Variety (June 1924)

M VARIETY LEGITIMATE WednetdaJ, Jbi« 11,19SC GEO. WHITE OBUGED TO SETHE OVERDUE DEBTS FOR SCENERY United Scenic Artists Call Upon Producer to Take Up $27,000 Due Law and Vail, Before Contract- ing for Current "Scandals" Production The United Scenic Artiste Asso- ciation, the only union known In which employers and employes are in the same organization, la carry- ing forth a policy determined on last season, wherein a manager In- debted to one studio cannot switch to another without first cleaning up the amount due. The case Is that of George White, Whose new "Scandals" production was threatened with being Indefi- nitely delayed. Heretofore, the "Scandals" production was turned out by the H. Robert Law Studios and the latter "carried" White from ■eason to season. The forthcoming revue will have no painted scenery, it consisting of drapes bought abroad, and large props. The painting of the props was contracted for with the Siedle Studios operated by Gus Weldhaus and Charles Daley. Upon learning of the Siedle ar- rangements. Law made complaint to the U. S. A. A., showing that White was Indebted to him and. the Vail Construction Co., to the •um of about $25,000. The Siedle Studios }oln«d the union but re- cently, following a visit from the business agent of the U. 8. A. A., who pointed out that such a move would be advantageous. The U. 8. A. A. haa Jurisdiction over scenery, painting of properties, •cenlc designs, lobby displays, ex- hibition decorations, window dis- plays, and pageants, including Hoats. White was asked to attend a con- ference with the executive commit- tee of the Scenic Union. He at- tended, accompanied by Nathan Burkan as his attorney, and his bookkeeper. Lawyers were present In the in- terest of Law and Vail. The lat- ter, though not a member of the U, S. A. A., was Invited to partici- pate. White admitted the amounts due, subject to alight credits. White, Law, and Herbert Ward (who is associated with Law, and*~designed much of the "Scandals" productions In the past) were asked to repair to a private room. There, notes covering the Indebtedness were drawn up and later indorsed by Ar- nold Rothstein. It was not the intention of the U. S. A. A. for the parties con- cerned to be attended by counsel. The latter, 1 owever, withdrew be- fore the session was over, the at- torneys saying they were satisfied their clients were being fairly treated. It is said $10,000 of the amount due Law dated back to the first "Scandals" production. "DRIFTING" ROYALTY w. S. Andrews' Suit Against Brady Bafora Court Walter Scott Andrews' aillt against William A. Brady for an aocounting of the royalties of "Drifting" In which Alice Brady starred In legit and Priscllla Dean In pictures was put over Wednes- day before Justice Wagner in tli« Supreme Court. Andrews, as the executor of the late Daisy Andrews' estate, claims there la money due from the stage and screen rights. Miss Andrewa wrote "Driftlntr" under the nom-de-plume of LeaUe Lorlng In collaboration with John Colton. The latter la a technical defendant with Brady. The producer, through Xathan Vldaver, his attorney, alleges everything due the authoress has been paid her and sets forth that the ]>roper manner In which to pro- ceed in this action Is to examine him (Brtidy) to determine how much money is due and thte bring an action at law for that amouAt,- instead of an accountliig a<ilt as now. Justice Wagner will deter- mine this question. If he upholds Brady's contention, the suit will be set back atiout a year In trial; otherwise it goes to trial Im- mediately. SUMMER SALARY CUTS SAD FOR THE CASTERS ^ONE HEUIVA NIGHT' LASTED AS LONG Cheese Club Had One Per- fermance—Took $1,724.20 and Quit at Harris "One Helura Nlifht," presented for the first time last Wednesday night at tha il^arrla by tba mem- bers of tha Chaeaa Club, dosed at the concluaion of tha flrat perform- ance. The play threatened to go right on. Indefinitely, and doubtleaa would have gone on bad the mambars de- cided that taking $1,7:4.