Variety (December 1921)

24 VARIETY Friday, December 16, 1821 "HARD TIMES AND HARD LUCK" (Continued from T.ige 13) .of (lie navel tho meeting was de- clared adjourned, shutting off all further talk alonj? that line. Tlie meeting opened at 2:50 with 3 4 nun and live women on tho plat- form. Among the men were Mr. Kmersi.n, Frank Gillmore. CJrant Stewart. John Drew. John W. Cope. Ralph Morgan. Kthel I!arrynu»re and T>ou»thy Bryant were among the women. Miss Bryant is the secretary of the Chorus Kquity. It was notieeable ar.d commented upon that Paul Oulzel and Paul N. Tur- ner, the latter the attorney for Kquity. were In the audience, the first time they have attended an Equity meeting without being among the honored group It seemed to give credence to a recent report Kquity had approached one or more theatrical attorneys with a view of selecting Mr. Turner's successor. One theatrical lawyer when asked If he had been ap- proached for that purpose by Equity people within the past month replied that he had. Emerson on Variety Emerson opened the meeting by stating he would send forth the usual Equity anthem; that they mustn't believe what they read In Variety, a statement received in perfect quiet by the audience, an attitude also assumed by them later when Mr. Cope alluded to George M. Cohan as "America's best bad actor" (a phrase created by and for Corse Pay ton). Emerson called Variety "the man- agers' paper" and then proceeded to detail information concerning A. H. Woods' resignation from the Pro- ducing Managers' Association. He said Woods, In person, had called at Equity's New York headquarters, said he was glad to be away from the P. M. A., that he always had been for Equity and would make his companies 100 per cent. Equity; that he would induce none-Equitys to join. Emerson stated Woods had persuaded two non-Equity actors to join Equity up to that time (Sun- day). Emerson wanted it under- atood that when he recently referred to a P. M. A. manager as being In favor of Equity, he had not meant Woods, but that the manager re- ferred to still belonged to the P. M. A- The Authors and Dramatists' Society, said Emerson, was swing- ing toward Equity, and he expected before long to see some of its mem- bers In or aligned with Equity. Emerson retired in favor of Frank Gillmore, who said the members did not appear to understand the work- ings of Equity's closed shop. Actors did not rush "bull-headed'' into the ' Equity shop, said the speaker. They had had plenty of time to think it over before voting for and approv- ing of it. Reports from San Fran- cisco, said Gillmore, were to the ef- fect that all of that city was Equity excepting the Maitland company, and a letter received the previous day by Equity from Maitland said he is now for it. In the south Equity was having a hnrd time es- tablishing itself, according to Gill- more, who ascribed a similar condi- tion down east and in the middle west, all of which he designated as "tough." "That is why we need every dollar we can lay our hands on." added Gillmore, referring to the members neglecting to give Equity the one-eighth of a week's salary they had been requested to do. The speaker related that 231 ex-Fidelity members were now in Equity, he stating that Patricia Collingo was the last former Fidelity to come in, Just before the meeting. General Explanation Emerson at this Juncture again took the floor, stating that so many letters and complaints had reached