Variety (April 1922)

10 BURLESQUE Friday, April 7, 1922 MRICAN-COLUMBIA PLAN AMERICAN CIRCUITS ASSETS RELEil American Scheduled to Start $350,000 Damage Suits Against Columbia This Week—Herk Wins Point in American Bankruptcy Proceedings ^ 4 The closing of all cliannols through which a aettlemrnt of the •ontroversy between the warring interests of the American and Co- lumbia circuits might have been reached last r.cck, as a result of the failure of the peace negotia- tions, left the two factions further •part than at any time since the battle started. This means that the battle will be fought out to a finish. Supporting this view, a man prominent on the American side of the controversy stated this week that the long reported damage suits contemplated by the American against tho Columbia would reach a court stage toward the end of the current week. According to the American man, there arc to be several legal actions instituted by the American Bur- lesque association against tlie Co- lumbia Amusement Co. as an or- ganization, and .gainst individuals connected with tho Columbia as well/ These suits. It is said, will aggregate $350,000 instead of $2jO,- €00, as prcvious!y reported. The whole subject of the Ameri- can and Columbia is to be thor- oughly threshed out In court, with the Burlesque Booking Office and Its relations, if any, to tho Colum- bia Amusement Co. to bo included In the threshing out process. I. II. Herk, president of the American Burlesque association. was served with a subpoena to ap- pear In the Federal District Court this week to show cause why he ahould not be examined before trial In the pending bankruptcy proceed- ings against tho A. B. A. The motion was decided In favor of Herk, the court denying the mo- tion to examine him. This is re- garded as a victory for tho lltrl< aide of tho controversy. BURLESQUE PRODUCERS DISSOLVE ASSOCIATION Settlement of Labor Troubles Ends Organization's Purpose Court Orders Pacific Bank to Honor Officers' Checks The Burlesque Producers' Asso- ciation, Inc., was formally dissolved by an order signed by Supreme Court Justice L-ehman conHrmlng the majority stockholders' ie'.ition that since the settlement of the stagehands' and musicians' trouble An order .sifrncd by Judge Learned Hand of the Southern District Fed- eral Court empowers the officqrs of the American Burlesque Associa- tion, Inc., to exercise full power over the corporation's assets, to pay salaries and make other neces- sary disbursement.s always subject to written receipts. The Pacific Bank of New York is simultaneous- ly ordered to honor all of the al- leged bankrupt's checks. This decision permits T. H. Herk to draw $400 salary for periods coverin^r Feb. CO to March 4. T. W. Gallaglier, secretary-treasurer Is allowed $200 salary for the same two week.s, John McSwceney, the audi- tor, $150. and Miss Wright, sten- ographer. $uO. The American Burlesque Asso- ciation, Inc., has filed an answer denying It is insolvent to ihe'extent of $125,000, as alleged, claiming as- sets of $150,000 and demanding a Jury trial to adjudicate this claim. the burlesque Impresarios had no Meanwhile Peter B. Olney, Jr., has further need for the organization. John G. Jermon, James E. Cooper, Barney Gerard, Harry Hastings NATIONAL STARTS WELL Old "Victory Belles" Bil In New Stand ling Used and Arthur Pearson, who signed the petition, constituted the board of directors. They sot forth the B. P. A. was organized "to promote the interests of burlcf^que producers: to co- operate in the successful man.'ige- ment of burle.snuc productions; to promote friendly feeling and good will among burlosquo producers," and for other purposes. Including the combatting of the .»^trik»»s. which have since been .«^etlle(i, malcir.g the association unnecessary. The petition states there Is $595.47 cash on hand, and tho fol- lowing subscriptions were made by the (»iA''nuzir3 it the i!iotp*lon of tho H. P. A.: Jamos K. Cooper, $2,000; Warren B, Irons and Jacobs &. Jermon, $1,500 each: Arthur I'earson, 1. H. II< rk and RuJ K. Uynita. $1.000 eatl), and tho fol- lowing $500 apiece: Jean Bdlnl. W. S. Campbell. J. Herbert Mack, Drew &. Campbell, Sam Howe, Harry Hastings, Barney Gerard, Dave Marion, Charles E. "VWiUlron, Max f^pie^fl. Al. Kcevc.