Variety (April 1925)

WediiMday. April S, 19SS (■w*.i'i<^-.*.;;■" CIRCUSES VARIETY ILLNESS MARKS PERFORMERS AT GARDEN Many Off for Sickness or Injury—Whole Dis- plays Out Public Wants Animal AcU Any number of perrormers at Madison Square Garden with the Rlngling-Barnum and Bailey out- fit were on the ill and injured list late last week and the flrst of this weelc. Whole dleplaya were out of the program for days and some turns aire still laying oft. In the dressing rooms the {Prevailing query is: "How are you feeling?" with granted replies from those with sore arms and legf. Jesus Majares Injured his back in landing on his heels'Vhen com- pleting the back somersault from a slack wire which concludes his turn. The bumpy condition of the ring over which that particular feat is done caus^ the accident. The Majares act was still out of the show early this week. Con Col- leano was also hurt Friday, but resumed Monday. The display was out late last week however. Phil riding with the Wirth Fam- y suffered a sprained ankle and forced out for several days. That took the comedy riding dis- play out of the show, as t' e Wirths are riding the center ring. Phil resumed Monday under a handicap. Injury to his back during re- liearaals forced Charles Clarke to bed and the Clarkonians have not been in the flyers display since the circus opened. He Is reported In bad shape. Hilliary Long was out for two ^ days, after working with a fever ef 102 for a time. Mrs. Nelson of the Nelson trouoe wtfs also on the tick list, while four or Ave clowns are reported laid up for repairs. Lillian Leitzel'a wrist, which bears the brunt of the aerial thrown, Is said to be in bad condi- tion and she was advised to elim- inate that part of her routine until it Is healed. Miss Leltzel, however, Is continuing her full routine. Chicago, April 7. The "nnqoiring Haporter" sent out by the Chicago "Tri- bune" to ask five questions each day from persons selected at random, had as his query yes- terday the withdrawing of wild animal acts from the circus. The question was, "Are you In favor of the proposed aban- donment of the trained \v lid animal acts In the circus?" In every instance the answer was that the elimination of the wild animal acts would re- move half of the interest In the show. The answers brought out that the wild animals v.-ere about the first thing that one thinks about when circus time comes round. CRCHS BflJJNG BATTLE ON IN YODNGSroWN Ringling-B. B. Following Sells- Floto Into Town by On« Day BARNES CIRCUS (MING INTO CANADA AGAIN v. ^ E Canadian Dates Profitable Last Season Prompted Repeats This Season Youngstown, O., April. 7. This town waa the scene thin week of one ot the hottest oppo- sition circus advance brlgMto fights witnessed here In recent years. SeUs-FIoto has contracted the stand for May 2C and the following day the Rlngllng Broth«rs and Bar- num and Bailey Circus is also scheduled to play here. Advance brigades of both :hows have been successful in land* ig some excellent stands and covering of paper has been resorted to in the rural districts. The Rlngllng show la playing this city fully a month earlier than in previous years. Sells-Floto staye<I away from this section en- tirely 1st season. Both shows are booked to exhibit at Wright Field, the only available downtown site. / I BUFFALO BILL'S BIRTH Priest's Papers Reveal Famous Plainsman Was Born in Maine The Al G. Barnes circus, accord- ing to present reports will maVe several entries into Canada this season. Present indications, and the Itinerary so far laid down on the railroads make It appear that the show will tour the border, en- tering the provinces for a few stands and then coming out Into the states again be repeated Canada. The eastern part of the United SUtes will not be vlalted by the Barnes show this year. It was tried last season, and proved a l>ad bet. The Barnes show has always won money in the West and Canada. It Is planned to keep the show in this territory this season. MacDONALD CIRCUS OPENS THE LURE OF M LOT By NELLIE SEYELL // uou ucre never vAfh tlxe circus. Then you cannot understand M'hat it means to on old fro«|»er To get lonesome for the band. First Show at Dayton—"Pat-Dan" Recinback Brookes Leg This process will twice In northern FAIR MAY BLOW UP Having Difficlty in Raising $25,000 for Rock Island Event Machias, Me.. April 7. That William P. Cody (Buffalo Bill) was born In Maine is Indicated by papers which have been revealed since the death of Rev. Cornelius O'Sulllvan, once a pastor here. It haa been the common belie/ that Buffalo Bill waa a native of Scott County, la., but Investigations relative to his