Variety (Sep 1928)

Wednesday, September 12, 1928 FOREIGN VARIETY London as It Looks By Hannen Swaffer , London, Augr. 31. ' How on earth do artists get publicity? What is "the secret of it? I thought I knew something about it. For Instance, when, for the first time, I met Herman Starr, who has come over to run Vitaphone for Warner Brothers, he greeted me with the words "I have read all your T and 'we' stuff In 'Variety'." Every American on arrivaj says soniething like that. "I only use the word .'we* when I write for the Bible," I replied. "In 'Variety' I am always T." ♦ , The Revolution of the Talkies Now this Vitaphone Aieuns probably the greatest revolution in amuse- ment since the fldnis came. . They showed "The Terror" in secret here two days ago. Now, here la-Edgar Wallace trade showing his first two self-made movies this week and beside two plays in London, he has '"The Terror" among his successes on tour. He sold the film rights In "The Terror" some time ago for ^15,000, and the talker rights were included. NoWk "The Terror" comes here as a talker in a few weeks—It will follo'w"The Jazz Singer," London's first sound film, at the Piccadilly— and within'a few months,. when provincial installations are made, this talker can go on tour and knock Edgar Wallace's drama sideways. Yet, I find little mention In the newspapers about this talker revolu- tion. There seems a great deal of prejudice here. The silent film in- terests are great, i suppose. Fay Ma.rbe Again and Again When it comes to silly little things, however, newspapers shriek. I find, for instance, that Fay Marbe ha;^ been breaking. In. again. All she has donef In this .country is to' appear for a fevy weeks In "The Blue Kitten," tell the jury, in the Jan^es White case, that she was a New York star, make a terrible flop at Kew, where she api)eared for one week in a play she backed herself, and then has been away in Germany. Yet, "with her new statement that she is now off to New York to make sound pictures, she gets more boost than the talkers themselves. AH I have seen her dp is to sit roUnd the Savoy, drive about In an aiito'mobile, and; get space In the papers. The "Star," particularly, has been giving her space aibout nothing time after time. Thenj the, "Star" falls for. these space-wanglers until it makes Itself ridiculous. Hundreds of artists in England struggle on, eating their hearts out. Pay Marbe, who does nothing, gets boost after boost. I am writing about this because it Is of the gravest import to every artist and every mia.n- ager of how the duds get the publicity, and the real people remain un- noticed like violetSr The Case of Herb Williamis The third problem is the case of Herb Williams. Now, for years this comedian has been doing a turn on the vaudeville stage. He has topped the bill: He Is-a polished pianist and a man with a great sense of humor. Millions of people have laughed at him. He has been to England, time after time, unheralded, but . merely a successful inj»n. Then, suddenly, he goes into revue. iReglnald Arkell, the editor of "London Calling," describes him a3"the funniest maii In the world." Instantly, there Is a boom, in Herb Williams. Edgar Wallace writeis a whole column about him in the "Morning Post." One critic boasts. In print, he had been to see him nine tiines. Herb Williams, merely because he went into revue, is now one ot the most'boomed comedians who ever came from your side. Why on earth is this?. He is wondering himself. Gossip Writers Write the Bunk Artists do not know it, but much of their present day publicity is due to the fact that gossip writers know very few peot)le by sight. That is why. If people like Phyllis Mionkmah go to a first nlgJit, gossip writers all say "Phyllis Monkman was sitting in the stalls," the reason being she was the only person whorh they could recognize. I mention Phyllis Monkman merely as a . case. . Everyone knows Phyllis Monkman's face, oT