Variety (October 1922)

18 LEGITIMATE ,~^ Friday, October 13, 1922 cries aloud the truth. By the devo- tion of a couHin who perceives the true conditions of the tr-^^edy, not- withstanding Roger has asked her to be his wife, he is reconciled with Marthe and they weep In each ©ther's arms. Tho play is strongly arted by >llaln Dhurtal (Roger), R. Dartois (Henri), Serge Flauto (Houblon), Suzy Prim (Marthe), Christinne !Lauray (the cousin Claire), and Bianchini (the mother). Lugne Toe has started his season well. Kcndrcw. LA POMME CABARET GIRL London, Sept. 22. The production of "The Cabaret Girl," book and lyrics by George Grossmith and P. G. Wodehouse, music by Jerome Kern, was pro- duced by Grossmith and Malone at tho Winter Garden Sept. 19. The three principals are Dorothy Dick- son, Norman Griffin and George Grossmith. There were a couple of postpone- J»im to pawn the ring. A day or Paris, Sept. 20. The little Theatre Michel pro- duced a three-act comedy by Louis Verneuil as the vehicle for inaugu- rating the 1922-23 season. The greatest novelty of the event Is a fresh silk curtain. Verneuil has baptised his vaudeville "La Pomme" (•The Apple"), the mythological fruit of discord. His apple Is a trifle too ripe for export, but should please the Michel habitue. Not that there is anything more shocking in this "triangular" comedy than we are hccustomed to see in scores of Frenchy farces of late years. There is no passage in the present effort going beyond the limits of propriety, albeit one might have been led to Imagine so from some of the reports by local critics. Max Templler and Jano Pascaud •ccidently meet in a hotel at Havre, over-full because of a peace confer- ence. (First item of wit.) Both wish to occupy the same room, not- withstanding Max is supposed to have already given it up and re- turned because he missed his train. Max is Just a bit of a cad. The young couple squabble and reveal their identity. Their fathers are associated in business and have ar- fbnged for them to marry. Max hav- ing returned froiA America for that purpose. Reconclllatk>n, and a room for Max in the same hotel is found by Jane pairing a lonely damsel with a Spanish diplomat. (Second item of wit.) In the next act we are In- troduced to the parents, Templier, a biscuit manufacturer near Lyons, and Pascaud, his matiager. They are quite chums, even to personal resemblance, but the friendship is estranged when the latter learns through the short-sightedness of their secretary, Pol-Mol, that his employer has been deceiving him for 10 years by carrying on with his second wife, Irma (impersonated by Mme. Cassive). This puts an end to the marriage arrangement, until Max and Jane pretend they are al- ready paired without the legal cere- mony. Then Templier recants, but the girl's father cun»iders another little dishonor of the kjnd will not count after his own experience and BO still refuses his consent. Irma ultimately regains her hus- band's confidence by confessing to her sacrifice (as she calls it) in order to gain his advancement in the Arm, convincing him of hor pre- ferred love. And Pascaud later taunts Templier with this condition, the employer thus considering ho is the ridiculous party. He naturally becomes furious and likewise ob- jects to tho marriage. Irma is not a bad sort and expresses her anxiety to assure tho future happiness of her step-daughter. She soon wins over Templier by assuring him of hor continual affection, with the ex- planation that her story to Pascaud was pure comedy so as to save the precarious situation. In the mean- time, Max and Jane imagine Irma is the applo of contention between their respective parents and bribe Pol-Mol to elope with the amorous step-mother. He takes their money, but is reported to have carried off a typewriter girl. The atmosphere finally being cleared between tho two fathers, thanks to the tact of Mme. Pascaud, Max and Jane se- cure paternal authorization to wed. The main feature In this risky comedy is the splendid manner in which it is acted. Harry Baur, as Templier, is a perfect artist. Sendrew. ments of the premiere due to the withdrawal of Leslie Hanson, cast for the principal comedy part, who retired from the company practi- cally on the eve of the announced premiere with a doctor's certificate, although he is seen about town. Then Jack Haskell, who was stag- ing the numbers. Is said* to have walked out after an altercation with J. A. E. Malone, although he is still given credit on the program for having arranged the dances and en- sembles. The opening night was remark- able Imr the smoothness of the per- formance. Every effort was made to curb the Insistent demand for encores, but despite tho fact that tho show