Variety (September 1923)

^ VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE PARI F ^ 8 St Martin?* Place, Tr«f«l««# Sqw»r« CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON \^ I\ D J^ ^ f^ 2096 Regwit Thur»d«y> Septambw 18,188f TWO AMERICAN-MADE PICTURES AT PAVIUON AND IWOU, LONDON "Covered Wagon" and •'Where Pavement Ends" Have Premieres—New Tivoli's Comtniction Faulty London, Sept. 13. Within the week baa seen two American picture productions here for the llrst time. They are "The Covered Wagon" (Famous Players), at the ravlUon, and "Where the Pavement Ends" (Uetro), at the new TlvolL "The Covered Wagon," taking the Pavilion with a rental of $4,000 weekly, may mark the end of the Pavilion as a variety theatre. There Is some doubt expressed M the bouse win revert to Its former policy though pictures Anally leave It. F. P.'s "Wagon" special was en- thuslaatcally received. Americans present said the presentation was a finer one than given to the same picture now current at the Crlte- rlon, New York. The Tlvoll, rebuilt on the old site of the most famous music hall in all Europe, reopened under the agree- ment entered into between James White, its owner, and Marcus Loew, representing Metro. While It is claimed In certain cir- cles Loew guarantees the Tivoli management'4140,000 yearly for the sole right to place the feature pic- tures In the house, this Is denied In other quarters that say Loew made a most advantageous deal, actually and practically giving blm the Ti- voli without cirnnce of loss. Onii clause of th^ agreement ex- tends to Metro the right of running any film It chooses tn the house for at least three weeks. This freedom of selection does not restrict Metro films only. "Where the Pavement Bads" opened the house. It is a Metro picture, and regarded as an unsat- isfactory choice for the premiere. It was thought here Metro would place "Captain Applejack" for the opening, since the play made a run hit here under a (llffcrent title. The Tivoli has been reconstructed Into a magnificent theatre, with costly and artistic Interior decora- tions, but there Is 'a fault In con- struction. The sight line In the first balcony Is partially Imperfect. It will necessitate placing the rows of seats farther apart. Besides poor acoustics, the projec- tion machine has been placed at a steep angle, forcing the screen on the stnge onto an angle also. At the Tlvoll opening, the event was marked by Kirby Lunn first singing the national anthem, fol- lowed by Marie Dainton, Malcolm Scott and Little Tlch, recalling Its olden music hall days by briefly ap- pearing. A local film man. discussing the "Covered Wagon" at the Pavilion, did some figuring on a tablecloth In the Cavour restaurant the other day. He claims his figures are con- servative and the total running cost of the show here will be not less than $17,000 per week. His figures are as follows: Rent, 14,000; In- diana, fares, bousing and salary 11,600; electric sign being built for the front of the Pavilion by Van Norden in New York at a cost of 115.000, divided Into six months' '^^erages $760 weekly; advertising $3,000; orchestra, $1,260; John C. Flinn, $760; house staff, $760; elec- tric current for signs and Interior, $250; stage efTects, etc-.. $100; loss of first run rentals which could be disposed of to three big houses Ih L<'iidon simultaneously, $5,000. While regarded as conservative it Is figured It will be more than off- set by the pre.itige of such sensa- tional explnltatiun by Increased rentals when the picture Is to be released to the regular cinemas. There are numerous other Items, •uch as the salary of Louis Nether- sole as publicity man. He was en- gaged by Ollbert Miller before It was decided to send Flinn over. The picture can play to over $20,- 000 at the Pavilion. Since the openinp of the Tlvoll a waijn discussion has resulted as to whether that house was Improp- _crly built The Metro represPnta- tlves here want several rows of seats removed from the balcony to provide sulllclcnt rake enablInK spectators to secure an unobstruct- ed view of the stage, but owner White will not conecnt. Negotiations are pentllnR for George Bowles fo handle