Variety (December 1921)

u LEGITIMATE Friday, December 16, 1921 =ar BROADWAY! REVIEWS THE MOUNTAIN MAN Wellington, a urnnt. .Lawrence Eddlnger Mary vaug-han Lucia Moor* Lulle, her daughter llarjorle Kummtr Virginia Delaney Grace Reals Aaron Wlnterfleld Sidney Blackmer Mllea MoClond. Del'a uncle Fred Karr Carey................ Cnester Morris "Del" Catherine Dale Owen ffeea. a Mountaineer George Fawcett Laura Bayne, a neighbor.*..Marlon Abbott Stephen Bayne, her husband.Leonard Rowe General Vertexin E. J. DeVamey "The Mountain Man," by Clare Kummer, was brought to the Maxlne Elliott, New York, Dec. 12, by Charles L. Wagner, manager of con- cert tours, who gave the play set- tings by Robert Edmond Jones that provoked enthusiasm and a first night audience that even at first glance showed itself unusual. The familiar noise-makers were absent In their place was installed a gen- •rally discriminatory intelligence that appreciated the fine points of Miss Hummer's edged humor and saw the charm of the whole, ab- sorbed It, In fact It was pervasive, but if the first night audience did this, it saw also the play's faults, which, happily, thanks to this very real entertainment's lifting appeal- ing sentiment, should not count too heavily. The evening's drawbacks were due to letting Miss Kummer her- •elf and Edward Eisner direct The conclusion, arrived at reluctantly, but Inescapable, is that Mr. Eisner rarely helps as a director, though he has many and various theatrical virtues. At any rate, with the author he allowed the climax of the play to be recited in so hurried a tempo as half to bury it Further- more, the circumstances were so Important they should have been led up to. planted earlier, but, then, Miss Kummer had a good deal to plant The plot depended a lot on Inter-relatlonshlps of the characters, and this required a deal of explain- ing. In the long ago the heir of the Wlnterfleld estate had taken his be- trayed sister to the mountains, and years after her son, mountain born and bred, inherits the vast acres. Bringing a clod into contact with civilisation is an eld story, theatri- cally, but Sidney Blackmer s per- formance was above th* average, unusually successful, and so Miss Rummer's plot seemed newer than It really was. It develops with the attempt to bring about a marriage between Del, bred in a French con- vent, and this young Aaron Wlnter- fleld. She naively confesses it all, and that brings the two together, but as they are about to set out on their honeymoon he learns of her sentimental Interest In a French artist and captain, and leaves her. In the last act he returns. An attempt to prove him illegitimate while he has been abroad at war comes to his attention, and he goes back to the mountains, where old Jess puts him right reunites him with his wife, who, through lo* of tis, has remained in America, living Imply, longing, not for the flesh- pots of Paris, but for her man. When the picture people get this, what they do to it will be a caution; but Miss Kummer made It accept- able. In the bare telling It sounds like pretty obvious sentimentality, but It Is really that rare and com- mercially valuable combination, a fundamentally appealing story with the talcum of sophistication pleas- antly sprinkled over it. The acting helped it. In report- ing this play from Atlantic City, Variety's correspondent evidently thought the Ingenue *.ead, a French convent bred girl, should be played in the manner of a burlesque soubret—the popular American idea of anything French. He was mis- taken. Catherine Dale Owen's per- formance was perfect She w what girls brought up in French convents are—innocent, naive, never saying "Isn't" "wouldn't" or abbre- viating—always %i not" "would not," and so on. She has, too, a pleasing, blonde, babyish and ap- pealing loveliness that went for a marked hit George Fawcett's mountaineer and Marion Abbotts interfering dame were also well turned characterizations, while Mar- Jorie Kummer made each one of her aunt's lines count Lucia Moore. Grace Reals and the others all aided In tho pictures, while E. J. DeVar- ney as a French general lent the whole the public's idea of distinc- tion, heed. ALIAS JIMMY VALENTINE "Alias Jimmy Valentine," the first of two Paul Armstrong comedy dramas which George C. Tyler is reviving, drew