Variety (June 1922)

VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE p'ADrrc 8 ft Martini Place, Trafalgar Square t A D L L P ^ w v Friday, June 2, 1922 122 I ACTORS ASSOCIATION AGITATED OVER LABOR Move to Remove William Luqq As Secretary—Association Pledged to Protect London, May 23. What might oe termed war clouds »re gathering over the Actors' As- sociation. Having, after many years' existence established them- selves as a useful institution, they •re about to commit the grave error €»f throwing over the pilot. For some time past a certain section of the members has been agitating for the removal of the present secretary i William Lugg, and the matter has risen to a head in a resolution which Kva Moore puts before her brother and sister artists. The resolution runs: "Mr. Lugg, the paid secretary of the Actors' Association is definitely pledged to & certain political party under which he seeks election. It is prob- able that the Actors' Association may appear to be connected with that party. It would be detrimental for the assoeiation to be identified with any political party. Would it, therefore, not be advisable to have a secretary who would devote his whole time to the woi of the Actors' Association?" William Lugg has already been i.p for election in the Labor interest and has been defeated. When the association has done anything for the player or has thought it has it has been by ap- proved Libor methods, as witness the lightning strike at the St. James,' when May Palfey revived "The Night of the Party." The ac- tors have received their backbone directly or indirectly from the Va- riety Artist9* Association, which is very much Labor and proud of it, and the only friends who will fight the actors' battle in the House of Commons are Labor members. "BARBE BLONDE" GIVEN New Play In Paris Deals With Con. science Tortured Husband Paris, May 31. To follow the successful run of "The Thief*' at the llymnase, Henry Hernstein produced a new play, "Barbe Blonde*' C'CJolden Beard") by Bradby and Bouvelet, May 24, which was well received. The story deals with a country at- torney whose chief physical char- acteristic is a golden beard. He jokes when his cantankerous wife threatens suicide, but she acci- dentally falls out of a window and is killed. The family blames tire husband for the humble tragedy, and although the police investiga- tion proves it a clear case of suicide, the attorney believes himself moral- ly guilty and suffers keen remorse until he finds consolation with a faithful servant girlr It's a curious play, written in an oddly whimsical style, but beneath the surface of social irony there is a deal of keen psychology. The thing is extremely well done, but it is doubtful if it is appropriate to the Clymna.se. The piece is interpreted by an able cast including Henry Burguet (who also is credited with the staging), Alcover, Numes, Mmes. Yolande Laffon and Mady Berry. / "EILEEN" BRILLIANT New Piece at Globe Has a Touch of the Highbrow i London, May 31. "Eileen," produced at the Globe May 27, was disclosed as a clever comedy yomewhat on the type of ••Enter Madame,* It is brilliantly acted by Brugherne and Dion Boucl- cault. No doubt of its skill and clever- ness, but the piece is slightly "highbrow" and there is a chance It will miss with the general public. ANIMAL ACT^REPORT Recommended Chimpanzees Be Barred—Strict Supervision London, May 23. The Select Committee of the House of Commons on the al- legations in the training and exhib- ition of performing animals has laid its report on the table of the House. It recommends performances by Chimpanzees should be prohibited, and that there should be closer su- pervision than at present in the case of other animals. The registration of trainers and exhibitors by the Home Office is sug- gested, and the appointment of a Committee of Control, with large powers, consisting of a chairman and four members appointed by the Home Office, two by the Royal So- ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and two by the profes- sion itself. FRENCH PLAYS IN LONDON Paris, May 31. The new version of "Aux Jardins d« Meurcle," played in the United States as "Spanish Love," is being produced June 14 at the Kingsway, London, by Ben Rimo, who is stag- ing the London version. Sacha Guitry opens with his French company in his own com- edies at the