>0 from tba poat-convention apendara In Qotham was a feat they might not hope to dttplicate. Those who contributed the $1,724.20 to tha Chaesa boys to see the show made no vociferous de- mand for tba author, so it was Just as well that Joe Swerllng remained In Boston. Adequate wa.nlng was given the contributors of tha little neat-egg that "One Heluva Night" waa the world'a wOnst show. It was. LEAPS FROM AUTO Actors Stalling Agencies on Commission — Threats to Leave Work Fprmar "Follias" Qirl'a Story and Comp^niona* Tala Po Not Jiba San Francisco, June 10. Mrs. Marion Day Berrien, who said she Is a former "Follies" girl, and is en route to, China to m^et her husband, was taken to a hos- pital here from Golden Gate Park, where aha had fallen from an au- tomobile. The woman was cut and bt-ulsed, but will ba up and around In a few days. She said aba was riding In an automobile with two men, and was forced to lean out of the car to avoid being attacked by the men, whom she said had robbed her after a gay party. Something went wrong with the narrative, however, as the two ac- CLsed men went volurtarily to tba hospital, and afterward told the po- lice a stralghtfdrward story. They said that Mrs. Berrian suddenly be- came hysterical and Itoped from the machine without any apparent reason. When she recovers, Mrs. Berrian will proceed to China. INSDE STUFF ON LEGIT ■*—» iUI Htlarlca of Itoand the Town" ware fully p«14 off last week. I4| « ShutMft paid over |S,«00 to tba chorus on tha day tha show cloaed. Though I It was denlad flhabart was Intareatad in tba revus^ tt la stated he own«« i 26 par cant of the stock Issued in anotfaer nama. ^ Checks to the amount of It.SOO ware given to the out the final day a| I tha show, responsibility for tha salaries being on tba producers, HenrH I Mankiewlcs and iS Jay Kaufman. Tba latter had already gone to Europi^ « with the buck paaeed to Mankiewlcs, who borrowed about $1,600 to cov«C i. the checks. Harry Kaufman, a brother of Jay, put up tha balance of tb» h money needed. Harry Is In the knitting business. ] One of tbosa Interested in tba show planned to use tha production for K '*. road show next season. It was reported tha scenery was replevlned for u amounts due to supply men. ISdlth Ellis, author of "White Collars." who has baan visiting In Lot 'i .Vngeles, was not saUsfled wltb tba production clven tba play at Egatfg ^ Little Theatro. Last week she took the company in band, gave theat '4 personal direction and augmented the play by a prolog, which she had | written but eliminated by Lillian Albertson who directed the original < production. • S Miss Ellis also made several minor changes in the ca«t. The ffra^ * performance of the revised production took place Sunday night, with a number of 'ba local newspaper reviewers attending. Miss Ellis stated that In Its present shape the play would be produced in N^w York but that ai yet no arrangements for a theatre had been made. ^ The name of a certain producer of small road musical shows has been stricken from the list of all reputable agencies casting glrla for shows. This action follows statements obtained by an old Una agency from two girls sent to this producer. The girls charge they passed the preliminary "exams," and were told It would be necessary to "Strip." The models walked from one room to att« other, only to find, they said, that other men had been admitted to tha room where the producer was to "look the girls over." The girls say the men started to maul them and they laughed their way out of an uncomfortable situation. When they had gotten away they reported back to the agency and were advised to take the matter up with the police. 1 -*« Mlstlnguett Is still a pet of Paris, anck was a generation and mora ago. Her public appearance here for the first time In "Innocent Eyes' has attracted much Interest. J. J. Sbubert figured her fame would be a box (iflBce card, eve i though the French star \vas skeptical about that. Mlstlnguett yet can earn a bigger revenue in Parts now than here, and !• due to return In about six weeks. Whether "Eyes" will continue without her is a question. The new French revue is probable. In 1904 Mlstlnguett was the Du Barry of Paris. She originated the Apanba dance, the Idea really being that of .Max Dearly's, Mlstlnguett was then singing In a cabaret. With the Apacha a sensation her fame was assured. Damla, the present Parisian sensatloi^ has succeeded Mlstlnguett. It was Dearly who dug up Damla from no* where, too. OFFICEKS OF T. P. E. The Theatrical Press Representa- tives of America, Inc., held their annual meeting this week, and elected the following officers: Wells Hawks, president; B. E. Pidgeon, first vi^e-presldent; Sam Li. Gerson, second