Variety (May 1930)

48 VARIETY L E G I T I MA T E Wednesday, May 21, 1930 Salary Cuts Gauged by Grosses Suggested to Mgrs. and Actors Equity haa outlined' a plan to managers whereby Broadway at- tractions may extend runs into the summer by means o£ reducing actors' salaries on a slidinff scale. Cutting salaries during May, June, July and August is no new idea, in fact it is rather a custom. Equity's plan seems to be a variation of that practice. It is proposed that managers sub- mit to Equity the gross whereby their attraction or attractions could operate a:t a reasonable profit. If acceptable and agreeable the casts, for each eight less than that of the get gross, actors would receive one- eighth less salary. If tlie pace dropped as much as 50% of the fig- ure set, actors would then receive one-half salary. The plan would be flexible. That Is actors ■ would be privileged to give notice of withdrawing should a. better engagement arise. .Like- wise managers would be privileged to make substitutions or to ter- minate the run. ■.The majority of players in Broad- way successes have always seemed anxious to call It a season by May SI, at which time run of the play contracts automatically empire. Actor with Money . There is an actor in New .York making- so much money he is now buying separate clothes for the street. "ARTISTS AND MODELS" IS OLD "DEAR LOVE" Shuberts are resorting to former revue title "Artists and Models" when steering in "Dear Love" to the Majestic, New York, next week. 'Dear Love" tried out as an operetta on road for two weeks to meagre takings, which prompted tts^ being jazzed up with revue formula for the New York run. Most of the operetta' book is re- tained but with chorus enlarged and plenty of semi-strip ^tufE to give it a revue atmosphere synony- mous of the new title. Revamped edition is currently in rehearsal with Equity consent since original production had only re- hearsed four weeks before going out. Equity regulations permitting a five-week. rehearsal period for musicals. New cast includes George Has- eell, j\.Ileen Stanley, Pierce and Harris, Mile. Florence, Vera Pearce and others. I Skowhegan Starts Skowhegan, Me., May 20. Sam T. Godfrey, stage manager for the Lakewood Players at Skow- hegan, who passed the winter with a stock organization in Toronto, Canada, will return this next week to prepare the production of "Eliza beth SleeT>3 Out," which opens at the Lakewood Playhouse, Monday night, May 26, introducing the sea- son. Thurston Hall and William E. BaiTy are among early Lakewood arrivals. Miss Dorothy Stickey (Mrs. Howard Lindsay) who is .to appear with the Lakewood Players this summer, will be delayed in her arrival as she has the leading role in the spring revival of tlie Players Club In "Milestones." nBBEH TALKS TO CRITICS OF CHICAGO Chicago, May 20. Lawrence Tlbbett told the music critics where to get off at here last week at a luncheon. Speaking with some of the city's cricks present, Tibbett told them they were to blame more than any- body else. He pointed out how as an opera, singer he passed unno- ticed in their estimation. But when he turns to talking pictures they ac- claim him and then blame him for deserting the "finer" stage. Case, he said, applied to any number of ex- cellent voices in opera as well as his owji. Tibbett, debating with Dr. Glen Dlllard Gunn, music critic, declared talking piqtures will prove the greatest means of educating popular America for finer music. In the Gallery "What do the people see when they are In the gallery at the opera, and^ what do they hear?" he de- manded. "The faces are a blur, away up there in peanut heaven, and the orchestra drowns oilt the voices. No such condition exists when they see talking pictures." Tljjbett predicted that volce-on- film will eventually become musical history for America's operatic stars as much as the phonograph disk Is a historical record of Caruso's glory. He^ stopped here as a guest of M-G-'M exchange. SHAW NIXED CUT RATES Max Gordon's New Show Max Gordon Is either proposing a new firoadway show with music for himself or acting as caster for it; So far reported engaged by Gor- don are LIbby Holman, Fred Allen and. Clifton Webb. All three principals were In the first "Little Show" hit In New York. Equity After Howard Chicago, May 20. Equity may seek to force Joe E. Howard who produced the flop re- vival of "Time, Place and the Girl" into Involuntary bankruptcy. It's an effort to legally compel re- turn of the last night's receipts, grabbed by the Shuberts. ,v aGnes ayres' debut Agnea Ayres, pictures, will short- ly make her legit debut as star of "Jungle," by Fred Herenden, now being readied for production by Bunyea Beall Productions. Piece has cast of four and will be directed by Kenneth Scoville. ft Variety For Slimmer. JDNE, JUIiT and AKCCST ' $2 Address "Variety," New York And No Royalty Slice, Either, So "Apple Curt" Folded Bernard Shaw's refusal to shave royalties or permit a production of his to go cut-rates caused the premature closing of the Theatre Guild's production of "The Apple Ctvt." With subscriptions off after the show moved from the Beck to ttie Alvin, Guild directors had figured upon keeping it running through summer If the necessary economic readjustment could be accom- plished. Shaw Was cabled on the facts and replied that he didn't like the cut- rate idea either on box-ofllce sales or his royalties, which precipitated closing of the pieqe, although it will be sent on tour with original cast next season. Ticket Control Exec. Will