Variety (Oct 1926)

27, 1926 VARIETV 103 OBITUARY MARY ANN DREW Mary Ann Drew, 82. known pro- fessionally aa May Nlblo Drew, died Oct. 19 at her home In Haddonfleld, js'. J., after a month's Illness. Mrs. Drew was born In Dublin, Ireland. She came to this country with her sisters, Kate and Patience, appearing at the old Arch Street theatre In the early 60's as the Grif- fith Sisters. Later she married Frank Nlblo Drew, a step-uncle of John Drew, taking leading' parts in traveling companies and also playing leads with the stock; company at the Queen's, Montreal. Mrs. Drew had lived in retirement for the past 15 years. Her last pub- lic appearance was as the nurse in "Romeo and Juliet" at a benefit for the Charlotte Cushman Club, Phil- adelphia, given at the Botanical Gardens, University of Pennsyl- vania. The funeral was held Oct. 23, with Interment in Laurel Hill cemetery, Philadelphia. LOUI8E PETER8 BURTON Louise Peters Burton, 40, actress, for the past year under the care of the Actors' Fund of America, died Oct. 20 In the House of Calvary, In loving memory of HARRY ALEXANDER WARD who departed this life October It, 1»2« Always remembered by his devoted wlf. * Gene A. Ward Featherbed Lane, Bronx, New York city. Miss Burton had gone to that Institution several weeks ago in critical condition. During her stags career Miss Burton had played with different stock companies, vaudeville acts, the best known of these being "A Romance of the Underworld," and also appearing In legitimate com pantes. Her last appearance was with •The Gold Diggers" in 1923. The remains were Interred In the Catholic Actors' Guild plot in Cal- vary Cemetery, Brooklyn, N. T., auspices of the Actors' Fund. ALFRED WERNER News was received by cable late last week of the death in Berlin Oct. 20 of Alfred Werner, 60, father cf George, Fred and Frank Werner of the Werner Amoroa troupe. Mr. Werner, who had been a stage dancer all his life until he retired 12 years or so ago, had gone to Ger- known professionally aa Katherlne Humphrey, but had re- tired some years ago. She toured at one time as Mr. Mack's leading woman when he starred In his own shows. Mrs. Mack was a life member of the Actors' Fund. She was well liked by all who knew her. HARRY WARD Harry Alexander Ward (Ward and Alexander), 42, actor and vaudevlllian, died Oct. 1» in the French Hospital, New York, of pneumonia. Mr. Ward had been • rehearsing with a new act when he collapsed Oct 6. Mr. Ward was born In Plymouth, England. He was the original "go- rilla" in "The Gorilla," when it was first produced. For several seasons he was attached to the New York Hippodrome, and more recently with R. H. Burnslde's pageant, "Freedom," at the Sesqul Exposi- tion. Philadelphia. His widow survives. HARRY TSUDA Harry Tsuda, Japanese acrobat In vaudeville, died at Frankfort, Pa., Oct 20, following a fall from the globe he was rolling in his act at the Frankfort theatre. Details of the accident are reported In the news columns of this issue. Shows' Earlier Closings; 101, Oct 31; R-B, Nov. 1 Chicago, Oct 18. Miller Bros'. 101 Wild West Show will close its season Oct 31. at Vldalia, La., playing a matinee only. The ending la five weeks earlier than originally intended. Rain, bad weather and the low price of cotton are blamed for the reversal of conditions in the south, causing the premature wind-up. The Ringling-Barnum circus has moved up its closing date four days Since announcement was made that Home Sweet Home" would be played Nov. 8, at Greensboro, N. C officials of the show altered the plan to make the closing at At- lanta, Nov. L This action cancelled two dates each in South and North Carolina, where some paper already had been spread. As in the case of the early closing of 101, inclement weather and a slow-up of business comil tlons in Dixie because of cheap cotton prices are said to have been responsible for the change. HAMED B. MOHAMED Hamed B. Mohamed, 22, Arabian tumbler, died in San Francisco, Oct. 23. Details of Ms sudden demise are In the news columns in this paper. ALBERT ALBERTSON Albert Albertson, 33, actor, was found dead in a New York hotel, Oct. 21. A detailed