Variety (June 1924)

CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON f A D T R Q 8 St. Martin'* Place, Trafalgar Square V^ i-^ *»*-•*-• »^ VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE 2096-3199 Regent Wednesday, June 11, 18M NEWLY FORMED ENGLISH STAGE GUILD NOW OPPOSING ACTORS ASSOCIATION Newest Organization Sponsored by Leading Stars, Players and Actor-Managers—Actors' Ass'n Torn Apart in Recent Dissension Over Its Policy of Force and Coercion—Lost Many Members Thro' Resignations—Incurred Enmity of V. A. F. The Stage Guild Just formed ia alQfied sat a theatrical organization to virtually replace the Actors' As- •ociation. Many of the most prominent Eng- lish starH, players and actor-mana- gers have joined the new society. Its formation Is the severest kind of a rebuke to the Actors' Associa- tion and Its methods. The Stage Guild erection may be traced to the very recent disturb- ances within the Actors' Associa- tion, an affiliated labor body with- out much influence or power by Itself. Through attempted force and coercion with the A. A., depending upon other affiliated union bodies, It sought to oblige all actors in this country to join It, under pain of not being able to otherwisfe appear in a union-manned theatre. The Actors' Association in its c«.mpaign included the members of the Variety Artistes Federation, a society of variety players with the V. A. P. unattached. It aroused much anger in variety circles and the V. A. F. plunged the matter Into court. W.'thin the A. A. also, its policy bred discontent. Many mem- bers resigned, Including the founder of that organization. The A. A. campaign had two tries, one at Barrow, where It was suc- cessful through having selected a small town at a moment'ti notice, and the dtlicr at Glasgow, a com- plete ft^llure. With the desertion from its ranks of influential members not in sym- pathy with the procedure of the A. A , the formation of the Stage Guild may eventually receive a suf- ficently largo membership and be accepted as the leading legit acting society of this country. Under that possibility it would not be unlikely the V. A. F , in view of the antagonistic position assumed by a brother-acting body (A. A), against It, might reach an under- standing or affiliation with the Stage Guild. It Is not believed at this time that the Htagc Guild contemplates a labor connection, especially while the A. A. is attached. PARIS EXPOSITION OF FILM INDUSTRY Many Interesting Objects- Exposition Covers Three Decades Paris, June 10. An exposition of the picture Indus- try from its early beginning Is in progress. at the Musee Galliera. There are many interesting object? on view showing the advance made by the industry in the last three decades. Among the earliest Instruments for portraying motion in similar forms is the phenakisticope (1829), invented by A. Plateau. This con- veys the illusion of movement by means of a painted disk turning rapidly on a stand. A photographic plate used by Janssen in 1874 to record the pas- sage of Venus across the sun; the camera gun (1882), made by Marey to photograph the flight of a bird; Edison's kinetoscope (1891), .ind all the later devices are shewn. TOO MUCH DIALOG "London Life" Minus Action and •Thrill*—Unsuited for America London, June 10. 'Xondon Llfo" opened at the Drury I^iane last week. It Is artistic, magnificent, and has a spVendld cast, but lacks the action and melo- dramatic thrills usually found In r -ury Lane productions. The dialog, while brilliant, obtrudes. The consensu* of opinion Is that the piece will have a brief run hero. It has no value for America. SECRETARYSHIP JOB IN LONDON NEEDS MUCH Also Chance for Disguised La- dies to Peddle Merchandise on Street Corners London, June 10. Although unemployment seems to increase, there are some jobs open. One is a secretaryship. Applicants must b$ travelled, re- fined , striking personality, quick study and must understand stenog- roiphy and music. If interested in hypnotism, palm- istry, occult sciences, character reading-, etc., so much the better. Another is for six ladies to sell novelties at street corners. They will be thoroughly disguised. MAURICE ELVEY SAILING Coming for Fox at $75,000 Yearly- London Excited, But Skeptical ! London, June 10. Maurice Elvey is reported sailing for the United States, sl.ortly, un- der a contract with William Fox that will bring him in" $75,000 per annum. Wardour Street is buzzing with excitement at this rumor, and there are many skeptics. Elvey was making pictures, years ago, when Elizabeth Itisdon was his "great star." Elvey, who married Isobel Elsom, has been the chief producer of pic- tures