Variety (November 1921)

VARIETY'S SAN FRANCISCO OFFICES It &an Jf rancfeco PANTAGBS THBATRB BUILDING Friday, November 25, 1921 SAN FRANCISCO SHOWS HARVEY'S MINSTRELS San Francisco, Nov. 23. Harvey's Colored Minstrels were at the Savoy here last week and gave a very satisfactory entertain- ment. The first part was somewhat of a departure from the regulation minstrel opening, as a number of ladles also graced the semi-circle, although vocally their efforts were not required till the closing feature of the program. Harvey's boasts six end-men and two end-women, and with the aid of a suave interlocutor (Whitney Viney) soon got to the audience, and the "old boys" seemed to go even better than some new sounding gags. The company is especially strong in male voices, and practically every member In the first part was en- cored. Irvin Richardson, with his double-voiced solo, and Emmett Boss, with a clear baritone, met with special favor. The olio consists of six specialties. Frank Kirk "brewed" a number of melodies on "home made" musical instruments, after which Charlie Beecham and Helen Johnson offered a medley of sing- ing, talking and dancing. Olonxo Moore performed some magic feats and gave way to Goldman and Gold- man, who easily established them- selves on the saxophones. Chick Beaman went over sailing with his monolog, and pamplln, and closed effectively with his gun spinning and balancing feats. The show concluded with what was billed as "A Musical Melange," in which the Octoroon chorus that also appeared in the first part had a chance to display their vocal abil- ity. This was led by Essie Payne. The show was only lightly billed, which probably accounts for the business having been only fair. with serious playing, stopping the show. Stafford and De Ross, with Charles Pierce at the piano, presented a well-staged singing and dancing act suitable for better houses. John R. Gordon and Co. in "Meatless Days" proved an entertaining farce with good situation, getting plenty of laughs. Harry Bussey displayed quite some versatility and kidding proclivities in a routine starting with burlesque magic and cartoon stunt, followed by comedy, with the straight playing a steel guitar. He winds up with good soft-shoe danc- ing club Juggling for excellent re- sults. Marguerite and Alverez, with good balancing feats on a swinging tra- pese, opened the show nicely. A head stand is featured. "Thirty Pink Toes" consists of a male trio of knockabout acrobats, with a xather unusual opening in bed showing their toes, accounting for the billing. They gave the show a dandy finish. Sylvester and Jones, both neatly attired, made their talk count for big laughs, and their good singing voices landed them a hit. The Cen- tury Trio, youthful girls displaying keen ability with songs and dances, held second spot most successfully. Josephs. > ORPHEUM, FRISCO San Francisco, Nov. 23. With Vera Gordon and her com- pany in "Lullaby" topping, the cur- rent bill struck a high average. Miss Gordon was received with much ac- claim. The vehicle, though light, affords the star an opportunity of showing her talents, and she Injects so much of her pleasing personality in the natural mother role that the weakness of the sketch, is forgotten. She was forced to a speech. Joe Bennett carried off big honors, his melodramatic offering giving him a flying start. He has some good talk and his dancing nearly stopped the show. Harrison and Dakin, with Billy Hogue at the piano, have a nifty arrangement of songs and dances, with delightful comedy Injected In spots. Coupled with pretty stage drapes, all this made the act look too Important for second spot, where it registered a bit. Maurice Diamond and Helen Mc- Alahon were a hit from entrance to exit. The scarecrow bit went big and Diamond's solo dance won tre- mendous applause. Miss Florence Gast, assisting, also figures promi- nently, especially with her toe danc- inp. .Tim Toney and Ann Norman hit the bull's eye next to closfng. Toney had some new stuff and used plenty from his former routine. His danc- ing, as usual, scored heavily, with posings making a strong closing number. The Rios on rings took care of opening position in good style, the woman displaying an unusually good voice for this type of act. J;.ne and Knthcrlne Lee in the Tommy Gray sketch proved a most