Variety (December 1923)

Thursday, December 27, 1923 LEGITIMATE ^ w^''*«.-C"*r*, ^"XT'?T"ViR'f / .':^Wf«F^r'«l*dr«*i',M' * ■:»."i VARIETY 17 day-bed and th* doctor bent orar her In hushed silence. ■She's still breathlnr," h* aald •Aitentlously, and the curtain drop- pad on that speech. Take It or leav* it. That's what the doctor said. No pla/ could longr survive that third act. It Is the apoz and apogee, also the pinnacle and altitude record of dullness. One of the longest speeches of the pla]r la given over to a humorless discourse by a deadly old bore about his symptoms of Ill- ness. The play Is full of such time killers as: «Hpw are you?" "Fit as a flddle. How are you?" "Quite well, thank you." "And your father?" "Oh, father has a new dlseane." Mme. Petrova w^m splendid In the t>lg scene of the flust act. After that she tapered off-wlth the play Into an IndllTerent Impersonation of Flor- ence Heed, except for that odd alien twist to her speech. 'It was an alto- gether inausiiicious occasion for the actress. None of the supporting player^ stood out. The play was tested lost spring on a six weeks' tour, partly spent In Chicago. Re- port has It that Miss Petrova used the first act as a sketch, playing in vaudeville for a time. ' The first not may yet be salvaged for a playlet, but otherwis* the play Is a dead loss. Kunh. THE OTHER ROSE Comedy in three acts by Oeorge Mlddlf- ton. adapted from the oristnal of Kdouard Bourdct (Kronch); produced and directed by David Belasco: Fay Ralnter starred; Henry Hull featured; premiere Dec. 20 at the Mo- roaco. Roae Cot Fay Dalnter Prof. Andrew Co«, her father. Erneat Stallard Johnny Coe, her brolhar, Andrew J. L,awlor, Jr. lira. Maaon RiTie Shannon Tony Mason, her son Henry Hull Roae Helen Trot Carlotta Monterey Ktty Doolittle Maud Sinclair Gideon, the (ardener Harry MacPayden he tells her he la only S( and will never get over loylns the other woman, she suggesta that he might live to be 100, and be exelalms: 'XJod. what a Ions time to aufter." The line la not so mirth-provoking In Itself, but Is made so by the players. The professor, played well by Er- nest Stallard, seemed too old for so young a son as Johnny, though he explained the boy "was an accident," meaning he was unexpected. The old boy believes Tony a nut and the family's summer might have been more peaceful had they gone to Ocean Grove Instead. Father took to the local cemetery, liking such places ever since reading "Spoon River," but he says: "To read the epitaphs one would think everybody was happily married. Effle Shannon was delightful as Tony's mother, not a weighty role, but given many little touches that made her entrances looked forward to. Andrew J. Lawlor, Jr., as a precious youngster, was amusing. Perhaps he was given too much. CJeorge Middleton a^aptcd^'The Other Hose" from the French of Ed- ouard Bourdet, the original play be- ing "Heure du Berger" (literally •Twilight Hour"). Middleton was in Paris for two years, having re- turned a few months ago. He has two other plays which are ILstcd for production by Belasco. The author transplanted the piece with no sug- gestion of its foreign origin. Acting may send "The Other Rose" over to good grorses for a time, but indications arc for a limited cnKase- ment. /6<!r. ^nd by no means unattraotlTe meta- morphosis. Tl.«n there ia the oao- tral affair between Bobby jmd llarr- Bobby as a good uncle haa retuaed to let his heart sway him In Tlew of his nephew's prior claim oa the girl, but that is made easy. The various threads, once atartad, for all their intrlcateneoa progreaa to an obvious conclusion. The playing Is confined to but otie sot, an Interior. T|je casting la well- nigh perfect anA the ataginy ad- mirable. But "The Alarm Clock" is not destined to peal for Ions a* the 39th Street. A»eL BREAD (IN YIDDISH) Following her success In "East Is West," Fay Balnter continued under the exclusive