Variety (May 1926)

VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE 8 St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square F fl R F I fl N CABLE ADDRESS, VARIETY, LONDON r V I\ L 1 U H 2096-3199 Regent Wednesday, May 5, 1926 'NANETTE' SATISFYING PARIS; OTHER NEW PLAYS OVER THERE First Entrant of Carlier's Season Fails—New French Musical's Trivial Story with Likable Score— Odeon's New Revue Entertains Paris, May 4. The French version of "No, No, Nanette*' la at the Mogador and completely satisfying. The Isola brothers make the production. Robert De Simone has arranged and staged with Roger Porreol and George Merry doing the lyrics. Tho cast for this American musi- cal Includes Felix Oudart, Loulou Hegoburu (In the name role), Cariel, Adrien Lamy, Oabrlelle Rls- toi i, Fernande Albany, Jeanne Fusler, Mile. Paule Morly and Carlos Conte, Perclval Mackey con- ducted. "La Mandragore" "La Mandragore," (referring to a poisonous plant) failed to make an Impression as the inaugural effort of Madeleine Carlier's season at the Theatre Daunou. This piece is a three-act comedy adopted by Rene Florian from the French translation of Hans Ewer's German novel. It has been scenic- ally brushed by Andre Boll, dealing with a professor who experiments with the birth issue of a criminal and a prostitute. The cast is headed by Maurice Lagrenee, Lugne Poe and Mme. Carlier, the latter playing dual roles. Raymond de Bonoour, E. Ronet, Gax, Bert and Schmitt are in support. "I Gave Myself Me Me Suis Donne." ("I Gave Myself") an Amusing musical at the Cigale possessed of a lively score but a trivial plot based on amorous complications. Louis Hillier. former music con- ductor at the Casino de Paris, has done the score In conjunction with J. d'Hansewlck and Gragnon having compiled the remaining Ingredients. Gaby Bolssy and Jane Montange are the featured players. "The Young Girl" Lugne Poe. besides appearing at the Theatre Daunou, Is presenting "La Jcune Fille de la Popote" (The Young Girl In the Kitchen") at the Malson de l'Oeuvre. Although also a comedy its reception was superior to "La Mandragore." The action is laid In an Indo- china colony to which a girl emi- grates to assume the position of housekeeper for three officials. She becomes the mistress of one who abandons her because of his career but she eventually finds a husband. The new revue at the Odeon with Jean Bastla and Andre Lang is en- tertaining although unpretentious entertainment, produced by Pas- quali. The Odeon troupe comprises the cast. MORE HEARINGS IN WASHINGTON ON ALL-APPROVED COPYRIGHT Variety Bureau, Washington, May 4. After the true purpose of the Vestal "All Approved" Copyright bill, the fullest protection for the author and composer, had been lost In a sea of testimony extending over a period of two solid Congres- sional working days, which days were made even more remarkable inasmuch as less than one hour was allowed for lunch a sight of that "all approved" proposition be- coming an actuality developed. With Congressman Sol Bloom (IX) of New York continuing day after day his cross-examination, which repeatedly "sunk" witness after witness when it was clearly shown that each was appearing solely for his own selfish interests, and denying the right of Congress to take away from them their rights of bargaining, the V"€9tal pro- posal was made with the American Society and those of the mechanical Intends pla.-lng themselves on record as approving the proposal The working agreement, as to m« .fhanlcal reproduction, entirely omitting aijy rate fixing by Con gross, is as follows: "If granted to one licensee shall bo gran**»d to any responsible ap plicant at the some rate of royalty under a proper and workable scheme assuring accurate account- ing for a prompt payment of royal- ties, with prc \! ion for adequate penalties in evor-i. of fraud." The hearings opened Thursday with the librarians and book pub- lishers still arguing the Importa- tion clauso with it being apparent that this would stand as written In the bill due to tho established methods of Congress when fram- ing legislation to create protection for the homo product. Bernard A. Koslckl, representing tho Department of Commerce urged the necessity of joining tho