birthplace made by Vather O'Sulllvan tend to establish he was born in an eld farmhouse in the town of Columbia, 12 miles from here. Buffalo Bill was born in 1845, the son of James and Bridget Foran- Cody, The father, according to the late priest's papers, moved from Co- lumbia to Iowa a few years after the death of his wife and from Ohio to Iowa. SELLS-FLOTO SATUBOAT Chicago, April 7. The big. event in outdoor circles will be the opening of the Sells- Floto circus at the Coliseum this coming Saturday, April 11, at the Coliseum. The features this year are a pro- gram of real wild animal acts and the opening spectacle, "The Bride and the Beast." Joslin, 111., April 7. Unless a more ready response to the solicitations of ^ the committee endeavoring to raise |25,000 for the support of the Rock Island County Fair is shown, the Joslin exposition will probably have to be abandoned this year, according to a statemMt issued by W. B. Whiteside, chair- man of the fair fund committee. Unless the $25,000 can be raised by April 15 the association will be unable to take advantage of an offer made by banks holding its notes to discount f3,000 of its indebtednes* Dayton. O.; April 7. Opening performances of the John W. MacDonald circus were given here last week at an indoor show under the auspices of the Fraternal Order of Gagles. George W. Westerman «ls agent and claims to be half owner with John W. McDonald in the circus which, he says, is a part of the old Wet^erman Brothers—Johii B. Normand circus. According to Westerman the show will play half the season under aus- pices and the balance wlU be one day stands. It opened Monday un- der canvas in Columbus, O.,. and will play the week out there. New EIngland and some Canadian terri- tory will also be visited. The first performances were roughly given and just l>efore the first performance Monday night "Pat-Dan" Rosinl>ack, of the Hollis Duo, slipped on a runway and broke a leg. Among the acts featured with the show are Royal's Military ponies; Mile. Oladys and Mile. Yvonne; Hurry La Fond; Hollis Duo; Dan Eckhart and Harry Fondaw; Joseph Cramor; Simms Duo; Capt. Drakos' Leaping Hounds; Rhoda Jloyal Elephants, and Slivers Johnson'e Clown band. An eight-piece band furnishes music for the show. BUYS UPSTATE PARK BoirelFs Circus $16,000 Behind in Cuban Tour For the first time in years the Cirque Canarls, operated by Signer Borrell in Cuba, has come out of its annual pilgrimage in that sec- tion al>out $16,000 loser, according to reports coming from Borrell's present whereabouts. Borrell's clrcuslng in done under canvas, starts about November 15 and plays from one to three days each stand. The cause of Borrell's "tough break" is said to be due to what Is termed In the States as "an off- sugar year." Boysen's Bay Co. Dissolvea—New Firm Formed Syracuse, N. T., April 7. Dissension among stock holders in Boysen's Bay amusement park on Oneida Lake culminated in the sale of the property at public ac- tion, marking the final step in the dissolution of the Boysen's Bay Amusement Company. The resort was purchased by George Luke, a one-sixth owner, representing several other men. A new company will ~ be organized, Luke said, and the park opened In May under new management. NO LOT IH FBISCO San Francisco, April 7. It looks like no circus for San Francisco this year. Ben Austi/i, general agent of the Al. O. Barnes show, is experiencing great diflil- culty in locating a lot for his show. The old circus lot. Market and 12th streets, has been cut into by new huildlng operations. San Antonio's "Fiesta Week" "Fiesta Week" will be celebrated in San Antonio. April 20-26. Governor "Ma" Ferguson will be the principal card this year and will head the big parade, April 24. "101 RancV Route Set / Chicago, April 7. The 101 Ranch show runs from Fort Scott, Kan., on April 25 to Kansas City for Its two-day en- gagement April 27-28. From K. C. the show goes either to Sedilla or St. Joe for April 29, with the pref- erence going to Sedilla. On May 1 and 2 the «how will be seen at St. Loul.«(, where it was originally to have opened, but wa.s switched when that town deter- mined on a "Frontior Day" reli'- bration, in which the 101 K.