Variety (July 1922)

I Friday, July 7, 1»« VARIETY 15 RAINY WEATHER KEEPS 21 SHOWS ON BROADWAY TOR GOODNESS SAKT NOW RUN BY LLOYD July 4th Gala Theatre Day in Town—Matinees and Nights to Capacity—Return of Heat Will Change Present Layout Freak weather featured this, ttie Fourth of July week, which is con- sidered the worst of the year on Broadway. It is Invariably true the out of town exodus of vacationists over the Independence Day period leaves theatricals at the lowest ebb. Rain was the means of providui^ an exception to the rule, and rain, through its temperingr of tempera- tures, is the reason why Broadway 8(111 has 21 attractions on the boards, whereas normalljr there would be at least half a dozen less. June broke all records at tne weather bureau for rainfall in the metropolitan and other districts throughout the country. Hot weather, descending late last week. Poughkeepsie Backer Takes Over Show in Chicago —Lederer Out BURLESQUE COMPARISONS HITCHCOCK ON ROOF IN MUSICAL SHOW Charade Style of Entertain- ment—"Intimate Stuff" Principal Feature A specially built musical enter- tainment for Raymond Hitchcock as its star is proposed by the Shuberts this fall on the roof of the 44th Street theatre. The style will be of the charade description, with "intl- Roof. The Hitchcock piece will have special writers, not as yet selected, but about all of the other details have been arranged for: Hitchcock, with Frank Fay, are now the star and feature of "Pin Wheel," at the Carroll. The revue clases Saturday, but may go on tour. WHITE'S FEATURES Whiteman's Band and Irene Castle for New '"Scandals" Two fe.itures secured by George White for his new "ScandivJta" revue, which is due in August, are Irene C'jistle and Paul Whileman's band. Miss Castle, who is abroad, is reported having agreed by cable through her agent. The Whiteman appearance would not interfere with the band's playing at the Palais Royal during the Broadway run of the show. Ann Pennington and Le.«»ter Allen are also reported having been en- gaged again for the White show and White himself is to appear. White's plan to star Miss Penning- ton is reportecl abandoned for the present. FINE WHEAT CROP Kansas City Sees Prosperity from Harvest Time fl„.„y broue With a de,uge Monaa, ZT ^T'n,lT. llT.^.r:^ Z VZr.tTZrVt.T^unl w"a! R-»'- —t -"• >h, century predicted to be a acorcher, but it was cloudy throughout the day, rain coming again in the evening. Only .six attractions gambled with the weather, they switching the usual Wednesday matinee to Tuesday, and all cleaned up, more than evening up for Monday night's downpour. The managements of those shows which gave matinees figured there would be little or nothing drawn Wednesday (the day after the Fourth). As it turned out. they secured a lucky break.. TUe un- usual trick of selling out on a Fourth of July matinee was ac- complished by "Good Mornmg, Dearie" at the Globe, the house going clean shortly after noon. Only two attractions were offered In cut rates for the afternoon, "The Dover Road," at the Bijou, record- ing a sell-out almost as soon as "Dearie," and "Lawful Larceny" getting a windfall by drawing four figures at the Republic. The mati- nee Wits capacity for "Kempy" at tlie Belmont. "Partners Again" en- joyed the beat afternoon since opening at the Selwyn, getting 11.400 and about MJOO on the day. •'Cat and Canary," at the National. was in on the break, while "Chauve- Souris/' which gives a regular matinee Tuesday, again drew splen- did business. Tuesday afternoon found Broad- way with a fair gathering of visi- tors. The regulars were out of the city, but strangers who aimed for the beaches sought theatres in- atead. There were enough visitorji. to fill the hou.ses open. The "Fol- lies" could have sold out twice on the Fourth, but gave only the reg- ular night performance. The Zleg- feld attraction was not affected by Monday night's storm, and played to standing room, the box office ■tatement registering $5,000. The "Follies" continues its remarkable business pace, the gross last week again beating $37,500. The heat of last week affected tnont all of the other ; ttractions. a drop of $2,000 and over being gen- eral and mostly applying after Wednesday. Because of it, two shows listed to remain were taken off. They were "The Hairy Ape.' at the Plymouth, and "Blossom Time," at the Ambassador. The latter attraction held up well and it is announced the closing is for July, which s^'ts a continuance date for "Blos.som Time" for July 31. "Pin Wheel." the curiously blende<l revue of Greenwich Village and vaudeville, will close Saturday at the Karl Carroll. It may reopen in a few weeks after additional changes. Out of town booking has been of- fered the attraction even in it.s pre.sent form. Last week "Pin Wlieel' got $6,900. For a .show of the kind that may have been closf to an oven break. "Strut Mi.