Variety (March 1926)

Wednesday, March 10, 1926 WOMEN'S PAGE VARIETY 13 FOR WOMEN ONLY By DOROTHY PADDACK Could Ba Better ••Broken Heart*" fails to realize -n 0 f its dramatic possibilities. With more pungent material for a olay than was in "His People" this Aim is only about one-half as good it could be. Lilia Lee as Ruth Esterln, and ute r the wife of the persecuted Benjamin, gives a smooth and sym- pathetic performance. But the best of the women in this abundant cast is Bina Abramovitz, as Mama Es- tcrin. Anna Appel, as Shprintze creates a distinctly hateful char- acter in this meddling, gossiping woman who neglects her own family to nose into the affairs of others. There are four other feminine roles brief but essential to the plot. The whole idea would be clearer If there were some statement of time. A prisoner's letter says "the Czar's power is weakening." That might mean 1918 or 1816, still, Llla Lee's clothes are modern. Mae Oliver's Fun Edna Mae Oliver puts fun into the film, "Let's Get Married," and Lois Wilson is decorative and con- siderably helpful to the plot's ac- tion. There are several atmospheric femmes. Miss Oliver (who this week returns to her old role in "Cradle Snatchers") seems to put some of that same hilarity into her work which made the customers giggle when the object of her inten- tions was even younger than the young hero of this film. An unprogramed maid deserves Borne attention. She is amusing in several scenes, but especially so where the detective tries to "serve ft par.' >n." "Catsby" at Mask Remover Mi..-: of the smart lines In the play. "The Great Gatsby," fall to Catherine Wlllard, who is clever and droll as Jordan Baker. The compli- cated characterization is by Flor- ence Eldrldge, who Interprets the vacillating and disillusioned Daisy Buchanan with skill and finesse. It In an ugly role, and she is merci- less in meeting its requirements. Margherita Sargent, as Daisy's mother, with a few swift strokes proves what a meddler can do to Cupid. Virginia Hennings is Sally, a colored maid in a Louisville household, and the gabbiest maid you ever saw. This role is the one false note in the story. Josephine Evans, as Myrtle, a white maid with whom our heroine's husband does his best flirting. Is sufficiently convincing. In fact, the play removes the masks from our Best Families in Kentucky and Long Island, revealing them as a bunch of neurasthenic nobodies. Important Role* for Women Mary Philips, Marion Ballou, Pa- tricia Barclay and Kate Mayhew have the important feminine roles In the new comedy-fantasy, "The Wisdom Tooth," at the Little The- atre. Although Mary Philips does more work as the clerk's sweet- heart, still her part is not as es- sential to the plot's movement as the more significant role of the clerk s "idea," a symbol of his lost Individuality. This part Is charm- ingly done by Miss Barclay. The playwright has been es- pecially chivalrous in making the sob-sister of seven years' experience a gracious, tender, delightful girl. Miss Philips enacts this role that It Is not her fault if her audience questions the authenticity of It. Lenora Philips, a child, as Mil- dred, is exactly what she should be. There aro three or four other minor feminine roles. Gloom Chaser The film, "What Happened to Jones," can cure more gloom in GO •seconds than most comedies can in 60 minutes. Three situations are of especial interest for their farcical values: the poker game, the antics •n Madam Zella's reducing parlors, and the hero's impersonation of a bishop. Marlon Nixon is the Sweet Young Thing, and she does it quite engagingly. Emily Fitzroy is the ■traight-laced Mrs. Goodley. who makes a dreadful fuss over the bishop." Stew! Pitts is the maid it, the Goodley homo, und her insist- ence on "hush money" added som. Tn re br,1?nt s r>°t»- Nina Romano as Alice Starlight, who took part li the reducing parlor episode, Is con •iderably handsome. RIGHT OFF THE DESK By NELLIE REVELL Firebells are used, on the average, for rousing fire departments and giving tenants of burning buildings a chance to save the piano scarf and their lives. But the firebell in the Somerset was used last week to pro- vide an outlet for a weird sense of humor and to give the guests a chance to think of a dozen synonyms for wrecking the life of the fellow who rings it at 1:30 in the morning. It was just about that hour when most of vis in the Somerset were slumbering peacefully that the firebell clanged tcrrifyingly. I ran