Variety (August 1924)

V^tSaMay, Auf«mt tt'llM ^ITIMATE VARIETY 18 lARNISfl" GOES TO $12,000 1ST WEEK : INdCAGO'S DOTIAL BIG GROSSES Looks Like Real Hit in Playhouse—Three Leading Loop Attraictions Responsible for $39,000 In- ■, creases at Box Offices Last Week -;_., <f_ Ohica«o, Aug. n. C;cncral box office aales lU the legit theatres were boosted around $39,000 l>y the succeas encountereti by the three prcihiere attractions last' week. While the new shows were setting under w^y the other attraction* in town held u» their turlous pace of the yfecedlng week. "Tarnish" (Playhouse*) led the trio qt new shows, instantaneously planting Itself as a real hit. Close to the full capacity of the Michigan boulevard house was drawn. The class of patrons that sought the premiere night proved this town knew about the piece before it got here. There's reason to believe that the Playhouse wont have t^ both about a new chow for « long time, a restful thought that L,ester Bryant hadn't had for many days. "Wages for Wives' didn't get away to a bang start at the Cort. but there was "success" noted all during the week, the sort of atmos- phere that promises a Thanksgiving stay for the piece. Sntooth going, profitable business U the present sign for the Cort attraction. It won't be surprising to obsei-ve the man- agement getting In as maxijr mat- inees as possible for "'Whgta for Wives.- "Dixie to Broadway" had ta share the colored show patromage with two other colored shows within the Kime block, thereby probably not getting the full share of the atten- tion It will receive when "Runnin' Wild" makes- an exit this week. It was midweek before the critics at- tended the Garrick atttaction. "Run- nin* WUd" wasn't Nirt'by the ad- vent of the Oarrick opposition, for the Woods card held claee to Its pre- miere week pace. mnUng it around 137,000 total gross for the two col- ored shows 6n the week. Both the colored shows gave midnight per- formances, bat neither touched the $1.70» gross tiMt "Runnin' WUd" figured the flrst week. Three Pr«mier«s This Week Three more premieres ' were checked this week, putting the town close to Its full regular season Mreiucth. "The Shame Woman" wanted the critics ahead of the three, premieres this week, so opened at the Princess Saturday. "Early to Bed" (LaSalle) and "Meet the Wife" (Blackstone) were the Sunday night openings, "Beggar on Horseback" waited until Monday to get started at the Adelphl. This array of at- tractions makes the dramatic fleld quite competitive. , It was the same old story for "No. No, Nanette" and "Topsy and Eva," both registering full capacity on the week. While this report is beinR written the theatre managers are in fiession with the musicians- matter In discussion. Both the Selwyn and the Harris attractions are the ones at present In chief aim of the sglu- tlon of the musicians' controversy. Before the end of the w«ek the sit- uation -will be cleared one way or the other, and if the matter Is ami- cably adjusted you'll see "Topsy and Eva" sticking here for many weeks mora at high figures, while "Nanette" can keep on going just as long as the Frazee offices want to hold it In Chicago. To have two record-breaking at- tr.ictions lined up side by side Is one of the greatest "breaks" any theatre owners ever received In Chicago. In case the musicians do go out on strike- there's a possibility of the Dunc4n Sisters so arranging their shorw that It will continue Just the same at the Selwyn. The managers are still mindful that the run of appropriate weather is making theatregoing inviting. When a dash of hot weather ap- pears Imminent alorg comes a thun- derstorm and returns the chilly zephyrs off Lake Michigan. The weather man is busy these days try- ing to find out" what other rftimraer was 9.S chilly as this summer. Since no figures are yet available It's a cerUlnty that what year it was the books containing the rtcts therein are full of cobwebs so long ago It was. Last Week's Estimates "Tarnish* (Playhouse, Ist week). Off to fine start: difficult to'get seats for any performance for maiden week after Tuesday. News- papw notices sort of stuff that indi- categ critics will keep referring to it while it is here. CMose to tlS.OOO, always high week for this liou.se. "Wages for Women" (Cort, 1st week). Jumped into encouraging groove t6r profitable trade for many week.