Variety (October 1922)

Friday, October 13, 1922 LEGITIMATE :-.,.•■>•■. ■f CHICAGO CRITICS'FUNNY CHOICE OF OPENING PLAY Pats Up New Harris Theatre and Show for Fellow I Writer's "False Pretenses"—Critics # in Windy . Town Falling Down on Guesses—Specs Sold at One-sixth Box Office Prices Last Week in Chi .^ Chicago. Oct. 10. ijcsltiniate attractions here are In a state of extraordinary unrest. Ffealiiness rules in the tabulation of box oHloe trade. The public is waving an independent hand, going completely opposite to what the pro- ducers and critica predicted would be "heavy draws" and patronizing attractions of its own free accord. All this results in giving Chicago an early oeason of many surprises. ] A previous unrecorded October heat tilted several of the more ex- pennive attractions into a dangerous , plight. AVhat the steady heat of the tirst week did to some of the attrac- tions wasn't an iota compared with what happened to the ticket scalping agencies. Caught in a jam like thc\' never were before) the ticket scalpers were tossed into a state of wild excitement. The situation de- veloped r^o desperately for the ticket scalpers that the loop's night prom- enaders witne.-^fed , unparalleled ijccncs on the Important street cor- ners, between 7 a.id 9 o'clock. Late arrivals were noticed going Into the tluatre.'? during the weelc, because of the desperate straits of the ticket sc'ilpers. v.'ho kept plyins their trade half an hour after the curtains w<>nt up. When a pair of $3 .«»eats could be purchased for $1 a pair, the de- • termination of the ticket scalpers and the supply of tickets they had on hand can be imagined. A continuation of the tactics of the past week by the ticket scalpers will do more to ruin the balcony trade in the loop theatres than any previous mls-mana^ed theatrical In- cident ever accomplished. People strolling along the streets with no Intention of visiting a tbeatre on the concerned night were stopped and ' offered the low-priced tickets. These people were usually of the class who are out of place on aa orchestra floor of any theatre. Now that they have attended a |3 show for 60^ cents, it is thought they will await more similar situations and secure their seats therefrom. It's the first real touch of curtain-time cut-rate campaigning the loop has ever wit- nesised. The ticket scalpers reckoned that the |1 necured via the system of the eleventh hour campaign would ' lessen their full loss, even If It did place Into vogue a deadly assault against box office sales. The ticket scalpers sent their missionaries dar- Jnf;?y within the shadow of the the- atres for which they had seats, but in most instances they were chased away by plain clothes men from po- lice headquarters. The plain clothes men were kept busy frt the Twin theatres, where the scalpers are working on the big buy made for y^ the Harris and Selwyn attractions. The mls.sionaries moved t'.-elr loca- tions to the front of the Apollo and the Colonial, offering the Twin the- atre tickets to patrons headed for those two theatres. The situation developed the most wide open "cut- in" of box office trade ever wit- nessed in the loop. It all developed because the ticket agencies over- stocked themselves and found no way out when the box offices at the Twin theatre stiffened up and re- fused to Fj'mpathize with the brokers and take back the scat.s, with a view of helping the brokers by selling them at the window. Plenty *of empty seats were noticed during the week in the theatres where outright "buys" were made, and while the managers were paid for these empty .scats, the situation in general Is hurting local business more than any other group of sensible reasons. Two premieres featured the week. Sum II. Harris succeeded In making ^ a gala opening of his new theatre (the other Twin). Harris unfor- tnnitoly c^tarltcd up against "Under ]''al.se Pretenses" as premiere oppo- sition, and there syning a situation that is cau.^ing much Inside com- ment. iJon llccht. author, news- paper writer for a local newspaper, utilized his companionship and "put ono over" on thc^ policy of threo of the newspnpers to "cover" happen- incf! of the biggest local news. Ilecht sui^cceded in gi'ttin.: Stevens, of the ' Ilt^rnld-Exaniinor": Putler. of "The Tiiliiino- ;uul l.csli,-. of "The News." —— ! ■ > « - *>v fr h:. i o p en i n g in prr f rrrn to th<' opouMvx oi* a new Chicago » tluatit\ Sam Harris frit the slight !'(»!• UKire rf-asonn ihan one. Those who .claim there is a "ring in the ciiiics* circles in New Votk" will probably head tli;s w.