Variety (Jul 1926)

22 VARIETY FILM ' HOUSE REVIEWS WcdnMday, July 81, 1986 (NEW YORK) New York. July 21. Better all around bill at the Col- ony thla week, where an Independent <B. P. Schulbers'i) feature la go- tng to get the house business, weather or no weather. It's "The Plastic Aerek" with Clara Bow vamp fng her boy friends all over a eampus lot. and beyond. Following the feature Is "Snoo- kum's "Buggy Idea," with a funny Idea at least. Another good idea Is In the overture, a niedley of past bits of Zieggy's "Follies." If Mr. Slegfeld wants to feel lonesome he should drop In. "In Search of a Hidden River" Is A Martin Johnson travelog, slow and ▼ery much so in Its first chapter. Three Melody Girls were not at the 2 o'clock Sunday show. They only appear at de luxe perform- ances, but aa the Colony held ca- pacity downstairs Sunday afternoon before the first show expired, that might be switched into the de luxe class. Pathe got Into the news reel with three clips, the International getting the remainder, although the house remains under lease to Universal. U Is running "The Midnight Sun" Into the Colony early In August. Two or three fllm distributors around might rent It If given the chance. Elizabeth Brown and Sedano, a reunited dancing team, did a nice enough classical dance with Miss Brown fairly well handled, going to a neat finish. As they appear only at de luxe performances, too, maybe the show was actually a de luxe, with the Melody Qlrls out, for Sun- day or the week. There's enough, however, without the trio and as the performance Isn't running over 110 minutes, that gives the house a little break. Looks like a very limited appro- priation for the stage show at the Colony, but with "The Plastic Age." no need tg worry. Bime. UPTOWN (CHICAGO) Chicago, July 16. The Uptown, Balaban St Katz's most beautiful theatre, Is doing ca- pacity these more or less sultry days. Answer lies In the unprecedented popularity of Bennle Krueger and his now* aufrmented orchestra more than in anything else. Although presentations and other acts on the bill serve to help, the fact Is that the Uptown has been giving Its patrons a brand of shows more than worth the admission. Bennle Krueger and his 22-pIece orchestra on the stage are growing dally more popular. Knieger's is a great combination of versatility and conception of music, while Bennie's personal arrangements add a great deal to Its merit Krueger himself Is one of the finest saxo- phone artists In this country, and that Is not sheer enthusiasm. His personality and appearance are also a factor In his success. Let any theatre that wants the Paul Ash style of amusement play Bennle Krueger and they will have another gold mine. Jack North, a clever young man who combines his ^asets of per- sonality and wise cracks, plays the "uke" and sings popular medleys to Its accompaniment. He "took" In a decided manner. Aurlole Craven, a delightful little girl, plays the violin and does some dances. Miss Craven Is rather new to movie-house work. It needs a little time before she will become acclimated. Milton Watson, protege of Paul Ash, apparently stands high in the favor of Chicago movie-house fans. Despite that, this young man has been over-rated. He possesses looks and feminine appeal—that Is some- thing—but his voice, though pleas- ing. Is of average quality, with a tendency to be superdramatic at times. You couldn't prove that to the younger set of Chicago, particularly the female species, to whom Watson Is "sold" completely and seemingly permanently. The return of Cy Landry, droll (dancing comedian, brought pro- longed applause. Landry is a comic dancer of exceptional ability. His features are cold, never change Ing a whit during the act. A very funny man, this Landry, and should be heard from. That his name means something to the Uptowners Is apparent, as it is "up In lights." Eddie House at the (organ sings liimself and has the community flinging with him. These singing bees are getting to be all the rage, and the Uptown is no exception. The other end of the program, the "Dance of Joy," designed and •taged by John Murray Anderson, la a biJlet divertissement with six talented iMiIlet girls, a ballet mas- ter, premier danseuse, two specialty girls and a violin accompaniment. Rather an artistic performance, beautifully costumed and well staged. A good bit is done by the two specialty girls In a mirror WARNER'S (NEW YORK) New York, July 17. "Her Honor the Governor," with Pauline Frederick starred. Is the third F. B. O. released feature that has had a Broadway showing in one of the de luxe presentation houses within two weeks. Last week F. B. O. had "Bigger Than Barnum's" at the Colony, and "The Two-Oun Man" at Warner's. This week the Frederick picture is at the latter house. This, coupled with an organ novelty, are the features of the bill. The News Weekly opens the show with 10 minutes devoted to four shots from International and three from Pathe. Followed by Fred Kinsley at the Marr-Colton organ with "What Shall I Play?" a novelty that permits him to run from the operatic to the semi-classical, the old time numbers, touch of Jazz, and modern ballad. It Is well worth while as done. Eight minutes. "Back Fire," an F. B. O. released Standard Comedy, failed to get very much in the way of laughs. It Is altogether slapstick and hoak with Jie three fat boys as the stars. Twenty-four minutes, rather long. Elfrlda Wynne (New Acts) In two >opuIar ballads held the next spot !or five minutes. The feature consumed 66 minutes, Jie show running just short of two hours without an overture. Fred. 