Variety (March 1922)

Friday, March 17, 1922 LEGITIMATE 17 FOREIGN REVIEWS i'HEUEE DU BERGEE Paris, March 1. ' Th* ne^ three-^ct comedy of indouard Bourdet at the Theatre Antolne is a delightful play of medium categrory. As a study of Euman nature it might have had a ^*^An aged profeasor's daughter, Francine, has leased a villa in the kouth for the summer vacation with her father and younger brother. Pranclne manages the family and declines to cancel the lease when the owner's son, Antonio, calls to ex- olaln hia mother had no right to let the place without his consent. The villa is sacred for him, as the altar of his love Intrigue with the former tenant, a married lady, who has gone off with a South American. Francine becomes interested' In Antonio, some years her junior, and encourages him to talk of his pas- sion, with the natural sequel of mutual love. . ^ , ^ , . The married lady has been stranded by her later flirt and reap- pears. She has an interview with Francine, who Imagining Antonio really cares for her, tells the young man of the circumstances and sug- gests he hasten to see her. Fran- cine Is astounded when Antonio rushes off to meet his former mis- tress. He soon returns disillusioned. for finding the fruit too easy to be picked he prefers that more difficult to gather. The professor's daughter is pure, notwithstanding her great love for the violent young lover. He, to prove his sincerity, asks for her hand, when the selfish old professor breaks into tears at the idea of being abandoned by his daughter-house- keeper. Her future happiness does not enter into hla mind. Francine adores her father and refuses mar- riage, but later that night, when the lovers are parting she throws her- self into Antonio's arms, intimat- ing there is no reason why they ■hould not be happy together until auch time as they can marry (in fplte of the difference of age). In this dress "L'Heure de Berger" (or may we say "The Call of the Blood" or "The Bending Moment") Is a romantic story, not strictly moral, but constituting a good en- tertainment. As a psychological study, which Is evidently Intende'd, the true denoument Is lacking. Concentrating the first two acts Into one, making the last act the second, and adding a new third, •hewing the couple a few years later, after a period of bliss, with Antonio cooling off and calling to bid adieu, realizing the difference of age between them as a terrible ob- stacle to their lawful union, would have been logical. The author has explained in the first act Francine Is 28 years of age, while Antonio is Just out of his teens. The woman could then re- flect on the great sacrifice made to an egotistical parent, who has in the meantime passed away, leaving his too obedient daughter alone in the world. This may have been an unpleasant Climax to an agreeable play, but nearer the truth, unfortunately. Particularly as the author, Edouard Bourdet, has adroitly led us to imagine In his present ending that Such a dreadful cunclu»iou awaits the heroine. The play Is romantic, and yet there is a deep study of liuman nature as a undercurrent. £cndrcu>» CHAIR HUMADnE Paris, Feb. 22. Henry Bataille apparently wishes to score a record as the most pco- llfic playwright. The clever autnor consequently must be doomed to a few Hops. Such is the case with his latest three-act piece produced at the Theatre du Vaudeville, now Jinder the management of Sylvestre, It Is a war play, and in this aspect it is for the time beincr unwelcome. Moreover it closely resembles, in the framework, the melodrama signed by Pierre do Courcelles. "L*Autre Fils." also now running at the The- atre des Arts under the nianaKC- •nent of Darzens. The criticn re- ceived the latest effusion of liataille ''[ith almost universal reserve. "]l.a Chair Humuine" ('Human Flesh') is not a love story. The author evi- dently refers to *the blood sacrifice during the recent world catuHii t^^die. from which we still suffer. Ilorc is the outline of the riot: Jeanne Hou- lard, seamstress, seduced by tl.ihriel Levasseur, the son of a fnmily ^hero she was cmploved, has a Child. The fellow does little for her. and finally breaks off all relations When lio nnrries an heiress. Jeanne ''ai.«?e!? l.cr boy correctly while I.e- va^sour l»econies a prosperous mrin. lather of another son. Pierre. In the two following acta we meet thf same (h.