Variety (July 1923)

■ if J ■ '• "iPbiirtida^ July IS, l»8l LEGITIMATE It OSnTAL PROPOSAL - USSER COST FAVORED ■■;,fi -!—i Million Dollar Project Not Generally Encouraged— {. More ConterYative Plan of Dr. Frauentha! ' ' Receives Attention A series of benefits has been ar- ranfed In the initial campaign to raise funds for the New York the- atrical hospital, proposed for West 4fth street. One event scheduled is m water carnival to be held at mid- Blffht in the swimminiT pool at Madison Square Garden* July 31. There is also to be a vaudeville •how on that occasion. . Tickets were sold by visiting workers in a number of cafes alonie Pelham parkway, although it Ls said the proposed hospital has not yet received a charter. Tiie new season will likely see two drives for theatrical hospitals In New York. The special institution for professionals would cost $1,- 0^0,000 and is the project called the New York Theatrical Hospital. The other proposal is for the en- dowment of a floor in the Hospital ' l^r Joint Diseases being: completed r on Madison avenue. The total cost f: the latter plan would be 1200.000. Which would place that section of ^the institution open exclusively to professionals in perpetuity. It was first believed a sum would be an- nually called for to sustain the floor, but physicians who favor the latter plan explain that was an error and there would be no further cost. Both proposed professional hos- pital plans are to be non-sectarian. As yet managerial support has not been accorded the special hospital project and It appears the weight .of that support will be thrown to the Hospital for Joint DIsea.^es. Which is the accomplishment of Dr. H>nry Frauenthal. Those in favor of accepting that proposal say that it might take three or four years to raiae the million dollars needed for the special hospital, while the use of the Madison avenue institution could be had on the first of the year, when it will be completed. There is little likelihood of the two sets of sponsors of the two pro- posed professional hospitals Join- ing and working together, the gen- eral ideas advanced being distinctly opposed. Opinion from out of town favors the Madison avenue proposal. Dr. McCall Anderson, chairman of the board of directors for the pro- posed million-dollar New York The- atrical Hospital, announced that Dr. Philip Grausman had been added to the staff. The intention is to estab- lish temporary quarters in the the- atrical district. Chicago, July 18. Dr. Max Thorek, head of the American Theatrical Hospital In Chicago, favors the plan to use one floor in the Hospital for Joint Dis- eases now building rather than the $1,000,000 special theatrical hospital project In New York. He believes * a million-dollar hospital for the pro- ^ fession would be too expensive to , operate even if the campaign for , funds should be successful. Dr. '. Thorek says an association should be formed in New York such as there is in Chicago. The most nota- ble work in connection with the Chicago association has been done . by Aaron Jones of Jones. Linick & fichaefer; C. S. Humphrey, western ."head of the United Booking Omce. «nd Judge A. J. Sabbath, Identined with the profession through his in- ' terest in it rather than through active connection. "All the members of the board are deserving of praise for faithful work," added Dr. Thorek. "This as- sociation does not permit the Amer- ican Hospital authoritiert to handle the funds; they handle all money a." «» KOTICE FOR ''UP THE LADDER Chicago. July IS Notice 1h Tip for "Up tlio Larld* -*t the Bhulwrt Central, l>ut l»u«i-} ness continues so goo<l that the management is reecrotting itK de- cision' to end the run. 'Steve," which ha.s been ijoing to nuit at the I'nncniia for sjiiie time, is doing well enough Hur fiie inan- i»R'.«mc«tit to be undeci-led ju.st wliat to do ^ Ni.tii:e l3 up for "Tlio Dancing Oirl" at tl>e Colonial, and taia at- •raotioii may end ltd stay here itny S5>iturday now. FRANK CRAVEN DOING k FAVOR FOR A PAL Loans Himself Temporariiy to Help Out Golden-Smith "Streak" After John Qolden had broken his head trying to recall an actor suit- able to the lead in Winchell Smith's new comedy, "The Streak.