Variety (November 1921)

THIS WEEK Friday, November ft, MM 33= PALACE Nothing in the billing or advertis- ing of the current week's bill at the Palace that would Indicate any of Are acta had any the best of it as far as type was concerned, but in the theatre at the night show Mon- day there was no question who was the headliner. It was Bessie Clay- ton and her company, opening the second half of the bill, that walked away with all of the applause hon- ors, playing a return there in three weeks. The four acts that were billed equally with her were Flor- ence Walton (New Acts) who closed the first part; Harry Langdon (New Acts); Miss Juliet, and Rae Samuels. Miss Samuels and Miss Walton were about a 50-50 split for secondary honors of the evening. The nine-act bill offered proved to be a lot of show, and without any film assists It ran from 8 o'clock until way after eleven, Harry Kahne, the closing turn, coming on at 11.03 and still working at 11.20, with the bouse on Its way. The majority had remained seated through his first three tricks, which he managed to pot over in 12 minutes, and had he been wise he would have allowed things go at that end snapped to bis finish. The Royal Gascolgncs opened. The dog stuff, the balancing of the half dosen chairs, and the final cigar lighting bit all getting brief ap- plause. Boyle and Bennett looked fine a flop at opening, but took up tbo running and finished with two encore bits to their credit The last bit was a little forced but it got over. Will Mahoney, on third, landed with both feet That goes for the dance portion at the close. Pre- viously he managed to pull some laughs. With an audience other than the wise Palace crowd he would nave been a "wow." His dance fin- ish, however, made him just that, despite the fact that they were Betty cold during the early turns onday night. Miss Samuels was the first of the big type acts to have a whirl at^he audience. Although programed for next to closing she was* in the first part Monday night and she walked away with the first hit of the bill. Five numbers were contributed by Miss Samuels, with B. Walker at tbo piano. They were all "to the wise stuff." and put over in a man- ner that is totally the possession of Miss Samuels. She practically tied no the show when she left them while they were asking for more. Another switch brought Harry Langdon following Miss Samuels, and Florence Walton closing the first part, which was the spot originally assigned to the comedian* Miss Walton was undoubtedly a box office draw for the house Monday. That much was apparent to the entire audience that night, for her friends were In the front rows and boxes, and there wens ten floral offerings passed over the foots at the con- slusion of her act. Miss Walton's friends remained during the Intermission following bar act, and when the Bessie Clay- ton act was about half through they got up and walked almost as though It had been planned. It was rather discourteous on their part, for hav- -kog waited for the Clayton act to laome on after intermission, they f should have remained to the finish. The fact that they left did not, how- over, lessen the triumph of the Clay- ton act The applause for the little blonde dancer was thunderous in proportion. It was a true tribute on the part of vaudeville lovers for the genuine vaudeville entertainment Miss Clayton Is presenting with her- self and company. Next to closing Miss Juliet ap- peared with the act that she has been presenting for years, but some- what different in routine and pre- sented in a special draped set of Kjy material that was effective, e M soup'eating" served to open, and it was followed by the Intro- duction of the various stars of the legitimate and vaudeville stage. The extent of her success may be gath- ered from the fact that she worked almost 10 minutes, and the gallery was still clamoring when she left after 11 o'clock. Fred. dark house. Ho need It from the cello number, with nothing but the baby spot upon himself, while a singer billed as Buddy sang two ballads from an upper box. This chap was In the bows on the stage at the finale Broadway as the patrons poured forth at the conclusion. Business was extremely close to capacity. That the program pleased was evi- denced by the few walkouts despite the three hours of show. Ten acts run according to schedule, with the The Hannaford Fsmllv, with the exception of Johnny Burke, who noted Poodles." was sent from fifth failed to ap. ear, and was replaced to eighth for its holdover engage- (by Val and Ernie Stanton. ment, the spot this week being more Important than last week. The show might have ended right there, so electric was the performance of the bareback riders and the won- derful pace of the be-wigged come- dian-equestrian star "Poodles.'