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R AD I O 



SCREEN 



STAGE 




Published Weekly at 164 Wast 46th Strevt, Now York, N. Y„ by Variety, In q. Annual BUbacrlptlon, |6. Single ooplea, IB cent». 
Entered an second-claas matter December 22,- 190S,° at the Post Omce at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 'i, 1B7D. 



COPXBIOHT, 1037. BS VARIETS, INC. ALL RIGHTS KESEKVEU 



NEW YORE, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 1937 



64 PAGES 




Dramatic Critics Rank Dwmdlet 
Mergers of Dailies, OAer Causes 



rama reviewing has become th* 
inwt highly. specialized vocation in 
the professional theatre, which fact 
was - emphasizeid by the changes in 
the newspaper ., field within recent 
. seasons. ' There are fewer theatres 
|ind legit shows, while there has 
beeti a trend towards merging or 
scrapping dai with' the result 
thgre are considerably fewer critics. 

What, applies to New. York, goes 
double out of town,' When the road 
was rich with attractions, there were 
criti6s whose reviews attracted much 
attention not only in their respective 
CQtnniunitieSr but in newspaper and' 
mctroiiolitah -theatrical circles. Most 
of those reviewers have long , ceased 
to function in that direction. 
. pi'amatic., desks have been com- 
bined with the motion picture de- 
partments in the out-of-town dailies 
while the critics, have been assigned 
to varied writing, tasks* Essentially 
being reporters, they are filling the 
new berths competently. Some have 
gone afield of show business, several 
writing politics, at least one becom- 
ing a foreign correspondent and an- 
other covering .professional sports 
which many in theatricals regard as 
part of show business, 
pthers are" regularly covering, 
1ms and the ., number of picture 
critics has correspondingly increased 
as' thie dramatic ' critics have de- 
(Con tinned on page 63) 



2i YEAR OLD CHILD 
PRODIGY TO H'WOOD 



St. Louis, July 6. 
Mary Christi Dunn, child' 
prodigy, Bonne Terre, Mo., Who re- 
ceived an intelligence quotient rating 
of 185, 45 points higher, than usually 
• identified with. 'genius,' by Washings 
ton University psychologists after a 
mental test given last April, is 
headed for Hollywood. Several 
^eeks ago at invitation of Winfield 
R. Sheehan, parents took their 2'/^- 
year-old prodigy to Chicago for ,i - 
terview. 

Sheehari suggested child be taken 
to Hollywood for screen tests. .Since 
that time several companies have 
negotiated for Mary's services but. 
parents will await outcofne of screen 
tests before signaturing for young 
un. Recently Mary was inter- 
y^^wed in her home, over air by 
JvWK and almost spoiled broadcast 
by finding, carefully hidden broadr 
casting apparatus. 



London, July 6. 

Pembroke Devonport is collaborat- 
ing with Joe Linz, of the RKO- 
Radio office, in writing the music 
and score for a new Jack Bucha:nan 
filmusical. Devonport is in London 
and Lini is in New York. 

Procedure adopted, by,' the boys, is 
for Linz to cable the lyrics to Lon- 
don, which Devonport sets to music, 
and as each verse is completed, the 
work is submitted to Buchanan for 
final approval. Thing, thus far is 
working out satisfactprily. 








What New York may expect when 
the: American Legion convention 
comes to town in September is re- 
flected in preparations currently 
being made quietly by the city's 
police department. Influx of large 
groups of Visiting peasants is always 
tough on the authorities, but in this 
case police officials are taking spe- 
cial precautions .and have called off 
all vacations. Flatfoots wiU be on 
call 24 hours a. day for the three 
days the Legion is in to.wn. 

Revenue produced by the visiting 
Legionnaires will undoubtedly be 
tremendous. The boys say it will be 
the biggest convention in history. 
Such blowouts, however, always 
provide plenty of headaches for the 
hostelry owners. Legion conventions 
because of their size are the ultra 
in; mass celebrations, exceeding even 
a college boy's idea of a jamboree. 
The cbllegiates, however, are usually 
forgiven on the grounds of imma- 
turity. Legionnaires, who are still 
celebrating their victory over Kaiser 
(Continued on page 57) 



BELLHOPS BROADCAST 
FROM HOTEL LOBBY 



I^rovirig Again Iron Bars 
Do Not a Prison Make 

Detroiti July 6. ] 

j-E n t e r t a i n m e n t departiiient/ 
Wherein Southern Michigan Prison 
inmates will be taught dancing and 
feting, has been formed. 

Convicts' emoting and hoofing will 
oe under direction of Walker Her- 
bert, ex-actor. 



iSeattle, July. 6, . 

Exeter Apartment Hotel is making 
a double play for patronage through 
its weekly program, by the Four Bell 
Boys, colored harmony team.. In ad- 
dition to listeners it looks to get its 
message to persons accepting the inr 
vitations to visit the hotel's lobby 
and see the quartet in broadcast ac- 
tion. The program clears over KOL, 

Foursome formerly originated 
from the KOL, sladibs. When the 
request for tickets to. the broadcast 
got heavy the sponsor fell on the 
idea of cashing in on the demand by 
making the lobby the source of the 
Friday evening airing. 




Se^ Campaign to Obliterate 
Perf drminflT Rights Society 
Ultimately Turning 
Agiainst Union Musicians 



PLOT CAMPAIGN 



American Society of Composers, 
Authors, and Publishers has ob- 
tained the active support of the 
Anierican Federation of Musicians in 
the fight against the legislative at- 
tacks by broadcasters and other 
users. Joseph N. Weber, Ai.F.M. 
prez, is personally cooperating 
with E. C. Mills, of the Society, in 
laying the lines for a 'Music Front' 
joint campaign to stave off further 
anti-ASCAP legislation among the 
states, invalidation 
of such measures already on the 
books. 

Weber has stepped into the situa- 
tion with the sanction of the Fed- 
eration as a whole. During the re- 
cent A.F.M. convention in LouiS- 
vUle, Weber asked the delegates to 
endorse his proposal to ally the 
Federation on the side of ASCAP 
and carte blanche to do as he saw 
fit was given • him- unanimously. 

Miiiiant Support 

Weber's militant support will not 
only be along state lines, bUt involve 
any attempts made at having anti- 
ASCAP legislation passed in Con- 
gress. Weber is of the opinion that 
if the bi:oadcasters and other users, 
are successful in their efforts to 
break up the composers and au- 
thors as an organization they will 
next turn their attention toward the 
musicians' union. 

It is Weber's belief that the cre- 
ators of music and the interpreters 
of music have a conimon cause iand 
that any restriction of rights to one 
would, be a serious blow to the 
other. . Weber's sanction from the 
A.F.M. permits him to draiw f rom the 
international's treasury whatever 
funds that are deemed necessary in 
the pro-ASCAP campaign. 



EEV. JARDINE'S U. S. SPIEL 

Atlantic City, July 6. 

This riesort will be. the first city 
to hear the Rev. Robert Anderson 
Jardihe in, person. He's the vicar 
Whose action in marrying the Duke 
of Windsor and Mrs. Wallis Vyaiiioiu 
Simpson caused such a furore in the 
Church of England. Rev. Jardine 
will speak at the Municipal Audi- 
torium on Saturday (iO), proceeds 
to three resort charities. 

Lt. Owen Cathdart-Jories; the 
British navy, retired, is acting . as 
'advaince mari' ifor the vicar Who 
will discuss his connection with the 
Duke's wedding and reaction in. the 
Anglican Church. 



Trenton Leads tiie Way in Proposals 

uarantees 





ExUbs' New Alibi 



i Minneapblis, July 5. 

The fact that Minneapolis now has 
by far the largest number of night 
clubs in its history is . believed by 
local exhibitors to have something 
to do with preserit pobr busi 

In pre-prohibition days there, were 
only a^ handful of niteries. Today 
there are close to 1,000, including 3.2 
beer parlors, most of which "offer 
either danci or entertainment, of 
some sort. 




NEW MUSIC 
CRAZE 



St. Louis, July 6. 
^ An accordion craze, is sweeping 
the nation; voice training is booming 
and piano and violin studying! has 
fallen off according to report made 
to 35th annual convention of Mis-^ 
soUri Music Teachers' Assn. here last 
week. Ernest Krohm, pres. of 
assn., said accordion bands are.mush- 
rooming up all over town; some have 
as niany as 100 memberis and they 
play jazz and improvise as they go 
along. He likened present rage to 
saxophone craze a few years ago. 
Under normal conditions Krohn be- 
lieves those playing accordions 
should be studying pian9 and violin. 

Consensus of opinion of members 
was that radio interferes. not so much 
With desire as chance to study. With 
radio blaring from morning until 
late at night the earnest •piano and 
violin student can't even ractice 
satisfactorily he sai , 



15 HOURS A DAY AS 
M.C.; 60 MINS. TO EAT 

St. Louis; July 6. 
obby Roberts, WTMV, East St, 
Louis, m.c. and warbler, is. going 
after some sort of a marathon record 
at the Illinois State Fair in Spring- 
field, Aug, 14 to. 28. Has signpd con- 
tract to m, . a continuous floqr show 
that will run without break from 11 
a.m. to 2 a.m. in E.alks' 'Tavern. 

Contract stipulates, that Roberts 
gets only one 60 min, recess for 
lunch. 



What is desi£tied as a many-citled 
plan to encourage booking^ of shows 
into stands which have played few 

attractions in the past several years . 
will be Initiated this summer. Idea 
is for the citizens in the com- 
munities to guarantee. shows against, 
loss and so far the suggestion tor., 
contribute has been, favorably 
ceived. 

•Trenton (N. J.') is the first city , 
in which the proposition has been 
submitted, and leaiding residents who 
were queried indicated that the town 
is show-hungry. Campaign to raise 
$10,000 as guarantee coin will, start 
next Monday (12) when local busi- 
ness men favoring the idea will 
gather at . luncheon In the Stacy 
Trent hotel; 

If the campaign is siiccessful, it 
will be proposed in other cities. 
New York showmen have been 
asked to participate in the Trenton 
confab," either financially or ith 
messages of support. . Idea was re- 
vealed by Louis J. Alleman, who 
formerly handled the Playhouse, 
Wilmington, when the duPonts 
principally backed that theatre along 
the lines as now planned. During 
that i)eriod the tOwh received at- 
tractions frequently, usually for 
three days. Alleman more, recently 
specialized arranging theatre 
parties in large commercial outfits 
in and around New York. 

Plan would have the guarantee 
fund admi istered by a trustee se-^ 
(Continued on page 67) 



THIRD GENERATION OF 
RINGLINGS JOINS UP 



Air for Oddfellows 

New Orleans, July 6. 
In an effort to build up member- 
sPiip, the: Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows has. bought time over WWL 
for Friday and Saturday evenings. , 
is is first local instance of frai- 
ier roup using radio. 



Schenectady, N. Y., July 6. 

Paul Ringling, 17, grandson of Alf 
Ringling, one of the founders of the 
Ringling Brothers Circus, and son of 
Mrs. Aubrey Ringling, widow of 
Richard Ringling and, as sUch, One- 
third owner of the RB-B&B Shows, 
joined the big top last week as 
timcrkeeper, with the eventual goal 
of general manager. 

Plans call for Ringling^ recent 
graduate of New York Military 
Academy at Cornwall-on-thfe-Hud- 
son, to work checker-up job for a 
year. Then he will be promoted, to 
ticket seller, and in time, to as-: 
sistant superintendent of the show. 
Ultimately the youngster is expected 
to become head man, a post nOw 
held by Sanriuel Gumpertz, his men- 
tor. Ringlinig's home is a ranch' at 
White Sulphur Springs, Mont. 

legacy Program Now 

icago,' July . 

Skelly Oil, new member .of the 
BlackettTSampIe-HUmmert clientele, 
thi ing of io Ith an adult 
show tagged 'Court of Missing Heirs/ 

It's script show, depicting the many 
true cases' of Cstfites which are still 
seeking for living heirs. ' ' 



VAsmrr 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



BACK FENCE GOSSIP (OVER A RADIO 
NETWORK) PAYS FANCY DIVIDENDS 



Air Chatterer's Top Many Stars in Dough— Fidler's 
$3,500, Wincheli's $2,500, but Uppihg to $5,000, 
Parsons' $2,250-— Qthet Strong Newcomers 



By ERANK SCULtT 

Hollywood, July 6, 
oys arid girlis who gossip over ihe 
inike instead of a back fence make 
more money at , it, in several in- 
stances, than tiie stars they talk 
about. This is the first case ort rec- 
ord, where taki in washing paid 
better than owning the frocks. 

While top dough evfentually ill 
go to Walter Winchell, at preserit he 
is a grand a Week behind Jimmy 
Fidler, who gets $3;5Q0 a week for 
two 15-minute spiels, whereas at this 
moment Wiiichell gets a paltry $2,- 
500 for one. But by next September 
Winchell will get $4,000 a week arid 
p . year later goes to. $5,000. 

As an; '6utrand-out,fllin.- chatterer, 
Fidler 's $3,500 weekly . is the creme 
de la creme of the craft. ,Of this it 
is figured he spends $J,,000 a* week 
overhead for exclusive tips, etc. Tid- 
ier has frank thihgs fo say ^ about 
the. pictures he reviiews, but ordina- 
rily these are not big productions; He 
IS 'forever harping on the-D stories 
that are tied to . A stars and turn 
out B pictures to be sold at A prices. 
He has a 1 to j4-bell merit system^ 
- but apparently no demerit system; 
and it . has been said of aU the pic- 
tures releasied. each week in HoUy,- 
AVood . he only reviews two . or three 
..and the^ frequently seeiri :to be 
pretty screwy choices. For instahbe, 
hi$ last . week's broadcast reviewed 
'The Emperor's. Candlesticks' and 
'Between Two Women/ though the 
night before the broadcast 'the 'Life 
of Eihile Zola,' starring ,the Academy 
rizeVrinner^ Paul Muni, .had been 
previewed, in Hdlljrwobd only a few 
blocks away from where Fidler goes 
on the air. 

A step below Winchell and Fidler, 
but closing up, is Louella Parsons, 
who chats about the stars for bigger 
dough than.m9hy of the stars she 
chats about 6n the 'Hollywood 
Hotel* program. For a long while 
.Miss. Parsons' take was $1,500 a 
we'ekj but it . h&s been stepped up to 
$2)250. The stari who share the pro- 
gram with her get n^^ne of this, but 
Universal Service, the .Hearst syn- 
dicate ;.she works New Faces in for 
50% .of the take. 

Among the younger eleinent there 
.ate several surprisingly ..good chat- 
terers, butthey do it in the main for 
cakes arid coffee. Eliia Stchallert^ of 
the L. A. Times, whose husband also 
has a jsmall, local broadcast, has a 
national sustainer in her own right. 
It is chiefly devoted to interviewing 
stars. It's up and down, depending 
on how good the stars arie. 

Qeorge Fischer, who is being sus- 
tained by th^ Mutual network on a 
coast-to-coast hookup at $400 week- 
ly, has a vigor and assurance which 
many of the better-priced , stairs of 
the Sieve Circuit lack. He introduced 
Eddie Cantor at the opening of 'Wee 
Willie Winkie' when Cantor shilla- 
bered for the Shirley Temple pre - 
vieyTin Holly w:ood. Fischer did such 
a good job of it that Cantor had a 
hard time holding his own after that, 

Another of Qie surprising young- 
sters as ah air ' chatterer is Lloyd 
Paritages. While his 'I Cover Holly- 
wood' column in the Hearst string 
was considered lightweight, his air 
delivery' is right up there with the 
best. He does a sort of 'March pf 
Time' of the films for Krank's Gold 
Cream. The program is heard, only 
on the West CToast and is worth $200 
a week to Pantages, but it should 
pick Up. 

Ordinarily one of the best spielers, 
especially at de luxe previews,- is 
Frank Whitbeck, who isn't a radio 
chatterer at all, but MGM's adver- 
tising manager at the. Culver City 
studio; He did a notably fine job 
at the opening of 'The Good Eafth,' 
and other openings since have been 
judged by the standard he set that 

ight Al^ among those who kr& 
doing it for love, and what sponsors 
might hear them, are Mark Kelly 
and Leonard LevinSori. 

LevinSon did some chatter on the 
. istars. between rounds of the fijshts. 
at the Hollywood Legion stadium,- 
and: showed a quality,, delivery arjd 
knowledge of picture stafs that went 
over big with those who. like to hear 
about picture stars between rounds 
pf )prizeflght& Becentlyi he has been 



trying his hand at scripting the 01- 
sen arid Johnson radio program. 

Mark Kielly got >r6Und to trie air 
waves orily recently, having returned 
to sports chatter for the . Hearst 
papers, despite the fact that his 'One 
in a Million' was big money pic- 
ture for 20th Century-Fox. 

But none , of these is (expected to 
give the incorne tax collector half 
the trouble Winchell, idleir and 
Parsoris are giving him right now. 

Wirichell's daily 'Broadway* col- 
umn, now manufactured from Fox 
Hills^ California; brings $52,000 a 
year, and he gets $75,000 a picture 
at 20th-Fox, so he topis all chatterers 
arid many stars on his gross annual 
income. Two more years like 193T 
arid he'll have to be cutting him- 
self a. private corpbtatiOh i *' the 
Bahamas; 



HENIGSON SIGNS COL 
PACT AS A PRODUCER 





Hollywood; 
Henry HenigSon signed one-year 
contract at Columbia today (Tues,). 
Deal jeafts for Hehigisoin to produce 
group of . pictures and also function in 
an executive capacity, 
'in case Columbias will iiiake pic- 
tures in England, Ifenigsoii will be 
sent abroad to produc- 
tions. 





STFE 



Hollywood, July 6., 
Presence in Hollywood of Barney 
Balaban, prez, and StantOh Griflis, 
board chairriian, Paramount, re- 
vived interest of company executives 
in project to build a new studio. In 
any event, if new studio is hot agreed 
upon,, prompt and considerable ex- 
pansion of existing production facil- 
ities is said to be imperative. 

Problem is \mder consideration . in 
huddles of visiting corporation offi- 
cials with Adolph Zukor and Wil- 
liam LeBaron,- studio executives. 
Present studio offers no .chance fcir 
expansi , abutting on Radio studip 
On One side and streets, elsewhere. 
Several ranches and tracts adjacent 
to Los Angeles are reported under 
consideration for purchase, among 
them the present site of Rancho 
Country Club across Pico boulevard 
from 2pth-Fox, but this land is in 
litigation. 

MG'S $200,000 'WOMEN' 
PIC GETS 'A' RATING 



2 More 6erme-Wmcli«II 
Films for 20tli by Xmas 

lanning to miake two.- more Ben 
Bernie- Walter Winchell pictures by 
Christmas insteaid . ot one, Darf yl 
Zanuck has notified. Bernie his pro-^ 
jiosed vaicatioh at Saratoga Springs, 
where he has taken a. hOus.e ..|or the 
August' racing seasori^ will have tp 
be ciit short. Zaniick wants him oh 
the Coast Aug. 20, togethifet ' With 
others whO will go into the first 
B-W picture to be made, 'Love and 
Hisses.' 

Twentieth-Fox producing head has 
also summoned Simone : Simon , back 
froni France. She Ul sail today 
(Wed) for the states to prepare for 
the femme lead in 'Love and Hisses/ 
Strong grossing pf 'Wake Up and 
Live' prompted this move. 



Radio Film Broadcasts 



between Two Womcit* 

It seems likely that the air version of this hew Metro release will retard 
it at the b.o. On the 'Hollywood Hotel' (Campbell Soups) program over 
CBS Friday (2X Franchot TPne, Maureen O'Sullivan and Virginia Bruce, 
toplihers from the^film cast, repeated their roles at the behest Of Louella 
Parsons. ' ' o 

■Between Two Women' gave the impression that it had an abundance Of 
action 9nd plot-maneuyerings in its screen script. These are not only not 
realized in the copy prepared for the pzone, but so butchered that it al- 
most, left the' listeners bewilderi^. 

The film story ; is located in a hosp. (The pic's flrst-choseh title was 
'General Hospital'), A great deal Of the 25 mihs. the air excerpt con- 
sumed was devoted to establishing the atriioisphere. A commendable effort 
was made to imbue the listeners with the emotional iritensity and drk- 
riidtic atmosphere inherent in hospitals, buit when the dice rolled out for 
perusal they were shake-eyes, : 

The story deals with, a young surgeon and his romance with an heiress 
and a nurse. It spans some years, and he jumps back and forth in 'his 
affections till it became hard over the ozOne to know, at iany given moment, 
just where he Was, Too much Crowding (pf details and story twists cannot 
be cramriried into tOo short a time if clarity and even piace are to be mai 
taihedi 

The choppy and largely, incoherent radio version ot the film could ript 
possibly help it at the b.o. Even the acting was harassed: 

Franchot Tone made: his debut on 'Hollywood Hotel.' Misses O'Sullivan 
arid Bnice were encoring. 

The best policy for^Hotel* is to air as many film niusicals as program 
can . secure. Those are always much more entertai ing in compressed edir 
tiohs, since their stories lare secondary and bereft pf fOOt-by-fopt drama; 

Metro s $25,00ll-a-Week Own Air 



HpUy wPod, July 6. 

Metro has placed 'Between Two 
Women' in A classificatiori. The film, 
one of the first made under Joe 
Cohn's supervision, cost less than 
$200,000; but initial repoirts prpmpted 
the . company to' iip its rating.. 

Franchot Tone, Maureen O'Sulli- 
van, and Virgi ia BrUce. head the 
cast pf. 'Wpnien,' ' irially called 
'General Hospital.' 



Shumate'* Prod. BoW 

Hollywood, July .6. 
'Fools in Paradise,' starting at Re- 
public tomorrow (Wed), marks the 
producer debut of Harold Shumate. 
. Hamilton ilacfadden, Who directed 
■Love Ahoy,' was re-signed for 'Par- 
adise.' 



Kraike Story Ed at CoL 



HpUywPod, July 
Michael Kraike started a term as 

Columbia's story editor. 
He formerly was in RKO's New 

York story department. 



U's 4 in Work 

Hollywood, July 6. 

Universal is shoving' off four fea-^ 
ture films this week and closing out 
'Radio Patrol,' serial, today (Tues.) 

Those getting the go signal are 
'Behind the Mike,' 'Carnival Queen,' 
•Adventure's End* and 'Merry-Go- 
Round of 1038.' 



SAILINGS 

Jiily 14 (New York to London), 
Louis B. Mayer, Howard Strickling, 
Benny Thau, John Zanft (Norman 
die). 

July 10 (New York to Honolulu) 
Ethel Shiitta (Lurline). 

July 9 (New York to London), 
Sally Eilers, Harry Joe Brpwn (lie 
de France). 

July 9 (New York to Copenhagen), 
Mr. and Birs'. O. M. Samuel (St 
Louis). 

July 7 (New York to London); 
Louis Hey ward (Queen Mary). 

July 7 (London to New York), 
Mr. and Mrs. Max Gordon, Sol Sha- 
piro, William Goetz, Jeff Dickson, 
Anna Neaole, Simone Simoh; Anna 
May Wong, Peter Witt, Joe Jackson, 
Olivier Wakefield, George Rigaud, 
Rosa Stradner, 'Walter Damrosch 
(Normand|e). 

June :36 (North Cape cruise), 
Tyree Dil.lard/ Jr. (ICungsholm). 
: Juhe 30 (New York, to Bermuda),: 
John i3alliday, Eddi Heyman 
(Queen of Bermuda). 




IN SHORT, THE 




VOWED 



July 6. 

The Rockettes, line of « girls 
frorifi the Radio City Music Hall. 
N. Y., wowed 'em at the Paris Expo's 
International Gaila de la Danse at 
their opening Friday (2)'. 

On the bill with such local faves 
at the MOnte Carlo' ballet. Serge 
Lifar and the baUet from the Paris 
Pperia, the Rpckettes snagged the 
warmest reception on the program, 
fispecially forte was ' ' 'On 
Parade* number. 

The audience at the premiere, 
numbering close to 8,000, contained 
Minister of Commerce Chapsal and 
other cabinet miriisters. Expo Com- 
missioner Labbe^ after seeing the 
Rockettes dempnstrate their versa- 
tility with four diversified routines, 
shouted 'forriiidable,' 'bravo,* etc. 

At the end of the show Labbe 
went backstage to congratulate Rus- 
sell Miarkert and Gene Snyder, per- 
sorially thanking them in the name 
of the Expo for bringing over the 
girls. Gus Eyssell, official of Radio 
City Music Hall, was warmly con- 
gratulated on all sides, seated in 
the prominent visitors' box. 

The' Rockettes have become not 
only the chief attraction , at the 
Expo, but the entire town is trying 
to lionize them. They have been run 
ragged attending receptions ancl see- 
ing the town. 



Hollywood, July 6. 

The . Metro - deal , with radio, 
through which the studio ; woul^ 
build programs with its players anid 
peddle shoiys in a p.iackage to spon- 
sors fcir a network spread, will be 
held in abeyance until the return 
here in early Septerilber of Louis.; B; 
Mayer« Thei Metro chief sails from 
N. Y., July 14, to get company's 
British production underway. 

Nick Schentk will meet Mayer on 
his return to plot the program lay- 
outs. Several national advertisers 
are interested in the Metro idea. 
Company piroposes to . peddle its 
packaged programs for $25,0i00 week- 
ly on -the basis of mi imurii 13-week 
runs. 



ShurlocVs Good-Willing 

Geoffrey Shurlock, assistant ,to 
Joseph L Breen, of the Will Hays 
office here, is in New York for four- 
week sfcay. 

He will bring eastern office up to 
date on code activities pertai injg to 
the Coast arid will familiarize him- 
self with h.O. activities! 



Angles on WB's Film-Legit Bally 



Amplifying on the Warner Bros.' ballyhoo idea 
.for Broadway plays, Jacob Wilk of the WB pix-legit 
department observes that it's logical that if more 
people see the play original more will want to see 
the film version. The ideia is to spread and retain 
'interest during the transition from the play's Broad- 
way production until ultimately filmed. 

In the stickSj Wilk priints out, 'Tovarich,' for ex- 
ample, may not mean anything. But after the film- 
selling methods are injected into the road companies 
playing Uie sticks, the title will be duly impressed 
upon the populace. Arid then, when Warners comes 
out with, the picture yersiori,' plus Claudette Colbert 
and Charles Boyer jn the pop spots* that's bound 
to have further plimulaling b.o.- both fpr those 
who'd seen the legit version, plus the regular pic- 
ture fans who . didn't see aiiiy of the traveling road 
companies. t , 

Legit exploiieers riow; haii i'padway 



hits owned by the Warners, such as Charles Wash- 
burn and Phyllis Perlman, now observe that for 
the first time an advance agent for a traveling legit 
show will really haye to go to work along film- 
seilihg lines in order to ballyhoo a traveling troupe. 

WB ballyhoo is comi)rehensiVe. It vvill enibrare 
running trailers in film theatres heralding the ad- 
vent of ariy touring legit company. IDisk; versions 
of play excerpts, plus personal microphoning by the 
.legit cast's proniinent.s, will also 'be tied in, in a 
sirrvilar manner, to hypo interest in the traveling 
play. 

Because films are a 52-week proposition, al 
any :key ity, newspaper is more amenable to co- 
operatirtg with picture interests, on any tieup. Thus, 
>yhen a film conipariy mcinifests. interest irii a travel- , 
ing legit, the. extra drag with the local dailies is 
expected to interpret itself into biiilder-uppering for 
the touring legit, for beyond the usual scope. 



SCHENCK TO N. Y. BUT 
NOT GOING ABROAD 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Business here has scotched plans 
pf Joseph M. Scherick for a trip 
abroad this summer. 

Schenck pulls out of Hollywood 
tomorrow (Wed.) for New York, and 
will return after a 10-day sojourn 
in the east 



ARRIVALS 

Fredric Mathis* Mr. and Mrs. 
Mark Sandrich, Leon Leonidoff,. 
Ilrnst Ansermet, Pierre Sandri 
Jacques Charles, Doris Doe, Vit- 
torio Gianninl, Mary Rogers, Sofia 
National "Theatre. Dramatic roup; 
Jim Wittereid. 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Frank Albertson. 
Phil Baker. 
Harry M. Goetz; 
Nat Kalcheim. 
M. J. Siegel. 
Harry Sosni 



L. A. to R Y. 

Barney , Balaban. 
William B.oehnel. 
Pat Casey. 
Jack Cohn. 
Robert Cpote. , 
Aaron Qopeland. 
Regina Crewe^ 
Herb Cruikshank. 
Owen Davis, Jr. 
Howard . Dietz. 
Douglas Fairbanks, 
Lew Golider. 
Stanton Griff i 
Julie Haydeh. 

W. Hobier, 
"rhelma Leeds. 
Charles Lessi 
Al. Lichtrnan. 
Hugh Marlow,. 
Louis B. Mayeri 
Johnny O'Connor. 
Daniel T. O'Shea, 
Paul de Outo.- 
iParkyakarkas. 
Joseph M. Schenck. 
Walter Seltzer. 
Howard Strickli 
Benny Thau, 
John Zanft. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 




^OWN 5-YEAR 






in 




By 77b Trustees Vs. Par's Officers 



Paramount stands to get several 
millions out of setting its long de- 
layed suits started imder the 77b 
regime of the trustees against for- 
mer officers and directors of the 
company, and which suits are still 
pending in N. Y. supreme court. 
This is the home office estimate of 
the situation with the revelation 
that Root, Clark, Buckner & Ballan- 
tine, counsel to the former trustees 
and still in charge of the hangover 
litigation, are considering such an 
out-of-coUrt settlement. 

■ The suits are an outgrbwth of the 
old-time bonus and stock purchase 
Plans of the firm. Adolph Zukor, 
Austin Keouijhi Jesse L. Lasky, Sam 
Katz and certain members of Kuhn, 
Loeb and the Hallgarteh Co. are 
amobg other -defendants in the 

Presumably were such a settle- 
m.€nt negotiated the various de- 
fendants in the litigation Would set- 
tle u p 6 h individually agreed 
amounts. There is no indication on 
how far the proposed settlement has 
gone. These suits were figured for 
trial this fall. 



Bickley's RKO Pk Test 



Tony ickley, roadway legit 
player, is being screen-tested in 
RKO's 'Annapolis Salute,' now be- 
fore the cameras at the U. S. Naval 
Academy. 

Miriam Howell, of the Leland 
Hay ward office, set Bickley in a 
small part i the pic. RKO has an 
option on him and will lift it if he 
looks to have tlie goods. Bob Sisk is 
producing and . Christy Cabanne 
directing. 






Loniit Product Peals Woulil 
Circumvent C o n s t a ntly 
Adyancing % Fix De- 
mands ^ Studios Putting 
Pressure bn Their Distri- 
bution Deptsi 



FILMS' MOUNTING COSTS 



ABOUT THAT 





Mayer 
To Inaugurate MG 





. Hoilywood, July 6: 
Louis Mayer leaves Thursday 
(8) for New fork, and sails July 14 
aboard the Normandie for London 
to inaugurate British production for 
Metro. > 

Accornpanying Mayer are Benny 
Thau, Howard Strickling and John 
Zanift, the agent Michael Balcoii 
will remain in tioUywood until 
scripts for the London shooting 
schedules, carded to commence on 
Aug, 15, are completed by writers 
here. 

The first picture Metro will make 
abroad will be 'Yank at Oxford,' di- 
rected by Jack Conway, with Balcon 
supervising on the scene. Robert 
Taylor and Maureen O'SuUivan will 
be the only American players in the 
cast. 

Mayer will return about Aug. 20, 
after seeing 'Yank* off to a shooting 
start. 



WM. FOX 'SALTED AWAY' 
$23,000,000 - TRUSTEE 



iladelphi 
iraih Steelman, trustee, in bank- 
ruptcy for Wiliiam Fox, asserted in 
federal court in Caindeh, Friday (2) 
that Fox 'salted away' more than 
$23,000,000 -in a 'family corporation/ 
headed by his ife and two daugh- 
ters. 

Then, Steelman sai , he went in 
bankruptcy in 1936, listing assets of 
$1,590,000 and debts of $9,500,000. 
Trustee asks that funds Of the 
'family' firm, All-Continent Corp., be 
tied up by a federal injunction so 
they may be used to meet Fox's lia- 

iliti 



Crawford's Filiniisical 
Prods. Via GN or CoL 

Bobby Crawford is now in New 
xork negotiating for coin with which 
TO produce musicals.- Besides the 
aeal which has been pending with 
v^rahd National for several months, 
v-rawford also now has: ' in work 
With Columbia. 

Both deals are for releasing the 
v-i'awford musicals, if and When. 



Hollywood, July 6. 
Budgets^ 'forthcoming sea- 

son are getting the careful consider- 
ation of Bartiey Balaban, prez, and 
Stanton Griff is, board chairman at 
Paramount studio. Objective of the 
eastern execs, in conference with 
Adolph Zukor and William Le Barony 
is to make certain. that budgets once 
decided on shall not be hiked after 
production starts. 

Both Balaban and Gri is are said 
to feel strorigly that production over- 
head is too high and must be slashed. 



PAR'S BUDGET-STYMIED 
'BARRIER' GETS GOING 

Hollywood, July 8. 
The Barrier/ Paramount produc- 
tion, finally pulls out for location 
shooting today (Tuesday) after being 
tied up by budget trouble. Company 
shaved off $87,000 on the budget 
which Harry Shermain was ori inally 
allotted for the filming, since 'Bar- 
ri ' was planned before the labor 
wage increase. Wheri Sherman 
requisitioned for additional money, 
he was nixed. Par telling him to 
either start shooting or suspend pro- 
duction. 

Sherman finally made the agree- 
ment to put up $15,000 out of his 
own- resources for the iricreased pro- 
duction, costs. 

'Barrier' will be shot at Mt: Baker, 
Washington, with, the possibility that 
Edward Luby, director who has been 
on the payroll for 10 weeks at $1,500 
per, will withdraw in favor of Les 
Selander. 

The cast, which will be on location 
for at least 20 days, is topped by Leo 
Carrillo, Otto Kruger, Jean Parker, 
Jimmy Ellison, Robert Barrat, Sarai 
Hayderi, J. M. Kerrigan and Andy 
Clyde. Sherman and his eastern rep- 
resentative,^ Jack Tropp, ill accom- 
pany the .troupe to Mt.. 

Rep's lone Ranger' 

Republic, which went to the air 
for 'Hit Parade,' picture of that name 
having just recently gone on relaase, 
has made another . radio aquisition 
Company has purchased the rights 
to the. 'Lone Ranger' serial program 
and will utilize material in making 
a 15-epIsode seri the 1937-38 

season. 

Program, oh the air during the 
dayti , is 4% years old and has a 
large following, . according to Cross 
ley rati 

Hollywood, July 6. 
Grand National spotted Phyllis 
Barry in the femme lead of 'Ren- 
frew of the Mounted,' opposite 
Jimmy jjewell. Al Herman will pro- 
duce and direct the picture, first of 
four based on the adventures of the 
ether rhounti 



In 'an effort to protect themselves 
against increasing film rentals, now 
that all distributors ate planning to 
materially boost terms on the com- 
ing season's (1937-38) product, ex- 
hi itoirs and chain buyers will strive 
to make five-year deals this summer 
and fall whieh negotiating contracts. 
Because of the fact that there is a 
tendency to try to increase rentals 
every year, buyirs are willing to 
gamble blind on product of the com- 
panies they are dealing with as far 
ahead -as five seasons, biit, if unable 
to land five-year franchises, would 
sigh up for three as a compromise. 

In the buyer's • camp it is promised 
that strong resistance may be ex- 
piected to the rentals that will be 
demanded this season, highest in the 
history of the business and, under 
percentage dating, topping the 
brackets of 1929. It is declared that 
since most film deals ' are based on 
comproinises, it may be that if five- 
year ; franchises cannot be obtained 
under suitable terms, the wrestle 
with the distributors might result in 
distributbi's yielding in other ways. 
For example, 'where a distributor is 
asking as high as 40% on top bracket 
pictures, the number could be re- 
duced at this stiff figure or a cut ob- 
tained on those which will call for 
fiat rentals. 

Will Settle for 3 Tears 

Buyers want- the .five-year agree- 
ments, and in isolated instances in 
the past have beein able to obtain 
them; but it is realized that if the 
distributors will not. tie themselves 
up on supply of product for this 
long, at terms to' be set now, the 
chances may be good that three-year 
deals can be obtairied. Situation is 
not unlike that of the tenant, in 
iapartment buildings or elsewhere. 
Who may be willing to gamble on 
conditions several years hence but 
has difficulties getting landlords to 
go for long-term leases because of 
the landlords' perennial hope that 
two and three years from now in: 
ci;eased rentals may be obtained^ 

With the distributors, rental terms 
are being scheduled to meet the in 
tense pressure on sales departments 
that is nOw coming from the studios, 
The producers, because: of increased 
film-making costs, are in no uncer- 
tain terms making demands for more 
rental from ef'veryohe. These de- 
mands featured alrnost all sales con- 
vention sessions the past two months. 

As result, distributors are setting 
up terms that will jump the higher- 
bracket percentage pictures to 40% 
in . jhost cases, ith sorn^ companieis 
thiat . are themselves highly en 
thusiastic about their product, pps 
sibly . trying to get 45% oh a few 
pictures. Still others, especially 
pictures which are first roadsho\yn, 
are iexpected to bring demands for 
50%. 

What, distinguishes^ is season's 
demands, aside from an increase in 
the percentage brackets, is that for 
1937-38 aill distributors are placing 
more pictures in. the higher 40 7o 
group, leaving fewer for the inter 
mediate and loWer brackets. 

It is also expected that along with 
the increase in the percentage brack 
ets, probably placing the lowest 
group at 25% of the gross, the dis 
tributors will try to get higher terms 
on the pictures sold on a flat basis 
Buyers' take the yiew even if they 
can't reduce the 40% torms on the 
top pictures, or cut the number of 
films placed i this No. 1 group, 
then there Will have to be a distinct 
compromise somewhere else along 
the line; even if disUibs are willing 
(Continued on page 27) 



Odluiii and Robt. Lehmaii to Coast 

as Co. 

Setto Emerge 








Fabrique Photogenique 



Hollywood, July 6; 

At the Pickford-Rogers . wed- 
ding scribes were handed out 
press releases with ITR' and 
'W.D.' ('trousseau' and 'wed- 
ding-dress') written in pencil 
on; the margin. 

P. A. Mark Larki /explained, 
it was because there .had been 
a switch in cpstumeis, and dress, 
described as what Miss Pick- 
ford wore at wedding had been 
relegated, to her trousseau and 
a dress later described as part 
of . her trousseau had r^eally 
been her wedding dress. 

S|wltc.h' was occasioned in the 
trybuts Larkin said, 'because 
the other dress didn't photo- 
graph well.' 





'S 

RADIO CITY 
If AGAIN 



liOndon, July 6; 
,k promotion to build something 
akin to Radio City Music Hall in 
New York, which seats 6,000, is be- 
ing n>ade by Oscar Deutsch and 'City' 
fihahciers, including Philip Hill, 
head ot Beecham's Trust, and Joseph 
M. Schenck,. irman of the board 

of 20th-Fox. 

House will take in the. Lyceum 
theatre in the Strand, which is being 
purchased from Melville's, With sur- 
rounding property including Strand 
frontage, and will have a symphony 
orchestra and massive stage shows,: 

Understood that the promotion is 
the real reason for Charles Coch- 
iran's New York and Hollywood trip, 
and that he is now conferring with 
Schenck on the entire scheme. Coch- 
ran, it is reported, will Ise in charge 
of the stage shows. 

Scheme involves $10,000,000, with 
bulk of the money said to be. avail- 
able. 



Theatres Now Held 
Responsible in Xetty 
Lynton' Piagiarism 



all over are gravely 
concerned as result of the order 
handsd down Friday (2) by U. S. 
District Court Judge Robert P. Pat- 
terson in N. Y., who directed the 
appointment' of a referee to'deter- 
inines infringement damages /against 
the Moredall Realty (Torp., owners of 
the Capitpl theatre, N. Y. Jiidge 
Pattersph's order followed the de- 
cision of the Circuit Court of Ap- 
peals that /Metro's hit. picture, 'Le'tty 
Lynton,' was an infringement On the 
stage play, 'Dishonored Lady,' au- 
thored by Edward Sheldon and Mrs. 
Margeret Ayer Barnes. 

The origi action, Irected 
against Metro, was dismissed in the 
lower court. On appeal the Circuit 
Court reversed the decision and re- 
ferred it back to the district court 
for the appointment of a referee to 
make an accounting of profits and 
determine' damages, A referee Is 
engaged checking on this matter as 
regards Metro, Moredall, as owner 
of the exhibiting theatre, was 
brought in as defendant in a separate 
action. In view of the higher coiirl's 
ruling in the Metro, case, Judge Pat- 
terson oh Friday formally ordered 
$1 iiar. action to determine the 
anVounl due Sheldon and Mrs. 
Barnes. 



Hollywood, 
Topflight chieftai 
Corp. and the Lehman Corp., 
trolling Owners of RKO, are coming 
here , discussions with 

Leo Spitz, president of IIKO, 
Sam Briski 
charge of production, 
grou is Understood to i 
Odium, presi 
Robert Lehman, 

man .Bros. ^firm. 

Their visiit at this time in inter- 
preted as being preparatoi'y to the 
company's: emergence from its 77b 
Situation. A 



Trade iriterest regarding RKO's 
pending reorganization plan^ centres 
on whether special master George 
W, Alger will make recommenda» 
tions to. alter the proposed settle- 
ment of the,. Rockefeller Center 
claim> as under the plan. Whether 
such an evehtuiBility retards the com- 
pany's chances of an early reorgan- 
ization depends ais much 6n the 
Rockefeller attitude as anything 
else. 

No conjecture regarding this pos- 
sibility is applicable at this time. 
. Were .no substantial alterations to 
be recommended and were Alger tio 
iriake his report shortly following 
the late August allowances, for fac- 
tions in the situation to submit 
biriefs, there is a chance that RKO's 
reorganization may be had by the 
first of the year. Formal hearings 
.before. Alger were concluded last 
week. 

Without reasisertinig the various 
and familiar angles of the RKO- 
Rockefeller Cienter isituation, there 
is logical business reasons for the 
trade's concern about what the spe- 
cial master may say in regard to 
the R.C. claim of $9,000,000 and it* 
proposed settlement basis. 

All classes of creditors iitand a 
(Continued on page 63) 




Treda Mark lieRl3tori>(t 
POUNIJED BV SUJB Kir.VKRMAN 
rubllvlteil Woekly by VAKIKTV: c 

Sid ailvermnn. .1,'reslrtent 
154 Went 4r.th Str^eU New Yorh City 



Sir BSC It It 


''liON 




Annual... . ... tS 


Korulsn , . 


. . . . $■! 


Single Copies 


. ; vl5 


OeniH 


Vol. 127 


120 


No. 4 



INDEX 



Bills 
Chatler 



Coriccirt' • • ■ « .• • • • » «.•-*.» •■•'* 


57 


Dance Tours 


46 


Exploitati 




15 Years Ago. . . 




Film Booki 


16 


Film Reyi 


13 


Forum 


. 63 


House Reviews, ...... .. . 


.50 'J I 


Inside— Legit 


55 


Inside — Pictures 


10 


Inside — Radi 


. 39 


International Film News. 


. 19 


International Show News 


59 


Joe Laurie, Jr.. ......... . . 


6 


Legitimate . . ... . . . . . i . . 


.53-56 


Literati 


53 


Music .... ... . . . ... ... . 


.45-16 


New Acts' ... . . . .•; •. . ....... 


. 51 


News from the Dailies. . ; 


. 62 


Nite Clubs 


49 


Obituary 


62 


Outdoors 


61 


Pictures 


2-27 


Radio 


,28-lt 


Radio Pacific Notes. , , . . . 


. 35 


Radio Reviews .... , > . . 


. 43 


Radio Showman.shi 


40 


..Units 


51* 


yaud.;ville. 


7-19 



VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937- 





s Name Piayers 
Heads like Idea; 
Prolongs Stars B.O. Worth 



Hollywood, July 6. 
iz, unique in many ways, 
has heavily oyerbpard/jpn 

borrowihg lending -..topnotch 

^tars th&t this has come to. be cus- 
tomary practice instead of anything 
unusual, ?ind p^piicy prdniises to be- 
come more and more as 
benefits evidence themselves. 

Formerly a stair was always known 
by his or her studio handle. Not 
any niore. Outside of Metro, there 
is hardly a major lot that can cast 
ig picture from itis own roster ot 
ciohtract playfefs, itujation has 
many - interesting angles, riot the 
least ot wbich is the fact that many 
stars have left their home lots to 
score their biggest successes and re- 
turned as stronger draws than v^heri 
they departed on loariii 

Another unusual angle lies in the 
fact th^t money. Is hot considered an 
important bargiai ing detail of these 
star deals* First question a fellow 
askst whea approached for the use 
of a name player is not 'kow much 
will you pay?' but, /What have yoii 
got to trade?' 

. istudio : will ' sometimes be caught 
short on star ' material as was the 
case when Universal desired Carole 
Lombard for 'My Man Godfrey/ 
Miss Lombard 'Was .not: so keen for 
, the deal arid interposed, numerous 
demands, all. of which Universal 
met. Film turned out to be her big- 
gest success, sent, her price; sky-: 
rocketingi and landed her in an en- 
vied spot as a comedienne With' a 
per picture price said to be $150,000. 
She now* has two-picture contracts 
each with Paramount, Selznick In- 
ternational and RKQ-rRadiOi 
Okay All Aroond 
. CrrdWing pplicy .of borrowing and 
lending is gaiiiing popularity bie- 
cause . it strikes favorable reaction 
in both producers and the stars 
themselves. 

There's a two-edged for 
that condition too. 

Stars, one and all, aire hot for 
.class A stories and no studio has a 
monopoly on stories. One is as like- 
iy as another to stumble on a pearl 
of great value, if not price, and this 
is always happening. Stars figure, 
and rightly; thsit if they do all their 
work for one studio they are bound 
to pick up sbriie palookas, and that 
happens, too. 

Studios on the other hand, com 
mitted /to handing heavy coin to 
stars, like to shake some of that 
overhead when, feasible and pass it 
- around; at jvicy overcharges. 

Too, experience has shown that 
the fans like different star combos 
and Will ilock to a picture that dis- 
plays two or three prime favorites 
from different studios.. Metro has 
been in a position to dish up varie- 
gated star fare more than most 
others because of having more name 
players tied up than any of their 
ri vials.; Thus in the course of a sea- 
son the trade will see Glark Gable, 
Greta Garbo, Myrna Loy, William 
PoweH Joan Crawford, Franchot 
Tone, Robert Montgomery, Lionel 
Barrymore, Wallace Beery, Robert 
Taylor, Spencer Tracy and others 
cast iri a number of cominations that 
add spice to the film victuals served 
up to thfsi fans. 

Three Better Than One 
. As one Universal executive, put it; 
Three studios can do better than 
one for a star.' Citing the instances 
of Carole Loriibard, Irene Dunne and 
Robert Taylor, he pointed out that 
each of vthe trio did a loanbut picJture 
fpr U that greatly enhanced their 
value. Taylor and Miss Dunne in 
'Magnificent Obsessi ' set the pace 
that Taylor was to follow later on 
at his own studio, . Metro.- 
; 'Stars. can get better stories by 
moving around,' he added. ;if Para- 
mount or Metro contracts to put', a 
star in hialf a dozen picturies a year 
it's hard to get . that miany good 
ones... 

*We at Universal are strong for the 
trading system. It is necessary for 
the lif eblood of the industry. It 
tends to break down any tendency 
to ward, monopoly. Especially is it. an 
asset to the newer stars who need 
the .assistance of fine pictures to get 
them set; with the public.' 

Universal has strengthened its star 
position In the last year arid now is 
iri a better spot to make deals than 
formerly. Deanna Durbin, who sky- 
tocketed with Three iSriiart Girls,' 
may soon be seen off the home lot. 



Trades in air involving 
Mischa Auer, Chairles Winninger and 
at numiber of other U contractees. 

Probably the briskest borrower in 
the last, year has been 20th-Fpx. 
Thiey've teriipprarily had Robert 
Taylor,; Barbara tahwyck ; ('Banjo 
on My Knee* , arid 'This Is My .Af- 
air'), Claudette Colbert ('Under Two 
Flags'), Dick Powell ('On the 
Avenue'), Myma Lby ('To Mary-^ 
With Love'), Madeleirie Carroll 
('Lloyds of Loridon'), Wallace Beery 
('Slave Ship'), and James Stewart 
('Seventh Heaven'). Beery was bor- 
rowed under: a set. deaL At the same 
time, studio has been scarcely less 
prolific in its loans, letting Roy Del 
Ruth go to Metro to direct 'Rosalie,* 
and parting for the time with 
Warner Baxter, LOretta Yoiing, Don 
Ameche, Arline Judge, Claire Trevor 
and Rochelle Hudson. Alice Faye 
was set for; a loan to U for Buddy 
DeSylva's 'MerryrGo-Roiirid of l938^ 
but Jean Harldw's' death offed the 
deai and she was held to fill the 
Harlow rOle in -In Old Chicago.' 

The . Talent Pay Off 
. ; William. LeBarOn, Paramount pro- 
duction executive, figures that 
'Hollywood loins pay the greatest 
dividend .in history if the 'collateral 
is talent.' 

He cites the cases of Miss Lohi' 
bard and Frances Farmer for start- 
ers. Topinotch- players, he says, are 
clamoring hot for contracts but for 
independence. They . like to pick 
their, stories. Miss Farmer was 
run-of'th)^-niiil jplayer When Samuel 
Goldwyri got her for 'Come and 
Get It,' which put her on top. Para 
mount allowed. Gertrude Michael's 
coritract: to lapse and she went to 
RKO. Meanwhile Miss Michael's 
'Sophiei Lang' character clicked and 
when the studio wanted her back 
they got her at hiked price. 
, Studios, are constantly on the look- 
out for promising talent, Le Baron 
pointed out. Thus Paramount cast 
Shirley Ross, a coriiparative un 
known from Meti?o's stock roster 
and used her in one picture. Rus.hes 
showed they had the makings of a 
featured player so before the film' 
was released Paramount had her 
under contract 

Paramount's Xittle Miss Marker' 
put Shirley Teriiple over and since 
then she has cbiried plenty of profit 
for 20th-Fox. Clark Gable was in a 
lull period . ' when Columbia co- 
starred him with Claudette Colbert 
i 'It Happened One Night.' Both 



Orid Gmvy 



Hollywood, July 6, 
Studios are handing gridiron 
greats a break this summer. 
Warners sijgned the entire 1037 
football isquad of the University 
of Southern Califoi'riia for 
'Block That Kick,' while Radio 
has pacted a dozen, players for 
'Saturday's Heroes.' 



MDNTSEXTTER 





Hollywood, July 6. 
Warners isi riijilling whether to 
shelve 'Panama Canal' temporarily 
and select another for Paul Mum's 
)ow -out under his term deal which 
las one more to go. 

Player is understood .to- be averse 
6 signing again, preferring tb; friee- 
iarice and make Orily such stories as 
he likes. 



MARION DAVIES HEADS 
RELIEF FUND 5TH YR. 



have been goirig places since, and to 
day Miss Colbert has contractual ties 
With CJblumbia, Paramount, Warniers 
and Radio. 

ColuinbLa also took up Grace 
Moore after she hiad set no box office 
rivers afire with Metro and turned 
out 'One Night of Love' with her 
Terrific audience reaction gave Miss 
Moore mpmentum to join the top 
layer of draws. Columbia takes 
credit also for proving up Irene 
Dunne as a . comedienne in 'Theodora 
Goes Wild' and did much for Gary 
Cooper with 'Mr. .. Deeds Goes to 
Town.' 

Passing :i!Erii Around 
rolific ; star .borrowers have been 
and are Samiiei Gbldwyn, David O, 
Selznick and IValter Wariger, Wanr 
ger also is a lender, par exbellencej 
having some strong b.o. 'bets' of the 
biz under his contractual wing. 

Goldwyn has tinie and again paid 
through the nOse for <the personali- 
ties he Wanted. He, has; spme aces in 
the hole for trading purposes in Joel 
McCrea, Miriam Hopkins, Walter 
Brennan and others. Miss Hopkins 
makes more films elsewhere than; on 
the home lot For -The Hurricane,' 
now shooting, (Sold wyn borrbwed 
Dorothy Lamovu* "froni Paramount, 
C. Aubrey Smith from Selznick, 
Mary Astpr from Columbia. Wialter 
Brennan, .(Goldwyn character player, 
never had an idle moment. / 

Selznick, in his few screen contri- 
butions, has used such top box of- 
ficp personalities as Fredric March, 
Jariet Gaynor, Freddie fiiartholomew, 
Dolores Costello Barrympre, Mar- 
lene Dietrich and Charles Boyer. 
Dietrich is reputed to have .cost Selz-. 
nick $300,000 for 'The Garden of 
Allah.' and Boyer $90,000 for the 
same film. 

Besides the dickers for the biggest 
names, there is a tremendous lot of 
Interchanging ^oing on all the time 
(Continued on page 63) 



, ... .' Hollywopd, July 6. 
Msirion DaVies was reelected presi- 
dent of the Motion Picture Relief 
Fund at the . annual meeting of 
members J^ne 29 for the fifth suc- 
cessive time. 

Joseph M. Schenck was elect^; fo 
the board of . 'trustees for a. threes 
year terni. Trustees reelected for 
three years are: Richard Barthel- 
niess^. Joe E. Brown,. Prank Craven, 
Mariori Davies, .Cecil B.' DeMille, 
William. Randolph Hearst,. Janet 
Gay nor, Carl Laenunle, Fredric 
March. 

Receipts during 1936 totaled $158,- 
551 and disbursements $160,523. In- 
come came from direct contributions 
and from members ' of the motiori 
picture industry who contribute ^% 
of their earninjgs. 

Statistics fpr th^ year showed that 
aid. Was distributed to 3,967 cases 
involving 9,242 individuals. This 
succor was apportioned as follows: 
1, Illness, including hospitaliza 
tion, sanitariiims,. rest homes, etc; 

,2. Uneriiployment and it^ many 
problems, such, as food, rent, clbth^ 
irig and public utilities. 

3. Cooperation with other agehcies 
—Actors' Fund, , state aid pensions, 
Gpurtty aid, etc. , 

Other statistics: Average monthly 
case ' load,- 308; . total medical and 
dental visits, 4,690; honle aind hos- 
piital calls, lil58> major opeirations, 
35; minor operations, 16; patients re-, 
ceiving institutional care, 268; in- 
dividuals provided ' with inedical. ap- 
pliances, 69; . special nursing cases, 
49; Christmas baskets, etc.y 905; 
deaths, 28; burials handled, 44. 



Crosby's Coast Track 
Get$ Heavy Pic Play 

Hollywood, July 
Picture crowd gave Del Mar 
racetrack a big play on opening day 
last Saturday. (2), also Mpndayi, En- 
terprise is largely managed and con- 
trolled by film fblk, with Bing 
Crosby chief 'shareholder and Wil- 
liam LeBaron jockey club prexy. 

is located practically on the 
s^aishore at Del Mar, 100\ miles, south' 
of .Lbs Angeles, lience the slogari, 
'where the t,urf meets the- surf.' 
Grandstsinds accoriiriiodate 4,00O and 
clubhouse 3,500 persons. Planes, 



trai 



buses and' motor cairs : all 



are convenient tp the gate. 



NEWSREELS TO BALLY 
N.Y.'S '39 WORLD FAIR 



New York World's Fair in 1939 
will depend almost entirely on the 
five neWsreel companies for riiptibn 
picturp. cbverage, which indiriectiy 
would mean publicizing though pri-- 
marily a news . story. This became 
kripWn this week when fair officials 
denied the exposition was planning- 
tb make films later and 'fly them by 
specifil pliane to various sections of 
the U. S: and possibly elsewhere in 
the world as ballyhoo: for the N; Y. 
fair. 

This plan was under consideration) 
it. is understood, at one time, ith 
the tentative Set-up including a' pro- 
jection equipment, screen and other 
apparatus sO that the/ fair pictures 
could be. displayed befprfe civic or- 
ganizations and. clubs, such, as the 
Chamber of Cbriimercei Rbtary club, 
Kiwanis, Merchants' Associations, 
etc., in various communities visited 
by the aiir traveling theatre. 
, Huge expense Wrapped up in such 
a project coupled, with the desiire of 
the New York fair executives to take 
advantage of the major filni indus- 
try's facilitiie^ as well as the sweep- 
ing rnewsreel coverage ' credited 
with abandonment of this plan; 



Gridders on the Griddle 



Otterson in Harkrider 
Spot as U Art Director 

Holly woodi July 6. 

JAck (Dtterson has started a five- 
year optional stretch as Universal's 
art director succeeding John Hark- 
rider, whose option was not lifted. 

Harkrider remains on the lot until 
Aug. 1 with lOtterson actually taking 
over in the meantime. 



Flag Up on ToYarich' 



.Hollywood, July 6. 

Cameras, rolled .today (Tues.) on 
'Tovarlch' at Warners, one of the 
Burhanic plant's big pnes for the 
year. Anatole Litvak directs, . ;with 
Robiert Lord in the producer spot. 

Featured principals, Charles Boyer 
arid Claudette Colbert, put in three 
days of rehearsal last week. ' 



Rivkin Scripts Yarn 

For Moppet Glanfey 

. -Hollywopd, July 6. 
Allien Rivkin is: writing the script 
for 'Call Back LOve,' Colliers serial' 
by Rose Frankeri and William Brown 
Melbney,. which will be produced by 
Major. 

Enrianuel Cohen, Mijor prez, de- 
signs the picture as a debut vehicle 
for Kitty Clancy, new moppet. 



ill 



Hollywood, July 6. 
Paramount has skeded 'Yesterday's 
Cheers,' football film, fpr August 
production. No director: has beeri set. 
but cast so far ^includes Mary Car- 
lisle,: John Howiard, Marsha Hunt 
and Robert Cummings. 

RKO has cast. Rochelle Hudson 
in the top fenime spot of . 'Saturday's 
Heroes,' football film, ith Vah 
Heflin opposite. Filming is skeded 
to start late this week: with Edward 
Killy directing. George Templeton 
authored the original. 



Foran Gallops Off, 

WB Loads Up on Foy 

Hollywood, July 6. 
ryan Foy will produce six addi- 
tional films for Warners on next 
year's program to take the place of 
half a dozen Dick Forah gallopers 
lopped off, 

Ronald Reagan has been picked 
tentatively to be featured in the pic- 
tures, first of which will be 'Right 
of Way,* with background of the 
trucking biz. 



St. Clair's Moppet Pic 

Hollywood, July .6. 

Mai St. Clair has been set to di- 
rect the next Jane Withers film at 
20th-Fox, '45 Fathers,' ith John 
Stone, producing. ... . 

.Script is being readied by Albert 
Ray and Frances Hyland. 



Art Morton's Tun^ Takenp 
Hollywood, July 6. 
Hal Roach has renewed Arthur 
Morton as musical director. 
Term is for another six months. 



TUNES FOR 'SACREF 

. Hollywood, July 6. 
ick . Internatiorial has pacted 
Louis Alter and Walter Bullock to 
originate special musiC for 'Npthing 
Sacred.' . 

Margaret Hamilton, who has a fear 
tured spot in the film, also draWs a 
part in same studio's 'Adventures of 
Torn Sawyer.* 



SUNBURNTTIS IS 





Holly Wpod, July 
3un-broiled and consequently j 
capacitated players are the bane this 
summer of the prOductiori managers 
at the studios.. Due to the strikes 
and kindred delays all during this 
yearj activity is at a fever heat cur- 
rently. In other years, hot-months' 
shootirig schedules were light, but 
this is the exception. And the re- 
sults of the stark sopping up too 
much sUn arid sea are gaized upon 
a minor smallpox spread. 

Vacations are giving the studio? 
almost as much grief as bathtubs. 
The good publicity copy they pro- 
duce is offset by the accidents in- 
curred. 

The pase of the late Jean Harlow*s 
sunburn which left much scar- 
tissue it led to fatal complications is 
but one of the many Hollywood ac- 
cidents traceable to or Sol's shafts, 
.Nearly every weekend two or three 
w.k. nariies bob up ith yarns of 
how they almost drOwned, and a 
good deal of this is the McCPy; 

The story anent Frances bee 
ing knocked ', xmcoriscious by 
arid revived by artificial respifatibri 
while a producer yapped, 'Why give 
her artificiial respii-ation; we can af- 
fprd the real thing,' is obviously p.a. 
stuff.. But . the near-drownirig of 
Madeleine Carroll at Malibu last' 
week was istraight stuff, however. 



Scrib Guild's Shindig 

Hollywood, July 6. 
Screen Writers Guild menibership 
win toSs its first .binge since reor- 
ganizing with a dinner dance in the 
Hotel Ambassador July 22. 
. Committee appointed by President 
Dudley Nichols includes Johnny 
Gray, chairman; Albert Hackett, E. 
E. Parai:nore, .Xr., and Allen Rivkiri. 
Benny Rubin is chairman of the en- 
tertainment coriimittee. 



ARNOW IN WB EXEC 
SPOT; TRILUNG CASTER 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Maxwell Arnow has been upped to 
a studio executive spot at Warners 
aftPr five years "as casting director. 
He will' cbntinue to supervise cast- 
ing and also will build up budding 
niateriaL Ticket ' runs seven years. 

Ambw is. succeeded in the cast- 
ing director spOt by Steve Trilling, 
transferred frOni New York and 
starts his new duties today (Tues). 
Trilling, 15 years in' show biz, hais 
been with Warners 12 years, 10 as 
Vaude booker and two as talent 
scout. Frank Ross, son-ihrlaw of 
Frank Gillmore of Equity, steps into 
Trilling's spot from test director. 

WB's Waring Picture, 
'Vardty Stow/ Ends 

Hollywood, July 6. 

•Varsity Show,' starring Fred War- 
ing's. oirch, wound up today (Tues- 
day) at Warners, four weeks behind 
shooting schedule; Waring got 
$260,000 for his bit, studio paying 
him $15,000 weekly for each weeic 
beyond the. originally, outlined sched- 
ule. WB has an option on the band 
leader for ainother film. 

Waring starts a string of person- 
als Thursday (8) at the Paramount, 
liOS Angeles, /which will take him 
east. His manager, Johnny O'Con- 
nor leaves for New York this Friday 
to. negotiate a deal for fall radio pro- 
gram, airing to be from the C^oast 



Goldwyn's $2,000,000 Pic 



Hollywood, July 6. 

George Marshall has been definite- 
ly set toVdirect 'The, Goldwyn Fol- 
lies' for Samuel Goldwyn. 

Prbductiori will start early i 
gust with a $2,000,000 budget. 



Keittiy Baker to Dude It 
In WB *Howdy Stranger' 

Hollywood, July 6, 
Mei-vyri LeRoy will produce 
'Howdy Stranger' at Warnei-s ith 
Kertny Baker featured. 

Yarn by Howard loane 
Joseph Pellettier deals With the in- 
vasion of a dude ranch by an eastern 
crooner. It was a flop Broadvvay 
|)lay this season. 

DIXIE'S PROTEGEE 

Atlanta. July 6. 
Dixi; , Dunbar, 20th-Fox con- 
tractee, influenced a screen test for 
Mary Frances Davis, 16,. another 
Atlanta dancer, who trouped with 
Miss Dunbar in their kid dayis in 
Atlanta. 

Miss Davis, now Sri Hollywood, 
has toured the south as an enter- 
tainer. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



MORE 









Set Keynotes SACs Eastern Drive 



AlthbUgh preliminary work look^ 
ing toWards signing up of extras 
lised in any type of screen work in 
the east was instituted last week by 
the Screen Actors Guild, actual 
campaign of signaturing and drive 
to make closed shop in all Greater 
New York film studios effective Is 
not to start until. Aug. 1. SAG 
checked its first production last week 
When representatives of Guild went 
on the location set (Jack Dempsey's 
restaurant) where scenes were being- 
taken for Metro's 'Big Gity,' in which 
Dempsey plays himself. 

Representative of SAG talked to 
inahy in group of 50 extras, arid 
Walter Strong, assistant director, is 
reported to have informed extras 
that this would be the last M-G pro- 
duction in Which they could Work 
unless signatured as Guild members. 
George B. Seitz * directi the 
feature. . . 

Though no effort was made to sign 
: meimbers on Metro's location nor 
have attempts been made to drive 
for gignatiu-es elsewhere in the east, 
many, potential candidates have been 
contacted. There already are a num- 
ber of applications for junior mem- 
bership and two. senior .Guild mem-: 
bers have been signed, Hope Hamp- 
ton and . Mario Moreno. 

Beginning on Aug. 1, SAG branch 
in N. Y. will start using checkers to 
see that both performers and studios 
are complying with the Coast agree- 
ment. Because of promised coopera- 
tion from Actors' Equity arid British 
Equity, no members of either organi- 
zation wiU be permitted to work on 
a production at an unfair studio. 

Guild in the east will strive to 
have signed contracts With Warner 
Bros. (Vitaphdne) in Brooklyn, Bio- 
graph in Astoria, General Service 
studio in Astoria; Educittional, which 
makies shorts in Astoria, March of 
Time, and Mentone (producing at 
Biograph) signatured early next 
month.. 

it also will seek pacts with Qom- 
mer<iial or industrial studios such as 
(Continued on page 55) 



SYBIL JASON'S PARENTS 
IN CAPETOWN DIVORCE 

Capetown, July 6. 

Irael . Jacobsoii, father of Sybil 
Jason, child film player in Holly- 
wood, has filed a divorce action in 
supreme court here against his wife, 
Mary. Couple are now separated. 

The moppet is under the guar- 
dianship of her uncle, Harry Jacob- 
son, in Hollywood, for a term of 
five years, almost half of Which has 
already passed. Under the terms of- a 
consent paper between both parents, 
Miss Jason, in the event, she's no 
longer employed, is to return to the 
custody of her parents^: spending six. 
moriths each with her father and 
mother. 

. Jacobson, meanwhile, has: applisd 
to the ■ California . supreme court for 
an order appointing him permanent 
guardian of the kid star. His affi- 
davits were also submitted to the 
supreme court here, stipulating that 
the. kid . star, if her. work i>ermits, is 
to come to iSouth Africa to visit, her 
parents; also that Jacobson. is to re-, 
port every tw:o moriths to each 
parent regarding Sybil's condition, 
welfare and work. 



Champiiig at Net 



Hollywood, July d. 
ro.-.amateur mixed doubles 
tennis championship of the 
universe will be decided on 
courts of the Beverly Hills 
Tennis club next Friday (9) 
when Fred Perry and Charles 
Chapli , representing England,, 
tangle with Ellsworth Vines : 
and Groucho Marx, represent-, 
ing the tmited States. 

Chaplin and Marx, who swing 
wicked racquets, drilling 
diaily under tutelage of their 
tbpnotcher partners arid wager- 
ing is brisk.. 




'Room Service At 




HollyWoodi July 6. 

S. J. Briskin is talking a Marx 
Bros, deal whereby the trio Would 
appear in a screen' version of 'Room 
Service.' Studi is understcfod to 
have handed over $255,000 for the 
picture, rights. 

Marx deal, as it stands, wouli^ be 
for a straight $250,000 plus a per- 
centage, bringing cost of the film in 
excess of $1,500,000. 



MAX GORDON, GOETZ 
SAIL BACK TO U. S. 



London, June 6. 

William Goetz, of 20th-Fox, and 
Max Gordon sail tomorrow (Wednfes- 
day) for. New York. 

Both have been over herie o.o.'ing 
British pic production. Gordon re- 
turns to the Coast arid the Metro 
lot in two months. 



Ginger Rogers PenciOed 
For Selznick Trom Girl' 



Hollywood, .; 

rom Girl' definitely goes on. the 
Selznick International schedule for 
faU production with Robert Sinclair 
and William Cameron. Menzies co- 
directing. 

ilm will be a collegiate musical 
in technicolor with likelihood that 
Ginger Rogers will be featured. 
Music will be by Richard Rodgers 
and Lorenz Hart. 

Fred F. ihkelhoiffe, and Johri 
Monks, Jr., co-authors of 'Brother 
Rat,' have been assigned an office 
and secretaries at Selznick Interna- 
tional Studi. to hammer but 'Prom 
Girl.' .Dave Gould ; has been pacted 
as dance director. 



Rex Story-Andy Rice, Jr/s 
Unit on Lonfl[ Orient Hop 

shanghai, July 6, 
An American vaude unit is back in 
Shanghai after a tour that took the ' 
•Hollywood Non-Stop Revue' up into I 
Mahchukuo. for dates in Dairen and 
Harbin. ShoW is headed hv Rex"! 
Stpry and Andy Rice. Jr., with Fay 
Skeeter and Emily r Winsette and a 
line pt girls rounding out the roster. 

The unit has had a run at the 
Carlton here, t.wo^a-day at a $3' top 
<Mex>, and from here heads for a 
tour that includes Horigkono, Singa- 
pore. Manila, Java, Bali. Siam. 
Burma. Calcutta, Africa and thence 
to Europe. 



Collegiate's Fix Chance 



6£ Hari-y C. IrWi , ., with 
black eye, which appeared, in local 
sheet several weeks ago following 
Michigan State- : College students' 
rough tossing of auto plant workers 
into L'an.sing river, when strikers. in- 
yadsd college section, rnay land him 
a screen test. At request of HoWard 
Pierce, oil United Detroit theatres 
(Par). Ir in came here last week 
from Lansing for confab relative to 
test. Expected to take usual two or 
three weeks before definite word 
vvhether test will be given. 

Irwin was one , of th6 1,500 stu- 
donts who formed barricade, across 
road leading into college section of 
Lansing, an later tossed several 
union organizers into a nearby river. 




Over 46% of 420 Pix Based 
Home-iSpun Yarns-^ 
Around $8,000,090 Doled 
Out by Majors for Liter- 
ary, Properties 



FILMING 52 STAGERS 



By DENIS MORAISON 

Hollywood, July 6. 
. Due to dearth of acceptable story 
material in the field of published 
fiction and Broadway stage plays, 
studios this year have had to turn 
to originals to a greateir degree than 
at any time since sound's advent for 
screen material. 

Survey of 420 films now being 
made or skeded for 1937^38 shows 
that 46.7% are studio originals, 40.5% 
short stories or novels arid 12.8% 
produced plays.. Last year's soiircies 
Were; 45% short stories^ or novels, 
45% originals, lO% plays, and in the 
previous., year proportions were: 
40.5% short stories or novels, 40% 
studio originals and 19.5%. plays. 

Studios, in provi irig statistical 
data, showed many interesting slants 
not only ori the immediate Queries 
involved but also on other angles of 
the purchase, treatment and develop- 
ment of stories, and fundamental 
raw material of film biz. 

Numerically, the lots will make 
films of 52 plays, 172 novels, short 
stories or similar literary work, arid 
196 studio, briginali 
'r Chief interest attaches to the stage 
properties purchased by studios. 
This is due, first, to the heavy coin 
involved in such buys arid also to 
the fact that produced plays, when 
acquired for films, almost inyai-iably 
land in top-featured spots on a sea- 
son's production, schedule. 

Noteworthy that less than a dozen 
of the feurrent crop of Broadway hits 
have found their way to the lots, due 
(Continued on page 27) 

Janet Gaynor Set 
At Selznick; Potter 
Off 'Sawyer' Chore 

Hollywood, July 6. 
Selznick International has signed 
Janet Gaynor to a termer for ex^. 
elusive services, no price disclosed, 
although player, agenting herself, 
Avas holding out for $200,000 a pic- 
ture. 

First film under- the new pact will 
be 'Angel oh -Broadway,' with au- 
thorship credited to Russell Bird- 
Well, Selznick publicity head. Screeri- 
play will be by Ben Hccht and either 
George Cukpr or, John Ford Will di- 
rect. Production is skeded for early 
fall, with Marian C. Cooper, as as- 
sistant to iSelzriicki 

Henry C. Potter has pulled oiit of 
the director spot on Selzriick's 'Ad- 
ventures of Tom Sawyer,' due to 
differences of opi ion with David 
O. Selznick as to story treatment and 
cSiSting. 

Production hiais been called oft un- 
til July 12, at which time George 
Cukor ill take the reins, if avail- 
able, in which event Norman Taurog 
will get the call. 

Four or five of the. moppet roles 
are being recast. Film has been in 
work a week .at Mali u Lake loca- 
tion. 



BUZZELL DRAWS NOD 
ON U'S 'GO-ROUND' 



ollyw.ood, Jul.;,' 
Eddie Buzzcll. originally pacted at 
.Universal .to direct. 'Young 'Man's 
Fancy,' B. G.. DcSylva production, 
has. been switched to direct 'Mcrry- 
Go-Iibund pE 19,38.' wiih camsras. 
rolling, tomorrow ,( Wod.). 

'Fancy' now. is tentaUvely od 
to. go around the last of August. 





In the Saddle of Agents Vs. Actors 

to 






The Switch 



Hollwood, July 6. 
This also happens in Holly-, 
wood. 

Boyd Martin, pic ed" of Louis- 
ville Courier- Jourrial, tossed a 
feed for studio -press agents be- 
fore he hit the trail back home. 



N.Y. Photogs Ired 
By Coast Lensers 
Invading East 



International Photographers union,. 
Local 644, officials and members, re 
indignant over the way they have 
been Ignored in the matter of camera 
Wprk by companies making location 
shots Insiide their jurisdiction. Tiiey 
claim that film company crews have 
been working at Saratoga, Pitts- 
burgh, West Point, New York City 
and other points and that Coast 
cameramen have been used on all the 
jobs. 

Charles W. Downs, business man- 
ager of Local 644, states that George 
E. Brown, president of lATSE, has 
promised to check the situation, but 
that no action has been taken as yet. 
Local officials are anxiously await- 
ing to hear from him since under 
existing conditions they contend that 
local automony does riot mean a 
thing.' 

•Rosalie,' The ig City' and a 
West Point picture are the produc- 
tions Metro has skedded for loca- 
tion shots in the New York territory. 
'Nothirig Is Sacred,' Selznick produc- 
tion, also is due. for location treat- 
ment in and about New York. 

Recalls that Local 644 went to- bat 
for the lA about a year ago When '13 
Hours Via Air,' Par's film, was grab- 
bing location work at the New 
Jersey airport and seemingly estab- 
lished the fact that the International 
Photographers' union amounted to 
something. 

Another thing that annoys mem- 
bers of Local 644 is that cameramen 
brought in from the Coast are mem- 
bers of the American Society of 
Cinematographers, which they charge 
is a company union. 

Gist of the argument by Local -644 
is whether or not the members of 
their union are to be employed on 
location shots when taken in terri- 
tory within their jurisdiction. Sit- 
uation is aggravated, too, by the 
fact that what little eastern shorts 
production . there is now practically 
at a standstill. 



Glazer Leaving Par After 
Seveit-Year Prod. Swing 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Benjamin Glazer; coirnpleting a 
severi^year term as .a Paramount 
producer-writer with Bing Crosby's 
'IJouble or Nothing,' has an olTer of 
a similai* spot, with Warners and also 
dickers with other majors. 

Glazer will take ai three-months 
holiday ' Europe before ing 
over. 



Reinhardt to Salzburg 



Hollywood. July 6. 
Max Reinhardt departed last Siinr 
&u'y (4) for New York to attetKl ihii 
annual Salzburg musical festival in 
Austria. 

He. will be back late in September 
to direct 'The. Gamblers' at Warners, 
to be made from the Dostoievsky 
novel. 



Hollywood, July 6. 
Decision of the California supreme! 
court specifying that all disputes be- 
tween agents and clients must first 
be submitted to the labor commis- 
sioner before being taken to court 
Will result in knocking out more than 
50 pending lawsuits besides reyolu- 
.ti Izing method, of handling such 
disputes iri the future. 

Supreme', court's finding reversed 
both the Superior Court and the Dis- 
trict Court of Appeals in the long- 
standing litigation of the Ruth Col- 
lier-Minna Wallis agency 
Mary Astor, / 

Tribunal upheld constitutionality 
of section. 19 of the private employ- 
ment agency act, which had been 
attacked by counsel for Cpllier- 
Wallis, also has the effect of placing 
the state labor commissioner in the 
saddle in. agent-client disputes i 
much the same way that the .Na- 
tional Labor Relations Board func- 
tions in industry. 

Heavy Ooia. Involved 
Claims totaling hundreds of thous- 
ands of dolars, mostly of agents 
against clierits, are invalidated be- 
cause lawsuits have been dragging 
through the courts so long that 
statute of limitations is invoked. 

Another factor of vital importance 
is the off irig of al attachments in 
agent-client disputes. Up to now 
agents have made it a practice, to 
slap attachments on in case of any 
lawsuit but with the arbitration 
angle to the fore attachments 
out. 

. Decision does not abrogate any- 
one's right to sue, since section 19 of 
the labor act specificialy. sets forth 
that 'all parties to a dispute shall re- 
fer the matters in dispute to the. 
Commissioner of Labor, who shall 
hear and determine the same, sub- 
ject to appeal. Within 10 days to the 
superior court where the same shall 
(Continued on page 57) 



ALLEGED FILM PLAYER 
ARRESTED FOR FORGERY 



New Orleans, July 6. 

Charles Campbell Jatrell, 21ryear- 
old Californian, said by police to be 
a Hollywood actor and writer, was 
arrested Friday (2) in Bogalusa at. 
the request of Los Angeles police 
on charges -of forgery. He was- 
brought ihere by Detective Robert 
C. Ellis of L. A. and local officers. 

The California detective said that 
Jarrell has. played iri pictures. He 
is wanted in Los Angeles, Bakef^s- 
field iand Berkeley. A warranty for 
his arrest charges that he forged 
fictitious names to checks for close 
to $1,000, 



Luraschi Censor at Par, 
Hamill With Lubitsch 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Paramount has placed Luigi Lur- 
a.schi at the head of its studi 
sor department succeeding 
Hamill, who goes to the Ernst 
bitsch unit permanently. 

Luraschi had been functi 
aide to Hamill. 



WB Prunes Stock Roster 



Hollywood, 

Warners dropped seven stock 
players at optipn time last Week, an- 
nouncing action is in line with policy 
o£ turning pver player talent to 
dodge monotony. Further loppings, 
are in line as options expire and 
replacements will be new faces^ 

Stock company now numberij 
around 70, Among those dropped 
recently are Peggy Bates, Robert 
Bar rat, Mary Treen, Robert Darro'w, 
Walter Cassel, Patricia Walthall and 
Ed Price. 



6 



VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Petrilo and Stagehands Union Pact 
Presages Concerted Film Pressure 



Chicago, July 6. 

stablishment of aii entente cor- 
diale between the American Federa- 
liph of Musicians and thti Ihterna- 
l ional Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employees is the immediate goal of 
James C. Petrillo in his campaign to 
pysh through the restrictions ancl 
ban on. musical recordings for com- 
merciar reproduction.. Petrillo Is 
busily ing together ' the various 
of his ahti-recpfding cam- 

ign to take in the motion icture 
and theatrical branches, and he finds 
in George E. , prexy of the 

lAf SE, an is campaign. 

Fbr Petrillo not letting any 
.griass grow urider his brogans while 
waiting for the American Federation 
of Musicians executive board to get 
together in its scheduled rrieeting in 
New Yoric this month. Following 
the Louisville convention, at which 
he set off the pyrotechnical isplay 
in the longest speech of his life, 
Petrillo has been using every pos- 
sible uniion and personal angle to en- 
list the support of locais through^ 
oiitihe country. He already has the 
oral and written promise of full co- 
operatiph: from . some 50 key . musi- 
cians locals. 

But though Petrillo expects little 
difficulty in getting the national 
board to pass a general bah on wax 
miasic for radio, Petrillo and presi- 
dent Joseph Weber of AFM look to 
the lATSE for the ieal partner in 
pbtai ing results yrhen it conies to 
■the picture studios. Radio, the AFM 
leaders, believe, will be handled 
easily, the results in Chicago's cam- 
paign against discs having demon- 
^Etrated to the complete satisfaction 
of the AFM key men that the ban on 
radio recordings ia .entiriily feasible. 

iBiit pictures-^that's a hag of a 
(different shade.. And that's where 
the lATSE comes in, with the AFM 
.crowd seeing in a lATSE-AFM com- 
bine a cooperative . deal which will 
mean, added employment for both 
organizaitipns. 

While, no forthright statement has 
been made by anyone in the AFM 
top ranks, there is no disguising the 
general assumption that the. musi- 
cians expect that an lATSE cooper a 
tion on the Coast situation would 
mean a restoration of vaudeville to 
a number of producer-owned, the 
atres. Reported deal would permit 
the continued use <nC AFM members 
for picture recordings in return for 
such producer-exhibitor gfoups as 
Metro-Goldwyn-Miiyer, Paramount, 
RKO, Warners restoring vaudeville 
to a certain number of key houses 
across the country. This would mean 
aidditibnal employment not only for 
AiFM menibers, but also for mem 
bers of the lATSE (stagehands), not 
counting a .number of vaude mem- 
bers of the American Federation of 
Actors, an American Federation of 
Labor affiliate. 

AFM expects no drastic action or 
•measure on the part of Browne and 
the lATSE in support of the musi- 
cians* problems regarding picture 
xecordirigs since the lATSE has just 
ignatured a binding three-year deal 
• with the producers. But the AFM 
looks to Browne for nominal co- 
operation on the basis of a real re- 
turn to lATSE members throughout 
IHe-natipn. 



'Spanish Earth,' Indie 
Pic With Native Cast 



'The Spanish Earth,* screened 
story of a war-torn Spanish village 
on the', highway from Madrid to 
Valencia, is b,eing rushed through the 
final stages of editing and' sepring by 
Joris Ivens; its director/ and Marc 
Blitzteiri, who is creating the miusical 
setting. Picture was produced in 
iSpain this year. Ernest Hemiiigway 
assisted Ivens in the production and 
wrote the comments, translated 
Spanish dialog, etc.,. as spoken by 
Orson, Welles.. Collabpratprs ith 
Ivens and Hemingway include Arch- 
ibald MacLeisch and Lillian Hell- 
man. 

In "The Spanish Earth" men and 
wpmen villagers play their piarts in 
real life;: There are no professional 
players. ' 





ittsburgh, July 6, 
Biggest play ever :given around 
here tp . a star's pictures following 
her death is being handed out all 
over the nabe: circuit to the Jean 
Harlow films. ■ And all doing higff 
too. In aimqist every case, suburbain 
houses-, and a flock downtown, too 
playing double bills; are revising 
schedules in order to get at least 
one Harlow flicker in a week. 

In number of cases, houses which 
ordinarily hold programs only two 
days' are extending rtlns; keeping the 
rfarlow film and adding' aiiother to, 
round put the dual. Biggest play is 
for 'Hell's Angels' oh current show- 
ings, with 'Riff Raff* and 'Personal 
Property' also getting big jplay.- 
Oldies like 'Dinner at 8* and 
'Blonde Bombshell' are also coming 
arpund again and doing outstanding 
trade practically everywhere/ 

One of • the downtown spots, in 
fact, is plotting now to run nothing 
but Harlow reissues for a solid week 
and flock of 'liabes understood to be 
contemplating similar move. 



1st Runs on B'way 



Week of July 8 
Capitol — 'Emperor's Candle- 
sticks' (MG). 
(Reviewed in Variety June 30), 
Central — 'Juggernaut' (GN ) 
(10). 

Criterion — 'Great Gambi 
(Par) (10). 
Globe— 'Road Back' (U) (4th 

Music Hall— 'Knight Without 
Armor' (UA). 

(Reviewed in YAtiitTy June 16)^ 

Paramouhi. 'Easy Living' 
(Par) (7). 

(keviewed in this issue) 

Rlalto --- 'Tliree Legionnaires* 
(Syndicate) (9). 

Elvbll — 'Slave (20th) 
(4th week). 

Roxy— 'Two Who Dare' (GIST ) 
(9). 

Strand — 'Sihgi Mari 
(WB) (2d week). 

Week of Jfuly 15 
Central — 'Great Hospital 
Mystery' (20th) (17). 

(Reviewed in this issue) 
Globe^'Road Back' (U) (5th 
week). 

Music Hall -T- 'Toast of New 
York* (RKO). 
. Pkrambanl — 'E a s y 
(Par) (2d week).. 

itoxy^'Wee Willi Winki 
(20th). 

(Reviewed in Vabiety June 30) . 
Strand— 'They Won't Forget' 
(WB) (14). 
(Reviewed in Vabiety June 30). 




For 2 Yrs. in Minn. 



Hollywood, July 6. 
. Decision to release 'Saratoga' as is 
was reached by Louis B. Mayer and 
other Metro executives as the result 
of reaction, noted at the film's initial 
preview in Pomona , last vireek. 

Audience went for the picture with 
Clark Gable and. Jean Harlow^ and 
ther« were no walkouts. Finished 
(Continued on page 23) 



Minneapolis, July 6. 

An almost llth-hour effort to 
bring out the' theatre ichaih tax bill 
f rom . the rules ' committee of the 
state legislature's lower House bias 
met with failure. With adjournment 
of the special session scheuule;d for 
this week, passage will be deferred 
for at least two years of thie measure 
which John J. Friedl, Publix . circuit 
general manager, declares would put 
the big chain out of business. 

The House was tied up i)gr nearly 
two hours when a revolt, was staged 
against the rules committee's failure 
to act on ;or report out the theatre 
chain tax imposing a levy of 5c to 
$3 a seat according to the number 
of houses in the entire circuit,' in- 
cluding, those outside of Minnesota. 
The vote on the inotion to recall the 
bill from the committee was 77 in 
faivor and 33 opposed, but. Speaker 
Harold H. Barker ruled that a .tw6- 
(Continued on page 62) 



All Star Acquires 200 
Features in Coast Deal 



Hollywood, July 6. 
All Stair, has takiBn over Far; West 
.Ej. flanges distribution in a . deal 
consummated between. George N. 
Montgomery, All Star head, and J. 
SamiiiBl Berkowitz of Far West. 
Transfer involves more than 200 fea- 
ture pictures. 

Berkowitz takes over the Los An- j 
geles office, ith Armand S. Cphn 
. .ing in 'charge . of Sah . Fran- 
Mpntgpmery Will devote, his 
isure to travel. 

Takeover involves Hoot Gibson, 
Mascpi, Chesterfleld-Invincibles,; Im- 
perial Prpductibns, Weiss and Victory 
serials; Pinky Tomlin musicals, Leo 
Carrillo productions, Peter :B. Kyne- 
Frankie Darro releases, Jame^ Oliver. 
Gurwopd features and others. 
Merged All Star organization be- 
comes sole states rights major indie 
distributor on the Coast. 



CIO Defers to AFL in Philly Theatre 




Philadelphia, July 6. 
Truce has been .declared here in 
ClO-AFL battle to unionize em- 
ployees in film industry: . CiO - has 
quietly turned over membership . of 
its Theatre Employees Union to 
IATSE, an AFL unit. Struggle toe^ 
tweeh the two groiips- got so hot 
here several weeks ago that pick- 
ets were picketing, pickets outside 
t^y6 houses.- CIO men were picket- 
irig AFL men who were picketing 
the Lorraine and the Lahdsdowne 
thfeatres. 

Np Public annbuncenieht . that the 
John L. Lewis group had ceased its 
activities in the theatrical: fielii. and 
turned its gains over to IA was 
made. Despite the fact agreement 
wis consummated more than two 
weeks ago, even hometown, trade 
papers were in dark. 

Actual count of the turnover is 
22 projectionists, who became mem- 
bers Of Philadelphia Moving Pic- 
ture Machine. Operators Union, 
Local 307, IATSE, arid about 100 
house employees, who were con- 
solidated into , the similar IA group. 
Three of the projectionists had at 
one time been members of 307, while 
the rest, were entirely unorganized. 
All the house workers were neo- 
phytes to unionism. / 

James Gill, CIO theatrical .or- 
ganizer in ..this territory, said .he. 
turned his group over to IA "be- 



cause CIO doesn't aim to organize 
employees in field where the AFL 
is really, doing recruiting work.' 
Furthermore, he declared, lA's touise 
employees', union, which takes in 
everything from scrubwomen to as- 
sistant managers, is set iip alphg lines 
of industrial unibnism. 

He warned, however i 'as soon 
as lA stpp^ aggressive organization; 
the CIO will istep in agai ' Actually, 
it is believed. Gill was willing to 
give iip the organizational work in 
this field because .of the slow prog- 
ress he was making against the old, 
well-entrenched. lAr 
I A meeting oiE hoiise employees in; 
Philly last week showed about 1,100 
enrolled. There are about 1,500 po- 
tential members; Demands wiU be 
irnade on employers as soon as re- 
mainder are .paid up! 

William Hairrer, biz manager of IA 
here, on Monday . ight installed 
House Employees Union, Local B114, 
in Chester. About . 87 members, 
repriesenting both chai and indie 
theatres, were inducted. There are 
only about". 10 other potential mem- 
bers in the city and all of these 
have' ified their but 
havent' paid dues yet; . 

Local BlOl was installed in Cam,-, 
deh by Harrer ;Wedn.esday . ight. 
There were about 150 present, . rep- 
resenting approximately 90% of 
maximum. 



Lefty s Travail With Protean Pix 
Stars, Bank Nite, Personals, Etc. 

By JOE XAVRIE, JR. 

Coolacres, Cal.j July 

Dear Joe; 

I thought being in vaudeville was tough but believe, me owning a picture 
house is toughen They sent me a double feature last week, 'Racketeer's 
Nest' and 'Badge No. 6,000i;— Ed Robinson in both of them. In bne he plays 
the part ..of a crook ^ind in the other he, is a copper. It had me nuts wltiich 
one to rim first. If I put the gangster picture on first then my aiidienc» 
would think it funny after he's knocked off to become a cop, and if I put ' 
the cop picture oh first they'd sajr it's bad to show him as a croolc. 

I have plenty of troubles with censorship in this small burg. When a 
guy has nothing to do he starts some sort of a . club. For instaince With 
my newsreels, I had some women call on me asking nie' to cut out the 
pictures of soldieris marqhing, battleships. Hitler and Mussolini. They 
belong to a Peace League and say, thesie things make the people Jwar- 
miiided. So I cut 'em out.. Then there was a .clip of isweepstake winners, 
and the Sunday school gUy tells me. not tp shpw it as the kids get a igam- 
blihg spirit. The ? banker told ifne to cut the strike pietures because it 
maiy start unrest in tiie town. The only thing left was. a Baby Parade at 
Atlantic City. No ;dQubt next week they'll start a Birth Control League 
and I'll have to cut thait top. 

I ran a coXipl<; .9^ crockery nights last week and one guy kicked because 
he won three cups but no saucers. By the looks of the callous on his li '": 
he never drank outa anythinjg but a . saucer in his life. 

They call up Aggi% in the boxoffice asking her what Tti 
we got running. Aggie is beginning to sound' li 
the advance notices of the pictures. 

Had a bird come here : for a Personal Appearance. He played the part 
of ia butler in one of the pictures I had. He just did three ; ishort shots in 
the;picture — two 'Yes Madams' arid one 'I'll see if he is in, sir/ Well, it 
seems he finds out whete the picture is playing aftd gets a fin for an apV 
pearanc.e. Hovgets up and tells 'em all about the things that hapipehed to 
him While making the picture and how glad he is to see an audience again; 
The guy told more lies about Hollywood than even the guys that say they 
like it out there. He did bring in ,a lot of kids because he dresses like a 
cowboy On the street^an you imagine dressing like that arid playing but- 
ler parts? 

Well; the dancing school of otirs is doing pretty, good. Aggie and me 
have it figgered out where we're gorina give a' recital; you know, have 'all 
the kids and their fiamilies. come. Tliey make their own costumes; we 
haven't decided if we should make the pupils pay admission too. ^e're 
giving four lessons free to the one that sells the inbst tickets. It's a great, 
racket, but thoise kids sure get on -bur nerves. .YOu know there must be 
SMnething wrong with anybody that even thinksL-Of ^being a hoofer. Of 
coturse I doii't teU 'em that. 

I sold the banker a bottle, of dance oil— you know, rub your feet ith 
and it helps tlie dance muscles. An old pitchman showed me. how to make 
it up. It sells for a buck a bo.ttle, and it looks like they'll go for it. Maybe 
it doeis do the feet good; sometimes those things. happen. 

That's about all, kid. Best to you and the gang. Aggie joi 
eight bars. ' Sez 

LEFTY. 

P. S. On our Bank Night we played the feature, 'I Promise to Pay'---th« 
dough wasn't drawn that night and the customers were going to wreck 
the joint. 

Hollywood Labor Front Calm Save 
For Scribes' Jwisdiclioial T* 



Hollywood, July. 6. 
With Pat Casey working , to clear 
up labor difficulties between the pro- 
ducers and technical Mvorkersi two 
organizations of screen writers have 
gone into training for the film in- 
dustry's next big fight. The Screen 
Writers' Guild and Screen Play- 
wrights, Inc., each has demanded 
recognition as exclusive bargai ing 
representative for the writers. 

The SP. already has a contract with 
the producers, but the SWG has the 
backing of the powerful Authors' 
League of America. The latter has 
granted autonomy to the ,SWG and 
it is reported the A. L. . will^ force 
members in Hollywood to yote with 
SWG when, the National Labor Re- 
lations Board holds an election: to 
designate a bargaining representative 
for the writers under the Wagner 
labor act. 

Marc Connelly, president of the 
Authors' League, has been here for 
more than a week conferring with 
Dudley Nichols, president of SWG, 
and others leaders, in move to oust 
SP as representative of writers. A; L. 
has already agreed .to antpnprpy 
grant foi: SWCr/but details remain to' 
be worked out; 

SP had centered light on fact that 
SWG was affiliated with A. L. and 
that regardless of What was planned 
here SWG could be outvoted by New 
York members arid iaftliates of the 
Authors' League. It was ciaihried 
writers could have been ordered on 
strike here although; mernbers voted, 
unanimously against Walkout; 

Because of small staff assigned to 
work, NLRB probably carinot hold 
election before Sept. 1.. Refusal of 
Sp to consent election has been for- 
warded to Washington by Dr. Towne 
Nylander with req.uest for permis- 
sion to hold formal hearing and elec- 
tibri on petition, of SWG to be des- 
ignated representative of writer.s. SP 
nixed Consent, election dri ground 
such agreement might invalidate 
contract, organization now; has: with 
producers.. 

Lay .Peace Coaling 
Main difference .between producers 
and techjjiical workers wa.s' ironed 
out last Saturday (.3) when Motion 



Picture Painters Local 644. wa^ given 
closed shop in industry. Painterit 
hired . during recent strike were re- 
moved from all major studios except 
Warners early last week. Non-union 
painters were finally evacuated froni 
Warners when Herbert Sorrell, busi- 
ness representative of Local 644^ 
threatened to call a strike and picket 
the plant 

Negotiations between painters and 
producers over wage scale arid woirk- 
irig conditions are still in progress. 
Painters are asking flat raise from 
$7 to $8 per day, with higher scale 
for nien on graveyard shift. The pro- 
ducers have countered with an offer 
of 10% pay hike; 

Negotiations between producers 
and makeup artists, hair stylists and 
scenic artists , are still in progress. 
The makeups are asking 4fi-hour 
week with time and half for over- 
time. Hair stylists want boost from 
$60 to $75 per week. 

Torch Bearer Isputc 

Negotiations between United 
Scenic Artists; Local 621 and Casey 
were interrupted When jurisdiction 
over draftsmen were claimed by Sd- 
cie'ty of Motion Picture Set Designers 
and the In ternationial. Alliance, of 
Theatrical Stage Employes. SMiPSD 
has filed complaint with NLRB and 
deriianded election be held to deter- 
mine which of three organizations 
shall be hahied bargaining represen- 
tatives for diraftsmeh. 

Studio publicity writers have 
nixed plan of Committee for Indus- 
trial Organization ' to use them as 
spearhead on which to build a verr 
tical union in , the induistry. Flack.s 
voted against affliation with the Los 
Ariseles Newspaper Guild and de- 
cided, to retain autonoriiy. Mervi 
Hdaser df RKO Was named presir 
dent d£ Studio Publicists Guild; Rob- 
ert. Eurl:hardt of Warners, vice pres- 
ident; Arthur . Zellner of Warners, 
treasurer,, arid Lance Heath of PatJi- 
mount, siecretary. 

Organizations, of workei? 
' have been completed in all major 
sUidibs and - committees are. now- 
drafting,, w.ige ?v(;alps and working 
conditions , for .submi's^ipn to produc- 
tion managers. 



Wedoesday, July 7, 1937 



PICTURES 



VAKlETt 



Doping die U. S: Vs! Interstate 
Suit Sees Important Decision 




Thie -anti-trUst aictlort of the De- 
partment of justice against the In- 
terstate circuit, scheduled to come 
up Sept^ 20 in . Dallas, prorhises to 
fiettle a poiht of law which, in the 
opinion of leading distnbution and 
theatre executives, may be of far- 
reaching importance. Whether favorr 
' able or adverse to Interstate, it could 
vitally affect future policies in the 
Belli of film, the maintenance of 
theatre prices and competition be- 
tween exhibitors. .■ 

Decision will test film contracts 
•which seek to regulate admissions by 
BpeQifying minimums. Interstate haV-! 
ihg insistied that where its first run 
houses charge 40c< subsequent runs 
rriust maintain a scale of not lower 
thian ?5c. It would iapiply to Inter- 
state and distributors futhishing this 
iicuit with pictures but whichever 
way the decision goes In Dallas, in- 
dustry leaders contend aii important 
precedent will be .set that might 
apply elsewhere throughout the 
country. 

Should the Government win its 
case, dieclaring contracts illegal 
where pi:ices are specified; there iis 
little doubt biit that a precedent 
would be set that would force dis- 
tribs away from contracts in which 
regulation of prices was attempted. 
Subsequent run exhibitors, in that. 

, would, have no hesitancy tak^ 
ing the matter of price in their own 
hands and demiand isupply of film at, 
any 'scale. 

Pros and Cons 

. Confidence is expressed in the butr 
•come of the case for Interstate, al- 
though no one knows in advance of 
the trial exactly what the chances 
are of licking the U. S. suit. At first 
it struck fear into the hearts of 
leaders because of the possible far- 
teaichlng effects it may have within 
the industry. .These ifears. remain to 
a certain extent due to the conclu- 
sion that precedents, are bound to be 
established one way or another 
which may never have' been estab- 
lished but for the bringing of the 
Action against the Interstate chain. 

If Interstate loses the suit and its 
price-fixing film contracts ' are de!- 
clared illegal, the precedents may be 
ho more ^larmihg than if it wins. 
In event of the latter^ which would 
iriore distinctly f ivpr; the distributors 
than anyone else, exhibitors Would, 
be placed in the position of being at 
the niercy of price regulation in buy- 
ing film. . Distributors would like 
this but- the theatres wouldn't, not- 
ably those that follow the big first 
runs. There is no telUhg, from the 
theatre man's point of view, how far 
the distribs might takie price-fi^cihg, 
if seemingly free to. specify mini- 
mums, or whether .first runs might 
nol be told they would have to get 
certain scales if getting the pictttres. 
At present all film contracts carry 
a clause that in no case rhust pic- 
tures play at less t|ian. a 10c admis- 
sion. Legality of this, has never been 
testfed. • 



Fight Pix in Dixie 



Atlanta, July 0. 
To the amazement of everyif.. 
body, Louie Bach had the 
temerity to hook the Braddock- 
Louis fight pics at .his five nabe 
theatres. They started Sunday 
<4). 

Films, handled locally hy 
Amity Exchange, jwere turjied 
down by A houses, who feared 
unfavorable reaction since flight 
went the wrong way insofar as 
Dixie fight fans and film pa; 
trons are concerifed. 



Films Cure Crosseyes, 
Optometric Ass'n Told 



Rochester, July 6. 
ing pictures can virtually cure 
many types of .crosseyes and other 
visual defioiehces -in children,, Dr 
T. A. rombach, of the University 
of Galifornia, told members of the 
American Optometric . Association 
here. 

The patient covers the better eye 
Interest , in the story .accompanied 
by voices from the screen stimulates 
the bad eye toward.ndrmal use. when 
other methods failed because it was 
impossible to maintain interest. 

Dr. Brombach said children under. 
7 with .1% -vision in one eye may 
often, have, their sight completely ; re 
stored. He sai the discovery - 
inoves from screen shows the stigma 
of being bad for the eyes and re- 
lieves paferits of the worry in 
letting their children go to the the- 
a;tre'often. 






X 



CRITERION 



New Yiddish Pix Prod. 

Collective ilm Producers, Inc., 
has been formed by Roman Rebush 
and Edgar G. Ulmer to make picts 
for international distribution. 

irst productiOin, set to roll late 
this month in New Vork^ will be 
'Green Fields,' adaptation of Peretz 
Hirshbein's play. Will be in Yid- 
disli. 



A chill from Arthur Mayer, opera 
to^ of the Ri • N. Y., against Par 
product that does npt play the Para 
mount, N. Y., its own show-window 
has resulted in temporary switching 
of . such available pictures to the 
Criterion on a percentage, basis and 
may lead ultimately to a deal under 
which Par will take over the Crit. 
.With Mayer in the future possibly 

getting along, without Par pictures 
that would be .obtainable, the Par 
distribution department has con 
sidered the operation of the Crit but 
negotiations have reached no deft 
nite stage as yet. They may never 
eventuate, also, in case Par is con 
tent to let the Crit play , certain of 
its pictures on percentage. 

Disciission in Par was reported in 
the direction 6f assuming the leise 
on the Criterion for yeair aric 
options or longer, if the prbper deal 
could be made with Harry L 
Charnas and B. S. Moss, who have 
thei house. 

While never revealed before, it is 
how understood that Paramount 
made an offer to take a lease prior 
to opening of the Criterion early las ; 
fall. Par offered $56,000 a year for 
the lease. Moss and Charnas, under 
their 21-year lease, -average nearly 
$90,d06 a year for the house. 

Interstate Not After 
The OlherJ0% of R.&R. 

Although it inight be interested in 
acquiring a few scattered theatres 
in its immediate territory, In 
terstate circuit in Texas would not 
be a bidder for the .50% interest 
remai in the Robb & Rowley 
chain recent deal ol; 

United Artists Theatre Circuit, 
taki half of R. & R:, it is 

understood. Iht<»rstate might have 
swung a deal for interest or, part 
hership the Robb. & Rowley 

organization a year ago but hot now 

Since that time Interstate has in 
creased its circuit by around a dozen 
houses. More receritly it was re 
ported Interstate might iacquire the 
R. 8e R. holdi or hook up with 
this soiith.westerri , , but while 
never confirmed, at least cold 
now. Tlie R. & circui headec 
by Harqld Robb and Ed Rowley, is 
not in conflict with Interstate but 
^yere it a part of the Interstate chain 
the Karl Hoblitzelle-Bob O'Donhell 
theatre empire would be in almost 
complete control of Texas and Qkla- 
honria It Wquld at the same time 
provi important penetration of 
Arkansas for Interstate. 

tinder the U, A. deial, which was 
closed oh the Coast, Robb & Row- 
ley continue in operating control of 
their houses for themselves, the vari- 
ous partners they have in to Wns ex- 
cepting Little Rock, Ark., and for 
U.A.- With latter, the deal for a 
half interest in the R. & R. chain is, 
at the moment, strictly invest- 
ment; 



OA's 50 Ballyhoo Knights 

A. total df 50 exploitation men are 
being assigned in ^the field by United 
Artists to handle' dates on, 'Knight 
Without Armor' which has been sef 
i!6r. 52 day-and-date engagements the 
week of July 16 in Warmer and Lbew 
theatres. 

Dates the following two weeks on 
the picture, up to Aug. 1, brings the 
total to 103. 









't in a T. 
And Jamaica, 





of Bidp 
L. I., Theatre 
St. L Probe? 




Shouted Down 



Hollywood, July 6. 
Oscar Homolka, playing the . 
sea captain in Paramount's 'Ebb. 
Tide,* shouted orders from the 
quarterdeclc into the wind sO 
lon^ and loud that he is under 
treatment, in Avaloh hospital* 
CataUna, for laryngitis. 



While there is an eyident rebel' 
lion against double features in 
progress right now, industry observ- 
ers aver it will not : mean thing 
until it gains considerably niore rho- 
menturn. / There .will be little , or ho 
shift in current widespread dualing 
policysfor at least 12 months, and 
maybe longer, because .the whole 
business realizes how -heavily the 
idea is entrenched and has -its pro- 
duction geared- to meet /the double- 
bill requirements; 

Checks in various sections of the 
country indicate definite i iii 
opposition to dualing as cbrhpared 
with , a year ago, but trade, associa- 
tion officials have/learned in recent 
months that polls conducted in thea- 
tres where .double features revail 
seldom mean much. 



NY. COURT 00 





PLAGIARISM SUIT 
VS. COLrVAN DYCKE 

Columbia Pictures ano: Tom Van 
Dycke, scenarist and ex-Broadway 
producer, were named Thursday (1) 
in plagiarism action in N. Y. f ederal 
court, brought by Valentine Davies, 
playwright, who claims his stage 
tome, 'The Fly in the Ointmetht,' was 
lifted. He asks an injunction' and 
accounting on Columbia's and Van 
Dycke's picture, 'Alibi for Murder.' 

Davies claiins he wrote his opus 
in 1929. It was produced in 'Roche 
ster under the title, 'War Dance' and 
later on Broadway as 'Three Times 
the Hour.' Claims script of the play 
was w'idely distributed among the 
producers and . that Van Dycke got 
hold of it, saw the play and Ayhen 
he. Van Dycke, joined up. with Co- 
lumbia, adopted his stuff in writing 
'Alibi.' • 




Twentieth Century-Fox noW con-; 
trols the Roxy theatre,: N.' Y. Only 
technical details of the takeover, re- 
main to be worked out. Federal 
Judge rahcis Caffey. made this 
possible yesterday CTiies.') when he 
approved the film f rahohise term, as 
proposed, and, the^ first mortgage!, in- 
denture unde^ which 20th-Fox gaiins 
the;theatre. 

There were, objections to sOme 
phases of the franchise deal by in- 
die bondholders, but the court over- 
ruled these in the,- interest of the 
whole. Under the terms the theatre 
and film firm will spend $7,500 
weekly in advertising during the 
first year, "rhis ups, according to 
rates, if latter should go up after 
the first year. 

Twentieth-Fox deal fot the Boxy 
is. for the next 20 years under 
the new organization, answerable 
(Continued on page 5*7) 



The Government's foray into the 
film business continues apparently. 
There is strong trade belief that the 
Government is conducting a qiiiet 
iriquiry into the firstrrun film situa- 
tion in Brooklyn,' .Also, Janiaica, L. I. 

Fact that the Century Circuit (A. 
B, - Schwartz),' MetrbpoUtah The* 
atres (Skouras and Randforce), RKO 
and Loew's blanket this territory 
would indicate that all these firms 
are involvied one way or another and 
linked with thism is every major film 
distributor, Thus, if there is ah anti- 
trust eruption by the Government in 
Brooklyn, it may turn out to be the 
biggest anti-trust scare of the trade's 
history, even surpassii) the St. 
Louis situati 

Whether the piresent Brooklyn and 
Jamaica items are. to bring about 
complete comparable results for the 
complainants remains open. So far < 
as known the ' ictment stage has 
not been reached. 

However, in ..view What the 
trade pissed through in the St, Louis 
situation, there is considerable, con- 
jecture whether or not more than 
one complainant rriight be involved 
in the presently indicated Brooklyn 
tangle. 



M-C Starb $2,000,000 
Studio Mdg. Pribram 



Hollywood, July 0. 
Metro's $2,000,000 building and re- 
habilitation program- at the Culver 
City studio got under way this Week 
when ground , was broken for the 
new four-story admi istration build- 
ing. 

Also to be constructed this sum- 
mer are five new sound stages, three- 
story writers 'building and. the hew 
cartoon productions buildi how 
under way. 



l|adio City's UA Quartet; 
^ $2 'End; 'Hnrricane' 



Another United Artists pic has 
been sold to the. Music Hall, N. Y., 
'Stella Dallas.' This makes four pic 
tures that are now dated' for the 
Radio City first run. 'Dallas' comes 
in July 29, following 'Knight With 
out ArmOr' which opens tomorrow 
(Thurs.) for two weeks. 'Vogues of 
1938' and 'Prisoner of Zenda'. are 
tentatively scheduled for August. 




PK VALUE AS 
TRADE HYPO 



Hollywood, July 6. 

George J. iSchaefer, UA sales, chief, 
announced on his departure for New 
York last Week that he is launching 
a campaign to roadshow /Dead End' 
and 'The Hurri ,' Samuel Gold^ 
,wyn-UA releases. 

'Dead End,' first Goldwyn road- 
shower, will get release late in 
August, with 'Hurricane' following 
around Nov. 1. 



Lawyer Qark 
In New 





ent of Condor 



Comprehensive, changes in the 
managemerit and setup of Condor 
Pictures, Inc., were decided On yes- 
terday (Tiies. y by directors follow frig 
the resignation few days ago of 
George Hirliman, as president. Ed- 
win N. Clarkv of Robb, Clark & Benr 
nitt, N. y. .law firm, was elected 
chairman of the executive commit- 
tee, by .directors yesterday and as 
such Will serve as president . r 
ficio: Also decided to pro- 
duction and much of office activity 
on the Coast, only the sales dapartr 
ment and advertising-publicHy boing 
kept in New Y6rk. 

Along with installation of Clark in 
top spot; irectorate named Harold 
H. Anderson, Chicago, trustee of 
Northwestei-h U; Clark, George A. 
Fry, of Booth, Fry, Allen & Hamil- 
ton, Chicago; and Lewis C. George 
of ' E. Buckman & Co., Madison, 
Wis., investment banking house, as 
directors. 

Amadee J> Van Beiiren, chairiixan 
of board of directors, will keep his 



headquarters . Firank M, 

Snell, treasurer, will go to the. Coast 
immediately to act as chief financial 
officer. M. H, Hoff^^n, vice-presi- 
dent in charge ot prbauctfpn, also 
heads coastward at once to expedite 
completion of program. 

Condor Pictures schedule still re- 
mains at 20 features and 26 shorts. 

New group coming into the com- 
pany is not replacing the original 
underwriters, Buckman ife Co., it was 
.stated by company officials,, but to 
strengthen alignmeht, 

Condor officials claim that Hirli- 
man resigned because he has secured 
a four-picture pact with Richard Dix 
for RKO release in the coming sea- 
son. Understood that Hirliman . has 
been anxious to maike these Dix pic- 
tures for .somie time and with the 
new contract, desires to devote more 
time to their production. 

Hitlimah will prbducie as pre- 
viously arranged, with his cohimit- 
ments With Grand National for two 

(Continued on page 23 ) 



Washington, July 6. 

Creation of a new film unit In the 
Commerce Department was ordered 
last week, with Nathan D. Golden* 
veteran specialist in picture matters, , 
slated to head the staff. 

Plans for vigorous promotion ef- 
forts abroad came to view coincident 
with Secretary Roper's approval of 
a . recommendation from Director 
Alexander V. Dye of the Bureau of. 
Foreign and Domestic Commercie for 
establishment of a major division. 
Unit will plug American pictures, 
raw film, equipment, and various 
sidelines in overseas markets. . 

For the past four years, due to the 
original New Deal drive to prune 
departmental budgets, pictures have 
been given slight attention by the 
Commerce Department. The f or mer 
film branch of the Foreign and Do- 
mestic Commerce' bureau was sub^ 
merged in the Electrical Division 
during the 1933 economy furore, and 
market-watching was curtailed dras- 
tically. 

Economic importance of foreign 
pic sales, which have stirnulated 
alien demand for many articles 
made in this country, motivated Dye 
and Roper in opening the new di- 
vision. Officials pointed out that 
direct export trade in photographic 
arid projection goods, $21,000,000 
in 193G, is Only part of the economic 
value attributed to exhibition of 
Ainerican films. Researchers havei 
found, that e:(ports of household ar- 
ticles, automobiles, industrial ma- 
chihery, clothing, and many other 
items have bieen boosted, by Ui S. 
pictures which develop aliens' yea 
for pur luxuries and styles. Good-^ 
will aspect of the pic business also 
Was hpted by the Commerce execs. 

Golden has been close to the pic- 
ture business for 25 years. He is 
member of Society of Motion Picture 
Engineers, Airierican Projection So- 
ciety, and Projection Advisory Coun- 
cil. 



4 GN 's on B'way 



i-and National ill have four 
films playing first runs oh Broad-* 
way within the next few days. rnore 
than at any previous time in the 
company's history. 'Two Who Dare,' 
with Anna St.en and Henry Wilcox- 
on, opens at the Roxy next Friday 
(9), 'Killers of ,tiie Seia,' with LoWell , 
Thbrnas, prenriiering the same day 
at the Rialto: 

.'Damaged Goods' opens July 16 at 
the Eltinge and 'Spy , of Napoleon/ 
with Richard Barthelmess, is due 
next at the 55lh St. Playhouse. 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wedneeday, July 7, 1937 



Heat Holiday Slap Down LA. Trade; 
TaceslM and H .0. 1^^^^ 
larine Fair 14G, Kinlde Droop 



'CAP'NS' OK IN MONrt 



Getting: SG witli Little Opposish; 
'HonolUlu' Pobr $4,500 



£i6s Angelek, July 6. 
Terrific' heat wave that hit town 
midweek not only gave the picture 
theatres, a wallop, but through driv- 
ing thousands to the nearby beaches 
and mountain resorts precluded any 
possibility- of extra shekels being 
garnered over the three-day holiday. , 
Hollywood arid. Bevhills inobs hied 
away late Friday or early Saturday 
for Del-Mar, wherie Bihg Crosby's 
new race track got under way (3), 
and even the nabe subsequent runs 
were hard hit; 

Estiniate& for This Week 
Carthay Circle (Fox) (1,518; 55- 
a3-$l.iO-$1.65)— 'Wee Willie Winkle' 
(20th) (2d wk). Easing off notice- 
ably oh second stanza. Initial week, 
$11,000, which included $5,500 gar- 
nered at $5.50,preem» was okay. Four 
weeks- will be limit. 

Chinese (Graiiman) (2,028; -40- 
55-75) — 'Emperor's Candlesticks' 
(MG) and 'Had to Eat' (20th), dual. 
Pretty slim pickings at $10,500. Last 
week 'Slave Ship' . (20th) and .'Mar- 
ried Before Breakfast' (MG), oke 
$10,000. 

Crtlerion (Tally) (1,640; 30-40-55) 
—'Silent Barri. ' (GB). Failure to. 
■ e:^ploit this one, .with newspaper ads 
ciit .down to a minimum, reflected, 
by dismal returns at the box office, 
with slim $1,000 in sight. Pic is in 
for miniiTium of two weeks, but may 
be yaiiked earlier. Last week !Those 
Who Dared' (GN) and 'Man in Mir- 
ror' (GN) (2d wk), oke $1,800. 

DbwntoWn , (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 
65)— 'Singing Marine' (WB) and 
•Devil ls Driving' (Gol)j dual; De- 
spite, strong opening, trade sagged in 
common with rest of town; $7,500, 
fair, if hot very profitable, and. holds. 
Last week 'Anothei DaLWii' (WB ) and 
'Fly-Awaiy Baby' (WB), average $6,- 
700. 

Four Star (Fox) ( ; 55.83-$1.10- 
$1.65)— 'Lost Horizon' (Col) (17th- 
final week); Milkij^g process finished 
up (5) with slim $4,100 on final 
stanza/. Run was. stretched six to 
eight v»eeks, despite heavy dipping 
In the red. Sixteenth week- brought 
few dollars oveir $4,000, costing pro- 
ducer plenty. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 
65)— 'Singing Marine' <WB) and 
•Devil Is Driving' (Col), dual. Con- 
sidering the heat and cdunter-attrac- 
tiohs, will, have to. be satisfied with 
fair $6,800. Bill, holds. Last week 
•Another Dawn' (WB) and 'Fly- 
Away Baby' (WB), oke $7,500. 

Orpheum (Bdwy) (2,280; 25-30-35- 
40)— 'Hollywood Cowboy' (RKO) 
and 'Night of Mystery' (Pat), dual, 
and vaude. Not much on screen to 
attract patronage, so bulk of fair 
$7,500 take must be credited to Ma- 
jor Bowes' unit on stage. Last week, 
;second-run bill. 

Piantages (Pan) (2,700; 30-40-55)— 
*New Faces' (RKO) and 'Armored 
Car* (U), dual. Better than aver- 
iage' trade, at $10,000, which insures 
holdover. Last week. 'Meet Missus'. 
(RKO) and 'Behind Headlines' 
(RKO) not so hot at $6,800, even 
with fight pix exclusive in Holly- 
wood. 

Paramount (Partmar) (3,595; 30- 
40-55) — 'Mountain Music' (Par) and 
stage show (2d wk). After terrific 
$23,500 oh.first stanza, heat and holir 
day exodus .slowed down trade to ex- 
pected $14,000 for holdover, xvhich, 
however, plenty profitable. 

RKO- (2,950; 30-40-55) — 'New^ 
Faces' (RKO) and 'Armored Car' 
(U). dual. Hitting satisfa:ctory pace 
at $8,000 on initial week, with hold- 
over set. Last week 'Meet . Missus' 
(RKO) and 'Behind the Headlines' 
(RKO), with exclusive downtown 
showing oif fight nix. weak $5*000; 

State (Ldew-Fox) (2,024; 30-40-55- 
75)— 'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) 
arid 'Had to Eat' (20th), dual. Down- 
town trade off, due to heat and holir 
day, so best in sight is $10,500. mild. 
Last week 'Slave Ship' (20th) arid 
'Married Before Brieakfast' <MG), 
fair $12,800. 

United Artists (Fox-UA) (2,100; 
30-40-55 )^'SIave Shi ' (20th) and 
•Married Before Breakfast' (MG), 
dual. Movebver bringing weak $3,- 
500. Last week 'Day at Races' (MG ), 
and 'L-May Live' (20lh), oke oh 
mOVeover at !55,000. 

Wilshire (Fox) (2,296; 30-40-55-65) 
—'Slave Shio' <20th.) and. 'Married 
Before Breakfast' (MG). dual. Biz 
off more than 50% over previous 
week; $4,500, poor. Last week 'Day 
at Races' (MG) anr' 'I May Live' 
(20th), smart $8,700. 



Dettver B. 0.'s Poferit; 
'Ship' Dual Big $10,000 



Seattle, July 6. 
folks, plus unsettled 
though rainless weather, hielped .the^ 
b.o.'s here over the holiday week- 
end. 

Estltuates for. This Week 
liie IU(ouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(900; 32-37-42)— 'Day at ilaces' (MG). 
Single bill here after .t\Vo g;ood weeks 
at Paramount. . Indicates okay $3,200. 
Last week 'Parnell' (MG), ight 
days, $2,600, fair. 

Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen). 
(1,900; 21-32)— 'Old Soak' (MG) and 
'Chan at Olympics' (20th), dual. 
Headed for big $4,000. Last week 
'Maytime' (MG) and 'Romance' 
(20th), dual, $3,900, big. 
' Colonial (Sterling) (850; 11-16-21) 
— 'Mysterious Crossing' (U) and 
'Smoke Tree Range' (U), split with 
'Fury and Woman' (Ind) and 'Man 
i .the Mirror'- (GN), bringing ho.use 
to Monday change dati. Looks 
around . $2,700, goQd. Last week 
Louis-Braddock fite pic and .'That I 
May Live' (20th), dual, prices upped- 
to 27-37i but only , mild $3,500. 

Fifth Aveikue . (Hamrick-Ever^ 
green) (2,400; 32-37-42)— 'Captains 
CourageousV (MG) and 'My Gifl' 
(^O) (2d wk)v Anticipate good 
$6,500. Last week, sam^ films, $10,- 
000, grand. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1,900; 21-32-42)— 
'Thunder, in City' (Cbl) and 'Motor 
Madness' (Col), dual. Big campaign, 
and plenty of advance billing draw- 
ing big $6,500. Last week (8th) 'Stdr 
Is Born' (UA), nice $3,400. 

Miisic Box XHamrick- Evergreen) 
(900; 32-37-42)— 'Moutain Music' 
(Par). P<3lease. from Orpheum after 
two weel!3.run indicates good $3,500 
herie. Last week,' 'Met in Paris' 
(Par), in nine days of fifth week, 
$2,700, okay. 

Orpheum (Harririck » Evergreen) 
(2,700;. 32-37-42)— 'Slave Ship' (20th) 
and 'Married Before Breakfast' (MG), 
dual. Expect great $10,000. Last 
week 'Mountain Music' (Par) and 
'Can't Buy Luck' (RKO), dual (2d 
wk), nice $4,900. 

. Palomar (Sterling) (1,450; 16-27- 
37)— 'Draegermari Courage' (WB) 
and vaude. Indicate big $4,000. Last 
week, 'Melody for "Two' (WB) and 
vaude, mild $2,900. 

Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(3,106-32-37-42) — 'Another Dawn' 
(WB) and 'Meet Missus' (RKO),. 
dual. Fair $5,500. Last week, 'Day 
at Races' (MG) and 'Girl Loves Boy' 
(GN), dual (2d week), nice $4,500. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (850; 21-32)— 
'Mar-ked Woman' (FN) and 'When 
Love Is Young* (U), dual. Looks like 
big $3,000. Last week, 'Waikiki Wed- 
ding' (Par) and 'Mountain Justice' 
(FN), dual (2d week), okay $21100. 



Montreal, 

iBrace of holdovers,, one English 
and one French,' puts Palace in good 
spot with 'Captains Courageous' with, 
locally popular cast. Balance lucky 
to get by. Nabes, however, are do- 
ing well. - 

J^stiinates f6r This Week 

Palace (CT) (2,700; 50)— 'Captains 
Courageous' (MCr). Big week, despite 
heat; good $8,000 in sight. . LaSt week 
Tarheir (MG) disappointing at 
$6,500. 

Capitol (GT) (2,700; 50)— 'Slave 
Ship' (26th) and 'Big Business' 
(20th) (2dwk). Still holding up arid 
should gross fair $5,000, after $6,500 
last week. 

Loew's (M.T.e6;) (3,200; '40)— 
!Wirigs Over Honolulu' (U) and 
'Killer at Large' (Par). Attendarilce 
forecasts only $4,500, poor. Last 
week 'There Goes My Girl' (RKO) 
and 'Border Cafe' (Par), fair $5,000. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 50)^'Night 
Must Fall' (MG) and "That Man's 
Here Again? (WB), May get $6,000, 
good. Last week 'Girl Said No' (GN) 
and 'Ting Ah Ling' (GN), $5,500, 
good. 

Cinema de Paris rance-Film) 
(600; 50)— 'Cesar' (7th wk). Holding 
up to about $1,500. Last week about 
same. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 34) 
—'La Loupiote' and 'Le Jbli Monde.' 
Looking for $4,000, good. Last week. 
$3,800,' good on 'La . Guierre des 
Gosses' and 'Le CalVaire de Cimi ' 



NO BIZ IN LC; 
IDSIC FAIR 8G 



Keieping ^Em Healthy 

, July 6. 
■precaution of 
inocuiating 35 members of its troupe 
going into the Louisiana bayou coun- 
try against/contagious ills. 

Unit, which will film exteriors, for 
C. B. De Millr'f 'The. uccaheeri' i f 
eludes Ayillian" H. Pirie, production 
assistant to De Mille; Arthur Rossbn, 
location .^ directq.!", cameramen, ' and 
technic! 



Kansas City, jiily 5. 
Dbuble holiday week has slapped 
pic takings as limp as wet Wash. No 
nothi ' for nobody. 

Estimates for This Week 

Mainstreet .(RKO) (3,200; 25-40)— 
'Mountai Miisic', (Par) arid' March 
of Time- issue. Doing as well as any; 
$8i00D; fair. Last week, 'Slim' (WB) 
and fight pic, yanked a day early 
after $7,000; n. s. h; 
; Midland (Loew) (4,000; 25-40)— 
'Captains Courageous' (MG) (2d 
Wk). holdpver looks mild at $7,000. 
First week good $13,000. 

Newman (Par) (1,900; 25-40)— 
'Riding on Air' (RKO) and 'Behind 
Headlines' (RKO). Weak dual, 
weak $4,200. Last week, 'Woman 
Alone' (GB) and 'Poker Flat' 
(RKO), Ibw $4,500. 

Tower (Fox). (2,200;' 25-40)— 
'Honolulu* (U) and vaude. Opened 
good but didn't hold; $7,500, poor, 
Last week, "Slave Ship* (20th) and 
vaude, poor $6,800. 

Uptown (Fox) (2,020; 25-40)— 
'Lbve from Stranger' (UA). Getting 
a come-on selling and riiay go to 
okay $4,500. Last week, 'Angel's 
Holiday' (20th) and Disney. Academy 
Award Revue (UA) (2nd week), 
$3,000, fair. 



No flits, No Biz, Plenty Red in Mpk; 
PoweD-Rainer Light 7G,Dawii' N.G. 4G 



Minneapolis, July 6. 

Grosses are riose-diving to new 
lows currently. A three-day holiday 
period resulted in ah extra heavy 
exodus to liake resorts and over the 
week-end. the loop presented an al- 
most deserted .appearance, with 
showhouse takings negligible, of 
course. Moreover, there's nothing in 
the- line-up of attiractibris to induce 
any scramble in the direction of box. 
offices. If it doesn't ind up the, 
poorest week of the: year to date, 
riiany a guess will be missed. 

As far as. films are conderhed, best 
of the lot is 'Emperor's Candlesticks' 
at the Minnesota, but it can't accbm- 
piish much at the b. o. under all the 
handicaps; 'Forbidden Adventure,' 
freak picture heavily exploited, is 
doing a good job for the Time, while 
the bther sure-seater, the World, is 
holding 'As You Like It' over for a 
second . week; Night professional 
basebali starts next week, which is 
something more for the showhouses: 
to worry about. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aster (Piiblix-Singer) (900; 15-25) 
—'Call It Day' (WB) and Louis- 
Braddock pictures (2d runs), .split 
with 'Way Out West', (MG) (2d run), 
with split dual first-runs last three; 
days 'Wings of Morning' (20th) and 
'That. I May Live' (20th). Pretty 
good $1,400. in prospect. Last Week 
'Woman I Love'/ (RKO). (2a run), 
split with 'Sins of Children' (GN.I 
and 'Can't Buy Luck' (RKO), . dual 
first runs, light $900. 

Century (Publix-Singer) (1,600; 
25-35-40 )--'Sing and Be Happy' 
(20th). Can't expect much of this 
one in.the face of conditions. Will 



be lucky to top poor $3,000. Last 
week 'Good as Married' (,U), $3,200, 
poor. 

Minnesota (Publi iri^er) (4,200; 
25-35-55 )— 'Emperor's Candlesticks' 
(MG). Best picture in town and de 
serves better fate than it's experienc- 
ing. Powell-Rainer combo bringing 
in soriie tirade, but riot enough. Light 
$7,000 indicated. Last week 'Moun- 
tain Music' (Par), $8,500. ifair. 

Orpheum (Publix-Siriger) (2,890 
25-35r40)^' Another Dawh' (WB) 
Kay Francis no lohger . so iorte ,at 
box office here. Errol Flynn ujd arid 
comirig, but has a way to travel yet 
Picture itself, however, no out 
stander and poor $4,000 looms. Last 
week 'Go-Getter' (WB) and Louis 
Braddock pictures, $7,000 in eight 
days, disapnointing. 
. State (Publix-Sihger) (2,300;' 25 
40)r-^'Pick a Star' (MG) and 'Chan 
at Olympics' (20th), dual. Ch"mb.irig 
toward pretty good $3,000, thanks to 
'Chan.' Last week 'Hotel Haywire' 
(Par) and. 'Behind Headlines' (.RKO), 
dual, $2,.')00, fair. 

Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)- 'For- 
bidden Adventure' (Indie). Freak 
picture given heavy advertising and 
exploitation campaign, which is pro- 
ducing box office results. Headed 
for big $2,500; Last week 'Bat Whis- 
pers' (Indie), eight days, poor $700. 

Uptown (Publix) (1,200; 25-35)— 
'Star is Born' (20th). First nabe 
showing. Looks like good $3,200. 
La:st week 'Love Is News' (20th), 
$3,000, oke. 

World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) 
—'As You Like It' (20th) (2d wk). 
Well received and headed for pretty 
fair $1,200. Last week $1,500, good.. 



Pitt Badly Hit; Powel-Rainer Cold 
12G,'Slini,'ArmettaP.i,NicelM 



■ourth Dents Prov. Fix; 
'Cap'ns' Good $16,000 



i-ovi July 6!. 

reat weather for outdoor activity 
over the holiday chiseled in on box- 
office takings to the exterit of bri - 
ing some grpsses to lowest point so 
far this summer. Albee has put on 
the shutters till fall,- leaving only 
four houseis on the mairi stem, de- 
voted to first-run pictures. 

'Captains Courageous' at Xoev^'s 
will have a clear-cut lead over other, 
stands. -House figures on $16,000 
and a holdover. 

Legit season opened Monday at 
M'ew Empire with Pauline Frederick 
in *Her Majesty, the Widbw.v 

Estimates for Thiit Week 

Fay's (2,000r 25-35-50 )— 'Angel's 
loliday' (20th) and vaude with 
]Ia'rdeeri. AH things corisidered, 
sace not so bad;' looks good for 
:i6,500, fair. Last week, 'Fly Away 
Baby' (WB) arid Bowes Ams, $7,400 
oke. 

Loew's St»te (3,200; 25-35-50)-^ 
'Captains Courageous' (MG). Na- 
tives are going for it. Under better 
cbnditioris the take v.'ould have beeif 
greater, but $16,000 nothing to be 
laughed at; holdover sure. Last 
week, 'Day At Riaces' (MG), slipped 
a bit in second Week; $7,8()0, fair. 

MaJesUe (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Big Busi- 
ness' (20th). Here's another that 
would have had a better chaince if 
the weathier broke just right bver 
the holidays; looks like mild $7,000. 
Last week, 'Slim* (WB) and 'White 
Bondage' (WB), about the same. 

Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)^ 
'Devil Driving' (Col) and 'Rio 
G?ande' (Par). Advantage of one 
day start on other openings helping 
to bring this one around $7,000, fair. 
Last week, 'Mountain Music' (Par) 
and 'Venus Makes* "Trouble' (Col), 
fair $T,400. 



L'VlLtE HAS B.O. BLUES 
'DAWN' DREARY $3,200 

Louisville, July 6. 
Hot weather, the holiday and so-so 
product buffing grosses here. Three- 
day holiday found plenty of the local 
folks, out of town, and those who 
elected to stay at horie sought recre- 
ation out-of-doors. 

Estimates for 'This Week 

Brown (F o u r,t h Ave.-Loew's) 
(1,500; 15-25-40) — 'Captains Cou- 
rageous' (MG) and Disney Academy 
cartoori. Moved- over from Loew's 
and should pull strong $3,000. Last 
week, 'Day at Races' (MG) and 
'Racketeers in Exile' (Col), dual, 
fine $3,800. 

Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25)— 
'Wake Up' (20th) and 'Jeeves' (20th), 
dual. Fail- $2,200 indicated on seven-, 
day stanza. Last week, 'King and 
Chorus Girl' (WB) and 'Internes' 
(Par), dual, split with 'Mountain 
Justice' (U) and 'We Have Our Mo- 
ments' (WB), dual, average $2,300. 

Loew's State (3,(j00; 15-'?5-40)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
'Nbbody's Baby' (MG). dual. No 
raves from cricks on this pair; and 
vireather factor, plus light holiday 
biz, will hold gross down to fair 
$6,200. Last week, 'Captains Cou- 
rageous' (MG) and Disney Academy 
cartoon, good $12,000. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 
15-25r40)-r-'Aribther Dawn* (WB). 
Marquee names bke, but notices and 
word-of-mouth lukewarm. Weak 
$3,200. indicated. Last week; 'White 
Bondage' (WB) and Louis-Braddock 
'fight pic exclusive. Cblor-linie 
shairply drawrt here, which didn't^ 
help the sport film. Wourid up with 
fair $3,700. , . 

ici (Settos) (900; 15)— .'Public 
Enemy'S:Wife' (WB) and 'One Rainy 
Afternoon' (UA), dual, split with 
'State Fair' (20th) and 'Earthworm 
Tractors' (FN), dual. Good $1,500. 
Last week, 'Modern Times' (UA) and 
'Sing, Baby' (20th), dual. ..split with 
'Old Man Rhythrii' (RKO) and 
'Fauntleroy' (.UA), dual, fine $1,600. 

Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3.000; 15- 
25,-40) — 'Slave Ship' (20th) and 
March of Time. Response just so-so 
and take pointing to $6,000, good 
enough. Last week, . 'Mountain 
Music' (Par) iind .'Make Way for To- 
morrow' (Par), dual, ori holdover, 
tepid $3,500. 

Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1.500;- 15- 
25-40)— ^Sing- and Be Happy' (20th) 
and 'She Had to Eat'" (20th), dual. 
Mild hot weather product and 
nothing exciting looked for. Should 
cop fairish $3,41)0. Last week. 'Rid- 
ing on Air' (RKO) and 'Can't Buy 
Luck' ), dual, satisfactory 

$3,600. 



Pittsburgh, July 6. 
Fourth boffed the film trade, but 
nobody was particularly sui-prised 
Those three-day weekend holidays 
are poison .anyhow and burg was 
practically emptied by a motor cara- 
vain that began Friday (2) and didn't 
let lip mtil yesterday (Monday), 
, Stanley's giving 'eni the best bar- 
gain of the period, -Slim' on . screen 
and Henry Armetta heading stage 
and knodkirig off the lion'is share of 
trade. Nice 19% G. Penn's 'Em- 
peror's Candlesticks' a big disap. 
pointment, while Alvin is skidding 
to riew recent low with 'She Had to 
Eat' and Techhicolor Coronation 
reel. Yanking combo after five 
days. 

Downtowa getting another tem- 
porary first-riinrier Friday (9), when 
Art Cinema, foreign film site closed 
for last month, reopens with 'Dam- 
aged Lives' for tun. 

Estimates for This Week ' 

Alvln (Harris) (2,000; 25^35-40)— 
'She Had to Eat' (20tK) and Corona- 
tioh in Technicolot' (20th). Got the 
usual healthy Friday biz ori strength 
of Bank Night and then died prompt^ 
ly. Bill goes out tonight (6) after 
five days to miserable $2,100, with 
'Man In Mirror' (GB) and 'Michael 
:0'Hallprah' (Rep) opening tomorrow 
(7) for three days. Last week, Loiiis- 
Braddock fight pic proved a dud 
and, with 'Angel's Holiday' (20th), 
tbok it on the chin at $4^300 in nine 
days. 

Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40) 
^'Good Ais Married' (U). House 
started something new this week, a 
Lucky. Herald stunt with a^ $500 give- 
away. Customers merely, required 
to register and presence not neces- 
sary at time of drawing: Distributed 
around 100,000 of the announcements 
arid helping weak flicker iriimeas- 
ufably. Looks like around $4,500 and 
that's plenty okay. Last week, 
'Wings Over Honolulu' (U), inary 
$3,300. " ' 
Peiin (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 
50)— 'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG). 
Woeful weakie for Powell and Rai- 
ner and biz nothing up to what was 
expected of this co-starring combo. 
Crix didn't help it any with unflat- 
tering notices and film will be Ivicky 
to wind UD with $12,000, poor. Last 
week, 'Another Dawn' (WB), $10,000, 
very poor. 

Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)— 
'Slim' (WB) and Heniry Armetta on 
stage. Good allraround bill getting 
what biz there is left after the holi- 
day exodus and may reach very 
good $19,500. That's not particularly 
healthy but considering week's gen- 
eral iridifference creditable enough. 
Last week, Ozzie Nelson's band and 
'Night Must FaU' (MG). flriished ex-, 
ceptionally strong and wound up 
with $20,000, sWell. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)— 
'Hotel Haywire' (Par) and 'J^ight of 
Mystery' (Par). Back to duals again 
after two consecutive weeks of smash 
h.p.'s from Penri and doing just about 
average for twin bills here. Maybe. 
$3,800. , Last week, 'Captains Cou- 
rageous' (MG), smashed through 
with corking $8,200 after its sock 
week at Penn and could have stuck 
around indefinitely, but booking jams 
prevented that. 



Balto Wilt Be Contrary, 
Holiday Helping B.O.'s; 
'Paris' Robust $14,500 



Baltimore, July 6. 
. Cool breezes which kept many i 
town for holiday weekend, plii 
upped priceis, sent local grosses up 
a bit and bolstered takings for a 
fairish lineup of product. Stanley 
is leading the town, in opening "I 
Met Him in Paris' (Par) one day 
earlier than usual and holding up 
to a robust $14,500. 

'New Faces' (RKO), coupled with 
Benny Meroff's band at Hipp, click- 
ing along to fair $12,000, with ' le- 
pharit Boy' (GB), held an extra two 
days at Keith's, indicating fair $5,100 
for the nirie days. 

Estimates for This Week 
Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000: 15- 
25-30-35-40-55) — 'Captains Coura- 
geous (MG) (2nd wk). Holding uP 
in fair fashion; $5,900. ;First week 
swell $14,200; . 
Hippodrome (Rappiaport) (2,300} 



15-25-35.-40t55-66) — 'New Faces 
(RKO) plus Benny Meroff and orch. 
Going along to fair $12,000. Last 
week, 'Riding ori Air and yaiide, 
n.g. $9,400, 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,500: 
25-30-35-40-55)— 'Elephant Boy' ( 
Playing an additional two days to 
chalk up. $5,100. fair, 'Make Way 
for Torrirrow' (Par) ill open .siiP" 
per show Thurs, (6); 

New (Mechanic) (i;400; 15r25-30- 
40-55)— 'Sing and Be Happy' t20th> 
plus Coronation in color. neNcil- 
ing $3,700, Last week, second of 
'Slave Ship' (20th), small profit at 
$4 100 

Stanley (WB) , (3,400: 15-25-35-40- 
55 )— 'MeJ in Paris', (Par ). Opened 
one day earlier and clicking in great 
style to $14..500. Last week, six days 
of 'Slim' (WB) nlus Braddbck-Loujs 
fight, pi , so-so $7,200. 



\rednesday, July 7, 1937 



PICTURE CROSSES 



VARIETY 



OK PK.HoSday SiteD Big Chi Biz; 
Berle-Peimer, Vaude Smash $25,000, 
'DawiiBnght$3l000Jaces;23G 



Chicago, July 6. 
^Business is a Cinch currently, 
building on the solid . foundation of 
Sir^e cream holiday days. Houses 
aided the build-up by coming 
thwugh with top product to bring 
' in. 

Weekend . was a perfect summer 
session and the roskds were jammed. 
Ill a baseball-mad town, the Ciibs 
ijiayed double-headers with the Pi-, 
rates oh Sunday iand the Cardinals 
yesterday (Monday). There was a 
gahg out' on Lake Michigan ior the 
yacht races. But, despite the outgo- 
ing, picturegoers, there were enough 
ihcomeirs from surrounding Wiscoh- 
sin< Iowa, Indiana and Illinois towns 
to inore than, make up the difference. 

Palace "going into top figures with 
«Ne^w Faces- and a bangrup vaude 
bill. '' Chicago has 'Another pawn'; 
laugh-seekers ate jamming into the 
United Artists lor 'Day at the 
Bat^Sj' but the crboner-fahs aren't 
Hocking in for 'The . Singing Ma- 
rine/ 

Braddock-Louis flght pictures went 
intQ the Oriental for a.holdovei;, with 
•Parneir moving from the UA into 
the Apollo for a third loop week 
after do! a fortnight's real busi- 
ness. 

Estimates for This Week 
Apollo (B&K) (l,200r 35-55-65- 
75)— Parneir (MG). Third week in 
loop, and doing okay here at iiidi- 
fca^ed $7,000. Last week, 'Kid Gala- 
had' (WB), turned in neat $6,700 for 
third, loop session. 

Chicago (BitK). (4.000; 55-55-75)— 
♦Another Dawn' (WB). Kay -Fran- 
cis a siire-fire draw lor this house 
and should shoot th6 take to swell 
$33,000. Last week, 'Mountain Mu- 
5ic' (par) (2d week), plus Braddock- 
Louiis fight pictures, got profitable 
^25,600. 

Garrlck (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
.^'Midnight Madonna* (Par) plus an 
advertised. program of shorts. Brutal 
$3,000 indicated here this week. Last 
week 'My Affair' (20th) fine $6,700 
in third' loop gallop. 

Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 35-45-65) — 
•Married Before Breakfast' (MG) 
and. vaude. Should get fine $19,000. 
Last, week, vaude and 'Train from 
Madrid' (Par) in fot iiihei days, poor 
$14,200. 

Palace (Rk<5) (2,500; 55-55-65-75) 
—'New Faces' (RKO) and vaude. 
This one way above the line with 
sock $25,000. Last week, 'Honolulu' 
(U) and vaude, good $18,800. 

Koosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65^ 
75)— 'Singing Marine' (WB) (2d 
week). Slipping to weak $9,000 in 
secohd week. Last, week, good 
$19,700. 

State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 
45;)— 'Husband's Secretary' (WB) 
and vaude. Should go a strong 
$16,000. Last week, 'Frightened Men' 
(Col), average $13,600. 

United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 
35-55-65-75)— 'Day at Races' (MG). 
It's only a question of how - many 
the Marx Bros. . can pack into this 
house— which should be about $23,- 
000. • Last week, 'Parnell,' second 
week, held to okay $13,800. 

*jVrarih€' Tuniefui $12,000 
Despite Cincy's Exodus 

Cincinnati, July 6. 
Holiday-padded weekend was a 
dud along cinema lane, . Fourth 

out^of- 



. at Races' (MG). Moved over 
from Keith's for fourth downtown 
week, okay, $2,800. Last week 'Kid 
Galahad' (WB) (2a run), $2,800, fair. 

Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 25-40)— 
■Slim' (WB). Good, $5,000. . Last 
week 'Day at Races'. (MG) (3d 
wk!), $4,500, big. - 

Lyric CRKO) (1,400; 35.42)— 
'Mountain Music* (Par) (2d run). 
Good, $5,000; Last week 'Kiiig of 
Gamblers' (Par), $4,000, fair. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG). 
Fair, $11,000. Last week 'Mountain 
Music' (Par), $14,000, fine, 



Mountain Music' (Par), Burns- 
Raye do well in this house; $3,500 
Ukely. Last week 'My Affair' (20th) 
made the ever-fading record of'Bob 
Taylor at the b.o. in these parts con- 
tinuous. Starter good but slumped 
to $3,000, so-so. 

Varsity (Westlartd) (1,100; 10-15- 
25)— 'Roarinig Timber' (Col) plus 
■Talk of the DeviV (GR). House has 
clipped, to 15c anytime starting this 
week, which is a lOc drop. Pace is 
a little faster, biit the money about 
even, fair $1,000. Last week, 'Sweet- 
heart of the Navy' (GN) plus 'Speed 
to Spare' (Col), $1,000, fan-. 




Visit- 
ors who swarmed in, most. Of 'em j 
headed for the- tracks, the baseball 
orchard, and the amusement parks, 
-which extraed • elaborate fireworks 
displays. 

Surprise pull was. at Grosley 
leld Sunday (4) when 30,000 fans 
turned out to see Dizzy Dean on the 
:mound fot the Cards against t^e 
.Reds.; The day before the same 
team played to only 2,750 :cash ,cus- 
tomers. . 

Raini Sunday night hijrt amuse- 
ment biz in general. 
. In the pic parlors currently 'Sihg- 
,ing Marine' is tops, fetching $12,000 
at, -the Albee. At the Palace 
i!.mperor's Candlesticks' is pegged 
^or.Jl.1,000. 'Slim' has a $5,000 tag 
at Keith's. Other three ace houses 
are showing repeats to so-so returns. , 
Estimates for This Week 

(RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 
Marine' (WB). All right.. 
*12.Q00. Last week 'Captains 
Courageous' (MG), $15,000, great. 
,.Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 35-42)— 
Uptauis Courageous' (MG) (3d 
ice. $5,000. Last week 
Pam (MG) (2d run), $3,500. 
mil a. 

Family (RKO) (1.000; 15-25)— 'I 
"omise to Pay' (Col) and . 'That I 
May Live' (20th) split. Par. $2,100. 
i-ast week. 'Bank- Alarm' (GN) and. 
.Happenod Out West* (20th). split 
v^.OOO, ' 

G«:an (RKO) (1,200; .(— 



ZSQ^awiiFair 



Detroit. 

iz generally good this week, with 
the Fox a walloping standout. 
Combo: of 'Slave Ship' and Herman 
Bing topping the vaude will get 
$25,000. 

United Artists continues Jexcel- 
lehtly, with 'Day iat Races' h.o. 
sopping up a snappy $11,000 on the 
heels of the crashing $16,000 take 
oh the. initialer. Louis-Braddock 
fight film held over at the Palm- 
State; while enjoying above normal 
biz the first week, reel was. no panic 
in the new champ's home-town. 
Estimates for This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 26-40)— 
'Forbidden Adventure' (Ind), plus 
'Great Hospital Mystery' (20th). A 
fine $9,000, hypoed by swell ballyhoo 
campaign. Last week 'Parole Racket' 
(Col), plus 'Venus Makes Trouble' 
(Col), weak $4,500. 
, Downtown (Krim) (2,800; 25-40)— 
'Pitfalls of Youth' (Ind) and On stage 
'How to Choose a Wife,' Adults 
only to pier and flesh show using 
femme models for lecture stuff. 
Town - disinterested and . take won't 
exceed fair $3;500. Last week 
'Slaves in Bondage' (Ind), mild 
$3,000. 

. Madison (United Detroit) (2,000; 
30-40-65)— 'Mountain Music* (Par). 
Moved here from Michigan; $5,000 
Will be sttong. Last week 'Parnell' 
^(MG), $4,000, sound. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
30-40-65)— 'Another Dawn' (WB) 
and vaude headed by Mary Small 
arid Herman. Timberg; f air . . $22,000. 
Last week 'Mountain Music' (Par) 
and vaude, $18,000, limp. 

Fox (Indie) (5,000; 30-40-65)— 
'Slave Ship' (20th) and Herman 
Bing topping flesh show.' Tremen 
dous $25,000. Last week 'Devil Is 
Driving' (Col) with Henry Armetta 
on. stage, good $18,000. 

Palm-State (United Detroit) (3^000; 
25-40)—' Men in Exile' (WB), plus 
'Riding on Air' (RKO) and the h.o. 
Louls-Braddock reel; good $7,000, the 
fight film helping some. Last week 
'Trader Horn' (MG) ,plus '13th Man' 
(Mpno) and the fight film, grabbed 
swell $8;500. 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(2,000; 30-40-65)— 'Day at Races' 
(MG) (2d wk). Getting dandy 
$11,000 after opening stanza snatched 
magiiifitent $16,000. 

'MUSIC TOPS LINCOLN 

SS,500 Only Fair, but Best Anions 
• Dull B.O;'s 



Lincoln, July 6, 
'Mountain Music' is headed for the 
best ■ gross this, week' oh . theatre 
row. but still only fair. Biz has 
dropped off heavily this summer. 
Milt Overman, Westland Theatres' 
city manager, cut tO 150 anytime at 
,the Varsity. Used to be two-bits. 
' Estimates for This Week 
Liberty (LTC) (1.200' 10rl5)— 
'CalifOr '■ traight Ahead' (U) plus 
'Ruggles Red Gap' (Par), spUt 
with 'Below the. Deadline' (Ghes) 
plus 'Missing Girls' (Ches); GOoc 
goirt" ,$1,000. Last week 'Wildcatter' 
(U) plus 'Riff Raff' (MG), split .with 
'Roundup Times' (Rep), plus 'Mur- 
der on the Bridle Path' (RKO) 
fair, $900. 

Lincoln (LTC) (1.600; 1.0-20-25)- 
'Kid Galahad' (WB). Catching on 
nicely, $2,400 rn prospect. Not ter 
rific biit not bad for the hot season 
Last week Turn Off Moon' (Par) 
turned away the patrons before they 
got to the b.o.; light $1,900. 

Orpheum (LTC) (1,350; 10-15-20) 
—'Gappy Ricks' (Rep.) plus 'One 
Way Passage' (WB), split with 'Fire 
Over England' (UA),. plus 'Meet the 
Missua', (RKO). Slim $1.400.. Last 
Week. 'Oiir Moments' (U) plus the 
T.r.)ui.s- raddbclc fight,, okay $2,000. 
Stmirt (LTC) (1,900; 10-25-40) 







laces' Pale 80 



Weekend Scram-Out and NSG Pix 
Mean NSC B'way Biz; 'New Faces' 
75C, larine 25C, King Sol' 30G 



Washington, JUly 6. 
Holiday weekend sent; Ibcalitbsr 
into -the , sticks, but ybkeis poured: 
in by , the thousands. First Boy 
Scout , Jamboree is -giving plenty 
coihpetition, but the 25,000 kids and 
friends are slipping intot the pic 
pal'acies in between time s6 total 
effect will be about even! 

Both yaude. spots doing nicely, but 
it's ClapitOl's turn to lead«' thc -to\*)Q. 
with 'Emperor's Candlesticks.' Earle 
is kicking up plenty of interest with, 
ice . skating revue, although .sniart 
crowd caught same idea at local 
hotel earlier in season. 

;Release of Paramount News Chi-? 
cago strike shots made all page ones 
and Rialto .and, Trahs-Lux, Only two 
spots to put 'eih on, are doing well. 
Estimaties lor This Week 
Capitol (Loew) (3,424; 25-35-60)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
vaude. William Powell and. Luise 
Raineir, plus Major . Bowes ams on 
stage; . looking toward nice $23,500 
Last week; . 'Madrid' (Par) and 
vaude, $13,500, vety poor. 

Cdlumbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— 
'Manhattan Melodrania' (MG) (re 
vival). Should get good $5,000 to 
put revival experiment across. Last 
week, 'Parneir . (MG) {2d tun), oke 
$4,600. 

Earle (WB) (2;244; 25-35-40-60-70) 
— 'Mouri tain Music' (Par ) and vaude, 
St.. Moritz Ice- Carnival novelty 
helping toward nice $19,000. Last 
week, 'Another Dawn' (WB) and 
vaude, fair $15,500. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-35-50) 
'New Faces' (RKO). Opened well 
Wednesday (30), but dived when 
other houses debuted Friday. Will 
wind up with just fair $8,000. Last 
week, 'Riding on Air' (RKO), light 
$6,500. 

Met (WB) (1,835; 25-40) — 'Devil 
Driving' (Col). Fair $4,000. Last 
week, 'Met in Paris' (Par) (2d run), 
swell $7,000. 

Palace (Loew) (2,363; 25-35-60)— 
'Captains Courageous' (MG) (3d 
week). Looks like good $9,000. Last 
week, second, big $13,000, 

Riaito (Indie) (1,100; 25-30-40-55) 
—'Mississippi' (Par) and 'Looking 
for Trouble' (UA) (revivals). Aided 
by insertion of Par strike reel, 
should rise to nice $3,500. Last, week, 
'Theodora Goes Wild' (Col) and 'The 
Virginian' (Par), (revivals), good 
$3,300. 



Attr generally 
strong, but the play ntown the- 
atres the three-day 
Fourth of July week-ehd proved .dis- 
appointihg. Gireat exOdus of people 
from the city was seemingly not 
made up. out-of-towners, as. :has 
occurred other holidays; Man- 
a.ger$ estirnated that about 65%. of 
the business over the three days was- 
from thos^ who came to New Yoirk 
for the Fourth. 

New pictures Of the week, which 
may hot: have been seen by the out- 
bilrtowhiers i their own bailiviricks, 
include 'New Faces/ 'The Singing 
Marine,' 'King: Solomon's Mines,' 
■Kihg of Gamblers,' 'League , of 
Frightened Men' and, on a double 
bill at the. Palace, Meet the Miissus.' 
None Of these pictures are setting 
anything on fire. 'New Faces,' Mil- 
toin Berle's .first picture, doesn't look 
more than about $75,000 for- the 
Music Hall;- just fair for a holiday 
week here. 

'Singing Marine' may ' take the 
Strand to $25,000, good, but not big, 
aiid will remain a second week. The 
Roxy looks about $30,000, okay for 
■thi , house,, with 'Kihg SolOrnon's 
Mines' and a stage Show. 'King of 
Gamblers' is a shade; better .than 
most pictures have been recently at 
the Criterion, but on the week won't 
be over $12,000, okay. Rialto's 
'League of frightened Men' points 
to around $8,()00i all fight. 

. Aided by the July 4 . week-end, the 
Paramount is. best artiong the hold- 
overs, with 'Moutain Music' and the 
Clyde Lucas band, plus Ethel .Mer- 
iiian. britiging $30,000 on the second 
week, ending last night (Tues.). 
'Easy Going' on the screen and Mar- 
tha Raye in person open today 
(Wed.).. Miss Raye is booked for a 
fortnight; . Third, (final) week for 'A 
Day at the Races' at the Capitol will 
be no more than about .$20,000, but 
fair enough. 'Emperor's .Candle- 
sticks' opens tomorrow (Thurs.). 
Rivoli's third week with 'Slave Ship' 
suggests less than $15,000 but pic- 
ture is going a fourth week, due to 
lack of product. House is not set on 
what its next picture will be. 

'Captains Courageous' went out. of 
the . Astor ' Monday night (4), its 
final eight days being $9,900. Picture 
is. pointed: for the Capitol and may 
open there after 'Emperor's Candle- 
sticks.' Universal's 'Road Back' at 
the $2 Globe picked up somiewhat 
last week, its second, getting $12,100 
after a first week's take of- $10,500. 
U has the Globe for a month. House 
goes to Par July 28 for roadshowing 
of 'Souls at Sea,' while the Astor 



60-85-99-$ i ;65 )— 'Ne w . FaCes* (RKO ) 
and stage .show. This house got the 
most of the out-of-town business 
over the Fourth but only about $75;- 
000 indicated on the' week, disap- 
pointing though fair. Last WeeK only 
$65,060 for 'Ever Si Eve' (WB), 
poor. ' 
. Eialio (750 ; 25-40-55)— 'League of 
Frightened Men' (Col). AtT^SiOOO 
okay. Last week, 'A Fight to the 
Finish' (Col), pllus the Loiiis-Brad- 
dock fight films, got $7,500, disap- 
pointing. 

Rivoli (2,092; 25-55-75-85.-99)— 
'Slave Ship' (20th) (3d vyeek). Sluf- 
fing off and probably not more than 
$15,000, if that, y^t staVs a fourth 
week. House is having . difficulty 
finding a picture, to follow. . Second 
we<;k for 'Ship' was around $20,000. 

Roxy (5,836; 25-45-55-75)— 'King 
Solomon's Mineis," (GB) and stage 
show. Biusiness up a little bit this 
week, around $30,000, fair enough. 
Last weeik house just , got, out at 
$24,300 with 'Riding on Air' (RKO). 
. Strand (2,767; 25-55-75)— 'Singing, 
Marine' (WB). This one is doing 
pretty good at a possible $25,000 the 
first -week. It goes a . second. . Last 
week. 'Slim' (WB) got around 
$17,000. - 

State (3,45 ; 35-55-75)— 'Woman 
Chases Man' (UA) (2d run) and 
Duke Ellington's rchestra. House 
gets back to normal this week at 
indicated $25,000. Last week 'Par- 
nell' (MG) (2d run) and vaude 
headed by Emile Boreo, $20,000, dis- 
appointing. ^ 

X>aps'Hot33G 
In Deserted Hub; 



'Cap'ns' Big $9,500 

In Healthy Denver 




opens a week ahead (21) with 'High, 
Wide . and Handsome' on a two-a-day 
run. 

st'imates for This Week 

Astor (1,012; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2.20)— 
'Captains Courageous' (MG). Closed 
here Monday night (4) after a run 
of seven weeks that was profitable; 
fioal eightdays. $9,900. 'High, Wide 
and Handsome' (Par) set to open 
July 21 at $2 top, 

Capitol (4,620; 25-35-55-85-$1.25) 
•Day at the Races' (MG) (3d-final 
week). Closing. (3d) week for the 
Marx Bros, corrtedy looks about 
$20,000, okay. Second week close to 
$35,000, good. Tomorrow (Thurs.) 
the house ushers in 'Emperor's. Can- 
dlesticks' (iVlG), to be f ollowed cither 
by 'Captains Courageous* (MG) or 
•Good Earth* (MG). 

Central (1,000; 25-35-40-55-65-75- 
85-99)— 'Damaged Goods' (WeldOn) 
(4th week). A good little money- 
Miaker, this one; with this (4th) week 
su.ijgesting $9,000 and may 'go a 
fifth week. Last week (3d) was 
$10:000/ fine... 'Juggernaut' (GN) 
ppen.s Saturdaiy (10) if no holdover. 
Criterion (1,662; 125^40-55 )-r-'Kihg 
(jr.. Gamblers' (Par).. May show- a 
little pronti ar.ouiid $12,000, Last 
week, second; for 'Train from Madrid' 
( under $7,000, poor. 

.Globe (i,274; 55-$Ll6-$1.65-$2.20)-- 
'Road Back' (U) (3d \ve.el^).. Busi- 
ness' perked niCely last , week (2d), 
I taking picture to:$12,100 and beating 
the, initial seven day-V take of $10,500. 

Palace -(1,700; 25-35-55 )--'K id Gala- 
had' (WB) (2'd run) and 'Meet the 
Missus' (RKO) (1st run),- dualed. 
„ s vocAA oc . Business away off again this week, 

Denver (Fox) (2,500; 25-.')5-50)— only $(>,500. Last week, 'Gall It a 
'Another Dawn' (WB) and^ staue jDay* (WB) (2d.run), and 'You Can't 
band. Combo. drawjng good $12,000. 1 Beat Love*' (RKO) (1st run), plus 
Last, week. 'Slave Ship' (20lh), nice .the Louis- raddock fight pictures 
$11,500 and went to Aladdm. J which meant nothing, $6,500, • ' 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-3^r46) [; Paianiount (3,664; 25-35-55t85-99) 
-'Captains Courageous^ <MG) and -^'Mountain. Music* (Par) and Clyde 



Denver, July 6. 
First runs are okay, despite the 
three-day hoi id ay . 

'Captains Courageous' gave the 
OrpheUm" the biggest matinee yesr 
terday (Monday), in the history of 
the house;. 'Another Da^yn' is strong 
at. the Denver. '' 

Estimates for. This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) ( 1,506; 25-4())— 
'Slave Ship'-.' (20th), foUowinie a.week 
at the Denver. Okay $4,000. Last j 
week, 'Kid Galahad' (WB), got okay 
$3,500, following. week at the 
Denver. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)-^ 
'Criminals of Air' (Col) and 'Frame- 
Up' (Col). So-so $2,500; La.st week, 
'Hell Divers' (MG) an 'Girls Can 
Play' good $3,800. 

benham (Cockrill) (1.500; 25.35- 
40)— 'Mountain Music' (Par). .Very 
good $8,500. Last week, 'Madrid' 
(Par), $5,700. ; - 



*You 'Can't Buy Luck' (RKQ). Sock 
at $9,500 pace. Last week, "Meet 
Missus' . (RKO) and 'ISth. Chair' 
(MG),- aided by the Louis-BraddoCk 
fight films, got good $8,000. 
Paramount (Fox) (2,000; 25-40)— 



Lucas orchestra, plUs Ethel Merman 
in. person (2d week). Holiday busi- 
ness helfjed to gct $3(),000 on second 
(final) week for this: show- endinj? 
last night (Tues.), First seven days 
wa.s $40,000. good... 'Easy Living' 



'Go-Getter' (WB) and 'Strangers On (Par), and the Emery Deutsch band. 
Honeymoon* (GB); Fair $3,000. La.st ' .Loaiothcr Wilh Martha Raye, opens 
week, 'Anj;el!s Holi(i?.y' (201h) and | loriiiy (Wed.). 

'Big Business' (20th), good $4,000.. 1 Radio City Music (5,980; 40- 



Boston, July 6; 
Two winners stand but this week: 
'Captains Courageous' .and the Walt 
Diisney Academy special day-and- 
dating at the Orph and State, and 
'New Faces' on a dual bill the 
Memorial. > 

Otherwise .town is- lethargic. Tre- 
mendous exodus frOni this area to 
the Cape and northern New England 
over-balanced the inttux of holiday 
tourists'. 

Estimates for This Week 
Boston (RKO) (3,000; 25-40-55)— 
'Nobody's Baby' (MG) and 'Thief 
Meets Thief (UA), dual. Very soft, 
pointing toward meagre $6,000. Last 
week, 'Too Many Wive^' (RKO) and 
'Border Cafe' (RKO), dual, with fight" 
pix, fair $7,300. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,400; 25-3.5-40- 
5a)r-'Madrid' (Par) and 'Hotel Hay- 
wire' (Par), double. Headed for low 
$4,000. Last week, 'Great Gambini*. 
(Par) and 'Draegeiman Courage* 
(WB), $3,800, poor. 

Keith Memorial ( ) (2,900; 25- 
40-55)— 'New Faces' ( ) and '13th 
Chair' (MG), dual. 'Faces' got 
slapped by the crix here, but fans 
like it to tune of fair $17,000, Last 
week, 'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Meet 
Missus' (RKO), dual (2d week), 
pleasing $12,600. 

Metropolitan (M&P) (4,300; 35-55- 
75)— 'Sing and Be Happy' (20th) and 
vaude. Very pale, but with holiday 
help will hit around $15,000. still 
poor. Last week, 'Another Dawn' 
(WB) and stage show, with Herman 
Bing, only. $17,500, so-so. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 
50)— Gaptains Cpui-ageous' (MG) (2d 
run),., ith. special Academy Award 
Disney short. Opening of pop price 
run for 'Captains' is Sailing into high 
numerals, $18,000 on; the way. Last 
week, holdover" of 'Day at Races' 
(MG) and 'Racketeers in Exile" 
(Gol), surprisingly good at $14,400.. 

Paramount (M&P). (1,800; 2.5-35- 
55 )— 'Madrid' (Par) and 'Hotel Hay- 
wire' (Par); dual: Poop $6,500. at 
best. Last week, 'Great - Gambini? 
(Par) and -Drasgorman Courage' 
(WB), double, $6,000, red. 

Scollay - (M&P) (2,700; 25-35-40-55) 
—'Kid Galahad' (WB) (3d run) and 
'Woman Chases Man' (UA) (2d run), 
dual. . Looks fair. $6,500. Star. Is 
Born' (20th) (2d run) and 'Midnicjht 
Court* (WB) (1st run), okaiy $7,200.- 
Shubert (GN) (.1,596: 55-iB5-$l.l0- 
$1.65)-r^'Girl Sai , No' (GN) (2d 
week). Roadshow sagging. First 
stanza slipped, .$7,000; One more 
frame. 

State (Loew) (3,300;. 25-35-40-50)-^ 
'Captains Courageous' (MG) .(2d 
run), with Disney, Academy; Award 
cartoon, feature (UA). Rombing. 
home with dandy ijlo.OOO in Siijht. 
Last weeic, for 'Day at Races' (MG> 
and 'Rackeleer.s in Wx'ile' (Col), 
double, satisluclory $10,000. 



4i 



10 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Holiday Weather Sours PliiDy B.O;s; 
lanne 16^20, 'Faces' Only Fair IIG 



Philadelphia, July 6. 

Perfect holiday weather spelled 
bad medicine for most of the down- 
town film houses; with most of 
Philly's amusement-seeking popula- 
tion out of the city. 

Fox looks to be about the biest cif 
the lot ■«^ith 'The Singing Marine' 
as its feature. The special bally- 
hooed opening oh Thursday plus an 
unexpectedly strong set of notices 
showing good effect.; Boyd has 
plenty of good marquee names , in 
'Emperor's Candlesticks,', but the 
crix were lukewarm- and trade 
hasn't been goodv 

Stanley : surprised the street by 
bringing, in its new feature yester- 
,day (Monday ),' and wasn't any too 
overjoyed with crix reception. Pic 
is 'New Faces' and one .week will 
be all, 'The Hoad Ba<ik' followihig 
next Monday .(12). Earle also has a 
headache. Current bill is N.T.G. 
Revue on stage and. 'Married: Before 
Breakfast' on, screen. 

Estimates for This Week 

Arcadia (600; 25-40-50 )— Turn Off 
Moon' (Par) (2d run). Tepid $2,000. 
seen. , Last week 'Miracles' (UA) 
(1st rim), $900 for three daiys. 'Pick 
a Star' (MG) (2d run), $1,100 In 
four days. Both low. 

Boyd (2,400; 4.0-55^65 )^'Emperor's 
Candlesticks' (MG). Notices n.s.g., 
but iniarquee ndmes helping; fair 
$12,000. Last week 'Another Dawn' 
(WB), rapped plenty and just beat 
$10,000, s6-so. 

Earle (2,000; 25-40-55)— 'Married 
Bief ore Breakfast' (MG ) a'nd - vaude, . 
-N.T.G. 'Revue. Biz poor. House 
again closed Sundays;: $10,000 seen. 
Last week^ 'You Can't Beat Love' 
(RKO) and. vaudey Benny Davis 
.Revue.. Figured pix hielped, but 
couldn't quite hit fair $13,000 .in 
six-day V session. 

Erlaneer (2,000; - 25-40-55)— 'Dam- 
aged Lives' (Weldon) (3d wk). Pace 
way off. Flooding town with half- 
price 'passes.' Mebbe $8;000. Sec- 
ond, week's $10,500 was quite a tum- 
ble from start. 

Fox (3.000; 40-55-65) — 'Singing 
Marine' (WB). Ballyhooed opening 
and swell notices. Ought to get good 
$16,500 and hold-over is almost sure. 
Last week. 'Day at Races' (MCS) (3d 
wk), $11,000, nice. 

Karlton (1,000; 25.35-40)-r-'Sing 
arid Be Happy* (20th). Looks like 
sad $2,200. Last week, 'Meet tHe 
Missus' (RKO) plus fight pic, $3,300, 
goodi . ./ . 

Keith's (2.000: 30-40-50)— !Atiotner 
Dawn' (WB) (2nd rim); OpeniEtd 
Saturday (3). Fair $2,800 indicated. 
Last week, 'Woman ChasSs Man' 
(UA) (2rtd run), neat $3,700 in eight 
davs. 

Stanley < (3.700: 40-55-65)— ^New 
Tsces' (RKO). Opened yesterday 
(Monday ) and looks dubious. . One 
week is all; liicky ii it eets $11,000, 
fair. Last week, 'Slave Ship' (20th), 
robust $18,000 in U days. 

Stanton (1,700): .10-40-50)— 'Great 
Gambini' (Par). Indicates fair $6,000 
at best. Last week. TBebind the 
Headlines' (RKO and flight films, 

ice $7,200. 



B'KLYN HAPPY 



Weather Gave Pic Houses Break; 
'Races' Good $16,500 , 



rboklyri, July 6.' 
Weiather Saturday and yesterday 
(Mpndbiy) proved keen di int- 
ment to outdoor showmen .during In- 
det)endenc^ Day weekend. Result 
was that downtown deluxers mopped 
up with :some . 'first-rate pics Oh' all 
screens. 

Par is offering 'Met Hini in Paris' 
and 'Make Way for .Tomorrow' for 
second week and doing cyclqnic bi , 
while Meti ith Marx Bros., in 'Day 
at the Races' as. solo attraction is 
holdi well. 

imates tor This Week 

; 25-35-55) — 'There 
C3oes My Girl' (RKO) arid '.Meejt the 
Missus' (RKO), plus new Ma,rch of 
Timie, Holiday mi helped 
bbdst gross to tuni? 6f satisfactory 
$15,000, ,w:eek, Roads' 

(20 th) arid 'Behi Headli ' 
(RKO), $15,000, okajr. 

Fox (4;000; 25-35-55)— 'Slim' (WB) 
and 'Night of Mystery' (Par). Ari- 
ticipate okay $17,000. Last, week, 
*Madrid^ (Par) and 'Backstage' (GB), 
$15,000, nice. 

Met (2,400; 25-35-55)— 'Day at the 
Races', (MG). Solo and doing very' 
well. Good $16,500 expected. Last 
week 'Woman Chases Man' (UA) 
and ; *13th Chair' (MG), pleasant 
$14,000. 

Paramoant (4,000; 25-35-55 )— 'Met 
in Paris' .(Par) and 'Tomorrow* 
(Par) (2d week). Holiday midnite 
show, plus Chi strike .;pics, giving 
house hefty $17,000.. Last week, same 
twinners snared peacherino $23,000. 

Strand (2,000; 25-35-55)— 'Fury and 
Woman' (Ind) and 'Dangerous Holi- 
day' (Rep). Satisfactory $6,000 ex- 
pected. Last week, 'Happened Out 
West' (20th) and 'Cappy Ricks' 
(Rep), $5,500, sOtso. 



tourists Hypo Buff . Bir, 
'Candlesticks 'G(H)d 12G 



— ^'Captains Courageous' (MGM) 
(2nd wk). Dropped off, but fair 
enough at $7,000. Last week,' big 
$15,000, 

Hipp (Shea) (2,400: 25-40)— 'Sing 
aind Be Happy' .(20th) and 'Once a 
Doctor' (WB). Fair $5,000. Last 
week, 'Make Way for Tomorrow* 
(Par) and 'Turn Off Moon' (Par)^ 
good.$5,40Q. 

Lafayette (Ind.) (3,400i 25-35)— 
'Wings Over Honolulu* (U) and .'Oh, 
Doctor' (U). Nice $6,000. Last week, 
■Parole Racket' (Col) and 'In Army 
Now' (GB), fisir, $5,200. 



Upped Scales in Port.; 
'Races' Wow {10^00 



Portland, Ote., July 6. . 

'Day at the Races* is the big mop- 
up this weiek for Parker*s Broadway. 
Himi^ry for comedy, the burg went 
for it in a big way. .'Another DaWn' 
at the Orpheiim is doing fair biz. 

All of the major houses raised 
their scales, 15c., tops now set at 
55c. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-55). 
--^'Day at Races' (MG) and -'Mighty 
Treve' (U). 'Well exploited and de^ 
livering. terrific $10,000. Will hold. 
Last week, 'Parnell' (MG) aind 
'Miracles' (GB)^ second week, nice 
$4,700. Firs* week ran up big $7,900; 

Mayfair (iParker-Evergreeri) (1,- 
400; .30-55)— 'Star Is Born' (UA) 
(6th week). Doing average $2^000. 
Fifth week was cOupled with Louis- 
Braddock fight pix, boosting the. b. 
o. ante to gobd $3,300. 

Orpheiim (Hamrick-rEvergreen ) 
(2.000; 30-55 ) — 'Another Dawn* 
(WB) and 'The Great Gambini' 
(Par). Well received arid going for 
fair $5,000. Last week, 'Riding oh 
Air' (RKO) and 'Slim' (WB), aver- 
age $5,500. . 

. Paramoant. . (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(3,000; 30-55)— 'Mountain Music' 
(Par) and 'You Can't Buy Luck' 
(RKO). Registering good $8,000. 
Last week, ''Madrid* (Par), and -Go- 
Getter' (WB), weak $4,500. 

United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 30- 
55)— 'Captains Courageous' (MG) 
(3d week). Still going nicely, $4,- 
200. Second week strong . $5,30*0. 
First week mopped tip for great 
$7,500, 



•Faces' Red 4G in Indols.: 
Marx Bros. Okay $9,000 

Indianapolis, July 6." 

'Day at the Races,' at Loew's, and 
Gab "Calloway on the stage at the 
vaudflim Lyric with 'Wings Over 
Honolulu,' are winners of the week 
here, in spite of the exodus of many 
natives to outdoor spots Over the 
three-day holiday. 

'New Faces' at th6 Circle is below 
par, and the holdover session of 
'Slave Ship' at the Apollo is not 
bright. 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 25-40) 
—'Slave Ship' (20th) (2d Week). 
Forced because of lack of strong 
product; meagre $2,500. Same pic- 
ture in. its first week did $5,500, good. 

Circle (Monarch) (2,800; 25-40)— 
•New Faces' (RKO) dualled with 
♦Behind the Headliries* (I^KO). 
Former giyen big campaign but is 
not pulling: $4,000, pobr. Last Week, 
^Mountain Music' (Par ), second week, 
$4,400; good. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,600; 25-40)— 
'Day at the Races' (MG) dualled 
with 'Devil Is Driving' (Col). Marx 
Bros, picture has had lots of pub- 
licity, having been announced at 
several previous dates and then 
.pulled each time. Some of the ciit- 
ics were severe, but: ptiU indicate? 
$9,000, svirell. /Last week, 'Captains 
CoUriageous' (MG), second' week, $4,- 
800, Okay. 

Lyric (Olson) (2.000: 25r30-40)— 
^Wings' Over Honolulu* (U) and Cab 
Galloway band on stage. Latter 
given build-Up4 heaaed for $11,000, 
very good. Last week, 'Anothe.' 
Dawn' (WB) and vaude, $9,000, good. 



Buffalo, 

With the town jam-packed with 
holiday tourists,, local b. o.'s are 
standing up well against the hedviest 
competish this year. 

ingling Circus showed to; full 
tents twic^ daily Suriday arid Mon- 
day; baseball offered night games; 
beaches underlined speci aittrac- 
tions and the weather was perfect 
for outdoor amusements. Still, the. 
pix are giving, a fairly good account 
of themselves, due largely to the 
heavy influx of tourists. 

Estimates for This Week 

Baffalo (Shea) (3,600; 30-40-55)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG). 
Drawing good $12,000. Last week, 
'Another Dawn' (WB), fair $10,500. 

Century (Shea) (3,400; 25-35)— 
'Manhattan Melodrama' (MG) and 
'You Can't Buy Luck' (RKO ). Good 
enough $7,000. Last week, 'Riding on 
Air' (RKO) and 'Border Cafe' 
(RKO) $6,500, fair. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 30-50) 



'Danger' Comes Home 

Hollywood, July 6. 
i rector Otto Ludwig Preminger 
brought in :20th-Fox's 'Danger- 
Love at Work' last Saturday. (3) 
after , 33 days of shooting and three 
temporary tieups. 

Firist upset occurred When Ann 
Sothern was substituted for- Simone 
Simon. Next: John Carradine fell ill 
and for the topper Mary Boland suf- 
fered a broken rib. 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 



Fifth questionnaire issued by Sidney L. Bernstein, of Bernstein The- 
atres,'^td., London, showed Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Charles Laughton' 
Robert Taylor, Ronald Colman and William Powell voted the most popul 
lar niale stars in the order named and Norman Shearer, Myrna Loy, Greta 
GarbOj Ginger Rogers, Claudette Colbert and Shirley Temple, most pop 
f^mme stars as named. Laughton was the prily English player listed in 
the fiist SIX male players and none landed in the feminine group. Ques- 
tionnjjire commented on fact thai Taylor hit fourth place the first time he 
appeared on the list. Miss Sherver was first for the third consecutive time 

Of the featured players, Arthur Treacher, Eric Blore, Una Merkel and 
Patsy Kelly were tops. Voters among men still prefer the thriller-adven- 
ture picture as compared with 1934, while the feminine preference has 
shifted in that time from rriusical coriiedy to society drama. Both sexes 
showed they liked cartoons best among shorts. Odd feature Was that most 
of those in the tabulation did not object to advertising films. 

Frank Capra Was voted the riiost popular dipector, with Alexiarider Kprda 
second. 'Mutiny on the. Bounty,' 'Lives of a Bengal Lancer' iand 'Mr. Deeds 
Goes to Town* were rated the outstanding pictures in opder listed. Bal- 
loters suggested, first, that cast lists bej given at end as well as start of 
films, and second, that more newsreels be shown. Bernstein sent out 
325,000 questionnaires, with more than half returned. 

Possibility of court action, as reported contemplated on the Coast, by 
Screen Play Wrights agairist the Authors' League Of America, is discounted 
ariiohg League members in NeW. York. Legal move, understood to be 
plotted by the Screen Playwrights, would be aimed to combat A. of A.' 
p.ressure on League members among the Screen Playwrights. 

Pointed out by ALA merinbers that the League has no idea, of trying to 
control, its .members' votes when and if thei National Labor Relalioris 
Board holds an election to determine the bargaining agency for fil 
writers. All the League will seek to do will be to force writers belongi 
to both the ALA arid the SP to chpbse betWeen the two izations' " 
the matter of niembership. . 

If merilbers reniai in the SP, they will be.asketi to resign from the ALA. 
Such action. League members claim, is perfectly legal and legitimate and 
cpiild not be combated in court. 



How studios are subject to whims of outsiders was! shown last week 
when.Trem Carr leased a sailing vesspl. for $175 a day, along with the ship's 
captain arid ownctr, to film scenes for 'Windjariimer.' Carr also planned to 
employ 10 sailors and to feed the outfit with the customary box lunches. 
Maritime unions informed him he would have to hire a union coOki union 
waiters and dishwashers, .also full conriplemerit of 21 seamen at $10 a day 
each, besides ah Outside captain and other officers who would have to be 
paid at the rate they earn at sea. Owner-skipper was out as a player. 
Carr, Who had planned to shoot at sea aroUnd 10 days, slashed his schedule 
to two days, thus beating the rap, but he is wondering where small indi 
will get off trying to shoot sea stuff in the face of such tactics. 



Harry Lachman, having finished 'Once a Hero,* and 'It Happened in Hol- 
lywood,' starring Richard Dix, for Columbia, wants his release. When he 
switched from 20th Centiiry-Fox to Columbia, understanding was that he 
was to get . own choice of stories and general big-time cooperation, and 
right off the reel he found himself behind the eight ball when he did the 
directing on Grace Moore's 'When You're In Love' and found the front 
office too. willing to give Robert Riskin all the bows for both story 
direction. 



FAB SPEABS THBEE 

Hollywood, July 6. 

Paramount closed deals for three 
stories over the week-end. 

Yarns bought were 'Crime in a 
Skyscraper,' by Norman Springer; 
'They Knew What Happened,* by 
Vera Caspary, and *A Straw Hat in 
the Summertime,' by George Brad- 
shaw. 



FABBEIL TO BEO 

Hollywood, July 6. 

Radio has borrowed Glenda; Far- 
rell from Warners for a featured 
role in 'A Loye Like That.' 

Cast toppers in the film will be 
Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert 
MarshalL 



Taces' Shiny $31,000 in DuD Frisco; 
ladrid' 146, 'Go-Getter' IIG, N. G. 



'Nother Life Beginner 

Hollywood, July 6. 

Nat Pendleton goes to 20th -Fox for 
*Life Begins ait College' on loariput 
from Metro. 

He recently returned from Eng- 
land, where he appeared in a Gau- 
mont-British picture. 



San, Francisco, July 6. 
slugjgish on Market Street 
this week^ the Golden Gate having 

the only picture which ing 
near being a winner; 

Estimates for This Week 

Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55)— 'Sing- 
ing Marine' (WB). and 'King of Gam-^ 
biers' (Par) (2nd wk.). Dick Powell 
has thirigs pretty well in hand at the 
Fox, Where 'Marine' built , last week 
after : a poor statt,; Looks like fair 
$10,000 turreritly. Last week, 
$16,000, bettei: than expected. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850, 35-55) 
—'New Faces' (RKO) and ude^ 
This is the first sock, attraction the 
Gate has had in some time; $20,000 
will be great. Last week, 'Holly- 
wood Cowboy' (RKO), Louis-Brad-' 
dock fight pic and vaude, disappoint- 
ing $16,000. . 

.■ Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; '35-55 )— 
'Roariiiig Timber' (Col) arid 'Love in 
a Bungalow' (U). Slim $5.50O/ari- 
ticipatedi Last week, 'Armored Car' 
(U) iand 'Girls Can Play' (Col), poor 
$5,000, 



Paramount (F-WC) (2J40; 35-55) 
^'Madrid' (Par) and 'Fly Away 
Baby' (WB). Taking won't be riiuch 
oyer $14,000, so-so. Last "week, 
'Mountain Music' (Pat) and 'Outcast' 
(2nd wk.), slipped to fairish $9,000. 

St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55) 
—'Day at Races' (MG) and 'Hospital 
Mystery' (20th) (4th wk.). After 
three colossal weeks at the Warfield, 
moved across the street to thie St. 
FranciS; Faring Well enough' on the 
switch to this smaller house, : with 
biz pointing to gpod $5,000. Last 
week 'Another DaWn' (WB) arid 
'Holy Terror' (20th) (2nd wk.), 
good $5,000. V 

United' Artists (UA) (1,200; 35-55)— 
'Star Is Born' (UA) (lOth Wk.). En- 
gag^ment forced to the point where 
'Star' is played Out. Will fi.riish con- 
siderably below $5,000. Last week, 
ninth, $5,000, fair. 

Warfield (F-WG) (2,680; 35-55)— 
'Go-Getter' (WB) and 'Thirteerith 
Chair' (MG). Far from pleasing at 
$11,000. Last week (3rd), 'Day at 
the Races' (MG) and 'Great 'Hos- 
pital Mystery (20th), winning $9,000. 



With a view to getting its money back quickly, United Artists is rushing 
'Star. Is Born' through the contracts written on it as fast as prints can 
take care of bookings. There are a total of 324 prints, costly when i 
color; at work throughout the country and Canada. According to sales 
information in UA, 'Star' will go through its circulation quicker than any 
picture in the history of this and probably any other' company. 



High mortality jn Hollywood has never been, more grUesbmely indicated 
than in Metro's announcement that it will remake *He W'hp Gets Slapped.' 
Of the personalities in the original production not so many years back, 
only Norma Shearer alone, survives... Participating when the company 
first made the pic were Irving Thalberg, John Gilbert, Marc McDermott, 
Eddie donnolly and Paul 



Players, producers and directors are unitedly soUnding off at Republi 
in protest over the lack of' a studio publicity department. Republic's sole 
outlet for blurbs and puffs is in the form Of press books prepared in New 
York and tlje plaint is unanimous that failure to loosen up with a studio 
praisery is hurting all around; also,, whiat's the use of putting out good 
films at rock-bottom negative prices if they can't get a build-up. 



Warner Bros, testing Philip Truex for the juvenile lead in 'Tovarich,' ' 
part his younger brother, James, is playing in the original Broadway 
corinpany at the Plymouth, N. Y. Philip accompanied his father, rnest 
Truex, when the latter went to the Coast to appear in 'Marco . Polo' for 
Sam Goldwyn. 



With Warners' 'Life of Emile Zola' due soon, and figuring there may 
be. stage and film interest in 'L'Affaire Dreyfuss,' Joseph Schildkraut will 
attempt to obtain American stage rights' to the Hans. Rehfeich play while 
abroad. Schildkraut sailed for that purpose on two months' leave from 
20th-Fox, to which he's under contract. 



Hairry Puck's dance-staging assignment at Paramount for the new 'Big 
Broadcast,' under Harlism Thqnipson's production supervision, is a reuriion 
of a former Broadway production association. . Both were associated in 
'Merry-Merry' and other Variderbilt, N. Y., stage musicals, \vnen Thomp- 
son and Harry Archer wrote 'em and Puck was the jUve lead. 

Bobby B:'een's 'Make a Wish' has been boosted $50,0p6 in cost, making 
it probably the most expensive flicker Sol Lesser has made. Gertrude Berg, 
who screenplayed from is waiting added scehes.. Picture 

slated to wiiid up this week. 



Around 700 Orientals will be used in. mob scenlsis for Samuel .Gold\\-yn'«. 
'The Adventures of Marco Polbi' Extras will go on two- weeks' iQcati 
with Tom Gubbins, L. A. Chinatown coritact with picture studi han- 
dling the mob. 



N. Y. Test on Banko 
Anent Ticket Purchase 



Utica, N. Y;;. July . 
Must a Bank Night patron who 
waits in a theatre lobby to hear her 
name called, have a ticket to go in 
and claim the award? 

A local justice of the peace will 
be askied today (7) to give a yes or 
no to this question. Both the 
claimant, Mrs. Margaret McCoy and 
the Orpheum theatre operators, the 
Kallett Theatres, Inc., who operated 
the Orpheum here, have retained 



cbiinsel to present their si 
■caS0 at today's trial. 
- Mrs, McCoy alleges she was pr 
ent and heard .her name called on 
the ight of June 6, that she went 
from the lobby into the audnoiiu 
but was stopped iri. the aisle eri route 
to the stag^, and prevented from' 
claiming the award within the tiiree 
minutes prescribed! for a person, 
answer. 

The theatre management contends 
that she failed to cbmpiy with rej^u- 
lations 'tljereby rendering her.seff in- 
eligible to participate,' also that 
^Bank Nite was without considera- 
tion of any kind whatever to the 
plaintiff.' 



'VABliffiTT'SC LONDON OFFICE, 
8 St. MOTtln'B Flacg, Trufulirttr Siiuur« 



mTERHATlONAL FILM NEWS 



CnMn AddroHs: TARIETV. I.OKDON 
Tttleitlione Xfmple Dar S041-ff04S 



11 



FRENCH QUOTA STAYS AS IS 



0. S. PK NOW IN 




SO. AFRICA 



Capetown, 
Current pix lineup here is: 
Alhambra (ACT), 'Give Me Yaiir 
Hearf (WB); Plaza (Union) 'May- 
tinie' (MG); New Grant (ACT), 
♦China Clipper' (WB); Royal 
(iUfnion), 'Woman Alone' (UA); 
Apollo (ACT), 'Keep Ybur Seats' 
(Assoc. Brit); iElstree (AGTO), 
•Circus Clown' (WB). 



, Johannesburg, iine 8. 

d(>liseum (ACT), 'Gold Diggers 
b£ 1937* (WB); Palladium (ACT), 
•Dreaming Lips' (UA); Bijou (ACT), 
•The Cireat Ziegfeld' (MG) (revival); 
Metro (MGM); , 'Maytime' (MG); 
Standard (ACT), 'Charlie Chan in 
Egypf (20th). 

Durban, 

i>layhouse' (ACT), 'Creaming Lips' 
(UA); Criterion (ACrr), 'The Ex- 
Mis. radford' (RKO); 'Kings 
(Union), 'Petticoat Fever' (MG); 
Alhambra (ACT), 'Triple Trouble' 
(RICO); Avenue (ACT), 'Mr. Deeds 
Goes to Town' (Col); Cameo (Indie), 
The I»lot Thickens' (RKO). 



But Nights Are Gool 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Despite protestations by L,A. 
Chamber of Commerce, story Is 
out that plea. Gray and the 
Casa Loma crew stripped :d6wh 
to their ' shorts while waxing 
for De^cca in recordings studio 
last , Friday (2). 

Mercury climbed to 105. 



Color Coronation Fib 
Still Awaiting Aussie 
Distrib; Rent Too Higli 



Sydney, June 14. 

Colored pic of Coronation has 
been here week how with- 

out release. was offered to 

Greater Union-Hoyts-Cieneral Thea- 
tres, but bookers vfete riot prepared 
to pay the stiflE price asked. 

All theatres are playing the bliack-. 
white cbvetage ;and feeling is around 
that Coronation; as b.o. puller hasr 
slipped into background. Colored 
cbyerage may puU additional trade, 
but a deal will have to be made soon 
to mean anythi 




French Film Circles Dissatis- 
fied'-^Had Hoped Foi elgn- 
ers, Americans Particu- 
larly, Would Be Given 
Toug^her Deal Protect 
Home Industry 



>3S.'39 THREAT 



Sydney, June 14. 

Week's solid rain helped mat biz, 
with nights not so good. Folks 
stayed home nights by warm fires 
and radios. 

'After Thin Man* (MC5) gotayay to 
a good start and should have no diffi- 
culty in clicking up a score. 'Thi-ee 
Smart Girls' (U) also came in and 
looks the goods for high trade. Both 
l>ix received heavy exploitation prior 
to premiere. 

•When YouVe In Loye' (Col) has 
had a fine run of four weeks, but 
will bow out to make way for 'Wom- 
an I Love' (RKO). 'Five'Over Eng- 
land' (U A) also takes a bow put this 
week in favor of 'Lost Horizon' 
(Col). 'On the Avenue' (Fox) slips 
into third week and looks like , going 
to four, while "The Show Goes On' 
(ATP) stops on sixth stanza to make 
way for 'Rainbow oh iRiver' (RKO). 

Par's 'Swing High, Swing Low' is 
not so hot, but good for a moderate 
run if a build results after exploi- 
tation plug. Rest include 'Men Are 
Not , Gods' (UA), 'Mountain Justice' 
(WB), and 'Top of the Town' (U). 

Monte Carlo Russian Ballet is 
playing a repeat date for W-T, and 
vaude-revue biz capacity for 
Frank NeiU 



CHINESE BURN OVER 
JAP-GERMAN HLM 



Tokyo, June 16, 
japs are pretty much het up over 
recent disturbance in China, occa- 
sioned by a demand made upon 
Shanghai municipal authorities by 
'Anti-Japanese National Salvation 
Body,' that the Japanese-German 
produced pic, 'The. New Earthi' be 
banned. Complal ing org threatened 
to " attack the Towa, Jap-owned 
cinema, where pic .Was being run, 
it demands were riot satisfied. 

Reason for the outburst was be- 
cause the film allegedly contains 
propaganda regarding Manchukuo 
considered distasteful to the Chinese. 



Melbourne, June 14. 

Great b.o. biz lineup with 'My Mau i 
Godfrey' (U), 'Rose Marie' (MG), 
'Charge of Light Brigade' (WB), 
.Texas Rangers' (Par) 'Show Goes 
On* (ATP), 'Girl From Paris' (RKO). 
and «As You Like It' (GB). 

Legit has revival; of 'Chocolate 
Soldier' for W-T, and vaude-^revue 
for Neil Is holding well. 



MG's Anzac Expansion 



ney, June 14. 

Metro moves into the Liberty here 
by an arrangement with Imperial 
Theatres, owners of . the hoiise. Ex- 
pansion move is to allow an outlet 
for the ace attractions banking up 
in the company's vaults owing to 
the success at the St. Jariies of 
other Metro acers. 

Move will probably take place at 
the end of this month, with. 'Good 
Earth' as the opener, thereby giving 
Metro two big city spots for major, 
attractions. 



.Pari , 

A. great deal of dissatisfaction in 
eertaint French film circles and a cer- 
tain extent of the Opposite in Ameri- 
can film circles carhe to the fore here 
this Week with the publication of the 
1937-38 foreign film quota. 

American satisfaction, accom- 
panied by. 'breather' for at least an- 
other year, was a result of the terms 
of the quota which rests on the same 
basis of last year and the year be-" 
fore. While not iaccorded more 
favorable terms than they now haVe, 
they at least can count on anothilr 
12 months passi without compli- 
cations. 

In a decree published in. the Jour- 
nal Offciel of June 24, the number 
of foreign .films which can be shown 
in France is maintained at 94 each 
(Continued on page 23) 



Magyar Studio Space at Premium; 




Jeffrey Bernard Wedding 
To Edna Bunty Next Wk. 

London, July 6. 
Jeffrey Bernerd, general distribu- 
tion head of Gaumont-British, and 
Edna Bunty, former Ziegfeld 'Fol- 
lies' girl, will marry here next 
week. 

Miss Bunty arrives Saturday (10) 
from New York for the nuptials. 



NEW ITALIAN 
DUBBINGTAX 
.S. 




NAZI PIX SLUMP 
A BREAK FOR 
U.S.HLMS 



New Zealand, June 14. 

Pix playing Auckland, Wellington, 
Christchurch and Dunedin include 
CamiUe' (MG), 'Seventh Heaven' 
(Fox). 'Beloved Enemy* ,(UA), 'Pen- 
nies From Heaven' (Col), 'Woman 
Rebels': (RKO), 'Michaer Strogoff' 
;^K0), 'Three Smart Girls' (U), 
^Charge of Light Brigade' (WB), 
Green Pastures' (WB), 'Tarzan Es- 
capes: (MG), 'When You're. in Love' 
tCol), and 'Rose Marie (MG). 

Marcus show is still the tops for 
Fullers-Snider-Dean. 



HUISMAN'S EXPANSION 

Rerie Hui.smari, New York indie 
distributor, is setting up ofl:ices. in 
London, Paris and Warsaw, sailing 
for Europe early in August to handle 
it. 

igures on acquiring tJ. S. rights 
to forei pix, probably for dub- 
bing. Also hopes to distribute, indie 
American lilms on the continent. 



American film product is getting a 
better break in Germany today than 
it . has in many, months. , Apparently 
this is not because of any desire on 
the part of Nazi government to give 
pictures from this country a break. 
Rather, it is simply that German- 
made product has bogged down 
baldly, according to word received 
by picture representatives in N. Y, 
This has brought more playdates and 
additional coin for U. S. distributors. 

Despite this slight irnprovement, 
ail major companies .continue to en- 
counter the old difficulties in getting 
money out of Germany. Twentieth 
Century-Fox, Metro and Paramount, 
who are securing, the bulk of this 
biz, are confronted with this, 
though Par is reported getting a 
break by a circuitous method made 
possiblie thi'bugh a favorable news- 
reel contract. 

In time, the film companies hope 
to have thi virtual embargo on 
money rembved through di{31bmatic 
efforts of the U. S. State Department. 



Rome, Jun0 25.: 
New Italian regulations regarding 
the dubbing tax went into; effect 
June 21. Thus the last bit of hope 
which: representatives of American 
producers^ here cherished that the 
high increase in the dubbing tax 
would be modified was buried once 
and for all. 

Even after the decision of the 
Italian authorities to up the dubbing 
tax became known,; American rep- 
resentatives still tried to persuade 
the Italians not to make such drastic 
inroads upon the agreements latter 
had concluded With Will Hays re- 
garding imports of U. S. films. Hays' 
representative' in Europe, Harold 
Smith, came down . here f rom_Paris 
to. see what could be. done. Now 
that unfavorable new regitlations 
have become operiative despite all 
persuasion that could be brought to 
bear. Smith has gone back to Paris. 

The new Italian film decriee has 
following provisions: 

1. Dubbing tax increased from 
$1,500 per film as at present to a 
sum varying between $2,500 arid 
$5,500 per film, the amount, being 
made dependent upon the h.q. re- 
ceipts of all the cinerhas in Italy 
where films are shown. 

2. Hitherto Italian producer was 
alloweii to dub three foreign films 
free of tax for every Italian film, he 
produced. Now that number is in- 
creased to four, arid the value per 
dubbing permit is fixed at $125 — 
making a total of $10,000 subsidy per 
Italian film produced,. Instead of 
$4;50O, as heretofore. 

3. The cash. prizes offered to Italian 
producers by the Italian government 
hiave been lipped . frorh $100,000 to , 
$200,000 a year— thus providing a 
further subsidy in addition to the 
above-rhentioned $10,000 per film ob- 
tained from, the sale of the dubbing 
permits, 

4. All Jtalian cinemas are required 
to show one Italian film for every 
two foreign fil .s showri, instead of 
one to every three as. heretofore. 



Budapest. Jiirie 27.: 

After much walling about the odds 
against Hungarian-language produc- 
ti ,, it appears that there's money in 
the business after all. That's the 
only way to explain the fact that 
both studios at , Hunnia and the one 
at Filmiroda are occupied through- 
out the summer. Demanc| for added 
studio, space again, revives tVie pElf 
discarded plan of putting the Star 
studio, dark lor the past 1.2 yeavs, 
into working order again. 

Star studio plant, well-equipped 
for silertts, can,: however, hardly be 
made available for sound film pro- 
duction, since it is located close- to 
street-car lines and exposed to much 
traffic noise, 

'Sports Love/ directed by Zoltau 
Farkas, and a patriotic picture, 'Ouv 
Life aiid Our Blood,' dii*ected . by 
Alajos. Bihari, have jUst been; com- - 
pleted Hunnia. 'Revenue Is 
Sweet,' ith Janos Vaszary directing 
and Mizzi Erdelyi, Imre Raday and . 
Antal- Pager iii the cast, is how be-^ 
ing shotV~ Two more are scheduled 
for piroduction in the course of thi 
month: screen version of the. suc- 
cessful comedy 'Eighty-.Mile Speed' 
and ah original, 'Spriiigtime Hotel.' 
Next on the prdgrnm Is a pictUr 
basied , on Eugene Heitai's mystery 
novel, 'Number 11 L* 

Bi-,lingiial versions, in German an 
Hungariian, of 'Three to One, Love 
Leading'""is- to be Shot at Hunni in 
July. Rbsie Barsony and Oscar 
JDenes, who were in the stage show 
both in Vienna knd in Budapest, will 
act in both versions. 

Rosie Barsony is playing the lead 
in a film version of 'Vicky' at the 
Filmiroda studio.. Next on schedula 
is 'Storm on the Plain,' an Alexander 
Hunyady picture. AU these ara 
adapted from recent successes in 
local legit. 

Program of hew producing com- 
pany, Budapest Film Co., has been 
set for the first six months; This is 
working oh . a larger scale than any 
local company so far, buying mate- 
rial and making contracts for six 
pictures at a time,, instead of. the 
usual one or. two, .beyond v/hich 
local indepehdent companies have 
neyer gone. 

Sari Fedak is starred iri two 
Budapest Films* pictures.. "One scen- 
ario is. by Jolan Foldes, author oC 
the All Nations' Prize hovel, 'Street 
of the Fishing. Cat; Marika, Roekk 
will be starred in aho'ther picliirs. 
One scenario is an brigirial by a 
young author, Paul Barabas, and the 
sixth is a screen version of a pre- 
war musical Qomedy hit, 'AulUmn 
Manoeuvres.' 



G. U. T -Hoyts Deal, 

A Tomh J I 



Japs Renew Experiment 
Of Mixed Films Policy 

■; Jiine 19. 

Jap producers aire making a de- 
termined effort establish Jap 
product In spots retofore riveted 
to foreign flickers. Latest attempt is 
imperial theatre, operated by 
Snochiku. House has always steered 
clear of home make flickeirs, but this 
y^eek teamed Shinko's 'Aienkyo' 
^^•''he Girl from the Country'), with 
•iOth-Fox'S 'Reunion; 

Thus far, none of. the downtown 
ace spots have been able to make it 
a go with mixed programs. ToHo^s 
oeiuxer,: Nippon Gekijo, tried it 
about a month ago. 




Plus 20th Angle, 
Puzzle In Austie 



Sydney, June 15. 
jigsaw puzzle, throw all 
the pieces on the: ground, arid then 
attempt to put the thing together 
agai ith closed eyes.. It's about as 
e^isy as figtiring out the tangle surr 
rounding Stuart ^F; DOyle, Norman- 
B. Rydge, Charles Munro, Ken 
Asprey,.. reater Union and Hoyts, 
not to mention 20th -Fox, Sid. Kentj 
Walter Hutchi and /Stanley 

Criclc. 

Doyle's out of G-U-T. But . Doyle 
■is still boss of Uriioh Thieatres' Iri- 
ve.stinents. owners of State Building 
housing Stale theatre, Sydney, which, 
by the way, is leased to Greater 
Union a pretty high figure and 
used by unit as a show- window, 
boylc also says , he's hot through 

'ith the pic, biz by a long shot. 



Right now,. Doyle's got so many 
schemes planned that he's rather 
puizzled to know where to start first. 
Said he's going to London next Sep- 
tember for a looksee his the- 
atre .and product! ropositlons, 
also stating he's ihg to form a 
Stuart F. Doyle Management Trust, 
object of which will be, to manage 
anything--theatres, hotels, produc- 
tions, etc.,. bri a percentage ba.sis. 
Said, too, that he'd even consider 
running Greater pnion again under, 
the Trust i not as managing di- 
rector^ but managing dictator. 
Bluntly stated . that- it wouldn't sur- 
prise-him were the board to sec the 
eprpr of its ways betbrc long arid 
seek another ut of the pi^csent 
me.ss, 

G. Board huddled at week- 



end to appoint an exec in place of 
DOyle, who quits ,June 30. Several 
indie names are reported, as in for 
the job, but no decision was reached. 
Stated that final pick may be, de- 
ferred :until Charles Munro retuirns 
from America, Why this should be 
nobody can figure out. Munro has 
no connectioji at present with G.U.T,, 
or with General Theatres, because 
he resigned as cO-director of latter 
when G.U.T! bother first came up. 
Today, Munro's simply m'd. of Hoyts. 
What he'll be,pn his tetur is some- 
thing else. 

Reported that at this same huddle, 
Norman B. Rydge went back agalrt 
as; chairman of directors, which 
leaves the situaii as it was before. 
(Continued 6n page 21) 



5 Courts in 5 Nations 
To Decide Who Owns 
'Maritza' English Rights 



Budapest, June 25. 

Courts in five countries will 
shortly be called upon to decide an 
unusually involved case of authors' 
rights, when a, number of lawsuits 
connected with the film rights of 
'Countess Maritza' come befbre 
judges in the United States, England, 
Germahy, Austria and Hungary re- 
spectively. 

Metro intended making a pictur 
oiE Ammerich Kalmann's operetta; 
but desisted on . account of legal com- 
plications, Richard Oswald, German 
producer, some years ago bought the 
world rights, minus. English-lan-' 
giiaage territory, of 'One Kalmati 
film.' Owing to some mistake in the 
Vkrprding of the contract, Oswald 
thought he was - authorized to sell 
the American rights of 'Maritza' to 
Alice Huebsch, an. actress, who 
hoped to play the l<iad in the Loit:- 
dpn stage v6l'siOn . the musical. 
Kalmann, the composer, tried to buy 
back the Tights from .Miss Hueb.sch 
in order to avoid complications, but 
found she had already re-sold thi 
same to Franz Wehzler, . ex-lhcatri- 
cal manager of .Vienna. 

Result is an avalanche Of law 
.suits. Afthiir contends th'it Os- 
wald had no right .to sell English- 
language rights ,withput his consenL 



12 



VARIETY 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



NEW FACES OF 1937 

(MUSICAL) . 

TlKb release of Edwnrd Smnll proJuo. 
tkin; Featurefl Joe Penner. Milton Jl«i'.le, 
Piirkyakarkus, Harriet Hllllard. WUllain 
KraOy,. Jerome Cowan and Thelinn, l^cpos. 
IVirectod by Leigh Jiison. Screen, ploy, Npt 
rorrln, P. G. . Epstein, I. . S. Hiecher; 
iiOaptatloi). Harcld ICusell, Harry t'lovk, 
Howard J. Green,', based on story, 'Shoe- 
Btrlng.' by Georire liradsh^w; sketch, 'A 
jpuy at t1ie Brokers," by David Fwedmnn; 
Bongs, Lew Brown and Sammy Fuln, 
Walter Bullock and Hfirold Spina, Ben 
tollack and: Harry Jsimes, Edward. Cbei- 
kosc, Cbos; Hendqrson, Joe Penner nnd 
ilal Rnvnor. Musical dlrefctor, - Boy Webb; 
arrangements, Chas. Henderson; dances; 
Kamniy Lee; camera, J. Roy Hunt; special 
efCects. V. L. Walker; fllni editor, • Gcorse 
Oron^. At Radio City Musld Hall. N. 
v-eek July' 1, '37. Ruhnlng : tlniei IOj 
inliis, .-r ■ Ti ' 

Seymore Senior; ........ m v. v^,"® .renn?r 

Wellington WcdBo; • • • » ..Milton • Brrie 

Parky 



Patricia .. . . < .> • ■ 
P'lmrpy • .;.;'»-■•••..•••• 

Robert' • • 

•Elaine...... 

jud^e- 

SuzJji. ........... . . . i. 

Count 

Hunt's .... 

firoHcr. . : . .-■ . . 

Stage Manacer.^i.v. 
..ABStv Stage Mgr..;., 
Doorman. . :.. . . . ..• 

Bridge Guard....... 

Joe Guzzola. 

.SpeclflUles: Lowe, 



... . . . . iPar'.cyakarkus 

Harriet Hirilard 



,.,Winram Bv.iily 
, . ... .Jerome Cowan 

...... Thelma ..Leeds. 

.'. . . . , ;Tohiniy Mack 

..Lorraine Krueser 

, .Bert' Gordon 

.Patricia Wilder 

i Richard Lone 

....Dudley Clements: 

Bill Corson 
.....Georige Rbsener 

......Harry Berii.-u-d 

.', ..Dqwey . Robinson 
Hite and Stanley, 
firian Sisters, Derry Dean, Eddlis: Rio and 
Bros., Seven Lorla, Bros.. Catherine Brpnt. 
Ann Miller. Three. Chocotatqers. Four 
PlayboyBi Dorothy ; Roberts, Gamllie soia j , 
Bene Stone, and Diane Toy, 



Season.' They also did 'Penthouse 
on Third Avenue,' *It Goes to Yourr| 
Feet' and 'If I Didn't Have You'; 
Charles Henderson authored the title 
song as well as creating .the voc^l 
arrangements: 'Widow in Lace,' by 
Bullock^Spina, is a rhumba produc- 
tion number flash, and Ben Pollack- 
Harry James authored 'Peckin' with 
additional lyrics by Edwai-d Cher- 
iose: Joe Tenner's ^ecialty, 'When 
the Berry Blossoms Bloom,' is a re- 
write on hi? standard 'Pussywillow' 
number. It is credited to the comer 
diari and Hal Raymond. 

Samrhy Lee's- dance staging is up 
10 par and the rest of the technique 
is high-grade albeit defeated by su- 
perfluity of footage. 4bel. 

THE SINGING MARINE 

(MUSICAL) 

Warner. ros. production ^ and relfase. 
Features . .Dick Pow.ell. . .Underlines 'DorlB 
WeHiun. ' I^ee .'Dixon, Hugh Herbert, Jane 
Darwell, .ftl'.en -.tenklns, Larry A diet*. Dl- 
Vecled .by Ray -Enrlght. - Story -and adapta- 
t ton; .-. Delmer Davos; music . a.nd lyrlos. 
Hiarry .Warren and- Al Dubln; dances staged 
by 'Busby Berkeley; ' fliih edltoi". Tliomas 
Pratt J camer.a, Arthur L. Tbdd.^ At Strand,. 
X. Y.. .week June 30, '37. Running time 
iur» mins.. .. 

Hob Brent Ick Powell 

l^eggy Rnndall, ...... rls Weston 

Slim Baxter.,.,..-...;.;..... (.Lee Dixon 

A enea's Phlnney..'. . ; ; . . ....... Hugh ■ Herbert 

.Ma Marine.';.... . . ... . ...... , . . Jane DarwplI 

.Scrge.Tht Mlke.'..,,....., .;.,.Allcn. Jenkins 

DoC Rockwell. George (Doc) Rockwell 



Miniature Reviews 



'New Faces of 1937' is not a good 
picture. It will bog down i the 
ace houses,, ljut its riiulti-radib cast 
names, should sustain it a(S the scale 
A. salable icture b.ut a 
isiafipbintment. With some iZO mi - 
Tites out it would shape up much 
better. Still, it's a. hodgepodge .of 
vaudeville, ight dub and radio 
' talent, illfuUy . blended and 

rather inanely promulgated. 

of the 1929 vintage of film 
musicals, ,, backstage stuff with 
'multiple .auditions, . _ about 
Broadway show. Faces,' it|iii 

the hero- the author and the girl the 
anonymous SfngeL This. is . the 
cUse for the marathoii auditibhs of 
talent. And, of course, the ictual 
premiere of the show, for the fin 
Jsh, is another parade of heMv . peo 
pie. The show is ari. Apparent click; 
the mild mienacihg forces are co 
prdinated, and withal, things happen 
In the Hollywood manner so that 
climax coincides with en 
thUsiastic (screen) audience ^ acclaim 
Edward Small; who produced, has 
ihce severed connections with this 

fitudio. 

Feature was seemingly intended 
iBS an annual proposition— or there 
were hopes in that irection. It 

Parallels Leonard Sillman's several 
few York legit editions. But the 
future faces will not only have to 
be newer, they will have to be more 
skillfully blended. As with many 
films of this type, it really remmds 
of a big short, held together by stray 
Btrands of plot. , , „, 

Picture markis Milton Berle's.film 
debiit. Berle screens well, works 
hard, as usual, and isn't without ef- 
fective moments. Yet he js rather 
aimlessly projected in the story. 
He'll need sturdier script foundation 
so the jury may be said to be still 
out on him. Joe Penner plays in his 
standard style. Parkyakarkus may- 
hems Webster with Greek flavor, 
likewise in^ now familiar manner. 
Harriet Hilliard looks well but Is 
defeated by story exigencies, as is 
William Brady. Latter is another 
Hollywood novitiate who first., came 
to iattention in Manhattan hiteries. 
Brady handles a song well and looks 
all right. He, too, will impress bet- 
ter with proper story treatment, 
Jerome Gowan is the mild menace 
here arid Thelma Leeds his vis-a-:vis. 
Foip the. test there are Lorraine 
Krueger, Bert Gordon . (Count Misr 
cha Mdddy of Berle's radio, program, 
linore or less dragged , in by his dia- 
lect), Tommy Mack (Judge Hugqi 
Straight, another Berle broadcasting 
accomplice), the Four Playboys 
(from;. Ben Bernie's radio program ) 
. in a guitar-swihg specialty r three: Rib- 
Bros., with their nonsense of Which 
Eddie Rio's femalerundressihg bit is 
the highlight; Lowe, 'Hite and Stan-, 
ley, from "Vaudeville, wherein; orie is 
the midget, the next normal-sized, 
and the third a giant; Brian Sisters, 
sQrigs; Seven Loria .Bros., Mex band; 
Three Chocolateers, teeing off the 
.'Pecki • numbers, and Ann Miller 
doing good taps that drew a salvb 
at this screening. 

There; are some furtny lines un- 
folded, in the -radio wisecracking 
sense, but ofttimes not iquite perti- 
nient to the generial proceedings. The 
late Dave Freedman's 'broker's of- 
fice* sketch, done. her« by Berle and 
Richard Lane, is from a Broadway 
stage revue, : 

Songs by the many timesmiths are 
so-so. Nb big potential hit land the 
attempt to plug. 'Peckin' goes beyond 
its basic worth. The odd-rhythmed 
back-and-forth thrust of the neck, 
ill isimulatlon of a chicken peckin' 
at corn, has been, used - by comedy 
dancers as an exit for years and is 
an a'virkward and ungainly concep- 
tion at best. It doesn't, screen well 
at iall. 

Best tune Ju Lew Brpwn and 
Sammy Fain's 'Love Is Never Out of 



Lariy' Adler. . 
Fanny. Hatterasv 
Hiltn Young; , 
Dopey. , 
DInne. 
Joan. 

J. Montgpniery Madison. 



■ ,,,.,«,,. 



.Larry Adler 
.... ... .Rose King 

. '. .Marcia Ralston 
ifr Boy) Williams 
. . Vedft Ann Borfif 
.....Jane Wynwn 

.Berton Churchill 



Just a fair musical romance^ ' t 
ing Marine' is the kind of ia picture 
that should ease by for the summer 
arid may .succeed in doing average 
busi Songs are okay, comedy 
pleasing, story is strictly musical 
comedy arid the casting: • adequate 
Picture is a little draggy, details of 
an ordinary story being the' cause. 

Daves' scenario makes. Dick Powell 
take the film's title iiterally. . 

From the San Diego Marine base 
Po\yell and a local beanery caishier 



'New Faoes of 1937' (RKQ) 

Mediocre musical with,, some 
broadcasting names. Best 
chance is in secondary houses. 

'The Sinein; Marine' (WB). 
Dick Powell and Doris Weston 
in a moderate musical. Fair, 
enough for sunimeri 

'Easy .Living' (Par). Slapv 
stick farce which does not ful- 
fill the box office possibilities of 
Jean Arthur, Ray Milland and 
Edward Arriold. 

ing of Oamblers' (Par); 
Fair 'gangster's pic featuring 
Claire Trevor, Lloyd Nolan, 
, Akini Tamiroffv 

Xove i a Bungalow' (U), 
Juvenite 1 theme and treat- 
ment.: Nan rey of 'Three 
smart iris' in the liead. A. bbt- 
tom dualer; 

^It Coi|14 Happen to You' 
(Rep). Lightweight melpdrama 
for duals! 

•War , (WB). Boris 

Karloff as a Chinese bandit 
leader in first class melo- 
drama that merits billing 
where the st popular, 
Ricardo Cortez and ^Beyerly 
Roberts in support, 

'Dangerous Holiday* (Rep). 

i-ivial juve' adyenturie;, : 

The Callfornlan (20th>-Fox). 
Ricardo Cortez. as the mythical 
Escobar, Rbbiri Hood of the. 
rarichos. Good secondary dual 
feature. 

Fight to the Finish' (Col). 
Taxi-.war ireller sans names, 
appeal limited,. 



bearish tip she suppli comes 
straight from the Big Man himself, 
there is a panic of selling. When it 
looks as if everything is lost in the 
crash Miss Arthur reverses . the field 
and says prices arie going up, And 
■they do. .That's the kind of girl she 
is, and that's the kind o{ picture it is. 

Yarns of this sort are likely to 
get out . of hand by introducing low 
slapistick comedy which is exactly 
what. Leisen does in the Automat 
scene. When the fbbd thrp\Ving ends 
there is nothing left for the players 
to do. All semblance of probability" 
has vanished. 

Miss Arthur is attractive and doe§ 
her best with an impossible part. 
Supporting roles are taken by Mary 
Nash; Franklin Pangborn, William 
Demiarest aind Andrew Tombes; From 
such .as these one ■ mi.ght reasonably 
anticipate some 'worth-while enters 
tainmerit:- Hence, the disappoints 
ment. Fli 



MEET THE MISSUS 

RKQ rel.etise ot. Albert Lewis prpci.uctlon., 
Stdrs Vlctoi'. MiMjre, Helen J^rodei-ink. Fea- 
tures ..Anne Shirley. . Directed, by. Joseph 
Santley, Screen play, by Jack Tbwnlipy, 
Rert Granet, Joel Sayre, tvom the stoty. 
'Lady .Averag6,.' by.. Jack GoodmaiS, Albert 
RlceV fllni editor, Frederic Knudtgon; cam- 
era, Jack Mackenzie; musical--- dirpcilon, 
Roy Webb. At Palace. N. Y,, double bill,. 
Week July t, '37. Running tlnie',-..ri5.mihs 



Otis Fosterf. 
I^mrna, Foster 
Louise Foster 
Steve Walton . . . , 
Gordon Cuttings... . 

Prentiss .,. -. ... 

Darhey Lott ....... 

Mi*. White 
Princess '. Zarlna; .; . . 
Ma.<;lstra'te . . . . . v. . 

tollcge.: President . 
^fose.. .-•.•.-...; . f 
Mrs. Moseby , ^ . . . .; 

Mr.- Norton 

Mrs. NbrthrWest.,; 

Mr. Corn Belt...... 

Radio -. Announcer ; 



EASY LIVING 



Hollywood, July 6; 

Paramount release- of Ar-thur Hornblow, 
Jr., prbductton. .Stars: Jean Arthur, .-.and 
Edward . .Arnold. '. Production ,dlrected.. by 
Mitchell Leisen. Aijst. Director, .Edgar An- 
derson. . From • story by .Vera Gaspary; 
. . - , . screenlplay by Pi'eston . Sturges;. film editor; 
(Dons Weston) jgo to New York to. M^oane Harrison. Camera, Ted Tetzlaffi 

special photography, . Farctbt Kdotiart," 



music direction, Bo>-la; Morros. Previewed 
at Fox Westwood. T^oa Angeles, July 1, '37. 
Running time, S8 mlns 
Mary smith.;.......,.. 



J^ B. Ball. 
Johnny Ball. . ; 



J0an Arthur 

.'. ...... Edward 'Arnold 

...Ray MlUand 
i ,; ; .Luis AlbernI 

i.. '. -. . .Mary . Nash 

rankUn Pangborn 
Barlo we Borland 
; . . , . . Wmiam Demarest 
. Andrew Tombes 

, ....Esther Dale 

... '..'Harlan Brlggs 

..■.:Wllliam B. Davidson 

Nora Cecil 

;. ,.. Robert Grelg 



try out on an amateur radio hour 
The girl flbps, but Powell clicks and, 
most fictional mainner, sky 
rockets to fame arid in and oUt of the 
Marine Corps; His Marine pals co I ^'f- Lbuis i,ouis 
sour bn him with matters riot being van Buren.'.' V.'.V. 
squared with the boys, or girl, untU winace'whi^iH^ 
the action reaches the finale in 2. F^Huigar" f * " 

Shanghai,- Xtuian.v 

An elaborate night club set is pro- oreice Manager, .i , 
vided there as the blowoff. A street ^kXtti- 
scene and basemient cabaret produc-^ Bu'tier. 
tion number is cUt into it. as part of 

the floor show. This sequence is well - Slapstick f arce, incredible and 
done in opening and closing on efr without rhyrne or reason, is Para- 
fective photoigraphy for Larry Adler mount's contribution to the cycle of 
and his. harmonica. Song is 'Night goofy pictures which - started arid, 
Over Shanghai,' a 'Limehous^e Blues' from a box office ' standpoint, prac- 
ide&, plus the dramatic action, with tically ended with " 'My Man God- 
Powell and Miss Weston, In the frey,' This one is a poor imitation, 
same nitery set Powell and a Ma- lacking spontaneity and cleverness, 
rine chorus do 'Song of the Ma- Because Jean Arthur has won honest 
rines for the martial ending. There high rating as a star during the past 
is also another extravagant produc- two years since her excellent , per- 
tion number localed on shipboard as formance iri 'Mr. Deeds' and -The 
the principals are bound across the Plainsman,' exhibitors will give 'Easy 
Pacific. Adler gets a couple of other living' a buildup and trial. It is 
chances,^ especially making 'Night likely to open big and then fall off 
and Day coUnt. when the customers are asked what 

Songs Up ahead include 'Cause My they think about it 
Baby Says It's So,' a nice tune ex- Disconcerting is the fact that the 
pertly delivered by Powell, 'The studio spared neither experise nor 
Lady. Who Couldn't Be .Kissed' talent in its efforts to make some- 
(Powell, Miss Weston aiiid girls), and thing good out of something that 
I Know Now, the best melody in was second-class when it . started, 
the score and.: a hit. Miss Weston Screenplay by Prestori Sturges is a 
does this latter ■ song alone and trivia of nonsense. Mitchell Leisen, 
does it exceedingly well. She was a who directed, tries to overcome the 
night, club singer prior to reaching story faults with elaborate settings 
Hollywood, arid keystone gagSi The net result 

There are two radio studio se- is an uneven, uninspired arid only 
quences, one in New York and this occasionally funny picture, whicjfi 
other in Shanghai, In the former adds nothing to the popularity of 
the stetibn letters, KFWB ( Warner's Miss Arthur, Ray Milland and Ed- 
Coast statiori ) are made prominent, ward Arnold, These three arid Luis 
while in China the station is XMHA Alberhi, who .overacts outrageously, 
—a subtle gag somebody slipped cariry the load which finally is too 
thrpugh (change the fitst letter)— . much for them.. Picture ends in a 
With a Chmese male quartet doirig a wild chase 

Mills Pros, version of 'Comin' Round Qpenirig portrays Arnold as a Wall 
the Mouritain,' istreet . speculative genius, whose mad 

But the comedy is mainly 5ri the selling and buying has the street 
hands of Hugh Herbert, who con- agbg with his financial didoes. Con- 
tributes . a yell during a . telephone flict starts with an altercation be 
conversation, in which he plays his tween him and his wife over the pur 
own sister, A funriy sequence, yet chase of a fur coat. Garment is tossed 
Ii? If ^^'^^^^ introduction in out of the window and strikes Miss 

the film. Other comedians will note Arthur^ -young, stenograohier, on her 
what Herbert gets out of a small, way to work. In a jealbus fit, Arn- 
empty wire frame which he thinks is bid insists the young woman retain 
a mirrpr; full proof of what a skilled the coat and whisks her to the mil- 
and veteran performer cian db with liner to buy a hat to match. Then 

Q T*,.n«r !,„>.,• he drop.s her from a taxi at her 

office. Late on the job, she is. firec 
on suspicibn that the coat was dis 
honestly earned. 

Meanwhile, the news spread -quick- 
ly that the big Wall street man has 
a mistress, and Miss Arthur, whose 
resources are measured in iiiekels, is 
offered and . accepts an elaborate 
suite in the leading hotel. .On the 
basis of her behef actor's wealth, she 
is given an automobile, jewels and 
unlimited credit. What :she -wants 
most is a cup of coffee, and she goes 
to .the Automat to get it. There she 
meets Bay Milland* son of the Wal 
street wizard. He is a waiter in the 
joint, 

• It is really unnecessary to pro 
ceed further from this point. Excepts 
perhaps, to say that a stock broker 
^sks Miss Arthur for inside infer 
matibn about the . security marke 
and^ based on the theory that the 



a minor piece of busiriess. 

Po\vell is. likable throughout, 
though the story lets him down at 
times, while Miss Weston gives evi- 
dence of comirig along,, but should do 
spmething about her anpearance. At 
present she seems all cheeks arid 
teeth. The too few shbts included 
with her hair fluffed "give her the 
best breaky, 

Allen Jerikiris does less comedy 
here than normally, while Lee Dix- 
on's dialog is. also made very sec- 
ondary. His one hoofing chance is 
not emphasized, nor is it particularly 
well staged, the - routirie being ordi- 
nary and depending upon tricks. 
However, such dialog as Dixon is 
given develops that he is starting to 
Work like Cagney, Nbt necessary be- 
cau.se he previously has flashed po- 
tentialities as a light comedian on 
his own. But this picture will mean 
nothing to hini. Chtir. 



victor Moor<» 
■ . ..Helen Brorterlok 
Anne Shirley' 
i ......... .Alan Bruce 

wanl H. Robins 
. William- Brisbane 
, .Frank M. Tliomas. 
,-. . . ... .Ra'y.- .Mayer. 

. . . ,.\d.a.:iieoiiBrd 
.'. . , ■Georn'e Irving 
. .Alec Cr'alg 
Willie Best 
. Vlrjrlrii.'i S'lile 
J.ick- Norton 
, . . . Vfl lerle BerRere 
rcUerlc Santley 
........ Doii Wilson 



Vicitpr Moore once agai is called 
Upori play orie those docile 
souls, that are his stock in trade, 
in this light-headed film farce whieh 
'. iKO promotes especially the 
family trade and is destined for the 
pWer half of duals> It . is the in- 
evitable turriirig of the ri iculously 
wormlike husband is lopsely- 

wpven yarn that furnishes the fun, 
Moore, all his familiar bag of 
. Ticks, is a merry iandt-ew to be 
reckoned with;, whether it be in a 
maijpr Broiadway musical, upon the 
screen or :ori thie air. His is a rcr 
iable technique that seldom misses, 
(even though it would seem that the 
Holly wobd scripters' often provide 
some rather shoddy materials with 
which to wbrk, 

'Meet, the Missus,' despite its solid 
phalanx of authbrs and adapters, is 
not the happiest vehicle for the 
comediari and ..his talented tearii- 
mate, Helen Brbderick, but they are 
often able to lift this rather silly 
fable out of the ruts of gagmania 
jy the sheer force of their collective 
gifts. Story concerns, in crazy quilt 
design, a, wife who. is a pushover 
for contests and newspaper coupon 
clipping. 

Both Moore and Miss Broderick 
play their roles broadly and often 
with genuinely comic effect, when 
the story does not let them down. 
Mild, love interest is provided nicely 
enough by. Anne Shirley;, as the 
daughter of the Fosters, and Alan 
Bruce, as a nopdle salesman, and 
pther sulisidiary: roles are amusingly 
played by William Brisbane, Edward 
H. Robins, Ray Mayer and Frank 
M. Thomas. Joseph Santley has di- 
rected the picture at a lively pace 
thrbughout and the camera work is 
okay. RowU. 



KING OF GAMBLERS 

(WITH SONOSji 

Paramount produotion "and release. Fea. 
turea Clafre Trevor, Lloyd Nolan, \kim 
TamirOlf, : Helen Burgess. Directed l)y Rob. 
evt Florey, Stpry by Tiffany Thayer- 
screenplay, .Doris Andbrdon; songs, Ralnh 
Ralnger, Leo Robin and Richard A, \Vhit. 
ing, FUm editor, Harvey Johnston; cam- 
6ra, Harry Plschbeck. At Crlterlon,^ N. Y 
week July 2, . '37. Running tlriie, 77 mlns. * 
Dl.xle •,,•••••,*•«••.•,••■<->> .Claire Trevor 
.Tim ...,.•..*'..•,..,«• .-^i. '• ^' . Lloyd Nolan 
.Stev« Kalkas. ...Aklm Tanilrott 
Eddie ; . . . , ...Tjorry ' (U'abbe 
Jackie Nolan. .... ,'. ;,. .HelOn . IJurgeKH 

Geor.iie Kramer,. .,i .Porter M«U- 

J. G. Teniple;.^..,,..;.^ Harvey Stephens 
Mr. Parker... ,£ai'lo\ve Borland. 
Strohm ; .. ,...,,»••.'«,»••• . .iPurnelt Pratt 
Joe .- ... ^ .'t «., •«'•-, .',., . • , . CoUn Taplfy- 
(.'harlle .,, .i, ..i....Pniil Fix 

Big Edna. . . ..... i» . i ,Cer,H CunnlnKham 

Ed. Murkil...;..^. ..Robert tileckler 
Tttxl Driver; , . . , , , , . : ;■. . . ,: ; .Nick l,uttat9 
Nurse , . v , . Fay " Hold<>n~ 

Freddie ,. . . , , . , . .•, . , , , , .-, ,-..Jdhn Patterj<(in - 
.Cora :. . , a . ,-». ;., ^ , i , . , . .-Evelj^n- Br^nt 

This mieller is of the old garigister 
school of pix', but' weU enough done 
to rate okay iri the smaller spots 
solo. It's chief drawback is in fol- 
lowing so closely oh the heels of 
'Marked Woman,' whose majbr in- 
gredients in plot .and rough stuff 
are much- the same as in this Par 
production* 

■ As with the Bette Davis starrer, 
'Gamblers* revolves around a ruth- 
less uriderworld czar; a birig-barig 
mugg who knocks 'em off without 
any qualriis. And also like 'Marked 
Woman,' the central femme char- 
acter, Claire Trevor, is a nitery 
worker, only Miss Trievbr sings in- 
stead of hostessing. And it isn't her 
kid sister who gets iriurdered, it's 
her roomrmate; and a reporter, not 
a district attorney; wreaks justice on' 
Akim Tamiroff, the No., 1 bad ■boy; 
That's suffidiertt sameness to put 
both stories.in one can and ask the 
public to take , its choice. 

Just about the only twist in plot 
is in having Tamirpff as-' a slot-ma- 
chine rather than a clip-joint; 'czar'; 
also in keeping him undercover from 
Miss Trevor, his unrequited: pash. 
Otherwise I the story is practically 
the same, even the murder of Helen. 
Burgess, as\the singer's roommate, 
parelleling the killing , of Bette 
Davis' sister m ^Marked Woman.' 

Picture mpveVpretty fast, despite- 
a poor, cutting jola. Dialog is gener- 
ally good, and Sol^ Robert Florey's 
direction. N, 

On the performance^nd, the' pic- 
ture would have made a riiuch more 
favorable impression ' if not -^for 



I COVER THE WAR 

Universal release, of Trem Cnrr Droducr 
tion.. Features John WaynO. Olrec-tA-d by 
Arthur L^bln. Adajited -by (leorse Wage- 
iler from orlgltial. by Hcniarc) Mi^convllle; 
carriera; Harry Nftwrniinn, Itevlpwed In 
projection rooni, N. 'V;, Jiijy 1; 'a". . 'Run- 



ning, .tjnie;" ' ilns. 
Bob Adam . . 
Pamela ,i . ,.• ..... 
Elmer 

Archie ,.;;,,'.■..■; 
Colonel Armltage 
El Kader 'v.. ... . . 

Don. Adams' . ..".i 

Logan . i; . 

Blake , 
G.rsiham 



. . . :. . Johri Wiiyhe 
. . .(Jwen Haze 
Don Ba 'lay 
. .:. J.'ilt Soinerset 
. I :< jor. 'Sa fii . J1A rris 
.'. CliovleH .Brnkg.w 
,. ;'. . . . ;.lainet( r,n.sj) 
'; - : A r I h 1 1 r A y 1 a w o r t h 
lOarl HoilTlns 
Jack Miiok 



Tamiroff 's old-fashioned method of 
playing his ';rDle. He's too Taborous- 
ly suave iri those spots calling for 
smoothness, and to obvious in his 
really tough moments. Miss Trevor 
is forte in her role aS> singer, de- 
liveririg two songs, 'Hate to Talk 
About Myself' and Tjk Feeling 
High.' in acceptable style, Lloyd 
Nolan's job as- a reporter, though 
.with the usual Hollywood hokum 
surroundings of an editorial room, 
is gobd; Miss Burgess, as a simple 
chori lured by the bait of a trip 
to Haviana, dies nicely. Other roles 
are minor, even Evelyn Brent hav- 
ing only a bit part. 

Neither of the Rainger -Robin- 
Whiting times are important, nor, 
for that matter, are they played up 
in the film, but iare passable for the 
subject. 

Productibn in a few spots looks 
expensive, notably onie nitery scene 
and the interior of the sumptuous 
apartment furnished for Miss Trevor 
by Tamiroff, Otherwise the sets are 
average, as is the photography. Scho. 

, Love < in a Bungalow 

, Hollywood, July 8, 

lT^iivers.T.I release of E. 'M. Asliff pro- 
duction. Directed by Raymond B. McCarey. 
From original story by Eleanore (JrJffln 
ajid Wllllani Rankin; screenplay, Austin 
Parker, Karen DeWolf and Jnmis Mulr 
haUser; tllm- editors, Bernard W. Buhon 
nnd Irving Brinbaum. Muslc.il director. 
OhnrlM; Prcvln. Previewed at Pantagt-B. 
JloIlyWood, July 2, '37. Running time, 67 
miiis.' 

Mary • Callahan, 

Jfiff I>angan. . .... ........ . 

W llbur Babcock . ,,, v ........... , 

.Mr. ICester........ 

Mr. Blsbee.... 

^lilUe. '...,..-../.;. 
Miss -I.ydia-.- 
Mlss Emma. 
Mrs. Kflster. . ; . ... .'. 

y -he On -Ga. Prospect. , , i , , , , . 
.rumor.'. . . . ..; . i . . . ... . . ,-. ; 

Darlings. . . . . . . Joan Howar 



•This Arabian desert picture .should 
prove: to be dashitigly appealing .to 
juveniles. It is genuine, multiple 
bill stuff and definitely deserves a 
place on screens : in houses where 
custoriiers are not particular about 
their kind of ei|tertainment. 

Unimaginati story. Two newsr 
reelmeri are assigned,' out of London, 
to photo an Uricameraed bandit sheik, 
somewhere beyond" Damascus, The 
Bedouin turns out. to be the boys' 
host arid although the^ lads get 
mussed, up while copping, the .shot, 
they live to tell the tale. One: of 
thejn, . John. Wayne; also wi the 
giggly niece of the British cbm- 
mandant. . ' 

It's a sketchy production with un- 
impressive backgrounds. Of course, 
there is. some galloping and shooting 
and the kids will like that. ' The 
acting is Uriiformly stiff. The ap- 
parent effort to sprinkle comedy, and 
romance into the plot is not realized 
much. 

The camera work in this cam era - 
mentis tale is hbthing much to cbmr 
merit upon. Shan. 



Synthetic little story for adoles> 
cents, written, directed and acted iii 
art amateurish itiarirter/ *Lov^ in a. 
Bungalow 'touches low in audience 
appeal and box off ice draw. Will te 
shoved into secondary dual spots 
when nothing else is available, 

•Story: purports to recount the ro-. 
maintic adventures bf .a young woman 
employed; to act as hpstesis in a model 
home open fbr. public inspection. 
Young man of -indefinite derivation 
and annoying impertinence muscles 
in as unwanted boarder. Pair col- 
laborate ; on a radio .contest letter 
open to young married cbuples. arid 
when they win the prize of $5,000, 
they masquerade as husband ' and 
wife, which to the complete surprise, 
astonishment arid am&zemerit of the 
audience they actually become with 
the . assistance of a comedy clergy-' 
man. 

Nan Crrey, who was one of the sis- 
ters in 'Three Smart Girls,' takes the 
lead in this one, but beyond a fresh- 
ness, bf youth she brings npthing to 
the part. , Kent Taylor is the obtru- 
.sive suitor.. Hobart Cavanaugh and 
Riqhard Carle play comedy charac- 
ters, and Margaret Mc Wade and Mar- 
jorie Main get some " snickers in ■ 
.shout and deaf routine. 

Just footage, 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



FILM REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



13 



It Could Happen to You 

voimbllc reienae of Leonard Flelda pro- 
jil/r on l'"eatuieB Alan Baxter, Andrea 
?"prtV Owen Davis,. Jr., Astrld AUwyn. 
li ranted l>y rhU Roseji. Adapted by 
s. uuel"ori.lt7- and .NatHonael West from 

'«to"y^l*y N, West; camera, Jack MartJi 
BUTOrvlalngr cilltor,. . Murray Seldeen: fllin 
2dl^>r Ernest Nlma; music. Alberto 
Coloniiw. Kevlewed in projection . room, 
li. y,. July 1, '3T. Running time, ,71 mins. 

'Jt)i)b Ames '• • • Alan Baxter 

I liura '<•• '...•;.,•••'•<•• -Andrea Leeds' 

vi'eil Barrett- . . , ........ . .Owen Davis, Jr. 

Anf • • • • • • • • • ■ Astrld Allwyn 

I'roCts.-fsor Schwab..... ...Walter Kingutord 

'■ Vk ■Hfti'rett . . i.. . . . . > . . Al She&n- 

. Ciavl.sli • • • ■'■ • • ,><..»i v. .ChrlBtlari Rub' 

Mr3M;iavlsh .'Blaa Jaiisseh 

Pokan i . . . . ... • • ...«•.* .Edward Colebrook;' 

.i>et>'i.'Llve .Stanley King;' 

'Italian 'VVomnri «Nina Canipanfti! 

Oraeic '. . . . .Prank YaconelU, 

Judffe ...... t ••<••»••■•••••'' .Hamilton 

PUivlct Allorney. .> . . i . . Paul Stanton 

Sp-so melodrami . ' with, 
fashioned plot. No martiueiB names 
and word-bf-mouth .won't be so hot. 
tooks destined tor below-decks 
dualer, where it , should car):y its 
share 



pector, is well suited to the hero's 
role. 

John Fjtrrow; who directed, keeps 
i;he action moving at a good pace, 
and knows the value of a laugh jn 
the right spot. The settings and 
costuming are effective^ Flin. 



For the smalleb double bills where 
the audiences aren't so difficult to 
Principal trouble With the pic is^ 4ilease it will do as the No. 2 fieatiire. 



suggested by the title, which never 
becomes convincing^ Looking at the 
. film, thiat 'It Could Happen to You' 
seems improbable. In this case it 
Wouldn't hap£)en to ; anyone Who used 
his head; 

tqry d<pal9 with: ihdiy inimi- 
grantSs two sonis, pne : of whom is 
adopted. Latter steals the old man's 
savings to buy a school. . Accidentally 
Jcills the victim when hei!s dis- 
covered. Boy's mpunting trouble all 
stems from : his early, silly error; 
Ultimately, the brpther-by-adoption 
is his lawyer and wins an acquittal. 
But the youth- is hounded by his 
foolish tn i s dee d s and cbniinits 
' icide. ' 

While there's Jiothing in the con-; 
stricting circumstances of the story 
that intelligence wouldn't solve, the 
yarn has moments pf compelling in- 
terest. Some pf the characters arie 
.badly written aind not well directed. 
Others, suffer frbm weak playing, 
Chief merit pf the ■ pic lies in two 
strong: pei-fpfmances. 

In a fairly: Ipgical ch^iracter of the 
woman scprhed, Astrid Allwjm 
X grown ' slightly plumper) nearly 
walks away with the film. Actress 
is ehPiigh of a iPoker and shows 
enough ability to throw the stbry put 
• of kilter,.by-5>opping the sympathy. 
■rPerforrnance iis kept Within the in- 
tentions of- the script, however, and 
the. girl consequently seems under 
standable, itif ul and believable. 

Alan Bs^xter is satisfactory ais the 
stupid, weakling killer. Forceful 
screen personality helps. Andrea 
Leeds is merely decorative in the in- 
sipid part of the Sir! both boys love. 
Unattractive makeup for the close- 
Ups. Owen DaviS,. Jr., as the other 
youth, lets some promising scenes 
slip through his limp fingers. Direc- 
tion hias done little to bolster the 
story and acti weaknesses. 

, Hobc. 

WAR LORD 

. Hollywood^ July 6. 

Warner Bros, release of First National' 
ryan Foy production. Stars Boris Kar 
loft. Directed by John Farrow. From play 
by Porter Einei-son Browne, screen play by 
Crane Wilbur. . AssA. director, Marshall 
Hageman: earner , Lu O.'ConneM; 111m 
editor, Frank Dewar; dialog director, Jo 
Graham, Previewed at Warners' Beverly 
Los Angeles, July S, '37. Running time 
W mlns, 



Gen. Wu Ten Fiangr., 

.Tane Creed , . . 

ttordoa Greed...... 

Jlm.Hallct. ..... 

Lola Gall ; . . . 
Gen, Ohbu Fu.Shnn. 
Dr. Abei-naLhy. , . , 

Mr, Cheujf 

Lyroh. Gait.. , , 
Ca|)t, Kunff NuL..., 
Ghan, . , . .... . . , . 

.Heniirilii 
Pao. ...... 

Gftii. Mh.. 

Wanj; CJiuii 
Co'iiduftor. . . . . , , , 
Hiia Mel.. 



it pan't Last Forever 

(WWH SONGS) 

Columbia release of. ilarry L. Deoker pro- 
duction. .l<Vaturp.s Ralph Bellamy;' Betty 
Furncss. and Kobitvt Armslronjr. Directed 
by Hamlltofi .MacFadden. Story - and 
adaptation, ,I,ee LoBb and Harold Buch- 
man; film idltor. Gene Mlllord; canrdra, 
Ailen G. i^IeKler; nnng, Ben Oakland 'and 
Herb Ma'f^idiiun.' . ' Reviewed In .projertion 
room,. N. Y., June '.»5, '37. RunnlhB time, 
08 mlns. ... , . 

.....Ralph Rpllamy 
... , ; Betty' I'tirhe.ss 
.Tlobort. Armstrong- 
.Raymond Walhurn 
. .Th"ur.<iton Hall. 
. . . . . Kd Pa wlSy 
, i .Waae Boteler 
. .Chacies Judels 



RuH.s Matthews 
Cftiol .Wilson .. 
Al Tlnlier . . . . . 

Dr. Fbther 
Fulton. ... . . . i. . . 

Cronlti 

(^apt. R()rty.\ . .., 
Mr. App'udeMus' 



DEVIL IS DRIVING 

. Columbia production and release. 'Stars 
Richard Dix, .features Joan I'erry, Nana: 
Bryant, Frank C. Wilson. Directed by 
Harry LaC.timan, -Storj'. Lee' Loob, Harold 
Buchman; screenplay,. Jo .Milwdrd, Rich- 
ard Blake; camera, Allen Stegler. At 
Varsity, Lincoln, Neb., diial. Running 
time 69 mlns, 

Paul DriscoU ; ... . i . .Richard PIx 

Eve Hammond.:. i ...... i , , Joan Porry 

Mrs.. Sanders- ....... ..'i ..... .I4ana Bryant 

Martin Foster Fronk C. Wilson 

S.andera , ,Ien Wul{ 

Tony , , , 'lisha Cook. Jr. 

Stevens ..v .-.Henry KolUer 

Woostor . . ........ .Walter Kinnsfoi-.l 

Kitty ';...... ., ..Aiin RiithcrCord . 

Mitchell ..........>.....'..;;i.iPaul Harvey 

.<j Peters ..... ..r... .^'.l.^.John Wray 

Healjr ........i.i. .Charles C. Wilson 



. 4 ..... • 



, . . . .... Boris KarloR 

. . . . .Beverly Roberts 

. . . . . .Ricardo Cortez' 

; Gordon Oliver 

...... Sheila Bromley 

. . . Vladimir Sokololt 

...Gordon. Hart 

. . . .' . . .' . .Richard . Lob 

.Douglas Wood 
...... ...Chester Gan 

. ','. ...... . .Ijuke Chan 

.Selmer Jackson 
.James B. DeLcong 
.'.Tetsu Komai 
. . .KUdle Lec 
.'. . . . ,'Maurlce . I>ui 

.Mia Ichioka 



Turned out i.n a routine mariner, it 
belongs 'in' tiie also-ran class. 

H. L. Decker, .producer, .and ,direc- 
;or Hamiltoh MacFadden have fol- 
lowed the lines of least resistancie in 
grinding out the trite stbi^y. Film's 
title doesn't fit the ridiculous,: highly 
improbable plot which takes a poor 
caistv on a. goose chase' through 68 
minutes of good Eastman . stock; 

In .front ha.thess, are: Ralph 
^Bellamy arid. Betty Furness, the, 
former, as a theatrical agent, latter 
as a newspaper sobbie. As romiaintic 
leads they are Veg soup ithout the 
vegetables. Bellairiy js wooden, 
throughout arid Miss. Furness. flat.; 
The rest .of the cast is unimportant 
but some color is lent the. role .of a 
i:iim-loving prophet, a fakir from the 
stage, by Raymond Walbiirrt. Men-, 
ace is done by a type who might be 
riding herd in western mob scenes, 
Ed Pawley. H-i's ird-rate as a 
heavy. 

With BeHamy^ and a friend part- 
ners in ah agency "opportunity is afr 
forded some actji to do their .sttifC 
but there's nbthirig'^^of much, note 
outside of a * comedy adagio ieam 
(Armanda and Lita) /which js a 
little . long on Tiinnirig time, arid a 
quintet of colored kids 'who are 
spotted in a. street darice, the Blend- 
ers. A prima donna, who's amateurish 
is Barbara Burbank. The agents 
take over, the liqudr-loyer who calls 
himself the Master IVlind with a / 
view to exploitirig him . as the real 
thing. Whole premise is absurd, in? 
cludirig. that Bellamy spbistitutes for 
the 'Master Mind, becoriies a tremen- 
dous hit on:the air and makes head- 
lines^ in the papers that, look like 
paid ads. 

Banalities of the story include a 
scheme of Bellamy's that calls.- for 
the theft of a famous pearl arid, at 
the proper time, his revelatio.n to 
police where it can be located. A 
somewhat different slant is Bellamy's 
prophecy that a 100-1- shPt in a fight 
will . win it, idea, being to go wrong 
ais a . master riiirid so that he can 
clear himself of a situation; whi6h 
makes it appear he is tipping, a 
phoney stock. Racketeers had 
moved in On im, unknowingly; 
grabbing fan mail which asked ad- 
vice on stock investments and 
answering it themselves. Bellamy's 
way out is unique albeit preposter- 
ous, but he gets the girl, the cops get 
the heavy and audiences get relief. 

Char. 



ictmetit ,/ag a.iniS t; drunken 
drivers in general, this filiR concen-/ 
trates its .poke against the bankroll 
class, which is :able . to . put; . in a . ilx 
and buy perjuring v(ritnesses. Moves 
all arourid the poi ,' miking up poli- 
tics, society, and family life of the 
poor. Carries a good deal of punch, 
but not enough to lug: the picture 
above the .mbderate biZ: bracket. 

Starrer for Richard bix, it finds 
him. an able attorney aissijgned . to 

protect the son of. a friend frbmi a 
second degree, murdei: charge grow- 
iriig out of a drunk-driving crash. 
Since the friend holds considerable 
political power, Dix gets the kid off. 

bix is in good form, first pulling 
wires for a D. A. appointment, then 
trying to crack down bnV the increase 
of DD offenses. Loses a pile of symv 
pa thy in the first two reels, which 
he can!t angle out of, even, at the 
finish when he. indicts himself. In 
impressing the point that, it is somer 
tiriies too late to be ' sorry, the pic 
tiire is successfiil. 

Joan Perry is number one on the 
femme side. She's a newspaper re> 
porter who- can't recoricile herself 
with Dix' perjury .prompting in the 
first case. Good-looker;^ which may 
be the.' biggest reason^ why she 
doesn't resemble any sobbie ever 
lined UR with the press. 

Bi:at of the place ! is Elisha Cook, 
Jr., who drinks and wpbbles. Kills 
off an old woman at the stairt,. arid 
then chases his girl, Ann Ruther- 
ford, over an embankment, Makirig 
him out even worse, Henry :Kolker, 
father, condones hirii. 

Verbal parrying between len 
Wulf, virho refuses to perjure him- 
self until pressure is brought, ori hirti, 
and Walteir Kingsford, a; big busi- 
ness man who threatens to withhold 
a coriitract which ivill save hirii fr6m 
ruin, is good.. Ann Rutherford, sec- 
ond to suffer, is a comely ^girl and 
will probably land more roles in the 
future. She's a grad from the west 
em field. 

Picture offers a great p.ossi ility 
for tieups with traffic depiartments 
in police headquarters, and ' for 
safety .councils, which are constantly 
haranguing for stricter road con 
duct. But even, that kind of pres- 
sure can't do much more for the 
film than to see: it open with 
bounce. Barn. 



bandit heavy, and Morgari Wallace 
the very personification of the 
ruthless collector of tithes. Passable 
character bits are contributed by 
: igel de Brulier, owner of the bid 
lomesteadt. and Maurice' Black, over- 
eer. Jarhes Farley does the honest 
sieriff magnanimously. Most of them 
lave done the same parts in other 
films many times. ..Flin.^ 

DANGEROUS HOLIDAY 

Republic release of William Berko pro- 
ductioo". Stars Ra HOuld; Fcuturos Hcdda 
Hopper, Gulpn WllliamB, Jacit I.a Rue, 
.Ted Prouty, Lynn Roberts. Directed by 
Nicholas Barrows, AdajJted by. Nicholas 
Harrow."! from story by Karen doWolt and 
Barry Shipmon; calnera, William Nobles; 
.sUpervislnK editor, Murroy .Seldeen; 111m 
editor, "".'Roy Livingston; miislc,' Alberto 
Colombo; spngB,: Sam Stept; and Ted Kooh- 
er. At StraTid. Brooklyn, , N. Y„ week 
'37, dual ;bllli Bunningr time, 



uly .1 

mlns.-.' 
lonnic Kim 

lOttlQ ......... 

)uke . 

Gollenser.. .. .'. . . 
Irtord 

ofiri '.-,....•.■... 

Oin. .■',..•. 
.^iunt KIsle .... 
A.u"nt. Augusta'.. 
l>ol(le 
Mnx. 
SolltiUe 
Miirty .,. .,..;; i 
Popcorn 

Ser'seant . ; . . 
.terry Courtney 
Robbliis' 
Polk;« - ' ,'nptalu 
Xani;0 . . . ... . 



This One may be exploited as the 
No. 1 feature in soots Where Boris 
Kai'loff has 'box office aippeal. It is 

• melodrama, containing a good deal of 
sgspense and entertainment . against 
the background of a distant Chinese 
provmce. held teriiporarily by a 
baridit leader, conyiricirigly played 

•by Karloff, . Amusement is prbvided 
by the actions df a group of Ameri- 
can captives, whose finiaricial and 
marital trPUbles are stiraighteried. but 
With the. forthright assistance of ia 
firing squad and sound, occidental 
domestic advice. 

Karloff; plays iri a lighter vein than . 
.usual. He is a ' nieriacing figure, 
however, as likely to greet a visitor, 
with a bullet as to 'offer him a 
.cigaret. . Government . soldiers dis- 
pose of him in. the end, hut both 
he and the . audience have si - good 
itinie while his brief reign of terror 
.lasts. 

■ Story rriakes. no pretentions beyond 
hokum limits. It contains no preach- 
nients for belter underistandirig be- 
tween the peoples of: the earth;. , It 
starts right off with a Chilling mur- 
der oE a military chief bri a rail- 
road coach out of Pekin, iridulges in 
plausible romance, and sigris oflE with 
some realistic cavalry skirmishes 
and happiness for young lovers. 
. Some quite good: acting in the sut>- 
P.oi-Ung. parts helps the illusion. Rich- 
ard Loo. as the leader's lieutenant, 
who speaks English with a Harvard 
Recent, ■ does an exceptioftal bit, 
Ricardo, Cortiz and Beverly Roberts 
appear to advantage! Gordon Oliver. 
. playing a young Atrie'ricdh oil pros-. 



RUSTLER'S VALLEY 

Paramount release of Hni-r.v Shfrman. 
producKon. Stars Willia-m Boy.d. Dli-fCl 
ed by Nale Watt. .Uoreonpla.v.. and dlaUiK 
by Harry O. Hoyt; carncrii; Bussell Hur- 
l«n; .film editor,' Robei-i "Warvvk-U; Hss.t 
director, D, M. Abrahams'. I'rfrvlevved in 
projection room, Hollywood, June -i), -' 
RiinnlnpT tiine, T>8 iiilns. 

Hrtpalona; <.'H»Hl"1y MUlarri Boyd 

windy Hfilllday .....'..... ...(^t-'orse Hiiyes 

Lucky .Venkln.M. , ;..,' .Rii.^npII Hii'.v.ilcn 

Randall (.'!|enn. .-. ... . ; , . , . 'lophpn Mdrriii 
Agnes CiltMin.; Uriel Kvii.ns 

Cal . Howard . ... . ; , l-ee Cohb 

.TassiM-t .. s 'l"Pd A'lnnis 

;T()e ■; ; . . . ' Al ForRUsdn 

BouUon . , . i . .1 .It'bn Beach 



THE GALIFORNIAN 

Los Angeles, July 1. 

20th. Century-Fox relensa ot ' Principal 
picture production by- Sol Le.M.ser. As-Hucliite 
pi'oducer, Barney Brlskln, Direo.ted by Giis 
Melns. Story by ' Harold . e'lV Wriglii, 
sda.pted' by Gordon Newell, screen i)lay by 
rsilbert. Wright. Camera, Harry Newmanii 
tlhn.'edltbrs,.. Arttiur Hilton .and Carl Pear 
son. Previewed at Orpheum; I,6.s Angeles, 
June 30,/'37. Running time, -51) rtilns. 

..-..Ricardo I'ortpz 
..Mai'Jorle Weavor 
ICatlierine Dt^Mllle 

Maurlcri HIack 

...MorBan Wall.K-e 
.,, Niger de Bnillc 
, , . , .GeorKe Regas 
Pierre Walk In 
, . ; . . ...Tames FnVJey 
. , . .'lid\t'ard K'ean 



Kumon Escobar.., 

Rosalia Miller.- , . 

chat.i , : . 

P.incho 

Tod Biir.sto... . ... ,'. 

Don FrtlncBico Escobar. 
Ruiz... ........ 

Miller.. • ....... 

.<:tierin Stanton.: J...,,. 
Marshal Morse 



Third-rate giddyap which . barely 
qualifies for the triple- bills, this one 
is sadly lacking in story, pi'odiictiori, 
values and entertainment merit. Just 
a filler which doesn't close the gap. 
Far below the jstandard of. the Hopa'-, 
long Gassidy ieries. ■ ' 
. Everyone in the ca.^t. s rting with 
William Boyd, underplays his- part 
because there .is . nothing to play up 
tb,, Sceriarists wrote this .one with- 
their eyes clesed trying to- remem- 
ber the oldest and tritest Western 
sitijations. As a.-bit of rc.miniscerice 
it's a masterpiece, ihcorpbratlng all 
the shopworn angles.: including .a 
young cowhand falsely accused of 
bank rbbbiery, mortgage ' on the 
ranch, crooked fronlier';|awyer put- 
ting the., pre.s.sur on '- the . heroine's 
father, and the breezy foreman' who 
clears all coriiplicatiohs' with his.: ix- 
shooter, rounds uprthe bad hbmbres 
and finishes in a hammock cloiieup 
with the femi' ' interest in his 
ar . ' ■ . . ! 

irection is as uninspired as the i 
script, and . the film is. a sutccssion ' 
of unconvincing episodes racsiedly 
pieced together; Muriel ifvans, 
rancher's daughter and only woman 
in the cast, contributes; no,thjng : to 
the ensemble: 

Best dialog and only comedy, for 
this film will be supplied by the kids 
in the first 10 rows' who will have 
plenty to say at theatre screenings, 

f*li • 



A LAWMAN IS BORN 

, Republic relPa.Hc of A'. W.. Ttnckcl pro*, 
ductlon. Stars Johnny Muclt Brown. Fea- 
tures Iris Meredith.- Warner Richmond. 
Directed by Snm Ncwtleld. Screen play 
and ndnptatlon. hy iiedrBe H, .•'Plympton, 
trom Original by arry F, Olmstead: 
camera, Bert Longehccker; . film editor, JS. 
Roy Luby, Reviewed In projection room, 
N. Y., Juno "Jl. Running: time, fll mlns. 



Tom Mitchell. 
iJetlv tiraiinm. . 
Kuiiie. :Brl,sc(jc>. . 
Martha Lunoe, 
Lefty Doognn. 
Sherllt Liiiicc.-. 
Bert. Moscrlp... . 
Graham. . i . . 

Root 

Sam Br 
Ike Ma . 



.Johnny Miick Brown; 
Irl? Meredith 
. Wtu-ner .Richmond 
. . . nry Mncljar6n 
... . . , .Dick Curtis 

....iEarle Ilortirlns 

; , . , i , Charles Klrlp 
. .i .Fr/vnk La' Rue 
.;.A1 at, John 
... .. ..JJteve Clark 

. . . . jack'. C. Smith 



Ra Hould 
. . . . . . Iledda ilopper 

.. ...Guinn WUIiams 

'. , .... .Jack La Rue 

......... Jed I'routy 

...'..., Lynii Roberts 
Wlliltim Bakcwell 
.;.Fem Kinmett 
ii'Virglnla Sale 
, .Franklin Pangbbrn 
. . . . I Grady Sutton 

. .... iWlllldm. Newell. 

;. .I'homas Vi, jacknoh 
Olaf.Hytten 
Jack MulhdU 
. . . . , .Michael Jeffrey 

, . . , . ; , Hai'vcy Cljnk 
i . , . , , . 'Wade Boteicr 
, . , Carleton Young 



irritati , ' just negli i-' 
blei No marqiiee names ' and pnly a 
cpuple pf faintly recPgniKabie faces. 
Sub-secpndrrater is hopeless b.o. 
prospect. 

Story deals with a yiolin prodigy 
who rims away from hpme so he 
can play like: pther bpys; While the 
cops arid G-rrieri swarm after the 
kidriappers^'. the lad wanders about 
iri old clothes, picks up a few casual 
friends and finally stumbles intp.a 
gangstei: hideout. He is instruriiental 
their captiire arid is promised 
more hiiman treatriient ; by his 'grate 
ful family. 

Plot recalls' several . f brerunners, 
one ;beirig , Metro's 'Tough Guy,' in 
which. Jackie Cooper played the 
same poor little rich boy character. 
But too many trips through the 
wringer have removed the color and 
starch. Inexpertly scHpted, pro 
duced, directed and played, 

Sole atprti 6f . iriterest in. the pic 
is ybiing Hoiild's siriiilarity in looks, 
rriaririer .and . voice to Freddi Bar 
tholomew. Voice resemblance is too 
strong . for , cpinciderice. . Likeness 
may bring Hduld attention for 
time but will probably react against 
his charices iri the end. He 



fairish actor, 
just that. 



Others 



preserit Vare 
•ffpbe. 



Sweetheart of the Navy 

(WITH SONGS) 

■ r.ind Ndlion'ul release ot.'B.' F. Zeldman 
pi-oductlon. FeHtureif Ejilc Linden and C« 
'cilii.i. I'Hrkcr. Directed by Duncan .Mabs 
field, - .Slory,. Garrett -Grc^ham. and Jay 
Sir.nifls; screenplay,. Carroll Graham 
•songs,, '.Tack Stern and Harry Tobias; .cam^ 
er;i, .Kdward. ' Snyder; . editor, ' Kdward 
.Sclu-oeder, ' At Viireity, Lincoln, .<lual. Run' 
nin^r 1 line, Oil Ins. ■ 
H:u-rlH. ... .7 ,' ,-. . . , I -, , , , 



A Lawhian Is Born' is a first-class 
western. It has plenty of action, is 
produced ' with reasonable carC: iind 
is much better acted , thian nvost. 
iShould be a natui-al :£or Saturday 
matinees and niay hold up fairly 
well as a runner-up diialer.. 

Story clings to the western 
formula, with the 'herb foiling the 
cattle thieves, thwarting the land- 
grabbers, slapping down the villains 
and finally getting the girl. Plot is 
cept hearer plausibility than most of 
he kind. Cohtiriuity , is smooth ; arid 
he events are alwa.Vs clear. 

Inevitably, there are spme JP^r- 
piexing ppirils in the action.^ Cbw- 
boys fire fantastic numbers of Miots 
frpm their pistbls v^rlthoiit reloading, 
•l^he girl and her father suspect thei 
lero's honesty when the Vounfie.st 
urchi in the babk row can tell he's 
a straight-shooter. When the bP.V3- 
come to blows , they wade .in - ■wide 
open, 'apparently reveling in absorb- 
ing a shellacking. 3ut it's all in the 
name of He-Man exciterrient. And 
several pit the riioments. "are suf- 
ficiently explosive. 

Jphnriy Mack : BrPwh seems at 
iome ;in cowboy, duds and plavs with 
:quiet persuasion. Iris Meredith does 
first-rate job as the sirl. bririeinst 
conviction to the scenes she has with 
Brown arid Firank; LaRiie. Apoarentlv 
las the looks and. iablllty for more 
'ihpbrtant assigrimehts. Warner 
Richmond 'is an acceptable villain: 
and the others pf the cast are well 
above the horse opera , ^tanidard. 
:Phptpgraphy is clear and effective, 
though some of the chase shpts' have 
the appearance of repeats. PirectiPii 
keeps the actipn mbying.; Hobe. 

You Can't Bei^t Love 

Rkp release ni? Robert Slsk production. 
S'turii Preston Foster, Joan Fontaine. Fen- 
ture.i Herbert , Mundin. ' Paul Hurst. Di- 
rected, by .Chiclsty Cabunno, Froni original 
by Oiga Moore; screenplay, David .Sllver- 
steln and Maxwell Shane: camera, Russcli 
Metty. At. Vnlace. ,N; Y,.: dual, week 
.Tune .24. 'HT. Ruhhtng;. time, .00 mins. 

. . . . . . , .Preston Foster 

.,.' . '. ..>.,,',. .Joan . FontalnA - 

Herbert :Mun(lln 

, . .William Briabaiib 
; . i . . . :. . . Alan Briicai 
..X'aul H4irat 
..... . ; Bradley Bait* 

...Berton Churchill 
. . Frank M. Thoiilnii 
...i.. Harold Hubei: 
,^.P(iul GuUfoylo 
... .Borbiira Pep'por 



.loiiri. 
CoiTimiinder. 
MaSKle. . . 
Bumper... . . 
Short , . . ., 
Ci.riik. . . . 
PudKe. .. . . . . 



. , . , , rlc .Linden 
. , . Cecilia Parker 
. . . . .Rofcer imhof 
Bernadeno . Hayes 
. ..jAson Robards 
. . . Cully Richards 
, . MStta McDanlel 
^ I , . .Etan Barclay 



Arourid the character of Ramon 
Escobar, early Calif ornian platriot of 
the days before and after annexation 
when the land- of surishine, itrus 
groves and Townsend plans passed 
from Mexican rule,, an sidventurous 
rorriarice has been produced :entitleG 
The Californiari,' from a Harold Bell 
Wright story.. It's based otv the Robin 
Hood theme, and the, villains sire the 
early American settlers from back 
east who by force and connivance 
steal the rich land, holdi from 
their rightful • Owners. , ..isarne 
yarn has .been dorie a score of tiriies; 
somietimes/better, occasionally, not so 
.well. Present version rates in th 
safety., zone of .Class B dualers. It 
does not carry eribugh name value 
story .originality or production qual- 
ity to make, the irtiportant fi;:st runs. 
Just another picture, 

icardo Cortez has the hero's role, 
to which he brings a personable ap- 
pearance, and good deal o£ dash arid 
earnestness, and Very little comedy. 
He and the other players take it all 
very seriously— too much so for. i - 
triguing rbriiantic adventure. Play- 
ers also, are handicapped by dialog' 
that, is stilted, unnatural and difficult, 
ta enuriciate. Too many adiose's. Gus 
Mein directed in vigorous fashion. 

Plot discloses that tax collectors 
accortipanied the .Stafs and Stripes; 
into California, which is Df.obably 
true, and local residents will testify 
they are still here.v It was a^simple 
process to foreclose the fertile arid 
productive ranches for unpaid as- 
sessments. .Moratoriums and the Fed- 
eral Housing Administration came 
later. 

Women leads are . played by Mar- 
jorie Weaver and Katherine DcMille, 
both attractive/ George Regas plays 



Jimmy HuKhes 
Trudy Olson. . ... 

Janpor \ , 

Clem -Brunur. 

Scoop Gallagher.., i 
Butch Mi»lialToy. ,. 
DwlKlit Pnrsons... 
Chiot Brennun/. . , 
Mayor Olson ........ 

Pretty Boy .Tones , 
Louie the. ' Weasel 
.May Smith. , , . ... i. 



th adolescent . romance of Cecilia 
Parker and Eric Linden won't cu ; 
much b. 0. ice. 

Pace bogs dov;n after a passable 
start which will do evil to word-of 
mouth reports, . Everything about 
the pic is done with: a , once-over 
lightly tone— no particular' suspense, 
no hefty love story, riP. sprightly 
comedy, althoiigh a little of each iri 
gredient is present. 

"Teaming' of Miss Parker and Lin- 
den is the third try. from GN after 
as many more from Metro. This pic-- 
fure belongs to Cecilia, more for 
number of, minutes monopolized pn 
the screen than for anything else. 
Makes. an attractive appearahce and 
soniewhat Jmmaculate for the usual 
coticeptjoh of .saiiprs. sweethearts. A 
si.nger in a , dive along , the water- 
front, she attracts the; Sunday school 
mi Ik -guzzling gobs, which incon- 
gruity, though incongruous,: Will set 
well with the family trade inland. 

Roger Iriihof, also an old tiriie. 
riiember.. of this GN stbbk compariy, 
was instructed by the director to ap- 
pear kindly arid uridcrstandirig, but 
the authbrs neglected tolm?ike him 
■very talkative. Jason 'Robards, iriid-, 
dleweight chiamp of: the fleet, is 
comic in .his attempts to be a three- 
.•shiseted sneerer. Bcrriadene Hayes, 
Don Bar (;lay and CuUy Richards are 
on the' iuriny side.. ... 

Miss Parker sings . two nurinbers, 
both passable or bettei". One is after 
the monicker of . thc^pic, 'Sweetheart 
of the Navy,' and the other, 'Want 
.You . to Want Mc/ 

Story about Linden's being 
groomed for the Annapolis exams, 
btit meantiriie the boys warit him to 
go against the ship's commander and 
stage a fight to help Cecilia put of 
a bad check mess. He sees, Cepilia, 
is read.v to take on all comers, and 
corries. close to giving up the academy 
idea altogether. Barn. 



A minor entertainment and b.o. 
entry, 'Ypu Can't Beat Love, ■ is 
strictly for the duals, where it •will 
also need suppprt. On its pwn; it 
can't be expected tp draw , or hold 
them very long. .: 

Essentially a comedy, this Roberjl; 
Sisk production revels iri low-grade 
slapstick, w:eak dialog arid a skeletbn 
plot. Perforniances . of the players 
and the direction; iat the same time, 
fail to bolster the. other ingredients. 

Far-fetched story , concerns ' ai 
lawyer-playboy campaigning for the 
mayor pf a large city, pn a dare. H^ 
uncpvers the grafting ppUticians but, 
Pn falling in. Ipve with the incum- 
bent'.s'. daughter, tosses the election 
into the current mayor's lap. 

PrestPri Foster and Joan Fontaine 
are the principals. Foster's playing 
i.s heavy and undistinguished in 
what was meant to be a breezy role, 
while Miss Fontaine, a newcomer 
getting ari RKO buildup, has look.s 
but, also has lots to' learn about 
camera technique and vocal modu- 
lation. , They have full right to the 
alibi, however, that . their li 
hardly of the adult type. 

Supporting ca!5t is alsb sloughed by 
the script, notably Herbert Muridin, 
as- Foster's valet, and Paul Hurst; 
ditch-digger . foreman whoni /Foster 
selects ' as the tiext' chief : of police. 
They're in for coiriedy and what- 
ever , laiighs they get are achiieved 
strictly thrpiigh their town mugging- 
ability ' rather than: via the script. 
Nobody else, in the story counts for 
mitch. ■'-■ . . 

Camera work i.s average. 



Geschichteh Aus Deih 
Wienerwaid 

C' :s front the Vienna Woods') 
(OPERETTA), 
(AUSTRIAN MAiDE) 

4)nill)il I'MlniM proilu'ci Ion u. inl. v^lpaait.- 
FeiituivM LiVo : SIC/,acki' . .MiitrdO.^ .'i-liiiiildiT,. 
Woir Alljacli-Flcliy and- TrUiia vi)ii Aallfij.- 
I>li'6(!lC(i - lyy H(<orjre-'. Jacoby, i\(ui)lc. ' by 
.Toilann .Strau-s.'<r ' alory -. by Ai;irlc Stetan; 
cairii'j'.-i, VViTni!!- Bi'(in(li\ : .Bhijilsli tltleijji i*y 
■Will I'liUcr.' AL Uvililionl.- N.. 1';:: running 
time,. »\ m\nu. < V 

Millie .Hhi>lTi'i-H -. .Masdrt. Schneider 

<!rat: Rudl Wuldholm. , : , Wol£ Albacli-lletly 

Alois ,lei:Cmlci.s S'l-lii)!)!", , , .'jjco -.Stcziiclt 

l'"ucrst Klrlfol'f ; .-. .-, .'i.!i)V«c: A16xund(*r. 

.M.Try Jjlniford . , ; . . ,', . . , . .Ti'iniH; -voix Atiltert 
Bobby )j|ini'or(l . . ... . . , . . . .'.-. I lenry-Iiorehzen 

pr, PoiriciHl , . , y . ..Oscar .i»ab(» 



(In German, With. English Titles) 
Inspiring Johariri Strauss music 
(.Continued on page 25)' 



I 



14 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



I 



WHEN YOU PLAY IT...YOP 
ONE OF THE GREAT P 



From Rndyard Kipling's Ixmm pen... a story so big... a scene so 
vast . . . that it demands the topmost stars of the screen. The land of 
the Bengal Lancers . . . ablate with crimson war . . . swarming with 
reckless, raiding tribesmen . . . defended by the gallant Seventh 
Highlanders. Glorions adventure... dangerous romance... fierce drama 
...on India's last nntamed frontier — Khyber Pass! Pins 20th 
Showmanship . . . your triple- A guarantee! 



..vers 





VICTOfiMGLMLEN 



with 



e 





. Dltoctecl by |ojh!(i Ford 



- «'^-S 




•■ 'i \ 
I 



WednesSay, July 7, 1937 



VAJRIETY 



13 




IL KNOW YOU'RE PLAYING 




CTURES OF ALL TIME! 



1 



I THE KEYSTONE 
f OF YOUR FUTURE 




l«i YASIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



FILM BOOKING CHART 

(For infomation of theatre and film eX'change hookers. Variety presents a complete chart of feature releases of all the American distributing companies f 
the current quarterly period. Date of the reviews as given in Variety an4 the running time of prints are included^) 

COPYRIGHT, 1937, BT VARIETT. INC. 



WEEK 
RELEASE 



TALENT: 



TIME REVIEWED 
MINS. BX VARIETY 



5/U/37 



VENUS MAKES TROUBLE 
THE TENTH MAN 
FOREVER YOURS 
THUtTEENTH CHAIR 
TURN OFF THE MOON 
BEHIND HEADLINES 
AFFAIRS OF CAPPY RiCKS 
■ ANY MAN'S. WIFE . ' 
GREAT HOSPITAL MYSTERY 
DAVID HARUM (REISSUE) 
LOVE FROM A STRANGER 
on, DOCTOR 
CHEROKEE STRIP 
DRAEGERMAN COURAGE 



W. McDonald Col Com-Dr 

Alliance GB Drama 

Alberto Giacalone GN Musical 

J. J. Cqhn MGM Melodrama 

Miss Fanchori Par Comedy 

Cliff Reid RKO Com-Dr 

B. Kelly Rep Com.; 

H. Schlom Rep Rom-Dr 

S. Wurtzel 20th Mystery 

S. Wurtzel 20th Comedy 

M. Schach UA Melodrama. 

E, Gtainger U Comedy' 

WB WB Western 

B. Foy WB Rpm-Coiri 



Duhn-P. Ellis 
John Lodge-A. Celller 
Behiamino Gigii 
M. Evan^-H. DanieH 
C. Rug:g:Ies>Ei Whitney 
Lee Tracy-D. Gibson 
W. Brennan-M. ^Brian 
W. Gibson- Jackie Moran 
J. Darwell-S. Rumahn 
W. Rogers-L. Dreisser 
A. Hardln?-B, Rathbone 
1^. E. Horton-Eye Arden 
D; Foran-J. Bryan 
J. Muir-B. MacLane 



G. Wiles 
B. D. Hurst 
Stanley Irving 
G. Sietz 
Lew Seller 
R. Rbsson 
Ralph Staub 
Carl Browt> 
J. Tinling 
J. Cruze 
R. V. Lee 
Ray McCarey 
Noel Smith 
Louis King 



58 

iz 

66 
79 
58 
60 
67 
58 

87 

67 
58 
59 



5/19 



4/ 

6/ 
6/ 
5/ 



6/21/37 



SING, COWBOY. SING 

PICK A STAR 
NIGHT OF MYSTERY 

There gOes my girl 
come on, cowboys 
charlie chan at olympics 
wings over honolulu 
the go getter 



E. Finney GN Western y Tex Ritter 

Hal Roach Par Musical Haley-kelly-Laurel-Hardy 

Par MGM Musical R. KarhsrH^ Burgess 

W. Sistrom; RKO Comedy G. Ray ihond- A.. Sothern<-B. Holmes 

Sol Siegel Bcp Western B, Llvinjgrston-R. Corrigan 

J. Stone 20th Mystery W. Oland-K. de MHle 

E. M Asher tJ Rom-Dr R. Milland-W. Barrle 

Cosmo WB Rom-Dr • Brent-A. Louise 



E. Sedgwick 
R. N. Bradbury 
£. A. Dupon(t 
Ben Holmies 
Joe Kane 
H. B, Hum'stone 
H. C. Potter 
B. Berkeley 



6/2 
6/30 
6/16 
6/16 
.5/26 
6/2 
6/9 



6/28/37 



LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN 
1 MET HIM IN PARIS 
HOLLYWOOD COWBOY 

THIS IS MY AFFAIR 
UNDER THE RED ROBE 
bREAMING LIPS 
THE MAN IN BLUE 
KID GALLAHAD 



E. Chodorov. Col Drama 

Wi Ruggles Pair Rom-Com 

G. A- Hirliman RRO Western: 

K.. MacGowan 26th Musical 

R. T. Kane 20th Drama 

M. Schach UA Rom'Dr 

K. Glasmon. U Melodrama 

WB WB Drama 



L Hervey-W. Connolly 
. Colbert-Melvyn . Douglas 
O'Brien-C. Parker-E, Scott 
R. Taylor-B, Stanwyck- 

C. Veidt-R. Massey 
E, Bergner-R. Massey 
R. Wilcox-N. Grey 
E. G. Robinson-B. Davis 



Al Green 
. W . Ruggles 
Ewiiig^ Scott 
W: A. Seiter 
' V. Seastrom 
Paul Czinner 
M; Carruth 

M. Curtiz 



RECKLESS RANGER 
TALK OF THE;PEVIL 
HELL DIVERS (RE-lSSUE) 
PARNELL 
HOTEL HAYWIRE 
BORDER CAFE 
DOOMED AT SUNDOWN 
ANGEL'S HOLIDAY 
WLEN THIEF MEETS THIEF 
The WILDCATTER 
CASE OF STUTTERING BISHOP 



Col Col West'ern 

B, & D. GB Rom-Dr, 

MGM MGM Com-Dr 

J. Stahl MGM^ Rom-Dr 

Pai Par Comedy 

Bob Sisk RKO Western 

A. W. Hackel Rep Western 

J. Stone 20th Drama 

Criterion UA Rom-Dr 

Geo. Owen U Drama 

' WB WB Mystery 



Bob Aileh-B. Weeks 
R. Cortez-S. Eilers . 
W. Beery-fGable-C. Nagle 
C Gable-Myrna Loy 
L. Carrillo-L, Overman 
J. Beal-H; Carey-^Vmlda 
B'ti, Steele 
J. Withers-Robert Kent 
i Fairbanks, Jr.rV. Hobsen 

S. ColtoA-<i> Rogers. 
D. Woods- Ann Dvorak 



S. G. Bennett 
Carl Reid 

G/Hill 
Johil Stahl 
G. Airchaiiibaud 
Lew Larideris 
Sam Newfield 
Jarnes Tinling 
Raoul Walsh 
Ray McCarey 
W. Clemens . 