vice-president; Campbell B. Casad, third vice- president; H. Elliott Stuckel, rec- ording secretary; Francis E. Reld, corresponiting secretary; C. P. Greneker, treasurer, and Board of Governors, Walter J. Kingley, Ann OroBvener Ayres, Mrs. E. A. Bachelder, Will J. Guard, Mules Murphy and William Roddy. As representatives on the Board of Governors of the International Theatrical Association Wells Hawks and Ned Holmes were elected dele- gates and Wlllard D. Coxey and Walter K. Hill, alternates. The wholesale summer cuts in salaries of players appearing In current productions have hit the casting offices which negotiated the engagements a wallop. In most Instances the players have persuaded the casters into carrying their commission accounts over the summer, until their sal- aries are again normal. When the casters are not amen- able to the idea the players talk of stepping out and getting a stock engagement. That generally quiets the squawk, the casters preferring the gamble to nothing at all. In one Instance recently where the summer cuts went In the pro- ducer suggested they withhold fur- ther commissions to the casting of- fice that placed them to defray part of the decrease, claiming he would adjust matters with the agency. His Idea of adjustment was a threat that unless the agent waived commissions he would get no fur- ther work from him. TLAIN JANE' LEFT TO BROOKS t/ouls J. Isquith, producer of "Plain Jane," has resigned as presi- dent of the corporation, retaining a portion of the stock. Walter Brooks, co-producer. Is actively directing the company's affairs. Isquith is a lawyer. Differences arose over business n^atters. "Jane" Is playing the New Am- sterdam under sharing terms which call for EO-50 up to $10,000 gross, with 60 per cent going to the at- traction thereafter. It is said the operation expense of tlje house with the current attraction Is $5,SCO, Which means nn even break, t'he show averaging about $13,500 gross weekly. POLLT PBEFEBSED" IN L. A. San Francisco, June 10. Following the run of "Julio and Romyetto" at the Alcazar Geme- vieve Tobln and the members of the company now supporting her as well as those who appeared in the Alcazar production of "Polly Prefer- red" will be transferred to Dos Angelee to present "Polly Preferred" at the Majastlc. When the Dos Angeles run of "Polly" Is ended the company will remain to appear In a revival of "The Nervous Wreck" with £Mward Horton featured and Barbara Gur- ney playing opposite. ADMIBED BINO ABOVE SHOW PauUna Kellar. t1, was held la $1,010 ball oy Magistrate l.<evine, of the West Side polica court, to await the action of tba Grand Jury, charged wI'Ji grand larceny pre- ferred by Charles Hennessey, SOS West 20tb street Hennessey said be took ^he girl to the Central theatre one night. She admired his diamond ring, which cost him $600. She asked permission to wear It He granted her that permission. Then Pauline had a deslra to 'phone, and Hen nessey didn't sea tbe girl again un- til after tha deteMIves arrested her. The girl had tba ring. "I am not going to encourage in- cidents of this character by dismis- sing tnis case," tbe Magistrate said. Bertha Broad's Broadway engagement in "The Right to Dream," authored by her husband, Irving Kaye Davis, press agent for Mineralava. recalls last season, when Miss Broad was t'l" subje of nine-tenths of the letters written to the dramatic editors of the town. For a few per« (ormances she played opposite Walter Hampden in "Romao and Juliet* over In Flatbush, and more people than could possibly have seen the per* formances wrote letters to tha d. e. saying Jane Cowl alongside of Berth* Broad was but a fair Juliet. In the play written and produced for her, however, she didn't get tha same reception from the Broadway boys. Percy Hammond, in th« "Herald-Tribune," classed ber as an actress trying to make herself pleas* ant while some of the other play boys of the drama passed ber up alto* gether. • ■ • FOUR "JESSIE JAMES" Plans have been made for tbe opening In Berlin the latter part,of August of "Little JesHie James."