course. But you would think from the gossip paragraphs, that Phyllis Monk- man was far more Important than the play, although her presence in the theatre would merely mean that, at the time, she was out of work. The Case of a Manager McQueen Pope is an interesting case of publicity. I am always seeing him interviewed in some newspapers, especially the "Star." Now, Pope, who Is a friend of mine, is merely the house manager of the Duke of Yorks. Yet, now and then, he issues a sort of proclamation, just like Cochran, Rheinhardt, or Dr. Walford Bodle—at least, they read like proclamations when you see them in print. Other managers wonder why It is. They do not understand, I sup- pose, that McQueen Po'pe is the only house manager the "Star" has ever heard of. iGene Tunney. Hates It These real fellows like Gene Tunney- won't have publicity. I sat the other day for a couple of hours with Gene, the Marquis of Clydesdale, the boxing heir to a dukedom, and Hugh Walpo.le, the novelist, talking, but not for-puhllcatlon.. - • ■ ^ _ ..^-^ —• • ^ "I am through with interviewis/' Gene said. "Even the. New York "Wotld' man, who came all this way . over with me, hasn't got a word for print. I do not want my photograph in the papers. I do not want to be recognized in the street. I have retired." Kindly and charming. Gene, talked and listened. His speech at the Harry Preston dinner—Harry always gives one when an American boxer ot note arrivesr^-was. a sensation. Arjiold Benneti: and several other authoi-s sat rather cynically until Gene got up on his feet. Then his unforced eloquence held the gathering spellbound for half an hour while he talked of his hatred of the manklller In the boxing ring. He spoke . without a note arid without preparation. It was wonderful. Gene talked .delightfully. He has ten times the brains and fifty times the poise of all those .space grabbers. He knew me, by the way. The Case of a Young Fat Man Then there is the case of Rex Evan.s, a fat young man who, having lost his own money, tried a vaudeville act and failed, only to be boosted in a most ridiculous way when he went into cabaret. I have never seen him in cabaret. I do not go to such places. I am not one of tho.^e newspaper men who like free suppers. By. the way, this free-supper cra25e on tlie part of some newspapermen is becoming a scandal. ^ J^5^_ ,!Lf*^r..^^Z' l°£_^TllJi'l<^hL i^'i^^''.-Lh^^^^ l^aipers: They STr.said how clover Tie was." i heard "storios, too, of how (Continued on page 41) WILL MAHONEY The Boston "Globe" said: "Will Mahoney is. the most skillful in knowing how far to make absurd- ity score as a laughing tonic. As an ^entertainer he. Is a riot. As a singer and dancer his nonsense Is Infectious. In his line there are few who can pretend to keep pace with him." . . . Direction RALPH G. FARNUM 1560 BROADWAY $24,440 for Palladhim IstmofStVaode London, Sept. 11. Receipts for the Palladium's flr^t week in resuming a vaudeville pol- icy, starting SepL 3, wieire $24,440. Gross would have gone over $25,0OQ^ but for the usual allotment Of. press seats and Invitatlonu, House continues to make every eif- fort to secure name acts. Next week Beatrice Lillie comes In to stay a fortnight. Van arid. Scherick, open Oct. 1, Kelso Brothers Oct: 15 and Jackie Coogan in November. A last minute brain-storm yester - day pushed Ann Suter on as mis- tress of ceremortiea for the current bill, a task she performed credit- ably. At the first show last night busi- ness was only fair, but the final per- formance played to complete capac- ity. Winter Garden Buy Is Obstacle to *Fuiiny Face' London, Sept.. 11. •^ Libraries have Just made a new $60,000 deal for "So This Is Love," the Laddie CUft show at the Winter Garden, which has its peculiar re- action on the fortunes, of '-Funny Fsuce." Latter piece has a provisional contract for the Winter Garden, but the advance ticket deal inter- feres so that the musical will have to play around in