Variety (April 1922)

VARIETY'S SAN FRANCISCO OFFICES ^an If randsito PANTAGES THEATRE BUILDING Friday, April 7, 1922 GOLDEN GATE CUTS INTO RIVALS' TAKINGS Film Houses Nearby Suffer, But Loew and Pantages Unaffected San Francisco, April 5. Just wliat tffoct the now OoMon Gate, Ori'JK^'urn junor houso, is to have on tlio ui'town picture theatres Is a matter of much speculation. It Is Just around the corner fiom the new Granada and the Imperial and already during the first week Is Bald to have cut Into tho receipts of these two hoisces to a large ex- tent. The (TolO.en Gate Is offering a first run feature film and short reels together wlih six acts of good vaiideviUe for less money than the Granada and the Imperial, which are shov»'ing a feature film and several short reel subjects. The closing of the Casino natu- rallj^ turned some thousands of vaudeville and musical comedy pa- trons loose to choose other places of entertainment, and this is thought to be the reason why neither Pantages nor Loew's felt the opening of the Golden Gate the first week. How the situation will rcr suit later on Is yet to be seen. The California and the Tivoli. several blocks down the street, do not ap- pear to be affected, and probably Will not be. TAB POLICY WINS Loew Coast Stands Report on Split Week Tabs Profit 5. KING ON HIS OWN San Francisco, April Will King, recently starring at Loew's Casino, Is on hia way to Kew York for a vacation. He is scheduled to open at the Auditorium In Los Angeles In May for an en- gagement of 24 weeks. This ven- ture King is to make on his own Initiative. Heretofore he has al- ways been under the direction of Ackerman & Harris. In the forth- coming season King has leased the Auditorium in his own name. I PERRY QUITS LOEW San Francisco April 5. Eugene I'crry, manager of Loew's State. Oakland, has resijned. It is said that dissatisfaction wiilj new conditions Imposed by Loew execu- tives caused Perry to take this ■tep. Ho will be succeeded temporarily by Jharles Newman, recently man- ager of Loew's Cawiiiu iti San Fran- cisco. James Pilling, former man- ager ot the Vancouver Orpheum, is reported as the choice for a perma- nent successor. San Francisco, April 6. Kelly and Rowe, tabloid musical I'ometly company, jilaying the Loew vall«\v houses a split week between Stockton and Sacramento, opene 1 last v.'cek and did a good business, acr'OrdinjT to report. The Jack Kussoll company, play- ing on the j>.inio basis in tho Loew lioumrs at San Jose and Fresno, ali-o opened to satisfactftry patronage. It is r< ported that tho new plan of phi>iiig one-half weelc vaude- ville and Llio other lialf musical conx'dy is meeting with the ap- l>roval of valley audiences. $7,100 FOR "DECLASSEE'' San Francisco, Ai » 5. Fthi'l Parrymoi during her throe days' engagement at tho Aiiditorium in Oakland in "Declas:;:co." drew $7,100 while tho ctimpauy expected $11,000. TliG advance sale for tho attraction was very big, but after the sho'.v opened the sale fell off. There was a good ad .a.ice sale for "Irene," that opened at the Au- ditorium in Oakland today. \V. A. Husco is reported to have bought tho Channcey Olvot ^how. "Ragged Robbin," for the Oakland engagement. It will play tliat city following its stand at the Columbia in San Francisco. CLOSE TILL DECEMBER .San Francisco, April 3. Kolb and Dill in "Give and Take," .\aron Hoffman's new comedy suc- cess, pla>ed three performances in San Jose last week and grossed $4,700 on the engagement. They are scheduled to play re- turn dates in all the principal Val- ley towns and will end their tour on Juno 4. After closing, the com- pany will not reorganize until next December. for tho Xo. t spot, was moved to No. 6. The spot appeared too late for her quiet but richly pixsentcd singing act. The introduction of the Princess's sister, who sang an<l danced, livened things up and brought heavy applause at the lin- isli. Frank Van Hoven. in his se.!oiul week, repeated his howling bu<'cess. Denis Chabot and Monctte Tor- tijil went over strongly in the sec- ond spot. Chabot's nut stuff at the ));ano and the good violin work made him solid with the house. Miss ToMini attracted attention with her no\<'lty costumes with the comedy finish proving a corking . getaway for the couple. M'Cormack and Wallace, pro- pr;im»d for No. 2, opened the show. Tl)e ear^y part of their