6/11/37 



A DAY AT THE RACES 
THE GREAT GAMBINI 
MEET THE MISSUS 
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU 
SHE HAD TO EAT 

SLIM 
BLAZING SIXES 



L. Weingarten MGM Comedy 

B. P. Schulberg Par Melodrama 

AI Lewis RKO Comedy 

L. Fields Rep Rom-Dr 

S. G. Engel 20th Comedy 

WB WB Drama 

WB WB Western 



Marx Bros.. 
A. Tamiroff-J. Trent 
H. Broderick-V. Moore 

A. Baxter-A. Leeds 
Hudson-.Treacher-Haley. 
P. O'Brien-H. Fonda 
D. Fdran-H. Valkis 



Sam Wood" 
C. Vidor 
Joseph Sahtley 
Phil Rosen 
M. St. Clair 
R.'Enright 
Noel Smith 



71 
85 

99 
100 
70 
60 
100 



6/16 
6/9 



/2 



76 
109 

lis 

65 
67 

74 

85 
58 
76 



5/19 
12/29/31 
6/9 
6/16 
6/9 

/26 
6/16 
6/16 
6/2 



109 



6/23 

7/7 
7/7 

6/30 



6/18/37 



TWO-FISTED SHERIFF 
BANK ALARM 
MARRIED BEFORE BREAKFAST 
NORTH OF BIO GRANDE 
MOUNTAIN MUSIC 

RIDING ON Air 

RHYTHM IN THE CLOUDS 
YODELIN' KID FROM pITIE RIDGE 
BIG BUSINESS 
WALT DISNEY'S ACADEMY REVUE 
ARMORED CAR v 
FLY AWAY BABY 
WHITE BONDAGE 



H. L. Decker Col ; Western 

Condor . GN Melodrama 

S. Zinribalisf MGM Com-Dr 

Harry Sherman Par Western . 

Ben Glazep> Par Comedy 

David Ldew RKO Comedy 

A. . E. Levoy Rep Musical 

A. Schaefer Rep Western 

Max Golden 20th Comedy 

W. Disney UA Comedy 

£. M. Asher U Melodfama 

WB WB Com-Dr 

WB WB Drama 



C. StarrettoB. Weeks 
. Conrad. Nagel 
R. Young-Florehee Rice 
Wm. Boyd^Getf. Hayes 
B. Burns-Marthai Raye 
Joe E. Brown 
P. Ellis-W. Hull 
Gene Antry-B. Bronson. 
J. Proiity-S. Deane 

Cartoon 
B. Wileox-J. Barrett 
G. Farrell-B. MacLane 
Jean Muir-G. Oliver 



Leon Barsha 
Louis Gasnier 
£. L Marin 
Nate Watt 
C. Reisner 

E, Sedgwick 
John R Auer 

Joe Kane 

F. R. Strayer 
W. Disney 

" L. Foster 
F. McDonald 
Nick Grinde 



6/23 



6/30 
6/30 



61 



6/25/37 



DEVIL IS DRIVING 
GIRLS CAN PLAY 
SWEETHEART OF THE NAVY 

CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS 
LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID, 
YOU CANT BEAT LOVE 
A LAW MAN IS BORN 
SING AND BE HAPPY 
LOVE IN A BUNGALOW 
ANOTHER DAWN 



Col : Col Melodrama 

Ralph Cohn Col Comedy 

B. F. Zeidman GN Comedy 

L. b. Lighten MGM Spectacle— 

G. M. Arthur Par Drama . 

Robert Sisk RKO Rom-Com 

A. W. Hackel Rep Western 

M; H. Feld 20th Musical 

E. M. Asher U Rom-.Com 

WB WB Ronni-Dr 



R. Dix-Joan. Perry 
J. Wells-C. Quigley 
Erie Linden-C. Parker 
F. Bartholomew-Spencer T^'acy 
L. Ayres-D. Lamour 
P. Foster-J. Fontaine 
J. M. Browh-L Meredith' 
J.' Davis-A. Marin 
N. Grey-K. Taylor 
K. Francis-E. Flynn 



H. Lachman 
L. Hillyer 

D. Mansfield 

V. Fleming 
J. Hogan 

C. Cabanne 
Sam Newfield 

H. Lchrman 
Ray McCarey 

W.'Dieterle 



69 
69 
63 
115 
85 
60 
61 
67 
67 
73 



7/7 

6/30 

7/7 

5/19 

6/23 

6/30 

7/7 

6/23 

7/7 

6/23 



7/2/37 



A FIGHT TO THE FINISH 
ONE MAN JUSTICE 
ROARING TIMBER 
RIDERS OF THE ROCKIES 
THE RMPEROR'S CANDLESTICKS 
THIRTEENTH MAN 
MIDNIGHT MADONNA 
FORLORN RIVER 
NEW FACES OF 1937 
SLAVE SHIP 
DARK JOURNEY 
I COVER THE WAR 
SINGING MARINE 



R. Cohn Col Action 

H. L. Decker Col Western 

R. Flothow Col Outdoor 

Ed Finney GN Western 

J. Considine MGM Rom-Dr 

Lon Young MonO; Mystery 

E. Cohen Par Melodrama 

Par Par Western 

Edward Small RKO Musical 

N. Johnson 20th Spectacle 

. y. Saville UA Drama 

Trem Carr U Drama 

L. Edelman WB Musical 



D. Perry-R. Keith 

C. Starrett-B. Weeks 
Jack Holt-G. Bradley 

Tex Ritter 
Ppwell-Rainer 
W. Heyburn-I. Courtney 
W. William-M. Correll 
L, Crabbe-Jnne Martel 
M. Berle-J. Penner-H. Billiard 
W. Baxter-W. Becry-E. Allen 
C. Veldt-V. Leigh-J. Gardner 
J. Wayne-D. Barclay-G. Gaze 

D. Powell-D. Weston 



C. C. Coleman 
Leon Barsha 
Phil Rosen 
R. N. Bradbury 
G. Fitzmaufice 
W. Nigh 
J. Flood 
C. Barton 
Leigh Jason 
Tay Garnett 
V. Saville 
. A. Lubin 
Ray Enright 



58 



69 
105 



7/7 



6/30 



7/7 
6/23 

■n 

/7 



7/9/37 



THE TWO OF US 
THE SHADOW STRIKES 
BETWEEN TWO WOMEN 
HOOSIER SCHOOLBOY 

WILD MONEY 
ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN 

BORN RECKLESS 
WESTBOUND LIMITED 
PUBLIC WEDDING 
EMPTY HOLSTERS 



Gainsborough Git Rom-Com 

Alexanders GN Mystery 

MGM MGM Drama 

K. Goldsmith Mono Drama 

Par Par Com-Dr 

L. Marcus RKO Comedy - 

M: H. Feld 20th Melodrama 

McRae-Koeni U Rom-Dr 

WB WB Com-Dr 

.WB WB Western. 



J. Hulbert-Gina. Malo Ri Stevenson 

R. LaRbcque-L. Anders Lynn Shores 

Tohe-Vi Bruce-M. O'SuUivan G.: Seitz 

M. Ro6ney-F. Shields W; Nigh 

E. E. Hbrtbn-L. Campbell Louis King 

Wheeler- Woolsey-E. Mvit Edw. Cline 

B. Dohlevy-R. Hudson : M: St. Clair 

L. Talbbt-P. Rowles F. Beebe 

J. Wyman-M. Wilson Nick Grinde 

D. Foran^P. Walthall B. Easoh 



7/16/37 



IT CANT LAST FOREVER 
KING SOLOMON'S MINES 
BOOTS OF DESTINY 
BLAZING BARRIERS 
RIDERS OF THE DAWN 
TOPPER 
EASY LIVING 
SUPER SLEUTH 
THE RED ROPE 
THE CALIFORNIAN 
THE ROAD BACK 
EVER SINCE EVE 



H. L. Decker Cbl Rom.-Com. 

GB GB Spectable 

Condor GN Western 

K. Goldsmiith Mono Drama 

. N, Bradbury Mono Western 

Hal Roach > MGM ' Comedy 

. Hornblow, Jr. >Par, Comedy 

Edw. Small RKO Mystery 

A. W. Hackel Rep Western 

Sol Lesser 20th Western. 

Grainger-Whale U. Drarria 

Cosmo WB Rom-Com 



. R. Bellamy-B. . Furness 
A; Lee-R. Young-Robeson 

Ken Maynard 
F. Cpghlan-E. Arnold, 
Jack Randall 
C . Bennett-R. Ybnng 
J. Arthiir^R. . Milland 
J.: Oakie-A. Sbthern 
Bob Stcele-L. January 
R. Arlen-R. Cortez 
J. Kihg-B. Read-A. Devlne 
M. Davlcs-R. Mbntgomery 



Ham. MacFadden 
R. Stevenson 
A. Roissprt 
A.: Scotte 
.. N. Bi-adbury 
N. MacLeod 
M, Leisen ' 
Ben Stoloff 
S. Rpy^Luby 
Gus Meins 
J.. Whale 
L. Baicon 



68 
80 



59 
105 
77 



7/7 
6/30 



7/7 



6/23 
6/30 



7/23/37 



RENDEZVOUS IN ALPS 
BROADWAY MELODY '38 
PARADISE ISLE 
RUSTLER'S VALLEY 

THE BIG SHOT 
THE LADY ESCAPES 
TOWN SCOUT 



J. Hagen GN ■ Rom-Dr 

J. Gummings MGM Musical 

Dorothy Reid Mono Drama 

H. Sherman Par Western 

Maury Cohen RKO Comedy 

L. L. Lahdaii 20th Rom-Com 

WB WB Comedy 



J. Baxter rAi Bushel 
Taylbr-E; Powell-S. Tucker 
Movita-W. Hull 
. William Boyd 
C. Witherspoon-Kibbee 
M: Whalen-G, Stuart 
B. Woods- J. Madden 



B; Voi;haus 
'R. Del Ruth 
A. G. Collins 

Nate Watt 

Edw. Killy 
Eugene Forde 

Louis King 



7/7 



7/30/37 



A DANGEROUS ADVENTURE 
WHERE THERE'S A WILL 

SMALL TOWN BOY 
LEGION OF MISSING MEN 
EXCLUSlViB - 
TOAST OF NEW YORK 
WEE WILLIE WINKIE 

VOGUES OF 1938 
REPORTED MISSING 
MABBT THE GIRL 



W. MacDonald Col Action 

Gainsborough GB Rom-Dr 

Zion Myers , GN Comedy 

I. E. Chadwick Mono Drama 

Ben Glazer Par Melodrama 

Edw. Small RKO Rom-Dr 

Gene Markey 20th Drama 

W. Wanger UA Musical 

E. M. Asher U Melodi'ama 

WB WB Comedy 



D. Terry-R. Keith 
Will Hay-Lilli Palmar 
S; Erwin-J. Compton 
Ralph Forbes. 
. F. MacMurray-F. Farmer 
E. Arnold-F. Farmer-Oakie 
S. Temple-V. McLaglen 
W. Baxter-J. Bennett 
Wm. Gargan-J. Rogers 
Mary Boland-H. Herbert 



D. R. Lederman 
M. Vamell 
Glenn Tryon 
H. McFadden 
AI Hall 
Rowland V. Lee 
John Ford . 
J. Feyder 
M. Carruth 
Wm. McGann 



Wednesday^ July 7, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



17 



Advance Production Chart 



Hollywood, July 6. - 

Prodwi^''>^ P^^^ ^'^^ settson slump during the past two weeks^, with 
only 36 major pictures in work. Warners and 20th-Fox lead ioith seven 
^och before the cameras, hut Metro, RKO-Radiq and Universal, slowed up 
con^derahly. Six productions are before the lenses for United Artists re- 
tease, Samuet Goldwyri, Selznick-International and Walter Wdnget each 
have two pix shooting. Uriiversa,l will pep up this week with at least four 
films to he put in work. 

Total of 87 films are bein© scissored; 123 are, in various steps of jprepara- 
iion, During last 1^)0 weeks 16 pictures were started while 11 were taken 
^^om tly^ cutting tooms and previewed. 



Each studio has at least 10 stories practitally. ready for the directors to 
begin work. Grand National has only one pic in work. Other studios fol- 
low: Columbia, three; Metro, four; Paramount, two; RKO-Radid, three; 
Republic, ; 20th-Fox, seven; United Artists, six; Universal, two; War-; 
ners, seven and Monbgrdm, none. Latter studio has nine film slated for 
earXy production, however. 

20th-Fox led toith three previews duHnjj past two weeiks, thers were 
Columbia, one; Grand National, one; Metro, two; Paramount, tivo; RKO- 
Radio, two; Repu bUc, one; United, Artists; none; Universal, two; Worners, 
tioo arid Monogram, 



AMUS. STOCKS 



Columbia 



Three in work, 11 editiniTf: 13 preparingr. In work: 
•LIFE BEGINS WITH LOVE,' reported Variety, June 22. Started. 
'THE AWFUL TRUTH,* produced by Everett . iiiskili, directed by Leo 
McCarey, from the stage play of the same title by Arthur Richmond, 
screenplay by D wight Taylor and Vina Delmar. Cast; Irene Dunne, Gary 
Grant, Cecil Ciumtngham, Robert Allen, Wyn Cahoon, Joyce Compton, 
Scott Coltoii, Esther Dale. 

Story depicts the return of ia husband, awa;y from home for two weeks,, 
finding his. wife traipsing into the house in mid-afterooh clothed in an eye- 
ing gown. Despite her logical explanation,, the husband insists on a 
iVorce, Remainder of filni; is taken' up by her successful attempt to get 
iin-back. 

TLL, TAKE . ROMANCE,* produced by Eyerett Riskih, directed by 
Edward H. Griffith, no writing credits. Cast: Grace Moore, Melvyn Douglas, 
Stuart Erwin, Margaret Hamilton, Helen .Westley, Andre Beranger, Esther' 
Muir, Ferdinand Gottschalk. 

Story has Miss Moore as an opera singer Under the : domination of ah 
aunt. She's contracted to sing in South America, but when a hew deal is 
offered her in Paris attempts to toss away 'the S. A. paper, Melvyn Douglas, 
South American producer, comes to the U. S. in ian effort to preveht her 
departure to France. He conceals his identity, but falls in love, with Miss 
Moore. He .causes her to take ah S. A. boat instead of the French lihes. She 
refuses to sing in South America until she finds that she, too, is in. love 
with Douglas. 

Readied to start: TARK AVENUE DAME,' 1 MARRIED AN ARTIST,' 
and 'RIVER OF MISSING MEN.' 



Grand National 



One III work, two cditinir> ll ' preparing. Started: 

'SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT,' produced by Zion Myers, directed by 
Victor Schertzinger, screenplay by Austin Parker from Schertziiiger's 
original. Cast: Jaimes Cagney, Evelyn Daw, Jimmy Newell, Harry Harris, 
Candy Candido, Cully Richards, Mona Barrie, Gene Lockhart, Bill Carey, 
.William Frawley, William Davidson, Philip Ahn, Rooney's Rhythm Rascals. 

Story shows Jahies Cagney as a celebrated New York orch leader re- 
ceiving a picture offer. He leaves the band and Evelyn Daw, his fiancee, a 
singer in the outfit, in the east. Through the efforts of Gene Lockhart, pro- 
duction chief, Cagney contracts a sense of inferiority. Although Cagney's 
work in the pic is sensatidnal, he believes he's a fiop and wires his gal. to 
come west. They are married in Sain Francisco and honeymoori oh a 
freighter to the South Seas. The film turns into a b.o. sensation and the 
studio attempts to locate. Cagney. Fans mob the pair in Frisco upon their 
return from the South Seas and eventually he signs a new contract. Lock- 
hart, however, believes Cagney's wife is in the way, arid learning this, she 
beats it back to her old job with the N. Y. barid. Cagney tosses up his film 
jqib temporarily and hustles east. 

Readied to start: 'HERE'S FLASH CASET,* 'RENFREW OF THE 
MOUNTED,* 'WALLABT JIM OF THE ISLANDS,' 'GOVERNMENT 
AGENT,* 'RETURN OF THE SHADOW,' 'FACE THE FACTS,' 'SO THIS 
IS HOLLYWOOD,* 'PAINTER IN THE SKY,' 'FRONTIER TOWN,' arid 
^GORGEOUS.' 



Metro 



Four in work, four editing', 10 preparing. In work: 

'MADAME WALEWSKA,' reported VARiETY, March 10; 'DOUBLE WED- 
DING,* reported June 16; 'THE BRIDE WORE RED,' reported June 22. 
Started: 

'BIG CITY,* produced" by Norman Krasria, irected by Frank Borzage, 
original by Krasna. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Luise Rainer, Victor Varconi, 
Oscar O'Shea, William Demarest, Russell Hopton, Andrew Tombes, Helen 
Troy, Helen Browftj Edward J. Flanagan, Charles Griapewirt, Mitchell 
Lewis, Irving Bacon, Janet Beecher, Ray Walker, Eadie Adariis, Eddie 
Quillan, Guinn Williams, Alice White, Edgar Deering, Grace Ford, Regis 
Toomey. 

Story concerns a taxi war in New York with the big shots causing the 
Independent drivers to take it ori the lam. One of the indie drivers works 
his way into the big organization as a spy. Story runs the gamut of fights, 
bombings, etc., until the spy is killed. Spy's' sister, wife of Spencer Tracy, 



PRODUCTION TABLE 

(This table shows number of features promised to be delivered 

to exhibitors by the major distributing organizations, and the iride- 

pendeni producers contributing product to their producing organiz 

Hons for the \936-37 season.) 

' ' - Balance 

Fix. to be Stories. 



Producers and - 
cbntributinr 
companies. 

COLUMBIA 

, Larry Darmbur. ... . . . . 

GRAND NATIONAL ... 
METRO 

MO^^GRAM . * 

Hal Roaoli. . . 
PARAMOUNT .. ..... 

B. P. Schulberc.... 

Emanuel Cohen.... 

Harry Sherman..., 
Frank LlOyd.. ...... i 

RKO RADIO ..... 

David Loew. . . . . . . ., 

George Hirliinan. . . . 

-iSSL^*"*" - •• •••• 

REPUBLIC ...V ..V.,.. 

, A. rtT. Hackel, . 

80TH CENTURYrFOX 

. . Sot Lesser. . 

UNITED ARTISTS: 

Samuel Goldwyn. ... 

Walter Wanger..;... 

Selziiick 

^E. Bergner. . 

Criterion 

. Korda London 
UNIVERSAL . . 
^ Buck Jones. .. 
WARNERS 



Number 
Number how 
of pix . com- 
promised, pleted.. 

29 



3 
6 
28 
1 

4.. 
■45 



Pix now placed in 
now in the before prep- 
in. cutting the ara- 
.work. rooms, cameras, tion. 

13 

ii 

10 
9 
1 

12 
2 
2- 
2 
1 

10 
I 
2 
1 

10 



2 
2 

.2 



• •••••• 



• • • k • * ft • 0 « 



TetaU 



567 



394 



36 



91 



10 
123 



is blamed for a bombing, and in order to hush the scandal the d.a. threatens 
to deport her as an alien. She hides outj but surreriders when the indie 
cabmen are arrested. Before Tracy's wife can be shipped out of the coun- 
try, he learns through a squealer the idcintity of the. murderer.. Mayor is 
giving a dinner to sports celebrities wheri Tracy drags in the . informant. 
Realizing that Tracy's wife is about to become a mother, the .sportsmen. 
Start a brawl and- clean out the big shot cabbies. 
Readied to start: 'ROAD SHOW.' 



Monogram 



None in work, 3 editing, 9 preparing. 

Readied to start: 'THE MARINES ARE HERE,* 'TELEPHONE OPERA- 
TOR,'. 'WHERE THE WEST BEGINS/ 'GOD'S COUNTRY AND THE 
MAN,' 'A BRIDE FOR HENRY,' 'TWO WELL-DRESSED MEN,' 'AT- 
LANTIC FLIGHT,' and 'ROMANCE OF THE LIMBERLOST.' 



Paifamount 



Two In v^ork, 16 . editing', 12 preparing/ In work: 

•EBB TIDE/ reported Variety, June 16. Started: j, . . 

'SOPHIE. LANG GOES WEST,' Gerieral office production, - directed by 
Charles Riesner, no writirig credits. Cast: Gertrude Michael, Lee Bowriian, 
Sandra Storme, Larry Crabbe, Barlowe Borlaridi C, Henry Gordon. Archie 
Twitchell, Nick Lukats. 

Story depicts Sophie Ling, fiction's femipe adventurer, in a series of 
dangers and. romances in Hollywood." She boards a train in New York en 
route to the Coast and finds a queer crew of passengers. A sultan who 
hopes his famous diamond Will be stolen so. he can collect insurance; a 
detective assigned to guard the gem; a foreign actress, and a writer arid 
film director,' Sophie and the writer coUab on a screienplay concerning the 
diamond arid the sultan agrees to its use in the film. Producer plans a fake 
robbery in order to obtain publicity for, the film bixt the missing storie 
mysteriously reappears and the foreign actress wears it iristead of the 
imitation. The robbery turns out to be the real thing with this Nvrlter un- 
veiled as a fornier convict. He falls for Sophie just as the detective turns 
up the crook. 

Readied to start: 'BULLDOG DRUMMOND COMES BACK,* 'PARK 
AVENUE FOLLIES,' 'THE BARRIER,' 'ARIZONA AMES,' 'LOVE ON 
TOAST,' 'WELLS FARGO,' 'YOU AND ME,' 'PRISON FARM,' 'BUC- 
CANEER,' TARTNERS IN CRIME' and 'TEXAS TRAIL.' 



RKO-RadIo 



Three in work, 8 editing, 9 preparing. In wOrk: , 
'MUSIC FOR MADAME,' and 'STAGE DOOR,' reported Variety, Jurie 
22. Started: 

'FLIGHT FROM GLORY,' produced by Robert Sisk, directed by Lew 
Landers, screenplay by David Silverstein, original , by Robert Andrews. 
Cast: Chester Morris, Whitney Bourne, Onslow Stevens, Van Heflli , Rita 
La Roy, Richard Lane, Walter Miller, Paul Guilfoyle, Douglas Walton. 
. Story concerns the life and loves of a group of groimded flyers Who at- 
tempt to escape their pasts by working for Onslow Stevens, owner of the 
Trans-Andea flying field; Instead of finding Stevens' outfit the kind adver- 
tised in come-ons, the group is forced^to live in huts and life in general is 
filthy. Van Heflli , one of the flyers, takes, his bride Whitney Bourne to the 
place, but Heflin cannot stand the gaff. In the crisis/ she turns to Chester 
Morris for affection. 

Readied to start: 'A LOVE LIKE THAT,' 'FiGHT FOR YOUR LADY,' 
'40 NAUGHTY GIRLS,' 'SATURDAY'S HEROES,' 'DON'T FORGET TO 
REMEMBER' and 'THE KANGAROOS.* 



One. iri work, 9 editing, 6 preparlnjg. Started:- 

'DOUBLE TROUBLE,' produced by Leonard Fields, directed t:' James 
Home, no writing credits. Cast: Ole Olseri arid Chic Johnson, Mary 
Howard, Harry Stockwell, Eddie Kane, D'Arcy Corrigan, Lew Kelly, 
Franklin Pangborn, Stanley Fields, 

Story concerns pair of comics with a letter to a theatre owner, happy 
in their hopes to sell him their .trained seal act. However, theatre owner 
tells them they are victiriis of a practical joker inasmuch as he has been 
unable to produce a play successfully for 10 yeari.. Young song writer, 
hearing that Olsen and Johnson have inherited a fortune, in. reality about 
$150, tells them he's written a musical comedy around the theatre owner's 
daughter. They agree to help not knowing the false rumor regarding their 
fortune. They are exposed, but not until the theatrie owner is shot while 
watching a rehearsal. Creditors believing the house to be jinxed walk off 
with their properties. Comics turn to the radio and a fish outfit sponsors 
a program after they write in a climax for the show explaining the 
murder of the dead .angel. Unable to find the slayer, each attempts to 
confess the hoa3£, but is uriable to do so before the real killer is unveiled. 

•PUBLIC COWBOY NO. 1,? (fini^ed) produced by Sol Siegel, directed 
by Joe Kane, screenplay by Oliver Drakie, original by Bernard McConville. 
Cast: Gene Autry, Smiley Burnette, Ann Rutherford, William Farnum, 
Arthur Loft, Frank E, Marvin, House Peters, Jr., James C. Morton. 

Story portrays Gene Autry, deputy, and William Farnum, sheriff, unable 
to cope with a gang of rustlers . using airplanes, . radios, etc. Anri Ruther- 
ford, town's only editor, lambastes the . pair in her sheet. They suspect the 
owner of a packing company arid through the Use of radio learri of the 
rustler's plans. Autry'is pal, Smiley Burnette, is arrested after Farnurii is 
shot and is clubbed to death in jail. Burnette kriew the assailant and with 
his death the rustler's run wild and Farnum is forced to resigri. However, 
Autry carries on his sleuthing via the air waves and eventually Farnum is 
re-instated iri his job. 

Readied to start: 'PORTIA ON TRIAL,* 'FOOLS IN PARADISE,' Untitled 
SKIPWORTH-MORAN pic. 'LADY MISBEHAVES,' 'FIRST PRIZE.' and 
'HEART OF THE ROCKIES.V 



20lh Century-Fox 



Seven in work, 7 edit! sf* 10 preparing. In work: 

'HEIDI,' 'THIN ICE,' reported Variety. May. 26; .'b ANGER, LOVE AT 
WORK,' reported June 10;- 'IN OLD CHICAGO,' 'WIFE^ DOCTOR AND 
NURSE,' 'CHARLIE CHAN ON BROADWAY/ reported JUne 23. Started 

'ALI BABA GOES TO TOWN,' produced by Laurence Schwab, directed 
by David Butler, screenplay by Harry Tugend and Jack Yellen from story 
idea, by Gene Fowler, Gene TovVne arid Graham Baker. Cast: Eddie Cantor 
June Lang, Roland Young, George Sanders, Toriy Martin, Virginia Fields! 
Allan Dinehart, Louise Hovick, John Carradiric. Douglas Dumbrille 

Story has a backgroynd of Bagdad v/hcp the Caliphs ruled. Eddie Cantor 
a trampt is thrown off a train, getsi a job a.<j a film extra and goes to sleep 
in a large jar on the set. Action revolves around what happiened to Caritor 
in his dreams. He find.s hlm.sclf at Roland Young's court in Bagdad, abet- 
ting the love affair of Junb Lang and Tony Martin agaiinst the designs of 

(Continued on page 19) 




picture company 
shares during the, extended 
weakness in the stock market, and 
the manner in which these 
pUshed forward when thie big board 
strengthened last Week hais produced 
favorable comment in Wall Street. 
All amusements have holdi 
well, with a majority of plm coni- 
pany issuies managing to keep above 
old lows of the ite recent 

severe sell-offs, 

Observers in the street were par- 
ticularly impressed by this resistance 
against the trerid as well as a' di- 
minutive bull move iri picture shares 
Thursday and Friday , last week, 
because this is the season of the 
year, usually, when film shares start 
discounting the. customary decline 
in sunimer box office. 

Arrival of warmer weather much 
later' than usual this year, release 
of good pictures, signifying desire 
of distributi companies to hold 
trade, arid fine crop /prospects havei 
aided in boiistering sentiment. 

Favorable positions of two pre- 
ferred issues attracted buyers in the 
pre-holiday market last Friday (2) 
when Paramount first preferred 
soared 19 points to .150 and. Uni-. 
versa! preferred roared,, ahead 12 
points to 75 per . shaire' .; UnUsual 
strength in Par first preference 
camie. after a substantial gain oh thd 
preceding day. 

Paramount common finished week 
up more than 2 points from its sbll- 
ing level and 20th-Fox coirimon man- 
iaged to sport the. same advance. 
Technicolor edged up to near its 
former high price of 1937. 

Loew,. long thie leader for picture 
shares, more than lived up to its. 
reputation, winding up a period of 
consistent stability, , with daily gains 
of more, than one point, not uncom- 
mon, by hitting a mark 13 points 
above the year's low. .. Eastman 
Kodak common performed sensation-, 
ally by finishing off ihe week with 
a 2^ -point advance that pushed it 
up . within one-quaiter of the 1937 
peak. 



$16,000 FEE ALLOWED 
SKOORAS ST. L Am 



St. Louis, July 6. 
A fee of $16,000 Was allowed 
Thursday. (1) in bankiruptcy court to 
William T. Jones for his 4 '72 years 
of service as attorney for Nelson 
Cunliff,- trustee, for Skouras Bros. 
Enterprises, Inc.; bankrupt , theatre 
holding corporation. Jones asked for 
$25,000 and set out in petition that 
in long litigation sirice appointment 
on Jan. 15, 1933, he spent much time 
representing the. trustee in .various 
disputed matters and checked claiins 
aggregating $4,600,000. 

Payment of a first and final divi- 
dend of about 6%% on $4,641,355 in 
claims recently was approved in the 
bankruptcy case. The dividend 
amounted to $303,451. 



DEANNA'S NEXT SET 

Universal has i)Ought 'Prize Girl,* 
Booth Tarklngton story,; for Dearina 
Dlirbin. No. price revealed. 

Adaptation, and production plans 
not set, but figured it will . be the 
youngster-s next after '100 Men arid 
a Girl.'- 



Incarporations 



i, . . . i3acf,a»rt6nto. 
■^f oronet ricturcs; Inc.; capital- stock. 
100 Hliarert, none eubacrlbert. DlroctoVii: 
Miiiiln Gang, JRobcrt E. Kopp, May P. 
liaiimKiirtnet', air nf L. A. ' 

Myrt nium-Juck £miiiiuol, Inr. ; capllnl 
slook, 100 shares, none, subsf rlbca. pi- 
rertorS: Martin Gnntr, Robert Kodd, 
.Mn.Y P. •Baumtrartner. 

>lisiuul KntertainincntH, Incj motion 
DloLurp iiroducing); .capital .stock, 100 
Hlmros. -no. par;- permitted, to issue all. 
.Olm'tors: Irvlnjr Cohen, L. Ryau an 
Ii. lv.lnB6ton. 

Cwnstance lionnntt, Inc.', to manufac- 
turtv cosmetics) ; capital Htock, IDO aharc,><. 
110 par; permitted to Issue all, I>lr/»c- 
lor.s: Constance Bennett, Jewel. Itiu 
Dorothy (le Fraa.Ho. 

lliiMlnpHH .I'uhUcatiottA, inc.; capltiil 
-itock, 100 BharcH, ho par; iiormltLcd to 
issue alL .I)lrectors: John ir. Cliiytoii, 
IJnvid .S. Molr, Paul A. ])cMuff. 

('<il«Miliil IMctnrA Cori*.; capltiil ntook; 
•>1ftO. nono KubscrJbcil,- .J)Uo(!tors: John 
. ^^pcak.H. C. 1-J, KdUiincroy. Kpllx Cunnlni;- 
hatti, Robert V, iJoolInle and Patil U. 
I'ox. 



18 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




20wt "SLAVE SHIP" SETS 



BOXOFFKE PA<E 
IN HOLIDAY RUNS 

EVERYWHERE ! 



W«dne8day, July 7, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



19 



Advance Production Chart 

(Continued from page 17) 

John Carradine and Louise Hovick. Cantor saves the situation and the city 
of Bagdad when he flies on a magic carpet to the enemy's camp and sets 
It afire. 

Readied to start: 'LIFE BEGINS IN COLLEGE' and 'THE GREAT DIA- 
MOND ROBBERY.* 

United Artists 

Six in work, 4 editing, 8 preparingr. In work: 

•HURRICANE/ reported Variety, May 12; 'ADVENTURES OF MARCO 
POLO,' reported June 16. Started. . 

•NOTHING SACRED,' produced by Selznick-Irtternational, directed by 
William A. Wellman, screenplay by Ben Hecht, original story by James H. 
Street, Cast: Carole Lombard, Frederic March, Charles Winninger, Walter 
Connolly,- A. W. Sweatt, Maxie Rosenbloom, Art Lasky, Clarence Wilson, 
OlinHowland. 

Story is a comedy on New York newspaper life. 

'ADVENTURES Of "TOM SAWYER,' produced by Selznick-International, 
directed by H. C. Potter, screenplay by John V. A. Weaver from Mark 
Twain's story 6f American boyhood 75 years ago. Cast: Tommy Kelly, Ted 
Limes, Elizabeth Patterson, Walter Brennan, A. W. Sweatt, Anne Gillis, 
Cora Sue Collins, Victor Jory, Spring Byington, Margaret Hamilton, Victor 
Killian, Hugh Chapman. 

Story re-enacts the boyhood life of Tom Sawyer, his pal. Huckelberry 
Finn, and their village friends. 

'I MET MY LOVE AGAIN/ produced by Walter Wanger, directed by Ar- 
thur Ripley and Joshua Logan, screenplay by Ripley, Logan and David Hertz, 
from novel, 'Summer Lightning/ by AUene Corliss. Cast: Henry Fonda, 
Joan Bennett, Alan Marshall, Dame May Whitty, Louise Piatt, Tim Holt, 
■ Dorothy Stickney, Florence Lake. 

Story starts in a New England college town in 1927 and later the locale 
jumps to Paris. Joan Bennett, , engaged to Henry Fonda, elopes with- Alan 
Marshall, a New York writer-playboy, to France. Marshall turns out to 
be a heel and is finally killed in a duel. Bennett returns to Fonda in the 
New England town where he's grown to be quite a professor through his 
plugging of book learning. 

'STAND-IN/ produced by Walter Wanger, directed by Tay Garnett, 
screenplay by Gene Towne and Graham Baker, original Sateveppst story 
by Clarence Budington Kelland. Cast: Leslie Howard, Joan Blori<iell, J. C. 
Nugent, Alan Mowbray, TuUy Marshall, William Mong. 

Story concerns Leslie Howard as a scholarly clerk in a New York finan- 
cial institution, which finds itself the owner of a Hollywood picture studio. 
Howard is shunted westward to put the studio on its paying feet. En route 
to the studio he meets Joan Blondell, an extra, arid learns plenty from her. 
He works wonders with the picture lot and is sitting' pretty when a 
racketeer, attempting to get his paws on the film property, committf^a mur- 
der which is blariied on Howard. He beats the criminal rap and winds up 
by marrying Blondell and making her a star. 

Readied to start: 'THE GOLDWYN FOLLIES/ 



Universal 



Two in work, nine editing, eigrht preparinir. In work: '100 MEN AND 
A GIRL/ reported Variety May 26, and 'THE LADY FIGHTS BACK/ re- 
ported June 22. 

Readied to start: 'MERRY-GO-ROUND OF li938,' 'ADVENTURE'S END,' 
^MIDNIGHT RAIDER,' 'LET'S BE CANDID,' 'BEHIND THE MIKE/ 'CAR- 
NIVAL QUEEN/ and 'YOUNG MAN'S FANCY/ 



Warners 



Eight in work, 11 editing, eleht preparing. In work: 'THE PERFECT 
SPECIMEN/ reported Variety May 26; 'FIRST LADY/ reported May 12; 
'ADVENTUROUS BLONDE/ 'PRAIRIE THUNDER,' 'THE GREAT GAR- 
ptlCK,' reported June 23. Started: 

'MISSING WITNESSES,' produced bv Bryan Foy, directed by William 
Clemens, original and screenplay by Dc\ Ryan and Kenneth Gamet. Cast: 
pick Purcell, Jean Dale, John Litel, Eddie Scuff, Mabel Todd, Ben Weldon, 
iVida Ann Borg, William Haade. 

Story is a big city, underworld melodrama of a centralized racketeering 
organization headed by Harlan Tucker and being fought by John Litel, 
Dick Purcell and William Haade. Jean Dale is accused of killing Tucker 
•nd the criminal gang is exposed when Purcell and Jean learn that Tucker 
has slain his butler and dressed the victim in Tucker's- own clothes. 

'EXPENSIVE HUSBANDS,' produced by Bryan Foy, directed by Bobby 
Connolly, screenplay by Jean Negulesco and Jay Brennan.- Cast: Beverly 
Roberts, Patric Knowles, AUyn Joslyn, William Hopper, Vladimir Sokolofl. 

Story is a behind-the-scenes romance with Beverly Roberts, an actress. 
Buffering from weak pictures. Her press agent, Allyn Joslyn, is at wits 
end. She goes abroad and falls in love with a waiter in Vienna, Patric 
Knowles, who turns out to be a prince. Back in Hollywood her popularity 
returns. Knowles comes to Holly\Yood, too, and spends her money like 
water, but it turns out to be his own money. He leaves, she follows him 
back to Europe and they kiss and clinch. • 

'TWO PLATOONS/ produced by Bryan Foy, directed by John Farrow, 
original and screenplay by Carlton Sand. Dick Foran, Ann Sheridan, Veda 
Ann Borg, Robert Armstrong, Hugh O'Connell, 

Story is about the lives of firemen, especially Dick Foran, fire-eater and 
smoke-eater combined, who feuds with Robert Armstrong, a fire captain. 
Both are in love, with Veda Ann Borg. Foran thinks Ann Sheridan is 
Armstrong's sweetie but. she is his sister. Ann and Dick fall in love. Ann 
saves Dick from dishonorable discharge. Dick saves Armstrong's life and 
all misunderstandings are forgotten and Miss Sheridan and Dick plan to 
wed. 



CALENDAR OF FOREIGN RELEASES 



{Most of these available with English titles) 

Abyssinia (Russ) (Amkino). War record. 63 mins. Ftel. Dec. 1. Rev. Dec. 10. 
Alia en Rancho Grande (Sp) Mexican musical. Tito Gulzar. Dir. Fernando 
. de Fuentes. 90 .mins. Rel. JNov. 15, Rev. Dec. 2. 

Amour de Toni, Les (Fr) (Metfo'bolls), Heavy drama. Dir. Jean Renoir. 80 

mins. Rel. Nov. 1. Rev. Nov. 18. 
*H Es La Mujer (Sp). Frothy romance. Dir. Jo.se Bohr. 70 mins. Rel. Oct. 19. 
Amphytrlon (Fr) (Ufa). German-made French talker." Henri Garat. Dir. Rein- 

.hold Schunzel. 88 mins. Rel March 15. Rev. March 31. 
Arshin Mai Alan (Armenian). Operetta. Dir. Setrag Vartian. 40 mins. Rel. 

March 1. Rev. March 10. 
August der Starke (Ger) (Casino). Historical drama with music. Michael 

Bohnen, Lil Dagover. Dir. Paul Wegener. 101 mins. Rel, Jan. 15. Rev. 
. Feb. 3. 

Baratsaeos Arcot Kerek (Hung) (Danubia).Romantic farce. Szoke Szakall. 70 
mins. Rel. Oct, 1. 

Barcarole (Ufa) (Ger), Offenbach's opera. Gustav Froehlich. Dir. Eric 

Neusser. 83 mins. Rel. Oct 15 Rev Oct. 21 
Bedzie Lepiej (Pol) (Polish-American); Comedy, Dlr, M. Waszynskiego. 05 
b » ^mins, Rel. March 15. Rev. April 7, 

Befehl 1st Befehl (Ger) (Casino). Army farce. Weiss Ferdl. Dir. A. Elllng. 
^ 70 mins. Rel. Nov. 15. 

Betterstudent, Der (Ger) (Ufa). Millocker's opera. Marlkka Rokk. Dir. Georg 

Jacoby. 75 mins. Rel, Dec. 15. Rev. Dec, 30. 
Birobidjlan (Russ) (Amkino). Life in Soviet's Jewish colony. Dir. V, Korsch- 

Sabllii 84 mins Rel. Oct 1 Rev Oct. 21 
Beethoven Concerto (Russ) (Amkino), LlRht children's yam. Dir. V. Schmld- 
ttii j"*^- ^ "iJ'^s, Rel. March 15. Rev. March 31. 

BUnde Passaglere (Ger) (Tobls). Comedy. Pat and Patachon. Dir. Fred Saur. 

80 mins. Rel. March 1. Rev. March 24. 
Boieic and Lolek (Pol). Musical comedy. Dir. J, Rosen.- 87 mins. Rel, Dec. 1. 

Rev, Dec. 16. 

caiandria. La (Sp). Romance of a singer. Dir. Fernando de Puertes. 60 mins 
r.1 Oct. 1. 

cielito Lindo (Sp). Mexican made romance. Dir. R. O'Quigley. 80 mins. Rel. 
_ , , Nov. 1. 

*'"sis Mundlal (Sp). Comedy romance. Dir. Benito Perojo. 80 mins. Rel. 
Feb 15 

Daro un MiUone (It) (New World). Romantic comedy. Dir. Mario Camerlni. 
75 mins. Rel, March 15. Rev. April 7, 



Dinero ed Amore (It) (New World). Florentine legend. Dir. Guldo Brlgone. 90 

mins, Rel, March 1. Rev. March 24. 
Drel Blaue Jungs (Ger) (Casino). Nazi naval life. Dir. Carl Boese. 90 mins. 

Rel. Dec. 15. Rev. Jan, 13. ^ 
Dunaparti Randevu (Hung) (Danubia). Romantic Tarce. Dir. Istvan Szekely, 

85 mins. Rel, March 15, Rev, March 31, 
Bdes Mostoha (Hung) (Danubia), Kid's yarn. Dlr, Bela Balogh. 95 mins. 

Rel, Dec. 1. Rev. Dec. IC. 
Eln Lied, Bin Kuss, Eln Macdel (Ger) (Germania). Cinderella again, with 

mtisic. Gustav Froehlich, Martha Eggerth, Dir. Geza von Bolvary, 98 

mins. Rel. Dec. 1. Rev. Dec 16, 
Elnmalelns der Llebe, Das (Ger) (Casino), Costume film, Dlr, Karl Hoffman, 

93 mins, Rel, Jan. 1, Rev. Jan. 6. 
Ember a Hid Alatt (Hung) (Danubia). Heavy drama. Dir. Laszlo Vajda. 75 

mins. Rel. Nov. 15. Rev. Dec. 2 
Es Glbt Nur Elne Llebe (Ger) (Casino). Musical comedy, Louis Graveure, 

Jenny Jugo. Dlr, Johannes Mayer. 98 inius. Rel. Jan. 15. Rev, Feb. 3. 
Eternal Mask (Swiss) (Mayer-Burstyn). Psychological drama. Dir. Walter 

Hochbaum, 74 mins. Rel. Jan 1, Rev. Jan. 20. 
Falscher Fuffziger, Eln (Ger) (Germania), Domestic comedy, Dlr, Carl Boese. 

75 mins. Rel, Feb. 1. Rev. Feb. 17. 
FamlUenparadA (Ger) (Germania). Domestic drama, Dlr, Fritz Wendhauser. 

■ 90 mins. Rel. March 15. Rev. March 24, 
Frlesennot (Ger), Nazi propaganda. Dir Werner Kortwlch. 102 mins. Rel 

Oct. 15. Rev, Oct, 28. 
Fruehllng in Wlen (Ger) (Zwicker). Comedy with music. Leo Slezak. Dir. 

I, A Huebler-Kahla. 60 mins. Rel. Feb. 1. 
Ganze Welt Dreht Slch um Llebe, Die (Ger). Mystery-romance, Charlotte 

Susa. 80 mins. Rel. Nov 15. 
Gesuzza La Sposa Garibaldlna (It), Italian Joan of Arc. Dir. A. Blassetti. 79 

mins. Rel. Oct. 15. Rev, Nov. 18 
Glueckspilze (Ger) (Casino). Drama of adolescence. Dir. Robert A. Stemmle. 

80 mins. Rel. Oct. 15. 
Golgatha (Fr) (Baynes), Religious spec. Dubbed, in English, Dlr, Jules Du- 

vlvler. 95 mins, Rel. Feb: 1. Rev, Feb. 17. 
Golem, Der (Czech) (Metropolis). Yiddish legend in French dialog. Harry 

Baur. Dir. Julien Duvivier. 90 mins. Rel. March 15. Rev, March 24. 
Grenzfeuer (Ger) (Zwicker). Intrigue in the Alpj. Dir. Hans Beck-Gaden. 85 

mins. Rel. Dec, 15. Rev Dec, 30. 
Harom Sarkany (Hung) (Danubia). Romance of collegiates. Dir. Laszlo VaJda. 

90 mins. Rel, Dec, 15, Rev. Dec. 30. 
Heroes del Barrio, Les (Sp). Kids do some acting. Dir. Armando Vldal. 80 

mins. Rel. Dec. 15. 

Herren von Maxim, Die (Casino). Musical. Leo Slezak. Dir. Carl Boese. 85 

mins. Rel. March 15. Rev. April 7. 
HOfkonzert (Ger) (Ufa). Costume musical. Martha Eggerth, Dir, Detlef Slerck. 

90 mins. Rel. March 15, Rev. April 7. 
Idealer Gatte, Eln (Ger), Domestic drama, Brlgltte Helm. Dir. Herbert Sel- 

pln. 82 mins. Rel. Jan. 1. Rev. Jan. 13. 
Irma. La Mala (Sp). Marital mlxups. Dir. Rafael Sevllla, 80 mins. Rel 

Oct. 1. 

let Main Mann Nlcht Fabelhaft (Ger). Domestic comic complications. Dir. 

Georg Jacoby. 76 mins. Rel, Dec. 1. Rev. Dec. 9. 
I Want to Be a Mother (Yiddish) (JTP). Melodrama. Dir. George Roland. 85 

mins. Rel. Feb. 13. Rev. March 3. 
Jadzia (Pol) Romantic musical, Dlr, M, Cwlkllnska, 82 mins. Rel, Jan. 15. 

Rev. Feb. 3 

Jede Frau Hat Ein Geheimniss (Ger) (Casino). Romantic comedy. Dir. Max 

Ophals. 80 . mins. Rel. March 1, Rev. March 17. 
Junge Graff, Der (Ger) (Ufa). Light comedy with music. Anny Ondra, Dir. 

Karl Lamac. 90 mins. Rel, Dec, 1. Rev. Dec. 16. 
Kakoi Dromos. O (Gr). Heavy drama. 77 mins Rel. Oct. 19 Rev Oct. 28 
Klelne Schwindlerln, Die (Ger) (Casino). Romantic comedy. Dolly Haas. Dir. 

Carl Boese. ..75 mins, Rel. March 15, Rev. April 7. 
Koenlgwalzer (Ger) (Ufa). Operetta. Willi Forst. Dir. Herbert Malsch. 80 

mins. Rel. Oct. 15. Rev. Nov. 11. 
Lacrlmme e Sorrlsi (It) (DuWorld). Martial mlxups. Dir. RafTaello Matarazzo. 

57 mins. Rel. Dec. 15. Rev. Dec. 30. 
L' Amore Cbe Canta (It) (DuWorld). Farce musical. Tito Schipa. Dir. Mario 

Bonnard. 80 mins. Rel. March IS. Rev. April 7. 
La Paloma (Ger) (Casino). Musical. Chas. Kullman, Leo Slezak. Dir. Karl 

Heinz Martin. 85 mins. Rel, Oct, 15, Rev. Oct. 28. 
Lur Jo MindhalaUg (Hung) (Danubia). Life in a chUdren's school. Dir. Istvan 

Szekely. 75 mins. Rel. Oct. 15. Rev, Oct, 28, 
Lttzte Rose (Ger) (Casino). Operetta based on 'Martha.'- Dir. Karl Anton. 

00 mins. Rel. Oct, 1, Rev. Oct. 21. 
Llebesgeschlchten von Boccaccio (Ger) (Ufa), Operetta, Willy Fritch, Dir. 

Herbert Malsch. 80 mins. Rel, Feb. 15. Rev. March 3. 
LlebeSleute (Ger) (Tobls). Drama of modern lite. Renate Mueller, GuaUv 

Froehlich: Dir. Eric Waschneck, 95 mins, Rel. Oct. 1. Rev. Oct. 7. 
Utbeiroman Im Hauie Hapsburg (Ger) (Casino). Historical Item. Dir. Willi 

WolfT. 81 mins. Rel, Sept. 1, Rev. Oct. 21. 
Loyalty of Love (It) (New World). Drama. Marta Abba. Dir. Guido Brlgnone. 

90 mins, Rel. Feb. 15. Rev. March 24. 
Manewry Mllosne (Polish). Operetta. Dir. J. Nowlna-Przybylskl. 70 mins. Rel. 

Nov. 1. Rev. Nov. W. 
Maskerade (Aust) (DuWorld). Musical. Paul Weeselly. Dir. Willy Forst. 00 

mins. Rel. Jan. 15, Rev. Jan, 27. 
Neseauto (Hung) (Danubia). Cinderella in Budapest. Dir. Bela GaaL 00 mini. 

Rel. Nov. 1. Rev. Nov. 18. 
Miierables, Les (Fr) (Franco-American). Hugo's classic, Harry Baur. Dir. 

Raymond Bernard, 162 mins. Rel. Oct, 15. Rev. Nov. 4. 
Mnader Theodor, Der (Ger). Backstage farce. Weiss FerdL Dir. Yon V. Har- 
lan. M mins. Rel. Oct IS. Rev. Oct. 28. 
Mujeres de Hoy (Sp). Melodramatic love story. Dir. Ramon Peota. 00 mins. 

Rel. Dec 1. 

Matlger Seefahrer, Der (Ger) (Casino). Heavy farce. Dir. Hana Deppe. 00 

mins. Rel. Nov. 15. Rev. Nov. 25. 
Myiteres de Paris, Les (Fr) (Franco), Eugene Sue's hovel. Dir. Felix Gandera. 

85 mins, Rel, Jan, IS, Rev, Feb; 3 
Mysteries of Notre Dame (Fr) (DuWorld). Probably best described • 

travelogue. 65 mins. Rel. Oct. 15. Rev. Nov. 4 
Natalka Poltavka (Russ) (Amkino). Ukrainian musical. Dir. E. Kavaleridze, 

75 mins, Rel. Dec, 15. Rev. Dec. 30. 
Naszut Felaron (Hung) (Danubia). Comedy romance. Paul Javor. Dir. I, 

Szekely. 70 mins, Rel. Feb, 15. 
Ne Sirj Edesanyam (Hung) (Danubia). Falth-healihg at the Lourdes Shrlnt, 

Dir. Bela Balogh. 60 mins. Rel, Nov. 15. Rev. Nov. 25. 
Nightingale (Russ) (Amkino): First Moscow color-film. Dir. Nikolai Ekk. 05 

mins. Rel. Nov. 1. Rev. Nov. 11. 
Onore Delia Figlla Del Popolo (It). Old-time silent fixed up. 71 mins. Rel. 

Jan. 1. Rev. Jan, 13. 
Petlts, Les (Fr) (Franco). Simple tale of child's love. Dir. Alfred Machard. 

80 mins. Rel. Dec. 15, Rev, Jan. 6. 
Pofon (Hung) (Danubia), Farce, Paul Javor. Ir. Bela Balogh. 89 mins. 

Rel, Jan. 1, Rev. Jan, 20. 
Prince Jean, Lc (Fr) (20th). Royal intrigue. Natalie Paley. Dir. Jean de Mar- 

guenot. 90 mins. Rel. Dec. 1. Rev. Dec. 16, 
Prisoners (Russ) (Amkino), Reform of prisoners. Dir. Evgeny Chervlakov. 

90 mins, Rel. Feb. 15. Rev. Feb. 24. 
Prlyatsekrctaerln Helratet (Ger) (Zwicker). Romance In farce time. Dolly 

Haas. 85 mins. Rel.. Dec. 1. Rev. Dec. 9. 
Radio Bar (Sp) (Par). Argentine-made musical. Dir. Manuel Romero. 82 

,mins. Rel Jan. 15. Rev. Jan. 27. 
Rakoczl March (Hung) (Danubia), Military drama. Dir. Steven Szekely. 82 

mins. Rel. Oct. 15. Rev, Oct. 28, 
Ranb der Sablnerlnncn (Ger) (Casino), Comedy, Dir. R. A. Staemmle. 00 

mins. Rel. Jan, 15. Rev. Feb. 10. 
Razumov (Fr) (Garrison). Conrad story. Pierre Fresnay. Dir. Marc AUegret. 

95 mins. Rel. March 1. Rev. March 17. 
Revolutionists (Russ) (Amkino). History of early communist regime. 100 mins. 

Dir. Vera Stroyeva. Rel. Dec. 15. Rev. Dec. 30. 
Rosa! Bendlto, £1 (Sp). Religious Mexican drama. Dir. J. BustlUo Oro.. 70 

mln^. Rel. Feb. 1. Rev. Feb. 10. 
Samvetsomma, Adolf (Sw). Farce with songs. Dir. Sigurd Wallen. 80 mins. 

Rel. Feb. IS. Rev. Feb. 24, 
Sarga Cslko (Hung) (Danubia), Sob story, Dir, Bela Pasztor. 80 mins. Rel. 

Jan. 15. Rev. Feb. 3. 
Sllencio Sublime (Sp). Mexican drama. Dir. Ramon Peon. 80 mins. Rel. 

Jan. 15. 

Slalom < (Aust) (DuWorld). Life and love in the Alps. Dir. Arnold Fanck. 67 

mins. Rel. Dec. 15. Rev: Dec. 23. 
Soder om Landsvagen (Sw) (Scandinavian). Comedy-drama. Edvard Persson. 

Dir. Gideon Wahlberg, 95 mins. Rel, March 1. Rev, March 17. 
Soderkakar (Sw) (Scandinavian) Musical. Edward Person. Dir. Weyler Hllde- 

brand. 80 mins. Rel. Dec. 15. Rev. Dec. 23 
Soldaten Karemaden (Ger) (Zwicker). Teutonic propaganda. Dir. Turn Hun* 

pertz. 90 mins. Rel. Oct. 1. Rev. Oct. 7, 
Bong of China (Chinese) (MacLean). Drama In the Orient. Dir. Lo Mlng-Yau: 

60 mins. Rel. Nov. 1 Rev. Nov. 11. 
Son of Mongolia (Russ) (Amkino) Propaganda of the Mongolian sector. Dlr, 

I, Trauberg. 105 mins Rel. Nov 15. Rev Nov 25 
Spain m Flames (Russ) (Amkino), Travelog, English lecture. 65 mins. Rel. 

Jan. 15, Rev, Feb. 3. 
Sporck'schen Jaeger, Die (Ger) (Bavaria). Romantic drama. Dir. Rolf Ran- 

dolf. 60 mins. Rel. Feb. 15. Rev. March 3, 
Standschutze Bruggler (Ger) (Ufa). Military drama. Dir. Werner Klinger. 85 

mins. Rel, March 1, Rev. March 17, 
Stelldlcheln Im Srhwarzwald, Ein (Ger) (Casino), Farce With music. Dir. 

Georg Jacobv. 75 mins. Rel. Feb. 15, Rev. Feb. 24, 
Statzen der Gcsellschaft (Ger) (Ufa). Ibsen's oldie In a new version. Dir. 

Detlef Slerck. 80 mins Rel. Nov 1. Rev. Nov. 18. 
Szenzaclo (Hunc). Romantic comedy. Dir. Steven Szekely. 80 mins. Rel. Feb. 

15, Rev, March 3. 

Szerclml Almok (Hung) (Danubia) Franz Liszt's life. Dir. Heinz HlUe. 87 

mins Rel Jan. 1. Rev. Jan, 13. 
Tras La Reja (Sp), Mexic.nn drama. Dir. Jorge Dada. 70 mins, Rel. Jan. 1. 
Tredowata (Pol) Heavy drama. Dlr, Julius Gardan. 91 mins. Rel. Dec. 15. 

Rev. Jan. 6. 

Trenta Secondl d'Amore (It) (New World), Farce, Dir, Mario Bonnard. 60 
mins, Rel. April 1. Rev. April 7. 

(Continued on page 21) .i 



Heavy Fix Stock 
Trading, S.E.C. 
Records Show 



Washington, July 6. 

Unloading of Paramount paper by 
Lehman Bros., brokerage firm to 
which John D. Hertz, film company 
director, belongs, came to light last 
week in latest ' Securities & Ex- 
change Commission report on in- 
siders' activity. Dealings in several 
other picture securities also were 
unveiled simultaneously. 

Disclaiming beneficial interest. 
Hertz reported that during the latter 
part of May his house dumped (S.OOO 
Par common, 2,500 second pre- 
ferred, and $55,000 face value of de- 
bentures, Three sales wiped out the 
firm's position in common, while 
three more transactions cut the 
second preferred holdings to 5,500 
and another trio of deals sliced the 
debenture portfolio to $32,000. 

Continued activity by Maurice 
Newton, another Par director, via 
Hailgarten & Co., was shown. 
After engaging in large-scale trading 
for several months, the brokerage 
shop reported a few simple transac- 
tions in May. Newton sold 400 com- 
mon held in his own name, slicing 
his stake to 8,118, and the house 
sold 380 and picked up 180 by ex- 
change, winding up with none left. 
On his own account, Newtoij picked 
up 400 pieces of second preferred, 
giving him 2,8i3, while the company 
bought 200 which were quickly 
swapped for common. The firm also 
said it holds $97,000 worth of de- 
bentures. 

Sales of Warner Bros, tickets by 
the trio of topnotchers were dis-^ 
closed, Renraw, Inc;, personal hold- 
ing company of the brothers, un- 
loaded 858 shares of $3.85 cumula- 
tive preferred, reducing this com- 
pany's holding to $13,500. Their 
Holding Co. B marketed a like 
amount, 286 shares for each of the 
three brothers, leaving 4,500 tickets 
apiece for Albert, Harry and Jack. 
Report showed Holding Co. A still 
accounts for 5,988 common for Al- 
bert, while Harry has 62,860 and 
Jack 88,060. 

Purchase of W.B. debentures by 
Stanleigh P. Friedman was shown. 
He picked up $5,000 worth, boosting 
his investment to $460,000. The 
brothers still account for most of 
these securities, Albert having 
$1,530,000 in his own name and $269,- 
460 via holding company, Harry $1,- 
404,000, and Jack $1,502,000. 

Harry Cohn, president of Colum- 
bia Pictures, dumped 18;587 A-pur- 
chase warrants covering voting trust 
certificates, wiping out his wad of 
these tickets. Bruno Weyers, Edu- 
cational officer, sold 100 warrants for 
common, leaving him 1,540. 

Arthur M. Loew reported he re- 
ceived 2,196 common of Loew's, Inc., 
as a liquidating dividend and sold 
1,901, leaving him 295. His holding 
company was shared with disposal 
of 2,198 of these tickets as part of 
the liquidation process. 

Purchase of 1,900 shares o£ Pathe 
common in two lots during April 
was reported by Robert R. Young, 
giving him 31,715 of these tickets, in 
addition to 10,283 shares credited to 
a holding company in which he has 
a stake. 

Felix A. Jenkins said his wife had 
dumped her 25 common shares of 
20th Century-Fox. 

Other reports showed E. W. Ham- 
mons, president of Educational, has 
700 common and 17,683 warrants; 
Theo R. Williams has 5 warrants, 
and Hugh McNair Kahler has no in- 
terest in .the firm. 

Joseph Aller, New York, new di- 
rector of Consolidated Film Indus- 
tries, said he had none of the com- 
pany's paper when he went on the 
board last year while John E, Mc- 
Cauley, Chicago, recruit on the Gen- 
eral Theatres Equipment directorate, 
revealed his stake at 100 common. 



Stothart Tunes 'Firefly' 

Hollywood, July 6. 

Metro has assigned Herbert Sto- 
thart to do the musical scoring on 
'The Firefly.' " 

Jeannette MacDonald and Allah 
Jones are featured. 



JANE GEEER'S 20TH TEST 

CentUry-'Fox is testing Jane Greer 
for picts, Joe Pincus handling it. 

Girl is the 18-year-old daughter 
j of Herbert Greer, utilities operator 
and publisher of several newspapers 
in West Virginia, 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



THIS GOES UP 




HAVE BEEN 



With 
Build 



tlie Strongest Muslcai 
•Up TlieyVe Heard This Year! 



Everybody's Swinging the Songs fromTH E 

SINGING 
MARINE 

DICK POWELL 



tie* r.f'^b Cf, 



ft 



4i 



Sic 



ft 



Part of the Giant Ex- 
ploitation That's Helping 

WARNER BROS. 

Top Everything That 
'Shipmates' DM 



Or, 



'eft. 



Or, 



Jot 
an 



ft 



OOcf 




With Doris Weston * Lee Dixon • IHugh 
Herbert • Jane Darweil • Allen Jenki 
Larry Adler • Doctor Rockwell • Directed 
by Ray Enright • Musical Numbers Cre< 
ated and Directed by Busby Berkeley 



^Tednesflaf , July 7, 1937 



PICTURES 



VA 



21 



Par s So. Chicago Steel Strike Fix 
Yes and No on B.O.; Chiefly Good Baly 



Paramount has obtained » whale 
of a lot of publicity on its exclvisive 
shots of the Memorial Day clash be- 
tWeen steel strikers and police at 
South Chicago, Hi., which it is ex- 
pected wiU serve as pressure for 
salesman in getting accounts for the 
newsreel, but bvtsiness at the the- 
atres playing the reel has been in- 
creased only slightly»,s6 far as inani- 
ajgers'can .see. 

It is also riejported by the theatres 
that tliete hias been little or no re- 
action to the rieels when screened, 
audiences in virtually all cases sit- 
ting through the pictures very 
quietly. At the Embassy and Trans- 
liux newsreel houses, N. Y., where 
hissier crowds are . attracted, there 
has been some booing at ' points 
where labor sympathizers could flt- 
tiftgly give butj' but the. reaction has 
not been as strong as it frequently is 
against some of the foreign dictators. 
Managers declare there has been no 
trouble otherwise, although in Chi- 
cago, where the police have been se- 
verely attacked, the reels are not 
being shown. In that city the police 
aren't allowing it; while in certain 
spots theiatres themselves: deemed, it 
wise not to exhibit the highly con- 
troversial pictitfes, 

Thealtre operators in. New York,' a 
little surprised that there has been 
no audience rieaction in the majority 
of cases, believe that the sting was 
taken out of the strike-jpolice melee 
by the LaFpllette-Civil Liberties 
committee investigation in Washing- 
ton and the great amount . of pub-: 
licity that was' given the Par pic- 
tures. Managerial contehti6n is that 
audiences apparently know what to 
expect and view with curiosity what 
they have already read a good deal 
about. 

While originally Paramount de- 
cided not to release the reels for 
fear of riots in the theatres, after the 
.LaFoUette committee revealed the 
contents of the footage in detail, the 
company felt last week that it should 
be okay to release the print now. 
IThey went out Friday (2), assertedly 
unedited. Built up by prefacing the 
(Shots with footage on Senator La- 
Follette, who briefly discusses the 
Chicago matter, and his cpnimitptee's 
investigation, the special on the riot 
tuns 600 feet, but has no slow-motion 
portions which might, have been 
helpful in more clearly viewing the 
conflict. Before releasing the pic- 
tures, it was agreed between Par and 
the LaFoUette corhmittee that if the 
latter screenieid the picture at its 
public hearing, then Par woulJbe 
free to release the subpoenaed foot- 
age to the theatres. 

With notice of their availability 
Friday (2), Paramount indicated to 
all its managers and partners that it 
was being, left to their discretion 
whether they wanted to screen the 
pictures or not. There was some 
feeling within Par that they should 
have been killed when originally ob- 
tained and nothing said about their 
possession, although as it has haP: 
pened, the Par newsreel has gotten, 
more publicity and space than ever 
before in history. The clash hi 



were a clean, scOop, ^ 

First house to snpw the pictures in 
New York was the"3roadway Para- 
inpunt, followed Friday (2). by the 
Embassy and later other houses. 
Theatres not having the reel, pri r 
cipally because they don't take Par 
service, included the' Music Hall, 
Roxy, Capitol, Strand, State and the 
RKO housed Starting Saturday (3) 
Loey/'s spotted the Par reel in a 
Umited^ number, of. spots but, as in 
most casies, managers merely put 
thein in the theatre and didn't bally^ 
hoo the pictures too much. The N. Y. 
Par it flrst didn't bill the pictures 
out front biit, after seeing that there 
was no ajpparent audience reaction, 
the hpuse began advertising what it 
had f Pr possible draw purpOsefs. Ber 
lieved that here the pictures are ae 
counting' for a little bMsiness, but 
doubted in some managierial quarters 
whether the riot reels are-; really 
bringing' the curiosity seekers as 
much, as those of the Hindenburg 
disastier did. 

S. R. Martin, manager of the Em- 
bassy, declared there was a little in- 
crease the first two days of the Par 
reel hut that Sunday (3), evien with 
mariy; out-of-tbwners. in New York, 
business stood at its normal Sunday 
stage for this time of the. jrear. 




(Continued from page 11) 



ERPI S LAVISH 
EDUC. UBRARY 



Actual educational subjects^ pro- 
duced and edited solely for class- 
room work, are expected to come 
largely from Electrical Research 
Products Picture Consultants, the 
separate unit set up by ERPI to 
handle this type of work. i3RPI Pic- 
ture Consultants is credited with 
having the most complete library of 
film text material in the industry 
with many Of the pictures made to 
conform or go along with changes in 
text books employed by the edtica-. 
tors in the U. S. Organization has 
been at work- building up a compre- 
hensive lineup fpr seven yelars.. Mpst 
of these: audio-visio films are re- 
garded as being equivalent to text 
books in scope and subject matter. 
Educational and Eastman Kodak also 
are expected to offer films for once- 
over by the educator's advisory com- 
mittee. 

Complete setup for the company has 
been developed fpUowing an elabor- 
ate campaign to Secure the. best , ed-- 
ucators. This has meant a large in- 
vestment but it has brought exact- 
ing and. satisfactory films for claiss- 
room curricula. 

6i-ganization has worked closely 
with authors of school text books 
and. thrdugh the cooperation of the 
University of Chicago Press. By col- 
labing with authors and keeping; in 
touch with shifting, trends in book 
material, company has been able to 
interweave picture subject matter 
with" the booKs^so that it has become 
art authoritative teaching media. 



CALENDAR OF FOREIGN RELEASES 



90 .mi 



Bel. Feb. 



Dir. Einll Martonffi. 65 mi 



.Ame 
Bel. 



34 mins; 



15. 



00 



(Continued from page 19) 

Under rais Flagg (SW) (Scaiidlhav:an^ 
' Gustav Molander, 75 mias : Rel. 
Vngetreue Eckehart, Der (Ger) (Tobis). 

^ 15. Rev. March: 24.- „^ ^ „ 

yartn pojke (Sw) (Scandinavian). Romance Edvard Person. 
, . Bornebusch. 93 mins. Rel Oct 1. Rev. Oct 21 
.Vasembcr (Hung) (GahUbla). Operetta^ 
_ March 1;^ Bev. March 17. 
Terraeter (Ger) (Ufa). Propaganda. 

Bev. Jan. 27. ; 
isages de France, Les (Fr) (Franco). 
^ Jan 15. Bev Feb. 3. 
Walditrlnter (Ger) (Ufa). Love In the 

mlns. Rel. Nov< 1. Rev. Nov. 18. . , . ^ , r ..^ 

Waller fiier Dlch. Etn (Ger) (Casino). Musical fantasy ^ Louis Graveure. 
_ . mllla Horn Dir. Georg Zoch. 90 mins. Re! Sept 15. Rey. Oct.-7. . 
Walzef um den Stefansturm, EIn (Ger) (Z%\'icker). ^ Musical romance. Leo Zle- 
• . zak. Dir. I. A. Huebler-JCahla. 80 mins. Bel- Feb. i, Bev Feb, 10. 
Wedding of Palt (Danish) (Hoffberg). Eskimo travelogs Made by. Knud Ras- 

musssn. 80 mlns. Bel. March 1. Rev. JVIarch 3, 

Wenn Die Musik Nicht Waer (Ger) (Casino). Musical romance. Carmine 

Gallone; 90 mins. Bel; April 1. Rev. April 7. r».- c.^-i. 

Wenn Der Hahn Kraeht (Ger) (Casino) Comedy romance, Dir. Carl Froeh- 

. .^ „ Uch. 60 mlns. BeL Nov. 15. . , p^-ucu rn_ r - 

Tellow Cruise (Fr) (Tapernoux). Travelogqe, partly In English, Dir. Leon 
.90 mlns. Bel Nov 15. Rev Nov 2.=) . . 

Iddle with His Fiddle (Yld) (Green). Folk musical. Molly Picon. 

Green. '92 mlns. Rel. Jan: 1. Bis v. Jan 6.. 



jo9. 



Key to. AddreRsei 
Harold Auten. 1540 Broadway. 
Amklnb. 723 Seventh AVe, 
Bavaria Film, 489 Fifth Ave. 
Ciilno. 240 E. 86th St. 
Danubla. 729 Seventh Ave. 
DuWorld; 729 Seventh Ave. 
■uropean 154 W 55tb St. 
J03. Green, 1501 Broadway,, 
DarriBon FllmB. 720 Seventh Ave 
fVanco-Amerlcan. 88 Fifth Ave. 
Via. 729 seventh Av«. 



Cieneral Foreign Sales, 729 7th Ave. 
Gcrmania. 22-33 19th St., ' Astoria, L. 
J. H. Hoffberg, 729 Seventh Ave. 
Inter-Contlncnt. 50 E. 42nd St, 
Klnematrade. 723 Seventh Ave. 
Jean Lenauer. 202 W. 58th St. 
Mayer-Burstyn. 1501 Broadway. 
Martin Nosseck, 320 Audubon Ave,. 
MetropoUs. 260 Fifth Ave. 
New World. 630 Ninth . Ave. 
Scandinavian FllmB, 220 W, 42d St 
John Tapernoux. 126 W. 46th St; 



Only this time, . Doyle, is on the out- 
side looking in; 

Insiders clainri G. U, T. board was 
anxious to get Doyle; out because 
he was the stumbling-block to all 
plans covering the future; Tip, also 
has it that the board was afraid tp^ 
let Doyle, play his own policy for 
fear he'd splash out on an r^y of 
expansion. Another inside tip has, 
it that certain disti'ibs are advising 
the board to run solo under the 
guidance of a cbnseryative sHbwman 
rather than join.- again ith Hpyts; 
Distribs, according to tip, . say they'll 
supply sufficient pix to cover ohain. 

What is the . real object .of the 
alleged desire of Hoyts to continue 
in;:G. T.? Wlob gropes to . find the. 
Tight answer. Is it .- because i20th- 
Fox, through Hoyts,. seek a .guar- 
anteed outlet for pix. over a -long pe- 
riod?, Hoyts on solo operates two 
acei:s in 'Sydney. G. T, total is ni , 
including: acers and semis. In Mel- 
boujrne, Hoyts has threa; where G. 
T. tally is six. So it goes around 
the various states, finally adding Up 
a soli total of release spots for 
Fox. '■ 

Moodabe Deal 

When Walter Hutchinson was 
here last year he clinched a deal 
ith the Moodabe chain. New 
Zealand to insure a 20t.h outlet. 
N. Z. government is not. favorably 
inclined towards foreign capital 
breaking into, its territoty,' thus it 
was stated that Charles .Munro and 
Stanley Crick held a fifty-fifty - 
terest with the Moodabes in chain, 
and that Fox had rio financial in- 
terest in the deal beyond provi ing 
Pi tanley Crick is .m.d. of 20th 
in -Australasi , iand Charles Muriro 
is the bpss of Hoyts, ia. it in 
which 20th holds large financial in- 
terests. Stanley dlrick is also on the 
board " of Cieneral "Theatres. AH of 
which proves Hutchinson pulled off 
a nice 'biz move. What , he'll do on 
his next visit remains to be seen.. 
Mob asks what would, be the re- 
sult of ianOthef long termer between' 
G. U. . T, and Hoyts in G. T. In- 
side again provides an interesting, 
answer. Twentieth would be set on 
playing time throughout. Austral- 
asia; there wbiild be ho fear of 
expansion moves for supremacy; 
distribs would have to cut rentals, 
of film to combine; staff overhead 
would be rieduced; operation costs 
would be lowered, and the indies 
would have a fight to keep pace^ 

Reports have it that should a 
deal go through, it Would meaii the 
end of G. U. T., with Hoyts, under 
Munro, running the whole thing as 
one big unit. 

Whole thing is still a' puzzle to 
the mob, and likely to remain as 
such until both sides make up their 
minds on what road to follow. 

Doyle's put; Norman Rydge is 
in; Munro's on his vfay home with 
Crick; Ken Asprey is due back soon; 
Walter iHutchinson is coming across 
with Sid Kent; .Greater Union seeks 
a new leader; British are anxious; 
Warners want a , chunk of some- 
thing; the federal government is 
watching; everybody's wondering 
what the next move will bje, and 
/nobody has solved the actual puzzle 
as .yet, although many say it's in 
the bag in New York. 

Maybe the American distribs ddrTt 
know it, but the Federal gpvern- 
mient is said to be watching very 
closely, the attempts being made by 
therh to grab a huge slice of , the 
local pic- field i .,bPpbsition to the 
British distribs. 

Especially is the ing keen 

how that news has lealced through 
that 20th-Fbx, through Hoyts, is 
joining with Greater' Union on a 
long termer. Meaning Of course, if 
G. Ui T. links., with Hoyts, 20th Will 
have a pretty ice outlet for pix 
throughout Australia and the Brit- 
ishers Will .find it tough, going to se- 
cure ace Outlets for their product 
Inside has it that the Federal boys 
are preparing to work hand in hand 
very soon ith, the ritiiih.authpri 
ties on the Imperial quota question, 
and that , when Prime Mi ister 
Lyons returns from abroad some 
nfiove will be made in this direction 
It's reported that Warners is' try- 
ing .to negotiate a franchise with 
General Theatres to cover a period 
of ten year?!, proyidin of cour.sev. a 
link tcikes place botwcen 6, . T. 
and :Hoyts. It's- id 'that- nited 
Artists and RKO are sitting on the 
sidelines just wa;iti , what 

will happen in the ver r future. 
Universal and Colu have not 

made any rnoves a.s. yet. 

Even now the situatipn 1;; a .serious 
one for the, Britishers;, ith Fox in 
with Hoyts; Par opefathiq own Mel- 
bourne house, hooked i with Prince 



Audio-Visual Educational Plans 
MSetmNEA-MPPDACooperatioii 



JOLSONS DELAYED 



Can't' Sail oh Same 
Jack Bennys 



With 



The Jolspns "and the. Berinys. aren't 
sailing together July 14 on the Nor- 
rhandie as planned. Al. iTolson got 
into New Yprk .thi week and is 
awaiting his wife, Ruby Keeler's ad-, 
vent later , in the month. She leaves 
Hollywood for N. .Y. July 16, having 
been kept west by the doctor. This 
stymi the Jolsoris' sailing abroad 
this suinmer altogether. 

As for Miss Keeler's Paramount 
picture dickering, JolsOn'Sv ing to ■ 
dissuade her frorn , continuing the 
picture-making grind. 







EDUCPK 



Ithough not covered specifically 
iU: any official announcement, one 
thought back of the present cam- 
paign- to obtain educational shprts 
from picture company vaults is to 
cull every possible foot of film that, 
is regarded as possessing audip- 
visipv educatiohal potehtialties. Co- 
operating with picture producers^ 
the. advisory committee set up by 
the National Education gi^oup has 
been— and will continue robably 
through the reifnainder of the year^ 
going over material obtained from 
the principal film companies. 

This is done by 'inspecting the pic- 
tures in a projection room located 
near present working headquartets 
at 1600 Broadway. Besides travelogs^ 
\yhich are counted on to furnish ma- 
terial for ai variety of subjects, edu- 
cators are credited with counting on 
getting clips from- historical short 
subjects such as have been produced 
of late by 'Warner Bros, and Metro' 
i.n.twp-reel size. By careful, editing 
and re-titling, pictures can be 
secured for suitable classroom wo i'lc^ 
it is believed. 

,Newsreel- .field also will not be 
overlooked in the quest for footage. 
Topical material is . expected to be 
obtained from past i-eleased reels as 
Weir as Irom newsreel libraries. All 
reels have comprehensive 'mprgues' 
of putstahding material covering 
virtually every event or phase of 
life in the world. It Is expected, 
too* that rejected clips— the material 
not employed in regular releases— 
also will come in harndy. This is 
because it may be found that cut- 
atid-dried subject matter, not viewed 
as lively enough for exhibitoirs, 
might, contain some educsttional 
slant. ^ 

iExample Of old footage resting in 
newsreel libraries was brought to 
light recently when Pathe newsreel 
reproduced old films of President 
Theodore Roosevelt. Though silent, 
.it depicted him speaking to a youth 
group. Was incprporated in . Pathe 
release in connection with Boy Scout 
Jamboree. 

Typical illustration of the manner 
in which advisory committee, carries 
put its function in passing on the 
suitability of travel or scenic films 
came UP \ recently on a travelog 
Picture snowed unusual effect bri 
sunlight penetrating forest, giant 
trees and , other ; ; different , ; scenic 
yi Besides' the obvious value 
of incorporating a portion of this 
film in a study of geography, it also 
could be used in geology and physics; 
study editi . 

Plan; envisaging . pf shorts, 
would provoke discussion of prob 
lems invplved tindef the guidance of 
the teacher. Some films already 
have. been, made, including scenes 
from 'White Angel,' 'Educating 
Father/ 'Cavalcade,' 'The Devil-Is 
Sissy,' 'Your Uncle Dudley, 'Fury,' 
'Men in White/ 'Broken Luliaby, 
'Private Jones,' and 'Winterset,' 



io-visual educational 
eeived trerriendous boosts last wee 
tirst by Mark A. May, director. 
Institute Human 
Yale, when he 

tionail possi ilities of motion pictures 
and new proposed' setup fpr schools' 

to get films, and secondly, by . 
Progressive Educational Associatipn'a 
project to incorporate, films in high 
school and college. Usage. IViay, 
speaking at vDetroit: Thursday 
cl), told delegates to the -National 
Education Association in annual con- 
vehtipn of the joint or cooperative 
move of educators with the major 
film industry, basic'- Idea being the 
culling of suitable classroom mai- 
terial frbm ilahle shOrt subjects, 
already ireleased. . . 

•The Human Relations Commission 
of the Progressive Education Asso- 
ciation, on the other hand, would pb- 
taiii most of its material from regu- 
ation iuU-length features, film to be 
clipped from these to rnake one oir 
more short, features, each of which 
would bring into fpctis real life prpb- 
lems being discussed by classesi 
Director May,, in detailing picture 
alignment, predicted that , before 
many years the motion picture will 
rise , in value as a visual aid to at 
least a coor inated positioh .with 
leading subject matter in the., cur-,, 
riculum- He also forecast; that it will 
isecOme an integral part of the stiidy 
course :and .will be regarded gen- 
erally as one of thie indispensable 
elemiehts. May expressed relief that 
a new day is dawning in education. 
Educational leaders Detroit 

100,000 Schbplhouses 

were told Of 100,000 schoolhouses in 
the U. S. having eiectiric current 
making them ,potential candidates 
for .educational talking films.~ May 
cited that of this number less than 
1,000 have talking picture projector,? 
aihd riot more than , ^00 are 16-? 
millimeter equipment. He also 
pointed but that the 16-mm. sound 
projector was begpmihg the stand-t 
ard modern instrument for class- 
rboni instruction. 

In indicating a desire Of education 
authorities to standardize on' bo^h 
film material 'and suggesting simi- 
larity in equipment, piirector May- 
traced the set-up and what event- 
ually pointed to a solution of pres* 
ent difficulties. Illustrated the great 
potential ' values discovered by edu- 
cators in certain films. Among' short 
kibjects, particularly travelogs, edu- 
cators haye seen film, material of 
great po|tential value.' 

' irst step in this directibh was 
taken four yeats 'aigo when the* Com- 
mittee on Social Valties in Mbtipn 
Pictures, made application to the 
Motion Picture Producers and is- 
trjbutors association, for experimen- 
tal use of certain photbpj^ys itt cbn- 
hectiori with the developiment pf a 
series of pictures on character edu- 
cati , Will Hays arranged,..jwith 
certain member-companie^ ^.^ermit 
the use of 20 films for the develop- 
ment of this series. The . comtnittea 
proceeded to cut excerpts from e;ach 
film. A series of one. ot. two, reel 
pictures was made from these ex-' 
ccrpts ('Secrets of Success' series'). 

Then he explained'' that iperh- 
ber-companies of MPPDA have 
opened their film vaults of short 
subjects, to- an advisory .icommittee 
of educators who have been invited 
to see what is there pf educatipnal 
value. Of the estimated 15,000 sound 
shorts. Director May said the esiiiria-^ 
tion was that- not .less than 2,000 
could be used without alteration and 
2,000 others; more could b(i em^ 
ployed with certain changes, edit-' 
ing, etc. He classified existing short? 
of great educational potehtialties as 
beirig travelogs and short features 
covering American history. He said 
that other shorts Contain material 
useful in connection with biolbgical 
sciehCes, nature study, physical edu- 
cation,, art and music. 



Seiter Takes Cainpus 

Life in Tow at 20-Fox 



Holly.wopd,. 
Darryl Zaniick last week assi 
Williahi Seiter to direct 'Life 
at CDllege/ formerly,/Pigski 



Edward, Sydney, and tied with 
Metro in the Melbourne nabes. Me- 
tro operates bwn theatres in Syd- 
ney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and 
is now figuring extending chain in i of 1937.''' 

other spots. .1 Ritz "sros. have -featured spot in- 

Federal , government , id to bs the cast, ith supporting roster- that 
fully alive, to the .situation, and that! includes red Stone, Joan Davi 
.<?ome rude shocks will be given Yan- 1 .Joan Marsh, the Breswter Twins, 
kees if Britishers^ re pushed pulj.Dixie Dunbar, Nat Pendleton aud 
into the cold With their Phyllis rOoks. 



22 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




VOGUES OF 1938 




Walter Wangers^ 

IN TECHNICOLOR 

HELEN VINSON . MISCHA AUER . ALAN MOWBRAY • JEROME COWAN 
Directed by Irving Gummings • Original screenplay by Sam and Bella Spewack 

Samuel Goldwyn 

presents' 

DEAD END 

starring 

SYLVIA SIDNEY and JOEL McCREA with 
HUMPHREY BOGART . WENDY BARRIE . CLAIRE TREVOR . Based on the 
play by Sidney Kingsley • Screenplay by Lillian Hellman • Directed by William Wyler 




Samuel Goldwyn 

presents 

STELLA DALLAS 




with 

BARBARA STANWYCK • JOHN BOLES - ANNE SHIRLEY 
From the novel by Olive Higgins Prouty • Directed by KING VIDOR 

Selznick International 

presents 

RONALD COLMAN 




0 > ' V* 



in 



THE PRISONER OF ZENDA 

with 

MADELEINE CARROLL and DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, Jr. 
Mary Astor f C. Aubrey Smith • Raymond Massey • David Niven 
Produced by DAVID O. SELZNICK 
Directed by Jobn Cromwell 
Based en Ed^vard Kose's dramatization of Anthony Hope^c novel 

Released thru UNITED ARTISTS 



-M 



i4 




Wednesday, July T, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARinry 



25 



EXPLOITATION : : By Epes W. Sargent 



Love Seats 

Atlantic City, 

Atlantic City couples to whom a 
nieht out means a good picture plus 
an opportunity to hold hands and 
cuddle without interruption, find the 
Hollywood theatre just the right 
soot The management, realizing, 
that love birds comprise a consider- 
able part of the house's trade, has 
installed iove seats' throughout the 
theatre. These are simply double- 
sized seats. No arm rest separates 
the occupants, who are thereby al- 
lowed to follow their pleasure with 
the utmost comfort and convenience. 

Oversized seats sarve a second 
purpose. Availability of them at 
various points within the theatre 
makes the Hollywood ideal for pa- 
trons-to-be who tip the scales at 
anywhere from 250 pounds up. 
Jumbo patronage may relax and 
breathe unrestramedly, and leave the 
theatre with style uncramped. 

Feature brings 'em back, according 
to Harry Waxman, of the Hollywood 
staff. And word of the installation 
has spread, he says, for not infre- 
quently newcomers ask to be led to 
one of the double-barreled parking 
spaces. 

(While the idea seems to be due 
for a revival, it is by no means a 
new stunt. The original Love Seats 
•were installed in Proctor's 23rd 
street theatre. New York, in the 
early 90's. They were not replaced 
when they wore out, possibly be- 
cause the seats were spotted too 
prominently in the front rows.) 



Two Air Gags 

Washington. 

Cap Loew office used radio on two 
novel stunts to sell 'Captains Cour- 
ageous,' one of which is adaptable 
to any pic. Tying up with local re- 
cording studios, which got nice dis- 
play in theatre as well as plugs on 
the air, patrons coming out from pic- 
ture were invited to step up to 
microphone in lobby and express 
opinions of show. Array of equip- 
ment as well as interview attracted 
plenty of lookers-on who carried 
word home. Crowd was told to tune 
in WRC, Cap NBC outlet, the fol- 
lowing morning from 7:30 to 8:30 
a.m., when Gordon Hittenmark, re- 
gular morning spieldr, wotild play 
record with voice of patrons who 
made comments. About 100 patrons 
were recorded each day, although 
only 15 got on air. 

Other gag was hung on title of 
film. Morning air chatterer asked 
listeners to send in tales of heroism, 
either in which they participated or 
their friends. Flock of swell yarns 
came in, best were read as regular 
feature oS a.m. program for week 
and tied in with flicker. Prizes of 
$5 cash and five copies of book were 
awarded for tops. 

Other novel stunt pulled by same 
outfit was Father's Day idea gave 
local sheets feature stories that could 
have stood on their own. Quest was 
made for oldest fathers in city and 
winner, 94, turned out .to be prom- 
inent business man who was secretly 
entered by friends. He got dinner 
at swank hotel and 15 runners-up 
trekked to theatre in body as guests. 



Plugging Away 

For 'A Day at the Races' at the 
State and Orpheum, Boston, Joe Di 
Pesa and Joe and Al Longo got the 
usual flock of pages from the Ameri- 
can, which is standard with them, 
got a cut of Mauree O'Sullivan in a 
merchant ad, planted the air tran- 
scription with a local broadcaster, 
getting newspaper . mention, and 
arranged a special race at a nearby 
track, with a stilt walker to jazz 
things up. 

They horned in on two vox pop 
broadcasts; WEEI and WORL, got a 
lot of windows in music stores and 
took a spot announcement to follow 
the Hollywood Hotel broadcast. Did 
some other things, but that the main 
layout— and plenty enough. 

Those Better Babies 

Burgess Waltmon, of the Orpheum, 
Fulton, Kentucky, one of the War- 
ner. chain, liked the idea of the baby 
contest as outlined by the F. & M. 
circuit o£ Boston. Town is only 
about 5.000 and Waltmon is limited 
as to staiT, but he ducked out per- 
sonally and lined up 18 merchants. 
Then he tied up the newspaper. 

Latter will run full pages for three 
■weeks charging the merchants for 
space but giving the theatre the 
niajor break gratis. It also gives 
plenty of readers, and the contest is 
swmging along. 

. Just goes to show it can be done 
u the headacher isn't afraid to work^ 
Just as good in a 50,000 or 500,000 
town. 



Switched Saucers 



^ New Haven. 

Fihn Row .got a hefty chuckle out 
ot an exploitation oversight here last 
week on 'Captains Courteous,' Pic- 
ture, a Metro product, was being 
oallyhooed through central streets 
via an elaborate sound truck. 

Swell stunt, except that the guy 
operating the sound kept using 
vocals of Bing. Crosby doing hits 
from 'Waikiki Wedding* (Par) which 
happened to be playing a nabe at the 



Playing Up Burns 

„ , Seattle. 

Orpheum has tieup with Seattle 
Star for 'Mountain Music' that gives 
theatre a good break. 

Bob Burns is writing a bit for the 
Star and the paper is running a box 
under the syndicated Burns article 
calling attention to the pix at the 
Orph. This is spotted on Page 1 to 
hold that spot the entire week. No 
cost to theatre. 

In return theatre printed 500 plac- 
ards that Star placed at all news- 
paper booths, with wording: 'Read 
Bob Burns in Seattle Star and see 
him in 'M.M.' at Orpheum.' 

Theatre lobby is done in true 'hill- 
billy' style, with rural scene, includ- 
mg live chicks and pigs, some trees, 
a shack and barn. 



Book Reviews 

St. Louis. 

A weekly review of best sellers for 
patrons was inaugurated last week, 
by management, of Fanchon & 
Marco's 5,000 ssater Fox through a 
tieup witl\ 'Doubleday Doran's local 
book shop. 

Dorothy Godwin, a radio commen- 
tator, started 'idea with review of 
Marjorie Hillis' best seller, 'Orchids 
on Your Budget,' over public address 
system to patrons gathered in hu.ge 
loggy of house. Reviews will be 
given between noon and 12:30 p. m. 
each Wednesday, a short time before 
screen show starts. 



George E. Fuller Sues 
On Anti-Sherman Charge 

New Orleans, July 6. 
Suit for $7,713 damages, tripled, 
was filed in federal court here by 
George E. Fuller of Fairhope, Ala., 
exhibitor, against seven film dis- 
tributing companies and two indi- 
viduals. Fuller charges that the de- 
fendants in a combination in re- 
straint of trade violating the Sher- 
man anti-trust law, refused to lease 
films to him for showing in theatres 
he operated in Florida. He was 
forced to close the theatres, he al- 
leges. 

Defendants are Vitagraph, Inc., 
Metro, RKO, 20th-Fpx, Paramount, 
universal, Harold E. Wilkes, gen- 
eral manager for Paramount-Saenger 
interests here, and Gaston Dureau, 
Jr., of the Saenger organization. 
Triple damages are sought under the 
Sherman act. 



N.Y. Projectionists May Force Max 
Fleischer Setdement; Cancellations 



Trip to Locale 

Boston. 

^oew's press department made a 
natural tieup with a local steamship 
company here in connection with 
pop price run of 'Captains Coura- 
geous,' starting July 2. 'SS Steel 
Pier' made special run to Gloucester 
Tuesday (6), and purchasers of a $2 
ticket virere entitled to one 40c seat 
at either house during run of the 
pic. 

Visiting Help 

Baltimore. 
Ted Routson of Hippodrome, local 
combo house, put over another effec- 
tive Hollywood tie-up following his 
display of gowns worn by Ginger 
Rogers in 'Shall We Dance,' when he 
presented members of R.K.O.'s pic- 
ture making company on location 
for 'Annapolis Salute' on the Hipp 
stage in conjunction of p.a. of Roscoe 
Ates. 

Brought Marsha Hunt, James Elli- 
son, Arthur Lake, Van Helfin, .Dick 
Hogan and others up from home of 
Naval Academy to put over bang up 
newspaper, radio and theatre tiie-up. 



Theatre Changes 



Baltimore. 
Fred Greenway, house manager of 
Century for five years, to State, Bos- 
ton in similar capacity, and Morris 
Druker, assistant mgr. of Parkway 
here to State, Syracuse. Bob Etch- 
berger, former asst. mgr. at Syracuse 
house to similar capacity at Park- 
way. 



Bill Schneider, in St. Louis with 
Fanchon & Marco operations for 
about two years now, has trans- 
ferred to the F&M office in New 
York. He will remain in the east 
over the summer, probably returning 
to St. Louis in September. 



Lincoln, July 6. 
New manager of the Orpheum 
here is Kenneth Mead, imported to 
fill the vacancy left by Ike Hoig's 
move, from Grand Junction, Colo., 
where he has been with the J. H. 
Cooper string. Hoig goes to Colo- 
rado Springs, Colo., for the same 
outfit. Kurth Nelson will continue 
as assistant at the Ort>heum. Or- 
pheum, although a dual bill, split- 
weeker now, is normally (in season) 
a vaude house. 



Winnipeg. 
Robert (Buster) Radis a new addi- 
tion to Universal office in Winnipeg 
as booker. Hymie Swarlz, former 
bookei", has joined the road gang 
ofU. 

Renting troubles seem to be over 
for the Hudson's Bay Co. new film 
exchange in Winnipeg, as the re- 
maining holdouts have signatured 
for offices in the place when com- 
pleted about Oct. 1. They are War- 
ners and Columbia. 



St. Louis. 
Eight houses in and near St. LOui.s, 
lacking air conditioning apparatus^ 
have shuttered during summer 
months. They are Hollywood and 
Downtown Lyric. St. Louis; Will 
Rogers, Collinsville, 111.; Rialto, 
Granite City. 111.; Thalia, Stonington. 
111.; Lyric, V/est Salem, 111.; Red 
Wing, Worden, III., and (iJommunity, 
Sumner, 111. Houses reopened last 
few weeks, due to increasing em- 
ployment in their communities, are 
Durbin. Bluffs, 111.; Equality, Equal- 
ity, 111.; Gem Robbs, 111.; Salem, 
Salem, 111., and Golden, Golden, III. 

Denver. 

R. R. Raub, former Publix man- 
ager in Colorado Springs, now han- 
dling publicity for the Fine Arts 



French Quota 



(Continued from page 11) 



semester. In recent years Americans 
have accounted for about 30 or 35 
of these, or, between 140 and 150 a 
year. The decree is effective from 
July 1, 1937 to June 30, 1938. The 
present ruling concerning dubbing in 
France, visas, etc., are maintained. 

The French dissatisfaction comes 
in via the hope in some quarters 
that the foreigners would not be 
given such leev/ay, making it harder 
to import films into France and thus 
giving" the home product a tighter 
hold on the native market. 

Although there is always a chance 
that more English, German and 
other foreign films may be imported 
into France during the coming year 
to the detriment of American films, 
the Yanks are still banking on the 
terms of the treaty, which they be- 
lieve wa''s one of the big reasons the 
quota numbers were not changed. 
Commission's Report 

The Cinema Commission of the 
Chamber, headed by Jean-Michel 
Renaitor, has finally finished its hear- 
ings and the text of its report as 
drawn up by Deputy Ponsard is not 
too favorable to anything foreign. 
This report will be used as a refer- 
ence in drafting new legislation to 
protect the French industry. 

Among other things it recom- 
mends the limitation of the number 
of cinema houses, with the opening of 
new houses for the next six years 
prohibited; and more important, only 
100 foii-eign films would be allowed 
to enter the country annually. Of 
course this cannot take place now 
for another year after the publica- 
tion of the new quota, but these sug- 
gested measures as well as a new 
complicated taxing system, on the 
importation of foreign films shows 
what is still being held in reserve 
here. 



IMPORTANT RUUNG ON 
TERM THEATRE LEASES 



Lessors of theatre property are 
held responsible for rent payments 
on unexpired leases limited to gross 
rental of three years under Section 
77B of the bankruptcy law, the Cir- 
cuit Court of . Appeals, N. Y., de- 
cided yesterday (Tuesday). The 
higher court reversed District Judge 
William Bondy, who had awarded 
the Hippodrome Building Company, 
of Cleveland, only $88,660 on its 
claim against RKO for $888,666 on 
an unexpired 17-year lease. The 
court recommended that the Cleve- 
land firm be allowed $450,000, at the 
rate of $150,000 a year for the three 
years. 

The Cleveland building company, 
in 1930, had leased the property to 
the Hippodrome Theatre Company, a 
subsidiary of RKO. The latter 
guaranteed the rental for 17 years. 
The theatre company defaulted in 
1933 and wheh RKO entered bank- 
ruptcy it filed its claim for rental 
for the remaining 15 years. Judge 
Bondy allowed only $88,666 and the 
building company appealed and won 
the reversal and higher award yes- 
terday. 

Conter in the Springs. 

The Park, being built bv Westland 
Theatre,":, Inc., in Colorado Springs. 
sor>n to be opened; seats 400. 

P. H. Rahn has moved his Atlantic 
Pictures exchanee in with the Mer- 
cu''v exchange, Denver. 

John Survant, who recently took 
over the Muse-U theatre. Cortex, 
Colo., is havine! the house remodeled. 
in<:t^nllinft ERPI sound. 

The Trail theatre, remodeled from 
the America. Colorado Springs, re- 
onened by Publix. managed bv J. E, 
(Tommy) Tompkins. 



Possibility that the membership of 
the Moving Picture Machine Opera- 
tors Union of N. Y., Local 306, may 
again take an active, hand in sup- 
port of the Commercial Artists and 
Designers Union strike against the 
Max Fleischer studios, N. Y. Previ- 
ous action by the MPMOU, to refuse 
to handle Popeye and Betty Boop 
cartoons, was nullified by the Inter- 
national Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employees, the parent group. 

Meeting of the 306 membership is 
scheduled for this morning (Wednes- 
day) at the Manhattan Opera House, 
N. Y., with the Fleischer matter due 
to be acted upon. .Letter, calling the 
meeting, was dated July 1, signed by 
Herman Geber, recording secretary. 
Principal paragraph read as follows: 
'Exe^iutive board recommends that 
a vote be taken by the membership 
on the ' question of not running the 
Fleischer product until their studio 
strike is settled. This being a ques- 
tion of utmost importance, please 
make it your business to a^ttend this 
meeting.' 

While any action of 306 in refusing 
to handle Fleischer cartoons would 
presumably have to have the ap- 
proval of the lATSE, it is believed 
not unlikely that the parent body 
Would reverse its previous thumbs- 
down if the operators voted against 
working with the Popeye and Betty 
Boop films. There is also some talk 
that since taking its previous stand 
in the matter, the lATSE has had a 
change of attitude in the matter. 

Pointed out that, while the lA has 
contracts with the film houses and 
chains, it is a standard rule of all 
A.F.L. groups that no members of 
affiliate unions shall work on, handle 
or patronize products or firms which 
have been decreed 'unfair' to labor. 
Argument is that clause would 
nullify any pact that JA might have 
with theatres. 

Ops Favor CEDU 
Even though the lATSE previously 
put a quick halt on the 306 action 
against F\eischer, feeling among the 
MPMOU membership has continued 
to favor the CADU strikers. Night 
after the nullifying action by the 
I A, a member of the 306 executive 
board spoke' at a CADU mass meet- 
ing, making a number of pointed 
remarks about how that overruling 
action had been brought about. 
Named no names, however. Was 
talk at that time about a sharp divi- 
sion of feeling in the 306 ranks over 
the matter. 

Generally conceded that if the 
MPMOU puts through any such ac- 
tion to boycott the Fleischer films as 
previously ordered (and nixed by 
the lA), the strike will be quickly 
won by the CADU.. Fact that the 
artists and designers have at least 
the sympathetic support of the 
MPMOU is indicated in the presence 
of reps of that union on the CADU 
committee negotiating with Fleischer. 
Music union. Local 802, has been 
actively supporting the strike for 
some time. Generally understood 
that, while Fleischer is meeting the 
strikers' reps, he has no intention 
of making concessions. Congress- 
man William I. Sirovich has offered 
his services to the strikers in an ef- 
fort to reach a settlement. 

Meanwhile, nine more CADU 
pickets were arrested last Friday (2) 
night during a mass demonstration 
outside the Fleischer studios.- They 
were charged with disorderly con- 
duct, given hearings and released in 
custody of their attorney. As 
usually, the union claimed the ar- 
rests were 'unwarranted.' 

Shelving: Shorts 
Theatres shelving Fleischer shorts 
are burning over tactics of the art- 
ists and designers who are striking 
against the Fleischer cartoon studios 
but in spite of the fact that they are 
innocently in the middle of the dis- 
pute will not forcefully resist the 
method of attack developed by the 
Commercial Artists & Designers 
Union. Rather than run the risk of 
riots, damages and suits, both the 
Paramount and Roxy in New YorK 
are providing the CADU some pos- 
sibly helpful ammunition in their 
fight against Fleischer. 

Turned down cold by the lA on a 
proposal ordering booth operators 
all over the country to refuse pro- 
jecting Fleischer cartoons virhich. 
had it been okayed by the lA, would 
have certainly meant victory for the 
artists, the union staged a demon- 
stration in the Par, N. Y., and 
threatened the same for other houses 
in hopes of bringing Fleischer 
around. 

The group of around 30 who 
staged the hissing-Bt-onjt cheer dem- 



onstration in the Par during show- 
ing of a Popeye were believed to be 
hired roughnecks who would be 
difficult to evict from the premiso^. 
Par decided that it was dangerous to 
run the risk of such demonstrations, 
likely fighting in the theatre, dam- 
age to property and possible lawsuits 
by patrons, with result house with- 
drew the Popeye cartoon after the 
second day last week. ^ 

The Roxy, N. Y., had a Popeye 
cartoon booked for this week but 
shelved it in fear that a demonstra- 
tion similar to that at the Par, would 
be undertaken. Night before the 
Popeye was to have opened here last 
Friday (2), the CADU picketed the 
house. Roxy even wants to avoid 
this and this theatre as well as the 
Par are shelving the Fleischer car- 
toons until some .settlement of the 
trouble is reached. Other N, Y. 
houses following the Par and Roxy 
on release are likely to take the 
same protective measures pending 
'possible peace between striking 
artists and Fleischer. 



HaHow 



(Continued from page 6) 



product will have Mary Dees. Miss 
Harlow's stand-in. in long shots and 
where closer views were needed, 
Mi$s Dees is seen with her back to 
the camera. 

Jean Harlow's posthumous starrer 
will get its national release on July 
23. Al Lichtman and Howard Dietz 
are here setting the sales and ex- 
ploitation campaigns. Both will wind 
up the chore tomorrow (Wed.) and 
blow for New York. 



Chicago, July 6. 

Among reissue pictures in greatest 
demand in the midwest . and doing 
well are 'Cimarron,' 'Magnificent 
Obsession,' 'Henry VIII,' 'Ruggles of 
Red Gap,' 'Jf I Had a Million,' 'Fly- 
ing Down to Ri ,' 'Back Street,* 
•Modern Times,' 'Mutiny on the 
Bounty,' 'AH Quiet on the Western 
Front,' 'Naughty Marietta,' 'Little 
Miss Marker,' 'Mississippi,' almost 
any of the Will Rogers and W. Ck 
Fields pictures, 'Hell's Angels,' 'Scar- 
face,' 'It Happened One Night.' 

Because of the charging styles, the 
costume flickers are those which are 
most in demand as the best survivors 
of the passing years. Attempts have 
been made from time to time to re- 
vive strict 'present day' pictures such 
as 'Animal Kingdom,' 'Paris Bound,' 
'Divorcee,' 'Dancing Daughters,' but 
the costuming is so dated that they 
fetch laughs from the audience, par- 
ticularly the femmes. 

Most interesting is the manner in 
which these revivals are being 
treated by newspapers and women's 
clubs. The reviewers devote plenty 
of space to discuss the reissues as 
art stuff, and play 'em up in the mo- 
tion picture pages as the drama re- 
viewers salaam to revivals of Ibsen, 
Shakespeare, Gilbert and Sullivan, 
Shaw and Sheridan. These flickers 
have become classics in the history 
of motion pictufes, and everybody 
concerned is doing everything possi- 
ble to further that conception of the 
pictures. 



Condor 



J 



(Continued from page 7) 



series of features and another RK 
deal for George O'Brien starrer 
staying as is. 

Reported in N. Y, yesterday (Tues.) 
that Condor execs were looking for 
a definite ruling on the application 
for stock listing by the Securities & 
Exchange Commission within the 
next few days. Company has sant 
in additional data on its studio leas- 
ing arrangements on the Coast, as 
requested by the SEC. Okay by the 
SEC is essential before Condor sLock 
can be listed on any e.xchanges.. 



MARJORIE COOLEY GOES PAR 

New Orleans, July 6. 

Marjorie Cooley. 16. local hig 
school student, was notified Thurs- 
day (1) by Oliver Hinsdell, Para- 
mount talent scout, to report to the 
studio to take a training course. She 
was selected from group of aspirants 
Hinsdell interviewed during visit 
here several months ago. 

Miss Cooley has appeared in Little 
theatre plays here, and was trained 
by Bernard Szold. 



24 VARIETY Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




...AND SCORES 
^ OF FIRST-RUNS 

ARC PROVING IT 



THIS WEEKf 




with ffiese famous enferfoiners IO£ PEN N£R * M I LTO N BERtE 

PARKYAKARKUS ★ HARRIET HliilARD ★ WILLI AM SRAPY 

lEROME COWAN * THELMA LEEDS and a hundred NEW FACES! 



ANiDWARO SMALL PttODUcriON ^ DmcHD ay LB9GH JASON * Nat Perrin, Philip G. Epstein. Irv S. Brecher • RKO-RADIO PICTURi 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



FILM REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



25 



Geschichten Aus Dem 
Wienerwald 

(Continued from page 13) 

- » • ; ■■ 

and several animated perfoririance's' 
are swamped beneath a welter of 
ini.^direction, stupid cdntiriuity, 
sparsity of action and an over-abund- 
artce. of meaningless detail. While 
the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra's 
ulaying is marvelous in. final se- 
auences, it is dragged in by the horns 
nd is badly photographidd. But that 
is typical of overlooked essential de- 

^'^Flhle starts out like it would be 
bae of those poor-boy-inheritirig-mil- 
lions. But it suddenly starts from 
a fresh angle, with two fethme char-; 
acters forward. And. eventually it 
winds up one 6f those foreign mis- 
taken, idientity^incbftaito affairs.: If 
the latter idea had been fairly well- 
handled it might have turned' out a 
magnificent piece. ^ . 

But as is, it looks like a prolonged 
(88-minute) of screen test lor Magdk 
Schneider and Truus van Aalten, the 
feminine characters, the former be- 
ing the poor journalist and Miss Von 
Aalten being cast as the Aniierican 
heiiess who seeks to keep her iden- 
tity hidden, L66 Slezack, who is 
credited with having been with the 
Metropolitan, looks like an old-timer 
the screen and sings superbly; 
tory shows a mechanic who in- 
herits a heavily mortgaged castle. 
After that it is only a matter of time 
Until he meets the pdor little girt, 
Millie, who is posing as the wealthy 
gal. After a series of mistakein per- 
sonage episodes, all badly mauled, 
both the rich miss and Millie sfre 
happily engaged. Any and every per- 
son breaks into song 0|n the slightest 
provocation. : 

Magda Schneider shows promise 
as an actress, and scrisiehs well until 
she opeh^ her mouth to sing. This 
spoils the illusion, though the girl 
can warble. Miss Von Aalten indi- 
cates even greiater possibilities, 
c6mely : face photojgraphing in fine 
style. She has little to do, hint be- 
in^ that her thespian ability is limit- 
ed. Wolf Albacb-Retty. cast as the 
Struggling lad, suddenly made a 
count and rich, is a: typical juvenile. 
.Slezack is .tops in th^ supportmg 
cast. 

Camera work is slipshod, and re- 
cording faulty. Strictly only for a 
fe\v arty houses.; Wcor. 

TROUBLE IN TEXAS 

brand National release q( Ed Finney 
piod. Stars Tex Bltteir, features Kita 
Cansino, Karl Dwlre, Taklma^ Canutt. 
liirected by K. >I. Bradbury.' At Varsity. 
Lincoln, Neb,> dual, ftunnlns lime. M 
litiiisi. . — ■ ' . ' •. 

Texv • ; .Tex Bitter 

C*Kmett 1 ... ... ; .Blta .Cansino 

Brt iker . i i . . . .Earl Dvvire 

Sqiilht 4 iTahima ..Canutt 

Duke «..,.«.,.......'...^.......Dlck Palmer 

O-Man .....<.'.... k Hal Prices 

Slierift .Fred Parkek- 

I.ui ky i i . . Horace .Murnhy 

PUUo .;. .Charles Kinx 

Aiinouni-er . . . ... . . i ...Tom Cqoocr 



will make good, in the sticks, where 
they are prone to accept qxiantity 
and mistake it for quality. 

Trouble, with the whole presenta- 
tion would seem to be to keep the 
story together. It is not constructed 
.with resourceful craftsmanship. For. 
example, there are inore than a score . 
of specialty artists and featured play- 
ers, supplerneiited by seven bands, 
which are massed in a spectacu- 
lar finale. Every time one of the 
specialty artists does something, ot 
one of. the bands 'obliges/ the story 
comes to a dead stop, and it takes so 
much time to resume it that the mo^- 
ment arrives for the showing of an- 
other stunt. 

The bands; are all good, the spe-. 
ciaLties are of standard merit, . the 
production is pretentious aiid the 
cast larige .enbugh~t6 hazard an esti- 
mate that' its .cost equals many Hol- 
ly wood, picture outputs, but the di- 
rector does not seem to avoid the 
laying of ah egg after each dhe of 
he farcical . situations; or the per- 
formancie of a' vaudeville act. 

Buddy Rogers, as always, is me- 
;icul'ously competent. ,, June Clyde 
does not; act with conviction, and 
gives no indicatioh of appeal. . The 
only member of the cast who con- 
tributes genuine ; humor is Fred Em- 
ney. . Prominent artists like Iris 
Hoeyi^lZeXmsL O'Neal; Jack Melfprdt 
Steve Geray, etc.,' .are only mildly' 
entertaining, and not often amusing. 

Story sufficiently farcical for pic- 
ture' purposes: . Associated British 
<alias B. L P.) should, have made 
a better job of it, with the ingre- 
dients and . resources at its command. 

' Jolo. 



Liberal inserts of newsreel cover- 
age of a big time rodeo spice what 
might otherwise, be a Very , dull 
•western^ All kinds of riding, roping, 
and prairie pranks go into the . make 
up of the latest Tex Hitter opus, in 
eluding so many G-men and 
G- women thait . they have to •wear 
badges to keep from arresting each 
other. 

..Story is a far cry-^about rodeo 
rackets. Racket is worked by pro 
tecting the racketeers' ringer in the 
contest via trick murders on any 
outsider who threatens, ^ith a bank 
robbery thrown in at each finish. 

Perhaps the best looker of any of 
the girls working in hoss pics to date 
is Grand Niational's latest recruit, 
Rita Cansino. She {■was on the Fox 
lot .for a while, and classes up the 
company .she's in hefe. Earl Dwire 
and Yakima Canutt are the muggs 
They speak as roughly, as the situa 
tion demands. Hojrace Murphy; be 
sides having' trouble spitting his 
tobacco juice through a phoney 
handlebar mustache, is not very 
funn.y. :. 

Ritter sings three numbers, the 
heat being 'Down the Colorado Trail.' 

Barn. ; 



MAKE-UP 

(BRITISH MADE) 

London, June. 29. 
.<3l(indard-Internallonal iilolun-; r«>l(>;»siH(l 
by Associated British ■ l<Mlm i>lslr|l>uti>v.s. 
Stars NMls Asthei-, June Clydo. l-'oiilunvs 
Jiidy Kelly, Kenneth L>uii('an. Dlrecletl \>y 
Alfred Kelalcr. Screen ndaplallon by Jerf- 
rey Poll from novel,- -Hux:,' by llan.t IN)s- 
sendorf; Camcratncn, irlo ('t'o-s."!. Boy l')i»y. ' 
At tha Phoenix, Iiondon. itiinnlht; time TlJ 
mine. 

Bux , . ; , . ... . , , , ; , , . , ; .Ts'lls Aslhff 

Joy. . . . . , . . . . i . . . .June Clyde 

Marlon Hutto ...Judy Kelly 

Loreriso.-. . i ... , . , . . Kenneth .Duncan 
Karoi . .> . . . . . ......... ... ; . . John Turnlmll 

Goro. . . ; j'awrence /kncler.'ion 

Publk'fty ; Johnnie Sihoiield 

Major Sir ward' Huttoii, ......... ., . 

•I;a' wrc^ni'e G i-Msnm it K 

Norma Varilen 

omburciler Ulllv Woll.s 
......... ..Jill ("ialBlp 

r.oddy. HiiKhea 

;■. ..Chapnian.'a . Circus 



HostPSSv. . ■, ; . 

Rlnsmusfcr.-. . 

Tania. ; 

Mr. Greenjivv.'tier 
Karo'.s ClrCM-s. . . 



A Fight to ihe Finish 

Coluntbia release of BalpK- Gohn -produc 
tlon. • Fsatures Don . • Terry and Bosalliid' 
jCelth. -Directed by O, C. Coleman, Jr. 
Story and screen play by Harold Shumate; 
vauiera, . Oeoffie Meehan. .At Blalto, N. Y. 



week June .25, 
mlns. 
DuUe' 

Kllen. ....... 

Spudsy . . . . 

Kddle llawkios . .. 
A, K." •Doniiid. . 
MabeKV;,i, 
CaplKin' iiiesoii. 
Mjiyberryi . '; 
Wiirden. .■. ..... . . , 

Henry.. .......... . ..i 



.'Bunril.ng time, 



5* 



;Ddii Terry 
. . . . . Bosalind Keith 
, ; . . .George MbKay 
. . . .Ward Bond 
(\ ; . . '.:.Wade Boteler 
, . . ;; .'.Lucille Xiund 
1 .Ivan iUer 
.Thbnias Chatterton 
. . . .Frank Sheridan 
, . . .Hai-old Goodwin 



Whatever interest, thi'iUirig 
siispense may have been in the origr 
inal plot of the, novel, has been well 
and truly ipst in its transmission to 
i;he screen. It remains just a circus 
story, patchy and improbable, the 
bright spots of which only serve to 
show up the dull bits to greater dis- 
advantage. Certainly not in the big 
money class; any where. 

Bux isVtop; of the Toil! in a conti- 
nental circus. In .clown's attire he 
plays many ihstrutnents and i.s a big 
I raw every where. While oh train 
in Italy he ' nieeti' ; ah Eiiigl ish . girl 
with her; titled father,;; and 'despite 
lis reluctance, she engages him in 
conversation, and prbmiptly chases 
lim to the end of the chapter. 'She 
i^' knocked oiit by an elephant while 
wandering rdUhd during intermission', 
of the circus and Bux, who trained 
as a doctpr, gives her first -aid. : Not ' 
recoghizihg him behind his makeup, 
she only- too gladly resumes: ac- 
quaiintanceship when she discovers 
lis identity. 

Nils Asther does his best with the 
clown's . role, imbuing it with charm 
and Sincerity, Judy Kelly giyes a 
crisp, honest portrayal of .the.go-get- 
er society girl, while June Clyde 
las little to do but look; tearfully 
pathetic. Supporting .cast generally 
good, tob; but the , whplie thing lacks 
punch and what it takes to rhake a 
box office success.. Clem, 



Let's Make a Night of It 

(BRITISH MADE) 
(MUSICAL) 

Lbndon, June 29. 

.Vs.snr-lated . ritlsh Picture ana ivlease.. 
jSl;OH Buddy KoKers, Jttne Clyde. Ijircctp.d 
by Orabam Cults. Screen play by Hiiiih 
•Brrtoke, from P. MoGreW- 'Willis' ' adaplu- 
tloti of Heurik N.; Kgre's radio pltiy. 'Vbe 
.Sliver Spoon.' Cnrrieraman, Otto'Kttnlui-ek.. 
At AdelphI, Ijondbn. Bunninff time D'.'. 
niinii. 

. .Buddy KDsei', . 
..June t'i;v(li» 
, , Claire IjUI'c 



^^H'^k Kent 

P.'>i?K-y Boydell... 
v'iida :Vari(ier. . . . 
■H.'nry Koydell... 
l.'iiui'a Boydell;.. 
f'lUint (.'astellt;;. 

I'>'|'rl........,^.. 

iH-.Kl Waller.... 

i*i'"ld. , ....... . . 

i'l.v. . . ; . .;.;. . . . . 

V'flii'i^wohiali 

Polit'einan . .', , ,', ,' 
'AWildlnK. Guest,.: 
J>lr.'e): Slni{<kr. . . . 
Iiii|)''r.sonatlona'. . . 
<.'>iiu|i<>i-e. . , ... ; ...-v 



A, rapid-action meller sketched 
around a taxi-war that lives up, to its 
title as regards the fisticuffs in- 
volved throughout. Sans names cal- 
culated to; prove buoyant at the b;p., 
possessed of , but slight and very 
grim hurhor, and presenting a yarn 
not too popular in appeal, ' ight to 
Finish' will make the exhibs fight for 
'ern if they want any" appreciable 
results. Resiilts will be decidedly 
spottyi Best chance stands in the 
key towns; wheire a taxi-War and its 
implications are understood by the 
populace. It; may be a bit •vague to 
biitlanders. ' , 

Don Terry, as the hardrdrivin', 
two-fisted lead, gets a heat double-X 
at start from the thick-boned heavy 
(Ward Bond) and does a stir 
stretch on- a framed manslaughter 
charge. Emerging, he finds his ene 
my in his .job as fleet superintendent 
of clty?s biggest cab -firm. He rounds 
up bid cronies and they go into com' 
petitibh with the big company. 

All the. vicious tactics used in -taxi 
company strifes are unrolled, on the 
screen, finally with fatalities to fares. 
The' police get in on the scrap, too, 
Before it is through,, ajl the ends; are 
neatly stitched, with the villain 
getting the gri .and trie hero . the 
hallelujahs. .. 

Midway the, romance is appended 
to the rapid paced story, with Rosa 
linci' Keith as' a nurse appearing^ to 
elevate the tactics of the character 
played by Terry, so he can emerge at 
the iend with a clean-bill of ethics. 
The cute, Cupid stuff is . diecidedly 
and wisely Underplayed in the ih 
terest of the more rawbone elements 
natural to the action film, 

Terry's acting is rather' intense, 
and he dc^sn't appear to consider 
change of pace ever.. ut his 
brawling is good, and he Idoked his 
role; Gebrg(? McKay is; the usual 
elderly pal .of the lead who gets 
Idlled before, and whose death mo 
tivates. the climax. Mi.ss Keith .is 
pei'suasive jh her .rather short as 
signmeht.. Bond is ai half whining, 
half-brutal! type of heavy; he had his 
role in. the palm of his .hand from the 
start. 

, The :direction suited the story 
.the camera kept apace. ; It' is neither 
good nor bad ;pr6paganda, for taxi 
caibs; but ; before the film's' 58 min 
utes ar . up there; are more than i 
score of ; tiirnoyers, crash-ons and 
force-o/Ts of machines. Bert, 



Fred I'lmiiey 
, . . . . . ; . . ... ; . .ll'lH 1 lopy. 

Jack, ^ielloril 

I-; > .;. . . i .Claud A.Uisler 
i ........... , .Steve ( lor.ay 

Anthony Holle.s 

.'.Lawrence Aiider.son 
. . . ; ... i . . i i .Zel.ma O'Neal 
..... . . . . .Bertlia Beli.nore 

. ..... . . . ... . » . Syd Walker 

. . . . . i . . .Oliver Wakedelil 

, ,'. ;. ...Dan Donovan 

.'. ; . . <. . ; ... Afrlqiic 

. , .;..'.:.....,.. Brian Micble 

\l»o the Kddli) Carroll. Jack Hnvrl.<i, Jiiclc 
••'(■■kson. S.vdniiy Ijiptori, Joe Loss, and 
Itu.ly siarlla bauds.; ■ ' 



This picture definitely has no ap- 
peal for the U. S. As to its pulling 
P^)wers here, that is up to the stars. 
Buddy Rogers and June Clyde. It 



TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, July 6 

;Uiuversal's 'Too; Clever to Live' 
becomes 'The Man Who Cried Wolf 

Meti'O; switched 'The. Umbrella 
Man' to 'London by Night.' 

Parampiint changed 'Good: ight 
Ladie.s;' to 'Blonde Trouble,' and 
'Sophie Lang ih Hollywood' to 'So 
phie Lang Goes West,' 

Release title of Grand Nation's 
British-nnade 'Rendezvous in the 
Alps' will be 'Hideout in the Alps.' 

Republic inked; oiit 'Double Trou 
ble' and made it 'All Over Town.' 

Warners switched 'Lady Luck' to 
'Wine, Women and Horses.* 



pan ions, Corney and Chuck. The 
gendarmes send for him,, explain an 
English boy is missing from a liner, 
and ask; if he will keep his ' ears 
open in the underworld as they fear 
the child is kidnapped;, incidentally, 
there is a heavy, reward. 

After one or two false, scents, the 
child is discovered. He comes right 
into Joe's l^p dripping from the 
water,, clad, only in . a bathing, slip. 
He denies . he ; was. kidnapped, tries 
to; get free, but big Joe. takes him 
to Manda, a; singer in the; cafe above 
which, he lives.. They rig him up 
in temporary clothes and are aboiit 
to take him to. the police when .tlje 
kid : threatens he will say tliey ab- 
ducted him, so they conceal him for 
a few days.. Eventually ■everything 
is. straightened oiit. 

Elisabeth; Welch - gives a sweet, 
womanly portrayal of the cafe singer, 
and the rshots where- she mothiers 
Joe when he has a hangover, and 
their wordless love scenes are charm- 
ing,' Eldon Grant, makes a natural 
youngster, and the rest of the gang 
are suitably chosen. Robeson sings 
his numbers with his usual easy 
skill. Clctre. 



Roundup Tiine iii 



(WITH SONGI^) 

Reitublic release of '.Nat. Lev'ne. produc-. 

lion^. idijtrs Gene Autry. Directed by Jo- 

seijh Kane. Screenplay, Oliver Drake; 

cuniei-ai William Nobles:, editor. Lester 
Orleb^clt. At Llberiy. Lincoln, dual. Buh* 
nlnK tbne, ' QB mins, ' 



Gfne. 

Ki-oj?. 

(•wen. ....... 

CtV-tllt.! (\\(iH.. 

Cardigan/'. . . 
Bai.koy; . . 
.Tohnsnn . ; , . . 
Busut'o... . V, .. 



, . . . .Genft .. A.ulry 
.Smiley Burnotle 
...Maxlne Doyle 
i . .'...C^hln Kids 
, .TiPruy.: Allison 
...Knrl HodKlnn 
. ...PiQk Wcsspl 
. ddv Wlillnms 



Melody of the Plains c. 

(WITH SONGS) 

Spectrum release of Jed Buell produc. 
tlon. Stars Frfed Scott., features Al St. 
Jobn, Louise Small, billy .Lonhnrt.. Dlreelcd 
by Sam " Newflcld. Associate producer, 
Oeorse H. CalldKhitn. OrlKlnai screen pl'iy 
by Bennett Cohen; production. nianiiKer. 
William Nolte; photography, Bubert Kline; 
story editor, Helen Gurley; supervising; fltm 
editor, Arthur Brook^; 111m editor, WIIIUiiii 
Hbas; muplcal supei-vlsor, .Abe 'Meyer; 
songs, Don Swander and Jiine Her.sbe.v. At 
Chaloner, T., dual bllU Bunolni; time, 
53 mina. 

Cast:' Fred Scott. Al St. .Tohn. r<oulae 
small, Billy Lenhart, David Sharoe, SIhii 
'Whlttaker, Lew Meehan', Lafe McKee; Bai; 
Price, Bud Jnmleaon, Carl 'Matthews. 



Stdck western, with a couple of 
songs by Fred Scott. This time the 
warbling cowhand has: a . 4%-year- 
old urchin, shy and. toothless, to 
plunk a bull fiddle, do a tap dance 
and add his qUavery. treble to the 
warbling. Story is the usual cattle 
rustling, pony galloping and shoot- 
ing, £ic may sneak by as an also- 
ran at juve. matinees and with the 
incurable hoss .opry addicts. . But it's 
a weakie, even for its class.' 

Scott is a fairly pleasant singer. Is 
an upstanding lad and is. self-pos- 
sessed before the camera. And Al 
St. John is okay as his comedy part- 
ner with the f tizzy crop of sbinach 
and several amusing tricks of riding 
and acrobatics. Louise Small brings 
nothing as. the girl. Has moderate 
looks, but is obviously inexporienced 
and stiff, as an emoter. Caitioranian 
and film editors also did her no favor 
by including shots of her version of 
riding. Billy Lenhart is just. a mop- 
pet. 

While all the standard ingredients 
of action afe prieijent in 'Melody of 
the Plains' and the continuity is 
clear, too many scripting blunders 
rerhain\^in the finished pic. Quiclyie 
pr6duci;ion is too obvious, eveiv for a 
Western; Apparently they were in 
such, a r'ush; tb finish shooting, they 
just ignored all the bonerSi Pic com- 
mits the unpardonable; sin of islit- 
ihg on the action finale. 

Sloppy directing job and the pho- 
tography is Wot-se. rprisinglv sood 
sound, however. Hpbe. 



BIG FELLA 



SUNSET IN VIENNA 

(WITH SONGS) 
ORITISH MADE) 

.1 • • 

lii-rbert ilcox iir'drliictiii . rc|pa.'>a( 
throiiKU ileneriil' l-'lliti: Dislribiilorsy. Starit 
Tullid CaruiliiHll, Lllll rdlmcr. Olrectfd; 
l>y Norijian SVallser. Hiovy \>y WUivyuca 
Traiiter; V(';imei':iuiiin, K. A. . i'oun.ij. ' At 
the .Ailt't|ilil Itic.Mtre, I<ot>(lon,r .ItiitU; l,>, '37.' 
lime.' 711 niiuH; 

. , , .Tnlllii (.'HrnilnaH- 

Ijlll I'aliner 



Ituiinirt;: 
'I'dlil. 
C.eliiu 
.\(loli>h . 
Witida 

i>P!ti' l.iiil.v ,. , ... , , 
AiiHlrlMn, (iViieoil... 
Timt's: t".:ilil1iili- 
Maibiiilonc 
SUi'ni'lntcnilwU i»C 



V..\.l>.. 



Jolin .Crtrrick 
iiliilne . lllslop 
. . |);tvlnii . CralK 
, irubf-rt .Urirbeii' 
. . I'i'cliiar" Oi'lver 
J . . .Mice .0' l'>!l,y■ 
... I'Jll. en .Munr« 



Entertaining:; western, but with, a 
South; African setting. 'Roundup 
Time in Texas' title, is a misnomer, 
because all; the film' after the open- 
ing two minutes is in the veldt coun- 
try. Shooting is from behind: palms 
and jungle undergrbwth rather . than 
the usual cactus, . \ 

Autry films grade is going Up, and 
this warbler is ha exception,- cbn- 
tainln.g a good distribution of acti6n, 
adventure, novelty and songs. Autry ; 
is credited with authorship on some 
of the tunes. Others are the wbirk; 
of Smiley Burnetfe, Sam Stcpt, Sid- 
ney Mitchell. Ned Washington, Sam 
Lejvis, Joe Young, Harry .Akst, Vin- 
cent and Howard, and. Andy Razaf. 

Theme is the best after the film's 
title. There aire a half do2;en hillside 
melodies, and a ; good rendition, of 
'Dinah' by , the Cabin Kids who, al- 
though encountered; in the jungles 
of Africa, pick up the Dixieland 
swing idea pronto. 

Aiitry's brother ^ets a diamond 
strike in South Africa and >yants 
horses, so he cables, his relative ih 
Texas to brin.g on a herd. Group 
led by heavy Leroy Mason is after 
the diamond catch, so tries to gum 
Aiitry|s entry into the .country b.v 
getting him off on the wrbng foot 
with the officials. His brothet-'s part- 
ner gets .knocked off and his daugh- 
ter, Maxine Poyle, arrives to piece 
to.uethei- the puzzle. 

Phoney toiich is provided in the 
.iungle sequences where all the , old 
Republic serials in Nat Leyine's past 
rise to haunt the seer. Lions, apes, 
and familiar travelog shots arc 
worked in. but not very well. 

Smiley Bui'nette. gbpfy comic, has 
one of his best roles to date arid is 
really tunny several times. Mason 
wades through his villainy' in good 
shape, biit MaTtin'c Doyle still acts 
with a trio of facial movements — :a 
pout, a dimpled smile, and the coy 
one, eyelashes masking the eyes. 

■ Barn. 



. unset in: Vienna' has a smatterr 
ing of: hiost ot the ingredients that 
go to make up a sticcessf ul film. It 
opens in' Vienna jitst prior to the; 
war, where Tbhi CCarminiati) rncets' 
Gelda (Lilli .Palmer).. He is an 
Italian cavalry officer eohipeting in 
an international gymkhana, and she 
is the sister of Adolph, an Austri 
officer. 

The Viennese romantic atmosphere 
is especially well reproduced, arid., 
creates the desired effect in con- 
trast to tlie war scenes, which form: 
the . serious: Side of tha .picture. 
While thei'c are no outstanding char- 
acterizations, everything cpnriectei 
with the , picture: was iriteHigently 
worked out ih ' every departtrieht. 
There are nof . loose ends, ; arid the 
fijiri cari be expectad to do reason-^ 
ably well both hele and in; the U.S. 

The Italian officer takes his Aus- 
trian' bride to his home in Italy and 
shortly ..thereafter tha war breaks 
out. Lilli Palriiar's: -brother arrives 
upon the. scene as a spy. seeks^ 
.sh.eiter in his sister's hbme, but 
Carminati shoots him, whereupon his 
wife turns on him in bitter reproach. 
. She is ihtgrncd and : the husbahd 
carries on; for his country. They 
lose sight ot . one another through-; 
out the war and at the finish , he 
travels the world searching' for heri 
He :sirigs.in cheap cafa3» winding up. 
in a .Port Said -niter where she's 
dancing. 

Not a very original story, but its 
treatnienl;' is of a very high order. 



Great Hospital Mystery 

'2ini\ C'cnUii'y-VoK' veleiise iinil iiroducl Ion. 
KiMilMri'H .151.111' Diirwi'll, Hlf; Itmiiunii, HuUy 
itliioe. "riiouuis ;iJiMvlt. ■ .loan l.)nvls'. ..i:.»l- 
ii'i;|<'d by ..liiiii'es Tlnlln. Slory, WiKnon 
l'',l)ci-linrt ; sfi'i'riV pJiiy, lllliiiii (•oHMflinrih, 
l'i",4S MiM-eil.vlli nni.l .(> rry C'dd.v; (••mtcni, 
Hnri'.v. .liii-k.Miin; ncliior, Niclt .J)i>'M;iKkIo. Al 
IjIIii'i-I y, Lincoln, ilual. ItunnliiK IMiic,. oH 
liiii'H. 

.Tone. T)in'wel| 
i . .......... Slir ItuciKi nn 

.........',.'. Sully: isijiii- 

. . . ,-.'l'lioiii;is ...'jtei'k: 
i , ... . . r. . . . . .-.loiin Ih 

' 'Jllluin Uoiiiiii'oHl 
,..;. . . ( . . ; .tleriilKe AV'fi|c(>lt 
....v.;..... Willie Motcli'r 

.llowiird I.'lilirip.>) 



Miy><. K.'iil.H.. . 
■i:p-lrti;ciM ......i 

A riii. . ...... 

I>r. MikfrVy 
'Kb)n>i«. > . . 
.r.Mri;ii.v 

'I'ru'f y . . , . . . , 

M:l liiilll 



CONTRACTS 

Hollywood, July 6. 

I^aramount hianded a playing term- 
er to; Judy Gano'va. 

Bobby Vernon signatured^a scriv- 
ening. pact with Paramount; 

Allan Conrad, taken on for *Tova- 
rich,' landed a term contract at War- 
ners. 

Harry Sher^nan pacted Bill Kirig^ 
12, as an actor. 

MerVy n . LeRoy 1 if ted Robert 
sen's sdriptirig option^ 

Griffin Jay joined Radio's writing 
staff on an option deal. \ 
.. Frances Robinson, New York little 
theatre girad. drew a Universal play- 
in.tj agreement. 

Radio hbi.sted Joseph 
reeling Daocr. 

Raoul Pagei goes frbrii Selznick In- 
ternational to IVIaurice Conn on con- 
tract as. broduction supervisor; ■ 

Janet Beecher stays on at Metra 
under a: year's; seal. 

Radio optioned Joan Woodbury 
arid Dorothy Moo,re. 

George Hi rlimari signed Ruth Mi , 
daughter of Tom, and horse. Tony, 
.Ir,. tor a series of Westerns, 
- John Emerson and Anita Lobs, 
Metro writin.g team, signed a script- 
ing termer with Samuel Goldwyn, 

Monogram, signatured Tim McCoy 
for a lariat series to start when cir- 
cus sea.son end,<i. 

David Olivet' si. gged a one-year U 
playing ticket., 

20th-Fox .spliced Ralph Townsend. 
for another option term. 

Metro handed player pacts to Ilona 
Hajmas.s.y and Rose Stradrier. Vien- 
riese actresses, arid Ruth HiiKsey, 
from the Los Angeles cast of 'Dead 
End.' 

Paul Kunasz liad hi."> 
option picked up at Metro. 

Waineis handed George Bricker 
one ; more .yiear on his thves-.vear 
scriptltig ticiceti with a salary lilt; 



(BRITISH MADE) 
(WITH SONGS) 

Lbndon, 

A i3i-iii.<li T,lon-Hi-ucoiiKMclil ininliioiltHi. 
Star.sf; I'ltUl KobCsii ; ' feat urea l';ii.-<iilii'ilr 
Welcll.. Directed by .T,' Kliler Wills, Sn.- 
narlo b.v ' InRram" irAlilieo. Ji'i'iiii Slicrle. 
Music by Ki-lc Ans'Ml.- llusli. V.'llliiiiiw. . (!. 
v. '■ Clul.Hh iTi\ <-riincr;iiii<;n. ■(;:'.nru'i' Si.i-i'linii. 
■H. .I'lioin.'idii. ' At. (.'im'iiirri|;r(! tlii'iil.i' 
don; June Id, 'o7, ItuhnliiiJ ' 'iiu -. T 
•Joe ■ ; . ..... ... ..*.....;.;...;... I'iiul Kiiiii'.^iiii 

Mahda ' :'.ll.-ii.i>' i li W.'.lch 

Spike Koy I'Viif'il uri 

(ihUCU .l!nii,'.< I f'l.N I'T 

l'ornc;i,- • ., uvi i-iii i- Cru.vri 

Gerald . . V.l\i>i} iw-.n.l 

Lo'rieUa iin-.-li" l'.' •.; 

Mr. P110biint. . , . .: '. . . , l lrii 

Mr9. Ollpliant . . . . . . ... 



MysteVy with .the. usual stuff, -^z a 
vain, sneaki . figlires. in. dark' hall" 
ways, heavy suspicions of the inno- 
cent, and a dull story make this riin.- 
oE-the-mill. Definitely consigned to 
dual billing. 

It's .suggested; by a Mignon Eber- 
hart yarn, with a Iri headed by 
Bill Conselman shapirig up tlve 
.script. Hinges on a corpse which i.s 
.^hotvafter already being dead. Turns 
j pLit;tp be;an elaborate, trap by which 
Miiii.s. I a bunch of yeggs, seek to. 'polish off a 
lad they've spotted for a double-X 



STORY BUYS 

Hollywood; July 6.' 
MetVo boiMiht .'A Matter of Pride* 
by- William' White. . 

Li; McCarc.y sold, 
acquired tc) 'Millie. Inc.,' 
rial story,, to Paramount, 

'Alaska Girl," fil origiriai;by J. G. 
Hawk.s, has been purchased by Mon- 
ogram. ' 
, Pararinoimt bought screen rights to 
'Blonde Trouble.' ne wsoaoer {iarial, 
by Rob Eden .IRob and Eve Burk- 
hardt.) Same Jitudio also took ri-rht.*! 
to 'A Straw Hat In Ihc Sunirhertlme' 



■ .ll(.W' 



"I": : 

m.'l.".. 



,rane::DarWcil is the toSii;r'a^;d ; ''^(gJi^ j^^'^g^^ 
trie, to .figure out .whaf. going on. Si?S' bv:5'l^ on 
in -her . hospital. She's -the head ' 
ivUr.se. Her stuff is right on . down 
the line of riiarch she started .in 

•White Pai^cle.' ^ble .relief .from ih?\and. Charles Norman, 
pictyre .s dullness :.is provided by| Htxrry HcirVcys ■ 



qiiired by'Cblumbl 
. RKO purchased 'The Female of 
t.h^ Species,' ori^itiai by Allan. Scott 



A very Unpreteritious Vehicle fo:rl.)ioan DayLs, who does her round.- 



Paul Robeson. He has shy. rotir 
ing. role, opportunity for .singing ne 
or two. numbers 'strictlyv in, keeping 
with incidents of the story. It's a 
pleasing second fcalvii-e anywhcri; for 
Robeson fans. . , 

Action set along the docks! . of 
Marseilles, where .loe idles aiid sing-s 
happily With his two doubtful cOin- 



hccled slide juggling a bed pan aind 
never spilHrig a drop. 

Thomas Beck and Sally Blarie have 
a great deal of trouble selling a 
palty-cake. romance in synchi"onix.a- 
tion with the rest of the film's mur- 
dorous theme;. In fact, th? whole 



Emma Paints the 
by Maurice Conn. 



places. William Demarest, a; 
comedy, role; turns out the guiuier, 
after Sig Rlirnnnn and H;)warcl Phil- 
lips look slitjhtly bud. George Wal- 
. . cott shuttles from one place to an- 
piclure is a little sappy, more often other like a rabbit, flouring in tha 
thari. not being furiny in the -wrong j story, but not ' the frames. 3anj, 



26 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




Dear Mr. Exhibitor: 



Daily Variety: 

"Potent drama. ..packs power to 
click at box-office in any terri- 
tory.. *.a strong picture, well 
mounted, directed with vigor 
and understanding." 

Film Daily: 

"A very good picture . , , intelli- 
gently directed... and acted by 
a splendid cast. ..a piece which 
keeps one interested every inch 
of the way . . . high-grade pro- 
duction is everywhere to be 
noticed." 

Motion Picture Daily: 

"Strongly interesting . . . Tone, 
Miss O'Sullivan and Miss 
Bruce give strong, convincing 
perfomances." 

Hollywood Reporter: 

**Top box-office entertainment^ 
'...A-plus in all departments... 
there is entertainment in every 
foot of the picture ... it will 
more than hold its own at box-, 
offices everywhere." 



We previewed "BETWEEN 
TWO WOMEN." The audi- 
ence was enthralled. It's 
great box-office! The critics 
agree it's swell. Please get 
behind it and let your pa- 
trons know a grand, thrilling 
entertainment is coming! 

Yours sincerely, 

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer 



"BETWEEN TWO WOMEN" with Franchot Tone, Maureen- O'SuIlivan, Virginia Bruce 

Screen Play by Frederick Stephani and Marion Parsonnet. Directed by Gcorjie B. Seitr. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Picture 



Wednesday, July 7^ 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



27 



More Picture Originals 



They've Got Pots, Here's 
Stuff to Put into 'Em 



(Continued frdm page 5) 



probably to stringent bidding rules, 
etc., imposed by Dramatists' Guild. 

$8,000,000 for Stories 

TrylnS to arrive at correct in- 
formation on sums paid for story 
properties is risky and can be only 
approximately correct. However, 
with these reservations, Variety can 
assert that the majors have invested 
in stories covered in this survey 
probably $8,000,OQO and possibly as 
much as $10,000,000. For 1935 prod- 
uct the corresponding, cost was put 
at ^5,000,000, The . biz of script 
bidding is booming as never before. 

The $8,000,000 - $10,000,000 figure 
covers only the first cost of raw 
output — the amounts handed to au- 
thors for originals, to playwrights, 
novelists, etc. 

The literary prospector who finds 
gold in them thar Hollywood hills 
more consistently than any other 
probably is Fannie Hurst, who has 
taken out $250,000 for film rights 
in the last year alone. Miss Hurst 
always, turns out her tales with a 
weather eye cocked on the picture 
market and seldom fails to hit. An- 
other steady producer whose film 
take runs well into six figures is 
Faith Baldwin. 

Around 1,000 authors, from the 
tops down to the pulp pluggers, have 
enriched themselves at the film till 
in the last yeai". One Hollywood 
team, Bill Rankin and Eleanore 
Griffin, cashed around $150,000 on 
15 story sales. 

Further breakdown of story statis- 
tics shows interesting slants on 
studio preferences. Thus, of the 52 
stage plays owned' by the majors, 
Metro has 18, Warners is next with 
10, RKO-has 8, Paramount 6, 20th- 
Fox 3, Columbia 3, Universal 2, and 
United Artists only one, Samuel 
Goldwyn's 'Dead End.' Selznick In- 
ternational possesses the rights to 
'Dark Victory' but seems to have 
permanently shelved it. 

Further analysis shows that 
Warners, though second to Metro in 
number of play properties owned, 
has- a larger number of new, up-to- 
the minute successes than any other. 
Thus, on the Warner roster are 
found 'Tovarich,' 'First Lady,' 'Jeze- 
bel,' 'White Horse Inn,' 'Boy Meets 
Girl,' 'Yes, My Darling Daughter,' 
'Swing Your Lady,' 'Chalkled Out,' 
*On Your Toes' and 'Desert Song.' 
Only oldtirner on that list is the last- 
named, which is to be remade, prob- 
ably in Technicolor, on the coming 
program, 

RKO's Stagre Buys 

Next most prolific buyer of the 
newest the stage has to offer is 
RKO-Radio, which owns 'Stage 
Door,' now in production; 'Having 
Wonderful Time,' 'Room Service' 
(price reputedly $255,000); 'Irene,' 
'Behold the Bridgegroom,' 'The 
Muddled Deal,' 'The Happy Fellow,' 
'The Kangaroos.' 

Metro's stage pi-operties of recent 
vintage include 'Idiot's Delight,' now 
announced for Norma Shearer and 
Clark Gable; 'As Thousands Cheer,' 
and 'Merrily We Roll Along.' The 
remainder of Metro's list goes 
farther back and includes such 
sturdy grossers as 'Girl of the 
Golden West.' 'The Firefly,' now 
completed; 'Double Wedding,' from 
Ferentf Molnar's 'The Great Love,' 
now shooting; 'The distaff Side,' 'Her 
Excellency's Tobacco Shop,' 'The 
Party,' 'Rose of Algeria,' 'Sari,' 'The 
Wind and the Rain,' 'The Red Mill,' 
'Pierre of the. Plains,' 'Green Grow 
the Lilacs' and 'Katinka.' 
. Columbia bought the 1936-37 play. 
'Miss Quis,' a lukewarm Broadway 
success, and owns in addition 'The 
Awful Truth,' now shooting, and 
'Cape of Good Hope.' Its $200,000 



Universal. 13: United Artists, 10; 
Columbia, 6; Grand National, 36. 

On the other hand, Metro is plT 
in front in the number of stories, 
novels, etc., mostly all published of 
what may be- called literary origin, 
having 38 on its list Columbia has 
24. '^Olh-Fox, 24; Paramount, 13; 
Warners, 20; RKO, 10; United Artists, 
12; Grand National, 20. 

Writers have learned that a pub- 
ti.shed story has a far greater chance 
of selling than a screen treatment 
or story in synopsized form. Also, 
the published material rates con- 
siderably hiked payoff. Wonder is, 
then, that there is not more con- 
centration on this kind of stuff. An- 
swer is, that of the total number of 
authors trying to peddle Hollywood 
material, only a small percentage are 
able to write acceptable magazine 
material, especially for the slickies. 
When a scribbler can do both, that 
is, write for the slicks and the films, 
then indeed he has spaded into bon- 
anza dirt. One of the more spec- 
tacular performers in that line is 
James Edward Grant. Others are 
Harlan Ware, Dalton Trumbo, Wil- 
son Collison, Clarence Budington 
Kelland, David Garth; George Brad- 
shaw, Frederick Hazlitt Brennan, 
Mags are the shop window for these 
scriveners but Hollywood is the real 
payoff window when they ring the 
bell consistently. 

Why? Maybe there's something 
in what the cynics say, that (1) Hol- 
lywood story depattments are 
manned by office boys, even the edi- 
tors having no authority; (2) Holly- 
wood has no confidence in itself as 
a judge of literary material,' figur- 
ing that if the mags buy stories they 
must have something; (3) salesman- 
ship. 

Acting: Comes in Handy 

There's no doubt that salesman- 
ship is one of the important factors 
Certain team of writers has plenty 
on the ball but one of them is such 
a skilled seller that he will act his 
story out in front of a producer and 
grab a check before the producer 
has- had a chance to recover firom 
the hypnotism. A high-bracket pro- 
ducer was compelled in self-defense 
to establish a rule that he would 
buy no story that he and his subal 
terns had not read and digested, 
this, after he had handed out fancy 
coin for a few palookas that were 
sold to him off the cuff 

There's a lot in knowing the right 
people, no doubt about that. There's 
a lot, too, in knowing studio needs 
at the moment, and these needs 
change sometimes drastically over 
night. There's a lot in knowing 
each producer's whimsies, and these 



Chicago. July 6. 

With cash iveaways dead in this 
territory there has been a boom re- 
vival in merchandise giveaways 
among the theatres.. But the irand 
strictly away from the dishes, 
kitchenware, crockery and other 
eating utensils, The exhibs have 
found that their customers are loaded 
to the armpits with enough crockery 
\:o open restaurants, ' 

^Theatres are now supplying the 
fodder to dress those pots, pans and 
dishes. They are handing' out food- 
stuffs as the newest midwest wrinkle 
in giveaways. 



are legion. Sometimes it's a bit 
flabbergasting to realize that every 
major spends as much coin in a 
year trying to get stories as a top 
n\<iii. for example, puts out for its 
entire overhead plus, material, yet 
that's the truth. 

On the other hand, every attempt 
on the part of a studio to man story 
departnients with top talent from the 
literary world has flopped. Big edi 
tors go faddy on the films and their 
antics cost mints of dough. Another 
thing, no mag, no matter how gen 
eral its appeal or how huge its cir 
culation. can hope to touch elbows 
with world humanity as do the films 
Pictures look for genuinely univer 
sal aptJeal. 

Plenty of Pulpers, Too 

Out of the total of 172 short 
stories, novels, etc., that will be 
made into films this season, many 
come from the pulps and are cor 
respondingly low in price. That is 
true of almost all of Grand Na 
tiop.al's 20, very largely so of Colum 
bia's 25 in which are included many 
of studio's westerns, and of several 
Paramounts, including the Hopalong 



Boycott Talk Because of 6 Holdout 
Pix a Trading Smokescreen, Says Par 



5 -Year Plan 



(Continued from page 3) 



three or five-yeav fran- 



to grant 
chises. 

35% Previous Top Aycraffe 

Last season (1936-37) the higher 
bracket pictures got no more than j petition among producers to turn out 
35% top and the number of pic- | bigger pictures, especially in view 



up to 35% as a compromise, and so 
on to 40%, etc. 

There has been little dealing so 
far between distribs and accounts, 
especially the large buyers who are 
ready to kick up a lot of dust. 
Meantime, while the stydios have 
been fretting over increased costs 
of production, not much palpably 
has been done to lower these costs. 
Darryl Zanuck claims 20th-Fox 
costs are up 25%, and he recently 
called in his producers to urge them 
to bring down these costs, especially 
those of a controllable nature. Para- 
mount has the same program in 
mind. Labor and other such itams 
of expense, about which little can 
be done, are considerably up over 
last year. 

Rising costs are believed in buyer 
and exhibitor quarters to have gone 
up, also, because of the stiff com- 



;ures sold at this figure represented 
only about 5% of the total bought. 
This year the number of pictures 
may be 10% or more, based on de- 
mands that are expected to be made. 
During the past year, the mini- 
mum under percentage for the low 
(No, 3) group of pictures has been 
20%, with very few exceptions; 
these being, pictiires of a 'company 
of lesser importance, bought for 
double bills. Pictui-es costing under 



of the past year's complaints , 
against- B product, much of which 
turned put to be not even worth- 
while for the double bills the pro- 
ducers intended them for. Because 
of the situation, it is felt in some 
informed quarters that all producer- 
distributors will' make fewer pic- 
tures than they have announced for 
1937-38, going farther under prom- 
ises on .their programs^ than at any 
time in the past. 



what the 20% terms may have fig- 

ured were bought flat. Demands I rpj.^^j^ StHkc Didn't Nix 



which it is learned distribs will 
make this year, suggest a mi imum 
percentage of 25%, 

Majority at ZSi% 

The majority of pictures on this 
season were contracted at 25%, mid- 
dle group having gone at this figure, 

others having gone at 30% and just I that completely tied up shipping 
a handful (the 5% of the total de- Friday night and Saturday morning, 
livered) at 35%. Very scattered With union announcement at 2 
exceptions have included Charlie p.m. Friday that strike would be ef 
Chaplin's deals with certain theatres fective three hoursoJater, Clark had 
taking 50% straight from the first his men gather up all film for out 
dollar. He has made such deals I of -town houses and load it on 



Philly Pix Deliveries 

Philadelphia, July 6. 
Quick-thinking by Jim Clark, 
prexy of Horlacher Film Delivery 
Service here, enabled all houses in 
Philly film exchange territory to get 
their pix despite general truck strike 



Paramount's answer to attack.s and 
threats of exhibitors throughout the 
country on its failure to deliver six 
pictures under this season's (1936-37 > 
contract is that it's all largely a 
smok-e.scroen; as a means of resisting 
higher rental terms the company 
will seek this coming year. 

A defense within Par is that thi 
is not the first time any compan 
has failed to deliver pictures th 
were promised, nor the first time 
when one or more such pictures, 
have been removed from release be- 
cause of roadshowing. Par is road- 
showing two of the pictures sold 
this year, 'High, Wide and Hand- 
some' and 'Souls at Sea,' these to be 
re-sold on- the 1937-38 season and 
placed on general release sometime 
this fall. 

Both these pictures cost in excess 
of $1,000,000 each and the company 
is declared feeling that it is thus en- 
titled to roadshow them as wall as 
to exact higher rentals. When they 
wei'e originally' announced and sold, 
there was _no assurance that they 
would cost more than $1,000,000 each 
nor that they Would have the direc- 
tion, casts and expense given them. 
When sold, they were budgeted at 
less than half what final cost runs to. 



largely with independents who were, 
extremely anxious to get Chaplin 
comedies at any cost, while chains 
obtained the pictures at smaller 



PARAIMOUNTs^uTb'. 



buy on 'You Can't Take It With You' I Cas.sidys taken from six-gun scarers 
is for 1938. I by Clarence E. Mulfordi .Also quite 

Paramount, not an active bidder | a lot of pulp whodunits- are bought 
of late for Broadway stuff, will make ; lor film use at small coin., 
this year 'Bluebeard's Eighth Wife.'; It is noticeable that Metro, with 
V'ith Claudette Colbert in the role j only .seven studio originals on its 
that Gloria Swanson played in 1923; j list, yet maintains the most costly 
'True Confessions.' French drama'for j writing department of any major. 
Carole Lombard; 'The Vagabond I This has long been an established 
King,' 'Paris Honeymoon,' 'Good i .-iludio policy at Metro and evidently 
Night, Ladies' and. "The Count oi l the heads have proved it pays, since 



Luxembourg.' 
Play properties 



at 20th-Fox are 



IVt^tro has found that to go into pro- 
duction with a fool-proof script saves 



'Love Under Fire.' 'Sally, Irene and i headaches and money in the long 
Mary' and 'Jean.' Universal has i run. Script trouble in the midst of 
'The Shannons of Brbadway,' James I .shooting doubtless has been the 



Gleason's old-timer, and 'Yesterday's 
Kioses" (Luigi Pirandello's 'As Be 
fore. Better Than Before' ). 



Heavy Drain on Originals 



ciuse of more unnecessary expense 
lliuii keeping a few extra scribblers 
on the payroll. Nowadays, virtually 
every script that goes in front of the 
I cameras, not only at Metro but at 
Delving further, statistics uiicovor' all other majors as well, bears some- 
tlmt, of the majors, whereas RKO. 'where on it the imprint of a dozen 
wijl make 44 films £^nd 20th-Fox 3« , to 20 writing brains though perhaps 
tvom studio originals. Metro plans , only i'our or five at most get credit 
Only seven from that source aiui { Tliat's both an evolution and a trend 
Warners, 14, Paramount will do 28/ in lilin-making. 



percentages. Warners got as high, as . to call at exchanges for their prod- 
70% on 'Midsummer Night's Dream' I "ct. 
in some instances when this picture 
was being booked into even small 
towns on a twice-daily basis, and 
there have been a few other cases 
where extraordinary high rentals 
have obtained.- But usually, as with 
WB's 'Dream,' the company's own 
exploiteers handled the selling cam- 
paign and defrayed the costs. 

The boost in rentals, according to 
figures which exhibitors and buyers 
have obtained so far, pending 
actual negotiation, would seem to 
average 5%, when merely the 
brackets are considered, but will 
run around 10% when it is consid- 
ered that more pictures are being 
assigned to the high cost group. 
While the bigger companies will go 
from 35 to 40% oh the higher 
brackets, a company like Universal, 
wh.ich this season got 30% for its 
top group, is asking 35% for the 
coming season's product. Every 
situation differing, the 4079 top in 
film rental will obviously not apply 
to all, but the same ratio of in- 
crease in terms will be demanded 
from smaller houses and subsequent 
runs as called for by the 40% maxi- 
mum. 

Reports that distributors which 
own their own chains may go back 
to a former method under which 
house overhead was first deducted 
and then a rental of a.s high as 70% 
was taken on the remainder, is held 
to be very unlikely. Tho> distribs 
several years ago found that this 
system was both unprofitable and 
dangerous in the long run because 
of instances when theatres failed to 
make more than their overhead. In 
such instances, of course, there was 
no aim rental at all. 

How It Started 

Upping of film rentals dates back 
to when exhibitors were asked 25% 
and a split on the 'overage.' i.e., the 
net profit over the nut. To circum-j 
vent bookkeeping, the checker sys- 
tem for the distribulor.s. and possibly' 
also to conform with the exhib's 
credo never to let the dislrib know ] 
just exactly how much net profit he 
was making, the exhibitor usually 
countered with tile idea to forget 
the split on the overage and just 
make it 30% rental. That didn't] 
stop the dislrib from cott\ing back] 
next season, however, and demand- 
ing 30% plus a split. Next it crept 



Philadelphia. July 2. 
Further action in UMPTO's pro- 
jected action against Paramount on 
account latter's selling plan was 
taken Thursday (1) when district 
captains to rally exhibs in the anti- 
Par drive here were chosen. Fol- 
lowing were the selection: North 
Philly, Norman Lewis; West Philly, 
Ben Fertel; Germantown, Luke 
Gring; Northeast Philly. .Dave Mil- 
grim; South Philly, Morris Wax; 
Suburban, Harry Fried; Wilmington, 
Ben Schindler, 

Arrangements were also made for 
a mass protest meeting at the Broad - 
wood hotel for next Thursday (8). 
The 'war board' of UMPTO also de- 
cided at the same meeting yesterday 
to urge exhibs to extend policy of 
delay in buying Par product so that 
it will include news and short sub- 
jects as well as features. All metn- 
bers of the organization were ad- 
vised to avoid all negotiations with 
the company. 

•iHHiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiMiiiitiiiiMiilimiiiltnniiiiiritH iiiii iiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiilKtitiiDHiHiiiiili initiiilitiiiiiiiliilitiriiiDiliiiiiiiiiiliN ih iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiltiiiiiHiiiiiKiiidiiriiiiiHiriwj 

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New York Theatres 



freight car. Car was shunted to sid- 
ing near Bethlehem where Horlacher 
trucks from all over State picked up 
film for delivery. Philly exhibs had 



if 



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■IIIMIMHIIIIMIItllltnilinnillMMIIIHIIIMIinitMUIMIIIIIinilllllllinilllllUHIIIhlinilUMIMMMHUMIhlllllllllHIIIIHIMHIIIIIIIIIIininilllllMM 




JEAN 

ARTHUR 

EDWARD 

ARNOLD 

"EASY 
LIVING" 



IN l''BR.«)ON I 

MARTHA 
RAYE 

EMERY DEUT8CH 
and BAND 



CAPITOL 



CnnUIeHtlckH" 




STATE 



TODAY 

'Woman Chases Man' 

DIIMK WIXINOTON ORCH. 

Ktnrtlntr TliiirHduy 
Cr,/VT;i)K'rTK COUtKUT In 

"I Met Him in Paris" 
ARNOLD .lOHNSON OIU'II, 



SSr"." MUSIC HALL 

DIETRICH and DONAT 

"KNIGHT WITHOUT 

ARMOUR" 

-♦- 

8p«ct«cul«r Stags Production! 



ROXY 



AIX OK* TO 
SBATB*-** 1 r.M. 



"TWO WHO 
DARE" 

On (lie 8ittK*> 
Al«*xuiul«r (irity 

(ill l.rtiMl 
.Sylvlit Million 
MiiK uiiU IiIm Uikitg 



"SLAVE SHIP 

With WALLACE BEERY 
and WARNER BAXTER 



UNITED 
ARTISTS 



RIVOLI 



B'WAY Hi 
4!)th St. 



"THE SINGING MARINE" 

wUh DlfU I'CW'XSnr, - Oolls WKS'J'OX^ 

" 25 I' "'• 

AIR-CONDITIONED — B'way niid 4/Mi Sireel 
Doora open 9:30 A. M, — MIDNIGHT SHOW 



Slnrls Frldiiy nt ^ I'.M", 

"KING OF GAMBLERS" 

(Cziir of Hit, Slol-Miti'lilii«>s) 
A Paramount Picfure with 
AKIM TAMIUOrr-C I.AlUK TKIOVOIC 
J.M)VJ) NOI,A\ - l,AICKV <-JC,\l(ltl<: 

CAIr CiiikIKIoiiimI 
RITERION J^:;,."^s"^ 

Ml(lill(;li( .Shows— ;iriO (o 1 I'.ii. 



28 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




RUNAWAY; 



NBC, Turning T^itles, Has Been Slipping Goluinbia 
Some of Its Own Medicine — Several Recent 

Examples ^ Buffalo's Own 'Hamlet' 



Erwin, Wasey Gets Jack Adams-^ 
EffSlestoii io Campbell-Ewald 



Rivalry between the two major 
wic and CBS, has for 
several years been most often 6x- 
pre$sed in moveis and 

counter-moves Qf the respective 
pales prombtional contingents. CBS, 
the younger and more pliable or- 
gahization; has often drained off the 
cream of advantage by fast thinking 
and fast work that out-finessed the 
carefully planned work of the; more 
cumbersomely organized, aind red- 
tape-fettered NBC; Recently, how- 
ever, NBC has been cutting red tape 
and, giving CBS competition in its 
Oiwn idiom and with its own speed. 

Columbia staffmen iare free to ad- 
mit the change at NBC and to ac- 
knowledge several swifties put over 
in recent weeks. CBS boys think 
the influence Clay lilorgan is 
manifest in some of the hiinble foot- 
work., CBis; is brewing retaliatory 
stunts right now, 

■■■ A. Pllt.,. 
Bitterest pill that Columbia has 
'had to :swallo\ir in some time is the 
fast one that NBC pulled when it 
anticipated CiBiS' exploitation of the 
Shakespeare cycle by coming out 
with a: blast of its own, announcing 
that it had engaged John Barf y- 
more and would, present a streamline 
version of thie Bard's plays in a 
period opposite • Columbia's. "The 
stroke sufficed to take the edge off 
Columbia's advance campaign and 
what followed was a mudslihging 
campaign of genteel proportions, 

A^other^ recent fast one that 
caused some chagrin in CBS quar-; 
ters was the promotipiiar booklet 
that NBC rushed out ailmbst on the 
eve of the . James Braddock-Joe 
Louis fight,, in this elaborately il-: 
lustrated brochure NBC touted the 
claim that it had covered every major 
heavyweight bout since the Jack- 
Dempsey-GeoFges Carpentier tangle 
CBS had 'in preparation . a promo- 
tional piece'telling how that network 
had been first or exclusive in broad 
casting various sports, events, but 
■when: the NBC work came .but Co 
lumbia' decided to junk the parallel 
idea. 

Still another case of NBC slipping 
in .with .an edge-taker-offer was 
whien this spring it preceded Colum 
bia's release of a rural study with 
one of its own by a few dayis. NBC's 
was pbvibusly ia rush job, skimming 
Oyer the subject with lots of pic- 
ture and a ^sprinkling pf figures, but 
the original' purpose was effectively 
served. 



Buffalo, July . 
Shakespeare feiid Of the net- 
works has hypoed interest i 
the Bard_amohg smaller sta- 
tions, thinks Herbert Colin 
Rice, productioh manager of 
WGR-WKB\yi He's adapting 
better-known works of Shake- 
speare into- two haM-hour pro- 
grams jeach for use on smaller-, 
stations : ancl to be distributed 
by a commercial firmw 

Rice presented 'Romeo and 
Juliet,' tomplete, in three nights 
of broadcasting last January, 
playing Romeo himself with his 
wife, Lorraine Pahkow, 
Juliet. Now has 'Hamlet' in 
production with himself as the; 
Dane, which will make three 
radio Hamlets for this town, 
counting 'John ■ Barrymore and 
Burgess Meredith, 



Jack Adams has displaced Lew 
Amis at Erwi , Wasey 9t COi and 
Stuart Eggleston has with Campbell- 
:3wald. Amis had been in E-W'si 
radio dopartment for six years, tak^ 
ibg .over the directorship, a couple 
yearis ago when Charles Gannon 
moved out of the agency with 
Eggleston careei* in the business 
dates back to six years ago when 
le was head of the CBS Artists 
Jureau. For a while he was with 
learst Radio, Inc. , His present job 
fas him working on a jprospect but 
gives, him np executive authority in 
C-E's radio department. 



Lambs Clnb BuDetin h 
Appeal for Free Actors 
On Religious Programs 



Father Anselm, Franciscan riar 
from the Gray moor Monastery, Har 
rison, N. Y, who handles the 'Ave 
Maria Hour' over the Inter-City re 
gional, last week had a letter pinned 
to the bulletin board at the Lambs 
Clui), N- Y., asking actors to donate 
their services on the dramatization^ 
or cuff. fPr expenses only. 

.the two years since the 'Ave' 
period started, troupers from legit 
have always been paid close to 
standard network wages, with some 
fairly prominent names often work 
irig anonymously for the extra in- 
come oh Sunday nights^ . " 

There were ho vblunteefs In- an 
swer to the letter : On last Sunday's 
.(4). program. 'Ave' buys its time oh 
WMCA, N Y., and >yiP, Philly, ask 
ing for contributions from the lis 
teriers. Other stations on the Inter 
City system may pick up the drama- 
tizations if they care to ani fade 
cut the donation-requests- 



Buffalo; 

- -While "the networks battle over the 
bard, local broadcasting units are 
vieing for prestige on the best tech- 
nical ^equipment* WEBR started it 
with 'Considerable ballyhoo about its 
new vertical antenna, 412 feet from 
the ground. Evening News, which 
owns the station, even ran : a* .chart 
showing, the respective heights of 
antennae in this area with WEBR 
towering over all. 

Sb Buffalo ' Broadcasting Corp. 
(WGR-WKBW) went to work to top 
that and now have .completed, a new 
400-fobt antenna plus other improvti- 
mehts at a $100,000 cost. Publicity 
and advertisements In the Times and 
Gourieri-Express are calling attention 
to the fact that this antenna, is .'tii(? 
highest above electric ground in 
western New'.York.' 

When the boys here set but to be 
tops they do it literally. 



Al Levine, WCAM, Camden, N. 
announcer^ doing pOst-graduate ai> 
College, of South Jersey. 



TWO AGENCY NEWCOMERS 



Insurance Expose 





to 




Morris H^ iiegel, insurance analyst 
whb caused sbmething of a furore 
among insurance companies last year 
with a series of 'exposing' fprbign- 
ianguage pirograms on WBINX, N. 
Yi, is primed , to return to the-.etheri 
His new whirl WiU be in English 
for . 13 weekly quarter hours oh 
WmCk, N. y; Comihences July 12. 
Siegel will not be perrnitted to name 
companies by name when he attacks 
'em as giving the public a clipped 
edge, as he did last year, WMCA 
having made several restrittiohs in 
the. copy permitted, him to ozone. 

.Series is commercial on WMCA 
with Siegel buying the time dirept. 

'H'wood Hoter Giuesters 

Hollywood, July 6. 
diiesters for a; month were lined 
up last, week for Hollywood Hotel. 
Leading off July 9 are Madeleine 
Carroll and Francis Lederer in 'It's 
All Yours.' Following week Robert 
Taylor, Sophie Tucker, Eleanor 
Powell and Buddy Ebsen enact a 
sequence, from Metro's. 'Broadway 
Melody.' 

Fired Murray and Frances Farmer 
bring 'Exclusive' to thp mike July 
23, followed by Irene Dunne and 
Randolph Scott in Par's road 
shower, 'High, Wide and Handsome. 



Stations Must Control Programs 



By WILLIAM J. SCRIPPS 

WWy,DelroU 



Sealtesf From Expo 



Cleveland, July 6. 
May Robson is -cpming to Great 
Lakes Expositiph Sunday, July 11, 
as Sealtest guest Pn NBC. She will 
appear with James Melton and Don- 
ald Dickson, latter a Cleveland bari- 
. tone, in largest commercial program 
originated so . far iat Radioland. Cost 
of staging, it here.-for Expo estimated 
at $7,000. Two personal appearance 
sho\ys planned,: one dress rehearsal 
at 3 in afternoon and broadcast at 9 
J), m. . 

Ralph Humphrey also has lined up 
Irene Beasley fot early August date 
at Radioland, followed by Ramona, 
Tito Coral, Jones and Hare and 
Xtehiay Vehuttf. 



Detroit, July 
.Our new policy on staiion-pro- 
duced programs is a recognitibn of 
the merit in many pf the criticisms, 
levelled at the N; A. B. by Arthur 
PryPr of B, B. D. & O. and of the 
tom-tom for sho.Wmanship which 
Variety itself hais been beat! the 
past ; five years or niPre. V 
. The broadcasting industry has 
been selling on an open market 
basis; This has resulted i both 
networks stations ,10si con- 
trol bvei- their own programming. 
ThiSj we believe, is not in the best 
ultimate i of radi as a 

whple. For ourselves at WW J we 
are* trying by our new policy to 
concentrate control of programs in 
the hands of the station \yhere ,it 
belongs. 

This is no innovation but Is In 
ii , ith similar control exercised 
by newspapers and magazines. While 
we ; cannot say at this stage just 
what type of prbgram will ioe broadr 
cast on specific nights the generai 
idea is to. study each nightly sched- 
ule and eAect proper balancing with 
studio features sb that entire pro- 
gram picture will aim at eliminating 
repietition. of similar programs in 
mortotbnbus succession. 

This idea wilt be gradually ex- 
tended to entire broadcasting day. 
Bear in mind that Detroit is only 
one and orierhalf hours, from Chi- 
cago arid three hours from ' New 
York by- airplane so that, entire 
talent ' facilities of- both cities are 



available to augment local, talent 
for high class presentations. 

In line with bur beliefs, WWJ wil 
institute, a plan, ith the. return of 
Standard Time, which will be i 
stiarter toward regai ing the cpn 
fldence arid interest of the listener^ 

Qne^half hpur of prime time will 
be taken each liight for six nights, 
and intp each will be buiU . a fine 
flrogram. JPhis program will' fit With 
the. shows on either, side. 'If a script 
show precedes and a swing band: fol< 
lows, the .show probably will be ^ym 
phbni . If variety precedes and 
comedy follows, the show, probably 
\yill ibe draina.- 

Once established, these balanced 
progi'ams will be kept there. Any 
inquiry to the availability of the 
time for. sponsorship, will be an 
swered on the .basis that the pros- 
pective client, if he takes that time 
MUST sponsor the prbgram already 
there. There will be no deviatlori 
from is'plan, ho matter .what the 
pressure^ temptation br the cost. The 
program thus set will be kept on 
the air in that spot even if it's neyer 
sold. 

But WWJ's, pioneering plan is even 
more ambitious than is seen, at firs; 
glance. It expects its plan to poin : 
the way to\yard similar reforrns on 
the networks, it expects it also to 
affect favorably and institute a con- 
trol over commercial credits am 
copiy. In shoH, radio is for the lis 
tener— and the. listener MUST BE 
SERVED. 



More NBC^BS Rivalry 



Bitter rivalry between NBC and Gblumbia oh the exclusive rights 
to sport and other public events broadcasts has now reached the point 
whi^re NBC is Accusing the other of bootlegging the fprmer's airings. 
Charge developed from the way that CBS handled the American 
Athletip Union's meet in Milwaukee S?itUrday (3); 

NBC claims that Columbia di more than rent a building overr 
look'mg the event's track for which ."Ted Husing could observe what 
was going on, after NBC had obtained: the exclusive rights to the 
AAU outdoor riihofl for 1937. Husing, charged NBC, made frequent 
use'in his broadcast of the; results aired from the track by NBC's 
•sportscaster, .Bill. Stern. This, said NBC, was made' particularly 
hbticeable when, Husing failed to. note the stumble and. fall of Archie 
San Romiani on the track until 30 secbndis after 4t had hap|pened, or 
after it had been mentioned by Stern* 

NBC ridiculed. HUsing's alleged statement that he had had to sur- 
rbund himseliE with guards in Milwaiukee for fear thait NBC employee 
would slug him (a WOR special events man was slugged recently). 
NBC effected somewhat of a rebUke fox Columbia when it gbt Judge 
Jeremiah Mahbney, AAU official, to state over the NBC hookup that 
NEiC was the official broadcaster of the track meet and also com- 
mend that, network fp.r its handling bf the event. 

Columbia's cutting in bn the Milwaukee affair was looked oii i 
the trade as that web's revenge for what. NBC. did to it during the 
national open golf championship, tournament 'which , CBS had bought 
exclusively. Following the opening date's rpimd NBC got the mike 
bption oh 10 of the contest's participants with the result that it was 
able to put the winner, Ralph Goudahl, on. the air first. 



What's Wtong With Radio 

By EDDIE CANTOR 

(Published ijijiew Yprk^ 5* . as guest cciXummst jor 

' Valter Wi ii vacation. Rcpriritcd here, by permission.) 



I have discovered that no matter What anybody's business is— it is, that; 
plus being ah expert on radio. 

Having given it' a little time, in my time, perhaps I,, too, mi 
something to say on the subject, All. right, let's -start. What, is wrong 
with radio? And by the way, IS there anything wrong with radio.? Not 
counting the early years bf experimentation,' radio itself is about 10 years 
bid. What was this newspaper like when it was radio's age? Remember 
the motion picture industry; oh its lOth birthday? Hbw were YOU at the 
age Of 10? The riadio baby isn't perfect by any mearis. But how serious 
are. its imperfections? 

Let's take this matter of studio audiences: the laughter and applause 
that follow the comedian's quip and the singer's number. Several years 
ago a greiat teani of comedians. Burns and Allen, decided to work without 
a studio audience. 'The same critics— prof essiohial and nbn-professional— 
who decry the, presence of this audience intimated that despite excellent 
material, BUrhs and Allen Were slipping. What happened? BUrh^' and Allen 
got themselves a radio audience, , with 'its accompcinying laughter and ap- 
plause, and presto! the critics yelled Tiobray! 

However, sbme program directors Use poor .judgment in the handling 
Of studio audiences. But. after all, there are people who drive their auto- 
mobiles at 60 miles per hour, and you wouldn't take aU automobiles from 
the highways because of some individual's misuse pf the vehicle, would 
you? 

Internes, ill Patients 

If -ybU could afford a good surgeon, wPuld you allow ah interne to oper- 
ate upbh you? And yet that's what happens in radio every, day. The. 
prpducing of a radio show needs a showman. But What do ! we find? Some 
young fellow in an advertising agency, who wrote pretty good copy and. 
who once managed to bring into the firm an important, client, is assigned 
the responsible job of producer, in sole charge of presenting, a show, cost- 
ing as high, as $20,000 a performance. This ybimg man may develop i 
time, but itis a slow process involving trial ahd error. ^The guy is servlnjs 
his interneship aind may kill off many a. patient before, he is sufficiently 
experienced to hang out his shingle. 

Imitative Curse 

Before it becomes adult, radio must grow out of its imitative stage. A 
comedian evolves a. formula, for g successful program and at once the 
various sponsors send out a cry: 'Aloysius; the Dope's program is .catching 
on. We must get something like that!' Whosis kids his commercial, and 
suddenly every other comic' feels that that's the thing to do, and does it. 
One amateur program is good, and so it is reasoned, 'Why shouldn't 14 
amateur programs be good?'- But they are not. As it happens, twist^your 
dial and you will see that those performers who are constantly creating 
are those who remain on top. The imitators eventually peter out, but 
during the 'petering,' Mr. and Mrs. Public are Writhing away pn their 
kilPcycles. 

Old Scripts Haunt Radio 
If the mimeographed manuscripts could be burned up after use (and 
sometimes before ) and if .there were no recordings made of the brpadcasts, 
radio would be in a healthier condition. A program hires a writer, the 
writer goes along with it for a penodi and then, for one reason or another, 
leaves the prograni. With him go all the radio scripts. On his next job 
he doesn't write — he re-writes. His new program suffers and he cannot 
understand why; 'Whosis got a big laugh with that gag,^ he figures. 'Why 
don't they laugh when Whatsit says it? I guess Whatsis just isn't comical. 
But the guy should be told that the line was cheated for Whosis* personality 
a'nd simply doesn't suit Whatsit. Moreover,, since Whosis .first used the 
gag, 30 dther programs have iased.it in various forms, .One of these days 
a court of law will determine to Whom the .radib . script actually belongs, 
once it has been p?iid for; the sooner the. better, for radio in general and 
our .lpng-isUffering eiars in. particular. 

Dosage of Copy 

Many , an advertiser thinks he has somethi when he concludes that, 
inasmuch, as his product is selling \yith a minute commercial, it Will sell 
twice as well with a two-minute commefciiar. I would sentence that ad- 
veirtiser tp spend seven evenings week in the parlors of the nation, 
listening to the groans of the tuner-;inner and the comments made pn these 
long- inded sales talks. 

The whole theme of radio is good will. ut the purpose , is defeated 
whert the intelligence of the radio listener is insulted by lengthy, repeti- 
tious commercials. The day. will- arrive when the advertiser will present 
such a good progriam that the listener wjll feel pbligated to buy the product 
because of the enjoyment afforded him, and not because pf 'if-you--don't- 
buy-BlPofus'-Pillsryou'll-never-liye-through-the-year' type bf threat, 

Ceiisbrsbip Danger 

Riadio is heading for the most rigid, kind of censorship unless the net- 
.wbrks impose an intelligent surveillance over their projgram. True, adver- 
tisers spend fabulous sums of money with the networks, but no amount 
Of money is more important^ than riadio itself ; These advertisers have the 
erroneous idea that they are 'getting away with something' because of their 
power, backei^ by huge expenditures. But they are slpyvly killi 
proverbial goose. 

Oh, yes— I giiess there are many things wrong with 
them is the pebple who tell you what's wrong with radio* 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




RADIO 



VARIETY 



2» 



DERIDES' 




(COPT) 

Agreement Made Througit " ■ 

Featured Artists Service, Inc, 

247 Park Avenue, New York 

Agreehient made iii the City of New. York; on this. ; . . . .day of . . . . . .. ., 

193. . M between AIR FEATURES, INC., & New York corporation herein- 
after called CORPORATION, arid , hereinafter called ARTIST. 

CORPORATION eniage3 ARTIST and ARTIST accepts such engage- 
inent upon the terms and conditions herein contained. 

is agreement shall be effective from the date hereof ahd shall con- 
tinue in force untir terminated by either party, at will. ARTIST is an 
independent contractor and hereby contracts as such independent con- 
tractor and not as an employee. 

ARTIST agrees to perform services arid to report for rehearsals, as 
notified by CdRPORATldN, for all of which services, perfojcrtied in ac- 
cordance with thie terms Iiereof; CORPORATION agrees to pay ARTIST 
the sum of ........ .-.dollars per performance of the program hereunder 

mentioned on which ARTIST, may appear, ARTIST shall xeceive no corii- 
pensation for rehearsals. 

ARTIST agrees to pay to FEATURED ARTISTS SERVICE, INC., a New 
York corporation, -a sum equal to five, perqerit of the contipensatioh herein 
provided as' commission for procuring ARTIST'S engagement, hereunder. 
ARTIST hereby authorizes CORPOilATION. to . dedM.ct the said cornmission 
from. ARTIST'S" compensation hereunder and to id commission to 

FEATURED ARTISTS SERVICE. INC. 

If for any reason beyond the. control of corporation, the particular pro- 
gram on which ARTIST is to render services is riot performed, ARTIST 
waives all claiiiis against CORPORATION for compensation or otherwisie. 
ARTIST'S services hereunder shall be rendered in connection with the 



...... .... . .program. 



AIR FEATURES, 
By J. 



Kids Bored by Life Story of LOy Pons, 
But Curious About Those Funnymen 



Ireene Wicker, on, her inging 

Lady' programs over NBG for Kel- 

, through the spri , was in the 

habit of telling her kid audiences 
about cohteniporary classical music 
recitalists, such as Heifetz, Pons, etc. 

Letters from her fans convinced 
.Miss Wicker that her. juve audience 
wanted rather to hear about radio 
comics, and, this week the artistic 
fi.^ures givie place to stories oh Can- 
tor, Baker, Allen, et al. 

jack Benny at9i<^urns and Allen 
will not get treatment- from Miss 
Wicker, because Kellogg (through 
the N. W. Ayer agency) considers 
Benny's sponsor, General Foods, a 
.competitor, as well as B. and A's 
bankroll, Grape Nuts. 

For the past four years NBC has 
had a rule prohibiting any program 

ired oyer its two. neti from men- 
ing any program or' performer 
appearing on CBS. Miss Wicker will 
.apparently ignore that rule, despite* 
recent NBC efforts to stiffen the 
order. Indeed, during her stretch of 
elaborating on classical music per-^ 
forrhers, the • inging Lady* fre- 
quently told, child-version yarns on 
attists current at the time oh Co- 
lumbia. She ran" a whole series on 
the different guests on the Ford 
Sunday Evening Hour, even i)lug- 

iiig .the show. 



KING LEAR MISSING 



SOSNIK TO HOLLYWOOD 
WITH MCA OFFICIAL 



WMCA, Sjpielcr May Have 

Quit but Forrot t« Mentioni li 



Announcer King Lear has evident- 
ly quit WMCA, N. Y*., but the sta- 
tion really doesn't' know because 
Leir did riot notify anyone to that 
effect. Deny it's a publicity stunt. 

Mikemari wound up 'his . schedule 
one afternoon last week and has riot 
been seen since. Efforts to commu- 
nicate with him at his address have 
proved unavailing, since he has been 
missing there also. 

Lear joined WMCA two months 
ago as a sports spieler. Aside from 
the fact he hailed from Texas, little 
is known of him. 




Bit Playeifs Reflorted Peeved 
Over New S% Tap--Sec- 
ond Corporatibh Set Up 
to Service Air , Features 
WhicK Services' Blackett- 
SanipLe-Huminert 



rSc COMMISH 



Blackett - Sample - Hummert 
scri sho^ys will hereafter be 
booked through a ne>y auxiliary br- 
gariiization, , Feaitured Artists Ser- 
vice, Inc. A charge 6f 5% :commis- 
sioh \yjll be. niade * 
writers, revi- 



ously no commission 



pai 



CBS' OUTRIGHT 
BUY OF AVON 



Harry Sosiiik, leader-arranger, 
goes to Hollywood. iSaturday (10) to 
negotiate a. couple of pending radio 
rogram deals. He. will be accom- 
panied by Harold Hackett, of the 
Ney/ York office of Music Corp. of 
America. Meanwhile SoSriick is set^ 
for another whirl for Lucky. Strike 
starting Sept. 27. 

After .being under MCA manage- 
Rierit 10 years, Sosnik asked and re- 
ceived a .contract release last week 
alleging ' dissatisfaction. Subse- 
quently, while visiting in Chicago, 
he conferred^ with J, C, Stei That 
.resulted in patching up differences. 
.Trip to Hollywood under personal 

i.ivg. oi: MAC official is one result. 

Sosnik Was' with Real: Silk until 
May. 



ier Most Beautiful 

iladelphla, July 6. 

It's summer and dull. So Murray 
Arnold of WIP took a poll to find the 
station's best^ooking guy and gat 

Al Cormier, general manage?, wpn 
the, beauty contest. 

Betty S.chaffer, of the program de- 
Paitment is niftiest femme. 



Ayon theatre west 45th street, 
N. Y., has been purchased by the 
Columbia Broadcasting System and 
will be used as a studio indefinitely. 

It is the first outright purchase of 
improved property to be made by, 
CBSi House which >vas built by the 
late Marc Klaw for his sons and 
named after him, has been .operated 
by the network for more than' two 
years is known 'Radio 
Playhouse Number. Two.' 

Audience prefereince for the. spOt 
led to the chain's purchase. It had 
been intended to concentrate; all 
broadcasting in the new studios, to 
bic; built on Park avenue by CBS, 
There is no .liurry on. construction 
plans of latter. CBS is also using 
two other Broadway theatres for 
cuffo broadcast progriams,. the num^ 
■ber one- house being the Manhattan 
(Hammerstein) and number three, 
being the Golden. Latter lease is for 
a limited, term, and may revert to 
legit after next season. 



Bit actors around the New York 
advertising - zone were cpmplai ing 
against the. payment over the holi- 
day weekend,, . objecting to. the 
'salary cut' of 75 cents on the ave- 
rage $15 check for small jobs. They 
claim that Featured Artists, which, 
does business only with Air Fea-, 
tures, Iric, which in turn does busi- 
ness only with Blackett-Samplie- 
Hummert,. is a 'department' oC the 
advertising agency and that in con- 
sequence it amounts to kicking back 
to the boss. 

James Sauter pooh-poohs the' kick- 
back . angle. Most of the bit players 
.used on the dramatic shows do riot 
place through an agent to stairt with 
and if they did, or where stars do, 
Sauter avers there Would be no 
double commissiori paymerit. In such 
contingencies it is stated that an ad- 
justment wbiild be made with the 
regular agent. 

Double Commish 

Informed by Variety that actors 
booking themselves 'direct,' but 
wishing to continue in favor, ith 
their regular agent have often paid 
a double commission unofficially, 
Sauter declared he did not know 
about that, but did riot believe it 
would apply iri this instance. 

Sheer mechanical necessity for the 
booking details to be concentrated 
outside the, .production office (Air 
Features, Inc.): is respbrisible for the 
setting up of the placement bureau 
of which Maurice Scopp and Milton 
Klein, both certified public account- 
ants (as is Sauter), are the nominal 
heads. A prominent booker from 
show biz is scheduled to take over 
later. 

Clause in the new, contract (see 
adjbining column) which exempts 
contracting employer, from all lia- 
bility for compensation in the event 
of a cancellation of the program is 
characterized by Sauter as 'a rieces- 
,sary. modern protective rneasure 
against sttikes and, other unpredict^ 
able events.' 

About 30 bit actors are employed 
weekly fbr the lackett-Sample- 
Humrhert serials, out of New 

York City. American Album of 
Mijsic, Waltz Time and the Bi-So-D,ol 
brograms have remained outside the 
sphere of Air Feattares, Inc., ich 
otherwise has a production monop- 
oly on the agency's shows which arc 
predominately conceived and writ- 
ten by Mr. and Mi:s. Frank Hum- 
mert. 






cts 

Writers; No Union Connections, 

an 






Better Be Good 



That retribution-is-abput-to- 
fall look on Cecilia Ajger of 
Varietv this week is due' to the 
fact that the gal has allowed 
herself to be talked into a date 
-^fdr cash— oh the Rudy Vallee 
program tomorrow night (8). 
Sam Weisbord of William Mor- 
ris is the guy that got the bet- 
ter of her judgment. 

Hollywood and other parties 
who have been coriimented upon 
by Madame Ager are not riiak- 
ing any dates for Thursday. 





Chi; Takes 3 



Cincinnati, July 6. 
Of the 514 persbns auditioned In 
C cago last week by Crosley talent 
scouts, only three received the nod 
of approval from Bob Kennett. Mike 
trials, were conducted in thfe Hotel 
Sherman. 

Three that passed the test: Angelo- 
Rafaeili, young tenor; Lynn Cole, pop 
singer, and Deon Craddock, blues 
warbler. They are to report here 
July 12. Rafaelli did chores with 
various Chicago stations. Cole sang 
with George Olseh's band and 
worked on the nets in the Windy 
City. Miss Craddock also worked 
for the webs in that burg. 

In addition to vocalists, Kennett 
and. his crew listeried to numerous 
candidates for jobs as announcers 
and for places on Crosley's big dra- 
matic staff. 

Tommy and Betty, on WLW for 
the past six months, will double as 
guests i the transcribed series 
'tvhich Chevrolet is sponsoring on 360 
stations. 'Betty' is a kid character, 
impersonated by Tommy Riggs. 

GRABHORN QUITS BLAIR 

Differs Over New Production Policy 
of Station Rep Firm 



ization of the radi 
field, now in the preliminary istage, 
is not expected to get under active 
way for about a month, 
longer. . Authors League of America, 
which will handle , is pro- 

ceeding with the formation of its 
subordinate group, the Radio Writers 
Guild, which ill do the active or- , 
ganizing. 

Permissi has already beien grant- 
ed by the Dramaitsts Guild, the 
Screen Writers Guild and the Au- 
thors .Guild for the establishriierit of 
a: new , unit to cover the writers lor 
radio. With Mare Connelly, Au- 
thors League prez, in Hollywood on 
a Metro writing ticket and active 
there in the SWG fight against the 
Screen Playwrights, Inc., much of 
the radio preliminaries are being 
handled from that end. 

But a constitution for the RWG 
is beirig drawn up in New York. 
Membership committee has. also 
been named to lirie up the ether 
writers when the setup is established. 
Coriippsed of Kenneth Webb and 
Katharine Seymour, with Merrill 
Dennison and Charles K. Field as 
alternates. 

Ajr Credl 

,Authors League anticipates no op^ 
position from the radio execs to ltd 
organization activities. Ai.ms ot .the 
new Guild will be a staridard 
writers cpritract, air credits (where 
practical), more authority in pror 
duction of programs, etc. While it 
is not expected any strict eligibility 
rules for membership, the Authors 
League figures about 100 radio 
writers will probably join the Guild. 

Organizing is proceeding" slowly at 
present. Thought unlikely that the 
Guild will affiliate with any other 
radio employee group, or with the 
A. F; of L.i the CIO, or any of their 
affiliates. Authors League . is arid, 
has been against affiliation With ariy 
othier bodies, though usually co- 
operating on matters of sympatheti 
policy. 





COMMERCIAL IN 



All-De Pauw Station 

ianapplis. July 6. 
Med ford Maxwell, former man- 
ager of . WCLS. Joliet (III.), now in 
traffic mana.^er's .seat at WIRE, In- 
dianapolis; Maxwell is De Pauw 
University man, other De Pauwites 
on stafi being Eugene C- Pulliam, 
senior and junior; Al Beveridge, 
Jr.; Bill Frosch, and Prof. Edward 
Bartlett. 



Thoftids ' Mitchell, theatre man, 
joins WCKY, Cincy advertising Staff. 



Don Tranter on Buff. Times 
As 4th New Radio Editor 

Buffalo, July 6. 
imes, Scripps-Howard daily, now.' 
has its fourth radip , columnist In 
eight, months. Don Tranter ' the 
Armand S, Weill advertising agency 
is the new scribe, joi irig a paper 
wher hi father was once iiports 
editor. ranter has had some radio 
cxperiencie hi self,' beirig a Ipi-mor 
member of a pi team ilh his 
br.other Jim, who is now radio act- 
ing around New York. 

•Column still, carries the , 'By 
Joyce Raleigh,' which wa3.ori,i;inalod 
by the paper during the rel,;*;ii of 
Kathryri Smith. 



Murray Grabhorn, v.-p. and New 
York manager of John Blairs & Co,, 
is breaking with the organization 
after two. years as soon as a stPck 
settlement is worked out with Blair, 
George Boiling, Blair's Detroit man- 
ager, is slated to take over Grab- 
horn's spot. 

Split resulted from, a difference 
over organization pblicy. It had to 
do with the company's eritry into 
the field of program production. 
Grabhorn discus.sed his decision to 
quit with Blair while attending the 
nAB convention Chicago arid 
suggested the date of effectiveness 
be isjettled at a later rrieeti in New 
York, 

Grabhorn was with 
KNX, Los Angeles; Lee 
Network, 

Chicago. 

. When George Boiling, John jr. 
& Co. manager in Detroit, moves to 
New York the latter, part of this 
month his place will b(* taken by his 
brother, R. H. Boiling. Latter is. 
now iri the Chicaigo ice. 

Cliatle.s Dilcher, previ ith 
Sci'ipps-Howard, joins as 
.salcimari oh R. H. Bollin i£t lb 
Detroit. 




Jean Paiil King Off 

u.sphbld Finance la-st Saturday 
(Z) piilled the fcarl.y a.m. news .scries 
i t had on WABC, New York, after a 
run of 13 weeks. 

Account had Jean aul: King mi.x- 
ing 'ncv/3. build i ith .cpriimcnt'. 



Louisville, July 6. 

Greater Loui.syille Hour, sponsored 
by Greater Louisville Fir.st Federal 
Savings and Loan Association, and 
thought to be the oldest comriiercial 
program ori any local station, (having 
aiired since 1924^, was recently .ob- 
tained for WAVE by Jariies F. Cox, 
comniercial manager of the station. 
Guslay Flexner is producer and an- 
nouncer of the program. 

Original personnel of the riii;ced 
quartet Is still intact, and consists ot 
Esther Melz, Melva Husak; .Joe 
Eiseribejs and Williarn G. Meyer. 
George Latimer director arid ac- 
companist. 



WJR Show on WTAM 



i July 6. 
i gar's 'News Comes to 
Life' show over WJR now being 
.shipped to W'I'AM, Cleveland, twice 
weekly. Half -hour show, modelled 
after 'March of Time.' has been on 
WJR for about six week's and is 
written by Geraldihe Elliott and Eric 
Howl el t an rpduoed and directed 
by Charle.'; PGnman. 

Show, heard Tuesday and Satur- 
day nights,, and enacted by' 'The 
'Mumnier.s,' i.-? on long-term contract 
with' WJR. and cali ded for niiriimum 
of 13 wcelcs over WTAM. 



i 



so 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 






ams 



New Contract for Program Strips 



Benson St Dall agency renew^ 
two hdut-seven day a week period 
oh WJJP,, Chicago for Drug Trade 
■•roducts. • 



Kansas City, July 5. 

With publication ot a niew . rate 
qard station KMBC has brought out 
a hew blanket contract notable for 
numerous discount allowances and 
principally a quantity, discount for 
two or moire shows. Local radio 
men are iiiclined to look Upon this 
as . aii admisisibh oh !the part of 
iCMBC that their rates are too high. 
Arthur Church, KMBC, parries that 
the contract ' feeler toward 
standardization in time contracts. 
S.tahdardizatibn has been one of his 
pet radio hobbies. Churches station 
wias the first to offer strip rates. 

Last week the first of these con- 
tracts was put into effect when 

rocter & Giamble, through Blackett, 
Sample & Hummev^, signed for two 
Strips.. 

. Contract is hot lirnited to strips 
but also may include ihdiependent 
prograh)s • and announcerhents and 
carries either a hon-cancellable or 
cancellable clause. Npn-cahcellable 
contract pirotects the advertiser 
agai rate increases for 52 weeks 
and entitles him to accumulative 
di£icounts. 

New discouht feature is a quantity 
discbunt that is earned during weeks 
when riiore than one: stri is or-, 
dered and broadcast. This discoiint 
is: 2; strips, 5%; 3 strips, 4 
strips, 15%, etc. 

While contract is apparently aimed 
toward the large buyers Church says 
that he: does not feel that the large 
advertiser is entitled to privileges 
hot extended to the small buyer. He 
points out -that his station rate card 
carriers a single rate for national 
"br local accounts^ 
. A. contract with cancellable clausie 
protects the advertiser against rate 
raise, during the 13-week minimum 
required of him. However, the ad- 
vertiser may protect himself against 
jrate increases in whatever length of 
broadcast orders he places. 

Other discounts offered in the con- 
tract are: Advertiser may place in 
^ertioh .orders for individual pro- 
grams and dependent upon number 
..of non-cancellable weeks, or actually 
weeks used, he will be. entitled to 
discounts as follows: 13 weeks. 5%; 
2(8 weeks, 10% ; 52 weeks, 15 %, Also 
at the end of 52 consecutive weeks 
and additional discbiiht will, be paid 
of 1Q% of the largest amount of 
weekly net. billing. 

Insertion orders niay be for either 
specified or' guaranteed time. Latter 
is not m6vabl(B hy station or can- 
cellable by advertiser except at end 
of 13.-week period on notice. 



New tax Idea 



Atlanta, June 6. 

City Council has under con- 
sideration ordinance introduced 
by Chairman Frank Wilson of 
the tax committee. 

Would require broadcasting 
stations to pay licenses of $300 
per year, 'because they do hot 
pay ahy ad . Valorem taxes.' 



'AUCE JOY' IN AND OUT 
OF WINNIPEG FAST 



Koy Toy Co. has invaded air ad- 
vertising for the first time, plugging 
new table game. Alley Cop, with 
test campaign on WPG, Atlantic 
City's municipally owned station. 

Account is using a thrpugh-sum- 
nier series, of vox poppers picked upi 
off the boardwalk.' The ozone cahi- 
paign is beiing buttressed by a mer- 
:hahdising stunt that has 20 bathing 
3eauts playing the game on the 
beach at the time of the broadcasts. 

Carrying a test campaigh for a 
new, game is no unusual experience 
for the resort station. Several years 
ago Hi-Li and Monopoly received 
.heir V first air pluggihg on WPG. 



Winnipeg,; July 
A gal claiming to be Alice Joy ap- 
peared in the city, registered at i;ne 
of the hotfels as from LouJSvU'e, and 
then contacted prbgravn director 
Harold Green of . station CJRC, Win- 
nipeg, offering to go on th? air De- 
spite the fact the gal seemed to 
know ail the answers Graen became 
suspicious and started checking with 
the local radio' eds. Dehny . Brown 
of Tribune \Vired NBC for cbnfirma 
tion, Answer coming from NiBC that 
liliss Joy was appearing daily oh the 
Streamliners'; show but 6£ New York, 
Gal' was. ohe stepi ahead of 'em 
though ahd had scrammed the hotel 
leaving only a bag icontaining ai pair 
of very, loud pajamas. . Had ibeeh in 
town for one week. 

This was second appearance of 
'Alice Joy' in town. She came here 
once before and wais reported to have 
letter from Gloria Le Vey, NBC 
singer and fbrmer Winnipeiger, which 
was to be delivered to Miss Le Vey's 
mother. The letter was: nevier re 
ceived by the mother of the NBC 
warbler, Had the press boys on the 
jump trying to locate her but they 
were unable to get any track of hei- 
st .that time, but rah a story to the 
effect that Alice- Joy was in town 
and left it at that. This time they 
didn't , even bother. 

Not much khown around about her 
except that she lis claiming her prop 
ei- name is Marion . Robertson and 
that she uses the Alice Joy Utle for 
radio work only, and also.claimec 
that she had just finished a series 61 : 
programs over a Louisville station 
Efforts to trace her have so far been 
of no avail. - 






Winnipeg, July 6. 

Radio .station, CJRC, Winnipeg, is 
being sued by W. S. Harris, organ- 
izer., oj...the Sound .Money Economic 
Systeih Association of Winnipeg, for 
breach of contract. Amount asked 
was not stated. 

According to Harris, he contracted 
for a 15 minute spot on the station 
in order to hriake a speech, the con- 
tract 'being signed and .money ac- 
cepted the day; befbriB the broadcast, 
and that three-quarters of ah hour 
before the cbntractec^ time he was 
ciilled ahd. told thie :broadcast had 
been cancelled. 

; Station officials state that after. 
Harris had submitted, his script they 
'deemc(.i it inadvisable to allow the 
spieech on the grounds of the con- 
troversial, nature , of the viewis ex- 
, pressed* adding that money deposited 
for time was available any time he 
wished to request it. . 

At first it was stated the script 
had been submitted to the Canadian 
Broadcastiiig Corjp. for an official 
clearance and had not been returned 
in time .for the broadcast, hence the 
cancellation of lime. Local CBC df- 
flclals stated, however, they knew 
nothing at all of , the matter and had 
not seen any . script,r 

L. W, Brockingtohi K. C., chair- 
man of the CBC,. and resident of 
Winnipeg, has been quoted on more 
than one occasion saying the policy 
of the CBC will foster the freedom 
of -speech, and that they did not ex- 
ercise any censorship over speedhOs 
to be delivered over private stations. 
Only regulatibhs the CBC found ad- 
visable. were designed to prohibit at- 
tacks upoh. race and religion and to 
ban;. discussions on certain subjects, 
such as birth control; etc. 



Agencies— Sponsors 



Toih, ick and Harry, from WGN, 
Chicago,- get a IS-sta.tiOn Mutual net 
setup, sponsored by Fels. & Co. 



jeromie Wolk & Brother, furriers, 
have takeh novel 'Audio-Grafs' from 
WWSW, Pittsburgh, for" next 13 
weeks. Program was devised by 
Allen 'Trench, of station's staff, and 
it's a contest in : which . soUnd effects 
are supposed to represent titles of 
pictures, books,, sphgs, etc^ Program 
.was originally , sponsored by Kelviha- 
tor-May-Stern of Pittsburgh and 
picked UP. by Wolk's ;when original 
backer dropped it for summer. Ac- 
coimt placed direct. 



Chain hcome from Time Sales 



mi 

$3,541,999 
3,295,782 
3,614,283 
3,277,321 

3,214,819 

June 3,003,387 



January 1 ••••«•••*•. 
February > ; ,> . . . 
March 
April 
May 



NBC 

1936 
1(2,681,895 
2,714,300 
3,037,873 
2,741,928 
2,561,720 
2,323,546 



1935 
$2*895,037 
2,758,319 ' 
3,025,308 
2,682,143 
2*685,211 
2,380,845v 



1934 
$2,391,667 
2,21i;637 
2,507,890 
2,373,890 
2,475,173 
2;177,857 



total ...,....,...$19,947,591 $16;061,262 $16,426,863 $14,381,114 



January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June , 



• • • • • • • • 



• •> • • • • •• •-••-•) 



1937 
$2,378,620 
2,264,317 
2,559,716 
2,596,238 
2,552,374 
2,476,576 



CBS 

1936 
$1,901,023 
1,909,146 
2,172;382 
1,950,939 
1^749,517 
1,502*768 



1935 
$1,768,949 
1,654,461 
1,829,553 
i,61S,389 
1,287,455 
1,066,729 



1934 
$l;405,948 
1.387,823 
1,524,904 
1*371,601 
1,255,887 
925,939 



. . . ; . . . ; .... $14,827,841 $11,185,775 $9,222,536 $7,872,102 



Pctcr-Paul; Go., manufacturers, of 
Dreams and Mounds candy, has 
signed with WAE, Pittsburgh, to re- 
turn to air in fall for 13 weeks of 
Rhyme-a-Li •flve-niiinute spots 
daiiy^ , 



rent's Cleaning : Co. will extend 
its quarter-hour spots on WWSW. 
Pittsburgh, with Darrell .V. Martin, 
radio ed of Post-Gaziette, from 
three to five times weekly begi ing 
early in September 



White Bcacb, amusement piark pn 
BaUstoh Lake, N. Y., is using 
regional radio, as .well as newspapers 
and other media, to advertise ttie 
season. Has one-minute, announce- 
ments, Saturday noons, up to. $ep- 
tember 4, over WGY, Schenectady. . 



Chambers & Wiswell, Inc., oston, 
placing for John E. Cain -Company 
<[salads), Cambridge, Mciss., one-, 
minute anhouhcements daily until 
August 15. 



WSYR Nuptial Rampage 

Syracuse, July 6. 

Bill RothrUm, sports announcer; 
Paul Adanti, control engineer* and 
Frances Seevens, secretary to Bill 
Lane, commercial manager, all of 
WSYR, Syracuse, preparing to marry 
their respective sweeties on the sahie 
date, Aug. 17. 

Press dept. actihg as emcee? 



Janet Balrd, Frisco radio scripter, 
taking' her seasonal respite in Hol- 
lywood aind domiciled in the valley 
manse of the Hal Bocks, where mid- 
day temp of lis is not unusual. 



H. W. Kasior, Chicago, spotting 
one niihute e-t. daily, except Sun 
day, for Pursang, tonic prepared by 
the McKesson & Robbins Company*, 
Bridgeport, Conn. 



Baldwin Laboratories (insecticide), 
Saegertown, Pa., taking one-minute 
participations in WGY's Market 
Basket* . twice weekly, to Sept. 17, 
through the Yount Co., Erie, Pa. 



Charles Miller, graphologist, on 
WSAY, Rochester, N. Y., for Dare's 
Mentha Pepsin. 



Gallenkamp Stores .(shoes) is dis 
cohtinuing its Sunday night 'True 
Detective Mysteries' dramas over the 




Benton & Bowles Slaps Back at Who Rapped 
'Gang^Busters' Uplifters 



January 
February 
March 
April 
May , . . 
June 



MUTUAL 

1937 
$187,362 
202,088 
212,861 
167,590 
133,431 
Not Reported 



I • • • • • 4 



Total 



1936 
$166,266 
152;064 
191,483 
137,934 
129,907 
104,510 

$882,164 




Lihk$2M 




NBC-Red web in California follow- 
ing the July. 4 broadcast to take over 
the 'Professor Puzzlewit' program oh 
the California Blue chain, effective 
July . 13. . Larry keati as . the 
'Prof.' Shows originate in . San 
Francisco. Station line-up includes 
KGb. KECA, KFBK, KWG, KMJ, 
KERN. 



W. Jopiin Aceney placed eight 
30 min. programs for thie Trianjgle 
Milling Co. with KEX, Portland. 



Gambarelli Sc :pavitto (wines and 
yermouth) will hit the ozone on 
WOR, New York, with a faU cam- 
paign of quarter-hour news periods, 
commencing Sept. 5; 



Khpx Gelatine account shifts from 
Federal agency to Keny;on ; & Eck- 
hardt on Jan, 1* '38. 



Borden' will have a fall campaign 
on 'Uncle Don's' WOR Kiddie Klub, 
using participatory- plugis. Pedlar 
& Ryan placed. 



Richardson Se Bobbins (soUp) Is 
recording the series it's carrying on 
WJZ, New York, for placement on 
six other stations. Program con- 
sists of 10 minutes of harmony by 
the Revelers. 



Montgomery Ward is cutting a 15- 
minUte series, 'Neighbor. Jim' at 
NBC* New York, for placement with 
69 stations. Recording job was 
originally set to be done in Chicago, 
but the rule of the Chicago mu- 
sicians union applying to transcrip- 
tions caused the shift east. 



MACK DAVIS' NEW TASK 

Heads Itadio randh of CBS Artists 



. Columbia Artists; ., is .splitting 
its booking: activities into two. fields, 
radio and all other. Formerly it was 
one department that handled alii 
Lawrence .Lowman, CBS v.p. in 
charge of Operations, Tvill continue 
to boss the entire setup,: but has ap- 
pointed Mack DaVis to head the new- 
ly organized radio division., 

It is expected that shortly a chief 
will be named to head the other de- 
partment. Which will book talent fOr 
pix, niteries and vaude. 

Davis has.been with Columbia Art- 
ists since last August, Prior to that 
he had an agency of his own.- 



Franic Lewis Jolhs WOR. 

Frank Lewis,, formerly of Unite.d 
Artists, has joined WOR's, N. ,, 
publicity staff. 

He will be attached ^to the artists 
bureau but comie under the direction 
of G. W. (Johnny) Johnstone. 



National Association . of Parent-, 
Teachers went" on a cleanup crusade 
again last week, bringing the brooms 
into action against the .'Garigbiisters^ 
and 'Junior G-Meh' programs. 
Charge was that bOth shows unduly 
excite the kids and , exert a not- too- 
good influence on them. 

Benton & Bowles agency, in ber 
half Of, 'Gangbusters,' made answer 
that the Clolgate program . was sjpot- 
ted at 10 p. m. oh CBS at its. incep- 
tion and kept there out of deference 
to excitable tots. The agenoy pointed 
up its argument with the explana- 
tion that it thought all young chil- 
dren were abed at that hour. No 
alterations were promised the 
Parent-Teachers, nor will any be 
nfiade. 

'Junior Gr-Men,': airing for Fischer 
bakery account on WOR, is primed 
at kids and slotted in an early-even- 
ing niche. After negotiations the 
Neff-Rogow agency placated the cru- 
saders by promising that in future 
number of killings in the.'Juhior' 
scripts would" be halved, and that hot 
so many gory details would be aired. 



Morris Plan Co. (lo.ans), through 
Leon Livingston agency, has, sighed 
for three anhouncements . Weekly on 
the KJBS, San Francisco, morning 
Alarm Klok Klub broadcasts. 



Howard Clothing Co., through 
J. H. Diamond & Co., is bankrolling 
quarter-hour Suhday , morning pro- 
grams over KJBS, Sah Francisco, 
and KQW, San Jose. 



Majestic (department store), 
through Ray Broiiiilet, is sponsoring 
the 10 a.m. newscasts On KJBS, San 
Francisco, daily through. Dec. 31. 



. John Blair now station repping 
Don Lee Coast Chai itchover 
from William Rarribeau. 



. W. Hbbler, prez of enton & 
Bowles,, piassed 10 days on the Coast 
to arrange fot launching of the new 
Shpv* Boat series from Hollywood. 



Columbia grossed/$2,476,676 from 
the sale of hookup time in Juhe, or 
64.8% more than prevailed in - June^ 
1936. It was the highest percentage 
boost for the web. since September, 
19i36. NBC garnered $3,003,387 the 
past month, with the comparative in- 
creaise figuring 29 J 

NBC's red • (WfiAF) link ran 
$265,6bO behind the Colunibia take; 
Breakdown of the NBC tally for last 
month gave the red $2,211,560 and 
the blue (WJZ) trail $791,827. 

Ih June,, '36, NBCJ accounted for 
$2,323,564, as compared to $2,380,845 
-1935, and $2,177,857 in 1934. Co- 
lumbia did $1,502,768 last June and 
$1,066,729 the year before, whjle 
June, '34, gave the network a gross 
of $92^939, - 



SCHEDUIES JAMMED IN 
cm DESPITE SUMMER 



Chicago, July 6. 

Nightly symphony concerts from 
(3rant Park not to get as much air 
time this year as before. While sta- 
tions and nets genuinely want to 
carry them, the . increase in . spon- 
sored time makes it impossible to 
ether more than a partial schedule,, 
when compared to last season. 

WBBM will use two nori-contigu- 
oiis half hoiurs for the concerts, and 
then, as sort of a peace offering, are 
setting ' aside a weekly, Saturday 
noon-time 15-minute spot for pur- 
pose of interviewing thOse concerned 
with the production. Concerts are 
provided by James C. Petrillo. mu- 
sician's local head and Chicago Park 
Commissioner. 

Tribune station, WGN, can find 
only 45: minutes, three times a week, 
on Fri;, Sat. and TUes. On those 
nightis, are offeririg the program to 
Mutual, but are guarantee] only 
the local outlet. Somewhat similar 
schedule is being lined up by^ NBCj 
whibh will ick up; 30 minutes 
nightly, shooting it but locally, ;6r to 
either. Red or Blue net, which ever 
is . possible on, ilght of . broadcast. 



New Panama Station 



J. Lee Giroyes, of GroyesrKeen, 
Inc., Atlanta advertising agency, 
making ing through the south. 



Italian Swiss Colony Wine Co. bias 
begun a series of ISVminute daily 
shows to . air for 52-weeks over 
WPEN, Philly. Will be; in Italian, 
Originating in New York^ Norman B. 
Furman, Inc.. N. Y-, handling,^ 



Panama City, July 6; 

New station bows on the ether 
here July 20, when HP5A. operated 
under the label of Radio Teatrb Esr 
trella de Pahartia, turns on the juice, 

HP5A is controlled by the Pana- 
ma ity Star Herald, biggest 
newspaper here. Appointed t:.m.. 
of the station' is A. Viilegas Arango, 
shifted over from the publication. 
Alfredo Ciraziana ill he the pro- 
gram director. 

■ Representing the. broadcaster 
the U, S. is Fally Markusi 



Fred Foley, KLZ, Denver, 
man, has switched tq the Hower 
agency in charge of radio commer- 
cial department. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



91 



WAX UBRARY A. F. M. BOGEY 



Remembers He's Phi Beta Kappa 



(Don Davis, the Missing Host^ in Moratorium 

on Essay) 



, Writea 



By Don Davis 

WHB, KANSAS CUT 

Kansas City, 
What's art l^AB convention for, 
anyWay? 

There are rumors running around 
that a lot of stations are goiiig to 
resign from the NAB because this 
year's convention was a dud; but I'll 
just betcha they don't. Not. if the 
jxivf 'administration ' uses a little of 
that ShoWinanship which Varibtt 
says the broadcasting industry needs. 

Bight at the moment, some of the 
boys are mad at Arthur Church be-, 
causcr^t; thinks (or intimated) that 
they should cpine to the cohvehtion 
to get religion. . And Art is mad at 
s6me of the boys because they fraink- 
Jly J|ike to. come to NAB conventions 
to get drunk and raise si little heU. 

Now, b^inS a .'cUpw- townsman of 
Art's (which he can't help: nor jne 
either), : I sympathize with both 
viewpoints. Nobody devotes longer 
hour^f hor more serious thought, nor 
more candid camera film,, to the 
problems which besef our industry 
than does Art Church. And when he 
i^ets' all set to deliver bis conven- 
tion orations,' it naturally miifTs him 
that a lot of the ili'ethreh are still 
upstairs in bed nursing a hang-oyer, 
when they bught to be down in the 
convention hall at the business ses- 
, getting the latest from piym- 

On the other hand, Art should 
realize that with the play-boy type 
bC conventioneer, the serious busi- 
ness of broadcasting is entirely sec- 
ondary—while said play-boy is. at 
convention. 

Just possibly, it could be the con- 
vention's fault! 

For example? And what to do 
ibout it*-. 

Well, here John. Elmer, are seven 
suggestions from a guy who ought to 
care but doesn't: 

(1) Let's admit that there are all 
inds of people in the broadcasting 

industry, Let's admit that even 
though some of them like to carouse 
around at night during conventions, 
still they ought to be saved— for the 
good of the industiy. Let's admit 
that they can learn something from 
attending convention sessions. So, 
next year, let's start the general 
business sessions at 11 ai. nu— and 
really start 'em when scheduled, win, 
lo^ or. draw. This should enable 
the night owls to sleep it off in bed, 
grab a bite of breakfast, get to the 
meetings oh time, and stay awake 
while' the . sessions are iii session 
Meanwhile, the serious thinkers can 
arise at 6 a. m. if they wish, take 
their' morning exercises, if they in 
sist, have, breakfast at the normal 
hour, and spend as much as two 
hours or more in serious, world 
redeeming, early-morning conversa 
tioh with other seridus thinkers- 
providing they remember to get to 
the business sessions on time.. at 11 
a. m. 

(2) Let's have only one general 
.business session a day, and have that 
one hot in a nrieetihg hall but i 
big dining room with a decent ;p.. a 
system where everybody can be 
seated . in comfortable chairs at tables 
for eighth. Let's have ash trays pn 
the tables, and pads of note-paper, 
and rboni for a fellow to rest his el 
bows. Let's have page boys with 
roving mikes for brethren who speak 
from the floor! For an industry 
which makes its living, by use! of 
sound, the NAB has inet up with 
Thore poor p. . systenis in the las'; 
ten years than MarcOni ever imag 
ined! Maybe the administration 
could persuade HCA or w;estern 
Electric or somebody to put « 
model , demonstration for the nieet 
ings! 

(3) Along about two o'clock each 
day let's relax from serious deliber 
ation while the nearest local radio 
stations dr networks put on a little 
hiusical entertainment, and the hote^ 
serves luncheon. Then continue the 
business session right through the 
afternoon without adjoummient for 
the ineaL This will keep some of 
the guys out of the cocktail bars at 
noon^maybe. 

(4) Every hour on the hour, invite 



Father Follows Son 



Hal Stretch, Sr., yesterday 
(Tuesday) joined the sales staff 
of WHN, N. Y. His son, Hal, 
Jr., has been peddling WHN 
time for. a year. 

Elder Stretch was at one time 
an exec with Hearst's news- 
paper advertising department 
in New York. 



Transcription-Makers Could 
.S o o t h ' Mechanization * 
Neurosis of Petrillo and 
His Cohbrts^ M.P.P»A. 
Gen. Mgr. Thinks 



everybody to get up, change tables, 
and introduce himself to a whole 
new crowd of folks. Remember that 
about ohe-fifth of this year's regis- 
tration consisted of broadcasters who 
had never attehded- an /NAB conven- 
tion before— and one of the things a 
broadcaster, likes to do is to get 
acquainted with other station owners 
or maniagers, so he can tell folks 
what a swell station he has, or learn 
from them just what . they do , that 
makes their stations so swell.' 

(5) By all mearts^ let's, not banish 
displays by equipment and supply 
dealers! Let's even invite the special 
representatives and the networks 
and even 'Variety. Transcriptions, 
for example, are the backbone of 
>r6adcasting to just .one helva lot 
of stations.. Some of us even need 
new script services, 'and not a few 
need hew . broadcasting equipm^ent! 
Lots of us would like to hear the 
latest developments in instantaneous 
recording. . And unless an exhibitor 
has . something of merit for the con- 
vention, he shows just about as bad 
judgnieht in exhi iting as we miem- 
bers. do in not giving the worthy 
ones a hearing! Your average star, 
tioh operator, however, is just a 
little bit leeiry of being Itired down 
a hotel hallway to an exhibitor's 
demonstration. In a general demon- 
stration to the^ assembled hieeting, 
your station - owner - conventioneer 
might find that said exhibitor had 
just what he wanted— ^and would 
seek out the exhibitor's quarters 
later, after the., preliminary display 
of waries at the business session. 

(6) Let's get somie new faces, (and 
voices and ideas) into the picture, 
And here I, intend no criticism of 
those loyal and faithful workers who 
have so earnestly fathered the NAB. 
But after all, if this year's conven- 
tion was a dud,, it Mvas because it 
held so few new thrills. Art Pryor's 
fireworks sorta made up for the. ab' 
sence of Ike Levy— and personally, 
I think we broadcasters deserve both 
barrels of all Pryor handed us. Our 
conventions do need the advice and 
opi ions and ideas of men like 
Pryor . . . and other hard-working, 
straight-thinking agency radio heads 
who can tell us things about , broad- 
casting from their point of view- 
There are the special reps; I'll betcha 
a batch of speeches from Free & 
Peters, Edward Petry, Hank Cristal, 
Voynpw. Blair, Rambeau, McGillvra, 
Barrett and others oif the rep gentry 
w:ould tell the. boys more: in two 
hours than they leath in a year try' 
ing to sell tin cans to national ad- 
vertisers. 

(7) Let's enlarge the exhibits of 
station promotion, and urge the sia' 
tiohs, networks, agencies, reps and 
equipment-supply dealers to really 
go tiai town with displays! This 
year's try was a fine , beginning— hats 
off to Johnnie Gillih , and his helpersf 
Next, year,; ive everybody all the 
space they ciain use for decent dis 
plays—and make 'em bring extra 
copies; of all their literatoor, so 'the 
home town boys can take away sou- 
venirs, and; ideas! 

After all, what's an NAB conven 
tion ioT, anyway? I'll .betcha. that 
ten years froni now we'll still be 
trying to solve the recurilng ques- 
tion of copyright, ciear-channel op- 
eration, accurate audience measure 
ment, network domination, or what 
have you. 

Meanwhile ... it won't hurt the 
industry a bit for the lOO-watters to 
meet the boys from WLW . . . for 
NBC to wear Mutual's yellow car 
nations . . . and for the playboys to 
hear Art's speeches. 

Who can tell? Maybe it might 
even, help; 



Harry Fox, gen. mgr; of the Music 
ublishers Protective Association, 
relieves that the" "maaufactufers of 
transcription Mibraries can forestall 
drastic action against their ^ wares by 
the American- Fader ation of Musi- 
cians. It is his suggestion that the 
transcription men get together ahd 
devise ai methpd of assessment on 
library contracts which Would pro- 
yi money for .contribution to the 
unemployment fund of the various 
ocal musicians unions. 

As proposed by Fox the allowance 
could be tacked on to the flat fee 
charged the station for the library. 
Hoyir much the allowance for the 
ocal. xmion'S unemployment fund 
should be is something that would 
lave to be worked but by the manu- 
facturers themselves. It might be 
a percentage of the library's cost to 
i;he station, or it could he a sum indi- 
vidually determined for each town^ 
with this depending on local con-, 
ditions. of musicians unemployment. 

While in Chicago recently Fox dis- 
cussed the transcription situation 
with James Petrillo, local head of the 
musicians uhion and leading light in 
;he movement to curb the broadcast- 
ng' of disked programs, and found 



niiir FOX SEES 




ONE-TIMERS O. K. 



More Mechanization 



Seattle, July 6. 

Veriphone Co. (Bruce Maburg 
and A. E. Kane, owners), is try"- 
ing oiit recording apparatus i 
Superior courts here reproduc- 
ing arguments and testimony 
with view bf installing machines 
on a. large scale. Local judges 
reported pleased with quick re- 
production in typewritten form. 

Company is using hill and 
dale method of recording with 
two mikes catching every- 
thing (even V to the side com- 
ments not for record. If suc- 
cessful new mechanization will 
eliminate court stenographers. 



Uproar m Wmnipeg Over Dismissed 
Musicians; Show Goes On Unrehearsed 



More Quotes 
On Convention 



EDWIN W. CRAIG 

WSni, Nashville 



.. that substanti benefits 
will accrue to industry as a result ot 
Certain fundamentals Considered and 
agreed upon at recent coriventton. 



STANLEY HUBBARD 

KSTP, St. Paul 



no 



Convention , 
errors. — : — ^ 

WDIIAM GTLLESPIE 

KTUL, Tulsa 

Convention dull to some, thanks, to 
Spiritus Fermenti. Commercial man- 
agers discussibn in open meeting was 
a fine thing. It's a swell thing for 
radio station operators and commer- 
cial mahagers fo get t<>£ether in an 
old-fashioned session ahd discuss 
their, various problems no matter 
whether they are iop Watts or 50,000. 

:We all should knoW ahd under- 
stand one another- better. For first 
time at the N. A. B. they t^iscussed 
programis. Ain't you surprised you 
have been tellihg them . for years 
that the plays the thing. 



DR. LEON LEVY 

WCAV, PHILAbELPHIA 



that. Petrillo was far more con- 
cerned- with transcription libraries 
than with commercial recordings. 

Latter, explained Petrillo, could be 
treated as a network. Once a sppU'!- 
sored disc is aired it's finished in a 
particular town. But when it 
comes to a sustaining (library) record 
it. can be played over and over 
again by the sahie station. Petrillo 
ihdicated that when the international 
union acted on the recorded pro- 
gram issue it would strike hardest 
at the library. 

'Allowance' Oesture. 
Fox is of the opi ion that the 
'allowance'-, arrangement would ap- 
peal to AFM leaders and the con- 
tribution froni library deals could be 
irekted in the same light as pay- 
ments made for standby men in the 
case of live broadcaists or stage en-' 
gagemeints. The sum- relayed to 
Union unemployment funds might 
total nationaHy aihywhere from 
$50,000 to $100,000. 

Number of station clients held ap- 
prbximately by. each of the library 
services follows: 
NBC Thesaurus...., 
World Broadcastings 

Standard 

Associated . 
Lanfiols /8i. Wentworih 
McGreror it SolUe... 

& r— - 

GMTge Held's Beviie hitting 
KDKA, Pittsburgh, once a week as 
a 15-minute sustainer bieginning July 
8. In addition to Held, program has 
Pat Haliy, m.c; Lawspn Sisters, AI 
DiLemia and AI Egizi's novelty 
swing group. 



'There should be two distinct 
brpadcaisters' associations.' In one 
should be all the small stations. That 
is, those that are strictly local in 
nature and have power outputs of 
100 and 250 watts and thereabouts. 

'In the other association should be 
those stations which have been al- 
lotted regional and national chan 
nels. It stands to reason, taking the 
Philadelphia situation as an exam 
pie, that WCAU, with its 50,000 
watts, has little in common as to 
trade problems with WD AS, which 
doesn't -even have a network af 
filiation. 

'For: one organization to try to 
solve such dissimilar problems as are 
faced by both sized stations means 
lack of progress. Strong organ iza 
tions ' of broadcasters, I think, are 
good and necessary things, but they 
should be based on a common 
fbundatioh.' 



Wlrini July . 
Local' (190) ' Musicians union 
cracked down on the Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp. when efforts 
were made to drop two musicians 
from 'Backstage' projgram brought 
in as a substitute for a previous pro- 
gramj '30 Mihutes to C3o.'v . As a re- 
sult program under cbnductorship 
of Isaac Mambtt is teniporarily can- 
celled. Matter is expected to be 
thrashed out. this week; • 

Series of conferences, ballots, long 
distance phone calls and general up- 
roar preceded the final broadcast be- 
fore cancellation which went bn :the 
air practically unrehearsed ahd si 
minutes short ih consequence. 

Don Swaile^, .secretary of the 
Winnipeg unioh, acting for the re- 
Ieased-4neh ' ordered the two . men be 
reinstated by the CBC, and When 
this order was not. cbmplied with 
ordered but all union , men on the 
show. In order not to cause can- 
cellation in the scheduled show 
Horace Stovin, western regiohal 
program director for the CBCJ, acting 
for the CBiC offered to pay the two 
men's wages (temporarily) but 
would not lise them. This offer wa$ 
refused .by the uhipn, resultihg in a 
quick ballot being taken aniohg thb 
orchestra members, answer being, 
that they were willing to go on 
with the °shoW and take a' chahce 
_on what might follow in the way of 
unlbn isUspenslon or flhe. 

A telephone call to Gladstone 
Murray, general mahaiger' bf the CBC 
at Ottawa^ resulted in the discovery 
that union rules stipulated a 24 hour 
notice be given before they would, 
be allowed to withdraw any of their 
members. Union has . only given two 
hours official notice. A second 
ballot was taken, the decision being 
that they would go ahead with the . 
show. Final ballot counted four 
minutes before air time; 

Don Swailes, when queried by • 
Variety refused. to make ahy com- 
ment on the hiatter, saying only that 
it was a 'privipite scrap' and that he 
refused tP give anything for pub- 
lication. Mamott, also declined mak- 
ing any statement, other than that 
he was taking advantage' of the two 
week cancellation of the show to 
grab a holiday in New York/ 

Horace'Stovin, of the CBC, stated 
there wais no ti^ouble between the 
CBC and th^ union; indicating that 
the CBC was in no way connected 
with the Association or dispute. 



I • .• • • • 



210 
135 
00 
80 
70 
40 



JOHN SHEPARD, 3D 

Yankee Network 



Have no comment to make on the 
NAB convention at this time. Feel 
we should wait and see what the 
new officers accomplish. 



Ralph Adass Still Looking 

Chicago, Jlily 6. 
esides looking around fbr a na 
tiernal sales ritanager for his WIND, 
Balph Atlass has decided to increase 
both the caUber and number of the 
station's^ pres.eht sales force. 

Firist'inove was to reach out and 
take Whyth Walter froni WBBM, 
Columbia key, and add him to. the 
WIND staff. As yet, no sales man- 
ager has been f bund, but a . cbuple 
are under cphsideratibn, and one 
will probably get the 30b before 
long. Several, other additions to the 
regular sales force are reported to 
.be contemplated. 



WGAR on 5-Day Week 

Cleveland, July 6. 

Five-day working week for WGAR 
engineers and announcers was in- 
augurated last week by John Pratt, 
statioh manager. 

Two departments are being en- 
larged to shorten hours of staff, giv- 
ing new jobs to about a dozen out- 
siders. 



Mn Elmer to 
Snend Fdl Day 
fidyalNAB. 



Washington, July ,6. 

Clbse watch over headquarters 
activity was 'promised last , week by 
John Elmer, new president of Na- 
tional. Association of Broadcasters. 

Conveniently located ohly 40 rniles 
away, Elmer plans to be a regular 
visitor at association off ibes =ind has 
arranged to spend one day weekly 
(Thursday) keeping his hand on the 
throttle. This will be an innbvation 
since all previous presidents have 
lived so far away' thbir calls to 
Washington were irregular. 



Nellie Revell Restored 

Nellie Revell's 'Neighbor Nell' pro- 
granv is back to its forhier Sunday 
niche, 11:15 a.m. oh the NBC Blue. 

Fan maiil expressed a desire to 
trade in an English commentator for 
Nellie's return; NBC heeded. . 



R. E. Blossom In N. 

Indianapolis, July 
R. E. Blossom, guiding hand be- 
hind WFBM, left Saturday (3) for 
week's stay in New York, and then 
hits Bermuda for two weeks' vacash. 

Until recently, Blossom has been 
doing job of merchandising man- 
ager of utility parent in addition to 
running radio station. 



S2 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



WILD LIFE STUDY eF LAUGHTER: 

CANDID CAMERA CATCHES EFFECT 
OF PARAMOUNT'S 





ON HUMAN RISIBILITIES 



SPINSTER, debutante, drug store cowboy, 
siivant, mugg, marble-masked matron, all were 
given chance to see, hear Paramount's "Easy Living," 
starring Jean Arthur and Edward Arnold, featuring 
fan mail record-breaker Ray Milland. Directed by 
Mitchell Leisen.. Candid camera caiight reactions 
published here, proving newest Paramount contribu-. 
tion to mid-summer madness 346.7% funnier, 259.33% 
goofier than any comedy of year. Recommended to 
sweeten sour dispositions. 




The Spinster Smirk . . . Result of 

Jean and Ray's being drenched when 
the shower bath unexpectedly turns on! 



Middle Western Belly- Laugh. Result of 

seeing Jean Arthur smash her boss over 
the head with picture frame. 



nil.- , v- v«; 




The Raucous or Ribald Laugh 

Result of seeing young lady hit in face 
with a custard pie. 



Sniile with Freckles . . . Reactiol 

seeing Ray sock detective in watisli I 
with the commonly called '^onC- 




The Gurgle-Gurgle ... Result of see. 

ing restaurant patrons' difficulties when 
someone throws pepper in electric fan.^ 



Jhe Girlish Giggle. Effect hot of hiij 

but of glimpsing Ray Milland and^ 
in what is known to the trade as a cl 





The Frozen Custard Chuckle . . . Matronly 

mirth evoked by Edward Arndd's hand, 
to hand struggle with the irate chef. 




The Professorial Pleased Puss ^| 

Result of seeing Jean's method of hi 
fired from job. 





The New England Nut Cracker . . . 

Maine and Vermont vote with nation:. 
"Easy Living**,i»a New Deal in laughter;, 



The BUCktOOth Grin . . . Result of see-; 
ing Jean make her entrance into the old 
office in a $75,000 fur coat. 



The HohOkUS Holler! . . . Caused by 
seeing Edward Arnold execute a. nejtt 
fall down a whole flight of stairs.. 



Lb Rire (Fr. with mustache). EffecJ-^ 
Jean's being biffed on the. _ head 
,$75,000 sable coat while riding bus.; 



JEAN ARTHUR and EDWARD ARNOLD 

A Paramount Picture • Directed by Mitchell Leisen • Screen 



1 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



VARIETY 



3S 





The Cheerful Little Tearful... riovini? people 

^5^%," ToInIvI la-ugh till they cry at picture like "Easy Living."- 




Broadway Deadpan Smirk. Caused by riot at auto-; 
mat as Ray Milland gets Jean a feed on the house.^, 



Jfce.WOW or Basement Bellow! . Result of seeing final gag of picture, which hits new uil time high in hilarity. First « 
Srm, then a chuckle . . ?theu "Easy^Living". lays you m theuii^Ie with laughter i 




fiirlish Glee Tf. Result of seeing Jean battle to; 
break in, of all things, a pig bank. 



EASY LIVING^^ with ray milland 



by Preston Sturges 



Based on a Story by Vera Ca^pary 




VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, jtil^ 7,1937 



DRAMATIZED 
NEWS LOSING 





Sponsors seeni to be doing a chilly 
about-face cofttrohted with 

dramatized news programs now. 
United Press, alter spending around 
$2,200 on auditions of its idea of re- 
enacting headline and huinan news 
stories for a flock of agencies and 
clients, is reported beginning to be- 
lieve it hais a dud. 

U.' P. made transctiptions to dem- 
ise onstrate versatUity of handling dif- 
ferent types of news breaks. Be-, 
sides expense involved in hiring top- 
flight radio actors and crack script 
^cribblersi a 21^pc. brch directed by 
Harry Salter was also used. After 
several weeks of high-pressure audi- 
tions; the tip; is frankly discour- 
ageji. 

Time, Inc., which for the last sev- 
eral years has haid an in-and-out ex* 
perience in trying to hold a sponsor 
for its 'March of Time' program, 
loses Servel, Inc. (Electrolux)^ and 
goes back to ballyhboing Time and 
Life mags oh Jiily 15. Servel's stay 
will wind vi> after 13 wedcs of sup- 
plyiiig the baiidcroU. 



THAtUMLANCDACE 
MOVES to VMCA, N. Y. 



WMCA, New York, is putting 
together * a. novel stunt in be- 
half of Spatari, another of those 'in 
ternatioi^' languages. Invented by 
Carlo Spatari, . thie hew lingo is a 
code one, especially designed for 
short-wave ' broadcasts of inter 
continental coverage. It has been 
ballyhooed extensively by WBNX. 
It is built up around the eight mu^ 
sical scale notes; which are invarl 
ably fixed in all lan^ages. 

Stunt prepared by Leon Goldstein, 
new p.a. at WMCA aind formerly 
with WBN3< is to equip: radio edi- 
tors in and ariounid N. Y. with Spa 
tari code books and have 'em jpick 
up a sample 1>roadcaist The .editors 
are invited to pen . their eistimates of 
the code lahguage and decide it it 
is feasU>le to future use. 



Swicegood Bosses WAGA; 
Jimior to WSB, Atlanta 



Atlanta, July 8. 

Same day N. *Y. dispatches an 
noiinced expansion of NBC's Blue 
network, Atlanta Jdumal .sihearec 
its page one with :news that it wouU 
be in dni deal through operation oi! 
WAGA (nee WTFI,,of Athens, Ga.), 
in conjunction with Liberty Broad 
casting CcL ' . 

Physical setup is being rushed so 
station will be ready by Aug., 
date set for 10 hew Dixie trntlets 
td go on air. Transmitter is situ 
ateid three miles from center of city 
and 375-foot vertical antenna, high 
est In Gieorgia, is under construction. 
Station will go on air with 1 kw day, 
500 kw night 

Both WSB and WAGA will be under 
supervision of Laimbdin Kay. Jesse 
M. Swicegood, former managei* of 
WATL here, will be manager and 
Earle J. Pudney, formerly with 
WIBX, Utica, K Y., and the Muzak 
Corp. Of Ohio, and now program 
director of WATL, will become pro- 
gram director and chief announcer 
of the new station. 



DECISIONS 



WMBC to Hagcdoni 



Horace flagedorh, station rep, has 
added WMBC, Detroit 100-watter 
sans any network affiliation, to his 
string. 

rings, the Hagedom representa- 
tiph to a total of six stations. WMBC 
has had no rep heretofore. 



Lady Exporter on WIP 

Philadelphia^ July 6. 
. WCAli has added womah , com^ 
mentator to staff. She is Lucy A. 
Goldsmith. Will be aired first time 
at 5.45 p.m. today. Miss Goldsmith 
Was first woman export manager in 
Country, directing foreign trade for 
Aeolian Company from 1909 to 1924, 
and his met numerous Eutopeiani big- 
shots< 

Was foreign trade adviser to Primo 
de Rivera, late dictator of Spai 



Washington, July 6. 
Alabama: WJRD, James R. Doss, Jr., Tuscaloosa, day 
power , jump from 100 to 250 watts; WBRC, Birming- 
ham, commish reconsidered action of Feb. 16, granting 
operation on 930 kc with 1 kw nights, 5 kw days with- 
out a heiaring, and designated application for hearing 
on protest bi the Birmingham News Co. 

Galifornia: KHUB, Anna Atkinson, as executrix of 
the' last will of W. Atkinson, deceased, Watsionville, 
granted involuntary assignment of license to Anna 
Atkinson, executrix; KJBS, San FranClsCO, denied pe- 
tition for reconsideration and grant o* application for 
frequency change from 1070 to 1080 kC and change in 
;ime of operation from limited to specified,; 

Florida: WJNO, piresent stockholders of Hazlewood^ 
Inc:, Palm Beach, grantied . authority for transfer of 
control of HazlewoOd, Inc., from present stockholders 

0 Jay O'Brien. 

Iowa: Telegraph Herald, Dubuque, granted new sta- 
tioiv to be operated days only on 1340 kc With 500 
watts, ^Examiner Bramhall reveirsedi 

Maryland: Frank M. Steams; Salisbury, granted new 
station to be operated days on 1200 kc with 250 watts, 
Chief Examiner Davis G. Arnold sustained. 

Maryland: WFBR, Baltimore^ denied petition for 
partial grant of applicatioh to authorize thie use of 1 kw 
nights, 5 kw days and fot consideration of the appli- 
cation undei* Rule 104.7, ■ 

Massachusetts: Hildreth & Rogers Co., Lawrence, 
granted new station to be oi»erated on 680 kc ^ith 1 
kwr, days only, Exabiner Walker sustained; Old Colony 
Broadcasting Corp., Brockton, denied new station to 
be operated on 680 kc with 250 watts» days only. Ex- 
aminer Walker sustained; . WLLH, Lawrence, granted 
special experimental authority for a satellite station at 
Lawrence to operate on 1370 kc with lO to 100 watts; 
unlimited time synchOnously with WLLH, Lowell (1370 
kc with 100 watts nights^ 250 wa^ts :days), cOmmish 
sustaining Examiner Hill; Harold Thomas, Pittsfleld, 
grantod new station to be bperated on 1310 kc with 
100 watts nights, 250 watts .days, Examiner P. W. 
Seward reversed. 

Minnesota: The Times Publishing Co., St. Cloud, 
grahtied new station to be operated on 1420 kc with 100 
watts» Examiner R. L. Walker upheld; Michael F. Mur- 
ray, St Cloud, denied new station to be, operated on 
560 kc with 400 watts daily, Ejtaminier Walker sus- 
tained. 

Mlsslulppl: WCOC, Meridian, install new antenna 
system/ ind increase night power from 500 watts to. 

1 kw. 

Missouri: The Cpurier-POst Publishing Co., Hannibal, 
denied new station to be Operated on 1310 kc With 100 
watts, 250 watts days. Examiner Melvin H. Dalberg 
reversed; Hannibal Broadcasting CO^ Hsuinibal, denied 
new station to be operated on 1310 kc with .100 watts. 
Examiner Dalberg upheld. 

Mf ssonri: KFRU, Columbia: commish granted petition 
to deny as in case of default ajvUcation of T. B. Mcr. 
Christy for new station at Brownwood, Tex., to use 
630 kc with 250 watts^ days only. (Denied petition of 
T; B. McChristy tO waive provisions of Rule 105.25 and 
accept his appearance. , Also McChristy's petition to 
withdraw his application without projudice.) 

Iifiebiikska: KGKY, Scottsbluff, granted two monthaT 
extension, of present license. 

New Jersey: WMFL, National roadcasting Co.^ Inc., 

Bound Brook, granted changes iik equipment reduc- 
tion of power to 500 watts and addition of Al and A2 
emission. . 

Ohio: Allen T. Simmons, Tallmt^dge, granted new 
high frequency experimental station using frequen' 
cies 31,600, 35,600, 38,600 and 41,000 with 100 watts. 

Ohio: WGAR. Cleveland, denied authority to transfer 
control Of corporation from G. A. Richards, Lee Fits* 
Patrick, John F. Pratt and P. M. Thomas to WJR, the 
the Goodwill Station, a Michigan corporation, Exam- 
iner Walker reversed; Continental Radio Company, 
Columbus, denied' new station- to be Operatied on 1310 
kc with 100 watts. Examiner Irwin sustained;. Conti- 
nental Radio Company, Toledo, denied new station to 
be operated on 1200 kc with 100 watts, days only, 
commish sustaining Examiner Seward; WALR, Toledo, 
denied pe;rmission to move studio and transmitter from 
Zanesville to Toledo, Examiner R.' L. Walker reversed; 
Community Broadcasting Co;, Toledo, granted new day- 
time station to be operated on 1200 kc with 100 watts, 
commish Sustaining Examiner Walker. 

Oklahoma: KGFF, Shawnee, applicatioii for fre- 
quency change from 1420 to 1430 kC, night power in- 
crease from .100 to 250 watts, dismissed without preju- 
dice, commish upholding Examiner Seward. " 

Oklahoma: WBBZ, Estate of Charles Lewis Carirell, 
Adelaide Lillian Carrell, reipresentatlye, Ponca City; 
granted renewal of license oh temporary basis,, subject 
to cancellation without advance notice, or hearing :.at 
any time by the commish, pending disposition of the 
estate of C. L. Carrell, deceased. 

Pennsylvania: WCAU, Philadelphia, granted new 
high frequency experimental station using frequencies 
31,600, 35,600, 38^600 and 41,000 kc with 100 watts. 

Texas: KO(jA, Kilgore, grahtied day power boost to 
250 watts; WDAH, Tri-State Broadcasting Co., Inc., 
granted day power boost to 250 Watts. 

Washington: Central Broadcasting Corp., Centralia, 
granted new stiktion to be operated on 1440 kc with 500 
watts. Examiner John P. Brah^hall sustained. 

EXAMINERS' REPORTS 

California: Plans of Frank P. Doherty, owner of 
KRKD, to transfer his property for the sum of $100,000 
were frowned on by Examiner P. W. Seward as traf- 
ficking in licenses and placing a price tag on the sta- 
tion far in excess of its value. 

Sum of $58,000 was charged to 'good will and going 
concern value,' by Doherty in the $100,000 Contract 
entered into with J; F. Burk^ Sr., and Loyal K. King, 
ti'ansferees. Since transmitter appears to have been 
losing money . consistently, 'it if extremely doubtful 
whether the station h|g any going concern value or 
not,' Seward charged* 

Doherty, former owner of KECA ind KMTR, 



Angeles, was represented by Ben S. Fisher and Charles 
V. Wayland, 

interference difficulties which woul^' result from 
the change were quot(ed by Examiner Tyler Berry as 
the only reason for a turn-doWn for KROY, Sacra- 
mento, on its appeal for a change of Irequency, juice- 
jump and change in hours of Operation, 

Disturbance within an area which is at . present in- 
terference-free would occur to the service of KGIR, 
Butte, Mont., if the application were j^ranted. Berry 
found, and considering the area 'does. hot enjoy eqiial 
broadcasting facilities jyith the idea proiposed to be 
served,' ah unfair distribution of facilities would result. 

Station, which requested a change of frequency from 
1210 to 1340 kc, extension of hours from daytimes to 
linlimited ^nd incrieasie in powier from 100 wiaitts to 
250 watts nights, 1 kw days, was represented by Ben 
S. Fisher. / 

Louisiana; Daytime power boost for WSMB, New 

rleans^ was recommended by Examiner Seward, who 
found the applicant -could improve service if permit* 
ted to make full use of its frequency. 

Increase to 5 kw. should be given the NBC outlet 
Seward told the commish, from its present assignment 
of 1 kw; Station .would , continue operation on 1320 kc. ^ 

Paul D. Spearman appeared in behalf of WISMI) 

Missouri: Scrap between KSD, St LOuis, and KFUO, 
Clayton, over the 550 kc fre<|[uency which both trans- 
mitters share viras temporarily terminated by Examiner 
Seward, who riecpmmiended granting of the KSD appli- 
cation. KSD, owned by St Louis Post-Dispatch, has 
not played ball with KFUO,^ Seward charged. Smaller 
station, owned by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, 
claimed 62 time encroachments by KSD, principally 
caused by KSp f ailing to sigh off at the proper time.. 

As i penally, Seward recommended that KSD, in- 
stead of receiving f till time operation should have its. 
service curtailed.: KFtlO should be permitted to in- 
crease its service to on^haif time, he told the commish. 
Time at present has bOen ;Sq;>lit between them, with 
KSD receiving 91 hqurs to KFUO's 26. Both stations 
should have their appUcatiohs renewed, Seward said. 

Paul M. Segal and George S. Smith appeared for 
KSD, with William Stanley, J. Edward Burroughs, 
■ George O. Sutton and Otto Karbe representing KFUO. 

Oregon: Transfer o' KOOS, Marshfield, from the 
Pacific Radio Corp. to SheltOn F. Sackett, newspaper 
publisher, and two .Other individuals was stymied by 
Examiner Seward on grounds of excessive price. Fact 
that outfit also listed 'permits and good-will' for sale 
roused Seward's ire. 

Depreciation value of transmitter was set by the 
corporation at $9,029, while: a commish engineer estir 
niated it at $5,248. Replacement costs quoted at $12,951, 
were hearer* $6,965, engineer testified. KOOS price- 
tag was fixed at $14,000. 

Attorneys for KOOS were Johii C. Kendall, 
Fisher and Charles v. Wayland. 

Texas: New station for WACO was nixed by Ex- 
aminer Berry because of the unfamiUarity of the ap- 
plicant, T. E; Kirksfey, with the airea proposed to be 
served and the slipshod manner in, which a survey of 
the locality was conducted to ascertain the demand for 
a new transmitter. 

Request for operation on 930 kc with 250 watts 

ights, 500 Watts days, should be waste-basketed, Berry 
said. Applicant was represehtOd -by Elmer W. Pratt 

Wcsi Virginia: iSwitch .from daytime to. unlimited 
service for WBLK, Clarksburg, . was approved by Ex- 
aminer Seward, who found a need for additional night- 
time service in the area to be served.. 

Slight interference might be experience by WPAY^ 
Portsmouth, O., Seward admitted, but not sufficien!; to 
justify denial' of the application. Transmitter^ whichi 
operates on 1370 kc .with 100 watts, was represented 
by Ben S. Fisher, 

NEW APPUCATIONS 

Colorado: KLZ, Denver, new high frequency broad- 
cast station. 

KanMs: Carl Latens^^. At<:hison, new station to be 
operated on 1420 kc with 100 watts, days' only. 

MlehiKan: First Baptist Church, Pontiac, authority to 
transmit programs to CKLW, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 

Montana: KFBB, Butterey Broadcast reat 
Falls, boost day power from to 5 kw. 

Nebraska: KGKY, Scottsbluff, authority to transfer 
control of corporation from A. W. Hilliard to L. 
Hilliard,,, 42 shiares common stock. 

New York: WGNY, Peter Goelet Newburgh, - 
criease day powier from lOO to 250 watts. 

North Dakota: Frank Ray, Dickinson, new station 
to bfe operated on 1310 kc with 100 watts nights, 250 
watts days. 

Ohio: WNOX, Scripps-Howard Radio, Inc., Gincinr 
nati, increase night power from 1 to 5. kw; WGAR, 
Cleveland, boost night power from 500 watts to 1 kw, 
day power from 1 to 5 kw. 

Pennsylvania: Reading Broadcasting Co., Reading, 
new high frequency relay broadcast station on 31,100, 
34,600, 37,600, 40,600 kc with 10 W^tts. 

Soath Carolina: WFBC^ Greehvilie News-Piedmont 
Co., Greehvilie, install directional antenna for night 
use and jump night juice from 1 kw to 5 kw. 

Texas: Sam Houston Broadcasting Association, 
Hiintsville, new daytime station to be operated on 1500 
kc with 100 watts. 

West Virginia: Kanawha VallOy Broadcasting Co., 
Charleston, new station to be operated on 1500 . kc 
with. 100 watts. '■ " 



SET FOR HEARING 



California: Adams Recording Studio, San Diego, au- 
thority to supi;>ly electrical transcriptions to XEB6 and 
XEMO, Tia Juana, Mex., to be delivered by private 
carrier. 

Georgia: WRBL, Columbus, install new equipment, 
change frequency from 1200 to 1330 kc, jump power 
from 100 watts nights, 250 watts days, to 1 kw all times. 

Illinois: Sherman y. Coultas, Milton Edge and Hobart 
Stephenson, Jacksonville, new station to be operated on 
1310 kc with 100. Wat 



WCAU-KYW-Wni 
Meet With Union 
On Autunm Scak 



Philadelphia; July 6. 
Representatives of KYWT, WCAU 
and WFIL will meet wth music unioti 
exec ices of Dr. Leon Levy, 

proxy of WCAU, Friday, for confab 
that shpi^d go a long way toward 
solving tbo Old muslc-raidio 
here;: 

A, q.t get-together of Doc Levy; 
A. A. Tomel, union plrez; and Rex 
Riccardi, union secretary, in Doc's 
office last Wednesday, paved the way 
for Friday's gabfest. Last Wednes- 
day's talk was at behest of ra^io sta- 
tions; not the union. Tomel and Ric- 
ciardi were invited to attend by 
David Bortlh, WCAlT attorney. Bor- 
tin was hot present however. 

WCAU expects definitely to have a 
house band in the fall. Meyer Davis 
how has the inside track and .will 
likely get the spot although every 
band leader in' Phllly is pulling 
strings. 

Circumstance which gave local i 
opportunity to hammer the wedge in 
hard was announcement that PhiUy 
orch Friday night comn^erclals next 
seasbii probably will be extended 
from 30 minutes to full hour. Last 
year, station as penalty for' carrying 
program had to pay 80, men of orch 
double the regular commercial rates. 
Same edict would be in force next 
fall. But with prog twice as long, 
amount would be so. huge that the 
difference between the double and 
ordinary commrcial scale would 
more than pay for a. house band. 

Levy, at last week's conference, 
offered the. union $48 a . week for 16 
men, two. hoiurs a day for 40 weeks. 
They would be required to play for 
spot announcement programs and 
sustaining, but no iull straight com- 
mercial. Tomel wants- a consider- 
ably hijgher scale and four more 
men. 

Jim Begiey, program director, or 
Leslie JOy, station manager, or both. 
Will represent KYW at Friday's con- 
fab. A conference between them 
and the Union has already been held 
in regard to Jan Savltt's termer, 
which, like all contracts between 
musicians and radia stations, peters 
in September. Station wants to con- 
tinue under , same conditions as last 
year, except it desires privilege of 
using bandsmen sustaining or com" 
mercial. Now paying $45 for 16 men. 

Since, iinion . has professed to see 
light on the conibo rate, only thing 
remai ing ^is getting itn equitable 
scale, {direct negotiations between 
SaVitt and station have already been 
completed aind hinge only on union 
deal^ 

WFIL rep Friday will be Don 
Withycomb, general, manager Sev- 
eral conferences have , already been 
held between him and union. He also' 
wants cohnbo privilege. Now paying 
$38 for 12 men. 

Talks between Ben Gimbei; WIP 
proxy, and Tomel have also taken 
place V Gimbei Wants a renewal of 
the present contract, which pays $37. 
He wants only sustaining. Union de- 
sires certain conditions Improved and 
addition of two more men. Ginibcl 
has not been invited to general meet-, 
ing Fridiay. 



EDWYNNCITEDAS 
TAX DODGE EXAMPLE 



Washbigton, July 6. 
Legal tax sivoldance by Ed Wynn 
Was decrlbed before Congressional 
committee probing tax dodging last 
week by Treasury Diepartment of- 
ficials. Fire Chief was said to havie 
ducked $196,728 in levies bjr setting 
up persohally-owhed corporatiohs 
to receive his checks from .Texaco 
and other sponsors and employers. > 
. By creating Sonny Keen Produce 
tions, Minny Lee, Iric; Wynn, Com- 
mercial Enterprises, and Airwynn, 
bespectacled entertainer cut his tax 
liability On fat earnings, headed by 
|$5,0()0-per-br6adCast check from the 
oil company, to less than half of 
what he wbidd have owed if he had 
received the compensation directly. 
He reported bis personal income, 
from the companies, at $261,067, and 
gave the revenooers $150,353. Treas- 
ury experts aay he should have 
added $550,367 to his receipts and 
I paid another $196,728 in taxes. 



Weanesday, July 7, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



35 



FREE DUCATS COST WEB 




Why Radio Is a Crazy Biz 



ing a classic example of the ppUtical tiptoeing some iagehqies 
have to go through is the relationship, now existirig betweisn a certain 
agency and its food account.. Those running the business are split into 
twb factions, with the dominant position of each shifting from tinxe t6 
lime, Rather than Ipse the agency has exercised eji;- 

treme caution ih rccommiiendlng a program. 

It may think the show at hand ah excellent one for the product 
and its merchandising problems hut it is afraid that what the 
rent dominant faction coftsid^rs okay wiU be damned when the other 
coterie takes control. Agency feels that the best way around the 
situation is to shoW no enthusiasm in recommending, anything but 
leaving it to the two factions to fight put the selection between them. 






io Notes 



Marraret Emahiser. f oriiierly with 
KHQ and KGA, Spokane, now ham- 
mering keyboard ; in publicity de- 
partment for KOL, Seiattle. 



VIo Harley how on conti 
KOMp-KJIl, Seattle. 



ity at 



Hairry Elliott left is Frisco base 
to aid Dave Carter .and his Holly- 
wood CBS staff , in grinding out and 
planting Shakespeare copy. 

Nate Tufts, producer of Joe Pen- 
tier's Cocomalteaser, will pass his 
layoff iii Jersey. 



Lieoit. Wllliakn Biber east to scare: 
,up a national account for hi^ wdr 
drama series, 'Experiences of a Mil- 
lion Men,' recently sponsored oii 
KFWB (Hollywood) by auto dealers. 



barry Ommerle first of the Holly- 
wood agency producers to step out 
ith a Brummelish swish. 



Lynn McManus recruited from the 
east to. script, the new Fleischmann 
summer shovT^ Sandy Barnett, Lux 
■ writer, dished tip the openier. - 

G. A; Palmer, Australian scripter, 
In Hollywood to pick up somie point- 
ers— and drop off a few. . 

Wilson, of Jello, 

getti is first touch of grease paint 
at Univiersal. He's, doing, a character 
/bit in 'Behind the Mike.' 



iallelta Novis and Paul Keast 
wiarblihg with Frederick Stark's ork 
across the Mutiial web froni KHJ 
(Lo3 Ahgeies). 



Jose Bodrlguez back on the sym- 
phony trick at KFI-KECA (Los An- 
geles) and ducking the publicity 
chorci Hall Bock doiibles over from 
National roadcasting. 



stations, is the newest mikeman at 
KYAi San, Francisco, 



Gebrsre Nyklicek subbi for 
Charles RUnyari, NBC staff Organist 
i San Francisco, while Runyan va- 
cashes. Nyklicek is on the KYA 
staff. 



Ralph Patt, announcer at WJR, 
Detr.oiti doing, month's sojourn, on 
West Coast. 




CBS R«tkent and NBC Eva- 
sive on How Much it Costs 
to Seat Pass-Holders 



NOT AUDITED? 



. Matilda Trlngall, 16-year-ol.d cpii-: 
traltOi. will warble with Johnny 
O'Brien's Harmonica High Hats in 
airings over coast NBiC networks 
from San Francisco starting this 
week. Girl wori a Bennie Walker 
tyro contest on KGO several months 
ago. 



H.. . Felbig, account exec for the 
Ralph Bruhton stations, KJBS, San 
Francisco, and KQW, San Jose, i$' 
vacashihg in Penyer and o.o.'ing a 
number of transmitters en route. 



Dick DeAngells is verse-spieling 
on a new Sunday, airer, 'Golden 
Treasures,' over KJBS, San. Fran- 
cisco. 



Coleman Cox, philosopher and 
newspaper columnist, began a sei;ies 
of thrice-weekly morning programs 
lait week over KSFO, San Francisco. 



George Fischer, Mutual pic gos- 
Siper, taking bows for being the first 
to put Shirley Temple on the air. 
Occasion was preem of moppet's pic- 
ture, at Carthay Circle, L. A. 



Thomas Conrad Swayer now dish- 
ing up his commentaries on both 
KPr (Los Angeles) and KNX (Holly- 
wood) for Sweetheart Soap. . First 
time one. chappie" hi both nets reg- 
ularly. 



Spencer, Negro bassov 
NBC staff in San Fran^ 
is week for the suinmer. He's 
a student at the Curtis . Institute in 
Philadelphi 



Knickerbocker Quartet (Robert 
tevehs, George Nickson, John Teel, 
Arhiand Girard) will fill a guest spot 
On the Tales of California drama 
over KGO, San Francisco, July 4. 



Charles Gcrrard reiaidih^ commer- 
cials on 'One Man's Family' during 
the Sunday and Wednesday iring 
this Aveek from the NBC. San Fran- 
cisco studios. 



of KYA, San Fran- 
in New York, . Back 



Joan Callashan, secretary to Wil- 
our Eickelberg, manager of KFRG. 
San FrianciscO,. vacashing in Yosemitc 
National Park 



Karl Barron, ' formerly with WIP- 
Philadelphi . and various Caiifornia 



Bernice: Claire, musical comedy, 
radio aiid iscreen soprano, answered 
the questions of Bill Holmes, radio 
and niusic itor of the (Dakland 
Post-Enquirer, in a Woman's Maga- 
zine of , the Air broadcast (1) from 
NBC's San Francisco studios. Miss 
Claire planed east the following 
day to sing in the world preem of 
a new operetta, 'Salute to Spring,' 
in St. Louis, Mo. 



Carmen Dragon left San Francisco 
for Hollywood last, week to arrange 
m.usi(: for Meredith Willson.'s orch 
on the new Show Boat series be- 
gi ing Thursday (8), 



CBiS is officially reticent and NBC 
is. evasive about the cost of seating 
a customer's customer for a visual 
view of a broadcast in a New York: 
radio studio. 

Reason for the mum attitude Is un- 
dbubtedly because of the surprisingly 
high.cOst of cuffing the public to the 
shows. Breakdown of all the ex- 
penses entailed indicates that CBS Is 
necked around 48c. for each person 
admitted to; .each broadcast. . 

That includes rental, for the for- 
mer legit, theatres, all costs of mialn- 
tenance including help, taxes and the 
mechanics; involved. Not lessening 
the expenses any are the nunierous 
rehearsals held in the three brpiad- 
casting : barns' in the a.m.'s. While 
there are nev^r audiences present, 
spots have staffs on hand for. the 
smoothing-out processes. 

NBC, ■with its; audience-accommo- 
dating studios bunched under the 
sarnie roof with all the other depts. 
of the company, claims no break- 
down has ever been made of the ex* 
pense of . oakley ing ; onlookers, When; 
asked, the Treasurer's. Office of the 
web broke out a spinaker in ian ef- 
fort to'^be evasive .and conjured up 
calculus 'fermulas which it was al- 
leged tra.uld be necessary to arrive 
at any remotely accurate figure. 

It was. said that the space alloted 
audiences in the studios would have 
to be: measured and deducteid from 
the rent paid for entire quarters, plus 
mi iscule computations on ushers, 
pages, etc. Fact that rubbernecks 
rarnbling 'round on the NBC studio 
toUrs are eased in and out at 40c. 
per head would also .enter into such 
an expense; as would wear on car- 
pets, coist of dusting and removing 
chewing-gum wads from chair bot- 
toms. 

It is an oversight on the part of 
NBC if the network doesn't break 
down the real figure. It might be 
less than CBS', and . that would be 
a big gloating satisfaction. 

Anyway, it's no dank, dark secret 
that each company dislikes cuffoing 
the customers at the company ex- 
pense. The only reason each does is 
because the sponsors demand it. 



inky Lee niotOred to San Franr 
Cisco last week with his. wife and 
son> Lee is set for a. stanza at the 
Golden Gate theatre. starting 
Wednesday (7), then goes to Holly- 
wood for two weeks before return- 
ing to New Yorjk for. new NBC air- 




Broadcasters Assn^ Defend£ Law Which Per- 
forming Rights Soc. Calls Uiicohstituti69aI 



Radio 'R^sigfiation' 



Following ialog occurred 
last week in a New York so-, 
cial club .between two local sta- 
tion press agents, 
friendly: 

First p.a.-^' When are you tak- 
ing over my job?' 
, Second p,a.— ^'Next Wednes- 
day, Why?' 

First pa.— 'Oh, nothing, 
just haveii't been notified;' 

Second p.a.— (Turning red)—; 
■I thought you knew,'. 




Basis of Damage 





TRADE COMMISH RAPS 
NATIONAL SILVER CO. 



Sail Francisco Opera Guild Is 

plugging its Gilbert and Sullivan 
Festival in the Greelc Theatre on the 
University of Calif orni campus, 
Berkeley, in sustainers. over 

KGO, San Francisco, July 8 and 15. 



B. H. Schbflcid, of KIRO, Seattle, 
is back to work .after operation: in 
hospital where corw.orkers. of sta- 
tion presented him with layette and 
'Advice to Expectant Mothers' as a 
shower indicative of quick, recupera- 
tion. 



KiROy Se.attle, due 
back from Washington and New 
York, -this week. 



Patricia Wilder drew a IS-Week 
ticket on. Jack Haley's, syrup show 
from Hollywood. 

Archdale Jones bowed out as pro- 
ducer of 'Hollywood Extra On; the 
Air' on KFI (Los Angeles), Don 
Clark and Glan Heisch doing the 
trick. 



Washi , July 6. 

Misrepresentations in radio copy 
sponsored by National Silver Co,, 
New York, were assailed Wednesday 
(30) by Federal Trade Commission 
in formal complaint charging unfair, 
competition. 

Company was accused of duping 
potential customers by ■ announcing 
prices via printed and radio adver- 
tising ich are greatly in excess 
Of the normal prices oi theif prod- 
ucts. Then the silverware is offered 
retailers at rhuch lower figures and 
put on the market at 'greatly; re- 
duced prices^' Comrriish said. 

Company turns out 'King Edward,' 
'Devotion,' 'Candor' and IMarlha 
Washington' plated, grub tools. 



Temporary injunction inst 
Hpusehold Finance's broadcasting of 
•It Can Be Done* over NBC ill be 
asked by Sol Rothschiid in the. 

Brooklyn supreme court next Mon- 
day (12), Rothschild is also suing for 
$50,000; damages, claiming that .the 
show with Edgar A. Guest is ah in- 
fringement of: one that he broadcast 
over WRNY in 1932, auditioned for 
NBC in May. 1933, and that had been 
submitted for him to B.B.D. & O,, 
agency on the Household .iaccouht; in 
the spring of 1933. 

Rbthscihild admits that none of these 
contacts was made by im perspn- 
ally, but that all the sales repre- 
sentation on the program was left 
to the lisite Charles D, Isaacson, of 
WRNY. In a supporting affidavit 
Alyce Kushman claims that as sec- 
retary Of the late Charles Isaacson 
she recalled paying a visit to Brute 
Barton, then B.B.D. & Ov pfez., to 
present the program. B.B.D. & 0. 
counsel declare this statement to be 
baisically absurd since Barton has 
never concerned hiniself with radio, 
but left this department entirely to 
the direction of Roy Durstine, for- 
merly gen. mgr. and now prexy. 

'It Can Be . Done' Is built by the 
B:B,I>. & O. agency in Chicago, 
which claims that it developed the 
program idea in co-operation with 
Guest and that it knew nothing of 
the Rothschild program . of 1932. 
Counsel for B.B.D: & O. has called 
a list of titles of the same name and 
dealing with the same theme, 16 from 
novels and short stories, seven from 
legit plays and five from radio. 

During 1923;. Rothschild was in- 
jured iri an auto accident. He suf-r 
fered a complete paralysis of the 
lower part of his, body. Doctors are 
said to have diespaired of his life, but 
Rothschild, after being bedridden for 
two years,, regained muscular control 
and movement in his body. 

This, it is stated,, inspired, him to 
write his book, 'It Can Be IDone.' 
The book contains an introduction by 
Nellie ReveU and is Illustrated with 
works of ifiOted comic artists. It 
was in 1926 that. Rothschild claims to 
have dramatized parts of hi book 
for WRNY, in this city. 



Tacbma, July 6. 
"Three judj|es of the Federal behch, 
composed of E< Ciishman, "racoma; 
Bert E. Haney of San Ffanc: and; 
John C. Bowen of Seattle, tooK ' un- 
der advisement a test case in which 
the American Society pf Composers, 
Authors and Publishers sesjks to bave 
declared unconstitutional the new. 
Washington state music 
law. 

Battery of attorneys argusd 
case in ;ah effort to break the law, 
which compels ASCAP to place on 
file with the;^tate secretary a list ol 
its copyrighted compositions, thus 
giving users dub notice. 

Counter . action by , . ASCAP was 
brought against 10 coiihty prosecu* 
tors. Station -KMO, Tacoma, inter-, 
vened on behalf of the Washington 
State Broadcasters Assh. Two New 
York attorneys, Hiermian ' Flnklen- 
steih and Louis D.. F'rohllch, for 
ASCAP made the major arguments. 
E. C. Mills, chairman Of the board: 
of ASCAP, detailed the Society's for- 
mation. 

Deposition by Harold Weeks, , 
composer, refuted Mills' testimony. 
Weeks in his deposition said ASCAP 
discourages local talent and as . a 
monopoly operates for the benefit, of 
a few cornpbsers,' ; 

Arguments oh behalf of defend- 
ants were made by Clarence C; Dill, 
counsel for. the Washington State As- 
sociation of. Broadcasters. Following 
allrday arguments thC; three Federal 
judges took the case under advise- 
ment. 

Outcome is eagerly watched by 
radio broadcasters, theatres, cafes-, 
and anybody using music for profit. 
The theatres in the state have not 
intervened publicly. 



New Physiogs at WIP 

Philadelphia, July 6. 

Marti Oebbccke .has been ap- 
pointed a.ssistant to Cliftord G< Har- 
ris, technical supervisor at WIP. 
James Peterson has been upped tO; 
equipment supervisor and LeRoy 
Nuss has bepn added to panel staff. 

Jessie- Kane, secretary to WIP 
prexy, Ben Gimbql; lias resigned to 
hit the bridal trail, She will be 
succeeded by Anne Emilie SchiTiidt, 
secretary to Clifford Harris, tech- 
nical supe. Newcomer, Hilda Grud- 
gins, to take Harris' dictation. 



BSELS AND CARRS IN 



JURY TO HEAR 
SESAC SUIT 



Atlanta, July 6. 
Georgia Court of Appeals Friday 
(2) ruled the suit of the Society , of 
European Stage Aiithors and Com- 
posers' Ass'n against the Savannah 
(Ga.) Broadcasting Co., operators of 
WTOC, should be submitted to a 
jury. 

Organization brought its suit in 
Savannah City Court for a judgment 
of .$525 allegedly owed by the broadr 
casting company under terms of- a 
non-exclusive license to broadcast 
musical compositions under its con- 
trail. 



Cincy Social Report 



Cincinnati, Jiily 6. 

Don Becker, of Triansamerican, 
and his wife visited with their folks 
iri Cincy over the' weekend. Pooled 
their, luck with Frank M. Smith, 
Bob Kehhett and Jim Krauters, of 
WLW-WSAI, and with .L. B. Wilson, 
of WCKY;, and his :missus at the La- 
tonia track Saturday (3). 

Bob Jennings, in charge of WSAI, 
Cincy, and his wife are on a fort- 
nipht's holiday, in the East. 

Winifield K. Hunter, program traf- 
fic manager of WLW,. was .married 
July 3 to a West Virginia bellie in 
Charleston, W. Va. Eldon A. Park, 



NEW GOAST MUTUALS ' ^^^^^ station's program co-ordinator, 



July 6.'. 

Don^ Lee .chain is concocting two 
shows here for :the Mutual network. 
First to 'go out will be a revue 
headed by Cleorge Jessel and Nor- 
ma Talmadge (Mrs, Jessel). Other 
will.be a> comedy turn, With Nat and 
Alexander Carr doing their 'Max 
and Mawruss' dialect routine. 

Jessel program is; being sold to 
regional sponsors, ith the east al- 



wais best man. 
Hunter has been with the Crosley 
io Corp. since 1931, He started 
the. broadcast-research depart- 
ment and of late has been aciiye in 
the formulation and development of 
the WLW line.. 



Mixed Career 

Indianapolis, 
Cliff Courtney is new spi 
at WIRE here. 

Came on after last winter as Prof., 
of Speech at Park School for Boys, 



ready get. Piece carries tag of '30 i: local private spot for pounding 
Minutes in. Hollywood.' i education into the heads Of the In- 



Both shows break 



dianapolis ' 400. 



$6 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Brooklyn Chop Suey Case Settled 

^ . . . — ^ 

It's Been Settled Before and F. G. C. Not 
Unanimous This Time— Costly Mess 



WasHington, July 6. 

Bewhiskereid Brooklyn cases Were 
settled for the second time last week 
•when the Federal Communications 
Commission ordered three Stations 
out bf existence and split this 1400 
kc berth • between WBBC and 
WVFW. Application of the Brook- 
lyn Eagle for full time was knifed. 
■ Four-year-old muddle wound up 
in a 4-i division, with Commissioners 
George Henry Payne and Paul C. 
Walker not participating. Vice- 
chairman Irvin Stewart, who retired 
the day of the decision, filed his' 
second dissenting opinion, opposing 
the stand of Chairman Anning S. 
Prall and Commissioners Thad H. 
Brown, Eugene O- Sykes, and Nor- 
man S. Case. 

Effective Sept. 15, the Cbmniish 
order deletes stations WARD. , and 
WLTH, subsidiaries of the Jewish 
paper. The Day, and/gives their 
space oii the clock to WBBC, . which 
now goies from .1-4 to 3-4 time. Re- 
mai ing fraction is awarded WyFW, 
which received a renewal permit on 
the same terms as before. Eagle's 
application was waste-basketed. 

Whether there will be further pro- 
ceedings in the hard-fought riv^ry, 
which dates back to 1933; is con 
jectural. Defeated al)plicants are 
^unlikely to decide imtil they have 
had k squint at the formal statement 
of facts by the minority and 

teward's. minority views. Cost 
item, which already has reached a 
staggering proportions in view of 
three prolonged hearings isince the 
pleas were filed, may block an ap 
peal to the cour 

Politics and Bellglen 

As idle froin the politically trouble 
some WOV-WLWL case settled last 
fall, the Brooklyn mess was the 
worst dish of radio chop suey ever 
placed before the Govemmeh ; 
agency. Religious and political is 
sues, which 'never broke into the 
open, complicated the decisions^ 
forcing the Commish to order two 
public hearings before examiners 
and llnally to spend several weeks 
itself ventilating thie complaints anc 
ambitions of the conflicting groups, 
Final verdict differs notably from 
the recommendations of the two 
examiners— George H: Hill anc 
Ralph L. Walker— and from the only 
prior decision, handed down by the 
Broadcast Division in 1935 and later 
npset by the full Commish in 1936. 

First round, which involved only 
the four partners on 1400, wound up 



in a recommendation from Walker 
that all parties be ousted. After the 
second set of hearings, Hill early in 
1935 recommended a grant to the 
: Brooklyn Eagle; which muscled in, 
and denial of the renewal pleas of 
the four occupants of 1400 as well 
of the plan of WEVD to shift 
from 1300 to full-time on 1400. The 
Iroadcast Division partially accepted 
Hill's suggestion, nixing his alterna- 
tive idea that Arde BuloVa and Nor- 
man K. Winston get the spot in case 
the Eagle wias not favored, but 
granted WBBC renewal license with 
lalf-time. This solution was unr 
scrambled by; the full membership 
i;hree months later. 

Grounds for Stewart's dissent have 
hot been disclosed, but it . is under- 
stood he favored shifting WEVD 
firdm its present berth to the 1400 
space. Whether he wanted this sta- 
tion to get exclusive occupancy or 
merely tne room opened upi by dele- 
;ion of WARD and WLTH has hot 
leen established. His opi ion is be- 
ng held up by other members imtil 
i;he majority statement is ready tor 
publication. ' 

The Eagle fade-out was no surr 
pri&e. Although the Goodfellow 
sheet fought vigorously in the 
second rouhd^ the application 'wa3 
not pressed during this spring's 
gabfest. 



'Bad Taste' Travctty 



Jack Mills, head of Mills Mu- 
sic,- Inc., last week asked the 
American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers to find 
out from JMBC why it permitted 
Beatrice LiUie to do a travesty 
on 'America, I Love You' on the 
Kolyhos program last Wednes- 
day night (30) without obtai 
ping permission ; from the copy- 
'right owner (Mills Music). 

Even if permission, Mills sai ^ 
had been asked, he would have 
turned it down. He added, that 
in his opinion any travestizihg 
of the tune, ^particularly when 
done, in dialect, as happened in. 
the case of Miss Lillie, couldn't 
avoid being in bad taste. 





IN CHICAGO 



640 DECISION 
STAR'^ HGHT 




F. C. C. in Pre-Recess Rampage Sets Down 
IS Applications — Only 9 Get Through 



izatiohal ac- 
tivity on the part of the Interna-, 
tional rotherhood of Eliectrical 
Workers local in Chicago to . bring 
the radio station engineers into the 
fold. Are . campaigning for recruits; 

NBC and Columbia outfits bere 
have inside unions. IBEW isl laying 
off them for the time being. 

Most of the indie station managers 
are making no move to hinder the 
organizing Of their engineers by the 
American Federation of Labor unit. 

There are about 75 engineers in 
local radio affected by the IBEW 
drive. 