started at eight ^'clock it was close on midnight Defore the final curtain. There is so much entertainment in the show it would be difficult to know Just where to cut. With \he retirement of Leslie Henson, Norman Griffin was given the principal comedy role. He has understudied Henson on a number of occasional and has played parts in the provinces created in London by Henson. It will readily be per- ceived that Griffin was under tire. If Henson could have played the part any better he must be a won- derful artist. Griffin acquitted him- self admirably. The withdrawal of Henson gives Griffin an opportunity he haa probably long sought, and he haa now undoubtedly established himself as one of London's best comedians. In a cast of nearly 30 there has seldom been so well bal- anced an organization. Practically every member of It registered a hit In a greater or less degree. The management was confronted with no' mean problem—that of presenting a successor at the Win- ter Garden to the practically Im- mortal "Sally." All Indications point to the fact that they have chosen -wisely, and there does not seem to be any doubt but that "The Cabaret Girl" will enjoy a lengthy and profitable run In London. JoJo. as a parting gift and returns home. Soon Artanazzo visits her, obtaining admission by a subterfuge, and she suspects him of attempting to black- mail her, whereas he has come to return her letters. She confesses the truth of her a.s80ciation with the singer to a young doctor, who in his turn Informs the police. Arta- nazzo proves his Innocence on the blackmail charge, but Is compelled to confess his poverty has compelled two later he is arrested for defraud- ing the pawnbroker and the truth comes out. Her husband sets In to smash up the home and calls in neighbors to hear the story of his wife's shame. At the last moment, however, he relents and. In. load of denouncing the guilty woman, ex- hibits his little son. whom he de- clares has brought shame on bim by being expelled from school. The play ends in a promise of renewed happiness for husband and wife. The acting ks exceptionally good, Sybil Thorndyke giving a fine study of tho wUe. The play and players received an enthusiastic greeting from a packed house, the curtain fall provoking more hearty applause than has been heard In the West End for some time. CHARLES I. London, Sept. 22. Revived by Archibald Nettleford and J. H. Benrimo at the Ambas- sadors Sept. 21, this play by W. G. Wills was originally produced by Sir Henry Irving at the Lyceum in 1872. It Is a gloomy play, full of his- torical Inaccuracies and a libel on the Lord Protector, Cromwell. What story there Is deals with the strug- gle between the king and his ruth- less enemy, and the whole thing Is merely a laborious vehicle for the exploitation of a "star." Written for' Irving, the present production is very like "Hamlet" without the Prince. Russell Thorndyke, wisely refraining from any attempt at being like his illustrious prede- cessor, appears as the hapless king, -but his perforipanco drag.s, and he appears only able to show Charles' weaknesses and none of his strength. Hilary St. Barbe West gives a fine ntudy of Cromwell, grim, powerful, rek'ntlesfl, And Mirisim Lewis is very frood as the queen. The play was well dressed and staged and was received with the usual first-night enthusiasm, which generally means nothing. There Is irttle excuse foe the re- vival, and It is doubtful whether the piece has any power of attraction. OQre, PHI-PHI London, Sept. 2. Phidlaa (rhl-Phl). a Bculptor. .Clifton Webb Optaln Ardimedon. Pericles Home (iuards Walter Williams Mercury, a messenger boy.. .Stanley I.uplno Meander, a poet Jay Laurler A Charioteer Arthur Roberts Tlmon, reveler J. Mulianey I'erseus, reveler l.ieonanl Rich Xenops, bath attendant... .Arthur Treacher Cyclops, bath attendant... .Alfred Mansfleld Dancers Trlnl and Wojclkowaky rrologue Evelyn Lay« Dido, wife to Phidias Vera Freeman Helen, wife to Ardimcdon Evelyn Laye Mrs. Meander Alice O'Day Asphasia June Hebe, slave Audrey Bcntham Flora, slave Phyllis Sellick Sapho "I fMeum Stewart PsychA \ Models j Innis Phawen Aphrodite J (Dabs May Charles B. Cochran produced at tho Pavilion last night his latest musical piece, book by Fred Thomp- son and Clifford* Grey, from the French of Albert Willemctz and F. Sollar, music by Christine, with ad- ditional numbers by Chantrier, Cole Porter and Herman Darewskl, staged by Frank Collins. The production Is not as stupen- dous as some others done by Coch- ran here, but Is quite artistic and satisfying to the eye. The first ai^ went over successfully, but tho sec- ond half of tho show sagged per- ceptibly and needs some drastic 'bucking up." The principal comedians arc Stan- ley Lupino, Jay Laurier and Clifton Webb, with an especially marked hit being registered by June, a very pretty little girl, who sings well, dances nimbly and acts with consid- erable charm. She gives every In- dication of possibilities In musical comedy. There are no outstanding musical hlt.