Variety (October 1922)

\'^'-r- "'.'*.■ .'>■ U LEGITIMATE y'\i ■'~7- W- "V" " TT "- •».T,'-"T' ^V?*' >-7i'.>» n Friday, October 13, 1922 INSIDE STUFF LEGIT (Continued from page 12) ' •oM for 50 ccntfi. An American i)u))llsher estimatcMl It could not be turned out here at a coat of Icsa than $1.25 a copy. There is no duty on this dusi? of publication. gome curiosity Is prevalent over the outcome of the four-week engage- ment, as proposed, for "Spice of 1922" at the Boaton opera house, starting next Monday. It will play at $2 top. The advance campaign Is expected to give an impetus to "Spice's" business at the scale, but there are many •keptlcs concerning the trade that may be attracted at the largest theatre In Boston. Hven a good crowd in the house looks small in its vastness. No other booking was available for the four wfeeks. with "Spice" requiring a gross of about |17.000 to break at the terms. "Spice" is a peculiarly hooked-up production, ina.smuch as it appears to be unable to get out of ft production cost that prevents Its promoters drawing any money out of It until that is accomplished. If "Spice" goes farther into the box, which J8 not unlikely on the Boston engagement, there will be little hope left for its producers to show a personal gain from the play for the remainder of the season, although "Spice" played to over $200,000 at its Winter Garden run in the summer. The Shuberts are interested in "Spice," along with Jack L«ait, Armoind Kaliz. Allan Foster and II. Robert Law. "His Child Wife," a shoestring one-nightcr backed by Sam Blair, has the record so far this sea.son for returns. B'air wrote the piece him.self, got the sets "on the cuff," engineered an Equity agreement to defer rehearsal salaries until after th*^ opening, and opened in White Plains, N. Y., Oct. 2, with the "nut" figured down to about $1,200 for the week. White IMains did $G00 on the ni^'ht. Burlington, N. J., got an even $65u and Lancaster did the same. The third night was "oft the nut" for the week, and Blair was figured ft»r a net protU of bettor than $1,200 on the week. The piece is a problem play built on the aged husband and young wife plot, and the matinees are exploited 'for women only.""" C. Hooper Tra.«k Is over here. He Is Variety's Berlin representative, and will return to the German capital In another week or so. Mr. Trask Is an American. He has been over there for three years, and is thoroughly familiar with the German situation, as he Is with things theatrically In Berlin. l^Ir. Tra.sk's correspondence in Variety has been marked with a deflnlteness that furnished considerable information to show people on this side, since Mr. Trask writes with an international knowledge that permits him to predict whether a German production, stage or screen, Is suitable for American presentation. Mr. Trask is at present in New York with his wife. The matter of featurfng Eddie Buzzell In lights In connection with "The Gingham Girl," at the Carroll, has been adjusted. There is an understanding that if the mu.'«ical comedy lasts two more months Buzzell will be featured in the tungstens. The Schwab-Kussell piece, according to "dope," looks good for an all-,winter stay. Several weeks ago Buzzell threatened to walk out on the show, rejecting a salary increase In lieu of Incandescent featuring. The producers had several people,* including Harry Rose, in readiness to Jump in. Buzzell's grievance was based on an alleged understanding that if "Gingham Girl" was programmed as presented by Laurence Schwab and Daniel Kussell. his name was to be featured. The nominal holding corporation of "Gingham Girl" is Danlor, Inc., coined by a combination of the producers' first name syllables. Tlie Joe LeBlang cut rate agency is looked upon as opposition by the Icsjit theatres in the suburbs of New York. One manager of a legit hou«»e claims the people of his town will not pay the top price, pre- ferring to go to New York and see the latest plays at cut rates. In a couple of M'-arby towns the papers have given the matter some atten- tion, but the propaganda for home plktronage has had no effect. A woman dramatic agent become slightly inebriated in a "speak- easy" one evening last week and Jumped out of the second floor back window. Clothes lines broke the woman's fall with only minor injuries sustained. An ambulance was summoned and the wounds dressed, after which she was able to go home. Invitations were sent out by Nora Riyes' secretary for .a gathering at the Crystal Room of the Hotel Ritz, following the Tuesday night's premiere of Miss Bayes' new play, "Queen of Hearts," at the