, burlesque act. Maidie and Gent, comedy act. Lily Vockler, comedienne. Ern. De- lavale, entertainer. Charlbert Bros., acrobats. La Belle Marie and Key and Keyworth. Week Jan. 10: Wish Wynne, comedienne. Great Maurice. Carlton and Roslyn, com- edy act. The Glrtons, girls' cycling act. Jack Win and Nora Windle. Maidie and Gent. Charlbert Broa La Belle Marie. ORPHEUM XManager M. Alexan* der).—A variety and picture house doing capacity. Week Dec. 27: Hilda Morris, comedienne, and Hor- sa and De Lil, acrobats. Pictures. Week Jan. 3: Bertini and Asche, burlesque act Mile. Cameo and Mons. D'Alrgnor, statuary act. Pictures. Week Jan. 10: Gus Fow- ler, the Watch King. Lily Vockler, comedienne. Pictures. NEW BUOU.—Plctures. CARLTON THEATRE—Pic- tures. JEPPES THEATRE—Pictures. LYRIC THEATRE.—Pictures. NOTES. Leonard Rayne, the well known South African manager, at present In London, has acquired the South African rights of the following plays: "The Skin Game." "Jack o' Jingles," "The Right to Strike," "Tarzan of the Apes," "Wu," "My Old Dutch," "Mary Rose," "The Chi- nese Puzzle" and "Lord Richard in the Pantry." His new company opens at the Opera House in Febru- ary. Reports from aJl other towns re- cord good business. The African theatres have ac- quired from Oscar Asche the com- plete production and outfit of "Chu Chin Chow." Lnes? featuringLewis 8. Stone and ^&P«J* *• "ft YOrk , S™ 1 * Marguerite Clayton. Jan. 10-12: SS*". 0 ©*; fift! "T** deb , tor ' "Houses to Let" "Children Not f "'' n * Pfl *f creditor and amount: •v Wanted," marring Edith Day. Jan. 13-15: "The Story of the Rosary," . featuring. MaKina. Longfellow. Commencing" iftnT "Married In Name Only." GRAND (Manager E. Bond).— Manager Bond Is getting full houses. Dec. 23-25. 'A Son of David'; Dec. £7-29, "Beyond the Dreams of Avarice"; Dec. 30-Jan. 1, "A Man There Was'; .Tun. 3-5, "Babbling Tongues"; Jan. 6-8, "The Ever Open Door"; Jan. 10-12, "Conquered Hearts"; Jan. 13-15, "Two Women," featuring Anita Stewart. The Afri- can wild animal serial. "The Lost City." Is being screened at this hall. WOLFRAM'S (Manager\G. Phll- IIus).—This three-session hall is drawing big crowds. Dec. 23-25. "Queen's Evidence." featuring God- frey Tearle; Dec. 27-29, "The Heart Of Rachel." starring Bessie Harris- rale; Dec. 30-Jan. 1, "Wutherlng Heights," featuring Milton Rosmer; Jan. 1-5, "Shadows of the Past," •tarring Anita Stewart and Harry *. Morley; Jan. 6-8. "The Edge of Youth," featuring Josephine Earle; JUDGMENT RECORD The following judgments have Benson Amusement Co., Inc.; Century Play Co., Inc.; 1579.45. Fine Arts Pictures. Inc.; Powers Reproduction Qorn.; $1 "3.13. Ernest Lawfoni; H. Sheppard: $197.76. Edgar All^n; H. J. and F. E. Gold- smith; $556.70. Beverly Bayne; H. Warendorf; $217.60. Harry Levy; Public Credit Corp.; $8l'9.20. Associated Cinema Industry, Inc.; S. Cohen; $170.20. Francis X. Bushman; B. Herman; $18L\26. Patrick A. rowers; A. Warner et R $15,556.72. Joe Lynch Is to defend hi* worlds title to a decision in Madison Square Garden in the near future. Pete Herman has been offered a return bout with Lynch but neither Her- man or his manager have exhibited any undue haste in closing the match. PALACE, CHICAGO (Continued from page t.) a hundred patrons left. too. That didn't curs her. She tried to stem the tide and had it her way twice after that, but each time walked off and let it start again. It was no time to nurse an Impression; it was a time to go to it, keep after it and stick to Hoyle. The result was a feeble duo at the end, with the sticklers applauding overtime to show they were loyal; but like most loyal gangs, they were few. Mme. Doree topped Miss Young's sprry showmanship by insisting on her meaningless introductory speech. which lost her all but a handful be- fore the curtain went up and her singers began to sing. The first was "Tales of Hoffman"; there is no good reason at any time for making a speech about that immortal bar- carole; when a houseful of folks is retreating, that surely is no pat moment