Variety (April 1922)

r Friday, April 7, 1922 NEW ACTS THIS WEEK SI n-WlNKUNQ FROLICS" * !s Min..; Full 8Ug. '^^trican Roof There are no prosrramt at the :A^erican. conaeauently to discover ^ ,..mes of the producer or caet K an act of thla type one must in- MtUatc. After Bitting through the routine for 18 minutes, there was mue to note worthy c' inveatlga. tion other than to learn the name of nne of the girls In the line-up who Btood out like a white stone on a velvet background. The cast car- ries three boys and two girls, and the action revolves around a reper- toire of published songs. The opening Introdjccj the quar- tet in a, dance number, the stage being nicely dressed with a velvet back-drop giving the view a touch of class. Perhupa the act has spe- cial scenery not on view on the Boof A double number by boy and ^Irl follows. Then the young woman, whom it devolopod was a Mabel Dlondcll, Boloed with a "Rube" number. That was the out- standing feature of f\ whole af- fair. In fact Miss BlondDll's work was so far ahead of anything shown by her associates she seemed out of place in the line-up. Her cos- tumes, her appearance, her ability and her general stage rresenco nat- urally led one to wonder why this producer didn't build an entire act around her alone. A double dance by two of tlie boys went nicely, although nothing be- yond f e conventional double steps were shown, this following a solo by the other Miss, a soprano who helped the picture immeasurably. A Frisco imitation following an in- troductory lyric by Miss Blondell in ijpangled panties unvoiletl a per- fect ligure. This registered well, more eo than the jazz uanc. An- other double dance by the boys and then a medley with a gra i I finale. Practically all the sonps were pub- lished by one house. One member of the audience Imparted the in- formation audibly that last week the song writers on tho same bill had the same songs. There is no dialoeue, and there should be dia- logue, but a music publisher abhors dialogue. It takes up time where a "plug" would better fit. And that medley of the songs in the ct made a doubl plug even though a poor flnale. It's Just a combination of five people. Individually talented to a degree, with one girl standing out despite the handicap of no op- portunity to exhibit talent. As It stands, it's just a small time "flash." TTi/nn. "SANDY" 8ongs 12 Mins.; One Another protege of Gus Edwards' doing a Scotch cycle of songs that generally depends on the rolling of the "r's" to make it seem as such. Interwoven with the vocal numbers Is a series of imitations of "birds and beasts of the field" by the youth. Mainly they adhere to a bit of whistling, a cat fight and the holding of the nose during a mimic bagpipe selection. Possibly a most expressive gesture. Three melodies are done with the final number resulting In a medley of Lauder's hit selections, not any too well done and Insufllcicnt to pull the boy out. lie is not overly sup- plied with personality, nor does his ability or material warrant a big time showing, even for so early a ■pot as he held. No. 2. The "cute" classification was also missing, leaving nothing but pure ability upon which "Sandy" was to ^t by and he failed to produce. Hence, not exactly a catastrophe, hut far from satisfactory was tho result, and though Lauder came over some 13 or more years ago It n»ay be well to remember there wasn't a good Imitation of him yet and this youth is no exception to that rule. isi^iff. WHITE and BECK. Songs. 12 Mins., One. Columbia (April 2). Two men. working In tuxedo?, toting a fund of personality and an cxcell.«nt appearance, who can han- uie double numbers as well as the ' n» ' t'^'"'-^ ^^^" ^'^^ ^ somi-comfc. "Uh, Dour." which gives them a fly- ng sf;ut, following' with the inev- itable 'Mammy song, with a pattor rMonis, harmonizing nic-oly and get- 'np much more from this particular Mammy- than the majority. V, /J";n..dy number that scims lo •0 movu.i? fast is likewise handled „ '"^•■'^Hl shapo. nn.l the finale, a llu«^- ' ^!l ^;"^'^''Jy lMi<\ prol,ably titled Th. \ •:?'"'