Princes, London, June 12. MAY WLRTHS TRIUMPH London, May 31. May Wirth and the Wirth Family In their riding act scored a sensa- tional success again this week at Leeds. The Stoll tour has booked all the time remaining until their date for sailing for the United States, where the act has outstanding contracts. DILLINGHAM SEEKS PLAYS London, May 31. Charles Dilli.ighan will leave Lon- don for Paris in a few days on the" hunt for more plays. He declares the J is nothing he wants among the current London productions except ••Loyalties" and "Tons of Money," both of which he secured for "The Syndicate" before they were pro- duced here. Paris, May 31. Charles Dillingham was expected in Pario from London yesterday (Tuesda>). Lillian Herlein in Paris Paris, May 31. Lillian Herlein, American, opens at the Olympia here^June 2. CHICAGO WANTS COHAN (Continued from page 1) ignoring Chicago altogether too much to satisfy the l<5op-hound ad- mirers of the great little guy. Local recognized first-nighters, headed by William A. Pinkerton, staunchest of all Cohan admirers here, claim Chicago can uncork more enthu- siasm for a personal presence of Geo. M. in one night than Boston can all summer. So the jealousy fight is on. The Cohan move of sending "Madeleine and the Movies" to Co- han's Grand without even Georgette Cohan, not to mention himself, has greatly disappointed the whole Co- han local field. Those who know claim Geo. M.'s reception the night he walked out on the stage at Pow- ers after the performance of "Genius and the Crowd" two years ago prove the love in which he Is held by Chicagoans, and easily topped anything of its sort contributed by playgoers elsewhere. Because of this and for other reasons a big howl is being made for Cohan to come on to Chicago instead of giving Bos- ton all. The celebrated Chicago's Folicc- men'fl <B>and wasn't obtainable re- cently when an attempt was made to secure it as an escort for a promi- nent actor's arrival in town, but the first-nighters, under the com- mand of Mr. Pinkorton, will not only guarantee it for Geo. M.'s promise to visit Chicago as a playing celeb- rity, but they will contribute other features that will prove Chicago wants anel will appreciate Cohan's return to the Chicago stage. The wag claims Geo. M. refuses to come to Chicago unless either the White Sox or the Cubs win an- other pennant. Under this condi- tion Chicago playgoers have many seasons to wait for the busy Geo. M. ROSE'S MIDGETS Finds Circus With Band Abroad. Coming Over Here Berlin, May 31. Ike Hose, American showman, is here looking for suitable attractions for American circuses and carnivals. He has already engaged a complete midget circus with 30 liliputians and a full band of midget players. Rose says he will probably pre- sent the attraction as a feature with one of the larger carnivals. Mr. Rose, who visits Europe frequently, recently took a Dutch giant and a pair of grow^n-together twins to the United States. He was the man- ager of Rosika and Josepha, who died recently at Chicago. Frank Van Hoven not a bad act for a good show and a good act for a bad show. FRANK VAN HOVEN AMERICAN PERFORMERS visiting London are cordially invited to make use of our olhVes for their mail. We shall he pleased to assist anel advise you respecting your songs anel material, whether published by us or not. FRANCIS, DAY & HUNTER 138-140 Charing Cross Road LONDON, W. C, ENG. Cable: ARPEGGIO LONDON BOOTLEGGERS' DIARY (Continued from page 1) owner of $12,118.02 during a period of 14 days. Upon its pages, In a clear, legible hand, is written a detailed story of the hootch hound's activities for the two weeks in question. Each page is divided into two sections, the left for expenses, and the right for income. In every instance there is a substantial profit when the bal- ance is struck. The book carries the names of "obstructionists" over "the greased trail from the Canadian border to New York city," and written in the left hand column, opposite their names, Is the amount paid them on each trip. "Cops," according to the diary, can be bought for "one bottle',' while others, including '"Benny" at Carthage, "Patsy" at Massena, and "Mrs. CJold" come higher, payments to them on several occasions being jotted down as an, expense of $3501 In addition to the notations of expenses and profits are other items, including a list of "good