Variety (Jun 1930)

.70 VARIETY L ^ G I T I M ATE Wiedtiesday, June 4, 1930 r-.- • Dramatic Critics' Box Score Johii Mason Brown of the New York "Evenlne Post" gets the hon- orary degree as the Crania's Best Picker, annually awarded by "Vari- ety." He brings his paper its sec- ond successive headllner. Robert Llttell appropriated the wreath of laurel for the "Post" last June. Brown is new to first nlghting. From the start he displayed a canny knack for assorting the likely from the others! He is a plain speaker without editorial fetters and writes a clear-cut review. He is tlie only dramatic Veviewer entirely free of "lio opinion" in the box scores. By a very pronounced improve- ment in form, Robert Garland of the "Telegram" elevated himself to sec- ond place in the score with a very dapper .852, contrasting to his .666 finale last June. Gilbert Gabriel ("American"), winner of the •25-'26 and •26-'27 box scores, got back In the high oc- taves after a two-year depression. He concludes with an unapologetlc .810. ^. Arthur Ruhl, fifth, is included for the "Herald Tribune," although the Trib's veteran, Percy Hammond started and ended the season, spendr ing the Interim on a globe-trotting trip. .Since the retirement (and sub- to 182, 184 and 199, respectively, for the three previous years. An unusually largo number of shows this season Intended for Broadway, closed their try-outs or on the road without reaching Broadway, so the total of produc- tion activity for the season would probably be about 40 shows greater than the chart shows. 1 Smash in 11 Counting In the road closings the ratio of hits Is about one in every five trys. Or differently expressed, about one smash hit In every 11 at- tractions. "Variety" rates IC smashes, six of them musicals. Moderate, or Inter- mediate, successes number 26. I'his is a considerable falling off from last season when 63 shows in all were classed as full or moderate clicks. As before "Variety" takes a minimum 12-week run as the footrule for moderate success. Ex- ceptions are sometimes made when special conditions warrant. Such a show as "Mendel, Inc.," although running well beyond the 12-weeks is dubious as a profit-turner. While listed as a moderate, it's cited spe- cifically to illustrate that various factors have to be weighed. Talking pictures have been ac- counted opposition this season. On s Box Score Winners sequent demise) of E. W. Osborn, the deanship of the critics passes ^ - to Ferce. He'll be back in the box score next year if remaining put. Walter Wlncliell of the "Mirror" Is omitted from the box score final, th'rougl;. covering considerably few- er' openings than the others and again a persisting suspicion he picks his spots. He is still, per- soh'na non gratta with the Shuberts, which bars him from some pre- mieres. Better Guesses In general the percentges are much higher than usual. After seven years the box score finish sees all the reviewers above .700 for the fit'st time. It means that Seldes ("Graphic") and Lockridge ("Sun"), although on the tall end, have fairly good percentages, as compared to the scores of previous seasons. Present score is based upon 176 shows opening since la^t August 5. As usual revivals, of which this season in Its earlier stage saw a great number, are not listed. Nor are various hideaways, etc. Included. One show more than last year is In the 170 openings. This compares top of which the Wall Street bust in the fair pinched the legit as one of the first dispensable luxuries, A reflection of conditions was a -tend- ency to cut admission scales. Past Floppers Greater percentage of dark the- atres throughout the season, even at the peak, than general. Shows when flopping didn't lose much time In getting the requiem services ov.ei". This has, however, been more'or less an Increasing characteristic for : several seasons. Cut rates don't seem to figure as importantly Jn longevity as previously. During the season. Burns Mantle, of the "News," challenged "Va- riety's" award of five no opinions. Mr, Mantle believed himself guilt- less of the charge. Upon investiga- tion he was given credit on one which "Variety" conceded an error. Since then "Variety" has taken "The Infinite Shoeblack" as representing another no opinion by him. So his total remains at five. Mr. Mantle has, however, quite a neat score despite the debatable quintet. After the customary interval "Va- riety'' will resume Its box score with the new legit season. WHITE'S PRICE FOR 'FLYING HIGH' TOO HIGH Hollywood, June 3. George White's Ideas on pi-lce have chilled negotiations with Sam- uel Goldwyn on "Flying High." Goldwyn was interested In doing the musical on the stage out here, and then as a film using Eddie Can- tor as star in both Instances. If White comes down, the deal i)iay yet be on. If desiring. White could come west and sit in on the production. Film Rights Showing Hollywood, June 3. "Bridlcwise," by Arthur Perry, is playing a one-week engagement at the Lyric, Long Beach. It is advertised as solely a dem- ' onstration to. sell the picture rights. Stock on for 135 Weeks In Cal. Finally Quits Hollywood, June 3. ■ A dramtlc stock company headed by Harvey Hart folds this week at Warners Egyptian in Lamandti Park, near Pafiadena. Played 1,35 weeks in combination with pictures. Wealthy Harding Couple Behind *Many-a-Slip* Flop "Many a Slip" folded up In Chi- cago Saturday, the company being brought back by Equity. No sal- aries wore paid and claims of the company are for one and a half weeks. Show had a brief stay at the Lit- tle, having been on the road about two months. Lew Cantor produced "Slip," but disposed of his Interests just before the show left New York. The show was being operated by A. J. Morganstern, a California at- torney representing u Mr. and Mrs. HardiniT. The latter provided the money for leasing the Little from Winthrop Ames last fall and are also said to have backed "Many a Slip." Salaries were guar.inteed through Cantor's member.''hlp in the Man- agers' Producing Association, to whom Equity will look for settle- ment. When Cantor withdrew he advised tlie M. P. A. and the Hard- ings are said-t(j have agreed with Lawrence Weber, secretary of the managers' association, to assume the salary liability. Hardings are said to be wealthy, their representative having e.