«». Dan Dody, H. C. Miner and Billy Watson. Ilurtig & Se.jmtin owe the B. P. A. $C72, and Jack Singer owe.i $1G8. been appointed special commis- sioner In the proceedings to exam- ine the officers, particularly I. H. Herk, the president, as to tlie A. B. A. assets. IRWIN WINS POINT Court Rules Against Columbia's Motion to Dissolve $100,000 Suit CiJ-cago. April ,5. Tho National theatre, which opened with Burlesque Booking Of- fice attractions on March 26, did a fair business on Its first week. Tho attraction carded was J. E. Coop .or's "Victory Belles." The reason for tht use of tliis title was that tlie producers bad ■ome old paper on band whi« h they desired to use up. The Impression gathered in tho neighborhood from the advertising or paper was tliat the attraction was a regular Co- lumbia circuit show. This week "Mi.s New Tork. Jr.." "Whioli wan an American burlri^quo circuit attr.. f.'on, is b ng prestMod at tlie house. (< SUGAR PLUMS" DISSOLVE Chicago, April 6. James E. "Blutoh" Cooper's "Sugar Pliim.s" suddenly endt<l their tour of the Columbia circuit when they completed their engage- ment at llie Columbia theatre on Saturday night. The reason given was that the show would have to lay off this week prior to going into Omaha, and as tlic circuit was to close on April 15, it was calculated that It would be more profitable to «lose tho season In Chicago than lay off a week, play Omalia and then take the troupe of 35 persons into XcA» York. CLEVELAND OUT The quarterly meeting of the board of directors of the Anialga- linater Burlesque Enterprises was held Wednesday, April 5. in the ofiices of the Columbia Ani'iscment Co. It was decided to close tlio Empire, Cleveland, and the show "The Beauty Hevue," April 13. Botli bouse and show aro now on the Burlesque Booking Ollicc circuit. Those present Wednesday we»e J. Herbert Mac. I. H. Hork, E. T. Beany, AVarren Irons and H. N. JIynici;a. .*^am ,*>cribner, president of tbo Am.Tlg.im.ifciJ, did nr>t .Jfeiid the meeting. PAT WHITE'S STOCK .Minne.ipulis, April 5. Pat Willie will succeed Jim Ben- nett, Jewish comedian, in charge of the stock at Gayefy since it opened six weeks ago. Manager Bill Koenig announced this week. He will head CJayely burlesque for four weeks, beginning Sunday, in capacity of proibiccr and star of sliow. Tho Columbia Amusement Com- pany's motion to dismi.ss Fred Ir- win's suit for $100,000 damages on the pleadings was denied by Justice Mullan late last week who .said In part, "The failure to allege the num- ber of shares owned by plaintiff is ground for a possible suspicion that plaintiff did not own the prescribed number, but It Is not inconsistent with, and thus does not destroy the effect of the general allegation of due performance." Columbia alleges Irwin did not own the necessary 25 shares of cor- porate stock to malce him eligibb? for a renewal of his two franchises for the loss of which Irwin wants $100,000 damages. Irwin say.s he owns them but that Gus Hill Is possessor thereof as colluttral for a loan. SUMMER WHEEL SHOW Columbia Runs to May 22—Gerard's "Follies" Gets Run As forecasted In Variety last week, the Columbia circuit will close tho season April 15 with a few exceptions, the Columbia, Now York, continuing the regular season until May 22. Following the ending of tho reg- ular season at the Columbia. Bar- ney Gerard's "Follies of the Hay" will go in May 22. tho "Follies' hav- ing been selected for tho s'tmmcr run. PROPOSAL UP TO RETURN BURLESQUE CLUB Clubhouse Proposition Cold and Contributors Would Welcome Cash as Lean Season Approaches-^ Building Plan Off for Present COLUMBIA DOES $7,900 Tlie Columbia, to about $7,000 New "Jorlc. pla\ed last week with BURLESQUE CHANGES Florence De Vere of the Abe Rey- nolds Jtevue, Columbia Circuit, !<•- jiJaced Flossie Kvcrett, soubret with tlie show, Ia.st week wliile tho al- iraction was playing tho Cairfy. 