Variety (September 1925)

VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE 8 St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square P* n P F T n N CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON r V/ I\ III 1 \J i^ 2096-3199 Regent Wednesday, September 2, 1925 LONDON London, Aug. 21. Peggy O'Nell will be one of the two leadinK women In ihe Hippo- drome prixiuction of "Mercenar> Mary" Othtis of the cast are A "W. Ba.skCDmb and the American, Lew Hearn. The Alcazar, the "lO hours for one shilling and three pence" show In a converted shop ia growinK in popularity and booking a good class of act. Salaries now run on usuai lines instead of at the oriKlnal fla rate. Another, although only tem- pi ray, attraction on unusual lines i-* Luna I'ark, the fair being run on the waste ground once occupied by Meux's brewery. This Is being run to help raise the money to keep Middlesex Hospital from falling down, and its big attractions are a goi-d vaudeville show and the Pal- ace of Beauty, this latter an adver- tising medium for a soap. Peter Dines, the sireet musician who was taken from his organ to appear in the Dlaghileff production of "Les Matelots," is not staying permanently with the Russian ballet but is opening as an individual music hall act. He will be billed as "The Novelty Instrumentalist with Ills Plates and Spoons." Fred Kitchen returned to musical comedy In the suburbs with "A Week End," by Walter ElHs. At the Inquest on Lt. Col. Roberi McKenzie, D. S. O. M. C, who shot himself with a service revolver. It was menUoned that the night be- fore he had seen "Rain," In which a suicide occurs. The* coroner de- scribed the play as a most depress- ing one. Incidentally It was men- tioned that the dead man was a very heavy drinker and had Tost a Job at $260 a week as well as run- ning through $25,000 paid to him as compensation. Henry Ainley, until recently play- Jng In "Iris" at the Adelphl, will probably be seen in a new Somer- set Maughan play, "The Moon and Sixpence." Carl Brlssbn, In "Cleopatra," at Daly's, Is contemplating offers to play in America and will probably crgss over when his British engage- ments are fulfilled. Gilbert Miller will produce "The rirebrand," a play written around the life of Benevenuto Cellini when he was about 28, about Christmas time. Ivor Novello will play Cel- lini. An exceedingly fine drAma on the same subject was produced SLondi n by the late Luigi Lab- che over 20 years ago in which the artlst-soldicr-llbertlne was de- picted In advanced middle age. Arthur Shirley, the doyen of Brit- Jsh playwrights with over 100 suc- cessful dramas to his credit. Is dangerously III and not expected to recover. He Is 78 years. His last West End production was "Ned Kean," at Drury Lane. Baseball Publicity London, Aug. 20. There are various ways of getting publicity. Val and Ernie Stanton have a very excellent method. It Is nothing more or less than the playing of profes- .xional baseball every Sunday at Stamford Bridge Sports Ground, which can be reached In 20 minutes. These games are attended by every American in London, who Invariably drag along a group of natives to show them what a really fast game this is. The Stantons not only play good baseball but do a bit of clowning that appeals to the crowd. They are now so well known that the moment they appear upon the grounds they are wildly cheered. HISTORY OF PICTURES French Editor Issues 700-Page Book on Evolution of Film Industry Paris, Aug. 30. G. Michel Colssac, editor of "Clne- opse," a monthly trade magazine, published here for the picture in- dustry, has Issued a 700-page volume "Histolre du Clnematographe," trac- ing the story of this invention from its earliest stages. The book em- braces the experiments of Marey, Demeny, Lumlere Brothers, and Gaumont, and deal with the early trials of reproducing and photo- graphing movements by Faye, du Mont, Ducos, du Hauron, Jansen, Muybrldge, Frlese-Greene, etc. HACKETT'S PLANS Paris, Auer. 20. James K. Hackett left here with his wife sailing direct for Quebec to visit- his estate among the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River. He stated he will this fall be Inter- ested In the New York production of the French comedy "La Grande Duchesse et le Garcon d'Etage" of A. Savolr (author of "Bluebeard'* Eighth wife") with Chas. Frohman, Inc. Hackett will not play in this com- edy but will supervise the producing after which he anticipates returning to London for another Shakes- pearean season. He may produce there a last season's New York success.' OwlnR to walking into the vaude- ville the other day, when Jame*< Agate was rehearsing for the pro- duction of his first play, "Blessed Are the Rich," a I.