Variety (April 1926)

8 SL Martin VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE P H R F T H N CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON in'. PUce, Trafalffar Square ^ V 1\ ILi 1 \J 1^ 2096-3199 Recent Wedneiidajr, April 7, 1926 theatrical in1erests wtiv broadcasung on ddi biu '^usic Trust" Appears Object of CombiMd Attack —Skuberts and Exbibitors* National Organization Mentioned—Bloom Grills Klugh Wuhln^on. April f. Continuing his former line of at- tack, which involved the setting up of the Congrresflional Patents Com- mltteea combining representatives of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, Charles £. Tuttle, attorney for the broad- easters. attacked the American So- ciety of Authors, Composers and Publishers during the joint hearing on the D'"-Vestal bill which pro- poses to have Congrress set the price broadcasters shall pay for the use of copyrighted music. The witness coTisumed the entire morning session of the committee today without advancing a new argument. Summed up, Mr. Tuttle's argu- ment can best be recorded in his own words: "The American Society Is successfully milking the radio cow at present and unless restrained will Anally kill that cow." There was considerable sup- pressed excitement during the last two days, due to the report that the Shuberts were aligning them- selves with the broadcasters. The appearance of Otto A. Schlobobm, the local Shubert attorney at the hearings, gave credence to the re- port which, when first breaking, acted as a bombshell ln> the ranks of the American Society. As far as oould be learned, the fihuberts propose to have the Dill bUl so amended. If fatcrabfe action should be taken, so as to declare producers In on any earnings the eopyright owner may secure through the, \)E^^d9aatlng or other rendition of a mQAfcal production number. The Shuberts , win request Congress to make this division of revenues Qompulsory by law, whether or not such an agreement exists between the copyright owner and the pro- ducer. It has been generally believed here that many producers'and pic- ture theatre owners have been sup- porting the Broadcasters, even though that support may only have been a moral one, in the at- tack on the so-called "Music Trust." The anticipated Shubert action Win De th« first time a direct «Hg«- ment.has come to the surface in an endeavor to reduce the rights of the copyright owner by a theatrical producer. Bloom'§ Cross*Examination Tho Monday session was thrown teto an uproar through Congress- man Sol Bloom's (New York) cross- examination of Paul B. Klugh, sec- retary of the Broadcasters* Associ- ation. During this examination KluKh declared that the American Society was increasing Its rates 7,000 per, cent. After this Representative AI Destal introduced a bill which fur- ther complicated the situation. . In describing this now proposal Con- gressman Vestal stated that he did not believe the Dill biU would pass, due to its asking Congress to become a price-flxing body. Hence the Congressman now proposes to reverse the ^situation by requiring tho copyright owner to set forth on the number Just what restrictions ho has placed on its use ^nd ihe prlc^ to be paid when used within these restrictions. This to apply to all phases of publio performance whether orchestral, theatrical or eabarct. Rumor has It that the new bill Ul sponsored by the M. P. T. O. A. (pictures). The American Society has a targe representation on the ground, tnoludin'g. Qene Buck, Nathan Bur- k%iV Philip Bousa, Sllvo Hein, Aaymnnd Hubble, O'Leary Speak, fi. C. ^lills, Arthur Hopkins. Jo.seph Bicktrton, Jr., Sam Fox, Jack MMIa and Jules Rosenthal. REPRISAL BILL HTTHARDBY STATE DEPT. Proposed Legislation Not Needed—''Immigration Laws Sufficient'' Titles for Salary Borlla, March SI. Tho BofTtot ffovonunent haa flvea PmI OrlleBtfl on hlo 40th staco aiiDl^orsanr tho honoraiT tltlo "ArOst of tho Peopta." This la oTidently tho boglnnliig' te Raoola of tho fa* mvom GonBan orstem of giving perfonnon tltloo instead of * decant oalarj. Thoro lo atao an tpidomSo of