a capacity first-night crowd at the Gaiety Dec. 8. There was no attempt to gather the origi- nal cast that enacted the play just 12 years ago, but for the revival a group of names is being featured. Otto Kruger Is appearing in the name role that established H. B. Warner here. Emmett Corrlgan has the role of Doyle, originated by Frank Monroe, while Margalo Gill- more Is playing the Ingenue lead that did much to bring Lauretta Taylor to the for* The premiere revival honors were won by Mr. Corrlgan. with Mr. Kru- ger giving an excellent Jimmy. Miss Gillmore did not •earn to have been ache; as successfully east as the others. Her work in "The Straw," which Mr. Tyler withdrew recently from the Greenwich Village, and which is to be played at special matinees at the Gaiety, with Mr. Kruger, was much more suited to her talents. Others in the revival cast who stood up nicely were Harold Hartsell, Archie Curtis. Emil Hoch, Edmund Elton, Mary Boland, Grace Hender- son, William Ingersoll, J. J. Hyland, Edward Wonn, Earle Brown, George Farron, Andrew Lawlor, Jr., Lorn a Volare and John Kennedy. "Alias Jimmy Valentine" was originally produced at the Stude- baker, Chicago, In 1909, three weeks before Christmas. The show was a hurried presentation, being rushed on to fill the void and supply a play for Mr. Warner, when "These Are My People," which was a sequel to "The Squaw Man," failed. Edwin W. Rose staged "Valentine*' in Chi- cago, but when it was brought to New York Hugh Ford directed for the metropolitan premiere. The piece ran for 20 weeks at Wallack's laid off six weeks during the sum- mer and reopened with an additional 22 weeks on Broadway. It later reached McVicker's, Chicago, but failed there. "Salomy Jane/V another Arm- strong drama, is slated for revival after "Valentine" at the Gaiety. CHOCOLATE SOLDIER (Revival) Nadlna Popoff Teaea Kosta Aurella Popoff Mildred Rogers M ae cha Virginia O'Brien Lieutenant Bumerll Donald Brian Captain Maaeakroff Detmar Poppen Col. Kaalmir Popoff John Dunamure Major Alexius Splridlff.John Humbird Duffey Volga Felicia Murclle Nicholas Victor Vlctoroff Louka Beauton O' Qulnn Stephen J. C. MeCcrmack There really shouldn't be such things as legitimate or musical com- edy revivals. No matter how well done, even when far superior to the original, with all-star casts, magnifi- cent productions, expensive sartorial equipment, etc., those of us who re- member the original presentation, and those of us who don't and mere- ly pretend we do, are so prone to heave and sigh and bewail "those good old dayH," when, truth to tell, they weren't so good. The first revival of this week was "The Chocolate Soldier," by the Shuberts at the Century Monday evcaing. it was inevitable what there wore several in the lobby be- tween acts who were present at the initial presentation, and from one of these is here set down the time, place and part of the original cast, with no guarantee of authenticity. The piece was produced 10 years ago in New York at the Lyric, moved to the Casino and then to the Herald Square. Ethel Jackson was the prima donna. Jack Gardner the "chocolate soldier," Edith Bradford the soubret, WIKiam Pruette the Col. Popoff and Henry Norman the Captain, Slgnor de Novells con- ducted. Those who remember de Xovr.lis will recall he was a fine mu>:< ian, but It is a safe assertion that Max Bendix, under whose direction the score of the revival of "The Choco- late Soldier" Is being played, can- not be surpassed by any other leader of this or previous days. He hoMs his men in absolute control and evidenced this throughout. Tessa Kosta, the present prima donna, can sing and has an engag- ing personality. Donald Brian is always Donald Brian. Monday even- ing he was handicapped in his waltz in the second act. At the conclusion of the duet Miss Kosta went off and there entered Felicia Murelle to Join him In the dance, evidently unre- hearsed, for they fumbled It fright- fully. After getting off to a poor start the pair stopped, went up stage, and Brian called out to ^he conductor: "Once more, Max," and started off again. Just before the finale of the second act Victor Vic- toroff came on for a Russian solo dance, which seemed to consist prin- cipally of rubbing his velvet trou- sers on th*> floor and elicited no ap- plause. When