Variety (November 1924)

■&£ CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON V f\ D. F I O N 8 St. Martin's PUc«. Trafalgar Squar* *^ VT *V !:• I VI 1^ VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE ' . ^% ] 2096-3199 Recent Wcdnewlay, Nov«inb«f St, IMM '| $7,01)0 GROSS BUDAPESrS ZENITH; iOWER ADMISSIONS MARK SEASON ■.V' < plott Theatre* Playing to Half Capacity—^1.20 a ^ .High Scale—Salaries Ourecpondiiigly Low— Molnar and Vajda's New Plays Budapest, Nor. II. Budapest theatrical season ■i^bMM becun at last. Most theatres, after playlngr before half and ihree- ^uorter empty bouses, have reduced ,th«ir entrance fees and are eater*- ^nlng 50 per cent, of their ca- pacities. in order to appreciate how much '"ilthia circumstance means it suffices to My that in the course of the nontha' of September and October not even the premieres could at- tract full houses, while a half house on week-days was consid- ered flourishing business. There is I BtiU only one which runs before fttU bouses every nictt and this is tlM "King's," where Emtry Kal- BMn'B "Countess Martca" ia being pedcformed. This theatre takes In $7,000 a week while the others, at the moat, reach but half of that Slim. { It Is. characteristic for the cheap- 1 seas of seats that the manager of l^e Town theatre advertises that ^e dearest seat in his house is fl.20,.and for 10 cents one can get k-seat in the pit. It is natural that trlth such prices the salary of the aetors can't surpass $300 a week, and this only allotted to exception- ally popular stars. MYSTERIOUS FUi CASTS 'BUBBLES' MM A. V. Bramble Denies Knowing Henry Berg, Who Tries to Raise Money The greatest sensation of the ^ejpitrical season will undoubtedly M Mblnar's new play which will tw run from the middle of Novem- ber. In his n«w play, the tiUe of IwMpta means the symbol of Cin- |tf«fUIa like Innocence, a well-off -^owiler of a boarding house fights with a little parlor maid for lotye; Kot a single play by llolnar had a sincere lyric tone as this Shoe." Molnar has Im- Inortalized an episode of his~ very tive and variegated private life which the comic and depicted aracters symbolise the.victory of great and romantic loye. Xirnest Vajda, the other champion Hungarian playwrights, also :s on a new comedy, the open- 'Jng of which will take place in the next year, presumably at tha ttenalssance theatre. The title of tke play la the "High C," and the .ahief character is copied aftel^ l-Caruso, the singer of world-fame. i It to notewoAhy that Bernard Ib&w's "Saint Joan" proved a fail- are here in spite of excellent stag- ing and acting. EMBtZZT.EinarT chaboe Ijondon, Nov. 17. Alfred Nightingale, manager of ttao Grand. Brighton, owned by An- •aaSg^elyille. younger brother of rred and Walter Melville, of the Lyceum, was arrested on a charge Df embezsllng three sums of $5 each. The actual amount missing Is itated by the presenting lawyer to in into himdreds of dollars. Nightingale was allowed bail. He for some years, assisUnt man- or of the Lyceum. * Niehelson Migrating Paris. Nov. 26. ~ Howard Nichols<>n, professional Iter, who has been appearing at lie Palais de Qlace, closed Nov. 21. le w?n appear in Antwerp, Bel- Klum, after which he goes to Swit- Eorland for the winter season at St. ruorltx. ILIIAM MORRIS 4onfCT me. »*m^ KM brM4inv, Hew *aril Laekawaana («••] London, Nov. 17. Henry Berg, one time employe of the European Company, is walking Liondon trying io secure finances for a picture which it is alleged "Cos- mopolitan" are about to make here. He has offices in the West Bnd, carrying on the door-plate "Cosmo- politan Productions." "Cosmopoli- tan," of New Tork, d«ni«d knowl- edge of blm. V f r' The pirture be la supposed to be making here Is the one founded on the life of Mrs. John Russell, the heroine of the "Russell Baby Case," a causo oelebre which, having been tried and retried in the divorce court here, was eventually