- and after Mike Connolly had suggested a satisfactory name, Connolly ran into Frank Craven. Craven heard about his pal's dilemma and immediately volun- teered to remain for a few weeks after the piece opens until the Con- nolly selection could reach New York from the coast. At that time Craven will return to "The First Year." There remains, however, the chance "The Streak" will make such heavy money Craven will stick with it- Florence Mason has the principal leading role. It will open July 30 in Atlantic City and likely follow into the Little, New York. VALENTINO—NO LIABILITY Atty. Max Steusr Explain's Sheik's Connection with Beauty Convention On behalf of Rodolph Valentino, Max D. Steuer, hi« counsel, etates the story in Variety of the Valen- tino Beauty Convention designed for New York City by Mineralava. erred in the statement Valentino was in whole or part responsible or liable for any expense Incurred in bringing the winners of the local contests to New York City. Mr. Stcurer recites the x>ortion of the Valentino contract with the Mineralava concern, that specifiQal- ly mentions Valentino is not only relieved of responsibility, but must be paid for his services if electing to attend the convention. Mr. Steurer's statement Is con- firmed as well by the Mineralava interests. JOE GLICK SET Quits ShubeKs—Has Young For- tune Joseph Click has resigned as rep- resentative for the Shuberts at Kan- sas City, where he has been located for several seasons. Click, formerly one of the best- known road company managers. Is reported having made a young for- tune in oil well investments. He will probably reside in Kansas City, having made many friends there. including Harry Sinclair, the oil magnate. LONERGAN FOR WOODS Full General Stage Director Charge in Lester Lonergan is to be general stafire director for A. H. Woods this season. It is understood he will have the final word in the direction of all productions from that oflice. Lont^rgan has a number of suc- ceH.ies to his credit. He intends re- tiring as an actor to devote his en- tire time to direction 4n the future. The Woods i»ost is regarded a.«< the best of it.s kind on liroadway because of that manaBera proliflr production. •THE IRISH JEW" READYING M.itt U'lliien, roitipiny mnni^^rr for tho Arthur Hopkin.s tntcrprises for the pa.^t two ypur.s, U now press jijrnt and company maii.iK'^r for "The Iil.sh .Tow," a play by Tliom.as MacDirioiigh. whirli will h:\ve an Aniorir.in production this .season. Mai^DnnouKh, who arrived from Ireland lr>st wof-k. i-s now at work revising the s'niit of (he piny. whi-.h uill go into r^>l:ear«Al next Monday. LEE SHUBERT OUT; W. A. BRADY SUCCEEDS Change Hi Chairman and Plan for P. M. A. CentraJ Ticket Office I/ee Shubert Is out as chairman of the Producing Managers' Asso- ciation committee formed to handle the proposed central theatre ticket agency. W. A. Brady has taken the chairmanship. The entire plan originally pro- posed by Joe Leblang has been dis- carded and with it one-man control of the projected ticket plan. These are some of the results developed in the managerial meetings of last week and this. The central ticket scheme now lines up as a distinctly P. M. A. proposition. If it becoming a reality it will be under the association's direct control. In the scries of committee meet- ings within the last few days it is claimed Brady accomplished more than Shubert was able to do. and it is understood A. L. Erlanger and Charles Dillingham have agreed to attend a committee conference late this Hveek. If s« It will bo their first appearance on the scene of the much-debated ticket matter. If the managers finally agree to attempt the central office it will be Continued on poge 17) $200,(11)0 BACKING UP FOR MTOirS REPERTOIRE THEATRE STOCK SELLING GUILD Musical Comedy Guild with 7 Pmr Cent. Preferred Stock for 8«le Patterned along the same lines as the Theatre Guild, the Musical Com- edy OuUd, capitalised at 150.000. was incorporated under the laws of New York at Albany last week. The pur- pose of the organization is to foster the interests of the native American author and musical composer, the American actor and producer, with its aim the formation