Variety (August 1925)

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80 VARIETY LEGITIMATE Wednesday, August 12, 1929 SHOWS IN N. Y. AND COMMENT Figur«a Mtimated and commanl point to aomo attraetiono tMing ■uoooufwl, whilo tho «am« groM aeoroditod to othtro mioht ouggoat modiocrity or loaa- Tho vananoo ta axplainod in tho difforonco in houao eapaoitios, witl\ tho varying ovorhoad Also tho aiza of east, with oonooqwont dilforonoo in noooaaary groaa for profit Varianca in buainoaa nacoaaary tor muoical attraction aa againat dramatie play ia alao oonaidorod. I' fr 1 *'Abio'8 Iriah Roaa," Republic (169tb week). Four new showa added to list tills week, with another two doseo duo within a month. "Able" wenC well over 110,000 lost week; rocord-breaklng show, close to non-nauslcal money leadership. ''Aioma of tho South Soaa," lorrlc 17tta week). A tew weeka more, then rot^d, trith Chicago first stand; business over $9,000 last two weoks; good money (or at* traction of the kind at this time. '■A Lucky Break," Cort (1st week). Was tried out last spring under title of "Broke!" George McFar- lane featured; comedy with Inter- polated songs; premiere Tuesday. ••Artists and Models," Winter Gar- den (8th week). One of the best revues i>roduced by Shuberts; has leading call In agencies; takings botween $41,000 and $43,000 weekly. "Dosiro Under tho Elma," Cohan (40th week). When fir») moved here O'Nell drama was rate* in final weeks; business consistent!}' profitable, however, and expected to estnMiMh a year's run; around $9,400 la^t week; cut-rate support. ^Feiltoo," New Amsterdam («0th - week. Another five or six weoks before longest running "Fy>IIle8" goes on tour; business holds to excellent figures; around $38,000; only "Artists and Models" getting more. *Qarrick Qaietioa," Garrick (lOtb week). Junior Theatre Guild Play- •rs have registered surprising success; takings around $7,000, which should carry revue through September. *Qood Bad Woman,* Playhouse (Sth weak. Getting a little money with hnid language drama; $4,000. prln- eipally through eut rates. Closes Saturday night. Alice Bradv in "Oh Mama" soon. *la 2at SoT" Chanin's 4<th St. (824 week). WIH soon replace matl- tiees dropped during summer; ■on-miisical leader getting ap- proximately Hl.OOO in six p«r- formancea, 'It All OopoiKk" Van^ierbilt (tet week). Produce^y young WllUam Brady and John Cromwell; no ex- tended booking here, as house win have new musical, "Merry Merry," ■ext month. "Juna Days," Astor (3d we«k). Opened Thursday, with dallies akeptical; in muaieal version of . *scharm Scho<^"; moderate draw Indicated. *Kosh«r Kitty Kelly," Times Square (•th week). Better than $6,000 lately. ,4arhlcb figure means profit foB abow and house (no rent at tbia time); may remain until "The Pelican " due In September. "Lady. ■• Ctood," Liberty (87th week). Business holding up last three weeks, with takings between 110.000 and $17,000; will probably roAialn another month, maybe longer.^ fteuio the 14th,'* Cosmopolitan >..(. (34th week). Plans call for en- gagement to continue until first of year; business holding to nu>derate profit: $24,000 last week. "Rose Marie," Imperial (60th week). . L«oks certain to hold into new •■; aeason. Business did not drop under $34,000 and has been over $86,000 of tete. "Scandals," Apollo (8th week). Will probably go on tour next month; , business fairly good at a little over $26,000. ^Student Prineo," Joteon (87th ;.,■ week). One of the holdover pos- .^ •ibilities, as attraction has been able to Mnger at paying business through summer; not expensive to operata. •Sky High," Casino (34th week). *-. . Mafl made a good run; WilHe : Howard show out soon and sbould oe money-getter on road; business between $10,000 and $11,000. ''Something to. Brag About," Booth 1st week). Edgar Selwyn's first production this season; tried out •t Asbury.Park last week; same manager used Booth for "Dancing Mothers," last season's first suc- cess. ''•pooka," Daly's (68d St. (11th week). Moved here from Cort, 'Where takings had improved to around $4,000, satisfactory for commonwealth cast; another three weeks, perhaps, with "Love for . Love" due to resume. "Spring Ftv^r," Maxlne EUUott's (2d week). First attraction of new •eason. presented by A. H. Woods with brokers taking a SOO-seat . Iniy; first week favorable, with takings t>etween $10,000 and $11,000. ■Tha Urida Retiraa," Nation.-)I (I4th week). Clatnted better than $7,- ♦00, good money for attraction of kindf may remain through Sep- tember. tore that time; $5,000 to $6,000 with six perfomances (no mati- nees), and satisfactory. "Tha Gorilla," Selwyn (16th week). Took another Jump, with gross quoted at over $10,000; mystery laugh show figured to Improve wHh better weather, and booked to continue for another 10 weeks. "The Morning Aftor," Hudson (8d week). Has not attracted much attention and businesa mediocre; estimated between $3,000 and $1,000. May finish this week. 