Equity from' members, inquiring "Who are the officers? what are they doing and what are they get- ting'."' that the meeting had been called for a general explanation. The ono-elghth to date hail reached a gross of $10,720 for Equity, said Emerson, and $20,000 had been ex- pended by Equity in bringing fctramled Equity troupes back to New York, ho claimed. "Hut it Is a bad season and wc need more moitt-.v ." he added. Gillmore. again speaking, read the •Tinaneiai statement" published on thin page. He further said that dur- ing the strike the picture actors of Eos Angeles sent Equity $20,000. "Most of them are now destitute," said Gillmore, "and Equity must look after them." The Equity's pic- ture branehes ut New York and in Los Angeles were enormous losses to Equity, he said, but had to be maintained, otherwise Equity might as well abandon the attempt to corral the picture actors. The Equity Ball held last month at the Hotel Astor, New York, had been most disappointing, said Gill- more. Financially it had been the poorest affair of its character Equity had held. He stated Ralph Morgan would road the ball's financial report. Mr. Morgan said the total receipts from the ball were $1S,000, with ex- penses $11,000, leaving a net profit of $7,000. (Last year the net was about $20,000.) A member asked an itemized list of the expenses. Mr. Morgan said he had not the list in detail, but some of the items were: Supper, $4,000 or $5,000; or- chestra (union, one evening), $1,200; hall, $200; salaries. $1,000. No other information was vouchsafed. At this point Miss Barrymore arose from the platform and left the room, without passing any remark, her departure causing some com- ment. Grumbling Dissent A low grumbling dissent seemed evident among the members and Emerson again pressed hlrrrself n> the fore saying Equity had had to bear an expense of $2,000 in connec- tion with the Washington measure on foreign films, with a much larger sum possibly necessary before the bill could be passed through the Senate. Mr. Emerson said he would like to answer about what officers draw and what they do. He enumerated some of GUlmore's duties for his $150 weekly. Several of the mem- bers seemed to be of the impression Gillmore is also drawing a regular salary as treasurer of the Interna- tional or Four A.'s, of which Equity is an arm, with the treasurer like- wise allowed an expense account l.» that parent organization. Emerson remarked he would allow Gillmore to tell in person what he did and is doing for Equity. Gillmore once more took the floor, saying ho "sweats blood" in behalf of Equity, works day and night, and at the same time Gillmore accepted the occasion to boost his staff and the "financial statement." Mr. Cope had little of consequence to say after pronouncing George M. Cohan "America's best bad actor." Grant Stewart followed, with a ram- bling statement of the benefits Equity derives from its American Federation of Labor affiliation. With the proceedlnga drooping at this time. Emerson again took hold, to pick up the running, cautioning the members to remember the Equity rules and regulations, to be loyal and steadfast, and mentioned Equity had expelled 17 "deserters." among whom he said were Helen Freeman and Hilda Spong. Emer- son enjoined the members to stop criticizing the Equity officers and council. He stated Equity has 18,000 members, L3.000 on the stage and 5,000 in pictures. While asking for the support of