account of his death appears in the news columns of this issue. DODDY HURL Doddy Hurl died Sunday, Oct 25, in New York, following an accident Saturday. A more detailed account appears In the news columns of this issue. En? iy on a visit with his wi.'e and during the summer. The boys Mrs. Daisy Krier, dramatic editor and reviewer, Columbus (O.) Jour nal, died in Washington. D. C Oct. 23, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. E. Harrison. Mrs. Krier had been active in newspaper work for 20 years. Joseph Thorp, 17, a weH liked of flee boy in the Dillingham office, was killed in an auto accident while re turning from a birthday celebration on Long Island. Oct 26. The father, 89. of Rupert Hughes, returned a month or more ago, leav-author, died at his home In Holly RIVERSIDE MEMORIAL CHAPEL 76th St. and Amsterdam Ave. PHONE: Out of Town "^iVSU- ENDICOTT 6600 'r.— Parlor K-A'S FILM CONFESSION (Continued from page 1) New Park at Elgin Elgin. III.. Oct 28. A syndicate headed by A. F. Bruckner, former owner of the Na- tional Rubber Co., has purchased a 50-acre tract on McLean boulevard and plans construction of a $200,000 amusement park. Grandstand seating capacity will be 8,000. NEW CONK. FAIR Hartford, Conn., -Oct 28. Tho'Haddam Neck Fair Associa- tion, Haddam, has been Incorpo- rated with: President John L. Kruger, Brooklyn, N. Y.; vice- president, Robert S. Bailey, East Hampton; secretary, Leonard J, Selden, East Hampton; treasurer, Harvey G. Bralnerd, East Hampton, situation and get acquainted with pictures so that you will advertise tliem equally with the vaudeville: otherwise, how will we be able to pay the money we do fo. feature pictures if they are going to be treater* in the original old policy of etc., etc? You have two shows for one ad- mission, the vaudeville and pic* tures. Hera ia a picture with a title known all over the country, a big, important picture—and it ia just down on your bill after all the little acts, and so forth and so on, and something thrown in for good measure. Do you believe this is keeping up with the times ano keeping abreast with the new regime? I would like to see your ads from now on and see how you are treat- ing the pictures in conjunction with the vaudeville. J. J. Murdock. Contrary to the talk and press matter that have Issued from the Keith-Albee vaudeville booking agency, to the effect that vaudeville continues to maintain its position and prestige, Is the confession above from the general manager of the Keith agency and circuit that "pictures are Just as important." It instructs house managers to bill the feature picture equally with the vaudeville, referring to the main body of the vaudeville bill as "little acts." Too Confident Year Ago It Is about one year ago that Variety reporters were barred out of the Keith-Albee agency and thea- A. C Bradley With "Sunny" Chicago, Oct. 28, A. C. Bradley, assistant manager back with the Walter L. Main circus the past season. Joined the •road company of "Sunny" this week In Pittsburgh as company manager. Last winter Bradley was com pany manager of one of the "Rose Marie" attractions. The Main show closed Oct. 18, at Dublin, Ga. Miss Eagels' ing the parents abroad. One of-the boys sailed Saturday for Berlin to return with the mother. No details of the death of the elder Werner was contained in the cable. All other members of the family live in this country, where they are on the stage. HARRY SLOAN Harry Sloan, 88, company man- ager and press agent, died Oct. 20 in his hotel room In Chicago of heart trouble. Mr. Sloan bad been identified with the legitimate field for 30 years, being one of the best known press men In the country. He had been In Chicago for A. L. Erlanger, managing "Coal Oil Jennie" at the Blackstone since August A daughter, 16, In school In New York, aurvlves. Mr. Sloan was a member of the Lambs and the T. P. R. A. Interment in New York. MRS. ANDREW MACK (Katharine Humphrey) Mrs. Andrew Mack, wife of the well-known actor, now appearing In "Abie's Irish Rose" (Republic), died Monday morning at 8 o'clock at the Mack home In Bayslde (Long Is- land). Mrs. Mack had been ill for Some