«ndon servant girl obtained an engagement with a si)?nking part at a salary of $15 a w-v^k. There is, however, no abate- n\en; of unemployment in experi- enced professional circles. Nigel Playfalr will produce "Pris- oners of War" at the Court, Aug. 31. During September he will do an English translation of Pirandello's "And That's the Tuth," at the Lyric (Hommersmith). ) A. E. Matthews has momentarily Shelved his plans for another run as an actor-manager In the West End to take up the leading part on "Spring Cleaning" at the Playhouse Granville Barker will return to London as a producer toward tho end of the year when H. M. Har- wood will present a repertory of , Barker plays. The first production "The Madras House," will be in November. Noel Coward's "Hay Fever" will be transferred to the Criterion Sept. 7 to make way for "The Emperor Jones" at the Ambassadors. "The Punch Bowl" finishes at His Majesty's Aug. 22 and will be trans- ferred to another house. Paul Arthur Is relinquishing his part In "Just Married" and for rea- sons of Ill-health Is going to a Con- tinental.spa. CHAMPS ELTSEES BILL Paris, Aug. 22. Rold de Mare has again launched his big time policy at the Theatre des Champs Elysees. After Victor Boucher in a Mirande sketch Ss promised Louis Verneuil and his Roumanian partner, Elvlre Popesco, In Verneuil's one-act farce, "Du Sang sur I'hermlne, Sept. 4. The present Champs Elysees bill Includes Georges Flateau, Vala Smelcvska and Maria Rlgopoules, Amparlto Medina, Deico and part- ner, Montfort Troupe, Mazuz and Mazette, R. and W. Roberts and Jack Raymond's band. NEW "MEREY WIDOW Paris, Aug. 22. Blanche Tomlin, an English girl, has been booked by Raoul Audler for the title role In the revision of "La Veuve Joyeuse" ("The Merry Widow") at the Apollo. She sings In French. Miss Tomlin played In "Monsieur Beaucalre" In New York two years ago. ARRIVALS Sept. 2 (from Paris) Anne Nich- ols; William De Llgne nare (Paris). Aug. 81 (from London) Florenze Ziegfeld and BilUe Burke (Levia- than). Aug. Zb (from Southampton) Cyril Maude (Mauretanla). Aug 26 (from London) Ethel it.trrymore, Michael Arlcn, Ted Lev.ls & Band (Olympic). ■»♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦>»>«»»».» ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ There's Welcome on the Mat at THE PICCADILLY FOR THEATRICAL FOLK CABLE FOR A ROOM Cable Address: PIQUDILLO, LONDON FRANK VAN HOVEN On the bill with my old playmate, Gill WellB. Gill, despite marrying his dear little partner Florence Brady, ran up to my room like a kid. Gill's going to England next summer and he says that instead of thanking everyone else, he's go- ing to thank Frankle Van Hoven to make up for those who haven't thanked him. Gill Is like Dave Chasen, he doesn't forget the one who talked him Into England. Frankle Van Hoven will be the highest salaried single In the IT. S. A. In two years. He doesn't get an amateur's salary now. FRANKIE VAN HOVEN Keith's Toledo, this w'k (Aug. 31). DirMstion, EDW. 8. KELLER McNAB'S 10NES0ME" BUREAU BLOWS UP ' London, Aug. 20. In the good old days Sandy Mc- Nab was described on music-hall bills aa "the eminent Scotch Comedian." Then came a lime when he loved a landlady's daugh- ter who waa too young for love, legally. His love went a little too far and Sandy retired for a period In one of His Majesty's hotels. In other words he did "time." This was some time ago and Sandy remained retired until re- cently when he had a brainstorm and advertised for girl guides who had to be pretty, would not mind being kissed and for so doing would receive a fee of 10 shillings per week ($2.