^s Lizzie." the colored revue at the Timo.s Square, will move into the Carroll Monday, playiii;; terni.s though with a -Jir.st money" aurce- ment for tiie Ik. use. "Lizzif" diew a Rros.s of |->,^00 for Its second we^k. but indu^rions for a better pao' apply for thi.s wook. "ShntY'e A!oii«." fh.. othnr colon-1 .<ho-,v. h:i> two more v»o(.:;.s at th- 63d Stn-et. it then K-iijii; ,,n tour. l!iipicM_^M:—l4»i5L:^—4hf?-^^tck^ I.-rH- revue, was the premie: e of tl:.- week, open in- at the Winter (;;ir- tlen Thur.s.lay (last ni«ht) at $'*.''»0 for Kansas City, July 5. Based on the recent report of J. C. Mohler, secretary of the State Board of Trade, and estimates by independent crop authorities in Kansas, the Kansas wheat crop, now being harvested, will be worth $126,000,000. This means plenty of money for the Sunflower State within the next few weeks and much joy for those interested in amusements. Practically all of this golden grain is cleared through this city and means much to the dealers and the local banks. Threshing returns are most favor- able, and It is.estimated the farmers will pay out some $5,000,000 to the harvesters within the next few days. Bankers report the farmers haVe had no trouble in obtaining ade- quate funds for harvest purposes, and all work will be paid for in cash. the opening to l.«» follo-.vod by (.Continued on page 17) MRS. JEROME EDDY IN NEED Mrs. Augu.sta LJddy. widow of .Jenmie Hddy. i.'' reported in enibar- ras.^i:;g stiait.^. Since the death of h*'r hut-l)and, who was a figure in tiie dramatic field, Mr.s. Kddy ha.s hft'n doing bits in pietui^'s for five ycar.M. Her hii.s!>.ind d:«'d in r.n6. In tho past year bu.siness depres- sion in fh" picture business has iMis.'d ;iri cmbu risking sit'mtion for .Mr.s. Kddy, who lives at 312 West 4r,?h St reef. .N'ew York. ED WYNN BREAKS ARM lOd Wynn bro!;.' h:.s ar-n .June -:) uliile pi lyjng ;;'>If it he .Soun^i X'le'.v (',o\i rii.i). Wynn was pla> - ..Mg « for.' on..' w.t King Laidn.er. }<T ml; — Cf tveh — m l ' Oscn r • .S ha w \\\\<*t\ he stumbled from tl»e top of I li.Kard ir:l susta.ne<l the :njury. ll" concluded .» !.>ng engage;nint in Til" I»c;fe(t Toiil" a» the Ceorge M. Cohan. New York. Saturday, Chicago, July 5. *Tor Gotdness Sako" at the Gar- rick is continuing under the immedi- ate direction of Davison Lloyd, the Poughkeepsie "angel" of the piece, who resigned as "angel" upon arriv- ing here la.st Thursday to become a showman instead. Lloyd was preceded by his repre- sentative, J. W. Trudeau, who In- formed John J. Carrity, the Shu- berts* local representative, to with- hold recognition of George W. Lederer as director-general of the piece and its corporate ope«ator. Phoenix Play Co., until Lloyd's ar- rival. When the latter reached here he displaced Lederer as president of the corporation an(^ as connected with the " 'oodness Sake" manage- ment. Lederer demanded $300 for last week's salary, two weeks' salary for notice and return transportation to New York. All of these demands were refused by Lloyd. Lederer Is reported to have left here Monday with his wife (Ruby Lewis) and brother-in-law, K. L. McNabb, who had been company manager with the show. Lloyd claimed to hold all of the stock of the l*hoenix Piny Co. After Lederer's departure Lkiyd called in Walter Duggan to repre- sent him. Duggan had been han- dling the press work for the show at the request of Garrity (whoee judg- ment and hendwork are actually re- sponsible for the survival of this attraction). Duggan agreed to.look after the interests of the show until Aug, 1, when his active representa- tion 1( cally for the Selwyns will commence* Last ['"riday night it looked squal- ly when the company asked that Kquity insist a bon<l bo deposited by Llfiyd. Kquity replied Lederer's standing with the organization was o. k., as he had protected all com- panies taken out, a reason why he was not required to furnish a bond in the first place, but Lloyd decided to post the Itond and other bonds, to protect the show, raising his invest- ment in the piece through cash turned in and liability accepted up to $100,000. Lloyd had paid in $12,000 after his original contribu- tion of $10,000 for the show, making his cash investment $22,000 before he left here to return to Pough- keepsie. Interested, however, with Lloyd in the first investment of $10,000 was Schatz. another Pough- keepsie financier who saw money in the sho.v business. The new management headed by Duggan intends to reorganize the company, placing it on an expense basis where Lloyd will get the run for his money he deserves. The show w.as so he.avlly hooked up with a $6,000 weekly cost it never had a chance here in the summer- time, ahd thcj $6,000 cast couldn't draw a $10,000 week at the Garrlck. Cast changes now confront Dug- gan. It is reported Duggan frankly explained the entire situation to the company and they are with him. Marjorie Oateson left