Berne Convention in order to protect the foreign business of the motion pic- ture Industry. Mr. Konlcki cov- ered the many cases of pirating American films stating that the only solution was In this nation's entrance into tho copyright union. It was cited that under the present treaty arrangements reciprocity is only provided for which does not automatically protect, only given the right to citizens of this country to seek that protection. The advent of L. 8. Baker to rep- resent the broadcasters' In the place of Paul B. Klugh, against whom Congressman Bloom had made charges of conducting a lobby of propaganda through the air, as re- ported in Variety last week, de- nied the legislator the opportunity to question Mr. Klugh on his ac- tivities. Mr. Baker came in for a severe cross-examination in con- nection with the report sent out by the witness covering previous hearings wherein it was charged that "the dilatory tactics of Mr. Bloom, who evidently is the direct representative of the society on the committee," had delayed tho "bat- tle at the front." Mr. Bloom's questions forced the witness to seek refuge behind the statement that the questions pro- pounded would have to be an- swered by his attorney. That did not deter the Congressman in his crosH-examlnation to the point of having Mr. Baker leave tho stand !n confusion. Speaking for Pictures Fuhon Brylawski, representing the M. P. T. O. A. (picture exhibit- ors) cited no new arguments for the theatre owners in their desire to get the "music tax" removed. The witness brought in the "poor widow who was put out of the ousincss due to the demands of the society" which brought the obser- vation ficm Mr. Bloorn that he thought, that "poor wi<Jow'' had been "dead" for a long time. The "poor widow" ephodo was made a bis issue of the h^Hrings las'. ><"ir. Fui ;hor questioning tho witness the Congressm \n brought out tho fact that should tho 10 cent per seat fee b. removed from the the- atres that the public would not benefit, Mr. Brylawski replying that "we would use the money saved to buy more film." Another argument put forth by Mr. Brylawsld was In opposition to entrance Into the Berne Con- vention. It was pointed out that such action would throw all num- bers now In the public domain back under the control of the foreign copyright owners and create a sit- uation that might cost the exhibit- ors thousands of dollars In addi- tional royalties to the fee already paid the American Society. This caused considerable discus- sion with Thorvald Solberg. Regis- ter of Copyrights, and Arthur W. Well, the copyright expert of the Hays organization, agreeing with the witness. Finding much in the bill to criti- cize Mr. Solberg. as the next wit- ness, read into the record a lengthy and technical report upon *the bill as it compared with the Perkins' bill, the latter having been pre- pared by Mr. Solberg. The wit- ness condemned many features of the "all approved" bill which were later answered by Mr. Well as be- ing unfounded, he stating that Mr. Sol berg's bill had been Ideal from the standpoint of theory but im- possible of carrying out from the practical angle. The testimony of Mr. Solberg set forth that 16 copyright bills had been introduced in the last three years, this indicating the present need of copyright revision. The advent of the representatives of the mechanical companies brought back .the breath of life into the proceedings. The mechanical interests have gone on record as agreeing to t'ae Vestal proposal and cannot re- verso themselves without making it possible that the entire compulsory license clause will go out—and they have left the broadcasters, along with their endeavors to carry rate fixing to their enterprises, "high and dry.'