Variety (Feb 1930)

VARIETY WOMEN'S PAGE Wednesday, February 26, 1930 Uncommon Chatter By Ruth Morris A "Simon-' Delirium '•Simple Simon" calls for a rave. TiUTf in.'V(.'i- h;i3 been a more beau- tiful production — lavish, tasteful, done with originality and imagina- tion. CoHiment up and down Broad- way infers that there is too much of Ed Wynn in It. It might have been better for Mr. Wynn if he has mas.fed newer laughs in fewer ap- pearances, but no true Ed Wynn fan is going to complain about sucli un- important faults. Production is grand. The book, which has the childish quality of English pantomime, doesn't matter in the least. It is merely an excuse for scene after scene of breath- taking beauty. Joseph Urban lias cut loose from the somewhat stodgy style that marks his Metropolitan work and has contributed effects gay, delicate and distinguished.. It is hard to be coherent about the John Harkrider costumes, they're so lovely. Unhampered by a desire to economize on production, the de- signer has spread himself on rich effects. But he also knows how to use simplicity, evidenced In beauti- fully draped gowns of monotone satin, and In a simple ingenue frock with plain bodice of heavy satin. Its sheer skirt is so full It can be held out at arm's length- and still fall gracefully to the ankles. An- other dress for Harriet Hoctor's ex- quisite toe-work Is a tJrincess white chiffon, with fullness introduced at the sides, and a comet of tiny sequins splashing across the front. Even without Seymour Felix's noteworthy direction of a Hunting Ballet and the precise beauty of Miss' Hoctor's dancing, the costumes would make It outstanding. The fairytale cos- tumes are as imaginative as any- thing that could ever have been "Written into a fairytale. As carefully worked out as a plot, the costumes have dramatic conti- nuity as they work from a quiet opening to the climax of a gorgeous finale. They ease the show into opening with simple little organdies, combining white and a delicate shade of yellow. They add humor to a Magic Music number with simple circular skirts of moussellne de 30lre, bordered with musical notes and topped with little velvet jackets nipped in at the waistline and dotted with red ties that change in a twinkling to magicians' com- plimentary green. They, introduce a sombre note by having the long frock coats of the Glooms of Dullna made of black moire. A neat stroke has these sinister robes buttoned with gold padlocks. Costumes for the Joys of Gayleria are made ot multi-colored dcnclng ribbons, Inter- woven at the waistline. Real musi- cal comedy technique has animal ■ pelts, used in the Fairy Tale finale of the first act, made completely of shining silk floss. 'The only cos- tume which seems completely all wrong was worn by Bobbe Arnst at her first appearance—badly fitted and out of key with "the whole pro- duction. Her cutest costume is a yellow beach overall, made fortu- nately of some washable material, since it3 weafer, in a rough and tumble comedy number, wiped up the stage with it 'at the opening performance. Having only 24 hours of re- hearsal, Ruth Etting skipped over from the late "9:15 Revue" and gave a letter perfect performance. She has two grand appearances, first In a blouse and skirt of pink silk and black velvet, smart for all its repre- sentation of a dance hall singer. Her second is a gown of chiffon and silk tatters, in which she looks as beau- tiful as one of those arty theatrical photographs after much retouching. "Simple Simon" is a knock-out. Phil Biikoi- (in the bo.'c him.self, for a change) cniL o£ the audience to lislen t(i llif bull-TiKhL spiel, ,Hi(d liosita singing and dancing charm- ingly. Babe Eg.in's Redheads have a now wardrobe and would have ap- peared to much bcttei' advantage than when last seen if their act hadn't been cruelly cut up by the mad goirigs-on of Healy and his wonderful henchmen. They're su- premely funny, but a little less of them would have done as well. Grace Doro still strikes wrong notes with wild abandon, but her clever pianologues get over to big applause. A'new dress is in pink moussellne de soie, with cunning puff sleeves and stylized imposi- tions trimming a graceful, full skirt. The girls, with Arthur and Mor- ton Havel, wear cute sports frocks and aid agreeably in an amusing sketch. Over and above all, the bill has Jimmy Savo, whose comedy seems more fluid and beautiful at each new appearance. against prison authority and ready to take up cudgels for the pitiable murderers and cut-throats trying to break away to freedom. When a prison guard is murdered In cold blood and thrown into the court- yard belpw, one woman was heard to clap her hands and sny, "Clood for them. It served him right." When the third act is over, they promptly forget all about it: The only people who left the the- atre before the conclusion of the play on Monday were two