of a closer bond between them. Louis Cllne is president and man- aging director of the corporation; Josephine Clement. Boston, is vice- president and secretary, and Jessie Heln Ernst, wife of Irving L. Ernst, New York lawyer, is treasurer. The directorate Is composed of George Spink, musical director and com- poser; John Pringle, art director; Cecil Owen, who will be general stage director; J5dwin L. Helms, Harold Harvey and Charles Shaw. It will be the endeavor of the company to sell to persons inter- ested In the purpose of the organ- isation 7 per cent, cumulative pre- ferred stock with a par value of $100 a share. With each share of pre- ferred stock sold one share of com- mon stock will be given as a bonus. Of this latter apportionment of 1,000 shares of stock 500 shares will be held in the treasury of the com- pany. ' Stage Director Has $125,000 Subscribed—To Estab- lish Within Two Years—Unhampered Production Two Years Assured by Bank Roll MSS RAMBEAU DillNDS TO START DIVORCE HOWARD RUMSEY FAILS Liabilities from Stock Ventures in 1921 Howard Rumsey, St West 42d street. New York, has Sled a volun- tary petition in bankruptcy In the IT. S. District Court listing liabili- ties of $14,901.32 and assets of $20,- 000 insurance policy and $250 per- sonal wearing apparel. Rumsey Is intercKted in the American Play Co. of the same address, John W. Rum- sey, his brother, being president. Rumsey operated a dramatic strck company in Syracuse and Rochester in the fall of 1921. Most of the debts date therefrom. Among the creditors are profe.s- sionals for various amuunt.^. with addressee given at the I^ambs, Players and N. V. A. Clul>s. Nancy Fair Ip down for $1,050; Century Play Co.. $1,932.49 for roy.iltieH; mtisicians' salaries, loans, trucking, printing and advertl.sing being other indel)»edn^s«. Heaman Miller ha.H bt^en appointee] referee. LEDEKER LEAVES HOSPITAL . 'Phi!;ul«lphi.i. July IS. nC'orv^ —f5?rrirrnr. Jr.. <»t>*'» 'fttod on for (Miinr of the tliront several \ve''lc.s aj<o, w;i.s j)ormitle<l to le.av«» J<'ffer.soTi hoHr»it;«l Mondiiy, but will !<m;iiM h^r«' ff»r ol)s«Tv.»'ion another wf«'k. He has luat 55 pwunds In w<-ii;ht .titice the treatment sturt< d YouriK I/'d«-r"r oxpfCtH ti> I'fturn fo New York shortly .in<l \i\iin.* a n.-hinj? trip on r..ong l.^Iand whicli ho mciitiojied shortly afti.-r the oper- a'lyn. Charging Hugh Diilman With Incompatibility — Opens at Capitol, Frisco San Franclsoo, July 18. Marjorie Rambeau says she in- tends to Immediately start divorce proceedings here against Hugh DiU- man, charging him with incompati- bility. Miss Rambeau arrived from Ehirope, stopping only over night In New York when landing. Miss Rambeau's special starring season at the local Capitol (for- merly Century) is in "The Oold^h." with the house now under the direc- tion of Lewis Lurie and Jack Brehany. While abroad the actress says she was arrested and held in Jail for 24 hours in Vienna for some slight Infraction of the traveling regula- tions. After two vain attempts to reach Italy via Austria she suc- ooeded on the third try. ACCENT FELL DOWN llss Msrvengs Out of "Follies* Cantor on Vacation Ilsa Marvenga. the Continental prima donna, who opened in the second edition of the current "Fol- lies" four weeks ago and was the one outstanding point that the New York dramatic critics raved about, is no longer with the show. She retired Saturday, and the reason the management states is that her foreign accent failed to "get acroes." The retirement o^ Mile. Marvenga gave Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., a chance to elevate Elsa Petersen from the ranks of the chorus to the position of prima donna of the production, opening with It on Monday night Ilsa Marvenga was origina^y brought to this country a short time ago by George B. McClellan for the principal role in the A. H. Woods production of "Naughty Diana." When that attraction failed to register on tour she returned to New York and finally was selected for the "Follies.