3'jttsburgh. Bonnie Itu^sel loo;< J^liss De \ ercs former role. Harry Morrisey and .Toe Young, formerly of "Sweet Sweetie"' com- pany, American Circuit ultra'tion. have entered vaudeville, opening at Keith's Royal April 17. Watch for FRANK VAN HOVEN'S ^-'- ^'*- ^-* Aniiur INarson's "Ibis of F.road- way' as the attraction, ""he Friars' Club party in honor of Arthur Pearson at the Columbia Monday night swelled tlie pross $1,400 for llie if-ingL' pcii .rni.mcc. NO INCREASE I WITH CONTINUOUS Films Fail to Hold Crowd- Mixture Does Not Appeal ICansas City, April 3. The first week of continuous vaudeville, pictures and burlesque at the CJayety, Columbia wheel, ended last night and was far from the success anticipated. The busi- ness was just about the same as the preceding: week with straight bur- lesque. All seats in the house are reserved and those buying In ad- vance waited until time for the regular burlesque performances to start, and when the regular shows were over tho pictures failed to hold the crowd. The house will close April 15. three weeks earlier than last sea- .son, with the "Uon Ton Girls.' Thin week's attracti* n is "Tit for Tat," with Arthur and Peggy, and Ferro and Coutler as the extra vaudeville acts and "Don't Dorbt Your Wife" as the feature film. POST-SEASON DATE The Jack Singer Show will pliy the Jacjues, Waterbury, tho week of .'\pril 17. U will be a post season date for the Singer .«:how, the Jaques pla.ving it indejiendenlly. The Jaques was a spoke on the Columbia last season, but went out at tiic beginning of the current one. INCORRECT BILLING I^ist week the procjram for Arthur Pear.^on s "Bits o' Broadway " had the Donald Sisters billed as "Dun- can Sisters." Tho Duncan girls wei'o formerly known as the Casch Sisters. TWO CLOSINGS Two Columbia wheel shows are stiicduled to close tomorrow (Sat- urday) night. Both are of lh« Hy- iii<l;a and II< rk string, "Cuddle Ip" winding up the sea.^on a. the Cay- cty, Boston, and "Twinl.le Toes" at a western st.uid. SCRLBNER'S GOLF TRIP .Sam Scribntr, peneral manager of the Columbia Amusement Co., re- turned to New York Monday follow- ing a four weeks' golfing sesi^ion at Pinohur.r X. C. DRINKS BY RADIO The Burlesque Booking OJllce cir- cuit has dug up a freak extra at- traction in the shape of a wireless turn called "Drinks by Wireless." The act was sch«>duled to open for the B. B. O. at the Bijou, Philadel- phia, Monday. Two pumps, similar to the old-fashioned back-yard arti- cle, arc utilized In the act, the drinks being obtained from tlio pumps without anyone toucliing them. A committee is invited on tlie stap;e. after tlie manner of maKi<"al illu- sions, and members of it arc iuvite«l by "Dr. Wett Waters," who works tho act, to call for tlieir favorite drink. Kight kinds of drinks are served, four from each pump. "Dr. Wett Waters," in a prelim- inary talk, expl.iins that tho drinks are secured via wireless, allowing the committee to inspect the pumps to prove his assertion they are not •'cnneoted in any way, by wire, to any point on or off stagp. The pumiis work at command of the lecturer, the handle moving up and down, with tho sperifled drinks rolling our of the spigot as desired. A private showing c-f the turn last week suggested Its comedy possi- bilities. ILL AND INJURED Otto Snnffer (Snoffer and Beck) underwent an operation for appen- dicitis in the Passavant hospital, Chicago, last week. Jlo passed the critical stage and is on the road to recovery, J^oney Haskell, who has been ccn- f^jied to his bod with the grippe for tho past two weeks, has fully re- covered. Gail White (Mrs. William Ed- munds) Is in the Leo Hospital. Johnstown. Pa. The act known as William Edmunds & Co. in "Peg o" My Sole" had just finished the per- formance at the Majestic, and Mrs. Edmunds on leaving was bitten by a dog belonging to another act on the bill. Frank Taylor f Farrrll-Taylor Trio) is in tlic Presbyterian Hospital suffering from pneumonia. He left the bill at tho LMd Street last Friday and was removed to llie hospital on Saturday. William Mark, travelling com- panion of jFrank Van liov« n, playing the Orpheum, Is ill in a .San Fran- cisco hospital. Eddie Moran playing with the "Four Musketeers'* at tlie new (^obbn Gate, San Francisco, was out of the cast last week, illne.s.s. Sonya has recovered from tho t'lroat nffli«-lion whieh necessitated her cancelling immediate engage- ments. IN AND OUT Hralv and Cross dropprd from tli.