Variety (July 1923)

•»," PICTURES •rrt-^ Thursday, July 26, 1923 ■ I , T ^- 33C: ^ RRESENTATtONS (Extra attraction$ in pictUrm iheairea, when not pietartM, will be carried and described in this depart' ntent for the general information of the trade.) 'm :^ GILDA GRAY South 8«a Dance 10 Mins.; Full Stag* Rivoli, New-York Gilda Gray made her debut this week dLS un added attraction in a motion picture theatre at the Ri- ^11. She la appearing twice daily, afternoon and evening. In her South Sea dnnce by a special ar- rangement with the "Follies." The reason for her appearance at the lUvoIl is that in the current week'a feature attraction, "Lawful Larceny," she also appears in a cabaret scene doing the number. Monday night the Rivoli was jammed to the back walla, an indi- cation that Misfl Gray was cer- tainly pullin^r at the box oflAce. The scone for the dance is a typ- ical tropical set with two musi- cians seated on the stage. Four girls appear first and offer a dance and then Miss Gray steps on, and, after singing her "South Sea Isle" num- ber, puis over the dance exactly the some as she does in the "Fol- lies" and the picture audience went wild over it. Fred. V - PAUL TISEN ORCHESTRA (6) Russian Musicians 8 Mins.; Full Stage Rivoli, New York Paul Tisen and Ave musicians form thid Russian orchestra. All six Cre clad in Russian costume and make a striking stage picture. There are threv violins, a cello, bass viol and piano In the combination. A woman plays the latter Instrument. The program presented consists of three numbers, all handled in the typical Russian tempo and style. The selections rendered . were l "Black Eyes," "Romance" and "Guitars." The latter was a rather peculiar arrangement that gave the impression that guitars were being played. All of the numbers were well received from the stand- point of applause. Tisen is an accomplished viojin- Jst and a consummate platform showman, selling himself and his companions to the audience In great Bhape. Fred. ART LANDRY'S BAND (W, Jazz Orchestra 12 Mins.; Full Stage; Special Chicago Theatre, Chicago Chicago, July 25. There have been so many bands that comparisons are Impossible ex- cept on the part of an authority. SufTlce it to say Ar^Landry's "Call of the North" Band"s entitled to a place among the best. Three or four of the most noted organiza- tions of this character have points which stand out, and the Landry band may be given the spotlight of interest for the reason that he has 13 men, and that the leader makes no attempt to carry away personal honors. The Sousaphone player stands out either intention- ally or unintentionally In most of the numbers. The Chicago theulre gave the band a nne set last week with a string of lanterns across the front of the .stage and other equipment suggesting the cool out of doors. There was elevation in the rear ton the player of the big bass, drums and piano. The other instruments are two cornets, slide trombone, violin, banjo, four saxophones, and the leader, who had a violin in bis hand at the start and once took up a clarinet for a number. The banjo took up a cello for one number and one of the saxophones, apart from the other three, doubled violin for a couple of numbers. The various numbers were an- nounced by cards and the travels of "Googan" the same way. The appreciation of unmusical people hi knowing what Is being played was proven In this Instance until the reviewer is convinced that no Jazz I organization should attempt to get along without cards announcing its numbers either in vaudeville or picture houses. Landry's organization Is as good musically as a first-cla-ss Jazz band is expected to be. Th% leadfer is likable without seeming to try to direct attention to himself. Loop. ^MELODYLAND'' (4) , Musical ■ ; . TTt 19 MinM Specliit (PutI 8la0#> Capiioir Jaek««n, Mieh. A four-people ti^uaioal tion. with a few monitent* of toonlnir injected atnonf Ihstrumootal and vocal numbers makiM ideal en- tertalnment for pictur* hotuna owing to the flash of the offerlncr, the versatiliity of the- artists and the general attractiveneaa of the three girls. The fourth partr. Don Austin, is a cartoonist, who ani- mated the cartoons of "The Gump«." This fact brings wide publicity, and in order to meet this there is a brief portion of the act devoted to th6 an- nouncement and a little drawing. The girls are Georgia Wunderlich, vlollnlste and vocalist; Fay Kahn. pianlste and vocalist; Bonnie Cole, saxophoniste, harpiste and vocalist; Don Austin, flutist, saxophonist and cartoonist. Th^ opening Is a . seml-classlcal combination, in which singing is in- troduced in connection with i/istru- mental music on harp, flute and violin. At one time the three girls sing "Swinfln* Down the Lane," giving the prograjjn a popular num- ber. Two of the girls sing a ''blues" and sing with harp accompaniment. There is a harp solo and the car- tooning bit. Tbe finish is a Jazz number with two saxophonsa, with girls playing vioUu and piano and singing at times. The act Is shown, in a pretty eye !.i"«t.. t*.,i •I •i COAST FILM NEWS %. ^m Ix>« Angeles, July Sf. Hobart Bo«worth la "TIia liAit«r of Man." -.'