for Stoll and made a number of pictures starring Matheson Lang. "LILAC TIME'S" LONG RUN "Dancing Mistress" May Follow at Lyric DILLINGHAM'S TETER PAN' Marilyn Miller Named for Title Role English Cast Assennbling London, June 10. Marilyn Miller is said to be sched- uled to play the role of "Peter Pan" In tho production which Charles Dillingham will produce In New York In August. The English play- ers arc being assembled and will sail the second week In August. Donald Scarlc will be In the cast. lie has played In "Peter Pan" for 18 years, starting as "A Rabbit" and then "A Child" and recently play- ing "Slightly." ORIGINAL "HAVOC" PLAYEES London, June 10. The original members of the "Havoc" cast who are to play un- der the Shubcrt management In America will sail on the "Leviathan" August 6. They are Forrester Harvey, Henry Kendall, Richard Bird, Claude Alllstcr, Vincent Holman, and Ethel GrifHiths. Frances Carson will probably re- turn on the "Berengaria," June ID. Londori, June 10. When "Lilac Time" finishes its run of nearly two years at the Lyric In Shafestsbury it will in all prob- ability be succeeded by the musical "The Dancing Mistress," or "The Street Singer," with Phyllis Dare as prima donna. OPBIACONHHIECASI GIVES HINSEIf Maurice Pitird Confesses tt 527,000-Franc Theft—Hdi j Poeition Many Years Frank Van Hoven, Frank VAn Hoven, Prank Van HoVen, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank. Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Prank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven, Frank Van Hoven. FRANK VAN HOVEN Direction EDW. 8. KELLER ENGLISH HDONUM FOR GERMANY SET AT 130 Ministry of Labor Decides on Lowest Scale Abroad—Inter- feres With Exporting Acts London, June 10. The Ministry of Labor will not is- sue a permit for the exporting of British acts to Germany where the individuals are in receipt of a sal- ary less than $30 per week. This has worked more or lees of a hardship upon several producers who were about to send 'irlrlacts to Berlin. • .' "THE RAT" LIKELY Unabashed Meller Well Received «rt Prince of Wales, London MYSTERY SHOW LIKED London, June 10 "In the Next Room," given its premiere at Saint M.nrtlns ^y Sewell Collin,"^ Friday night. Is un- questionably a hit. , Tho pl.ny is splendidly acted and no one could doubt the genuine en- thusiasm of the audience. wnturflaye niid Monday's perfor- mances bear out that statement. VOLTERRA'S 2d EDITION I'aiiH, June 10 Leon Volterra, recci'tly returnrd from /Nincrlra, presented the serorid edition of his runent revue Sat- urday. It fcaturof' the Wliittnoic Sisteis. "ISLAND KING" EACKRUFT London. June 10. The production of "The Island King" at the Adelphia has had a not uncommon sequel, Peter Gaw- thorne, the author and producer,^ appearing for public examination in bankruptcy. The liabilities arc IB,600, assets nil He said although thr play was at first successful business eventually collasped and the takings did not cover expenses. He estimated his loss on the production at $25,000. PARIS REVIVALS GALORE Paris, June 10. The "new sliows" of the past week at the local playhouses com- prise Mere's "Captive" at the Re- naissance; "La Danseuse Eperdue" at Edouard VII; "Phi-Phi" at the Bouffes; "Mon Homme" at the Scala; "Hoffman's Tales" at the Opera Comlque; "Around the World in 80 Days' at Chatalet; "L'Aiglon," with Mme. Slmone, at Theatre Sa- rah Bernhardt; "Montmartre" at Porte Salnt-Martln; Frondale's Jap- anese patriotic story, "La Batallle," at the Odeon; "Tons of Money" (J'ai une idee) at Amblgu. There Is a new revue at the Folles Bergere. TWO PARISIAN REVIVALS Paris, June 10.. The revival of "Aisenc Lupin," with Andre Brule In tlic title role, will take pl.'icc at flic Ttieatrc Paris tomorrow. Another revival Is that of "Ma- dame Flirt" at the Thratre Antoinc 1898 #ttt\ WILLIAM MORRIS AOF.NCT, IHO. ratnam BMic.. 1403 llroadwiiy. New lork L,ockawnnna (940-1 ■•• V*rl Ctiic*t* Lm AMtiM LM4n Sydit) , LAURILLARD REVUE London, June 10. Edward LauiiUard is readying a revue for tho Palace. It is understood the manager Is paying less than half the regular rental for the warm weather-occu- pation. Fregoli is Booked Paris. Jiirvp 10. Fregoli, Italian trannforin.