Variety (Feb 1930)

Wednesday, February 19, 1930 W O M E N' S P A G E VARIETY 51 Uncommon Chatter By Ruth.-Morris "9:15" In the Rough Havlne Its curtain delayed until 9:15 pre-supposes a fashionable au- dience of late diners and a smart tone that is not; lived up to by the entertainment In the "Nlne-flfteen Bevue." Its humor has a frequent barroom flavor and a coarseness of delivery. There Is a way, for in- stance, of saying the word "lousy" and making It sound like an ultra- fashionable expression; there is another way of saying "lousy" that makes it sound like nothing more or less than lousy. Nine-fifteen utter- ances achieve the latter inflection. An Indefatigable chorus—hoofing, marching, nianoeuverlhg Zouave formations and doing everything but climbing the highest mountain—is responsible for some of the revue's gayest moments^ Costumes in •every case' heighten the effect of precise routines.'- The chorus is seen first in musical comedy Versions of street-wear made of" sleek cire satin. Stripping to flesh and black lace undies, "Ruth Selwyn's Specialty Girls" add trans- parent tuUe skirts to emerge from their dressing room for the" opening number. Kivlette has-accompanied all the costumes with variously col- ored long gloves which work' in well ■^^ith Busby Berkeley's precise hand routines. Ignoring long skirts for the more energiatic numbers, the designer has introduced little foibles that date the costumes fashionably. There are tiny capes and modish cape-sleeves, tuckrln b 1 o us e s, touches of lingerie trimming pep-, lum jackets, and other details dis- tinctly dernier crl. First act finale gets a brisk start with dresses that rang© from cherry, red through orange into yellow. A black and white ballet, beautifully staged by Leonldoff, is clevei-ly conceived, suggesting with great simplicity the full-stage and gaping tiers of an opera house. A ballet which follows ...takes place.at thiejcourt_qf Versa-illes. later invaded by ^he rabble—two of them—^^who, after snarling panto- mime of patriotism, turn out to be members of an adagio trio. That about tops all adagio introductions seen to date. Ruth Ettlng croons the nicest melodies of the piec5 In her warm, true voice. Her best number Is "Up Among the Chimney Pots," which ' has a grand, haunting melody. Her specialty costume is In fiesh chiffon topp6d with an irregular cape col- lar and. pushing out from moulded hips with perfect gobs of shaded tulle. The Lovey Girls axe sweet in jaunty little costumes and' cun nlng routines. Frances Shelley Is stunning In the bouffante fullness of a dahlia period gown. pianlste who Impresses vaudeville audiences by sailing into solos with more vigor than accuracy. \Vcar- ing a lovely gown of beige lace (that needs more careful fitting) she delivers extremely clever planologs. The act would seem of a much higher grade—and probably not go over so well in the family houses— If Miss Doro would discard showy tricks and attempts at brilliant playing. Miss Doro . knows what she's doing. Vaudeville Institutions 1. The actor who addresses the audience as "folks." 2. The Mademoiselle from the booking offices who wears tight-fit- ting black and says "M'syear." 3. The team of hoofers who wear double-breasted jackets, Ice cream pants, and white shoes with* brown leather trim. « 4. Imitators of Cy T^andry. B. " " Hal Sherman 6. " Helen Kane. ' 7. The juggler who insists on- do- ing comedy when he should rush right Into his tricks. 8. The child actor who gets dra- matic and Is always a big hit. 9. The straight man who counts the house while he's asking ;the quest'lons. 10. "The actor who takes a. step' forward as the curtains close, hopl- Irtg to-squeeze another bow out of the applause. 11. The young actor, who brings Mama and Papa out for a big hand. 12. The m'. c, who kills the ap- plause of the act preceding T'-is own by standing In the wings and letting his conspicuously white-gloved hand be seen grasping the side-drapes. .13. The celebrity who' rushes through her act to get to the cur- tain speech. Quiet Riverside One of the problems worrying Those Who Worry is what Is going to happen to the Riverside theatre. Covering shows in the chill of Its empty auditorium is a dispiriting task. Even - talking shorts which .'seemed' funny in other houses'are lifeless and boring when unreeled for empty seats. It Is even more diflicult for an actor to give a good show. It may be ^josslble that the pres- ent bill seems ' poor because of the empty house. The Glad Rags Revue opened the proceedings in clothes grown to look more ragged' than glad". Norman Phillips, assisted by his mother and father, embted em- barasslhgly' through a sappy, script, and White and Manning followed With their comedy adagio, which somehow or other didn't seem very comic: • It was all rather sad. Grandeur at the Roxy "Happy Days," as the .first full length" Grfanffeuf film, "Is "sfworthy experiment. It doesn't matter In the least that the story Is