Washington, Jiily 6. 
itch fight over the right of 
Federal Communications Comn^is- 
sioh newcomers to settle cases pre- 
viously presented to other members 
was assured last week when ma- 
chinery was started for appeal from 
decision of the D. C. Court of; Ap- 
jpeals upholding the decision in. the 
sensational '640 case.' 

Heartened by a dissenting opinion 
criticizing' the Commish', Eastland 
Co. and Congress Square Hotel; lat- 
ter the licensee of WCSH at Port- 
land, Me., asked the court to stay 
the operation of the majority opin- 
ion and served notice of intent Tto 
ask the Supreme Court to review the 
record. Eastlaind and Congress 
SqUarie. contend the decision which 
gave Portland Broadcasting System 
a franchise for a daytime outlet on 
the KNX channel,: conflicts with the 
Will of Congress and is not com- 
patible with F.C.C.'s own rules. 

The Broadcast Division's ruling 
was sustained by a split decision of 
the appellate court a week ago, with 
four members pooh-poohing the 
squawks about irregularity iii pro- 
cedure. Justice Harold M. Stephens, 
however, wais~ sympathetic toward 
the principal beef. 

HANON TO LADY ESTlBEB 

Bob Hanon, who came east for 
several auditions including the 
Woodbury tenOf spot, has joined the 
Wayne King-Lady Esther programs 
back in Chicago. 

Last-niinufe booking. 



Lingual Issue Criticism 
By Sa. African Radio Exec 
Brought Out Loud Protest 



CapetO\yh, . June . 4. 

Battle; which' for a time threat- 
ened to blow the chairman of the 
South African Broadcasting Corp. 
out of his job; ■ raging, over, the 
question, of . separate language pro- 
grams. Fireworks has'died down to 
some extent, but rumbles are still 
being heaird from the outrlaged 
citizenry who .want their programs 
in Dutch. 

Uproar, started when the chaiirman 
stated that demands for separate 
programs in English and Dutch 
were 'venomous and stupid;' South 
African dialers, who figure they ip>ay- 
the broadcasting piper and . should 
have the say about what tunes he 
plays, hit the ceiling, so hard they 
bounced^ ' ^ 

Protest meetings were held here, 
iii Johannesburg and elsewhere "be- 
fore lai^ige turnouts. Chairman was 
censuired and demand was made that 
the recent referendum, in which 
75% of the license holders voted for, 
separate programs, be iadhered to. 
Pointed out the chairman is a pujbi- 
lic servant and cannot dictate what 
language must be. heard Over the 
air, ..that listeners, who pay the en- 
tire cost Of running and staffing the 
radio stations, should decide the 
question. 

Proposal that the chairman be 
called on to resign was cheered, 
but meeting later voted to give him 
chance to correct conditions. Broad- 
casting Boiard was requested to pro- 
ceed at once with separate .trans 
^missions . in Dutch and EngUsh. 



IRV S. BRECHER 



WRITING 



MILTON BERLE program 

sponsored by Gillette. 

SOLE AUTHOR— 45th consecuti ve week. 



WROTE 

Screenplay (in cbllaboration) 







an RKO-Radip picture. 



WILL WRITE 



ZIEGFELD FOLLIES 

a Messrs. Shubert Production. 



Under Contract to 



MERVYN LeROY 

Commencing Nov. 1 



Management: 

IRVING MILLS 



Reporter-Police Lieut. 
Tries Broadcasting Idea 

incoln, July 6. 
KFOR will air a trio ot Aveekly 
traffic programs using Dick Bennett, 
former Journal reporter^ now police 
lieutenant' in. Charge of traffic. Ben 
rtett will interview traffic officers, 
one each program,- and accident vie 
tims, toiQ. 

If it clicks, the deal will be ex 
tended. Bennett spent term at the 
Northwestern University policei 
school. 



McDonoarh Joins Yankee 

Boston, July 8. 
Dick McDonough, formerly with 
WBZ and WBZA, Boston and Spring- 
field as sports comnientator moves 
over to the Colonial and Yankee 
network. 

Will be sports editor for the news 
service of those nets. 



Washi 

True potent figures 
business were on the casualty li^^ 
this week after the Federal Comma, 
nications Commission Friday '(%) 
held the first ol tWo .mpp-up sessions 
to dispose of raft of pending ex, 
aminers' reportis before summer 
cess. Among those thrown for. losses 
were Clarence C. , Scripps-How- 
ard, and George A. Richards, of WJB, 
Detroit; WGAR, Cleveland, 
KMDC, Beverley Hills. 

Reversiihg'a variety recommen- 
dations frorti examiners, twp of the 
three Broadcast members 
(Chairman Anni Prall having 

walked out earlier in the week) put 
the knife iri Richards' 
solidate ownership of his Michi 
and Ohio triansmitters. Dill's aspiria> 
tion' to move into, the" Washington, 
D. C., radio .picture, and Cbntinen- 
tal Radio's (Scripps-Howard siibsid) 
plan to go on the ir iri Tolieido and 
Columbus. 

AH together, Chairman. Eugene O. 
Sykes and his side-kick, Gov. Nor- 
man S. Case, hard-hieartedly nixed 15 
applications, mostly for new outliets 
a.nd dismissed one. Only nine appli- 
cations camie through the. Commish 
sieve.- .;■"■•>■/■' 

Exami buffered almost 
many blows as applicants; Divisi -> 
ites. upset recoiifimendations in ^0 t>t 
the 25 cases. ~ Most mauled was Exr 
anniiner John P. Bramhall (who-has^ 
figured in numerous tough Ca^es in 
the past), who had three reports ash- 
canned. Ralph Walker and R. H. 
Hyde were bruised in two cases, and 
Ralph Irwin, Mel Dalberg, and P. W. 
Seward in ones each. 

In California, MarysyilleiYuba City- 
Publishers, Inc., were denied new. 
station on 1,140 kic. with 250 watts, 
da"ys only, Commish reversin'g R. H. 
Hyde; Times-: Herald Pufclishihg Co,, 
Vallejo, was denied hew station on 
1320 kc >yith 250 watts, days only, 
Commish upsetting Examiner John 
P. Bramhall; Golden Empire Broad- 
casting Co., Marysville, denied new 
daytime station to be operated on 
1140 kc with 250 watts, ■ iExamiher 
Geoi:ge H. Hill sustai George 
Harm, Fresno, granted new station to 
be operated on 1310 kc with ,100 
watts. Comimish reversing Examiner 
Hyde; Loyal K. King, Pasadena, de- 
nied new daytime station tb .be op- 
erated on 1480 kc with 250 watts, 
sustai ing Examiner Walken 

Honolulu drew a nix when Adver- 
tiser Publishing Co., Ltd., was de- 
nied new station on 1370 kc with 
100 watts, Examiner Irwin reversed; 
Fred J; Hart denied new station to 
be operated on 600 kc with 250 . watts, 
Examiner Irwin Sustained. 



oklahomAs 
coim'totowm 



A swell chunk of mi8-:summer buying power 
under the influence of, a single station that has 
long been the most-listened^to in 
~ 4- Oklahoma. 



VedncBday, July 7, 1937 VARIETY 17 




A NEW RESEARCH WORK 
FOR RADIO EXECUTIVES 



Orders for the first annual VARIETY 
RADIO DIRECTORY are increasing 
daily. 

This advance demand is mostly from 
radio executives who have only seen 
an outline (dummy) since the DIREC- 
TORY is now but on itis way to press. 

Significant, however, is that the Out- 
line alone has convinced these men 
that this new publication will accom- 
plish its purpose. 

For distribution late this month. 



Price: five dollars the copy 



S8 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 7, 19:$7 



RADIO SHOWMANSHIP 

Attention-GetterSf Tie^tlps, Ideas 



Outstainding Stunts: 



HOLIDAY MOTORING 
BULLETINS 
WOR, NEW YORK 



WOR's Safety Tle-iip 

New York City. 
Station WOR won front page pub- 
lic! ty^ strenigthened official, ties in 
New Jersey, its geographically- al- 
located 'home state,' and otherwise 
♦had something' in a holiday week- 
end tie-up ith traffic and safety 
campaigns. 
^ Below New York City the densely 
^^l^ayeled holiday routes through New 
Jersey constitute a police problem. 
Head Cop Mark Kimberling char.ted 
an 'expectiancy' of ni deaths and 
255 accidents oh a basis of previous 
years^ statistics. Trying to reduce 
such gruesome records is a custom- 
ary holiday, week-end ambition of 
the police. 

WOR- devoted a series of broad- 
casts, two ininutes every hour, , all 
through Monday (5) afternoon and 
evening to telling auto radios where 
the bottlenecks were, how traffic was 
flowing and issuing safety warnings. 

Story sent out by jNew Jersey State 
Police ra their than station got it to 
city, desk attention and sidestepped 
the radio columns. 



ment scroll invites plenty of peeps 
over his shoulder. Bally man is a 
member of the Lexington Minute 
Men and looks and acts the part. 
Local radio columns have paid more 
attention to the stutit than any radio 
showmanship gag in months. 

Angle: oldest , form of advertismg 
used to plug the -newest. 

Supplementing this summer stunt, 
the Colonial net . has mailed resort 
postcards f rbtti ten different vacation 
spots to agencies and sponsors, 
briefly calling: attention to posisibili- 
ties of reaching vacationists by radio. 
Among the postmarks.:. Newport, 
Lexington, Laconia, N. H., Salem, 
Mass., Nantucket, Gloucesteir, Bos- 
ton and Pawtucket. 



'Home to Listen to WD^AS^ 

Philadielphi , July 6. 

WDAS is using daily cartoon, 2 
cols, by 3 inch(es, on radio page of 
Evening Ledger, to popularize sta- 
tion. Space obtained through time- 
. space, swap deal with the gheet. (Don 
Davis of WDAS, Kansas City, has 
similar stunt,) . 

Cartoons, inked by Jim G.uenther, 
picture people left in humorously 
embartaissing' position by someone 
i^alking off and leaving them. They 
shout (in balloons) 'Hey, where you 
going?' to which reply is 'Home to 
listen to WDAS.' 

Hope of station is to popularize 
tag-line. 'Home to listen to WDAS.' 



ial Network's Stunts 

Boston. . 
Colonial Network is arousing 
plenty of attentiort downtown with a 
street bally of a town crier in buff 
and blue Colonial costume. During 
noon hour, for three weeks (start- 
. ing June 28), the costumed spieler 
clangs a. bell,- announces five late 
afternoon arid evening programs of 
that day, in brief too sentence plugs, 
then winds up witht Note Ye well! 
Few hear my voice, but millions 
hear the voice of the Colonial Net- 
work.' 

Costumed ■ ballyhpoer covers the 
busiest businiess areas at lunch time, 
including Newspaper Row. Not only 
does the bell and costume get atten- 
tion, but an official looking parch- 



in Two Places 

Salt Lake City. 

Salt Lake Rotarjans at last week's 
ineeting heard Earl J. Gladie, gen- 
eral manager of KSL, preside over 
luncheon meeting, although he Was 
in Chicago attending the National 
Brbadcters association convention. , 

Glade, who is third vice-piresident: 
of local club, conducted chore of pi-e- 
siding from waxed discs operated by 
studio employe. Recording timed 
properly and even included banging 
of gavel. 

Newkirk's Coast Coup. 

Beverley Hills, Calif. 
, Three girls murdered in Ingle- 
I wood, near here. Same day bodies 
were discovered by six B6y Scouts, 
Van Newkirk had them oh KMPC 
relating their experiences leading up 
to the gruesome find. He built a pro- 
gram around the narration, playing 
heavy on the fine work being accom- 
plished by the youthful organization 
in assisting peace officers and rising 
to the occasion in other emergen- 
cies. 

Triple slaying has been the hottest, 
topic locally: in years and dailies 
have devoted columns to the crime 
and hunt for the slayer. After New 
kirk's coup, other transmitters . set 
up facilities at Inglewood police sta 
tion to report progress of the man 
hunt. Real reason for the line set-up 
is that town fears a lynching if slay 
er is, captured. 



are being lined up for a team to be 
taken to Catalina next spring when- 
Chicago Cubs do their spring train- 
ing stint. 

Schools are under direct super- 
vision of Lou ' Fonseca, director of 
promotion for the American Leagiiei 
and former managei: of the Chicago 
White ISox. Acting as his assistant 
is John Harrington, sports announcei: 
whom WJJD borrowed from WBBM 
and Columbia, to do the games. 
Guest instructors are the guest an- 
nouncers on the program; Joe 
Tinker, Tris Speaker, Joe E. Brown, 
and Walter Johnson; among others. 

Every boy participating gets a but- 
ton making him a member of the 
school, and no box tops or other 
proofs of sale are required for en-^ 
trance.. Plan to have a boy city 
sieries at the end. of the season, to be 
held at Wrigley field, and, there ad- 
mission will probably be a Kellogg's: 
Clbrn Flakes' box top, . 

First day the school was run saw 
an attendance of approximately 5,000 
boys- betweeii ages of eight arid 16. 

ibs Used for Meetini^s 

St. Loiils. 
To bring advertisers arid local 
dealers: into closer contact with sta- 
tion, KMOX invites their Organiza- 
tions to hold sales meetings in air 
conditioned KMOX studios. 

Organizations ' recently entertained 
in this manner by KMOX include 
Brown & Williamson tobacco dealers; 
and members of Associated Grocers 
arid General Grocers of St. Louis. 



Baseball Schools for Kids 

Chicago. 

Special play for kid audience is 
being, macie by Kellogg's, with its 
baseball broadcast on WJJD. Full 
pages in all five Chicago rieWspapers, 
were taken last Saturday plugging 
the baseball schools which are ^eing 
run in connection with" the broad- 
cast. 

School is run two days a week, 
each time iri a diflfererit neighbor- 
hood park, and on Saturday morn- 
ings, the moist proficient of the 
week's try^puts, are taken to Wrig- 
ley Field to be further weeded out. 
There, a game is played, and players 



Other Roosevelt on Wax 

.New York City. 
'Thursday (8) WOR will broadcast 
a 15-min. program on which will be; 
heard the transcribed voice of .Teddy 
Roosevelt on thie radio for the first 
tiriie. 

Robert Vincent, in 1913, visited 
Roosevelt the First at his home in 
Oyster Bay and got him to have a 
short speech transcribe'd oo a now 
out-dated Wax disc to be played be- 
fore a meeting of the Boys' Progres- 
sive League at one of their conven- 
tions. 

The spiel deals with juve uplift. 

WGN's Window isplay 

(jhicago.. 

Only studio in town to have its 
own show windows, WGN, Chicago 
Tribune station, uses them to plug 
both equipment and acts, changing 
displays monthly. 

Use photo-montage backgrounds 
With material in front. Last display 
was of sourid effects. Stuff was laid 
in front; with pictures and cards 
giving explanation of how each was 
used. Present alternates to acts, and 
next will show transrnissiori tubes 
and •equipment. 

Charity Slant for Sponsor 

Toronto. 

Howard Lindsay of J. Walter 
Thompson agency herie is responsible 
for 'Radio Auction' show heard Mon- 
days over CFRB. Fair nairie oJ: 
charity gives half-hour airing aidded 
talking point. Idea is. that members 
of- studio audience have to produce 
five articles valued at no moire tlian 
50c. ^ach to gain adrnissiori. Items 





RADIO STATION IN 

Grand Rapids. ,WOOD-WASH 
Kalamazoo ...... . WKZO 

Battle Creek . WELL 

La rising WJI M 

Bay GitY-Saginaw.WBCM 
Flint WFDF 
Jackson .WIBM 




EIGHT RADIO 
STATIONS \H 
MICHieAN'S EIGHT 
LARGEST CITIES 




ASKS RADIO PROBE 

Washington,. 

Sen. Wallace White (Rep) of Maine late today (Tues.) ' 
resolution calling for investigation of radio industry, 
state Commerce commiittee would conduct. 

About 25 ^specified points for investigation include network at\d 
newspaper domiriation, F. C. C. laxity and the financial stvucture 
generally. 

BUrtort Wheeler, hot on radio himself, is chairman 6E this com- 
mittee. Other members include ariti-block booking champion Neely 
of W. Va., Bon of Washington,; Barkley of Kentucky, Wagniei' ot 
New York. 



may include postage stamps, hatr 
pins, pipe cleaners, etc. 

Team of Biert Pearl and Wally 
Armour, when not playing pianos, 
take the. mike to read list of , items 
they will buy.. Tearii tries to sell 
articles back on next program and 
tiurn money over to chai:ity.. 

Appareritly plenty of plants are in 
audience to pep up program. With 
only studio audience of 100, team 
was able to buy such odd items as 
an arrti band, bodice, mouth organ, 
ash tray, etc. Failed to bUy only 
;hr6e items called. Swing band arid 
piano tearii: supply miisic. 



Flaw ill Siiccess Story 

Lancaster, Pa. 
robably the most popular good- 
will builder yet emplbyed by WGAL 
here is its Lost and Found Depart- 
ment/which it handles in connection 
with city and state police. Program 
las no set period or frequency arid 
the number .of broadcasts depiends: 
upon the importance or the number 
of things reported lost. 

Ernest Stanziola, Station Program 
Director, cornplairis, however, that 
station's batting average is very low 
when it comes to recovering lost, 
strayed pr stolen hunting dogs. 




Norfolk, Va. 
Jeff Baker, WTAR announcer for 
the 7 Up Man on. the. Street. Prb- 
mbtiori, did a twist the other after- 
noon. 

Arranged to have the crowd by 
the Norva Theatre quiz him con- 
cerning the bottle product. 

Change of pace from usual blah- 
blah. 



PLUS THE KEY STATION 

Detroit WXYZhbC blue 

GIVE PROFITABLE C0VERA(3E OF MICHIGAN'S BIG 
RICH MARKETS OVER 4 MILLION PEOPLE BY 

The MICHIGAN RADIO NETWORK 

OPERATING ON FULL DAILY SCHEDULES OF COMMERCIAL AND SUSTAINING 
PROGRAMS: JUST LIKE COAST-TO-CO AST NETWORKS OPERATE 



WGAL Draws a Crowd 

Lancaster, Pa. 

A novel remote planned to call at- 
tention to the .new equipment and 
better facilities of WGAL here by 
visual mearis was recently staged 
under the direction of Walter MiHei"* 
Station manager. 

Station's . new antennae was being 
pairited and Miller sent chief ari- 
nouncer Eddie Guridaker to the top 
of the tower in a boatswain's chair 
to interview the painters. Gundaker 
riding a two foot plarik and sur- 
rounded by control bok and other 
equipment took the high ride and 
spent a gleeful 15 minutes deseribing 
the town as seen from aloft and kid- 
ding the crowd in the street by 
means of a special amplifier system. 

Stunt which had plenty of ad- 
vance publicity both . on the air 
and in local newspapers attracted a 
crowd of several hundred people and 
drew nearly a hundred questions 
which listeners wanted announcer to 
ask painters he was interviewing. 



JAMS WHN, N.Y, 



K. idneyy of WHN, New York, 
spent all day yesterday (Tuesday) 
giving testiriiony to the Federal gov- 
errimerit labor board exartiiner on • 
the situation affecting union panel- 
men at WHN. 

; Engineers at WHN are orgaai 
by ARTA 1()Q%,,' but the theatri 
crafts in lATSE threaten to strike ia 
LOeW theatres if the CI.O. rival is 
recognized. 

Government will take the matter 
urider adviseriient. 'Sidney waihts to 
be told what union to do bus! 
with* 



Pappy Gheshire'js Motor Trek 
St. Louis, July 
To keep 'Pappy'. Chesire's person- 
ality on the Slack Furniture Co. pro- 
;gram and at'sante time permit sta- 
tion's Hill, illyvboss and family to 
iienjoy vacation, KMOX waxed 
number of one-miriute greeti 
from 'Pappy' spotte.d at 
,points on itinerary. 

These records are .interpolated 
Cheshire's regular a.m. 'billy' pro- 
grams during his motor trip that is 
embracing Dallas, £1 Paso, Los An- 
geles, Salt Lake City, Omaha and 
several other points. 



WTMV salesman; Al Rauer, ^re^ 
turns to -East St. Louis, hospital for 
further treatment ', oh skull Injiiry 
suffered in auto accident three years 
ago. 



Leslie Lieber guests on the Ariieirir 
can Can (Beri Ber ie) program oyer 
NBC-blu^ on Jiily 6, 



Paul Sabon replacing the Kin 
Jesters at the LaSalle hotel, . 
cago. 



Jim Hennessey added WTMV, 
E. St, Louis, announcing staff; 



WTMV*s Pamphlet Series 

. St. Loui 
WTIVIV has prepared a series of 
nine advertising pamphlets, as at- 
tractive as anything produced by any 
station in this section, which are 
distributed , to local prospects and 
^national agencies at rate of one each 
ten days. First one asks 'Is radio 
advertising in St. Louis expensive?' 
and then eplains that WTMV's rates 
are lower than other stations al- 
though it reaches 317,600 listeners 
in Metropolitan St; Louis- Others 
assert 'You're in the show, business — 
it you have a product to sell St. 
Louis'; 'What's the answer. to bigger 
.profits in St. Lotiis on smaller ad- 
vertising budgets?' 

Pamphlets prepared by Woody 
Klose, program director,. and William 
H. West;, head WTMV. are drawirig 
considerable .attention froi radio 
users. 



Scout Stunt 

Indianapolis. 

WIRE grabbed nice publicity on 
Boy Scout Jamboree, now in prog- 
ress in Wa.shington. D. C. Local sta- 
tion had recording made at National 
Capital by Indianapolis scouts at- 
tending, ru.shed back to Indianapolis, 
and. put the disc Ori last Sunday (4> 
for 15- inute stanza. GbV relatives 
and friends talking up WIRE for 
bringing, them their absent one's 
voices for period. 

One scout even got in a hello for 
an unnamed girl friend he left be- 
hind here, for his jaunt to Wash- 
ington. 




R, E, Barrington has quit as man- 
ager pE KROY, Sacramento. 0. E. 
Wolfe, chief engineer at station, has 
noAv assumed managership as well as 
his technical duties. Lucille McCub- 
bin is now handling publicity at 
KROY; addition to sales staff is El 
Lundy. 




NPTIONQL REPHESEMTPTIVES 
EDWRRD RETRY & CO. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 




RADIO 



VARIETY 



3?> 




CLAIR McCOLLOUGH 



American Telephone & T6legraph 
Co admits that the airmile charges 
involved in Delaware represent an 
increase over the old circuit mile 
bookkeeping. This is in answer to 
charges filed some weeks ago with 
the Federal Communications Com- 
mission by Clair McGoUbugh, 6£ the 
Mason^Dixon Radio Group, regional 
network with headquarters in tan- 
caster, Pa, 

Dispute, accprding to A- & T. 
(speaking for its subsidi , Dia- 
mond State Telephone) involves 
only $7 monthly. Asked to comment 



I 



Shepard's Experience 

John Shepard, 3rd, in 
sppiise to query" from Variety 
explained his eiiperience with 
A. T: & T. as follows: 
• 'New basis has -reduced our 
cost 6f local lines in , Boston 
from 30% to 50%: -The mini- 
mum does . not . affect Us, In 
Providence' and Bridgepiort 
some prices went iip iand some 
went .down so it is about 
Bates were effective 

Jan. 

John Gillin Of WOW, Omaha, 
Is still on circuit cable at 75 
per quarter mile, rate in force 
^everail years. ; ' 



on . this statement, McGollough told 
.Variety that the *phbn« company, is 
trying to confuse , the issue; if they 
claims-Delaware: rate, dispute amounts 
io only seven dollars^' 

Considerable, publicity last fall en- 
couraged broadcasters to anticipate 
rieductions in line charges for local 
transmission (not network, which , is 
entirely separate and apart from the 
issues raised by .McCoUoUgh). 
Foirmer circuit mile was computed 
as. the actual dllstance by wire, in- 
clusive of all detours in routing. 
jRate was 87 cents per quarter mile. 
New airmile system measures the ac- 
tual distance between station, cen- 
tral phone' switchboard and irans- 
mitter and is figured at $1.25 per 
quarter mile. 

Since the adoption, of the airmite 
fystem of radio transmission book- 



keeping, A. T. & T, staties 540 sta- 
tions out of the national' census of 
685 broadcasting units have been 



In Hollywood 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Consensus among local sta- 
tions woiild indicate revised 
phope schedule in effect since 
Jan; 1, effecting station saving 
from .10%^ to 15%. Minimum 
under airinile schedule for first 
quarter is $3.50 agaiii^t circuit 
first half ipile of . $1.50. 

Some operators claim reduic- 
tion greater rfn short haul thah 
long haul. 



brought under this methdd. An an- 
nual saving of $250,000, estimated in 
advance by telephone auditors^ is, 
however, jioi uniform in its applica- 
tion. Geographic conditiohs and the 
relation of thie three sites— studio- 
exchange-transmitter— rmight faypr 
some stations and not others. 

Delaware proved, the phone com- 
pany avers, the exception to the rule 
that, considered state by state, the 
rates were equal or lower. Phone 
company has how put it up to. the 
Federal ,, Communications Commis- 
sion a? to a return in DelaWare to 
the former circuit milie computation. 

States stili on circuit mile chiarges 
are New York, ..Pennsylviani Ne- 
braska, lovfa, Minnesota both 



Detroit Slightly Less 



Detroit, July 6. 
Minimum quarter mile 
airmile local telephone trans- 
mission is $3.50 with $1.25 
charge for additibiial quairter 
mile^. 

Went into effect Jan. 1. 
.Slightly less than formerly. 



Dakotas. Latter five states, all be- 
long to Northwest Bell. 

In his original complaint to F.C.C. 
(May 13), McCoilough said, anipng 
other things: 

'As of May 1, the: Diamondi State 



Telephone Company, Bell Telephone 
subsidiary in th6 State of Delaware, 
increased our rates for local remote 
broadcast lines approximately 243% 
for ^the first , quarter-mile and ap- 
proximately 44% for each additional 
quarter-mile. 

'Using air-line measurement for 
mileagej which we heairtily favor, 
instead of the bid method of route 
measurement, radio stations are sup- 
posed to get a reduction in- cost, 
However, the joker how comes to 
light in Delaware, with a minimum 
charge to WDEL; and WILM of $3 
for the first quarter-mile and $1.25, 
for each additional qUarter-mile. 



Chicago Situation 



Chicago, July 6. 
. Local Telephone: transmissi 
line cost from 25 to 40% less 
since airmile System' substi- 
tuted for circuit lines. Great- 
est saving is to Station WIND 
because of long haul. WGN, 
WCFL and WJjb less saving 
becausie of short distance, ' 
Remotes minimum . cost are: 
irst Quarter mile, $4. Sub-, 
sequent costs, first half, $5.50; 
-three^q;uarter, $7; mile, $8.50. 
Short hauls run about same as 
■when circuit lines. Long runs 
Switchover went into 
1, and is for all 

Jill 



Heretofore, the cost was $0.87 */4 per 
quarter-mile irregardlesa ,o£ length 
of line; with no minimum charge. 

'This means networks and larger 
stations . using long line hauls are 
now receiving lower rates by. air- 
line measurement while hundreds of 
stations . operating in 'cities where 
most of their broadcast lines are 
purely local loops, a few quarters of 
a mile in length, will suffer an in- 
crease in rate beyond all reason 
when the hew rates become general.' 



Inside Stuif-^Radio 



With the idea of evenluaily, raising the standard of radib writing, a 
series of semi-annual awards fbr outstianding sci'ipts and productions wil 
be made by Radio Script I*)undation, of New York. Radio EJyents, Inc., is 
behind the thing and is jputting up the coin. 

Awards-will be made on the recommendation of a board of judges, rep- 
resenting various .bratiches pf show business. Members include Brock 
Penibertpn, Carl Reed,' Selena Roy le, Alfred J. McCPsker, Ben Gross,. Dr.. 
Q. ' H: Caldwell, Georgia Backus, Paul S. Ellison, Llpyd Jacquet, J. M. 
Koehler; William Burnham, and Antony Stanfordi 

First prize will be $100,/secpnd and third prizes will be $50 esich, and 
fpurth pri2e will. be. $25. Prpductipn.. director of the winning script \yill 
also get^ ah award not yet decided upbh. While they matter is'^itiU un- 
settled, understood some members of .the cbnimittee. are in favor of re- 
quiring that the ten best scripts, from which the final selections will be 
made, be judged in an actuarperfbrmance or via wax. On the other hand, 
Georgia Backus and J. M. Kbehler, 'who organized the idea of the com- 
petition and are dividing the bankrpll, are anxious to' avoid establishing 
tpo many entrance requirements and involving unnecesjsary expense for 
contestants. i_ 

Script entrants are tb be submitted ing to the 

present rules. 



. Some thirty-odd statiohs throughout the cbuntry have paiid $250 ieach 
for de luxe copies of the convention program published last year by the 
Democriatic Natipn&l Gpmihitteeior the Philadelphia huddle Which renom- 
inated President Roosevelt. 

When the books were ori inaliy published last year, the Democratic 
.National Gommittee used 'em as a means' of raising campai money; 
$385,525 was realized from ads; $481,467 from sate^^ 

. With a dieficit i-ecently, the cbrnmittee took 1,500 of the fancier editions 
which rfemaiined oh the shelves, got the. President to sig;riature sheets of 
paper, and pasted 'em in the books. 



Of the eight southern stations added to the N.BC list last week or two, 
WNBli^ Mempiiis, and KXYZ, Houston^ will ■ have their schedule's made 
available also to Mutual clients. Others in: the grbiipof NBC newcomers are 
WAGA, Atlanta; WSGN, Birminghanti; WROL, Knoxville; WJBq, Baton 
Rpiiige; WDSU, New Orleans; KFDM, Beaumont, Tex.; KRIS, Corpus Christ, 
and KRGV, West Laco, All alliances become effective Aug; i.. 

Entry of the eight will make it necessary, for NBC to put out a hew. 
rate card immediatejly. Network distributed the last one several .weeks 
•ago, ieffective July i.. 



Dorothy Worthington set Reinald 
Weirehrath repeat July 13 oh Ham- 
merstein music hall. Same, bffice ) 
booked Channing- Pollock for Heinz i 
July 26. I 



New shares. of Columbia Broadcasting System were approved for listing 
on the New York stock exchange by the board of governors at a spiecial 
meeting last weekr Actual trading in shares, however, has not skirted. 
Action stepiped up the price for both CBS *A' aqd 'B' stock, in Over-the- 
Couhter market, with the bid prices around .$28 and the asking quotation 
high at . $30. 



Employes in the newsrooin of a Denver statibn were worried for a. fevt 
hours aftier they had invited the hew owner of the station to leave their 

(Continued on page 52) 



★ 




As the good ship WLW sails on the 
oeean of Business to the 
Prosp en t^j are you 






The 








E 



in elude 





campaign must 



THE NATIO 



N'S STATION 



40 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Schools for Air Conditioning Training 
Using Radio to Drum Up Students 



Chicago, July 6- 

that make money, teach - 
itig young men how to make, rhoney 
in new ■ businesses are . common 
phenomenon of :any, 'trend.' At 
resent the expectation of air con- 
itibning and refrigeration, expan- 
sion has made the 'school' in 
that field bi 

At least three such institutions are 
cuvrently using radio to -drum up 
students. More tuition-seekers are 
expected to buy time, 
^ffhree noAV operating and using 
radio in an increasing degree! are 
Utility Engineering Corp. of Chicago, 
Refrigeration and Air .Conditioning 
Institute of Chicago, Refrigeration 
and Air. Cohditiorving Training Corp. 
of Youngstown, Ohio. 

At the N. A. B. convention last 
tnonth Bob Barrett, and Harold Hig- 
gins of the Chicago WOR office got 
talking to Hugh Rager Of First 
United Broadcastiers, agency han- 
dling tility Engineering, and be- 
fore they got finished talking Raiger 
okayed a ohcc weekly l5-rninute 
Shot oh WOR, New York. 



SHAKESPEARE IN GANADA 



NBC and CBS Example May Be 
Followed 



HoW They Bat at KMOX 

St. Louis, July 6. 

Merle S. Jones, asst. to James p. 
Shouse, gen. mgr. KMOX, departed 
Monday (5) for Chicago to become 
western mgr. of radio saleg ;tor 
CBS. Bob Dunville hais beferv lipped 
to replace Jones and Bob. Sarnpson,. 
formerly with KSD, drops, into. Dun- 
ville's chair. 

A.rthur Casey has been made asst. 
program ditecfor with Ti Renier 
still head man. Casey joined stu- 
dio in li935 after stage career and 
boss of 'Casey Players' who folded 
during depression. 



Back from Hollywood where they 
worked with Gene Autry ; in 'Ride, 
Ranger, ide' and 'Yodelling Kid 
from Piney Ridge,' Dick Hartman 
and his Tennessee Ramblers have 
rejoined sta^ of WWiSW, Pittsburgh. 



Winhipag, July 6. 
Governmeint-controlled Canadian 
Broadcastinjg Corp. is expected to 
jump into a Shakespearean cycle in 
the fall. Localities have already been 
after the CBS officials in town ask- 
ing 'em to carry either the CBS or 
NBC Shakespearean blasts and it 
was then ■ that the proposed series 
came to light. 

But beyond the fact that they 
hoped to do a series in the fall, noth- 
ing more was said, ith local radio 
editors still asking, 'How about 
taking the American produced 
shtiiws?' 



Dear Boss: Stay Away 



Missoula, Mont., July 6. 

Coca-Cola has bought a man 
on the street show from KG VO, . 
Missoula. Deal was closed by 
the beverage company's; reps 
here while Ai'thur Mosby, the 
station's manager, was off in 
New York calling agencies 
for business. ■ 

Program will be tagged 'Vox 
Pop.' 



Here and' There 



Kay Kyser to do his Mutual-Willys 
shbt from WGN, icago, Aug; 25.' 
Band now doing one-nighters. 



'Painted Dream,' recently celebrat- 
ing its' 1,500th performance on 
WGN, Chicago, moves to the 10:30 
a.m. spot left vacant when 'Arnold 
Grimm's Daughter' (General . Mills) 
sw:itched to Columbia; 




KKSIJI.TSI 



The international scope 
and lound growth of this 
organization are the. re- 
wards of experience and 
service applied to station 
representation. 



WCPJ) Moving Studios 

incinnati, 
WCPO, (Scripps-Howard) will 
soon transfer its studios and .office 
from the Hotel Sihton to another 
downtown location. Necessary to 
permit expaiisi . . 

Identifyi itself as 'Cincinnati's 
new? station,' WCPO now has 14 pf 
its quarter-hour and IQ-niinute reg- 
ular news periods bearing commer- 
cial tags. Two of them are for Sun- 
day stanzas; Resthayen Memorial, a 
cemetery, and the Fisher-Griffin Co., 
dealer in electrical appliances. 

;Daily . newscast spots are oii the 
hour, except for 8 a. .m/and 3, 5 and 
7 p. m., from 7. o'clock in the morn- 
ing to midnight. Sears Roebuck Co. 
has the 9 a. m. and i9 p. m, programs. 
Others are sponsored by Frank's 
Radio shop. King Drug Co., Cincin- 
nati Post, Fairbanks Morse Co., re- 
frigerators; Capitol Clothes ^ Shop, 
Becker Clothes Co., Savin loan and 
jewelry shop, Norge refrigerators. 
Postal Telegraph Co., Rosen's men's 
year, and the Model Shoe Co. 

Postal Telegraph Co. is a new air 
advertiser locally. 

James H^inrahan, general manager 
of Scripps-Howard Radio, Inc., is 
transferring Bob Knapp . and Don 
Payey, announcers, and James Knox, 
tinrie salesman, from WCPO ta 
WNBR, Memphis, Tenn. Changes; are 
temporary, but may beconie per- 
manent. 

Trio will start in at WNBR July 
12, ith a brief vacation as a bracer. 



Frank WGN Chicago 

executive, .eyeing a .three-week 
yachting trip to begin around Sept: 
18. 



UJEED E compony 



'Woodruff to Bermuda 

Jim Woodruff, Jr.," manager of 
WRBL, Columbus, Ga., has been in 
New York few days.- 

Sailed yesterday .Cfuesday) for 
Bermuda with his bride. 



Alfred. S. IMoss has joined A. W. 
Lewin. Co., Inc., Newark ad agency, 
as an account exec. Moss for the 
past' year was sales and ad manager 
of WQXR, New York. 




Markets over WGY, using the nom 
de radio of 'Jane Evans.' Also pre- 
sents an afternoph WGY household 
feature, with cooperative advertis- 
ing, under tag of 'Betty Lehox.' 



Franklin Topke has b^en promoted 
from the announcing staff of WOWO, 
Fort Wayne, to production manager. 
Another newcomer to the production 
depart. Is Bill Davies, formerly of 
WLBC, Munciej Ind. Davies will 
also dp publicity. 



' Don Thornburir, CBS v.-p. in 
charge of the Pacific division, started, 
back for that point Friday (2) after 
a three-day visit .at the network 
homebffices. 



Phil Baker trained to the Coast 
last Mondiy (5) for his pic debut 
in 'Goldwyn Follies/ 



Mike Riley leaves Mountain View 
House, Port Kent, N. Y„ July 17-, to 
go into the New Penn Club, Pitts- 
burgh, with a KDKA and NBC 
wire. Felix Ferdinando replacing 
him at the Port Kent spot. Set' by 
CRA. 



Carl 'Deacon' Moore opens July 20 
for the season at Buckeye Lake, 
Ohio. 



Bess Flynn, Chicago radio actress 
arid writer of 'Bachelor's Children' 
and .'We . Are. Four,' taking family 
dude-rahching for three months. 



Ed W6od, sales manager at WGN, 
to N.Y. for week; 



Nat; Vincent of the Happy Chap- 
pies duo on KSO-KRNT, Des Moines, 
is back from New York City with 
copies of the Chappies new song, 
'Kitty Lou,' . just published by Mills; 



Marna Stansell, Drake U. co-ed 
who recently w**"* * student film 
contract with Paramount, was pre- 
sented on a congratulatory program 
by Ki50, D6s Moines. 



Jack Egran has just joined Bob 
(Believe It Oi: Not) Ripleys radio 
production staff. 



Allan McKee, announcer at WMT, 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is writing, pro- 
ducing and announcing a new pro- 
gram, called 'Did You Know?' 



Jean Fahrney, .13, Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, oh WMT's 'Smooth Sailing* 
program. 



Gieorge Trimble pf Marschalk & 
Pratt ; agency visitor at the KSO- 
KRNT, Pes Moines, last Week. 



Alice Frost is Walter O'Keefe's 
■dialogic punching bag on the Town 
Hall series starting tonight. 



A. regory and L. H. Franklin 
neW ir of salesmen at KOY, 
Phoenix,. Eugenia Kehr is the new 
studio hostess- at the station. 



Cally Hplden band at.'the ^ait-Noya 
Club, Reno.- 



Ted Schneider has rejoined the 
WHN, New York, program dept. He 
quit the. station several months ago 
to get out of radio biz, but returned. 



Molly Picon guests 6n the Rudy 
Vallee show Aug. 8. Sa.mmy Weis- 
"bord, of the Mbrris office' agenting. 
Cecelia Ager (Variety) is oh this 
Thursday (8). 



Darreli Sinon has joined WNBX, 
Springfield, Vt., as control room 
engineer. 



Cotton Blossom. Sinjg^^ers, Negro 
quartet from Jackson, Miss., are now 
at WGY, Schenectady, for thrice- 
weekly broadcasts. 



Lester Lindow, of WCAE, Pitts- 
burgh, accompanying Ford Billings, 
back west for a vacation. 



, While Darreli V. Martin, radio 
editor of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is 
vacationing, his column is being con- 
ducted by his brother, Ken Martin, 
the band leaider. 



Arliherton Stake Races being 
broadcast over WGN, Chicago, and 
Mutual. Hiandled by Lincoln Plbpp. 



'$nowba1I/ 13-year-old negrp boy 
tap dancer and singer ' sighed by 
Selviaii: ad agency to dp a weekly 
15 minute spot on WAAF, Chicago. 
Daily Drover's Journal station, for 
Feldman Petroleum. 



Ted Huislnff and immy Dolan in 
Milwaukee for the track meet and 
Chicago for the horse race. la.st week. 
Going to Princeton next for the. Big 
Three mieet. ■ 



Mrs. Lawrence H. Pike h.as taken 
over the morning food prpgiam of 
Schafler: Stores-Empire Community 



.Four Gentlemen of Rhythm, set for 

unlimited stay at the Hotel Radissbn, 
Minneapolis. Consolidated set. . 



Swor and Lubin, comics, guest on 
Gulf (CBS) show July 11. 



Tim (Ryan) .and Irene (Noblette) 
step before the cameras at Astoria; 
L. I., July 12 to make another Edu- 
cational short. 



Geprffc McMiirr^y quit CBS pub- 
licity pen to p.a. Horace Heidt's 
orch.. Replaced on the roster at Co- 
lumbia by Cecil Brown, last with 
the ' defunct N. Y. American. 



Tommy ' Dorsey crew guests on 
CBS' 'Swing Club'' July 10, 



Don McClean, gabber from WVED, 
Waterbury, has been added to 
KYW, Philly, spielstaff. He will 
work at Million Dollar Pier, Atlantic 
City, from which daily half hour 
sustai ing is pumped to net. 



A. W; . Dannenbaum, prexy of 
WDAS, Philly, recuperating from 
appendix slicing by spending, three 
weeks in Maine tinkering with his 
ispeedboats. 



Pat Stanton, general manager, at 
WDAS, Philadelphia^ visiting sta- 
tions throughout New England using 
Irish programs to get ideas for his 
own shamrock offering. 



Morrison Parker, formerly at 
KCMO, joins WTMV E. St. Louis 
announcing staff. 



Marie Love Cross, WTMV E. St. 
Louis, auditor, in Sti Mary's Hos- 
pital. Appendicitis. 



Florence Daniels added to WTMV 
E. St. Louis, continuity staff. Hei* 
stint Will: be to furnish, women's 
touch to accounts aimed at femmes. 



WTHT, Hartford Times station, 
taking: extension to full time yester- 
day (6) in stride without special 
celebration. 



Robert Cartiere, who alisp sings 
under name of Bob Carter on 
KDKA, Pittsburgh, has joined 



permanent cast of 'Night at the 
Inn,' Old Shay Ale's commercial on 
WCAE once a week, He replaces 
James Hayden in male warbling 
niche. 



Doc Schneider, cowboy 
boss at WTIC, Hartford, 
from! pneumonia. Staff, 
pinchrhitting. 



Rev. Hugh Shields, humorist, off 
WICC, Bridgeport, for while because 
of ideath of. mother. 



Dolly Mitcheil,. Juve songstress^ 
switching from WICC, Bridgeport, 
to weekly children's frame at WQR, 
New York, where her father Al is 
'The Answer Man.' 



igelbw; Twins, formerly at VfELt, 
New Haven, moved to sartie 

Icity's WICC substation. 



Loiiis Prima opened his' own nit- 
ery on Vine street in Hpllywobd. 



Stuff Smith left the Coast to com- 
plete .his contract at the Onyx club 
in Nevv York. He!s due back in 
Hollywood Aug. 8 to open a six 
month stand at the Famous Door. 



Ernest Stanzlola, Program i. 
rector, at WGAL* Lancaster, has also 
been made Personnel. Director of 'the 
stati 



Pat and Don, formerly of WEEU, 
Reading, have transferred to WGAL, 
Lancaster, 



Wynn.Wrii^ht, dramatic director at 
WW J, Detroit, sojourning at Torch 
Lake, northern part of Michigan. 

Buss Per&en, WCCO, St. Paul, re- 
rniote control engineer, had his first 
crack -up after 50 solo hours as air.- 
plane pilot, but escaped with only 
his pride bruised. 



t. E. DnttonV.Jpm Gpbtee, A, D. 
Aldred. and Homer Courchene added 
to the 'NBC Chicago engineering, 
staff. Dutton comes in from WIOD, 
Miami; as studio engineer; Gbotee 
corhes in frorh the foreign staff of 
RCA to join NBC field gang. Alfred 
was formerly •with WGES here and 
(Continued on page 56) 




THE NEW CRY 

OF THE 

OLD WEST 



CENE OTALLON, Manager 

Rep. by JOHN BI.AIR & CO. 




Listen to WHN's 



BROADWAY rnmr^ 

iHBlliSiSfl 

;t<iiifl<»^ «itd E|«(in«r F»w»ll 
ond m host df fopHfiolch 
liiUf t<ilnersl W i<; 

NEW YORK'S NO. 1 
SHOWMANSHIP STATION 
1540 BROADWAY 



"BROADWAY 
MELODY HOUR 



with Col Jay C Flipppn as M.C . 
IrvinR A.nronsoii .iiu) Ins Corn 
inanilcrs . . Spoosored hy the 
BokIcm Icp Crpnm Co . VViMlncs 
(Inys ,it 8 p 111. Jusi fine of 
out BIG Sliowin.insliip pi nt;!,!!!!--. 



P 

r 






COLORADO SPRINGS 

\ " . 



VARIETY 



41 




He must del that across 
to the Pbihlie'' 



''We must take people into our confidence— talk to 
them in their homes. We must do the next best tiling 
to visiting them personally: we must go op, the air," 



RCA presents the "lAXagic Key of RCA" every Sunday, 
2 to 3 P. M., E. D. S. T , on the NBC Blue Network. 



Faced with new situations, new standards of economics, new 
attitudes of labor. Business must campaign for public favor 
as never before. It must recognize public good-will as the 
greatest possible force in Business, as it is in Goyernment. 

Every sound business knows that people are responsive 
to honest leadership, honest service, honest products. And 
so we say : "Get your story acrosfs through the greatest force 
the world has ever known for influencing lives and thoughts 
-Radio/ over NBCr 

Use NBG to interpret your aims and ideals. Sell yoiir ser- 
vices and your products through their outlets to 24^500,000 
homes.* Use NBC consistently , For wherever people are— wher- 
ever people go— there is radio, and the far-flung stations of NBC ! 

"'—plus 4,300,000 hnlomohile radios. 



NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY 

A Radio Corporation of America Service 



42 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Football Situation-3 Months Ahead, 

dominating 





Rush oi sponsors counterbidding 
for broadcast rights to cbllege grid 
games that was , anticipaited this 
autumn has not arrived. By all signs 
at present there will be no vast vying 
among the ; bankrollers. 

Again Atlantic Refinine has hogged 
the field through the East and South. 
Thus far the other sections of the 
country have found prospective 
sponsors lethar " , particularly 
through the midwest. Big Ten teams 
arid Notre i>ame, which are the king- 
;vpins of the section, have hot been 
signed and it now appears imlikely 
that they will. 

In the Eas^ Atlantic Refining is 
spending around $350,000, as against 
an approximate $260,000 last year. 




HENRI 
NO E L 

His Continental Music 
His French Songs 

CURRENTLY AT 

FRENCH CASINO 

Atlantic City, N. J. 



HARRY 
SALTER 

CONDUCTING 

LUCKY STRIKE 
"HIT PARADE" 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

N.B.C. Red at 10 P.M., EDSt 



FARMED OUT, NOW REAPED 

Polished at WHAT, Now Gfaduates 
to WCAU 



Fuel firm has optioned Saturday 
afternoon time on 50 stations from 
New England through Georgia. The 
options must be picked up or re-; 
linquished by August 

Deals for game rights have alrieady 
beei^ made by Atlantic with Pitt; 
Penn, Cornell, Virgini , V. M. I., 
V. P. I., Duke, Georgia, Poly Cross^ 
Dartmouth, Colgate, Syracuse, W. & 
L., Williahi. and Mary, Richmbnd, 
Maryland. ' Pending are half a dozen 
other schools. 

Sponsor has not yet Worked out 
all details for the placing of games 
on spfecific stations, but, it is definite 
that WCAE, Pittsburgh, will carry 
the Panther tilts, arid WCAU, Phillyi 
the Penh home games. 

For the first, time the Virginia 
Conference has been broken down 
and brought to heel in the matter of 
radio: Heretofore the schools, have 
disliked broadcasting to the extent of 
nixing eVen sustai ing airings in or 
around their comn>unitiesi Deal now 
made with thie Conferjehce calls for 
each institution to have aired two of 
its home contests over a linkup of 
strictly Virginia stiations. 

In the New\York .area Atlantic is 
considerably anxious to have its 
fanciest foot forwatd,. and conse- 
quently the optioned time on WQR 
will be used to carry the gariie each 
week that sponsor thinks of most 
interest to the public. , That will be 
done to counteract the Yale games 
which Sbcony plans to put on 
WMCA, ais a-metropblitan New York 
adjunct to the Yankee network. 

Socony,. after bagging Yale, which 
Atlantic h^d last yeat, has not 
evinced further interest in getting 
more than the seven Old Eli. games 
for which $30,000 Was paid. An over- 
ture was made to Cornell, but At- 
lantic moved in quickly and snapped 
it up. . 

: No New York college , has , been 
bought. Fordham would be willing, 
but its . asking price is still consid- 
ered too high. Last year Atlantie 
was interested, but the Jesuit jschool 
held for $20,000 for its home sched- 
ule. Columbia refuses sponsorship, 
not entirely out of rit^yness, but be- 
cause a lyrinkle in the gift of Baker 
Fiel4 from the. late banker George 
F. Baker precludes any aroma of 
conirnercialism^ whatsoever. -And 
ColuinbiaV won't play its games on 
.l^nother lot just for some broadcast 
boodle. 

Notrie Dame won't even listen . to 
any bids, tor an exclusive coirilfner 
cial . carry of its games, The South 
Bend public relations dept. has al- 
ways beien smart, and it demands 
coast-to-coast air doverage, and usu- 
ally gets it five times anhtially. At 
the new South Bend statdium there 



Philadelphia, July 6. 
i First return froni its recently an- 
nounced system of farming out 
promising young announcers to 
small stations to gain experience 
WEI? plucked by WCAU this week. 

George Thomas, who got out of 
high school a year ago and has 
since been gabbing at WHAT, Philly, 
has been added tb the WCAU staff. 
He replaces I^on Pierde. 

Last sunlmer Thomas came to 
San Lee Broza, program diredtor at 
the 50,000-watter, for a post. Broza 
saw' hope, but also saw need of 
p'olish and practice. He made a 
deal with Milt Loughlan, WHAT 
exec, to take Thon>as. Lad had been 
auditioned again by Broza about 
.four times during year, who now 
feels he's ready. 



Prof. Sulzer Places Studes 

Louisville, 
Imer G. Sulzer, director, ot Uni- 
versity of Kentucky studi , airing 
through WHAS, placing students to 
fill places in local stations during 
the summer. Has studes at WHAS, 
WAVE and WGRC. 

Educational radio, script exchange 
for United States Dejpartment of In- 
terior, Department of Education, 
Washington, has notified Sulzer that 
script series ■ 'Epoch Discoveries of 
the Past,' prepared and presented by 
University of Kentucky radio staff 
members, is receiving wide demand, 
and that 1,290 copies bf the script 
have already been distributed. 



KTW Adds Panelmen 

ia, July 6. 

Three engineers plussed to West- 
inghouse staff at KYW, i>hilly, dur- 
ing past week. . 

They are Jas. V. Thunell, formerly 
of WOWO-WGL, Fort Wayne; Leslie 
E. Schumann,^ formerly oif WHAT, 
and a transmitter testman for RCA, 
and W. Sheridan Gilbert, of WIBG. 



indivi 



broadcast 



are 

booths. 

Last season Kellogg bankrolled the 
home tilts ot Notre Dame, but could 
not get exclusive rights and was 
limited by the school to carrying the 
sponsored descriptions on only one 
station, WTAM, Cleveland. 

Kellogg, being an Ayer agency ac- 
count along with Atlantic, has not 
been negotiating in the East; nor 
thus far in the west. 

As it stands to date that Is the 
national sponsored football picture. 
There will assuredly be some local 
stations bagging' sponsbrs for small 
local college games oi wave-length- 
distance interest, but they haven't 
popped up yet and never do till, the 
season is underway and the public 
hepped up. 



Pride and Football Prices 



In bidding for the broadcast rights to the coming season's football 
games advertisers and agencies have found that the prices have been 
substantially boosted, not because the college authorities think they're 
worth more but because of local pride. They read last year that Yale 
got $2:0,000 for the season's rights trom Socony and Atlantic Oil and 
they consider the ratings of their teams in the public interest inake 
them wortl^' as much it hot more than the Yale alliance. 

One. thing that the agency contacteers have enbburitered less than 
ever this year is strong alumni seiitiment agaiiist having their grid- 
iron heroes tangled up with commercial plugs. 




Arts m Toronto, Butfalo Radio Circles 



Sponsor Versus Donor 



Atlantic Refining Market Areas Don't Coin- 
cide witK Homes offDuke \J*s Givers 



Atlantic Refining has nailed six 
Duke> University grid games for 
commercial airing this tall. There 
will be a small link of statibns 
through the south set up to carry 
the contests. 

Atlantic hid to go into a higher 
bracket than it had expected to get 



THE ON BILLS 



B> JANE WEST 

NOW RADIO'S MOST POPULAR 
FAMILY BRINGS YOU MORE 



iJAUGHTER fEARS and »H EART-Tr!R03!i 



Pi-nsonfod by Ivory Soap ■ 99"' 



: pure 



LISTEN ^'^^ '^^'^Y 

" NBC Blue Network, Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. bst 
|M NBC Red Network, Men.to Fri. 3:45 p.m. DST 
COAST to COAST 

, Dir.. COMPTON ADVERTISING Ar.iSNCr 

MQT., Ep .WOLF— pKO BLDC, NEW yORK CITY 



the exclusive, due to unwillingness 
to spdt the ganies on a number of 
stations selected by Wallace Wade, 
football coach at the North Carolina 
institution. 

Wade was anxious to. have the 
sponsor place the broadcasts on 
WPTF, Raleigh; WSOC, Charlotte; 
WFBC, Greenville; WWNC, Ashe- 
ville; WIS, Columbia, and WCSG, 
Charleston, plus WRVA, Richmond, 
Va. ■■■ 

It . was Wade's . wish to have the 
games broadcast across an area: 
where resided the philanthropists 
and their friends who had materially 
helped Duke with mazuma in the 
past years. 

When Atlantic demurred, with the 
explanation it wanted to spot the 
games according to market charts 
and sales statistics, the ante, on the 
cost of the games was hiked. 



I 



Temme director of drama will han- 
dle things at WEBR for two weeks 
in mid-month' when Helen Caw- 
thorne bats for vacationing. Al Zink. 
She's his assistant, . 

' Miss Cawthorne will also be Aunt 
Helen— m.c, of a children's hour 
usually handled by 'Uncle BilL' 



, July 6. 

Fooling the listener with electrical 
transcriptions, dramatizeid wired' rie- 
ports of ..baseball games; and stunt 
broadcasts banking on a studio audi- 
ence studded with sliills, is getting 
to be a fine art in 'this neck of the 
woods. Listeners rarely know when 
they are getting the McCoy 6r the 
piroverbial works. ' 

Regulations set down by the Gan- 
adiiain Broadcasting Corp; call for an- 
nouncement before and. after tran- 
scription programs which are ether- 
ized after 6.30 p.m. deadline. .This 
ruling apparently has no teeth, as 
stations all but break a leg to hide 
the fact they devbte hours of ever 
ning time to canned progranis. 

One local station airs a half-hour 
show each week which has plenty of 
announcements such as 'Our singers 
stepi .to the ihicrophone. . . "And 
now the boys play, * . .' etc. At con-^ 
elusion of announcement the 'en- 
gineier slaps , on a record* 

'Pop Concert,' from Bjuflalb, gives 
listeners, same stuff. Announcer, be- 
tween transcriptions of symphonic 
music, tells the audience of the con- 
ductor stepping up to \the podium, 
bowing to the crowd, picking up his 
baton and, With the ahnbuncement 
that 'the music is about to begin,' 
mikeman signals for another record. 

Wired baseball broadcasters here 
and in Buffalo aren't quite as secre- 
tive, but don't exactly put up sign 
boardis. Announcements that .gaimes 
being described are 'reconstructed' 
are aired sotto voce only about twice 
during the long broadcasts. Sports 
annbuncers call upon their imagina- 
tions to great, extent during course 
of these games owing to meagre tele- 
graphed rei)orts. 

When Toronto plays Buffalo on 
former's home grounds, things usu- 
ally get complicated for listeniers 
here. Tunihg in on Toronto's CKCL 
they hear Al Leary in play-by-play 
report. As - broadcast originates in 
the ball park, Learyiis right on toj> 
of the play. Confusion reigns, how- 
ever, when listener switches to WGR 
studio, Buffalo, where Roger Baker 
is dramatizing wired reports bf the 
same , game and wbrking about tWo 
i ings behind the play. This wbrks 



TRUAIPET KINO OF SWING 

★ LOUIS ★ 
ARMSTRONG 

AND HIS ORCIUSStBA 

ISCHMANN YEAST 

IValter Thompson) 

ON TOUR 



DECCA RECORDS 



.MGT. JOE GLASER 
ROCK WELIi-O'KEEFK 



I II III II i« ■11 \ 



JACQUES 



FRAY 




>r M\HIO 

BRAOOIOTTI 



I II III 1.1 III i^in^ 
. WJZ, 7:15 P.M. 



vice versa when Toironto plays at 
Buffalo; 

Planting hired help in the studio 
audience is another common practice 
here. This, bf _ course, is not admit- , 
ted by production men, but it makes 
the listener wonder when mikemen 
wander througl^ the audience and 
'bump into' relatives of the sponsor, 
agency men, and musicians who hiap- 
peh to have their instruments handy 



BUDPEARSOM 

and 

LES WHITE 



BOB HOPE 

and '^Tbe RIppllnr Bhythm R«Tiie.'^ 
on. the Air .Hunday Kve.. 9 TM., 
i:.D.S.T., WJZ— NBC 

Now in tenth Week 



EASY 
ACES 

BROADCASTING 
6th FOR 
BLACKETT - SAMPLE 
H U M M E R T, I N C. 

A H A C I N 



and His 
Orchestra 

2ND YEAR 
Yiennese Boof 
HOTEL ST. REGIS 

NEW rOBK 




MOT. 
M.C.A 



MOREY 
AMSTERDAM 

MastiBr of Ceremonies 
NBC "NITE CLUB" 

it Week Personal. Appearance 

ORIENTAL, CHICAGO 



Dolphe Martin 

ORCHESTRA CONDUCTOR AND 
COMrOifKR 

Returns from long stay in Europe 

DOT.rHE MARTIN'S DRAMATIC 
MUSIC makes lilm n flrnre ttf b« reck- 
oned with ill any disruasiun of music 
and theatre. — fldlth .1. K. iNnucrt. 

THEATRE ARTS AlONTHLT. 

"A composer jvlth a rare «Ift." — , 
■ THE STAGE. 

Addresn: _ 
Hotel lysee; 60 East 54th St, 
New York 



W«<1ncsday, July 7» 1937 



RADIO REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



4S 



uarry von zell 

5ilh Oscar Br»dlejr Orchestra, Ken 
"chrlsty swing Ch«lr, Stoppnaffle 
ifnd Sudd, Vivien 4el Chiesa 

fite-GASOaNE 
Mo0day, 7:30 p, 
SaBC.CBS, New York 

1 summer time-holder for Good 
riulf gas uses Announcer .Harry von 
%il Suddenly promoted to the rank 
nf m.c. and personality. Thus has 
another voice become, an individu- 

*'Announcers iare easUy the most 
Tfl^oesQue ot radioites, the front Ime 
itenchmeri of air advertising, the 
tiniversal X on all programs, big and 
fimaJl. network or local, ^good or bad. 
"Sb inevitably in the fullness of time 
the spielers have passed from com- 
ifiercialism to charm and turned ac- 
tors Von ZeJl has beeh; getting there 
step by step and now with the biack- 
ine of Young & Eubicam he steps 
out in the full glare of the spot- 
•lif!ht. ■ 

Only radio would fancy that a. 
reader of announcements could be or 
should be ah entertainer. But radio 
ewdently figures— unconsciously per- 
haps—that the guy who makes 'eni 
swallow the blurbs must he a pretty 
ingratiating gent to start with. Be- 
ing very close to the heart and ear 
of the sponsor when the star faihtS; 
from the heat and the spieler says, 
•please, let me go on in the part,' 
the request carries double weight. 
Thus Tiny Riiffner is written into 
the script,^ Graham MacNamee joins 
the vaudeville act; Jean Paul King 
becomes an impip^sario; Don Wilson 
pl^ys assistant hero. 

•Now comes Von Zell. A nice pleas- 
Biit Voice, a good announcer. But a 
personality to ddnainate a program? 
EVen in summer? Not with the ma- 
terial they handed him on the first 
program. Not with the jsemirsilly 
• uocertainties of the, character the 
script drew for him to fill. Of may- 
be nobody listens much or- cares, 
summer shows are 45% net of the 
winter average anyhbw. Perhaps it's 
just a tax they're paying to hold 
the time arid the frequency disr 
counts. 

Well, it won't bog anybody down, 
with brain, burdens. It's light. What 
they call— generous explanation for 
fli' sy production— 'summery.' Live- 
ly, if not memorable music by Oscar 
Bradley, Vivien del Chiesa, the in- 
evitable soprano, and the Ken 
Christy Swing Choir for the fash- 
ionable: note of novelty. 

Stoopnagle and Btidd were funny 
when they started, but. the stalling 
stuff was just that. Reviie seemed 
a hodge-podge ^air. A half hour 
that ^med longer. Not dull. Yet 



iirton 



'SURPRISE PARJY* 
With George ral(er(;on, 

Black well 
30 Mins.T-Local 
HONEY KRI3 ST BAKERY 
Friday, 9 p. m. CST. 
WAVE, Louisville 

IfilmeT.H. Doc) 

An ether adaptation of the old par- 
lor games idea has its moments 
which are likely to intrigue listener 
interest, but f ramkly appraised from 
a showmanship angle, the 'stage 
waits' are long and palling. 

Patterson, program director, and 
Blackwell, announcer, have called 
upon their many weeks of sidewalk 
interviewing to help them stage a 
30-minute stunt night program, with 
guestee.s crowding the studio to join 
in the fun, all in the interest of good 
old Honey KrusVoread. 

Stanza starts/off with a couple 
debating on "Should a husband waish 
the dishes' and the like; Each par- 
ticipant is allowed an opportunity to 
discuss pro or con the question pror 
pounded, and per itted a rebuttal, 
after which each is presented with 
$1. Next the old game of 'ghosts' 
is played, wit4i eight persons iplay- 
ing^ the game. In this game 'dead 
air' was conspicuous by' its fre- 
quency, the while those, participat- 
ing :were cudgeling their brains for 
the correct answer. 

Filial stunt was. the giame of 
■states,' with studio guests volunteer- 
ing the namies of state capitals. 
Idea back of this game okay, but 
buzz of conversation in studio; and 
overlapping of voices made general 
effect to listeners a bit, confusing. 

Cash prizes are awarded to those 
winning the games, and studio audi- 
ence gave audible expression to their 
evident enjoyment ' of the funfest 
Listenei^s were invited jto send in 
suggestions for games and stunts to 
be used on future programs, and in 
return cash prizeis weire offered for 
the best selected. 

Commercial credits at opening and 
close, as w.ell as mid\yay in the pie- 
riod, Were plugged briefly and to the 
point. No doubt that stunt show of 
this kind packs plenty of iiiteireist for 
listeners hereabouts, and staff emcees 
Patterson and Blackwell deserve 
credit for enterprise and taking ev- 
ery advantage to build laughs and 
general program pacinig. Hold. 



OLiSEN AND JOHNSON 

With tiertni^e Nieseii, Benny Burt, 

Eddie Kane, George Hamilton's 

orch.' 
30 Mins. 

RICHFIELD OIL CO. 
Wed., 7;30 p.m. 
KFI, Los Angeles 

(Hixson-O'DonneU) 

Kind, of a show thiit wiU make the 
RFD.lads drop theit: plows and run 
to the nearest set. ut not so in thi 
urban centers. Isen and Johnson 
radio routine is too dated: for the 
city n\ob and the comics have, miade 
no effort to modernise the formula 
or the gags. The Olsen stock laugh 
is still the toppei:. .Only thing new 
is the femme scream at the .bp-ning 
'to be sure everyone is awake,' 

Benny Burt is dragged j for a 
:dialect bit that would be funnier if 
Parkyakarkus and others wer^ 
first.: The Greek restaurant gag has 
been done. so. many times and much 
funnier that it slowed dowri the 
show's otherwise brisk tempo; 

Music end of the piece. okay. 
Few can toast up a torcher ith 
more finesse than Gertrude Ni 
She's the Benny Goodman of the vo- 
calists and what she did with 'St. 
Louis Blues' was fi^ry, no less. 

George Hamilton's tunes are novel 
and possess rippling rhythmatazz. 
Copy writer rates a bow for keeping 
the pluigs in decent bounds. Petrol 
outfit, after years on the coast air 
with newscasting, is making its 
maiden venture into the revue field. 
Show will click if O. & J. can be 
fitted into more modern togs. Rest 
of the program doesn't require mucn 



tampering. 



Helm. 



not glittering. Nothing unbearable. 
No reason to put down the Tom Col- 
lins and turn it off. Proving, if peo- 
ple must be disagreeable during va- 
cation time about showmanship, that 
half as much for summer can't be 
made to seem any more than; half as 
much and that announcer's, like 
comedians, are at the mercy of their 
material. Land. 



CHUCK THORNDYKE 
'Behind the Cartoons' 
IS Mins.— Local 
Sustaining 
Thursday, 8:45 p.m. 
WINS, New York 

Tenth interview by Chuck Thorn- 
dyke in his 'Behind the Cairtoons' 
series brought Harry Hershfield to 
the mike. Harry has been inter- 
viewed on the radio and been airr 
waved as emsee so many times that 
it was a cinch assignment for Thorn- 
dyke. Off-mike chuckle of Thorh- 
dyke was at times baffling biit may- 
be he couldn't help it Or possibly 
he thought it spontaneous , and essen- 
tial backgrounding. Not. so bad. the 
first five minutes, but after that irri- 
tating. 

Hershfield, who is as accustomed 
to radio as he is to drawing 'Abe 
Kabibble,' related a fresh batch of 
anecdotes on his own experiences 
and those concerning other noted 
cartoonists. Subject matter, nice, in- 
dicating okay scripting but Thorn- 
dyke seemed nervous or perhaps 
overt-anxious. Wcor. 



SONJA HENIE 
Dramatization 
9 Mins. 

CHASE & SANiBOBN 
Sunday, 8 p.m., DST 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(J. Walter Thottipsdn) 
,Skater-pic! player, guesl-of-the-. 
week on the Sunday night coffee 
show, had quite a workout and 
emerged after impressing via sepa- 
rate straightings for Edgar Bergen's 
ventriloquial dummy and W. C. 
Fields, plus a short skit with Don 
Ameche.. 

Miss Henie proved rather a sober- 
sided straight, with quite a quaint 
touch over: the air derived from her 
Norwegian accent. Het work with 
Fields especially stood: but, plenty 
hectic and humorbus'as it was. 

Dramatization was 'The Romantic 
Young Lady,' short and light piece 
by the Spanish playwright Martinez- 
Sierra. It dealt with the familiar 
young girl who fell in love with a 
writer of romantic novels. It v,ras 
not too strong a vehicle. Bert.- 

GOtDEN MELODIES 
With Henry Triistman Ginsberg Or- 
chestra and Mlmo Bonaldi 
30 Mins.-To Red Net NBC. 
Sat., 11:30 a. m. 
KOA-, Denver 

, A prograni not released in Denver 
but originating in KOA studios and 
fed to around 65 stations on the red 
net of NBC. 

Orchestra: has 12 of best musicians 
in Denver union— mostly violins 
with cellos, a flute, clarinet and 
piano being used for variety. Out- 
put is tops in melody, harmoriy, and 
appeals* to . old. and young. Specta- 
tors balconies are full for these 
shows; Orchestra does best on 'In 
a Chinese Tea Room;' but even to a 
discriminating music lover there 
really is not much choice between 
their offerings. Program is varied, 
with arrangements by. Carl Wein- 
inger, imported by KOA from Chi-^ 
cago two years ago. Weihinger- is 
also on an organ program of his own 
over KOA. 

Henry Trustman Ginisberg directs 
and gets out of the men all the.v 
have. Mimo Bonaldi, with a rich 
baritone : voice "with plenty of vol- 
ume and range, does several hum-, 
bers, one in his native tongue, Ital- 
ian, Bonaldi feels the music Avhen 
he sings and is able to transmit it 
over the mike undiniinished in even 
a small amount. 

, On this program Jean Dickerson, 
now on the Bayer Aspirin air show, 
got her start, and Bonaldi should 
soon follow her oh big time. 

Program is used as vehicle for 
plugs for Colorado as place to live 
and vacation mecca. Rose. 



JANE FROMAN 

With Don Ross, Freddie LIgbtner, 

Tune Twisters,. D'Artcga's Orcb. 
30 Mins. 
JELLO 

Sunday, 7 p. m. DST. 
WEAF-NBC, NeV York 

(Young & Ruhicairi) 

Program subbing for Jack Benny's 
brigade during the .summer is pur- 
posefully a lightweight. As such it 
stacks up as oke for the heat weeks 
and no more 

Leans heavily on the musical side, 
and that seems its best asset. Policy 
is . to have, gueet comics weekly. On 
the first edition Preddi^ Lightner 
was at bat, and if he got to first 
base it was. on a balk. His material 
was linrip and his mike technique 
could be improved; chatter also at 
times too rapid f6r easy following, 
. Lightrier's big slice was a sort of 
skit on the trailer fad. Weak por- 
tions should, have been cut. for the 
•sake of cornpactness,. .and with the 
better bits bunched together, the im- 
press; n would have: been height- 
ened. 

Miss Froman is a strong soprano, 
and she stood high above the pro- 
gram, Ross is an affable m.c, 
sings acceptably arid . does nice 
straight for the humor. Tune Twist- 
ers are a standard ' ir harmohy 
group. ! * 

P'Artega's (omits given names, 
which are Alfonso Armando Fernan- 
dez) orchestra is a newly organized 
unit and sounded slick oh the' 
straight, stuff, accomps and acro- 
batics. This is the first whirl for the 
conductor on a network spread. 

Bert. 



PEPPER-UPPERS 

With Roy Cowan, Ruby Mason, 
V jimmy Jeffries, and Alex Kcese 
Orchestra 
Music, Songs 
30 Mins.— Regional 
DR. PEPPER BOTTLING CO. 
Sunday, 4:30 p. mi. CST. 
WAVE; Louisville . 

Sunday afternoon musical show,' 
briginating in the studios of WFAA, 
Dallas, swings along at a brisk pace 
arid proveis satisfactory entertain- 
ment for a hot afternoon^ and an 
excellent: vehicle for plugging the 
soft drink product. Half -hour ses- 
sion rides over sohie 23 stations, in 
the south, and entire cast speaks 
with a soft southern dtawl, which 
.should fall pleasantly on the ears of 
the 'deep south' listeners. 

-Musical chores are handled by 
Alex Keese's ork, staff combo on 
WFAA, with brass and .string sectiba 
noticeably prominent, but- rhythm 
section subdued to a point hardly ' 
audible. Vocal numbers turlied In 

(Continued oh page 44) 



ANOTHER NAME 

for value 



50,000 WATTS 




PHUADELPHU 



BOBEftT A. STREET, Commmrieial Managmr 



44 VMIETY 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Wediiesdajr, July 7, I937 



(Continued from page 43) 

by Ruljy Mason and. Boy Friends, 
SO1SO warblers, and soloist and 
femirie trio, Three Debutantes, guest- 
ing on this shot. They're regulars 
with Ted Fiorito's ork at Pan-Amer- 
ican expo Casino. 

Comedy on- the show capably 
reeled off by Jimmy Jeffries, with 
Ruby Mason straiightihg acceptably. 
She^s familiarly called 'Sugah* on the 
show; and handles her assignments 
dkayy Roy Cowan, erncee, smacks in 
heavy plug fbr expos at Ft< Worth 
and Dallas, and enunierates the vari- 
ous entertainments and hame^ to be 
seen and heard at the fairs. Show 
originated in Crystal Ballroom of 
Baker Hotel, Dallas. 

Blurbs v^ere short and enthusias- 
tic, at opening and close, arid theii: 
briefness in no way detracted from 
the effectiveness or the aidvertising 
message. All in all, a refreshing 
summer show, iahd the regidnal pro- 
ducers! deserve plenty of credit for 
their effbrts. Hold, 



BENNY GOODMAN ORCHESTBA 
WHh Bufe Davis 
30 Mins. 
CAMELS 
Tuesday, 9:30 p.m. 
WABC-CBSr New Tork 
(:VfiXlyivm Esty) 

Camel program is twice aa gbod 
now that it is only half as long. 
Simple device of getting away from 
a full hoiirT— radio's toughest produc- 
tion assignment— has been am auto- 
matic correctiye.of many, of the pre- 
vious flaws. 

It is now swing music. The best 
swing. People will kno^ the pro-, 
gram for what it is and go for it or 
not go for it. But in any event, it's 
now clear what the' Camel, program 
Is trying to do. During the past sea-^ 
son there was puzzlement, and ques- 
tion. As a 13-week summer.: flller- 
inner, this Camtel show will get its 
share of listeners. 

.Goodman boys toss a snatch' of 
melody at; the . peasantry . iipw and 
again; Same being a commercial 
^sture. What the orchestra offers 
mostly is Weird hairmonics spontane- 
busly improvise^ upon a^; clarinet 
lead. Its hot and it avoids the worst 
excesses of sheer blaring. But its not 
likely to appeal to ma and pa. 

TQssed overboard in the - program's 
.sLmpliflcatipa iiince Crampton- Sav- 
ington took over for Esty are the 
coinedy meanderlngs,. the tediously 
pointless interruptions arid the rest 
of the continuity padding. Land. 

TiHE b6ss' ~~' 

With Bay Collins, itetty Garde 
20 Mins. 
A . 8e P. 

Thursday, S n.iB. EDST 
WABC-CBS. New York 

(Paris & Peart) 
It remained for Kate Smith and 
her 'BandwagoriV program to give 
the regular radio actors a chance to 
show what they can do in a spot of 
their own. Ray Collins and Betty 
Garde, .two, radio players of train- 
ing arid talent, who have supported 
guest stars on this and other pro- 
grams, received top billing in a con- 
densed version of Edward $heldon's 
melodrama, 'The Boss.' They came?^ 
through nicely. 

^Play is one of those old-time 
thrillers in which a girl sacrifices 
her owrn happiness to preserve the 
fortunes of a distraught family, In 
this instance, it is Emily GrisWold 
who permits herself to be married 
to Michael Regan, the rugged Irish 
buildmg contractor, who would 
wreck her father's business. 

Both Collins and. Miss Garde were 
admirable in the leading parts in 
this stormy fable on the air. Co- 
starnng debut was gracefully intro- 
duced by Kate Smith. Rowl. 



MAURICE BBOWN 
Cellfsr 
IS Mins. 
Sustaining 

Tues.-Thurs., 8:45 a.m. 
WABC, Niew York 

Satisfactory flUer-in for the morn- 
ing .;hours. . Maurice. Brown offers 
classical Compositions, but wisely 
concentrates on the lighter variety. 
Qn show caught (6) he actually in- 
cluded one number in modified jazz 
rhythm. Put it over okay. 

Cellist plays smoothly and cap- 
ably, his style possessinig confidence 
and riot a little color. Sidney 
Raphael's accompaniments add to 
the effect. Session hasn't wide 
enough appeal to set the air Waves 
throbbing, but it riiakes an agreeable 
and distinctive tickiet for the a.m. 

Hobe. 



AS YOiJ LIKE IT 

Witli .Leith Stevens Orchestra, Kay 

Lawrence, Rnssell Dorr 
Orchestra, Sonfs 
25 Miris. 
Sustainitatr 

Thursday, .9 a.m., EDST: 
WABC, New York 

Well above, average musIc; Boys 
dish up okay renditions in various 
modes.- Uses brasises and saxes to 
effect. V 

Kay Lord, who sounds as if she 
might be a coriiparative beginner, is 
the femme 'vocalisti Has soft, flexi- 
ble voice, without notable depth or 
range. Exceptional enunciation. Sing- 
er must ■ learn to builc} a, . number 
up to a' cliriia.ji." RuSffell Dbrr, bari- 
toner Vocalist, has been heard fre- 
quently beiore. Robust voice is 
typified by number ;he sang on show 
caught (1), 'Wagbtt Wheels-' Hobe. 



BABBYMOBE'S 'MACBETH' 
With William Farnum, Elaine Bar- 
rie, Mary Forbes, Henry Hunter, 
. Creishion Hale, Will Prior Orch; 
45 Mins. 
Sustaining:. 
Mondaly. 9:30 .p.m. 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

Radio w^'i^'Crs have recently Or-^ 
ganized with the ultimate objective! 
of unfurling the guild flag of the 
Authors' League: arid sounding off 
'some things you lords- of the ether 
may not 'do.' By the time NBC and 
CBS and all of the myriad lotal 
stations with summer vacancies to 
fill get through playing around with 
his works, ■.:Shakeispeare will" no. 
doubt ■ the proposed guild in 
spirit. 

' Not thait others besides radio and 
before radio have not thrown snow- 
balls and ^knocked the bard's hat off. 
He's, been condensed; he'S: been 
modernized, musicalized, done in 
scenery louder than the actors, and 
With actors, English to the last irir 
audible syllable, who. have stressed 
all the poetry arid skipped over the 
plot. 

Newest case, is the radio ,'Mac- 
beth.' In the course of the stbry^ 
the Scotch King slits several throats, 
but in. the end it \yould seeip his own 
collar-lirie: has beeri perforated. At 
least artistically. 

' 'Streanilined' Shakespeare has its 
mbmerits. And it ; is : probably 
miuled out of necessity rather than 
irreverence. It may be put down as 
a ca^e of network .wild oats. Mid- 
sumriier' miadness.* Dangerous, be- 
cause it's contagious. . 

It is now clear that Shakespeare 
as adopted to - allow a . monologist a 
chiarice to : strut his stuff violates 
what has generally' been considered 
proper, radio play-building. Sans 
cojsturiies, sans scenery^ lacking the 
opportunity to set the mood, the tug-: 
o'-way between original; text,, the- 
atrieal : tradition and the bald^ cold 
limited scope of radio tends to de-< 
feat even as astute a Shakespearian 
spptiter as John Barry more. 

Arguriierits riiay ensile • abbut 
Madame Bar ry mbre, - But she's not 
bad. as radio is familiar with bad- 
ness; in actirigi She's "unexpectedly 
passing. On the stage it: might be' 
mayheni. iBefbre the milce she sum- 
mons native; shrewdness and adds 
clear diction. The fire and the fury 
that Lady Macbeth- calls for she 
lacks. To that degree she con- 
tributes to the weakness of the 
presentation. . She is out of her 
depth, but she is in rib serisie the sole 
fault of the playlet. 

Notable among the Shakespearian 
brigades asseriibled before the NBC 
mikes the last three Monday rilghts 
has been the confiisiori of voices. 
Even Barrymore is not always clear- 
ly identified totally as the speaker. 
In Macbeth the clearest character- 
labelling was the witches.. General 
mumble-jumble of voices and char- 
acters combined with, the archaic 
phraseology, the fragmentary bits of 
plot threaded together, all niakes it 
hard listening. It's discipline to the 
ear, requiring rapt attentiori. 

Barrymore Of cbiirse makies some 
of the grander passages eloquent. 
Sound effects and musical embellish- 
ment paint the psychological back- 
ground fairly well. William Farnum 
was a strong Macduff. As the week 
before in 'Richard III,' the parade of 
murders culminated in a dual to the 
death fought— by sourid effect— with 
curtain rods. Lond. 



'MEN OF ZEST' 
With Clucas Male Octet 
'Vocal Music 
15. Mins.— 'Local 
SNYDEB'S CATSUP 
Mori., Wed., Fri., 6:30 p.m. 
WBBM, Chicasp 

/Stewart, Hanford Se Frohtnan)' ' 

Slick program spotting is exempli- 
fied by this one. Usual, thing -wiould 
have been for food, account to slap' 
on a typically femme appeal show 
at a conventional hour, but this one 
didn't. Spotted at the dinrier hour, 
this program has just as much male 
as female appeal. Even the riame 
of show is in line with the product. 

Offer solid arrangements of both 
semi-classical and . popular Stuff, 
pacing everything at a gbod tempb. 
Arranged so that there are no let- 
downs anywhere along the line, 
something which makes the staridard 
grade octet seem, to belbng in a 
higher bracket. Show has cut the 
musical coritinuity dovm to a liciini- 
mum, leaving as much time as pos- 
sible for music— not a bad idea, 
especially for the dinner hour. . 

Two commercial pluigs which could 
be cut down a trifle, and still get 
over. Prograrri includes a giveaway 
gag- Loop. 

HAMPTON BOADS BFGATTA 

90 Mins. Local 

TEXACO 

Sat.^Sun. 

WTAB. Norfolk, Va. 

(Hanif-Metzger) 

W'TAR did a slick job of short- 
Waving description of the two-day 
Hampton Regatta, picked up from 
station's short'Wave experimenter, 
W3XEY, with four mikemen, Tom 
Hanes, Ralph Hatcher, Lee Chad- 
wick and Jeff Baker, posted around 
the course -comriienting on the suc- 
cession of runabout, power boat, 
moth, star and cat classes of events. 

Comiueroial copy was a bit tedious 
at times,, stretched, .j^ it was, to un- 
due length. Sand. 



BAY PEBKINS 

With Helene Daniels, Willard Ami- 
son, Sid Gary> George Stone, Frank 
Knight, Embassy Trio, Kay Men, 
Nat Brusiloff's Ordiestra . 
60 Miris. 
Sostaininff:. 
Sunday, 9 ~'p. m., 
WOB, New York 

Remodeled version . of WOR's old 
Saturday Night Variety Show,, chief 
change being the addition of Ray 
Perkins .as m.C. and: headliner. Pro- 
gram's second Week and rounding 
into, more compact fbrrii. Crew is 
frankly after a sponsor (numerous, 
gags ' about it in the script) and 
should istand chance of landing One. 
Show iS; already better than some 
with sponsorship. 

Perkins keeps the. mike biisy, 
sandwiching the acts with his fa- 
miliar brand of spoofing. Still ^yorks 
in the fashion he used on the Fieena- 
mlnt series, and it's dependable fool- 
ishness. iSome of the- lines art; an- 
cient and forct^, but the average iS 
probably iip tb nearly any comic , on 
the air.. His personality is ingratiat- 
irig and it lerids style, to the show. 

Iridividrial / turns . iare -all known 
quantities via the kilbcycles. Helene 
Daniels is a forte warbler, arid ^he 
bore down this session with 'It Ain't 
Necessarily Sp/ a natural which : she 
socked, icely backstopped by the 
chorus. 

. Willard Amisbn is; a satisfactory 
'straight' tenbr, while; Sid Gary leans 
on the drariiatics of his song num- 
bers. George Storie does a coriiedy 
Russian characterization i the Par- 
kyakarkus-George Givot manner, but 
this sbrt . bf things seems . growing 
stale. Embassy ' Trio and the Key^ 
Men are chiefly for vocal, back- 
ground, while Brusiloff turris in a 
workmanlike batoriing stint; 

What 'Hi There Audience' . seems 
tb need most at present is soniething ; 
in the way of a novel program setup 
that will give the show a more dis- 
tinctive cbaracter. As it now stands, 
the program is; too much in the stere- 
btype variety 'formula to cop and 
hold listener attention on a Wi^e na- 
tional .scale.. \ Just, what form; that 
idea should takie . is somethirig for 
Perkins and his. . strategy board, tb 
dope out Possibly . it lies, at least 
partially, alorig ikhe line ;of ;the: 'can- 
did, camera picturie,' of a song, .which 
is about the only unique bit in the 
stanza. 

Even so, the show is by no riieans 
a weakie. It's strong fare now, and 
has Wallop possibilities. ' Hobe. 



SOVIET FLYEBS TESTIMONIAL 

With Lowell Thoimas, Ambassador 
A. . A. TroyanbVsky, . .Vlhjalmnr 
Stefarisson^ Valery ChkalQff, Alex- 
ander BeliakofT. 

60 Mins. 

Sustaining 

Wednesday, 10 p.rii. 

WJZ, New York 

Ultimate in somethirig or other, 
but not entertainment. It's diplo- 
macy, also, it's Sumriier. Banquets 
are smallpox to most people and the 
orily redeeming feature of a remote 
of banquet speeches is that the dial 
is handy. 

As toastmaster, Lowell , rrhoriias 
earned every cent he got. Even he 
wasn't any prize. All the rest was 
just talk^— endless talk. Flowery, 
tiresome gab of the sort heard orily. 
at banquets. Program was supposed 
tb be for 30 minutes, but rari a full 
hour. Explorer Vlhjalmur Stefans- 
son read congratulatory wires — ^just 
like all such messages. 

Someoiie at the speaker's table 
kept coughing near the mike. 
Sounded like the first nationally- 
broadcast strangulation. Flyer Georgi 
Baidukoff: wasn't able to be with his 
mates because . he had 'banqiietitis,' 
according to Thomas. Npthirig Val- 
ery Chkaloff and Alexander Beliakoff 
went through in sparining the . North 
Pole could have been like this. No 
wonder Col. Lindberg left America. 

Hobe. 



LUD GLUSKlur 
Musical' 

With Virginia Verrill, Clarke Boss, 

Three Hits and a Miss 
30 Mins. 
Tues., 8:45. p. m. 
Hudson Dealers of Califs 
KNX, Hollywood 

(BrooJcc,,S7Tiith «fc French.) 

Satisfactory suhi.mer offering that 
should firid its stride after a bumpy 
shpVe-.off. After hitting off a "neat 
brchestration of 'September In the 
Rairi,'- Gluskin went ordinary . the 
rest of the wayi Virginia Vbrrill, 
who should know better, struck a 
dramatic pose in one: of her selec- 
tions and nullified an impressive 
earlier effort. In .their zeal to strike 
off in a new diriection, both the 
maestro ,and his top-billed, vocalist 
went off register. 

Ross, a romantic barytone, and a 
quartet with a gal in it, tried to be 
theriiselves without.attettipt at show- 
manly flourish and succeeded iri 
giving the piece some semblance of 
balance. . . 

Corijmercials are . way overboard 
arid some of the claims made for the 
Hudson car are pretty 'much on the 
hyperbole side. Summed up, the 
listener reaction might be that no 
chariot can be that good. Tom Hatt- 
lori dished up the palaver and had 
help from Miss Verrill. Copy Writer 
should be- told to guage his . sales 
Cbriie-on for the . buyer and not sp 
much to impress the dealers, who 
kick in with the. wherewithal. 

Charles Vanda produced. Helm. 



Follow-Up Comment 



Gret» Palmer continues to be one 
of the most coloirf ul^ady word-toss- 
ers on the air in her series over 
WOR for Walker-Gordon. Notable in 
last Wednesday's (30) session, how- 
ever, that her .'news cohiments' 'f rom 
the feriurie angle ran more to com- 
ments bn the stories about the news 
than to the events themselves. In 
every one of the. topics select^d^ the 
spieler discussed eitner books, maga-: 
zirie articles br newspaper stories. 

in the latter category, Mrs. Palmer 
tbok the New York newspaper edi- 
tors to the. mat for printing so much 
psychbanalyst hokum anent.v.Robert 
Irwin, the killer. Claimed that stuff 
went but of vogue years ago and 
that the editors don't know what 
their readers want Maybe Mrs. 
Palmier knows reader interest better 
than the eds, but an amusing after- 
math came wheri the - program im- 
mediately, f olloyiring Mrs... Palmfer-'s 
over WOR wis a talk on child: psy- 
chology. 

Babe Ruth is playing the comic in 
his basehall spiels for Sinclair ,over 
WABC these nights. Hais the same 
frog-voice -delivery and . his inter- 
viewing would never grab a Puitzet 
Prize. But he's still the most color- 
ful ball player in the history : of 
the gariie. 

Jimmy Wilson, Phi manager 
and catcher, guesting the show 
caught (30), got off some explosive 
comment about the all-star game 
between the American and National 
League teams; Criticized the player 
nominations and the system of hav- 
ing the managers, . instead of the 
fans, do the picking. Announcer 
JOhri Reed King's idiotic giggles into 
the mike were apparently tb show 
the- boyis were really only kidding; 
Just too cute; 



Ken Murray got off a gag of ex- 
tremely dubious taste in last Wed-!- 
ncsday's (30) show for Cariipbell. 
Referring to a mythical uncle, Mur- 
ray coriipared his two-quairts-ai-day 
capacity to that of a rioted show 
business figure. Only; justificatibn 
Would appear to be that the comic 
ad-libbed that one, not .realizirig 
until too . late how it would sound. 
Certainly, it would have been in- 
excusable scripting, or shouldn't 
have been delivered even if included 
in the written lines. 

As a matter of fact the wbble 
program had script trouble. Appar- 
ently the only kind of humor' the 
present Writers know is punning, and 
they drag that brand in from re- 
mote distances. Murray and Os- 
wald's bearing down on such mate- 
rial bnly accentuates its Weakness. 
Sole punch of the stanza caught was 
Connie Boswell'ii . guest warbling. 

Palmolive wisely conc<entrated on 
the music. last Wednesday . (30) in 
airing an adaptation of 'Pink Lady,' 
but it remains questionable if the 
effect isn't partly lost by letting Jes- 
sica Dragonette do the announcirig. 
Destroys what little illusion remains 
iii the old-fashioried operetta setup; 

Tunes of the show, particularly 
the celebrated 'Beautiful Lady,' were 
put over nicely by Miss Dragonette 
and Charles Kullmann, but the pair's 
dramatic ability was no bargain, even 
for lavender and old lace epics. Still, 
it's doubtless strong enough for the 
sentimentalist dialers. 



Chesterfield offers a straight com- 
bination of two standard radio adts 
in its new 30-minute stanza over 
CBS at 9 o'clock Wednesday nights. 
Frank Parker is the star, with. Andre 
Kostelantz's orchestra accompanying. 
Both okay as usual. 

Parker sings four numbers as his 
share of the half-hour. Opening 
program (30) brought a well-select- 
ed array of songs. Nice contrasts. 
Included were 'Moonlight Madonna,' 
•Siboney,' 'Where or When' and 'One 
Alone.' Notable that the third song, 
which riiight be: expected to prove 
the sock of the! group, turried out 
the weakest. Arrangement tend^ 
to riiake an aria of it and even 
Parker couldn't resctie that. AH 
Kpstelantz- offeririgs Were well . ar- 
ranged and- played, by his large or- 
chestra. 



Robert W. Hoirtori; Washington 
correspondent did. a good reporting 



BOB BVBNS 

With Badio Bogues, Phil 

.chestra 
Transcriptions 
15 Miris.-^Local 
HI-SPEED GAS 
M-W^F; 6:30 p.m. 
WJB, Detroit 

Waxed on toast 15-riiinute show 
has as permanent attractions Bob 
Burns and Phil Harris* bar\d. At 
least two other guests on each pro- 
gram. On show caught they were 
the. Three Radio Rogueis; mimics, 
and; Larry . Berg, warbler. Tom 
Jeffery fills role of m.C. 

Program runs along nicely with a 
short, punchy few minutes provided 
by each of artists. Burns is natural; 
with Rogues following close behind, 
Harris' ftiusic meritorious. 

Spieling quite lengthy fbr 15-riii -' 
ute spot but not top tiresome. 



job for CBS on the tax avoidance, 
evasion hearmgs before a con 
gressional committee. Horton mikpS 
on.the l:15-l;30 p.m. spot, as h^ SJ 
on a previous, and longer, series ot 
broadcasts highlighting testimony be. 
fore^he senate committee consider- 
ing President Roosevelt's court 
organizatibri plan. ■ ^' 

His 'slant , is fair, mildly lit,era]i 
voice IS clear and firm, but the tone 
IS inclined, to be hard and the ac- 
c^nt. slightly tw^ngy. Modulation 
would improve his broadcasting--, 
control . man might : help speaker 
Perhaps due to time limitations i * 
preparing script, Horton does not 
build to a final note. He sometimei 
closes; rather abruptly. ' 

T*^U^^''^^<^^^ agent for 
the Mohawk . Drama Festival on 
Union College campus, Schenectady 
tojd story of his experiences with 
many stars and shows on a 15-mi 
ute afternoon WGY interview, con- 
ducted by Bill Meenam, station drum 
beater. Fox reeled off the names of 
numerous headliners (half a doien 
of whom will, by cbincidence; appear 
in festival productions this season) 
and plays he had ballyhooed, with 
odd happeriirigs, etc. 

His voice was pleasing and his ac- 
cent cultured, but clipped, conversa- 
tional style of speech riade it a bit 
difficult to follow hiriri at tinies. In- 
cidentally, Fox turned out the radio 
scripts used by the Festival troupe 
in sCene-excerpts broadcast over 
WGY the first year, 1935. This fea- 
ture has beeri discoritiriued for 1937 
due to a new Equity rule requiring 
payment for an extra performance 
when company actors go on the air; 

Kblarid Tounirf stage and screen ' 
comic, lived up to his best tradi- 
tions as a sly humorist on his guest 
appearance on Bing Crosby's Kraft 
Music Hall pirogram; last Thursday 
(1) night over WEAF, Tops Was the 
reference tb Young's ability to talk 
without seeming to open his mouth, 
with suggestion that he do a Bergen- 
McCarfhy act behig carried out as he 
went through ventriloquial routine 
with Burns. Pair was introduced as 
Roland Bergen and Bob McBurns, 
latter doing snappy dummy in the 
cross-flre banter. 

Mischa Levitzkl, on saime show, in- 
troduced as being on the broadcast 
for the fourth time, readily showed 
his capability in three distinct types 
of selections, Chopin's 'Waltz in E 
Minor,': 'Annie Laurie,' , Chopi ' 
'Etude.' Last was typical slow- 
tempo affair. Brilliant work on 
ivori . Levitzkl indicated versatil- 
ity by joi ing in some of gagging. 

niutnars ambitious 60-min. Sun- 
day night sustainer-Shopping-for-. 
sponsor prograrii presided over by 
Ray Perkins continue just fraction- 
ally beneath, proper grade for 
network show. Most recent edition 
(4) found Cjoriiedy strained till the 
seams almost gave. . 

Pacing Was poor and Perkins hirn- 
self was afront the. mike too much 
for what his material and stuff war- 
ranted. Musically it was o.k. with, 
radio vets Helene Daniels, baritone 
Sid Gary, tenOr Willard Amison ainid 
the Key men trio stalwarting. It 
might be a good idea to build up the 
orch's stuff, adding the variety to the 
long program that soriie orchestral 
gymriastics would give. 

Best bit bn the show was a six- 
miriute dramatic sketch . Written by 
Peter Dixon and played by him and 
Aline Berry (Mrs. Dixori). Skit had 
punch,\ interest and a deft cbnclud- " 
irig twist. Perkins. Was the third" 
party in the playlet doing a maniac 
role, rather ten-tWenty-^thirl^ 
fashi 

Dixoris also participated In a 
parody on Shakespeare's 'Merchant 
of Venice.' It w?is passable. 



Alice Faye 'made it tough for her- 
self in the debut shot bf her rieW 
series; with Hal Keriip over CRS foi: 
Chesterfield list Friday (2), night. 
Swinging intb a vocal early in the 
session, singer hbpped in too soon. 
She was forced to a complete ;StoPj 
had to ask Kemp to 'ta^ce, it again 
and wait for the iritrpductory bars 
all over agai 

Painful mbment fbr listeners and . 
must have been for the singer. .While 
such an . inciderit Was amazirig 
enough considering the rehearsal 
such network, shows get. more sur- 
prising and commendable was the 
Way Miss Faye came back to bang 
over the tune for a forte climax. 
Nice troupirig. 

Varady bf Vienna is goi in for 

ultra-ultra swank in the comriitsrcials 
on its Oil of Youth Face Cream 
series over Mutual at 12:30 nbori Sun-? 
:days. Blurbs are spieled in a slight, 
though unmistakable, Viennese, ac- 
cent, supposedly by Herr Varady 
himself. All very 'distirigue,' as the 
femmes say. And, if there's any- ' 
thing to psychology. Oil of YouLh 
Face Cream should shortly be quite 
dear to every girl's heart. 

Show, as heard over WOR, i« 
actually waxed, including the com- 
mercial. Originates .in WGN, Chi- 
cago, at another hour and. since" the 
local station and Mutual, can't be 
lined up for simultaneous a iri n«. 
Di'pgram is recorded for the WOfl 
broadcast 



Vednesdayr July 7, X937 



MUSIC 



VARIETY 



45 



last Week's 15 Best SeDets 11 ANTi-BRlBERY PACT WiDEY WINKED AT 



It liboks Iiike Rain. . . .-, . • »•• i i ,•, Morris 

Merry-Go-Round Broke Down ......... v..., i...... Harms 

■*Sw^^l^ lifeilani ..".^ «•••♦.■<•♦•••.••.«». ...•••••*••..». Select 

Sflilboat ia the Moonli i Crawford 

*BIuc Hawaii ... • ... . » •••..»...••..... • » ... . Faihous 

•Was it Rain? . . r .. i . ; • ......... 3antly-Joy 

■ ♦Jfevcf in a Million Years. . .,, . ...... , , , . . Robbins 

•■^W^®'^ When, ...... . ... .> . . . • ......... « . , , » ... .Chappell 

♦September in the Hai , ...... i... ..-..Remick 

•Cause My Baby Says It's So. ....................... . Remick 

^Toodlebo <....••••« • • • ••.•:••••.?....••....•...•«.... • Shapiro 

You and Me That Used to Be. .. .i.,..,,.i.,Berli 

Preain In- My Heart, , , ^,...,^,.,HannS' 
'''iQ0jelessly , • .. •.• i ... r- . 'Berli 

♦t Hum a Waltz. . . . ;.i ; . . . ,„■. . ... .. . .. Miller 

* Indicates filmusical »oii i lndicaies stage producti 
tfihersarepopt. 




tidn song. 



Santly's Columbia Tunes 



Sahtly Bros.- Joy will publish, the 
score of Columbia Pictures' forth- 
coming 'When Life Begins with 
Love.*. Ben Oakland and Benee 
Russell cor-authored. 

'What Makes You So Sweet?' will 
be the top tune. 



Harry Fox Warn* Music Biz That Hypocritical Be- 
havior on Competitive Issue Has Become Real 
Threat to All 



Vtysle Tomerlin and Andy Ibna 
tope have peddled two h«w songs, 
♦Polynesian Romance' and 'Just 
: AbtMit Right,' to Vanguard. 



Annouhcino the newy. Gordon and 
||«v«( score for the forthieoming 
Dirryl Z«nMc'<-20th Century Fok 
Pr^dueti 

"VOU CAN'T 
EVERYTHI 

I) 

The swell score follbws: 

AFRAID TO DREAM 

1ME LOVELINESS OF YOU 

PLEASE PARDON US— 
WE'RE IN LOVE 

YOU CAN'T HAVE 
EVERYTHING 

Also, Gordbn and Revel's reat 
waltz 

I HUM A WALTZ 

from 20th Century's 
"this Is My Affair" 

KITCHI-MI-KOKd ISLE 

EnglaiHi's Novelty Hit 

MiLteit Music. |nc. 

Ml* •ROADWAY • NlW YOI^K^ ^ 



DUKE'S 

New Sma9h Hitt 

kffKAt 

•mattdhr jot 





II 



BGOOROED ON 
NASTEB AND 

TJLMETT BECOROS 



tXCLUSP'E PUBLICATIONS, Inc. 

16 19 :- f A : A A V s f ^ fi k s t 



Agin' Weber Trust Fund 



. Louis, July 6. 

Opposition to proposal of Ameri- 
can. Federation of Musicians to - 
tablish a $250,000 trOst fund for re- 
tirement of its president^ Joseph N. 
Weber, was made by local tooters' 
imion in resolution adopted last 
wetek. Fund, which would remain 
under control of AFM, wpui4 pro- 
vide an annual income of $7,500. 

Clarence Maurer, rec; sec. of 
local union, said St Louis ion 
learned of plan through daily rags. 



Rival MusikersUse WTAM 
Broadcast in Noise War; 
Uproar at Cleveland Expo 

Cleveland, July 6. 

Feud between two ' bandmasters 
who work for the same boss, ownei^ 
of two hiteries at Great Lakies. Ex- 
position, exploded during a broad- 
cast and drew two announcers into 
another argument. It almost ended 
in a battle royal and is still echoing 
in radio circles. 

Riickus began when L. Nazaar 
Kurkdjie's band on Pirchner's iShow- 
boat was airing opening of boat's 
new Eldorado Club through WTAM. 
Club was formed for Expo, showmen, 
radio and newspapermen and all the 
town's scribblers were taking mike 
Ibows.. 

In the middle of it Otto Thurn's 
orchestra, from. Pirchner's nearby 
Alpine Village, crashed the broad- 
cast party with brass horns going 
full blast. For about five minutes 
the two rival bands almost blew out 
the mike trying to drown each other 
out. 

Bromley House was handling the 
announcing, but Went up into the air 
himself. Neither maestro would 
listen to him nor stop. Three fan 
phdne calls came in asking what all 
the hullabaloo was about, 

Tom Manning from WTAM staff, 
visiting at one of the tables, settled 
it by grabbing the mike from him 
and stopping both bands- Denying 
that it was a preconceived double- 
cross and that he didn't know 
Kiirkdjie was on the air, Thurn and 
his Bavarians finally marchefd out 
looking too innocent to be entirely 
convincing. Rival resumed program 
but is" still burning. After the musi- 
cal biattle was over anothier was 
started by House,, who jumped oh 
Manning for butting in. 



Warn Strmg Music 
Teachers Not to 
Lift Copyrights 



when , the American Guild . of 
Fretted instrument Teachers holds 
its annual powwow in Detroit next 
week it Wjill be in receipt of a mes- 
sage from the : Music Publishers 
Protective Association asking that 
the members be given a word of 
caution about the practice of mak^ 
ing their owti arrangements of 
copyrighted numbers. MPPA pub- 
lishers have been complaining that 
these teachers have got into the 
habit of overlooking the fact that 
sUch arraingements must not be made 
withdut permission of the copyright 
owner. The practice also cuts into 
the sales of banjo, guitar and ukelele 
books by these publishers. 

MPPA. frequently is queried by 
fretted instrument, teachers about, 
the right to do their own breaking 
down of popular tunes for pupils 
as part of the course. Invariable 
answer is that the law makes no 
exception for special instruction 
methods and that any tampering 
with a copyrighted work constitutes 
an infringement. 

If it can be cpnveinently ar- 
ranged, Harry Fox, MPPA gen. mgr., 
will have a representative from the 
association deliver the word of caur 
tion in person , to the convention. 



Music Publishers Protective As- 
sociation last week toipk recognition 
of the resumption of wholesale plug 
bribery in , the industry. In a 
meeting attended by publishers and 
their professional itianiagers' warn- 
ing \yas given by Harry Fox, MPPA 
gen. mgr., and Joseph McKee, 
general counsel, thait if the practice 
were not immediately suppressed 
the. pledge of fair trade practices 
which .was signatured laist August 
would be discarded and the industry 
would again find itself under in- 
vestigation by the Federal Trade 
Cpmmis'sioh. 

Initial move, to bring the situation 
.under control was the appointment 
of a committee of professional men. 
It will be up to this committee to 
do the cleaning up froni withi . 
How seriously their own jobs aire 
threatened was impressed upon theni 
.at the meeting last Thursday .(1) 
when several publishers declared 
that the bribery from cbrh- 
petitive quartiers were not stopped 
they would dispose of their profes- 
isional stafl[s entirely and go in for 
general plug subsidizing. 

Gathering of the pop music con- 
tingent had been instigated 'by let- 
ters receivied from a couple of pubi 
lishers declaring that, they wanteid 
their names withdra>yn from the 
pledge which became effective last 
August. Letters asserted that the 
bri ing of bland. leaders and artists 
was more rampant than ever; that 
the attitude of the industry toward 
the pledge had become hopelessly 
hypocritical and thait those invested 
with the administrative authority 
over the pledge were not the least 
interested in taking action against 
the culpri 

Incehtive 

As has happened on previous oc- 
casions when callefd to account for 
unfair exploitation practices, the pro- 
fesisl<)nal men singled out the pub- 
lished lists of weekly network plug to- 
tals. They admitted that their main 



objective was making a good show- 
ing oh .these lists and it ,was their 
suggestion that the. industry could 
go a long ways toward curbi 
bribery if this incentive were elimi- 
naited. 

One professiohail cohtacteer ad- 
mitted paying out of his own pocket 
for a plug so that his. total for the 
week would, be just enough to get 
him on one of those lists; Out.pt 
the discussion on this point came the 
proposal that the MPPA negotiate 
for the takeover of the Accurate 
Reporting Service, which organiza- 
tioh does the 'peal checking of air 
performances^ and that VAfinmr be 
requested ty riefrain from the pub^ 
lication of plug recapitulations. 

Professional men named on the 
clean-up committee are Rocco Voc- 
co, Joe Santly; .Jonie , Tap, Elmot'e 
White, Chester Cbhn, Harry Link^ 
Sid Lorraine, Phil Kbrnheiser and 
Irving Tsinz. 



Puhs-SPA Memorandum Pact 



HERALDING A NEW HIT DUO FROM BEN MARDEN'S SMART 
"RIVIERA FOLtlES OF 1937* 

THE IMAGE OF YOU 

I'M HAPPY DARUNG 
DANCING WITH YOU 

From THE TAX A>IEkiCA3J CASIXQ BEVCE 

DON'T YOU KNOW OR DON'T YOU €ARE 

LEO FEIST, inc. 1629 BROADWAY NEW YORK 



Synchronization and Transcriptipn Issue 
Now Crystalized for Vote 

A. M. Wattenberg, counsel for the • several of the major indie publish- 

Warner ros. music interests, and 1 who contend that the old ar- 

T o u 1 o - •* -t, rangement of 33 1-3% for the writers 

John Schulman. Songwriters P^P- f ^.33 ^uij^ble one. These indie 

tective Association' lawyer, have ' 

drawn up a memorandum agree- 
ment giving the writers 45% of the 

money collected on synchronization 

arid transcription rights. It is how 

up to the SPA and the music pub- 
lishers to vote on making the terms 

of ' this agreement part of the uni- 
form contract prevailing between 

writers and pubs. 
SPA officials are also insisting j 

that the Music Publishers Protective | 

Association remit to their ex-: 

chequer 2% of the 10% deducted ' 

by the MPPA for its licensing serv- \ 

ice in connection with the sync 

and radio disc rights. The SPAites ; 

say they need this ihoney to finance i 

the association's offices. Harry Fox, j 

MPPA g.m^ sees no reason^for split- | 

ting commissions with this SPA since , 

it is the MPPA whJch does all the ; 

work in licensing rights and collect- ; 

ing royalties. Fox also objects to ; 

paying the salary of ah SPA check-, j 

crupper v/ho v/ould be stationed in j 

the MPPA. ices. ^ j 

j Proponents • of tlie 45% net split \ 
j are faced with the opposition of j 



pubs assert that they will not be sold 
down the river by the firms which 
are either controlled by or allied 
with film producers. Latter have 
littlie to do with works that are not 
their property by virtue of studio 
contracts with the writers, which 
leaves only the indie publishers 
bbJigated to give up 50% of v/hat 
; they receive, to SPA members when 
^ it comes to mechanical rights. 




Prestnls 

Th* Nov«lty S«nsati 

THE MERRY 
GO ROUND 
BROKE DOWN 

THE LinLE 

old fashioned 
Music dox 

vienna dreams 

i'm hatin' this 
waitin' around 

the moon is in 
tears tonight 

From tTB ProiL. "Kid Calaba*:" 

BORN TO LOVE 



HARMS, INC., RCA Bldg., 
MACK OOLDMAJi, Prof, 



Hits from the RKO Radi 



♦NEW FACES OF 1937" 



OUR PENTHOUSE ON THIRD AVENUE 
LOVE IS NEVER OUT OF SEASON 
IT eOES TO YOUR FEET 

Br Lew Br«w« mttd Smmmj Fala 

THE WIDOW IN LACE NEW FACES 

Br Tr«It«r Bqllock and If«r«ld 8plM B/ Cbwfaea UcnderMn 

LEO FEIST, Inc. • 1629 BROADWAY NEW YORK 



THE COUNTRY'S BIGGEST SONG HIT 



T LOOKS LIKE RAIN IN CHERRY BLOSSOM LANE 



1 Lucky Strike Hit Parade Ho. 1-Sheet Music Sales No. 1-Most Played On the Air 

By Leslie and Burke --JOE MORRIS MUSIC CO., 1619 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 



46 



VARIETY 



MUSICS DANCE TOURS 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



VISIT OR WRITE 



TEN O'CLOCK TOWN 

STARDUST ON THE 
MOON 

YOU'RE PRECIOUS 
TOME 

A-HU NTING I WH I 00 

TOUGHEB IN THE 
HEAD 

WHAT A HEAYEiniY 
NIGHT 

TWO ROCKING CH AIRS 

IF WE HAVE A 
R AINY SUNDA Y 
Orchestration* 60e each^ 



RADIO CITY • N Y 



YOU CAN ! RUN AWAY r 



FROM lOVF Zo^^^fi 



THE 
S 



HANG HA 



A. 



CI 

HIMICIC MUSIC COirP..N.YX. 



$182,278 IN TAX 
ARREARS PAID 



Atlantic City, July 6. 

Million Dollar Pier opened for the 
summer season Friday (2) after 
dumping $182,278 for back taxes into 
the municipal treasury. 

(Charles A. Hill, manager of the 
Pier, and Leo Lewis* representing the 
South Jersey Title Co., made the pay- 
ment, which covered the years 1933- 
36, and the flrstrhalf of '37. An 
$857.50 fine was included. 

Ozzie Nelson orchestra and the 
Jan Savitt crew, are providing the 
darisapatioh, while Stepin Fetchit 
heads the current viaude lineup. 



On the Upbeat 



Mike BUey has returned to New 
Penn, Pittsburgh, for his second en- 
gagement within a month, the result 
of his click on original visit. That 
was for one week only. Stays until 
July 30 when Don Bestor comes in 
for fortnight. CRA handled. 

Jess Hawkins* band into Kenny- 
Wood Park, Pittsburgh, for two 
Weeks and Austin Wyli€ intC^West: 
View Park for similar stay. MCA 
handled first and CRA the second. 



Most Played on Air 



Bjiidy Vallee orch set by Leo Sal>- 
kin of CRA Chicago office, for the 
week of August 23 at Chicago's lake 
front celebration. 



. Josephine Huston and Eiiric .Mad- 
riguera orchesti:a open tomorrow 
(Thursday) liight at the Surfside, 
Atlantic City, replacing Shep Fields 
band, with Bert Frohmah. 




The Englifih Swing 
i9'ovelty Hit 

'CUBAN 
PETE' 

Watch Tills Number Sweep 
TIm <;ountry.t 

aim tlie Kntlon's Walti 
Favorite 

SEVENTH HEftVln* 



Frankle, manager of . iver- 
view park, Des Moines, in Chicago 
to book name bands for one^night 
appearances in the park ballroom 
during JvQy and August. Al Katz 
and His Kittenis set . for July 10. 



Val Ernie band into Ben Marden's 
Riviera, last week to alternate with 
Mickey Alpert's orch. 



Johnny Messner's orchestra, with 
Jeanne D'Arcy as vpcaliist, tooting 
for a series of Friday night fra- 
ternity dancies at the Hotel McAlpin 
roof, N;Y. 



Combined plugs oil WEAP, 
WJZ and WABC are computed 
for the week ffom Sunday 
thro^gh Saturday (June 27- 
JUly 3) 

Hit Looks Like Rain 

.(Morrlaji 
fWhere or When 

(Chtippeli) 
Sailboat in the Moonlight 

(Crawfora) 
^There's a. Lull in My Life 

(Rbbblna) 
*They Can't Take That Away 

(Chappell) 
Merry-Go-Rouhd Broke Down 

(Harms) 

*AU God's Chillun Got Rhythm 

(Robblns) 

* September in the Bain 

(Remtck) 

Carelessly 

(Berlin) 

Gone With the Wind 

(Beilln) 

Tou and Me That Used to Be 

(Berlin) 
Strangers In the Dark 

(Crawford) 
♦I Kiiow Now 

(Remlck) 
*Tomorrow Is Another 

(Robbtns) . ■> 
■ *Capse My, Baby Says It's So 

(Remlck) 
Image of Yon' 

(Feist) . 

You'll Never Go to Heaven 

(Donaldson) . ' 

Miller's Daughter Marianne 

(Siiaplro) 
Having a Wonderful Time 

(Paull-Ploneer) 
*Never in a Million Years 

,. (Robtjlns). 
*Sweet Leilani 

(Select) J 

* Whispers in the Dark 

(Famous)' 
*Me, Myself «nd I 

■ (Words and Mustc)' 

^Message From Man in Moon 

(Robblns) 

*Was It Rain? 

(Sahsly-Joy) 

icaies. filmusical song. 
Toductton Number. 



departed for Hollywooci with her 
mother.: 



Charles Lanterman's band lilaying 
nightly at the Carmen, Mi isink 
Hills, Pa. 



Bernie Whitman's ork set for sum- 
mer at Bossard's Mt.. Pocpno Grilli 
Mt. Pocono, Pa. 



Maiirie Sherman band dated for 
the Cherry Queen's Ball of the Na- 
tional Cherry Festival, Traverse 
City, Mich., July 15. 



HOLLYWOOD SONG S' 

RCA MHUMNC-MMOCnV-NEWtOMCN.Y. 
PMILKOBNHEUER. Cei>.Mqr. 



Silvertown Cord Orchestra, with 
iSam Ross batoning, into the Hotel 
Nassau, Long Beach, N.Y., for the 
summer. 



Paul Collins band at Westlake 
Terrace, Indianapolis, for summer, 
has added Jenifer Sheff er, Indianap- 
gal to replace Eleanor Hansen. Lat- 
ter got herself spotted by Lucille 
Ryman; Universal talent scout and 



Tops in the Music Business 



THE YOU AND ME THAT USED TO BE 



GONE WITH THE WIND 



Nick Kenny'e New Sona Hi 



MY CABIN OF DREAMS 



CRAZY DREAMS 



CARELESSLY 



IRVING BERLIN, Inc. 

799 SEVENTH AVE., NEW YORK HARRY LINK, Qen. Prof. Manager 



William Penn. Hotel's Urban Roof, 
Pittsburgh, has picked up Happy 
Felton's option for four weeks more. 



Hal Stearns /prch opened at the 
Biel Air Beach Club on the Coast. 



Dick Jiirgehs played two-day . en- 
gagement at Saltair, Utah, July 6-7. 
Outfit heading east. 



ed Norvo-Mildred Bailey organ- 
ization bne-nites Sunday (11) at 
Lake Compounce, Bristol, Conn. 



Bob Crosby hand plays Roton Point 
park. South Norwalk, Conn., next 
Sunday. 



Oak Grove Casino, Milford, Conn., 
working lanche Calloway's orch. 
Sunday. 



Nano Rodrigo tango orch 1 the 
new Patio del Sol, outdoor terrace at 
the Traympre Hotely Atlantic , City, 
for the summer. 



Associated Renews 



Associiaited Music Publishers, Inc., 
last week renewed the licenses for 
its transcription library through the 
Music Publishers Protective Associa- 
tion. New iagreement runs to June 
30, 1938, and involves a minimum 
payment of $25,000 in royalties. 

Not coviered by the renewal are 
a large- number of seiectib^ns -Which 

are gradually ' being^^ , P.'^!^^^ ^I'pni 
the AMP library. These in a large 
measure consist, of pop tuiies whicli 
have run their course of pbpul^ity. 

Music Notes 



Edgar Leslie and his wife left last 
week for a round-the-wbrtd cruise. 



Harry Wurtsel purchased 'Lonely 
River,' tune by S. H. Samuels and 
Robert Joseph. 

Harold Adamson and Jimmy Mc- 
Hugh authored a hew ditty, 'Once 
You're in Love,* at Universal. 



Orchestra of Duke Uhiversity 
studes dishing put the dance tunes 
on the S.S. Bremen this summer. 



Berlin's Film Four 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Irving Berlin's music firm will 
publish four ditties featured in 
Grand National's 'Something to Sing 
About' • .under an arrangement just 
completed by Victor Schertzinger, 
Who is producing the film. 

Numbers include That's What 
, iLoving You Did for Me,' 'Right or 
Wrong,' 'Out of the Blue,' and 'Some- 
thing to Sing About.' All the ditties 
are warbled by Evelyn Daw in the 
film; 



Gus .Kahn, Brbnislaiu Kaper and 
Walter Jurmann deffed trio of dit- 
ties for Metro's "The Ugly Duckling' 
titled 'Never Was There Such a Per- 
fect Day,' 'From Every Lonely Heart' 
and 'Early Morning Sec^uence.' 

Hoagy Carniioliael aired two of his 
new ditties,. 'I, Love You Like an Old 
Felt Hat' and^This Is Kovr a Dream 
Should End.' ; 



George MoMarray hew press 
agent for the Horace Heidt prches- 
tra. . He was fbrmerly on the CBS 
publicity staff. 



ASGAP's Const Mieet 

Hollywood, Jiily 6, 
Coast members of American Sor- 
ciety of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers huddle with ,E. C. Mills 
at Victor Hugb cafe toniorrow 
(Wed.) night. 

Mills is coming doWn frPm Seiattle 
where he fought. anti-Asca'p legisla- 
tion. 



Half^rice to P^ek 

" Herishey, Pa., July 6. 

Bob. Crosby orchestra set in. at 
Hershey Ballrbom here for the July 
4th holiday killing with managenrient 
using double barrelled price policy. 
Speciar stands for spectators put in 
service with tariff fixed at half a 
check ia head. 

Double to dance. 



Charley Agnew's option at ill 
Green's Terraced Gardens, Pitts- 
burgh, lifted for additional month. 
MCA handled. 



Annoonclng 
Three BIr Sonc Hits 
from "SING AND BE HAPPT" 
The New 20th Centorjr-Fox 
Maeical 

'Sing and Be Happy' 

'What A 
Beautiful Beginning' 

'Travelin' Liglit' 



r MOVIETONE 
MUSIC CORPORATION 

Sam FOX Publishing CO •;. ■. 
1250 SIXTH AVENUE 

New YORK 



GORDON and REVEL Click 



in 20th Century-Fox's "WAKE UP AND LIVE" 
Featuring Walter Winchell, Ben Bern! and Alice Faye 

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS IT'S SWELL OF YOU 
THERE'S A LULL IN MY LIFE WAKE UP AND LIVE 
I'M BUBBLING OVER 



Robblns Music Corporati 



799 7th Ave., New York 



Gftsprarre's Loop Date 

Chicago, July 6. 

Initi appearance of Dick Cas- 
parre's orchestra in Chicago set, be- 
ginning Aug. 6, to replace Eddie 
Duchin at the Palmer House. 

Set with iGiisparre for the Mutual 
wire spot are the: DeMarcos. 



Ballroom's lOO-Mlle Pick-lJp 

Philadelphia, July 6. 

One of longest indie . remotes in 
country began Saturday (3) when 
WIP started airing Art Shaw band 
from Marine. Ballroom, 'Vyildwood. 

Pick-up is wired about 100 miles. 
It is sponsored l-y the ballroom, 



"POLYNESIAN ROMANCE" 
"JUST ABOUT RIGHT" 

By LY8LE TOMERLIN ■nd ANDY lONA 
LONG, Writeri «l "SOUTH SEA ISLAND 
MAGIC" 

VANGUARD SONGS 
II Hollywood Blvd., Hollywotd. 
JULIO AL0N80, Prtf. M|r. 



liho In,.. i,\ i<r;: 

FECKIN' 



The Nfw Summer Sensdtioi 

IS THIS GONNA BE 
MY LUCKY SUMMER 



U ill 1 1 II il ■^i> n l.dlrsi 

YOU'RE MY DESIRE 



MOON AND SEA 



The Comedy H>t of I9j7 

TODAY I AM A MAN 



MILLS MUSIC, lie.- 

1619 Innlwir • Ntw Yiili. N. T. 



FLASHES 



Two Kcw ' lutramental ' MotcI- 
Um br <h« Pabllahen of 
"Nola" and "PoUy'r 

"CHINiTbOLL 
PARADE" 

"WHISTLINe 
MOSE" 

istinetiv* Piano or 
rchastra SpaeialtlM 



SAM FOX 

PUBLISHING COMPANY 

.ISO S xr» AVtKut 



WW wWw^WW^^^W 



Presentt 



HOAGT CARUICHAEL'g 

OLD MAN MOON 

FrMn Hal RMoh't MGM Prod. "Top»<* 



From «CHEBOK£E STRIPS 

MY LITTLE 
BUCKAROO 



Tht ■•«• with tht Hawaiian flavor. 

LITTLE HEAVEN OF 
THE SEVEN SEAS 

By Soholl and Jeromo 
Writori af "ButUroe" 



. WiTWARK & SONS 
1260 Sixth Ave., RCA Bidff., N. S. 
SOLI.Y COHN, Prof. Msr. 



•Wide Hit 



SEPTEMBER 
IN THE RAIN 

WARREN and DUBI 



REMICK MUSIC CORP. 

»M Sixth A vo.. RCA Bide., N. T. 
CHARIJB WARHBN. Prof. 



^ jrreat mnslcnl Hoore from MGM's prodoctloii featnrlnr: 

"A DAY AT THE RACES" 

Th« Hwell Nt.orr, hy tixiH Kiili iippr and Jurmiinn follows: 

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY 
A MESSASE FROM THE MAN IN THE MOON 
ALL GOD'S CHILLUN GOT RHYTHM 
BLUE VENETIAN WATERS 

ROBBINS MUSIC CORPORATI 799 7th Ay«., New York 



VAUDE-NITE CLUBS 



VARIETY 



47 




'S REPRIEVE 



nnrlesaa^i W New York, it would appear, is to be given, one iqore chance. 
. . ^gnge ite name, its style o£ entertainment and avoid the ifilth and 
iVurity which eventually drove recent burlesque from the field. The 
^ rthrt it keeps from the old formula the better its chances of surviving 
under the watchful eyes of ah inir^ical city government and outraged 
uplift societies. } 

Xiios« interested in the upbuilding of the show busi ill watch the 
developments with serious attention, if not optimism. They will hope for 
Sie best, but fear the worst; a not altogether encouraging attitude, but 
OTie for which the outsider cannot well be blamedi The theatres about 
to be reopened "ire still under lease' . to those whose flagrant . flaunting of 
nudity and obscenity resulted in their closi It is perhaps not unnatural 
to speculate as to whether or not they haive learried their lesson suffi- 
ciently well, .„ ' .. 

Iiecentiy burlesciixe has been in the bands 6f those who found it eaisier 
- work along the lines of least resistance than to aiteliiipt seriously the 
production of low-Kibst, low-priced entertainment. It was simpler to plgce 
increased stress upon nudity than to endeavor to raise standards of ehter- 
laiiunent to 4 higher level. When One stripper failed to (excite a proper 
conimotioA at the Iwx office, it was easier to add morie strippers than .to 
improve comedy and productional vailues. 

Ih its heyday, burlesque approaclied rather closely the niUsical comedy 
standards. It is very possible that: this was a mistake. When burlesque 
departed from its free and easy v/ays and too dosely aped the Broadway 
standards, it lost the appeal to its; origiriai clientele without .gaining suf' 
ficieht new supporters to make the departure profltiable. Burlesque once 
possessed a quality of . its own. It was . rowdy, racy entertainment Of a 
quality to appeal to the type of patron who found himself ill at ease at 
the more polite Broadway shows. It spoke the language of the unlettered. 
" It did not: ,iawe them with its pretentions; It /was on the level . Of its 
responsive patrons. And those patr-ons were hot the morons and ddgener- 
ates who came later to the support of the exotic form. 



. If the new; experiment is to be a success, the style , of entertainment 
in be framed to appeal tp those Of slow mentaV perceptions. The comedy 
ill be obvious rather thian isubtle. It will be more slapstick, than satiric. 
It will be something the eleihental mind caii grasp and appreciate , without 
overtaxing a limited, intelligence. Which does not . mean that it has to be 
irty. Broad hiunor is not necessarily suggestive nor- indecent. ' It. needs 
only to be simple. Unless the former .burlesque tycoons can keep their 
;new shows" reasonably clean, -they might more .profitably rent their lobbies 
lor juice joints and keep the auditoriums closed. ' 

llryini: to see just how closely the new style show can approach the 
burlesque standards will not be profitable, Burlesque went too far. It 
wOidd oh^ invite comparison to follow that model. The new form must 
be different, distinctive amusirig-^and clean. . 



DUCHIN GETHNG $17,00» 
FOR 2 MIDWEST WEEKS 



Chicago, . July 6. 
Balabah & katz; has set Eddie 
Duchin for one week at the Chi- 
cago here, through Music Corp. of 
America, following appearance at 
Minneapolis week of Aug. 6. Salary 
reported $17,000 for the two-week 
period. 

Duchi at the Palmer 

House. 







New Faces Feature the Opening 
Of What May Be Big A.C. Season 



iladelphi July 6. 

Niteries, >yhich .hit punkaroo biz 
about two months ago, are still 
traveling downhill trail here. Ops 
look for nothings promising till mid-. 
September-, either. 

Three of the top spots are now 
shuttered. Latest to go. is 1214 Club. 
'21' extinguished coupla weeks ago, 
as. . did Frankie PalUmbo's. First 
tirtie in ,54 years that the Palumbo 
spot closed. : 

Only four, big midtown spots are 
operating how their swinging 
doors aren't swinging niuch. .They 
are Beiiny the Bum's, Arcadi , 
Adelphia and Walton Rpof. 

Two ace cluijs clicking neatly nbw 
are Anchorage and Evergreen Ca- 
sino. Both have terraced dining 
space and dance floors. Anchorage, 
oh river drive, and Evergreen, on 
Roosevelt Boulevard, are picking up 
much of better auto trade coi 



Osterman Now Also 

Nitery Producing 

Ja^k .Qstermanj who, on a come- 
back is how i iS' seyehth Vveelt at 
Mario's Mirador, Y,, niore or less 
i ihg. producer for 

the sjppt arid will put on a hew show 
to open next Tuesday (13)* 

comi Osterrrian 
has; organized .guest Wednesday 
nights and a \week ago, - 
rangements with the Hotel Astor 
Hoof, Rudy Vallee and his entire 
troupe held the Mirador floor from 
2:36 until 4 a.ni. as a compliment to 
Osterman. Starting the Wednesday 
nights first with Patsy Kelly, fol- 
lowed by Beatrice Lillie, Fannie 
Brice and Jack Pearl, tonight (Wed.) 
it Will be Willie -arid Eugene Howard. 
Others : arranged for .include Belle 
Baker and: Dave Rubinofl'; 







House, Burky Attacked As Ohscene 



Philadelphia, July 6. 

Negro vaude shows at Nixon.^ 
Grand theatre here find burlesque 
figured promidiehtly in- charges fired 
Thursday (1) by Mayor's Crime 
Commish that District Attorney 
isn't doing all' he. could , to protect 
morals of good people of Philly. 

Report made several months ago 
by commish; which consists of five 
clergymen, has just been made pub- 
lic. D. A. replied that it was 'vile,' 
•untrue' and full ,of slimy in- 
niiendos.' 

Regardi rand, which is how 
shuttered for summer, the commish 
said: 

'The District Attorney was given 
a report on the Nixon-Grand the- 
atre, the investigation in this ihr 
stance having been personally made 
by one of the members of the Com-, 
mission (Rev. Daniel A. Poling, 
pastor of Grace Baptist Temple, 
which js practically across the street 
from the house). 

'The programs during the week 
. of the _ Commissioner's survey were 
particularly lewd, suggestive' and 
obscene. There, was a dancing .con- 
iortibnist advertised as Tanya,' who 
seemed determined to tear her body 
apart as 'she entertained lewdly. The 
whiDle program was inexpressibly 
ious. 

The place was crowded with men, 
women and children of both colors 
and all ages. Childiren as imma- 
ture as,8even and 10 were p|resent.' 
The report passingly, referred to 
ilure of police to take action 
against hurley houses and niteries. 
No mentioh here yet of a hurley 
purge, as all houses were already 
dark to duck tiie heat when New 
York , shebang broke. 



Pin. SHOWBOAT FOLDS 
SUDDENLY; NO PAY-OFF 



Pittsbiurgh, July 6. 

First hitery casualty of the year 
around here arrived , last, week when 
Show Boat folded Without warning 
Thursday night .(1) leaving band and 
a flock of performers holding the 
bag. Boat was taken over by Furey 
Ross in September and managed to 
survive two early spring floods, 
which damaged the spot consider- 
ably both times. 

Show Boat at one time was Pitts 
burgh's leading nitery. Used to have 
a gambling casino on second floor 
and has never, fully recovered from 
a police raid on spot about six years 
ago. It's been operated since that 
time by seven or eight different 
managements. 



NVA's New Officers 
Inducted Into Office 



Mai Hallett in Theatres 



Mai Hallett orchestra does two 
^veefc engagement at the Paramount 
theatre, N. Y., opening July 21, fol-: 
Aug"! ^^^^ <'he Earle, Philadelphia, 

Dates then follow at Iroquois Gar- 
«ens, Louisville, Ky., Aug. 13; Michi- 
san. theatre, Detroit, Aug. . ; Steel 
*^er^ Atlantic :City,. Aug. 31,. and the 
^^ropolitan theatre, Boston, Sept. 6. 



Hal LeRoy will augment Mai Hal 
letts orch at the: Paramount, , N. Y., 
starting July '21. 



NVA Friday (2) inducted i;ito of 
flee practically an: entirely new slate 
of icers for the now strictly so 
ciai club. are 
Henry Chestei- as secretary, 
and John M. . iddy as treasurer. 

Loui Hand! former actor nOv^ 
an attorney, was elected presideht^ 
with Erni Van getting the post of 
v.p; Elections are for one year. 

Boaid of directors, totalling seven, 
elected includes Jim . Harlcins, 
Charles H. Preston, Joe Mclnerney 
Rosa Grouch, Joe Verdi, Wilbur Held 
and Mrs. George Primrose. 

Unlike the past, none of the club's 
officers will be salaried. Till the 
NVA rnoved from its elaborate club 
house on West 46th . streei.t, Chester 
field received $250 weekly. Unti 
recently the club had been paying 
him ijlO weekly for keeping the rec- 
ords; but now this- is also out. 



Readying tlie Skw 
For N.Y.hn Casino 



Jacques 

Charles, producers, are 

now in New York readying the 
show to inagurate; the new Inter- 
national Casino atop the Criterion 
theatre, N. Y. This cabaret-the- 
atre,: a la the French Casino, ill 
feature 'ihternationar type 

ishow .and Sandri ' Charles, et al 
are currently casting the American 
conlponen.ts on this side, "rhe for' 
eign talent wilL come over later. 

Spot is. to open end of 

August. Joe (Hollywood restaurant) 
Moss, Louis J. Brecker (Roseland 
ballrboin), George Olsen, the band- 
man, and Pave Loew are arhong 
the financial investors. Olsen is 
currently at the Cocoanut Grove, 
Los Angeles. His wife, Ethel 
Shutta, sails Saturday (10) for 
Honolulu vacation before returning 
to engage, actively in the new hitery 
venture. 



AUSSIE ACTS SHOVE OFF 

Hollywood, July 6, 
"Four acts are sailing from Van- 
couver for Melbourne Wednesday 
(6) to toiir the Australian circuit. 

Group,, all booked by Sam Kramer 
Coast rep for TiVoli it, includes 
Three Flames, Henning and Betty, 
Earl Pope and Lang,' arid Christye 
and Gould. 



George Black Jr. Now 
In US. to Learn Show 
Biz through J. C. Stein 

son of tlie Lon-. 
don theatre operiitor, has joined thei. 
New York office of Music Corp. of 
America. Figures on ^the 
band and itery ing busi- 

ness from the. American then 
returninjg to England to help handle 
his father's interests. 

Arrangements were set "by the 
elder Black and Jules C. .Stein, MCA 
prez, during the letter's recent stay 
in London. 



SUBURBAN DETROIT 
NITERIES ON CARPET 



Operators of several exclusive nite 
spots in Detroit area, included among 
40 niteries in Miacomb and W^yne 
counties, were called on the carpet, 
last week by state liquor control 
commish on of alleged 

liquor violations. Quiz is result of 
intensive drive launched coupla 
weeks ago on gambling, and rum 
violations in the Maconib area, Which 
siirrounds Detroit. 

Among the better spots warned at 
conference in Lansing were Blpssoin 
Heath, Lido, Venice Club, the Chalet, 
Lake Shore Golf Club and Mike's 
Bar, serving a swank Grosse Pointe 
clientele. All were called on the 
carpet for alibied Sunday liquor 
sales. ■'' . .' r-^'/ 

Cluli*Xd(io 'iu9d the To-Jo Farms 
nitery were ritdfed two "weeks ago 
and gaioblinlEi^ devices smashed by 
Macomi? 'officers. 

After the hearing, punishment 
was meted out by the liquor board 
as follows: License suspended. Club 
Lido and Lake Shore Country club 
spot. Fines, Blossohi Heath,, $300, 
and the Chalet, $50. 





s L uepnants-b ronies Act lops 
Chr Dept Store Showmanslnp Race 



Atlantic Cityj July . 
For the first time since prohibition 
days,' shore night life ' swinging 
into high. Only the mayoral ban 
against nudity and the legislative 
bar against femi ine employment 
after midnight have thus far been 
the disturbing factor-s, but. operators 
are hoping for the best and going 
along as . if neither harrier existedv 
Nearly all the 40 or more night 
clubs in and - -about the city have; 
been redecorated, several rehanied, 
and most of them showing a brahd 
hew crop Of entertainers in the ttipd- 
ern style to succeed such nanies as . 
Evelyn Nesbit, Paul Whiteman, Jlm-^ 
my 'Durante, Joe Frisco, : Ann. Pen- 
nihgtoh and Little Jiackie Heller. 

Babette's hew* Atlantic 
room, there is Rudy ' Vallee's Staihi* 
ley Meehan, who is featured as the 
main male vocalist ith the Three 
Sophisticated Ladies ha.hdllng the 
comedy assignment, Meehan is ian ' 
Atlahti C ity boy and . former elec- 
trici on-' the Municipal Audi-* 
torium's public address system; 

Oshins and Lessey, coniedians^ and; 
Mark Plant, a baritone, ' are tops at 
Phil Barr's 500 Club. Mack Pepperj 
dancer,, features the breezy show 
at the . Cliez Paree, which is the 
Frenchified monikei: the • ol^ 
Beaux Arts. La Costa and . Lolita, 
a, clever adagio teanii, : are doing a\ 
turn in the Ismail but talented sliow 
at Renault's Tavern, W^ere Etzl Co-: 
vato's orchestra is installed for a 
second season., Aberdeen All and 
Rjavida, dance .team, are at the col- 
ored Club- Harlem. .. 
. The Brooks Twins iare camping a.t 
the Old Club Madri , which hag re- 
opened under the namie of Suzanne's^ 
Ralph WelOff^s Paradise boasts ah 
all-colored revue headed by Kloak, 
one of Cab Calloway's prodigies. Ann 
Brahco is the vocal attraction at the 
Torch Club, along with a pair of 
"nut' comedi Jackie Mileis and 
Lenny Kent, 

Sheila Barrett is just now the bi 
gest name in town, the impersonator 
holding forth «t the Bath and Turf 
Gliib, where Nian Blackstone is also 
'doing some of her risque piano- 
logues. 

Hotels Laylhe Off 

. None of the Boardwalk hotels 
have . opened up viery strong, due io 
labor strife.. Severial of the more 
important hostelries have been em-^ 
barrassed in the past nlpnth by sud- 
den \valkouts of waiters and kitcheh 
help. The Ritz Merry-Go-Round, 
one of the more popular coektai 
sp^is, is unsuitable for any other, 
than vocal talent and there are no 
nam^s slated. Roger Kay's musicii 
standard vaudeville and raidio acts, 
will be featured at the . Ambassador 
Grill as the.season progresses; The 
Shelbutne Grill promises ho more 
than the incidental music of a pian- 
ist and the hotel orchestra. The 
Traymore's new spot. Patio del Sol, 
features the tango' music of Andre 
Talotf,. with Bill Madden's orchestra 
in the grill and dance teaps oyer 
the weekends, 

The St. Charley plans a night club... 
carrying the title of 'Burl-Esquire,' 
with talent doubling from the Globe 
burlesque show nearby. "The Bank- 
eris* Tavern boasts a Skyway show/ 
headed by Arthur Budd; while Joe 
Ray leads the 'French Folli ' at the 
French. Gasi . 

Among the names who' have, been 
booked for the . summer are Ted" 
Lewis, Bill Robinsoh, Jack Pearl, 
James Hall, the Three Stooges, ficlle 
Baker and Harry Richman, The old 
system of high tariffs seehjs to have, 
gone With the wind; Popular prices 
prevail ■ most of. the establish- 
ments. 



li;il be the hoofer^s first pop .stage 
"»i€ on Broadway, in sorhe time. 



SKELTON INTO NITERY 

, .Chicago, July 6. 

Red Skeiton. comes into the Chez 
Paree here' on Aug. 15. 

Skettbn recently closed five- 
week gailop at the RKO Palate here. 



icago, 

Week-by-week conipetition among 
Chicago department see 
who can put on bi show, 
tied, in with merchandising, xyas .won 
again last week by Goldblatt's. Did 
it by lugging Will Hill's Society 
Circus, including two elephants and. 
five ponieS; up to the ninth floor for 
six shows a day, four-day run. 

Acts- were Used in conjunction 
with- bargai sale.' Everything 
tied-.i including a 28-page' news- 
paper size giveawiay, store front and 
interior, decoriation. 

Of the; six shows a day, two were 
with the elephant team, two with 
the five ponies, and two the com 



bincd circus. Store 



jarhrtied. ;!fhows. 



throughout the four day,<;. and since 
a line Of .standees waited for each 
show to' finish so they could rush in 
for the; next, Max' Applebough, irt 
charge of Goldblatt's showmanship 
department; is eonviriced the 
circus did it. 

When caught, show drew a ca- 
pacity '(300) audience,, mostly kids 
and their parents, with a few. mer* 
(Chants from the 'rival' stores in to 
see how things were gpihg. Hill and 
his act got plenty of billing both in 
and out j)f the store. 

Other merchants are ing oniy 
their usual summer shows. Fair is 
still plugging away with, museurrt 
stuff, and Marshall Field's and Car r 
son's doJ 



Pro Nights to Fox, B'klyn 

Because of the fact that the Fiara- 
mouht, Brooklyn, has been averag- 
ing a profit of over $5,000 Weekly 
but the;, Fox, part of the thr'e-s-way 
Si. Fabian-Paramourit-Warner ipool, 
hasn't been dojng well, the 'profes- 
sional :highls' were movecl Friday 
night (2) from the Par to the.. Fox. 
Fabian who operiates the; , Fox 
and. Striind under the- pOoiing ar- 
rangement, ith' Par and WB,' con- 
trols the Fox and opei-ated that prior 
to taking over the other two theatres 
in dowritown Brooklyn. 

With moving of the pro nights to 
the Fox, is house hOW has stage 
enlerlHinnient two nights each v/eek, 
there al.so being an amateiiv radi ' 



ink teas and fashion ( hour eveiy Monday 

j win caiilimied.^ 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7y 193 7 



• siisri: ir \s omj of the 



IRl L) \()\ 1:L liALLROOM 

ri: 1 MS ()\ BOTH sides 

or THE \TLH\TIC'' 



Ahcl (iiocM\ ill *\'arict\' 
Issue Juno 'M). Wr.ll 





aldl 



Booked for an extended 
engagement of 40 weeks 

At the 

RAINBOW ROOM 
RADIO CITY, NEW YORK 

NOW IN 5TH WEEK 



Management JACK DAVIE S 
International Theatrical Corp, 





Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



VAUDE-NITE CLUBS 



VARIETY 



49 



Rainbow Room Gets 
Interpfetiye Dancer 
JLW.O.L From Reich 

Lotte Goslar, Nazi refugee, con- 
sidered Europe's greatest" dancing 
mime, opens July 14 at the Rainbow 
Room, N. y. It's a departure for a 
nitery to book an intferpretive 
terper of Miss Gos.lar's calibre, but 
John Roy, managing director, is 
personally sponsoring her as a 
unique novelty. 

Miss ■ Goslar toured with Erika 
Mann's 'Pepper Mill' reviie abroad 
and' then' played for. Vqskovez & 
Werich, therPrague impresarios, be- 
fore coming to America. 

During her engagement, Marie_ 
Raye and Naldi, adiagio ballroomists,' 
drop out, but' are. .booked back for 
a series of repeats. Raye-Naldi hold 
one of the longest term deals at 
the swank Rockefeller nitery ever 
accorded a dance team. 



200 CHARLIE McCARTHY 
KIBITZERS FORM ASS'N 



RUFE DAVIS HELD WEST, 
Pin SHIFTS m MUSIC 



Pittsburgh, July 6. 

Unable , to finish his assignment in 
Par's 'This Way Please' in time, 
Rufe Davis, the hillbilly comic, has 
asked for and received a release 
from his contract to play Stanley 
here in connection with his first 
picture, 'Mountain Music' As re- 
sult of this the WB-Loew . RQol has 
shifted 'Music' into Penn, where it 
will piay week beginning Friday (9) 
without benefit of stage show. 

Davis was to have been on the 
Stanley bill week of July 16 with 
Herman Bing,.so Stanley has booked 
in Joe Venuti's band to share honors 
with spluttering comic. 

So far WB deluxer is without a 
flesh attraction July 23, but with an- 
other Major Bowes unit a more than 
likely entry for. this spot, with Three 
Stooges du6; in ,£olJowing week to 
round up : list - of bookings so far. 
Harry Kalmine, zone manager for 
WB here, going to New York for 
a week /to try and round up some 
dates for August. 



CIO Loses Out in Philly 
Nitery Battle with API 



-Philadelphia, July 6. 

American Federation of Labor-CIO 
struggle to represent employes of 
Arcadia-International Restaurant 
here, which for a while had operator 
Art Padula faced with pickets which- 
ever way he moved, has been ironed 
out by forcing CIO from the picture. 

Jam was straightened by the A. F- 
of L. sending each employe a letter 
telling him he was ineligible to work 
if his dues weren't paid up. Those 
who joined CIO weren't going to pay 
twice, so the^ were dropped from 
A. F. of L, and Padula was given 
privilege of firing them. He hired 
A. F. of L. men in their place. When 
ClO'ers biegah to picket, they were 
shoeed by Mayor Wilson. 



Diamonds for Dallas 

Diamond Bros. (3) have been set 
for six weeks at the Pan-American 
Casino,. nitery adjunct of the Greater 
Texas-Pah American Exposition in 
Dallas. Open Aug. 21. 

Deal set by Larry Puck of the Lou 
Irwin office in N. Y. 



Kalcheim's Coast Trek 

Nat Kalcheim, of the William Mor- 
ris agency in New York, is eh route 
to the Coast. Left N. Y. Thursday 
(1) by train, with a stop-off first in 
Detroit. 

It's strictly a vacation trip. 



AGENTS 



Birthday, Everyday, Convalescent 
Greeting Carda 
In Boxed Asnortment.s 
Very Liberal Coinniinslona 
Writ© for pnrtlciilar<) 
DOROTHEA ANTEL 
MO West 72nd Stl New York, N. Y. 



RUDY VALLEE 

Dressed by 

SIDNEY FISHER 

75/77, Shaftesbury Avenue 
PICCADILLY, LONDON, ENG. 



Cincinnati,- July 6. 

The Puppeteers of America was 
organized here last week during a 
four-day convention at the Hotel 
Gibson. Body claims 200 profes- 
sional an^ amateur puppeteers as 
members. 

Paul McPharlin, Birmingham, 
Mich., was elected honorary pres- 
ident. Rufus Rose, Waterford, 
Conn., was named chairman of the 
governing council. Other members 
of the council are: George New, 
Decatur, III.; Helen Reisdorf, De- 
troit, secretary; William Duncan, 
Cleveland, treasurer; Romaine Proc- 
tor, Springfield, IlL; Blanche Hutto, 
Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Don Vestal, Chi- 
cago, and Martin Stevens, New 
York. 

Stevens and his wife, Olga, ar- 
ranged for the roundup'" of pup-' 
peteers, 150 of whom were present 
from all parts of the U. S. Or- 
ganization's 1938 convention will be 
held in Chicago. 

The Stevens are to present their 
'Joan of Arc' puppet show at the 
International Exposition in Paris, 
the week of Oct. 14-19. . 

Of the hundreds of h^nd-made 
puppets which members displayed at 
the convention, one that attracted 
considerable attention was 'Oscar,' 
a ventriloquist's figure produced by 
George McElroy, 24, who helps his 
dad in a print shop in Harrison, 0.> 
a suburb of Cincy. 

'Qscar' moves not only his lower 
jaw, as do other dummies, but also 
his upper lip, rolls his ping-pong 
ball eyes up and down and east and 
west, arches his eyebrows, sticks 
out his tongue, has a lighted nose, 
wriggles his nose and ears, and has 
.a fright wig.. 



Saranac Lake 



• IS YEARS AGO • 

(From Variety and Clipper) 



Columbia Amusement Co., hurley 
wheiel, celebrated i_ts 20th anniver- 
sary. Variety got out a specfal issue. 



Famous Players bought the Black 
New England chain. 



Will Hays telling the General 
Federation of Women's Clubs, at 
Chautauqua, what they could do to- 
ward making pictures better. His 
first big contact, 



By Happy Benway 

As usual, the Downie Bros. Circus 
was here; Col. Charles Sparks again 
opened house for every one con- 
nected with show biz. 

Willard' C. Patterson left the 
Rogers hospital for a- change of' 
'downtown' ozone. He is now pri- 
vate cottage'ing. 

Alice Carman, singer, who has 
seen. 10 years of this thing, holding 
up nicely. 

James Seeley, Loew theatre treas- 
urer from Miami, Florida, here as 
a new ozoner. 

The John Louden's are New York- 
ing and messing around New Jersey 
for a fortnight of vacashing. 

Tommy Abbott, who spent two 
weeks at the Daisy Farm, Pine Bush; 
N. Y., will 47th St. and Broadway 
it for a day, then return to the 
Rogers hospital. 

Revised and official list of names 
and addresses of 'show-folks' in the 
Actors' Colony. 

Will Rogers Memorial hospital: 

Sylvia Abbott, Thomas Abbott, 
Marie Bainchi, Marya Blake, Theo- 
dore G. Bodwell, Robert Wm. Burke, 
Marion Carinon, Camille Carpentier, 
Fifi Climas, Ethel Clouds, John De- 
Giovanni, Alfred DeLoraine, Eddie 
.(Cardomone) Dowd, John Edwards, 
Herbert Elder, -Melvin Fox, Murray 
Friedman, Mildred Gardner, Harry 
Gordon, Jennie Grande, Marion 
Greene, William Oliver Janney, Dor- 
othy Kruse, Beatrice • Lee, Dan. H. 
Lee, Edith Lemlich, John Louden, 
Peggy' McCarthy, Edward Mc- 
Gushion, Lucile McKay, Mollie Man- 
tel, William Milne, Richard J. 
Moore, Armond Monte, Margaret 
Newell, Cora O'Connell, Joseph 
Parker, Salvadore Ragone, Ford 
Raymond, Milton Reich, William J. 
Robertson, Martha Gill Rogow, Ed- 
ward Ross, Micheal Schultz, Garry 
Sitgreaves, Ben Schaffer, Joseph Tio, 
Brian Tracy, Mark Vance, Eddie 
Vogt, Irving Wilbur, Henry G. 
Wunsch, Jules Zwilling, James See- 
ley. 

Claude Lawson, 68 Lake Flower 
avenue; John Dempsey, 19 Broadway; 
Chris Hagedorn, 28 Church street; 
Katherine Keenan, 49 Franklin ave- 
nue; Russ Kelly, 19 Broadway; Alice 
Carman, 66 Lake Flower avenue; 
Jimmy Cannon, Northwoods San; 
Arthur Alverez, c/o W. N. B. Z.; Ray 
Ketchem, 10 So. Hope street; Jimmy 
Marshall, Rainbow Lodge; Hairry 
and Charlie Barrett, 302 Broadway; 
Manny Lowy, Ala-Vista Lodge; 
Helen O'Reilly, 40 Main street. 

Write to those you know at 
Saranac. 



Lights, a theatrical club, toured 
amateur circus. Rained out four 
performances in six and the tour a 
bust. 



Morrison's theatre, Rockaway, 
went tab. First time in 25 years it 
had not used big vaudeville. The 
late William Morris persuaded Patsy 
Morrison to try the high priced stuff, 
and it was a winner. Lately the 
Keith office had booked. 



Nitery Reviews 



IS 



Chorus girls 'in the Cantor show 
staged a riot on the stage of the 
Winter Garden the closing night. 
Had "expected to work all summer 
and plenty sore at the shutdown. 



Rainy weather was making it 
tough for the beaches and parks, but 
it was helping hold Broadway 
houses open. End of June showed 21 
shows still running. 



For Fannie Brice's fourth consecu- 
tive week at the Palace,, they made 
it a family affair by adding her 
brother. Lew, to the bill. York and 
King and Adelaide and Hughes also 
featured. Van and Schenck had to 
do nine songs before they could get 
away. 



YOUNGMAN TO DETEOIT 

Henry Youngman goes into the 
Fox, Detroit, week of July 16. 

William Morris office set the 
deaL 



Glut of foreign acts, mostly 
German, anticipated the coming sea- 
son. Bars only recently down for 
the Huns. American acts no like. 



Little theatres on the downbeat, 
chiefly through lack of care in play 
selection. They came back. 



'Shuffle Along,' Negro musical, 
heading for Boston after 62 weeks 
in N. Y. Record for 9 colored troupe. 



Equity starting to enforce the rule 
calling for the posting of two weeks' 
salaries. 



Radio was talking of a new 
scheme to get profit from broad- 
casts. To send out programs on 
scrambled waves. Only those pos- 
sessing 'unmixer boxes' able to ob- 
tain results. Revenues would come 
from royalties on these boxes. Spon- 
sors found to be a more simple solu- 
tion. 



A. C. STEEL PIER HITS 
NEW ATTENDANCE MARK 



Attendance at the Steel Pier, At- 
lantic City, July 4 (Monday) broke 
the spot's ajl-time record for a single 
day's business. Claimed that more 
than 100,000 persons paid 75c admis- 
sion to the Pier. Approximately 
20,000 feet of extra floor space were 
opened for the day and 10 additional 
box offices handled the influx. Old 
attendance record, set last Labor 
Day, was 78,000. 

Show offered for the single admis- 
sion July 4 included Belle Baker, 
Kay Kyser orch. Red Norvo band 
with Mildred Bailey, Ina Ray Hut- 
ton orch, minstrels, a circus and 
three feature pix, including 'Slave 
Ship' (20th). 



GRAND TERRACE 

(CHICAGO) 

Chicago, July 3 
Newly built Grand Terrace 
named after the spot its operator, Ed 
Fox, made a big something in Chi 
nite life a few years ago. Located a 
little farther north, it is probably 
the most pretentious black and tan 
nitery in the country. Not alone is 
this because of it? physical equip- 
ment, but because Fox Icnows his 
black-and-tan i-iientele from one ex- 
treme to the other, and incorporate.^ 
this knowledge into every detail of 
cafe set-up. 

Cafe represents plenty of rnoney; 
big money. But wisely spenti for 
the nitery is choice for eyes in de- 
sign and layoxit. Square room, done 
with modern effects and equipment, 
has an all-glass bar off to the side. 
This, crescent in shape, is backed by 
complQtely mirrored walls and ceil- 
ing. In the room the raised bandstand 
has a latticed glass, background. 
Whole room is indirectly lighted, and 
both dome and glass have fusing col- 
ored lights predominating. 

When producing show. Fox never 
lets Addison Carey get away from 
the idea that it's a colored show he's 
doing, and must be colored style. 
That's a wise idea for this .t6rritory. 
Line of 16 sepias is in to give show 
a big effect, and their work is good. 
Opening number, 'At Your Service,' 
is especially well costumed, and the 
African Zulu interlude shows good 
routining. 

Billing is divided between Fletcher 
Henderson's band and Ada Brown. 
On opening night, the band was too 
loud and too brassy, a serious fault, 
but one easily corrected. Miss Brown, 
however, deserved the top spot given 
her. One of the hottest singers in 
the business, she gets away to plenty 
of stuff. 

Another act at the peak of enter- 
tainment is Morris and Mayes, a 
couple- of swing dancers who'll go 
down as exponents of their style. 
Purtell and Johnson, exhibition 
dance team, are fair, with so-so rou- 
tining and execution,- but better than 
average costumes. 

Singers with the band, Chuck 
Richards and Dorothy Derriclts, also 
work in show, and are able to hold 
their own. 

Opening nite saw cafe at capacity 
with big shots, and turning more 
away. Loop. 



WIVEL, N. Y. 

Evelyn Nesbit is anoth<ir on the 
Broadway trail. She is heading an 
entertaining little floor show here, 
giving it a substantial sock with 
well-selected songs and some gags. 
She sells both well and is putting 
plenty of ambition Into her work, 
suggesting possibilities of a run here, 
plus stage or other dates as well. 

This is Miss Nesbit's first engage- 
ment in New York in seven years. 
She was for a long time in Atlantic 
City with her own club, while about 
12 years ago she had her own res- 
taurant in 52d street. Miss Nesbit 
was booked here for a month but is 
fltting in so satisfactorily with Wivel 
requirements that Svend Jorgenson 
has extended the date for another 
month and may option her further. 
She isn't what might be expected 
with Smorgasbord, but neither are 
others on the shew, and that doesn't 
matter. 

Miss Nesbit is doing a routine of 
from 15 to 18 minutes as the feature ' 



Leon & EddieV 
Hotel Lexington, ' 
Pacing NX Hula 



Leon & Eddie's new Pago-Pago 
Room in their West 52d street mad- 
cappery, and the novel decor at the 
Hotel Lexington, transforming the 
former Silver Grill into an Hawaiian 
atmosphere, are the pacemakers in 
the hula-hula invasion of N. Y. 
They're setting the vogue now and 
while the Hotel Roosevelt and others 
are slated to follow, both spots are 
doing OK business because (1) the 
new atmosphere is seasonally re- 
freshing and (2) it's a new thing all 
over again to the present generation. 
At this rate, they'll be reviving 
tliose 1915-vintdge songs such as 
'They're Wcarin' 'Em Higher in Ha- 
waii' and 'Yacka Hula Hicky Dula.' 

The beachcombers motif has been 
effectively carried out in both. Leon 
& Eddie's Pago-Pago room Is actu- 
ally more in the South Seas motif 
and Charles E. Rochester, manager 
of the Lexington, has adhered more 
to the Waikiki. Andy lona's orches- 
tra, with Ray Kinney featured vo- 
cally and Meymo Holt doing nativo 
Hawaiian terps, comprise the Lex's 
shows. 

The rainstorm lighting effects in 
both spots are effective and -a great 
flash for the custorriors. Per usual, 
Eddie Davis \yorks hard and to good 
purpose at Leon & Eddie's. Strong 
r.upport comes from Nelson's Boxing 
Cats, last seen at the Hotel New 
Yorker; Gloria Cook, James Keogan, 
Norman and McKay, Mile. Denis, 
and Haines, Tate and Simpson, latter 
a hard-worlcing Harlem 'stravis' trio. 
Lou Martin is the dance .combo and 
all right, succeeding Willie Farmer, 
shifted over to the Promenade Cafe 
in Rockefeller Center. 

From the standpoint of the Lex- 
ington, which formerly played semi- 
name bands, it's quite a saving; and 
besides, the spot's doing more b'-r.ir 
ness than ever before. lona's 12 Is- 
landers don't cost what a Rockwell- 
O'Keefe band used to stand the Hitz 
management and so, whilK the vogue 
lasts, it's a b. o. hypo and 0 savinsf 
at the same time. lona and Kinney 
are both prominent on the Deo<;a 
records. Jac Lissman did the Lex'3 
decor. The designer of the Pago- 
Pago room at Leon & Eddie's also 
rates billing because his is an even 
more intricate creation. 

Both spots naturally feature trop- 
ical drinks and South Seas dishfS to 
fit the atmosphere. Abel. 



of the program. She opens with 
'Them There Eves.* a cute floor num- 
ber, follows with 'You Let Me Down,' 
and then 'Queens of History,' an ex- 
clusive. The last-mentioned is a 
novelty special that's ideally suited 
to her manner of working. 'Mrs. 
Worthington's Daughter,' a Koel 
Coward novelty, leads up to the 
travesty on the Minskys, written for 
Miss Nesbit by Abner Silver. It is 
particularly well sold. Her gags jal.so 
click. Miss Nesbit makes a good 

(Continued on page 62) 



Indpls/ 30 Mins. Time-Out 
Because of Juice Trouble 

Indianapolis, July 6. 

Failure of supply of electricity 
for 30 minutes in downtown theatres 
Sunday evening (4) at 7:45 o'clock 
in a thunderstorm during the peak 
time of the theatre rush caused 
plenty of loss to first run spots 
which were generally loaded at the 
time. Refund slips and return 
checks were issued while candles 
and flashlights were put to work to 
keep audiences calm. 

At the vaudfilm Lyric, Cab Callo- 
way and his orchestra were hur- 
riedly called from their dressing 
rooms and put on the stage for a 
'jam session.' Two candles were 
lighted on each side of the stage 
and Calloway brought down the 
house when he announced that his 
band would play even if it was 
'too dark for the audience to see 
the boys' In the orchestra. 



The THEATRE of the STARS 



fmwm. 



BOOKING AGENCY 

GENERAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES 

LOEW BLDG. ANNEX 

160 WEST 46^" ST. NEW YORK 



J . H . L U B I N 

GENERAL MANAGER 

SIDNEY H. PIERMONT 

BOOKING MANAGER 



50 



VARIETY 



VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



MUSIC HALL, N. Y. 



STATE, N, Y, 



Duke Ellington's, the unchallenged 
I cream of all colored conibbs, holds 



him. Annette Ames in baby outfit 
builds up some bright quips, hoofing 
Standard stage portion supple- and f|Partee ^vjth Wally 

i i»T 1:1 iQi7» mirrk-k should be spotted before Tannen. , ^.^„w. .. 

ment^ 'New Faces of 1937 (RK.O>, Katter steals hands from everybody, the stage this week , at what is the 

the feature. Leon teonidoff's Mile. Dore's poWder-puff dance is a top spot for what remains of vaude- 

absence abroad^ ith^the Ilockettes^ ch^ toxoid fan-wayers and vill^ SS"^aS?t/S? h^ 

ight stand in Pans, Florence sm^^^iy.siagea^ ^^^.^^^ ^ dance nicely paved the path, the keyboard- 

Rogge has again put on a good to Moloch in which a nudie is car- knucklmg knight and his crew of 14 

show, although a little extra perki-ried up in flies in arms. of green-eyed look even more . impress we on _.t^^^ 

to 'Variations iii Blue' god; Another flash of hudisnt m rostrum thap ever they have before, 

to ^^"^.W 'The - opening medley, belvmd a 

would have rounded out its variety. adagio whirlers, particularly scrim, is a trifle over-extended, run- 

the title implies, a blues might the irl, who dives ten feet from rtirig to four minutes of an Ellm^^ 

been highly apropos for the upper platform; Good swihgcopa- medley before the band really and 

oeen nigmy apropos lor i"^ 1^.^*^ jf^m the femmes ani? harpist, clearly presents itself. After that 

Esther Harsh. Clevelander, who the flow, and pace and i 

earns a big hand for herself. specialists is flawless. . .. . 

wiw a 6 PttUcn. Ivie Anderson, no shouter but a 



hot interlude. Instead, the four sec- 
tions are captioned Blue China, Bliie 
Houie, The Mor-ning-After Blues and 
Blue Danube, liie third stanza 
sounds like the idea desired but, 
iactually, it's another way of .saying 
Ben Dovai, doing his stahdatd stooge-~ 
coihedy routine. • 

Blue Cbiiia features Georgia 
Hayes' tiptop toe terpipg, against a 
hovel background iwhereby cups, 



tABOR, DENVER 



Denver, July 2. . 
With a few weeks of the present 
caliber of stage shows crowds could 
be expected to dwindle at the Tabor. 
, , But with busineiss expetted to be off 
saucers,, urns* .etc., come to terpsU over the Fourth there was no great ^ • u j -w* .. 

chorean life. It's- beautifully con- necessity to spend a lot of money on lads indisputably ^niched right up on 
ceived, lighted and presented, B.rune the layout. And weather was start- I the top rung of their particular lad- 



slick saflEronrskinned rhythm .singer, 
has been with the aggregation for. 
four years, which is a weU-dfeserved 
long tenure. Her big number is 'All 
God's Chillun Got Rhythm,' which 
she intro'd in 'Day at Races' (Metro), 
bolstered by a pair of piops. 

The bang of the show, from audi- 
ence reception, is the fast hoofing act 
of Tip, Tap and Toe, thrfee colored 



Maine getting, the bends for the .set-ling out perfect— that is, tor everyone 
titigs and costumes by Marco Monte- to go to the mbuhtaihs .that could 
doro, Willa Van and executed by possibly get there. 
H. Rogge; Jighiihff by Eugene Braun. Opening routine w*s with gay col- 
The- ballet corp^ scintillates in this ored costumes as Francis Hose sang; 
portion.. about an 'Old Guitar.' Girls work 

Blue Hour tees off with Rubin- well together, -and Hose hais a pleas- 
stein's 'Romance' and featureis Ed- ing baritone voice, better than last 
Wina Eustis and the Glee Club week. Mario, and Marina, dance 
(Vain Lindhe, director), segueing team, do the conventional bits for a 
into 'Valse Bluette;'^ Marie Grimaldi, ballroom team. The line, after stan^ 
t>reniier ballerina. .Then Ben Dova, ing about as M&M work, finish off 
who, like all sight turns in the ace the opener. The Jolly Sisters (2) 
groove in the nHonnioth Hall,-^eg- stay too girly-giriy and fail to attract 
isters I strongly Th^ Blue Danube much applause. They could go tom- 
waltx finale ciills out the entire per- boy . or other character and . do much 
sohnel— tite choir, the baUet, plus better. They have the voices and^he 
John Dunbar. Marian Raber, Rosa looks— blonde and r«tt»ead. They 
Akersten and Eirl Lippy as tea- use a piano in part of their act. . 
tures. Th6 Strauss waltz, ever Sure- The line ^builds 'Broadway on the 
fire, is presented in miniature 'Grwit stage. Girls tote bits of scenery .m 
Waltz' manner on the vast Music front of themselves to erect thfe dty- 
Hall- rOstrttm. line, and then do the dance routine 

Productioned overture. 'Martha' jj^ont. Dressed in silver or gold 
(Vott Flotow) with Viola PhUo, Jan and black long dressy, and Marw 
- .-^ ^- - _ . _ J and Marina come back for more of 

the.ballroom dancing with change of 



Peerce. Edwina Eustis, Earl Lippy 



der. They virtually need a police 
escort to get aViray from the mob. 

The band, which is diistinguished 
from - all other Negro outftts; in that 
it sells itself With mUsic rather than 
roof-raising noise and clownish an- 
tics, can offer a change-of-pace. such 
as it does with Trouble in Spain/ 
arid yet go nifty sweet-i'swing in soft- 
pedaling a slick arrangement of 
'Shade of Old Apple Tree.' 

Ellington has rearranged his lay- 
out, since last caught, by ihowing 
down the ^brass to. graded sets of 
four trumpets, a like number of 
saxes and threie sliphorns. Aside 
froni the- boss at the piano and the 
drums, there ' are now. a pair of 
basses and a editarist The addition 
to the string corps seems, to have 
sensitized therrhythm. 

Ellington's own 'Caravan', gets a 
very nice whirl. And; for the blow* 
off, the specialists arid the bounder 
band boys go merry-iriefry with 
'Rug Cutter.' 
Ahetad of the orch's minutes, 



aiKi Hudson .Carmody featured : vo. | ;nyi«ir^^^ holds 'em nicely with 

the platform with P^^f_^^^f-'^g St to a^ familiar act that, when caught, 

ae*^"- T'V*. ?*™f.J?=_*?i™f J Was hvttoed with - some sharb shafts 



' cally,. sitting in oh 
the sjnnph. 
Biz fair opening night. 



Abel. 



PALACE, CLEVE. 

Cleveland, July 6. 



ling. As the man. sits in Vtie chair, 
T — > At. V balances it on the bar,;the femme 

Low grosses for the past month at L.ij^i,s up and sits astride his neck 
RKO Palace, the town's only flesh 'U-and climbs back down. "The line 



SeSv a^d SlSSk Se a f£urapeze location on'^roadway. His good- 
,.P^orV,>.^ mAtiv^on hoke from the old School 



of vaude comedy, contrasted with 
his sentimental songs, is. out of an 
Old formula but still highly service 
able for huh; 

In the act, Sylvia and Clemence, a 
couple of clowning girls long around 



stand, is causing some confirmed closes with a Fourth of July, flash. ^^^^^^^ 

flicker wiseacres to argue that Cleve- Line in red, white and blue cos- I i"'* ^?st several seasons m unixs 



landers are absolutely cold about tumes, and a large Statue of Lib^^^ 
any kind of vaudie during the hot and a huge U. S. flag in the back- 
months. That only, pictures will ] ground, 
draw them away from outdoor 



events,, but it's a fallacious argument 
Analjrziiig the situation impartially, 
this has been a poor seasoQ for all 
downtown houses. Theatregoers' 
purses are tight due to local strike 
trouble, depression isn't over here, 
and the Great Lakes Expositi<m's 
second edition isn't magnetizing 
enough tourists. Scarcity of surefire 



With 'Nancy Steele Is Missing' 
(20th) on the screen and entertain- 
ment value of the laiyoUt is low. 

RosCi 



Recent costuming has pair now in 
neat approximations of bell-hop 
suits and aids, their hard-striven 
aero dancing and rhythm tapping. 
Enough comedy is salted in to make 
the going good. . ; 

Opening, Carlton Emmy and his 
parcel of pooches. Fundamentally, 
the same vet turn, Emmy has added 
to his kennels and Whips up several 
new stunts. 

The flrst three acts all do their 
chores in 'one,' Which makes it 
rather monotonous. 

Feature " 'Woman. Chases Man' 
(UA). Bert. . 



HIPP, BALTIMORE 

Baltimore, July 3. 
It's 'jibe' m'usib on the Hipp stage 
film product ako handicaps Palace, 1 this week with Benny Meroff up to 
which has to depend upon its acts us- 4..:»i..<, Ka^v^^ k« . 

to offset weak picture. Nat Holt. tricks, backed up by a 

undoubtedly the best vaudeville capable ensemble musicians, 
showman in these parts, still has . Florence Gast and Mile. Sonya are I Embassy Newsreel. N. Y, 
kept i«i theatre's stamtards With his added f 

shrewd bookings. • Findme strong . - .... , . T -i, 

names in summlrtimeis a tough job ^s far as the 'jibe' is concerned, it's 

still swing and swing of the- dam- 



but majority of bills, lately are sev 
eral degrees above average. 'Hiey 
Would .make money if .ihpre shekels 
Were in circulation, so the only fac-^ 
tors to be blamed are business con- 
ditions. 

Example of good booking iis cur- 
rent Count Berni-Vid's 'Spices of 
'S?' unit backed by the Broderick- 
Mobte screen faves in 'Meet the 
Missus' (RKO). ;^ Holiday crowds 
-over week-end Were heavier than 
usual: and. make outlook for week 
promising. 



I bake variety with the six brasses and 
two bull flddles going to town in 
yociferpus manner. The interludes 

I assigned to this portion of Meiroff's 
stint go over well enough^ but it's 
the versatility of the maestro and 
general clowning of his bandsmen 
that brings home the bacon. 



Paramount's full footage on the 
fatal Memorial Day -riot between 
stieei strikers and 'Chicago police 
pushed the Roosevelt-DuPont wedr 
ding out of the No. 1 spot, where 
it had been originally placed on 
this program. Some 600 feet or 
more, seemingly unedited and cred- 
ited as such, of the Ci^icago fray 
were rushed into first pirogram break 
when received Friday (2) at this 



leard, police clubbing standing out 
alon^ with thie . tossing of rocks and 
missdes by pickets. 

Peculiariy enough, the newsreels 
in recent weeks got more' graphic 
coverage. of strike troubles in other 
cities, notably at Monroe and' other 
Ohio spots affected. Par's footage 
is presented, with no comment (a 
smart idea) aside from the Qpening- 
remarks by LaFoHette. Much of it 
seemed to be silent stuff though a 
few sbimds are heard in i>art of 
clip. Takes about six minutes dn 
the screen to unreel. 

Embiassy also centers on two. wed-, 
dings, Ro6sevelt-DuPon.t . ' Ceremony 
and the marriage of. Mary Pickford 
to Charles (Buddy) Rogers. Metro 
handles the former, showing, cabinet 
officers, the President and his ' party 
and the DuPonts as well as the bride 
and groom, latter two after the ac- 
tual servicies. : Flashing of still cam- 
era-bulbs mars much . of newsreiel 
footage though , it's . intelligently 
done. Pickford-Rogers w.iedding, 
done by PsHramount,.^ is brief but 
does not suffer from bulb . flashes. , 

iSoy Scout Jamboree in Washing- 
ton is given neat handling by Par, 
with many lively closeups, rating 
next in lineiipi Fox Movijetone 
caught a new army bomber flying 
over. Mount Ranier but captured 
popular fancy with its fine pnotdgf 
raphy of glider contest ' at Elmira, 
N. Y. Reel also got over a deft 
plug for Shirley Temple and her 
new film by shoWing cielebs, with 
Eddie. Cantor as m.c, .at premiere 
of picture in Hollywood. Movie- 
tone showed King George tree plant- 
ing, the (^ueen honoring loiglish 
nurseis, christening of Sir Malcolm 
Cainpbell motorboat, Al Smith in 
France, dynamiting for a sunken 
battleship, the new Friench premiere 
and services for Deutschland vic- 
tims. 

■ Other strike news is supplied by 
.Universal, in smart coverage of new 
developments at Johnstown, ringing 
in Piresident : Roosevelt's -. sunimiary 
of strikers and employer.. . U. also 
holds proininehce with, many ^reak'. 
items. It showed, wild aniihal cargo 
aboard , ship arriving in N. Y., cop 
per bathing, silits in Arizona^ prison 
guards graduating, caterpillar plague 
in Ontario, a champ' woman log roll 
er; honoring a plow inventor, Soviet 
aviators in .N. Y., ahd interest in 
fashion^ in Hollywood. Last is trim 
pictorially. 

Pathe's clips revealed a grasshop 
per plague in the west and an un- 
usual family of twins. Grabbed 
soihe titters . with its handling of 
modern art uhcdvered in N. . Y. . . 

Metro's newsreel rated top laugh 
of the week in final shots of dog 
howling ih the treatment of move to 
banish dogs in Manhattan. Manr 
aged to inject a little s.a. ith its 
Paris beauty show Closeups. 

Fox obtained a few chuckles with 
its cowboy aquaplane feats. Also 
did well on Harvard-rYale boat race. 
Lew Lehr*s comment' oh bears eat 
ing was not so forte hut made 'em 
laugh with his. covering of Hi-Li 
game fad, coming before camera for 
his best returns. Movietone also 
has some, remarkable photography 
of skiing in California ai night w^lth 
participants .iseen by fiares they 
carry. Bobsled ride at New Jersey 
park and motorcycle' daredevils were 
aiway from the ordinary, also Fox. 

'Going Places' (U). With m: ami as 
visiting point, and 'Popular Science' 
(Par), done, in Cinecolor, round out 
program that runs 60 minutes. 

Wcor. 



u **""**' But after flrst day was 

by^Meroff s contribution on the sax, moved into the opening of show, 
cello, clarinet, bass sax and nunia- |. Embassy management probably 



Count, .who has revamped and bols- l a good start and sets good spot for 
tered the; entire femme show m jast] Larry Powell, trumpeter, in a H6be; 

" version of an Irish song backed up 

by band in glee club arrangement 
and ending With the Whole outfit do- 



fortnight. Realizing a ^girls' orches 
. tra aloqe Is no longer a hot novelty, 
he has' pushed it nearly into . the 
background on a revolving stage 
With an upper platform for specials 
ties. They're average in talent but 
given an extra punch by tricky siet- 
tings, the t>ick-me-up type of miisic 
and by excellent pacing. Every- 
thing's streamlined, from Jackie 
Lane's opening ribs on new faces to 
thie Souisa: march fade-out. 

Color , and -ingenuity . are combined. 
In effective production, numbers by 
Berni Vici, who uses blue.baby spots* 
scrim and Lee Broyde's electric or-- 
gan in . a flddling' introduction. Lin^ 
of eight comes out via a S. S. Queen 
Mary dummy that sails. out on upper 
miniature stage. Tony Angelo doesn't 
help scene With a pair of nasal 
crooning pip^is, but the lanky-legged 
Doris Dupont goes to town in drum- 
taps before neat chorus work. 

Best piece of comedy that, audience 
goes away remembering corhes from 
Dave Tanhen, in bsiggy britches; 
Miigging in his hair-juggling classic 
is still a wower. So's his goofy 
skippety steps which equal his: pan- 
tomime as' laugh-getters. One of 
Lane's impersonations, preferably the 
old Vallee take-off, could be cut to, 
give Tannen another four minutes. 
Jackie's mimicking of LoU Holtz and 
Petiner, howevier, are too okay to be 
pruned. ' , 

Angelo returns for a 'My Som- 
Mrero' song high soprano that's 
morie flattering to chorines than to 



life-saver because, aside, from sev 
eral humorous moments, the news' 
reel, lads offeired little but riin-o! 
inill material. With the natioh-wide 
publicity this reel has received over 



ing a Pat Rooney waltz-clog to okay - a period of several weeks, because 
returns. of the Civil Liberties probe, it is a 

MUe^ Sohya, attractive blohd'e,, natural foi: a neWsreel theatre draw 
next in specially arranged vocal of even though it may be disappointing 
'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' | to those who had_expected too much' 



and sold in good fashion. An an- 
nouncement of the hew 'jibe' by 
Meroff sends the band through what 
turns out to . be a jam session' and 
brings on the other femme of the 
outfit, Florence Gast,. who clowns 
through her vocal in skillful manner. 

Highlight of doings next, the con? 
tribution of Jackie Marshall, trom- 
bonist, giyes considerable lilt to the 
proceedings. Boy is a real comic and 
his singing, and mugging ties up mat 
ters in grand style. Ceirtainly should 
be a niiche. in pictures for this lad.. 
Has a real comedy sense, and audi- 
ence goes for his stuff in a big way. 

Rather tough spot here to follow, 
but Meroff comes through with an 
okay impression of an old-time 
vaude show, juggling balls and top 
hat, chalking , out a landscape and 
sending the band through a show- 
manly review of the news reels util- 
izing the various musical sigs to in- 
ti-pduce gag shots and strong ice 
skating dance, long a Meroff standby. 

Another jibe number closes with 
stiibholders responding in good style. 
Merpff has an okay 44-minute session 
of entertainment and showmanship. 

Film is 'New Faces* (RKO). 

Burm, 



Senator Bob LaFollette .(seated be 
side Senator Thomas), as chairman 
of this Senate committee,, speaks for 
the: Par heWsreel .cameras, explain 
ing that, the film ..shots had . been 
made oiiie of the coihmittee ^exhibits 
in order to get all info, possible 
about affair 

This opening is smart showman- 
ship on somebody's part because it 
gives an apparent excuse foi: relcas 
ing the reel now that it has been 
shown publicity at the hearing. La- 
Follette relates foi" the screen that 
it is . not a complete t)ortrayal ' of 
what happened at the Chicago af 
fray, which seems to aid as a soften- 
er for some rathei' routine photog- 
raphy that: follows 
. NeWsreel shows gathering of 
pickets, lining up of policemen and 
milling about of the crowd with its 
customary picket signs. It is 6b 
vious that the canleraman missed 
some incidents leading up to the 
free-for-all bctWeen the cops and 
pickets because on the screen it 
breaks out apparently without any 
visible reason. Some preliminary 
views were equally sketchy in treat- 
ment. Photograpiher had a little dif- 
ficulty, too, in following the action 
Only a few scattered shots are 



TOWER, K. C. 

Kansas City, : July 3, 
Merchandising department this 
week blew its buttons in peddling 
June St. Clair, whom it heralded 
With all the piinch lines at its coih' 
mand. The sales job got 'em. in 
opening day but. Miss St. Clair will 
keep 'em out the other six. With 
every second door along Twelfth 
street bannering a strip act, and 
starving, it. seems on the surface to 
be a hopeless task for the Tower to 
put over this type of entertainment; 
Although the house did fine biz with 
Faith Bacon, sometime ago, it still 
appears to be no better than a one 
shot.. In the second place June St. 
Clair has littlie to pffer. She'd stand 
up Okay in these outposts With her 
how to imdress in. front of - your 
husband turn, but only as a divert-: 
ing specialty thrown into a good 
bill for good measure; Certainly 
hot as the feature, at leaist in K. C. 
She's oh mid-way in the bill' with 
the 'undress* number, and closes 
with the standard - strut walk; 
around. Nothing artistic about the 
appearance^ she moves about like a 
robot ahd a rather frightened robot 
at that. During her introduction by 
.Harlan Christ! , emcee, Miss St. 
Clair, admits to writing two articles 
for: Life, , overlooking the fact Life 
' is a ipic mag: and staff-Written. She 
should at least modify that part of 
her act to read 'posed for pics.' 

Rest pf the bill is take it or leave 
it with the exception of Ted and 
Mary Taft, hoofers; they sell easily 
With their ballroom stuff. Jerry 
Goe is oke with 'his accordion but 
he confiets back for a snake-hip dance 
that doesn't make the grade here. 
Boice an? Ladd, mixed .team, give 
and take some shady lines. ' Anthony 
and Rogers, male' dialect team, 
don't fare so well with their an 
tiquated gagging. Boys also indulge 
in some soft-shoe maneuvering 

The line (12) is seen in three rou 
tines and do right well With their 
cape whirling. Pic is 'Wings Over 
Honolulu' (U). HoMt 



CHICAGO, cm 

Chicago, July . 3. 
Manjr a $4.40 show, has lacked the 
entertainnlient and production which 
Balaban & Katz has given the aok 
house bill this week. There are 
vaudeville acts; yet, * . the strict 
sense of the word, this isn!t a vaude 
show. Everything is woven to, 
gether like a revue. 

Probably the thing which contrib- 
utes the most for this effect is the 
Fred Evans; li . In thi'ee appear- 
ances, these girls do more to add 
:avishrtess to the show than double 
heir nuinber wbtild anywhere else 
Charih lies in the smartness of their 
costuming, arid the up-to-the-min- 
ute sets and scenery which Sur- ?] 
rounds them. 

As an example, the July Fourth 
nunoiber ih cadet costumes, with a 
set realistically representing march- 
ing soldiers, stretching, out to a 
background horizon, is; as fine a 
piece of stagecraft as has been pre- 
sented in a . Chicago theatre. The 
other numbers whilie not so exten- 
sive in production, are none-the-less 
attractive. 

Two of the rdiitines use singers 
adding stiU more musical revue at- 
niosphere. Joe ;Griffin, back from 
Europe, works ope, and diiets with 
a line girl for the other. Griffi ' 
aj^earance^ in these t>roduction num-- 
bers helps explain his constant pop- 
ularity in this town; and that is nb 
reflection on the quality of his sing, 
ing voice. Opening routine ig 
Sunny Rice, tiny tao. dancer. Would 
have been better had she finished 
with the line, rather than returning 
p work alone. She's lost on a stage 
the size of this one. Her stuff is 
sure elide., 

Ross Wyse, Jr., and Jack iiaVeme 
Vie for comedy honors. Both are 
tops In their own fields. Wyse 
hasn't changed his act much, and 
he doesn't need to. Socks hard from 
opening to close, and his pactug to 
conf prm to various audiencss is per- 
fect timing. And he needs, greailv, 
the able assistance of June Maivn.* 
Jack LaVeme's turn is a tlh-type 
character trapeze artist. Has only 
one trick, that of balancing himself 
in a rockihg chair: on a trapeze, then 
falling off,, yet: his' aqt dips along at 
comedy speed. Bieeps the. character 
all the way. through, and works 
every angle to get laughs. And he 
gets em.. Girl partner, who does 
little, is his femme counterpart. f* 

On the bill also is Ruth Terry, in- 
troduced as oh her: way to take up 
a picture contract. She sings blues, 
and does patter numbers. There's 
lots of talent, and lots of stage pres- 
ence about this girl. One fault 
though, and that is she forgot that 
her body extends below her neck. 
Those make-'upless white ar * 
shoulders lahd chest look bad. . 

Picture is 'Another Dawn' (WB), 
and business for last show oh open- 
ing day Was excellent. Loop. 

Orpheum, Salt Lake 

Salt Lake City, July 3. 
Too much July 4 atmoisphere kept 
previous record crpwds away from 
weekly combo offering at Orpheum, 
still in the throes of an extensive 
marquee ren\odeling program. 

Vaudeville returned .to this major 
local house' a month ago this week. 
Consensus indicates that stage shows 
appeal to a gr^eater majority of peo- 
ple than a second feature on a double 
bill; Holden Swiger, house mgr. 
who .has been Whipping weekly 
shows in shape, plans to continue 
shows throughour slimmer. 

Current bill which opened Wednes- 
day (June 31) has five acts and By 
Woodbury's 13-pieCe band. Leader, 
Who serves as m. c.^ sets; a torrid 
stride ih music, announcing ' and 
singing departments. ,, . 

In -No. 1 spot is . Flo Mayo, aerial 
gynrinast, whose graceful bar per- 
formances while in midair ,bring de- 
served praise. Appears to be elderly 
wonian, though graceful and posses- 
sing steel nerves. Works continu- 
ally on a combination horizontal bar- 
sWing a yard or : so beneath the 
drafters. 

Johnny Lee and the Three Lees 
follow medley of Irving Berlin songs 
by band. Woodbury sings for the 
first time during his month of stage 
chores. . , 

Johnny Lee and. his stooges aren t 
newcomers to vaude patrons: here.. 
Current routine hasn't changed much 
since theiir' last appearance, : nearly 
two years, ago. apjiriny's style of 
buffoonery and his much-thwarted 
chances to be a piano virtuoso offers, 
perfect foils for the trip. Which also 
dishes out several eccentric steps. 
Acrobatic control specialties by a 
cute rnoppet, Barbara Morrison, 
helps to, move -show along a brisk 
pace. Youthful trouper got more 
Curtain calls than any of the assist-^ 
ing acts during opening show. ; 

Final act, literally, goes to .the 
dogs. Twelve of 'em, arid to their 
master. Hector. Suffering from, lar- 
yngitis, canine conductor pulls a gag 
which hasn't beeh done with such 
finesse in yeiars. He asks entire lower 
floor audience to stand up, briskly 
shake their arms( as to summon dogs 
in performing tricksi When about 
900 people become stooges momen- 
tarily. Hector remarks: Thanks, you 
work better than the dogs.' Pups, 
nevertheless, do several ique 

stunts. . . .-^ 

'Singing Marine* (WB) is the fea- 
ture film, supported by Pathe news, 
an animated cartoon.. uuu. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



VARIETY HOUSE REYIEWS 



VARIETY 



51 



ROXY, N, Y. 

A not bad stage show has 
teen set up for Fourth of July week, 
it's more like vaucle than most, but 
with the management obviously 
wantirig to keep the nut dawn tP 
summer safety, staging leaves much 
to be desired. Sets-^ are ^extremely 
Kimole and low-cdsi Feature is 
•iSng Solomon's Mines' (G3), which 
•was reviewed from London in last 
week's yABiEXY, and should <lb all 

^■^atforni portion, runs 55 minutes 
and is a bit slow in spots, palpably 
being in need of tightenmg; -Open- 
inR is a Venetian canal scene, with 
an unbilled singer paddling a -gon- 
dola on to cehter stage and the pas-, 
senger alighting to do a dahce. This 
is Dorothy Grooker, control dancer, 
whose work is impressive here as 
•well as in the clbisirig stanza. Pro- 
duction number is built up by Rosa- 
mond, accbrdion . specialist, .who 
plays Liszt's Second Hungarian Rhap- 
sody and a tricky novelty to top 
that; She fits in suitably and, when 
caught, . was well liked. .. 

The familiar slapstick-dancmg trio 
ftf^Marian Beliett and the .English 
Bros/ is on second, working in two. 
Girl is only moderately funny, forc- 
ing herself too clearly in acrobatifis;: 
gestures and some lalk. Clickiest 
things about the act is the dancing 
of the English Bros. Miss Belett is 
an acrobat and can't dance. Quite 
probably all three members of the 
turn started out as iacrbb-ats, this 
seeming the easiest for thpm to do. 
■ Boys have- a uhique type of batrel 
roll as a bit.: 

< . Going to ai very \simple. set in full, 
Vbackgrourid , is 'provided for the Gae 
Foster girls and the juggler, Ilov/- 

- ard Nichols: Girls do a fairly in- 
.terestihg routine dressed as kids 
.'.and carrying hoops which they ma- 
. hipulate in various' . ways. When 

caught Friday night, however, their 
.jprecision with the hoops was away 

off, girls seemingly not caring much 

whether they were together or .• rot. 

Routine serves, as background .fiiavor 
.for Nichols^ who'is a hoop juggler. 
."He's very., clever with the rin^s, 
. demonstrating unusual control: in 
, keeping 11 of the hoops going at Qhe 
-^me around his heck, arms and legs. 
..For a' finish, Nichols rolls the hoops 
. around the stage, gauging them very 
. acciiratieiiy so: that they make turns 

- and land, one on top of another, in 
;2i Little wigWiam-like enclosure set 
Ntip for the purpose., A good novelty 

act, 

Jackie Green offers imitations in 
front of d mike in one, followed -by 
a closing dance, session, again fea 
turing Miss Crooker. Green's nii 
micry doesn't get him Very far. He 
dbes Jessel, Jolson, Richman, -Givot, 
Cantor and Ted Lewis. Most of them 
'are a bit amateiirish. As Cantor^ 
Green's at his' best, getting him 
across faitly well; 

Simjple stair arirahgeinent is set up 
for the finale, the Foster lihe pre- 
ceding Miss Crooker for latter's con- 
trol specialty in which she stays on 
that one foot a good long time, keep- 
ing the other in the air tor kicks and 
acrobatic movements. Business 
Friday night just fair. Char. 

STANLEY, PITTS. 

ittsburgh, July .3. 

.If this be vaude,'^ then the Stanley 
should, hot-foot out for plenty more 
of it, Four acts in all and by fiar 
the slickest ■ sbcko delivered since 
two-a-day's obit was first Written 
Slap-bang entertainment . from be- 
ginning to end through a layout that 
lasts an hour and seems like half 
that. 

Marquee magnet is Heni;y Armetta 
■nd judging from the reception he 
snares the film Italian character 
comic has a big following. He works. 
In the. middle and needs only to 
walk but with that drop-shouldered 
shuffle of his to tie things up. As 
it IS, Armettai makes a sincere effort 
to do something more than the ordi- 
nary p.a,, offering a 10-minute sketch 
With an unbilled femme that's not 
,^ hot from a material standpoint, 
but at least it keeps him out. there. 

California Collegians swing but at 
opening, with , leader doing the m.c. 
auties and making a first-rate job of 
It. Outfit, which has grown to 12 
men and doing picture work for the 
.last year or so,; is still a cracker- 
jack novelty , band. Bbys get awajr 
to a. fast start with Tm. Working My 
.Way Through College' and then take 
It : comparatively , easy through the 
other acts until they, dive into that 
blistering fipale pf theirs. 

Climax : is, a comedy wow, slightly 
suggesting some of the Britton antics^ 
but with enough briginality' to fi:ee 
:the idea frorh any suggestibn of copy.^ 
i-eader-ni.c. first steps but in one, 
iookmg like Clark Gable's double, 
and when curtai part the stand 
.reveals the Mafxes, the Mountain 
Boys, Hitler, Gandhi, Rudy Vallee, 
Hailie Selassie and other celebs 
tooting away for dear life. It's a 
topping finish and sent the audience 
out howling. Right before that, Cbl- 
'^.giaiis repeat the circus numlDer they 
Old with Fred MacMurray in. Par's 
^A^hampagne Waltz,' with six of them 
doing imitations of trained seals. 
Whole, act is surcharged with smart 
slTowmanshi and it's put over 
solidly;, ; ■ ■ 

Collegians' getaway is foltqweii by 
Lathropsi two boys and a girl who 
looks like a blonde edition of Joan 
'-ra^vford, shooting across a nifty 
session of class hoofing. Femme is 



garbed in three different eye-filling 
ensembles and matches her looks 
with some .A-1 . tapping. Boys dis- 
patch their unison soft-shoeing with 
an effective studied nonchalance and 
put it over smartly, although they 
niight get away a bit from the 'ho 
hum, this is so ieasy'. attitude. 

In. one, using the pit crew for ac- 
companiment, Marjorie Gainswbrth, 
blonde song^tr6ss, makes it plenty 
tough toK Axmetta to follow her. 
She^g a newcomer, with plenty on the 
ball, including a corking pair of 
pipes slightly on the- operiatic side, 
good material and' loads of salesman- 
ship. Ties , up the show with v. her 
first tWo numbers and 'then comes 
back with an 'Italian Street Song' 
that makes it just as difficult for her 
to get away; ■ 

Picture is -Slinl' (WB) and combb 
seems ' to have what-»it takes. First 
show virtually filled the downstairs 
and thie balcbny was aboiit half. Par 
newsreel and . Popeye cartoon . other 
items on the bill. Cohen. 



MET, BOSTON 

Boston^ July 

With a good film complement the 
holidaiy crowd would dbubtlbss take 
this little show in its stride , and call 
it a good day; but as a bolsterer, for 
'Sing and Be Happy': <20th) it bogs 
down around the edges. 

Fbr production, the presentation 
of Henrietta Schumann, pianist, is 
the highlight of this lineup; and best 
in weeks here. Spotted in the trey. 
Miss Schumann offers a thorotighly 
efficient musical routine with help-, 
ful backing by four male ' pianists 
(Mario, Mantini; Harry Smith, Paul 
Luke and Sahiuel Goldberg) ar- 
ranged in tiers. A, neatly ; executed 
transparent baickgrbund that , takes 
changing lights completes a colorful, 
tasteful setting to frame Miss Schu- 
mann's highly commendabte classi- 
cal pianoforte. 

Musically, her opening number, 
•Malagufena' is best; from showman- 
ship angle, her closer, 'Swanee 
River,' elaborately arranged, is tops. 
Mid-number, a, Viennese ■waltz, 
serves as a delightful accompani- 
ment for . an acro-ballet offering by 
Emily Von Loeseh. 

Had the piano group followed a 
more stimulating act than Will and 
Gladys Ahearn they might have won 
more plaudits, but in this pbsition 
they ws to oversome "considerable 
audience lethargy , before reaping 
theiip own harvest 

Generally, the Ahearns give the im- 
pression of kids known among 
friends as the 'life of the party,' and 
bhly in'freqiiently do they rise above 
this questibnable degree of enter- 
tainment punch. Boy dbes rope 
twirling and blunt banter in full 
dress, and the femme also twiddles 
a lariat. Both do some dancing, and 
the vodka hobfinjg-rbpe fling by the 
boy, and the toe dance by the girl 
are the . top specialties. A Spanish 
number is neither here , nor thiere. 

•Six Debonairs' (New Acts)' take 
honors in the closing line number 
and look like show stoppers in any 
other position. 

Gus Van, starring, this week, of 
fers a good baker's dozen of songs 
that are politely received by the 
matinee crowd. Presuniably his 
style, similar to Ted Lewis,' Harry 
Richman's, and Benny Fields' Will 
hit more receptive ears among the 
after dark customers; but on shbw 
caught the long musical summary of 
his own achievements, dating back 
to 1912 meant little. Continually 
cashing in on his 'late partner's' 
reputation, Mr. Van mentions him 
all too frequentlyj then spurts a spe 
cial ditty about his 'trouble in Chi 
cago in 1933.' The finish has to do 
with housing up applause for his 
pianist, the pit band, himself and 
everybody but the cashiers. 

Cute little tunes in Irish, wop, 
hebe and darky dialect registered 
best with the mob. Mr. Van's v isit 
with, the Boston folks was so long 
that many morie knew him at his 
sign-off than at his entrance. A 
silk hat/ (unbilled) showed, tre 
mendous stamina in surviving a stiff 
struggle on and off the,' singer's 
head. Pox. 



PALACE, CHICAGO 



Vaudeville wb'uld have nothing to 
wbriry about if it CoUld alwiays prer 
sent as solid a bill , as the Pala.ce bf- 
fers this week, backed up with a 
picture that doesn't keep 'em , out. 
The only trouble with vaude is that, 
with a strong picture they slice 
vaude bill, and with a name attrac- 
tion the houses spot; acts which 
should be playing tent olio bit. But 
currently there's a -bill that can go 
anyvvhere, and will sand any . audi- 
ence home convinced, that vaude is 
really bang-uiD entertainment; 

For instance, there's the opening 
act of .Donatella Brps; and Carmen. 
This act has'beien afbuhd for a^ good 
while; and has yet to fail, to make 
good. And Mrs, Dbrtatella remains 
one of vaudeville's outstanding per-, 
formers. Never a nam^, yet ■ she 
personifies the best there is in the 
business:, good, solid entertainment, 
and a pfirson to whom vaude . Is a 
life-work. Her tamboririe routi is 
'still the highlight' in the entire, act, 
a pleasure and joy to behold no 
rhatter how many tirnes its been, 
seen before. Mr. Donatella's" shep- 
herd horn novelty bit is excellent, 
while the three children deliver the 
bulk of the act with their accordion 
work and the girl's acrobatics. The 



EARLE, PHILLY 

Philadelphia, July 2. . 
Earle's vaude show this week 
bring.s N.T.G. back' to^ the house, fbr 
fourth time in year, but most of his 
show is new, Jthis being a break-in 
pripr to Hollywbod cafe opfening in 
N, . Pic is 'Married Before Breakr 
fast,' above-average comedy that's, 
several degrees tbo subtle for this 
theatre's clieritiele. 

Granlund ..introduces . his show 
with a brief spiel before the curtain 
which, when upped, i^eveals Earle 
house orch bn stage with a semi- 
circle of tables in front of it to get 
across usual nitery atmosphere. 

First act introduced by. N.TiG. is 
Jean. Landis, well-built blonde: 
dancier whb mixes: Up sorrie excel- 
lent backbehds, high kicks and twirls 
but seems strangely ungraceful in 
sbihe ot her m'btions in between 
dance istepS, Next is Gladys Cranop- 
brunette, who does a semi-torch 
rendition of 'I'm Bubbling Over' but 
seems moire happy when shie sheds 
her skirt and goes into a dance of 
the. strut brdier. . . 

Granlund's next announcement is 
for Mells, Kirk andj Howard,, one bf 
two headlined acts, and they appear: 
off and on throughout -the rest of the 
show. Their patter at the beginning 
is ' pretty painful , and thfey- don't 
really start to. click until they do 
their familiiar imitations of Hitler, 
Mussblini aiid Haile Selassi - Old 
stuff. but still funny in spots. 

N. T. ' G. .then uses, n ic e 1 y - 
formed: Christine Maple. aS a 'dumb, 
stooge' with the •, comedy trio horn- 
ing in for laughs. She chirps 'Never 
in "a Million Years' with (everybody 
else talking and butting in so that 
words are unintelli ible; Next is 
Dinorah, introduced- as Spanish, who 
sings one (presumably) Spanish 
number strong on shouting and atr 
tempts a. bit of a dance. She's fol- 
lowed by a dark and sultry girl, in- 
troduiced as Sonya, Russian iniporta- 
tion with^N,T,G. . pulling a line about 
her escape from. . Russia, being 
daughter of a Russian general, etc, 
but when called on tb. sing, the lady 
doesn't do a half bad job by a gypsy 
number. Voice is! hot strong but 
warm and appealing. 

N.T.G. then introduces his new 
show girls and models all of whom 
will, appear in the N. Y> night spbt. 
Evident that he wasn't clowning 
about Some bf them being new as 
he miies upi his intros and .finally 
has to start, all bver from the be- 
ginning. A.':cbuple:bf femmes claim- 
ed by ranlund as Europeain im- 
portations, have plenty of looks, 

Jean Landis returned for another 
and better dance offering ending in 
a gobd example. of continuous twirl- 
ing. She .is strikingly costumed 
this time. Other hbadline act, Vanr 
essi and DeLima then do a neat ball- 
rooni dancie routine and follow with 
a lively step on the strut order. 
Three Speeds, roller-skating team 
(Two men and a girl) dp some okay 
twirling , and swinging to lead into 
the finale with thie whble company 
on stage, Mells, Kirk and Howard 
click decidedly when wandering on 
arid off during the latter half of the 
show, appearing in Stage boxes, aud- 
ience, etc. Their own first offering 
is n.s.g. .: Waters, 



Unit Reviews 



femme is a bit, too long-winded in 
the contortion stuff. A quicker pace 
would Seem more attractive. . 

Henny Yo.ungman is in as sehiir 
m.c, and . next^pto-closing single. 
There are two minor raps against 
Youngman. The first is his crack 
about Berle, because Youngman 
certainly doesn't come into court 
himself With clean hands in regards 
to exclusive nriaterial. And the sec- 
ond is Youngmari's slight stress on 
Jewish humor at one part bf his act. 
Hie is riiaking the mistake of a num- 
ber of New York performers who 
can't get it into their heads that the 
Jewish population in other , towns 
isn't the same ratio as New. York's. 
Most of the audience here didii't 
understand a good portion of the 
matzb routine. 

However, Yoiihgihan ' makes good 
bn the rest of his monolpgue. He has 
a rapid-^fire style, of straight gagging 
without once getting into a' regular 
story or . joke. Strictly word-twists 
and gag material thait. contai a- 
gobdly. number of laughs, 
• jn the middle of ' the . show is a 
little lady . -who is a sock. It's Judy 
Starr, a miniature vocalist who has, 
a giant's act as far as delivery and 
audience - reaction ar6 concerned. 
Came through with three vocal pop 
numbers that bang this mob between 
the peepers. Has a series bf vocal 
tricks that keep chianging her key 
and tone,, shifting, frpm a high treble 
down to a deep contralto and back 
again. .And aill th^ more interesting 
since, it cbrries out. of a cute fbar- 
footeri: . 

Only, the nose it remains the 
black mark against the Nbnchalants. 
who otherwise hiave a^ comedy 
knockabout acrobatic turn that has 
what it takes. ■ Yputh, , good : in-be.-. 
tween clowning, tempo and ah abil- 
ity to build their hand- tq-hand stuff 
to excellent' ireturns. Score, .solidly., 
Fi ishing the show is Paul Haakon, 
dancer, who tosses off three num- 
bers, one with a femme partner. 
Still strbng.on the Spanish motif ahd 
good. Girl contributes, a solo as 
does the' r 'anist. 

, Picture is 'New Faces' (RKO. 
Busines.i practically capacity last 
show bn Friday ' ' Gold. 



HELLO, AMERICA 

(CAPltOt, ATLANTA) 
Atlanta> 

Unit, produced by Al Weston bf 
Chicaigb, fails to measure up to 
calibre of shows Capitol patrons are 
accustomed to, Gne.^ act With flash 
would pull it out of the mecliocre 
class. As thi stand, management 
has tb prpvi bverture and a 

local girl siriginig act to bplsTBr it, 

Traveler parts to reveal band jcar 
down: front, with 12 tboters, iflye. with 
show; oilerirt^ - Wakfe Up and Live,' 
assisted by Bob Hess, organist, with 
offstage vocalizing over p.a. system, 
by the Johnson Sisters. 

Unites line girls, five in number, 
including Ruth Cook, ai 'Miss Chi- 
cago'; of other years; are on first in a 
military tap routi tb 'Bugle Call 
Rag.'. At this point, personable 
Ethel. LaCharice, takes over baton 
from Enrico Leide, hoUSfe maestro, 
and assumes emcee duties; Billy 
Walshi . eccentric cpniedy dancer, 
bounces on for a brief bit of hokum 
with the LaChance femme. 

Cycling act, featuring Will E. Ride, 
who is assisted by Aileeri" Crawford, 
is next., ide, in 'comic getup in- 
cluding a pair of pink spectacles, 
goes, through a series of difficult 
stunts on the small unicycte, includ- 
ing reaching bver and, striking a 
match on the flopr, rope iskippirtg, 
one-hand ball jiiggling. Using 
stepladder^ he mounts the tall uni- 
cycle .and: does a routine that gets 
him a .good hand. Girl ^does prac- 
tically nothing except join him at 
close :bf act and ride, around oh a 
small bicycW. • They're oh 12 rnin- 
utes. 

Ethel LaChance sings Tormented' 
and Billy Walsh comes back and 
doies. his comedy dancing; whiiih in- 
cludes imitatibns. . He sings .a .piarbdy . 
to the 'Toreador Sbng' iand then of- 
fers a series of international comedy 
dances, waltzes and clogs. .Gets a 
fair hand, but he also makes/ the 
mistake bf staying bn too long- 
Johnson Sisters, Evelyn; pianist. 
Opal and Winston, Atlanta girls who 
have been out: with units and have 
had local radio experience,, are inr 
serted in this spot. Girls,, lookers, 
have nice voices that blend ' Well. 
They. use mike and sing -Swinging on 
the Suwanee Shore;* 'Sweet Leilani' 
and encore With ' rgah Grinders' 
Swing.' 

Line, billed as Five Liberty Girls, 
comes back at this point to do a 
:hahdkerchief drill, number to 'A 
Table Under a Tree.* Girls dance 
;well together. 

Hillbilly abt hy Chester arid Dul- 
cey Gunnells, is in the closing spot. 
Cap's icUstbmess never tire bf ftiourir 
tain' folk tunes and these two give 
them .plenty. .Man plays a small 
guitar, harmonica and fkttles the 
bones vigorously to 'Tiger Rag.' Girl 
joins him and plays 'Mobnlight arid 
Roses' on the musical saw and fingers 
a creditable accompanlnient for him 
on the miniature organ While be 
darices and rattles the bones some 
more. 

Finale, which, it must be conceded 
Is different, is in fornci of barn dance. 
While band bats out 'Turkey In the 
Straw' whole company, in rustic at- 
tire, comes but and gots through 
Virginia reel and squiare dance fig- 
ures, with Gunnells pair holding 
center of stage. Unit is clocked in 
53 minutes. Lucchese. 



in' jail scene, skit with Jewett, 
Paige and Mills, Sets the scene for 
the finale. Whole cortipany comes 
on and , joins in -chaSe as traveler 
closes. 

There are 17 in the compariy, five 
of them bandsmen. Unit has been 
south only three ,Weeks and is jump- 
ing but X)f Atlanta to Canton, Ohio. 

Luchk 



JVew Acts 



GIL LAMB 

Comedy^ Dan«lncr, Harmonica 
:li Mins.; ' Une . o 
Hippodroniie, Baltimbrie 

. Gil Larrib, formerly of Beliett and 
Lamb, arid more recently i 'The 
iShow . Is' On/ is essaying a single 
aided by .Tbmmy Banford,' unbilled,, 
in an okay interlude of harmonica 

stuff. r'y ■■ : 

Opening vocal bf 'When 

'You're Smiling', dbrie- deiadpan and: 
serving, to introduce a comiedy rhum^^ 
ba eccentric, elongated comic makes 
ample use of toothpick physique and 
back-bending propensities for sonrie 
okay comedy and ; legitimate hoofing < 
to very ' strong start, , 

Introduces Sanfbrd, whb fpUows 
With . 'Nola,' swinging .from there 
into 'Tiger Rag,' played ori various 
si?;ed harriioriicas produced tb siiit 
key and intonation required. On 
shbNV caught, youth received an 
earned and a very audible rcspbriseii 

Lamb, on again^ scores with Sonie 
comedy repetition of. changing har- 
riionica business, starting with art. 
over-sized : bass . mouthorgan and 
winding up with a very tiny one 
brought Out bf his hair; Gag that 
follows in .Which cbmic secnis tb 
have swallowed the ' harmonica with 
off Stage playing by Sanford timed 
tb siriiulate efforts to disgorge, very 
funny and good for plenty of laughs. 

Closes with sbme fast iaind okay 
hoofing to more harmbnica stuff by 
Sanfbrd brought back bn, a sock 
finish.' Burnt. 



ANDY and LOUISE CARR 
Dancing 

Arcadia Rest., Pbila; 

Brother and sister hbbfers have, 
plenty on the ball. Been dancing 
together since they were so high and- 
how appear to know each other's 
every move. Concentrate on tapis, 
but mix in plenty of comedy. 

Major appeal of the pair lies in 
spontaneity .arid anihiaition. Despitie 
the time they've been working, the 
kids retain at least the. appearance 
of getting a kick out of their jbbv 
Plenty of ad libbing. never actually 
using the ideritical routine twice. 
. Act includes Solo bv the boy, 
fast tap. Bbth then offer a distinc- 
tive routine to 'Stbniping at the Sa-^ 
voy,' featuring ingenious alternate 
beats. Next tap to 'Honeysuckle 
Rose,' anbther unusual routine,, 
though bogging down in riiidpbrtion. 
Finale with 'Rbsctta/ with a sock 
comedy flash. 

. Oke pair for looks and style, girl's 
costuriies, in particular, adding to 
the score. Act apparently is better 
suited to, stage work. Hohe. 

Birth of Ambition 



Krazy Kapers Revue 

(CAPITOL, ATLANTA) 

_ Atlanta, July 4, 

Opening with comedy and closing 
with same, this unit, owned and pro- 
duced by Otto Paige, who has been 
bringing his shows south for years, 
moves along in 42 mins. with few 
dull sjpots.' -.It's :a bit . topheavy on 
the terp side,: but the dancing 'is 
gbbd. 

Following' a i6-minute Fourth of 
July PrologT— 'Yankee Doodle Frol- 
ics,' with soriie 30 . moppets' of Jesse 
Reese school participating, unit's 
line of five fern nies' flits on for an 
eccentric tap routi to 'Never Say. 
Never Again.'- 

They're followed by Otto ige 
and Betty ; jewett-^in a flashy uni-i 
cycle act, ' in whitih they inteririirigle 
plenty of. comedy to the delight of. 
the customers. Both are accom- 
plished riders and- run the scale with 
their tiricks, alt of them good, 

Enloe Sisters, Phyllis and Evelyn, 
from, the lirie, then present a cred- 
itable tap to 'Sweet Sue,' and Billy 
Honderson, .. blackface mbnologist, 
cohies on for a long-drawn-out IQ- 
minute turn. He offers gags arid 
doublemeariing pdetry and winds un 
si irig a medley, of some .15 or 20 
.son ft titles. Gets a good hand, , 

The line comes back for a waltz 
clog , on skates to 'Honolulu -Moon' 
th'at.^ scores and : makes way for 
Dan'ny Cook, young! hobf6r who. can 
really dance. Tom Handy and 
Arthur Mills, a couple, of Britiishers 
from dear old L'innon, offer: a re- 
snite from the overdosage of dance. 
Men are good comec'/in.s,. offering 
hokurii and knockabout .stuff: with 
fiap.n. that go bvier welL Reirihardt 
and Erilbc; Sisters then appear for a 
.snrtony lap routinie, 
r Bill Hcnder.son, still In blackfjice, 



Buffalo, July 6. 
ver since George Givot played 
a couple of dates at Chez Ami night* 
ery, all the waiters have -been un* 
leashing (3reek dialect, with nbt-tbo- 
sccret ambitions to . become comics 
themselves. 

Last week hasher Charley Cohen 
got a break when announcer Jack 
Geizer invited him .up to the WGR 
mike to introdiice ai dance tunc. 



Ruby Cariheii Succumbs 
To Injuries from Pive 

Ruby Carmen, dancer, led Sun-, 
day ' (4) in Gpurity Hospital, Chi- 
cago,, of burns incurred when she 
fiell asleep while smbicing. 

Had been appearing at the Bbn 
Air Country Club, Chicago. 



Iturbis^ Brother atid Sis, 
Pop Out One at Lewisohn 

Jose Iturbi and is sister, 
Amparo, will be soloists tpriight 
(Wednesday) at the Liewisbhn 
iStadium ::Gon.cert,' N. . Y,, playing the 
Mozart Goncertp in E flat for Wq 
pianos iand three Spanish: dances - by 
Infante. 

Pianist-cpnductor continues ; 
podium appearances beginning! Sun- 
day (11) at Robin Hood. Dell,. Philly. 



JOINS BENNY GOODMAN 

incinnati; July 6. 
ry Alcbtt, indigo warbler, on 
Groslcy's WLW and WSAI for the 
past year, has left for the West 
Coast, 

Joi tin's ban 

week. 



J 



52 



VARIETY 

■ ■' 



Wednesday, July 7, I937 



Variety 

/ — ^ 




NEXT WEEK ( July 12) 
THIS WEEK (July 5) 

Nutrterais in connection with hills below indicate 
show, whether 'full or split week 



RKO 



CHICAGO 
I'alHce (») 

Oonatella Bi-os & C 

Nonchalant^ 

Judy Starr' 
. Henry YounKinah 
''Paul HaaKon 

AlyCe Chapelle 
- Earl Pox: 
(2) 

Donatella Bros Sc. C 
Konchalahts 
Juiiy- Starr 
Henry; Yo.uncman 



Paul Haakon 
.Alyce Chapelle- 
Earl Fox 

State Lake (»> 
'Follies D'Amour^ 
CLEVELAND 
Palace (0) 
Major Bowes Go 
(2) 

Count Bernivlcl Co 
KANSAS CITY, MO 

Tower <S> 
Barbarlna & Poms 
3 Slate Bros 



KEW YORK CITY 
State («) 

Arthur LaFleur do 
'Condos Bros 
Harry Savoy'.- 
Gua Van ' 
'Arii'td Johnson Ore 
riTTBBVRGH 
: Stenley (») 
piike EUinBtbn Ore 



RICHMOND 

Haj Bowes Co 

IVASHINOTO^ 
Red Skelton 
The MaxelloB 
Ruthle Barnes 
"DoWy DaWD 
Stanley 8 
Raymond -Baird 
AI Gordon's Boga 



HENRY SHEREK 
Presenting 

HOWARD BROOKS 

IN LONDON 
ia LEDDY & SMITH 




. KKW YORK CITY 
: Parainount (9) 
Emery DoutHch Bd 
Martha Raye . 
iwk Williams 
nOSTON 
Metropolitan ~<t). - 
Plill Spitalny Bd 
Karvln Lawler 



CHICAGO 
Chleaco (B) 
Louise Massey. Co 
6 Top Hatters . 
. Oriental 
3 Stooiges 

inSTROIT 
MICHIGAN 
Ted Mack Ore 




PHILADELPHIA 
Karle (1») . 

• Henry ATmetta 
Radio Station KTW 
Jackie Green ',- 
•■ (2.). 
T G .Rev 
PITTSBVRGM 
Stanley <9) 
Duke Blllnerton Orb 

■■: .(.2)- 

The' I<athropa 
Henry' Armetta 



Calif, CoUesIans 
M'rJ'rie Galnswortb 
WASHINGTON 
Earle (»> 

3 Samuels &. Hayes 
Tommy Martin 
Rosa-Pierre & 9 
i. Kraddocks 
(2) 

Patsy Dell 
Eddie White 
, Olympic Ice Follies 




Week of July 5 



Canierhury 

Slexanu Bd , 

I>oinIii|oh 

on Rico Bd 
' Tronnderd . Rest. 

Max Mllier 
Brooklna & Van 
Fred Brestin 
GrftHhaiii Slii 
.Marie Eye 
Maurice 

CAM DRN TOWN 
Gaiiinunt - 

Wilfred Orefene 8 

CLAPTON 
Rink 

OarVny &;Mac 
OftHton A Helen 
ClaU(l4 Willlahis,, 
KA8T HAM 
Granada 
Bnytnund Smith 
Serpno & June 
DelCont >Sk Toko 

EDMONTON 
'• . ]'Jni|»lre 
obhy Howell.Bd 
Di-ury *: Ranioiid- 
.FINDBI/RY PARK 

'. ANiorIa 
Joe .Iiosa Bd 



HAMSIERf^MlTH 
Palace 

J -Markeleyne Co 
LRWISHAM 
Palace 
Chevalier Bros 
Rehara 
LEYTONSTONE 
RIalto 
Ream's Babes 
SHEPH'BDS BVSIf 
Pavilion 

Act Superb 

STREATHAM ~ 
Palace 
3 WlllardB 
Robart 3 

TOOTING 
Granada 
StefTanl's Soncnters 
TOTTENHAM 
Palace 
Garvcy & Mac 
Gaston & Helen 
Claude Williams 
TOTTENHAAf 
COURT ROAD 
Paramount 
Anton Bd 

walthAmstow 

Granada 

Bobby Ho w on Bd 
Drury .& Bamond 




Week of Jnly 5 



LIVERPOOL 
Pnraiiiount 

Turner; Layton 
MANCHIi.S'i'H 
, pa ranted ni 

•Levis' Discoveries 

PLYsiorTii ; 

- , Palace 

Berfint & Bd 
Kftrlna Vurio -.t H 
Con Kenjia. & Ptiir 
lietyl ' Dereaforrt 
Jones ,& -i'honiaa 
Bex & Bex 
Sleila i Ptnr 
Ara & Zetla , 
SALISltCRY 

Dora; David 



Cabaret Bilb 



NEW YOEE CITY 



Barney Gallnnt'a 

June' Klklns 
Luaii' Craitr. 
3 Musical RoBfues 
Meri Kc Merlam 
3 Dahdica 

Bertolotti'e 

Jimmy- Whalen Ore 
Tommy IJnrria 0;;c 
Tula Flourtvoy. 
Nysa Alna . 
Joycei Faye ..' 
Greta Lewis 

niii'i Ga> sii'j 

Eddie. Leonard 
Joe Howard 
Spike Harrison 
.either Gilbei-i 
Gus Wicke 
Emltt Casey 
Jim Hiahpp 

Calient* 

Beth. Raborn 
Helen Shaw". . 
Ruth Wayne 
X^arol Sis 
3 Rhythm Boys 
Callente Cabelleroa 

Claremojit Inn 

Jolly Cobui'ii Ore 
Club Oanclio 

Vaccaro'j Orch 
Jose' DJaz.V . 
Trini PlUxa 
Lita Mbya ; 
Helen VlrpU 
Dimltri; 

Club Mirador 

(Root Garden) 

Buddy Wagner Ore 
Marion -Martin 
Jack Oatermah 
3 Blondes 
Eddie Lan? 
Winifred & Lorr'ne 
-Jacqueline Joyce 
Renee Villon 
Joan Vlckers 

Club. Yunin 
Don Hilbertn Ore: 
Antonio & Carito 
Siairita Herrara 
Roalta Ortejea. 

Jack bempiii»y*a 

E Carpenter Ore 

El Clkico 

Don Alberto Ore 

Carioa. Mnntoya 
3 Parhpero 
D'Avoloa & A 
Antoiiita Morales 
Joae. & Patricia 
Las Guarecitas 
Rolando ." 

El Morocca.. 
Brhle Hnlst Ore 
Frencli Caslna 

V Travers Ore 
Q Cromwell Ore 
Adalet- 
Feral Benga 
Betty Brite 
Betty Bruce , 
Florence. Chumbecoa 
Hilda Elfonle 
Boir Holbein 
JobTiiiy Co 
Xavler I..efnercl 
7 Maravillas- 
Rekkofs 
Rlioenrads 
Florence Spencer 
TiillaU ft Myi 
Iris Wayn«i 
V(»eft A sp 
Bddia .RoBers Ore 
FroiU's 

rtalph Watkins Ore 
Glen Iitldnd CuMlno 

Nye llaj'hew Ore 
Helen Reynolds 
Dous NewiDHU 
Hari-y Wllllfor 

HU-kory lloiina 

Joe ^lar'aala dro 
Jim Moorelicad 
Hloki>ry L<Mlge 

(Lurchmunt, N.-f.) 

0- harles Bariiet Ore 
Jiian-' Bowes . 

H'lyw'W KeKfnnr^^nl 

JIttclicll . Ayres Ore 
E3 JeK^snick Oi'C 
Jean 'Sat'/r^ant 
June .Tiort'.xl.ne 
.B Debiinnli's, . 
L. Mainilnfr & Mitzl 
K«y Taylor 
Bobby Joyce 
Ted Adair 
Patricia Gil 
Olmf mion 

A;,'liP3.-.'t T Nip Jr 
Rulli Giiylor 
,Glt?ii Pope J 
Hotel A inbni>Mii«ior ; 
Ramon. Kh-diok Ore ' 
William A liibr 
I'aul ^J'luibmnn 

olel -ANior' 
•iirden)- 
Tftd .f>ewisi Oft 
KuJIo Ai-os 
.('iritill(« AVjiliiler 
Rufli .Dave 

1- ltll '.I.pdrt 
H ilattVr.s 
■I'lydda. >sii<» 
Slinii'L ■Alor;»nn 
DiiiJ! 1)011 ><• J)(i;iore» 

llitii>i Kiiritkorc 
(MoiHi(l(;lii'JVrrave) 

l/or, 

.'llWon . 
;BHIy . S.wiiiisoii Ore 
ll<t|li> i\sHi> llflMNr ; 

Is'at Brii«d\vyi»ne O 
Maxliiiv 'r;'i tu)lii 
Dick l-(loi'in 
tlohnin- i!lu.<^ 
Miirr.'jy Cii un 
it J; 0;illiiiaii ' I 



Hotel Gov.: Clinton 

Phll.D'Arcy 
Stuart Julen - 
Kay Marshall 

otel.LexInrtnn 

Andy lona- Ore 
Ray Kinney ' 
Meymo Holt ' 

Hotel McAlpIn 
(Bpof Garden) 

J Measner Ore 
Jeanne. D'Arcy 

Uatel Mantrliitr'; 
(Caslno-ln-the- Air ) 
Coral Islanders. 
Hal Bop* Ore 
Herb Well . 
Electronic 3 
Felix Faplle 
Betel Mnrniy Hill 
(Fountain Room) 
Joe Cappl Ore 
Nancy Garner 

Hotel New Y wicer 
(SNBuner Terrace) 

Gus Ariiheim. Ore 
Evelyii' Chandler 
Baptie & Lamb . 

■fltel Park CeiKrnI 

(Cocoainut. Grove) 
Jerry Blafh* Ore 

Ross Se Edwards 
Darrell & Tbung 
Barney Grant 
Claire Scott 
Flyincr Whirlos 
Dorothy jeffers 
St Clair & Elliot 
Ferry the Froi? 
Tania ias^ KirsolE 

■atal PeansVlvnnibi 

Tommy Dorsey OrC 
Edythe Wright 
Jack. Leonard 
Allen Storr 
3 Esquires 

JHotel Piccadilly 

Jenb .Bartal Ore 

•tel Pierre 
(Root Garden) 

Basil Fomeen-Oro 
Anne Heath 
Pepviao & Camllle 

•tel- Piaza 

Will McCune Ore 
■Pancho Ore; 
Paul Draper 
.Neila Goodelle 

Hotel RooHevelt 
Treddie Starr Ore 

Hotel 8aT0^°-Pln«a 

■mile Petti Ore 
Russell Swan' 
Hotel Sti Georsie 
(Brooklyn) 

Ell DantzlK Ore 
Charley Paul 

Hotel St. Mnrlls 

(Sky Gardens) 

Hal Richards Ore 
Griaha 

Hotel St. Reria 
(Viennese Roof) 

Jacques Fray Ore 
A Rasch. Dancers 
Pierce & Harris 

Hetel Taft 
Geo. Hail Ore 
Dolly Dawn 

Hotel Wttldorl' 
Aitoriw . 

(Stiarltrlit Roof) 

Guy Lonibardb Ore 
Ralplt Rutgers Ore 
Roberta Jonay 
Raphael 

liotel .WelirnKton 

Bd Mayehoff pro 

Jlinmy Keliy's 

Lionel Rand Ore, 
Joe Capello Ore 
Jrlojitmartr.e Boys 
Carter & Sciinub 
Jlmmte Co.slello 
3 .Raymonds 
Danny HlgglTis 

:Lame 
Eddie Da vis . Ore 
Hirado Ore 

Le Coq Rontre 

Horacio ZIto Or 
.George Sterney 

Le Mirage.. 

Harry .jfiorlon , 6rc 
Cuquita ' 
..Marie Almani^ 
V. MacNauithton 
Rrown's 3 Shades 
' Leon Si Ktl<ii«'> 

(I'UgO-VuKU RlM» ) 

Lou Martin Or 
I3ddle Davl.s 
Patricia (illmore 
.Vivian liay 
(tloria Cook 
.TaincH K.eogain 
N'elao'ns Cats' 
Haines Tnle & S 
Tele & Kon{,'o Co 
Mile DetilHH -; 
'Norinun & 'Mclv;i.y 

Mon PiiriH, 

C,nnt ■ i-'o'idicit 'Oro 
T-aurance -Wlilte 
Miirlon PlfTCB 
Veraiitlle 3 

'Moii!fl;;nCiir 

H t^eonai'd ' 
Wiiuiia .raul ' 
Mary Jane ' Iteurl , 
Maria del ('jii niiMi 
.Marftarci 't:rume 

MoriVs 
Lou FcvrlM. pro 
The Oaks 

Al T,ainbf< Orf: 
'riitiiiii.v- i.yiiia.n. I 
O.eue ArcUci' 



Onjv Clab 

9 Spirits 6t Rhythm 
Maxine & Janice 

Paradlae 

Jay freeman . Ore 
Ann Pennington 
Lucille Johnson 
Andrews Sis 

Placei Eletrantf 
Bill Parrel! 
Mario Baslnl 
Tbto Canglosl 
Rex Gavltte 
Larry .Mado Oro 

. Rainbow Grill 

Eihery .Deutach Ore 
Helen Myers 
ISvalyo Tyner 
C & li Bonner. 
Glover & La Mae 
Baibbtfw Koom 
AI Donahue Ore 
Eddie LeBaron Ore 
Aarohs & Barna 
Raye & Naldi 
Helen Myera .. 
Dr Sydney Ross 

Biviera 

Mickey Alpert Ore 
Nano Rodrlgo Ore 
Lois Kay 
Weire Bros 



Irene Beasley 
Nick Long.-Jr 
■Kay Picture 

Sadlne Gae 
uf)ter. 'Shaver Co . 
Hen Yost Coll^Kiaus 

Sands Point Buth 
Club 

Paul Rebuccl Ore 
Emily- Stevenson 
Wilson Lang > 

Stork Club 

Sonny Kendis Ore 
Gus Martel Ore 

SiiriTslde 

(.Atlantic Beach) 

Enrico ft Novello 
Bert Frohman 
Burton Pierce 

Tavern On Green 
(Ceiitml Park) 

Hughio Barrett Ore 

Valhalla 

Maurice Shaw re 
Mnrlta 

Lorraine Barrett 
Roiid Hal 

Veraniliea 

H Rosenthal Ore 
Joo Rodriguez prc- 
MarJorle Gainaw'th 
Gomez &. wlnonia 



£0S ANGELES 



all 

Bruz, Fietchej 
Charles Da^enci 
Hevirlj WlMhl/a 

Harrys. Owens^^iefrQ 

lltmSnTBOwi 

■T'mmy Grler Ore 
The Pearl 2 
Maidle fi Lay 
Lorraine Sl Rognan 
Jimmy Hadreas 
Dick Webster 
Joy Hodees 
3 Rhythm' Raacalt 
3 Randall Sis 

Car* La Mace 

Staii Clair Oro 
Park. Ava Boya 
Ann- Codee 
Gene Marve : 

Claver Club 

Bob Grant Oro 

Cocoannt Crave 

Geo Olsenta Ore 
Edgar Bergen 
Charlie McCarthy 
Edith Caldwell 

Famena poor 

Stuff Smith 
Edd(e Bear 

Hawaiian Paradise 

Sol rights Ore 
Satlnl Tuat Loa 
Sol Hoopi 
Wanda 
Diana Toy 

Little Clnb 

Lucien 
Jane Jones 
Paul Kendall 
Helen Warner 
Rose Valyda 

Marti 

'Charlle kaiey 
Charlie Bourne 

Oimar'e Dome 
George Redman Ore 
Gagnon .& Broueh'h 



Cathlyn Miller 
Twid Von Lucas 
Naomi Warner 
George Markie 
Mimosa 

Rhythm '' Rpgue.s - 

Pncltlo Sunset Club 

Al Heath' Ore 
Peggy : Page 
Martha Gammeter 
Janet Jordoii 
Geo Ball's Rev 
F GlUelte's G-Glrls 
Buddy La. Rue 

Phlomnr 

Cag'a. Loma' Ore 
Kenny Sargent 
Pee-Vvee Hunt 
G Reynolds &. B 
The Knight Sis 
Glen (}i:ay 
Hudson Metzger Ols 

Parl9 inn. 

Pete Cohtreili Ore 
Dominic Coitimbo' 
Ken Henryson . 
Gabrlelle & Celllta 
Yvonne 

Rudy & LaTosca 
TItora Afalthatson 
Margnerlta del Rio\. 
Juau de Martinis 

Seven Sena 

Lonnia McTntlre r 
Lily Gibson 

Somerset House 

Kay HofCman 
Bill Zeiker 
Pat Holden 
Betty Borden . 
Topay'a;. 

Al .EIdrede>e Ore 
The Dee Sisters 
Bonnie Lind 
Dorothy Roy 
Betty Bro-wni 
Lois Glaze- 
Leona' Rice 
Irene Berry 
Agnes J[ohnson 
Traeadero 
Jack Peltia 



PHUAOELFHIA 



CHICAGO 



Ball-BaU 

Billy White Ore 
.Dancing Dietricbs 
Warden & Dade 
Sally Joyce 

laekhawk 

Joe Sanders 

Ruth & B. Ambrose 
Jane Kay 
June Glory 

Cbaa Pare* 

Lou HoIt2 
Helen'' Morean 
Ueorgie Tappa 
Realdinger 2 
Rosemary Deerlng 
LliU'an - Carmen . 
Henry Busse Ore 

Club cVnterfleld 

Patt Morgan Ore 
Devon Sis 
Hariett Norrls 
Sid Scbaps 
Alice. Logan 

Club Mayflower 

Lbii Sales Ore 

3 Variety Boya 
Mildred Rock 

4 McNally Sis 
Buddy & Selnia 
i Rhythm Girls 

Coconnt Greiyo 

Mark Flaher Ore 
Irene .Bordonl 
3 .Stooges 
Jerry A Turk 
Helene Carroll 
Louise Miller 



Bob- TInsley 
Jan is Andre 
MaxineDeSiion 
Dorothy Wall! 
Willie Siiore 

Conareiis Hotel 
(Caiino) - 

Jfts.ie Crawford' 
Hplen ("raWford 
.f.'.l.ias. Carlile 
Bernhardt & G 
Diaz, Don; D' & D 
'I'ommy. Trent ; 
Varz'oa &, McDowell 



f^olleen 

(leorgja Lucky 
r.ow King 
.M isnon 
J'tiftrid 
Juipg; Novit 
Marion Miller 
Jack Klkins 

Harry's N. 
Cabaret 

Chas Eiiglea Or 

Mcjiba 

.S^ I'ariHians 

IJ. B. B..; 

Ili.f1er.Sl3 

r^imc'r Si.<» 

Dorothy Johnston 
ill- 

.«!troud 2 '. . 
.Iviirt Sargfent 
(iituld SIh 
I'atsy Ot'den 



Marlon Morgan 

Hotel Bismarck 

(Walnut Room) 

Eddie Varzos Ore 
Luuio Garcia 
Walker 8 ' 
Tlio Duanos 
Dean ^iirphy 

otel RrevOefrl 

Doroth.v' Duval 
Earl Smith 
Commodoi'e Duo 
Jbd Parlato 

Drake Hotel 
(Gold Coast Room) 

Jack Denny Oro 
Jess Willard 
Gayle 8c Lloyd 
Kay St Germain 
Bob Hall 
Harriett 
Gala Page 

Hotel Egdewater 
Beach 
(Board Walk) 

Bei'nie'C'ummina Or 
Gloria Sutter 
a Sitiith Ballet 

otel I.aNalle 

lue Foiiiitatn 
Room) 

King's Jesters Ore 
Alai-Jorie Whitiiey 
Ge;iie - Jerome' 
Clei> ilo.ward . 
ira Bsstow ' 
JbUu. Kavej<croft 

Hotel Palmer House 
(KiliOlre Ho«mi) 

Edijy Duchlii Oi-c 
Holland (lfr :ll!iit 
Bruce Holdeu 
Ellen Blair 
Mnri L.viiu. 
A Arialocfa'ts 
Abbott Dancer 

lintel SIterm 
(Col lege. In 

A r Trace Ore 
Gertrude l-loiYman 
Myi'ua ., 
A'riifne'- Owens 
Jack -W.I I cli Hi: 
Russol'l Crolvpli. 
L'olLMn'un .(J I ark 

Hotel Stevens 
fCoiitlnfiiliil RnoinV 

.('■arliw Molina 

1 i 1 )y H ti ne & ; - 11 e n a rd 

.Taiiia AVIIIlaiiis 

Billy CaiT 
N'orii l'"or(l 
'l.-IiiKts" Kurna' 
I'Jllii Heed 
l''iMCl & Boni 

Yachr Cinh 

Nlrio .RInntdo' Oi'o 
jack .AVa.lil run 
An'n -Le.Hl<-i-. 
Slii)-ley P.Ust 
l':dltli Roil l it 
ItoblnE^on 

%VS Club 

Sall.v 

Tlirt Dic|rttf>r,^ . 

1>I>II C-<.!<lflil>l)0 

Bslva \Vlilt» 



Anchorage 

James Craig 
Travis Jfc.Gray. 
Paddy La Verno 
Sally La Marr 
Johnny Graff . Oro 
Arcadia Intl 

Milton ;kenemOro- 
Don Renaldo Oro 
Mayfalr Girls (8) 
Texas Toinmy ' 
Kathryn Rand 
Andy & L Carr 
Eleanor Bowers 
Irina Buhdei 

Bellevne-Strnttord 
(Planet Room) 

Meyer Davis Ore 
Ben Franklin Hotel 

(Coral Cafe) 
Moe JafTe Ore 

enny the Bum'a. 

Delo'yd McKay 
Stafford & Lloyd 
Frank Hall 
Mayo & Marie 
Hal Sidare 
Kaye Hamilton 
Ralph Brown 

Embassy Club . 
I<ee. Perrlns 
Billy Lee 
-Myrna Roland 
Gloria Mausier 
,C1I« Hall 
Evergreen Casino 

Henry May Ore 
Helalne D'n'lds'n 
Tom Barry 
Kathleen May 
Stanley Bros 
Pat. Sinclair 

Hotel Adelphia Boot 

.Vincent RIzzo 6rc 
Harold Knight Ore 
Frank Gaby 
John Uppma'nh 
Al Bbrnle 
Alice Dawn 
'Mlrlant Verne 
DeAngelo & Porter 
Sara Anii McCabe 
Agnes Toll.e 
8 Texaa Rockets 
Evan B Fontaine. 

Lamba Tavern 
Larry Meli Orb 

Little Batbiikeller 

Jack Griffin Ore 
Kahn & DePinta 
Bovard Sis 
Thelma Shearon 
DeSario & Ruth 
Princess Marna 

New -Overbrook 
Villa 

(LIndenweld, N. 9.) 

-AI Kahn Ore 
Jean Valmar 
Stella Leroy 
Marie Holta 
Harry Holly 
Hugh Uinkson 
Pierre's 

Manny. LaPorte Ore 
-Raniona -Bros ■ 
Don Brill 
Jude '&- J Gibson: 
Armand Delmar 
Kathleen Nova 
Jones &. Ray 

RIti-Carlton 
(Crystal Room) 
Van Levia Ore 

Henry Patrick 

• .Si. CTnb 
Bin Fiske Ore 
John Renarl 
Blllie Brill 



Lorraine Rhbda 
, Panthy Crawford 
Philllppe Girls 

Silver Lake ins 

(Clementon)., -< 

Joe Mlilkopf Oro 
Beth; Chains 
Mahone & Rucker 
George La Tour 

SOtb Centnry Tavern 

Lpu libngo Ore 
Hazel Harman 
Marcelle Marchand 
Duval Sia 
Frankle Hyres- 
4 Esquire's. 

UbansI Club 

Doo Hyder's Oro 
Lucille Howard 
Stump & Stumpy 
Ethellna Fraye 
.Tyler 2 . 
Lerpy McCoy . 
Parrlsh Cnjr* 

Bobby Lee Ore 
Leon Hill 
Pewee Gillette 
3 Parlsettea 
Vernon Guy . 
Chlckle Martin Co 
Dutkln'fl Batliakeller 
V 'Norman Oi'c 
Florence MacD'hald 
Pattl. Norton^ 
Freddie Lane 
Cleo Valenteeh 
r'rank t»ontl 

Stamp'a Cafe 

Jack; Hutchinson 
Bella Belmpnt 
Evelyn Bai'ncs 
Paul Neff 
Winston & Diana 
Pastlnes 
Flo Hulse 
Jolinny Walsh 
Venice 

Marty Barton 6ro ' 
Dave Walls 
Pay Ray 

Katis ft Ranassee ' 
Vikinr Cafe 

Penn Fay Ore 
Frances Carol 
Bobby Clark 
Patty LaVerne 
Mildred Bensoit 
Jack Flhney 
Harry Sweeney 
Walton Boot 
Peter Kara Ore 
Betty & .F: Roberts 
Bob Gilbert . 
International 3 
Harry Stevens 
Rene 'Barclay 
Walton. C 

Weber's Hot Bran 
(Camdeii) 

Louts Chalkin Ore 
Diane & DelCampo. 
2 Bardelangs 
Ted &. E Walker 
Instrumental - 3 
Hugo Klee , 
Sid Golden 
Joe Ramona- 
Hse Hart 
Gregory Quinn <Cb 
Eldoradlans 

Sunset. Inn 
Dan Duncan Oro 
Betty Vallone 
Al COrnag 
Bert Rped 
Bob. Gerard 
Reggy Sl,um 

Peacock. dardcBn 
Sylvan Hernia ik Ore 



Nilery Placements 

Xavier Cugaf orch, Velo* t^nn 
Volanda, Gracie Bar'ri , RodSoJ 
McClennan set . for the 'fiv?3t 
racing seasoa beginning July 25 n> 
Arrovvhead Inn, Saratoga, N Y 

. Walter Donahue, Marcella Sharkev 
for lour weeks beginning July ^ li 
the Village Barn. N. Y. ' 

Russell Swann into Sfivoy piaza 
N. Y., lor two weeks starting Juiv B 

Texas Tommy and his pony tfei;* 
eted by MCA into^ the"^ nLbW 

Julf 1?" 
Harris and Shaw sailed Saturdav 
(26)^for an indefinite engagement at 
the Grosvenor House, London; onen. 
ing July 8. ■ 

Music Hall Boys, winding up , 
year; in London, open at the Area, 
dia Restaurant; Philly, Sept. 1. 

Jeanne Goodner,- acrobatic tapster 
Continental ftoom, Stevens Hotel' 
qhicago, July 8, for a fortnight. 

Shirley Brown now. doing thp 
vocals for Bill Farmer band at th^ 
Prwnenade Cafe, Rockefeller Center! 

^Harry Williford; singer, joined 
th^slgw^at Glen Island Casino, Pel- 

,i;J*''«..^°4^«g«ies orch replaces the 
Hawaiian Serehaders at the Verl 
sailles, N. Y, 

. Russell Swaij succeeded Grace and 
Ray McDonald in the Cafe Lounee 
of the Savoy-Plaza hotel, N. Y. 
^ Tommy Dorsey band with- Edythe 
Wright, Jack Leonard, Allen StOrr 
and the Three Esquires will take 
over from Bunny Berigari on the 
Pennsylvani Hotel Roof Garden 
N'. . Y. . . . ' 

William Adlfer and Paul Taubihah 
concert pianists, at the Hotel Am- 
bassador, N. Y. 

Irene Beasley, singer, and the 
Weire Bros., comedy trio, replaced 
Cross and Dunn Tuesday (6) at Ben 
Marden's Riviera, Fort Lee, N. J. 

New Show^at WSAI 

incinnati, July $. 

Nixson . Denton, sports editor of 
the Times-Star, who has been doub- 
ling of late with a humorous chatter 
stanza on WSAI,' is now sponsored 
on that station by Twenty Grand 
cigarettes. Hits the air Mondays 
through Fridays foi: 15 minutes, at 
6; 30 p.m. McCann-Erickson^ N. Y. C. 

Same sponsor recently terminated 
a thrice-weekly lO-minute period, 
styled 'Women of Today,' for the 
O'Brien Paint & Varnish Co., placed 
tlirough Beal & Waldie agency, Chi-^ 
cago. Prograhi uses interviews, with 
local ciuh women on their h6bbie& 
Kuh is for 13 weeks; 




Stuff-Radio 



(!Continued from page 39) 
0 ice while they prepared the next newscast. Reporters and editors had 
.i^ot met the new boss who walked, in and started telling them that on 
their newscasts they usually had practically the same news as their com- 
petitor— on the air ahead of them two or three times a day. Boss pbi 

T"hl?4,"f^K''**'l7'?l^^ °' ^^'^ broadcasts, hut still the force did hot tumble. 
JmYf?.^ a- radio hews fan. It was getting along toward 

hi^v newscast to go on, so the editor says to the boss: 'We're pretty 
K^ii f you could come back some other time we'll be; glad 

to talk to you.* And; the boss left. • 

Boss thought it wag a huge 1oke--getting the bum's rush 
newsroom. And from then ortthu^news hounds have deci 



Speech made by Senator Wagner (Dem., N. Y.) over WEVD, 

New York's 'labor-union* station, June 25.was transcribed by Morris Novi 
program director/at WEVD, for resale to other stations; Novi 
wired almost every station i country, offering a copy of the waxed 

fnH^I f*^/'^® *^-'.,. Wagner upheld CIO side of the. currently raging 
industrial wars in the midwest, four Michigan stations immediately snapped 
up the disc; inqluding WJBIC, Detroit. Other stations which aired the e.t. 
Ph?nJ W^ifty^Tt^i^ WGOP„Boston; WELI, New Haven; WPEN-WRAX, 
Philly, and WBNY, Buffalo. AH these broadcasters .regularly carry uni 
organizing programs on comniercial basis. 



i^ecently stiirted a subsi 
an agency time bayer. about joini 
of $7,000 a year. /The agency man shook his head. 

$7,500.^ Again the agency man shook his head. The rep appeared non- 
pliissed. 'Well,' -he said, why let a matter of $500 stand between friends? 
Now, you name your own; figure.' 

?''i'^^Sency man said he had none to quote anid that he preferred to dr 
the subject,, -When the -rep persisted in knowing why the. agency, 
specialist rejoined, 'If you. must know, I'm not interested in workin 
your organization at any price,' 

'Stem of 'controiled has been instituted oii the Coa.st- by 

J. Savington..Crampton, producer of enny Goodrnan 'SWing Schoor for 
Game]. Only in two or three spots will the au ienCe be allowed to' g.ive 
physical vent to tlieir enthusiasm, the, idea beih^ to: utilize- as- miich of the 
network time as possible without audience intrusion.' C ram pton recanted 
on his original thought of moving out of the. Holiywood Music ox into 
KNX to entirely eliminate audience. He also had to put a stop to dancing 
in the-,aisles to Goodman's swi ici; nearly disrupted the. .first 

airshot. - 



/N6C execs in (Chicago are excited over po.ssi ility of General Mill;) 
switchover of its full hour morning show from Columbi NBC 'has. 
its stations, as to clearance of time.' 

Fibur company „ however;, 
switch— just' a' fUtUriB possibility. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



LEGITIMATE 



VARIETY 



5S 



B'WAFS $14000,000 IN '36-7 




s Final W Salary 



The, jfinutiy Save incident that 
punctuated thie prelude to the 
presentation of 'White Horse Inn/ at 
the Center, N. Y.i last season is yet 
to be closed. There is to be an arbi- 
.tration b£ the final week's 'salary' 
paid the pantomimic comic. The 
item is $687.50, whicli has or will be 
paid Savp, but the arbitrators will 
Whether the.: coin be charged 
Inc., which pro- 
, or the cast of 

'Inn.' 

Savo received nearly $18,000 bcr 
tween October and May last, in lieu 
of his contract, without any appear- 
ances in 'Inn.' Salary was to have 
started at $1,000 Weekly and in- 
creased, but he settled for 55%, 
which was paid him weekly, starting 
with $550. . 

'Inn' wais to have closed one weiek 
before it folded, but the cast took it 
over under a prb rpta basis. Equity 
assented because the players were 
united to the attempt to keep the 
show playing. There Wjas a provi- 
si , howeveri that the chorus be 
guaranteed yegular salaries. On 
Monday ighit of the closing week 
the players signed an agrieement to 
the effect that Savb's salary bie de 
ducted before there was a split-up 
of the proceeds. That money has 
been on deposit with Equity ever 
, but the corporation released 
any claim upon , it ^ast week. Ques- 
tion iarose, however, if Charivers 
was responsible for the Savo pay- 
ment or the players which resulted 
in the arrfingement to arbitrate^ 
since his contract is with the cor- 
poration. In light of th^ signed 
agreement by. the players their claim 
appears faulty but should they win, 
. the coin would .be ■ payable ;to them 
from the corporation. 

Savo was engaged by Erik Charell, 
who staged 'Inn* and had a piece of 
the . show. Warners had people 
presient at a Westport try-out in 
which the cOmic appeared last sum- 
mer arid were, dissatisfied with his 
performance; Stated that the time 
that one of the' picture .people told 
Charell that if Savo were retained 
it would 'not be with our money.' 
Settlement was made iihd William 
Gaxton engaged for the part. Gax- 
ton dictated the terms of the con- 
tract which provided that ^ he insert 
any material he wished. ' Included 
were other provisions siaid to have 
made it the most unusual actor's 
contract ever known. 

Had th^- management accepted one 
profter to settle the SavO contract 
it would not have cost Chirivers 
anything. That deal called for pay- 
ment of the stipulated salary in fuli, 
contlhgent, however, on what, money 
Savo earned during the run of the 
show. He played six weeks in Chi- 
cago during that period at a reputed 
salary of $2,500 weekly, also having 
a . successful London engagenlent. 
Savo is now said to be under con- 
tract for pictures. Claim that by re- 
placing him in 'Inn' tended to injure 
his reputation as an actor appears 
not to have been substantiiated in 
light of the other eirigiagemerits. 



Horie Habituates 



Horse called Godspeeid was a 
seven to one winner last week, 
aind it was claimed most of the 
cast of 'Room , Service,' Gort, 
N..Y., had. a deucer on th^t hag. 
Play mentioned in . 'Service' is 
'Godspeed,' ich prOyided the 
hunch. 

Several players in the cast 
wiere in 'Three Men On a Horse' 
and' havei. been race-ininded 
ever since — ^some before thiat 




LAVISH ON 




•Virginia,' the operetta which will 
bring the Rockefellers into legit pro- 
duction, due into the , New 
York, Aiig. 24, will b6 the most 
Costly show of the 1937-38 season, it 
is indicated. It will not, howeyer, 
compare in -Outlay of that which 
went into 'The Eternal Road' at the 
Manhattan, nor 'White Horse Inn* 
which was the Radio City stage show 
last season. 

Budget for is $150,000 

and may run another $25;o6o. 'Road' 
cost over $500,000 but more thiin- 
half that sum in 
structural changes withi r 
tre and wias used up the 'previous 
year. 'Inn? jstood itis backers $263,000 
and while £i considerable suni was 
earned, inclusive of the house ehdj 
it failed .to operate out of the red 
Virtually nothing was made put of 
thfe operating of 'Road,' though its 
many angels are hopeful that if sent 
on tour some of their coi , or that 
which thiey will be called on- to 
repay on the notes they signed, some 
of the investment will be recaptured, 

The. Rockefeller show .should have 
a much better chance to play profit' 
ably than its predecessors at the 
Center. First show was The Great 
Waltz,' which, was the most success 
ful and niore than balanced the books 
on the .road, although last season's 
tour was iriyplyed with too much 
railroading. 

'Virginia' will gO, into rehearsal 
July 19. . Recently Owen Davis was 
called in to aid On the book. Wil 
lard KCefe has been added to the 
stafE as press agent. Shuffle of /the 
Shubert plans now spots 'Between 
the pevir as the first musical from 
that office for next season. It stairts 
rehearsals Aug. 23. 



Marjorie Rambeau Returns 
To Stage m "Whispered' 

San Francisco, July 6. 
Marjorie Rambeau wiil make , a 
comeback on the stage after.^eing in 
retirement for three yeiars when she 
appears in the world premiere 6f 
The Story to Be Whispered,' at the 
Geary theatre, Aug. 9 or 16. . Play 
neals with the Comstock days and is 
by William S. Hurlbut. Now being 
rehearsed in Los Angeles, play is in 
three acts and six scenes. 
^ After try-out here, show v;ill go 
back to .Los Angeles and then pos- 
sibly on to New York. Edwin Mc- 
Gregor is producing "The Story to 
Be Whispered,' which at one time 
had been announced for roadway 
by A. H. Woods. 




$14,000,000 Gross Take by 
Broadway Past Year in- 
cludes Several Holdover 
Hits— *Show Is On/ $771,- 
000; 'toyarich,* $653,500, 
top Hit Grossers---' White 
Horse Inn* witii --$i,o63,- 
200 Take Technical 
Flop Because of Huge 
Qverhead Maxwell An- 
dersph and George S* 
Kaufman Top the Money 
Playwrights 



NO 'LUCKY' THEATRES 



EDMUND LOWE HOT 
ON DOING B'WAY PLAY 



Lowe's plans were still 
i ] York 

for , the Coast last Saturday .(3), but 
he roadway legit shpw 

when east in the fail. 

Understood John Golden wants him 
for the lead in 'Susan arid God* and 
has several other offers. ic com- 
mitments may prevent his playing 
the lead, i .'Susan' .opposite Gertrude 
Lawrence. lay is being rewritten 
arid is expected to be brought to 
Broadway this fall. Tried out on 
the road last spring. 

Only thirig definite in Lowe's plans 
when he gets , to the Coast is ari ap- 
pearance on Bing Crosby's radio pro- 
granri. Date is either July' 15 or July 
22. Also is considering a part in 
Mae West's he.xt film, but won't de- 
cide that until he reads the script 



Reinstatement of FTP Dismissed Ones 
Depends on Mrs. Flanagan s Decision 



roadway legit grossed nearly 
$14,000,000 during the 1936-37 season. 
Figure includes:the take on the hold- 
over productions f rpni previous sea-, 
sons as well -as the. new shows dur- 
ing the theatre year.. Actual amount, 
based on Variety's box office estir 
mates, was $13,886,300. 

Hit shows of thie 1936-37 "season 
clicked off an estiriiated take of $4,- 
757,900. There were 13 productions 
in that classification. For simplifica- 
tion, 'Room Service,' a smash at the 
end of the season, is riot included. 
In the two weeks it ran before the 
season closed/ show rang up an esti- 
mated gross of $25,000. 

Total gross for the moderatfe suc- 
cesses was $1,353,200. Holdover 
clicks from previous seasons, ight 
iri number; drew. $3,571,200. 

,bf the 1936-37 hits, biggest grosser 
was 'The Show Is On,' which piled 
up a total take of $771,000. Next 
was 'Tovarich,' with a $653,500 gross. 
Other bi money makers:- 'The 
Women,' with $457,000; 'You Cari't 
Take It With You,' itli $365,000; 
■Yes, My Darling Daughter,' with 
$253,500; 'Stage Door,' witli $356,100; 
'Tonight at 8:30,' with $354,500; the 
Katharine Cornell plays ('Candida' 
and 'Wingless Victory'), with $320,- 
800; 'High Tor,' with ^287,000;. 'Zieg- 
feld Follies' (pew ..edition), with 
$340,000; 'Brother Rat,' $295,500; 
'Having Wonderful Time,' $175,500, 
and 'Babes in Arms,' .$128,500. 

Moderate successes also piled up 
some impressive totals. 'Red, Hot 
and. Blue' pulled in $620,700; 'Fred- 
erika,' $156,500; 'Masque of Kings,' 
$147,500; 'The Amazing Dr. Clitter- 
house,' $75,500; 'Excursion,' $71,500; 
'Reflected Glory,' $200,000, and 
'Swirig Your Lady.' $81,500. 

Of thie technical failures, the 
most startling was 'White Horse Inn,' 
which grossed a total of $1,003,200, 
top take of any show during the 
season, and yiet never climbed, out 
of the red! Another spectacular 
failure was 'The Eternal Road,' 
which grossed only $457;000 against 
a nut of at least $500,000 to operi 

The McClihtic 'Hamlet,' with John 
Gielgud, Judith Anderson and Lilliari 
Gish, drew an estimated take of 
$267,800. 'Masque of Ki ' was 
good for $147,500. 'High rari 
up a gross of ' $287,060, 

'Victoria Regi ' was the top 
grosser of the holdover shows, roll- 
ing up an estimated total of $759,200 
during its second season On Broad- 
way. Other notable figures for- the 
holdover shoWs were 'Idiot'is De- 
light;' $527,500; 'Boy Meets Girl,' 
$479,600; 'Tobacco Road.'- $404,200;: 
•Dead Endv' $404,600; 'On Your Toes;' 
$670,500; Three Men on a Horse,' 
$li96,660,^ nd 'Pfie Honeymoon,' 
$129,000. 

Miller 

Of the producers the Shuberts 
slipped ahead of CSilbevt Miller d . bit 
on the estimated grosses. Figures 
were around $1,500,000 the 
former, ith the latter running ohly 
about $100,000 less. Cbnsiderihg twp 
of the. Shubert hits were heavy-ex- 
pense revues. Tollies', and 'Show Is 
On,' however, while Miller's two 
major clicks were less expensive to 
operate, 'Victoria Regi ' and 
(Continued on page 55) 



BraggitifT 



Caravan Theatre of the WPA 
Fedeiral Theatre Project, figures 
it's about to win ,the ultimate 
recognition. 

. 'Brooks Atkinson and Burns 
Mantl<e have been to seie bur 
shows,' one of the actors 
boasted last ,W€ek,. -and even , 
GiBorge Jean Nathan may come 
when he returns to New York.' 








Hollywood, 
iTacob Wilk, head of Warners story, 
department, will go to to 
set up the Warner LoridOn headquar- 
ters in charge . of corporation's erri- 
barki into the legitimate theatre 
field there. 

At least six plays will be pi'oduced 
by Warners in London during the 
season starting next September; 
Business manager and production 
executive will go tO England soon 
after Wilk's departure^ O'Bryien, 
Linnit & Dunfee, British producersi 
are lined Up with Warners in the 
enterprise. 



Hoad' on Dixiana 
Off When Rammed 
By Coast Guarder 

Perforririarices of 'Tobacco Road* 
suddenly stoppled Monday (4) aboard 
the 5ho\ybpat ixi tied up at a 
dock in Michigan City, Ind., Clos- 
ing did riot come as the result of con- 
flict with lOcal authoriti but the 
stage was ruined wheri the Showboat 
was rammed by The Hawk, a coast 

guard, boat, formerly owried . by the 
present Duke of Windsor. Vessel 
was so badly damaged that it could 
not be repaired within one month. 
Company was called back to New 
York but niay play upstate dates, 

Sam Grisma'n, co-producer, started 
mandamus proceedings again.st a 
flock of Michigan City officials 
and planned keeping 'Road' at 
the resort indefinitely. After re- 
ceiving a certificate of incorpora- 
tion by the State manager' 
proffered $50 for ity license, 
but acceptance was refused and the 
mandamus actions followed. 

Manager denied that, by . getting a 
license from the Department of 
Commefee, he intended avoi ing 
paying local fees nor that he aimed 
to dodge the jurisdictioh' of the city 
and state. 



Successful reconsi 
ri7issals of' bona fide professionals i 
the WPA theatre .project in New 
York, rip,w appears tO .be up to Halli 
Flanagan, the Federal relief's na- 
tional director. That resulted from 
ia conference iri; Washington last Fri- 
day (2) between leaders of 
groups arid unions with two assistant 
FTP adriiiriistra tors, who riiade. the 
suggestion arid who will be present 
during the meeting with Mrs.. Flan- 
agan* 

Armed with .figures and percent- 
ages the comi itte6 during a three- 
hpur session; at the capijtal. presented 
much data to support .the contention, 
that the let-outs of professionals 
should, be rescinded because of the 
number of persons, whp did not re- 
ceive pink :slips who ditf not earn 
their liyi in the theatre prior to 
government's istage relief project. 
Basic ■ argument is that the appro- 
priatiori was specifically riiade to ai 
pros. 

Union heads, made- further ap- 
peal ph behalf of their people ori 
the iet-Out list, clainiihg that a 
check-up shows 29% ot thOse in the 
iegit division are of non-professional 
ratirig. Stated that of the ;super- 
vi.sary people who compiled the list 
of let-outs in each unit, only 8*^ 
were of the theatre prior to the 
prpject iand therefore, nOt qualified 
tp decide so important an issue. 

Clainried that in soriie localities as 
high as. 40% on the FTP are non- 
professional. That may be the rea- 
son why the project will be discon- 
tinued or 'liquidated' in five states— ^ 
Iridiaria, Nebraska, Texas, Iowa and 
Rhode Island. 

The dismissals are. dated to be 
effective on Thursday (15) of next 
week. Because of the holiday 
(Fourth* of July) no contact was^ 
made With Mrs. Flanagan to arrange 
the conference. That session may 
not cOriie. off for another week or 
rnore^ but the unipn leaders (Equity, 
stage hands, musiciariSj etc.) will 
continue to striye fpr more .satis> 
factory results regardless of the dis- 
missal deadli . 

Percentages show that the stage 
hand let-out approximated 50% of 
those on WPA in New York, 
actly 30% of the vaudeville division 
received islips although less than that 
percentage was the count among 
Equityites. In the latter diviisibri 
there were 156 let-outs, 35 <•»! whom 
were chorus people, principally act- 
ing as extras. 

Stated by Mrs. Flanagan that it 
cost betvireen $12 and $13 per person 
(Continued on page 55) 



WANT DOROTHY BRYANT 
TO STAY WITH EQUITY 

Equity doesn't want Dorothy Bry-. 
ant; to withdra>v as executive head 
of Chorus Equity. .. At last week's 
couriCil session, called to especially 
consider, the WPA ituation, time 
was found to iscuss Mrs. Bryaril's 
resignation. It was resolved to offei- 
her a two moriths' yacatiori with pay, 
during which time, she is requested 
to reconsider her resignati . 

It is therfirst .time in. Equity's hisr 
tory that such a proposal wias made 
to any of its officer.*?. Mrs. Bryant 
named Aug. 7 as the date of her 
leavirig the chorus secretary.ship, 
which she held since the strike of 
1919. 



Time' Biz Improves, 
Postponing Salary Cuts 



tJnder ia sunnimer arrangenient, sal- 
aries of part of the 'Haying WPnder-^ 
ful Time' cast were .supposed to be 
cut last week but business at the Ly- 
ceum materially improved aind full 
pay was received. Arrangement for 
the slice is unUsual, since it is retro- 
nctiye; which, jprovision. \vas volun- 
teered by the managemonti Players 
are to be paid the 'eritire amoUnt: de- 
ducted if subsequent grosses ' 
provCi 

Should 'Time' hold tp its biBttered 
nace the cut will not apply at .all. 
Deal calls for salaries to go clown 
only if the grpss is less than $8,()00.. 
La.st week takings approached the 
$10,000 mark. Understood that orily 
eight players will be affected lit the 
cut goes in.. Lower/ salaried, people 
who received small increases recent- 
ly will not be includcd in the if and 
when .<;lice. 

Claim of Albert Cowies, pri inally 
stage mariager, who walked out after 
a preview performance, was settled 
by Mark Cbririelly, show's producer, 
befor-e he left for Holly wppd. Man- 
ager cpnlended the walk-out im- 
periled the show's chances and that 
the niattier was tp be arbitrated. 
Connelly, hpwever, settled the mat- 
ter by paying CPwle.s two weeks* 
salary- 



54 



VARIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Stagehands Union Opposes P. A. s 
Contract With Managers, If and When 



Broadway managers will again 
huddle ith the New York. Theatri-: 
<:al Press Agents in reference to the , 
contract sought by the p.a .'s? League 
New York Theatres. The show- 
men's organization, however, is re- 
potted to have been advised or 
.warned by a leader of the IAT$E not 
ito si^n with the NYTPA beciause it 
iriight violate the Wagner National 
Labor Relations Board act. 

Managerial end is said to have 
been told by the stagehands; official; 
that ij; would not deal with press 
ag^ritmajortty. That point, however, 
appears to be open to argument, with 
the p.a.'s contending that its organ- 
ization includes all Broadway pub- 
licity people. lATSE's side is that 
the. Theatrical Mahagers, Agents and 
fTfeagurers union is the majority fac- 
tion. TMAT is supposed to merge 
ytX^ the lATSE, Which aims toj or- 
. ^anize the front of the house. 

Inclusion of p.a.'s into the union 
appears to be a problem, with some 
in the TMAT being of the opinion 
that the iageiits do not properly be- 
ipiig to the front of the house, Vnibn 
Aj^parently has not ironed out the 
(Status of company managers ither.. 
Stated in J-«>6r circles that a cortir 
jpany manager should be excused 
from tihibli regulations when on the 
Sob, he must treat With Unionists 
(When acting for the producer. 

The NYTPA agreement wais first 
believed to be acceptablte to the man- 
agers, but .the laitter recently asked 
ithe, p.a.* to make changes. ?ub- 
licily people refused! and the contraict 
is unchanged; One thing the man^ 
agers sought . was to drop the mihi- 
jhunv salaiy f tQin $150 to $100. p.a.'s 
tamie back by saying the higher fig?- 
■ure applies only for exclusivie serv- 
ieea. 



M House' to Open 
Central City's 



; .i July 6. 
ity's sixth annual .three- 
week i»lay Festivai gets under way 
here July Ibsen's 'A Doll 

House,' staged Harris ah^ 

starring Ruth Gordon. Richard S. 
Aldriich^ of New York, is the new di- 
rector of the festival, this sunmier,; 
succeeding Robert Edmohd Zdnes 
and Frank St. Leger. Supporting 
cast in the play includes Dennis 
King, Walter Slezak and Sanii Jalfe; 
Donald Oenslager desi ing the sets 
ahd costumes. 

The Teller House, the miniiig 
town's historic hostelry,, will play an 
important part during the festival 
with its night club, setup featuring 
Sheila Barrett, comedienne-mimic... 



Denver's Huny Auiji 
Lost 25G Per Ani^ 
In 29 Yrs.' Operation 



Denver, July 
Accofding to a report issued by 
City Auditor; William H. McNichols 
the municipal auditorium has .n^ver 
paid a profit, in the 29 years of op- 
eration'. Loss has totaled $716;- 
693, averaging about $25,000 a year; 
The building cost $891,000 to build. 

McNichols -compiled, his figures to 
khow City could not hope, to 
realize . enough rentals from a pro- 
posed stadlurh and convention hall 
to retire the • $840,000 'reiital fuiid 
certificates' which the .city would 
have, to issue to : ild the coliseum. 

The highest annual, loss , of the 
auditorium was in 1917 when the 
deficit was $60,640. In 1(936 receipts 
were $11,055, ^ith operating costs 
-$27,887. ■ 



MStraiiAat Season 
Begins in South Park 



Pittsburgh, July 6. 

Pittsbiirgh's lone straw hat gets 
under way ight (6) for eight- 
week season under axispices of Al- 
leg;heny County Parks Association. 
Playhouse , has been installed in 
Museum building! of South.' Park, 
about 10 mileis oUt of town, and wiU 
accommodate more than 1,000. 

Arthur Marlqwe, graduate of 
Carnegie Tech drama school Who 
used . to play with George Sharp 
stock company here, is directing and 
local cast includes James Mac- 
Farlane, Tom Lewis, Martin Fallon, 
Charles Kerns, Ameli ' Tome, Vir- 
ginia Irwin,. James Reed and Chester 
Adams. 

Four sho.ws will be . presented for 
two weeks each. First is 'Milky 
Way' to be followed by 'Hell Bent 
for Heaven,' 'The Phantom' ahd 
'Taming of the Shrew' (in hiodern 
dress). 



Tower' at Alcazar. 



Frisco, on Aug. 12 



San Francisco, July 6. 
Peter Heirhan, former, European 
director and assistant to Max llein- 
hardti has taken over the direction, 
of 'Power';, the Living Newspaper 
play, which the FTP will present at 
the Icazar theatre here starting 
August 12; This is the- play that it 
was said would never be. presented, 
when William E. Watts and a num- 
ber of the cast- were dropped from 
the WPA. payroll several Ayeeks ago. 
Heiinap, .who arrived, here last week,: 
Was loaned to the Sah Fraiiicisco 
project by New .York. Heimah im- 
mediately took hold of things and 
*Power' ill opeii as schedule. 
Watts Was rehearsing the play when 
he was given his notice.. 



Moore's Lin^p 



Dennis, Mass., July 6. 
In addition to 'Galling All Men,' 
musical comedy featuring Imogehe 
Coca and Catharine Calhoun .Doucet, 
now current at the Gape Playhovise, 
Dennis, Mass., Raymond Moore plans 
to present four . other new produc- 
tions during the 1937 summer season, 
They:wilrinclude 'Marriage Royal,' 
a play by Robert Wallsten, week, of 
July 12; 'Accidental Family;' 
comedy by Seymour Gross, week of 
Aug. .2; 'Westiern Union, Please,' 
4 c<>^edy by . Albert Hackett ana 
Frances. Goodrich, authors of 'Up 
Pops the Devil,' with Percy Kil- 
bride, week of Aug. 9, and 'Nevir 
Faces of 1937/ Leonard, Sillman's 
new revue, weiek of - Aug. 30. 



Donald Cook Playing 

Five Strawhat Role^ 

Dotiald Coelc, set for the cast ot 
the Guild's 'Ghost of Yankee Doodle,' 
with Ethel -Barrymore, in the fall, 
has been engaged for a series of 
straWhat stints over the summer. 

Doing -Let Us Be Gay,' at Hye 
Beach, N. H.,. is week; In 'The 
High Road,' at Madison, Conn.; week 
Of July 19; 'Pride -and Prejudice,' at 
Suifern^ N. Y., week of August '^ 
demote Control,' at.Gohasset, Mass., 
week of August 16, and 'Dearly Be-.' 
loved,'; (New) at .Qgunqiiit, Me.,, 
week of August 30. 

Bob Kennedy, of Lyons & Lyons 

ice, agchted. 



*Hannibar Players* 

Salary Claim Nixed 

Arbitrators denied the claims of 
players in 'Return of Hannibal,* 
which Adrienne Morrison presented 
for one week in: San Francisco last 
spri . It was contended that since 
they could not leave city until Mon- 
day following a Siaturdaj closing, 
that, rehearsal pay should not have 
been deducted; They claiimed by 
stayihg in 'Frisco virtually meant the 
start of a second, week, '„ 

It was proven, however, that two 
principals had departed on Sunday, 
so 'the claims were denied. 'Hanni- 
bal' was technically presented by 
Farnbr, Inc., . which was represented 
by Herbert Adams. Attorney volun- 
tarily offered to pay $5 to each 
jplayer who got less than $100 salary 
arid who remained in Frisco oyer the 
week-end. 



Newsreeling Strawhats 



Mount Kiscd, N. Y., July .6. 
Paramount News, unit has just 
spent five days alternating between . 
strawhats here- and at Westport, 
Conn., taking footage of the play- 
houses, their casts, including Eva 
•LeGallienhe, rehearsal scenes and 
shots of actual perforrnances. Pic- 
tures will be released by Par at once 
and constitute the only summer 
'theatre coverage by newsreels to. 
date; 

Films of. Miss LeGallienne and her 
company rehearsing out of doolrs 
and performance scenes riiay. also be 
used in a special Par short. 



GI Miner's Ofrice 
Denies Any 'Deal' 
With P on 'Dr.' Play 



While there is a .contest over the 
film of 'The Amazing Dr. 

Clitterhp.use,' ' ice of ilbert 

Miller states that some of thi^ • 
ported facts aire incdrrect. Manager 
presented thfe show oh roadway, 
hayi interest in ;^the London 

show! That there 
derstanding between Miller and 
Watners; who had an interest in the 
American 'Clitterhouse' and^ who 
were; sup-posed to have; purchased the 
picture rights for $50,00P, is denied. 

According to the producer's office, 
he agreed oh that .figure with Nor- 
man Bright, the author's agent, be- 
fore leaving Londbn to produce the 
show In New York. Carl Laemmle, 
Jr., wias advised of the. deal between 
Miller and the author's agent. 
Laemnile, however, proffered $55,000 
for the rights which figure the agent 
accepted... 

New Playhouse Soon 

At Ogunquit, Maiiie 

. Me., July 
illian Foster is appeari in the 
leading role of 'Hay Feyer,' at the 
Ogunqiiit Playhouse the seco.nd week 
in Walter Hartwig's season in Maine, 
Henry Hull, Jr., and Roisemary Ames 
play important roles in the Noel 
Coward comedy, with Violet Besson, 
Wilfrid Seagram, John Williams, 
William Swetland, Mary Newnham 
Davis and Cecile Wulff. 

Hartwig expects to move into his 
new bgunqUit Playhouse, which is 
now practically completed, July 
19, with 'Boy Meets 6irl.' 



STRAWHAT BOOKINGS 



Julie Haydop and Phyllis Welch Set 
For Sommer Theatre Jobs 



Julie Haydon, iri from the Coast 
this week, has been set for two sum- 
mer stock dates. Doing the tryout 
of 'Accidental Farhily,' at . Dennis, 
Mass., the week b£ August 2, and 
'The Qiieen Was in the Parlor,' at 
Cphasiset, Mass., the week of August 
23. Film, actres$, is also after a ; legit 
show in. the fail. 

F'hyllisi Welch has been booked to 
do the Miriam Hopkins part in 
'Lysistrata'. at Mt. Kisco, N- Y., and 
Westpbrt, Conn., the ' weeks of July; 
19 and 26, irespectively. Her fall 
plan.s are still indefinite, depending 
partly oft whether 'High Tor', goes on 
tour. If it does, she may resume 
her. part. in that.. 



Current Road Shows 



(Week of July 5) 
'Amphitryon 38,'.. (Lunt and 
ForitanneJ, iltmbre, Los.. Ange- 
les. 

ranoisco. 

'You Gan't Take It With You,' 

Harris, Chicago. 

(NEW PLAYS THIS WEEK) 
'The Lady of La Paz,' Lake- 
wood theatre, SlcoWhegan, Me. 

'CaHinff All Men/ Cape Play- 
house, Dennis, Mass. 



ENGAGEMENTS 

John Barclay, Lenore Sorsby, 
Lester Lphergan .3d, Starr West, Iso- 
bel Rose, Clara Thropp, Miriam 
Battista, Teddy Jones, Clement 
O'LoUghlen, Ralph Sumpter, 'Alias 
the Deacon,' Starlight Theatre, Paw- 
ling, N. Y. 

Kay Strozzi, Piercy Waram* Selena 
Royle, Charles Coburn, William 
Thornton, John Burke, Mary Hut^ 
chinson, Roland Bottomley, Henry 
Buckler, Fairfax Burgher, William 
Packer, Arlene Peebles, Richard 
Sisson, Hal James, 'Twelfth Night,' 
Mohawk Drama Festival, Schertecr 
tady, N. Y. 

. Joanna Rods. , 'Sweet ' 
Newport Casinb Theatre, , 
R. I. 

Beatrice Terry, Guy de Vestel, 
'The Secret Heart,' Newport Casino 
Theatre, Newport,. R^: 1. 

Walter WiiUantis, 'Many Mansi ,' 
Berkshire layhouse, Stockbri , 
Mass;. 

. . Al Traha.n, Ltfdy Yukona Catheroii 
("Mrs. Ti-ahan), Hotel St. Regis rOof, 

N. ,y;: ; 

; Warren and Bodee," Coboaniit 
Grove, Hotel Park Central, N.i Y., 
with JerCy Blaine orch. 

Francis Pierlot, Eddie rien, 
'Busman's Honeymoon;* Mt. ^ 
N. Y., and WestpoTt, Conn; 

Harry Ellerbe, Susan Fox. Phyllis 
Langner, Allan Hewitt,, Charles Din- 
gle, . Leslie Goraill, Jules Schmidt, 
Lucia Robinson, Betty Lee, "Petti- 
coat . Fevei:,' Westchester Playhouse, 
Mt. Kisco, Y., and Country Play- 
house. Westport. Conn. 

Phidelah Rice. Jessica Rogers, 
Mary Ai'b'enz, John Seaiger. , Arthur 
Gould-Porter, Melbourne Ford, Mat- 
thew Smith," Clifford Brooke. 'The 
Amazing . Dr. Clitterhouse,' Rice 
Playhouse, Mcfrtha's Vineyard, Mass. 

Margaret Anglin, Tamaraii Robert 
Walsten, Philip Huston. Herbert 
Yost, Martha Scott. H. Dudley Haw- 
ley, Edward. Fielding. Otto Hulett, 
Fred Sears. 'Marria*:? Royal,' Cape 
Playhouse, Dennis, Mass. 



flalliday to Bermuda 
To Regain His Health 



Understood Halliday, 
who left the. cast o% 'Tovarich' at 
the Plymouth, N; Y., last. week, may 
not return to the show again, Abtor 
had not been in good health for 
some weeks and Anally collapsed , in 
his dressing room after Saturday 
(26) ight's performance. 

ing on a nervous breakdo\yh, 
he sailed Wednesday (30) for a rest 
in Bermuda, Physician has ordered 
himi not to return or do . work 
until September, at the . earliest. 
Halliday had, recently been speak- 
ing of retiring from the . stage,' but 
it's not. believed likely that he would 
"do so pernianently; Had previously 
intended touring with 'Tovarich' in 
the fall. 

Actor's leading part oppijsite 
Marta Abba, was played last week 
by Frederic Wprlock,- understudy. 
Paul Cavahagh; who returned from 
Europe during; the week, took over 
the. rdle Monday .(5i). 

Understood bsgood: Perkins, - who 
came east several weeks ago after 
playi the part; in the Coast comi-: 
pany of 'Tovarich,' was asked to. 
go into the show ih place of Halli- 
day. Didn't want to do so, however, 
since taking, oyer the part might 
prevent him from accepting possible 
film bffers or a new legit show; Per- 
kins' is now without plans, but Will 
probably, leave for a vacation in the 
country in the next couple of weeks. 