settle^ in her favor by the House, of Lords. The producer of the picture, A. V. Bramble, denies all knowledge of Berg, and is very reticent as to the picture and its cast, although it is probably "Bubbles" Wilson will ];>ro- vide Mrs. Russell's chief support. Bramble recently produced "Arma- geddon" and "Z^brugge." The formation of the company ex- ploljting Mrs. Russell is peculiar. It Is said S Willlani Orpen and Sir Philip Gibbs are the actual leading figures behind the picture, but no oonfirmation of this is available.' The business seems to bk in' the hands of a wonaan studio assistant who, until recently, was Ih the office of Sydney Jay, the agent, who took 6n the engaging of people after John Payne of "Bramlins" had turned the Jdb down. A small-part, but wealthy film played. Is also said to have much to do wHh it, this story arising out of the fact she has lieen seen sign- ing cheques and driving other peo- ple connected with the picture about In her limousine. London. Nov. 26. Imogene Wilson is leaving for Vienna next week, to star in pic- tures under the Efa banner. FLATESS' SESTIHATIGHS Pferis, Nov. 18. M. Fresnay will leave for Eng- land early in December to present a aeries of French plays in his own language. His company will in- clude M. Lo Bargy. Mmes. Bva Raynal and Colonna Romanne, of the Comedie Francalse. Rene Debrenne and BSdouard Cassln have left with a troupe for the Theatre Royal, Cairo, Egypt, comprising Andre Brunot, Mauloy, Jacques Tarrlde, H. Prelier, Char- lyi. Joachim, Mmes. Gabrielle Dor- slat, Bretty, Solange, Leonie Rich- ard R Picco, Sylva, Fevrler, Del- met, Temier. 8GALA, UJLAS, BEOFEHS Milan. Nov. IS. The famous Italian opera house here, known as the Bcala, com- menced its season Nov. 15 with SO musical works listed during the next three months.. r»»* «««>« M l» •»«■« "EAS8AF' FOB AUBTBAUA London, Nov. 17. "Hassan" is to be produced in Australia by Maurice Moscovitth and company, who have returned from their second South African tour. ^♦♦♦♦ ♦ ♦♦■♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ^ - . ,. Thert^a Wetcomm on the Mat at tHE PICCADILLY i FOR THgAtRICSAL rOLf< CABLE FOR A ROOM ^ Cable AddrMs: PI<^DlLLO, LONDON ►»»♦♦»♦ » ♦<»»♦♦♦♦♦»»♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦»»♦♦ Frank Van Hovon has played the Orpheum. St. Louis, five times in a little over two . years, besides the Rialto thrice and Jois Erber's, East St Loui«, once, where he and Frank Tinney gavo a double act, one matinee, while Tinney was star of -Tickle Me." Mr. Van Hoven, on late, follow- ing Elsie Janis, made 'em howl. The St. Louis papers say he is a wonder. Mr. Van Hpven never goes on the stage that he does not pull a new one. Frank Van Hoven is known the world over as a funny man. MR. FRANK VAN HOVEN U.8.A^E0W. S. KELLER London and Paris, LEON ZEITLON P. S.—Mr. Frank Van Hoven says that h^ Mr, Frank Van Bovei), Is sorry he hates FruiK "Tan Hoven. HOTECABARIT AT COLISEUM StoU Includes Metropole's Floor Show in Va- ^^ riety House London, Nov. 17. AH Sli- Osw&ld Stoll's feats of showmanship. Including the Indoor rodeo and tennto matches, are ecUpied by his )atest novelty at the Collaeam. , ' By including the entire produc- tion of the Hotel Metropole's Mid- night Follies Cabaret In h1« va- riety program 'be has chaUenged the London County Council's licens- ing laws. It should be understood the Coliseum is not allowed to sell alcoholic refreshment, the audience strSumIng out in tha interval to the nearest public house, while the Hotel Metropole takes full advan- tage of the special permits'to serve drinks to the cabaret audience and keep open until two o'clock In the morning. -Last week the temporarily tee- total occupants of th» Coliseum's balcony seats could, for ninepence, plus twopence tax, see as part of their entertainment the full pro- gram supplied to midnight revel- lers at a cost of about S6 without tax. Obviously, the moral