even fairly well done there Is nothing more certain of ap- plause than a Russian danoe. It usually creates what is known in vaudeville parlance as "sure fire." Virginia O'Brien scored neatly in the soubret role and John Dunsmure was quite good as Col. Popoff. What appeared to be the only spontaneous characterization of the evening was that of Detmar Popper as Captain Massakroff, the low comedy role. He was genuinely funny. The first act set, Nadine's boudoir. made out of crepe hangings, is an artistic piece of stage setting. The financial success of this re- vival is doubtful. Judged by pres- ent-day standards of musical com- edy, it appears old-fashioned. It Is opera bouffe, and this form or musical entertainment has given way to melodious syncopations, plentifully interspersed with come- dians and dance specialties. Jolo. Helen Freeman, Inc., ts being sued in the Third District Municipal Court by Ely Btrook for $360, repre- senting a balance due for costumes furnished for Miss Freeman's short* lived "Great Way" production. THE MARCUS SHOW CLOSING ON COAST Notice Posted to Close at Los Angeles—Only Six People to Be Returned East NEWS OF THE DAILIES Los Angeles, Dec. 14. ' ie Marcus Show has posted no- tice of closing, according to report, to take place at this point following the week's performances commenc- ing December 26. According to the story coming in here, Marcus, the owner of the show, has said that as he holds contracts with but six of the people of the show, he will pay only s > fares back East. The company is carrying 43 p^jple. It is expected the California State labor law, a very strict one on matters of this sort, will be Invoked, if Marcus pursues his intention. The Marcus Show has had an In and out season. Its creditors have been pressing, without much suc- cess in obtaining payments. The usual flamboyant billing matter the Marcus show has formerly depended upon seemed to be of little avail thlj season. Marcus has been seek- ing week stands Instead of the one- nightera, where his show has a chance. BOUGHT AID PAID FOR Robert Staffer! Charles Rlchman James QlUejr William Harrlgan 9.**?'••••• >• A)l*n AtwelJ Vlrslala Blaine Helen MacKellar Fanny Blaine Marie Nordstrom Joeepnlne Ka?ya Prevon The psychology of George Broad- hurst's play, "Bought and Paid For," has been as utterly destroyed in its revival as was the case when a film version was made of "Camille" with the lady of the camelias secretly married to Armand Duval. This is due to the casting of the role created by Julia Dean, placing it in the hands of Helen MacKellar. A couple of seasons ago Miss MacKellar was almost unanimously lauded by the critics for her per- formance of a Canuck girl In Lang- don McCormick's "The Storm." She looked the part and played it to a nicety, with what was believed to be a splendid simulation of dialect. Since then Miss MacKellar has ap- peared in several other stellar parts In New York, always with the same "dialect," irrespective of locale or nativity, and giving evidence she is incapable of impersonating on the stage a girl of fine rearing or with the natural Instincts of a lady. In "Bought and Paid For" the husband role, in the hands of Charles Rlchman once more, Is called upon to say to her: "You are a dear, fine, sensitive little woman." But despite this, she continues to look and conduct herself like a peasant girl caparisoned in the habllaments of a lady, with the un- mistakable diction of a foreigner speaking English with the ponder- ousness of one carefully attempting to evade a tell-tale accent, very much as an elephant tests the strength of a bridge before entrust- ing his weight to It For roles pat- terned along the lines of her per- formance in "The Storm," Miss MacKellar would probably be as ef fective as she was in that venture. Her characterisation in "Back Pay" was identical, and she brings it with her to the revival of "Bought and Paid For." Charles Rlchman, even in his heydey never generally regarded as a great artist, seems to have im- -proved his interpretation of the role of the business magnate who is a beast in his cups, and played the drunken scene with a faithfulness that was convincingly vivid and re- pellent. Considerable interest was mani- fest in comparing the Interpretation of the role of Jimmy Gilley, now