^plain- ed the money required in Chicago having been delayed through a trus- tee being en route to the coast. ^. It was stated Monday that the Little lease in which Chauncey Keim was interested, had been re- linquished, House reverts to Ames. DUFFY'S CREDITORS POT DP $20,000 FOR HUH Hollywood, June 3. To continue operatioa in bank- ruptcy of thfi Henry Duffy houses 20 of the largest creditors of the San Francisco houses have put.up $l,00t) each for production ante. Dufwin In Portland closes this Saturday (7), leaving four of the former string of nine super-stock theatres along the coast. Duffy houses have to pay royal-' ties in advance to Century Play Company. Latter was- complained of before bankruptcy by petitioning creditors as obtaining preferential treatrnent. TEX MAY MAKE CLUB OF BELMONT THEATRE Texas Guinan may take over the Belmont, New York, under lease from Richard Herndoji and estab- lish it as a Continental night place. Although the seats are to be ripped out, the little boxes at the rear would be retained. Xhe balcony is also to be left, with stairways end- ing upward from the revamped floor. Tex is going over plans for remodeling the place with Herb Ward. The Belmont is next door on 48th street to the upstairs club that was once 'Texas Guinan's, afterwards the Florence Club and since then hav- ing . various names and manage- ments. House seats a little over 500. Has not had a legit success for several seasons. 2 Weeks Salary Hinges ''Artists-McMlels''Status "Artists and Models," revamped edition of "Dear Love," is not opening cold at the Majestic, New York; this week as scheduled, but instead has been spotted at the Apollo, Atlantic City, and steers into. New York next week. Equity has been investigating status of the show, produced by Shuberts, because of producers' about face in turning the former operetta into a musical and con- suming three weeks of rehearsals. Shuberts have attempted to exer- cise producer's perogatlve In claiming that "Artists and Models" is an entirely new production, al- though reports to Equity have it that most of the book of the former operetta, "Dear Love," which flopped on tryout, is being re- tained. Difference amounts on status because of Shuberts having tossed off several principals In the former and demanding immunity to the re-rehearsal period upon premise that "Artists and Models" is a new production. Equity's rul- ing In the matter, if any, will come later. Revamped cast of "Artists and Models" includes Phil Baker, George Hassell, Vera Pearce, Wesley and Pierce, Alleen Stanley, Naomi Johnson, Miss Florence and others. Should Equity's rulings find that "Artists and Models" is merely a title change on the former "Dear Love," Shuberts will be compelled to compensate cast for two weeks' salary on overdue rehearsals. 2 Friars Dates Plans for the Friars road frolic have been changed. Instead of a week of six stands under auspices guarantee it has: been decided to play but two stands—Asbury Park and Atlantic City. The dates arc July 5-C. Idea, of securing guarantees wa.s abandoned and the other dates scratched because of the expehsse and risk involved. Ziegfeld May Film Wynn Show.,With Cast Intact Hollywood, June 3. Flo' Ziegfeld may do "Simple Simoi\" as a picture out here with the original cast from the show, which includes Ed Wynn. Studio in which it is to be made and the release channel lacks offlcial con- firmation, so it's an open guess. Zieggy will I'emain on the coast until "Whoopee" has been preview- ed, after which he i^imedlatoly leaves for New York to whip the Marilyn MUler-Astalres show into shape. His fall schedule calls for production on this one ahead of the "Follies,"' the latter going into re- hearsal Oct. 15. Failiires of IM "Now-a-Days" ■ "Jerry for Short"' ■' ' "Almanacs" "Dinner Is Served'*"'- "Getting Even" "Soldiers and Woroen" "Great Scott" "The Commodore Marries" "Scarlet Pages" "House Party" "Remote Control" "Murder on the Second Foor" "Cape/ Cod Follies" ••Crook's Convention" "Nigger Rich" "Sweet Land of Liberty" "The Love Expert" "Mountain Fury" "Many Waters" "See Naples and Die" "Scotland Yard" "Divided Honors" "100 Years Old" "Ladles Leave" Mcintosh's Personals Hollywood, June 3. Burr Mcintosh is making a lec- ture tour of Southern Calif., billed a.s "the cheerful philosopher." Mcintosh, for the past three years, has been broadcasting under this title over KFWB ever>- Sunday eve- ning. Recently,' while in the hospital, he conducted his broadcast from his bedside, and a demand for personal appearances followed. It was at Gibson's Standard, Phll- adelphia, that "Lucky Sambo," with Adelaide Hall, opened June C,. and not in Washington as reii irted in last w'eck's Variety. Jed Harris' Producing Scheme Outside New York Jed Harri.s may move his produc- tion centre to Baltimore or New Haven, or says, at least, that he'd like to do it very shortly as there's no need to burden the production expen.se attendant to being head- quartered • in New York, Intends maintaining a New York office, bu; since his sliows break in in th-i stick." it would be quite a savin:? to operate from out of town, Jed assorts. Brouj;lic .<;oinc .-^cripts back froiii London, but plea.santly surprised at Lillian Gish's "Uncle Vanya" doiivJT ' so well, despite its having b.-o>-- primed only for a very limite l si i;. on Broadway.