Variety (August 1924)

mmvufw^'it^jin-^i VARIETY PICTURES ^'■^rKlif.'.:. Wcdnetdasr. Augu«t 20. 19M JOYCE DIVORCE CONTEST (Continued from page 5) «n Aug. 14, 1923. Two weeks after they veparated. Mrs. Joyce brought •uit for a sparatlon in the Supreme Court of New York alleglnrr non- support and cruelty. Justice Wag- ner subsequently signed a decree In favor of the wife and awarded hei 175 weekly alimony. Mrs. Joyce cl.aims her husband never paid her but left the Jurisdiction of the court and has remained o'jt of New York *lnce. Wif« Not Served She also claims she was never rerved In the Chicago action, and that the first she knew of the suit was when she read about it in Variety. Upon writing to the clerk of the court she ;.aid she received « copy of the complaint and Im- mediately retained Ijowcnthal, Lo- wenthal & Mums, of Chicago, to represent her. When the attorneys flied answer tbcy asked the court to grant Mrs. Joyce $40 a week temporary aU- . mony pending trial of the case. Joyce la reported to have appeared In court After having been served by Ms wife's lawyers, clalmlilg h« was without funds and heavily in debt He attempted to confirm his statement by producing his land- lady, whom be claimed he owed $400 in back board. Decision was reserved. No Reconciliation Reports current that the divorce action would be withdrawn and a reconciliation affected were blighted when Mrs. Joyce claimed she was "cured" and would have nothing further to do with Jack. Mrs. Joyce, formerly In vaude- ville aa a member of a sister team known as the I>8lle Twins (dis- solved on account of her marriage), 1« planning to return to the stage In a dancing act In which she is to be supported by Austin and Mack. Vincent Valentinl has authored It and Harry Walker figures as the producer. The act had been In rehearsal when the reports were published concerning the divorce action In Chicago, but were suspended when young Mrs. Joyce suffered a nervous collapse, almultaneously with learn- ing of the divorce action. Mother-in-Law's Claim Mrs. Rose Reynolds, mother of Mrs. Joytfe, is con mplatlng a suit against Joyce for |2,37S, covering Bums ot^ money advanced the vaudevillian since her daughter's marriage and which he has not re- paid. Mrs. Reynolds stated she would have been patient about the return of the money had It not been for the treatment he visited upon her daughter. Colorado, New lienco, Montana and other points called upon him. Like their associates In the Kansas City district, they were most en- thusiastic about the theatrical out- look for^the coming year. So many contracts were signed that the Den- ver offic« has been made a neces- sity. Mr. Bray, took a lease on a handsome suite of oflflces in the Tabor building and a fully equipped staff of showmen will begin operat- ing from Denver within the next few weeks. BUCKNER'SJAM (Continued from page 5) rehearsals, and that's the bone of contention on the court proceedings, in which Arthur will be an embar- rassed and wholly indignant defend- ant. According to statements made by the office of Miss Bradley, most of the 18 young ladies are penniless. Miss Mary Farrell, who came all the way from St. L.ouls, bringing her mother, has 20 cents between her and starvation. Another girl has locked' herself in a room at a hotel because she has pawned most of her clothes, and a third, after lending her last 25^ cents to Buckner for a gas meter, fainted because of lack of food. Buckner said that he was per- fectly willing to go on with the re- vue, but that the Trouville hotel people backed out on their contract •t the last moment, and that the Clarendon hotel management, after being approached In regards to stag- ing this revue, said that they in- tended to stage one eventually, but not now. Arthur was broke and had to discontinue rehearsals. Hence the girls were let out. ASSTS NEW BRANCHES (Continued from page 7) to feel the result of Improved pros- pects, every manager expressed himself as confident that the forth- coming year will be one of record- breaking receipts. Joseph Erber. the manager of the St. Louis branch of the W. V. M. A., also reports a constantly increasing series of inquiries from managers In his territory. It is certain the bookings through his office this season will be greatly Increased. The St. Louts office Is now a year old and the service it has given to the managers who have booked through It has given the W. V. M. A. a splendid recommendation for its policy of •xpansion. t:Leaving) Kansas- City, IMV. Bray lumped Aa;Z>enT«r,i whsroiaa eVen Wc.nt?r Ti'irtihT of T-'n-T7'>'-i tm*i MORRISSEY'S EXIT (Continued from .i.ice 4) taking over of the 52d Street the- atre and increasing its capacity through an adjoining building. The revue "Watch Out" was to have served to dedicate the place as a sort of continental music hnll, with supper club attached and a night dancing club holding sway after the performances. Mme. Sherrl had pledged $2S,000 to the enterprise, but, finding this would not carry out her ideas for the place, wa3 compelled to interest