'Padlocked" feature. LOEWS STATE (8T. LOUIS) St. Louis, July 16. A show uniformly good through- out is 'current. Delightful medley of hits from musical comedies was he overture. Dave Rubinoff, of Loew's Allen. Cleveland, Is guest conductor (Don Albert on vacation). Julia Glass, pianists of the radio gang of the New York Capitol The- atre, held the next spot Her single number was well liked. Seven min- utes In one. A newsreel with Top- es followina. Rubinoff. this time as >a violinist, next. His first number Is. his own composition. "The Dance of the Russian Peasants." while his sec- ond Is "Cecilia," played In three ways, as Kreisler would play it, as it is written, and as Rubinoft thinks it should be played. This scored tremendously. The crowd wanted more and was disappointed when Rubinoff would not do an encore. Irene Franklin, accompanied by her husband, got the headline posi- tion. And how she sold it I Her four numbers (one an encore) were -Dimples," "My Drugstore Cowftoy," "I Wanted a Caveman," and "A Lost Dog." Her 16 minutes could have been 26. "Up In Mabel's Room," feature, had folks laughing. Ruebel RlVOLl (NEW YORK) New York, July 17. Fairly fast moving show in cork- ing shape when opening today with the high spots the Nathaniel Fin- ston-Publlx tinit entitled "The Side- walks of New York" and the British National Pictures feature, "Nell Gwyn," starring Dorothy Gish. At the afternoon show the house had a capacity audience down stairs, and the upper loft filled about half. A medley of Gershwin - melodies served as the overture, running nine minutes. It proved rather a shame the Rivoll orchestra was entrusted with this. On the second show the men showed a -decided lack of the rhythm necessary to put It over ef- fectively. One could see the lead- er almost trying to pull the men along bodily to get the desired ef- fect, but without avail. A Fox Vjft-ieties entitled "The Lumberjacks" followed and fitted nicely, running about six minutes. George Lyons, harpist, who only a few weeks ago was at the Strand, hit the third spot and wowed with two numbers, taking seven minutes. The first was a straight bit of harp playing and the second combined harp and vocal, handled particu- larly well. The Rivoll Movlevents likewise ran for seven minutes; International furnishing four subjects. Pathe two and Fox one. Murtagh at the organ, playing a comedy arrangement of "After I Say I'm Sorry." with a couple of corking parodies, got over with the audience in great shape. "The Sidewalks of New York" (Presentations) ran 23 minutes this afternoon with the chances the run- ning time will be improved before the week ends. "Nell Gwyn" closed the bill, run- ning 72 minutes and getting ap- plause at the end. Full running time, 129 mlnuto.i. Fred, TERMINAL (CHICAGO) Chicago, July 16. Split week policy evidently finds favor with the neighborhood. Con- sidering the sultry weather. It is holding its own. Attendance last night not bad. The type of stage shows is average, in proportion with its 60c. scale. On the stage Austin Mack and his Century Serenaders. eight-piece combination of mediocre quality. holds forth. Aiding Mack for the first half Is a meagerly assorted bill of talent Dan Russo and Ted Florlto's "Oriolettes" billed as the feature attraction. Is composed of eight young ladles (some not so young) with very little "looks" to back them up. They are decidedly weak In everything. According to the billing, supposed to engage in a melody contest or syncopation bat- tle with Mack's band, but nary a word Is spoken by anyone about thia The Oriolettes' attempt at doubling also falls flat, particularly an ancient ballad, "Memories." sung by one of the girls In the band. Bennle Strong, personable young- ster with sparkling eyes and heaps of personality on the stage. Is very good. He sings sentimental ballads and goes over with a bang. He sings In a childish, delightful voice, to good effect Eleanor Terry, "baby vamp," comes off with flying colors for ap- >lau8e. A tendency to "put It on" :oo much Is evident In Miss Terry's work. Elimination of some of her eccentric spasms would benefit. Harry Barrls, eccentric young chap at a piano, cuts up a great deal and makes a lot of noise while singing his numbers. Barrls Is In- Toduced as. a young song writer, his first attempt uf merit being 'Thanks for the Buggy Ride." Rather a cisver boy and very funny. Mr. Mack, who doea the announc- ing, Is In mors ways than one a handicap to the other acts. It Is certain he will never win any prises for personality or oratory. Dull and uninteresting. A good snappy talker of quick wit as master of cere- monies would help matters along here. "Beverly of Graustark," feature. Loop. METROPOLITAN (L08 ANQELE8) Los Angeles, July 20. Fair presentation, titled "The St Louis Hop," is on the boards at the Metropolitan this week. Appeal is made on the growing popularity of the dance by the same name. In ad- dition this week marks the return of a featured organist to the Metro poUUn, Albert Hay Malotte. He was spotted after the news reel and used "Marche Slave" as his opening week's ssleotlon. Mr. Hay Is a showman as far as his performance Is concerned. Good playing was aided by a real flash and flourish at the con.