Para- mount's "Covered Wagon" picture on the Continent. It is understood the film will not be seen there bo- tore aonM time next season., EKGUSH UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM SERIOUS Conditions Loolc to Be Worse Than Last Winter—The- atres Suffering Variety-Clipper Bureau, Evans BIdg., Washington. September 12. Reports coming through from England by way of ofltcial chan- nels point.to dire conditions In that county, particularly in excessive unemployment. It Is the chief prob- lem now being faced and may reach greater numbers of Idle workers than during the past winter, at which time It was felt Ln government cir- cles here and abroad that the peak had been reached. During the past winter over 1,600,000 men were out of work, parades and other demonstrations were staged and large sums ex- pended by the government to help these men. This huge figure was somewhat reduced during the spring and summer months to around the million mark but late in August and during this first week of September a steady climb upward In the un- employed Is noted from statistics coming out of England. All reports from consuls state the theatres, both those presenting the spoken drama and motion pictures as well as the vaudevlle houses in the larger cUles are suffering. Variety recently printed excerpts from the report on picture condi- tions In Sheffield, England, the con- sul there reiportlng business was considerably below normal and at- tributed the greater portion of the condition to the financial and un- employment conditions of the city and vicinity. A» here in Washington the legis- lative body is also now adjourned in England and when they convene again in November it is authorita- tively stated here that one of the first problems they will undertake will be that of providing relief and employment for those out of work. The construction of public works may be one means of aiding this eonditlon. To gain a reflective idea of condi- tions reference to the Department of Commerce figures on film exports give a striking comparison between England and some of her posses- sions which are not experiencing the same labor difficulties. In the seven months of 1923 that have expired E^ngland received approximately 6,000,000 (eet of positive films. Australia receiving approximately 9,000.000 feet of positive films with about the same footage going Into Canada. One means the government has taken to aid private conMrns and thus increase employment Is a shar- ing with the owners of the enter- prises with a large percentage of the Interest payable on borrowed capital. FRANK VAN HOVEN The Man Who Made Ice Famous Direction EDW. 8. KELLER REINHARDI^ MARITAL TANGLE; WIFE IN WANT .>"■ _____ German Director Sets Allow- ance— Mrs. Reinhardt Mortgages Furniture Berlin, Sept. 13. New facts have been coming out all the time in the divorce process between Max Reinhardt and his wife, the actress Else Helms. Reinhardt refuses to give his wife and two children over one and a hall times the minimum wage of a Berlin actor, as he claims that he only receives five times that sum biiiiself. His wife lately underwent a serious operation and this he re- fuses to pay for. The magistrate of Berlin ordered Reinhardt to pay a large sum to her and tried to attach the money from the box office of the Deutsches theatre, but this was unsuccessful as It Is claimed the theatre does not belong to him. Mrs. Reinhardt In self-protection has mortgaged the furniture of Relnhardt's Berlin apartment. The court haa allowed her to bring up the children and use the apartment until the process Is decided. . It is common knowledge Rein- hardt lives for the greater part of the year tn his castle "Leopold- skron" neac Salzburg with an ac- tress who plays in his productions. CISSIE LOFTUS' OFFERS FOLLOWING RECOVERY Will Probably Appear in Lon- don Before Leaving for Keith's Engagement SUES RAILROAD Mis* Dika Asks $21,041,50 Damages for Injuries San Diego, Sept. 1$. Juliette Dlka, who recently made a trip over the Pantoges time, has filed suit In the San Diego county superior court for damages totaling $21,041.60 against the Santa Fe railroad, the Pulltljan company and "John