Cohan, l^verythlng looked .lovely for the affair, with the invited guests having to stand a tax of $15 per by the Crystal Room. Business In Philly has been peculiarly bad this fall, but the limit was reached last week when a big Chestnut street house showing a comedy try-out had 65 j;)eople at a mid-week evening performance. There were actually only seven paid admissions in the balcony. During the first part of the run of this show, the theatre adverti.slng man of a Philadelphia daily was delegated to round up 50 girls from a big printing plant to fill the paps, but later on It was impossible to fill the house even by paper. The author was on hand throughout the run, sitting down near the front of the' de.serted house, taking notes fast and furiously. " Ludwig Lewlsohn, the official translator of Gerhart Hauptmann. whose work In English is in eight volumes, takes violent exception to the presentation of Hauptraann's "Rose Bernd," in which Ethel Barrymore is starring at the Longacre. Lewlsohn expresses himself in a recent number of "The Nation," to which he Is attached as dramatic <M-itio. He declares that Hauptmann Is the "greatest dramatist of compassion," but that that is nowhere to be gleaned from the American production. Lewlsohn also takes exception to the casting of "Rose Bernd." His opinion is in direct conflict with the views of the New York critics, all of whom expressed admiration for the support given Miss Barrymore, The article was reprinted in the New York "Times" Sunday. Arthur Hopkins, who produced "Rose Bernd," replied to "The Nation," and the letter will also be carried in next Sunday's "Times." The manager declared that Lewlsohn, who Is credited in the Longacre program as the adapter, Is "suffering with an attack of acute preconception," and also that "it Is the inferiority complex screaming for air." Hopkins further said of the article: "Back of it all Is a patronizing sadness for those souls who can never know how wonderful it all is." ^- ■ ■ —■- STOCKS •XSettlng Gertie's Garter" ia doing a turnaway business at the Lyceum, Baltimore, and has been held over for another week. This show was received by the press aa helng a pretty raw piece of work, and evi- dently this is what its managers counted on, for one of the advertis- ing lines which they used was a quotation from a criticism that the show was "amusingly risque.** George Marshall, who is producing; the shows at the Lyecum, put "Ger- tie's Garter" on during his stock season in Washington last summer and got a three-week run out of it. Its production here is fair, but the cast, aside from Sue McManamy and WMlliam Evarts, is nothing to brag about. The Maude Fealy stock got the expected break with "The Man Who Came Back" last week in New York. The gross doubled over that of the week before and the play was received with enthusiasm. The fea- ture of the production was the ex- traordinary work of Milton Byron as Henry Potter, the male lead. The subscription list has Jumped to over 3,000, and it looks now as if the company were set for a success- ful season. There is a strong rumor it will move from the Or- pheum to the Strand, which is now running pictures. "The Woman In Bronze," for which there has been a strong popular demand, is billed for next week, but Miss Fealy will probably postpone this offering and use "The Ghost Between." Thomas Wilkes, who is to produce the Sam H. Harris attractions on the coast this season, will next put on "Six-Cylinder Love," which is due early next month. Two leads have been engaged in New York for the Wilkes company, John Adair, Jr., and Nellie Burke, the remainder of the cast being chosen from Wilkes stock companies. The St. Charles, New Orleans, will open stock Nov. 6 under the personal direction of Walter S. Baldwin. The Saenger Co., now operating the house, has been in negotiation with Bushman and Bayes to hold the stock for four weeks. John St. John replaces Ben Bolin as manager of Keeney's, Bayndge, Brooklyn, N. Y,, where Corse Pay- ton stock is playing. In the 41st annual report of the Actors Fund of America a list of the original trustees is carried. All have passed away. Daniel Frohman, who was appointed the first secretary, is the only survivor among the officers who first directed the fund's activities. Famous names made up the first board of trustees. They are Lester Wallack, A. M. Palmer, Edwin Booth, Edward Hnrrigan. Henry E. Abbey, William Henderson, Joseph Jefferson, John F. Poole, M. H. Mallory. P. T. Bai*num, Lawrence Barrett, W. J. Florence, H. C. Miner, Frank Campeau, W. E, Sinn. Bartley Campbell and Samuel