men. au- dibly commenting that they couldn't stand it. Durante, the Tool "Roadhouse Nights" Is, like, most melodramas, not awfully convinc- ing, but audiences are used to boot- leg storiea with diluted realism de- pendent on 100 proof coincidence Most important is that is brings Jimmy Durante to the screen. Ad- mirers of his pecular madness usually fear for Its reception by a general public not educated" to the ausghlassen night club humor, but the Schnozzle's first screen appear- ance removes any doubts that might have been entertained. He is not only a screen actor, but a good one. That eloquent face doesn't have to speak a line to get a laughing re- action, and when It sinks into des- pair and admits that its owner Is "a tool of a beautiful dame" it de- serves—and gets—a howl. Clayton and Jackson haven't been given an opportunity in the film, but reg- isters well in what little they have to do. Bessie Love's Hysterics If all screen actresses could in- dulge 'in hysterics as movingly as Bessie Love thci'e would be no ob- jections to the screen formula which calls upon a "great little trouper" to laugh between agonized sobs as she bravely dons her make-up, knowing full well that the show must go on. Miss. Love, who gives fine performance in any picture in which she Is cast, should be ranted a monopoly .^on screened ysterics. Her latest outburst comes in Chasing Rainbows," the knowledge f which title plus the fact that it is a back-stage story plus the fact that Charlie King plays opposite the heroine, automatically forecasts its own events. All the hackneyed situ- ations are in it and would be ex7 tremely dull but for an excellent cast and the several moments that siiggest the picture is slyly deridirig itself. Marie Dressier and Polly Moran help to keep things lively in exaggerated parts that are often very funny, and a perfectly grand tune called "Happy Days" gets less plugging than it deserves. Paramount's Flap Week Friday's opening performance at the Paramount was a Flapper's Delight. First was Paul Ash, wel- comed back to town with a hearty reception. Then Buddy Rogers, ac companied by a roar of applause, mounted from the pit on the organ elevator. Just as the welcome' was about to subside, Paul Ash's cheer leading swelled it into greater en thuslasm. Buddy Rogers' charm and neat appearance couldn't have disappointed even his most exacting admirers, and his musical versatil- ity provided grand entertainment Then just to complete the matlnoo idol flavor came a new screen hero named James Durante, who is said to have been recruited from Shakes- pearian repertoire in England. What diction, what bearing, what hand- some and dashing good looks! It probably will be no time before he is known as America's Sweetheart The unit is known, for no very good reason except that It Intro duces Rogers at the end, as "Holly- wood on Broadway." It includes the acrobatic stepping of a FreS Evans troupe, the radiocasting of Harriet Lee and the diverting clown Ing of the girl with Allen and Can field. It's excellent entertainment despite a screamingly-typical pic ture house finale, all lit up like a Christmas tree. Palace Pandemonium There was a spirit of pandemo- nium at the opening Palace per- formance, with no one seeming too sure of what he was to do. Ted jJHealy and his mob of strange look- ing assistants romped in and out of every other act. Informality is a good note on any program, but It should be routined and not, as on . Saturday, appear to be running Wild. - Keating, started out as m. c, but, after two inti'oductlons, vanished as completely as one of his illusions His greatest feat of magic was to appear (after his name bobbed up on the annunciator) as the Morenos and their Spanish orchestra, mak- ing it seem that he had disappeared up his own sleeve and decided'to stay there. The Morenos provld«d good en- tertainment, with -"Papa" calling "Last Mile" Reaction Audience reaction to "'fhe Last Mile," that gripping play about condemned men in a prison death cell, is an odd one. The .play has nothing in it that would attract feminine audiences, yet the women who attend seem to stand its grue some horror better than the men. After the last curtain liad dropped on the complete failure of the prison outbreak, the men walk blankly to the street, looking drawn and si lent. Women, on the other hand seem to throw off the'horrible mom ory of the play more quickly. Wisp of,their lobby conversation ignore the play and take up the details of life- for wliioh the -feminine mind is famed: should one buy that rose- colored print she saw, should an- other have lamb chops or steak for dinner the next night. The consensus of lobby opinion among the women on Monday night after the first act was: "This play gives me a chill. I'm sorry I came, but nothing could persuade me to leave." The second Intermission finds them getting pretty indignant 