out into the hall to find Earl Bronson and a half a dozen others ahead of me, all excited and all imagining they could see the lire creeping up the elevator shafts. Then our phones began ringing and the office notified us that there wasn't any fire, that an actor coming in late had touched off the alarm on the sixth floor for a joke. Ye Gods! On the eighth floor is a woman so paralyzed she cannot get out of bed, has not moved in eight years. On the sixth floor is another woman ill enough to have a nurse day and night. On the 10th floor, our own. Sam Harrison, manager of the "Follies," is seriously ill. There are in the hotel also several mothers with small babies. And the anguish they must have all suffered makes that practical joke look rather tragic upon closer examination. But Mr. Freiburg, the owner, disagreed with the perpetrator regarding what constitutes real humor. No, the actor isn't living at the Somerset any more. REAL LOOKING DOLLS Girls Of El.da Ballet Circuit on Loew Some people go to California for a rest and others, like Trixlo Fri- ganza, go out there to work IK hours a day as a grandmother (work 21 hours a day at being one*. She writes that she Is playing the Grandma in a production cafl-d "Weak Sisters." "No, darling." she Watermans. "I'm not weak. I'm the strongest sister. There's nothing weak about me. There couldn't be when I'm holding down two jobs—movies and speakies-and working 18 hours straight six times a week." When the list of committees for that ball arrived. I found they had put me down on the "Suggestion Committee." So I called up Theodora Bean, chairman, at once and asked her why that particular word. 1 wanted to know if she had ever seen anything suggestive about me. "That's really the Promotion Committee," she explained. So now I an#going to meet the other members and see if they can suggest some way I can promote a new dress for the balL "The Big Parade" was my only bit of entertainment last week but it was enough for that week, this week and all the weeks to come. When I go to see a play or a motion picture I am more often than not watch- ing how the thing is built, how the effects are secured, how the climaxes are swung. In other words I'm like an automobile mechanic who never sees beautiful varnish or upholstery but must always listen to the motor, the thing that makes the wheels go around. But it was different at this picture. I lived It every minute it was on the screen. It was so real that it was almost a surprise to find myself on Broadway after it was over. That plowed field just over the hill In France would have seemed much more natural. The FJIda Ballet on the I.oew circuit has six girls. One sings at the opening, looking r<al cute in burglar outfit. She brings you to the dolls she has stolen. Five girls who certainly look like dolls are lined up. First is a wooden- shoe dance done well by a Dutch doll in black, yellow and orchid costume with flying yellow braids. Next a cute brunet smartly clad in a white satin sailor suit does some good Russian in the form of a sailor's hornpipe. A soldier dance follows with the girl in a red and white mil- itary suit. Then comes the Dolly Dimple who dance* gracefully with a routine of many kicks and back bends. Last a rag doll dance is ex- cellently done. Our Dolly Dimple dancer returns for an Oriental dance dressed in a beautiful rose and blue costume. Three girls do a good buck dance. A Charleston finishes the act after a song. The Song should by all means be omitted. Fat Cirl Full of Pep in "Talk of Town" Chorus Added to my delight in sWing the picture was my pleasure In meeting once more Mike Cavanaugh with whom I had some gladly remembered associations while we were with the Cort firm. He Is now the manager of the Astor theatre where "Parade" is showing. With him was his wife, Antoinette Walker, who will be recalled as one of the best Pegs that ever played "Peg O' My Heart." While in tho offices of the Universal Picture company the other da I ran into Little Billy, the one and only Littly Billy. He showed me som H )'ou don't advertise in VARIETY don't advertlsi ay me some stills of himself in his picture soon to be released and In which ho Is starred. It is his first picture work. Though I knew he had ability it was a surprise to see what a really fine actor he is. Those who see him in the picture and who do not know him personally will be sure that he is no older than the child ho plays, whereas, he is actually a young