> Ibishwif'k program Sunday after- noon at an hour too late to replace the team. Jloalys illness was staled as the rause. James and Betty Morgan can- celled the P.ushwiek tliis week be- cause of tho death of Morgan's Kburum re- I & BURLESQUE ROUTES WILL BE FOUiiD OS PAGE Thhty-slx in This Issue ■^ mother in Chicago, plarod the team. The McConnell SislMs dropped out of K«>itirs, Syracuse, one of the girls taking ill in Cleveland, latlle Billy .substitut'^d. JXun'gan and Edwaids are out of the ])avis, Pittsbuigh. tho woman being ill. Billy .Miller and comjiany replae«-d. Fred <li-ay and company, left thr State lluatie last Saturday bccau.se of illness in the <\ast. Billy Dale left the bill at the Prospect, Monday night, bring re- placed l>y MeManus and McNultv. Tuesda}. Dale recently buried his The disposition of tho JGO.OOO poured into tho treasury of the Burlesque Club last season when tho Columbia and American wheels donated the entire receipts of one day for the speoifl i purpose of building a new club hou.sc for the ori^anizaiion, is now the chief topic of interest in burlesque circles, par- ticularly among groups of managers and producers who are .leaning an attentive car toward proposals of returning the money to it.s d»)nors. It is apparent, under current bur- lesque conditions, the possibility of tho new building's erection is a long way off. The money is at present invested In a project not affiliated in any way with burlesque, and is return- ing 6 per cent Interest, the trustees of the fund being I. H. Herk, presi- dent of the club, and Rud K. Hy- nicka. This saason no rei;eipt.s were deducted for the funT. A set of plans h . been completed, ealling for a reconstruction of tho present club site on West 44th sir* et, but as yet they have not been accejited. The past season has i(>ft its marks on the bank roll of many producers, and several of those who donated large sums toward the club house project are now facing a lean summer and with tho build- ing movement temporarily shelv«d they have made timid overtures to various officials and members of the organization to return the fuiul. A canvass of a number of members, both managers and actors, devel- oped the fact that the general opin- ion seems to favor the return of ihe money. Last .Sunday, at a meeting r.f the club, tho first held since since No- vember 6, tlio matter was brought up and a motion was carried to notify all members In good stand- ing of a special meeting to be held within 00 days at which the ques- tion of returning the fund to its donors will be settled. A two- thirds vote will decide the issue, but It seems apparent the action taken by the members will be favorable toward its return. The secretary announced that more than 150 members were one year in arrears, and it was decided to give them 30 days In which to pay up. As May 1 begins the next fiscal year of ihe organization, these delinquents will have to pay two years' dues to be In good .«^tand- ing and have a voice in the void on Ihe disposition of the building fund. At this meeting T. H. Htik pre- sented Ills resignation as president of the club to take effect at once, but pressure was brought to bear to liave him reconsider, whirii he finally did. and unless he chancers his mind he will remain in oflflco until tho expiration of his term, some time in June. Tho Burlesque Club was organ- ized several years ago, with head- quarters on West 47th street, the police authorities taking f xcep- lional pains to enforce a city or- dinance forbidding the congrcKation of idlers on the corners. The club gave the burlesquers a place to congregate during the summer months. It lacked official stimulus, however, and tho intpr«\st waned until It was threatened with evic- tion. James E. Cooper and a few other members solicited the ai<l of the Columbia Amusement Co., of- licials and the latter provided funds for the organization to lease and furnish its present quarters. When Herk was elevated t^ its presidency the club took on added activity, and the weekly me* tings were well attended. Socials were held and jambourecs staged unlit the •Mub became s«'lf-supporting. The burlesque "war" and internal dif- ferences threw a chill on the insti- tution, however, and recently Pr« si- drnt Her» has born absent from its meetings. The attendanio has dropped to a low ebb, and tluve is little activity visible around li^ad- •juarters. If tho m«^mber.^hip decide to re- turn the fund it may sound the death-kncll of tthe Burlesque Club, but max result in the birth *<t '