direction of William Harris, Jr. XAst summer she was Invited by David Belasco to come under his management, and the re- sult Is her starring in "The Other Rose." Harris is associated with Belasco. The new play-Is a love story, not ao much a romance as the yarn of an impetuous young lover who thought he would never, stop caring for a vamp who threw him over, but promptly tobogganed Into the heart of the real girl. Her name, too, was Rose. His moon-calflng was sup- posed to be for the other Rose. He has quite a time convincing the real Rose she is the only one. There Is splendid acting In the telling of "The Other Rose" and fine direction. There are not a few humorous lines, some mirthful. But the story is a thin one. Its trans- parency is perhaps screened by clever players, and that gives the new play Its best chance. That it will draw well on the strength of its cast Is assumed, but more than a moderate run Is unlikely. The interior of a cottage at Wales Harbor, Maine, and close to the summer resort of Bar Harbor Is the locale, one simple acene, but with It the well-known Belasco sun- shine. There have come the some- what elderly college Professor Coe, his 28-year-old daughter Rose, who has mothered him and the 14-year- old brother ever since the death of the mother presumably sotne years previous. They have rented the cot- tage from wealthy old Mrs. Mason, whose son is something of a fire- brand lover. The summer before the cottage had been used by Mrs. Rose Helen Trot, married, but vampish since her husband waa around but little. There waa an affair with Tony Mason, and he had followed her to the city only to return several ' months later because he waa thrown Over for a Spaniard. How the latter could have been more violent in his love-making than Tony couldn't be imagined. Tony , takes the letting of the cottage as a desecration of his romance with the vamp. He storms and attempts to oust the summer visitors. But When they won't go he asks permls- alon to call, and through the sum- mer the boy and girl grow to love one another. To prove his love Rose, the maiden,, sends him to Bar Harbor, knowing the other Rose is visiting there and seeking a renewal of Tony's affections. Tony goes, but hurries back. He says that when the vamp told him she still loved ' hira and was alone (her husband having died), a shiver ran down his ~ back. I.,abellng the affair of the pre- vious summer, he brushes It aside as "Just an incident In a man's life." The other Rose Is played by Car- lotta Monterey, who Is on but 15 minutes, but the repartee bit be- tween her and Miss Balnter Is one of the play's best. When the younger Rose tells the widow Rose Tony is again playing the banjo, tho widow replied he still can do that and still love her. There was a bit of "hoke" In the dialog when Miss Balnter de- murely asked the other woman: "Do you know where your husband has gone?" and the answer: "No, he's dead." Mi.ss Balnter and Henry Hull car- ried n good deal of the dialog and thov lishted It many times. When THE ALARM CLOCK A. H. ^V()od8• presentation of three-act comedy Marred by David Hurton. By Avery Hiipwood from the Trench "I.a Sonnette d'AIarme" of Mnurlce llennequtn and Ro- maln Coolus. Bruce McRae and Blanche Ring featured In the cast. Opaned at the .Wth Street Dec. 24. Wills John Troushton I.ulu Deane Helen Film t*harlle Morton , Krneat l.ambart Mrs. Durynore Gall Kane Dr. Wallace Oorne Alison Bobby Brandoo Hruce McRae Mra. Susie Kent Blanche Ring .Mary Kent Marlon Coakley Homer WIckhnm Harold Vermllye Theodore Boom Charlen Abbe Reggie Wynne Vincent Serrano Tiddlah Art Theatre production opened Dec. 2S at the TIddlsh Art. Oomedy In three acta and prolog by Osip Dymow. Di- rected by Maurice Swartx. who han the principal role. Hit hough not stArred. as usu- ally. Settings designed by Alexander Cher- tov. IN THB PROLOO » Seiynerel Nnvack Maurloe Swnrts I.emnch Pharnay