for^t; but the veteran lady went through It all, bowed, kept talking while the bouse kept walk- ing. The act was, as of old, a high grade miniature opera repertoire well done by a competent company. Too bad almost no one listened. Lait SPORTS Since the death at Brookfleld, Mo, of a boxer, following; a bout in which ho became over exerted, there has been considerable anxiety among the boxing fans as to whether the bill legalizing the sport would be passed at this session of the legis- lature. There has been a good deal of opposition to the bill, but it is backed by the American Legion and many others, and may get through. Although the boxing game is most popular in St. Louis, it has been stopped by the county attorney, who threatens to enforce the present laws aganst boxing strictly. How- ever, matches are being held in St. Louis, St. Joseph and other Missouri cities, where the local officers do not enforce tho laws to the letter. on account of Leonard's throat con, dltlon, tho champion suffering; froi* a return of tho tonailitls that botl ered him some months ago. Kansas was going; through with his match with Mitchell in any event; despite tho fact that he wag taking a long chance of losing tho Leonard bout and a crack at tho title if he didn't win decisively. Willi© Jackson may bo secured to substitute for Leonard for the March 17 date with Kansas. MAJESTIC, CHICAGO, A alow walk-In audience that was still walking In on the third act. Joseph K. Howard's Revue was the headliner. and though his 1920-21 revue does not measure up to last year's, Howard's popularity is never in doubt when he strikes this, his first field of endeavor. The show was opened by Gar- cinettl Brothersr two-hand bal- ancers who don't attempt talk, get a lot of comedy out of their shapes and a ball bouncing bulldog. The Le Grohs stopped the show cold In little casino. They tend closely to their knitting, all three of them superfine athletes. J. Rosamond Perhaps the first claim to be filed with Judge Kenesaw Mountain Lan- dis. the new High Commissioner of Baseball, Is that of William 'Mickey'' Devine of Albany, who al- leges the Boston Red Sox owe him a month s salary, $400. under a 1920 contract. Devine played with Larry Doyle's Toronto club of the New International League last season, and last week received a telegram from Manager Doyle notifying him to report to the Leafs at Columbus, Ga. Devine, loaned to Toronto fol- lowing the spring training trip of the Sox last season, declares he is going to push his claim and has hired an attorney to handle his case. "B:g Ed" Walsh, former "Spitball King" and for twelve years star to win them, as, after one bow they were forced into "one" and after two more bows lights were turned down. The Majestic bunch were always known as ultra, and they refused to let loose for Johnson. Tom Patricola, assisted by Irene Delroy, scored a -smashing hit. Patricola has found a foil who can measure up to his torn-foolery, and what a peachy looking little mite she is, both a handful and an eyeful perfect in "tops" and "bottoms." She would have been almost disap- pointing if she could sing; but she wasn't. Patricola still remains the lovable clown of always, and found a ready welcome in his home town after an absence of a year and a half. His falls are sensational and his talk has comedy merit. He could have easily held down the next to closing spot and made everybody like it. Victor Moore, Emma Llttlefleld and company, in their ever-reliable back-stage act, received almost as many laughs and attention as though It were their first appearance. Leo Beers hasn't added much that is new, though drawing the close at- tention of every one in the front. He finished with two bows. Howard's revue with Rose Moey and Joe Chong had a lot of Chinese etTects and excess baggage in a chorus. The little Chinese drew a solid round of applause on their double efforts. Herbert Clifton in his burlesque on the feminine sex got laughs, and his gowns ahs. It Is a wonder in the years of Clifton's singing