Variety (August 1924)

VARIETY FOREIGN Wedne»d»y, August 6, i^^i SD) GRAUMAN TRAMED' BUT GOLDSMITH THERE Exotic Dancing Peer Has Riot of Makeup The peer of all the exotic and highbrow dancers, of the step- pera who go l|i for the expret- alonlstlc stuff, !■ now an- nounced In Baron Willy Sebas- tian Knobloch Droste of Ger- many. He will shortly appear In either revue or vaudeville here, and with him will appear Countess Molodeckl, who ha« red hair. The Baron and hU partner specialise In dance* that depict the "vices, horrors, ecstasy and exasperation of the nerves." The Baron has a riot of a make-up, according to the ad- vance dope. He affects a deadly pale complexion, wears a mono- cle, and once In a while lets his costume ■llde'a little from the shoulders. He Is very thin, according to his plcturetl. and has a featured specialty that holds a dance with the head of an Egyptlon mimmy. The Baron's partner in the European resorts was Anita Berber, the European screen vamp. BEN GREET'S ''ADMRAL" NEW HAY FOR LONDON Coast Picture Man Object of London Jokesters—Attor- ney in Poker Game London,-Aug. 6. Bid Orauman became the object of the local Jokesters after be arrived here, and when'Frederick E. Gold- smith, the Ne\/ Tork attorney, also got in. Mr.* Orauman, from the Paclflc Coast, came here to build a theatre or two. He may b« doing that, but while delving Into the matter the Jokesmiths arranged a phoney pinch through Grauman having failed to register as an alien. Goldsmith got In on the "Levi- athan" Saturday and Immediately sent out a call for an American poker game forthwith. Freddie of- fered to bet he could win bis tran«- portation both ways In one game if he could get the game. , , . Mr. Goldsmith had to accept pi- aochle for a substitute and was do- ing pretty well toward his expenses one way when he was hurriedly called aside and informed Sid Grau- Btan had been taken for failing to register, and It looked like 10 years (or the picture man. "Where is he now?" asked Mr. Goldsmith. "Grauman is In Jail," he was told. ' "That's all right, then, as long as we know where.he is, and when he's ready to come up 'for a bearing let me know. I'll still b^ here in this game," Goldsmith replied. The messenger insisted that Fred- 'Aie giVe the matter immediate at- tention, as Mr. Grauman didn't want to be held on *■ minor charge, when the attorney aske< who the chief Justice was and said he would phone him later. A couple of the pinochle ptnyers had overheard the conversation. They upbraided ]^reddie for negli- gence to a fellow-countryman. Razzing the lawyer, he lost his win- nings anA son e of his own money, then became sere and broke up the game. The first ptrson he met out- side was Grauman. "You owe me $80," said Goldsmith to Grauman. "For what?" asked Grauman. "For annoying me by getting In a jam and causing me to lose for the first time In my life ahd in a fotdgn country at pinrchle," replied Gold- smith, almost excited. Grauman answered he had been In no jam, owed Goldsmith nothing. was onto the frame and told the at- torney to prevent, future disputes and tb keep his accounts straight wanted a receipt in full from Goldsmith. Freddie took Sid into the. Hotel Savoy bar to give him the receipt They got in there yesterday after- noon at 5, and today at 4 p. m.. at the filing of this cable, they are re- ^.u , .v, . , , c .. nnrtod . till *ho,.<, ™i.v ^r X ,1 The death is announced of Ernest ™ut », , *''«'^*^ ^"*> Mr. Gold- A. Bendall, the Examiner of the smith having made 29 attempts to Plays In the Lord Chamberlain's Phyllis Neilson Terry in "Bella Donna"—Ernest A. Bendall Dead ' V-' ■ ■ ■.. ■ ;■ London, July 28. Ben Greet, who recently produced Rann Kennedys censored and banned play, "Ihe Chastening," In a church, when the Lord Chanuber- lain had refuafd to alloV the pro- duction in a theatre, is about to pro- duce another play by the same au- thor, called "The Admiral," and it deals with the life of Christopher Columbus. There are only three characters in it: queen, sailor, and a girL ..