■■■*(.-;■^:.':yw■;■l• " i '• Carer Wilson will adapt EUnor Glyn's "Three WeekiS" v- .;: Mike Donlin is sticklniT It oat In pictures. Ruby MHler, English actress, has a leading part In "Alimony." Jean Hersholt was Injured while filming "Greed," a Frank Norria story. ., Jack Roach, brother of Hal Roach, baby girl, July 4. Jack Roach is cameraman at the Roach studios. Cyril Chadwtck will play the male lead opposite Priscilla Dean in "The Storm Daughter." Bennlo Schulberg gave a bffnquet to 26 in honor of Al Llchman's re- turn. .... , Robert M. Yost has returned from the Elast. He Went to attend the Fox convention. LOUIS lazarim; Baritone Vocalist 4 Mint.; Full Stag* < . Strand, New York Lazarln has a pleasing baritone voice with more timbre and volume in his upper than In his lower reg- ister, at least so it seemed In hie rendition of "Notturno D'Amore," but as he only sang the one song It is hardly fair to make that one a criterion of his capabilities. Even so the singer received pro- longed applause at the conclusion of his song, evidence that the audi- ence was satisfied. P PIATOV and NATALIE Russian Folk Dan&os 6 Mins.; Full Stage; Special Chicago Theatre, Chicago Chicago. July 25. Platov and Natalie are c^lover dancers who present the Russian stylo of dancing at its best, doing two numbers in a short period with time between which brought a bearty encore applause. There Is a iblg black eye with a big head more than half way up it on one side, giving lots of stage room. The young woman aCt)pear8 and there is brief pantomime indicating that she awaits her lover. The gentleman appears and they do* some rapid dancing steps and exit. When recalled they present another number. Both are dressed In the gay costumes identified with Rus- sian acts and they do steps wlilch are dimcult and with artistry which 1m notable. This team has been playing the Balaban & Katz theatres for some time and are now on their second round of the three big houses In Chicago controlled by thitt firm whlcb play the crame presentation features. They hold the record for any dance team which has ever, played for Balaban & Katz and are con- tracted for another three weeks. Loop. ""MUSICAL SERENADE** Horn, Flute and Harp 6 Mine.; Special (Full Stage) McVickers', Chicago A. Stagliano (horn), J. Teschke (ilute) and V. Miragia (harp), prob- ably from the McVickers' orches- tra, render Titl's "Serenade" In a pretty set representing a window, which disclosed a part of a porch in a big hostelry In the Alps. The curtains are partly drawn, dlsclos- JESSE CRAWFORD Organ Demonstration 11 Mins.; Pit Chicago Theatre, Chicago Chicago. July J5. The orgjan demonstration pre- sented by Jess^Crawford at the Chicago la.'tt week was practically the came as offered at. that theatre about this time last summer, al- though there nmy have been a few Interpolations to keep fully abreast of the times. There was a slide announcement that the Chicago theatre organ cost 1100,000 and that its various pos- sibilities would be demonstrated. As the slides announced the different Instruments which the organ is capable of presenting and the ef- fects possible with it, Mr. Crawford demonstrated them. The different instruments of one family would be shown, then an ensemble and finally the effects Identified with traps and the organ'j rendition of jazz band, military band, cathedral organ, etc. The human voice effects as used in in- terpretation of ballads was made plainer by playing a brief snatch of a song and also the feminine voice wtilch was used for comedy in what was called "An Old Maid's Prayer." The playing of the lead and 'JCc- companiment with one hand was exemplified and to further Illustrate Crawford played "Swanee River" with one hand and "Humoresque" with the other. This and several other of his stunts brought big applause and there was long and continued ap- plause when the demonstration was concluded. Loop. Gaisiton Glass is to play the male lead In B. P. Schulberg's next screen version titled "Maytlme." House Peters has been signed by Metro to play ttie leading role In "Held to Answer." Reginald Denny Is to make four