Mary Astor's Legit 



Hollywood, July 6. 

Arthur . . Beckhard, who will 
present a series of plays, at the Lo- 
berp theatre in Santa Barbara, has 
sigried Mary Astor . fpr the lead in 
'Ways and Means,' which opens 
Thursday («). 

Bramwell ivian 
Tobin are . also cast. 



EMERY'S LEGIT YEN 



Prefers Th^t to Hazardi 
Picture 



Another 



John Emery, recovered from the 
gallstones attack he suffered when 
he came east to attend the opening 
of 'Road flack' at the Globe, N. Y., 
starts rehearsing is week in 'Bus- 
nian's Honeymoon,' to be tried out 
at Mt, Kisco, :N. ., next , week, and 
at Westport, Conn., the following 
week. 

Actor- has been propositioned for a 
film in September, but doesn't like 
the time element in the offer. Wants 
to do a legit show this , season, but 
feels if he goes to the Coast in Sep- 
tember he won't be aible to get back 
east Until around early November; 
when a number of the legit produc-. 
tions would be cast. Chairice* of 
course, . that he'll. ..'Busman's 
Honeymoon' on Broadway if it clicks 
in tryout. . 




COULD RETURN 
TO LEGIT 



'Brother Rat' Vacations 
Arranged for B'way Cast 

George Abbott is conti ing his 
policy of staggered vacations for his 
players this summer, but only in 
'Brother Rat,' hot in 'Room Service.' 
Frank Albertson and Jose Ferrer are 
already replaced in 'Rat' at the BiU- 
niore, N; Y., with the other pri - 
cipals set for enforced layoffs. 

Mary Mason is ^expected to leave 
for her country place at Westport, 
C?onn., July 17, remaining out until 
September. Kathleen Fitz will prob- 
ably visit her home on the Coast. 
Others' plans not set. 

While it's Understood the cast .of 
'Room Service' ill not get 'must' 
layoffs, Eddie Albert may take a 
month or more off to do a pic, if a 
deal with Columbia jells. Nothing 
is set at present 



New Amsterdam theatre, 
one roadway's standout 

theatres, reopened ith pictura 
policy Saturday (3), under the man- 
agement of Max Cohen, who re- 
cently bought the property and who 
states that the house can be made 
available for a stage show ' ithi 
10 minutes.' It is possible that the 
New Amsterdani will house, one of 
next season's planned musical come- 
dies. 

New canopy and exterior dress 
had made it the most attractive en- 
trance in the Times Square zone 
Extensive renbvation of the lobby 
and interior also toned up the New- 
Amsterdam, which now compares 
with the house at its peak. 

'A -Midsummer Night's Dream' Is 
the opening film. It was chosen be- 
cause the Shakespearean comedy 
was the first attraction when the 
theatre opened 34 years ago, with 
the late Nat C. Goodwin, the lead 
player. Cohen will probably book 
duals in the house for the balance 
of the summer. Admission *25c. 



Arena Owners' Suit 
Again^ St L Aadi 
Under Advisement 



•St. Louis, July 6. 

Arguments on a demurrer filed by 
city to suit by Reorganization In- 
vestment Co.^ owner of Arena, to 
enjoin use of $5,000,000 Municipal 
Auditorium for sporti events and 
other purposies not of a civic nature 
were heard last week , by Circuit 
Judge Kirkwood who took case un- 
der adyisementr Counsel for city- 
owned building contended that 
Plaintiff had no cause of action. 

Attorneys for Arena Co. asserted 
city had no authority to rent audi- 
torium for such events as boxing 
and wrestling exhibitions and argued 
it Was etected with funds obtained 
by a $5>000,000 bond issue for a civic 
center 'to be used for ' the -, holding 
of public meetings, gatherings and 
public questions, and to supply suiti 
able meeting places for educational, 
labor, industrial and other purposes." 

Before completion of auditorium 
boxing and sporting events were 
held in Arena, in western secti 
city, but now practically all indoor 
sporting events are held in tha 
Auditorium located downtown. 
Plaintiff, asserts its building is now 
practically useless because of cpin- 
petitiort frdm city owned property. 
Another point presented by plaintiff 
was that Arena pays high 
while Auditorium is exempt. 



Hedgerow Prepares 

Cycle of Shaw Plays 



iladelphia, July li. 

Dates for Hedgerow, theatre's 4th 
annual Shaw Festival in their Rose 
Valley have just been olticially 
nounced. Festival will start this year 
with 'Arms and the Man,' oldest of 
the Shaw plays in their repertory, 
on Monday, July 19. There will then 
be four full weeks-^si ing per- 

formances a week — of the Irish play- 
wright's. Works. 

New addition will be 'Too Triie ti> 
Be Good,' Which bows in as the 123d 
Hedgerow production, on July 26. 
and will be given . six. performanciis 
in ail. 'Arms, and the Man.' 
dida,' 'Saint Joan,' 'The Devi I's is- 
ciple,' 'Heartbreak House,' ettiu)>: 
Married,' 'You Never Can Telt,' 'Mis- 
alliance;' and a double bill oi 'Aii- 
drocles afhd the Lion' and 'Dar 
Lady of the Sonnets,' ill be given 
twice each. 



Rehearsing at Church 

Jules J. Leventhal.is now rehears-, 
ing his road company of ' oy Meets 
Girl' in the bell tower oE the Union 
Methodist Church, N. Y... here he 
just finished ready i tourinii 
troupe of 'Dead End/ 

Producer also operates houses i 
Brighton Beach, A,sbury Park, ew- 
ar , Atlantic City and othar euster 
towns. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1037 



LEGIXmATE GROSSES 



VARIETY 



SS 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



Charles G. Stewart, general mainager of Laurence Rivers, Inc. (Stebbins) 
attractions, arid Barney Klawans, in charge of Warners' legit department, 
have the same tailor, and thereby hangs the tale of a cutawiay coat, hot 
copyrighted by Ned Alvord. Stewart ordered the cutaway years ago, at 
the time ^The Green Pastures,' in which he had a piece, was gOing strong, 
but; ieared he might hsive to answer some embarrassirig questions if the 
thing was sent home. It has been hanging in the clothes shop ever sinqe, 
but Klawans had the privilege of using the coat for special occasions. 

Sometime ago thei "Warners mian thought of wearing it tp a funeral, but 
iscovered he .had tio top hat and scrapped the idea, j li^sf week Klawans 
•went to the tailor's, planning the cutaway adornment , for. a wedding, but 
found he had grown too heavy around the girth. Saitie goes for Stewart, 
who claims he -paid the tailor off ; lOrig ago. (, 

Not generally understood over here that 'Lovers Meeting,' piit on in 
tondoh by Theron BamTaerger^^ . was ai try-out. It was booked irtto the 
Ernbassy for two- weekis, but ^ a third week, which resulted in. a 

Vfest End offer for the fall. Bamberger prefers putting the play on Broad- 
way, however, , - i . , ^ ' 

Embassy is dpe of a hUmber.pf try^put spots at varying distances , from 
Piccadilly Circuis. In such theatres salaries are small, average pay being 
about $25 v/eekly. 

Vacations which hJid been promised by Max Gordon for the six pri - 
cipals in 'The Women,' at the Ethel .Barrymore theatre, N, Y., were can- 
celled by the producer just 'before he sailed for Europe recently. 

Qrigirial plan, Which caUed.fpr actresses cast for thie road company to 
replace original players in the Broadway company in single relays, was too 
complicated, according to Gordon. Said extra rehearsals and possibility pf 
rough perforrnances made vacations for the si inadvisable. 

Yiddish Art Theatre will be <[uartered the former Jolson theatre, 
59th and Seventh avenue, N. Y., next season. Hpuse used several labels 
and during last season was mostly known as the Venice* \yith a policy of 

liari shows. WPA also uised the spot, 

iddish theatre grOup has already advertised, offering benefit party 
ings. First attraction will be 'Brothers Ashkenazi,' due to open Sept. 
Maurice, Schwartz is again heading the venture. 

With salaries cut iarid operating expenses at a niinimum, 'Excursion' is 
ing to get. through, the summer at the Vanderbiit^ N. Y. That apparently 
kayoes the chance oiE the play being done this summer at Ann Arbor by 
the Michigan Repertory Players. Uhless they can get WhitfOrd Kane for 
the lead, understood Players won't attempt the show. Actor figures , 'Excur- 
sion' to last into farll. 

Carly Wharton, who is slated to make her debut as a manager, with a 
drama called ' ioience' by Ijore Schary, is the wife of John. Wharton, an 
attorriey. Latter^s; clients include several managers and he is also a mem- 
ber of Selznick-Ihternational's legal staff. IK 

Mrs. Wharton was in the Delos Chappell office. ctooer. 

French critics in Hollywood who had seen and heard Giraudoux's 
French original of 'Amphitryon 38^ were surprised at the ^beautiful job of 
adStL N. Behrmah for the Lurits. Many of Hollywood's critics 

bbunce for a second time here. 




(Cpntinuied from page. 53) 



*rovarich/ the latter's profit 
was undoubtedly much greater. 

Of the playwrights. Maxwell An- 
derson probably rated more income 
than his closest rival, George S. 
Kaufman. iBecause of split royal- 
ties and other complicatiorisj it s 
hard to estimate playwright incomes, 
but Anderson's plays, including 
•Wihterset' (on its brief return en- 
gagement at the beginning of the 
season), 'High Tor,' 'Wingless: Victory 
and 'Mastiue of Kings' drew in the 
neighborhood of $700,000. Kauf- 
man's collaborations, 'You Gant 
Take It With You' and 'Stage Door, 
pulled in an estimated $721,100. Fig- 
ure doesn't include any film rights 
to plays. Grosses rung up by Kauf- 
man'^ 'First Lady' on tour are also 
not included. 

If the season proved anything 
particular, it was that there is prpb^ 
ably no such thing as a 'theatre of 
hits.' If any theatre cops big grosses 
it's because it happens to get hit 
shows.- House won't make the show, 
despite any traditional good-luqk 
omens; ishOws make the house, 
That's demdnsttated time after, time. 
Winter $1,111,060 

Wintet Garden grossed $1,111,000 
during, the season, but because two 
smashes iplayed the house, 'Follies' 
ahd- 'Shdw Is On.' Music Box, al- 
ways rated as a 'lucky' house, did 
okay ith 'Stage Poor,' but flopped 

ith 'Young Madame Goriti' and 
was dark the rest of the season. 

Plymouth .played 33 weeks of 
Tovarich to $iS53,50Q gross; Empire 
had 29 weeks total estimated 
take of 438,700 with 'Spring Dance' 
(a; flop), the McClintic 'Hamlet' and 
ihie Cornell plays. Imperi also 
bore out the fact that no theatre is 
'lucky.! It laid, an egg \yith 'Orchids 
Preferred' after clicking with -On 
Your Toes,' 'Frederike' and getting 
by with Howard's ^Hartlet'' Martin 
Beck, did okay with three shpws, 
'Wiiiterset,' the D'Oyiy Carte troupe 
..and 'High Tor.' 

In the matter of whether moving a 
..Show is likely to kill, it at- the box-- 
office,, the season proved nothing: 
particularly one way or the other. 
'Boy Meets: Giri* and ' hree Men ph 
a Horse' closed long :runs sodni after 
being moved from the Cort nd 
Playhouse^ respectively.. but that A^'as 
figured due anyway. Number of 



other shows, including the McClintic 
'Hamlet.' the Cornell plays, 'On Your 
Toes' and 'Swing Your Lady' seemed 
to be affected not at all by chanige of 
theatres. 



FTP Dismissals 



(Continued from page .53) 



for players in the N. Y. project who 
have been getting around $24 weekly. 
That cost is so figured biecause of 
the admission receipts but probably 
does not consider the expense items 
such as rent; id out of ad- 

missions takings. However, because 
the theatre projedt the only, 
branch, of the WPA that brings in 
money, is an argument that it be 
made preferential in the reduction 
forced by the lower works relief 
appropriations. 

When the union heads gathered 
last week principal question was 
whether by striking thait would or. 
would hot be effective method of 
gaining the desired results. De- 
cision riot to go out came on the 
heels of Word from Washington that 
strikers would not receive pay. Pos- 
sibility, that such agitation might 
lead to a larger : reduction was also 
a factor; Over the Ayeek^end thiere 
was no further strikis talk. 



sideration toward elderly and ex- 
perienced show folks now deperiding 
oh the government fdr subsistence. 
Gilmore expressed fear that youth- 
ful talent, non-jiiros,, and, novices 
would be retairiied while vets ' vvould 
get the gate. Officials said 6very 
case will be studied thoroughly be- 
fore any blue-penciling occurs. 

Goriiplete abandonment of the. the- 
atre veriture has been reported pos- 
sible, but pressure generated through 
political: channels apparently has 
stalled any such order;. Plenty pf 
kicks against curtailment have been 
rcfgistered by Congressmen and back- 
home party chiefs, to the extent that 
the . program seems certain of con- 
tinuance. Pruning is . inevitable, 
however, with about 3,000 hired 
hands due. for. diiriipi 



Chicago Skiedis March 

Chicago, July 6: 
With the 30% slash ■ Federal 
Theatre Piroject ranks due . next 
week, the droppees are readying for 
a 'march on Washington,' taking in 
th^ let-outs not. only Of t he Ch icago 
project,, but of all Other FTP units 
throughout the country. , . 

FTP wprkers held ^ a V/ai: council 
here last week and, denOuriced the 
30% slice, 'It miearis the lay-off of 
'around 240 members of : FTP unit 
that numbers approximately 820 in 
these parts. 



TOU CAN'T TAKE IT,' 
LOOP SOLO, $13,Q0a 



Chica.eo, July 6; 
- Still the sinple 'You Can^t Take It 
With You' in the lopp,: arid not hav- 
ing arty trouble making the grade. 
Extra matinee oh Monday (6) added 
soriie extra sheckels to the profitable 
run, now in its 22d week, and the 
prid still far. off. Nothing else exr 
pected for the loop for a month. . 

Both the WPA's shows picking up 
surprisingly. 'O, Say Can You 
Sins?' the musical, petting a good 
play at . the Great Northern, and 
'Lonely Man' an even better one at, 
Blackstone. 

Estimate for Last Week 

'You Can't Take It With You,' Har- 
ris (1,000; $2.75) (22d week). AH 
alone, and. getting a great play. 
Around $13,000 last week, and plenty 
profitable. 

WPA 

.'Lonely. Man,' Blackstone. 
.'O, Say, Can You Sine/ Great 
Northern.' 



Elitch Gets $8; 



Denver, July 6. 
With no sellouts for the week, but 
with steady business, arid in spite.of 
the week-end beginning a . holiday, 
the gross at the filitch Garden thea- 
.trie was up dver the foi:mer week and 
ran around $8,500. Attraction was 
'Love from a Stranger.' Popularity 
of the cast determining factor in the 
week's gross. 

. 'Both Your ouses' on currently 
arid starting strong. 

Ilka Chase Recovers 

Ilka Chase has returned to hier 
duties in 'The Women,' at the Ethel 
Barrympre, N, Y., after missing four 
performances due to an in j tired eye. 
Uriderstudy subbed for her. 

Betty Lawfordj of the siame show, 
^yas also ill last week, but continued 
playing.. Actress contracted arseriie. 
poison from eating fruit not properly 
washed. Also had a. cold. 



Dempsey^s 



Washington IJnreceptive 

Washi Jiily 

Delegation pf labor leaders repre- 
seritinig theatrical groups- interested 
iri: the Federal Theatre Prpject went 
away empty-handed Friday (2) after 
trying to get' pledges frorii WPA 
heads that curtailment of relief ven- 
tures, ill not affect profdssional 
drama pepple< 

While they were received , sym- 
patheticaliy, spokesmen for actors, 
musicians, stagehands, ■ dancers, 
led. by Erank Cillmore: Equity presi- 
dent, were unable to pin down David 
NileLs and Mrs. Ellen Woodward, 
assistant admi istrators. They were 
informed that reduction of appro-, 
.priatlons make .cuts,.in, personnel i - 
evitable, and .that- the theatre prp- 
.rram must take ja pruning along 
with all other WPA.activjtics. ■ 

The priricipcnl point Unadc .by the 
delegation Avas for a special con- 



(Gontinued from page 5) 



Audi * West Coast 

Service ich. is reported 

to- be usiriig. . a - number of ; Equity 
folks; Caravel Films, ;Castle Films, 
arid Eastern Association- of Ndri- 
Theatrical ' ilm Producers. Last 
named is supposed to have ,10 pro- 
ducing units: and is a mpmber df the 
National Association pf Nori-Theatrlr 
cai Filrii; Producers. , 

Because of the siriall amount of 
theatrical activity at the ' present, 
most riiembers of SAG. at first are 
expected tp come froiri industrial 
pictures being made at New York 
studj Only concentrated opposi- 
tion is expacted because of natural 
resistance upon the angle" that it is 
new, though teclVnicai st.udio men 
have been tuiidt^ized' for some time. 

Wage . does ■ not differ ma- 
terially from mrnimum hdw paid- on 
indu.slrlal or cpnimercial films, ac- 
cor ihg io repbrls to-. ion Officials. 
The S^G asks the .isame mini: iim 
coin 'U\t mob ' extras as prevailing 
no,v;-.. Thc.mai dilTerence lodming 
•now 'i?:' -that; on drc..";s eJttras,. With 
the SAG. {i.-<kin:u:siG.50 riiinimum and 
cui-i-e^J scale, being -$10. 



B way Legits Show Welcame Strengdi* 
Okay HoEday Trade lipping the B.Os 



Hassard Short to Stage 
Frank Cnimit Musical 



,Ha.<;sard Short will, stage 'Great 
Lady,* \yhich will be Frank Crumit's 
debut piroduction a manager, 
early in the fall. Director is in. Eng- 
land, deal beirig pkayed by table- 
grairi. ScOre for 'Lady' was coin- 
pospd by .Fritz Loewe, with the bpok 
by Edjvard Crddker. 

Same writirig teani's ;-Salut^ to 
Spririg' "will be presented, 'by the St. 
Loiiis Municipal Opera, ' company 
next .week. 




t. LoUi 

Gilbert and: !Sullivan\s perennial 
'The Mikado' opened as the fifth at- 
traction of .current outdoor operetta 
season last night (Mdriday ) before a 
nopulous .audience that swelled the 
take to: an approxiriiate $3,600; 

It's the. third 'Mikado' production 
td. be staged in ' tbe Forest Park al 
fresco bowl, .predecessdrs having 
been lauriched in 1920 arid 1927. This 
latest- jprdduction ■ nicely set up 
arid possessed of lavish prierital sets. 

While bantam in size compared to 
other KoKo's .who have previously 
appeared here, Ralph Riggs, making 
his St. Lduis debut, easily snatches, 
top honors in the cast. : Margaret 
Daum. as Yum Yurii, Detmar Popperi 
as Pdoh-Bah, arid Erika Zaranova as 
Pitti Sing took two encores each. 

The role of, the Mikado was a 
natural for Joseph Maeauley; Mary 
Hopple was a click in a subordinate 
part. . Backing up. nicely '.was the 
stdut si ing chorus. - 

Last week at Forest Park theatre. 
'Louie the 14th' achieved firie and 
above-expectation biz. Closed out a 
seven-night run Sunday (4) -with a 
gross of $38,000. 'Louie' did a good: 
iOb of bucking , cdunter-attractiohs 
that were blooming all over town 
over the Fourth weekend. AI 
Trahati.in the top spot was a strong 
local click. Final day (Sunday) Of 
'Louie' caught the riianagement uni 
prepared, by the rush and. big tui-n- 
a ways, because July 4. here is tra- 
ditionally mild; 



'AMPHITRYON' $38,000 
IN SAN FRANCISCO 



San Francisco, July 2. 

The Alfred Lunt-Lynn Fontanne 
production of Jean Giraiiddux's com- 
edy. 'Amphitryon 38' for the Theatre 
Guild at the Curran theatre did big 
business duririg its stay of 10 days 
but the engagement wasn't a sell- 
out. San Francisco is very much 
like New York in that capacity is 
unusual during the first week of zl 
new play. The Lunts were .so 
oleased , ,with their reception here 
that they riiay come to San Fran- 
cisco next year with a new play. 

' r other Rat' is, doing good busi- 
ness' at the Geary theatre, but failed 
to build as exoected. Hotel strike 
has hurt considerably. En ga cement 
will be a profitable One, nevertheless. 

'Pursuit, of Happiness,' with some 
old-tiriie Stock players in the cast* 
opened at the Alcazar theatre under 
the FTP auspices last Thursday fl).. 
Expect fair -returns on a short run 
for this one. 

Estimates for Last Week 

''Amphitryon 38,' Curran MO per- 
formances) (1,700; $3.30 ). No cOm- 
Dloints at the $38,000 take. Biz lell 
below the house record established 
by the Lunts in 'Idiot's, Delight,' 
Public wanted to be sure comedy 
was definitely in the hit cla.-^s before 
plunking $3.30 Oh the line to see it. 
Audience response has been fine, 

'BtTotlier Rat,* Geary Od week) 
(1,700;' $2.50). it $10,000. the first 
.week, and has maintained a steady 
"ait ever since then. Two more 
week.*; to go and then the coinpany 
goes to Los Anfielesi 
WPA 

iirsuit of Hanpiness;* Alcnr.nr <4 
nerformancesO (1,269; ijOo. >: Set iot 
four weeks, expect to do fair biz 
with; this one which hns hiid Ihc cdj«e 
taken off it somevvhat bv the screen 
A'CVsidn with Francis Ledercv rtnd 
.Toari Bennett. First four perform- 
^ncp ,<ibowed a lake i the- r.cif'hbor- 
hood of $2,000. 



. Some shows On the. summer Ji.sl 
lost pace last week, but it was :fat 
from the 'worst' period leading up 
to the Fourth of July. Three or 
four attractions upped their grosses 
with the aid of excellent attendance 
during the first three days. 

Nine of tHe 11 survivors tilayed 
Moriday (4) afternoon but only three 
of that group will give the usufil. 
midweek matinees, which will, be- 
five iri riumber. Excellent business 
on the holiday cariie as a sui'j^rise. 
Surishine o.n Siinday riiade for a de- 
serted- Broadway and ^ the b jaches 
were jammed by visitors as well a 
New Yorkers who did not flee the 
city. Monday,' hdwever, was over- 
cast;With rain sprinkles, weather bcr- 
ing a real break for the; legits, and 
other Brpadv^ay attractions. Vaude- 
filmers, which held dojvri to four 
shows on the Sabbath and had the 
same schedule Monday, played an 
extra , performance. :Night- trade ^wa.s 
off, which is usual at the end of a 
holiday. 

Top money trio of .straight shows: 
'You Can't take It Wi th You.> 'Room 
Service' and 'Thie Women.' Runner- 
UD trio: 'Having Wonderful: Time/ 
'Tovarich* and 'Yes My Darling 
Daughter.' with the others varying 
downward. Added are ■ the two 
rnusicals': with 'The Show Is On* 
eaSilv topping 'Babes Arms,* 
,which, however, me 
money right along. 
; The country .showshon sca.son is 
npw in full stride. Thero are 46 
listed, strawhats operating this: week, 
T.pstly playing revivals but includin<» 
four try-outsi Sideways are sorcad 
thro^f'hout 11. states — 11 in Mafisa- 
chusetts, 10 in New York, 7 in Con- 
necticut. The others aire in Mpine, 
New Hampshire. Rhode Island. New 
Jer.-^ey, Verriidnt., Delawares, District 
of Columbia nnd V'if'ini 

No siHedu'ed clos.'nfr it i<? 

doubtful if the Broadv/p will 
decrease further. 

Estimates for Last Week 
'Babes In Arms.' Shubert (13t 
week) (M-l,382-$3,30). Musical fea- 
tured by iuveniles doing t-iirlv well 
with takini^s around $16,000 and 
turning weekly nrofit. 

'Brother Vjit* Biltmore , (20th 
week) (C-991-$3.30). Ea.sed oflT 
about $1,000 but, with house arid 
.show pooled, satisfadtbry around 
$7,000: draws younger element 
chiefly. -' ■ 

'Excursion,' Vanderbilt (14th week) 
(C-804-$3.30). Moved up somewhat 
with new eooling system helping; 
comparatively mild, however; not 
far frorii $5,500 bettered ieven break. 

'Hatvinf Wonderful Time.' Lyeeum 
(20th week) (CD-l,000-$3.30). Last 
week one of best in some, time -ith 
takings quoted clofee to $10,000; im- 
provement mostly during early half. 

'Room Service,' Cort (8th Week) 
(Crl.059-$3.30), Let out another 
notch and Went close to $1-7.000 
mark; show geared up modestly and 
is cleaning up. 

'The Show Is On.' Wiriter arden 
(28th wdek) ' (R-l,671-$3.30), With 
takings apnroximately $20,000 last 
week satisfactpry pace and engage- 
ment may: go through .summer, . 
, 'The Women/ . Barrymore (28th 
week) (C-l,046-$3.30). Still one of 
leaders and looks set well into fall 
period; eased off agai but okay 
around $14,000. 

'Tobacco Road,' Forrest (187th 
week) (D-1.017-$1,65)» Draw seems 
inexhaustible; 'gross,es moderate but 
profitable; around; $4,500;, lowest 
scale among survivors. 

•Tovarich,' Plymouth (38th week ) 
(CD-1.036-$3.30). Coupled with 'C^n't 
Take It' as only survivors on 45th 
street; business rated around $9,000 
and okay for summer period. 

'Yes, My Darlinr Dau<»hti'r.* Play^ 
house- (22d week) (C-878-$3.3b). 
Claimed some increase with run ex- 
pected to extend into fall peri 
quoted nearly $9,000. 

•'You Can't Take It With Tou.» 
Booth (30th week) (C-878-$3.30). 
Standees present at all perform- 
ances, , smash cbmedy ,beine unitiue 
iri that respect; over $15,000 
week., 

WPA 

, 'Prof. Mamlock,' Daly's; 
'Power,' Ritz. 

Paul Grieen Playlets, Adelpbi, 
half. 

'Case of Philip 
yette, Harlem. 



FTP Caravan Troupe*s 

Busy Month in N. Y, 

Caravan Theatre, of the WPA 
Federal Theatre Project, pkiyed to 
approximately 440,000 attendance in 
75 performances .durirtg the, month 
of June. ' 

Playing in parks arid playgrounds 
in the five boroughs of New Ydr 
the units gave six difrsrent 
Included, was 'Mi Jiiimnjier 
Dream,' 'lolanthe,' 'The, Show- 

i (by the Negro unit). "Tons (>f IMoncy.' 

] 'It Can't Happen Here' and a vinide 

I troupe. Performances ar 'ivt-n 

1 outdoors by tvavcli 

• when v.'oathcr allows. 



56 



VARIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



W.cdii.csday, July 7, I937 



Summer Theatres 



MARIETTE 



tockbridge, Miass., 
c'oni.Miy Willi music in two at' ; ami . ail 
e^lFi'^^ tt'oiii" sicehcfl) . \)y Sacha Guitry ; tnii^ 
all'' li^- Osi'M- Straus. Kngllsli adaptulloii 
•' \V)illiiin Mllesi; IjH.CB, Arthur (JuUci-. 
Stased by. Mr. Milca; seltlnps. 
. -jJoUlon;' orclieBtra dlwLed . , i>y 
.• t inOor V: Ivlrkla-nd. At the Berkahii;- 
jMnvltOU.si',. SlriekbrltlBe, itss., June 28, ':!7. 



A i;:iUt;l Girl.. 
A Fii'sniao. . . 
A Sliise M;itnl 
Aiv'LiiPV' Sliifie 
Tla» ('•aii an..,. 
AMicil-'c ■ C'a ussacle 
IsiiliH'tf • • • • • • • 

yiiillljert ....^..v 

J-,i>.)-aflti) 
i'l<tiil'le ■.. . ■ 

VlHuii'iitlne tJibal. 

.SDslliene . . . . . • • • • • 

Koni'iia li.- 
('t;ll>l-lpV .. i . • .'i :■ ■ •'• • • • • 

PhilrtiiVeae .... . . . . ... . 

A iial>i . ... . • • .■• 

Miiilod* F-lfury 
pi-lni's L6ols Napoleon 

Duiriitit 

ji;' I'eisl ny 

Hiwini'dii; <'••:•! 

J^i' ine Bonaparte. , , . 
li<fa« <511bPi-t ........ 

CulfLle: Gilbert ...... 

Henvlelle 

I''rj(MCl3 Bachinirnont 
A- riiotogriipher. 



RTioda Pyin. 
ariiey Kteihschinldl 
•lUljtm Dav)s, >H 
....... Wallls SJniUh 

.'. . . Rlwetl Cobb. 
...... .Hal Conklln 

Lewis Mn'rlln' 
Allah Stuart TJhvJh 
Virginia Holden 
. , ; : . Miiry tVlokes 
... atjorle StafToril 
..... Robert Allen 

. . Richard MaoKay 
, Franklin. i)ownln.i; 

Cola Xee 

.Tane Rich 
....... ..Helen Ford 

.Richard, Hule 
Maurice Hunt 
Barney ;IClclnsclunldt 
.......... Bllen Half 

. . Robert Ha ri-lH 
...... Richard Abert 

; ....Elizabeth Youni; 

......... Jane UUli 

' . . v . . .Rlcliaia HmIo 
Peter. Klnneli 



this fashLpn, Guitry informs us, is 
history written; , 

■Miles, responsible for- the adapta- 
ti acquits himself creditably as 
director. Settings have been de^ 
signed with taste by Chairles Holdert. 

Paul. 



riage, combines the gush usually asr- 
sociated with Mary Bolahd and Bil- 
lie. Burke, but in all. h^r swishings 
never lands solidly. William Law- 
soji, okay for romantic roles, doesn't 
jell as the sentimental father of the 
chased girl. Terry Fay tangles in 
the superfluous part of the younger 
sister. Direction okay: Fpx, 



ALL'S FAIR 

CentervlUe, Maiss., iily 
frtiiifi hy.'.l. Ir. .Slonis In three ads 
s(-(rriii,:A. t)rf>iliy Stone and .Charles Col- 
lins." jiivsonleil b.v .Toba CraiR, .lid at Mary 
YoOnj; tbi'ntie. .July 2, CtJnterviUei Mass. 
J>ir»'( lcil by .Marj' Toung. and V.. tanley 
i'riiU. S<.'i:i, C inlti; " Scenic, Sliidlos 



script — 

would '-seerh 
tighterii 
do 



(■ MrlCH... . , ... . .. ... . 

ii.'K.v . LMIiinsbani. 
n()V,it>i-! . KlUson . . ! . I 
}ilur-{iiiTl Klllsion. . 
.iarquellne JCllUson. 
tjiiUra , i'edibrook. . , 
j^Hiii Kirby ; .■ ■. . . 
Tti'iwiird Vmu' Dyno; 
Mrs. ■ liUi.sbn . . . . .'. '. 



llloh Parsons 
. . .Oharlea CoIUns 
..William liawsoo 
.. ...Dbrothy Stone 
.Teiry Fay 
. ..T.-ine Barnes 
. ....'.Murvyn Vye 
. . .' Jric Kiilkhur.st 
■ Gcorue Clevtelahd 



possibility that Broiadway 
may look .next . autumh at 

this fragile operetta, which has been 
khockirig about the capitalsf of Eu- 
nearly iai decade, 
resent version^ adapted by .Wil- 
Miles, ith lyrics by Artijur 
' faithfuUjr to 

original French 
faithfully. 
'Mariiette' 
jequire gehferal 
ildin$ up. It could 
more comedy, more dtaina, 
more music-4including tlte hit 
number which Oscar Straus' score 
keeps promising but never quite d«- 
liveis. As stands, show a 
pastel study of a royal romance, arid 
neads an audience steeped in French 
history, along with a pair of leadinff 
performers like Guitry himself and 
Yvonne . Priritemps, to give it im 
portance. - 

On the . basis of ichard Hale's 
portrayal of the charalcter, one may 
wonder why Louis Napoleon was 
f orbed to relinquish his mistress, Ma- 
riette, upon ascending the. French 
throne. Kings and emperors have 
always intrigued .with women of 
common blood, , and if Louis Napo- 
leon really loved her, why shouldn't 
he carry her along with him to the. 
heights? N6: reason. is offered in the 
script. However, when Guitry 
played the part, one got the. impres-. 
sion that he considered his retlation- 
•shi with the. former dp^ra^ singer 
merely a casual adventure and ter- 
minated it because he wanted' to, 
ale presents a LoUis Napoleon who 
is-^or appears, to be—passionately 
. itv love., and thus the renunciation 
lacks rniotive. Asicle from this, his 
acting .. convinces 

Helen Ford, in the title role, faces 
a difficult assignment—difficult be- 
cause Mariette begins as an almost 
embarrassingly kittenish girl! and 
end.s as a sharp old lady; When 
perrormarice was caught for review 
she was suffering from a cold and 
did not make the most of her vocal 
opportunities, but '■ her playing had 
piquancy, . 

Hale rcappeiars in the epilog as a 
nipdern newspaper reporter ques 
tioiiitig. the aged Mariette about her 
intiinacy.~with the dead ruler, and 
again does . praiseworthy work 
Others who stand oUt in the largie 
-and capable, cast, are Hal Cbnklin, 
Ma i-j or ie Stafford/ j. Barney Klein- 
schmidt, Robert Harris and ' Maiy: 
Wickes.. . - 
One of the sprightliest bits in the 
lay; the opening scene, . features a falsetto 



lirlesque of opiera as it was sung 
in 1348, and stiU is. A gently satiri- 
cal, payoff at the final curtain re- 
veals Mariette,, how 10.0, telling the 
reporter all about the night pf De-' 
cenriber 1, 1851, the. eve of .the coup 
• d'atat , which put . her Ipver on the 
throne ,ahd Which marked the: last 
time she ever saw himl Her account 
IS half tiruth,. h^lf fahcy, with the 
latter element predominating. In 



•fectiy suited to strawhats' ll's 
Fair,' as premiered here, falls short 

of hit call irig: to stand- 

ards of the inter circuit. It can be 
regarded, as a significant productionj 
however, becaus.e ^ it . enables both 
Dorothy Stone and Charles Collins 
to prove conclusively that they have 
dramatic, possibilities Worth of at- 
teiitiori from any caster of comedies. 

With the hapless 'Sea Legs' musi- 
cal fresh iii mind, and using it alone 
as standard of conriparison, one would 
say. that this couple shp.ws . to far 
better advantage in light, dramatics. 
Over-muggihg,. often a handicap .for 
musical comedy, players making the 
transitibp, is eritirely absent here. 
Miss Stone is even , more , attraictive 
in an intimate summer- theatre than 
on an engulfiing big time stage;, and 
that immediately suggests film pos- 
sibilities. 

And there are fair prospects for 
the play in screendom. Even with 
iritermissipns, it runs . less than two 
hours; and the situation of. a young, 
impetuoiis . blade proposing to a 
strange girl in a' cafe after two mi 
utes' conversation, then within a 
week balking her marriage to an 
aristocratic fiance, would give an 
imaginative film producer much iati 
tude in laying but the by-ways of the 
simple tale; 

Already set ith a commendable,, 
brief fiirst. act, an amusing, climatic 
second, and a short,, snappy third 
stanza with, a cUte twist. 'Faii:' 
wbuld benefit by the sprinkling 
throughout of more bright lines. The 
author need not gb-shopping for such 
bright dialog; he has enough how 
in the piece to lift it well above the 
usual strawhat standard, ■ A dozen 
or more added smart sayings in the 
mouths of his modern yOung . peo 
pie rhight land the piece right in the 
major league. 

; Role of Regy illirigham, juve 
lead, is niade to order for Collins 
who makes him a dashing character, 
capable., of chasing his iquarry into 
her boudoir, via the trellis .route, 
This bed room scene provides most 
of the play's action. Miss Stone as 
the girl who changes her marriage 
intentions, also comes through with 
honors. SUppirig into the role 
naturally, she discards all musical 
comedy manners to delineate 
personalLty that rings true. 

Eric Kalkhurst, -as the stodgy, 
young blue-blood with ancestral tra- 
ditions, is very satisfactory; and he 
is convincing in the last act when he 
shows a softer side of his character's 
personality. In a bit part (a girl 
fri nd of ^Dillingham)/. Jane Barnes, 
and Metro contract player, here for 
the summer, shows much promise. 
Schedule indicates .much move im- 
portant assignments f br. her in future 
productions. 

Murvih- Vye, another bit player,, 
makes the most of his drunk scene in 
the cafe, and reels off amid, plaudits. 
His gbbfy grin is . perfect, but the 
voice, obviously not his. 



CALLING ALL MEN 

Dennis, Mass., Juiy. . 
An intimate musical coniedy:.in two. aot§ 
anil itiolo;;,, (25! scenes). FeattirliiR Calh- 
arlh.e l^oucet, Imogene Cocu. ' Preaenled' 
by itayniond Moore. Staged, by r<eonard 
Sillman. .Book, Albert Carroll, . l^ebnard 
•SHInian. Robert Garland; .music and iyrics.' 
Baldwin Hergersoh, Irving. Graham', June 
.SlllnVaiir .settlnga, , ' Mercedes, Kugenp. - C 
Fitiisb. .Ac Cape' Playhouse, Dennis, Mas^i^, 
July 3, 'lit. 

Vk'lor. . . ......... , , . , ; .., »f Richard Carlson 



Aiint Bessie. 
Paiilo, ..';..'., 
AlfreClo. . . . . ; 

KollO Botiuniley . . . . . . . 

Roger Hoyt. ... . , '. . . . . ;■, , , 

Jack Ai'msli-ohg. 
Chiiuncey ~ Belnriunt. ...... 

Preston-. Palmer Peabody 
Billy Iliunmond..... . ... , , . . 

Vera Vnne.. ... . i 

WlUa May Wolcptt. . . . . . 

Alt'ircia Mansfield. .... .. . 

Beatrice Barnes, i 
Lorraine I..odfre. . . 
Gei'.aldinc GuUlen. 
PrlsclUa Pnlne... ; 
Mr3.> S. Cabot. . ; . 
Gloria A'an Astoi' 
Blllle;.. ........ .'. 

Cliff..,/......:.... 

Oily..........;.. 

Choliy.. 
Wally.. 

Dolly.;........,. 

Amelia Plunkett, 
Mrs. orebnuae^ 
Marcel Moussev. 
Page: Boy. .. . . 

Opal.,. 

Onyx. .. , . . . 

Captai ■. 

Ml-. Pa I lie.;.;... 
Mr. Van' .\sl6iv. , 



Catharine Doiicet 
...Chet O'Brien 
. . .Mort 0'Brl(>n 
Boweri C. 'JL'ul'ts 
. ... .Don Shelton 

Austin Marsliall 
. .Stuai't Ross 
. . Rogei;. -iStearn^ 
. . . ', .-. . .Kirk Alyii 
.Nancy Wetherell. 
;. .Helen. Mcste.lle 
. . . ...Grace r<tnn 

. 4 -. Irene: Moore 
.Jeanne Bergersen. 
. . .Sylyla Framsoh 
. ', . .Iniogene Coca 
...Jody S. Gilbert 

; Jiirie Sill ma a 

. . . lllle Hay W'ood 
;ipnft. Allen 
,. . .Jjelglltoh Be.st 
. ; . .Robert Burton 
Ray CJiirke 
...Frances Dewey 
.;.. .Mildred Todd 
. elen Carrliigton 
... .Albert Carroll 

...Cll« Allpn^ 

. .Kieanor- Bunker 
.. .Doris Singleton 
. . . .Lelghton. Best 
.. .. .Ospar Stt'rllMi;' 
. .. . .Donald. Black- 



widoWi Maurice comes to her for 
advice about their runaway children. 
Derek and Elsa, whom she has not 
even seen since the divorce and who 
are, it appears, raising jnaerry hell. 
Without revealing her relationship 
to them, Flora contrives to meet the 
youngsters. Derek likes her imme- 
diately: Elsa, in love with an older 
man who proves to be a dear friend 
of Flora's, hates her with a jealous 
fury.. 

Eventually Flora sets Derek 
straight and saves him from a prison 
term for dealing in stoleii cars. The 
truth comes out that she is their 
mother, and both Derek and Elsa 
realize what a grand person she is. 
StOry ends with a family reunion 
arid a promise that Flora and Mau- 
r'iVe will ' remarry. 

Plot idea -is trite and mechanical, 
though some of tlie situations do 
grip the interest, aind the dialog; can 
lay claim to amusing moments. 

Miss Anjglin has a good grasp of 
her ' role in essence and should be 
satisfying- When under less nervous 
tension. Morris, too, will make the 
most of Maurice's part after another 
performarice or so. Kendall Clark 
is pleasant and forthright as, Derek, 
while Valerie Cossart makes Up . in 
looks and poise what, she lacks, in 
eriiotiohal power as Elsa. Stiano 
Braggiotti haridlei a suave middle- 
aged playboy characterization, and 
there IS a heat bit by Edriiohia Npl- 
ley, as ian- Irish maid. , Philip Torige 
and Dan Duryea contribute capabaly 
in smaller measure. 

Tuttle is; listed on the program as 
director, and the serviceable hotel 
room setting is attributed to .John 
Koenig and Williani Girvari.^ Poul,, 



Out of Toy)n 



In 'Calling AH Men;' the new mu- 
sical comedy, it looks as if Leonard 
Sillman has the making of a possible 
success when tightened and cut 
down. One of its needs is more mar- 
quee names like Imogierie Coca, star, 
of the tryout. 

Plot is built arpuijd the Wide latf 
itude supplied by an escort bureau, 
offering a number of tricky situa- 
tions and sex-lore in amusing style; 
Smartest times on first hearing' are 
•Little Things About Yoii' arid 'Let 
Vour Hair Down.' In th^- matter of 
lyrics the best bets seem to be 'Six- 
ty-Second Romance' and 'Speak for 
YpUrself, John,' both solidly sold by 
diisky Billie Haywood, with her 
partner, Cliff Allen, at the piano,; 
Both songs are show stoppers. An-r . 
other highlight is 'So You Want to; 
Go Into the Theatre, Baby,' sUng by 
Catharine Doucet. 

Miss Coca , has one big inning in 
which to strut her stuff in the first 
act with 'I Must Waltz,' cleverly 
danced ' with the. boys. And she. 
scores easily twice in the second 
stanza of the show with 'LOmbardy 
Hunting; Breakfast,' a sock solo num- 
ber, and later in a pseUdo strip tease 
that whammed. ; 

June Sillman has written a. fine; set 
of lyrics for the show and she ca- 
pably plugs a couple. Chet and Mort 
O'Brien handle the hoofing assign- 
ments admirably, considering that 
there was a six-piece non-swing band 
for the tryout. Albert Carroll, as 
Marcel Mousse, a swishy coutourier, 
clicks. , 

'Calling All Men' has more to rec- 
omrhend it than some musicals that 
have landed bn Broadway. But it 
would, hardly last lorig in its present 



MpNTEZUMA 

Pasadena, Jiine 2$. - 

A dramatic, fantasy in. 16 scenes by Ger* 
hart, Hauptitiann; . translated bjr "WJlIa and 
JJdwin.. Mulr; directed by Onslow'- , Stevens' 
and Philip A'an Dyke arid presented ■ at 
Pasadena Comhiunlty; Playhouse June 28, 
'37; $1.50 lop. 

MoiUexuma . v . .. ^...Gllmdr 'Brown 

Gualeniotsih, Ma 8on..Herschel Daiigtterty 
Cacamatzln, Montezuma's ' brother, 

Bruce Hayden 

QUaliH)! Aztec war lord, 

~T»re8ton Meaervey 

Marina. Mexican princess.. 'Ann Peck 

HiKh Priest....; .Robert Hoold 

Cortea. .'...; Onslow Stevens 

Pedro ' de Alvai ..... . . .'. . George Bessolo 

Las Casas. ;.. .Berry Kroeget 



Here and There 



(Continued from page 40) 
goes to the WMAQ transmitter with 
Gourchene, formerly with kOY to 
WENR. .TO 



Tom Turner new vocalist With iObn 
Albert orch, station crew at Whn 
N;..Y. ■ ■ ' 



KULC, Lewiston, Idaho, 
scribed to World, Broadcast! 
gram service. 



Jack Kgtn is back broadcastin 
Broadway, chatter over WHN, N. 
each Tuesday night. 



Lucille Manners Will sing in 
Atlantic City, July 18, before the 
conyentiori of the American Federa- 
tion, of Business: and Professional 
Women; 



Kraft Cheese will use bne-miiiute 
announcements for . its. O-Ke-^Dpke 
iproduct. .'started on WMAQ, Chicago, 
among others. 



Mende, . .singing trombonist, 
replaced rebejssing Jack; Riley, vocal- 
izer, at WELI, New Hiveri, 

Patricia .Cook wound 
Sketches' season at WIGCi; 
pb'rt, and off to summer. 



.. Joyce Roffers, New Haven 
traltb, added tOr WICC roster. 



weakens the inebrious illusion. 

One of those juicy butler parts 
goes to Milton Parsons who plays it 
handsomeiy, . first as Sympathetic, ad- 
visory waiter In the cafe and later as 
Dillinham's resourceful gentleman's 
igeiitleman. Parsons, blends into the 
picture wjth niciety, emerging one of 
the three tbpnotc'heVs of the evening. 

Gebrgine Cleveland, as the flUffy 
mother, promoting a brilliant mar^ 




I. 




spring ond Summer Styles! Complete i«lectl6ns I. ttesI'Vtilues Ever! 



5 



85 



reg. 6.9;5 
and 7.95 
MADEMOISELLI^, 





g«5 Q«5 



13.7$ and 15-.75 



IS52 BROADWAY 



450 FIFTH AVE. 



fbrm. 



Fox. 



Retreat from Folly 

Mount kisco, N; Y., June 29, 

'Qin.eily iii. .tljree acta -by Ahiy lv(»nr\edy 
Gould' and i:ileen. Rudsell. Staged l>y Day 
Tnlll*'." jSo.tlln(;, John' Ko'eni)^, executed by 
Wl Hill 111 Clrvan. At Westchester play- 
house. Mount Kisco, N. Y., June 11 , ';!7. 

MiiKKle. , ; .Kamonia Nolley 

l'"i().ra. Loivell... .....Margaret Anglln 

MaUripe Ku rke . McKay Morrl.s 

Grant r-uniaresque Stiano Praggiottl 

Derek f}nrkc ..KeniJaH Clark 

Klsa JUirlic..-.. w...... Valerie f.o.ssnrL 

Con way . . '. .Dan Duryea 

Ja'" ,y..V;.......... ...Philip Tonge 



In a speech between acts on open- 
ing night. Day Tuttle, co-manager of 
the Westchester playhouse, credited 
.Margaret Anglin not only with 
car.rying, the star burden bf : this 
script, but also with revising: it thor- 
oughly: and assuming, a. heavy shave 
of the director's duties. Perhaps the 
net. result would have been more 
praiseworthy if Miss Anglin had 
been cbnteht to do. less. 

Cei-taini her acting— in the debut 
performance, at least seems 
strained and overwrought; the script 
still sag.s. and the direction lacks 
polish. . There are lapses of memory 
on the part pf Miss Anglin arid Mc- 
Kay.iyibrris, and the whole, show looks 
as though it were in the; latter stages 
bf rehearsal. After a few more pres- 
entations 'Retreat from Folly' will 
probably become better integrated; 
but any first report on it must be In 
the tnain unfavorable. 

Play is the work of Amy Kennedy 
Gotild . and Eileen Ru.ssell. and 
served, as vehicle for Marie Tempest, 
earlier this year in London. The 
leadin,!* role is one of those typical 
Tempest women: a capricious .crea- 
ture of. middle age, charming,, appar- 
ently addlepated, but actually gifted 
with good common sense. 

In this case the lady's name is 
Flora Lowell; She is English, but 
has married an American millionaire 
following a divorce from her aVud 
British husband, Maurice B".rkc. 
Now, some twenty odd years lat?r. 
Flora Is back in London agaitv a 



Presented as the first of seven 
plays in the third annual Midsummer 
Drama Festival of the Pasadena 
Coriiniunity Playhouse, 'Montezuma' 
is excellent historical pageantry, 
but falls far short .of the mark as 
entertainment. This despitie an ex- 
cellerit cast, well trained, and a 
wealth of artistic costumes and, set- 
tings. The whole script, done in 
verse by 'Gerhart Hauptmarin ' and 
translated by WiUa and Edwin 
Muir, hews close to the historical 
line. The poetical, presentation of 
the lines makes it hard for the audi- 
ence to keep accurate track • of all 
that is being said, 

General idea i$ that Cortez, with a 
small band of Spanish, warriors, 
bamboozled the Aztecs into thinking 
he was a new Redeemer: This was 
possible because of the strange 
si ilarity between the Christian and 
Aztec religions. Montezuma, despite 
the tirgings of his -counsellors to 
drive the invaders from Mexico, 
allowed himself to be trapped and 
imprisoried, with tragic death his in- 
evitable reward. 

Cortez is revealed as very 
hitman sort of fellow VfHq enjoyed 
the fruits of his trickery. Abhorring 
human sacrifice in religious rites, he 
finds that the best Way to stop it 
Was tb slaughter those who practice 
it. With the robed standard bearers 
of his own religion always at his 
side, he does not hesitate, to take 
unto his bedchamber Marina, a beau- 
tiful ybung Mexican princess who 
readily submits to his . charms with 
out beriefit of vmatririioniai rites. 
This, incidentally, -is the only touch 
of rprnance permitted to. tinctiire an 
Otherwise staid rebital of historical 
fact. ■ ' 

, Gilmor Brown, as. MbntezUma, and 
Onslow Stevens,; as Cortez^: both igive 
fini.shed and Convincing perfor- 
:mances. They dominate almost 
every . One of the 10 scenes. In less 
capable h^nds ' the presentatibri 
would been fiitile. The sup- 

porting cast, without exceptiori, 
shows the result of excellent trai - 
ing. ut. With it all, 'Montezuma' 
is ..still dull as .entertainmerit arid its 
only excuse for beiiig oh the stage. is 
that it fits Into the Mexican motif 
■ of the Pasadfcna Community , Play- 
house's third Annual Midsummer 
Drama Festival, which is the story 
of the great southWest. Murf. 



Joe Ripley, formerly announcing 
at WTIC, Hartford, until laid low 
by auto accident, recUpeid arid riow 
bri spieli istaff at WAiBC, New 
York. 



Charles Arimstrphg: arid Dorothy. 
Weller of Connecticut WiPA broad* 
Casting division announced engager 
ment. 



Eddie Byroii, . prograrii producer, 
is writing the book for a musical 
show which Norman Bel Geddes 
proposes to produce on Broadway 
the coming season. 



David MacKay, .formerly assistant 
general counsel for the"; RCA Manu- 
facturing Co., has- become a partner 
of Milton Diiamond. 

MacKay's resignation from 
occurred recently. 



Ed . Harvey, prograrii director of 
WCAE, Pittsburgh, on vacation 
New York and Bermuda. . 



Dick Leonard 

staff on KVQD,; 



f. A. McClelland, nhi engi 
KLZ, .Denver, is back on the job 
after a six-Week siege of pneumonia. 



Eleanor . Left in gwell is now . the 

'Breakfast Guest' on the Campbell- 
Sell Baking Co. program, KLZ, Den- 
ver. Replaces Les Weelans who has 
gone, to KDYL, Salt Lake City; 



TaStyeast Jesters^ with Pauline 
Alpert at piano, doing a theatre data 
July 16 at Michigan, Detroit 
Agented by Henry , Frankel. 



Lewis, Alleo We|ss lai 

eral days' With , blirikers. 



Jim and :>tarion' Jordan ( 

and Molly) i'oted the L- A. press gang; 
before hittihjg the tr il back to Chir 
cago. 



Joe 

lense 
Columbi 



in from 



ArmitageV N.O. Job 

New Orleans,, July 6. 

Walter Armitage has been made: 
producirig director of the New Or- 
leari's Federal; Theatre unit, it was 
annbunced last Thursday (1) by 
Mrs. Leo , G. SpOffbrd, state director 
of the Wotnen's and rofessional 
division Of WPA. 

Armitage will leave for Atlanta at 
an early date tb prpditce an open-^ 
air pageant. 



Jim lerney moved is Texaco 
shbw into Hollywood for the sum- 
mer, turning over Wilshlre-Ebcll 
ti^eatre to Harry Ommerle's Gheste i'- 
fleld..gang. 



Leo Tyson turned workmen - 
on two new studios .'for vKMPCj in 
Beverly .Hills. 



Jaci^ues Renard jpassing his 
riiilestone. in radi in, mid-morithi 




Mgk.: LOU CLAYTON 
erkshiro Hotel, New York 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



CONCERT 



VARtBTY 



57 



PhiHy Mayor s Concert Burn-Up 

Jhought Divvy InequitaBle, but Worried 
To Soon--N6thing to Split 



Phikdelplii , 

ich Ferde Grofe led 

illy Grk at Cbhvehtion Hall, here 

fortnight ago left- Hizzoner the 
Mayor unable, to felk. Mayor Wil- 
son found himself in such a ra^e at 
ihtermish that he feared to step to 
the mike to welcdmc: thf^ aud becfiuse 
pf what he might say. 
' What made Hizzoner - hbt wi^s that 
proceeds from the concert, on which 
a number of radio stars guested, 
were to be ivided between Philly 
orch men's. Stpbin Hood Dell Associ- 
ation and the Mayor's Milk Fund. 
But when th^ Mayor got to figgering 
things out, he fburid 6,500 jpeople in 
the l(J,000-seat hall. Of the 6,500 
about 6,000 tickets had been sold 
thirdugh Wilson's work and only 500 
through the men of the orch. 

Hizzoner, who had had city em- 
ployees; and even cops selling pajste- 
boards^-iiouldn't quite ' get himself 
around to seeing an : even divvy on 
that biasis. He was" fulminating 
plenty on the matter when intei*- 
mish artived ahd.it) was his turn to 
speak. He had to aisk Sanri Rdsen.^ 
baum, V. p. pf Philly Qrk Associa-i 
tioii* to pinch-hit. • 

Mayor could have well stbwed his 
wrath, howevei-, it turned but later-r- 
for there weren't any proceeds to 
divvy. Whole afialr just about broke 
even. Radio guteties, whom, it wras 
ahnoiuiced all along, were dbi it 
all for good old charity, got their 
fair shiare of the. take, which cut 
the iiet to an even 



20th 's Roxy 



They Must . Like Him 



, iiwe 22. 

Alfred Piccayer, pop Arneri- 
can lenor, will sign up for an- 
other year of state opera. 

He has been with the; opera' 
for 25 years without in terhi 
tion now— not even wair could 
interfere, in his work. 



Symph Season in 







Golschrnainni 
Josef 



imini 

conductor, 
Lhevi 



Ida 



Hollywood, July. 6, 
Summer sesisbn pt isymphbnies un- 
der the stars iii Hollywood Bowl, 
coniprising 24 programs, begins July 
is. Southern California Symphony 
Assbciation has arranged three prb- 
gramis Nveekly for eight weeks. Tues- 
days are given over to conductors 
and symphonies; "Thursdays, operas 
and ballets, and Fridays conductors 
and soloists: 

Program follows: 

July Vladiirnir Gbjschmann 

conducting-. 

July 15, 'Carmen,* 
cpnductor. 

July 16, 
ith Rosirtr 
ianists. 

July 20, mo Rapee 
July 22, Ferde 
'Grand > Canyon' 
roadbent. 

July 23, Rapee with Jan 
tenor. 

July 27, Hans Ki 

'Carlo 

July.30, HowaW Hanson, - 
tor, Dalies Frantz, pianisti 

Aug; , Carlos Chavei. 
, Aug. 5, Efrem. Kurtz, conductor; 
. Homer Simmons,' ist; X«este'r Hbr- 
ton, ballet. 

Aug; 6, Chavez, -ith 
John Charles Thomas. 

Au , Kindler,\conductori 

Aug. 12, 'The Bartered , 

ichard Liert condUcti 

. Aug* , Andre KoStelan ith 

ily Ppns; 

Aug; 17, Fritz Reiner : 
Aug. 19, Viscount Hid-ebaro 
Dpye, conducting, Michio Itp ballet. 
Aug. 20, .ileiner conducting with 
elen Gahagan. 
ug; 24, Otto lempierer .cbriduPt- 

, opera 'Madame Butter- 
fly,' Peroni conducting. 

Aug. 27, Klemperer conducti 
With Jascha Helfetz, violinist, 

Aug. 31, Klemperer conducling. 

Sept. 2; Kurtz" conducting, Edith 
Knox,, pi • • .Petrouchka ballet 
>vith Kosloff. 

Sept. 3, all-Wagiieif program with 
Klcmperel- conducting. 



(Continued from page 7) 

after the first year to an.. . itration 
bbard selected by ^he Federal Court. 

hearing Thursday (1) be- 
forte ludge Gaffey when the. pro- 
posed franchise was. submitted,. Har^ 
representi the 
only group of bondholders opposed 
to the franchise, claimed that under 
the arrangement 20th-Fok could Set 
opei^atirig expenses so that Rpxy. 
wo.uld. not receive, a substantial 
share pf the incPmei: 

The franchise provides that the 
theatre is. tp pay a minimum of 
.$2;500 to Fox for each feature and to 
spin 50-50 of the gross receipts in 
exceiss oi $32,500 a week; and 6.")% 
oyer the $40,000 weekly gross for the.: 
first year. 

Seli claimefd this arirangement . 
unfair, that before the Rbxy can 
share in any prpfi the theatre 
must meet the weekly budget arbi- 
trarily sett by 20th-Fox, Ih other 
words, he claimed, should the gross 
receipts, reach $38,000 there was 
nothing to prevent 20th from fi ing 
the .operating budge^ at that aniount', 
thus diepriving RPx'y .pf its split bri 
the 'income. . , 

.He. asked thiat . ia flat operating 
budget be set. for the .first;year.. 

.This cbntentiori was dispiitied prac-: 
tically: by every other ; group repre- 
seiited in the proceedihigs vvho voted 
confidence in 2pth's integirity..' Among^ 
these was an iattorney appearing or^ 
behalf of Howard S. Cullman, the 
present trustee of the theatre, who 
held the franchise iri his Opinion 
was equitable and expressed cpnfi- 
dence in the filni c6rppr;^tion's abili^ 
to eventually bring; Rbxy ■ out - of the 
red. 

The franchise ailso holds Shat 20th- 
Pbk provide a mihimum of 40 pic- 
-tures a yea^r tb the theatre ind; that 
the Roxy be liceirised for all issues of 
Fox Mbvietbne' News on the payment 
of $!20b a week. Roxy ill also be 
the exhi itor .bf all 42 two-reel and 
52 one-reel trailers produced by Fbx 
in addition to releiases on cartoon 
subjects. For this, latter group, the 
theatre is to pay 20th $13,000 a year 
renta:! in monthly installments' starts 
irig August 6. 

Roxy . will be licensed on television. 
oX any future developments in pic- 
tures which may arise. 

A defi ite stipulation In th^ fran- 
chise is that 20th-Fox can terminate 
the agreement should the Roxy , at 
any time during, the cbntract become 
insolvent. 



SAlZBDRr BOG 
BITES IN UTAH 



Salt ;Lake City, July . 6. 
Squire CbPp, fbunder and musical 
director of the Salt Lake Oratorio 
society, has hatched idea of making 
town 'Salzburg of WesV and hais ob- 
tained the^ glad hand of the Mormon 
chuirch and the chamber of .com- 
merce. 

ratorip. will participate during 
Covered Wagon Days . ceilebration, 
July 21 to 24, .inclusive; A 'chorus 
of 150 voices will chant: Haiydn's 
'Creation' pn July 21 in University 
of Utah, stadiurti, ' of dawn con- 
cert. 



JOSEPH SZIGETI OF 
HUNGARY SET IN UM. 



Calif, JLabor 



be heard de novo (as if 
new case).' 

Collier-Wall is versus Astpr dates 
frPm 1930 arid AvaS; based originally 
on a manjagerial contract si 
tween Miss Astor and. the agency. 
Contending that it obtained a 
tract for. Miss Astor's services,, 
ing the life of the managerial con- 
tract, \ the result - of which : RKO 
Radi ictures paid the player $25, 
000, agency demanded . $2,50b: com- 
mission. Player demurred Qii the 
ground that services; we.re actually 
performeid nearly a year after the 
managetial cbntract had expired. 
La:b6r Coihis^^^ First 

According to Attorney Ben White 
Eihzig, who has f plowed c«se 
closely, 'in ;the future, before any 
action can be Maintained j?y a plai 
tiff, such, plairitiff must first go be- 
fore .the labor comrnissionei' or ' he 
will :be unable to state .a caiise of 
action -befbre . Also,, plain 

tiffs must specify in their complaints 
that they have gone before the labor 
commissioner; and that they are np\y 
apealing from his decisibri.^ 

Claim was set up that the labor 
commissioner thereby would be en 
croaching from, the executive • into 
the judipial brartch but this the Su- 
preme court overruled, defining the 
comrtisioner's ofTioe as fact-finding 
body. 

Holly wbbd legal, lights, are .eyeing 
th decision with keen interest be 
cau.se of the fine law points involved 
and generally agree that its effects 
will be revolutionary. 



;;joseph Szigeti, HUngari .violin- 
Sf., has been set for a series of eight 
gu^st soloist dates, with American; 
syrhph grbups next' Also 
is skedded for a Carnegi 
citil Feb. 23. 

iheup of symph i.s^as .'fol- 

lows: Boston Chamber , String 
orchestra, Jan. 26; ; Philadelphia, 
orchestra in Boston and ■Washington, 
Feb. 1-2; HarriSburg Symphony, 
Feb. 7; People's Symphony, Feb. 5; 
New Orleans Syrnphbny, March 14; 
New York Philharmbriic Symphony, 
March. 24-25. 

Plans to arrive ffom Europe late 
in January, accompanied by his new 
accompanist, AridrieiPetri, also Hun- 
garian. 




JURY SKEPTICAL 



Gui 



.from 'N6tes' 
not MusichI 



Phi.ladelphi uly;6.- 
Judge Curtis Bbk, fbrnrier ; priexy, 
and generous sugar-daddy, of Philly. 
Ork, 'pi^oved he knew his half-nbles 
last :Thur^day when 'William Lista, 
an uneniplbyed . musician, appeared 
.before hini' on charge of policy numr 
ber writingv . . . 

Lista ' clairned s{ieets pblice took 
from hini weren't nurnTjej- , but 
msSi of his. newest cornpbsition. To 
prove if, his attorney had . Frank 
Rasmari* a. guitari , ' take stand and 
struni it out,. It didn't sbund so 
good to Bok, whb was lobking byer 
the musiciian's shbuldeif, or to the 
1). A., who was too anxious to know 
.what the figure $2;75; was doing be- 
twieen a quarter note arid lialf 
beat rest. 

Jury convicted . Lista ithpul 
leaving the box arid Judge Bok gave 
hini a year. 




(Continued: from page I ) 



Schima Kauflfman Fiddles 
Agaih After Altei'cation 

iladelphia, July 6, 
■Schima KauflEm'an, whb drew $80 
a week as second, fiddler' for Philly 
orch all winter although he never 
lifted a bow, is back. with 'Men of 
the Philadelphia : Orchestra' in sum- 
riier concerts at Robin Hpbd Dell, 

Dell concerts are on co-operative 
basis and have hb official connec- 
tion ith Orchestra Association, 
'wrhich was outfit with wiiom Kauff- 
man had disagreement on 1936 trans- 
cbntinental tour. As a result of thei 
tussle; Kaiiffriiari worked for a. New 
York publishing house all season, 
althouigh he was officially • a rtierii- 
ber of the orch. 

is seat has been moved .several 
paces . farther away than fbrmerly 
from that of his sparring; partner, 
'Violinist Gordon Kahn. 



Pitts. Summer Concerts 

ittsburgh, July 6. 
Siiriimer series of symphonic pop 
concerts from Schenley Park will be 
broadcast this year for first time 
over kDKA. There will .be nine of 
them, hitting the air every Tuesday 
night frorifi 7:30 to 8 begi ing to- 
night (6). Irection Victor 
Saudek; 

Milton Lomask, cpncertmeister fpr 
Pittsburgh Symphony orche.stra, whb 
was with Saudek in siri^ilar 
capacity 15 : yieairs ago, ill hold 
down the ..same post for the KDKA- 
park series.. 

Although the concertSiwill la.st an 
hour and a half, KDKA will carry 
only 30 miriutes of its, using;the tiriie 
of. the Philadelphia Coriip3ny'.s Pitts- 
burgh "Varieties,, which has faded 
froni- the air for the warm months. 



and the bonus rai on Corig're.ss, 
shpijid . (but dbn't). knoW better. 

Unofficially, it is estimated thaif 
frpiri 300,-400,000 will Visit the city, 
and that the giro^s. take by local mer- 
chants, hotels and yaribus branches 
of the aniusement biz jtiay cbnie lb 
$30,000,000, Visitbrs will inciude not 
only the Legion members, but their 
femmes who belong to the Arnerican 
Legipn auxiliary. 

Revie.w of a.few past Legion par-; 
ties indicates the reason for the 
police, precaulibris, Following the 
convention iri 1925, in .Omaha, city 
bffici Were Scorched for .• 'losing, 
their eyes, to: the rumpus and whole- . 
sale distribution bf iiqubr which at-, 
tended thbs^ Prohibition days. In 
1930 after the Bostbn convention, the 
Harvard student publitation tobk the 
boys to task in a .forthright editorial 
titled .'The Drunken Legibri', ' is 
burned high Legibnna'ires who said 
the revelers were hoodlms, not bud- 
dies, in 19i32, Portland, Ore,,, hotels 
removed all. pillows from rbbrtis. to 
prevent repetition of feathers being 
.tossed put.the windbw. Paper la u - 
dry bags w^ere slicfid to prevent 
dropping of 'water bbmbs.'- These 
were a few of the recollections 
which undoubtedly prompted Harry 
W, Colmery, National . Corinmander 
of the Legion, to issue words of re- 
assurance to assembled hotel men iri 
New York Ijast week; He told them 
the city would riot be a shanribles 
when the 19.th Legion convention 
adjourned on Sept. 23, 

Iri the past, Colmery declared, 
Legiori conventions had been judged 
unfairly. Last year, deSpite the re- 
ported damage and luri stories 
which emanated from the Legion's. 
Cleveland convention, one hptel. re- 
ported $25 dariiage, another $10 arid 
the others even less. > 

'Naturally there is going to be 
soriie fun in New York,' he sjiid, 
'but it will be the biggest thing of. 
its kind you have iever seen or ever, 
will see.' Declaring that every jpos- 
sible restraint. would be innpbsed, he 
further promised that the roof would 
rernain on the Waldorf-Astoria, and 
the mboring mast wbuld still be atop 
the finripire State Building, 'Oiir 
men/ he declared, ' who 
.believe that law are the 

very tests of a- of defnbc- 

racy.' . 



iladelphi , . July 6. 
Rex Riccardi, secretary pf Mur 
sici^ins' local here, charged he 
;b|utally beaten by Ciossack .par 
iicei ' when he led aidelegtilion of 
.30 persons tp Washington - to protest 
WPA layoffs in Federal Musi and 
Theatre projects. 

'We wanted , taik 
iratbr Hopkins pi' one of his assi.^t- 
ants,' ..Riccardi said, 'In.stead, 
wbiild only Itit us talk with' Nels 
derson, a labpr relatioris; director. 

*We said w^ were going to .sluy 
there until We •were trcnted with 
cbmmori cpurtesy. Then Anderson 
called i 65 cops. They formed a 
gantlet down the hall of WPA 
headquarters. A; : couple of cops 
would grab one bf the delegation 
arid then the other policemen would . 
beat the victim with cliibs; Several 
women were, knocked down and I 
suffered a Put head and badly bruised 
face.' 

AndersPn, fearful of the cons 
quences, told a cop tP stpp beating; 
hi The pplicernan didn't recognize 
him arid began hitting him with a 
club. Foi'tunately for him, the 
lice capiai intervehed. . . 

Three members Pf .delegation final-, 
ly aUPwed to see Assistant 
.istratbr David Niles. They dema nd- 
ed all dismissal.notices.be cancelled; 
all future disriiissals be bn basis of 
need, and appeals bpard , be estab- 
lished in Philly to pass on need. 

Niles said there jrnust be reduction 
in relief rolls and nbthing could 
done about disniissals. ' 




Sydney Rayner ^isits N. 0; 

New Orlearis, July 6. . 
•Sydney Rayrier, .Met opera. singer, 
arrived Friday (2) to, relax for -a. 
weeJk at his home here before cbn- 
li ■ . on to .fibllywpod, arid later 
back to. New York. He was accbm- 
panied by. is wife and Charles. K, 
Gordon; hi.s manager, who. will prp- 
•duce his Hollywbod flicker; Rayner 
in talk with .city fathers Satur-^ 
day: (,3) urged rebuilding pi old 
French Opera House deKlrpyecj by 
fire in 1915. 

. Rayner will also. sing. three operas 
in the Hollywood bowl West 
Coas-i- before returninii to fill his 
next season's contract with the Mel. 



Rodd\ Hypo 




Philly DeD's 
Opening Wk. 



Philadelphia, July 

With rain washing away one con- 
cert eind threatening two other?, 
at Philly orch's outdoor shows in 
Robi Hood Dell was a bare so-so, 
opening week. Wicket clicked 24,000 
times for $12,000 for: five concerts. 

Okay Weather, with Mary Binriey 
Montgomery skedded in tonight and 
tombrrow night, should do a little 
better for week ending tomot-row 
evening and produce about $14,000. 

Alfred Reginald Allen and Gi 
Baldini, of Dell management,, under 
stbod to be somewhat disappointed 
in experiment pf moving Tuesday 
night concerts from star-studded Deil 
to 16,000-seater Convention Hall. And 
at first bf programs in hall last Tues- 
day night fell below Dell average. 
Abandonment of hall concerts fore- 
seen if this continues. 

Advance subs this year best in Dell 
history. The $25,000 worth of ticket 
books sold is" $5,000 better than 1936 
and $7,500 over 1935, according to 
Albert M, Bershad, auditor; 

Dell seats 7,000, Tickets 50 cents 
and $1 at gate or 25 and 50 

cents in .season books. 



( Conti n ucd, from pgge 1 ) 



lected by the conlributorS', What 
is termed an 'audience . manager' 
would encourage ticket, sales with 
Subscripti ' likely offered, should 
the number of bookings warrant if. 
Instead of a theatre formerly show- 
ing legit, it is. expected to u.se' 1he 
theatre ix\ the; War Memorial build- 
ing, stage having, modern stage 
equipment,- Capacity i.s around 2.000 
so that a moderate price scale would 
be used. 

George M. , upon is re.turn 

from- Europe last week is quoted as 
.saying that the; legit can; survive 
only if it gets buck to 'road shows 
with a new dress and superior 
talent.' also, .said the stage needs 
new ideas and young blood to sur- 
vive. Just how .such- results uld 
be worked put the .star did not know,' 



Milan's New Operas 

Milan, 29. 
rand new operas ill be 
trotted out for public; approval dur- 
ing the '37-'38 season of the Scnla. 
'Margherita da Cortona,' by Refrice, 
and 'Prosepi by Renzo Binrichi' 
are the works. Book for the lattier 
is by .Sem Berielli; whose recent legit 
play 'The Elephant' created ..such a 
sensation, arid was. suppressed by the 
government after its 25th perform- 
ance. 

Set for orlbling at the ScaT.l duri 
next .season are Beniamo Gigli, 
Schipa and Gina Cigna, all with reps 
at the Met Opera, N. 



Bruckner Fests 



Li ., 25. 

Bruckner festivals comm itlcc h 
pnnoUnced^ its program.; Fe.sii . 
commemoratirig Au.stria's most 
rrious composers will Start July 
Robert Kehldorfer will direct. 

On the following day Eu^on Or- 
rnandy of Philadelphi will diix'ct, 
then Arthur. Trittingcr," Han.s \V«'it:- 
.bach , and O.swald Kaba.sta of- th^ 
Au.strian Radio Broadcasting Co. 



58 VASieTy 



LItEEATI 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



Irwin 'D«ar Explained 

Supposed insidle of the surrender 
o£ Robert Irwin, cohfessed perpe- 
trator of the Gedeon murders, had- 
it that two New York tabloids knew 
of the killer's whereabouts and. were 
bidding for the exclusive story. That 
is not true, although there is little 
doubt that if lrwin had the bus fare- 
levelarid. he would have given 
himssif up in the, N. Y. Mirror of- 
fices. Shortly sifter, he arrived in 
ehicagb, he telephoned the Herald- 
Examiner, asking- tor the editor, /say- 
ing he cbuld deliver Irwin for $2,-' 
500. , The lan said he woiild be at a 
fountain^ near the art institute on 
Michigan boulevard and would wear 
a white it ,Austiii Q'Malley, an 
Examiner reporter, wias ass;igned to 
the lead, ickerd ' up the murderer 
and took 'le unidentiflecl. felloW to 
the editorial offices. 

Upon proving he was the wanted 
man, a contract was entered into 
after several telegrams to New York 
hd with . the Hearst executiyes 
okaying the arrangement stating 
$5,000 is to be placed in tri|st for 
use of his brothers who are m jail 
out- west. Dr.' Blaisdell, of the Rock- 
iarid County (N. Y.) asylum,, Where 
Irwin had been ah inmate, was 
namied as the trustee. The. cohtract 
was mailed the doctor, Irwin 
placing it in tho; letter box hiftiself 
at a Loop street cprher. It is now 
in thie possession of t)istrict Attorney 
Dodge of New York. ;. 

After Irwin st>illed his confession, 
George Glark, city editor of the 
Mirror, arranged for the arrest by 
Marty Owens and Frank Crimihins, 
New York deitettives, apd he also 
arranged for their plane trip, to Chi- 
cago; AH negotiations were between 
Clark tod John Dihehart, manag*- 
ing editor of the Examiner. There 
' .hdthi the contract mention- 
ing attorney.' Dinehart told 
Ir ■ he .askeil for counsel, 

that the paper did not gp in for pro- 
curing lawyers, but Clarke did tele-? 
phone criminal attorney Samuel S. 
Liebowitz, wlio then came in on the 
case. 

N. Y. Daily News attempted to 
track Irwin through William Lamkie, 
who first tipped the police about a 
week after the murdeirs.; That tab 
figured the killer was hiding in New 
Jersey /and: set up ai contact point in 
Hoboken., Walter Winchell claimed 
in his paper, and^ . also .on the 
radio, that the News had. the inside 
track. That irked the Newis editors, 
who ielt it might hamper their 
search, for Ir!Win. 

Should Irwin be found insane, the 
legality of the contract may ' be 
questioned in court, but it is under- 
stood the Hearst office has ho inten 
tion to contest the, point. 

Seattle Star Strike 

A jurisdictional . dispute over 
vnipiji. illations of the circulation 
department employees at the Seattle 
Star; a Scripps League afternoon 
^ daily, resulted in -the. closing of . that 
paiper oh Monday (5). The* strike 
was called by the : Newspaper Giiilc 
unit comprised of both editorial am 
business office employees who threw 
a picket .line around the building 
This is the second newspaper strike 
itv .Seattle within a year, the first 
' having been , against Hearst's Se-' 
attle Posf-Intelligencer. , 

ispute started last week.. when the 
teamsters, w;ho. are affiliated with 
the American i^ederatiph of Labor, 
had joined the Guild instead of ' the 
teamsters' new affiliate, the NeWS' 
paper Drivers .iind Helpers* Union 
An agreement was reached on Sat- 
urday, by which the teamsters guar- 
anteed to. deliver the papers and 
19 circulation men were trahsf erred 
to other .duties. The Guild then 
called a strike on the grounds' that 
their men had been taken off their 
jobs after they had refused to leave 
the union their own choice to 
join the : teamsters union. 

Guild's move to take over team- 
sters is hieing pppbsed by-- Dave 
Bcclc; Seattle labor leader.. 



foreign staff, will retire after 40 
years' service. He has covered nearly 
all important post^ya^ conferences 
and has been in Geneva covering the 
-.eague of Nations since 1933. Mel- 
vin K. Whiteleather, currently in 
Berlin, replaces Sharkey* at Geneva, 
with a roving assignment., Janies A. 
JVIiUs, bureau chief at Tpkyb, be- 
comes the veteran of the AP's 
I'oreign- staff. He will return to New 
York in the fall .and be succeeded in 
Tokyo by Helrhah Morin of the Lbs 
Angeles staff; Latter is a . recent 
newcomer " to the .AP but has had 
wide experience in. the' Orient. 

J. C. Stark, who gpes to London, 
is ai newcomer to the. foreign . ser- 
vice. Recently, ias chief of bureau in 
Nev\rark^ he directed coverage of the 
Hihderiburg, disaster. Robert Cayag- 
hare ill be acting chi of the 
jureau in Newark. ' 

Paul Miller transfers from. Salt 
[iake City to Hairrisburg, Pa.; Daviid 
Fernsler leaves Harrisburg for 
Washington; Andrue Betdihg, chief 
of bureau in Rome, joins the Wash^ 
ington start after nirie years in Italy 
and recent coverage of the Ethiopian 
war; John Lloyd goes from Paris to 
Rome as chief of bureau; Alexander 
H. Uhl, takes over the Pai:is bureau 
from Lloyd, haying been chief of 
staff in Madrid; Charles P. Nutter 
succeeds Uhl as chief of the Madrid 
bureau. He has been in. charge of 
the Moscow bureau - and will vaca- 
tion in Europe before moving into 
Spain; 

Richard Massock is to be hew 
bureau chief in Mosco\y. He' has 
been covering . the rebels in Spaiin 
since last July! 



New Low 



A, new lo\y ih picketing last 
week had a single picketeer 
urging the public not to buy 
publications from a newsstand 
in the Rialto theatre building, 
N. Y. Talking sign bearer 
broadcast^ !r broke him in; now. 
he's 'itot my job,' indicating lad 
on duty at stand. 
. Newsstand is week bore 
' sign . •proclaiming tiiaf : ; had 
signed with American Federa- 
tion of Labor; 



Newspapermen are wondering 
what will happen to Harold Denny 
as the reslilt of his exceptionally 
forthright recent ^ articles from Rus- 
sia on the executions and the. gen- 
eral situation there; In many re- 
spects his. stories were' in direct .con- 
flict with those :6f Walter Duranty, 
one of whose pieces rah .simultane- 
ously in the N. Y. Times. 

Credible explanation may. be that 
the Times was smarting under criti- 
cism on aiccount of the kind of news 
that . Duranty. has been sending for 
years ahd gave Denny carte blanche 
to go ,t6 town. Understood ' Denny 
will go vacation soon and 

whether he will be re-admitted is a 
question causing much speculatibh, 



ill to Chanf e' . Censorship 

ill to revise- present arbitrary 
method oif censbrship by an anony- 
mous Post Office off icisd> who deter- 
mines what is 'obscene, seditious' or 
fraudulent/ has been introduced in 
Congress by Rep. Henry Ellenbogen 
of Pa. and has Support of numerous 
publishers, Proposed bill would re- 
quire Postmaster-General to send 
material which in his opii ion. vio- 
lates the law to the U. S. District 
Attorney' of the district where the 
matter was mailed with a request 
for^A-iury trial' to determine whether 
or not matter is legal for mailing^ 
Similar laiw has been established as 
the method used by the customs 
bureau. 

Bill is being .c6hsi<Jer#l by- a 
special subcommittee headed by Rep, 
Emanuel Celler. 

There is a strong possibility of its 
being introduced in the Senate and 
of its having a hearing ih the House 
shortly. Nat'l Council on Freedom 
from Censorshi is Supporting the 
bill. 



AP Switches Staff Members . 

Switches bf Associated Press per- 
sonnel to go into effect shortly were 
annptincsd last Week by the syndi- 
cate's, managernent. Staff changes 
will, be made in seven foreign 
bureaus and five domestic cities. In 
li with policy of shifting; men, 
forei .. appointments will be made 
from ail over the, country rather 
than from only New York, and 
Washington. 

Frank H. Ki ief of, the Lon- 
don- bureau and responsible for the; 
Al^s coverage pn the .abdication of 
Edward. VIII and the Coronation, 
will rieturn to head up the Dallas, 
Tiex. bureau, largest AP state ser- 
vice in the U.- S. Fred Dye, , after 
hine years in Dallas, shifts Oyer to 
New Orleans Aug. 1. 

Joseph £. . Sharkey, chief of bureau 
it Geneva and dean of . the AP's 



ruck Strike Ties Up Philly 

Philly Inquirer and. Record were 
forced to suspend publication after 
bulldog .and state editions Friday 
night. (2) when general ing 
strike in city rhade deliveries im 
possible. iinited quantity of flr.st 
two editions Were run off, but hone 
hit the; street. Staffs were informied 
at 11 p.m. riot to report to wbrk 
until f urther . notice. 

Union leaders made strike effective 
at 5 p.m. Friday; Evening Ledger 
didn't even attempt publication Of 
its 'Two Story' edition that aft- 
ernoph; Eyeriing Bulletin pirinted 
less than usual number and tried, 
mostly . unsuccessfully, to 'get them 
on stands. Camden Courier moved 
up edition time of its final and called 
quits at. 5. 

Siirike- settled . aim. 

Saturday arid evening'. that 
diay Were published as usual. 



iVe New Magazines 

World Observer is a new magazine 
out this , month. Editors are Alice 
and Joseph Bailey. It is published 
by the Lucis Publishing Co. of Cam- 
den, N. J., with bffices in N. Y. 

Eleanor Choate; Hill will be editor 
Of; a hew slick women's mag titled 
You, due out Oct. 15. It will have a 
large format, be a quarterly and sell 
for 50c; Publisher, and. busihess mah- 
agar-is James .V...Spadea. Maff .will 
be laJfeiy staff-written. Those cur- 
rently on the mag are Marian Neery,, 
Jean Spadea, fashion: editor, ahd 
Ruzzie Green, art director. 

Gags is a new, slightly larger than 
pocket-si?e quarterly published .by 
United Features Syndicate; ,L. S. 
Gleason is editor. First issue in- 
cliides drawings by Lichty and will 
sell for a dime. 

Healing is. a new bi-montWy pub- 
lished in Chicago to sell for a quar- 
ter. L. A. Neis is,busihess manager. 
-.Top Notch, . Complete Stories 
(Street &. smith) and Thrilling Mys- 
tery (Standard Mags) change from 
monthly to bi-tnohthly; 



Tribune has had several Hollywood 
correspondents and columns but has 
yet to carry a •Broadway'^ column.. 

Should the Tribune take over 
these two features oinderstood the 
Chicago Times is readying to re- 
place with the Jimmy Fidler columiv 
for the Coast and Leonard Lyons, for 
the Times Square feature. 



Heairst Folds Boehester Sheet 

Susp.ehsion. of Hearst's. Journal- 
American in. Rochester, last Wednes- 
day marks a reductioh of Rochester 
dailies from five to two in 15 years. 
Both remaining are owned by Frank 
E. tiannett, morning Democrat .& 
Chronicle aud_evening Times-Union. 
Gannett bought the physical plant; 
and circulatin lists of Hearst papers 
and divided, .features between his 
two papers. 

On the day following suspension 
the: Times-Union printed. 135,000, 
copies, a record for the. city and the 
first time "T-U has exceeded D. & C. 
Deal ties up all news services. 

Dr.. Meyer . Jacobstei , publisher pf 
the Journal- American, at last min- 
ute, reportedly tried to buy the 
properties; in behalf of Rochester 
Democrats and brewery interests,^ as 
liquor advertiising is barred from 
Gannett papers, but got nowhere 
with Hearst management. 

Gannett deal here In with 
one ih Albany whereby Hearst 
shifted his afternoon Times-Unipn to 
morning field with Sunday edition 
.ahd Gannett switched his Knicker- 
bocker Press to, afterhoon combining 
with Evening News and Sunday edi- 
tion dropped, giving each publisher 
a clear field; 

Financial angle is kept a close 
secret, but Gannett is believed to 
haye paid substantial amounts. 
Hearst paid nearly a million dollars 
for Rochester Post-Expiress , 14 years 
ago to get the Associated Press 
franchise which was allowed to lapse 
when^ Journal .sUspendied. 

Flash,, local green weekly, succes- 
sor to Bugle, announces plans to 
publish a local daily. 



Pa. Newsmen's 

Ten states reporters 
confidence bills as a result of bill 
signed recently by Gov. Earle of Pa. 
Pennsy newsmen ate placed in same 
category as lawyers, clergymen, and 
Physicians. 

Pennsylvani ill also extends pro- 
tection to ehiployees of news asso- 
ciations, which laws in hi other 
states which haVe similar measures 
do only by inference. 



Merrltt Succeeds Goddard; 

Abraham (Abe) Merritt succeeds 
Morrill Goddard as editor the 
American Weekly. joined the 

publiciatipn 26 yeiars ago coming over 
from, Philadelphia where he was 
night city editor of the Philadelphia 
Inquirer. Mike Porter, with the 
Weekly for 13 years, will be assistant 
editor. 

, Merritt is the author of several 
books including 'Burn, witch, Burn,' 
which was filmed under the title 
"The Devil Doll,' with Lionel Barry- 

more. 



Chi American blsmissiis .Two 
Two personnel changes .the 
Chicago American, Hearst evening 
rag, last week see the departure of 
Ed Reticker, aictihg .managing editor, 
and Ed Geiger, sports promotion 
manager. 

Flo McCarthy, editor, takes over 
also ais managing editor. ROy Top- 
per, who has been on. general, pro- 
motion for the American, takes over 
sports - promotion also. 



Chicago Oglks B'way Columns 

Newspajper reader and circulation 
battle which., is the worst in Chi- 
cago's history '^at this time may lead 
to the Chicago Tribune's Snatch of 
the Sidney Skolsky and Ed Sullivan 
columns - from the tab Times. 



Nat'l Headliners Awards 

National Headliners Club, through 
its chairman of the awards commit- 
tee, Earl Johnson, general hews 
manager of the United Press, has 
made public the names of winners 
of il prizes ior outstandinjg jour'^ 
nalistic achievements during the last 
year. Awards, in, the form of gold 
plaques. Will be. made at. the club^s 
annuail dinner on Saturday .(10) - at 
the "Traymore hotel, A-tlahtic .Cityi 

Nominations fpr prizes were subjr 
mitted by newspapers, mags, news 
services ahd.. radio stations in all sec- 
tions of the country; The winners 
are: 

Best Domestic Spot News, ^Robert 
Okin of AP, Trenton^ N, J., cover- 
age Of Hindenburg disaster. Best 
Foreign Spot llfews, Henry T- Rus- 
sell of up Bureau, London, abdi(ia- 
tion of King Edward VIIL Best 
Series of Stories on Subject of .Pub- 
lic Interest, Patil Y. Anderson, 
Washington correspondent of ■ St. 
Louis Post Dispatch, hearings before 
La , Toilette Civil ' Liberties commit- 
tee. Biest pomestic Feature Story, 
Henry McLemore, of the N. Y. of- 
fice oic UP lor his feature on, the 
New London, "Tex,, school disaster^ 
Most Enterprise Jn Journalism; W. R. 
Hearst for exclusive story obtained 
by him definitely announcing im^ 
pending • marriage of King Edward 
and Mrs-. Simpsoh. ^ Best Non-Fictibn 
i\lagazine Ai-ticle of General Interest^ 
Dr. "Thomas Parran, U. S. Surgeon 
General, for his article, 'Why Don't 
We Stamp Out Syphilis,' published 
in Survey Graphic and Readers' Di- 
gest, July", 1936. Best News Photo, 
John Lindsay of. N. Y. offrce of AP 
for his picture,. 'Working on the 
Levee,' taken in the flood district. 

l^est Newsreel, Arthur Menken, 
Paramount, reel entitled 'Relief of: 
the. Alcazar* made on Spanish front; 
Best Dorhestic Radio Reporting, Jo- 
seph Eaton and W. L; Coulson of 
WHAS, LbuisviUe, for piltstanding 
work during floods of January, Best 
Foreign Radio Reporting, Hi V. Kalr 
tenborn of CBS, coyerage of Spanish 
front, during actual combat, on Sept 
2, Most Outstanding Work of Gen- 
eral Public Interest by. ia Colimmist, 
Westbrook Pegler, N. Y. World-Tele- 
gram, series , on income tax (evasions 
by public officials. 

Photographers and newsreel men 
covering the Hindenburg crash re- 
ceived high praise for their notable 
work. 



Opposed;^ to Closed Shop 

Sti-ong opposition to the closed 
shop as a threat to freedom of the 
press was expressed in a formal 
resolution adopted by representa- 
tives of 11 publishers' and editorial 
associations meeting in Chicago last 
Week. Meeting was attended by 
more than 600 editors, publishers 
and managihg editors,- as 'well as 
newspaper business executives. 

A Newspaper Conimittee repre- 
senting the associations \vhich at- 
tended the meeting was formed with 
James C. Stahlman as chairman ahd 
L. P. Palmer, general manager of 
the Americani. Newspaper Publishers, 
as secretary. 



Thompson Yice Henderson 

Oscar Thompson was appointed 
Friday (2) as the successor to the 
late William J. Henderson as mUsic 
critic of the New York Sun. Williani 
J. King has ' been named mUsic 
editor and Irving kolpdi , associate 
critic, 

■ Both ThornpSph and Kolodin were 
assistants to. Henderson, and King 
was a member of the editorial staff.. 



Writers Will Convene 

Annual Writers' conference at 
Olivet College, Mich., ill be held 
from July 18-31. lectures will in- 
clude, Carl Sandburg, Nannine 
Joseph, Ford Madpx Ford, Kenneth 
Koran, Franklin Meine, Paul Engle, 
Alice Gerstehiierg, Jean .Starr Unter- 
meyer, Alice Tate, Caroline Gordon 
..and Grace Hemingway,, 



ihi^s Articles Compiled 

'Special to the Times,' a collection 
of articles by 15 N. Y. Times cor- 
respondents, will be edited by Shep- 
ard Stone and Hanson W. Bialdwin 
ahd published by Sim*oh 8c Schuster 
this fall. Frederick Birchall, Arthur 
Krock, Anne O'Hare McGormack 
and Walter Duranty will be among 
the contributors. 



Literati Deaths This Week 

Morrill G. Goddard, 70, long editor 
of Hearst's American Weekly died 
July 1 of heart disease at his sum. 
mer home in Naskeag, Me., after two 
days' illness. A native of Portland* 
.Me,, he started| his newspaper career 
in New York bh the old World foi 
lowing his graduation froni Dart' 
mouth in 1885. He became citv 
editor of the N. Y. Morning World 
biefpre he was 21, later becoming 
Sunday editor. He joined the Hearst 
Publications; in ,1898; Surviving ate 
his widpw, two sons and tliree 
daughters. 

Francis X.;Bastible; 50, for many 
years a reporter on Hearst's N. Y. 
Amencan, qoverihg police court and 
political news in Brooklyn, died sud- 
denly July 1 of a heart attack at his 
summer home ih Haines Falls, N. Y 
Born in West Philadelphia, Pa.* 
where he received his education, he 
moved to Brooklyn and, joined the 
staff of the bid Standard 'Union, later 
going over to the American which 
he seryed for 28 years, When that 
paper : suspended publication recently 
he had been trahsferred to the N; Yi 
Jpurhal. Surviving ' are his ■ wi ' ' 
and four children. 

Herbert L.. Wood, 69, county editor 
of the Brockton (Mass.) Enterprise- 
Times, led June 30 at his home i 
Brockton. He formerly was asso- 
ciated with the Boston GlPbe, the 
Boston Herald,', the -Boston Journal,' 
the Boston, Post, the Manchester 
(N.H.) Mirror and the Brockton 
Times, which was later absorbed by 
the Enterprise, in that . city; 

Charles A, Flanagan, 63, who 
tired as circulation manager of rthe 
K Y. Times in 1932 after serving in 
that capacity for 27 years, died June 
26, in New York. He had , been 
largely credited for building up the 
Times' circulation from .125,726 in 
1888 . to its present ^position. He 
served on thie paper for 44 years in, 
all. Burial was in Calvary cemetery, 
N. Y. 



CH.^TTEB 

Mari ims will vacation in Ber- 
niuda. 

Moffat summer 

Mai 

Margaret Ernst author of a juve 
book titled 'Words.' 

Harper's mag will have a modern- 
istic coyer ih A.ugust. 

Jack Canipbell laid up last week 
with an infected foot. < 

Dprpthea Brande . sailed to Europe 
<30) for Jfour mpnths; 

Al Kendricks' about- the-tOwtt 
column out of the Philly Inquirer. 

Dorothy Thompson (Mrs. Sinclair 
Lewis) into a N;Y, hosp tot an oper- 
ation. 

Mary Morris, AP phptographer, If 
engaged to Ralph teiher,, free lance 
cameraniah. 

Louella Woodford, 19-year-old 
novelist, has written her third, novel, 
titled 'Attestation.' Random House 
will publish. 

Kenneth Roberts to be interviewed 
in Boston on his new book, 'North- 
west Passage,' July .iB, over NBC's 
Red network. 

Two weeks' severance pay 
granted to editorial men 
Literary Digest who are hot moving 
over to Reyiew pf Reviews. 

Alva j;ohnstoh's 'The Great Gpld- 
wyn,' serialized in the Saturday Eve- 
ning Post,, comes out as a Random 
House $1 book around July 15. 

•First Families' is the tentative title 
of a new book by Stanley Walker 
due out in the fall. Bopk will give 
inside stuff on American society. 

Iriipetus given Bucks County, Pa., 
as a Writers' colony by George S. 
Kaufman moving in at Hollicong. 
btiiers ih the vici ity are Pearl 
Buck and Dorothy Parker. 

Leo Wing;shot, colUnihist on. the 
Philly Record, resigned last week^ 
He is a prof at the U. of P's: Wharton 
Schbpl aiid his real name :is Ed, Mc- 
Kenha. 

Severiil changes in the Associated 
Press phpto .feature service. Philip 
Ratnoff moves into the post left by 
Edward Brown. Latter will join the 
Boston Traveller. Ken Mayo leaves 
the photo service after 15 years 
there,' Kip Ross is joining the de- 
partnriehti 

elmah Mori , Associated Press 
writer in Hollywood, is being trans- 
ferred, to the Far East, with prob- 
ability he'll be stationed at Tokyo. 
Florence Pine, his, wife, has resigned 
as secretary Terry De Lapp in 
Paramount's publicity department, 
to go along. 

Grover Jones' Wheeze, Hollywood 
gag mag, has become jUst Jones' 
monthly, and, the sceniarist has re- 
moved his ayocational publication 
from his -Backyard Press And. made 
it a regular $3-per-annUni subsci'i ., 
tibn proposition. Formerly more or 
less of a giveaway to the Hollyv/ood 
insiders calling it Wheeze-Bank, etc., 
prompted the change. 



W«^dntisday, July 7, 1937 



INTERNATIONAL SHOW NEWS 



VARIETY 



59 



Plays Abroad 



LA REVUE DU RIRE 

<'Rcvue of Laiishter') 

Piaris, June 24. 
Ttevuft )n two acts (10 scenes) by I'lerre 

^'lelx Outa»d and Hemdey; dances, Floyd 
,111 Pont; coBtumes, Max Weldy; wchestm 
, Olyeiitloii, Lionel Cftzaux. At A,. B, C„ 
Pill is- ■' ■ . . 

This one is a production reckoned 
cash in on the iiiflux of visitors 

I ^ith an eye. toward home trside also, 
and, while not tops, it has the stuff 

; to serve its purpose. • Cannot be ex- 
petted to draw a great deal of the 

foreign tourist trade other than those 
wanting to see a thoroughly ;Frertch 
revue. But it should puU o.k.- With' 
the natives. , . . ^ ^ 

seemingly no attempt has been 

~ made to produce a spectacular offer- 
ing, but it is full of French humor, 
mostJy satire, and the cast carries its 

parts well. Little if any of the music 
is jiew iand the costuminfc for thie 

• n)o.st part, js on an ordinaty level. 
Marie i)ubas, who stars, has long 

' been a favorite in music-halls herei, 
and her popularity , seems not to be 

vwaning. She handles French dorii-. 
edy in a way localities like and her 
songs are rendered for the French 
taste. In het solo appearance near ' 
the w^ind-up everything she sings is 

'^knbwn and has been popular for 
some time. 
Opposite is another .of thie tried 

■ and trtie miusicrhall. stars; Mauricet.. 
His songs have next to no: music, biit 
the gag lines draw laughs steadily. 
Included in the repertoire of his ap- 
pearance is his poem 'Liberte,' which 

Stakes on new stanzas to fit the latest 
developments iii world politics. 

Outstanding is the- rise of Mile, 
bleo from announcer to a top spot. 
Her personality has put life into 
more than one A. B. G. bill, as well 

, as former revues. Her Latin viva- 
ciousness -almbst steals some scenes 
from Mile. Dubas. She proves this 
time that she has a good voice, and 
scores in two duets with Meurisse. 

'Ideal Couple' brings ias . the first 
pair of hewlyweds MUe; Oleo and 
Metirisse,' as night club- entertainers, 
who are marrying for publicity. Hit- 
ler follows with Miss Navarre, whom, 
he is marrying for :power. Lestelly, 
as Tino Rpssi, gets th^ best laugh of 
the scene With hi^ singinig and imitai- 
tion of Rossi in his last revue. Ex- 
Premier Blum and Presidenit Lebum 
follow, the latter being played by 
Mauric6t, with Marie Dubas as his 
.wife: ' 1 

Silva and Ferrara, dancers, are 
spotted twice. First time after the 
ppener, doing an ordinary foxtrot 
number >yhich lielps put. motion into 
the show. In their second appeairance 
they turn out a ' Bolero that bias 
plenty of showmanship and good 
dancing, MUe. Silva glides through 
the dance with suggestion at every 
turn, but it s6 smoothly done she 
deserves credit, . 

In both *Un Coup de :Rhum' and 
*La Masseuse Est /iumoureUseV Maris 
Diibas takes the lead to inject vital- 
ity and plenty of a ve^y French per- 
sonality. In the first of these she is 
a countess who; by mistake, drinks 
a new concoction which has juist 
been discovered for making crimi- 
nals confess. And she loosens to pull 
plenty of laughs. 

Nothing unusual or extraordinary 
is offered in the show, biit it contains 
enough of what, it takes to make a 
revue to assure it of a good run. 



bookmaker, and she tells her father 
of her unhappy life in such middle- 
class, bohemianism. Daughter feels 
instinctively that her father is car- 
rying on an intrigue with the wife, 
and when she hears the elder Woman 
declare the girl interferes with their 
relatiohs, the daughter accuses them, 
and says unless her father takesvher 
home .-with him she Will tell the 
husband. 

Wife tells : her lover he must go 
away, and he decides to return to 
South America. Cripple refuses to 
permit his cioiisin to depart, offers to 
send the ypung.girl to Italy to study 
singing, arid things are eventually 
arranged that. way. It only, devel- 
ops^toward the finale, in a . fine scene 
with the invalid and the young girl, 
that, he has been aware of what is 
going on, and confides in her he. has 
but a short time to live— ^a year at 
the utmost.. So why not wait 
around? 

Outstanding is the fine character- 
ization by .Keneth Kent in'' the role 
of the cripple. All the others in the 
cast, including the two comedy re- 
liefs, are skilfully handled. Acting 
throughout lives up to the old Hay- 
market tradition. Jolo. 



The Oreat Romancer 

London, June 23. 

. N'eW play InVthrpe: ticls liy Jules Eokert 
Gooiiiiitini' presenlf'U .by .Hbw.arj ' Wyi.idhain 
<!fe Bi-onson: Albery; . jjvoiliiced by Chiii'les- 
ijefoaiix'^ at the' Kew thefitre, l^ndon. 



Outdoor 




Ida .KeiTler 
.Michel ... i.. . 
.Victor ruii...i,-.. 
AUBUSLe .MA<luet..., 
I'aiil. Meiirite ■. . , . 
Alexandre Duma'a, . 
J)iipun't'/. . , . .V..;, , . 
Aiexandi'e Du ' 
Miirie borvol ' ; 
AlCred de Vlttny. . 
Dr. Bixlo.. 
Adah' Isaac 



. ■ Coral Browne 
'. . onald SlIiipHon 
. . .-. Ki'lc Pbrtrnnri 
.Harold .Scott 
Iblinid I.lttledale 
.'. . . Kobert .Morley 
. . Charte's I.iefeuux 
. Pet^r Coke 
.A'ivlftnne Behri]6tt 
.'. ; ,■ iCdft:ar Norfolk 
, ..'.Alhol Fleming 
. ... .Carol Gbodner 



After being tried out sOme weeks 
ago for a single Sunday ■performance 
by the Repertory Players, this latest 
play by . Jules Eckiert Goodman, had 
a public - showing at the New thea-. 
tre. 

Robert Morley irepeats his excel- 
lent character study of Alexandre 
Dumas, of whose, thriftless, shiftless,, 
up and down career the story is 
coni2erned. It shows him surrounded 
by his .coterie of literary 'ghosts' and 
amorous actresses. The genial, 
happy-go-lucky scribe, the pivot Of 
the boisterous household, takei misr 
fortune and ..good favor all in his 
stride. Although much of the cir- 
eumstances: are fictitious, there is 
sufficient faet and colorful incident 
to make ain interesting, play, which;, 
if not successful in itself, will un- 
doubtedly make the reputation of 
Robert Morley, whose name went 
up in lights stfter the first night. 

Carpi Gppdner has the best of the 
supporting roles as Adah Menken, 
but the entire production is finished 
and praiseworthy, 

THREE SET OUT 

London, June 23. 

'Cdmedy ■ In three .acta ,by Phillip 
Leav ; produced- by MHrgki-et WebHter at 
the 'tiibRSsy theatre, .I.ondoii,. June 21*,. 
';t7; ■;■ 
liUrry Starr, 



to Have, and to Hold 

. London,; June 23.' 

C<Mnedy lhr«<e kctB by liionel jBrown, 
produced by . iretie Uentschel at Hay- 
, market theatre,. l<ondon. 
Robe) la de Winter. ..... Ignon O'Dohevty 

Hobert de Wlnlev.......... Basil O'Dpherty 

Cyril. , Riohard Warner 

Max >lardlriK;.. ..Hartley Power 

June Hiirdfnfi. . . .Marie Ney 

Briiin Jd,«rd]r.K . . . ... .... Kwieth Kent 

I'eiiSy .Hordinjf ;Oorothy Ilyson 



, /Without SO well chosen a cast, this 
play; pri a novel triangle situation, 
might': not be received' enthusi- 
astically as it Was. It isn't a bad 
play-^bn the contrary^ it is a very 
well . constructed and well - written 
-piece on a .theme that has always 
been utilized for such a purpose and, 
;necessaiily, always will. 

It is differetit froni most of the 
Ptners that have gone before. Care- 
. fill avoidance of pldrfasbiohed 
heroics in plot, ialog and situations 
bring to the story a modernity Of 
uncommon, merit. It should enjoy 
success here and is worth seriously 
eonsjdering for America. Several 
.American rhanagements, including 
i^e« Shubert, aire already negotiating. 

A WelUtbrdO: nian marries' the 
young daughter of an. old Stafford- 
shire family, buys their estate' and 
proposes to cultivate it scientifically. 

'js' visited by' . his cbiisi from 
aouth America, and the youhg wife 
and cousi fall in love. On the 
aay they are abotit'to tell the hus- 
P^"? .they wish to- go away together, 
n* f&lls from a hprse ahd is crippled 
;.Jpr liie.. They decide to remain, the 
•1- 'J^'to. nii.r-«!e him,, and the cousin to 
; over the ruhnirig of the piQP- 

'■■^This- noement is. upset by the 
'BT^ival . the- cousin's iSryear-.old 
oavigihlor,. whose- mother had re- 
marned, this time to a boisterous 



Peter Ilalne. . . . . . . 

Penelope Marsh..,, 

Mlifs .Stevens 

Mary..-. . ... , . . . . . . ,■ . 

Sir Arthur Maniii 
Ijiidy MannlnK,.., 
Miss Trouble...... 

I^ord ■ I'renhain . ■ . . : 
Johnson.'....;... . 



, . , .Michael Redgrave 
..........Walter Hudd 

.Constance Cuintnlngs 

.....Olga Martin 

.Pauline Wynh 
. i . . , . . Hetiry Wolston 
'....Marjorie Fielding 
Juliet Mansel 
. ... Robert" Holmes 
. . , Howard Deyonshlr 



illed.as a comedy, it has sufficient 
plot to' cohie under the category of 
comedyrdrama. In, its present form, 
it is a. good play, but not in a com- 
nnerciai way, and has more the mak- 
ings of a descriptive novel than 
dramatic motivation. At the finish 
there is a sense of incompleteness, in 
thiat , theatre audiences would be in- 
terested in the eventual outcome of 
the problem of the characters, which 
is left to .the .imagination. Drastic 
revision: of the story should trans- 
form the manu.script into a play that 
would be a healthy candidate for the 
West End. 

A young man and. \yomian are a 
team of tap dancers in Search of em- 
ployment, as is also a youthf ul /archi- 
tect. Inevitably the first act is, laid 
in a cheap boarding house, Three 
acts are described in rotation as 'A 
Meanly Furnished Room;' 'A Pleas- 
antly Furnished Room Six Years 
later'; 'A Beautifully Furnished 
Room Eight Years Laterv* 

The girl's stage partner is in Ipve 
with her; but hesitates to ;ask . her. 
hand " marriage, owing to their 
poverty.' The yourig architect, also, 
in love with, her, playfully remarks 
that if' he had 50 pounds he would 
ask her to marry hiiiii. To which sine 
responds: 'If you had 20 I'd accept.' 
The team gets an .engagemeht, and 
the girl and the architect become 
engaged. The. prospective, groom 
goes torAmeric^i on.a two years' job; 
and in the second , act you see them 
ji'ajjpily married., she a. star, and he 
$iiccef:sful in. his 'pi-pfession.' Her 
tap- dancing partner has gone)' to 
Soiilh Africa .with,, a tptirlng com.- 
paii.v. re he' dpei Very welU He 
rehirn.'t, announces he has abai5- 
doiTcd a' .vtajie career and' bbcbme a; 
novelist. They • all lirm Iriends 



Rome, June 18; 

An outdoor theatre that can ac- 
commodate 3,000 spectatpirs is to be 
built summer in Rome's big 

public park, the ilia Bbrghese 
Gardens.. The stage ' to be only 
a : Summer affair, tP be disniantled 
after the sumrher season,. 

The 'Feriii ' Co., which is to be 
composed: almost exclusively of 
f emhnes, will start its. siirhmer .season 
at the Barberini' Theatre in Rome, 
.thence go on to San Remo, Salso- 
maggipre, and finally to Milan.: 
PietrP Scaro. and Gian Maria Gonii 
etti ill dfrect the corripany. Reper- 
toire ihcludes 'The Rebels,' . ;by Gina. 
Kaus and Thbnias B. Fo.ster; 'Fasci- 
natipn,' by Robert .Milton and Alice 
Duer- Miller; 'Mattinate . d'Aprile,'. 
.(April Mprnirig), by AleissandrP De 
Stefan; > 'Beauty Parlor,' by. Vicki 
Baum, and 'Serpente a Sonagli,' by 
Edoardo Antpn. : 

Venice legit plans per- 
.formances Pf 'Roi and Juliette' 
starting July 20 and -performances of 
tbe old Veneti cpmedy, 'H 
Bugiar'do' (The,-Liar ). uido Salvi i 
Will if ect "Romeo,' while Renato 
Simorii is to. direct the •GPldoni play. 
Latter will be given in the Campo 
Sah Rovaso, where the jperformanees 
of ?Merchant pf Venice' were staged 
three years iago. ' 

f bur regular dranriatiic: 
companies that .will tpur the cities 
during the summer, there will be 
three "Thespian Garts'^-orie operatic, 
and two dramatics— which will tour 
the small towns and villages. These 
'carts' are furnished .with .complete 
equipment for setting up stages ias. 
well as seats, lights, costumes. They 
are manned by regular dramatic 
companies and their repertories in- 
clude the plays and operas that, have 
been most . successful . befpre city 
audiences during the past seasons... 



limelight' Clicking 



London, Jiine '27. 

Without attracting any notice on 
the part of the show folks in the 
•West End, .'Black Limelight' has 
caught on. After a slow- start at the 
St. Jimes', iminediately running . into 
the bus strike, it was compelled to 
move to the Duke of York's to make 
rpom for Gilbert Miller.'s production 
of 'Yes, My Darling Daughter.' 

The libraries are novL-buying reg- 
ularly and the show is playing to a 
steady weekly profit, ith every in- 
dication it will stay, six months in: 
the West; End. 



BUY ON 'VICTORIA' THE 
BIGGEST YET IN LONDON 



London, June 27. 
iggest deal for any 

straight play has just been cpmpleted 
by Gilbert Miller 'Victoria Re- 
gina,' 

Deal is fPr 10 Week.s at $6,250 per, 
Week, and star tWo and a half 
weeks after show's opening, ais hpiise 
ir-s6ld out tin then. Conditions of 
deal . are also, rare, calling fPr 5%. for 
the libraries, iiristead of the usual 
7V4%. ^ • 



Loiidon's Guild Plan 




London, July •.. 

Forbes Randolph, former New 
York Theatre .Guild jprPducer,^ is 
here to promote a similar scheme for 
Lohdoh. Randolph has the backing 
pf Atiya Begum, of Jiain Jira, and 
several Indian potentates. 

A meeting.tb discuss'the plan was 
held here Sunday (4). 

and the novelist and the wife a.ssist 
the husband financially in starting in 
basiness oh his own in a big way. 

Eight years later the wife hais. 
given up her stage career for. do- 
mesticity; . The novelist, who had be- 
come engaged to. another girl, is still 
a bachelor as his fiancee waiskilledin 
an airplane wreck. They all live to- 
gether the - wife is bored -with in- 
activity; the architect's, eyes are giv- 
ing but; and it develops he had taken 
all the money of the three of them 
and lost i a stock speculation. 
They decide the thing mPst wrong 
,with ;them is that they had been too 
successful to continue their ambi- 
tions, thereby enjoying life; 

Play ends with the authbr settling 
down to write a play for the wife, 
who will return tb the . stage, and. 
the architect deter irig tb do bet- 
ter Work than, iever. in his career, 
though the in di cation? are his eye- 
sight will go. This make.s: a most 
unsatisfactory endi Audiences; 
would like to have -seen anpther act 
a few years later, in Avhlch they had 
once more .attaihed success in their 
res^jectiv.e careers. 

Written by : ah actor, there as 
is Usual in most cases when an actor 
can write a piay all, ppl-andid 
character dravving.<; 'and ' cleycr 
dialog. The three leading rble."^ are 
buUetVprobt- for : experienced ailists; 
in "■ the haiid."- of Constance Ciim- 
rriini?s,, Wa.rier . Hiiclrl Hnd Michael 
Red'sir'y ve. they take on the- attributes 
Pi stellar -iperfbrmancc... -Jplo.' 



' With. ris Interhatidhal Ex- 

hibiti' opien exiactXy mbrith, 
much can't be sa id. the. impression 
the big show -has made after the 
public has had 30 days in: Which ip 
rurrtmage arpuhd. 

, 2,370,000 isitors have 
paid spmethihg in the neighbbrhood 
of $500,000 to view that portipn 
which, is sufficiently conripleted;' to 
Warrant a lopk. And to get down 
to bare faicts, that includes Only 
iabbut a half of what, the Whole will 
be when it is completed. 

Of the 42 foreign pavilions only 22 
have, opened their doors to Te.veal 
something like a. finished intei-ipr; 
These include those of Belgium, 
which has one for. the' poimtry 
proper and another for her African 
colonies, Germany, Russi , Italy, 
Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Den- 
mark, Holland, Palestine, Monaco,. 
Portugal; Austria, Hungary, Liixem-. 
bourg, inland, Egypt, Pbland', .iBar-; 
tic StateSi , Japan, Czecho-Sloyakia 
and Great ritai > 

Much steel . Work is :Still.' showing 
on the United States uilding even 
at this late date.. Qitficiar opening is 
set f pi: July 4, but it is • imderstood; 
the building will bie clbsed. to the 
public again after the inauguration- 
so the interior, can be finished. A 
twp-day istrike there last week re- 
tarded com^letiPn. 

The foreign pavilions which are 
yet to be finished are tho^e of Ar^eri-. 
tiiie, . Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria,' 
Canada, Finland, Iraq; Italy, Mexico, 
Peru, Roumania, Siam, Spai , South 
Africa United Staties, Uruguay and 
Venezuela and Yugoslav i 

The new Trpcaderp building is. far 
frorti being completed and -the pa- 
vilions Which will be devoted to the 
cinema industry and the pres.s are 
not yet open. 

For the first time in the troubled 
story of what is and What, is not 
open in the present Exposition, the 
bosses of something concerned with 
the big show haye shown the work- 
ers, and direetorS) too* for that . mat* 
ter.fhow to turn a real closing trick. 

This time it is the Pare des. Attrac- 
tions; It closed June 28 at two 
o'clock in the afternoon and those in 
the know say it is going to stay 
closed until the concessionaires .who 
hsive invested money there get what 
they want; 

Entire . battle hi . on ad-, 
mission fee of 25 cients.. Admission 
price charged for the Exposition it- 
self is 30c, ile another 25c' is 
charged by the expo for entry into 
the . Pare des Attractions which is 
entirely separate from, the expo. 
This, the cpncessi ires claim, was 
not agreed upbh. im thait: 

because of this 25c. admission price 
they are only getting about; one- 
teiith of the 'yisitprs actually visiting 
the expo as people are. not going to 
spend money fPr the right to spend 
rnpre of it 

Because of thi.-?, every display, 
ride, sideshow and lemonade stand 
in the park pulled dbwn the shutters 
and told the customers, to scram, 
that they- did not want their money. 
And so far the boys are sitting tight. 
They say they are, going to leaive 
the shutters dpWn until the 25c en- 
trance fee is eliminated.. 




isitors no visitbrs, aind 

whether, those here are spehdirig 
money or -not,, ight club ppcihings ' 
i is town have kept up the aver- 
age of abPut two a week for th» 
last six weeks. 

Fourteen sppts ip all. haye put; 
.signs in front pf new interipi's or lor 
clubs Which have changed hands,, 
been redecorated : or jiist reopened; 
Lsirgest cphtlrtgeht came witlii 
last two weeks with no less than si 
opening. Largest of is the 

I^al . Moulin RbUge, Where the Cotton 
Club Show with Teddy Hill's, band 
is the ii'ttraction. High in Montr 
martte; this' spot seats close 
1,000, Operated by Pierre Sandrini 
and Pierre Dubput, it is run alon£ 
the sarhe lihfW as the Bal •rab?irin, 
which Sandrini also heads, ut/cpm- 
pstitibn between two p is prac- 
tically ' hit as offerings, are 
diametrically diflerehti 

Arheirlcan musici 
rhaind for the night : 
No less than seven: 
of which are colored, 
Playing in Paris. 

Led by Willie .Lewis, still at 
Restaurant des. AmibassadeUrsi- ther» 
is Lepn Abbey at the Cotton ClUb, 
Bobby Martin at . Chez Florence, 
Freddy Taylor at the Ilarlem Club, 
George Johnston at the Villa d'Este, 
Teddy Hill at the Moulin Rouge and 
Hay ward F'pwers and his Society; 
Boys, the only ..White band pf fh* 
lot, are still playing at the Bagatelle. 



SHUBERTS TO STAGE 
'BAULAIKA' ON B'WAY 



London, June 27. 

Tommy Bostock has finally is- 
posed of the American rights' io 
'Balalaika,', after several ibbles by 
Marti Beck, Max Gordon and th« 
Sliuberts. 

Milton Shubert, when last over 
here, reported adversely on. the show. 
But when J. J, Shubert saw it re- 
cently> he thought it good enough 
for Broadway, with Lee finally 
cinching the deal, which calls for 
10% royalties, ith $10,000 paid on 
accPunt. Shuberts are in on any fu- 
ture film deal to the extent of 10%. 
Deal also calls for Bostock to super- 
vise the Broadway stagi in Oc- 
tober. He leaves London sometime 
in September. 



TWO LONDON LEGITS 
FAIL TO IMPRESS 



Lpndon^ 
leep for the Wicked;' ich 
opened at Daly's Friday (30) is an 
outmoded .secret service-interna- 
tional spy plot drama. It's uncon- 
vincing playwriting and extremely 
unlikely for success. Claire Luc© 
and Delano ^mes, author of the, 
play have the leading roles. Authpr 
is a cpusin of President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt. 

British Lion tried out a play at , 
the Arts Theatre Club same night, 
titled 'In the. Best Families,' with a, 
vi to future ^ filming, Vehicle 
prpvied old-fashioned French farcer; 
plot being about ah infant left oh a 
doorstep and three men suspecting 
themselves as its father. Play is 
crudely written and valueless. 



Tibbett for Vienna" 

Lawrence Tibbett ha.<: .ci 
appearanPe in 'Rigolctto' i 
opera some' time in October. 

Will pr&bably fbll'ow i 



Arrest Fern. Chargii^ 
Lehar with Plagiarism 



Mrs. Lanik Laval was arrested and 
will be charged With attempted cx- 
lorti of Frahz: Lehar. She still 
clainris that the book . tb Lehaf's 
operetta, 'Giuditta' is a plagiarism, 
that she had sent a libretto like it 
to Lehar and that the maestro used 
roost of . the ideas of her plot,' 

iWrs. Laval has written a le.ttei: lb 
the French Minister Ijlcfript. bqcayse 
- 'Giuditta' will be .produced at the 
I Paris 1J;<po.^ition. She wahiied yi'ench 
( aullio'iilies of the alleged ' ' iarisia. 



60 



VARIETY 



CHATTER 



Wednesday-rjuly 7, 1937 



Broadway 



Jack Connolly bought a yacht and 
cap to match. 

Jabk Hartley bitten by a dog at 
jSuffern, N., Y. 

Jimmy Riurphy of the Belasco b. o. 
lost mother repently. 

Judy Canova back to the Coast 
af tefc a brief jump east. 

Lee Childs set by the Morris office 
for Warner screen tests. 
, Nelson , Hesse due back yesterday 
'.(Tuesday) froth the Coast, 

ide Dujdleyi , back from a Coast 
quickie, sporting a ne^y cai*. 

Metro screeni-testing Cross and 
Dunii, now at; Marden's Riviera, 

Guthrie McClintic vatsrtionirig for 
a fortnight. at,.his new country place. 

•Louis Hay wax" arrived from the 
Coast Monday; sails today for va-. 
cash. 

Jack Mcinerney has taken off 12 
pounds ight ■ the last couple 
months. 

, Barbara Pulton and Bruce Macr. 
Farlahe id be married in a couple 
pf, weeks. 

John Miurray taking over. Walter 
Batchelor's sumimer home iii Bucks 
county, Pa. 

Uiiiversal dickerihg for Miriam 
Graham foe the next Buddy De 
Sylya tuner. 

Dick keene taking- driving lessons 
:to chauffeur Nat Biers around the 
summer stocks. 

Giene Fdwier is at his old stamp- 
. ihil grounds. Sea View, Fire Island, 
f or the summein 

Sidney Kingsley sold the Czetiho- 
sloivakian rights: to .'Ten Million 
Ghosts' last week. . . " ■ 

Parkyakarkas. and the missus, 
Thelma Leeds, are in New' York on 
belated honeymobii. i 
.. .Jane Bancroft summering at hier 
home neai; Boston, expected back in 
town about Aug. 15. ^ 

King Caldei^ and thel Wilson 
(Mrs. Caider) vacationing at Cut- 
chogue, Long Island. 

Joey Deutsch reported Somewhat 
improvied after operation., Mt. 
Sinai, but no visitors, 

Arthur . Loew . leaves , today for 
fortnight's vacation, cruising on his 
boat on Lake Champlain. 

Frederic Mathis in town for brief 
visit before returning to Europe, to. 
continue his dance tour.: 

Exodus of film company employees 
. frOiri New York, for July 4 holidays 
started early Friday (2). ' 

World's Fair publici^, boys move 
but on Flushing meadow, exposition 
sitei the middle of August. 

Par is tossing a cocktail party this 
afternoon (Wed.) to Martha Raye on 
her opening day at the N. Y. Par. 
. Lester Hammell and Mildred 

• Weber week-end guests, at th$ "Wil- 
liam Morris home. Sarahac Lake. 

■ Irving Lesser is in Mexico bh a 
three weeks'' pleasure trip, far away 
from the cares of the Roxy, N. Y» 

Burgess Meredith I'eadying a vol-, 
ume of verse. for publication on his 
return from the Coast in the fall. 

Jane Pickens set Jor the Para- 
mount stage. With Shep Fields, for a 
date in the latter part ! of August. 

Al Jolson here says his Henry 
Armstrong will kayo Alf Blatch, 
Aussie fighter^ at Garden Thursday 
(8). 

Mitzi . and Manning, dog act, pact- 
ed by 20thTFox. Probably be used 
only in one picture, Shirley Teniple's 
next. 

Tyree Dillard, Jr., of Metro's legal 
staff, sailed last week on North Cape 
cruise. Will be gone more than a 
month. 

Mother of Allen and Howard 
Schnebbe in Long Branch hospital, 
aftermath- of motor sha)ce-ups, but 
better. 

Nick Long, Jr., going into fhe Met., 
oston, after his current stay at the 
iviera. Then to the Coast for a 
pic stint. 

• Kelcey Allen to Sharon Springs on 
Saturday as the first Stop in an 
itinerant vacash. To visit Atlantic 

ity later. 

Milton Lewis, -Of the .. Liiebling 
Coast office,, in town to- visit, his iU 
mother. Hustled back to L. A. over 
the . week-end. 

Mrs. David Freedmah, widow of 
the radio scriptist,, now doing quite 
a bit of freelance writing for the 
air on her own. 

Day Tuttle took time off from his 
Mount Kiscb and Westport strawhats 
to visit the mater at Bellport, L. I;, 
over the weekend. 

Bias de Rocafort, 23, brother of 
Marta de Rocafort, Ciiban fiandee of 
the Spianish Duke de Cbvadangai is 
another Hollywood contender. 
^ Sylvia Weitman, of the Manhattan 
Beach Weitmans, is leaving the 
shore shortly for , higher gi-ound, 
planning a, brief vacation up-State. - 
; Monogram's adyertising-publici ly 
department has taken quarters twice 
the size Of the old" ones , in the RKO 
building, with Louis Lif ton in charge. 

Leonard Gayrior reports snake 
hunting ; in New Jersey on the up- 
beat, taking credit for snaring, three 
reptiles near his home across the 
Hudson. . 

.,. Harry Schuriier .hi. c.'d a two days' 
fishing trip off Fire . Island, denying' 
it was a flopperod, although his first 
day's catch .consisted in ;Sometliihg 
called a lulu. 

Nina Gabrilowitsch, daughter of 
Gssip Gabrilowitsch, the pignist and 
conductor, apprenlitihg at Mt. Kisco. 



Ditto for Florence Odets, sister of 
Clifford Ddets. 

Sid Phillips omjk month's motor 
excursion of the New England straw- 
hats Booneihg for Metro. Gummo 
Marx, the 10%er, accompanying 
Phillips -part of the time. . 

Anne Ziegler, English, prima 
donna, arriving next Monday (12) 
to begin rehearsals for *VirgInIa.' 
Dennis Hoey, set for the same show, 
debarks a week latej: (19). 

James Foran, who was graduated 
from Princeton this, spring, heads 
for Hollywood this week, where he 
is . under contract to Universal.. Ex- 
pects to start work July 15,- 

Glen Boles, film player, strawr 
hatting at Ivory tori,. Conn., sighed 
for the Boston company, of 'You 
Can't Take. It With You' in the 
fall, Set by William Liebling. . 

Sol Jacbbson- p.a.'ing the Forty- 
Niners theatre, . Whitefleld, N. H. 
' Peggy Cbnklih the wihnah in 
bowling sessions with Irene Puircell, 
Shirley Booth and Kathleen Fitz. 

Mary Mason injured her leg in 
a fall backstage during a perform^ 
ance of -Brother Rat' at the Bilt- 
more, N,' Y., last week. Finished the 
jperfbrmance ; and has continued in 
the. show. 

After a summer season of ingenue 
leads i stock at Elitch Gardens, 
Denver, Ona Munson will return to 
Hollywood and pictures; She ar- 
rived -in .Denver last week and re- 
mains there until Sept. 1. 
. Ralph Reader, English film player, 
under, contract to Herbert Wilcox, in 
Washington for the Boy Scouts' 
world jamboree. Reader is promi- 
herit in the British; Scout movement, 
and came over ; expressly for the 
conclave. . 

Indicative b£ numerous visitors 
who flocked to Times Square area 
on' July 4 arid s; postcard spots did 
a lahdoffice business. Other street 
merchants tilted their scales and 
came out in droyes to giarner holi-. 

Roy Edwards, Universal newsireel 
cameraman, suffered severe bruises 
and possible ihteirnal injuries when 
the Aaxi carrying him was hit broad- 
side in New York last week. Ed- 
wards was takihg footage of Robert 
Irwin case coverage to lab when 
crash occurred. 

Armando, artist, tor years With 
Lord & 'Thomas in charge of the 
Paramount account, has switched to 
the Buchanan agency which now 
hahdtes Par together with the Si 
Fabian theatres in Brooklyn. Donald 
Gibbs, of Buchanan, ;is the contact 
man ith -Par on its ads', while 
Maurice Bergman,. who formerly did 
this work With Par as well as the 
Rialtb, is rerhai ing with .L. fie T. - 



Tito Schipa opened concert tour 
in Melbourne. 

Harry Sirahhi one-time vaude 
manager, on exec staff of Cinesbund. 

Stuart F. DOyle appears to be very 
happy now he's all through fighting, 
boards of directors. . '. . . 

A. J. Bezant, controller large nabe 
chain indies, has -been elected prez 
Motion Picture ExhibS* Assoc., N. Si 
Wales. 

Quite a few of the lads connected 
•w.ith Greater Union wept openly 
when news of Stu Doyle s resigna- 
tion got around. Many of' them are 
still walking around in a daze. 

Sir Ben Fuller has decided to 
renovate Bijou, Melbourne, for re- 
vue units. A. Ben Fuller may make 
a. trip overseas in the near future to 
look over attractions suitable for 
Australia.' 

There is still ho word from State 
government on the Quota tangle 
here. Several indie units are at- 
tempting to ready productions, but 
th'e dough is not coming any too fast 
to allow an early start 

Acts playing here for Frank Neil 
include, CJecil Lyle, Harmony. Kings; 
Moran and Wiser, Caldwells, Perry 
and Lillian, The Deys, George Har- 
old, Great Savoha, George Bolton, 
Sisson, and Neal, Bob Parrish. Con 
Colleario, Al Roxy, Irene Verniillion, 
Jack Stock, Scott and Foster. 
, Plans call for a week of opera in 
Sydney during the 1938 festival ciele- 
brations. Australian .Broadcasting 
Cbmmissibn will arrange also a 
series of concerts using overseas' art- 
ists, and a special cantata dealing 
with the life of Captain Cook (dis- 
coverer of Australia), will, be in- 
cluded by the Royal Appllb' Club. 



London 



in has gone to.Carls- 



in 



J. Robert 
bad. 

Stuart 
August. 

* Ralph Ince left English estate val- 
ued at around $30,000. 

Kurt Robitschek planhlhg visit to 
New York late in July. 

Isabel Jeans .en route to Holly- 
wood to appear i 'Tovarich.' 

Max Gordon, . having looked 
around 'London, g6ihg> to Continent. 

Pamela Frankau taking over dra- 
ma critic's chair Of Sunday Referee. 

Hugh Findlay has joined. 'New 
World Pictures: (Robert T' Kane)' as 
p.a. 

Renee Houston sighed with Gal -' 
borough Filmi for One year with op- 
tions. : ' 

Georgfe. Posford under exclusive 
contract with Louis Dreyfus (Chap- 
pell's). 

Billy Bleach, formerly booker for. 
the Stoll Circuit, has Foster's: 
Agency. . 

William Goetz hereto make a sur-. 
vey of production activities .in 
Europe. 

Vaudeville Golfing Society beaten 
by the Water Rats for the first tinie 
at their annual match. 

Lee.. Shubert hats signed Florence 
Desmond for Broadway revue. Shu- 
bert has gone to Paris. 

Carl Esmond signed with Uhiver- 
isal Pictures. Goes to Hollywood 
after 'Victoria Re^inia' closes. . 

Aftei: eight months' run, 'Jane 
Eyre' closed at the Aldwych June 
26, succeeded by Hbusemaster.' 

Duncan Sisters opening vaudeville 
season for General Theatres^Moss 
Empire. Play Empire, Glasgow, 
June 28, then Empire, Holborh. 

Georges Bunyai, Kurt Robitschek-'s 
assistant returns to the Gilbert Mil^, 
ler banner. His job " to scout 
around the . Cbntirieht suitable 
plays for: Millerv 

Rose " O'Gbrman divorced her 
vaudevilliart husband, David O'Gor- 
nian, June 21, for the second time. 
She had remarried him three, years 
after her first divorce in 192'7. 

Max Baer gets $10,000 for two 
weeks work in 'Over She Goes,' the 
Associated British Picture Cori)., 
musical' in, which Stanley Lupino 
and Laddie. Cliff play their- ohginal 
roles. 

Diana d^tirchill off oh holiday to 
France prior to sailing for America 
to play in 'George and Margaret' on: 
Broadway in the fall. Richard Bird; 
Who, produced show ..over here, ill 
stage it in Ainerica. . 

'Lost Horizon' stays 112 weeks at 
the TivOliv arid is then replaced by 
Columbia's 'For Yb^ Alone,' with 
house reverting to. continuous- policy. 

George Abbot.t to do '|loom Serv- 
ice' over here in conjuhction with 
Tirii Wheian. 

Revival of Soriierset Maugham's 
'The Constant Wife,' : starring* Ruth 
Chaitterton, closed June ,19 after 
four and a half weeks at the Globe. 
New Barre Lyndon- play, 'They 
came by Night' goes in July 7, 
starring . Owen Nares, Ursula Jeans, 
David Burns. 



Pittsburgh 

Hal Cohen 



;Dr. Felix Weingarmer and wife 
batoned Tokyo New Symphony orch; 

Max Malini, Ariierican magician, 
givirig performances before foreign 
clubs. 

Shuichi Yamazaki, managing i- 
rector of Shiriko Kinema, returned 
from eight-months' tour of U. S. and 
Europe. 

Helen Sumiida, formerly urider 
contract to Columbia Gramophone 
here, returned tb.:U. S. Returns'to 
Japan in. the fall. 

Marc T. Greene^ mag writer, re- 
turned to U: S. June 16. Zona Gale 
and husband (W. L. Breese) left for 
horiie two days later. 

Clifford Huntsman, English pian- 
ist, to Singapore, .where he is 
slvedded for several concerts, then On 
to India and Malay States. 

Michel Piastro; Joseph Schuster 
'and Alfred Mirovitch, who had been 
giving concerts here under directibn 
of A. Slrok, left for Ariierica. 



. Jane Wynian, WB actress, in from 
Coast for ■week's visit here. 

The Joe Salas have named the new 
addition to the family Mercedes. ■ 

Polly Rowles on "leave of absence 
frorti U fOr month's stay with family. 

Police tecbyered Joe HiUer's 
stolen car after it was gone a couple 
of. days. 

- Bud Troutmari has gone to Keene, 
N. H,, to p.a. Freeman Hammond's 
strawhat. 

Martha J: . Arnold named business 
manager for Pittsburgh Playhouse 
next season. 

Jack Hillister, the ex-newshawk, 
has replaced J. J. ■ Reis as Kenny- 
wood Park's p.a. 

Vince SOirtiho had practically the 
entire mysicians' local down to his 
brother's wedding. , • 

Vilma Rafael back in town after 
five-month singing engagement at 
Kelly's in; Panama.- 

Dave Broudy rtished . to New York 
the other- day at word his frau was 
stricken suddenly ill. 

Morty Henderson spent half of his 
vacation in bed recovering ..from a 
bad case of sunburn, 

Ben Brown's : daughter, Shirley, 
has been awarded a scholarship to 
Carhegie Tech drama school. 

Helen Donnelly has washed Tap 
piiblicity for Symphony campaign 
and holidaying in New Yorki 

Arthur, Low, Nixon treasurer, in 
from east for .few. days to See how 
remodeling of legit site's coming. 



Minneapolis 

. By Les Rees 



and bride honeymooning, 'via Great 
Ldlccs cruise 

Neoma Judge, Hollywood film 
player, visiting her parents and 
brothers here. 

Leo Moliter, Mound, Minn., ex-; 
hibitor, back from a Yellowstone Na- 
tional park vacation. 

Sterling Wilson, UA office man- 
ager, motoring to New York and 
Boston to visit relatives. 

George Turner, veteran . Metro 
salesman, gave fishing party. for fel- 
low employes at White Bear lake^ 

Rihgling Bros., Barhum & Bailey 
circus playing first Minneapolis en- 
gagement in three years, July 26 and 
27.- 

Lowell Kaplan of Pantages arid 
Bill Evidon, .Columbia bookers, spent 
Fourth holidays, at Breezy Poirit re- 
sort 

Harold Kaplan, Mirinesbta theatre 
managing director, and the wife va- 
cationing, at Winnipeg and at north- 
ern Minnesota lakie! resorts. ' 

Art Ablesbri, Eddie Ruben's man- 
ager at DeviliS Lake and Langdori, 
N; D.^ undergoing m^jor operation at 
Mayo clinic, Rochester^ Minn.. 
. Guy Eraser Harrison of Rochester, 
N. Y., Civic Orchestra to direct Minr 
neapolis Symphony orchestra's sum- 
mer pbp concerts at Auditorium July 
13 to 15. ^- 



Walter Branson, RKO istrict 
riianager, in town. 

Laura Benham of Warner home of- 
fice publicity dept a visitor. 

Harold Harris here ahead of Major 
Bowes' all-girl unit at Orpheum. 

Mbe Levy, 20th-Fox district man- 
ager, on swing around branch .offices. 

. Me.rla Carpenter, of Paramount va- 
catioriing at northerj^k- Minnesota lake 
resorts. .•■ 

Construction to start this month 
on new, air-cooled 20th-Fox film ex- 
changCi 

Pat Halloran, Paramount booker, 



Paris 



Lys Gautr off for ILbndon. 
Barbara la May off on tour. 
Hotel strike agai threatening. .. 
William Hi Harris in from Ameri- 



ca. 



June Stick :bperiihg cabaret Of her: 



own. 



at Salle 



Sacha 



every 



. Ballets 
Pleyel. 

Metro buyi 
Guitry. 

Town full of tourists 
nationality. 

Georges Rigaud getting ready for 
early American trip, ' 

New.revue starring YvOnrie Legeay 
ih rehearjsal at Concert May ol.- • 

. Gladys Swarthout and hubby 
Frank Chapman in from America. 

Emil Janhings scheduled to make 
first Comedle-Francaise appearance. 

Madame Gerard d'Houville ap- 
pointed dramatic critic of 'Echo de 
Paris. 

Cinema Commission of Chamber 
winding iip hearings before drafting 
new bill regulating French film ih- 
dustry. 

Baltimore 

By Howard A. Burman 



Babe Mednick itery 
booker. 

Joe Katz going abroad with the 
missus. 

Rodney Collier two-week 
yacash. 

Mac Weinberg sans tonsils hoping 
for more, weight. 

Jack Miller and Eunice Fine back 
from honeymoon cruise. 

Gary Stchanberger leaving box of- 
fice for Work onSunpapers. 

John Jk: Carlln back from tour of 
his park at . Buckeye Lake, . Ohio. 

Max Cohen considering vacash 
from nitery ' stint to run for Sheriff. 

Clem White breaking local col- 
umns as expert on -swings language. 

MelbQurng^ChrlStophef back home 
after European toUr with Fred. San- 
born. 

Roy Bergere to Pittsburgh and 
Len Trout, South, for summer nitery 
bookings; ' . 

Ted Routson ernie Seamon 

of Hipp made^ohoYairy members of 
Jiinior Birdmen. 

'In Garfirikel's Window' by Nor- 
man Clark, and Lou Shecter mulled 
by Coast film icOmpany. 

Lew Rome and Leon-: Zellet tak- 
ing activei part in Mayor Jackson's 
campaign for Governorship. 

Lou. Azrael ori six<; weeks cruise. 
Column will be but' for three weeks 
and mailed in for three more. 

Larry Adler, fulfilling yen for 
column Writing, sending itenfs to 
Maurice Shockett from abroad. 

Leonard McLaughlin back frbrn 
tour -ot strawhats. with ambitious 
plans for Maryland and Auditorium. 

Norman 'Clark, drama crick of: 
News-Post, and Lou Shecter, ndv. 
tycoon, completed new play negotiat- 
ing for sviriimer tryout. 



Charlie Miller has become a . ten- 
nis shark. 

Steve Trilling scouting local talent 
for Warners. 

Ted Husihg stopped way 
through town. 

Charlie Riley openi hi own 
press agentry offices. . 

Lou Abtariison elected president 
of CAPA for the summer term. '. 

Morris Silver personally conduct- 
ing visitors around the ne.w Wiliram 
Morris offices. 

Charlie Freeman and Shaindel 
Kalish in town from the (Toast and 
on to, New York fdr an o.o. 

Ted Lewis gave Ted Weber, Chez 
Paree p.a., a wrist ticker in appre- 
ciation of press job Weber turned 
out for the band-loader.' 



Hollywood 



Paula Stone back from Gatalina. 
Dorothy Haas ganderlrig the lots 
Marjbrie Gateson back from Phui* 
vacash. ■ 

Bobby Clark in from N. Y. for nif? 
chores, 

Owen Davis; 
stock work. 



to i^kowhegan for 



Herb Magidsori hack from Broad- 
way anibles. 

Mrs^ Roscbe Karns opening eatecv^ 
On the Strip. i 

Jerry Brisk! 
Metro cutter. 

Edwin Knopf back at is Metro 
ieditorial desk;.. 

Pete Smith recoverl 
appendectomy.' . . 

Bert Lahr in for Universal 'Merry- 
Go-Round- role. ' 

Frank: Morgan took Fred Keating 
on. a tuna hunt 
. Andy : . Devihe. bought Al 
berg's Van Nuys rancho. 

Raoul Walsh checked into Cedars 
Of Lebanon for a checkup. 

H. . K. Toolev N. Y. Times jperson- 
riel director, toured the studios. 

James Duffy resigned from Pathe 
News after 25 years on the job. 

T. H. Richmond back doing IVIau- 
rice Conn publicity after illness. 

Lester Ziftren voted this year'*., 
outstanding alumnus of Missouri U. 

BUly Grady, .Metro talent scout, 
visiting little theatres in the east 

William H. Burnside arrived from, 
England to join Selznick's production 
staff. . :.- 

H. M. Warner, Hal Wallis and 
Henry Blanke trained in from New 
York. 

Karl . Hoblitzelle settling for the 
summer in. Colleen Moore's Bel Air: 
cottage. 

Roy Del Ruth vacatioriing in Phoe- 
nix before his .next Metro directo- 
rial job. 

Ernst . Liibitsch 'walks into \the 
Malibii surf with that cigar at a 45- 
deg. tilt 

J. G. Taylor "Spink, publisher 
the Sporting News, looking Holly- 
wood over. . ' _ . 

Frank Albertsoh planed in for two 
months vacation from 'Brother Rat,' 
N. Y. legit : 

Edwin B. Willis, Metro prop chief, 
back from Europe with 'Marie An- 
toinette' props. 

Joe Newman, for several years 
Metro . assistant director, tiqyr is di-^ 
recting shorts. . 

Muriiel Hutchison and Jane Dewey 
iri from the N. Y. stage for their 
Parariiount contracts. 

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard 
ogle 'Nothing Sacred' rushes to- 
gether every afternoon. 

Hollywood went bangtail over th* 
holiday with Del Mar racing Satur^ 
day and Monday and Calierite sand- 
wiched iri between. 

William P. Lipscomb had his new 
private golf course dedicated by The 
Toppers, coriiposed of English golf- 
ers in tne pic industry. 



Philadelplna 

By Herb Golden^ 



Doc Levy protidly iexhl 
new yacht. 

Genei Morgan visiting brother at 
palm Beach. ' 

Perry Lesse now doi 
the Lorraine. 

Mickey Kipple flew to St 
visit home folks. 

Tex Bitter and Ed Finney In from 
Coast to visit local GN office. 

Al Zimbalist back from Atlanti 
City with heat slice of sunburn. 

Mario Villani back at , Anchorage 
arid Arcadia after lOrday illness. 

Doug George on Vacash after ex- 
ploitation campaign on 'Si 
Marine' in Wilriiington. 
V Harold Seidenberg and Herman 
Whitman golfing their way to Canr 
ada on two-week sumriier respite. 



Asbury Park 



Ocean theatre - opens. 
Governor Hpffman in town, 
Billy Watson back at Belmar, 
D, W. Griffith in town for a few 
■days.- 

Ted Deal summer 

hohie; 

Jpsephi rrii 
opener.' 

Jimmv 
crutches. 

. Ham Fisher nods 
boardwalk. 

Producer.. CamPbell rcsti 

at Mpritauk; 

Johnny Walker 
Berkeleyrtilarteret. , 

Arlenfr arid Charlenc 
bathing at Elberon. 
. Tom Howard, first-ni 
vention Hall, theatre. 

Douglas Gilbert plays 'Asbui-y FarU 

Country cliib course, 

'Boy Meets Girl' gets 
break at Convention Hall. 

Danny Sullivan lining 
for crippled kiddies show at OaK- 
hurst. ■' 

Lawrence 'Teenie' White. Rut . 
blueblood,, soloing at Ross Fetito'i 

Farm.s; •. j, 

■ Richard Crooks off to north woort.% 
after firing 83 at Spring Ji/Ieacio 
Gouritry club. 



Wednesday, July 7, 1937 



OUTDOORS 



VARIETY 



61 



Bank Nite Draws 14M in Qeve. 
h Expo Beats the Rain Hoodoo 



Cleveland, July 
Evert with handicap of 18 days of 
steady rflin that is giving concessioh- 
nalres a load of sni les, the. Great 
Lakes Exposition is nearly equaling 
last year's attendance records. Up 
to Sunday (4) it had pulled in 
nearly a .riiillion sightseers— 904,025, 
to be exact— in 33. days. That is 
within 60,000 of the .1936 record, Sat- 
urday's ((3) g;ate 6f 43*176 . heads, 
second highest for 1937 here, and 
sunnier weather iridicated th?it thie 
Fourth of- July week-end would 
hring in an estimated 140,000 visitors. 

Practically every exhi it on Sait^ 
urday enjoyed S.R.O. business for 
the first time ini a . fortnight. Billy 
Rose's Aquacade played to 14,000 
customers with well lined pokes in 

• three performances. Ted Weems 
opened in tlie marine show there 
Friday for two weeks, following- 
Xavier Gugat, Harry Harrison's 
Winterland, which has brought in 

■ Evelyn Chandler to toplihe the ice- 
skating faritasi , dittoed by attract- 
ing 9*500 hot rubberneckers- who 
were looking for a cool spot to light. 

Chief magnet expected to build up 
a record for the Fourth - was A 
double-header ball gaime between 
Cleveland Ihdians arid Detroit 
Tigers ii city's stadium flanking the 
lakefront fair. Team has been cb^ 
operating by selling special ball 
tickets which are okayed at ceriten- 
nial's gatiis. 

<Sti:eels' 

Streets of World section, comjposied 

• of niationality villages and niteries, 
is, jumping out of the doldrums 
crtiated by a two-bits admish taxJ 
Lincoln Dickey answered icks of 
concessionnaires by pulling, several 
high-pressure, stuhts. One was show- 
ing of the Crown of the Andes, a 
diadern of emeralds valued at $4,500,- 
000, in a new 'Streets' exhibit 
Owner, is Wiarren Piper, Chicago 
jeweler,, who has treasure guarded 
by a dozen cops, tWo with machine 
guns, and electric-eye alarms.^ It 
oQce belonged to the Inca Emperor 
At^ualipa. 

Hughie Mack also. Installing free 
amateur talent shows in Interna- 
tional Circle to boost this area. 
Simon-pures ranging from local con- 
.^tbrtibnists to ladder- jugglers do their 
stuff every Thursday 'night now on 
a street-stage for five' weeks, and 
it's causing traffic-jams. 

With town hit by strike condi- 
tions, Exjpo. is recognizing fact that 
money is tight, by introducihg new 
bargain prices. Besides free Mon- 
days to women with escorts and 
nickel charge for kids, they're now 
selling special family tickets. A 
family of five — two adults and three 
yoimgstsrs— can get in Mondays for 
65c although regular rate is foUr- 
bits per head. 

Bankp revived again for Friday 

ights is proving to bie another 
picker-upper. Despite- rain, 14,949 
optimists tutned oixt with umbrellas 
to take a whack at. fair's $500 pot 
but the mugg with the lucky num- 
ber called didn't show up. Prize to 
be increased $250 each week , if not 
copped, making it $750 this week- 
end. Last season it jumped up to 
about $1,500 before somebody won 
it. 



Syracuse, July 6. 
Commissioner of Public Safety 
Wiliiam E. Rapp cracked down oh a 
new racket last week when itingling 
Brothers & Barniun & Bailey circus 
played here. 

The - commissioner received conl- 
plaints that in other' cities where 
the show had appeared the rack- 
eteers had hired vacant lots near 
the show grounds and had opened 
them as parking places for a slight 
charge. While the car pwneris were 
viewing the show the cars were 
rifled and stripped, and the opera- 
toris of the lots vacated; before the 
completion -evening per- 

formance. 

A special detachment of "police 
camped on the grounds . to prevent 
their operatidn here. 



PHILLY EXHIBS WATCH 
CARNEYS FOR GAMBUNG 



Philadelphi , July 6. 
. Carney ops here being eagle-eyied 
for signs of kambliiig by film exhibs 
as result df ; court decision; giving 
-Mayor immediate right to close show 
upon evidence of coii stuff. 

Exhibs have been Warned by their 
organization, United Motion Picture 
Theatre Owners, to. visit carneys and 
watch for gambling. Under court 
ruling, Mayor may not refuse . li 
cense to a, show, but he can close 
it. if . gambling reported. Exhibs 
have been told, to report .violations 
to UMPTO secretary, George Aarons, 
who will take it to iauthorities.' 



Welcpmihg the Wagfgoners 

Salt Lake City, July . 
tah state fair grounds here, with 
a seating capacity of 15,000, is being 
Xebuilt to accommodate expected 
record crowds during Covered 
Wagon Days celebration, July 21 
22, 23 and 24. 

Pair will be held during latter 
Pa*t of; September. Already about 
3.000 have negotiated for vari 
contests. 



us 



NEW CIRCUS GRIFT 

Aangers On Open Parkintr 
Strip Cats, Decamp 





Buffalo, July 6. 
The Rihgling-Barniim show played 
four performances here Sunday and 
Monday (4-5) following, an altercav 
tion with local authorities over " the 
Sunday, date which:, finally had to be 
decided in the: courts. 

{Several nionthis ago city, 
jgranted the .circus permission for 
two shows July 4 with R-B putting 
up $1,000 to be distributed to the 
Joint and CathoUc Charitieis. A week 
ago the. president of .the .Common 
Council and. local church: .authori- 
ties, announced through, news- 
papers that they would petition the 
mayor to stop, the Sunday perform- 
ances and last week the ^Buffalo 
Church Council joined the fight by 
sending out to pastors of all Buffalo 
Qhurches a plea. for isupport in call- 
ing upon the'in^yor to enforce the 
law. 

With the shdw advertising two 
Sunday performances, both the 
Police Commissionier and the mayor 
issued statements that they would 
stop the Sunday performances if 
attempted and would arrest those 
in charge of the circus. 

Friday, Frank Braden and Eddie 
.Vaughan, of the show, arrived in 
Buffalo and at the same time, appli- 
cation .was made to 'Supreme Court 
Justice Hihkley for an order re-, 
straining the police from interfering 
with the Sunday performances. Ar- 
guments were had in Supreme Court 
as a result of which a teniporary 
stay was issued returnable. 'Tuesday 
(6) after the show left town. The 
stay was obtained by a demonstra- 
tion that under the penal law shows 
of all yxaAs including night clubs 
iand burlesque, shows were per- 
mitted Sundays and that circus per-- 
f ormariees were also legal under the 
section.; In view of the fact that 
the Common Council had grarited 
the circus a permit, to show on Sun- 
day .and. that considerable money 
had been expended; in pr-eparation 
for the performantes, Judge Hink- 
ley stated that he thought the Com- 
mon; Couicil's position in rescind- 
ing the; permit was 'not exactly just 
and fair.' 

Shortly biefore the Sunday open- 
ing, pQlice arrested Vaughan. an as- 
sistant manager of the show on a 
charge of Violati ;the city ordi- 
nance. ,He, give imnriediate bail and 
was released for arraignment in city 
court Tuesday ' when • a test of the 
vali ity 'of the Sund^^ closing ordi- 
nance will bie inade. 



Sock for Marshall 



Dallais, July 6. 

George Marshall, irectoir of 
entertainment' iand sports fpr, 
the Dallas exposition, got red 
around the gills last week 
when he called on the local 
mayor with his visiting 'troupe , 
of South American athletes. 

Mayor, George Spragiie, who 
is. a first-tef mer . and a novice- 
at such routinesi had j ust pulled 
the' key gag on the. South 
Amei'icans, then, turned to Mar- 
shall Who was standing by: - 

*I am very hiippy to rheet 
you Mr. Marshall,* thie mayor 
siaid politely, 'Did you have a 
pleasant trip .lip from South. 
.America?' 



WALLENDA ACT 
SAVED IN 
BAD FALL 



Schenectady, N. 'Y., July 6, 

Quick thinking by a propi man, 
Ralpih (Curly) Lill;- saved sevet-al. 
members of The .Flying " Wallehdas 
from possible death in the snapping 
of a cable holding a igh wire, at a 
matinee performance, of the Ringling 
Brothers-Bafnum & Bailey show 
here last week. The rain-softened 
ground caused Lill, head of the prop 
crew, working with the act, to double 
the liSiiial 12 . mLen who grip a net 
three feet f rom . the wooden floor 
and 40 feet from the lowest wire 
on which Joe and Herman Wallehda 
balance themselves ' with poles, as 
they , hold on. their shoulders a pole 
on which a 15-ppund chair is bal- 
anced for Karl, in turn supporting 
Helen Wallenda on his shoulders. 

Shortly after the turn opened, 
Karl, head of the troupe, decided 
against the use of the bicycles be- 
cause of the 'funny' feel of tfie guy 
wires. He decide^ that the 'under- 
standers' should walk on the wires 
insteiad of riding bikes. 

Lill, sensing trouble, summoned a 
dozen ushers to take hold of the niet, 
along, with the regular crew. Sud- 
denly, the main wire gave way. 
Helen, highest in the air, was thrown 
sideways in the direction of Lillj who 
lunged and pushed her into the net. 

However, she could not avoid side- 
swipinig the chair. Helen was 
knocked unconscious, as were Karle 
and Herman. Joe, burned, by guy 
wires, was shocked. Herman was 
gashed. 

They soon revived and received 
treatment in the circus hospital. 
Management announced, before the 
big show left fpr Utica, that the act 
would go on, but that Karl and 
Helen, his wife, would be out of 
action fpr a few days. 



WALLACE BR. CIRCUS 
SHMIES HOOT GIBSON 



Fat Woman Shot 



Loiii.s, Jvily 6. 
Jpsi Mae rass,; 39, formerly a 
fat lady in circuses; and carriys, was 
shot, to death as she slept, in her 
home at Lexington; Mo., June 30. 
. Elmer Long,. 40, who was living 
•at Miss Grass' home, was 'found se- 
verely wounded ift throat. He is, held 
for questioning and Prosecuting At- 
torney L. I. Morris asserts Long 
shot self. Miss Grass quit show 
business' several years ago- at time 
when she tipped; beam at 530 pounds. 
Her weight dwindled to inere 380 
at time of death. 



Detroit, July 6. 

Enjoined from performing with 
Hagenbeclt- Wallace circus. Hoot 
Gibson remained in Ann Arbor last 
week to answer charges of contract 
breach filed by Wallace Bros, circus. 

Charged .with quitting the Wallace 
Bros, circuit in Gary, Ind., last Tues- 
day and joining Haigenbeck in Jack- 
son, Mich., the next day, Gibson was 
halted' from appearing with latter 
eircus; just about one hoiir before 
scheduled to go on, by a circuit cpui-t 
injunction. 

. Ex-cowboy film actor declared he 
signed temporary contract with Wial- 
lace Bros, while still under option to 
•Hagenbeck-Wallace and that his job 
being only temporary, with the. forni- 
er he was merely waiting until 
Hagenbecfc called him. 

Wallace .Bros, asserted Gibson's 
contract has 20 weeks to. run^ and 
seek $10,000 damages.. While Gib- 
son was detained ' Ann Arbor, 
Hagenbeck-Wallace moved on to 
other- towns in Michigan, did 
Wallace Bros, troupe. 

Circiis Rotttes 





Tifled Dance Pard Quits, No Gigolo 



HOXIE CIRCUS HUNG UP 



Attachments Tie tip Trick—Advance 
Crew to BingUnir. . 



irmpht, W. Va., 

Jack Hbyie circus had its equip- 
ment impounded :here under nearly 
a dozen attachnjenis filed through 
justice As the suits w.ere 

not - heard for several, daysj Mr.: 
Hoxi , ace perforrtier with the show, 
arranged to feed the stranded 
troupe. He purchased food and set 
up a cbmmissary. 

Hoxie was not one of those filing 
suit for back pay, it is understood, 
it is stated /that Cly .Newton, is te- 
garded as owner and manager of 
the show. 



Dennison, ./July 6. 

The advance billing crew ot the 
Jack Hoxie circus, which folded sud- 
denly Monday at Fairmont, W, Va., 
ended its activities b^re just a w^ek 
ahead of the sho.w, and joined, al- 
most intact, the Ringling. BrOs.-Bar- 
num & Bailey . circus advance. 

According to Ringling-Barnum ex- 
ecutives the big show has been 
shorthahded all yeair iii its billing 
forces, due , to the shortage of ex- 
perienced men this season; 
' The seyerial trucks of the show 
remain here waiting decision, of ex- 
ecutives of thie former Hoxie $how 
as to futuire plains for the outfit. 





IT IN THE NECK 



Week of July 12 

Bariies-Sells Floto 

Ktevlint,'. Co\6.. XZ; novilder. 13: Kt. 
C'DtliiiK,' 14; (;i-ecley, 1^>| T.amihlo, Wyb., 
HI; Hook .SprlTigfi, 17 ; • Kawlinii, 18. 

Rinflrllhg: Bros.-BariiLum it Bailey 

nUsbuPKii, P.a.. 12-13; Columbua, O., 
1 t;. liityton, 15; ^prlngneld, 16; Toledo, 
17; Detroit, i Ich., IS-^aO. 



Dallas, July 6. 
. With an impressive, title, the 
Greater Texas and Pan . American 
exposition has proved to be a local 
proposition through its first 22 days. 
Attendance figures at. closing Satur- 
day (3) had. reached aggregate of 
448,052. 

Most of the attendance is at night' 
and exhibits scattered over the 
grounds : of last, year's. Centennial 
get hardly any patronage! during 
day. Weather-wise Texans just 
don't stick their heads out in the 
mid-day .sun. When the lights go 
on, they have been making an' ap- 
pearance in the entertainment spots 
and giving the exhibits no play. 

The exposition has started re- 
trenchment in line with the pirefer- 
ence for night-tinrie stuff and took 
a big slice out of the day-time per- 
sonnel. Frank McWeny, director 
general of the fair, also took oc- 
casion last week to issue a formal 
statement denying rumors that the 
celebration would end before its 
scheduled time Oct. 31. 

Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone 
were brought in over the holiday 
weekend to act as bait for the front 
gate. The pair was presented in a 
Saturday night in Cotton Bowl 
which was free and Stunt was to be 
repeated Sunday and Monday "ttights. 

Free show had the entire setup 
which ordinarily broadcasts for IDr. 
Pepper on 9. Southern network 
.Sunday nights and included Lyn 
Murray's male chorus, Jaick Arthur, 
arid Art Jarrett from the Casino. At- 
tendance at the first free, show was 
estimated at 15,000; much less than 
exposition officials had anticipated. 
Benny ialso made appearances in, 
Cavalcade and Casino shows nightly 
to earn the $15,000 he reputedly re- 
ceived for stopoff here. 

Rudy Vallee comes in , Saturday 
(10) to succeed Ted Fio Rito, at the 
Casino show. He is set for two 
weeks, after which Phil Harris takes 
over; George Marshall, director of 
entertairirnent, reports, that Borrah 
Minevitch is leaving this week but 
that his .hariT(ionica troupie wiU con- 
tinue extra two weeks. Jack Ar^ 
thur also will . bow out with; Art Jar 
rett taking over whole singing bur 
den, excepting through Lanny Ross 
engagement. When Rbss will sing, one 
number, 'bon't You Know or . Don't 
You Care?"; Marshall reports he 
has The Craddocks coming in : and 
also has eontracted Arren Brodeirick 
to. follow Lanny Ross. 

MarshaH's sports program will be- 
gin July 15 and run three days, with 
South Ameirican, . track and soccer 
stars meeting American toppers. 
The; South American representatives 
already have reached Dallas. 



Fort Worth, 
_ Attendance, at Casa Manana; main, 
attraction of the Frontiier Fiesta, 
ran 25% ahead of ihe first 10 days 
of last, year, gettinig the fiesta off to 
a good start. The three-day holiday 
oyer the Fourth brought large 
crowds, missed lasit ; year as the 
show then opened. July 18, 

Casa Manana revue has been, 
speeded up. The result Is a snappy 
show running little more than an 
houi" and with gobs of flash; 

John Murray Anderson, director, 
left JYiday (1) ior England after 
polishing up the performance. Bob 
Allen is staying ari extra wee'^ to 
speed up the dancing and to put 
more finish to Pioneer Palace show. 
Calgary Brothers, pantomime come-- 
diaris, moved from large Casa 
Manana to Pioneer Palace. First 
spot too liarge fpr their typie oif act. 

Paul Whitenian bought national 
irights to 'Gone With the^awn,' ro- 
mantic song, and is expected to play 
it on his twicerweekly broadcast 
from a new studio just; opened on 
the grounds. 

Whitemtin drove half ight 
Thursday to take part i real 
cowboy reunion at Stamford, 
getting plenty of publicity and 
ing goodwill for the show.' 

. Albert Johnson, . scenei . designer, 
will remai a moiiih to work oa. 
planis for a fiesta pri wheels which 
Billy Rose, director general, has In 
mind for a fall tour, Carlton Wi 
ler, techmcal director, will remain 
through run of Casa Manaha. 

Wbitemfin announced auditions 
for a girl singer which he hopes to 
obtain in Texas. He wants a girl 
who can go into the movies. 

Count Nicoli Vegetti Di Cafia, 
one of a group of titled dancing 
partners provided at Casa Mianana, 
quit in a huff when he read in New 
York reviews that he was called a 
gigolo. The. others stayed put, how- 
ever. Di Caff a said he was not a 
gigolo and swore vehgance at -the 
visiting columnisits. 

Fireworks finale to Casa Manana; 
revue prohibited by city because 
nearby tent caught fire. 




NJ.Fair 

mm With 

$lMtoS£ 



Washington, Jiily 
Measures carrying $4,500,000 for, 
Federal participation in the rival 
World Fairs skedded for San Fran- 
cisco and New York in 1939 received 
approval of the Houise last week. . 

Stalling by the lower branch 
ended with ratification of revised 
Merritt bill appropriating $3,000,000 
for the Gotham expo and a /re writ- 
ten measure supplying $1,500,000 for 
the Golden Gate show. The S; f. 
money prpposal previously was 
passed by. the Senate but House Foir- 
eign Affairs ^Committee changes re- 
quire further action. The N. Y. leg- 
islation, similar to a $5,000)000 bijl 
which, the President vetoed several 
weeks back, has not been taken u(i' 
in the Senate. 

Congressmen will h&ye a say in 
formulating plans for Government 
spending, .despite Presidfent Roose- 
velt's prior objection that this is an 
unconstitutional invasion of the 
rights of the executive; branch of. 
the government. 

Commish for the Frisco jambptee 
embraces four cabinet officers— sees 
of Interior,. Agriculture, Coinmercei 
and Labors three members pf the 
House, and like number of Senators. 
Group to supervise N. Y, exhibit in 
eludes si lawmakers and three 
cabineteers, representing Labor, 
Commerce and Agriculture; depart- 
ments. 



Legion Bally ' 

Battle Creek, Mich., July 6. 

What is believed to be the brtly 
traveling poj;t of the Amei'ican Le- 
gion marched in the Fourth of July 
parade here Sunday. 

The 'traveling post' is compose 
of member vetera;n3 employed by 
the Greater. Exposition Shows, which 
iare showing here this weekl 

There are 60 members and nrieet- 
incs are. held weekly. 



62 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 7i 1937 



News Ftom the Dailies 

is department contains rewritieii theatricaX news items as v^tt^ 
lishei 6mring the weik in the daily papers of New York, Chicago, 
San Francisco, Hollywood and London.' VarietV takes no credit for 
these news items; each; has been rewritten frojn a daily paper. . 



East 



. Jirii Barton played vJeeter Lesteif 
in 'Tobacco Road' for the l.OOOth 
time last Wednesdiay. That's the 
record. Henry Hull went 233 per- 
formances and James Bell .305. 

: .. Paul White,^ Ne'jgro lad, 

picked . by Universal for a part iii 
•Adventure's End.' He worked for 
the Guild in 'But for the Grace of 
God.' Selected because he can speak 
with a cockney accent. 

Eugene 'britiahdy ham^d prez of 
the Schubert Memorial. Succeeds 
Ossip Gabrilowitsch. 

English Home Office figures show 
that only about 10,000 from the U. S^ 
attended the Coronation^ , 
. Understudy dub to make a picture 
'Short ,of its activities. ' Also plan an- 
other performance. 

That Jones. Beach private weather 
bureau beat the Government predic- 
tions, three times in the fir«t week. 

Mrs. Ted Healy got a divorce last 
October. Later .she chianged her 
mind. But she only remembered to 
- have the decree, officially quashed 
last. week. 

Arnold Reuben, announces he's 
■quit naming sandwiches .after the 
; near-great In futur^ he'll use flc-. 
tion and historical characters tb 
sponsor his output.. 
' Belle Livingston announces shb's 
going to open a new club. To re- 
vive the bid -timie charin of the 
speaks. 

. Nite dub. gem .gang got to Mrs. 
' Joseph Forrestal^ socialite, for about 
$48,000. Worth of jewelry liist thufs-l 
day (1). Trailed her from the Plaza. 
> New bus nine to Rils park will be 
inaugurated from the Kings High- 
way station of the Brighton subway. 
To use the new bridge. 

Fritz Reiner in from London' to 
V conduct Stadium concerts 

Trolley Players, strawhatters, one- 
nighting^ suburban towns arbund 
N. Y. watson-Lahey manage. 
■ Strand guested 100 marines £rom 
Brooklyn havy yard Friday (2) for 
opening of 'Singuig Marine.' . 

Railroad officials said holiday 
travel :^as tip 30% over last year. 
Even the, bus lines ran in sections. 

: Croydon Pehdergrace, . auto racier, 
killed on the Swanzey (N. H.) dirt 
track, July 4,, when his car went 
over the embankment. Later two 
women were hurt when three cars 
collided and crashed the fence. 

With rehearsals slated to start in 
a few weeks, four, Yiddish theatres 
have set their opening bills. Her 
man Yablokoff, at the National, will 
try 'Give Me Back My Heart,' 
musical; 'Sins of the Mothers' will 
open the Parkway; Hdpkinson, 
Brooklyn, will have a musical and 
Michal Michalesko and Lu(^ Levin 
will start, with an operetta. Ann 
Cherhiak and Beimie Adler will oc- 
cupy the Bronx Art theatre with 
The SlaVe of Sin.' 

George E. Quigley, retired picture 
execi, in Elizabeth (N. J.), chancery 
court yesterday (Tuesday): to answer 
his first wife's divorc6 action. She 
claims his Mexican divorce ..was 
illegally obtained. 

Club Bagdad, East Greenwich, 
R. I., suing Belle Baker for $3,000 
alleging she failed to keep a con 
tract date. 

Richard Furlong, , arrested 
when found asleep In the N. Y. 
Straiid theatre after the house had 
closed. Parents testified he was sub- 
ject, for fits of somnolency. . Given a 
suspended sentence in court. 

Karl Kruger, of the Kansas City 
Philharmonic, engaged to lead the 
Budapest Philharmonic on a tour of 
Italian cities next spring. To give 
14 concerts. 

Flush, the dog used in the 
.Katharifte Cornell production of 
'The Barretts of Wimpole Street' is 
dead. Never liiissed a show nor' a 
cue. ■■■■■■■ 

Arthur Mayer cuffs the Harvard, 
Yale, and Princeton club members 
to 'Frightened Men* at the. Rialtd. 
Film tells of a group ;of Harvard 
students. 



Coast 



Galifoi'nia supreme court granted 
a. re-hearing from an appeal from a 
lower court j u d g; m e n t which 
awarded $30,000 to Miary Pickfbrd 
and her lister Charlotte In a suit 
against two L. A. realty firms. 

Request of Mylliceht Bartholomew, 
aunt .and adopted parent of Freddie 
Bartholomew, to have court set 
aside the agreement apportioning 
boy player's earnings among mem- 
bers of his family, was denied by 
Superior Judge Fox in L. A. 

Eleanor Huntley, iilm actress, won 
a divorce, from Robert Kellogg 
Heinze in L. A. 

Elaine Barrie won the right to. 
denionstrate 'How to Undress Be- 
fore Your Husband' using that title 
afteij court evidence iii L. A. showed 
title had been used in a magazine. 

Alfredo Codona, former circus per- 
former, is defendant in a divorce 



suit filed at Long Beach, Galif., by 
Mrs. Vera Codbna, who asks, half of 
$34,000 property and $200 a month. 

Ted Healy, divorced last October, 
joined by ex- wife in plea to L, A.' 
Superior Court tb call decree off. 

Mrs. Lita Grey Chaplin Aguirre 
was igranted a divorce from Henry 
Aguirre, film player, by Judge Bur- 
nell, who earlier had refused her a 
decree. 

Sheila Wilcoxon divorced from 
Henry Wilcoxon i . A. on cruelty 
grounds. 

Mrs. Josephine Austin (Irene Del- 
rov) won a divorce in Reno from 
William L; Austin, Jr; 

Damages 'of $100,000 are asked in 
a suit filed against Metto resulting 
froprt the drbwnirig of Kresten Gom- 
mesan^ a' sailor, during the filming 
ol 'Captains Corageous.' 

Contracts of Betty Grable and 
Marsha Hunt, both 2(1 with Para- 
mount, were approved by L. A. Su- 
perioip court. 



Nitery Reviews 



(Continued from page 49) 



appearance and perform^ with an 
enthUsiasrn ;good-fellow tbuch 
that is fetching. The cards are dis- 
tinctly stacked In her ;favor as a 
fiopir show entertainer in New- York 
and if she doesn't move to other 
night spots later , shb might prove a 
good b. p. bet on theatre personals; 

Suppbrtirtg troupe includes Charles 
Althoff, istandard hick-fiddling turn 
in vaudeville fbr many years, and a 
clickful proposition from a floor. 
Like niany others who have gone 
from vaude to: niteries hie finds him- 
self very much, at home and no 
trouble with his audience. 

A flaiishy abrbbatic dancer is Loma 
Ruth. She has a fast and rather 
tricky routine. Patricia Reilly, per- 
sonality songstress, remains here, as 
does Ebbe Gyldenkron, who calls 
himself the 'singing baton,' and is 
now in bis third year on the prem- 
ises. Gylkendron lends distinct 
Scandinavian ffavor. Hie's from 
Copenhagen. Bob Asen's well-man- 
aged orchestra backgrounds .effici- 
ently tot. dancing and the show. 

Three-day Fourth bf July week- 
end wasn't hurting business here at 
all, which may mean that a unique 
Svenska restaurant of this kind, 
coupled with b. o. of the Nesbit 
name, was the answer Sunday night 
(3) when house was filled. Some 
places were deserted both Saturday 
and Sunday nights, Chor. 

HOTEL ASTOR, N. Y. 

It's some five years, since Ted (Is 
Everybody Happy?') Lewis has been 
on Broadway, but seemingly he's not 
forgotten. Times Square over the. 
long holiday; Week-end looked like 
the proverbial deserted village, but 
they must, have eome "up from man- 
hole covers: and. hideaways the way 
they piled into the Astor Roof Mon- 
day night for Lewis' preem. 

Ever an astute showman, the band- 
man had . permitted . himself . to be- 
come a bit standardized on his re- 
cent vaudfilmery jaunts, but seem- 
ingly, in between the Chez Paree 
(Chi) . engagement last month and 
this lap on Broadway, he's refur- 
bished his stuff. There's a judicious 
admixture of the old and the new 
and while Lewis' dansapation is still 
on the forte, side — ^it may only .be 
the hyper-amplification of the loud- 
speakers all over the Roof— his is an 
effective presentation. QK.hoth for 
sight and hoof. 

On the sight end, opening with a 
musical cavalcade that sets him off 
well. Lewis is augmented by the 
Radio Aces,: vocal trio; . Teddy Hale, 
yeoman tenor with the band, who 
could, however,: subdue his vocail en- 
thusiasm: and not pyramid his top- 
notes thataway; Charlie .(Snowball) 
Whittier; who does Lewis' 'shadow!; 
Ruth Eiaye,, tapster,' arid Lita Lede,. 
vocaliste. All specialists are clicky. 

Lewis on his own has how made 
'Baby Smiles at Me' and . his clari- 
net and sweet-hot rieed work ner- 
sonal trademarks and this, fortified 
by an intrinsic capability to mer- 
xjhandize himself to the fullest; im- 
presses hiin anew oh his Broadway 
return. Abel. 

HICKORY LODGE 

(LAllCHMONT, Y.y 

This roadhouse was taken over 
this season by the Goldman ' BroS;, 
who operate the Hickory. House on 
West 52nd Street in New York. For^ 
merly the Post Lodge, spot on the 
Boston Post Road a short ways up 
from the mietropolis* furthermost 
border has beeh; tastefully redeco- 
rated and is making a play for 
Westchester's younger set. 

No fibbr^how, but Charles Bar- 
nett.'s orchestra, With a thrice-weekly 
(Monday-Thursday-Saturday ) NBC 
wire, dishes out okay terps music; 
Gale Reese augments some of the 



choruses nicely with vocals, with Al 
Stuart, one of the musicians, also 
stepping out for some singing. Dell 
qnd Hamoryi mixed accordion and 
singing team, work the tables be- 
tween dancing. 

As at the Hickory House in N. Y., 
feature 'bf this spot is the food, es- 
pecially the steaks. Latter will have 
to draw, too, inasmuch as Hickory 
.I^odge is surrounded by roadhpuses 
of every deg^ee^ with the popular 
Glen Island Casino not: very far 
away. Scho, 

EL CHICO, N. Y. 

Highlight of the new fioor shpw, at 
El jChicp, authentic. Castilli class 
nitery in Gfeehwich Village, is - 
lando. He's a ybung Mexican who 
dbes Impressions. His billi 'the 
human caricaturist' coveris the situa- 
tion icely because his gfotpsque 
makeup, while doing a takeoff of 
Lefty .Gromez pitching, in , rhumba 
rhythm, is a new idea in impression- 
ism. He effects a chalky makeup 
and exaggerated eye-penciling fdr 
contirast, augmenting his stuff with 
contprtive rhUmbaing. The panto- 
mime is highly effective. 

On an equal par are Jose. and. Pa<^ : 
tricia, a pair of personality ballrobm- . 
olbgists, she a looker .and he a nice 
vis-^a-vis. Their terps are likewise 
new, incbrporating such characteris- 
tic tempos as the fado fr()m Portu- 
gal, the zambra from AnadalUCia, this 
Mexican ' jarana, chapanecas and 
other new daiices.. 

.vLas Guarecitas aire a sister .team, 
dbing ranchero songs in Mexican, 
motif. CarlPs Montoya holds over 
with his extraPi'dinary guitaring-r-: 
he's among the tops. : Ant6nita Mo-: 
rales is the ballerina subbing for 
Mona Montes, star'^Ptthe rev.Ue, put: 
four weeks through injury to . her 
ankle, but since returned; and the 
Trio Pampero, do South American 
songalogs to seU-guitar accompaiu> 
ment. Don Alberto and Los Pipa- 
dore cohtihue for the dansapation.. 

A jgqod, new stunt which Benito C. 
Colfada.'the' Chicb's managing dii^ec- 
tor, has incorporated is the featuring 
of Rodolfb D'Avalbs and Senorita 
Albertina' to demonstrate - the tango 
and rhumba. They: tutor in simple- 
manner, then Invite anybody f rdm 
the audience. It's a cUffo unless the 
customers get interested in D'Avalos 
and Albertina's private sessions.' 

Ahel. 



OBITUARIES 



SILVE:R FOREST ROOM 

(DEAKE. CmCAOb) 

Ghicagb, Jiily 2. 
During: past couplie months, the 
Drake has found, astonishingly 
enough, that there. i& a certain 
amount of truth in the text book 
theory of merchandise being a pre- 
requisite tp selling. Before that 
time, waiters were complai ing of 
having no other duties except to ap 
plaud the nightly performances .of 
scale bands.. There seemed to be 
no way to meet this demand ;except 
to close the two rooms; a decision al 
most Reached when Consolidated set 
Paul Whiteman for four weeks. He 
stayed eight. 

Not only did Whiteman's engage 
ment forestall any room-closing, but 
it broke ;Drake records, and started 
the present avid demand fbr name 
bands in Chicago. Jack Denny, fol- 
lowing Whiteman, -has upheld the 
validity of the theory. Starting his 
second, four wCeks, business in the 
Silver Forest room is still remark-^ 
able, despite even the use of electric 
fans ais the principal coPling system. 

Denny band is a. top-notch outfit. 
Part of the. credit should go tb the 
excellent arrangements and the 
workmanship of the bands; another 
part, certainly, to the, orgahizatiori's 
and to Denny^s personality. There's 
no- needless fiash or ishow-off; in- 
stead, the atmosphere is of agreeable 
fellows doing an agreeable job. 

As to the show surrounding Den- 
ny's orch.^ some is good, and some 
bad. The Dorothy Byton line of 
eight girls is one of the best. . Each 
of the girls is a splb specialist in her 
own right; the costumes (for orie 
routine, white and silver Indian, for 
the other, simple acrobatic) are in 
keepiriei with the: room motif. 

Two girl singles are in.: One, Mig- 
nbrte, a tiny ; toe-acrobatic dancer, 
does . work Which, in a less stiff at-, 
mosphere, would! tie up the show. 
The secprid gin, Rita Lester, doesn't 
fare .so well. There's not so much 
complaint about the singing voice 
quality as about the type numbers 
she does. The jiopular stuff, par- 
ticularly, doesn't jibe with, her style, 
and if she'd substitute light concert, 
music,. It would be an; imprpyement 
all around: Also, should switch 
frPitt the red gbwn she displayed 
when caught. . ; 

Three Olympics, two man and . a 
Wbmari rbller skating turn- are standr' 
ard; Act, done entirely, upon a tablie 
arena, has all the speed, fiash .and 
showmanship this type of turn needs. 
As the final act Vox and Walters do 
their ventriloquist, dub. They idn't 
fare 50 well at . this catching, 

Pierre Andre, local radio an- 
nouhder: is the m.c. The only one 
of the several vocalists bf the Denny 
cifew to work in the show is Bob 
Tace, who does a nice job soloing 
during line's opening Indian 
routine.. Loop, i 



FREDERIC A. JUILLIABD 

Frederic A. Juilliard, 70, textile 
manufacturer, died at his home in 
•ruxedo P'ark June 29, of a cerebral 
hemorrhage. 

He was the nephew .and heir 4pf 
the late Augustus D".' "-JaiUiard, 
ifpurider of the Juilliard school, and 
catcied on his uncle's work. He was 
a inember of the board of.:the ■Met- 
ropolitan Opera and Iteal Estate Co., 
the Metrppolitan Opera Assn., one- 
time president and currently a dir 
rector of the N. Y. Philharmonic- 
Syiriphony and was . connected, prp- 
mihently with other inusical - 
tures. 



QELEN: LOWELL 

Aelen Lowell, 71V yeterah stage 
and screen actress, died at her Hollyr 
Wood libme, June 28, af ter: a linger-- 
ing illness.' Deceased went on the 
stage at 17, playing lolanthe in the 
Gilbert and Sullivan Cbmic opera of 
that title. She created the' rple pf 
Dearest in 'Little Lord Fauntlerpy' 
and pf Miss Hiazy in 'Mrs. Wiggs bf 
the Cabbage PatcW 

After Wide stage experience, in- 
cluding several foreign . tburS, she 
went to Holly wbod under cpntri^ct 
to Warners ' 1934, appearing ih 



IN MEMORY 
OF OVB DEAR FBIEMDS 

THE MINER BOYS 

„ VOM — r ED — GEOBGE 
BARNEY and GERTRUDE USRARD 



many films. Her later appeairances 
Were i 'Valiant Is the Word for 
Cairrie,' 'I'd Give My Life,' and 
'Strike Me Pink.' 



. PABkEB 

George D. , Parker, 64,. veteran 
American producer, died in Sydney, 
Australia, May 29. Parker went tp 
Australia many years . aso under 
cbntract tP WilUamson-Tait and pro- 
duced many of their . comedy and 
dramatic hits prior to the decline of 
the legit stage. 

Quitting W-T he went, to Cine- 
sound as dialogue director and -re: 
maihed With unit for quite a spell. 
He left Cinespund and found thie.gor 
ing fairly hard to get set again in 
legit Made his biggest success with 
'Journey's Ehd.^ 



ROBERT T. SMITH 

Robert T. Smith, 44, manager of 
GraUman's Chinese theatre, Los 
Angeles, died July 4 as a' result bf 
a heart' attack contracted while 
swimming at San Clemente, CalLf. 

A native of Iowa; ^mith Worked in 
Skouras houses in St. Louis prior 
to going to Holly wbod, five years agb 
to manage Pantages* Loew's, State. 
For the past three years Smith hiaid 
been at Grauman's. Chinese; 

Survived by widow and three 
daughters. 



JOHN C. LYNCH 

Jphn: C. Lsmch, 62, retired elec- 
trical engineer, died at Stockbridge, 
Massv JUne 29, of coronary thrbm- 
bosis. He went to the N. Y, Teler 
phone company on his graduation in 
1896 and remained with that or- 
ganization until deafness forced his 
retirenient in 1931. 

He Was a pioneer in radio research 
and established a number of broad- 
casting stations, notably WE AF, New 
York. 



JEROME WILLIAIMTS 

Jerome Williams, 83, former 
leader of the Sampson Opera House 
orchestra, Kingston, and for many 
year.<i director pf the Kingston Point 
Band, led June 30 in Kingstpn, N. 
Y. He Was known to thbusands of 
excursibnists .who stopped on Day 
Li steamer trips to • Kingiston 
Poi Where he batoned the barid. 



ELLA WOODS 

Ella Woods, 77, pioneer film scen- 
arist, died in Hollywood July 3. The 
wife of Frank Woods, former Famous 
Players' production chief. 

Mris; Woods had been in the Writ- 
ing end of pictuire biz fby. 25 years. 
She did/many of the scripts for the 
early Norma Talrriadge starrers. 



theatre, the Broadway, died in Haw- 
thorne, N. J./ July 2. 

His claim is npt substantiated, 
si . electricity Was used in nu- 
merous theatres long befpre the 
Broadway was built. 



LILLIAN B. OSLER 

Mrs. Lillian B; Osleir, 67, pianist 
and accompanist , of years ago, died 
at her home in Philadelphia July J; 

A member of the Matinee Musical 
Club, she had a studib in. the Pres- 
ser building and was. correspondent 
i iladelphia for Musical Cpurler. 



JAMES CABDINA 

Janies Cardina, former owner and 
operator ot the Varsity, Kensington 
and the Glen, Williamsville (Buf- 
falo), died at Buffalo July 3 after: ^ 
shbrt illness, "S^ 



JOSIE MAE GRASS 

Josi Mae Grass, 39, formerly fat 
woman With circus side shows. Was 
shot to death at her hbme in Lex- 
ington,. Mb., June 30. 

Details pii the outdoor page. 

Mrs. Meta M. TUlotson, wife of 
Hpward Tillotson, Denve!r theatre 
brchestra director, died 1 Denver 
of pneumbni 



Mottier of Carey Wilson, Metro 
producer- writer, died at Rutherford, 
N. Y., June 27. 



JOSEPH PEARE 

Joseph Peare, who claimed to be 
the first electrician, in a New York 



MARRIAGES 

Virgi ia Geehan to Johii Bigelow; 
June 26, in Ellensburg, Wash. Groom 
is Varietx cprresp'pndcsiit ^iii Spp- 
kahe. , ' ' ' ' 

Catheirine Davidson' fb Fbrriest 
Judd; June 26, in Des Moines, IpWa, 
where grponi is head of the Monb- 
^ram exchange. 

Dorothy Frazer to Jack McGaffby, 
July 4, at San Diegp. Grpom is 
Cplunnbia situdib employe. ^ 
. Cora James to Gale Beatty, in 
HbliyWood, July ?3. Grpom " 
Warner's publicity dept. 
' . Elvia Allman, radio actress, to C. C. 
Pyle,, in Los Angeleis July 3. Groom, 
former sporte promoter, is head, of 
Radio Transcription Co. in, Holly- 
wood. 

Jane Wyman, . film, actress,, to 
Myron Futterman, June 28, in New 
Orleans. Gropm is a Los Angeles, 
business .man. 

Pat Selwyn tb Donald Klupfei^, 
June 30, in New York. .Bride is a 
niece of Arch and EdgaF" Selwyn. 
Groom is cb-publisher with Bennett 
Cerf of Random House. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Perry, son, June 
30, in New York. .Father is inifember 
of sales force pf Grand National 
Pictures. 

■Mr. . Mrs. Charles Qiiigley, 
daughter, June. 26, in. Hollywbod. 
Father is a film, player. 

Mf. and Mrs. Frank W. Davis, 
daughtef, at Culver City, Calif., July 
2, Father is i Metro art depart- 
ment; 

Mr; Mrs. Bertram Lebhai:, 

daughter, in New Yor , June .1, 
Father is sales irianager at WMCA. 

Mr. and • Mrs. Leland Hay ward, 
daughter^ July 4, in Lbs Angeles; 
Mother is Margaret SuUavari, father 
ah agenti 



Tax Bill 



(Continued from page 6) 



thirds vote, or 88. affirmatives, was 
required to pry the bill out of com- 
mittee and that; therefore, the mo- 
tion was lost.' . 

During the heated debate on the 
measure, several members chargecl 
that it was not prinriarily a tax bill 
at all, but represented a fight be-.- 
tween Tival theatre interests. The 
Behz Bros., millionaire liquor deal- 
ers . and .real, estate owners; have 
been previously accused of sponsor- 
ing the tax ■ iretaliation . against 
Publix for allegedly haying been in- 
strumental in getting Iqcal film ex- 
changes to. iref use to service the Benz 
Minneapolis arid St Paul theatres • 
for . dime subsequent • rUrt . pictures. 
Northwest Allied States has not sup- 
ported it 

Representative GePrge Hagen, -who 
led the fight to get the bill onto the 
fiobr, said the tax would yield $400,- 
000 annually, but admitted it should 
undergo 'soriie severe trimmings i 
rates.' He asked why 11 hlen in 
rules ' comniittee should dictate to 
the entire House of 131 ritiembers as 
to what , legislation, should be con- 
sidered. 



Jessica Dragonette will sing! at 
isidney Me., on Jiily ll for the 
American Federation of Women's 
Clubs. Organizaition Is having a 
summer rally-around. 



I 



'Wednesday, July 7» 1937 



FORUM 



VARIETY 



03 



^Clrix JDwindle 

<ConUnued lr6m page 1> 

creased. There are U- lew. critics 
ctiu on the drama ]oh exclusively in 
tKe key cities. Ashton Stevens' of 
?hc Herald-Examiner and Gharles 
Collins of the Tribune, both in^Chi- 
cafio are the survivors but with lit- 
tle to do in way of play leviewing. 
Lloyd Lewis, one of the younger 
scribes in the Loop city is J^th re- 
viewer and sports editor on the Ghi- 
c^o Daily News and is the author 
of a novel or two; Chicago developetf 
Wo of firbadway's best known, 
critics-^the late^riPercy -Hammond, 
arid Burns Mantle, active, critic of 
the News, ' . . . ' 

» In Boston two of Its best known 
critics died Within a: year. Most 
widely read was H. T. Parker, who 
composed loiig reviews 'for theTranr- 
script. . Edward Harkins, yrhp has 
covered the stage for 25 years, is 
the sole remaining well known play 
specialist on the Hub piapers, he be- 
ing with the Hecbrd. Boston and 
Chicago have been sent most, of the 
road shows in the past , several sea-^ 
sons, with Philadelphi third.. In 
the latter spot, a few of the bld- 
imers aie around but In othei' 
stands they have dropped from at- 
tention. , ' 
Death and newspaper ' mergers 
' were not the dhly factors in deplet- 
ing fhi cifilieal. ranks.; With tjie 
constriction of the number of shows 
there was a decline in revenue from 
the theatre. That was further les 
sensed by the directory, form of daily 
inserts in the New Ybrk press. Ini 
othief times ^display space frequently 
found theatres taking^ tfp a full page, 
especially in Sunday editions 
Amusement revenue has virttially 
beeii balanced, however, by splurge 
for motion pictures, yet that 
coin does not cOver: the expense of 
the drama departments. 
: New, York's critics are the youngs 
est grbiip of reviewers in the world. 
With tiie passing of Hammond, Man 
tie is the dean and all the others 
on the regular dailies, are his junior 
by a wide margin. A poihi . in pass- 
ing is that the NeWs reviewer (Man- 
tle ) usually covers morie shows than 
single critic in New York. 
. Few Contractces 
Only some of the critics in the 
metropolis are under contract. There 
, are eight flrst stringers remaining 
ith the suspension of the Ameri 
can. Gilbert Gabriel of the sheet is 
in the . last iseven months of a three- 
year contract, which ;may . be taken 
over by .another daily. John An- 
derson, of tiie Journal, is also a con 
tract man, it being thie Hearst sys 
teih to tie up its by-lihers, with the 
result that thie Journal's sports de 
partment is jammed with ined 
seals.. 

Although not under contraict, men 
ike Brooks Atkinson of the Times 
are under weekly salary through 
oiit the year, with little to do in 
the summer months. On the other 
hand, Anderson grinds out daily 
copy for the Journal. So does Doug 
las Gilbert, who succeeded Robert 
Garland on the World-Telegram, also 
revi ing some of the summer thea 
tre ideaway try-outs as did hiis 
predecessor. Robert Coleman, of the 
Mirror, alSo contributes a daily stint, 

ichard Lockridge of the Sun usu- 
ally spends a month on the rewrite 
desk. Richard Watts, Jr., who suc- 
ceeded Hammond, is on a European 
vacation. John Mason BrpNyn, of 
the Post, lisually leaves the staff 
during summer; write and 

l(ecture. 

Iri the days when the theatre was 
igh the out-of-town critics came 
roadway in the spring and sum- 
mer to look over plays which would 
visit their cities the foilpWing sea- 
BOri. That custom , hsts stopped and 
.only . a. few critical .visitors come to 
New York for that purpose every 
so often. 

While not infifequent. for 

dirarria.. reviewers to -cover pictures, 
only two film critics have become 
drama criticsi Watts is one and 
Jfordaunt Hall, formerly of the N. Y, 
Times, is another. He has the drama 
desk tin the BOstoh Transcript, 

ftadib has curiously failed to de- 
velop critics. Most of the radio 
columns are made .. up of comment 
o.r casual references to broadcasts. 
Variety set thie style in reviewing 
io and is. virtually unopposed in 
. . field. None of :the draitia or 
picture reviewers has touched radio 
coverage to date'" 



WHAT THEY THINK 



. For an Opiera boufle Revival 

BrooHlyn, N. Y, June 29. 
jEditor, Variety: 



regards 



arid make Nebraska, as 
music, a foreign couiitry? 
If Germany, for Instance, did not 
,„... . , j , . ... .4.1. liagree to pay performing rights on 
With, hali: a hundred societies with, ^^gUsh song or work, then we 
imposing titles all aimed at the im- would niake the position reciprocal, 
provement of the stage, chiefly, it so it amounts to this: Nebiraska in^ 
would seem, through the promotion the end would have to write own 

of sociological brainstorms, why can- Perform it Jn^ their own State, 

^ - ' . • i. J and it would not have entree into 

not some httle gro^P J^ve a thought -^ ^tj^^r part of America. This po- 
0. the revivals of the operas bot^e? sitioh would then bring them their 
iaif a century, ago no town of im-. senses. '. 

portance was wit^iout its summer . At ah earlier date you reproduced 
season of light operas. Today thie a letter of rhine in your issue of 
best we get is the occasional appear^ July 22 last, and I would likie to say 
ance of the Gilbert and SuUivan since then the evils that .1 pointed 
scores and the intermittent revival out in that letter have been put 
of some of the . old Shubert successes, rijght in this country-r-special ai:- 
The answer, I suppose, is th^t the L-artg^ments -are not only being sup- 
old timers are regarded as outnabded. I piigd by pubUsheifs, band leaders 



the, public seems interested in buy- 
ing is songs which have come less 
from- necessity and more; from in- 
spiration. 

This, it sieems to me at least, is the 
real reason that popular songs; are 
reaching hew lows in sheet sales. 

ichdrd imbcr. 



are getting more money, and broad- 
casting fees are nearly doubled. 

I mehtibn this hoping that you 
may take a little notice of what I 
have said eairlier in this letter, as .1 
really, do feel if .a New York pub- 



Perhaps theiy aire, but they still are 
more tuneful than the more recent 
Output. When has New York seeh 
Fati itza," 'The Grand Duchess,' 
Boccacio,' 'Princess : Of Trebizonde/ 
Maritana' and their ilk? Or getting 

closer to the present 4ay, what has I ,. , u ji- * ^ u 

become of ^Black Hussar,"The Lady were handling, one of my pub- 

or the Tiger.' 'Falka,' .mdjy' and ^^atjons.! woiUd iwt 
other tuners of that era? handle it if I thought that the State; 

They all carry better, more tuner of Nebraska could perform my 
ful melodies than the machine-made works, without paying .a. fee, 
output of more recent times, and We have our troubles here, but I 
many' have served to supply sugges- airi sure over there you have more, 
tion if not .inspiratibni to the mod- and I can only feel that in the end, 
ern cOmposersr \. iafter all the; money iii litigaltiori that 

I bielieve ^hat, such a venture, has been spent, it will. bpiJL down. to 
Woiild meet With some, favorable re- one thing again, arid that. is the pub- 
sponse 'coiild they ;be done with the lisher who. holds the copyright of .a 
bld eclat. That probably would prove song will have the control of Vthat 
the obstacle, for where can we find copyright and the performing of 
today siich finely trained troupers that work through ASCAP where 
as De Wolf Hopper, Digby and Laura ever the song is played, ahd that he 
Joyce Bell. Mathilde X:otrelly,. Mar- | should be paid within reason for 



ion Manola, Bertha Ricci, to men- 
tion only a few. 

Perhaps i am old-fashioned and 
talking out of ritiy turn, but I ani 
convinced that an adequate Sfcsen- 



the performanice of any of the works 
that he controls. 

I ath sure : your legal department, 
with all the knowledge and the facts 
at their hands, could publish a solii- 



^ion: o4;the^old timers wy^^ stbp all this expensive liti^ 

acceptable to a host of modems. 

Why cannot the Metropolitan, in ■ ' , . ■ . , . ,, 

its- supplemental spring sSsoh, give In conclusion you might say. wel 
us a week of the old timers? It what has it got to^do with you. It 
would be interesting. It might prove only concerns us here inasmuch as 
• • - ^ . . . I certam ..of our works may be lii-^ 
Yoived. 

Yours faithfully. 

MACMELODIES, LTD. 
■F. AfcJifiltan.^ 
Manaising Director. 



risnumeratiye^ It certainly would be 
eDdightening. 

Dudley Carson. 



No Weeps for P0or Vaudeville 

fiditor, yAFtiETy : 

it's , all . this crying ;about 

where hias gobd old vaiide , gone to? 
iVs gone the way;. Of all 'junk. It ^yas 
no good, that's, why, it. has" "di'sap- 
peiared. 

And .don't tell me it's coming back; 
Why should it? When you can gp 
into a picture theatre and see two 
pictures for a quarter, with a lot 
of real entertainment, why bother 
with paying twice as much, to hear 
a lot of stale jokes? 

As for thie hullabaloo about the 
poor actors: who can't get jobs— ^why; 
let 'erii : eat cake. The good actors 
get jobs i ictures, or radio! 

.M GdrfLnklei^ 



Lively Trading 



CContinued from page 4)' 



Mr. 



radford's Got Somethln' There 

BaltimOire, July i. 

Editor, Variety: 

If evidence wiere needed to prove I Gene Ga.rricb's Performance 
the utter lack of busihess sense in Hollywood, July 2. 

the picture industry, the high prices . ^ 
paid for recent - stage successes *«"<"^» variety 
would prove the point amply. I was very anxious to read your 

A company pays $100,000 or more reyieW of 'The Road Back.' because 
for the rights to a Broadway hit, when Variety gives you a rating, 
with the proviso that the picture I'vie always felt it meant something, 
may not be released until th<e end oiE That is why I was particularly dis- 
the run. This automatically pre- appointed when Kdu/ picked but, my 
vents the company from making a bit as 'outstanding' (the word is 
picture of this type^ but every other yours), but gave Noah Beery, Jr., 
producer ill hurry; into work a the credit for it. Beery, Jr.. was the 
picture along similar linies, and by boy Who died on the road back, but 
the time the . purchaser of the stage I did the impersonation of dementia 
rights is ready to produce the edge praecOif. 

has beeri! completely takell off by I'm not writing a beef, but pub 
the pirated versions. This has been licity is important when you're just 
the Case evier since Universal bought beginning in this business and this 
'Broadway;' only to have it go stale role was my first in pictures, So 
on its hands after every other com- [there is my story, 
pany had cleaned up. 

The irtelliigent procedure would 
seem to be to pay the play producer 
for the immediate rights, the play 
being withdrawn after the picture is 
released. It does not seem too much 
to ask, in view of the large purchase 
price. All the film company gets is 
the title, and titles alone do not 
niean much. The whole idea seems 
to be screwy. . 

Janies Bradford. 



Himber's (or 



New York, 
Editor, Variety: 

■ Probatily the vtiosi consistent ifail- 
ure on: the. radio is ihe kverage chiU 
diren's. prograin. Many of them are 
initiated,, have a short-lived place iii. 
radio's schedules ; . and , . . then pass 
away. 

Radio lords hardly be ex- 
pected to turn oiit daily works which 
will stand on par with the rare crea- 
tions of Lewis Ciariroll and Edward 
tieair, but it doies seem ..they could 
approach the problerii of presenting 
childreiji's programs with less con- 
descension, less of. the , adult view- 
point. 

The whole thing falls short wHen 
radio forgets or ignores to inject 
the childish imagination, childish 
naturalness. The first thing to rem- 
edy this .situation would ostensibly 
be to discard , the sexy .songs iahd 
sophisticated: 6omedy that is pre^nt 
throughout most . of the . afternoon 
programs ahd Sunday attempts, 
jgj^arely indeed I has a radio pro- 
%Wer captured the real naivete of 
children. In&tead they aim at a 
completely artificial, manufactured 
plot that has no more imagination 
quiality than .^a .complete satisfactloh, 
(even in the mind of the youngest) 
that the impossible Is still impossible. 

Let's go ! Radio has just :about 
worked wonders witii the adult en- 
tertainment in the evenings, the; 
women's programs in the morning 
and early alfternoon. Let's see some 
action for the kids.: 

Whaddyesay? 

Lee Wiley. 



Ansermet to Raviha 

»"nst Ansermet. Swiss natoner, 
,5;rrived in N.: Y. Monday from 
Euroije, 

Left immediately to conduct the 
summer symph series at Ravina 
°a»k, Chicago. 



.'s) Theory 

, July i. 

Editor, Variety: 

The perennial question; what's the 
cause for sheet music sales slumps? 
Oh so many people try answer 
this iiuestion and always end up by 
an involved discussion and indict- 
ment of radi 

What could; illier? True, on 
one Pbiht:\ shprlened the 

life span of m'usjc. Ro jo has ob- 
Editor, Variety;. 1 viously 'killed' a number of tunes 

After reading w^k after > week- quicker . than might have been ..the 
consistently about litigatiori,, argu- song's life span. Yet, radi is :rtot. 

crferenJes and such that have- responsible for the continual de- 
been going oh in regard . to the mat- creasmg^ sales i sheet musi lo 
Deen goiijg uii • ° ..^ ni ght have cut the sales from a 

ter of mu..c ^^J^J^^^^Son Sates m Uibn to a half million for the big 
rious. States., and that^ce^^^^ it is paying performing 



in America are ing to, get away 
with the fact' that they should not 
pay performing fees— it struck me 
that your paper, in knowing and 
publishing all the facts, would have 
come to the conclusion as J that the 
only people, who may benefit from 
this long litigation are the legal. pro- 

^fes.sion. , . 

In your issue of June 2, for in- 
stance, you quote that the Nebriaska 
law is^'framed along the lines rCr 
cently passed by the Florida ill, 
Whjch gives the purchaser of a piece 
of mu.si the automatic right to per- 
form it without further cost. 

To any. inded nrian whp' 

knows about the /music 

busine.><s this is dreadful.' .Why not 
cut all •• liU aiion. and arguing 



rights for that sli 

No, another,, and more: logical 
cause, seems to be the real reason. 
The answer lies piit, in Hollywood 
where your sprigs are turned out for 
special picture situations. The songs 
a;re swell i the Im, but ithout 
the special situation they' are. in- 
significant. This is not a cohipletcly 
accurate statement because there are 
songs which are natural hits and 
the/" .Tiay c.ome from pictures. ]BUt 
in general' it seems ]o{^.ic!ii: th,at' the 
rapid death , ich overtakes the 
sor!j5!...is attributable i i"eat part 
to the. films. 

if the song, keeps ing 
plav^d. dn the air, and gel.s ia.s many 
plugs, a.s nbn-picline ».*.,- that 
won'M^make. the p.u ' ' What 



itery Mixinr 

Philadelphi July 1. 

Editor, Variety: 

I am glad to seie. your paper turn- 
ing the jspbtlight on the growing 
practice; of requiring women cabaret 
entertainers to mingle with the male 
ciistomers to encourage the sale of 
drinks. 

The/evii-;— and.it is an evil — seeriis. 
to be spreading rapidly and can 
have only one result; the eventual 
exit of the supper rooms. Actresses 
who Will 'work the wine room,' to 
use the bid' expression, do not have 
to be clever. Clever women will riot 
submit to this semii-prbstitution. The. 
entertainment value of these ven-. 
;tures will be, reduced to. so low a 
level that they will cease to attract 
patroiiage, and one more, phase 
the aniusement business will have 
gohe to join the now defunct bur- 
lesque and vaudeville shows. 
I The cabarets are about the last 
stand of the single entertainers. It' 
would be regretable |f the cupi ity 
and shOrt-sightedriie.ss Of their own- 
ers shut, this last dpor to the old- 
time variety acts and Itheir; succes- 
sors. 

Heriry J./Colli^on. 



for featured, players. Players thi 
that: a good thing. It gets them 
around, prevents thern from going 
stale or typed, gets them accustomed 
to the. ways of. diffierent: directors 
and fellow players,. 

Fredric; March is one of the grow- 
irig number, of stars ; who insist on 
getting 4»round froni .studip, to studio. 
In March's case the' Idea 'has worked . 
put to his advantage^ so much so 
that: Joan Crawford currently is un- 
derstood to be contemplating a siitii- 
lar pblicy When, her contract with' 
Metro expires around six months 
hence. Miss ■ Gaynor, parted • f roni 
20th-Fox and her next , appearance 
Was in Selznick's 'A Stair Is Born.* 
Now -.she is rbputed dickering with 
Selznick for a contract calling for 
$200,000 a picture. 

With half a dozen players under 
contract, Wanger has been probably 
the .most aciive individual in the star 
auction: market. 

In the last year^ for example, 
Madeleine Carroll has toiled, for 
plenty of bosses nbt. her own— in 
20th-Fox's *0n the Avenue,* Selz- 
nick's. 'Prisoner of Zenda.' Cblumbia'si 
'It's AH Yours.* Boyier has played 
with Dietrich in *A:llah' and G^ta 
Garbo In 'Madame Walewska,' ' and 
goes next to Warners with Miss Col- 
bert in 'Tovarich.' Sylvia Sidney 
has been with GbldWyn and Para- 
mount; If^enry Fonda is to. be fea- 
tured in two Warner flhris. 

Wanger Takes.. Chances 

Wanger's policy ;is. to lend his 
players out freely but only for top 
rank, pictures which, he feels, .will 
improve . their box; office: stature. He 
must know the . story, director and 
supporting cast before he. will sign 
for the services of bne of his players. 
he is just as free and just as ex- 
acting in ' borrowing and recently 
hsis made use of Joan BlondeU, Jean 
Arthur, Warner Baxter and Leslie 
Howard from elsewhere, 

Wanger applauds the new star 
idea , of refusing to tie. themselves 
with term contracts but believes thi 
will work out to the best advantage 
only when they hook in with top- 
notch indies such as Selznick. Gbld- 
wyn or Mervyn LeRoy. 

Radio has numerous contract play- 
ers: biit most of them are iistially to 
be found elsiewhere than on their 
own lots. Thus Miss Stanwyck, Fred 
Stone and Herbert Marshall are con- 
tracted for six each annually but 
seldom make more than^ two at. 
home. 

'By selecting two fine stbries and 
lending them out to bthier studios 
fgr top class pictures,* said S. . J. 
Briski 'they appear in half a 
dozen superior parts and score half 
a dozen hits^-and go on to greater 
popularity/ 

'Interchan£;e of players,' sai . 
Darryl Zahuck, 'both with Europe 
and in Hollywood, can be a good 
thing for .the industry. It depends 
mainly on the vehicles for which the 
players are lent.* 



Odlunt 



(Continued from page 3) 



Ediiorf Variety: 

• According to the Pbitiiary colurhris. 
the ..'origipal' Little Eva . of ' 'Uncle 
Tom's Cab i ' is passing from. the p.i -• 
liire ith increasing frequency. 
iScarcely an "issue ux* what 
nounces the death aiipther 'ox\^r 
inal.'.and yet the .record is unusually 
clear;; 

. The first seriPus prrsentation of 
a play based ph lhe .Stowe story was 
made in Troy in, 1852, with Cordelia 
Hovi^ard as . the Angel Child, Sie- 
cause of the suGces.s of the play ahd 
the absence ,ipf copyright rolcctlon, 



chance to be bienefited by.a pdssi 
alteration in the R.C. claim. 

The reason for present keen inter- 
est in the R.C. claim situation is (fue 
to recent riemarks made , in open 
court by the special master which 
might be iriterpreted as indication 
of dissatisfaction with the proposed, 
settlement. terms. 

Disposition of the RKO first-run 
film franchise on Broadway and the 
future .operations of the R.C. Musi 
kail and the Center theatre are in-- 
separable links of the proposed 
settlement and this claim, itself. 

Any change in that situiittion thus 
opuld; dlter ihe Broadway first-run. 
setup at large. 

Among other matters of the RKO 
reorganization situation in. Which the 
trade sind creditors are' genierally in- 
j terested the ppssible .findings , 
i which the special master may make 
I regarding the status oiE the Old RKO 
' (:lass_M.* shareholders. One or two 
of .the*ri inal holders of this clasij 
of stoclt are ampng: disputants of . the 
plan. 



there were scores of 'Tom' shows 
produced within a short period, but 
they none of them had origihal 
Little Evas, That hbnor belongs to 
Troy, and .the record is so clear th.'it 
it is amazing that newspapers should, 
credit all these varipus claims.- 

Tom 



64 



VA RIETY 



WedneatSay, July 7, 1937 




1 SPEED IT UP! 20 
miles an hour on a 
sklttery board is thrill 
enough! But Gloria 
Whecden is a daring 
miss who hilccs it up 
to 40 (above) — then 
(below) up to 50. 



•'' '' i. 



SURE IT IS 



* , , and migAt^ strenuous too/ 



"QPORT, even for the fun of it, can be tense 
O and tiring," says Miss Gloria Wheeden, 
charming co-ed who here shows her skill at 
aguaplaning. *'Yes, I smoke," she says. 
"When I feel let-down, I light a Camel and 
get an invigorating *lift* in energy." 

Miss Wheeden's enjoyment of a'lift"from 
Camels is shared by millions of men and 
women in all walks of life. 

^ 5J7GG£mON;When an active day drains 
physical and nervous energy, you can get a 
delightful **lift" from a Camel. Arid Camels 
never get on your nerves. 




2S-T-E-A-D-Y. This picture of Miss 
"Wheeiden executing ahaad-stand speaks 
for itself. There's no doubt about her nerves 
being healthy. "Camels are head and shoul- ' 
ders on top for mildness," she says. "They 
don't bother my nerves a bit." 



1060 PARACHUTE 
JUMPS — no mishaps. 
That's the amazing rec- 
ord of Floyd Stimson, 
who started smoking 
Camels 10 years ago. 
"I've found what I 
want in Camels. Mild- 
ness— tastiness— a brac- 
ing 'lift' when tired." 



/ 



BENNY GOODMAN SWINGS IT 
EVERY TUESDAY NITE! 

Tune in! Hear the trio — the quartette — and all of 
Benny's boys swing the popular favorites. Tuesdays 
— 8:30 pm E. S.T. (9:30 pm E. D. S.T.), 7:30 pm C. S.T., 
6:i0 pm M. S. T., 5:30 pm P. S.T., over WABC-CBS. 



4 NOW FOR A PICNIC LUNCH. VI 
always think of smokingCamels 
and eating as going together," adds 
Miss "Wheeden, on the motor boat 
"I smoke Camels — and enjoy th« 
sense of well-being that good diges' 
tion brings me." 



'7 

■ -■■■.■■■.-■■.■■■v.-/.-/-. ■ 



1^ 



"MANY A TIME I've smoked a 
Camel to get a 'lift* in energy," 
says Harry Burmester, printer. 
"Camels have the goodness 
you'd expect from costlier to- 
baccos. Camel's mildness suits 
me to perfection." 



■•V •■ « 



"'''■'A 



".'/'^H^ri 



Ik 



CocrrlKht, 1937, R. J, Scrnolda Tobtcco Co,, Inaton-SBloDi, M. Ov 

COSTLIER 
TOBACCOSl 



Camels are made from finer, 
MORE EXPENSIVE TOBACCOS 
. i .Turkish and Domestic . . . 
than any other popular brand. 



RADIO 



SCREEN 



STAGE 




■fiibllafied Weekly at 154 Wast 46th Street, New York. N. T.. by Variety. Ino. Annual aubgcrlptlon. ?6, Single coplea, 16 cents. 
Entered aa second-class matter December 22, 19U6, at the Fost Office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of March 3, 187». 

COPTRIOHT, 1037. BT VARIETY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



riVii; 127 No. 5 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1937 



72 PAGES 





to Brahms, 
and Muses on B O. 



: * By' CECELIA AGEB 
r'- The fan -dance and the.' strip-tease 
I: |ir^ bften liimped together In the 
'' llajfle , category by people who, to 
•^/th^ir 'shame, don't , think things out. 
f?;.;|'qr when they are looking at these 
' •two artB--^which they contrive to do 
t 'jvijh'ali. their might and main while 
.thcr'.^'Saine time managing also to 
•'.lopk askance — they get all balled up 
;.and'see the strip-tease and the fan- 
dance ^pth as motivated by the same 
'itnpiilsfe and executed with the same 
end in>Iew. This is very wrong. 
• The striptease and the fan-dance 
have nothing in common; indeed, 
ithey are ■ diametrically opposed, as 
iMiss . Sally l^and, f an-.dancer, is 
vgejierously loath to point out, but 
yrill, when cornered.: • 

, Miss Rand, fan-dancer — also busi- 
ness woman, picture star, dramatic 
Actress,, lecturer and philosopher — 
Jjalg never seen the strip-tease, be- 
cause when she used to enliven our 
N, Vv town, one just didn't go to 
burlesque; and then when the in- 
telligentsia made it the amusing 
thing to see, Miss Rand was very 
bilsy fanning the road. But from 
; what - she's . heard . about strlp- 
V teasers, Miss Band in all modesty is 
^^satisfled to be ' a fan-dancer — an 
' artiste who. isn't coy, an artiste who 
.- has nothing to hide, and doesn't hide 
it, an artiste who disdains that 'now 
(Continued on pagre 15) 



Anticipating the Worst, 
AmeKa Earhart Farewell 
Song Hits Tin Pan Alley 

Before even the search for Amelia 
Earhart and her navigator. Freder- 
ick Noonan, was intensified by the 
U S. government last week, a pair 
songwriters were around pub- 
Ushers' offices trying to place a song 
commemorating the event. Title 
yhich the team. Harry Pease and 
Jack Meskill, gave the tune read, 
Ihey Needed an Angel in Heaven 
Jso God Took the Queen of the Air.' 

Pease and Meskill tried to get 
some publisher to register the title 
lor them with the Music Publishers 
iTotective Association, but all ap- 
£f"''^"^^ed shied away from the idea, 
iney thought that the l.aste exer- 
cised by the writers in rushing the 
™ng to market was not on the side 

laste, or judgment. 
Ti/rT^*^^" the great tenor .died, Jack 
^'lls published 'They Needed An 
An.gel in Heaven so God Took Caruso 
Away." This is a slight switch. 

Swinging the Mortgage 

Norfolk, Va., July 13. 
A Norfolk church is swinging its 
«ein away with swing music. St. 
filers Episcopal parish is blasting 
fway at a debt of long standing with 
weekly (Friday) dances at Baxter's 
■°arn, Kempsville. 
Parson and leaders do chapcronin'g 
young set having swell time 
local orch performing. 



Had to Steam *£m Out 



Minneapolis, July 13. 

Most local lower loop 'shoot- 
ing galleries' are now offering 
refrigeration along with two 
features and three or four 
shorts, all for a dime. During 
the extreme heat the past week 
many of these houses found it 
impossible to obtain any turn- 
overs at all, as most pairons 
parked themselves for the en- 
tire day and night, sleeping in 
cool comfort and getting away 
from the broiling sun. 

In aesperation, one exhibitor 
turned off his cooling system in 
midday and mid-eVening and 
succeeded in this way in driv- 
ing some of the chair-fillers out. 



BROADWAY DUE 
FDR BARRAGE 
OF BROGUE 



Although Lee Shubert has an- 
nounced sponsorship of a season of 
Abbey Theatre over here next fall, 
Eddie Dowling is figuring on Import- 
ing an opposition troupe of Irish 
players and ia sailing today (14) 
with the idea of making such an 
arrangement. He will be joined on 
the other side by Boris Said, who is 
also sailing this week oh another 
liner. 

Dowling and Said are teamed in 
the management of the St. James 
and 44th Street theatres, N. Y.. and 
each has a 25% interest in 'King 
Richard II.' Partners have not been 
getting along any too well, accord- 
(Continued on page 71) 



OFFSET TO [im 
COSTS FOR lABDO 

Unionization Campaigns for 
Many Industries Concen- 
trate on a Short Work 
Week — This Extra Lei- 
sure Should Be Reflected 
at the Film Boxoffices 

ANTIDOTE 



By ROY CNff ARTIER 

trhe great coSpeoXration for forces 
seeking unionization of jall classes of 
employees, coupled with the fact 
that some industries and businesses 
have retained the, flve-day week of 
the NRA which labor demands in 
negotiating contracts, should import- 
antly redound to the benefit of pic- 
tures. It should offset the increased 
operating costs of \he industry that 
are being or will be caused by rec- 
ognition of unions. And it may even 
be a help. This assumption in pic- 
ture circles, including theatre opera- 
tors, is based on the theory that when 
I>eople have more time for leisure 
they will have more time to spend in 
theatres. 

This was clearly demonstrated 
during the period when the NBA 
with its enforced flve-day week were 
in effect. Because of the fact the 
Blue Eagle didn't fly for very long 
and conditions arising out of a de- 
"t>£ession were changing, it was dif- 
ficult for theatre operators to esti- 
mate how much lower receipts 
would have been if a six-day week 
had prevailed as in years prior. 

At the moment, with the outlook 
good for a return to five days for a 
vast majority of persons, it was also 
impossible to gauge what the added 
benefits to theatre box offices might 
eventually be. Added receipts may 
make up for added costs dii-ectly due 
to labor or they may not. That is 
something for the future, operators 
being able only to predict that ex- 

(Continued on page 71) 



Geographical Span of U; S. Indicates 
Some Impoitant Show Biz in the Stix 



Time Marches Back 



With the webs and many in- 
die stations ,- going back 300 
years for classic dramatizations 
that are giving Shakespeare the 
shakes in. his tomb, WMCA, 
N. Y., figures it is topping its 
rivals by plotting a series of 
broadcasts . using the wor}cs of 
the famed Greek dramatists of 
3,000 years back. 

Radio nowadays goes back- 
wards faster than forwards. 




CROPS 
POINT TO BIG 
B.O. BIZ 



Kansai City, July 13. 
Show biz in .this section, the self- 
labeled 'breadbasket of the nation,' 
can look forward to one of its best 
seasons in the past eight years. The 
reason: from hereabouts last week 
poured into Kansas City the most 
welcome caravans of prairie prod- 
uce — car after car or wheat. Cars 
received last week blasted the all- 
time volume record. Kansas crop 
alone is variously estimated from 
140,000,000 to 160,000,000 bushels and 
they're bringing an average $1.20 per 
bushel. Which means that the per 
capita allotment of spendable coin 
for amusements has skyrocketed to a 
high not seen here in some time. 

The first big swath into this 
pocket-scorching- tender will be 
taken by the numerous county fairs 
and fiestas that will soon be draw- 
ing what is expected, to be record 
turn-outs to county seats. There has 
been a steady revival of fairs during 

(Continued on page 71) 



Vaude Revival' a Dud So Far; Clean 
Burlesk Needs More Showmanship 



What's happened to show busi- 
ness? Where's It gone to? It's not 
all oh the screen and radio.^ 

The answers are apparent, from a 
transcontinental gaze into far-flung, 
but somewhat dimly recognizable 
corners of the country. Go down 
to the lonely prairie of Texas and 
yoy'll find, show business. Or gander 
the wide open spades of Colorado 
and you'll find show . business, Not 
to mention such cosmopolitan spots 
as St. Louis and Cleveland. Real' 
shows being put ph in all those . 
places, with names and combos such 
as would command respect, to say 
the least, in the top levels of- Broad- 
way in its heyday. 

The road is dead? 'Maybe. But 
the sticks have found their own . an- 
swer — their own extravagan:^. 

Just a peek at 'the names should tell 
the story. Dallas, Tex., with a midway^ 
which costs approximately $3,500,000. 
Rudy Vallee Borrah Minevitch, Ted 
Fio . Rito, Arthur Jfarratt* Jack 
Arthur,' Chester Hale chorines, Stan 
Kavanaugh, sets by Jo Mielziner, re- 
volving stages, lavish costumes an 
eatery a-la-French Casino, seating 
2,400. Or Fort Worth, only 45 min- 
utes away and with a.poptilation of 
somjewhat over 200,000. The names 
currently • showing ' there include 
Paul Whiteman," Harriet Hoctor, 
Everett Marshall, John Murray An- 
derson, Clyde Hager, Moore and 
Revel, Charles King, Janet Read, 
Caligary Bros. Even a little spot 
named Prairieville, in Texas, not 
even a dot on a map, with a popula- 
(Continued on page 71 >. 




Amateur Show On 
Grind Basis Newest 
N. Y. Pic House Idea 



By JOIC SCHOENFELD 

The much heralded revival of 
v.Tudoville in the former New York 
biiilcsque houses exploded Monday 
(12t with the detonation of a pea- 
shooter. Temporarily, at least, it's a 
dud. 

Pri)bal)ility remains that the bur- 
lesque operators will soon switch to 
a more variety-type of entertain- 
ment through sheer necessity, but 
the opening shows at the Republic, 
Gaiety and Eitingc, in Times Square, 
lliou.i-h varying in quality, practi- 
cally shout the question: 

Just whcie did burlesque go, and 




where Mes vaudeville come in 

And tries«— fsn't an answer. Bur- 
lesque rema\ins, only under the tag 
of 'Follies' but sans strippers, bump- 



New Peeve 



Drugstore acro.s.s from one 
N. Y. de luxer is riled because 
the big theatre hasn't had draw 
pictures lately. 

'They're ruining us with those 
bad pictures,' is the lanient. 



ers. thigh-grinders and the obviously 
dirty blackouts and double-talk. 
Vaudeville doesn't come in, because 
the type of vaude these houses are 
playing never went out. Burlesque 
always used specialty acts, even 
though they were stage waits be- 
tween strippers and blackouts. In 
Follies, they are stage waits between 
tableaux and blackouts, with plenty 
of both the former and the latter.. 

Now, however, there's no strip- 
ping; no body jiggling; no muscle 
work. Semi-nudity, yes. with the 
chorines stripping from the waist up 
(Continued on page 8) 



A New York indie picture theatre 
chain plans entering the amateur 
show field as . an experimental side- 
line. It's considering, the presenta- 
tion of a continuous am and film 
performance in a mid town theatre, 
idea emanating from radio and the 
imit shows which are iDeing toured. 

Prizes would be awarded and the 
lure of catching the eye of talent 
scouts is expected to attract enough 
amateurs to keep the performances 
going on a five or six-show schedule 
daily. . ■ 

Drama schools woyld be invited to 
send students, with playlets to be 
tried as well as specialty turns. 



Anything's Possible 

With Noel Coward 



story around Broadway mentions 
a musical tragedy for the new sea- 
son by and with Noel Coward. 

Irene Dunne And Lawrence Tlb- 
bett are mentioned In the midsum- 
mer bubble as 'inembos of the cast 



VAxmer 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



SE G-B DEAL TO A HEAD AS METRO, 
20TH EXECS CONVERGE ON LONDON 



Mayer's Party Abroad — Joe Schenclc AUo-rMetro*» 
Legalists Over There for Some Weeks Surveying 
Matters — Carlsbad First 



Carlsbad, July 13. 
The Gaumont-British, 20th-Fox, 
Metro-Goldwya-Mayer muddle will 
probably be entirely unwound here 
witHiri fhe next month. Just what 
the finale will be is still one of those 
things, but it's a cinch that a definite 
and clear . status, will be evolved as 
the result of doirferences to be held 
here* 

J, Robert Rubin, David Bernstein 
and Isidor Fray are all here taking 
the baths and laying the groundwork. 
Rubin and Frey are Loew-Metro's 
top legalists. On the way over from 
America to join Ihem are Joseph M,- 
Schenck, Louis Bi Mayer and others. 
"Whether or not the Ostrers or 
their . representatives will join 
them here is not known, but it is 
thought likely, with the pirobability 
that a John Maxwell rep will also 
be on .hand. 



Bank of England's Idea 



London,. July 13. 

Rumored here that the Bank 
of England has suggested that 
the Westminster Bank soft- 
pedal the film insolvency situ- 
ation locally. 

Theory is that the B of E 
feels drastic action might seri- 
ously affect Lloyd's undervyrit- 
ing. ... 



Song Pluggers De Lme 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Elissa Landi and D. J. Vecsei have 
authored a new song titled 'Sym- 
phonies Urider the Stars,' which will 
be peddled to Hollywood Bowl audi- 
ences this ■ season, opening today 
("Tues). 

Among pluggers lined xtp to boost 
the ditty are Nino Martini, John 
Charles Thomas, Grace Moore and 
Deanna Durbin. \ 



London, July 13. 

The Ostrers are adopting a hush- 
hush policy as regards the future of 
Gaumont-British. Jphii Maxwell has 
a suit against the. Ostrer brothers 
due for hearing in November, with 
that an important factor -in the no- 
talk attitude. 

Understanding is that Maxwell's 
$3,000,000 investnient in Gaumont- 
British includes a five-year option 
on the ; Ostrers' personal holdings, 
which is the only hold-up on any 
deal between the Ostrers and Metro- 
20th. 

Indications are that the Americans 
are prepared now to subinit alter- 
native propositions to dear up the 
situation. Either they will return 
Maxwell's investment, prtfviding he 
cancels his option; or they will per- 
mit Maxwell to buy the American 
holdings. Latter deal was practically 
consumtnated when Sid Kent was 
here a few months ago, but faded 
over a difference of $750,000. 



ENGLISH BANK 
TRYING TO 
COLLECT 



Louis B. Mayer, Joseph M. 
Schenck* Benny Thau, Howard 
Strlckling, et al, sail for Europe 
(Continued on page 66) 



*1V Bunch Dickers 
Again for Yendome 
And Troc Takeover 



Charlie Berns le'i .Monday 

(12) for Hollywood to consummate- 
a ileal for purchase by his syndicate 
of three Hollywood eateries, the 
Vendome aiid Trocadero, patronized 
by the picture mob, and an un- 
named downt<)wn Los Angeles chop- 
house. ^ ■ 

De""?. has been on and off for some 
ti'" If eventuating, Berns would 
.'jh'ake his home on the Coast, oper- 
ating the cafes, while his partner, 
Jack Kreindler of 'Jack and Char- 
lie's, Would be in Tsharge of'2l in 
New York. Emil (Emil's Chop 
House, N. Y.) is accompanying Berns 
on the present western trip and 
would be in charge of the I^.A. chop 
house. 

If going through. Jack and Char* 
lie take over immediately.. 



KOHNER AT COLUMBIA 
AFTER LONG MY SPELL 



London, July 13. 

Westminster Bank^ which loaned 
large sums of money to finance film 
producers on guarantees of under- 
writers, will shortly issue writs in 
an endeavor to collect loans. 

Some of the underwriters are un- 
able to meet obligations and ihe 
bank is endeavoring to make a test 
case to determine responsibility. 

W. C.i Crocker, who. smashed the 
firebug conspiracy here on behalf of 
the insurance companies, has been 
investigating filfh loans aggregating 
$12,000,000. Difficulty has been that 
producers sent costs . of production 
fiar exceeding their -estimates. 



Standard OiFs Feature 
Fihn with HVood Prod. 



Indianapolis, July 13. 
One hundred and forty cities and 
towns in Indiana will be visited be-' 
fore De<;. 3 by representatives of the 
Standard Oil Co. showing a 7,000 
foot film called 'Stan,* extolling the 
commercial romance of the. company. 
The ■ picture was directed by Mar^ 
.shall Neilan, and is feature-length, 
showing the events in the life of an 
agent of Standard Oil in a smaH 
midwest community caled 'Prairie 
View.' 

Pic was put on celluloid by RKO 
and the cast includes Robert Arm- 
strong, Andy Clyde, Peggy Shannon, 
Si Jinks, Mary Doran, George Be- 
fealn, Jr., Hershall Ruth and Kermit 
Maynard, former Indiana University 
football player. 



KORDA SEEKS CAPITAL 
FOR UNITED ARTISTS 



. London, July 13. 

Alexander Korda is having confer- 
ences with Lord Beaverbrook, N. L. 
Nathanson and Major Andrew Holt, 
also a director of the Daily Express. 

Idea behind the confabs is Korda's 
desire to interest them in his option 
with Sam Goldwyn on United 
Artists. I 



N. Y. to L. A. 

American Ballet (25). 
Walter Anderson. 
Ralph Blum. 
Bill' Goetz. 
Monroe Gr^enthaL 
Harold Hatkett. 
Charles A. Leonard. 
Abe Lyman. 
Carmel Myer. 
Sid Rechetnick. ' 
Raymond Scott Quintet 
Harry Sosnik. 



Hollywood, July 13, ' 
After 15 months in a producer's j 
berth at Metro 'without making . a | 
picture, Paul Kohner moves over to | 
Columbia Thursday (15). i 
His ticket calls for three features ! 
s year,- Jthe fi^st to be with Francis 
Lederer. 



ARRIVALS 

Sol Shapiro, Mile. Matouschek, Mr. 
and Mrs: Cyril Baumann, Anna May 
Wong, Charles Farrell, Mary Lewis, 
Belle Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Walter 
Damrosch; Rosa Strader, Ralph 
Blum,. Carmel Myer, William Goetz, 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Barney Balaban.' 
[Binnie Barnes. 

Sandy Barnett 

Diana Bourbon. 
,Dani;y Danker. 

Marlene Dietrich. 

Drew Eberson. 

Dave Garber. 

Harry M. Goetz. 

Mack Gordon. 

Stanton Gritfis. 

Nelson Hesse. 

W. B, Lewis. 

Louis B, Mayer. 

Harold McCord. 

Louella Parsons. 

Paul Rnibourn. 

Royer, 

Joseph M. Schenck. 
Rudolf Seiber. 
Jack Smalley. 
Arthur Stebbins. 
Howard Strickling.- 
Benny Thau. 
J. D. Trop. 
Milton Weiss. • 
Lou Wertheinier. 
Frank Woodruft. 
John Zanft. 



^X' at Starting Line 

' Hollywood, July 13. 

Metro gives the go signal to 
'Madame X' next Thursday (15) with 
Sam Wood directing and James K, 
McGuinness producing. 

Cast is headed by Gladys George, 
Warren William and John Beal. 



Baldwin's Old English 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Earl Baldwin has returned to the 
Warner lot and started the scripting 
of an English play which David 
Lewis will produce. 

Baldwin retains title of executive 
but confines himself to writing,. ' 



Other News of fix Interest 

Rudy Vallee's program reviewed with Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., 

as guester ..Page 48 

New Jack Haley, Chas. Winninger, Virginia Verrill, Meredith 

Wilson radio show reviewed Page 48 

Werner Jannsen's radio program. Page 49 

George Gershwin anecdota '. Page 53 

Film-style radio disc distribution Page 35 

John Royal sends Bing Crosby $100 check for Del Mar race- - 

track spiel and offers crooner sportscaster job anytime Page 35 

How Tom Mix and Jack Hoxie's circuses are doing.... Page 69 

Broadway vs. Holljnwood tussle anew over plays and players. .Page 63 
Robt. Montgomery-Madge Evans radio show with Mrs. Wal- 
lace Reid, et.al Page 48 

Burgess Meredith's radio 'Hamlet' reviewed .' i . . . . . .Page $9' 

Jackie Coogan's 'Hollywood Hit Parade' .unit with Lila Lee, et 

al, starts tour. ' Page 57 

Palmolive-Metro deal hot Tuesday but no signatures. ....... .Page 38 

Equity organizing radio artists............... ...Page 38 



Bischoff s Trio Ready 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Three pictures go into production 
at Warners in August with Sam 
Bischoff producing. 

Pictures are 'Hollywood Hotel,' 
Busby Beirkeley directing; 'Swing 
Your Lady,* directed by Ray En- 
right, 9nd 'Gold Is Where You Find 
It,' ^i<*6er Curtiz direictpr. , 

WITH mm, 

UUI31T0N 



John Maxwell has acquired a sub- 
stantial financial interest in May- 
flower Pictures, originally formed by 
Erich Pommer and Charles Laughton 
as a 'gamble.' Director and actoi* 
were to have shared in the costs 
and profits, if any. 

Mayflower will make three pic^ 
tures starring Laughton and directed 
by Pommer costing $500,000 each. 
Distribution will be by BIP, but de- 
signed for the world market.' 

Maxwell said that 'this is only a 
practical commercial unit, inasmuch 
as the star .and director are gambling 
their services to share in the profits.' 

First picture, based on' Somerset 
Maugham's "Vessel of Wrath,' is go- 
ing into production in August. 



Report from London is that Para- 
mount will distribute the Maxwell- 
Pommer pictures. Par. h.o. execs 
say maybe; nothing set yet. 



Newsreelers Covering Strikes 

Without Too Much Annoyance 



Di-. 



VON'S STEN DICKER 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Eugeh Frenkc is talking a- deai 
Mr. and - Mrs.. Max Gordon, Peter ! with Jo.vef von Sternberg for the 
Witt, Oliver Wakefield, Joe Jack.son, , latter to direct a new Anna Sten pic- 
Joe Shapiro, Music Hall Rockettes, ture for Grand TSIational. 
William K. Howard, Anne Booth. \ Script is now being prepared. 

( I <i.''. ^tl '-.J ' ).• Iv. V 



Despite the widespread controversy 
over Paramount's recent newsreeil 
shots of the Chicago strike riots 
newsreel companies have so far met 
no additional difficulties in covering 
strikes. It had been predicted in 
some quarters that, as a result of the 
storm of criticism in Congress and 
the press against the Chicago police, 
newsreel cameramen would be 
barred from scenes of strike dis- 
orders. 

While no morje outbreaks as serious 
as the Chicago one have occurred, 
newsreel execs sdy that police, 
strikers and National Guardsmen 
have in general imposed no further 
restrictions oh the camera crews. In 
one case, ' where Ohio National 
Cruardsmen ordered Universal crews 
from the strike area of Warren, an 
appeal, to Governor D'avey brought 
a quick order, to permit the newsreel 
men to take all the shots they 
wished. 

Even though they're not running 
into' further headaches in covering 
labor disturHances, newsreel crews 
point out that industrial warfare js 
one of the meanest assignments in 
the cameraman's job. Best the crews 
can hope . to meet is an attitude of 
suspicion, it is claimed. Usually 
they're greeted /as open enem ies and 
are likely to be manhandled by both 
sides when violence breaks out. In 
that regard, it's explained that there's 
little difference in the attitude of 
either side. No matter what the op- 
posing factions think oC each other, 
they, both usually look on camera- 
men as enemies. 

. Covering Up Each Other 

Best protection the camera crewp 
have in case of trouble I'.s each other, 
it's explained. Knowledge that if 



Getting Hunk 



Chicago, July 13. 

Newsreel cameramen are most 
unpopular lads in Chicago these 
days. Chi cops peeved over 
Paramount's newsreel shots, of 
the Memorial Day fatal clash. 
One daily (Chi Times) is in- 
clined to defend the cops and 
ride Par for not releasing it 
originally. 

One sign of the attitude by the 
police concerns traffic tickets. 
Newsreel companies here report 
an epidemic of traffic tix being 
handed newsreel boys, no par- 
ticular reel being singled out 
but all getting a share of so- 
called Violatio^ tags. 



LEITY LYNTOir 
ACCOUNTING 
WINDOP 



Protracted litigation started in 
1932 by Margaret Ayer Barnes and 
Edwaird Sh^ldpn^.Against Metro and 
Loew^, . Lfic, .qharging.. defendant?, 
with plagiarizing, their play, 'Dis* 
honored- Lady,' passed into climax- 
ial stage this week as special mas^ 
ter hearings neared a close. J. Rob- 
.ert Rubin, general counsel, who is 
ex:pected back from Europe July 21, 
probably will be the last person to 
appear at these hearings before 
briefs . are submitted to Gordon 
Auchincloss, special master. 

After Barnes and Sheldon had 
won a victory in the U.S. circuit 
couirt of appeals and were successful 
in preventing Metro from carrying 
the case to the U.S. supreme court, 
Auchincloss . was appointed special 
master by Fiederal Judge John C. 
Knox, to ascertain the anriount of 
profits due them from the defendants 
as a result of court ruling that 'Itetty 
Lynton' was an infringement of the 
stage play 'which Barnes and Shel- 
don authored. 

Special master, together with 
counsel on both sides^ spent two 
weeks in the accounting department 
at Culver City a short time' agio. 
Since that time, almost daily hear- 
ings, have been, held in the office of 
special master, 50 Broadway, N. Y. 
These hearings wiU be virtually 
finished by the close of this week; 
lacking only Rubin's testimony. 
Then briefs and findings will be sub* 
mitted to Auchincloss before the end 
of present month. It is expected 
that the special master's report will 
be filed late in August or early in 
September.' 

O'Brien, Driscoll & Raftery «r«. 
representing the plaintiffs. 



they attehipt to assault one crew or 
destroy a camera they may be filmed 
by another camera generally ..dis- 
suades the rioters from actual vio- 
lence. • Neither strikers nor police 
want a film of their action to bob up 
later in court as evidence. 

Beatings, camera-sjnashing and 
other trouble of the sort is an old 
story to still cameramen and re-i 
porters covering labor battles. Ex- 
perience usually shows that after 
publication of pictures of serioui 
strike disorders both cops and 
strikers make it tough for the news- 
papermen, particularly the photogs. 
Who are more easily distinguished. 

In the la.st couple of years news- 
reel companies have at various times 
experienced considerable difficulty 
in getting shot.s of plane wrecks after 
a series of air disasters. Transport 
companies- have lately learned it 
generally pays to cooperate, how- 
ever. ■ 



SAILINGS 

Aug. 16 (Paris to New York) Dick 
Hery (Normandie) 

Aug. 4 (Paris to New York), Mr. 
and Mrs. Clifford C. Fischer, with 
new French Casino Revue (Cham- 
plain). 

July 21 (New York to London) 
Ralph Reader (Berengaria). 

July 17 (New York to Bermuda) 
Helen Strauss (Monarch of. Ber-f 
muda). 

July 17 (Los Angeles to Honolulu) 
Robert Z. Leonard (Malolo). 

July 17 (New York to Carlsbad) 
Joseph M. Schenck, Louis B. Mayer, 
Howard Strickling, John Zanft, 
Benny ,Thau, Louella Parsons, Dr. 
Harry. Martin, Lou Wertheimer' 
(Rex): 

July 14 (New York to Paris) Mar- 
lene Dietrich .and daughter Maria, 
Rudolf Seiber, Mr. and Mrs. Paul 
Klepper, Dick Henry, Clifford C. 
Fischerx_Jim Wittereid, Georgie Hale 
and 12 Hale-^irls, Peggy Hopkins 
Joyce, Nate Spingold, Jack Benny, 
Mary Livingstone, John Royal, Joe 
Zimanich, Max Milder, Norman N. 
Durant (Normandie). 

July 14 (New York to London) 
Jack Whiting (Aquitania)i-'. 

July 14 (New York to Dublin) 
Eddie Dowling (Manhattan). 

July 10 <New York to Havana) 
Terry Ginsberg (Munargo) 

July 10 (New York to Hollywood) 
Abe Lyman (California). 

July 10 (San Francisco to Manila) 
Roy Scott (Pres. Taft). 

July 9 (New York to Paris) Jake 
Wilk. Max Reinhardt, Sam Eckman, 
Jr., Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Billy 
Bennett (He de France). 

July 8 (New York to London) Mr. 
and Mrs. A. L. Ashby (Hansa). 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 




BIZ 




Pathe FOm in Experimental Visio 



First hookup between a broadcasting network, and a film company, 
is the one now involving NBC and Pathe News. Latter is making 
the credit frames which NBC uses in its television" experiments. 

Rule' of the Federal Communications Commission requires that the 
station call letters, kilocycle location and permission wording be 
televised in Some form, even though announced along the sound 
band. NBC could get by this formality through the device of print- 
iiig^ this matter on a blackboard, but it has elected to resort to film 
lor all credit frames. 

iPathe newsreel got the nod for this and any other film work re- 
quired beqause of the vestige of stock" relationship . which still exists 
between RCA and RKO. 



leaviest Sunnner Production 

Skeds at 20th, Rm U and WB 



Hollywood; July 13. 
Busiest summer season in the stu- 
dio's history gets under steam at 
20th-Fox with six pictures in work 
and seven skeded to go before the 
jpameras within a month. 
■ *Life Begins in College* started 
yesterday (Mon.). Next Monday (19) 
gun will be givenj to *Mr. Moto's 
^lamble,' with Peter Lorre, directed 
by Nprman Foster. Following week 
will see 'The Great Diamond Rob- 
bery' started. Then in order will 
come 'Royal Bristol Hotel,' 'Jean,' 
'45 Fathers,' with Jane Withers, and 
•Little Princess,' Shirley Jemple 
starrer. 

■ Radio also moved into heavy sum- 
mer production with S. J. Briskin 
handing the signal to six new pix. 
They are: 'FigKt for Your Lady,' 
produced by Al Lewis, directed by 
Ben Stoloff; '40 Naughty Girls,' pro- 
duced by William Sistrpm, directed, 
by Edward Cline; 'Saturday's He- 
roes,' Robert Sisk production with 
Edward Killy directing; 'Don't For- 
get to Remember,' Al Lewis pro- 
ducing and Joseph Santley direct- 
ing, and 'A Love Like That,' Edward 
Kaufman at producinjg helm and Al 
Santell director. . 

• At Universal, Edmund Grainger is 
preparing four, with the first, 'Daugh- 
ter of Rosie O'Grady,' due for the 
go signal the end of this week. 
Others are 'Prescription for Ro- 
mance,' 'Mightier Than the Sword' 
and 'The Shannons of Broadway.' • 

• Warners has 11 in work with the 
starting of 'Tovarich' last week. 
Others are 'The Great Garrick,' 
'Submarine D-1,' 'The Perfect Speci- 
men,' 'Expensive Husbands,' 'Ser- 
geant Murphy,' 'Two Platoons,' 'Miss- 
ing Witnesses,' 'Block'" that Kick,'- 
'Adventurous Blonde' and 'Varsity 
Show.' The latter two are just about 
to cross 'the finish line. 



MAJOR READIES 
NEW PAR GROUP 



Hollywood, July 13. 
With two more films to deliver on 
this year's current program to Para- 
mount, Major Pictures has started 
plans for . the second year's output. 
Three-year- deal calls for 24 pix at 
an approximate expenditure of $10,- 
000,000 annually. 

' Two films to complete the cur- 
rent list are 'Love on Toast' and an 
Untitled ^ae West starrer. 
• First on the sked for the second 
year is an untitled musical starring 
Ping Crosby and the second is 'What 
Ho!', starring Gary Cooper. 

Loew's UA Deal 



, George J. Schaefer, v.p. in change 
W sales of United Artists, has con->. 
eluded a deal with Loew's to play all 
M the UA product in all of the 
t-oew theatres this coming season. 

Par's Wings' in Color 

Los Angeles, July 13. 

Par's 'Men With Wings' will get 
jolor bath on its $1,000,000 budget, 
"'illiam LeBaron producing. 

Only other Par tinter is 'Ebb Tide." 



How Ya Doin*? 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Studio guillotiner making the 
round to prune the payroll 
strolled into story ed's office, 
inquiring who can be spared, 
when told that the staff is way 
low as is, efficiency chap 
cracked: 

'Someone's got to go; I can't 
find anyone else to kiss off the 
lot and all that's left to cut is 
the boss' salary.' 



Kahane Leaving 
Col.; Mediator 
Berth Folds Dp 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Ben B. Kahane, vice-president and 
executive at Columbia studio, steps 
out" of the organization in August 
upon the expiration of his contract 
with the company.. . 

Kahane probably will look for 
further studio, affiliation as it is un- 
derstood the plan to have him func- 
tion as an arbiter for producer rela- 
tions with the Screen Actors' Guild 
has gone cold. The idea is said to 
have been kicked over for this spot 
by Harry M. Warner, who, since the 
St. Louis theatre litigation brought 
by the U. S. Government against 
Warners and other companies, is dis- 
inclined to go 'into any entente trade 
agreements or arbitration matters 
outside of the Hays organization 
dealings in N. Y. 

Warner is in favor of having each 
studio settle its own differences be- 
tween the various picture organiza- 
tion affiliates in tl^e acting, directing, 
writing groups, anXK^ias even shown 
this indication in the labor end. At 
the time that producers agreed to 
recognize the Screen Actors' Guild 
Warners was a bit reluctant about 
subscribing to the agreement until 
it got to a point whereby the entire 
industry might have been involved 
in a walkout should Warners not 
sign. r ■ 

LEUND HAYWAkD^S 
OWN H'WOOD AGENCY 

Leland Hayward, Inc., talent agen- 
cy, is opening its own office in Hol- 
lywood. Hayward himself is now 
on the Coast and expects to have 
the branch ready within a month. 
Understood he'll put someone already 
in Hollywood in charge, leaving the 
New York office personnel as is. 
Denied at the New York end that 

.the opening of the Coast office im- 
plies atiy change in the agency's 
tieup with the Myron Selznick talent 
office. Nevertheless, the understand- 
ing in Hollywood is that the move 
presages the severance of the Hay- 
ward-Selznick working agreement. 
Claimed in the east that Hayward 
will continue to represent Selznick 
clients in New York for radio and 

' Isgit and that the new office is mere- 
ly to relieve the Selznick agency in 

• Hollywood of carrying too unwieldy 
a talent list. 



SEES TELEVISION 




And Then Tele Will Have 
to Come to the Motion 
Picture Industry for All 
. Its Talents 



RESTRICTIONS NOW ON 



The picture industry wants no 
part of television. 

If and when sight-and-Sound broad- 
casting has developed to the point 
where programs are decently com- 
parable with screen productions, a 
few individual theatres might go 
for the televized idea, but then only 
as a novelty. 

Haysians scoff at the idea that the 
Motion Picture Producers and Dis- 
tributors of America, Inc., had any 
thought of ttempting to take tele- 
vision und-i.' its wing. Though the 
Hays office is in constant touch with 
television development, if only to 
protect picture interests, there is no 
evidence that the organization or the 
industry has any desire or is plan- 
ning to dabble in television. Right 
now, film companies are managing to 
keep busy looking after the picture 
business. 

While radio, in some circles, may 
be in" a dither over the thought that 
the picture business might want to 
go into television field, film execu- 
tives believe the shoe should be 
on the other foot. That is, they 
think television will need to horn 
into the picture industry eventually 
for ' its requirements and if tele 
places commercial programs on an 
extensive scale. 

Players, writers, producers and 
directors are a few of necessaries 

Continued on page 15) 



REPORTS ANEW 
ANENT m 
FEATDREPIX 



'March of Time* is quietly prepar- 
ing production or giving serious con- 
sideration to putting out an addi- 
tional series of short features, ac- 
cording to persistent reports in the 

trade. 'Time' reel chiefs have been 
mulling the feature film possibilities 
for some time, only the failure to 
uncover a yarn that might be; given 
'March of Time' treatment or novel 
slant holding back the actual start 
of filming. 

'M. of T.' officials disclaim that 
another short series will be made 
or that steps have been made in get- 
ting together production staffs for 
any additional pictures, either fea- 
ture or. short. 

It was reported m several places 
this week that 'M. of T.' was setting 
production and technical men pre- 
paratory to additional film work. All 
signs point to feature picture activity 
because of the condition of the short 
feature market currently and the 
subsequent difficulty in getting high 
prices. 

When 'Time' reel executives de- 
cided on a story and other angles of 
treatment for a feature-length 
vehicle it probably will be on a type 
of production altogether novel for 
the industry. It is this fact that is 
understood to have swayed decision 
•in favor of feature films, since it 
might justify healthy percentages 
and real exhibitor demand. 



HOWARD'S QinCKIE VISIT 

William. K. Howard is in from 
London to visit his ailing motheh 

Expects to return to En.^land 
where • he is signed to direct for 
Alexander Korda (London Films). 



ON TELE 



Par Mulling Two Sites in Coast 
Studio Move; Plane Noises Peril 
Pico Spot; Sell Old Plant to RKO 



The Kids Agree 



Minneapolis, July 13. 

President W. A. Steffes of 
Northwest Allied says he favors 
the proposals of Ed. Kuykendall 
that the entire product of all 
film companies be sold to all 
exhibitors on a fair percentage 
basis, instead of only a select 
few films. 

This probably marks the first 
time Steftes ever has agreed 
with Kuykendall on anything. 



Balaban-Griftis 
Also Talk Costs 



And Expansion 



Hollywood, July 13. 
■ Barney Balaban and Stanton Grif- 
fis conferred with Adolph 2ukor, 
William Le Baron and other studio 
execs on forthcoming product and 
looked at pictures already completed. 
They also discussed means to keep 
production and general studio over- 
head costs down, feeling that cur- 
rent budgets are a bit unwieldly; 

Balaban stated that Paromunt cur- 
rently is in good financial shape and 
that the company . will, during the 
new season, go in for theatre expan- 
sion in fields and territories which 
warrant it. They do not want to go 
into any operation war in the con- 
struction or acquisition of theatres, 
he stated, but will go into situa- 
tions which would prove beneficial 
from biz standpoint. 



Barney Balaban and Stanton L. 
Griffis returned to New York Mon- 
day (12) and are expected 'to be 
present at a meeting of the board 
July 29. 



WANGER'SDUCE 
DEAL STILL ON 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Walter Wanger indicated strongly 
last week that his project to make 
an elaborate production in Italy is 
'more alive than ever,' and that he 
is in communication with Italian 
sources assembling information on 
production accommodations, tech- 
nical crews, etc. 

Wanger said he believes his proj- 
ect is of great importance to -the 
industry and feels that it will help 
to cement friendly relations between 
film leaders of Italy and the United 
States. He plans to .go abroad in 
August. 



DIETZ'S SEQUEL 



He Has the Followup More Complete 
Than the Original 



Simon & Schuster have got How- 
ard Dietz. Metro publicity chief, to 
do a book, 'How to Break Into the 
Movies.' Volume will be a sym- 
posium of how to break into every 
phase of the biz, from acting to ac- 
counting, from publicity to props. 
I Dietz has the sequel already writ- 
ten, but hasn't got the first one more 
I than blue-printed. Sequel is called 
' 'How to. Get Out of the Movies.' 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Paramount executive committee 
and board of directors at its next 
meeting will vote on the approval, of 
a new site in the Hollywood area for 
the studio. Barney Balaban and 
Stanton Griffis, who returned tp 
New York yesterday. (Mon.) from a 
studio visit accompanied by Paul 
Raibourn, Paramount realty expert, 
will report on two sites which are 
available for studio setup, with the 
possibility that a 150-acre tract lo- 
cated at Pico and Westwood, wlthiri 
close proximity, to the 20th Century- 
Fox studio, will be the -one selected, 
providing tests for sounds ahd noises 
in that area prove okay from ah in- 
terference standpoint. • 

Other site, in case this one is out, 
would be on Robertson and National 
boulevard In the Baldwin Hills area, 
^hich Js-Cather, rugged, one-but-free- 
of noise interference by planes, 
which it Is said, due to proximity of 
an air field, might stand In the way 
of the Pico site. There was one 
(Continued on . page 88) 



Lunts Interested 
In WB 1-Pic Deal 
With Reservations 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Deal is being talked between War- 
ners and Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fon- 
tanne for a picture to be made on 
the Burbank lot next summer, with 
the Lunts holding out for certain con- 
ditions. Playing duo insists on privi- 
lege of okaying the script and on 
completion of all production 'plana 
before they come to Hollywood; also 
that they remain here no more than 
four weeks. 

The Lunts' touring schedule for 
next season would wind up in LOs 
Angeles if the deal is signed. . 




Trade Marli Ueiclatore^l 
FOUNDED Br BIR<B flH^VTORMAN 
Publlslieil \To«kl.v bjr VAKICTT. Inc. 

Sid Sllvermnn. Prnstdent 
164'West 4nth Street, New York City 



eUBSCRII'TPON 














Centa 








Vol. 127 «^ 




No. 5 



INDEX 

Bills 59 

Chatter 67 

Concert 52 

Dance Tours 54 

Exploitation 31 

15 Years Ago , 57 

Film Booking Chart...... 24 

Film- Reviews 20-21 

Forum '71 

House Reviews 60-61 

Inside— Legit 64 

Inside — Pictures 8 

Inside— Radio 41 

International News 15 

Joe Laurie, J,r. .......... . 28 

Legitimate ;.. 62-65 

Literati 66 

Music .52-54 

New Acts 61 

News from the Dailies.... 70 

Nite Clubs i 58 

Obituary 70 

Outdoors 68-69 

Pictures 2-34 

Radio 35-51 

Radio Pacific Notes. . . 42 

Radio Review.s, 48-49 

Radio Showmanship .... 42 

Sports . . . ; 70 

Units 61 

Vaudeville 55-58 



VASJETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July J i, 1^37 



Planning to Tilt Pix Admissions 
In FaB; Not Cutting Tins Summer 



Locldes Not Kind to Hun 



Though plans are being laid on all 
sides and many other exhibitors are 
considering it, there ■ will be no 
-Widespread move to lift admission 
prices at film theatres until this fall. 

Most leading^ exhibitors and ma- 
jor circuits count oa going along 
much as is because of the product 
available at this- season of the year 
and because admission tilting is un- 
tenable ^ in the summer, months. 
Tendency has been the other way, 
i.e., to cut scales, in most cases 
during June, July and August, bu* 
this year prices are remaining 
about the same. 

Another factor is that the exhibs 
^ill not be getting into tlie new 
1937-38 product at increased rentals 
until the last of August and early 
in September. With the ^arrival of 
higher rental pictures,- both circuits 
and individual exhibitors realize' 
the quality (with the start of i new 
season) will be considerably raised 
over the present quota. 

General and perhaps comprehen- 
^sive ducat tilt, with the major cir- 
cuits leading the way, probably will 
start about the time theatres will be 
getting full benefit of any upswing 
in fall trad*. They also will receive 
aid from an increased potential au- 
dience "With the close of th? vacation 
season. 



*Timc' Plug for John D. 



New 'March of Time' features 
a celluloid chronicle of John D. 
Sockefeller, Jr.'s, philanthropies 
and show biz ventures, notably 
Radio City, as part of Rocke- 
feller Center. Ever chary about 
publicizing the Rockefeller con- 
tributions to charity, etc., it's 
the Jfttst time that the Rocke- 
feller angles in show biz have 
been so exploited. 

Rockefeller is in on RKO- 
Radio, which <listributes 'March 
of Time,' tut the film doesn't 
mention this phase. 'Time' reel 
captions it, 'Rockefeller's Mil- 
lions.' 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Warners has estfiblished a new 
policy barring commercial advertis- 
ing tieups involving its top-flight 
players. 

Exceptions are Kay Francis 
Errol Flynn. 



Par Wondering How Its Strike 
Riot Newsreel Got Into Chicago 



and 



ITs New Fmisii 
For 'Road Back'; 
Placate (krmany? 



Easy on the Hoof 



Hollywood, July 13. 
toot-weary workers at Metro, 
who cover miles in moving 
around the various lots,, will 
get a much needed rest for 
their arches. Studio' has in- 
stalled miniature electric trains, 
which will shuttie back and 
forth across the Culver City 
plant. 

• Conveyance, also will be used 
as sightseeing bus for visiting 
rubbernecks. 



(By Coble to Variety) 

I Iffi^ess Coes Sponsor 



Wallace's $300^) 
- Smt Agito tWft - 
\ for Tml /^am 



■ Holljrwood, July 13. 

.Damage suit for $300,000, which 
Richard Wallace, film director, has 
against Transcontinental Western 
Air, for injuries ireoeived in a plane 
cra^ last year, came up for re-trial 
today (Tuesday) in Federal Court, 
Irf»s AngelCE. Previous trial re- 
sulted in a hung jury. 

Action grew out of the TWA 
transport crash in which Senator 
■Bronson Cutting and several others 
■lost their lives. Wallace was in- 
jured in the wreck. Cutting estate 
could not collect because thcsen^itor 
was riding on a pass. Transport 
company has settled the. other 
claims. 

Understood defense claims will be 
that the accident was an 'act of God.' 
Wallace charges negligence and as- 
serts there was no two-way radio 
communication between the plane 
and the groxmd just before the 
crash* . Judge James .called the at- 
tention of the jury to that testimony 
during the first trial of the suit. 



RockefeDer, Sr^ Natal 
Home as Show Kz Prop? 



Possibility is that the snnall frame 
house in which John D. Rockefeller, 
Si-., was born at Richford, N. Y., may 
be used in one of the ^fllms based on 
the multimillionaire's life now being" 
prepared on the Coast. 

Building is owned by Mr& Sarah 
S. Dennen, of Sheepshead Bay, N. Y,, 
who bought it several years ago. 
She had it. dismantled and the parts 
numbered and cataloged. Intended 
reconstructing it as an exhibit at 
"Coney Tslahd.Tjut "was 'preveiited~at 
that time by a court order obtained 
by the Rockefellers. 

With the elder Rockefeller now 
dead, Mrs. Denneri hopes to have the 
restraining order set aside. Dis- 
mantled home, and all its furnish' 
ings are still stored in a warehouse 
and Mrs. Dennen is dickering with 
film producers for the use of the 
house. Owner also offering it to the 
Rockefeller family with the idea of 
it being set up in Rockefeller Plaza 
as a-' memorial. 



J. Cheever Cowdin 
fer, Universal exees, are back here 
from Germany, where they inter- 
viewed Paxil Goebeis, head of the 
ministry of propaganda, on U.'s 'The 
Road. Back.' Picture faced a ban in 
Germany because of its allegedly 
uncomplimentary picture of the 
post-war Reich. 
Goebeis, however, agreed to li- 



As Cook Goes Profesh 



Atlanta, July 13. 
Annie Belle Hunnicutt dusky ama- 
l;{eut''WhO did okay on M^jor Bowes' 
)5»ro^rain -when it was still' a coffee 
cense' 'Road Back*^ for "Greening in j; Jwur, i? . Hollywood bound. She, is 

being accompanied west by Mrs. Lil- 



Beetson Up As Liaison 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Producers' end of negotiations in- 
volving the Screen Actors Guild and 
screen writer organizations will be 
placed in the hands of Frederick W. 
Beetson, executive secretary of the 
Association of Motion Picture Pro- 
ducers, provided Beetson can find 
sufficient time to do the job. 

Selection of Beetson has been 
given the okay of SAG. 



U Denies Nazi Angle 



New York, July 13. 
Editor, Variety: 

A recently published story to 
the effect that our company 
changed the . ending Jol[ 'Th€_ 
"Roa^TCack'^or tJie purpose of 
'Glorifying Hitler' is a complete 
falsehood from start to finish. 
Nothing but m^Uce could have , 
created ii. I am in receipt of a 
cabl-e^iam from J. Cheever 
Cowdin, chairman of .our board 
of directors, vrho is now in 
Europe wilii our foreign sales 
manager, Gustav Schaefer, - in 
which he says, 'Neither Schaefer 
nor I ever met Dr. Goebbels in . 
the first place and in the second 
place we have never discussed 
■The Road Back' with any offi- 
cial in Germany at any time. 
Both of U6 hope you will use- 
this denial as emphatically as 
you can.' 

. Ths simple truth is that after 
showing the picture to tiie pub- 
lic wo decided to add several 
romantic scenes. Those who 
have seen both versions say the 
new one is immeasurably 
better. Politics and fear had 
nothing whatever to do with it 
UNlVERSAIi PICTURES CO., 
R. H, Cochrane, President 



lian Crawford, for whom she cooks, 
"and who also tdok her to New York 
when she appeared on the air. . 

Annie Belle, after her mike ex- 
perience, was hired by Lucas . & 
Jenkins' 'Fox theatre to appear in 
musical atmospheric prol<^ to 'Green* 
Pastures' and went over big. 

Jovial • colored gal ■ has a three- 
month contract with a Hollywood 
nitery and is skedded to break the 
long jump between here and West 
Coast With radio and civic club 
bookings in New Orleans, Houston, 
etc. 



A mystery which Paramount has 
on its hands is solving how n^ws> 
teel pictures of the South Chica-ifj 
Memorial Day d||ash between police 
and strikers, banned from exlvbi- 
tion by Chicago police, were obtained 
■if>r. showing at a hall m that city 
which was described as headquarters 
for the West Side Young Gonmiuij. 
ists League. Paramount News is 
trying to find out how the picture? 
got into Chicago but doubted it will 
ever trace the print that was shown 
and confiscated. 

. Because of the ban in Chicago, 
Par made no sales on the riot print 
to any-one there, including non .the- 
atrical accounts or for. private show- 
ing. The ukase of police was ac- 
cepted by Par as not only including 
exhibition publicly or in any other 
way but sale as "well, with V sale 
undoubtedly making Par as liable as 
a theatre which woul^ exhibit 

Theory is that the strike print 
v/Iuch was confiscated by police and 
over which arrests': were made, wjis 
bicycled ttqjji sppie.nearby jtown or 
stolen. 'Ji ' actual jy! bicycled, it may- 
be thait 'ParsCan ,ti:^c^ "ithe point from 
which , it ' yra^ .'b'orrpwed.', although 
with any' ac<^tini. where, it might be 
found iiiisising,' 'diifficulty would .be 
in proviso it 'Wasn't stolen rather, 
than hiked. 

Par has been careful to avoid 
trouble in connection with the riot 
films it ' got . and' is chary about 
commenting pn them how that they 
have bee n r eleased. This would 



Selznick Tags Colnian 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Selznick International has placed 
Ronald Colman under a term con- 
tract following completion of 'The 
Prisoner of Zenda.' 

S.-I.'s list now includes, besides 
Colmah Janet Gaynor, Carole 
Lombard and Douglas Fairbanks, 
Jr., besides a number of featured 
character players. 



MORE PAR-GOLDWYN TRUCE 



Seen In 



PICKm YARNS ON 
REBOUND FOR SHIRLEY 



Hollywoodr July 13. 

Two filni stories, made as silents 
by Mary, Pickfbrd, are being dusted 
off for Shirley Temple at 20th-Fox. 
Yarns are 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook 
Farm' and 'The Littie Princess.' 

Ben Markson, William Cbnselman 
and Julien Josepbison are scripting 
to fit the moppet 



Wood Passes London 
Trip for *Mme. r Meg 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Sam Wood will direct 'Madame X' 
at Metro with Gladys George, War- 
ren William ajid John Beal as cast 
toppers. 

Assignment cancels Wood's trip to 
England to make a film for MG 
there this summer. 



Germany on the condition that the 
ending was. changed. Understood 
that Cowdin and Schaefer .agreed to 
make the switch. 



Dicker for W.. 
Loanout Deal 



C. Fields 



Par's $1,500,000 'Empire' 



Hollywood, July 13. 

ParAmount's $1,500,000 production 
of 'An Empire Is Born' gets the go 
signal Thursday (15), Frank Lloyd 
producing, and directing. Howard 
Estabrook is associate producer and 
did the screen play. 

Cast is headed by Joel McCrea, 
Frances Dee,- Ralph Morgan, Lloyd 
Nolan, Spencer Charters, Porter 
Hall and Raymond Walburn. 



Lahdau's New Termer 

Hollywood,- July 13. 

Leslie L, Landau had his contract 
renewed jit 20th -Fox for another 
year as associate producer. 

Contract also was dished out to 
Edward- Snyder, cameraman, for one 
year. 



MONO'S AIR PILOT PIC 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Jack Lambie, co-pilot ^vith Dick 
Merrill on a recent round trip to the 
London coronation 'from New York, 
will get feature billing in Mono- 
gram's 'Atlantic Flight,' 

He started work in the film last 
week. William Nigh directs. 



Simone's Cute Trick 



Coast's Version 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Cutting out the ending which 
showed various nations marshalling 
forces in anticipation of another war, 
Universal's new- fade, to 'The Road 
Back,' is allegedly to stress the ro- 
mantic element Charles .R. Rogers 
said that the change was dictated 
purely from the entertainment stand- 
point and was not to be construed 
as an attempt to mollify any nation. 



M-G STARTING AUG. 2 



Simone Simon, who notified 20th- 
Fox she would arrive in New York i mw - i-. > nmiimmfn <« a n^n 
Monday (12), was riot aboard th^ LEVlNE S 10 FOR 

Normandie when representatives 
from the home office met the boat 1 
to greet her. She had cancelled sail- 
ing at the last minute and now won't 
leave the other side for two weeks. 

Darryl Zanuck, deciding to start 
production earlier .on 'Love and 
Hisses,' Winchell-Bernie starrer, had 
cabled her to prepare to return for ] 
this picture. 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Sam Goldwyn is trying to borrow 
W. C. Fields from Par for the 
broken-down juggler who is reha- 
bilitated by the-^WPA in 'Sweet Land 
of Liberty,' satire on Federal The- 
atre project, scripted by Joe Bige- 
low and George Bradshaw. 

Borrowing would indicate further 
rapprochement between Par and 
Goldwyn since the threatened 
$5,000,000 suit over Gary Cooper 
was squared by Goldwyn's offering 
to loan Cooper»=to Par when wanted. 

Fialds hasn't worked 'in a Par pic 
since his breakdown a year ago. His 
last loanout had him priced at $10,- 
000 weekly. Fields is especially 
wanted for the Goldwynner laecause 
he used to be a juggler. ' 



STICKUP LEADS SET 

Hollywood, July 13. 

With Claire Trevor and Cesar 
Romero in the leads, Sol M. Wurtzel 
has set. July 26 as the starting date 
for 'The Great Diamond Robbery' 
at20th-Fox.' 

Miss Trevor is nearing the close 
of her 'Dead End* engagement with 
Samuel Goldwyn. 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Nat Levine starts his Metro pro- 
ducing deal Aug. 2 with h.'r. own unit 
and production staff, working with 
E. J. Mannix. He will likely make 
10 pictures the first year of his term 
CO& tract. 

Levine's contract was negotiated 
soon after he resigned as production 
chief at Republic. He recently re- 
turned from four month.s in Europe. 



Haskell Terps Abroad 

' Hollywood, July 13, 
Jack Haskell has settled his dance 

director contract at 20th-Fox and 

wiU go to/ England. 
It is iihderstood he has a deal to 

direct daince sequences in a musical 

production there. 



Balanchine^s Tollies' 



Maureen's O'Connor's Break 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Maureen O'Connor, 13-year-old 
radio singer, has been signed for the j 
lead opposite Jackie Cooper in Mon- | 
ogram's 'Boy. of the Streets.' 



Hollywood, July 13 
Samuel Goldwyn has handed over 
the entire dance direction job on 
"The. '.Goldwyn Follies' to GJeorge 
Balanchine as result of Balanchine's |. weeks., 
initial terp <;reations for the film 
Director is planning to import 30 of 
his ballerinas from New York for 
the nucleus oiE a line for the 'Follies, 

Vera Zorina, ex-Ballet Russe 
dancer and also of the London pro 
duction of 'On Your 'Toes,'. has ar 



NAYFACK'S SIT-IN 

Hollywood, July 13, 
' Nick Nayfack, assistant to Louis 
B; Mayer at Metro, will function in 
.Benny Thau's spot during the lat- 
ter's sojourn in London with the 
Mayer party. 
Thau will be gone about eight 



Youngster was recently voted the 
'baby stdr' of the Los Angeles radio Ivrived for a tep terping chore in the 
editors. I picture. 



PoweU With Annabella 

, Hollywood, July 13. 
William Powell has been borrowed 
from Metro by 20th -Fox for lead in 
'Jean,' opposite Annabella, latter be 
ing brought from England for part. 
It's letter's first for 20th in U. S. 



(ContinuecToh page^28T 

AP. Capitulates to 
Idea of Cooperathig 
On a Fiim Production 



Selznick-Internatioual completed 
negotiations Monday (12) with the 
Associated Press in New York for 
the filming of a full-lertgth feature 
film depicting the history of tlie syn- 
dicate and the part it has played in 
the 'development of tiie free Ameri- 
can press.' ~ Picture will be similar 
in treatment to 'Lloyds of London* 
and will be titled 'Freedom of the 
Press.'. 

Despite the apparent coincidence 
of the -completion of these negotia- 
tions with agitation on the part of 
publishers for a free press in its con- 
flict with the Newspaper Guild, there 
does not appear to be any tieup be- 
tween the two. Negotiations have 
been going on for more than four 
months and were only consummated 
this week. Previous efforts on the 
part .of film companies, .to produce 
such a picture have been made for 
10 years but have all been turned' 
down flatly, as the AP has always 
been very touchy about publicity of 
this type. One of the few stories 
giving an insight into its workings 
was the recent article -in ' Fortune 
mag on the setup and personnel of 
the syndicate. 

Some 1,400 AP members will co- 
operate in furnishing data. News 
service is sending men to the studio 
to function as technical advisers. 



Hemingway Preyiews 
Spanish Pic to H wood 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Ernest Hemingway winged in 
from New York last Sunday HI) 
with a print of 'Spanish Earth,* film 
mtide behind the lines on the Span- 
ish war front. 

Privately bidden audience of 200 
viewed the picture at the Ambassa- 
dor hotel arid a second group .saw it 
at the home of Fredric March. Au- 
thor was accompanied by Mrs. Hem- 
ingway and. Joris livens. Dutch direc- 
tor. 



Cot. RenewsL Brahm 



A Holly wood, "^ily 33- 
Columbia has extendeX__^£^'^ 
Brahm's directorial ticket To 40 
weeks. Opjion was plucked befoie\ 
Brahn?. had completed his first pic- 
ture in this country, Columbia's 
'Counsel for Crime,' 

Director ^was signed in England 
by Myron Selznick for one pic. He" 
got' his stage training under M«x 
Reinhardt 



1 



Wedni^sday, July 14, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 





'WAR' A TEST 



News Lensiirs die Fair-Haired Lads 
With Pic Mok; Fear Absent Ireatment 



Hollywood, July 13. 
*Most feared and most toadied to, 
of all the army that lives on world 
Sppetite for news and features about 
: ttolly wood personalities are the 
Iftifelance bulb pressers. These gen- 
tty dre here, there and everywhere 
. that the stars can be found, they 
hoV^r about the fave niteries, they 
' to all the big shindigs, sometimes 
tvi^h camera boxes , slung on their 
tacks, sometimes armed with a can- 
diii caniera that can become deadly. 

Woe betide the player so badljr ad- 
.^Ised as to high-hat the camera 
"ftounds, for their pxmishment is 
jwift an4 there is no reprisal. They 
liiky see their untetpiiched ; fabes 
fctet-ing from! the pages of ^S6mieVfap- 
inag in d maimer that not o'ttly ddes 
jibt flatter them but strikes ter:fot tb 
fiifeir sbuls. Of thfey may get a fast 
' goVby, as the lensers are A clannish 
lot and to offend one is to bring 
down the wrath of 'the. others. 

you hav^ to go fiar from Holly- 
<tvbod to point out the outstanding 
ifxample.of what a candid camera, 
— !-t>r-any-camera for that matter, can 
;do' to the illusion of romantic 
glamour. This was true of the 
shots made of the Duke and Duchess 
of Windsor just after their marriage. 
Photos reproduced in roto pages 
■ ' Itbroughout this coimtry are said to 
have done more to . destroy the il- 
lusion of the ex-King's glamour than 
'ill the cracks taken at him by the 
" government-controlled press, etc. 
Mollifying the Mifled 
' Story is told here that at the time 

■ of Jeanette MacDonald's marriage to 
' Gene Raymond recently some of the 
' .volunteer lensers were miffed be- 
' (;ause they failed to obtain the shots 

,ihey were after because of an over- 
efficient secretary. • When Miss Mac- 
' Donald finally heard of this, she 

■ iVent to considerable pains to see 
.tiiat all of the fotog folk were ap- 
peased. 

. Reason -why the stars, especially 
.the femmes, are so fearful of the 
camera ,lens is because they are so 
'faelpless to offset the damage it can 
^0. Nowadays no player makes a 
i^ate with a camera without preening 
herself to the fullest advantage and 
Soiling up as carefully as if she were 
foing on the set. 

;,.Not a few of the stars have 
bpen photograpl^ed so much that 
tiiey have learned how to beat the 
'racket.' They usually give them- 
(Continued on page 71) 

(ICHTMAN ON COAST 
WHILE MAYER ABROAD 



Hollywood, July 13. 

; Al Lichtman remains at the Cul- 

. Ver City studio during the absence 
pf Louis B. Mayer , abroad and will 

.Junction as liaison exec between 
Metro's home lot and Nicholas M. 
Sch^n.(|k, Loew's prez, in New York. 

" Mayer was overcome by standing 
In the sunshine to deliver an ad- 
dress of thanks to studio personnel, 
who tendered him a farewell party, 
out. he soon recovered. 



Soph's Nitery Dates 
Before Next MG Pix 



Hollywood, July 13. 
\ Witho ut a current picture assign- 
9ient at Metro, Sophie Tucker goes 
?ast to fill nitery dates starting 
Aug. 2, 

,.'She goes into the Eastwood Gar- 
dens, Detroit, and then to Cocoanut 
wove, Chicago. Two other dates 
J^^'U be played before she returns 
^lO.the^tudio. • 

Fier to Col. 

Hollywood, July 13. 
J Jack Fier, production aid to Nat 
wvme at Mascot and Republic Pic- 
'ures for past 10 years, has signed 
1 j^'^^vi^olumbia Pix as producer 
under Irving Briskin. 




Twasn't a Rib 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Large sign bearing the le- 
gend 'United Artists Studios' 
over the main gate at UA was 
removed one morning last 
week when . Samuel Goldwyn 
arrived for work and in its 
place was a: sign reading 
'Colossal Studios.' 

Goldwyn was plenty burned 
thinking someone had put over 
the gag at his expense 'imtil 
his confreres informed him the 
'Colossal' sign had been placed . 
there for a scene in the Walter 
Wanger productibh 'Stand-In.' 



Ohio Indies Urge 
Other Exchanges 
To Get Pars Biz 



Columbus, July 12. 
. v. J, Wood, secretary of Independent 
Theatre Owners of Ohio, continued 
the indie exhibitors' boycott cam- 
paign against Paramount this week 
with an open letter to 300 exchanges 
urging them t6 go out and get their 
share of the business which he claims 
will be. turned from Par. 

Wood declared that himdreds of 
cancellations by theatres which will 
refuse to .buy the Par product in 
August will leave open thousands of 
playing dates ^hich must be filled 
by other distributing companies. 

The independent exhibitors are 
protesting Paramount's alleged fail- 
ure to deliver certain pictures in the 
1936-37 season. 



HERBERT, JENKINS TEE 
OFF AS COMEDY TEAM 



Hollywood, July 13. • 
Production . started yesterday at 
Warners on 'Sh! The Octopus!', first 
of a new series of comedies co-fea- 
turing Hugh Herbert and Allan 
Jenkins, new comedy team. 

William McGann is directing the 
initialer under the renewed contract 
just handed - to him. Cast includes 
Marcia Ralston, John Eldredge, Eric 
Stanley, Margaret Irving, George 
Rosener, Brandon Tynan and El- 
speth Dudgeon. 



Hecht 's Goldwyn Termer^ 
His 1st Long Contract 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Ben Hecht has signed a writing 
contract with , Sam Goldwyn, first 
assignment being to script 'Sweet 
Land of Liberty,' satire on the Fed- 
eral Theatre Project. Writer will do 
similar chore on 'Duchess of Broad- 
way' in October after rehearsing his 
New York play 'To Quito and Back.' 