-inictcrs. i)laved by oth'T Peopio, L'G years having passed. Tlio war^is in f,,ii force, nnd Joanne rails <>n ..cvasseur to inform him tli-'ir Jjn l3 hilled. The father now f«'els i^he panps of rot,'rpt nt his former Jjeglect. particularlv a.s hifl h-^iti- jnate offspi inR is a slacker. Ills wife "as hcon pleadi' g with him to use JUS influence in havint? I'ierro re- fc xamed in the rear. On hearing of ^wt^deay^H^ young Boulard the father compares the two casei; re- veals the truth to his wife and son, the latter spontaneously deciding to be transferred to a regiment leaving for the front. And Mmo. Levasseur becomes reconciled, expressing her admiration for the natural son of her husband. But Bou- lard has not been killed and, like Pierre, returns home. Then there is an admirable scene between the two mothers, with Mme. Levasseur, rich bourgeois, fearing the intrusion of an illegitimate issue Into the family midst may mar the future of her own son. Thereupon, contrary to the similar story in "L'Autre Fils," young Boulard discreetly withdraws with his mother, leaving the selfish Levasseurs to their own circles. Al- though the first act Is the best of the three, Batallle does not fail In the last scene to whip society soundly and thrust many unpleasant truths on the fashionable public. As Is usual at such curtain lectures pres- ent company is always excepted as guilty parties. By no means Ba- taille's best style, it is a strong dra- matic work, admirably constructed, with philosophical lines and en- thralling situations. But this popu- lar author has not made good on this occasion. Had he been a new- comer this work might have been accepted as full of promise, but from an old hand It is lacking In many points. Which goes to prove a suc- cessful playwright must not try to impose too many works in one sea- son on a docile public. Kcndrew. L'AUTRE FUS Paris, Feb. 10. A rather mediocre melodrama In three acts by Pierre Decourcelle, by no means equal to "Two Little Vagabonds," has been mounted by R. Darzans at the Theatre des Arts. Professor Fougeret, a timid man in the presence of his wife, had a son before his marriage. Ho never dared to give much attention to Jacques, but the mother (a seamstress, who died when the boy was In his teens) reared him prop- erly so that he carried off all the prizes at school and won his doctor's degree. Fougeret later had another son, Georges, legitimate this time, who was spoilt by excessive pampering and failed in all his exams. He became a gay dog until the war broke out, when he proved himself a hero. Before joining his regiment as army doctor, Jacques paid a visit to his father, accompanied by his young wife and child. He thus met his brother Georges. Later, after a battle, Georges is brought Into his ambulance wounded and Is tenderly nursed by Jacques and his w'fe until the hospital is bombarded and the order to retire is issued. In the haste the wounded Goorges is left behind as killed during an explosion. The mother mourns her lost boy, and on learning of the devotion of Jacques she becomes reconciled, agreeing to welcome her husband's Illegitimate son into the home. In this manner Jacques, his wife and child fill the place of poor Georges. But the latter was not killed. The Germans picked him up and re- stored him to heallh. After the armistice he returned, in the last act, to his doting mother after she has been judiciously prepared for tho shock. Thus the war unites the family as the curtain falls without music. It Is pure melo, and may bring a few tears. The success Is fair, and "L'Autre Fils" should earn a rea- sonable run. Kendreio, by his henchman. Mercury, taking the part of Joseph, the head butler in the employ of Miquette's father, in whose mansion the Olympians now meet. Venus, with feminine tact, recognizes Joseph and facili- tates his withdrawal by promising him her favors on their return to Olympia. Love contrives that Rich- ard and Miquette meet, but as ills spell Is supposed to be extinct on this planet 50 years hence their mu- tual attractions are sport and busi- ness. Only worldly possessions in- fiuence marriages in those future days; love does not exist, as decreed by Vulcain. When Richard fs weak enough to express his carnal longing for Mi- quette the girl laughs and turns her )ack, whereupon Vulcain offers him- self as a suitable husband caring only for worldly trifles. Love has now only a few days In which to achieve his task. In the third act all the roles are- brought together in a garden. By chance one of Cupid's arrows had long ago spent itself In a tree, but the magnetic influence of the dart was still felt by those who happened to pass under Its branches. In this manner Myrtale and Thysis are reconciled, this time not by filthy lucre but true affection. Vulcain re- turns to Olympia with Venus, this forming the apotheosis for the final curtain. The amusing operetta is suitably performed by an excellent troupe headed by Francell and Brigitte Re- gent. It is quite clean, with a tuneful score. It should attract, particularly as Manager Soulier has taken the Initiative In reducing prices to a more reasonable figure. In this he will have to be followed by other theatrical directors if they wish to recruit audiences. The public Is tired of the 30-franc seats, and re- cently onl^ full houses have been possible by a judicious distribution of half-price tickets. Kendrew. OUT OF TOWN REVIEWS LOLA liola T.lbbr H<»l*n Shipman Mr«. OawalJ Amoor Kunlce Uurnham I>orothy Atnoor Vera Myera (Hadys A. J. Herbert OInn Dupp Kddle Garvle I'bll Bllta • I.