latdore Caabler An Old Woman Leah Mellmer An Old Man Jacob Ifealel Mlkolka Abrabk. Kubnnaky IN THE PLAT Snm Kovack Maurice Swarts Esther, his wife BIna Abramowlts Miriam, their daughter Berthn Qersten I.eon. Cliarnay Isidore Caahler Hyman. hia son Zvie J. Scooler I.ouis Tudel Dublnaky Ctionnn ..Anatole VlnogradofT Noodelms n Bernard Oellng Presenovsky. Boas Toung Oolumb Jitllus Adier Itxiiowich Morris Straaaberg .Sam Mark Sehweld John Leon Zetdenberg A Woman Minnie Kaplan A Doctor Abraham Kubanaky An old Man Boris Welner Mrs. Preaenovaky Kather Latmlner JIarshil Leon Zetdenberg Auctioneer Philip Sherman Policeman *%.. .laldore Frankel The Young Man..r Samuel Schneider The Girl Minnie Paulinater PatronlRera, Nruests. buyers; Morrla Op- taker. Isidore Frnnkel, Michael Rosenberg. Itettsie Poener. Wolff Toskowlta. Samuel Annesfeld, lather Oclilstein. Herman Welaa- man. Morris Zuckerman, Bcaale Ktrschen* tmum. Harry Herman, Leon Qreenberg. Rebecca Schnelderman. comedy. So many have seen these Tiddlah eompanles apeclalUe In dramatlcik thla might prove new. The review of this play should not be dismissed without some comment anent the front of the house man- agement. There la mych to crit- icise and, strangely enough, the up- town vlaitora are not the offenders, auch aa in the question of coming lata Swarts could well apply a Morris Oest stunt of reftising to seat the late-comers until the first act is over. That might teach them some- thing. Also, a better usher-patrol system to enforce silence and order by the over-enthusiastic attendance could be applied advant.'geously. Afr«(. Avery Hopwood tried his hand at a polite comed.v and pulled a flop. Strangely enough, he had spicy ma- terial to base his adaptation on and the decision to extract all the paprika has not been beneficial. It may coneole Al Woods and the author to know that they have a corking cast purveying a rather thin vehicle which may be responsible for Its hanging on for a few weeks because of the low operating ex- pense, but the greatest consolation to both should be that they can step Into Hammerstein's or Dillingham's ofHce tomorro . and dLspose of the musical comedy rights to the piece with little trouble. It's a typical musical comedy plot and that is the tip-oft. There Ism't enough plot for a straight comedy, although sufflclent for a muslcallzed version that probably will not tax the T. B. M. unduly. It has that currently popular and sure-fire mstlf, the "Cinderella" Idea about the country bumpkin whose Ingenloufl naivete and quick wit tran^orm her Intq the desira/ble young woman t',T the final "clinch" curtain. It starts with a female friend wlio Is more than ordinarily interested In Bobby Brandon (Bruce McRae) deciding that he needs to reat up from the man- years of round-the- towning. Brandon is a man in his 40'e and a desirable bachelor. Mrs. Dunmore (OaJl Kane), although the wife of a senator, Is inclined to fuss about Bobby In a harmlesa sort of a fashion. (That's Hopwood's Idea probably; not so in the original French.) The friend hits on the Idea of Inviting Brandon's young nephew. Homer WIckham from Cam'a Comera to the Brandon apartment. Homer brings his fl.anoee with him, Mary Kent (Marion- Coakley), and Mary's mother, Mns. Susie Kent (Blanche Ring). Mary heretofore has been well enougli satisfied with Homer, but her three monthJi' sojourn in New York hajB brought many strange things to pass. Homer Is a shark at Filipino and despite his youth has Just been appointed professor of the language chair at Columbia But Mary's Inclination veers from an Interest in the Filipino professor to an 'nstructor In the art of mix- ing Martinis and guide to various roadhoiises like Snuggle Inn, The Three Mile Limit et al. Homer too. for all his be^ng ."teem- ingly wrapped up In teaching the language of the 'Philippines, ha."i been working fast In charming Lulu De.anc, a Ziegfeld "Follies" chorister who mode.stly admits that every time she takes a vacation business hrodles. She adds that despite Zlegfeld'.s aasuranoe that weather and season conditions are to blame (he knows better In view of their coinciding with her absence from the company. Incidentally, Ziggy .ind Al Woods are friendly, as Woods doe.in't put on musicals. Mother Kent, too, has forsaken lier passion for composing chur«h oratorios In favor of Jazz music, turning out a rtilmmy fox trot hit, "I've Oot What You Nc<'d," within the three months In Now Tark. Mra. Kent's outwaril appearance also baa und«rgone an Interesting Osip Dymow as an author la not unknown^o the American stage. His '/Br(fl% Express" was done by the Coburns on Broadway, and his "NJu" prior to that. In the Yiddish show world Mr. Dymow ei.Joya a unique reputation of being a bril- liant rxtlrlst. His satire is broad and, therefore, effective, rather than subtle and vitriolic. Possibly this accounts for his api>eai to the masses. At any rate. In "Bread" (not to be confused with the Charles O. Nor- rls novel of that name) Dymow has turned out a funny comedy, that ts enhanced by broad shafts of satire aimed at the "union" problem, a near and dear human interest sub- ject to the east side public That Is why the play has no chance for Broatlway, as was con- fessed by two of the several Broad- way managers who came down on the author's Invitation with that purpose In mind. It is strictly a Qhetto proposition, local In theme, and therefore limited for ffenenU appeal. The play derives Ita title tram the fact the owner of a Coney Island restaurant is trying to fulfHl his life-long ambition to give away bread free. Although a well-mean- ing philanthropist, who balances matters by charging fancy prices for the fancy cakes he also sells to each patron by getting the bread gratis, his competitors and the bakers' union step in. This Is tjrpical of the sort of satire essayed. The union scale la t(6 a man per week. Sam Novack is paying them tSS, but the union delegate insists on a strict adherence to the union scala Interwoven is a rooiantlo theme involving Novack's daughter. Her "spite" engagement to a riral al- lows for a sentimental seen* at the engagement reception. Ufa party Incidentally discloses a couple of odd touches in formal dress, such as .pairing oft tan shoes with a Tuxedo (In two Instances), and an- other sf rhabby-looklng leathers with the dinner Jacket. Also (prob- ably by permission of the "Little Jesse James" management), some- body rendered "I Lova Tou" off- stage vocally, a<x:ompanled by tho piano. A couple such ot^er modem Americanized touches an> Included, but one sometimes wishes It was confined solely to the Kosher tongue in view of the butchering and gar- bling of the Bnglish phrasing through the poor diction. The play is in a prolog (In Rus- sia), and three acts in America, 2S ye.arB later. The production from the angle of scenic Investiture and the histrionics. Is well nigh perfect. Each is a capable actor, and Swarts. particularly, la a revelation for once, actually living up to the wide repiJte that has been his for many years. It seems that Swarts best scintil- lates in character roles. The tkct that he has heretofoi^ been seen rhlefly in "straight" parts, includ- ing the Rquity-Engllsh production uptown last season, makes this character seem new. BIna Abnun- owitz as the wife also stands out, as do Berthii Gor»ten,as the daugh- ter, Isidore Cashier, 'Anatole Vlno- gradofT, and Zvie J, Scooler, the lat- ter the Juvenile, who aeemM a new addition to the stock company. It should be Interesting to a stu- dent of the theatre to give the Yid- dish Art the once-over and view what they can do wltb « modern WILD WESTCOTTS Lewla a Gordon's three-act oomedy by Anne Morrlatm, produced under the nuper- vtalon of Albert Lewis. Opening at the Frsxee. New York, Dec. at. Faaturaa Vivian MarUn and Btllott