Marks first time Hecht has ever 
signed termer as he has previously 
declined all deals beyond 'one pic- 
ture at a time. , • 



Taurog Takes Tom' 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Norman Taurog has taken over 
directing Selznick . International's 
'Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' vice 
H. C. Potter, who pulled out of the 
studio after disagreeing with , David 
O. Selznick as to story handling and 
cast. 

Picture had been in work around 
a week, when the switch, was made 
and probability is that it will be re- 
started. 




TTODE 





[ 



$5,000 War Chest tb Key- 
note Exhibitors' General 
Campaign Vs. All Dis- 
tributors Who Allegedly 
Fail to Deliver Promised 
Pictures — O t h e r Exhib 
Bodies Follow Suit 



AUGUST EMBARGO 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
Moral and financial support for 
the anti-Paramount drive was 
pledged here Thursday (8) by 100 
members of the UMPTO meeting in 
the Broad^yood hotel. Approxi- 
mately '$5,000 was raised on the spot 
for the drive's war chest. The meet- 
ing was marked by (enthusiasm. 
• The campaign which was outlined 
by David Barrist, chairman of the 
committee who presided, will in- 
clude the touring of the city by three 
trucks carrying banners and using 
Sound. The situation will be ex- 
plained And the public will be asked 
to boycott theatres • showing Para- 
mount pix. A half-million heralds 
have also been ordered for the same 
purpose. 

All theatres, circuit or indie, will 
be picketed if they refuse to abide 
by the organization's decisions. 
'Showmanship methods' will be used 
in the picketing, according to Barrist. 
A meeting will be held shortly with 
Joe Bernhardt of Warners for the 
purpose of soliciting Warner co- 
operation. 

' Exhibs have been asked to give 
Paramount no dates in August, in- 
cluding shorts and newsreels. 
They've also been asked to cancel 
contracts already made, and the or- 
ganization will defend any suit that 
may result. 

Messages sent to Paramount, both 
by letter and wire and not acknowl- 
edged, were read at the meeting. 

The four points emphasised most 
strdngly in the anti-Paramount cam- 
paign include insistence on delivery 
of pix promised for 1936-37, modi- 
fication of the coming season's terms, 
adjustments on last year's contracts 
in the case of exhibs who lost money, 
and the making of work-sheets part 
of contracts. 

Barrist, in his general address, 
called attention to the fact that Uni- 
(Continued on page 28) 



WILK ABROAD TO 0.0. 
WB'S LONDON LEGIT 



Preparatory to setting up legit 
producing facilities in England 
through a deal with O'Brien, Linnit 
& Dundee for the coming fall season, 
Jake Wilk of the Warner borne office, 
sailed Friday (9) for the other side. 
In addition to representing WB in 
connection with proposed play pro- 
ducing venture in London, where 
shows will be put on by local pro- 
ducers With Warner backing, Wilk 
will also survey the material market. 

He will visit France as wellr as 
England looking oyer play prospects, 
at the same time checking on any 
material that may be suitable di 
rectly for the screen. Plans , of 
Warners in producing plays in Eng 
land are to later film' them, either 
there or on this side. 

Accompanying Wilk abroad is Max 
Reinhardt, who goes over to stage 
this summer's Salzburg festival. 
Reinhardt will return in the fall to 
produce 'The Gamblers' for WB. 



Grady Goes Booneing 

Hollywood, 3u(y ,13. 

Bill Grady has left on a sixmonth 
talent search for Metro, expecting 
to gander little, theatres in key cities 
and elsewhere and also look ovor 
college summer theatres and regu- 
lar campus showings in the fall. 

First pauses will be in Kansas 
City and St. Louis. 



Chi Indies Talk Par Boycott 
As Retaliatory Move Against 
R.&K., Due to Animus Over Duals 



Self-Conscious 



San Diego, July 13. 
It doesn't take a college prof 
to understand why this town is 
getting so piopular with film 
execs for sneak previews,". Two 
race tracks are running — 40 
miles apart. 

One studio last week pulled 
three sneaks at this bprder 
town, a short drive from either 
Caliente or Bing Crosby's lay- 
out at Del Mar. 



SAG EXTENDING 
Its EASTERN 
DRIVE 



, That the Screen Actors' Guild In 
the eastern territory within a radius 
of several hundred miles of New 
York City Is not fooling about its 
campaign tot membership was 
plainly, indicated this week when 
officials in charge began checking 
with production heads, general man- 
agers and vice-presidents to make 
certain that the Hollywood forni is 
observed in the east. 

This' survey will be continued 
through next week with the hope 
that all producers, major companies 
and others engaged in production 
will be signed or set to observe the 
SAG pact by Aug. 1. Majors with 
studios in the east are being notified 
of the alignment while other major 
companies doing location work near 
Manhattan also have been told. 

Metro is expected to tell all those 
notified in' a call for extras, in loca- 
tion work next week that they must 
be SAG members before being ac- 
cepted for employment. -Metro cur- 
rently is doing spot production on a 
feature silong the East River, most 
of it being background stuff. How- 
ever, the one person employed in 
location shooting is a Guild member. 

Activity of SAG in New York area 
is to take in all studios and com- 
panies producing industrial or com- 
mercial films as well as regular short 
and feature productions, making 
the players conforna with regula- 
tions in effect on the Coast. 



Chicago, July 13. 

Mora determined thjin. ever to dd 
away with double fefitures, which 
they believe to be the cause of the 
recent poor business, the local inde- 
pendent exhibitors are now threat- 
ening a boycott against. Paraniount 
pictures in this territory, based on 
the exhibs' rancor against Balaban 
& Katz, Par's local theatre affiliate. 
B. & K. is blamed as the parent .of 
the double feature epidemic. 

Since the local exhibs have been 
able to get nowhere with B, & K., 
they feel ihpX By striking at Par 
product they may obtain some action 
in regards to the bargain bills. 

Exhibs had a pretty disastrous ex- 
perience with the boycott action two 
years ago when they had a blanket 
blackball against Metro-Goldwyn- 
Mayer product, They backed away 
from the boycott quickly when the 
M-G theatre affiliate, Loew's, im- 
mediately came to town and began 
preparations . to build some 12-16 
houses throughout the territory. 
Loew's took options on property 
close to thosie exhibitors which had 
led the boycott campaign. Loew's 
did start and cohiplete one theatre 
on the far westside, but killed off the 
other building activities when the 
exhibitors capitulated. 

However, despite the Loew-Metro 
incident, the local exhibitors incline 
to the belief that nothing like that 
can happen with the Paramount-B. 
& K. crew since B. & K..is a known 
quantity, having^ already ne^irly 40 
houses in town. 



Balaban & Katz has always been 
building or acquiring theatres at the 
rate of two ot three a year, and the 
exhibs expect no real campaign on 
the part of the circuit to start any 
spite building. 

Unusual angle In the boycott 
threat against Paramount is the fact 
•that the relations between Para- 
mount and the independent exhibi- 
tors have been extremely friendly 
in the past, with the exhibs openly 
stating that they haive been generally 
able to secure more adjustments on 
complaints with {*aramount than 
practically any of the other major 
distributors. 

For this reason the exhibs have no 
particular heart in their blackball 
threat against Paramount, but insist 
that they will use this means since 
only through Paramount can they 
possibly hit back at the B. & K. 
stand on double features. 



GUILD ACCOLADE FOR 
MONTGOMERY'S 'NIGIf[' 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Robert Montgomery's performance 
in 'Night Must Fall' was voted the 
best of last month by Screen Actors 
Guild! 

Supporting honors went to Dame 
May Whitty in the same picture. 



Swing Combo Set for 1, 
And Maybe_AnQthejLHc 

Raymond Scott Quintet left last 
night (Tuesday) for "Hollywood to 
work in Selznick- International's 
■Nothing. Sacred.' . It makes the first 
act in years which has received a 
bid from picture or the theatre as 
a result of a reputation gained al- 
most strictly through phonograph 
records. Scott has appeared on sev- 
eral occasions over CBS. He is 
otherwise Harry Warhow, brother of 
Mark Warnow, CBS maestro. 

Irving Millrf, who is managing di 
rector of Master Records, Inc., 
agented the deal. Swing unit may 
also do a bit in the 'Goldwyn Fol- 
lies.' 



John Montague Quite 
A Fave With FUm Folk 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Arrest of John Montague on an- 
alleged robbery ch&tge on a war- 
rant from the east was quite a shock 
to friends -and others of the film 
colony here who had fraternized 
with the personable golfer. Mon- 
tague's association with picture peo- 
ple was strictly social and mostly 
aftiohg those at the Lakeside Coun- 
try Club. He was a golf crony of 
Bing Crosby and through the 
crooner had met others of the film 
.colony. For the past six years he 

_had. lived. -at the. Jiome-'^f- Oliver 

(Laurel and) Hardy. His prowess 
at golf made him somewhat of an 
ideal with .film-player golf fcnthu- 
siasts. / 

MQntague had been in California 
about five years but was away for 
a year three years ago. He derived 
a livelihood around here through 
matches with Crosby and other 
moneyed players at Lakeside. He 
was also quite proficient at poker 
when big stake games were played 
at the club a few years ago. He was ' 
never interested in any way in pic- 
lure business affairs despite having 
been in a position through contact 
with film folk to. hear lots of gossip 
and promotion deals. 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



Summer Torch Shriveling L A. Trade, 
Waring Main Prop in Par s $21^00, 
U aids Off Ziyza iinUe' Fades 



Los Angeles, July 13. 
Effects of the heat wave, a box 
ofTice bane around the country, has 
sort of settled dowa in this locale 
with the operators of the cinema 
emporiums none too optimistic about 
results. Theatres here aU have cool- ' 
ing systems and most of them feel 
Jack of trade in the afternoons, with 
that lack being particularly felt in 
the downtown Los Angeles area 
where mat trade counts, outside of 
the Paramount^ this weekr This 
house has Fred Waring and his band 
on th«< stage cirawing trade extraor- 
dinarily for the .screen fea.ture, 'Last 
Train from Madrid.V Indications are 
tiiat takfe win reach an' easy $21,500 
on the week. 

A rather obvious fact with refer- 
ence to matinee hiz being negli- 
gible proportions is that the Chinese 
in Hollywood; for second successive 
-week is doing more biz than the 
downtown Loew*s State. These 
bouses are playing They Gave Him 
a Gun* and 'Sing and Be Happy,' 
Hollywood house running $500 or so 
ahead. 

Estimates far TUs Weclc 
Cartkay Cfrele <Fox) (1,518; 55- 
«3-LlO-1.65>— *Wee Willie Winkie' 
<2Qth> <3d vrtA). The $L6S de luxe 
tap too mudi for the kiddies who go 
for the Temple, with trade sagging 
this week. Last week, second, with 
. holiday thrown in, no coin im- 
pression by take litUe over $6,100. 

Chinese <Grauman-FWC) (2,028; 
30-«0^-75)— They Gave Him a Gun' 
<MG) and *Sing and Be Happy' 
(20th) duaL With nothing impor- 
tant in names and weather elements 
not hejping,^ house doing okay and 
will tape $10,000 mark. Last week, 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
'She Had to Eaf (20th), dual, helped 
plenty by holiday windup and came 
through with corking $11,200. 

CrlteriflB (TaUy) (1,640; 20-25-30) 
—'One Night of Love' (Col). With 
pics hard to get for tibe house, try- 
ing the milking process with this 
Grace Moore opus at rediiced scale 
° which might for the week bring in 
$900. Last week, 'Silent Barrier' 
<GB), held for 10 days and had tough 
struggle to bow out With total of 
. $1,600. 

D«wBt0wii (WB) (1.800; 30-40-55- 
65)— 'Singing Marine' (WB) and 
•Devil Is Driving* (Col) dual (2d 
■week). Figuring heat of previous 
week kept PoweU fans away, this 
one held over and will hit a good 
> $6,700. Last week, first, not up to ex- 
pectations with final count bit over 
$7,204. 

Four Star (Fox) (900; 30-40-55)— 
*Make Way for Tomorro\^' (Par). 
Back to regular grind policy and get- 
ting nowhere, will wind up with a 
bad $1,600. Last week, 'Lost Hori- 
zon' iCol) (17th-ftnal) for six-day 
"weaning process on this stanza 
chimed off with little short of $4,000. 
So far as length 6t run effect may 
have for future on pic this showing 
will be oke, but take did not warrant 
anything beyond the 10-week mark. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 
65)— 'Singing Marine' (WB)- and 
'Devil Is Driving' iCol) dual (sec- 
ond week). Holdover with preview 
aid will make presentable showing 
of around $6,500. Last week, first 
nothing to get excited over by a 
final count short of $7.00Q. 

Orpheum (Bdway) (2,280; 25-30- 
35-40)— 'Great Gambini' (Par) and 
'Draegerman Courage' (WB), dual, 
and vaudeville. House holding over 
Bowes unit and with new screen 
fare will do fairly well in getting 
around $7,500. Last week, 'Holly- 
wood Cowboy' (RKO) and 'Night of 
Mystery' (Par), dual, and with the 
Bowes unit as the draw, very good 
at .$8,800 for this time of year. 

Pantaees (Pan) (2,700; 30-40-55)— 
*New Faces' (RKOl and 'Armored 
C:ar' (U), dual (2d week). Having 
preview aid holdover will be so-so 
but not important coin with $5,0C0 
oil 'six days. Last week, first, not up 
to expectations with a $7,300 sound- 
oir. 

Paramount (Partmar) (3,595; SO- 
40-55)— 'Last Train from Madrid' 
(Par) and stage show. Fred Waring 
■ outfit on stage bringing in lots of 
coin and strictly accountable for 
good $21,500. Last , week, 'Mountain 
Music' (Pat) and stage show (2d 
week) getting the transient holiday 
play for the windup stanza and did 
jmi what was expected, fair $13,900. 

EKO (RKO) (2,950; 30-40-55)— 
'New Faces' (RKO) and 'Armored 
Car' (U), dual (2d week). Holdover 
• not .*;o forte with preview aid needed 
to get a- $5,000 showing on six days, 
nothing- to brag about 



inee trade, this combo not being 
helped any and will wina up with 
meagre 'sum of' $9,500. Last week, 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
^She Had to Ea^ <20th), brought in 
bit short of $10,600, fair. 
^United ArtfBts (Fox-UA) (2,100; 
30-40-55) — 'Emperor's Candlesticks' 
(MG) and 'She Had to Eat' (20th) duaL 
Moveover from State not so helpful 
as will do a rather weak $3,000. Last 
week, 'Slave Ship' (20th) and "Mar- 
fiied Before Breakfasf (MG), dual, 
nothing to rave about for holiday 
week as windup was bit over $3,100. 

Wilfifaire (Fox) (2,296; 30-40-55-65) 
— 'Einperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
'She Had to Eat' (20th), dual.^ Trade 
in this area going for this combo 
and house will do a good $6,500. Last 
week, 'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Mar- 
ried Before Breakfast' (MG). not 
good at $4,600. 

'RAciniiooo, 

BIG, AS BETO 

mis 



Baltimore, July .13. 
Heat's getting them here . and 
dbwntowh houses are taking it on 
the chin. Loew's (^entury with 'Day 
at the Races' (MCJ)^ is setting the 
pace . at * $13,000, which indicates 
nice profit, 'Make Way for To- 
morrow' (Par) in spite of critical 
raves, is not garnering more than 
$3,500 for its efforts, but may' pick 
up later in the week oh the strength 
of mouth to mouth. 

Esiiraatcs f«r This Week' 
Century (Loew's-UA) (3.000; 15- 
25-30-35-40-55) — 'Day at Races 
(MG). Leading town and marking 
up nice $13,000 in spite of heat. Last 
week, second of 'Captains C!oura- 
geous' (MG)-held up fairly well at 
$6,200. 

Hippodrame (Rappaport) (2,300 

15-25-35-40-65-66) — 'Devil ls Driv 

ing*. (Col) plus vaude headed by 

Herman Blng. Not much at $9,300 

Last week, 'New Faces' (RKO) and 
Beany Meroff's band got good day 
time play to $11,700. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,500; 15- 
25-30-35-40-55) — 'Make Way for 
Tomorrow' (Par). Raves from Crix 
didn't help over $3,500; may build 
'Woman Alone' (Par) set to open 
supper show Thurs. (15). 

New (Mechanic) 1,400; 15-25-30 
40-55)— "Love Froni Stranger* (20th) 
opened weak, with not more than 
$3,200 indicated. Last week, 'Sing 
and Be Happy' (20th) plus Corona- 
tion reel in color (20th), poor $2,800 

Stanley (WB) (3,400; 15r25-35-40- 
55)— 'Met in Paris' (Par) (2d wk.) 
Fell off to $5,700 after wow opening 
session at $14,000. 



1st Rdds On B'waj 



Week of July 1$ 

Capitol- 'Emperor's Candle- 
sticks' (MG) (2d week). 
(Revt«toed' in Variety June 30). 

Central — ' 'Damaged Lives', 
(Weldon) (6th week). 
Criterion — ^|Midnight Madonna' 
(Par) (17), 

G 1 e b e — 'Juggernaut* (GN) 
(14). 

Music Hall— 'Knight Without 
Armor' (UA) (2d week). 
(fietHewed iii Vadiciy this week). 

Paramount — 'Easy Living' 
Par (2d week). 
(Reviewed in Variety July 7). 
Rialto — 'Devil " Is Driving' 
(Cpl). - 
(Reviewed in Variety July 7), 

Biimli- 'Slave Ship' (20tfa) 

^5 til W^^lC^a 

Boxy— "Super Sleuth* (RKO) 
(18). 

(Revietoed in Variety this week). 

Strand— "They Won*t Forget' 
<WB) (14); . 

(Reviewed in . Varicty June 30). 
Week of July 22 

Aster- 'High, Wide and Hand- 
some' (Par) (21). 

Capitol— 'Saratoga' (MG)! • 
(Reviewed in Vamety this, vieek), 

Central— 'Armored CAt' (U) 
(24). , - 

Mosie Hall— Toast of. New 
Yorie (RKO). / , 

(Reviewed m Variety this week) , 

Paramoantr— 'Exclusive' (Par) 
(21). 

Rojty— 'Wee Willie Winkie' 
(20th) (23). 

■ (Reutewed in VARieir . June 30). 

Stnmd-^They Won't Forget* 
(WB) (2nd week). 



'FACES' HEADED FOR 
HNE ^,000, L'ViLLE 



Louisville, July 13. 
. Weather was torrid over the week 
end, resulting in an exodus to cooler 
spots outride the city. Showhouse 
takes are holding up surprisingly 
well,' however. 

Product is not so forte curently, 
with the exception of the Rialto, 
where 'New Faces' is nulling plenty 
of juve trade and an unusually hefty- 
number of radio fans. 

Estinates for This Week 

Brown (Fourth Ave.-Loew's) 
(1.500; 15-25-40)— 'Slave Ship' (20th). 
Trade slowing down to expected 
$2,000 on moveover. Last week 'Cap- 
tains Courageous' (MG) and Disney 
award pic, snared- nice $2,800 on 
moveover. 

Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25) — 
TiSarked Woman' (WB) and 'Top of 
Town' (U), dual, split with 'Dont 
Tell Wife' (RKO) and 'Go-Gfetter' 
(WB), dual. Pretty good at $2,100, 
Last week 'Wake Up' (20th) and 
'Jeeves' (20th), dual, held for fuU 
week to fair $2,200. . 

Loew's Slate (3,000; 15-25-40)— 'Be- 
tween Two Women* (MG) and 
Thunder in City' (Col), dual. House 
billing new sound- equipment over 
names of pics, which tells the story. 
Cricks lukewarm on both films, but 
biz started out well and headed for 
satisfactory '$6,400. Last week 'Em- 
peror's (Candlesticks' (MG) and 'No- 
body's Baby' (MG), dual, not much 
at $5,300. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 
15-25-40)— 'Sir»ging Marine* (WB). 
Should dp big biz, but opposish will 



'Slave Ship Ridb^ High in PitL, 
$8J00; 'Gan; EUington Oke $19, 




put crimp in expected takings. Due 
for fiqe $4,200. Last week, 'Another. 
£>awn' (WB), looked more like a 
sunset at $2,300. 

(Settos) (900; 15)— 'These 
Three' (UA) and Tigskin Parade' 
(20th), dual, split with 'Road to 
Glory' (20th) and 'I'd Give My Life' 
(Par), dual, below average at $1,300. 
Last week "Public Enemy's Wife'' 
(WB) and 'One Rainy Afternoon* 
(UA.). dual, spUt with 'State Fair' 
(20th) and 'Earthworm • Tractors' 
(FN), dual, fair $1,500. 

Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (3,000; 15- 
25-40)— 'New Faces (RKO) and 
'(ian't Beat Love' (RKO),. dual. 
Wor^i'Of -mouth: sure to build biz to 
nice proportions, maybe $8,000. Last 
week ^lave Ship' (20th) took profitr 
able $6,000 and i^noved over to the 
Brown, 

Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1,500; 
25-40 )— 'Midnight Madonna' (Par) 
and XIrreat Gambinf (Par), duaL 
Under average, not move than $3,400. 
Last week 'Sing and Be Happy* 
(20th) and 'She Had to Eaf (20th), 
dual, dull $3,200. 

Heat Bifs ftifc 
vSlim' Fair 8G V 

'Marine' Way (tf 



Buffalo, July 13. 

Heat is giving Buffalo box offices 
their first sock during the present 
stanza. Grosses are dropping way 
off, wife the quality of features not 
calculated to help much. 'Slim' will 
get the best comparativf figure, with 
'Marine' at the Buffalo probably due 
to hit the season's low. 

Estimates for This Week . 
Buffalo (Shea) (3,600; 30-40-50)— 
'Singing Marine' (WB). Very much 
off, with around $9,000 indicated. 
Last week, 'Emperor's Candlesticks' 
(MGM). did okay considering, 
$12,000. 

Century (Shea) (3,400; 25-35)— 
'Hotel Haywire' (Par) and 'Men in 
TExile' (WB). Back to about $6,500.. 
Last week, 'Manhattan Melodrama' 
(MG) (2nd run) and 'Can't Buy 
Luck' (RKO), built to swell gross of 
$8,300 on 'Strength of Jean Harlow 
revival. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 30-50) 
—'Slim' (WB). Not bad, around $8,000. 
Last week, 'Captains (Courageous' 
(MG) (2nd week), did better than 
expected for nice $7,600. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,400; 25-40) — 
'Woman Chases Man' (UA) and 
Disney • revue. Looks set for fair 
$6,000. Last week, 'Sing arid Be 
Happy' (20th) and " 'Once a Doctor' 
(WB), poor $4,500.- 

Lafayette (Ind) (3,400; 25-35)— 
'Hit Parade' (Rep) and 'Circus Girl* 
(Rep). Building to good $7,000. Last 
week, 'Wings Over Honolulu' (U) 
and 'Oh, Doctor' (U) did nicely at 
$6,500. 



Heat Worries Philly, 'Courageous' 



Opens Fai-, lariM' 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
No telling how low - some of the 
film grosses may drop this week,' if 
the current sweltering spell keeps 
up, which is what it appears to be 
doing. 

Local crix went overboard in lav- 
ishing praise on 'Make Way for To- 
morrow,' ju.st as the Broadway 
crowd did, but so far there have 
been no indications of much box-of- 
fice...activity at the Staiiton. It's par- 
tially poor booking; Stanton's clien- 
tele likes G-men pix. 

'Captains Courageous,' which 
played a roadj5how engagement oi 
four weeks at the Locust in the early 
spring, isf at thfe Boyd for first regu- 
lar film .sho-wing. Opened Saturday 
(10) and looks as if one week will 
be all. 

Estimates for This Week 
Boyd (2.400: 40-55-65)— 'Captains 
Courageous*. (MG ). First regular 
picture house showing. Opened Sat- 
urday and only fair. 



Will have to 
I reach $15,000 or $16,000 to hold. Last 
State (Loow-Fox) (2,024; 30-40-.55-: " week, The. Emperor's Candlesticks' 
7.^)— They -Gave Him a Gun* (M(3) (MG u. pale $13,000. . 
and -Sing and. Be Happy* i20th) dual. Earle (2.000; 25-40-55)— 'The Go- 
Wilh heat kicking tar -out of . mat- Goller.' - ( WB> and vuude, Henry Ar- 




Mm 



metta topping stage bill. Combo fig- 
ures for iepid/$10,500 in 6-day week. 
Last weekL^arried Before- Break-, 
fast' ,(MG) and N.T.G. revue, only 
$11,000. 

Erlanj^er (2.000; 25-40-55)— 'Dam- 
aged Lives' (Weldon). Clo.sed three 
weeks' stay Sunday, getting $6,000 
oh final week. Had hoped to stay 
foiirth week but heat got it. 

Fox (3,000; 40-55-65)— 'Singing 
Marine' (WB) (2nd wk.). Should get 
$12,000 or close to it after sturdy 
$16,500 in first week despite terrific 
heat. 

Karlton (1,000; 25-35-40)— 'Missis- 
sippi' (Par). Revival which- would 
be doing well under better condi- 
tions; so-so $2,700. Last week", 'Sing 
and Be Happy* (20lh), Five days for 
this first run. pnor $1,100. 

Stanley (3,700: 40-55-65)— 'N^ 
Faces' (RKO). Holding for a few 
days of ' second w<>ek. with . 'Easy' 
Living*, openin.s Wednesday (14). 
'Faces* got $i3,000 in first week. 
. Stanton (1,700; 30r40:50)— 'Make 
Way for Tomorrow*- (Par). ,Crix 
raved, but .film H misplaced in this 
house; tnebbe $5,000. Last week 
'Great Gambini' (Par), so-so - $5,-700. 



Woman,' Disney Top Port. 
$6,000; 'Races' H,0. $5,500 

Portland, Ore., July 13. 
'"'Generally good,, biz for this time 
of year all around,' even though some 

slipped a few pegs in gross division 
last week. 

'Woman Chases Man,* dualing with 
Walt Disney A-ward Revue, topping 
the week's take. 'Day at the Races,' 
hold-over, slipping, but still run 
ner-up, . 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-55) 
— 'Races* (MG) and 'Mighty Treve' 
(U) (2d wk.). Still piling up good biz 
in spite of higher admish; Will get 
$5,500. First week great $10,000. 

Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1.400; 
40-55)— 'Captains Courageous' (MG) 
(4th wk). After three previous weeks 
at the United Artists still going 
strong here for $2'.500. Last week. 
'Star ,1s Born' (UA'), closed sixth 
Week for okay $2,000. 

Orpheumv (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(2,000: 30-55)— 'Another Dawn*' ( WB ) 
andJGttatiSambini* (Par). Gettin.e 
a fair play for this hou.se at around 
$5,000. Last week, 'Riding on Air' 
(RKO) and 'Slim' (WB), average 
$4,800. 

Paramount (Hamrick -Evergreen) 
(3.000; 30-55)— 'Mountain Music* 
(Par) and 'Talk of Devil' «1B) (2d 
wk). Fair returns at ."^4,500. Fir.H 
week mopped up nicely for good 
$8,000. 

Rivoli (Indie) (1.200; 2,5-35)— 'Park 
Avenue I,ogg.?ai'. (2fl1h) .mri v-rude. 
Getting okay respon.<:e for J;3.000. 

United Artists (Parker) (1.000: ,30- 
55)— :Woman Chases Man' (UA) ?nd 
'Walt Disney Revue' (UA). Winning 
pair fnr this, hnupe. $6,000. Lh.<?1 
week. 'Captains Courageou.'* (MG). 
closed good third week, •if-}, 200. 



Pittsburgh, July 13 

Heat-breaking rain- on Sunday 
(11) was a lifesaver aft^r depressing 
week-«nd biz and shot trade gen- 
erally right back into high again 
with chances that early - losses may 
be recouped before the. end of the 
stanza, i Couple of attractions, how- 
ever ate riding out the soaring 
mercury, with 'Slave Shipl' at the 
Fultori heading the parade and 
knocking off a surprising sock gross 
vmder. the circumstances. It's the 
only first-run site downtown " which 
isn't air cooled aiid yet the pic is 
running even with the house's top 
figures for the year. 

Duke Ellington and his band are 
bolstering "They (Save Him A Gun* 
in nice fashion at the Stanley; should 
mean a healthy wind-up and no 
complaints. Top critical raves of the 
season for 'Make Way for Tomor- 
row,' on a dual with 'Pick A Star ' 
are shooting the Warner into the 
profit bracket for a change. 
- Estimates for This Week 

Alvin (Harris) (2,000; 25-35-40) — 
•Night Key' (U) and 'Venus Makes 
Trouble' (Col). House is cleaning 
shelves of ta^ end of season's prod- 
uct ftnd bidmg time. Biz in the 
doghouse, biank night getting a good 
play and remainder of - week simply 
folding.- .= Doubtful, if there'll be 
$3,850. ;in: the till for this . combo. 
Last, week *She Had to Eat* (20th)i 
and Corbnatipn in technicolor (20tti[) - 
four day$ and 'Man in Mirror* (GN) ■ 
iand 'Michael 0*Hallorah' (Rep)\ 
three days bar^ely got $3,500 on the 
entire sfession. 

FuHon (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40) 
—'Slave Ship' (20th). Heat doesn't 
seem to.mean.a'thlng here. March^g 
right ahead to -breast the top pix 
of the .year here, should knock off .a 
great $8,700 and hold. Last week 
•As Good As Married' (U), helped 
by house's first cash giveaway, came 
through with an all right $4,400. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3^00; 25-35-50) 
— ^Mountain Music' (Par). Wrong 
hous^ for this pic. Pretty much of 
a disappointment and will be lucky 
to get $10,500. Last week 'Emperor's 
Candlesticks' (MG) likewise a false- 
hoper at $12,000. 

Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60) — 
"They Gave Him A Gun* (MG) and 
Duke Ellington. Held up for sev- 
eral weeks to await release of 'Cap- 
tains Courageous' (MG). figuring 
Tracy's performance in latter would 
help 'Gun.' But chief credit for 
good showing can go to Ellington; 
around $19,000 in prospect. That's just 
about last week's take with 'Slim' 
(WB) and Henry Armetta in person. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40) — 
'Make Way for Tomorrow' (Par) and 
'Pick A Star* (MG). Raves for To- 
morrow* producing a profitable -week. 
May toe $5,000, real biz at this time 
of year. Last week, 'Hotel Haywire' 
(Par) and 'Night of Mystery* (Par) 
n.s.h,, around $3,400. 

lARINE'OKAY 
$10,000, DENVER 



Denver, July 13. 

Rain is helping grpsses this week 
by keeping people in town and 
driving convention visitors indoors. 
Elks convention has added 30,000 to 
Denver's population and few will 
take time out to go to a show unless 
it rains. First run business is okay. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)— 'Anr 
i other Dawn' (20th), following a week 
at the "Denver. Slated for $3,500. 
Last week 'Slave Ship' (20th) was 
okay at the same figure, also after a 
week at the Denver, 

Broadway (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)— 
'Mysterious Crossing* (U), and 'Love 
in Bungalow* (U). Looks good for 
$3,000. Last week, 'Racketeers in 
Exile* (Col) and 'Speed to Spare' 
(Col ) were fair at $2,500. J 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,500; 26-35- 
40) — 'Mountain Music* (Par) (2d 
week). Should chalk up $5,000. La.st 
week, 'Mountain Music' was way up 
at $8,500, thus earning the holdover. 
. Denver (Fox) (2,500; 25-35-50)— 
'Singing Marine* (WB), and .stage 
band. Probahly will hit $10,000. La.st 
week, 'Another Dawn* (WB) was 
tops at $12,000 and went to the 
Aladdin for a second week. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40) 
—'New Paces- of 1937' (RKO) and 
'Outcasts of Poker Flat" .(RKO). 
Headed for $8,000. Last week, 
•Captains Courageous' (MG) and.'Yoii 
'Can't Buy Luck' (RKO) were fine 
at $9.500.. and would have been held 
over, but bookings. arc too li.ght. 

Paramount (Fox) (2,000; 25-4Q)— 
'Wings Over Honolulu* <U) 'and "Let 
Them Live . (U), Will get $4,000. 
Last week .'Go Getter*, (WB) ana 
'Strangers on' a Ho)!eymoon' iGB), 
•finished nicely at #,000. . 



.1 • J. I <. 



>1 1 l-j 



•I I' .J (. V. 



^ Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



PICTURE GROSSES 



VARIETY 



Chi Don t Know from Heat; living' 

Good $29M 'Reckless' and Yaude 
SilMTaces' and tes'Oke HA's 



.. Chicago, July 13. 

It's just as hot in Chicago as it is 
Jin the rest ol the country, so skip 
'the weather as a topic. It rates as 
'IflO alibi only lor those spots which 
haven't any attractions and are do* 
ing flabby biz. Around the other 
;tt»eatres, where the stage and screen 
' line-up is strong, they aren't worry- 
ing about the thermometer. 
' Pictiires like 'New Faces' or 'Day 
at the Races' don't need any alibis. 
*"Only worry at these houses is how to 
. ehorten the show and time it for 
' quicker turnovers. Both pictures are 

• now iu holdover sessions in the loop 
and holding up with plenty of pep. 

• v Couple' of new ones in the loop, of 
'•'which coin is expected, particularly 

?Easy Living' and *Emperor!s Cah- 
dlwticks.'- Latter opened on Satur- 

. day (10), following ^Singing Marine' 

vJnto the Roosevelt. 

Estimates for This Week 
Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65)— 

•^Another Dawn' (WB). Moved here 
from the Chicago and all right at 
$6,000. Last, week 'Parniell' (MG) in 
(third loop week neat $6,700. 

/ Chicaffo (B&K) CifiOQl 35-55-75)— 
•Easy Living' (Par) and stage show. 
Good notices and word-of 'mouth 
lielpiilg to satisfactory ■$29,000. Last 
week 'Another Dawn' (WB) turned in 
fine $33,400. 

- Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65)— 

► •Dreaming Lips' (UA). Came in 
Thursday (8) when 'Midnight Ma- 
donna' (Par) foozled. Will hit $6,- 

'-600, nice. 'Madonna' under $3,000, 

, y6ry sad in six-day try. 

' Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 35-45-55)— 
■ •Born Reckless' (20th) and vaude. 
. .Three Stooges on stage helping take, 

• which win count up to around $17,- 
.000, on the right side of the books. 
•Ziast week 'Married Before Break- 
JTast' (MG) fine $19,200. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) 
W-'New Faces' (RKO) and vaude 

. t2nd week). Holding to better than 
$17,000, excellent, after last week's 

.. bang-up $25,600. 

Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-45-55- 
65 - 75 ) — 'Emperor's Candlesticks' 
:(MG). Opened Saturday (10) and 
•headed toward $16,000 for okay in- 
itial session. Last week 'Singing 
Marine' (WB) maijaged fairish $9,700 
tor second half of fortnight. 

. State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 
40)— 'Love from Stranger' (UA) and 
/Folies 'de Paree* unit, Holding to 
kteady gross sit around $13,000. Last 
week upped with holidays to $15,100 
for 'Husband's Secretary' (WB). 
^rnlted Artists (B&k-UA) (1,700; 
85-^5-65-75)- 'Races' (MG) (2nd 
week). Marx boys holding the reg- 
ister at a bright pace for $16,000 cur- 
rently, following hotcha> $23,100 last 
week. • • 



MY AT RACES' 
BIG $22M D.C 



Washington, July 13. 
It s the big houses' turn this week, 
With ^ the little fellows scrambling 
lor the crumbs. 'Day at the Races' 
at the Palace, straight pic spot, is 
leading the town, although both 
vaude spots will get good takes. 
--Weekend started very big with 
25,000 Boy Scouts in town, but their 
exodus, plus government employes 
scurrying to the seashore for perfect 
bathing weather, sent the b.o. down 
on the weekend. 

Estimates for This Week 
^Capiioi (Loew) (3,424; 25-35-60)— 
Between Two Women' (MG) and 
J*"<3e. Title getting the dames and 
Ked Skelton plus vaude should aid 
to good $32,000. Last week 'Em- 
peror's Candlesticks' (MG) and Major 
uowes unit overshot estimates for, 
swell $25,300. 

Columbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— 
2f^ar Out West' (MG). Maybe 'fair 
$4,000 Last week 'Manhattan Melo- 
drama (MG) (reissue) surprised 
mth nice $5,300. 

^c^*"^'* ^WB) (2,244: 25-35-40-60-70) 
Singing Marine' (WB) and vaude. 
wo-name stage bill leaving it all up 
to Pic, which will pull good $18,000. 
Last week 'Mountain Music' (Par) 
and St. ■ Moritz Ice Carnival built 
strongly to big $22,000. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-35-50)— 
Super-Sleuth' (RKO). Weak $6,000. 
Last week 'New Faces' (RKO) 
but died off to fair 
^0,000 on nine days. 

mti (WB) (1.353; 25-40)— 'League 
™ Frightened , Men' (Col). Should 
get pke $4,500. Last week 'Devil 
Dmnng' (Col) fair $4,000. 

Palace (Loew) (2,363; 25-35-60)— 
Oay at Races' (MG). Leading town 
jvith sock $22,500. Last week 'Cap- 
tains Courageous' (MG) (3d week) 
aeld to big $11,500. 



K. C. BIZ BRUTAL; 
'FACES' RED $7,500 

Kansas CJity, July 13. 

Looks like a poor week, with ex- 
ception of 'Emperor's Candlesticks,' 
which is drawing much better than 
expected. 

Ball club hit town last week and 
went into a winning streak. Night 
games hurting pic takes. 

Estimates for This Week 
Mainstreet (RKO) (3.200; 25-40)— 
'New Faces' (RKO). Doesn't augur 
better than poor $7,500. Last week, 
'Mountain Music' (Par), so-so $8,000, 
Midland (Loew) (4,000; 25-40)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
•Pick a Star' (MG), Only double 
bill in town and indicating good 
$13,000. Last week, 'Captains Cour- 
ageous' (MG) (2nd wk), mild $7,000. 
$7,000.. 

Newman (Par) (1,900; ■ 25-40 )— 
'Mountain Music' (Par) (2nd run). 
Moved from Mainstreet and looks 
fair at $4,000. Last week, 'Riding 
on Air' (RKO) and 'Behind Head- 
lines' (RKO), poor $3,800. 

Tower (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Bom 
Reckless'- (20th) and vaude. Looks 
average at $7,000. Last week, 'Wings 
Over Honolulu'- (U), $6,500, n.s.h. 

Uptown (Fox) (2,020; 25-40)— 
'Silent Barriers' (GB). and 'Cartoon 
Parade' (WB). Doesn't mean niuch, 
$3,500, Last week, 'Love from a 
Stranger' (UA), poor $3,900. 



PHIL SPITALNY, 
liyiNCBIG 
18&HUB 



Boston, July 13. 
•Easy Living,* with the Phil Spi- 
talny band oh stage at the Met, iwill 
be the top grosser this week. '(Cap- 
tains Courageous,' plus the Walt 
Disney special, easily won a second 
frame at both the Orph and State, 
while 'New Faces,', on a dual bill, 
was strong enough to stay another 
stanza at the Memorial. 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,000; 25-40-55)— 
'Riding on Air' (RKO) and 'Espion- 
age' (MG), dual. Off to encouraging 
pace, around $6,500. Last week sour. 
Despite holiday,- $5,500 for 'Nobody's 
Baby' (MG) and 'Thief Meets Thief 
(UA), dual. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,400; 25-35-40-50) 
—'Chan at Olympics'. (20th) and 
'Wild Money' (Par), dual. Very 
tame, $3,000. Last week okay $4,700 
for 'Madrid' (Par) and 'Hotel Hay- 
wire' (Par), double. 
. Keith Memorial (RKO)"(2,900; 25- 
40-55)— 'New Faces 1937' (RKO) and 
'13th Chair' (MG), dual. Held over 
for second week, flirting with f:atis- 
•factory $11,000, First week $16,000, 
very pleasing. 

Metropolitan (M&P) (4,300; 35-55- 
75)— 'Easy Living' (Par) and Phil 
Spitalny band. Picture is a surprise 
draw, but Spitalny is getting at least 
50-50 credit. Will hit okay $18,000. 
Last week 'Sing and Be Happy' 
(20th), with vaude, was a lot of 
lemon juice, $13,500. ' . 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 
50)— 'Captains Courageous' (MG) 
and Disney special (second week). 
Continuing at good gait, $12,000, after 
good opening stanza, $17,000. 

Paramount (M&P) (1,800; 25-35- 
55)— 'Chan at Olympics' (20th) and 
'Wild Money' (Par), double. Very 
droopy $4,500. Last week 'Madrid' 
(Par) and 'Hotel Haywire' (Par), 
dual, hit a pleasing $7,000. 

Schubert (GN) (1,590; 55-85-$1.10- 
$1.65)— Girl Said No' (GN) (3d wk). 
Roadshow getting hot blanket at this 
non-air-conditioned house, $5,000, 
off on 2d week. 

State (Loevv) (3,300; 25-35-40-50) 
— Captains Courageous' (MG) and 
Disney special (2d wk). Will take 
about $9,000. Fir,st frame very good 
$14,000- 



Newspap^r Tiffing 

No Help to Lincoln 



Lincoln, July 13. 
Show bi:i is really getting a poke 
in the nose this season, about 25% 
off so far into the summer. Nothing 
knockout .this week except the sex'er,. 
'Damaged Goods,' but 'Woman 
Chases Man' is doing a not bad 



showing. ■ Besides, theatres have 
chosen to tiff with the newspapers 
and as result all publicity has been 
pulled. 

^ Estimates for This Week 
Liberty (LTC) (1,200; 10-15)— 'Fury 
and- the Woman' (Rialto) plus 'Men 
in Exile' (WB) split with 'What 
Price* Vengeance' (Rialto) plus 'Let 
Them Live' (U), Just fair, $800. Last 
week 'California Straight Ahead' 
(U) plus 'Ruggles of Red Gap' (Par) 
split with 'Below the Deadline' 
(Ches) plus 'Missing Girls' (Rep), 
not so good, $900. 

Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-15-20-25) 
—'Woman Chases Man' (UA). Best 
chance on the street and a possible 
$2,400. Last week 'Kid Galahad' 
(WB) made the babes happy and 
satisfied the boys, $2,400, okay. 
. . Orpheum (LTC) (1,350; 10-15-20) 
—'Oh, Doctor' (U) plus 'David 
Harum' (20th) split with 'Damaged. 
Goods' (GN). <Last half a b, o. shot 
in the arm, and good $2,100 in pros- 
pect. Last week 'Cappy Ricks' (Rep) 
plus 'One Way Passage' (WB) split 
with 'Meet the Missus' (RKO) plus 
'Fire Over England' (UA), blah 
$1,000. 

Stuart (LTC) (1,900^ 10-25-40)— 
•Another Dawn' (WB). People think 
it's second run of 'Light Brigade,' 
and biz is to slight side. About $3,- 
000, not so good. Last week 'Moun- 
tain Music' (Par) did okedo, $3,400. 

Varsity (Westland) (1,100; 10-15)— 
'Can't Last Forever' (Col) plus 'Two 
Gun Law' (Col), To thfe weak side, 
$900, Last week 'Roaring Timber' 
(Col) and 'Talk of the Devil' (GB), 
slight, $850. 

HEATWUTING 
ALL PROV. B.O.'S 



Providence, July 13. 

Terrific hot weather putting big 
dent in box offices. Grosses are .re- 
ported to be lowest hi many months, 
and with no sign of relief in pros- 
pect for days, it's going to be another 
tough week all around. 

Film fare is just fair, with nothing 
outstanding to tempt the throngs 
who have taken to beaches and 
parks. 

Estimates for This Week 
Fay's (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Love in a 
Bungalow' (U) and vaude. Pretty 
weak show, and with natives scram- 
bling for watering resorts, biz is 
lowest of the season; not more than 
$4,5CiO in prospett, off. Last week 
'Angel's Holiday' (20th) and vaude 
started off okay, but the heat made 
it tough; slid to $5,000. 

Loew's State (3,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Captains Courageous' (MG) (2d 
week). - N.s.g.. so far because of 
sizzling heat, maybe $7,000 If things 
don't break any worse. Last week 
biz started off with a bang' and 
seemed headed for record-breaking 
gross, but hot weather slowed things 
down to bring in only $12,000; oke. 
but sure to have grossed more if 
things were iust so. 
. Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 25-35-50)— 
'Another Dawn' (WB) and 'She Had 
to Eat' (20th). Not so ^ood. house 
Will be lucky to hit $5,000, off. Last 
week 'Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Big 
Business' (20th) also victim of the 
heat, slid to $6,100, so-so. 

Strand (indie) (2,200: 25-35-50)— 
'Last Train from Madrid' (Par) and 
'Girls Can Play* (Col), Not more 
than $5,000 in prospect with setuo 
as it is. just now: n.s.g. Last week 
'Devil is Drivinc' (Col) and 'North 
of Rio Grande' (Par) tepid at $0,200. 



Heat Sloughs B'way but 'Knight' 
Braces Music Hal to Strong 82€; 
Martha Raye Dps 'Easy to Wow 57G 



The five-day heat spell sloughed 
business, with only two theatres. 
Music Hall and Paramount, getting 
a good play, but the amazing fea- 
ture of it all is that the sum total 
of grosses among downtown houses 
beiats not only last week's , aggregate 
take, but also tops the business of 
the same film emporiums for the 
identical week a year ago. Compari- 
sons are not distant, but with the 
Broadway group grabbing about 
$6,000 more than the same theatres 
did last week (which included the 
Founh of July holiday), the answer 
rhust be that cooling systems have 
their virtues when blistering heat 
strikes town. 

For purposes of comparison, the 
Criterion, which was not in opera- 
tion a year ago, as well as the Cen- 
tral,, which then was in double fea- 
tures (including revivals) are not 
considered. Between these two the- 
atres this Week as against last there 
isn't a difference in gross intake, 
however, of more than about $1,000. 

Balance of the theatres, talcing in 
all the first runs downtown, show 
that for the current stanzi the total 
gross will be approximately $240*000. 
Last w«ek the same theatres, over 
the Fourth, got only $233,900. That's 
something, considering that there 
was a holiday there and better the- 
atre weather prevailed. The $240,- 
000 coming in this week compares 
even more favorably with' what the 
selfsame operations did for the cor- 
responding week in 1936, only $219,- 
700, As it happened. New York 
suffered from hot weather a year ago 
this week, too, but it may be that 
fans are now responding more to 
cooling plants. 

A strong draw, in Martha Raye. on 
a personal at the Par with 'Easy Liv- 
ing,' is giving that house a tremen- 
dous boost, hot weather not holding 
it down, while most of the balance of 
this week's patronage is going to the 
Music Hall, which has 'Knight With- 
out Armor.' The Par chalks up a 
handsome $57,000 on 'Living,' and 
Miss Raye, while 'Knight' will be 
$82,000 or over at the Hall. Both 
hold over. 

The rest of the street presents a 
rather gloomy picture, even if i the 
totals are slightly better than over 
the Fourth, and show an even larger 
increase than for the same week a 
year back. 

'Emperor's Candlesticks,' at the. 
Capitol, and 'Two Who Dared,' at the 
Roxy, are each looking for $25,000. 
This is just fair for the Cap but close 
to red for the Roxy, which carries 
a stage show. Cap holds. The rest 
of the theatres are getting nowhere 
at all excepting the small-seater Ri- 
alto, which at $7,000 with what 
amounts to a double bill, is getting 
by. House is playing 'Three Legion- 
naires' and the abbreviated feature, 
'Killers of the Sea,' 

One that's dying badly Is 'Great 
Gambini' at the Criterion, $7,000 best 
here. Loew's State is also nursing 
its wounds and will, go into the red 
at $16,000 with 'I Met Him in Paris' 
on second run, plus vaude headed 
by Arnold Johnson and Gus Van. 
The RKO second run dualer nearby, 
Palace, will be only about $0,000, 
poorest in ages. 

Two holdovers that can probably 
thank cooling sy.stems for not being 
worse through the heat session are 



'Courageous' Sock $13,000, 'Marine 
$7,000, Mpls. Biz Oke Despite Heat 



Minneapolis, July 13. 
Town's two ace houses are corral- 
ling nearly all the biz currently, 
'Captains Courageous' is off to a sock 
start at the Minnesota. Orpheum 
also looks well set with 'Singing 
Marine.' 

Extreme heat probably is more 
help than hindrance to trade on ac- 
count of the theatres' cooliriij plants. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aster (Publix-Singer) (900; 15-25) 
—'Marked Woman' (WB) and 'That 
Man's Here' (WB) (2d runs), split 
with dual first-runs 'Flyaway Baby' 
(WB) and 'Calif ornian' 6WB).- Light 
$800 in prospect. Last week. '^Call It 
Day' (WB) and Loixis-Braddock pic- 
turesv(2d runs) split with dual first- 
runs 'That I May Live' (20th) and 
'Blazing Sixes' (20th). Light $900. 

Century (Publix-Singer) (1,600; 
25-35-40)— 'Woman Chases Man' 
(UA). Miriam Hopkins a draw here, 
but they're not going for this picture. 
Poor $3,500 indicated. Last week. 
'Sing and Be Happy' (20th), yanked 
after four days, poor $1,200. 

Minnesota (Publix-Singer) (4,200; 
25-35.-55) — 'Captains Courageous' 
(MG). Well sold and delivering with 



a bang. Speedy start and should 
hold up for rest of week; looks like 
big. $13,000. Last week, 'Emperor's 
Candlesticks' (MG), fair at $8,700. 

Orpheum (Publix-Singer) (2,890; 
25-35-40)— 'Singing Marine' (WB). 
Powell still has pull here and light- 
weight musicals are appai*ently what 
they want. Headed towards good 
$7i000. Last week. 'Another Dawn* 
IWB), light at $5,000. 

State (Publix-Singer) (2,300; 25- 
40)— 'Hit .Parade' (Rep) and 'ISth 
Chair' (MG). Line-up of names in 
former pic coaxing some shekels. En 
route to good $3,200. . Last week, 
'Chan at Olympics' (20th) and 'Pick 
a Star' (MG), fairly good at $2,900. 

Time (Berger) (290; 15-25)— 'For- 
bid d e n Adventure' (Indie) (2d 
week). Exploitation and advertising 
job for this freak picture is paying 
rich dividends. Breezing- along at 
$1,200 pace, big, 'Last week, $2,500, 
very big. 

World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) 
—'Adolf's Military Adventures' 
(Swedish). Scandinavian pic should 
bring in good $2,000, Last week, 'As 
You Like It ^ (20th) (2d week), 
$1,200, fair, 



'Singing Marine,' ending its second 
week last night (Tues.) at the Strand, 
and 'Slave Ship,!, ending at same 
time its fourth week at the Riv. 
'Marine' had a pretty good first' week 
of around $25,000 over the holiday 
(4th), but on the second at only, 
about $12,000 suffered a bad dip. 
'Slave Ship' over the Fourth (last 
week) got $14,000; while on its fourth 
week up last night (Tues.) it held 
fairly at $10,000. 'Ship' goes a fifth 
week. 

, Universal took 'Road Back,' $2 at- 
traction, out of the Globe last night 
(Tues.) after a run of three weeks 
and six days. Last week (3d) pic>- 
ture dropped severely to $8,200, 
Harry Brandt will operate house as 
pop first run, starting today (Wed.) 
with 'Juggernaut,' until Par is ifeady 
to bring in 'Souls at Sea' on a two-a- 
day basis July 28. Meantime, the 
Central continues as is, (ind holds 
'Damaged Lives' for a sixth week, 
followed by 'Armored Car' Satur- 
day (24). 

Estimates for This Week 
Capitol (4,620; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 
'Emperor'js Candlesticks' (MG). This 
one, with the Powell-lRalner names, 
will do only $25,000 or short of 
that, fair, but holds over anyway. 
'Saratoga' (MG) is scheduled for 
Thursday (23). Last week, third for 
'Day at Races' (MG), under $20,000, 

■Central (1,000; 25-35-40-55-65-75- 
85-99)— 'Damaged Goods' (Weldon) 
(5th week). About $8,000, good, a 
possibility and at this figure holds a 
sixth week. Last stanza (4th) was 
around $9,000, 

Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)— 'Great 
Gambini' (Par), No dice at all, even 
with a cooling system ais possible 
help, $7.O0O appearing tops, red. 
Last Week, 'King of Gamblers' (Par) 
fell off to $7,000 after a bright start, 
heat of Thursday and Friday (8-9) 
probably helping to cripple it. 

Globe (1,274; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2.20) 
— 'Road ^ack' (U). Withdrawn last 
night (Tues.) after a run of' three 
weeks and six days. Last week (3d) 
was only $8,200, a sharp dip from the 
second. House returns to. grind first 
run, policy today (Wed.) with 'Jug- 
gernaut' (GN), this policy to hold 
until 'Souls at Sea' (Par) comes in 
on a two-a-day basis at $2 top 
July 28. 

PalaciB (1,700; 25-35-55)— 'Another 
Dawn' (WB) (2d run) and 'Fly Away 
Baby' (WB)' (1st run), dualed. 
Doubleton getting nothing, only 
about $6,000. Last week it wasn't 
much better with 'Kid Galaha.d' 
(WB) (2d run) and 'Meet the Missus' 
(RKO) (first run), $6,500, 

Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99) 
— 'Easy Living' (Par) and Emery 
Deutsch orchestra, plus Martha Raye 
In person. Miss Raye is turning trick 
in a big way here, $57,000 first 
week ending last night (Tues.) being 
phenomenal business for this time 
of the year. Show holds second 
week. Miss Raye is in at $5,000 for 
30 performances, those over that be- 
ing pro-rated. House is' doing 35 
shows. Last week, 'Mountain Music' 
(Par) and Clyde Lucas orchestra, 
plus Ethel Merman (2d week), 
$28,000, okay. 

Radio City Music Hall) (5,980; 40- 
60-85-99-$l,65)— Knight Without Ar- 
mor' (UA) and stage show. Heat 
and weeicend exodus to beaches and 
country didn't hurt here, $82,000 or 
bit over appearing certain, fine tak-" 
ings for the summer and good 
enough picture holds a second. Last 
week, 'New Faces' (RKO) ended at 
under $75,000, disappointing but 
profit. 

Rialto (750; 25-40-55)— 'Three 
Legionnaires' .(Synd).and 'Killers of 
Sea' (GN), doubled. House may get 
$7,000; getting through, • with this 
pair, 'Killers' is an abbreviated ad- 
venture feature. Last week, 'League 
of Frightened Men' (Col), got $7,- 
100, fair. 

Rivoli (2.092; 25-55-75-85-99)— 
'Slave Ship' (20th) (4th week). Al- 
though only about $10,000 this week 
(4th), squeezing through, picture 
goes a fifth. House is shoooing for 
something for Wednesday (21). Last 
week (3d) for 'Ship' was $14,000, 
mild. , 

Roxy (5.836; 25-45-55-75)— 'Two 
Who Dared' (GN) and stage show. 
May manage ^25i000 and get through 
but more is highly improbable. Last 
week was better with 'King Solo- 
mon's Mines' (GB), $28,200. 

Strand. (2.767; 25-55-75)— 'Singing 
Marine' (WB) (2d week). Did fairly 
nicely first week at around $25,000 
but off sharply on holdover, only 
about $12,000 and out last nieht 
(Tues,). .'Thev Won't Forget' (WB) 
bows today (Wed.). 

State (3.450; 35-55-75)— 'I Met Him 
in Paris' (Par) (2d ruii) and vaude 
headed by Arnold Johnson band and 
Gus Van, This is another of those 
rare weeks when this house goes 
into the pink, only $16,000 looming. 
Last week,- 'Woman Chases Man' 
(UA) (2d rim) and the Duke of 
Ellington band, $27,000, good. 



VARIETY 



PICTU^JB^CROSSES 



Wednesday, July 



^Vaude Revival' a Dud 



Hit Music'- Madrid' Dno 
Not So Bad in Montr^d 



(Continued from page .1) 



in tableaux. That's a concession 
from Mayor F. H. LaGuardia and 
License Commissioner Paul iMoss, 
but only if the girls remain in one 
spot. The blackouts have been 
cleaned up to the extent that they 
retain some semblance of subtlety, 
but otherwise they are the same old 
burlesque routines with the same old 
burlesque comics. It's not a vaude 
revival — it's just the pushing back of 
burlesque about 10 years. 

So It's Poor Vaude, Ac:ain 

Which repeats again, pioor vaude- 
ville! Even now, though practically 
forced back into the limelight by an 
order from the mayor of the largest 
city in the world, it gets the boot 
before even getting the opportunity 
to climb the stairs. This doesn't 
speak well for the showmanship of 
the hurley ' ops, inasmuch as vaude- 
ville, in. some form, -was their only 
possible salvation. Eventually, they 
will have to turn to bona fide variety 
entertainment— burlesque with its 
ears pinned back •and denatured 
woh't draw— but then, possibly, it 
may be too late. The circuits tried 
several times to bring back vaude 
after kicking, it around, but never 
succeeded despite high-presure sell- 
ing in some instances. 

Only an immediate switch may 
save the burley ops. ' With their 
present entertainment setup, they 
may just as well scrap their code, 
tell the. layman board of governors 
to return to their families and close 
their doors, or go grind pix. How 
ever, they have an alibi for their 
opening shows, and it is a reasonable 
one, i.e., that the productions went 
into rehearsal a eouple of weeks- ago, 
when it hadn't been made clear just 
exactly what type of shows they 
would be permitted to run. But "it 
also proves that: the minds pf the 
burley ops still run in the one 
channel— burlesque. 

Mlsslnf the Opportunity 

A real opportunity was here for 
.vaudeville and also for the burlesque 
operators. Vaude still holds ' some 
draw if presented right and .sold 
,smartly. Loew's State oh BroadwAy 
is concrete evidence along those 
lines. . A developing ground for. 
stage, screen and radio talent and 
material is sorely needed — and r: 
could just as well be the former 
burley houses. Acts are desperate 
for New York showing spots, and 
herein lies the opportunity for the 
theatre operators to buy talen; 
.cheaply and still do the acts i 
<avor. 

There's a wealth of good stage ma 
teriol around the country, most of it 
hidden in the honky-tonk niteries 
and scattered among the cheap units 
. playing one and two-day stands, 
available to the burley ops. If 
they'll look for it, they'll profit. If 
they remain in their current groove, 
then Commissioner Moss may just as 
well begin polishing up on some 
more revocatloh-of-license speeches. 
Several things may be said in 
favor of the burlesque operators in 
sofar as the opening Follies ai their 
houses are concerned. Productions 
iare more- expensive, . costuming is 
cleaner and neater, plus the evident 
desire to spend more money on tal 
ent than they did before Commls 
sioner Moss' purge of May 1. If all 
this didn't total up to at least nearly 
first-grade entertainment, then 
they've got to clean house. The 
fact that burlesque producers are 
still doing the staging is probably 
the first mistake, They'rie permit- 
ting the comics to use the old black- 
outs, though cleaned up a bit. and 
that's another mistake. Failure to 
book vaude comedy acts that could 
hold down 12 to 15-minute spots is 
certainly an erron ■ ' 

Rcpubllc'i; Lineup 

Lineups of the shows at the Re- 
public, Eltinge and Gaiety read like 
old burley programs. Republic's 
Follies cast includes Pinto and Delia, 
Irwin Selig and George Rose, as 
comics; George Murray and Ched 
Atland, straight man and singer, and 
the Misses Lee and Moore, straight- 
women. Only act in the show that 
can^ be classed as from vaude are 
Wales and Bradley, adagioists. Bev- 
erly Carr is the producer, with a 
line of 12 ponies an(J eight show- 
girls for the ensemble and posing 
scenes. Pic is 'Deception' (.Col). 
Gaiety's Show 

Gaiety show leans more than the 
others on specialty talent, but here 
also the production setup and cast 
has a strictly burlesque tjnge. Shorty 
McAllister,- Harry K. Fields, Harry 
Evanson and Joe Wilton are comics 
and straight men; i Gladys Fox, for- 



mer stripper, for s. and d.; Helen 
Davis and 'Jack Lyons, for vocals; 
Florence Mann, straight woman. 
The specialty acts are The Little- 
johns, novelty; Christine and Su- 
zanne, dancing sister team, and the 
Three Phantom Dancers, mixed col- 
ored trio. Line of 12 girls plus six 
showgirls augment. Billy Koud the 
producer. Pic here is 'You May Be 
Next' (Col). 

Eltlngc's Burly Form»t 
The Eltinge, even more, so than 
the Gaiety and Republic, is present- 
ing its show strictly in burlesque 
format. There are more -tableaux 
scenes here, meanings more stripping, 
for the chorines and showgirls from 
the waist up, and only one vaude 
urji, Seyton and Seyton, hand-to- 
hand balancers. Allen Reno, singer- 
dancer-impersonator, worked some- 
what like a vaude act, but also, has 
Uie appearance of coming from bur- 
lesque. Rest of the cast includes 
Jimi Flaherty, Maxie Ferman and 
Little Jack Little, comics, latter not 
the bandman of. that name; Chick 
Hunter and Eddie Cole, straight 
man; Jack ^amilton and Alma Mai-, 
ben, singers; Madeline Raye< hoofer, 
and Jalita, who does a veil dance. 
In order to make sure that the cus- 
tomers see at least a little some- 
thing, she clutches tiny flashlights 
in each hand under th^ gauzb. Wears 
a gee-string, though. She's done the 
same routine on cafe floors. There 
are 14 chorus girls at the Eltinge, 
plus seven showgirls, -with Paul Kane 
as producer. , Picture is 'They Met 
in a Taxi' (Col). 

All three houses tossed in at least 
one bedroom, scene among the many 
blackouts, all of the latter being set 
routines for the burley comics for 
years. And as in the past, they are 
just a;s dull, only cleaned up. That's 
not so forte for vaude fans, nor can 
th^y be expected to draw the pop- 
eyed burley-goers of the past Lat- 
ter tolerated the blackouts because 
they knew a stripper or a bumper 
followed. The blackouts now won't 
even draw the slummers, who now 
'n' then hit the burlesque joints just 
to hear the dirty language. 

No Dirt or Strippers 

Biit the dirt is out, and so's the 
stripping, so the only thing the the- 
atres can sell now is entertainment 
Latter could )ust as well be vaude- 
ville, but not in a burlesque frame 
Against the admixture is first the 
weather at the present time, none 
oi the theatres beinig equipped with 
cooling systems other than electric 
fans; secondly, the competish is go- 
ing to be too keen among six houses 
in Manhattan and three in Brooklyn 
(that is when all of them are open) 
to leave enough trade for poor shows 
to balance the books. 

Scales at all the houses are uni- 
form, 25c afternoons and 59c eve- 
i\igs. Business opening day and 
night (Monday) was fair, with most 
of the audience in each spot looking 
very burlesky, or else curiosity-seek- 
ers and quite ■ few newspapermen 
as the dailies have been giving 
burly's renaissance quite a .sendoff. 



Montreal. July 13. 
Exodus for holidays and heat- 
escapers overbalanced any extra 
tourist biz and look like keeping that 
way as long as tM. heat wave lasts. 
Captains Coiirageous,' Palace h. o., 
is still , doing best biz in town. 
Estimates for This Week 
Palace (CT) (2,700; 50)— 'Captains; 
Courageous' (MG) (2d week). Held 
up well in terrific heat and may 
gross $6,000, very good, a*ter socko 
$7,500 initialer. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 50)— 'Moun- 
tain Music' (Par) and 'Last Train 
from Madrid' (Par).. Points to $5,- 
500, good enough. Last week's h. o.. 
Slave Ship' (20th) and 'Big Busi- 
ness' (20th). fair at' $4,500. 

Loew's (M. T.) (3,200; 40 )—X€ague 
of Frightened Men* (Col) and 'Be- 
hind the Headlines' (Col). Biz slow 
with not much more than %ii500 in 
sight, fair. Last week, 'Wings Over 
Honolulu'- (U) and 'KUler at Large' 
(Par), $4,000,. fair. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 50)— 'Kid 
Galahad' (WB) and 'Everybody 
Dance' (Emp). Might gross $5,000, 
good. Last week, 'Night Must Fall' 
(MG) and 'That Man's Here Agaih' 
(WB), $4,500, good. 

Cinema, de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 50)— 'Cesar' (8th week). This 
will stay all summer and is getting 
regularly between $1,000 and ^1,200 
weekly, according to heat, good 
enough. 

St Denis (France-Fibn) (2,300; 34) 
— 'Les Manages de Mile. Levi' and 
'Rigolboche.' Down to $3,000, just 
fair. Last week, $3,200 for 'La Lou- 
pionte' and 'Le Joli Monde/ fair. 

SLAVE SHIP* 

BI6{13,m 
dCY 



Fleet Week Akb 
Seattle; 'Chases,' 
Xeague' OK {4800 



Seattle, July 13. 

Annual fleet week started Sunday 
(11) and 25,000 gobs are expected 
here with biggest armada ever sail 
ing into Puget Sound waters. It's 
helping biz, but weather's too nice. 

New low-price policy goes into ef- 
fect at the Blue Mouse, as Leo Hart 
ley becomes manager this week. With 
the price trend up in all lines, the 
Hamrick-Evergreen is giving the 
folks something different' by dropping, 
Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(900; 16-27)— 'Outcasts of Poker Flaf 
(RKO) and 'She Had to Eat' (20th)) 
dual. First week of lower price 
policy indicates $2,200, good. Last 
week (32«'37-42), 'Day at Races 
(MGM), single 3d week, $3,000, okay 

Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen ) 
(1,900; 21-32)— 'Wake Up and Live" 
(20th) and 'Step Lively. Jeeves 
(20th), dual. Headed for $3,800. ex- 
cellent Last week, 'Old Soak* (MG) 
and 'Chan at Olympics' (20th), dual 
$3,400, okay. 

Colonial (Sterling) (850: 10-J6-21) 
— 'Dangerous Holiday' (Rep) and 
'North of Rio Grande' (Par), dual 
Oltay $2,400 looked for. Last week 
'Mysterious Crossing' (U) and 
'Smoke Tree Ran.fi:e' (U), split with 
(Continued on page 64) 



The Dies resolution and the Hobbs resolution, both of which would pry 
into the affairs of the picture industry on numerous and sundry angle<t, 
still remain in the committee. Fact that the Dies plan, which would air 
ihe "film biz via a subcommittee with almost unlimited power, still is 
ingering in the committee room with small chance of being reported out 
before Congress adjourns, is cheering to all. concerned in the industry. 

The Dies projisct which would incorporate' a juiiket for special com- 
mittee, was framed after the Hobbs resolution. And it incorporates all fea- 
tures of the earlier proposal but is more sweeping in scope. Legislators 
and industry leaders alike feel that the Dies resolution or measure has 
more possibility of passing than the other. Now it may be lost in commit- 
;ee because of .the deluge of other vital subjects up lor consider a tioh; 



Cincinnati, July 13. 

Biz at the ace cinema chambers is 
surprisingly good in face of Cincy's 
■first siege of" hot weather. 

'Slave Ship* is toting the heavy 
sugar currently, $13,000 at the Albee. 
'New Faces' is next with $10,000 at 
the Palace. Only other new release, 
'Married Before Breakfast,' is peg 
ging $4,000 for Keith's. 

Estimates f«r This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-til)— 
'Slave Ship' (20th). Very good, 
$13,000. Same last week on 'Singing 
Marine' (WB). 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 35-42) 
'Captains Courageous* (MG). Second 
week at this house, following initial 
seven days at the Albeel Swell, 
$4,000. Last week, $5,500, dandy. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— '13th 
Chair' (MG) and 'Hospital Mystery' 
(20th), split. Par at $2,000. Last 
week 'Promise to Pay' (Col) and 
'That I May Live* (20th), spUt 
$2,100. 

Keith's. (Libson) (1,500; 25-40)— 
'Married Before Breakfast* (MG). 
Fair, $4,000. Last week 'Slim' (WB), 
$5,000, good. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 'New 
Faces of 1937' (RKO). Tame. $10,000 
Ditto last week on 'Emperor's (Tan 
dlesticks' (MG). 



'UVING'-liST TRAIN' 
FINE $8,000, INP'POLIS 



Indianapolis, July 13. 
Natives are beginning to get used 
to the hot weather now and coming 
back to theatres after straying away 
fromi the downtown sector for the 
past few weeks. Circle, with a dual 
of 'Easy Living' and 'Last Train 
From Madrid,' is doing surprisingly 
well, tb set the best pace among the 
first runs, while the vaudfilm Lyric 
also keeps its doorman busy with, a 
combo of 'Riding On Air* and a stage 
shoWi 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 25 
40)— 'Singing Marine' (WB). House 
going along nicely with single feat 
ure policy, while all other spots are 
double-billing. Dick Powell, who 
formerly sang here, is putting this 
one in the black nicely at $5,000. 
Last week 'Slave Ship^ {20th), in 
holdover session, did okay at $3,300 

Circle (Monarch) (2,800; 25-40)— 
'Easy Living' (Par) and 'Last Train 
From Madrid' (Par). Former pic 
was given a sfjicy teaser campaign 
in dnilics and is responsible for an 
above-par gross, $8,000. Last week 
I 'New Faces of 1937' (RKO) on twin 



Inside Stuf-Pictures 



Warners plans unique buildup prior to the national release of 'They 
Won't Forget' Mervyn Leroy. production, Vrhich deals unequivocably 
with a Deep South lynching. The sociological meUer gets its New York' 
release today (Wed.), but won't be nationally sptung until autumn. 
Warners is utilizing the time between to prime the public. It is the first 
time a film has ever dealt with such a subject in so objective a mannei-. 

Leroy, in selecting his cast for 'Forget,' uised players new to average 
filmgoers. Claude Rains, in a featured role, is^one of the few. with much 
screen background. Other leads, Edward Norris, Allyn Joslyn, Linda. 
Perry, Gloria Dickson and Lana Turner are newcomers to films. Leroy 
chose them because audiences unaccustomed to 'em, would not anticipate 
their actions, as known juves, menaces, etc. 



New Universal two-reeler explains how 'new faces' are uncovered and 
tested for the screen. It is called 'Hollywood Screen Test,' produced by 
Charles Ford who has been making one or two annually for U in addition 
to being newsreel editor. Short showing steps taKen in bringing out best 
in potential candida-te for acting role loUows closely actual Hollywood 
procedure oh screen testing without revealing everything. Kay Hughes, 
now on UniversaVs player rolls, portrays candidate for screen job, with 
Cesar Roniero spotted in for informal scene and actual test enactment. 
S. Sylvan Simon, film's director, is the test director in pix. 

Possibilities of the short as a means of arousing interest in local talent 
quests understood ,to have attracted exhibitors and circuit that figure in a 
search-for-talent contests. 



'March of Time' may not go into Scandinavian countries after a)I. 
Officials of reel had mulled the idea for a number of weeks but thorough 
check revealed that many of these nations in Scandinavian group buy 
according to program,' which would mean that 'M. of T.' would merely 
supplant some short series on RKO's lineup. Hence, it would mean little 
additional revenue with the number of theatres not justifying a special 
issue on such a basis. Big returns make Australia and New Zealand 
unong the most profitable of recent additions' to -the 'T-ime' reel fold. 
Situation with Italy and Germany remains unchanged. Understanding is 
that "M. of T.' might go into Italian theatres abroad if censorship restric- 
tions were lifted, . \ ' ' . 



Independent studio publicity head who has been occasionally noted for 
flamboyant tactics has again stirred the ' wrath of more orthodox depart- 
ments on several major lots. Genesis of the majors* burn is that this flack, 
when some topllne star comes to his lot to make , a pictute, persuades the 
star that the thing to do is to give out very few interviews and let him 
attend to them all. ' Thus he blurbs the product of his boss by the use of 
these few high-grade players who are sure space-grabbers. Flack promises 
them by-lines and-> quote-enclosed copy,, thus spoiling them for the boys 
qn the home lots, who fail to obtain cooperation at all. Hence tempers 
are high. . . , : , 



Martha Raye's personal appearance at the Paramount N. Y., is the 
first mild Hollywood name (though she's only tecently developed into 
that) to play a New York house in more than a year. Booking docs not 
inaugurate the N. Y. Par on any policy, for fllm names. Biggest picture 
names the street has had during the past year are' Herman Bing, recently 
at the State, and Henry Armetta and the Ritz B^s., who played the Roxy. 
With Miss Raye's opening at the Par the autograph hounds; long idle 
so far as Hollywood stars are concerned, mobbed the theatre, both out 
front and backstage, when the comedienne opened. 



First move by a fanmag editor to combat competish by radio gossipery 
was launched last week by John LeRoy Johnston, Fawcett's western man- 
ager, who edicted that all stories written for the mags on assignment must 
be guaranteed exclusive for 90 days. Johnston said a number of scripts 
bought on the premise that they were exclusive were cracked via the 
ether prior to publication. Mags no-w are assigning all their stories as 
part of the new policy, nothing bought on spec. Air raidings on available 
news and features have given many fan editors red necks> 



Majority of the five newsreels, impressed by the intense heat and 
humidity in New York during last few days, photographed various freak 
angles of hot wave around Manhattan last Friday for , use in reel this 
week. The old faithful one about frying an egg on the pavement, the 
improvised shower baths atop skyscrapers in Times Square area, bath-- 
ing beauties at the beach, and various means, devised for keeping cool- 
were included ^by smart camera boys. 



Bert HoUoway and Richard Speers"; who recently transferred from the 
Universal publicity department to Terry de Lapp's Paramount puflery, 
demanded and got . their own conditions before jumping. Terms were (1) 
they come in as a working duo, (2) they get vacations before toiling the 
customary annum, and (3) they handle only A product 



Following a sneak preview of, 'Dead End,*: Samuel Goldwyn decided 
to elaborate on several dramatic spots. Lillian Hellman. who did the 
original script is AVorking out added scenes and Director William Wyler 
and members of the cast will be brought to the studio for another week's 
shooting. 



After turning down Selznick International on the use pf 'Kidnapped' as 
the title of a picture. Hays office has had the verboten tag thrown back 
on its doorstep.. This time 20th-Fox has taken in the orphan and publicity 
has already cleared the drama desks. Now Dave Selznick wants to know 
what's the big idea. 



Similarity in theme between story submitted to Metro before the 
studio purchased the pli^j^Excursion' cost the outfit an added $10,000. 
Understood this figure was split between Byron Morgan and Henry 
Arnold so that there might be no cloud on the screen title. 



When 'Emile Zola' opens nt the 51st St, N'. Y., at $2, twice daily, next 
month, it will be minus 600 feet since previewed on the Coast. 



bill with 'Behind the Headlines' 
(RKO) was mo'derate. at $4,500. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-40)— 
'Day At Races' (MG) and 'Devil is 
Driving' (Col) (2d wk). Sati.sfactory 
at $4,250. Same duo opened big with 
first week's take of $9,000. 

Lyric (Olson) (2,000; 25-30-40)— 



'Riding On Air' (RKO) and vaude. 
Joe E. Brown always goes well in 
this house. Management bought Ihis 
one from opposition circuit and re- 
sults are good at pace indicating 
$9,000. Last week 'Wings Over Hon- 
olulu' (U) and Cab Calloway band 
N^as excellent at $11,600. 



Vedoesday, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



9 




PARAMOUNT rings the 
box office bell four times 
in two months with its 
big SUMMER pictures. 



10 



f 

VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 193 7 



s V s 



"I MET HIM IN PARIS " does smosh busi. 
ness to start summer off with, doing 130% 
above average business in 30 key runs. 

Second Weeks, Hold-overs, Carry-overs, Extended 
playing tihne in almost every house, i 

Look at the record : 



Seattle ; . . . 
Portland, Ore. 
Son Francisco 
New York . 
Brooklyn i 
Rochester . 
Washington 
Columbiis 
Cincinnati *. 
Ddyton . *- 
Cleveland • 
Boston . . 
New Orleans 
Chicago . . 
Indianapolis 
Kansas City ' 
Denver . . 
louisville. , 
Oakland 
San Diego . 
Hartford 
New Haven 
Memphis 



run 5 weeks 
run 4 week's 
run 3 weeks 
run 3 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
f run 2 weeks 
' run 2 weeks 
\ run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
riin 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
playing time 
playing time 
playing time 




Two wee^sr after "1 Met Hiiti in Paris 

PARAMOUNT raleoses "MOUNTAIN MUSIC" to do 
the T6p Summer Business of any picture, doing 
150% above average business in 18 key runs at the 
box offices already and going higher every day. 




Look ot the record ! 




run 3 weeks 
run 2 weelcs 
run 2 weelcs 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
run 2 weeks 
ptdying time 
playing time 
playing lime 
playing time 




12 



VARIETY 



"Wednesclay, July 14, 1937 




ml 

m 

'■■/', 
ZH''- 

4a 



And right on top of ' Mountain Music" 
conies "EASY LIVING". . . we say it's the 
Fuiinie^t Picture of the Year . . . and so 
do qll the trade papers! 



»»» 



Easy Living' force smash. Headed for smash business wherever 
it plays. Designed for the sole purpose of giving the public exactly 
what is wanted. Ifs roughhouse. It's slapstick. It*s a long howl-' 

— Hollywood Rtporttr 



III 



Easy Living' is healthy boisterous entertainment. Promises to be 
one of year's outstanding pictures. Ace entertainment" 

— Hollywood Vwitty 

'For oll-aroundr alUaudience amusement 'Easy Living' will give 
any picture competition" — Motion Pieturt Dtily 



III 



Easy Living', directed by Mitchell Leisen, is replete with speody 
action and glorified slapstick. The results ore dynamic for humor 
and the prescriptions seem right for today. Th^ production should 
follow successfully after 'I Met Him in Paris' on the Paramount 
schedule" ^Idwin Sfh&lltrt, Los AngtUs Times 




> f 

■ 
■ 



e - 
>■ , 



S ^ 



WedhemUy, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



13 




■f y,' 



And two weeks of ter ''Easy Living ' -comes 
''EXCLUSIVE^'. : . the reports on this pic- 
ture (and they are reliable) indicate thot 
this is one of the top melodramas of this 
or any time . * • a melodrama with comedy, 
romance and pace thqt leaves you 
bre6thless...a melodrama with three top 
names.. -a picture that is PARAMOUNTS 
Fourth Summer Smash in d row. 



once 



'Sale: 



m 



m 
m 



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Sill, 



lUOYo 



A1 



14 



VARIETY 



Wednesdaj, Jfuly 1 4, I9;i7 




f Conn,, 8osw;,f 






--■■■5- 



•/I 



5' ^ \ 



• St. Hwlta'A Vl«e«, Tn*(alcwr BI«iMira 



IHTERMATIONAL HEWS 



CnMf A<1(1rA««: TAVncn, LONDON 
l>lti>i>lMMii) Temple B»r seil-804S 



13 



Ricliman Takes Over London Nitery 
For Month; 1st Wk. $6,000 Profit 



London, July 4. 

Harry Richman is the first Amer- 
ican artist to lease a niglit spot f rona 
the owners on this' side. 

It happened this way. Richman 
was a hit at the Cafe de Paris re- 
cently and Martiniis Poulsen wanted 
him back, but would not pay more 
than $3,000, while Richman asked for 
$3,5|)0. So Richrfian suggested that 
he pay Poulsen the. same money the 
spot took in last Juiy, when Beatrice 
Lillie played thete for the month. 
To which Poulsen readily agreed. 

Richman has Florence Desmond 
supporting him, and pajrs her $500 
per week, with percentage of profits. 
First night of opening Richman and 
Miss Desmond held the stage over 60 
minutes, with the American song- 
ster doing all the numbers he did 
■with Frances "WiUiams and June 
Knight in New York, besides intro- 
ducing several blackouts, which has 
never been attempted in nite spots 
here. " ' , 

Since opening the house has been 
so jammed that dancing has had to 
be abandoned. It is figured that 
Richman will get, for his end, nearly 
$6,000, with Poulsen burning. Is in 
for four weeks, then goes to Deau- 
ville for two weeks, and already has 
an offer to operate his own nitery in 
London. 



Int. Group in Dutch 

Indies for Feature 

The Hague, July 2. 

An international trio . of fihn- 
specialists is now in Netherland 
India: Dr. Fejos, an American, who 
will act as director; Frank Frederik- 
son, Danish, who will be the camera 
man, and M. Leyonkufondt, tech- 
nical expert, Swedish. 

They are going to shoot films in 
the less known islands of that 
colony, Flores and Komodo, and also 
New Guinea. 



FOREIGN HLM EXECS 
ALL OVER THE MAP 



Max Milder, Warners* British 
chieftain, sails back to his post to- 
day (Wednesday) after three weeks 
of New York h.o. confabs. It was 
just his usual annual chatter session.; 

Joe Friedman, Columbia's. British 
rep, is in town talking things over 
with J. H. Seidelman, company^s 
foreign ,7k>ss. . Sam Eckman, Jr., 
Metro's British rep, sailed back Fri- 
day (9) af tbr. two weeks of the same. 

Arthur Loew, head of Metroes for- 
eign department^ is off on a vacation 
on his yacht. And just to be sure 
it's a vacation, and none can reach 
him, he has left^ no address. Just 
cruising around iot two weeks, come 
what may. 



Maybe It Woald Be 
Better Idea to Cut Fix 



Buenos Aires, June 24. 

Suggestion by President Justo 
here that all picture houses wind up 
their programs not later than mid- 
night has aroused much discussion 
on the editorial pages of the dailies 
here. Many favor the plan, claim- 
ing it is bad mentally and physically 
for the working population , to hold 
out until three and four in the morn- 
ing for the fate '.picture shows. 

Francisco laria and Santiago 
I^pez, speaking for the Socie- 
dad de Cinematografos Theatre 
Owners Society, say that the cus- 
tomary minimum of five full length 
pix per program in S-A. theatres 
positively forbids the cutting of 
hours. Claim the loss, of midnight 
patronage would be much too heavy 
to isuppprt. 



'Mile, Docteur' Shooting 

London, July 5. 
Max Schach's Trafalgar Films pro- 
duction of Dita Parlo's new English 
film, 'Mademoiselle Docteur,' is now 
shooting at Worton Hall for United 
Artists. 

Based on an autherttic spy story 
of the Great War and shows Erich 
Von Stroheim in the role of chief 
of the German intelligence service, 
with John Loder in the opposing 
English role, Claire Luce as a dancer, 
and Clifford Evans and Gyles Isham 
in supporting characters. Edmond 
T. GrevUle will direct. 



3 PLAYS DEBUT 
IN LONDON; 
I FOLDS 



London, July 13. 
'A Spot of Bother,' which opened 
July 6 at the Strand, is another 
farcical vehicle for Alfred Drayton 
and Robertson Hare. While not up 
to the standard of its predecessor, it 
was well received. 

They Came by Night,' which de- 
buted at the Globe Wednesday night 
(7), is a comedy; crook melodrama 
by Barre L3rndon, author of *Dr. Clit- 
terhouse.' Well received and a likely 
success. • 

.'Women of Property,' which bowed 
in at the Queens July: 8, is a transla- 
tion from the Finnish and a rather 
feeble imitation of Ibsen. It's un- 
likely for success. 

'Satyr' closed Saturday (10) after 
three and a half, weeks. 




Pix and Tele 



(Continued from page 3) 



Durant's New RKO Post 

Norman N. Durant, sales manager 
for RKO over India, Burma and Cey- 
lon, sails today (Wed) for Naples, 
from which he will embark for Bom- 
bay. 

Appointment of Durant was made 
to take added duties off shoulders 
■ 25 Reginald Armour, g.m. of the Far 
East, who- has had direct charge of 
the India branch. 



for televizing. AH four divisions go 
to making the firtished story found 
in motion i)ictures. And a tele- 
vision, prog;-am comparable' with 
radio biroadcasts' must be as letter- 
perfect as a completed screen vehicle. 
Embargos 

Realization of this had led many, 
studios to safeguard their reservoirs 
of talent by making stipulation re- 
garding tele'visioii in contracts signed 
recently and those being framed for 
the future. 

Aside from the fact that producer- 
distributor firms always ' desire to 
protect the exhibitors, who pay the 
bills, in the long run, it is simple 
business acumen not to permit use 
of films for television programs. 
They figure that the top price obtain- 
able on a feature film for sight- 
sound broadcast would be $100,000 
(and then in only rare instances). 
This broadcast would imihediately 
and automatically kiU the rental pos- 
sibilities of the picture. Few indus- 
try leaders envision producers or 
distributors permitting use Of a print 
for televizing when it would spoil 
the chance of getting $1,000,000 re- 
turn in rentals. 

While some have suggested that 
screen stars and other talent from 
Hollywood might be used in tele- 
vision broadcasts, this is held im- 
possible . except over a limited area, 
perhaps California or parts of it, 
without the use of a nation-wide 
co-axial cable system, considered 
necessary for television transmis- 
sion. Enormous cost of this sort of 
a cable network is expected to keep 
television from being employed save 
as a strictly local proposition for 
years to come. 

Even on a local scale, in an area 
within 40 miles, few industry chief- 
tains faiii to see where it would fit 
into a picture theatre excepting as 
a novelty stunt for one or two brief 
programs . daily. The cost of this 
undoubtedly would keep any tele- 
vision out of except a few of the 
most de luxe theatres. 



(Continued from page 1) 



London, July 13. . 

Press demonstration of five by 
four feet television was given yes- 
terday by Scophny. It was the best 
ever given here. 

Samuel Sagall. managing director, 
says full size television screen should 
be ready before the end of the year 
and it would shortly be possible to 
televise the entire Covent Garden 
ballet to 500 cinemas in Greater 
London. 



you see it, now you. don't' business. 
(Not, of course, that she isn't proUd 
to be a fan-dancer, anyway.) 

For Miss Rand's been told that 
teasers seek to bridge the gap be- 
tween auditorium , and stage, to tear 
down the barrier of the footlights, 
to become one with their audience, 
to get, you might say, 'ramlllar,' 
Stripping, she hears, is a highly 'per- 
sonal' art. Well, Miss Rand's is not..: 
Immune to It AH 

Miss Rand makes no attempt to 
'personalize' her numoer or her 
'niidity.' Miss Rand merely happens 
to be dancing around without any 
clothes, and if the audience hap- 
pens to notice, she can't help it She 
works in a cold blue light; she pro- 
vides a scrim further to maintain her 
aloofness, and she dances to De- 
bussy, Beethoven and Brahms. They,- 
the strippers, 'swing it,' they've got 
to have hot numbers to sell their 
stuff, but all that Miss Rand requires 
to get in the mood is Debussy, Bee- 
thoven and Brahms. That's because 
her work is ethereal. 'My dance Is 
completely abstract,' she says. 

If fact. Miss Rand is never so 
'mental' as when she is. fanning. 
When the pit band is playing Bee- 
thoven and tjie cold blue light is 
picking her out°from the black vel- 
vet Bet and her white fans are float- 
ing upward and the hushed house is 
straining forward in its seats— 'that's 
the ohe time I get to do my concen--^ 
trated thinking,' she says. 'It's the 
one time I achieve complete alone- 
ness.' While the others contemplate 
her-er-havel, that's the very time 
Miss Rand herself contemplates 'the 
unreality of material things,' she 
says. 

Biit since' Miss Rand doesn't ber 
lieve in any sort of limitations what- 
ever, she also employs the spiritual 
solitude she attains only while danc- 
ing before an audience, in contem- 
plating their reality too. Though in' 
her fan dance, her body may be en- 
gaged in 'epitomizing a bird in 
flight, expressed, in two-dimensional- 
design, by the 'pattern of two circles 
to a straight line,' or, in her bubble 
dance, her earthly clay may be busy 
'portraying the pure abstract, for 
unlike my fan dance, my bubble 
dance has no deep meaning of any 
kind. You might " compare my. fan 
dance to a ftieze of nymphs, and 
my bubble dance to the classic 
acanthus leaf pattern, or maybe to 
the three-dimensional sphere. That's 
it, the circle of life. Woipan. It's 
rotind, like w'oman. It takes round 
music — the Waltz in A Flat,' Miss 
Rand said, analytically. Though her 
feet may be always on. the ground, 
her mind admits to no limitations, 
and dwells upon the practical as well 
ias the metaphysical with equal ear 
nestness. Fortunately Miss Rand does 
plenty of dancing, because she's got 
plenty to think about. 

There is, for instance, the riddle 
of her own personality. Miss Rand 
has come to the conclusion that she's 
an extrovert, she says. She has an 
enormous curiosity about things. 
She's curious about life and people 
and the great middle class — 'they're 
the onfes who pay off Garbo's salary,' 
she muses — but especially, she's 
curious about the advisability of flat 
guarantees versus a percentage of the 
gross. In fact, when she comes right 
down to it, 'All I want to know is 
how much?' she says. 

Just a Bie-Sister Type 

But when she summarizes her 
musings so. Miss Rand is a little hard 
on herself- For only a moment be 
fore she had been saying, 'I. sincerely 
like people, I really do. I like them 
in the mass; great ticket-buying 
masses. I've never been able to get 
up scorn for Rotary Clubs, nor curl 
my lip at their Women's Guilds; 
love to go to their meetings, to make 
little speeches "to them when I hit 
a new town, to listen to their own 
goings-on. I'm impressed as hell at 
those who, while telling what to 
them seem ribald little jokes, take 
care of their own. Of the halt, the 
lame and the blind. If they're Bab- 
bitts, so what? All over the coUntry 
they, have the same idea — the beautl 
ful idea of Service. And so I love 
to go to their meetings, for when I 
can find out what they think, I can 
put on a better show for them, 
too, can serve. And after I make 
my little speech to them, they come 
up to me and tell me how surprised 
they are to find what a real homey 
person I am. That's just as effec- 
tive as aloof, unreachable glamour. 
Glamour, being seen only in the best 
places with the best people — bah! I 
have neither the face nor the. figure 
— nor the time for it. All I want 
to know is. do I get paid off; and I 
prefer to a.ssociate with people who 
are the same way. In my orofession, 



G.U. Splits Away from Hoyts; Anzac 
Film Franchising to Be Realigned 



Waller's *Room Service* 
In London; Abbott Stages 

London,' July 13. 
Jack Waller has acquired London 
rights to 'Room Service,' American 
comedy hit, having outbid two com- 
petitors. 

George Abbott, producer of. New 
York show," is due, here week after 
next to stage piece here. Romney 
Brent has been signed for ohe of 
the leads. • 



Ambrose Almost 
Played in Paris; 
Suit in Offing 



London, July 4. 

Ambrose, English band impresario, 
: a getting ready to sue Edmund Sayag 
for breach of contract and damages 
for $20,000, including $15,000 of sal- 
ary. Sayag booked Ambrose and his 
band for three weeks at the Monte 
Catlo restaurant, Paris, and when 
the band - arrived to open the res- 
taurant was not yet ready. 

As an alternative Sayag offered 
Ambrose the Chateau de Madrid, 
and to double in a nite spot. For- 
mer being in the open, Ambrose 
turned it ^own cold.- After week of 
exchanging temperaments, band 
leader collected his outfit and went 
^ome-. 

Ambrose resunies at Giro's, his 
own club, 'Virhere Jack Harris and 
his band substituted while he was 
away. 



Museum Film 



fhe Hague, July 2. 
Otto van Neyenhoff, Dutch camera- 
man; is at present shooting films in 
the Ryksmuseum (Museum of the 
Dutch government) in Amsterdam. 
Idea is that visitors will see the film 
first and then pay mOre attention 
to special features of the lyiuseum 
when they know what to look for. 

Not only the exhibited pictures, 
historic pieces, etc., are to be filmed, 
but also the public. Neyenhoff 
claims he is succeeding in getting 
on the camera the reaction of the 
public on seeing various specimens. 
Film will be released by Universal. 



Greta Keller at Hague 

The Hague, July 2. 
At the Kursaai in Scheveningen 
show is headed by Greta. Keller, who 
is a panic here. She will also appear 
one night at the Palais de Danse, 
where at present Moreton and Kaye, 
jazz pianists, are the craze. Other 
attractions at the resort are the 
Kursaal-Cabaret, the Cabaret on the 
Pier and a Luna Park. 



Sydney, July 13. 
Greater Union has decided to go 
solo despite everything and will 
break away from Hoyts on Jan. 1. 
This is a surprise new development 
in view of the fact that Stuart F. 
Doyle was forced out of Greater 
Union merely because he insisted on 
a split. Other members of the com- 
pany's firm fought him on that, fecl-> 
Ing that amalgamation with Hoyts 
was more favorable to both, witli 
that battle the direct answer ^o bis 
departure, 

Norman Rydge, >yho succeeded 
Doyle at the helxn of Greater Union, 
claims he has been offei'ed ample 
local finance for continuance of de- 
velopment policies of the chain on 
a solo basis. 

Just wher.e Rydge is going to fiet 
pictures is the problem. He claioi-s 
he has enough and knows where he 
can get more, but the fact remains 
that Charles Munro, during his i'C- 
cent American visit, tied up practi- 
cally everything available. Munro 
has cornered Columbia, Universal. 
United Artists, 20th-Fox and War- 
ners. Paramount and Metro are lone 
wolves here, with their own houses, 
plus 'tieups with indies, leaving no 
major film product possible for 
Union unless it chooses to go British 
or indie. 

This may, of course, develop in 
Metro or Paramount, or both, fixing 
a deal with Greater Union which 
would put the latter in a healthier 
position. Whether this can be ar- 
ranged in view of existing arra^nge- 
ments is doubtful since a lot of the 
M-G and Par spots are in direct 
GU opposition. 

It all may also lead to a return 
of Stuart Doyle, despite the latter's 
insistence that he is fed up on pic- 
ture business. 



STRIKE SHUnERS 
TIVOU IN SYDNEY 



Sydney,. July 13. 
' Deadlock between the Tlvoli chain 
management and Theatrical Em-^ 
ployees Union as regards the pay-> 
ment Of a basic wage increase of 
60c per person, resulted in a shut- 
down of vaude in Sydney Saturday 
night (10). 

American acts at the Tivoli, local 
name house of the chain, included 
Harmony Kings, M<stan and Weiser, 
Deys, Perry and Lillian. 

Settlement of the battle is expected 
soon, but meantime the theatre re- 
mains shut 



'MAYTIME' TOPS S. AFR. 



Mostly U.S. Pix Showing and Bi< 
Plenty Oke 



I've got to choose between having it 
on the ball when I need it, or being 
glamorous and all that kind of 
hooey. Well, I'd rather have it on 
the ball.' 

And This for Grover Whaleii 

Having it on the ball, Miss Rand 
is able to figure out what was eating 
Mr. Grover Whalen when he an- 
nounced that there'd be no Sally 
Rands at his Fair. He wasn't get- 
ting too much space in the papers 
at the time, she thinks, so his press 
agent got the idea that if he were 
only to say something about Sally 
Rand, he could ride along on what 
her name would bring in. She 
doesn't mind, though. His statement 
only gave ■ her importance. It only 
made people say, 'Sally .Rand must 
be mighty big, i£ a great big world's 
fair has to go into conference and 
decide to ban her.' 

And the World's Fair wil find out. 

'Why do people come to fairs?' she 
asks. 'Because they don't want, to 
stay at home. So you've got to give 
them something they don't see at 
home. They want a good time, not 
education. After all, how much edu- 
cation can they take? You've got to 
give them sorhething to take their 
mind off all the education the Fair 
subjects them to — some spectacle, 
some form of strong, sock entertain- 
ment — something ,that makes them 
feel, 'I've seen this, or I haven't seen 
the Fair.'i Miss Rand said, si'^nifl- 
cantly. 



Capetown, June 22, 
Top draw here is 'May time' (MGM) 
in 'lis third week at the Plaza 
(Union) and still playing to capacity. 
House was forced to inaugurate a 
thrice-daily policy, with one show 
morning, afternoon and evening. 

All other pix here arc American, 
'Three Men on a Horse' (WB), New 
Grand (ACT); 'BOrn to Dance' 
(MGM), Royal (Union); 'Rhythyni 
on the Range' (Par), Apollo (ACT); 
'Casino de Paris' (WB), Elstree 
(ACT). 

In. Johannesburg U.S. pix are tops 
with four, 'Witness Chair' (RKO), 
Palladium (ACT); 'Cain and Mabel' 
(WB), Standard (ACT); 'Sky Parade* 
^Par), Plaza (ACT); 'Dark Journey* 
(MGM), Metro (MGM), and two 
British, 'For Valour' (GB), Coliseum 
(ACrr); 'It's in the Bag' (British), 
Prince's (Indie). 

Durban is also 100% American, 
currently having 'Old Hutch' (MGM ), 
Prince's (ACT); 'Show Boat* (U). 
Criterion (ACT); 'Picpadilly Jim' 
(MGM),. King's (Union); 'General 
Died at Dawn' (Par), Playhouse 
(ACT); 'Irish in Us' (WB), Alhambra 
(ACT); 'Servant's Entrance' (20th), 
Avenue (ACT); 'Special Investi- 
gator' (RKO, Cameo (Indie). 



Newsreol Exploitation 

The Hague, July 2. 
As a special stunt, the C^ineac .Co., 
Ltd., which runs newsreel-cinemns 
in Europe, has bought the paste Eng- 
lish crown jewels, which were, used 
at rehearsals at the Abbey in Lon« 
dOn. 

They are at present on view in 
the hall of one of the two Cincac 
houses in The Hague. 



16 



VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



National Labor Laws, When and If 
Enacted Permanently, Would Apply 
To Show Biz hut Unfikely to Meet 



Washington, July 13. 

Permanent national labor stand- 
ards law, which has doubtful chance 
of enactment this session, will apply 
technically to film production and 
distribution, may hit exhibition, but 
actually will make slight difference 
• to the bulk of the picture business. 

WitKouf waiting for the slow-mov- 
ing house group, the senate labor 
committee Thursday (8) reported a 
much-modified version of the brain 
trust measure which puts definite 
limitations on the scope of power 
delegated to the proposed regulatory 
agency and contemplates gradual 
" rather than -abrupt improvement of 
working tonditions. Bill will not get 
attention, in the senate, however, im- 
til the finish of the supreme court 
controversy, which may last for sev- 
eral weeks. 

Exact effect of the measure oh film 
enterprises remained conjectural, 
with solons unabie to clarify some 
of the fundamental provisions. From 
9II indications, few units of the pic- 
ture industry need worry about 
being upset by the new government 
venture iii labor control. 

As perfected, the bill allows the 
contemplated Labor Standards Board 
to fix hours and wages at a point 
which would eradicate 'oppressive' 
• •forking conditions. The agency is 
(Continued on page 70) 



Court Indicates ^ 
Orph StockhoMers' 
Claims WiD Be K.O;d 



Orpheum Circuit stockholders who 
have been battling, so far unsuc- 
cessfully, the sale of the defunct 
corppration's assets to Stadixim The- 
atres Corp., for $700,000, and for 
the right to intervene in KKO re- 
organi^tion proceedings, brought 
their grievances to the U. S. Circuit 
Court of Appeals, N. Y., Thursday 
(8). Through tlieir fcounsel, Isador J. 
Kresel, the group claimed they are 
Entitled to be represented in the 
RKO hearings, on the basis that 
Orpheum was a subsidiary of RKQ. 
They appealed from District Judge 
Robert P. Patterson's ruling denying 
them this right and also his refusal 
to stop the Orphieum-Stadium deal, 

'During the months preceding the 
filing of the voluntary petition in 
bankruptcy by Orpheum,' Kresel ar- 
gued before tiie higher court, 'RKO, 
working through its ownership of 
voting stock, caused all the assets 
and property, except $3,000, which 
had a book value of $6,800,000, to be 
transferred to KAO. On April 1, 
1913, these assets were placed in the 
name of the Stadium Theatres Corp., 
Avhich is another RKO subsidiary. 
The transfer was -made purportedly 
to furnish security for a debt. , 

'As a result of this manipulation, 
Orpheum creditors will get 30c. on 
the dollar and the stockholders noth- 
ing, while RKO creditors will re- 
ceive full payment and its stockhold- 
ers will receive substantial value in 
securities.' 

Disputing Kresel's contention that 
Oipheum was solvent, Edward K. 
Hanlen, for the trustee, said the 
Stadium offer was the best obtain- 
able. 

Jules C. Randall, on behalf of 
Philip J. Snyder, debenture trustee, 
said that Orpheum Circuit had been 
hard hit during the depression and 
had to borrow from KAO, which in 
turn borrowed from RKO. The lat- 
ter was given indentures amounting 
to $2,800,000 as a guarantee of pay- 
ment.. 

Although it reserved decision on 
the Kresel motions, two of the three 
judges sitting gave an indication of 
their attitilde on the stockholders' 
contentions. After noting that the 
appraisal of Orpheum properties in- 
dicated that the corporation was 
insolvent. Judge Learned Hand re- 
marked: 'If the appraisal is correct 
you have no standing.' "■■ 

Judge Augustus N, Hand com- 
mented, 'The idea that you can get 
something for stockholders . ^yhen 
creditors get perhaps 15c. on the 
dollar is abhorrent to me.' 

Kresel said that if suit was Insti- 
tuted to recover the assets trans- 
ferred way from Orpheum, creditors 
would get full payment and stock- 
holders would get worth-while se- 
(Curities. ' 



Typed Even So 



0 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Walter Wanger has found a 
way tol^la/ Humphrey Bogart, 
Warners' brilliant bad man, as 
a . different kind of heavy. . .. 

In . 'Stand-In' he's cast him as 
a producer. 



32WB,OPHni¥ 
STENOGS, ETC 
SIT DOWN 



Philadelphia, July 13.. 

Thirty two employees in two of 
Philly's film exchanges are on ia sit- 
down strike which started yesterday 
(Thursday) morning. The exchanges 
affected are Vitagraph-Warners and 
Universal, 19 in former and 13 in 
latter. They include stenographers, 
bookkeepers and other office work- 
ers. Kick, as usual, is subject of de- 
mands ' for sole bargaining rights. 
The employees affected are not In- 
cluded in A. F. of L. affiliations of 
other exchange workers and are all 
members of the United Office and 
Prpfessional Workers of America, 
Local 2, a C.LO. affiliate. 

Louis Vennett, business inan^ger 
of the union, stated that the strike 
was called after three weeks of 
fruitless conferences with heads of 
exchanges. The workers want salary 
Increases, union recognition and a 
closed shop. 

There has been talk that employees 
of the Paramount exchange may join 
the sit-down, though not as yet. 
Pickets have been walking up and 
down in front of the exchanges af- 
fected. 



Sherman's $150,961 Suit 
Due Up Again Tomorrow 

Although an indictment against 
Harry Sherman, former president of 
Local 306, Moving Picture Machine 
Operators of N. Y., was quashed on 
a 2i2-page recommendation of the 
District Attorney's office, which was 
unique for its length and language, 
that being last March, efforts of a 
306-grpup to carry on against Sher- 
man now has him in a spot where 
he has to defend action attempting 
to force him to personally return 
most of the money over which the 
indictment was broug'ai. 

This is revealed through a report 
of George Brokaw Compton, special 
referee, recommending that Sher- 
man be required to pay into Local 
306 a total of $150,961. When he was 
indicted, on complaint of enemies in 
306 who assertedly were part of the 
old Sam Kaplan regime, it was over 
a question of $156,000 which Sher- 
man declared he had speht for the 
union. He had been given the right 
to disburse money in behalf of 306 
on his authority alone at a time 
when the 306 local . w£ in bad shape, 
following Kaplan's administration, 
and was facing troubles with other 
jmions that had to be settled income 
way. . , ■■ • >. 

The recommendation of Special 
Referee Compton, on which .there 
will be a hearing tomorrow (Thurs.), 
follows a suit, for an accounting- of 
union funds spent during Sherman's 
presidency on which Compton has 
been . taking private testimony. 
Three members of 306 last Thursday 
(8) moved that the report be con- 
firmed, but hearing was set for the 
following day (9) and then ad- 
journed. Sherman's attorneys askied 
for the adjournment in order to have 
more time in which to prepare an 
answer; 



Studio-Lahor Contract Sping 
Stalled hy Strike-Breaker RuEng; 
Agents and Riding Actors Org. 



Turn About 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Harry Green and Fred Buick 
are back together again, but the 
old order is reversed. Eight 
years ago Buick managed 
Green, then a stage comic. 

Now Green, an agent, is 
handling Buick, who just came 
in from Australia, where he 
V/as 'The Voice of Hollywood' 
in radio there.' 



GB Cbminitted 
To Indrnduai 




PLEADING TAX 
BREAK FOR 
FOMIS 



Roxy Cold Noteholders' 
Stymie Irks Legalists 



Roxy gold noteholders who have 
been hedging on giving consent to 
the theatre's reorganization plan 
were threatened Friday (9) with 
foreclosiu-e proceedings by Carlos 
Israel, counsel for the Pounds pre- 
ferred bondholders committee, un- 
less they mark time within a week. 
This step would place the bond- 
holders in a similar position as the 
stockholders .who will receive $1 a 
share for their holdings and this 
only through 20th Century-Fox, the 
new parent of the Roxy. 

Israel made the threat at a hear- 
ing before Federal Judge Francis 
G. Gattey, who is seeking to iron 
out the edges preparatory to 20th- 
Fox taking over control of the house 
for the next 20 years. Under the 
77B. bankruptcy law, two-thirds con- 
sent of the first mortgage, bond- 
holders is necessary in reorganiza- 
tion proceedings. Israel announced 
that holders of $2,40^,941 first mort- 
gage holders, or $9,000 more than 
necessary, have been received, but 
the proponents of the plan were 
still shy the consents of holders 
of about $50,000 of gold notes. He 
figures the only way to force them 
to agree is to place them on the 
spot through foreclosure. 

Since Judge Caffey okayed the 
debenture and film franchise relat- 
ing to the theatre last Tuesday (6), 
he has received several petitions 
from brokers who claim, fees for 
services rendered in connection with 
the 20th-Fox Roxy deal. AH. claim 
credit for haying a hand in. bringing 
the deal to a' successful windup. J 

The court's attitude toward the^ 
applicants was shown Friday (9) 
when he denied the petition of the 
Roipoa-Kenny Co., and George M. 
Garsson, brokers, who asked $50,952 
in fees. Although he denied the 
request. Judge Caffey said he did so 
without prejudice and suggested the 
applicants as well as others file their 
petitions at 'the proper time.' 

Judge Caffey will hold another 
hearing Friday (16). 



Roger TViarchetti, Hollywood attor- 
neyi left New York Sunday (11) for 
Washington,- where he will try to 
promote legislation to reduce In- 
come taxes paid by pictiure stars. 
Present rate paid by actors calls "for 
a tax of $41,000 on a $100,000 income. 

Marchettl contends that in other 
businesses, oils and minerals, for ex- 
ample, allowance of 25% annually 
is made for depreciation and that 
theatrical personalities should be 
granted a similar alldwance. In their 
case, however, he ternis its deple- 
tion. 



Operators' Stance On 
Fleischer Up Wed. (21) 

Question of active participation' by 
the Moving Picture Machine Oper- 
ators Union, Local 306, in the Com- 
mercial Artists and Designers Union 
strike against the Max Fleischer 
studios, N, Y., has not been decided. 
Vote on the niatter was not reached 
at last Wednesday's (7) meeting of 
the 306 membership. It- was dis- 
cussed then and will come up for 
renewed consideration and probable 
vote, at the next meeting of; the 
union, scheduled for next Wednes- 
day (21). . 

Although the sentiment among the 
MPMOU membership is strongly be- 
hind the CADU strikers, there is no 
certainty that the vote will be in 
favor of "boycotting the Fleischer 
product. "Even if it is, permission 
will have to be obtained from the 
International Alliaince of Theatrical 
Stage Employees executive board to 
refuse to handle the Fleischer car- 
toons. This permission was previ- 
ously denied when the 306 executive 
board voted a boycott. Idea of the 
coming meeting is that the lATSE 
board might not turn down the ex- 
pressed sentiment of the entire 
MPMpU membership. 
/ Out):ome of the strike app^ajs to 
hinge almost entirely on, the vote 
and the resultant action by the lA 
board. Felt that a boycott by 306 
would quickly beat Fleischer, while 
a nix by the membership or the 
lATSE board would bie a sharp set- 
back to the CADU, breaking the 
strike or prolonging it indefinitely. 
Reason advanced by the. ^tATSE 
board in nixing the previous 306 
move was that it would violate op- 
erator contracts with theatres. 



*As far as . Gaumont-British's finan- 
cial .status is concerned, one major 
American company has had an in- 
terest in Gaumont-British for some 
time, and only recently another 
major company saw fit to buy its 
way into GB. You can't ask for any- 
thing better than that.' This was 
Arthur A. Lee, vice-president of G-B 
of America, Inc., speaking at the 
opening session of the '. company's 
three day sales convention which got 
under way in N. Y., Friday (9). 

Lee was addressing sales repre- 
sentatives and home officials from 
various parts of the country . .to 
whom he announced" that GSeorge W. 
Weeks, general sales manager, was 
remaining in this capacity with the 
firm. 

Weeks who addressed the meeting 
on Saturday (10) announced that GB 
will distribute 12 feature films for 
the. coming season in America. The 
company's sales policy is to be a 
broad one. Weeks told his salesmen 
and wherever it, is .desired, the GB 
program will be sold on a plctxue- 
by-picture basis. 

'Because we are going in for indi- 
vidual, rather than mass production, 
our pictures can be handled and 
sold individually,* Weeks told the 
assemblage. 

This is GB's fourth season In 
America and the meeting was at- 
tended by exchangemen from GB's 
offices around the country. 

Budd Rogers, American represent- 
ative for British International Pic-^ 
-tures, was- among- the-gUest" speaker's 
who addressed the convention. 

The home office executive ■ staff 
attending the convention included 
Clinton M. White,' assi general sales 
manager; Albert Margolies, publicity 
director; Al Selig, advertising and 
exploitation manager; Arthur Green- 
blatt, circuit sales manager; Charles 
W. Leach, secretary;" Reg Wilson, 
Kenneth Hodkinson and William 
Berry, special sales representatives; 
Claude MacGowan, comptroller; C. 
E. Schwengeler, B. J. Kearney and 
H. William Fitelson, counsel to the 
compjany. 



Loew's $17,018,0S1 Net 
Profit for 40 Weeks 



Loew's, Inc., has issued a compara- 
tive earning statement of the com- 
pany for the 40 weeks ended ^ June 3, 
1937, showing that the company's net 
was considerably greater for this 
period than for the similar period, 
1936. The net earnings per share on 
the preferred stock was $85.68 and 
the per 'share earnings on the com- 
mon stock averaged $7.07 per share. 

The company's share of operating 
profit after subsidiaries' preferred 
dividends was $17,018,081, and the 
aggregate net without provision for 
surtaxes on undistributed profits was 
$11,714,712 after depreciation and 
taxes of $5,303,359. 

For the similar period, 1936, the 
company's per share earning on pre- 
ferred was $54.06 and the net earn- 
ings on the common stock averaged 
$4.47. 

Aggregate net was $7,390,495 and 
the company's share of Operating 
profit after subsidiaries' preferred 
dividends was $11,488,106. Depreci- 
ation and tax6s for this period 
amoimted to $4,097,611. 



Hollywoodr July 13. 

Disposition of men hired during 
the May studio strike and jurisdic- 
tion disputes between various crafts 
affiliated with the American Feder- 
ation of Labor are blocking signing 
of contracts between the producers 
and workers in film industry. 

Metro, and Warners are insisting 
that about 25 non-union painters be 
admitted to membership in Motion 
Picture Painters Local 644. Warners 
is reported to have advanced $1,400 
initiation fee for men. Painters in- 
sisted that all men hired during 
strike be evacuated from studios and 
called 10-minute strike at Warners 
until non-union men were dis- 
missed. 

Several conferences were held be- 
tween studio production managers 
^ndj Hetbert Sorrell, busiiness repre- 
iehtatiye 'Of painters, but no agree- 
ment ^^as reached. Sorrell con- 
tended the men could not pass the 
required test, and said even should 
they ptuss examination it still would 
be necessary for them to get unani- 
mous vote Of Local 644 before they 
could receive cards. He insisted 
latter would be impossible. 

Problem finally was referred to 
Pat Casey, producer labor • contact, 
for settlement. Sorrell claims men 
will not work with 'strikebreakers* 
and that strike is <;ertain to follow 
if studios insist on working non- 
union men. . 

Studios claim preliminary agree- 
ment signed with painters called for 
qualified men to. be admitted to 
membership. 

.Dispute Over ^Draftsmen 

Agreements' between producers 
and makeup artists, hair stylists and 
scenic artists have been delayed by 
jurisdiction dispute over draftsmen 
between « United Scenic Artists Lo- 
cal 721, International Alliance of 
Theatrical Stage Employes and So- 
ciety of Motion Picture Set Design- 
ers. Latter has asked National La- 
bor Relations Board to hold election 
of draftsmen to select bargaining 
representative. ' 

Signing of contract between pro- 
ducers and Studio Utility Employes 
Local 724 has also been delayed by 
jurisdiction dispute between SUB 
and lATSE. Latter has issued Class 
B cards to laborers and, is claiming 
jurisdiction over all laborers actu- 
ally engaged in film production, 

Actors' agents completed organi- 
zation of Artists Managers Guild 
Tast week and named executive com- 
mittee to direct rffairs of organiza- 
tion. Committee is composed of 
M. C. Levee, Frank Vincent, John 
Hyde, Bert AUenberg and Leland 
Hay ward. CJuild has opened offices 
in California Bank building in Bev- 
erly Hills, with Julia Johnson, as- 
sistant secretary, in charge. 

Guild was organized by 13 lead- 
ing agents, but smaller percenters 
will be invited to join up when code 
of ethics is drafted by executive 
committee. 

Cavalry Rescue Nixed 

Riding Actors Association came to 
life last week and halted location 
shots with United States cavalry at 
Monterey on Warners' 'Sergeant 
Murphy' by filing protest with 
President Jloosevelt. Permission for 
use of troops was withdrawn by 
army chief of staff, but Warners said 
delay was only temporary and that 
problem would be ironed out with 
Screen Actors Guild. Guild shop 
contracts exempts use of armed 
forces for atmosphere shots. 



Rudd's Newsreel Post 

Major H. G. Rudd, veteran con- 
tact man and assistant news editor 
at Pathe News, leaves at the end 
of this week to go with Embassy 
newsreel theatres. With the open- 
ing of the third house in this cir- 
cuit in the Bronx Sept. 1, Rudd will 
act in supervisory capacity over all 
three theatres. Understood that 
his title will be managing director, 
but this is to be settled later. 

With the launching of the ll ivd 
theatre on Fordham Road, the Bronx, 
the Embassy group, will have 1,700 
seats in the greater metropolitan 
area. Embassy, on Broadway, has 
800 seats, while the Bronx hou.se 
seats 600. Newark theatre has 300- 
seat capacity. 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



IT 



THIS WEEK HUNDREDS 
OF BILL'POSTERS ARE BUSY 
ALL OVER THE.COUNTRY 




OUTDOOR 



CAMPAIGN 




HISTORY OF SHOW 




IS 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



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MILES OF HIGH 

Ay cwl.MaEoning their 
• • A coast 'io'coast adv 
emrvwhere! • • News of 



and hanti 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 VARIETY 19 




migMy entertautmeni message to more than 30,000,0001 
ance billboard campaign pre 'Selling seats for showmen 
an important coming attraction spread to every city, town 
fet along every traffic artery and byway in the country! 



THAT'S RKO RADIO SHOW CO-OPER- 
ATION ON THE YEAR'S BIG PICTURE ! 



20 



VARIETY 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



SARATOGA 

(WITH SON^GS) 
Glendale, Calif., July 13. 

Meti-o release of Bernard H. Hyman- 
John Emerson proauctlon. Stnru Clark 
Gable and Jean Harlow; features Lionel 
Bavi-ymore, Frank Morgan, Walter Pldse<)n. 
Una Merkel. Directed by Jack Conway. 
OrlRlnal anrt screenplay, Anita and 
Hobert Hopkins; score, Edward Ward; 
songs, Walter Donaldson, Uol) WrlRht, 
Chet Forrest; camera, Kay June: film 
editor, Elmo Veron, Previewed at Alex- 
ander theati-e, Glendale, Calif,. July 13, 
•37. Running time, 00 mine. 

Carol Clayton...*..., Jean Harlow 

DuUe Bradley ...Clark Goble 

Grandpa Clayton... Lionel Barrymore 

Jesse Klff mcyer. F'rank Morgn n 

Hartley Madison Walter FIdgeon 

Prltzi .Una Merkel 

Tip. ..Cllflt Edwards 

Dr. Beard.,.. ,, George Zucco 

Frank Clayton Jonathan Hale 

Rosotta I... Hattle McDanlels 

Dixie Gordon ' Franhle D.arro 

Hand Biding Hurley Henry Stone 



. Timely a§ the latest racing extra, 
^Saratoga/ a story of the thorough- 
breds and the men and women who 
follow the hotses around the circuit, 
is a glamorous comedy-drama that 
will take the track and puU box 
office figures way in front , This is 
the film which the late Jean Harlow 
was completing, as corStar with Clark 
Gable, last month. The few scenes 
retnaining to be made at the time of 
her death were photographed With 
an alternate in her part, and done 
with such skill that audiences will 
not easily distinguish the substitu- 
tion. Once before a star appeared 
in a posthumous film when 'Steam- 
boat Round the ]Qend' was released 
soon after Will Rogers was killed in 
an airplane accident. In that in- 
stance, however, the picture had 
been entirely photographed prior to 
Rogers' untimely de^tfa. 

The unique circumstances attached 
to the completion of 'Saratoga' 
Will enhance public interest in the^ 
widely 'known, and unquestionably 
fine, picture. , 

Anita Loos and Robert Hopkins, 
who collabo-^ited on 'San Francisco,' 
have, caught a popular theme in 
'Saratoga,' and Mve gone bebind the 
scenes at : racetracks and breeding 
farms to tell a story of human in- 
terest. Gable characterizes a book- 
maker in a bteezyi horsey manner. 
He speaks the language of the pad- 
dock and the betting ring, and his 
interests and Cdnceptions of life and 
the world at large are confined to 
the mile ovals. 

Miss Harlow is the daughter in a 
family which, has bred and raced 
horses for generations. Father and 
grandfather have been trainers aiid 
speculators on the tracks of many 
cities. Last of her sporting line, she 
is brought up to a social life in the 
hope she will not become a 'racing 
gypsy,' a person who travels the 
northern fracks in summer and the 
Florida meetings in the winter. The 
pull of the sport proves too strong, 
however, and she takes her small in- 
heritance and wagers on the horses 
She is prompted to this in an effort 
to win enough to repurchase the fam- 
ily breeding fai-m from Gable, wbo 
holds the mortgage to cover losses 
incurred by her father. 

Plot of the film permits introduc- 
tion of numerous familiar racing 
customs, of which the most inter- 
esting is the annual auction of year- 
lings at thfe Saratoga summer meet- 
ing. Shorter episodes of actual rac- 
ing at Tropical Park,. Miami, and at 
Churchill Downs, Louisville, on 
. Derby day, are incorporated. 

Liberal dramatic license has been 
taken by the director, Jack Conway, 
in the photographing of a- near dead 
heat by slow motion" camera. The 
finish, which is as mystifying to the 
audience as to the film's characters, 
is.reshown and the winner identifle'd. 
, Miss llarlow's lierformance is 
among her best, in years. She has 
several rowdy comedy passages with 
Gable which are excellently done. 

The entire cast is of marquee rat- 
ing, and the performances of Lionel 
Barrymore, as the grandfather; Una 
Merkel, an itinerant follower of the 
houses, and Frank Morgan, as a turf 
neophyte, are splendid. 

Conway changes his scenes and 
tempo with speed and the picture 
is paced so that repetition never be- 
comes tiresome. 

'Saratoga* is one on which exhib- 
itors everywhere, can sell as a win- 
ning ticket without taking any 
chances. Flin. 



without setting any httx office on 
fire. Picture has plenty of action 
and star appeal. 

Film is not a standout because 
Frances Marion's screenplay, for one 
thing, has lost a great deal of James 
Hilton's characterization in the orig- 
inal novel and dispensed almost en- 
tirely with the economic and physi- 
cal-privation angles leading up to 
the Revolution. Result is that only 
those familiar with the prerl917 
Russia will understand what the 
shootin's all about. The butchery 
also begins to reach senseless pro- 
portions by the time the film is half 
unreeled. First the Reds line up a 
string of Whites against a wall and 
machine-gun them down. .Then the 
White Russians line up a flock of 
peasants for the same treatment 

Story reveals Donat as a young 
British secret service agent who . be- 
comes a Red to achieve his purpose. 
He's sent to Siberia just before the 
outbreak of the World War and re- 
turns after the Revolution as an 
assistant commissar. He rescues Miss 
Dietrich, a countess, from exticution. 

The portrayal of their escape from 
both the White, and Red armies is 
the inevitable chase. They're in and 
out of traps so often that the action 
begins to take on the aspect of one 
of the old serials. Film ends on 
the easiest escape of all. 

Performances on the whole' are 
good, though Miss Dietrich restricts 
tierself to lust looking glamorous 
in any setting or costume. Donat 
handles himself with restraint and 
capability. There's only , one other 
important cast assignment, John 
Clements as a hyper-sensitive com- 
missar, who, enthralled by Miss 
Dietrich, makes the couple's final es- 
cape- easy -by committing suicide. 
This item by Clements is a plenty 
forte job. 

Production looks expensive, though 
a « couple of process shots a^e too 
obvious. Direction of Jacques Fey- 
der is fair enough. At least it 
moves. Scho. 



TOAST OF NEW YORK 

Hollywood, July 13. 

RKO-RadIo release of Edwarl Squall pro- 
duction. X>ii-ected by Rowland V. Lee. 
Story from 'Book of Daniel Drew,' by 
Bouck White, and 'Robber Barons,' by 
Matthew Josephson;' screenplay by Dudley 
Nichols, John Twist and Joel Sayre, Mus- 
ical director, Nathaniel Shllkret; camera, 
Peverell Marley;* special effects by Vernon 
L. Walker; film editors, George' Hively ani 
Samuel Beetley. ' Previewed at Pantages, 
Hollywood, July 8, '37. Running time.. D'i 
mini. 

Jim Flsk Edward Arnold 

Nick Boyd, Cary Grant 

Josle Mansfield Frances Farmer 

Luke ; Jack Oakle 

Daniel Drew Donald Meek 

Fleurlque Thelma Le«ds 

Vanderbllt Clarence Kolb 

Pfiotographer Billy Gilbert 

Broker. .' George Irving 

Lawyers. , S Frank M. Thomas 

{Russell Hicks 

Wallack Oscar Apfel 

Collins Dudley Clements 

President of Board.... Lionel Belmore 

Bellhop .Robert McClung 

.Tanltor » ....Robert Dudley 

Beef Diooley Dewey Robinson 

Top Sergeant. .Stanley Fields 

Major Gq.vln Gordon 

Mary Lou Joyce Compton 

Virginia Lee Virginia Carroll 



Miniature Reviews 



'Sar^e»* (M-G). Postumous 
Jean Harlow starrer, with iDlark 
Gable opposite.- Svureflre box- 
office and tastefully pr<>duced. 

'Knlffht Wltbottt Arm«r* 

<UA>. British production about 
the Russian revolution. Has 
Marlene Dietrich, Robert Donat 
and action. Fair enough. 

'The Toast «t New Tork* 

(RKO). Rollicking comedy , of 
New York in the 80's when Jim 
Fisk was trimming the boys in 
Wall St. Good entertainment 
which will get money. 

'Super Slentb' (RKO). Jack 
Oakie m amusing crime mys- 
' tery story, most scenes of 
which are laid in a picture stu- 
dio. Plenty of laughs. 

'Great Gsmbinl' (Par). Light- 
weight routine murder mystery 
with Akim TamirofE topping 
cast 

'She Had to Eat' (2(|th)— 
N<c thing to recommend this 
one, even , for the short end of 
the duals. 

•Fly-Away Baby' (WB)^ 
Swift-moving reporter-sleuth 
comedy mellcr in Torchy Blahe 
series patterned after Dorothy- 
Kiigadlen air flight Glenda 
Farrell tops strong cast 



distinctly. Edgar Kennedy and Alan 
Bruce complete the list of principals. 

Although the picture lacks big 
names, outside of Oakie, it will draw 
by word-of -mouth comment, and can 
be booked and exploited with confi- 
dence. Flin. 

TOPPER 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Metro release' of Hat Roach pi<oduction: - 
Associate producer. Milton H. Br«n. 
Stars Constance Bennett, Gary Grant and 
Roland Young. Directed by Norman Z. 
McLeod. Kr<»m a story by Thome Smith. 
Screenplay by Jack Jevne, Eric Ha.tch and 
Ekldle Moran. Camera, N.orbert Brodlne. 
Film editor, William Terhune, Musical 
score by Arthur Norton, conducted by 
Marvin Hatley, Photographic effects by My 
Seawrlght. Previewed n{ Gruuman's Chinese 
Theatre. Holly woodi July 7, '37. Running 
time, 1)8 mine. 

Marlon Kerby Constance Bennett 

George Kerby , . .Cnry <Sraiit 

Cosmo Topper .........Roland TounK 

Mr.i. Topper BlUte Burk« 

WUklns Alan Mowbray 

Casey , . . . , Eugene Pallette 

Elevator Boy '. Arthur Lake 

Mrs. Stuyvesant Hedda Hopper 

Miss Johnson Virginia Sale 

Hotel Manager .Theodore Von Eltz 

Policeman iJ, Farrell McDonald 

Secretary ' Elaine Shepard 

Rustics ....^....DoodJeH Weaver. .SI Jenka 
'Three Hits and a Miss" Themselves 



in which the incidents are comically 
revealed, Fisk- also is portrayed as a 
generous suitor, friend and protestor 
of the actress, Josie Mansfield, and 
backer of her musical production at 
Wallack's theatre. On the -opening 
night he appears before the curtain 
with hi& young star and is reviled 
and threatened by his enemies. Sub- 
sequently, when warrants for his ar- 
rest are issued, he escapes' to New 
Jersey, behind an armed bodygqard. 
Picture ends with , his assiassination, 
which clears the way for the girl 
friend and Boyd (Cary Grant) to 
fall 'into each other's arms. 

Arnold plays Fisk in an expansive, 
light-hearted sort of way. He is 
both cruel and kindly. Jack Oakie 
is in there strictly for laughs and 
gets plenty. A sequence in which he 
drills . the body-guard is highly 
hUaridus. Miss Farmer conveys in- 
nocence as the love interest, having 
very little to do. Donald Meek 
clowns throughout. - 

' Rowland L. Lee's direction . is 
straightforward and well paced. He 
keeps reasonable check on the slap- 
stick, which does not get too. wild. 
Production has size, if not much 
class. Flin. 



Knight Without Armor 

(BRITISH MADE) 

United Artists release of a London Film 
(Alexander Korda) produtliuu. fiiuin Mur- 
lene Dletridh, Robert Donat. Directed by 
Jacques Feyder, Adapted by Frances Ma- 
rion from novel by James Hlllon; scenario 
and dialog, Lajos Biro, Arthur Wlmperls. 
CaniOrnmnn, Harry . iStradltng,. At Radio 
City Aiuslc Hall, N. Y., week July 8, '37. 
Running time, lOo nilns. 

Alexandra. ,' Mnrlene Dietrich 

A. J,, .i.. Robert Donat 

Duchess ; » Irene Vanburgh 

VinrtlnofC. Herbert Lonina 

Colonel Adrajdne.. ......Austin Trevor 

Axelstcln. . .' .BiiHll Gill 

Waronlo... .i .Davl I Tree 

Poushkoff. ^....Jbhn Clements 



. A labored effort to keep this pic- 
ture neutral ph the subject of the 
Russian Revolution, in the midst of 
round-robin slaughter,, finally com- 
pletely overshadows the simple love 
story intertwining" iRtarlene Dietrich 
and Robert Donat. 'Knight Without 
Armor' should do all' right over here 



Here is the life of Jim Fisk, Wall 
Street operator of the 80's, told in 
ragtime. It's absurd biography biit 
good entertainment despite its in- 
anities, exttfivagances and exaggera- 
tions. It is an elaborate, costly pro- 
duction, designed exclusively for 
provokhig mirth. In that respect it 
is successful. Making no pretense 
for serious consideration as a faith- 
ful and accurate reflection of life 
and manners in the period it depicts, 
it rates as a piece of hokum aimed at 
the box office. It will do business. 

Stock manipulations engineered by 
Flsk when he was one of the most 
daring and hated financiers in the 
jteckless post-Civil - War era have 
become traditional. Ruthless battles 
for corporation control during the 
fast commercial expansion of the 
country which followed the building 
of railroads into the west engaged 
the ingenuity of dominant bankers 
and speculative groups. Fisk was a 
powerful figure in a colorful setting. 
Recent years have produced no one 
his equal at trimming the investing 
public. 

With such material from which to 
Weave a screenplay, drawing also 
from recent best sellers, 'Robber 
Barons' and 'Book of Daniel Drew,' 
Dudley Nichols, John Twist and Joel 
Sayre have fashioned a broad bur- 
lesque. Edward Arnold takes the 
principal role of Fisk, and other 
leaders in the cast are Frances 
Farmer, as his actress-protege, Josie 
Mansfield; Cary Grant , and Jack 
Oakie, as his business partners; Don- 
ald Meek, as Daniel Drew, and Clar- 
ence Kolb, as the senior Cornelius 
Vanderbilt, who is portrayed as the 
friend of the oppressed and Fisk's 
nemesis. The list contains marquee 
names. No theatre will be at a loss 
for advertising ijiirnmunition. 

Fisk and his stooges, Boyd and 
Luke, are introduced as medicine 
show fakers in the South just before 
the start of the Civil War. When hos- 
tilities commence, the trio engage in 
unlawful smuggling of raw cotton 
across the frontier for New Eng- 
land mills. They make a fortune, 
which is soon lost and won -again in 
the purchase and sale of steamships. 
Thereafter, on the floor of the New 
York stock exchange, Fisk devises 
various schemes which culminate in 
a struggle with Vanderbilt for con- 
trol of the Erie railroad. 

Again these financial backgrounds. 



SUPER SLEUTH 

Hollywood, July 13. 

RKO-RadIo .relea^se of Edward Small pro' 
ducllon. Featui'es Jack Oakle, Ann Soth- 
ern.' Directed by Ben Stoloff. From a play 
by Harry Segall, screenplay by Gertrude 
Purcell and Ernest Pagano. Camera, Jor 
seph H. August; .special effects, Vernon L. 
Walker: film editor, William Hamilton; 
asst. director, Kenny Holmes. Previewed 
at' RKO Hill >St. theatre. L. A., July 9, 
*37. Runnlns time, 75 hiloB. 

Bin Martin Jack Oakie 

Mary Stt«nd.. ,...Ann Sotbern 

Professor Horman Eduardo Clannelli 

Larry Frank, Alan Bruce 

Lt. Garrison Edgar Kennedy 

Doris Dunne.' Joan Woodbury 

Ralph Waring Bradley Page 

Gibbons Paul Oullfoyle 

Warts Willie Best 

Beckett . . . . . , William Corson 

Ekldle 1 Alec Craig 

Barker Richard Lane 

Motorcycle Cop Paul Hurst 

Policeman Georg* Rosener 

Jailer Fred .Kelsey 

Casey ....Robert E. O'iT^onnor 

Sullivan PhlllT) Morris 

Grimes ...Dick Rush 



THE GREAT GAMBINI 

Paramount release of B. P. .Sohulbere 
production. Features Aklm Tamlrod, Mar> 
Un Marsta. j:olia Trent, G«n«vleve Tobln 
Reginald Denny, William Demareet, Dil 
reeled hy Charles Vidor. Story, Frederick 
Jackson; Adaptation, Jackson, Frank Par> 
tos and Howard Irving- Toung; film e4lltcr. 
Robert BlBChoS: camerti, I/eon Shammy. 
At Criterion, N. T., week July V), '37. 
Runnln? time, 70 mins, 

Gamblnl...... ....\klm TamlrofC 

Grant Naylor ..John Trent 

Ann Randall... , Marian Marsh 

Mrs. RandaU ' ....Genevieve Tobln 

Mr. Randall...... Reginald Denny 

Klrby , William DemareHt 

Buckle.,...,..,... Edward Bcophy 

I'VibA. ..Lya Lys 

Lamb.. ...Allen Birmingham 

iltephen Danby .Roland -Drew 

Bartender. Ralph Petei-a 



.. Jack Oakie gives a fine comedy 
periormance in this one and the 
film, which is excellently written 
and directed, will please everywhere. 
Title properly characterizes the tyne 
of picture, but does not convey its 
real value. Better than average en- 
tertainment and a real laugh pro- 
voker. 

Most of the scenes are taken in a 
Hpllywood picture studio, where in- 
side working details 'are interest- 
ingly photographed.: A location unit 
of sound trucks and camera, cars is 
used also in the action. . . 

Oakie is a popular screen hero of 
detective and whodunit stories. He 
is so good at solving fllm> mysteries 
that he takes it unon himself to 
graduate into real-life sleuthing in 
competition with the police depart- 
ment. He is soon the central figure 
in a murderous blackmail scheme. 

The antics of "the egotistical star 
when he discovers that the criminal 
plot is aimed ' against himself com- 
prise an excellent opportunity for 
Oakie's brand of clowning. He does 
not overplay, but wins- a good deal 
of syiripathy. 

. Ben Stoloff directs at a rapid pace 
and keeps melodramatic suspense 
and comedy situations building rap- 
idly to a hokey and hilarious . finale. 

Supporting players are all good. 
Ann Sothern adds another good per- 
formance' to her recent screenings. 
She plays a straight role here as the 
studio publicity head, whose job is 
to .trail Oakie and Ret him back io 
picture making. Eduardo Ciannelli 
is a sinister and convincing menace. 
A hit bit is done by Willie Best, 
colored actor, as th^ star's dresser 
and valet, who spesfts comedy lines 



Technical ease with which the mo- 
tion pictures can make char- 
acters instantaneously appear and 
disappear from the screen, always 
has -tempted producers and screen- 
writers to delve, sometimes seri- 
ously, sometimes humorously, into 
itories which invade the field of the 
pi.ritualistic and occult Of such 
were - 'Edrthbound,' 'directed' by T. 
Hayes Hunter; 'One Glorious Day,' 
by Jam.es .Cruze (both silents), and 
two recent sound films, Noel Coward 
in 'The Scoundrel,' by Ben Hecht 
and Charles MacArthur and Robert 
Donat in 'The Ghost Goes West,' pro- 
duced by Alexander Korda. 

Now comes Hal Roach, heretofore, 
identified with, obvious- action 
comedy and, with , the assistance- of 
Norman McLeod, as director, he has 
produced as- weird and baffling a 
tale of spiritualism, as the screen - 
ever has seen. It is entitled 'Topper,' 
from a story by the late Thome 
Sniith. It is carefully made, ex- 
cellently, photographed, and adroitly 
eniploys mechanical illusions of 
cinematic . composition and trick 
sound effects. 

How substantial the fan support 
will be-in terms of boxoffice dollars 
is difficult to anticipate. None ot 
the other films of similar theme 
aroused more than mild enthusiasm 
among a small group who patronize 
the arty theatres and talk about pic- 
tures in terms of art expression. The 
rank and file of theatregoers will 
experience difficulty in following 
strange and surprising twists of. the 
story, and are not likely to distin- 
guish easily the passages of realism 
froih the sequences of unreality. 

Story is about the adventures, 
among living persons, of a young 
married couple, George and Marion 
Kerby, who are killed in an automo- 
bile smashup as the climax of a wild 
night of ib>inking and carousing. 
Their astral bodies rise from the 
ruins, and their conversation con- 
tinues in a casual manner as to their 
next objective. They agree that until 
they have done some one a good 
deed they are likely to remain in- 
definitely in a state of double ex- 
posure. Reviewing the possibilities 
for ' charitable action, they decide 
that their friend, Cosmo Topper, a 
hen-pecked bank presi(?-:nt, who has 
lived a dull, routine life, shall have 
the benefit of their assistance. 

Same carefree, flippant viewpoint 
on life which characterized the 
couple before their death maintains 
throughout the subsequent series of 
farcical events. Possessed with un- 
usual power, they are able at will to- 
appear in the flesh, converse and 
move about among their friends. Oc- 
casionally, they make known their 
presence by spoken words only. All 
the corhedy and playfulness of their 
adventures results from these at- 
tributes. . They engage, both visibly 
and unseen, in street brawls, as 
drivers of speeding automobiles, as 
frightening spectres in hotel lobbies 
and restaurants. 

Effort to excuse the story's absurd- 
ities on the theory that the intent 
is farce comedy does not entirely ex- 
cuse the production from severe re- 
buke. Fact also that the living dead 
always are facetious may be -shock- 
ing to sensibilities. Some of the situ- 
ations and dialog offend conventional 
good taste. 

Performances, however, are 
usually good. Cary Grant and Con- 
stance Bennett, as the reincarnated 
Kerrys, , do their assignments with 
great skill. Roland Young carties 
the brunt of the story and does it 
well. In the title role, he is the 
docile, good citizen until the trans- 
formation of his personality changes 
him into a dashing man about town. 
Billie Burke plays the less important 
role of Mrs. Topper with effect. Both 
Alan Mowbray, as the Toppers' but- 
ler, and Eugene Pallette, as a hotel 
detective, are splendid. Arthur Lake 
gets a lot of fun from a small role 
as an elevator boy. 

'Topper' will be talked about both 
in and outside the industry. The 
skill with which camera and sound 
effects have been accomplished sets 
a standard for mechanical excel- 
lence. Settings are. elaborate. But 
whether word of mouth advertising 
will be sufficient to Overcome the 
obstacles which this type of story 
always combats is questionable. 
Probably not Flin, 



'The Great Gambini' represents an 
obvious effort to fit Akim Tamiroff 
to suitable film materiaL As such the 
munler mystery under this title suc- 
ceeds, but story, production'^ action, 
pierformances and comedy fail to 
blend for enough punch to produce 
better than ordinary entertainment. 
There js nothing unique about this 
piece of detective fiction except that 
the murderer is a suave mindreader 
who helps solve the mystery. 

Tamiroff plays the fawning clair- 
voyant, but it s not a strong part 
for' him, nor will it impress. It's 
slow and deliberate, frequently mak- 
ing him a tiresome character. This 
is . especially true through the 
stretches, where he Is assumedly 
playing, detective only to find that 
his efforts result in his own capture. 
Mpre tt^spme than Tamirpff, how- 
eyer,', is <?enevieve Tobin's 4:hatter-j 
ii)g .matron role, always putting, her 
foot ihto -it. when she opens her 
n^outh<. .... . , ■,. ., ■ ,.. 

■Other .members' of -the cast are also 
left in a somewhat helpless slate by 
the story or direction, or. both, in- 
cluding John Trent, the former 
aviator now imder contract to B. -P. 
Schulberg. He shows flashes of fine 
dramatic ability, but this story was 
not the one to giye him proper scope 
for what talents he may possess. 
Marian Marsh is opposite him on the 
romantic assignment She. ■ too, , is 
poorly equipped, while Reginald 
Denny, doing her father, is badly 
handicapped. One of the best char^ 
acters is that of the detective ser^ 
geant, which gives William Demarest 
better opportunities than the others 
hayie. He-seUs it well and, aided, by 
Edwarfl Brophy, manages some light 
comedy. 

Initial sequence is laid in the night 
club, where the Great Gambini is an 
attraction which rates a terrific ova- 
tion, but on a vaude bUl at Loew's 
State might not be so hot Shifted 
into this setting are most of the 
principals, including the . victim of 
murder later that night, plus Trent. 
The start could be faster and tighter. 
Poor cutting here, as well as in 
police grilling sequences, had much 
to do with slowness of mystery on 
the whole. Char. 



MIDNIGHT MENACE 

(BRITISH MADE) 

London, July 2. 
Grosvenor Sound Films productUm ahfl 
Associated British Film DIslrlbutorK re- 
lease. Stars Charles Farrell, Fritz Koi Iner. 
Directed by Sinclair Hill. Adaptation G. 
H. Moresby-White: original, Roxer Mac^ 
Doueall. Alexander MacKendrick; camera. 
Cyril Bristow, Paul Barralet. At Cam- 
brldire, London, July 1, '37. Running time 
73 jnins. n._^ 

Brian Gaunt.... ChnrlW TTiTrell- 

Peters. : Fr^z Korlner 

Mary Stevens... Marstret Vyntr 

Socks Dannv Gvem 

Smith ' Walla<'e Kveriett 

Pierre Monte de Lyle 

Tony.., ..Dlno Galvanl 

Vronsky Dennis Val Norton 

Fearns Terence O'Brlca 

Mac , Alrfhu'r Flhh 

Sir George ■. . .T^awrenoe Ha-nray 

Zadek Andrea Malamlrinon 

Pre.Hdent Beyner Fiirton 

Kleisch Arthur Gomer 

Banks -. -. , . . vtttlf OBray 

Marsh Evan .lohn 

Harris Rayiriond J.ov«>ll 

Groves Victor Tnndy 

Graham Stevens Sydney King 

A man's picture. May not attract 
the femmes, but if once inside, like- 
ly they'll be entertained. Should 
make good anywhere, despite the 
negligible love interest . 

Story develops into tense drama in 
an unostentatious and natural way, 
with a sense of quiet reality in the 
.handling of situations which could 
easily have been over-dramatized. 

Ring of armament bosses tr.y to 
stimulate business by gumming up a 
disarmament conference in London. 
They plan an air raid over the city 
by pilotless planes, disguised with 
British markings. Television and 
wireless control plant is beneath a 
paper shop in Soho, where gather 
foreign thugs outlawed from their 
own countries, and for this reason 
held in complete iiUb.iecUon by ^Iheir 
leader. -*He is a vindictive conti- 
nental posing as Mr. Peters, an em- 
issary of peace from a European 
state, and the star turn of the con- 
ference. While pfetendin'g to placate 
two fiery neighbors/ he is secretly in- 
flaming; their governments by subtle 
sueeestion. 

- That's the premise for much ado. 

Charles Farrell gives a lukewarjjn 
portra.val as a newspaperman; Mar- 
garet Vy-ner is rather colorless in a 
thankless, kissless romance,, but. for 
the rest of the cast there is nothing 
but praise. 

^ . Picture belongs to Fritz Kortner 
in a role that Peter Lorre or Conr 
rad "Veidt might have essayed, but 
could hot have improved upon^ ^ . 

It is the quiet effective handling 
of the plot which is its chief merit, 
rather than the. story itself. 



Wednesday, July l4, 1937 . 



FILM REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



21 



SHE HAD TO EAT 

(WITH SONGS) 

Hollywood, July 13. 

20th-Fox release oC Samuel G« Kngel 
Production. Directed by Majpolm St. Clair. 
From story by M. M. MUBselman and James" 
Edward Grant; screenplay by, Samuel G. 
Engel: songs by Sidney Clare and Harry 
Akat' -camera, Barney JlicGUl;. .fllm , editor, 
£ouls Loefffer; muslo dir., Samuel Kaylln; 
•aat dir., Jasper Blystone. At Grauman's 
Chinese, Hollywood, weefet.tuly 2, '37. Run^ 
nlnff time,"?! tolns, r , « , 

Panoy Decker..,, ....Jack Hajey 

Ann Garrison ;.„..,. Roctielle Hudson 

Carter ..••.;«... Arthur Treacher 

Raymond Q. Nash Eugene I>allette 

Duke Stacey. Douglas Fowley 

gleepy.' .John Qualen 

Finger Print Expert Maurice <.'M.sa 

6 Man WaUts Clark 

(Mrs. Cue.,... • ..Leila Tylor 

k>eta. ..>>•• • .I'om Kennedy 

Rusty .....Tom Diigan 

Phoneclan-Wylle", ..Franklin Pangbwn 

Someone stumbleij badly over this 
one, which . has nothing to recom- 
mend it. AH reaction is on the 
downside, particularly because Jack 
Haley, who shone .brightly in ^ his 
previous start, 'Wake Up and Live,' 
is completely wasted. Haley has had 
more than his share of bad . breaks. 
About time ' some serious thought 
was given to his ability and choice 
ot stories. Exhibitorsj loaded: down 
under double bills, ' can make valu- 
able use of personalities. Haley has 
-what it takes,,. but .'She Had to Eat' 
is a mistake. 

Using the old formula about . th* 
sot who forgets the identity of his 
drinking friends in his sober mo- 
ments, the story rambles aimlessly. 
Haley, is a nice youth who, i^ adopted 
as the bosom conipanion 6f Eugehe 
Pallette, an alcoholic' adverlturer 
who travels around the country on 
a private train. Arthur Treaohei*, as 
a valet, tries valiantly to bridge over 
the stupidities of the script by in- 
jecting some fair comedy, but the 
whole thing gets sidetracked into 
weird melodramatic farce and 
flnishes up on a blind switch. 

Prevailing Hollywood notion that 
nothing is so important as a laugh 
gets a rude tossing, around by the 
Audience reception of this triviality. 
Starting a weak and shopworn story 
premise, film staggers to complete 
'dfsappointment. Haley has no op- 
portunities and seems quite as 
pleiased as the audience when the 
picture is through. 

Haley and Rochelle Hudson sing 
two sohgs wh;ch are tossed into the 
hopper on the theory that a litUe 
music can't help or hurt. Flin. 

FLY-AWAY BABY 

Warner Bros, production and release. 
Features Glenda Farrell. Barton MacLane, 
Hugh O'Connell, Tom Kennedy. Directed 
by Frank MacDoiiald, Screenplay by Don 
Ryan and Kenneth Garnet from an Idea 
by Dorothy Kllgallen; dialog director, 
Harry Seymour; fllm- editor, Doug Gould; 
camera, Warren Lynch. At Palace. N. Y., 
week July 8. '37, on double bill. Running 
time, 00 mlns. 

Tl'orchy Blane Glenda Farrell 

Steve McBrlde Barton MacT,>one 

Luclen (Sonny) Croy Gordon Oliver 

Hushle Sprague....,.,,....Hugh O'Connell 

.Ila Sayre Marcla Ralston 

Gahagan , Tom Kennedy 

Guy Alllster Joseph King 

^axle ^.Raymond Hatton 

SlUs .Gordon H.art 

Torey Anderson Lawler 

Colonel Hlggam Harry Davenport 

Clifford Vance. Emroett Voqan 

Desk Sergeant......... George Guhl 

Topnotch performances by Glenda 
Farrell, Barton MacLane, Hugh 
O'Connell and Tom Kennedy make 
. JFiy-AiVay Baby' a palatable pro- 
grammer. It was constructed obvi- 
ously for dualers by Warner Bros., 
which has gon6 to some pains, de- 
spite continuity that's a bit flighty. 
And it will be a most welcome addi- 
tion on programs needing a little 
bolstering for the No. 1 feature these 
warm days. It's another in the ad- 
ventures 6f the girl reporter, Torchy 
Blane. 

Fable . eventually winds up as a 
thoroughly altered screen version of 
the Dorothy Kilgallen world air race 
with two male reporters; A little 
late to qash in on this dash, but germ 
of this publicized jaunt is injected 
into the ' reoorter-detective plot. 
Starts off. as a routine sleuth mys- 
tery, with dashing femme scribe 
spotted-ioregroimd as the gal who 
gets Mer sfbjar against hordes of male 
• reporters. \- 

Usual mysterious . killing is 
switched about through having the 
dashing Torchy Blane, going away 
from her usual scribe ventures, to 
help her hubby-to-be, the police 
Iieutenartt. Her desire to 'break' the 
murder .case and show up her stub- 
born . sweetheart s6nds her off in an 
airplane trip with two other scribes 
of rival papers. She suspects one of 
being involved in the gem slaying, 
and eventually bags her man, and 
the police official. 

^ Yarn is reminiscent, yet it drags 
in several novel angles that hold in- 
terest. Picture slows up slightly as 
the trio of newspaper workers circle 
the globe, with numerous newsreel 
caps helping identify some lands. 
This portion, however, is made less 
irksome by the director's constant 
focusing the attention on mystery 
developments. Dialog is crisply 
. modern, being doubly pertinent be- 
cause so aptly staged by Harry Sey- 
mour. 

Intrigue and mystery elements 
nave been done pertinently by Don 
Ryan and Kenneth Garnet, who 
turned out the script 

Character of Torchy Blane is a 
natural for Glenda Farrell. Here it 
IS well seasoned with the flippancy 
and sense of comedy which comes 
naturally with her. Barton Mac- 
Lane, cast for once in a sympathetic 



The Shadow Strikes 

Grand National release of Alexander 
Bros. production. Features Rod 'La 
Rocque, Lynn Anders, Kenneth Harlan. 
Directed by Lynn Shores. BOMed on nmga- 
zlne-radlo character br Maxwell Grant. 
Reviewed In projection room, N. Y., July 
8. '37. Running time, 01 mlns. 

'Tlie Shadow' .Rod La Rocque 

Marela Dclthern....; Lynn Anders 

Wlnstead Comstock Walter McGrall 

Jasper Delthern James Blakely 

Captain Breen Kenneth Hnrlan 

Kendrlcks Norman Alnsley 

warren Berrenger. John Ctifnavale 



role,, makes a typical stalwart police 
official with whom she is in love. 
Hugh O'Connell, as a luxury-loving 
reporter, and Tom Kennedy, as po- 
lice car chauffeur turned private 
sleuth, are superb iu two comedy 
roles. 

Gordon Oliver, cast as the re- 
porter-son of a newspaper owner 
suspected of the gem slaying, does 
fairly well. Raymond Hatton, play- 
mg a managing editor, handles the 
bit with emphasis. Marcia Ralston 
makes a haughty night club flame 
opposite' Oliver. 

Picture has the alternative title of 
Adventures of Torchy Blane,' being 
in the series of femme reporter pix. 

' Wear, 

HEARTS DESIRE 

(BRITISH MADE) 
(OPERETTA) 

British International production and re- 
lease. Stars Rlohard Tauber. Features 

Leonora Cprbott, George Gravcs^ KatMeen .^w,w..v.. ici-utniLiun am 

KelLv, Diana Napier. Carl HarBSrdTSllS^n il Xs WOtToUowinff th^ dpfpr 
Graetz. Directed by Paul L. Stein. Adapt- Ti.Vf f iu ^0"°Wing me aetec 



ed by Bruno Frank, L. du Garde Peach, 
Roger Buriford and Jack Davles, Jr.. from 
story by Llonl Plckard; additional dialog, 
CllfCord Grey; songs, Richard 'Tauber; mu- 
sical arrangement, G. H. Clutsom; super- 
vising art director, Clarence Elder; eet- 
llnga, Cedrlc Da we; conductors, idrls Lewis 
and Stanford Robinson; camera, John C. 
C'o^t; asst. director, Roy Goddard; film edi- 
tor, Leslie Norman. At iSOth St. Play- 
house, N. T., woek July 10, '87. Running 
llnie. 30 mlns. 

Joaef Steldler Richard Tauber 

Frances Wilson Leonora Corbelt 

Anna Kathleen Kelly 

I'loilan Paul Graetz 

Oliver.. ctiri Harbord 

Van Straaten Fi-ank Vosper 

Granville Wllaon...; George Graves 

Diana Sheraton Diana Napier 

Ijfidy Bennington Viola Tree 

Ted Mayer ....... . .Denier Warren 



Quickie grab to cash in on Rich- 
ard Tauber's fine voice. But there's 
little else to the pic. Plot is aggres- 
sively commonplace, score is undis- 
tinguished, supporting cast is weak 
and the production is inadequate. 
'Heart's Desire' will hardly be that 
for the exhibitor, though Tauber's. 
rep may get it by in the arties. 

Don't look now, but the story is 
that one about the obscure beer gar- 
den singer discovered by the visiting 
impresario. Taken to the London 
opera stage, he loses - his heart to his 
benefactress, learns she doesn't love 
him and then returns to his home 
and his old sweetheart. Given deft 
handling and Tauber's strong per- 
formance, that stereotype' yarn 
might have charm. 

Treatment is clumsy and almost 
every conceivable production boner 
is pulled, and only Tauber remains 
for whatever he's worth at the box 
office. Star's acting ' is no great 
shakes, although the pari makes few 
demands on hiih in that line, and he 
wisely 'avoids stabs at heavy emot- 
ing. Plays simply, relying on his 
voice and natural poise. 

As the singer's friend and adviser, 
Paul Graetz gives a satisfactory per- 
formance. Neither Leonora Corbett 
nor Kathleen Kelly are properly cast 
as the benefactress and the sweet- 
heart, respectively, but Diana Na- 
pier has looks and enough person- 
ality to make her bit role stand out. 
Frank Vosper, unbilled, appears 
briefly as an egotistical opera star. 

Despite the film's other shortcom- 
ings, its direction and production are 
the most painful. Pic is crammed 
with directorial cliches and obvious 
flubs. Editing is bad, while the pho- 
tography and sound are. incredible. 
Production with the technical flaws 
of 'Heart's Desire' would never have 
left a Hollywood cutting room. As 
a matter of fact, it would never have 
reached there. Ho be. 



RECKLESS RANGER 

Columbia, production and release. Stars 
Bob Alien, features Louise Small, Jack 
Perrln, Harry Woods. Directed by Spencer 
(.Jordon Bennett.. Story, John Levering and 
J. A. Duffy; screenplay, Nat Oatzert; cam- 
era, Bert l-ongenecker; editor, Dwight 
Caldwell. At Klva, Lincoln, dual. Run- 
ning time, DU mlns. 

Bob ; Bob Allen 

MlldrL>d ., ...Louise S'mall 

Mary Mary MacLaren 

Barlow ' Hnrry Woods 

(.!liet Jack Pcrrin 

Jiranile.'. ..Buddy Coy. 

Mort Jafk Rockwell 

S nagger .Roger Williams 



Another of the Bob Allen ranger 
series, and a little better than the 
average. 

Allen plays a dual role, twin 
brothers,, one a sheepman and the 
other a ranger.. The sheepman gets 
hung in the opening two minutes 
and his law relative comes in to 
solve the problem, and the differ- 
ence between sheep and cattlemen. 

One of the" first westerns to throw 
sympathy to the sheep side of- range 
warrinc. 'Reckless Ranger' has Harry 
Woods as a hardfisted leader of cat- 
tlemen trying to grab off Texas free 
range. . Woods is a child-scarer and 
well at home in his near throat- 
slitting role. Opposite him, Allen 
never forgets to take a deep breath 
to swell his chest impressively be- 
fore the cameras turn. 

Jack Perrin, one time starrer in 
the western quickies, is held down 
to an untrimmed second ' lead. 
Henchman of the Woods villainy 
crew are Jack Rockwell and Roger 
Williams, the latter a traitorous 
sheepman. 

What with a liberal amount of 
gunfire, three chases, kidnapping, a 
half dozen fist-fights and a hanging 
in less than an hour, the fllm should 
have more action than it has. How- 
ever, It's one of Allen's better tries 
ill the prairie pic series. 



This one may get by on the nether 
section of a double combination, 
especially at the tag end of the sea- 
son. 'The Shadow Strikes' is imriliS'' 
takably flotsam. Story is from the 
pulp mag story character which also 
has been on the airwaves. But what 
might have been an entertaining 
sleuth yarn is marred by stupid 
dialog, feeble acting, misdireqtion 
and dangling continuity. When the 
film goes mysterious, the point is 
smothered beyond recognition, and 



five slant, the yarn becomes ex- 
tremely boring. 

Plot neglects to thoroughly estab- 
lish Lamont' Cranston, .-'the shadow,' 
as an amateur Sherlock at the out- 
set It plunges too hurriedly into a 
presentation of 'The Shadow' at 
work. Probably was intended to 
shroiid his identity; if so, fails be- 
cause this only makes it more bafr 
fling to follow on screen. 

After halting a safe robbery and 
getting the police on his trail, 
Shadow goes along in the guise of 
an attorney and bumps onto two 
strange slayings. From this junc- 
ture the mystery deepens as Shiadow 
pursues a gangster chief with a silly 
concealed wire stunt. It all ends 
with a real solution as the gangster 
and the actual slayer accidentally 
bump into each other off trying to 
plug the Shadow. 

Author undoubtedly had. many in- 
gredients for a flourishing sleuth 
picture. But, as projected, it is 
neither even passably plausible nor 
diverting. Stalking of figures^ be- 
hind trees, and opening and closing 
of auto dooss along with other iri- 
cidents smacks of serial school of 
scripting and acting. 

Rod La Rocque has not been af- 
forded a happy, vehicle for his return 
to screen prominence. He looks 
much older, but strains valiantly to 
put life into this phoiiey 'Shadow' 
character; His slight romance -with 
Lynn Anders, new face to the pic- 
tures, is subordinated throughout 
and calls for little exertion. She is 
only passably fair. 

Kenneth Harlan does convincing 
work as a police captain, Walter 
McGrail, James Blakely, Norman 
Ainsley and John Carnavale top a 
feeble supporting cast. 

Direction by Lynn Shores is as 
inept as the scripting. Photography 
is uneven, though several dim scenes 
can be traced to fact that the conti- 
nuity called for outdoor night se- 
quences. 

Film might be plugged on angle 
of being a mystery sleuther, but this 
one won't go anywhere in particular 
after the opening day. Wear, 

Three Legionnaires 

General Pictures release of Robert E. 
Welsh production. Direc'.ed by Hamilton 
MacFad^en. Screenplay by George Wagg- 
ner, Carl Harbaugh, from original story 
by George Waggnor. Film editor, Finn 
tUbach; camera, Ira Morgan. At Rlalto, 
N. Y.. week July 8,- '37. Running time, 
05 mlns. 

Chuck Robert Armstrong 

Jimmy Lyle Talbot 

Olga ..Fin D'Orsay 

Sonia Anne Nagel 

U. S. Qj-ant Donald Meek 

StavinskI Stanley Fields 

Aide.,..'. Maurice Black 

Innkeeper Leohtd .SnegofT 

Ivan 'Man Mountain' Dean 



There is really little sense to be 
found in the story of this definitely 
enervating wartime film farce, and; 
as a result, it is headed for the lesser 
duals on which it might possibly 
find a certain amount of favbr. Spat- 
tered with broad hojcum the yarn 
concerns the incredulous adventures 
of two American soldiers in a barren 
Russian town about the time the 
w.k. Armistice was inked. .These 
U. S. doughboys, pals of the Cossack 
allies, get into a lot of intricate but 
tiresome trouble with a l^ogus Bol- 
shevik general'and run through the 
usual amorous difficulties .with 
native girls of varying dispositions 
with rivalry stressed in a sort of 
synthetic 'What Price Glory?' 
fashion. 

Robert Armstrong plays a hard- 
boiled sergeant along familiar lines, 
and Lyle. Talbot is his more romantic 
crony, the soldier who fall.'? in love 
with attractive Anne Nagel (Sonia, 
the Princess), which isn't a bad idea. 
The third member of the film's title 
must be Donald Meek, as a timorous 
scientist who joins the miniature 
anti-Bolshevik crusade and is passed 
oft as 'General U. S. Grant' as a 
crazy device to thwart the nitwit 
enemy. None' of the trio is in the 
legion, however, and so the pic's 
title is one of those meaningless 
Hollywood handles. 

Other principals in the film are 
Fifi D'Orsay, who has some amusing 
moments disguising her Gallic a^c- 
cent to fit the role of a village vamp; 
Stanley Fields, trying to look and 
act like a Russian general, and, Rip- 
ley or not, 'Man ,Mountain' Dean, 
playing in pantomime an over- 
buxom poa.sant. The rotund 
wrestler is called upon to bash, down 



doors and brick walls, when he is 
not quietly knitting socks. 

Director Hamilton MacFadden, in 
megging this first Robert E. Welsh 
production for General, does what 
he can with the materials at hand 
and, to his credit, the pace seldom 
slackens. The camera work is only 
fair. This is not a picture to be 
taken seriously for one moment, and 
there will be those who will main- 
tain that it should never, be taken 
at all. Roiol. 



Calif. Straight Ahead 

Universal release of Trem Cnrr produc- 
tion. Stars John Wayne, I'eaturo.i TiOulso 
Latimer, Robert McWudo, Tully Mnr.«(hull, 
Directed by Arthur LUbln. Story, llerinnn 
Boxer; screenplay, Scott Darling; ciimerii, 
Harry Neumann. . At Liberty, Lincoln-, 
dual. Running time, 67 mlns, 

Biff Smith..,.. , ....John Wnyne 

Mury Porter .Louise Lntlnior 

Corrlgan .,. . .Robert McWnde 

James Glfford Theodore vnn,KU-/S 

Harrison >, ...Tully MnrahuU 

Charlie Porter ^..^merson Troai-y 

Fish McCorkle... Hnry Allen 

Padula ...LoRny Mason 

Mrs, Porter Grnce Gnndalt 

Plugglns ....Oliif Hytten 

Clancy ..Monty Vn«i(lerKriri 

Secretary .I.,orln Raker 



John Wayne's t)opularity with the 
action traffic will suffer none by this 
picture and he may gain a few more 
friends. Film may, be unpgipular 
With the railroad industry, since it 
purports to show trucking can ac- 
complish- ^speedier transportation on 
a transcontinental basis than the 
rails. Climax builds up in a cross- 
country race to make a steamship 
loading wharf before a general strike 
is called* . ; 

Wayne, best known 4 in westerns, 
besides being a handsome lad, is 
well equipped with physique to 
handle himself convincingly in the 
film's frequent slugfests. He squares 
off against Theodore von Eltz and 
LeRoy Mason oh , the male, side, and' 
with Cupid, who almost* outpoints 
him in the case of Louise Latimer. 
Latimer girl is more striking in this 
picture than most of her other tries,' 
having recently come 'over frbiri the 
RKO lot to do this Universal job, 

Wayne, associated with Emerson 
Treacy in a two-triick enterprise, 
takes business from Mason, He's 
also busy taking Louise away from 
von Eltz, who is head of a railroad 
shipping department. Ultimately he 
joins the forces of Robert McWade's 
big trucking concern, after Mason is 
instriunental in bringing about the 
death of Treacy in a nitro explosion. 
Finally breaks Mason's trucklirte, the 
latter joining with von Eltz, Then 
the race which is first inkling the, 
audience gets of the title meaning. 

McWade is amusing as a knuckle- 
pounding, hardboiled boss, and there 
are occasional glimmtrs of humor- 
when he locks horns with Tully 
Marshall, an airplane manufacturet. 
Film is nowhere strong on character, 
but it's long on muscle stuff. Every- 
thing happens as the audience ex- 
pects and wishes,, so in its field it 
.will do, okay. Barn. 

ROARING TIMBER 

Columbia production and release. Stars 
Jack Holt and Grace Bradley. Directed by 
Phil Rosen. Story, Robert James Cosgrift; 
screenplay," Cosgrlft and Paul Frantlln; 
camera, James Q, Brown, Jr.; editoi', 
Dwight Caldwell. At Varsity, Lincoln, dual. 
Running time, Ql mlns. 

Jim Sherwood Jack Holt 

Kay MacKlnley..,,. Grace Bradley 

Aunt Mary ....Ruth Donnelly 

Tennessee , Raymond Hntton 

Harrlgan Wlllard Roberlson 

Andrew MacKlnley. .J. Farrell MacDoniild 

Sam Garvin..., Charles Wilson 

Slim Bagnell JSrncst Wood 

Crooner PhlUp Ahn 

Ourloy Fred Kohler, Jr. 

Stumpy. « Bon Hondrlclcs 

Duke .....Tom London 



Said O'Reilly to McNab 

(BRITISH MADE) 

London, June 30. 
General Film .Distributors release of (>uu« 
nuint - 'Hrlllsh • Gainsborough production. 
Stars. Will Mahoney. Will Fyffe, Directed 
by wllUnm IJeaudine. 

Timothy O'Reilly.: .....Will Mahoney 

Mnloolm McNab...,..,.,.. .Will Vylt^ 

Mrs. McNab... , mils Drnko 

Jock McKay , Sandy McDouga t 

Mary McNnb..,.., ..Jean Wln.^tanjey 

Torry O'Reilly,,. ..James Carney 

Snphio Marianne DuvleH 

McNob's son Jock...., Robert Gall 



Story abides by the approved for- 
mula of play-writin£f, but progresses 
humorously to a logical suspensive 
conclusion. Director has made full 
use of his material. Picture is rea- 
sonably certain to please any type 
of audience, on either side of the 
Atlantic, and its commercial valua- 
tion of same is dependent upon the 
drawing power of the two stars. 

Is Will Mahoney's name strong 
enough to draw picture audiences in 
America and is Will Fyffe a big 
enough draw In England? Those are 
the questions. 

Piece opens in New York, showing 
Mahoney as a share pusher cOm- 
oelled to scram to avoid the atten-^ 
t ions of the police. His sort is Court- 
ing the ..daughter of a retired Scot-, 
tish business man, portrayed by 
Fyfle. Mahoney visits Scotland, en- 
counters Fyffe, who is very canny 
in the matter of nicking up a sly 
penny, and the conflicts between the 
two are continuously amusing. No 
small portion of the entertainment 
is the dialog, which Is crisp and to 
the point. 

Fyffe is a pleasure to watdh from 
start to finish. Every word he utters. .. 
is full of meaning. Mahoney's voice 
recording is too light for so virile 
a characterization. It is not until 
he got into ,n riotously funny golf 
match with Fyffe that he really 
scores. By the time he reaches his 
.surefire overbalancing dancing there 
is no auestioh of his hit. Pair make 
a good team of contrasting protag- 
onists — the kind that audiences al- 
ways like to see pitted against each 
other. . 

Fifteen minutes excision of foot- 
age would make, the whole thing 
fast and furious. ' Jolo. 



RANGE DEFENDERS 

Republic release of Sol C. Blesel produc- 
tion. Stars Bob Llvlnffston, Ray Corrigon. 
Mux Terhune. Directed by Mack V. 
Wright. Original screen story, Joseph 
Poland; based on charnotera. created ny 
Wllllnm Colt. MncDonald; camera. .Tack 
Mnrta; supervlslnar editor. Murray Scldoen; 
fllm editor, Ijeater Orloback: musical nuper- 
vlHor, Raoul Kraushnftr; song, Flemlnir 
Allan. Reviewed In pro.lcctlon room. N. 
July 8, '87. Running tlmo, fiO mlns., 

Stoney Brooke t....:.Bob Llvlntrnton 

Tuc.'Min Smith.;...,. ..Rny Corrlgan 

r^uUnby Jodlln. .., ..Max Tcrhunn 

Sylvia Asnton.... Elennor Stownrt 

Harvey Hfirry Woods 

.iherire Groy. ,". . . .Enrlo Hoderhis 

Thn.KId Thomas Carr 

Hodge 'Vaklma CanuU 

C'r.T <; ■. .' John • Merlon 

Auctlonoer ...Harrison Greene 

Pfte ... .Horace* Carpenior 

Tfenohman .....Frank PilllH 

Cc^ok , .Snowflako 



Brawny stuff for the 10-20c traffic 
and dual bills. Jack Holt is head 
man, talks through his teeth,, seldom 
smiles, and has a fist that knows 
where eyery member of the cast's 
jaw is and, frequently goes visiting. 
Lumbering and logging background 
puts Holt right at home. 

Story concerns the death of a 
lumber magnate whose daughter, 
knowing nothing of the buslrte.ss, in- 
herits the enterprise. She gets rid 
of th'e good employes and hires some ' 
coddling bad ones, who try to sly 
her out of a big contract. Brother 
Holt comes to the rescue with axes, 
saws, and fls.ts. 

Grace Bradley' is the femme who 
wrenches the logging machinery by 
selection of Charles Wilson and 
Willard Robertson to run her inr 
terests and beat her late father's 
(J. Farrell MacDonaJd) right h&nd 
(Holt) out of his jiist dues. Her 
part isn't fancy, and the light com- 
edy material given Ruth Donnelly 
as her vociferous, aunt isn't enough 
to go all the way, so the women are 
slighted. 

Plenteous scrapping, timber war- 
ring, train wrecks, forest fires, are 
the ingredients. Old quickie trick 
of using the same scene from dif- 
ferent angles is pulled in here with 
the dynamiting of trees to make a 
backfire. Dynamiting, itself, is 
phoney. Trees have all been plainly 
sawed almost to the cracking poirit, 
before the blast, which will make a 
logging country seer wonder. 

Holt, can do no wrong as far as 
the kids are concerned and the 
elderly action enthusiasts also. "This 
is his type and as good, or slightly 
better than, the stuff hl*s done lately. 

Born. 



Another chapter in the 'Three 
Mesquiteers' series and a natural for 
juve matinees. Also satisfactor,y for 
adults who ycil concentrated action. 
Hoss opry at Its best. 

Story is in the usual western style, 
slight variation lieing the accent on 
the bitter rivalry between the cow- 
men and the sheet)-ralsers. Usual 
amount of phoney mortgage lore- 
closures, crooked sheriffs and gen- 
eral human oussedness. Plot is kept 
logical, howiever. and. an exceptional 
amount of excitement is hung on 
the standard framework. Tension 
steadily builds to a sock mass gUn- 
flght finale. 

Livingston, Corrlgan and Terhune 
combine for strong personality and 
convincing he-man stuff. Unusual 
to find so much attempt at comedy, 
which Is shrewdly kept broad and 
obvious. Terhune's voice-tossing 
.supplies some funny sequences. 
Harry Woods is an okay bad man 
with .satisfactory assistance from 
John Merton. Eleanor Stewart id 
far above the general run of western 
ingenues. Has looks, promising 
acting, talent, though too much 
makeup and big-cUjr clothes don't 
help. 

Mack V. Wripjht's direction en- 
livens the scriot. Jack Marta also 
rates a bow for his camera iob. 

Hobc, 



CONDOTTIERI 

('The Knights') 
(ITALIAN MADE) 

Rome, July 2. 

Produced by 'Con^orz'o CondotlU'rl' In 
German and. Italian versions simuU(ine> 
onsly. Tlullan version released by KNKJ.' 
Stnl-n T^nulri Trenkor. Dlrectml hy I.riiilw 
Trenker. 

Glovnnnt dl Medici Louis Trenker 

Hie mother, Catherine ........ .Ethel Mnggl 

Mni-la Carla Svev.'L 

MnlotrKla — .• : — .. '■ — — 'Loris Olr.'il 

His mistress Laura Luccl 



'Condottieri' waS a term used in 
the time of the Renaissance, when 
Italy was a mass of little feudal 
states with several oowerful families 
wrangling for supremacy and the 
Church trying to have a finger- in 
every pie. Fiom this picturesque 
period Giovanni di Medici was 
chosen to be the hero of the film 
stoi:y, because he was the only one 
of the various feudal lords of the 
time who had the idea of striving 
for a united Italy. There's a good 
deal, accordingly, about a nnltcd 
Italy, and the linen who rallv ar-f"i 
the hero look a good deil like 
(Continued on page 31) 



Wcanesday, July 14, 19.*i7 



riLM DAILY NAMES THEJ 





^ great w J _ jfo^y 



lifee »t 



the scree" J ^^^^ 
ictwre tf^Velf-'^""* 



filacewcy 

■ mre 

10. /I 






,.„.x<aiS 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



EST FEATURES OF THIS YEAR! 




24 VARiETY 



PICTURES 



Wednefidayf July 14, 1937 



FILM BOOKING CHART 

'{For infortnaiwn of theatre and film exchange bookers, Variety presents a complete chart of featurtf releases of all the American distributing companies for 

the current quarterly period. Date of the reviezvs as given in Variety and the running time of prints are included,) 
'I ' • ■ 

COPYRIGHT, 1937, BY VAKIETT, INC. ALL KIGHTS RESEBYED 



WEEK 
OF 
RELEASE 



TITLE 



PROPUCER 



DISTRIB. 



TYPE 



TALENT 



DIRECTOR 



\«HEN 
TIME REVIEWED 
MINS. BY VARIETY 



5/21/37 



SING, COWBOY, SING 

PICK A STAR 
NIGHT OP MYSTERY 
THERE GOES MY GIRL 
COME ON, COWBOYS 
CHARLIE CHAN AT OLYMPICS 
WINGS OVER HONOLULU 
THE GO GETTER 



E. Finney GN Western Tex Ritter 

Hal Roach Par Musical Haley-Kelly-Laurel-Hardy 

Par MGM Musical R. Karns-H. Burress 

W Sistiom RKO Comedy G. Raym«nd>A. Sothcrn-B. Hslmes 

Sol Siegel Rep Western B. LlTtncston-R. CanipiM 

J Stone Mth Mystery W. Oland-K. ie Mllle 

E. M Asher U Rom-Dr R. Mlliand-W. Barri* 

Cosmo WB Rom-Dr O. Brent-A. L««ise 



E, Sedgwick 
R. N. Bradbury 
E. A. Dupont 
Ben Holmes ' 
Jo^Kane 
H. B. Hum'stone > 
H. a Potter 
B. Berkeley 



76 
66 
74 
53 
71 
SO 
M 



5/28/37 



LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN 
1 MET HIM IN PARIS 
HOLLYWOOD COWBOY 

THIS IS MY AFFAIR 
UNDER THE RED ROBE 
DREAMING LIPS 
THE MAN IN BLUE 
KID GALLAHAD 



E. Chodorov • C«l Drama 

W. Haggles Par Hom-Com 

G. A, Hirliman RKO Western 

K. MacGowan Zftk Musical 
R.T.Kane 2«tb ^ Drama 

M. Schach UA Rom-Dr 

K. Glasmon U Melodrama 

WB WB Drama 



L Hcnrey-W. CenMliy 
C. CalbcrC-Melvyii D««rlas 
G. OVrica-C. Parker-E. Se«(i 
R. Tayl«r-B. Slai^wyek- 
C. VcMt-R. Kbsscy 
E. Bercaer-R.- Miutsey 
R. Wllcex-N. Grey 
E. G. RcbiBsea-B. DaTls 



AI Green 
W. Ruggles 
Ewing Scott 
W. A. Seiter 
V. Scastrom 
Paul Cziiiner 
if. Carruth 
M. Curtiz 



71 
IS 

99 
1— 
7« 
C« 
IM 



6/4/37 ' 



RECKLESS RANGER 
TALK OF THE DEVUL 
HELL DIVERS (RE-ISSUE) 
PARNELL 
HOTEL HAYWIRE 
BORDER CAFE ' 
DOOMED AT SUNDOWN 
ANGEL'S HOLIDAY 
WLCN THIEF MEETS THIEF 
THE WILDCATTER 
CASE OF STUTTERING BISHOP 



Col 
B. & D. 

MGM 
J.. Stabl 

Pai 
Bob Si^k 
A. W, Hackel 
J. Stone 
Criterion 
Geo. Owen 
WB 



C«l WesteiTi B«k AllcB-B. Weeks 

GB Rom-Dr B. C«rtei-S. Filers 

MGM Com-Dr W- Bccry-Gablc-C. Nagle 

MGM Rom-Dr C. Gable-Myma L»y 

Far Comedy L. Carrill«-L, Overmaa 

RKO Western BeaML Carey- Armida 

Ktp Western Bet. Steele 

20th Drama J. WttlursrRobert Keyi 

CA. Rom-Dr D. Fairkataks, Jr.-V, HobscB 

V Drj^ma S. Cblten-J. Racers 

WB Mystery. D. W««dis-Ann Dverak 



S. G. Bennett 
Carl Reid 
G. ffiU 
John St^ 
G. Ai-clitEmbaud 
Lew Landers 
Sam Newfield 
^ iranie5>,Tinl4Qe 
~ Raoul WfOsh ^ 
Ray McCarey 
W. Clemens 



C/11/37 



A DAY AT THE RACES 
THE GREAT GAMBINI 
MEET THE MISSUS 
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU 
SHE HAD TO EAT 

SLIM 
BLAZING SIXES 



L. Weingarten . MGM Comedy 

B. P. Schulberg Par Melodrama 

AI Lewis RKO Comedy 

L. Fields Rep Rom-Dr 

S. G. Engel ZMk Cortiedy 

WB WB Drama 

WB WB Western 



Marx Bros. 
A. Taiiirolf-J. Trent 
H. Br«dcrlck-V. M««re 

A. Baxter-A. Leeds 
Hudsen-Trcaclier-Halcy 
F. O'Brien-H. Fonda 
D. Feran-H. Valkis 



Sam Wood 
C. Vidor 
Joseph Santley 
Phil Rosen 
M. St Clair ' 
R. Enright 
Noel Smith 



6/18/37 TWO-FISTED SHERIFF 

- . BANK ALARM 

MARRIED BEFORE BREAKFAST 
NORTH OF RIO GRANDE 
MOUNTAIN MUSIC 
RIDING ON AIR 
RHYTHM IN THE CLOUDS 
YODELIN' KID FROM FViE RIDGE 
BIG BUSINESS 
WALT DISNEY^ ACADEMY REVUE 
ARMORED CAR 
FLY AWAY BABY 
WHITE BONDAGE 



H. L. Decker Cel • Western 

■ Condor GN Melodrama 

S. Zimbalist MGM Cdm-Dr 

Harry Sherman Far Western 

Ben Glazer . Par Comedy 

David Loew RKO Comedy 

A. E. Levoy Rep Musical 

A. Schaefer Rep Western 

Max Golden Z9tli Comedy 

W. Disney UA Comedy 

£. M. Asher U Melodrama 

WB WB CiJm-Dr 

WB WB Drama 



6/25/37 



DEVIL IS DRIVING 
GIRLS CAN PLAT 
SWEETHEART OF THE NAVY 

CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS 
LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID 
YOU CANT BEAT LOVE 
A LAW MAN IS BORN 
SING AND BE HAPPY 
LOVE IN A BUNGALOW 
ANOTHER DAWN 



Col ° . C«l Melodrama 

Ralph Cohn C«I Comedy 

B. F. Zeldman GN Comedy 

L. D. Lighten MGM Spectacle 

G. M. Arthur Par - Drama 

Robert Sisk RKO Rom-Com 

A. W. Hackel Rep Western 

M. H. Feld 2««k Musical 

E. M. Asher U Rom-Com 

WB WB Rom-Dr 



R. DIx- Joan Perry 
1. Wells-C. Qaidey 
Eri« Lladcn-C. Parker 
F. Barthelraiew-SpeBcer Tracy 
L* Ayrc«-D. Lamanr 
P. F«ster-J. Fantalne 
J. M. BrewB-L Meredith 
J. Davis-A. Marin 
N. Cirey-K. Taylor 
K. Franeis-E. Flynm 



H. Lachman 

L. Hillyer 
D. Mansfield 

V. Fleming 
J. Hogan 

C. Cabanne 
Sani Newfield 

H. Lehrman 
Ray McC^jtrey 

W. Dieterle 



7/2/37 



A FIGHT TO THE FINISH 
ONE MAN JUSTICE 
ROARING TIMBER 
RIDERS OF THE KOCKIES 
THE EMPEROR'S CANDLESTICKS 
THIRTEENTH MAN 
MIDNIGHT MADONNA 
FORLORN RIVER 
NEW FACES OF 1937 
SLAVE SHIP 
DARK JOURNEY ^ 
I COVER THE WAR 
SINGING MARINE 



R. Cohn 
H. L. Decker 
R. Flothow 
Ed Finney 
J. Considine 
Lon Young 
E. Cohen 
Par 
Edward Small 
N. Johnson 
V. Saville 
Trem Carr 
L. Edelman 



Col 
Col 
Col 
GN 
MGM 
Mob* 
Par 
Par 
RKO 
29th 
UA 
U 



Action D. Pcrry-R. Keith 

Western C. Starrett-B. Weeks 

Outdoor Jack Helt-G. Bradley 

Western Tex Ritter 

Rom-Dr Fowell-Raiacr 

Mystery W. Hcybarn-L Courtney 

Melodrama W. WilUam-M. CorrcU 

Western L. Crabbe-Jonc Marlcl 

Musical M. Bcrle-1. PcBBer-H. Billiard 

Spectacle W. Baxter- W. Becry-E. Allen 

Drama C. Veldt-V. Lelfh-J. Gardner 

Drama J. Wayne-D. Barclay-G. Craae 

Musical D. PowcU-D. Weston 



C. C. Coleman 
Leon Barsha 
Phil Rosen 
R, N. Bradbury 
G. Fitzmaurice 
W. Nigh 
J. Flood 
C. Barton 
Leigh Jason 
Tay Garnett 
V. Saville 
A. Lubin 
Ray Enright 



59 
7« 
199 

115 
«5 
67 

74 
15 
58 
79 



199 
79 

65 
71 
71 
S6 



O. Starrett-B. Weeks 


Leon Barsha 




Conrad Naccl 


Louis Gasnier 


6t 


R. YoBBC-Florcnee Rici? 


£. L Marin 


79 


Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes 


Nate Watt 


7« 


B, Bams-Martha Ray* 


C. Reisner . 


Joe E. Brown 


£. Sedgwick 


79 


P. Ellis-W. Hull 


John H, Auer 


69 


Gene Antry-B. Branson 


Joe Kane 




J. Proaty-S. Deano 


F. R- Strayer 


91 


Cartoon 


W. Disney 


62 


R. Wlleox-J. Barrett ■ 


L. Foster 


G. Farrell-B. MacLano 


F. McDonald 


69 


Jean Mnir-G. Oliver 


Nick Grinde 





6/2 

6/30 

6/16 

6/16 

5/26 

6/2 

6/9 



6/16 
6/9 

6/2 
6/2 
5/26 

6/2 



7/14 
5/19 
12/29/31 
6/9 
6/16 
6/9 

. , 5/26 

6/16 
6/2 



6/23 

7/14 

7/7 

7/7 

7/14 

6/30 



6/23 



6/30 
6/30 



6/2 
7/14 



- 69 


7/7 


«9 


6/30 


63 


7/7 


115 


5/19 


95 


6/23 


69 


6/30 


61 


7/7 


67 


6/23 


67 


7/7 


73 


6/23 


5S 


' 7/7 


67 


7/14 


95 


e/30 


5C 




55 




195 


7/7 


99 


6/23 


99 


7/7 


195 


7/7 



7/9/37 


THE TWO OF US 


Gainsborough 


G» 


Rom-Com 


J. Halbert-Gina Malo 


TL Stevenson 






THE SHADOW STRIKES 


Alexanders 


GN 


Mystery 


R. LaRocque-L. Anders 


Lynn Shores 


61 


7/14 




BETWEEN TWO WOMEN 


MGM 


MGM 


Drama 


Tone-V* Brnce-M. O'SalUvan 


G. Seitz 


87 






HOOSIEB SCHOOLBOY 


K. Goldsmith 


Mon* 


Drama 


M. R«oney-F. Shields 


W. Nigh 




6/30 




WILD MONEY 


Par 


Par 


Com-Dr 


E. E. Hortea-L. Campbell 


Louis King 


79 






ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN 


L. Marcus 


RKO 


Comedy 


Whceler-Woolsey-E. Mulr 


Edw. Cline 


66 






BORN RECKLESS 


M. H Feld 


29th 


Melodrama 


B. Donlevy-R. Hadson 


M. St, Clair 


69 






WESTBOUND LIMITED 


McRae-Koenig 


U 


Rom-Dr 


L. Talbot-P. Rowles 


F. Beebe 








PUBLIC WEDDING 


WB 


WB 


Com-Dr 


J. Wyman-M. Wilson 


Nick Grinde 








EMPTY HOLSTERS 


WB 


WB 


Western 


D. Foran-P. Walthall 


B. Eason 







7/1G/37 



IT CANT LAST FOREVER 
KING SOLOMON'S MINES 
BOOTS OF DESTINY 
BLAZING BARRIERS 
RIDERS OF THE DAWN 
TOPPER 
EASY LIVING 
SUPER SLEUTH 
THE RED ROPE 
THE CALIFORNIAN 
THE ROAD BACK 
EVER SINCE EVE 



H. L. Decker Col Rom.-Com. 

GB GB Spectacle 

Condor GN Western 

K. Goldsmith Mon* Drama 

R. N. Bradbury Mob* Western 

Hal Roach MGM Comedy 

A. Hornblow, Jr. Par Comedy ' 

Edw. Small RKO Mystery 

A. W. Hackel Rep Western 

Sol. Lesser 29th Western 

Grainger-Whale U Drama 

Cosmo WB Rom-Com 



R. Bellamy-B. Fumess 
A. Lee-R. Yoanc-Rebeson - 
Ken Maynard 
. F. Cofhlan-E. Arnold, Jr. 
Jack Randall 
Co Bennett-R. Yoonc 
J. Arthur-R. MilUnd 
J. Oakic-A. Sothern 
Bob Steele-L. Janaary 
B. Arlen-R. Cortec ^ 
j. KIbc-B. Read-A, Dcvine 
M. Davics-R. Montffomcry 



Ham. MacFadden 
R. Stevenson 
A. Rosson 
A. Scotte 
R. N. Bradbury 
N. MacLeod 
M. Leisen 
Ben Stoloff 
S. Roy Luby 
Gus Meins 
J. Whale 
L. Bacon 



68 
89 



98 
88 

75 

59 
105 

77 



7/7 
6/30 



7/14 

7/7 
7/14 



6/23 
6/30 



7/23/37 



KENOE2VOUS IN ALPS 
BROADWAY MELODY 'SS 
PARADISE ISLE ' 
RUSTLER'S VALLEY 

THE BIG SHOT 
THE LADY ESCAPES 
TOWN SCOUT 



J. Hagen GN 

J. Cummings MGM 

Dorothy Reid Mono 
H. Sherman Par ' 

Maury Cohen RKO 

L. L. Landau 29th 
WB WB 



Rom-Dr J. Baxter- A. Bushel 

Musical Taylor-E. Powcll-S. Tucker 

Drama Mevita-W. Hall 

Western William Boyd 

Comedy C. Witherspoon-Kibbec 

Rom-Com ' M. Whalen-G. Stuart 

Comedy D. Woods-J. Madden 



B. Vorhaus 
R. Del Ruth 
A. G. Collins 

Nate Watt 

Edw. Killy 
Eugene Forde 

Louis King 



7/30/37 



A DANGEROUS ADVENTUB5 
WHERE THERE'S A WILL 

SMALL TOWN BOY 
LEGION OF MISSING MEN 
EXCLUSIVE 
TOAST OF NEW YORK 
WEE WILLIE WINKIE 

VOGUES OF 1938 
REPORTED MISSING 
MARRY THE GIRL 
SHE'S NO LADY 



W. MacDoiiald Cot 

Gainsborough GB 

ZiOn Myers GN 

L E. Chadwick Mod* 

Ben Glazer Par 

Edw. Small RKO 

Gene Markey 29th 

W. Wanger UA 

E. M. Asher U 

WB WB 

B. P. Schulberg Far 



Action 
Rom-Dr 
Comedy 
Drama 
Melodrama 
Rom-Dr 
Drama 
Musical 
Melodrama 

Comedy 
Melodt ama 



8/6/37 



RANGER STEPS IN 
MYSTERY OF HOODED HORSEMAN 
SARATOGA 
THE OUTER GATE 
ARTISTS AND MODELS 
STELLA DALLAS 
SAN QUENTIN 



Col ' C«I Western 

WB WB Melodrama 

Ed Finney GN Western 

Hy man-Emerson MGM Rom-Dr 

I. E. Chadwick M«n» Drama 

L. E. Gensler Par Musical 

S. Goldwyn UA Drama 



D. Tcrry-B. Keith 
Will Hay-Lilli Palmer 
S. Erwin-J. Compton 
Ralph Forbes 
F. MacMurray-F. Farmer 
E. Arn«ld-F. Farmer-Oakie 
S. Temp]e-V. McLaflen 
W. Baxter-J. Bemiett 
Wm. Gairgan-J. Roccrs 
Mary Boland-H. Herbert 
Dvorak-John Trent 

B. AUen-E. Stewart 
P. O'Bi-ien-H. Bogart 
Tex Ritter 
Gable-Harlow 
Ralph Forbes 
.T. Bcnny-G. Patrick 
Stitnwyck-Boles 



D. R. Lederman 
M. Varnell 
Glenn Tryon 
H. McFadden 
AI Hall 
Rowland V. Lee 
John Ford 
J. Feyder 
M. Carruth 
Wm. McGann 
C, Vidor 

S. G. Bennett 
L. Bacon 
Ray Taylor 
Jack Conway 
H. MacFadden 
Raoul Walsh 
King Vidor 



79 

58 



93 
195 



65 



7/7 



.7/14' 
6/30 



99 



7/14 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



23 




RAH-RAH SPIRIT 



Progress of Color 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Polite feud going on between various producers over how much 
color the public will take isn't really affecting the progress of color. 
Each production seems to show a decided advance, and color par- 
tisans are now arguing that it ais much progress \<rere made /with 
each production in black and white as is being made in color, no 
studio would have to worry about its grosses tot a long time to 
come. 

Walter Wanger's *Vogues' is considered as much better than 
•A Star is Born' as 'A Star Is Born' was considered better than 
'Ramona.' 

Chief advance in 'Vogues' is in the gradations of color. In 'A 
Star Is Born' the color was reddish and lacked natural gradations, 
with shadows having a tendency to go black. In 'Vogues' even the 
shadows show fine color gradations, and the close-ups have pastel 
shSiding, which is a great advance oyer the old grain which used 
to jspoil color in. close-ups. 



Pa. Test Suit on Cham Biz Tax; 
Affects Theatres, Chain Stores, Etc 



CBLLKE CyClE 
BRISK PLAY 



Keeping 'Em Under $1,000,- 
000 in Cost — Most All 
with Songs and Dance 
Numbers — Elastic for Tal- 
ent Budgets 



Amns. Stocks Miniature Bull 
Market Because of Sununer Boom? 



O.K. AT THE B.O. 



Texas Nixing Banko 



Galveston, July 13. 

Beaumont only large city in state 
where bank nights are still in vogue. 
Grand jury after investigating 
ignored them. District Judge R. A. 
Shivers issued orders to new grand 
jury to go into matter. 

'The name has been changed to 
'gift night,' but apparently it's the 
same game,' said the judge. 



Philadelphia, July 13. 

Temporary injunction restraining 
State from collecting jiewly-passed 
tax on chain theatres, pending test of 
the act's constitutionality, was issued 
by Harrisburg courts Friday (9); 
Action came on suits filed by chain 
groceries and five and dime stores, 
which also would be badly hit by 
levy; Tax, it is figured, will cost 
Warner circuit about $25,000 yearly 
and Comerford $16,000. 

Constitutionality of the sock was 
challenged by the circuits on the 
grounds it was discriminatory and 
exempts certain 'chain' groups, such 
as newsstands. It is also- argued that 
tax is so stiff in upper brackets ($500 
per establishment), that it amounts 
to 'confiscation and destruction of 
business.' 



'Dead End' Into Riv, N. Y.? 



George Skouras is angling for 
'Dead End,' new Samuel Goldwyn 
film, for .'5hdwin;g at the Rivoli, N, Y. 

It is understood that Skouras has 
had several conversations with 
United Artists sales officials in this 
regard but no deal has been consum- 
mated as yet. 



NW ALUED STIU HOT 
ON DIVORCEMENT BILL 



D. C.'s %% Idea 

Washington, July 1,3. 
Another tax rap on National 
Capital, theatre-owners is in the 
offing with Congress scraping the 
cash draw er for $6,000,000 to wipe 
out deficit of the District of Colum- 
bia government. Two percent levy 
would be imposed on firms for 
'privilege' of doing business here. 
Measure passed the House weeks ago 
but has. been drastically revised in 
the Senate. 



WB'S 'ZOLA' INTO ITS 
51ST ST., N.Y., AT $2 



'Life of oEmile Zola,' a 1937-38 fea- 
ture recently completed by Warner 
Bros., will open in New Yorlc next 
month at $2 top, the first picture to 
be Toadshown by Warners since 
'Midsummer Night's Dream,' two 
seasons back. Latter was very ex- 
tensively two-a-dayed acress the 
country and in Canada, going into 
smaller towns, but whether or not 
similar selling of 'Zola' will be de- 
cided awaits the New York open- 
ing. 

Tentative date set for the 51st 
Street (formerly Hollywood), N. Y., 
where 'Zola' will be roadshown, is 
Aug. 11. Heavy ad campaign will i 
ftgyre. I 



Incorporations 



CALIFORNIA 

■ Sarramenlo. 

^l<»d«ru 1>l«;t.uru8 Corp.; diatilbullon; 
cai»lia.i, 1,500 .shtti-es, no par; periiillted 
tj> i.Msu* 160 sharcB. Directors: Sadie 
O.rnii-/., Arthur OrnUz, Nat Rosin. 

■T*''*"" •Juveniles, , Jnc. ; capital slocV, 

♦ ■»,i).i)0. none subscribed. Directors: K<1- 
vav'i W. Rose, I. C. Overdorff, S. JanicH 
Mar.sh. 

i^lioriuHa Oak« l<heatre Corp.; cnpltnl 
■lofU, $10,000, none aubscribed. Diiei^- 
4*'*: Cliarlps V. Skouras, Charles A. 
±JU(.KI.'y. licorge Topper, Albert AV. 
John B. Berlero. 

SiiiMlorf TlieuttA Corp.; capital .slorU, 
iioiu> .lubsfrlbeiT. DireiloiH: 
< liM l 'ii p. Skouras, Charles A. Biickli>.v. 
''-'"•-•i Topper, Albert W. Leeds, Jolui 
■o. Ht»rti»ri>. 

I'r«'ferrfrt l>|ctureB, In*".; fllm «>xchfl»Be! 
J*l>liiii Htoclc. 1,000 sharea, par value 

♦ I't; i>^rml(tPd to Issue 20 shares. I>i- 
r*c(.>rs: Rose Klein, Viola M. Zamsky, 

w. ^a'nsUy, Samuel B. Klein. 

«Has Rndlft Corp.; transcriptions; 
oai'iitil Hloclt, fiOO preferred and J 60 c-om- 
»"'■'" .>;ii;u-,».M, par JlOO; permltlod in in- 
^u^ I'liti) pvefi^rrorl and Oft common slinr^s. 
"ti.'>-i.>i-.-): Vrank S. Winston, Lou U. 
"I'Uloii, ciarcHL-e Winston.. 



Minneapolis, July 13. 

President W. A. Steffes of North- 
west' Allied announces the launching 
of a fight in Minnesota to put over a 
divorcement measure, and a theatre 
chain tax bill at the next regular 
session of the state legislature two 
years hence. Both laws would have 
the effect of driving the Minnesota 
Amus. Co. (Publix) out of business, 
he admits, 

Steffes explains that the fight is 
the only move left for the inde- 
pendents in this territory as a result 
of the refusal of the producing com- 
pany heads to meet with the inde- 
pendent leaders at a roundtable 
'peace conference' to try to settle 
trade differences on a compromise 
basis. 

Work already is under way to or- 
ganize all legislative districts, he 
says. Sentiment for the independents' 
proposed legislation will be created 
by talks by J. P. Devaney, former 
state chief justice and now North 
west Allied counsel, over the radio 
and before local civic organizations. 
Theatres also will run trailers giving 
the independents' side of the matters 
and candidates for office will be 
pledged to support the program, ac 
cording to Steffes. 

J. D. Clark Huddling 
On Coast Until Aug. 

John D. Clark, 20th-Fox* general 
sales manager, will not return from 
the Coast until 'around Aug. 1 from 
conferences relating to sales and 
plans for the coming season. 

Another high distribution execu- 
tive Al Lichtman of Metro, isn't ex- 
pected back to New Yoik until 
around Sept. 1, With his leaving. 
Bill Rodgers. national sales head, 
returned to his desk at the home 
olllce Monday (12). 



Loaded with Loan-Outs 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Ann Nagel. borrowed from War- 
ners, and William Hall, on loan from 
Universal, top cast of Republic's 
'Fools in Paradise,' which Harold 
Shumate is directing. Hamilton Mc- 
Fadden directs. 

• Added to support are Dean Jag- 
.••^M-. Ciiarles Waldron, Ward Bond 
and Gi'iui ge Meeker, ' 



Hollywood, July 13, 

College musical pictures will be 

quite a vogue during the 1937-38 

season with practically all of the 

majors having lined up or lining up 
story material for this type of pro- 
duction. Studios figure that with 
the swing vogue and the desire for 
youthful and refreshing light enter- 
tainment at fairly moderate costs the 
college musical type of pictures will 
be very much in demand by exhibit- 
oi^s for the new season. 

Studios point out that they need 
not overextend themselves in top- 
heavy cast names or expensive 
directors to turn out this type of 
product which can prove glamorous, 
colorfttl and flashy at a cost which 
leaves the producer a safe margin 
of profit almost regardless of the 
quality .of picture. 

Paramount jumped the gun on 
this type of production in 1933 when 
it turned out 'College Humor,' 
directed by Wesley Ruggles, and 
which proved a box office clean-up. 
It had Bing .Crosby, Jack Oakie, 
Richard Arlen and Mary. Carlisle 
topping the cast. Then it was 'Col- 
lege Rhythm,' directed by Norman 
Taurog, and last year 'College Holi 
day,' directed by Frank Tuttle. This 
year it will be 'College Swing,' to 
be directed by Raoul Walsh, which 
will have in its cast Burns and 
Allen, Martha Raye, Charles Butter 
worth, Eleanore Whitney, Ben Blue, 
Johnny Downs, Rufe Davis, John 
Howard, Robert Cummings, Marsha 
Hunt and Olympe Bradna, 

Keeping It Under $1»000,000 Mark 
Though cast for the latter picture 
is imposing in talent, the salary nut 
is i^ot out of bounds and the pic 
ture should come through for less 
than the $1,000,000. mark, which 
seems to be the low for major 
filmuSicals nowadays. 

Darryl Zanuck at 20th-Fox last 
season mopped up with 'Pigskin 
Parade,* a college musical which, in 
Hollywood parlance, 'cost buttons.' 
This year's sequel is titled 'Life Be 
gins at College,' in which the Ritz 
Bros, get their first starring oppor- 
tunities 

Warners just completed 'Varsity 
Show,' with Fred Waring and his 
crew in this cycle of pix, which 
however, went well over the $1,000, 
000 mark in production. That plant, 
however, is also working on a yarn 
now, 'Campus. Scandals,' which is 
being drafted by Joseph Schrank 
and Jerry Wald and which it is fig 
ured will be brought in at a price 
of around $600,000, to afford War- 
ners a good margin of profit. Plant 
is also getting-into shape a football 
yarn which will probably have 
musical interpolations under title of 
'Block That Kick.' 

Selznlck Takes a Whirl 
Dave Selznick at Selznick^Inter- 
national is also going in for this 
type of picture under title of 'Prom 
Girl,' an original by John Monks, 
Jr., and Fred F. FinklehofTe, who 
wrote 'Brother Rat.' 
. Metro has had" a large group of 
writers outlining a college musical 
idea which is unannounced on the 
program, but which studio wants to 
release around the Yule period. Uni- 
versal and RKO are also mulling 
yarns of this type, to get them undei 
way in time to swing in with Ihiy 
cycle before the saturation period 
sets in, 

Columbia has a yarn. 'CoUe^je 
Hero,' which will be done as a 
musical. Republic is also fooling 
around with a c(»iii)le f)f college 



NATIONAL THEATRES' 
COLO. CONV. AUG. 9 



Denver, July 13. 
National Theatres Corp., owner of 
Fox properties throughout the U. S., 
will hold its annual meeting in 
Colorado Springs next, month. Head- 
quarters will be the Brdadmoor 
hotel, and the six-day session will 
begin Aug. 9. 

Attending will be Spyros Skouras, 
Joe Schenck, Sid K^nt, Darryl 
Zanuck, Rick -Ricketson, .president 
of the Fox Intermountain Theatres, 
Inc.; Ned Depinet, president of 
RKO; Gradwell Sears of Warners; 
Abe Montague, sales manager for 
Columbia Pictures; Neil Agnew, v.p. 
Paramount Pictures; Arch Bowles, 
division manager for Fox-West 
Coast, at San Francisco; Frank New- 
man, president Evergreen theatres, 
Seattle; Harold Fitzgerald,- Mil- 
waukee; J6hn Hamrick, 'Seattle 
theatre operator; E. C. Roden, Kan- 
sas City; Rosenberg & Finkelsteln, 
operators of a big chain, in addition 
to district managers, bookers and 
film buyers for the Fox organiza- 
tion from all parts of the country. 



H. B. Franklin's Default 
Award Vs. His Bro., J. J, 



Harold B. Franklin was awarded 
a default judgment for $7,500 in 
U. S. district court yesterday (Tues- 
day) against his brother, John Jay 
Franklin, his wife, Birdie, and the 
Jay Jay Theatres Corp. 

Plaintiff sued as assignee of the 
Brookin Corp. claiming defendants 
failed to made good loan made in 
1934 presumably to develop the 
Franklin theatre chain in Honolulu, 
Harold B, claimed loan was obtained 
by misrepresentation. 



Steady strength in picture com- 
pany stocks culminated last Friday 
(9) in the stock market when they 
staged a miniature bull move of 
their own. Not only did this inter- 
est shoot up a majority of i5iu«3 
but it produced four and five times 
the amount of volume in various 
shares.. 

Film share quot£|tions were liter- 
ally all over the taoe late Thursday 
and throughout Friday's trading.' 
Columbia Pictures, General The- 
atres, Consolidated Film, Loew's/ 
Paramount, Pathe, Radio, RKO, 
20th-Fox, Technicolor and Warner 
Bros", joined in the. activity, as trad- 
ers bid up prices. 

Traders figured that the heat wave 
extending over much of the country 
would force additional persons into 
air-cooled theatres because offering 
the only sustained spot for comfort 
in many communities. Film com- 
pany issues with theatre affiliations 
were particularly in demand., bear- 
ing out this belief. [Actually, current 
b. o, grosses report the heat's efTeck 
as negative.] However, the continued 
strong earnings of most producer- 
distributor companies served as the 
build-up which has been marked by 
consistently good buying in these 
shares for' 10 days to two weelcs. 

Enthusiasm for amusement slocks, 
attracted attention to Pathe Films 
and Consolidated Film Issues, which 
have been lying dormant for some 
time. Latter made the most substan- 
tial gains, showing more than two 
points advance in two days while 
Pathe was up about a point on vast 
volume. 

Paramount, Warner Bros,, Loew 
and 20th-Fox shares made new highs 
for the current move. Eastman Ko- 
dak made several new highs for the 
year, after an extended period of 
buying by traders. Loew was aided 
by an unusually good earnings state- 
ment. 



RKO's Rental Liability 
Cut FVom $17,000 to $3,700 

Chances of former landlords of 
RKO theatres collecting huge claims 
on. defaulted rentals on long-term 
leases took considerable dive yester- 
day iTuesday) when the Circuit 
Court of Appeals reduced from 
$17,000 to $3,700 the lower court's 
award to the Fort Worth Properties 
Corp. Its original claim was for 
$507,000, The higher court decided 
claimant was only entitled to pay- 
ment on actual occupancy of the 
theatre by RKO due to the fact that 
the" property had been subleased 
immediately after RKO had filed its 
bankruptcy, petition. 

Disputed lease was entered into in 
1931 and was to run until 1956. RKO 
opened the theatre in 1933, a lew 
days before declaring itself , bank- 
rupt. The Fort Worth corp. filed 



B&K ANNUAL PICNIC 
TODAY SHUTS UP CHI 



Chicago. July 13. 
Annual Balaban & Katz picnic to 
be held tomorrow (14) on the Bala- 
ban estate. Means that every 
theatrical office in town will have 
'Gone for the Day' signs hung on the 
door knobs. This is the day when 
everybody in Chicago show-busine.S3 
becomes brothers under the skin 
from the time B&K busses pick 'em 
up early in the morning, until they're 
dropped off, well fed and tired, late 
at night. 

Practically only theatrical busine.S9 
done in Chicago that day will be at 
B&K houses, which will still operate, 
but without executives. 



PHILLY'S FILM RAFFLES 

Philadelphia, July 13, 
Everyone on Philly's film rialto 
was breathing easier last Thur.sday 
after a man charged with being the 
sneak thief Who had robbed several 
exchanges and premium houses was 
sentenced to six months. Three Vine 
streeters testified againsll him at the. 
trial. 

Since then De-Lite Premium out- 
fit has been burglarized twice, once 
on the same night the allc-iod thief 
was sentenced. Now cvei>ijjuy'a 
wondering. 



RCA'S 300% JUMP OVER '36 

Camden, July 13. 
Compilation of records in cxinec- 



claim for the remaining rental, but 
had not revealed it had subleased 
the property. A special ma.stci: rec- 
ommended payment of $17,000 which 

was okayed by Judge Bondy. Both i tion with the s;ile of RCA Pholophone 
the corporation and Irving Tru.><t Co.. • equipment for the first six months 
as trustee for RKO, appealed and ! of 1037 reveals a business iiu;re,'i.se 
the higher court this week found in j of 300% over the corrosi) jnditig 
favor of the trustee. The decision i period of last year, 
will have considerable weight on rc- i June, 1937, saw thp csl;il)lishiiienl 
maining rental claims pending against ] of an all-time hi;-!! for nvorodut'lng 
RKO. The Hippodrome Building i machine installation.s. for .that 
Corp. of Cleveland received a sim- • m'^)nlh, with a showiiv,' IKv Lime.s 
il.*>r setback a week ago'by the samp j bolter than June. l!).1(l. ;irf >rcliii'4 to 
titles they want ti) adijpt Lo a tiiiisii-ul ' court on lis claim lor defaulted rent ' :» slalcnonl i.ssuM by K'lwiii H. 
pic yarn and score. of Ihe.CK'vokmd Hipp by RKO. . HarlU'y. PiC.\ Pholoplione head. 



26 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



ANEW 



EASON A 



The approach of the 1937 
38 season brings a new era 
m the sale of GB pictures— and 
a new policy. . . . The past few 
years have shown unmistakable 
signs that both exhibitors and audi- 
ences will generally support films of 
high calibre. . . .That fact will be our 
sole guide for the new season. The GB 
program for 1937-38 will offer none 
but Class "A" pictures — the finest 
product to come from any studio. . ♦ . 
In order to accomplish this goal, GB 
will release a limited number of pic- 

tureS — NOT LESS THAN TWELVE — fcw 

enough in number to guarantee 
the maximum in quality and enter- 
tainment. . . .That there may be 
no doubt in the exhibitor's mind 
OS to our intentions and our 
confidence, GB will arrange, 
for those exhibitors who 
prefer it, a picture -by- 
picture buying plan. 



LADY OF LA PAZ 

Smashing stage success. Notable cast to be anncjr^ced scon, 





JESSIE 

MATTHEWS 

« 

Lovely, Sparkling, Glorious! 
The world's foremost danc- 
ing and singing star, in a 
class by herself as the No. 1 
Girl of the box-office. Jessie 
Matthews will star m 3 big 
productions. 

"SAELING ALONG 

'SPARKLE 
GLAMOROUS LADY 



ANNA 

LEE 



The Gorgeous Blonde. Her 
popularity grows a hundred- 
fold 'with each succeeding 
release In which she appears. 
Anno Lee will be starred In 3 
productions. 

"NON-STOP J«EW YORK" 
''THE ilNCONQUEREO WOMAN 
"A GIRL MUST LIVE" 



rr 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



27 




D A NEW 




NON-STOP NEW YORK 



A gianf airship spanning th^ At- 
lantic. ... Its passengers involved 
in a game of love, intrigue and 
murder! 

Starring ANNA LEE with John 
Loder and Desmond Tester. 
Directed by Robert Stevenson. 



THE GIRL PAT 

onr page newspaper scoop. Rousing yarn of true adventure 



NOVA 

PILBEAM 



Her memorable triumph in one 
of the outstanding pictures of 
the yedr placed this youthfuJ. 
appealing actress at the very 
«|>|> of the list of great emo- 
{•onol stars. Nova Pilbeam will 
o» starred in 2 pictures. 



11 



THE WEDDINS 

DREAM*' 
EMPTY WORLD 




ANNA 

N EAGLE 

Most refreshing personalif/ 
developed in the past year. 
Beauty and brains, topped 
off with that spark called ge- 
nius. This dynamic star wiH 
appear in 2 pictures. 

"LOOK OUT FOR LOVF 
THE SHOW GOES OW 



jC*nada Distribulorj 
Empire Filmj, Ltd. 



VARIETY 



WednesJay, July 14, 1937 



lefty Runs Off His Pix East to Stir 
Op a Breeze, kt Heat s Too Tough 



By Joe Laurie, Jr. 



0 



Coolacres, Cal., July, 13. 
Dear Joe: 

The guy that named this town 
Bure had a sense of humor. It's 
beeii so hot out here that I «ven 
had to change my sign from '30 de- 
grees cooler inside' to '40 degrees 
cooler inside.' At that, it was much 
cooler in the theatre than in the 
sun. We did everything to make the 
place cooler, ran a hose over it all 
morning, put fans on the floor, but 
nothing helped. It was hotter than- 
a strip-teaser on her first show in 
St. Louis. 

We had a couple of guys in the 
other afternoon and we ran the pic- 
ture oif fast, so it would make a 
breeze. Aggie tries to look cool in 
the box-office .with a lighter' shade 
of hair. She .also has a fan hitting 
the customers* kissers when, they 
buy a ticket... one guy thought Ag- 
gie had asthma. 

The oth^r afternoon two . kids 
came up and laid down a dime- a 
piece for -l^ickets, Aggie askfcd one 
of 'em, 'Hq-w old are you, boys?' He 
says, 'We'rfe 11 -years old.' Well^ Ag- 
gie got suspicipus 4nd asks, 'Are you 
sure?' Andj^he toy answers, 'O, yes, 
ma'mi Wejre brothers. We were 
bom. in. thi same y^ar. I'm just six 
'month^! oldej' than he is.' This . one 
had Aggie wi3ttgin^,„but she let them 
in and trifed to study it out imtil 
she tDecame ^izzy 'and give it up. 
You know^ Aggiti ain't had much 
schooling; ith«E! little she got she is 
going to sue "them for. She is what 
they "call ii^- this state natively smart, 
but this aija't hbr. state. 

Talkin' about headaches, I got 
mine, too, i A . lot of these ;iguys in 
this town annoy women sitting next 
to them in: the theatre. Aggie calls 
'em 'Candid Glutchers'r . .they ' keep 
moving arOimd: and always sit next 
to some .wohian. One customer 
came out the other day wile I was 
Standin' 'gabbing 'to Aggi^ and she 
complainea about -some guy sitting 
next to' hei -who tried to bother her. 
i asked h€p yrhat lund of a looking 
man he was, aid she sez, 'An old 
man.* I said, 'Why didn't you come 
, out and ieU us right' away, ;so we 
could have nabbed him?' and she 
said, 'I was 'in -the middle of the last 
reel and I di<iji't -vvant to miss it.' 
Then I asked her when, she came 
in and she sez, *0h, I cortle.in on the 
dime bargjiin hour.* Well, this made 
Aggie hot and she said, *Lady, what 
do you waiit for a dime, Robert Tay- 
lor?* I told Aggie not to talk lik6 
that; she's liable to get' it into these 
dames' heads for us to get Robert 
Taylor to 'malce an appearance. 

Well, Joe, one of our dancing pu- 
pil's father is an electrician, so he 
gave me a good price on a new sign 
for the theatre. I let him put up a 
neon sign oyer the marquee, 'The 
World in Motion' (that's the name of 
our joint), Beside^ the name he has 
a globe of the whole world spinnin'g 
around and around and the lights 
go on and, off. iTie first night it was 
mostly off. 

' It's the first sign of its kind he 
ever made, so he says he has to. 
learn something about it, too. He 
watches it every night and has his 
whole family bring in tools . . , and 
meanwhile watch the show for free. 
It is a good flash when it worlcs. We 
pay half of it off in dancing le.<:sons 
to his kids and the other half in 
cash, at certain times; that is, cer- 
tain times when we have it. Aggie 
sez our revolving world worlcs as 
bad as the regular world. The heat 
ain't helping Aggie. 

Give our best to the boys and girls 
laying in the sand in front of the 
Bond building. SEZ 

■■Your pal. 

Lefty. 

P. S. The pictures this week are 
"Hot Money' and 'Fun in a Furnace! 



Bette's Synthetic Hop 



Hollywood, July 13, 
Adventures, of a globe-girdling 
aviatrix, probably with Amelia Ear- 
hcy:t in mind, will be depicted in 
'Around the World,' planned as a 
fiterrer for Bette Davis at Warners. 
Robert Lord will produce. 



Greenthal, Leonard 

West on UA Adv. Biz 



Monroe Greenthal, chief of adver- 
tising and publicity at United Artists, 
left for the Coast Sunday (11) by 
plane on general confabs with the 
company's producers on the Coast. 
Charles A. Leonard, new western 
advertising representative of United 
Artists, headquartering on the Pacific 
slope, preceded • him on Friday by 
train. Leonard will work in close 
cooperation with Samuel Goldwyn, 
Walter Wanger and other U. A; pro- 
ducers. Leonard was promoted from 
the ho^ne office ptist of exploitation 
manager. 

Caifi Kruger, of the field exploita- 
tion staff, has been upped to ex- 
ploitation manager, succeeding 
Leonard. 



Koker's Metro Drift 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Paul Kohner, who has been at 
Metro for almost two years without 
producing a picture, is leaving the 
lot shortly. 

Producer is negotiating for a 
berth at Columbia studios. 



Weber and Fields' Pic 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Joe Weber and Lew Fields will be 
teamed in 'Park Avenue Follies,' a 
Paramount musical. 

B. P. Schulberg produces. 



2 More in N. M. Brings 
Gibraltar String to 27 

Denver, July 18. 
Gibraltar Enterprises, Inc., has in- 
creased its number to 27 theatres 
with the addition of two New Mexico 
houses. The Loma at Socorro 'Will 
be reopened after an |11,000 re- 
modeling job, including Western 
Electric sound, cooling system, new 
5eats, and redecorating. House was 
bought from' J. R. FOss. Other' N. 
M, House is the Pastime, Springer, 
to be taken over Aug. 1' from Catl 
J. Garritson. A $17,000 remodeling 
job •will give the town a j)ractically 
new theatre when teopened on 
Sept. 1. 

Two Gibraltar houses In Casper, 
Wyo., will receive attention during 
the- summer. The Rialto will get a 
ne'w marquee and upright sign, said 
to be the biggest in the -Rocky Moun- 
tain area. ' The America will be 
closed as soon as bids are in for a 
complete redecorating, recarpeting 
and relighting joh, with other 'de- 
tails to be worked out. These houses 
are under the direct supervision of 
E. J. Schulte. 

Gibraltar . w^is organized a few 
years ago by Charles Gilmour, for- 
mer Warner Bros, exchange man- 
ager, with several theatpe owners in 
the Denver- area pooling their in- 
terests. 



Peggy Phillips at Par 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Peggy Phillips, playwright, goes 
to Paramount under a termer. 

Her last play was 'The Brink of 
Glory.' 



PIVAR GN PRODUCER 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Ben Pivar j produces Stuart Erwin's 
•econd Grapd National starrer, 'Face 
the.I*acts.' ' 

, IRlehard English Is scripting. 



MICKEY'S RAH-RAH PLANS 

Salt Lake City, July 13. 
Mickey Rooney, en route to Poca- 
tello, Idaho, to visit relatives, ae- 
nied any intention to marry an Idaho 
girl. 

Intends to resume studies at Ihe 
University of California at Los 
Angeles next fall. 



STAYING WITH IT 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Herbert Biberman draws a two- 
way task on Paramoui^t's 'Prison 
Farm,' working with True Boardman 
on the script and also being slated 
to direct. ' 

Lew Ayres heads the ca.st. 



Berle's Film Dates 

Milton Beiie will probably run 
between two pictures and two stu- 
dios in the fall. 

He's slated for 'Having Wonderful 
Time' at RKO and Warner Bros, 
wants him for 'Hollywood Hotel.' 



CONS. FILM EARNINGS 
AUGUR EARLY RE-CAP 



The fi>vp-;?ionth earnings report of 
Consolidated Film Industries, re- 
vealing profit of $335,483 after 
charges, produced a snappy move 
upwards last week in the company's 
preferred stock and firming up of 
common shares. 

Consolidated Film is supposed to 
pay $2 annually on present preferred 
stock, but no action has been taken 
on the payment on .preferred shares 
this year awaiting decision on the 
proposed re-cap plan. Hence, it is 
in arrears. Reason is that this plan 
would call for issuance of new pre- 
ferred and common shares, with the 
former placed on a new divvy pay- 
ment basis. 

Current earnings are viewed in 
some financial quarters as justifying 
the payment of at least as much as 
was paid out in 1936 but it is doubt- 
ful if any action will be "taken until 
it is officially known whether, the 
new setup is going through or not» 



'Nother Tuner for Walsh 



Hollywood, July i^i' 
As the result of his directorial 
work on Paramount's 'Artistsj: and 
Models,' Raoul Walsh " haa- ^t&n* 
signed to direct studio's- 'CoiTeg^ 
Swing,' forthcoming musical. 

Walsh currently is ,in Cedars of 
Lebanon hospital undergoing treat- 
ment 



Netter'« Close Call 

Leon Netter, Paramount theatre 
executive, and his. family had a nar- 
row escape Sunday niglit (11) during 
the storm when lightning' struck a 
large tree only about 20 feet from 
their house in Bronxville, N» Y. 

Bolt topped the tree but it fell 
away from the house instead of on it. 



Par^s Newsreel 



(Continued from page 4) 



never have occurred hadn't the La- 
Follette Civil Liberties eommittee 
in Washington shown them amid 
much publicity at a public screening. 



Cleveland's Nix on Pix 

Cleveland, July 13. 

Serious strike situations are re- 
sponsible for unofficial banning of 
Paramount's newsreel, pictures of 
Chicago riots in all Cleveland thea- 
tres for at least the next fortnight, 
due to police orders. 

Film was offered to three theatres 
but Loew's Stillman and Universtty 
withheld it. Only spot that showed 
it was the nabe Shaker, where audi- 
ence cheered it at opening. It was 
yanked at orders of Eliot Ness, po- 
lice safety director, on grounds it 
might incite strikers. Wants it held 
up here until after the reopening of 
local Republic steel plants closed by 
a five-week strike of C.I.O. affiliates. 
Ness put it up to all theatre ex- 
hibitors who agreed to his plan of 
'voluntary control.* 



Columbus, July 13. ' 
All downtown theatres here turned 
thumbs down on Paramount's news- 
reel shots of the Memorial Day riot 
in South Chicago but J. Real Nelh's 
neighborhood Clinton showed the 
film, drawing a two-column review 
from William S. Cunningham, film 
critic of the Scripps-Howard Citizen. 
Half a dozen other nabes will play 
the reel. 



Greensboro, N. C.,' July 13. 
Not a single theatre ifi the Caro- 
linas has yet shown the Par newsreel 
of the strike demonstration. Com- 
plaints have been heard that censor- 
ship of regular newsreels frequently 
has been made in deletion of scenes 
regarded by managements as incit- 
ing organization of labor. 



St, Louis, July 13. 

Although by tacit agreement local 
police, Fanchon & Marco and 
MPTOA of Eastern Missouri and 
Southern Illinoi.s, Par's 'massacre' 
newsreel was not shown here, C. C. 
Murray, mgr. of Lincoln theatre, 
Belleville, 111., near here, gave two 
showings of pix last week. Murray 
said he signed a coniract with Par 
for showing of reel and there was 
no interference from authorities. 

Town's Police Chief, Thomas H. 
Lonie, attended preview and said hp 
saw no reason why pix should not 
be shown. Chief Lonie was given 
final say-.so by Mayor George Remn- 
snider. House did SRO on strength 
of publicity attending private show- 
ing before Congressional Committee. 



Par-Philly 'War' Test 



(Continued from page 5) 



versal has listed six pix at 35% and 
six at 30% on new season's contract 
and added that a similar -situation 
will arise in the case of other com- 
panies if fight against Paramount is 
lost. 

At meeting it was said Barrist's 
committee, which includes Jay 
Emanuel, Lewen Pizor and George 
Aarons, had gope to see local Par 
manager, Earle Sweigert, a week be- 
fore in an attempt to get some ad- 
justment. Sweigert said his hands 
were tied and told committee to put 
it in writing and he'd forward it to 
the h. 0. 

Home Office's Ultimatum 

This was done, but no reply was 
received. A telegram Was sent the 
h. o. three days before the mass 
meeting. This also went unanswered, 
as did one the morning of the big 
confab. So right before the meet- 
ing, thp committefe got on the phone 
with New York execs. As a result 
of this talk, Barrist said that the 
Par h. o. had unequivocally de- 
manded the following of exhibs: 

.'1. FouT pix <aX. 35%. Exhib. gets 
nifext 17.%% and. then splits .^ithl-^ar, 
5(l-:50 on retnaiiider. •' •• -t-- • ' 



to expecta'tiohs.-'(feKcTi^hge-1:6 djedide-)}. 
revert to 25%. Exhib gets next 7%%' 
and then 50-50 split. . 

4. Fifteen other pix divided be- 
tween straight 25% or flat rental. 

New York execs, Barrist said, flatly 
told the UMPTO men that they 'are 
not interested in exliibitors who can't 
malce money with Paramount pic- 
tures at the prices Paramount wants.' 

The exhibs at the meeting there- 
upon unanimously agreed to reject 
contract for next year in full; de- 
mand 20% reduction next season 
over this; insist that two pix bought 
last season be delivered— 'High, Wide 
and Handsome' and 'Souls at Sea'— 
and agreed, to have no dealings what- 
soever with Par. 

Those present agreed also not to 
use newsreels and shorts, as well as 
features. They were instructed 
when availability notices arrive to 
send them to UMPTO headquarters. 
The committee- will return- each of 
these notices to Sweigert in person. 

Exhibs at the mass meeting were 
also informed that UMPTO attorneys 
are exploring possibilities of suing 
Par to force delivery of all sold pix.. 
It was said the action is 'intended 
to give all film contracts, Para- 
mount's in particular, a thorough ju- 
dicial airing and to that end Mr. 
Zukor, Mr. Balaban and other Par 
execs will be subpoenaed to answer 
a large number of questions that 
have long bothered exhibitors.* 

N. W. All Worked Up, Also 
Minneapolis, July 13. 

The trade here is expecting fire- 
works aplenty Aug. 1 when Twin 
City independent exhibititors, mem- 
bers of Northwest Allied States, are 
Scheduled to start picketing the 
Paramount exchange and any the- 
atres playing Par pictures. The 
picketing will be in connection with 
a 'date strike* called against the Zu- 
kor company. 

One hundred Minrieapolis and St, 
Paul independent theatres were 
represented at the Northwest Allied 
meeting at which, it was announced 
by President W. A. Steffes, the strike 
vote was unanimous. A bulletin is- 
sued following the meeting stated 
that the 'strikers' will pull all Para- 
mount dates, including newsreels, 
short subjects, etc., and will refrain 
from signing any new Paramount 
contracts 'until such time as Para- 
mount will agree to give to con- 
tract holders the pictures they with- 
drew from 1936-37 contracts and now 
are trying to resell at an advanced 
price.' 

A big rub is the fact that Publix- 
Singer has no intention of partici- 
pating in the 'strike.' The 'strikers' 
announce they'll picket the circuit 
houses, carrying banners declaring 
the theatres and Paramount are un- 
fair to independent non-chain the- 
atre owners. They assert they'll 
'whip' the Publix-Singer houses along 
with the Paramount 'into line.' 

'We have no grievance against 
Paramount and have no intention of 
pulling any Paramount dates,' says 
John J. Friedl, Minnesota Amus. Co. 
fPublix and Publix-Singer) general 
manager. 'Threats of piclceting will 
not cause us to alter our course and 
play the pictures that we want.' 

Feeling ran high at the strike 
meeting. One prominent exhibitor 
who was hesitant about joinihg the 
strike was pulled aside by two com- 
petitors and told that he might find 
his theatre bombed if he insisted on 



playing Paramount pictures and thus 
become a 'strike breaker' and scab.' 

As part of the strike, it is an- 
nounced, radio time will be bought 
to permit 'outstanding orators' to 
present the independent exhibitors' 
side of the controversy and to re- 
quest the public to remain away 
from theatres showing Paramount 
pictures on and after Aug. 1. 

This will be the second independ- 
ent exhibitors' strike against a film 
exchange here. The other was 
against Warner Bros, se'veral years 
ago and the independents cFaim they 
were victorious in that fight pre- 
cipitated by contract grievances. 

A special strike committee has 
been appointed. Strike headquar- 
ters will be opened in . Northwest 
Allied's building. 

At the same time, Northwest Al- 
lied continues its hoycott of percent- 
age pictures of all companies. Presi- 
dent Steffes claims Twin City inde- 
pendents are not buying any new 
season product except on flat deals. 
Several exchange "managers whose 
new-season contracts include per- 
centage, pictures deny this. 



v jSrtissir^inission into -the. 'northwest- 
frix-^-teirritafy.having been delayed, 
ty.^li'ajdk-yrecn^ Paramount's gen- 
er'j|p]^aire ^)per&tor, and iis. chief 
ctf s|atfi«|ILeQift^i^^te/'i^ 
by-the' end-%f the'-^edc. • They plan 
going to Minneapolis, with a stop- 
over in Chicago on the Way out or 
the return, plus possible other visits 
in the Minnesota sector, to discuss 
ciu-rent operating problems, poli- 
cies, etc. 



Staub's Rep Checkout 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Republic and Ralph Staub have 
agreed to a cash settlement ahd latter 
has checked, off the reiyiainder of his 
directorial contract, which had eight 
weeks to run. 

Staub is understood to l^ave a 
couple of deals simmering. 



Hail Parts With Par 



Hollywood, July 13. 
His five-year contract terminated, 
Al Hall, Paramoimt director, has left 
the lot 

Dicker is on for a similar berth at 
Columbia. 



Lull in Leonard's Life 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Robert Z. Leonard saUs for Hono- 
lulu on the Malolo July 17 on thr'e« 
weeks' vacation. 

Upon his return he'll start prep- 
aration of 'Girl of the Golden WestT 
which William Anthony McGuirr 
produces at Metro. Film is skeded 
to start Sept. 15. 



KarlofF De-Horrored 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Boris Karloff will play a straight 
character devoid of horror in his 
next picture at Warners, 'Without 
Warning,' a murder mystery. 

John Farrow will direct and Crane 
Wilbur has been assigned to the 
script. 



ROLAND IN SAGEBRUSH 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Paramount handed Gilbert Roland 
the lead in 'Twilight on the Trail,' 
Zane Grey yarn formerly titled 
'Arizona Ames.' 

Charles Barton directs and others 
in the cast include Akim Tamiroff, 
Monte Blue, Barlowe Borland, James 
Meade and Billy Lee. 



STORY BUYS 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Jane Hinton Smith's original, 'Dia- 
mond Doll," purchased by 20th-Fox. 

'Big Town Girl,' unpublished orig- 
inal by Frances Whiting Reid, ac- 
quired by 20th-Fox. 

Warners bought two originals , by 
Josef Mantiague, 'Canned Goods' 
and 'Three Arabian Knights.' 

'Sudden Bill Dorn,' lariat novel by 
Jackson Gregory, sold to Buck Jones. 

Harry Sherman bought screen 
rights to two more of Clarence E. 
Mulford's 'Hopalong Cassidy' stories, 
titled .'Tex' and 'The Man from 
Bar 20.' 

Grand National acquired 'At Your 
Service, Madame,' original by Al- 
bert J. Cohen and Hans Kraly. 

Univer.sal bought 'Double Expo- 
sure,' by Tom 'Van Dycke and Henry 
Blankfort. 

'Dumb Luck,' by Dorian Otvos and 
Newman Levy, taken by Universal. 



VARIETY 



29 



4 




r I 





4^ 





VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



ft/ 



... IN THE FIRST HOUR, 
6,590 PEOPLE SAT IN RADIO 
CITY MUSIC HALL BREATHLESS 
...1,500 MORE JAMMED THE 
LOBBY WAITING FOR SEATS!.. 





NEW YORK'S CELEBRA 









TED CRITICS RUSHED TO 
THEIR TYPEWRITERS TO SPREAD THE JOYOUS NEWS! 

of 

DIETRICH -M^^DONAT 

in the ALEXANDER KORDA.PRODUCTION 

KNICHT WITHOUT ARMOR 



<'Lono lines of fans waited impaHently for theatre's opening. A moving, ab-, 
sorbing melodrama."— daily news 

"An exciting tale — colorful, romantic, meoldramatic and a first rate enter- 
tainment."-^NEW YORK TIMES 

"Glamor, romance, in vivid film. A picture to delight.'*— daily mirror 

"Hilton novel handsomely translated to screen. . Dietrich beauty has new 
warmth."-HERALD-TRIBUNE.^ 

^"One of the most highly satisfying melodramas in a long time. Quite defi- 
nitely one of the best shows of the season."— world-telegram 



RELEASED THRU UNITED ARTISTS 



RADIO CITY ENGAGEMENT DOUBLE-CHECKS THAT dmU-^lhMi^Pou^k! 



This is a candid camera shot of fhe crowds ihat broke ail existing summer opening records at Radio City Music Hall. And it was 95^ in the shade; tool 



Wednesday, Jniy 14, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



EXPLOITATION 



• ■ 



By Epes W. Sargent 



Grabbing Opporlunity 

Pick Wright, Warner zone man- 
ager itt Cleveland, gave ap illustra- 
tion of why he is a z.m. instead of 
just a' resident 

He went down to Mansfield on 
•Slim,' found that the Ohio Brass 
Co., located in that town, had manu- 
factured much of the electrical 
equipment used" in the nix. So he 
got it to appeal to its 1,200 employes 
til see the picture and also issue a 
sirnilar appeal to the 650 persons 
employed in. its Akron plant. 

That was routine, but while he 
was at it he promoted a story in 
High Tension News, A house organ 
going ' to some 14,000 persons be- 
tween tiie two coasts. Not in his 
:»iiliwidt; but it -helped the picture 
all over the country and he put it 
over.' That's real hustle. 



Old, but Good 

■ ' Lancaster, Pa. 

Eight .wrecked cars, planted at 
^sUkgerous intersections in the cit/ 
and .'nearby territory, was the first 
^ep in a sock compaign staged by 
JBert Layton, manager here, on 'The 
pevil Is Driving' at the Grand,, 
'■ Xi^yton secured the co-operation of 
Governor George H. Earle's commit- 
tee oh highway safety", the city po- 
''iicft arid safety .commission j and.tbe.; 
Jpcfli AAA ijiefore he .go^: .cgJ^iS^ete 
viulfiQri^ tot ^trewihg .tfte lati^^it^p^ . 

■ ■ ••• • St. Louis. ■" 

■ With Sta^-Times, afternoon rag, 
sponsoring annual Soap Box Derby 
for boys' management of Fanchon & 
Marco's 5,000. seater Fox made a 
swell ' tienp ; that not only brought 
house gobs 0f free publici^, but also 
iswelled b. oJ receipts, 
i Starting- this week, the racers of 
'.fir;$t 15. entrants in annual derby 
;were placedl on display in theatre 
lobby and an. instructor was on hand 
;to .assist b0ys in construction of 
'models. Newspaper publicity plus 
theatre plugging clicked. Local races 
iare to be held July 31-Aug. 1 to 
: qualify in national finals at Akron, O. 

Real Help 

'■ Joe -Weil, of Universal, has sent 
o\it a 5et of blowups of newspaper 
reviews on 'The Road Back' all 

ireac^ to bejmoxmted on the 40 x 60 
easels. Many houses produce these 

'enlargements on their own, but they 
arC' too expensive for the smaller 

.theatres. Weil makes them available 

'even to the little fellows, which the 
little fellowis probably will appre- 

!ciate. 

IVs practical and helpful as well 
ias timely, the two-a-day runs mak- 
ing it possible to get this material 
«arly enough. 

Used a Lobster 

Lobsters and codfish have figured 
largely in the promotion of 'Cap- 

. tains Courageous' in various sec- 
tions. Lester Pollock got hold of a 

• giant lobster for display in the lobby 
for four days in advance and three 
current. Those who most accurately 
figured the weight were given $10 
and ticket prizes. 

After the lobby stunt the crusta- 
cean was broiled and displayed in a 
downtown restaurant window for 

' further exploitation. 



Tied to a Town 

Paramount, Cedar Rapids, got a 
hew slant on 'Parnell' when it played 
tbat {Picture. There is a town of the 
• name nearby and the theatre en- 
gineered a really readable story in 
the. .local paper, telling about the 
town and how it came to get its 
name. 

Landed the yarn by making all 
Irish residents of the town its guests 
at a showing, and that was good for 
a four-column cut of the 15 people 
who attended. Off the usual run 
and of definite local interest. 



Gummed Up 

M. S. Chakeres, of the Regent, 
Springfield, Ohio, made a deal with 
the Adams American Chicle Corp. 
for 12,000 sample sticks of a new 
chewing gum. Inserted the sticks in 
slit cards in the interest of 'The 
Sin^in<» Marine.' 

No direct hook-up, but the gum 
helped. Also it provided a more 
emphatic sampling than the gum 
would have received alone. 



CONDUCTOR 
VIOLINIST 

2nd Tear — Shea's 
Bnffnio 




"Arno's pre.sentatlOH with Us 
stirring: flnale vlrtunlb' lnBiir.e.<» fti>- 
Plnnse."— Boffalo Cmtrler-ExiHrewt. 



Uses Home Aid . 

Lee Blumberg, the Warner press 
book editor, is using the back pages 
of the press books to advertise the 
biggies. Press books on 'Talent 
Scout,' 'San Quentin'' and 'Marry the 
Girl' carry a back page splash for 
'They Won't Forget.' Just one of 
those schemes no one seems to have 
thought of before, though the ad- 
vantages are obvious. 
• 'Forget' will be further advertised 
by advance stills and stories to the 
first runs, and following the initial 
showings Blumberg will build on the 
regular press book with a supple- 
ment showing the stunts used in the 
key cities. Latter is not as new an 
idea, but it's a useful one. 



Strip Tease 

Matt Saunders, of the Poli, Bridge- 
port, tied in with the Times-Star on 
a circulation stunt that . is helping 
both sides. 

A roving photog makes snapshots, 
Three of the best each day are 
worked into a film strip with one 
picture from the theatre's feature. 
All who are pictured can go to the 
box office for free tickets. Tease 
angle comes from the fact that not 
all the pictures shot are used. > • 

Just a variant of the ringed photo 
idea, but with an element of ^ novelty 
^hat hel^)s. • . ' . • V; 

■ 'Srt'fi'Musie ''v'^" 

;• For the pjograrai-herald: on 'For-, 
ever Yours' the Baltimore Little the- 
atre superimposed the title on a mu- 
sical score on the front page, arrest- 
ing the attention of music levers. 
Maxwell We>inberg got the mailing 
list of a local concert bureau to in- 
sure reaching the ones most lilcely 
to be interested lb Gigli. 

He appealed to. the Italians with 
the- local language sheet, with daily 
airings of the songs in Italian, and 
through local Italian organizations. 

6,500 Mickeys 

Leon J, Bamberger, of the sales 
promotion of RKO, has sent out 6,500 
three-inch figures of Mickey Mouse 
to his mailing list, mostly managers 
and circuit executives. Only adver- 
tising is a tag announcing.' Mickey's 
shove-over to RKO and his first re- 
lease, 'The Clock Cleaners.' 

Tag can be untied, leaving the 
figurinex without any advertising 
liable to become outdated. Makes 
a nic^ desk ornament. 



Theatre Changes 



Lincoln, Neb. 
Dr. F, E. Rider opened his new 
Chateau theatre in Wauneta, Neb., 
the second $25,000 theatrical prop- 
erty to go up in Nebraska in two 
months. Other Was Harry Schiller's 
Grand. Grand Island. Chateau is a 
400-seater, on the site of old Crystal, 
burned to the ground last year after 
15 below zero weather hampered 
firefighting, " 



Boston. 

Albert T. Donovan comes into the 
Lancaster here as manager from the 
Capitol, Lynn. Edward C, Garrity 
transfers from the Lancaster' to the 
Capitol. Both houses in the E, M: 
Loew circuit. 



Los Angeles. 

Harry Marx, manager of the Fox- 
West Coast Westwood Village, goes 
into Grauman's Chinese as manager, 
succeeding Robert T. Smith, who 
died July 4 while swimming at San 
Clemente, Calif. Ge6rge' Lundberg, 
assistant manager at Loew's State 
for several years, supplants Marx. 

Other F-Wc changes has Martin 
Kaplan at the Glendale, Glendale; 
L. Lake, California. Glendale; James 
Brinton, Strand, Glendale, moves to 
the Paramount, Glendale, and Bert 
Henderson to the Strand, , Glendale. 



Philadelphia, July 13, 
Perry R. Hoffman, manager of 19th 
Street, Allentown, and L. J, Cham- 
berlain, of Shamokin, have taken 
over Park Theatre building. Wil- 
liamsport. Consideration $150,000. 
Includes the theatre, a ballroom, six 
stores and six apartments. 

Galveston. 
Grand theatre, McCam. destroyed 
by file July 4. H. P. Priddy, man- 
ager, badly burned. 

Portland, Ore. 
Led by J. J. Parker houses, all 
major spots in the burg boosted ad- 
mish 15 cents to 55 cents top. There 
is some loss of trade as a result, but 
grosses in general are as strong if 
not stronger than ever. 

Newark. 

The Drive-In theatre at Union, 
N. J., is doing good biz at 35o, top. 
Rain no deterrent, autos providing 
their own shelter and the screen is 
protected by a roofed-in 'stage. Mur- 
ray Gibson, Jr., manager. 

Pittsburgh, 
George Bronson has resigned as 
manager of WB's Enricht in East 
Liberty to return to New Haven, 
Conn. Replacing him at Enright is 
(Continued on page 68) 



Heat Folded 'Em Early 
h New York Last Week 



Eai-ly afternoon closings of home 
offices last week focused attention 
on the number of picture companies 
in Manhattan possessing air-cooling 
plants. Those with such equipment 
didn't close early on Thursday and 
Friday (9), arid most employees were 
glad to remain at work in a com- 
fortable atmosphere after a whiff of 
the temperature outside. 

Twentieth Century-Fox, Columbia 
and part of Loew-Metro now have 
air-conditioned- offices, in N. Y. 
United Artists is completing air-con- 
ditioning of its quarters. Others, in- 
cluding Paramount, Warner Bros,, 
UniversaLend RKO, were the heavy 
sufferers in last week's heat wave, 
and let their employes leave early. 
As did the NBC and CBS networks. 



U Exploitation Chill 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Universal . is con.sidering discard- 
ing its studio exploitation . depart- 
ment, which has been handled by 
Herb Hyman under Marc Lach- 
mann, studio publicity head. 

Hyman checked off the lot last 
Saturday. 



ERPI PBEZ'S dOASt PROWL 

Hollywood, July 13, 
Whitford Drake,- Electrical Re- 
search Products, Inc., prexy, ii% payj 
ing his first visit to Hollywood since 
taking office, and. is devoting all. his 
time to inspecting the company's 
new facilities. 

He expects to return around 
July 25. 



BARD'S B'WOdb TEE-OFF 

Joyce Kalowe is -being jgrponied 
for a screen test by Paramount fol- 
lowing her interpretation on the 
'Shakespeare a La Carte' program 
over WNEW, N. Y 

She- won the first prize for her 
reading of the bard's works on this 
novelty broadcast. 



LOOS-EMERSOR SCRIPTER 

Hollywood, July 13, 
Anita Loos checked in last week 
with Samuel Goldwyn to collab with 
her husband, John Emerspn,, on. 
script of 'Spring in My Heart/ 

Miss Loos was east when the con- 
tract yag~ set and arrived on the 
Coast July 5. 

* - 

Weiffcl Takes the Veil 

Cincinnati, July 13. 
The Madiso/, nabe, in Madison- 
ville, pperated for past 20 year^ by 
Charles Weigel and associates, has 
been purchased by local chain of 
suburban houses headed by Ike Lib- 
son,' 

Weigel, retired as manager, was 
tendered a testimonial dinner July 
9 in Variety club by 40 friends 
from film exchanges and indie 
houses. 

TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, July 13, 
B. P. Schulberg's 'Accidents Will 

Happen,' Paramount release, will go 

out as 'She Ask«d for It.' 
Metro switched 'How to Wake Up,' 

Bob Benchley short, to 'How to Start 

the Day.' 
New 'Mr. Moto' at 20th-Fax will 

be called 'Look Out, Mr. Moto.' 

CONDOTTIERI 

(Continued from page 21) • 



Fascist blackshirts, .salute a ;good 
deal like Fascist blackshirts, and talk 
a good deal like Fascist blackshirts 
— exalting discipline, etc. 

Aside from this propaganda aspect, 
story deals with the miraculous and 
violent Ups and downs of di Medici. 
Director-actor Trenker plays the 
lead very creditably, even finding 
time for a short romantic aside with 
Maria, a young shepherdess. As far 
as acting goes. Trenker is pretty 
much the whole film. Loris Gizzi 
malces a villainous Malatcsta; Laura 
Lucci a seductive mtstj ess; and ,Carla 
Sveva as Maria a truly rural shep- 
herdess — but none of them are really 
much m evidence. Ethel Maggi, 
looking more or less like Joan of 
Arc with shining armor, towseled 
hair and a rugged interesting face, 
seems the most promising of the 
secondary characters, but she is even 
less in evidence than the others. 

While film would not appeal to 
non-Italian audiences, it could be 
adapted to American release. Selling 
point would be the really beautiful 
spect;)cular scenes: massing of troops 
and banners in Florence's historic 
square; a magnificent cavalry charge; 
a recruiting scene in a small Italian 
hill town. These scenes would have 
general appeal i£ propaganda ele- 
ment were toned down, and Italian 
history made a little more clear. 

Photography for most part is very 
striking: musical accompaniment is 
very German and very martial. 



Now Its Encino Vs. Tarzana, in That 
HVood-Cnlver City P. 0. Battfing 



Repnbfic Stock Issue 



Registration statement for newly 
incorporated Republic Pictures Corp. 
of Delaware' seeking permiss|ion 
from the ' Seeuirities and Exchange 
Commission for issuance of 1,316,- 
000 shares of $1 capital stock plus 
261,000 warrants for additional cap- 
ital stock purchases is regarded in 
financial circles as being the initial 
step in getting the shares listed and 
in trading either on the N, Y. stock, 
exchange or the' curb exchange. It 
would be the initial tirhe out for 
Republic on a major exchange. 

Republic would sell to the public 
through Hammons" & Co. Of the 
total number of shar-es, 625,000 
would go. to the t>ublic via the 
brokerage house at $6.25 per shore. 



CONTR Acts 

William' Frawley and Paramount 
eame to terms on a new seven-year 
acting ticket. 

Radio hoisted Lucille Hall's 'option, 

Warner is holding, William Mc- 
Ganh fb..'* another year as director. 

Robert Etnmett goes to Monogram 
under a iterm pact as assistant to 
Robert N. Bradbury^ 

F.. Scott Fitzgerald has been hand- 
ed a scrioting termer at Metro. 

Reginald Owen signatured a seven- 
year playing ticket at Metro. 

Metro > picked up'. Hugh Butler's 
scripting option. 

Paramount iz holding Porter Hall 
for another year. 

New Paramount pacts passed out 
to Rpland Anderson, Ernst Fegte, 
Earl Hedjrick and Robert OdeU, art 
directors. 

Michael Brooke placed under con- 
tract by Paramount. 

Sally O'Neill drew a one-picture 
contract from Maurice Conn. 

Metro handed Laurence Stallings a 
writing ticket. 

Universal picked up Dorotnea 
Kent's player option. 

Brooks Bowman signed a song- 
writing termer at Selznick Interna- 
tional. 

Harold Kusell and Bert Granet 
have had their options picked up as 
RKO scripters, 

. Grand National signed Cully Rich- 
ards to a playing termer. 

Selznick International hoisted Alan 
Marshall's acting ticket for _one more 
year. 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Encino and Tarzana, two suburbs 
in San Fernando valley, have fol- 
lowed Hollywood and Culver City on 
the Battle of Names. Tarzana, gi'ow- 
ing out of an estate of Edgar Rice 
Burroughs north of Encino, is saying 
there isn't any such thing as Encino; 
that Encino is really a subdivision ol 
Tarzana,, 

As Al Jolson, Mae West, Dan-yl 
Zanuck, Robert Taylor, Barbara 
Stanwyck, Paul Muni, Edward Ever- 
ett, Bert Kalmar; Ann Dvorak, and 
Spencer Tracy all think they live in 
Encino, the jnere idea that they ac- 
tually are descendants of Tarzan has 
.thciji, climbing trees to prove they're 
not. 

Only old-timer in Encino who got 
out before the blight is Bill Fields. 
He moved over to Bel Air, Chai'ley 
Farrell, about the first of those to 
move into Encino, quit it for Palm 
Springs, so he, too, is in the clear. 

But Jolson, who is the mayor of 
Encino, is all burned 'up about this 
claim- jumping In the hew Hollywood 
jungle. 

Encino and Tarzana, two whistle 
stops about 16 miles from Hollywood, 
are on the main highway to Frisco. 
You hardly . see thei* • as you race 
through, as mosV of the.*estates are 
6& the main road, Ho^on's is the 
best known. 

Climate is about the Same as 
everywhere else around here, except 
perhaps a little warmer in the sum- 
mer. There seems to be no particu- 
lar reason why troupers should gath- 
er there except that they are .so 
gregarious; that when o^e- sets out to 
get away, from It. all, naturally the 
rest flock there as soplt as they can 
drop their mortgages from their last 
places. 

Edgar Rice Burroughs didn't lay 
out Encino to grow fruit dearer than 
you can buy it In the oi>en market; 
he laid it out figuring that it would 
pay for itself when it came time to 
subdivide. Not only thati but would 
also be a good ad for his simian spe- 
cials. If he can now persuade all 
these stars to' change their postal 
addresses to Tarzdpa, that will be tlie 
cleverest bit of exploitation in pic- 
tures. 



^.,„__.,,.,,,TT4iimiiiiiMinriiiiiiiinntiiniiiniiiiuiiWMmMmtmfHHHuiiHaiiiittiUHitiini« 
^giwHinimniiwiuiiiniiitiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiriininiiummtimminmiMiiiiiuiiiJtttiniiiHMii^ | 

I New York Theatres 

: ^ is 

iHIMimiltlMIIIIIIHIIIIIIIIMIIMtllHlini1Mllllllllll>WMIUttWH)MlhlllMltflMIUMIIHIHUHllitUlilMildnilltUlninitniinMII>Hnm 
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RADIO 
CITT 



MUSIC HALL 



UKXJD OVKR 



DIETRICH and DONAT 

"KNIGHT WITHOUT 
ARMOUR" 

Spectacular St«g« Production! 



CAPITOL 




l(W» IT.] 

POWELL • RAINER 

In Hctro-Uoldwyn-IVlayer'tt 

"THE EMPEROR'S 
CANDLESTICKS" 



7th At. * Both At. 



ROXY 



I P.M. 



9BAT8' 



"SUPER 
SLEUTH" 

On tlt« MuKK 
>'K.%NK U.\HV 




STATE 



aroi>i%v 
Claudetto COLBERT in 

'I MET HIM IN PARIS' 

BTARTS THDBSDAY 
MARX BROTHERS in 

'A Day at tire Races' 



"THEY WON'T FORGET" w..,. 

Clauds Raint - Gleria Dkhun • Edward NbitUji 

■ 25f ,',?,. 

AIR-CONDITIONED — B'way and A7X\\ Streel 
Doom open 8:30 A.M. — MIDNIGHT SHOW 



"THE. GREAT GAMBINI" 

(The Miin \\M\ tli«> X-«!».v Mind) 

■ A Paramount Picture with. 

AKIM "rAMIROFF-MARlAN MAilHIl 
JOHN TRENT - CtKNKVIKVK 'JTOfUN 

CAtr Cnniiitloned 
RITERION lVr,;^s.'" 

MIdalsht Show»— 3S« 1 P.M. 



UKJLD OVSCR 



JEAN 
ARTHUR 

EDWARD 

ARNOLD 

"EASY 
LIVING" 



m PI0U.SON : 
MARTHA 
RAYE 

EMcRY DEIUTSCH 
and BAND 



"SLAVE SHIP" 

With WALLACE BEERY 
and WARNER BAXTER 

UNITED D I ^ ^ I I S'WAV al 
AHTISTS n I V U L. B 49tl) 8t. 



32 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



The word of its gvenMiess has gotten out 
• ••audiences are dpiitaiidfaia #arty rf ho M r 
ings • • • bookers are being stampeded iei^ 
pre-release dates^^^ showmen everywhere 
are eagerly planning to celebrate the end 
of 1930-37 with 20th's maximum -money 
smash of the season! 



starring 



and 



VICTOR McLAGLEN 



C. AUBREY SMITH 
MICHAEL WHALEN 



• JUNE LANG 
CESAR ROMERO 



CONSTANCE COLUER • DOUGLAS SCOTT 

Directed by John Ford -^Academy Award Winner 
Associate Producer Gene Markey 
Screen play by Ernest Paical and Julien Josephson 
Darryl F. Zanuck in charge of Production 



p C AND SLAVE SHIP CONTINUES TO BE THE NATION'S 
* CURRENT BOXOFFICE HIGH-SPOT. HOP ABOARD! 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



SS 



MIDWEST STALLS FIX BUYS 



Refrigerated Theatres Got Some 
Extra Biz in Past Week s Heat SpeD 



A check on box office takings 
show that although pictures are 
spotty as to value and the level of 
grosses are seasonally low, cooling 
systems during the heat wave of 
the past week apparently drew well 
enough to make comparisons highly 
favorable with the prior week, when 
it wasn't so hot, as well as with the 
corresponding days a year ago. Re- 
ceipts were at a low stage last year 
at this tiine and also two weeks ago, 
but were a bit better on an average 
through the recent hot spell. 

Best available compilations at 
' hand on theatre attendance makes it 
appear that . the houses which are 
air-equipped,, this embracing the ma- 
jority of the important film stands, 
are possibly offsetting the decrease 
which torrid weather brings for 
those that ' aren't cooled. • One big 
theatre that Is air-conditioned and 
normally grosses into higher figures, 
' may • get enough of a. boost on the 
hotter days, because of comfort for 
patrons, to easily offset the drop of 
several non-iced houses that average 
smaller takes.. This difference in 
cooling systems and Importimce of 
'■ theatres ais business grinders may 
give to air-conditioning an even 
greater value than believed. 

WhUe heat has the effect of keep- 
ing people out of, the hot-boxes, at 
the same time it is responsible for 
driving people to theatres,.^hich, 
being cooled, offer a chance for 
respite. This was believed to be 
particularly true during the past 
week's equatorial spell when the 
public, eager to get away from the 
heat, heavily patronized restaurants 
and bars with cooling plants even if 
not having appetites of any kind. 

Figures for the past week and 
over the weekend (10-11), based on 
, a representative number, of theatres 
throughout the country, but not in- 
cluding smaller operations on which 
reports are not in, would indicate 
the tremendous draught of cooling 
plants during the hotter weather. 
These reports would tend, to show 
that Thursday (8), first day of the 
nation-wide heat wave, business was 
better, though very slightly, than 
for the same Thursday the week 
prior (1). Friday's (9) business over 
the country was on an even keel, no 
better and no poorer, than for Fri- 
day (2). The week ending Friday 
(9), which included the Fourth of 
July three-day weekend,, was slightly 
better also than the prior week end- 
ing Friday (2). 

The weekend, Saturday and Sun- 
day (10-11), showed improvement 
over the prior Saturday and Sunday 
(3-4) when weather generally 
throughput the country was much 
more livable. A baking Saturday 
and Sunday (10-11),- in spite of a 
great exodus of folks to beaches and 
country, actually brought better 
grosses than the same two days last 
year (1936) by a little more than 
5%. 

While the two - day weekend 
through the heat spell bettered the 
business of the same weekend a year 
ago, the seven days ending Friday 
(9), tlV.s taking in two days of the 
high temperatures, was about 5% 
behind the same week in 1936 (the 
■week that ended July 10). 



Minn. B. O.'s Get the Chill 

Minneapolis, July 13. 

Cooling systems are not clicking 
as in past summers, local theatre 
owners and managers complain. Pre- 
viously, during hot spells such as 
that experienced the past week, 
when the temperature soared daily 
to the upper 90's„refrigerated show- 
houses have been crowded by cus- 
tomers seeking an escape from the 
torrid blasts firstly and cntertain- 
inent secondly ,and the attractions 
didn't seem to matter much. 

This summer the refrigeration has 
bean plugged harder than ever and 
most of the smaller independent 
neighborhood houses, as well as the 
loop and uptown circuit theatres, 
are air-conditioned, but only the out- 
standing pictures are drawing and 
business generally is off. Apparently, 



The Pay-Off 



• Philadelphia, July 13. 

Since postoffice month ago 
banned all references to games 
and banko in newspaper ads, 
some exhibs here have started 
using line, 'It Pays to Go to 

the to signify to 

patrons that tonight's the night. 

For years before banko was 
even thought of, however, Joe 
Conway, of the Egyptian the- 
atre, in his ads has been ysing, 
'It Pays to Go to the Egyptian.' 
After several days of verbal 
wrathing about the steal, 
exhibs were surprised to find 
one night last week Conway 
had changed; his ads in the 
newspapers to read, 'It Pays to 
Steal Slogans from the Egyp- 
tian.' 



Inde K. C. Ops Union 

Ordered Dissolved 



Kansas City, July 13. 

United Motion Picture Operators 
and Workers Union for the Film In- 
dustry, Inc., last week lost the last 
word of their long-winded title when 
Judge Darius A. Brown set aside a 
decree of incorporation granted June 
8. The loss of incorporation by the 
Anti-AFL group came about when 
James F. Rigney, owner of a nabe 
house, called court's attention to a 
letter in which the UMPOWUFI had 
used the judge's name in soliciting 
members to its multi-lettered ranks. 

Group is made up of small opera- 
tors who broke away from the lATSE 
about a month ago. Their activity 
has been confined to picketing of 
nabe houses. The only picketing the 
AFL-affiliate ■ has done was in 
countering the independent group's 
^unfair' signs with 'fair' banners of 
their own. 

The UMPO are understood to have 
asked to be affiliated with the CIO 
but later representatives say that 
nothing has been done about it. 

Lesselbaum Broke 

Samuel Lesselbaum, Brooklyn 
building contractor, filed petition in 
bankruptcy in Federal Court Fri- 
day (9) with liabilities of $134,866 
and no assets. 

Among creditors is Film and 
Sound, Inc., of 1600 Broadway, on a 
Supreme Court judgment for $78,300 
and a loan of $23,000 from the Miller 
theatre, neighborhood picture house 
of Brooklyn. 



Selander Takes Over 

Hollywood, July 13. 
Les Selander has replaced Edward 
Ludwig as director on 'The Barrier,' 
Harry Sherman production for Para- 
mount. 

Company is on location at Mt. 
Baker in Washington. 



PHILLY'S NEW NEWSREELER 

Philadelphia, July 13. 

Another newsreel theatre will be 
erected in Philly to compete with 
the Trans-Lux, which for the past 
two -years has had solo rights on the 
current events pix field here. New 
house will be owned and operated 
by William Goldman Theatres, Inc. 
Situated just a block from City Hall, 
it will be known as the Time. 

Building permit was issued Friday 
for the 500-seater. Plans have been 
drawn by William Lee. It will be 
completed in about 90 days- William 
Goldman, who heads operating com- 
pany, was former Warner zone man- 
ager here. He controls several houses 
in city and nearby. 

the public won't spend dough for 
comfort let alone for amusement, the 
worried exhibitors say. 

Some of the trade blames the 
numerous artesian cooled niteriesfor 
the summer falling oft. Others be- 
lieve it's due to generally bad busi- 
ness conditions here all along the 
line. 



TIIIIDI[ST DULS 

mraroFBiz 



United' Front in the Indies' 
Tiffinar With Distribs— Al- 
lied's Campaign Bearing 
Fruit — Want Adjustments 
on Product Buys 



SEPT. DEADLINE 



Chicago, July 13. 

Latest buying season m the history 
of the film business throughout the 
country this summer, with the ex- 
change men everywhere commenting 
openly on the almost solid front on 
the part of the independent exhibi- 
tors against signaturing early con- 
tracts for the 1937-1938 product. In 
the past, the. middle of July found 
the bulk of the contracts in the mak- 
ing, with August and September left 
to the cleaning up of small wrangles 
and the minor situations. But in- 
dications are that the real selling sea- 
son this year won't even get started 
before Sept. 15, and maybe later. 

It marks, for the industry, one of 
the most successful campaigns on- the 
part of Allied to get its members and 
other exhibitors to delay their pur- 
chasing of new product until the last 
minute. Allied has been hammering 
away on this theme for years, and it 
looks to be finally taking effect this 
year. 

At the national convention -in Mil- 
waukee last month the assembled ex- 
hibitors were urged time and time 
again by the Allied leaders to hold 
back, on the negotiations for product 
as late as possible. This resolution 
was made one of the keynotes of the 
convention, and everything was done 
in every possible way to stress the 
importance of delaying film buying- 
on the part of the independent thea- 
tres. 

Duals Again 

Exhibs here and elsewhere are fol- 
lowing through on this theme, and 
especially so in Chicago and the mid- 
west where certain problems of 
policy are vexing all exhibitors, 
both indie and circuit. First, is the 
question of double features, and 
whether or not they're going to hold 
over for another season around here. 
Many exhibs have the conviction that 
the single bills will be back with the 
new product, and rather than get 
themselves overloaded with too many 
flickers are holding off any contract- 
ing for product until the die is cast. 

In many situations the exhibitors 
are battling for adjustments in their 
clearance and protection assignment 
and refuse to signature any papers 
for product until the exchanges give 
them some satisfaction in the pro- 
tection clauses. This has once more 
cropped out in these parts as a tick- 
lish theme, and with the clearance 
complaints around here piling up 
daily, it is expected that there will be 
considerable realignment in the mid- 
west. clearance setup before the sell- 
ing season is concluded. For in the 
matter of clearance the film salesmen 
are running up against a stone wall 
of opposition from more than 50% of 
the exhibs they're contacting for 
deals at this time. 

And equally as important is the 
matter of percentage pictures, with 
the exhibs just as determined to kill 
thsm off or hold them to a minimum 
as the exchanges to boost the number 
of sharing flickers as much as feas- 
ible. This has become a serious bone 
of contention between the distributor 
and exhibitor, and it's a wrangle 
which is tending to push the settling 
of new flicker deals farther and far- 
ther down the date lina. For, until 
the questions of twin bills, protec- 
tion, percentage, shorts and price are 
settled the exhibs are keeping their 
fountain pens in their pockets, and 
from appearances it will be autumn 
before they start inking any deals. 



LESSEE'S 9TH SCRIB 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Dan Jarrett has been signed to a 
writing contradt by Sol Lesser. 

This brings total of scriveners on 
Lesser's payroll to nine. 



Sexer Into K. C's Dignified Muny 
And Proving a Frankenstein to Pix 



Flatfoot Lure 



Hollywood, July 13. 

Even the cops in Hollywood 
have to have s.a. 

Lads in blue held a parade 
along Vine and Hollywood the 
other day but got themselves a 
couple of lookers- in shorts to 
wave the stick yp in- front of 
the band. . 



J.L&S.7rHCHI 
HOUSE SET IN 
-CHAIN MOVE 



Chicago, July 13. 

Deal has been set locally for the 
seventh house on the rapidly ex- 
panding Jones, Linick & Schaefer 
circuit here. New theatre will go 
up on the corner Western Ave. and 
111th St. on the far southwest side 
of town. 

-House, to be tagged the Mayfair, 
will have 1,200 seats on a main floor 
and raezz^ at a total cost of around 
$200,000. Ready for occupancy late 
this autumn. This makes two 
houses now being erected for 
J.L.&S., the other being the Home- 
wood in the suburb of the same 
name. 

Circuit has on the fire pending 
deals for at least four additional 
houses, with two of these negotia- 
tions expected to reach a successful 
culmination within the next few 
weeks. J.L.&S. figure on a- chain of 
a dozen theatres before ' the' end of 
the coming year, and have an eye 
on several out-of-town situations in 
addition to the local setup. 

Aaron Jones, Sr., who was on the 
sidelines for almost a year recuper- 
ating from a siege of^- pneumonia, is 
actively back in the business and is 
working with his sons, Johnny and 
Aaron, Jr., on the establishment of 
the new circuit. It marks the first 
time in more than 10 years .that 
J.L.&S. has embarked on a genuine 
expansion program. It previously 
had a large chain in Chi but dis- 
posed of most of its holdings in the 
pre-depresh days. 



Unapproved Pictures 

Cause Arrest in Pa. 



Stroudsburg, Pa. 

John Greener, of Trenton, N. J., 
and Lawrence Saltzman, of Bloom- 
field, N. J., were arrested and held 
in bail for later hearing on charge 
of showing motion pictures that had 
not been approved by the Pennsyl- 
vania state censors. 

Raymond Jackson, censor for this 
district, caused the arrest of the two 
men, claiming they showed the fea- 
ture 'Million Dollar Baby' and the 
short 'Laughing Gas' in various 
places in the Poconos. 



Kansas City, July 13. 
Picture exhibitors have lojig emit- 
ted growls and groans over the for- 
midable competition doled out by 
the Municipal auditorium, Kansa.s 
City's $6,500,000 civic bid for the 
large professional and industrial con- 
ventions, It's a rare week when 
something of a theatrical natui'e is 
not in progress at the aud. This 
week the aud is moving directly into 
a competitive line with the pic ex- 
hibs, with the setting of 'Damaged 
Goods' «JN) for a. week's run in the 
Music Hall on a two-a-day basis 
with $1.10 top. 

The Music Hall was built and espe- 
cially designed as a home for the 
_dignlfled K. C. Philharmonic Or- 
chestra. Atmospheric conditions 
have been kept on a plane with the 
carriage trade, but the bally for this 
pic is In line with that of a grind 
house selling a aexer. The sudden 
breakdown of the aud's discriminat- 
ing attitude has let the bars down 
for open word-of -mouth that the city 
dads are oke In their civic capacN 
ties but as showmen, handling some- 
thing as valuable as the aud, they 
are distinctly out. 

The only responsible position In 
the aud's managerial ' staff that la 
filled by anyone who has had pre- 
vious show biz experience Is that of 
the treasurer, Jimmy Nixon. But 
for a group of tyros It must be ad- 
mitted that, they havp. been stiff 
competition and the exhibs quake 
when they think of the possibilities 
ofl^eredby the aud if in the hands of 
showmen. 

The city's Initial year in show h\z 
conjured up a $90,000 loss. However, 
compared with the $200;000 loss ex- 
pected by the municipality, it Wasn't 
at all bad. 

Many a bitter lesson was learned 
by the management and chief among 
them was that an apparently unlim- 
ited overhead had something to do 
with profit. One of the outstanding 
sore spots (and not due to the man- 
agement) was in the discovery that 
the Music Hall acoustics were far 
from being satisfactory. And it's 
something for them to work out im- 
mediately. 

Sans the Philharmonic subscrip- 
tion series and last year's 'Scandals* 
engagement during the Jubilesta, the 
Music Hall has failed to register a 
profit with the possible exception of 
the 'Follies' engagement and Hep- 
burn's 'Jane Eyre.' 

Another letdown has been in the 
merchandising field. Newspapers are 
aces in co-operation, the Star feel- 
ing exceptionally parental in the 
matter, but there haVe been no or- 
ganized exploitation campaigns and 
that serious fault, unless remedied 
soon, may catapult the venture into 
another pink ledger page this year. 

On the bright side of the picture 
the aud has been responsible for a 
number of outstanding conventions 
being brought to K. C. and will un- 
doubtedly pull many more. This, of 
course, means outside coin dumped 
into Kansas City and noticeably tilts 
picture house grosses. 



$1,000,000 D. C. Plagiarism 
Suit Over *Road to Glory' 

Washington, July 13. 
Plagiarism suit against 20th Cen- 
tury-Fox was docketed here last 
week. Robert H. Sheets of Jackson, 
Tcnn., asked for compensation for 
alleged piracy of 'Road to Glory' 
script. 

Value of $1,000,000. was placed on 
the manuscript, • which Sheets said 
was rejected by the studio as un- 
usable in 1935. Picture with same 
title has many similarities, while 
plot was changed in ways to consti- 
tute 'false, absurd, and perverted 
presentation of the thoughts. Ideas, 
and meanings,' causing humiliation, 
author contended, asking Federal 
District Court to enjoin exhibitors 
and account for profits. 



3 States 'Adopt' Beery; 
Also OK for Him at B.O. 



Salt Lake City, July 13. 

Wallace Beery has become an 
adopted son of three states, so far — 
Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Capitol 
theatres here will celebrate Wallace 
Beery week July 16 to 23, reissuing 
'Hell's Divers' and 'Billy the Kid.' 

Idaho's Gov. Barzilla W. Clark last 
week guested film player, who re- 
cently purchased large land holding.^ 
in that state. Gov, Clark went so far 
as to query Beery about a projected 
praiscry campaign for Idaho spuds, 
apples, onions and prunes. 

Wyoming claims its share i.s due to 
Beery's regular visits to fishing and 
hunting haunts in the state. 

Beery has visited Salt Lake City 
four times in last two months. AU 
waj's makes good copy in local news- 
papers. 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 





HOTi 

hut, 

"DAY AT THE RACES'' 

packs *€m in* Held over 2nd 
week and 3rd week 1 Give it, 
plenty of Extra Time! 




HOTI 

bwt 

''EMPEROR'S 
CANDLESTICKS" 

brings WILLIAM POWELL 
LUISE RAINER in their first 
joint hit since "Great Ziegfeld.f' 
It's a honey! 




HOT! 

hut 

"BROADWAY MELODY 

OF '38" 

with ROBERT TAYLORi 
ELEANOR POWELL and » 
screenful of stars is the grea^ 
est musical comedy of all time! 




HOT! 

but 

"CAPTAINS 
COURAGEOUS" 

does sensational business in all 
pop price engagements. It*s an 
extended run attraction!- 




HOT! 

hut 

CLARK GABLE 
MYRNA LOY 

in your electric lights in their 
romantic drama "PARNELL** 
is lovely for romantic summer 
crowds ! 




HOT! 

hut ' 

PUBLIC DEMANDS 

"SARATOGA" 

CLARK GABLE, JEAN 
HARLOW in*tSARATOGA*» 
is now released* How fitting 
that it is one of her finest 
entertainments. 



HOT! 

hut 

JEANETTEMmDONALD's 

glorious musical **THE FIRE- 
FLY" is on the way. Her suc- 
cessor to "May time** grosses! 
In mid-5ummer! 




HOT! 

"GOOD EARTH" 
COMING! 

Showmen are preparing far in 
advance for its pop price pre- 
sentation. Watch the trade 
press! 




HOT! 

. hut 

HIT FOLLOWS HIT! 

Flash! "BETWEEN TWO 
WOMEN'* and "TOPPER** 
just previewed on coast are two 
more Big M-G'M Summer: 
Sensations ! 

(Are •yOM (i5tenirt;, I937'J938.') 



M-G-M NOW! 

ALWAYS! 




Wednesdaj, July 14, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 85 



FILM-STYLE 





Local 802 Banishes WPA Shows Usii^ 
Waxed Music From WQXR, New York 



Musicians' Union 802, N. Y., 'or- 
dered' the WPA Radio Project to 
cease presenting two programs over 
WQXR, N. Y., which utilized trans- 
cribed music. Sans a murmur the 
government group acquiesced. Many 
members of the WPA roster are or 
were enrolled in 802^ 

Programs were .'Symphonic 
Dramas' and 'Gilbert 8c Sullivan* 
series. WQXR was chosen, as the 
outlet because of the high-fidelity 
station's big library of transcribed 
music. No. 802 made its demand 
because of its drive against use of 
waxed tunes. 

Another program off fEe WPA list 
is 'First Frontiers,' which" had been 
a once- weekly 30-min. dramatiza- 
tion on WHN . for some months. 
Show faded this; week because . its 
author, Phyllis Frederic, was among 
those dropped off WPA. 

'Frontiers' dealt with episodes In 
the civilization of the Mayas, long- 
extinct tribe of Mexican Indians. No 
one else remaining on the Radio 
Project was well enough inforn^ed 
on the Mayas to continue churning 
out the copy. 



RCA'S NEW REHNEMENT 
OF LATERAL RECORDING 



Mutual Dips 9.5% 

Mutual's time sales last 
month fell off 9.5% as compared 
to June, 1936. Gross this time 
was $99,138, while the June be- 
fore it was $104321. 
' On the first six months of this 
year the network is 13% ahead 
of last. The 1937 accumulation 
to date is $1,018,321, while for 
the first half of '36 it was $894,- 
358. 



RCA Victor claims that it has de- 
veloped a new lateral process of se- 
cording which eliminates every ves- 
tige of ground noise. 

Demonstrations of the new cutting 
device to outsiders is being deferred 
for the time being, or until Frank 
Walker, .head of the company's 
transcription studios, returns from 
his vacation. 



Valtee's Texas Aids 



Rudy Vallee, in. Dallas for the 
Expo, for two weeks, will be joined 
by Joe Cook, Joe Laurie, Jr., George 
Faulkner, the scripter, and An- 
thony Stanford, producer, for thife 
fortnight. 

Cook is due for two guest shots; 
Laurie, for this week only, although 
possibly holding over. It makes 
Laurie's sixth lap. 



OTHERS CROWD 
IN ON MILLS 

Aca. 



Minneapolis, July 13, 

From the number of agency men 
who keep visiting this town every 
week- it begins to appear that the 
General Mills ad billing has become 
the favorite sniping, grounds of the 
business. Latest big agency to ogle 
that -flour firm's billing sheet is 
Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osbom, 
with the local BBD&O office sub 
mitting a plan which will snipe off 
around $1,500,000 worth of annual 
ether billing. 

Though Blackett-Sample-Hummert 
agency in Chicago and .the Knox 
Reeves (General Mills' baby) handle 
the bulk of the flour company's ad 
vertising business, Corbett in New 
York and Cincinnati handles a por 
tion .of it with the 'Hymns of All 
Churches' program while Baggaley, 
Horton & Hoyt" has a west coast 
hook-up of film chatter for the flour 
maker, which will go coast-to-coast. 

Sperry, Gen. Mills subsidiary, also 
has a separate agency. 



e mLAS FIRM 
HIS UNIOUt IDEAS 



Starting with 890 Completed 
Transcriptions — Will Use 
Regional Franchise Dis- 
tribsy Press Books, and 
Other Film Practices 



Senate Move May Force Lower 
House to Revive Connery M; 



STARTS SEPT. 1 



I-.. 



Aubrey, Moore & Wallace 
*0r Else' on Campana 

Chicago, July 13. 
Aubrey, Moore & Wallace ad 
agency has not completely -dropped 
idea of 'Grand Hotel' show for Cam- 
pana again next season, but are on 
the make for a 30-minute variety 
program. Already have optioned an 
m. c, and are looking around for 
acts. 

In . either case same NBC 'Grand 
Hotel' Sunday time has been re- 
served. 



Charlie Hughes' Waxes 

Chicago, July 13. 

Net setup for 42d St. Products, 
Charlie Hughes' cosmetic firm, will 
add a transcription three-a-week 
daytime drama serial to the regular 
30-minute weekly drama shot on 
WGN-Mutual. The latter show is off 
for summer, but is signed for next 
season. Meanwhile the neyr series is 
being spotted throughout the mid- 
west, beginning with WJJD, Ralph 
Atlass indie here, this week. 