^^'» off the turn nicolv. ,o '; '^"''^ '^^ ^^•^"'^'l ^Pot and be- 3 ^'arn/i '■'^^""•^'''y l^rgo attendance i i^noubl!:" °^ ^^-- A good Sing. J n ynn. PAUL WHITEMANN'8 8AXA- PHONE SEPTETTl Musical 14 Mint.! Full Stage (Speoial Drapes) Broadway Six young men play saxaphones graduated from the baby instru- ment to a huge horn almost the helghl of a man; with a deep organ- like note as foundation for the fas- cinating harmony. In addition there is a young woman who sings. The whole act has perfect taste in presentation. The musical ar- rangement Is strictly modern, run- ning to sprightly jazzed effects which lend themselves especially to tho insinuating quality of the soft brasses. The musicians open-with a neat number, done entirely in concert style and as they go Into their sec- ond selection the woman appears from the wings v^ithout parade and takes it up as a sob. She is an unaffected and re. -ed looking girl, tall and quietly dressed in black evening frock. She works with fine self-possession and poise during the remainder of the routine, alternat- in?r with the sextet of musicians. Midway of the Broadway bill, the turn scored on its good taste in ensemble and musical quality. Hush. JACK LITTLE Pianologue 12 Mins.; One Jack Little Is clean cut, neat ap- pearing, blonde youth. lie goes straight to the instrument, without stalling, for an oriental medley with variations which proves him an ex- cellent musician. * The pianist announces a few Impressions of the modern mechan- ical piano and imitates a Q. It. S. roll version of a popular song fol- lowed by a mechanical roll that Is slipping and changing tempo. An old fashioned nickel In tho slot me- chanical completes this portion which Is entertaining and well ex- ecuted. A classical rendition with mar- velous fingering all over the key- board, followed by a Chopin pre- lude with variations and as the finish a medley of popular melodies to orchestra accompaniment. Little has an engaging personality and an easy address. In addition he Is a first rate musician. On his musical ability alone he qualifies for the number two spots on the big time bills. When he develops the possibilities of his personality and injects a bit of novel comedy he will acquire featuring and spots. At present it is almost a straight piano act. but strong enough for the two a day. Con. "STARS RECORD" Singing 22 Mins.; Full Stage and One. (Special set) 58th St. Stage sot in attractive eye, sup- posedly the interior of a phono- graph concern, a desk on one side, two fancy "prop" phonographs?, etc. Manager enters with introductory remarks about rehearsals of stars, etc. A quartet of singers arrive individually, representing Al Jol- son, George McFarlano. Marion Harris and Galli Curci. The bar- itone offers a solo, followed by a tenor solo In Italian by the Jolson Impersonator. The Marion Harris charasteriste offers a "rag" song, and the Galli Curci impressionist docs the ex- pected operatic solo. Then the blackface man runs through a rou- tine of three songs, the entire ag- gregation aiding the finale back of a one drop with a phonographic horn painted upon it. They harmonize for the closing number. There Is some talk between the fifth member an«l each of the principal.'^, some getting rosponfo. Tho singing is varied and this, with the scenic efforts, brink's tho vehicle into the "flash" class for the .small time and po«;.sibly the intermediate stands. It closed the OSth St. pro- gram and did nicely. IV'i/riM. LILLIAN WALKER and CO. (8) Comedy Sketch "Dimples" 15 Mine.; Full Stage (Special Set) Royal Lillian "Walker, former Vitagraph star; is the latest screen lumlnar>' to enter the vaudeville ranks. For her return to the twice dally, in which she last appeared as a mem- ber of Gus Edwards' Song Birds about twelve years ago, she has chosen a sketch by Edgar Allen Wolf. Miss "Walker Is cast as a young star of the speaking stage named "Dimples." Her manager-husband, a rotund person, has not divulged the marriage for professional and business reasons, which the young star resents and is determined to correct. The sketch opens full stage in a divided set depicting her dressing room and tho first entrance back stage. Miss Walker enters bccom- ingb' gowned in opera cloak and decollette dress, to change for lier stage things. The maid advises her to humor her stout husband, who enters to be informed by "Dimples" that she has just accepted a three- carat diamond ring from one of her admirers. When he remonstrates she informs him it is perfectly proper as