*on I^eoiiard Archie ,,,,.. .Herman Krgottl Arthur Gates ,,,.Clarence Derwant Captain l*'r»d J. MarteU Nherirr Hop* Nate Goodwin Steward • John Kldadale Officer Vfm. Flanavan MONSIEUR L'AMOUB Paris, Feb. 22. This three-act operetta by R. Peter and H. Falk, music by Marcel Laltes, the composer of "Nelly," was intended for London, but has first seen tho lipht at the MoK'ador Pal- ace, where it is splendidly produced and nicely received. The ytory Is Imafiinary mythology, doscribing how Mvrtalc and Thysis fice from Olvmpia bocau.se the former was covete.l bv \ukMin, who. like his father, .Jupiter, was a pay dog. Mer- cury watched their \\\ixht and was mean enough to tell Vulcain, who in a fit of anger demanded justice of his father. Tlie god of Love (not designated here as Cupul) was con- victed as an accessory to the fact and coiidernnod to lose his power. Nevertheless, ;i.s a concession, it was stipulated Love might recover his charm if he suc-eeiled In unitmg Myrtale and Tliysis on earth, where It'was onlained they should forget one another. Tfiis union was to be accomplished within ;i Miven penofi without the aid of his iir^ual darts, (hstroved by \iilcain. In the sec- ond a(t Myrl.ile has b^vome Mi o. MilqufJie. daii^ht'T of a rich bank- er and cnlv thinks of sport or hav- ing a pood 'lime. Th> sis has become i:ir-hard. a wralthy manufacturer w hose uniqu.* aim is to makf monfV. I.ove coni.M on earth to fullill his criMnd and assumes tho personality of Zin^ohn, an .aninseinent caterer. He is .ac.omi)>uiod by his mother, Venu.s. disguised as a marquise. Vulcain, pursuing Myrtale. passe.s himself as C'omU Brzid.rff a ^-^^^^2\ \ European diplomat. He is assisted LULU, 6ABDE TON COEUB Paris, Feb. 15. M. Tenot, having taken over the Ternes Cinema, an old theatre used for pictures during the past eight years, has restored it to its former status by producing a 3-act farce with the above title, by Etienne Arnaud and Andre Heuze. It Is a rollicking composition of the Palais Royal category, of a blue hue and quite near the knuckle. Two sis- ters, Micheline and Lulu, marry the same day, the former to George, a fellow of her own choice; the latter being constrained by her parents to accept Henri, whereas she loves Hector, a fiutist, whose calling has some weight in the supposed jokes of the evening. Lulu swears to be- long to Hector and no other. She keepa her vow and the two husbands complain to their parents-in-law of their respective brides, Micheline's exactions resembling Oliver Twist, wjiile Lulu has refused all conjugal rights. The two young men had previously carried on with Stella, a professional beauty, and to eclipse that inter- fering lady on the wedding day the fathor-in-law had paid hush money furnicjhcd by the bridegrooms, and he took advantage of the situation by replacing the young man at their expense. (And there is a censor in France for moving pictures which during the past few years had ex- acted cuts In certain Grifllth's films). Hector has succeeded in being en- gaged as a waiter In the hotel where we find the parents and their two daughters with their respective hus- bands just back from tho honey- moon. He reminds the faithful flirt of the title of this farce, "Lulu, keep your heart." The hotel ia kept by Mme. Olive, who is on intimate terms with a policeman. This detec- tive has captured an electirc belt during one of iils exploits, and after having worn it himself all the other characters in this risky effusion suc- ceed in appropriating the regener- ator, experiencing frisky results. Thus during tho last act we dis- cover them at different times in- stalled in the same bed, whereby Lulu is enabled to prove lier hus- band's adultery for the purpose of obtaining* a divorce and then marr>' Hector, while Henri returns to the charms of Stella. Such is tho en- tertainment offered for a rising gen- eration at the Ternes theatre, re- placing moving pictures judiciously controlled in France by a paternal government. It must be added. In all justice to tlio nation, tliere are many higlily respectable families in Paris who bitterly complain at Kome of thp literary wares presented at certain establishments of the city. The majority of French citizens are respectable, straight-minded men, and It seems a pity the moral reputation of this brave rnco is at stak»^ by tlie abuse practised by cer- tain \'e!