Variety (November 1923)

.J'^^:f^h' Thursday, November 1,1823 VARIETY "INSIDE CENSORING" FOR "DIRTY" SHOWS BUT "PUBUC JURY" VOTE IF DECIDED ON CommiMioner of Liceiues Glatzmeyer Meeting To- day with Sumner and Others—^Vice Society's Representative Pressing for Decision Against - Four Alleged Unnamed "Dirty** Shows , Abel's Disc Reviews ..Th* only axpart trad* raviaw* of th« phonograph racord* pub- lishad—and tho firat. Oanor- oualy raprintad without oradlt. In "Clippar" avary waak. ho "dirty" khow problem, aa It has occurred on Broadway since the oy^nlnK of the season, will be the subject of discussion this (Thurs- day) afternoon in Augustus Thomas' o01ce In the Producing Managers' Aasoclation suite, 231 West 45th st^ieet. New York. Those dj^e at the conference are license Commissioner August W. G,iatzmeyer, John S. Sumner, execu- tive secretary of. tho New Yorlc So- ciety for' the Suppression of Vice, Frank Glllmore of Btiuity and Mr. Thomas. The conference was arranged through Mr. Sumner, who has ofll- olw' y expressed his objections to two mu.-icai comedies and two dra*" mat!c pieces within the netropolis to the Ilci'nse commissioner. Sumner has been urging some means of censoring or curlilnK the smutt.v EtaRe play. He wrote Glatz- meyer to put into effect the citizens' jury panel idea evolved during the Hy'an admlnlKtration, when John F. Gilchrist wa«i license comnils.sloner. The jury «y.<item was created at the time the "Demi-Virgin" case was so much to the tore, but has never been practically tested. Sumner and Qlatzmeyer are chary of making possible any notority or puljllcity for the questionable shows. a''d even pledged this trade paper to secrecy as to the four shows In- yolved. although each has been pre- vlpusly mentioned tn connection with another phase. The llcenEe commissioner admits be went to sea "Artists and Modela." (Continued on page 4<> BERLIN'S BIG HU IS ROBS' FARCE 'Charlie," Operetta, Is Me- diocre—"Kasino Girls" by Kuhnecke, Not So Good VIENNA EXOTING; TROUBLE AND ENVY Richard Strauss Starts Some- thing When Handing Out "Honors" Vienna, Oct «1. ' Vienna theatre life seema to ba io quite a state of excitement Al- though there is no deflnlta atrlka, the actors and stags handa are dla- •atisfled with present aalariea and have started a sort of passlva re- ■istance, making It difficult to bring out new productions. Those so far have been very slipshod. As a counter action managers de- elded they are only going to fulfill contracts. From now on nobody will ■ht allowed a vacation and adyancas on salaries will not ba made. Already some sort of settlement ■eems In sight Richard Strauss has just signed a new contract with the State Opera house aa general manager. It Is for eight years. Thky hop* to keep Strauss In Vienna for seven months Instead of four yearly as formerly. Straujs will also be a di- rector of the Vienna Music SchooL But Herr Strauss Is already be- ginning with his dlfflcultlea; he made Marie. Jerltsa an honorable member of the opera, and all the other stars at once handed In their resignations because they were not made honorable members, too. The singers, "elma Kurtz, Gut- hell Schroeder, Lucie Veldt, Plc- e^ver, and Marr, have refused to even accept honorable membership, but Strauss has already settled the matter with Plccaver by sending htmi.a signed photograph. At the state-owned Burgtheater there is much hubbub, as Frau Wohlgemuth has received honor- able member.'ihlp, and Bleibtreu and M!>dplsky have not. The..- also do not ronsidcr It sufUclent to get the SiTnip standing as the first men- tioned yoiinsor and niurh more at- tractive actress, and .ilso tliren'.en to If-.-.vp. rtcrlin, Oct. 2":. "Oruntsr and Druber" Director Mailer has taken over the Admirals Palast, which last year was unsuccessful as a vaudeville house, and has put in a review, with text by himself, Rideamus and Willy Wolff, music by Walter Kotlo. Here he has attempted to copy the .typical American Follies show, but it must be admitted that the effort is not at all successful. He claims, for instance, that he spent over 1100,000 on scenery and costumes, bilt if this Is the case the money was certainly not well spent, for tho whole thing is absolutely lacking In class and has a very shabby look. In the first place. It was a great mistake to have engaged Bmll Pirchan as costume and scenic designer, for Pirchan has absolutely no feeling for phantastlc and sensuous costuming. His scen- ery, too, was only partly effective; indeed, most of It waa made by throwing magic lantern slide on a neutral background, and what painted scenery did exist was child- ishly primitive. The music by Walter Kollo was competent enough, but it would have been much better to have let two or threa composers collaborate, as is the case in America. But the chief fault was the absolute lack of beau- tiful girls In the chorus and of wit in the' libretto. Three very well- known comedians, Kurt Lillian, Willy Schafers and Harry Paulsen, were engaged, but not one of them achieved any humorous