** Eddie Cantor is leaving the "Fol- lies" for four weeks beginning Sat- urday. He luis obtained a leave ot absence and will take a vacation at Atlantic City. Whether Cantor will return to the "Follies'* Is a Question. He may be slated for the new show, which is due at the New Amsterdam on Labor Day, or he may possibly await his own attraction. BEAUTY AT $25,000 Valuation Plsced by Msnsgsr's Wife —Hurt in Accidsnt Chicago. July U. Mrs. Mae Pull, wife of the pro- prietor of a theatre at Fargo, N. D., who maintains a home here. Is suing Thomas Robiefl for $25,000, which is the sum she estimates her beauty is worth. Uobieff was driving an auto which crautied into one in which Mrn. Pull was riding Juno 24, caus- ing Injuries which permanently dls- fl^^ured her and necessitated taking 100 Hitches in her arms, face and shtjulder.**. Mr. and Mrs. Pull were driving acro.sa the boulevard when the ma- chine jlrivcn by Robiefl! cra.shed into their car. ""XONGEST RUN—BEST MAT Chicago. July lU. • Rlo.s.'-.om Time." at the (Jreat North»^rn. did a lT.rj^*»r matinee Wcdfie.Mday of l;ist week thnn eitlifi •The Passing Show'* at the Apoll - and "The Dancing Girl* at the Co- lonial. "IMo.s.^om Time" has been here longer than either of the other nt- tractlona. The repertory theatre wklek will be under the direction of Robert MiUoa wiU be th« most coaprs- hensive effort ever attempted In New York. The organhuitloa will have |S«t,OM to Its credit la bank before starting to function. Of that sum $1SI.*M has already bean pledged. Milton is convinced ths permanent eetabUshment of a lepertorir the- atre must be financed to a degree which will permit unhampered pro- duction for at least two Tears. Within that period It la e«p«»eted the percentage of saccesees will en- able the theatre to proceed In- definitely thereafter and nuJce a re- turn on the original lamefmnnl Though it Is conceded the repertory effort might succeed much quicker, Milton and his asaoclatea believe a two-year effort will estabilah the project permanently. The presentations will be new productions In entirety and It Is hoped to build up a repertory of the first water. Milton Is listed as one of the notable stage directors of the country and has many suc- cesses to his credit. He will dsTOte his entire time to the new reper- tory theatre. ,» LILLIAN LORRAINTS DEBTS IN BANKRUPTCY Owes $26,500-110 AtseU— Uses Private Name, Mary Ann Brennan /•■ LiUlaa Lorraine, now rehearsing with Ted Lewis' "Frolios." filed a voluntary petltloa la hankruptey in the U. & Distrtot Court late yester- day (Wednesday) afternoon, under her name in private life of Mary Ann Brennan. Miss Lorraine lists liabilities at |Si,9S0 and no assets. Her dented exchequer dates from Uu;t year's sustaining ofa broken back which resulted In heavy medi- cal expenditures. Miss Lorraine was forced to sell her jewels, valued at over 175,000. and commistloned Sol- omon l>aniel to dispose of them. Daniel is one of the chief creditors for $16,580, representing a deficiency between the amount he advanced and what was actually realised on thom. Other creditors listed In the schedules includs Lottie St Brice, costumers, $289.&0; L'Aiglon restau- rant, MOO; Hattle Carnegie. MTt; Femcliff Lodges |1,0<«.C9. There are several unknown cred- itors, according to J. H. Oilbert, of Ollbert A Black. represenUnc the petitioner, and a supplsasentary schedule probably will be filed in time. Miss Lorraine is a Califomiaa aad is known by her mother's name of Brennan, although her ITreach father's surname Is Jacqnea. LOTUS ROBB JUMPS IN Takes Role st Qarrick Despite Ooc' tor's Advics i- Murgola Gillmore, In '*The Devil's DLscipIe." at the Garrick. New York, was stricken with an acutn attack of appendicitis Monday afternoon and mshcd to the hospital to be operated on Lotus Kobb. who bad cfcated (he part and wa^ subsequently forced out of the cast through illness, Jumped into the part and will con- tinue in It for several days until her successor gets up in the lines. MiM.s Hobb has been under the care of her physician for several weeks, but (I'Hjiite iii-i i-i uit. stations played the part. LATHAM MANAGING PARK Fred I-«ath.Tm, connected with the I)i!IiTiKh.'irn interests for several yc'iiM, will be in chnrge of the for- mer Park, renamed Cosmopolitan wlien it reopens in August under tiio manaprement of the Henrst pic- ture intrrests. /