ad- dresses," names of men and women, and their apartments and telephone number*, the majority of them being labeled "O. K." "Marie," "Leona," "Mary'* are a few of the young ladfes Indexed as "O. K.," and among the men "Kenney," ''Fogler," "Flurey" in New York city, •'Baft" at Carthage, "IManty" at Massena, and "Dennis" are rated "safe." There is a toucb of remorse and sadness in the little red book, for mention is made of the fact that "Mary" is now in a sanitarium on the Boston Road. From one entry in the expense ac- count even a good bootlegger has his troubles, for the cryptic phrase, "stolen $200" is written down on the left side of the page. The day that misfortune happened was the poor- est during the two weeks' opera- tions, for only $47.20 was netted during the 24-hour period. The busiest day recorded in the diary was March 16. when $2,607.80 was credited, $1,500 coming from "Aaron," $100 from "Arthur," $100 by money order, "Sacks $25," "Swcdneck $195," "Klimanow $90." Later on "Aaron" came back for $1,600 more. The only notation of paying out on that day was to "Klibanow $100." The book also contains, District Attorney Todd believes, the code used by bootleggers when ordering hootch by mail or by telephone. If Haig and Haig is wanted, a reeiuest is made for "double," John Dewar is designated as "single," and White Horse is referred to as "team." "John's" address and telephone number In Westville Center is also on file In the diary. Only .once in the book is a pur- chase referred to as "booze," that on March 16, when an expense item of $1,032 for "booze" is listed. On other occasions purchases are re- ferred to as "stuff" or "white stuff." pOOd whiskey, if from "Spitzer's" costs $87.50 a case. "Leveontl'S" price is a little lower, $S5 a case, while "Fogler's" is $92.50 a case. During the 14 days' operations two automobiles were purchased, together with tires and other equipment, licenses were secured anel substantial amounts paid out for the upkeep of the machines. The rum runner ended up his trip in the < ity, visiting a barber shop, where they nicked him $1.50 for tonsorial work, and later a restaurant, where the food bandits charged him $3.50 for a simple evening repast. District Attorney Todel has no Idea of forgetting the red book. He either has or will present the Cast to U*e grand ji ry for action. EDITH DAY RETURNING Arthur Hammerstein Wants Her for "Sunshine" BUTT TRIES IDEA OF "SEE FIRST, PAY AFTER* "Lass o r Laughter" Flops in Heat and Manager Tests Novel Plan London, May 31. Edith Day may return to New York in the fall. She has been of- fered the lead in a musical shew to be produced by Arthur Hammer- stein there. The show is to be called "Sunshine." "Sunshine" is the tentative title of the latest collaborative work of Alonzo Price and Tony Buffano. It was played for several performances in Hartford recently by a local com- pany and accepted by Hammerstein. The same authors did "Somebody's Sweetheart," which was tried out before acceptance in the same man- ner. It Is more than likely another title London, May 31. The' heat has put a crimp in everything, including even "Lass o* Laughter" at the Queen's. This was regarded as a phenomenal success and proof against bad attendance, but it dropped with the rest when the weather turned warm. As a means of encouraging bu*d- ness Sir Alfred Butt tried a scheme for the first time over here. He in- augurated the issuing of free passes for all parts of the house on the written application of the public. After witnessing the performance the applicants received neatly writ- ten communications requesting them to send checks in payment of their seats, if the play pleased them. PLAY FROM OLD SONG "Dumollet" at Paris Vaudeville Does Fairly as Operette Paris, May 31. Following pictures the Theatre du Vaudeville again reverted to a stage production "Dumollet' May 25. The piece has Vilbert in the name part, supported by Fernal No-Colle and Mesdames Edmoe Favart and Geb- ron Norbens. It was received only fairly. The book is by Victor Jannet and wiYfbe"seVctedr ***** by Hughes Delorme. The called "Sunshine" was toured two seasons ago with Richard Carle starred. It never played New York. Conrad's Invitation to Creditors London, May 31. Con Conrad, who has been on this side for some time, is sailing for home June 1 by the "Rotterdam." In announcing his