Saturday, but her departure had nothing to do with the situation. She remained beyond her agreement to help out the management. Eihel Wilson re- placed her. Virginia O Brien leaves tonight, with Edna Bates succeed- ing in her role. John Hazzard is to leave Saturday, with John Young replacing him. Vinton Freedly also goes Saturday, although Freedly is agreeable to remain another week until a substitute has been chosen. Tiie Ast.aires handed in their notice Saturday to take effect July 16. TIk'V are s.aid to have received a contract for $1,000 weekly with this show. Mr. and .Mrs. Truileaii were about to start on tlieir honeymoon when Lloyd asked Trudeau r.a go to Chi- c.igo to look into tilings. Mrs. Tru- de.iu was fornv rly connected with the Colli ngs wood opera house. Ptiughkeepsie. liefore leaving Lloyd said lu; would lirid out more about tlie show busines.s and ^"angeling" after he h;id corisulled hi.||lit t»>rney.>i in .\ew Vi*rk. T The Lederer party staju-d at the Hotel Drake wiiile here, but Led4?rer refused to comment, saying he was going to a fjrrn in Indiirii for a v.H a ion. Ji.e Smith, .-it.ig" director with tl^e sliow. it.ft t iwn S.ind.iy after a corn- pr ^ >fn i^^^ —' Wn. s reaehed i'+»444^vw4+4g SrniMi's threif o .ft leh the siiow. Smith .illeged n \etlial contract with Ledefr. 'Mi'' l.loyl -jnst.ijlcd m;in igemer.t .-itlled u'i;h iiim, inil;in' its own \jU^t\ wiueli WMi Accupted. Before drawing comparisons be- tween the burlesque shows of 25 years ago and today, countless ad- vantages accruing to the present day shows that those of a quarter of a century ago did not enjoy of a century ago did not enjoy must be considered. Around 1897 the admission scale of burlesque was approximately but a third of what it is now. Fifty cents top was then the general rule for houses playing burlesque, with a theatre here and there occasionally tilting to 75 cents but the number of the latter was negligible. Consequently the shows of 25 ye.ars ago n^essarily played to much lower weekly gros.ses, even when playing a house which had a capacity approaching the burle.sque houses of today, which was very seldom. Most of the old time bur- lesque houses seated from a third to a quartep less than the modern houses. A good week's business for a burlesque show 25 years ago was $2,500 to $3,000. But the shows didn't always play to anything near those amounts. Those were top notch figures, with many weeks re- turning but half or less than half of the above grosses. Admittedly the cost of operation was greatly lower—railroad fares, salaries, costumes, scenery, every- thing that went Into a burlesque i how cost much less, but the Income of thi» burlPRque producer was lim- ited through other factors—the sea- sons were shorter and the railroad jumps often disastrous, because of the lack of a booking system. The shows often ran Into periods of bad business through lack of ad- vance knowledge of show conditions in towns where they were booked. With profits correspondingly dim- inished under those possible now- adays, the old-time burlesque pro- ducer naturally was a bit shy when it came to plunging on production. The old-time shows accordingly could not compare scenically. The same ai)plies to costumes. Where the present day burlesque shows, as exemplified by the Colum- bi.i wheel attractions, carry six and se\en changes of scenery for each half of the performance, with a production standard that frequently compares with musical comedy of the better type, the old-time shows iienerally pas ed up the production end with a couple of sets, one for the opener and anotlu-r for the closer. A wood set like as not or parlor interior that had seen hard service for one and a palace set for thtt other. There were one or two exceptions, of course, bold spirits who took a charice and proved to their own satisfaction that burlesque could s'ill draw more peojile than it did. If the shows were better staged. But there were not many of thorn. Fred Irwin was one of the first with a production and show that represented an investment that topj;)ed the regulation production costs of his day, setting a pace for the others that few cared to fol- low. Louis Uoble was another with the original "P.ohemlans." Harry Morris also stepped out from the rank and file with a show that showed a big jump over the pre- vailing production co.st. But even tiie shows mentioned would look rather bush league as regards pro- duction to the average current Co- lumbia wheel show. The Morri.M, Itoble and Irwin show.'< referred to were well equip- ped with costumes, but the major- ity of the shows considered they had more than sufficient with five costume changes. Silk tights for the choristers were also a rarity, cotton with a sort of standardized sh;«de of pink, arrived at through rn.iriy trips to the laundry, being the gener.'il thing. No matter what the producer of LT) yerirs ago was willing to SF>end on his show, he was h«*ld back t)y limitations over which he had no Control. 