Variety (August 1925)

WeQnesday. Augosf V, ItSS vaudeville: reviews VARIETY IS PALACE : Tb* Pialaoa blU, coMderabljr fewttobed around after the matinee. |>lar^ vnBX at nlgbt and resulted in M excellent variety layout The ywltchea added speed to the Mil and moved Ruth Budd from third to aeventh. "Pictorial FUushes" trom Bloslns the tlrwl part to third, Mabel BfcKlnley (New Acts) from opening after Intermlenlon to fout'th and Toto from second after Intermission up to Wosinc the first half. O-he blU played lata, getting out Jrell after 11 o'clock. The revised ne-up turned up two show-stopplni; hits In Puck and White. No. I, and Clark and McCullough, next to clos- ing. The latter pair opened In "one" urith their familiar crossfire. Clark goaled them as usual with his face- tious deliver]^ and manipulation of the cane and cigar. The act went to full stage following, where "The Bath Between." one of their former ifoslc Box scenes, was a comedy yell from start to finish. Clark worked In the one about the giiy in the closet waiting tor a taxloab, and it Panicked the sUgs. Puck and White did likewise to the first halt of the bill. Sammy KVhlte's dancing and comedy never went better. Miss Puck has devel- oped into quite a comedienne. The k>air danced and talked their way to m. speech, which was on the up and Rip and not "pressed." They followed )ifabel MoKinley and gave the show a comedy imp«»tus, which it needed In titat spot Toto closed the first half to his Usual returns. The European clown lias the best act of his career in his current offering, which saw service last season. The turn hasn't a slow tnoment from his entrance in the diminutive taxi to his ground tum- |>Ung and contortion bit as the Toy Coldlar. The mechanical props are litillzed for solid laughs, and his bur- lesdus Apache Is a classic. The first half held six acts and Iflenty of variety. Stan Kavanagh. &a unusually clever Juggler with a consistent line of chatter anent ex- C»eoted applause, etc. scored physi- cally but not so well orally. As a Juggler Kavanagh is a big leaguer, lis manipulation of the Indian Clubs, balls and hats is clever and l>etter than the Just good. In the deuce spot Williams and flTaylor. two colored hoofers, picked Up the tempo and danced their way to healthy bows. The act includes a bit of crossfire, with the comic work- ing under deep black cork. The ilancing Is high class and includes a tiovel and sure buck-and-wlng rou- tine, eccentric and acrobatic danc- ing. Both are dancers par axcellenoe and, as is usual with the colored iOancing acts, sell it for all it is Worth. "Plotorial Plashes," a pretentious t«vue by Wm. K. Wells, produced by Irving Tates, featuring Rose and Ar- |thur,Boyland, dancers; Saranoff in k Balleff announcement bit: Bid Hefron. a male singer, and the 2feryla Bisters, accepted a tough Assignment No. S. and made the fenule nicely. The act is sumptu- burty produced, has 8x>eed, and bhowa Saranoff in a new departure. ihat of a comedy announcer using lebrew dialect. Ruth Budd opened after intermls- bion. doing her singing, dancing and bnusical first part before going to the flying rings and the rope, where she feets real returns. The last half of khe act, the aerial portion, remains Ithe strength of the turn. Clark and McCullough. next, got bn late, but didn't lose a customer, and Valdez and Perez, closing, held them well with hand-to-hand bal- tinclng featuring a double somersault from a springboard to a chair ap- i>aratus atop the head of the under- fltander. The trick, while not new here, made a flashy closer. Business was healthy in all por- tions of the house despite the hu- midity. Oou. BROADWAY . A comedy show was aimed for. To that purpose there were two pomedy films, 'Johnny Hlnes la fH3rackerJack,'.' which has been out (or some time^ and Harry I<angdon In a short picture. "Remember • when." Twt> male teams and two feature turns, one a dance fiash, were included In the vaudeville sec- . tlon. Bat pn the whole the per- Jormanoe was rather dull going Monday evening. An overtime act In the middle of the bill was a con- tributing factor. , At the close the performance