Nugvnt. Helen Steele Norma Lee Sybil Blake CUudette Colbert Robert C^immlnga Leslie Adams Agatha Wrsloalt Vivian Ma(tin Eddie Hudson Elliott Nugent eapt. Trenchard W. Boyd Davis Oera-ldlne Kalrmont Cornelia Skinner Anthony Westoott Morgan Farley Muriel Weetcott Isabel Withers Henry Hewlett Charlea Ixille Mrs. Westcott Bdlth Walker Philip .Morgan Fred I.,ewli John Westcott Douglas Wood Mrs. Taylor Helen Broderlck A thin, airy and lightweight ode to youth, much along the lines of the outbreak of themes which succeeded the presentation of Booth Tarklng- ton's "Seventeen." While agreeable entertainment. It hardly indicates being equal to th« surrounding current opposition. Adequately produced and capably played by a cast that realizes upon every possibility which the script enfolds the fault Is In the writing, with an Insufllclency of body to make it stand up. The second act comprises the piece's strongest bid for attention, with the Initial stanza not starting to build until half-way completed, and the closing interlude unable to follow it successfully. That is em phaslzed by a weak <lnale. In dire need of bolstering. In sequence there Is a plentiful numbers of snickers, of outright laughs there are a few, but the inci- dents are not closely enough related to make It the rollicking succession Intended, while it remains for a vaudeVlllian to step into the central episode and "clean" for the g nuine comedy honors. Meaning Helen Broderlck, who Im- personates a maid of all work wlth> the>ume droll characterization that mtinted her work In the twice-daily houses. In but one act. Miss Brod- erlck held a vast majority of the catch lines, and cashed upon them for a decisive impression .that was of material aid in marking her mo- ment aa the most important of the night Concerning the Westcott family In general and the youngest daughter, Agatha, In particular, the narrative relates of her flapperish Infatuation for a visiting Englishman many years her senior, to the consternation of her youthful and consistent pur- suer. Besides which there are the sidelights on the elder sister's matri- monial career, the sophisticated brother, who detests all things femi- nine, and the squabbles of the family when it convenes in full. There Is no attempt at a twist or kick in the telling, it simply remain- ing a straightaway tale dedicated to the psychology and actions of the youthful characters that signify the piece as a clean and wholesome com- edy. A little more strength and it would undoubtedly click aa ap- proaching a hit The cast combines for a corking performance^ with Miss Martin and Isabel Withers leading the feminine contingent, while young Nugent, Morgan Parley and Charles Latite closely rival each other. With the aid of somewhat pro- longed Intermissions the perform- ance reaches an 11 o'clock finale, but the deletitlon In some of the piis- sages where the lines and action become overly sweet, to border on the term "mushy," may easily be scissored. The piece should and probably will delight a certain element of the youthful playgoers, and especially during the holidays, with the boys and girls In from school, but the gen- eral public has passed up a number of similar offerings In the past two years, and there is no especial reiuon In the Westcott presentation to stamp the piece as an exception. Bkia. NEWS OF TEE DAILIES ctal Sessions after betnr arraigned in West Side court on the charge of pilfering parts of Path* Nawa reela. Theodore Roberta, IlV^n a Pitta- burgh hotel, was reported to be very weak and suffering great pain. It was revealed in New York, when a cigar dealer was haled Into court, that Judge I.,andls Is conducting an active campaign to break up baseball pools. An agent of Landls appeared against the man and said the Judge will seek to have the business li- censes of all pool ticket vendors revoked. Arthur O. Havers, British open golf champion, vanquisher