and straining of his voice he has never lost his high notes. Mig- nonette Kokin and Fred Galetti. with the assistance of two monks make a nice closer. LINCOLN, CHICAGO. Bradley and Ardine, assisted by J. Irving Fisher at the piano, ran the fancies of the audience to suit themselves. They danced Into favor and everyone of their numbers brought a bombardment of applause Great Rago, assisted by a woman and Rome men from the audience pulled off a Houdinl. He succeeded in escaping from chains, but put up a. hard fight. Entertaining, mysti- fying turn. Marker and Schenk a woman pleasing toVbe eye and jl man in urban and hick makeup sing and talk pleasingly. Stone and Hayes, man and woman, were a treat to this audience. Wtfrking be- fore a circus drop, the man. with his snap of fingenT and Impediment in speech, hit it hard. Every line created convulsions of mirth. Open- ing in their artistic eyclorama, Brad- ley and Ardine in spot four showed grace, ease, talent and showman- ship. Fisher came in for his share when he executed with lightnine velocity "Kiss Me Again." He coaxes the baby grand in a master- ly style, and did tie up'the act. La Baltus Trio, three men, do hand balancing and perform feats of strength in an entertaining manner. They appear in dark trousers and white shirts, which make them look classy. In this outfit they look much more pleasing to the eye than if they had appeared in gym cos- tume. They work nicelv. When the feature stunt of balancing 320 pwun.is on one hand comes off a lot of stalling precedes it. The stall- ing is in the way of meaningless talk which, if used for comedy pur- poses, fails. If the talking takes place to allow a rest it succeeds, but a rest could be secured without the chatter, as it proved harmful. Sid- ney Phillips lent a breath of big time class. twirler of the Chicago White Sox, ice I ^ as bcen en Saged as manager of the Johnson and his Five had tough \ IZ t J sledding. They didn't get a chancel * as b *f« «**ged Oneonta baseball team for the com- ing season. Walsh managed the Heinle Zimmerman's confession is believed to. be the reason behind Judge Landls' summons of Benny Kauf from San Antonio, the Giants' spring camp. Kauf left the training quarters on Monday to ap- pear before Landis in Chicago anj was due to reach Chi on Thursday. Speculation is rife as to whether Kauff is to be interrogated anent his indictment in New York City now pending trial or the implica- tions contained in Zimmerman s statement of last week. Mickey Curran Is now handling the affairs of Joe Bishop, the new featherweight sensation from Chi- cago, who will appear in the Gar- den in the near future. Bishop has an Impressive record containing wins over Billy De Foe and Sailor Friedman, the latter a .recent con- queror of Charley White, of Chi- cago. Billy Roche was originally reported as Bishop s manager, but this was an error, as Curran is di- recting his affairs. The latter Is an independent vaudeville agent, being associated with Danny Davenport. Bridgeport club in the Eastern league last season. Oneonta is one of the best summer resorts in New York State and baseball is one of the big attractions there. A. J. Peacock, the Pittsfield pro- moter, has telegraphed Willie Hoppe, world's champion billiardist, guaranteeing $5,000 and a gold cue to the winner of a match between Hoppe and Edouard Horemans, the Belgium champion, if the contest is staged in the Shire Cits* in May or June for the world's championship. Under the terms proposed by Pro- moter Peacock, the game would be a 1.000-polnt. 