Variety (December 1925)

14 VARIETY NEW ACTS THIS WEEK Wednesday, December 2, 1925 WEE GEORGIE WOOD and Co. (3) •Hit Fir»t Love" (Comedy) £S Mine.; Interior Victoria Palace, London Txinflon, Nov. 20. One of The surest of sure-lire per- formers of thi.s—or any other coun- try—Is Wee Oeorgie Wood. He demonstrated it by breaking; in "cold" at the Victoria Palace an entirely new act, written by R. P. Weston and Pert L#e, England's premier Bong and skit writers. With such a combination it would bo reafion.ible to expect first rate eniertainnient—and the audience w.Tsn't dl.sappointed. The oplnlon.s of the wl.«!cncre3 ranged from "very good" to "the best act he has ever had." The story is simple and elemental, childishly so, with a neat little twi.st In the peroration that makes for clean enteitainmcnt of a sort c.nl- rulated to appeal to our better Belvos and attract the sort of pa- tronage vaudeville — variety — or mufllc-hall caterers prnfos!? to be al- ways striving for. The settinp: Is a full staeo "kitchen interior." At rise Goorgle enters, looks about and whistles to Bomeone outside. In comes a IHt'.e IClrl of api).nrcntly 12 or 13. shy and timid. He assures her ?ill is v.-cll and they have a pretty, childish love scene, during which he tells hor cf a little ditty he wrote about her— that no one h.-id ever heard it be- fore, and Flngs It: "Your First T.,ove )s the Best Ix)ve." Enter boy's mother, with a lo.if of bread, etc., to prepare afternor.ii tea. She Is m.nde noqu.iluted with her little son's sweetheart and they all have tea. In the mids: of the repast the boy's stepfather appeara. He puts a damper on th? proceed- ings, culminating in his striking the lad; whereupon the mother, hitherto shrinking and fearful of hor hus- band, roused to a ferocity born of mother-lore, conies to her child's ''resaae and orders the man out of the house for all time. Shortly aft- erward she goes to the local "pub" to make sure he will n^ver return. Left alone once more, the boy re- sumes his innocent love-making, the girl wheedling from him all his rherlshed possessions in the shape of the contents of his pockets. When it develops she has another sweetheart, who has been waiting outsid^ durins the visit, the lad is hurt and angry. He tikes l>ack all his presents and uends *.he girl out. Mother returns and finds her boy Buffering from loveslckness and ' making cynical observations on the fickleness of the feminine sex. On being assured stepfather has beer permanently expelled and that he and his mother will once more dwell alone In peace and harmony, he nestles up to her and goes through the same routine he pulled on the girl—that he has written the song about her and that no one had ever heard It before, which brings the curtain down on its second ren- dition and gives the audience an opportunity to facetiously remark what everybody krows, that boys are potential dej^^lvers of the fair sex—and girls born fickle. Jolo. TH08. J. RYAN (1) Songe, Talk and Dancing 15 Mins.; One (Special) eth Ave. This veteran vaudevllllan has shelved his former vehicle. He now appears before a barbershop drop to dissect the modern woman In a crossfire with a feminine youngster, besides turning In a "Charleston." The talk has Its bright and lax moments but it's still the hardshoe taps that draw the applause while the reminiscent announcements de- mand and hold attention. But, that "Oliarleston!" Prob- ably the oiliest living exponent and don't think he doesn't do It—he docs it i)l<.nty! There It Is, take It or leave It. It drew a whale of a hand at this house, spotted late and wisely 60. Ryan, If it's a new act (you can't tell about this guy), he may have done It 30 years ago, could brighten pas.sages of the patter to advantage or. If not that, cut down. His danc- ing Is as surefire as always and the burden Is his alone. The assist- ing feniinino partner foils the quips well enough. Next to clo.<jing on this six-act bill, Mr. Ryan romped through to an outstanding hit and will continue to do so before those who do or do not know him. A funny guy, an interesting hold- over from the old school and cap- able of handling better material conversational than he now pos- sesses. Also, there's that "Charles- ton." Okay any time. Bkig. ETHELYN CLARK and CO. (11) Band, Songa and Dancing 16 Mins.: Three (Spaoiial) 6th Avenue Paul Zimm's orchestra accom- panies the feminine feature, with two male steppers assisting. Clos- ing the show at this house the act did very well, mainly on the strength of a fast dancing finish by the male duo. Miss Clark Is down front for a number with eight of the boys after which all make a dive for their chairs and, for the most part, stay there, Zimm finds time to slip In two numbers, one carrying a Bruns- wick record angle, while the boys also contribute a