In the hands of William Harrigan, with Its creator, Frank Craven. Harrigan seemed to feel *hat, for he fumbled his lines in the first act and was palpably nervous. He regained his composure as the piece progressed and scored strongly in the final act. Incidentally, it is worth calling at- tention to the fact that Craven was qulok to take advantage of his suc- cess in the part. Instead of wait- ing for similar roles in other plays, or a revival, he set about to write for himself a few plays In which to exploit his personality, thereby enriching himself, not only as an author, but as actor and partner. Allen Atwell, as the Jap servant, re- peated his former success, and Marie Nordstrom, many pounds thinner than when she created the role of the elder sister some 10 years ago, Is now much more self-satisfied and utilises her vaudeville experi- ence by facing her audience and walloping; over her lines to good effect. The play Itself has bem up-to- dated In some of the lines, the stage settings are differently arranged and the general scheme of revision does not toad to Its betterment. The re- vival was made at the Playhouse by William A, Brady, Dec. 7. Join. Mona Caballos last week caused the arrest of Frederick B. Florian, broker, charging him with stealing from her money, bonds and jewelry valued at $6,126. She had given him these to buy first mortgage bonds, was the explanation of the charge, the truth of which he denied. J. Hartley Manners has written a new play called "The National Anthem" for his wife, Laurette Tay- lor, which will be .produced out of town by A. L. Erlanger and George C. Tyler. Because of inefficient fire escapes, the police last week closed the Em- pire in New London. Mrs. Lydlg Hoyt. the society woman, will support William Faver- sham In the revival of "The Squaw Man." The old Kalem studio at Cliffside, N. J., was destroyed by fire last week. Sir Harry Lauder has sold his Scottish estate to the government for forestr" purposes. He bought it for his son, killed in the war. With assets of $2,000,000 and liabilities of $3,000,000, the American Pathe Freres Phonograph Corp., with offices at 20 Grand street, Brooklyn, last week went into the hands of a receiver. Samuel P. Kennedy (one of the Four Mortons) has been Indemni- fied by an insurance company for the loss of his newly purchased $5,000 car -stolen from in front of the Colonial on Sept. 26. "Silver Threads Among the Gold" Is in dispute in the courts as a re- sult of suit brought by Gertrude L. Danks against her brother, Albert V. Danks. The two are children of Hart P. Danks, author of th£ song. Miss Danks asserts the song has earned much more than her brother as administrator of their father's estate, will admit. She has received only $600. Hamilton A. Gordon publisher of the song, says he na! $23,338 to the estate. Lynn Fontaine, featured \ n "Dulcy," and Alfred Lunt, BlMe. Burke's leading man, have an- nounced their engagement to marry. Having achieved a start llngly novel effect by playing It backward, Sam H. Harris has decided to play the last act of "The Varying Shore" at the Hudson first to see if the public prefers it so. Alice Brady narrowly escaped death this week when her motor car overturned near Albany. Louise Darcy. described as a chorus girl In "Bombo," was takea to Bellevue Dec. 11, said to be in a serious condition from taking bi- chloride of mercury tablets.' Mary Pickford and Douglas Fair* 1 banks talked by wireless telephone ' to the Babylon station from the Paris 250 miles out this Week. David Belasco ».\d spent 40 years in the theatre last Sunday, Dec. 11, I and was the guest of honor at a dinner tendered him by the Society of Arts and Sciences at the Biltmore. A gold spoon was presented to him before a distinguished gathering. v Otis Skinner acted as toastmaster, • and in his speech Mr. Belasco de* clared It was the love theme that counted most in life and in the thea- tre. BUI Quaid, manager of Proctor's Fifth Ave., New York, has secured the release of Julius B. Johnston, a convict in the Clinton, N. Y., prison, whom he will present In vaudeville. Johnston is a monologist who was discovered by the theatrical man* ager while doing his act for fellow convicts. LEGITIMATE ITEMS Colin Kemper sailed last Friday on the Olympic for London, accom- panied