effects, as the material given them was ao (Continued on i)age 64) BEGGAR'S OPERA' ENDS FOLLOWING RECORD RUN Opera Co. in Cafe—Lehar's Newest—One Pantomime in London—Notes London, Oct 82. At last Nigel Playfalr baa an- nounced tho last weeks of "The Beggar's Opeia" at the Lyric, Ham- mersmith, following a run of over three and a half years. The actual date of withdrawal - has not been announced and It may yet l>e a case of threatened lives lasting long. This run must be the most remark- able In theatrical history. The theatre. Itself, was an ob- scure "blood tub" hidden in a back street. At one time it had a some- what Important "stopk" company under the management of Brydon Phillipa. The company Included the Eastii and many younger men who have since risen to the top. After Phillips retired from the manage- ment ^it gradually deteriorated until only the smaller melodrama crowds could be tempted in for a London season of "one coneecutive week." Business was ghastly, and tefore Nigel Playfalr reformed and reju- venated It It waa a derelict among (Continued on page E3) mpoKTiNa "CATHEsnrE" London, Oct SI. A. L. Erlanger haa started nego- tiations to bring "Catherine," with Jose Collins, to New York for pres- entation next fall. Mifs Collins' salary on this side Is $1,600 weekly. MME. SmONE FOE OPEN HOUSE Paris, Oct >1. M'adame Simone haa signed for an American engagement, due this season, in Samuel Ruskln Goldlng's piece, "Open House," under the di rectlon of Edgar MacGregor. <v PROGRESSIVE REPUBUCAN GROUP WILL HGHT FOR AMUSEMENT TAX J. W. Nelson Heads Body Which Is Hope of Theatre Owners—Immediate Action impossible—Little Hope for General Reduction Now --' — YOUNG JOUBERT MARRIED I'iiris, Oct. 31. Robert Aiuliee Jouhcrt. son of tlic music publisher, married Kuianno Mazet. non-professional, here yes- terday ■';■ : ■'..,, i; Variety-Clipper Bureau, Evans Bldg, Washington, October tl. That the amusement tax should be taken off is the fU-m belief of Representative J. M. Nelson, of Wis- consin, and chairman of the Progressive Republican group in the House of Representatives. It has been discussed within the body of which he Is the head and more thought will be given to it as their plans become of a more concrete nature. When the movement to repeal the tax is started it will necessarily have to come up In the house and It Is believed by those closely watching the movement for reduced t.ixatlon that In this progressive group lies the real hope of relief from the burden now placed on the pocketbook of the amustmcnt seeker. It was pointed out to the Con- i,'rtF.irnan lliit tlie theatres, uiiich have always been forced to carry :i hcivy Io;id, arc direct suffer>'rs under this jireseiit tax .\Ir. .V'clson believes th.'it with the placement of the tax where it belongs the theatres will bo relieved of this burden. The group of progressives are after a modified form of excess profits tax and a constitutional amendment against the issuing of tax-exempt securities. This latter Is also what Is^ favored by Representative Green, who is in line for the chairmanship of the ways and means committee. There is Uttle hope now for a general reduction of taxes, believes Mr. Nelson, nor the removal of the amusement tax, because of the yast sums needed to operate the govern- ment, but that this group of progressives is ready to fight. Is conceded. They are aware of the fact that should legislation they desire gfit through It will only be obtained by a "liberalizing" of the hou.°e committee and It Is to that end that the group is prepared to throw the balance of power It will hold In the house. It necessary, they will seek to hold up organization of the_ house by the majority, but this, Mr. Nelson stated, he does not be- lieve will be nece.s.iry. Tliose desiring to have the tax removed, and this Includes every llnvitre owner In America, have a Kroup here tliat If the question is brought to them properly can rob- ably give it such impetus that It will get through the House, Its big- gest li it^leground. TIPS FROM THE STARS By LAUREL MILLER *' *' — For Thursday (Navember 1) 7:11 A. IL (Saturn)—^For originality in oonneotlon with archltee* tural, agricultural and laborious pursuila. Any matter established at this time achieves Importance. This mo- ment lends Itself to professional prestige and permanence. t:4S P. BC. (Moon)—For short journeys and changes. Matters en- tered Into at this time will be continued with, capability. Suitable time to engage assistants or servants. 1:00 P. M. (Mars)—To engage men servants; and to deal with mechanics, garage keepers, surgery, cooks, butlers and naval and military officers. Precision, promptness and capability preside orer this moment. For Friday (November 2) f:S< A. H. (Jupiter)—F^r affairs relating to judges, clergymen and civil authorities; to improve financial conditions; to make friends and to gain help and kindly consideration. ' This moment welcomes obstacles and reveals deception or a aecret enemy. The psychological time to try to open a way previously closed. 