■. ^' ' 1*he parts will be played by the author, Margaret Gage and_^ Edith Wynne liathison. The production, as in the case of "The Chastening," will be of a semi-private nature. TENNIS PLAYERS MAY FOLLOW RODEO RDERS Publicity Stunt Started in Lon- don to Prolong Riders' Stay at Coliseum London, Aug. i. What looks like publicity .direc- tion is the complaint being entered by cranks, it is said, against the management (Stoll) of the Coliseum through cruelty to animal*- in th« exhibition twic* daUy by tho American rodeo riders. When applying for summonses against the Coliseum managemeiX the magistrate refused to issue them without being furnished with writ- ten information. If the stunt gets over the riders' act may he pro- longed at the Coliseum. , After the rodeo turn has finished the champion tensls players are to appear there in an especially made up' turn. V Phyllis Neilson Terry will start a tour of Robert Hichen's jilay, "Bella Donna," In the autumn. All the cities and first-class lowns are in the itinerary. Miss Terry will play the part created by Mrs. P.atrick Campbell at the St. Janies. LONDON EMPIRE tiondon. July 20. The London Ehnpire, famous for its variety programs and promenade, is again experimenting with vaude- ville, and reopened with that policy this week. I( was a mixed audience. Includ- ing the dregs-suited youths who frequent the^Weat End and who have had handed down to them from the iast generation legends of the wild times enjoyed by their an- cestors at "The Cosmopolitan Club of the World." The majority of those present, however, 'ooked as if they were residents of Hampstead, a suburb of London which is about the equivalent of New Tork's Bronx. These were undoubtedly drawn by Nora Bayes, the headliner, who was given a reception on her entrance as vociferous as can possibly be Imagined. It teems incredible this artist coul be so warmly welcomed In the same house in which she registered so dire a failure on her first London appearance in 1914. These Hampsteaders like to be on intimate terms with their pet artists, enjoying hugely the privilege of yelling for the songs they like and having the artist comply as if he or-she enjoyed It as much as they do. If they will patronize her throughout the engagement. Miss './ei will be one of the biggest drawing cards in London. Judging, however, by the second night's at- tendance, her popularity here is not so firmly established, as the theatre was far from full and her recep- tion not nearly so vloieht. There would seem to be an ex- cellent opportunity for the' Empire to regain its lost laurels as "The premier variety theatn" of London, but tho current bill is not likely to re-establish it on such a firm foot- ing. ' AH the acta were cordially re- ceived by a friendly first-night audi- ence, but the show is a disappoint- ment in that It Is lacking in novelty. For instance, the first half included two jugglers and a magician and, with the exception of the Ben All Haggln. tableaux and a crosa-talk act, everything on the bill has been previously seen many times. The only innovation Is a aoda fountain I . (Continued on page 60) NO TIVOLI dE/fi. Loew Leaves London Without Reaehini Underatandino •■""—^ « X/ondoa, Auk. #. Marcus'I<oew sailed today with- out reachlnc an agreement to pur- chase the TlTOli, now playing Metro pictures. If the deal ever doea go thcough which Is about evens either way, there are many details to be first settled, although an understanding may eventually be reached. * James WhJU, the owner, is anx- ious to sell, and all of the persons loUrested In the TlvoU amDeajr'lu^t as aiudoua. "5 OUOCK GENTLEMAN" Wnn LADY FRIEND New Plays and Revues for Paris' New Seasoiv^Volterra Doing Mere's "Temptation" d— Paris, Aug.