«. Did little stronger than 110.600, with prospects of ifMiy rti'Atinee show, lot ot special ad- vertising bonrclH .-Uong boulevard*. characteristic of George Kingsbury, who ia handling the campaign. "Dixie to Broadway" (Oarrick, 1st week). Uidn't show "punch" that marked "Runnin' Wild's" ftrst week, yet reached $16,000, only disappoint- ment being Saturd«y night house. Probably will do higher when col- ored show competition becomes les- sened after Sept. 1. ^ "Runnin'WiM" (Woods. 2d week). Limited stay of three weeks evi- dently making patrons hurry to see it, for pace of first week kept up and again.approached (21,000 Given up negotiations to stay in town, so will pick up road tour L«bor Day. "No, No. Nanette" (Harris, ICth week). Again full capacity on week, making gross, around $23,000, best in town. Leads everything for de- mand. "Topsy sod Eva" (Selwyn, 34th week). Same old story—capacity at every performance. No Sunday night performance held gross to lit- tle over $Z3.«00. Win give four matinees this week, with Sunday night perfermanoe put back Aug. 31. Best box-oAlce window sales ever Men in Chicago theatre. "A Trial Honeytnoon" (Ia Salle, 8th and final \T«ek.* Made little money for ownerr on summer run. although gross ' probably didat average |10,S0« for whole stay. Should'pick up good money on one- nighters. "Early to Bed' opened Sunday. "Artists and Madels" (Apollo*, llth week>. Two weeks more to go. with summer pace hei:^ higher than pre- vious summer attractions at this house. Clung to |SO,»M gross, wHh oir-nlgbts made up by capacity of house on big nights In town. "On .the .Stairs". (Central, 12th week). Another one that goes out In two weeks, with Carl Barrett now having his house campaign in full grasp, despite brevity as owner. ArojMsd $4,000 flMre agaj«. ..r^*** ^*'** Rose" (Studebaker, Ikthweek). AstanUhinglr holds lead of non-musicals, beating ^'Tarnish" a little. Should^move into $14,000 class when return is made to reg- ular prices. Last weeks gross, »12.- "The Shame Woman* (Princes*) Opened Saturday to get away from three other openings this week. —— ' < AHEAD AND BACK Louis Cllne, In advance with "The Haunted House" for Lewis a Gordon. 1/son Friedman U off on his first vacaUon since Joining "Scandale." He sailed for Paris last week. Al Lee, who will double in brass in his absence, . toted the "Scandals" chorus to the pier to see him oft The girls swarmed in his stateroom swamped him' with kisses and smeared l<p rouge hn his checks. Leon was terrlNy embarrassed. '^'*" ^- S. Lines has announced the appointment of Leonard Mitchell as Its publicity director, with offices at 4S Broadway, New Yoflf City. Ann Grovesnor is handling all the presswork out of the New York hress offices of the Henry W. Sav- age company. She was formerly with the Cohan & Harris interest at the time they were together In the producing business. William- Mets Is to manage the new "Rose Marie** company that Arthur Hammerstein opens at the Imperial. New Tork, Sept. 2. John Hope will manage the Ar- thur Hammerstein show, "Wild- flower" (With Edith Day), which opens Sept. 18 in the Shubert. Phil- adelphia. This is the show that will have Joe Flynn in advance. Will Riley'has signed with First National to do some special explo- itation work on the road for both "The Sea Hawk" and "The Life of Abraham Lincoln. ft Nance O'NeiTs 'Hamlet San Francisco. Aug. 26. Nance O'Nell gave her sec- ond play in the Greek Theatre of Berkeley last week In "Ham- let," with herself in the title role. The performance attract- ed a large audience and the star surprised even fcer most ardent- admirers. Unusual