* The turn opened after a season on the tan bark of the Sells-Floto outfit, and there was some doubt about the way the routine would work out in the comparatively small stage ring, as expressed by the family. But the success of the turn is so sure that it can play all the time it wants in vaudevillo up to the opening of the big tops. Repeats in other Shubert houses are quite probable. "Poodles" earned the right for a repeat of his somersaulting finale and leap to the back of the fast-moving white horse. One of the assisting riders drew at- tention. The smaller of the two men bareback experts several times per- formed well and surely, and may be heard from later on his own. Miss Rowland had a routine of songs nicely suited to her, and she seemed at ease. She builded nicely and finally exited to honors that placed her close to a tie for the evening. "I Got It," an amusing bit of lyric delivered with a dash of the slangy style, was a good second number. The "it" means nhe air." Miss Rowland was serious with "Nobody Knew," a story of senti- ment "Too Hoo" as the encore brought her back, and they wanted more, but the piano had been rolled off. Mildred Brown was the ac- companist. Miss Rowland sported a very pretty frock of white and sil- ver. The billing credited a Fifth The 21-minute episodes brought the initial half to a close, in turn Harry Tlghe and Co. (New Acts) and Morton and Lewis. The latter pair rolled up an acceptable total with their comedy vehicle, which In- cludes a quartet of songs. The lyrics did their share in aiding, while Morton made his "stew" count all the way. The couple started 'em laughing early and continued along the same lines until the finish, which was more than average. Following the Musical Hunters, who opened, came Murray and Ger- rlsh with a neat review of melody which had the boy attending to most of the vocalising and the girl indulging in a couple of dance im- personations of musical comedy feminine steppers. On rather early, the couple nevertheless demanded attention through their appearance, which, along with the mixture of songs and footwork, continued to hold the Interest, though they were still walking in. Two of the num- bers used are from recent Broadway productions, with the "Love Nest" supplying the concluding bit that had the pair holding a diminutive house which lighted up on a dark stage with a slow curtain for the finish. The act pleased and scored accordingly with the only doubtful points the dancing impersonations. They should either be improved upon or eliminated, with the possi- bility always remaining of having the girl dance minus the "name" an- nouncements. Owen McGIveney did the honors for the No. 3 allotment and while aveiuie firm as supplying her sport J™ 1 ^ 1 * ™J !*• *£; ^ to I. t ln ft! clothes, but she showed none. wo l! d * Kf de ^u^.JLT. 1 . 1 * hls WINTER GARDEN An excellent show was tossed out Monday night For the evening per- formance there were four switches from the programed running order, and it looked a certainty that the going was quite ahead of the mati- nee showing. Attendance down- stairs was as good as last Monday with clever box-office dressing cov- ering the empty seats scattered about The balcony was a little more than 60 per cent, occupied. The Jump In patronage may lie part- ly accounted for by the liberal amount of paper known to have been scattered for the opening per- formances of the week. Two of the feature turns recently lopped over from Keith bookings. and both landed here after Palace appearances — Adele Rowland and Nat Nazarro, Jr., plus two aids and a Jazz septet. Young Nazarro was moved up from tenth to closing in- termission, a spot that seemed Just right for him. Tho opening with the bare-thighed Hclene was tepid enough. The girl later connected with an exhibition of toe-hock .step- ping. It was the acrobatic drmring that landed for Nazarro, billed as tho "Shuberts' newest star.' The bouse liked it so much he encored with a ring of "butterflies." Na- xarro's act has a peculiar arrange - it, calling for quite a continued Maxle and George repeated the success of the 44th Street last week and their own appearance with Frank Fay at the Garden several weeks ago. This brace of slim high brown steppers "wowed" the next to closing. They were listed No. 4, moving all the way down, and it is doubtful if any other act in the line-up could have taken up the running after the Hannafords. The show resumed after Intermis- sion with the colorful "In Argen- tina," which also landed for a real score. It is not a great act. but it possesses a kick—several, In fact There is a dash of Spanish-made convincing, though of the South American brand. A wonder some revue producer hasn't grabbed off the dancing pair who feature "In Argentina." They are billed Bllsa Delirio and Roberto Mandrano. What a tango they dance! If they had come north during the one-step craze they would have been a sen- sation. And they prove the origin of the tango was Argentina—grant- ed they hall from there. Better still, though, was their Apache. That much-done and much-faked number should have the fire and the passion as given It by these South Americans. Theirs counts as the most realistic ever shown here. An Ingenue was lucky in singing to a bald box patron who was no shrink- ing violet, and that put over the number. Another