time, but her condition had . not been regarded as serious until a short time before her demise. Mrs. Mack was formerly an ac- wood, Calif., Oct. 18, following an attack of bronchial pneumonia. Mr. Hughes was a native of Alton, 111., and went to the Coast two years ago, after giving up his law prac- Ume. The father of Charles Manny (Manny and Clay, now playing In England) died at his home in New York Oct. 24. The mother, 77, of Edna Macbeth, stock actress, died Oct. 25 after a long illness. Interment In Balti- more. Frances V. Eaton, author of plays for amateurs' use, died last week in Braintree, Mass. Miss Eaton was a member of the Authors' Club of New York. John Shyna, house edectriclan at the Temple, Syracuse, N. Y, died Oct 24 at the Syracuse General Hospital from Vincents angina that developed from an Infected tooth. Shyne's tooth began to give him trouble about a week ago. He had it extracted. Poisoning had act in and medical treatment failed to help. Shyne started his theatrical career as an office boy at the old Grand Opera House, Syracuse. Later he turned to the back-stage end and became an electrician. As such, he traveled with Cecil Maude's company and later with Elsie Janls. (Continued from pace 1) son was made before the curtain at each performance. Some refunding at the box office. Miss Eagels became indisposed after a party given at her home in Osslnlng, N. Y., Sunday of last week. There was no special cele- bration but the star la reported hav- ing become highly excited. Miss Eagels Is said to have or- dered avcrybody from the house about seven In the morning when It was teeming rain. Ted Coy, her husband, was Included In her tirade, according to report, also others of the family. When refusing to com- ply with her demand. Miss Eagels jumped Into her car and came to New York, repairing to the Algon- quin. There Coy later Joined her. During the week Miss Eagels' mother dally called Sam H. Harris (producer of "Rain") stating the star would make an appearance the following day. At Miss Eagels' re- quest a final week of the show was booked at the Broad Street, Phila- delphia, starting Monday. It la now definite Miss Eagels will not appear In "The Garden of Eden." Instead she will be etarred In a Harris production at present called "Chicago." tres through editorials in this paper mentioning that vaudeville had started to fade and the picture was sweeping onward, to become its .strongest competitor. The editorials pointed out that vaudeville to protect itself would have to change Us methods, princi- pally straight vnudevllle (two-a- day or big time) and that Its meth- ods of booking, handling artists and acts In its business dealings, and the composition of the big time bills, if vaudeville were to survive. As far as Variety has ever been able to discover, those editorials brought the barring edict, direct from E. F. Albee without consulta- tion with his staff as to whether any or all of them were right or wrong. At that time th« K«ith agency and circuit were in full operation, playing Its usual big time theatres throughout the east, In booking as- sociation with the Orpheum Cir- cuit, the latter having Its usual number of big timers open in the west. Since one year ago the big time vaudeville theatres of this country have been reduced to less than 15, east and west, with but six full sal- ary weeks left on the Keith Circuit In the east—and Keith-Albee Is now In partnership with the Producers' Distributing Corporation, a picture distributor and producer. Mr. Murdock's form letter, some portions of which have been de- leted to prevent tracing, Is the ftrai official admission ever stated on be- half of the B. F. Keith Circuit i It commenced to play vaudeville over 30 years ago. that Its vaude- ville has deteriorated and "pictures are Just as important." TUNNEY AND MARRIAGE DEATHS ABROAD Emily C. Heilig, 86, mother of Sterling Heilig. American news- paper correspondent died In Paris. George Spitzmuller, 69. French novelist and playwright Maurice Dussolan, manager of the Paris Dally "Ere Nouvelle." Mma. Maria Jaaxal, 76, popular Hungarian actress, died at Buda pest Pierre Decourcelle, 