this In Gonnany; every small- town orchootr^ oonductor now booomoa * soneralmuslkdlr^- tor, * tltlo whkh under tho only flToa to PARIS TAODE BlliS Variety Bureau, Washington, April 0. The Secretary of State has in- formed the Foreign Affairs Com- mittee of the House that legislation as proposed in the Vailo bill, aim- ing to restrict the issuance of pass- ports to other nationals when dis- crimination is shown against Amer« leans, is not needed. A lengthy communication ad- dressed to Stephen Q. Porter (R.) of Pennsylvania, chairman of the committee, discusses the proposal, summing up in the Secretary's con- tention that nothing of the kind Is needed "due to the stringent im- migration laws of tho United States." The letter caused aomothing of a Bonsation amopg the group of congressmen interested in tho vaile measure, introduced at the behest of Paul SpechL It may develop to tho point where an official explana- tion of the Secretary's interpreta- tion of the "stringent Immigration laws" aboTo referred to wlU bo re- quested. Mr. Vsile characterised tho Bec- reUry's letter as an unfortunate development but which did not neoessarlly mean the defeat of the measure he is baclchig. The Oongressman has a compre- hensive list of Ehigllsh performers now in this country as well as the two programs of the recent all- English bills given at the Palace (vaudeville) in New Yorlc. This list Mr. Vailo is going to present in answer to another de- velopment brought out Saturday at the department: that ft was easy to traco the several American ar- tists and musicians now in England, but no records could be found of E^nglish professionals in this coun- try. Congressman Vaile has accepted the Invitation to address the mass meeting to be held the coming Fri- day, April 9, at tho 62nd Street Theatre in New York. Farla, March ST. Champa Klyasaa. B onhair troupe; Joo a Crodcott; Qeorgo Sylvestre; FIvo Artona; Korka Rouskaya; Jerry BnOdera Troupe; Spanish re- vue produced by Jose Padilla. Olympia^Les Pharamon; Five PhUlppos; Alberto Trio; Emma & Henry; Carrier; Deux Cavallinl; La Treskina; Pomles; Reneo St Ar- mond; Oauty a Gesky; Maud Fercy ft Marysla; Argentino ft Sevilfknita. Nouveau Cirque^Rosar'a Lions; M. ft Mma. Max; Lafouge; Ruth- land; Lea Princesses; Calino-Nina- Tonio; Antonet ft Baby. Cirque D'Hivor. —Capt Wall's Crocodllea; Rancy ft Houcke; Lea Bouasona; Amoara Dogs; Maaut ft Masette; Iloa ft Angelo; Lugano Troupo; ntttollinra Jwvenlloa; Max* ims Trio; Btanley Broa.; Fortunlo'a Liona; FntolUnl Trio; TrolkA'a Hoi Spedit-SSrenafl Eiplahwig Vaile FHday (Aprfl 13 at SJO p. at tho itnd acroot theatro, Paul Bpecht and Clarka BIlTomatl will explain tho Tallo bill, now bofbro Congreaa. It seeks roprisala againat discriminatory ontry of Amerlean professionals Into any foreign opun- try. England la tho Immediate oh- jectivo. The bin waa Introduced fai the two houaea by Senator Fl^k B. Willis and Con gi o sam an William N. Vaile. Mr. fipocht agitated tho meaaure prior to Ita Introduction. Undewhidy'B Hit Curcg ^DOLLYS' BAREBAOfACr ^^stiir'-n^"' AT BENEFIT IN PARI March ST. 'At tho Comedlo 4tii (Cbampa Ely- aloa, wbore they ar« lltfing operetta, Alice Cocea, recently^ tnarried to a Marquis and playing the lead, failed to put in an appearance on aocount of Ulneaa the other night. So Mile. Maguenat undertook the part, meet- ing with tremendous anccess. Thla fact roaohed: the oars of, Alice, and alhough not expected she turned up at tho theatre next eve- ning, just before the curtain waa rung up and her deputy ready for the role. Bhe insisted on resuming her part. Tho management held tho ourtaln until Mile. Cocea got into her tume^ much to tho mortification qf Mile. Maguenat, alrea<^y dressed for tho role. Next day, there being a matinee. Mile. Cocea waa Again on "sick leave** and tho othec girl waa asked to play tho part once more. This time the "deputy" declined, and money had to be returned the audi- ence. GOV. FOR "SUNDAY" Harrisburg. April 6. John K. Tener, Governor of Penn- sylvania from 1911 to 1914. is one of iPour Republican candidates for luD gubernatorial nomination next month. He will run on a platform advocating Sunday amusements. In- cluding pictures and sports. He has Just made known his desire to repeal or amend the Bine Laws of 1794. SAILINGS April 24 (New Tork to Naples) Rosalie Stewart, B. S. Stewart (Duillo). April 1« (New Tork to London), Sampion and Douglas (Olympic). April 14 (Havre to New Tork) Lynn Overman (I^ France). April 8 (London to New Tork) Mr. and Mrs. Dcszo Rctter (Re- public). April 7 (New Tork to London) George Tyler (Mauretania). April 3 (New York to London) Osv.'