comedy school number very much Ous Edwards. Miss Clark warbles thrice, and nicely. The dancing of the special- ists Is of the low trajectory type and clicks. Inasmuch as the action Is fast, the act should h.ave little difficulty In cashing In where the entrance examinations are not too rigid. The band of eight pieces is not strong enough to stand off the traffic on the well worn trail they're follow- Ing. A Bpecial drape set In gold provides the setting. Bkig. G0ET2 and DUFFY "The Bride and Groom" (Comedy) One American Austin Goetz and Pae Duffy Jiave considerably altered their turn of two or three years ago, with the principal change in the opening. They appear as an elderly bride and groom. After cross fire with a little comedy business, they disappear to suddenly reappear as a neatly dress- ed young couple. This Is spoiled somewhat by the couple upon their swift reappear- ance In younger costumes expecting applause and waiting for it. It may have surprised the audience but It is no shock and no riot—Just a nice change. Of good appearance in. their proper person, the coupl§ do very well. Mi Duffy exhibits comedy tendencies that deserve a better try- out wltli other material, while Mr. Goetz is an all right straight and better in his character role. A whistling finish of the former turn is also retained, as perhaps also the bride and groom bit, al- though In what former costuming that was done Isn't clear. But the whistling gives a finish. Goetz starts whistling through his fingers; Miss Duffy follows and through her fingers; then both together, with their fingers in the other's mouth, they e: It, still whistling. Probably the only act In the world that whistles with somebody else's fingers. Once upon a time two boys who were dancing stopped long enough for one to say: "My brother Is the only dancer in the world who dances upon his own iron mat." This turn, however, makes no an- nouncement, because It Is self evi- dent their fingers are their own. -A PETITt REVUE" (4) 23 Mine.; Ona and Full Stage (Special) Palace A fast, smooth running, singing and dancing revue presenttid by George Cboos and featuring Danny Dare, a vorsaille and clever song and dancer. The cast Includes Virginia Wat- son and Harriett Cole, two cute dancing girls, and Carrie and Eddy, mixed team of "adagio" danci-rs, who stop the act so cold upon ])res- entatlon of their two specialties, some means will have'>to be devised to kill the applause. <0n one oeca- sion Dare followed in a fast Rus- sian acrobatic solo strong enough to stand up anywhere, but the house made him dance off and recalled the man and woman. Dare then re- peated his dance and scored strong- ly. The act opens with Dare and one of the girls doubling a song, fol- lowed by a graceful double dance. Another double was one of the girls doing a Charleston to Dare's uke. He Joins her for a finish of this number and then solos a comedy song, followed by a dance travesty of the Charleston translated pedally into Yiddish. A double "riding" number with Dare and one cf the girls on prop horses was novel, and a double song In Rube attire also clicked. The solo dance In riding habit o.' the cute brunette also pulled salvos. The toe work of Miss Carrie and the grace and ease with which her male partner haftdled her in the ad- agios were the high lights. Their first entrance was a swan dive by Miss Carrie Into the outstretched arms of her partrter. A good revue from all angles. Con. "THE MASKED COUNTESS" Songs 5th Ave. "The Masked Countess" hides her eyes behind a black narrow mask. She is said to be Thelma somebody or other, but even the crew or actors back stage at the 5th Avenue last week did not catch a flash of her full features. The .Countess la a soprano and needs her mask to draw any special attention. If that Is the reason, that's enough. But as a gag with the "Countess" figured on as a draw curiosity that's applesauce. Someone suggested that perhaps the Countess whei. on small time could not get the notice of agents or bookers so slipped on the mask. Barely possible. If the Countess did a cooch dance and wore the mask to conceal her Identity, there might be some sense to It. But Just to lilde her eyes so the audience will not be certain who It is that owns the voice Isn't enough excuse. , Last week the Countess remained a full week at the 5th avenue. May- be she had no other place to go for the second half. The first part she appeared as a single In "one," and the last half In the Meroff band turn. Very considerate of the 6th avenue. It's hardly necessary nowadays to freak up vaudeville—It's freaky enough Just naturally, on the stage and elsewhere, fUme. MRS. FRANK TM4NEY and Harry Stoddard Orchestra (9) 17 Mins.: Full Stage State About the time Mrs. Prank Tln- ney started her nth divorce lult against Frank, she