finally managed to entertain. Haw- thorne and Cook on next to clos- ing started mildly, but the nuts with the Irlck ears did amuse and Hawthorne grinned and clowned through the Alexander Brothers land Evelyn turn which closed, which helped a lot. The elder Alex- ander is a wizard with rubber balls. His manipulation of them alone should hold any audience^ The re- verse Bngllsh to the balls bounded iagalnst a Ouija board seems al- most mathematical in the results. "The Gingham Qlri," on third. With Sidney Jarvls (not the big Jau-vis with a voice), ran ,33 minutes and grew tiresome. It it the con- densed version of the cookl. musical cOonedjr. Various bits f r> m the there were very few laughs. It is probably the cast more than the turn itself that Is faulty, though the turn did draw several curtains. On fifth was "IBanquet of Song and Dance" (New Acts), a flash girl dancing effort. In between came Shaw and Lee. The droll team had no easy spot, going through the routine with little interruption on the part of the audience, yet winning results at the close. Qalli-Rlnl and Sisters supplied a hit on second, really winning the applause honors. It may be the flrA time for the musical act here but that probably figures little In the drop-house house. The trick of Oalli-Rlni playing a doxen band instruments captured Interest. At the opening he displayed expertness with a piano accordion, proliably hl«i favorite music maker. It was curious that while the fingering was expert Rlnl made no attempt to produce melody from his bellows box. Ben Dover (New Acts) opened. Clifford and Marion were on the bill, but not on Monday night. Ib«9. STATE AMERICAN ROOF A better than average bill Mon- day night and also a good house. Plenty of comedy and class in the. seven-act braoe, with two of those listed showing new turns. The lat- ter were Dare, Cole and Helene (New Acts), no third, with some nifty knockabout comedy, and Mur- ray, and Oerrlsh (New Acts) after Intermission, with bits of vaude- ville in a musical comedy way. Neil McKlnley, however, was the comedy panic next to shut, with an act undoubtedly known to the roof devotees, but evidently sure cMck from the way he had them at the first night show. Nell handles four or five numbers, some of past vin- tage, salvaged through grotesque d^ivery, and finally presses a male plant in a balcony box Into service for a couple of numbers. The plant angle never fiops on the Roof and, consequently, lived up to reputation. Additional comedy was packed by Roy and Arthur In the closer, who offered their familiar plate Juggling. "The Venetian Masqueraders," a diverting fiash contributed by four men and four women, closed the first half to good returns. The act Is a pot-pourl of operatic selec- tions handled as duets by a bar- itone and soprano, with pleasing singing voices and also in ensem- bles. The renditions are enh<inced by the musical accompaniment of a trio consisting of accordion, violin and guitar. The musical numbers were adequately spaced with some nifty dance contributions by Olga Bohem. featured with the act. an accomplished dancer and a good looker, who particularly shines in acrobatic stuff. The act finished to good returns, with a heavy singing ensemble and a fast dance by Miss Bohem. Mary Ann held the deuce assign- ment neatly with a repertoire of five numbers, all well received. The Le Roy Brothers opened with a clever and fast routine of hand-to- hand iMilanolng that registered. Lillian Qlsh in "RomoU" was the screen feature. Edha. A muggy Monday evening gave this 46th street emporium about half a house, which good naturedly ac- cepted a six-act bill, of which four made use of the house piano. That Instrument never left the stage be- tween the second and third acts, a change in covering being deemed sufficient versatility foe the patrons to digest. The monotony thus pre- scribed simply made for dull sum- mer fare, giving every reason for the Inhabitants to prefer the open air these August nights. Hubert Kinney and Oirls (New Acts) were in the cloelng spot, while Romaine and Castle, No. S, and Murray and Maddox, Ko. 4 (both New Acts) also rate special