«i, the lyrlc-i are admirable, but the comedy Is a bit ponderous and Kicking in originality. To an Amer- ican such quips as "The carriage awaits without," "Busy as a one- armed paper hanger," "Irish con- fetti," and a scene between a man and a woman with apples falling from a tree whenever either of them utters a lie are passe. But the first night audience ap- parently enjoyed Itself. Jolo, THE SCANDAL London, Sept. 22. Any .success this play, by the late Henry Bataille, wins will be through the personality and popularity of Sybil Thorndyke. It was produced at the New Theatre Sept. 18. It Is not a great work and is more a study in liysteria than anything else. The characters are neurotic and no acting could give them reality. The plot tells how Charlotte Feriol, wife of a provincial mayor and mother of two children, goes to the aid of a singer, Artanrxzzo, when his pianist deserts him. This leads to an Intriguo which finishes when conscience urges Charlotte that she Is doing wrong. She gives her lover a valuable diamond ring BROADWAY STOBY (Continued from page 11) tho Stairs" quits the Playhouse, and "Swlfty" comes In Its place. That gives W. A. Brady two premieres next week. "Hunky Dory',* which was held over a week. Is due to step out, and the Century's grand opera season will end Saturday. "Dolly Jargon" suddenly quit at Daly's Sixty-third Street last Sat- urday, staying but five days. The new "Music Box Revue" is due at the Music Box next week, at which time but three premieres are lr\ sight. "HItchy-Koo's" debut is dated a week later at the Century. Three openings were spotted Tues- day, when the new edition of "Chauve-Souris" started, "Queen of Hearts" bowed Into the Cohan and "The Faithful Heart' took to the Broadhurst. Wednesday Dave Wal- lace lighted up the Punch and Judy with "The Evergreen Lady." Harry Lauder did fine business at the Lexington for his single week there. For several performances patrons were seated on the stage, unusual except for recitals. The business proved the out-of-the-way house can draw If given the right attraction. Heavy *<8loughing" This Week As a reaction to the terrific busi- ness that last week witnessed-be- cause of the bankers' convention and the world's series crowds, this week witnessed a general slump, at least as far as the theatre ticket brokers were concerned. Last Mon- day night was a "heavy slough" night aill along the line with 11 of the 20 attractions which the agen- cies have outright buys for being dumped into the cut rates just be- fore curtain time. These 11 shows were "Revue Russe," "The Gingham Girl," "East of Suez," "La Tendresse," "Orange Blossoms," "White's Scandals," "The Yankee Princess," "Spite Cor- ner," "The Awful Truth," "The Old Soak" and "Tho Passing Show." Seats for two additional attractions, "It's a Boy" and "The Exciters," were offered too in the cut rates but turned down because that office already had its allotment of seats for both. In the list of 20 attractions that there aro buys for are Included "The Lady in Brmine" (Ambassa- dor), "Daffy Dill" (Apollo), "Klkl" (Belasco), "Revue Russe" (Booth), "Tho Gingham Girl" (Carroll), "Sally, Irene and Mary" (Casino), "East of Suez" (Etlinge), "La Ten- dresse" (Enipire), "Orange Blos- soms' (Fulton),"Loyalties" (Gaiety), "White's Scandals" (Globe), "It's a Boy" (Harris). "So This Is London" (Hudson), "Tho Yankee Princess" (Knickerbocker), "Spite Corner" (Little), "Rose Bernd" (Longacre), "The Awful Truth" (Miller's), "Ziegfeld Follies' (Amsterdam), "The Old Soak" (Plymouth), "The Exciters" (Times Sq.) and "The Passing Show" (Winter Garden). The buy that had been running on "Whispering Wires" at the 49th Street ran out last Saturday and wasn't renewed. Cut rates loomed on the week with 17 attractions listed as regu- lars; In addition the first couple of nights brought the total to 28, with the dump included. The regrulars are "Daffy Dill" (Apollo), "Ea.