^r Lifshoy (Minnoknhdn). PICCADILLY HOTEL and THE KIT-CAT aUB FiRST^LASS FLOOR ACTS WANTED Sole American Rrprmeiitiitl?* A. J. CLARKE ttl gtimnd ThMtre Bids. N. T. Bole Amerlrnn Booklns Aa«nt WM. MORRIS 1500 llrftatlw»y New York MODERN "JOAN" RLM Overland Film Co. ''Qrinding" In Fraafi»— Iji Foyotto Aa Lead Paris, March 27. The Ovorland Film Co. of Amer- ica, founded In France, is arrang- ing to prodnco a series of six pic- tures thla year, tho first being the story of Joan of Arc resuscitated today and mingling with her 20th century contemporarlea The sce- nario starts In Paris where the statue of Jeanne d'Are comes to life. Andreo La Fayette, seen in Richard W. TuUys version of Trtlby," will play Joan; Andre Nox Is male principal. Walter West is the British producer, Robert Lane, of New Tork, scenario chief, and R^no Quissart and Geo. Rizard, cameramen, who worked witb Fred Nlblo on •^en-Hur." TCHEKOFF CRAZE Lionflbn, March 27. There la no dodging him. Where- over you go, whatever paper you read, whoever you listen to. sure enough the oubiect la—Tchekoft. He's ovon invading rovuo now for Cochran is Introducing « Tchekoff skit in his new show. Rumor has it tho erase is not the result of aa '^art-for-dut'a-oako"* fover, but of a obvowd pioco of •kowmanship. After the lessee of tbo out-of- tho-way theatre at Baraos had oent bia production of Hiurf y's **Tesa of P'UborviUo" Into tbo Weat En4. his nterest was attracted by tho erit- OS* onthusiaam for Fagar's pro- duction of **Tho Cherry Orchard" and a atago society production of Undo Vanaa" diroetod by Komls- arJoTsky. Rumor says tho leasee had nover hoard of Tchekoff till then, but dl- roctly ho asked a few questions ho found that aD I«ondon's second- best playoro—many of whom can- not And ragvlar omployment — would play la Tchekoff on any torms, ospodaUy If K^mlsarjevsky was dfrocting rtfliekrsals. As he was formerly eonnoctod with the ICofcow Art Thoatro,: an engage- ment , with him would count as a hall-mark for tho >est of their lives, besides arotiiiag the eritlcs interest in their eavosrsi Thus tho losses . of tho Barnes Theatre has made bis little hall not only the Ulk of tho whole Intelli- gentsia of London but also the ob- Joet of surburban curiosity. He has presented *^o ;Bea X.uir and '*Uncle Vanza's. in Town." and other utays of tchekoff at Barnes His production of ."Tho Three Sis- ters." now running at the little hall, has roused the leading critics to ecstasy. At the annual benefit of tbe-L. tors' Fund, the Dolly Sisters did bareback riding act. SteadlhTL* hearsing for six weeks, they fuU of falls and bruises when «2 pctarlhg upon the horses In the jS! >|«aux CirQue, whero the benefit held. ^ All of the stars in Paris volm. teered and each did some kind m a circus turn. Artists of the Comedie Fiaa, calse and National Opera were «■ tho benefit They included Sllvak. 7S, the oldest and best beloved •( the Comedie. Maurice Chevalier, of the DouW roYUO, and Milton, another eomoi dian, did a very turihy acrobsik act AMERICANS ABROAD Jewish Guild M^^ng A meeting will be held by the Jewish Theatrical Guild next Tues- day fApril 18) night at 11:80 at the Bijou theatre on West 46th street. Special purpose of the open meet- ing Is for members to ratify the purchase of cemetery plots. SUnrO COLORED STAR Paris, March 27. Mrs. Ludlay. owner of the Negro revue which played the Crhamps Elysees music ball last year and later migrated to Berlin with Josephine Baker, Is suing the lat- ter colored star for 200,000 