stage effects were devised to lend verisimilitude to the prc^uction. Livingstone Piatt devised the scenic effects. -W. Lawson Butt Impressed as the King. He has a com- manding physique and. a reso- nant voice, and his size stood him in good stead against the Amasoaian figure of Miss O'Nell. Keith Wakeman did the Queen. Mrs. Milton SilU was Ophelia. William S. Rainey was Laertes, Irving Pichel was Horatle, Alfred Hickman was Polonius. and Richard Hotal- ing the Ghost. O^RIEN'S MINSTRELS Gergeous Scen'ically. with Neil Him- self in Performance RuUand, Vt.. Aug. 3<. Neil O'Brien's Minstrels opened the season at tl>e Playhouse here. The oom^Mtny is presenting a big, scenicaily gorgeous and richly cos- tumed show with a particularly handsome and highly vocallxed first part and an unusually strong olio. Neil O'Brien makes another of his popular "farewell appearances" in an original sketch. "Hot Dog." Billy Beard, monologtst, vocalist and end man, is gbtting over some new songs, while "Sugarfoot" Oatf- ney, the opposite premier, kas some fine slippery dancing and clowning and a hard working part in the somewhat antHiu)ited afterpiece. Billy Henderson and Walter Ar- nottl occupy end seats in .th« first part and help out in the fun-mak- ing, wltk James Beradi, John Rin- ton and Herman Williams as the ballad singers. The finale, a clever Irving Berlin operatic take-off, has Gene Pearson, "the male Oalll- Curcl," who later does a. rather good bit of male soprano and female Im- personation business. Tex Hendrix displays educated toes In a first-rate "Creole" make- up and some unusual gowns. The performance is closed with a particularly gorgeous transforma- tion tableau borrowed from the- Hippodrome and done to "Poor But- terfly" music. "TOP HOLE" LOOKS GOOD Piece Due at FuHon Reopens in Baltimore FILKQrnUSCO San Francisco, Aug. it. The ralrbanks film, "Thief of Ba«- dad," opened at the Columbia (le- git) this week. At the Curran Is DorU Keane la "Csarlna." Mo other leglt opes. t«gt week MUa Keane, fn tbe eaaie piece awl at the Curran. did US,*M- WBmKA'B MATIOWAL BAUET Waehloirtoa. Aug. M. Hmi. Tkibovska Is endeavoring to eetabllsh a nation-il American iMillet here. Baltimore, Aug. it. Last night at Ford's "The Top Hole," was reopened by James Car- roll with Ek-nest Glendinnlng fea- tured. It Is the light musical com- edy that was a pronounced hit in Philadelphia last spring, then with- drawn until this season. The show is due to open next Monday at the Fulton, New Tork. "The Top Hole" looks to have a fine chance for Broadway. Its story has a touch of heart Interest while the music U striking for tuneful- ness, with "Tou're In Love" sound- ing in line for a smash music ■el-' ler. Mr. Glendinnlng Is new to tbe reopened show. He gave such a good account ot himself his Is cred- ited as about the best performance this town has aeen him put orer. SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT L08 AHOELES BUSDESS Z/m Angeles, Aug. tt. Business here In the two houses presenting stock performances was decidedly good last week, all things considered. At the Majestic, where "The Nervous Wreck" is the at- traction, there was fS^fOO at the box office. "The Cat and the Ca- nary" at the Morosco drew $7,000. Beginning early next month at the Majestic a couple of new pieces are to be tried out for New Tork managers, Eklgar McGregor, wlio was here recently, will return for the purpose of revising one of hl.s piroducltons for Broadway later. Figures estimated and comment potnt to some attractions being successful, while the same gross accredited to others might suggest mediocrity or loss. The variance is explained in the difference in house capacities, with the varying overhead. Also the sice of cast, with oonsequont diYforence in necessary gross for profit. Variance in business neces«ar>- for musical attraction as against dramatiq play if also considered. 