ad- ditional capital with Mrs. Hawkes- worth, mother of Margaret Hawkes- worth, dancer, and who has been In- terested In a number of fashionable supper cluba reported as having come In for $30,000 on the Invest- ment. As Morrlssey has walked out of "Watch Out" the ladies' plans aie unsettled, although Mme. Sherrl claims she is determined to go ahead with the enterprise, despite Morris- sey's ■iese:ticn. Mldgle Miller, also In "Watch Out," left for the coaat with Mor- rlssey. NEWS OF THE DAILIES Betty Bronson, a practically un- known screen actress, has been se- lected by Sir James M. Barrie to play "Peter Pan" on the screen for Famous Players. The Scotch baro- net wired Adolph Zukor last week of his selection, thereby disposing of rumors that Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Lillian Glsh and Betty Compson were contenders for the role. Miss Bronson is 18 years old and was born in Trenton, N. J. Florenz Ziegfeld has announced his intention of becoming a film pro- ducer, and his first production will be "Kid Boots," he says. Another former "Follies" girl is In trouble. Mrs. Bessie Harvay Weir, 21, of the Hotel Belleclaire. who Is held in $3,000 ball In the West Side Court on charges of bigamy. The charge was made by her present hus- band In St. Louis, and Mrs. Weir de- clares it is apite work. Her flrat husband; she alleges, was killed dur- ing the war. John Golden and William Fox last week signed an agreement whereby the latter will produce all of Golden's celebrated "clean plays," which in- cludes the record-breaking "Llght- nln''' and the equally valuable "Sev- enth Heaven." Golden will super- vise all his screen work. The John Golden Unit for Clean American Pic- tures, Inc., was formed, and the en- tire transaction arbitrated by Will Hays. The troupe of Spanish bull fighters recently imported from Mexico to give a regulation bull fight with everything but the killing of the bull, rubber being used on the spear In place of steel, ran Into trouble In Newark, N. J., Sunday. Playing at Dreamland Park, they got by with a show, when the S. P. C. A. canie around and arrested everyone. In- cluding the manager of the park. William W. Woods, manager of the troupe, bailed the men out at $25 a throw, and declared that, pending trial, the lights will continue. Margaret Anglln has announced a repertoire season for New York this winter that will include "The Second Mrs. Tanqueray," "Iris" and "The Notorious Mrs. Ebbsmith." Frances Alleen Miller, a specialty dancer, last with one of the "Nellie Kelly" companies, is seeking an an- nulment of her marriage to Harry Lossard of Portland, Me. She says two days after their wedding she found out that he wasn't the man for her. The suit will be filed imme- diately. Avery Hopwood, dramatist, was arrested and fined $60 in Asbury Park last week for celebrating after the opening night of "The Bent Peo- ple," In which he collaborated with David Gray. It is alleged that Hop- wood directed attention to a police- man and then cried, 'Look at the damned cop!" as they were all in a restaurant. The flr?t Mrs. Jules E. Brulatour died last week in Egypt, following an automobile accident in which she was badly injured. She was married t,o Brulatour ia ips^nndjli.yed te- gethei'S«itii*i9lV Jrulatqur, Js now itthrma ttf 'H6|J^ flflnVptV "^ " m^' EQUmrS SWITCH (Continued from page 11) robins have at least an equal foot- ing with the M. P. A., although a stipulation in making the 80-20 agreement was that other managers should not receive as favorable terms from Equity. Equity technically beat the stipu- lation, since It did not actually enter Into an agreement with the round robins, but declared an open shop so far as Fidelity is concerned, by reso- lution. That way out was doubtless the result of careful stduy of the 80-20 agreement at the instance of the protests of the 200 strike mem- bers and others. The only difference In working terms appears to be that the Shubcrt faction may engage independent ac- tors (not members of either Equity or Fidelity), while the round robins can use only Fidelity players along.wlth Equity players. However, there are few actual Independent professionals. Seventy-five Shows Reopening ImmMlately upon the announce- ment by Ekiulty that Its members could appear with Fidelity players in the round robin companies, plans were crystallized for the reopening on Broadway of three attractions closed by the strike. "The Swan" win resume at the Empire next week, while "The Stepping Stones" will re- open at the Globe and "Rain" at the Gaiety on Labor Day. All three re- sumptions are limited, however. The only bar to opening "Rain" was the position of Its star, Jeanne Eagels. who was affiliated with neither E^quity nor Fidelity. Early this week Miss Eagels applied to Equity for> membership, probably at the Instance of Sam H .Harris, who advised the star Equity had conceded the princi- pal point at issue—the use of Fi- delity members. The concession, however, stipulates those Fidelity people In good standing as of Sept. 1, lt23. Miss