«pole. There is littlo doubt he will become popu- lar here and a drawing card, espe- cially as he has no competition in featured organists In any of the downtown houses. After Aesop's Fables, the stage show opened with Eddie Peabody and his band on their moving plat- form, playing Tchaikowsk3r*s "June," which, like all good classic numbers, went over with this audience. A male quartet sang two num bars, followed by another orchestra number, "Too t>ad." Band members were attired In white tuxedos with checkered collars and lapels. Bell and Coates, in their first week here, are a Van and Schinck type combination. Their two numbers connected prettily. Good voices, with Coates also acconflMuiylng on a tiny plano.^ The Hop number followed. Clar- issa Ganon led the chorus In their only appearance. Hop number was not down fine enough. Four couples picked from local ballrooms, per- formed rather Indifferent double dances, with the possible exception of the last pair who mixed the hop with a regulation clog. Peabody with his banjo performed solo, "Cavalleria Rustlcana." Clicked with this one and had to repeat with other selections. Finale was a number around a pop ballad. "Let Me Call you Sweet- heart" Band played a chorus. Bell and Coates sang one. a xylophonist in one of the huge vases that are on either side of the proscenium let loose with a good rendition of the number, the quartet In the pther vase sang it, and then all Joined in for the curtain cue. Presentation slightly under stand- ard at this house. On stage for 40 minutes. her two numbers. The melody would get across, but no one knew what the lyrlo was all about Opening before a drop of Colum- bus Circle, the bus announcer sings a song, after which the bus shoves off and a start Is made for Brook- lyn Bridge, where a quartet Is on a dock for a number and Miss Price on as a newsboy for another, with the Boylans for their tough dance. The Greenwich Village scene Is a drop "In one" with a transparency in the center. When the back lights are on It reveals a village cabaret where the girl dancers, Sonia ahd Arlyn. offer their spe- cialty. A song by Dolan follows, it being a sort of wandering art- ist Idea, he singing a .allad to a painting which also has back light- ing and reveals the prima donna for a duet chorus finish. Not very hot and dragged in by the heels. The Chinatown scene Is a re- minder of the days of Matthews and Ashley. The quartet Is on for a little harmony, the idea being that four of the boys are on "a bust" and wind up In the slams, standing on the street corner. Didn't get very much. The Boylans are on for another dance specialty here. Final scene has a number by the prima donna and the announcer, a specialty by both dancing teams and a number by Miss Price. Scenes are snappy and in the finale Param^dunt building is all finished, so It looks as though Nat Flnston Is a little ahead of Harold Franklin In getting the building ready. Fred. QRLY BAUYHOOS PRESENTATIONS (Extra aitraciiona in picturm iheairmg, whmn nai pfcforeg, wSU bm earrimd and ifetcriiMf in thia depari^ mmni for thm gmoral information o^fie trada.) <<CUPiD'8 HOLIDAY" (15) Wayburn>Pubiix Rsvue 18 Mins.; (4 Scsnss) Riveli, New York (Second RsviewBy Request) (Note.—In accordance with Va- riety's policy of reviewing, a second review by the same reviewer of a picture house production will be given upon request within two weeks from the opening, and the second review will be printed pro- vided there shall have been sufll- uient change, either way, made In the production In the Interval. While it Is Variety's opinion there is no more excuse for a presenta- tion being presented unprepared than any other stage entertaining production, yet the newness of the picture theatre's stage policy be- comes a reason that may be pleaded. That this Way bum revue was cut from 27 to 18 minutes within its first six days is ample proof of the condition it must have been in when opening cold. A previous instance of Variety's re-reviewing a presentation was that of a Gus Edwards prc^duction. and at the same theatre. Rivoll (PubUx), New York City.) The Ned Wayburn-Publix Revue, "Cupid's Holiday." was nearly en- tirely revamped by Frida> night of last week after having been in hor- rible condition when opening Satur- day (July 10). Two of the princi- pals Were changed and two of the chorus girls let out. V^he cutting down of the choruer <AVL not affect the act, in fact made it better, for the two girls dropped were the ones causing the audiences to practically laugh the revue off the first day. Likewise instead of being