the membership for its officers and said that support should be active as well as moral, the old actor re- ferred to asked his question, which led to the adjournment. BOOKING AGREEMENT (Continued from page 15) situations have called for the most attention. In the former city the Shuberts have undisputed control, that to be further strengthened when the Forrest goes to their con- trol in the spring. As the lease on tho Gar-rick has but a short time to run and the Broad Street Is to be razed, that would leave the K. & E. office without a theatre in Philadelphia. The plans to build a new Erlanger house in Philadel- phia are ready, but with the booking arrangement in force, that hous * may not be built. The Shubert house will, according to the sup- posed lines of the agreement, take attractions from both the Shuberts and K. & E. booking offices. In Chicago the reverse Is the case, with the "syndicate" houses pre- dominating. The Selwyns and Sam H. Harris are building two theatres on Dearborn street just above Ran- dolph, and the Shuberts control a plot next to the Selwyn- Harris sites, with plans for immediate building drawn. Information this week is that the proposed new Shu- bert house for Cliien^o has culled off. Cleveland Opening The opening of tho Ohio, the dicate's new Cleveland house, week, with Shubert vaudeville, may presage plans for the further use of K. & E. booked house* for that purpobO. It is recalled that wh«-n the K. & E. entered vaudeville the season was peculiar in that there was a shortage of strong attractions and business was off. Although con- ditions then were not as bad at now, a similar arrangement between the major legitimate offices appear* ft have been consummated. The dif- ference is that the principals are reversed in situation. The 8huberts were drawn Into the "adraaoad vaudeville" excursion, which was a loser up to the time the Keith of- fice bought out the opposition cir- cuit. In Cleveland the Euclid Avenue, which started the season with Shu- bert vaudeville, has been switched back to road attractions from either office. Reports that in Cincinnati similar plans will be carried out are open to contest. The Shuberts recently built and opened two new houses there, the George B. Cox and the Shubert. The K. and E. office con- trols the Grand as formerly. Jo- seph Rh I nock's agreement with-the Shuberts stipulates there must be no vaudeville played in the Shu- bert theatres. It is not known, how- ever, if the agreement takes in any other theatres. Reports are that the Grand will be given over to Shubert vaudeville and that the syndicate will use the new Shubert houses for attractions in booking conjunction with the Shuberts, which would evade the Rhlnock deal. Rhinock Interview Cincinnati dailies were much In- terested in the matter. An interview from Mr. Rhlnock was published early this week, in which it was stated that it was improbable Shu- bert vaudeville would be played there. Mr. Rhlnock has considerable Keith interests in the middle west and although a heavy backer of Shubert enterprises, is opposed to the vaudeville project, which he considers opposition to his interests. There is still pending between the Shuberts and Ilhinock an adjust- ment of claims made by the latter. BILLS NEXT WEEK Ottitle ens (Continued from pace II) I* Harktas A T Brsws's Bev CTwe ts 1U> Tyler A ft Claw •Vew Leaser* Infield A sfoMet J PsA Tsesassss Pel Ross A Foes Howard A Fields Adler & Rom