of the Li tin- American maidens danced In Span- ish style. Her headdress made her look like an Indian. Harry Or- monde, the comedian, and probably the only American in the act, was a valuable factor. His fun got over and he showed something In a danc- ing way, too. For the finale, baggy red trousers with a spacious pocket in back holding a tiny dog recalled the Chaplin film, "A Dog's Life." There are four musicians, the men looking like natives from the other side of the equator. But one strange instrument, and that the drum, beaten with the hands, and impor- tant In the Apache number. Mllo was the first hit Listed seventh, he gave the show a boost on fourth. The mimic didn't fool them with the carpet and trick bill- ing, for he has been around often. But he amused with his vocal tricks all the way and walked off to a solid hand. "The Kiss Burglar" was spotted third, where it started much better than it finished. The turn la a con- densation of the three-act show of that name which had Fay Bainter. Only the lace pajamas of the bed- room scene actually recall the origi- nal, although some of the plot Is used, In fact, too much of It The bit In "one" with Denman Maley landed over anything else. "Noth- ing But Temperament" with "busi- ness" sent It off to a flying start, which could not be later maintained. The distinguished foreigner bit has been adapted from an after-dinner amusement stunt It was last done with success by Leo Carrillo and Louis Mann at a Friars affair. Nip and Fletcher were, an early big score. On second, the dancing boys provided fast pace. The house was enthusiastic over the back kicking of the blonde member. The Paulsons opened the show, and the Leach Wallln Trio, with Its odd ap- plication of Iron-Jaw work, closed well. lbftc. speed changes. The dialog was en tlrely lost during a major portion of the running time due to the play- ing of the ore? :stra. which seemed unnecessarily loud. Especially was this true for those situated behind the halfway mark downstairs. How- ever. McGlveney's physical exer- tions were sufficient to demand the required silence—and received It with the applause bringing him back for what might be termed a showmanlstlc speech—a few lines of appreciation delivered with Just a wee bit too much emotion. Marga Waldron and Co. (New Acts) put the after intermission half in motion, succeeded by tho Stan- tona, who tore It up with consider- able success. The boys got to the assembly early with their talk and carved a separate niche for them- selves with the upstairs gang, which doted on their rendering of melodies by means of the enlarged "uke'' and harmonica. It was a set-up for the brothers and ther cashed in full. Doyle and Cavanaugh did "nicely, though it seems as if the latter might cut loose with a bit more stepping than she is at present doing. Miss Cavanaugh is capable of taking more of the assignment, but is sacrificing her dancing in favor of doing "straight" for her partner. While that may be all right. It doesn't get away from the fact an added bit of footwork on her part should be an asset to the turn. Johnny Dooley was next to clos- ing, encountering a rather slow start, but overcoming the handlcan before bowing out. He is adhering closely to his former routine and It is "pie" for those who like it, though it was apparent that there were many present who were look- ing for further developments along this line. It's a good laugh act that, however, has the mirth spaced con- siderably and evidently could stand some condensing. At least It seemed that way Monday night. Siegal and Irwin terminated the evening. BMg. Anna Scranton, a good opener tor any house with their double sons; start and afterward the good wire work. The Scran ton n come to tbo 44th Street alter pluming the Loew circuit. They were on the oi bill of the State, though thai likely has been forgotten by one by now. The 44th Street held nearly •%■ paclty Monday night with a ed Monday matinee. The bill runs pleasingly and is so balanced In general character even the lighter turns do not cldedly hurt it The bill there this week pro! cost between $0,000 and M.S00 t* salary. Of the acts the following have appeared previously on tbo big-time in New York: Cliff Ed- wards, Masters and Kraft Review, Charles Howard and Co., Harry Hines, Everest's Monkeys. JHsto. RIVERSIDE a social crowd that would laugh but never wildly applauded, be probably didn't know how near the exact truth he was. Mr. Hlnes made the remark to Induce applause for a return and speech. They laughed at the Idea but applauded Hlnes lightly, though he did quite well in the spot and for the house. It was then going on toward 11. Harry Hines has a certain way that is a mannerism for him, and it helps him on the stage. If he could polish that up he could throw away all the blue ones. The single blue used Monday evening was the bride- groom Jumping out of the 12th story window when a knock came on the door. That's not so bad for a night show, but there are the matinees. But it's too big a laugh to throw away. That is