francs. The claim Is that Miss Baker left the show before her contract ex- pired and signed for the new revue at the Folies Bergere. Paris' Italian Season Paris, March 27. Rugrgero Ruggcri opens with his company at the Theatre de la Mad- eleine shortl;- for an Italian season. The repertoire embraces Shakes- peare, a number of Italian comedies and also soma translated Fren^^h works. Bolieff Wants Tlioairo Paris, March 27. NIkUa Bahoff, following his sea- son in London with the Chaure Sonrlo wUl glw a further Paris soasoto at the Femlna. It Is under- stood Balleff !s after a theatre of his own hera Paris, March 17. In Paris—Paul Wright, actor; Mrs. Mary Louise Richards, formori ly Mary Sachen. Follies girl; Mr^ James Oleason, Qeorge F.a«»inm^ film B)anufQipturetr: Capt Ashif 9akor (Philadelphia 6esqulcent«. alal exposition, to arrange Europm exhibits): MarMfSt 8. Arnold, in. slclan; Mrs. WiDBHm Farnum; Mar- Un J. Quigley, *Whibltors' Hontld.^ Cornelia Rider Possart planish is Maying Berlin to return to Lei Angelea John Heath, American planli^ gave a concert at Tours. France. Miss Hasoutra, thp **gold" danei^ Is filling the spot in the Casino li Paris revue, vacated by CapeOa aal Roseray, gone to New Tork. SHVAIR AT ODEOir Paris, March IT. M. Silvain. former doyen of Comedlo FrancHlso who was upon to retlro last January for agt limit has signed with f Abnun and F. Gemler. Ho will do a series of perfohs* anoos la Mollere and Racine at tM Odoon. MRIHOER"—.''FXREBRAND'' London, March 27. The end of the run of "The tit** brand" at Wyndham's is not far ol^ Ita successor will be Edgar W§i* lake's melodrama, "The Ringer." PietMre Traces Film History Paris. March 17. A rather eurlous picture, ar> tanged by JuUen Duvlvier and Henry Lepage, was released at • special matl.^ee at R. Ford's artlK tic cinema. It depicts the hlstoir of the picture Industry from Iti first invention up to the pros< day. Coldstream Guards for Cana^ London, March IT- The Coldstream Guards Badf ^ to tour Canada, the company if 4t being under the direction of X|to* tenant R, O. Evana The band will sail from Liveryoo^ June 18, opening at Toronto. IN BERLIN Berlin, March 24. April 1 Eiigen Robert will take over the Tribuene theatre from Vic- tor Barnowsky, tb Whom he rented It This is the fh-st outward sign that Barnowsky to in financial dlffl' cultiea Thla leaves Barnowsky only two theatres, Koeniggraetzer and Komoedienhaua He is expected to get along better with these. A sign of the bad^mes Is the formation by prominent actors of their own touring ensembles. Alex- ander Mofssi, Paul Wegener and Max Pallenberg all have their own troupes for March and April. Man- agers cannot give these actors satis- factory guarantees. »Whether they themselves can make more money in this fashion is open. The Sued Film Company of Munich has engaged the American film actress, Clara Bow, for a series of fllms. She will begin by playing the lead In "Hochstapler der Llcbe" ("Swindlers of Love"). Miss Bow is favorably known here through her work in Lubltsch' "Kiss Me Again." Theatregoers Protest The Volksbuchne, a powerful or- ganisation of theatrergoers, ha^ tested against the pl^n of a tie-up between radio and performances of operettas tp be given in thcf janorm* oua Orosse Schauspielhaus (as re- pofted In Variety some time igo)c The association sakl that it #01 compete with the prices at wfeidj the radio operetta company ' WHl offer seats, at 25*>50-75c. It Is loot Ukely that the city supporting radio scheme will pay much altoB* tion to this objection, but It Is, teresting as showing that scheme is a good one. | ' iiax Schach. appointed by ^Laemmle only a ^ort time ai, European general manager fofH Universal, has retired from "'r position. It is said that Schach, Is undoubtedly a good business is organizing his own picture cem. His place will be taken by stein, who formerly represented Universal In Switzerland. Est WILLIAM MORRII AGKNCT. Ian. WM. MORRIS WM. HOBMSB. 1S60 Broadway, New Yor*<^ Ihe TuiER scHoSi OF DANCING 143 Charino Cross Roi** LONDON Director, Mr«. John TS^