Eagels, therefore, had no alternative. Fidelity's Protest Fidelity leaders entered a protest over the requirement that only mem- bers in good standing a year ago would be permitted to play In the round robin attractions, stating such a provision limited its chance of growth. While Fidelity members see in the concession a prelude to unre- stricted working conditions later on, they fail to accept the resolution as a solution to the Equity-manager? struggle. In commenting on the new turn of affaire which appear to bo satis- factory to him Sam H. Harris, lead- er of the round robin group, stated the controversy with Equity might have been settled Inog ago but for the action of the Shubert faction. Harris said the ready willingness of I/ee Shubert to sign the 80-20 agreement was explained as a mat- ter of expediency, by which was meant the Shuberts wanted no trou- ble in the theatre pending the ad- justment of Its $4,000,000 bond issue. It la reported Frank Oillmore, who - collapsed after steerl:ig Equity's coarse during the fight, will be away from his post as executive secretary for as much as six months. Physicians are said to have advised a long rest after blood tranafualona had been resorted to. Equity's Statomont Equity's statement last week was: "Any fear that the Actors' Equity Association Intended to use oppres- sively its recent victory In estab- lishing Equity shop In the theatres was dissipated when the Council of E<qulty passed a resolution permit- ting its members to work in the same casts with members of the Fi- delity League in all productions, even those controlled by the mana- gers who have made the bitterest fight against E>)uity in its battle for the Equity shop. It le thought this action will go far toward remov- ing the rancor felt by several of the round robin group of managers who have been most persistent in their fight against Equity." The Council resolution was. "Inasmuch as practically all the active managers in New York have now accepted the principle of the E^iuity shop; and. Inasmuch as cer- tain managers have expressed the fear that Equity would use Its vic- tory oppressively in retaliation for the hard fight which these managers have made against Equity; and to assure such managers that the Equity Assccl&tion has no inten- tion of using Ite power unfairly or In any sense oppressively, but only for the general good of the theatre; therefore be It resalvcd, that in first, class productions controlled by man- agers outside the Managers' Protec- tive Association, Equity members 1111, be aljowed to. work wlth.th? resent memb^ u,. the JFidflit 4<affue who were In good star "'- c <tr«»7n.- ^•■nnT" • • - • • . ■ --If— ' -j fi i r aa. INi^DE STUFF ON PICTURES * (Continued from page 21) when it came Ume for work to begin on "Forbidden Paradise" some oM whispered to Pola it was a similar vehicle to "Her Love Story," In which Miss Swanson is appearing. Polu threw up both hands and itf' reported aa having refused to go on with her work. The diplomats at the Laaky fctudio made It evident to Pola that "Her Love Story" was an entirely different type than "Forbidden Paradise," which is a costume play, ao she again began to smile and decided to go to work. Rod La Roque and Adolphe Menjou will be featured with her in this vehicle. There is 710 likelihood of raw film stock advancing in prlice, according to the viewpoint of a number of men specializing in Ita manufacture and sale. As mattera atand, there are quite a number of raw ato^:k dealers In New York who claim that competition prevents any climb in prices at thlii time. The average price at present is 1% cents a foot, with the market ex« pected to remain at that point for some time. Eugene O'Brien, who has played the leading role opposite Norma Tal- madge In all of her recent productions, and who Is not appearing with her in "The Lady," is to be farmed out by Joseph M. Schenck to other pro- ducers until September, when It is said the actor's contract expires, and will not be renewed. U' O'Brien at that time will head east, and It is reported may be annext# to the staff of players on the Long Island lot of Famous Players. -"J, vu Victor Seastrom, known as the "D. W. Griffith" of Sweden and who wi§ brought to Culver City by the old Goldwyn organization 18 months a^,' is reported as not being satisfied with his career in America and it^ pressing a desire to return to bla Yiative land. ^ ■ It la said that lack of activity has been the reason for his dissadiT'' faction. Seastrom, when signed by the Goldwyn organization, was ttf have made three plcturea under the initial contract. Theae pictures, li* figured, would be made within six months time. In the 18 montha thf Swedish director has been here he has only turned out two productiodic "Name the Man" and "He Who Gets Slapped," which he recently coib^ pleted. Under contract on the individual picture basis as far as pay*} ment is concerned Seastrom Is declared to feel that he has not made any money in the length of time that he has been here and Is somewhat wol>' ried how long he will have