the public thinks she is .single and therefore open to at- tentions. After she changes to .stage cos- tume, showing a negligee during the operation, a good looking juve- nile enters and is greeted effusively, the young star kissing him in view of her hubby. Champagne is opened and "Dimples" feigns a souse. At curtain call she loaves to make her entrance, when tho husband and tho juvenile have heated words over the latter's attentions. "Dimples" returns to prevent a bottle throw- ing episode and mutual explana- tions reveal that the "lover" is her brother, that the secrei of her mar- riage has been reve.aled, in the ncwHpapers and that it hasn't ap- parently made any differenco with her public, judging by the amount of off-.stage applause that follows her Imaginary exit. Miss Walker handles a song and dance acceptable and read lines like a veteran of the speaking stage. She Is pretty and personable and has excellent support from her three players. The only Jarring note was the overdone "souse" of the maid, which reached the strain- ing point The sketch is neither novel nor brimful of bright dialog, but In the capable hands of this quartet will suffice to please the former fans who will be lured Into the vaudeville houses to see Miss Walker. It looks like a set-up for a once-around feature for the big bills. Can, PIERCE and RYAN Songs and Talk 15 Mins.; One 23rd St. Two-men ronibinatior* iruludinR r.en Pierce, a rhara't.-r coTn<'di,»n. an<l Lee Uy.in, .str.iiwlif man. Tlie former. pl.iNin« an old rul)" i liar- a( t( r. po.ses«5«s a wealth of <'«»rn- cfly niatori.tl al»ly d.-v. !..prd niih llip aid of l:>;in. a n"at a|M"--'i in:; r\]:\r* With pt"r:-nn.i!i'\'. Two nuiiibej.s .iTi i.itrodiir'd dur- ing tiio rouiine. one of a coined.-v riati.re and tlie /iliier of th*? piil)- lislu-d v.'iriefv. Am nef tl. if ran fit wher<» a tv\a-m<'n comedy turn Is n.eded. Jlfirt. ORIGINAL PIANO TRIO Instrumental 6 Mins.; Two Rivoli Edgar Talrchlld, Herbert Clalr and George Dilworth constitute the Original Piano Trio. At tho Rivoli, a Broadway picture palace, they offered two selections (programed). Franz Schubcrts* "Marche Mill- talre ' s nd Rlmsky-K o r s a k o v's "Song of India" (not the fox-trot arrangement). The boys present personable appearances In tuxedos, being discovered at the keyboards at tho rising of the curtain. Minus any flourishing they play the march ensemble, winning ample returns. The "Song of India," per- formed with variations, almost stopped the show, tho applause con- tinuing after the lights were doused for the feature film. The irlo can easily elaborate their stufT Into an aeo«ptal)le vaudeville turn. They are e.ipable Instrumentali.sts on the or<ler of "IManoville," the "Pianophicnds" etal. AbrL KIBEL and KANE Song. Dance, Talk 15 Mins.; Two and One American Roof Jules Klbel, formerly with a standard comedy trio .some years ay;o and a vaudeville author and producer later, has been working in this act for several months. It features a number of "nuf Inven- tions wliich are Irig'mous for all thtir iif>n.sen.'-c. These bits ar»' rU veiiy Included as part of tl-.o crosK-Ka/r!;?inK wl if h. eoupled with the duo's doilv ry arid Hln.'^ing. builds it up .vpanuingly. An "alarm- l»'ss ;il'irm ( lool:." a s»'lf-ki< k«r an<l (tther bits nr*' part of lIi'" buf«inos3. In "one" the couple u^e a I'rop bfMi'^«'-ljuil(!iiii? outfit U9 part (»f a double ni.ml>er. Their stuff i^ r.e.it and should become standard for SHOW REVIEWS (Continued from page 19) laughs in the early section in gener- ous quantities. Mr. Herbert's little comedy sketch has an element of natui'alnesa about it that Is delight- ful, and the manner in which it is played brings out Its value conspic- uously. His portrayal of a Hebraic type stamps him as a character ac- tor of ability. Tho man supporting him, playing the other partner, is a whole stock company in himself. The girl playing the stenog Is also excellent, tlie snippy office assistant to the life. Another comedy turn, fourth, Joe Browning, whanging em with a bunch of punchy material, dellvere<l In his easy monolog stylo. Some of the talk about an auto would appear rather broad If handled by a per- former less deft In its manipulation than Mr. Browning. It isn't what you do. it's how you do it. and Browninj^ assuredly knows