Variety (February 1923)

VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE f> A D I CC 8 St Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square tnDLCiU 2096 Regent Thursday, February 22, 1923 FANCIERS OF STAGE AND SCREEN LONDON'S MARIE TEMPESTS REAPPEARANCE Press and Public Against Piece With Terrible Busi- ness Following Notices—Coming Off Right Away —Miss Tempest Explains—Has Played It Before London, Feb. 21. "Good Gracious. Annabelle," la unanimously voted by public and press the worst play London ever has scon. Following the notices after the •how opened at the Duke of York's business was terrible. Immediate arrangements were made to revive "The Marriage of Kitty'! for that house. •Annabelle" marked the return here of Marie Tempest after an ab- sence of eight years. Her personal reception was tremendous at the opening, but nothing could offset the impression the piece created. At a semi-public dinner tendered Miss Tempest Sunday, she said it was foolish to have produced "Anna- belle'' here. There were many others with her. She had seen the play in New York presented by Granville Barker, and she also had played it in India, Africa and Aus- tralia, besides trying it out here at Cardiff, also Brighton, before com- ing into London. Its reception justified the London presentation, said Miss Temyest. PARIS MGRS/ STRIKE OFF Provincial Theatres Are Promised Tax Relief Paris, Feb. 21. ' Arrangements had been framed lust October to shut down if the government failed to give relief to the amusement industry by provid- ing for a reform of the war tax on entertainments still in full force in France. The buJget commission has not S'fn fit to satisfy the Paris man- agera' wants, but promises a cer- tain redress for the provinces, with the - result the country legitimates have broken from the city men and decided to postpone the threats to close this month, as previously ar- ranged. The action of the Paris managers is not certain but the same course will probably now be taken and tli'ie will be no general closure this month. SACHA GUITRY PLAYS IN HIS NEW COMEDY "L'Amour Masque" Presented in Paris—Yvonne Prin- temps as the Girl MAKE MANY WINS • O ■< FASHION SHOW ACT Runs 75 Minutes as Palladium Re- turns to Variety. . London, Feb. 21.— With the return this week of the Palladium tu the variety policy, Harry Foster inserted a Fashion Show in the bill that ran 75 minutes. It contains a jazz band and other specialties. The gowns aro of the finest London and Parisian models. Properly condensed and exploited the act bhould bo sen. iti al for over hero. The' Alhambra also has a fashion show this week as a part of its bill. It contains a mannequin parade but is not as elaborate as the Blmilar show at the Palladium. Paris, Feb. 21. With the departuro of Lucien Gultry for a foreign tour the run of "Un Sujet de Koman" terminated sooner than business warranted. To replace Guitry's comedy Manager A. Franck presented Feb. 15 the op- eretta, "L'Amour Masque," at the Theatre Edouard VII. The piece had a most successful opening and is by Sacha Gultry, with the music by Andre Massager. The lyrics are well constructed and often continuously witty, with the music harmonious,.light and.youth- ful despite the composer will reach the age of 70 next autumn. Mes- sager condi^rted the orchestra at the premier performance. The production is based on the story of a demi-mondaine, age 20, who has two protectors, but falls in love with a handsome young fellow whose picture she has taken from a photographer's. Informed the owner of the negative Is calling, she tactfully dismisses her protectors. When an elderly man appears, re- sembling the original of the photo- graph, she supposes him to be the father and expresses disappoint- ment.. However, sho relates of her infatuation, and the man promises his timid son will attend her masked ball and will wear the rose she* of- fers for Identification. During the second act she meets her masked Ideal at th e ball and becomes enraptured with him, mean- while, commissioning two eoubrets to occupy the two protectors. The final act has the girl awaiting him, but the elderly man again arrives with apologies for his son's absence from the previous night's affair. She recognizes a scar upon his wrist and falls contentedly into his arms, declaring agp makes no difference, with the explanation following the photograph was taken when he was young. Tho author plays the elderly Jover, and Yvonne Printemps is delightful as the girl. Others to stand out in tho cast were Louis Maurel and Urban. Irving C. Ackerman, Irene Fen-wick, Giida Gray, Al and Chat. H. Christie, Anna Case and Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Lincoln Among Exhibitors at Garden FRANK VAN HOVEN Well, it took me 100 weeks to get a vacation from vaudeville, and I had to get sick to make it. When I worked for Gus Sun 1 had vacations every other