1:00 P. it. (Sun)—Favorable for public employments. To deal with financial conditions. For theatrical producurs to aign contracts. 1:SS P. M. (Neptune)—Suitable for business with druggists or chemists; for experimental science; psychics, psycholo- gists and for promoting business deals. It la the moment of pdychic energy, when siJbtle Impressions are made and far-reaching Ideas receive attention. The Fiery trlpliclty controls the Earth vibrations to-day, acting upon the heart and l-rain of humankind. Emotion and personaltqr, magnetism, are the responsive chords. What la known aa a "celS proposition" takes no hold. > For Saturday (November S) 'j: 9:00 A. M. (Mercury)—For matters relating to eontraota. writings and verbal agreements. To deal with literary persons, ^ philosophers, creatora and to engage secretaries or asstst- >;; ; ants. This moment activates the brain, memory and wit of Indlviiluals. Tou can reason with them at this time. 11:45 A. M. (Moon)—For success in any work ot the Imagination, such as abort stories, journalism, fiction In' general. Favorable for travel, communications, writings and t* make a change. To deal with women; to aeek popular* itiy; to buy and sell every-day oommodltlee. 4:02 P. M. (Neptune)—An elenpent of unexpected "luck" preralla at this trine, especially for those of an adventuroiu and . daring spirit. Fortunate for pteaaure seeker*, anista, scientists and oscultlsta; to deal with persons very mueh your own class In life and to attempt your big dreama • Thinge thai are petty or trivial, commonplace, do not receive favor at this hour. ^ There la a'general leaning toward luxury and tov* to-day; it needa energy and enterprise to balance up the impulse* ot the day. For Monday (Navember 5) • :00 A. M, (Venus)—Thia 1* the time to pUoe a l^t if you follow' sports; to transact business connected with horr.ea or -i ', cattle; grooms and Jockey*. For transporting goods; for shoe manufacturers and tn general to deal in footwear. This hour is mdfe favorable to deal with the fe- male of the species than the male. 11 M. (Noon)—^To tranofer movable property; to collect money, **- peclally long standing debts. % 1:10 P. It. (Mercury)—To receive visits from the opposite sex; to establish friendly relationship, or to oome to an agr**- ^_ ment about anything. To attempt-'«xp!anatlons. The ardent lover will be amazed at kla own eloquenoe and persuasiveness at this time. Favorable also for pleasure trips, romance and to write fiction or fun. This day Is under the Influence ot Aries, which rule* the intellect, head and face of man. It Insplrea-a spirit of activity and originality In those bom March 2lst to April 19th. Original methods and Idea* receive favor. For Tuesday (Novemi>er •) 7:41 A. U. (Sun)—For privat* er seoret communleations or dis- patches; for men of very high standing to accept new offices; or to engage in public service. This hour favors love and marital Interests. 7:17 P. M. (Neptune)—This Is the moment of sympathy, poetry and inspirational art. Fortunate also for doctor* and chem- lata The plans you make and the thing* you dream at tbi*ttime come true. The Sign of Capricorn presldea over the deatlny of tbi* 'day; It* response will be found to rest largely with those born December 21st to January 19th, giving them a desire to build, to create and to advance. A rery capricious Influence generally obtains and many people will be Inclined to act hastily or to terminate thhigs too sud- denly. Those who enter Into any large business or a public office to- day at the psychological moment, will enjoy permanence, power ail4 public honor. For Wednesday (November 7) 9:tS A. M, (Venus)-«-This hour promotee good success t* merchants, or those who handle trade In general. Work started at this time Is easily and pleasantly accomplished. For- tunate time for farmei-s; or those who deal Iii smaa cattle. poultr>-, pets, etc., to seek profit by them. For alliances; to make peace; to seek a truce; and to deal successfully with the opposite sex. ' Copyright. Ittl, rr«inl*r ■yadlcate, Xa«k JACK McGOWAN-EMMA HAIG McGlowsn's Third Marrisgs in Chi- cago Following Divorce Chicago. Oct. II. The Times Square Dally last Fri- day published the Orst report of the marriage of Jack McGowan to f'mma Halg. Both are in "The Rise of Rosie O'Reilly" at Cohan's Grand. Following a divorce granted here to Mctlowan on the charge of de- sertion by Eleanor Sinclair, Mc- Gowan'* second wife, he wedded Miss Halg within 48 hours, both re- turning to the show without anyone knowing of It. McGowan's first wife was Kitty Watsen of the Watson Slaters. They were divorced tour ycam ago. |TI>< twt •tIalaaM* rmlrMtlM st NED\HQfBIIR)l STUDIOS or SHifiEDANaiK MORGAN DANCERS ^N PARIS Paris, Oct, II. The Marion Morgan dancers, la a London ballet entitled "Helen at Troy," have been engaged to ap- pear at the Alhambra next month. Maurice Chevalier has been, booked to preiicnt his vaudeville aet at this house during December. 1841Bro&dwav MUim Bulls "r- TdaiihoM CduBlKii »M