of Walter Hagen, Is In the United States for exhibition matches. Helen Keefe, former "Follies" girl and ex-wlfe of a Danish nobleman's son, has had a too-ardent suitor ar- rested In Boston for alaahlng her with a raaor. (Contlnbed from page IS) cal folk, as well aa John McGraw of the Giants, stuck on a mud bank en- tering New York. The passengers were relayed ashore via ferry. Now three investigations are under way and the big ship is undergoing re- pairs at Brooklyn Navy Yard. "Madre," with Nance O'Nell, will have Its first showing at the Lenox Hill Saturday night. "Rose Anne," dealing with negro life in the South, will open at the Greenwich Village the same night. Another woman claiming to be his wife showed up In Texas when Elsier La Hale, picture promoter, was sued for divorce In Ix>s An- geles by his wife, Helen. The latter accuses La Male of a scheme to sell her to a negro gambling magnate in Juares, Mexico, for )S0O,0OO. Margaret Daly, IS, daughter of "Father Bill" Daly, horseman, waa arrested with a young man, both ac- cused of automobile theft in Brook- lyn. Harold dauer and Oabrilowltach, playing with the N. T. Symphony orcheatra, contributed their aervicea at a benefit In Carnegie Hall to raise funds for musio school ssttlementa. Vrank I. Cobb, successor of Joseph Pulitser as editor of the N. T. "World." died In New York I>ec Jl and was burled Sunday In Westport. Conn. He had been editor for 20 years and waa a noted editorial writer aa well as a cloaa friend of Woodrow Wilaon. NIcholaa Marahoris, proprietor of the Pershing, an uptown picturo bouse, was held In tlOO bond for Spe- Polloa hara been searching for several days for Katharine Bthler, former prima.donna of the SL Loula - Municipal Opera Co. and wife of Al- phonae Ethler, actor. She wore ral- uable Jewelry when ahe disappeared lost Wedneaday, on wbleh data ah* was booked for a radio appearanoa. Oanna WaJaka la allegad to hava sung In New London wlOi the Wa«- nerlan Opera Oa. under th* name of Louise Perard. 3r^tbart, tha HIppodrooM Her- cul^ filed suit against tha Ham- burg-American ■teamahlp Una for $3,500. alleging the company left part of hia propa on the docks at Ham- burg and oauaed him that much loaa in theatre aalary. Cyma H. K. Ctirtla, Phlla. pub- llaher, haa boufht tb* (N. T.) "Bts- ning Post" Prank Craven Is to ratira from tha atage and devote himaelf to play- wrltlng at the end of tha Boatoa run of "The First Year." "The Plapper," by Bugene Wal- ter, opeiu in the McKlnley Square^ the Bronx, New Year's week. Philip A Pox, forfeier publicity agent for the Ku Klux, was found guilty of murder in the first degree for killing a Klan attorney In Atlan- ta and sentenced to life lmprlaon> meat. Beaaia Barriscale Is comlns tnta New York with "Ashes," a play by her husband, Howard Hickman, 1» Jaauary. Haurloa Uaeterllnck. whose "Bliia Bird" symbol of happiness opened Christmas night at the Jolson, re- fused to contribute a greeting to a Berlin newspaper's special Christ- mas number intended as a benefit for the starring populace. Otto Kalin and Clarence Maokar are membera of the committee that will aponaor tha tour, beginning In Januarr, of Siegfried Wagner, aon of tha Immortal composer. He la here to seek funds for restoration ot the Wa«nerUn Pestlval theatx*. A theological student was tha Sherlock who discovered that a girl In West Virginia Wesleyan was cheating In exams by having an- swers written on her calf and read- ing them through her sheer hosa. Louis Torcat and his wife have arrived from Europe with 70 roostars In an act. "La Habanera" and 1 Compagn- acci," two operas new to America, will be presented at the Metropolitan Jan. 2. The Episcopal Actora* Qulld haa been formed, with Florence Reed, Julia Marlowe, William Hodge. Wal- ter Hampden and other players among the members. RADIO NEWS Weekly comment on radio and Its baal- n*M relattos to the nr!M IN "CLIPPER"