mechati leal and that there are minor dis- crepancies in Its development. The main thing Is that the wider scope camera opens up new possibilities to the screen and that it Is the flrst istep toward more comprehensive technique. Dialog will not have to be split up into a close-up of the speaker and a camera shift to jshow the reactions of'his listeners:, the entire scene can be recorded -at once, giving a smoothness that could never be realized through the small er medium. A new camera trick adds Interest to musical numbers by having a sequence roll up in the manner of an old-fashioned stage curtain, with a new scene following its progress up to. the top of the frame. It's an excellent trick for giving cohesion to different shots of the Same musical number. Having the alumni of a stranded minstrel troupe.,return to help the company out of 'financial difficulties provides an excuse for the Intro ductlon of big names without which the picture would be lightweight entertainment for all Its lavish pro ductlon. Marjorle 'White ' cairles what plot there Is between musical numbers. She is an eccentric come dlenne with a capacity for mug glng and an ability to make audi- ences like her rough-and-tumble gamin quality. Lovers of the sweet and simple things of life will be delighted ta find Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell doing a character Istlc number. Interestingly stagei Sharon Lynn and Ann Pennington split honors in a sriaky hips number Do You Know That Joan Franza's Single Joan Franza, who used to "Oh for a Horse and a Sunny Day" as an introduction to Jimmy Savo's clowning, is doing an act on her own at the 58th Street. The act Is a buiiesque of the concert grand- manner, made amusing by a white gown which looks Victorian, but could be anything. A diamond tiara which tilts at a delicately rakish angle, a pair of enormous l>lack shoes which peep coyly from beneath the dres's hem and a feather fan which must once have been a thing of beauty complete its de classe elegance. Miss Franza has a sweet voice when she wants to use it, and has otherwise an ability to flat earnestly. The act reflects the Savo direction it probably had, since Mi.ss 'Franza is al.so Mrs. Savo, When the cdmedy gains smoother 'flow and unction It should be very funny. Also on the bill Is Grace 37orb, a Gallant Winnie Lightner Winnie Lightner will probably never be treated kindly by the scenarist of any fllm in which she Is the star. She may always be the "good fellow," the gallant rough neck, who inventis cracks of the wise variety, to cover the cracks In her heart. The last sequence will always find her going Into a bright number to cover suffering as she loves and is left, that be- ing the screen's favorite way of treating its "great little troupers.' As the girl in ".«?he Couldn't Say No," Winnie romp.s through a sen tlmental backstage story with In fectious and mugging good humor The dialocrue writers, who know their Broadway, have given her all the hard-boiled utterances which cover the underlying sappy senti ment of that street. The only trouble Is that they've given Winnie too many Laugh-Clown-Laugh'.s— oven Paggliacel has to take off his paint some time. The ring of the Alice Boulden is going to ap- pear at the Casanova Club.... Paul Frawley Is limping throu.tih his performances in "Top Speed" owing to a fall which serlou.sly affected a knee..., Harry Archer has returned from Chicago....Cecil Beaton, the artist-photographer, is tak- ing buck lessons, and so Is Anita Loos Stocking firms haven't noticed Irene Del- roy's shapely pedals Two different picture. companies have tried to lure Albert Jean- otte to Hollywood.... Gladys Baxter sang at a very high- brow musical club at the Plaza the other day and was swaaaaaal 111111.. .Jack Barker has been 111 and out of the cast of the George "White show...* Barbara- Newberry has a pretty new black dress In "Heads Up" .... Horace Brahm Is an expert at the game called District At- torney. .. .Inez Courtney Is go- ing to move her makeup box from First Nat'I to Fox.... Louise Fazenda Is a marvelous pastry cook,.. .Leila Hyams plays a great game of bridge. If you don't believe It,- ask hei? husband...; Jimmy Hall used to be known as Jimmy Hamil- ton when he was In musical c o m e d y. -,.Julla—Sand^rspn looked sweet walking aiong Fifth ave. In a fur wrap.... Georgle Jessel Is making cur- tain speeches at the close of "Joseph," and doing 'It very well-.,., Constance Bennett Is said to have purchased a fabu- lously valuable square dia- mond In California this sum- mer. .. .Betty Starbuck hurt her ankle during a perform- ance the other night....Ned Marin Is one of Hollywood's handsomest supervisors.... Mervin Leroy, director for First Nat'I, was In town on a visit to look over an aquatic — show —he'll— xWrect.. .