4 Abie's Irish Rose,* Republic (119th week). Last week the going was agafn distinctly favorable to thea- tres, cool weather prevailing. Businesa for the holdovers Jumped. As foi- "Abie." the gross was as good as during the height of last season; over $1S.OOO: amasing. "Best People,'* Lyceum (Id week). Reviews did not conform to Chi- cago rating, but management claims it has a bos-offlce attrac- tion and expects betterment. Opened Tuesday last week, with takings for seven performances $7,508. "Bye, Bye, Barbara," National (1st week). Only musical attraction of the week's new crop of produc- tions. Opened #{onAay, Jack Hax- xard featured. Critics Invited to special performance Sunday; luke- warnt comment. "Chariot's Revue," Selwyn ($4th week). Three weeks mere to go before going to road. Will be moved back to the Times S<|uare Monday for the final stretch. Busi- ness still .itrong enough for con tinuance through fall. La.st week nearly $18,000. "Cobra," Longac-e flSth week). Re- moval from Hudson appears to have not afTected drawing possi biUties. Got iU full share of the improved patronage that datfs from the turn in the weather. Last week around $10.00e. "Dancing Mothers," Booth (3d week) Appesrs to have a good chance to stick unlesfi smothered by the In-^ rush of atractlons timed for next week. Business laat week l>etter than first week; gross $11,000, con- sidered , excellent figure at this thne. ' "Expressing Willie,* 4tth St. (20th week). Jumped again, wtth the weather credited. Reported hav- ing beaten t7.00V, and now aimed for the |}oli<la>'8. which Is expecta- tion of continuance. "Fashion," Cort ($»th week). Final week. Business average, nboiit $3,300 weekly. Attraction orlgl nally opened In the Village, and moved uptown during summer "The Tantrum" succeeds next week "Fata Moroana.* Ctarrick (Mth week). Theatre G4|ttd has worked a run out of this drama, which ^ought to be a money maker on 'tour; About four Weeks more, new iM-odtiNnar season dated for OctO her: $!>.00A weekly of late. "Follies." New Amsterdam (10th week). Plan.s called for touring about November, but b«islne«.=i con- tinues BO strong that ZIogfeM may keep revue running through the winter. Ltiat week went to $41,000 "111 Say She le," Casino (15th week). Picked up excellently with the ^ turn in the weather, and last week . thf gross was approximately as good^ns the early weeks. Jumped around $3,000 over previous week, the total hoing $22,000. "Ippoeent Eyes." Winter Garden (15th week). Final week. Punch of «how oriorinaliy was Mistinguett and since Parisian name withdrew buainess has been In and out. Suc- ceeding attr.-tction next week la now "P.is.ilng Show" of 1924 "Eyes" estimated arotmd $14,000. 'Ixxy,* Broadhurst. Presentafinn postponed after tryout. May be brought in next week. House dark this week. "Beggar on Horse- back" could have remained. Its final week was well over $11,000. "Keep Kool," Clobe (15th week). Will be moved to the Ehwl Carroll next week, making the third house for attraction on Broadway. After dropping under atop limit several weekg btistnese Improved, and show may stick well Into new eeason. Last week nearly |1S,009. "Kid Boots," Earl Carroll (S5th week). Moves to the Selwyn next week, with, the expectation of con- tinuing There through the new season. "Boots" firmly planted, clicking off $30,000 right UirMiKh the summer hkrdty without excep- tion. "Marjorle," Shubert ($d wA). Got a good atart by enterin« In ad- ranee ot the season rush. Plgnres to stand up through fan. although It must move to 44th St. theatre about tbs middle oC Beptember. *%keeawloh VUlace VV>Ules'' takes house, "ICarJorle^ strong; |1«,(0«. ^No Other Oirl" ICorosoo (3d week). Somewhat better last week, the business being estimated a little under $11,000, which is moderate for a new musical comedy. "Plain Jane," Klflnge (18th week). Moved for the second time, being forced out through the booking-of "Be Tourseir Into Sam H. Harris. Latter sttraction, however, not duo in until next week. "Jane" held up rather well last week with bet- ter than $12,000. "Scandals," Apo lo (»lh week). Lead- ing the call in agenrles, with In- dications White's revue will Ust well through the new season. Weekly pare better than $3SaM right along, which is cat^aelty. La.