18.2-balkline contest. Peacock offers to post a $1,000 for- feit. Hoppe recently played an ex- hibition at the Casino in Pittsfield and drew a capacity house, the Bay Staters being keen for billiards. Officials of the New York State Basketball league, at a meeting in Schenectady Sunday, ruled out the Pittsfield club when the manager of the Hillies, Jack Callanan. failed to put in an appearance at the session. The action is the result of a contro- versy over money matters, the Pittsfield club refusing to play five games on the road and for which the Hlllles would only draw down a $50 guarantee for each contest, the rest of the "gate" going to the home team under the league rules. The league officials also asserted that the Pittsfield club was in arrears in referee fees. The New York State league sea- son will end March 19, the same date set by the Penn State and Eastern circuits. It is expected that a three-cornered scries will be ar- ranged to decide the world's title, although the Penn State and East- ern circuits are at "war." The Penn State league has agreed to meet the New York champions in a series. Two employes of tho Endicott- Johnson Corp. at Johnson City won titles in the recent National Indus- trial Boxing Tournament staged at Akron, O.. and Johnron City, respec- tively. Pete Hirsko won the feather- weight championship . nd Bill Kin- ney was crowned lightweight king The Carnegie Steel Co. of Pitts- burgh copped'the honors, piling up 2G points, while the shoe workers garnered 19 IN LONDON. (Continued from page 2.) she will be supported by Hear/ Lonsdale and Frederick Ross. T. E. Dagnell, responsible for "Lord Richard in the Pantry," at the Criterion, will shortly produce a new play by Sir Hall Calne founded on his novel, "The Woman Thou Gavest Me." Reportc from Ramsgate state that Harold Terry's new play, "The Ful- filling of the Law/' which Leon M. Lion has produced there on a "try-i out," is "Infernally clever," in fact so clever that its popular success is Jeopardized. It deals with a variant of the "eternal triangle." A ^irl has two lovers, one of whom Is a mar* rled man—this Is the one she favors. The other lover, to enable tho g'rl to marry, compromises his rival's wife so that a divorce can be ob- tained. Constance Collier plays tho wife, but the story does not sound too nice. Robert Courtneidge's latest play, destined in due course for a West End house. "The Other Fellow," has been tried at Eastbourne. It ap- pears to have been fairly successful and is described as a mixture of farce and drama. His Empire pro* ductlon, "The Rebel Maid," is sched- uled for tho middle of March. Tho scenes in this are laid in Devonshira during the 1688 period when Wil- liam of Orange came to these shores. Clara Butterworth will be the prima donna and Ada Blanche, Haydn Coffin and Walter Passmore will have fat parts. Danny Sullivan, the actor referee who made a big hit at the Garden recently, has been appointed official referee for the A. A. U. bouts and selected as one of the arbiters for the coming Friars' Amateur Tourna- ment. The new Alhambia show will bo founded on a small touring view which made good at the Coliseum some time ago. This was called tho "Stockpot," and will probably be re- titled "Robey en Casserole." An Australian actor, Jack Waller, who is the author, will be in the support- ing cast. Apropos of tho Alhambra, Willie Warde, the theatre's press agent, is now recovered from hi9 serious illness and is convalescing by the sea. Rocky Kansas, the Buffalo sen- Hation who recently stopped Ritchie Mitchell of Milwaukee in a round at Buffalo, shocked the fight fans by immediately giving Mitchell a return battle despite the fact that he was matched to box Ber.ny Leon- ard for the title at Madison Square Garden March 17. Billy Gibson called off the match Wednesday morning of this week A. dramatization of "Sapper's" novel, "Bulldog Drummond," will be the next production at Wyndham's. "Sapper." of course, is an engineer officer who achieved fame during the war by his fine and unexag- gerated stories of trench life. "The Heart of a Child," # pl«v adapted by Gilbert Frankau from a novel by Frank Dan by (his mother) and which Was recently given a pro- vincial run, will shortly be seen in town. As a screen play "The Heart of a Child" gave Nazimova a chance to hand over one of the most re- markably unreal portraits of an East End slum girl that has ever been seen, if not the most remark- able. In the play.this part is played by Rcnee Kelly.