Shrlner A Fits Weston's Mod«U (One to fill) td half O A II LeFevre Winter Garden 4 "Tho Intruder" G Blaokwell Co Ben Bernle Willis Gilbert Co DECATUR. IIX. Holly OKLAHOMA CUTT Roattlno A Bar*te John Qelger "Eye* of Buddha" OKM'LGEE. OKLA. CINCI'S ART PLAYERS Cincinnati, Dec. 14. The Art Theatre Players are now using the old Lafayette Bank build- ing, on Third near Walnut street. The little theatre folk are in a Greenwich Village atmosphere* Across the street there is a Syrian colony and a few blocks away a cat- sup factory. Under the direction of Verne Fits- patrlck the following plays are be- ing produced this week: "The Con- stant Lover," by St. John Hankln, played by William Harrison and Vir- ginia Buchanan; "Madretta," the story of a Creole girl, by Stark Young, wth Ruth Collins Allen In the title rol3, assisted by Earle Au and Robert Beck; "The Widow's Veil." an Irish play, with Zita Fal- lon and Viola Krone; "The Intru- der," by Maeterlinck, with Ruth Al- len, Verne Fitzpatrlck, Robert Toep- fert, Helen Lee, Alma O'Xeil, Rob- ert Beck and Agnes Graybill. William Danzlger, picture editor of the Commercial Tribune, has joined the company. He is rehearsing for a coming production and has one line, reading, "Oh, yes, really!" Dan- zlger is dissatisfied with the part and has suggested the following line be substituted: "I'll take the same." 15 YEARS AGO (Continued from page 7) discussed the project with the Keith people. The booking of the Four Mortons for the Harlem opera house two ton for Percy G. Williams, appeared to establish the principle of the Keith bookers that drawing card features would be signed by Keith irrespective of their former affilia- tions. It had been accepted before that, that "opposition acts" were "blacklisted." The Mortons were about to start out In a new musical show, but the premiere had been sit back until the holidays. It was to be called "Breaking Into Society." been syn - this Carnival company scandals be^in to break into print. One Harold Ihishea had booked a show with lL',000 of circus acts for a stand in Albany for the benefit ot a New York State militia organization. When it came time to pay .«alaric* the impresario wa.s not to In- found. Tito act:* had beei Henry Myerhefl' and tin ! Sutherland, New Y<n also lost cornrni>M<Mw Two Kawanas Howard A Rom Cleveland A Dowry "Story Book Rev" Keno Keyes A M (One to All) 2d half P Rest A Bro Jim Fulton Co Popularity Queens Teea Sherman Co (Two to fill) DUBUQrK. IA. Majestic CUB* Clark "Cotton Pickers" Knapp A Cornelia George A Cornalla O A M LaFcrre E. ST. LOHS. IIX. Erbrr's "Dreams" Cordon A Cordon Summer Eve Flske A Lloyd Al Gamble 2d half McMahort 8!* Tilyou & Rogers ELGIN. III.. Rlalto Chas Senion W Hulo A Rio (One to fill* 2d half Cur lisle A Lu Mai Minstrel Monarcha (One to fill) EV.VGVILLE. IXD. Grand Emha A Alton Billy Robinson E Phillips Co (Two to All) 2d half Rillle Gerber Rar Coley & Jason (Three to (111) FT. SMITH, ARK. Jele The HenninRH Alice Hamilton "Blossoms" Ernest Hlatt Lea Keillors C.ALE8JUR4:. ILL. Orphean* K A B Kuehn LnFrance A Harris Wilhat Tr 2d hair Alex Melford t Hamlin A Mack (One to fill) GRAND ISLAND. Majestic Clayton A Clayton Holly Helene Collne Co Howard A Fields JOLIET. I LI* Orphenm The Intruder Ford A Price (One to nit> 2d half Mary Cagwln Norrls Novelty (One to nil) JOPLIN, MO. Elect lie 1st half The Hennln*;* Warren A O'Brien KANSAS rjTY Globe Noel Lester Co Hanley A Howard Lester A