how. By way of contrast Adelaide Bell, a dancing turn, next, Willi a pianist tilling in between costunie changes. Miss Bell's back kicking is in a class by itself. Tho fancy toe and ankle work al.so stands out. fc5lio went over fur a flock of bows at the con- clusion of her specialty, the hou.se bringing her back for an earned en- core which took the form of a brief bit of splitting. Miss Bella dancint; ability would make her a real asset to any Broadway musical show. Sylvia Clark, sixth, with a likeable line of travesty numbers, put over with .an accurate comedy touch that brought Kolid applause and laugh returns. The spotlight number, cab- aret travesty bit, a ballad of the lighter type and Russian dancing burlesque made a diversifled routine that gave Miss Clark ample oppor- tunity to display her talents as a comedienne. Jack Wilson .and Co. next to clos- ing, with Wilson knocking over his usual score In a comedy wary throuRh travesty references to the prcLCding turns. Mr. Adams, now doing straight for Wilson, has a line baritone voice, used effeetively in a ballad. Mi.ss Ardsley and a midget vocalist. Willie ^Vard, the latter Ringing from a stage box at the finish, also flsrurod Importantly in the results obtained. It's a real variety act. this Wilson turn. Closing were the Berlo Sisters, with a singing prelude and high div- ing as tho meat of the turn. The singing at the opening means noth- ing and is unnecessary, but when the girls get Into those form-fitting union suits and start their diving feats— thai'a something else again. Four of tho girls—and about as shapely a quartet as ever splashed Into a tank—are engaged in the div- ing rout inc. tho fifth girl announcins the different plunges. A woman, announced as tho mother of the Berlo Rirls. romes on thfi st.ige from the audience at tho finish and does a couple of fancy dives, plunging Into the tank with her street clothe?* on. Her age was announced as 62. The turn held the house In to a man. Tuesday ni^ht the Fifth Avenue showed sij^ns of the Ijcnten d'^pros- slon. business being somewhat short of rapacity, but good considering the season. Itcll. STATE "With but a standard proKram fea- ture in plare of a large picture the State fir.st half bill was strengthened in tho vaudeville division. Monday night for the last ."^how the blR house held near rapacity. The show got underway early and kept up a good gait, the applau.so being well dis- tributed throughout the bill. Connell. Leona and Zippy started the vaudeville, with Love and Slcenk picking it up in the No. 2 spot. The two colored boys worked snappily and secured returns making way for Eddie Clark with character song.s. No. 3. The ideas developed in the Clark special number are unique. They lUt with a telling force. The State is a difficult house for quiet such as that offered by Clark. Mon- day nlglifs large audience appeared Interested and paid strict attention allowing the singer's efforts be heard far In the rear of the huge lower floor. Tho Timely Revue a high class production act with three girls and two men served in a good stead in the fourth position. Tlio act has seen much service and tias not det»»riorated. The costuming and pro- duction ends have been kept up to date with tho five people on their toes every minute doing creditable work at all times. W ilk ins and Wii- klns floured in the comedy honors of the evening in the next to closing spot. The man and woman combin- ation experienced little difficulty in unearthing the laughs and kept tliem coming all of the while. The Song Writers Festival head- liner at the house for a full week closed the show. The big act In- cludi.Mg the greater portion of the writers connected with one publish- ing liouse and featuring iwimbera of that concern gained all the re- turns that could be expected for a "plug' act. IlarL the big thrice dally. It Is one of those acts that can always bo re- lied upon to deliver In a spot. Ahcl MARDO and ROME Comedy Act 14 Mins.; One American Roof. A "Wop*" act. one doing "straight.'' tho other senii-coinle. They offer some talk, .a few numbers and some dancing, tho comedian doing a good routine of steps. A Primro.se soft shoe d.'inee also helr)ed some, but the t.ilk needs fitrengthenlng. The "Wop" number, with a patter choru.«». earned apid.nise .