Be A Non-Showman Broadway Chatter (Continued' from- page 42) prom of Colgate Uuniversity. Wll liam Almon Wolff, writer, and'Ruth Hawthorne, playrlght, who were divorced, have sold their home at Silvermine, Norwalk,, to Richard Connell, writer, and his wife, Louise Connell, who was co-author with Miss Connell of "Queen Bee." Greek Evans made a talking picture test this week. George Murphy and Julie Johnson have gone to the coast to Introduce the "Lindy Hop" at Olsen's club In Culver City. Eileen Elliott at Paramount flies Into a rage w^ien anyone attempts to say the slightest unkind word about her boss, Frank Vreeland. Rin-Tin-Tin stops at the Somer- set, but Basil Gerson won't serve him In his restaurant. Basil's rules against dogs with fur. That drag at the Garden Saturday. The Jack Mason named Is not the dance director known on Broadway, 'but a, Greenwich Village person. Mort Singer golfed It In New York from Saturday until yesterday. Then he lugged his sticks back to Chi where the courses are less hilly. Danny Collins', the agent, got a pen and pencil set the other day for returning a lost $400 camera. In Paris last year. Walter Hutchinson, English man- aging director, docked Friday and was informed to keep right on go- ing to Fox's Hollywood lot. Joe Frisco leaves shortly to make his first feature picture for Warners. $40,000 with eight week limit for the nip stutterer. Reported Helen Morgan while In church was asked to get up and do a number, and sprained her ankle climbing up 'the pipe organ. Roger Wolfe Kahn keeps up his aeronautical courage de.spiie sev- eral ugly scares he has had on flights. The other day he was in an airplane accident that for a min- ute or 80 looked pretty bad. But he pulled out. Rules, regulations, by-laws of the New York Theatre League were gotten Into flnlshie'd shape and sent to . the printer Monday. Although attorneys are In agreement on the legality of the steps by which the. league will attempt to control the agency sale of theatre tickets on Broadway, the date of the starting operation appears to be In doubt. League may be forced to go ahead with Its plan without having all the managers refiresented. ; There Is chance that those holding out may be forced In, but one says he will quit show business first There are several agency buys which preclude the star^ by June 1 or even July 1. If any or all the several objecting managers refuse to call off existing buys and the league installs Its control system regardless, it would mean that the agencies would sell tickets at two prices, i. 75 cents advance for tickets allotted by the league and whatever price the other tickets would bring. Buys extending be- yond June 1 are for "Flying High" and "The Green Pastures," the leaders In ticket demand. There are only four or five other shows that commanded more than 75 cents pre- mium but brokers say no tickets bring higher prices right now. It Is reported that one manager, abroad at present, cabled word that he would refuse to subscribe to the league unless the managers were in it 100 percent. That manager's firm Is in control of 16 theatres. Ticket Abuses Ending? Leading figures in the league are confident that ticket control is near and that the plan will actually repci- edy ticket evils. There are no rad- ical changes in the general plan, which committees have been work- ing on for months. A theatre does not have to turn over to the league 75 percent of its lower floor tickets. That is the maximum arnount and applies to the outstanding hits, the remaining 25% In such cases re- maining on sale in the box offices. Theatres may retain all balcony seats, but if upstairs tickets are to be sold at a premium In the agen- cies, the allotments must be made through the league. The cardinal features of the rules are no buys and no tickets over 75 cents pre- mium. An official of the league stated that the executive secretary who will have charge of allotments and the policing of .agencies, will not be anyone heretofore connected with show business. Reports to the con- trary appear to be erroneous. Ralph W. Long had been mentioned, but the league has in mind a business executive ■without any ticket knowl- edge. Jack Russell Bankrupt Hollywood, May 20. Jack Russell, musical tab come- dian-producer, now living in Long Beach, has filed an application in bankruptcy. This followed an action against him for $11,000, representing nine weeks unpaid rent on the Pantages theatre, Seattle. Russell says his only asdet i.s a $1,000 note. Young Serious Drama Actors Not Excited Over Any Talker Offer GOEH' BIG HIGH COST CAST FOR NEW SHOW Before sailing Friday on the "He de France" for Paris, Ray Goetz had already engaged his major princi- pals for his new show in the fall, "The New Yorkers." So far signed are the Fred War- Ing's Pennsylvanlans, orchestra, at $5,500 weekly; Clayton, Jackson and Durante at $3,000, with both of these sizeable accounts having permission to double In nite clubs during the Broadway run; Frances Williams and Chester Morris (pictures). The Morris contract isn't reported as set. A report the Warner Brothers are backini the Goetz production could not be confirmed at the Warner of- fice, Goetz has not named his finan- cial channel. Rehearsals are called for the Goetz show Oct. 6. Previous to that date the Durante trio is to make a picture for Paramount on Long Is- land, while the Waring boys start June 27 on a Loew picture house tour at $6,500 net. That means no com- mission deducted and all transpor- tation paid. Waring's $6,500 