-inch organization is to play a big part. La Wanda Goes With Hodginis London, M.nrch 28. Cecil La Wand^, for many years connected with the American Circus Corporation, will this se&.son be with the Joe HodRini troupe of rid- ers. The HoOfilni troupe will piny fairs and parks. Kansas Bank Financing Patterson-G^try Circus Chicago, April 7. The Patterson - Gentry circus is reported as opening at Paola. Kan. (the show's winter quarters) April 11. For a while there was doubt whether the show would take to the road again, because of the money it lost last season. The Paola Bank, however, has again come to the rescue. It kept the Patterson-Gentry show on the road last season until early fall. This year an earnest attempt i< being made by the bank to recoup some of the 1924 losses. A banlc ofTlclal will travel with the show. McDonald Circus in Ohio The John W. McDonald Cirrus Is playing this week at Nell I'ark, Columbus, O. It ia booked through that section Indeflnltely. Gentry-Patterson Coming East Paola, Kans.KAprll 7. It Is understood the Gentry- Patterson circus will head directly East after the opening. For seven years that have seemed 70 I have been lonesome for the circus bnnd and all that goes with it. All that life of the lot had been snatched away from me suddenly and, it seomed, eternally. But I have it ail back now. Jack Pulaski told my story well when he opened his review of the P.ingling-Barnum- Bailey circus with this paragraph: "Nellie Revell. seeing the cir- cus for the first time Jn n\any years, walked slowly into Madi- son Square Garden Saturday night. 'Let me put my foot again on the sawdust,' said the famous member of the one-time noted Kevell Family. With John and Charlie Hingling attending, she stepped upon the track. Thrilled, Miss Hevell took her place in a box next to the Kinglings, and the 1925 season waa on." 1 used to wonder in those days, when the elephants and the calliope were brought to tlie hospital for my entertainment, if some day I would actually be back at Madison Slquare Garden once again. The circus is the Peter Pan of the amusement world. It never grows old or sophisticated and blase, and those who love It cannot help stay- ing young, tool It Is for children, be they three years old or 100; and every spring it renews the memories of childhood days In every grown-up who beholds it. If it can mean so much to the layman whose acquaint- ance with the big top was encom- passed by one afternoon a year, it ia not hard to imag.ine what this re- turn to the world of the enchanted rings spoiled for me, whose whole childhood was bound up with "the lot." Born a Circus Child From the time 1 was nothing until I was in my early teens I was a cir- cus child, and I am firmly convinced that no youngster was ever more forfun.Tte in choosing surroundings in which to grow up. True. I had no Mother Goose, no ^ans Christian Andersf n, no Noah'*> Ark., but the fabled beings out of these I did have in a magic combination of fairy-tale and reality. My Little Red Riding Hood was some precocious equestrienne leap- ing through hoops of fire to the t>ack of a beautiful snow-white horse. The giant of Jack and the Beanstalk I found in the freak show. The wood- en animals of the nursery«ork were Diiraculously changed into real, live lions and tigers, elephants, camels, rhinoK, zebras and leopards and all the rest of the Marvelous Menagerie Gatherfd at Unt(Jld Expense from the Ends of the World, sir! In place of toy carts I l\^d the gorgeous red-and-goU wagons and flaming chariots of the parade, while for toy piano I had the magnificent calliope tootling my favorite tunes at my request. Instead of stuffed clown dolls I had -flesh-and-blood ones to amuse with their grimaces and contortions, and even a little clown garb of my own, did I care to ride in the parade. As governess I had Dame Nature, the all-healing and all-soothing. Ca>ivasmen were my nurses, rough and crude, perhaps, but none more kindly. My nurfiery was the world, God its decorator. And He gave me of His choicest furnishing for it— the sky for a celling and for a car- pet the green grass. And for a good- night lullaby, what sweeter to little ears than the rhythmic clink-clank of the car wheels on the smooth, ehlnging rails as the circus moved on to new scenes and adventures. f Back Horns Agsin It is not hard to imaglns how I felt, with such a background and such memories, when once more I felt the samlust under my feet after seven years of exile from all these things I hold so dear. I went as the gut-st of the Kinglings. and as I walked in the door and heard Frank Wirth call out, "Welcome homel" and saw Lou Graham and Ned Nor- wood and received the greetings of everyone from owners to pony boys. I knew I had come back home again. It was Just like touching once more the "ould sod." But I had an uneasy feeling, too, that P. T. Barnum might be turning over In his grave at the sight of a member of the Hevell Family (which he had Imported from France) as a gUPKt of the Rlngllngs. It Is not so long since the Barnum show and the Kinglings were the deadliest