Campaign being handled by Mc- 
Giveran-Child agency. 



Marble Kid on Beer Show 

Cleveland, July 13. 

Bill Kloss, 13-year-old National 
Marble Champion of Canton, O., ap- 
peared on a beer program over 
WTAM tonight (July 13). Young 
marble king was awarded a sports 
scroll for his recent victory by Tonri 
Manning, the Leisy Sportscaster. 

Also on the program was little 
June Lapham', only girl entrant in 
the national tourney. 



YOUNG & RU6ICAM 
OPTION ART LANDRY 



Young & Rubicam Agency has 
optioned a layout . headed and 
formed by Art Landry, orchestra 
leader, for October. Contract calls 
for a half-hour weekly program, 
with a guarantee of 26 weeks an- 
nually. First year Landry show is 
pegged at $3,000 weekly. Optional" 
yearly. 

Show has a 25-piece orch, with 
comedy handled by Ann Butler 
(Mrs. Landry) and four male 
stooges. Program has already gone 
through the audition stage, but 
Young & Rubicam has not yet lined 
up a sponsor, 

Landry, vet. vaude band ba- 
toneer, has been in retirement for 
two years. Miss Butler,, a dozen 
years back a two-a-day comedienne 
headliner, has been out of show biz 
for half a dozen years with the ex- 
ception of a guest-stint on the Val- 
lee program several seasons back. 



Robson's Century of Wax 

Hollywood, July 13. 

May Robson will make a series 
of 100 quarter-hour transcriptions 
for Bauer & Black of Chicago under 
title of 'Lady of Millions.' 

Waxing starts Aug. 1 at Asso- 
ciated Cinema studios. 



Zeke Manners* Return 

Zeke Manners and his Gang (hill- 
billy harmony) have been set to re- 
turn to WMCA, N. Y., in the fall for 
Consolidated Drug of Chicago. 
Troupe will again appear on two 
30-min. periods weekly. 

Return to the mike carded for 
Sept. 6. Benson & Dall the agency. 



Motion picture system of physical 
distribution will be adopted by Atlas 
Radio Corp. to sell transcriptions. 
Recently organized outfit is^ financed 
by Herbert Ebenstein, large- scal^ in- 
surance broker, with motion picture 
connections, and Harold^. Hopper 
of Cinema Mercantile CrMits of Hol- 
lywood. ' 

. Company starts functioning Sept. 1 
and will adopt the following unique 
(for radio) methods: 

(a> There will be a series of re- 
gional^,, enfranchised distributors lo- 
cated ih '24 key cities.^ First fran-. 
chise' has gone to Criterion Radio 
Productions of New York City, which 
has the New England, New York, 
New Jersey and East Pennsylvania 
territory. Herbert Hayman, formerly 
a sales manageir with Paramount 
and United Artists pictures, will be 
in charge. (This distrib is owned by 
Atlas itself but other regional dis- 
tribs may be states rights film ex- 
changes, etc., already set up and 
deemed logical to add a radio serv- 
ice.) 

(b) All series will be serviced by 
press books along motion picture 
lines (Tommy Keams, formerly with 
Fanchon & Marco in charge). 

(c) There will be 'release dates' 
a la film biz. Each week 'a new 
series will become available. 

(d) Programing will be planned in 
advance with an annual 'production 
chart' again in the manner of Holly- 
wood, 

Ce)' Series will be sold in groups 
and 'protection' in community will 
be given station, (Second runs, if and 
when developing as a commercial 
value, will be decided upon at a 
later date.) 

Atlas is the outgrowth of a former 
Hollywood transcription firm of 
which Lou R. Winston was a figure. 
He is now Atlas' chief of programs. 
Hollywood remains the production 
centre. It is stated that 890 com- 
pleted transcriptions (some of them 
have been used) in various series are 
now recorded and ready. Talent, 
master retords, pressings and organi- 
zational expense to date are declared 
to represent $400,000 investment. 
Atlas has been quietly maturing for 
a year. 

'Captains of Industry' and 'Ports of 
C!all,' first and second week releases 
for September, have been tested on 
Pacific stations. In both instances 52 
corhpleted installments are available. 
'Magic Island' series scheduled for 
the third week ol release has 130 
completed episodes. 

AtlaS will sell to stations on a 
series basis. Each series will be ex- 
clusive, but not Atlas service itsef, 
to the purchasing station. Rates are 
to be based on wattage plus popu- 
lation plus advertising rates. Initial 
deals are made on the presumption 
o£ Use for sustaining purposes. In 
the event of a commercial sponsor- 
ship deal, station and Atlas will share 
in the gross price of series (not tim'e) 
to the advertiser. 

Present waxed service is limited 
mostly to dramatic serials. When 
\yell Under way Atlas expects ' to 
make 'name' personalities available. 
Ken Baker is already recorded in a 
series. Block booking is one motion 
picture practice that will be avoided, 
however. 

Blackstone agency. New York, is 
handling Atlas. Leon Lee, former 
motion picture and National Screen 
Service exec, is in charge of the 
build-up, Zac Friedman, formerly 
of ,WMCA, New York, is connected 
with org also. 




An Announcer's Life 



Atlantic, July 13. 

John Fulton, WGST an- 
nouncer, has a 5 p.m. program 
in studio atop Ansley Hotel. He 
lets another announcer close 
it, grabs his hat at 5:13, which 
gives him a scant two minutes 
to hop aboard an elevator for 
a 14-floor drop and then soxint 
two blocks to the lobby of 
Loew's Grand theatre for a 15r 
minute chore with a 'buddy on 
Carroll Furniture Co.'s 'S'de-i 
walk Snoopers' broadcast. 

That done, Fulton must then 
show some real speed. Skedded 
to go on air with Atlanta Con- 
stitution's newscast at 5:30, he 
has exactly 45 seconds to grab 
up mike, which has long cord 
attachment, dash down flight 
of steps into boiler room of 
Grand building and get going. 
Special messenger hands Fulton 
his newscast script just before . 
he starts his headlottg dash into 
basement. 



SINGER CROSBY 
PRAISED AS 
SPIELER 



Bing Crosby has been guaranteed 
a job as a sportcaster with NBC iany 
time he decides to give up singing 
and picture acting. John Royal, NBC 
program head, got the inspiration to 
make the offer while listening to 
Crosby do a broadcast Friday (9) 
from the Del Mar .racetrack, Del Mar, 
Cal,, in which the songster owns 
controlling interest. 

• Royal wrote Crosby that when- 
ever he felt that he was getting too 
old to sell cheese or lift his pipes 
for a ditty he could turn to NBC for 
a sports announcing assignment. 
Royal also enclosed a check for $100 
for contribution to Crosby's favorite 
charity. It was NBC's way of show- 
ing further appreciation for the 
singer's handling of the sustainer 
from the track. 



JOHN ROYAL VISiTING 
SALZBURG, PARIS, ETC. 



John Royal, NBC program chief, 
who sails today (Wednesday) for 
Europe, will include Salzburg, Paris 
and Warsaw in his itinerary. While 
on the other side he will discuss 
their coming RCA-NBG broadcast 
series with Arturo Toscanini and Ar- 
tur Rodzinski. 

Royal'~ts figuring on seeing /Ignatz 
Paderewiski about coming oviisr for a 
group of broadcasts under tljle RCA 
NBC banner. 



, 'GOLDBERG' SCRIPT BACK 



Gertrude Ber; Serial Taken by 
Procter & Gamble 



Holly woodi July 13. 

Gertrude Berg has set deal with 
I*rocter & Gamble for the return to 
radio of her former click show, 'Rise 
of the Goldbergs.' Starts Sept. 3 
over NBC. 

Deal permits program switch to 
Hollywood Origination at a later 
date so that Miss Berg may do film 
writing also. 'Goldbergs' will be a 
quarter hour across, the board. 

Original characters of scripts will 
be hired if available. Author will 
direct and act as usual. 



• Washington, July 13, 
Congressional grilling of broad- 
casters and the Federal Communi- 
cations Commission this fall was re- 
garded as probable last week fol- 
lowing prospects of a race between 
rival Senate and House groups t(? 
crack down on the radio business. 

Instead of being blocked by New • 
Deal chieftains, leaders of the move- 
nnent for a thorough ogling of both 
the federal regulatory body and the 
franchise holders seemed sure to 
achieve their objective after Senator 
Wallace White of Maine offered a 
resolution directing the Senate In- 
terstate Commerce Committee to dig 
deep Into charges Of law violation, 
disregard for the public interest and 
political favoritism^ Meanwhile new 
support was being generated for a 
similar measure ■ which has been 
sidetracked by the House Rules Com- 
mittee. 

Senate probe seemed most likely, 
although renewed eftort is scheduled 
to bring out . the House resolution 
sponsored by the late Congressman 
William P. Connery. No definite ac- 
tion ; on either proposish is likely, 
however, .^tll close to the end of 
the session, now looked for around 
Sept 1. 

White made serious specific accu- 
sations in his resolution and out- 
lined in detail many phases of the 
situation which he considers deserve 
comprehensive study. His measure 
was far more pointed than the Con- 
nery resolution, which was designed 
to grant blanket authority to a 
special committee to ventilate what- 
ever aspects of the radio 'problem it 
desired. 

Parliamentary situation In the 
Senate also is now more favorable 
for probe urgers. With Wheeler on 
record as critical of various F, C. C. 
policies and industry conditions, res- 
olution is certain to get committee 
attention and, even if a majority of 
the Democrats put up a fight, White- 
Wheeler team still can make prog- 
ress in roundabout fashion by stag- 
ing a hearing on the question. An- 
other possibility is that the commit- 
tee will hold public examination of 
the qualifications of the Individual 
President Roosevelt nominates to 
take the post vacated last month by 
Vice-Chairman Irvin Stewart. If 
there is any disposition to smother 
the probe idea for political reasons. 
White will insist on a vigorous quiz- 
zing of the new F. C. C. member 
when the appointment comes up for 
recommendations to the Senate. 

All licensees, both chain and inde- 
pendent, would be. grilled about 
stock-seUing, with particular atten- 
tion to possible valuation placed on 
frequency, time or power, and about 
station transfers. One of the matters 
listed for investigation Is the par- 
ticipation of agents,, intermediaries, 
lobbyists, and other third-parties in 
negotiations for purchase or sale of 
securities issued by license-holding 
corporations. Cases where persons 
denied renewal permits peddled their 
property to other parties would be 
studied, aloiVg with the existence of 
holding companies and their effect 
upon government regulation and 
station operation. 

Senator White's action may stimu- 
late the House leadership. Demo- 
cratic bosses who have been sitting 
on the Connery measure fear a Sen* 
ate inquiry would produce more po- 
litical casualties than a House probe. 
Consequently, there is a chance they 
will beat the Senate to the punch 
by bringing out the Connery reso- 
lution. To some extent, this, is 
White's desire, as indicated by dis- 
closure that recently he served 
warning he would propose a Senatt; 
study if the House had not acted by 
July 1. 



Ladles Bore Robinson 
Hubbell Robinson, Jr., of Young & 
Rubicam's radio department, makes 
his debut as an author with the lead 
article in the August issue of Es- 
quire. 

It's tagged, 'Glamour Ladies, You 
Bore Me.' 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, Juljr ]4, 1937 









Herewrth listed are the important "things to come"; films from 
the foremost Hollywood creators with music by songdom's 
PROVEN hit writers . . . Coming from Robbins and associated 
companies, with an unmatched record of song leaders on all 
lists, they will provide the trade and profession with an uninter- 
rupted flow of great song material, produced and pronrioted 
by companies whose hit records have made music history^ 





Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



37 



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4 



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To 



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4 



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Ann 



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VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



EQUriY RADIO MEETING HELD IN N.Y.C; 
STEERING COMMriTEE AFTER SIGNATURES 



Blackett-Sample-Hummert 'Commission* Set-up Plays 
Into Equity's Hand — 125 at Hush-Hush Organi- 
zational Rally 



Actors Equity is now actively en- 
gaged in organizing the radio per- 
former field. Association aims to 
take in dramatic actors, singers, an- 
nouncers ^nd sound effects men, 
Slips of Authorizations of Equity as 
the collective bargaining agency are 
being widely circulated for signa- 
ture. (See adjoining. column.) 

First fomal organization meeting 
was held Monday (12) night at the 
Hotel Lincoln^ New York City, With 
about 12s persons present. It was a 
closed session, admittance being by 
invitation. Edward S.^ Fielding, 
Equity Council member, who is 
heading the radio drive, was not 
present, being out of town on a legit 
date. Margot Stevenson, of 'You 
Can't Take It With You,' was active 
in spreading word of the meeting 
among Equity members active in 
radio work. She previously denied 
to Variety and diadalmed all knowl- 
edge of meetings or of Equity ac- 
tivity in radio. She attended the 
meeting, however. 

Steering conunittee for radio was 
appointed and it's understood the 
drive to obtain bargaining agency 
authorization signatures will be 
pushed as » fast as possible. Com- 
mittee plans to organize the indie 
stations and out-of-town studios as 
well as the netwojcks.. No action for 



Equity^ Guess 



Number of dramatic players 
engaged in radio in New York 
is estimated by Actors' Equity 
at 1,700. Figure Includes those 
engaged in n^aking electrical 
transcriptions as well as on live 
programs. No estimate on how 
many there are outside of New 
York. 

Conceded that few air per- 
formers outside New York be- 
long to or know about Equity, 
except on the Coast, where the 
Screen Actors' Guild enters the 
picture. - 



tecognition or for standard contracts 
will be attempted until all possible 
signatures have been obtained. Hope 
is ultimately for a . closed shop in 
radio as already holds in legit am 
films. 

C.I.O. in Ghost Role? 

Present at the nteeting was Mrs, 
Florence Marston, eastern represen 
tative of the Screen Actors' Guild, 
Equity's film affiliate, which is co- 
operating in the organization drive. 
WhUe none , at the meeting wouk 
admit it afterward, imderstanding is 
there was some discussion about the 
CIO campaign in radio. Genera 
feeling of the radio players is thai 
lining up with CIO would be un- 
wise,' since it might bar or handicap 
radio performers working into either 
films or legit, both of which are 
controlled by the SAG and Equity 
under closed shop agreements. 

Actual plans for the setup of the 
radio end of Equity are not set so 
far. Problems involved are more 
complex and considerably different 
from those of legit and it's figured 
the radio members will puobably 
have a large say in what shape the 
ultimate organization will take. Be 
Jieved,. however, that it will be 
separate branch of Equity (the 
authorization blanks refer to it as 
the 'Radio Division'), possibly with 
its own officers, council, etc., some 
what similar to the SAG setup. That 
and other constitutional problems 
will be tackled later. 

Equity group doesn't anticipate 
serious trouble from either the net- 
works or inside stations in its or- 
ganization drive. Feeling is. that the 
■ broadcasters will welcome Equity as 
a guarantee against the entry of CIO 
into the field. Understanding is that 
Columbia Broadcasting System is 
sym patli e tic t o the~Equity campaign. 
Figured that NBC is a 'tougher nut 
to crack,' but will likely swing into 
line. 

Feeling among radio performers 
regarding Equity's entrance into the 
picture was, in the past, inclined to 
be unfavorable. Mike artists felt 
that there was no need for organiza- 
tion, since the ills that brought 
ECiuity Into being in legit and the 



SAG in pix were nonexistent, or at 
the least trivial, in radio. lAst 
week's action by Featured Artists 
Service, Inc., subsidiary of Blackett- 
Sample-Hummert, in demanding a 
5% 'commission' from its players, 
caused a sharp switch in sentiment, 
lowever. 

Those in favor of Equity as an or- 
ganizing agency pointed to Blackett- 
Sample-Hummert action as an indi- 
caition of what must inevitably creep 
into broadcasting unless the per- 
formers organized. Understood that 
nearly all who attended Monday 
night'sjmeeting signed the authoriza- 
tion slips and that many others who 
lad previously been antagonistic re- 
versed their stand or at least swung 
over onto the fence. 

Fear ' Salary Slash 
Fear of the. performers if Equity 
enters the radio field is that salaries 
for broadcasters will take a diye. 
Many performers frankly admit that 
the' salaries are much better than In 
the .legit theatre. ■ 

Feeling has been that if Equity 
establishes a minimum salary the 
standard will immediately drop to 
that figure. Claim that is what hap- 
pened in the case of the $40-a-week 
minimum in legit. 

Equity proponents claim they will 
not vie with any other group or- 
ganizing . radio. Say performers al- 
ready belonging to other organiza- 
tions will be Welcome in Equity 
while still retaining other affiliations. 
In the case of possible CIO member- 
ships among performers, however, 
this claim i^ not accepted too seri- 
ously. 

Statement by Equity members that 
they will co-operate fully with the 
music union also may cover a multi- 
tude Of complications. In the last 
few years there has been a growing 
feeling against Equity among the 
AFM members over a number of 
points. 

There continues to be vague ru- 
mor of the entry of CIO into the 
performer end of the radio picture. 
Little apparent basis for it, how- 
ever. While most of those in radio 
say they've heard of others being 
approached for CIO membership, 
none know of any such cases at first 
hand. Also felt that the CIO high 
command is too busy with steel at 
present to attempt any extensive 
drive into the amusement field. Fur- 
thermore, the difficulties of piercing 
the Equity-SAG-AFM lineup would 
appear pretty tough; 



Metro Deal Hot 



Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer and 
Benton Sc Bowles execs, were 
in conference yesterday (Tues- 
day) on proposed $25,000 per 
program deal. Matter is likely 
to be closed in next day or two. 
Palmolive sponsorship of a 
super-program to originate in 
Culver City is involved. 

Tentative starting date under- 
stood to be Sept. 27. 



(COPY) ^ 

Actors' Equity Association 

Radio Division 

45 WEST 47th STREET 
NEW YORK CITY. • 

I, the undersigned, hereby agree that In the organization of radio actors, 
singers, announcers, sound effects mei% and all performers (except mem- 
bers of the American Federation of Musicians) I consider the Actors' 
Equity Association (Radio Division) to be my organization for collective 
bargaining purposes. 

NAME 

ADDRESS 

DATE TELEPHONE 



DEMENTIA A LA RADIO 



Intervlewlnr An Octopus Latest 
Gag In Cieyeland • 



Cleveland, July 13. 
Carl Mark, mikeman, is going to 
get to the bottom' of things when he 
faces a 20-foot octopus in the bot- 
tom of a 50,000-gallon tankful of 
water at the Great Lakes Exposition 
Thursday (July 15). Mark will 
broadcast his experiences in the tank 
over WJAY at 11:45 a.m. 

Announcer Mark will have a 
microphone inside his diving suit 
and will broadcast via a telephone 
line leading from his suit to the 
surface of the tank. Although the 
the octopus win be fed before the 
broadcast, it is expected to give 
Mark plenty of action for the broad- 
cast. 



W.T. GRANT STORES TO 
AIR VIA N. W. AYER 



Chain of W. T. Grant (two-bits to 
a $) stores, a new account of the 
N. W. Ayer agency folio, will 
definitely invade radio for the first 
time this autumn with placements of 
transcribed 15-min., programs on as 
yet unselected stations. 

Broadcasters in the 19 key cities, 
from coast to coast in which there 
are Grant emporiums will get the 
discs. 



WATL Pays Staff Bonus 



Atlanta, July 13. 

Glee was spread among hired 
hands at WATL Saturday (10) when 
J. W. Woodruff, Sr., owner, of Co- 
lumbus, Ga., cut the whole gang in 
on a bonus, ranging from $100 top 
on down, on a salary pro rata basis. 

Maurice Coleman, mgr., wasn't in 
on it. 



Sports Writers on Air 
Guarantee to DeEver 
Stars of Day's Games 



Dan Daniel and Tom Meany, 
N. Y. World-Telegram baseball 
writers, appear July 25 on Gulf Oil 
show. Daniel travels with N. Y. 
Yankees, while Meany moves 
around with the Giants. 

Contract with Gulf, set by Charlie 
Furey, specifies that writers deliver 
the star ball player of the day on 
which they broadcast, each writer 
being chubby with all members of re- 
spective teams they're touring with. 
: Zeke Manners and Gang has been 
signed for the same program by 
Furey to appear Aiig. 8. 



NEBRASKA-ASCAP IN 
COURT ON SEPT. 11 



Lincoln, July 13. 
Federal court set Sept. 11 as the 
date to open the trial in which Gene 
Buck, of the ASCAP, will seek to 
enjoin Secretary of State Swanson, 
Attorney General Hunter, and a 
dozen county attorneys from enforc- 
ing the anti-ASCAP bill passed by 

the last legislature. 

Bill, although not stating its case 
against ASCAP by name, outlaws all- 
combinations to fix the price on 
music sales. Penalty of violation is 
$5,000. Bill was signed in mid-May 
and was of emergency nature, taking 
effect immediately after Governor 
Cochran appended his signature. 



FILM PLAYER SMELLS 
COMMERCIAL MOUSE 



GARLAND JOINS WIND; 
AIDS RALPH ATLASS 



Chicago, July 13. 

Charles Garland is leaving WBBM, 
the local Columbia station, after 12 
years to become assistant to Ralph 
Atlass as overseer of the WIND, 
Gary, situation. 

Garland leaves WBBM. this week 
and joins the Atlass WIND setup on 
Aug. 15. 

Hal Makelim comes to town as 
Chicago and national sales manager 
for the Ralph Atlass WIND station. 
Makelim has been sales chief of 
KXBY, Kansas City, and before that 
was with WIRE, Indianapolis. 

Officially takes over his new desk 
next week. 



H. J. Maxwell Dies 



Working Out Vacation 

Pittsburgh, July 13. 

Carolyn Gray, Pittsburgh gal who 
has been staff pianist at NBC and 
CBS, home for a month's vacation 

was immediately sig ned up by 

WWSWfor series of weekly piano 
recitals. They'll expire Aug. 1 
when Miss Gray leaves for Holly- 
wood to do Lily Pons' accompani- 
ments in her next RKO fficker, 'Girl 
in the Cage.' 

First program hit the air Friday 
afternoon (9) and 15-minute shots 
Will be presented five times weekly 
until Miss Gray's departure for 
Coast. . ' 



San Francisco, July 13. 

H. J. Maxwell, former assistant to 
Don E. Oilman, NBC vice-prexy in 
San Francisco, died of a hc^\-^ at- 
tacik JuJ7 7 i/i Fresno, Cai. Max- 
well, who had been auditor and per- 
sonnel manager at NBC's Western 
division headquarters for seven 
years before his promotion to the 
post of assistant to Oilman, which he 
held for two years, resigned in June, 
1936, to devote his time to the Fresno 
Broadcasting Company. Latter or- 
ganization tried unsuccessfully to 
secure a license for a new station in 
Fre^lQ. • 

Maxwell's widow, step-daughter, 
15, daughter, 4, infant son, two 
months old, and a brother survive. 



Happy Sisters Join NBC 

Happy Sisters (Muriel, Estelle and 
Olive L'Heureux), harmony . trio, 
has been signatured for exclusive 
handling by NBC, Artists Service, 

Act comes from WBZ, Boston. 



Pittsburgh, July 13. 

When Henry Armetta, _ flUum 
comic, played the Stanley in Pitts- 
burgh last week,, management asked 
him if he'd go on the air over KDKA 
to plug the show. He agreed and 
did a 15-minute show, along with 
Marjorie Gainsworth, on the same 
bill. Armetta ran a little overtime, 
with result that a station-break spot 
announcement for a toothpaste fol- 
lowed almost immediately after Ar- 
metta's last word. He raised a Tiowl 
with Stanley management and " sta- 
tion as well, claiming he had been 
framed into doing a commercial pro- 
gi:am without his knowledige. 

Stanley and KDKA biggies had a 
tough time explaining to Armetta 
that it wasn't the case at all, that 
spots were a usual thing between 
programs and he was finally con- 
vinced that his appearance was on 
the up-and-up. 



THOMPSON AGENCY LISTEN 

Harry Savoy, Vaudeville Team, Get 
Auditions 



J. Walter Thompson has auditioned 
Harry Savoy, vet vaude comic who 
had a series of guest-cracks oh the 
Cantor program for Texaco in the 
late spring, Savoy is currently play 
ing Loew's State, N. Y. 

Also auditioned by Thompson were 
Benny Ross and Maxine Stone (Mrs 
Ross), likewise from vaude. Com- 
edy team is considering deferring its 
skedded sailing for London on July 
21, since agency has notified pair a 
sponsor may be shortly tottering. 
Rosses had been booked for some 
stage dates in England. 
. Nick Agnetta, of Curtis 8c Allen 
arranged the auditions. 



Hawaiian Branch of S.Fi 
Agency Hires Fitzgerald 

San Francisco, July 13. 
Radio activities of the newly, or 
ganized Hawaiian subsidiary of 
Bowman, Duete &; Cummings, the 
Bowman, Hoist, McFarlane & Mat- 
son agency, will be directed by Don 
Fitzgerald, who has resigned, as.jxrof 
diiction manager of KGMB, Hono- 
lulu. 

Fitzgerald, whose headquarters 
will be in Honolulu, was with KSL, 
Salt Lake City, at one time. He has 
been on the air recently in the 
'Hawaii iSerenades' programs released 
over both Columbia and Mutual net- 
works from KGMB. 



m MOST HAVE 
MN CARDS' 
RULES 802 



New York musicians* union has 
moved to exercise complete control 
over all instrumental broadcasting 
on stations within its jurisdiction. 
Under a new rule put into effect by 
Local 802, New York stations are 
restrained from airing any instru-* 
mentalist whatever, including solo- 
ists, chamber musie quartets or ac- 
companists, unless the m-usician holds 
an 802 membership card or special 

permission for his appearance has 
been obtained from the union. 

Order appears to be mainly di- 
rected at the exclusive use or inclu- 
sion of amateur musicians in classi- 
cal programs by various New York 
indie outlets; One program which 
the rule will affect is the WOR 
Little Symphony which frequently 
Uses star pupils of the Juilliard 
Scliool of Music as guestees. 



$10,0110 NO AIR 

LURE TO Luirrs 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Offer of $10,000 for 15 minutes on 
the air by Danny Danker of J. 
Walter Thompson agency failed to 
move Alfred Xunt and Lynn Fon- 
tanne in their resolve to shun radio. 

Stage pair also gave the go-by to 
W. B. Lewis, Columbia program di- 
rector, who wanted them for the 
Shakespeare cycle. 

Lunts will vacash in northern Cal- 
ifornia and Wisconsin before open- 
ing on Broadway in 'Amphitryon 
38.' 



McCLATCHY MONOPOLY 
BROKEN BY F. C. C. 



Monopoly held by the McClatchy 
group in the Fresno, 'Cal., market 
has been broken. Federal Commu- 
nications Commission has consented 
to another station, being constructed 
in that town, the permit going to 
George Harms. It Will be a 100- 
watter, unlimited time, on 1310 kc. 

In granting the permit the FCC 
overruled the finding of Examiner 
R. H. Hyde. 



Lux Crew East 

Hollywood, July 13. 

Crew on Lux broadcast for J. Wal- 
ter Thompson hauls east this week. 
Frank Woodruff, producer, left last 
Saturday (10) followed by Sandy 
Barnett, scripter, two days later. 

Danny Danker, Thompson vice- 
prez and talent chief, trains out Fri- 
day (16), accompanied by W. B. 
Lewis, Columbia program director. 



Ed Harvey to WINS 

Pittsburgh, Jvrty, 13. 

Ed Harvey, -program ditectcv /or 
Jaj|-T9*'^"years at WCAE, has been 
promote<i.\»'jftVi;.i7ar post with Hearst 
New York State Network. Will 
make headquarters at WINS, New 
York. I<eaves here two weeks for 
new post. 

Succeeding him is Clifford Daniel, 
now chief announcer. He'll continue 
announcing bigger local commercials. 



Baker Staying West 

■ Hollywood, July 13. 
No sooner did Phil Baker land in 
town for picture work for Samuel 
Goldwyn than he told the old Broad- 
way mob here that he'll be sticking 
around for some time. Air comic 
said he would do his broadcast for 
Gulf Oil from here, starting in Oc- 
tober. 

Block and Sully are also pitching 
here permanently. 



Wednefiday, July 14,1937 



RADIO 



VAJKiETY 



$9 




BRITISH 




HINTS 



WHO SHOULD CONTROL? 

WYfS, Detroit, displays foresight in frankly recognizing the problem of 
'control' over radio programs. A courageous policy at the risk' of finan- 
cial loss will hereafter attempt to return the mastery of WWJ programs 
to WWJ, In. this the Detroit station, which would have greater excuse to 
do otherwise, has the gumption to. do what the networks would like to do. 

Various reasons united to deprive the webs of their control over their 
own ptogram schedules. They neglected showmanship for one thing. Did 
not particularly care, save for the loss of ^rtists bureau talent commlsr 
sions, in the second place. So -the advertising agencies took the programs 
away from the webs. 



The webs would like to have th'em back but haven't the nerve to really 
tackle the problem. They're too busy kiddin^the nation they're highbrow. 

-—in summer! When the time is empty! When schools are 

When nobody cares! Shakespeare in summer. 



Shakespeare 
not in session! 



'Open market' selling and buying of radio time without any limitations 
upon the buyer's program ideas was and is the easy way. But it may yet 
develop that WWJ is remarkably clear-visioned in seeing that it may. not 
be the best— K)r the most profitable — way in the end. 

No Split Authority on Objectionable 
Ads; Trade Commish Power Intact 



' Washington, July 13. 

Tightening of Federal advertising 
control was voted last week by the 
House . Interstate Commerce Com- 
mittee after spiking scheme/ to let 
the Federal Communications Com- 
mission censor broadcast blurbs. 

Bent on providing closer super- 
vision over food and drug promo- 
tion, committee ratified amended 
version of bill introduced by Chair- 
man Clarence F. Lea of California. 
Legislation due for report to the 
House late this week but chances of 
enactment this year are problemati- 
cal. 

Text of revised proposal was not 
revealed, but committeemen said 
few significant changes have been 
made. Principal issue was whether 
the F. C. C. or the Trade Commis- 
sion should rule on air advertise- 
ments, which was settled when com- 
mitteemen turned down motion to 
split the censorship job between the 
two. agencies. Part of the old law 
was modified but alterations were 
said to affect only procedure fol- 
lowed by the F. T. C. and make sure 
that alleged ojffenders have their day 
in court. 

Definition of advertising in the bill 
was rewritten for purposes of broad- 
ening scope and making certain that 
all forms of propaganda, not merely 
printed in magazines and news- 
papers or broadcast, are subject to 
Federal regulation. 

Penal provisions were lightened, 
Chairman Lea declared. While pre- 
vious proposal had sponsors of any 
false advertisement designed to in- 
6uc^ use of foods, drugs, devices, or 
cosmetics subject to fines, revised 
version limits jail sentence or cash 
assessment to cases where the prod- 
uct is likely to injure public health. 
Other deceptive advertisers will be 
subject to cease-and-desist orders, 
■which could be backed up by court 
injunctions. 



Sealtest Show Broadcast 
Against Many Difficulties 
At Cleveland Radioland 



Cleveland, July 13. 

Sunday Night Sealtest program 
headed by Jimmy Melton, with May 
Robson and Jean Muir of the films 
as guestars, drew a crowd of 6,500 
people to the Great Lakss Expo's 
Radioland Sunday night (July 12). 
Program broadcast from an outdoor 
shell adjacent to Billy Rose's Aqua- 
cade had to compete with boat whis- 
tles, bus noises and an impending 
thunder storm. 

Despite a strong wind that blew 
most of the music from the orchestra 
stands the program was completed 
without any major mishaps. A cat 
strolled across the stage during one 
of Jane Pickens' solos and Melton 
shed his -coat near the end of the 
program when a few heavy drops 
of rain fell. Engineers covered the 
precious microphones with white 
cloth hats. Carborundum Band will 
attempt a broadcast from the same 
spot Saturday night (July 18). 



Cecil Underwood in Chi 
For Fibber M*Gee Program 

Chicago, July 13. 

Having completed their picture, 
Marion and. Jim Jordan (Fibber 
McGee and Molly) arrived here 
from Hollywood Thurs. (8), to re- 
sume broadcasting from local NBC 
studios. Brought Cecil Underwood, 
who produced their shows while on 
Coast, ialong with them to act in 
same capacity. 

Former Chicago producer, Bruce 
Kammon, decided ' to drop show 
when it was learned that the act 
might journey in and out of towh 
on personal appearance.";, he being 
tied up with a couple of other shots 
here. 



Dr. Pratt «! WTAM ! Traasradio's StyBst 



Cleyelai\d,. iw)^ 2J: 
Heinz (Rice Flakes) starts a kid 
serial. The AdvfeniWis of Tommy 
Thatcher,' on WTAM, Cleveland, July 
19. 

It will have the 5 to 5:30 spot and 
Russell Pratt, one- of the whilom 
Three Doctors, will play all the 
parts. Maxon is the agency. 



Re-Name Performers 

San Francisco, July 13. 

Two NBC staff artists took new 
monickers .n the past week, Matilda 
Trmgali, 16-year-old warbler and 
former tyro recently signed for ap- 
pearances with Johnny O'Brien's 
Harmonica High Hats, underwent a 
'f'Ple change in names, first to Trilby 
Jj^aje, then Patsy Moran, finally Lora 
Tringali, which got an official okay. 

Name of Shirley Fishman, moppet 
actress, became Trina Morris. 



Baltimore, July 13. 
Nancy Turner, style commentator 
for WFBR here, will be given a 
credit line on c<5ast to coast airings 
via Ti'sin.<;radio, of .style bulletins 
cabled by her on visit to Parish Ex- 
position and London style open- 
ings. . ^ 
Arrangement for local coverage of 
fashion news sent back by Miss 
; Turner :already made by WFBR 
' with Bonwit-Lennon, local specialty 
fhop. 



Ross, S(4>ne Auditioned 

Chicago, July 13. 
Benny Ross and Maxine Stone, 
while at the Oriental last week, were 
auditioned for new Campana variety 
radio show, now current at River- 
side, Milwaukee, week, and set for 
AuRu.st London dates. 
; CurtiF and. Allen, New York, 
i handling, 






T BEPEIITED 



NBC Frankly Does Not 
Want Clergyman Who 
Married Duke of Windsor 
^Mutual Carried Talk 



ON HEINZ SHOW 



Report that, the British Broadcast- 
ing Co. had by innuendo sought to 
exercise censorship in the United 
States in the instance of the Rev. 
R. Anderson Jardine was denied 
Monday (12) by NBC, Columbia and 
Mutual. NBC declared that while 
it had received nothing as much as 
a hint from the BBC or any of its 
reps, the web was inclined by dis- 
cretion to shy away from the offici- 
ator of. the Duke Edward-Wallis 



Jardine Lecture Flops 



Atlantic City, July 13. 

Rev. R. Anderson Jardine's 
first lecture on American soil 
drew only 77 perspiring listen- 
ers at the Municipal Auditorium 
ballroom Saturday night (10). 

While thousands strolled along 
the Boardwalk almost within 
sound of his voice, the Rev. 
Jardine, who defied the Church 
of England, asked his small 
audience 'to please tell every- 
one just what he had spokeo of 
and to right the injustice that 
had been done me.' 

Jardine had been expected to 
speak about the Duke and his 
American Duchess, but instead 
chose the theme of 'Brother- 
hood.* He said the latter would 
be his topic during his Ameri- 
can tour. 

During the past week, the 
vicar thought that his leCure- 
would be sponsored by three 
local charities, which withdrew 
on the eve of his appearance. 
Jardine blamed that on a. 'too 
eager local prpmoter.' 

He referred once to the Duke 
and his bride by declaring that 
they had been kept apart— Nbe- 
cause the Church of England 
had invaded the realm of poli- 
tics — where it did not belong.' 

This remark drew the single 
round of applause from the 
audience of 77, which made the 
reverend a sad and disappointed 
figure in the ballroom that seats 
5,000. 

Jardine wore a light grey suit, 
brown shirt, and ministerial 
collar. The heat made him 
seem uncomfortable and he 
trembled slightly as he began 
his address. 



Simpson marriage and that it would 
prefer that none of its clients put 
the retired clergyman on during the 
remainder of his slay in America. 

Mutual broadcast a sermon by the 
clergyman last Friday night (9). 
Even though the event had been 
publicized days in .advance, no ap- 
proach, the network stated, had 
been made by any one connected 
with the BBC. 

Matter of the BBC handing out 
gentle hints to the networks on this 
side has not been uncommon. The 
last call they got from this source 
was just before the marriage of the 
ex-king. Felix Green, the BBC's 
U.S. rep, phonied each of the webs 
and, prefacing his query with the 
remark that he wasn't speaking in 
an official capacity, sought to find 
out whether it wa.s really going to 
have anything to do with picking up 
the ceiremony. The webs, even if 
they had planned to engage in 
something of the sort, interpreted 
the checkup as a tip that the BBC 
would not like apd the clamp went 
on all around. 

Jardine was booked by Dorothy 
.Worthington on the Heinz program 
today (Wed.) oyer CBS. 



Believe Cracks at Bowes Were SGpped 
Radio Editors by Private Press Agent 



BufFalo Scouts N. Y. 



Buffalo, July 13. 
An 11-day talent hunt for 
BuflCalo Broadcasting Corp. is 
in progress. Production Man- 
,ager Herbert C. Rice scouting 
the radio stations and niteries. 

Rochester, Schenectady, Syr- 
acuse, New York City and Bos- 
ton get quick 0.0. 



Paley Gets Television 
Engineers in England; 
Now Inspecting Europe 



William S. Paley has elected td 
turn to England for his television 
engineers. Two 'of these have al- 
ready been engaged by the Colum- 
bia prexy and it is expected that he 
will do more picking frorri across 
the water while in the process of 
developing CBS' own tele laboratory. 

The two engineers which Paley 
has put under contract have had 
considerable experience with Mar- 
coni-E. M. L, Ltd., whose system of 
television is the same as RCA's on 
this side. CBS has already com- 
mitted itself to the RCA method, 
having several months ago set up 
televising apparatus in the tower of 
the Chrysler building. 

NBC has had a couple of its teJe- 
vision engineers stationed with, the 
E. M. I. for some time. Pair returned 
to the home experimental labora- 
tories last Saturday (10). 



Swiss in London Claims 
Television in Color 

London, July 1. 

A continental inventor, speaking 
very (broken English, is in London 
at the moment attempting to form 
a company to develop a process for 
colored television. He gives the 
name of Gustav Horsch, from Lau- 
terbrunnen, Switzerland, and is an 
electrical engineer with a degree 
from Berne university. 

He claims to have discovered an 
alloy" of " selenium, called thalium, 
which is super-sensitive to color 
values, and incorporates this in a 
novel scanning device fitted to the 
camera. The combination of a Thali- 
um cell, with an analytical prism 
at the reception end, he alleges, en- 
ables the original colors to be sep- 
arated and reproduced on the 
screen. 



Carter Draws Squawks 



Portland, Ore., July 13. 
Boake Carter's first appearance on 
the western CBS loop prompted 
dozens of calls to KOIN protesting 
his criticism of the national admin- 
istration. 

KOIN had widely exploited Carter 
in advance. 



Major Edward Bowes' organiza- 
tion has been trying without Success 
Id trace the origin of a couple ot 
cracks that appeared in widely scat* 
tered radio editors' columns in re- 
cent weekd. One line spoke of the 
major using milk for a chaser +<> 
whisky, H6 never drinks whisky. 
Another quip, sarcastically worded, 
said he yvAs giving away nickels a la 
Rockefeller, Pure fabrication, 'it 
seems. 

It is thought that the cracks were 
included in the 'gossip column' of 
one of the private press agents* 
These are sometimes used as filler 
by radio editors. Press agents try 
to vary the monotony of talking 
about their own list of clients by 
dragging in gratuitous mentions of 
big perspnalities, 

Point that Interested the Bowes 
staff was whether a press agent has 
the right to disseminate imagioary 
'information' about a celeb as a 
color item in a load of publicity 
hash. 



Bacher Exits as 

Holly Hotel Prod.; 
Spot to Lewis? 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Bill Bacher has resigned as pro- 
ducer of Hollywood Hotel after 
differences with Ward Wheelock of 
the F. WalUs Armstrong agency, 
dating back several weeks when 
Bacher did a doctoring job on the 
Lifebuoy-Rinso program for Rauth- 
rauff & Ryan. Bacher said he stepped 
out because he refused to be tied 
down exclusively to the Armstrong 
outfit. 

Ken Niles, who handles the com- 
mercials for Canipbell Soup shows 
and took oyer the production reins 
on H-H when Bacher took a three 
weeks sunning at Waikiki, will con- 
tinue to guide the air piece until 
Wheelock, who is due here this 
week, names a successor. Niles i$ 
also producing the Murray-Oswald 
program in the sabbatical absence of 
Diana Bourbon. 

Bacher said that while his future 
plans are indefinite he may set up an., 
independent production unit on a 
free lance basis. He also has a yen 
to take a whirl at picture work. 

Although denying that he had been 
approached, W. B. Lewis, Columbia 
program director, is known to be in 
line for the Holly Hotel job,. He was 
offered the spot last year but turned 
it down, shortly after being made a 
vice-president of CBS. Frank Wood- 
ruff, Lux producer, was proferred 
the post some time ago but preferred 
to remain with the Thompson 
agency. 



Butler Univ. Adds Radio 

Indianapolis, July 13. 

Latest collegiate radio courses are 
at Butler University in Indianapolis. 
Charles H. Walters, speech instruc- 
tor of tlie school, in charge. 

Construction under way of a 
sound-proof recording and broad- 
casting studio. 



Pat Barnes'-WOR Deal 



Pat Barnes and WOR, New York, 
j have a deal on. Player will revive 
his Pat Barnes' Opry House starting 
July 22 on a sustaining whirl. 

Barnes also has a commercial 
over WOR for Rabin cosmetics. 



Morris Hicks'^Smashup 

Indianapoli.r July 13. 

Short wave truck, being tested by 
Morris Hicks, .spieler at WIRE, put 
Hicks in the hospital, and got itself 
smashed up, by curling around a 
utility pole on Sunday ^4). Hick.^, 
who was driving the mobile unit, 
tried to swerve and avoid hitting 
another car, but wound up a victim. 

Indianapolis Power and Light Co., 
owner of the pole, also, owns WFBM. 
rival station here. 



Worren Brown Sponsored 

Chicago, July 13. 

Local Loan here signed Warren 
Brown, .sports editor Hearst's Herald 
& Examiner, for a daily 15 minute 
beforc-the-ball-game chatter period, 
to be aired on WJJD, with Brown 
free to leave out any mention of Ln- 
cal Loan in both his air or newi--- 
paper copy. 

Handled direct, and makes the 
second tie-up between station and 
Hearst paper, (he other being a 15 
minute daily .pi-ogram sponsored by 
the daily's want-ad section. 



40 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesdny, July 14, 1937 



YOUNG (AND WORKING) MUSICIANS VIEW 
ANTI-RADIO DISC POLICY UNFAVORABLY? 



See Transcription Attacks Tough to Carry Through 
—Rap Harry Fox Proposal as Fostering Union's 
*Dole* System 



Any attempt by the American 
Pederation ot Musicians to adjust 
the program library situation 
through the acceptance of contribu- 
tions lor the various locals' unem- 

>l>loyment funds will be strongly 
coAtesfed by the , Internationals 
yotinger members. Latter feel that 
such solution would only serve to 
aggravate the dole system which, 
they contend, has made the union a 
profitable resort for many thou- 
sai)ds of men. and women who can 
never hope to earn a living by their 
instruments. 

It has been suggested by Harry 
Fox, -gen. mgr. of the Music Pub- 
lishers' .Protective Association, that 
the. maQUfacturers ot ' transcription 
litoaries undertake to stave off any 
action ageinst them by the APM by 
agreement to tack on a 'union allow- 
ance' to the monthly fee charged a 
station for the Ubrary. This 'allow- 
ance' would go to the unemployment 
fuiid of the local musiclajis' tmion. 

Younger (and working) element 
in the AFM see in this plan nothing 
but ianother stroke to make it pos- 
sible for the non-active musicians to 

. iivie on the toil on others. Former 
claim that as union taxes now stand 
they are paying, a substantial share 
of their incomes to the ' unemploy- 
ment coffers and that by ' making 
thousands, of dollars available from 
transcriptions to. these same funds 
the international union would tend 
to encourage the unemployable 

, members to refrain' from, seeking 
work in other fields. 

YrHy Tbey Don't Like It 
This young vihion blood believes 
that nothing effectual will come 
from, -the maneuvering of the AFM 
executive board on the transcription 
issue. They . can't see the ; interna- 
tional forcing the smaller, stations 
to employ musicians or in any way 
increasing their expenses since the 
imion would find itself faced with 
the serious piroblem of tackling local 
politics. 

Many of the 100-watters, they 
point out, are strictly operated from 
the viewpoint of civic, pride, or as 
a mouthpiece for the local mayor or 
Congressman, when he runs for of- 
fice or has something to say to his 
constituents. All that one of these 
outlets would have to do is com- 
plain to these politicians that a 
union is trying to jack up their ex- 
penses, when conditions of survival 
are tough enough as they are, and 
the union would find* itself the tar- 
get of a vicious attack. 

Manufacturers of recorded pro- 
gram libraries are looking with in- 
terest, but not with any qualms, to 
. . .the meeting which Joseph N. Weber, 
American. Federation of Musicians 
prez, has .called for July 26. Weber 
wants to discuss a new deal for 
transcriptions. His letter of invi- 
tation to the managers also advised 
them that union musicians would 
not be available to them after Aug. 
15. 

These library producers figure that 
the worst that, can happen is that 
the cost of production will go up, 
but not enough to make it impos- 
sible to carry through with their 
present station contracts. A sub- 
stantial number of these contracts 
with stations have been recently re- 
newed and the manufacturers can't 
see how the union by new regula- 
tions will presume to void commit- 
ments which have a year to go. 
Manufacturers have by their con- 
tracts agreed to furnish their sta- 
tion clients with so many recorded 
units a month, so that if any new 
regulations are imposed by. the AFM, 
the manufacturers figure, their date 
of effectiveness will be subsequent 
to present library contract corrimit- 
ments. 



Those Scientists 



Chicago, July 13. 
Science is being used by Prof. 
John DeBoar in his experi- 
ments to get reactions of kids 
to programs. Testing 1,800 by 
playing recordings while blood 
pressure and sweat machines 
are strapped on to - the- kids* 
arms. 

So far theory is that action 
doesn't hurt because the kids 
perspire, but that threats are 
no good, for blOod pressure ma- 
chine goes up. 



Agencies— Sponsors 



Tounff Rnblcam auditioning 
Ginger Dulo, swing singer, for the 
Walter O'Keefe (Sal Hepatica) pro- 
gram. 



Kellogg Grabs Ohio 



.Exclusive rights to the home 
games of Ohio State University were 
obtained by Kellogg last week. Deal 
was made ' at the same time .t/ith 
WBNS, ColumbuSi ta. carry the 
events. ■ 

N. W. Ayer handleil both contracts. 



Seatde Stations 
Film Presentation 
To Detroit Admen 



Detroit, July 13. 
With H. M. Feltis, commercial 
mgr., serving as host for the sta- 
tions, KOMO-KJR, Seattle, last 
week staged a newsreel presentation 
of this market and the stations to a 
group of Detroit agency execs at a 
luncheon in the Hotel Book-CadUlac. 

Film was divided into* two sec- 
tions, the first giving pictorial study 
of the Pacific northwest market, the 
stations and their personnel and 
facilities, while the second section 
dealt with the 21 leading industries 
in rthat area plus scenic shots. 

Motion pictut-es of the stations 
showed how the various members 
co-operate in creating an idea and 
seeing it through to program forth. 



MULTI-UNGUAL CHOIR 
ORGANIZED BY WDAS 



Warren andl Arthur Smadbeck 

(i-eal estate) on WMCA, N. Y,, spon- 
soring daily early a.m. 15-min. news- 
cast conducted by Allen Williams. 
Metropolitan Advertising placed. > 

Bowey's (milk) 'While City 
Sleeps' three-a-week 15. minute 
drama, signatured by Russell Comer 
ad agency, to return to air Aug. 12 
on WENR, Chicago- 

Drackett (Drano) have signed 
through Ralph Jones, Cincinnati ad 
agency for two-a-week dramatic 
show, 'Hello, Peggy,' to begin Aug. 
4. for NBC-Basic Red, 



Sinclair Oil has picked on a 15- 
ihihute news period across the bOard 
for a special caippaign in Chicago. 
It will be either Tom Harrington on 
WBBM or Donald McGibney on 
WMAQ. Federal is the agency. 



Jerry Crowley, formerly of Crow- 
iey-LaBrum agency, has opened 
offices in the Fidelity-Philadelphia 
Trust Building, Philly, for publicity, 
advertising and merchaodising. 



Williams Fur Shop has taken 'Pro- 
fessor. Yes -'n' No' ■ prbgram from 
WWSW, Pittsburgh, for 13 weeks 
starting July 27. Show, which was 
previously sponsored by Max. Azeri 
Furs, will hit the air Tuesday, 
Thursday and Saturday nights for 15 
minutes at 7:15 p.m. Accoimt placed 
by Collier-Tyson. 



Philadelphia Co. (utility) sponsor- 
ing symphonic pop concerts f rom- 
open-air bandstand in Schenley 
Park under baton of Victor Saudek 
on KDKA, Pittsburgh. It's a once- 
a-week shot for nine weeks, with 
sponsor taking only half an hour, 
from 7:30 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday 
night, of hour and half program. At 
end. of that time, Philadelphia com- 
pany, utilities, will resume its regu- 
lar Pittsburgh Varieties show. 
Placed by Bob McCarthy. 



Philadelphia, July 13. 

Joe Schreibman, stick swisher of 
WDAS house band, forming 60-voice 
international choir for use on sta- 
tion, which does large no-spika- 
Enjlish biz. Group can chirp in 
Yiddish, Polish, Ukranian, Italian 
and any other language in which 
salesmen can sell accounts. 

Members all contribbing time for 
love of the work. 



Bob Spence's 'Don't You Believe 
It' quarter-hour shows on KFRC, 
San Francisco, will be sponsored by 
Dr. H. F. Bernard on Saturday 
nights at 6:00 o'clock, PST, starting 
Aug. 14. Set . by J. H. Diamond 
agency." 



Warner Bros, has renswed five 
times a week half-hour spot on 
WWSW, Pittsburgh. Period, from 
11:30 a.m. to noon, is used to plug cir- 
cuit's shows in the district, with 
Johnny Mitchell playing, organ music 



Networks Ipore ASCAP Order 
Slapping Back at Enemy States 



LANNY ROSS SET FOR 
PACKARD IN FALL 



Lanny Ross has been set for the 
new Packard show which goes Into 
the account's present spot on the 
NBC red Sept. 7. 

Johnny Green will likely be re- 
tained as maestro. Young & Rubi- 
cam is still working on the other 
items of the fall program. 



Columbus Official Pick-Up 
For Mutual Temporarily 

Columbus, July 13. 

Although WHK, Cleveland, is 
handling the actual pick-up, WHKC 
here is the official origin of Mutual'a 
daily broadcasts from the Great 
Lakes Exposition. 

WHKC, now a member of the 
'Mutual network, will take the pro- 
grams from WHK and feed the chain, 
since the Cleveland station will net 
become a Mutual affiliate until Sep- 
tember. 

Bob French of the local station 
was in Cleveland last week to aid 
the WHK staff with final details. 



Major networks have ignored the 
order recently sent out by; the Amer- 
ican Society of Composers, Authors 
and Publishers bann^g them from 
releasing restricted musical numbers 
over station affiliates in the states 
which had passed anti-ASCAP legis- 
lation. Indications are that this or- 
der will be modified to some degree 
when E, C. Mills, chairman of 
ASCAP's administrative- committee, 
returns to New York next week. 

Webs hold that the enforcement 
of this request would make it neces- 
sary for them to keep a good many 
sustaining and commercial programs 
off stations in such states as Mon- 
tana, Washington, Nebraska and 
Florida. All these states have laws 
on the books restricting the opera- 
tions of the American Society. Net- 
works figure that half way measures 
by ASCAP against these states would 
only serve to complicate things for 
the program originating sources and 
that they should not be made to 
suffer through any of the Society's 
attempts at retaliation. 

Under the Society's contracts and 
the law the copyright owner has 
carte blanche in designating who 
should er should not play a restricted 
number. 



Calls lost Flayeif Air Evil 



L. Wolfe Gilbert, composer arid publisher, thinks that the networks 
should do something about pro teetlng listeners' fron^ being overloaded 
with exploited music. In letters addressed to William S. Paley and 
John Royal the past weekend Gilbert expressed alarm at ,t^e tend- 
ency of commercials to concentrate on the most played songs of the 
previous week and urged that NBC and Columbia concern them- 
selves more with, giving the right of way to music other than tliis 
'best 10', if it has merit. 

It is Gilbert's contention that set owners are not getting what they 
favor but the material which publishers by din of intense exploita- 
tion are able to force upoii them. 



McGILLVRA ADDS REGIONAL 

Eight Stations of New Oklahoma 
Network Appoint Sales Bep. 



Joseph' Hershey McGillvra has 
been appointed national sales repre- 
sentative for the Oklahoma regional 
network. McGillvra conferred with 
the directors, R. U. Porter, Tarns 
Bixby, Jr,. Joseph W. Lee and 
Albert Riesen in Oklahoma City last 
week. 

Organized three months ago, the 
regional maintains full A. Ti & T. 
wire loop. Is a unit on the Mutual 
network. Has never had a national 
sales rep. . • • 

Stations involved are KTOK, Okla- 
homa City; .KCRC, , Enid; KGFF, 
Shawnee; KBIX, Muskogee; KADA, 
Ada; KVSO, Ardmore; WBBZ, Ponca 
City, and KASA, Elk City. . 

Night time, base rate for loop Is 
$162 an hour. 



and Walt Framer retailing film news 
and gossip. During latter's, Coast 
vacation for month, regular WWSW 
announcers .are handling Framer 's 
chores. Placed direct. 



Pino BontempI, .opera tenor, tak- 
ing the name of Gino' Monti to 
warble a new series over WOV, New 
York, for Fratelli Branca Italian 
bitters. 



Street & Co. (Dodge, Plymouth 
autos), through Ruthrauf & Ryan, 
on KYA, San Francisco, with three 
quarter-hour transcribed programs 
weekly through Oct. 27. 



Simmons Co<, through J. Walter 
Thompson, New York, signed for 78 
100-word spot announcement's on 
KFRC, San Francisco, Aug. 22 to 
Nov. 19. 



Carter (liver pills), through Spot 
Broadcasting, New York, using 200 
transcribed spot announcements on 
KFRC, San Francisco, July 5 to Dec. 
31. Also 12 a week for four months 
on KSFO, San Francisco. 



United Air Lines, through J. 
Walter Thompson, Chicago, on 
KFRC, San Francisco, with 13 spot 
announcements thrice weekly 
through Aug. 3. 



Gallenkamp Stores Co. (shoes), 
through Long Advertising Service, 
Sari Francisco, using 92 100-word 
announcements on KFRC, ^an Fran- 
cisco, Aug. 1 to Oct. 31. 



Larus Bros. (Domino cigarettes), 

through B. B. D. & O., New York, 

placing quarter-hour transcribed 
program. 



Baldwin Laboratories (Dwin In- 
secticide), Saegertown, Pa., through 
Yount Co., spotting three announce- 
ments weekly for 13 weeks on 
KSPO, San Francisco. 



Maryland Pharmaceutical Co. 

(Rem-Rel), Baltimore, Md., through 
Joseph Katz, using announcements. 



Beaumont Labs (4-way cold tab- 
lets), St. Louis, Mo., through H. W. 
Kastor & Sons, Chicago, spotting 312 
announcements on KSFO, San Fran-- 
Cisco, over a six-month period. 



WIND Prog. Dir. to 0. 0. 
European Radio Systems 



Chicago, July 13. 
Six weeks' vacation is being given 
Ned Reglein, WIND program "di- 
rector, by his boss, Ralph Atlass, so 
that Reglein may trip to Europe to 
look over broadcasting systems 
there. 

Expects to cover England, Frarffce, 
Belgium and Austria, but to spend 
most of his time at British. Broad- 
casting Company • headqua'rters in 
London, and at Budapest radio. sta- 
tion. 



TED HUSING 
BOOTLEGGING 
AMYTH 



.Charge by NBC that Ted Husing. 
'bootlegged' its broadcast of Senior 
National A. A. U. Track and Field 
meet in Milwaukee July 3 are pooh- 
poohed by Husing and his side-kick, 
Jimmy Dolan. According to the two 
CBS sportscasters, they both saw 
Archio San Romahl take his tumble 
and Husing immediately stated the 
fact Over the air. When the inci- 
dent occurred, Dolah claims, he was 
watching the runners through bin- 
oculars,. He tucned to call Husing's 
attention to the fall, but the latter 
■^as' already announcing it to the 
listeners, Dolan says. , 

Spot from which the CBS broad- 
castfers covered the race was on the 
roof of a building adjoining the 
track. It afforded a clear view of the 
field, with the exception of one 
small spot on the track that was par- 
tially hiddOn by a tree. San Ro- 
mani's. spill, as explained by the CBS 
pair, was in the backstretch, at the 
far side "Of- the track, where the 
-view was entirely unobstructed. 

Both Husing and Dolan ridicule 
the assertion that they 'bootlegged' 
the NBC broadcast. "TJiey point, out 
that they and their engineers were 
perfectly visible to anyone on the 
ground and, that they coiUd easily 
have been detectied tuning in the 
CEfS airing. Also declare a loud- 
speaker reception of NBC's broad- 
cast would have registered on the 
CBS mike and been overheard by 
listeners. 'Bootlegging' of broad- 
casts is contrary to Federal regula- 
tions. 

Apparently Husing's previous as- 
sertion that he had to surround him- 
self with guards in Milwaukee to 
protect himself from NBC rough 
stuff is just one of those things. 
Neither Husing nor Dolan were in- 
clined to take it seriously after 
they'd cooled off . a few days later. 

Chances of a recurrence of the 
dog-fight tactics between the two 
networks are considered not too 
great for the next few weeks; Both 
are permitted in Palmer Stadium, 
Princeton, for the track meet next 
Saturday. Weightman Cup and Na- 
tional Singles tennis matches at 
Brookline, Mass., and Forest Hills, 
N. Y., respectively, are CBS ex- 
clusives and NBC will find it tough 
to crash, since the grounds of both 
clubs are comparatively inaccessible. 
National Amateur Golf at Portland, 
Ore., may bring some fireworks, but 
the America's Cup yacht races, the 
end of this month, are another wide- 
open affair and should involve little 
throat-slicing. 



GENE AND GLENN TO 
KELLOGG ON COAST 



Kellogg Co. will establish Gene 
and Glenn on the Wtist Coast this 
fall for a daily series. Discussions 
are on for the account to use Co- 
lumbia's California outlet, KNX, Los 
Angeles, and KSFO, San Francisco. 

Cereal packer last had the team 
working the Iowa -Nebraska terri- 
tory by way of the Corn Belt Wire- 
less Network. 



Open House at WMMN 

• Fairmont, W. Va., July 13. 

WMMN, Fairmont, W. Va., is stag- 
ing Open House Day in Fairmont 
and Clarksburg studios July 26 to 
stress the fact that the folks in the 
Monongahela Valley are always wel- 
corhe around the statioh. 

It will be open house also at the 
WMMN transmitter at Monongab, 
W. Va., five miles from Fairmont, 
with concerts by brass and har- 
monica bands. 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



41 



NEWS TOP FOR FAN MAIL 



42 



Inside Stii-Radio 



Boake Carter's outspoken attacks on union labor and particularly C. i: O. 
have,, in the opinion of the broadcasting trade, gone further and taiceii 
greater tisks than has any other commentator on any controversial subject 
in the past. """'^^ — ' 

. Much speculation . exists concerning the Carter campaign, its motives, 
the attitude of Philco, his sponsor, and the Columbia network. Carter 
has frankly abandoned news reporting for sheer editorializing. His at- 
tacks have beeii stinging, bold and passionate. These he has re-echoed in 
his newspaper syndicated column. 

Question that the broadcast trade Is puzzled at is the seeming disregard 
by Philco of the working, classes as a potential market for Philco receiving 
sets. 

Alexander Woollcott, in closing his series of twice-weekly broadcasts 
over CBS for Granger Tobacco, made a sweeping denial of reports that he 
was leaving the air because of 'censorship;* because he was 'cantankerous' 
and could not get along with his sponsor, or because of any ailment or 
breakdown. 



Not alleviating appreciably the plight of those dismissed from the WPA 
JMiO PPPject is the existence of seven diiferent unions within the group. 
This we^ 83.of the 204 members of the Project .draw their final pay. Cut 
'V^ft^ du&'t^appropriation lessening by Congress, 30% of the actors and 50% 
..,af-t}}e.^titrtiini5trative stafE getting the axe. 

JSew.ea .linions are constantly nulling around each other, antagonizing 
luid wrestling with each other and disagreeing over plans for trying to 
effect cancellation of the cut order. 

There are members of the Radio Project belonging to City Projects' 
Council, Writers' Union, Musicians' Local 802, Equity, Supervisors' Council, 
Theatre Press Agents* Union and the Federation of Architects, Engineers, 
. Technicians and Chemists.. . ^ 

With virtually everyone in the group a member of and sympathizing 
with one particular organization, the outfit is in a turmoil. Some want 
to journey to Washington and picket the White House. Others want to 
wage their fight against the cuts in New York, while still others want to 
play-down the rumpus-making for fear their antics will arouse adverse 
public opinion which may react more drastically against the WPA. 



Chicago Blackett-Sample-Hummert agency is switching over to a policy 
of names for at least one of its across-the-board script shows. Dorothy 
Gish and Harold Vermilyea get the lead in the 'Couple Next Door' pro- 
gram. Miss Gish and Vermilyea take over the roles previously handled by 
Dolores Gillen and Olan Soule. Switchover takes place next Monday (19). 
yerinilyea was recently seen in Chicago in 'Boy Meets Girl.' 

In aU, the B-S-H new policy marks a first time for the spotting of 
names in the day tune hours which had previously been filled only with 
non-name dramatic shows for the most part, it demonstrates the increas- 
ingly tough competition among daytime shows. 



Major Bowes has a special motorcar job done for him on his specifica- 
tions by his radio sponsor, Chrysler. Bus is nearly the size of a Pullman 
car, and has all. manner of gadgets, conveniences and amusements with 
the possible exception of a bowling .alley. 

Last year Gov. Harry Wbinna Nice of Maryland, gave Bowes some hon- 
orary license tags labeled 'Md. 1.' The Emir of the Amateurs uses 'em 
for regular use on his cars, despite the fact that he is not a resident of 
Maryland, but of New York. And, incidentally, the tags Bowes uses are 
only honorary, not on regular file or listing in Maryland, where legiti- 
mate tags start at the number 10,000. 



Newest gag show on the Coast is Jack Runyan's 'Swap Shop.' ln which 
persons who have articles to barter are called to the mike and handed a 
check -for their appearance. Runyan tried it out on a Hollywood audience 
last week with favorable results. Show is gauged for laughs, with articles 
peddled around being a goat, dog, parrot and rowing machine. When show 
hits the air, 10 letters will be singled oiit from incoming mail and writers 
will be caUed in for the swapping. Choice will be made of those who 
have the most interesting items to swap. Dialers will be in on the swap, 
the Idea of bringing traders to the stage being for the laughs that can be 
■wrung from the situations. 



WOR, New York, and Neflf-Rogow agency were making grimaces at one 
another for a while last week but it all ended peacefully. Publicity anent 
WOR's proposed classical dramatizations with Orson Wells of legit prompt- 
ed a bleat from agency that they had similar program idea and had used 
WOR studios to audition. Station explained that actually Alfred WaUen- 
stein and Orson Wells had huddled on matter a year ago and that any 
similarity to Neff-Rogow proposal was coincidence. Agency partners, both 
jalumni of WOR, accepted detailed explanation and everything's again 
palsy-walsy. 



, In the case of WLW, Cincinnati, the cost of its telephone air lines is less 
than that asked it for cirsuit mileage. For a local channel hookup in that 
town the telephone company aisks $3.50 for the first quarter mile and $1.25 
each additional quarter mile or fraction thereof per month. It's half this 
amount for a week or less, and in either instance there's an installation 
charge of . $10. 

WLW and WSAI, the Crosley sister station, have local network, facilities 
■which provide for a fiat rate on circuits through metropolitan Cincinnati, 
the new rate having become effective Jan. 15 of this year. 



Cheerio is, for the first time, air-tabbing himseK under his real name, 
Charles K. Field, on an emcee-announcer assignment for American Radi- 
ator Co.'s 'Fireside Recitals,' Sunday night quarter-hour over the NBC 
red rim. 

During 10 years of broadcasting a morning program over a large string 
of NBC stations, Field used the 'Cheerio' tag. He did likewise on his first 
commercial last winter, for Sonotone over NBC. Web press releases re- 
peatedly pictured Cheerio as 'the man whoise identity is never revealed.' 



Influence of radio editors is said to be a prime factor for some of the 
changes being made in General Mills Columbia hour, beginning Monday 
<19), and particularly the switch to four standard 15-minute periods. 

Formerly, on alternate days, show came in five sections, and because 
pf the odd-minute starts, newspapers were unable to give complete list- 
ings. Squawks on public because listings weren't there brought about the 
ire of the editors, and so, for betterment of everybody concerned, Blackett- 
Sample-Hummert decided to make everything quarter hours. 



Lenox Lohr, NBC prez, had about 400 at a July 4th fireworks display on 
nis estate in.Tarrytown. Originally intended for the edification of his five 
children, the idea of inviting NBC employes appealed to Lohr. Many 
came early and picnicked on the grounds before night felL 




[ 'BmS' III WHBC, Detroit, ContngeiiCT Deal With 



ITEMS WORDING 



About 70% of Letter- Writ- 
ers Have Prejudiced View- 
point and See Others 
Prejudiced Other Way 



HEAR WRONG 



News broadcasting^ has produced 
what station men rate as the most 
violent and persistent type of letter 
writer among listeners.. While a 
commentator of the . Boake Carter 
classification may be bitterly assailed 
for his 'reactionary'" views) the pur- 
veyors of straight news find them- 
selves in .the position of having to 
.take it from . either side. In a flurry 
of letters brought on by the same 
item of news there will be a batch 
charging that the item was phrased 
to favor the pro camp and another 
scoring the broadcast source for giv- 
ing succor to the opposition. 

Two issues that have established 
records for the. critical mailbags are 
the reorganization Of the U. S. Su- 
preme Court and the growth of the 
Committee for Industrial Organiza- 



Another Round 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
'Governor Harold Hoffman, of 
New Jersey, lost a round laist 
Wednesday in his $100,000 libel 
suit against Boake Carter. Hoff- 
' man's claim is based on the 
commentator's criticism over 
the air of his handling of the 
Hauptmann case. 

Court of Error and Appeal, 
the State's highest bench, meet- 
ing at Trenton, affirmed the ac- 
tion of the Supreme Court in 
dismissing summonses on CBS 
and Philco. Court held that 
Philco could not be legally 
served because it is not licensed 
to do business in New Jersey 
and that Columbia had not been 
legally ^lerved. It reserved de- 
cision as to whether the net- 
work could, be served in Jersey, 
however. 



tlon. The general refrain of con- 
demnation has been that the news- 
casts fail to present the other side. 
Most of the letters particularize, 
such as pointing out that too much 
importance was attached to a certain 
argument of the pros or the opposi- 
tion, or that the item was unfair in 
that it left out reference to the 
speech made the same day by some 
political, industrial or union worthy. 

It is no uncommon thing for the 
listener-writer to preface his squawk 
with the observation that whereas 
newspapers, because of their avowed 
political or economic alliances, are 
expected to weave their own inter- 
pretations or bents into the news 
radio should be entirely free of bias. 
Heads of the news services catering 
to broadcasting aver that all this 
criticism is unfounded and ascribe 
a goodly portion of it to the heat 
and fanaticism which public questions 
frequently arouse. 

Herbert IVfoore, Transradio News 
Service prezAstates his organization 
has made it ¥ policy to try to keep 
the flow of viewpoints involving a 
current issue on an even keel. He 
holds that it is often impossible to 
obtain a counter argunieht or answer 
immediately and that while the news 
item at the noon broadcast may sound 
one-sided the chances are that things 
will be evened up for the other side 
when the station gets around to its 
next newscast. 

70% Prejudiced 

After much reading of critical 
mail on newscasting, Moore has de- 
veloped the theory that 70% of the 
squawkers are prejudiced toward 
one siide or the other, that 20% 
hadn't heard the dispatch clearly and 
subsequently formed an erroneous 
impression and that the remaining 
10% don't listen enough to the daily 
flow of news broadcasts to appre- 



Soap Brand; Pay Based on Sales Hypo 



Fan Mail Suspected 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
Danny Watkins, colored por- 
ter at WDAS, almost wOu him- 
self a regular gabbing berth at 
the station until he tipped him- 
self off. 

As result of bet with Geiwral 
Manager Pat Stanton on Louis- 
Braddock tiff, Danny was al- 
lowed to announce One. half 
hour program being remoted 
from sepia nitery. Turned out 
not too bad and Stanton was 
<^mpressejl withr batch of post- 
cards received next day — until 
he noted cards were all mailed 
from same box. 

Danny's still totin' transcrip- 
tions and messages^ 



BANKERS END 
USE OF RADIO 



Association of Banks will pull in its 
ether institutional advertising horns 
after the broadcast over CBS of. 
Aug. 6. That date winds up the 
contract and it will not be renewed. 

Program at present, Friday nights, 
10 to 10:30, has Ferde Grofe's 
orchestra and vocalists. During last 
winter the Philly Symph, batonned 
by Eugene Ormandy, held the helm. 

It is understood that the banking 
houses sponsoring the program have 
coqicluded that they have done as 
much as is orally possible to win 
back the confidence of the public, 
ahd hence might as well shave the 
broadcasting expense off their good- 
will budgets. Network spread over 
39 Columbia stations cost an approxi- 
mate $6,000 per -week for time and 
facilities. Talent - costs ballooned 
the expenses much more. 



SPONSORED <AT PARK; 
SUSTAINING ON AIR 



Columbus, July 13.; 
Standard Oil Co. of Ohio is bank- 
rolling 25rpiece symphony for series 
of 10 Sunday night concerts at Qlen- 
tangy Park. Abram Ruvinsky is di- 
recting, with local guest artists 
scheduled. Admission is by tickets 
handed out gratis at oil cOmpany 
stations. 

WHKC is airing the entire series 
on a sustaining basis, with no men- 
tion of the oil company on the air. 



Labhar, Wiseman on Flyer 

Chicago, July 13. 
Bert Labhar and Bill Weisman of 
WMCA, New York, planed • into 
town last week for some business 
confabs with their rep here. Hay 
Linton. 

With Linton set a couple of time 
deals to start early in September. 



ciate the matching of one viewpoint 
against, the other. 

Another class of letter writer 
which is making itself more and 
more noticeable in connection with 
news broadcasting has to do with the 
listeners who must express their 
personal reactions to the behavior of 
the personalities in the daily news 
grist. The vast majority of these 
writers are women. During the 
height of the Edward-Wallis pother 
there was a mass of mail from 
women taking the newscasters to 
task for stressing the beauty and wit 
of the bride-to-be and insisting that 
they stop referring to her as a rep- 
resentative of American woman- 
hood. 

Like deluge of mail criticism fol- 
lowed the initial reports of the 
Amelia Earhart disappearance. The 
gist of this backwash was that in- 
stead of flying around the world she 
should have stayed home and made 
it comfortable for her husband. 



E. J. Hunt Co., midwest merchan-r 
dising counsellors, controlling a 
slice of WMBC, Detroit 100-wattei5.5g., 
has in effect one of radio's oddest 
deals on a commercial broadcast. 

Company has tied up Iowa Soap 
on a merchandising arrangement" 
whereby the product is plugged 
over WMBC with the payoff a per- 
centage of Iowa's intake from the 
number of bars Sold in Dietroit. 

Hunt' sold soap manufacturer on 
Stunt, backing ut broadcast ballyhoo 
with a merchandising campaign that 
inclMdes spo^btlog 2,000 display' 
stands in as many Detroit stores. 
Hunt also handles the distribution 
of the product; if a merchant ex- 
hausts suddenly his supply of soap, 
he can get a quick delivery of fresh 
stock by phoning the station. 

Deeming the idea successful in 
that there are now. shipped into De- 
troit 30 carloads weekly of Iowa 
cleaning cakes where only one was 
used before the radio campaign 
started its merchandising, WMBC, is 
now contacting other manufacturers 
on the plan. One stipulation made 
is that any product taken on must 
have negligible sales and distributor- 
ship in Michigan. Preferable are 
products unintroduced in the re- 
gion* : 



RADIO SHOWS 
SHAKESPEREAN 
ACTORS HOW 



llollywood, July 13. 
■ John Swallow, Hollywood man- 
ager for NBC, has rigged up an appa- 
ratus, a fence-like affair, that keeps 
actors in the Shakespeare series at 
the proper distance from the mike. 
Control room lads isay there's been 
too much of tendency on the part of 
the thesps to either crowd the mouth- 
piece or stray too far. Swallow's 
corral keeps them confined so that 
their voices are pitched at the right 
distance. 

Another advantage pointed out is 
that in being -shoved around the 
actors lose the dramatic mood of the 
moment and naturally their per- 
formances suffer. Mike hangs sus- 
pended and players walk in and out 
through an opening. Contraption is 
looked on with favor by other pro- 
ducers, especially in cases where 
performers are not seasoned radio 
workers. 



IF THINGS (K) WRONG 
YOU MUSTN'T CUSS 



St, Paul, July 13. 
Dr, Jean Piccard, famed strato- 
sphere scientist, was put through 
his examination paces here Satur- 
day (10) when he popped up at the 
local Federal Communications Com- 
mission office to apply for a third- 
class radio telephone operator's li- 
cense. 

Permit Is needed for the prof's 
operation of a two-way radio tele- 
phone from the multiple balloon in 
which he plans soon to make an 
ascension from Rochester, Minn. 
Strangely enough, the exam dealt 
not with radio technicalities, but 
with such rules as not to use pro- 
fane or indecent language while 
aloft, 

Robert M. Silliman, formerly as- 
sociated with Dr. Piccard in strato- 
sphere research at the University of 
Minnesota, and now an inspector in 
the St. Paul F.C.C. office, conducted 
the quiz, with C. W. Loeber, com- 
missioner, , in charge. 



42 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



RADIO SHOWMANSHIP 

Attention-Getters, Tie-Ups, Ideas 



Outstanding Stunts: 



'COMPLAINTS, INC 
WHK, CLEVELAND 



about the co-operating newspapers 
and the small towns and cities where 
they are published. By system of 
rotation each burg is brought into 
the spotlight with its newspaper and 
by the same plan WHIG is kept in 
he spotlight in the news columns 
of the smaller papers. 



Telling: City Hall 

Cleveland. 
'Complaints, Incorporated,' is one 
of the most popular, novelties on 
WHK. Provides an outlet for comr 
• plaints of Clevelauders. Listeners 
telephone their complaints to Miss 
Bunny Osboriie, who takes the calls 
itvover a phone in the studio, "niey 
are then read over the air by Guy 
Wallace, and passed along to vari- 
ous city officials for action. Most 
of the complaints deal with ruts in 
streets, clogged sewers, uncollected 
garbage, noisy children, dangerous 
intersections and placement of street 
■ lights. The program is aired daily. 



The Stag: Line 

Buffalo. 

Vic Campbell is running a new 
WGR Sunday afternqon program 
called 'The Stag Line/- Opening an- 
nouncement asks wbtnen to g€t away 
from the radio, as tbi^ is lor men 
only. ' V X » 

Then th« boys give the razz to fe- 
male hair, h^ts and habits. Camp- 
bell interviews a typical man-about- 
town as well as a he-man in a he- 
m'9n job such as riveters and bridge 
buUders. . ■ ^ 

Male quartet offers transcribed, 
robust songs tuad there's always an 
adventure story and a human in- 
terest yafn with a spopts slant. No 
traveling salesmen so far. 



WCKT Women's Clab Tie-Up 

"Cincinnati. 
WCKY is coroperating with 91 
women's organizations in this area 
to publicize, the ttqrd bi-annual 
Greater Cincinnati Woman's Expo^ 
sition, to be held Nov. 10 to 17 in 
Music Hall. Each Wednesday, be- 
ginning July 14, Mrs, Eugenia M. 
Thorpe, executive secretary, of the 
eitposltion, will be heard inteirview 
ing hfeads of 'Women's clubs in i 
forenoon 15-minute program on the 
station, 

. Vox Popping: t1>e Moterlsls 

Louisville. 

WGRC, touisville's youngest sta 
tion, nurturinjf much good-will and 
building up prestige daily, with a 
safety tie-up, enlisting the co-opera- 
tion of the Pepartment of Safety. 

'Inquiring Traffic Policeman' is 
title of 15-minute stanza aired daily 
at 10:30 a.m. from location on Fourth 
Street, town's main stem. Capt. N. 
L. Young of the Polibe Departoient, 
does the spieling, and interveiws mo- 
torists and pedestrians relative to 
the . traffic situation.- Interviewees 
are .urged to suggest improvements 
In methods of handling traffic, and a 
touch of comedy is injected when 
visitors from out-state burgs are 
: queried anent traffic, regulations. 
Many of the persons interviewed are 
from remote dirt-road communities, 
and wholly unconversant with city 
traffic regulations. ■.. . 



. Hoop-RoUinf Contest 

St. Paul. 

KSTP has a 'Hoop Rollers* Club 
of the Air* reeled off- thrice weekly 
during the Children's Hour. 

Program is devoted to telling the 
juves how they can get the hoops— 
and "what to do with them after 
they've got 'em. Whole idea is cli- 
maxed by a Twin Cities hoop-rolling 
contest on August 14. 

Sponsor furnishes a giant ring 
and contest entry blank with, each 
can of java, Prizes in the finals in- 
clude everything • from a camera to. 
a rag doll. 

Deaf Convention on Air 

Atlanta. 

Spotting convention of Georgia 
Ass'n for Deaf going on on Ansley 
Hotel Roof, which adjoins studios of 
WGST, Frank Gaither, horned in on 
sessions, became friendly with mutes, 
accepted invitation to address them 
through an. interpreter and finally 
figured out a way to get the sound- 
less convention on the air. 

Using interpreter, Mrs. M. M. Sim- 
mons, daughter of mute parents, 
Gaittier interviewed Roy B. Conk- 
ling, of Versailles, Ohio, editor of 
Aineiriean Deaf Citizen, who can't 
hear, but cap talk. Stunt was novel 
and made a hit with convention 
delegates. 

Blue-blooded Dog: Club 

Denver, July 13. 
Organizing blue-blooded dog own- 
ers into a club is being tried by 
KLZ. Plans call for a Club, members 
of which, must own a registered do^ 
Children between 7 and 16 are eli- 
gible. A Weekly broadcast by Chris- 
topher Cusack, Denver socialite, will 
tell youngsters how to join the club 
and care lor their pets. . 

Once a month meetings will be 
held and once a year it is planned to 
hold a dog show for members only. 
An ei^pert on- dog affairs, such as 
training, etc., will talk at the monthly 
meetings. Membership cards will be 
issued to make the stunt official. 



When Newspapers Are Icy 

■ ; Greensboi^o, N. C. 

Denied even the . mention of its 
name in daily newspapers of its 
home town, WBIG,. in Greensboro, 
has developed some novel and effec- 
tive ways to get t>ublicity other than 
over its own air lines. Newspaper 
antagonism to radio has gone fur- 
ther in Greensboro, perhaps, than in 
any other city , of 70,000 or there- 
abouts In the nation. 

It has gone so far, in fact, that in 
news columns of the NeWs and Rec- 
ord, moriiing and afternoon sheets 
published by the same concern and 
having a monopoly on the . daily 
field, the word radio- is never men- 
tioned. Even when the President 
of the United States is addressing the 
people of the nation, reviews of his 
speech are made without a syllable 
to indicate the address Was made 
over the air. 

Holding that 'a picture is worth a 
thousand words,' Edney Ridge, man- 
ager of WBIG, has- tackled his pub- 
licity problem along that line and in 
handsome frames, four by six feet, 
he has placed autographed prints of 
his local and CBS performers. With 
suitable placards, scores of these 
miniature galleries have been placed 
in public buildings, art centers, 
schools and colleges, department 
stores, radio stores, other co-operat- 
ing business housed, weekly news- 
paper offices in the section, else- 
where. 

If the daily papers won't co- 
operate in mutual publicity, the 
weeklies will, says Ridge, and tells 
of WBIG's Good Neighbor program 
in which ^3 weekly, semi-weekly and 
tri-weekly papers in WBIG territory 
take active part in and give consist- 
ent public attention to WBIG Good 
Neighbor broadcasts twico each 
week, at 5 p. m. on Tuesday and Fri- 
days. Naturally the program mate- 
rial is rich 'with facis and fancies 



Shaliespearian Tie-Up 

St. Louis. 

KMOX is conducting active cam' 
paign to publicize CBS Shakesperian 
series. On Monday (12) members of 
the Tercentenary Shakespearian So^ 
ciety met in KMOX-Columbia play 
hbuse, where Arthur Casey, station's 
asst. program director and vet of 
stage, lectured on Shakespearian 
drama. Later net's first production, 
'Hamlet' was heard over auditorium's 
speaker. Station has contacted 
Shakespearian societies, , literary, 
dramatic clubs, etc., in Missouri and 
Illinois, and much interest is shown 
in series. 

Central library here permitted in 
stallation of a large case in which 
photos of stars in current produc 
tion are displayed. Library execs 
also have consented to permit posters 
ballying series being placed in 18 
branches throughout city. 

Stunt Spurt at WCAU 

Philadelphia. 
Last Friday (9), Philly's hottest 
day of the year. Ken Stowman of 
WCAU had' 300-pound cake of ice set 
on sidewalk in front of station on 
busy, sweltering Chestnut street. Bob 
Trout, Columbia gabber, who hap 
pened to be in town, donned bath- 
ing suit, beach robe and slippers and 
sat himself on the ice with a mike 
He interviewed passers-by for 15 
minutes about their views on the ter 
rific heat. Attempt was made to bor 
(Continued on page 59) 



llrmgUpMrs.FJ>.R/$Air 
Charity as Tax Question 
But Treasury Gives Okay 



Washington, July 13. 
Radio contracts of Mrs. Franklin- 
D. Roosevelt were assailed as allow- 
ng tax dodging last week at wind-up 
learing before the Congressional 
committe investigating tax evasion. 
Treasury Department revealed, how- 
ever, that agreements by which her 
compensation for sponsored appear- 
ances went to charity were entirely 
legal. 

Selby Shoe Co, contract under 
which the First Lady put on 10 
jroadcasts was called to the cohi- 
mittee's attention by Representative 
Hamilton Fish, Jr., Republican 
Congressman from the district where 
the Roosevelt's have their legal 
residence. Pact was framed so Mrs. 
Roosevelt could duck income taxes 
and get around provisions of the 
Internal Revenue Laws limiting the 
amount, of gifts which can be de- 
ducted from taxable income, Fish 
alleged. None of the. Committeemen 
agreed with his accusation, and 
Treasury officials -were represented 
as having said the arrangement was 
•horoughly in accord with the 
statutes. 

Un^er the agreement, First Lady 
got nominal sum of $1 from Selby 
while $3,0e0-per-broadcast stipend 
went direct to the American Friends 
Service Committee of Philadelphia. 
Commission of $1,000 was paid Myles 
F. Lasker, who toed the deal, and 
$400 of this sum was turned over to 
Nancy Cook, pal of Mrs. R. 

By this arrangement; President's 
wife side-stepped provision of law 
preventing deduction of more than 
15% of total income on account of 
donations to charitable agencies. 
Fish 'charged, adding that same deal 
was negotiated for her appearance 
for other sponsors. Total income 
from radio bookings, M of which 
went to the Philadelphia group, 
estimated at $100,000. 



Allied Advertising: Agency, San 
Francisco, served cocktails to local 
radio scribes to celebrate opening of 
new offices. Firm handles radia 
exclusively. 



Those Talks Go On 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
Initial exploratory huddle into 
faU music-radio set-up for Philly 
went off smoothly Friday (9) in the 
office of Dr. Leon Levy, prexy of 
WCAU. However, Musicians* Local 
and execs of city's three major out 
lets are still wide apart. Another 
gabfest on the same order has been 
set for July 21. ' 

Confreres in Levy's nifty air-coii 
ditioned suite were . A. A. Tomei, 
Union prei; Rex Riccardi, Union sec 
retary; Israel- Saffron, union v, p. 
Joe Levy, Union exec boarjd; Leslie 
Joy and Jiames Begley, KYW general 
manager and program . director, re- 
spectively; Don Withycomb, WFIL 
general manager; and Doc Levy for 
his station. 



Cubs-Cincy Game Off 

Chicago, July 13. 

Mutual's announced intentions of 
airing the Ciibs-Cincinnati baseball 
game Monday (19), were nixed by 
baseball officials last week. Was to 
have been carried by WIND, rather 
than by WGN, Chicago Tribune sta- 
tion, the regular MBS outlet, making 
the third year for WIND to do game 
Rather than break -precedent, WIND 
will handle it exclusively, taking it 
off wire. 

Scheduled from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m 
CDST, and announcing will be done 
by Russ Hodges. . 



WPA s Anti'Wastebasket Layout 



Anxious to establish its 'importance as an art project,' the. WPA 
radio setup has put together a large layout of clippings concerning 
it, largely scissored from Variety. 

WPA lads 'n' lassies have pasted up all the yarns published on its 
doings since Project's inception in April,- 1936. Clippings are on a 
scale-drawn map of the U. S. to designate group's, national scope of 
operations, and map is oh a triple-thick cardboard. 

Notices are to be sent to WPA headquarters In Washington. The 
size Of the qardboard was selected to make the map 'appropriate' 
for hanging on the wall in one of the big-wig's offices. The cardboard 
was purposely made triple-thick so it can't easily be crushed and 
thrust into a wastebasket ujpon receipt. 



Pacific Coast Radio Notes 



Manager WUbnr Eickelberff of 

KFRC, San Francisco, planed home 
after N.A.B. and to New York— chin 
with Mutual execs. 



Preiiy Wesley Damm of Associ- 
ated -Broadcaster, owner of KSFO, 
San Francisco, and Mrs. Dumm home 
alter a- two-months* cruise to the 
Orient. 



Mort Wem«, 'singing announcer^ 
at KJBS, San Francisco, back at the 
mike after a busman's holiday iii 
Southern California, during -which 
he made several guest appearances. 



Fred Henry now an announcer- 
producer at KJBS, San Francisco. 
Formerly at KNX, Hollywood. 



rwi Lftsky of KSFp, San Fran- 
cisco, 'O.o.'d Yellowstone With Mrs. 
Lasky on his way home from Chi- 
cago by motor. 



New voices at NBC's San Fran- 
cisco studios include those of Lil- 
lian Collins, actress who was picked 
for a new role in Hal Burdick's 'Dr. 



VFBL Salutes Bislwp 



Syracuse, July 13. 

WFBL will feed the New York 
State network the broadcast in 
honor of installation of the Right 
Rev. Charles E. Foery, of Buffalo, 
as Bishop of Syracuse. Jack Shan 
non, onetime program director at 
WFBL, will be a vocalist on the 
broadcast. 

Shannon, now in New York where 
he is under contract to Columbia 
Artists; Inc., and on several CBS sus 
tainers, is a pre-law student at Man 
hattan College. 



Kate' serial, and Lucille Squires, 
hill nelly who is yodeling with 
Charles Marshall and his Mavericks. 



Jim Cosgrbve, account exec at 
KJBS, San Francisco, has resigned 
to enter agericy business. 



Dick • Newton, whose Hastings 
Clothing commercial signed off 
KGO and KPO, San Francisco, last 
week, remains at the NBC studios 
for a series 'of sustainers. 



lAoranee L. Cross, -Whfose -'Cross- 
cuts from the Log o' the Day' is a 
daily sustainer at NBC, 'San 'Fran- 
cisco, is vacashing July 10 to Aug. 9 
at Pinecrest, Cal. Archie Presby, net- 
work mikeman, subbing for Cross 
on his morning stints. 



Juanlta Jordan, former secretary" 
at KGU, Honolulu, and Henry C. 
Putnam, mikeman and account exec 
at KGMB, recently married. 



Earl Nielson has been named man- 
ager of KHBC, Kilo; Hawaii. For- 
merly manager of KOY, Phoenix, 
Ariz. J.- Ho-ward Worrall, business 
manager of KGMB, Honolulu, ac- 
companied Nielson, his wife and son 
to Hawaii. 



Sports announcer Harry Le Roy 
at KGGC, San Francisco, has the 
flu. Bill Grove miking for him. 



Eleanor Jackson, ex-KMTR, Los 
Angeles, added to the staff of KGGC, 
San Francisco,* as commentator, do- 
ing a half -hour show Friday nights 
which is also aired by KLS, Oakland 
affiliate of KGGC. 



W. A. Erlckson, Jr., is set to join 
KGMB, Honolulu, as operator-an- 
nouncer and assistant to the chief 
engineer. Erickson has been at 
KDON, Monterey, Cal. 



John P. Medbury writing Olsen 
and Johnson's material for Richfield. 



Bill McKinnon Too Busy 

Columbus, July 13. 
Bill McKinnon bowed out as com- 
mentator for the Columbus Red Bird 
baseball games last week, being re- 
placed by Jonh F. Ncblolt, who will 
continue the at-home and away 
broadcasts for Wheaties and Socony- 
Vacuum on WBNS. Neblett, who 
comes here from KWK, St. Louis, 
will also handle the sti-eet reporter 
and other announcing chores for 
WBNS. 

Pressure of other work on McKin- 
non's time — he's sports editor of The 
Columbus Dispatch— was given ac 
the reason for the change. He con- 
tinues with WBNS" as a daily sports 
commentator, taking over the spot 
formerly occupied by Jim Durfee 
for Sir Walter Raleigh. 



Francis X. Bnshman checked off 
KFI (Los Angeles) 'Hollywood Ex- 
tra On the Air' after launching it 
several months ago. 



Diana Bourbon taking two weeks 
layoff from production duties on the 
Murray-Oswald show." Louella Par- 
sons also taking time out from Hol- 
lywood Hotel for a European jaunt. 



Donald Thornburgh back at his 
disk at KNX (Hollywood) after east- 
ern biz trip and call at the home 
office on CBS. 



Showmanship C alendar 



August, 1937 



(Showmanship being largely dependent on stunts, 
tie-ups, etc., in connection with established holidays 
and events, Variety herewith presents a calendar for 
the month of 'August. This, calendar is published 
monthly from material copyrighted by the Wafionol 
Drug Goods 'Assn.). 

Special Weeks During AuffUst 

National Display Week, beginning Aug. 3; spon- 
sored by the International Association of Display Men, 
De Soto. Hotel, St. Louis, Mo. 

Special Days During August 

(I) Colorado joined the Union, 1876. 

(3) Germany declared war on England and France, 
1914. 

(4) Birthday of Percy Bysshe Shelley, 1792. 
(6) Birthday of Alfred Lord Tennyson, 1809. 

(9) Birthday of Francis Scott Key, 1780. 

(10) Missouri joined Union, 1821. 

(II) Fulton's steamboat, the 'Claremont,' rode the 
Hudson from New York to Albany, 1807. 



(12) Sewing machine patents granted to j. M. 
Singer and A, B. Wilson, 1851. 

(13) Occupation day in the Philippines. 

(15) Opening of the Panama Canal, 1914; birthday 
of Sir Walter Scott, 1771. 

(16) Battle of Bennington (celebrated in Vermont). 

(17) First Atlantic cable message, 1858. 

(22) Birthday of Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1809. " 
(26) Woman Suffrage established via 19th amend- 
ment, 1920. 



Sales promotion note: Auirust accounts, on the 
averae:e, for 7% of the year's total department store 
sales, ranking ninth among all months; best sellers 
are furs and furniture (best month of the year for 
both), tires, domestics, blankets, junior and misses* 
coats, lugrgage, domestic floor coverings, and piece 
goods. 



Harry MaizUsh took Tommy Bond 
to Frisco for a chat .with his spon- 
sors. Moppet cavorts on Gus Ed- 
ward's schooldays skit over KFWB 
(Hollywood). 



Benay Venuta motoring in from 
the east on projected radio and pic- 
ture deals. . 



Vera Oldham .joined the script 
crew on Showboat in Hollywood. 



Herschel Williams dropped off con- 
siderable avoirdupois getting Show- 
boat tied up at KFWB (Hollywood.). 



Winifred Dunn and Hal Swartz 
passing the summer in Hollywood 
and readying 'The Unbelievable' for 
a network nibble. 



George Fischer, Mutual's film gos 
siper, dared old Sol and took a bat- 
ing on the epidermis. 



Sandy Cummings seconding Her- 
schel Williams in the Hollywood 
Benton & Bowles office. . 



Raymond Paige the envy of Hol- 
lywood mob . on those warmish 
nights. He bunks on his yacht. 



Meredith Willson gives his baton 
away after every broadcast. 



Wednesday, July 14, 19S7 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



43 



Resorts, Pools, White Shoe Cleaners, 
Etc., Make Up for Summer Biz Losses 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
■ All Philly radio stations now en- 
Joying best' summer, biz in history, 
with salesmanagers already having 
enough new fall accounts lined up 
to promise ultra-profitable year all 
around. Unlike other summers, 
•when tnafiy sponsors were ishy of the 
heat, bunch of spring programs are 
continuing right through the torrid 
wave. Time lost by ducking of some 
of the network shows and locals is 
being almost wholly accounted for 
by seasonal a'dvertisers. 
- Stepping into "thfe sponsorship pic 
here in a big way this sumrrier are 
Atlantic City and Wildwood. ^iers 
and dance spots. In addition are' lo- 
cal swimming ppois, sunburn lotions, 
fishing .tackle manufacturers, white 
shoe cleaners, railroads, oil burner 
cpmpanies and ice cream ihanu- 
factUrers. . ■ 

• WIP gross has -been upped by 
addition of City.' of Wildwood . as 
sponsor, airing dance bands from 
pier half hour nightly, silc days a 
week.' Unciie WIP is also etherizing 
from Hunt's Pier, 'at the resqrty every 
Tuesday 'night. Other newcomers to 
the outlet are Kno^Mark Shoe Polish 
Manufacturers, Pennsylvania-Read- 
ing .Railroads' Seashore Lines, and 
Steel'Pier, 'Atlantic 'City. •. • 

• Among ac90unts which ducked the 
heat last summer buf are continuing 
on WIP this year are Crawford Furs, 
P. B. White Tailors! Howard Clothes 
and Dr.- Norton Foot Health Insti- 
tute. • ' • . 

•• WFIL Up 27% 
WFIIi boasts new sales high 
reached during June with 29 new ac- 
coxmts and three renewals for a net 
increase of 27% over any previous 
monthly report in the station's two 
and a half -year history.- Local biz 
was up 17% and national. 10%. 
. Two new major accounts were Sun 
Oil'.and," Kno-Mark Shoe Cleaner.- 
.Tydol . renewed for 120 minutes of 
news, a week for .one .year. • Five 
amusement parks ar& also 'dishing up 
coin. Addition of WLW line has in- 
creased- income on WFIL, too.- 

Among, the WCHU siesta-takers, 
that broke habit by renewing, are 
Horn & Hardart news broadcasts 
daily; Drug Trade Products; Drano, 
Household Finance and Bayuk Ci- 
gars. 

KYW is hitting this summer with 
Iowa Soap, Barbay Brothers Sun- 
shine Beer, Johnson's Educator Bis- 
cuits and Dodge and Chevvy, which 
Xisually took the hot spell off. 

WDAS has almost compensated 
entirely for what it lost of winter 
accounts by addition of Modernella 
Beauty School, Ray's Furniture 
Store, the Bridal Shop, Clymer's Ice 
Cream and renewal on Moskin 
Credit. Clothing. 



CHAHANOOGA TIMES 
SEEKS NEW STATION 



Chattanooga, Tenn., July 13. 

First city paper to look seriously 
at radio station -is Chattanooga 
Times, present subsidiary and origi- 
nal parent of the New York Times. 

Last week the Times management 
amended the paper's charter to sanc- 
tion ownership and operation of a 
radio station. At the same time, the 
paper applied to the FCC for a per- 
mit. 

When WOOD, CBS outlet, first 
started Times had a chance to buy 
It but turned down the offer. 

Dope is that the Times will erect 
a completely new station and en- 
deavor to bring NBC into Chatta- 
nooga. ' 

. Management ; declines to discuss 
plans but insiders figure paper will 
work out joint advertising contract 
and stud programs heavily with 
news flashes. 

No other Chattanooga paper goes 
|n for radio. Second existing station 
Is WAPO, low -powered independent 
that quits at 6 p.m. and broadcasts 
recordings for most part. 

KFAB-KFOR Picnics 

. Lincoln, July 13. 

Central States Broadcasting Co. 
stations. KFAB-KFOR here, and 
KFAB-KOIL in Omaha, joined hands 
lor a big staff picnic, the first, at 
Linoma Beach Sunday (18). 

Big station bally is being planned 
for late this month when the local 
studios Will have a radio night at 
Capitol Beach, local amusement park. 
Talent will perform, and all broad- 
casts will be aired from the grounds. 



Broken Hearts of CBS 



After reams of news, publip- 
ity and comment had been ap- 
pearing for weeks on the sub- 
ject, the CBS press .department 
last week received the follow- 
ing wire from a midwest affili- 
ate: 

. 'Local radio editor inquiring 
about a CBS . ■. Shakesperean 
cycle and wants to know what 
first play will be. Please rush 
information.' . 

• Up to the receipt of the sta- 
tion's wire the network's • cam- 
• paign on the Shakespearean 
splurge had included 14 regular 
daily blurbs, six feature stories 
and four telegrams^ 

Columbia debuted the series 
Monday night (12), with 'Ham- 
let' the script. 



HEAVY DIET OF 
TALKS FOR 
CANADA 



Winnipeg, July 13. 

Canadian Broadcasting Corp is 
lining up a mess of talks for the 
coming fall and winter season. 
Donald W. Buchanan, in charge of 
talks for the CBC. Web goes from 
the. present six-hour schedule to the 
12 or 16-hour bracket, around Oct. 1. 

-Buchanan is now in the West for 
the purpose of lining up speakers 
and subjects. To date he has sched- 
uled sports for 16 weeks on Mondays 
at 9:30 CDST; Canadian Constitu- 
tion series, starting in October on a 
Sunday at 9:30 p.m., CST.. This will 
be a re-hash of last season's much 
discussed Kelsey Club that origi- 
nated from Winnipeg. Forgotten 
Canadians, dramatic biographies of 
little known _ Canadians, starting' 
sometime in September with a maxi- 
mum of 26 weeks. Last of the Buf- 
falo Hunters, starting in September, 
going for either 13 or 26 weeks, a 
dramatic series. 

Buchanan will be in the West for 
approximately another month, going 
from here through to the coast. 



Irene Beasley*s One-Timer 
On Three-Hour Sport Show 

Irene Beasley, blues bawler, has 
been set as guest m.c. on WMCA, 
N. Y., 'Grandstand and Bandstand' 
afternoon variety show. Date is a 
singleton on July 27. 

Program is a three-hour one for 
General Mills, dishing out vocalistics, 
orchestrations and sports results. 
Miss Beasley will read off the scores 
as well as sing, thus becoming the 
first femme sports spieler to ,aif 
around- New York. 



Feuding in Buffalo 

Buffalo, July 13. 

Strained feeling between WBNY, 
Roy Albertson's iridic that frequently 
airs its oppostiion to Evening News 
policies, and WEBR, owned by The 
News, flared again when the yn. c. 
of the WBNY kiddies' program took 
a. swipe at Uncle Bill (Al Zink) 
WEBR's baby show pilot. 

Introducing a song, Jack McLean 
told kids, 'You'll have to do it your- 
self. I won't sing with you like 
Uncle Bill does.' 

Later, awarding a $5 prize, Mc- 
Lean admonished winner not to 
spend it for flre-work.s— 'you might 
get hurt.' WEBR had given fire- 
works as Fourth of July prizes. 



Tenor oii a Shuttle 

Buffalo, July 13. 
Tenor Jimmy Shields had a Sat- 
urday afternoon spot on the CBS 
'Buffalo Presents' program, and a 
radio date in Toronto for the same 
night. He drove from Buffalo to 
Toronto early Saturday morning for 
rehearsal, flew back in a chartered 
plane for the Colunibia broadcast, 
flew back to Toronto for his evening 
stint. 

Then drove back to Buffalo. 



INTERVIEWS ON WAX 



Butterworth - Johnson, Also Mark 
Hawley, Peddling Them 



Wallace Butterworth and Parks 
Johnson, quizzists oh the Molle show 
over NBC, started recording their 
'people in the news' idea la?t week. 
Duo have plans of syndicating these 
interviews as complete programs and 
making them available to both con- 
tract and spot clients. One interview 
stencilled involved the Rev. Mr. L. 
Anderson Jardine, who officiated at 
the Duke Edward- Wallis Simpson 
marriage. 

Similar transcription idea has been 
launched by Mark Hawley, WOR, 
Newark,' newscaster, in association 
with Transradio Press Service. Haw- 
Isy will do the producing and TRS 
the selling and releasing. 



SPEERY, G. E SUBSID, 
DOUBLES NBC TIME 



San Francisco, -July 13. 

Taking a half -hour strip on NBC's 
basic coast Red web Mondays 
through Fridays starting July 12, 
Sperry Flour Company, General 
Mills subsidiary, is doubling its time 
on the NBC schedule. Firm, which 
has been bankrolling Martha Meade's 
'Household Headlines' and warbler 
Hazel Warner in a half-hour stretch 
twice weekly plus a Friday night 
dramatic show of equal strength, is 
sponsoring a new dramatic serial, 
'Floria Gale,' during the second half 
of its flve afternoon periods, 1:30 to 
2:00 p.m., PST, with 'Household 
Headlines' on Wednesdays and Fri- 
days, Hazel Warner on Tuesdays and 
Thursdays, and -a musical program 
with guest artists on Mondays. 

Martha Meade, presenting 'Today's 
Menus,' fills three-minute spot on the • 
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mu- 
sical shows, in addition to her own 
quarter*hour the other two days. 

Sperry's 'Night Special' moves to 
Mondays,- effective Jiily 16, 9:30 to 10 
p.m.', continuing with 'Colonel Rod' 
Hendrickson and a dramatic . cast. 
Hendrickson also will emcee the 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 
afternoon airers. • 

Nancy Coleman draws the title 
role in 'Gloria Gale,' with Everett 
Glass, Doris Kemper and Dixie 
Marsh in principal supporting roles. 
Michael Raffetto handles production^ 
on all Sperry programs. 

'Gloria Gale' will be aired over 
KPO, KHQ, KOMO, KGW, KFI. 
Same web, plus KDYL, will release 
all other shows. 

Westco Advertising Agency has 
the account. 



Atlass' Union Pact 



Chicago, July 13. 
First local Independent stations to 
sign with American Federation of 
Labor for union operators and en- 
gineers are the two Ralph Atlass 
outlets, WIND and WJJD. Atlass 
signatured contract with Interna- 
tional Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers today (Tues.). Deal is to 
January, 1939, and contains provi- 
sions for wage increases of from 10 
to 50%; 

■ Other, stations in Chicago which 
are IBEW are WGN and Chicago 
Federation of Labor's WCFL. 



Blue Coal Due Back 

Delaware, Lackawanna & Western 
Coal Co. ('Blue Coal') will return 
to radio advertising after a year's 
hiatus with a spread over Mutual 
web. Ruthrauff & Ryan agency is 
lining up the show. . 

Last program sponsor aired was a 
script serial over NBC,, 



Procter & Gamble Using Spot Radio; 
WOR, New York, Gets Four Programs 



Engineer's Ingenuity 



Charlotte, N. C, July 13 
WBT was short on its en- 
gineering stiff the other aft- 
ernoon, due' to vacation ab- 
sences. Facing those On duty 
was a Gulf spray Question Box 
program from the sidewalk in 
front of the Hotel Charlotte. 
Immediately, before that Gov- 
ernor Clyde Hoey was to 
broadcast an address from the 
ballroom of the hotel. 

So the one engineer avail- 
able for both programs set up 
his equipment oh, the marquee 
of the hotel, from which 
vantage point he could see both 
the sidewalk program below 
and the program inside the 
hotel, both broadcasts went 
off witho>|it a hitch. 



MUTUE SIGNS 
FIVE; OTHERS 
PEND 



Mutual has Hecker's H-^O, " Blue 
Coal, Schaeffer Pen, Varady of Vi- 
enna and the Lutheran Church se- 
ries all set' for fall. There is a 
chance of a Kellogg contract and a 
possibility of gietting the Vick show 

with Jeanette MacDonald for a Sun- 
day afternoon , run. 

Hecker staiiza, with .Jean Paul 
King and Myra' Kingsley will be on 
a five tihies a' week schedule start- 
ing Sept. "7. Blue Coal will use 'The 
Shadow, starting Sept 26. , Verady 
will have Harold Sftokes out of WGN, 
Chicago,, in a musical package, ef- 
fective Aug. 26, 'while the Lutheran 
inning resumes its half hour Oct. 17. 



East and Duitike Go On; 
Start Theatre Parties 

Kellogg has started a jingle con- 
test on its East and Dumke program 
over the NBCblue (WJZ) with the 
winners, living in New York or vi- 
cinity, due to be the account's gueists 
to a Broadway legit sho\fl(. Each 
Friday, beginning, July 23, 50 'win-, 
ners will be assembled at the studio 
for the duo's broadcast and then be 
driven as a party to the theatre. 
Following the show East and Dumke 
will take them backstage and intro- 
duce them to the members of the 
cast. 

East and Dumke have been re- 
newed for 13 weeks. Show, now lo- 
cal, may go network later. 



WFlL's ^[ew Transmitter 

Philadelphia, July 13. 

Documents signed Friday (9) by 
WFIL for new transmitter site here. 
Spot chosen, after lengthy sounds 
ings, is at 63d ahd Passyunk avenue, 
on Schuylkill river. It is about 4% 
miles from center-city and one of 
boggiest places in town. 

Transmitter will be ready for op 
about Oct. 1. Hope before then that 
FCC will have approved applica- 
tion for increase from 1 to 5 kw. 



Sterling Products in General Reshuffle 

Two Fading With Return Indef — ^Helen Menken and 
Ted Hammerstein Sessions Shift Time 



Sterling Products, through its 
agency, Blackett-Sample-Hummert, 
is largely altering the layout of its 
broadcasting picture this summer. 

'Manhattan Merry-Go-Round' (Dr. 
Lyons Toothpowder), half-hour pro- 
gram over NBC-blue on Wednesdays, 
fades from the air, on July 28. 
'Broadway Varieties' (Bisodol), Fri- 
day night show over CBS, quits July 
30. No plans have been made for 
either program to resume in autumn, 
and Frank Hummcrt, N. Y. chief of 
the agency, does not come up with 
a definite answer either way. Sev- 



eral auditions were made last week, 
however, by the agency with Biso- 
dol in mind. 

Series of dramatizations for Bayer 
Aspirin, starring Helen Menken, will 
shift from NBC-blue to Columbia on 
Aug. 3. CBS setup will be spread 
of 31 stations. Program, now being 
aired Wednesdays, 8:30-9 p.m., will 
have rides on Tuesdays at CBS, 7:30- 
8 p.m. 

'Hammerstein Music Hall' (Koly- 
nos), on CBS, will switch from its 
long-tenured Tuesday night niche to 
a Friday night groove on Aug. 6. 



Besides carrying him on the NBC 
red (WEAF) link Procter & Gamble 
is distributing disked versions of 
"The Gospel Singer' among Stations 
affiliated with Columbia and Mutual. 
NBC is doing the recording., What 
makes this development particularly 
novel is the circumstance of another 
m.ajor New York outlet, WOR, clear- 
the same program. WOR is a basic 
member of Mutual. 

'The Gospel Singer' will bie one of 
four daily quarter-hour programs 
which WOR has .contracted to re- 
lease for the P. & G. combine. TTse 
two others already set are 'Judy and 
Jane,' which, like 'Singer,' will bear 
the Ivory Soap tag, and 'The Couple 
Next Door* (Oxydol), originated by 
WGN, Chicago. The fourth stanza 
will have the Camay label. All are 
due to start a week from Mon? 



day (25). 

One of the CBS affiliates which 
will air the wax- version of 'The 
Gospel , S.nger' is WWVA, Wheeliiig, 
W. :Va. Repprt which has been cur- 
rent for some time but . denied bjt 
NBC is that P. & G., rated as NBC'S 
prize account, wants to split up its 
daily hookup oh that network to the 
end that it will use the NBC blue 
east of Chicago and the red from 
that point to the Pacific. 



\ 




COMPETITION 




By AL'MARCELLO 

. ProvMenc'e, July 13. 

Life is finally being injected In 
radio here. The trend is to show- 
manship, and stations here are lea^I- 
ing the airways with programs of 
local origin. Station WPRO in par- 
ticular is going after things. 

Steve Willis, WPRO chief, made a 
tie-up with Star-Tribune last week 
for four daily broadcasts of local 
news which ties In beautifully with 
United Press service being given by 
WPRO. Town's three stations are 
now plugging local news, WJAR 
having a tie-up with the Journal- 
Bulletin and WEAN, Shepard's, dishi 
ing the news via Yankee News 
Service. • 

WEAN, Is sponsoring three pro- 
grams of local origins which have 
been. 'going, over great. Top-nptcher 
is 'Community Sing' every Thursday 
night at Fay's. This has boosted biz 
$200 for the theatre on closing night. 
Next is the kiddle amateur . .show 
every Saturday morning at the 
Strand. This one started out as 
sustaining, and now sponsored by 
Esso dealers. 

WEAN spelling bee still going 
strong, although scene has shifted 
from stage of Albee. theatre, shut 
down for the summer, to the stjidios. 
Mowry Lowe handles all three, as- 
signments. 

.Public auditions, something new in 
Providence fixed up by Steve Willis, 
WPRO station manager, first brought 
30 would-be radio performers. 

Harry B. Clark, among them tried 
out and was immediately hired. 



DOROTHY THOMPSON SET 

Date and Web is Not— Pall Mall 
WIU Sponsor 



Dorothy Thompson, syndicated 
newspaper columnist, makes her 
radio commercial debut next month 
over NBC for Pall Mall cigarets. 

As late as last (Tuesday) night 
Compton, agency on the account, 
had not .set a definite date for Miss 
Thompson's start, nor decided on 
which NBC web would be u.sed. 

Columnist will air quarter-hour 
commentary periods, using copy akin 
to her newspaper opining. 



Radio Sales Boys Stopover 

Cincinnati, July 13. 

Charles Craig and George L, Mos- 
kovics of the San Francisco and Los 
Angeles offices of Radio Sales, Inc., 
put in .several days here last week 
conferring with Bill Williamson, 

He's now .sales manager for 
WKRC. 



4* VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wefdn^silay, July 14, 1937 



Withycomhs ZD-Station Regional 

WFBL as Key Stalioii for Pennsylvania Loop-^Nbw 

in Huddles 



Philadelphia, July 13. 
Much sub-rosa activity by. Don 
Withycomb, g.m. of WFIL, to weld 
strong chain by fall of Quaker State 
network. Web was formed several 
. years ago to handle" airings in iState 
. political campaigns. It has otherwise 
never been used for straight com- 

■ merciaVs, the 16 stations lined up 
; only forming a loose alliance that 
. has never gone out and fought for 
>if^>N biz. ■ 

' • Idea of Withycomb and Sam 
/Kosenbaum, WFIL prexy, is to in- 
> crease outlets to about 20 and use 
. WFIL as key. Because of inountain 
, and mineral layout of large portions 
. , of Pennsy, big chain stations can't 
be well heard. 
WjFIL salesmen now attempting to 
, line, up one or two accounts for fall 
'. presentation on the net. Withycomb 
* believes that if once the ball is thtis 

■ started rolling, the tiny .kilowatters 
! can be induced to kick in a sum for 
. t;>romotion and salesmen to get more 
': bizness. 

' eKain has been alter natin g Pitts- 
' burgh airings between WWSW and 

WNEW^s News Push ^ 

WN9W, N. Y., iis making an inten- 
sive campaign to sell news programs. 
Has Inteirnational News Service 
starting July 26. Station, which has 
20 ^pot^ avsiilable, already his sold 
10 of them to three sponsors. 
'Madison Personal Loan has conr 
tracted for five 15-minute. broadcasts 
at 12:30 p. m., Mondays through Fri- 
day, for 52 weeks. After that, will 
tak«i six spots. General Supply takes 
three .IS-minute periods,.. Monday, 
' • lyednesday and JPriday at 5:15 p. m., 
while Smadeck Real . Estate . Co. 
; go'es' on 'at" 9 a. m.' Saturday and 
. 10 a; m;.. Sunday.' ' 

.. Bichard Brooks will handle news 
. broadcasts. 



Hardy *March of Time* 



Trade experts are of mixed 
reaction to a voiced contention 
that the dramatized news show 
is on the wane. Some see in 
this type of program something 
that has still a long ways to go, 
with new facets yet to be de- 
veloped and refined. 

'March of Time' is now in its 
seventh year and expects an- 
other, commercial attachment 
before the advent of the fall 
season, In the case of Servel,- 
the refrigerator manufacturer, 
stepped in and took advantage 
of a short budget with telling 
effect 



JURY MUST DECIDE 



Announcer Bentley's Broken Jaw 
Case Passed on 



8 Studios For WJJD 

Chicago, July I3. . 

Whole new floor pf present Lake- 
Wells building . location ' has been 
added to space occupied by the Ralph 
Ailass indie stations, WIND and 
WJJD. Will tite reniodeled and set- 
up for operations by end of this 
week, and, ychile used principal!^" 
for offices, addition will give the sta- 
tions a total of eight studios.. 

Increase gives the ..combo four 
times the space it had when start- 
ing, out in the location a~ few years 
ago. . 



Bob French's Expo Show 

. Columbus, July ,13. 

Bob French, program manager of 
WHKC, has been commissioned by 
the State Department of Agriculture 
to produce and. direct a two-hour 
broadcast from . the Ohio State Fair 
on Sunday, Aut:. 39. 

WHKC will again carry full sched- 
ule .of ..broadcasts from the .fair, 
which start? two. days eatly :this year, 
teeing off Saturday, Aug. 28. Pos- 
sibility that all-phio boys' band con- 
certs will be fed to Mutual network. 



Damage suit of Spencer Bentley, 
radio ' announcer .and former legit 
juvenile, against Joseph A. Dunn, 
et al,.must go to a jury for settle- 
ment, according to a ruling handed 
down by Justice Salyatore Cotillo in 
N. Y. Supreme Court yesterday 
(Tues.). Justice Cotillo. heaird the 
case last month. Bentley sought 
$10,000 damages for a fractured jaw 
and other injuries sustained when al- 
legedly hit by Dunn. His wife asked 
$5,000 for her injuries. 

Attorney Geor|e D. Carrington 
represented- Bentley. 



Iree Speech Bill in Senate 



Washington, July, 13, 
Freedom-of-air bills sponsored by the American Civil Liberties 
Union were offered in Congress once more last week. Three measures 
intended to prevent gagging of political speakers were dropped in 
the Senate Hopper Thursday- (8) by Senator Lewis B. Schwellenbach, 
Washington, Democrat. 

Identical with proposals which for two years have slumbered in 
the House, Schwellenbach bills pr6hibit the Communications Com- 
mission from imposing regulations interfering with right of free 
speech; require statutory time allotments for public, social, political, 
economic and educational programs, and station logs of requests for 
time. 



CBS Series From Expo 

Cleveland, July 13. 
Rea Matey, of WHK's Girfden Girls 
Trio, on the first program of a ne.w 
Columbia series from Radloland at 
the Great Lakes Exposition (July IQ). 
Program, aired from the Expo 
grounds, contains WHK talent, 
artists appearing at Radioland, 
Myron Roman's Orchestra and Doc 
Whipple- on a Hammond electrical 
organ. 

Series is scheduled throughout the 
summer on Saturday afternoons at 
4:30. 



Gov. Earle Will Spiel on Pennsylvania 

■ •* . 

Resort Talks 'Suspocted' by Politicians ds Build-Up 
lor 1940— Budget Is $500,000 



Whitoy Lowis Rocetrockmg 

Cleveland, July 13. 

Deal between WGAR ahd Thistle- 
down .- Race Track has Franklin 
'Whitey* Lewis, station's new sports- 
caster, airing the -.daily tops race at 
4:15 p. ml Track is paying cost of ihe 
lines and WGAR is furnishing the 
time. Pony season opened Monday 
(July 11) and wiU run for A2 days. 

Lewis, former fight writer for The 
Press, locaL Scripps-Howard sheet, 
has been with WGAR for three 
months. This is his first nemo pro- 
gram. He also is on the air six days 
a week with a sports program for 
Twenty Grand cigarettes and con- 
ducts a sports forum, non-commer- 
cial, on- Wednesdays at 8 p. m. 



Derlby Brewine has Claude* Har- 

ing for quarter-hour broadcast every 
Friday night fo r rem ainder of base- 
'ball season, on WWSW, Pittsburgh; 



. Philadelphia. July 13. , 

Bill earmarking $500,000 to make 
known to the world the virtues of 
Pennsylvania as a vacation spot was 
signed by Gov. George H. Earle 
during past week. $175,000 hunk of 
huge promotion appropriation will 
go to radio. 

Right now half a dozen agencies 
fighting fbr right to. spend the dough 
for the CommonwealOi. It if believed 
a Pittsburgh outfit has correct cohnex 
with powers and 'will. £et the account. 

As the former newspapermen who 
make up the bulk of the State's press 
agenting staff have pr6gram lined 
up, it will consist of pop songs and 
music, commercials consisting of 
drartiatized scenes in Pennsy moun- 
tains and beauty spots, and short 
talks by Governor Earle. 

Because of quiet way in which bill 
went through the Legislature, and 
was signed, there is wide belief that 
promotion is not so much for the 
Commonwealth - as to make fhe 
nation acquainted with Earle, who 
will undoubtedly be important candi- 
date '■ at Democratic convention in 
1940. However, bill is one for which 
hotelmen have heen battling for 
years, so it will make 'em happy^ all 
the way around. (North Carolina has 
a similar campaign now current.) 

Understood the Pennsy exploita- 



tion series, when it airs, will go oynx 
the CBS network, which has four 
outlets in that state. Each NBC 
chain has only two stations in 
Pennsy. Added reason for the show 
going to Columbia is the stand-in 
which Ike and Leon Levy, WCAU 
owners, have- with- the Democratic; 
party in Pennsylvania. Expected 
that WCAU will be the originating 
station. 

While both Pittsburgh and Pbiily 
ad Agencies are scrambling for the 
accoimt, it will probably be split 
betweok ' the two cities. Manie 
Sacks, of Music Corp. of America, 
is set to agent the talent and pro- 
duce the show. He has a close con> 
nex with Governor Earle and state 
political bigwigs. Already audi-> 
tioned and tentatively set are Vin'< 
cent' Travers orch, Eleanor Bowers 
and Roy CampbeH's ROyalists. CBS 
also auditioned Lee Stevens' orch. 



Frank Quinn Upped »i KLZ 

Denver, July 13. ;' 

Frank Quinn, national sales man* 
ager . of KLZ, Denver, has been 
given title of sales manager, thereby 
relieving' F. W. Meyer, station man; 
ager, of some of his duties. 

Quinn has been with KLZ five 
years. . 






Certainly, no single-station 
is so /^r^e as that which 
Nation's Station. 



radio audience 
listens to the 



Doub tless, no single - station audience is so 
loyal as that which listens regularly to WLW, 
hour-by-hour, day-by-day, week-by-week. 

That is the reason why there is no substituteiot 
WLW in ^ny National advertising Gampaign. 



THE NATION'S STATION 






IT WONT BE LONG NOW 



The first annual VARIETY RADIO 
DIRECTORY win be off the presses 
soon. 

The purpose, and aim, of the DIREC- 
TORY is to serve as the standard 
reference work for those who plan and 
produce radio broadcasting. 

For early delivery we urge immediate 
order. 

Price $5 the copy. 



HOLLYWOOD 
1708 No. Vine SL 



NEW YORK 
154 West 46th St 



CHICAGO 
54 W. Randolph St 



46 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



Here and There 



L. Bixbee, Jr., and Gifltord Bixbee. 
Just a . few years ago, their father 
was the station's chief engineer. 



CBS Artists, Inc. Has signed Vivian 
Ray, nitery warbler, under exclusive 
handling pact. 



Norman S. McGee new sales man- 
ager at WQXR. N. Y. . - 



B*b Sampson, formerly with KSD, 
has joined KMOX, St. Louis, sales 
staff. 



Klnc Bard, WJJD, joins Chicago 
sales post. Formerly with WOOD- 
WASH, Grand Rapids, Mich. 



Joe Evans of Pine BluflE, Ark., is 
ijDw on the broadcasting staff of sta- 
KWTO at Springfield, Mo., han- 
dling three newscasts daily. 



Contralto Patricia Ryan, NBC 

Artists' Service contractee, has been 
q»otted on her first network com- 
mercial, a singleton on the Sal 
Hepatica (Walter O'Keefe) program 
JTuly 28, 



Ray Saunders has replaced Joe 
Bolton on WHN's daily sports re- 
view. B6lt0n describes the Jersey 
City ball games on the N.Y. station, 
and has been having trouble getting 
back to studio in time for the eve- 
ning summaries. 



liOuis Massey and the Westeirners, 
after closing a week of vaude at the 
Stanley^ Pittsburgh, on July 22, head 
to a ranch at Roswell, New Mexico, 
for a month's loafing. 



Pkyllis Roqne back singing with 
Don Albert's orch on WHN, N. Y., 
after three months' layoff due to ill- 
ness. Muriel Byrd, nitery wai-bler, 
has been given a jregular program on 
her own on WHN. 



liarry Hammond, of Air Features, 
Inc., vacationing until mid-S^tem- 
ber. 



Double-Edged 



Columbia's latest slap at NBC 
for horning in on its Shakes- 
pearean cycle is contained in a 
letter sent oijt to educators over 
William S. Paley's signature. 

Educators are asked to be- 
come members of the board of • 
patrons of the Columbia 
Shakespearean Cycle and the 
letter assures them that CBS 
will present Shakespeare 'with- 
out distortion or vulgarization.' 

CBS series runs an hour, 
while NBC limits the program 
to 45. minutes. 



i Jack Gilion, program director at 
KDKA, Pittsburgh, now a grand- 
father, his daugliter on the Coast 
giving birth to a son the other day. 



Fridays instead of Thursdays and 
Saturdays. Program goes on 10:15 



a.m. 



Albert Eisenstsdt goes to work as 
promotion director at WNEW, N. Y., 
this week. Hails from U. S. bureau 
of census. 



Alfred Seelye, reporter for Syra- 
cus Herald, is latest addition to 
WNEW's sales staff. 



Betty Dugan (Mrs. Buddy Biller), 
who . .left WWSW, Pittsburgh, for . a 
few", months for 'motherhood, has re- 
turned to the station's' staff to re- 
sume her 'Juvenile Round-Up' pro- 
gram. 



< Fullerton t. McGouffb, of WWSW, 
Pittsburgh, sales staff and some- 
times announcer at that station, and 
Nell Pratt were married over week- 
end and are honeymooning in Chi- 
cago. 



WPOSf, Chattanooffa, took on a 
new production manager last week. 
He's Gene Moser, formerly, of KMOX 
and KYA. It's a new job. 



Ev« Casanova charm series of 15- 
minute broadcasts over WMCA, N. Y., 
diilted this week to three- times 
weekly, Mondays, Wednesdays and 



^MONTREAL ^ 

MONOPOLY 

CFCt* has ■ monopoly that 
violates no anti-trust lawsl . 
Conditions on the island .of 
Montreal aref such that out- 
side stations are not neard in 
^ daytime and irregularly at 
night. 



N. Bi,. C 

RED fif BLUE 




Max Adklns now getting program 
billing at WCAE, Pittsburgh, for his 
arrangements, a departure in sta- 
tion procedure. 



Fred King, announcer, left WDOD 
last week to take over job at KGB, 
San Diego. 



Cliff Goodman of WKZO, Kala- 
mazoo, gone to Memphis, Tenn. 



Vlririnia Dahlman, who used to 
have a band (The' Esquires) of her 
own, is now musical director for all 
programs placed by Earl Bothwell 
agency in Pittsburgh. 



Nellie Revcll interviews' baritone 
Donald Dickson over NBC on Aug! 3. 



Zeke Manners: uang vacashing off 
WMCA, N. Y„ for eight weeks. 



J. 'Cy' Rapp is the new manager 
of KMA, Shenandoah, la., and Ed 
Cunniff has been promoted from 
merchandising director to commer- 
cial manager. Rapp previously 
held the latter title.. 



Dave Ward, mikeman at ' KSD, 
St. Louis, back from Hollywood, 



Lillard 'Mike' McGee, news ed, of 
KSD, St. Louis, has had 15 short 
stories published.' 



Wayne Short is newest addition to 
KSD, St. Louis, announcing staff. 
Came from KFRU, Coluijibia, Mo. 



WTMV, East St. Louis, sports an- 
nouncer, Paul Wills, hobbling on 
cane as result' of leg infection. 



Joe Stevall is now doing arrange^ 
ments for Ben Feld.and his KMOX 
ork. .StovciU replaces Mike Zuze- 
nack, who vacationed in New York 
and neg:lected to return. 



Dorotby Godwin, KMOX, St. Louis, 
woman commentator,- giving weekly 
book reviews to. ps^trohs of Fox, the- 
atre before performances. Scene is 
huge ■ lobby of theatre. 



H. Leslie Atlass and family mov- 
'ing into' Mackinac Island, Mich., re- 
sort, as his. diamond spieler, Pat 
Flanagan and frau, move ouj^ to get 
back to work. 



Tommy Carniitchell doing a new 
series on WGAL, Lancaster, Pa., with 
Sherlyn Hertzler for ivory business. 



Gorman Walsh, of Station WDEL, 
Wilmington in Lancaster • over for 
weekend session with Clair R. Mc- 
Cullough, Mason-Dixon chief.. 



Keyes Perrin, new on staff of 
WBZ, Boston. His father is theatre 
manager. 



Bill Fay, general manager of 
WHAM, elected a director of the 
Rochester Ad Club. 



Mary Small guest stars on the 
Heinz 'Magazine of the Air' July 26. 



WCAE, Pittsburgh, has a brother 
act on the engineering staff, Harry 




You Won't hear tiresome com- 
mercials or uninteresting pre- 
sentations of numbers over 
KWK. GOOD SHOWMANSHIP 
won't permit anything but per- 
fectly balanced pirograms — 
ALWAYS. 

THOMAS PATRICK. 

INC. 

HOTEL CHASE, ST. LOUIS 

Rep. PAUL H. RAYMER CO. 
NEW YORK CHICAGO 
SAN FRANCISCO 



Hal Burnett, WBBM press head, 
on vacation, but scrams in- to his 
Chicago office on week-ends, to keep 
copy files full. 



H. V. Kaltenborn said au re voir, to 
CBS listeners July 8 'before leaving 
with Mrs. Kaltenborn for his annual 
summer tour of Europe, from whence 
he will broadcast a series of tallcs 
on conidtions in various countries. 



James A. Willard, WlP's Philadel- 
phia, 'Uncle WIP,' has been elected 
an honorary member of the Needle- 
work Guild of America. 



Mrs. George A. GoCT, drama dir 
rector of KSL, Salt Lake, appointed 
director of the L.D.S. church British 
centennial, Aug. 1. 



C. T. 'Swanny' 'Hagman, with 
WTCN, St. Paul-Minneapolis news- 
paper-owned station for the past 
three years on the sales side, upped 
to station manager. 



Robert Dillon, fo.rmerly with 
woe, Davenport,' and Wallace's 
'Farmer.' now on the sales staff at 
KSTP's Minneapolis office. 



Wynn Murray does a guest stint 
on Ben Bernie's American can pro- 
gram July 27. Set by Herman Bernie. 



Jean Colbert back in New York 
after a season in radio and legit on 
the Coast. 



Nola Day, singer^t getting a sus- 
taining buildup ovfer NBC. Hesse & 
McCaffrey handling. 



Tito Giiizar beginning a concert 
tour of South America after making 
a Mexican pic. Goes to Hollywood 
in October for Par's 'Big Broadcast.' 



Carl Everson, manager of WHKC, 
Columbus, is vacationing in Mari- 
nette, Wis. Other Columbus vaca- 
tioners are Fred Sample, WHKC, 
Mitiwanga Beach, Ohio; John Ag- 
new, WHKC; somewhere in Canada, 
and Don Carlos Brandes, WCOL, 
salesman, Brooklyn. 



WTHT, Hartford, full time debut 
postponed by FCC to July 20. 



Mohican Players, drama troupe, in 
weekly shot at WNLC, New London, 
Conn. 



Jud La Maye, program boss at 
WICC, Bridgeport, on board promot- 
ing music festival at Silvermine, 
Cortn.. with Jose Iturbi and New 
York Philharmonic Symph. 



Add: Unusual 



Chicago; July 13. 

Removal of Shawneetownl 
111., from its present site, periled 
by floods, to a spot oh the hills, 
three miles away, to be aired 
by NBC-Red net in a 30-minute 
progranr. 

Date set is for Saturday (17). 



CBS' Exploration Series 

Hans Christian Adamson has been 
sigried by CEiS to -help- prepare the 
'Adventures in Exploration' series, 
weekly sustainer which* network 
puts on in co-op with Museum of 
Natural History. 

Adamson was, on the Hayden 
Planetarium-Grace expedition which 
went to Peru to gather scientific 
data On the total eclipse of the sun 
on June 8. 



Uninterrupted Music 

Cleveland, July 13.. 

Annabelle Jackson,, veteran Cleve- 
land radio piaiiist, has been signM 
for a Monday - Wednesday - Friday 
noon piano series over WHK." Pro- 
gram, titled 'Beauty Melodies,' is 
sponsored by Naso's Beauty Shop. 

Miss Jackson does 13 minutes of 
uninterrupted music. Commercial 
and names of melodied heard on 
broadcast are read at the. end of the 
pvogram. 



House Orc;aii'a Candid Snaps 

Boston, 'July 13. 

WBZ, Boston, and WBZA, Spring- 
field, have brought out their house 
organ 'Air Way to Sales' in new, at- 
tractive format this month, making 
it a picture paper, containing candid 
shots of local and net performers. 
Copy is limited to captions and a 
program listing of permanent shows 
for Ihe month, airing over these twin 
NBC (blue) net stations. 

George A. Harder . is editor. 



INvvy tip Lea Tremayne 

Newly signatured ^contract gives 
William, _ Morris office joint man- 
ager's contract for LfCS Tremayne, 
Campana, leading man, ' With !Eddie 
Richmond, who formerly held coh- 
tract alone. 

Present deal makes Wm. Morris 
office exclusive "for ■ picture repre- 
sentation, in addition io share in 
addition to- share -in other branches 
of business. 



WLBC, Muncie, Changres Reps 
Hibbard Ayer has beert named- 
new sales rep for WLBC, Muncie, 
Ipd. Station formerly lifted- Cox &■ 
Tanz, Philly outfit^ as its rep. 

WLBC,^ 100-watter, is this week 
making overtures to CBS in an effort 
to become a (Columbia affiliate. 



Goodson Into Police Work 

General Qoodson has quit the en- 
gineering staff of WSFA, Mont- 
gomery, Ala. 

Becomes ' chief engineer of the 
city's new poliee broadcasting plant. 



Martha Deane, hospitalized for 
fortnight, is having her WOR com- 
mercials continue uninterruptedly 
via waxings. 



Joe Silver, WLBC, Muncie, Ind., 
announcer, to WAAF, Chicago. 



Mary Wilcox of Station WFBL, 
Syracuse, bitten by a dog. 



Weed & Co. has taken on the na- 
tional representation of WJNO, West 
Palm Beach, Fla. 



'Vacation is a 
Vacation'-Bemy 
Informs Royal 



Jack Benny .nixed John Royal's 
request that he put on- a broadcast 
from the Normandie tomorrow 
(Thursday) -while 300 miles out of 
New York. " They're fellow pas- 
sengers on the ship. 

Binny explained that when he's 
on vacation, he's on vacation. Comic 
didn't even go on the air for his 
regular account Jell-O while visit- 
ing the NBC studios in New York 
Sunday -(10) during the broadcast 
of the pinch-hit program, with Jane 
Froman, but let its occasion pass 
with some intramural comment. 



Charles'^Dea;n's Expdrts 

Series of transcriptions for Latio:- 
American broadcasts, is being made 
by .B. Charles-Dean, head of British- 
American Productions, for Bristol- 
Myers. Will be used to plug Ipana 
toothpaste and Sal Hepatica. 

British- American is also gping into 
radio. production for Australia, Great 
Britain, New Zealand and the Latins 
American countries. 



KYW's Atlantic City Bands 

Philadelphia, July 13. 

KYW will make weekly pick-ups 
for both red and blue NBC webs of 
bands skedded into Millior^- Dollar 
Pier, Atlantic City, this sumVner. 
Red shows will be heard Friday from 
midnight to 12.30 a.m. and Blue on 
Saturday from 11 to 11.30. 

Bands dated in are July 10-16^ 
Johnny, Hamp; July 17-23— Clyde 
McCoy; July .24-30— Jan Savitt; July 
31 to Aug;; 6 — Ted Lewis; Aug. 7-13 
—Clyde Lucas; Aug. 14-20 — Don - 
Bestor; Aug. 21-27 — Harold Stern; 
Aug. 28-Sept. 3— Jark Denny; Sept'. 
4 — Russ Morgan. 



Pollock, Kettering Team Vp. 

Chicago, July 13. 
,. Milt Pollack and Tom Kettering 
have joined forces as the combined 
publicity and press relations depart- 
ment of the Albert Kircher agency 
here. 

Pollack was formerly p.a. for 
Paul Whiteman, while Ketterii\g 
has been an indie p.a. around Chi tor 
several seasons. 



Sams, Class of '?A, Joins KXBY 
Kansas City, July 13, 

New faces . around KXBY, Jame^ 
Sams, who started in radio back in 
1921 with the now extinct WOQ 
Kansas City, has joined KXBY's an- 
nouncing staff. 

Jay McShaw, colored pianist for- 
merly with KOB and KGGM, has 
joined the artist staff. 





NEW YO R K'S NO. 1 
SHOWMANSHIP STATION 
1540 BROADWAY 



Vedn'esday, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 




EXCLUSIVE 
MANAGEMENT 



«•;■: 



MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA 



New York 
Cleveland 



Chicago 
Dallas 



Los Angeles 
London 



in* 



mi 



48 



VARIETY 



RADIO REVIEWS 



WeJuesdayi July 14, 1937 



RUDir VALLEE HOUR 
With Doufflas Fairbanks, Jr^ Muriel . 
KirkUnd, Blythe Daly» I.9iils Arm- 
^■stnmg, Robert Irwin, Cecelia Ayer, 
Joe Laurie, Jr. 
60 Mlns. ° 

ROYAL GELATINE 
Thursday, 8 p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(J. Walter Thompson) 

Prior to his departure for a three- 
week dance tour, Rudy Vallee di- 
rected a snappy session that was adr 
vance-%nnounced as 'no strain on 
anybody's brain cells' and lived up 
to that promise with the sin?le ex- 
ception of the gill from Variety, 
Cecelia Ager, who paradoxically was 
quite highbrow. 

Vallee's own contributions in- 
cluded the introduction of 'The Pass- 
port Photographer,' by Ray Perkins, 
and several samples of the old re- 
liable Vallee brand of singing. Mu- 
sical interludes kept the program 
fluid and buoyant in the summery 
mood. 

Clever crossfire between. Vallee 
and Louis Armstrong Was a slick 
sample of the former's showman- 
sliiu. Armstrong had just got 
through laying an egg on * 13-week 
series of his own. ^et here as rou- 
tined and built up ne was a socko 
novelty. Smart chatter used - the 
humorous possibilities of the slan- 
guage of swing musicians. It was 
strung together for a nice tally. 

Well chosen, too. boljh for swift- 
ness of action, lightness of touch and 
glove-fltting the radio medium was" 
the skit. 'The Man Who Thought of 
Everything.' It permitted the Junior 
Fairbanks and the Misses Kirklahd 
and Daly to engross the listener 
without over-strain. "Performances 
and' direction were first-rate, Miss 
Kirkland's distinctive voice ought to. 
be useful for Kidio in particular. 
You know who's talking every time 
with that cutie twang. 

•Robert :Irwin, Irish tenor, showed 
to advantage. He's done several 
guest shots sinte imported by his 
patron, John McCormick. 

Next-tor-closing, a cruel wait and a 
tough assignment for a radio first- 
timer, came Cecelia Ager. She was 
the 'one meets such interesting 
people' nominee of the week. Her 
'bomb' against radio exploded with a. 
terrific splash of whipcreanKall over 
"everybody. Script had been re- 
written three times in advance of 
broadcast. It ended up with J; 
Walter Thompson tap water mixed 
with the Ager venom. Making a 
diluted Ager and a distorted Variety, 
but, as if turned out, not a bad nov- 
elty for the" novelty-cultivating Val- 
lee hour. 

Madame Ager was nervous. Half 
herself and half George Faulkner, 
with Rudy Vallee her sturdy leaning 
post, she trail-blazed with her chin. 
Radio, she said, was too folksy, its 
.gladness got her down. It spelled 
~out big words, told its jokes very 
slowly, drenched her with good- 
fellowship. She, for one, liked the 
rain and not the sunshine. 

A vaudeville gag inserted by 
George Faulkner, and right down 
the radio groove, got the hat-with- 
the-girl-you-r e m e m b e r (or vice 
versa) off the air with a belly laugh. 



ROBERT MONTGOMERY, MADGE 
EVANS 

With Mrs. Wallace Reid, Le« G. Car- 
roll, Bramwell Fletcher, Gene 
Lockhardt aud Kathleen Lock- 
hardt 

'Bean Brummel' 

c*^ Mlns. 

LUX 

Monday, 9 p.m. DST 
WABC-CBS. New York 

(J. Walter Thompson) 
'Beau Brummel' did not make too 
happy a choice oi> the Lux shoe (5) 
o£ drama. Script did not catch the 
necessary sympathy needed for the 
Georgian fop. Though he re- 
nounced love that the standard pair 
of young 'uns might be happy and 
wedded, the role was not invested 
with the proper touches for audience 
suasion. As an entry on the Lux 
list, it was decidedly under average. 

Montgomery in the lead was 
weighted down by the part and lines 
that were often limp. Miss Evans 
found it choppy going. Bramwell 
Fletcher was in fine form in a role 
of an exuberant young chap that' 
fitted his talents like a surgeon's 
glove. Leo G; Carroll was good as 
Montgomery's man-servant. 

Mrs. Wallace Reid was the mike- 
guest of the occasion. Just back 
from an associate producer's stint on 
the Monogram pic, 'Paradise Isle,' 
Mrs. Reid discoursed on the two 
months she spent in the Samoan 
Islands, whefe the .production was 
on location. Amelia Earhart was to 
have been the guest. Bert 



CORINA MURA 
With Baoal Nadeaii, Bob Stanley 
INTERNATIONAL SALON 
Thursday, 8 p. m., EDST 
WOR, New York 

Off the beaten track of vocals. 
Novel warbling and unusual setup. 
Should cop attention and maybe 
hold it. 

Corina Mura, billed as an 'exotic 
songstress.' is a soprano who seems 
likely to stir up some interest along 
the kilocycles. Sings Spanish songs 
effectively to guitar accompaniment. 
Has enough personal color over the 
air to surmount the obstacle of mak- 
ing her own announcements. She's 
a personality . girl, in person, having 
appeared in the smarter niteries. 

Raoul Nadeau is a straight bari- 
tone with plenty of steam. Both are 
nicely backstopped on occasion by 
the chorus. Bob" Stanley directs the 
band. Okay all around, if not star- 
tling. Hobc. 



Not a literary belly, but a belly. It 
had Madame unable to date Rudy 
for a seven o'clock dinner, because 
she always listens to Amos 'n' Andy. 
(In line with the Rudy Vallee habit 
of telling something factual about 
the persons involved, it may be 
parenthetically, stated that Cecelia 
Ager is going to Hollywood in Au- 
gust to write for Samuel Goldwyn.) 

Closing the Gelatin tevue was Joe 
Laurie, Jr., giving his usual oShand 
spiel on life and things. He uses a 
throw-away -delivery, even for his 
punches. Audiences second-laughed 
one of his cracks in a, tidal wave 
that took 10 seconds to roll in. 
Laurie's easy, chatty style is very in- 
gratiating. Lond. 



JACK HALEY 

With Charles Winninger, Virerlnia 
Verrill, Thomas L. Thomas, Nadine 
Conner, Patricia Wilder, Meredith 
Wiilson's Orchestra, Warren Hull 
and Chorus 
69 Mins. 

MAXWELt HOUSt: 
Thursday, 9 p. m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(Benton & Bowles) 

In reconstructing the Maxwell 
House Showboat and moving its 
originating point to the Coast, an 
effort has been made to endo^ the 
program with more comedy. Un- 
fortunately the initial edition of the 
new arrangement found the comedy 
material so feeble it couldn't sup- 
port itself on crutches. 

Jack Haley has been added to the 
show to vend the laughs, and is 
using Dixie-drawling Patricia Wilder, 
blurb-announcet Warren Hull (from 
pix)r and Winninger as straights. 
When caught (8) ail the lines and 
the one large skit were woefully 
weak. 

Musically, the program glistened. 
Vocal clicko was piercing soprano 
Nadine Conner, who is chiefly 
paired with baritone Thomas 
Thomais. Miss Verrill, blues warbler, 
gets the buildup as the romahtic 
beaut of the show, and handles self 
well. 

Winninger, with his ebullient and 
robust manner as 'Cap'n Andy,' was 
a happy return to the helm he orig- 
inally -held. That old and tiresome 
wrangling with his 'wife' has been 
junked: Many w^l say amen to that. 

Meredith Willson's ,27-piece orch 
is slick. NBC's Western Division 
Musical Director knows what sort of 
selections and arrangements to pump 
into a period that for long has ap- 
pealed to the pipe-puffers and knit- 
ting-needlers wing of the listening 
brigade. 

S. O. S. should be sounded for some 
comedy writers. Bert. 

ARTHUR WALLBERG 
Vox Pop 

15 Mins. — Local 

Sustaining: , 
Daily, IZ noon 
WPRO, Providence 

A n'ew wrinkle has been put into 
the 15-minute program, 'Man-on-the- 
Street,' by Steve Willis, WPRO chief. 
Broadcast opens with a five-minute 
newscast . of latest United Press 
news. Then the quarter-hour period 
is completed by an open-forum dis- 
cussion' and comment on the news 
stories by the public gathered around 
the announcer. 

Art Wallberg, who has conducted 
the program for the last seven 
months, does a commendable job 
keeping the mike active with choice 
bits of comments. Items which 
arouse invidious controversy are 
eliminated. Crime stories seem to 
be the best bet for the broadcast, 
the public going for this type of 
commentating in a big way. 

Answers to questions are usually 
fast and intelligent. When answer 
is slow on the take, Wallberg steps 
in with snappy discourse to keep 
program moving. Marc. 



BOSTON EGG FRY )' 

Stunt 

Sustaininr 

15 Mins. 

WEEI, .CBS, Boston 

During the recent heatwave (8) a 
few brain cells got warped and out 
of a' conclave came this special stunt 
of staging an egg-fry on the side- 
walks of Boston, in front of. the 
studio building, opposite Boston 
Common. 

Temperature at the time, . 3:15 p. 
m., was about 111) In the sun, and 
the boys figured they could fry 'em 
on the pavement. Jay Wesley, spe- 
cial events, announcer, interviewed 
Pete Petraka, chef at the adjacent 
Waldorf cafeteria, which supplied 
the eggs. Roger Wheeler, scripter 
at WEEI, was momentarily rated an 
'eggspert,' and he quoted odds on 
the Rhode Island Red egg versus the 
White Leghorn -blob. 

E. B. Rideout, weatherman for the 
station, delivered a few observations 
on the record heat of the day, then 
the frying experiment began. One 
egg was planted on concrete, the 
other on asphalt, Neither fried com- 
pletely in the eight or ten minutes 
allotted, but the whites of each con- 
gealed enough to supply food for 
chatter. Some of the sidewalk chat- 
ter and impromptu gags fizzled. 

Ex^emely doubtful if the C. of C. 
and N. E. Council endorsed the idea 
of highlighting Boston's heat over a 
nationwide network. Fox. 




TRULY, 

CINCINNATI'S CWN STATION 

WSAI is especially programmed to suit 
CinGinnati listeners. For example, Cin- 
cinnati is notoriously a "red-hot" base- 
ball town. WSAI is the only network 
station carrying complete baseball broad- 
casts. WSAI is the Cincinnati Buy. 

Robert G. JBnnin£s, in ehar{d ol Sales and Protrams, Cinctnnall 

New York ani Chiea(f Offices: Transamerican Broadca$tin{ & Telovision Corporation 

J. Ralph Corbell, lac. 

• BASIC RED NETWORK, N. B. C. 

• MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM 

• THE WLW LINE 

THE CROSLEY RADIO CORPORATiaN 



Follow Up Comment 



Antoinette Donnelly, by-liner of a 
syndicated beauty column under that 
name and of another on advice to 
the lovelorn under the tag of Doris 
Blake, contributed timeJy advice to 
ferrme listeners on summer-time 
daintiness as a contributor to 'Heini 
Magazine of the Air' over CBS. 
Five-minute talk was solely for the 
gals, young and old. Miss Dorinelly 
tabbed a sentence from Mariorie 
Hillis' book, 'Orchids On YoUr iBud- 
get,' to the effect that The well 
groomed woman never . feels coin- 
pletely lickecT' and never looks it' 
Woman scribe has a clear voice, 
but she does not always extract .the 
maximum from it in the form of a 
full, rounded tone. Sufficient for 
broadcastirtg, howeyer, with her 
name and material.-. 



'Hollywood Hoier program Friday 
(9) was gifted with a well done pre- 
view of 'It's All Yours' (Col), with 
Francis Lederer, Madeleirie Carroll 
and Mischa Auer showing up prac- 
tically as well before the mike as in 
films. Intelligent scripting helped. 

But what transpired before the 
broadcast arrived at this 22-minute 
sketch was particularly annoying to 
warm weather listeners. Aimless 
patter seemed grooved only to incite 
giggles from the highly susceptible 
Hollywood studio audience leaving 
actual radio listeners wondering at 
the cause of merriment. Saccharine 
atmosphere was only disturbed by 
the continuous flow oof song: sounded 
like an over-enthusiastic choral so- 
ciety in session. 



WALTER O'KEEFE 

With Alice Frost, Harry Von Zell, 

Honey Dean, Donald Tannen, Vio 

Hyd'e, Teddy Bergman, John 
' Brown, . Mary Kelly, Walter Tet- 

ley, Town Hall Quartet, Oleanders, 

Peter Van Steeden Orch. 
60 Mlns. 

BRISTOL MEYERS 
Wednesday, -9 p.ni., EDST 
WEAF, New York 

(Young 8i Ruhicam) 

Considering it's an almost impos- 
sible assignment, Walter O'Keefe is 
a fair; hot weather substitute for 
Fred Allen as the Town Hall major- 
domo. Also bgickstopped by a re- 
spectable comedy lineup. Result is ■ 
definitely below the Fred Allen 
standard, but looks okay to get by 
in the thin ranks of summer shows. 

Possible that there's too much 
variation of entertainment oh the 
Town Hall stanza as heard in last 
Wednesday's (7) program. So many 
different personalities and contrast- 
ing styles of comedies the whole set- 
up tends to become a confusing 
hodgepodge to the listener. On the 
other hand, many of flaws are easily 
correctable. 

In one slab O'Keefe played the 
rube angling for the spot to replace 
Fred Allen on a network show,, finally 
landing the assigri'ment and motor- 
ing to the studio for the broadcast. 
Lengthy and not strong enough 
blackout. Second of O'Keefe's inn- 
ings comprised sketch about Bronx 
vacationers in the country, winding 
up with a gag about ash trays on 
autos. Forced and again not a 
strong enough tag. Finale had 
O'Keefe handling what he calls 
'dramateurs,' in the 'So You Want 
To Be An Actor' vein. Had several 
plants. Okay. . 

Mixed through the three major 
stints by O'Keefe are the contribu- 
tions of the varioufe other people in 
the show. Various degrees of en- 
tertainment. As the stooge for much 
of O'Keefe's clowning, Alice Frost is 
a natural. Uses various • characteri- 
zations so convinqingly it's frequently 
hard to identify her behind them. 
She also smacks over the few snap- 
per lines she's handed. 

Of the others, Donald Tannen 
merits laughs for his Popikoff pidgin- 
English job; Honey Dean is a fair 
warbler, though perhaps leaning too 
hard on the 'personality stuff'; Vic 
Hyde achieves difficult tricks but 
doesn't make much music as a one- 
man band; while Teddy Bergman, 
John Brown, Mary Kelly, Walter 
Tetley, the Town Hall Quartet and 
the Oleanders offer assorted bits to 
the proceedings.. Iri less generous 
helpings it might all be amusing, but 
chucked into the skillet together, it 
has more than a faint resemblance 
to hash. 

Harry Von Zell is vet enough to 
carry off the announcing job capa- 
bly and Peter Van Steeden plays the 
show with the accepted dash, 

Hobc. 



RCA 'Maeie Key! Sunday (11) over 
NBC-blue band offered Susanne 
Fisher as its singing guest and Jean 
Sablon, tabbed 'one of foremost 
radio" and night club entertainers of 
Europe,' also singing. This was an- 
nounced as Miss Fisher's return en- 
gagement. Metropolitan soprano has 
superb voice but diction not so good. 
Dubious if either song meant much 
to the average radio fan outside of 
the fact that both were tuneful and 
done by a recognized artist 

Sablon, who started a limited en- 
gagement on 'Magic Key' with this 
program (supposed to be 4-time 
shot), is pleasant enough if only be- 
cause of his different vocal tech- 
nique. His speaking voice, however, 
is too low. Sablon's best try was 
with Too Marvelous for Words,' 
done both in English and French. 

Shep Fields orchestra came on as 
plug for Victor Records, being an- 
nounced for his discovery of new 
type music. Tex OHourke, humorist, 
contributed a few droll remarks and 
doubled as emcee part of time. 

That shift to Iceland by means 
of short wave consisted largely of 
ballyhoo for the moderate weather 
in that country. Iceland narrator 
stressed average temperature being 
between 60 and 70 year round and 
then explained how many visited 
there from U. S. 



Jello summer show Sunday eve- 
ning (11) had Freddie laghtner 
showing decided improvement over 
his appearance a week prior. Work- 
ing with Don Ross, m.c. and with his 
wife (Rosella) Lightner adopted a 
different type of com^y material 
for his second airing. He used patter 
and talk that is more distinctly of 
vaude flavor, most of it directed to- 
ward Ross as straight man. Results 
were highly satisfactory and the ma- 
terial sure-fire enough to suggest 
Lightner will develop forcefully for 
the air lanes. 

He has a unique manner of selling 
laughs and if provided with suitable 
material, stacks as an ether comer. 
Lightner knows enough about ma- 
terial out of vaudeville experience 
that he ought to be able to reject 
wrong stuff. 



Jimmy CavalUro, fiddler, back on 
WICC band, with Don Rafael's 
accomp. 



7 OUT OF EVERY 
10 WOMEN VOT- 
ED FOR HIM . . . 

DALE MORGAN— Towt'.i most frlenclly nnnounnr 
ind bcst-Ilkad riidtn itet.tonality. Motkbu Ima put 
17. CM person!! on the nir -turned the spntUffht mi 
100 dltTerebt Iowa lonns witli remote briMdrastJ — 
■ellln? ereiTtlilns tram l.-e uruiim to khsoIIm. 




l.OOO women lUaiulInx Oeir Moines, loivsi, Cooking 
School were Kskeil : "Who are your favurlte »«■ 
noimcers?" Seven out of every 10 voted tor Moi- 
nn. IfH no wonder that the Iowh Net lelt.i 
wltti personulltte:! Hba this. Write <H- wire todoy 
ror complete detiilU- on the Cooking Bcho<A returns. 

IOWA NETWORK 



KSO — WMT — KRNT: 
Had)* Statleni ef The Dea Mslnei Realiter 
■nd TrtkuM 

Representative): E. KATZ 



WFSR 



NQTIONflL REPRfSENTQTIVES 

EDWARD RETRY & CO. 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



RADIO REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



RURGESS MEREDITH'S 'HAMLET' 
Kh Grace Georre, . WlllUm A. 
iurady, M«ntoKue Love, Ben Webs- 
ter, l««rr«ret Perry 

SUstafnlnp 

IVIonday, » . 
WABC-CBS, New York 

It's a pretty good bet that the 
natioa as a whole v/oUld trade in 
Joha Barrymore and Burgess Mere- 
dith combined for Jack Benny's ver- 
son of 'Hamlet/ It's also pretty clear 
that neither Columbia nor NBC is 
thinking of listeners, but of that 
vasue value known as 'prestige.' 

Burgess Meredith does remarkably 
well. He goes from walk to canter 
to gallop and reverses. His progress 
as an actor is manifest throughout. 
It'll do him good. And it's a bit of a 
success story that three years after 
Beechnut's 'Red Davis' juvenile serial 
the young player should be chosen 
by CBS to window-dress its flyer in 
culture. 

But apart from the career impetus 
for Meredith as an individual what 
is the net result of this newest 
.'Hamlet' four weeks after NBC 
donned black tights? 

CBS will have scrap books full of 
publicity, tie-ups with English teach- 
ers (with schools not in session), 
comments from stuffed shirts, and -a 
flurry of admiration- which wiir pos- 
sibly be followed by a sudden jolt- 
in* realization that only in summer, 
when it doesn't interfere with biz, 
would the networks indulge in such 
artistic capers. 

Entertainment? Good Shakespeare? 
. Starting something or elevating pro- 
duction standards in radio? CBS' 
'Hamlet,' like NBC's, is indifferent 
entertainment, obscure Shakespeare 
and workaday ' mike technique. 
Whole scenes in both" versions w6re 
shady and hard to follow. Voices 
were not uniformly set apart by 
tone. 

Educational value may, of course, 
be advanced. * Fortunately, in the 
east, the. heat spell broke, else few 
would have had the physical stamina 
to stick out the hour: Like all 
Shakespeare, the archaic free verse 
Is aurally bumpy. 

.Of the supporting cast in the CBS 
version no objections can be cited 
Bill Brady was tomb-like basso play- 
ing the g:host Grace George was a 
believably tormented mother and 
wife, as the Queen. The King had 
sock, as miked by Mohtague Love 
They were all essentially interrup 
tions in the long monolog of Mere 
dith. . • 

There is this to be said for the 
CBS 'Hamlet' Meredith made a bet 
ter impression than Barrymore, and 
the editing seemed a bit more in* 
telligent. So what? Land. 



JESSIE KOTCE LANDIS 

'The Lady Was Worried' and Dennis 

Klne 
10 Mins. 

ROYAL GELATINE 
Thursday. 8 p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(J. Walter Thompson) 
Dennis King and Miss Landis en- 
acted a mild little playlet by Keith 
Fowler on the Vallee variety Thur."- 
day last. 'The Lady Was Worried' 
sketched the tin!€-trod on piece 
about the Amer-can lady and the 
Central Europe titled and handsome 
lad who got together in Budapest. 
There was the persistent man and 
the lass who led him a merry chase 
and' finally succumbed to his charm. 
Tlie twist— not a very deft and cer- 
tainly an obvious one — was that the 
m^s' identity was masked near the 
end. 

Trouping was swell, and held to- 
gether the skit when it threatened 
several times to give way at the 
seams. Both players displayed more 
than average script-actor ability to 
use the mike technique to its full- 
est value. Bert. 



'PROF. SOCRATES' DANCE 

QUARTET' 
With R. S. Rainey, Norman Childress, 

Ralph Webb, Earle Helms, and 

Cecil Hollifield 
IS Mins.— Local 
Sustaining 
Tuesdays, 7 P. M. 
WSOC, Charlotte, N. C. 
• This mixture of hillbilly, swing, 
and comedy is really the pastime 
and relaxation of a group of well- 
known Charlotte business and pro- 
fessional men. They find it fun, and 
that feeling is catching with listeners. 

Sometimes the dialogue becomes 
pretty unfunny and slips into boring 
lengths but th^. music (?) saves the 
day. 

Characters in this new WSOC 
show are five Charlotte men-about- 
town'. 'Professor Junk' is Socrates 
(R, S.) Rainey, former school, prin- 
cipal. 'Dago' is a former life guard 
and a foundryman by trade, and his 
real name is Norman Childress. 
'Rafe,' the dumbbell among the 
Roustabouts, is a bookkeeper, Ralph 
Webb. 'Smoky' is Earl Helms. He 
sings bass, and 'Fats,' funny boy, is 
Cecil Hollifield,, former student un- 
der Rainey. 

Have no musical instruments with 
the exception of a guitar which gives 
them a chord on which to start their 
rhythmic orgies, and then keeps 
them going. Hard, 



BEATRICE HOWELL 

Impersonations 

6 Mins. 

ROYAL GELATINE 
Thursday, * p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

(J. Walter Thompson) 

Miss Howell, who matriculated 
from an anonymity in a Fanchon & 
Marco unit line to an upsoarln.^ 
vaude imitator, did an o.k. stint on 
the Vallee hour, recently. Using 
material from her stage act. Miss 
Howell ran through a list of film 
names for her counterfeiting. It 
would have helped if .she had used 
a few celebs from, outside Hollywood 
for the sake of variety. 

Her miming was very faithful over 
the air, and her material was in key 
and not unwitty. Impersonated 
Lionel Barrymore mumbling in his 
beard, Louise Rainer singing, Bar- 
bara Stanwyck, a conversation 
'tween Ekina May Oliver and Freddie 
Bartholomew, and another chat 
'tween Simone Simon and Bee Lil- 
lie misunderstanding each other. 

Bert, 



'VOICE OF CARELESSNESS' 
With Milton Olin, DougrlasK Hope, 

Alice Hill, Forrest Lewis 
Edocationai Drama 
5 Mins.— Local 
CHICAGO MOTOR CLUB 
Daily, 5:30 p.m. CDST 
WBBM, Chicago 

(MqJunfctn) ■ 

This set of five-minule spot 
dramas presuming to reduce auto- 
mobile accidents pre-supposes radio 
audiences are the ultimate in child- 
ishness. Even the bogey man is in 
(and a very badly played one), prob- 
ably to scare people out of having 
collisions. 

Program dramatizes an accident, 
and what lead.s to it. The people 
concerned warn each other about 
what might happen, the bogey man 
egging them on by speaking his 
thoughts and doing his alleged hor- 
rendeous laugh. Then the accident 
happens. And an announcer comes 
on to tell why, all over again. 
Theme music is the laugh of the 
bogey man, who, of course, is in the 
title role. 

Granted that a ftve-minute pro- 
gram isn't the easiest thing in the 
world to do, a different approach is 
obviously needed. The horror voice 
could still be left in, but the whole 
set-up needs to be switched around 
to get a more gripping technique. 

Production is typical of the it's- 
only-a-five-minute-spot attitude. 

Loop. 



MARTA ABBA, OSGOOD PERKINS 

Dramatization 

M Mins. 

SEALTEST 

Sunday, !• p.m., DST 

WEAF-NBC, New York 

(J. Walter' Thompson) 

Miss Abba on Broadway in 'Tova- 
rich,' did not have a too aii.^picious 
bow-on in broadcasting due to script 
inadequacies. Her acting wa.s good, 
and she displayed quite some knowl- 
edge of astute milce technique. 

In 10 minutes, the script purpo.sed 
to delineate the two central char- 
acters and conjure up the story of 
'Enter Madame,' legit play of decade 
ago. Two separate slices of the piece 
were projected, but unfortunately 
the dramatization shot far beneath 
the target at which it aimed. Aside 
fx'om several slick lines, and tlie 
sustained good acting of Mi.ss Abba 
and Perkins, the excerpts held but 
faint interest. 

Perkins played the bla.^e^bitten 
husband of the middle-aged operatic 
oriole. He's a vet of string of radio 
dramatizations. 

Duo guested on the 'Senllest Party,' 
presided over by tenor James Melton. 

Bert. 



NANCY MARTIN 

With Max Adkins' Saxomaniacs 

Singing, Music 

15 Mins. — Local 

Tnes., Thur., 12:30 p. m. 

GULF SPRAY 

WCAE, Pittsburgh * 

Backed by Max Adkin.s' sax en- 
semble, Nancy Martin delivers a nice 
vocal quarter-hour for Gulf Spray. 
She has been around for sevei-al 
years now and voice quality has im- 
proved considerably since then with 
result that she now handles a pop 
ballad with plenty. 

In the middle of -stanza, she does a 
song story, a sort of solo dramatiza- 
tion, on program caught to 'Remem- 
ber,' and display.", some able histri- 
onic ability as well. These things 
usually are pretty drab but Miss 
Martin handles them neatly. Idea of 
a sax crew for accompaniment is 
novel and the Adkins arrangements 
are effective although too much in 
the same tempo. iShould be some 
variations. 

Sponsor, however, should watch 
those commercials. Program goes on 
right around lunch time and the an- 
nouncer had to deliver a spiel about 
preventing insects from crawling 
across the food by using the product. 
Took the edge off an otherwise ex- 
cellent quarter-hour and gives the 
table timerlisteners a bad taste. 

Cohen. 



WERNER JANSSEN ORCHESTRA 

With Loretta Lee 

?>9 Mins. 

FLEISCHMAN 

Sunday, 7i3» p.mt. DST 

W.fZ-NBC, New York 

(J, Walter Thompson) 

Replacing the Ozzic Nel.son or- 
chestra 'Believe It' Ripley progri- n 
for the summer for the yeast com- 
pany is Janssen's crew, sliuntod 
over by the Thompson a:;ency Iroin 
the Chase 8r Sanborn r^crr.m, 
which directly follows on NBC's 
■alter web. Thomoson had to loosen 
up the Chase & Sanborn arrry. 

Obviourly this is k contract 'o\it* 
for the cjency. Show is nondsacrlpU 
A summer misfit 

Giveaway is a correspondence- 
school course in the p."t of hoofin<j. 
Arthur Murray provider 3 tho in- 
structions, . and any comer can hrve 
a copy in return for CI yeprt-vrVe 
labels. (Holdover from previous 
programs.) 

On the musical selection side;, 
nihonft the lighter-vein nUiUbers, 
wr-'^e 'MarriQ'^e of Fi-jaro* overture, 
a Streams medley and series of dance 
.styles frdm Wtii century till present 
day.. Latter was fiuite arresting, run- 
vlnti the gamut from minuet down 
Ihrourjh gavotte, waltz, one-step, 
two-stco, bunny-hug to current 
squirming. For the rest it was pre- 
sumably a bit too lofty in layout 
for the younrf audience the product 
seeks. It is attempting to petfdle the 
product only to clear up youns 'uns 
complexions, and doing sO in more 
blatant manner perhaps than Fleisch- 
mann, in all its air years, ever at- 
tempted. 

Loretta Lee, a good blues-bawler, 
was a bit put of it on last Sunday's 
(11) broadcast. Two brief choruses 
are not enough for the only warbler 
on the 30-min. period. 

Orchestra is vigorous and slick. 
Janssen announces his own numbers. 
Not too wqII. No studio audience. 

J. Walter Thompson, agency is 
'exoerimenting' for the listening 
audience's favor by eliminating stu- 
dio onlookers. Listeners are told 
that the program is wholly theirs, 
and that no visual sidelights or by- 
plays are sifted in solely for the 
studio audience, because {here is 
none. 

Growing opinion in some radio 
circles is that tuner-inners grow re- 
sentful often at the program inter- 
ruptions occasioned by the overlong 
laughter, whooos and whistles studio 
sitter-inners are wont to indulge in. 
And also by the panto antics of per- 
formers which draw giggles from the 
visual mob, but are veiled to the 
audience at which the nrograms are 
supposed to be directed. 

Bert. 




Choice 
of Experience 



50,000 WATTS 



ROBERT A, STREET, Cojomerc/oi Manager 



PHILADELPHIA 



50 VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wedne3day, July 14, 1937 



CLEVELAND CHUCKLE 



Those 



Early Progrrams Tough 
. Pillow-Lovers 



on 



Cleveland, July 13. 
'Top of the Morning,' WHK rise 
and-shiner conducted by Carl Mark 
from 7 to 8 a. m. daily*, is iollowed by 
a United,Press newscast by Guy WaL 
lace, Mark's roommate and an in- 
veterate oversleeper. Other morning 
Mark jokingly Urged listeners to 
^hbne Wallace to get him out of bed 
and down to the studio^ if they 
wanted their news "flashes on timie. 

Result: Wallace dashed into the 
studio at the last minute. His excuse 
for getting down just und0r the wire 
was that ' he was kept so busy 
■answering calls to get out of bed he 
couldn't break away from home 
until just before air. time. He's still 
trying to figure out the "Why?' of 
all the calls as Mark hasn't had the 
nerve to tell him. 



Elks Meet on MBS 

Denver, July 13. 

During the Elks' national conven- 
tion here this week KFEL will origi- 
nate iy4 hours of the mutual chain 
from Colorado ...Sprjjags. Principal 
part of the program will be the me- 
morial services Ironi the Will Rogr- 
ers' Shrine of the Suii Memorial on 
Cheyenne mountain^ These services 
will be conducted by Elks. 

KFEL win also put gn the net two 
orchestras from the ' Springs the 
same day, Friday (16). . They are 
the Bob McGrew crowd at the 
Biroadmoor and the Bart Woodward 
inusicians, playing at the Antlers. 
Time will be 2-3:15. 



4 



F.CC.'S WASHINGTON DOCKET 



DECISIONS 




Washington, July 13. 

Alabama: WAPI, Birmingham, granted voluntary 
assignment of license to Alabama Polytechnic Institute 
(board of con trpl of WAPI). 

Connecticut: WATR, Waterbury, application for 
change of frequency from 1190 to 1290 kc, power boost 
from 100 to 250 watts and change in hour;s of opera- 
tion from limited to unlimited, denied. Examiner M. 
H. Dalberg reversed. 

Illinois: WAAR, Rockford, granted reduction of 
power from 50 to 40 watts. 

Iowa: Central States Broadcasting Company, Council 
Bluffs, denied new station to be operated on 1500 kc 
with 100 watts, commish reversing Examiner Dalberg; 
C. W. Corkhill, Sioux City, denied new station to be 
operated on 1420 kc with 100 watts. Examiner George 
H. Hill sustained; Sioux City Broadcasting Company, 
Sioux City, granted new station to be operated on 1420 
kc with 100 watts nights, 250 watts days, commish up- 
holding Examiner Hill. 

, Louisiana: WJBO, Baton Rouge, granted change in 
time of operation from specified to unlimited. 

Minnesota: National Battery Broadcasting Co., St. 
Paul, granted new high frequency station to be oper- 
ated on 25,950 kc on an experimental basis, with 1 kw, 
using A-3 emission. 

Nebraska: Falls City Broadcasting Corp., Falls City, 
denied new station to be operated on 1310 kc with 100 
watts, commlish supporting Examiner R.. L. Walker. 

New Toili: Knickerbocker Broadcasting . Co., Inc., 
New York, granted new high frequency station to be 
operated on an experimental basis on 26,550 kc with 
100 watts (to be Itfcated in Flushing). 

Norih Carolina: Virgil V. Evans, GastQnia, denied 
new station to be operated on 1420 kc with 100 watts, 
Examiner John P. Bramhall sustained. 

Ohio: WSAI, Crosley Radio Corp., Cincinnati, lippli- 
cation for daytime power boost from 2% to 5 kw dis- 
missed at applicant's request. 

Pennsylvania: WQAN, Scrantori Timies, Scranton, 
granted juice- jump from 500 watts to 1 kw; WRAX, 
Philadelphia, granted special authority to increase 
power to 1 kw to countteract interference caused by 
CMX, Havana, Cuba; WWJ, Detroit,, and KPRC, Hous- . 
ton, Tex. 

Texas: State (Capitol Broadcastmg Association, Aus- 
tin, granted new "daytime station to be operated on 1120 ' 
kc with 1 kw, specified' hours — all hours not used by 
WTAW, College Station— commish reversing Examiner 
R. L. Walker; Radio Enterprises, Luf kin, . denied new 
station to be operated daytimes on 1310 kc with 100 
watts. Examiner P. W. Seward sustained; Red Lands 
Broadcasting Association, Lufkin, granted new day- 
time station to be operated on 1310 kc with 100 watts, 
Examiner Seward upheld. 



SET FOR HEARING 



Lonislana: William C. Smith, Bogalusa, new station 
to be operated on 1310 kc with 100 watts; WDSU, New 
Orleans, Jump power from 1 to 5 kw, install new 
equipment and directional antenna system. 

Maryland: WFBB, Baltimore, boost power from 500 
watts, 1 ^w days, to 5 kw, install new equipment and 
directional antenna system for day and night iise. 
Massachusetts: WAAB, Yankee Network, Inc., Boston, 



permission to use transmitter Type W. E. 106-B as al- 
ternate transmitter. 

Texas: M. M. Valentine, Laredo, new station to be 
operated on 1500 kc with 100 watts nights, 250 watts 
• days. 

Virginia: WLVA, Lynchburg, change frequency from 
1200 to 1390 kc, increase power from 100 watts nights, 
250 watts days, to 500 watts, install directional antenna 
system for night use. 

NEW APPLICATIONS 

California: -Floyd A. Parton, San Jose, new station 
to be operated on 1170, kc with 250 watts, days only. 

Florida: Panama City Broadcasting Company, 
Panama City, new station to be operated on 1420 kc 
With 100 watts, days only. 

Iowa: Western Audiphone Co., Ottumwa, new station 
to be operated on 1420 kc with 100 watts. 

New York: National Broadcasting Co., New York, 
extension of authority to transmit recorded programs 
to all broadcast stations in Canada, licensed to^ operate 
by the Canadian Govej:rimeht, which may be- heard 
consistently in the U. S.* 

. Oregon: Pacific Radio Corporation, Grants Pass, new 
station to be operated on 1320 kc with 500 watts, days 
only, 

Pennsylvania: WFIL, Philadelphia, boost day power 
from 1 to 5 kw, install new transmitter and directional 
antenna for daytime use. - • 

Texas: KRGV, Weslaco, authority to transfer control 
pf corporation from'M. S. Niles to O. L. Taylor, Gene 
'Howe and T. E. Snowden, 320 shares common stock. 

EXAMINERS' REPORTS 

Georgia: Failure to put in an appearance at an FCC 
hearing probably cost Phillip Jackson of Brunswick a 
new daytime station. Dismissal with prejudice was 

, recommended by Examiner John P. Bramhall, after 
preparation had been made for a hearing, at the 
expense of the government, with only one attorney, 
representing the commish, present at the proceedings. 

■ Jackson's application was for' 1420 kc with 100 watts. 

Nevada: Application of John D. Fields, Inc., of Las 
Vegas, should be tossed out with prejudice, according 
to a report by Examiner P. W. Seward. Fields filed 
application' for dismissal- one day before case was set. 

, for hearing. Request had been for a smallie on 1370 kc. 
. New Mexico: Daytime smallie for Hobbs was recom- 
mended by Examiner Melvin H. Dalberg. W. E. Whit- 
more, who holds a controlling interest in KGFL, Ros- 
well, and has been operating the transmitter, was giveii 
the green light by Dalberg apparently on the strength 
of his ownership of 1,497 shares of KGFL stock valued 
at $10 per share. Other assets included $3,000 in Lib- 
erty Bonds, owned, by Whitmore's wife, $1,765 in cash, 
$750 worth of diamonds and a handful of small per- 
sonal accounts 'said to be collectable.' 

Station, which would operate days only, would use 
the 1500 kc frequency with 100 vfatts. Whitmore was 
represented by Frank StoUenwerck. 

Texas: Dismissal without prejudice was recommend- 
ed for the application of the Amarillo Broadcasting Co. 

:by Examiner Dalberg. Applicant followed commish 
proprieties in requesting withdrawal of the request for 
a 100-wattet on 1500 kc. 



Echoes to Coronation Broadcasts; 
South Africa Irked by Radio Hoax 



Capetown, June 14. 

Radio circles hereabouts are in a 
fever over alleged ether fakes pulled 
off by the South African Broadcast- 
ing Corp. during the coronation. 
Yowls of everything from 'shame' to 
'murder' are being heard. Not only 
was the ■ hoaxing shady " dealing to 
dialers, it is charged, but was an 
insult to the King and Queen. Corpo- 
ration execs are trying to play 
ostrich while the uproar rages, but 
are catching plenty of abuse. 

According to. the accusations, it 
had been announced by Broadcasting 
Corp. officials that during the Empire 
broadcast -on coronation day a 
Johannesburg miner and a Natal 



By JANE WEST 

NOW RADIO'S MOST POPULAR 
FAMILY BRINGS YOU MORE 
AUGHTER JeARS >»nd |-| EART-THROBS 

Presented by Ivory Soap • 99"/ioo°,'o pure 



LISTEN TWICE DAILY 

- NBC Blua Network, tyion. to FrI. 11 a.m. DST 

NBC Red Network, Men. to Fri. 3:45 p.m. DST 
COAST TO COAST 

Dir., COWPTON ADV£RTISINO AC.BNCT 

tAQT^ EP WOLF— RKO BLDG.. NEW YORK CITY 



IN 



sugar planter would air messages of 
loyalty. Instead, phoney messages by 
studio artists were broadcast from 
the Capetown studios, it is alleged. 

"While those charges still had local 
dialers In a sweat, it was further 
brought out that on the same. coro- 
nation airing the supposed broadcast 
of lion roars from the Kruger Na- 
tional Park was actually only an 
electrical transcription previously 
made from Samson, a tame lion in 
the- Pretoria Zoo. Listeners, recall- 
ing their shivers while an announcer 
had hysterically described the lions 
rushing wildly about the Park and 
once actually brushing by the mike, 
sizzled a few degrees nearer boiling. 

Newspapers have been plastering 
the Broadcasting Corp. execs,, point- 
ing out that such tactics, tabu in 
England and America, are likely to 
bring South African radio into dis- 
repute abroad and seriously set back 
the country's broadcasting. Demands 
are being heard for the resignation 
of the Corporation Board and those 
responsible for the hoax< 

Statements have been issued by 
the Corporation that it is satisfied 
with all the circumstances of the 
coronation program and that Kruger 
National Park broadcasts were in 
'accordance with just practice, 
necessitated by technical and prac- 
tical • difficulties and there was no 
intention of misleading the public' 
Public merely gives those declara- 
tions the horse whinny and is re- 
doubling its clamor that 'something 
be done.' 



FARM SERVICE IN BALTO; 
EARLY A. M. EPIDEMIC 



Baltiinore, July 13. 

It's getting to be a battle of 'first 
on the air* between WFBR and 
WBAL here with members of both 
staffs wondering whether night shifts 
will soon be needed. 

Aiming for rural listener follow- 
ing, WFBR some weeks ago Inaugu- 
rated a program of farm news, 
weather reports, time signals and 
musical recordings with commercial 
spots spliced in between, taking air 
each morning at 6:30, a half hour 
earlier than other local stations. 

Beginning this week, WBAL goes 
on, with a similar program at 6:00. 
No word yet from town's other two 
stations but considerable talk cur- 
rent suggesting hotel accommoda- 
tions at studios for announcers as- 
signed to these eye-openers. 



Curtis eiuss has joined WGH, Not* * 
folk, as sales force member and part- 
time announcer. 



ARTHUR LUCAS TESTIFIES 

Appears Before FCC Examiner on 
Savannah Petttiou 



* Atlanta, July 13. • 

Arthur Lucas, prez of WRDW, 
Augusta, Ga., and treasurer of Lucas 
& Jenkins, Inc., which operates 
chain of theatres in Georgia, back- 
ing up his application for a new sta- 
tion in Savannah, Ga., last week told 
a FCC examiner in Washington, 
D. C, that the t>rQposed new station 
would- cost between $20,000 and 
$25,000 and estimated that its oper- 
ating cost y^ould range around $1,800 
per month. He further declared it 
would not be affiliated with any 
chain. 

Replying to queries by counsel for 
WTOC, Savannah, and Seaboard 
Broadcasting Corp., also of Savan- 
nah, Lucas declared , he was not in- 
terested financially in a station Jack 
Brantley proposed to build in Savan- 
nah, application for which was nixed 
by FCC a year ago. He also stated 
Brantley had no interest in the sta- 
tion he (Lucas) now seeks author- 
ity, to operate. 



EASY 
ACES 



BROADCASTING 
6th YEAR FOR 
BLACKHTT - SAMPLE 
H U M M E R T, INC. 

A K A G I N 



HARRY 
SALTER 

CONDUCTING 

LUCKY STRIKE 
"HIT PARADE" 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

N.B.C. Red at 10 P.M., EDST 



HENRI 
NOEL 

His Continental Musio 
His French Songs 

CURRENTLY AT 

FRENCH CASINO 

Atlantic City, N. J. 



II III II ill 11 III ■■ 



JAC QUES 

FRAY 



^ MARIO 

BRAOOIOTTI 



II III 11 III II III 



NBG NETWORK 



Richard Belt, announcer at WBNS, 
Columbus, Is recovering from an ap- 
pendectomy in a Dayton, Ohio, hos- 
pital; 



TODAY'S CHILDREN 

RADIO'S MOST POPULAR DAYTIME PROGRAM 
WRITTEN BY IRNA PHILLIPS - PRODUCED BY N. B. C 
NOW ENTERING 5TH YEAR FOR / 

Pillsbury Flour Mills Company 

DIR. -HUTCHINSON ADVERtlSING COMPANY 
N. B. C. RED NETWORK -MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 
lbi45 lliOO A. M., E. D. S. T. 



We<1ne8<Iay, July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



51 



r 



Vay Down South . . . 







NBC Expands Blue Network 



On Auffust 1. the nalionalizalion of the NBC Blue Nel- 
work takes a long step towards completion. For, on 
that date, ten stations, in some of the richest and most 
populous sections of the South, become Blue affiliates. 

Since January 1, 1936, when the complete Trans- 
continental Blue Network was launched. Blue Net- 
work coverage of the nation's important markets has 



been intensified by the addition of 37 stations, in* 
eluding these new Southern affiliates. Ask your near- 
est NBC office for costs and market data. 

★ ★ * 

Special Radio Programs and Local Advertising in these 
markets will be used by the stations to build even 
greater audience interest for Blue Network Advertisers! 



NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY 

A RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA SERVICE 



52 VARIETY 



MUSIC— COMCEIIT 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



Midi Cavalcade of Music As Spec 
For N. Y. Fair; Hunting for Bankroll 



Complete field of music is to be 
unfolded to visitors at the New York 
World's Fair in 1939. Though plans 
are known to he in formative stage, 
despite announcement of an Ad- 
visory Committee on Music, massed 
bandsT radio broadcasts, with the pos- 
sibility that the fair might provide 
material for sustaining programs, and 
full treatment of opera are part of 
ideas now being mulled. 

Committee contains names of dis- 
tinguished musicians and music 
patrons ..in U. S, Though the an- 
nounced plan is to present all forms 
of music the advisory committee 
.right now. is most concerned with 
• getting the essential fund together 
to put on proposed projects. Al- 
though committee members, ■ -who 
. long have been id^tified as giving 
liberally to forward better music, 
probably will furnish nucleus to a 



Tops in the Music Business 

My Cabin of Dreams 

Gone WithThe Wind 

The Yon And Me 
That Used To Be 

Carelessly 

Coming, A New RKO Musical 
'Life of the Party' 

wits 

Let's Have Another 
Cigarette 

Roses In December 

Yankee Doodle Band 

So You Won't Sing 

Chirp AUttle Ditty 

The LifeHf The Party 

Irving Berlin, ine- 

799 Seventh Ave., New York 

HARRY LINKf Gen. Prof. Mgr. 



DUKE'S 
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vast music fund for the New York 
exposition, the committee member- 
ship also is seeking ways pnd means 
of attracting outside capital just-now. 

Cash in this fund would be em- 
ployed in constructing a special 
music building on the fair site, where 
whole field niight be covered. How- 
ever, actual staging of many musical 
productions, bands and other" such 
enterprises -would be put on at the 
large amphitheatre (with island 
stage) for which the state of N. Y. 
has appropriated money for building. 
This is segregated from the main 
amusement zone but on the lagoon. 

Success of operas at Jones Beach 
has prompted some higher exposition 
minds to lean towards idea of staging 
some similar outdoor operatic season 
at the fair! . Number of Metropolitan 
Opera stars and those identified with 
it- on the advisory, committee sup- 
ports such plan. 

Massed Bands 

However, the idea of using massed 
bands with numerous band, units in- 
vited to the world's fair for extended 
competition intrigues others. Prob- 
ably would follow the general Idea 
employed at national American 
Legion conventions, only, that the 
fcompetitive band organizations pre- 
sumably would ' compete ■ over a 
period of a month or more, with 
these smaller groups comprising 
semi-finals in contest. However, it 
would give the fair a chance to em- 
ploy the band panoply idea with 10 
or more massed every four weeks 
or so for spectacular effect. 
V General chairman of the advisory 
committee is Allen Wardwell, direc- 
tor of the Met, Vith Mrs. Vincent 
Astor and Marshfcill Field as vice- 
chairmen. I 

Radio is represented on the com- 
mittee by Howard. Barlow, of . Co- 
lumbia Broadcasting , System, and 
Frank Black and Walter Damrosch, 
of National Broadcasting Co., latter 
being musical, covmsel. Metropolitan 
is represented, in addition to Ward- 
well, by Mrs. August Belmont, chair- 
man of Met Opera Guild; Lucrezia 
Bori, soprano of the Metropolitan; 
LaTVrence Tibbett, baritone of Met; 
and Edward Johnson, director of the 
opera company. 



Jooss Due Back 



Jooss Ballet is planning to return 
to America early in October for a 
tqur extending to the Coast, Canada 
and into Cuba and Mexico, At pres- 
ent resting at Darlington Hall, Dev- 
onshire, England. Just completed an 
engagement in Paris. • 

Columbia Concerts Corp. handling. 

MARTINELLI'S TOUR 
GREATLY EXTENDED 



Giovanni Martinelli will sing 
nearly double the number of dates 
this winter that he had last season. 
Already set for 20 New York per- 
fomances with the Metropolitan 
Opera Company, in- addition to an 
indefinite number, of road dates.- 
Opens the San Frahcisco season Oct*. 
15 and the Chicago season OpCTsO. 
First St. Louis appearance of the 
season is Nov. 24. 

Currently vacationing at his home 
in Italy after 14 performances dur- 
ing the coronation season with the 
Covent Garden Opera, the tenor is 
set for five dates in France during 
August. Michael de Pace agehting. 

f - 

St. Louis Ybice Line-Up 

St. Louis, July 13. . 

Mme. Erma Sack, European grand 
opei'a star, will - make appearance 
here next fall in 'Rigoletti,' first of 
operas to be presented by St. Louis 
Opera Co. in Municipal Auditorium, 
under management of Director Guy 
Golteman. Mme. Sack will sing role 
of .'Gilda,' with -Robert Wedde, Met 
baritone, as 'Rigoletti,* and Armand 
Tokatyan, Met tenor, as the 'Duke.' 
Following 'Rigoletti* will be 'Car- 
men,' 'Faust,' 'Tristan and Isolde' 
and another to be selected later. 

Other artists signatured for ap- 
pearance here during the season are 
Feodor Chaliapin, Kirsten Flagstad, 
Giovanni Martinelli, Bruna Castagna, 
Paul Althouse, Lucy Moore and John 
Gurney, <who made several appear- 
ances during the outdoor municipal 
opera season. 



Joseph Schmidt's Tour 

Joseph Schmidt, German tenor, is 
being brought* over by Sol Hurok 
next year. Arriving in mid-Novem- 
ber, singer will be booked for an 
across-country swipg .of concert 
stands by NBC Artists Service. 

Hiirok is still in Europe, digging 
up talent for next season dating; 
agent will not return to the U. S. 
until September. Schmidt is the 
first foreign performer definitely set 
for importation. 



E. St. Louis Projects Dropped 

, St. Louis, July 13. 

The East St. Louisj lU., WPA Dis- 
trict will abandon two musif proj- 
ects Thursday (15) according to Fred 
G. Austin, district WPA director. No 
reason was given for closing down 
projects. . 

Work for 22 unemployed tooters 
was furnished by the projects which 
included a string ensemble . and a 
dance ork. 



Th« Nation-Wide Hit 

SEPTEMBER 
IN THE RAIN 

By WARREN and DUBIN 



REMICK MUSIC CORP. 
list Slith At*.. RCA BIdr.. N. T. 
CBARU£ WA&BBN. tnt. Hsr. 



Hits from the RKO Radio Picture, "NEW FACES OF 1937" 

LOVE IS NEVER OUT OF SEASON 
OUR PENTHOUSE^N THIRD AifENUE 

rrom BEN MARDKN'.S ^MAICX HlVIKR.A REVUB 

THE IMAGE OF YOU 



From THE PAN A^IKRIC.W CASINO REVUE 

DON'T YOU KNOW OR DON'T YOU CARE 

LEO FEI$T, Inc. • 1629 BROADWAY • NEW YORK 



Robin Hood Blah 



Philadelphia, July 13. 

Biz . continued apathetic during 
second week of Robin Hood Dell 
concerts. Gross was, mediocre at 
$11,500 for six nights, representing 
about 20,000 kicks of the ' wicket. 
This was $500 less than coined open- 
ing week with only five concerts. 

Double fee is charged at the gate, 
or two stubs torn from season 
books, on nights featuring w.k. so- 
loists or operaites. 



Spontaneous Demand? 

Shapiro, Bernstein & Co. has ac- 
quired the 'publication rights to 
'Roses in the Rain.' Tune had been 
aired for somt; time over WSB,, At- 
lanta, and when it started getting 
calls at the jobbers, Shapiro-Bern- 
stein got in touch with the writers, 
all of whom are natives of Atlanta. 

They are Remus' Harris, Son of 
Joel Chandler Harris, Cliff Stodgill 
and Irving Melsher. 



Bob Weede in Opera 

Robert Weede opens the season 
with the St, Louis Opera Company 
on November 22,' singing the title 
part in 'Rigoletto.' Also set for three 
other performances there during the 
season. 

Michael de Pace ](iandling. 



Music Notes 



Witmark's professional staff is 
clearing the decks for -^ork on the 
Warren and Dubih score of 'Mr. 
podds Takes to the Air.' Tunes are 
'Am I in Love?' 'Here Comes the 
Sandman,' 'The Girl You Used to Be' 
and 'Remember Me.' Film's release 
date is Aug. 21. 



Max Steiner has completed scoring 
'That Certain Woman' at Warners. 

Rocco Vocco, gen. professional 
mgr. of the Warner Bros, music in- 
terests, returns today (Wednesday) 
from, a stay of several Weeks on the 
Coast. 



Iryingr Berlin will publish four 
niimbeis from Jimmy Cagney's 
'Soniething to Sing About.' They 
are, 'That's What Loving You Did 
for Me,' 'Right or Wrong,' 'Out of 
(Continued on page 61) 



Last Week's 15 Best Sellers 



It Looks Like Rain * • t • • t v Morris 

Sailboat in the Moonlight •••••••• Crawford 

Merry-Go-Round Broke Down « ...Harms 

*Sweet Leilani • Select 

*Blue Hawaii ••.•••**.. Famoua 

You and Me That Used to Be •••«..•«. Berlin 

*Never in a Million Years. «*..«*,.Robbin.<i 

'September in the Rain ••.*•••. Remick 

t Where or When (*««.....Chappell 

* Was it Rain? Santly- Joy 

*Cause My Baby. Says, It's So Remick 

Toodleoo i ....... « Shapiro 

I Hum a Waltz Miller 

*Turn Ott the Moon . .Popular 

Dream In My Heart. Harms 

* Indicates filmusical song. Indicates stage production song. The 
others, are pops. 



BALLET CARAVAN IN 
SAYBROOK TRY^IJTS 



Premieres of three ballets, "Yankee 
Clipper/ 'Show Piece' and 'Folk 
Dance,' are being given this weiek by 
the Ballet Caravan at the Town Hall, 
Saybrook, Conn, Lincoln Kirstein is 
director. 

•Yankee. 'Clipper' has a score by 

Paul Bowles, with choreography by 

EUgena Loring. 'Show Piece' has 

music by Robert MacBride and 
choreograi)hy Ijy Erick .Hawkins, 
'Folk Dance' has a score by Emanuel 
Chabrier and choreography by 
Douglas Coudy. Charles Rain did 
the costumes for 'Yankee Clipper* 
and ToUc Dance,* while those' for 
'Show Piece' are by K^eith Martin, 

In addition to the premieres, old 
ballets to be repeated ^during the 
week are 'Promenade,' 'Encounter' 
ancl 'Harlequin for President.' 



ROCKWELL IN SPLINTS 



Fall Breaks Bigrht Wrist and Left 
Forearm ' 



Plan which Tom Rockwell, of 
Rockwell-O'Keefe, had of coming to 
New York in four weeks for an ex- 
tensive stay at the home office is out 
because of an accident he suffered 
on his California ranch. He fell 
from a horse and fractured the right 
wrist and the left forearm. 

Rockwell stayed in the hospital 
but a few days. He expects to re- 
sume soon at his Hollywood office, 
despite the slat impediments. 



Job Paine Due Back 



John G. Paine, gen. mgr. of the 
American Society of Composers, Au- 
thors and Publishers, returns from 
Europe this Saturday (17). 

He sailed June 9 to attend the 12th 
International Congress of the Feder- 
ation of Performing Rights Societies 
in Paris. 



WW WWW^W^^r^^W 

HOAGT CABMK 

OLD MAN MOON 

From Hal RMoh't MOM Prod. "Toppar" 



Presenlt 

HOAGT CABMICHAX;i.'S 



Th* teni with tht Hawaiian .flavor 

LITTLE HEAVEN OF 
THE SEVEN SEAS 

By Siholl and Jarama 
Writars of "Buckaroo" 



From "CHEROKKK 3TRIP" 

MY LITTLE BUCKAROO 



M. WITMARK & SONS 
ISBO Sixth Av«., BCA Bldr-, N. X. 
SOIXT COHN. Prof. Mkf. 



P By ^_ 



Id 



St iisiil u> mil ""ii./L' //// / /(i/ji 

I n, r> ,.f /'m: ■ 



PECUN 



The New Summer Sensodcn '■ 

IS THIS GONNA BE 
MY LUCKY SUMMER 



Season's Loveliest Ballad 

MOON AT SEA 



The Comedy Hit of 1937 

TODAY I AM A MAN 



( ilfit iiiUy i i)f>roi<'(l 
KooS) i rll-Dn I'ont Loi r >ons 



1 



OU ARE THE REASON 




FOR MY 
LOVE SONG 



Mills MusiCr Inc. 

Hit laoaawAV . Nnr ion. h. t, 




AnnooncInK 
Three JUg Song HItfl 
from "SLNO AND BK HAPFX" 
Ths Ifew SOth Century-Fox 
BlDBloal 

'Sing and Be Happy' 

'What A 
Beautiful Beginning' 

'Travelin' Light' 



MOVIETONE 
MUSIC CORPORATION 

SAM FOX Publishing cc s w^ ao.- '- 
1250 SIXTH AVENUE 

N EW YORK 



"POLYNESIAN ROMANCE" 
"JUST ABOUT MGHr- 

•By liysle Tomerlln and Andy loaa 
Long - Writers of "SOUTH 
SEA ISLANP MAGIC" 

VANGUARD SONGS 

0411 Holbivood Blvd., Hollywood, Cal. 
JULIO ALONSO, Prof. Myr. 



THE MERRY-GO-ROUND BROKE DOWN 
BORN TO LOVE VIENNA DREAMS 
THE MOON IS IN TEARS TONIGHT 
I'M HATIN' THIS WAITIN' AROUND 

IN PREPARATION— Dick Whiting and Johnny Mercer's smash 
seen© from Warner Bros. "VARSITY SHOW," starring Dick Powell 
and Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanlana. 

HARMS, Ino., R.C:A. BIdg., N.Y.C. Mack Goldman, Prof. Mgr. 



MUSIC 



VARIETY 55 



Gdrishwin Reminiscences 



The Stnvlntfcy Story 

As a songsmith who, despite his 
art,' was always in- the big money, 
if recalls the liiity when Gershwin 
cabled Igor iStravinsky how much it 
wotdd cost him to take lessons in 
iexecution from the Great Russian 
composer. ' Stravinsky, then due 
over for his first Carnegie Hall con- 
cert, cabled- back, 'How much do 
you earn a year?' Gershwin wired 
back a figure of around $150,000 per 
annum, whereupon Stravinsky re- 
;plied, 'I'll remain here, you come 
■oyer and teach me.' 

Brother Clicked on Own 

^ Saga of Ira Gershwin, his lyric 
LWriting brother, is significant At 
fl^ Ira wrote Mnder the nom-de- 
plume of Arthur Francis, named 
after another brother (Arthur) and 
Frances Gershwin (Mrs. .Leopold 
Gddowsky, Jr.), the idea being not 
to .' trade on George's reputation. 
I^tier, with the composer-brother 
get^iiiSg .all the plaudits, Ira's text 
Xiwne: to attention, but chiefly on 
ite merits. 

\p: . ' ■ la other Dircetions 

.,'George Gershwin on the • side was 
quite a painter. Some pf his works 
gO'W-.Sind were widely acclaimed. He 
also -active- as a collector. 
'BjEuipse^e' Started ■ Plenty 
' tdii His F!eb. 14, ,1924, world debut 
iii&e now renowned 'Rhapsodie in 
Blue,' the critics took Paul White- 
mfin's Aeolian Hall concert very se- 
" iibusly because of thfc 'Rhapsodic.' 
Since then the linking of Whiteman 
with Gershwin has been synony- 
jiibus' and inseparable. So much so 
tbieit /Wheii XTniversal insisted upon 
th^ strains cf the 'Rhapsodic' for 
Whiteman's 'King of Jazz' film in 
li928, it paid $50,000 for the screen 
rights. ■ . 
. This was upon Max Dreyfus' in- 
sistence sinice the head of Harms, 
Inc., and piatron of Gershwin, felt 
that the composer couldn't be com- 
Sensat'ed in the usual manner of 
sheet miisic sales.' Universal paid, 
alth6ugh in another instance, when 
ttie "Warner Bros.-ASCAI* schism 
aroise, and Gershwin was personally 
piqued at the technicality which 
kCj^t his 'Rhapsodie' away from 
TKrhlteman's' broadcast usage as a 
■Uieine strain, .he couldn't help him-' 
self; It wasn't a matter of econ- 
omics then. 

A Grand BIffht 
', Gfershwin's 'Rhapsodic' along with 
his 'Concerto in F,' 'An American 
in Paris,* etc., when performed, 
fetched fancy fees a$ a 'grand right' 
from the American Society of Com- 
posers, ■ Authors and Publishers. 
Something like $50 per performance, 
fikiri to the arrangement when per- 
forming Maurice Ravel's 'Bolero,' 
was the means of economically com- 
pensating' the composer. 

Gershwins had two music publish- 
ing businesses with two channels. 
Recently formed Gershwin Publish- 
ing Corp. is affiliated with Chappell 
(Max and Louis Dreyfus, Henry 
Spitzer), and the former New World 
Music Co. is a subsid of Harms, Inc., 
a Warner Bros, property, but like- 
wise directed by Max Dreyfus. 
Donbie Blow for Dreyfus 
No person, the music trade agrees, 
will feel the passing of George 
Gershwin more keenly than Max 
Dreyfus. Relationship between these 
two far transcended that of business. 
It was a mutual affection and ap- 
preciation that grew with the pass- 
ing years. Dreyfus has always 
, ranked his discovery, maturing and 
. development i of Gershwin as the 
greatest achievement of his publish- 
ing career. Gershwin dated his rise 
froni the time that Dreyfus took 
him into Harms, following an in- 
troduction by Harry Askin^ manager 
of the late John Philip Sousa. 
■ Gershwin's death caime oh the 
heels of another hard blow which 
Dreyfus had received. Latter was 
the news that Jerome Kern, his 
other toprflight writer- and close 
friend, had become so ill that phy- 
sicians had ordered him to refrain 
ftom any work for at least a year. 
Extremely Exacting 
Tin Pan Alley knew Gershwin as 
a decidedly reserved and somewhat 
timid fellow even after he had 
reached the heights. He was hot 
inclined to concern "himself with 
*e business end pf music, leaving 
mat to Dreyf us^ his- lawyer, A. M. 
Wattenberg, and other advisors. He 
was never known to show an in- 
terest in accumulating wealth. How 
exacting he could be about his work 
was disclosed by the fact that he 
took two years to write 'Porgy and 
Bess,' orchestrating every line of it 
himself, 

j Npt a Smash Seller 

( Gershwin never during his career 

i rated as a writer pf commercial songs. 



Few of them ever got into the smash 
class as sheet sellers. He was fre- 
quently turning down commercial 
propositions. It took much persua- 
sion to get him to accept Feert-a- 
mint's offer of a series oh the air a 
couple seasons back. Gershwin did 
not enjoy . writing for pictures. In 
a letter to Wattenberg recently he 
wrote that it would be a long time 
before he would take another as- 
signment. . 

Gershwin's works, which are ex- 
pected to grow in value with the 
passing years, are controlled with 
but two exceptions by the Warner 
Bros, publishing group. The major 
part of his writings is in the Harms, 
Inc., catalog. Another portion is in 
the New WoHd Music. Corp., a War- 
ner subsid, of which the composer 
owned 33 1/3%. . Dreyfus, following 
WB's withdrawal from the American 
Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers in 1935, organized with 
the composer the Geoijge Gershwin 
Publishing Co. At his death this Cata- 
log consisted of 'Porgy and Bess' 
and the score of the RKO-Fred As- 
taire production, 'Shall We Dance?' 
This catalog Will also -absorb the five 
tunes he had written for the 'Gold- 
wyn Follies.' Latter score lacked but 
two ^ore numbers to comipletion. 

In the New World catalog are the 
scores of 'Of Thee I Sing,' 'E'unny 
Face,' 'Girl Crazy,' 'Rosalie,' 'Strike 
Up the Band,' 'Aiherican in Paris' 
and 'Delicious.' 'Rhapsody in Blue,' 
like most of his other big successes, 
are in the Harms list. 



WB'SmPCDT 





Warner Bros, publishing group got 
a total of $122,000 as its share of the 
royalty plum distributed by the 
American Society of Composers, Au- 
thors and Publishers for the second 
quarter of this year. These .same 
firms, which pomprise Harms, Inc., 
Witmark, Remick, T. B. Harms Co. 
and' New World Music Corp., col- 
lected $77,000 for the previous quar- 
ter. Tilt was due largely to the re- 
cent adjustments of the availability 
point ratings of the first three firms. 

With the latest availability read- 
justment allowing Harms 750 and 
putting it in a class by itself, the 
second quarter of 1937 brought that 
concern a dividend of $46,000. It re- 
ceived $30,000 for the first quarter 
of this year. Firms in the 500 avail- 
ability point division, or the next 
highest in the publishers list, ob- 
tained from $25,000 to $30,000 as their 
portions for the past quarter. 

Collections for the second quarter 
of this year were . near $1,200,000, 
while the split figured 9% under 
what it had been the first quarter of 
'37. Class AA writers got around 
$4,200 this time. It was $4,600 the 
quarter before and $3,600 for the final 
quarter of '36. 



Services East and West 



Los Angeles, July 13. 

Services for George Gershwin will 
be held here Thursday (15) simul- 
taneously with those being held in 
New York. Body entrained east 
Monday (12) with Ira Gershwin, 
brother, following next day by plane. 
Burial will be made in family plot 
in New York after services at Tem- 
ple Emanu-El there. Qershwin's body 
will repose next to his father. 

Memorial committee composed of 
Irving Berlin, Moss Hart, L. Wolfe 
Gilbert, Sigmund Romberg and 
Arthur Lyons have issued invitations 
to those to participate in services 
here at B'nai B'rith Temple. Rabbi 
Edgar F. Mangin will conduct the 
service with eulogy to be read by 
Oscar Hammerstein II. 

Those on dais will be. Hammer- 
stein, Adolph Zukor, Wolfe Gilbert, 
Edward G. Robinson, Vinoente Mi- 
nelli, Gus Schirmer, Dariyl Zanuck, 
Chas. R. Rogers, Jerome Kern, Rich- 
ard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Marc 
Connelly, Harry Cohn, David Selz- 
nick, Rouben Mamoulian, Ernst 
Lubitsch, Ben Bloom, Alex Aarons, 
Henry R. Spitzer, Frank Capra, Alex 
Steinert, Edgar Selwyn, George 
Pallay, Buddy De Sylva, Sam Katz, 
Oscar Levant, Sam Briskin, J. L.-- 
Warner, H. M. Warner, Moss Hart, 
Arthur S. Lyons, Robert Mont- 
gomery, Dr. Arnold Schoenberg, 
Otto Klemperer, Ernest Toch, Samuel 
Goldwyn, Pandro Bennian, Fred 
Astaire, Irving Berlin, Lillian Hell- 
man, Dashiell Hammett, Eddie 
Cantor, Alfred Newman, Arthur 
Kober, Charles Chaplin, Fannie 
Brice, Elizabeth Myers, Boris Morros. 

Honorary ushers are Arthur Freed, 
Louis Alter, J. Keirn Brennan, 
David Diamond, Dave Dreyer, Jay 
Gpurney, Gus Kahn, Oscar Rasbach, 
Jimmy McHugh, Albert Von Tilzer, 
Richard Whiting, Jack Yellen, Walter 
Donaldson, Philip Cohen, Johnny 
Green, Sam Coslow, Bernie (jrross- 
man. Mack Gordon, Harry . Reyel> 
Lew Pollack, Ralph Ralnger, Sid iSil- 
vers, Hugo Riesenfeld, Nathaniel 
Shilkret, Frederick V. Bowers, Sid- 
ney Clare, Victor SchCrtzinger, 
Charles Tobin, Gus Edwards, Al 
Diibin, R. H. Bumside,.Bing Crosby, 
Herbert Stothart and Victor Young, 



CHIZ BIZ IN E. T.'S 



Orchestra Leaders 'Suggest' Divvy 
On Mechanical Royalties 



Music publishers are being solic- 
ited more than ever for royalty kick- 
backs by band leaders with electrical 
transcription . assignments. Even 
when they have nothing to do with 
the picking of the numbers, such 
batonists have no qualms about call- 
ing up a publisher and asking 
whether he would be agreeable to 
splitting 50-50 on all fees collected 
from the manufacturer or the. ad 
agency. 

As far as the trade knows no im- 
portant publishing firm makes a 
practice of doing any divvying with 
leaders on that, score. As it is the 
publisher's end is but 50% on pro- 
duction numbers and 66 2-3% on pop 
or standard time, with the balance 
going to the writers. Even if they 
were inclined to take care of the 
band leaders, the publisher wouldn't 
net enough to make it worth the. 
bother. 

Biggest gravy getters from tran- 
scription are still the Warner Bros, 
firms. Harms and Witmark, With 
their operetta, show and standard 
tunes heading the catalogs of both 
program libraries and commercial 
transcriptions. 



Pallbearers 

List of honorary pallbearers, in 
N. Y. include Gov. H. H. Lehman, 
Mayor F. H. La Guardia, Franklin 
P. Adams, Fred Ahlert, Emanuel 
Alexander, George Backer, Dr. Ira 
Berlove, Ben Bernie, Frank Black, 
Paul Block, Saul Bornstein J. J. 
Bregman, A. O. Brown, Gene Buck, 
Irving Caesar, Abram Chasin, Judge 
Close, George M. Cohan, Frank 
Crowninshield, Walter Damrosch, 
Walter Douglas, Max Dreyfus, Ver- 
non Duke, George Fischer, Walter 
Fischer, Vinton Freedley, Leopold 
Godowsky, John Golden, EdWln 
Franko Goldman, Ferde Grofe, 
Arthur Hammerstein, W. C. Handy, 
Otto Harbach, Sam H. Harris, Harry 
Hershfield, Josef Hoffman, Raymond 
Hubbell, Henry Ittleson, George S. 
Kaufman, Jules Levey, Guy Lom- 
bardo, Alfreid J. McCosker, George 
W. Meyer, Jack Mills, Emil Moss- 
bacher, Conde Nast, Max Rosen, 
David Sarnoff, Richard Simon, Alex- 
ander Smallens, Oley Speaks, Herbert 
Bayard Swope, Deems Taylor, Harry 
Von Tilzer, Will Von Tilzer, James 



George Gershwin Who Rhapsodized 
Jazz Dies in HoSywood at Age of 38 



George Gershwin, 38, one of the 
leaders of modern musical composir 
tion, died in the Cedars of Lebanon 
hospital,. Los Angeles, July 11, a few 
hours after an emergency operation 
had been performed.for the removal 
of a tumor in his brain. He had been 
ill for about a month, but rallied a 
couple of weeks ago, and his physi- 
cians permitted ^is return to his 
hotel. A week ago a change for 
the worse occurred and a call was 
sent for Dr. Walter Dandy, . brain 
specialist in Johns Hopkins hospi> 
tal, Baltimore. Dr. Dandy started 
to fly to the Coast, but was turned 
back at Newark airport when in- 
formed that adverse conditions had 
made an immediate operation im- 
perative. 

Delicate operation was performed 
by Dr. Gabriel Segall, aided by Drs. 
Carl Raun, Eugene Ziskind and How- 
ard Nafziger, the latter a specialist 
of the University of California. It 
consumed four hours, his brother, 
Ira Gershwin, remaining in the op- 
eratinjH room through its duration. 
iFive hours later (3eorge Gershwin 
was dead. . ' 

Hollywood was shocked by the 
news and immediately arranged for 
memorial .services for Thursday 
morning at Temple B'nai B'rith, with 
a eulogy by Oscar Hammerstein, 2d, 
representing the American Society 
of Composers, Authors and Publish- 
ers. It is the plan to have a similar 
service in New York at 2 p.m. in 
Temple Emanu-El. Body was taken 
to New York Monday (12) by Ira 
Gershwin, and will repose in the Riv- 
erside. Memorial chapel until taken 
to the synagogue for the final service. 
Place of interment will be decided 
by Ira. 

For four months prior to his ill- 
ness he had been working on the mu- 
sical score for' the 'Goldwyn Follies' 
and had completed five pf the seven 
tunes scheduled for that production. 
He also did the ficore of 'A Damsel 
in . Distress,' the new Fred Astaire. 
picture, which has just gone into pro- 
duction. 

On Monday at 5 p.m.. Pacific Coast 
Time, the Mutual web made a na- 
tion-wide . memorial broadcast par- 
ticipated in by Irving Berlin, Cole 
Porter, Richard Rodgers, Larry Hart, 
Leopold Stokowski, Bing Crosby and 
Frances Lahgford, with thie Dave 
Broekman orchestra playing some of 
his best known compositions. 



- Thought Pianists 'Sissies' 

. George Gershwin was born in 
Brooklyn Sept. 26, 1808. Until he had 
reached his 12th year he displayed 
no aptitude for music and looked 
down upon those' of his boy com- 
panions who studied music as sissies. 
Then his mother purchased a piano 



J. Walker, Felix Warburg, Harry 
Warren, Paul Whiteman and Joseph 
Young. 

Services will be conducted by 
Rabbi Nathan A. Perilman at Temple 
Emanu->EL Eulogy by Rabbi Stephen 
S. Wise. : Music by Osslp -Gisken, cel- 
list, and Perole String Quartet. 



ASCAP Falls into Joining Mood; 

Itll Be Kther AFL or CIO 



Halsted to Muehlebach 

Chicago, July 13. 

Local Consolidated Radio Artists 
office set Henry Halsted band ' for 
Muehlebach hotel, Kansas City, to 
open July 23. 

Booking is for four weeks. 



Hollywood, July 13, 
American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers may join 
one of the trade unions. At least 
that's the present tactic of E. C. 
Mills, chairman of Society's admin- 
istrative committee. This he made 
emphatically evident at a meeting 
last Wednesday night (7) in Beverly 
Hills' swank Victor Hugo beanery. L. 
Wolfe Gilbert, who chairmained the 
affair, counted exactly 106 noses, the 
cream of the songwritin;g crop. 

When Mills let go with a bit of 
union talk to ease the boys into 
what was coming, chairs began m_ov- 
ing around and collars were loos- 
ened. The words-and-music boys 
started milling about uneasily. "To 
prepare them for what was coming, 
Mills earlier had said that 'if to 
achieve collective bargaining we 
must, be laborers, then laborers we'll 
be.' 

Unions Have Their Inning 
• Affiliation with American Federa- 
tion of Labor, Mills thought, would 
be the proper move. He told them 



so. Some one far. back wanted to 
know how about Committee of In- 
dustrial Organization. From then 
on the meetin' house really became 
a meetin' house. AFL backers argued 
and harangued that John Lewis' 
CIO mob was too radical. Flung 
back into their teeth was the indict- 
ment that the Federation was much 
too tame. There was no middle 
ground to be trod. 

Within three weeks the gang .on 
the eastern seaboard will get a load 
of the union move and some weeks 
later ballots will be passed around. 
If AFL wins out it will also mean 
that American Federation of Mu- 
sicians will have a new ally, as the 
two groups are automatically blended 
anyway. 

On iarriving in town- after attend 
ing the ASCAP trial in Tacoma, 
Wash., Mills gave out a press state- 
ment that an aggressive campaign 
will be waged by the Society to 
fend off adverse state legislation, in 
imical to the best interests of the 
songwriters, and now enacted into 
law in five states. 



and about the same time he heard 
Max Rosen give a violin recital at 
his school. Something wakened his 
interest and he attacked the piano 
so assiduously that a woman teacher 
was engaged. Later he studied un- 
der Charles Hambitzer, and follow- 
ing the latter's death, with Ernest 
Hutcheson, Edward Kilenyl and Ru- 
bin Goldmarlc 

But his ^eal learning came from 
his practical experience. He began 
as song plugger for Remick when 
he was but 16 years old, getting $15 
a week. Two years later he left -'1 1 
to become rehearsal pianist for 'Miss 
1917,' and did so well that he was 
retained by New Waiyburn following 
the opening. He. was, used in the 
Sunday concerts given by the troupe 
and it was here that he got his first 
important performance. Vivienne Se- 
gall sang his *You— Just You' and 
'There's More to a Kiss.* Later he 
went into vaudeville, first as pianist 
for Loiuse Dresser and later for Nora 
Bayes, with an interval between the 
two with Harms. . . 

When he Was 20 he received hig 
first commissloii for a full score, 'La 
La Lucille,' which drew the attention 
of George White, for whom he wrote 
the music for the following five 
'Scandals,' starting with that of 1920. 
Among his product daring, the en- 
suing decade were 'Our Nell' (1922), 
'Sweet Little Devil' (1923), 'Lady Be 
Good,' 'Primrose' (1924), 'Tip Toes,' 
'Song of the Flame' (1925), 'Oh, Kay!' 
(1926), 'Strike Up the Band,' 'Funny 
Face,' 'Shdke Your , Feet' (1927), 
•Rosalie,' 'Treasure Girl' (1928),' 
'Show Girl' (1929), 'Girl Crazy' 
(1930^), 'Of Thee I Sing' (1931). 'Par- 
don My English' (1932), 'Let 'Em Eat 
Cake' (1938). 

But his outstanding success, and 
that by which he will be best known 
to futurity was 'A Rhapsody in Blue,' 
first played by Paul Whiteman at his 
initial jazz conceirt at Aeolian Hall, > 
Feb. 12, 1924, with the composer at 
the piano. It achieved an instan- 
taneous and enormous success and 
this was followed by 'An American 
In Paris,' played by the N. Y. Phil- 
harmonic-Symphony society under 
the baton of Dr. Damrosch. His Sec- 
ond Symphony followed in 1932, but' 
did not measure up to the earlier 
Wcrk. 

His most ambitious undertaking 
was his musical version of 'Porgy 
and Bess.' At the time of his death 
he had been working with his 
brother and (George Kaufman on a 
projected successor to 'Of Thee I 
Sing,' to satirize show business, but 
the demands of Hollywood delayed 
this undertaking and -not much ad- 
vancement had been made on the 
score at the time of his death.- . 

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. 
Rose Bruskin of Brooklyn, his broth- 
ier Ira and a sister, the wife of Leo- 
jpold Godowsky, of Rochester. 



COURT VICTORif 
FOR MUSIC FEES 



The Hague, July 2. 
After many lawsuits Jn various 
appeals, the BUMA-Bureau, which 
collects musical' copyrights in Hol- 
land, has now finally won its case 
and the broadcasting associations 
will have to pay a fee for m'uilc 
which they broadcast for which 
BUMA has made arrangement with 
the authors. . 

It looks as if the associations will 
have to come to some definite ar- 
rangement with BUMA, for' if they 
infringe, finding of courts, they are 
liable to payment of fine of $160 per 
day. 



ASCAP's Damages 

Gene Buck, as president of 
ASCAP, the Mills Music Corp., Irving 
Berlin, Inc., and Donaldson, Douglas 
& Gumble, Inc., divided $2,680 iit 
awards granted by Federal Judge 
William Bondy, Friday (9) against 
six restaurants and cabarets for in- 
fringing on song copyrights. Each 
defendant defaulted on the actioa 
and was assessed $382.90 each. 

Among them was E, K. Motzer of 
Woodmanston Inn, the "18" Club and 
The Wheel, N. Y. 



54 VARIETY 



MUSIC mDahce tours 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



No Theatre Jobs in Louisville, but 
Musicians Union at All-Time Peak 



Louisville, July 13. 
Employment for musicians here- 
abouts is at in all-time peak, despite 
the fact that there are no houses 
in town playing vaud'e, and nD or- 



rMa'in-ha'in ihpir i-etrl-^ic pace 



scofe 

mVYN LEkOV 



PliQDU(TlON 



M-WITMAftl^A SONS, INC. 

I2 70 6:?A,VE. ACA8L0C NEW yonK CiTy 



YOU CAN I RUN AWAY 
FROM LOV: 5(>^ 



^^^^^ 
THE 

t 

1^ 



IH[SONGOFIHE MARINES 

CAUSE MY BABY SAYS ITS SO 

THE LADY WHO COULDN'T 
BE KISSED 

NIGHT OVER SHANGHAI 



\msM/ 

CtlMUBWMMfl P^ffX 

BEMICK MUSIC CORR,N.YC. 



Two New Instramentnl Novel- 
ties by the Pabllshers of 
"Nola" nnd "Polly" 



"CHINA DOLL 
PARADE" 

"WHISTLINC 
MOSE" 

Distinctive' Piano qr 
Oreheitra Specialtiei 



SAM FOX 

PUBLISHING COMPANY 

iJSO SIXTH AVENUt 
HCAOuilOinO raoiocitv 
NEW TOOK 



chestra in any of the film nouses. 
Local situation is also unique, in that 
Local 11, A. F. of M. has also made 
a ruling that leaders may employ 
non-union musicians to fill out their 
instrumentation, in cases where 
players for certain ins|ruments are 
unobtainable from the ranks of the 
union. This indicates that dance 
musicians are practically 100% em- 
ployed. 

Great increase in number of spots 
using music from full combos down 
to three and four-piece .outfits, to- 
gether -with the fact that many 
musician members of Local No. 11 
are with traveling bands, ^ has 
brought about scarcity of dance or- 
chestra men.- 

Musicians' local recently - raised 
(entrance fee from $25 to $35,. and is 
daily adding new members. Presi- 
dent George Laf ell succeeded in 
signing leading hotels to .agreements, 
imder which they will employ imion 
orchestras exclusively. Several 
night spots have also discontinued 
the open-shop policy, and will here- 
after employ only union musicians. 



36 HOURS, $30 

mmt 

SCALE 



Philadelphia, July 13. 

Tooters' union )ias been ..successful 
here in the past two weeks in plac- 
ing organized- bands in two niteries 
which have been open shop. Third 
one is being picketed. 

Latest spot to install men with 
cards is College Inn, uptown hotch- 
€ry, which does fairly brisk biz with 
Temple University studes- and. nabe 
trade; A. A. Tomei, prexy of Local, 
called ofl his sandwich men when 
Manager Lou Tanasco agreed to 
Class C rating for the Inn. This 
allows musickers to work from nine 
to three, six days a week, for $30. 
Leader gets $37.50.' 

Tomei is dissatisfied with this 
scale,' but let it go for summer, 
especially as he was anxious for 
union to get a toehold here. 
• Previous nitery to succumb to 
organizied labor marching 'round its 
walls was mid-city 20th Century 
Tavern. Lou Longo, who appeared 
at Earle Theatre two weeks ago 
with Benny Davis' star specks, has 
been retained as stickswisher. Men, 
are getting $42. Barney Zeeman 
band had been in. 

Now being picketed is Wilson's, in 
West Philly, using a colored band. 
Spot seats about 1,500. Depending 
almost totally on nabe trade at 
50-cent minimum,.serves more people 
and does bigger gross, than any guz- 
zle and jig joint in town. 



Tommy Dorsey Doubling 

Tommy Dorsey, orchestra, cur- 
rently filling a seven-week engage- 
ment on the Pennsylvania Hotel 
Ro.of, will double between there and 
Manhattan Beach the week of 
July 25. 

- After closing at the Penn, outfit 
goes into the Steel Pier, Atlantic 
City, for one week, then goes on the 
road for a series of one-nighters 
until Labor Day. Sept. 7 he opens 
at the Ritz-Garlton Hotel, Boston, 
Mass., for two weeks, then comes 
back into his old spot at the Com- 
modore Hotel, N. Y. ^ 



Cone:ress Date Goes Cold 

Jimmy Dorsey will not play the 
Congress, Chicago, but instead will 
do one-niters and theatres. Date at 
the Congress was for four weeks, 
starting July 22. 



BROWN AND FREED'S Greatest Score 
By Far the Crowning Achievement of the Series 
M-G-M'S "BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938" 

With These "Hits to Come": 

YOURS AND MINE 
I'M FEEUN' LIKE A MILLION 
YOUR BROADWAY AND MY BROADWAY 
GOT A PAIR OF NEW SHOES 

Robblns Music Corporation • 799 7th Ave., New York 



Most Played on Air 



Combined plugs on WEAF, 
WJZ and WABC are computed 
for the week jrom^ Sunday 
through Saturday (.July 4-10) 

*IVIerry-Go-Round Broke Down 

(Harms) 
It Looks Like Rain 

(Morris) 
tWhere or When 

(Chappell) 
Sailboat in ttae'Moonllirht 

(Crawford) 
*I Know Now 

(Remick) 

Tou and . Me That Used to Be 

(Berlin) 

*They Can't Take That Away 

(Chappell) 
«Sweet Leilani 

(Select) 
Gone With the Wind 

(I>erllh) 

■*Never in a Mliiion Tears 

(Robbins) 
Toodleoo 

(Shapiro) 

* September in the Rain 

(Remick) 
^There's a Lull in My Life 

(Robbins) . 
*Love Is Never Out of Season 
• (Feist) 

* Cause My Baby Says It's So 

(Renilck) 
Cuban Pete 

(Hollywood) 

So Rare 

• (Rhermn.n-Clay)- 
4-All God's Chilian Got Rhythym 

(Robbins) 
*They All Li^uirhed 

(Chappell) 

You're My Desire 

(Mills) 

Having a Wonderful Time 

(Paull-Ploneer) 
*Wake Up and Live 

(Robbins) 

^Tomorrow Is Another Day 

(Robbins) 

t Strangers in the Dark 

(Crawford) 
Imagre of Ton 

(Felat) 

* Indicates filmuslcal song. 
t Production Number. 



Old Law AHows Wife 
To Attach WiU Hough 



Chicago, July 13. 

Old, almost forgotten Illinois law, 
was invoked to allow Mrs. ' Isabel 
Lamon Hough, former actress, to 
collect $6,000 last week for support 
froni her estranged husband. Will 
M. Hough, Hollywood songwriter and 
playwright. - 

Law, discovered by Theodore Har- 
deen. Jr., Mrs. Hough's attorney, says 
a wife is entitled , to . attach any 
money within the court's jurisdic- 
tion, belonging to the husband if 
they are estranged, and he has re- 
fused to support her. 



HAROLD STERN BANKRUPT 



Gypsy MarkoCr Listed as Owed 
$10,.000 for Services ' 



Harold Stern, orchestra leader, 
filed voluntary petition in bank- 
ruptcy in Federal Court, Brooklyn, 
Monday (12). Cited liabilities o'f $28,- 
187 and assets of $100 in clothing. 
Chief among creditors is Gypsy 
Markoff, dancer, with claim of $10,- 
000 due for. services. 

Stern was officer and director of 
the Merry-Go-Round, Brooklyn 
nitery which folded last December, 



Weems Back to Karzas 

Chicago, July 13. 

Ted Weems orchestra coming back 
to the Andrew Karzas fold and will 
take up its old stand at the Trianon 
on the southside for the coming 
season, starting on Labor Day. 

Freddie Martin orpJiestra will hold 
down the northside Aragon band- 
stand. 



Biben Books Bands 

Philadelphia, July 13. , 
Harry Biben office, Philly, has 

dated followin.? bands into Million 

Dollar Pier, Atlantic City: 
Jul.y 10-16, Johnny Hamp; July 17- 

23, Clycie McCoy; July 24-30, Jan 

Savitt; July 31-Aug. 6, Ted Lewis; 

Aug. 7-13, Clyde Lucas; Aug. 14-20, 

Don Bestor; Aug. 21-27, Harold Stern; 

Aug. 28-Sept. 3, Jack Denny; Sept. 4, 

Russ Morgan. 



Joe Into Johnny 

Indianapolis, July 13. 
Johnny Courtney and his orches- 
tra moved into the Skyroom atop 
the Severin Hotel, Friday (9), re- 
placing Amos Otstot and orch, who 
are heading north to fill a booking 
at the Colonial Hotel, Lake Mani- 
tou. 

Orch leader was formerly known 
as Joe McCourtney when he filled 
previous dance engagements here. 



On the Upbeat 



Joe Hiller, doing ' CRA's band 
bookings in Western Pennsylvania, 
has placed Clyde McCoy's orchestra 
at Stanley theatre, 'WB delti^cer In 
Pittsburgh; for week of Aug. 27 
Hiller also •spotted Joe Venuti at 
same place for July 16. 



Duke Ellington plays a single night 
at the Waltz Dream ballroom, Atlsm- 
tic City, July 23. Also booked for 
Carlin's Park, Baltimore, . tonight 
(Wednesday); Raleigh, N. C., Satur 
day (17), and Ch&rlotte, N. C, July 
20. Consolidated handling. . 



Carl 'Deacon' Moore set for the 
following gne-nighters by CRA: 
Portsmouth, Ohio, July 19; Clarks-' 
ville, Tenn., July 20; Er win, Texas, 
July 28. 



Henry Biaplnl booked by Oak 
Grove Casino, Milf ord. Conn., Sun- 
-day. . 



. Charley Gaylor's ork at Bill 
Green's, Pittsburgh, again for in- 
definite return engagement, replac- 
ing Charlie Agnew after month's 
run. MCA handled. ' 



Baron Elliott, Pittsburgh band 
leader, has signed up Val Varr as 
his featured vocalist for two-week 
engagement ; at Kennywood Park 
opening this week. 



Mike -Riley's return to New Penn, 
Pittsburgh, delayed due . to booking 
jam and Lowry Clark filling in un- 
til , Riley is available. ^ Don Bestor 
comes in for two weeks July 30. - 



Cornelius Codolban and orch, cur- 
rently at the Rainbow Grill, N. Y., 
close there next Tuesday (20), but 
are slated to return Aug. 11 for a 
run. 



VIo Lester's Tamiami Playboys 
from Club Lido, . Daytona Beach, 
Fla., set for ■ summer season at 
Chateau Roth, Snydersville, Pa. In- 
cludes Joan Brooks. 



Peter Van Steeden set by CRA 

for a one-nighter at the Vicemead 
Hunt Club, Wilmington, September 
10. 



Three Kings of Swing have fol- 
lowed the Three Senators into the 
cocktail lounge of the Kentucky 
hotel, Louisville. 



Harold Stern's orch gets 'Happy' 
Lewis as vocalist during its dates at 
Manhattan Beach and Brighton 
Beach. 



Hudson-DeLange closes its season 
at the Playland Casino, Rye, N.' Y., 
Aug. 7, and then goes on a theatre 
tour. 



Kay Kyser's band plays a one- 
nighter at Kennywood Park, Pitts- 
burgh, tomorrow (15). 

Vette Kell orch opened at Club 
Hollywood, Kalamazoo, Mich., Mon- 
day (12). 



Chick Webb playing Buckroo 
Beach, Va., tomorrow (Thursday), 
and Petersburg, Va., Friday (16). 



Saxy Marshall's orchestra is now 
playing at Riley's Lake Hpuse, Sara- 
toga Lake, N. Y, 



Johnny Hamp set by CRA in De- 
troit the week of August 8 and 
Louisville the week of August 20. 



Reggie Chllds opens July 26 for 
three weeks at Elitch's Garden's 
Denver, on a CRA ticket. 



Rio Rita, working eastward, plays 
a one-nighter in Reno next Saturday 
(17). 



Rudy Vallee plays a one-nighter 
in Dayton on July 25. Set through 
CRA, 



King's Jesters open Saturday (17) 
for a stay at the Fairview hotel, 
Rochester, Ind., CRA ticketing. 



Lila Lee has joinied Jackie 



Coog'an's unit, now in the midwest 
on Its one-rnighter tour eastward. 

Louis Panico set by Consolidated 
for the following dates: Des Moine.s' 
Iowa, July 31; Riverview, Milwaii- 
kee, Aug. 3. 



Clyde McCoy playing Vermillion 
Ohio, July 28, followed by Blue 
Barron on Aug. 8. • 



Johnny Hamp's band one-nights 
Sunday at Pleasure Beach, Bridge- 
port. 



Little Jack Smith's band playing 
Poccino Inn, Pocono Manor, pa. 



Eric Peterson unit at Pat Powers' 
Longshore beach ctub, Westport. 

Bob Crosby orch plays Laike Com- 
pounce, Bristol, Conn.,* Sunday. . 

Cab Calloway plays July 22 In 
Cleveland, 



-Milt Britton at West Side Park 
Berwick, Pa., tonight (Wednesday)! 

Paul Sabin band, iiitq the LaSalle 
hotel, Chicago, untH September. 



Announcing the new 

Gordon and Revel 

score, for the forthcoming Darryl 
2anuck-i20th Century Fox 
Production: 

"YOU CAN'T HAVE 
EVERYTHING" 

The swell score follows: 

AFRAID TO DREAM 

YOU CAN'T HAVE 
EVERYTHING 

THE LOVELINESS OF YOU 

PLEASE PARDON US— 
WE'RE IN LOVE 

DANGER- 
LOVE AT WORK 

. ■ • ■ * 

Also, Gordon and Revel's great 
waltz 

I HUM A WALTZ 

from 20th Century's 
"This Is My Affair" 

KITGHI-MI-KOKO ISLE 

England's Novelty Hit 

M»i^ii'€i'^ Music. Inc. 

1619 BAOAOWAr • New YOI^N.^ 



The English Swing 
Novelty Hit 

'CUBAM 
PETE' 

IVatch This Number Sweep 
The Country ! 

Still the Nation's Walts 
FaTorlt« 

'SEVENTH HEAVEN' 

HQliYWOQD SQMGS"^ 

RCA BUIlDINC-RAI>IOCnY-NEWYOIlK.N.Y. 
PHILKOnNHEIfElt, Ctn.Mqr. 




A grrent musical score from MG:H'8 production featuring the BlARSl BB03. 

"A DAY AT THE RACES" 

The Bwell wtore. by (Jus Kalm, Knper nnd Jurmnnn follows: 

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY 
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAN IN THE MOON 
ALL GOD'S CHILLUN GOT RHYTHM 
BLUE VENETIAN WATERS 

BOBBINS MUSIC CORPORATION • 799 7th Ave., New York 



▼AUDE— NITE CLUBS 



VARIETY 



SS 




Vaude-'Revue Booking Situation 
For Ex-Burlys Still Wide-Open 



BooHing situJktibri in the former 
N^w York burlesque theatres, now 
operating or scheduled t(5 open with 
vaudc-revue shows plus pix, is wide 
open.' Ail of the houses thus far are 
booking from everybody and any- 
jjpdy, though two of the indie hook- 
as, Arthur Fisher and A. & B. Dow, 
are claiming a couple of the spots. 

Fisher says he is booking the Re- 
public on 42d street, though Eddie 
Weitistock declared that he has not 
yet restricted his buying to one of- 
fice. • pows Aay claim to. the Gaiety 
oa Broadway; but here Izzy Herk 
itated that he'll deal with all agents 
and hbokelrs., , 

The Oriental on Broadway and 
street, operated by H. K, and 
Morton Minsky, will play colored 
shows and the booker will be Sam 
Stiefel, of Philadelphia. Stiefel is 
connected with the Nixon-Grand in 
Philly, also a colored vaudfilmer. 

Apollo and Eltinge theatres on 42d 
street, latter already open and foi:- 
meriset to start Thursday (15), have 
jiO ' Special bookers set, ; Emmett J. 
Caltehan, one of the operators of the 
Apollo, and Max Rudnick, who is 
TUdijing the Eltinge, are in the open 
market for talent. 

. Aii the present time all of the 
houses are sticking to burlesque pro- 
ducers as stagers of the vaude- 
xevues. Thus„ Allen Gilbert is stag- 
ing the opening show for the Apollo, 
with Fred Hildebrand doing'the spe- 
cial songs; Beverly Carr is stager at 
the Republic; Paul Kane at the El- 
tinge, and B;illy Koud at the Gaiety. 

First show at the Apollo will in- 
clude Ann Oorio (Mrs. Callahan), 
burlesque's No. 1 stripper, who will 
not do any stripping. It'll be " her 
.first showing in N. Y. in nearly two 
years. Other acts in the show Will 
be Arthur and Morton Havel, Joe 
Morris and Co., and Joey Fay. 

ACTS HOLD BAG AS 

CHI niterV folds 



Chicago, July 13. 

Cocoanut Grove, suburban night 
spot, folded suddenly last night with 
performers holding the bag for 
$2,500 in back .salaries. Musicians 
were paid ofE in full but acts and 
choristers were owed from t^yo to 
thnee weeks' salaries. 

Grove was operated by Ben Len- 
hoff, who also, has Bali Club on 
South Side. Premature folding looks 
like flnish of suburban nite clubs 
around here. 



10th Bowes Unit in 2 
Years for Pitt, Stanley 



Pittsburgh, July 13. 
Major Bowes amateurs will hang 
up an all-time record at Stanley, WB 
deluxer, week of July 23 when tenth 
of simon-pure units, in t\yo years 
comes in. Show's being billed as 
'Bowes Second Anniversary Revue' 
since it was in August, 1935, that first 
of Major's productions played this 
site. In that time, they've all been 
oig money winners with one excep- 
tion. 

Stanley flesh bookings still pretty 
sparse for remainder of warm 
'nonths, but management doesn't ex- 
pect to break present policy, even 
temporarily, intimating they wilt 
play nameless acts and units i£ 
JJ^mes aren't available. House has 
Duke Ellington current, with Her- 
n^an Bing opening Friday (19) along 
^»th Joe Yenuti's orch. Following 
Bowes show, Three Stooges come in 
^Hh Will Osborne's band aM noth- 
'"g so far .set after that until Aug- 
i>st 27, when show will be built 
around Clyde McCoy's outfit. Only 
$«pl€mber attraction set to date is 
Jjlenn Gray's Casa Loma crew, Sept. 



Burly Control Board 



Members of the Board of 
Qovernors who will stand 
watch over the code of ethics 
and regulations set up for the 
former New York burlesque 
theatres are: 

John F, Masterson, attorney 
in the firm of . Gray & Tomlin, 
and Chancellor of Knights of 
Columbus Council, Brooklyn. 

Charles Warner,, superinten- 
dent and attorney of the Brook- 
lyn Society for the Prevention 
of Cruelty to Children; also 
member of the executive board 
of the Brooklyn Big Brothers. 

Harry Zeitz, vice-president of 
Martin's Department Store, 
Brooklyn, who is also promi- 
nent in the direction of the 
Federation of Jewish Charities 
in Brooklyn. 

Dr. Francis McCaffrey, dentist 
and brother of Father Joseph 
McCaffrey. Chaplain of the N. . 
Y. Police Department. 

Jerome H. Bentley, educa- 
tional director and director of 
. programs of the Young Men's 
Christian Ass'n. 

Charles D. Jaffe, president of 
the N. Y. Clothing Manufac- 
turers Exchange. 

Masterson wais elected chairr 
man of the board. 



PENNSY AGENTS 
FORM OWN ASS'N 



Philadelphia, July 13. 

Fifteen of the licensed 10% guys 
here met in the office of Tony Phil- 
lips last week and formed the Phila- 
delphia Theatrical Booking Agents 
Assn. Object is to 'promote busi- 
ness ethics,' force chiselers out of 
the field and see that the new 
Pennsy booking law is enforced. 

Phillips was elected • prez of the 
group. Jolly Joyce, v.p„ and Lee 
Vincent secretary-treasurer. 

Department of Labor and Indus- 
try has set Sept. 1 as the date when 
the new law goes into effect. Every 
agent must have a license by then. 
Only about 17 of the city's 10%ers 
have sheepskins at present. 

Old Burly Wage Scale 
For Musicians, Pro Tern 

Musicians Union, Local 802 in New 
York, permitted .the former burles- 
que theatres to reopen Monday (12) 
under the old burley pit scale, mini- 
mum five men and minimum weekly 
salary $60 for 28 shows, until the 
calibre of the shows .is determined 
by the union. * 

Bill Feinberg, vice-president of 
Local 802, declared Monday that the 
pit scale woulid not be changed 
unless he decided the theatres were 
actually staging elaborate vaude- 
revue shows. In that event, the scale 
would be upped to the vaudeville 
rate of $75 weekly minimum per mu 
sician for 21 shows,. Former burley 
hpu.ses, reopened Monday on a four- 
show-a-day basis, meaning 28 
weekly. 

There's no minimum in number of 
pit musicians so far as vaude is con- 
cerned in N. Y., according to Fein- 
berg. However, if a house opens 
with say 12 men in the pit, that 
establishes its minimum. It can add 
to its orchestra, but cannQt subtract. 

Though the burlesque minimum in 
N. Y. was five men, all of the houses 
! had seven to nine in the pits. 




[ 




M 




' Cfl[P[ 



Tollies' the New Tag— 'Bur- 
lesque' Billin^^ Taboo — 
New Form a Vaude-Re- 
Yue Idea— Buck, Brandt 
and Whitehead's Plea for 
the Layoff Performers 



SCRIBNER THE 'CZAR' 



Under one of the strangest setups 
yet devised for a show biz venture, 
seven of New York's burlesque 
operators had their faces officially 
cleansed Saturday (10) by Mayor 
Fiorello H, LaGuardia. Monday 
(12) three of the theatres reopened 
—Republic, Gaiety and Eltinge— all 
in Times Square, but not before all 
vestiges of the name 'burlesque' 
was removed from every part of 
the houses; and not before, al^o, the 
name Minsky was eradicated from 
the marquees and frames of the Re- 
public and Gaiety. 

Burlesque, in title, at least so far 
as the present city, administration 
is concerned, is dead for all time. 
In its place, officially, is the title 
'Follies,' supposedly meaning vaude- 
revue type of entertainment plus 
pictures. The name Minsky is also 
through by official decree as a box- 
office come-on in the metropolis. In 
refusing the theatre-operating Min- 
skys themselves right to use their own 
name, License Commissioner Paul 
Moss declared on Monday. 

'I have no objections to the name 
of Minsky as a name, but they have 
made it synonymous with indecent 
performances. However, they have 
voluntarily agreed to delete their 
name and the word 'burlesque' in 
connection with any performance 
they might control.' 

Moss' use of the word 'voluntarily,' 
however, is a misnomer. The Min- 
skys — Abe of the Gaiety and H. K. 
and Morton of the Oriental— ob- 
jected strenuously to the restric- 
tions on their name. It was one of 
the chief reasons why the situation 
hung fire for three weeks before 
finally coming to a head Saturday. 
The Republic also used the name 
Minsky, though operated for more 
than a year by the Weinstocks 
(Holly Holding Corp.), but it's un- 
derstood there was no serious oppo- 
sition from this end on the killing 
of the Minsky name on N. Y, the- 
atre fronts. 

Final okay from Mayor LaGuar- 
(Continued on page 57) 



AFA Enforces Closed ^op Edict 
On Ray & Harrison and Alphonse 
Berg at Republic; BAA to Contest 



Managerial Pledge 



Before procuring their li- 
censes on Monday (12), each 
burlesque theatre operator had 
to sign an agreement with 
License Commissioner Paul 
Moss waiving civil rights in the 
event a theatre license is can- 
celled for indecency, or failing 
to get consent from Moss on 
any change in policy. Later 
Moss declared: 

'I believe the managers of 
these theatres have learned a 
very salutary lesson, and that 
hereafter they will leairn that 
the people of this city demand 
good entertainment, and if such 
entertainment is furnished they 
will give full support. On the 
' other hand, . if indecent per- 
formances are given it arouses 
the people of the city to indig- 
nation.' 



TOLUES' GIVEN 
BIG N Y. PRESS 
BUILDUP 



Supposed conversion of the New 
York burlesque theatres to houses 
showing purified variety entertain- 
ment was given a tremendous build- 
up by the daily press in N. Y. Even 

the staid N. Y. Times editorially 
hoped for the best. Situation was 
fully covered, with the papers also 
having reporters cover the opening 
shows at the Gaiet.y, Republic and 
Eltinge Monday (12). 

"The publicity accounted for the 
fair business done by the theatres 
opening day, considering none had 
the opportunity to do any advertis- 
ing or billing. Curiosity seekers 
congregated in front of the theatres 
all Monday morning till the houses 
opened at 3 p.m. 

Comments of the dailies on the 
opening shows • were virtually the 
same. All the reviewers saw a star- 
tling similarity of the shows to the 
old burlesque^' though sans 100% 
stripping and obvious dirt. 



Excerpts From Constitution Of 
Variety Revue Theatre Ass'n of N. Y. 

Name an4 Inslrnia. 

The name of this Association shall be Variety Revue Theatre Association 
of New York. 

The word 'burlesque,' or any contraction or i abbreviation thereof, shall 
not be used by any member of this Association in any manner or connec- 
tion whatsoever. 

PurpoHCi; 

To provide for regulation and supervision of the stage entertainment 
presented by members of this Association and to promote and uphold 
standards of decency with respect thereto, and to improve the artistic value 
of such entertainment. 

Members 

Members shall be those corporations, partnerships and individuals en- 
gaged in the business of presenting variety revues in a t'neatre located in 
the City of New York, and who shall be the recipients of a license to oper- 
ate such theatre, and who are admitted to membership pursuant to these 
by-laws. 

The Executive Secretary, hereafter designated. Shall prepare and pre- 
scribe, with the approval of the Board, a form of application which .shall 
be executed by the applicant under oath and which shaTI, among other 
matters, have attached thereto as a part thereof a copy" of these by-laws, 
and provide that the applicant agrees to be bound by them. 

(A) Each member, in consideration of the commitment of the Board to 
administer the provisions of these by-laws and in consideration of other 
members of the industry making like applications and becoming members 
of the Association and bein^ bound by these by-laws, agrees that, if ad- 
mitted to membejii'ship, it will fulfill and perform, and see to it that its 
officers, directors, employees, agents and performers, fulfill and perform 
all the obligations and requirements contained in these by-laws, 

(B) Each member will abide by the decisions and determinations of the 
Board, 

(C) Each member, if he violates any of the standards of this Associa- 

(Continued on page 56) 



First invocation of the closed-shop ' 
ru^e in the former N. Y, burlesque , 
houses by the American Federation ; 
of. Actors came, opening day (Mon- 
day) at the Republic on 42d street, . 
N. Y. Two acts, Ray and Harrison 
and Alphonse Berg, were not per- 
mitted to open at that theatre, due * 
to not being -members" of the AFA, ' 
despite -the fact they held contracts 
for a four-day date- dosing Thursday ' 
night (15). ; 

AFA secured a closed-shop deal 
with all of the burlesque houses ; 
open or scheduled to reopen 
through 'the irttervention of Ralph 
Whitehead, executive secretary, with 
Mayor F. H. LaGuardia of N, Y. in 
behalf of the theatre operators. 
AFA deal was signed despite the ^ 
fact that the jurisdictional question 
over the shows between the Bur- 
lesque Artists Assn., also chartered 
as a union by the American . 
Federation of Labor, and the AFA 
has yet to be settled- 
Question of Whether the A'^A or. 
the BAA has. the right to control 
the talent in the former burley < 
houses will not be settled till Fri- i 
day (16) at the earliest, when 'a 
hearing on the matter will be heard 
by officials of the Associated Actors - 
and Artistes of America (Four A's), 
international A.F.L, affiliate cover- 
ing the acting profession. 

BAA's contention is that the shows . 
are still burlesque, even if under a . 
different title and cleaned up. AFA, • 
on the other hand, maintains that 
their definition a6 variety-revue$ ; 
places them in the vaude class and ' 
therefore under the. AFA's jurisdlc- \ 
tion. 

First shows at the Gaiety and. 
Eltinge which, like the Republic, ^ 
opened on Monday, are composed . 
chiefly of burlesque comics, straight- • 
men and non-stripping,. strippers. 



HALE UNE OFF TO > 
CANNES FOR 6 WKS. 



George Hale sails today (Wednes- 
day) with 12 of his girls to open 
July 28 for six Weeks at the Palm 
Beach Casino, Cannes. ThAt's the 
limit of the season at this Riviera 
spot. Jim Witteried, who came over 
to book Hale, is also , sailing back. 

American girla and Ermelih'i 
band (French)- will be the sole floor 
show. 



Congress, Chi, Folds 

Casino For Summer 



Chicago, July 1.3, 
Congress Hotel is closing dbwn ita 
Casino nitery on July 21 and will 
remain shuttered for the remainder 
of the hot spell. 

Due to reopen shortly after Labor 
Day. 

This makes the second important 
nitery fold-up this summer, other 
being the Casino Parisien at the 
Morrison Hotel, which faded in June. 



Ciggie Plus Sleep Totals 
Death for St. L. Chorine 

St. Loui-s, July 13. 
Ruby Carmen, 23, St. Louis choru.s 
girl, was fatally burned when a 
cigaret she was smoking set fire to 
her room in a Wheeling, 111., hotel 
last week. Apparently she fell a.^leep 
while smoking and her clothing 
ignited. Vera Richter, a roommate, 
summoned aid and injured girl was 
taken to Cook County Hospital, Chi- 
cago, where she died. 

She was a member of Municipal 
Opera chorus here and d;.ii>ced in 
several local theatres. 



S6 



VARIETY 



VAUDE-NITE CLUBS 



Wednesdajt July 14, 1937 



Burlesque Ops^ Code 



' Continued froMi pa.ee 65) 

tion, will be liable in liquidated damages and not as a penalty, in the 
amount specified in article X ot the by-laws. 

(D) Each member, for the purpose of satisfying any award for such 
damages, will, at all times, ke?p on deposit with the Board the sum of 
$1,000 in cash or bonds of the United States Government or of the State or 
City of New York, for each theatre license held by said member. The 
funds deposited shall constitute a trust fund to be held by the Board, to be 
used for the purpose of enforcing collection of any liquidated damages 
fixed by the Board against any member. In addition, in the event any 
member shall fail to pay his dues to this Association, after five days' notice, 
the Board shall have the right to deduct said delinquency from the afpre- 
said deposit. In the event there is any deficiency in the deposit of any 
member, said member shall, upon ten days' notice by the Chairman of the 
Board, deposit an amount sufficient to make up said deficiency. 

(E) Each member will, at the time of filing application for membership 
herein, execute and deliver to the Board consent that upon expulsion or 
resignation from this Association, said Board shall deliver a notice of said 
expulsion or resignation to the Commissioner of Licenses of the City of 
New York. Said consent shall further provide that upon expulsion, the 
Board is authorized to turn over to the License Commissioner a transcript 
of all proceedings before it relative to said expulsion, with such findings 
and recommendations as it may feel disposed to make. 

Each member, if a corporation, will" be required to divulge the names 
of all the true owners of the capital stock of the corporation, the names 
and addresses of its officers and directors, and will be required from time 
to time to notify and advise the Board of ?iny changes therein; provided, 
further, that any partnership application for membership shall contain the 
names of all persons having a beneficial interest in the said partnership 
and their addresses, and will further be required to advise the Board of 
any changes therein. 

Each member will furnish promptly such information as the Board may 
at any time desire, will notify the Board of anything favorable or unfavor- 
the Board in all matters. 

Dues 

. Dues, shall be payable by each member quarterly and shall be such propor- 
tion of the cost of conducting the. Association during the preceding quarter 
as the number of seats in the theatre or theatres presenting variety revue 
entertainment, owned, operated or controlled by each member, bears to the 
total number of sedts of all of the' theatres of all the members. Said amount 
of dues payable by each member shall be determined from time' to time 
by the Board. Each member shall, at the time of filing the application, 
make an advance payment of dUes. of $500,- which sum. shall be credited to 
the dues thereafter payable by the meipber until the ^um is exhaiisted. 
New members shall only be required to make the sarhe proportionate 
payment of dues as the other existing members make; proyided, however, 
that the addition of each new member's dues payments shall projpor- 
tionately reduce the amount of dues to be paid by each of the members. 

Resignations and Expulsions 

Resignations of members shall be iiled in writing with the Board. The 
resignation, if in due form, shall be presented at a meeting of the. Board 
for action thereon by its members. No resignation shall be accepted or 
become effective untU all dues accruing upi to the last day of the calendar 
month preceding, the date of ^acceptance of the resignation have been paid; 
nor shall any resignation be accepted or become effective so long as a cbm-^ 
plaint, filed as hereinafter, provided, is pending against the member and 
has not ' been finally determined, or any liquidated damages assessed with 
respect thereto have not been paid, nor if said member has failed to meet 
his obligations to any of his employees. 

A member may be expelled by the Board for non-payment of dues or of 
any liquidated damages awarded pursuant to these By-Laws, or fot 
failiu:e to maintain in the required amount the deposit herein provided for, 
or if a court or jury has determined that the member is guilty of any 
crime, or- if the Commissioner, of Licenses of the City of New York decides 
after a hearing that said member has violated the rules and regulations 

Sromulgated by him pursuant to the Code of Ordinances of the City of 
^ew York, or if after a hearing the Commissioner of Licenses decides that 
a member i3 an unfit person to hold the license theretofore issued, or if any 
nvember or any officer, director or agent of said member fails to fulfill and 
perform any of the obligations or requirements contained in these by- 
laws or any amendment thereof; provided, however, that three C3) days' 
notice of the chafgds have been given in writing to the member and the 
member has been afforded an opportunity to appear and be heard in per- 
son or by a duly authorized representative if the member is a corporation. 

Board and Members' Meetiuss 

Each member shall be entitled to one vote on any question, Irrespective 
of the number of theatres owned, operated or controlled by such member. 
A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction 
of business, but less than .a quorum shall have power to recess or adjourn 
any meeting. Any question at a- members' meeting or at a meeting of 
the Board shall bfe decided by majority vote. 

Partnership members shall designate, and file in writing with the Board, 
the name of a partner thereof, and corporate members a principal officer 
thereoJ^.to represent them at members' meetings or at hearings before the 
Board. Such representatives and individual members may vote in person 
or by proxy in writing. 

Board ot GoTernors 

The Board of Governors of this Association shall be composed of six 
-who shall select a chairman from among their number, i No individual shall 
• be eligible for election as a member of the Board who shall be connected 
directly or indirectly with any member of this Association. 

Members of the Board shall be selected by a majority vote of the mem- 
bers of the Association. The members of the Board so selected shall select 
a chairman by a majority vote. The term of. office of the chairman and 
members of the Board shall be five (5) years. 

Chairman of the Board shall preside at all of its meetings. All resolu- 
tions of the Board shall be passed by a majority vote. In the event of a 
tie, the Chairman shall have the power to cast the deciding vote. . 

The Board of Governors shall have general management of the affairs' 
and business of this Association and except as otherwise provided in <Jr 
pursuant to these by-laws, all powers of the Association shall be vested in 
the Board of Governors. The Board shall have complete supervisory 
power over the industry and the members of this Association. It shall 
have the power to do all things necessary and proper to carry out the 
objects and purposes and the terms and conditions of the by-laws of the 
Association. The Board or any of its members shall have the right to at- 
tend any of the performances at the theatres of the members of the Asso- 
ciation and to question any person or persons employed by such members. 
The Board shall have the power and the right to summon any member, 
officer, director, employee or agent before it and examine him in detail in 
connection with the business and affairs of a member, and call for the 
production of members' books, records, accounts, correspondence and 
papers. 

The Board shall hold in trust the funds deposited by each member to 
be used for the purpose of enforcing collection of any liquidated damages 
as such may be imposed by the Board as herein provided. Such funds re- 
ceived by the Board in pdyment of liquidated damages shall be taken out 
pf the trust funds theretofore deposited, as herein provided, and shall be 
deposited in the general funds of the Association. In the event the Board 
shall deduct from said, deposit any delinquency in dues, as hereinabove 
provided, said funds shall also be deposited in the general funds of the 
Association, The Chairman of the Board shall designate one member of 
the; Board who shall act as the Treasurer of this Associatiqn. He shall be 
the custodian of all of the funds of this Association and shall have the 
power, with the approval of the Board, to execute and make all checks 
and payments for the Association's account. 

All withdrawals from the. funds of the Association shall be made upon 
voucher signed by the Chairman of the Board and the Treasurer. The 
Treasurer shall deposit with the Board a surety company bond, acceptable 
to the Board, said bond to be deposited for the due performance of his 
duties. The premiums on said bond shall be paid from the general funds 
of the Association, 

No member of the Board shall be liable, jointly and severally, for any 
official act taken within the purview of the terms and conditions of the 
by-laws. 

The Board shall meet at least once a month, and any member of the 
Boiard who shall fail to appear for three consecutive regular meetings 
without being excused by the Chairman*'Df the Board, shall be automatically 
drooped by the Board and his term of office as a member of said Board 
shall be automatically terminated. 

Ethics 

The standards of common decency and ethical practice for the industry 
and the members of this Association shall be determined from time to time 



At Last— A NoTelty! 



First boxing . bear to be offered 
vaude houses in years is the One cur- 
rently being played by parks and 
earneys, a German importation, han- 
dled by George Hamid, outdoor 
booker. 

Animal, current at Palisades Park, 
N. Y., has been renamed since entry 
to this country, 'George Hamid's 
Boxing Bear." Solidly set for en- 
gagements the summer-through, the 
animal will, start vaude dates late in 
the fall. His routine is a four-round 
roust with a trainer, one of the Wal- 
ter Bros. . ' 



Mary Raye and Naldi's 
Rainbow Room Tenner 



Unusual long-term contract for a 
dance- team is the deal which John 
Roy, managing director of the Rain- 
bow Room, has accorded Mary Raye 
and Naldi. It's a series of optional 
return bookings which, according to 
the Rockefeller nitery's management, 
should make Raye and Naldi an 'in- 
stitutional' type of dance act at the 
RJl., akin to The DeMarcos' mara- 
thon engagements at the- Hotel 
Plaza's Persian Room, N. Y. 

Raye and Naldi, opening June 2, 
closed last night (Tuesday) to make 
room for the new German dance 
mime, Lotte Goslar. Raye-Naldi re- 
turn Aug. 2.5 until Oct. 5, thence five 
more weeks from Jan. 5, 1938, until 
Feb. 28, with a renewal for another 
five weeks until. May 31. 

. Jack Pavies, of the International 
Theatrictd Corp,, agented. 



Air Conditioning, Shows in Urban 
Niteries Sloughing Roadhouse Biz 



Act'$ Suit Vs. Hint 

And Wife Fiy in Chi 



Chicago, July 13.. 
' Suit was filed in Municipal Court 
here by • Sunny Joy and porothy 
Lull, against George B. Flint, present 
Chicago manager foi: Gus Sun office 
and wife, former owners of P. & P. 
Productions, for back salaries al- 
legedly due. 

Brief claims that the two acts were 
left stjranded in Fayette County, 
Kentucky, in 1935. Judgment of $100 
and costs was awarded the act In 
that county, but allegedly was never 
paid, so present suit filed here is 
basing its contention on the former 
decision. 

To be heard July 16, with Henry 
A. Kalcheim acting for .Sunny Joy 
and Dorothy LulL. 



PA. UCENSE DEADLINE 

Philadelphia, July 13. 

Pennsy Liquor Control Board has 
set Sept. 1 as the deadline for accept- 
ing applications for new liquor and 
beer licenses. 

After that time, applicants can 
apply only on date set for their 
particular district and- every six 
months thereafter. 



by the Board, and any violation of such standards shall constitute a viola- 
tion of these by-laws, and any member violating said standards shall be 
subject to such action of the Board as it may in its discretion make under 
the provisions of article X of these by-laws. 

Executive Secretary 

The Board shall, by a majority vote, select an Executive Secretary who 
shall be paid by the Association at a salary to be fixed by the Board. He 
shall prepare the application forms for membership in .this Association 
with the approval of the Board. He shall assemble complete data with re- 
spect to the corporate set-up of the members oi tiie partnership arrange- 
ment of the members which shall be made available to the Board. 

There shall be no fixed term of employment of such Executive Secretary. 
He shall be removable with or without cause at any time by the Board. 

The Executive Secretary shall act as the investigating agent of this Asso- 
ciation. It shall be his duty to make periodic visits and Investigations of 
the various shows exhibited by members of the Association. He shall' also 
be charged with the duty of investigating aU complaints from .whatsoever 
source. The Executive Secretary shall have the right to attend any of 
the performances at the theatres of the members of the Association and to 
question any person or persons employed by such members. 

The Executive Secretary shall make full reports to the. Board of all the 
investigations conducted by him of the performances and entertainments 
conducted by the various members, and shall be required to report to the 
Chaiinnan of the Board' or to the Board on such investigations and all the 
affairs of the Association within the line "of his duty, at least once each 
week or at such times as the Chairman of the Board shall direct. 

Enforcement «f Yiotetions . , 

Whenever the Executive, Secretary shall discover that any member of 
this Association has violated any of the standards of common decency or 
is producing lewd or indecent acts, songs, dances, pantomine, recitations, 
dialogues, performances or other exhibitions, it shall be the duty of said 
Executive Secretary to direct said member to remove such objectionable 
material from said performance and it shall be the duty, of said Executive 
Secretary ta inform the Chairman of the Board of such notice so given to 
said member. In the event that said member ishall fail, neglect or refuse 
to remove, amend or delete said objectionable material within twenty-four 
hours from the time of said notice, then it shall be the duty of the Execu- 
tive Secretary to serve upon the violating member a notice of hearing 
before the Board which shall be not later than two days from the date of 
said second, notice. Said hearing shall be held to determine the question 
whether a violation has or has not been committed by such member or 
any officer, director, employee or agent thereof, and the members agree 
that said question shall be determined by the BOard acting as arbitrators, 
as follows: 

The Board shall make reasonable rules and regulations for the conduct 
of arbitrations and shall not be bound by any rules of law or evidence. 
Said hearing shall provide a reasonable opportunity for the member to be 
heaird. In the event that the member shall refuse, fail or neglect to appear 
pursuant to said notice, then the Board shall have the right to proceed 
with the arbitration and determine the question involved In such manner 
as it may deem fit and necessary. If the Board shall determine that the 
member or any officer, director, employee or agent thereof violated any 
by-laws,- rules, regulations or standards of this Association or the rules or 
regulations promulgated by the Commis§ionier of Licenses pursuant to the 
Authority of the Code of Ordinances of the City of New York, then the 
Board shall discipline the member as follows: 

For the first violation, each member agrees to pay to the Executive 
Secretary the sum of $500 imposed by the Board for liquidated damages 
and not as a penalty, such damages being liquidated by reason of the diffi- 
culty of determining the actual damages to this Association and each mem- 
ber thereof flowing from a failure to refrain from such unfair and indecent 
practice and tfhe likelihood of thereby causing or inducing a general non- 
observance of the provisions of these by-laws; and by reason tt the diffi- 
culty of determining the actual costs of investigating imfair and indecent 
practices and hearing and arbitrating controversies with respect thereto. 

For the second violation the Board must expel the member from the 
Association. Upon such expulsion the Board shall have the poVer acting 
upon the consent granted by the member to the Board and filed with his 
application for membership as hereinbefore provided to transmit and de- 
liver to the said Commissioner of Licenses the transcript of the hearings 
relating to said expulsion with such findings and recommendations as it 
may deem proper, 

"The decision of the Board shall be deemed the decision in arbitration. 
The decision of the Board shall be final and binding upon all members, and 
non-appealable. The awards determined by the Board shall be deducted 
from the amount deposited b.y the members for such purpose with said 
Board, as hereinbefore provided. 

In the event the Board determines that a violation has occurred and 
awards liquidated damages or expels the member, then notice of said 
decision shall be served on the violating member and the Treasurer, in 
such manner and form as the Chairman of the Board shall determine. 

Each member agrees and consents that the provisions of these By-Laws 
shall be enforceable in a Court of Equity, and each member consents to the 
issuance of an injunction by the Supreme Court of the State of New York 
in the event that the Board shall determine that such application is neces- 
sary. Such application for an injunction shall be made in any "County 
specified by the Board and shall be filed on behalf of this Association by 
such person, his representative or agent as the Board shall designate. 

Amendments 

These by-laws shall not be altered, modified or amended except by a 
three-fourths vote of the Board except that no alteration, modification, 
amendment or repeal shall be enacted which "will tend to relax the 
stringency hereof without first giving ten (lO) days' notice in writing t( 
the Commission of Licenses of the City of New York. 



Chicago, July 13. 
' Bedraggled b.o. at the various 
roadhouses through the midwest 
again this summer has just about 
convinced . the operators that the 
suburban nitery business is washed 
up for ali, time. Several of the 
roadhouses around these , parts are 
having difficulty In meeting their 
floor show payrolls. In fact, the 
non-pay probabiUty at the road- 
house spots has become a standing 
gag; among performers"^ and musi- 
cians in Chicago booking offices. 

Two important factors are admit- 
ted as the prime causes of the to- 
boggan of the roadhouse biz, and 
these factors are regarded as the 
death knell of the roadhouse as an 
amusement institution. 

Ace in the hole for the In-town 
niteries, as opposed to the suburban 
spots, is the air conditioning of the 
urban spots. With the mechanical 
coolers guaranteeing a steady tem- 
perature of 70 degrees no matter 
how hot it is outside the city, niter- 
ies have it' over the out-of-doors 
spots from the jump-off. In the pre- 
air conditioning days, the road- 
houses got the folks who motored 
out into the coimtry to .escape the" 
heat. But these days they hustle 
right from air-cooled theatres into 
air-cooled' niteries. 

In ■ addition, the in-town nitery 
has gone to the expet.se during the 
past two summers to bang home with 
floor shows and; attractions that 
were too steep for any out-of-town 
competition. For instance, the ur- 
ban Chez Paree hereiias.a current 
line-up of Lou Holtz, Helen Morgan, 
Georgie Tapps, Readinger Twins and 
several other money acts, in addition 
to the Henry Busse orchestra. Em- 
pire Room of the Palmer House has 
Eddie .Duchin orchestra besides a 
top-notch' floor show; Drake Hotel's 
Silver Forest Room is bringing in 
Fred Wariflg's orchestra and aggre- 
gation. 

All of these attractions are de- 
signed to keep the folks in town. 
Chez Paree, Drake Hotel, Palmer 
House and others are- doing excel- 
lent business at present, while the 
roadhouses which are continually 
plugging away, trying to entice the 
Chicagoans and others out into the 
open, aren't doing well at all. 



Maganotti Reviving 

Pittsburgh Show Boat 

Pittsbiurgh, July 13. 

Defunct Show Boat, night spot 
which folded suddenly last week 
without the formality of a payoff, 
will be taken over next month by 
John Maganotti, -who has been one 
of the Plaza cafe's operators for the 
last five years. Maganotti has severed 
his connections at the latter spot and 
transferred the. Plaza's booze license 
to the Show Boat. 

Plaza for some time has been run 
jointly by Maganotti, Etzi Covato, 
band leader, and a silent partner. 
Covato has his orch in Atlantic City 
for the summer and will decide 'upon 
his retiirn where he'll cast his lot. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 



Mrs. William (Mother) Morris, 
Ruth Morris (White) and Aunt 
(Berlinghoflt) Ella are Camp Inter- 
missioning for the summer, 

Russ Kelly has a sore hand; he 
forgot to let go of a fire-cracker, 

Bert Ford (Ford and Price) now 
at Aruba, Dutch West Indies, 

Prof. Walter B, Leonard, Glens 
Falls, N. Y,, minstrelman of many 
years ago, eyed the Roger's home. 

Bob Pastor here for a look-see en 
route to Montreal. 

Goldwin Productions (Sid Rhein- 
gold-Bob Erwin) trying to break into 
this field with flesh shows, 

Ray English, sports announcer, do- 
ing things in a big way for the 
Actor's C!olony, 

Mayor Tom Ward (ex-trouper) to 
Rochester, and with the aid of 
Marty Fisher (ex-burlesquer), laridr 
ed the 1938 Moose conclave for Sara- 
nac Lake. 

Jack Flaum back here at the 
Roger's home with a strictly bed 
routine ahead of him. 

Cora O'Connell took that 'Rib' 
operation like a little vet, 

Kate Smith and hgr manager. Ted 
Collins, summering at the Smith 
camp in Lake Placid. 

Write those you know In Saranac 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



▼AUDE— MITE CLUBS 



VARIETY 



57 




(Continued from page 55) 



dia and- eventually Commissioner 
Moss came only after long dickering 
and intervention . for the bUrley ops 
by Gene Buck, president of Ameri- 
can Society of , Composers, Authors 
and Publishers; Harry Brandt, the- 
atre circuit operator in N. Y.; and 
Balph Whitehead, executive secre- 
tary of the American Federation of 
Actors. All three men got to Mayor 
LaGuardia, with Buck ■ especially 
active. Whitehead's help was re- 
warded by the burley ops with an 
agreement from each of the latter 
to operate their houses, a's closed 
shops for.AFA members) 

Gene Buck's activity in the matter 
Included, his sitting In with the bur- 
ley ops. Mayor LaGuardia and Moss 
in the drafting of a strict code of 
ethics and regulations for the Va- 
. riety Revue Theatre ' Assn. of New 
York, presently consisting of the 
operaitors of seven, houses— Eltinge, 
Republic, Apollo, Fulton, Gaiety 
and Oriental in Manhattan, and the 
Werba (Brooklyn). Code, besides 
setting up a strict censorship of the 
former burlesque houses, also pro- 
vides stiff financial penalties 'in the 
event of infractions. 
. Actually, the VRTA is virtually 
a ^^UQuny .organization. It is. and 
will ■ iji^ ruled and governed by a 
•flon-^alaried board of governors (6), 
composed strictly of laymen not 
connected with show business in 
any form, who weare chosen by 
Mayor LaGuardia. They in turn 
have designated iSam S. Scribner, 
once prominent in the old, and 
cleaner, days of burlesque, as a 
salaried 'executive secretary.' Latter, 
though, means 'censor.' Scribn«r*s 
salary is unofficially reported at 
$10,000 a year. 

'Czar' Scribner 

It will be Scribner's job to check 
on the shows in the burley houses. 
He will report infractions of the code 
to the board of governors, who, in 
turn,' will hold a hearing on the mat- 
ter. A first offense resulting in a 
conviction will mean a $500 fine to a 
theatre operator; second conviction 
will mean expulsion from the VRTA, 
which in turn is forced to make a 
full report to Commissioner Moss 
and recommend suspension of thea- 
tre license. 

Each burley operator Monday 
posted a. $1,000 bond for each .idusc 
he operates to coyer possible fines. 
Besides this, each deposited $500 for 
each house operated as quarterly 
dues in the VRTA. Latter amount 
win be pro-rated on the basis of 
number of seats, much the same way 
as Buck's ASCAP gets its music 
fees, from theatres, to cover the cost 
of administrating the VRTA, mean- 
ing strictly Scribner's salary and 
probably maintenance of an office 
and small staff. 

Commissioner Moss Monday took 
no chances on any possible infrac- 
tions of the agreement the burley 
ops signed with' him even before 
they opened. That morning the 
former bump-and-grind impresarios 
conferred with the License Com- 
missioner for two hours,' during 
which time the main subject was the 
names Minsky and burlesque, and 
then license fees. Moss was ada- 
mant in his position that the theatre 
ops should first get only temporary 
licenses for a period of three months, 
these costing $250; and if the shows 
stayed within the bounds of the code, 
then the license wpuld be renewed 
for the balance of a year at an ad- 
ditional cost of $500. This meant a 
hike in the first . year's license fee 
of $250, theatre license in New 
York being $500 annually, and the 
burley ops squawked, but finally 
conceded that point. 

Minsky In Crepe 

But even then they didn't walk 
out of Moss' office with the licenses. 
Instead, the Commissioner said he 
would send them up to the theatres 
by special messengers in time for 
the houses to open at 3 in the after- 
noon. Messengers, however, were 
not to hand over the permits until 
they were sure that the name 
Minsky and title, 'burlesque^ were 
nowhere in evidence in front of the 
theatres. Gaiety placed crepe over 
the Minsky tag on its nuarquee, 
'Follies' having already been substi- 
tuted for 'burlesque' there. At the 
Republic, electricians fixed up the 
marquee and other signs in time to 
get the messenger's nod. Eltinge had 
already revised its front Monday 
morning. All the houses are oper- 
ating with the old burley admis- 
sion scale, 25c.-55c. 

Two more burley houses will open 
Shortly. Apollo, also on 42d street, 
with the Republic and Eltinge, will 
probably reopen Thursday (15), put- 
ting three 'Follies' on the one block: 
Oriental, on Broadway and 52d 



street, operated by Morton arid H. K. 
Minsky, Is slated to get started July 
21. This house is the only one set 
thus far to play strictly colored 
shows, also titled 'Follies.' 

It has. not been decided as yet by 
Abe Minsky and Izzy Herk when 
they will open the Fulton on West 
46th, street, nor is there a date set 
for the opening of the Werba the- 
atre in Brooklyn. These are the 
remaining two of the seven theatres 
which are definitely signed to the 
code and whose licenses have been 
approved. 

Two other, houses, the Star and 
Century, both in Brooklyn, have 
agreed to the code, but will not seek 
licenses beforfe September. These 
houses have always closed for ' th^. 
summer even with the burlesque 
policies and will continue dark till 
the fall. 

Burley operators are admittedly 
worried about their new policies, 
though willing to clutch at any straw 
after having their houses dark since 
May 1, a period of 12 weeks. 

Weinstocks at the Republic were 
nicked at the rate of $2,000 weekly 
in rent and maintenance costs while 
this theatre was closed. Abe Minsky 
and Izzy Herk, operating the Gaiety 
and its neighboring Fulton, saw 
$30,000 drop off their bankroll dur- 
ing that period. Oriental, it is un- 
derstood, cost around ,$800 weekly 
to keep closed. 

This, naturally, does not include 
the monies lost by performers and 
chorines through being imemployed 
for that length of time. And it was 
almost strictly through the unem- 
ployment angle and the fact that 
innocent performers were being hit 
hard, that Buck, Brandt and White- 
head convinced Mayor LaGuardia 
that the burley ops should be giyen 
the opportunity to turn pure. 
Semi-Nadity OR'd 

Though not included in the code 
of ethics, the theatre operators were 
given permission by LaGuardia and 
Moss to include semi-nudity in their 
shows. This means stripping only 
from the waist up and strictly In 
tableaux scenes in which the girls 
remain stationary. Stripping is out, 
as is dirty comedy, but blackouts 
and their natural double-entendre 
(if vestiges of subtlety remain) are 
apparently okay. 

It's this latitude that also has the 
operators worried. They point to 
the similarity of their present situr 
ation with the one-man censorship 
the Dunnigan bill, recently vetoed 
by Governor Lehman of New York, 
would have, set up. Only in the 
burlesque case the censor is Scrib- 
ner rather than the License ' Com- 
missioner. The operators' concern 
is that the layman board of gov- 
ernors, through the fact that they 
are not connected with show busi- 
ness and are not receiving any re- 
muneration, may become disinter- 
ested, meaning that Scribner, with 
the License Commissioner behind 
the throne, will become virtually a 
'czar' of their business. Each oper- 
ator signed an agreement binding 
him to the code for five years, 
though they have the power to re- 
sign if stepping out of the show 
field. 

Some steps were taken in the code 
to bar the eventuality of disinter-' 
estednes? on the part of the Gov- 
ernors. Latter will meet at least 
once a month and should a member 
fail to appear at three consecutive 
meetings he will be automatically 
dropped and replaced. 

Apparently the Governors are also, 
given the power to tighten or ease 
up on the code of ethics. Latter 
specifies that the board from time 
to time shall determine the stand- 
ards of common decency and ethical 
practice for the industry. 

N.T.G. FOR STEEL PIER 

N. T. G. and his revue have been 
booked for the. Steel Pier, Atlantic 
City, to open June 30. 

Other acts are being booked with 
him for that date. 



Schecter at Newport, Ky. 

Cincinnati, July 13. 

Noah Schechter has assumed 
charge of booking and publicity for 
Beverly Hills, new nitery casino 
back of Newport, Ky, For the past 
three years he served in the same 
capacities for Arrowhead Inn, simi- 
lar suburban spot, which failed to 
open this season. 

Suit for $8,861 was filed against 
Beverly Hills last week by a build- 
ing firm for construction of the es- 
tablishment. Action . was dropped 
three days after filing via private 
settlement. 



Nitery Robbery 

Philadelphia, July 13. 

Proprietress and two couples at 
tables were lined up against, the bar 
at the Wyncote Inn last Thursday 
night (8) and robbed of $55 by two 
bandits wielding sawed-oft shotguns. 

Mrs. Sarah Klemmer, operator of 
the suburban hot spot, was behind 
the bar making sandwiches when 
the hold-up men came in. One of the 
girls who was in the place thought 
she recognized one of the bandits. 
She walked up to him and began to 
raise his mask. He floored her with 
a punch. 