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 be suppressed. Miss Revell may be addressed at the Hotel Somerset, West 47th street, \ ^or care "Variety," New York. FLORIDA CHATTER Loew's 175th Street Loew's 175th Street opened with blaze of glory Washington's birthday. Its architecture is aptly described in its own program notes, which, with the help of exclamation points, read: "In sharp contrast to this modern note is the ancient splendor and beauty of the Indo-Chinese archi- tecture! Pagan glories of otd are revived to create an atmosphere of luxury and exotic charm! Jewel- studded columns, fantastic carvings, strange lighting effects, colorful hangings—«JI carry the fascination of ' Oriental mysteries. Each visit will disclose new beauties in this wonder theatre!" Which just about says all there is to be said! The "Ripples" Quarry Another Stone has been cast. Fred Stone's second daughter, Paula, Is carrying on the tradition of the family. In "Ripples" she goes through her paces like a trouper and has a lack of affectation that is quite channlng. You may or may not think Fred Stone awfully funny; you may find the book dull and the musical numbers (with the exception of "Is It Love?" and "I'm a Little Bit Fonder of You") not very intriguing; but there Is a real kick in seeinc the Stone girls go through their father's roiitlnes. They develop, somehow, from a dance step to a national institution. On Styles From Paris come reports of the Worth spring showing. Ac- cording to the Informant, who ^r^b- ably doesn't know a guimpe from a godet, dress details are as follows: Sleeves are getting erratic. They are worn Short in town clothes, even in formal coats and jackets, while there is often a suggestion of sleeves, or perhaps more, in evening gowns. Long brown suede gloves are a dominant note. Worth going to the extreme of showing them with black costumes. Ermine and squirrel, both dyed a lustrous black, are used on formal coats and costumes. Otherwise very little fur. Buttons made from tiny pieces of mirror trim .lome costumes. Cape effects are noted on after- noon and e'vening gowns. Sleeveless coats are another feature predomi- nant in this collection. Wide leather belts are used on coats and out-of-town costumes (Worth having decreed the term "sports clothes" obsolete), while wide, belts of velvet or ribbon .m,ark tlie natural waistline in evening gowns. Short evening wrap is still prefer- able. White transparent voile blouses with short sleeves, often embroid- ered with threads from the ac- companying tweeds, are worn with the new light-weight woolens. When silk jerseys accompany these cos- tumes, they are encrusted with the (Continued from page 54) Palm lieach clad most democratic- ally. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rowland at one table at the Deauville, and next to them Mrs. Howard Chand- ler Christy and party. Monsieur Livingston, amiable catSiUp king, left for New York. One night club here which,, from all external appearances is doing top business, asserts that, because of the casino having been closed, the owners will be contented if the season is completed with a $75,000 loss. Doing everything possible to make the deficit only $50,000. Dorothy Van Alst, who closed at the Floridian, now at the Hollywood Country Club. Dr^ Thomas M. Cassidy gave the largest niglit Club party to date, more than 100 guests seated 'on the ringside of the Roman Pools. It costs $200 (deposit) to install a telephone here if you are a tourist. Peggy Perry arrived in Miami Beach, locking up her Riverside Drive penthouse for a month. Camille Lenler tanning up and resting. Cocktail parties are the chief pastime everywhere. And picture Folks staggering to talkers and back to parties. Heretofore everj'- body was rouletteing. An idea of how exclusive was the Venetian ball at the Nautilus Is conveyed by the fact that the brok- erage room of a New York Stock exchange firm on the main fioor was used as a checkroom. Sam Crowther has joined the literary family at the King Cole. Mrs. Harry B. Smith, wife of the composer, at the Flamingo. George Horace Lorlmer walking in and out mobs of writers on the Boardwalk, many of whom the "Saturday Evening Post" made. The editor stopped at the Roney-Plaza. Sidney Frohman, cousin of Dan- iel Frohman, fishing In the indigo waters of the Gulf Stream. Ultra Bath Club giving a circus ball next Friday night. Big and exclusive bookings for Nedahbeh (Great Friend) of the Penobscot Indians of Old Town, Maine. Engaged by the Flamingo Hotel to tell story of the decline of his tribe, that once numbered 8,000. Alfred Jonniaux, noted Belgian painter, studying the curves of American women's w'rlsts and ankles, which he asserts are the last word. Fellows over here over- look the wrists. • . . Fox, Paramount, Pathe and all the other companies with news- reel cameramen, shot scenes of