to be drawn Is that a drink license Is an unfair advantage. To make this conclusion still plainer a pamphlet has been Issued which demonstrates, both In text and illustrations, that the charac- ter of cabarets Is the same as that of mualc-hall performances. Henry Arthur Jones supplies a preface which atUcks the L. C. C.'s "bit- ter spirit of Puritan restrietioa." Archibald Haddon, the author, stigmatizes the Council's ruling as "Deliberate class legislation." But the^'most startling discovery is made by tha audience without guidance from manager or pamph- lateor. The cabaret show, which delights those who sip champagne at aup- per. Is revealed In the sober aft- ernoon performances at the Coli- seum as dull and utterly uninspired. Apart from a dance by Carl Hyson and Peggy Harris the Midnight Fol- lies, both performers and band, have proved themselves to be merely in- ferior variety artists, who owe their popularity to the fact that they play to audiences whose hearts are made merry with wins, wl^ereas the other performers of the music- halls have to rouse their audiences from the stupor of sobriety. —..J' AMEBICAHS IH EUBOFE Paris, Nov. IS. In Paris last week: A. H. Woods, Jack Haskel), R. A. Rowland, First Nat.; Samuel Kats, 8. R. Kent. Fa- mous Players. R, Fraxer and F. ^achmd, Harold Ut>y4 <Corp, *i ;; * It. r f .; T1 1 ■. i:i J FRENCH SOMR FU PRBHERE^ AT -OKRA Experiment a SucoeM—^ Miracles des Loups** Franoe't ' Most Expensive Picture , f Parls;Vov.'i«. Tha gala premiere of tho French historical film, "L* Mirado des Loups." by Dupuy-Mazuel. given at the Opera, Nov. IS. was a big social event, the President of the Republlo heading the list of visitors. The experiment of showing pic- tures in the Opera proved a trium- phant success. The film itself, laid during the reign of Louis XI, de- picts the struggle between that crafty monarch and Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and is a super- effdrt which will attract. The pic- ture was produced by an influential group headed by M. Jean J. Frappa and is the most expensive film yet. conform with the first plans. made in France. Raymond Bernard is the producer knd special music haavb^cn written by Henri Raband. PAINTY BUT USHT WOODS WAIVES 1 CAPfTOLOPnON A^nerkan Manager i^^ ^^.^fu^es N«v London .-> - .■> Theatre ' ' ■ ,. -'-M tJondon. Nov. S6. A. H. Woods refnaod to leaaa tb* new Capitol thdatre, the American manager relinquishing his option on the house because it i« not ac- cording to plans (A-iginaily out-- lined to him. Woods expected to •atabllab tha Capitol as a picture bouse designed along the lines of Broadway's film palaces. Sir Alfred Butt has loCered (• buUd another house for Woods to New .-r-b' Operetta on Paris ■f ' Trianon, - i Parts, Nov. U. Louis Masson preaeated at the Trianon a three-act mtwloal com- edy, "La Chanson de Paris." book by Raoui Charb'onnel, music by Francis Casadesus. It pleftaed the local critic*. A ricli farmer offers shelter to his niece. Rosette, left an orphan in destitute circumstances. Jean, the farmer's son, falls in love with his cousin and insists on marrying her, despite father's opposltidh. After the wedding the girl tires of country life and pines for the city. When seeing a peddler selling picture-post-cards of Paris, Rosette cannot resist the tempUtion of re- turning to the capital. This is mainly caused by her husband striking her in a fit of Jealousy. Jean ultimately falls ill, his health andermined by the separation from the wom^ he adores, and the wife returns to nurse her husband, lead- ing to' a reconciliation. On this slender plot Casadesus has written a score, particularly Latin In character, Paillard le convincing as Jean. Mile. Fh nelU Impersonates Rosette. FVed Barnes* Anneal in London Traffic Court London, Not. 17. If his appeal fails, Fred Barnes, the-music-hall light comedian, will retire from the stage for a month's rest in one of His