Variety (Jun 1926)

Wednesday, June 2, 192B NEW ACTS THIS WEEK VARIETY 17 REV. PHIL A. GOODWIN and Co. «'Th« DoubU Crou" (Dramatic) 14 Mint.; Thraa (Intarior) Amarican Roof (V.-P.) A screen announceiiient and a Bpeclally painted sign outside Loew's American, laid particular emphaslB upon the fact that the only Catholic prleat in the world who waa an actor is Rev. Father Phil A. Goodwin, granted the foot- light privilege through the special dispensation of Archbishop Gregory, af Los Angeles. Variety's New Acts flies reveal an »ct entitled "The Double Cross," re- viewed Sept. 6, 1908. That skit •dealt entirely with a prize ring •tory. The Father Goodwin theme Is dif- ferent. It takes a good healthy verbal sock at the work of cer- tain interests who are working hand-in-hand tot the abolition of the parole system. For the vaudeville presentment Father Goodwin has surrounded himself with quite a cast, four characters beside that of the priest which Father Goodwin of course does himself. To his credit he does Bot attempt any stage pyrotechnics and the greater part of the act's dialog Is exchanged by the support. "The Double Cros*" brings noth- ing new to the stage other than a priest. Its theme and its enact- ment has more or less been told time and again upon the screen but tha manner in which the moral la climaxed hands out a little re- ligious admonition to every boy and girl to give thought of God. The story opens with a paroled thief calling at the priest's home Just prior to the arrival of a lo- quacious reformer whose sole ob- ject is to abolish paroles. The re- former has written a scathing ed- itorial on "The Abolition of Parole" and which Is discussed by Father Gregory's (Gregory Is the name of the priest's character) aunt, and Mr. Oliver. While the talkative male is find- ing fault with the priest's favor- itism to paroled individuals and his especial interest in the Hildreth case (Hildreth being the boy who at the time waa in the priest's atudy), the father's valuable cross arrives from the Jeweler's. It is a priceless Jewel. To make a long story short, Oliver sHps the cross into the boy's overcoat which had been left on a table. The boy goes out only to reappear as the captive of a de tective. The "dick" has been on the lad's trail ever since he left tha big stir and as he left the prieat's house had been nabbed and searched. The finding of the cross had the sleuth gloating. Then the priest takes his cross and tells why it had been a helping hand and then calls the detective to task. He speaks right out when ha declared the plainclothes man Was a miserable failure as an Amer- ican citizen. Comes the departure of the boy who had only been out of prison 10 months. Talk of the Voice Within and also the priest's state- ment that "God dwells within all of us," the exit of the young man marked by the last words spoken In the act by Father Goodwin as Father Gregory: "Your body is the dwelling place of God." The curtain falls as Father Good Win, alone, yanks out his pipe for a "smoke" and reflection. Throughout the entire presenta- tion the audience sat in respectfu alienee and at the ciose applauded heartily. Father Goodwin as a vaudeville proposition commercially is of worth, yet the playlet summed up as an act and taking in his sup porting members, who had nothing to do other than exchange dialog, Is nlL There was little that called for any stretch of acting. Perhaps that was Just as well when sum- marization of the priest's acting feupport Is considered. No criticism can be made o Father Goodwin as an actor. Where bookers consider the cold, clammy side of commercialism his engage- ment can only be deduced as a box offlce proposition or an entertaining commodity. Religion does not enter into the theme only through the effort that a man of the clergy might be ex pectcd to make in behalf of hu manity seeking reclamation. A. trip around the combination circuits with Father Goodwin given due publicity should have Its return at the boxoflfice. The moral of the •kit will take care of Itself. Mark. VIOLET HEMINQ and CO. (2) Tho Snob" (Comedy) 22 Mins.; ThrM (PaHor) Palaca (St. V.) Violet Hcmlng has been fortunate once again in being outfitted with an Intelligent vehicle. Edwin Burke s the author and Al Lewis, presum- ably the producer since Burke is a Lewis ally, with all legit names, al- though no producer Is mentioned. "The Snob" Is a human playlet. With Mr. and Mrs. Rldhards about to embark for Europe, the priggish husband is cautioning his wife whom to cultivate aboard ship, and whom to overlook. She has the Impression that Clarence Richards Is a "blue blood." Enters "Crutch," Richards^ un- couth brother, "Just a mug," boot- legger by piofession and seemingly the skeleton in the family closet as far as the' polished Clarence is con- cerned. The wife frames a sltua- tlon^and the husband comes