Battle of B way 
tasinos When 
Int'I Opens 



Clifford C. Fischer, French Casino 
impresario, came over on a quickie 
to New York and returned yester- 
day to Paris. The new F.C. show is 
slated to sail from Paris, Aug. 4, 
when . Fischer and his wife will ac- 
company the troupe back. 

Advent of Jacques Charles and 
Pierre Sandrini onto the N. Y. scene 
to stage and produce the new In- 
ternational Casino show has created 
opposition, for the first time, to the 
F.C.'s big business with the cabaret- 
theatre type of show. 

Last January the French Casino 
went on the nut with a $75,000 pro- 
duction, and as a move to offset the 
then threatened opening of the In- 
ternational Casino last February. 
Instead,' the International isn't slated 
now for Its premiere until late 
August or early September, hence it 
behooves the French Casino again to 
strengthen its production anew, in 
order to offset the natural competi- 
tiveness attendant to any new ven- 
ture, particularly in the nitery field, 
where the fiekleness of a fiitting pub- 
lic is always a factor to be reckoned 
with. 

The new International, like the 
French Casino, is on the site of a 
converted theatre. The F. C. is the 
old Earl Carroll theatre; the Inter- 
national is atop what was the old 
Loew's New York and Criterion 
theatres in the heart of Times 
Square, directly opposite the Hotel 
Astor. The new Criterion today is 
operated by B. S. Moss and Harry 
Charnas. 



Nitery Placements 



Russell Swanii, Diana Ward, Law- 
rence White, Caperton and (Colum- 
bus, Maxmillian Bergere orch, Ross 
Fenton Farms, Asbury Park, N. J. 

Maria Forbes, ■ singer, into the 
Monseigneur Restaurant, N. Y. 

Enric Madriguera Orch., Josephine 
Huston, Gine, DeQuincy and Lewis, 
and Edna Janis at the Surf side, 
Atlantic Beach, L. I. 

Harriet deGoff, singer, replaced 
Marjorie Gainsworth at the Ver- 
sailles, New York. 

Senorita Diosa Costello, dancer 
added to Eddie Davis' revue at Leon 
and Eddie's. N. Y. 

Oliver Wakefield, Lotte Goslar, 
Texas Tommy and his trained pony, 
Helen Myers, Dr. Sydney Ross listed 
in the new show at the Rainbow 
Room, N. Y. 

Suzanne Finchley, singer, new- 
comer to the Hickory Lodge, Larch- 
mont, N. Y. 

Penny Roche now doing the vocals 
for Henri Noel Orch. at the French 
Casino, Atlantic City, N. J. 



A. C. American Legion Benefit Fails 
To Pay Off on $10.00() Show; Acts Suing 



Georgia Shuts Down 

On Gambling Spot 



Chattanooga, Tenn., July 13. 
City's chief hot-spot last year, the 
Club Stardust, won't open this sea- 
son. 

Owner Fred Gill said 'it's a long 
story,' when asked why not. Club 
is just over the 'Georgia state line 
and out of reach of the city and 
county police here. But officials in 
Walker County, Ga., are reported to 
have handed down word that it will 
be raided the rhinute it opens. 

Last year the spot, on top of Look- 
out Mountain, did sock business 
with drinks and gambling rife. 
Owner spent about $40,000 furnish- 
ing it,. 



Fanchon & Marco 
Snubhed on K. C. 
Mair; MCA In 



Kansas City, July 13. 

Coin for talent outlay for second 
annual Jubilesta which will be held 
in the Bluny aud Sept. 17 to 25 wiU 
touch $160,000. Only contract to date 
is for 'Great Waltz' and calls for a 
$16,000 guarantee. 

In a meeting with executive com- 
mittee of Jubilesta last week W. H. 
Stein, of Music Corporation of 
America, submitted a list of obtain- 
able attractions. Jack Benny was of- 
fered for a single performance at 
$10,000. Orchs offered include, Wayne 
King, Eddy Duchin, and Benny 
Goodman and were priced at $2,500 
for one day. Committee is also con- 
sidering Rltz Brothers, Rubinoff , who 
topped last year's draw, and Edgar 
Bergen. 

Fanehon & Marco, of L. A. have 
offered to . pay expenses lor a com- 
mittee from Kansas City to come to 
the Coast to look over a show to be 
set for the entire period of the jubi- 
lesta. Local committee wrdte a 
vague note that amounted to a turn- 
down on even looking the show over. 
F & M have been trying pretty hard • 
to get a look in but nothing to date. 
So it looks like MCA all the way. 



Three Orchestras Get 

Loew Vaude Spots 

. Gus Arnheim's orch has been 
spotted for two vaude weeks by 
Loew's, opening July -29 at the State, 
New York, and going to Washington 
the week following. 

Band is currently at the New 
Yorker hotel, N. Y. 

Circuit has also set two other 
combos. Jimmy Dorsey'a aggrega- 
tion plays Washington week of 
August 13, with the Stanley, Pitt., to 
follow. Chick Webb's colored orch 
goes into the State on Broadway 
week of August 19. 



Complaint charging* P. J. Mc- 
Andrews, president of the United 
States Ass'n., Inc., of New York, 
with failure to pay off acts in a 
$10,000 show at Convention Hall, 
Atlantic City, July 2, was filed yes- 
terday (Tuesday) with License Com- 
missioner Paul Moss. Hearing on 
the matter will be held Friday (16) 
if McAndrews is served. 

Charge was instituted by 1. Robert 
Broder, attorney for Lester Cole's 
Singeirs (12), Beale Street Boys and 
the Picchiani Troupe, Also present 
at the License Dept. on Monday was 
Lou Randell, attorney for Fifi Dor- 
say, Charles Carrier and Joe Lewis. 
Latter three turns also claim they 
were not paid off. 

Show was supposedly a benefit for 
the A. C.' American Legion relief 
fund. However, when it failed to 
draw sufficiently to pay off what 
represented a $10,000 total of . talent/ 
the American Legion disclaimed any 
official connection with the affair. 
A. L. stated it loaned its name to the 
promotion strictly for a percentage 
of the profits, without any financial 
responsibility. 

Around 19 acts were Involved, in- 
cluding James J. Braddock, ex- 
heavyweight champ, Dan Healy, 
Arren and Broderick. Samuel Bros., 
Harriet Hays, Lime Trio, Mullen Sis- 
ters, Blackface Eddie Nelson, 
Maritza, Ingagi, Millie and Billie, 
Sugar Nichols, Vallee and Lee. 
American Federation of Actors is at- 
tempting to collect for some of these 
acts. 

McAndrews is Involved through 
the USA, Inc., having booked the 
show. Associated with the offiee are 
Marvin Welt, Herbert Hoey and Bob 
Higgins (Lydell and). Welt, Hoey 
and Higgins are of show business, 
but McAndrews Is a layman, sup- 
posedly an engineer in4he employ, 
though not a member of, the U. S. 
Army. 



• 15 YEARS jVCO « 

(From Varhty on4 Clipper) 



Western Pennsylvania Theatre 
Owners shocked the Hays office by 
coming out in favor of censorship. 
Also took a slap at the Hays organi- 
zation. 



Shortage of good film features 
along B'way. Daily change houses 
were panicked. 

Appellate division of N. Y. su- 
preme court decided against the 
Pathe contention . that newsreels 
were immune to censorship. 



Mae West at the Palace and get- 
ting another rave review. Jack Lait 
called her 'another Ethel Levey.' Nice 
to Harry Richman, too. 



O'Neill and Flippen among the 
new acts. Tryout at the 5th, Ave. 
Spotted as evidently from burlesque. 
Flippen was working in blackface. 



Chi Palace Bookines 

Lucy Monroe and Shaw and Lee 
go into the RKO Palace, Chicago, 
week of July 23. 

William Morris office agented. 



CRA One-Niter Unit Starts Meek 
Swing; Jackie Coogan Band As Tops 



Chicago, July 13. 
First of the Consolidated Radio 
Artists' one-niter units to get going 
opens this week, at Kearney, Neb., 
July 16. 

Idea of unit, which has been built 
by CRA in co-operation with Fan- 
ehon & Marco, is to deliver intact, 
a band, plus a floor show, to be 
played in dance spots. 

Good deal of enthusiasm for the 
unit by CRA, basfd on the publicity 
niteries throughout the country have 
received during the pa^st couple of 
years, and figure this to be a means 
of giving such entertainment to 
towns where larger niteries, or 
niteries capable of affording names, 
do not exist. 

Unit will play for dancing the 
entire evening, and give one or two 
45 minute shows, depending upon 



the number of hours in the current 
evening. So far two weeks have 
been booked from the local CRA of- 
fices, two more from Cleveland and 
two from N, Y„ after which the unit 
doubles back, playing southwest ter- 
ritory, to make the bookings total 
10 weeks. 

Line-up includes the Jackie Coo- 
gan 12-man band and four acts, all 
billed as the 'Jackie Coogan Holly- 
wood Hit Parade.' Acts include Lila 
Lee, former picture star; Princess 
Lulana, Hawaiian dancec from 
'Waiklki Wedding' .(Par)j Thaya 
Foster, singer, and Don Eddy and 
Lillian Tours, dance team. 

Booking is on guarantee and per- 
centage, with CRA reported to be 
watching the Coogan unit dates 
closely, with Idea of using them as a 
wedge for more of the sdme. 



Shuberts and Erlanger signed a 
pact not to book racial or caricatures 
for the coming season. Sounded 
good, but didn't mean much. Fol- 
lowing the' Hays ukase. . 



American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers cut a $38,0OO 
melon. Tops to date. Variety stated 
that it could have gone to $60,00p 
had all collections been made, but it 
was feared some collections might 
have bankrupted some small debtors. 
(This year ASCAP will cut up $5,- 
000,000.) 



Loew office was booking only two 
weeks ahead. Keeping the books 
open for spot opportvmities. Pre- 
vious season circuit had lost some 
good ones through being overbooked. 



Gus Hill conducting a one-man 
fight against Columbia burlesque 
wheel management. Said it was all 
wrong. Was a stockholder. 



Jesse Block was at the State-Lake, 
Chicago, teamed with Francene 
Dunlop. Not a knockout, but doing 
well. 



Trixie Friganza was topper at the 
Golden Gate, 'Frisco. She was db- 
inig a Russian number, but no hock- 
steps. 



Glut of amateur revues around 
N. Y. vaudfilm houses, but no MaJ. 
Bowe.<>. so they faded again. 



58 



VARIETY 



▼A1IDE— NIIE CLUBS 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



Nitery Reviews 



SURFSIDE 

(ATLANTIC BEACH. I.) 

New two-week show debuted at 
this bathing-dining-dancing (all for 
$3) beach spot Thursday night (8), 
in the midst of the season's worst 
heat wave. Layout is forte on the 
draw ordinarily, including Envic 
Madriguera's orch. Josephine Hus- 
ton, Gine, DeQyincey and Lewis, 
hoke adagioists, and Edna Janice, in- 
terpi-etive buck 'n' winger, but the 
fact that the Surfslde itself offers 
no relief from the humidity is a 
serious drawback. 

Friday night, for instance, the big 
room contained less than 100 cus- 
tomers. Opening night was naturally' 
bigger, due to friends of the incom- 
ing entertainers, song pluggers, etc., 
but once the show was on its own 
the heat told. Rather incongruous 
to suggest that a beach roadhouse 
needs air-conditioning, but that's ac- 
tually the case. For some reason or 
other this spot, though plenty win- 
dowed and right on the ocean, is far 
from being a cooler-oifer. 

.This was especially reflected in the 
few couples Friday night who -ven-' 
tured to test the very terpsable 
rhythms, of the Madrilguera crew. 
JLiatter's sessions, in fact, took on the 
aspect of concerts. Under more fa- 
vorable conditions, the Madriguera 
combo-, would be expected to jam a 
dance. floor: 

Orch. has only one singing special- 
ist, Patricia Gilmore. A looker, Misis 
Gtlmore wotdd also miake a good 
impression vocally it she would learn 
to control her top notes. 

She conflicts, also, with the sinf 
in£ of the show's feature, Josephine 
HustolL Letter deUvered foiir. tunes 
Friday night, but, as has been true 
of her other performances of late, 
her selection of times was not so 
"Wise. However, the lack of an audi- 
ence probably heightened the faults, 
just as it.i^egated the other acts in 
the show. 

Afiss Huston .doses the floor en- 
. tertainmdit,. doubling as m.c. for the 
two acts preceding her singing ses- 
sion. Opener is the Gine, DeQuincey 
and Lewis trio, whose zany work is 
standard by now. They were as defi- 
nite a dick as an act could be in 
froat of such a sniall audience. Also 
scoring was Edna Janice, a young- 
ster who apparently has studied the 
woirfc of Paul Draper. Her hoofing 
is almost satirical and delivery ex- 
cellent, though a bit stiffly. She'll 
loosen up and improve as she goes 
along, and it looks as though she'll 
go- far. 

Surfside's tariflE is extremely rea- 
sonable. Tliree dollars permits one 
to bathe on the private beach in the 
indoor pool all day; entitled to a 
dinner plus the dancing and ftoor- 
show- Totals, to $G per couple, if 
they don't drinl^ which is plenty 
low, Scho. 



HOTEL NEW YORKER 

(NEWTOBK) 

A click in previous seasons, the 
Intensified current interest in ice- 
skating sees the Hotel New Yorker's 
Terrace room d(>ing turnaway biz 
with an Ice Show, in lieu of the 
regular floor revue. On a movable, 
but;;|}raetical rink, extended from be- 
neath the bandstand, an ice carnival 
headed by the vet Norval Baptie and 
Gladys Lamb» fancy skating duo, is 
not only a seasonal novelty, but a 
corking idjea. 

Personable ice-skating ballet com- 

Snsmg DeLories, May, Bobby 5»nd 
•orothy. -plus Eric Wait, Bobby Duf- 
fy and Harris Legg run the gamut 
of iHtricate, whirlwind* figure-skat- 



ing and comedy work on the run- 
tiers. Legit rink stuff embraces 
whirls^ ballroom dances, trick jumps 
over barrels? etc. Comedy includes 
a Barneygooglesque Spark-plug, with 
the rear and hind legs getting tan- 
gled up, plus hoke femtne persona- 
tions on the, runners. 

Skating is of big league caliber 
throughout^ and with Baptie and 
Miss Lamb heading it all up, it's a 
sock novelty. 

Musical backup is Gus Arnheim's 
crack dance band, with Jane Rob- 
bins featured vocally. Arnheim is a 
standard and knows how to mix. 
Maestro is now batoning exclusively 
instead of presiding from the ivories, 
as heretofore. Abel. 



CHEZ PAREE, CHI 

. Chicago, July 9. 

While other spots in town may 
yelp about the lack of customers, the 
Chez Paree rolls merrily along, 
playing to capacity night after night. 
Not infrequently the nitery sticks 
an ad in the papers notifying the 
public that all tables already have 
been reserved for that evening, and 
Saturday and Sunday nights reg- 
ularly see turn-away business., 

Chez is admittedly the top-notch 
nite spot of the midwest Mike 
FritE<;l and Joe Jacobson make an 
ideal nitery combination; Fritzel is a 
great greeter and knows, every angle 
of operation, while Jacobson is a 
clever showman. 

Currently, despite the heat, place 
is jammed nightly because of the 
line-up of acts. Lou Holtz, Helen 
Morgan,. Georgie Tapps, Readinger 
Twins, Rosemary Deering and Lily 
Carmen, in adcUtlon to the Henry 
Busse orchestra, have no fear of 
heat as competition^ 

Holtz is mx.'ing and doing, more 
work that way than as an act on his 
own. Still the top man, as; far as 
story -telling is concerned, Holtz 
doesn't give this audience anywhere 
near , the amount of Lapidus yams 
that they seem to want. Oh show 
caught did only two stories. 

There is great danger that Helen 
Morgan is letting herself become a 
tradition, based on 'Showboat' tunes. 
She'd best guard against! that, or 
she's likely to wind up doin^ fare- 
well tours. She wasn't working very 
hard when caught, and appeared to 
be taking the easiest way. Georgie 
Tapps has had his schnozzle re- 
shaped, and gone a bit ho-hum at 
the same time. 2£s isn't the same 
tussling dancer that he >was. He 
Ras now gone in for 'mood crea- 
tions,' rather thaA . rap-a-tapp-tapp 
hoofing. He is still a. smooth dancer 
but he's trying too' hard to forget 
the things that count 

■ Rosemary Deering has always 
been a clean-cut single with her two 
ballet numbers, especially her open- 
ing pony bit. Makes a slick appear- 
ance and satisfies. Same steady 
showmanship and performance iden- 
tifies the Readinger Twins, who are 
especially nifty in their opening 
harlequin routine. Girls can play 
niteries or theatres — they always 
make good. Lily Carmen is a good 
swing songstress, with plenty of 
rhythm on the ball, and she isn't 
hard on . the eyes, either. Henry 
BUsse has a single vogalist who 
doesn't auite weigh 250 pounds, but 
close to it. There must be a reason 
why Busse has him out there sing- 
in?, 

Busse's orchestra itself is back on 
the bandstand, to the satisfaction of 
all the customers. His is the one 
band which has. clicked as a. steady 
favorite at this tough-to-please spot 
His music is smart dansapation and 
tops in floor show accompaniment 

Gold. 



The THEATRE of the STARS 



WILLOWS 

(PITTSBURGH) 

Pittsburgh, July 9. 
Looks like town's ace roadhouse 
.spot staging a comeback after a 
couple of seasons in the doghouse, 
has landed another winner in Woody 
Herman's band. - Youthful leader is 
an alumnus of Tom Gerun, Gus Arn- 
heim and Isham Jones outfits and 
he's assembled a good-looking, young 
and musically smart organization 
that gives 'em swing when they want 
it and soft lush romantic melodies 
as . well. 

Willows is in the hands of a .group 
of five Pittsburgh men without any 
previous nitery experience and 
they're, being wisely piloted by 
Rockwell-,0'Keefe office, doing the 
boolcings here and also being con 
suited on policy in general. R-O'K 
started them, off with Artie Shaw 
for four weeks, just long enough, 
and now Herman, both the type of 
maestros Willows mob goes for. 

Herman's crew is, chiefly brass, 
with a fiddle, a guitar and a bass 
to give it the proper balance. Boys 
all have pleasing personalities, with 
Herman, a whiz on the clarinet, 
showing them the way in this de- 
partment. He's an active maestro 
with a slick sense of humor that's 
reflected from the stand, a crack 
showman and otherwise bearing all 
of the earmarks of a comer. 

Herman himself is a versatile fel- 
low, an expert hoofer, musician and 
vocalist. He's never stiU a moment 
up there with the stick and the kids 
are constantly hanging on the fringes 
of the stand to watch him' spill his 
bag of tricks. Willows has no floor 
show, but band usually gives them 
a quarter of an hour pf novelty stuff 
that's a sock substitute. It's a series 
of impressions of name bands, a 
fairly conventional stimt, hut not 
the way Herman sells . it. Whole 
thing is done in a broad manner, 
with the leader kidding the proce- 
dure yet actually producing some- 
thing that's pretty near the tops in 
musical satire. ' 

Gal vocalist with band is Sharri 
Kaye, a classy looking little brunette 
with a pleasant voice and s.a. She's 
prominently featured and sells a 
tune with the face as well as. the 
pipes. That's always a good combo, 
and particularly effective in "Miss 
Kaye's case. 

Since opening. Willows has de- 
cided to go in for volume biz, with 
the result that the cover, 50 cents 
on wedc nights and 75 cents on 
week-ends, has- befen dropped, with 
a minimum charge, $1 and $1.50, 
substituted. Cohen. 



BOOKING AGENCY 

GENERAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES 

LOEW BLDG. ANNEX 

160 WEST 46TH ST. NEW YORK 



J . N . LU B I N 

GENEXAL MANAGER 

SIDNEY H. PIERMONT 

BOOKING MANAGER 



SNI-A-BAR GARDENS 

(KANSAS CITY) 

Kansas City, July 9. 
Spot is located some 15 miles 
east of town and has . as a draw 
'dancing under the stars,' Boyd Rae' 
burn's band and excellent foods. It 
is one of the best Icnown dance spots 
here and has been in operation many 
years. 

Walt Rainey, veteran operator who 
also has the 85 Club here, is attempt- 
ing to build this place into a class 
spot. He took over Sni-A-Bar last 
year and has done extensive re- 
decorating. Place has a large garden 
for dining and dancing as well as a 
pavilion. He will keep the place 
open until the first of the year. 

A no-couvert policy prevails. Din- 
ners are from $1.25 and drinks at 
pop scale. 

Boyd Raeburn's 11-piece crew is 
on the stand. Raeburn is at present 
fronting a band in Chicago, so, in his 
absence, Mort Franklin batons. Band 
dishes out danceable rhythms. 
Vocals are handled by Mrs. Boyd 
Raeburn, who is billed as Lorraine. 
A strolling trio, Claude Denny's 
Night-hawks, take care of inter- 
missions. 

Week-end biz is swell and mod- 
erately so during the weele Place is 
noted for its cool location and as 
summer heat wears on biz should 
reach near capacity throughout the 
weelc, 

■ Rainey, however, is keeping the 
overhead trimmed in all depail- 
ments. He's found that acts are less 
of a draw than good food and music, 
so he has dispensed with them here 
and at the 85 Club. Latter will prob- 
ably take on vaude turns again for 
winter season. Hoyt. 



NIXON CAFE 

(PITTSBURGH) 

Pittsburgh, July 8. 

Tony Conforti has two warm- 
weather selling points for his Nixon 
cafe. It's the only air-cooled nitery 
in town and it's also the only one 
with a floor show.. He's cut down 
a bit on entertainment for the sum- 
mer, eliminating the chorus, but 
still ladeling out four and five acts 
that represent better than average 
floor entertainment 

. Current show . is modeled along 
conventional lines, but with a nov- 
elty act in LeRoy and Sharp, ven- 
triloquists, that's bound to be talked 
al>out. Mixed team has been kicking 
around for years and they're now 
cashing in on the boom Edgar Bergen 
has produced in their field. Couple 
use life-sized dummies, and effect 
of what looks like ai foursome is 
genuinely entertaining. They're both 
expert voice-tossers,' and need only 
better material to really go places. 
Dialog is a trifle frayed and since 
Bergen has set the standard with 
his sophisticated chatter, ventrUo- , 



qulsts aiming for a comeback mus: 
necessarily .'take a lesson from him. 
■Otherwise, these kids seemi to have 
what it takes< 

Remainder of show consists ojl 
Buddy Roberts, m.c; dance team o^l 
Michael and Marita; Helen . Lake^ 
acrobatic - hoofer, and Angelo Di 
Palma, operatic tenor who's in his 
19th month here and still, going 
strong. Michael and Marita are i 
good-looking, efficient pair of ball 
.roomers, but they make a mistake 
doing a slow, overly-long waUz num 
her for their entrance. Their smart 
cake-walk, a follow-up, is'much bet 
ter for an original impression and 
would set them in, more solid. Rob 
erts is a clean-cut youth who eases 
himself in nicely with straight an 
nouncements and caresses the mike 
a couple of times in a crooning ses 
sion ttiat's effective. There's a nice 
plush quality to his voice and' he's 
a pleasing, salesman. . Lake gal does 
two numbers, both of them well and 
right in the floor show groove. 

Di Palma continues to hold down the 
closing spot here, IJecause , with this 
mob it's too tough for anybody to 
try and follow him. Herman "Mid- 
dleman's orch likewise looks like 
pretty permanent fixture here and 
improving all the time. Cohen. 



BLANDFS 

(PITTSBURGH) 

Pittsburgh, July 10. 
For years, Frank Blandi has been 
running class restaurants around 
town, specializing in good food and 
forgetting about entertainment. Last 
summer he took a crack at the Wil- 
lows, Oakmont roadhouse, but the 
venture didn't pan. This season he 
and his brother, Sam, dug up 'some 
fresh coin and they've come up with 
an open air dance spot which will 
match anything of its kind in these 
parts. 

Present site of Blandi's was orig 
inatiy Sanders Inn, at one time the 
biggest paying nitery around. It's 
about seven miles out of town and 
located in one of the few actually 
cool spots in this vicinity. 

Blandis haven't been economical 
They've awninged the sides attrac- 
tively, put in a new dahbe surface 
and only that section of the whole 
layout is under the stars. In case 
of bad weather, there's an indoor 
room, the original Sanders, plenty 
roomy, good-looking and comfort- 
able. However, it's the dancing un- 
der the sky that's the chief lure and 
Blandi's can hardly expect much in 
case of rain, unless it starts after the 
crowd has assembled. 

For entertainment, the manage- 
ment is trying soinething different- 
film shorts. Started out with old- 
time clips but stuck in a few mod- 
em two-reelers, most of them of 
name bands, and found them most 
successful. Screen is dropped in 
front of bandstand and there's about 
half an hour of screen show a night 
Orch is Bob dayman's, local 
maestro, who'll soon become the son- 
in-law of another fiddler, Dave Rub- 
inoff. dayman's outfit is composed 
of locals and he's assembled a sur- 
prisingly good dance outflt, with the 
backbone in the trumpet section led 
by Sally LaPerch, late of Ben Pol- 
lock's band. For vocalists there are 
Milton , Clayman, brother of the 
leader, and Muriel Caldwell. 

No cover, with the usual minimum 
checks in this section, $1 on week 
nights and $1.50 on week-ends. It's 
the best-looking outdoor place the 
town has eyer had and should get 
its share of coin. Cohen. 



GROSVENOR HOUSE 

(LONDON) 

London, July 2. 

With the departure of the De Mar- 
cos from the Grosvenor House cab- 
aret, the management booked a 
straight variety show of more' than 
general merit. 

Topliners are Harris and Shore, 
comedy dancers, whose terpsichorean 
antics make a fitting booking fol- 
lowing the run of the decorous and 
decorative De Marcos. 

Gene Sheldon with his banjo and 
Loretta Fischer entertain and amuse. 
Opening act is the Keene Twins and 
Vic and Lamai'r, with their acro- 
batic stepping. 

Paul Remos and his Wonder Boys 
(midgets) do an almost entirely dif- 
ferent act from the one they present 
in the variety theatres here, and 
Bob Hall,, who visited the supper 
tables in advance to get some dope 
for his comments in rhyme and song, 
complete the program. 

Individually, the acts are satisfac- 
tory, but, somehow or other, they 
do not seem to blend felicitously. 

Jo to. 



LE ROY RENE 

(PARIS) 

Paris, July 1. 

This is a new one a little off the 
beiaten track of niteries in this town 
and backed by a newcomer in the 
night life line, but stackup of ex- 
clusiveness will make it either a 
winner or a flop. Reckoned to cull 
those of the upper class or those 
with plenty of jingle, this is truly a 
beautiful little spot where intimacy 
with those on the top strata can be 
had for the price. 

Like those on the same level such 
as Sheherazade and Casanova, Le 
Roy Rene goes in almost e.fclusively 
for singers, with a dance act now 
and then which can work in the 
small available floor space. All tal- 



ent presently billed is French, with 
the exception of an English nude 
dancer from the Folies-Bergere. 

Singers include four women and 
one man, Regine Plovence, Blanche 
Sazy, Nainne Becker, Claude Yvane 
and Tanys. ' Lorna Rhode is the 
dancer. Variety of songs offered 
run the gamut of French offerings 
to the equivalent of blues over here 
with Regine Plovence starting at the 
firs* and Jainne Becker on ihe oMier 
end. Tanys is a tenor who has some 
commendable offerings. Claude 
Yvane has the most diverified repe- 
toire, but voice quality is not ex- 
ceptionaL Lorna Rhode offers two 
numbers, of which a modified forin 
of a fan dance catches best. 

Boby Chatromberg batons a five- 
piece string orchestra which pro- 
duces a variety of good dance music 
His own violin solos also rate well" 
Master of ceremonies is Michel 
Goyot, who does okay. Hugo. 

LOPEZ GRABS CLASS 
SPA NITERY DATE 

First show for the Piping Rock, 
Saratoga, for the coming season 
opening July 26 will be topped by 
Vincent Lopez's oirch. Flobrshow 
will include Gomez and Winona, 
Rufe Davis, Peter Higgins and. Viola 
Van, Herman Citron is booking the 
spot out of New York. 

Acts are being booked , for only 
two-week intervals, but the Lopez 
crew sticks for the entire six week 
Saratoga season; 



Valiee's 25G in Dallas 



Dallas, July 13. 
Rudy VaUee is grossing $25,000 at 
the International Casino, on this, the 
first of a fortnight|s engagement. 

Otherwise, neither expo — here nor 
the one in Fort Worth— is doing 
much business. 



Ro8» Wyse Pa^ys Up 

Chicago, July 13. 
Attachment suit for $125 brought 
against Ross Wyse, Jr., in the Muni- 
cipal Court here by J. B. Stanton, 
gag writer, while Wyse was at the 
Chicago theatric last week, was set- 
tled out of court yesterday (12), and 
is to be dismissed today. 

Basis of suit was allege:! non-pay- 
ment for material. Henry A. Kal- 
cheim represented Ross. 



ICE FOLLIES AT DRAKE 

Chicago, July 13, 
With the Jack Denny band set 
until Aug. 27, the Drake Silver 
Forest Room has booked St. Moritz 
Ice Follies to replace the present 
floor' show, beginning July 21. 

Consolidated Radio Artists is 
handling the deal. 



Cushmon H.O. in L.A. 

Los Angeles, July 13. 
Wilbur Cushman circuit will make 
its headquarters here, moving in 
from Dallas, Texas. 

Circuit has 45 consecutive weeks 
for imits of 15 or 20 people. 



HAVAXA— CUBA. 

WANTED 

Vaudeville acts, for tlieatren — foin- 
weeks or longer — routa4li'<i» trans- 
portation from Miami, Vlix. Write 
.itatine salary, full partlcularn, plin- 
tos. CHAS, li. SASSK. 300 W. iStU 
Street, New Tork City. 



\A/ A M T C n • Professional Chorii.^ 
VV M II I.C U . jj.j... 

pormauent line. Must be able to do 
toe, acrobatic, tap and si>eciaUief< if 
possible. Salary |S5;00 per week. 
M.ill complete experience, weight. 
heiffUth, etc., and latest pUotORravU 
to RKO COLONIAr.. 'i'HEATKK, J>Ay- 
TON, OHIO. Work . coinmencini; 
curly In August. Reply at o«ce. 
Transportation provided. 



PALLADIUM 'GANG' 

Not So 'Crazy' 

Dressed by 

SIDNEY FISHER 

75/77, Shaftesbury Avenue 
PICCADILLY, LONDON, ENG. 



AGENTS 



Rirlhday. EJvcryda.v. ConvalcscenT 
Greeting Cnrda 
In BoKcd Assortment!) 
Very Liberal Commisuion.o 
. Write for particulars 
DOROTHEA ANTEL 
ZZO IV est 73iid St. New Tork. N. I 



Wednesday* July 14, 1937 



VARIETY 



59 



Variety Oills 

NEXT .WEEK (July 19) 
THIS WEEK (July 12) 

Numerals in connection with bills below indicate opening day of 
chowt w.hether full or split week 



RKO 



CHICAGO 
,Falace 
07/Zle Nelabn Oro 
Harriet HUllard 
Grace & NIco 
ppn Cummlnge 

(0) 

Donatella Bros & C 
-Nonchalants 
Judy Starr 
Hettry Tounuman 
Paul Haakon 



Alyce Chai>eIIe' 
Earl Fox 

rXEVJElAND 
Falace (16) 
4 Vespers 
JuUy Starr 
Boss Wyse Jr 
Paul Haakon Co 
Alyce. Chapelle 
Earl Fox 
3 Stooges 
(0) 

Major Bowes Co 




JIEW yOBK CITX 

State (15) 
Benny Davis Hev 
NORFOLK 
Stnte <16) 
Ma.1 Bowes Int'l Co 
PITTSBURGH 
Stanley-(]6) 
Herman BIng 



Louise Massey Co 
Joe Venutl Bd 

WASHINGTON 
, Cnultol (10) 
Red Skelton 
Alphonse Berg Co 
Bert Frohman 



HARRY MAYER 

PRESENTS 

Tip Tap and Toe 
Duval 

TO 1VASHINGTON 
Via LEDDY & SMITH 



Paramount 



NEW YORK OITI 
. FarainODiit (14) 

Martha ^aye 

Emery Deutsch 

Jack Williams 
^ BOSTON 
Metropdiltan (16) 

Clyde Lucas Bd 

Jee Arena Co 

Linda 'Lee 

Troy & Lynn 
- CHICAGO 
Clilcago (lA) 

Jack Starnes Co 

Rio 'Bros 
' Oriental (16) 

Ted Mack Co 



DALLAS 
Casino (16) 
Rudy Vallee Oro 
Stan Kavanaugh 
B Mlnnevltch. Boys 
3 Sailors 
Art Jarrett 
Georges & Jalna 

DETROIT 
iMIchlgan (16) 

fi Top Hatters 
Tasty Yeast Jesters 
Will & G Ahearn 
Bredwlns 

Karre Lebarron Co 
Emily Van Loessen 



Waroer 



PHILADELPHIA 

Enrle '(16) 
Duke Ellington Ore 

• • (9) 
Henry Armetta 
Radio Station KTW 
Jackie^Green ■ 

WASHINGTON 

. Earle (16) 
Ade Duval 



Clifford & Marlon 
Tip, Tap & Toe 
Buster Shaver Co 

• ,(9) 
Samuels & Hayes 
Tommy Martin 
Ross, Pierre & S 
4 Kraddocks 



Independent 



INDIANAPOLIS 
Lyric (0) 
Bammy WWte 
Masters & .RolUna 
Varsity Co-eds 
Jack I^Vler Co 
Fortunello & c 
Fltz & Cahlll 



(16) 

Lowe, -Hlte & 8 

Bert Walton 

Rons & Stone 
Harrison's Circus 
Sandra •& Wynters 
Dorothy Byton Gis 



London 



Canterbury M. H 

^ 1st half a2-i-4) 
Crelghton Boys & S 
Desapdo 2 - 
;;2d- halt (lB-l'7) 
24 Corona Babes 
Campbell & Wise 

<• Dominion 
Rawlcz if Landauer 
^Trocadero R«t. 

Gypsy Nina 
O Gorman Bros 
•i-> Alba 

Paddy Brown 

• BRIXTON 
Astoria 

Billy Cotton Bd 
CAMDEN TOWN 

' Gaumojit 
Chris Charlton Co 
CLAPTON 
Rink 

Durham & Klldare 
Sereno & June 
Bashful Boys 
EAST HAM 

Vardell 4 
Balsuma & Ona 
victor. Moreton 
EDMONTON 
Empire 
Jose Moreno 
Halls & Page 
Helena 3 

*^lNSm;RY PARK 
. Astoria. 

Jnck llyiton Bd 
Wilbur Hall 
Jie Rossi 
^'redy Schweitzer 
Swlnptet 
.g«o Lyons 
S^Bey Doll 
Dick Murphv 
E<l(llo Hnoppr 
HAAIMKHSMITU 

Hobart > 



Week of July. 12 



M & H Ncsbltt. 
ISLINGTON 
'■ Blue Hall 

iRt half (12-14) 
24 Corona Babes • 
Campbell & Wise 

2d half (1B-17> 
Crelghton Boys & S 
Desardo 2 

LEWISHAM 
Palace 

Masu & Yuri 
3 Willard.s 
LEYTOXfiTONE 
Rlalto 
Vardell 4 
McDonald 2 & M 
Victor Moreton 
OLD KENT ROAD 

Astoria 
Jack Hylton Bd 
SHEPH'RDS BUSH 

Piivllloii 
Hohart 3 
M & H Nesblff 
STREATHAM 
Astoria 
Levis Kadlo Act 

I'nIncA 
Masu & Yuri 
(Jedos Bro.<< 

TOOTING 
Grnnndtib 
r> Hort7,o;;s 
Velda & yahn 
Le^anda 

TOTTENHAM 
I'lilnco 
Duihani &: KIldMip 
SBrcno &: June . 
UtiHhCul Boys 
TOTTENHA!»I 
COURT ROAD 
Parnmount 
.Top T.o'^s Bd 
WALTIIA.AISTOW 

(irnnnda 
Josf Morono 
>r«IIs & Page 
Rolls tt Dorothy 



Provincial 



Week of July 12 



ABERDEEN 
TlvoU 

Cookie Bowers 
Ronlta Sis & N 
Hlo & Santos 
Denvers 

French & Jerome 



Brooklns *. Van 
NEWCASTLE 
Purhnitunnt 
Teddy Joyce Bd 
STROUD 
Palace 
Irene Mansell 



Cabaret Bills 



NEW YORK CITY 



Barney Gallant's 

June Elklns 
Luan Craig 
3 Musical Rogues 
Meri & Merlam 
'3 Dandies 

Bertolottl's 

Jimmy Whalen Ore 
Tommy Harris Ore 
Yula Plournoy ■ 
Nysa Alna 
Joyce Faye 
Greta Lewis 

Bill's Ga.r no't 

Eddie Leonard 
Joe Howard ■ 
Spike Harrison 
Ethel Gilbert 
Gus Wlcke • 
Emltt Casey 
Jim Bishop 

Callento 

Beth Raborn 
Helen Shaw 
Ruth Wayne 
Carol Sis 
3 Rhythm Boys 
Callente Cabelleroa 

Claremont Inn 

Jolly Coburn Oro 

Clab Oaochb 

Vaccaro's Orch 
Jose D.iaz 
Trini Plaza 
Llta Moya- 
Hislen' VlrgU 
Dlmltrl 

Cliib Mlrndor 

(Roof Garden) 

Buddy Wagner Ore 
Marlon Martin ' 
Jack Osterman 
3 Blondes 
Eddie Lang 
Winifred & Lotr'ne 
Jacqueline Joyce 
Renee Villon 
Joan Vlckera 

Club Tumurl 

Don Hilburto Ore . 
Antonio & Carlto 
Sarita Herrara 
Rosita Ortega 

Jnck Dempser'a 

E Carpenter Oro 

E] Chico 

Don Alberto Ore - 

Carlos 'Montoya 
3 Pampero 
D'Avolos & A 
Antonlta' Morales 
Jose & Patricia - 
Las Guarecitaa ' 
Rolando 

El Morocco 
Ernie Hoist Oro 
French Casino 

V Travers Oro 
C Cromwell Ore 
Adalet 
Feral Benga 
Betty Brlte 
Betty Bruce 
Florence Chumbecos 
Hilda Elfonte 
Itolf Holbein 
Johnny Co , 
Xavier Lemercler 
7 Maravlllas 
Rekkofs 
Rhoenrads 
Fl^)rence Spencer 
Tullah & Myl 
Iris Wayne 
Vesra Asp 
Eddie Rogers Oro 

Froncs 

Ralph Watklns Ore 
Ulen Island Casino 
Nye Mnyhew Ore 
Helen Reynolds 
Doug Newman 
Harry Wllllford 

.lllrkorr HouNe 
Joe Marsala Ore 
Jim Moorehead 

Hickory Lmlge 
(Lnrcliniont, N. V.) 
Charles Barnet Ore 
Joan Bowes ■ 
Su/.anno Flnchley 
iriyw'il KoHfnurtini 

Mitchell Ayres Ore 
B Jelesnlck Ore 
Jean Sargeant 
June Lorraine 

I)ebonalrs 
L. Manning & MItzl 
Kay Taylor 
Bobby Joyce 
Ted Arlnir 
Patrirla. Gilmore 
Charm ion 

Ajjncs & T Nip Jt 
Rutti Gaylor 
tilon Pope 
Hotel AmhnRHiidor 

Ramon Haiiios Ore 
, William Alder 
i'uul Tiiubman. 
flotcl Astur 
(Roof Garden) 

Ted Lewis Ore 
Radio Aces 
Chiullc Whittler 
n\ith Daye 
Llta Lcde 



H Hatters 
Lydda Sue 
Stuart Morgan 
Diaz Don & Dolores 
Marioii Mann 
Teddy Hale 
Sylvia Manon 4 

lliirel Itlltmtirr 
( MooDliglit Terruce) 

Horace Heldt Ore 

/ Hotel GdlsoD 

Billy . Swanson Ore 

Hoi 01 Bsses HouNp 

Nat Brandwynne O 
Maxlne Tappin 
Dick Stone 
Johnny - Blue 
Murray Carun 
R J Callman 
Hotel .Gov. Clinton 
Phil D'Arcy Ore 
Stuart Jules 
Kay Marshall 

Hotel LoxlngtoD 

Andy lona Ore 
Ray Kinney s 
Meymo Holt 

Hotel l\lpAI|iln 
(Root Garden) 

J Miessner' Ore 
Jeanne' D'Arcy 

Hotel Mnntflalr 
(Caslno-ln-the-AIr) 
Coral Islanders 
Hal Hope Oro 
Herb Well 
Electronic 3 
Felix Paplle 
Hotel Nurrny Hill 
(Fountain Room) 

Joe Cappl Ore ■ 
Nancy Garner 

Hotel New. Yorker 
(Summer Terrace) 
Gus Arnhelm Ore 
Evelyn Chandler 
Baptie & Lamb 

H(i(el Park r^nlral 

(Cocounut Grove) 
Jerry Blaine Ore 
Ross & Edwards 
Darrell & Young 
Barney Grant 
Claire Scott 
Flying Whirlos 
Dorothy JefTers 
St Clair & Elliot 
Ferry the Frog 
Tanla & Kirsoft 

Hotel Prnnsylvnnln 

Tommy Dorsey Ore 
Edythe Wright 
Jack Leonard 
Allen Storr • 
3 Esquires 

Hotol Plccadliiy 
Jeno Bartal Ore 

Hotel Piefre 
(Roof Garden) 

Basil Fomeen Oro 
Anne Heath 
Pepplno & CamiUe 

Hotel Plazn 

Will McCune Oro 
Pancho Ore 
Paul Draper 
Nella Goodclle - 

Hotel Roosevolt 
Freddie Starr Oic 

Hotel Savok -Plaza 

Bmlle Peltl Ore 
Russell Swan- 
Hu(el St. (irorge 
(Brooklyn) 

Ell Dantzig Oro 
Charlei- Paul 

- (Sky Gardens) 

Hal Richard's Oro 
Grisha 

Hotel St. Regis 
(Viennese RooO. 
Jacques Fray Oro 
A Hnsch Dancers 
Pierce & Harris 

Ho(e) Tart 

Geo. Hall Oro 
Dully Dawn 

Hotel Waldnrf- 

Asl«)riii 
(Sturlight Roof) 

Guy Lombardo Ore 
Ralph Rutgers Ore 
Roberta Jonay 
Raphael 

liotel Wellington 

Ed Mayehoff Oro 

Jhnniy Kelly's 

Lionel Rand Oro 
,f6o Capello Ore 
.Monlmartro Boys 
Carter & .Schaub 
.TImmlo Costello- ' 
3 Raymonrls 
Danny Illgglns 

i.arne 

Bildle. Da via Ore 
Ulrado Ore 

Le Coq Rouge 

ITorarlo ZIto Ore 
George Stcrney 

Le Allrage 

Harry Horlon Ore 



Cuqulta 
Marie Almonte 
V MacNuughtun 
Brown's 3 Shades 
Leon & Eddie'* 
(Pugo-Pago Room) 
Lou Martin Oro 
Eddie Davis 
Patricia Gllmo;;e., 
Vivian Ray 
Gloria Cook 
James Keogan 
Nelsons Oats 
Haines Tate & S 
Teto A Kongo Co 
Mile Dentse 
Norman & McKay 
.Dloaaa Costello 

.Mon Paris 

Cene Foadlek. Oro 
Laurence White 
Marlon Pierce 
Versatile 3 

Alonslgneiir 

H, Leonard Ore 
Bob Shaw 
Maria Forbes 
itiori'fi 
Lou Ferris Ore 

The Oaks 
A I Lamb's Ore 
Tommy Lyman ' ' 
Gene Archer 

Onyx Club 
« Spirits of Rhythm 
MaxLne & Janice 
I'aratllNe 

Jay Freemah Oro 
Ann Pennington 
Lucille Johnson 
Andrews. Sis 

Placo Elegante 

Bill Farrell 
Mario Baslnl 
Toto Canglosl 
Rex Gavltte 
Larry Mado Oro 

llnlnhow Grill 

Emery Deutsch Ore 
Hel^ii Myers 



Evalyn Tyner. 
C & L Bonner 
Glover & La Mae 

BnUibow Uonm 

Al Donahue Ore 
Eddie LeUaron Oro 
Oliver Wake Held 
Lotte Goslar 
Texas Tommy 
Helen Myers,' 
Dr Sydney Ross 

RIvlcra 

. .Mlckby Alpert . Ore 
N'ano Rodrlgo Ore 
Lois Kay 
Wcire Bros 
Irene Beasloy 
Nick Long Jr 
Kay. Picture 
Nadlne Gao 
Buster Shaver Co 
Ben Yost Colloginns 

' Sands Point Dadi 
Club 

Paul RebuccI Oro ' 
Emily Stevenson 
Wilson Lang 

Stork Club 

Sonny Kendls Oro 
Gus Martel Ore 

Surfslde 

(Atlantic Beach) 

B Madrlgiiera Ore 
Josephine Huston 
G DeQulncy &. L 
Edna Janis 
Tavern On Groon 

(Central Park) 
Hughle Barrett Ore 

Valhalla 

Maurlfe Shaw Oro ' 
Marita . - 
Lorraine Barrett 
Bond Hal 

Versallleii 

H' Rosenthal Ore 
Joe Rodriguez Oro 
Carolyn Marsh 
Gtomez & Winona 



CHICAGO 



Bait-Ball 

Billy White Ore 
Dancing Dletrlchs- 
Warden & Dade 
Sally Joyce 

Blnckliawk 

Joe Sanders 
Ronald & Roberta 
Pete the Newsboy 
June Glory 

Clies Parco 

Lou Holtz 
Helen Morgan 
Georgte Tapps 
Readinger 2 
Rosemary Deerlng 
Lillian Carmen 
Henry Busse Ore 

Club Mayflower 

Lou Sales Ore 

3 Variety Boys 
Mildred Rock 

4 McNally Sis 
Buddy & Selma 
4 Rhythm Girls 

Coconut Grove 

Mark Fisher Ore 
Jerry St Turk 
Paul Roslnl 
Dawn & Darrow 
Frances Wills 
Kretlow 'Girls 

Coloslmos 

Bob Tinsley 
Janis Andre 
Alaxlne DeShon 
Dorothy Wahl 
Willie Shore 

Congress Hotel 
(Casino) 

Jesse Crawford 
Helen Crawford 
Ohas Carllle 
Bernhardt & G 
Diaz, Don, D & D 
Tommy Trent 
Varaos & McDowell 

Gay SO'a 

Colleen 

Georgia Lucky 
Lew King 
Mlgnon 
In grid 

Jules Novit Oro 
Marlon M.lller 
Jack Elklns 

Harry'fl N. Y. 
Cabaret 

Ohas Englea Ore 
Jack' Irving 
Yvette 
Theo Troy 
Mildred Rock 
8 Parisians 
B. B. B. 
Rider Sis 
Palmer 61s 
Dorothy Johnston 

Hl-Hat 

Stroud 2 
Jean' Sargent 
Gould Sis 
Patay Ogden 
Marion Morgan 



Hotel Brsniarfk 

(Watlnut Room) 

Eddie Varzos. Oro 
Luclo Garcia 
Walker 3 
Tho Duanos 
De&n Murphy 

Hotel BreVoort 

Dorothy Duval 
Eacl Smith, 
Commodore Duo - 
Joe Parlato 

Drako Hotel 
(Gold Coast Room) 

Jack Denny Oro 
Vox & Walters 

3 Olympics 
Rita . Lester 
Dorothy Byton Co 

Hotel Egdewater 
Beach 

(Board Walk) 

Bernle Cummins Or 
Gloria Sutter 
H Smith Ballet 
D'Angelo & Porter 
Gilbert Bros 
Verher, Lang & B 

Hotel Laballo 
(Blue Fountain 
Room) 
king's Jesters .Ore 
Marjorle Whitney 
Gene Jerome >' 
Geo Howard . . 
Ira Bnstow 
John Ravencroft 
Hotel Palmer House 
(Empire ItOOni) 

Eddy Duchin Ore 
Holland & Hart 
Bruco Holden 
Ellon Blair 
Marl Lynn 

4 Aristocrats 
Abbott Dancers 

Hotel Sherman 
(College Inn) 

Al Trace Oipc 

PUner & Earle 

3 Heat Waves 

The Bachelors 

Russell Crowell 

Coleman Clark Co 
Hotel StoTfna 

(Continental Room) 

Carlos Molina 

Loyanne & Renard 

Janis Williams 
606 Club 

Billy Carr 

Nora Ford 

'Boots' Burns 

Etta Reed 

Ford & Barnes 

Yachr Club 
Nino Rinnldo Ore 
Ann Lester 
Jackson, Mills & R 
Sonny & S Dahl 
Lester & Irmajean 
886 Club 

Johnny Hornerf 
The Dictators 
Corlles & Palmer ■ 
Mary June Dodd 



LOS ANGELES 



Ball 

Bruz Fletcher 
Charles Lawrence 
Beverly IVklshIre 

Harry Owens Ore 
Harzer & May 
Vicky Joyce 
Mllzy Green 

Billmore Buwl 

rirninv Orler Ore 
Waldle & Rny 
Ffank the Mule 
Bliss, Lewis & Ash 
Delorea & AnOre 
nick Webster 
fov Hodges 
:i Rhythm Rascair 
3 Randall Sis 

Cafe Iji MiiE« 

Stan Clair Oro 
Park Ave Boys 
Ann C'ndeo 
Gene ^larve 

Clover Chib 

Bob Grant Oro 

Cocoa nut Grnir 

("•CO Ol.'en'fl Ore 
Kdgar Bergen 
(*h»i'lic Mc(?irrthy 
lidilh Caldwell 

Famous Door 

Jonah Jones 
Idddie Ben I 

ifawulluii ParadiHe 

Sol Bright's Ore 



SatinI Tual Loa 
.Sol Hoopl 
Wanda 
Diana Toy 
Lido 

Les ParJcer's Ore 
Bill HoTjerts 
Bob . Searles 

Little Club 
Jane Jones 
Paul Kendall 
Helen Warner 
Rose Valyda 

C:ub Hawaii 
Hawaiian Ore & Co 
Omar's Dome 

George Redman Ore 
Don & Beverly 
Eln^cr 
Iguana 

L Gibson & Medina 
(Junthur, Magklun 
.Naomi VVarni-r 
George MarlUe 

.MlllHlKtl. 

l':ii-lllo Sunset Cliih 

A I ITeath Ore 
Wimilc .Mai,k 
Jerry Lee 
I'cggy i'ago 
.Miirlha (juinmclcr 
Janet Jordon 
(Jeo Ball's Rev . 
F Gllleltc's (;-Glrls 
Buddy La Ruo 
riilnmur 

j t''asa Loma Oro 
Glen Gray 



Iiq.y Dove 

Douglas Wright Co 
Hudson Metztsur Gis 
PurtH Inn ' 

Pete Contrelll Oro 
Domtnlo Columbo 
Ken Henryson 
Sylvia & Marjorie 
Conchlta Toreno 
Bronloo Bros 
Hcrtry Monet 
'i'liorn .Maithiilnnn 
Marguerlta del Rio 
Juan do Martinis 

Suvon Seas 
Lonnl« : McTntlre .Or 
Lily Gibson 

Somerset House 
Jack Owens 



Pat .MacNelty 
Betty Borden 

Swing Club 
B B B 

Clarence Brown 
'Waller Gallagher 

To|)sy's 

Al Eldrodge Oro 
The Dee Sisters 
Bonnie LInd ' 
Dorothy Koy 
Betty Brown 
Lois Glaze 
Leona Rice 
Irene Berry 
Agnes Johnson 

Trocadero 

Dick Gasparre 



PHILADELPHIA 



Anchorage 

James Craig 
Carolyn Dyne . 
Gloria Gould 
Ed .Sllverglade 
Salty La Marr . 
Johnny' Graff Oro 
Arcadia Int'l 

Milton Kellem Oro 
Don Renaldo Ore 
.Mayfair Girls (8) 
Texas Tommy 
Kathryh Rand — 
Andy & L Corr 
Eleanor Bowers 
Irma Bundel 
Mario Vlllanl 
Beilovue-Strutfnfd 

(Planet Room) 
Meyer Davis Oro 

lien ' Franklin Hotel 

(Cort^l Cuf«) 
Moe Jaite Oro 
Bcnuj the Bum'i 

Deioyd McKay 
.Vlurlel Thomas 
Sasha Leonort . 
Frank Hall 
Mayo & Marie 
Kaye Hamilton 
Ralph Brown 

EmbnHsy Club 

Lee Pcrrlns 
Billy T^t> , 
Pedro Blan<io .Oro 
Helen Heuth 
Warwick Sis 
Joyce Henry ' ' 
Dorothy Deppln 

Everffrecn Casino 

Henry May Ore 
Helalne & D'n'lds'n 
Tom Barry 
Stanley Bros 
M'olbo Boudeaux 
Mildred: Sinclair 
Harry Qlyn 

1628 Locust 

Bubbles Shelby 
Jane Farrer 
Kay' Lavery 
Popper Oa'rat 
LlndOi Ray 
Peanuts' Stewart 
Swing Kings Ore 

Hotel Adelphia Roof 

Vincent RIzzo Oro 
Harold Knight Oro 
Frank Gaby 
John Uppmann 
Al Bernle 
Alice Dawn 
Miriam Verne 
DcAngelo-& Porter 
Sara Ann McCabe 
Agnes Tolle 
B Texas Rockets 
Evan B Fontaino 

Lambs Tavern 

Larry Mell Ore 

Little Rathskeller 

Jack Grinin Ore 
Kahn & DePlnta 
Thelma Shearon 
Jimmy Kelly 
Steppe & Carlos 
Mary I^lttle 
Mary Bllar 
Princess Mama 
Plerre'B 

Manny LaPorte Ore 
Roger Manning 
Warren & Durkln 
Pen Raymond 
Lillian Fdx 

Rltz-Carlton 
(Crystal Room) 

Va.n_JL.evlB_s3ro ^ 

Henry~ Patrick 

SI Club 

Bill FIske Oro 
John Renari 
Billle Brill 



Lorraine Rhoda 
Panthy Crawford 
.Syd Raymond 
Dotty Winters 
Sis Mc.C.all 

Silver Lake Iiin- 
(Clenienton) 

Joe Mlllkopf Ore 
Beth ChalllH 
Louise Luoano 
Bernard de Pace 
Enters & Borgia 

20lh Century Tuverit 

Lou Longo Ore 
Hazel Harnmn 
Marcelle Mnvehand 
Billy & Dolly 
Frankle Ilyros 
4 Esquires. 

Parrlsli Cafe 
Bobby Lee Oro 
Leon Hill 
Pewee Gillette 
3 Parlsettes 
Vernon Guy 
Chlckle IMartln Co 

Piccadilly Room 

(1623 I>>cnHt) 
John Hamilton Ore 
Jackie Mabll^ 
R'berlcgs Wlillums 
Patsy Evans 
Fats Smith 
Lulu Mae 
Lillian Fitzgerald 
Cora Green 
Uutkln'a ItntliBkeller 

V Norman Oro 
Loma & Carr 
.Ann Urcan 
Lillian Stuart 
Cleo Valenteen 
Trank PontI 

Stamp's Cafe 

Jack Hutchinson 
Bella Belmont 
Paul Neft 

Pastlno Sc. Marylln 
Flo Hulse 
Johnny Walsh 

Venice Grill 

Marty Barton Oro 
Dave Walls 
Fay Ray 

Katis & Ranassee 
Viking Cafe 

Penn .Fay. Ore 
Lew Foster 
Dot Landi 
Ray Delaney 
Patty LaVerne 
Mildred Benson 
Harry Sweeney 

. Walton Roof 
Peter Kara Ore 
Betty & F Roberts 
Bob Gilbert 
International 3 
Harry Stevens 
Rene Barclay 
Walton 6 

Leber's Hof Brau 
(Camden) 

Louis Chalkln.Oro 
Ray Miller 
Olive White 
George - La Tour 
Plokard & Seal 
Instrumental 3 
Hugo Kloe 
Sid Golden 
Joe Ramoua 
Use Hart 
Gregory Qutnn Co 
Eldoradlans 

Sunset Inn 
Dan Duncan Oro 
Botty-Vallone 
Chubby Reed 
Polly Carewe 
Chas Murtha 

Peacock Oardenn- 
Sylvan Herman Oro 



Showmanship 



(Continued fr.om page 42) 



program, is making Salt Lake City; 
retailers radio conscious. 

Each program, written by Richard 
Harris, station production manager, 
plugs a particular industry in town. 
Last Saturday night mechanical 
refrigeration came, in for a healthy 
play. Merchants receive unic^pe 
broadside mailed by KDYL. 

Script breezy and musical accom- 
paniment grooves nicely with spiels. 



row penguins fr-om the zoo, but the 
birds were all floored by the torrid 
waves and couldn't be disturbed. 

Previous Tuesday Philly truckmen 
were ballotmg in mayor's office on 
CIO vs. A.F. of L., as aftermath of 
transportation strike which caused 
suspension of newspapers. 'WCAU 
put remote equipment into Hizzon- 
er's suite to grab off final tally of 
ballot and a talk by the mayor on 
the results. 

Next Saturday city will stage pa- 
rade showing evolution of transpor- 
tation. Will include everything from 
ancient whaleboats, to high bilces, to 
modern motorcairs and trains. In- 
stead of usual description of line of 
march, WCAU taking short wave 
transmitter to point where parade 
forms. 'Will have riders and drivers 
of various vehicles describe and ex- 
plain things themselves. 

WCAM'S Social Register 

„,-, Camden, N. J. 

■ WCAM, Camden, becomes the 
city s social headquarters through a 
recently initiated 5-10 minute daily 
program given over to the announce- 
ment of dates and details of frater- 
nal, club, YMCA, etc. meetings and 
gatherings. 

Listeners are invited to send in in- 
formation regarding current and 
near-future non-commercial events 
Show is tagged 'Social Register.' 

Local Industry Salutes 

Salt Lake Citv, 
Designed primarily as a good "will 
builder-upper, 'March of Progres.s' 
weekly half hour KDYL produced 



Ma{n Street Deems Taylor 

Lancaster, Pa. . 
■With sinall town local production 
ideas and facilities never as plenti- 
ful as in larger communities Ross 
Evans, an announcer at 'WGAL, has, 
by putting his enthusiasm for swing 
music to a practical purpose, created 
a cheap means of making a' remote 
pick-up command attention. In es- 
sence he's doing a small tQwh Deems 
Taylor. 

Taking advant&ge of station piping 
in a half hour weekly of Chet Lin- 
choln's music from Rocky Springs, 
local suburban dance spot, . Ros9 
asked to 'interpret' the swing. Per- 
mission granted he carried on a line 
of patter over, under and between 
the swing measures which ultim?itely 
drew more listeners than the band. 

His gabbing is mostly gossip about- 
bands and bandsmen. He compares, 
the sax section of one bancl with 
another, describes the difference in 
the way one outstander plays a, 
trumpet bh • compared with another 
and sleeps profoundly through any 
"sweet" number. , 

Idea is so good its got a sponsor 
lined for fall even if ' It has to go 
on discs. 



Prize for Best Lauffh 

New York City. . 

Alan Courtney, who conducts a 
Spelling Bee-pQuiz program four 
times wekly over wNEW, N. Y., 
from the stage of the Paramount 
theatre, Newark, has fraitied a new 
interest-grabbing gag. He carries 
the microphone (}own into t^e audi- 
ence, asking various members picked 
at random, to laugh. Person pit^ked, 
as having the most contagious guf-'. 
faw receives a season pass to the 
theatre besides a cash award each 
broadcast. 

Courtney builds up stunt so as to 
be certain of , genuine laughter by 
flashing slides on the screen during ' 
contest. 



Jiir gen's Give Away Sheet 

New York. 

Lennen & Mitchell is putting out 
a weekly department Ana drug store 
giveaway, ' .the 'Jurgens Journal,' - 
which is based to a major' degree on 
■Walter 'Wincheirs connection with 
the hand lotion. In pictures and. 
text much hoopla is made over Hoi- . 
lywood. There are also beauty h|nts 
and plugs on the product. 

George Scher, L. & M.'s publicity . 
director, is responsible for the 'Jout- 
nal' stunt. 



Military Training Tie^Up 

St. Louis. 

Public Affairs Dept. of KMOX is 
presenting a series of progratna'from 
Jefferson Barracks, Mo., during the ; 
30-day encampment of the C.M.T.C. • 
First airing, a 30-min wax, taken on - 
spot and played next day, pictured 
Oath of Allegiance ceremonies par- 
ti'jipated in by 1,400 youths and 45 . 
reserve officers. ' 

KMOX plans to present one wax : 
each week during encampment. Pro- • 
gram enables parents of soldiers'to- r 
be to keep in touch with offspring 
who forget to write home. , 



KSFO's Shakespeare Bally 

San Francisco. 
Heavy promotional campaign for 
Shakespeare series has been under- 
taken here by KSFO, local CBS out- 
let. Interpretive talks by university 
profs and other authorities are' being 
aired, personal contacts have been 
made with book stores, libraries, 
clubs, radio stores, drama groups and 
other such organizations,, and plac- 
ards distributed in a variety of pub- 
lic places. Direct mall campaign 
was also condiicted, with cultural 
and civic chiefs getting personal let- 
ters from the KSFO management. 



White Honse Recipes 

New York City. 
■White HoUse Favorites, recipes 
prepared for frequent serving at the 
table of the Roosevelt family in 
Washington, offered to NBC blue 
band listeners by Mrs. Franklin D. 
Roosevelt on her Pond's Cream pro- 
gram. 

First . Lady offered to send them 
on a card for ready filing if requests 
were addressed to individual stations. 



Managers, Clerks on AnnJ 

Norfolk, Va. ^ 
Fourth anniversary broadcast of 
Peoples Service Drug Stores over 
WTAR, Norfolk, on July (9) had 
rnanagers of six stores and girl clerks 
take the air. Program was natural 
as there were no rehearsals. Individ- 
uals' birthdays were also saluted with 
dedications. 



On the Envelope 

St. Louis. 
• All outgoing mail from KMOX, 
CBS outlet here, carries on envelope 
a list of outstanding pro.ijrams car- 
ried over .station. Out-of-town mail 
carries CBS highlights and city nuiil 
is stamped with local shows. 



«0 



VARIETY 



VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



MUSIC HALL, N. Y, 

A light little show, preceded by a 
heavy overture irom 'Lohengrin/ 
aids and abets the b]|oody 'Knight 
Without Armor* (UA) here current- 
ly. Entire flesh presentation, for. a 
radical change at the M.H. Is in oti& 
set; a cutely devised one, however, 
to nicely set off the mptH, clocks. 

Stage end is mainly dancing, but 
sufficiently colorful sceriically and in 
costuming to offset the sameness. 
Florence Rogge, ballet mistress, is 
this week's producer,, which explains 
the accent on the terpsing, but she 
turns in a forte job, nevertheless. 
, 'The Clocks' is in eight episodes, 
each denoting a-diffeyent type of 
time-piece, such as 'novelty clock,' 
'banjo clock,' 'sweetheart dock,' etc. 
Heralding each are two okay fenune 
hoofers, , Polly luen and Eleanor 
James. . Featured dancers are Leon 
Jokine, Piroska and Marie Griihaldi, 
in. a neat little panto routine; Betty 
JBfinnister and Jack de Merchant, 
,and Georgia Hayes, who does a tpe- 
tap routine coming off a pendulum. 
Backing 'em all up is the male Glee 
Club, with the corps de ballet also 
inserted for a couple of numbers. 

- Only two outside acts in the cur- 
rent show, with one of them, The 
Havtmans, providing the show's big- 
gest sock via their zany Interpretive 
adagio dancing. Doing two routines 
and for a while it's hard tor those 
sitting back in the theatre to get a 
clear drift of what's going on, but 
their comedy evpptUally gets 'em. 
They bowed off this catching to 
a strong applause. Other outside 
turn comprises the. Vesper Bros. (4), 
average hand-to-hand' balancers and 
tumblers, • •, • ' ■ ■ - 

, Biz opening night (Thursday) was 
good, despite record heat outdoorsl. 

Scho» . 

; ORIENTAL, CHL 

Chicago, Jtily 10, 

- Show Jacks bulk and. quanti^ heire 
currently, despite the presence of 
Ave acts and . line of 12 girls. It's a 
show that's badly put together, with 
the result that the best is not ob- 
tbined from, the material available. 

F'erhapa. one of the nuain detri- 
thents is the sad way the show gets 
sVarted. It takes i^lenty of build-up 
to get .the show going after Roy, Lee 
and Dunn iinish their opening turn. 
Three men doing a comedy knock- 
about turn of the-, vintage of 1902.. 
Gags, are hoary with age, and they 
are' delivered 'in the fashion of music 
hall performers of the. ear^ days. 
. Following are three good tunts to 
brighten tickings up. In the first 
place there are, the Olyera Bros., a 
top, notch he^-balancing perch act. 
They make ah excellent appearance 
ahd toss ptt a couple of swell tricks. 
Barbara Parks is a fine, clean-cut 
swing singer who has much on .the 
balL How much ' she has was ex- 
emplified by het big reception at the 
last performance on Friday despite 
a. weak selection of songs and an 
unfortunate choice of costume. That 
brown gowli with rhinestones is too 
toiiih. on .'the eyies. 

. llirde Stooges are back here again 
and an unquestioned click from start 
to finish. 'Tied thid show up in knots 
and rated it. Not much change in 
their material, but . evidently not 
necessary from the way they went 
.over with this mobi^ 

Single on the bill is Emily Van 
Lbsen, doing her two dance special- 
ties in front of the gal line. Always 
pleasing on the optics. 

> Picture is 'Born Reckless' (20th). 
Business all right. Gold. 



LYRIC, JNDPLS. 

Indianapolis, July 11. 

Called 'Crazy Quilt Revue,' , this is 
a vaude .bill assembled here with -no 
reason for its title othe? thsm the use 
of a 'crazy quilt* drop for the open- 
ing and closing line numbers by 
Murray Browne's girls from Chi- 
cago. Every act on the bill does 
well, although Sammy White, head- 
lined turn, has his troubles holding 
down the . closing spot. 

Following a nice build-up by an 
offstage voice, White opens with his 
song' number from 'Cain and Mable' 
(WB). Then he goes into a mixture 
of comic attempts at operatic singing 
and jerky comedy dancings Makes a 
phony exit and- does a bit of un- 
necessary milking before he goes into 
a few minutes of talk. This leads into 
his best number which is the familiar 
burlesque of a fan dance. 

Sock of the bill is Johnny Masters 
arid Rowena Rollins, whose efforts 
at chatter are not as good as their 
comedy dancing. Girl, with her 
long-legged jumping, and mugging, 
puts the act over >vitb man helping 
with slow' motion dance with fast 
finish getting . results. Fortunello 
aiTid Ciriilino, acrobats in circus 
clown makeup, follow Masters and 
Rollins and precede Sammy White. 
They hold spot all right v^ith their 
nice finish as the midget mehiber of 
the team. does a series of turn-overs 
and lands neatly in a, large carpet- 
bag earried off by the taller member. 

Jack* LaVier does his- travesty on 
the 'Man on the Flying Trapeze' in 
deuce and -scores. It's his old -trapeze 
act refurbished by La Vier's appear- 
ance in tintjrpe ^va^d^obe with 
handlebar mustache. His talk gets 
laughs but it is the element of 
suspense as he Uvavers. ln mid-air on 
the : trapeze thut Jeeeps the audience 
excited. Ben Yost's Varsity Co-eds. 



a harmony singing^ group of six girls 
that is better on looks than voice, 
follow. Tj'heir numbers comprise 
'Desert SoAg' medley, Italian Street 
Song, and others. Their nonchalance 
set them nicely with, this^ audience. 
Fltz and Cahill work hard as opener 
liollowing a Beach nunvber by the 
line girls. They do about eight 
minutes of fast tap and eccentric 
dsincing with one member getting 
plenty of laughs by his awkward at- 
tempts to duplicate the steps of his 
partner. ■ ' . , 

Picture is 'Riding on Air (RKO). 
Business good Saturday. 



ROXY, N. Y. 

Finely cooled mammoth emporium 
was limp in attendance Friday (9) 
night/ The folks slumped prostrate 
in the pews. The excessive heat of 
the day must have enervated 'em en- 
tirely. They sat dully through the 
53-min. show, applauding but _ spas- 
modically ^nd never enthusiastically. 

Layout is another of those stan- 
dard Roxy roundups that can thank 
the Gae Foster line of girls for the 
mild measure of success it achieves. 

In three routines, the girls lift up 
the show by the bootstraps, and give 
it bulk and backgrouhd. 

After the line opens with a nice 
hoops' routine. Max and his Gang of 
four terriers tal:e over. The act is 
still a standard, solid opener in 
which both the lad and his purps do 
aero tumbling. . - ' . . 

Alexander Gray deuces with his 
baritoning. holding well with a med- 
ley of robust masculine* songs ahd a 
pop. Before bowing off the girls 
slip in and essay a long and finely 
wrought picture nUmber while Gray 
aceomps with his pipes .while stand- 
ing near the wings. This time the 
Gae Fosters are sailboats, and pretty 
evenikeeled at that. 
; Gil Lamb next: >jrith- his comic 
dancing and clowning. The elon- 
gated lad is doing a single noWr 
(Formerly was paired with Marion 
Bellett, who, incidentally played the 
Roxy last week.) His hdofing is still 
the core and creani of his work; the 
cpntedy is rather, old. ahd worn. 
Tommy Sanford* youthful harmoni- 
caist, is in' to help broaden out the 
turn. His mucking .was well re- 
ceived. For a climax Lamh -does the 
harmonica-swallowing ..bit in pre- 
cisely the manner Oliver (Laurel 
and) 'Hardy did if in the recently 
released 'Pick a Star' .(MG). Was 
good for a large crate of. cackles. 

Sylvia Manon has, for this date, 
altered the setting for her excellent 
'adagio act. Gone are the porcelain 
sets 'and the two 'sopranos as ' well 
as the 17th century costumes on the 
.two tossers and catchers. The boys 
are now dressed in; white berets and 
flannels. On appearance the turn 
loses much of its visual lustre: But 
the finely executed tossing around of 
Miss Manon whams the act over. The 
line lassies precede' the closer with a 
parasol number, and stand grouped 
around till the adagio stuff is done, 
then do a picture-pose finish. 

Feature, 'Two Who Dared' (GN), 
which was reviewed in Variety in 
the issue of June 16. ' Bert. 



PARAMOUNT, N. Y. 

(Martha Raye-Emery Deutsch) 

Quite a young riot at the Par . this 
week, to the degree that, if bookings 
could be set back, the current Martha 
Raye-Emery Deutsch bandshow would 
stay beyond the scheduled fortnight. 
Miss Raye is the reason for the hub- 
bub and tordo, and what looked like 
one of those WPA mass picketing 
lines actually proved to be sidewalk 
standees the first two days. 

Paralleling only the sight of the 
kids swingin' down the aisles to 
Benny Goodman's tempos was the 
surge of autograph-hounds, on the 
songstress at the first shows. Some 
of the - youngsters walked boldly 
onto the rostrum and Miss Raye 
(New Acts) took it in stride by auto- 
graphing their insignia of fan en- 
dorsement, but had to beg off by re- 
questing the 'kids,' as' she. called 
'em, to come backstage and 'she'd do 
the John-Hajicocking there. 

The Deutsch-Raye hlend is a 
happy- combo. Emery Deutsch 
('Play, Gypsy, Play' and 'When a 
Gypsy Makes His Violin Cry') with 
his orchestra isr'-doubling from the 
Rainbow Grill, N. Y. He bats out a 
smacko 30 minutes of swihg-symph, 
of/ which his trademarked slide- 
trombone is the key noted' in . stepping 
off the different numbers. He has a 
versatile crew of 11 (four brass, four 
reeds, and the usual complement), 
including Frank Parrish as tenor 
soloist with the band, plus Jackie 
Williams (New Acts) as an added. 
starter. 

F^rrish used to do a vaude spe- 
cialty all by himself, but under the 
new scheme of things, where vocal 
personalities with the more promi- 
Inent bands have better opportunities 
for coming to Hollywood, radio and 
general attention, Parrish is pre- 
■sented more advantageously. Just 
two vocal specialties, but whammo. 
' The Par accords Deutsch's band a 
.'sequence of atmospheric, stereop- 
:tican'backdrops-^palm trees for the 
iHawaiian tunes, a sailboat for Par- 
.rish's 'Sailboat and You' ballad, a 
desert caravansary for the Duke El- 
lington 'Caravan' novelty, latter ex- 
..tremely well done, incidentally. 
Martha Raye's portion consumes 16 
^mins. on her own, and they hollered 
for more, just as they did when 
Deutsch's half ^our. was ended. 
Deutsch batons chiefly, but his brief 
violin snatches clicked. 

Don Baker at the organ with his 
sihg-swing contrasts tees off the 
show enthusiastically. His contrast- 
ing type of pops got spontaneous 
community-sing response and the 
organist wurlitzered himself to a 
neat score on- his own. Newsreel 
and 'Easy Living' (Par), reviewed 
in last week's Variety, complete the 
show. Biz opening two days very 
healthy, almost of record propor- 
tions, but not .quite, Abel. 



in 'All God's Chillun Got Rhythm,' 
number she did in 'Day at the Races' 
with Marxes. For an encore; i^he 
does a novelty number, w^th gag 
interpolations by the drummer, for a 
slick getaway. Ellington might have 
given the crowd a little more of his 
expert pianology. It's sort of expected 
and he's holding the keyboard finger- 
ing on his own down to a few bars 
midway in^a couple of numbers. 

Dave Broudy's overture is a nice 
collection <)f semi-classitfs, featuring 
Charlie Riley in a violin solo, and 
bill also . includes Par newsreel and 
cartoon. Cohbn, 



Orpheum, Suit Lake 

Salt Lake, July 11. 

Eadh of the four flesh acts here 
this week, running nearly ,48 min- 
utes, is colorless sans one real wallop 
in entire .setup. By Woodbury's'' 
band, in ultimate moments, playing a 
medley of 'river songs' causes audi- 
ence to stir itself.. ■ ' 

Bobby Miller 'and Fraiilein ElSa, 
headliner^, -drew the mildest form of 
St^preciation duting a rpller-ska^ing 
act. Duo, while able .skaters, lack 
showmanship but work. hard, to put 
act over. Even went so far as to, 
invite patrons to. go for a twirl on' 
the' stage. Several obliged, leaving 
the stage in dizzy appearance. Frau- 
lein goes for a double swivel spin, 
being flun^ through space while at- 
tached to harness around partner's 
head. This brought some applause. 

Norma Squires, blond songstress of 
hite clubs, makes her -stage debut 
here. She has looks and nice singing 
voice. Her stiffness indicated that 
she needed experience and expert 
piloting before becoming a top- 
notcher. However, she registered in 
solo number, 'The World Is Mine To- 
night,' accompanied by band. 

Charles Parry, band' member, does 
a swell orchestrating task on 'Ro- 
berta' score played by orch, with 
Miss Squires doing an extra chorus of 
'The -Touch of Your Hand.' 

Woodbury, m.c, plays an effective 
and smooth clarinet solo of 'Smoke 
Gets In Your Eyes.' 

The Tall marks hof, sing, do card 
and cigarette tricks, turn cartwheels 
and generally razzle-dazzle them- 
selves, but their chores are far from 
being bits. Male member of team, 
and gal foil, work in full dress. For- 
mer's slight-of-hand routine clicks: 
Audience appreciated the magic rou- 
tines more than their gymnastics. 

Joe Clive, celHsit. newest addition 
to band, scores with a cello number, 
'Tlie Swan.' 

. Roundiiii{ out the bill is Terry 
Howard, 'little girl', on Amos-Andy 
broadcasts, and her partner, 'Jack 
Talley. Miss Howard's impersona- 
tions of a -.little girl hit-'ern for all 
they hod, but act's iriiaterial dould 
freshen : up,. Dance ' finish-also good'. 

'Married Before- Breakfast' (MG) 
on- screen. . • Gus9l 



STANLEY, PITTS. 

Pittsburgh, July 9. 
Duke Ellington's always been as 
hot around this burg as the weather 
is at present, so that 98 in the shade 
didn't keep the chocolate-colored 
maestro from • showing his b.o. 
medals. Marquee names of Spencer 
Tracy, Gladys George and Franchot 
Tone in 'They Gave Him a Gun* 
(MG) may have had something to do 
with filling the downstairs and three- 
quarters of the balcony at the open- 
ing, but chances are about 10 to 1 
that the Duke is the lad the manage- 
ment, can thank for the bulk of the 
biz. 

Reason for his consistency in these 
parts isn't hard to spot. It's simply 
that he always delivers with a session 
that's bonafide band music and not 
the usual assortment of trick stuff 
his colored colleagues .invariably 
emphasize. What's more, .he's a self- 
effacing maestro who parcels out the 
honors among his 14 inen. 

Ellington's making only one mis- 
take and that's his lengthy prelude. 
Almost five minutes of it and whole 
thing's done behind a scrim curtain, 
with stage in total darlcness except 
for those faint spots highlighting the 
various sections as ■ they give out. 
Lighting is particularly bad and bogs 
down what would otherwise be a 
sock opening reception. 

Once the foots come up, however, 
and the outfit swings into high, the 
pace and returns are perfect. Elling-: 
ton mixes 'e'm up smartly, slapping 
over a couple of hot platters and 
then slowing down with his insinu- 
ating blue indigo rhythms to keep 
the show happily balanced. Entire 
program is designed to reduce usual 
band sameness and it works plenty 
effectively here. 

Smash of the presentation, insofar 
as the audience is concerned, is the 
precision hoofing of the Four Steppfe 
Brothers. Lads • have a bang-up, 
sizzling session of tapmania and wind 
up in a whirl -of tricky legging that 
makes it necessary for them to beg 
oft'. Even then the mitt-pounding 
extended well into the next number. 
Ellington's also carrying another 
dance act, Three Chococlateers.- who 
have a. specialty in 'New Faces' 
(RKO), and they're also crowd 
favorites; although not up' to' Steppe's 
par. • Trio specializes in eccentric 
stuff but too >much of if^ meaning- 
less. 

Ncxt-to-closing EUingtqn brjngs on 
his silre-flVe - rl}ythm 'sjinge'r',' Ivie 
Anderson, whb socks ' aci-bss three 
numbers, 'windihg up with' a* tirich 



CAPITOL, WASH. 

Washington, Jyly 13, 
House back in form this week after 
two weeks of straight vaude and im- 
ported unit while Division Producer 
Gene Ford was vacationing and 
looking over talent. Current stage 
array brings back Red Skelton as 
emcee, surrounded -by six acts 
worked into ^veil-balanced revue. 

Due to length of bill overture is. 
skipped, pit band playing for silent 
trailers from stage. Skelton on for 
three minutes of swift cKatter before 
curtains to start festivities. Lad puts 
'em across even' if they're corny by' 
giving plenty,- but fact that he still 
clings to standard cigar and felt hat 
business obstructs what has the mak- 
ings of distinctive personality. Altho 
he has played at least two weeks 
here this season, he pulled two new 
specialties out of the. bag that 
wowed em. First was burlesque ma- 
gician bit with aid of props and a 
blond and second was solo imperson- 
ations of various persons walking 
down street and gal powdering nose 
in restroom. Latter lacks polish of 
Cookie Bowers whose stuff it resem- 
bles strikingly, but ma'kes up for it 
with 'enthusiasm that 'literally drags 
the applause out. 

' Gordon's ' dogs open.. Gordon's 
chatter is nothing to rave about, bst 
informality and way dogs do their 
best tricks presumably through dis- 
obeying orders keeps things consist- 
ingly amusing. Swinging bar on which 
pup balances self and sock finish 
with entire troupe trying to stick on 
whirling turntable are high points. 

Stanley Twins followed with 
shadow dance before scrim and per- 
fect timing of dua' socked as usual. 
Skelton's magic bit next and then 
Raymond Baird, who , took house 
with three numbers, 'Carioca' with 
slap-tone effect, 'Ida' •- with two 
saxes in mouth at once and 'William 
Tell Overture' to get off with two 
bows, j 

Skelton again with walking stunt 
&nd then Dolly Dawn, introduced as 
George Hall Orch vocalist. Plenty 
of house wondered what all the ex- 
citement was about and put her down 
as just an adequate warbler who had 
been told what gestures to make 
with what notes. Radio rep ahd fact 
that her plumpness was. novelty, 
however, got her top applause of 
show on 'Love Bug,' . 'Septernber In 
Rain,' 'Dinah' medley and an encore, 
'52nd Street.' 

Maxellos wind up parade with 
usual smooth risley. Their three-in- 
one somersault stunt rocked the 
house. Skelton worked in as comedy 
angle using his own tumbling ability 
just enough to make it more than 
mere slapstick. 

Pic is 'Between Two Women* 
(MG) and biz good. , Craig. 



TOWER, K. C. 

Kansas City, July 9. 

Good audience bill currently. Mid- 
way the Slate Brothers <3) and 
'Their Girl Friends' (3) shoulder re- 
sponsibilities' and deliver with sock 
results. Early^alf of bill is made" 
up of Dub Taylor, xylophohist, Miss 
Barbarina and Poms, dog act, and 
Healy and Mack, mixed aero team-. 

Pic is 'Born Reckless' (20th). Biz 
so-so. 

Slate company is on just short of 
30 minutes. Turn got away slow 
with not so good, gagging by the 
three boys. At show caught audi- 
ence had that try-and-make-me- 
laugh attitude, which could have 
been fatal to less experienced acts. 

Boys buckled to their task and 
stayed with it until they got a favor- 
able reaction. Gags weren't particu- 
larly good, but lads had their work- 
ing clothes on and simply stayed at 
it until they had 'em worn down. 
Breakdown of payees really comes 
when they bring on the first femme. 
Fay Carroll, an eyeful blonde with 
fair pipes. She works against plenty, 
with the three boys heckling 
throughout her warbling, and car- 
ries it off. Of the other two girls 
a pint-sized brunette brutally cos- 
tumed tops with a slick brand of 
rhythm taps. Last girl is on for 
small .slice of gaggine. • 

Dub Taylor should forget those 
painful gass and stick to the har- 
monica and xylophone. Healy and 
Mack work with a bar. Man and 
girl have a standard turn, work 
smoothly and with' speed. Feature a 
chair balance on bar, with girl on 
man's shoulders. 

Miss Barbarina has three poms 
which she allows to crawl, over her 
as she cart-wheeJs. Act is nicely cos- 
tumed and staged, but lacks real en- 
tertainment value. 

Line (12) opens in attractive fenc- 
ing costuihe and sets 'a nice nafce. 
Next appearance, just ahead of the 
Slate trouoe. is a novelty, ^Peclcin.' 
Harlan' Christie, m.c, gets sf>ri^e 
laughs with his zany IrttroS. Judy 
Conrad's bandsmen are oke. ' " ' ' 

• Hoyt. 



STATE, N. Y. 

Although this main stemmer hasn't 
muph with which to make marquee 
hoopla, the stage . elements aie 
somewhat above run of the mine. 
Gus Van is back out of radio min- 
strelsy to play what are still sock dit- 
ties and, perhaps, most, the optic of 
the older vaude fan with mellow 
reminiscences. For comedy there's 
the hardworking, though not con- 
sistently effective, Harry Savoy, 
while the radio maestro, Arnold 
Johnson, has loaded himself \ip with 
mass o'f blasting brass to show that 
if it's swing music they want .he can 
dish it out in all its sweep and vigor 
'I Met Him in Paris' (Par), is the 
feature.' 

As the headliner, Johnson has 
been alloted some 25 minutes and 
the output proves a combination of 
good, musicianship and hardy selling. 
Johnson steps out of the precincts of 
current Tin Pan Alley fare and 
perks up .the attention with slick 
swing arrangements of such stand- 
ards as Sousa's 'Stars and Stripes 
Forever' and- Schubert's ^The Bee.* 
Not only is the brass section made 
the weighty pivot of the unit but two 
of its number (5) are singled out for 
specialties; one -a trumpeter of the 
liveliest of lowdown licks and the 
other a - lad who takes 'em up an 
octave above' high C. 

Built strictly as -a bill closer, 
Johnson^s turn gives decided recog- 
nition to the terpsy ingredient. This 
niche is well filled by Gertrude 
Briefer. Hers is a 'whirlwind" acr6- 
batic routine, with the assortment' 
of .nip-ups, wheels and .whatnot 
showing much fiolish and fufthefr 
brightened by looks. For "his yodil 
department, which as a whole leiaris 
to the 'weaker side of the- act, John- 
son has two girl trios, wof^ing ait 
mikes at either side of the stage, and 
a crooner, Neal Ellis, who . (jloubles 
from sax. Performance .caught had 
the act. finishing strong in both de- 
livery ahd applause. 

Van's current continuity strikes 
the reminiscent note from the. start. 
In verse and melodh^ Van recalls the 
triumphs of the "van and Schenck 
partnership .and assures his audi- 
ences that Broadway is still a great 
street for those who have the stuff. 
Bringing with it the breath of a 
faded era in ' entertainment. Van's 
routine has much that exhilirates. It 
also projects an artist whose pow- 
ers of moving them hy dialect mim- 
icry in song are as keeh as ever. Van 
rounds out a group of his old dia- 
lects with a current pop song, 'You 
Can't Take It With You.' It fits 
snugly. 

Sharp contrast in styles makies it- 
self noticeable in the ju^p from Van 
to Savoy. Van's is the middle spot 
of the five-act bill and Savoy is his 
immediate successor. The songster 
impresses with his surehanded 
smoothness and minimum of effort. 
With Savoy it's continuously hard 
tugging with his material and audi- 
ence. While a goodly portion of the 
effort goes to waste. Savoy manages 
to pull enough solid laughs to dis- 
close that not only has he improved 
substantially over the past two 
years, but that he's headed for the 
upper rungs on the comic ladder. 
Savoy's routine contains a minimum 
of 'I'U-hit-you-in-the-head's' and he 
has an ingratiating foil in the pert 
and attractive Louise Tobin. 

Arthur LaFleiir, takes the show 
off to a fast start with an iron-jaw 
conceit that has him spinning from 
one . extreme of self -locomotion - to 
the other. It's a sprucely dres.sed 
act, with a girl contortionist filling 
in the interlude between LaFleur!s 
opening moments on the rings and 
the human top idea. In deuce spot 
there's the Condos Bros., who keep 
up a sizzling rattle of tap rhythmics. 
This brilliant mixture of footwork 
leaves nothing wanting, in the ap- 
peal to either the eye or the ear. 

■Odeo. 



TABOR, DENVER 

. Denver, July 10. 

With Elks' convention in town 
show this week carries- the Elk idea. 
Finale was a big flash for the 'Hello 
Bill' crowd, and should mean plenty 
boxoffice. Girls had royal purple 
cellophane costumes with back drop 
lettered 'Hello Bill' and. 'BPOE' 
flashed in three-foot letters at finale. 

Line opened show in gilded, top 
hats, silver puff sleeves and blue 
combination bodice and shorts. One 
of them, Lolly Graves sings, followed 
by Nina Davis, with personality and 
good soprano voice. She is tops 
when appropriately dressed in modi- 
fied hoop skirt and dainty dress in 
second routine. Four of line are 
dressed as men and four as women, 
in revolutionary costumes, and do a 
minuet with modern variations. 
. Kitchens (3. men) work on bar.-? 
eight feet apart and the same distance 
from the floor, and do difficult 
balancing and jumping from bar to 
bar in various manners. It's hai'd 
work but they give the .crowd plenty. 

Starr and Lee. mixed team, offers 
instrumentals and sonqs. Latter be- 
ing of yesteryejlr ...vintage' didn't 
count for much. . ' , 

Flo Mayo' on a high trapeze does 
acceptable balancing and contortions. 
A neat act aiVd gets big hands. ' ^ • 

With 'Wake 'Up' and' Live' (20tTi> 
on the screen- business siiould build. 
> - Rose.'' 



y^edneeday, July 14» 1937 



VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



61 



MET, BOSTON 

Boston, July 10. 

Since Phil Spitalny's appear&nce 
tipre last season he has doubtless 
glined a lefiion of ra^o followers 
trough his General Electric net- 
itforkradio shows. At second show 
of opening day ther^ appeared to 
he a goodly flock of appreciative 
fans enjoying his somewhat jerky, 
jazzy performance played hy the 
25-piece girl band. 

With an assortment of elaborate 
arrangements that sometimes en- 
tangle, sometimes enhance, the 'Hour 
of Chawn* presented here includes 
a wide range froni Schubert's 'Bee' 
to 'Tiger Rag.' Other hotsy numbers 
are 'Bugle Gall* and 'Stompin' at the 
Savoy.' And for contrast there are 
'Second Hungarian Rhapsody* and 
Ravel's 'Bolero.' 

■ Marvin Lawlor, sOlo tapper, only 
male in the cast, was a heavy dicker 
at this performance, despite the fact 
that the music was not always right 
on the nose with his taps. Lawlor 
has a showmanly style that easily 
overcomes this impression, and it 
xnight be assumed that further work 
.•with the band will bring about a 
perfect mesh. 

r- Show stoppers are the Three Llt- 
■tle Words* as smart ^ femme vocal 
■trio for which any band could ask. 
Why these girls are not costumed In 
contrast .to the musicians is not clear. 
Although their distinctive work 
•stands out in the act, special cos- 
tuming would, it seems, make them 
look even more important. 'Tavern 
Si the "Town,' a novelty of three 
tuiies stlhg simultaneously, and their 
vocaliiig of 'Panama' click best; and 
Ifielr blfinds with the glee club are 
■fcei dir the way. 

'■ "Maxine, solo vocalist of extra 
clear enunciation , and diction, socks 
with 'Can't Take. That Away from 
Mie^' ' and she also works well with 
the glee club. 

'"Evelyn Kay, violinist, receives a 
flattisring hand of recognition and 
rips off 'Sweet Sue,' more show- 
maoly than sweet. 

•Beautiful cross lighting, makes the 
presentation of Sphubert's 'Bee' by 
eight violins tops' for production, 
although this fs not the ace number 
on musical merits. 

'Bolero,' over-jazzed in spots, is 
a sockeroo, and good lighting again 
helps. Best glee club, number is 
•Johnny One. Note' during Which 
Mary Baum, the girl with the 'ir^ 
strumental voice, holds long notes 
and otherwise tricks up the arrange- 
ment with special effects. 

Most disappointing piece Is 'Hun- 
garian Rhapsody,' badly snowed un- 
der by a too-fancy arrangement, 
almost mechanical in places, withal 
giving Spitalny a great workout for 
his stomping right hoof and famous 
bended knee. 

'Merry-Go-Round Broke Down,' 
the grand encore, enjoyed advance 
. billing and a hot reception froni the 
customers. Dialect break-ins by 
several girls from band peps it up 
nlcel^. 

' Spitalny sells his band consistently 
and gives the appearance of a sin- 
cere, hard-working conductor. He 
handles his simple, dignified an- 
nouncements with commendable 
finesse. And this week he is getting 
credit for selling more than lialf the 
seats, with 'Easy Living' (Par) as 

the film. Fox. 



Embassy Newsreel, N. Y. 

The search of many forces for the 
missing Amelia Earhart and her fly- 
ing com>panion highlights this week's 
layout of newsreel matter which 
otherwise veers heavily to sports, 
beaches, the outdoors, etc. It's a 
summary show, including the sort 
of things that are to be expected at 
this time of the year when such as 
sports are in the ascendency. 

Because of the fiact the sea safari 
which is hunting for Miss Earhart 
occurs so far away, the newsreels 
were forced to dish it up in the form 
of talk and assembled material from 
files. Hearst's News of the Day does 
the job and, considering the limita- 
tions, does it well, though pictures of 
tropical islands, bird and animal life, 
etc., may not impress people as being 
the very isles around which the Ear- 
hart search centers. The warship 
Colorado, pictured as being in the 
vicinity of Howland island, was 
probably pictured in the Hudson at 
some time when the fleet was here 
Of^ the boat on film is really the 
Colorado). A map of the area where 
the Earhart-Noonan plane is down is 
included. Hearst's commentator ei- 
lectively dramatizes the Earhart fate. 

Show • leads off with the all-star 
baseball game played In Washing- 
ton. Pathe gives it in considerable 
detail and the shooting job high- 
iightmg various plays is unusually 
good. Golfers competing in Scotland 
.lor the Ryder Cup are lensed by 
Jraramount, while another important 
sport event, the Vanderbilt auto cup 
race won by Rosemeyer, was caught 
by Universal. The auto race doesn't 
Pjcture, from what .U obtained, as 
T:nrilhngly as it must have been and 
only close shave included when 
wosemeyer just barely made a turn 
missing the rail.* 

Among other sports items are the 
o«g race of the year at Longchamps, 
*5«ncerthe Stars and Strines handi- 
f^^ i". Chicago, well done by U; dlv- 
trials at Jones Beach (Hearst); 
"v^y-f^ue steeplechase contest in 
J^ich there are some exciting, spi) Is 
«iearst),' Vanderbilt and his yacht 
"» trials for this year's race with 



England; national marbles champion- 
ship (U) and a course in angling for 
co-eds instituted by the University 
of Oregon (U). 

1 In the outdoors field and border- 
ing on sports are items on a Japanese 
fishing ritual; son and two daughters 
of a flying family .who are parachut- 
ing ' enthusiasts, seen In trials; a 
Montana rodeo; a man and bear box- 
ing match, comedied up by Lew 
Lehr; contest of Junior 'Birdmen of 
America, held annually; refueling of 
a plane from an auto; big Fourth of 
July resort trade around New York, 
beach crowds being pictured; and 
fashions from Fox of poppet sun 
suits and beach attire for adults. 
. One of the best contributions, on 
the show is the Pathe clip covering 
the rioting of war vets in Belgium 
against new governmental measures 
not to their liking. Many good shots 
of clashes with mounted police are 
obtained, the clip being a good topper 
for last week's Paraijiount reels of 
the Chicago Memorial Day melee in 
Which cops and strikers figured. 

Miscellaneous material includes 
arrival in Hawaii of two newlywed 
couples, • the Pickf ord-Rogers and 
MacDonald-Raymond combinations; 
bunker wheat crop in Kansas; cricket 
plague in Washington state; activity 
of summer theatres around the east; 
steel striker rally (no action); first 
gooney birds to reach the U.S.; snow 
planes at work in Oregon; departure 
of Osa Johnson On another filming 
exhibition into the wilds; Roumania's 
king visiting Warsaw- on biz; King 
and Queen of Britain giving a garden 
party; Ohio flood and. ruins; a pet 
robin; French army students testing 
new type o'f parachutes; kids and 
moms on a Hudson river charity 
ride; pioneer, day in Yakima, which 
gets a few laughs; new streamline 
train in England doing 114: miles an 
hour; Lehr and not so funny results 
with a pet cow and a fairly interest- 
ing clip on discovery of radium, in 
Canada. Discoverer of insulin is pic- 
tured ■. ' ' Char, 

EARLE, PHILLY 

Philadelphia, July 11'. 

You just can't take some kid who 
sounds half okay via radio, stick him 
on a vaude stage in front of a mike 
and expect entertainment to result. 
The stage show, at the Earle this 
week proves that. It consists in the 
main of so-called 'artists' who appear 
regularly on KYW. To this is added 
a coupla acts current at niteries 
around town and Jackie Green as 
emcee. Henry Armetta's persoh&l 
alone supplies some marquee hypo. 

Even the Earle aud— which will 
usually • give a strong " hand to the 
most ordinary animal act — seemed to 
find little diversion in the entire 
combo; Despite terrific heat, biz at 
opener was pretty good, probably 
partly due to Earle's new price scale 
which went into effect Friday. Ad- 
mish before 1 p.m. has been cut to 
25 cents, with 50 cents evening top. 
Pic is "She Go-Getter' (WB). 

Armetta is spotted middle of bill, 
with Jackie Green singing and doing 
his familiar mimic stuff as the finale. 
Italian film personality obviously has 
strong following here, because 
merely with appearance on boards 
got solid hand. Does short sketch 
with unbilled girl. Material is 
well-worn and doesn't give Armetta 
chance. However, it keeps him out 
in front, which seemed to satisfy the 
(house and earned him nice palm- 
whacking. 

Set planned for KYW turn is one 
of swellest seen recently at Earle. 
House band is on stage. Back of 
them is dark drop, fronted with 
palms, and flanking them are large 
switchboards wi^li KYW call-letters 
and flashing lights. It's a showmanly 
background for such a presentation. 
One defect was that there was a 
mike on stage and mike on runway. 
Kids all used stage amp, which 
meant the one on the runway was 
very much in line of vision of folks 
out front. 

KYW acts Included; Three Nat- 
urals, boys harmonizing and strum- 
ming guitar, bass and violin; Paul 
Rich, harmonica; Tell Sisters, trio of 
harmonizing f emmes; Jack and Jack, 
tappers; Ralph Elsmore, tenor; Three 
Swanks, more chirpihig by a male 
trio; and Ralph' Ellsmore and Bonnie 
Stuart, with more warbling. 

Briefly, the trouble with the whole 
crew was a lack of what it takes on 
a stage. As for looks, they all rate 
at about zero. And if there wag an 
attractive one among the bunch, no- 
body would know it through the 
grumpy expresisions. A smile was 
rarer than' radium. 

To make things, worse, several 
nitery pros were scattered among 
the KYW acts. The real McCoy 
was a welcome relief, but it merely 
served to make the kids seem so 
much punker. Particularly was this 
true of Kay Hamilton, very Okay 
warbler from Benny the Bum's, and 
Andy Arcari, accordionist. They are 
both extra-good showmen. Stanley 
Brothers, working at Evergreen Ca- 
sino, did a fair turn of aero and 
soft-shoe stuff in rhythm. 

Jackie Green himself, of course, is 
no slouch when it comes to putting 
over what he has. He canaried 'Is 
This Gonna Be My Lucky Summer,' 
then did the copy of Al Jolspn, 
George Jessel, Ted Lewis, Parkya- 
karkus and Eddie Cantor. He also 
did a slightly shady parody, 'Benny's 
from Heaven,' which went over as 
the best bit of the show, so far as 
the Earle was concerned. Herb. 



HIPP, BALTO 



Baltimore, July 9. 
Fairly entertaining layout of four 
acts giving flesh' portion of Hipp this 
week necessary change of pace after 
extended session of band bookings. 
While no outright sock is registered 
any place in the doings, set-up plays 
fairly well and makes for variety. 
Herman Bing. dialectician from pix, 
features the bill, which runs 50 min- 
utes. 

Nice start by Eugene in a show- 
manly routine of xylophone playing 
interspersed with a brief interlude 
of hoofing sets deuce for Marion 
Belett and the English Bros. Trio 
presents a fast and punchy session 
of rough and tumble knockabout, 
hoofing and general clowning to ex- 
cellent returns. 

Bihg next, makes the same mistake 
rnost picture names make on p. a. 
dates. Instead of having prepared 
suitable material with which to cope 
with vaude patronage, Bing stabs 
away with ineffective and pointless 
chatter very much on the legit side 
and entirely lost here. With record 
of some outstanding comedy char- 
acterizations to his credit no reason 
why Dutch comic shouldn't be able 
to hold down top spot on any lay- 
out, but as caught here failed to 
impress, due entirely to meaningless 
material. 

Closing act, Pritchard and Lord 
Revue, picks matters up in good 
style with a nicely • routined session 
of dancing, singing and music. 
Working in attractive full stage set, 
smart appearing duo open with an 
okay tango tap, fehime member of 
team using castanets for effective 
pointing of rhythm. Vocal next by 
piano-playing .girl who steps down 
to mike to give sultry version of 
'You Showed Me the Way,' which 
slows things down because of over- 
arranging, but dancing duo quickly 
made up for it with a well ; sold 
musical comedy ballroom buck.' fea- 
turing some okay spins for a good 
finish. Larry Collins- following with 
routine of trombone playing changed 
pace effectively and made way for 
closing number of dancing duo, a 
waltz, in which tapping Of male , to 
toe work and classic ballet postur- 
ing by femme offered a different 
and highly sellable contrast, A very 
good chaser for any bill. 

Film is 'Devil Is Driving' (Col). 

Burm. 



Music Notes 



(Continued frorn page 52) 
the Blue' and the title. song 'Some- 
thing to Sing About' 



Lou Brock has taken two numbers 
for his 'Behind the Mike' production 
for Universal. Jimmy McHugh and 
Harold Adamson contributed 'Once 
You're in Love' and Barry Tivers 
'Crunchie Munchies.' 



Frank Daley recorded 'You're the 
Reason for My Love Song,' the of- 
ficial ditty of the recent Roosevelt- 
DuPont nuptials for Variety 
Records. 



Mills Music, Inc., has taken over 
the publication of 'Gypsy from 
Poughkeepsie' by Emery Deutsch 
and Buddy Green. 



William von Wymetal borrowed 
from Metro by Columbia to score se- 
quences in the Grace Moore starrer, 
'I'll Take Romance.' 



Lew Pollack and Sidney Mitchell 
completed 'In Our Little Wooden 
Shoes' for 20th- Fox's 'Heidi,' cur- 
rent Shirley Temple starrer. 



Aimee Laisne and Tommy Chris- 
tian have written a tune, 'Doctor, 
Rhythm,' which Hollywood Music 
Publishing Co. will realease. 



Abe Lyman sailed for the west 
coast Saturday (10). He will be 
away three months. 



Al Gumble has joined the pro- 
fessional staff of Miller Music. He 
takes Ben Edwards' place. Billy 
Chandler is now with the same, fill- 
ing the spot formerly held by Will 
Rockwell. 



Monogram Pictures has given Jack 
Mills exclusive call on all the pro- 
ducer's scores. 



Henri Noel, maestro at the French 
Casino, N. Y,, has added Penny 
Roche as vocalist to his band. 



Davc Apollon and orch started .mu- 
sical recordings for 'Merry -Go- 
Round of 1938' at Universal. 



Victor YoUDf arranging the Bur- 
ton Lane-Ralph Freed, songs in 
'Double or Nothing' at Paramount. 



UNIT REVIEWS 



FOLIES DE PAREE 

. (STATE-LAKE, CHr.) 

Chicago, July 9. 

At one time a French name on a 
unit was a draw, but so many affect- 
ing the Paris spelling have been 
here now that a Frencli title is %et- 
tinr^ to be a.. drawbi^ck. All look 
similar in marquee lights, and cus- 
tomers get the idea they've seen, the 
show before. 

But that's in this town, and 'Folies 
de Paree' isn't intended for Chicago, 
It was built for the road— one-night- 
ers, split weeks, and such.; As a 
unit to play such towns it^s an ambi- 
tious production, with much in Its 
favor. 

Sets are better than ordinarily 
carried by this type unit, and cos- 
tuijies, notably clean, far outclass 
those generally used. Besides the 
vaudeville turns the unit carries a 
girl band and a line numbering 12. 
Acts work in and out, sometimes 
as acts and -again as individual 
performers, giving a musical revue 
atmosphere rather than one . of 
vaudeville. 

Girl band works on the stage, 
playing alinost continuously, even 
though sometimes behind a drop for 
a few niinutes. Does an okay lob. 
Blonde batoner, Janice Jani.s, if she 
must direct with the hips, might find 
a confining undergarment which 
would help her appearance. Also, 
a different hairdress; the present one 
is wrong for her face. 

Outstanding among the acts is the 
Novelle Bros. Sock, big-time com- 
edy in both appearances. • First is 
with the violin-playing acirobatic 
routine, and second the bird imper- 
sonations. They're good,i and over 
big. 

Other comedy turn is weak, re- 
volving around Sid Walker, who 
doesn't know too many of the tricks. 
Wind-up is with Janice Janis, and 
Lynne Curry, half of the dancis team, 
assisting Walker in a blackout rem- 
iniscent of old-time burles'ive. An- 
other reminder of that branch of the 
business comes with the singing of 
Milton Blakley. Lack of stage pres- 
ence" is plentyejfidsnt. . 

Novelty:i'»tlfi^les are handled by 
Mme. Sally with .her none-too-clever 
balancing dog, and Wilfred' Du Bois 
in a click juggling session. 

But the whole show revolves 
around the dance. There's, plenty of 
hoofing, almost too much so with 
the many appearances of Louise 
Glenn. She works alone for a couple 
toe sessions, backed up by the line, 
then for a couple, more, doing ex- 
hibition work with her partner, 
LjTine Curry. Their work is all 
right for" the show, but the too-6ften 
appearances of the girl take the edge 
off. 

Line Is well costumed and has a 
good deal of production built around 
it. Opener is a hot routine, then an 
excellent parade number, the Bam- 
boola, a well-staged semi-Oriental 
grind led by Lorraine Damen, and a 
swell finale. Last,, in white fur cos- 
tumes, Cossack style, with music 
that's surefire for the hurrah stuff 
as everybody's on for the finish. - 

Business not too good on last show 
opening day. Picture, 'Love from a 
Stranger* (UA). • Loop. 



Comedy Stars of. HVood 

(CAPITOL, ATLANTA) 

Atlanta, July 11. 
This one, featuring Franklyn 
Browne, owner, and Kay LaVelle, 
man and wife, comic tearh, gets its 
title from Alka-Seltzer diskings pair 
have been making for years. Brim- 
ming with standard acts, it boasts 
class and is high plane entertain- 
ment. 

Three Rollerettes — Robert Bing- 
ham, Dorothy Hopkins and Jack Mc- 
Cumber — get the show away with as 
fast a five-minute skating turn Cap 
customers have ever laid eyes on. 
They do all the stock tricks and 
some one-hand and neck stuff that 
was new. Trio features double lift 
spin, with Bingham doing the hold- 
ing. Act is characterized by speed 
and won merited applayse. 

R. Patrick Sutton, unit's maestro, 
and Sammy Bruce do a brief gag in 
one while the skaters' mat is being 
struck and make way for Virginia 
Vance, personable contortionist. Lass' 
act is different, since she has worked 
com.2dy into her routine. She fin- 
ishes with a difficult backbend and 
fulltwist to pick UP a handkerchief 
from the floor with her teeth. 

Roma Noble, soprano, is on next 
for two songs, 'Where Are Yoii?' 
into which she works a chorus of 
'Chloe,' and 'The World i.s Waiting 
for the Sunrise.' She uses mike, 
which helps. 

Three Busy Bees, Bhebe and 
Samrhy Bruce, man and wife team, 
aided by Betty Bruce, Sammy's 
sister, follow with a melange of 
dance — all quite good. 

Sutton then intros Browne and 
LaVelle. Femme is a heavyweight, 
with Mae Westian figure. She's 
overdressed, too, which grabs the 
comedy. Pair go into a refreshingly 
new crossfire of jokes and patter 
that gets laughs. .They use a lot of their 
radio material and it's a welcome 
relief from the stock banter per- 
formers have been bringing South 
for .«>o many years. 

Browne goes .to work on an over- 



Neiv Acis 



MARTHA RAYE 
Comedienne 
16 Mins.; One 
Paramount, N. Y. 

A product of West 52d street swing 
lane, with a dash of Jimmy Durante 
tutoring in revues and niteries, 
Martha Raye is back in her element 
on the Paramount stage on Bror.d- 
way. However, she returns now as 
a Hollywood starlet, whereas but a 
couple of years back she migra:.ed 
to the Coast, but clicking pronto in 
Par pix, notably_ with her 'Mir. Paga- 
nini' hoke swingo. Working and 
dressing very eccentric. Miss Raye 
ifiow looks softer in her femme attire 
but her stuff is none the less effective. 

Back on Broadway as a name, both 
screen and radio. Miss Raye leaves 
no doubt as to who is the draw this 
week. The .kids " mobbed her for 
autographs, some even mounting the 
rostrum, so that eventually the 
ushers had to help her stand off the. 
enthusiasts. 

As rhodern as the Clipper III, Miss 
Raye's scat style sOngaloging and ec- 
centric comedy Is right down the 
alley of the adolescent trade that 
manifested so much fan Interest in 
her. 

Miss Raye's performance is socko 
all the way. She runs all the audi- 
ence ri-iks that are too often fraught 
with professional danger, .such as 
talking- backia'nd-forth with, her 
down-front -fans; but while she had 
to appeal once in a while, 'Now. 
gimme a . chance; kids,' she really 
had 'em in the proverbial zipper 
from the gong. Seemingly they sat' 
through two complete shows, be- 
cause the gals wanted to know 
'where was that blue dress you wore 
the first show?' and stuff like that. 
She ad llbbed back and forth with 
them even" unto" accepting 'sticks of 
chewing giun, etc. . 

In between. Miss Raye also ex- 
presses longing for her groom. 
Buddy Westmore, but that didn't 
cramp her truckin' style one whit 
with the opener. Thence into 'Lbve 
Bug,' which she did on the Jolson 
radio programs; followed by 'Paga- 
nini' and encoring With 'I Can't 
Dance, Because I Got Ants in My 
Pants,' interspersed with some Mil- 
tonberleisms, stravisrrhythmpation, 
Harlemania and the like. • • 

Miss Raye made her quarter hoUr 
a strong impression every minute 6£ 
the way. Abel. 



DOLLY KAY 

Song's 

16 Mins.; Two 
Oriental, Chi. 

Ability plus experience and show- 
manship, plus , the right material. 
Dolly Kay still has all three of them. 
Once owner of her own N. Y. .nitery^ 
she did her sliding and. came to Chi-^ 
cago, for four weeks at the Royale 
Frolics — at $250. She stayed 16 
weeks, not because of any build-up, 
but because she had what it takes, 
as far as this town is concerned. This 
year, she came to the Royale Frolics 
again, armed with an eight-week 
contract — she closed after 39, and 
then only because the place was 
shuttered to install a cooling sys'.e'm. 
During that interim her cafe salary 
has gone up from the $250 of two 
years ago to the present $750. 

She knows her audiences — knows 
them well enough to change her 
style and numbers completely in a 
switch . from nitery to theatre- 
knows them so well that the 
Oriental audience encores her tl.Yie 
after time. 

Knows and uses every trick in the 
blues school effectively. Loop. 

JACKIE WILLIAMS 

Taps 

4 Minn. 

Paramount. N. Y, 

Overcoming a rather' superlative 
heralding by Maestro Emery 
Deutsch as 'the toast of Hollywood 
nite clubs,' Jackie Williams tapped 
his way to a heat personal impres- 
sion during his stepping opportuni- 
ties in front of the band. Williams 
is an elongated hoofer, almost of 
giant proportions, looking very near 
the seven-foot mark, but he's not at 
all awkward and sells his taps legiti- 
mately. 

His style is clean and neat, further 
fortified by a judicious selection of 
musical backgrounding. Thus, the 
stop-time stepping got over; also the 
sweet-hot 'SWampfire,' with the 
muted brass, to further show off his 
stuff. He encored with 'Continental.' 

Williams looks OK for nitery and 
rostrurti specialty work. Abel, 



1 



sized xylophone, pounding out 'Sing, 
Baby, Sing,' apparently assisted by 
LaVelle, who, it turns out, is using a 
pair of mallets that are padded and 
make no sound. He follows with 'San. 
Francisco,' with Jloma Noble sing- 
ing the refrain and LaVelle coming 
out dolled up in'' a flashy earthquake 
period costume. 

Acts then come on one at a time, 
do a, bit of their regular stints and 
curtains close, With .show being 
clocked in 44 mins. There's 16 la 
company, four of them in band. 

Music, under Sutton's batoning, is 
better than usual and whole show 
classifies as okay. Costuming is 
good. 

Pic is. 'Holly wood Cowboy' (RKO) 
and house was half full at opener 
Sunday, whiqh is oke for this tim« 
of year. Luch. 



6i 



VARIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday^ July 14; 1937 



HOPKINS WILL HEAR ARGUMENTS ON 
WPA DISMISSAL MIXUPS TODAY (14) 



Gillmore Will Speak for All Unions Involved— Prob- 
lem Is What Constitutes a .Professional Actor or 
Stagehand Gene Buck's Interest 



TVPA Theatre Project officials 
have become so riled aver pro- 
tests and-slt-downs that several 
expressed themselves as g:ladly 
elvlBg; up- their jobs. Monday . 
(12) Farnsworth threatened to 
end the FTP unless it could be ' 
oondtfcted efficiently and wHh- 
ont 'disorder.' 

That'came after 150 people de« 
.manided that Farnsworth tele- 
phone Hopkins eonveyinff their 
ehdorsement nf a resolution. In- 
• trodaced In Confress last Friday 
to the effect that all' those in 
need en -the WPA rolls be re-r 
!tained uatll they find jobs in 
. commercial fields. Assistant di- 
.rector finally seni-saoh a mes- 
sace and the 'delegation' de- 
cided te sit down and <tvalt a re- 
- ply. The people finally walked, 
'out anC then a telegram came 
Nfrom a Hopkins aide io the ef- 
'.fect tiia,i it wst impossible to 
'delay the entereemeiit' of dis- 
missal slips' which Is tomorrow 

'(IS). : ' 
.Harry L. Hopkins, national ad- 
ministrator of the- Works Progress 
Administration, is slated to . hear the 
theatre's /Contention in reference to 
ihe methods of .dismissals in the 
Federal Theatre Project from Frank 
Gillmore today. (14). In. essence, 
QUlmore .rWiU state that since the 
Government established the- relief 
theatre for professi(mals, tiiey should 
be the last ta be let out 'in the re* 
ductiiHis forced by halving the WPA 
appropriation. Gillmore will rep- 
resent all professionals in the stage 
unions, as well as ITquity, the ses* 
sion coming on the day <bef6re the 
let-outs go off , the . payroll. 

It will be the first time that ".ae 
theatre wUl have reached the WPA's 
head man. Session in Washington 
comes as. a result of Intervention by 
Gene Buck, prez of the American 
Society of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers. None of the ASCAP 
. members are in WPA, but Buck has 
been long connected with the thea- 
tre and he told Hopkins that the 
FTP should retain those who had 
made. their living in theatre, since 
the Congressional grant was for that 
purpose. Being in charge of the 
entire WPA fabric, few details of 
the numerous projects reach tlie 
administrator. Understood Hopkius 
was sun>i:ised at' some of the infor- 
mation given him. 

Friday (9-> a -meeting wa.5 held io 
the WPA theatre project offices in 
New York. This is the session sug- 
gested by assistant administrators 
•when the union delegation visited 
Washington the week pfeviou? to 
protest the cuts. They came up from 
the capital to sit in with National 
Director 'Hallie Flanagan, arri her 
aide, William P, Farns.worth, for the 
FTP,' while Gillmore and James 
Brennan of the LATSE were present 
for the professionals. 

Want to Study Data 

Union heads expressed slome sat- 
isfaction after the meeting, but have 
asked for the data submitted by Mrs. 
Flanagan, so that the percentages^ 
be checked with their own figuvfts. 
GiUmore and Brennan were told 
that the dismissals could not be too 
rigorously (ipnfined to fixed ratings 
since indiSpensability to the project 
had to be considered. Stated that 
there are but 200 non-relief jobs on 
the FTP in New York, which ex- 
plains why a bigger percentage o£ 
stage hands than other professionals 
were let out. When dismissals are 
completed, 95 per cent of thosj re- 
maining will be relief people. 

Other figures set forth at the meet- 
ing indicated that, in the theatre end 
proper, 90% will be professionals 
and that three-fourths of those held 
on the project's pavroll will be pros, 
other fourth being engaged in 
financial, supervisory and clerical 
departments. Of the 1,220 dismissals, 
it was /Insisted that the largest num- 
ber are not members of the stage 
unions. 

Latter figure does not jibe with 
the let-out total of 1,709 supposed to 
go of! the project in New Yovk, 
Figures 

llet-out figures in the legit division 
which are being checked: actors. Itfl; 
stage hands, 191; workshop, 37; musi- 
cians, 75; music conductors, 12; stage 
managers, six; directors, 12; com- 
pany managers, 16; box office, 19; 



coaches, six; total, 562. Of the ac- 
tors, 60 were non-relief. Of the. ac- 
tors group 160 belong to Equity. 
These figures, however, do not in- 
clude all the professional let-outs, 
the vaudeville end evidently not b*- 
ing included, since there were 194 
pink slips reported in that depart- 
ment several weelcs ago. 

It was claimed by Mrs. Flanagan 
that there were but 48 amateurs in 
the legit stage end. Whether that 
number had no previous experience 
in the theatre was not made clear. 

Matter of what constituted stage 
experience was discussed, with Mrs. 
Flanagan saying -that 52 weeks' stage 
experience within the past 10 years 
should be qualification enough. 
Union heads^ pointed out that experi- 
ence in the theatre project should 
not be counted. 

DiriBctor replied to the criticism 
that the distnissal lists were made by 
supervisors; who may not, have fa- 
vored certain players.. She claimed 
the actors- themselves preferred tak- 
ing a chance of being kept on the 
payroll on the word of -supervisors, 
rather than having persons butsidfr 
the various • units make up the list. 
It was expected that by withdraw- 
ing, or 'liq,uidating^ the theatre 
project in various out of town cities 
and states, the pressure on the the- 
atre center (New York) would be 
lessened. There are few proiession- 
als in the closed t0^yns,' where ama- 
teurs were called on to fill in the 
casts. 



ARMITAGE TO ATLANTA 
FOR WPA STAGING JOB 



Atlanta, July 13. 
Walter Armitage, Federal Theatre 
Project director, arrived Friday (9) 
from New Orleans, La., to take 
charge of the local FTP's forthcom*. 
ing production of Christopher Mar- 
lowe's 'Tragical Historic of ' Dr. 
Faustus.' Armitage directed the 
Crescent City's WPA theatre produc- 
tion of the same drama. 

Elizabethan tragedy, will be staged 
outdoors in Buckhead Sjnmphony 
Shell, amphitheater situated in 
Atlanta's North 'Side silk stocking 
sector. Masques , and costumes used, 
in the New Orleans production wUl 
be used, by Atlanta . company. 

Theatre Guild, which sponsors the 
FTP unit here, Friday. (9) closed 
Rachel Crothers' comedy, 'Mary the 
Thir^.' 



ALIEN TALENT 




Along with other branches of the 
WPA, aliens inust leave the governr 
ment's relief theatre project regard- 
less of being on relief. Nor does 
their rating as professionals count. 
Question of using foreign actors in 
need came up last season, at which 
time it was claimed that there was 
no ban against aliens. Present order 
came as a necessity in" the reduction 
ordered by Washington., 

Understood that the number of 
aliens is not large, but there are in- 
stances where the proof of citizen- 
ship is a problem. Equity has been 
asked to aid in one of the most un- 
usual of such cases, that of an actress 
50 years of age. She w:as bom in 
Australia and . brought here when 
five months of age,' remaining since 
that time, except for foreign visits. 
Her father is said to have, taken out 
citizenship papers, but later returned 
I to his native land. 

One of the questions asked the 
' actress by an investigator -was the 
name of the boat in which she was 
brought here. 



MILLER PONDERS OFFER 
OF NEW EQUin POST 



Los Angeles, July 13.. 
Recently created post of executive 
director of Equity offered to J. How- 
ard Miller, assistant national direc- 
tor of Federal Theatre - Project in 
charge of the western division, was 
declined lajt week. 

Miller's chief objection was that it 
would require a change of residence 
to New York. 



Jessel Options H'wood 
Satire for B'way Showing 



Hollywood, July 13. 
George Jessel has taken an option 
on 'School House on the Lot,' a 
comedy by Jerry Chodorov and Joe 
Fields, for Broadway production. 

Yarn deals with horseplay in pic 
studios. Jessel plans to go to New 
York in November to ari!-ange for 
production of the play. 



2d Gallo-Shuberts 
OutdoDF N. Y, Op^ 
Due to Open Jidy 26 



Fortune Gallo (San Carlo Opera 
Co.) and the iShuberts open their 
joint summer operetta season' July 
26. at, Handall's Island, Underneath 
the new Triboro Bridge, New York. 
As at their cuirrent Jones Beach sea- 
son, deal is with the New York 
State jPark Commission. ' William 
Caryl is fronting for -the Shuberts: 

'Student Prince' will be the open- 
ing attraction, Ed iScanlon, who 
^>uts on the Jones Beach shows, 
will assist on the first at Randall's, 
but thereafter both will be 'kept 
apart and the troupes- not shuttlei, 
as was oni& intention last cummer. 

Problem at Randall's Island, which 
marred last 'sunmier's ini^al . try^ 
that of interference from the river 
and nearby railroad noises, -has been 
worked out to mutual satisfaction 
this year, it- is clainled. <It was a 
hurdle for a time in dickerings with 
Park Commissioner' Robert Moses.. 



SALLY mil& NOW 
STASU THE SLAVEY 



Lakewood, Me., July 13. 
Vincent Price opened here last 
night (Monday) in the role, of the 
stranger in Jerome K. Jerome's 
'The Passing of the Third Floor 
Back.' ■ 

Sally Rand is playing the part of 
Stasia the Slavey; Others in the 
cast are Dorothy Bernard, who has 
returned after several weeks illness, 
Catherine Keys, Jasamine Nwcomb, 
Ben Lapland, Grant Mills, A. H. 
Vanburn, Donn Bjlloway, William 
David, Katherine Kidder, Katherine 
Meskill and David SheUey. 



MRS. BRYANT 
WILL TARRY 
A YEAR 



In response to Equity's \musual 
offer to Dorothy Bryant that she re- 
:^onsider her resignation; ' dated for 
Aug.. 7, and take a tY>o-month vaca- 
tion, the executive secretary : of 
Chorus Equity made a counter pro- 
posal at the council session Tuesday 
(13). Mrs. Bryant offered to date 
her withdrawal .June 1 next; during 
which time a successor could be 
trained, with the proviso that stie be 
granted a month's vacation now. 
Council bowed to .he^ wishes. . 

Mrs. Bryant was known to prefer 
withdrawing but' anticipates much 
work to be done next season in the 
chorus field, what with changes in 
rules for presentations, cabarets and 
the new burlesque situation. .Coun- 
cil's action in offering a two months 
leave with pay is the first instance 
of the kind in Equity. 



Dupes of 'Room Service* 
Readying for Road 

First of the road, companies of 
'Room Service' is skedded to open 
Aug. 8, in Detroit. Wtill stay two- 
and-a-half -weeks, then jump to San 
Francisco, where it opens August 30 
for an indefinite run. - 

Another 'Room Service* opens Oct. 
4 in Boston, after -playing a couple 
of weeks in either Philadelphia or 
Atlantic City. 



Doll s House' in CeDtral City 
Was M Choice For Play Festival 



Deal which was consummated for 
the revival of 'A Doll's House,' which 
opens at Central City, Colo., Satur- 
day (17), is unique in several ways. 
The attraction finally chosen for 
Denver's annual summer drama cele- 
bration in its famous ghost mining 
town is really the third choice and 
for that reason special concessions 
were ma.de which furnished a break 
for Jed Harris, who has the revival. 

Central City's patrons have agreed 
to build a new production gratis for 
Harris to be used by him for regu- 
lar presentation. Opera house there 
will have new settings also, but these 
will be -foo small for commercial 
showing. Also agreed that the pro- 
duction be ready by jKe time the 
celebration is over and , that the 
transportation of the players is to be 
paid, whether Harris decides to re- 
turn the show to New York im- 
mediately after the engagement, or 
to any other point he designates. In 
addition^ the manager will receiye 
cash remuneration. Harris is the 
first Bfoadway producer to enter the 
Cehtral City scene. Robert Edmond 
Jones, who directed for two seasons, 
is better known as a designer, whil^ 
Delos Chappell, a Denverite, put on 
a show or two which he later tried 
on Broadway. 

Understood that 'Richard II,' with 
Maurice Evans, one of the outstand- 
ing revival successes of the past sea- 
son, was a favored attraction for 
Central City this summer. It was in- 
tended to start the 'Richard' tour 
following the proposed Colorado 
date. Evans elected a summer's rest, 
however, prior to a projected long 
road season. 

■ Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne 
were also sought, it being proposed 
that they either appear in 'Idiot's De- 
light" or the new - 'Amphitryon 38,' 



which they recently opened on the 
Coast and which is regarded as a 
good thing for next season on Broad- 
way. The Lunts and the Theatre 
Guild, however, decided to stick to 
schedule. 



Central City, Colo., July 13. 

Rehearsals have started in the old 
opera house for the sixth annual 
play festival July 17 to Aug, 7. Up 
to now the rehearsals have been held 
in New York, but the cast arrived 
here Monday (12) and will put on 
the finishing touches for the opening 
Saturday night. Sellout for the 
opener is exjpected as usual, and re- 
quests for tickets indicate the gross 
will at least equal the former best, 
approximately $32,000. 

Richard Aldrich is directing the 
affair and will co-ordinate the vari- 
ous activities of the Central City. 
Opera House Assn. Jed Harris is di- 
recting Ibsen's 'Doll House,.! the 
•opera house offering. In the cast will 
be Ruth Gordon, Dennis King, Mar- 
garet Waller, Sam Jaffe, and three 
children from Denver. Play has 
been rewritten with a modern slant 
by Thornton Wilder. 

As an innovation this year an or- 
chestra will play on the balcony out- 
side the theatre for half an hour 
preceding the curtain. 

Night club is being pushed this 
year. Sheila Barrett will head the 
talent and the association expects to 
make some money in this spot, lo- 
cated in the' second-floor dining room 
of the Teller House, a four-story ho- 
tel built before elevators were in- 
vented and owned by the association. 
Night club will operate seven nights 
during the run of the play. 

Opening night tariffs are $3.50 and 
$5, with other matinees and nights 
running from $2 to $3.50. Opera 
house seats about 750. 



Muller, Legit Ad 
Agcy. Pioneer, 
Dies at Age (i3 



J. p. Muller, who died in New 
York Simday (11) at the ager of 6,1 
after an illness of- two years, estab« 
lished Broadway's best known ad- 
vertising agency 34 years ago, and 
until recent' seasons his office in the 
Candler building on 42nd street was 
a mecca for press agents. Muller or- 
ganized a system to make the insert- 
ing of. ad copy in the dailies swift 
and efficient, ano( through his office 
press copy was gratuitously dallv- 
ered to the drama desks. 

When Muller entered the field, he 
handled the ads nf the Charles Froh- 
man group of theatres, then an hi- 
dependenf legit chain. When those 
houses, joined the Klaw &. Ei-langer 
syndiicate, th.e .business of all went 
into the Muller agency.' He then 
adopted the idea of -making the busi^ 
ness co-operative to hold his. staff 
intact. That worked for a time, but 
some years ago the younger mem- 
bers split away and went on their 
own. ■ -. 

When the Shuberts barged into 
the theatre end by leasing and build- 
ing houses, they became the syn- 
dicate's opposition and never did 
business' with' the Muller agency. 
Shuberts inserted their ads: through 
the Charles Capehart 'Make-Known 
Methods' office, a first commercial 
agency. 'John Carey did the leg 
work and the .itgency went along 
until Capehart failed to settle with 
the papers. . Both Capehart aiid 
Carey are dead, the agency being 
taken over by Blaine, Thompson 
sometime ago. 

On theatre ad bills' there formerly 
was -a rebate of ' 2%, Capehart 
a^ncy, however, was induced to up 
the kick^Mkck on the 'Shubert box*^ 
to 5%. Rebate was prorated witlL 
the attraction, but it was generally 
understood that if the attraction end 
was not aware of the upped rebate, 
it did not get a share, 

Muller agency is now on Fifth ave- 
nue. Of the old regime, there re»- 
mains Herman Schnitger, Jacob 
Benjamin and Gus Lang. George 
Katz, son of Muller's partner, is 
titular head of the office. 



Ilbesses of PanGne 
Frederick, Margaret 
Anglin Halt 2 Legits 

Asbury Park, July 13. 
Pauline Frederick, scheduled to 
open in 'Her Majesty the Queen' at 
Convention Hall here last night (12) 
for week's run, collapsed in her 
dressing room 15 minutes before 
curtain time and cancelled the per- 
formance. It is supposed to go on 
tonight. 

Actress' collapse was accredited to 
an asthmatic condition. 



Providence, July 1.1. 
Pauline Frederick was prostrated 
by the heat while appearing at the 
Empire here last week and forced 
to call off the last /three perform- 
ances. She was stricken shortly be- 
fore ^curtain time Friday night . O"" 
and show was cancelled for tl»e rest 
of the week, - - 



Dennis, Mass., July 13. 
Margaret Anglin contracted a cold 
and had to cancel the opening night 
performance of 'Marriage Royal' at 
the Cape Playhouse last night (12). 
It was the first miss on an opening 
at the straw-hat in 11 years, man- 
agement claimed. 



Kosloff Sues Duff ield 

Chicago,- July 13. 
Suit was filed by Theodore KoslotV. 
Hollywood actor and ballet master, 
against Charles H. Dultield, local 
producer, demanding $1,500 for al- 
leged breach of contract. Kosloff, 
according to the suit, signed Duffield 
to present 'Last Days of Pompeii' for 
10 days in Los Angeles, last year, 
but sliow closed after four perform- 
ances. 

B. A. Rasky, attorney for KosfotT. 
filed the suit iri the Muriicipal Court 
here last Wednesday (7). ' 



Wcdiiesday, July 14, 1937 



LEGITIMATE 



VARIETY 



6S 



WPA MOVES OFF BROADWAY 



1st Swnmer Theatre Stranding 
Since Equity Got Tough; Lads 
Evaded Rules, Lost 2 Wks. Pay 



First summer theatre stranding 
since Equity installed rules last sea- 
son requiring the deposit ' of money 
' to guarantee salaries and return, 
transportation from the hideaway 
spots, came last week when Joe By- 
ron Totten, Inc.'s The Broadway 
Players' were left flat in Connecti- 
cut Group played two weeks but 
is reported having received no sala- 
ries. Staggering back to Broadway 
they received the cost of bus fare 
hut returned by train. 

^ There were 10 players appearing 
in 'Spook House,' by one 'J. B. Tee' 
and Jinother drama. Nphe were 
members of Equity, according to the 
latter's check-up which means the 
actors took a chance. Possible .that 
the. players adopted different names 
ior the Totten vehture, but Equity 
does not appear to be much inter- 
ested in finding out, since those in- 
volved had to take it on the chin 
if having evaded the rules. 

Those programed were Mary Boy- 
Ian, Thom'as Stewart, Doris Glasser, 
Stephen Roberts^ Evelyn Brooks, 
Douglas Morris, Maureen Whelan, 
Ben Metz, John Berry and Jameis 
>/ Hylaft. They appeared at the Barn 
theatre at Greenhaven. Shore^, 

. Lower Pawcatuck, Conn. Mrs. Ger- 
trude Fuscaldo, who conducts the 
house, was not blamed for the fiasco. 
Totten was listed as the director. • , 
Once Before 
Totten, whp put on a short-lived 
• play at the Belmont, N. Y,, last sea- 
son, was interrogated by the dis- 
. trlct attorney's office last winter 
after complaint by several ypung 
actresses who . invested in another 
of his shows, which he promised to 
present in New York. Play with 
the investors in the cast was given 
for one week at Jackson Heights, 
.Totten 'claiming that spot as part 
of the city and he had therefore 
•fulfilled his bargain.' Girls con- 
tended that they, were given to 
understand the show would play 
Broadway, but the charges were 
dropped by the d. a. 

Another summer venture dated for 
Red Bank, N. J., failed to open be- 
cause the requisite amount of cash 
was not deposited with Equity. It 
Is an Equity group headed by Mar- 
guerite Morris, who applied to the 
association for a concession, offer- 
ing to post one week's salaries. No 
dice. Before the stock -can open 
about $500 salary guarantee money 
must be posted. 



But His Feet Do Not 



Paul Draper may go into a 
Norman Bel Geddes musical 
this fall. If so, the dancer will 
speak lines. 

Draper stutters. Idea is to 
write the part in as a young 
chap with a vocal hesitation. 



HEAVY RAIN DAMAGES 
B'WAY lEGT, PIX SPOTS 



Considerable . dantage to theatres 
was caused by deluge Monday (3) 
which broke a six-day heat spell in 
New York. Drains and sewers wer6 
found inadequate to carry off the 
volume of water and the . latter 
backed up, flooding the rest rooms 
of most picture and legit theatres in 
th^ Times Square zone. Same phe- 
nomenon occurred in midtowh apart- 
ment houses, with water cascading 
from bathtubs on the first and sec- 
ond floors. Understood most of the 
swimming pools had to be emptied 
and scrubbed. 

All side street legit houses re- 
ported' water below the street level. 
At the Music Box, the roof drains 
backed up, water coming through 
the ventilating fan shaft and dam- 
aging the ceiling above the balcony 
section.. Canopy at the same theatre 
filled and poured onto the pavement. 
At three in the afternoon Broadway 
was pitch dark. 



Additions to. 'Virginia' 

Avis Andrews, colored singer, and 
Buck and Bubbles, comics, have 
been set for Arthur SchWartz' forth- 
'Coming musical, 'Virginia.' 

Show goes into rehearsal Friday 
(16). 



COHAN ALL SET 
FORNEWBIAY 
MUSICAL 



George M. Cohan, recently re- 
turned from abroad, read the script 
of the Kaufniah-Hart musical^ 'Hold 
Your Hats, Boys,' in which he will 
star in the fall, and okayed it. When 
Sam H. Harris cabled Cohan suggest- 
ing, he appear in the show, the reply 
was yes, but there was the chance 
that the part might not be to his 
liking. 

'Boys' will be the second show in 
which the former partners wiU have 
been concerned since they dissolved 
their managerial enterprises. Last 
season Harris presented Cohan in 
'Fulton of Oak Falls,' first known as 
'Yesterday's Lilacs.* 



Lambs Outing Held 
At WOGams Home; 
Fayersham the Star 



Lambs annual outing or 'wash' was 
held Sunday (11) on the grounds of 
the Percy Williams home for indi- 
gent actors at East Islip, L. I. Wil- 
liam Faversham, who entered the 
home about six months ago, nearly 
stole the show when the clubmen en- 
tertained, after dinner. 

Former star captured the imagi- 
nation of the near-athletes by telling 
a. fable about a yacht that journeyed 
to a beautiful island^ — his present 
abode. He is helping tend the gar- 
den and reminded the Lambs that 
once he owned an estate at Hunting- 
ton not far away — 'but here there is 
no mortgage, nor end of the month 
bills to worry about.' 

Announced yacht race turned out 
to be a gag. Toy sail boats were set 
adrift in the pond, contestants blow- 
ing on the sails. Commodore Bob 
Hague was kept away with an in- 
disposition. 

Joe Laurie, Jr., was thrown over- 
board when he announced a sale of 
overcoats by a cut rate clothes shop. 
But because he entered all contests 
without copping anything, they gave 
him a traveling bag. / 



Harry Shart Seriously 

Ailing at Hospital 



Harry. Short, well known around 
the Lambs club, where he was often 
called on to impersonate Al Smith, 
whom he facially resembles, is seri- 
ously ill. After being under obser- 
vation at Bellevue hospital, N. Y., 
for some time, he was removed last 
week to the Brunswick Home, a hos- 
pital at Amity ville, L. I., by the 
Actors Fund. 

Patient has an affllcation of the 
spine and doctors have advised 
against operative treatment. Short 
was formerly a dancer and appeared 
then in vaudeville. 



OUITS THEIITIIES 





Will Stick Only to Fringes 
Next Season, As Originally 
Planned— Adelphi, Elliott 
and Lafayette Retained 

NEWS UNIT IN DOUBT 



When the WPA started renting 
theatres in the Broadway zone a 
year or so ago, managers protested 
the invasion of the theatre district 
by relief theatre attractions because 
the low price admissions might 
oppose regular productions. While 
the opposition did not materialize, 
some feeling persisteij, but the re- 
duction of the Federal Theatre Proj- 
ect appropriation has now resulted 
in orders not to renew leases on 
several houses. 

Only the Adelphi and the Maxine 
Elliott, both on the extremity of 
Times Square, have been leased for 
next season, while in Harlem the 
Lafayette will be retained for . a col- 
ored unit. These are the only three 
theatres definitely committed for 
WPA shows. Rents for the two 
downtown theatres are between 
$25,000 and $30,000, an increase over 
the original rehtals. . 

Problem now airises as to what to 
do with the 'living newspaper' unit, 
regarded as ian 'ace' for the FTP in 
New York. ' It w4s first spotted in 
the Biltmore, which is in the middle 
of the theatre section, but an excep- 
tion to the agreement not to use 
houses between 39th and 54th streets 
because the presentations were in 
the form of playlets. Whether the 
newspaper unit will be continued is 
not definite, which is the same status 
of most WPA projects. Newspaper 
unit's shows switched to the Ritz 
last winter, when the . Biltmore was 
sold, but the Ritz and Daly's have 
been dropped, also the Bayes, a roof 
house used recently for dance 
dramas. « 

Shuberts sought a deal calling for 
the WPA to lease three of its the- 
atres, the Elliott, Ritz and Daly's, 
which they control. Idea was turned 
down, but if either of the latter are 
later rented for FTP shows, rent on 
the Elliott would be reduced. 

'Prof. Mamlock,' 'Power,' and Paul 
Green playlets which were playing 
downtown, were all abruptly with- 
drawn Saturday (10), the heat wave 
further reducing their slender tak- 
ings. Only 'The Ca.se of Philip Law- 
rence* continues in the legit depart-r 
ment, although the colored show in 
Harlem has been approximating but 
$10 to $15 nightly. Majestic, Brook- 
lyn,, used mostly for WPA vaude- 
ville units last season, is reported 
definitely through with relief shows. 



BVay Vs. H wood Tussle Over Plays 
And Players Now Brings Up, Where 
WiD Character Actors Come From? 



Birthday Luck 



Leo (Slim) Miller of the Na- 
tional, N. Y., box of fee, passed 
a red light last Thursday (8) 
and was promptly whistled to 
the curb. Cop looked at his 
driver's license and noticing it 
was his birthday didn't give 
him a ticket. 

Ticket fellow did not argue 
about the violation but tried to 
insist the birthday was on the 
morrow. 



YOKEL SUING 
INSURANCE 
AGENT 



Papers are being prepared for fil- 
ing of a damage suit by Alex Yokel 
against Charles Rafsky, an insurance 
agent. In connection with an annuity 
agreeihent entered into with the 
Equitable Life insurance Co. Saul 
J. Baron, .attorney for Yokel, also 
represented "him in actions in which 
Rafsky was awarded $1,500 and an^ 
other item approxirnating $400. Both 
have been' appealed. 

During the run of 'Three Men on a 
Horse,' Playhouse, N.Y., Yokel pur- 
chased the annuity, but there seems 
to have been a misunderstanding as 
to the amount. Show was Yokel's first 
managerial try, the click being pre- 
sented by him, but with Warners 
holding a 50% interest in return for 
financing the play. 

Attorney stated the details con- 
cerning the annuity were incorrect, 
but report had it that Yokel believed 
he contracted for a $50,000 deal to 
be paid Equitable within two years. 
After making the payments it is 
understood Yokel was informed that 
his agreement called for payment of 
$25,000 yearly for a series of years. 
Former press agent believes he 
signed the contract without being 
fully aware of the conditions, which 
is believed to be the basis of the suit. 

The Rafsky actions are said to con- 
cern certain money advances to 
Yokel at a tiine when hj.s funds were 
tied up. Baron was a silent partner 
in 'Three Men,' his interest reputed 
to be 25%. 



London May Yet See Tohacco Road'; 
Grisman Sails;Has 4 B way Theatres 



Sam Grisman, who has been man- 
agerially active through the success 
of 'Tobacco Road,' sailed from New 
York Friday (9), presumably for a 
European vacation. An objective, 
however, will be the possible West 
End pre.senlation of the drama 
which has run more than three and 
one-half years on Broadway fFor- 
rest theatre). Showman stated be- 
fore leaving that the British censor 
had not banned 'Road' and the dele- 
tion of .several expressions may 
make it acceptable. 

With four Broadway theatres in 
his pos.se.ssion under leaseholds, 
Grisman will be in a strategical po- 
.sition next season, if the predicted 
legit house shortage eventuates. The 
Forrest was the first house he 
rented, with Jack Kirland a partner, 
but duiing the pa.st scas;on he .se- 
cured on his own the 48th St., Hud- 



son and Belasco, all regarded a.s fa- 
vorable from a booking standpoint. 

The 48th St, will be renamed the 
Windsor. Rather extensive altera- 
tions on the interior are being de- 
signed by a theatre architect and 
will cost around $30,000. The other 
theatre acquisitions will need but 
little refurbishing. AH three are 
currently dark, but it is expected 
the Forrest will continue into fall. 
Grisman plans to send three com- 
panies of 'Road' to the road again 
next sea.son. 



Beth Brown's Solo Play 



Beth Brown, co-author of 'Behind 
Red Lights' has just made a solo 
flight with a new comedy. 

Her play is based on her published 
magazine story, 'Three Girls on a 
Match,' has been rechri.stened 'Three 
\ in a Bed,' and is being readied for 
fall production.. 



What does Hollywood propose do- 
ing about developing character 
players? That is one pertinent ques- 
tion picture people will be asked 
when expected conferences are held 
with the idea of closing the breach 
caused last year when iffolly wood 
walked out on Broadway, dissatisfied 
with the new authors' contract. 

Apparently picture producers have 
not given this particular phase of 
casting much thought. It is predicted 
that within 10 years character actors 
will be sought for much more than 
any type of talent, unless the stage 
is given support. 

Seekers of talent for Hollywood 
have principally • concentrated on 
youth and the results have been sat- 
isfactory, but managers declare there 
will come ia time, when the need tor 
the welter of In-between parts will 
find a talent shortage in that direc-^ 
tion and there is no way to develop 
such players except In the constant 
production of stage plays. It's not 
enough, Broadway showmen con- 
tend, to depend on the younger play- 
ers to go into characters as they ad- 
vance In years. 

It would seem that the nianagers 
and authors will be on! the same side - 
when the picture end is so queried. 
Expectation that Hollywood would 
rescind Its dictum i^ot to finance the 
stage has not materialized. There 
are signs here and there of picture 
interest in certain phases of legit 
but not so far as Broadway is con- 
cerned. 

Stock, Vadde, Burley, Etc. 

Stock, iwhlch formerly supplied 
talent for the stage, and therefore, 
indirectly Hollywood, hag been vir- 
tually eliminated, with Hollywood 
blamtfd.' Every now and then some 
picture company announces pl^ns 
for the formation of ai stage stock, 
but never seem to get past the con- 
versation stage. Vaudeville and 
burlesque are still too limited as 
talent sources [despite hopes anew 
in vaude's resurrection via Mayor 
La Guardia's plan in N. Y.], but 
were not killed off by Hollywood. 
Night Club shows and radio furnish 
spme talent but not enough. 

Since the breach it has been 
stated more than once that the stage 
and screen can be entirely divorced 
for economic reasons on both sides. 
Hollywood needs the Stage primarily 
for talent, with material secondary 
according to present percentages. 
The lament of Broadway that the 
Coast absorbs its people too rapidly 
has diminished because it ha.s been 
shown that there are frequent inter- 
changes of talent, actors returning xa 
the .stage for limited periods at least. 

Picture scouts curry the country- 
side mostly for talent. That mean.9 
they must delve into the hideaways 
where stock may be said to fiourish 
during the brief summer period. 
There may be a stray player to be 
picked up, or perhaps a director of 
promise. But rural drama does not 
answer the question about character 
people, for half the shows in the 
sticks are pliayed by. amateurs and 
talent is developed by experience 
only to be had from performing. 

Before the summer is over the ses- 
sions of Stage and screen executive."? 
are figured to take place and are 
due to happen regardless of the re- 
Cent legit theatre convention which 
had plenty to say about Hollywood. 

Confab Holds Up O.K. 
On NYTPA Contract 



A meeting of Theatre LeaRiie was 
held Monday ''(12) to reconsider the 
proposed contra,ct with the New York 
Theatrical Press Agents. 

No action was taken but at leji; t 
one manager favored the agreement, 
without qualification. Sam K. Har- 
ris, unable to attend, sent a letter 
to that effect. 

Before taking definite action, how- 
ever, it was decided to meet with 
union people who had advised the 
managers against such action. 



64 



VARIJ^TY 



LEGITIMATE 



Wedncsdaj, Julj 14, 1937 



Inside Stuff-Legit 



The propriety of Broadway drama critics ^oing afield to cover try-outs 
in the rural show-shops has again- been questioned. Two reviewers 
have done so thus far, with notices appearing in the respective dailies. 
Thoy are Brooks Atkinson of the N. Y. Times and Douglas Gilbert of 
the N. Y. World-Telegram. Latter is assigned to deliver a daily column 
but understood that Atkinson is not so committed. He recently jour- 
neyed to Stockbridge, Mass., and a rather sever criticism appeared" in 
the Times. Formerly New Yoric papers did not cover even regular try- 
outs, merely printing a straight new item of the' openings, if at all. 

Coverage of the summer spots by picture and talent scouts has become 
routine, but new plays so presented are generally in the embryo state, 
so that critical comment in the dailies is not sought and invariably 
unwelcome. 

Although iinished for the road and released ift picture form last season, 
sdme additional revenue is expected from stock performances of Three 
Men on a Horse.' Warners would participate unless Hobbiehorses, Inc., 
the show's cofporate identity, has beep dissolved. Comedy, produced by 
Al23t Yokel, had the latter operating on his own during the final moqths 
of the run in New York, film end having declared off. 

Three Men' was originally reported to have earned $1,000,000 but sub- 
sequent estimates placed the net profit at $700,000. ° Corporation is said to 
have earned a considerable sum from the investing of surplus coin durmg 
the riin. Warners' bonds were purchased at 44 and disposed of around 
the 90 tpark. 

Hedgerow Theatre, Philadelphia, may have io abandon its announced 
intention of presenting 'Arms and the Man' with music from *Thfe Choco- 
late Soldier,' during the annual Shaw festival at the theatre next week. 
Complications have arisen -with the copyright owners over the matter of 
royalties. , 

During last year's festival, 'Arms' was presented with free beer. Didn t 
W3rk Tvell, as audiences neglected the show for guzzling. Idea was 
abandoned during the fall when neighboring schools complainfed that 
studes were returning to the dorms from Hedgerow too hilarious for a 
straight Shaw diet. 

Norman Bel Geddes last week compelled Jules Leventhal io remove 
the former's Aame from the billing of the road production of 'Dead 
End.' Fact that the show was billed as 'presented by Norman Bel Geddes' 
when it played Asbury Park, N. J., the previous week created an im- 
pression that Leventhal had acquired the rights for the production on a 
percentage. Instead, deal was on flat amount, Geddes' name was re- 
moved fiom the billing during last week's run at Brighton BeaCh, N. Y. 



Summer Shows 



, STOPLIGHT 

Center ville, Mass., July 12. 
Play in three aotB ((our nt^noa) by Our- 
lyle Moore, completed by Elhelyn Polmer 
Moore. Directed by Mary Tounjr ana H. 
Stanley Pratt; .lottlnps, CralB Scenic 
studios. Presented by .Tol^n Cralic, It, at 
Mary Younn theatre, CcDtervllle, t;ape Cod, 
July 12. '37. 

Judson Oravea.'. Milton Parsons 

Demmlng: .......... ....Carlyle Moore, Svi 

Gerald Almea •...WIlHam M. Hunt, H 

t)r. Kenworthey... Uric K«tlklturfit 

Michael , .; William TiawaoD 

''osdycke .....William Carlelon 

Caae L.e wis Rodman 

Sergeant O'Hollera n John ' Taylor 

,Tlm Boyle .Riohnr4 O'Connor 

.S'chmldt lOdward Mundb 

:htnnman 1'i I o Renaldo 

Martha Graves .Evelyn Dawn 

MIIHcent Graves. 'JVrry l^av 

.TuMe Graves r.ydia Fuller 

Nora Banning: J^iie Barucs 



Out of Town 



SALUTE to SPRING 

St. Louis, July 11. . 

Operetta In two acts. Book by Karle 
Cro.-Uei-, Bcore by JPrederlck IjT»ewe; pro- 
duct under direction t>t lllchard Berser 
anl Zeke ("olvln; scenery, Raymond Sovey; 
dancfs, Theodoi-e Adolphus and Al White, 
Jr,; music under direction ot'Ceorge Hirst. 

Kllnore ROReca Bernlce Clahe 

B<iiv.re Fflh Olive Olaen 

All»ii Phllllpa Guy Rol>«l3on 

'All the Arts^ Anderson lohn Sheetian 

Mr.<. Rooney Ruth Urban 

Jtivt. Curtis Burrinston. ...Helen Raymond 

hobirt, .'. .Tj5w Parker 

Brios i;nrtfr. Earle MacVelRh 

(;>^M„re ...VlrgU Traiuelll 

Mv. Porter , Emit Wacbter 

Tlf» Mirrlff.... DeUnar Poppen 

Spl'istpv , Aonamary Dickey 

}li\l r.vown Phil PortertleUl 

I!'<ll l!oy Qua HoM-nrd 

ChHurreur. > Harold Stack 

Tnunsl Krika 7,aranova 

t'lMude Albert Shaw 

DniK-c>'.H ...Harris, Claire dnd Shannon 



This operetta , has got something. 
One of the largest audiences of the 
ssason enthusiastically greeted the 
world premiere in the open air the- 
atre in Forest Park Monday (12). 
At 'hors, in fact, were forced to take 
a 'f>w. 

When the musical has a few 
wi-nkles ironed out and several 
nunbers eliminated, to speed up 
the tempov it will be ready for 
int;-oduction to Broadway, as skedded. 
Fii'st act. with six scenes needs a 
bit of tightening to bring the story 
out more quickly. However, the sec- 
ond act moves with a. faster pace and 
brings the story to a conclusion iyi 
ni^2 fashion. 

' Story opens in Washington Square, 
New York, during the Artists' Street 
Fair, where 'Arts' Anderson, Bessie 
F.ain and Elinore Rogers, a young 
painter, new to Greenwich Village, 
are gathered, Allen PhiUipSj an at- 
tractive stranger, stops to admire 
Elinor's paintings and then, in order 



to stay near the girl, sets himself 
up as a working poet. 

Mrs., Biarrington, an eccentric so 
ciety-^oman, invites Elinore and her 
friends to a reception that night. 
Without an invitation, Allen decides 
to lirash. It develops that Elinore 
is not really a painter. She and her 
brother, Robert, are destitute and 
she is selling the pictures on a c6m' 
mission basis to raise money.. 

At the reception, Mrs. Barrington 
announces she is going to found an 
American art colony in the country 
and invites all the artists to be her 
guests. When they reach the site of 
the colony they find it a broken 
down tourist camp but are assured 
by Mrs. Barrington that she will 
spend money like water to convert; 
the plane into a famous art colony. 

Elinore, now in love with All^ 
discovers that she has been tricked 
by her brother, that the pictures she 
is selling were stolen, and she musi; 
leave immediately to escape arrest 
Consternation reigns when Mrs, Bar- 
rington announdes that her husbant 
has stopped her credit and plans for 
the colony must be abandoned. 

Only way out is for all to co-op 
and rebuild the camp into the most 
unusual tourist camp in the world 
The second act opens with the camp 
rebuilt and the artists trying to lure 
customers by music. Naturally, all 
ends well. 

Cast here is headed by .Guy Rob 
ertson, Bernice Claire, Olive Olsen 
John Sheehan and Ruth Urban. Top 
ainon^ the musical numbers, which 
probably soon will be on the air, 
are 'A Waltz Is 9orn in Vienna,' 'An 
other Lovely April Day,' 'Extraor 
di.nary,' 'Love Is Love,' and 'Some 
how.' Dance specialties by Harris; 
Claire and Shannon, vaude trio new 
to natives here, scored heavily. 

Ijocal chorus clicks in routines de 
vised by Theodore Adolphus and Al 
White, Jr. Sets designed by Ray 
mond Sovey do much to enhance the 
production. Sahu, 



MOST EXCITING SHOE OFFERING IN YEARS 



*Spotlighf is a play of mixed 
authorship, Ihaying been started by 
the late Carlyle Moore and recently 
completed by his widow, Ethelyn 
Palmer Moore. Perhaps this explains 
its shortcomings. There. is aij excel- 
lent opening stanza, and th^n two 
which are something of a let-down. 

Trouble is not so 'much in" quality 
of writing, which remains satis- 
factory throughout, as in a lack of 
character development and attend- 
ant haziness of plot If Moore him- 
self had been able to finish and re- 
vise script,, it is likely we should 
have heard more about a. couple of 
romances introduced in Act One and 
subsequently dropped. Also the yery 
nvolved story might have become 
clearer before the final curtain. 
Maybe all the pieces of the jigs?iw 
puzzle actually do fit together; but 
everything moves so, fast that it's 
lard to make connections between 
apparently unrelated incidents. 
Further rewriting with this in mind 
might turn 'Stoplight' into a better 
commercial proposition. 

In brief, plot concerns a retired 
chemist, Judson Graves, who is 
coddled into semi-invalidism by his 
wife. A young psychiatrist, in love 
with Graves' daughter, -encourages 
him to spend a night out, and during 
this night Judson gamble away lots 
of money. A young man and woman, 
counterfeiters both, take refuge in 
his house in order to. escape the 
police, the man even putting on a 
wig and impersonating Graives. There 
is a romance between the two 
criminals, who are trying to go 
straight, and a good deal of fibbing 
by Graves, who hopes to keep his 
gambling losses a secret from his 
wife. Through a series of ruses, the 
cotmterfeiters manage to destroy all 
evidence of their activity and thus 
remain beyond the reach of the law. 
Judson's wife learns about his spree, 
but doesn't care particularly since it 
has helped him to 'find 'himself.' 
Though these two plots have been 
woven together, they fiever seem to 
have much in common. 

Mary Young theatre has given 
'Stoplight' a workmanlike production 
which is always Interesting even 
when the story gets out of hand. 
Milton Parsons acquits himself with 
distinction* as Graves, making him at 
once -crotchety and likeable. Ciarlyle 
Moore, Jr., son of the co-authors, 
plays one of the counterfeiters with 
considerable assurance, while Jane 
Barnes, turns in an attractive per- 
formance as his heart interest. 
Others in important parts are Wil- 
liam H. Hunt, II, Eric Kalkhurst, 
William Lawson, William Carleton, 
Evelyn Dawn, Terry Fay and Lydia 
Fuller. 

Mary Young and E. Stanley Pratt 
have directed with relative brisk- 
ness, considering that there are 
sometimes 12 or 13 characters on the 
stage -at once. Sets by Craig Scenic 
studios are simple but tasteful. 

Foul. 



Bryant's Sbwboat Quits 
Ciocy for Up Ri?er l^ots 



East Liverpool, O., July 13. 
Billy Bryant's showboat, bne of 
the few floating theatres left plying 
the rivers of the midwest, has left 
its mooring at Cincinnati, where it 
played for several. seasons, to invade 
the upper Ohio valley territory- 
Shows being given on the boat 
this summer are 'Thorns and Orange 
Blossoms,' 'Jesse Jamas', and 'Teh 
Nights in a BarroQm.' As usual, 
musical specialties are staged be- 
tween acts and audiences join in foV 
occasional community sing. ' 

Three of the Bryant faunily still 
take part in the showboat plays on 
^he craft that has been on the "river 
for more than a half a centQry. . 



PROVlNCETOWirS 
SUMMERTIME 
BONANZA 



PLAYS ABROAD 



SATYR 




London, July 1. 

New drama In three ads hy Paul Leslie, 
presented hy Martin .Tofies on behaK . of 
Wnilam MoHison, pi odiif ed. hy Che.sler 

JSrskin at the Shafteshuyy theatre, London. 
Dr. Biohard .Mackenzie. .... 4-. K. Matthew's 
Mrs. Ellen de Meyer. ...... ..Flora Rolj.soii 

Peter de Meyer Marlus Oorlng 

Terry Evana Patricia Mallln.son 

Dr. Erne.st Taylor .,T>:ilia Irvlnp 

Gloria Willis Tune Mnrlln 

Mr. Kennedy .;.Ouy Belniors 

Ann Xuclen E*itt Dortie 



An erudite clinical version of the 
theme used by Edgar Wallace in 
'The Case of the Frightened Lady.' 
Besides being a well constructed, 
sombre drama full of tension and 
suspense, it represents medical re- 
search and considerable consulta- 
tions with insanity specialists. All 
this is supplemented by a quantity 
of good acting, well directed. In 
spite of which, it is extremely prob- 
lematical If the general public will 
find sufficient entertainment in such 
gloomy fare. 

A fine, delicately reared youth 
lives alone in a house with his 
mother and the doctor who has been 
looking after him all his life. The 
doctor is a middle-aged, disillusioned 
man, always semi-saturated with 
liquor, who loves the mother. Be- 
tween them they ate protecting the 
boy from knowing that he is a 
neurotic, homicidal sex maniac. He 
attacks immature girls, ravishing and 
(Continued on page 68) 



SEATTLE 

(Continued from page 8) 

'Fury and Woman* (Ind) and 'Man 
in Mirror' (GN), dual, 10 days, 
$3,100, good. - 

Fifth Avenue (Hamrick-Eveirgreen) 
(2,400; 32-37-42)— 'Singing Marine' 
(WB) and 'Case of Stuttering Bishop* 
(FN)', dual. Big campaign not help- 
ing; only. $7,000 looked for, sad. Last 
week, 'Captains Courageous' (MO) 
and There Goes My Girl' (RKO) 
<2d wk), dual, dandy $6,600. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1,900; 21-32-42) — 
'Woman Chases Man' (UA) and 
'League of Frightened Men' (Col), 
dual, Caught on nicely, $4,800, and 
may hold over. -Last week, "Thunder- 
in City' <Col) and *Motor Madness' 
(Col), dual, $4,300, good enough. 

Music Box (Hamrlck-Evergreen) 
(900; 32-37-42)— 'Captains Cour- 
ageous' (MG), moved in after two 
weeks at Fifth, expects $3,500, big. 
Last week. ^Mountain Music' (Par) 
(3d wk), five days, $2,700. okay. 

Orphieum (Hamrick- Evergreen) 
(2,700: 32-37-42)— 'Slave Ship' (20th) 
and 'Mar;ried Before Breakfast' (MG), 
dual (2d wk). Anticipates $5,000, 
okay. Last week was big at $I0.20Q. 

P«,1«Biar (Sterling) (1,450; 17-27- 
^7)— 'Affairs of Cappy Ricks' (Rep) 
and Hawaiian Follies on stage. Get- 
ting around $4,700, good. • Last week, 
'Dragerman Coiirage' (WB) and 
vaude, $3,700, oke. 

PaTsmonnt (Hamrick-- Evergreen) 
(3,106; 32-37-42)— 'Riding on Air' 
(RKO) and 'King of Gamblers' 
(Par), dual. Only fair at $4,800. Last 
week, 'Another Dawn' <WB-) and 
'Meet the Missus' (RKO), dual, 
$5,000, fair. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (850; 21-32)— 
'Woman in Love' (RKO) and Turn 
Off Moorf (Par), dual. Will about 
get by at $2,500. Last week, 'Marked 
Woman' (FN) and 'When Love is 
Young' (U), dual, $2,800, oke. 

ENGAGEMENTS 

Robert Elwyn, Robin Batcheller, 
Betty Macdonaild, Velma Royton, 
Don McHenry, Bob Smith, Frances 
Bavier, Betty Sittler, Nina Partridge, 
'Night Must Fall.' Maverick Thieatre, 
Woodstock, N, Y. 

Mary Hutchinson, Wylie Adams, 
Arthur Allen, Donna Earl, Lida 
Kane, Byron Shores, John Burke, 
Henry Buckler, Fairfax Burgher, 
William Thornton, Addison Pitt, 
'The Farmer Takes a Wife,* Mohawk 
Drama Festival, Schenectady, N. Y. 

Helen Brooks, Lewis Martin, Alex- 
ander Clark, Edmund George, Mary 
Wickes, Elizabeth Young. Richard 
Abert, Ellen Hall, Robert Allen, To- 
night at 8:30,' Berkshire Playh6u.se, 
Stockbridge, Mass. 

Jane .CJordon, Winston O'Keefe, 
Kenneth Bates. Ann Scoville. Vir- 
ginia Lomas, 'Private Lives.' Forty- 
Niners Theatre, Whitefield. N. H. 

Mary Harris; Robert Haig, James 
Barker, Larney Goo'dkind. Barry 
Wundless, Emily Perkins, 'Candida,' 
Peterborough, N. H, 

Sandra Lynde, Arthur Robey, 
'Sheep in the Fold,' Charles Hedley. 
Syd Blake, Jack Lenny, 'Heat 
Waves,' Craryville, N. Y. 

Frank Lyon, Adrienne Earle. Rob- 
ert Perry, Raymond Greenleaf. Olive 
Warren, Kenneth Parks, Henry 
Arthur, Irene Shirley, Nancv Dun- 
can, Marian Grant, John Gordon, 
'Death Takes a Holiday,' Fitchburg, 
Mass. 

Lenore Sorsby, John Barclay, Starr 
West, Teddy Jones, Clement 
O'Loughlen. Isobel Rose, 'Ode to 
Libertv"; Miriam Batti.sta, John Bar- 
clay. Starr West, The Broken Wing,' 
Starlight Theatre. Pawling, N.Y. 

Donald Cook. 'Let Us Be Gay.' Rve 
Beach. N.H.: 'The High Road.' Madi- 
son. Conn.: 'Pride and Prejudice,' 
Suffern, N.Y.: 'Rfernote Control.' Co- 
ha.sset, M?<f.: 'Nearly B<*loved,' 
Ogunquit. Me.; 'Ghost of Yankee 
Doodle/ Guild. 

.Julie 'Havdon; 'Aiccidental Famil.v.' j 
Dennis. Mass.: 'The Oucen Was in 
th" Pprlor.' Cohasset. Mass. 

Phyllis Welch. 'Lysistrata,'. Mt. 
Kisco, N.Y. Woslnort Conn. 

'Marian Shockley. SUowiiegan, Me. 
(PTmanent Co.). 

Rosalind Ivan. 'Tonight at 8..10.' 
Dennis. Ma.ss.: 'The Bourgeois Gentle- 
mnn' Schenectad.v. N.Y. 

Vivienne Segal, Mar.y McCov, 
Harry K, Morton. Douglas Leavitt. 
Robert Shafer, Victor Morlpv. Max- 
irte Cfl.stlcton. Zelln Rusf^ell. Tru«>- 
man Gaige. 'A Wonderful Night,* 
Jones Beach , Stadium, N. Y. 

Kenneth Rates, Beatrice Beach, 
Sarah Emily Brown, Brobury Ellis, 
Howard Fischer, Jane Gordon, Vir- 



By MAX GENDEL 

ProvincetoAyn, July 13. 
Pilgrims broke their jPlymouth 
(England) to Plymouth, Mass., jump 
by spending the winter in Province- 
town. Lucky they didn't land in 
summer or they - would never have 
survived the high tariffs. 

Local talent, mostly 'colorful Por- 
tuguese,' wait all year for the literati 
tourists. Rents, 'food, sundries cost 
more than eating In at the Waldorf. 

Original founders of' the summer 
garret boys, O'Neill and Susan Clas- 
pell, have all ducked. 

Brand new assortment of geniuses. 
No . big names but they still draw. 
Winter census of 4,000 in summer 
jtunps to 20,000. 

Nearly every visitor' is writing a 
play or novel, or splashing canvas. 
However, larger number of femmes 
makes it tough on that novel. 

Town musta voted Farley as they 
have- terrific post office, brand new, 
for the pic postal-card fans. 

Local cinema has two show:} 
nightly. Admission* 40c. 'Captains 
Courageous* stodd 'em up. (Don't 
mention it, Metre ) • 

Historic Wharf theatre, rarely 
money-maker, doing nicely with 
guestai: revivals. Amazing how you 
can break even at $1(M) per night 

Lota fun riding town bus. Hurtles 
through town and in the woods. Bus 
open air with benches; 10c for seven 
mile round trip. ('Air conditioned, 
eh?' and 'I'll close the windows for 
you if its drafty, honey,* are tops in 
wisecracks by Joe Broadways bus- 
sing for first time.) 

Driyers, local school kids, slow 
down to flirt with gals. Willing gals 
given, cuffo ride in front seat. Boss no 
coiints up but wait till the Shuberts 
takeover. 
Lots of bicycling, too. 
Flagship, local hot spot, does swell, 
biz at steep px'ices but patronized 
mostly by weekend and overnight 
tourists.' 

Place lit up wtih candles which is 
swell, when 'the light bill comes 
around and greater for atmosphere 
for New York yokels. Bar is mado 
out of rowboats. 

Town reads Boston and two local 
Cape papers with N. Y, Times still 
best seller. 

Village also has "Don't Look Now, 
Dear, Camp - out in t'he dunes. 
Strictly informal. You just walk 
over the duneg till you hit the ocean, 
let your hair down, and there yoa 
are. 

Commercial street Is Great White 
Way but dark by. 11. Street lined 
with art galleries, selling etchings, 
paintings, caricatures, A. and P. 
grocery stores, popcorn stands, hot- 
dog grills— Beano. 

Biggest excitement — more Intense 
than. Supreme Court debate and 
Rome London bout — is whether 
Commercial street should revert to 
two-way traffic. 

Local town -hall has eight cells for 
the bad boys. Half dozen cops. Lit- 
tle excitement. 



ginia' Lomas, Lewis MacFarland, 
Richard McKay, Dorothy Neumann, 
Winston O'Keele, Madalyn O'Shea, 
Evelyn Pierce, Howard Porter, Ann 
Scoville, Edward G. Steinmetz. Jr., 
Forty Niners, Chase Barn' Play- 
house, Whitefield, N. H. (Permanent 
Co.) 

Dorothy Stone, Charles Collins, 
Doug Leavitt, Hope Emerson, Jack 
GoOde, Doris Patston, Jack Sheehau, 
'Gay Divorce,' Jones Beach, N. Y. 




Mgt.: LOU CLAYTON 
Berkshire Hotel, New York 



FOR SALE 



nooauae our men travel by .-iuluino- 
Itilt". we have 100 shoe tninkit for 
salp. T.ai'Ke, medium and small uiKt'H. 
All In flrHt-class cnnaitlon. Price very 
Ti)w for inilok sMe. AVIll aell aineiy 
or- In lot.s. ('a.i> he .seen .it fa.ctory 
or win furnish cletalLs on rc(niest.- 
W. 1.. 1>0li<a.AS SHOK CO. 
BrtVckinii, MatM. 



WeJnesaay, Jury"14, 1937 



KEGITIMATE GROSSES 



VARIETY 



65 



Strawhats Now Debating New Ones 
At Steady Pace; 2 Bow Next Week 



Following this week's flurry of 
play tryouts at the summer thea- 
tres, eight in all, the strawhats' out- 
put of new shows will continue at 
a steady pac* until liabor Day. Next 
■wtel? will witness only two open- 
ings in the rural spots, however. 
They ar* to be 'Prejudice,* a new 
play by Edgar Selwyn, at the Mary 
Young theatre, Cehterville, Mass., 
Monday (18) and 'Don't Throw Glass 
Houses,* a comedy by Doris Firankel, 
at Brattlebor*, Vt., Wednesday (21). 
The author of this one is the wife 
of Philip Barber, director of the 
WPA Federal Theatre project in 
New York. 

Week of July 26 is crowded with 
new plays in the strawhats, at least 
eight openings ' being listed. These 
include 'Reno,' a play by John Hag- 
gert, at Skowhegan, Me.; 'Without 
Design,* by William Eden, at Chat- 
ham, Mass.; 'Accidental family,' a 
comedy by Seymour Gross, at Den- 
nis, Mass.; The Secret Heart,' by 
Yvan Noe, at Newport, R. I.; 'An- 
other Week End,' at Washington 
Greei); Conii,; 'And for Yale,' at Ma- 
tunuck; R. I.; The Man Who Ate the 
Fopomack,' by W. J. Turner, at Brat- 
tleboro, Vt, and 'The Toad with the 
Jeweled: Head,* by Helen Williams 
and Cieorge Brendan Dowell, at Rye 
Beach^N.H. 

Other July possibilities are 'Bell- 
Bottoms,* a comedy by Francis Stew- 
art Hall« at Ivory ton,' Conn., '■ and 
'Her Husband's Wife,' at Marshfield 
Hills, Mass. 

Ancnst Schedule 
Tryouts during the week of Aug. 
2 will include: 'Princess Turandot,' 
at Mount Kisco, N. Y.; 'At the Thea- 
tre,' a play by and with Laurette 
Taylor, at Ogunquit, Me.; 'Many 
Mansions,' by Jules Eckert Good- 
.man, at Stockbridge, Mass.; 'Horse 
Tale,' by Alladine Bell, at Madison, 
Conn.; 'Garden Gloves,' at Point 
Pleasant; N. J.; 'The Devil's. Moon,' 
at Matunuck, R. I., and The Palace 
of Truth,' a revival of the 1870 play, 
at Schenectady, N. Y. 

Owen Davis* newest play, Two- 
Time Mary,' is scheduled to be . tried 
out at Skowhegian, Me., during the 
week of Aug. 9, and other new plays 
that week will be 'Lucrezia Borgia' 
at Provincetown, Mass.; 'Western 
Union, Please,' a comedy by Albert 
Hackett .and Frances Goodrich, at 
Dennis, Mass.; 'I Want the Moon,' at 
Fitchburg, Mass.; 'Catch Comet by 
the Tail,* by David O. Woodbury, at 
Kennebunkport, Me., and 'Envoys 
Extraordinary,' by D. Kenneth 
Laub, at Ogunquit, Me. 

Strawhat openings during the 
week of Aug. 16 are to be 'The 
Prodigal Father,' by William E. Bar- 
ry, at Skowhegan, Me.; 'Step into My 
Parlor,' by John and Maty Risjean, 
at Southampton, N. Y., and 'The In- 
constant Moon,' by Willa Frederic, 
at Newport, R. I. 

Late-August tryout on the current 
schedules are to be: 'Heroes Don't 
Care,' at Milford, Conn.; 'Patron of 
Alts,* at Point Pleasant, N. J.; 'The 
God Innis,' at Rye Beach, N, H.; 
'One Thing Forgotten.' at New Lon- 
don, N. H.; 'Dearly Beloved,' by 
Charles Beahan and Robert L. Buck- 
ner, at Ogunquit, Me.; 'New Faces 
of 1937.' a musical, at Dennis,. Mass.; 
'Uncle Waldo,' by Jerome D. Ross, at 
Madison, Conn.; 'The Dramatist,' by 
Abby Merchant, at Newport, R. I.; 
'Youth at the Helm,' by Paul Vul- 
pius, adapted by Hubert Griffith, at 
Surry, Me.; The Nuremberg Egg,' 
by Walter Harlan, also at Surry; 
'Husbands and Wives,' by Sedley 
Brown,; at Saugerties, N. Y.; 'Don't 
Lgofc Now!', by Helen Beverly, at 
Swan Lake, N. Y.; Theme and Vari- 
ation,' by Harold Goldman, at South- 
ampton, N, Y; Private Confusion,' 
by Hardie Albright and Austin Park- 
er, at Skowhegan, Me., and 'Author's 
Copy,' by Elissa Landi, at Santa 
Barbara, Calif. 



FORTY MINERS START 



Fifth Season at Strawhat at Wiflte- 
fleld, N. H., Opens with 'Lives' 



Whitefield, N. H., July 13, 
Fifth season of the Forty Niners; 
at the Chase Bam Playhouse here 
opens tonight (Tuesday) with Noel 
Coward's 'Private Lives.* Previously 
planned to pry loose the season with 
Elmer Rice's "See Naples and pie.' 
Cast for 'Lives* includes Jane Gor- 
don, Winston CKief e, Kenneth 
Bates, Ann Scoville and "Virginia Lo- 
mas. Beatrice Beach staged the pro- 
duction and, Lewis lifacFarland did 
the sets. 

Subsequent plays- on the Forty 
Niners* schedule include ^Kind Lady,' 
'Fly Away Home,' 'Candida,* "The 
Whiteheaded Boy,' 'Ode to Liberty,' 
'Elizabeth the Queen* and 'Goodbye 
Again.' Chase Barn Playhouse has 
been enlarged to accommodate 250 
persons. Extra performance has 
been added Saturday night, which 
was previously used for readying 
the following week's show. 

Carl Allensworth is again manag- 
ing the company, which started out 
as a summer outlet for Prof. Baker's 
Yale drama studes, but has been on 
an Equity basis for the last two sea- 
sons. General admission is 55c, with 
reserved seats at a $1.38 (including 
tax) top. 



TAKE ir FINE 
$12,000 IN CHI 



Chicago, July 13. 

Now in its 23d week and still far 
from the finish line, 'You Can't Take 
It With You' continues at top pace. 
However, talk is filtering around 
town that the New York headquar- 
ters may close the show here due to 
the comedy antics of the performers 
in the local company. 

Audiences have been commenting 
on the fact that the lotlal actOrs are 
having so much fun among them- 
selves on the stage they can't take 
the time or trouble to worry about 
giving the public the best of it. 
Sophomoric clowning by certain 
performers is tending to hurt a show 
which has k^t them steadily em- 
ployed for nearly six months. They 
apparently get more kick out of try- 
ing to break up each other than giv- 
ing the audience out front its 
money's worth. 

•Brother Rat* comes into the Sel- 
wyn on Aug. 22 as the first of the 
new season's entries. Also a possi- 
bility of 'Babes in Arms' for the 
Gcand early in September. 

Estimate for Last Week 

<Tou Can't Take It With You.' 
Harris (1,000; $2.75) f23d week). 
Over $12,000 last week, excellent. 
WPA 

'Lonely Man,* Blackstone. 
*0 Say, Can. Too Singr?* Great 
Northern. 



Hartwig Skeds Three 

Ogunquit, Me., July 13. 

In addition to opening a new play- 
house here this seaiion on July 19, 
Walter Hartwig, director of the Man- 
hattan Theatre Colony, is scheduling 
three new plays. 

Laurette Taylor's comedy, 'At the 
Theatre,' will open Aug. 3, with 
Lillian Foster and Carl Benton Reid 
supporting Miss Taylor in the lead 
roles. 

'Envoys Extraordinary,' by D. Ken- 
neth Laub, is set for week of Aug. 9 
and 'Dearly Beloved,' by Charles 
^ahan and Robert L. Buckner is 
slated to close the .«;eason week of 
r , Avg, 30. 



Ind. WPA Gives Up 

Indianapolis, July 13. 

Dr. Lee Norvelle, State WPA 
Federal Theatre project director, 
turned the key in the lock for good 
at Keith's theatre Saturday (10). 
Final production of the group, 'Bill 
of Divorcement,* wound up a run 
which tops all other groups in the 
nation in number of plays presented. 

Judson Langill, Betty IVidmer, 
Bruce Barnard and Noel Warwich, 
on loan to the local company from 
Niew York, are returning there. John 
Cameron, director, expects to be as- 
signed to special southern produc- 
tions. Betty Anne Brown, ingenue, 
is going to Chicago to try her hand 
in radio. 

Other members of the company 
expect to be assigned to the 
Children's Federal Theatre at Gary, 
Indiana. 



'MKADO' $31,000, 
BUT FAIR IN ST. LOO 



St. Louis, July 13. 

'Salute to Spring,* operetta by 
Earle Crocker and Frederick Loewe, 
which is skedded for a Broadway 
opening in September, grossed ap- 
proximately $2,700 on its world pre- 
miere here last night (12) in Forest 
Park, where the piece started a 
week's run. 

Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado* 
ended a third appearance in the 
Forest Park Bowl Sunday (11) with 
a. take of approximately $31,0<H) for 
the week, a trifle below average. 
Threatening weather kept the attend- 
ance down. 



LUNTS, $2ft000, 
OLD STORY 




Los Angeles, July 13. 
Socko as it is, the $26,000 rolled 
up by Lunt and Fontanne in their 
new comedy, 'Amphitryon 38,' at the 
Biltmore was not unexpected. Pair 
can generally write- their own ticket 
in this town as most of the picture, 
actors barge in to see how the acting 
biz is really done. 

That 26G is plenty of coin for six 
days, but it might have been more 
had not the piece opened right «n 
top of the holiday week-end. Lunts 
could easily have played another 
two weeks for plenty of coin but 
preferred to rest. 

Biltmore shutters for a wieek prior 
to the stand of 'Brother Rat,' open- 
ing July 19, 

Estimate for Last Week 
'Amphitryon M,' Biltmore (C-1,656; 
$2.75). Just a romp for the Lunts; 
$26,000, while heavy sugar, is what 
was to be expected. Piece opens oh 
Broadway in October. 

WPA 

'Tomorrow's a Holiday,* Hollywood 
Playhouse. Comedy eking out a 
meagre gross' on two week stand. 

'Johnny Johnson,* Greek Theatre. 
Paul Green's anti-war satire out- 
doors after four w^eks downtown. 
Getting by and that's all. 

'Macbeth,' Mayan. AU-Negro cast 
in this Shakespeare opus opens to- 
morrow (14). 



ARTHUR ALLEN OF AIR 
WmiMOHAWKTARMER' 



SAM TAUBER BANKRUPT 

Sam Tauber, unemployed 'publicity 
.■^aie.s counsel' of 200 Riverside Drive, 
N. Yv. has filed bankruptcy petition 
in V. S. district court. He owes 
$13,688. Assets of $3,500 includes lien 
afiain.'^t: Vocafilm Corp. should latter 
collect on a patent suit against Araer- 
ioan Telephoile & Telegraph now 
pending in U. S. court. 

Creditors include Tillie LeBlang, 
a? executrix of Joe Leblang, on 
iud.tiiHcnt lor $584, and $2,500 to Otto 
i A. Harbach on promissory note. 



Schenectady, N. Y., July 13. 
Arthur Allen, of radio, is one of 
the featured performers in this 
week's production of The Farmer 
Takes a Wife,' at the Mohawk Drama 

Festival on the Union College Cam- 
pus, Allen did a guester at last 
year's Festival. Mary Hutchinson, 
who gave a dance recital with Phyl- 
lis Marmein Sunday hight, and 
Wylie Adams have the leading roles. 
Donna Earl is the other player news- 
paper billed. 

Lida Kane, Byron Shores, John 
Burke, Henry Buckler, Fairfax 
Burgher. William Thornton and Ad- 
dison Pitt complete the cast, 

Current Road Show* 

(Week •( JHly 12) 
'Boy Meets Girl' (Leventhal) 

Brighton theatre, Brighton Beach, 

N. Y. Opens July 13, 
'Brother R»t,' Geary, San Fran- 

cisco.» 

'De»d End' (Leventhal) New Em- 
pire, Providence. R, I, 

'Her Mitjesty, the Widow* iLeven- 
thal) Convention Hall, A.sbury Park, 
N. J. 

'Tobacco Road' (Levenlhal-Gris- 
man) Garden Pier, Atlantic City, 
N. J. 

'You Can't Take It With You,' 

Harri.>5. Chicago. 

(NEW PLAYS THIS WEEK.) 
'Salute lo Spring,' Forest Park, St. 
Louis. 

'Busman's Honeymoon,* Westches- 
ter Playhou.'^e, Mount Ki.sco. N. Y. 

'Mai-rUrc Royal,' Cape Playhou.sc, 
Denni.s Ma.«;s. 

'Stop lAgM,' Mary Young theatre, 
Centerville. Masp. 

'Sweet Sorrow,' Casino theati'c. 
Newport. R. I. 

;The Glory of Youth,* Farragut 
Playhouse, Rye Beuch, N. H. 

'A Man, a Wife and a Horse,* The- 
alre-by-the-Sca, Matunuck, R. I. 

'Pleasure Cruise.,' Pl.nyhoiise. 
Southampton, N. Y. 



Heat Clips Plenty (tf B'way Legit 
B. 0;s; 'Can't Take It,' 




FRISCO OFF, Birr w 

AT $10,000, NO SQUAWK 

San Francisco, July 13. 

'Brother Rat' at the Gear:^^ theatre 
and 'Pursuit of Happiness,' a Fed- 
eral Theatre Project offering at the 
Alcazar, are the only legit attrac- 
tions in town. Neither is doing too 
well, but both getting by. 

Estimate for Last Week 

'Brother Rat,* Geary (4th week) 
(1,700; $2.50). Another $10,000 clicked 
off by 'Brother Bat,' which has one 
more. frame to go before moving on 
to Los Angeles. 

WPA 

'Pursuit of Happiness,* Alcazar 
(1st week) (1,269; 50c). Two night 
performances and the Saturday 
matinee have been dropped, so the 
gross of $2,500 isn't so bad. Wide 
use of coupon books by customers 
cuts most of the admission to 40c. 
Between 20 and 30 discharged WPA 
workers are picketing the Alcazar. 

Chi Dailies Hypo 
WPA Show; Scale 

Hiked Up to aid 



Chicago, July 13. 
EiTective this week, admission 
prices on the WPA's ''The Lonely 
Man' Jump from 55c to $1.10 top. 
The demand for seats, even during 
the current heat wave, has been 
great enough to warrant such a 
move, according to George Kondolf, 
head of Federal theatre for this dis- 
trict. 

Past couple of months have seen 
a big increase in estimation for the 
WPA theatrical projects on the part 
of both public and . press, and has 
reached the point now where it is 
almost on a par with the commer- 
cial business. Credit for this Is given 
to the businesslike organization with 
which Kondolf has surrounded him- 
self. Background of his personnel 
shows that every executive was suc- 
cesful in practical and professional 
show business before joining the 
WPA ranks. 

But most of the credit for the In- 
crease in WPA audiences is being 
handed to the publicity department, 
headed by Frederick Donaghey and 
Sam Ward. At the time of their 
taking over, no Chicago newspaper 
would recognize the existence of the 
Federal theatre, despite advertising. 
Now, not a day goes by but what at 
least two of the. dailies carry pictures 
and stories. This includes even the 
staid Chicago Tribune, which did a 
swing-over only during the' past 
month. 

It is figured that the newspapers 
have been largely responsible for the 
increase in audiences. Before their 
cognizance, WPA units played to a 
couple dozen people nightly, while 
now, both 'The Lonely Man,' and 'O, 
Say Can You Sing?' are sell-outs 
three and four nights a week, even 
though playing in non-air ^ condU 
tioned theatres during mid-summer. 



BRISK BiZ AT WHARF 



Provincetown Straw-Hat Openn Well 
—New Play Next „li^ek 

Provincetown, July 13. 

Wharf Theatre, Provincetown, 
Mass., opened its sea.<;on to bri.sk biz 
last week. House .seats 230 and is 
.scaled at $1,B5. Six nights a week. 
Runs a school for legit and radio in 
connection, as well as a night club 
On the opening bill was Blanche 
Ring in 'Her Master s Voice.' She 
doubled into the informal nitery, do 
ing her old-time song faves. 

Currently 'It's a Wise Child' has 
David Rollins from film.s, Dora Me 
rande, Virginia Deane, Clyde Fill- 
more, Stephen Fox, Charles Scott. 

New play by Allace Acton, 'Stork 
on Skis' will be tried out next week 
Acton, Neil McFee Skinner and Jean 
Paul King, radio spielier, are part- 
ners in the play, which they hope 
will rate Broadway by fall, 

Leona Powers will have the top 
role in 'Stork,' with Leah Penman 
and Jan Brown al.so in Provincetown 
for the occasion, to augment the re 
gular cast 



Cooling systems failed to halt the 
slump that clipped Broadway legits 
last week, when record hot July- 
weather descended. Not a .single 
attraction's gross held to form and 
takings dropped $2,000 and upward 
in nearly all bo|| alfices. 

Monday (July' 4) started the week 
excellently, especially at the mat- ' 
inees. Wednesday the mercury 
started topping the OO-degree mark, 
and edged to nearly fi6 by. Saturday. 
On that day, repoHs were that sev« 
eral closings would be forced, but 
Monday exhibited the same 11 shows 
that started the month. Managers 
decided the shows naturally would 
have to go in the red for a time, but 
if the heat sticks, some closings msy. 
be forced. Heavy rains cooling 
things early this week. 

For the first time since opening, 
'You Can't Take It With You' had 
deadwood in the count-up. That was 
at Saturday's matinee. At night the 
agencies attempted to turn back 
around 200 ticlvcts, but were re- 
quired to settle In full on Monday. 
On that night there were returns 
which were quiclny sold and the 
house (Booth) was capacity. Tak- 
ings not far from the $15,000 mark 
proved it was ihe least alfected of 
all shows. 

Newer hit, 'Room Service,' played 
night performances but uropped un- 
uer the mark of the previous eight- 
performance week. The Women' 
also gave an auded matineo, but 
slipped more than $2,000. There, as 
in most instances, Saturday night 
was 'brutal.' .Bplance of the list 
found the going just as tough and 
did not get expected impit>vement 
Monday (12), when the weather 
moderated. 

WPA took the hint and folded all 
three relief attractions around the 
jaroadway zone. 

Estiinates tor Last Week 
'Babes In Arms,' Shubert (14th - 
week) (M-l,382-$3.30). Heat wave 
alter the Fourth sent all grosses to 
new lows; this musical rated under 
$12,000. 

'Brother. Rat,' Biltmore (31.st 
week) (C-991-^3J0). Dipped under 
$5,000 for first time; however, bet- 
tered even break, with house and 
show pooled for the summer. 

'Excursion,' Vanderbilt (ISth 
week) (C-«0i-$3.30). Npne top strong 
at best; forced down despite cooling 
system; topped $3,000, but not much, 
'Ha.vinc Wonderful Time,' Lyceum 
(21st week) (CD-1,000-$3.30). After 
excellent start attendance dropped; 
skimmed the $7,000 mark, which, too, 
was one of new lows this summer. 

'Room Scrvlee,' Cort (9th . week) 
(C-l,059-$3.aO). Although an extra 
matinee was played Fourth of July, 
takinf?,s dipped imder previous eight 
peilormance; $15,500. 

♦The Show Is On,* Winter f^arden 
(29th week) (R-l,671-$3.30), ' Late 
last week JoM^ln^ss was so bad all 
around that' closings were antici- 
pated but none eVentuatsd; revue 
estimated around $17,000. 

The Woman,' Barrymore (2Qth 
week) (C-l,048-$3.30). Played nine 
performances, but slipped consider- 
ably under previous Ipw mark, 
mostly because of brutal Saturday; 
less than $12,000, 

Tobacco Read,' Forrest (18Kth 
week) (D-1, 107 -$1,65). Managem<?nt 
hopeful that long stayer will play 
through summer, but dropped to 
around $4,000. 

'Tovarioh,' Plymouth (38th week) 
(CD-l,036-$3,30), Slipped to $7,000; 
had been underestimated in previous 
weeks, when .takings were $10,000 
and $11,000. 

*Ycs My Darling Daurhtcr/ Play- 
house (23d week) (C-878-$3,30). No 
exception for winter hit which cai^ed 
to $7,000; expected to stick through 
the summer, however. 

'Ton Can't Take It With Ynu.* 
Booth (31st week) (C-708-$.'?.30). 
Was affected for the first time on 
the hottest Saturday matinee, fril- 
ing to .sell out and brokers stuck on 
the ni^ht .«!how; however, not far 
from $15,000. 

WPA 

'Power.' Ritz, closed. 

'Prof. Mamlock,'. Daly's, closed. 
■ Paul Green playlets, Adelfhi, 
clo.scd. 

'Ca.«e of Philip Lawrence,* La- 
fayette. Harlem; only legit relief 
show lighted. 



EGtch $9,800 



Denver, July 13. 

In .spite of a poor start on July 4, 
the pa.st week at Elitch stock beat 
the opener by approximately $300, 
even counting the extra performance 
lhat opening weeks get Crowds 
built and the la.st three night shows 
were virtual sellouts. 

Production wa.s 'Both Your Houses,* 
with '.Sun-Ki<;sTfr rurrpiit, Gro."=s for 
Ihe week was approximately $9,(100. 



6« VASJETY 



LITERATI 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



Always Something New; Salt Lake 
Scribes Must Learn Camera Tricks 

/ ■ 



Salt Lake City, JUlyl3. 

Salt Lake Telegram (evening) and 
Salt Lake Tribune (a.m.) reporters 
are attending mandatory weekly 
classes learning how to snap pic- 
tures and- use pigeons as aids in 
transporting news stories while cov- 
ering assignments where use of tele- 
phone or telegraph are impossible. 

Reporter Bill McPougall is the in- 
structor. More than 35 editorial 
members of both staffs turned out 
for the opening lesson Monday (12). 
McDougall covered the. recent dis- 
covery of a Western Air Express 
transport, which crashed last De- 
cember 15th with seven passengers 
in the wilds of the lAah mountains. 
Telegram scored a majpr beaf over 
all opposition in Covering the dis- 
covery. McDougall released six 
pigeons, carrying film rolls and sto- 
ries, from the crash site to scoop 
other local newspaper and press syn- 
dicates. 

Reporters will be instructed how 
to take pictures with a special ban- 
itam camera, how to' change film in 
iportable arm length dark* cloth, sind 
to transmit messages written On rice 
ipaper. 

Tribune controls the' Telegram. 
What the evening paper couldn't use 
lih its daily editions when the plane 
wds found, the Tribune utilized, plus 
additional developments. 

' Feathered Mercuries, of which the 
newspapers own more than 50, are 
trained to return to their lofts above 
the newspapers' building front any 
distance up to 100 miles. 

Believed such practice is imique 
in the annals of American jour- 
nalism, although the practice of 
using pigeons - to carry messages is 
old. 

Both newspapers will use pigeons 
in covering Ab Jenkins^ attempts to 
set new automobile speed records on 
Bonneville salt flats, 100 miles west 
of here. 



4, . ; 

Gabriel As Is 

Gilbert Gabriel's functions as 
critic of the defunct American, N. Y., 
have not yet been defined, but he 
is writing for the Sunday American. 
John Anderson, however, has the 
lead article in the Sunday drama 
section,, being the designated critic 
of the once-weekly sheet, as well a$ 
the Journal, for which he writes a 
daily article. 

Gabriel's contract has about seven 
months to ride, with no indication 
from the Hearst outfit as to its 
eventual disposition. Reviewer is in- 
clined to go along as is. Under- 
stood he declined a recent Hollywood 
offer, because of this Hearst con- 
tract. 



Seattle Strike Has Angles 

, The Newspaper Guild strike at the 
Seattle Star, which grew out of the 
conflict there between the C. I. O. 
and the American Federation of 
Labor over jurisdiction in the circu- 
lation department, has develoi)ed a 
highly complicated set of rivalries. 
The strike followed the discharge .of 
19 C. I. O. Guild members in the 
circulation department who refused 
to join Dave Beck's A. F. of L. 
Teamsters Union when ordered to 
do so by the management. 

This strike differs from the .pre- 
vious Seattle strike at the Post- 
Intelligencer, in that some of the 
same forces which lent the P-I 
strikers assistance at that^time are 
lined up with the A. F. of L., and 
in this instance, the publishers. Beck 
is a powerful Seattle labor and 
political boss. 

Police are*assisting editorial work- 
ers and mechanical employees to go 
through Guild picket lines and the 
paper resumed publication last week 
(9) after being closed down nearly 
a week. Guild has now opened 
strike headquarters and intends to 
continue its fight. 



Hearst Units to Ask Pay Hike 

Delegates from Hearst Newspaper 
Guild unitis met last weekend in 
Chicago to formulate a chainwide 
program of collective bargaining 
with Hearst newspapers, wire and 
picture services. In addition to the 
Guild shop, the 5-day, 40-hour -week, 
it was agreed that a 15% pay in- 
crease for all Hearst employees, ex-> 
cept those more advantageously af- 
fected by the institution of contract 
wage minimums, would be sought. 

The idea of a national committee 
for bargaining purposes is similar to 
that adopted by Guild units of the 
Scrlpps-Howard chain. 



Esquirei, Inc., Expandlnjr 
The Dave Smart- William H. Wein- 
traub publications, namely, Apparel 
Arts, Esquire and Coronet maga- 
zines, will come out shortly with a 
public flotation of common stock. 
The underwriting is being done by 
one of the biggest and best known 
Chicago banking firms and it's un- 
derstood stopk has already been 
oversubscribed. Application has been 
made to list it on the New York 
board. All information has been 
sent to Washington for S.E.C, okay 
and no statement can be issued until- 
approved by that body. 

Dave Smart started Apparel Arts, 
trade magazine for men's ready-to- 
wear tailors and manufacturers of 
men's accessories, covering the en- 
tire field. Recent anniversary num- 
ber had over $250,000 in advertising. 
. Esquire has a sworn circulation of 
around 650,000 and has never had a 
losing month. 

From the leftover cartoon's, and 
other art stuff, Coronet was started 
and has a sworn circulation of 
400,000 and does not/accept advertis- 
ing although it's understood Coronet 
will go after advertising in Sep- 
tember.. 

A new magazine will probably be 
issued from the same company with- 
in the next six months. It's expected 
to be another class publication. Cor- 
poration controlling three papers is 
Esquire, Inc., Djavi.d Smart, publisher 
and president; William H. Wein- 
traub, associate ' publisher; Arnold 
Gingrich, v.p. and editor, and Alfred 
Smart, sec.-treas. 



Storm In Atlanta 

Rumors that the Newspaper Guild 
had a footing in Atlanta came to a 
head Friday (9), when Charles N. 
Feidelson, regional director of 
NLRB, revealed that the Atlanta 
newspaper Guild and Georgia 
Federation of Labor had filed charge 
against the Atlanta Constitution fol- 
lowing disihissal .of six' editorial em- 
ployes. 

Complaint charges that the paper 
has 'illegally discharged certain of 
its employes because they joined the 
American Newspaper Guild, a labor 
organization.' Petition also alleges 
the paper endeavored to form a com- 
pany-dominated union among its 
employes. 

. Six employes listed as dismissed 
within a 10-day period are John 
Minter, Sam . Cox," Lee Fuhrman, 
Albert C. Leitch, Guild prez, Norris 
Siegel and Will Riley. 

Maj. Clark Howell, prez and pub- 
lisher of Constitution, denied the 
charges and Feidelson declared 'he 
would proTie the accusations before 
deciding whether to issue a formal 
complaint. 



Times Revamps Financial Dept. 

N. Y. Times has revamped its 
financial department this week (12) 
and is now subscribing to the Asso- 
ciated Press statistical service, for 
daily reports from the Stock Ex- 
change and other financial markets. 
The Herald-Tribune took a similar 
step about four months ago. 

At the Times, fl-^e' men were' re- 
tained in the department, five dis- 
charged and five transferred. Switch 
was maide for two reasons, economy 
and sirnplification, as the AP sends 
printed sheets from which the tables 
are set, which is easier for lino- 
typers. 



UP Coast Shakeup 

iios Angeles United Press shake- 
up sends John Sky Dunlap ' from 
L.A. to head the Fresno bureau. Ed 
Heilman is transferred from the 
Phoenix bureau to L.A. 

Ed Russell is made head of the 
Phoenix bureau. 

More Philly Shifts 

Shifts in photo departments of 
Philly papers continued at a rapid 
pace during the past week. 

Among changes are Larry Keigh- 
ley from the Record to the Inquirer, 
Mike Pearlman from the head of the 
News photo department to the staff 
of the Record, Nigk Carter from the 
JSeHta—to—the Inquirer and promo- 
tion of Larrk Springfield to chief 
of News lenserk 



Closenps of Bfttoneers 

Simon Se Schuster will publish In 
the autumn a volpme of candid- 
camera shots of wJc. composers and 
conductors at work. Stills include 
lensings of the mien during perform- 
ances and at rehearsals.- 

Eric Schall secured all the shots, 
most of them at radio broadcasts. 
Photog was given permission by 
CBS and NBC to prowl around the 
studios with his camera. 

' ■ ' ■ 

Life Out West 

Allah Brown, Hollywood rep of 
Life mag, goes east shortly for 
month's vacash at N,ewport, R. I., 
and Alfred Wright, Jr., assumes 
Western duties for the publicatibn 
during Brown's absence. 

Paul Dorsey, formerly of World 
Wide photos, has signed year's con-' 
tract as an official photog for Life. 



Jones Vice Fnray 

Joseph L. Jones was made gen- 
eral foreign manager of the United 
Press Monday (12).^ He succeeds 
James L. Furay, who for 12 years 
has been vice-president and general 
foreign manager. 

Furay remains as . v. p., but will 
devote more time to corporate af- 
fairs of the U. P. 



San Dieeo Sheet Guilded 

San Diego Sun has signed a year's 
contract with the Newspaper Guild, 
calling for a five-day 40-hour week. 

Beginners will receive $18, five- 
year men $40 and six-year men $45. 



CHATTER 

Ives Washburn back from Eng- 
land. 

Elizabeth Hawes preparing a book 
on fashions. 

Octavus Roy Cohen_^ vacationing 
in Havana again. 

Cora Jarrett finishing a new novel 
titled 'The Silver String.' 

Howard K. Bauernfeind elected 
vice-president of Lippincott's. 

William C. Lengel's new book will 
be titled 'Candles in the Wind.' 

Vicki Baum's new novel titled 
'Tale from Bali,' due out in October. 

Abbe "family to tour the West this 
summer in a trailer. Gilda Gray 
tagging along. 

Pearl Buck's new novel, 'Tliis 
Proud Heart,' will be serialized in 
Good Housekeeping next fall. 

James Warner Bellah's new novel 
titled 'This Is the Town.' He is pres- 
ently in Europe on his honeymoon. 

Random House has signed a con- 
tract with President Roosevelt to 
publish his speeches and state papers. 

Justin Herman, comedy writer for 
Par shorts, has sold article oh picts 
to Esquire. His first serious piece. 

Cornelius Dubois, promotion man- 
ager of Time since 1931, has been 
appointed research director of Life." 

Random House will publish a two- 
volume edition of all Greek drama, 
■edited by Eugene O'Neill, Jr., and 
Whitney Gates. 

Frank Scully to Lake Arrowhead, 
Calif., in early August to complete 
recuperation from his most recent 
physical setback. 

Margaret 'Mike' Schaeffer, produc- 
tion director at WFIL, Philly, ready- 
ing a series of short stories for a 
mag. Among her novels is 'Cathed- 
ral Street.' 

William H. Chamberlain, Far East- 
ern correspondent for the Christian 
Science Monitor, will have a new 
book out in the fall, titied "Japan 
Over Asia.' 

Dave Wittels, Philly' Record re- 
porter, who authored Lily Pons' 'I 
Dream Too Much,' in seclusion at 
High Point, N. J., to produce an- 
other scuff in six weeks. 
.. Paul Sanders, formerly theatrical 
press agent, is joining Dave Smart's 
staff next Monday (19) to handle 
publicity on a new magazine the 
Esquire publications are planning. 

Alice Ross Colver, novelist, has 
completed a play, 'Now I'll 'Tell One,' 
formerly titled 'Bad Penny,' with 
Helen and Nolan Leary as collab- 
orators. Jane Broder is the agent. 

Elwin Thompson, managing editor 
of the New York Morning Telegraph, 
left last Saturday (10) to handle the 
same job for the Miami Beach Tii- 
bune. Both are M. L. Annenberg 
sheets. 

The Denver Newspaper Guild has 
signed a contract with the Rocky 
Mountain News covering hours, 
wages and dismissal indemnities. 
It was signed by Aubrey Graves, 
editor, and George V. Biirns, Den- 
ver. Guild president, and is the first 
Guild contract with a Colorado 
newspaper. Writers on the Denver 
Post are also organizing. 

Philadelphia Inquirer Guild unit 
refused Sunday (11) to accept the 
contract offered by Publisher Moe 
Annenberg because he has rejected 
the demand for closed or preferen- 
tial shop. 

Thomas Calvert McGlary has ar- 



rived In Hollywood to obtain mate- 
rial and write magazine articles on 
Dick Merrill, covering Merrill's 
transatlantic flight and his work as 
a film actor. 

Esquire Features signed George 
Antheil to do a daily and Sunday 
column titled. 'Boy Advises Girl.' 
Antheil is now imder contract with 
Selznick International in Holly- 
wood to 'score several films. 

Evans Plummer is moving to the 
Coast from the Chicago office of Ra- 
dio Guide to function as editorial 
assistant under Carl Schroeder, West- 
ern representative of the Moe An- 
nenberg publishing interests. 

Newspaper Office Guild in New 
York has grown rapidly since its in- 
ception less than two months ago. 
It now has a membership repoirted 
as . more than 1,500 and has obtained 
majorities of .business staff employees 
on most leading New York dailies. • 

Richard P. Curtiss, former" news 
editor of the Rochester Democrat 
and Chronicle, has been named pub- 
lisher of the Salisbury (Md.) Times, 
a daily, and the Wicomico News, a' 
weekly, acquired last week by the 
Brush-Moore Newspapers, . Inc.;. of 
Canton, Ohio. 
;X3arolyn Marx, who has been do- 
ing a book column for the N. Y. 
World-Telly, is back from a three 
weeks' vacation and is temporarily 
filling in for Mary Waterman of the 
radio department. Latter was oper- 
ated on last week (9) for fippendi- 
citis. Harry Hansen is continuing 
the column 'Bookmarks for Today.' 

"While touring in his Liberty 
trailer, doing the Mrs. Simpson-Duke 
of Windsor stuff for Lib, Cornelius 
Vanderbilt, Jr., had many-hued 
blankets which, by coincidence, ap- 
proximated the colors of the Italian 
flag. As a result, he came in for 
some unsolicited razzing from the 
French peasants, who peeked into 
the trailer and mistook Vanderbilt 
and his secretary for Fascisti. 



LITERATI OBITS 

Roswell Brownson, author 'and 
former publisher of the Oxnard 
(Calif.) Courier, died July 6 at Up- 
land, Calif. A graduate of Harvard, 
he went to California 30 years ago. 
His writings were widely rear^. in the 
west. He leaves his widow, a daugh- 
ter and mother. 

Mrs. Kate Milner Babb died in i§t. 
"Vincent's Hospital at Indianapolis on 
July 3, after a brief illness. Mrs. 
Rabb had conducted 'A Hoosier 
Listening Post' on the editorial page 
of The Indianapolis Star since 1920. 
She also Was the author of several 
books, and was considered an au- 
■ thority on Indiana history. 

William H. (Duke) Deshon, 87. 

newspaperman for 50 years, died at 
his home in Utica, N. Y., on July 8. 
He was retired since 1921, when ha 
left the Utica Observer-Dispatch. 

George T. Keech, 85, pubhshorfor 
50 years of The Stanhope Ea^le, 
weekly newspaper, died at nis home 
in Netcong, N. J., on July 7. 

Henry D. Jacobs, member of the 
editorial staff of the John C. Wins- 
ton Co., Philadelphia, died at Tri- 
angle, "Va., last wieek of injiu-ies re- 
ceived in an automobile accident. 
His wife, Edith, who was injured 
in the same accident, is in an Alex- 
andria, .'Va., hospital. Philadelphia 
lexicographer was 59. 

Frederick E. Craigie, for four dec- 
ades editor and publisher of The 
Catskill Examiner, Catskill, N. Y., 
died July 9 at the home of a daugh- 
ter in Oak Park, 111. Survivors are 
three daughters and two sons. Burial 
.in Rochester, N. Y., July 12. 



G-B Deal 



(Continued from page 2) 



Saturday (17) on the Rex, going to. 
Carlsbad for two or three weeks, 
first. 

Major reason for the trip is 
to start Metro's English production, 
but the final emergences of .a deal 
with Gaumont-British will play a 
leading role also. 

Sam Eckman, Jr., Metro's British 
chieftain, preceded the group by four, 
days, having sailed last Friday (7) 
to lay the groundwork. Michael 
Balcon and Jack Conway will follow 
along in about 10 days with a com- 
pleted script of «A Yank at Oxford,' 
which will be the first film on 
schedule. 



Hollywood, July 13. 
Lou Wertheimer and John Zanft 
also will accompany Mayer to Eng- 
land, sailing on the Normandie to- 
land. Harry Goetz, Milton Weiss and 
Arthur Stebbins also trekked east, 
Goetz planning to go on to England 
to make a picture with Edward 
Small for United Artists release. 



, New Bocbester Daily? 

Group headed by Dr. Meyer Jacob- 
fitein, formei? publisher of the Roches- 
ter Journal-American, and reported- 
ly including labor and brewery in- 
terests, is getting subscriptions in 
an effort to establish a daily to re- 
place the Hearst papers which sus- 
pended recently. According to report 
some 12,000 have agreed to take the 
new paper and the tentative goal is 
50,000. 

Most of the editorial employes of 
the Hearst papers, who received six 
weeks dismissal pay, are taking a 
vacation and awaiting developments. 
Number of employes of the me- 
chanical departments, who received 
two weeks extra pay, have been ab- 
sorbed by the two Gannett papers. 
Four or five former Albany Gan- 
nett editorial workers, dismissed in 
the merger, are booked for jobs on 
the Rochester Times-Union and 
Democrat & Chronicle. 



Dr. High's Book on F. D. B. 

Dr. Stanley High, onetime NBC 
education program ballyhooer who 
became a member of the Democratic 
party publicity machine which 
helped reelect President Roosevelt, 
only to be summarily dropped last 
December for penning Satevepost 
piece through which he established 
himself as 'official spokesman' for 
the White House, has drawn" a con- 
tract and 'an advance from Harper's 
for a book on the New Deal and its 
Dealers. 

Since his excommunication from 
the fringe of the Brain Trust, High 
has had no trouble peddling pieces 
on Washington to the mags. Since' 
last December his mag writings have 
netted High $20,000. The ex-New 
Dealer is also a preacher, presiding 
over a parish in Stamford, Conn. 



'Mooney Medal' for Wignall 

Trevor "Wignall, to Lord Beaver- 
brook's string of British rags what 
Damon Runyon is to Hearst's, is in 
Hollywood en route to Frisco, but 
not so sure whether he should go on 
or turn back. 

Some time ago Wignall 'wrote a 
piece for Beavie'^s string in which he 
said if London were destroyed he'd 
pick Frisco as his second choice of 
a town to live in. Both places had 
the siame soupy fogs, mean streets, 
superiority complexes and high 
costs of living, he argued. 

Frisco C. of C, figuring the thing 
a plug, has awarded him a medal. 
Wignall wonders if it's the kind that 
explodesL 



Strilce Hits 3 111. Papers 

, Both the morning Decatur (III.) 
Herald and the afternoon Decatiu* 
Review have suspended publication 
indefinitely following a strike called 
on Sunday (11) by the American 
Newspaper Guild. Sunday Herald- 
Review wasn't published either, due 
to the fact pressmen and mailing 
room employees would not pass 
through the picket lines. 

Strike was called after some three 
weeks of negotiations. 



Censorships Decreasing 

Decrease in censorship during the 
past year is rioted by the Nat'l Coun- 
cil on Freedom from Censorship in 
its annual report covering events up 
to June of this year. Only 'scat- 
tering instances' of censorship of 
books, plays, radio, pictures and the 
mails were reported, by the Council, 
while 'no further restrictive legis- 
lation was passed and the court de- 
cisions were on the whole encourag- 
ing.' . 

Only prosecution of a book report- 
ed by the Council was that brought 
by the N. Y, Society for the Sup- 
pression of "Vice against James T. 
Farreil's 'A World I Never Made.' 
In Boston, however, the report 
states, the 'voluntary censorship im- 
posed by booksellers continues to 
keep off the market books likely to 
be regarded as offensive.' 

NLRB Paged for Svirsky 

Discharge of Leon Svirsky, school 
page editor of the N. Y. World-Tele- 
gram, will be taken up by the local 
National Labor Relations Board this 
week at the request of the News- 
paper Guild. • 

W-T Guild unit , appointed a com- 
mittee of four to investigate the fir- 
ing based on the contention that 
Svirsky, who was active in the Guild, 
was discriminated against. George 
Morris, Edd Johnson, Winston Mur- 
rill and Wesley Price served on the 
committee, which recommended the 
appeal. 



Quashing a Rumor 

• With the air full of rumors and 
reports of the disposal of the Chicago 
Herald and Examiner last week, the 
newspaper finally carried a boic on 
its front page for two days, quoting 
a telegram from William Randolph 
Hearst denying any plans for the 
change In status of the morning 
Hearst rag. 

Talk had been that (1) the paper 
would be converted into a tab; (2) 
it would be taken over by the ey^ 
ning indie tab, Times. • / 



Wednesilay, July 14, 1937 



CHATTER 



VARIETY 



67 



Broadway 



Sardi's now air conditioned. 

Bill Fields back from his Texas 

vacation. . ■ . / j ji_ ' 
Jean Paul King abed from too 

much supi. J * , 

Frank Coy recovered from pleuro- 
pneumonia. 

Judy Shinn spotted for WB test by 
Steve Trilling. . , ^ , . 

Noel Coward expected back m 
town in October. 

Joey and Florence Keith vacation- 
ing at White Lake. 

Walter Anderson of Clark Getts 
office to Hollywood. 

Sam Grisman took son to Europe 
as graduation present 
- iEd Emery to- summer on his sail- 
boat at Marmaroneck, N. V 

Chris Hagedorn down from Sara- 
nac for removal of a tun'or. 

Johnny I)owd jumped into a lake 
near Albany and saved a kid. 

Allen Boretz h,as taken a country 
place near Lambertville, N. J. 

Paul Lepere cast for two summer 
revivals at Mt. Kisco and Westport. 

Joey Deulsch improved; may have 
visitors at Mt Sinai hosp. next week. 

Jack Pearl, of Longacre ttieatre 
box office, ill with, niervous afflic- 
tion. 

" French Casino will reopen by the 
end of August with new London 
show.' • ' 

Robert Baral will have an article, 
•L.A. to N.Y.,' in Sept Harper's 
Bazaar.' 

Ernest McCauley treated for eye 
infection 'caused by sun'biirn on fish- 
ing trip! 0 . 

Ruth Morris writing about catch- 
ing fish this- big at her place at Sara- 
nac Lake. - • - 

A1 Jolson and Jack Benny claimed 
to be on five winners at Empire track . 
Saturday. - 

Bill Lieblihg talking about giving 
up agehting TO become a producer 
in the fall. 

Asphalt on Broadway near 46th 
street sunken; SK by terrific Jieat of 
recent days. ! . 

Add marquee signs, the one at the 
Cameor Soviet Polar Flyers— Care- 
fuly Air-Cooled. 

Mlie. Matouschek, Cchechslovakian 
film star, arrived yesterday (Tues.) 
for a short visit. 

Sid Rechetnik, WB publicity pur- 
veyor, off to the Coast by plane for 
two weeks' visit. 

Bob Hanley in town from Moylan, 
Pa., to bally Hedgerow theatre's an- 
nual Shaw festival. 

Cast of 'Brother Rat* notified the 
show will fun at the Biltmore until 
Sept 11, then tour. 

George Abbott reported dickering 
with Lee Strassbtirg to direct his 
'Sea Gull* production, 

Ralph Rolan, March of Time boss, 
confined to his home one day last 
week with a sprained back. 

Jules Levine and Peter Kalisher 
rusticating at Meddybemps, Me., 
■while they collab on a play. 

Sol Shapiro back _home after 
handling the Cotton Club troupe 
during the Paris engagement. 

Joe Zimanich, National Screen 
exec, sailing today, away five weeks, 
was farewell-partycd Monday. 
' Boy Scout Jamboree in Washing- 
ton upped NBC and Radio City 
tourism 20% over the week-end. 

Mrs. L. Wolfe Gilbert motored in 
from the Coast with the son, who 
this year graduated from high school. 

Cynthia White motoring to the 
Coast with a short stopover at the 
camp of Capt. Irving O'Hay at Taos, 
.N.M.. 

Bob Broder, counselor, is rienovat- 
ing his country home by attending 
every auction in Pennsylvania 
county. 

Dayton Stoddard budgeting him- 
self at $17 a week at Fire Island, 
N. y.. and writing the book for an 
• operetta. 

Marta Abba has taken a summer 
place at Great Neck, L. I. Expects 
to make her permanent home in 
America. 

^ Wyrley Birch- and Bowen Tufts 
set by Mildred Weber, of the Morris 
office, for strawhat dates at Matu- 
nuck, R. I. 

Marian Shocltley strawhatting at 
Skbwhegan, Me. Replacing Mary 
Rogers,, who's staying on the Coast 
lhi.s summer. 

Katherine Locke back with a coat 
of sunburn for a backstage visit to 
the ca.st of 'Having Wonderful Time' 
at the Lyceum. 

Universal home office employes 
holding their, annual golf tourney 
this week, at Bonnie Briar country 
club, Larchmont. 

Herb Morgan, Metro shorts ex- 
ploiter, badly gashed his gam on .1 
scallop shell while swimming out 
Westchester way. 

Milt Lewis went back to the Coast 
last week, but this time to join the 
talent department at Paramount, in- 
stead of as an agent 
• Judy Starr leaving Rudy Vallee's 
troupe to sign with the Shuberts for 
either the new 'Follies' or the Ed 
Wyrtn musical in the fall. 

Theron Bamberger, back from 
London, making preliminary prep- 
ara-fions for Broadway production of 
'Lover.e Meeting' in the fall. 

Terry Ginsberg of Warner play- 
t^ate department at the h. o. sailed 
Satnrday (10) for .12-day cruise to 
, Havana, Nassau and Miami. 

Popular *pot in front of Radio 
. Cily is the soecial thermometer that 
P've-: lli^e c::.^ct s'reet temperature 
■f"1 thai spot in full glare of sun. 

Bf-fh' Brown' rcmerhbcrs her 
"iends who bwn canine pets with 



toy bone gifts, donated in the name 
of Hobo, the authoress' own dog. 

Last week's heat withered Broad- 
Way so much one of the larger talent 
agencies for legit went a complete 
day without an actor in for a job. 

Sandy Abraham.s,.in charge of pro- 
duction of'trailers for Warner Bros, 
on the Coast arrived in New York 
Monday (12) for home office con- 
tacts. 

H. L. proves, field division man- 
ager of Copyright Protection Bureau, 
scheduled to return to N. Y. this 
week from swing through Middle 
West 

Jerry Martin, executive aide to 
Charles H. THurman, NBC guest re- 
lations division, took a brief vacation, 
last week away from the visiting 
flremeii. 

Some 60 officials of Rockefeller 
Center and- RKO attended a special 
showing last week of 'March of Time' 
because of one subject, 'Rockefeller 
Millions.' . 

Abe Lyman, ailing from a trick 
stomach, now on the mend and tak- 
ing the Canal route rest-cure to the 
Coast on his first visit westjxi-sev— 
eral years. 

Jylie Haydon, vacationing at Den- 
nis, Mass., before beginning summer 
stock dates, planning- to remain in 
the legit theatre the next two or 
three years. 

Mary Mason leaves the ca.st of 
'Brother Rat' Saturday U7), plan- 
ning to return in September. Relax- 
ing, meanwhile, at her home in 
Westport Conn. 

George ' Gershwin tragedy made 
the Broaidway bunch sit down and 
take self-stock anent where will all 
the rush and buStle get you, etc. It 
was the big topic of the town. 

Nancy Noland, formerly of 'New 
Faces' and niteries, is strawhatting 
with the Max Liebman troupe at 
Taminent Pa., . with a Broadway 
musical in prospect for the fall. 

George S. and Beatrice Kaufman 
tossed a fireworks party last Svm- 
day -(4) night. Guests included show 
biz . neighbors in Bucks county, Pa., 
as well as number of Broad wayites. 



Sydney 



Paris 



Col's 'Lost Horizon' got away to a 
nice opening. 

Magician Fu Chan has been forced, 
to postpone Aussie trip owing to 
South American contracts; 

Sir Ben Fuller is dickering with 
Piccoli Marionettes for a season in 
New Zealand and Australia. 

Film Board of Trade anxious to 
stop triple bills out in the nabes. 
Huddles now on to see what can be 
done. 

Harmony Kings, playing Neil .time, 
are jiving a series of 20-minute 
broadcasts for Australian Broadcast- 
ing Commission over National net- 
work.' 

Sam Snider, Snider-Dean, is still 
telling newspapermen that he's de- 
termined to build a theatre solely 
for the presentation of flesh shows. 
Sir Ben Fuller. sayR the same thing. 

Orrie Perry is still staging presen- 
tations at State theatre for Greater 
Union. Other houses are whipping 
in the stage stuff from, time to time, 
mostly using the pit boys and local 
acts. 

Slow progress still prevails on lo- 
cal production with indie units in 
this territory. Argossy hopes to lay 
a pic on floor just as soon as suf- 
ficient money is secured on .share 
•sales. Clarence .Badger will direct 
first try. 



Pittsburgh 

By Hal Cohen 



Jeanne Manet at Sheherazade. 
Juline Duvivier finishing 'Garnet 
de Bal,' 

Ambrose and band at Chateau de 
Madrid. 

Jim Mollison's memoirs appearing 
in 'Ce Soir.' 

Gorki's 'Ma Mere' closing in Thea- 
tre du People. 

William Dieterle saying Hollywood 
a hard working city. 

Mona Goya taking prize at. Gala 
Nautique des Artistes. 

Of seven new films opening this 
week six are American. 

Mary Morgan quitting Comediei 
Franchaise account Illness, 

Henry Bernstein off for Saint-Mo- 
ritz to work, ph a new play. 

More than iZOO autos in Intran- 
sigeant 'Concours d'Elegance.' 
_Joan Warner's first French film 
■^Gtnderella' opening at Paramount . 

Photo-Clne-Phono expo pavilion 
opened officially but closed to public. 

Mia Slavenska, Jugo-Slav star, re- 
citalihg at Theatre des Champs-Ely- 
sees. 

*Le Pays du Sourire' operetta at 
Gaiete-Lyrique broadcast over Ra- 
dio-Cite. .. 

Jean G;jbin signing with Jacques 
Daroy for lead in 'Rumeurs', begin- 
ning soon. 

Ballets de Monte Carlo back to 
London after expo Gala de la Danse 
appearance. 

'La Belle Saison.' new operetta 
starring Lucienne Boyer opening at 
Marigny Theatre. 

Bruno Walter directing Vienne 
Philharmonic Orchestra at Theatre 
des . Champs-Elysees. 

Merle .Oberon taking, part In 
Comedie Francaise gala for retire- 
ment of Albert Lambert. 

Alia Donnel signing with Jeff 
Mosso to appear in 'Puritan' with 
Pierre Fresnay in male lead. 

Serge. Glykson's band with Al Ro- 
mans and Jerry Mengo opening at 
Casino de Foret at Le "Touquet 

The Good Earth' (M-G) opening 
at he Paris. 'Maytime' (M-G) open- 
at Cinema des Champs Elysees. 

Pierre Larquey and Charpin off 
for Marseilles to comrrience work on 
'Un Soir a Marseill6.'--^Maurice de 
Canonge megging. 



Dave. Rubinoft here for a week's 
visit with his parents. 

Joe Feldmans have left for three 
weeks in a Connecticut hideaway. 

Karl Krug trying to get his older 
son an appointment to West Point. 

West View Park playing host to 
entire newspaper gang on Friday 
(16). 

Jerry Mayhall working on a sym- 
phonic poem he's calling 'Honky 

Heat too much for non-cooled 
Plaza cafe and it's folded for the 
summer. „ 

Bill Blowitz. of Helen Fergu.son 
agency on Coast vacationing with 

his folks. , . ... J 

Johnny Harris had a birthday over 
the wek-end. Ditto Harry Thomas, 
the booker. . 

Robert Alan Green.s— he's director 
of Kilbuck theatre— to California for 
the summer. 

Harrv Brown sez legit will have 
its earliest opening at Nixon in sev- 
eral seasons, •,. „ 

Bernie Armstrongs spendmg all 
of their warm weather week-ends 
up in Kane, Pa. . 

Chester LeRoy s mother and father 
back to Chicago after visiting the 
ventriioqui.st here. . 

Variety Club will hold its annual 
golf lournanient at the Westmore- 
land CO. August 20. 

Bill Hoist and Mary . Hopper, of 
Duae.sne drama school, strawhatting 
at KennebunkDorl, Me. 

Dave Broudy's ailing wife back 
froin New York, where she was 
stricken ill fortni.^ht ago. 

Lois Miller organloguing and sing- 
inc for the visitors to Heinz Pier in 
i Atifintic Cily thi.« summer. . 
'■ Kap IVIoiiahan off for Denver Hiid 
I from there' poeF t'o' Hollywood to 
I cover the .studios for 'Press.' 



London 



Gloria Day touring with the Jack 
Hylton vaude unit. 

LUy Morris recovering from ap- 
pendicitis operation. 

Anna May Wong to Paris and sail- 
ing for New York from there. 

De Marcos to Paris for several 
dates, then sailing for New York, 

Rimacs postponing their American 
dates to play the Paramount, Paris. 

Harry Foster snatching a few days 
vacation at Cornwall with the Mrs. 

Hutchinsons publishing 'It's Fun to 
Be Fooled,' written by Horace 
Goldin. magician. 

Roland Young coming to Pinewood 
to appear in the new Jessie Matthews 
picture 'Full Sail,' to be directed by 
Sonnie Hale. 

Noel Coward's comedy 'Hay Fever' 
being broadcast, featuring Marie 
Tempest, Glen Byam Shaw, Valerie 
Taylor, Frank Cellier. 

'Touring company of 'Victoria 
Regina' set to start around Christmas. 
This is first time Gilbert Miller has 
a show of his touring while same 
show is playing' the "West-End. 

Jose Collins returning to the stage, 
making a brief appearance in a new 
drama by Audrey and Waveney Car- 
ten called 'Destination Unknown.' 
Show had try-out at the 'Q' theatre 
before bidding for West-End. 

Number .of holiday visitors from 
foreign countries during May (Coro- 
nation month) showed an increa.se 
over the corresponding month of the 
previous year of 14,129, There were 
more than double the number from 
the U. S. 

Forsythe, Seamon and Farrell sail 
for America to play two weeks in 
Vaudeville, Washington and Phila- 
delphia, then returning to England 
for vaudeville dates, including Radio 
Olympia, which is generally reserved 
for English talent. 



from the ship to motor car, honey- 
m<ooniiig over at Lanakai. 

Hary Owens hoping his new num- 
ber, 'Little Angel,' will be a second 
'Leilani.' 

J,- J. Franklin back from New 
York, readying himself for new 
business. 

Ray Henderson, Katharine Cornell's 
rep, accomplished much on his one 
day visit, 

Henry R. Luce and wife, Clare 
Boothe, flew to all the islands, here 
six weeks. 

Mrs. Dan Topping (Arline Judge) 
and son, remaining six months, liv- 
ing at Kahala. 

Mr. and Mrs, Marco Wolf and 
daughter at the Royal. Marco. (F. 
& M.) intends entering theatre busi- 
nes here with Adolph Ramish. 

Jane Howard, daughter of the Roy 
Howards, reporting for Advertiser, 
at $18 per week, and living at the 
Royal Hawaiian at $18 per day. 

Honolulu Community Players, an- 
ticipating, keenly, the sponsoring of 
Katharine Cornell when her world 
tour begins. Perhaps her stay here 
-will be three weeks. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles ('Buddy') 
Rogers (Maty Pic'-^^rd) and their 
party iat the Royal xor three weeks, 
Mr. arid Mr».. C. Youngreen of Chi- 
cago, came along with the PiCkford- 
Rogers party. 



HoHywood 



Philadelpha 

By Herb Golden 



Enid Hager motoring through New 
York state. 

Hugh Walton vacationing in 
Harrisburg. 

Murray Arnold to Long Island for 
two-week respite. 

Many Dell tooters commuting to 
Atlantic City daily. 

Howard Jones back from 3,800-mile 
auto tour of south. 

WD AS will give bachelor party 
for Pat Stanton July 22. - 

Larry Vincent's sustaining sold to 
Graham-Paige last Thursday. 

Frank Kern the poppa of eight 
pounds of baby girl born July 3. 

Roger Clipp now golfing regularly 
at swanky Overbrook Golf Club. 

Dave Greenberg preparing to move 
Variety Club to the BelleVue Sept. 1. 

Morris Spector guested with his 
drums at Robin Hood Dell last week. 

Art Padula to Pittsburgh tomorrow 
and Friday to pay respects to Happy 
Felton. 

Jerry Stone off on week's vacash, 
but doesn't know to where until he 
arrives. 

Jack Stewart hooking plenty of 
blue fish on weekly jaunts off 
Barnegat. 

Helen Kiley back at WIP, a little 
weak in the pedals, but minus 
appendix. 

Jim Truesdale to handle airings 
from Rev. Percy Crawford's East 
Stroudsburg camp. 

Bill Dyer and Taylor Grant did 
p.a. at club in Pottstown Saturday. 
Whole town turned out called it 
'Dyer Day.' 

Boake Carter finding new twice 
nightly airings strenuous. Practically 
revising entire script for Pacific 
Coast broadcast. 

Fred Webber, WFIL's new Camera 
Club authority, ^ never owned a 
camera in his life — pure, set-up for 
P. A. Joe Connelly. 
. Chirper Ben Alley and Organist 
IDoris Havens about ready to release 
opus on which they collabbed during 
spare moments at WCAU. 



Max Golden to Alaska. 

Edmund Lowe back from England. 

Douglass Montgomery raising Irish 
woUhounds. 

Nat Kalcheim Derbying with the 
Morris gang.. 

Pete Smith dlaloging a Metro short 
in hospital bed. 

Philip Truex, son of Ernest Truex, 
taking tests at U. 

M, J. Siegel, Republic prexy, back 
from New York. 

Phil Baker arrived for role in 
•Goldwyh Follies.' 

Constance Hope abandoned HoUy- 
wi-rd for Honolulu. 

Fritz Leiber technical-advising on 
'The Great Garrick.' 

Willi Weil, Warner's New York 
writer, looking around. 

Phil Regan wears an honorary 
Pittsburgh police star. 

George Bricker bought Constance 
Bennett's Malibu house. 

William Gaxton up from Mexico 
City to give ear to picture oflfers. 

Cnrl Randall staging dances for 
Universal's 'Merry-Go-Round of 
1938.' . 

Kaspar Monuhan here fiom Pitts- 
burgh to do a series of s(tudio inter-> 
Views. , 

Charles Jordan, free of Broadway 
.stage chores, is- here talking picture 

details. 

John Clark in from New York to 
chin with Joe Schenck and Darry 
Zanuck. 

Malcolm Stuart Boyland and David 
Boehm checked oft the Metro writ- 
ing roster. ■ 

Margaret Tallichet S-I player^ 
joins the Westchester Players for 
summer stock. 

Roy del Ruth and wife relaxing on 
their yacht while director prepares 
for .'Rosalie* chores. 

Dorothy Stickney in from New 
York to play in Walter Wanger's 1 , 
Met My Love Again,* 

Gertrude . Michael resumed her 
'Sophie Lang' duties at Paramount 
after a week's illness. ' 

Charles D. (Danny) Hall joined 
Hal Roach as art director after years 
with Charles Chaplin. 

Edward Arnold under medical care 
as the result Of a swimming pool In- 
jury suffered at Arrowheiod. 

Warner Oland will visit Sweden, 
where he was born, to make sure 
he hasn't gone completely fumanchu. 

Marlene Dietrich, her husband, 
Rudolf Sieber, an<^ their daughter, 
Maria, sailing for Paris tomorrow 
(Wed.) from N. Y. 

John Blystone pacted Pietro Mon- 
tanez, 19-year-old Mexican songster, 
and is educating his voice. Discov- 
ered, lad warbling in a Tia Juana 
nitery. 

Dan Man waring back as Warner 
praiser. Johnny Miles left 20th-Fox 
to. replace Blake MacVeigh at Sam- 
uel Goldwyn's, and Mac'^eigh goes 
free-lancing. 

Westport 

By Humphrey Doulens 



Minneapolis 

By Les Rees 



Honolulu 

tiy Mabel Thomas 



John Held, Jr., in town, 

Mrs, William Anthony McGuir© 
^ here. 

I Lily Pons goes to the Coast in two 
i weeks, 

I The Joe Wrights are at Bell© 
1 Island. 

i 'Mrs. Mickey Graves visiting her 
I sisier at South Norwalk. 

Bori,s Sokoloft now handling pub- 



Herb Blas.s, Warner Brothers' office licity at Country. Playhouse 



manager, troubled by poison ivy 

Bennie Berger circuit to have 
managers' meeting at Bemidji lake. 

Harold Harris to put Major Bowes' 
unit together at Bemidji, Minn., to 
take to Australia and China. 

.Iva Griffith, RKO secretary, col- 
lapsed at work and was rushed to 
hospital for major operation. 

Fred Finnegan, Universal office 
manager, and the wife off for north- 
ern Lake Superior shore points. 

Marion Loysen and Lillian Jensen 
of WB motoring through Canadian 
Rockies and to Glacic-r National 
Park. 

Harry Hirsch and Harry Katz of 
Gayety assi.sting Tony Stecher in 
I handling roller skating derby at 
Duluth and here. 



Margaret L. Smith fully recovered 
from her illness. 

Grantland Rice .sport.«reel camera- 
men through shooting here. 

Mr. and Mi-.s. Rush Hughes at 
Waikiki Beach for a vacation, 

Dick Hyland, ex-husband of Adela 
St. John, married Lou Landsburgh. 

Henry Putnam, announcer - at 
KGMB, married Nila Jordan here. 

Bill Bacher remained the second 
week, plans to establish a home here. 

Mr.s. Spencer Tracy and her two 
children al the' Royal for a long 
stay. 

Mr.s. William f'Ma') Henry back 
for six months at her Diamond Head 
home. 

Charles Butlerworth came for a 
week; will st.ny for u ntonllj al the 
Royal. 

Jeanett'e McDonald and Gene Ray- 
mond were mobbed in their dash 



Susan' Fox, here this week in 'Pet- 
ticoat Fever,' is former local girl, . 

The entire village turned out to 
look lor Alma Archer's lost Scottie. 

Four plainclothesmeh cover Libby 
Holman's place at Collender's Point 
Camilla Crume, legit actress, 
opening a new gift shop on the Post 
road. 

The James Meltons celebrated 
their eighth anniversary with a 
dinner. 

Fred Finklehoffe Und John Monks, 
Jr„ to Coast to write for David O. 
.Selznjck, 

Colony mourning the death of 
Helen Lowell, wh"6 lived at Norwalk 
tor years. 

, John C. Wilson back to Fairfield 

brpheum underlines are Bowes' 'J^om Lunt-Fontanne opening in San 
■all-girl unit July 23; Eddie Duchin j *»'^nt:'sco. ^ . „ „ . 

I band Aug. 6 and Rudy Vallee fori, Jose Ilu^bi conducts New York 
I five days starting Aug. 26. Philharmonic at Silvermine Festival, 

nejit month. 

Carl Fischer and Mary Mason have 
bought the place they rented earlier 
in the .season. 

Florence and Ella MacMahon off 
to Hollywood to visit their nephew, 
Horace, in pictures. 

Frances Farmer will appear in 
three nlays here: 'At Mrs. Beams,' 
The Virginian' and 'The Petrified 
Forest' 

Weston Firemen's Frolic a big 
success. Many of the skits. staged 
by Philip Dunning. Virginia Dun- 
ning .scored in one of them, 
Fred Schangl, sales manager of 



Seattle 

By Dave Trcpp 



Alf Keighley to L. A. on short fun 
ti-ip. 

Jules Buftano and the mi.ssus vjica- 
tioning. 

Andrew Sa.so back from vacation- 
ing in .southwest- 
Joe Daniels recuperating, while the 
mi.ssus runs the office. 



Dale Griffiths quits Hamrick-Ever. 
green art staff for advertising agency ; Columbia Concerts, who winged' to 
work. ; China last, month, returning to Hol- 

Vic Meyers back from swing ! lywood, where his wife will meet him. 
around southern U. S., where he 



was vacationing. 

hex Beach's 'The Barrier.' to be 
filnicd at Mount Baker, with equip- 
nlertt now bein^ 'gathered there. 



John McM<7nus of Bethel saw, his 
fir.».l film in 22 yenrs at the premiere 
of 'MklniKhl MsKlonn.'i,* in "which his 
f(Mu -year-old granddaughter, 'Kitty 
Chinc.v. liJis :i leading role. 



68 



VARIETY 



OUTDOORS 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



Sun Shines for Cleve Exhibs as 
Box Offices Blossom Under Rays 



Cleveland, July 13-» ' 
Eggs could be fried on the side- 
walks of the Great Lakes Exposition 
during the last week, but heat is 
restoring concessionaires* wavering 
confidence in Cleveland. It was the 
first rainless week since the centen- 
nial fair opened on lakefront June 
29. : Attendance figures were way 
below quota up to Fourth of July, 
but since then through Old Sol's 
help ,^r\d a string of national con- 

.^ventions," the exhibitors' grosses have 

' nearly doubled. If sunny weather 
continues to draw same amount, of 
tourists, 1,118,943 up to Sunday (11), 
they won't have to use any red ink 

' thisjr^ar, 
. Week-end crowds were built up 
by all-star, bill at free Radioland, 
headed by May Bobson and Jean 
Muir. Appearing on Jimmy Melton's 

"Sunday Night program on outdoor 
stage, their dress rehearsal and eve- 
ning broadcast had the 4,000-capacity 
theatre jammed each time... . 

Harry Harrison's cool Winterland 
5s becoming such a ". phenomenal 
draw these sultry days thiat Evelyn 
Chandler as topliner of ice spec- 
tacles is doing six shows iSaturdays 
and ■ {Sundays. Ice-skatiHg contests 
iox^ local kids is proving another good 
publicity stunt. Frances Johnson, 
-from Minneapolis, brought in by 
Walter Arian as his new skating 

, partnerr replacing Frances Claudet. 
Les Hamilton, tagged world's young- 
est professional .jumper, is another 
..addition to Winterland cast. ~ 
. Report that Johnny Weismuller 
,WBj5 quitting Aquacade^s spectacular 
marine revues, because of a picture 
cQhimitttient, was denied by Billy 
.Rose; altho,ugh the Mad Mahoyt does 
..plan to revamp half thQ sho^v for 
August. Ted Weesms' band, in for 
.two weeks, has whipped up present 
.revue and is pulling in more dancers' 
■ pli floating dance floor than either 
•Xavier Cugat or Joe Venuti got. 
Greek in the Gardens 
Lamar Strlngfield, young composer 
'and Pulitzer prize winner, has. an 
interest in new Greek tragedy en- 
titled 'Aeplik Fragment' put on by 
Hope Holmes at Horticultural Gar- 
•dens.. Lamar composed the music 
and is conducting symphony orches- 
•tra fcir the novel production staged 
■on a thr6e-leveled hillside in open 
air. It's purely a highbrow attrac- 
tion, yet Is getting a surprisingly 

• heavy play from visiting school- 
mar'ms and socialites. 

. . Carboninctum band is slated for 
Radioland July 24, Theme song . for 

. Exposition was finished last week by 
Dudley S. Blossom, general, chair- 
man of fair, who baptized it 'My Ex- 
position Rose.' Tune was premiered 
on Walter Logftn's WTAR^ broadcast 
with composer batoning it. Spelling 
bee , sponsored by. 24 public schools 

.as a lakefront feature brought out 
an army of school, kids last Wednes- 
day (7), ending in 15-year-9ld John 
Dowling winning $250 first prize. ■ 

- Trailer city set up as convenience 
for the tin-canners now has 110 
trailers. Conventions tying up all 
hot€(lSj forcing Glenn O. Glauser of 

'the convention and visitors' bureau 
to 'start a rooming house servicie in 
connection with fair. Marine Day 

. scheduled for July 28 will have' a 
parade of lake- craft, coast guard 
cruisers and Byrd's polar ship as a 
flash. Newton D. • Baker handling 
the event, arid Lincoln Dickey, g.m., 

- is still trying to get President Roose- 
,velt and Secretary of Interior Daniel 

C. Roper to officiate. 




(Continued from page 3) 



other site looked into, that of the 
Rancho Golf Club, covering 187 
aci:es and opposite the 20th-Fox 
plant. However, due to the U.S. 
Government having liens on the 
property for taxes due from S.W. 
Strauss & Co., which are reported to 
be around $1,500,000, an appraisal of 
the property does • not warrant a 
$650,000 outlay for it, as claimed by 
realty experts here. 

The Pico property covers an area 
which is partially occupied by the 
Drive-In Outdoor theatre and would 
involve ah outlay of around $525,000 
for its purchase. This property is 
owned by Sabichi & Bain and their 
realty reps, James & Patridge, were 
in almost daily conference, last week 
with Balaban, Griff is, Raibourn, 
George Bagnall, Henry Herzbrun 
and Ken Fitzpatrick, Coast realty 
head fot Paramount. 

Site to BKO 

Should the Paramount board of 
directors approve a plan for the pur- 
chase of either, of these two sites it 
is understood the entire Paramount 
setup within a year will move to. the 
new location. The present site of 
the stiidio Qn Marathon street would 
be sold to RKp, which too has been 
cramped for space. An entire new 
studio in construction of stages, ad- 
ministration buildings, laboratories, 
dressing ano| wardrobe buildings and 
craft shops would cost Paramount, in 
the neighborhood 'of . around $7,500,- 
000. . However, it is felt that prac- 
tically all of the money invested In 
the present studio property, includ- 
ing improvements and the cost of 
the Paramount ranch in the Malibu 
Lake area on Ventura boulevard, 
would be realized through sale. Will- 
iam Randolph Hearst, who owns 
property adjacent to the ranch. Is 
understood to b? willing to take this 
property over. 

Paramount studio execs claim they 
have been cramped for space on the 
present lot for more than a year and 
that, with expansion of production, 
another site or additional property la 
immediately necessary. They claim 
that there has been a large waste in 
the striking of expensive sets as soon 
as shooting has been completed in 
order to make, way for another. If 
the studio had the opportunity to let 
these sets stand and be revamped for 
utilization fdr other productions it 
would represent quite a saving in 
time. Also, currently, the entire ad- 
ministration, writing and. dressing 
room buildings are crowded to the 
hilt with workers being retarded in 



their work due to the cramped con- 
dition. 

In New Plant In Tear 

It is figured that with a fast okay 
from New York that within at least 
nine months' time first of the pro- 
duction units could occupy quarters 
on a new site and within a year's 
time that the entire organization and 
personnel could be operating , at the 
new plant. 

Before leaving for New York last 
Friday „(9) Balaban said that in- 
creased demand for product with an 
enlarged production program made 
the . studio expansion necessary 
immediately. He declared no definite 
site had been picked or deal closed, 
but that he would, have sound re- 
ports on the properties looked upon 
with favor early this weiek, after 
which speedy measures would be 
taken for approval of a deal to 
enable immediate work to start on a 
new plant. 

Paramount has been in its present 
Marathon street quarters little more 
than 10 yiears, having purchased the 
property from United Studios, at 
which plant most of the First Na- 
tional producers were working prior 
to moving to Burbank. • 

With Paramount coniing into either 
the Pico or Robertson boulevard 
areas it would virtually make this 
district the inost important studio 
area on the Coast as, besides 20th- 
Fox, other studios close to either of 
the sites are. Hal Roach, Selznick- 
Internatitfnal and Metro. 



Plays Abroad 



(Continued from page 64) 



murdering them, and then having no 
knowledge of same. In the «nd, his 
mother kills him. She and the doctor 
are implicated. The suspense Is ter- 
rific. There is no gainsaying its 
strength and i^kill in construction. 

The piece will serve to enhance 
the reputation of Marius Goring, a 
young actor who has no difficulty in 
getting his teeth into the part. In- 
deed, all the roles are so skillf uly 
possible for any actor or actress to, 
fail with them. An author of such 
talents is sure to be heard from, if 
he will select a more felicitous sub- 
ject. Jolo. 



IL LADRO SONO 10 

CI AM THE THIEF') 

Rome, June 27. 
Dframa In ■ three acts by Giovanni Ceti- 
xato. Preaented at Olimpla theatre, Milan. 

Clara Maria Mclato 

Her Motlier *.... .Elvira ' Bet rone 

Her Uncle ................... Lulgl Carlnl 

Giorgio ...^.......Annlbala Betrono 



Saddens the Fair 



Lincoln, July 13. 

Nebraska ' has fair promise of a 
circus jam in August, with both 
Cole Bros,, Clyde Beatty and Ring- 
ling Bros., Barnum & Bailey head- 
ing this way. 

Is giving the State. Flair (Sept. 
5-10) the willies, because it means 
a dough dig just ahead of the ag 
expo. 

Ricers in Smash 

, Ballston Spa, N- Y., July 13. 

Two employes of the Dan A. Rice 
Circus were treated at Benedict 
Memorial Hospital here for lacera- 
tions and bruises suffered when a 
six-wheel trailer-truck . ran off the 
Ballston-Mechanicville road. 

liie injured men, John Jalow and 
Leonard Mitchell, rejoined the show 
at Mechanicville. The truck, oper- 
ated by W. W. Sallie, overturned 
when it failed to negotiate a curve. 
SaUie and three other employes, 
Hesse Hicks, Wilbur Gore and Johii 
Jonds, escaped with minor bruises. 



New B. & 6. Flack 

Lincoln, July 13. 
Walter Hale, brought on from the 
Coast, becomes the hew press agent 
for the Beckmann & Gerety cami' 
Val. 

He replaces Kent Hosmer, who 
died recently in Dearborn, Mich, 
Hale joined the carney. in Nagau- 
nee, Mich, 



Real Log Rolling 



Salt Flats Racers 

Salt Lake City, July 13. 

Ab Jenkins, Salt Lake City auto- 
mobile racer, holder of more than 

'. J46 speed records, arrived in town 
Tuesday (13) to begin his annual 
assault on new speed marks on 

., world-famed Bonneville salt flats, 
100 miles southwest of here. 

Race course will attract several 
, foreign speed demons during sum- 
mer, with Captain G.E.T. Eyston, 
' British speed king, planning to tackle 
the natural saline track in August. 

Utah, chambers of commerce are 
plugging race course on which Sir 
Malcolm Campbell set world's speed 
record of 301 m.p.h. two years ago. 
English peer will not come to Utah 
this season. Too busy with politics 
• and his new diversion— motorboat. 
racing. 



Birling Contests to Be Revived at Esccuiaba Fair 
' in August; Broadcasts and Newsreels 



Escanaba, Mich., July 13. 

The World's Championship Log 
Rolling Tournament which annually 
brought together the devotees of the 
lumberjacks' favorite sport, will be 
revived after a lapse of several years 
at Escanaba, Aug. 13-15, The tourna- 
ment will be .one of the feature^' of 
the Fair to. be held at Escanaba, 
starting Aug. 10. 

For sentimental reasons, Escanaba 
is an ideal site for the tournament 
for this community in Upper Michi- 
gan was once the center, of this for- 
mer pine country. 

Log rolling or birling contests are 
an outgrowth of the log drives. Be- 
fore the advent of more modern 
means of transportation, the rivers 
were used for floating logs down to 
the mouths of the streams, where the 
sawmills were situated. After the 
evening meal the lumberjacks often 
gathered around the bank of the 
stream, to watch two of their num- 
ber, on each end of a log, treading it 
with their feet, suddenly cuff it and 
then start whirling it again, in an 
effort to cause the other, to fall. 

The starting log used in a rolling 
contest usually is 20 feet long, and 
20 inches in diameter. Most stand- 
ard matches are on the best 2 out of 
3 basis. In order to force boyts to a 
finish in the event neither contestant 



is able to spill the other, the officials 
are empowered to reduce the size of 
the log whenever they deem fit. A 
16-inch log is usually ordered- for the 
n6xt test, and if this fails to cause a 
spill, a 14-inch log is pu^<^into use. 

During the depression years, there 
was a lapse in the staging of world's 
contests. This year, however, there 
has been much publicity given to 
the 'last log drives' in northern 
Minnesota and Maine, and corres- 
pondingly there has . been a renewed 
interest ,in log rolling. 

Several radio broadcasts have al 
ready been arranged for and the 
newsreel cameras are expected. 



Kicking the Dogs Around 

St. John, N. B., July 13. 

A feud has developed between the 
St. John Exhibition Association, 
operating the September fair in St. 
John, and the New Brunswick Ken 
nel Club. For many years the lair 
association has held a dog show as 
part of the annual fair, the show 
lasting five days and the fair steven 

Now the fair association has elim- 
inated the dog show and has allotted 
the space formerly used for the 
show to agricultural exhibits, oh 
the ground this would be more ben 
eflcial to tlie patrons of the lair. 



Light and amusing of its kind, this 
play might go well enough in Amer.? 
ica. . . i . . • 

Clara Is a young woman who 
wants to become a famous singer; 
her mother . alternately encourages 
her and gets in her .way,- an*, lysr 
uncle makes fun of both of them. 
The girl seems destined never to get 
attention from the public until her 
pearl necklace is stolen -from the 
hotel rppm. 

The mother declares the value to 
be $15,000 and with investigations by 
the police and press, Clara is, at last, 
in the public eye. 

At this point Giorgio appears with 
his arm in a fling, announcing that 
he is the. thief. He says his accom- 
plices beat him up when they found 
that the necklace was false and that, 
with his injured arm, he won't be 
able to continue his profession for 
at least three months. 

The man claims that It Is the 
fault of the ladies, who made be- 
lieve that the pearls were real, and 
if they don't support him for the 
next three months he will denounce 
them. .1 , 

Clara arid her mother agree to 
support Giorgio and he is passed oft 
as the singer's manager: That his 
management brings the girl renown 
as a singer is a surprise to the 
mother; that Clara falls in love is a 
surprise to the girl herself. 

And what happens after Clara— to 
escape the calamity of being in love 
with a thief — denounces him to the 
police, is a :^urprise to the audience. 

Heln. 



DALEBY DEEP 

London, Jime 29. 
Play In threft .acts ' by Horace FlatKer, 
presented by Charta- theatre at Ari's Thea- 
tre Club, IJondoh. Staged by Muriel Pratt. 

Jessie Dickenson Ethel Ramsay 

Mrs. Dergotts... :...A-nn Steplienson 

Silsle Dickenson.. Peggy Greey 

Edward Tblrsk'. Andre Morell 

I^ke Dlokepson ...R. Meadows White 

Seth Dickenson... .'Alan Wlieatley 

GiUlIan Stanlforth Sunday Wllshln 

Emma Rumbelow Joan Uans 

Jamea Waring Edward Sinclair 

Mrs. Waring Brenda Harvey 

Douglas Waring John Bryning 

Waiter Howard Devonehlre 

Leader oC Rescue Party Alfred MlUen 



Absence of sufficient thence Is the 
main weakness of this play which, 
in general treatment, resembles most 
of the Galsworthy dramas. 

Daleby Deep is a mining village 
in northern England, where they 
have a heavy Yorkshire dialect. 
Mine-owner rose from pitboy and 
dresses for dinner. His son makeis. 
overtures to the telephone girl, and 
his daughter is married to an un- 
satisfactory husband and makes 
covetous advances to the leader of 
the working men, with the avowed 
intention of having him become the 
father of her children. By a coincji"- 
dence, the young labor leader has 
all but become engaged to the little 
phone operator. . Son of the wealthy 
mine" owner meets the girl, who is 
going to spend a week-end with a 
girl friend, .takes her to a hotel, 
plies her with liquor and is about 
to seduce her when the radio an- 
nounces there_ is an explosion in the 
mine. He rushes back, joins the 
rescue party and sacrifices his life. 
His sister then takes a more human 
view of things and decides to stick 
to her husband. 

Uncommon character drawings and 
good dialog combined to make more 
or less interest, *ut the situations 
are hackneyed. . Jolo. 



does it .hi the form of an entertain- 
ing comedy. Banker Kuhn's busi- 
ness transactions are not exactly 
within the law. Banker induces his 
secretary, Baurisch, to confess be- 
fore the court that he is responsible 
for the book juggling. Olden does 
so, regrets, escapes from jail, enters 
the bankers' castle and. what is ex- 
pected, happens. Kuhn is holding a 
gay party there and the secretary 
makes use of the situation by asking 
for more money. It Is a clear case 
of extortion. The last straw for the 
unhappy banker I^ to'try to get the 
seci;etary to make love to his >iv;ife. 
But he fails. Secretary, is the opti- 
mist of the comedy's title. He pre- 
fers flirtation '.to love. But Holenia, 
too, proves himself to be Optimistic 
by keeping all his characters out of 
jail. 

Play is somewhat artificially con- 
structed, but is excellently done. 
Audience laughed throughout per- 
formance. 

Josefstadt is the only theatre to 
opfen after hot spell. It takes a 
chance with this comedy and de- 
serves good box office retutns. 

Maaa. 



DER OPTIMIST 

(THE OPTIMIST) 

Vienna, June 28. 

Comedy In three aota by I*ernet Holoiila/ 
fliMt production In Josefsstadt theatre, 
Vienna. Staged by Hans Thimlg. Set- 
tings, Ijudwltf Haas, Karl Dworsky. 

Kechner Robert Valberg 

Stephanie Fechner Paula PlUigec 

Tieffenbach. Hann Unterkli-ohner 

Kuhn Alexander Neugebnut^r 

Baui'lsoh Tl.m.s Oldnn 

And Marie Hoist, Martin Berliner, Polly 
Koss, Kurt Taeubler. 



Lerhet Holenia has an excellent 
idea. He wants to tell the world 
that any man who takes the blame 
for a crime upon himself for what- 
ever reasons, becomes gradually 
criminally inclined himself. Holenia 



THE KING'S PIRATE 

London, July. 2. 

, Historical play in three acts by Edward 
and I Theo Thompson, preaented by Peo- 
ple's National theatre, produced by Nancy 
Price and Frank Birch at St.' Martln'a 
theatre, London, . ... 

Laurence Kemy a. Lawrence Baskcomb' 

Katlierlne Carew JoycA" Redman 

Wat Ralegh Peter Oabora 

Sir Walter Ralegh ..Wyhaham Goldi» 

Robert Cecil Peter RIdgeway 

Lady Ralegh.......... ...Edith Stiarpa 

Henry, . Prince of Wales Moran Capiat 

Anne of Denmark,...; ...Helen Goaa 

James; King bt England... Wilfrid Lawson 
George, Viscount Vllliers.. Kenneth ViUlern 
Archbishop of Canterbury. .. .Stephen Jack' 

Earl of Pembroke ...Charles Stuart 

Sir Ralph Wlnwood Olfver Johnston 

Ambasnador of Spain Anthony Ireland 

Earl 'of Arundel John Arnold. 

Captain Sir Warham St. Leger, 

• Oliver Johnston 
Dean of Westminster. Aubrey Dexter 

People's National theatre, a sort 
of theatriCcil guild, sponsored this 
prdductibn, which Is understood to 
have been turned down by prac- 
tically all the commercial manage- 
ments. It can readily be seen why a 
manager, in a hunt for profit, would 
pass this one up, and it would only 
be his artistic leanings which Alight 
persuade him to take a chance. With 
the dice loaded against him. 

Play is a chronicle 'of the final 
years in the life of Sir Walter 
Raleigh, from the time he was re- 
leased from the Tower of London to 
embark upon a search ' of gold la 
Guiana, and his betrayal at tha 
hands of James I, culminating in hia 
execution. 

Students of English history will 
realize and appreciate the research 
necessitated in the writing of such 
a chronicle, but it is extremely 
doubtful if the general public will 
find, much interest in so gloomy a 
subject. , 

People's National theatre has gone 
to great pains to present the piece, 
casting and rehearsing it with cara 
and intelligence, but its efforts ap- 
pear to be wasted on a- hopeless 
script. Jolo. 



Fair Coin OK 



Washington, July 13. 
Reduced Federal donations, total- 
ing $4,500,000, for 1939 world fairs 
in San Francisco and New York 
were set Saturday (10) when Presi- 
dent Roosevelt signatured compro- 
mise bills setting up commissions to 
direct government participation in 
expos on both coasts. 



Theatre Changes 



(Continued from page 31) 



William Hoch. who shifts from 
Plaza, where Ernest Leiberman has 
been spotted, Leiberman moves over 
from another of chain's nabe houses, 
the Model, and his job has been as- 
signed to Carl Czolba, until now em- 
ployed in Warner bill-posting de- 
partment. Larry Leonardi, formerly 
an usher at the Enright, gets Czolba's 
old post. 

Jimmy Nash, formerly with Gau- 
mont-British and more recently on 
Monarch staff, has joined United 
Artists sales staff. 



Denver. 

James Maloof building a 600-seat 
house in Las Vegas. N. M., which is 
at present an exclusive Fox town. 

Dale Kline, former owner of the 
Alpine theatre, neighborhood, who 
resigned as manager of the Plaza, 
has been succeeded by Lloyd Kirby, 
manager of the Alpine. Both house."? 
now operated by Dave Cockrill of 
the Denham.^ first run. 



Rochester, 
Shattuck Opera House, built in 
1872, and once pride and glory oE 
Horrtell, is undergoing repairs, fol- 
lowing injury to two pedestrians 
from falling concrete. 



W«<lneBday, J«Iy 14, 1937 



OUTDOORS 



VARIETY 



«9 




Chi Seeks to Horn in On 1 

To Offset N. Y.-Frisco Expos 



Chicago, July 13. 
Strong movennent gathering mo- 
mentum around town to. proceed at 
lull speed on the permanent fair and 
exposition which Chicago is plan- 
ning on the site of the 1933-1934 Cen- 
tury of progress Exposition, and to 
have the entire shebang completed 
tot full operation and ballyhoo by 
the spring of 1939.' Reason behind 
the campaign is the scheduled open- 
ing of the New York and the San 
Francisco fairs in the spring of 
1939. Chicago . leafiers feel that the 
two Coast cities will get all the 
midwest tourist and 'pleasure trade 
during the summer unless Chi goes 
to town with its own exposition. 
' There has been much talk both 
pro and con On the local faii:, with 
many ot the newspapers and busi- 
ness leaders opposed to: the per- 
manent exposition on the grounds 
that It will become a Coney Island 
type of resort. While others in town 
are equally emphatic that that's ex- 
actly what they want, a rip-roarijig, 
i^di noise and hiidway layout that 
will attract the carnival-mob from 
thff .ehjtljre' midwest territory. • 

1; .'.'i . Landscape Grounds 

• Entire layout of the grounds of the 
Century, of Progress has been re- 
. vamped- during the past year, with 
everything cleaned out with the ex- 
ception of the administration build- 
ing and the Ft. Dearborn replica. 
Entire site has been landscaped. 

From the beginning Walter Greg- 
ory stated that no plans for the fair 
would be set until the grqynds were 
entirely cleared • and landscaped. 
Nowy Vrith that done, they can pro- 
ceed to build from that point on. < 

General advance plans on the fair 
call for a permanent exhibition hall 
for industrials and commercials, a 
bathing pavilioh that will be built on 
Northerly Island, an. athletic field, 
picnic grounds, a complete midway 
of rides only (no games), a few 
strictly censored shows, three or 
four 'foreign villages' which will 
contain restaurants primarily with 
atmospheric floor shows and enter- 
tainment. The entire layout will oc- 
cupy about half the space devoted 
to the Century of t'rogress, and will 
run from 12th Street to around 22nd 
Street. 

All plans were on a take-your- 
^time basis, with 194a or 1941 figured 
as a likely opening date for the 
permanent exposition. But this has 
changed considerably during the 
past couple of months, with a strong 
movement among special interests, 
such as hotels and downtown stores, 
for the completion of the Chicago 
Permanent Exposition by 1939 at the 
latest, and with as much ballyhoo 
as heralded the 1933-1934 fairs here. 



Kicks at State Tax 



S. F. Sports Director 



San Francisco, July 13. 
Art McChrystal was appointed 
Assistant Director of Special Events 
of the 1939 Golden Gate Interna- 
tional Exposition, according to an 
announcement made last week by 
W?lter Reimers, director of the di- 
vision. 

McChrystal is well known here as 
'the Voice of Kezar' through his 
broadcasting of athletic events at the 
San Francisco municipal stadium. 
McChrystal will assist Reimers in 
arranging some 3,000 special events 
to be produced during the Exposi- 
tion. 



Fair Ups Gate 

Columbus, July 13. 
Admission price for Ohio State 
Fair has been hiked from 25 cents 
to 50 cents, pre-depression high, for 
this year. 

Fair is scheduled to start Aug. 28, 
giving Ohio its first Sunday fair in 
state lair history. 



RICE UNDER AUSPICES 

Mechanicsville, N. Y., July 13. 

The. Dan A. Rice Circus (motor- 
ized) is playing dates under auspices 
Fred H, Clark Post, American 
Legion, sponsored afternoon and 
evening performances on the Eliza- 
beth street grounds in Mechanicsville 
last week. 

Outfit has heretofore operated 
principally in the West and South 
west 



Salt Lake City, July 13. 

Recent Utah legislation, making it 
mandatory to collect and remit the 
sales tax on all celebration paid ad- 
mission events is causing Mayor 
Peery of Ogden to scorch at the state 
tax commission. 

Mayor Peery is again directing the 
Ogden Pioneer Days celebration, 
July 21-24. Last week he served 
notice on the commission that Ogden 
would not pay the tax on the four- 
day outdoor spectacle despite the 
fact the tax commission had told him 
payment is required by law. 

In contrast to the stand of Mayor 
Peery, directors of the Covered 
Wagon Days celebration here during 
same period intend to collect and 
remit the sales tax. 



MAYOR CRACKS 
ATICPIERS 



Atlantic City, July 13. 

Condemnation proceedings by the 
city against Steeple.chase and Central 
piers for violation of the Boardwalk 
easement and beach park deeds are 
under consideration. Mayor C. D. 
White announced. At the same time 
the Mayor revealed that foreclosure 
proceedings had been brought against 
the Garden Pier for failure to settle 
past due taxes. . 

Easement and beach park deeds 
affect almost all beachfront property. 
Years ago owners of the beachfront 
yielded riparian rights to the city, 
thus permitting a bathing beach for 
public use which was to be main- 
tained by the city. 

Steeplechase pier burned down 
several years ago and since has had 
the front part rebuilt. That portion 
of the pier which extended ocean- 
ward is now but a series of pilings. 
The Mayor has condemned the 
Steeplechase along with the Central 
pier as 'either eyesores or nuis- 
ances. They give a Bowery tone to 
the central section of the Boardwalk. 
. . . Huge signs above the piers ob- 
struct the view and the operators 
seem to have little or no regard for 
other people's property.' 

Garden Pier owners, the Mayor 
said, were given till July 1 to pay 
$80,000 in back taxes, of which $11,- 
000 represents penalties. The Mayor 
added that he did not include the 
Garden Pier in the condemnation 
as 'the city may own it in a short 
time, anyway.' 



Following the Mayor's announce 
ment that foreclosure proceedings 
against the Garden Pier were being 
contemplated, Edward Ayres, repre 
senting the pier owners, agreed to 
turn over all income from the pier 
for the Summer season of - 1937, less 
operating expenses, the revenue to 
be applied to tax delinquencies. In 
view of the agreement, the Mayor 
said the city would withdraw the 
foreclosure move. 



Cuspidor Cusses 

Lynchburg, July 13, 
Old-fashioned spitting contest will 
be a feature of Virginia's National 
Tobacco Festival, to be held in the 
heart of the ciggie country— at 
South Boston, Va.— this fall. 

Two and three-quid men will aim 
amber streams at laundry stoves and 
narrow-rimmed cuspidors at the 
show, which claims a national draw 
Guy Lombardo and his Royal Ca- 
nadians was last year's main attrac- 
tion. This year's name orchestra 
not yet . announced. 



Circus Routes 



Week oC July 19 
Barnes-Sells-Floto 

SlOney. Nob,, 10; Scotts Bluff, 2<i 
rasper, Wyo., 21; ThermopoUs, 22; Bill 
Ine-'t, Alont,, 23; Lewlstofl, 24. 

Cole-Beatty-Maynard 

Davenport, la., IQ; Cedar BapMs, .20; 
Waterloo, 21, Mason City. 22; Kt. Dodne, 
23; Sioux City, 2i; Omaha, Neb., 25. 

Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey 

Detroit, Mich., 18-20; Ft. Wayne, In<l. 
2t; South Ben«l, 22; Keno.sha, WIk., 2.1; 
Portage. 24; Eau Cluire, 25; JUlnncapolLl, 
Minn., 26-27. 



Nice for Outdoors 



Lincoln, July 13. 
Outdoor biz is whipping the tail 
off the indoor stuff in Niebraska so 
far into this summer. 

Was especially evident with the 
recent July 4 week-end. Theatres 
dropped their take about 25 per cent, 
under the holiday a year ago and 
the parks in this territory showed 
an up of 250 to 500 per cent Tent 
shows have anted prices this time 
around the state and are playing to 
larger crowds than in the last three 
years. 



FT. WORTH DPS; 
PROSPECTS 
GOOD 



Fort Worth, July 13, 
With the Frontier Fiesta two weeks 
old (10), chances look better than 
ever that show will top the $280,000 
earned last year above running ex- 
penses. 

Casa Manana was rained out one 
night last, week, but revue was trans- 
ferred to old 'Jumbo' building, 
where, without scenery, it became a 
glorified night club floor show which 
the customers liked. Specialty acts 
•showed to better advantage than in 
the huge cafe-theatre and a more 
intimate view was afforded of the 
large chorus. Indoor version luckily 
had been rehearsed in afternoon in 
preparation for such rainy nights. 

New Gulf Radio studio was dedi- 
cated on the grounds Tuesday night 
with Paul Whiteman, Everett Mar- 
shall and the California Varsity 
Eight doing their stuff. Whiteman 
will begin a series of broadcasts this 
week, going on the air at 10 p.m. 
Wednesdays and Saturdays. This is 
figured to be hot plug for fiesta, and 
especially Casa Manana. 

Whiteman selected two prospects 
from 80 Texas girls auditioned and 
will continue tryouts indefinitely. 
Final test will be made later to find 
girl for his band and possible movie 
contract ' 

Wheat money beginning to jingle 
more loudly' in growers' pockets and 
show expected to get its share. 
Many Fort Worth and Dallas cus- 
tomers already have seen Casa 
Manana several times'. Last year it 
was nothing to meet a person who 
had seen it 10 or 15 times. 

Backers of show cheered by at- 
tendance. No figures announced, 
but, since nut is about half the 1936 
outlay, they consider the 1937 
splurge in the bag. 

Billy Rose, director, general, 
hopped to Cleveland, New York and 
planned jump to California,, to line 
up new acts for Casa Manana. 

Bob Alton added new finale to 
Pioneer Palace and keyed up per- 
formance. Clicks better now. 



TOM MIX'S PENNSY-N.Y. 
CIRCUS TOUR'S M' NSG 



East Liverpool, C, July 13. 

Tour of the Tom Mix circus 
through New York state and western 
Pennsylvania was a disappointment 
as far as business was concerned, 
according to Dale Turriey, manager. 
New England states, he said, gave 
the show excellent business' but 
almost daily rains and plenty of op- 
position cut into the profits after 
swinging back west. 

Show will continue through West 
Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, and -.vill then turn back 
northward, playing Washington, D, 
C, for three days, starting July 26. 

Only major accident of the cur- 
rent tour of the . Tom Mix circus oc- 
curred near Washington, Pa.,. July 
13, when a truck and trailer of the 
Mix fleet en route from Butler, Pa., 
to avert striking an automobile 
which had emerged from a side 
road and then stalled on a hill, 
swerved into a ditch, pverturned 
r.nd crashed into a ravine, dcmol 
ishing the trailer and damaging its 
contents. 

Driver was unhurt and the truck 
was able to continue under its own 
power. The trailer was loaded with 
Mix's personal baggage, tickets and 
other office accessories. 



American Building at Paris Fair 
Opens-For Speeches Only; Host 
Shows Still Veiled, hut Biz Starts 



McCASLIN BOSS 

Baltimore, July 13. 
John T. McCaslin has been placed 
in complete charge of shows, rides 
and concessions for the Tinionium 
Fair, Sept. 5-17, State Fair and Agri 
cultural Society. 



Hoxie to Resume 



Wheeling, W. Va., July 13. 
Jack Hoxie Circus, which closed 
suddenly at nearby Moundsville, W. 
Va., June 26, despite turnaway busi- 
ness at almost every stand, will be 
reorgani.:ed with Hoxie as directing 
head, it was announced here, R. M. 
Harveyi general agent of the show» 
is understood to be working out tha 
reorganization plans and the circus 
is due to take the road within the 
next few days. 

Almost the entire executive per- 
sonnel is intact here awaiting de- 
velopments. Hoxie has found a smali 
farm across the river from here and 
has quartered his stock there as well 
as his own fleet of trucks. 

Fifteen attachment suits at Mounds- 
ville against Cly Newton and Jack 
Hoi^cie Circus were dismissed July 6, 
as pertaining to Hoxie, but stand 
against Newton, who has failed to 
put in his appearance since he sud- 
denly disaf>peared a few days be- 
fore the show foldedi 



DALLAS PERKS; 
OUTSIDE HEIP 



Dallas, July 13. 
Dallas exposition begins to justify 
its claims of an international flavor 
this week, as George Marshall starts 
his elaborate isports program. Track 
and field events plus a soccer tour- 
nament' will be unreeled at night in 
the fair's stadium, Thursday through 
Sunday. 

Approximately $50,000 has been set 
aside for presentation of these 
events and is* designed as lure for 
the front' gate as most of the 'seats 
in the athletic bowl will be free. 
Track' stars ar^ from. North and 
South America. Canada and Ar- 
gentina have sent soccer teams. 

Marshall has announced cancella- 
tion of a proposed auto road race, 
claiming the better drivers got to- 
gether and demanded they . be put 
on a sustaining basis rather than 
competitive plan, which would mak^ 
them fight it out for cash. Marshall 
said he didn't go for idea of entrants 
being in the money at starting line 
instead of at finish. .* 
Attendance through Saturday (10) 
had reached 606,765, with exposition 
beginning to pull in special delega- 
tions and tourists for first week since 
opening month ago. 

Rudy Vallee and his orchestra' 
opened in the Casino Saturday night 
(10) to two full houses. He is .slated 
for two weeks' chore. Two of his 
weekly commercial airings will orig- 
inate here. His guest stars on first 
one Thursday night (15) will in- 
clude Fay Wray, Joe Cook, Joe 
Laurie, Jr.; Jack Arthur and the 
Lyn Murray chorus from the Casino 
show. ' . 

Arthur already has ended his job 
in Casino, but is sticking around for 
the broadcast. Art Jarrett has taken 
over all the vocal assignments in 
show. Borrah Minevitch pulled out 
last week and headed for California 
after a plane detour by way of New 
York. His harmonica band stays on 
two more weeks. 

Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone 
ended up their three nights of. per^ 
sonal appearances over July 4tH 
week-end by attracting aggregate 
audience of 65,000. Opening night 
(3) they drew 15,000 into, stadium, 
then got 30,000 aiid 20,000 on two 
succeeding nights. 



Tough on Outdoors 

Indianapolis, July 13. 

Amusement parks have had some 
tough breaks this summer, and may 
be spending most of next fall in 
court defending damage suits. 

During a Fourth of July fireworks 
display at Riverside, an aerial bomb 
exploded in the crowd. About 40 
persons were injured, 10 of them 
seriously enough to be taken to a 
hospital. 

Previous to this, a balloon jump 
at Broad Ripple turned out wrong 
when the gas bag fell on a car, 
damaging the machine badly, und. 
covering everyone in the area with 
a couple of inches of soot 



Paris, July 6. 
To the tune of 'The Star- 
gled Banner,' the 'Marseillaise' 
and the smell of fresh paint the 
American pavilion of the Paris 
World Fair was declared officially 
open by Ambassador Bullitt on July . 
4 and then immediately closed , its 
doors again for at least two more 
weeks. 

Speech making^ had a field day as ^ 
various officials let their voices re- 
verberate through the spacious halls 
and echo from the empty show- 
cases. ■ • ..... ...... 

But all the exhibits must be placed 
in the pavilion within the two weeks 
set before it can be- opened to the 
public. At the rate work has been 
completed in the "past there is rea- 
son to expect another postponement 
before the ordinary onlooker cdh go 
in and have a' look. 

Besides the 'dlspjdys of the' govern- 
ment itself,' mor^ than 50 commer- 
cial exhibits are being readied for 
the building. These include a variety 
that touches oh almost every phase of 
American industry, from broadcast- 
ing to china making, 

other 'Openlnffs' 
Other buildings are throwing open 
doors right and . left, some of them 
to stay, others to close down again 
for a week to a month after the 'of- 
ficial' inauguration. Among the in- 
augurated, but unopen pavilions on 
the French side are Publicity and 
the Clne-Phono-Photo buildings. 
Pavilion de la Lumiere . has opened 
its doors to the public but exhibits 
are not fully completed. This build- 
ng houses lour tiny cinema halls 
and one larger hall for demonstra- 
tions of lighting effects. Mammoth 
screen has been mounted oh the out- 
side of the pavilion With a projec- 
tion box in a separate little building. 

Pavilion de la Presse touches on 
many angles of printing, reporting 
and peddling news to the public, but 
goes little farther. Large portion of 
he exhibits consists of a world- 
wide, collection of covers from vari- 
ous publications pasted on the walls; 
Nothing more. . 

Although the expo itself is now 
open until midnight, night visitor.<i 
find little to see, because nearly all 
the pavilions • close around seven^ . 
Most of the night show is composed 
of fireworks and lighting effects from 
the Eiffel Tower. Only other place 
that offers any attractions at night is 
the Pare des Attractions. 

Two-Day Strike 
Park, was closed for two days when 
the concessionaires wenj; on strike 
over the 35c. admission fee charged, 
but finally backed down and now it 
is open again. Concessionaires stated 
Ihat, according to their agreements 
with the expo' commission, there was 
to be no charge for admission to the^ 
park. Besides this visitors wei?e not 
allowed to re-center the expo grounds 
after visiting the park, without pav- 
ing again. Strike cleared up the lat- 
ter end of the gripe, but admisH 
nick is still there. 

Although the amusement park is 
completed, except for a few minor 
details, the show there is not what 
might be expected. Sky rides, kids', 
attractions and all the rest usually 
found in a place of this soirt are few 
in number and small in size. All 
the barkers are equipped with elec- 
tric amplifiers and their come»on 
chatter is good enough to pull plenty 
of rubber-neckers into the fair as- 
sortihent of tiny £how houses. 

Rocket Speedway, seen at the 
Dallas Fair, is suffering from lack of 
ballyhoo and the fact that a 15c. ad- 
mission is charged to see it. Price 
for a ride is 25c. on top of this, which 
puts it about a dime higher than 
average in the park. 

Six piece orchestra furnishes music 
■of a sort for dancing in the Alsacian 
Court, in the center of the grounds, 
which does a good beer business. 
Rest Of the park is lined with beer 
stands, entirely too many to pull 
trade. 

Although most Of the concessions 
seem to be making money and • the 
park was not lacking in- customers on 
the night viewed, the gaiety and car- 
nival spirit isn't there and the spot 
misses being a real amusement park. 

Hugo. 



FOR ST. PAUL'S ZOO 

St. Paul, July 13. ' 
This burg's newly-formed Zdolog-' 
leal Society has plunked down $3,« 
000 for 45 . animals, which arrived 
from New "STork last week. 



70 



r 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 



News From the Dailies 

This department contains rewritten theatrical news items as pub* 
lished during the week in the daily papers of New York, Chicago, 
San Francisco, Hollywood and London. Variety takes no credit for 
these news items; each has been rewritten irom a daily paper. 