* Propaganda and Slander Clause m DiO's Radio B01 Variety Bureau, Washington, May 4. A propaganda and slander clause In being* written into the Dill radio control bill with the revised measure expected to be reintroduced today (Tuesday) by Senator C. C. Dill (D.), of Washington. The bill, approved by the Senate committee though not yet officially reported to the.. Senate proper. Is being redrafted by Senator Dill, not only to Include these two new clauses but to also Incorporate those provisions that have met the ap- proval of the committee. That the propaganda and slander clauses- are . sorely needed was brought out by Congressman Sol Bloom (D.), of New York, in his charges against Paul B. Klugh as reported in Variety last week in- volving "a lobby of the air" to force through not only the regulatory measure but also the Dill copy- right bill aiming to set the rates by law that the Broadcasters shall pay for the use of copyright music. During the hearings on the Vestal "all approved" bill before the House Patents Committee Congressman Bloom requested that Mr. Klugh ap- pear and answer several questions in reference to tiie ownership of the Zenith Radio Corporation of Chi- cago, owners °jLthe station that Jumped its ymvo length and brought on'the "necessity" of radio control legislation. For the first time during: the three years of copyright hearings Mr. Klugh was not present during the sessions. Mr. Klugh, however, was in the committee room prior to the open- ing of the hearing. When ques- tioned by a Variety reporter he ad- mitted part ownership with Eug^e McDonald of the Chicago station. LONDON AS IT LOOKS By HANNEN SWAFFER London, April I*. The Manner* Return J. Hartley Manners has arrived quietly In England, a week before Lrurette Taylor, who Is still In Paris, this being their first visit to England since the extraordinary first-night of "One Night in Rome'* some six years ago, when there was a riot In the Garrlck gallery, and poor Laurette was so heart-broken that David Belasco knelt by her side In her dreeing room, whispering. "Be a g~>od soldier." "Loose Ends" Full of Language* Manners'* greatest pleasure was at hearing of the great success of Dion Tltheradge In "Loose Ends," which Tltheradge wrote himself, it was Manners who Introduced Dion Titheradge's father, George Tltheradge. a fine Australian actor, to the 8tates years ago; and it was his play "The Harp of Life," In which Dion made his last appearance in a straight play, this In New York In 1916, before ha Joined up. It was said that Helen Trlx had sold "Loose Ends" to Sam Harris for New York; but dealing went on. Archie Selwyn went in to see the play. Even his New York ears, I think, were shocked. The word "lousy" occurs several times. "Swine" and "liar" are epithets used by quite a young girl. "I'll break your bloody neck" is said. The word "prostitute" occurs once and the word "harlot" twice. There Is a male pervert figuring prominently, and a young woman who." might be anything. Oh. It is no modern I But, after Manners's description of two plays he has Just seen in New York, you may call it mild. Al Woods will be shocked to hear there is no bed In It. Sign of the Times I regard It as a sign of the times that I was the only critic who, the next day. pointed out Its Impropriety. The other critics were so used to It that they didn't notice, or else they were afraid. It is clever enough, and Dion Tltheradge, as the leading man, is good. But a New York expert tells me he has no sex appeal, whatever that may be. I should not think Queen Elizabeth had much. Fakir Bound for New York Archie Sclwyn's new shock for you Is a real live fakir, who sticks pins in his cheeks and a sword through his neck, a fakir called Rahman Bey, who can bury himself in a coffin full of sand for a quarter of an hour, mesmerise rabbits and chickens, read your thoughts and be oper- ated on without an anaesthetic. Tahrer Bey was going to New York last year; but he wanted $1,000 ' a performance. Rahman Bey, who, according to Selwyn, can stick many more pins in himself than Tahrer could, does not mind splitting the gate. There Is to be U special private show next Sunday week. Then, after two public performances in the largest hall obtainable, Rahman will brave Ellis Island, and even face bootleg whisky with a smile. Noel Coward Takes a Holiday Noel Coward has gone away to Italy for a holiday, which means, 1 suppose, that he will write two new plays on the train. The last newa r; he gave me was that Jane Cowl was to. come to London, to open In, "Easy Virtue" June 8. If she succeeds—which, of course, she will—ao» will probably do "Smllln* Through" and also try her hand as Juliet. I was privileged to see Miss Cowl's brilliant acting In "Within