the Provinces un- til Christmas, or make an entirely new arrangement for some other London playhouse. Bernard Clifton, a former chorus boy, who Jumped Into Roy Royston's part in Clayton & Waller's "The Girl Friend," has now been engaged for the Juvenile role In "Funny Face." Lincoln Eyre Dead - ^ — -Parlsr Sept. llv Death of Lincoln Eyre, widely known newspaper man, in Berlin will be a severe blow to the pro- fession, stage and pictures, over here. He did as much. If not more, than any single man to help the pro- fession along on the Continent as president of the American Club and as a memher of most of the theat- rical clubs in Berlin. He waa con- stantly called on by the profession for aid which he never refused. 'MarinesV After 'Ben-Hur' Paris, Sept, 11. "Tell It to. the Marines" follows "Bcn-Hur'- when It closes at the Madeline Cinema, Sept. 11, after running 16 mOnths, twice daily and without interruption. The . bill at the Gaumont Is Aretrp-Ooldwy \vhile the "Pajamouni has "Street Angel." ANGLO-AMERICAN NEWS STORE s 'roprletors, Jl. C. Wlllla & Co., Telpphon© Recent B748, Always the m.ost Up-to-tho-Mlnule Stock of American Publications, Bureau de ChanRc, KnRlli<h, American and Continental Newsdealers, Ppeclal Dlatrll)uti)r.s for' "Variety" and the World's ■ Stage and Screen rubllratlons. All the World's publications delivered or mailed to any nrldrcss. 1 Oreon' Strpet, I.,elceBter Square. T>ondon W. C. 2. flub.<)crlptlonB received for all home and foreign newspaper.s. p»-rlO(llcnls nnd inaKnzlnp.i. Llbralrle ConUncntale, 37 "Wllthn Koad (Victoria Station), London, S. "W. 1. Ti'lcphoh", Victoria 0000. \Villis' N'^w.sciBPnry, 130b Brompioii Road, S..W, 1, Tflephone J?Ioan«i 2794. Lauder's 1st Miss London, Sept. 11. Sir Harry Lauilor ha.^ mis.<?cd a performance for the first time in 25 years. It happened yesterday when the Scot failed to open at the Alhambra, Glasgow. lie is con- fined to hig bed with a cold. *^SONG OF SEA" BIG Life of Nelson Comes From the German—Splendidly Staged London, Sept.-11. "Song of the Sea," historical play set to miislc, prorhises to be ti big success at His Majesty's, opening late last week. Piece, which concerns Lord Nel- son, Britain's naval hero, and. Lady Hamilton, strangely conies as an adaptation from the Gern an. Score is the work of Edward Kunneke. It is a pretentious production, in- telligently cast; and magnificently staged. Was well received at the premiere with "ascending enthusi- asm at the finale. Reviewers are unstinted In praise. Prospect of a major success. Fern Andra's Lost Nerve London, Sept. 11. British Filmcraft went to a lot of expense last week for nothing. Company gave a full vaudeville performance ait the Hippodrome Sunday night "to make wire walk- ing sequences by Fern Andra. But with the house completely occupied and all lights set, Fern got cold feet at the last rnlhute and ducked out. ... Framing Far Ahead London, Sept. 11. C. B. Cochran's new sho\y for thie Pavilion is being planned for, although it will not be needed be- fore next March. Piece will be written by Cole Porter, and nego tlations are on for MortOn Downey to play the leading role. ■ Downey figures in another pend Ing deal, being Invited to take lead in a British Dominion film to be called "Mountains of Moume," planned as. the first talker of Eng- lish manufacture. PARIS SEASON OPENS WITH TWO MILD HITS Dancer in Talk Role London, Sept. 11. Mitzl Vernlll and Charles CoHIns, her partner, sail from New York on the Leviathan Sept. 15, engaged for Joe Sacks' revival of "The Lilac Domino," due Oct. 22 for opening In Gardiflf and confilng to the West End, at a house not yet named, Nov. 8. Miss Vernlll will have a speaking role, besides contributing her dance specialty. Coward Play in Paris Paris, Sept. 11. Rossi announces the production, understood to be under English sponsorship, of Noel. Co ward's "Hay Fever," renamed "Week-end," at the Theatre Potiniere, opening