'H'ho Poor Nut," Henry lAiller (16th week).'Climbed to $10,000 or bet- ter, and expected to stick well into fall; moves to 4>th Street next 'Oltay know What They Wanted," Klaw (88th week). Theatre Guild's winner of last season's production group; takings have been around $8,000; continuation through September or later ex- "What Price Glory," Plymouth (50tb week). Around $7,600 has been the late summer pace of last fall's war comedy play smash; still making some money, but due for Chicago late September or Oc- tober. , -^ "White Cargo,** S9th St. (93d week). Racent pace has been between $4,000 and $5,000, figured excellent for long-run show; may last through September. "White Collars," Sam H. Harris (26th week). Up $1,000 last week and gross claimed nearly $6,000, ^ double low mark of June; listed to continue through ^ptember, house being rented. "Vanities," Barl Carroll (6th week). Carroll revuo getUng around $33,- •00 weekly; tower floor strength aa the result of novelty. PHILLY'S TWO HOSKALS GOING AT FAST CUP -w ''Nanette" $18,000 and San- derson Circuit Advance— "When You Smile" $12,000 | Philadelphia, Aug. 11. The two legit attractions which have survived the summer handicap hustled along at a good clip last week despite some very hot days. In fact, both musical comedieil^ elalmed the bast Wednesday after- noons of their respective runs. "No, No Nanette" turned a couple of hundred people away at the mid- week matinee. The Saturday and Sunday papers announced the de- parture of Cleo Mayfield and Cecil Learn and the substitution of Julia Sanderson and Frank Crumlt in their places, together with the pro- motion to prominent billing of Ona Munson. At the same time, the "Last Four Weeks" were adver- tised, bringing the engagement to \n end the Saturday before Labor Day. This w»<«, probably because of the new players, |he box ofllce line quickly increased. It ia the general opinion here that the Fraxee musical couid hold on 'intil October, but the understanding is that cast iron bookings will force "Nanette" out. The persistence and patience of James P. Beury In nursing his mu- sical comedy "When Tou Smile" into a real hit is the talk of the few theatrical people still in to'wn. Last week "When Tou Smile" had the best week of its career at the Walnut, claiming $13,000. The ao quisition of Jack Whiting, local society boy. wlio made his profes- sional debut with Billington, is be- lieved to have helped greatly in boating attendance. It ia now reported that "When Tou Smile" will not only ride through until Labor Day, but will continue three more we^s, giving way on the 38th to George Arliss fin "Old Bngliah." The 'My Bon" I booking, tentatively set for Sept .■!■* f-: INSIDE STUFF ON LEGFi %'■ George Jean Nathan baa been placed under contract by K. R. Thoma^ to become the dramatic reviewer of "The Telegraph" for five yearsL At the same time a contract was given to t>eo Marsh for two years, Marsh is to continue as dramatic editor. Nathan for jrears was a widely read theatrical writer, while he was one of the editors of "Smart Set" with Henry L, Mencken. Later, when that publication was taken over by W. R. Hearst, they started publishing "The American Mercury." 4 few months past Nathan retired from that publication. It was stated at the time that be had decided to abandon writing on the theatre and devote himself to writing for the screen. At the same time It waa understood that he was shortly to marry Dorothy Qlsh. He la a forceful writer and has certain set prejudices in the theatre, one of his pet aversions being Morris Qest. Cleo Mayfield and Cecil Lean, of the Philadelphia company of "No, No, Nanette," have left that company, having refused to take the leads pofTered them by H. H. Fraxee for the Southern company of the troupe. Miss Mayfield is reported as angry and it is said that when Fraxee offered them the other troupe, it was known they would refuse. Julia Sanderson an4 Frank Crumlt have taken their places In the PblOy troupe, now In Its 28rd week. Beatrice Lee, the "Betty from.Boaton" of the Philly troupe' will Join the New Tork company when It opens at the Globe, New York, Sept. 16. She replace* Helen Goody, young sister ot Louise. Charles L. Wagner last week signed oontracta with Tom Wllkea whereby be will manage the Sam H.. Harris Theatre in New York fop the remainder of Wilkes* lease, which stilt has eight years to go. Wagner's interest is financial. **Gay Paree** Takes Atlantic City ReCOro *• '' understood