-iBeh^er, - right forward on Columbia's basketball team, can teach the girl dancers something about co-ordination and grace,... Jimmy Durante was In line at the Paramount Monday; his picture opens Friday. Wisdom for the Woeful By Nellie Revell This department, conducted by Miss Revell, has been instituted as a weekly feature and is placed at the service of any "Variety" reader. Matter submitted to Miss Revell will be treated confidentially. No attention will be paid to unsigned letters, but real names will always bo suppressed. Miss Revell may be addressed at the Hotel Somerset, West 47th street, or care "Variety," New York. Dear Miss: Our act Is one of the old established acts. We try hard to keep up to date with new material, new costumes and new Ideas, and we have been moderately success- ful. We have saved some money and I want my wife to retire and stay at home while I continue, either working alone or taking an- other pai-tner. I can't get the kind of booking I used to get and have just begun to realize that maybe It Is because my wife is getting too old. Agents and managers tell me so. Now do you honestly think I should break the sad news and get another partner, or should I retiie with her and give up show busi- ness altogether? There is nothing else I can do, and we haven't enough money saved, up to live on without working. C. D. Answer: -Tour problem Is one of the oldest that confronts tlie pro- fession. It isn't so easy for a wom- an to realize that she is no longer young.--But. I-am. sure a trojupeJl- like your wife will not let you sacri- fice your work and livelihood to spare her feelings. You tell her yourself.. It may hurt , at flrst, but she will soon understand- Dear Miss R.: I had a contract to play in a picture, rehearsed for It, worked in It, and while I got my salary as per contract when the picture appeared I was not In It. Every scene In which I played had been cut out. I feel that my pro- fessional standing has been injured. Have I any cause for action ? Violet. Answer: I don't believe you have. Unless there are some exceptional conditions in-your agreement with the fllm company, I don't think they are obligated to show scenes in which you appear. It looks as If yours Is another tragedy of "The Face on the Cutting R«om Floor, dialogue and the way Miss Lightner delivers It makes It sound like a prolonged patter chorus. But the fllm has moments of appeal, never- theless. The star photographs best In dark - costumes. That Lighting No effect that the Roxy obtains, beautiful as soiiie may be, can ever be as gorgeous as the softly hung cyiclorama which rounds ' off the abrupt angles of the! stage and takes on a luiriinous quality under the plaV of lights. It Is used this week as a background for the "Von Groha Dancers' Interpretation of Liszt's Rhapsody—done flrst in silhouette against a glowing red light. As the light scale rises to a, bright yel- low with the increasing temjpo of the music, the co.stumes are re- vealed as silver tunics for the ballet and a sleek suit of dull gold with black velvet impositions for the soloist. That cute flower ballet number has been taken out of stock and enlarged to include a delicate duet by Bowman and Mas.sine and the usually four-times-daily-dozen of the Roxyettes. Spring and Summer Styles In the shops... .Spring suits ai Bruck-Weiss. Cpats longer than formerly, nipped in at the waist In accordance with the new silhouette. Others with peplum, shorter In front to reveal the silk blouse beneath.. Summer one-strap slipper at Alt- man, In white crepe with vamp and quarter cut out for silver kid lat ticlng. "Vamp piped In the kid and centered with a cunning strln; bow....Other nice shoes at Saks Fifth Ave. for resort wear: One a hand-blocked white cotton printed In red, called ""Tlio Paysan"?." Not too giddy to be smart. "The Vanlta," an afternoon sandal made of em- broidered straw combined with trimming of pastell© kid The latest sleeves elbow length, shown by Sax in a collection of darling blouses and by Best in the lingerie blouses from Paris. Best also fca turlng the belted flannel jacket for sports wear Macy showing sum mer dresses in the new "photo graphic p ri n t "... .Printed Bilks selling for southern wear at Bonwlt Dear Madam: I have a baby Ave months old and my bookings are such that I am playing split weeks and making tough' jumps. 1 have tried to carry her with me because she Is delicate and requires certain care and diet,, and I am afraid to leave her with strangei's or put her to board. My own Tvork is very hard and I am not getting th© proper amount of rest. Do you know of any place where I can be abso- lutely certain that the proper at- tention will be given my baby? Of course I will pay - for her keep. Frieda. Answer: There are many childless women with flne ^naternal instincts who would love to take care ot your baby, and no doubt she would be welcome in j.OTany homes. You would he very wise, indeed, to leave her in the custody of such people rather than haul her around the country, not only endangering her life but placing your own. haalth and earning power In 'jeopardy. 