by Stage Director Fred Wal- lace, to produce the Wagenhals & Kemper piece, "The Bat," there. The English presentation will be made in association with Gilbert Miller, who has pre-war standing as a manager . "The Bat" will open at the St. James, London, about Jan- uary 15. Ned Wayburn is reported having entered the agency field. Wayburn is best known as a stage director. "Pitler Patter" closed last week m Norfolk, after being out 12 weeks. The show reported business spotty. Lieut. Gitz Rice has composed the score for a musicallzed version of "The Third Party," which the Shu- berts will'put into rehearsal shortly. The piece will eventually be retitled being adapted from the old Taylor Holmes' farce of the same name which Comstock A Gest sponsored years ago. Edythe Baker and Clar- ence Nordstrom are cast for two leading roles in the musical comedy. Harry Howard is suing the Ritz Producing Co. in the Third District Municipal Court, New York, for $660, representing a salary balance due for services rendered In the de- fendant's "Not Tonight, Josephine," production. Howard was to receive $100 weekly. He worked nine weeks but admits receipt only of $240. After having the libretto for Charlotte Greenwood's "Let *Er Go, Letty," musical production re- written for the fourth time, the piece is again in rehearsal under Oliver Morosco's direction. George E. Stoddard Is the latest "book" writer to have been called in to fix up the show. "Let 'Er Go, Letty," is the third of Morosco's "Letty" mu- sical shows with Miss Greenwood in the title roK Frederick Perry went Into the ca*t of "Lilies of the Field'' at the Klaw on Wednesday afternoon, replacing Norman Trevor, who retired to ap- pear In his own attraction, "The Married Woman," which ie sched- uled to open out of town early next w ck and then come into the Prin- crs.s on December 24. The New York engagement of "The Storm" that was scheduled for Uie Lexington O. H. at popular prices has been called off. The show will close within the next few weeks In tho southern .territory, where It Is now playing*. Jumps have beer, mating up the profits that the show has been showing, and the , players have decided that they might as well forego a continuance of the venture. A matinee premiere Is what New York is to be treated to next Fri- day afternoon, when Gutherle Mc- CUntick, former casting director for Winthrop Ames, presents "The Dove. Trail" at the Bijou. The play is by A. A. Milne a. d Charles Cher- ry is featured. The reason for the Friday after- noon opening is to dispose of both the first and second night press lists and thus have the Saturday matinee and night performances free. *kl*in J. Talley, brother of Al- fred J. Talley, Judge of the Court of Special Sessions and a former As- sistant District Attorney, will become associated with the firm of Frederick B. Goldsmith on Jan. 1. He will specialize In both Federal and State Income tax cases as ap- plied to theatricals and general cor- poration law. Helen Moller, the classical dancer who startled all New Tork a few seasons ago by presenting a series of ballet matinees at tho Metropol- itan Opera house that were stopped by the police, has returned from Paris. She now has a studio atop of the Lexington O. H. BIRTHS 4 . Mr * nd Mrs- Ben Berman. at their home in San Francisco, last week still-born child. Mr. Berman is the professional manager for Remick & Co. at San Francisco. A daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Morey Stern on Nov. 26. Stern was for- merly in charge of the professional department at Chicago for Jerome H. Remick. A son wa., born to Mrs. Sidney Abelson, wife of Sidney Abelson, treasurer of the Ell Jewelry Co., at their home in Chicago, Nov. 29. Mr. and Mrs. George Wong, a son, Dec. l. Mrs. Wong is Theda Ber- nard, playing in burlesque. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Piazza, at their home in New Orleans, Dec. 2, a daughter. Mr. Piazza is manager of the New Orleans Orpheum III" wife was last season playing the feminine lead with Bnlasco's Tiger Hose." en tour. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Burgess, Dec. 5, at Omaha, a son. Mrs. Burgeis was professionally known as Rosl«* Qulnn. She retired when marrying Her husband 1« a non-professional. Mr. and Mrs. Aj*hur Geary, Ve<' 12, son. -**^