«<t Side—West Side" (Bayes). "Kempy " (Belmont), "That Day" (Bijou), "Revue Russe' (Bijou), "Thin lee" (Comedy), "Captain Applejack" (Cort), "Fools Errant" (Elliott), "Her Temporary Husband" (Fra- zee), "P'antastic Fricassee" <Green- wich Village), "It's a Boy" (Harris). "Blossom Time" (Jolson's), "Hunky Dory" (Klaw), "On the Stairs" (Playhouse), "Banco" (Ritz), "Abie's Irish Rose" (Republic), and "The Ezcitera" (Times Sq.). SHOWS IN BOSTON (Continud from page 15) seats are rated are becoming rare. Tuesday and Thursday nights of last week the show did not do capacity, due to the vacancies in the first balcony, and it is believed it would work to the benefit of the show to reduce the prices for those seats. However, the attraction grossed between $29,000 and $30,000 for the opening week, about $3,000 less than "Sally" did on the opening weelc her" "The Bat" and "Little NeHle Kelly" still pack them in with the capacity of the houses the only limitation. Both these shows are selling well In advance, with a nightly turnaway and big matinees, and are still running at top speed. "The Bat" wou?d have gone over the $17,000 mark last week If It hadn't been Tor an^ error In one of the ticket offices that resulted In some seats being misplaced in the racks, and Cohan's show registered a bit over $22,000. which is the pace it has been hitting right along. Thurston departed from the town last Saturday night convinced that he had arrived here too soon and had stayed too long. A show sUch as his should have come In much later In the season, and then for not over two weeks, with a single week preferable. A gross of approxi- mately $4,000 was his figure for the final week. On his last week Mantell, playing Shakespeare at the Opera House, maintained his pull. He did In the neighborhood of $12,000, the same business he had done the preceding week. While on paper this may not look very big. If one considers the location of the house an(\ the bunch of hits he was up against. It must be admitted that the field for the drama has not been exhausted yet. "Tangerine" has announced the last two weeks. This show, with a gross of $13,000 last week, did prob- ably the poorest business that will be recorded for the engagement. This dope Is based on the buying that resulted when the announce- ment of the approaching closing, for this town, of the ^^how was ad- vertised. Business picked up then, and is expected to remain firm until the finish. ~ With envious eyes theatrical men viewed the crowd at the Boston opera house last Sunday, when Galll Ourci in one concert played to $6,200. The house was Jammed, a line In front of the place remaining Intact until convinced that the turn- away was a certainty and that the house could not hold more. "Shuffle Along" bumped into a bit of trouble the first of last week, but recovered rapidly, closing as strong as it has the several weeks it has been here. As far as could be ascertained the slight drop was due to weather alone, and the pos- sibility of "Oh Joy" at the Arling- ton, another colored show. Injuring the business In the slightest Is out of the question. This show will re- main here as long as It does the business. The agreement calls for a notice from either the show or the house people if it drops below $10,000 two successive weeks, and such a drop Is not imminent. The Selwyns are not anxious to btimp this hit out of town as long as it runs pretty close to top form. "Nice People," with Francine Lar- rimore, was weak at the start of the second week, but was another at- traction that recovered at the finish and did about ^8,000. It Is In for two weeks more, and this week, with an extra matinee. Is looked to for good returns. The final week may be off. but the leaving notice is ex- pected to strengthen it soma. Estimates for last week: **Music Box Revue" ^'(Colonial, second week). Between $29,000 and $30,000 last week. Weakness In bal- cony. ♦^Little Nellie Kelly" (Tremont. 11th week). Still one of the hits of several seasons. Touted as greater money-maker than "O'Brien Girl," and claim seems to be borne out. "Shuffle Along" (Selwyn, 11th week). Off at start of week, but re- covered with ease and closed very strong. Excellent business Satur- day. About $13,500 for week $500 less than preceding week. **The Bat" (Wilbur, sixth week). Selling eight weeks In advance, and did just few dollars under $17,000 last week. "Tangerine" (Shubert, sixth week). Lowest business of run rge- iflteredjast week when gross was $13,000. Last two weeks for this show. Business began to build with final weeks announced. "Nice People" (HoHls. third week). Has two weeks more to go; $8,000 last week. Harry Lauder (Boston Opera House). One week only (this week), and expected to do about $30,000 If it runs according to past perform- ance. "Lawful Larceny" (Plymouth, first week). Had rather frosty opening with two-for-one yysteni used. "Oh Joy" (Arlington, ihlnl week). Show supposed to leave house at end of week and holiday is hanked upon to bring business up to respectable figure. Vaudeville (Keith's). >'o reason app.'irent for the slim honVe at tho Monday matinee. Fritz',(i^».V«T and Blossom Seriey topping^o^i^rlll with balance of acts of