also made up her mind to return to the stage. There seems to be some doubt about the divorce proooedings but the comic's wife tried out in the split week houses several weeks .ago. She was formerly In b^irlesquc, us- ing the name of Edna Davenport, quite some time ago. After a number by the band, a letter handed from the front Is read. It's from Mrs. Tinney who wants it known she Is still able to sing and dance. She then entranced with a popular lyric converted to her purpose In this wise, "If you can get along without your mama, I can get along without my papa." That struck the house humorously but more so the line: "It takes a sense of humor to be a comedian's wife." The finish of the number carried a plain suggestion that Frank can come back homo, an In- dication he has again talked her out of the divorce. The number ^punted mildly. Mrs. Tinney was later featured In a Blues, announced as having been written by Harry Stoddard for her. Tho chorus was a harmony effort, she being joined by the fiddle player. With a hotsle-totsle num- ber tho Mrs. stepped a bit, going into a tap numher, slow but drew a hand. A "Charleston" finish won her good results too. Stoddard's routine was sliced to build up Mrs. Tinney but the band did its stuff. "Clap Hands," a cafe song was made the band's principal number. It looked like a good tie-up for her with Stoddard's orchestra which played big time last season. Looks like big time bookers passed up the turn, however, perhaps be- cause of the Tkiney dirt stuff In the magistrate's court. It is a ques- tion if the band will continue in three-a-day. If not It Is reported Frank may team up with his wife and that Is probable If they make- up, ibee. McAllister and Lancaster "On the Links" (Comedy) 15 Mins.; One State Shorty McAllister has been teamed several times and Is also known In burlesque. Dick Lan- caster, with him before. Is a neat straight, and they have worked out a good comedy routine. A golf opening with the ander- slzed McAllister doing the caddy. When explaining Mexican golf he wanted to know If one could not coffee off as well as tee oft. A comedy cop Intervenes, the turn then going Into frank but laughable burlesque. The third member dances while the prlneipals change. Re- turning with a political argument, they are again Joined by the clown cop for tho finale. On next to clos- ing the new turn looked very good. In fact plenty good enough for big time. ne«. New AcU Next Week (Dec. 7) New acU playing in and around New York City next week. Also acts that have not played Greater New York in a long time and revivals. INDIVIDUALITY IN CURTAINS rJi II 9k^WMiau, PIMI.ADKI Hanker* Tratit Bide NKW TORR GIT'S: 5S3 W. 43rd St.—ChlckeriM HM ADVERTISING CURTAINS—DROPS—SCENERY Justine Johnson and Co^ Palace, New York. Qalla-Rini and Sisters, Pal- ace, New York. Alphonzo and Co., Royal, New York. Ritz Serenaders, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Black's Comedy Bears, 125th Street, Proctors 2nd half. Rowie and Jerry, Keith's, Pat- terson 2nd half. Adela Verne, 5th Ave. "Sally, Irene and Mary," Sth Ave. Mehlinger and Williams, 5tb Ave. New York Police Band, Proc- tors, Yonkers 2nd half. Walsh and Clark, American 1st half. Welder Sisters Revue, Amer- ican 1st half. "Just Out of Knickers," American 1st half. Richmond and Moyer Sisters, Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Ethel Rosemont and Co., Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Donia and Mack, New Bruns- wick. EDDIE PARDO and Co. (S) Comedy Skit Full Stage (Special Set) Sth Ave. Eddie Pardo Is starred in this comedy skit with Gloria Archer featured. Pardo and Arclier have previously appeared in vaudeville, as a two-act and as skit players. Their present turn carries out tho youtljful idea, with Pardo a youth himself while the three young wo- men, Inclusive of Miss Archer, are within their teens or lately emerg- ing. The act runs entirely to com- edy of the juvenile kind, with Pardo as a bachelor after a good looking wife with money. He dates up each of the girls at the same time for the same evening and questions them along similar lines. One young woman (Miss Archer) after the ether two have Informed him they are of poor parentage, says she Is rich, has gold and coal mines, etc., when a policeman re- moves her as an escaped lunjitic. As the bachelor bemoans his lost dream, she returns to say the cop was mistaken; she Is not insane, and the couple close within a trick trunk, opening to resemble a little parlor set within. The trunk thing Is quite attractive, but the number Isn't strong enough for the novelty. Mr. Pardo assumes most of the work. He's a Juvenile with possi- bilities. A dark good looking fellow with stage presence, he's one of the younger acting musical comedy set Broadway producers are con- stantly