Sept. 14. It will be followed by Bibcsco's new comedy, "Quatuor," with Alice Cocea and Debucourt, ' about the middle of Octoberv . Frazee*s Phoney Paris, Sept. 11. Harry Frazce's press agent wins the royal garboon for .slipping over the yarn about his son and doctor coming over here: because of Harry's illness. Frazee is having a pretty good time. When asked about tho story he ba.shfuily adniltted that his boy must have beconie a little nervous because of telephonic, conversation. London Without Rain Paris, Sept. 11. . Although the weather continues quite warm, there has been very little rain lately. Legit attractions are opening, or preparing to open with the man- agers expressing satisfaction on scat sales. -=-=Maxlmum--tempepatupe^last-week- was 85. Paris, Sept. 11. Tho Paris season in.ty be said to liavp- opened with two newcomers, both moderate successes. "li'Eau a la Bouche" ("Water in the Moufh") is the title of a new operetta; book by Sorge Veber; music by Philippe Pares and Oeorgea Van Parys. Presented by Jane Rcnouardt.. Reception was favorable despite risque dialog and trivial plot. Story, concerns students who visit tiressmaliers In an adjoining apart- ment and there studying the verb "to love." Simonne, the c'aLughter of a wealthy family, becomes enamored of Toto and takes tho place of a seamstress. The couple become engagea in spite ot the plots of a real s.mi' • ,vcss, wh i Iso loves Toto. In the cast are Fer- nand Gravey, Carlos Conte, Dalio Miles, Loulou Hegoburri and Ger- malne Auger. "Neuf" a Comedy The Theatre Femina, which has managed to remain open all sum- mer. Inaugurates the regular sea- son, with "Neuf," a comedy by Lucien MeyrarguO, reqelved with much favor. It is an amusing piece of four acts, concerning an artist husband, deep in debt and uriai,ble to sell his pictures, but. loving an extravagant wife, who visits a gambling house where he plays, baccarat. He cOntinuea to catch nine-spots and wins a for- tune, but tells the wife he got the money by. a daring burglary for Ixer sake. The wife, fearing . for his fate, makes arrangements to get a sum of money from a. wealthy admirer, on the usual terms, but before she is compromised she learjts the truth of thei windfall and pay^ the loan back and they live . haPPily ever afterward. In the cast are Maurice Remy, Paul Asselin, Camille Calvat and Mile. Plerette Calllol. "EXCELSIOR V" MILD Banned, by Censor and Tried !n New Form, Looks Like Failure Apollo Opens Sept. 14 Pari.s, Sept. li. Sayag is making arrangorhents to Inaugurate vaudeville at the Apollo Sept. 14. Ted Lewis will be tho feature of the first bill. London, Sept. 11, "Excelsior V," another of those comedies adapted from the French, was staged at the Playhouse. This Is the piece tried out three years ago for a single performonce Sun- day afternoon and then banned by the censor.. The new .version has been care- fully edited and In Its emasculated form Is pretty mild. Gladys Cooper appears as sponsor, but the piece, despite her great personal popular- ity, looks like a conclusive failure. "VIEGINIA" SET London, Sept. 11. Claj^ton & Waller's new show, "Virginia," Is set for opening at Cardiff, Sept. 24, coming to the Pal- ace about the middle of October. INDEX Foreign 2-3 Pictures ,.... 4-31 Picture Reviews......... 12-27 Film House Reviews 45 Vaudeville ...... i....... 34-44 -Vaude Reviews. . * . , -46 New Acts...... ..... 46 Bills .. 42-43 Times Square........... 47-48 Editorial 49 Women's Page..*....... 48 Legitimate 50-55 Music. .........,......... 61-58 Outdoors ................ 59 Obituary 59 Correspondence ......... 60 Letter List......... . 63 Inside—Pictures. 49 Inside—Vaude ........ 38 Talking Shorts. 12 Literati 24 News of Dailies......... 38 Legit Reviews. .\ .. .. 53-55 Foreign Film News ..... 6 Burlesque 44 The Tiller Dancing ScBooIs of America, Inc. 54 WEST 74th ST., NEW YORK MART READ, President Phone Endlcott 821B-6 Now Clashes Now Forming