vontriloquial ofi'.ring suffered through position, l)Ul Ijeld up nicely w'.en fully un- derway. Sam Berk and Juanita .Sawn held the house in the closing si)ot with their snappy dancing and j!ov< Ity work. Adelaide and Hughes dupli ;ated previous v.cck'.s siiccess. PANTAGES 5. IN LOS ANGELES Los Angeles, April 5. Moiris Alburlis formerly of the vaudeville team Alburtis and Jesse Miller is tho stage doorm.in at the new Junior Orpheum. Ho has been resting for many months, tho result of illness. San Francisco, April Poorest business experienced in some time prevailed Sunday due to line weather and new opposition fur- nished by the new (lolden Gate (Orpheum Junior). Light applause was released by the small attendance at the third show Sunday. The biTi, below the average, starl"d with Hazel Moran in a lively and export rope spinning routine. Miss Moi*an posse.«;ses some good storips to accompany her closing stunts. David Reoso displaying a good voice in straight vocal work .seeur'Ml good appl.ause in spots. Jim and Irene Marlyn won some favor with their novelty offering which contains too much introductory ma- terial and not enough dancing. Golden and March in "Good Night Nurso" passed quitely in the second spot. The farce has .some good li-nos liandlod by Miss Golden but other- wise is very small timey. ICli/.abeth NelRon and the Barry Boys made things lively next to closing with thrir comedy and well placed acio- b.atic stunts. Tho Four Bards fea- trired in the billing closed the show. Th<^ sj)lendid athletic feats an<l bal- ancing lifts secured fine appreeia- lion. Josrplis. OBITUARY JACOB A. STERNAO Jacob A. Stornad, 60 years old, died at his home in the Alexandria Hotel, Chicago, Sunday, April 2, of apoplexy. Sternad, who has been in the show business for more than thirty years, was at one time the foremost theatrical manager of Chicago. He conti'olle'd the variety booking .situation here for many years, and practically served as ih? organ.zor of the Western Vaude- ville Managers' As.sociation. After leaving the association ho became the first of the 10 per cent, agents in Chicago and was con- sidered one of the most pro^* rous and reliable agents i!i the city. JN l.OVINO 01-" DEAR MK.MORV I.ITTLB DOLL- of DKMAKEKT and DOLT, HAZEL HARRINGTON ) ONE WINNER IN TOWN San Francisco, April 5. It Is reported that not tinglo theatre in Oakland Is playing to a profit, with the possible exception of one biL, theatre that houses road attractions. This theatre shows a profit only when a star with a name Is the attraction. The picture and vaudeville houses are said to bo merely breaking even. Andress who has been ab:scnt from the stago for a number of years played a week's engagement at Bert I.evey's Hippodrome with his magic routine. The show veteran I is now in his 76tU year. Bill Dailey has turned over the local Bert Levey booking oMices to E. G. Browder and will leturn to San Francisco for a roru. l^ailey has been confined to b<'d for more than a week through an attack of ihe "flu." Tho New Regent in the Vermont and Santa Barbara district has in- stalled a combination policy for three days a week using pictures tlie other^four days. Tho house is owned by the Hoffman Bros form- erly of Detroit, who are erecting a second theatre in this city. For 5. Fanchon & Marco Club San Francisco, April Fanchon & iVIarco have engaged Dick Shepherd as a new singing comedian for their "Little Club* here. Rube Wolff, brother of Mar- co, and recently with tho "Sun- Kist" Revue, is billed to appear at the Little Club j?oon. Rube is noted as a jazz cornet director. Stock Star in Films San Francisco, A pi 11 B. Klwyn Harvey, formal" leading woman at tho Alcazar, has been engaged by the Paul (Jerson Stu- dios here for a series of short reel comedies. SAVOY Hom FIFTEENTH & JEFFERSON STS. OAKLAND, CAL. Special Rates to the Profession Ttlcplinne I.AKKSlDf: 29C,0 Joe Reynolds formerly chief elec- trician for tho Realart sttulios is now in ehargo of tho electrical equipment at the Junior Orpheum. The DeMans who came out here on the Pantages circuit with "The Act I-)ifferent" are giving duncing exhibitions at the Cinderella Roof Fashion show. G. T. McCarthy formerly on the legifniale stage is manager of the roof. Herb ^V'eidoff is conducting the Rudy Weindoff band, wliich supplys tho music, dur- ing his brolher'a absence