-pasien managers. Pittsburgh, March 15. Leslie Morosco's first production entirely on his town gives promise of providing a hit, despite the vagaries of the current season. The producer Is planning wisely. He moved the show Into this city in its third week, probably because the star, Helen Shipman, is a native. It is directed toward Chicago, where the same young lady registered something of a knockout In 'Irene," still fresh In memory there. The local move did not turn out so happily. The fact of Helens nativity has been apparently sub- merged during all the years In which she has climbed to the realm of big and bold type, and, while she was featured for a couple of weeks in advance as "The Pittsburgh Girl," her ex-neighbors and townsfolk failed to respond as expected, at least early In the week. Like others In her own profession and in others, she may not be amply appreciated In her home town, but If her right to stardom ha« been uncertain In the past, there need be no more question of iU As a comedienne, she is made. George E. Stoddard has auppUed a part well suited to her talents, and Miss Shipman rises above by skillfully shading contrasts between her artistic clowning and the serious stuff which carries the plot. Whether Mr. Stoddard has equalled his "Lis- ten Lester" is a question. The lat- ter started off with a snap, which the present piece lacks. The wal- lop at the outset. In addition to the dancing of the chorus at present, is all needed to move the first section along on all six. A little more cere- mony leading up to the star's en- trance would not be a miss, since musical comedy audiences have been educated to that form of Introduc- tion to newly vaunted leads. The play is In two acts and three sets, two of them used In the first half. A pretty hanging Is also used. The plot, though framed on conven- tional lines, has original treatment, offering plenty of room for tho nec- essary comedy. Lola Llbby, of Ko- komo, Ind., en route to Bermuda to assume control of a hotel a rich relative has devised to her, Is af- forded the opportunity of rescuing an Englishman fri i drowning. When she arrives on the scene un- announced, to find the hotel mis- managed by a clerk who has a weak- ness for overlooking female patrons' bills, she finds the guests about to bo ousted through default in lease. Through co-operation of the Eng- lishman she has saved, and an al- leged film magnate who gets 10 grand on a promise to convert one of the more wealthy female guests Into a fifm star, the hotel is won back, with Lola much appreciative of the Englishman's efforts to the extent of accepting his hand. The music of James F. Hanley, except for one rtumber, "At the End of the Road," has little to commend it. Two more catchy melodies might well be Injected. Mr. Stod- dard is using a few well-known vaudeville quips, as "Prohibition Took My Breath Away" and "Did Your Husband Leave You Much?" •♦Yes, Nearly Every Night," but these are not weak spots, since In "Listen Lester" one of the biggest laughs came on the reply of the hotel clerk, "I can give you the room, but not the bath." Before the end of the stay here this week, Fred Holder is scheduled to step Into the role of the hotel clerk, which should be easy for him, and which will supply one of the show's needs at present In the shape of another comedian. Helen Groody took one of the principal parts Monday, and has a fair por- tion allotted to her, all of which she handles in fine style. Eddie Garvie, when he gets at home In his new assignment, will go bigger than in "Betty Be Good" or "Listen Lester.- Ilerman Ergotl, as the flip bellhop, pulls no mean honors, sharing the applause hit in a duet with Miss Shipman and an acrobatic bit with two choristers. The other parts are in capable hands. John McKee and Joseph Smith are credited with the staging. The choristers are a well-trained bunch, supplying what they lack •f looks with unusually good stepptng. ABIE'S IRISH ROSE Mra. Isaac Oohen Lillian Bllioft Mr. Isaac Cohen Max Davldsoa Jacobs .Samuels. lUbbl.. ..Joseph En*nto« Abraham Levy, Sr Sldaer FrankUe Abraham Levy, Jr Qayns Whltmaa Rose-Mary Bsasis Bytoe Father Whalen Arthur Rutlads* Patrick Murphy. Harry OarHtr FlowBf airl Doris Dcwvy Blx bridesmaids. BANCO J Mr Is. Feb. G. Tin's romrdy, three arts ])y Alfred .S.'ivoir. aiitlior c.f "r.lucl)f'ard'3 I'JiKhlh Wife,'" forms the new bill at thM rotiniere, a small hous«^ rontin- uallv ( hatiKJnR its fare. In the first art 'we llnd Clutrlorte in a c;\h\uo awaiting her RumMing luisband, Count Aloxandrt'. .'