of rlval!», thouKh I am told that now the feud between the adherents of each is diminishing and that it is not at all impossllile that one should see some good In the other. Neverlheles.s, when no staonch a Barnum ally as myself cannot help saying, out loud before everyone, "What Hhowmon these Ringlings are!" it 'a* no moan compliment. -In tho l)ox with me were some "lilf;h-))if>w" friends of mine, but the verifst children could not have bpen mor<' enraptured than they with this World of Make-Relieve. And when .May Wirth and Lillian Leitzel came over to the Ikjx to visit me no one could have been more thrilled to meet them than U. S. Senator King of Utah and Burton Hendricks, the compiler of "The Life and Letters o( Walter Hines Page." And how sur- prised they seemed to discover so much charm, wit and culture in our circus girls! The Senator was particular enrap- tured with the clowns, which was only a natural reaction for him after seeing nothing but the amateur clowning of some fello.w Senators all winter. And I have a suspicion that if all those "lofty dome" guests of nUne had followed their inclinations that evening they would have "Joined out' with the troupe for the season. It was like seeing members of a long-lost family to glimpse on<:e more the balloon boys and the pea- nut venders and the soda-pop lads, and I almost felt like kissing each one us he passed. Every one ot them looked .so happy, too. and no wonder! The opening of the season is Just like Christmas morning to all those whose destinies are bound up with "the lot." But I missed the fried chicken stands wit.b their "Heah, too," and how I would have loved to get a meal in the oookhouse. It seemed as though tliat wonderful crowd was going to waste without any of the lucky boys around to make It seem more like circus day to them. They may havs been around but they weren't lucky enough to be working. Somebody should have had a "mitt-Joint" in there and worked that "Comeout" Old Friends Most of the families and perform- ers that I knew in the old days are not with the show now. and tor that reason it was an especial thrill to see the Nelson Family, whom I have known and admired for so many yeafs. What a pleasure it waa to watch May Wirth performJ There Is every reason why she sh^Id be billed as the premiere equestrienne, for. un- like many riders, she makes her most difficult feats appear as easy and simple as they are actually hard and dangerous. It was not for noth- ing that I chose her as the inspira- tion for my pet brain-child, "Spangles." whose story I hope some day to divulge to the public. Who would ever vuess that the splendid white borss, "Snowball," which she rides, was ever anything but a "trouper"? Yet he started his life between the shafts of com- merce and when Miss Wirth found him he was drawing a hearse along a country road. She. rescued him and made him one of the finest ot ring borss. *'lbeeV Splendid Review A five-ring circus. If only Bar- nun^ could have lived to see it! The night has a thousand eyes, says the poet, but Jack Pulaski Utce) must have had more to be able to watch and review every act In every ring. I don't know how he did it, but he did, and wrote the best review of a circus performance I have ever read. The backsliding of my "pep" prs- Tented mc from getting to the men- agerie, but I found out one thing about th* animals. No one need ever be afraid of seeing elephants when he has the d.t's.. because the Rlngllngs have every bull In the world. '' Before long the "rasorbacks" will "take it down." and the troupe Will haul to other "stands." But the effect of the beautiful aerlalists and nimble riders and amazing acrobats will be felt for weeks in every gym- nasium In the city. While the wire acts were on I heard a woman In the box behind me comment: "They're all dumb acts, aren't they?" "Yes." retorted her escort, "dumb but beautiful." ' ORCUS ROUTES Attsrbury Brss. May • (opening) Dakota City, Neb. W. K Morgan thows Anril 20-tl. Clinton. Tenn.: ttt Coalcreek; 2S, Jackrboro; 24, Jsllca Robbins Brss. '^ April 25 (opening) Perry. Ia. Sparks Bros. Anrll 9 (opening) Macon. Ga.; 11. Gastonla, ^. C; 12. Lynchburg, Vn. Sails Sterling Week of May 4 (opening) ShS-^; boygun. Wis. ■ ; Miller Bros. 107-Rsnch i •' April 22, Oklahoma City. Oklt.t 28. Tulsa; 24, Joplln. Mo.; 25, Fort Scott, Kan. May 4. TriTP Haute. Ind : May 5, Indianapolis: May «, Dayton. O.; May 7. C"luml.UH, O ; May 18, Al- h.nnv. N. Y : July 14, PoucrUftepsle; July J5. Srhenectady; July 17. ini<"»; July 18, Ogden-Mhurg: July 20. Wa- tertnwn: July 21, Syracuse; July 22, Auburn. / Sella Floto June 8, Ann Arbor. Ml'-h.