to be cancelled. « ^ - The Beury musical is now In its Atlantic City. Aug. 11. "Gay Paree." the Rufua LeMalre ravue, b}-oke all records at the Apolto here last week, getting $27,668 at a $3.60 top. That the summer season for this resort is at its peak is evidenced by the Jolson show, "Bombo," due here next week, )>aving a $16,000 advance mail order gross, before the ticket sale opened a week in advance. Starti Young, dramatic critic of tho New York "Times," reslgnad from the sUft last week following a reputed tilt with Adolph Ochs. ttia publisher. It is said Ochs requested Young to essay a less hlghbroif tone in his reviews, which the publisher believed would make the earn'- meat more readable. Young is reported replying be could not or wooM not J. Brooks Atklnsonr.book reviewer for the "Times," was given the critie^a chair, though his flrei review was unsigned. Atkinson was mentloneiA replacing Young in Variety some weeks ago. He was formerly on th* atafr of the Boston "Transcript" and when Johtlng the "Tnnes" It waa Intended he should also do some dramatic reviewing. At present Atkinson Is botb dramatic and literary critic, but will probably forego the latter work. "Ctey Parte" will not open this week at the Shubert, New York. It's premiere has been deferred until next week. •The Fail Guy," BItinge (3Sd week) Listed for Chicago in early Sep- I n«s8. Topped $8,300 laat tamber; axpacted to close here be- Ctoalng date not in sight L. A. Grosses Loo Angeles. Aug. 11. •Xady Be Good" once more led the town, at the Mason, getting $18,- 200 last week. "White Cargo" has been temporarily withdrawn at the Orange (9rove to permit the opening of "Playthings" for two weeks Sun- day. "Cargo", last week got $8,000, a good figure, and will resume Aug 30. "Playthings" Is being tried out by Jones A Green in association with Tom Wllkeq. The final week of "The Best Peo- ple" at the Morosco drew $6,900. Jt was replaced by "The Easy Mark." ^^NANETTE" DROPPING San Francisco, Aug. 11, Curran—"No, No, Nanette" (fifth week), supping slightly. Still do- ing capacity at evening perform- ances, but matinees sUU weakening. Expected to stick another seven or eight weeks. Last week $31,600 at $8.60 top. Columbia—Blanche Bates In "Mrs Partridge Presents." Second week poor; barely got $7,100. Frank Kee- nan in "Smiling Danger," a new play, followed in. with Monday opening, $2.60 top. Wilkes—Lenore Ulric in "Kikl." Making $2.60 and did well for two weeks, but receipts dropped ttie third week to> $9,100. Closing date not announced. Capitol—•Xightnin'." Thh-d week holding up, summer prices, $1.60, helping. Last week $8,000. Aleazar^-"Merton of the Movies" (Henry Duffy Players). First week started at whirlwind pace. Same as previous attractions here since Duffy's regime. Grossed $8,200 at $1.26. President — "The Best People." Bighth ^eek; still doing big busl- weak. 11th week and Is at last making a profit Thare ia nothing official on the new season, but Indications are that the Forest .and Garrick win have new sho^ Labor Day. the Shubert opening the next wek, and the Broad. Lyrlo and Adelphi getting vmder way late In Sep- tember. "Rose-Marie" is an- nounced to open the Shubert. Estimates of the Week "No, No Nanette" (Garrick, 38rd week). Frasee, musical, claimed better than. $18,000 last week. With change of principals, should make another gain this week. Laat tour weeks announced. "When You Smile" (Walnut. 10th week). Beury musical comedy at last on it's feet and showing profit at $12,000. Cast changes, patience and persistence have turned trick. To stay until Sept 38, according to report. CHICAGO GROSSES' , Chicago, Aug. 11. Estimalea for Laat W»ek "Artiste and Models" (Apollo, 11th week). Hit one of beet weeks in months with 816,600. "Cat and Canary" (Central, 7th week). With extra matinee Sunday this two-for-one house did around $6,200. "Gorilla" (Adelphi, * 13tb week). Fell off $8,000 from ^>enlng week at this house, countlng^p little better •Rkan $8,000. » "Is Zat Sot" (Princess, 26th week). Hitting average weekly, but pre- sumably showing profit for all con- cerned at $6,600. "Lady Next Door* (Cort 14th week). Leaves' Saturday, terminat- ing profitable engagement for this theatre. Around $7,000. "Laff That OfT (Harris, 6th week). Ono ot freak attractions of season. Business improving with run, with last week's receipts ahead of any previous estimate, at $10,000 "Rose-Marie" (Woods, 27th week). Big matinee business helped swell receipts to $26,000. "Student Prince" (Great Northern, 26th week). Another theatre aided by strong matinee business. Phe- nomenal business for this time of year. $28,600. "Topay and Eva" (Selwyn, 64th week In Chicago, 7th week of second run). Phigging