through like a regular fellow for his brother whom he had at first attempted to disown. In turn, the 'legger Is dis- covered on friendly terms with the wife's uncle who, too. Is a Volstead violator. That's a comedy twist. It being assumed that she at least Is of ancient American stock. The .theme is excellently devel- oped and well presented by Miss Heming, Kenneth Loane as the hus- band and Herbert Heywood In the character of the rough-and-tumble brother. It plays well and grips throughout. Good for at least once around and certain to please. AM. WILLIAM C. PIKE and ORCHES- TRA (10) Arcadia Ballroom, Now York This Is the Bill Pike band nucleus of the Sammy and Herman Tlmberg "Rebellion" act. It is now set at the Arcadia ballrooni. New York, succeeding Mai Hallett's crack dance unit, and proving satisfactory. The Pike brand of syncopation la not the vereatile entertaining style that Is a Hallett trade-mark. It Is out-and-out dance music, nicely scored and nicely rendered. The outstanding feature la that, from two seasons of vaudeville, the band has been able to switch to dance music (although not without some changes) and does equally well. Pike has forsaken his banjo In favor of a sao. a handier instrument for conducting, although the banjo is brought Into play for solo num- bers. With the leader, Charles K Toole and Ralph A. Bissell are the reed players. Harry Lichtman and Frank Van Houten comprise the trumpets; Charles Panely. trombone; Harry LefkowitZ; piano; Hugh E. Rea, \uba; Ross J. Pepe, banjo; and Harry Burkhardt, drums. It's a likely aggregation and easily adaptable for almost anything. For dance purposes, at the Arcadia, Pike's bunch click. George Hall (previously reviewed) is the co^ttraction on the opposite stand, with his dance band. AbU. LLOYD and RUSSELL Comedy Talk, Songs, Dancoo 14 Mins.; One Riveraido (St. V.) C. Balfour Lloyd, last around with Gil Wells, has teamed up with James Russell (Russell and Pearce) in a two-act that has all the ele- ments of a successful vaudeville combo. Opening with cross-fire the pair taper off into a Solo song by Lloyd, the while Russell secures comedy by attempting to climb around a chair witout touching the stage and missing. He also blows up a rubber glove and milks the fingers in pan- tomime for more laughs. The meat of the act is some double acrobatic dancing, excellently routined and introduced legitimate- ly. The talk is in spots highly remi- niscent of some ancient argument material, but it haa the merit o< goiiig further back than the memory of the average vaudeville fan. At this house in second position the pair did very well. They should find no trouble in the best of the straight and combination vaudeville houses. Con. ERLAY and HALLOCK Songs il2 Mine.; One and Two State (V-P) Two women presenting a song routine of the more popular classics and bits of opera. Both have trained voices, both reach high registers and they duet prettily on harmony and tone. Their opening duet waa '1 Hear You Calling Me," rarely used as a double number. Miss Hallock singled with "Giannlna Mia." Miss Erlay's solo contribution waa an aria from "Travlata," the act go- ing into "two" for it They' closed with "Rosea of PIcardy," duetted. The Misses Erlay and Hallock do Just the kind of warbling they know how to do. It makes a pleasant turn and one that can play vaudeville or picture houses. Ibee. ^'RESTORED TO THE FOLD" (2) Sketch 22 Mine.; Full SUge (Special) Criterion, Loa Angaloa -(P.) Criterion la playins "Thank You," the film about underpaid ministers this week and therefore the acquisition of Frederick Warde, Shakespearean actor in a con- densed version of ''The Mission Play," local historical and religious play, presented yearly, was a double coup for Eddlm Hitchcock who does those things for this hoOae. With the religiously inclined com. ing in for both stage and screen fare, the stunt went over well with the audience. Ruth Helen DaVta la playing an Indian girl while Warde plays "Fra Junipero Serra," hla Mission Play part The plot la aim- ple, showing where the old priest persuades the girl, who was to run off with a Spanish soldier, to re- main at the mission. The time of the play is around 1810, when Cali- fornia was flrat aettled. A good set of the miaalon garden waa provided. The acting of both players Is of the heayy Shakes- pearean type. RICHARD VINTOUR'S REVUE (3) Danoo, Poaingi Acrobatic 11 Mins.I Throe Sth Ave. (V.