in the Fast. HIPPODROME San Franci.'ico. April 5. I'ew scats were occupied for the first show Sunday with the houKf failing to fill up during the after- noon. Margot and Willinms started a rather pleasing bill with comedy acrobatics. The woman's work on stills stands out In a good routine. "Mammy" a big woman in black- face put over some syncop^ed num- bers in great style to big returns. ''The Chattle" a comedy dramatic playlet only fairly handled found somo favor with the comedy tho drain.iiic end being taken humor- onsly. McCormack and Winchill good straight and comedian on tho nut order secured a hit with t.alk. songs and dances. Boih possess good voices can dance and put over the talk cleverly. New material would improve the turn. La FoUette and company proved a good feature. His protean work and impersonations going over in good shape. Joscpli^. ORPHEUM San Fr;nui.sco, April r». Tho Orplieuni held two ia|»aoity audiences .Sunday ren.ndloss of lino weather. Billy B. Van .ind James J. CorbetL in "Tho i:ightecnth Amen<lnionl" headlined. Corbott was accorded a rousing roctption and his extreme popularity in this, his home, should prove an exceptional draw during his two weeks' local en- gagement. Van ea.«ily won his way with good material, tho p.nir secur- ing a ])ronounced hit. Mehlinger .TTul Mey«'r in iheir second week pioved exi'ej)iionally popular hold- ov( rs, g'ttins a tremendous rf^cep- tion nnd uith new numbers stopped tho show. I'l inccss Juo Quon Tal, with Ber- n!e Dolan at llio pi.nio, pt nji^i-amed Service and Rates to the Profession HOTEL TURPIN " 17 Powell St., Near Market, SAN FRANCISCO v-»» One Block from All Uh : .^ Theatre* GOLDEN GATE San Francl.sco, April 5. With sunny weather drawing thoMs.inds to tho outdoor resorts, the Tiew Orpheum Junior house filled early Sunday afternoon and lield capo city with tho start of the vautleville which followed the fea- ture picture. An ideal bill surpassed by far the show used to open the house last week. The audiences ap- pear inclined to favor the more vigorous type of cf)tcrtainment with no Krent amount of response given tho quiet turns up to date. Hill Robinson was received with more enthusiasm than any act since tlio house opened. Tho colored en- tertainer has acquired class and w(iiks in approved style. His pat- ter and so?igs registered heavily with the clever dancing stoi)iiing tho show. Sealo went through an entertaining routine in the opening si)ot. The seal lu)lds the stage alone, tho trainc)' remainir)g out of sight. Gladys Biukridge and Billy (Jasey reve.'ilcd rich stago hangings and costly costumes in a high grade singing offering. The Trado "Twins injfct clever dance specialties, with Miss Buckridgo displaying m;irked ability with operatic numbers and scored equally well with tho jazz typo of song. The act was well received. Burt Gordon and Gene Ford drew big laughs next to clos- ing, Gordon's eccentric manneri.«ms ami funny looks secured howl-?. Block and Dunlap, with well mnn- n^rd talk, ntat sotigs and good dancing, wumt over nicely .Vo. 2. .lames Dutttti and Co. cnn<ludod tho vaudeville ivith a nicely presented eq'i«..<trian uct. Josrphf:. Four lumdrcd members of the O'ytnpic Cltib attended the Orplirvim hfio in a l)ody last Moiulay ni^bt to pay tribute to their fellow •lub- man Jainrs J. Corbett who Is on the bilL Tho Olympians all wore white hftts and were so se.ated that their hatii formed a huge letter "O." During the past two years he had been producing vaudeville acts and only recently put out an act for small time vaudeville along similar lines to Singer's Midgets. He is survived by a widow and one son. The sympathy of all show people, especially the vaudeville old-timers who knew Jake ,Stern9,d when he was the "booking king of Chicago," was being lavished op that game veteran as he died in a hospital in Chicago, sufi'oring from a paralytic stroke that came as a tragic climax in bis career. Sternad, who was tho organizer of the Western Vaudeville Mana- gers' Association, and, after losing his grip there, was the originator of cabaret bookings in the middle west, slipped until he was manag- ing a small time theatre, the Star, in tho outskirts of Chicago. Ho gave this up because of illnes.*;. This season he got the idea of gathering together a troupe of midgets. It was an arduous ta.sk and lie had many disappointments and difilcultle.