Moore 2d half Robert A DeMont "The Question" Zelaya LINCOLN. NED. Liberty Jess A Dell Robert A DeMont Harry Ellis Allan's Minstrels 2d half Charles L*»depar Ray A Fox Mark A Stanton Lulu ('(fates Co MADISON, WIS. Orphenm I'.uddy Walk, r "Flashes" T.iifo» Ilro'- (Two (o (ill i SJd h ill" Snxton & Fnrn-11 Browning A Davie Warren A O'Brlea OMAHA, NEB. Empress Ray A Fox 'The Question" Lulu Coatee Co Id half Palermo's Canines Kennedy A Da vies Allen'e Minstrels Kenny Mason A B PEORIA. ILL. Orphenm Norrls Norelty Nelson A Madison Nash A O' Donne II Jaa II Cullen Five Avalons (One to All) 2d hslf Peake's Blockheads Jean Barrios Marlonne A Boys Russ Leddy Co (Two to All) QIINCY. ILL. Orphenm Aim Me I ford .'. Ilnmlin A Mai U (One to nil) 2d half K A K Kuehn La France A Harris Wilhat Troup* RACINE. WIS. Rlalto Creaeent Coined y 4 Mai Johnson Co Hall A Dexter Jack Oregory Co 2d h:tlf Juffsltns; Dellsle Halltday A Wilolte AI Wohlman Fivo Ava'.ona ROCKFORD. ILL. Palere Raxton A Farrell T, Harking A Boys "Smttea" (Three to nil) 2d half Buddv Walker 'Flashes" Lutes Bros . (Two to All) ST. JOE, MO. Electric Joyner A Foster Mcllyar A H'mllt'n 2d half Harry Ellis ••Patches" ST. LOUIS Grand Opera Wstslka A U'study HolllnsSIs Harry Watklns Chamberlain A E "Melo Dense" Hill A Crest "7 Sweethearts" Great Lester La France Bros Columbia Arthur David Austin A Delaney "Prediction" Greenwich Yll'gers Tilyou A Rogers 2d halt Al Gamble Hilly Doss Rev Flake A Lloyd "Summer Eve" siorx cm, ia. Orphenm Sawyer A Eddie Mack A Stanton Wood A Wyde B LaSalle Co Saw Thru Woman (One to All) 2d half Nathan Bros Cook A Vernon Roberts A Clarke Innls Bros Lang A Vernon Saw Thru Woman SIODX FALLS Orphenm H Collne Co Roberts A Clark Cook A Vernon Kenny Mason A S 2d half Fivo Cranes Fields A Har'ngton Georgia Howard Kn.-ipp A Cornalla SO. BEND, IND. Orphcum KitntT A Heanoy Jean r.arrlos Molirt.iv A Will. Kp Torn Krowu's Rev Smiipsnn & Do'gl.if.- Hally Hun .1 2d I..,If Howard Ni.-hoN BM Rattans* ■.Phillips Os (Tms ts fill) Kavaaaaa* A RVtt Wanner A Palmar (Oao Is til) tdhalf Two Ka wanes J C Nugsat Abraham Llneola Howard A Ross (Ono ts All) TERRR HAUTE HtpnoArssas Msrston A Manley Billy Gerber Rev Coley A Jason OorAsa * d* P AOPay Thomas t tdhalf Noel Lester Ce Hauler A Hews* I Troubadours Lester A Moors TTTAA, OKLAr Orphenm td half RoaUno A Bafts John Oelser "Eyes of Buddha" socMtcil through c AI v. ho Daniol Finn Is rnanaianK fJonlon" Olympiu. l,ynn. Mass. )f i-redcil thf Into Harry H. I-' SIK- . i',; i ■ I; I Harry Knnis (r .v f: ■// ,,,, \ :; , -\ . ely's Maff> was iImihi; -\ sin ],. ;,,.; in \aiul(\ illc. \'.iri l.\s corn-span- ih'iit in Ijt'lMMinri. J'a., ivpi.T ti.,| "Harry fOi.nis. single, rinlir.ary.'" In Variety'^ report* from mm.JVi towns in those days "ordinary" covered everything, the report :-:ii"d. belov good." Nat Smith, fornn r rn: I lli'spi-, .In-t-y City, h.i tin' nianaM'tm a! of l!iiy(;ii;ic, .\'. .1. arrc n. na:.:i'r of I In •■ tr.l. -n f'V.'r t O' William Applsgrto, \v !.o i a ia] Acv manamntf Mo: s' hnaiUvny j York, has bn-p transh i red" h, t,,« i new Khkia, IhooUkn. Mir. <• di,,^ 'Arnold Hitti nhei - .lack MuMo- u •i now addition to the KHth-Mosn fr»rc«.H. Ims been placed in fharge of Hie V, road way. (Sunday openluf) Aerial Rfloneys BAB Adair "Current of Pun" TAsar A Dale Five Patrowara WINNIPEG Gladys Webb Oklahoma City 4 Holland A Olsen Meredith A fln'ser (One to fill) OT. P*LLA. MONT. Pants e;rs (20-21) (Same bill