welcome holdover. Josephs. PANTAGES, FRISCO San Francisco, Nov. 23. Pantages for the first time this season programed eight acts. The bill ran to a clean, fast entertain- ment and was received with enthu- siastic approval. Charles Althoff, headlining, fur- nished the show's hit next to clos- ing. His clever rube characteriza- tion went better than ever and comedy business with the violin drew riotous laughter, concluding HIPP, FRISCO San Francisco, Nov. 23. The Hippodrome bills don't seem 0 be getting any better, which prob- ably accounts for business declining. The current program is minus any big feature: It is just ordinary small-time entertainment. Davis and Harrigan, straight and Heb., were the laughing hit with their talk on old subjects that went over surprisingly strong. Davis is there a million on looks and deliv- ery, and Harrigan Is a typical Yid- dish. The pair should eliminate the present song finish and end with talk. Gordon and Jolice, a mixed couple with domestic talk along familiar lines, received some laughs and passed quietly. Three Kelly Kids were out o'f the bill. Lucianna Lucca, a male double- voiced singer, starts well with an off-stage falsetto opening, giving the impression of being a woman. His dual singing won heavy ap- plause. Dura and Feeley, two men with knockabout tumbling and head balancing stunts, closed the bill well. Pen, a family with more tumbling and foot juggling by the elder, opened the show. % Josephs. CASINO, TRISCO San Francisco, Nov. 18. The business at the Casino since the return of Will King and his original company Is averaging around $12,000 weekly. This is con- sidered pretty good business at this time, although King has drawn $22,000 on a single week during his sojourn at this house. . There has been no change in the policy, which continues to be three vaudeville acts, a comedy picture and the King show. This week's show, "Apartment 12-K." Is minus 1 *w Dunbar, who was out on ac- count of throat trouble. Will King in his usual make-up handled the comedy end alone, and In the char- acter of a moderately soused Yld- dlsher won more than his "usual favor. The musical numbers brought forth a hitherto undiscovered chor- ister in the person of Jackie Adair, who displayed marked ability in number leading. Miss Adair put over "Wabash Blues" for the hit of the show. Hazel Carlton and Sydclle Eurke eopped the vaudeville honors de- spite having to open the show. One of the girls is the possessor of an excellent voice, while the other is a comedienne of first water, and given better material .-ould hold down the most Important spot In houses of this calibre. Delyte and Marmon, a neat ap- pearing mixed couple, made a most pleasing 'air ~ r . sion with their talk- ing and singing routine. Miss Delyte, formerly of the Delyte Sisters, is a pretty girl and has a winning style and teams up well with her present partner, a likable I-hap. The couple are seen to better advantage In their double work than with their individual efforts, though a comedy recitation by Marmon was well received. Lena Torranoa, a youthful little girl with a piano ac- cordion, displayed marked ability, but appeared handicapped with a poor instrument. She started with Deiro's "Sharpshooters March" and ended with popular numbers to en- thusiastic applause. WOODWARDS DIVORCED San Francisco, Nov. 28. Just before she sailed from San Francisco for Honolulu, recently, Mrs. Irene M. Woodward was hand- ed an interlocutory decree of divorce by Superior Court Judge T. I. Fitxpatrick. George E. Wood- ward, her husband and former vaudeville partner, made n - con- test. For years the Woodwards have been known to the public as "Barnes and West, American Globe Trotters." The Woodwards have been separated for five years. Wood- ward having lived continuously in Australia since he and his wife and partner agreed to disagree. Mrs. Woodward was given her in- terlocutory decree when she pro- duced letters from her husband in which he stated that he had no in- tention of ever returning to her and expressing surprise that she had not started divorce proceedings years ago. OBITUARY CHRISTINE NIL830N Christine Nilsson, tho Swedish nightingale, operatic singer, died Nov. 22 In Copenhagen. From 1870 to 1892, when she retired, she starred In American tours and at the Metropolitan. She was twice IN KXMORY OF My Beloved Partner ANNA WALSH 'ho died Thanksgiving Eve., 1110. I know she is in Heaven. ANQIE CAPPELL. married. A fight for her estate will be made by a Mrs. Murray, who claims to be the singer's adopted daughter, though Mme. Nilsson de- nied it and receive' relief from the courts. TOBY ZARA Toby Zara, for several years a member of the Zara-Carmen Trio, died Nov. 11 in Boston, after a lin- gering illness. A widow survives him. SOUSA* FRISCO DATES San Francisco, Nov.