-P.) The artist's studio Idea Is the familiar setting with the girl as the model and VIntour, a husky chap, at the easel. An adagio results from this. Follows a succeaslon of bits. The two men alternate in the athletic poslngs as shot-putter, discus thrower, archer. Javelin thrower, etc. They do some Interesting, al- though familiar, hund to hand lifts with the girl bronkliig It up and again entering for the final curtain. Vlntour's physique is a fine speci- men and the herculean build Is rather a handicap in this case, his ■otherwise difficult lifts appearing somewhat too easy, and in ratio with his seeming strength, it seems that they don't impress because the audience expects something more difficult than has ever before been attempted. That 'in itself is an idea. Yin- tour's physical capacity appears limitless and if a routine that would exceed the uniqueness of the Rath Brothers and others could be evolved. It is very likely the under- stander's athletic prowess could sustain the brunt. Wlthotit digressing Into possibil- ities, the present frame-up, while rather a hodge-podge on analysis, shapes up Interestingly. They closed the 6th Ave. bill. The act also Is a picture house likelihood. AheU COLE MCELROY'S ORCHESTRA Band 90 Mins. Liberty, Portland, Oro. (Plots.) A very entertaining bunch of syncopated musicians. This band at this house for one Sunday morn- ing performance waa a "killer.** They are considered the town's best Jazs organisation, haling from Mc- Elroy'a Spanish Ballroom, where they are permanently stationed. Johnny Sylvester, accordionist Is the director and arranger while Ted Mullen entertains by putting over some popular numbers. The 10 boys, still In their early twenties, are peppy and hot with their instruments, most doubling on Instruments. As this engagement is their debut in a picture house, they looked slightly nervous, but this will wear off with more stage experience. As the act now stands. It could with a little coaching flt in nicely aa a presentation attraction or make the three-a-day grade. Coh0H. ROY WALMAN and SISTER Piano, Songs, Whistling 12 Mins.; One American Roof (V.-P.) Nice looking young girl and youth, in a neatly framed little turn in which she handlee the piano and singing. Walman is a whistler and contributes the usual shrill heavy operatic solo. His other whistling was much mor<^ subdued and therefore more enjoyable. To a ballad sung by the girl to her own piano accompani- ment he duo'd with bird calls. It made an effective and pleasing duet The girl sings two other songe and makes a couple of wardrobe chdngee. She has a wholesome per- sonality and looks sweet In her summery to^n. Nice opener for any- where or can do a notch or two on an ordinary bllL Con. FLORENCE AND ARNOLD Comedy' Balancing 10 Mina.; Fuii Stage Fifth Ave. (V..P.) Male handles balancing, an Inter- esting routine of "builds" using chairs on bottles topped by hand- stands, etc. Woman assistant Id "spinster* characterization goes in for comedy nutting. She also solos a Spanish song, using a piano cover and lamp shade for props. Capable co medienne and he an excellent spe- cialist in his Una Her buck on a dancing board be fore the piano on which she plays her own accompaniment is well done and should be novel to the current generation of theatre-goers. Good opening or closing act for the best of the combination houses. Con, MURRAY and IRWIN Songs; Dances; Whistling 14 Mins.; One Fifth Ave. (V..P.) Two clean-cut young chaps -In Eton Jackets, top hats and wide trousers open with double song, 41 Lore My Chillbums." followed by close harmony patter choruses. An- other double pop With one playing the uke followed and was "It Won't Be Long Now" (a catch line being popularized In the tabloid cartoon •/Policy Pete"). A whistling solo by one fellow, the other joining for a whistling double of "Glow Worm," very well done. A solo Russian dance followed by an "essence" doubled and a well routined tap dance, -doubled, eatab- liahed them as versatile. The sing- ing will paas anywhere, but is the lightest i>ortion of the turn, which li Interesting throughout This pair can make the grade In any vaudeville company. Con. along as a deucer in the interme- diaries. Billy Buskette handles the piano manipulation aa well as harmoniz- ing in the doubles with Mnglne soloing verses and billing coming In on the refrain. Their real wallop was a reprise of some of their former hits planted for a finisher and which were ap- plauded according to their degree of popularity with, the outfronters. Fflba MAQINE and BASK^ETTE Songs IS Mins. Piano, in one Amoriean Roof (V.