Colville. Sunday night at Reuben's, the upper Broadway late hour delicatessen lunch establishment which attracts show people, Lee Shubert was seated in one of the booths. Arch Selwyn and his wife entered. The latter greeted Shubert, but Arch Just gave him a hard look. He didn't say . Just why. The Selwyns had been at their table for a while when a waiter lirought a sugnr bowl and handed It to Arch with the message: "Mr. Khubcrt told me to give you this." Jake Isaacs will step Into the "highbrow" show division this season, he having been Appointed as company mannger for "He Who Gets flapped," which will be sent on tour by Sam H. Harris and Jos. M. Gaites. The drama was produced by the Theatre Guild, and it closed at the Garrlck twq weeks ago after a long run. It will open at the Riviera $)ct. 28, ....... ., ■ ■ ... OTJEILL PLAYS IN LONDON Arthur Hopkins contemplates a season of Eugene O'Neil plays in London, though his plans have not been made definite. The producer's idea for London was disclosed fol- lowing an offer from an English manager for the rights to "The Hairy Ape." Hopkins' reply w^as, he would probably visit London in the spring with the presentation there of several O'Neil plays to follow. It is understood Hopkins has in mind the presentation of "Anna Christie" In London, with Pauline Lord starred as now. The support- ing company is to be taken over intact. "Christie" has been playing to excellent business on the road, and no definite date can be made for the foreign booking. *• Hopkins' first production for O'Neil was "Anna^Christie." "The Hairy Ape" followed, both plays being put on last season. He has a third O'Neil play called "The Fountain," which will be produced during the winter. The manager had a contract with O'Neil for the rights to produce all future plays from his pen. ATTACHMENT VACATED Newark, N. J., Oct. 10. An attempt was made by Fuerst & Fuerst, representing William Hurlbut, Inc., of New York, to hold up "Spice of 1922" at the Broad. An attachment was actually made on everything belonging to the show from the box receipts to the elec- tric lights, but Saturday the writ was voided by Circuit Court Judge Mountain on a technicality. It was claimed that $1,800 was due Hurlbut In royalties on the bedroom sketch in the revue. The "Spice'' people maintain that the sketch was written originally for Arman Kaliz to use in vaudeville, and that royalties were due only on the vaudeville use of the sketch. Afterwards Jack Lait rewrote the aketch for "tfplce." BEDSIDE CHATS BT NELLIE EEVELI •■> ■ 4- - ■ ' Bc;t My Friend 1 know lie's ten kinds of a liar, I know he's Ave kinds of a fooli I know he's a wild sort of devils without any reason or rule; I know there are clouds up above him, of debts and of woes that Impend;'. I may not condone, but I love him; I love him—because he'a my friend, I know he has faults by the million, but his faults are a portion of him;! I know that his record's vermilion, and he's far from a sweetjaeraphlm;^ But he's always been square with yours truly, ever willlnfir to give or to lend; , He may be wild and unruly, but I love him—because he's my friend, I knock him, I know it, but I do it the same to his face as away; And if other folks knock him, they rue it, and wish they'd had nothing to say; , . v ,. I never draw diagrams of him, nor maps of his soul have T penned; ' I don't analyze, I Just love him. I love him—because he's my frlendf The above poem was given to me years ago by Will Reed Dunroy. i^ Chicago newspaper man, now deceased. I believe It was written by him. At any rate, he used to say that he thought It was my Fellglon, and that my friendship for a fellow would condone any crime he might comnUt* Will's going away was one of the greatest shocks I have been called upon to bear since my affliction. He was one of the best newspaper men and press agents I ever knew, and more than one of us owe our success in Chicago to tho co-operation and assistance received from him. He "Was a friend, and one of the first thinga J am going to do wh^n I get out at here is to visit his grave. .