man. The picture is now being cut and titled. While on the subject of movies, I just learned that "Biff,- my nice male lead in "Spangles," my circus story, isn't himself these days. I drew him as a circus grafter, a great big lovable type of circus Walling- ford. Now, I heard, he has become a tight-rope walker. Laurence Stallings doesn't know how lucky he was they didn't make "Bull" a cake-eater and turn "Slim" into a conscientious objector. Undoubtedly some circus grafters expect sooner or later to walk the plank and some perhaps wouldn't L« surprised to be associated with a rope. But most of them, while they like wire walkers, would rather be dangling from a rope than balancing on one. I've always had the most profound regard for the abilities of scenario writers and now my spring hat is off to the one that could make "Biff" put his three little shells in storage and go in for tight-rope strolling. The much-expected return to the stage of the Farber Sisters has been indefinitely postponed and for a very adequate reason, a reason that pushes into the background even that imperious demand of the theatre, "Get the curtain up at all costs." Irene Farber (Mrs. Ernest Boschen) has accepted another engagement, having been cast for the role of mother In the most appealing drama of life, under tho direction of Mr. Stork. Meet you Friday night at the Ritz-Carlton at the New York Newspaper Women's Ball. If you're there. (And you're going to miss a lot of fun if you're not.) How I scared Walter Winohell and Jack Pulaski last Friday evening is Just their business. I was on the way homo when I met them and they informed me they wcr-i just starting off to attend a dinner being givtn for Glenn Condon by the staff of Variety, " Fine," I said, "I'll go right with you." "But now listen"* they both began. 'I've always wanted to attend a dinner for Glenn Condon," I told them. "Be reasonable, dear," Jack cajoled. "This is a stag dinner." "I don't mind," I reiterated. "I've always gone wherever the boys went." For two blocks the debate kept up and finally we reached •<"th street. "But Nellie, you can't go." Walter said for the 10th time, "this is for gentleman only." "If it were really for gentlemen." I high-hatted them, "It would b< allr.ght t-r la l.-s to go." ■ And wh it i sigh of relief they heaved when I turned down the side Street and headed for my hotel. Among the million of things I need, foremost among them, la a pres. •-'of. Last week I went up to the First National studios to have my picture shot in company with Milton Sills as a press stunt for the Newspaper Women's Pall. The elevat ,r man there knew rnc and con ratntated mo on my return to health. s<> did the crew and the te'< hone girls nnd stenographers. But Mr. Sills had to be introduced to m< Then on Friday evening ftftor leaving the Newspaper Women's Club. Mopped In at the Hippodrome and tried to go past the doorman. I! Udn't know me from Adam (I mean Eve>. And what's more h" di It. i Good-Looking Gowns at 5th Avenue's First Half Marguerita Tadula, at tho Fifth Avenue the first half, is a brunette with a pleasing voice and has no trouble in rolling her fingers o'er the ivories. She wears a pretty orchid dress trimmed with silver lace. Her obesity is excusable be- cause she admits it and even sings about it, and so few women do. The male member does well with a piano solo while Miss Padula changes Into a green gown. A duct concludes. Hoctor and Holbrook open with Miss Hoctor's impression of Mae Murray. She Is very much a la Murray In a stunning black gown and blonde wig. Mr. Holbrook does some clever dancing. His combination of a buck with a few ballet steps is especially good. Miss Hoctor is splendid in ballet work, showing perfect balance. A white, flimsy gown emph'asizes her sweet- ness. In a cute little pink and green costume she indulges in a lively Charleston assisted by Mr. Hol- brook. Flo Bert (Brendel and Bert) is a charming brunette and wholesome in a pink, rhinestone studded gown. The audience thoroughly enjoyed this comedy turn, especially the old fashioned mlnuette during which Mr. Hrendels entire get up falls apart. "Hoke," but they laugh. By ROSE ADAIRE A chorus bubbling over with pep is in "Tho Talk of the Town at the Columbia theatre last week, pre- sented by Harry M. Strouse. From the (attest to the thinnest they nil possess much vitality. The opening Is a song with the girls In white feather costumes, each carrying a letter that spills tho name of the