Variety (July 1923)

LEGITIMATE Thursday, Jttlj 19, laST \iUMEROUS TRY-OUTS i LISTED IMKEDIATEY Wx This Week—Many More During July—Paul Kester's ^ady Deadlock" The number of new attractions being tried out of town this week Ja larger than for any week thus tax thla Bummcr. Six are onrdod, and the week of July 23 will prob- ably find a schedule of equal hIzc. At the Curran, San Francisco, the delayed premiere of "The Great LAdy Deadlock" with Margaret Anglln occurred Monday. The piece la by Paul Kester, who, 25 years ago, was a leading novelist. He has been In retirement in Vir- ginia, but recently came back into the limelight by adapting "Sweet Nell of Old Drury." "Little Jesse James," a musical comedy, "with Nan Halperin, de- buted at Iiong Branch. "The Alarm Clock,** adapted from the French by Avery Hop- wood, preeented its first perform- ance at the Belaaco, Washington. "Ihumba Down" by Myron C. Fagan again reached the boards, thla time at Atlantic City. Charles Wanamaker la producing. The show was tried out first in the spring. "The Javanese Doll" will first be Been In stock and is next week'H at- traction at the Ohio, Cleveland. It ■was adapted by Clare Kummcr. "Autumn," by Saxon Kling, will be unfolded at Newport. At Asbury Park, July 23, W. A. Brady, Jr., will put on his second production try. It being "Tht Clean- up." "Yours Truly" will bow In at the same time at Long Branch. It is an A. H. Woods show, first called "The Whole Town's Talking." which was adapted from the French by John Emerson and Anita Loos. Atlantic City will get "In Love With Jjove" by Vincent Lawrence. It is a William Harris, Jr., produc- tion, also called "Love and Learn." "SHUFFLE" PROTEST First Objfcting to Proposed Second Edition The production of a second edi- tion of "Shuffle Along" baa pro- voked a proleMt from the manage- ment of the original show. The lat- ter has been routed through the fall and plans call for the production of a new "Shuffle Along" about the first of the year. It to have a score from Sissle and Blake, the same colored compo-sers who supplied the numbers for the first show. It Is contended that Miller and Lyles, who were in the original "Shufflo" and are credited with the book, have no right to the title, which la claimed production prop- erty. The Selwyns have been advised by an attorney representing the orig- inal show that two attractions of the same name though dissimilar w^uld be running at the same time if the proposed second edition of the colored show Is presented. Th# Miller and Lyles piece is booke(tfbr the Selwyn, Boston, and It is ex- pected If the attraction Opens there with the "Shuffle" name a restrain- ing order will be applied for. In the meantime an expensive production is being readied for the second edition show, which George White will sponsor. Sam Salvin, restaurant proprietor, is reported having supplied a considerable per- centage of the backing. Miller and Lyles are supposed to be under con- tract to White, their weekly aalary being quoted at |2,000. DANCERJOO YOUNG Qsrtruds Lsnnon Forced Out of '^anitiss"—Jsalousy Dsnisd "HORRID WORD—VAMPING" Peggy Joyce Hates It—Taking Theatricals Seriously LEAVING "VANITIES" Gertrude Lennon, the youthful toe dancer, was forced to leave "Vani- ties of 1923" at the Carroll theatre last week upon the objection by the Gerry Society. It was reported that the complaint made to the society emanated from a member of the company who Is alleged to have actod through Jealousy of the girl's ability to achieve applause. That, however, was denied by the Bhow management. It appears that Miss Lennon lacks by only a few months of 16, which is the legal age requirement for unhampered stage appearances. The lass has been carefully brought up by her mother, having completed school two years ago. She Ib credited with being aomcthing of a linguist, being able to Bpeak two foreign languages. Under the cir- cumstances the management la making an appeal to the Gerry So- ciety that Miss Lennon may at least continue with ^^anltles" through the summer. '-*■■ mm. CHATS By HELLIE BEVEII) MUSICAL "peg:: Zieflfeld May Place Marillyn Milfer in New Show ^ .. ;■. n. ', ■' \ ■«->'..» ■ • . . ^ ^ St. Vincent's Hospltall, N«w Tork Cit^^ 5 Dsar CommlsVfonsr Enrighti i If you were In a hospital with a trick back, a relaxed MMrallliao^ j bum heart and shrieking nerves and I were police commissioner I'd tell mm traific men to tell his men along the line not to let heavy trucks pajy the hospital where you were