* 23. During the Christmas season John Philip Sousa and his band will be heard at the Civio Auditorium here under the management of Frank W. Healy. Two concerts will also be given in Oakland. Healy's agreement with Sousa calls for six concerts In all in San Francisco. These will be given De- cember 25, 26 and 27, afternoons and evenings, with programs of popular marches, suites and over- tures. The completion of the pres- ent tour, including Cuba, Canada, Mexico and the United States, will bring the total mileage of Sousa's band to 800,000 miles. Mrs. Tillie Forbstein, 65 years old, died at her home, 801 Euclid avenue, IZansas City, Mo., this week. Deceased was the moth*--' of Leo S. Forbstein, director of the Newman Theati j orchestra, Kansas City, and Lewis M. Forbstein, directos? of the Royal Theatre orchestra. Mi.ie. van Berkel, a Belgian vau« deville performer known as Ambrei villc, died in Brussels. Mme. Guttave Goublier, wife of the French song composer. Alexis Houart, French music pub* Usher. The wife of Thomas M. Love, gen* eral manager of the Broad, Forrest and Oarrick theatres, Philadelphia* died in that city Nov. 18, in the Woman's College Hospital. Mrs. Love was active in charitable move- ments in Lansdowne, and Was a leading member of the Century Club. Mrs. Julia Jacobs, mother of Cy- rus Jacobs, manager of the Globe* Kansa*- City, dlel at her home In Saint Louis, November Is. Mrs. Jacobs resided in Kansas City for a number of years. Mrs. Jed Prouty died Nov. 14 after a brief illness of pneumonia. Her husband returned to New York from a trip west the day after her d^ath. OPEN OPERA CAREERS San Francisco, Nov. 23. For the purpose of giving ad- vanced vocal students practical ex- perience in operatic technique, the San Francisco Community opera company, under the direction of Au- gusto and Aristide Neri, has been organized here. The company is open to all, and any singer who is anxious to obtain stage training and knowledge of repertoire may reg- ister. The first performance of the new company will be given Nov. 29, when "Cavalleria Rustlcana" and "Pagliacci" will be presented in Native Sons' hall. Other operas are to be given Dec 6, 12 and 30. A SHOW IN ITSELF COFFEE DAN'S SAN FRANCISCO'S FAMOUS MIDNIGHT PLAYGROUND STAGE HANDS HAY CUT San Francisco, Nov. 23. Officials of the Allied Amusement Industries are conferring with the stage hands in regard to a cut in wages. Reports indicate that the stage hands are willing to accept a 5 per cent, cut and also a change in working conditions. The same negotiations are under way with members of the motion picture operators' organization. ILL AND INJURED Following her recovery after an operation for appendicitis, and after but a short while at her home in Auburndale, Long Island, Frances Clare, last Thursday, fell, severely hurting her knee. She returned to the hospital for further treatment for a few days, and is now at home once more. ' Sybil Brennan (Diamond and Brennan) has been at home at Free- port, Long Island, for about two weeks, recovering from a poisoned hand, brought about by an infection. Herman Timberg doubled in last week's Keith's, Boston, bill as the result of the collapse Tuesday night at the Copley-Plaza of Franklyn Ardell. Timberg's single was jumped to an earlier spot on the Wednesday matinee, and after a forenoon of rehearsing he stepped into Ardell's role in the "King Solo- mon, Jr.," girl tab and played it for the balance of the week. David Samuels, general manager of the Shu bar t orchestra depart- ment, returned this week after hav- ing been confined to his home for ten days as the result of an auto- mobile accident in which his back was severely strained. The Lockfords did not open at the Shubert-Crescent, Brooklyn, Mon- day, due to illness.. The Glorias subpMtuted. Mrs. Jean Swor (Swor and West- brook) Is at the