atten- tion, according to Variety's new Act files. Carlo's Clreus opened, and Im- paired its value by staying too long. FV>ur ponies, two ride-defying mules and a, trio of house plants comprised the cast. Not worked up particular- ly well, the comedy simmered down to almost ilothing. A better sense of display is needed. In the deuce spot was Jessie Mil- lar, with her cornet, piano and ac- cordion playing, who totaled a quiet interlude despite the brass instru- ment. Boyce Confbe, assisted by a male pianist, was next to closing. Ac- cording to this paper's New Act files Mr. Combe, in 1930, at the Riverside, was doing George Lashwood's "Sea. Sea, Sea," and the late Clifton Craw- ford's sneezing recitation, "The Kiss- ing Cup." Combe Is sUU doing both. and. despite the tradition which may surround those two aged-ln-the- wood bits, he does neither extra well. BMo. THEODORE and 8WANSON Acrobatic 6 'Mins.; Three 5th Ave. Two man aero team, with a novel- ty opening and idea. The scene suggests a park with a nondescript sleeper on one of the benches. The prop Uunpost supports a double tiorizontal bar. The lamplighter and the now- awakened park bench incumbent go into a routine oa the lamp-post, which includes some unusual holds. The top-off is an iron Jaw risley stunt that's a flash. Qood opener anywhere. AheL flgura in the billing, nor in the turn. Five girls work as an ensemble, one more mature has several songs Iwtween changes, while still an- other, in curls, who appears the youngest in the bunch. Is a spe- cialty dancer. She may be Mildred Crewe, who Is featured. The lat- ter, looking nice in a green frock, singled after the first ensemble. A second BOh> by the same dancer included some good high kicking and hocking. She easily stood out In the Russian finale, in tauot, has some excellent legomania stuff for a girl. Following a ballad, the ensemble appeared dolled up in curious hoop skirt costumes. It naay have been a ballet announced as "Innocwice." a alow number that was not pretty. In the turn in addition to Miss Crewe are Helena Roda, Mildred Boudereau, Virginia Berle. Hazel Rex, Lillian MacDouald and Ruth Larison. The "banquet" part of the bill may have been in error for bouquet However, It is a fiash turn, prob- ably designated tor three-a-day. ^tow WM* cMa.<»4. but 1 film feature. 5TH AVE. The tlrst-half show is character- ised by plenty of action, the tempo being pitched high and making for breezy summer-weather divertisse- ment. Theodore and Swanson (New Acts) are uniuiual openers, working snapplly. Malinda and Dade's eccentric step- ping Is lively and not wholly in vain. The thlmble-strummlng washboard getaway has been done before by a Jazz band, but Is an effective finish. Arthur Jarrett and Co. have a sketch that has probably played the best vaudeville and can ropeat safe- ly. The husband-and-wlfe quarrel Idea is utilized to Illustrate each side's version of a domestic episode. The mutual friend, like all Innocent bystanders, becomes mixed up In the storm and strife, and is routed, to leave the couple to make up and exit once again In the throes of another pitched battle over mother-in-law. Will J. Ward's act. on analysis, is not firmly founded, but seemingly of excellent timber for mass apprecia- tion. Ward pianologs his pop songs, running chiefly to comedy numbers, mixing in a few stories. He was well liked, responding with this speech following an encore: "Your gener- osity exceeds your good looks" (to the audience). The interpretation of this is open to discussion. Keno and Green worked like Tro- jans with their knockabout artistry, and were roundly applauded all the way. This couple possess a nice sense of comedy values, dressing up the hokum with a fine coating of showmanship that gets them across for wow results. Crafts and Sheehan, a new two- man combo recruited from former teams, did welL The material Is lightweight, and it's the members' Individualities that count chiefly for the good score. The act proper. If built up, would rank with the class male teams of vaudeville. Alexander Dobrohotoff (Now Acts) is a 13-people turn, despite the solo billing. It was a