show, as they as-end the stairway. Tho number h is a singing finish and better voices often have been heard. "That's tho Kind of a Girl You Are" is led by Angelus Lee. The choristers wear black and silver costumes with pirouette ruffles. Tho number is short and leads into "My Sugar," brief but peppy. In "Keep on Dancing" the girls look especially sweet in their pink, blue and yellow costumes. "When the Moon Shines In Alaska" is sung by Marie Vernon. There is no danc- ing but tho girls are most attrac- tive in their red and white sport outfits. "Bathing" follows which naturally has the choristers in red bathing suits. The close walk-off exit is very effectivo. Next is a specialty by the Wells sisters, who harmonize fairly. The smaller one takes honors for personality and the other for dancing. The latter has possibili- ties and would do very well with little coaching. "Camel Walk" Is just what anyone would expect, a Charleston finish. The little fat girl with the tltian hair deserves a word or two for her excessive pep. The cabaret scene opens the'sec- ond act with the first opportunity for the chorines to wear long gowns. They look nice In different color taffetas. "Oh, Henry Brown." Is rather concise, giving them a chance to exit and change costumes. "If I Had a Girl Like You" finds the girls In black and white strut costumes. They strut across the stago in good fashion for an encore. And another Charleston finale with lots of pep. The girls are hard workers und most certainly do their share in the entertainment. The most successful souvenir program put out in the Chicago theatrical colony this year was that of the Treasurers' Club Ball at the Sherman hotel. The boys did them- selves proud, collecting some 100 odd pages of ads. CAMBRIA'S "FESTIVAL" Tho Rlvoll presentation "A Gar- den Festival" is high class enter- tainment and thoroughly enjoyable. It has been devised and staged by Frank Cambria. Some excellent singing is done by Helen Cahoon, Walter Pontius, Herman Ash- bauchcr. Benjamin Landsman and Carl Bltterl. They are dressed In exquisite costumes o>f the seven- teenth century. The coloring 1s de- lightful. A dainty mlnuette Is done by eight dancers in colonial costume. Yurieva and Svraboda, classic dancers, registered with clever adagio work. THE DRESSY SIDE (Continued from page 12) crystal fringe. A long trailing cloak was of brocade with an edging all round of black lynx. Another wrap was of plain satin with a trimming of crystal rings us a border. A house-coat was chinchilla trimmed. Sev. eral street dresses were simple In model. Miss Bow wore the clothes oi today, mostly simple sport models. Eve- ning dresses followed the full skirt and proper waist lino effect. Gus Edwards' "Garden of Girls and Boys" furnished a cheery period. Mr. Edwards has probably spoiled more future stars than any man in the show business. Take youna Vincent O'Donncll for Instance Here is a young chap with a voice soused up tho notes corao out now with an effort most painful to the hearer. The dreeing of tho girls was well done, especially In a number where each girl represents different flowers. Three girls In a ballet number were exquisitely dressed In three layer ballet costumes. Tho Bamo three girls were also well dressed In white chiffon dancing frocks. The organ recitals at the Rlvoll aro getting to bo quite tiresome with the old-fashioned melodies. Mary Lewie In Recital Miry Lewis In a recital at Carnegie again proved the flexibility of a refreshing If not altogether steady but well placed voice. She gave a varied program of interesting songs and looked most charming in a simple white low neck, short frock. An audience that filled Carnegie to capacity responded generously. Must be Rotated Mildred Florence enjoys the distinction of being the only woman la that snappy HtMe Win. Anthony Merjulro drama at 'be Playhouse called "12 Miles' Out." The resemblance between Miss Florence an 1 Mary Poland is so strong they must be related. Throughout tho three acts Miss Florence wears but one dress. It Is a simple blue affair made quite plain. • care who I was. T explained that I knew .Tack Conway of "V ulely," Hugs Itaer And several other bugs, "You'll have to see the man i ;er.'' ho nailed but didn't know where I CO a Id find him and made no effort »'» locate him for me. IaIt Mr. Like, ;he manager 'phoned rn» to i-k Ahy on earth I hadn't come to bis office to see him. Which proves to it some do and still again others do hut knov me.