«y to iiivcsti- Kito CliH-j'nos rlrclr's. Tlu» critics loantrd "Six Cylinder Love" on the Mlrcimth ft was ht.luim and gave Hocht's |)Iay glowing notices The p'lblic graHj)ed the success Hroad- Way witnessed in "Six Cylinder -Did $33,000 Last Week at $3.85—More Than AH Other Legit Grosses—Hits and Flops Over There '■■'"•■■■■;■' ■•'■ ' • • Love." and real business started at the Harris Thursday, with the La Salle attraction holding low. ' The v/hole situation promises to hold the interest of those who maintain that It was the first time that a news- pa i)erman received such undivided help from brother newspapermen when the policy of the local news- papers is to treat news value first. One play disappeared Saturdav night. "Bulldog Drummond" couldp't stand the pace of local competition and was succeeded Sunday night at _ the Powers by "The Bill of Divorce-^ superlative to get the Dltrlchsteln mcnt." I'^our shows pack up and depart Saturday night, "The Dover Iload." "The Rubicon." "To the Ladies." and "The Goldfish." Along comes "The Charlatan" at the Play- house. "Aiitij Chris.ie ' at the Stude- bakcr, and pictures to the Cohan's Cirand. No attraction is announced for. the CentraL "The Circle" adda two weeks more to Its stay at the Selwyn, making eight weekSi for the engagement be- fore "Partners Again" arrive*. Fritz Lelber draws three weeks more at th* Olympic. Pauline Frederick's good-bye is announced, coming in four weeks. * The switch In weather conditions will help this week, but the unrest will continue until the battle of the ticket scalpers is either checked or remedied over Its present situation. Moderation of both the high prices and the ticket scalpers' contracts Is the combination that will prevent a complete killing of the golden egg for the producers In Chicago this season.. .. ^ Last week's estimates: "Under False Pretenses" (La Salle. 1st week). Ben Hecht's fellow newspaper writers turned every play started off right, but nothing encouraging has resulted therefrom as yet. The overdose of loyalty to the author, as contributed by the critics, wasn't understood by the (Continued on page 16) "SALLF IN PHILLY BEATS COMBINED LEGIT ATTRACTIONS SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT Figures •stimated and/comment point to some attractions being successful, whil^the same gross accredited to others might suggest mediocrity or loss. Th« variance is explained in the difference in house capacities, with the varying overhead. Also the size of cast, with consequent difference in necessary gross for profit. Variance in business necessary for musical attraction as against dramatic play is also considered. Philadelphia, Oct. 10. Living up to all expectations, Ziegfcld's "Sally" crashed Into a miserable opening season here with a bang and turned In a gross that topped those of all the other legit shows combined. • There was never any question or doubt as to this one catching on, as seats were at a premium four or five days before the opening. The local agency jumped In with a big buy, as this Is the first show of the year which gave It any prospect of a clean-up. The result Is that pur- chasers of seats at the box office are told that everything Is sold out for a couple of weeks in advance, with the possible exception of Wednesday matinee. The opening night — holiday — found three-deep standing room, and the critics, instead of temporizing as they do with established hits here, gave "Sally" a rousing send-off. The Forrest can do, It Is stated, $35,100 at the scale at which "Sally" Is tilted, and last week the gross was about $33,000, the difference being accounted for In standing room, and a very slight weakness Wednesday matinee. Tho top Is J3.85, reduced at the 'last minute from the $4.40 first planned. Nevertheless, despite the clean-up the show Is still advertising dally that Its engagement Is strictly "limited," and bets are being made here on the length of Its stay, with six weeks as the conser^vatlve and popular estimate. It was planned at one time to stick in the new "13unch and Judy," but that at present seems to be off, with "Good Morn- ing Dearie " as the next booking at the house. Besides "Sally" there were only four hou.«es open last week because of the flop of "Paradise Alley" at the Shubert. Of tliese four shows one, "Up the Ladder," continued It.s su(5cess of the first week and, in fact, passed its first Week's gross at the Walnut. This Brady show hfis been a surprise, and whil6 in no way a knock-out has done better than many of the other more highly touted prodiictior. -• In town. The town was lithographed from end to end for this performanc \ and the effects have been shown in a steadily building business. Thf other threp shows did mis- erably Inst w«>ek. with "I'omeroy's I'a.st" at the (Jairick far in the rear. This Clare Kumnior comedy is fi my.vtery In its complete and solid Hop. as it was not considered j-o bad as the ^:llm cr<v\vds hiivo indi- rn ^e d. it's b e l ie v ed timf iinf:i\oi-- .'iblc notices we"e the m:iiii rca.'^on. L;ist W('.'k'.'< grCi.H du<-k<Mi to Ix-low $1,000, tli»' l(»',veHt mark this hou.s!' h.'(S 1i:h1 in .-i lon;^ time. '■I>ul<\."' in It.; fourth and (iii.'i! v.cclc ul \\\o I'm.id. ab<» hit its jnw groj s for its ♦•rrTiigcnicnt, but by no means took Uf^- dip that "I'omeroys Past" <lid. 