^lie hns married the fellow orjainst the wishes of h<r family and J^lie Im on tho lii^'h road to ruin, r«r'((iiipf*nsit!g her patir'nee l»y various love adventurcH on the Hide. She m'cts liaron I)«'HgnIere^i, a country geutlemtin devoted to hi^ dOKH. Aftor a vain nppenl to the prodicjal to reform, Charlotte announces her firm Intention of seeking a divorce, and accepts the Baron's arm, while retaining a warm spot in her heart for the Joyful gambler. In the sec- ond act Charlotte has married tho Baron and Is living quietly at their country mansion. She has all the feminine luxury she desires, but finds her existence a bit weary. Meantime, Alexandre has become a famous aviator, and his former wife takes a certain pleasure in reading of his prowess. Neverthe- less, when an automobile accident causes the popular airman to sock assistance at the Baron's mansion, and he recognizes Charlotte, she turns a deaf car to his pleadings for pardon, etc. Alexandre Is a «port with the ladles. Confident the Baron will not know of his former connec- tions, ho boldly solicits shelter and sets out to reconquer Charlotte. He enters her room and hides while the Baron Is present. Then in despair ho sots fire to a haystack, with the object of getting tho husband out of tho way, and returns to the charge, Charlotte, realizing the danger, proposes a hand at baccarat to keep tho Impudent ra.seal quiet, staking her own person as banco against the word of lionor of the Count that he will clear out. Charlotte wins and Alexandre sadly turns to go. Then tho woman realizes she still loves her first husband, who has declared hitherto his religion as a Itoman Catholic has not permitted him to consider tho divorce as valid, fallH Into his arms and confesses her readiness to elope. It is an old dic- tum that all Is fair in love and war, and the C(»uple apply this morality to tluir action, the sedate Baron be- ing the victim of tho adventure. TIiIh risky comedy Is well played l)y Charlotte I.yses (Charlolfo), Andre Lefour (tlie Kedato Baron) and Jules Berry (tho enterprising Count who has made a profielent study of liie fonilnine a^x and Icnfivvs faint lie.art nover won fair lady), 'there are many Hi<lo Kituatlon.s to season the disli, which, however. Is not equal to Ba lluitieme Temme de Barbo Bleu, but a long distance ahead of Be Troisleme Couvert. Savolr might Iiavo entitled lils pres- ent farce ' Th'^ Third Husband." Kcndrcxo. liOs Angeles, March IS. Anna Nichols has written a play around the marriage of a Jew to an Irish colleen which Is padded en- tirely too much, holds much cross- fire gagging and overburdened with talk. If condensed and freed from many draggy situations it would be more fitting, but etill scarcely worth while. "Abie's Irish Rose" opened at the Morosco stock house last week under the personal supervision I of Oliver Morosco (recently home from the east), with Augustln J. (Jlassmire as stage director. The local dallies told of Morosc(rs inten- tion of taking the play to Broadway following the local "break-In" at his btock house. It is a comedy with a Lmckground of sentiment offered in three acts. A number of Incidentals have slipped the producer's mind in the staging of this play. For Instance, there is an Abraham, Br., and an Abraham, Jr., yet the Jewish reli- gion, especially when dealing with tli%,type of Abraham, Sr., who Is a thorough orthodox, forbids the nam- ing of a child after a living parent. Abraham Levy, Jr., brings home his wife, Rose-Mary, whom he In- troduces to his father as a dear friend. Levy, Sr., is told the pretty girl's name la Rosle Murphyskl, which immediately meets with the old boy's approval. Itose-Mary's name Is really Murphy. Abie, Jr., has made phins which will have the father love tho girl fur what she Is and not her religion, after which young Able would tell dad about their marriage. Dad. however, see- ing how well son takes to his lady friend and figuring that here would be a good match, fixes things up for a wedding. Dr. Samuels, a friend of tho family, will perform the cere- mony. Rose-Mary's fatlR^r Is due in Now ¥ork from California, but his train Is an hour late. To please Able, Sr., the rabbi Is, of course, go- ing to tie the knot. Abie, Sr., doesn't know that his 6on was married a week previously by a Methodist min- ister. Impatient and nervous, Rose- Mary succeeds In having the wed- ding take place before tho arrival of her father. In the middle of the wedding Tapa Murphy, accom- panied by Father Whalen, a priest from California, arrives at the Levy home. Dad Levy learns the truth that his daughter-in-law Is a gen- tile. Then tho hoke rages between the two jiarents. Finally to please Mr. Murphy the couple are married for a third time by tho priest. Still tho parents are against the mar- riage. A year passes. It is Christmas ove. TIjo Cohens, dear friends of tho Levys, who remained loyal to the newlywcds, visit the young (ouplo In their apartment. Rose- .y has baked ham for the Irish and Kosher food for the guestst The parents Fucak around, ono with the rabbi, the other with priest. Each is anxious to see tho baby. Ono vows it must bo a boy, the other wants a girl. Of course, all the time the young cfiuple are In tho kitchen and do not know of their . irents* arrival. Finally the surprise comes. Twins are brought out from an in- (Continucd on page 13j