Doe." In the complaint she charges that a step, placed for her by a Pullman porter, as she alighted from a sleeping ,car here on July 23. was set On the ground In such a man- ner as to cause her to fall and In- cur Injuries that are permanent and that will keep her from the stage. When the accident occurred, Miss Dika was on her way to open at the Savoy theatre here for Pantages. She asks $1,040.50 as a refund for money expended for medical services and hospital bills and $20,000 punitive damages, The San Diego law firm of Crouch and Saunders' represents the actress in her dainage suit. .,, . London. Sept. IS. Before leaving London for New York, where she will open an en gagement ovtr the Keith Circuit commencing In January, Cissle Loftus will probably appear in a London hall. It Is understood Miss Loftus has accepted contracts for three weeks In this city prior to her Milling date. Offers rolled in, according to understanding, on Miss Loftus, from both sides of the ocean fol lowing the atory in Variety of some weeks ago concerning her complete recovery. One. of the offers from America was for a concert tour. Miss Lof- tus Is holding that In abeyance un til reaching the States and finish Ing ber Keith's engagements. SHELTON BROOKS' DATES London, Sept. 12, Shelton Brooks has booked three weeks In vaudeville here and says there has been no attempt to en- join him by the Salvlh management, Brooks states he was engaged for the run of "Plantation" Itj London and is not under further contract to the Balvins. ROBET'S PICTURE AND IDEA London, Sept. 12. George Robey's next picture for the Sloll company will be entitled "The Rest Cure." Robe; insists on "hppearing in It with his vaudeville clerical gurb under the motto, "If Chaplin can do it, I can." MEDIOCRE COMEDY i ,. Famina's Uitest' ^ Lacks Comady— Indiffarwitly Acted Paris, Sept. IS. TtM three-act comedy, "Aller et Retour," by Raymosd Decease and Marcel Favres, wM but poorly re- ceived when produced at the Thea- tre Femlna. One reason for the mediocre reception of the piece la that it too closely resemblee a lirevlous presentation which the Theatre DAnou housed. The atory concerns a dethroned king who seeks refuge in Bwltser- land with his wife and' daughter. There, too, cornea * demc^atlc rlvcl, also dethroned, with his son. The young couple fall In love prior to the king being recalled to reign. The piece Is exceptionally weak in comedy besides being indiffer- ently acted, despite the excellent oast. Bignoret is in the role of the king, Javenet playa the political rival, Blancard is the son, and Mile. Jordan Is the daughter. ''GREEN GODDESS" AND "BEAUTY PRIZE" OPEN George Arliss Scores in Lon- don—Winter Garden Mu- sical Without Song Hit London, Sept. 12. Oeorge Arliss looks to have put over a pronounced hit In his "Green Goddess" melodrama at the "St. James, it was highly commended In the no.tlces. Mr. Arliss received an Impressive reception. At the Winter Garden, with the presentation of "Beauty Prize," mu- sic by Jerome Kerun, the piece ap- pears to have missed a song hit. It was given a mixed reception. Its production Is princely, with numer- ous witty flashes In its booh by Grossmlth and Wodehou'se, (P. G.). Running over three hours on the initial performance, condensing was started forthwith. t,eslle Hanson Is not as funny as usual with him, having compara- tively few opportunities. "Head Over Heels," which opened at the Adelphl Saturday, had a favorable premiere. Seymour Illcks la credited with being the author and Harold Fraser Simpson the composer. IN FEAR OF BOOING Protest Over '^ur Betters" in Original Script London, Sept. 12. The management of "Our Bet- tera" due tonight at the Globe Is apprehensive over the chance of the heroine being booed during the sec- ond act. Aa played la New York the hero- ine In the second act emerges from a Bunpner house after having re- mained In It with a man. A titled Englishwoman who saw the piece abroad wrote h strong protest to the Lord ChamberlaUi de- nouncing that scene. Other pro- tests were made against the play in its original script. Though worried the play's man- agement has made ao . announce- ment of any change