flash finish. Recompense"- (WArnar ALEXANDER DOBROHOTOFF (13) Musical, Vocal, Dancing 16 Mins.; Three (Special Drapes) Fifth Avenue The name is the tip-off on the Russe routine. Dobrohotoff heads a balalailka orchestra of nine which includes a female harpist. The other members are two women dancers, a basso and another male danoer. One dance team does characteris- tic eccentric Russian double num- bers akin to the "Chauve-Sourls" idea. The female solo stepper Is a card in herself possessing ability and appearance that counted heavi- ly. The basso scored with the "Vol- ga Boat Song" number and later also in a solo in "one." The string orchestra, comprising piano, harp and equally mixed as to balalailkas and mandolins is the punch of the act It is novelty entertainment and for this reason alone recommends Itself moderately for vaudeville. The overplus of the native music and Russian lyrics are drawbacks and yet no compromise for the inclusion of familiar musical comedy numbers can be suggested if Mr. Dobrohotoff alms for faithfulness. If, however, he is aiming for saleable vaudeville, the sacrifice (if such It is) is the solution. Outside of that it's the ideal pic- ture house act No editing or dis- secting Is necessary to irrevocably recommend this act for the film theatres. ^M^ BEN DOVER ■ (Contortionist 6 Mins.; Three Broadway Dover looks youthful, makes a good appearance and appears slightly heavier than for a con- tortionist He works throughout atop a pedestal, which has a diam- eter of about 14 inches. Dover's specialty is heuik bending, the finale of the routine having him curling backward to a iron Jaw support Not exceptional for this class of ex- hibition, but a new face for open- ing. Ibee. LUBIN and LOWRIE Comedy, Songs, Talk, Oaneing 12 Mins.; One Amertoan Lou Lubin and BO. Lowrle. straight and comedian, comprise this team which looks like one of the finds of the season. The straight, a fine poking chap, worlcs under brown skin with his' shorter part- ner in cork. The pair have everything needed for vaudeville success, but the act wants about tour minutes of cross- fire material. They oi>en wlttMin old "argument" bit. Straight foltows with song and strut uncovering big league tenor voice. He flash( a wow of an "essence" next The comic returns with a "uke" and they crossfire atwut what they will do at a ball (old stuff). For a moment the turn threatens to re- semble Clayton and Edwards, but gets away from It. The straight dances a bit to the "uke" also whanui over a ballad. Both harmonize a double with the sure-fire "yodle." A dance duel Idea has the straight doing an excellent Jasa danoe. The comedian follows with a buck rou- tine that will compare with any of the hard shoe top notchers. The pair are loaded with talent and in decided contrast to the ordi- nary rank and file new turns of this type. In It's present shape the act is good for number four on the big time. Revised they are a next to closing combo. Members of the "what's the mat- ter with vaudeville club" might ex- plain why this act is playing the small time. Oon. MABEL McKINLEY Songs 14 Mins.; One (Special Drop) Palace Mabel McKlnley. a niece of the martyred President and a former vaudeville standard singing turn ha« been inactive for many years. Her present turn is In the nature of a comeback and setves to reintroduce Miss McKlnley to the present gen- eration with voice unimpaired and. with a knowledge of vaudeville values that prove she has kept la touch with her former field of «o- tlvlty. Billed as "The American Soprano,**- Miss McKlnley brought back meoMh* rles of "The Corner" to the oM timers. Oi>enlng before a gold drape with John Daly at the piano. MiM McKlnley made an immediate Im- pression with "Carmenia," "Heart Songs" following and a sympathetic ballad gave her opportunity to ex- hibit her splendid range. "Av« Maria" was an enoore number and rounded out a straight singing turn which pulled volumes of applause from an audlenoe, halt of whom were not inspired by remlnlscenca. Miss McKlnley ia tar from passe. (Ton. KONO SAN Japanese Singer 10 Mins.; One and Two (Speelal) American Kono San is a cute