day. Now that I've got popular with the SKUtf and Pneu- monia, the bookers have allowed me to stick to bed. The "Croaker" says I can't have company, but you can write me few laughs addressed care Variety. When I get well and have convalesced, I'll hit Broadway with my cane and monocle. In the interim, if any of those copyists can think up a good epitaph, let them mall it to Variety. Temperature 104; respiration 30; pulse 100. No liquor. That's tough. Sick but laughing, FRANK VAN HOVEN SPANISH CENSOR IS AGAINT ELLIOTT'S FILM Alba Family Protest—Picture Made in Belgium—Spanish Occupation of Flanders NO COPYRIGHT ON OPERAS IDEA FOR CHAPLIN London, Feb. 21. The Ideal Film Co. thinks it would be a good idea to get Chalie Chaplin to play the aunt in the film of "Cnaricy's Aunt." The Ideal has the picture rights to the play; all it needs is Chaplin, Chelsea Palace Rented by Fosters for Their Production. Syd Kirby Dead London, Feb. 21. Syd^virby died of pleurisy, aged 33. lie was a well known English Hebrew comedian. THE TJLLERlCHOOLS OF DANCING 143 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director, JOHN TILLER RHINESTONES" THE LITTLE JOHNS 226 West 46th St. New York Phono BRYANT 4337 PEGGY O'NEILL THEATRE ROYAL Ifaymarkrt, l.nmloi London, Feb. 21. George and Harry Foster have leased for a brief term from tho end of March with an option for five years longer, the Chelsea Palace for the production of Gay's old English opera, "Folly*" the sequel to "The Beggar's Optra." There is no copyright on the old opera and If the Foster venture is successful, it will be followed by others of Gay's light pieces. Another version of "Polly" is run- ning to good business at tho Kings- way, while "The Beggar's Opera" is in its third year at Hammersmith. Paris, Feb. 21. In consideration of the Alba fam- ily's protest, the Spanish censor has prohibited the showing of William Elliott's Paramount production en- titled "Opprimes," made in Belgium last autumn. The story narrates of the Spanish occupation of Flanders under the cruel Duke of Alba, which is the cause of the descendants' complaint against the picture. Steps are being taken to convince the Spanish authorities there Is no detrimental criticism of the Alba family intended, and the scenario but follows the orthodox records which were obtained. Requel MeJler ia starred In the feature. Miss Mellcr has been engaged for America to appear in pictures for Famous Players and in stage pro- ductions by Charles Frohman, Inc. Her American salary is $2,500 weekly, with the engagement made through M. S. Bentham. DRINKWATER'S'CROMWELL' Author's New Plsy Closely Follows Oliver Cromwell's Life. SOME ONE SAYING SOMETHING Paris, Feb. 21. The rails edition of the Chicago "Tribune" printed a story yesterday of a third circuit to be formed in American legitimate theatricals. It told of a conference to be held on this side In April with many American producers attending . There are several American showmen now over here. London, Feb. 21. John Drinkwater's "Cromwell" was produced Monday at Brighton. It stars Henry Alnley with strong support. Like the author's "L I n c o 1 n," "Cromwell" closely follows a bio- graphical and historical form of nar- rative, with the main features of Cromwell's life vividly developed. On the same evening Matheson Lang played "The Bad Man" at Lectin. The stage and screen were well represented at the 47th annual Dog Show of the Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden last week. A win of any kind at the Garden event, the largest Dog Show in this country, is the highest honor obtainable in the canine show world. The premier honors was taken by Irving C. Ackerman of the Acker- man & Harris Circuit, on the Const Mr. Ackerman came down with 11 wire-haired fox terriers and an Irish terrier. Tho popular w!n for Ackerman was one of his own bred puppies called "Humberstone Hair Trigger," that got first fn a class of 26 dogs. The others of the Acker- man string in the winnings were "Humberstone War Cry," "Humber- stone Rapid Fi*e," "Criterion Wire- boy," "Humberstone Long Trail," the famous English champion "Humberston^ Wyche Wayfarer," "Thorneroft Wire Girl," "Humber- stone Warriors Mischief," "Kings Point Cinderella" and "Humberstone Flips Melody." The Irish • terrier greatly admired by {he exhibitors was "Humbersfbne Celtic Startler." This dog has a remarkable record in England and will make a name for himself in this country. Irene Fenwick was another strong competitor in Irish terriers. She exhibited her champion, "Tat- tler," second in the regular classes to the newly imported "Thorncroft Celtic Playboy" that won for the best male dog. "The Tattler" holds an enviable record for winning at six straight shows for the best Irish terrier. Al Christie sent from Los Angeles four wire-haired fox terriers, "New field Black Pearl," "Prides Hill Trilby," "Newfleld High Ball" and "Newfleld Gin Fizz." "Gin Fizz," a youngster of eight months, scored high in her classes. With more maturity she undoubtedly will develop into one of tho leading show winners. Charles IT. Christie, a brother, of Hollywood, brought along a team of Scottish terriers that figured in the money. "Mine Brook Nancy," one of the Christie entries, only 10 months old, won first in the Puppy and Novice Classes. It seems tho Coast is a place to raise winners. All of the leading terrier classes for young dogs were Won by California bred dogs. "Tay- bank Pilot," "Taybank Harmony" and "Taybank Music" were the other Scottie entries. Mr. Christie also exhibited his champion. "Heatherlne Boy," a bull terrier bred and raised by him. To raise a champion is one of the big honors with fanciers. Gilda Gray, the "Follies" star, was one of tho Shepherd (police dog) exhibitors. Her "Prince Folly of Rendez-vous," a youngster of only 10 months competed against a class of 35 and received mention from the judge. Sealyham terriers found Miss Gray showing "Picadilly Whiskers" and was awarded V. H. C. (very highly commended). Ar* rangements was made by Mitt' Gray with one of the leading EnM* lish experts at the Garden show to>' secure the best Stalyham terrier obtainable. The Sealyham terrier is coming in very strong at the shows, and Miss Gray ; will flfatf strong competition for her impoW tation. Mi Anna Case,- the operatic stilt scored for the best Russian wolf- hound in the show with her "Nick- olal of Vadeska." this Win was, made defeating the best specimens of the breed, Including many cham- pions. -— , i • Chow Chows were a clean vic- tory for the Greenacre Kennels of Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Lincoln. It won for the best chow in the show with champion "Greenacre Li Ping Fow,* the second time in succession this marvelous animal has taken the honor at the Garden show. The best dog in the regular classes, "Greenacre Ho Ling," won. Ths best female was also taken by the. Greenacre's champion, "Pecknall Tsen Tal." The best brace and team classes also went to the Greenacres. Mr. Ackerman was in Boston early this week, judging-at the Bos* ton Dog Show. wr .. DUNCANS SEPARATE; ISADORA CRITICIZES Serge Essenin Leaves Paris for Moscow—We Didn't Appreciate Her Art ■ ACTORS' PLAY "The Dancers" Written by DuMaur- ier and Viola Tree The New York "Daily Ndws" Car- ried tho fctory Tuesday, mentioning more names than has been cus- tomary with the same story. OTHER FOREIGN NEWS ON PAGE 22 London, Feb. 21. With its authorship credited to a fictitious Hubert Parsons, and called "Th e Dancers," opening February 15 ft. Wyndhams, it since has developed the writers of the piece were Gerald DuMaurl.r and Viola Troo. DuMaurler is starredMn tho pf*>re, a melodramatic sort of wild west and drawing room drama, but ad- mirably unfolded. Parts, Feb. 11. Serge Essenin, husband of Isa- dora Duncan, left here for Moscow, following further domestic quarrels, leaving his wife behind. At a pretended lecture on srt given by the dancer's brother, Ray- mond, at his own hall Saturday night, Miss Duncan adversely criti- cised Americans for their unappre- clatlon of her artistic efforts. SAILINGS • March 1G (London to New York)* Fred Leroy Granville. Feb. 20 (New York to London), John Abbott (Berengaria). Feb. 20 (from San Francisco to Australia) Sir Harry Lauder end wife, Harry Mosgrove (Sonoma). , Feb. 20 (from San Francisco to Honolulu) Mr. and Mrs. Snub Pol-* lard. IN LONDON i i London, Feb. 12. Among the theatrical arrivals on the Berengaria were Samuel L. Rothafel, Dolly Sisters, Bobby Leonard. Phil White, Jack Haskell. Harry Green, Gladys Cooper. Sam Salvain and Arthur Pearson ar- rived last week and are "looking around.'* GR0SSMITH NEVER SAW MOLLY London, Feb. 21. Apropos of the story in the late«t Variety to arrive thai "Tho Cabaret Girl" of George Grossmith's is simi- lar to the American "Molly Dar- ling,' Grossmith says he has never seen "Molly Darling," that be wrote and signed contracts for "The Cabaret Girl" erer a year ago. Matheson Lang will produce "The Bad Man" at Leeds Feb. 19. He Will play tho Holbrook Plinn role, and the supporting rast includes H. O. Nicholson, Albert Drayton. Allr-o J. Hogan, W. E. Hallman. Clifton Boyne, Florence Saunders. delra for a vacation. On his return he will start rehearsals for his forthcoming appearance in "The Gay Lord Qucx." Andre Chariot will produce a new revue at. the Vaudeville' Feb. 20. It has not yet been given a title. The book is by Ronald Jeans, with (Continued on page 42) WILETTE George Grr*»smith has left the cast of "The Cabaret Girl" at the Winter Garden and gone to Ma- KERSHAW GUARANTY TRUST CO. 522 Fifth Avenue • New York FOSTERS AGENCY, Ltd. OKOIU.F rOPTKIl HARRY rOBTM We Place All the BIGGEST ACTS in'England COIUf I Mr ATE THROUGH WILLIAM) MORRIS AGENCY. INC. 14M BROADWAY i fCTNAM BCHLPIMQ 1 KE.W YORK CTtt