<it week an additional $1,000 added to pace; many standees. "Strange Bedfellows." Henry Miller (Ilth week). Improved 100 per- cent over opening pace in last two weeks, when gross was quoted over $8,000. Figures to run into October. "Sweeney Todd," Ifrasee (7th week). Other attractions have attempted to secure houm, but old Bngilsh meller management holding on. Last week's business claimed around $3,600; best figure yet. "The Dream Girl," Ambassador (Sd week). Opened Wednesday night last week, with notices favorable but not exceptional. Business in- dicates a successful engagement, the gross at $3 top being between $13,000 and $14,000 in flv^perform- ances. "The Easy Mark," S»th St. (last week). Succeeded a play of si«n- ilar name ("Basy Street") which only lasted a week and a haH. Premiere Tuesday night. "The Miracle," Century (2d engage- ment; 2d week). Morris Oest's remarkable production got off to a strong start for Its resumed run. Reduced acale attracted patrons to box office with last week's tak- ings estimated at $H,OM. "The Shew-Off,* PUyhouse (SOth week). Jumped again, manage- ment now quite confident fall go- ing will see business attain same pace as last season. Takings went to better than $10,500. "The Swan," Empire (M engage- ment; 1st week). Resumed Mon- day, being the first attraction closed by the strike to reopen; Original run was at the C!ort. Present engagement Is for four weeks. "The Werewolf," 49th St. (1st week), A drama of foreign adapUthib. Opened in Chicago early In the summer and was reported favor- ably. Title was to have been changed to "Find the Woman." Hut original label retained. Opened Monday. "The Wonderful Visit," PriiUess (16th week). Liable to be With- drawn at any time. Business hardly more than enough to pay nominal salaries. Estimated un- der tt.ooo. "White Cargo,* Daly's e3d St. (43d week). In sight of a year's run. Takings between t6,0M and $'L00* iatc4y, an Indication CarralTs drama has not used up drawing power. Attractions Outside Tissis ><u's»e— "Grand Street Folf^' at the Neighborhood PlaiThouse; "All God's Chilfun Got Whigs." Green- wlch Village; "8i^»s»e." Triangle. SHOWS OPENING Joseph De MUt and George If.' Nicolal ore taking out a company of "Little Jessie James," openlj^f Cjabor Day in Scranton, Pa. "Apple Sauce," a new play, with Allan Dinehart and Claiborne Fos- ter featured, is getting ready. A second "Cobra" is going tp Chicago (L. Lawrence Weber), opening In October. Julia Sanderson will sUrt her new season about the middle of Septem- ber, starred by L. Lawrence Weber In "Moonlight." Emma Haig and Jack HcOowan are playing the leads la the road . company of "Sitting Pretty." 1 "Pigs" opens at the Uttle ^p- 3 tember 1. Fratik Craven is staging i the piece, which was written by Pat- i tersoa McNutt. golf expert of the ] "World." and Anne Morrison, i A number of late changes ' are ^ belnc made in the cast that will appear la the new sh> rr. "Dorlnda" that Joha BchoU et al. are produc- ing. This, show will' ha headed by Vlvlenae Segal and Robert Ames. Homer Barton will replace Grant ■CltcheU la 'rThe WhoU Town's Talkins" whea that attraction goes oa tour. The balance ot the cast as of last seasoa wilt be intact. Mitchell la In Roumaola and may remain Indefinitely. It la said he is Interssted with friends la pil-weU properties in that oouatrr* SXHEABSnro AT OASISOn Rehearsals for "The Purple Cow," a new production under the direo« tlon of the Muslc^.! Comedy Qulld, are being held In Carnegie Rail. with the first stage performance to be made 6ut of town about Sept. it. The show is being booked by Ja<;|f Welch. >!rf * ' ' " -* r^? rorbes Managing for Bt9tt-> '^^ Heary B. Forbes has beea. ap- pointed general manager for G'us- tav Bltaa, loc, which Is spo«aorti^$ My Soa." -^