•fnd tho pair Just mndo the line with little to spare. A KOf»d small-tinier, railing for an eaily yimt. Wynn. BAYES and FIELDS Talk, Songs. Dances 12 Mins.: One American Dpeniiu; behin<l drf)p with llu.ijish di;il'<'. v<'iy«»ne pi rit apparent- ly Kn-w tliey would do a iif/wult- Piehards surpri.se and ai)p<ar In blackf.n •>. h<y <li'l. A ^oru; and dau'^e fi.Il-)\v«d. l/itfi rtJjMrd rer|. tations and anrf)unf-<rrients bron;;ht a ft'U- si;ii t«-r#d liu^;hs witli ti* ;• • •onied> 1,1 lU .'lUil "l»u.sl.,e.M*." biji ?!:•• (l.ilK'iM; .vavd the e(»ui»le. Tlw / d.inrri r.'ither well. , It m .t .'rnili timer thit enn fiualify ii.v a min- ber wo Kpot. / Wi/n i. 58TH ST. A rather pleasing bill at the GSfl) .Street tho first half nicely balanced, well varied and entertaining in u small timo measure from beglnnluK to end. The feature picture is "Be- yond the Hainbow" with the weeklj Pat ho reel added for good measure. Tuesday night the house opened light but gradually filled up and there wore few vacant seats once, the show proper got started. Walsh and Bentley opened with a hand-to-hand routine in "one," the top mounter essaying a bell-hop. There is some fly talk, all connect- luK well for laughs, and while they offer nothing of a seuRatlonal na- ture, the series of stunts Is cleverly staRed and earned them a goodly- uharc of applause. Barrett and Farnum, who were reviewed In these columns last week as Barrett and Neil, showed to bet- ter advantage at th© 58th Street house and their comedy went over to numerous laughs. The dancing was sutficiently good to earn them an encore and the male member scored with an Irish reel. They did exceptionally well. Tho Kennedy brothers, with the former Kenned/ - I..aFrance act partly rewritten, collected a con- tinuous string of laughs although the first two "gags." notwithstand- ing the fact of the returns, are rather aged for this generation. More eomedy patter could bo added here for tho situation is elastic, and while tho boys kept them in good' humor they should aim higher in dialog. They were a distinct comedy hit and should have no trouble In keeping busy with this vehicle. Florence Tlmponl, a eharacler .Minger, was another specialty well liked, tho tough number getting the best returns. She could add sev- eral more choruses to this to ad- vantage for she has a first rate style of delivery for this tyi>o of .song. She went big. Will Armstrong and Co., with a comedy sketch, found the Ruin*; easy, his woman assi.st.mt handling a French character oppo.site Arm- strong's eccentric com«!dy. work in;; sltti;itlons np to one iM'arty lau«;li after another. The finish followed an antl-ellmax and this didn't help, but as now offered the finish is logical and rounds the turn out nicely. Thla skit belongi on th<» better grade of time, where comedy sketches of Its cali'>re are alway.< appreelated but seldom seen. Tlievr earned the legitimate hit of the bill with no dangerous contenders for tho honors. Donna Sisters. Thlbaulr and Cody and Stars Record. Wynn. AMERICAN ROOF Thi.i week's bill atop the Ameriean theatre continued right on dov.u through Intermission, speedily run- ning through six of the nine speei.il. ties before tho audience could be awaki'Tied from lethergy. but tho crowd was not to bl.une for the pro- gram can be rated as one of th»» weakest the I.,oew house has carried In many a day. Of course. on.« nilght make favorable mention of "Twinkling Frolles" (New Act), a miniature production, as the pro- ducers like to style these affaim, but at host this Is nothing mon? than a well dressed song plugging concoction. The fir.st sign of life dispiayefl by the gathering camo with the ar- rival of C.rcy and P.yron. third from i'lo.siriK. Their routine of cross fin* pil'»i- ar:i Hn liandllng was sd .•^tipeiior to anything shown by tho pi«\iour^ .-lets, the auihence were suflleiently elated to explode their • rithusiasm an«l v<»lromed tho roupI.« wjlli fn'iu.rit <i'itl»iir--!s of .'ipi>]ause .Hid h.arty l.iUKhv*. Tlie womrin tall. rood looking and capable of hatxl- jifii,' di.ilf.tr. wuikjni{ opi)03ito h-r '-•hr-Kf'r m.ile parrnor. v. liose per-uli.ir <J.IIv.ry gave tho ro!;tine u bit of efwitr.(.sf. «nnii.inf>d to muke a lik- .'ible niriiiK.'enient, They Jinve .sonv'- 'hwig a trillo difi.'rent from the iContinti...l nn ^ ^.> ^