76, French playwright, died In Paris. Anton Kooie, gypsy orchestra leader, died In Budapest Paula Morly (Mme. Robert Haatl), French actress. Albert Robida, T8. French car- toonist and novelist died In Neullly, suburb of Tarts. (Continued from page 1) engagement was announced to two totally different young women. Variety carried a story from its coast correspondent two weeks ago to the effect that It was reported out there the world's new heavyweight champion was shortly to return to the coast, at which time his engage- ment to the sister of Fred Thomson, the screen star, who was the chap- lain of Tunney's outfit In the A. E. F„ would be announced. The champion admitted that he knew and admired Mlsa Thomson very much and referred the Inquiry aa to the possibility of the an- nouncement of an engagement to Miss Thomson. There is a big possibility that Tunney may be listed as one of the stars of the Famous Players-Lasky organization. He was having a test shot of himself at their Long Island studios one day last week. The same day Estolle Taylor (wife of Jack Dempsey) was at work In the studio In the cast of the Luther Reed-dlrected production "New York." During the morning the company was "on location" In New York, but returned to the studio earlier than expected In the afternoon, while Tunncy was still at the studio. The two failed to meet, as Tunney was being "shot" on the first stage floor, while Miss Taylor was working In the restaurant where a one-arm lunch scene was being taken. Teat Taken During the afternoon Emll Jan- nlngs appeared at the studio and the champion was asked If he would pose with the leading character actor of tho screen today, but pleaded an engagement which would make It necessary for him to leave the studio as soon an he was free of his make-up after the test. There was no explanation as to the reason for the t<-st forthcoming. The champion thought It funny that he had to have a test shot made after he had already appeared in pictures, he .referring to the Pathe serial, "The Fighting Ma- rine." Through that aerial Tunney is looked upon an not a bad business man for himself. Besides his guar- anteed salary on the serial, Tunney held out and received 20 per cent, of the net proceeds from the eon RADIO CRITICISM (Continued from page 1) opening last week in a critical man- ner. Producers have claimed that ad- verse newspaper criticism does Ir- reparable harm to an opening at- traction and with radio offering ad- verse comment they now have something else to worry about A number of radio stations have been offering daily and weekly the- atrical resumes, but none did any severe commenting until Mr. Henry took the air. Of "On Approval" Mr. Henry in part said "entertaining but hollow." His comment anent "God Loves Us" was that It was "sincere but un- steady." The show getting the worst dig; was the new Fred Stone piece, "Crlss Cross." The broadcaster said the music was not as tuneful as other Stone shows, the book not se good and the scenery suffered in com- parison with other Stone produc- tions, and that taken aa vaudeville It was pleasant entortalnment but otherwise It was Just a "fairly good musical." Plays that Mr. Henry especially recommended wcro "What Every Woman Knows." "Iolanthe" and "Broadway." He added that "Deep Ulver" was "finely produced and finely acted," and his remarka about "Juarez and Maximilian" (Guild) were also free from adverse criti- cism. WEAF announced that Mr. Henry will be on the air with another hatch of theatrical Friday evening (Oct 29). tlnuous picture for Tunney. If appearing in pictures for Fa- mous, Tunney's first likely will be- a fllmlzatlnn of the George Ber- nard Shaw's novel of some years ago. "Cashel Bryon's Profession." It was written around a prize fighter TightS Silk Opera Hose and Stockings Are Our Specialties QUALITY the BEST and PRICE8 the LOWEST lold Ann Sliver Brocades. Theatric* lewelrr rlpanslsa, rte Oold aad all- 'er Trimmings wise. B-erds and all • nrts Theatrical. Samples apoa re- J. J. WYLE & BROS.,. Inc. (Successor* to Blefmaa a W*U) Hew Tort S-10 Bast «th atreet SCENERY and DRAPERIES STIIEI.L SI I.MC RTl I>IO