! Four companies of "Jessie James" go out next season, the New Yqck company ot>ening in Boston ab^ut August 4, another opening in Chi- cago, while the other two will play routes. O'HARA'S CONCERT TOUR Flske O'Hara. the Irish tenor, for some time under the management of Augustus Pltou, Jr., has gone to Italy to study and In the fall be will make a concert tour. Pltou has engaged Joseph Regan, an Irish tenor and former vaudeville actor, to star In a new show in the fall- Regan, as a star, will fill in on the time previously given to O'Hara on the road. The Tinney trouble ba^ recalled to some the former Winter Garden scene wltb Jim Corbett In one of the "Passinr Shows.*' Tinney, areulntf with Corbett, beseeches Jim never to strike a woman. The point was (by Tinney): "No, never strike a woman; use this," jwlntlng significantly t^ his foot. Miss Wilson, in her $100,000 damage suit against the oomedlan, alleged that "the defendant violently assaulted the plaintiff herein and did beat, bruise, wound and 111 treat her, and In a brutal manner did strlk4 and kick the plaintiff herein upon her head, arms, legs and othe^ parts of her body." Kendler & Goldstein, TInney's lawyers, will file a "general denial." Lep Solomon, treasurer of tha Music Box, has gone to Bermuda, witll Mrs. Solomon, to enjoy a vacation and to hunt cnlcns. Lep la equipped with camera and telescopic lenses and will photograph Irare species of the onion family, to be added to the collection In tbe American Museum of Natural History. Bill Norton, manager of the Music Box, wUl sumnter at Far Rockaway< The payroll at the Music Box Is no more. Attaches usually kept on pay through the Bumme«r are out of luck. Houses controlled by "round robin" managers are closed and nobody knows when they will open. ThM automatically puncttires ^e summer payroll YIDDISH REVUE IN 2 GROUTS Chernlafsky and his Orientals, a Ruaso-TIddlsh revue which will open In tbe fall, has spilt Into two entities. The orchestra, under JoBepb Chemiafsky's direction. Is In its third week of an Indefinite stay at the National theatre down- town. The show proper Is touring the Bronx and' Harlem Tlddlsh houses. In the fall, both will unite again. No. 2 "Plain 4ane" in Chi ; A second company of "Pliin Jane" will be sent ta Chicago. Tfhi company is being assembJed. Buzzell 8Ke«v Getting Ready Eddie Buzzell will'be featured-in "Good for Nothing Jon,en," the musi- cal comedy by the lale Aaron Hoff- m>in, which goes *lnfb rehearsal June 28 under the direction' of A'. L. Jones and Morris Green. With this year as the 50th anniversary of the production of "Evange-* line," Edward E. Rice, veteran producer and the man who introduced opera bouffe into America, is planning for its revival on Broadway. One famous character has lived down from "Evangeline," the Lone Fislioi-r'— w. H. Crane played the original ro'e ai'1 later, whlcb Louis Parker wrote "Pomander Walk," late in the century, that play held a similar role In The Eyesore, a fisherman who fished continuously on the banks of the Thames and landed his fish only as the curtail! descended. "Marjolaine," the musical "Pomander Walk'" produ-ced at th* Broadhurst by Russell Janney two years ago, held the same character. Sam Leavltt says he was ahead of a show, so far ahead, that he had to wildcat to make sure the troupe had consecutive time. Sam dropped Into a city and met the agent of a well-known show. In the exchange of greetings, with agents usually, telling each other about their attrac- tions, etx^., the man asked Sam the name of his show. Sam told him what It was, saying the last he heard things were o. k. The other a^ent asked him when he had last heard and Sam said, "Well, I have two weeks' salary coming and am now starting my third." The other man told Sam his show had closed two weeks before. Nobody nad taken the trouble X.6 notify Sam. "^ "Hugus Millions" Next Fsll | Mark' Reed's play, *Tlit Hugus Minions," has been aituiifed by Guthrie McCUntbck, Who will pto- duce it next season. The unusual has happened in Elmlra, N. Y. That town is a one-night stand, according to tho big show 'bookers, and business with mcst of the troupes going in there In recent years has not been any too enoourtiKing. "Abie'^s Irish Rose" goes in there and. Instead of playing one or two nights, as the caso generally runs for traveling combinations, the show re-, maineda week and chalked up over $11,000. J. Harlan Thompson has two new plays expected to be produced next season, but Thompson is not making public the title of either. He says his orifclnal title may not be so original by production time. Thompson bases this belief upon the announcement, some time ago, that (Continued on page 47)