play^ Helena 2ti Swan A Swan Kl Cota Kin? A Irwin l.arry Rellly Co li no bar A TUrntr (One to till) PANTAGES CIECTJIT MINNEAPOLIS Three Atexs Bernard A Ferris Paisley Noon Co Lee Morse Arlsona Joe Co Byal A Early OAKLAND, ('ax, Paatates (SunTlny opening) Mllfo Paula Rolland * Ray Scheftel's R«»v Nell MrKlnlty I!ouae T>nvld Band Creole Faith ion Rer L08 ANC>KLEf> Pantacee Lnrcto Cuba Quartet Harry'Antrim "Tea Mv P^ar" Tlnrdw'll Mayo A B SAN DllX.O Sn»oy Junen A Hylv0H(er C»«»iievlev»' May Co "l>ixleland" (Two to .".11) LONG ITCH. CAL. Hoyt Curl Rnnliii Co I>oral IMair <"o Cliunsj Ifwa Four Clms Horard Co (Others to 111!) SALT LAKE Pantos; e« Humhr»rto llrnn Ju:inita Hanwen Ann Suter Kf*nn<'dy A K»on^y '•nrazllian llriress" (One to (111) OGPEN. ITAD Pantnses (22-24) Rrkoma Jerome North Little Caruso Coleman A Ray Watson A Unuidt Kane Morey A U DENVER Empress "Sawlns; Woman" Al Shayne Chody Dot A M Jenkins 3 Kanazaka Broa O'Hara A Neeley KANSAS CITT Pnntasrea La Petite Re\' Powell Troupe Mary Rellly Walters A Waltert Carlton A Belmont Paul Sydell Co ST. Loris Empress T^ew Wilson 0»t**s A T^ee Little. PlplfaS Melon' Sis "Little Cafe" MEMPHIS Pentoses Charlie Murrsy "Rla's OeneratlOBT S White Kohns Rose A Moon Harry Tauda Brant A M'N'mafn CJINCINNATI Lyric Ross Wyae Co PantaRcs Opera Ce Baby Cecil Ara Sis DI'TTE. MONT. Pentoses (17-20) (Siiiif bill plays Anaconda 21. MIhsouIs 22 > TumMlnjc Demons Tyb.-ll* S'.Htern Hall * Francis Harry Lamour Co Chic Supreme Noodlea Fagln SPOKANE Pantaces Smith'* Animals Crals A Cato Pantheon Singers Benzerv A Haird Lunatic Bakers Sampsel A L'hardt SEATTIJC Fantasies Clans Mannjng A C Hayden O'win A R Dancing H'phreys Al Fields Dr Pauline VANCOUVER, B.C. Pantafes Pederlck A Devere Zelda Santley Johnson Fox A O Glaagow Maids FAT Hayden T.ihakawa Bros TACOMA Pantasee Latoy'a Models Violet Carlson Melodies A Steps "Nlfht Boat" Foster A Rsy 81x Tip Tops PORTLAND. ORE. Pantasee "Act Different" Jack Tralnor Co Harry Van Fossen Johnny Small Co W A O Ahearn Daly A Berlew Travel (Open Week) Jack Dempsey Latrana Johnnlo Becker Co Chuck Rlaner. Terminal Four Broadway Revue P Conchas Jr Co SAN FRANCISCO Pantasee (Sunday opening) Gilbert A Saul INTERSTATE CIRCUIT DALLAS. TEX. Majestic Leruo A Dupree Marie Dorr Alexander A Fields H Herbert Co Sully A Thomas Julian Kltingc t^<' Croha FT. WORTH. TEX. MaJeNtle Hu^li o Donmll ("«.tm< ||y & Frances I'.t'ly Tn.«n Mi-i >''«!:>• & llouBhton \'>rii.ri A Nuhi.lHn ;>.i\.' Sfhoolcr t;n T.tiiy \- Cei>rKc i'\\.\ l>TO\ MiUeetlc < I :> J1 > (.-'■lll.i- »,i|| p|;i\M A n t in J2- 1'4 ) Still ;im "I" i-:. •■•■•.- I'.ilm.r \ T I ' I ll. iu ■ rs (',, '''•<:•■!■ ,<■ r.-irK.-,- ■' I. Mr >\vr;iir: ' •"■ 'i"!i «v I:I. .i 'l.l. u\v.. <•,, HOI STO\. TLA. MnjMtlc V^ ilf.- «l Dnli.>j . 'I "-«>• I -»i- How ;i|-fl & t H A- It C,»nr.id M'-Ui-jith A |)ni|<i Hlsa Ryan Co I."edom A Ciirdii->r Jack Hedlcy Co LITTLE ROCK Majestic T*oi» Kelllor.i Alice Hamlltcn "BlonsoniH" 2 Ttaloy S'ls Bronaon A B-lwnHs 2d hnlf Mang & Snyth-r Ray fern & Maris Wilbur A M«nslield (Two to n 11 > OKLAHOMA Mnjestle (TulMa pplii) 1«<t hr»lf Roatlno K H.-irrctte .'film tSfiyer 'Kyes of RUiMha" HAN ANTONIO MnJ^Htic Clifford .t- M-. Hi well .1' an Middtr-t->n !•: f h.«w;.> ii uKh»-H \. i >« r.i■■•* "l.ittlf I'nJiiK'" M;i\ Dlo. :■• I'iiTlot A S> n.i-'Jd Tl'LSA. OKI.%. MoJ^ftl*' ((>!vl;ih<»ni:i ' ;■'■;) I."' lt;ilf I».*inrln»r K• *»11■ ■ ■<<: ' l.arry Chiis'T The (.eigne-:. » Milt Collin-* AVInton Bros