departure Con- rad said: "You may say that if my creditors will assemble on the pier in New York to meet the :ship, I will settle in full." leading character is lifted from an old French song which recites ia ballad form how Dumollet, a draper, conspires against the great Na- poneon, hiding other conspirators. He comes under the suspicion of the police but wins immunity through the love of a police officer for his elaughter. FAKER QUEEN (Continued from page 1) son (late producer of girl shows, and better known as greatest of women swindlers) to follow, so she ic now in jail in Portland. Reformation, loss of a fortune in production of girl shows, stranded, temptation, forgery and remorse tell of her bitter attempt . Known to police and railroad claim agents throughout the United States a few years ago as "Queen of Fakers," Mrs. Johnson is said to have swindled railroad companies out of thousands of dollars through her ability to fake injuries while riding on railroad trains. Accord- ing to the police, she Is able to throw her joints out of place, tear ribs loose and cough up blood at will. One of her tricks, so the story goes, is to place a bottle against one of her ribs, and then to throw hersel* on it at any sudden jerk of the train, tearing the rib loose. She could not only seemingly injure herself in this mariner, but the trick would cause hemorrhages. She is said to have won damages in this manner to the extent of $200,000. The smallest claim grant- ed her was $2,800 and the largest $32,000. She haa fleeced 19 rail- roads in this mann r, and damages paid her have run into a good sized fortune. With over $150,COO of this money she has produced girl road shows and motion pictures in the North- west territory. Failure followed failure and loss followed loss. A final attempt to make up her for- tune was made, and the phow landed stranded near Portland. Entirely out of funds, a series of checks grossing $232.50 on local stores were forged and blamed to her. Arrest quickly followed. A nervous breakdown from re- morse requires constant medical at- tention upon her. Extreme leniency will be dished out to her. BARS AD LLBBING London, May 31. Bill Merson was criticised by the stage manager of the Lyric for gag- ging his role in "Whirls Into Happi- ness" on the ground that his ad lib. comedy injured the legitimacy of the performance. SAILINGS Reported through Paul Tauslg & Son, 104 East 14th street: June 17 (New York for Antwerp), Gautier's Bricklayers (Lapland). June 6 (New York for London), Nathan Levy. June 3—(From New York to Bud- apest), Mitzi Hajos, Frieda Hampel (Olympic). June 3 (From Le-ndon) Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Halliard (AquU tanla). June 3 (from New York for Liver- pool), Kimberly and rage, (Celtic), June 3 (New York fe»r London), Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Hampton (Aqui- tania). . June 1 (Liverpool for New York) —Con Conrad (Rotterdam). May 31 (from New York), Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Bergh and daugh- ter (La France). May 30 (from New York), Harry Pilcer (Berengaria). May 30 (from New York), Mr. and Mrs. Max Winslcw, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Blaufus, Jack Curtis, S. Jay Kaufman (Berengaria). May 27 (New York to London), Jane Cowl (Aquitania). May 27—(London for New York), William Harris, Jr. (Mauretania, from Cherbourg). (All from New York)—May 25, Frank and Gertie Fay (Scythia); June 3, Elida Morris (Olympic); June 3, Emil and Curt Regal (Pres- ident Taft); June 8, Yalto (Hellig Olav); June 17, Morty Forkins and Mrs. Forkins (Rae Samuels), (Van Dyke); June 17, Carl Laemmle, Ju- lius Laemmle, Clara Belle Laemmle, Harry Zehner, Eddie Polo, Chung Hwa Four (Majrstic); 17, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Ergotti (President Fillmore). May 24 (From London to NeW York), A. C. Herman (Olympic). Mr. Bcrman is connecteel with Al- lied Artists, London, pictures. i • ' I • FOSTERS AGENCY, Ltd. g«mm» fostkii FOSTER PRODUCTIONS uiai foster ENGLAND'S LEADING THEATRICAL AND VAUDEVILLE AOENTR liccognized Acta Itequirinjc European BookinRa Please Communicate. CHARING ( HOSS HOI NK, 29a CHARING CROSS RD., LONDON. W. 0. * f'uMe AddreHM: Confirmation, London. AMERICAN BOOKINGS THROUGH:— WILLIAM MORRI8 AGENCY, INC. J* PUTNAM HI II DING. 14W BROADWAY NEW ¥ORK ClTt ■ ■ ■. • • • ; - ' •..••■