-iition aitlN<, has been booked to appear at the Empire Id January. RUSSIAN BALLETS AROUND Paris, June 10. The Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, as Serge de Di'aghileff now designates his mixed troupe, re- opened for six weeks at Jacques Hebertot's Theatre des Champs Elysecs. Leon Volzlkovsky, Vllzac, Doline, Zveroff, Mmes. Alice Niki- tlna,, Nijinska, Sololova, Sokolova, Luboy Tchernltcheva and Vera Nemtchlnova head the troupe. I^ondon, June 10. Ivor Novello's "The Rat" opened Saturday night at the Prinoe of Wales, disclosed as nnatioshed melo- drama. Notwithstanding, It was well re- ceived and le a likely success. Novello had bad the show out In the provinces (sticks) for a long while. That Is wliere It was thought It should have been liked and it was. London ihas been looked upon as a bit of daring confidemce for it, but the premiere appeared convincing of Novello'0 fafth In his play. 'Pai'ls, June II. • 5 Maurice Victor Plcard, 63, caahlt^^ and accountant of the Opera C(h 1 mique for many years, surrendered to the Prefect of Police and con«« 1 fessed to stealing sums of monef ^ estimated at 627,OOO francs duiMOf i the last four yeartf. ■* An immediate investigation iign ^ closed the fact that Picard had toI4( 1 the truth. He said he spent ft li^ ' debauchery, but thoSe who knoi^ | him believe he engaged in bad spee« ''; ulatlon or has hidden the moneyit i .^ Plcard was entrusted with sums. The police believe the su involved was taken within a days and not over a period of y«ar%^ This phase of the case is being ln«^ vestlgated. ,,,1 t^ 1 WRONG THEATRE Principal Criticism on New Frend^*^ Farce GROCK £E-It)RMS CAST Paris, June 10. Grock, the BngUsh clown who re- cently came to this country to rest, has again taken Lole, his brother- in-law, as a partner and la bo<)ked for a New York appearance during the coming season. Paris, June 10. '"j For the summer months the fai^^ ionable Theatre des Capucines IJl' controlled by Raoul Praxy and Mairt ' celle Geniat who inaugurated thelif * season with a farce signed by Majt'T Eddy and R. Praxy entitled "Ponl^^ ette et son Poulaln." ' 1 The piece was adversely aeceptijAj with one of the main causes seem^^ Ingly that the theatre is unsulte^ tf J the play. ' 'i The story tells of a mistress wM J enters the service of her paramourl«1 mother as a maid thereby spoUlnf J his family arranged wedding aa^' finally marrying the tioy herself. '_* Included in the cast are Hieronl«j mus. Merindol and the Mmes. MiiWi guerite Deval rind Lulu Wattler.' ' * SAILINGS ,,! June 11 (New York to LondOD)iw John Tiller (Mauretania). - i.w J June 11 (New .York to Pari»)Jdj Harold Crane (Paris). June 11 (Montroa.} to Paris), Ai Sunderland (Melioa). "4 June 7 (New 'York to liondonji) Frank and Gertie Fay (Majestic). .-( June 7 (New York to PlymoutJ}Ii Bertha Galland, Norman E. Fi«l4j (George Washington). _ j| June 7 (New iork to LondonJVjj Mr. and Mrs. Martin Beck, Mi^^ -and husband (Boyd Marshall), L>0<% nel Barrymore and wife (Irene Fen " wick), Ina Calre, Lenore Ulrlc, nore Barrle, Jack McKeon, Margar Hawkesworth,. Frieda Hempel, ward B. Johnson (Majestic). June 7 (New York to LondonJii| Tiller's Dancing Girls, Mr. and MHIhI Guthrie McCllntock (Laconia). June 7 (New York to London} Mr. and Mrs. Otis Skinner daughter, Arthur Hornblow (At atlc). June T (New York to liondon] Marguerite St. Clair, Qerafd rome (Belgenland). May 80 (London to Austr (Sydney), Rupert Ingal«ii« maghdale Castle). M DENNIS SADIE'S NEXT PLAT •London, June 10. Dennis Eadie will produce a new play by the author at "At Mrs. Breams" at the Royalty In August. At the moment the new play Is without a title. YIDDISH PLAYERS FOR PARIS Liondon, June 10. The Yiddish Art players will go to Piirls for a short season at the Theatre Edouard VII, a fashionable house directed by Alphonse Franck. Frank Buck Bound for N. Y. London, June 10. Frank Buck, husband of Ella Shields, sailed Saturday on the "AquiUuila" for New York, WELL KNOWN ENGUSH BOOKERS REPORTED SHORTLY RETIRl *'si* Harry Master, Chief Booking Man for Gulliver Cii^ cuit, and Al Goldstein for Variety Controllin||i Circuit—No R«M(m Assigned for Either LeavinfJ London, June 10. A mystery has arisen here over the reported resignations shortly to be handed in by two of the best- known English vaudeville bookers to their respective circuits. One Is Harry Masters, the chief booker for the Gulliver Circuit, and the other is Al Goldstein, In a simi- lar position with the Variety Con- trolling Circuit. Both men have held their posi- tions for many years, with the re- port gaining circulation as well as credence without carrying any rea- son for either of the bookers retir- ing at this time. There has been continued com- plaint against the variety buslnegP over here, but the fault never hjMI been placed against the bookiwi men. If the fault could be trace* It was rather said a lack of m**^ rial of sufficient variety In «|r- vaudeville houses brought about ti^^ decadence of Interest. Tiffi TILLER SCHOOLS OF DANCING 143 Charino Cross Ro«d LONDON ,-«> Director, JOHN TlU^