the Law" in New York In 1912. I hasten, before she sails, to extend td her a heavy welcome on behalf of all my colleagues. The Club of the Bright Young Things A certain section of the London stage feels greatly hurt because the Fifty-Flfty Club has been prosecuted and heavily fined. Ivor Novello, the founder, now finds himself responsible for a 20-years lease at £C50 a year. Actors and actresses have been holding committee meetings for days, and wearing longer faces every hour. Why this club was fixed upon for a prosecution when, so far as the sale of drink goes, other clubs were more guilty, many people find It hard to understand; hut the truth Is that, rightly or wrongly, the police were determined to put an end to this ciub. There is a certain type of young person on the stage, nowadays, for whom they did not (Continued on page 35) PICCADILLY HOTEL and THE KIT-CAT CLUB FIRST-CLASS FLOOR ACTS WANTED sVprfeMatattre A. J. CLARKE Ml Strand Theatre Bids* 1M5 Broadway. N. T. Sole American Booking- Agent WM. MORRIS 1500 Broadway New Turk Chicago, May 4. The Zenith Radio Corporation was Incorporated In 1921 with K. F. Mc- Donald, Jr., T. M. Fletcher, presi- dent of the Q. R. 8. music roll com- pany; J. R. Cardwell. Irvlnt; S. Al- !*»n and U. J. Herman, owner of the Cort theatre and now head of W. H. T., as the Incorporators and officials. A request by phone to the new Zenith company offices fpr Paul B. Klugh was answered by the Secre- tary of the Broadcasters' Associa- tion. He declined to disclose his official connection with the Zenith company. Women Not for Censors Washington, May 4. The advocates of federal censor- ship of pictures got another set l>ack when the three feminine mem- bers of Congress. Mrs. Florence P. Kahn (R ), of 0 California; Mrs. Edith Nourso Rogers (R.), of Massachusetts, and Mrs. Mary T. Norton (D.), of New Jersey, went on record as opposing any such move on the part of the Federal Government. Mrs. Kahn, a member of the Committee on Education, which committee 1s holding the hearings on the Upshaw and Swoope bills; declared that censorship was a duty of the parents and not of the state. Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Norton voiced the same conclusion. During the hearing last week the "Movie Trust," as Canon Chase said, had even gotten to the the President by misrepresenting the Upshaw bill with the result that the Chief Executive had disapproved the Idea of Federal censorship. However, this attempt for "fire- works" on the part of the Canon was defeated, for practically the en- tire committee voiced Its objections to the charge, while Congressman Fenn (R.) of Connecticut, stated that the President did not make of- ficial statements without careful thought entirely free from outside influences. Abondoning this line of attack Canon Chase then attempted to sustain the charge of a "movie trust," also declared out of order. The balance of this time allotted in rebuttal was utilised by the wit- ness In reading Into the record affl davits, editorials, etc., in defense of Harry Durante, responsible for the Connecticut cesnorshlp law, in re ply to the charges made against Mr. Durante by Charles C. Pettljohn, general counsel of the Hays organ* ization, in previous testimony. Just prior to adjournment of thai session Mr. Pettljohn stated to the committee that Mr. Durante had threatened to sue him for these same remarks, whereupon the wit- ness reiterated the same charge. Preceding the Canon Chase testi- mony Mr. Pettljohn stated that the proposed commission could not possibly function as outlined, as It would be necessary to review daily 25 miles of features films alone. KANSAS TAX BILL Kansas City, Kan., May 4. The next state legislature of Kan- sas will be asked to pass a bin placing a tax on tobacco, cosmetics, theatrical and other commercial en- tertainments for the purpose of raising school funds. The bill is backed by the legii- latlve committee of the Kansaf State Teachers' Association. Tan- gible property cannot bear a heavier burden, so the committee suggest* a luxury tax. Est. 1198 WILLIAM MORRIS AGKN7T. lae. WM. MORRIS ITO. MOBBIS. 1560 Broadway, New York THE TILLER SCHOOLS OF DANCING 148 Charing Cross Road LONDON Director! Mrs. John Tiller.