1 wish I knew some to refer you' to,' but am sure If you consult with, friends they will know of a- home for your purpose. Dear Lady: Here Is my problem I rehearsed for a show and while I didn't sign a contract I was .meas ured for costumes and therefore concluded I was satisfactory in the part. Expecting to leave town with the company I gave up my apart- ment and stored my furniture. But the next day when'I arrived at re- hearsal I found another reading my lines. What redress, If any, have I V . . Actress. Answer: Everything depends on how long you rehearsed and what arrangement you had with the pro- ducer. You should consult Equity. Dear Miss Revell: The costumes for our act cost a lot ot money and we always open the season heavily In debt for them. A great many of our weeks are cuts, and we play sometimes four a day. Also we have out share of layoffs. My agent has Informed me that the booking office Is complain<jig that we don't wear our best costumes In the smaller towns, and thereby cheapen the,Act._,Do:yQu . tlilnX,we...should: be expected to wear our best on the cut weeks and dress the act just the same as on the full salary weeks? "What I am afraid of la that_^If we wear the best outflts everywhere the four a day routine will reduce our costumes fo rags before we even get them paid for. Full Utagc. Answer: Your act, as I remember It, Is a flash act and costumes play a great part In It. If you were sell- ing a singing act you would be ex- pected to sing just as well in th© cut towns as In the full weeks. Still, your points are well taken and log- ical. The booking office's concern Is to prevent acts they know to bo OK appearing seedy. X suggest you take the matter up with Pat Casey of the,"VMPA. I am sure he will render a fair decision. ^ Teller, and looking so smart that they'll soon be appearing all over town In advance of the spring sea- son. Fruit prints to be as popular as flowered desl.gns... .Nice elbow- length frocks at Stewart's, with ruffling or bows at the sleeve-edge. Shoes The shoe department at Bergdorf Goodman is preparing for the new season with models to be in stock around Feb. 15. All the niimbers show flne workmanship, employing elaborate detail In a manner neither showy nor cheap. Elaboration of the evening shoes depends not so much on trimming as 'on choice of material for the body of the shoe and the clever-cut- out arrangements that seek origin- ality of design. A two-tone effect on a model called "Silhouette" com- bines Wportant strippings of silver or gold kid with equally conspicu- ous sections of white crepe, dyed to match the accompanying evening gown. The same model In brocade has a rakish strap encircling the ankle, a style that would look cheap worn with a short-length skirt, but Is good style under the trailing ends of the present mode. Plain crepe slippers are definitely out, giving first place to satin and molree. Heels will be li.igh<jr this year, in- fluenced by lengthening skirts which need an extra lift for smartness. For the high-arched foot there is the "Opalette," a beautifully moulded modiel in kid, the heel of which gains Imprcs.sion Ol height through the shortness of the arch-section. It's a very flattering shoe for anyone who can wear It. Many of the models are to be exefMJted In bright blue and green, the latter trimmed with Impositions of lighter-toned Morocco. Cross strapping on the vamp of opera pumps, done In neat saddle lacing, Is an exclusive Idea with Bemdorf-Goodman, as Is the specially lifted vamp which con- forms to the curve of the foot and does^not cut Into the flesh as many Opera pumps do. ' Beige suede with a kid trim achieves a smart Oxford for street wear, and a model In -water snake and Russian calf yields the some- what squatty line that carries out the casual effect of tweedy cos- tumes, "Dolly" is ft pump that doesn't belong In such a smart col- lection, though there are many people who will rave over its too- obvious chic. It Is highly arched in black patent, with scalloped edging cutting deep into the vamp and lac- ing across the Instep with black silk ending in two wooden balls. It's a naughty little shoe. One of the swellest models for summer Is the pump of heavy linen with kid Impositions. In black. It is a cool shoe for wear about town and in white with trimming to match the en.s.emble it is nice for resort wear. Another ha.H an under- layer of thin kid covered with a loosely crotcheted straw, which is not bulky despite Its double thick- ness. Wild weaves of coai'se cotton fashion a ne^t Oxford and match- ing purse, with lacings to match those in the shoe. This store always has a distinctive collection of negligees and lounging costumes. Anyone headed for Flor- ida should have a look at the beach suits in blocked linen and shantung. One particularly smart number Is a one-piece shantung with princess bodice and trou8er.<< pleated over the hips, combined with a gently flar- (Contlnucd on page 66)