in seven scenes the revue now has four and the running time cut from 27 to 18 minutes. The opening number. "The Valen- tine." remained about the same with the exception that Margaret Law- rence handles the duet with Joseph Sargent instead of Caroline Nolte. It is an improvement to a degree al- though Miss Lawrence does not measure up in pluchritude to the Nolte standard. Vocally she is bet- ter. The second scene Is the same scenically, but the "Cake Eater" role is now handled by Pete Lark in considerable of an improvement over Millard Brlggs, and MI.ss NoUe is singing the portion of the tropical duet with him, instead of Mary Ho- ran, although the latter is permitted to do her eccentric dance with the comedian after the prima, donna exits. It Is evident that Miss Nolte Is shy on dancing qualities from this. Either that or it is In order to give her opportunity to change for the "Cupid's Clock" number which fol- lows and handled by her and Mr. Sargent, as it was before. Marie Conway, the violinist, remains, al- though her contribution is consid- erably cut. Again as before Ger- trude London, with an acrobatic dance, got the honors with the final number in this scene. The "Wedding" scene and the "Dancing Divorce" remain the same, except for the change In principals. Mr. Larkin doing the double of the clergyman and the Judge. With the three scenes eliminated and the two awkward dancers out of the chorus, the turn is improved considerably and the addition of Larkin in particular strengthens it. It will pass now, although it still isn't anything one would rave about. Fr^S. *'8IDEWALK8 OF N. Y.'* (11) Finston-Publix Revue 23 MTns.; 5 Scenes Rivoli, New York Nathaniel Flnston. general mu- sical director for Publix Theatres. !s the sponsor for this revue, dis- played for the first time at the Ri- voll, New York, Saturday. Flnston has ' lined up a very speedy little revue without a chorus, utilizing two dance teams, Rose and Arthur Boylan and Arlyn Yaeckel, and Sonia Pfelffer. prima donna. Eleanor Gale and Phil Dolan to do numbers and an announcing bit as a sightseeing bus man. with Lillian Price to handle a couple of "hot" numbers, and a quartet. His re- vue is in five scenes, dTore or less of an adaption of the similar thing seen in vaudeville. It was In sur- prisingly good shape for the sec- ond performance Saturday after- noon and gives promise that it will be entertaining when finally whipped Inte shape. "The Sidewalks of New Yt .' has at its scenes the bus-starting point at Columbus Circle, with Brooklyn Bridge the first stop. Greenwich Village next, Chinatown to follow, and finally finishing in front ef the new Paramount building In Times Square. One weak spot at present Is Miss Price, who failed to register with (Continued from page 1) during the day but up to date seems to have failed to increase the night trade in the resorts. A routine that appears to be usu- ally followed is for Gus Edwards of the Rltz cab. to trot out Pam Haaken from among his bunch. After Pam Is about mid-way through her free performance, Ana- tol from the Beaux Arts launches Norma Galla forth a few yards away to do her cartwheels. The crowd switches Immediately, where- upon Georgia Hale (Embassy) goes after his "Charleston" to a sand footing, and he catches the mob on the rebound. Provided B«dwards can't think of nothing new to again get the crowd, the ballyhoo stops, with the three men as a rule commencing to look for "spenders." "Spenders" Hide-and-seek for "spenders" Is getting to be quite a game down here. No doubt there are "spend- ers" around but where are they? Almost any cafe man can say he has a pain In his neck now with everyone understanding It either comes from bad business or looking for "spenders." On top of everything else and with the ocean for Inspiration, Mr. Edwards claims originality for his next Broadway production, perhaps called "The Girl from Gimbel's" or maybe "Macy's or "Saks'." This revue will be entirely out- fitted from the store It is named after, says Mr. Edwards, or he may call the show "The Department Store Revue" with a sub-title read* Ing: "This week—Gimbel's." $2,500 FOR 2-ACT (Continued from page 1) Ing activities for 14 different talk- ing machines is another factor. Not so manv seasons ago, Hare was a 176 a week understudy for Al Jolson at the Winter Garden, radio figuring In the team's sudden rise to prominence. Their figure for Itinerant club engagements, averglng some three engagements per week, fetches from |760 to $1,000 a performance which has been the chief reason they refused to perform on the stage. The $2,500 figure for a double act that Is almost nascent for stage ap- pearances, although well known In an abstract sense via the ether and the wax recordings, is unusual. It is traceable to the value of their "name." The radio pair are al.so booked at the Strand, Brooklyn, and Mosque, irewark, following the Broadway engagement. The act was originally offered to the straight vaudeville bookers and reported as "too expensive." Since their Strand success, the vaudeville bookers were reported as intensely Interested in the future plans of the singers^