'T.Jke flectrical effects: llaidly any of the Khf)WS carried .iny thing, arid the hou.ses were not equipped any l«'tter. Irllectricity b.'Kl just cf)me into general uso In therifres for footlights a few ye.ars before, many of the hoii^seM, liK-«» the London, on the B«>wery, having no e!e tri«al .ippar.itus. lighting the >a^»«>». w4th- *«aH--ff»**4]-i+;4»4H^ «44d- Ka« border lights. These were guirde.l by wire n»»tting. With no «dectri<!.'il fieiliti^M to ►:|»e;ik of In Mven <be ix-'ler e piipped houses, MI.e the old Lmpjrc/ on iSouth bixth striet, Brooklyn (the house was torn down 20 years ago to make way for tho present Williamsburg bridge) the shows could not get anything very ambitious in the way of modern lighting. The nearest approach to the spotlight was a calcium ar- rangement that was apt to blow any time during the show if not properly handled—and frequently they did. And the chorus girls—that is, most of them: It seemed as if th« average burlesque manager hunted around for giantesses and possible winners of fat women contests. The bigger and more Amazon they were the better they liked 'cm. There was no effort generally to grad« the choristers as they are grade<t Into ponies, mediums and show girls today. They were all or nearly all big ones. Pretty nearly any of th« old-time choruses could hav« stepped into Billy Watson's Beef- trust and more than satisfied Wat- son's craving for fat women In hi« chorus line. But If the choristers were fat. th» productions generally cheap and th« costumes lacking in everything they should have, even the general rua of the burlesque shows of 25 year* ago had something that many a present day show might be glad to have—and that was an all-afovad entertaining show, with comedy that compelled laughs and perform- ers who knew how to get laughs. In the maiter of performers, the old-time shows could more than hold its own with the present day troupes. Burlesque now has plenty of excellent talent, singers, dancers, comedians, it being the natural training school for the young per- former to develop his abilities, but even the most optimistic critic of present day burlesque must admit it Is not overburdened with come- dians such as those who made the old-time shows attractive. With comedians like Sam Ber- nard, Weber and Fields. Dan Mc- Avoy, Pat Reilly (Rellly and Wdods), Mclntyre and Heath, Nell OBrlen (Bogart and O'Brien). Billy B. Van, and others who have since gained fame In branches other than burlesque, it was but natural the shows should be strong on comedy. And singers—how about Joe How- ard (How.ird and Kmerson, now Howard and Clark In vaudeville), Kmma Carus, who started as a fe- male baritone and who was rated as having a remarkable voice; Jerry Ma honey, and hosts of others? It was the same with dancers—the dancers with the old-time shows were as good, at least, as most of the top notchers In the burlesque, vaudeville or the musical comedy fitdd of now. The shows of 25 years ago were perhaps better In substance than the present burlesque shows, but were far from the equal of ths present day burlesque In form. But when the prices of admission (59 cents) of the old-time shows is re- membered, as against the $1.50 and $1.25 top of the present day shows, it would look as if the old timers have considerably the best of It. CLEANEST BURLESQUE (Continued from page 6) there is never any "cheating'' st the Columbia, for while Mack sees only the Monday afternoon perfor- mance, McCloy is around the front of the theatre all of the time. It's odd to say that burlesque, de- rided, panned, roasted, toasted, rid- iculed and sneered at for years and years, should eventually » )me to the front, despite the temptation, de- spite the box office and despite the war-time that niined so many oth^r lines of enti-rtalnment, astli«c!e;in- est performance today. Cleanliness has made Columb!* burlesque. Statistics will prove it. The biggest profit made In bur- lesque has been with the cleria shows. Dirty shows only draw to the upper fiart of a theatre. In the long run, and make a stag ;. idience. Variety In Its cr|f lej^ms in the ofden days and of the Western Wh. el shows esjiec ally, dwelt upon ttils time and time .ig.iin, but in those days It h.-id no effect. It neotled enlightened, modem showmen, who h;id deveIop''d and understood vvhit their enormrMi.s iri- ve.«'tments In new thr.atrps me.ant, to realize th;it a clean show would k« e,» their theatres open; lint duly ones Would c lo.so them. It's huslnesK with the Columbi.i execnlive.s; tliey are in the ^how -bit>t M u t ..^M.—TiM!V.4.uJi.-a-H4* falj4«^ >it^»iui- nor d(» (hev vs.int any fals" pedcsf;i|, but they <l » w.'inf clean .-.hows b.^- c!iu.He thev Knovv cli-in .shows me»n firo.**perit y. it iho. e .show.-* ar • riiadu c>iUr(ciining. 0im«m