(0). The idea was that the girls should show men round, the men paying "the Bureau of Lonely Men and Women League" $6 a day while the girls made their living out of tips. Sandy said some got as much as $10 a day and were very pleased. Unfortunately, one of the girls was not so pleased and talked about the Bureau. The result Is that Sandy Is changing his address regularly. SAILINGS Sept. -12 (New York to London), Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bernstein and daughter (Majestic). Sept. 2 (London to New York) Mrs. Wm. DeMllle, Agnes and Mar- garet DeMUIe, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Sobel (Majestic). Sept. 2 (London to New York), Mr. and Mrs. Bert Krrol (France). Aug. 2» (Cork to New York) Bart Doyle (Republic). Aug. 29 (London to New York) Robert Loralne, Louise and Ann Pennington (Aquitanla). Aug. 26 (New York to London) Harry d'AbbedIa d'Arrast (Beren- garia). * GEEMANY APPROVES TEEATY Washington, SepL 1. The German Reichstag has ap- proved the most-favored-natlon commercial treaty with the United States, according to a cable to the State Department. This treaty, which it la stated will be of value to American pro- duced pictures in Germany, was signed in December, 1923, and rat- Ifled by the Senate, with certain amendments. An outline of the treaty was pub- lished In Variety several months ago. The Department of Commerce will give full details upon request. Bert Errol's American Tour London, Aug. 21. Bert ESrrolI, accompanied by his wife, leaves tomorrow on the "France," to open on the Kelth- Albee time In the states. Mr. Brroll, female Impersonat'or, has a tour of six months arranged on your side. AUSTRALIA f Orders Tea and Food For Box-Office Line Sydney, Aug. B. Owing to the large crowd waiting outside the upper bal- cony entrance at the Grand Opera Hotise for the Fuller- Ward gala night in honor of the U. S. Fleet, Hugh Ward gave orde-v that each patron receive a hot' cup of tea and something to eat before tak- ing their seats. The standees collected hours before the door was opened. , Decision on Mrs. Chaplin Washington, Sept. 1. Charlie Chaplin will know by Sat- urday whether or not his mother will be permitted to remain in this country or be ordered to return to England, it was Intimated at the Department of Labor today. According to W. W. Husband, Second Assl.stant Secretary of Labor, who Is noW handling the Chaplin case, the department is very sympathetic with the film comedian In his desire to have his mother remain here. "Every phase of the case will be weighed carefully," said Mr. Hus- band, "It Is evident that Mrs. Chap- lin will never become a 'public charge' and if the results of the special examination. Just completed on the Pacific Coast, shows the Im- provement In her condition that is hoped for the department will do everything possible to comply with the comedian': request that his mother be permitted to remain." «n. . . , c^ Sydney. Aug. 6. Theatrical .'Sydney Is entirely ea fete at present. This has been caused through the arrival of ths American Fleet. Managers of va- rious theatres have granted free en« tree to the sailors, while some van. devllle and picture houses hav* booked turns done by the boys from the warships. " Most of the dance halls have dona turnaway business. Baseball drew record crowds to watch games be* tween men of the fleet and New South Wales. The Australian team defeated the Gobs. Business at all theatres has been splendid, owing to the large Influx of visitors to the city. ' AMERICANS ABROAD Paris, Aug. 22. In Paris: Edna Wallace Hopper; Keats Speed (N. Y. Sun); Marie RapiKjId; A. L. Grady; Mrs. Bertha Martin (Washington Post); A. Ver- let; R. L. Kinney; Mrs. Thos. Meehan; Albert Warner. Marie Dressier has left Lido, Venice (Italy) for Salzberg, and is returning to America early In the fall. Other visitors on the Lido coast are Morris Gest, Ernst Vajda, Mary Lewis, Mary Corday and Jo- seph Urban. Fuller-Ward have a hit with 'Ht- . tie Jessie James." Guy Bates Post' Thinf*' 7^^ Masquerader" at