the way one must believe Mr. Hlnes looks at it Still, there must be a clean' gag some- where that could replace it for Just as big and a much healthier laugh. Mr. Hines also told the audience the life of an actor was a hard one, with hotel rooms and food, while the city folks after their business went home to their mother and a home-cooked meal. He liked the meal, and if anyone in front wanted to send him one, etc., a bit reported to be in the act of Bernard and Townes and not unlike the request made by Joe Laurie, Jr., to send things to his home address. It's a good bit Who- ever owns it should have it for themselves. Hines got laughs with a parody at the opening. His posi- tion after the Hllllard sketch was not In his favor, for the sketch Is a story of sentiment that might sub- due a house. Just before the playlet and when Charlie Howard and Co. had their inning, they found it easy, for the Howard turn was really the first laughing act of the night. The show ha/1 run short on comedy be- fore that Mr. Howard Is doing nearly an all new act of the "drunk," now standing before the old saloon drop but with the "saloon" crossed off and "drug store" substituted. James Graham as the straight and Alberta Fowler as the singer com- pose as good a little company as Mr. Howard has ever had. Howard Is not quite so extravagant with the extent of his "drunk" or beer carry- ing, but seems to get louder laughs with the little he does do. Opening the second part were the Gallarinl Sisters (New Acts), two young musical girls who do a pleas- ing turn. Everest's Monkeys closed the show, with the monkey rag band taking the laughs, while the flying monk on the double trapeze, to close, gave the act a fine sendoff. It's a dandy comedy* monkey act. In the first part (No. S) Joveddah de Rajah, a mind-readying act, got the most attention. The two prin- cipals—the reader being a blind- folded woman—did but 15 minutes, making the turn swift and snappy, for the answers were given with rapidity following swift queries. The cueing here is expert It is all straight work, though many laughs are obtained from the reader's re- plies. One card given the man was announced as "a booking agency In Chicago, Ernie Youngps." That sounded plenty, but no one was rec- ognized. The man, supposed to be Joved- dah, is swarthy skinned and speaks of an East Indian lineage that goes back thousands of years. He is of exceptional address, displays the very best of showmanship in this work, whether upon the stage or in the audience, and keeps his voice perfectly modulated according to the JJdtanco he Is from the stage. The noticeable shouting and noisiness of other similar turns Is missing here. The Joveddah act stands up with any of them for straight mind-read- ing and should do as well at the box office In the smaller towns as any of J'ughee, closing the first half, «u* them can do. The man must share jon to a reception and exited to A COLONIAL A longthy show occupies the Colonial this week that ran so elose to 11:80 it didn't make much differ- ence and had tho taxis in front of the house lined ap three deep on evening tbo 44th Street always held 44TH ST. The 44th Street (Shuberts) prob- ably held the class vaudeville audi- ence of the town Monday evening. The class went there to welcome Robert Hllllard In his revival of "The Littlest Girl." There could be no argument about it. Mr.'Hllllard was virtually the only one of the bill to receive a genuine reception on his appearance. Among the social element, In their several parties and evening dress, was Lillian Russell, who merely sat through the per- formance from her modest orchestra seat. "The Littlest Girl" has been re- tltled "Her First Appearance." Mr. Hllllard produced the playlet years ago. Last week under New Acts in Variety Mr. Harrison of Pitts- burgh gave the playlet a complete- review. There Is nothing to add to Mr. Harrison's comment excepting this: The 44th Stroet Monday had its largest advance sale of any of the 10 weeks Shubert vaudeville has been regularly playing that house. Mr. Hllllard also has a following, apparently strongest Just now in so- ciety, though his legit following must be of moment besides. Thar means new business at least during a Hllllard engagement, and th#»re is nothing so valuable to vaudeville as new business of the desirable kind. When Harry Hlnes, next to clos- ing, in the usual courso of his talk- ing routine, said the stage manager had Informed him that on Monday With Adelaide and Hughes, Santrey and Band, Margaret Younff and the Stanton Brothers (Val and Ernie) among the features of, tbt) current bill at the Riverside, tbo show looked great on paper, bat didn't click so well in actual per- formance. Variety seemed to bo lacking, with song and dance pro* dominating, with the result Santrey in the "ace" position did not com* mand the strict attention be war* ranted, and when It came to bjsj afterpiece with Anna Seymour qutto a few breezed, Adelaide and Hughes booked Into a house where they are known to half the audience found it was open and shut