- " - :V " K •>■ "The Patients' Husbands' Club" Is what we call them. It Is Interesting to watch the husbands of the different patients. The "When a fellow needs a /rlend" look and the attempts at bravery when facing bad news. If there ever was any doubt in my mind about men being but boys grown up, it vanished after I had watched a few score of men pace the hall while their wives were in the operating room. If a man ever needs a friend, it is then. I've watched the young newlywed wait for tidings from his young bride. The frightened love-like expression when he Is permitted to see her. Then there Is the husband of the middle-aged woman who probably has to do housework while bis wife is in the hospital. He comes in and brings the children. I have more than once heard papa rehearsing the children as to what they should or should not say, lest they "make mamma worry." And the fine old gentleman whose white-haired little wife is fighting her way back to life paces the floor until he Is permitted to see "Mother." There he sits for hours, not a word passing between them, she seeming happy Just to know he is there. His solicitude for her comfort, and she watching each day for his appear* ance, refutes what the cynics say about romance being dead. Whenever I see the husband of some fellow-patient walking the hall out.side a room in which his wife -is being treated or administered to, and see the anxious look on his face, I cannot but wonder If he always was so solicitous about her—if he had always realized what she meant to him. If, perhaps, they had been drifting apart; if he had been careless or indifferent In his attentions to her, and if now, when there was a po.sslbility of losing her, he had just learned to appreciate her. And if the cloud that was hanging over them would soon roll away and reveal a silver lining of renewed confidence and rekindled love made stronger through suffering. I am In receipt of a letter from the Anti-Vivisection Society asking me to become a member of their organization, and to use my influence to prevent vivisection of dogs and guinea pigs In the Interest of science. If I had any influence I would use it to keep myself from being vivisected in the Interest of science. . I have found out one thing about this canary of mine. It's a uhfon bird, and quits singing at sundown. When the men working on the building across the street quit work, the bird ceases singing. Not another peep out of him until the next morning when the men begin again. Sadie Kussell ventures the Information that it is a big-time bird, and refuses to do a supper show. Bonnie Gaylor wanted to know what the brown spot on the bird's head meant. I told her that was an Ice cap the canary was wearing because he had a hangover. Peggy O'Neil brought me all the news from London. Also a few other things. She took time, too, to run In and kiss me good-bye before sailing. So many people who haven't spoken for years meet In my room, bury their grievances and shake hands, that some of my friends suggested the other day that the room be called "the melting pot." Alan Dale, who was present when the suggestion was made, said maybe some day he would meet George Broadhurst here, and be invited to the Broadhurst theatre. One year ago this week the first "Bed-Side Chat" appeared in Variety. I have enjoyed writing it. I am glad if any one of you has enjoyed reading it. I believe I will ce'.ebrate my next anniversary uptown. According to a St. Paul paper, Minnesota State Senator McGarry was bequeathed 15 fat squaws and 10 pails of paint in the will of a late chieftain of the Leech reservation. The Senator says he is undecided as to how he will dispose of his legacy. Senator McGarry received the 15 tried and true "femmes" as a token of appreciation for a kind deed. The papers failed to state whether the 10 pails of paint were to be used on the squaws or to whitewash the kind deed referred to In the will. Anyhow, that codicil was poor propaganda. It will have the effect of making people mighty careful how they do favors for appreciative Indians. " . I * '■'■■ Tragedy Recipe Take one reckless natural-born fool, two or three big drinks of bad liquor and a fast, high-powered motor car. Soak the fool well In the liquor, place him In the car, and let him go. After due time remove from wreckage, place In black satin-lined box and garnish with flowerp. SHOWMEN ARRIVE . Arrivals this week from England were A. H. Woods, returning en the "Olympic," and Chas. B. Cochran on tho "Bcrengaria." Also on the "Olympic" was Lee F^phrlam, a London Hl>owman, con- nected with Daniel Mayer, Ltd., over there. It engages m all theatrical branches. The co*'jcern has a suc- * ccssful prodtictl'* ,f now running In a West End theatre. Mr. Ephrlam's visit to New York Is with a view of procuring for London production any native play he may desire to negotiate for. Mr. Cochran has not been over here for some time. Ho has a va- riety of object.s, according to ad- vance »eports,' not tho least of which Ih to secure an attraction that may dui)lit;ite tho success of "Chuckles" In London early In tho summer. • • i • .