Lutheran Hospital, New York. Dorothy Blake (Hampton and Blake) has been confined to her home for several days with an at- tack of ptomaine poisoning. Jack Fauer, the agent, had his knee crushed last Friday in an ele- va f or door as he was entering the car. Immediate medical attention prevented the agent from being laid up. MRS. KINO RESTING San Francisco, Nov. 23. Claire Starr, ingenue lead at the Casino and in private lifo Mrs. Will King, is out of the show. She has been resting for several weeks. Service and Rates to the Profession HOTEL TURPIN 17 Powell St., Near Market, SAN FRANCISCO One Block from All Theatres FRISCO ITEMS Jack Russell, comedian, recently a member of Will King's company in Oakland, has returned to vaude- ville with his former act, entitled "Who's Who." In his company are Ethel Soule, Gcorgo Stanley and Bornldcen Stead. The act is now playing In the north. NEW ACTS "Olive ft'aycs," a two people au- dience act. Jack Yellen, songwriter and ex- Buffalo newspaperman, will break in a new single shortly in his native town, Buffalo. Crane Sisters, written and staged by Paul Gerard Smith. Donna Montran ("Bathing Beauty r. ,-ue") in Bong and dance act with Walter Davis and Murray Walker assisting. Arthur Shaw and Co. with three people in an act written by him- self. Shaw is a recruit from the legitimate. Fred Walton in Toy town (new) with two people. Charles Burke and Marjorie Dal- ton, with company of three. Msntell Disowns "Daughter* San Francisco, Nov. 23. Ida Mantcll, a member of Theo- dore Lorch stock players in New Orleans, recently announced that she was a daughter of Robert B. Mantell, the Shakespearean nctor. When the report reached Man- tell hero he denied it, saying he had no daughter on tho sta^e. MARRIAGES Larry Boyd, agent and manager in the carnival field, and Birdie Elizabeth Gilbert, non-professional, were married at Richmond, Va., last week. Harvey Schloeman to Grace! Wlerenger, non-professional. Mr. Schloeman Is connected with Wat- erson, Berlin & Snyder's profes- sional department. Tommy Tucker (with Hubert Kin- ney and Co. in vaudeville) to Mae Griffin, non-professional, Nov. 15, in New York. Ruth Miller to William Boyd, Hol- lywood, Nov. 18. Mabel Dillon, pictures, to Joseph Koletsky, New Haven attorney, in New York, Nov. 18. Earl Lindsay, stage director, to> Ceclle Sanker, in Philadelphia, Nov. 9. The bride was In George White's "Scandals," leaving the show sev- eral weeks ago. J. Lynn Griffin to Dorothy LaRue (Newton), at Dallas, Oct. 21. Both are at the Ike Bloom's "Midnight Frolic," Chicago. BIRTHS Mr. and Mrs. Jules Levy, at their home in New York city, Nov. 16, boy. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Brody at their home in New York, Nov. 14, son. Mr. Brody is a company man- ager and was formerly in charge of the Lyric, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Ben L. Mulvey, at their home, Freeport, L. I., daughter. The mother is professionally Char- lotte Amoros, and the parents are In vaudeville as Mile. Amoros and Ben Mulvey. To Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Rosenthal, a daughter. Mr. Rosenthal Is the executive secretary of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers. Rube Goldberg, cartoonist, Is in San Frflnolsro with his wife nnd baby. Rube and his family will be here for ten days. ENGAGEMENTS Robert Ames, "Face to Face* (Sam H. Harris). Lecta Corder, "Red Pepper" (Shu- bert). The E. H. 8Ufford Mfg. Co. Is suing Sam S. & Lee Shubert, Inc.* in the Supreme Court f?r $6,172.32 for services rendered March 18, 1918, in the construction of the Shubert theatre, Philadelphia. The plain- tiff Installed the chairs and other things and admits payment of $2,573.58 on account, leaving the balance due. A $250 bond has been posted to insure the costs in case of a verdict for the Shuberts. ITATTIE MOOSER- >M. C. MOOSKB Aladdin Studio Tiffin Room 363 Sutter St. Thone Douglas 3974* 8AN FRANCISCO'8 Oriental Show Tine© And Headquarters for the Prof«»B*!on. ' Walter A. Rivers, former dramatic editor of the San Franciso Bulletin, has entered the publicity field with J. W. Partridge, former editor of the United Press and Universal Press. When in SAN FRANCISCO MEET AND EAT With DAVE LERNER, ECONOMY LUNCH No. 2 24 ELLIS STREET, NEXT TO CENTURY THEATRfc SCENERY BY EDWIN H. FLAGG STUDIOS