for them. This Is their return to vaudeville after a spall with an ill-fated musical comedy starring vehicle. They were billed Into the Riverside hastily last week. evidently as a fill-in engagement Contrary to expectation, Adelaide and Hughes did not incorporate one scene, song or costume from their defunct show, but showed the samo act virtually as done a year ago* except for the new pianist, Joseph Michael Daly. Closing intermission, the act bowed off what turned out to be the hit of the evening's on* tertainment Sealo, opening, went through a routine of tricks which were all tbo more interesting because of no hu- man visible assistance on the stage. The various props were placed to- side the wings, the seal pulling them on and performing bis tricks and immediately sending them off. Tbo animal made an interesting opening; for this bouse, as it is bound to to any grade of theatre. Harry and Grace Ellsworth w the first brother and sister act the bill and, like Harry and Seymour, the other blood relation combination, second after Internals* sion, their forte runs mainly to* ward song and dance. Grace mis- worth has developed into a viva- cious Jazx stepper and Harry, wbo bears considerable brunt of tbo team's labors, now has a long dis- tance "hock" stepping solo that brings down the house. Miss Leitsel (No. t), whom every circus patron knows for her aerial work, proved to be a pint-sised 8urpriso to the Riverside patrons- who enjoyed the little lady's atrial frolic immensely. To watch bey lithe little body hurtle through tbo air numerous times as she, swings on the right wrist is certain to command admiration, and she eer- tainl. scored aplenty on Monday evening. Vol and Ernie Stanton were No. 4 with their Eton college hokum that despite its familiarity never* wants for interest. They clicked s> perfect picture. Adelaide some percentage of the reward se cured with the woman reader whom he addresses as Princess. She han- dles herself and her voice very well. The applause success of the first part was the Masters and Kraft Re- view. They do quite a lot with it considering that but six people in all are carded. Three are men, in- cluding the principals, and the other three are girls. Of the young wqm- en one is a kicking dancer of quite some personality who holds up the feminine end. Masters and Kraft dance themselves into favor, finish-* lng big and securing some laughter en route. Cliff EM wards as a single turn, No. 4, with a pianist, displayed little. He seems lost alone. While his work, make up and style have not changed since with Keegan and Ed- wards or Clayton and Edwards, and Edwards still hums his blues In songs, Cliff Edwards alone doesn't look to be enough. He will increase a fading standing and promote him- self professionally through again securing a partner. No. 2 held Sailor Bill Reilly, per- haps Inserted late on tho bill since he was not programed Monday. Mr. salvo. Julius Lenzberg's orchestra bold forth during intermission, making that spot something more than tho usual siesta period. During tbo rendition Lenzberg's jazzy drummer shook a couple of wicked sticks that made him sound like a whole Jass band in himself. That boy sure can torture those traps for a straight trench orchestra drummer. Margaret Young reopened after "Topics" with a new song cycle In- cluding a new chorus gal number to the effect "It's a long way from Chllds to the Ritz" that Miss Young sold as she only can. A new Dixie tune with a peach of a medley, hi which she spills a lot of wise pat- ter stating that Moe and Joe and Abe and Sam always write about sweet Virginia "ham," because here up north it's getting cold, and Dixie royalties are good as gold. That brought her back for "Hello Pros- perity." a vtimely number, which again necessitated an extra recall with a "Chicago" number. She could have stayed on all night after that, but wisely bowed off. Harry and Anna Seymour pleased \ Reilly did not give the act ho is !Wlth a lot of fl y talk . Miss Sey- capable of. IUs-turn held too mueh pour's "sassy" style registering. of slow selections, and though of the pop brand of their class were alto- gether too slow and too continu- ously so. His appearance could be improved as well In dress. Since Sullor Reilly removed the uniform ho may have been of tho Impression another kind of an act goes with a change. That Is not so, in this case anyway, and a turn along the old lines will be much better for him, with or without the uniform. His Monday night act was a had one for the No. 1 position. r __„__„ _ The show opened wrlh Harry and good pop medley. Tiut after a couple Harry, as ever, feeds neatly steps legitimately. Anna scored with tho "Kissing Cup's Last Race" sneezing number, which the late Clifton Crawford made familiar in vaudeville, although her Blanche Ring impression was not o good. Miss Seymour has grown careless with it because, If memory serves right, she had It down pat some time ago. All told, brother and sis- ter exited to good returns. Henry Santrey and his "By.cb- pated Society Band" opened with a