^ 6. Leon Volterra will present Charles Mere's latest work, "La Tentatton" ("T^mptaUon"), at the Theatre de Paris during the coming season, with Vera Bergine in the lead. O. pulnson will produce P. Veber and ]i|auriC3 Hennequln's farce, "IjO Monsieur dr Cinq Heures" ("The Five O'clopk Gentleman") as the opening feature for the Palais Royal, -with Albert Brasseur as a senile accountant mixed up in amorous adventures, and Le Oallo in the part of a flighty husband passing off ' lady friend as his daughter. , - The Palais Royal will have a revue by Bousquet and Rip, and possibly by a play by Georges Courtellne and Pierre Veber (the latter at one time druntatio critic Of the New York "Herald," Paris edition). M. Deval will offer Roland Dor- geles' first stage effort, "Qulnse Cent MHle'^at the Marlgny, writ- ting in collaboration with his son. Jacques Deval. Charles Dullin is introducing a French version of the Sicilian dramatist Luigl PlrapdoUo's "Every- body's Truth' ("A Chacun sa Verite") at the Theatre Montmartre by his Ate'Ier troupe. OPERA GOmQUE PARi MAY SE'25 CI ' Meantime Louis Masson H^ Operatic Program for Hii' Trianon Opera House Dillingham's CvpL Hook From London for **Pan** London, Aug. 5. .Leslie Banks, an actor, who has corslsiently been coming to the front during the past few years, hits been engaged by Charles Dflling- ham to play the pirate. Captain Ho9k, when "Peter .Pan" is revived in New York. Gest Joining Reinhardt al Salzburg Paris, Aug. 6. Morris Gest* and Max Reinhardt have met at Salzburg and gone to Vienna together. Reinhardt's home burned down after they left. w,' ^»r»». Aug. fc The future direction of the Obk. Comique is likely to be on the task '■■ next year. Already the possibl«n|i^ ^ eenors to laola Brothers and A]. J bert Carre are coming forwai;4, al. ] though there la no certainty ettk*] intends to i^tire from the head ^^ this state subventioned opera bequb' Louis Masson la reputed t« .k|i among the foremost candldato^ while not neglecting his progrua for next season at the Trtaii^ where he reigns supreme witH t tiny subvention from the city «| Paris, . ., ' Among Masson's projects are %i Chanson de Paris," three-act, Vy RaOUl Charbonnel and.Francis C!Ut adeaus (the latter mentioned^ o; most likely to top candidate* forj the lease of the Theatre SaakU Bernhardt^, to be sung at the Tt0i anon by PalUard, Andree Morwa< and a debutante. Mile. Fanelly. Hi also intends to revive "Tom Jonei,* a musical comedy by Philldor, tbtl famous cheaa player, created ttl 17C4, and also Rossini's "II SIgacr Bruschinl." Among the other Trianon prodiK>; tlons next season will be "L'Aven* turier^ by Jean Varlot and Maur- ice Fouret, to be accompanied by a revival of ' 'Xa Belie de Ha* guenaii." J ENGLAND'S ART TlffiA. * <Continued from page 2) J. H. Savile, one of the most popu< lar theatrical managers in tb* provinces. After being business manager for the late Edward Comp- ton for 16 years, he acquired the Perth and Paisley theatres. Thess will be run in the future by his widow and daughter. ' When-a successor to Arnold BIb« nett's "The Great Adventure" at the Haymarket la require it will be. found in a new play'by Johq Galsworthy. Other Haymarktl plana include revivala of "Mar} Rose" and "A Kias for Cinderella.* write a receipt In full without sue cess. PEARL WHITE IN RE\tUE Regine Flory Also Engaged for Cigala Parle, Aug. 5. M. Viterloo has engaged Pearl White and QegiAe Flory for the Clgale revue next month. EDDIE POLO'S ACT London, Aug. S. Ktldie Polo is .Tppenring on the Mobs Empire tour In a sketch, "The Covvhoy and the Cabaret," Introduc- ing some of his stunts and feats of strength. Later he will appear in a com plete vaudeville show entitled "Around the World." LOIS WILSON'S DENIAL Paris, Aug. 5. Lois Wilson, Famous«FlayerB film actress, has Issued a denial of the report that she is enpaped to wed Bernard Baruch, Jr. SHUBERT-LOEW ON SAME SHIP