to wait until called upon to make his ntpti production. It is said that he Is desirous of making the next plcttira shortly, and if not called upon to do so would be glad of an opportunl^ to get back home, as there he is very much in demand for both stac* and screen work. •'■■■' On the stage he is recognized as the foremost actor in his country, afiilf his appearance In a play practically guarantees his success. While his directorial work for the screen enables him to get all the backing and em- ployment he desires, and with the two branches of work it Is claimed can more than triple the amount of money that he has earned while in tha States for the same period. . ^s--. Following the sailing on the "Homeric" by Hiram Abram.i. a state- ment was sent out through the U. A. press department containing it copy of a letter dated Aug. 7 forwarded by Mr. Abrams to the governing committee of the New Yorlc Stock Exchange. It asked the committee nSii to be misled by published statements detrimental to the Interests it the U. A. '!. The letter particularly referred to comment in the "Wall Str««t> Journal" of July 2<, which said, in mentioning Famous Players hMXt reached a 1924 high of 84 the day before, that It occurred "In response to the expectation of important developments affecting the personnel of Its (F. P.) film stars." Apparently this was accepted by United Artists as reverting to thm. Pickford, Fairbanks, Chaplin rumors In connection with Famous and tl»»- latter securing Griffith. I. Abrams asserted the reports were inspired' through Famous Playeri. He also mentioned denials by the stars and threatened consequences to the clrculatorr of the "unfair business" reports. Balaban & Xatz don't stand well with the M. P. owners of Chicago In their assocl/ .ion. It is said. The firm's members Inay be barred from its meetings. The feeling arose when B. A K., after the assoolatlon had adopted a rule not to do business Individually with the musicians' unloa In its demands for an increase, signed up, according to report. ISO mual» elans, without conferring with the association or any of Its membergb> That prohibited the other members from continuing to flgbt the.demand%- having to meet the 10 per cent, increase the musicians had asked for. In a Bronx house an organist became quite a favorite locally with hla music. A new house waa opened. The manager made Inquiry as t« what waa helping the other theatre. The reply waa the pipe organist. The newcomer atraightway got in touch with the player and engac«A him at a Uttle more money than he waa getting at the other theatre. . . Frances Marion, the acenario writer, has completed a full-length nov^ "Minnie Flynn," slated for early publication. It is the story of a guttW waif elevated to luxury and her return to her original environment. Pipe organs in picture houses have not lost their popularity nor their i oppeal to the masses as a part of movie entertainment, according t«tf^ musical experts and to a number of men now building theatres and wlHk'^ have given the organ proposition a lot of consideration. One of these film pioneers maintains that the organ will always proT* essential in picture program presentation, and that especially wher^. houses at^e operating every afternoon. The use of the organ finds Itaetfi advantageous in more ways than one, and that it still la a novelty de- spite its vogu) in moat of the Broadway houaea. Representatives of the big organ makers are always trailing new Mm. theatre builders, and a number of worthy orders have been recentlv^ trlgned. A newly-formed picture corporation in New York has had its general activities curtailed by the inability to obtain the desired stories. A series of two-reeled subjects running mainly to dramatics is planned. A few scripts have been accepted, but all the rest that have been scanned have* be*n turned aside as "undesirable." Arrangements were made two weeks ago for the opening of the "Over the Top" war picture at the Lyric, New York, but suddenly cancelled. Hugo Ballln, film director. Is also a novelist of some ability and reputa-* tion. One book, "The Broken Toy," has been published and sold rather well. A second. "The Woman at the Door." Is in the hands of his pub- lishers, and a third, "Night Lights," Is Just being completed. Ballln has not made a picture since "Vanity Fair" released two years ago, but has spent the Intervening time writing, studying and traveling. His novels are described as strictly modern in subject, style and presen- tation. When a recent realty deal was made in New York involving the pur- chase of 27 West 81st street, opposite the .Museum of Natural History, through to 82d street, the Melster Builders gave In part payment to ewing the deal the Plaza theatre and stores on the southeast corner oi AVashington avenue and 188th street. ■'■'■■ - ■ • • ■ 4 k-f Idflitj l^e'XVl/lla^n'em.-jU n^qtlon picture theat?^ .sypdjca'te Ifl Bro^kiyn ha*' ndini Ipurchitierf th^ ^^f]^ ?i >*ajp(a^Up avenue an^VlfflSMf ^^t 4«iJ*? ^^'Oreenpolnt section aran"^ estimated tonslderatlon of $6oTM ^ ^