the most gorgeous pageant ever staged In the south when the Venetian ball, staged on the luxurious grounds of the Nautilus hotel, was at its height. This was the principal social event of the season, all proceeds going to charity within the county. There were 600 people in costume. Dear Miss: My sister-and I have always worked together. A few years ago she married and her hus- band, a newcomer in show business, Is forever interfering in our billing! booking and creating dissatisfaction. My sister used to be willing to play any date pr .111 any spot on the biil but now, through his influence, in- sists on picking and choosing her dates. She can afford to lay off but I can't. I am wondering, if I should split the act, get another partner or wor'«i alone. Or do you think I would do better with a male partner? . I have never had one. Siate,r. Answer: It'.-? the same old story. When one of a team marries, there is usually friction,, due to the in- terference froni the latest addition to the act. Pretty hard to separate the business and domestic rela- tions. Perhaps your sister and her husband think they can work better without you, but hesitate to tell you for fear of hurting your feelings. Since you are the older and better known sister, why don't you make the break yourself? You should have no trouble g,ettlng a <«artner and 1 would suggest a male partner for a change. Dear Miss Revell: My husband is a newspaperman, and you know how they are. He always has alibis for being away from home. But I am tired of staying home alone. I have to wear made-over clothes and economize in every way, but I notice when he does show up he is always half-pickled—and he can't get that way these da:'S without spending money. Fortunately, we have no children. • I am wondering if our marriage isn't just another bust. What do you think? Lonely "Wife. Answer: Yes, I know how news- papermen are, having been married to two of them, and neither of them was ever two days alike. They are like race horses and stocks—pretty hard to figure. I frankly admit I am stumped by your case. You c6uld try leaving home, which might bring him. to his senses and if he really wants you he will be more con- siderate. If he doesn't want you, you will, of course, be glad to know it. tweed to give the appearance of a one-.piec3 frock. Hems of evening dresses are often trimmed with bfinds of ruch- Ing or large artificial flowers or narrow bands of fur. No trains seen In the Worth collection. Bolero effects popular. As to colors, pale blue is used for out-of-toTii clothes, also biscuit tones of off-white in tweeds and other light woolens. Soft greens, darker blues, mixtures of brown and beige and white also good. Black, browns, soft purples and a few printed silks noted in the town clothes. Black, white, pale pinks, delicate grays and various shades of plum and purple dominate the evening attire. .Daytime matorials: ..Hard-face twieeds of light weight; loosely woven woolens; wool voiles of varied weaves; georgettes; some crepe de chine or marocain silks and a very few printed silks. Evening materials: Failles in heavy weights; satins, georgettes, chiffons, tulles of varied weaves. A few lame's and printed chiffons, but mostly plain fabrics for early spring wear. Dear Friend: About 10 years ago asked your advice about some- thing and you sfet me right. Now I want to ask you something again. My husband and I simply are not congenial. I don't feel at home among his people and I don't think he does around mine. While he provides for ro.e and gives me the protection of his name, I know It is only because of his sense of duty. I know he doesn't love me and I no longer love him. Should I ask him for a divorce, or wait until he asks me? ' Vnharii>y. Answer: You may be altogether mistaken about his not loving you. Perhaps he feels that you do not care for him and that may account for his indifference. As you say, he is an artist and as such is en- titled to the allowances that should be made for one of his temperament. He has always impi-essed me as a cold, undemonstrative person but as a man with a highly developed sense of fairness. Since neither of you have apparent grounds for divorce, why j^o looking for trouble and court undesirable publicity? Dear Madam: Last year when a musical show played here (Hart- ford, Conn.) I met a young man in the chorus who said he fell in love with me. I surely am in love with him. Since he played here we have continued to correspond and now he wants to marry me. He is not of»my religious faith and my par- ents vlolerftly oi>pose him. Do you think I should leave my home and family and marry him? t ■ ■ ■ ■ ' • Mary.. 0- ■ Answer: I would have to know more about the young man and the circumstances before replying. Send me a self-addressed and stamped envelope and full particulars. BIRTHS Afr. .and Mrs. Max Balaban, son, in Chicago, Feb. 2-1.