hlg/* /standard than customary. IIo*'(li' did usujil good business \nsi weo«^ Vaudeville (Shubert-Majestlc). "Steppln* Around" this week with average house on hand on first night, Barney Gerard's "Town- Talk" shoipi at house last week did about $9,000^ SHOWS IN NEW YORK j (C^ontinud from page 15) ? arrive. Opened Tuesday, Noni Bayes starring. Production by Max Spiegel. Succeeded "Endless Chain," which started touring this week. "Rsvua Russe." Booth (2d week). Imported Russian novelty show; opened Thursday last week. Scalo top at $5.60, but cut to $3.30 start- ing this week. Not highly re-* garded as business getter. At- traction counts as Imitation of "Chauve-Sourls." ''Rose Bernd," Longacre (3d week). Somewhat gruesome drama taken from German of Hauptmann. Ethel Barrymore's work highly praised and Interest already displayed shoiild give attraction read dravr for three months, which Is limit intended by management. $15,500 last week. ' ,^ "R. U. R.," Garrlck (Ist week). In- itial production this seasoiv-of Theatre Guild. Foreign work probably Inspired by Frankenstein conception. Opened Monday. ''Sally, Irene and Mary," Casino (6th week). Leaped upward close to pace of opening week. Further proof of strength of show's title. Between $18,600 and $19,000 last week. San Carlo Opera, Century (4th week). Final week for Fortune Gallo's operatic season here. Bus* iness exceptional and presenta- tions have been given much praise by muslo sharps. New "Hitchy- Koo" will be next Century attrac- tion. Due Oct. 23. "Scandals," Globe (7th week). George W^hlte's Revue favored by bankers' convention and world'A series crowds. Picked up about $4,000 last week and gross was $25,000. Booking calls for another month here. "Shore Leave," Lyceum (10th weekT. Belasco attraction brought In early in August In order to provide a. berth later for David Warfield in ''Merchant of Venice," announced for winter. "Shore Leave" has been getting good business at be-* tween $11,000 and $12,000. "So This Is London," Hudson (7thf week). Georgo M. Cohan's com- edy hit. Moved up again last week, holding leadership among non-musicals. Takings over $16.- 000, which means nearly capacit/ "Spits Corner," Little (3d week). Surprising tills exceptioal small- town comedy has not registered better. Compared favorably with "The First Year." Takings last week $7,000, which is good here, where capacity is $9,000, and ought to pick up. "That Day," Bijou (2d week)'- Showed little after premiere Tues- day last week. Oft Saturday and Grace George In "To "Love** (called "Amier" Iiv French) next week» "The Awful Truth." Henry Miller (4th week). Brilliant comedy with smart draw which figures to do very good business on lower floor and front balcony. Gross last week around $13,000. "The Exciters," Times Square (3d week). Last week best this com- edy has shown; takings better than $7,300, but management fig- ures it freak week and will bring In "The Fool" as the successor Oct. 23. "The Gingham Girl," Earl Carroll (7th week). Running clbae to capacity last week, with takings around $16,000. Best gross thu9 far. Considered set for long run, "The Faithful Heart," Broadhurst (1st week). First production this season by Max Marcin, attraction being of English origin. Opened Tuesday. "The Monster," 39th Street (10th week). Making money though business is not big. Still figures to pick up In pace when better weather arrives. Last week the pace was considerably better than $6,000. "The Old Soak," Plymouth (8th week). Spurted again last week, when gross went to nearly $15,000. This attraction is of elite, f5o far as business goes this fall, with but two of three non-mu.«?lcals getting more money. Cinch for long riin. "The Torch Bearers," Vanderbltt (7th week). Appears to bo grooved at around $8,000. Figure satisfactory to attraction and hou.«»e. Early claims were for smash business, and imi)rovement m«iy come In cooler going. "Thin Ice," Comedy (2d week). DM fairly good business for flr.st week, with $.'^,000 or more. Entered Sat- urday night and was liked. Little plugging should plant it. "Whisperinq Wires," 49th St. (10th week). One of eon.«^i.^tent profit makers of early arrival.^. Business not Mg. ItMt draw eons-l^ttent. av<»r- niye Avor>kly prrn.cs arouri'l f0.000. "Why Men Leave Home," M»^ o s CQ (.'ith week). .*^ho\v»-il imi>rc»vem«'n*:. and manaK»'ment exi>eet« to i»ut it •over for run. La.«»* werk'.^ Inisl- ness strnng latn in vr«^l<. with gro^.q weM nawt $K,000. "Yankee Princess," Knirkerhocker <2d weok). Won genrral com- mendation with first line en'tfr.'? attracted after prem>re. That gave operetta two noti'^e««. Busi- ness promising. though flrvt week's pace fair; between $14,000 and $15,000. ^1 i ^H ^1 si ) i 1