'P.y' m.'iy be attrlliulcd to the reiurn^^M, a slow and tri<k- ling stream »^ /^'" theatres cla.ss clientele. A suddf*^ change to cold weather might have seen a nice rise in "Dulcy's" business. "Marjolalne" has been a real dis- appointment at the Lyric, though ^ very slight Improvement was seen certain nights last week, and the belief Is that thia show was one of those hardest hit by steaming summer weather. It is rumored that "Marjolalne" Is to close fol- lowing local engagement. Critics have been <kind throughout to Mears' production, and some soci- ety draw has been seon downstairs, but at no time did it look like a hardy success. This week's openings are five in number and bring the AdelphI into the list of legit houses in regular season running order. Four of the (Continued on page 19) "Abie's Irish Rose," Republic (2l8t week). When this comedy opened at Fulton early in summer It was not conceded long run. Shift to 42d street undoubtedly gave it life. Holdover, getting belter bMsiness than many new arrivals. Cut rates count ctrongly. "Banco," Rltz (4th week). Open- ing pace hardly promising, and short stay Indicated. Last week business improved, with visitors counting, takings being about $6,- 500. Unless It can hold to paying business j:ucce83or due In another week cr two. "Better Times," Hippodrome (6th week). Out-of-towners played Hip strong last week, and big house reported getting better than $55,000. Is big show. Institution calling for cool weather. "Blossom Time," Jolson (50th week). Another two weeks intended for holdover operetta success. For first week in new berth (moved from Ambassador) it was getting around $2,000 irtghtly. # Another company listed for • the Bayes when ojrlglnal leaves town for big stands. "The Insect" succeeds. "Captain Applejack," Cort (42d week). One of holdovers favored by bankers' convention last week. Like others In group of last sea- Hon succ^^ses still runnh.g, is beating some of new ones. Went to^>l,noo last week, best figure since spring. ^ "Cat and Canary," National (36th week). i^My^tery play with chance to sticJT for 11 month.V run and maybe year, though one company on tour. Also drew strongest gate since last season; business last week not far from $10,000 mark. "Chauve-Souris," Century Roof (37th week). Morris Gest and Ray Comstock presented NIklta Baiieff and his Russian novelty artists In third program Tuesday evening. Class of this attraction will hardly feel opposed Russian show inserted at Booth last week. Over vear sure. * "Daffy bill," Apollo (8th week). An- other week to go for this musical comedy that started out promis- ingly in August, '"akes to road, Frank Tlnney starred^ Next at- traction Is "One Exciting Night," Grimth picture. Hammersteln show was bolstered by visitors in town last week, gross being $15,- 300, "Dolly Jordon," Daly's 63d St, Closed Saturday, having stayed five days. Oostume comedy spotted in the wrong house. Business after pre- miere Tuesday last week very weak. BOSTONS HTTS KEEP UP BOX OmCE SMASHING PACE (< Music Box Revue*' Somewhat Off Through Balcony Prices—"Lawful Larceny" Doesn't Get Off Well —"Weather" First Half Last Week Boston. Oct. 10, The theatrical business la this town ran up against a real scare the first three days of last week when weather that would be perfectly ac- ceptablo in August suddenly ap- peared and record-breaking temper- atures prevailed for a few days. In some of the houses the weather had a decided effect, and only a sudden shift to cooler readings on the last days of the week prevented really serious losses. With some of the other attractions i\\fi stories which havo been current about splendid advance .sales were sub- stantiated by the fact that they played to capacity at every per- formance. Monday of this week the prevail- ing weather conditions were ideal for the theatres, and with an extra matinee at most of the houses Thursday (Columbus Day) it was froely stated around town that new hiirh lovols would be reached In the ti! !(t<r i>( •■\<>^^ bu>4ine ; i Wi There were changes of attractions at tln> Plymouth (Shubert house t iind the Moslon o|)era house, another i>f the .'^hubort string. .Mond-jy. •Lawful Larceny." the .Samuel Ship- in.in play, canie into the Plymouth, and tlif house on the opening night showe.l signs of w»*aknes.'