Majesty's prisons. This is the result of a motor acci- dent In Hyde Park when Barnes ran Into and injured a motor cyclist. There were various other charges against him, but the magistrate was not satisfied as to his refusal to stop after the accident, and this charge was washed out. Another charge of doing bodily harm was withdrawn at a previous hearing of the case. On the counts in the Indictment by which he was convicted, Barnes was given a month's imprisonment in the second division, with $35 costs, for being drunk while In' charge of a motor oar; t7S and S26 costs, or SI days, for dangerous drlv- Ing; 115. or 21 days, for driving without a licence, and his license was suspended for 12 months. The defense pleaded he was not drunk, but a victim of neurasthenia, and notice of appeal was given. ALBEE HOMEWABD BOUm) London, Nov. 25. Reed Albee is homeward bound, having sailed from th.s side Satur- day on the Mauretania.' MANA6EB OH WOBUD TOUB London, Nov. 36. David Bliss, vaudeville manager and agent, has started on a tour of the world. Ae sailed from this country on the Belgenland Nov. 30 Walter Gibbons, owner of the Capitol, is understood to have so- cured the Claverlng Brother* lessees. The Claverings are film distributor* and exhibitors. - One brother confirmed tho report, while the ether denied the 4«a] takinr over the house had be«n madOk However, Woods Is entirely oat Money placed on depoeit by him to guarantee the lease was refunded. The Capitol may be compelled to limit its musical programs for i^a I pletnre. jKhiblUoDa^ tha: liOndon* f Coun^ ^ ]C:ouficU Mvlsing^ pjbboM) ,' that o^Ag to thellmitod number 6f > .dressing rooms, not more than eight nmsiciana would ba p«r- mltted. ;, ] Woods eoasldered thrie altos tot his proposed cinema before sail- ing for New York on the Majeetio last week. He had virtually ar- ranged for tt)p building of a S.B09- seat house, which is to Include a dance hall. The approximate rental will be from $175,000 to $300,000 annually. The house will require a year for building. It Is proposed to present a calmret in the dance hall, which Is to have a capacity of 1,500. Prior to sailing Woo-.'.s recruited ' a cast for "The Peli-an," which he will produce In New Yoyk abo^t " New Teal's. ' ; -.' ''■•'■-•, '■-•. :.V^ DEATHS ABROAD .'".iS* Paris, Nov. 18. ■ Mme. Max Morana, professionally known as Miss Annie, died at Mar- seilles of typhoid fever. She w*a born in Sngland. Cipriano Luqu* da Soria, M* Spanish painter and oarlcaturlat, died in Paris. Mme. Elie de Bassan, wife of til* French playwright. Serge Michaelovitch L!apounoV( Russian composer, died in Pari* Nov. 11, aged 55 years. " ^' Emilo Blavot, SO, French Jotxr- nalist. M. Sorpiori, French oamposer. "' IJ SAimos ." Dec. • (New Tork to I^ondoaTT* Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fox; Mr. and Mrs. George A. Walsh' (Olympic) (reported through Paul Tausig A Son, New Tork). Nov. 28 (New Tork to Xjondonj' Amelia Allen (Berengaria). Nov. 26 (London to New Tork)t George Gilbert (Olympic). Nov. 39 (London to New Tork> Rosalie Stewart and "Show OttT company (Carmania). Ne«r. S3 (London ta Now Tork) Re«« Albee, Peggy fTlt/rth (Mamro-' 10?. 39 (New Toik to LondoAH Vivian Moses (Majeatlc). <» Nor. It (London to New T«rk)i Al Woods (MajMtlc). ARRIVALS Not. 85 (from London), muH Leginska, pianist; A.\ H. Wooda^ Rosalie Stewart, Cecil Hepw^tb. Nov. 32 (from London), Ooorgo ArlisB, Fanny Ward, Stafford Dick- ens (English actor) (Berengaria). Nov. 22 (from London) Faasl* Ward and Ursula Greville. iBwgtIth singer. -^ Nov. 31 (from London), Klvtra Vm Hidalgo, Spanish soprano. Nov. 20 (from London), lUkh: Mordkin and Company (8), to pear In "O. V. Follies." New Tot^ ^•: TKLKPHOIOI KHDICOTT MM THE TILLER DANG1N43 SCMOOMyS JOHN TILLBR Pmlavnt MART RBAII »mr*tMiw ^A i£JM ^ OF AMERICA, IimL< TEMPORARY ADDRESS 225 We«t 69th S^^ .., NEW YORK. IfXTfiAK BUltKAN HART RBAD BBItiB..'rODO .M