trying to get back to Healthburg. ^ And if it seemed to you that the world's biggest truck spent tb« trying to establish new speed records on the street Just below yoi window I'd see If something couldn't be done to make the driver use different race track, where his passing wouldn't Jar your l>ones wl they were in the process of becoming acquainted again. And If the Downtown Business Men's League were to a^dc ma to «<U operate with them In curbing this nuisance on a hospital street, I woul(l«% rest until It was accomplished. And, finally. If you were as grateful for my efforts aa I win be foe yours, you would be very grateful Indeed. " Lula Sutton came In the other day, bringing with her a photograA of myself taken many years ago when I was working for her fath«(^ Uncle Dick Sutton, out in ^utte, Mont, r^he picture Is a laughlqg pose, and on It I had wrItteiK •*Llfe is a Joke—If you make It so." I was young then and In perfect health; I am a grandmofher and.f. cripple now—but thos6 are stitl my sentiments. The Catholic Actors' Guild sent me a membership card last stating that I am an active member In good standing. Optimists! T 4' After reading the newspaper story about the man who masqueradsC as a <ioctor In an Atlantic City hospital and performed operations thex% for two years, though he had never been near a medical school, It occurred to me to ask some of my bomb squad for their credentials. When a well, known professor of orthopedics entered my room I demanded hla dlpleoUi;-^ to show me anything. ' Several Departures—Patten Marks and Harry Burns. and Several changes'will be Ynade ir^ the personnel of Earl .Carroll's re- vue, "Vanities," within the next two weeks. Bernard Granville Joins this week, replacing Jack Patton, who, with his partner, Loretta Marks, will leave. Margaret Davlcs will take over Miss Mark's numbers and work with Granville. Among others scheduled to depart are Rekoma, acrobat, and Harry Burns. The latter handed in his no- tice early this week. NOTHING TO FOLLOW "CHAINS" Chicago, July 18. The hope that another original production wouild follow "Chains" at the Playhouse has about gone glimmering. There Is still a pos- blblllty of "The Teaser" being put on with a view of moving it to the dentral, as was done with "Up the Ladder," In the event of Its being successful. I'hil Barry's comedy "You nnd I" will open the new Ecason at the playhouse Labor Day. Peggy Hopkins Joyce Is very In- dignant at a canard whir' is go- ing around to the effect that she has vamped another multi-millionaire. "Plea.se deny the story," said PcpKy, "and say for mo that I am taking the theatricals very serious- ly. I am not 'vamping* (what a hoiVid Word, 1 hate it) anyone. Such things as love or marriage are fur- thest from my thoughts. "Who can work and play at the same time? I really am giving serious c«infliderat*cn to my work and I wifsh people would glvo me credit for being something besides a care- less, frlv61ous girl. I have my own troubles you know." fcf. SHOWS OF TWO MIKES Mlndlin & Goldreyer will have three productions this season, two companies of "The Last Warning" on tour and a new show entitled "I'ansy," to have its premiere at New Bedford, Mass., September 10. For the No. 1 "Last Warning" company, opening at the Garrick theatre, Philadelphia, Labor Day, are Byron Beasley, J. S. Murray, Richard Gordon, Arthur Bellair.s, William I=ike, Arthur Hai vcy, Jessie Busley and Louise White. For the second company, opening at Springfield, Mass., September 17, are Mortimer Snow, Howard Sinclair, James Hughes, Arthur Barry, Victor Beecroft, King Cald«T, Olga Krolow, Zillah Thompson, Eleanore Ladd and Lola Norton. Thbso engaged for "Pansy," be- ginning rehear.sals August 20, are Roberta Arnold, Ralph Slppcrly, Conrad Cantzen, Alma Haywood. It Is possible a musicallfcd version of the famous Laurette Taylor star- ring vehicle "Peg o* My Heart" will be the next production in which Marillyn Miller Is to appear under the direction of F. Ziegfeld. It Is understood Ziegfeld has se- cured the rights to a m- slcal ver- sion of the play and intended It to serve as the vehicle in which Mary Eaton was to have been featured, but the failure of Miss Eaton's ad- visers and the manager to get to- gether on the renewal of her con- tract eliminates her as the pos- sibility. That Miss Miller was co-starred in "Sally" with Leon EitoI may make some dirference. At the Ziegfeld offlces It was stated this week that there wasn't any knowledge as to who had