looking Japan- ese girl formerly soen around In • big act. She is evidently Amerloaa bom, Judging by her Elnglish. Open- ing before an elaborately embroi- dered Japanese drop in native attire, she sings an introductory song In Bngllsh abut what she will do. This Immediately kills -the surprise ele- ment. A native song would Improve the turn. A pop song is rendered in typical American style and in a likeable singing voice. She announces her next song as a ballad of Toklo in Japanese and leaves to make a change. The short wait is plugged by a fiash at the second drop hung In "two," an elaborate Japanese one. Back in a fetching klmona Miss San kneels and sings a native song, ac- companying herself on a Japanese banjo. Shedding the klmona and appearing in a pretty Japanese- American style dress, she sings "My Japanese Mammy." For an encore she Blnga another pop ditty in Etas- lish and Yiddish. Miss San looks Uke a big time I>osslblllty right now. Small rerout- ing will quality her as a novelty act for the big time. She has appear- ance, personality, wardrobe, produc- tion and a voice. In addition her Bngllsh is flawless. Oon. MURRAY and QERRlSH Singing and Dancing 14 Mine.; Three American Roof Neat appearing coufrte with a nifty routine of songs and im{kres- slons. Opening wl^ a double duet the man counters with a star number the girl then returning for impres- sions of Marilynn Miller in "Sally" and Ann Pennington, accompanying the former with a toe dance and the latter with a strut. Both got over nicely. The man follows with a ballad rejoining his partner for a duet with a miniature lighted house effect at the climax. The team en- cored with an impression of a mu- sical comedy couple handling a pop song and a dance took them away to heavy handslammlng. Both have class, voices and danc- ing ability, also more than an av- erage selling ability. Surefire for a deucer anywhere. "BANQUET OF 80NQ AND DANCE" (7) 15 Mins.;' Full SUge (Special Hsngings) Broadwsy An all-glrl turn. One appears In the guise of "prologue," telling lyrically what la to come. She made mention of Josle Flynn, former Bros.) minstrel girl, but tor what reason ' ilTMiiot dear. Mai Wmn 1>1A ffot EDA DE NEW Songs 14 Mins.; One 58th St Miss De New's songs and deliv- ery are all wrong. She opens with an overlong number that means lit- tle. Her ensuing character num- bers like the "fortune teller" and the Mars lyrics are poorly con- structed numl>ers and poorly sold. She finished with a Jazz melody and dance. Despite she outwore her welcome in the deuce here, a floral bouquet passed the foots. Abel. HUBERT KINNEY and QIRLt CO Songs and Dancing 17 Mins.; Three (Speeiei) State Normal example of the fladi act specie with Kinney's high kicking the deserved applause-getting item. A quintet of girls and \ pianist are the support with the girls working ensemble and soloing to varlats the mode of steps. Kinney also dashes off a couple of lyrics in none too strong a voice, saving his kicks for a finish along with a strenuous and circular leg gyration included while taking bowa Monday night the house orchestra' and the pianist had some trouble getting together which didn't help. , The girls answer the umial que*' | tlons of acrobatic, toe and tap work 1 without threatening anybody's terp- sicborean rep. Each make aboui two coDtume changes. The act, prettily and modestly s«t> has already found its level Mkl§. ROMAINE and CASTLE Songs and Talk 11 Mins.; On9 (Special) State Male combination with the straight under a tan makeup and the come- dian wearing cork and doing a "dame." Considerable chatter spaced by three pop numbers covers the routine with the top laugh attained through an automobile stop light aio tached to the comic's evenins gown.. The vocalizing looks to be this duo's main strength. Spotted No. t the boys did nicely. The patter could be improved for the neighbor- hood audiences to w^om the pair set-med destined to play. The boye work before a special drop. BMe. HIGHEST STANDARD CURTAINS tH<A IMCORPORATCO fllll.ADKLPHIA OaakMS Iraat lUda.—VVal. GIT NEW TOBR CIT»i ft3S W. 4Sra Bt,»-<ihlslisrlng tM4 AnvP,»T.a.N« CURTAIKIS^DRC