special feature productions for Uni- versal next year. Ralph E. Bushman has signed to play an Important role in the next Buster Keaton comedy. William G. Alder Is back In Hol- lywood after ten weeks in New York. EMMA NOE • Soprano 4 Mins.; Full Stage Rivoli, New York Emma Noe is the usual type of soprano that is utilized for soloing In the better motion picture the- atres. She offered the "Melody of Love" from "Gypsy Love," doing fairly well with the number, get- ting sufificient applause at its con- clusion to warrant the bow thaC she took. Fred. Reginald Barker has started shooting "Pleasure Mad" at the Louis B. Mayer studio. MARIMBA BAND and Elena Camacho (9) Musical, Songs 12 Mins.; Full Stage , Missouri, ^i. Louis This organization produces iome very pleasing music; its harmony and tone effects were brilliant, but the splendid voice and wonderful personality of Elena Camacho, lyric soprano, put this act over a winner. The Instrument used and operated by six men is xylophone-like in character, the lower tone being made by striking a native Guate- mala wood bar with a small ham- mer, while the higher notes are se- cured by the use of shorter lengths of wood and the real shrill tones are secured from wire strings sim- ilar to those of the piano. The players are Accompanied by a bass viol and an accordionist. They open with operatic selec- tion, then into "pop" number. Elena Camacho follows with number semi-classic and was obliged to en- core. This girl is the possessor of the sweetest voice heard here this season and reveals excellent train- ing. Her cnunoiation is perfect The girl closes with another well rendered number that sent the Marimba Band over with a perfect hit at the Missouri. Roia. Pola Negri Is at work on "The Spanish Dancer," her latest for l^aramount. Inrtntf' CttimnTnfff ts due home from the EUuit this week. He took « print off "Broken Hearts of Broad* way,** bis latest production, with him. '.^ A lamea Cniac and company, whe have been Aiming "Ruggles of Red Gap," have returned from location. The/ will finish their interior scenes at the Lasky studios. When Barbara La BCarr returns from Italy, where she is portraying the leading role in "The Eternal City" for Goldwyn, she will start work on the Universal lot on a pic- ture as yet untitled. "Wild Bill HIckok" will be the role which Bill Hart will portray in the story bearing the same title. which will bring him back to the scit?en. Later on he whl film "The Life of Patrick Henry." _^. Charles Ruggles, stage comedian, "-s- and - his equally famous brother. ►r Wesley Ruggles. flhn director, are to .5 form their own picture <producing -^^ company. They will start work • .i^ shortly on a series of comedies. i.*»>i„;^: - i Jack Plckford will leave for loca^ tlon soon. He expects to be gone about two months. "The Valley of the Wolf" is the picture to be made.. He win be accompanied by his charming wife, Marilyjin Miller.. . Charles Kurtz'man, for a time publicity chief for Warner BrothepSk' has been transferred to .exchange exploitation work. He Will handle both San Francisco and Los An- geles.',- >■>■•'■'■.,. -■■;.;..;: :;'• ■' t,:*:ii<"\ '••*.. Victor Seastrom, Swedish di- rector, after a separation of several months from tils family, greeted his own today as they stepped off the train. They are'to reside in Holly-* wood. ♦ .;■% Helene Chad wick will play the lead in Rupert Hughes' new produc- tion, "Law Against Law." Virginia Valll has Just completed work in "A Lady of Quality," a Hobart Henley photop^y. Max Graf returned from New York, where he spent eight weeks completing scenes for "The Fog." Ralph E. Bushman Is playing in Buster Keaton's newest comedy, Three Ages," now in the making. Reginald Barker started work on "Pleasure Mad," from the novel by' Blance Upright. « Conrad Nagel, Paramount star, received a thunderous ovation re- cently when he appeared in one of the theatres in an act in which he was assisted by his father. Dr. Nagel. * ;* •« Fred Kley, manager of Fox's west coast studios, has returned with au- thorized plans lior the new |1,600.000 Fdx studios to be erected on Pico boulevard and with orders from the New York office to go ahead with 25 super specials. ■v,> Thomas H. Ince will retire after about one more year of film pro* duclng, according to well-founded report. Ince is having completed a millionaire's mansion In the Beverly Hills. The house will have eleven- count 'em—baths. Raymond McKee and his bride, Marguerite Courtoto, are spending their honeymoon in Hollywood. B. P. Schulberg. producer, was ho.st to a party of freinds at the Montmarte Cafe, Exposition Park. It was in honor of Al Llchman. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Lehr en- tertained with a dinner in honor of Elinor Glyn, prominent screen author. Shannon Day has been signed by Associated Authors to appear In "No More Men," an Elmer Harris story. Tom Hodgeman will be back with "The Covered Wagon" when it opens In Portland, Ore., Aug. 12. Captain Bill Roddy is going ahead. Al. Christie, comedy producer, has cut short his vacation in Europe and started home to resume active charge of his comedy studio. Charles De Roache, French star, playing a leading role in "Spring Magic." is suffering with a broken toe as a result of a freak accident which occurred while filming the. Paramount picture. Production li being held up until the actor ii well enough to resume work. m Harry Mestayer, popular New York stage actor, is the latest "legit" player to desert the foot- lights for the silent drama. Mes- tayer has gained fame as a featured player in David David Belasco, George M. Cohan and Charles Frohman plays. At present he is adorning the Universal lot. playing the star role in "The Acquittal." 1- Natalie Talmadge Is to return to the silver sheet lind will play the leading role opposite her husband. Buster Keaton. MAX CARON Song 3 Mins.; Two Rialto; New York Caron is the conventional type of opexatic baritone heard in the Ing only apart of the stage. A sot- better class picture houses. He ting further reduces the point to which the eye Is attracted. There are lights on each side of the win- dow and a space possibly ten feet wide, In which the three musicians are seated. The number is Ideal for such a presentation and the musicians play it very well. The orchestra comes la on the lusi note. sings one number in Italian, the "Vision Fugitive" aria from "Hcr- odiado," by Jules Massenet. He renders the song in a modulated and distinct tone, with a varying range. The number la Incidental to tho roffulur house proi;ram and simply in keeping with tho tradi- tion established jn this house to have a male sloijdr on Iha bilL RECEIVEB IN ELTBIA, 0. Elyrla. O., July 26. Peter J. Tender of Lorain has been appointed receiver for the Georgeople Thoat'fe Co., operators of the largest motion picture house there, by Judge A. R. Weber and gave bond In the sum of $5,000. S. J. Georgeople recently secured cognovit Judgment in the sum of 123,000 against the company and re- quested that the receiver be ap- pointed. Organist Crawford Divorced Chicago, July 25. Jo»se Crawford, organist at the Chicago theatre, was divorced by his wife, Olga, who claimed that he boat her and called her names. They had been residing at 5448 East view l^ark. Helen Carter, sister of Estelle Taylor, will play a minor role in "The Ten Commandments," her in- itial screen appearance. Larry Weingarten has returned from the East. He says he will form a company to star Charles Ruggles, of the stage. The movie extras are having It soft these days. They have found plenty of work In the exhibits of the producers at the exposition. "Ashes of Vengeance." the latest Norma Talmadge photoplay, will have its premiere showing In New York. The cost of the production is .said to be one million dollars. The following celebrities will em- bark from somewheres this coming month and take up their abode at the Warner Brothers studio, where they will make their next picture: John Barrymore, Mae Marsh, Johnny Hines. Monte Blue. Irene Rich and Dorothy Farnum. Ac- cording to present plans, the studio will hum with activity, and it looks like It from their present line-up. ■:-i LONDON FILM NOTES Percy Nash la striking out on new lines for his next picture, inasmuch as he has turned down the so-called "stars" and is openly announcing the feature as a "no star" one. The picture itself Is entitled "Ten Thou- sand a Year," adapted from a novel by Samuel Warren which was writ- ten over 100 years ago. The scenario has been written by Arthur Shirley. Without exception everybody con- nected with the making of the pic- ture will be British. i\ "The Tiger Rose" cast has left for the Yoaomite, where lliey will bo gone several weeks shootinR Hcepes. Loonore Ulrich plavs the leading role. Walter West's next picture will be entitled "What Price Loving Cup" Violet Ilopson will play the lead and the story has been specially written by Campbell Rae-Brown. the crea- tor of the original "Kissing Cup's Race." Astra - National has completed "The Woman Who Obeyed." adaptf^d from an original story by Sidney Morpan. who also produced. The cast i« an exceptionally bit? one and includes Stewart Home. Gerald Amo.s, Ueuri de Vrlos, Ivor Diwson. Peter Dear. Valia and Hilda Baylcy.