-P.) A new songwrltlng combination for vaudeville ofTering the conven- tional, piano act which should get BENNETT and WHITE Acrobatic Dancers 7 Mins. Capitolp Chicago (Pet) Two good-looking youths cos- tumed in white blouses and tuxedo trousers going through a strenuous routine. When at the Capitol theatre the boya "coasted" through the earlier part of the running, but more than made up for the slow work later on. Routine consists of the regular acrobatic denying now so much In favor, with several unique Inter- sperslona The boys work In dupli- cate and show excellent tlmlnir. Their closing bit, wherein they leave the stage bouncing sideways on their hands and feet, drew a riot of applause. Very good presentation material. Loop. VOLGA SINGERS (6) Singing 18 Mins.; Three American Roof (V-P) . Another Russian harmony sextet comprising two men and four women In a repertoire of pop num- bers, folk songs and classics In Russian which, despite inability of most to understand, ^ets over on its harmonizing value. All six have trained voices and manage corking good harmony In the several ensemble numbers. The male members, tenor and baritone, handled solos to good advantage with the women of the act adheirlnc strictly to ensembles. Got over well at this house but holds nothing warranting better than the three-a-days. Jidda. ''IN A CELLAR** (3) Farce 17 Mins.; Two SUte (V-P) It Is the same act presented for- merly by Jack Conway, who fea- tured himself. Conway Is stlU In the turn, but billed secordary along with two other players. The latter are Charles Cannefaz (borther of Bob Cannefax. the three-cuahlon bil- liard champion, now 111 In Arlsooa) and Miss Ebert who Is on for n small bit. Cannefax Is virtually new as a straight but he works surprisingly well with Conway and figures to de- velop rapidly. "In a Cellar" Is a fair comedjr skit more properly farce. Ibo9, VAUDEVILLE HOUSE REVIEWS PALACE HARRY PHILWIN Songs 8 Minutes Grand Central, St Louis Harry Philwin was blinded in the war. But, though sightless, he has retains a smile that helps him put over his comedy and "blues'* num- bers. That's why they call him "Happy Harry.'* Ills baritone Is pleasant and the prestige of being a Brunswick artist sends him acrosa Ruebek That a cabaret manager acquain- tance of this reviewer who "knew the ropes" . demonstrated how he could get a spot in Row D at the Palace, whereas the undersigned sat in Row V is merely oftered in a rep- crtorlal vein, without any sense of criticism. "The entire lower floor was scaled at $2.7S on Memorial Day, possibly as a patriotic tribute to the box ofUce. Aside from that, $2.75 for the cur- rent bill seems |2.35 too much. All familiars, with nothing distinctive on the tapla Frank Fay, holdover, again ofll- oiated aa confcroncler throuf^hout the proceedinf^fl, starting with the third act and was consistently un- funny, although more than redeem- ing himself In his own spot. Dis- counting the natural difficulty to Improvise and ad lib between turns. Fay on the other hand had the ad- vantage of a holiday and kindly audience. Business waa none too good, the $2.76 chaBlng them upstairs, pos- sibly since only those and the $2.20 mezzanine chairs were available at theatre time, with the result the house was dressed on the lower floor, although not successfully. On top of that an obvious "cheat- ing" on things because of the over- IfHRth of the show was not In keep- ing with the standard this "class" house should maintain. The news reel was chopped, a new title belnj? flashed and then dimmed. Simi- larly "Topics" was hoovcrlzed on. and "Fables" omllted entirely. These are trlflng details, but Im- portant trifles that contribute to the general tenor of things. Opening what proved to be a long show whioh let out nt 11:30 with all the rhopplncr, wnR Tinrry Stoutcnburg. "the worlds pocket billiard expert." to quote the billing, which deflnes him of seemingly non-champion distinction, although Mae Alameda George, his assist- ant, announced him as the ac- knowledged world's greatest exhibi- tion bllllardist Mr. Btoutenburgh proved it by his uncannily trick shots, making the ivories do every- thing but stand up and say "papa.** Miss George Is a new addition to the act, filling In vocally. Paul Sydell and Spotty Is a new billing, Sydell giving his clever canine equal lineage, although as far aa the ifct is concerned it's all Spotty. The exceedingly clever canine goes through an extraordi- nary routine of equilibristlc bal- anceH and flip-flops. Bob and Gale Sherwood with their Entertainers ran 27 minutes. They do everything—and nothing. TheirH is a hodge-podge of thls- and-that, probably striving for va- riety, and attaining It with but spotty returns. Firstly, the musi- cians start entering from the audi- ence to make It look different. The Sherwoods bring out their support- ing company of nine fur various bits. Tho woman has her appear- ance against her both In girth and other things. The musicians essay solo specialties of one nature or an- other. The lariat banjolst has somewhat of a novelty and clicked and tho energetic young.ster who flnale-stopped Is another highlight Clara Barry and Orval Whltlege have developed their stuff since last Hcen. \^'hltlege Is now equally billed and qualifying. The gagging is more or lens antique. Whltlege's rrark that "this is not an act; It's a revival" holding more truth than pootry In It. Ml^s Barry is one of thofle "intimate" comediennes. Dc- ponds how you like 'em. Sometimes Bho g<rtH too familiar: so much so she amacka of Sophie Tucker la