<. It was adniiiti'.l thnt ".some" two-for-on*' busini ss bad been done, but even at thai the house was only about three -quarters full. The show is up against It in the matter of opposi- tion, for It comes in here at a time when the town Is full of plays that have been acclaimed sure-fire hits, and therefore hard going must be expected. ilarry Lauder, who has the Bos- ton opera hou.so for this (single) week, followed by "Sjilce of 1922." did not have the usual advance sale registered for him locally. Those Interested In the show refused to pay much attention to It, and It Is said that when the count up comes at the linlsh af the week It will be found that Lauder has taken In about $30,000. Last year when he played here he did about $36,000. It is not thought that record will be endangered on the present vl."ilt. But he will f;tlll be a big money-maker. The 'Music Box Revue" Is having a bit of difficulty, due solely to the matter of prices. ThIa Is not shown so much on the floor of the house as it i.s in the first balcony, where the HcAin are 8caU;d at $3.2.0, $2.7i> and $2.'J0. Thi.i is about fiO cents higher tlian the prices for the same scats for ".Sally." It brings to tho surface again the question of whether the reducers are right in the matter of fixing |irice.s for bal- cony .seats at Huch a figure. It is a matter of comment locally that th<* theitre patrons who preferred to sit in th«» first rows of the flrrt balcony at tho same price that orrhestra iCoiilinued on pagf IS; "East of Suez," Eltinge (4th week). A. H. Woods drama, opening about same time as Maugham play de- buted In London appears to have caught on equally well In both metropolises. Business bit off up- stairs, but gross around. ?12,000. "East Side, West Side," Nora Bayes (9th week). No. 2 "Bloosom Time" listed to succeed In roof theatre Oct, 21, with management placing attract'oa in cut rates. Number one show never sought reduced ticket field. "East Side" got $4,- 500 last week. "Evergreen Lady," Punch and Judy (1st week). Listed to open last Saturday but premiere postponed until Wednesday this week. First production try by David Wallace. "Follies," New Amsterdam (19th week). Nightly eell-out through- out last week, with midweek mat- inee the only performance with any room to spare, that probably because of opening of world's series. Cross over $|7.000. Easily leads musical field and expected to remain until Jan. 1. "Fools Errant," Maxlne Elliott (8th week). Final week for this com- edy. It could fiot mount to real business and will be taken off. Succeeding attraction not settled and houBc may be dark weeic or two. "Greenwich Vilfeige Follies," Shu- bert (5th week). Like Zlegfeld "Follies" is runnmg ahead of for- mer productions of series. Higher < scales in both cases figure. Tak- ' Ings of nearly 127,500 last week give It second money honors on list. "Her Temporary Husband," Fraxee (7th week). With small cast thIa farde has pulled fair business but hardly up to Chicago pace during Hummer. Cut rated, "Hunky Dory," Klaw («th week). Continued this week. Show going on tour in Canadian territory. Sold out Monday night's house in , advance, and it was planned to end stay then. "It's a Boy," Sam Harris (4th week). Bankers picked new comedy though panned by critics, and business last week with visitors' support considerable Improvement over opening weeks. Last -weeif the gross better than $10,000. "Kempy," Belmont (22d week). Pick- ing up since start of season. Newer productions not hurtinc here. Takings around $7,000 af- ford profit for both attraction and house, of limited capacity, "Kiki," Belasco (4Cth week). Un- less prcnent Indications change Belasco's outi?tandlng dramatic hit of last season will run through second season. Close to year's record now. Business of $1S,C00 orfly exceeded by one other non- mustcal. "La Tendresse," Empire (3d week). Doinflr much better than first im- pressions promised. Second week around $11,000, $1,000 under first week. House clientele and draw of stars should jgivc French adap- tation chance, "Lady in Ermine," Ambassador (2d week). Lines up strong as "Blos- som Time," also Shubert operetta, whose place it took at this house. First week's business between $14,500 and $15,000, and show get- ting much praise. "Loyalties," Calety (3d week). Like "East of Suez," drama runnln;: concurrently In London, Wealth of newspaper comment on It be- Injf the best play of season to date. Quoted ns set for season, with takings around $12,000, "Molly Oarling,'* Liberty (7th week). Dispens-ed with cit rates last week and box office showed healthy ad- vance sale; chances of run better than at any time since opening. Went past $14,000 , « "On the Starrs," Playhouse (3d , week). Final week. Cast trouble may have hurt some. With cut rates counting second week*.'* busi- ness c'almed about $4,r.00. "Swifty" will succeed next week. "Oranqe Blossoms." >nilton (4th week). Edward Royce's musical production with Edith Day ap- pears to have f aught on well. Clettlrg class trade. I^ast weeks takings asain claimed to have bet- tf-red $19,000. "Partners Again," Selwyn (24th week). Another month for great lau«li-making I'otash and I'erl- miitt«'f bhow. Succeeding attrac- tion is ' KreisbT." novelty drama. iinfMti'ted and due Uitu lu Novema ber. Liisiness moved up with the list last we«'lc, grf-s.-? going to $13,- "Passing Show of 1922," Wintor (Janbr. «4th we^-k). (larden fig- nred to be favored with visiting banlcrrs antl world's series crowds, rind ]nft week II nvard Bro.<«.' show rt'porlfd best hinc«« opening. "Queen of Hearts," Cohan (1st week). Latest musical show to (Continued on i)age Ji>>