«<. He went into paitnership witi' Baba Del Garlan. a .«5howman, and together they got tlie company, produced the act and proved It a drawing card. Finally a route was approved at an attrac- tive salary. Sternad was entering his office in the Garrick theatre building to sign the contracts when lie was stricken. Tho physicians .said that his joy had overwhelmed him and superinduced the stroke. STEPHEN T. KING Stephen T. King, theatrical man- ager, died this week in the New York Hospital after a brief illness, at the age of 67. He was born in Goldhills, Nevada, and educate ' at Cornell. After a brief period of stock broking he entered the the- .itri^al busines.s. He managed "Wang" in 1892, directed several of IN KOND MKMORY OF ill' OLD BOSS JAKE STERNAD ■\VIIO PAS.SED AWAY SU-NDAT, APRIL 2, 10:2 JIMMY CHESTER the Hoyt shows and was associated in the production of "The Highway- man," "Black Sheep," "Colorado" and "Sky Farm," the last with Jo- s< pli R. Grismer, who was killed by a trolley car several weeks ago. From that lime on he has been constantly identified with Ei n«\st Shipman, first as general manager of Mr. Shipman's theatrical attrac- tions and of late y<^ars his close confidant and assistant in motion picture production and exploitation. Ho leaves a widow, Helen Douglas King. 5. WILLIAM DAILEY San Francisco, Apr*! William Dalloy, one of the best- known theatrical manago;-3 on the Pacific Coast, died hero last week after a brief illnes.s. Dailey was manager of the Los Angeles office IN I (>M> .MKMOKV or Our lU'st and IlrurcNt Frl<>n(1 EZRA MATHEWS Ills was a K^'ullo soul; lovinfj, faifli- fill. »olf-.sarrifu injf; th«« suniihiiif it cast win livo forever. To know him wan to lov»^ him. PAT AND NORA BARRETT of the Bert Levey Vaudeville Cir- cuit. He had been identified with this circuit off and on for the past 14 yoar.K. Dailey is survived by his wife, l:nown professionally as May Nan- nery, and a son, Kennetl. Dail* y. ANNA SCRANTON Anna Scranton, of Han y ami Anna Scranton. wire act, died of pneumonia April 1 at the J>« troit IN LOVING MK.MORV of Our Dearest FriontI JAKE STERNAD who dipd April 2. 10:2 EDITH and LEO GREENWOOD Hospital, Detroit, after a week's Ill- ness. The a-t opened at the Detroit Opera House Sunday, but was forced to retire. She is survive<l by her husband with whom she worked. There are no children. The body was shipped to Saginaw for inter- ment. BENNETT MARKS Bennett Mark.-^, father of i:tl\vard B. Marks, the music publislur, dlrd in New York, April 3, ami was buried from his late residenec. 650 Riverside Drive. He was ^8 jears old. Mr. Marks war .a Civil V a. vet- eran, being a member of the pi ovest guard, and was also connerted at one time with the Troj', N. Y.. lire department. Only recently, In November, he celebrated the i^folden anniversary of his wedding. He is survived by a widow and four sons, Edward B., Max, Sol and Mitchell B. MarUs. NELL B. CLAIRE Nell B. Claire (Gardner and Claire) collap.^,cd on the stage in .Mu.skogee, Okla,, Monday night after finishing her act and died within a few hour.s. Sho was in her early thirties and tho daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John MuUan. 300 West 49th street. Mr. Mullan haj been con- nected with ♦.he A. H. Woods attrac- tions for years, and Is the adver* tising manager for Woods* New York theatres. The body of Miss Claire was brought to New York for burial yesterday. ADELBERT H. FISCHER Adelbcrt H. Fischer, president of the Fi.scher Features, Inc., Motion Picture iboratories of New Ro- chelle and A. H. Fi.schcr Pioduc- tions, died at his home there March 31. He was born in Germany in 1865 and camo to New Rochello from Gloversvillc, N. Y., in 1919. He was formerly a manufacturing druggist. He was a member of the I'riars Club. ALEXANDER BYERS Alexander Bycrs, 67 years old. died at his home in Chieago March 31. Mr. Bycrs at one time was A member of tho August in Daly fstock company at Daly's th'atre. New York, and also played with Fanny Davenport in several pro- ductions. He had large proj)erty (Continued on page 25) Cafe Marquard GEARY AND MASON STREETS, SAN FRANCISCO THESPIANS' FAVORITE RENDEZVOUS FOR LUNCHEON, DINNER AND AFTER THE SHOW DANCING AND CABARET SPECIAL NIGHTS THEATRICAL NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY FETE FUN FROLIC