been retained to prepare the musical ver- sion of "Peg." and his license. H« refused "What are you worrying about?" he inquired. "Don't you we've already done everything to you that could be thought of7" kno#^l Apropos of the above, I am very certain that any of those doctors wHo-o Introduced the fake practitioner into the Atlantic City hospital would haiPfi been rather careful about engaging a cook, a housemaid, a chauffeur mr^ ^4 an office assistant. They would have demanded references from everjp*^ body from Mayor Hylan to William Shakespeare a doctor's license between friends? But, after all. what^i. If you had a large autographed picture of Irvln S. Cobb on which b#' - had expressed his "friendship and admiration" for you; and If you ha^v! put it under the glass top of your table; and if someone had upset a glaAa 'i of waCbr on tho table and failed to mop it quickly; and If the water hiud^ leaked under the glass on to the Inscription of thpe--picture and smudged'- Irvln Cobb's "admiration" for you, wouldn't you want to "do your" stuff"? :t HOPKINS FIEST WITH LEIBEIl According to present plans, the first of the Arthur Hopkins produc- tions next season will be "The Fountain," by Eugene O Neill, with l*Yitz Leiber in the central role. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Aug. 20, with the show coming to New York late in September. DAVIS, FROM ICE TO NEEVES Owen Davis, having this year presented the Pulitzer prize serious play, "Icebound," a quiet drama, "Up the Stairs," and a wild melo- drama, "The Rear Car," Is putting the finishing touches to his new farce, "The Nervous Wreck," tried out In San Francisco UTider man- agement of Thomas Wilkes, with Charles Ruggles In the lead. The farce drew encouraging no- tices and will be seen In New York the coming season. If you happen to njpet Thomas J. Ryan (Mike Haggerty) don't V(f to give him a tip on tho races. He Is offa them. He had a tet fu "Pettifogger" every time he ran. for weeks, excepting last Saturday w bun he won at 20 to 1. *. . ii •APE' NEEDS BLACKFACE STAR "The Ape," a play written by Ralph Spence, accepted by A. H. Woods for production, has a stellar role for a blackface comedian. It Is said Marty lI'M-nian has bad Eddie Cantor, Frank Tinnoy and Jack Wilson in mind, without any- thing settled upon. - COHAN PLAY FOR OVERMAN George M. Cohnn 1« at work on a comedy drama which will star Lynn Overman. The play, as ytt unnamed, will be the initial attractii'n at Cohan's Grund, Chicago, opening there Sept. 9. LONG BEACH BREAK-INS In an effort to make the new Moss Castle, Long Beach, pay Its expenses, it has been decided by the Moss office to place the house in the market for legitimate "break-Ins." The house was switched to picture policy two weeks after it opened, the Long Beach residents evidently shy- ing off the vaudeville during the last four days of the week. Tho picture program is changed daily with the price topped at 50 cents. MOROSCO'S "SCHEMERS" Oliver Morosco has returned from his annual trip to the Coast and has begun assembling the cast for "The Schemers," a new play by Dr. William Slrovitch. his first produc- tion of the new season. When that piece is set he will re- assemble "Lady Butterfly" for a road tour, and will also produfe a new^jpuslcal comedy by Clifford Grey and Werner Janssen, without title aa yet. Good luck by parcel'pbstf I was the reclplfen{ of It last week In tt#J fchape of a flower pot, containing a real live four-leaf and a flve-leaf clovsf, It came In the mail along with <i'letter from Its sender, Jennie PQatt, of th« old vaudeville team of Gavin, Piatt and Peaches. I have to get wsU npn'' because I've always believed In four-leaf clovers. . »it kj * \\ How foolish those p^P^^ must feel that have been laughing at ih.%^' absurdity ^f "Yes, We Have Not, etc.," now that an English professor teMf us via the newspapers that; It's a perfectly correct form. There's a oatcli in It, though, because to make the answer right you have to ask, TOO" you have no bananas todo,y?" If we can't laugh at the answer, we'll at| least get a giggle out of the question. . , My Idea of an optimist Is the man who sent me the literature tot one'6f Clark's tours around the world.