London, Aug. 6. Lee Shubcrt and Marcus Loew are sailing today on the "Leviathan." Shubert had intended sailing last week but deferred It. COOOAN'S FLANDERS" OVER London, Aug. 5. Jackie Coogan'H- "Boy of Flan- ders" was splendidly received yes- terday'upon opening at the 'T^ivoli, office at St. James' Palace. A well- known dramatic critic, he succeeded Charles lirookfield in the position,, which wa8\ practically that o' censor. As a critic he wrote for the long defunct "London Figaro," "St. James' Gazette," also dead; the "Morning Post," the "Standard" and the "Daily Mail.". He left the latter newspaper to Join the Lord Cham berlains staff." H age le was 77 years of Victor McLaglen, one of the very few British players with a real fol> lowing among the public, sailed July 23 for America to play in five pic- tures for William Fox. McLaglen is one of six brothers, all actors and athletes. An Ameriran Jaek Root is here and is getting a big .share of pub- licity by the statement he i.s here to find n man with "a funny face" for American pictures. Fame and mil- lions uwalt the funny face under his direction. He claims to have dis- covered Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, hut the funny thing abov.t the story Is no one seems to have heard of, much less discovered, Root. UNCERTAIN OF RETURN ' London, Aup;. 5. David WarfteUl, who is here on a holiday, says he doesn't know just when he will return to the States. Arthur Klein is also among the late arrivals. « Neil McKay Over Ht* in November London Aug, 5. Xell McKay, the Scotch oomcdlan, has accepted the ol.er of an Ameri- can tour (ind.wiH a^il on the Olym- pic NpV. 5,., ,... , 1 : . . . Pred Terry and Julia Neilso* commence their autumn tour AuC 18. they will play "The Marlbor- oughe," a play already done -bf them fOr one night. j "Saint Joan" finishes at the iM Oct. 26. Two days later ^M Thorndike will commence her W$ with Henry Arthur Jones' play 'TM Lie" at Glasgow. ■ '' Owen Nares will - tojir "Di|l0< macy" in tlte provinces with a oepw pany including Ben Webstec, Mftril Pollnl and 'Frances Doble. The success of "The Rat," wltl Ivor Novello, continues at tlM Prince of Wales' and provincis bookings have been cancelled so^al to continue the run. Many of V» vello's out-of-town dates have be«i taken over by Dennis lAllson-Tenr] for his new production "The Honor able Mr. Tawnlah," another attemfl to revive the glories of costuiW comedy. At the 6nd of the present run t "The Street Singer" at^the L*rl| the piece will go to America wltl most of the present comp^ Harry , Wclchman, however, , fw embark on West End manapeniein When Phyllis Neilson-Terry tour "Bella Donna" In the provinces n« leading man will be Frank Petley. "Tlhe building strike, which h* hung up the redecoration and al teratlonn at the Royalty, has causw Dennis Kadie to abandon his plaB for producing "Storm" at the houij Instead It will be produced sjt tn Ambass.idors Aug. 13. There is n possibility His M* Jesty's mny go over to films for i time and FKirbnnks' "The Thief • Bagdad" Is mentioned as beitj* I likely feature. "^^ DORA DUBY . .. THE AMERICAN PANCER . , '„ who was brought over to appear in "The Whirl of the World"-at 'the Palladium, where she scored stroitgly, and is now appearing with such great success at the Piccadilly Hoitel "Dolly's Revels" that she has been retained indefinitely. She is also playing the London ntusic halls in gesociation <wlth. Terry KeandaII,.art English dancing partner. Mathe.son Lang IT^produ^ Frank ^gt.nyton's drama "The HW and the Man" at Manchester. Augj After several weeks on the rt>« play and player will appear ,it tn Kevc theatre in October. C. K. Monro's latest Is "■'^'"'I'^J; and will be in progress .at the Atn bnssadors about Autr. 18. It "'■'■' | have raged at the Royalty, but tni theatre is deservedly in the hant of the cleaners. "Collusion" encur pro-Adcd the other theatre.