is the highest sal- ary ever patd by Loew's for a stage attraction other than its percent- age agreement with Al Jolson. Johnny O'Connor is directing the business affairs of the Waring's or- chestra. Jack Curtis handled the engagement for the Durante boys. Z%% Cut Asked for . "Nancy's Affairs" Cast Chicago, May 20. Cast of "Nancy's Private Affair" at the Erlanger has been asked to take a 25% cut. Show will continue on week to week basis if performers accept. Otherwise it folds Saturday. Gotfd Swim Anyhow Theatrical Producing Managers' Association, formerly the Stock Managers' body, plans to meet In convention June 16-17-18 In the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York. In all the advance mail matter sent out under George Julian Hou- taln'a signature special emphasis Is laid upon the payment of $25 which pays the member's dues to June, 1931. According to the "official pro- gram" also sent out by Houtain the Monday (June 16) session will be open to actors, authors, stagehands, scenic artists, play brokers, casting agents, musicians, non-member managers and producers with an "open forum" scheduled. Two ses- sions . June 17 for members only. Another for members on June 18. A social aspect is promised with President William H. Harder throw- ing open his home at Hugenot Beach, Staten Island, to the mem- bers who are urged to bring their bathing suits.. Geo. Kaufman Acting George S. Kaufman, playwright, will make his debut as actor in "Once in a Lifetime," produced by Sam Harris and which bows in at the Apollo, Atlantic City, N. J., next week. Kaufman hopped into the cast this week and will remain for the two weeks' tryout. Piece plays Brighton Beach Music Hall after the Atlantic City showing, being camphored for summer and reopens at the Music Box, New York, Labor Day. "Hound Heels" in L. A. Hollywood. May 20. "Round Heels," new play by Paul Fix, will be produced at the Theatre Mart, week of May 22. Russell Hapton, Marion Burns, Bruce MacFarlane and Eugene Rennard are in the cast. "Ripples" Stored For Summer "Ripples" closed its season in Boston, Saturdaj'. Tlie Fred Stone family will not play during the sum- mer, but will, resume on tour some- time in Aucrust, There are yet some actors left who have not become picture mind- ed. They feel the stage is where they can make their name and place in the sun. Until a legit actor has a recog- nized position a sudden switch into pictures is a rather precarious step. Things always don't go well for those who are eager to fllnff them- selves into studios. One is likely to be lost In the shuffle, and to undo the tedious steps leading to the start of a care6r on the stage. Some of this type of actor are chary of tying up in pictures with- out knowing where it will lead them. It is taking too much of a chance. On the stage they at least have some notion of where they are' going. For this reason there is not the supposed enthusIasiTi among per- formers over an offer to play the picture role of a play in which they have; appeared on Broadway. A picture offer of this sort is any- thing but a progressive step In one's career It is felt. It is merely a duplication of what one has already done and besides taking up much of an actor's valuable time may lead to nothing further. The serious young actor feels he must build up a solid and permanent profession. McKAY MORRIS IS EQUITY-SUSPENDED McKay Morris has been suspend- ed by Equity pending charges filed against him by Carol M. Sax, v ) took an American company to Paris early in the winter. It was a reper- tory idea and a season of 17 weeks was played. Morris, since returned, walked out at a dress rehearsal of "The Bark- er," In which he was billed as the star. Temperament was the only explanation given. He remained in Paris for a time' and aided the presentation of "The Shanghai Ges- ture" in French In another theatre. It is said. Equity took action on the charges because the players were recruited here and a bond covering salaries and transportation filed with Equity. Sax in his complaint stated that Morris had trouble remembering hla lines and used a script even at dr^s rehearsal. He further balked at di- rection. Morris has been in a num- ber of Broadway productions.' To date .he has not communicated with Equity. Chorus Girl Loses Case Against Carroll Fay Palmer's suit against the Vanities Producing Corporation for $1,750 was dismissed by the court and she was ordered to pay Vani- ties the court costs, amounting to $70. Miss Palmer claimed that she worked for the Vanities Producing Corporation from September, 1926, to March, 1927, at a salary of $40 a week. Under a previous oral agreement made with Earl Carroll she alleged, she was to receive $10 for each additional performance she worked in over the customary eight performances a week. She claimed that she worked in extra performances practically each week and the amount due her from them was $1,750. Vanities was represented by Al- fred Beekman of House, Grossman & Vorhaus. Dowling's Musical Dan Jarrett and Buddy Doyle, both of vaude, and Eddie Dowling are writing a musical to be pro- duced by the Erlanger firm and starring Dowling. Rogers and Hart are working on the music. Yet untitled but slated for open- ing in early season. Cammonwealth Hud.son theatre management ha? taken over "Virtue's Bed" fi-oni LohmuUer and Emery and will con- tinue piece indefinitely at the Hud- son, New York. Under new arrangement and man- agement cast is continuing on a semi-commonweq-lth basis with $50 weekly and percentage.