up to today. DANCE BRINGS POLICE Paris, Sept. 12. Harry Pllcer has left the Palace revue due to Illness, although the posters and advertising continue to carry his name as appearing. Madame Rahna replaced Pllcer and offered a faun dance which caused the police to Intercede. BAILINGS Oct 13 (London to New York), Sir John Martin Harvey and reper- toire company of 40 (Adriatic). Sept 10 (New York to London) Will H. Hays, Saul Lesser, Marie Tilyou, Dr. Le De Forrest (Levia- than). Oct 10 (Cherbourg to New York) Eleanor Duse (Olympic). Sept. 22 (London to New York), Carl Laemmie (Aquitanla). Sept. 19 (London to New York), Marc Klaw (Olympic). Sept 16 (London to New York), Mrs. Irene Riano (mother of Renee Rlano) (Bcrengaria). Sept. 12 (New York to Parle), Julius Steger (Paris). Sept U (New York to London), John'Chnrles Thomas (Berengaria). Sept. 11 (New York to London), Dr. and Mrs. Max Thorek and eon (Aquitanla). NEW FAm ANP OPJ WITH WAGNERIAN 0 ''Rien2r>Among Compositions for New York This Season Berlin, Sept, ,^5;' Helvln H. Dalberg, the generaf director of the Wagnerian Op«r«i company, has been here In Berlin' at the Adlon for the past six weeka ] engaging new singers and tleing un new operaa for his organization 1^ America. All of the former aingera from lastJ year will be re-engaged and the ^ilil^ prlDdpala added are tenors, Hete4 rich Knothe, (wno was with the'cr^^ gantzatlon for only a few perfortA,^ ancea last season), Fritz Hr^i^ (Munich), Rudolf RItter (Statta gart): biifCoB, Schramm (Fr furt), Lippmann (Mannheim), uard Kandel (the excellent 001 singer from the Deutsches Open*! haus in Berlin); baritone, Hermi Well (foijnerly at the MetropoU^!: tan); basses, MnroskI (Hamburt)^^ Ack (Berlin); sopranos. Elsa Alsas' (with the organization for a short^ time last year), Frau Moerlcke (tha- wife of the conductor), Berta Kur* ina (a coloratura singer freat' Vienna from whom Dalberg expecta much), Oentner-Flscher (Franks furt), Louise Perard (Frankfurt); and perhaps, If the deal Is closed,^ the excellent singer Lotta Lehmana from Vienna. • Blumenthal has engaged Dizallrt of Danton a.<i director. Scenery for new operas has been constructed in Berlin and will, b* shipped to America. Those are said to be very elaborate and have been gotten together by the Fltea Kunst Corporation. Especially elaborata are supposed to btf the costumea bought for Figaro and Don (^io^ vannl. All the Wagner operas played last season will be repeated and to this list win be added "Rlenzi," not played in New York for some $< years. It la stated. Dalberg la particularly proud of the acquisition of the opera "Dia toten Augen" by Eugen d'Albert which the Metropolitan tried to get from the composer but iallod slncit he believed that they had not han- dled hla opera "TIefland" correctly; before the war. The leading part in this opera will be created by Lotta Lehmann at the composer's ezpresa wish. Another feature of the enterprise will be a complete Mozart (Tyclua including "Zauberflote," "Entfuh- rung aus dem Serail," "Figaro" and ■ "Don Giovanni." To take the curse off the all-Oer< man repertory the two later opera4 will be sung in Italan. Joseph Stransky, engaged as gea^ '• eral musical director, wU oondud . the cyclus as he did at Baden-BadM last summer. John Charles Thomas will maM hla opera debut In "Figaro," as win Ed uard Lankow, an American bft ■ singer. Siegfried Wagner's opera "Baren^ hauler" will also be produced and the composer himself will conduct three performances of It. Other new operaa to b« given will ] be "Evangellmann," "TIefland," •^erkaufte Braut." "Die Judln,"* "Tales of noffmsM," "Hansel uii4 ; Qretel" and "Der Zlgeunerbaron.' . IIXES ROBIN? COCHRAN London, Sept 12. C. B. Cgchran would seek a pla^ in which to star Bdwaird Robins at the completion of the run of "fl< This Is liondon," In which Robing is the outstanding personal hit a4 the American father. B. A N G ! I I I Th* First Shot In Oar Big Vaudeville Victory "YOUTH AND OLD AGK" CAITS BROS. THE TMER SCHOOLS OF DANCING 143 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director, JOHN TILLEI^ I or WII.WITK KERSHAW ODARANTT TtLVBT CO. ^^^ New TPa 123 Fltlb AvtDua 1