ths^ inentre Royal and appears set fof» another long run. ^ Nellie Bramley, Australian stock . actress. Is reviving "Fair and t Warmer" at the I'alace under her own management. ■ •> ;.J Gladys Moncrleff still features in " "The Street Sinprer" at Her Maj- esty's. The show Isu booked to leave shortly, being replaced by "Prim- rose." WUliamson-Talt are playing big time vaudeville at the Tlvoll, twice dally, to big l)usiness. MiltonHayes > is a brilliant draw. Acts Include Hajnos (billed as the strongest Gob* of the U. S. Fleet), Ernest Hastings, ' Nell McKay, Tier and Ross, Zorondo ' La Bella, Nora Jane, Karl Gardner and Dunham. "The Ten Commandments" h««, finished 36 weeks at the Prince Ed- ward, being replaced by "Monsieur, Beaucalre." '■* Playing Fullers are Estelle Ro8^ Southwood & Pink Lady, Alec Kel- laway, Leo Stirling, Vldeau & KIrby, 11 Wonders, James Sutton, Selbona, Slavin & Thompson and Idaho Jaas Band. tr Pauline Frederick is doing re- j markably at the Criterion In "Sprinr - Cleaning." June Rlvldge is incIudeS In the cast. MELBOURNE I This city is also doing honor t« ' the American Squadron. DEATHS ABROAD Paris, Aug. 22. Owen F. Aldia, 71, former director of Chicago World's Fair, died In Paris. James J. Mapes, 22, son of Victor Mapes, playwright, died at the American Hospital In Paris of double pneumonia. Paul Robert, 70, well-known French painter. M. Vavssseur, secretary of the Lutetia picture circuit in France, killed In an automobile accident in Brittany. Claude Maitre, French author, au- thority on Oriental subjects. Guttave Mesureur, 78, former de- signer and French politician, died. He was known in theatre circles as the former chief of Paris As- sistance Publique. Ginstte Darcourt, 30, French act- ress, died In Paris. Ladislas Rabski, Polish dramatic critic died at Warsaw. Louis Berciaz, owner of Hotel Continental, Havre. Charles Scdelmeyer, 88, well known art dealer, died In Paris. Madame Dick May, French novel- ist, killed In automobile accident. William Chauncey, manager of Mary Garden, died at Deauvllle BVance. The mother, 86, of Bert Levy, the artist-actor, died Aug. 24 at her home In Melbourne, Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Levy visited their parent during the early part of this year. Spanish Troupe at Exposition Paris, Aug. 20. The appearance of Jaume Borras and his company in the concrete theatre of the Decorative Arts Ex- position was favorably received. This Spanish troupe Is playing In Its native tongue. Lubovska's School W.i iliinirton, .Sef)t. 1. Deslree Lubovska, president of the American National Pallet, 's to open .1 finishing school for dancing at the Washington Auditorium Oct 1. Wllllamson-Talt have a hit with "Kid Boots" at His Majesty's, George Gee and Jose Melville fea- tured. Fuller-Ward are breaking record^ with "No, No, Nanette' at the Princess. "Wildflower" opened at the Royal last week for Willlamson-Talt, Marie Burke is the featured player. Lee White. In association with Clay Smith, Is doing good business at the Athenaeum In a series of re- vues. Muriel Starr Is playing "The Pell- can" at the King's under the Wil- llamson-Talt banner. She is sup- ported by Frank Harvey and C. M. Hallard. Harry Green Is playing the Tlvoll In his comedy sketch. Other acts Include Gus Fowler, The Big Four, Jones & Raines, Sid Moorehouse, Alton Sisters. McKinnon Boys. A special attraction has been the U. S. S. "NevadK" Jazz Band. Acts playing BlJou are Harry Taft, Murfane, Rev. Gorman. Renda Rudd and George Wallace Revue. Cunningham and Clements, Amer- ican dancers, will sail for home this month after a 'wo years' stay In this country. Thurston Hall Is to present "So This Is London" and "The Broken Wing" In Adelaide for Wllllamson- Talt. Sir Harry Lauder has finished hit professional appearances In Au- stralia. Kreisler, master violinist, has de- parted for America after a brilliant season In this country, rfWfK WILLIAM MORRIS AOKNC'-J Inc. WM MORHI8 WM. MORRIB. J«. Pntnam Bids., 1493 Broadway. New Varh THE UlLER SCHOOLS^ OF DANCING 143 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director. JOHN TILLER