^ It suggested hope and was ihi direct contrast to the stationery, bearing my name and hospital ad- dress, which was sent to me by a friend In all kindness. Don't kndW which I needed morie, the stationery, or the trip, but at all eirents thtf' stationery Is th3 only one of the two I can use. •vj Two of the apartments In the new building across the street havi become vacant and by a strange coincidence they are the ones whos^ occupants used to forget to pull down the blinds In the evening. Now I can go to sleep nights—without feeling that I'm missing anything. .' CHORUS GIRL ELEVATED Elsa Petersen, a chorus girl in the "Follies" at the New Amster- dam since January, was elevated to tho role of prima donna Monday night. Miss Petersen replaced Mary Lewis, who withdrew from the "Fol- lies" three weeks ago to go abroad and study prior to appearing at the Metropolitan opera house next season. HEARN REPLACES CATLETT Walter Ciitictt, who was Ht;i;;iti,-- Viv Tlii Lewis Frolics, has been Buc- CccUckl by Lew JJcarn. . i. >^-,v,::^., FILM AT COLUMBIA, FRISCO San Francisco, July 18. The Columbia, dark for several weeks-, and which seemed to fact a famine of attraction?, is to reopen vt I y .«• I < II w iM. a liim. "Wlien Winter C rmr s " - Is—»m- Tuninrr<l for the lr,tter pait of July at ivi\{\ shew prices. ENGLISH LEAD IN "CRASH" Chicago, July 18. Charles Richards, who came to this country as leading man for Forbes Robertson, will have the leading role in "The Crash," by Ralph T. Kettering and Lincoln J. Carter, which goes on tour in Sep- tember. A writer In a radio magiazlnc says that the three R's have been ohanged from Readln'. Ritln* and Rlthmetlc to Readln', Rltln' and Radio. ThaJ may be so In th^ radio world, but In a hospital they're Resistance, ReaoA tlon and Relief. ■-*- ■'■■■- i "•;■■■■'"'.' -'V'^v-. V-vy •» » Pertaining to \he same subject was a headline, "Radio to Be Tried »i Anesthetizer." I hope they try It first on the people who broadcast the lectures on barnyard life and the habits of flsh that I get on the radl4 sets of my neighbors across the street these warn open-window evenlngi* Incidentally, I'd like to know why my nelghbor-j think I care wheal •They're Hanging Danny Deever." For about six nights straight A phonograph has announced In a rasping voice, "They're Hanging Him In the Morning." I notice that the preacher up In Boston who created a fuss by kissing the wife of a naval officer apologized after he was thrashed by, the irate husband. Isn't that Just like a preacher? I hope that the men who come In here and salute me in that manner won't ever spoil the effect by telling me they're sorry they did It A lot of disquieting things have happened to me in my years, but thank God so far no one has apologized for kissing me. That is, I mean they haven't apologized to me. However, there wasn't any reason for the minister kissing the young lady in question, for he had christened her and married her and It seems to me he had already done enough for her. I see that Lew Pollock, the booking agent, got his medical diploma the other day and is now about to lift the curtain on that grand old therapeutic drama, "Your Money for Your Life." Well, he ought to be great at arranging "openings" and pacifying the victims of "cuts.". Leyit Last Half In Schenectady Tlio p<'Ij(;y for tho Van Cniifr opera hotivr, Seherieetady, h.'ta bcrn definitely set for the season. Co- lumbi.i l)uiles<iuo will bo offered the fiiHt half part of the Wf«k ainl le- gitimate altiactions for the lii.al , lliitt d.iya. "Just Married" Forming in L. A. I^oa ATirtl'-*. .^uly 18. Terry Duffy is oif^aiii/.ntK ft eom- • r»any to produce "Just Married'' that will conie into tho Mason sh(^^ tly. Several of tho princii)ale art coming from New York. **Ycu and I" Moving to Chicago "Ycu and 1," wlii'h elo.scs Satur- day at tho Iie^nlent, New Yoik. re- op* na In Chicago Labor Day, at ti>e X'Jayliouse. • That controversy between the doctors as to whether or not people under the influence of "scopolamln" wHl tell the truth Interests me. I'd like to experiment with It on my medical men and try to make them tell me the truth about when I'm going to get out of here. Glenn Anders in "Love and Money" The comedy-drama Arthur Klein has in hand for tlio legit st.nge is called "Love and Money." ^ It will have Qlcnn Anders In the lend. Isa- boUe Lei^'htftn and Jaek Trainor arc- among the other princip.'ilf. Herbert Hall Winslovv with the late Eniil Nyitry wrote the piec(. J. C Huffman wiR-iJtcitt. it. MUSICAL "IF I WERE KING" Rup. ell Janney has secured the rij'hfs for tho musical version of Jihlin Hunt'.ey McCarthy's play. "If I Were King." through Jajf Piukard. Janey will mako tho musical adajitatlon and anticipates produc- ing the mu.sical show early In Oc- tober.