matinee business strong and getting results. Slightly off during fore part of night trade. Still around $18,000 "Plastio Perjury" for Kusall Dan Kusell has announced for fall production a new comedy, "Plastic Perjury." by Kuaell and Bkok Conway (Variety). Tb* play la baaad apon the "Dear Chick" letters, by Conway, which, have appeared In Tartety. The aeaaon ot Municipal Opera which Joalah Sure staged for th* dty at Sbbeta Fi*ld, was an artistic sucoeas on all aides, but appar- ently tb«i whole thing was used by Mayor Hylan and his Brooklya cohorts aa a political stunt. At each of the performance* Hlxsoner made a speech, paraded around for the folk* to get a look at him aad then settled in one of the front row seats. Mayor Hylan told the folks that City Chamb«rlain Berolzheimer WM responsible for instituting the opera, and that it cost $120,000—not a cent of which waa taken from tax money, according to Hlxsoner. For his speeobe*. th* Mayor bad amplifier*, which carried his 'word* to *T*ryone. t Robert Bruce Coleman, dramatic editor ot th* "Mirror." ha* takaa^ over the work of John MacMahon, who reoently left that paper *nS; the Hearst service to go in for producing on hi* own. Coleman hag' be«n d. *. ot tit* "Mirror" sine* it* inbeptlon and will contlnu* U* critical work along with hi* other duties. Variety's report laat week that Flo Ziegfeld's "Loul* the 14th" at W. It Hearst's Cosmopolitan (Columbus circle, New York) Is going throoglt the summer, rent free, sort of stirred up th* Ziegt*ld office, with Zieggy; alway. The r«a8on given for Hearst's munificence was that the publisher wanted to boost hia prop«rty values around th* CTiroIe through having th* theatre remain open at all time*. Tb* Ziegteld folks didn't •**<& to calculate what a little thing like the Coamopolitan rental amounted to alopgsld* ot the,millions Hearst has repres«nt*d In his realty holdings of the section. Protests started ifrom the Ziegteld office when the switch board op^nu tor. reported as a nice girl, comely and nifty at other times, sent h«r indignation over the phone. Then in turn cam* th* remainder ot Zieggy's 'Stall, all seemingly unknowing of th* other's previous plaint, until Zieggy. now abroad, if h* could have heard them, would hav* cried with happiness over the loyalty of. hia atall. Also a squawk from the Hecu-st side. 1>ut not quite a* vehemently written as voiced by the Amsterdam bunch. If the Zieggy crowd will fix it for a bridge to b« built OT«r tb* Hudson River at 69th street, to the Jersey side. Hearst will make tbeoi a present probably ot the Cosmopolitan. At tb* same time if the Zlaginr crowd wants the house for nothing and can fix it tor the bridge, ttaay WUI have to work like the devil to keep Jimmy >7alker out ot tb* mayor's chair, to frustrate the very long wait otherwise Hearst will hav* before be will even tfet a chance to see bis cherished dream com* tm*^ I' ■•-. ■, Channlng Pollock's "The Bncmy" will not open in town until early, In October, the reason being that the author feels a serious and hea^ play will not have a real chance until the Hood ot farces and eomedi** has been cut loose. "The Enemy," twm its tryouts, is regarded a* mureflr*. Oosby Oal«* own* the piece. Report saya Frank Munsey desires to sell the New York •"Telagram'* to Cyrus K. Curtis, with the objective a merger ot the Munsey ab**! with the "Evening Post," Curtis' New York daily. . " .• A (New York producing concern is said to have sent a man tattf Philadelphia ahead ot a show. He left Broadway Wednesday *T*aln» and returned to New York two days later. The company want«d t* know wha* he had done and if he had handled all the paper*, bill** tb* city and worked the territory for miles around. The man was then aiAed If he couldn't have worked the papers » Philly through the mails. He finally threw up the Job in disgust, saying that even Roib* wasnH biUed in two days. He also swore Rome wasn't «ven built in a day as rumored. uHn'^1^%^^!, *'*.?•'.'.i^* ^^""^ P'*^' "»"«'' '^» oe the first prt>duc- o?.?M Vh ^ T? ^"'^ '"' *•** "«^ "*«"«"' *»» P«>bably open at th* Guild Theatre Instead of at the Garrick as first planned. The Garrick will house a season of Shavian repertoire this winter, but "Arms and the Man I* a holdover production from last year to which the mib- •orlbers are entitled but dWnt get because th* work of bulMing th* B*w theatre stowed itp the Guild's producing program 'Warrick Oaietlea." current at the Garrick. has shown such aurpri*- Ing and eonslstent atrength that it is felt the Junior revue oaa hoTd over Into October or later, when the second play of the Shaw series i« ready for ^* Garrick, Robert Warwick. Alfred Ltjnt and Lynn* Fon- <Contlnued on page 4$) m. 1