angling for. This skit, with Its principals, com- ely girls and likeable comedy, makes a nice turn, without Its very attractive special set that Is a note- worthy mark In Itself. S^me. ..1' HlAf ' BURT KUEHN and Girls (7) Jazz Band 15 Mins.; Full (Special) Kedzie, Chicago Not until the half dozen giil musi- cians can create something more nearly approximately music will this turn suffice. The playing of the girls Is bad and must be noticeable even to the layman. They have neither melody nor unison and at times It Is nothing but a medley of indiscriminate noises, dominated by the drums. Mr. Kuehn Is a com- petent trouper but can not reason- ably carry a seven-people act on his own shoulders. In Its present condition this act should not fill spots to which better acts have a better claim. I^oop. ,1 ' • . MM \-i \ I t t I WHITING and BURT (1) Character Songs 24 Mins.; Two (Special Set) Palace George Whiting and Sadie Burt, back after a season in the west have curiously enough built up one of their best turns with relca.ud songs, e: ceptlng one. Each song calls for a costume change, spci iai silhouette scenic background behind divided drapes and the Whifin" and Burt delivery. Between numbers, Virginia Mao dances. Virginia holds plenty. Her contributions are youth, beauty, a Charleston and a clas Jc "Rublile Dance," which proved the ancestors of current crop of restaurant own- ers were no chumi)s. "I Ml.ss My Swiss," made diffmnt by tho scenic background, costumes and Wlilttins's excellent German dialect, was tho first double. "What Price Love," with Sadie, a gold dig- ging little vamp reciting her t<'rms and George countering with his op- posite idea was the second and a pip. It's a Blanche Merrill number. "Collegiate," In comedy costumes, followed. They sold tho lyric like itobgdy's business and got mere with a comedy colle),'late strangle dance. This pull',«d them down Into "one" for some clowning and gugping. Miss Burt told a couple of new kid stories with the "pit" standard prominent. The act ^took one of the hits of the birt in tho next to closing spot and deservedly. Whiting and Burt are exponents of an almost forgot- ten art and get across without the aid of anything but talent. Con. "SAILOR BOY" (5) Musical Comedy 18 Mins.; One and Full (Special) Broadway A comedy act with muskal trim- mings and a competent cast that should make it a good bet for the mediums. Tho substance matter and treatment lack the class neces- sary to elevate It beyond this sphere. The overworked theme of th<^ sup- posed enmity still existing between the North and South Is the plot with a vengeful Southern colonel east for the villain, who would block the marriage of his granddaughters to two Yankee Lads, a gob and an en- sign who have completed their four- ycar course in the Navy. D. L. Stout, featured, plays tlie gob and registers comedy in an attemjit to set South Brooklyn slang to' a Southern di.alect. The act boasts a good prima and singing Juvenile who handle two ducts in a manner beyond ret>roacl». Both have trained voices and their musical interruptions were most de- lightful. Tho other girl Is a stately blonde of good looks, opposite Stout but neither of the latter should at- tempt w.irbling. Stout's rasi>ing voice and dialect are far from musi- cal. It would have been better had he attempted recitative Interpreta- tion of his songs rather than the raspy attempt for melody. A third man plays the old Southerner, a part which calls for little more than the make-up. The part Is practi- cally a prop for pathos at the finish when he hands over the ghis to their respective lovers and prepares to leave for th»-soldier's home. But they didn't let him go. Despite glaring defects the act contains a certain amount of enter- tainment and especially the songs by the unbilled team. Got over to fair returns as the deucer on this bill. Really belongs In tho follow up spot but undoubtedly drew the earlier assignment because of an overabundance of full stage acts oA this bill. Edba. "COUNTRY CLUB GIRLS" (4) Songs 12 Mins.: One (Special) 5th Avenue The billing gives this foursome a "break" but other than that the harmonizing listens as par and It satisfied a well filled .\fnnday night house. A special drop Is BUi)posedly ■• golf course with the women being In sport dress. Then entrance with each swinging a club. The num- bers, four, loan towards the popular tj'pe, al'iclt a couple might be termed medleys. The bass song- stress Is evidently the leader., reaching out for minor comedy at- tcnipt.«i and soloing. Tho art of m.ake-up would ahl at least one of the member.s but tho combined voices and the novelty attached to a feminine four should see thi.'A vaude Item establish Itself for a swing around tho smaller thc- trcs. Skip- If You Don't Advertise in "VARIETY" Don't Advertl»e