East 



steeplechase Park, Coney Island, 
staged a bathing beauty contest for 
grandmothers yesterday. Annual 
events, contestants averaging around 
70 years of age. 

Brooklyn supreme court grants an 
Injunction restraining Mrs. Mildred 
Schroeder Bobinson from obtaining 
a Reno divorce from Joseph H. Rob- 
inson, attorney. He alleges that Bert 
Lahr would finance the trip to ex- 
pedite her split so that he can marry 
her. Argument on permanent in- 
junction July 19. 

Lift span, of the new bridge across 
Rockaway inlet jammed last week. 
Created a two-mile traffic - jam. 
Blamed on the heat which expanded 
the inetal. 

Ben Marden'S Riviera lii a spot 
over alleged gambling. County 
.prosecutor says he'll act if ■ local 
authdritles won't. Raided last week, 
but nothing found. 

' Bomb in the Colonial theatre, New- 
port, last week failed to explode be- 
cause the watch operating the tim- 
ing had run down. 

N.Y, state tax bureau after. Tallu- 
lah Bankhead for $3,296 income tax 
and penalties for '31 and '32. 

That WPA circus elephant in the 
news again. Last Thursday it kicked 
Bertha Jones, colored chorus girl, 
over the eye. Required three 
stitches, but she went on in the spec- 
tacle/ 

' Woman bitten by a monkey In a 
Coney Island sideshow last Thurs- 
day. Monk to <he Department of 
Health for observation. 
- President Roosevelt" shown the 
Hemingway picturfe of the Spanish 
revolt at the White House Thurs- 
day. Hemingway and John.Ivens, 
who. directed; included in the dinner 
party before the showing. 

Warners brought in Gloria Dick- 
son, Edward Norris and Lana Tur- 
ner for the premiere of 'They Won't 
Forget' at the Strand today. They'll 
Sit through several shows to. catch 
the. audience reactions. 
, Senator Hslm Fish includes Mrs. 
Roosevelt in the tax evaders. Says 
she broadcast for $1 a series with 
the remainder of her fee paid to 
designated charities. . Asserts she's 
dodging the income tax. . 

' N. "3f . police commissioner is run- 
ning the Paramount's Strike pictures 
for his tQp coppers. Wants them to 
study riot handling, he says. 

Jackie Gateley, of the troupe 
Georgie Hale is sending to Cannes, 
is the champion woman hog caller 
of Yell county, Arkansas. But she 
can dance, too. " . 
' Fox Film storage at Little Ferry, 
N. J., wiped out. by fire. Five resi- 
dences also burned. Loss more than 
$200,000. 

, : . National ^eadlin^rs club in session 
at Atlantic City last week. Com- 
posed of newspaper men, radio .com- 
mentators, newsreelers and magazine 
editors. Three day frolic. 
' Governor Lehman and five other 
officials to go to court tomorrow to 
explain why they cracked down on 
the Orangeburg (N. Y.), hoimd 
hippodrome. 

Thoihas A. Morgan heads an ad- 
visory committee on aviation to 
bring flyers to the N. Y. World's 
Fair. ' ' 

Lily Pons throwing a Bastile Day 
party at Ridgefleld, today (14). 

Auidertce atLewisohn studium got 
wet Sunday. Rain necessitated 
transfer to the Great Hall, but the 
janitor had locked the doors and had. 
gone home. Finally got in after de- 
lay of an hour spent standing in the 
rain. 



Coast 



Henry Wilcoxoh suffered second 
degree burns in the handling of dry 
ice at his Malibu Lake cabin. . He 
was given an anti-tetanus inoculation 
by attending medicos and forced to 
call off picture work ft>x several 
days. 

Entering a Hollywood hospital un^, 
der an assumed name, Kay Francis 
was operated on last week and re- 
poiifted on the mend. 

Wally Vernon won a delay to Aug, 
10 in the plea of his wife, Marion 
Ann Vernon, that he be held in con- 
tempt of court for failure to pay 
temporary alimony in accordance 
with,, an order of the L. ^ superior 
court' ■ •,, 

George Brent disclosed that he 
plans to seeTt^an annulment of his 
marriage of sik weeks ago to' Con- 
stance-Worth, actress. 

John Montague, alias t.e Verne 
Moore, was arrested in Hollywood on 
a first degree robbery charge and 
later admitted, it was reported, tak- 
ing part in a $700 roadhouse hold-up 
at Jay, N, Y., in 1930. Montague was 
admitted to $10,000 bail and said he 



would fight extradition. Member of 
the Lakeside Golf Club, Montague 
numbered among his close friends 
many film personalities, including 
Bing Crosby, Oliver Hardy, Johnny 
Weissmuller and many others. He. is 
credited with having performed pro- 
digious feats of strength besides be- 
ing a golfing wizard and a bridge 
marvel. 

Hearing on the petition for pro- 
bate of the will of Jean Harlow set 
for July 22 in the probate division 
of the L, A. superior cowt. 

Kay Sutton, film actress, filed suit 
for divorce from Edward Cronjager, 
cameraman, charging mental cruelty. 

Suit of the Charles K. Feldman 
Corp., against Joan Bennett for 
$100,000 and an accounting of the 
player's earnings was. put off calen- 
dar when called for trial in the L, A. 
superior court. Explanation was 
given that an out-of-court settle- 
ment is being negotiated. 

June Bates of Oakland was named 
in a federal complaint last week 
after John Boles had complained to 
a.uthorities over the receipt of a 
number of threatening letters. Boles 
said he had . been receiving letters 
from the woman fot four yearsl but 
only recently did they become 
threatening in tone. 



Labor Outlook 



(Continued from page 16) 



banned,' however, from setting a 
minimum, wage over 40c, hourly or 
a maximum work period under 40 
hcurs weekly. Under these restric- 
tions, "bulk of units in both produc- 
tion and distribution branches un- 
questionably can escape Federal dic- 
tation. 

Whether exhibition would be sub- 
ject to supervision by the new gov- 
ernment agency has not been settled, 
although the ackuowle.dged purpose 
is to confine the bill essentially to 
Manufacturing and fabrication. Local 
retail.ing would be "exempt, but 
whether theatres would be classified 
as retailers and whether chains 
would go free imder . any circum- 
stances are questions ^hich have not 
received flat-footed answers. The 
bill does, however, ban transporta^ 
tion, distribution and sale of goods 
made under substandard labor con- 
ditions. 

The hour regulation phase of the 
bill should not handicap any branch 
of the fllm business. A loophole im- 
der; which affected industries can 
avoid hardship through limitation of 
the work week is provided in the 
form of a clause allowing longer, 
hours if time-and-a-half is paid lor 
excess work. Other provisions per- 
mit the regulatory outfit to grant 
waivers and prescribe particular 
conditidns .for rusn seasons, special 
types of work, and different classes 
of employees. 

In laying down both wage and 
hour standards, the Commission 
would be obligated to avoid inflict- 
ing arbitrary requirements. Revised 
text says the requirements shall be 
'as nearly adequate as economically 
feasible, without curtailing oppor- 
tvmities for employment; to maintain 
a minimum standard of living neces- 
sary for health, efficiency and gen- 
eral well-being' of wage-earners. 
The policy statement limits the 
scope of the program 'to those 
classes of workers who are in need 
of legislative protection. 

The oJd"NRA code idea is out com-, 
pletely. Government would call on 
advisory committees ' representing 
workers aiid bosses for aid in fixing 
standards," but the actual promulga- 
tion would be by the board and en- 
forcement of regulaitnos is to be a 
Federal function. 

Trade practices, which are of pri- 
mary interest to the majority of the 
film business, do not have any place 
in the bill, although a sujpplementary 
measure designed to allow firms to 
get together in moves to erase cut- 
throat competi';ion is pending in 
Congress. No attention has been 
given such legislation this session, 
and it is practically sure there is no 
chance of passing this year a law 
suspending or modifying anti-trust 
statutes. 

Whether the hour-wage proposi- 



HENRY ARMSTRONG 
A LITTLE DEMPSEY 



By Jack Pulaski 

Al Jolson called the turn on his 
little colored protege, Henry Arm- 
strong.' At the race track a couple 
of days before the Coast kid met and 
kayoed Alf Blatch last Thursday (8) 
at Madison Square Garden, Jolson 
said that was the way it would end. 
Fight lasted less than two and one- 
half rounds, during which time the 
Australian hit the deck eight times. 

That Alfle went down so many 
times puzzled some of the fans. First 
descent the. down-under lightweight 
was hit on the back of the dome and 
there were other dives that may 
have come partly from pushes. But 

Armstrong is not' to be lightly dis- 
counted. Fight managers rate him 
as one of the best wallopers for his 
weight the ring has ever. known. 

In action Haiik looks like a minia- 
ture Jack Dempsey. "Weaving and 
shuffling in all the time he lets go 
with both mitts and no fooling, 
either. It was his third encounter 
in the Garden within recent months 
and he eopped rather easily every 
time. There has been criticism that 
Armstrong is prone to take too much 
punishment because of his incoming 
style, but it is claimed that he slips 
punches tossed at him by the move- 
ment of head or shoulders. 

The Jolson interest In the colored 
lad is a classic of friendship and 
show business, with the star's wife, 
Ruby Keeler, the real contact. Last 
year Eddie Meade, who was in the 
chips as a handler of flghters years 
ago, was close to. the cushion but on 
the Coast. One day he ran into Miss 
Keeler, whom he knew as a kid oh 
the West Side of New York, before 
and during her days with the late 
Texas Guinan floor show. 

Ruby asked the rotimd Eddie if 
there was some scrapper he would 
like to manage, Meade saying there 
was just one — ^the Armstrong boy. 
But his then manager .wanted lOG's 
for the contract, and that' was over 
Eddie's head. -/Well,' said Ruby, '111 
get Al to put up the coin.' 

Meade agreed to repay Jolson from 
his slice of Henry's earnings; but 
after the star cashed in large chunks 
by wagering on the fighter, he told 
Meade that money would apply on 
what was coming. In that way the 
debt was wiped out and Meade got 
his boy for nothing, for which he can 
never thank Ruby enough.' Meade 
was around when featherweight Jack 
Sharkey, whom he handled," and Joe 
Lynch used to' pack the old Garden. 
Both were introduced from the ring, 
making it a full evening for Meade. 
Sharkey, by the way, is a substantial 
citizen, having large realty holdings 
in New City, N. Y. Estimated that 
Armstrong will easily earn $50,000 
this year. 

Why the well-regarded Blatch was 
tossed in against so hard a hitter as 
Armstrong for his first match in 
America was explained by the lad's 
manager. Latter argued that 'any 
bum' might beat his boy, but if the 
Aussie kid defeated Henry, he'd be 
'sitting on top of the world.* 

; Blatch's recuperative powers were 
surprising. Several times he was 
flat on his back, but arose at eight 
or nine and mixed it up, once or 
twice wading in and steaming up the 
fans. He was down three times in 
the second and a like number in the 
third, at which time the referee 
called it off. Yet Alfie seemed to 
have plenty Of fight left in him and 
he was the one' who ran across the 
ring to congratulate the victor. 

The Garden's cooling system sur- 
prised the custoniers, of whom there 
were more in the house than for any 
show since the pop sc&le ($2.30 top) 
was inaugurated. Temperature was 
15 degrees or lower than on the tor- 
rid streets. New York having one of 
its 94 days. 

This Thursday (15) heavier men 
will top the card, main event bring- 
ing together two colored fighters. 
Tiger Jack Fox ant'. Leo Kelly; 
Latter is known on the Coast as 
'Deacon.* 



tion will get through this year Is 
impossible to forecast. The House 
committee started this week marking 
up the original proposal, but is badly 
snarled by factional fights, and sev- 
eral members see no hope of work- 
ing out a compromise before ad- 
journment. The Senate calendar is 
jammed, while the prolonged and 
bitter debate . on the President's 
court reform plan dampens prospect 
for any other, contvovcrsial matters. 



OBITUARIES 



■■■^■^■■■■■■■■■1 

GEORGE GERSHWIN 

George Gershwin, 38, died in Hoi 
lywood July 11 of a tumor of the 
brain. 

Details in the music section. 



JOHN PRATT WILSON 

John P. Wilson, actor and song 
writer, died July 10, in New York. 
He began his career at the old Tivoli 
Opera House in San Francisco. For 
five years he was associated with 
productions at the Hippodrome un- 
der the Shubert and Dillingham 
regime. 

Funeral services under the aus- 
pices of the Actors' Fund of Amer- 
ica, and interment in the Fund Plot 
in Kensico. . 



CHARLES ESDALE 

Charles Esdale, 64, died July 10 ^n 
New York of complication of dis- 
eases. He played with many promi- 
nent stars; with Jane Cowl in 'Lilac 
Time,' Leslie Banks in 'Lean Har- 



' In Memory of a 
liOVlKG HCSBAKD 
and 

DETOTIID IfATHBB 

J. J. ROSENTHAL 

Who Departed July 12, 1923 

KathxTD, Ostelrman Rosenthal 
Jack dstennaa Rosenthal 



•vest,' with Madge Kennedy in: 'Cor- 
nered,' with Jeanne Eagels in 'Card- 
board Lover,' etc. 

Actors Fund service and interment 
in Kensico. 



KEENE THOMPSON 

Keene Thompson, 51, died In Holly- 
Wood, July 11, succumbing to pneu- 
monia. He had been on the Coast 
20 years, having originally been 
brought out to write scenarios for 
Douglas Fairbanks and remained to 
do other screen tasks since. Thomp- 
son was story consultant . at Para- 
moimt at time of death. Widow and 
son survive. 



IDA CONQUEST 

Ida Conquest, 61, leading woman 
for William Gillette, John Drew, 
Richard Mansfield, and a member of 
the Empire Theatre Stock Company, 
died July 12 in New York. Death 
was caused by a heart attack. 

She made her stage debut in 1898 
and xetired in 1911. 

Survived by her husband, RiccardO 
Bertelli, and a daughter. 



' EVE UNSELL (BLANKFIELD) 

Eve Unsell (Blankfleld), 50, Holly- 
wood scenario writer, died in Santa 
Monica July 6, 

She did her first scenario for Uni- 
versal and for 10 years thereafter 
turned out scripts for Marguerite 
Clark, Mary Pickford, John Barry- 
more, Pauline Frederick and Elsie 
Ferguson. For several years she 
was a contract writer at Paramount 
and Metro; 



MARCIA VAN DRESSER 

Marcia Van Dresser, once a star 
of the old Bostonians, light opera 
organization, and later a minor 
singer on the staff of the Metropol- 
itan, died in London July 11 after a 
long illness. 

She was as well known on the 
European operatic stage as she was 
in this country. 



JACK CURLET 

Jack Curley, sports promoter, 
died in Great Neck, L. I,, July 11 
of a heart attack. 

Though he had handled many im- 
portant fistic events, he was most 
prominent as a promoter of wres- 
tling bouts and is credited with hav- 
ing restored that once-discredited 
sport to popular favor. 



NELSON MACK . 

Nelson Edwards, 50, known as 
Mack, manager of the Mack Murray 
Players, died June 19 at Caldwell, 
O., after an extended illness. 

Well known in repertoire circles 
and vaudeville, he had been identi- 
fid all his life with show business. 
His widow, five children and two 
sisters survive. 



FRANK H. M'CLURE 

Frank H. McClure, 74, former ad- 
vertising manager of the Alvin 
theatre, Pittsburgh, died July (B 
at his home. East Palestine, 0„ after 
a two weeks' illness, 

A native of Bucyrus, O., he had 
been, identified with the theatrical 
business ~in the Pittsburgh district 
many years. 



JOE BARTON 

Joe Barton, 54, who had been in 
pictures the past seven years, died 
in the Cedars of Lebanon hospital, 
Los Angeles, July 5, following an. 
operation. 

Interment was in Ozone Park, 
L. I,, his home. 



EMILT E. ENGLAND 

Emily E. England, 65, died in Mt. 
Vernon, .N. Y,, July 9. 
■ For 20 years she was secretary to 
theatrical producers including George 
C, Tyler, Sam Kingston and Florenz 
Ziegfeld; She worked for the latter 
for 15 years. 



RUBY CARMEN 

Ruby Carmen, chorus girl, died in 
Wheeling, 111,, when she fell asleep 
and ax.cigaret ignited her clothing. 
She was taken to a Chicago hos- 
pital but died shortly after her ad- 
mission. 

Interment in St, Louis, her home. 



DOROTHY SUTTON 

Dorothy Sutton, 42, actress, died 
June 7 at the Memorial Hospital, 
Bulwup, Rhodesia. She was popu- 
lar oh the English stage in musical 
comedy shows, 'Went to South Africa 
early in 1922. 



H. J. MAXWELL 

H. j. Maxwell died July 7 in 
Fresno; Cal. Long with NBC on 
coast he quit in June 1, 1936, to join 
broadcasting station in Fresno. 

Story in radio section. 



JACOB T. MULLER 

J. P. Muller, head of the ad agency 
of the same name, died Sunday (11), 
Details in legit dept. 



Louis F. Scott, 83, father of Ward 
Scott of Kansas City, district man- 
ager of MGM, died at his home in 
Denver, Colo, He is survived by 
his wife, Mary, and a daughter. 



. Mrs. Neal Abel, 50, died in Los 
Angeles, July 10. Husband was 
former vaude comic, doing blackface 
acts. 



Father. 94, of Vincenzo Cell!, 
primo ballerino of LaScala opera, 
died at his home in Chicago July 1. 



Mother, 76, of Porter Hall, film 
actor, died in Cincinnati July 12. 



MARRIAGES 

Estelle Raymond to Philip Van 
Zandt, July 5, in New York. Both 
are in 'Having Wonderful Time,* 
Lyceum, -N. Y. Third marriage in 
company since show opened in Feb- 
ruary. 

. Jackie Brimage to Ted Wray, film 
actor, July 7 in Los Angeles. 

Olga Zador to Tony Lombardo, in 
Pittsburgh, July 7. Groom is fea- 
tured accordion player with Herman 
Middleman's band at the Nixon cafe. 
Bride is non-pro. 

Janet Kaplan to Al Bergman, Los. 
Angeles lawyer-broadcaster, July 8, 
in L. A. 

Laurie Beatty to Gunther von 
Fritsch in New York, June 29.. Groom 
is 'March of Time' director. 

Miss Juliette to Leonard L. Doak 
in New York June 27.. Bride was 
formerly costumer for George Wh.ite. 

Avis E, Jones to Eisley A. Blanch- 
ard at Newport, N. H., July 4. Bride 
is member of local Little Theatre 
Group. Groom is projectionist at 
Newport Theatre. 

Ellph R. Semane to J., Philip Pan- 
coast, July 17, in Uniontown, N, J. 
Groom is with Transcriptions, Inc., 
of N. Y. . 

Edward J. Lush to Joy E. Remer, 
July 3, at Newark, N. J. Groom 
former spieler at WBRY and WEIJ, 
New Haven, and now in iadvertising 
department of Carrier Air Condi- 
tioning. Bride was songs iress with 
Worthy Mills' band at New Haven. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs, Ben Goldman, daugh- 
ter, July 2, in New York. Father is 
home office field rep for Warner 
Bros. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ken field, a 
dau.ghter, at Hartford, Conu. Father 
is librarian of WTIC, Hartford. 

Mr, and Mrs, Joe Kane, daughter, 
July 8 at Santa Monica, Calif, Father 
is director at Republic Picts, 



FORUM 



VARIETY n 



Week 



(Continued from page 1) 

tension of the five-day work week 
iot fan* will subBtahtially aid the 
theatres. 

Spreadloc Empleymeni 

Beyond the fact that a /five-day 
week enables people to give theatres 
added patronage, an important con- 
sideration from the point of view 
of the theatre operator, is that more 
persons are employed to run busi- 
nesses, thus spreading employment 
and money in more directions. Such 
businesses as operate seven days a 
week would be forced to hire relief 
help in order to keep going or stag- 
ger employees as under the NBA. 

Wher^ people are off on a couple 
week days but work Saturdays and 
Sundays, their added leisiure time 
must be consideried a b.ol help on days 
which otherwise might be lighter. 
Operators declare that they must de- 
preciate to sopae extent, especially 
in the summer, the fact that people 
go away more on weekenl^s when 
having two days off, but this deficit 
is minor compared to the added take 
over the whole year that would be 
expected if five working days in- 
stead of six were widespread. 

A shortened work week, as was 
noted, undejT. the Blue Eagle, hypoes 
busiijess ,iSiiturdays as well as Fri- 
day nf^^ts,.. latter because of fact 
people paja ;^Ieep..the next morning. 
Any. ipiipojL^aat extension of the pol- 
icy of 'a iSve-day week also helps 
Saturday morning mats^ 

Saturday and Sunday Best 

In some territories Saturdays now 
are the best days of the week, in 
others it's Sunday. New York, 
where many industries remain on 
the five-day week of the NRA, never 
having gone back to six, Saturdays 
are always .bigger than Sundays. In 
other spots/ although not so many 
people having two days off each 
week, the Same holds true. Church- 
minded communities where, the Sab- 
bath is more generally observed, are 
among the^. 

W^hile i|i. the majority of cities 
and towns, howevei*, Sundays are 
better grossing days than Saturdays, 
the reverse very likely would be- 
come the result if a policy of labor 
for five days were more generally 
adopted. It is also held that with 
labor demanding the five-day work 
week, business enterprises which are 
on a six-day schedule, might volun- 
tarily incline toward a two-day shut- 
down. 

At present the five-day week for 
businesses is a voluntary measure, no 
change back to isix having been made 
when the NRA expired. It is rather 
rare outside of New York, except for 
•the summer months. All major film 
companies are among those which 
stayed on the five-day habit devel- 
oped by the NRA. 



Lensers Feared 



(Continued from page 5) 



New Name for Burlesque 

Editor, Variety: 

Read in last week's Variety the 
burlesque fellows In New York are 
debating over a new name to aptly 
describe their entertainment, now 
that they have completely annihi- 
lated 'Burlesque.' If that appellation 
never appears in print again, it will 
satisfy all those formerly connected 
with the. business, who have pleasant 
memories of the old association. 

What caught my attention was that 
they are considering the word 'Fol» 
lies' as a replacement for 'Burlesque.' 
If they do I intend to protect my in- 
terests in that title as a result of 
.over 20 years of annual 'Follies of 
the Day* productions. My interests 
are protected by the renewal at 
Washington last year for another 28 
years. My attorneys, ' House, Gross- 
man St, Vorhaus, have at various 
times had to notify a number of 
producers to refrain from using my 
title and last year I inserted an ad- 
vertisement in Variety warning pro- 
ducers and theatre owners of my 
copyright ownership. 

Barney Gerard^ 



selves a break because experience 
has taught them how they photo- 
graph best, which side of the face to 
present before the clicking-shutter 
barrage, etc. 

There are more camera hounds 
hereabouts nowadays than ever be- 
fore, some of them skilled at their 
work, others' just dubs. Situation 
is something like that which ob- 
tained with the fanmags before they 
were brought under Hays office and 
studio control more or less. For- 
merly freelance fan scribblers and 
peddlers of sob stuff could practi- 
cally ad lib their own tickets. This 
condition led inevitably to abuses 
and to the printing of irresponsible 
stuff that, in certain instances, 
stirred up a- lot of harm. At least 
one femme star is said to have suf- 
fered seriously from the fanmag 
hooey. 

That Studio Clamp-Down 

As things are lined up today, no 
ianmag writer can sell copy with- 
out the okay of studio publicity cen- 
sors, and it i:; a censorship rigidly 
imposed. 

Talk is heard around that some 
curb will have to be placed on the 
lensers for protection of box-office 
names. Just what form this protec- 
tion niight take has not been defi- 
nitely suggested. .However, that 
gossamer thing called glamour and 
'ilusion is what this biz lives by 
f ven though it be as mechanized and 
standardized as making automobiles. 
At present the roving bulb pressers 
nave declared open season on the 
lovel.v stars, who flutter as helpless- 
ly and affrightedly in front of them 
a flock of gazelles before the 
Wolves. 



WHAT THEY THINK 



Biz In Stix 



<)uotcs » <tuota 

Mobile, July 5. 

Editor, Variety: 

There are too many foreign pic- 
tures being played in this country. 
English pictures, French ^pictures, 
German pictures, Swedish pictures — 
me, I say raus with the lot. 

I read your Variety every week, 
and almost every week I read about 
quota laws here and quota laws 
there, restrictions here and restric- 
tions there. Now, it's all right 
enough to sit around and say we 
Americans are a Democratic people 
and we don't make any restrictions. 
But that isn't the case. If they're 
restricting us, why shouldn't we do 
the same to them? Reciprocity is 
the name for it, I guess. 

I don't say shut down on all for- 
eign pictures, but a law of tit for 
tat isn't a wrong idea. If Germany 
says one out of four U. S. pictures 
Can come in — and then only after 
paying a heavy tax — why, okay, let's 
make the same law hold for Ger- 
many. 

Rudolf Karbein. 



Opera's Capital— H'wood 7 

New York, July 9. 

Editor, Variety: 

Are we simply to regard H as one 
of the ironies oi fate that American 
sifigers, lacking Curtis or JuiUiard 
credentials, should be destined to 
serve such a shamefully unimpor- 
tant part in the present Metropoli- 
tan Opera setup, or are we to be- 
lieve that the present age ^with its 
tendency toward mergers, mass pro- 
duction and materialism, is not pro- 
pitious to the development of oper- 
atic talent elsewhere in this country? 

If you ask me, the Metropolitan- 
Juilliard 'Americanization' scheme 
has turned out to be -a peck or two 
of unadulterated hokum and nothing 
more. The Met stage today is an 
experimental laboratory for Curtis- 
Juilliard's use. 

The Met-Juilliard merger was sim- 
ply a press bait which found release 
in music journals and newspapers 
throughout the country. If I recall 
correctly, one of the major condi- 
tions imposed by the JuiUiard Foun- 
dation in merging with the opera 
company prorrtised greater., recogni- 
tion and opportunity for American 
singers. " . ' 

Newjipaper columns in .the West 
were cluttered up for weeks with 
premeditated publicity bunk of this 
sort, unfortunately proxhpting sev- 
eral aspiring West Coast singers, and 
deserving ones, to. dash to New York 
in the hope of crashing the gates 
to the Met. 

Suffice to say, the proverbial Met- 
ropolitan boot welcomed them. Some 
are still in New York treading the 
paveinent,s, others took advantage of 
return trip tickets, arrived back at 
the family hearth. 

Mary Gtirden has predicted that 
the opera of the future rests in the 
hands of Hollywood's motion picture 
craftsmen.' How, in the face of such 
disgrace, the florescence of Ameri- 
can genius continues to glow through 
the haze is a puzzle to me. I can 
only agree with Mary Garden's pre- 
diction, The once-sacred Metro- 
politan stage is today a conservatory 
workbench. 

My advice to young American 
singers, in fact, the hosts of aspiring 
young talents who are recipients of 
the MetropolitHU-Juilliard fur-lined 
boot, is to lake a right-about-face 
pronto, chart a course that will ul- 
timately lead to Hollywood studios 



and forget the Carusos and Scottis 
of yesterday. 

As preparation for the opera of 
the future, I do not advise a mad 
dash to Hollywood via the first plane. 
On the contrary, first pave the way 
— study dramatics and dancing and 
become proficient in those academic 
branches of prime importance to 
both music and the theatre and be 
ready when HoUywood beckons. 

Grand opera that will make lyric 
theatre performances look like May- 
pole festivals is just around the cor- 
ner. Be ready! 

Raymond E. Mitchell. 



[Raymond E.' Mitchell, fotmer 
writer on musical subjects for Holly- 
wood Citizen-News, the Los Angeles 
Illustrated Daily News and corre- 
spondent there for musical papers, 
is the husband of Diana Gaylen, mu- 
sical comedy and concert singer.] 



immediate extensive acceptance of 
dance music in our businesses, but 
herein is a noteworthy solution for 
much of the daily 'lag' which ever 
recurs in a society characterized by 
so high a degree of specialization as 
our present economic system. 

It might be worthwhile to con- 
sider the problem from the aspect 
of employm.ent, also. More men can 
be engaged in music, either render- 
ing personal services or making re- 
cordings. This, of course, will take 
place as the workers become more 
efficient. Prices may then be low- 
ered (mass consumption increase), 
permitting greater availability of 
conunodities for all, etc. It seems as 
though there be no limits to what 
music can do! 

But what about sheet sales! 

Jock iWills. 



Next Thing— A Courteous Legii- 
. Detroit, July 5. 

Editor, Variety: 

Maybe before it's too late the 
dying legit will get around to a sem- 
balance of what was the old Roxy 
and Publix service. Not until Ids'* 
did thtj Broadway theatre managers 
awaken to the wisdom, of air-cooling 
their theatres, with result' an out-of- 
towner who must, see his hit shows 
during a summer vacation visit to 
New York can now tear the. strain. 
In the past even the charms of a 
Broadway smash couldn't offset the 
stuffiness of the theatres. 

Perhaps, then, there is hope also 
for a change of tack in Broadway 
legitimate theatre methods. Maybe, 
for a change, anybody inquiring at 
the box office windows of a hit show 
will be greeted with some courtesy 
and not curtly cued that the only 
way to get into the sanctum sanc- 
torum of what one broadly sus- 
pected was a public theatre is to 
first visit a scalper. 

As a layman who has read 
Variety for many years, what the 
box office treasurers call the 'ice' 
from the ticket brokers almost 
chilled any and all interest In the 
average theatregoer's legit theatre 
attendance. 

Why don't the boys get wise to 
themselves before it is too late. 

Ernest A. Mughes. 



Miss WllUs Denies 

Gooding, Idaho, July 7. 
Editor, Variety: 

In Bill Rice's circus "article about 
Russell Bros, it was rumored tht;l 
L. L. Claude Myers, band leader, 
was to marry Betty Willis. It is 
not true at all and is causing trouble. 
I woijder if you would please print 
'that it is' false. I have been with 
Russell Bros, with my Canadian 
collie act, and Was formerly with 
Wilbur Ciishman unit, 'Gypsy Car- 
avan.' 

It was only done as a joke, as 
Rice is an old friend of Myer's. . 

Betty Willis, 

(Russell Bros. Circus.) 



Record Crops 



(Continued from page 1) 



Akron Overseated 

Akron, O., July 9. 

Editor, Variety: 

Real estate agents and promoters 
are responsible for wrong impres- 
sions that Akron is fertile ground for 
motion picture theatre exhibitors, 
and imless changed will prove injuz- 
ious to aU, and perhaps fatal to some 
of the theatre operators in Akron. 

The poor business in our theatres 
proves we have too many theatres 
now; certainly there is no room for 
morie. 

An editorial in the Akron Beacon 
Journal last June 25, on the futiire 
of Akron, foreboded fatalities among 
Akron exhibitors. 

To correct the erroneous impres- 
sion about Akron, the men-.beis of 
this association would thank you to 
publish this. 

J. G. Deeijen, 
Secretary, Akron Independent Thea- 
tre Owners Association. 



Winchell's $3,(t00 Net on Radio 
Hollywood, July 8. 
Editor, Variety: 

For the second time in a year. 
Variety is wrong about my weekly 
salary on the radio. You robbed me 
of 500 bucks. You also overlooked 
the fact that my entire earnings are 
net — I pay no commissions to any 
agents or anyone. 

I do not pay anybody anything for 
my news and material, therefore, if 
you are going in for comparisons of 
salaries — ^mine remains tops for the 
ohce-a'-week, 15-minute programs. 

WaltCT WiTichell. 



the past several years since the de- 
pression^lows. They are expected to 
put more on the line this year for 
shows, rides and concessions. They 
get heady in this country when they 
have the wherewithal and they're 
going to have it this year. The small 
burg is coming back into its own 
and on their own small scale their 
blowouts are just as potent to their 
communities as biz getters as any 
of the big city expositions and fairs. 

Free Acts 

Free acts, of a better quality than 
in the past, will be in demand from 
indications gleaned from inquiries. 
Some of the burgs are coming around 
to hiring baUyhoo agents and pro- 
ducers for their fiing at show biz. 
They're jgctting discriminating out 
in the short grass and quantity isn't 
the keynote— they're asking for 
quality and are able to pay for it. 

Late July and August will find 
Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and 
Oklahoma highways littered with 
small town good-wlllers bannering 
their town's fair or what-not> And 
their labors won't go .unrewarded. 
The boys have had a wheat crop, 
$16,000,000 in cash was paid out last 
week from Kansas City alone. 

As concerns Kansas City, week- 
enders from the prairies will un- 
doubtedly be in greater number 
than last year and will be an 
amusement' b.o. item of some value. 
However, K.O. itself will wait until 
the period of Sept. 17-25 before dip- 
ping in up to its elbows in the farm 
country cash. The second annual 
Jtibilesta being chalked for those 
dates. Last year's $150,000 gross 
should be well surpassed. In fact, 
that amount of coin alone will go 
on the market for talent. 



(Continued from page 1) 
tion of 50, is having a big pageant 
and bidding for custom from the 
farm hinterland— and getting it, 

Or take that annual affair at Cen- 
tral City, Col. Richard Aldrlch, New 
York producer, is putting on a new 
play there this week with a Broad- 
way cast of players brought all the 
way out just for the two weeks. 
And Sheila Barrett heads the nite 
club show run iii addition. In a 
spot, mind you, which, throughout 
the year, is almost unheard of. Next 
week's gross is expected to be 
$32,000. 

Those big ppen-air shows in St. 
Louis can probably be skipped. 
They're unimportant. They merely 
run through the summer and gross 
$30,000 to $40,000 a week. Did reach 
.$72,000 one week last season,' but 
why mention that? St. Louis is a 
big town. Or the Cleveland Expo, 
with its hefty array of nams talent 
and attractions, for Cleveland is a 
big city too. 

But Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a 
small town, even if a college town, 
and even if only 100 milfes out Of 
Detroit. Ann Arbor annually has a ' 
play, festival utilizing a dozen or so 
of the strongest naiT\4 actors in legit ; 
in a half dozen plaiyjs. Name actors 
can afford to travel all the way out 
there for a week or two of work, 
or less.. 

Could that indicate the sticks 
know what they^ want— and are 
ready 16 pay for it? 



Who's Your Ghost, Jack? 

New 'York, July 8. 

Editor Variety: 

I see by the Manhattan paper.s 
with date line London that dance 
music has a new economic value- to 
the big businesses of the da.v. Name- 
ly, that it po.sse.sses a stimulant 
which, during working hours for a 
greater number of workers engaged 
in montononous jobs, spurs greater 
efficiency and more mass-produc- 
tion. This information is authentic 
in that it has been B,ipplied by an 
experimental board of the Medical 
Research Council over a period of 
24 weeks. 

Of course, practically oullawe the 



Northwest BulIhA, Toe 

Minneapolis, July 13. 
With present business far below 
par, exhibitors in the territory, how- 
ever, are taking heart from reports 
that nearly $500,000,000 in wheat and 
corn alone are forecast for the 
Northwest this season, based on the 
present ,crop outlook and current 
prices. 

The government forecast as of 
I July 1 shows winter, spring and 
I durum wheat running far over 1936 
yields and, on the basis of the 
present value of Minneapolis Sep- 
tember futures, is worth $220,816,380, 
H. R. Foster, Journal financial editor^ 
said. Based on the Chicago Septem- 
ber future, the large corn crop is 
worth even more than wheat— 
$261,017,800. 

In addition to the millions which 
Northwest farmers will receive for 
their wheat and corn, $215,8,30,000 
will be received from barley, rye, 
oats and flax, based on present 
values, Foster points out. North 
Dakota crop yields will be seven 
times, those of a year ago; Minne- 
sota's will be double, according to 
present estimates. 



Dallas, July 13. 

If things continue their current: 
pace, Texas will have a cow pasture 
circuit to match the straw hat loop 
in New. England. Dallas and Fort 
Worth are in their second session of 
ambitious entertainment projects and 
the latter, at least, is tailting in 
terms of a permanent fiesta. 

Other spots around the state are 
taking a census of monuments and 
checking history books to discover 
an excuse for staging summer 
pageants and historical spectacles as 
tourist lure. First to get into the 
swim is an obscure place called 
Prarievllle, which could be dignified 
as a crossroads village if it had a 
second road. Mark Hamilton, storm 
center of the Cavalcade production 
at the Centennial in Dallas, prodded 
this community into action and 
literally is putting his home town on 
the map. 

He started out as director of the 
outdoor shoW last summer but was 
steered out when it failed to open 
with a fair premiere. He has the 
faculty of inspiring intense loyalty 
and clubwonten over the state are . 
still writing letters about the 'out- . 
rage,' Suit for damages was filed 
against the Centennial but it's beeii 
lost among court postponements. 
This summer he went back to his 
barefoot stomping ground and scoured 
the country for support.' He organ- 
ized a Pioneer Theatre of "Texas and 
sold 150 shares at $20 each. -Farm 
and club women went on a co-op 
sewing project and turned out cos- 
tumes. Overalls brigade dropped the 
plow handles to build a set which Is 
a miniature duplicate of Cavalcade 
in Dallas. The ISO shareholders took, 
roles in the run-through of .Texas 
history and Hamilton called it 
Centinela. 

None of the cast gets any pay, 
their remuneration being culled from 
ultimate profits — if any. Show is 
given Friday, Saturday and Sunday 
nights over four week-ends in July. 
Gate tariff is 35c. and the first week- 
end lured a total of 4,000 payees. 

Hamilton chose as the site for his 
show, a hamlet called Pralrleville. 
Place is 60 miles south of Dallas and 
eight miles off a paved highway. 
Last census recorded a population of 
50. Village can't be found on any 
Texas map, but its name is getting 
into plenty of newspaper datejiines, 
nowaday.s. 



Plenty Brogue 



(Continued from page 1) 
ing to inside reports, but Bald pre- 
vailed upon Dowling not to sign con- 
tracts abroad unless both were 
present. 

Dowling had no deal on wijfh the 
Abbey bunch but has an option on 
'Shadow Substance,' Dublin group's 
prize play last season. Drama is 
steeped in a highly religious atmos- 
phere. Option iiolds for the balance 
of the year. 

If the opposition Irish repertory 
plan in decided on, it' is expected 
that some players may be contracted 
for over there, with the bulk of the 
cast picked up here, where there are 

! plenty of Iri.^h players', according to 

I last estimates. 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 14, 1937 

' ■ I , 



•V.-N'^S*.*':-; 



mi 



'^C- 'X''' 



v^,•■'S^■!:'^^<■^■;^ 



FRANCES 
FARMER 



^^^^ -s^J^i^.^^^^ 



I 



USE ROUOE AND POWDER 

ALL I WANT- BUT I 
PROrcCT My SKIN WITH 

lux Toilet Soap 



See 



Frances Farmer 



PARAMOUNT'S 

musivE" 



,F you remove cosmetics thoi- 
ou^hly with Lux Toilet Soap," says 
Frances Farmer, *'you needn't risk 
Cosmetic Skin." 

You'll want to follow this tip on the 
right complexion care given you by 
one of Hollywood's loveliest young 
stars ! / 

Cosmetic Skin — dullness, tiny blem- 
ishes, enlarged pores — comes when 
pores are choked. Lux Toilet Soap 
has an ACTIVE lather that guards 
against this, thoroughly removes 
stale rouge and powder, dust and dirt. 

Use all the cosmetics you wish! But 
make this pure white soap your regu- 
lar care, as Frances Farmer does. Use 

THE HOLLYWOOD STARS use gentlo Lux Tollat Sogp 
for a fragrant, rofreihing baauty bath, too. It 
loavea skin swsof, exquisitely dainty. 



it before you renew make-up during 
the day— ALWAYS before you go to 
bed at night. Remember, this is the 
spap 9 out of 10 Hollywood stars 
use to keep skin lovely. 




9 OUT OF 10. SCREEN STARS USE LUX TOILET SOAP 



1^ 



RADIO 



STAGE 




Published Weekly at 1G4 West 46th Street, New Torts, N. ¥., by Variety, Ino. Annual BUbserIptlon,,$8. Slnffle copies, 15 oent«. 
Entered as Becond-claaa matter December 22, 1906, at the Post Office" at New Tork, N. Y., Under the act of March 3, 1879. 

COPYRIGHT, 1037, BY VARIETY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



Vol; 127 No. 6 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 1937 



72 PAGES 







On the Coast; the Lunts Started It 



Hollywood, July 20. 
I California will be a production 
base for the Theatre Guild starting 
next summer. Two 'plays will be 
brought to the Coast by the Guild 
lor tryout of at least four weeks, 
: divided between Los Angeles and 
- 3an Francisco, 

. Decision for such a ; plan was ar- 
rived at l?y Therpsa Helburn, Lee 
Simonson and Lawrence Langner, 
Guild directors, who recently were 
J'here for the production of 'Amphi- 
' tryon 38' with Alfred Lunt and Lynn 
• Fontanne. Guild people are said to 
:. have realized that Codst production 
would be an economic procedure for 
them. I 

First, production can be built for 
about half the ttioney than is required 
In the east, and second, they cap. 
■take their time Here after opening 
without the hazard ot rushing an at- 
^ traction into New York after a two- 
Z week tryout in an Eastern stand. 
.Claim is that a show can be doc- 
tored on the Coast: by the authors 
.during its ptfisentation, without 
Jiurting its chances, and also that 
, should faulty cast selections be made 
Jiera they can easily be remedied be- 
(Continued on page 67) 



SWING MUSIC BLARE 

UNDER maioN 



Will McCune's orch, current on 
the Bossert roof, Brooklyn, has been 
restrained by an injunction from 
using vocalists or blaring swing mu- 
sic after 11 p.m. 

A property ownet", near the hotel 
obtained, the Injunction after term- 
ing the band disturbingly 'noisy.' 
If McCune wants to fight back he'll 
have to go to court and may, figur- 
ing the publicity good for both him 
and the hotel. 



'Distaste for Her Home' 
Blamed on Radio Singer 

Minneapolis, July 20, 
Ernest N. Iverson, local radio 
singer who performs uiider the ether 
name of 'Slim Jim,' is the defendant 
in a $10,000 alienation of affection 
damage suit filed by Ted Myron in 
district court. 

Myron charges that 'Slim Jim* 
ysed his ♦influential personality' to 
Induce Mrs. Myron to develop 'ex- 
treme distaste for her home and 
husband.* 



TRAVELING THEATRE-BUS 

Denver, July 20. 
A. L, Brown's traveling theatre, a 
car equipped with sound and 60 up- 
bolstered seats, is modern in every 
i-espect. Claims it is the first trav- 
eluig theatre. Shows last about two 
nours, and the theatre can be parked 
almost anywhere there is a chance 
of getting a lull house. 

Brown formerly owned the" Slate, 
Rapid City, S. D. 



No!— Not That! 



Renewed Hawaiian vogue, be- 
sides making best sellers out of 
'Waikiki Wedding' (film), 'Sweet 
Leilani' (song hit) and the 
hula-atmosphere niteries, with 
pago-Pago and beachcomber 
rains and settings, is also pro- 
ducing the inevitable — yes, the 
revival of the ulcelele. 



HECHT NO. 1 PIC 







Hollywood, July 20. 

Ben Hecht,. earning $260,000 a year 
on his writing contract with Samuel 
Goldwyn, is the highest priced in- 
dividual writer in film industry. 

Hecht received $6,500 a week for 
the job he recetnly did for Selznick, 
However, the Goldwyn stint is a 52- 
week proposition, for a term of years, 
in case options are lifted. Other 
high salaried writers currently get- 
ting four figure salaries from Gold- 
wyn include John Emerson and 
Anita Loos, Donald Ogden Stewart, 
Dorothy Parker, Alan Campbell and 
Charles Bennet, recently borrowed 
from Universal. 

Also on writinji staff for Goldwyn 

(Continued on page 61) 




N.Y.C. DOMINATE 



Almost Impossible for Out- 
of-Towners to Crack the 
Hold of the Insiders — 
Large Incomes of Certain 
Actors Well Known to 
Trade but Not to Public 



$1,250 A WEEK 



Cream of the radio acting work 
around New York City is in the 
hands— tightly clutched — of a small 
inner circle. During the busy win- 
ter season this group monopolizes 
almost all the best spots, and 
the income of each is quite fabulous 
for non-name air actors. These sub- 
stellar biggies appear on more than 
a dozen programs each week dur- 
ing the busy season; when there's a 
vacancy on one of .their shows they 
always step forward with their note- 
books and suggest their friends to 
the program producers. 

A list of the topflight unbilled 
actors and an estimate of their week- 
ly earnings during the winter fol- 
lows: 

Wilmer Walter, $1,250. 
Florence Malone, $250. 
Ned Weaver, $1,000. 
Elsie Hitz, $1,000. 
Nick Dawson, $1,300 (writes as 
well as acts). 
Joe Julian. $500. 
Peggie Allenby, $700. 
Clayton Collier, $500. 
Ed Jerome, $1,250. 

(Continued on page 67) 



A. C. the Monte Carlo of America; 
So. Calif. Also Hot Gambling Oasis 



How About a Bouncer? 



Minneapolis, July 20, 
Twin City night club uses a 
parrot as its front spieler. 

Bird is parked in a cage just 
over the nitery's entrancie and 
has been trained to keep re- 
peating 'no ■ cover charge.' 



CLEAN BURLEY 
DOESrr PAY, 
N.Y. FINDS 



Recent sloughing of burlesque 
houses, with shuttering of the 14 
houses in Greater' New York for 11 
weeks, cost the operators over 
$150,000 in dead rentals, to say noth- 
ing of amounts spent for attorneys' 
fees in the flght for restoration of 
licenses. 

Legal stuff didn't get them any- 
where and all Anally had to accede 
to License Commissioner Moss' and 
Mayor La Guardia's edict that bur- 
lesque was out for good. They had 
to take it and like it. 

Transition from burlesque to 
vaude, with some burlesque trim- 
mings and presented under guise 
of musical revues (called Follies), 

(Continued on page 61) 



Equity Warns Radio Field That All 

Stage Unions Should Stick by AFL 



The stage unions have come out 
in support of the American Federa- 
tion of Labor, with which they are 
affiliated, as against any other or- 
ganization movement, specifically the 
Committee for Industrial Organiza- 
tion (CIO). Equity, taking the lead, 
has warned its members that when 
they *are approached to join any 
other group 'they must refuse to 
participate in any effort not sanc- 
tioned by Equity.' 

Warning is apparently airbed at 
the efforts of CIO to crash shpw 
business as Equity is about to or- 
ganize the radio field. So far, CIO 
has grouped technicians in scattered 
stations, but it is generally conceded 
that the idea of weaning away the 
groups which have operated in the 
amusement field will probably not 
materialize, because there are so- 
called craft unions which have suc- 
cessfully functioned for about 20 
years — such as actors (Equity), stase 
hands and musicians. None of thexe 
A.,F.L. groups have exhibited any 



inclination to fuse into one organiza- 
tion, which is the basic idea of CIO. 
Again indicating the radio angle, 



Nocturnal Fun 



True Story Magazine, New 
York, recently look a survey of 
what New York City office 
workers do with their time at 
night. Discrepancy in percen- 
tage totals due to multiplicity of 
activities by some respondents, 

Survey disclosed: 

Men Women 

Stopped for cock- 
tails 12% 5% 

Out to dinner.... 15% 12% 
Books or maga- 
zines 42% 35% 

Listened to radio. 35' 0 45% 
Guests for evening 2% 10% 

Bridge 6% 1% 

Went to films .... 10% 8% 



Equity and the other stage unions 
rather pointedly tell employers that 
it will be well if they do not inter- 
fere with the organizing of radio as 
started by the established groups, 
inferring that if faced with CIO 
methods there might be confusion. 

Equity declares: 'The labor move- 
ment stands at the cross' roads and 
employers must meet it at one of the 
roads. As far as Equity can see, it 
intends to travel on the road that is 
taken by the American Federation 
of Labor, in company with those 
other unions of the theatre with 
which it has so long walked in har- 
mony.' 

Again it is voiced: 'It will not be 
enough for such employers not to 
place obstacles in the way of Equity 
organization of their employes. They 
should actively welcome Equity's 
appearance and give it every assist- 
ance in that effort, Employers must 
realize that- some sort of organiza- 
tion o£ their workers will be effected 
(Continued on page 42J 



Atlantic City, July 20. 

Atlantic City is becoming known 
as the Monte Carlo of America. 
Eighteen wide-open gambling places 
where one may bet 26c ' or $25,000 
on any nag, number or color, now 
do a land-olfica business in the 
heart of the town. 

Citizens of Atlantic City are not 
throwing up their hands in horror 
at the' situation. Indeed, Atlantic 
City hfta always had blg-tlme gam- 
bling houses operating behind candy 
and cigar .counters, and the private 
citizen's reaction when reminded of 
it has always been, 'Well, we havo 
to have them, don't we?' 

That is the view always expressed 
privately by whatever -group of 
politicians happen to be in power, 
'We don't especially like the Idea, 
but people who come here expect 
to find things they wouldn't tolerate 
in their hdme towns.' 

Smug outsiders might consider it 
ill-gotten gains, but the townsfolk 
have a plant Investment of $150,- 
000,000— and they have to live. . They 
can't raise corn or oats on Atlantic 
City's riparian lands and they can't 
compete with Philadelphia, Newark 
or New York in Industry. (Imagine 
a shoe factory on Absecon Island!) 

Atlantic City does the best it . can 
and the best It can ever do Is en- 
tertain visitors from the inland who 
want to escape from their own 
stodgy environment, If a visitor 
doesn't want to gamble, drink or 
'horse around' he can have plenty 
(Continued on page 67) 



Japanese Girl, 13, 
^Will Initiate U. S. 
In ^Naniwabushi^ 



Tokyo, July 20. 

Hlsa Suzuki, age 13, is en route to 
America for engagements in concert 
spots, to introduce to American 
audiences Japan's classical singing 
known as naniwabushi. 

While this particular artist is rec- 
ognized as tops In Japan, presenta- 
tion of naniwabushi to Americans 
will be extremely difficult because 
knowledge of Japanese folklore is 
essential. Slngsongy style in falsetto 
voice also is hard to take. 



To Repeat His Niagara 
Walk of 45 Years Ago 

Sarasota, Fla., July 20. 

Clifford Calverly, 69, of here, is 
planning one of the strangest 'come- 
backs' in the history of ..show biz. 
Oldster is in training and plans to 
walk a tight rope across Niagara 
Falls on Oct. 12, which will mark 
45th anniversary of first time he 
performed feat. 

He subsequently did trick six 
more time;;. Calverly i.-,- trying out 
hi» footing by walking gables on hia 
house. 



VAXIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 




'B' PIX ARE THE PROVING 
OF THE INDUSTRY, PRODUCERS AVER 



Harold Hurley J(Par) und Joe Cohen (Metro) Give 
Their Theories oii Why Mass Production B Pic- 
tures Are. Necessary — Practical B.O. Test Tube 



By WOLFE KAUFMAN 

Hollywood, July 20, 
Despite what exhibs, or 'Critics, 
may think of B pictures, there's a 
strictly studio angle on the problem. 
And that is simply that B pictures 
are the meat the motion picture 
sandwich is formed of. 

Talking to those forgotten men the 
producerjs of B pictures, is revealing. 
They don't — most of them — kid 
themfielves. They're strictly in the 
-Arholesaie manufacturing business; 
they're not making art; they're not 
uplifting the masses. But they've 
got an angle. 

' Harold Hurley, for instance, who's 
in charge of B production for Para- 
moutit, explains it very siioply* 'We 
don't expect to clean up with our 
B pictures,' he admits. 'We are 
merely turning out whiat we hope 
is acceptable program fare.' 

But; he point;; out, if occasionally 
one- of these- acceptable little, pro- 
gram pics produces , a personality — 
ah, then maybe the studio ^as j;ot 
something. 

'Talent scouts are fine,'., he says. 
'But that . isn't enough. Tests are the 
same way. -Schools 4;he same way. 
What counts , is niotioij, picture per- 
formance.: -So, suppose- ive find one 
personality in five B pictures who's 
worth devel/oping into big money 
rating— aren't we aiiead?'. 
. New Stars - 

Thus, he points to a- little picture' 
called 'Night After Night.' Mae West 
had a small part in that. Or 'It Pays 
to Advertise.' Carole Lombard came 
out of, that; Oc the 'Gilded Lily,' 
which introduced iPred MacMurray, 
. If a B picture can- pay its .freight, 
he argues and not lose any money — 
or even if it loses a little — and if 
that picture introduces, or ' makes 
evident, a real talent, isn't it worth 
while? And. thipit goes all. the way 
down the line, not only for ' actors, 
but for jdirectors. Henry Hathaway 
graduated from B pictures, for one. 
Also for writers and cameramen. 

In other words, Hurley feels. B 
pictures are the testing ground. The 
tests, or the previous experience in 
legit, or other fields don't count. It's 
how do you handle an actual film 
assignment — and how do they react. 
Nothing else, he insists counts. And 
B pictures are the answer to that. 
: Surprise Hits 

Joe Cohen, -who producei) "all the 
Metro B's, has another angle. 'The 
Thin Mah,' he points out^ was a B 
picture. That's one which comes to 
mind quick; there have been others. 
They cost peanuts — ^well, a measly 
$300,000 or so — and collected plenty. 
And if that happens only once out 
of 20 tries, or once out of even 50 
tries, and if the others merely man- 
age to get their money back (as, 
ho>^ can they fail, what with block 
book'ing, 'etc.) how- can the" studio 
lose? 

Cohen adds that if it were pub- 
licized, if the public were called in 
on the ground floor, the public 
would love it. The public likes to 
think it is important. Suppose the 
public were told that on its reaction 
depended whether or not Joe Zilch 
is going to stay in pictureis, or be- 
come a star or go back to oblivion. 
And suppose the public says yes, 
Joe Zilch is great and Joe Zilch 
really turns. out well. Isn't the public 
going to puflf out its chest and feel 
swell about" it? 'I helped make Joe 
Zilch a star.' It's just a matter of 
selling. 



JUNGLE STUFF HOLDS 
BACK 'STANLEY' OPUS 



Here Are Those Whom 
Par and 20th-Fox Pay 
Over $200,000 Yearly 

Washington, July 20, 
Three Hollywood actors and two 
directors have been reported by .20th 
Century -Fox and Paramount Pix "as 
earning mor« than $200,000 a year, 
the Securities and Exchange Com- 
mission last week revealed. 

Government's checkup, requiring 
an accounting of the three highest- 
paid employees in. each corporation, 
showed Warner Baxter, Gary Cooper 
and George Raft receiving top sala- 
ries, *^rith Darryl 2anuck and Roy 
Del Ruth, Fox directors, also getting 
well beyond $2bO,(K)0. The $180,808 
.annual- pay-check of Wesley Ruggles, 
Par proidUceF, was. thrown ini for 
£ood measure. , . ' •'. ■ 

Baxter, as the only performer 
listed by ■ 20th Century, receives 
$284,384 each year, report sh6wed. 
Zanuckvapd Del Rut^ti .take $260,000 
and $238,330, respectively, from the 
Fox till, while Paramount pays 
Gary Cooper $265,454 and shells 
out $202,666 for Raft. 



SCREEN GUILD 
ROSTER NOW 

miwo 



Hollywood, July 20. 
.Screen Actors Giuld membership 
now totals around 10,000, niaking 
it the most powerful labor organiza- 
tion in the film industry. Total has 
been swelled by expansion of Guild 
shop in Eastern studios," atmosphere 
players, etc. Hundreds of extras 
also joined in order to continue 
working, as Guild shop is now 100 
per cent effective as to extras, stunt 
men, freelances, day and stock 
playersi 

Increase in membership has been 
so rapid that 25 persons have been 
added to headquarters personnel to 
handle contacts. 



Shurlock Winding Up £ast 

Geoffrey Shurlock, assistant to 
Joseph I, Breen, head of .the pro- 
duction code office of Hays organi- 
zation, expects to wind up his ac- 
tivities jn.N. Y. in the next week or 
10 days. Present plans are to return 
to his office on the Coast before the 
end of this month. 

He has been contacting the eastern 
production code office since July 1. 



Strain 



Del Mar, Cialif, July 20. 

Bing Crosby, 52% owner o£ 
the Del M9F racetrack, and 
winner now and then with a 
nag in his own string, is going 
around on crutches. 

Official explanation is he hurt 
himself playing tennis, but in- 
siders say' ' he strained liimself 
reaching for long shot tiiat 
started the first' day and hasn't 
finished yet. 



S. Revenooers 
Scof at H wood 
Tax Slice Ideas 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Bright idea of Roger Marchietti, 
Los Angeles barrister,- that film stars, 
like oil wells, ought to be 'depre- 
ciated' as far a^ income taxes are 
concerned, cannot be put in opera- 
tion without legislative action. Fed- 
eral officials last week sniffed at the 
idea of permitting picture personali 
ties to write off part of their income 
in anticipsition of reduced earning 
power, saying that such a proposition 
is up to Congress. 

Whole the" Internal Revenue Bu 
reau writes regulations governing 
preparation of income tax statements, 
the limits are laid ' down by Conr 
gress. Before fllmitjes caii get con- 
sent to set aside part of their com- 
pensation in calculating annual trib- 
ute to the U. S; Treasury, legislative 
mill niust grind put an amendment 
to the tax statutes. 

Not one chance in a million that 
Marchetti's inspiration will go on the 
law books. Revenooers are trying 
to tighten up,' rather than loosen, the 
present system. Oil well depletion 
allowance of 27%;% is likely to be 
sliced, if not erased entirely. And 
the decrease in earning power of a 
petroleum spouter is more easily 
measured than the future of a cel- 
luloid favorite. 



SELZNICK TINTS TOM' 
FOR ADDED ^125,000 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Selznick International decided to 
make 'The Adventures of Tom Saw- 
yer' in color after shooting, black 
and white, for two days. This foot- 
age will be discarded. 

Work was suspended while script 
revisions and cast changes were 
made and in this interval David O, 
Selznick made up his mind to tint 
the picture. Norman Taurog directs. 

Tinting slaps an extra $125,000 onto 
the budget of 'Sawyer.' 



Newbuirgh (N. Y.) Academy^s Trust 
Suit First of a Series of Actions 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Darryl Zanuck has set back 
•Stanley and Livingstone' to the 
1938-39 program owing to reports of 
delays encountered by the 20th-Fox 
troupe headed by Osa Johnson and 
Otto Brower in trek into the African 
jungle. 

Company now is in Tanganyika. 
Brower notified Zanuck that African 
location shots will take around five 
months. With three more months 
for studio shooting, film-could not be 
completed until spring of 1938 any- 
wsy. 



The forerunner of a series of anti- 
trust suits against the major picture 
companies by indie theatre exhib- 
itors . in the east was begun Satur- 
day (17> through the filing in Fed- 
eral Court, N. Y„ of notice of action 
by the Orange County (N. Y.) The- 
atre Corp. Plaintiff asks $225,000 
damages and the defendants named 
are: Paramount Pictures Corp., RKO- 
Radio Pictures, Inc., United Artists 
Corp, 20th Century-Fox Film Corp., 
the Big U Film Exchange, Inc., a 
Universal subsid, the Netco The- 
jatrcs Corp. of Newburgh, N. Y,, ahd 
' Eugene Lee and George Walsh, oper- 
ators of picture houses in the upstate 
city. 

Through its counsel, Stuart M. 
Miller of Brooklyn, the plaintiff will 
Ale its formal complaint later in the 
week. It will claim that the de- 
fendants conspired to prevent its 
theatre, the Academy, from obtaining 
second-run pictures only after rival 
theatres controlled by Lee and 
Walsh had exhausted exhibition of 



them so far as Newburgh was con- 
cerned. 

The Orange County Theatre Corp. 
claims that despite its contract with 
all of the producing companies ex- 
cept Paramount, under which it was 
to have second-run privileges, the 
companies ran out on the agreement. 
It is alleged that in order to quash 
competition Walsh and Lee conspired 
with the defendant picture corps, to 
pool their theatres and in this way 
exhibit the same pictures simulta- 
neously, thereby destroying exhibi- 
tion value of a picture when the 
plaintiff's Academy obtained it. 

Miller, for the plaintiff corpora- 
tion, states that he is forwarding a 
copy of his complaint to U. S. Attor- 
ney General Homer S. Cummings 
with a view to bringing about crim- 
inal conspiracy charges eventually. 
The attorney asserted several other 
indie exhibitors had conferred with 
(him about bringing similar suits and 
;that he expected within a month to 
start other actions. ' 



Otker News of Fix Interest 



London hears John Maxwell may retire.,...; .Page 15 

'Poor Butterfly' gets Jap rewrite for Par ;....Page 15 

Korda'9 six in color. ...... ^ .Page 15 

Stuart Doyie enroute to N. Y. and London.....;.. Page 15 

Louella Parsons and 'Hollywood Hotel'.............; ....Page 32 

Pabnolive-Metra radio, deal off...,.'... ........Page 32 

Radio reviews on Leslie Howard-Rosalind Russell's 'Much Ado,' 

and Richard Cromwell-Fay Wray .'............/.Page 34 

Metro-Robbihs' $75,000 deal for ShermanrCIay- music publishing 

company ..Page 53 

Equity, reinstates S. A. G. holdouts, including Jack Oakie, TuUy 

Marshall, Robt. Warwick. .Page 63 

Chas. B. Cochran's Coast ind Frisco Fair plans............... Page 65 

Hollsnvood Bowl's pic touch....; Page 67 

Tom Idler's circus tour, .. .......;....,......;...'.>.......'.;.-.. Page 71 



Ruby Keeler East to Join 
Al; Flirting 2 Pix Deals 

Hollywood, July 20. 
Ruby Keeler entrained for New 
York Sunday (18),. where she will 
join hubby^ Al Jolson, and accom- 
pany him to Saratoga instead of 
going abroad as had been contem- 
plated. 

Paramount deal for star's services 
having .floundered, Abe Lastfogel, of 
William Morris Agency, has offer for 
tw6 picture deal with another major 
company, which niay be set this 
week. • . : ■ 



CAPRA STILL A.W.OX. 
FROM COLUMBIA STUDIO 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Frank Capra has been in town for 
over a week since his return from 
Europe, but according to reports has 
not visited the Columbia studio. At 
the Columbia convention here re- 
cently no announcement was made 
of any Capra productions for the 
new season,'with sales forces some- 
what surprised by the omission. 

Capra and Harry Cohn had a mls- 
imderstanding ' last January when, 
after the director had cut 'Lost 
Horizon.' Cohn recut the picture. 
Then; with picture going out on gen- 
eral release, Cohn is understood to 
have made additional cuts which 
Capra learned of on his return, and 
burned up anew. 

Columbia claims Capra still has 
three pictures to make under his 
contract, while on the other hand, 
several propositions have been made 
to Capra to produce on his own a;t 
other studios. 



Jack Cohn, in N. Y., states he sees 
no teason why Capra and the studio 
end can't adjust their differences 
satisfactorily. . 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Julian T. Abeles. 
Mrs.- Fred Astaire. 
Edward iL. Alperson. 
Olympe Bradna. 
Joe E. Brown. 
John i). cfark. 
Kathryn Cravens. 
Danny Danker. 
Errol Flynn. 
Milton Golden. 
Dorothy Haas. 
Lo'renz Hart 
Joris Ivens. 
Sonja Henie. 
Nat Kalcheim. 
Ruby Keeler. 
Sidney Lanfield. 
W. B. Lewis. 
Richard MacCaulay. 
Rouben Mamoulian, 
Ramon Novarro. 
William Parker. 
Max Richard. 
Richard Rodgers. 
Randolph Scott. 
George Seid. 
Hunt Stromberg, 
Virginia Van Upp. 
Jerry Wald. 



SAILINGS 

July 21 (London to New York) 
Henry Wilcox, Serge Koussevitzky 
and De Marcos (He de- France). 

July 21 (London to New. York) 
Charlotte Greenwood, Martin 
Brpones, Fanny Hurst . (Queen 
Mary). 

July 21 (New York to London) 
Miriam Hopkins, Mady Christians 
(Berengaria). 

July 20 (New York to Paris) Mrs. 
Hy Daab, Phyllis Daab (Statendam). 
(Returning Sept. 8 on Pari.s.) 

July 17 (San Francisco to Hono- 
lulu) Mr. and Mrs. Robert Z. Leon- 
ard (Malolo). 



ARRIVALS 



Mrs. Leopold Godowsky. Jr. 
(Frances Gershwin), Eleanor Phelp.s, 
Dennis Hoey, Virginia Booth, .t. 
Cheever Cowdin, Simone Simon. - 



Alperson Deal 
For Output Of 
GeneraTs 14 Pix 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Edward L, .Alperson, Grand fifa^ 
tional prexy, and Bill Deming, ex« 
ecutive producer for General Pic- 
ture$, .hav« come to terms on a deal 
Wherfsby GN will release GP's entire 
product for the current season. All. 
that's needed now is the. okay of 
Penn Kimball, GP prez,^ for the 
clincher. 

Alperson left for New York where 
he will talk the deal with KimbalL 
General ,wiU make 14 pictures and 
is holdinig up the first, 'Night Edi- 
tion,' pending outcome. 



DIAMOND PRODUCING 
FOUR COMEDIES FOR GN 



Hollywood, July 20. 

David Diamond has moved in at 
the .Grand National under a pact by 
which he will produce four pictures 
on the 1937-38 program featuring a 
comedy duo yet unselected. 

Diamond is lining up a production 
staff for the first of the quartet, 
skeded to roll in September. 



DeMille, S^znick, Et al, 
Appeal U. S. Tax Squawks 

Washington, July 20. 

Tax tiff between the U.. S. Govern- 
ment and Cebil B. DeMille, reflected 
lately in Congressional investigation 
of tax dodging, was set last week for 
possibly another airing. Feds ap- 
pealed -to the Supreme Court Friday 
(16) for' review of lower court de- 
cisions upholding the legality of 
methods used by the noted director 
to cut down his. tribute to the 
Treasury; 

Blocked by both the U. S. Board 
of Tax Appeals and the Ninth Cir- 
cuit court of appeals, the Justice 
Department asked the highest bench 
to scrutinize the steps by which De- 
Mille's earnings were paid into Cecil 
B. DeMille Prbductions, Inc., and the 
transactions between the director and 
his personally-owned corporation. 
Government asserts DeMille owes 
$1,156,074 in back taxes, while he 
retorts that the money held by Pro- 
ductions, Inc., is legitimate deduc- 
tion from income tax figures -jnas- • 
much as -he is collecting- capital to 
fln^ce picture-making on his own 
hook. 

Another Hollywood figure turned 
toward the courts Monday (19) and 
prepared for another similar wran- 
gle with the revenooers. David O. 
Selznick asked the Board of Tax 
Appeals to redetermine his liability 
for 1934, challenging the Internal 
Revenue Bureau's claim that he was 
deficient by $9,336 in his income tax 
check. More than a score of actor.s 
and execs already have like appeals 
pending before the Board. 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Cecelia Ager. 

Milton Ag-er. 

Herbert Brenon. 

Yukona Cameron. 

Mrs. Eddie Cantor. 

Edin N. Clark. 

Ira Gershwin. 

Radie Harris. 

Paul and Grace Harlman. 

Helen Jepson. 

Al Trahan. 

Sammy Wei.sbord, 

Walter Winchell. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



8 




$1,000,000 




Zukdr to Survey Foreign Market 
While Abroad; London Prod. MuHed 



HoUywootJ, July 20, 
Adolph Zukor is set within next 
-10 days to depart for New York eh 
route to Europe where he will re- 
main about 10 weeks. Chris 
Dunphy, Partiinourtt studio p.a., who 
went abroad on vacation, has been 
working on a' general welcome for 
the Par chieftain in the principal 
cities on the continent and will ac- 
company Zukor during his European 
tour. - 

Zxikor's irtission is to make a gen- 
eral survey of the foreign market 
and to meet with foreign exhibs and 
inform them of -the product in store 
on the 1937-38 Par schedule. 

Likely that he will attend the trade 
showing in London Of 'High Wide 
and- Handsome' and 'Souls at Sea,' 
which will be shipped abroad about 
the time he leaves New York. , 

Zukor will also confer, with John 
C.- Graham, Paramount managing di- 
rector in England, on output of the 
• future which will reach the con- 
.^tinental market toward the end of 
. the current year. Possible, too, that 
Zukor may look into the possibility 
,of sending an American crew to 
London to produce for Paramount 
along similar lines to the setup that 
Metro has put into shape for produc- 
tion there. Paramoxmt, it is under- 
stood, feels that with Metro produc- 
ing a better than moderate grade of 
. pictures with its own leads and di- 
rectors in England, that it might be 
a profitable gesture for them' to in- 
stall a similar policy. 

Before departing Zukor probably 
will okay plans of directors and the 
finance committee on a site for Para- 
-mount studio and construction de- 
tails. 



r 



Cowdin Back Soon 



HATRICK SETS 
COSMO FILMS' 
FUTURE 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Ed Hatrick, who arrived from New 
York on Thursday (15) and went 

• direct to San Simeon to confer with 
W. R. Hearst on Cosmopolitan prod- 
uct for Warner release this year, re- 
turned Monday to dificuss story ma- 
terial for current year commit- 
ments. One is for a Marlon Davies 
picture artd two for Cosmopolitan. 
It is likely that 'Boy Meets Girl' will 
be the "Davies selection, going into 

i production late in October. 

Cosmopolitan contract for next 
year calls for six more pictures, two 
of them starring Miss Davies, In 
which ends the company's Warner 
commitment. 



NO BKPTCY DISCHARGE 
AS YET FOR BILL FOX 



Atlantic City, July 20. 

An application by William Fox, 
former moving picture magnate, to 
be discharged from $7,000,000 bank- 
ruptcy case, was held in abeyance 
by Federal Judge John Boy at Cam- 
den, N. J., Saturday (17). The court 
referred the application to Allen B. 
Endicott, Jr., federal referee in bank- 
ruptcy here. No date was fixed for 
the hearing. 

Counsel for the U. S. Collector of 
Internal Revenue, Fox Theatres 
Corp., the Chicago Title & Trust 
Co., 20th Century-Fox Film Corp. 
and the Capital Co. of California, 
opposed the application. They said 
they were creditors. 



BRENON m FROM LONDON 

Herbert Brenon reached New 
York yesterday (Tues.) from London 
and left the same day for Holly- 
wood. 

Goes back to London producing in 
a month or six weeks. 



J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of 
Universal; i^ due back from Europe 
next week. 

He has been inspecting exchanges 
in several countries where U is op- 
erating abroad and attending to de- 
tails in connection with the setup in 
England. 



ZUKOR SPENT 

$35,000,000 
SOFAR 



Paramount home office execs are 
anxiously awaiting the showing this 
week of 'High, Wide and Handsome,*^ 
which was turned out at a cost re- 
ported to be $1,900,000, and is highest 
priced pic turned out at the studio 
since Adolph Zukor assumed the 
Coast reins. 

Pic is being given the $1.50-$2 
start-off, due to the fact of cost and 
figured that the Jerome Kern and 
Oscar Hammerstein, 2d, names, for 
music, book and lyrics, warrant the 
two-a-day showing. Cast iS headed 
by Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott, 
with the company execs hopeful that 
these names may be fruitful at the 
b.o. If not, there is likely to be a 
general curbing on the Paramount 
production budget for the new sea- 
son, as the expenditure for produc- 
tion during the year that Zukor has 
been supreme at the studio for prod- 
uct is said to be $35,000,000. 

Boys at home office are also con- 
cerned over the impression 'Souls 
At Sea,' with Gary Cooper and Geo. 
Raft, will create at the b.o., as this 
one hit the finishing mark at a cost 
of $1,400,000. 



ROXY TILTS TO 
75c AU WEEK 



First price tilt of any kind on 
Broadway in a long time will be a 
boost in scales at the Roxy, N. Y., 
starting Friday (23) when house 
brings in 'Wee Willie Winkie,' to be 
followed by 'Road Back,' recently 
roadshown at the Globe, and other 
pictures which it is felt by the man- 
agement can get higher admissions. 

Instead of 25c, 40c and 55c week- 
days, house goes to 25c, 55c and 75c, 
same scale as prevails on Saturdays 
and Sundays. Change in prices is 
unique in that theatres almost always 
play to a higher top on the week- 
end than on other days. While the 
25c, 55c, 75c range of admissions 
continues for Saturdays and Sundays, 
the Saturday midnight nick will be 
upped from the 40c now exacted to 
55c. 



WILCOX SAILS FOR 
U. S. ON RKO DEAL 



London, July 20. 
Herbert Wilcox sails tomorrow 
ostensibly to close a deal with Radio 
Pictures whereby his product would 
be released by RKO throughout 
America. 

'Victoria' has just been completed 
and Wilcox is bringing a print with 
him. 'The Rat,' to be done on Wil 
cox's return, will also be released 
through RKO. He is also setting a 
deal with RKO whereby he" will 
make their English quotas upon 
which RKO intends spending con 
siderably more than heretofore. 



11^ OF 1818-/ PIK Variety Talent for Fihusicals 

Swaying Republic to Produce 
In the East at Old Bio Studios 





Highest Average Since 1929 
— Gross Returns to Dis- 
tribs on 40 Out of More 
Than 400 Films Earned 
Upwards of $1,000,000 — 
Bigger Rentals, Better 
Percentage Deals, Im- 
proved Merchandizing, 
Upped Boxoffice Incomes 



BIG FOREIGN TAKES 



By ROY CHARTIER 

The so-called $1,000,000 grossing 
picture is no longer the rarity it has 
been during the long, lean years fol- 
lowing the 1929 attack of Indigestion 
in industry. Out of the more than 
400 features released on the season 
now coming to an end (1936-37), 
records of the distributors will re- 
veal that instead of a golden dozen 
that will gross $1,000,000 or over in 
sales, the number will more nearly 
comprise a fancy 40. 

Bigger rentals than in past years, 
better selling and more widespread 
adoption of percentage terms, com- 
bined with the fact that theatres 
have shown marked improvement in 
receipts during the past year, have 
figured as vital factors in sending 
more features into the $1,000,000 
class. Under percentage contracts 
which were not as -common prior to 
1929 as now, when the theatres do a 
large . gross the return to the dis- 
tributor, sometimes in the form of 
overages on a 50-50 basis, is propor- 
tionately larger and might even 
double what a flat rental contract 
would have brought. This form of 
selling has helped a lot. 

Based on figures of distributors, it 
would appear that around 40 pic- 
tures will igo through their final 
playdates in this country to wind up 
at $1,000,000 or more in rentals for 
their producer-distributor owners. 
This is a remarkable number of fea- 
tures on which domestic gross sales 
may go into seven figures, being 
close to 10% of the number turned 
out on the year. 

With the world gross sales on pic- 
tures computed, the number would 
be greater, some productions being 
expected to get as much from for- 
eign countries as from the domestic 
market, latter including the United 
States and Canada. 

In arriving at the 1936-37 pictures 
which can be counted on to grab 

(Continued on page 10) 



Serlin Leaves S-I 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Oscar Serlin has checked off the 
Selznick-International lot after six- 
months contract as production aid 
to David O. Selznick. 

Serlin is returning to Broadway 
to produce a legit, 'Damn Deborah,' 
after which he will return to pix, 



SEE $4,500,000 
NET FOR 20TH 
IN 6 MONTHS 



Earnings for 20th Century-Fox for 

the 26-week period ending near the 

close of June, which are due to be 

revealed in a few days, are expected 
in Wall Street to show net operating 
profit of around $4,500,000, or ap- 
proximately double that for the 
same six months in 1936. Such earn- 
ings probably will amount to more 
than $2 per common share, after 
providing for preferred divvy re- 
quirements. 

V/ith this earning pace being main- 
tained, 20th-Fox is counted on in the 
street to shpw easily the second best 
per common share earning, among 
the picture companies. Top honors 
go to Loew's common, which doubt- 
less will show about $9 per com- 
mon share for the present fiscal year. 

The income on 20th-Fox common, 
with its year ending in December 
instead of August as with Loew, la 
counted on to be at least $4 per 
share, with the status of business 
this fall and early winter making 
possible as much as $1 a share more 
than this amount. 

Paramount is rated third, with 
earnings now running at a $2.80 an- 
nual pace. Warner Bros., with a 
fiscal year ending in August, is 
counted on to show approximately 
$2 per common share. 

The net operating profit for 20th- 
Fox doubtless will be hiked when 
and if the dividends from National 
Theatres is included in the total. The 
theatire affiliate was credited with 
dividends of $1,134,000 but not in- 
cluded in the total when 20th-Fox 
made its first 13-week report earlier 
this year. 



LeRoy Scoffs at Reports Hel Buy 
Into UA As Goldwyn, Korda Pard 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Although Mervyn LeRoy denied 
such a transaction, reports are 
prevalent that the Warner Bros, pro- 
ducer will shortly acquire holdings 
of Mary Pickford, Douglass Fair- 
banks and Charlie Chaplin in United 
Artists Corp., on which Sainuel 
Goldwyn and Alexander Korda hold 
an option until Dec. 24. 

Report that Goldwyn and Korda 
are unable to raise the coin, and that 
H. M. Warner, LeRoy's father-in- 
law, stepped in to make his son-in- 
law a partner in UA with the above 
two producers. 

LeRoy asserted that about a year 
ago he was approached on a buy 
proposition by Fairbanks, but that it 
had fallen through and that he was 
continuing as a producer releasing 
through Warners with his next pic- 
ture, 'Food for Scandal,' with Fer- 
nand Gravet and Carole Lombard, 
going into production Nov. 1, 

Understood that Goldwyn and 
Korda are making little progress in 



gathering coin in England for their 
purchase. David Rose, Goldwyn's 
financial advisor, went to London 
two months ago with Korda and 
Murray Silverstone to work on the 
proposition. Roae still is in London 
and last week conferred with Lord 
Beaverbrook and N. L. Nathanson 
regarding their interest in financing 
a buy of the major holdings in U.A. 

Jack Benny Insists He's 
Holidaying 100% Abroad 

London, July 20. 

Paramount threw a press reception 
for Jack Benny this afternoon (20) 
with two-score journalists on hand 
to ply the comic with questions. 

Benny already has offers from 
British broadcasting and commercial 
continental broadcasting, supple- 
mented by Insistent demands that hs 
play a date at the Palladium, to all 
of which he has turned a deaf ear, 
insisting on a holiday. 



Republic Pictures officials are' 
mulling the complete switch of fea- 
ture production ■ on principal 1937-38 
musicals from the Coast to New 
York. While seemingly convinced of 
the economy surrounding such a 
move, definite announcement prob- 
ably won't be made for a week or 
10 days. 

However, swing towards eastern 
production has progressed to such 
an extent that Biograph Studios has 
been notified to be prepared to han- 
dle five such musical productions. 
And others identified with picture 
production in New York are laying 
plans for outright production on a 
minimum of five such feat'ufe films. 
Extensive improvements at Biograph' 
make it adequate 'for handling fea* 
ture work. ' 

•Hit Parade of 1938,' 'All Hands 
on Deck,' 'Hollywood Band Wagon,' 
'AU American Girl' and .'College 
Nights' are the musicals tentatively 
set. for eastern production. 'Though 
'Manhattan Merry-Go-Round' Is 
scheduled to go into production In 
Hollywood shortly, studio in the 
Bronx has been notified to be ready 
for shooting on this feature starting 
Aug. 2. Whether or not the full pic- 
ture will be made in the east prob- 
(Continued on page i8) 



WILBY PRECEDING 
LYNCH BACK TO U. S. 



R. B. Wilby, who went abroad 
with S. A. Lynch but isn't remaining 
as long as the latter, Is expected., 
back in a couple weeks but hasn't 
set a sailing date as yet. The south- 
ern Par partner-operator went to 
London, while Lynch proceeded oa 
to Carlsbad for the baths. 

Lynch has « castle on the other 
side in southern France and will 
probably check in there before re- 
turning. 




Tri\do Marli KeRlatereil 
FOtlNDBD BT 8TME SILVERMAN 
IMibllttlied Woekljr by VAKIRTt. Inc. 

Sid Silverman, Prcatdent 
164 Wcat 4filU Strdet. New TorU City 



SUB.SCRH'TION 














Cent 11 






NO.O 


Vol. 127 



INDEX 

Advance Production Chart 23 

Bills 59 

Burlesque 56-58 

Chatter 69 

Concert 67 

iDance Tours. 5b 

Exploitation 29 

15 Years Ago, 58 

Film Booking Chart 21 

Film Reviews 18-19 

Forum .. ^ .............. . 71 

House Reviews.,.. 60 

Inside — Legit 64 

Inside— Music 55 

Inside — Pictures 10 

International Film News.. 15 
International Show News. 66 

Joe Laurie^ Jr 6 

Legitimate 62-65 

Literati 68 

Music 53-55 

New Acts 61 

Nite Clubs 56-58 

Obituary 70 

Outdoors 71 

Pictures 2-30 

Radio 31-52 

Radio Reviews ,34 

Radio Showmanship 46 

Units 61 

Vaudeville 56-58 



4, 



VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



Pktnre Biz Strong for Much 
More Roadshowing This Season; 
Deem Product Worth 2-a-Dayiiiig 



Picture biz anticipates its greatest 
year of roadshow productions since 
1929 and 1930. 

Sweeping success of several films 
which played two-a-day plus the fact 
that producers helieve they are turn- 
ing out th6 product that will stand 
up with tilted scales are primary 
factors in t^end^ However, the large 
boost in amount of coin in the public 
pocketbook, adclitional employment 
and increase in number of folks will- 
ing to pay more than general pic- 
ture prices are pertinent aides. 

Money that 'Great Ziegfeld,' 'Ro- 
meo and Juliet/ 'Midsummer -Night's 
Dream/ 'Mutiny on the Bounty' , and 
'Good Earth' garnered is prompting 
major producer heads to" watch for 
suitable roadshowers for coming sea- 
son. Success of several, of these was 
instrumental in twice-daily booking 
of 'Lost Horizon,* 'The Road Back' 
and 'Captains Coiirageous.' Univer- 
sal and Metro probably won't put 
latter two in many additional high- 
scaled spots because of hot weather 
just now. 

Prelim outlook indicates that 
Metro, Paramount, United Artists, 
Wamef Bros and Columbia will lead 
■way for 1937-38 rOadshoAv films. 
Piuamount already is, set on two- 
per-day policy for 'High, Wide and 
Handsome' and 'Souls At Sea,' 
thoutfli former will get its premiere 
oh tag end of 193Q-37 season, hitting 
Astor this week. But geners^oad^ 
showing of both will flnd^ulk of 
cash from next sissasu"^'^ 

United' Ar'tisia is planning road- 
showing for 'Dead find' and 'The 
Hurricane,* both Samuel Goldwyn 
productions. Former is skedded for 
release next month but 'Hurricane' 
probably won't get first showing im- 
til November. 

While not officially decided, trade 
leaders expect Columbia to set a 
roadshow policy for 'You Can't Take 
It With You/ because Of initial out- 
lay for script reported around 
$250,000. Metro probably will come 
up with two or three for road-show- 
ing though the sales department this 
• week was not set on., any one film 
It is probable that continued high- 
bracket grosses may prompt Warner 
Bros, to groom one o^r more for the 
same policy, with . 'Emile Zola' and 
'Tovarich' set on and 'Adventures of 
Robin Hood' and possibly 'Thie Gam 
biers' in view. 

Twentieth Century-Fox probably 
will pass up roadshowing on the aS' 
sumption that it will have numerous 
b.o. films possessing sufficient lever- 
age to warrant ignoring twp-a-day 
field. Some of sales chiefs also ate 
credited with believing that such a 
policy towards exhibitors also is war 
ranted from long-range point of 
view. 

BKO and Universal are rated as 
holding much the same attitude, with 
latter company presently convinced 
the risk is too great on roadshowing,^ 
based presumably on actual experi 
ence. 

Fact that distribution companies 
get 50% rental, even if this figure is 
trimmed by the 50-50 basis on shar- 
ing advertising-exploitation,, intrigues 
many outfits because this coin means 
long, stride towards writing oif pro- 
duction costs before the feature even 
hits pop;ilar-price release. Though 
$2.20 top prevails for night shows in 
N. Y. two-a-day, the average peak 
is $1.50 in other cities where such 
films are roadshown. 



WB 'RoIhd Hood' in Color 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Warners will make 'Robin Hood' 
in color with Henry Blanks as as- 
sociate producer and William 
Keighley directing. Picture is 
skedded to start early in Septem- 
ber. Norman ReiUy Raine scripted. 

Others being readied for the cam- 
eras by Blanke include 'The Wright 
Bros.', script by Abem Finkel; 'The 
Gamblers,' from the Dostoievsky 
novel, iscreen play by Milton Krims, 
and 'White Banners,' Lloyd Douglas 
novel, script by Finkel. 



WAIIACE SETTLES 

AIR CRASH SUIT 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Trial of the daniage suit of Rich- 
ard Wallace -film director, against 
Transcontinental and Western Air, 
Inc., for $306,000 was halted in the 
midst of hearing evidence when at- 
torneys announced an out-of-court 
settlement-had been agreed upon. 

Amount was kept secret by stip- 
ulation of counsel, on both sides, 
Wallace was Injured two years ago 
when A.TWA .plarte-«rashed. 



DOUBLE OR NOTHING 



Lesser Looking for Types to Imitate 
Famous Figures 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Sol Lesser has settled on 'Master 
Skylark' as the next Principal PiC' 
tures vehicle for Bobby Breen and 
is looking for players to imperson 
ate William Shakespeare, Queen 
Elizabeth, and Ben Jonson. 

Lesser also wants players for the 
Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamil 
ton roles in the new Smith Ballew 
western, 'Louisiana Expedition/ and 
to impersonate members of Lin 
coin's cabinet in 'Western Gold.' 



Co-eding for 20th-F6x 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Femme lead in 20th-Fox's 'Life 
Begins in College' has been as' 
signed to Gloria Stuart and troup6 
last week was shooting on the cam- 
pus of Occidental College under di- 
rection of William Seiter. • 

Ritz Bros, and Anthony Martin 
are featured with others in the cast 
including Fred Stone, Nat Pendleton 
and Dixie Dunbar. 



JONES SHIFTS TO MG 
WHEN MAYER RETURNS 



Hollywood, July 20, 
Grover Jones moves over to Metro 
from Paramount on the return of 
LQUis B. Mayer from Europe, having 
signatured a pact that lifts him to 
producer-writer status. He will work 
directly under Mayer. 

Jones iff washing up his Paramount 
contract on 'The Buccaneer,* Cecil B. 
De Mille production. 



Taggart's *Aflfair* 

Hollywood, July 20. 
'This Is My Affair,' which Michael 
Fessier will produce for Metro, will 
have Errol Taggart in the director 
^ot. 

Film will be made from an origi- 
nal by Matt Taylor, with Script, by 
Donald Henderson Clarke and James 
Edward Grani 



Biberman Leads Off 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Paramount has handed the direct 
ing job on 'Prison Farm' to Herbert 
Biberman as his first megging as 
signment. 

Lew Ayres and Louise Campbell 
play the leads. Biberman scripted 
with True Boardman from Edward 
Westrate's original. 



Par Seals Carmichael 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Hoagy Carmichael has been tiec 
by Paramount for the year to com 
pose times and lyrics for films. 

Pact is effective Sept. 1 or Npv. 1 
within /the option of Carmichael 
who likely will take on another as- 
signment prior to starting at Par. 



TOASTING RECRUIT 

Hollyvvood, July 20. 

John Payne goes into Major's 
'Love on Toast' as his initial fea 
tured role under his new pact with 
Emanuel Cohen. Film went into 
work last week for Paramount re 
lease. Player is a recruit from radio 
and the stage. 

Same picture also has another 
ether recruit, Katherine Kane, in its 
cast. 



mWIN SHAW'S WANGER PIG 

Hollywood, July 20 
Irwin Shaw has been loaned to 
Walter Wanger by Metro to screen 
play 'Arabian Nights,' which Wanger 
will produce in technicolor. 
Shaw wrote the original 



British Writers Coming 



Hollywood, July 20. 
John Beanest British playwright, 
and Arthur Calde^-M^u:3hall, novel- 
ist, arrive in New York from Eng- 
land this week on the Berengaria 
and will proceed direct to Hollywood 
:o begin work under scripting pacts 
to which they were signed in Lon- 
don last month by Edwin Knopf. 

Scribblers are quarry cornered by 
Knopf on his recent story and talent 
safari abroad for Metro, 





JUST NO HE 
WB DIARINE' 



Glendale, Calif., the Ideal Preview 
Town; Pomona, Westwood Rate Next 



Rep's *Merry-Go-Roiind'^ 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Republic has assigned Harry Sau- 
ber to produce 'Manhattan Merry- 
Go-Round/ Phil Regan musical, 
from Sauber's original with Charles 
Reisner directing. Film is gkeded to 
start Aug. 20, those signed including 
Virginia Bruce, Cab Calloway, Ted 
Lewis and Lucienne Boyer. 

This is the second radio 'hour' tir 
tie to be used by Rep as a film tag. 
First Phil Regan musical was cap- 
tioned "The Hit Parade* and in- 
cluded a flock of radio and recording 
artists. 



Washington, July 20. 
Terrific panning was administered 
last week to Warner Bros.' new pic, 
The Singing Marine/ by the National 
Council for Prevention of War. Ac- 
companying loud bleats and protests 
against the 'offensive' film was a re- 
quest that aU members of the pac- 
ifist organization appeal to local 
theatre managers and send individ- 
ual squawks to the producers, in an 
attempt to have picture banned. 

'Singing Marine,' starring Dick 
Powell, apparently inspired peace 
group to one of its most militant- at- 
tacks, rating more than a page of 
single-spaced quarreling with the 
plot of the film. 

Panners were unable to see why 
Powell — ^who takes the part of a 
golden-voiced leatherneck who final- 
ly decides to stay in the service in- 
stead of signing fat radio contract — 
'should be branded as a quitter and 
a moral leper if he elects- to pursue 
a singing career when his contract 
with the Government has been ful- 
filled.' 

Using the weapon of sarcasm 
about 'as skilfully as a peace organi- 
zation could be expected to handle 
bayonets, NCPW declared that War- 
ner Bros, had been inspired ' by 
Powell's success in glorifying West 
Pointers and Naval Cadets in two 
recent pix and 'thought it about time 
for, their champion crooner to don 
the luiiform of a marine and engage 
in some special flag-waving for this 
branch of military service.' 

••Prevention of War Council 
squawks further, .'The Singing Mai- 
rine* would probably have been a 
big help to the recruiting stations 20 
years ago, and even today such mov- 
ies tend to keep alive false concep- 
tions of patriotism and foster in the 
young mind an easy acceptance of 
only one side of the military scene 
— the glamoxur side dealing with 
brass buttons and shining medals.' 

Group admitted that 'as film oper- 
ettas go, 'The Singing Marine' is en- 
tertaining enough and possesses a hit 
tune or two/ Sequence of the flicker 
most objected to was the finale of 
dancing and singing by the leather- 
necks 'to the strains of martial music 
in. the manner of an old-time re- 
ligious revival, mesmerizing the au- 
dience into a 'patriotic' fervor.' 



SINO-JAP WAR THREAT 
SCURRIES NEWSREELERS 



RADIO TIES BERLE 
FOR 1938 'NEW FACES' 



Hollywood, July 20. 

As the result of his work in 'New 
Faces of 1937,' Milton Berle has been 
handed an exclusive picture contract 
by RKO. / 

S. J. Briskin negotiated the deal 
by telephone to New York with 
Eferle agreeing to return in the fall 
to be featured in 'New Faces of 
1938.' 



Probability of hostilities between 
Japan and China in and about Tien- 
tsin is prompting, the American 
newsreel companies to concentrate 
their cameramen near present seat 
of trouble and- military movements. 
Most of photographers formerly sta- 
tioned at Shanghai are on the ground 
at Tientsin, with the Chinese troops 
or on the way to the so-called bat- 
tlefront. Others are being drawn 
from Tokyo while some may be 
called on from principal European 
capitals if threatened outbreak jus- 
tifies it. : * 

While a few of the lens boys may 
follow the Japanese forces, best re- 
sults are anticipated from those ac- 
companying Chinese troops. Reason 
for this is the strict censorship laid 
down by Japan's military officials 
as compared- with almost complete 
freedom of movement and wide open 
attitude on grabbing warfare scenes 
of the Chinese. 

It will be recalled that when 
trouble flared several years ago be- 
twe^ the Japanese and Chinese, the 
newsreels obtained unusually dra- 
matic and authentic battle shots. 



TEST RADIO SINGER AS 
COLUMBIA PIX DUBBER 



Gino Monti, opera tenor, is being 
tested by Hal Hode, of Columbia 
Picts, for a voice doubling stint in 
the studio's next tuner. Idea is to 
do the recording in New York and 
ship it to the Coast. - 

Monti, whose real name is Pino 
Bontempi, begins a platter series 
over WOV in August for Fratelli 
Branca, Italian bitters. 



Time Out for Sub 

Hollywood, July 20. 

June Travis replaces Doris Weston 
'Block That Kick,' Warner grid yarn 
that went into work last week on the 
football rectangle at the Los Angeles 
Coliseum. 

William Hopper has the lead, with 
two complete football elevens in the 
cast. 



Stewart's Reno Script 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Donald Ogden Stewart is screen- 
playing 'Honeymoon in Reno' for 
Samuel Goldwyn at United Artist's. 

It's an original by Virginia Kel- 
logg to star Merle Oberon. 



U'S 'IRON MEN' 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Universal has signed Milton Car- 
ruth to direct 'Iron Men.' 

Lester Cole is preparing the script 
and E. M. Asher will produce. Fihn 
is on sked for October. 



CHEF'S SERENADE 

Hollywood, July 20. 

All-an Jones has been assigned to 
warbie the chef's role in Metro's 
'The Ugly Duckling.' 

Judy Garland has the title part. 



NOVARHO EAST 

Ramon Novarro, who recently 
completed starring in 'The Sheik 
Steps Out' for Republic, is due in 
New York today or tomorrow 
(Thursday). He will assist in the 
special exploitation campaign being 
mapped out besides spending his va- 
cation in Manhattan. 

Novarro is under option to Rep 
for two more features depending on 
reaction to 'Sheik.' 



PHYLLIS WELCH TO M-G 

Phyllis Welch, legit and radio in- 
genue, wa.^ signatured ye.sterday 
(Tues.) by Metro, being scheduled 
to report at the studio at the end 
of August. 

She recently closed in 'High Tor' 
and is playing in 'Lysistrata' at Mt. 
Kisco, N. Y,, this week ahd at West- 
port, Conn., next week. 



RKO Options Lucille Ball 

RKO has lifted its option on Lu- 
cille Ball, contract player, dishing 
out a raise and bonus. Actress, cur- 
rently making 'Stage Door,' is 
slated for leads. 

May resume her part in 'Hey Did- 
dle Diddle' on Broadway in the fall 
if and when Aiine Nichols produces 
the comedy again. 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Studios have discovered, after 
sneaking off to theatres half way 
around the globe, the ideal preview 
town is right at their back doors. 
Town is Gl(»ndale, a separate city of 
71,000 population, between Holly- 
wood and Pasadena, geographically. 

Next as a previewer to Glendale 
is Pomona, a college town of the 
freshwater sort, where Robert Tay- 
lor was ' educated. In fact there are 
several colleges in Pomona— two 
most important being Pomona for 
men, and Scripps .college, for girls. 
It was Poinona reaction that de- 
cided the fate of late Jean Harlow's 
starrer— 'Saratoga/ Pomona peak 
was double-checked with an official 
preview at Glendale later. Reac- 
tioiis were so good that the pic will 
be released tomorrow (21). 

Next to Glendale and Pomona as 
a preview spot is Westwood, a col- 
lege to,wn near the 20th Century- 
Fox lot, and considered the best 
place to try out smart-alec pix of the 
'sophisticated' gemre. WestwOod 
houses tiCLA,. a co-ed setup of 7,000 
students. But in surefire reactions 
Glendale tops them all. 

For family pix, Glendale has 
proved itself to be the perfect av- 
erage -of American audiences, more 
dependable than the college towns 
because the college towns are not 
peopled with the kind of picture- 
goers who have earned the doujgh 
they've giving up at the b.o. Col- 
lege kids in the main go to pic- 
tures (1) to laugh at everything 
as proof that they got a 'B' in 
psychology honestly, (2) . to learn 
how to write scripts and make a lot 
of money easily, and (3) to neck in 
the back rows and not be bothered 
by anything. 

Of course towns where people, 
work have their back-row neckers, 
too, but the rest, of the audience is 
made up by those who take their 
entertainment seriously, and they 
don't come more serious than in 
Glendale. 

Hollywood's No Dice 

Previews in Hollywood are not 
the slightest help because the audi- 
ence . is made up in the main of 
those who would cheer anything — 
even the bombing of children, if the 
newsreel was made by the company 
they worked for. The rest of the 
audience is made up of autograph 
fans who had dough enough left 
over to see the picture after buying 
their autograph albums. 

These Hollywood previews show 
most of the stars arriving just in 
time to make a banal crack over 
the radio, in which they praise the 
picture that they haven't even seen 
yet Then they rush into the the- 
atre, grab seats in the roped-off 
section, applaud all the credit titles 
and, then as soop. as the pictures is 
over they grab their wraps and 
start for the door. The' rest of the 
audience stays for the picture which 
was originally scheduled as the 
night's attraction. 

Previews, of course, are always 
ahnoiuiced mysteriously as 'Major 
Studio Preview Tonight.' Anybody 
wanting to know very badly can 
find out what the name of the pic- 
ture is, but the few who prefer to 
buy blind wait until the title is 
flashed on the screen and then throw 
out a couple of 'ahs' and a round 
of applause. 

In Glendale, as soon as the pre- 
view is over, it isn't the stars who 
rush out, it's the audience. In Glen- 
dale, too, the autograph hunters are 
not adults as they are in Hollywood, 
but children. The grown-ups are 
inside and such numbers that there 
is not much space for the stars who 
are there on skuUs. 

Glendale audiences laugh at come- 
dies, but it's a different sort of 
laugh from the Hollywood version, 
and a much more authentic one. It 
helps the studios gauge what they 
have in the way of a grosser. 

If a studio is trying out a new 
star, there is no place like Glen- 
dale to find out how she's going to 
go over. All the ballyhoo in the 
world never seems to get to Glen- 
dale, but if you listen to the audi: 
ences after they have come out, you 
will hear them say, 'She isn't good 
and she isn't bad,' and . the studio 
executives know from- that that 
there is a lot of spade work to be 
done before they have another 
Garbo on their hands. 



Vedoesday, July 21, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



FILMS' PROBLEM 




Heiningway s War Film on Coast 
Crosses $15,000 From Audience of 15 



JHE SPANISH EARTH 

Los Angeles, July 16, 

Contemporary Historians, Inc., production 
' and release. Directed and photographed 
iy Jorls Ivens. Original story and narra- 
tion by Erne.it Hemingway; musical score, 
Marc BHtzsteln; comment by Norson Wells, 
previewed at I'hllharmonlc Auditorium,' 
I,, A. Running time, 62 mlns. 

This can make money where any 
picture can make money, ^)ut it won't 
make it there. It won't make it there, 
because it won't get in there. It will 
have to depend,' as it did here in 
its world premiere, on lecture halls 
which are wired for soimd and can 
gross enough In one performance to 
justify a week's buildup. 
. At the Philharmonic it played to 
capacity at a 25c. to $1.10 scale and 
grossed $2,000, The audience threw 
«tn additional $2,500 in the, hat, mean- 
ing a $4,500 total and most of that 
net. At least 2,500 • persons were 
turned away and the place was a 
madhouse of congestion. 
. Just hoW' many came to see the 
: picture and how many to see Ernest 
Hemingway do a personal is hard to 
gay. If'he could go along with the 
pic, 'The Spanish Earth' could pick 
iip as much coin across the country 
as it did here, but Hem announced 
he was blowing right back to Spain 
—for a month, as far as his wife was 
concerned; for six months if the war 
lasts that long, While here he was 
offered $50,000 to script a picture. 
He said he didn't have the time right 
now. 

With Hem was Joris Ivens, who 
directed and photographed The 
Spanish Earth' from Hemingway's 
atory. Ivens, a Dutch director, made 
(Continued on page 66) 

$100,000 SUIT OVER 
RKO'S 'H'WOOD' PIC 



RKO-Radio Pictures Corp. and 
Adela Rogers St. John, writer, were 
named defendants in a plagiarism 
action brought Friday (16) in the 
N. Y. supreme court by James 
young, film director and author. The 
suit was revealed through the filing 
of a notice of trial during the fall 
term of the court. Young asks 
$100,000 damages. 

Plaintiff, avers that the plot and 
part of the title of his book, 'What 
Price Sex in Hollywood?' were pur- 
loined by. the defendants in the pic- 
ture, 'What Price Hollywood?', which 
Miss St. John authored and RKO 
produced. Both the book and the 
scenario were written in 1932. 

Young was for many years associ- 
ated with Sir Henry Irving and 
Augustin Daly. He directed the first 
five-reel silent picture made in 
America. This was 'My Official 
Wife,' starring Clara Kimball 
Young. 



Bronx Community House 
Produces Own 4-Reeler 

Philip Sterling, scripter, has 
authored and produced a four-reeler 
for the Bronx (N. Y.) Community 
House to be used in promulgating 
membership drive among youngsters 
of that vicinity. Cast comprises ama- 
teur members. It's the first time 
such social organization has enlisted 
fllm.s as a bally. 

Story has juvenile delinquency 
?lant with angle that settlement 
houses, with varied sports and other 
attractions, keep kids too occupied 
to be mischievous. 



Soph's 2d at Metro 

Hollywood, July 20. 
Sophie Tucker abandoned her con- 
templated p.a. tour when Metro 
^oved up production plans on 
*iolly, Bless Her' in which Wallace 
Beery and Judy Garland will also 
appear. 



$22,500 Legal Bill 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Miss Myllicent Bartholomew, 
aunt and guardian of, Freddie 
Bartholomew, has instituted suit 
in his behalf against nine law- 
yers for $22,500. 

Complaint charges they had 
'schemed and conspired' to ob- 
tain said amount in fees in con- 
nection with the 1936 legal con- 
troversy anent Freddie's cus- 
tody. She further contends 
that they represented that she 
would be deprived of the young- 
ster's custody if she did not 
sign a compromise agreement 
with his parents. Also made a 
defendant Is the Union Bank 8c 
Trust Company, guardian of th« 
kid actor's estate. 



COOPER, NORTH 
AS M-G PRODS. 



-Hollywood, July 20. 

Merian C. Cooper has resigned as 
v.p. of Selznick-International Pic- 
tures, Inc., and moved over to Metro 
as a producer. Cooper had been 
negotiating a deal for several weeks 
with Louis B. Mayer, now enroute 
to England, and E. J. Mannix. 

While at S-I, Cooper functioned as 
contact between the studio and the 
New York offices on financial mat- 
ters and between David O. Selznick 
and Technicolor, 

Bert Kelly has signed at Metro 
to become assistant to Nat Levine 
when the producer goes on the lot. 
Kelly formerly was a. producer at 
Republic during Levine's regime. 

Metro has signatured Eric North 
to a pact whereby he will produce 
and direct plays using the studio's 
stock and contract talent. 

'Dangerous Corner,' J. B. Priest- 
ley drama, will be the initialer under 
the new tieup. 




Adding Machine Broke Down, So No 
Score Yet on Pic Mob s Charity Game 



Jurist Watches Over Mop- 
pets to Fend Off the 
Wolves — That Bartholo^ 
mew Mess — - Shirley's 
Watchful Parents — ^Make 
Agents Come Clean 



BIG MONEY MAKERS 



VAN DYKE SUCCEEDS 
DEL RUTH ON mALIE' 



ANNA MAY WONG'S PAR PIC 

Hollywood, July 20. 
Amid May Wong's initialer under 
her new Paramount contract will be 
Across the -liver,' original by Ed- 
ward T. Love and Gladys Unger. 



Hollywood, July 20. 

W. S. Van Dyke will direct 'Ros- 
alie' for Metro, succeeding Roy Del 
Ruth, who abandoned assignment for 
a six weeks' British Columbia va- 
cash,^ Production resumes Aug. 1. 

Disagreements between Del Ruth 
and Metro powers, simmering for 
sometime, came to a head last 
week with the director abandoning 
his assignment to direct 'Rosalie,' for 
which he had been borrowed from 
20th-Fox. 

Del Ruth said he wanted a rest. 
'Rosalie' was to have gone into work 
immediately, to be completed in time 
to allow Nelson Eddy to go on a 
concert tour. Director will report 
back to 20th-Fox Sept. 1. 



Raft Goes Gaucho 



Hollywood, July 20. 

George Raft shifts from 'You and 
Me,' which has been temporarily 
shelved by Paramount, into the fea 
tured spot in 'Argentine Love,' mu 
sical now being scenarized by Joseph 
Moncure March, and Philip Mc 
Donald. Dorothy Lamour plays op 
posite. Charles Butterworth and 
Ida Lupino have featured parts. 

Sylvia Sidney's prior committment 
to the Theatre Guild in New York 
caused the lifting off sked of *You 
and Me.' 



Beery's 'Bad Man' 

Hollywood, July 20. 

'Bad Man of Brimstone' is set as 
Metro'.s next for Wallace Beery. 

Harry Rapf will produce, J. Walter 
Ruben directing. Richard Maibaum 
and Cyril Hume scripting. 



By DENIS MORRISON 

Hollywood, July 20. 
The child is king. Or queen, as 
the case may be and often is. 

That's the new spirit and policy of 
Los Angeles courts with respect to 
performing moppets seeking film 
laurels. 

They come In droves; these won- 
der children, with their mamas, real 
or synthetic, pushing them into the 
Hollywood arena, with agents who 
are sometimes chiselers yapping foi: 
a split of what their talent is worth 
in this market. 

Examples of Shirley Temple, Fred- 
die Bartholomew, Jane Withers and 
other miracle kids bring 'em here. 
Money! That's what they're all after. 
Money and fame and the rest of the 
ingredients of picture glory, which 
as often as not Is as makebelieve 
as the sets the youngsters work on. 

Judge Emmet H. Wilson- brought 
the new deal into being when he 
moved into Department 34, which 
handles approval of all moppet con- 
tracts, the middle of last February. 

He laid down one cardinal prin- 
ciple: 'The child's interest comes 
first.' To that he adheres. To date 
he has turned down flocks of con- 
tracts, tossed a lot of people out of 
court who were seeking to fatten on 
ihe earnings of talented moppets. 
Every player under 21, ho matter 
which sex, must come before him 
in person or through parents or 
guardians to obtain approval of con- 
tracts. 

Would Have Spared Freddie 

Legal lights point out that had a 
similar situation been in effect at 
the time the trouble arose over 
Freddie Bartholomew's contract, the 
current wrangle over the boy's take 
would not now be before the courts. 
It would have been taken care of 
adequately in advancie. 

Outstanding example of proper 
care of thei interests of a moppet 
player is that of Shirley Temple. In 
this instance parents looked after 
the player's welfare from the start. 
(Continued on page 25) 



S Fix in Work At U 



" Hollywood, July 20, 
. Universal plans to have eight pic- 
tures in production before the end 

of the monthU Vlth 'Let's Be Candid,' 
an E. M. Asher production, slated as 
the eighth. Seiveii aire now in work. 

They are, '100 Men and a Girl,* 
•MerryrGo-Round of 1938,' 'Carnival 
Queen,' 'Behind the Mike,* 'Adven- 
ture's Ehd,| /Midnight Raiders,' and 
a Buck Jones thriller, 'Sudden Bill 
Dorn.' 



WANGER'SSAGA 
OFCAUFORNIA 



Hollywood, July 20; 

Film portraying California, history 
from the Spanish i:egim« to the 
Frisco Fair of 1939 will be the first 
picture on Walter Wanger's program 
for 1938-39 season. It will bo jfUmed 
in technicolor, dfr over Jones, who 
has been gathering material for the 
narrative for the past five years, has 
done the screen play. (Jones next 
shifts over to Metro). Charles Boyer, 
Madeleine Carroll, Sylvia , Sidney, 
Joan Bennett and Henry Fonda have 
been set for cast. 

Much of the picture will be made 
on actual locations on estimated 
shooting sk6d of six months. 



BURNS' PERSONALS SET 
BACK BY 'FARGO' CHORE 



The Paramount home office wanted 
Bob Burns for personal appearances 
but can't have him now -that he's 
being- shoved into 'Wells-Fargo,' 
Frank Lloyd production. Bid for 
him was made on top of Martha 
Raye's big biz at the Par. N. Y,, do- 
ing $56,000 the first week and $50.- 
000 on her holdover ending last 
night (Tuesday). She is at the Met, 
Boston, this week and after playing 
Chicago, Chicago followed by Michi- 
gan, Detroit, returns to the Coast for 
picture work. 

Burns may be arranged for later, 
but was desired now on top of Miss 
Raye's personals and their picture, 
'Mountain Music/ currently on re- 
lease. 



Battle From Smallie Agents Seen 
As Coast 10%ers Org Gets Charter 



Los Angeles, July 20. 

Joe E, Brown's Gas House Gang 
and Robert Taylor's Blood Sweating 
Behemoths played a ball game in 
front of 30,000 persons at Wrlgley 
Field last Saturday (17). A number 
of theories are in <^Vistence regard-, 
ing the'- score but they're none of 
them the same. Before that can be 
determined the following technicali- 
ties must be gone through: 

Price, Waterhouse & Co. have to 
compute the runs and hits and 
they're out of luck because they 
broke all their adding machines 
counting the errors. 

U. S. Supreme Court has to de- 
cide whether Georgie Jessel txying to 
tag Andy Devine at third base was 
assault and battery or mere mayhem. 

Santa Railroad accused Joe E. 
Brown of stealing the Grand Canyon 
and putting it in his mouth. 

Three Ritz Bros, were grabbed by 
attendants from the Patton nuthouse 
armed with butterfly nets and their 
eligibility has to. be decided. 

A refugee who escaped the ball- 
park the same night said the Gas 
Housers were ahead 63 to 45 at the 
time he lost consciousness. But he 
thought he was scoring backgam- 
mon. 

Game had a number of minor cas- 
ualties. Vic Orsattl was shot steal- 
(Continued on page 68) 



HAYWARD SPUT 
WITH SELZNICK 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Partnership of Myron Selznick and 
Leland Hayward was dissolved last 
weiek with Hayward readying his 
own office to open' in Beverly ffjlla 
Aug. 2 and Selznick planning to 
launch New York headquarters. 

Relationship had lasted nine years. 
Allen Simpson goes over from Selz- 
nick to the Hayward organization 
and James Cowan joins Hayward 
from general managership of Walter 
Wanger Productions. Hayward's 
N. Y. office will continue to repre- 
sent Selznick pro tem. 



2 ADDED AT RKO TO 
SHARE MUSIC LOAD 



Hollywood, July 20. 

With a copy of its articles of in- 
corporation filed in the Los Angeles 
Hall of Records, the Artists Man- 
agers' Guild is preparing to call a 
meeting to pass on a constitution and 
by-laws and to draft an invitation 
for agents to join. 

Incorporation articles state pur- 
pose of organization is: 

'To establish, maintain and ad- 
vance high ethical standards in the 
conduct of the occupation of artists' 
representatives and managers and to 
foster better understanding among 
persons engaged in such occupation 
and to that end to establish and pro- 
mulgate canons of ethics, rules and 
regulations of conduct and to en- 
force compliance with the same; to 
protect and safeguard the interests 
of agents, artists and producers by 
fostering a high standard of integrity 
and honor, 

'For the purpose of these articles 
of incorporation, an artists' manager 
is defined as one who engages in the 
occupation of securing employment 
for artists, directors and others ren- 
dering executive service^ or appear- 



ing as principals In all branches of 
the entertainment business, including 
the promotion of motion pictures, 
theatrical productions, vaudeville 
productions, radio broadcasts, phono- 
graph recording, and television 
broadcasts, and in all forms and me- 
dia of entertainment which now ex- 
ists or may hereafter be used, devel- 
oped, invented or discovered, and in 
securing the sale or providing for the 
use of manuscripts, scenarios, lyrics, 
librettos and other literary and mu- 
sical compositions.' 

It was reported voting qualifica- 
tions in the organization will be de- 
termined by earnings of agents, with 
those earning $100,000 or more per 
year having a full vote. This may be 
changed, however as many smaller 
agents are opposed to the plan and 
have intimated they would not come 
in unless given voting power as the 
biggies. 

Incorporators and directors arc: 
Myron Selznick, M. C. Levee, H. E. 
Edington, John McCormick, Charlea 
k. Feldman* John Hyde, Phil Berg, 
Frank Orsatti, Zeppo Marx, William 
B, Hawks, Morris Small, Sam Jafle 
and Leland Hayward. 



Hollywood, July 20, 
Dave Dreyer, head of RKO's musi- 
cal production department, has 
signed Russell Bennett, composer- 
arranger, and Frank Tours, music 
director, to term pacts. 

Studio, facing heaviest musical 
schedule in its history, was compelled 
to enlarge its scope in the music 
end. Part of extension program 
okayed by S, J. Briskih was picking 
up the option Of Roy Webb, music 
director. 



Play May lure Thomson 
From Guild Sec. Post 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Kenneth Thomson will bow out 
as executive secretary of Screen 
Actors Guild if he dravvs the lead 
in the Broadway production of 'Su- 
san and God,' 

Resignation will not be submitted 
to directors of SAG until he gets, a 
definite agreement with stage pro- 
ducers, he said. 



Speed Up 'Ali Baba' 



Hollywood. July 20. 

Second unit of 20th-Fox*s 'All 
Baba Goes to Town' (Eddie Cantor's 
first for 20th) has been placed under 
directorial charge of James Tinting 
to speed up the film. Tlnling films 
mob scenes while David Butler 
handles the principals. 

Laurence Schwab is producing. 



VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



Pix Buyers Fighting Shy on New 
Deals; Carefully Surveyii^ All 

\ ■ 

Product Before Committments 



Leading buyers of film are pres- 
ently making very careful surveys of 
the product of the various majors, 
sizing the pictures up from every 
angle in preparation for what looks 
like .the battle of the century be- 
tween distributors and theatres, 
j/ftantime, the summer is dragging 
on and deals that have been man- 
aged so far are scarce and mostly 
unimportant. 

Negotiations are on in certain 
cases, but because of . the demands 
for higher rentals and changes in 
the bracketing of pictures offered, 
no one is in a hurry to sign up for 
the coming season. Pending a com- 
plete analysis of product, most big 
buyers ha.ve not indicated what they 
will do, although making it clear 
that the distributors may expect to 
find a fight on their hands this year. 
Additionally, . the competition be- 
tween the distributors ifl going to 
be keener than ever before, it is 
predicted. Due to the fact that 
there may be much tr9uble getting 
accoxmts to sign contracts at higher 
terms, it will remain for the in- 
dividual sales manager to exercise 
discretion in deciding Just how far 
to bend. The demand for five-year 
franchises and decision df sales 
chiefs whiether they shaU be granted, 
a compromise made for three years 
or nothing but one-season deals 
made, will figure. 

Exaccerated Plx Costs? 
, Frorti the buyer's side, a point 
that very likely will be stressed, 
based on advance discussions, is that 
statements regarding higher costs of 
production and studio operation are 
largely an exaggeration which may 
enable distiribs to exact higher 
rentals. Most buyers can lay out 
various pictures of high cost, also, 
and show through detailed statlstl 
cal records just what their percent- 
age rating is as profit-makers for 
the theatres. Some of these records 
are a bit startling and place far 
from the top certain very costly 
productions on which high rentals 
terms have been paid. 

Qirding for the biggest Iree-for 
all they have had to date with sales 
organizations, the buyers may also 
try to blast the theory of dis 
. tributors - that economical forces 
which make it necessary ' for piC' 
tures to get higher rentals also mean 
that admissions must be raised. The 
atre operators can point to actual 
instances where box office scales 
have been tilted and the results 
have , been damaging. 

Dangers of Tilting Prices 

Such cases where a dangerous 
increase of admissions might be at- 
tempted in an effort to meet rising 
costs of -picture product' could also 
react unfavorably ' to the distrib 
utors, it is pointed out. If a picture 
is on percentage and the public 
stays away from the theatre be- 
cause of increased scales, going to 
a .competitor who hasn't tilted, the 
distrib suffers with the exhibitor. 
Even if all theatres in any given 
situation . upped prices, then it 
might be that fewer persons would 
be enabled to see pictures. 

The tendency among buyers, in- 
cluding independents, is to .wait to 
see what happens but in the mean- 
time product is being very carefully 
studied, plus policies- and the ap- 
proximate demands that may be 
expected of the leading companies. 
In view of the fact that the 1936-37 
season is soon coming to an end, 
deals must be made in the very near 
future to relieve the nervousness 
over the situation that is being 
caused by the delay. Some com- 
panies will begin releasing their new 
product Aug. 1, others around Aug. 
15. That is only weeks off,, yet all 
over the country accounts are stallr 
ing and it may be that exhibitors 
will have to start picking up what, 
pictures they can during August 
until fighting negotiations over con- 
tracts are settled. 

Customer lists of the various com- 
panies may change a lot this year in 
case old accounts leave producer- 
distribs they have dealt with for 
years .due to inability to reach deals 
and switch to competitors. There 
also may be much selling away by 
distribs in an effort to force pictures 
through. 



'Soids at Sea' Set Back 
At $2 Until Aug. 4 in N. Y. 

'Souls at Sea,' longer delayed than 
Paramount had anticipated, with 
cost having gone well over $1,000,000, 
s further set back at the Globe, 
1^. Y. its $2 opening postponed from 
July 28 to Aug. 4. Other Par pix 
that are on release for August must 
go out fir;5t . 

Unlikely that 'Souls* will be road- 
shown except In New York with 
release possibly in September. 

PAR-LOEW-MG 
DKXERNEW 
DEALS 



PAR-ciintiaoii,RV, 

DHL UOKS tU. SET 



Deal under which Paramount 
would become actively Interested in 
the operation of the Criterion under 
a partnership with the Harry L. 
Charnas-B. S. Moss combination. Is 
well; in the works and may be closed 
at any minute. Agreement would 
be for a term and possibly for the 
remainder of the lease held by 
Charnas and Moss, which is 20 years. 

Negotiations are being carried on 
by the Par distribution department 
which seeks the Criterion as a first 
run for pictures not needed by the 
Par, N. Y., as well as for films which 
may play the Broadway Par two or 
three -weeks but go an additional 
week at the Crit before sent, to sub- 
sequent runs. That might be done 
with such pictures as 'Easy Living* 
which can't stay a third week at the 
N. Y. Par ' because Martha Raye 
isn't held over. 

•Par pictures 'not booked for the 
Par, N. Y., up to recently had been 
going into the Rialto first run but 
since • a disagreement with Arthur 
Mayer, they have been sold to the 
Crit, including 'Make Way for To- 
morrow,' 'Train Prom Madrid,' 
'Great Gambini' and 'Midnight Ma- 
donna' (cutrent). 



Lefty Goes to Dallas to Get Some 
Showmanship Ideas for His Joint 



Paramovmt has opened negotiations 
with the Loew*" circuit for renewal 
of. latter's franchise on Par pictures 
calling for' all of the product in 
Greater New York and in other 
cities where not in conflict with 
Par's own houses. Prior to last 
season Loew's and RKO in New 
York ' had been splitting the Par 
product. ' ■ 

Neil F. Agnew, v.p., in charge of 
sales for Par, is sitting in with other 
Par distribution men on the deal. 

So far dealings between Metro and 
the Par circuit' people have not 
started. Par is a heavy customer of 
MG product throughout the country. 



Kansas City, July 20. 
Republic has sold its 1937-38 pro- 
gram to tlie Sproule circuit in Kan- 
sas and to Jefferson Amusement Co., 
leading chain in western Texas. 
Jefferson is in partnership with 
Paramount. 



LOOKS ALL SET NOW FOR 
20TH'S ROXY TAKEOVER 



AMUSEMENT ISSUES 
UP IN WEEK'S MOVES 



Following a miniature bull move 
late last week, picture- 'company is- 
sues again shot upwards in yester- 
day's <Tues.) stock market. Major 
portion of concerted, rise with 
amusement shares came in the final 
hour of trading, greatly increased 
volume enabling many to wind up 
with gains of 1 to 9 points. Warners 
and Paramount stocks led move. 

Paramount first prefei-red was the 
sensational performer with 9-point 
climb to 159. Par common also was 
extremely active, lifting IJ^ points 
to 23, highest point in current move. 
Second preferred wa$ unchanged. 
Twentieth-Fox preferred advanced 
1% to. 46, while common was up 
nearly a point at 37. Loew Common 
gained one point , at 82 only 2 
points from year's best prices. • 

Others to advance one point or 
more were Columbia Pix common 
and Eastman Kodak common, latter 
registering new high for year. War- 
ner Bros, common , went to 15, new 
peak for present move.' RKO went 
to 8%. 



Carlos. Israel's threat 6f last week 
to foreclose on Roxy theatre (N. Y.) 
goldnote holders, unless they ac- 
cepted the reorganization plan, pro- 
duced quick results Friday <16) 
when Edward K. Hanlon, attorney 
for the noteholders, informed Fed- 
eral Judge Francis G. Caffey that ac- 
ceptances totalling $1,283,300 had 
been received. This is more than the 
necessary two-thirds required under 
Section 77b of the' ..bankruptcy law 
in order for the plan to become ef- 
fective. 

With this difficulty washed up, 
Judge Caffey will sign the formal 
order approving the plan next Fri- 
day (23). At that time, the Court 
will take up the salary claim of 
$4,200 of Ted Healy owed to him for 
a week's engagement in 1932. Also 
to be ironed out will be the contract 
claim of $28,636 filed by Artec, a 
Fanchon & Marco subsid.' 

It is expected' that on Friday all 
obstacles tending to delay 20th-Fox 
from assuming control of the Roxy 
for' the next 20 years will be out of 
the way. Judge Caffey will decide 
then what action will be taken on 
claims already filed against Howard 
S. Cullman, the outgoing trustee. 

Sonja Looks Ahead 

Sonja Henie, champ . skater and 
20th-Fox star, is due in from the 
Coast this week. It will be a vaca- 
tion and biz visit. 

She expects to look over tentative 
possibilities of extended ice carni- 
val engagements along Atlantic sea- 
board next winter. 



Variety Talent 



(Continued from page 3) 



By JOE LAURIE, JIL 

Dallas, July 20. 

Dear Joe: 

I suppose you're surprised to hear I'm down here In Dallas. Well, to 
tell you the truth, I am too. But I thought maybe I had ^ good propo- 
sition down here that's why I hopped in my car and ran down. A guy 
here wrote me in answer' to my ad that he wanted to exchange a cotton 
plantation for our theatre. Aggie said we don't know nothin' obout a plan- 
tation, except we can black up, play banjo and do the essence. I told her 
there's a lot of dough in cotton and she sez we'd have to $ell a lot of cotton 
to make any kind of dough because she can get a big spool of it for a 
nickle. You know how sarcastic Aggie can get. Well anyway I ran down 
to talk to this bird. Boy, I wish you'd a seen what he calls a pliantation. 
There. was nothin' on it; he said it's all . plowed under and his house was 
worse looking than the dressing rooms in Shenandoah. I flggered he was a 
fai^ner and maybe would be a sap and give me a good swap. Well boy, 1 
counted my fingers after I shook his hand goodbye. If vaudeville was 
back I'd put him in the agency business — he'd own a circuit in no time. 
Aggie was right— just a woman's institution. They seem to sense things. 

I'm glad in a way I come down here because it give me a chance to see 
the Exposition. It's swell. The lighting is beautiful and I met a lot of my 
old. pals. George Marshall, the rich laundry man from Washmgton, is- 
the head of entertainment and did a swell job. Tony Sanford and George 
Faylkner from the Thompson agency passed nie in to see the Rudy Vallee 
broadcast and it was swell. Two thousand people in tbe Casino. They 
opened up with 'Working On The Railroad' and everybody stood up. I 
thought there/was a railroad convention so I stood, up too, and come to 
find out it's the Texas national anthem — ^they call it 'The Eyes of Texas 
Are Upon You.' Gov, Allred was there and he made Vallee a liieutenant. 
He's already a Navy Commander, so in case of war he won't know which 
way to go. Fay Wray and Richard Cromwell did a swell skit. Corinne 
Griffith, who is Mrs. Marshall, told how tough it is to.be a busy woman 
and did a swell job of it. Joe Cook was a riot. Casino Gauchos and Jack ' 
Arthur sang swell,' and a local guy by the name of Hal Thompson did . a 
swell job of commercial announcing. A grand night. . 

Then we went to see the sights and we hit the Gay 90's, a real honky- 
tonk of the old days. Roy Fox is the m.e. and does a grand job. Grant 
Gardner, the bell-ringer, murders 'em. McConnell & Moore, club jugglers, 
are the best I've seen in years. A great quartet and Mrs. Fox find her 
daughter in a sister act are swell. Show is closed by the Thundering 
Herd, four gals that weigh three tons among 'em, but with plenty of sepse 
of humor. Then we. went to 'Murder In The Red Barn," where Neeley 
Edwards is the m.c. He got a big statue made of bronze for being the most 
popular entertainer at the Exposition. Some guy ought to 'discover' this 
bird because he's got plenty on the ball. 

Then we went to see the soccer game between the Argentines a\\A the. 
United States boys. I only watched about 20 minutes of it and wanted to 
give up my citizenship. Boy! what thiey did to the U. S. boys was a shame. 
I saw the Casino show with Stan Kavanaugh, 3 Sailors, Chester Hale Girls, 
Gauchos, Art Jarrett and a dance team whose name I forgot, but every- 
body was swell and Jtudy "Vallee and his 'boys played the dance musJc 

And do they go for that guy! 

So you see, Joe, I was glad I came down. It gave me great ideas how to 
run my little place up at Coolaicres — in- a smaller way. I suppose when I 
tell Aggie about the Exposition she'd say it was just a swollen crnival, 
but she's a little sore because she couldn't come. 

Been reading in the papers about the burlesqve people putting on clothes 
and going into vaudeville. They sure picked out a helluva time to put 
clothes on. 

Give my best to the boys and girls who are greasing up their acts for 
the faU. SEZ 

Your Pal, 

hejiy. 

P. S. They are trying to find a mercury that will go over 120 in a ther- 
mometer to use down here. . . 



JUNIOR LASKY'S ORIG 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Emanuel Cohen has assigned Jesse 
L. Lasky, Jr., to write an untitled 
original for Major Productions. 

Lasky recently rieturned from 
completing a scripting ticket with 
Gaumont-British. 



ably will not he known until the 
first of next week. 

'Merry-Go-Round' stars Phil Regan 
but Cab Calloway's band and num- 
erous niusical faves and radio stars 
would be used in it from the east. 

Reasons, swaying Republic towards 
eastern production are availability 
of musical comedy artists, radio, 
vaudeville and night club entertain- 
ers, name bands, etc. This, plus the 
fact that Biograph Studios, Inc., is 
ovvned by Consolidated' Film Indus- 
tries, which in turn also has a heavy 
interest in Republic, makes the>move 
a logical production cost-saving plan. 

Republic, along with other film 
companies, has learned that signatur- 
ing players and artists to a one- 
picture pact, Without further obliga- 
tion, in addition to the saving in 
transportation to the Cpast and de- 
lay waiting "for prodttcrtion to begin, 
represents a considerable saving. 
With the company taking advantage 
of its own controlled studio • facili- 
ties, this is further enhanced. Dwin- 
dling short feature demand left 
available plenty of spots for feature 
work. 

Method used in transporting reg- 
ular production unit from Holly- 
wood -employed when eastern peo- 
ple and organizations were shot, for 
'The Hit Parade' probably would be 
used excepting that eastern camera- 
men would be added to the unit; 

Surprising returns already ob- 
tained on 'Hit Parade' in nearly 
every spot outside of N. Y. is re- 
sponsible for the company's .urge to 
do more musicals. Of the total, five 
will be larger, de luxe musicals, 
while four others will be smaller 
musical films or tho.se with the mu- 
.sic 'subordinated to the plot. The 
way the radio aftd musical names 
clicked on this other' feature is re- 
7ported to have opened the eyes of 
officials on possibilities of ca.shing 
in. Only catch apparently was large 
cost Incorporated in such films. This 



Incorporations 



CALIFORNIA 

SHcraniento. 

Cnron^t PictnreR, Inc.; picture protluc- 
Hon; rapltal stock, 100 sharen, no par; 
permitted to Issue all. Dlrectoro: M'ar- 
tln Gang:, Howard J^a.ryg, Leonard GoUI- 
ateln, Levvr Golder, Robert B. Kopp arid 
May ' P; Baumgartner. 

HaTvallan Paradise, Inc.; capital ntoek, 
900 shares, no par. nojie subRorlbed. Di- 
rectors: William A. Calhoun, Geovt'e W. 
Ma^on, C. K. .Steele, all of Tj. A. 

Columbia Artists ot California, lor.; 
capital stock, f 100.000, none, subscribed. 
Dlrector.s: James M. Irvine. .Tr., Clinton 
La Tourette, Arthur .L O'Keefe, Fred- 
erick N. Kdwards, Lauren M. Wriehl, 
et al. 



TEXAS 

Aiislln. 

Bite .^prinK Tlientres, Inc.. Bin .Spring: 
capital Rtock, $10,000. Tnoorporator.= : 
H. B. Robb, J. Y. Robb and Airs. ]«;ibel 
Robb. 

Val Verrto Theutr<t8, Ino.i Val A'erde: 
capital stock, $4,000. Incorpovatoi-.s: 
H. B. Robb, E.,H. Rowley and I". J. Poag. 

Coritus ClirlRtt Theatres, Inr., ("orpu."! 
Chrlatl; capital stock, $1S,000, Incor- 
porator.i: H. B. Robb, E. H. Rowley Htid 
B. L.. Oolllns. 

Concho Theatres,. Inc., Snn AnKelo; 
capital stock, ' $15,000. Tncorpovii (orji: 
H. B. Robb, C. v. Jones and K. 11. 
Rowley. 

Pioneer Theatre Co., PrauieVllle : llie- 
.atrcs; capitul stock, $.';,flOO. Incorpiirn- 
lov.s: Mark Hamilton, T. G. llamllloii, 
N. I, Jones. 

Foreii:n Permits 

ConsolUlntea Kiidlo ArtislN. Too.. New 

Toi-k; ilieii.tre; cupllal slocKs, $.'i.n{Hi. 
Texas odice, Dallas. Afent: AVlllhiin 
J. Rubu.sh, 

Amendments 

Moiio(;rain Pictures, Inc., ]),-ill;)s: mcr- 
chiindise; niime (ihunged from Amity 
I'llm JS.vchanec, Inc. 



may be solved via the eastern setup, 
•with cost per picture held down to 
$500,000 to $600,000. 

Bill Saal, who heads the talenlr- 
story division in the eastj probably 
will have his staff enlarged if pres- 
ent plans are carried through. 

Tipoff on plans was the recent 
abolishment of Republic studio pub- 
licity department. With eastern pro- 
duction on the big money features 
and principal films oh coming sea- 
son's lineup, , materia] i^- ble 
first hand in N. Y. 



WB's 39-Week Statement 
Best Since die Depresli 

With earnings of $1.42 per com- 
mon share and net operating profit 
of more than $3,000,000 in excess of 
comparable period, in 1936, Warner 
Bros, and subsidiaries earning* 
statement for 39-week period end- 
ing May , 29 this year was easily the 
most glowin.g .one to, come from the 
company since depression era. 

Warner Bi:os. net operating profit, 
after deducting all charges including 
amortization, depreciation and 
normal Federal income taxes, but 
without deductions for federal sur- 
taxes on undistributed earnings,, to- 
talled $5,561,032 for the 3d weeks. 
This is rated i' hefty increase from 
the net of $2,554,772 after similar 
charses in comparable period last 
year. 

Net profit from operations in the 
39-week period this year, before any 
of usual deductions, amounted to 
$10,907,064. The net operating profit 
in excess of $5,561,000 is equal to 
$1.42 on each of the 3,701,080 shares 
I of common outstanding and to $53.93 
; on each of 103,107 preferred shares 
I outstanding. Company reported divi- 
j dsnds in arrears on the preferred • 
; on June 1 this year totalled $20.21 
i per share. 

i Net income was figured after a de- 
1 duction of $18,807,754 for amortiza- 
! tion of film cost including deprecia- 
I tion of studio properties but before 
other income and charges. Amorti- 
isation and depreciation of properties 
other than $716,163 for studio prop- 
erties charged to film costs brought 
a deduction of $3,579,869. 

interest expense of $3,445,166 was 
the next largest deductible item. 
Company ■ set aside " $1,050,000 for 
normal federal-income taxes. Warner 
Bros, deficit as of May 29 was listed 
as $4,576,031.. 



Wednesday, July 2l, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



FANS STILL SMELL 'EM OUT 



Studio Labor Situash Easing Off, 
Makeups, Stylists Reach Agreement 



Hpllwood, July 20. 

Studio labor problems appeared 
much nearer a solution this week 
as makeup artists and hair stylists 
reached agreement with producers 
on working conditions and hours, and 
the painters and laborers secured 
aid of William Biofl in negotiations 
for wage tilt and union shop. Bioff 
is Coast head of International Alli- 
ance of Theatrical Stage Employes 
and'personal representative of 'Pres- 
ident George Browne. 

Makeups have agreed on 60-hour 
week for key men, with first make- 
tips, assistants and apprentices work- 
ing 48 hours. They are now seeking 
time and a half for overtime. Hair 
stylists want tUt from $55 and $60 
!3i week to $70 and $75. 

Metro and Warners apparently, 
have abandoned demands for union 
cards to be Issued to painters hired 
during May strike. Motion Picture 
Painters Local 644 has refused to 
approve applications of 35 men and 
served notice on studios strike will 
be called if any attempt is made to 
give non-union men work. Painters 
me now negotiating for pay up from 
$7 per day to $8 for day workers; $9 
for those on night shift, and $10 for 
graveyard shift. Producers have 
Offered flat 10 per cent increase. 

Painters were told that lATSE and 
other , crafts recently given 10 per 
cent hike would not stand for paint- 
ers receiving title of more than 10 
per cent. Herbert Sorrell, business 
Tepreseiitative of painters, secured 
Support of Biofl, who notified pro- 
ducers he would approve any in- 
crease given painters. 

Bioff and Joseph Marshall, inter- 
na tional v.p. of Studio Utility Em- 
ployes Local 724, are negotiating in 
eRort to .fixe line of job demarca- 
tion between grips and laborers. 

Fight between United ■ Scenic 
Artsts Local 621, Society of Mo- 
ition Picture Set Designers and 
tATSE for jui:isdiction of studio 
^draftsmen continues. Producers have 
refused to negotiate contract with 
t<ocal 621 until jurisdiction dispute is 
settled. . 

Screen Directors Guild completed 
organization last week and ' an- 
nounced attempt would be made to 
negotiate pact . directly with Asso- 
ciation of Motion Picture Producers, 
;)nstead of dealing with labor con- 
tact office maintained by major 
ttudios. 

Artists Managers Guild also had 
incorporation papers filed at Sac- 
i:amento and appointed executive 
Committee to draft construction and 
by-laws. Invitation wiU be issued 
to all agents to affiliate, provided 
Jhey are willing to comply with 
ethical code to be established by 
Guild. 



TAKES IN PLENTY 



Assoc. Film Audiences in Attack on 
Several Groups 



306 in Move to Unionize 
N.Y. Indie Houses 100% 

Various small independent film 
houses in the Greater New Ydrk 
sector which unions have never 
bothered about organizing, discov- 
ered Monday (19) that a drive is be 
irig launched by Local 306, Moving 
Picture Machine Operators of N. Y,, 
to unionize their booths. Without 
warning, Local 306 detailed , pickets 
to nine of these .houses Monday noon 
(19) as a starter and biefore the day 
was over, one of them, the Haven, 
Brooklyn, decided to recognize, the 
ops. 

Following that settlement, the 
pickets at the Haven were shifted 
to the Community in Queens. Other 
houses suffering the visitation of 306 
pickets are the Florence, Schuyler, 
Arden and Manhattan, all in New 
York, and the Winthrop, Regent, 
Eagle and Bobby in Brooklyn. The 
total number of houses which have 
been ignored in the past and have 
been free to continue as non-union 
operations totals around 20. 

Under the present drive 306 hopes 
to bring these houses all in for com- 
plete 100% unionization in Greater 
New York, .with exception of 
theatres, numbering under 50, which 
employ Empire men. Whether or 
iiot 306 and Empire will ever merge 
la still a moot question following 
collapse of revived negotiations re 
cently looking to such a finale. 



Attack on the Knights of Colum- 
bus, American Legion, Veterans of 
Foreign Wars, Elks and Legion of 
Valor is made by Associated Film 
Audiences in its July ; film' survey. 
Associated is a progressive group 
iagitating for 'worthwhile' films of 
'social consciousness.' 

Survey ■ charges the organizations 
named are opposing the showing of 
'Spain in Flames' as part of a 'joint 
campaign against subversive films 
which are calculated to undermine 
the government and constitution of 
the United States.' States that such 
pix as 'Black Legion,' 'Fury,' 'Win- 
terset,' 'The Wave' and many issues 
of 'March of Time' would be 'affected 
by this attitude.' 

Also declares that the 'number of 
films glorifying the military this 
year already exceeds the • production 
of other years.' Lists the number as 
11 so far this year, as against eight 
in 1934, 10 in 1935 and eight in 1936. 

Blank Huddling 
InNJ.withPar 
On Final Deal 



A, H. Blank, Paramount operator 
partner in the midwest, and his son, 
Myron, are in New York conferring 
with Y. Frank Freeman, Leon Netter 
and others, with the possibility good 
that on this trip details may be com^ 
pletied looking to a permanent part 
nership between Blank and Par. In 
addition to discussing this matter, 
the Blanks are checking on product, 

Blank-Par partnership may be set 
up so that it can go before the board 
for approval at the next meeting 
Thursday (29), an extension of the 
old arrangement having been niade 
for one month when" the directors 
last met. Under the proposed new 
agreement, the buy-back privilege 
which Par holds on the theatres in 
Blank's Tri-States chain in Illinois, 
iowa and Nebraska would be elimi- 
nated and Blank made a 50% perma- 
nent owner of the houses with Par. 

Proposal under consideration also 
embraces the inclusion in a 50-50 
ownership deal of a group of houses 
which Blank now controls with 
others, outside of Par. This group 
is known as the Central States cir- 
cuit and includes houses in the Il- 
linois, Iowa and Nebraska territory 
that are not in conflict with the 
Blank-Par string. 



NLRB TO ARBITRATE 
PIX SCRIBES MATTER 



Hollywood, July 20. 

National Labor Relations Board 
has authorized Dr. Towne Nylander, 
regional director of the NLRB, to 
hold hearing on the petition of the 
Screen Writers' Guild to be named 
exclusive bargaining representative 
for all screen writers. 

Meeting has been tentatively set 
for Sept. 1. Screen Playwrights, 
Inc., wlio have contracts with pro- 
ducers, will be permitted to inter- 
vene and participate at hearing. 
After the hearing Nylandw will de- 
fine Screen Writers acoi if evidence 
warrants holding election of writers 
to select a bargaining representative 
under collective bargaining clause of 
the Wagner act, Nylander will make 
such recommendations to the NLRB 
in Washington. 

Here Comes Pol, Pitt 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Option of Polly Rawles was al- 
lowed to lapse by Universal. 

Socialite has gone back to Pitts- 
burgh. 





CRIK liLUK 



National Findings That the 
, Customer Paying at the 
B. O. Decides for Himself 
—Motion Picture Criti- 
: cism's Value Governed 
Chiefly by Amount of 
Newspaper Circulation- 
Instances of Rave Notices 
Not Helping Pix to Any 
Great Extent 



PANS NO DETERRENT 



The average readers in key cities 
peruse newspaper film criticisms to 
learn what the picture is all about. 
But the opinions of reviewers may 
or may not sway the reading public, 
depending on whether the person 
finds something in the daily paper 
sunmiary to convince him he should 
see the feature. That is the way 
newspaper criticism is sized up in 
the trade. Veteran exhibitors, after 
contacting theatre men throughout 
the nation, have concluded that 9 
out of 10 who read seek information 
as to the type of screen vehicle, 
who's in it, the individuals respdhsi- 
ble for the film story,' director and 
possible treatment of topic. Their 
summary revealed that the average 
picture house patrons will go for a 
picture even if it is panned; ad- 
versely, when praised. Deciding fac- 
tor is whether data on picture indi- 
cates the feature possesses something 
they desire to see. 

Personal whims of critical gentry 
are fairly well known to newspaper 
customers, and generally overlooked. 
Blast against a film by New York 
critics may hurt it in the metro- 
politan territory, but often this has 
no infiuence on its box office," local 
and national, if the picture has what 
it takes. 

An angle that iji the past has baf- 
fled critics is the manner in which 
the public sometimes ignores either 
raves or pans. The recent check 
indicates that this is due to the ten- 
dency on the part of the reading 
populace to decide for itself regard- 
less. 

Instances of this were numerous. 
'Night Must Fair was singled out 
because reviewers gave rave notices, 
praise being especially high for its 
technical perfection. Yet the descrip- 
tion of the story prompted the public 
to stay away in marked numbers. 
They discerned something in plot 

(Continued on page 27) 



Eastern SAG Signs All 10 Players 
In Metro s 'Rosalie' at West Point 



Am. Seating Up 500^ 



Net profit of American Seating Co. 
for the quarter ended June 30 was 
five times greater than the same 
three-month period in 1936. Indi- 
cated net was $100,990, after all 
charges, against $20,519 in the June 
quarter last year. The quarterly 
earnings this year were equal to 45c. 
Ipei^ shafe. ' 

For the six months ending last 
month, company had a net profit of 
$201,886, equal to 91c. per share, 
against only $23,439 for the first half 
of 1936. 



$132,781 LEGAL 
BILLINBiaYN 
FOXREORG 



Heorganization of the Flatbush- 
Nevins Corp., owners of the Fox 
Fabian theatre in Brooklyn, N. Y., 
was given the final touch Friday 
(16) when Federal Judge WiUiam 
Bondy signed service claim allow- 
ances totalling $132,781. Thpse ben- 
efiting by the awards were attorneys 
representing the various bondhold- 
ers' groups and the Continental 
Bank & Trust Co., trustee. 

Among those receiving the allow- 
ances and the amounts were: Inde- 
pendent Bondholders' Committee, 
$19,367; Continental Bank & Trust 
Co., $10,139 as depository and trus- 
tee; Garey & Garey, bondholders 
attorneys, $47,000; J. F. Gillis, also 
an attorney, $13,500; Reavis & Pan- 
teleone, attorneys for SI Fabian, 
who takes over the management of 
the theatre, $7,000; Wise, Shepherd, 
Houghton & Hoffman, attorney for 
Continental, $10,500; Louis Lorence, 
referee, $097, and Lowensohn & 
Lorence, $15,000. 

The Continental was directed by 
Judge Bondy to pay the claims. 



Gillham West 

Bob Gillham is leaving for the 
Coast tomorrow (Thursday), under 
plans, going out prior to return of 
Chris Dunphy, studio publicity- 
director head, who won't be back 
from Europe for two weeks or more. 

Gillham wants to be on the 
ground in time for the opening of 
'High, Wide and Handsome' at the 
Car thay Circle, L. A., tentatively set 
for July 28. 



Unionization of Ushers, Etc., in D.C. 
Bewilders Tm All; Chains Don t Care 



Washington, July 20. 

Organization of ushers, cashiers 
and doormen, being undertaken by 
joint committee of stage hands and 
motion picture Operators, appears 
assured here following meeting held 
Friday (16) at which approximately 
225 representatives of major chain 
houses' staffs attended. It is general- 
ly admitted drive, which has been 
Under way several weeks, now has 
about 90% of chief spots signed up. 

WB, Loew and RKO officials here 
maintaining strictly it's-up-to-the- 
employes attitude and general im- 
pression is they are prepared for 
unionization to go through. Indies 
haven't felt intensive drive yet and 
some worry over what will happen if 
organized employes demand substan- 
tial wage increases where margin of 
profit is precarious. Put 'em on spot 
where employer-employe relation- 
ship has been on personal basis and 
the kids troupe is bewildered and 



ask for advice. Many are. -flatly re 
fusing to talk about it in view of 
Wagner Act and employees, accus 
tomed to heart-to-heart, talks with 
their bosses, don't know whether to 
get mad at employers or the union 
or the law— and. wind up sore at all 
three. 

All but about 40 of these at first 
organization meeting paid part orf 
their dues and elected temporary of 
fleers. It is understood they will ap- 
ply for charter, referred to as Class 
B to differentiate-' it from regular 
stagehand and operator charters. 

Negro porters were organized first 
after long drive and granted charter 
two weeks ago. Unionization in that 
branch was considered easier in 
view of fact that Capital was pioneer 
eight years ago in organizing Negro 
motion picture operators who have 
strong outfit and spread the word 
among their own fellows. Total of 
127 signed up, which is strong ma 
Jority. 



Eastern office of the Screen Actors' 
Guild Monday (19) signatured all 10 
players Metro is using in shooting 
location material at West Point for 
'Rosalie.' All took out junior mem- 
berships, with M-G-M cooperating. 

While SAG officials were not in- 
clined to view the action as espe- 
cially significant because Metro is 
signatory to the producerr^actor pact 
on the Coast, it was important in 
that it more or less broke the ice for 
a major company employing more 
than one or two actors in th ; New 
York area. - . 

. Screen Actors' Guild expects to 
have several leading p'roducei's, of 
commercial films on. the dotted line 
In the next week or 10 days. Or- 
ganization had two members work- 
ing in recent location and process 
shots being taken in and about New 
York City. One was 'The Big City' 
and the other was an untitled, film 
with process stuff being taken on 
the East River. 

Members of SAG in New York 
office made it clear this week that 
Actors' Equity members can't work 
at any studio in this office's jurisdic- 
tion, tabbed as being on the unfair 
list, without being liable to disci- 
pline. 

In this connection, officials of Guild 
stated yesterday (Tuesday) that all 
studios in the. N. Y." 'territory not 
signatory to the SAG-producer basic 
minimum agreement of 1937 will be 
placed on the organization's unfair 
list. This means that no member of 
SAG, Equity or British Actors' 
Equity can work for any of these 
studios or producers shooting at these 
studios without risk of discipline 
from their organization, 

While not a great amount of diffi- 
culty is anticipated in getting neces- 
sary pacts signed with major oiit- 
fits and many leading producers of 
commercial and industrial shorts, 
several obstacles apparently loom 
for the SAG with independent pro- 
ducers operating In the east. 

The reason some Guild officers an- 
ticipate the most opposition from 
this source is that there Is a wide 
gap on some wages and overtime. 
Thus a preliminary check revealed 
that one producer was paying only 
$7,50 for dress extras, asking for 
three changes of them and working 
them from 7:30 o'clock in the morn- 
ing until midnight with little or no 
overtime in evidence. 

In contrast, the Guild requires 
$16.50 daily wage for this type of 
extra for an eight-hour day and pro- 
vision for overtime. 



EASTERN LENSERS WIN A 
POINT ON 'ROSALIE' PIC 



Local 644 of the International 
Photographers' national won a par- 
tial victory this week frOm Metro 
by obtaining placement of one 
cameraman from this union on 
'Rosalie' location shots being made 
at West Point. Unit, which is headed 
by Walter Strohm, has two lehsmen, 
the other one being from the Coast. 
Charles Harten, member of 644, went 
on the job Monday (19) when first 
production at the. Point began. 

Despite this 50-50 arrangement, of- 
ficials of the local cameraman's 
union, regarded it as a shallow vic- 
tory because it does not halt the in- 
fiux of niotion picture photographers 
from the Coast. Attitude of 644 men 
-^S that every time a camera crew is 
TDirought in from Hollywood, it keeps 
just that many men belonging to the 
New York local out of work. 



Ray Hairs 16 Mm. Job 

Ray Hall, former editor of Pathe 
News, has been named maniager and 
ediotr of Pathegrams, subsidiary of 
Pathe Films, which is producing and 
releasing films in 16 millimeter size. 

Officials of Pathe Films stat«» 
merely that he will edit some of the 
films and handle special subjects 
they contemplate gettipg out from 
time to time in the 16 mm. field. 



8 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



Resorts Cut In, Lean Tourist Year, 
L A. Trade WF; 'Courageous Neat 
mm 'Eve' $18,300, Par $15,000 



Los Angeles, July 20. 

Town still suffering from desertitis 
so far as trade in pic houses is con- 
cerned. Warm weather stimulating 
resort attendance and weekend exo- 
dus while tourists, who are most 
helpful at this time of year, are not 
congregating an this seaboard as 
heavy as usual. 

Outstanding biz on week is at 
Chinese' and State with 'Captains 
Courageous' on general release after 
Carthay Circle de luxe showing. 
Though trade at the $1.50 tap was 
nothing cheerful it is exceptionally 
big on the regular showing, though 
upper portion of double bill. Indica- 
tions are that combined take will be 
at least $30,000. 

Paramount also doing oke with 
'Easy Living' and Meglin- Kiddies 
stage show that will mean around 
$15,000 for the stanza, and holds. 

Warner houses have 'Ever Since 
Eve,' with a whale of a Hearst news- 
paper campaign to stimulate matters 
which will give the pic a decent 
showing at th6 local b. o. as a 
double-bill topper. 

Pantages and RKO, with dual pro- 
gram, 'Super Sleuth' and 'Sweet- 
heart of the Navy,' doing fair trade, 
*Wee Willie Winkie' at Carthay 
Circle in fourth stanza with another 
half week to go seems to be dormant 
from take angle as the Jciddies are 
not accustomed to seeing a Temple 
pic at the de luxe scale. 

Estimates for This Week 
Cartluy Circle (Fox) (1,518; 55-83- 
$1.10-$1.65)— 'Wee Willie Winkie' 
(20th) (4th week). Plenty of finale 
plugging done but pic not a b.o. 
whiz. On final 10 days $7,000, mild. 
Last week, third, did shade over 
- $5,200 which is not important in this 
house. 

Ciiinese (Grauman) (2,028; 30-40- 
55-75)— 'Caetains Courageous' (MG) 
and 'Great Hospital Mystery' (20th), 
dual. . Topper on bill is plenty help- 
ful for real coin which will mean a 
sure $13,500. Last week. They Gave 
Him a Gun' (MG) and 'Sing and Be 
Happy^ (20th), dual, though nothing 
exciting, combo was okay at $9,300. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40-55- 
65)— 'Ever Since Eve' (FN) and 
'Stuttering Bishop' (FN), dual. 
Hearst papers going strong in dis- 
play space and with preview aids 
. will be good at $8,500 for a Davies 
opus. Last week, 'Singing Marine' 
(WB) and. 'Devil Is Driving' (Col), 
dual (2nd week), just what was ex- 
pected, $6,700, fair take. 

Four Star (Fox) (000; 30-40-55)— 
.'Under Red Robe' (20th), English 
import meaningless here, lucky to 
hit around $2,200 on its stay here, 
Last weefc 'Make Way for Tomor- 
row' (Par) got bad breaks though 
raves from those who saw it, wind- 
ing up to a losing $1,500. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55 
65) — 'Ever Since Eve' (FN) and 
'Stuttering Bishop' (FN) dual. Davies 
plug in Hearst papers is helping here 
with house headed for good $9,800 
Last week, 'Singing Marine' (WB) 
and 'Devil Is Driving* (Col) dual, 
(2d wk.), oke $6,600. 

Orpheum (Bdwy) (2,280; 25-30-35 
40) — 'Midnight Madonna' (Par) and 
•There Goes ]/ly Girl' (RKO), dual 
and vaudeville. With no strong stage 
show to help, will wind up with 
tepid $6,200 which, however, means 
bit of profit. Last week, 'Great 
Gambini^ (Par) and 'Draegerman 
Courage' (WB), dual and stage show 
aided by second week of Bowes unit 
on stage, fairly good .with wind up 
of $7,200. 

Pantages (Pan) (2.700; 30-40-55)— 
'Super Sleuth' (RKO) and 'Sweet 
heart of Navy' (GN), dual. For pics 
that are unimportant from name 
standpoint biz here Eati.<!factory, pre- 
views Of course, aiding to bring a 
$6,500 total. Last week, 'New Faces' 
(RKO) and 'Armored Car' (.U) dual 
(2nd week), $5,000. 

Paramount (Partmar) (3,!j95; 30- 
40-55)— 'Easy Living' (Par) and stage 
show. Meglin Kiddies stage show 
helping trade, but not big at around 
$15,000, yet holds. Last week, 'Last 
Train From Madrid' (Par) and Fred 
Waring outfit, despite heat deterrent 
to trade, got excellent $21,700. 

RKO (2,950; 30-40-55) ^ 'Super 
Sleuth' (RKO) and 'Sweetheart of 
Navy' (GN) dual. Nothing unusual 
in draw value with this double 
screen fare, but the transient cus- 
tomers are helping it to an oke 
$6,500. 'Last week, 'New Faces' 
(RKO) and 'Armored Car' (.U) dual, 
(2d wlc), for final six days with pre- 
view aid managed to get the expect- 
ed $5,000. 

State (Loew-Fox) (2,024; 30-40-55- 
75) — 'Captains. Courageous' (MG) 
and 'Hospital Mystery' (20th) dual. 
Putting: life into the house and head- 
ed for a very big $16,500. Last week, 
'They Gave 'Him Gun' (MG) and 
'Sing and Be Happy' (20th) dual, 
tough sledding to come bit short of 
$9,000, running behind Chinese for 
second week. 

United. Artists (Fox-UA) (2.100; 
30-40-55)— 'They Gave Him Gun' 
(MG) and 'Sing and Be Happy' 



(20th) dual. Colorless combo foi 
this house which will be lucky to get 
meagre. $2,000. Last week, 'Em- 
peror's Candlesticks' (MG) and 'She 
Had to Eat' (20th) dual, this move- 
over combo from State meant noth- 
ing and wound up bit short of $2,800, 

""Wilshlre (Fox) (2,296; 30-40-55-65) 
'They Gave Him Gun' (MG). and 
'Sing and Be Happy' (20th) dual. 
Having previews to bolster trade 
but will result in only about $4,500 
on the week, meaning so-so biz. Last 
week, 'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) 
and 'She Had to Eat' (20th) dual, 
not as good as expected with $5,90() 
finale. 



'SLAVr 'BIG BIZ' DRAW 
BIG $8,000, PORTLAND 



Portland, Ore., July 20, 
Something is bXimping grosses 
down to a generally lower altitude. 
Seasonal weather, of course, is op- 
posish. Recently boosted admish in 
all major spots has also hurt. Double 
features have built up a midnight 
trade, but affected earlier evening 
grosses. 

'Day at the Races' at Parker's 
Broadway held two weeks to win- 
ning biz, but fell short of expecta- 
tions. 

Estimates for This Week 
Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-55) 
—'Emperor's Candlestfck' (MG) and 
'Wings Over Honolulu' (U); Good 
enough results in the present dull 
season at $6,000. Last week, 'Day at 
Races' (MG) and 'Mighty Treve' 
(U) closed a strong 14-day run total- 
ling $12,000. 

Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (1,400; 
30-55)—' Captains Courageous' (MG) 
(fifth week). Doing nicely, $2,000, 
after $2,300 last week. First three 
weeks at the UA piled up a great 
$16,000. 

Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(2,000; 30-55) — 'Singing Marine' 
(WB) and 'Born Reckless' (20th). 
Booked In for Fleet Week and re- 
sponded with extra biz, good $6,500. 
Last week, 'Another Dawn' (WB) 
and 'Great Gambini' (Par) just fair 
at $4,800. 

Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(3,000; 30-55)— 'Slave Ship' (20th) 
and 'Big Business' (20th). Strongly 
exploited and answering for big 
$8,000, may hold. Last week, 'Moun- 
tain Music' (Par) and 'Talk of the 
Devil' (GB) held for a fair second 
week to around $4,700. 

EivoII (Indie) (1.200; 25-35)— 
'Melody for Two' (WBl and vaude. 
registered nicely and okay at $3,000. 
Last week, 'Park Avenue Logger' 
(20th) and vaude $2,800. 

United ArtiBts (Parker) (1.000; 30- 
55)— 'Knight Without Armor' (UA). 
Look$ like another winner and may 
hold, first week going good $5,500. 
Last week. 'Woman Chases Man' 
(UA) and 'Walt Disney Revue' (UA) 
started slowly but picked up to close 
at better than average $4,600. 

VALLEE'S WB PIC 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Rudy Vallee's variety show will 
open in the Ambassador Hotel's Co- 
coanut Grove Oct. 5. 

While out here it is likely Vallee 
will do a film for Warners. 



First Runs on Wmj 



Week of Jniy 22 

Astor— 'High, Wide and Hand- 
8ome* (Par) (21). 
Capitol— 'Saratoga'-^G ). 
(Reviewed in Vamety July 14). . 

Central ■. — 'Damaged Lives' 
(Weldon) (7th week). 

Criterion — 'Bengal Lancers' 
(Par) (revival) (24). 

Music Hall — 'Toast of New 
York' (RKO). 
(Reviewed in Vabiejcy July 14). 

Paramount — 'Exclusive' (Par) 
(21). 

(Reviewed , in this Issue). 
Rialto — 'Hollywood Cowboy' 
(RKO). 

Roxy— 'V:ee . WiUie, Winkie' 
(20th) (23). 

(Reviewed in Vaioexy June 30). 

Strand— 'They Won't Forget* 
(WB) (2d week). 
(Reviewed in Vahieiy Jun<e 30). 

Week of July 29 

Astor-^'High, Wide and. Hand- 
some' (Par) (2d week). 

Capitol— 'Saratoga' (MG) (2d 
week). 

(Reviewed in Vabiety July 14). 

Central- 'Man in Blue' (U) 
(31). 

Music HaU— 'Stella Dallas' 
(UA). 

_ Paramount — 'Exclusive' (Par) 
.(2d week). 

Roxy— 'Road Back' (U) (30). 
(Reviewed in Vabiry June 23). 

Strand— 'San Quentin" (WB) 
(28). 



EVE' TOPS D. C, 

mm 'ARMOR' 

mm 



a Washington, July 20. 

Hottest, weather of the season 
had the town prepared to evacuate 
for the weekend and, with a' some- 
what cooler Saturday and Sunday, 
it did. Whether they would give the 
b.o. a break the rest of the week 
was anybody'^ guess. Based on early 
takes, the total gross will be way off. 

Earle is easily the best bet, with 
'Ever Since Eve,' backed by the 
usual Hearst paper bally. Capitol, 
other vaude spot, may get about the 
same take on -'Knight Without 
Armor,* thanks to a higher price 
scale. ■ . 

Estimates, for This Week 

Capitol (Loew) (2,424; 25-35-60)— 
'Knight Without Armor' (UA) and 
vaude. Dietrich and Donat are big 
names, but pic won't stand up to 
more than $18,000. Last week 
'Between Two Women* (MG) went 
sharply down when heat set in and 
wound up with fair $19,000. 

Columbia (Loew) (1,583; 25-40)— 
'Captain Courageous' (MG) (2d run). 
Fourth week on mainstem looks like 
good $5,500, Last week 'Way Out 
West' (MG), fair, $3,500. 

Earle (WB) (2,244; 25-35-40-60-70) 
—'Ever Since Eve' (WB) and vaude. 
Hearst campaign helping pic to lead 
town with good $18,300. Last week 
'Singing Marine' (WB) slid with 
thermometer's rise to oke $16,000. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-35-50)— 
'Girl Said No' (GN). Critics nice, 
but won't better light $6,000. Last 



Philly Looks Up; ladrid'-Ellington 
Oke $13M lee Wle Fair $15,000 



Philadelphia, July 20. 

Some real biz is promised for this 
week in the downtown film houses, 
after a continued period of dismal 
gros.ses. Combination of cooler 
weather and some important b.o. 
names should turn the trick. 

Two big ones open tomorrow 
(Wednesday) when 'Saratoga' bows 
in at the Stanley and 'Knight With- 
out Armor' makes its postponed de- 
but at the Boyd. 'Wee Willie Winkie,' 
which opened Thursday at the Fox 
is doing nicely, but not as big as 
hoped. Crix weren't very kind to 
the Temple tot. Jazz hounds are pa- 
tronizing the Earle, where Dulce El- 
lington's Cotton Club . Revue is the 
stage feature. 

Estimates for This Week 

Boyd (2,400; 40-55-65) 'Captains 
Courageous' (MG). Ending four day 
.second week to-night (20). Eirst 
week gave it a good $15,500 with biz 
picking up steadily. 'Knight WitH- 
out Armor* (UA) tomorrow. 

Earle (2,000; 25-40-55)— 'Last Train 
from Madrid* (Par) and Duke El- 
lington's Cotton Club Revue. Looks 
lilce $13,000 for six days, but may 



edge over that. Last week, .'Go-Getter' 

(WB) and vaude, Henry Armetta 
heading, woozy at $10,500. 

Fox (3,000; 40-55-65)— 'Wee Willie 
Winkie' (20th). Notices disappoint- 
ing, ditto biz, although it ought to 
hold; $15,000 looks to be tops, unless 
cooler weather booms it. Last week 
'Singing Marine' (WB) eased to $11,- 
500 in second week but that wasn't 
bad. 

Karlton (1,000; 25-35-40)— 'Wings 
Over Honolulu' (Par). May do bet- 
ter than most first-runs at this house, 
$2,700 indicated. Last week, 'Mis- 
sissippi' (Par) revival got througi^ to 
so-so $2,300. 

Stanley (3,700; 40-55-65)— 'Ea.sy 
Living' (Par). Ending week's stay 
to-night (Wed) to fairish $13,500. 
Last week, 'New Faces' (RKO). In 
four days over first week, only $5,- 
000,., ,„ 

Stanton (1,700; 30-40-50)— 'Devil 
Drivinjg' (Col). Right type film for 
house and ought to get $6,500. Last 
week, 'Make Way For TTomorrow' 
(Par). Crix raved but film only got 
$5,000. 



Fine $16m 'Road Back' 
Hotcha $14,000; Frisco Biz Okay 



week 'Super-Sleuth* (RKO), weak 
$5,700. 

Met (WB) (l,853r 25-40)— 'Moun- 
tain Music' (Par) (2d run). Looks 
like nice $6,000. Last week 'League 
of Frightened Men* (Col.),- yanked 
after five days to light $S,500. 

Palace (Loew) (2,363; 25-35-60).— 
'Day at Races* (MG) (2d week). 
Looks like oke $9,000. Last week 
slipped harshly with others, but good 
$18,000, anyway. 

Rfalto (Indie) (1.100; 25-30-40-55) 
—'Elephant Boy' (UA), Sock cam- 
paign inaugurating house's first-run 
policy got smash opening and word 
of mouth should send take to nearly 
swell $5,000. Last week 'Sky Devils' 
(Peerless) and 'My Man Godfrey' 
(U) got oke $3,000. 



XANDLESTICKS,"AIR' 
OKAY $10,000, PROV. 



Providence, July 20. 
Things are so-so. Weather has 
eased up a bit, but there's no telling 
when the mercury will start climb- 
ing again. Bills are. somewhat bet- 
ter than they have been. Loew's 
looks the .leader with a twin bill 
fieatured by 'Emperor's Candlesticks.' 
Next in line is 'Singing Marine,' at 
the Majestic. 

Estimater for This Week 

Fay's (2,000; 25-35-50) — 'Calif or- 
nian' (20th) and vaude. Considering 
all things, pace not so bad; looks 
like $5,500, Last week 'Love in Bun- 
galow' (U) and vaude was off at 
$4,400. 

Loew's State (3,200; 25-35-50) — 
'Emperor's Candlesticks* (MG) and 
'Criminals of Air' (Col.). Off to a 
good start, and with the right breaks 
should be over $10,000; oke for this 
time of the year. Last week .'Cap- 
tains Courageous' (MG) (2d week) 
wilted with the heat, $7,800. 

Mjljcstie (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Singing Marine' (WB) and 'Corona- 
tion' (20th). Opening oke and ex- 
pected to hold up, probably $7,500 
average. Last week 'Another Dawn' 
(WB) and 'She Had to Eat' (20th); 
finished much better than expected, 
but $6,000 is just so-so. 

Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Woman Alone' (GB) and 'Forlorn 
River' (Par). Not expected to go 
over $3,500 for four days; n.s.g. 
Last week 'Night of Mystery' (Par) 
and 'Paradise Express* (Rep.) was 
about same on a four-day run, too. 



'Captains' Fair $3,400, 
But Lincoh Biz Off 



Lincoln, July 21. 

Newspaper - theatre 'misunder- 
standing' continues here and busi- 
ness is generally pretty bad. B.o.'s 
are scaled at or near all-time lows 
in price, but the people "are going 
elsewhere. Dance spots, outdoor 
shows and amusement parks are 
glutted. 

Estimates for This Week 

Liberty (LTC) (1,200; 10-15)— 
'Men in Blue' (U) and 'Rendezvous' 
(MG), split with 'Blazing Sixes' 
(WB) and 'Treasure Island' (MG). 
Fair at $850. Last week 'Fury and 
Woman' (Rialto) plus 'Men in Exile' 
(WB) split with 'What Price Ven- 
geance' (Rialto) plus 'Let Them 
Live' (U), so-so, $800. 

Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-20-25)— 
'Pick a Star' (MGr). Going over very 
well to nice $2,400. Last week 
'Woman Chases Man* (UA) also 
chased "shekels into the b.o. for a 
neat $2,600. 

Orpheum (LTC) (1,350; 10-15-20) 
—'Born. Reckless' (20th) plus 'White 
Bondage' (WB) split with 'Rhythm 
in Clouds' (Rep) plus 'Behind Head- 
lines' (RKO). Fairish $1,600. Last 
week 'Oh Doctor' (U) plus 'David 
Harunii' (20th) split with 'Damaged 
Goods' (GN) got off well and 
reached $1,900. 

Stuart (LTC) (1,900: 10-25-40)— 
'Captains Courageous' (MG). Run- 
ning moderately and heading for a 
fair $3,400. Last week 'Another 
Dawn' (WB) turned out just another 
pic: a weakie from the opening gong, 
$2,800. 

Varsity (Westland) (1,100; 10-15)— 
'Frame-Up' (Col) plus 'More Than 
Secretary' (Col). House is in sorry 
days, $800. Last week 'Can't Last 
Forever' (Col) plus 'Two-Gun Law' 
(Col) did a limpy $900. 



Par Tags Ted Reed 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Paramount has signed Theodore 
Reed to a year's pact as director 
following completion of 'Double or 
Nothing,' featuring Bing Crosby. 

Ticket carries option clauses. 



San Francisco, July 20.- 
'Captains Courageous' at the Para- 
mount, 'Road Back* at the Orpheum 
and 'Super Sleuth* at the Golden 
Gate, will have the edge on- the 
other houses this week, most of 
which have holdovers. 

Orpheum has joined the other 
houses in upping admish to 55c. with 
the booking of 'litoad Back,* which 
heralds a better line of product for 
the Orpheum for the remainder of 
the year. 

■ Most of the exhibs are happy 
about the July weather, which has 
been unu$ually cool. 

. Estimates for This Week 
: Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55)— 'Ever 
Since Eve' (WB) and 'Born Reck- 
less' (20th), Wieakest new pic bill 
at any of the main-stemmers; notices 
also n.s.g.; meager $11,000 in sight. 
Last week 'Slave Ship* (20th) and 
'Married Before Breakfast' (MGM) 
did healthy $20,000. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) 
—'Super Sleuth' (RKO) and vaude. 
Will crack through for a fine $16,000 
in this little number, swell fodder 
for this mugg house. Last week 
'New Faces' (RKO) (2nd week) and 
vaude did $12,500. 

Orpheum (F&M) (2,440; 35-55 )-> 
'Road Back' (U). After several dis- 
mal months, the Orpheum is on its 
way back. 'Road Back' opened with 
a sock and looks plenty okay on the 
week, which should see. something in 
the nabe of $14,000, corking. Last 
week 'It Can't Last Forever' (Col) 
and 'I Cover the War' (U) did piti- 
ful $4,000. 

Paramount (F-WC) (2,740i 35-55) 
— 'Captains Courageous* tMGM) and 
'Crime Nobody Saw* (Par). Leader 
this week in coin. Although 'Cour- 
ageous' played here several months 
ago at road show prices, it fared 
badly at the b.o. But now, biz 
plenty potent at $18,000. Last week 
'Easy Living' (Par) and 'Great Gam- 
bini' (Par) did nice $14,000. 

St. Francis (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55) 
—'Slave Ship* (20th) and 'Married 
Before Breakfast' (MGM) (2nd 
week). Satisfactory $6,000 in sight 
after strong $20,000 on first week at 
the big Fox. Last week 'Go-Getter' 
(WB) and 'Rhythm in the Clouds' 
(Rep) did poor $4,000. 

United Artists (UA-Cohen) (1,200; 
35-55) (2nd week)— 'Woman Chases 
Man' (UA). Pleasant surprise. Had 
anticipated slim takings, but instead 
the house is getting by. Expect to 
bring in about $5,000 during the sec- 
ond frame.. Last week did $8,000. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55)-- 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MGM) and 
'Sing and Be Happy' (20th) (2nd 
week). Trade picked up a bit dur- 
ing first week, so held for a second 
stanza, which should see a fairish 
$9,000. Last >yeek was $15,000. 

'Knight' and 'Breakfast' 
Fair $5,000, Louisville 

Louisville, July 20. 

Break in the hot spell oVer the 
week-end helped grosses somewhat, 
although the quality of films is not 
promising much in the way of b.o. 

'Easy Living,' dualling with 'Wild 
Money* will top the week. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brown (Fourth Ave. -Loew's) 
(1,500; 15-25-40)— 'New Faces' (RKO) 
and 'Can't Beat Love' (RKO), Move- 
over stanza looks good for $2,900. 
Last week 'Slave Ship' (20th) on 
moveover sloked down to weak 
$2;000. 

Kentucky fSwitow) (900: 15-25)— 
'Call It Day' (WB) and 'Woman I 
Love' (RKO), dual, split with 'Hell s 
Angels' (UA) (reissue) and 'Woman 
of Glamour' (Col), dual. Getting a 
-fair play at around $2,100. Last 
week 'Marked Woman' (WB) and 
'Top of Town' (U). dual, split with 
'Don't Tell Wife' (RKO) and 'Go- 
Getter' (WB), dual, fair $2,100. 

Loew's State (3,000; 15-25-40)— 
'Knight Without Armor' (UA) and 
'Married Before Breakfast' (MG), 
dual. Doing satisfactory biz, con- 
sidering everything; headed for or- 
dinary $5,000. Last week 'Between 
Two Women' (MG) and 'Thunder in 
City' (Col), dual, just fair $5,5T)0. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1.000; 
15-25-40)— 'Singing Marine' (WB) 
(2nd week). Expected letdown to 
$3,500, pretty good considering first 
stanza's nice $4;500. 

Ohio (Settos) (900: 15)— 'China 
Clipper' (FN) and 'Can This Be 
Dixie?' (20th), dual, split with 'Pet- 
rified Forest' (WB) and 'Back To 
Nature' (20th), dual. Dull $1,200. 
Last week 'These Three' (UA) and 
'Pigskin Parade' (20th). dual, .split 
with 'Road to Glory' (20th) and 'I'd 
Give My Life* (Par), dual, average 
$1,300. 

Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1.^00; 15- 
25-40)— 'Suoer Sleuth'" (RKO) and 
'Meet the Missus* (RKP), dual. Not 
more than !63.200 in prospect, off. 
Last week 'Midnight Madonna* (Par) 
and 'Great Gambini' (Par), dual, 
around $3,400, fair. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



PICTURE GROSSES 



VARIETY 



Chi Biz Healthy; Indie 'Adventure 

M $10m ^lave Ship' $34m 
M; Ozzie Nelson Band Oke $18,000 



Chicago, July 20. 

There may be many in the indus* 
try who'll lift their schnozzles at a 
•travelog' tagged 'Fotbldden- Adven- 
ture' at the Garrick this week, but 
th^ house currently will do $10,000, 
After weeks of below $5,000 business. 

'Slave Ship' is doing well at the 
Chicago; Oriental mediocre, while 
dther B. & K. houses are going along 
on hold-overs. Reissue of 'Manhat- 
\on Melodrama' is domg biz for the 
State->Lake. 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 36-55-65-75) 
^'Easy Living' (Par). In here after 
exiidllent week at the Chicago and 
around $6,000, good. Last week 'An- 
other. Dawn' (WB), fair enough for 
second loop session at $5,800. 

CMcairo (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 
'Slave Ship' (20th) and stage show. 
Another profitable gallop, heading to 
$34,000 or better. Last week 'Easy 
Living (Par) pounded up to con- 
siderable coin at $32,300. 

Garrlok (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
— 'Forbidden Adventure* (Reade). 
Indie 'travelog' with sepia strippers 
getting the gawkers; calling in a 
take of $10,000. LE^st week 'Dream- 
ing Lips' (UA) fair $5,400. 

Oriental (B&K) (3,200; 25-35-45- 
65)— 'Had to Eat' (20th) and Ted 
Mack's unit on stage.. Poor take in 
prospiect at $12,000. Last week 'Born 
Reckless' (20ttr) so-so at $16,100. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Talk of Devil' (GB) and vaude. 
Ozzie Nelson, band plus Harriet 
Billiard headlining. Good $18,000 in 
sight. Last week 'New Faces' (RKO) 
finished a . splendid fortnight to 
$16,900. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 
75)— 'Candlesticks' (MG) (Zd week). 
Heading for $11,000, okay, currently, 
after a $16,400 take 'for a neat initial 
session, 

State-Lake (Jones) (2,700; 25-35- 
• 55)— 'Manhattan Melodrama' (MG). 
Reissue is doing .bang-up business 
and will lift gross to new high of 
$17,000. Policy of resissues may be 
adopted. Last week also big at 
$14,200 for 'Love from Stranger' 
(RKO). 

United Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 
35-55-65-75) — 'Races', (MG) (3d 
week). Goes Out Saturday (24) to 
let 'Saratoga' (MG) in. Will do 
$10,000, bright, currently, after 
$15,500 last week. 



'FACES,' 'LET HIM LIVE' 
OKAY $6,200, SEAHLE 



. Seattle, July 20. 

New low-price policy at the Blue 
Mouse is getting along. Colonial also 
gets into the price-lowering class by 
holding its 10c fare until 5 p.m. 
daily and eliminating the 16c nick, 
jumping to 20c at that hour. 

'Singing Marine' lasted only one 
wfeek at the Fifth. 'Captains Coura- 
geous' goes into fourth wk., having 
a real, draw. 

Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(900; 16-27)— 'You're in Army Now' 
(GB) and 'Border Cafe' (RKO) dual. 
Heading towards $2,500, okay. Last 
week.'Outcastsof Poker Flat' (RKO) 
and 'She Had to Eat' (20th) dual, 
nice $2,400 

Coliseum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(1.900; 21-32— 'Night Must Fall' 
(MG) and .'Way Out West' (MG). 
dual, split with 'Trader Horn' (MG) 
and 'Manhattan Melodrama' (MG). 
Only $1,800 for three days of first 
dual, $2,700 for foiir days of latter, 
fine. Last week, 'Wake Ud and 
Live' (20th) and 'Step Lively, Jeeves' 
(20th) dual, $3,600. good. 
^ Colonlftl (Sterling) (850: 10-21)— 
What Price Vengeance' (Rialto) and 
Skull and Crown' (Reliable) dual. 
Domg okay at $2,500. Last week, 
paneerous Holiday' (Rep.) and 
North of Rio. Grande' (Par) dual, 
plus Braddock-Louis fight added on 
It o^ showing last five days, good 
?2,800. 

,-P"th Avenue (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(2.400; 32-37-42)— 'Emperor's Candle- 
stick (MG) and 'Big Business' (20th 
aual. Onlv fair at $7,800. La.stweck. 
Sins;mt; Marine' (WB) and 'Ca.se 

?L?*"^t^i"^"6 Bishop' (FN), merely 
"P",80Q, n.s.g. 

Liberty (J-vH)— 'Woman Cha.ses 
Man (UA) and 'Leatrue of Frisht- 
|hed Men' (Col) dual, (2nd week). 
^tiH okay at $3,800. Last week 
ara.Eiged in $6,000, big. I 

^r>?5"^'*^ (Hamrick-Ever.sreen") i 

f900; .32-37-42) — 'Carttain.-^ Cour- ; 
a?eous (MG). (4th week). No stop- 
P'»R this one, $4,000 Again this week, 
same as last, ] 

(Hamrick - Ever^jreen) 
i^-'OO: .32-37-42)— 'Last Train For : 
«iatfnd' (Par) and "'Wings Over Hon- I 



olulu* (U) dual. Routed for mod- 
erate $5,000. Last week, 'Slav* Ship' 
(20th) and 'Married Before Break- 
fast' (MG) dual, (2nd week), igood 
$5,100. 

Palomar (Sterling) (l,45dj 16-27- 
37)— 'Night Key* (U) apd vaude. 
Looks healthy at $4,000. Last week, 
'Affairs of Cappy Ricks' (Rep) and 
vaude, big at $4,600. 

Paramount (Evergreen) (3,106-32- 
37 - 42) — 'New Paces' (RKO) and 
'Let Him Live (U) dual. Expects a 
good session at $6,200. Last week, 
'Riding on Air' (RKO) and 'King 
of Gamblers' (Par) dual, $4,600, fair. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (890; 21-32)— 
'ShaU We Dance?' (RKO> and 'Man's 
Here Again' (FN) dgal. Okay at 
$2,300. Last week, 'Woman in Love' 
(RKO) and 'Turn Off Moon' (Par), 
$2,700, good. 



UWDAiWY 

mm (MY 



Cincinnati, July 20. 

Principal pic parlors are racking 
up brisk figures for the sumn[ier sea- 
son. Cooling breezes prevailed over 
the weekend and put a quietus on 
the 10-day heat spell, lifting- current 
takes over last week's marks. 

'Easy Living' is tugging an Im- 
portant $14,000 this week for the 
Albee. Keith's is registering a socko 
figure with $7,000 on 'Ever Since 
Eve.' By contrast, the Palace is In 
for its weakest take in quite a spell 
with $7,500 on 'Super Sleuth.' 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 'Easy 
Living' (Par). Excellent, $14,000. 
Last week 'Slave Ship' (20th), $13,- 
500, very good. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 
'Night Key' (U) and 'Frame Up' 
(Col), split. Usual $2,000, Ditto 
last week on '13th Chair' (MG) and 
'Hospital Mystery' (20th), divided. 

Keith's (Libson) (1.500; 25-40)— 
'Ever Since Eve' (WB). Socko, 
$7,000. Last week 'Married Before 
Breakfast' (MG), put on steam in 
last half and exceeded expectations 
with dandy $5,500. 

Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— 'Love 
from Stranger' (UA). Fair, $4,000. 
Last week 'Singing Marine' (WB) 
(2d run), $4,500, okay. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 
'Super Sleuth' (RKO). Bad, $7,500. 
Last week 'New Faces of 1937' 
(RKO), $8,500, poor. 



'Ere' $11,000, 'Uvmg' 
$7,000 Lead, but AH 
Denver Houses (Hny 



Denver, July 20. 
'Easy Living' is going strong at 
the Denham and, because of heavy 
business, will be held over. 'Ever 
Since Eve' strong at Denver and 
goes to the Aladdin for a continued 
run. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)— 
'Knight Without Armor' (UA), okay 
at $3,500. Last week 'Another Dawn' 
(,20th) got the same total, following 
a week at the Denver. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)— 
'Singing Marine' (WB). Following 
a week at the Denver, plenty okay 
at $3,000. Last week 'Mysterious 
Crossing' (U) and 'Love in a Bun- 
galow' (U) also $3,000. 

Denham CCockrill) (1,500; 25-35- 
40)— 'Easy Living' (Par). Big busi- 
ness at $7,000, which means holdover. 
Last week 'Mountain Music' (Par) 
(2d week), was average at $5,000. 

Denver (Fox) (2,500; 25-35-50)— 
'Ever Since Eve' (FN), and stage 
band. Going great . guns; $11,000 
means a move to the Aladdin next 
week. Last week 'Singing Marine' 
(WB) was good at $10,000 and went 
to the Broadwav for a second week. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2.600; 25-35-40) 
— 'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG)and 
'Hollywood Cowboy' (RKO). Nice 
here, too, at $8,500. Last week 'New 
Faces of 1937' (RKO), and 'Outcasts 
or Polcer Flat' (RKO) were good at 
$8,000, 

Faramount (Fox) (2,000; 25-40)— 
'Devil Is Driving' (Col.) and 'League 
of Fri!?htened Men' (Col.). Combo 
'iclting fair returns at $3,000. Last 
week 'Wlng.>? Over Honolulu' (U) 
and "Let Tliem Live' (U) were big 
at $4,000. 



'Wee WilKe' Big at 
$7,200, 'Candlesticks' 
Oke $7,500, Indpls. 

Indianapolis, July 20. 

Business this week continues its 
recent upward trend, with all first 
run spots faring well at the b, o. 
Shirley Temple, a §trong card in this 
sector, is asserting her supremacy 
this week in 'Wee Willie Winkie' at 
the small Apollo, in the face of 
plenty of competition from 'Emper- 
or's Candlesticks' %ith the Powell- 
Rainer combination at Loew's and 
the Davies-Montgomery team in 
'Ever Since Eve' at the vaudefllm 
Lyric, both . of which are doing well. 
Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 25- 
40)— 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th). 
Shirley Temple is pulling plenty of 
kids and femmes, while McLaglen 
is played up by the management just 
enough to get the men. Probable 
gross $7,200, very good and sure 
holdover. Last week, 'Singing Ma- 
rine' (WB) was nicely in the black 
at $4,500. 

Circle (Monarch) (2,800; 25-40)— 
'Easy Living' (Par) and 'Last Train 
from Madrid' (Par), dual (2d wk). 
Satisfactory at $3,200 after $7,800 last 
week. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,400; 25-40)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
'Pick a Star' (MG), dual. Wm. Powell 
and Louise Rainer are doing the 
pulling, in spite of lukewarm re- 
views; $7,500, good. Last week, hold- 
over stanza of 'Day at Races' (MG) 
and 'Devil Is Driving' (Col), $4,500, 
average for h. o. 

Lyric (Olson) (2,000; 25-30-40)— 
'Evier Since Eve' (WB) and vaude. 
Good stage bill helping to $8,500, 
good. Last week, 'Riding on Air' 
(RKO) and vaude finished at $9,000, 
dandy. 

inieoKAY 

$11,000, BUFFALO 



Buffalo, July 20. 

Abatement of the hot spell is see- 
ing local grosses undergoing im- 
proverhent for the current period. 
'Easy Living' is well liked at the 
Buffalo and 'Good Earth' is showing 
up favorably at the Great Lakes. 
Estimates for This Week 

Buffalo (Shea) (3,600; 30-40-50)— 
'Easy Living' (Par). Noticeable im- 
provement over week-end and, with 
weather break, should go $11,000. 
Last week, 'Singing Marine' (WB) 
picked up slightly, but sub-average 
at $9,500. 

Century (Shea) (3,400; 25-35)— 
'Pick a Star' (MG) and '13th Chair' 
tMG). Return to normal figure in- 
dicated at $6,000. Last week, 'Hotel 
Haywire' (Par) and 'Men in Exile' 
(WB), sharp drop-off to $5,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 30-50) 
—'Good Earth' (MG). Looks like 
satisfactory biz at around $10,000. 
Last week, 'Slim' (WB), did okay at 
over $7,000. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,400; 25-40)— 'Rug- 
gles of Red Gap' (Par) and 'Man 
Who Found Himself (RKO), Return 
engag)sment of 'Ruggles' seems paced 
at $6,500. Last week, 'Woman Chases 
Man' (UA) and Disney Revue (UA) 
stronger than expected, nice $7,500- 

Lafayettc (Ind,) (3,400; 25-35)— 
'Devil- Driving' (Col) and 'Frame-up* 
(Col). Indications" point to fair 
$6,500. Last week, 'Hit Parade' 
(Rep) and 'Circus Girl' (Rep), 
turned In neat $8,000; highest figure 
in weeks. 



Tourists Aiding B way; Torgef 
Strong $30,000, 'Easy living' 2d 



Week With Martha Raye Sock 50G 



Midsummer lull has set in but 
theatres are getting a fair enough 
play, including from out-of-towners 
who are in for their vacations. 
Where attractions are best the play 
is proportionately better. 

There being a majority of hold- 
overs, among the new pictures there 
is none of note excepting 'They 
Won't Forget,' Merv LeRoy'S 1937-38 
picture which is getting a pre-release 
showing at the Strand. On the first 
week ending last night a $30,000 
countup is the answer, very satis- 
fying after recient indifferent busi- 
ness at this stand. To pack $30,000 
into the Strand during the summer is 
unusual and any picture that can do 
it deserves much credit. 

'Super Sleuth,' Roxy's visitor, will 
be okay. It may hit $28,000 or over. 
Other new entries are 'Devil Is Driv- 
ing," which will get the Rialto no 
more than a fair $6,600, and 'Great 
Hospital Mystery,' on a twin bill at 
the Palace. In company with 'New 
Faces' on second run, 'Mystery' can 
boast a possible $9,000, okay. 

,The holdies are headed by two 
good businesis-getters, 'Easy Living' 
at the Par and 'Knight Without 
Armor' at the Music Hall. Majority 
of the credit for $50,000 on second 
week of 'Living' at the Par, how- 
ever, goes to Martha Raye on a 
personal. The girl with the big yawn 
accounted for the smash first week's 
business of slightly over $56,000 and 
the Par wanted to hold her a third, 
getting an okay fromi the studio, but 
relented in view of the fact the Met, 
Boston, had spent a lot of money 
advertising her as opening there to- 
morrow (ThUrs,). Second wciek of 
'Knight' will be about $65,000, good 
after a first seven days' $82,500. 

The Riv goes dark today (Wed,) 
until abo.ut the middle of August, 
house having no picture right now. 
Later on, after 'Saratoga' has played 
the Capitol where it opens tomorrow 
(Thurs,), this' house will also shutter 
for repairs, new front, etc. 

A $2 opening tonight will be 'High, 
Wide and Handsbrne' at this Astor, 
Paramount having taken the house 
from Metro for eight weeks. Road- 
show run of 'Souls at Sea,' originally 
set for the Globe next Wednesday 
(28). has been postponed to Aug, 5, 
while on Aug, 11 Warners will re- 
open the Hollywood for a twice- 
daily run of 'Life of Emile Zola.' 

A boost in scales occurs Friday 
(23) at the Roxy when the house ups 
weekday scales to 40, 55 and 75c. 
(same price as charged Saturdays 
and Sundays) and also increases 
Saturday midnights from 40c. to 55c. 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (1,012; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2.20)— 
'High, Wide and Handsome' (Par). 
Premieres tonight (Wed.) at $2 with 
most of the house sold. Only 64 pairs 
of seats, all to the press, are on the 
cuff. Par has theatre for eight 
weeks. 

Capitol (4,620; 25-35-55-85-$l,25)— 
'Emperor's Candlesticlcs' (MG) (2d- 
flnal week). This one will show a 
profit at $26,500 last week (1st) and 
around $17,000 this week (2d). 'Sara- 
toga' (MG) goes on view tomorrow 
(Thurs.). On conclusion of its run, 
house will close down for building 
of new front, reseating, remodeling, 
etc 

Central (1,000: 25-35-40-55-65-75- 
85-99)— 'Damaged Lives' (Weldon) 



'Road,' 'Marine Okay $17,000 Each, 
'Candlesticks' Big $13,000, Boston 



summer pace, around $17,000. Last 
week 'Easy Living' (Par), with Phil 
Spitalny stage show, okay $18,000. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 
50)— 'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) 
and 'Pick a Star' (MG), double. Get- 
ting heavy femrhe trade and enough 
night biz to indicate good $15,000. 
Last week 'Captains Courageous' 
(MG) and Disn^ey special, 2d week, 
came through with dandy $14,500. 
Paramount (M&P) (1,800; 25-35- 
$5,500. 55)— 'She Had to Eat (20th) and 
'Midnight Madonna' (Par), tiual. 
Very poor $5,500. Last week 'Wild 
Money' (Par) and 'Chan at Olym- 
pics' (20th), double, dove to $5,000, 

Scollay (M&P) (2,700; 25-35- 
50)— 'Fly-Away Baby' (WB) 
run) and 'Another Dawn' (WB 
(2nd run), dual. Hopeless at $4,000 
Keith Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 25- 1 Last week 'Slim' (WB) and 'Moun- 
40-.55)— 'Road Back' (U) and 'Lady j tain Music' (Par) (both 2nd run). 
E.scapes' (20th), dual. Very pleasing ! dual, .surprised with $6,000. 
$17,000 pace. Last week 'New Faces', j State (Loew) (3.300; 2,'5-.35-40-50) ' 
(RKO) and '13th Chair' (MG), dou- j —'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
ble. second, week, dove to $9,000. | 'Pick a Star' (MG), dual. Very good, 
Mertopolitan (M&P) (4,300; .35- , $13,000, La.st week 'Captains Cour- 
55-75)— 'Singing Marine' (WB» and . a!?eou.s' <M0) and Di.sney special, 
Clyde Lucas on stage. Rutming fair ' holdover, okay $10,500. 



Boston, July 20, 
'Road Back,' 'Singing Marine' and 
'Candlesticks' are all about even this 
week in a heat-ridden town. Re- 
mainder of the film stands are just 
marking time, waiting for new sea- 
son product. 

Estimates for This Week 
Boston (RKO) (3,000; 25-40-55)— 
'Born Reckless' (20th) and 'Sweet- 
heart of the Navy' (GN), dual. 
Pallid; will garner around 
Last week 'Riding on Air' (RKO) 
and 'Espionage' (MG), double, $6,000. 

Fenway (M&P) ( 1.400; 25-35-40- 
50)— 'She Had to Eat' (20th) and 
'Midnight Madonna' (Par), dual, j 
Skidding to low $3,500. Last week' 
'Chan at Olympics' (20th) and 'Wild 
Money' (Par),, dual, off at $3,300 



(6th week). Advertised as not for 
children under 16, film is getting a 
play from the out-of-towners and 
will stay a seventh week after set- 
ting a pace currently that suggests 
$7,500, same as garnered the prior 
(5th) week. 

Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55)— 'Mid- 
night Madonna' (Par). Another poor 
business-getter for this nice, new 
house, only about .$5,000 being indi- 
cated. Last week 'Great Gambini' 
(Par) did not get anything either, 
under $6,000, red. Management is 
trying a revival Saturday (24), put- 
ting in 'Lives of a Bengal Lancer' 
(Par) on that' date. 

Palace (1,700; 25-35-55)— 'New 
Faces' (RKO) (2d run) and 'Great^ 
Hospital Mystery' (20th) (1st run), 
doubled. Morei customers coming 
this week, possibly $9,000, okay. Last 
week only $6,500 was brought by 
'Another Dawn' (WB) (2d run) and 
'Fly Away Baby' (WB) (1st run), 
carmen. 

Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-90) 
— 'Easy Living' (Par) and, in the pit, 
Emery Deutsch orchestra, plus Mar- 
tha Raye. Miss Raye is accounting 
lor most of the business drawn, a 
total of over $106,000 on the two 
weeks ending last night (Tues.), 
which isn't tin. The first week went 
slightly over $56,000, the second 
$50,000. 'Exclusive' (Par) and the 
Mai Hallett orchestra, plus Hal Le- 
Roy, opens today (Wed,). 

Radio City Music Hall (5,980; 4Qf- 
60-85-99-$1.65)— 'Knight Without Ar- 
mor'., (UA) and stage show (2d 
week). A good 14-day run being 
scored by this one; $65,000 this week 
(2d), good, after mttial seven days' 
take of $82,500..' This is nice busi- 
ness for the summer. 'Toast of New 
York' (RKO) opens tomorrow 
(Thurs.). 

Rialto (750; 25-40-55 )— 'Devil is 
Driving' (Col)' Just so-so, about 
$6,600. Last week was better with 
'Three Legionalres' (Synd) and 'Kill- 
ers of the Sea' (GN), $7,000. 

Rivoli (2,092; 25-55-75-85-99) — 
'Slave Ship' (20th). Wound up its 
fifth full week here last .night 
(Tues.), getting around $7,000, mild, 
and house goes dark until the middle 
of August. 'Ship' was held as long 
as it was, having gotten only around 
$10,000 last week (4th), due to in- 
ability of management to find a suit- 
able picture. 

Roxy (5,836; 25-45-55-75)— 'Super 
Sleuth! (RKO) and stage show, plus 
'King VI Coronation' (20th) (3 reels). 
Business far from exciting but may 
reach $28,000 or over and get house 
fair profit. Last week 'Two Who 
Dared' (GN) and stage show got 
only $21,500, red. 

Strand (2,767; 25-55-75) — 'They 
Won't Forget' (WB). Opened strong 
here on its pre-release and on the 
first seven days, ending last night 
(Tues.) a winner at $30,000, Holds 
over a second week. The second 
week of 'Singing Marine' (WB) un- 
der $15,000. 

State (3,450; 35-55-75)— 'Day at 
Races' (MG) (2d run) and Benny 
Davis, Cashiers are considerably 
busier here this week, maybe $25,000, 
good. Last week house went into 
the red with 'I Met Him in Paris* 
(Par) (2d run) and vaude headed by 
Arnold Johnson's band and Gus 
Van, only around $16,000. 



'RACES,"13TH CHAIR' 
HNE $7,500, MONTREAL 



Montreal, July 20. 
Two ace houses, Palace and Capi- 
tol, will split most of the cash cur- 
rently, nearly as much on ventilation 
as on shows, with good week-end bivt 
at both. 

Estimates for This Week 

Palace (CT) (2",700; 50) — 'Under 
Red Robe' (20th) and 'She Had to 
Eat' (20th), Chance for $7,000. very 
good. Last week repeat of 'Captain;? 
Courageous' (MG) good at $5,500. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 50)— 'Day at 
Races' (MG) and '13th Chair' (MG>, 
Had a sock-week-end and, weathor 
permitting, may top $7,500, excellent. 
La.st week 'Mountain Music' (Par) 
and 'Last Train from Madrid' (Par), 
$5,000, good. 

Loew's (M. T. Co.) (3,200; 40)— 
Trader Horn' (MG) and 'Private 
Lives' (MG). Will be lucky to get 
.$4,000, poor. Last week 'L'-»a".ue of 
Fri.?htened Men' (Col) and 'Behind 
Headlines' (Col), $5,000, fair. 

Prlnccs.s (CT) 2,300; 50)— 'Riding 
On Air' (RKO) and 'Accused' (LJ>. 
.f.' Fair showing and may gross $4,!)()0. 
■*";!Last week 'Kid Galahad' (WB) and 
'A^^ ; 'Everybody Dance' (Emp), $5,000, 



good. 

Cinema de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 50)— 'Cae.sar' (French) (91h 
weolc). Grossed $1,500 la.st week and 
may get $1,300 currently. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (3.300; 34) 
— L'Awpel riu Silence' and 'T<e Rnrn;iri 
d'un Innocent.' Fii,'uro,s on ili:{.!)0(), 
fair. Last week 'Lr.-i Marriatjo.s da 
Mle. Levi* and 'Rigolboche', $3,200,. 
not too good. 



10 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



'Easy Living Best in Dull Mpls. 
With $10,500, %w Faces' a Bust 



Minneapolis, July 20. 
'Easy Living' is bouncing; the 
Orpheum to the front currently and 
taking the play away from 'New 
Faces at the usually leading Minne- 
sota. Off to a fast start, th? Jean 
Arthur - Edward Arnold comedy 
promises to turn in a healthy gross. 
On the other hand, 'New Faces'^ isn't 
delivering anywhere hear thie ex- 
pected figures and remains only five 
days. 

After a bang-up week at the 
Minnesota, 'Captams Courageous, 
has moved over to the Century for 
seven more downtown days and 
continues to click. In its- third week 
at the sure-seater Time, the freak 
'Forbidden Adventure' stiU Is far 
above par. ' , , 

Outside of the two holdovers and 
*Easy Living' trade is in the dumps. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aster (Publix-Siifger) (900; 15- 
25)_'Good Old Soak' (MG) and 
•Murder Goes to College* (Par) (2d 
runs), split, and dual first runs last 
three days 'White Bondage' (WB) 
and 'Night of Mystery' (Par). Pretty 
good $1,200 indicated. Last week, 
•Marked Woman' (WB) and 'That 
Man's Here' (WB) (2d runs), split, 
and dual first runs last three days 
•Flyaway Baby' (WB) and 'Cali- 
fornian' (WB), $1,000, fair. ; 

Century (Publix-Singer) (1,600; 
25-35-55) — 'Captains Courageous' 
(MG) (2d week). Moved here after 
burning 'em up at the Minnesota, 
kee^s richt on socking, en route to 
oke $5,500: Last week, 'Woman 
Chases Man* (UA), nine days, fair 
$5,000. 

Minnesota (Publix-Singer) (4,200; 
25-35-55) 'New Faces' (RKO). Prob- 
ably 55c tariff after 5 p.m. accounts 
for this one's box-office failure at 
this spot and out after only five 
days very disfippointing $3,500. 'Sara- 
toga (MG) opens tomorrow (Wed.). 
Last week, 'Courageous' (GM), 
$13,000, fine. • 

Orphenm (Public-Singer) (2,890; 
25-35-40) 'Easy Living' (Par). Seems 
to havie what it takes for the box- 
office headed for $10,500; big. Last 
. week, 'Singing Marine' (WB), fair 
$i6,500, with cooling plant on blink 
several days during height of hot 
wave and hurting, no doubt 

State (Publix-Singer) (2,300; 25- 
35-40) 'Riding on . Air* (RKO) ahd 
•Angel's Holiday* (20th), Dual zoom- 
ing toward good $3,700, with Brown 
picture mainly responsible. Last 
week, 'Hit Parade' (Rep) and '13th 
Chair' (MG), big $4,200, with former 
pulling major share. _ 

Time (Berger) (290; 25-35) 'For- 
bidden Adventure' (Indie) (3d week). 
Freak still has 'em coming and may 
reach good $1,200. Last week, $1,500, 
fine. 

Uptown (Publix) (1,200; 25-35) 
•This Is My Affair' (20th). First nabe 
showing, fair $2,800 indicated. Last 
week, 'I Met Him in Paris' (Par), 
$2,600, fair. 

World (Steffes) (25-35-40-55) 'Ac- 
cused' (UA). Here only three days, 
poor $400. 'Knight Without Armor' 
(UA) opened today (20). Last week, 
•Adolf's Military Adventures' (Swed- 
ish), $1,500, fair. 

Grand Opera House, N. Y., 
In Building litigation 

The K-P Theatre Corp. yesterday 
(Tuesday) filed suit in the N. Y. 
supreme court to compel the Warco 
Trading Co., Inc., owners of the 
(jrand Opera House on West 23rd 
str-eet, N. Y., to carry out an agree- 
ment to demolish and erect a new 
theatre on the site for use of the 
plaintiff. K-P (an RKO subsid) also 
seeks a permanent injunction to stop- 
Warco from using the building for 
any other purpose than the agree- 
ment called for. Hearing on the 
latter motion will be held tomorrow 
. (Thursday). 

The K-P Corp., through its realty 
agent, Alex E. Reoch, avers that whil6 
it was riegotiatng to erect a new the- 
atre on West 23rd street, known in 
the trade as the key zone between 
14th and 42nd streets, Leo Harrison, 
an official of Warco, and its attor- 
ney, Leopold Blumburg, approached 
him with an offer to tear down the 
opera house and to erect a new the- 
atre, promising to give the plaintiff 
company a long term lease if it 
would give up the idea of building 
another thfeatre^ in the neighborhood. 
Reoch agreed and a formal contract 
was drawn up. 

"rhe agreement, according to 
Reoch, specified that the new the- 
atre was to be ready by Sept. 11. In 
April last, the plaintiff claims, Har- 
rison informed him that Warco could 
not go through with the agreement 
unless K-P advanced a loan of 
$150,000. The latter refused and 
Warco has since done nothing about 
carrying out the agreement. 

Plaintiff company contends it will 
lose considerable money by Warco's 



negligence and stands to lose a large 
sum even though defendant corpora- 
tion agrees finally to carry out its 
contract. It askg the coyrt to finally 
determine the amount of this loss, 
and that Warco be compelled to pay 
it.- 



Tve Paces Pitt 
At $1000, 'Slave 
is $7,000 on H.a 




Pittsburgh, July 20. ' 

Cooler weather over the week-end 
steadied biz generally and healthier 
situation in the first-runs. 

Stanley is headed for another first- 
rate gross with 'Ever Since Eve' and. 
stage show headed by Herman Bing, 
while the Fulton continues to click 
off sock trade with 'Slave Ship' in 
its second week. Stays again and 
could possibly hold a third time but 
management wants to get 'Road 
Back'-, in. 

. Estimates for This Week 

Alvin (Harris) (2,000; 25-35-40)— 
'Trader Horn' (MG) and 'Love in a 
Bungalow' (U); Reissue is the mag- 
net and' this is the first dual to stick 
a full week here in more than a 
month; looks like $5,500, plenty okay. 
Last week 'Night Key' (U) and 
'Venus Makes Trouble' (Col) pretty 
mediocre at $3,150 in six days. 

Art Cinema (300; 25-40) )— 'Dam- 
aged Lives' (Weldon) (2d week). 
Picture doing well here, this week 
(2d) $5,000 after first week's $6,000. 

Faltoh (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40) 
—'Slave Ship* (20th) (2d wk). Hold- 
ing up in great, shape. Should hover 
around . $7,000 mark and that's swell 
on top of $8,900 opening stanza. 
Sticks for a third week. 

Penn. (Loew's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 
50) — 'Singing Marine' (WB). Excel- 
lent notices for this Dick Powell 
starrer, but biz just so-so. Musicals 
are having a tough time of it around 
here of late; maybe $10,000, just fair. 
Last week 'Mountain Music' (Par) 
about $1,000 better. 

Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60)— 
'Ev'er -Since Eve* (FN) and Herman 
Bing in person. Best opening in a 
long time and it's the pic. Proven 
on Sunday (18) when film alone 
gave the Stanley its best Sunday 
trade since seven-day week was 
legalized in this state. Should be 
right in there at $20,000. Last week 
'Gave Him a Gun' (MG) and Duke 
Ellington around $19,500. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)— 'Last 
Train from Madrid' (Par) and 'Fly 
Away Baby' (WB). Just another 
twin bill; around $3,750. Last week 
'Make. Way for Tomorrow' (Pav) 
had cricks pounding tom*toms and, 
with 'Pick a Star' (MG), did swell 
$5,250. 




■SLEDTir $12,1 
TOFSINBALTO 



40 Big Grossers 



(6ontinued from page 3) 



Baltimore, July 20. 

Good lineup of product and cooler 
breezes are helping the local b.o's. 
Combo Hippodrome is leading the 
town with a pleasing $12,000 for 
'Super Sleuth' (RKO). 'Wee Willie 
Winkie' (20th) is up in the running, 
after a good openin,e at the New, 
indicating a very healthy $4,000. 
Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 
25-35-40-55) 'Day at Races' (MG.) (2d 
week).. Holding up in j^ood shape 
to $6,700 after a very nifty opener 
at $13,200. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,300. 
15-25-35-40-55-66). 'Super Sleuth' 
(RKO) plus Milt Britton's Band on 
stage. Setting town's ace with good 
$12,000. Last week, 'Devil Driving' 
(Col.) and vaude n.s.g. at $9,100 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,500. 15- 
25-30-35-40-55). 'Woman Alone'(GB). 
Not very exciting at $3,100. Last 
week, 'Make Way for Tomon-ow' 
(Par) got rave notice.s and built 
some durinr; last days, but couldn't 
better $3,700. 

New (Mechanic) (1.400. 15-25-30- 
40-55). 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th). 
Ob to good start and breezing along 
to profit at $4,000. Last week, 'Love 
From Stranger' (GB) no more than 
$2 800 

Stanley (WB) (3.450. 15-25-3.5-40- 
55). 'Mountain Music' (Par). Hold- 
ing a fair pace to ."^B.OOO. Last week, 
second of 'Met in Paris' <Par) kept 
them coming to consistent $6,100. 



hside Stuff-Pictures 



around $1,000,000 or as high as 
$3,000,000. in domestic Sales, dis- 
tributors are forced to base esti- 
mates on numerous films on which 
from a tew to many contracts still 
have to be fulfilled. This is es- 
pecially true of releases which have 
most recently gone on their way. 
'Zieefeld' Tops 
The biggest rental deliverer of the 
current ('36,-37) season is 'Grpat 
Zie'gfeld.* It was .roadshown . the 
prior ('35-36) season' and sent on 
general release last September. The 
books wiU total the rentals to near 
$3,000,000 for this country alone, 
while another $1,500)000 or $2,000,000 
may be the gross sales for foreign 
lands. 

The runner-up may be 'Anthony 
Adverse,' which was strongly sold 
by. Warner Bros., ahd on which high 
rentals were exacted. . Its total for 
this country . may , exceed $2,500,000, 
while neck-and-neck with it will be 
one of Metro's biggest box office at- 
tractions of the year, 'After the Thin 
Man.* Both of these . are figured as 
strong foreign rental getters, also, 
and will probably end up at. around 
$3,500,000 each for the world. 

Metro, Paramount, 20th-Fox and 
Paramount are all well represented 
with releases which on sales will 
range from around $1,000,000 up, but 
United Artists, ^though not there in 
big numbers this year, has one out- 
standing money-maker, 'Star Is 
Bom.' This picture will get $2,000,000 
easily in the U. S. and is broadly es- 
timated for about $1,750,000 in the 
foreign market. 

'Star Is Born' will be UA's biggest 
earner on the season, just as Metro's 
'Ziegfeld' will top anything else. 
While WB's 'Adverse' and others in 
the $1,000,000 class put under the 
statistical microscope, may not have 
been the biggest grossers for the 
theatres, they were, in terms of rent- 
als, the biggest for their oWners. 

Par's 'Waikiki' Its Best 

Paramount" s heaviest breadwinner 
under contracts written for it is 
'Waikiki Wedding.' This Bing 
Crosby musical will bring gross do- 
mestic sales of at least $1,500,000 and 
tops both 'The Plainsman' and 'Big 
Broadcast of 1937,' which some may 
have figured would be Par's biggest 
rental-grabbers. 'Plainsman' and 
'Big Broadcast,' on returns, are run- 
ning within $50,000 of each other and 
will end up at $1,100,000 or $1,200,000. 

Twentieth-Fox staged a remarkable 
recovery during the past season ovet 
the prior year, delivering several 
very strong rental-snatchers which 
also were strong at the box offices of 
the nation. Company's biggest will 
be 'Wake Up and Live,' which, it is 
estimated, will top $1,500,000 in this 
country. It cost only around $750,000 
to produce, as against over $1,000,000 
for .'Advei'se,* nearly $2,000,000 for 
'Ziegfeld,* $1,000,000 'After the Thin 
Man,' $1,400,000 'Star Is Born' and 
$1,100,000 for 'Waikiki.' Thus, 'Wake 
Up' has a tremendous advantage 
when it comes to net rental profits. 
Picture cannot yet be judged on its 
foreign possibilities. 

Top sale grosser for RKO this sea- 
son is 'Swing Time,' earning power 
of which is $1,500,000 or above, plus 
about $1,000,000 for foreign countries. 
It cost better than $1,000,000 to make, 
as all Astaire-Rogers' productions 
have. 

Universal and Columbia each are 
represented by 'one picture that will 
go into seven figures, U.'s 'My Man 
Godfrey,' which cost around $700,000 
to turn out, will be a handsome 
profit-getter at a domestic rentaL 
which will approxihia^e $1,200,000"^ 
and* may go over that. Jn the foreign 
market it is estiinated it will garner 
at least .$600,000. Col's 'Lost Horizon' 
will go into the $1,000,000 class, it is 
expeced, after reaching general re- 
lease nationally. This picure, how- 
ever, is the highest in cost Col ever 
turned out, running over $1,500,000. 
Neither Grand National nor Republic 
have anything for the seven-figure 
brackets. 

In addition to the top champions 
of the leading seven major producer- 
distributors, the bulk of the ap- 
proximate 40 outstanders of the year 
takes in some sui'prisers. Good mer- 
chandising may have figured in sorne 
instances where the rental returns 
are higher than theatre operators 
think pictures should be getting. 

Over and above 'Ziegfeld' and 
'Thin Man,' Metro's $1,000,000 babies 
include 'Maytime,' also strong at the 
ticket windows, which may hit the 
$2,000,000 mark,, and 'Born to Dance,' 
which will be close to that. While 
'Good Earth' has played none but 
roadshow dates to date, it has taken 
in over $700,000 already on such en- 
gagements and eventually is expected 



The $7,500 judgment awarded Harold B. Frainklin, producer, last week, 
against his brother, John J., the latter's wife, Birdie, and the Jay Jay 
Theatrical Corp., was set aside yesterday (Tuesday) by Federal Judge 
Francis G. Caffey on a technicality, " At the same time Court permitted 
the defendants to move to set aside an attachment on their New York 
property which had been issued with the judgment. 

Judge Caffey reversed his previous ruling when attorney for, the defen- 
dants pleaded that he was under the iippression he was allowed 30 days 
to answer the complaint instead of 20 days allowed by the Court. It was 
on the failure to answer that Judge Caffey awarded the judgment. 
. .H. B. had sued to recover the $7,500 which he claimed was loaned to 
the defendants by the Brookline Corp. of which he was the sole owner. He 
claimed defendants obtained the loan through misrepresentation. 



Republic, in forming Republic Pictures of Delaware, named Walter 
Vincent president of the hew company, although all along he has been 
chairman of the board of Republic Pictures of N. Y. He Is close to Her- 
bert J. Yates, who's in control, and his circuit (Wilmer & Vincent) has 
always given the Repub product as much of a nod as possible. 

Organization of Rep of Delaware was chiefly a legal measure, necessary 
in consequence of a decision by Yates and associates to float an issue of 
stock. This newly-organized company thus became the holding company 
for Repub of New York ahd Republic Productions, Inc. oi California. Moe 
Siegel, Rep production head, is president of the latter but the N. Y. Repub 
organization has had no presidient since W; Ray Johnson was bought out 
by Yates. It had a v.p., however, J, J. Milstein, sales head. 



Report from the Coast that Gypsy Rose Lee (Louise Hovick) was conit. 
ing to New York this fall to appear in a stage pi;oductIon vmder her orig- 
inal burlesque cognomen did not disturb the Hays office in the east. It 
was pointed out that if she follows this course of action she would be out 
of pictures so there would be no legitimate reason for a squawk. 

Louise Hovick is under a one-picture contract. If re-signed for another 
picture and carries out reported intention of using the other name with 
which. she has been identified in burlesque, a different course of action 
might be taken, it is understood. But if she returns to the stage as indi« 
cated, it will be no concern of the Motion Picture Producers & Distributors. 



General migration of gawkers from the sticks bearing letters from film 
exchange men in various areas with' expectations of crashing studio gates 
has publicity departments tearing their hair and sending up wails of 
despair. Result of incursions has been a series of home office bleats to 
their men in the field to lay off. Travel this way is the heaviest since 
1028-29 with virtually the entire yokelry having the idea uppermost, in 
their minds to 'see how pictures are made.' Another bad result is that 
legitimate press correspondents also clamoring . for studio admission, are 
being classed with gadders and denied entree. . 



Universal intended to hold a preview in N. Y. of 'Road Back,' in its 
newly edited version and invite critics in for another look-see. Decided 
against it, however, prefering to wait imtil the picture opens at the Roxy 
before asking the lads to do their stuff a second time. Filrh, meantime, 
opened around the country in a number of keys over , the weekend with 
a new finish and other changes. 

Picture follows 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th) into the Roxy. Latter opens 
Friday (23) and is figured for two or three weeks. 



Several thousand miniatures . of Charlie McCarthy,' Edgar Bergen's 
dummy, are being manufactured to figure in an exploitation stunt cooked 
up by Jock Lawrence and Monroe Greenthal for Samuel Goldwyn's 'The 
Goldwyn Follies.' Idea is to teach ventriloquism to salesmen with ven- 
triloquial contests to be staged in towns where the picture is shown. Minia- 
ture 'Charlies' will be the prizes. Tieup also is being wangled with Chase 
& Sanborn, which features Bergen on the ether, and with Gulf Oil, which 
headlines Phil Baker, also in 'Follies.* 



Paramount uncloseted its tint and tone equipment to use the tone wash 
on the first of its pictures since the silents. Bing Crosby's 'Double or 
Nothing' film gets a uranium tone azure in the Martha Raye number, it 
tone-dipping proves satisfactory, Paramount will use it in many forthcom- 
ing pix, following the growing vogue established by Metro and 20th-Fox. 
Tint- tone was commonplace in silent pix, but languished with the advent 
of sound. 



N. Y. Times objected strenuously to an ad from the Rial to, Arthur 
Mayer's small-seater on Broadway, but Mayer finally wore the sheet down. 
Ad copy over which the Times had cabinet meetings, read: 

'Hell was too hot to hold him, so 'The Devil is Driving' with Richard 
Dix to the cool Rialto at Times, Square.' 



to go into very high figures. The 
same will b^ true of 'A Day at the 
Races,' which will go well into seven 
digits. Others that won't be far from 
$1,000,000 if not topping it will be 
'Last of Mrs. Cheyney' and 'Captains 
Courageous.' 

20th-Fox's Array 

Twentieth-Fox's array of winners, 
headed by 'Wake Up,' takes in two 
outstanding musicals, 'Sing, Baby, 
Sing' and 'One in. a Million.' Both 
of ...these will gross well over 
$1,000,000 and in foreign theatres 
may come close to approximating 
what American rentals will be; The 
musicals, in cost, were comfortably 
under $1,000,000 each. 

Another from 20th that will go 
over $1,000,000 in this country and 
may equal" that abroad is 'Lloyds of 
London.' As much as $500,000 is fig- 
ured in English possessions alone. 
Others under the 20th.Fox label that 
are in the million-dollar class or will 
end up very close to it are both 
Shirley Temple pictures this season, 
'Dimples' and 'Stowaw.ay,' plus 
'Ramona,' 'Pigskin Parade' and 'On 
the Avenue.' That gives 20th sales- 
men something to crow about. 

For WB, terrific money-makers are 
'Three Men on a Horse,' 'Charge of 
the Light Brigade' and 'Green 
Light,' all of which may come clo.se 
to $1,500,000 in this country. 'Three 
Men on a Horse,' which cost only 
$600,000, may get to .$2,250,000 for the 
world. 'Light Brigade' stood Warners 
about $900,000 to produce, while 
'Green Light' was considerably less, 
$650,000. 'King and the Choru.s Girl,' 
'Prince and the Pauper', 'Marked 



Woman* and 'Kid Galahad' are also 
expected to land in seven figures. 

In. the Paramount camp where 
'Plainsman' is stronger in Europe 
than 'Waikiki,* its domestic leader, 
the strong rental-earners include 
'College Holiday,' 'Texas Ranger,' 'I 
Met Him in Paris,' 'Swing High, 
Swing Low* and 'Mountain Music' 
The last mentioned may fall a bit 
short of $1,000,0.00 and 'I Met Him in 
Paris' may not quite get there either, 
but it, too, will be close, based on 
estimates at this time, 

'College Holiday' will be safely 
over $1,000,000, its final figure pos- 
sibly being $1,200,000. 'Swing High* 
is figured for about $1,100,000 in this 
country, while 'Ranger' will be about 
$1,000,000. . 

UA has had several disappointers 
on this season's schedule, but in 
addition to 'Star Is Born,' will get 
about $1,100,000 on 'Garden of Allah,' 
that or more on 'Dbdsworth' and 
'Come and Get It' may come close lo 
it. Remarkable thing about 'Allah' 
is that it will gross more on sales 
in foreign countries than here, per- 
haps as much as between $1,500,000 
and $2,000,000. 'Dddsworth' is e.sti- 
mated to get around $1,000,000 in the 
foreign market, $650,000 of it from 
English possessions alone. 

Behind its $1,500,000 'Swing Time,' 
RKO will get into the million-dollar 
class with 'Shall We Dance?' IJsU-yt 
Rogers-Astaire musical, and mny 
come close to $1,000,000 with 'Rain- 
bow on the River.* 

'Theodora Goes Wild' will be 
Columbia's second best behind 'Ho- 
rizon.' but it won't be near the 
$1,000,000 stature. 



- ^edii^sda^r, July 21, 1937 



VARIETY 



11 



A 

TYPICAL 

M-G-M 
RELEASE 

CHART 

JUNE 

"DAY AT THE RACES"... marx bros., 

"PAR NELL". . . CLARK GABLE, MYRNA LOY 

"MARRIED BEFORE BREAKFAST".,. Robert Young, Florence Rict 

"CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS"... f. Bartholomew, spencer tracy» l barrvmorb 

JULY 

"EMPEROR'S CANDLESTICKS"... william powell, luise rainer 

"BETWEEN TWO WOMEN".., Franchot Tone, Virginia Bruce, Maureen O'SuHivan 
"TOPPER"... CONSTANCE BENNETT, CARY GRANT, Roland Young, Billi« Burkt' 

"SARATOGA"... clark gable, jean harlow <^ 

"LONDON BY NIGHT"... George Murphy, Rita Johnson 

AUGUST 

"GOOD EARTH"... paul muni, luise rainer ^ 

"THE FIREFLY"... JEANETTE MacDONALD, Allan Jones, Warren WilHan> 
"BLACK LIGHTNING".., M-G-M Feature Cast 

"BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938"... Robert taylor,eleanor POWELL, Gcorgt Murphy, 

Buddy Ebsen, Judy Garland, Raymond Walburn, Willie Howard, Binnid Barnes, Sophlt Tucktr»]| 

Charles Igor Gorin, Robert Benchley, Charley Grapewln, Robert Wildhack 

SEPTEMBER 

"THE BRIDE WORE RED"\.. joan Crawford, franchot tone, ROBERT youno> 

BilUe Burke, Reginald Owen 

"THE BIG GITY"... luise RAINER, spencer TRACY, Charley Grapewln, Janet BeccW^EadloOuiUam;. 

Victor Varconi 

"DOUBLE WEDDING"... William powell, myrna loy 

"LIVE, LOVE AND LEARN"... ROBERT MONTGOMERY, ROSALIND RUSSELV 

Etc., etc. 



12 VARIETY Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



Starting with September you 
may contract for the new season : 



A Minimum of 44 and a maximum 
of 52 M'G-M Pictures with the 
following Stars y Featured Players y 

Directors and Writers 

(listed aphabetically) 




LIONEL BARRYMORE, FREDDIE BARTHOLOMEW, WALLACE 
BEERY, JOAN CRAWFORD, NELSON EDDY, CLARK GABLE, 
GRETA GARBO, GLADYS GEORGE, HELEN HAYES, CHARLES 
LAUGHTON, MYRNA LOY, JEANETTE MacDONALD, MARX 
BROTHERS, ROBERT MONTGOMERY, ELEANOR POWELL, 
WILLIAM POWELL, LUISE RAINER, NORMA SHEARER, 
ROBERT TAYLOR, SPENCER TRACY 



FEATURED PLAYERS : 

/ 

Elizabeth Allan, John Arlington, Janet Beecher, Robert Benchley, Ray Bolger, Ariane Borg, Matthew 
Boiilton, Virginia Bruce, Billie Burke, Bruce Cabot, Lynne Carver, Jean Chatburn, Roger Converse, Boyd 
Crawford, Allan Curtis, Henry Daniell, Melvyn Douglas, Louis Durst, Buddy Ebsen, ClifF Edwards, Madge 
Evans, Grace For^, Betty Furness, Reginald Gardiner, Judy Garland, Natalie Garson, Charles Igor Gorin, 
Charley Grapewin, Virginia Gray, Julie Haydon, Ted Healy, William Henry, Willie Howard, Rita Johnson, 
Allan Jones, Guy Kibbee, Elissa Landi, Suzanne Larson, Priscilla Lawson, Mitchell Lewis, Delia Lind, 
Tilly Losch, Douglas McPhail, Ruby Mercer, Una Merkel, Frank Morgan, Stanley Morner, George Murphy, 
Edward Norris, Edna May Oliver, Oscar O'Shea, Maureen O'Sullivan, Reginald Owen, Barnett Parker, Cecilia 
Parker, Nat Pendleton, Leonard Penn, Juanita Ouigley, Jessie Ralph, Florence Rice, Mickey Rooney, 
Clarence Russell, Rosalind Russell, Ann Rutherford, Tom Rutherford, Brent Sargent, James Stewart, Lewis 
Stone, Sheppard Strudwick, Franchot Tone, Helen Troy, Sophie Tucker, Johnny Weissmuller, Dame May 
Whitty, Warren William, Dick Winslovvj Cora Witherspoon, Robert Young, George Zu ceo. 



V eanesday, July 21, 1937 VARIETY 15 

DIRECTORS: 

Dorothy Arzner, Frank Bofzage, Clarence Brown, Jack Conway, George Cukor, Roy Del Ruth, George 
Fitzmaurice, Victor Fleming, Sidney Franklin, Robert Z. Leonard, Gustav Machaty, Edwin L« Marin, J. Walter 
Ruben, Geotge Seitz, Edward Sloman, John M. Stahl, Errol Taggart, Richard Thorpe, W. S, Van Dyke, 
Sam Wood, Slavko Vorkapich. 




Zoe Akins, Vicki Baum, Homer Beery, Thomas Bell, Robert Benchley, A. W> Bernal, Jr., David Boehm, 
Herman Boxer, Maude Brown, Hugo Butler, Ldnore CofFee, George Harmon Coxe, Mitzi Cummings, Ruth 
Gummings, GlifF Dixon, George G. Drumgold, Virginia Faulkner, Ladisl.aus Bus-Fekete, Bradbury Foote, 
Douglas Foster, Everett Freeman, Jules Furthman, Harold Goldman, Frances Goodrich, Leon Gordon, 
Mauri Grashin, Eleanor Griffin, Albert Hackett, Comm. H. S. Haislip, Harry Hamilton, Elmer Harris, 
Lawrence Hazard, Philippe Heriat, John C. Higgins, James. Hilton, Monckton HofFe, Robert Hopkins, 
Cyril Hume, William Hurlbut, T^ilbot Jennings, Niki Justin, Karl Kamb, Paul Kunasz, Noel Langley, 
Leonard Lee, Rob'trt Lees, Anita Loos, Harry Loud, John Lee Mahin, Richard Maibaum, Morris Markeyy 
Herman Mankiewicz, Andrew Morthland, Jack McGowan, Hugh Mills, Ogden Nash, Frank H. O'Neill, Jr., 
George Oppenheimer, Marion Parsonnet, Robert Pirosh, Maurice Rapf, Stanley Rauh, Tom Reed, Gottfried 
Reinhardt, Conrad Richter, Frederic L Rinaldo, William Roberts, Howard E. Rogers, Florence Ryerson, 
.Waldo Salt, Jr., Don Schary, E. Richard Schayer, George Seaton, Arthur Sheekman, Robert E. Sherwood, 
Dalton Trumbo, Catherine Turney, Salka Viertel, Mrs. I. Von Cube, Maurine Watkins, Claudirie West, 
Charles E. Whittaker, Carey Wilson, Walter Wise, Edgar A. Wdolf, Philip Wylie. 



A FEW TITLES: 

♦ 

( The following jare subject to change. Just a few of hundreds of available vehicles,) 

Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy; "Girl Of The Golden \yes|"— Eleanor Powell, Nelson Eddy; "Rosalie"— 
Robert Taylor, Spencer Tracy, James Stewart; "Three Comrades"— Clark Gable; "Idiot's Delight"— Jeanette 
MacDonald, Nelson Eddy; "Robin Hood"— Joan Crawford;"Heavenly Sinner" — Robert Montgomery; "Under 
This Flag"— Wallace Beery; "Stand Up And Fight"— Robert Taylor, Wallace Beery; "Springtide"— Jeanette 
MacDonald; "The Firefly"— "The Great Waltz"— Robert Taylor, Spencer Tracy; "Tell It To The Marines" 
—Clark Gable; "The Great Canadian"— Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy; "Test Pilot"— William Powell, Myrna 
Loy; "Double Wedding"^ Freddie Bartholomew, RobertTaylor;"Kim"— Luise Rainer, Spencer Tracy; "Big 
City*'— "The Return Of The Thin Man" by Dashiell Hammett— Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell; " Live, 
Loveand Learn" — Eleanor Powell; " Hats In The Air"— Joan Crawford; "The Bride Wore Red"— Greta Garbo, 
Charles Beyer; "Marie Walewska"— Norma Shearer; "Mane_Antoinette"— the Hal Roach Production "Road 
Show" and others— "As Thousands Cheer" by Moss Hart— "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" by James Hilton— "Great 
Laughter" by Fannie Hurst— "Mannequin" by Katharine Brush— "Merrily We Roll Along" by George S. 
Kaufman and Moss Hart— "National Velvet" by Enid Bagnold— "Once Upon A Time" by Fannie Hurst-^ 
"Pitcairn*s Island" by James Norman Hall and Charles Nordhoff— "Pride and Prejudice" by Helen Jerome 
from Jane Austen's novel— Victor Herbert's "Rose of Algeria"— Victor Herbert's "Sweethearts"— "The 
Foundry" by Albert Halper— Victor Herbert's "The Red Mill"— "Two Thieves" by Manuel Komroff— 
"Yellow Jack" by Sidney Howard and Paul de Kruif— "The Shining Hour" by Keith Winter —" Timber 
Line" by Gene Fowler— " Excursion" by Victor ^ o\^%o\\ ^ and many others, 

PLUS A COMPLETE PROGRAM OF SPLENDID SHORT SUBJECTS 
Kindly ask your M-G-M Branch for our Complete Year Book for 1937-38 



14 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, Julj 21, 1937 



METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER 

delivers the pictures 



using 







GREAT STARS!) * GREAT DIRECTORS I GREAT VEHICLES! 




BILLBOARDS!. 

■Tlie only company that does kli 
9000" billboards ik 1500 .cities> 
each mbntb f6r 6 months. 



MAGAZINES! 

[The biggest group of national maga- 
izines used by any company, in. ad-»> 
dition to. the monthly fan magazines; 



NEWSPAPERS! 

Mbre assist campaigns in key cities 
ihan any other company, launch-^* 
(Ing the .film direct to the publio 



(J ust jthree phases: pf our pro-^ 
motion.^ ^, Read, more .abouf if M I 
M-G-M*s Booklet and jtake ad^* 
vantage of our' many services 




S St; Wartlg'B yiaw, TtatalKkr Squara 



INTERHATIONAL FILM NEWS 



CnM« AAflrnaa: VARIETT, LOIOlOIf 
T«l«i»li«>iio 'f emple Bar l^i-HOif) 



IS 



JOHN MAXWELL TO RETIRE? 



Doyle Enroute to N. Y. and London 
On Reorg Plans; His Show History 



' Sydney, June 29. 

Stuart/ T. Doyle plans to. reach- 
New y orkj August 14, ior heavy hud- 
dles Trtith leadiiiif pic execs covering 
his future activities in Australia., 
From Nevir York Ppyle goes to Eng-' 
land ior , Chatter sessions with execs 
of London theatre Centre, after 
•which he intends flying back to 
Sydney to arrange bis radio alf airs. 

Neyt January Doyle returhs to 
England, 'where, he will remain for 
some time to cover the opening of 
his new theatre venture, proposed 
pic production plans, and a proposal 
to extend his theatre activities 
throughout the British Empire. Doyle 
will also have huddles with air- 
plane experts in connection with a 
company which he heads here for 
the manufacture of aircraft. While 
abroad. Doyle will meet his radio 
partner, Frank Albert, millionaire 
music publisher, and set plans for 
the extension of their radio holdings 
in the Australian commercial field. 

Doyle may take with him some of 
the Gr0ater Udiofli execs, after he 
quits the company this month* Be- 
lieved that nlany of the G.U.T. gang 
will rieadily follow Doyle wherever 
he may lead them. Doyle hoped to 
escape soonet, but he's waiting the 
return of Kc?n Asprey from New 
York. 

During his 25 years in the show 
game, Doyle has been connected with 
the following units: 

NAMB " POSITION CAPITAIi 

Greater Union Theatres. ;M.D, ?2,<HM>,000 

Cineaound Productions. . .M.D. 375,00(1 

British Kmpire Fllroa . . . . \r.I>. 250,000 

Amalgamated Pictures. . .B. 910,000 

Wests D. 1,330,000 

Cpencera D. 1,485,000 

Greater J. D. Winiamd..D. 1,985,000 

Associated I>IstrtbB......M,D. 250,000 

Australasian l^ilm D. 25,000 

Australasian Film Holdings 

M.D. 10,000 

Birch, Carroll, Coyle....D. 600,000 
British Empire Flluis (East) 

M.D. 230,000 
General Theatre Supplies N.Z. 

M.D. 100,000 
County Theatres (Goulburn) 

D. 123,000 

Empire Talkies D. 300,000 

General Theatres .Co-d. 200,000 

Greater Union (Extension) 

M.D. 2,500,000 
Greater Union (ManagemenT) 

M.D. 100,000 

Haymarket Theatres M.D. 273,780 

Hay market Tlvoll Theatres 

M.D. 100,000 
Kational Theatre Supplies . 

M.D. 250,000 

Northern Amusements. ..("o-d. 250,000 

Westrallan Cinemas C'o-d. 10,000 

Wintersarden Theatres.. D. 250,000 
Union Theatres Invests. .D.&G.M. 4,250,000 

It's a pretty nice list, clicked up by 
a man who originally set out to be a 
lawyer. And, although Doyle is out 
of Greater Union now, he's byi no 
means through with show biz. 



Pix in Argentine 

Buenos Aires, July 3. 

Pictures shown this week in first 
run: 'When's Your Birthday?' (RKO), 
at the Ambassador; 'Man of the 
People' (MOM), and 'Black Legion' 
(WB), at the Florida; 'Club de 
Femmes' (French), at the Broadway; 
•Juggernaut' (English) and 'Besos 
Brujos' (Argentine), at the Monu- 
mental; 'Her Husband Lies' (Par), 
and 'Love From a Stranger' (Eng- 
lish), at the Suipacha; 'La Kermesse 
Heroique' (French), and 'M'Liss* 
(RKO), at the Opera. 

Holdover from last week: 'The 
Charge of the Light Brigade' (WB) 
at the Ideal. 

Gran Rex, biggest cinema in 
South America, is expected to open 
next week with 'Libelled Lady' 
(MGM), and 'Two in a Crowd.' (U). 

YANK PIX LEAD 
W CHINA; 

ROSS a) 



I 





metho-bip deal 



Odeon Issue Oversubscribed; See 
Lord Beaverbrook in Back of Co. 



KORDAONTINT 
DEAL FOR SIX 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Deal has been negotiated between 
Alexander Korda and Dr. Herbert 
T, Kalmus whereby the former will 
make six features in Technicolor, 
with processing to be done at Tech- 
nicolor's London plant. Contract 
covers 18 months. 

Korda plans two Merle Oberon 
pictures in tints, one with Binnie 
Barnes and one featuring Sabu 
('Elephant Boy') to be called 
'Drums.' Korda has a location unit 
working on this one now in the Khy- 
ber pass, Afghanistan. 



Chinese Censors Again 

Shanghai, July 3, 
Government censors still ban 
General Died at Dawn' (Par), but 
have finally passed 'Black Legion' 
WB) and 'We Who Are About to 
JDie' (RKO). 

Latter was banned by the Shang- 
hai censors, but shown outside the 
city limits. 



Shanghai, July 3. 

Ending the first six months of 1937, 
American distribs hold first 'place 
among all foreign cqimtries in the 
number of .films censored and pre 
sented in China. Total of 147 fea 
tures have been okayed, some of 
which will be held over until cool 
weather. Shorts and newsreels bring 
the total to more than 300. 

Biggest inroad against American 
predominance in the Chinese . pic 
market is being made by Russian 
films, their majority eclipsing Brit- 
ish, French and German product. 
Russian community here totals 31,000 
and outnumbers the Anglo-Ameri- 
can^ French and German. 

China has no quota law or boy- 
cott, but censorship is at times 
severe. 



THE OLD, OLD REFRAIN 

Exhibs in Northern Japan Want U.S. 
Distribs to Cut Rentals 



Tokyo, June 29. 

Representatives of Shochiku, Shiii- 
ko and Nikkatsu houses located in 
the Hokkaido (Northern Japan) dis- 
trict, held a meeting in Tokyo last 
week to discuss ways and means of 
securing a reduction, of rentals on 
foreign pix. 

Operators claim losses shown by a 
majority of the houses in the district 
re directly due to excessive amounts 
asked for foreign subjects, as c6m- 
pared to Jap product. In referring 
the matter to foreign distribs here, 
house managers pointed out that the 
sparsity of population and extremely 
low temperatures in winter should 
be considered in setting prices. 

Not much chance of distribs meet- 
ing the exhibs' demands, as any ac- 
tion in that direction would bring up 
similar proposals from all other sec- 
tions of the country. 



New Zealand Biz Oke 

New Zealand, June 29. 
Trade continues very bright in the 
fJ^mmion with 'Camille' (MG), 
When You're in Love' (Col), 'Green 
"ehf (WB) and 'Rose Marie' (MG). 



Atlantis Film Co. 

Of Vienna Bankrupt 

Vienna, July 9, 
Atlantis Film Co., has filed bank- 
ruptcy, offering 40% to creditors. 
Management declares debts are 
$70,000. 

Cause: too strict contingency sys- 
tem and inability to sell productions 
abroad. 



LODGES' ROMAN FILM 

Rome, July 10. 

John Lodge and his wife, Fran- 
cesca Bragiotti, will both be in the 
film that is so far known only as 
'Production No. 1' of the new 
Roman Cinema City. 

This pic will be the first in which 
the two Lodges appear together. 



That's the Latest Anent 
L. B. Mayer's Current Trip 
Abroad — Maxwell's De- 
sire to Qait Explained 



AFFECTS G-B ALSO 



London, July 20. 
On Louis B. Mayer's current visit 
here he will discuss with John Max- 
well the possible purchase of con- 
trol of British International Pic- 
tures, it is learned here. Maxwell 
is reported recently telling friends 
that he contemplates retiring from 
film business, being 'tired of people 
with no qualifications raising mil- 
lions overnight' to compete with 
him. 

All this is a brand new tangent in 
the situation, and a surprising One. 
It was pretty definite that Mayer was 
coming oyer; at least partially, to 
talk up thiat on-agaifi-off -again Gaii- 
mobt-British deal, but. with British 
International on the block, too, al- 
most anything is now possible. 

Maxwell is a key member of the 
Gau/Aont-British impasse. If he has 
come to the point where h$;<4$'^^9c'y 
to step out himself, if ineiari&"tfiat 
there should be no trouble about 
putting through that 20th-Fox, 
Metro - Goldwyn - Mayer, Gaiimont- 
British merger. Purchase of British 
International would be another im- 
portant factor in the pool. 

Should it go through, the deal 
will really approach the 'colossal' 
stage. Gaumont-British and. British 
International are certainly, the only 
two really iinportant strictly British 
companies. (Korda while actually 
English-financed, etc., has distinct 
and important American alliesi via 
United Artists and thus is not in- 
cluded.) Means that . all important 
British production thus would be 
pooled into either United Artists or 
Metro-20th. And With Joseph M. 
Schenck an important figure In all 
three of these American companies, 
there is perhaps reason to believe 
that it may wind up in one channel 
eventually. 

That Maxwell should be willing to 
bow out is considerable of a surprise 
and will be somewhat of a shock to 
the industry when word of it Is re-« 
leased. However, there is no denying 
that the 'canny Scotchman' is dis- 
tinctly embittered by the recent turn 
of affairs in the film marts of the 
world and the constant onslaught of 
minor 'nobodys' who can at least get 
a healthy start in the biz here. It is 
easy financing, he feels, which is 
killing the biz and he has about 
reached the saturation point. 



Shangki B. 0. 

Shanghai, July 3. 
Best b.b, receipts for June .here 
•<vere rung up by 'Escadrille' 
(RKO), 'Personal Property' (MG), 
'Prince and Pauper' (WB), 'Stow- 
away' (20th) and 'Love Is News' 
(20th). 

'Fquadrille' is 'The Woman I Love' 
in America; Paul Muni-Miriam Hop- 
kins starrer. 



CINESIHIND FATE 
UNSET; PROD. 
MAY STOP 



Sydney, June 29. 
Future of Cinesound as a produc" 
tion unit remains in the balance, fol- 
lowing the quitting of Stuart Doyle 
as n!>.d. 

'Lovers and Luggers* Is currently 
on the floor with Lloyd Hughes, after 
which comes a George Wallace com- 
edy titled 'Gone to the Dogs' (which 
insiders say is an apt title for the 
whole unit). These. Wo pix were 
set long before Doyle decided to re« 
sign, and Doyle himself offered to 
stay until 'Lovers and Luggers' was 
completed. 

When questioned, officials said they 
could not tell what the future would 
hold, but admitted that there was a 
possibility of Doyle putting in a 
tender to take over the unit from 
Greater Union. Also said 4hat there 
was the possibility of the studio be- 
ing leased to indies after 'Dogs' had 
been completed. Cinesound has been 
in continuous production of feature 
films for some years. Also turns out 
a weekly newsreel. 



March of Time Reel 
On China-Japanese 
Jam Starts Trouble 



Shanghai, July 3. 

Subsequent to a censorship dispute 
of March of Time reel on Chiang 
Kai-shek, referring to commentary 
on Japanese troubles, the French 
Concession section of the Shanghai 
Board is demanding the script of all 
dialog in newsreels. 

Distribs point out physical impos- 
sibility of this; Probability is that 
the French will retract. If not, no 
newsreels will be shown in the 
French Concession. 



Toor Butterfly' Gets Jap Rewrite 
And Modernization; Par to Produce? 



Toityo, July 20. 
Viscount Hidemaro Konoe, w.k. 
conductor here, has completed a 

modern and Japanited version of 
Puccini's 'Madame Butterfly,' which 
has been submitted to Paramount 
for possible production. If Konoe's 
version is accepted, it is expected 
that he will participate as adviser. 
According to the Viscount, his re- 
vised version of the opera was writ- 
ten at the request of Boris Morros, 
after he had pointed out to Par 
officials a number o£ objectionable 
scenes in Sylvia Sydney's 'Butter- 
fly,' released by Par several years 
ago. 

New versionthanges the locale from 
Nagasaki to Kj'oto, as more typically 
Japanese, and the time is changed 
to the present. Pinkerton is to be 
an American musician, instead of a 
naval officer. On a musical tour of 
Japan, Pinkerton meets Gho-Cho San 



only to part in sorrow, Friend.ship 
stimulates Cho-Cho San to become a 
singer, resulting in an appearance in 
a grand recital in America, with 
Pinkerton conducting. Story' now 
ends happily, with the two united. 

In submitting the story to Para- 
mount; Konoe insists upon the fol- 
lowing conditions: 

1. All scertes 'insulting' to Japs 
should be eliminated from the Puc- 
cini piece. 

2. Music of the first act is to be 
entirely rewritten by Konoe to im- 
part more Japanese spirit, Konoe's 
composition to retai,n the spirit in 
which Puccini wrote, but be more 
genuinely Japanese. 

3. Japanese actress to take part of 
Madame Butterfly and as many 
scenes as possible to be taken in 
Japan. 

Konoe leaves for America July 21, 
and if agreeable, production will 
start soon after his arrival. 



London, July 11. 

Subscription list of Odeon Thea- 
tres, Ltd., Oscar Deutsch circuit of 
cinemas, opened at 9 o'clock July 7 
and closed five minutes later, hav- 
ing been over-subscribed. Total of 
$9,000,000 of shares were offered at 
99% of- value. 

On the board of directors is the 
Hon. Peter Hudyard Aitken, younger . 
son of Lord Beaverbrook, from which 
it might be Inferred that his Lord- 
ship is' interested in the circuit. 

Beaverbrook was at one time will- 
ing to join issue with Joe Schenck 
for the purchase of the Ostrer hold- 
ings in (Saumoht-Britlsh. He was 
interested in British Movietone, and 
has always had a leaning for sub- 
stantial film investments. 

Deutsch public subscription was 
postponed fieveral times, owing to 
heavy losses sustained by sharp- 
shooting indie film concerns and the 
fear that the public would be chary. 
Overscrlptlon indicates that the in-, 
vesting public is once more willing 
to cdme in with substantial picture 
concerns. 




Film 
1^ Off; Only 
30 This Year 



Shanghai, July 3. 

Despite official edict by the Nan- 
king government that Cantonese pix 
must be mtide only in the Mandarin 
language, confidential information 
indicates that the ban is being re- 
laxed and local dialect may be used. 
Canton studios poifited out that, to 
ensure Chinese nationalisin in Hong- 
kong, the Straits Settlements and 
Java, no other dialect would be ac- 
ceptable to millions of Chinese liv- 
ing there. 

Southern dialects are better for 
pix, as the language is better suited 
to the expression of humor and dou- 
ble entendre, And there are more 
stars available in that dialect. 

Average Chinese films cost less 
than American, running to around 
$20,000. Total number of Chinese 
pix made since the first of this year 
amount to less than 30, including 
Canton films, which now have to be 
censored through Nanking. 

Generally, they're of better qual- 
ity than formerly, having more com- 
edy and dramatics. Association of 
Motion Picture ]t*roducers has re- 
solved to import American equip- 
ment for sound and technicolor. 



RAIN HURTS AUSSIE BIZ 



But 'Thin Man,' <Balnbow,"Hori7.on' 
and 'Girls' Do Well 



Sydney, June 29., 
Heavy rain is detrimental to b,o. 
these days, but managers' are await- 
ing a break to get going again. Four 
pix; however, are sockos: 'After 
Thin Man' (MG), 'Rainbow on River' 
(RKO), "Lost Horizon' (Col), and 
"Three Smart Girls' (U). 

'Woman I Love' (RKO), and 'China 
Passage' (RKO), move but after 
floppo, with 'Green Light' (W) re- 
placing. 'History Is Made at Night* 
(UA) and 'Waikiki Wedding' (Par) 
are in for a try and should do o'nv. 
Others include 'Top of Town' (U\ 
'Old Hutch' (MG), 'Call It a Dny' 
(WB), 'Park Avenue Logger' (lUiO), 
'Aren't Men Beasts' (AD), 'Sensation' 
(AD), 'Panic on Air' (Col), and 
'Everything Is Rhythm' (ATP). 

Melbourne, June 29, 
Rain and fog kept biz away in 
practically every spot, despite the 
strong lineup, including 'Theodora 
Goes Wild' (Col), 'Rose Marie' (MG), 
'Gold Diggers' (WB), 'Show Goes 
On' (ATP), 'Take My Tip' (GBD) 
•Stolen Holiday' (WB), 'My Mau 
Godfrey' (U), and 'Sabotage' (GBD). 



Id 



VARIETY 



TTednesday, July 21, 1937 







memorable impression of the raw and lusty days 
when financial and social titans were fighting to 
win historic names • • • Earmarked for important 

coin*** —Hollywood Variety 



**Lavish • • • spectacular • • • a smashing theatrical 
attraction • • • Exceptional entertainment • • • dr^ 
matically stirring • • • extraordinarily interesting J* 

—Hollywood Reporter 



**Pin important comedy drama . • 
heavy box-office returns.** 



• Should play to 

—Film Daily 



*^Good entertainment which will get money**— Variety 

Exciting dr'fima with plenty of humor . . . Class, 
mass appeal • . • Can be sold for the money.** 

—Jay Emamel Pumc^Upn^ 



DOOR OAMPAICN IN HISTORW 



BACKED BY THE BIGGEST OUT^^l]^ 
DOOR CAMPAIGN IN HISTOR|H)f 

SHOW RUSINESS! lonoo L^m.. 'V^^ffii^ 



SHOW BUSINESS!.. . 10,000 twenty- 
four 'Sheets spread over 3,000,000 miles 
of highwaysl . . . Blazoning a mighty show 
message to more than 30,000,00/^^£i§, 





i^JTH^ Ffirst TiME t $AW Yon'' 

hy Nathan!^ nM Mite Wrufact 



J 



I 



Wednesday, July jlV J93T VARIETY IT 



1« 



VARIETY 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednceday, J^ly 21, 1937 



EXCLUSIVE 



Ix>s Angeles, July 20. 

Parnmount. release of Benjamin Glnxer 
pi'oduutlon. Sturp Fred MacMurray, Fran- 
ces* l'"aniier, Chus. Ruevles;- featores XAoyd 
Nolan, nircoted by Alexander Halt Screen 
play, John C. tfoffltt, Sidney Solkow, RInn 
James, fi'om storv by Moffltt; edited by 
Paul Weatherwnx; camera, 'WUllam Mel- 
lor. Previowcd nt Paramount, L. A., July 
19, '37. Kunnlner time, 73 mlns. 

Ralph Houston ..Fred MacMurrny 

Vina Sw.iln . . .FranceB Farmer 

Toa Swain .....Charlie RuKSles 

Charlen Gillette, , .Uoyd "Nolan 

Hrn. flwatn Pay Holden 

Horace XUcbeil Ralph Morgan 

Col. BogarUuB Edward H. Robins 

Springer Harlan BrlBg.") 

Mr. Fianklln... Willord Robertson 

Beak ....Horace MaoMahon 

Formby WllHnm Mansell 

-IBIllott. .Gaylord Pendleton 

Garnev Chester Clute 

Dr. Bflome'urlen. - Irving Bacon 

Lollipop .Frank Briino 

Boy .Bennle Bartlett 

Hodgepodge of racketeering and 
newspaper yarn, 'Exclusive' is a box- 
ofcice disappointment lacking in 
originality and without benefit of 
good workmansliip in direction or 
■writing. Although cast , with ^od 
players^ their efforts are unavailing 
in an bld-ltesbioned melodrama con- 
cerned with journalistic rivaliry and 
crooked politicians. • 

Men apd women who write the 
news for the Metropolitan dailies 
have stood for plenty pf toUsrepre- 
sentation of their jobs and their 
habits, but this one touches a new 
high mark in incredibility, and im- 
probability. It is played straight as 
if the actors believed it The audi- 
ence never will. 

Fred MacMurray is the assistant 
city editor of .an upright daily which 
is, ' campaigning to clean up tb<e. 
crooked poUticians, one of whom, 
upon his acquittal ff or. grafting, buys 
an opposition' Sheet and gives the 

. home folk£ a lesson in blapkmaiL 
When a good citizen who operates 
the: department store refuses to fall 
in line, the yellow sheet spreads a 
report that his elevators are dan- 
gerous. A libel suit is started, and 
the crooked publisher hires gang- 

: sters who sabotage the machinery, 
and a serious accident results. Old 
time new^aperman on MacMiurray's 
staff runs dbwti the stfOng-arm 
leader and gets a eonfession. Picture 
wlntis up with an expose of the vil- 
lainous publisher, whose newspaper 
plant is destroyed by outraged citi- 
zen's. He is rescued by police from 
the mob that is bent on lynching. 
. In addition to MacMurray, the 
players who try their best with this 
impossible ' story ar?- Charles Rug- 
gles, as the old timer with high 
ideals; Frances Farmer, his daughter 
who takes a job on the opposition 
. sheet, and Lloyd NOlan, the grafter 
turned publisher. 

Alexander Hall has directed with- 
out assurance, and the film lacks 
Conviction at any point. Production 
is on a big scale, but the story misses 
completely.. ) FUti. - 



ITS LOVE I'M AFTER 

Hollywood, July 17. 

■Warner Bros, release ol Harry Joe Brown 
production. Htara Leslie Howard and Bette 
Ibavls. Featucs Olivia de HavlUand and 
Erie Blore. Directed by Archie L. Uayo. 
Orlfflnal story by Maurice Hanllne: screen- 
play by Casey Robinson. Camera, James 
Van I't'ees; 111m editor, Owen Marks; asst. 
diioctor, Jack Sullivan. Previewed at 
Wavnci's Hollywood July 10, '87. Running 
time, 00 ' mlns. 

Basil • • • . .Leslte Howard 

Joyce... Bette Davis 

JMarcla West Olivia de Havllland 

Henry Giant Patrlo Knowles 

Di?sea Brio Blore 

■William West George Barbier 

OVacev Kniie Bontta Granville 

Aunt Kilii Spring Byington 

Flr.st Hutler. E. E. Cllve 

Mrs. Kane ........Georgia Calne 

MalO... ......Mary Treen 

El.slo Veda Ann Borg 

Mv6. Ii'ibHon Grace Fields 

Mr. Babson.: Harvey Clark 

Mrs, lllnlcle Sarah Edwards 

Ml'. Hinlclfi Thomas Pogue 

M«-. Kane Ed Mortimer 

Second Butler, ..Thomas Mills 



persuades him to become his week- 
end guest and cure the girl of her 
madness, ify behaving in a boorish 
manner. The comical situations 
which develop provide the amuse- 
ment. At the finish the young 
couple is united with blijfSful pros- 
pects, and Howard and Miss Davis 
resimje their temperamental tour. 

Maurice Hanline wrote the origi- 
nal story. Casey Robinson has built 
it into a scenario 'which sparkles 
with witty lines, farcical situations 
and just enough common sense and 
serious moments to balance per- 
fectly. ■ t 

It's the best comedy acting How- 
ard has done since his stage appear- 
ance some years ago in 'Her Card- 
board Lover/ The part is possessed 
of unlimited chances for satiric 
points, none' of which seem tO have 
been missed. His caricature of an 
actor trying to be nonchalant of 
praise and adulation from women 
admirers is extremely mirthful. 

Eric Blore, as the star's alter ego 
and valet is capital with his antics. 
He has one scene when his signalling 
to Howard by imitating birl calls 
becomes confused with actual bird 
trilling, and it is as liproarious a 
sequence as films ever have con- 
tained. 

Miss de' Ha villand plays a straight 
part, and she does it excellently. She 
seldom has appeared to better ad- 
vantage, or has looked more at- 
tractive. Miss Davis is the under- 
standing woman of the world, wise 
in her true estimates of the fickle- 
ness of men. The role is a distinct 
departiu'e from the heavier type of 
things which she usually plays, and 
she reveals a fine sense of comedy. 

Lesser bits are capably handled. 
Pafriq Knowles does the young so- 
ciety lover with assurance, and 
George Barbrer, Bonita Granville, 
Spring Byington and Georgia- Caine 
<tQ select a few Irom the large cast) 
each ' stand out in important and 
amusing moments. 

Film has been given high-class 
production, with fine settings and at- 
tractive costuming of the femme 
players. Latter is likely to be out of 
fashion by the time the final repeat 
.<i\owings of this picture take p!ace. 

Flin. 



Miniature Reviews 



WHITE BONDAGE 

Warner production and release. Features 
Jean Muir. Gk>rdon Oliver, Howard Phillips, 
Joseph King. Harry Davenport, Virginia 
Brlssac. Addlaon Richards. Directed by 
Nick Grlnde. Story and screen play, 
Antrony Coldeway; camera, Lu O'Connell. 
At tha Fox, Brooklyn, dual, week July 16, 
'37.. Running time, 60 mlns,- 

Betsy Ann .Jean Mulr 

David Graydon Gordon Oliver 

Cal Sanders .....Howard Phillips 

Talcott Joseph King 

Pap Craig Harry Davenport 

Savah Talcott Virginia Brlssac 

Kip Glllls Addison Richards 

Rickets Cy Kendall 

Joe Tawney.. ....Milt Ktbbee 

Lon Huston Trevor Bardette 

Huxley. ,> ,. Gordon Hart 

Glory Eddie Anderson 

Hannah. Bernice Pilot 



Theatre operators will* be wise to 
shift their booking dates in prepara- 
tion for extended runs for this 
comedy, one ' of the best in many 
months, and one that is loaded with 
boxoffice personalities for the bright 
lights, and plenty of laughing power 
to keep it going before capacity audi- 
ences until everyone has a chance to 
see it. Title is trite, .but the picture 
is fresh, clever, excellently directed 
and produced,, and acted by an en- 
semble that clicks from start to 
fini.sh. 

With Leslie Howard, Bette Davis, 
Olivia de Havilland, Eric Blore and 
Patric Knowles in. the top spots, 
there i.s name value every exhibitor 
can push to. the limit The best that 
can be said about it is not too- good. 
The best monev-maker so far put 
out by any of the major companies 
for the new .season. Archie Mayo, 
tlie director, got his big opportunity 
wheh he was handed this script to 
malie, and he has turned in a per- 
fect piece of showmanship, Clean as 
a desert .sunrise and commercially 
potent as the gold in them thar hills. 

Howard and Miss Davis are 
Shake-spearean stars, and the fun 
starl.s with the opening scene, a rep- 
resentation of the tragic finale of 
'Romeo and Juliet' with whispered 
interpolation.s between the stage 
lover.s, who are in a spiteful, tem- 
peramental and jealous mood. At 
the conclusion of the performance a 
debutante (Miss de Havilland) 
gushes her infatuated adoration for 
Howard, who senses the prospects of 
an adventure. Then the girl's fiance 
puts in an appearance,- anneals to the 
more generous side of the StarBand 



'Exolailve' (Par). Hokey news- 
paper-gangster yarn of old- 
fashioned meller calibre. Fred 
MacMurray, Frances F-armer, 
Lloyd Nolan, Chasi Huggles top 

It's Love I'm After' CWB). 
Smash comedy hit with Leslie 
Howard, Bette Davis, Olivia de 
Havilland, Eric Blore and Pat- 
ric Knowles. Arrange extra 
playing time for this one, 

'Hlu-eway' (RKO). Title well 
•selected. Hide it away in the 
film exchanges and forget it 

'Contef$ioii' (AVB).; Kay Fran- 
cis in an emotional drama, pre- 
tentiously produced and finely 
directed. . Distinctly .in the up<<' 
per brackets and made to order 
for important first runs. 

'One MUe from Heaven' (20th- 
Fox). Mixture of farce, and 
^melodrama and a yarn about .a 
"girl newspaper reporter who 
digs up a messy blackmail story. 
CHaire Trevor and Bill Robin- 
son featured. Made for the 
duals. 

'Wild and Woolly' (20th-Fox). 
Jane Withers in a good western 
with first-class support from 
Walter Brennan and Bertoh 
Churchill, and a new moppet, 
Carl Switzer. who has a funny 
pah. 

The Red Kope' (Rep.). Bet- 
ter than usual Bob Steele west- 
ern; maximum .action makes it 
okay to bolster dual program. 

'Jaffgernaat' (GN). Typical 
Boris Karlofl meller,' done m 
■finglish manner" and with Brit- 
ish support! Sparcity of action 
and thrills hold it to double- 
bill consumption. 

IMleeit the Bey Frfend'. (Rep.). 
Unamusing farce without names 
OP prospects. 



Warners, in the past the trail- 
blazer and finder of prime success in 
cinematically dealing with socio- 
logical mellers, overlooked a timely 
topic by not making 'White Bondage' 
a saga of the sharecroppers in the 
South. Yarn is fashioned around 
'em, and the alleged short-weighting, 
check-in and enslaving tactics of the 
planter-bosses. 

But after a ntomising start, the 
film goes on a detour from the real 
subject and winds up as an action 
meller of the wild western stamp, 
only the participants aren't cow- 
hands in 'Bondage,' but cousins in 
appearance, it not in morals, to 
Jeeter Lester. 

.^^3 is, will just repose on the un- 
derside of duals' billing, and, sans 
names of note or Import as it is, will 
find it swamp-heavy going. 

Story is Unconvincing. That fault 
lies in the writing. 

Subordinates to the two leads are 
players usually found in westerns 
or their equivalents- As heavies, 
Joseph King and Virginia. Br issac are 
good. In a sympathetic part How- 
ard Phillips is intense and effective. 

Miss Muir has her locks dyed dark 
brunet, quite a contrast from her 
oast fair, hair, and the change doesn't 
become Ker. Possibly, then, she was 
thought not to appear too lovely 
living in the backwash of the Bible 
Belt environment As the male lead 
Gordon Oliver was . no more than 
fairish. • . 

Direction was that of the average 
action meller; camera held its end. 

Bert 



laughing at the wrong spots, and ap- 
plauding the wrong speeches. Film 
deserved the roiigh treatment It's 
third rate ih every respect Comes 
upder the pay-or-play clause of ex- 
hibition contracts. Many exhibitors 
will pay for it and not play it 

Fred Stone and Emma Dunn head 
up the cast On their long and dis- 
tinguished records on the stage and- 
in pictures they are entitled to some- 
thing better than this trashy, in- 
credible and irritating story. 

Locale is one of those hypothetical 
upstate villages peopled by character 
actors of the old time Charles Ray 
period. Stone is a ne'er-do-well 
father of a family living in an aban 
doned house, which belongs to a city 
crook who bought it for a hideaway. 
Crook and his two pals, hunted by 
an enemy gang, blow in for a quiet 
vacation from metropolitan vicissi- 
tudes. 'Villagers entertain with a 
barn dance, and local comedians dis 
port their stuff. Rival crooks put in 
an appearance and kill the hider 
outs. Fred Stone gets a medal from 
the neighbors. He ought to get an 
Academy statue for consenting to 
play in such a poorly written.^ di 
rected and produced picture. Fliiu 



CONFESSION 



HIDEAWAY 

Los Angeles, July 20. 
RKO-Rttdio release of Cll« Beid oroduc- 
Hon.. atoia Fred Stono. Directed by Rich- 
at'd Ro-ason. From play by Melvin Levy, 
.xcicpnplay by J. Robert Bren and Edmund 
ly. Hurtmann. Camera, Jack Mackenzie; 
tUm editor, Henry Berman; asst. director, 
Doian Cox.- Previewed at RKO Hill SI. 
tUcsitre. I.. A., July 17, '37. liunning 
time. CO jnlns. 

FiMntiie.-. Fred Stone 

Kniinii Bmma Dunn 

.1 <>n n Marjorle Lord 

Oh'ike J. (}(lrrol Nalsh 

lllll wniliim Corson 

Kilill*' lliiv Mayer 

A I Bi ndley Page 

Xoirl" Haul GullCoylc 

OaoHV,' 't'oirimy Bond 

ShPilff Dudley Clementp 

.Vol;i n . .' . , i A lec Craig 

Vo!<uin ChHrien Withers 

llHnU Olio Hoffman 

Mooney Bob McKenzle 



(WITH SONG«) 

Hollywood, July 17. 

Warner Bros, rpleasc of First National 
picture: produced by Henry Blancke. Stars 
Kay Francis: features Jan HunUr. BasU 
Ratbbone. Directed by Joe May. Screen 
play by Hans Rameau; adapted by Julius 
J. Kpsteln and Margawt LeVJno, Dlalo? 
director. Stanley Log;an; camera, Sid 
Hiclcox; asst. director. Sherry Shrouds; 
editor, Jamea Gibbon. Musical score and 
Bonga by Peter Kreuder and Jack Scho|l; 
musical director, Leo F. Forbsteln. Pre- 
viewed at Warner's Holly Wood tneatre 
July 15, 'ST. Running time, 83 mlns. 

Vera ....... .Kay Froncis 

Leonlde Klroy lian Hunter 

Michael Michallow Basil. Rathbon* 

Lisa Jane Bryan 

Presiding Judge .Donald^ Crisp 

Hildegard ; . .Mavy Magulr« 



matic star. Studio has put every 
effort and plenty of investment be- 
hind 'Confession,' which emerges 
with particular distinction for Joe 
May, one time German director of 
sUent films, who earns important 
recognition for his handling in this 
picture. 

There are no psychological subtle- 
ties incoriwrated in the script to con- 
fuse and detract from a story of 
simple and prima tive emotions. Lo- 
cale is Warsaw, and much of the 
tale is told in retrospect^ a$ a visual- 
ization of testimony given in a mur- 
der trial of a cabaret singer who has 
shot a philandering concert pianist 
whom she discovers in the society of 
a young girl At the trial the singer 
at first refuses to testify in her own 
jehalf, or give the court any iptima-i- 
tion ,of her motives. When it ap- 
pears that evidence will be intro- 
duced which will reveal the rela- 
ionship of mother and daughter, 
leretofore withheld, the defendant 
}reaks her silence and tells her 
story, as a result of which the court 
recommends pardon. In the course 
of the narrative, .which establishes 
one-time intimacy between the 
witness and the murdered man, 
here are occasional flashbacks to 
he courtroom, showing a haggard 
and desperate woman, scarcely 
recognizable as the attractive, beau- 
tiful young opera singer and wife 
who is portrayed in the testimony. 

The fact that the audience, early 
n tiie fllm« suspects the accused and 
he young companion of the mur- 
dered ma' . are mother and daughter, 
does not militate against the enjoy- 
ment of watching the plot uiifold 
The adaptation by Jidius J. Epstein 
and Margaret LeVino is a skilful 
piece of screen, writing. To. the 
credit of the wfUers and director, 
jjarticularly, is their decision that all 
Characters speak English without 
any trace of dialect 

As the action covers a period of .20 
years, commencing soon, before the 
war, the transitions of appearance 
of Vera (Miss Francis) to a middle- 
aged accused murderess are reason- 
able, although it miist be admitted 
:hat the star; in a blonde wig cut 
Buster Brown, Offers a. surprising 
make-up. But, then, screen mothers 
who kill to save their daughters' 
honor suffer pretty deeply. 

Such suspense and Interest which 
;he story possesses results from the 
manner of its telling.. First two reels 
are concerned with the infatuation 
of Lisa (Jane Bryan) for Michailow 
(Basil Ratbbone). These are con- 
vincing scenes, so sympathetically 
>Iayed by the virtuoso that his vil- 
ainy is hot. suspected. It is the 
most severe acting test which Miss 
Bryan has tackled; and she does her 
part extremely well. 

The entire cast is excellent, in 
fact. As the presiding judge, Donald 
Crisp turns in one of his best per- 
formances, conveying such dignity 
and decorum that the outcome of the 
proceedings is made to appeair a 
truly serious matter. Ian Hunter; as 
the heroine's husband of her younger 
days, handles very capably a not 
important role. There are good pas 
sages 'by Dorothy , Peterson, step- 
mother of the girl; Laura Hope 
Crews, in a comedy character part, 
and Veda Ann Borg. in her first role 
of any size in a Hollywood produc 
tion. 

More than usual attention has been 
given to the musical score for the 
film, which is an important con 
tributing factor to the production, 
and which was written by Peter 
Kreuden Leo F.' Forbstein's record 
ing is up to his standard. 

This sort of Story might be typed 
as slightly dated and somewhat 
reminiscent but chances are that so 
long as women enjoy their tears, 
especially in picture theatres, it wil] 
have a good reception. Flin. 



Hlldegard . 

Mrs. Koslov.... 

BteUa. 

Prosecutor Attorney.. 

Defense . A ttornt>y 

Xenlft 

Wanda, 

Rel>orter 

Doctor • 



. Pm'olhy Peterson 
r.'.iiu-a Hope Crews 
Robert Bnrrat 

Ben Welden 

. . . Vena Ann Borg 

Helen Valkia 

. . A ndei'son Lawlor 
...Lawrence Cirant 



One Mile .From Heaven 

Loa Angeles, July 15. 
20th Century-Fox releaee of Sol M. Wurt« 
s;el produoUon. Featurea Claire Trevor and 
Bill Bobin«oB, Directed by Allan Dwan. 
Screenplay by Loi| Brealow and John Pat- 
rick, froM fllorles by Ju<tge Ben B, Lind- 
vey, Robin Harris and Alfred Golden. 
Camera, Sidney Wagner: asst. director, 
Samuel Schneider; fllm editor, Fred Allen; 
mualcnl director, Samuel Kaylln. Pre- 
viewed at Fox Uptown. L. A„ July 14, '37, 
Running time, 68 mlns. 

Lucy ('Tex') Warren Claire Trevor 

Barbara Harrlsop .Sally Blane 

Jim. Tabor Douglas Fowley 

Flora. Jaickaon....,......Fredl 'Washington 

Sunny. .' . Joan Carol 

Moxle McOratfi. ..Ralf Harolde 

Jerry Harrison....,' .John EIdredg« 

Johnny Pau 1 McVey 

Mortlmer Atlas ..........Ray Walker 

Peter Brladell..., Russell Hopton 

Charlie MlUord ............. Chick Chandler 

Henry Bangs... Eddie Anderson 

Judge Clarke. Howard Hickman 

Ofllcer Joe. > Bill Robinson 



They skate on pretty thin ice. in 
this picture, . which is a story about 
a young Negress who brings up' ^: 
white child she claims is her own, ', 
and then goes to. court and fights out . 
the issue with the real mother. Film ' 
has the advantage of being iiway 
from the stereotyped run of pictures,- ' 
but whether the theme fits into the?: •' 
popular groove is something to think ' 
about Cast is without names for the ' 
first runs; therefore, will fit into the 
second half of the duals. ' " " - 

Allan Dwan has' directed with' 
Various tempos, and the script is a 
mixture of .farce and melodrama, ■ 
with a bit of sob added. 

Starts out as a newspaper yarn. 
Claire Trevor is sent b'" her city 
editor to fill' in at police headquar- 
ters when the reporter regularly .asr 
signed breaks his leg. 'He slipped 
on a piece of soap,' Miss- Trevor ex- 
plains. IServed him right for taking 
a bath,' his friend replies. 'It was 
the soap which belonged to the scrub 
woman in the saloon at the corner,' 
she says. 

Boys in the press room start to 
rib the girl after she wins, their 
money in a stud poker game.. Sent 
off to the colored section of the city 
on a fake assignment, she bumps 
into a white child who is being raised 
by a Negress. Full of repoi^torial 
zeal, Miss Trevor stiarts to investi- . 
gate. Child's mother is revealed to 
be a wealthy society woman, whom 
Miss Trevor protects from a blacks 
mail slug. 

Chief characters wind up in the 
Juvenile Coiirt and tell their stories, 
which makes a newspaper scoop for 
the girl reporter. Matching of foot 
and finger prints establishes the 
identity of the child as belonging to 
the society woman, who takes the 
Negress home for nurse. 

Bill Robinson, as a colored police- 
man in the Harlem district, has very 
little to do with the social problems 
touched upon in the film, but he does 
his tap specialty no less than four 
times. 

Miss Trevor is too ambitious and 
hard working to suit most newspaper 
reporters, .but she carries through to 
a satisfactory beat. Film marks re- 
appearance of Fredi Washington, as 
the Negress nurse, and she is splen- 
did. Has looks, good voice and real 
acting ability. She's deserving of u 
better chance than this picture offers. 

Flin. 



EDGE OF THE WORLD 

(BRITISH MADE) 

London,. July 7. 

British Independent Bxhibltor release of 
Joe Rock production. Stat's Belle Chrys- 
tall, Kiall Macglnnls. Dliecteil by Michael 
Powell. Cameramen. Ernest Palmer, 
Skeets Kelly, Monty Berman. At I.,ondon 
Hippodrome July 6, '37. Running time. 



80 mina. 
James. ....... 

Andrew. ..... 

Catechlst. .'. . , 
The Laird.... 

The Skipper 



Flnlav dunle 

. .NlAll Itfacginnia 
.Grant Sutherland 
, .(''ampbell Robson 
.George Summers 



Peter. John Laurie 

But«i. .Belle Chrystall 

Robbie Erie Berry 

Jean ..Kitty Klrwan 



They don't come as bad is this one 
ver.v often. It's just as well. Pre- 
view audience gave it a raz^in'. 



Emotional drama of a mother's 
loving sacrifice to save her daughter 
from unhappiness and seduction, the 
kind of film which, when well writ-, 
ten, directed and acted, always has 
met with universal audience ap- 
proval, 'Confession' is a finely pro- 
duced vehicle for Kay Francis, and 
a picture that is likely to put her 
forward in favor as a dramatic 
actress. A tear-jerker of the 
'Madame X' formula, its theme runs 
counter to the present season's abun- 
dance of comedies, and therefore, on 
the rule of contrast, may coincide 
perfectly with public appeal. Merit- 
ing substantial exploitation in im- 
portant first runs, it may build, into 
a top grosser and a repeater. 

Responsibility fOr the commercial 
career of the picture is tossed right 
into Miss Francis' lapi. Despite some 
very fine supporting acting, the picr 
ture is all hers. It is her most im- 
portant prodilction in several years, 
and is ideal material for any dra- 



Admirers of 'Man of Aran,' which 
achieved considerable success a few 
years ago, ' will probably . welcome 
this offering as a worthy successor. 
It is oVerlong, however; scant of plot 
and unlikely to be hailed by the 
public at large. 

Gaunt austere isle in the Shet- 
lands, off Scotland, known as Hirta, 
with its handful of toiling, dour 
flsherfolk and would-be farmers, 
provide the subject of the story. Son 
of one family loves the daughter of 
another, but her twin brother, back 
from work on the mainland, stirs up 
trouble and nearly wrecks their 
lives. 

Chief credit is due to the photog- 
raphy, which depicts the grim, eerie 
storm-bound islet in its ever vary- 
ing moods. Young stars are virile 
and sincere, and John Laurie and 
Finlay Currie score as the respective 
fathers. Considerably reduced, it 
would make an excellent nature 
study, but there is not enough ih it 
to warrant the footage. 



BORN RECKLESS 

Lincoln, Neb., July 17. 

20th .C«ntury-Fox production and release. 
Features Rochelle Hudson, . Brian Donlevy. 
Barton ' MacLane, Robert Kent, Harry 
Carey and Paulina Moore. Directed by 
Malcolm St. Claire; Screenplay, .Tohn Pat- 
rick, Helen Logan and Robert BIIIh; story. 
Jack Andrew.<i; camera, Daniel B, Clark: 
editor, Alex Trolley. At Orpheum, Lincoln, 
dual. Running time, 00 mlns. 

Sybil Roberts iRochelle Hudson 

Bob ("Hurry") Kane Brian Donlevy 

Jim Barnes Barton Macliane 

T>ce Martin Robert Kent 

Dad Martin ; .Harry Carey 

Dorothy Collins Pauline Moor© 

Windy Bowman , Chick Chandler 

Mac ....William Pawley 

Louie Francis McDonald 

Danny Horlon George Wolcott 

District Attorney ...Joseph Crehan 



Houses in the knuckle districts 
will give this actioner its best play. 
For the most part, dual billing will 
catch it. 

Setting is a big town taxi war — 
warring started when a bunch of 
independent cab companies refused 
to pay a protection racketeer $5 per 
cab per day to operate. Possibilities 
for fist-to-jawing are not over- 
looked. 

Although Rochelle Hudson tops 
the feature list Brian DonleVy is the 
focal point. Racing driver of re- 
nown; he joins forces with Robert 
Kent his friend, in helping to fight 
the racketeer, Barton MacLane. 
When Donlevy's in a . cab, he is to 
the other cabs as Milt Britton to a 
violin. 

MacLane has a way of using his 
boys as long as they're good to him; 
then plants hot stuff on 'em to get 
them canned. Turns out that Ro- 
chelle Hudson, who plays like a 
bruiser's moll, is really trying to 
get the stuff on him for routing her 
to several years in prison. Sec- 
ondary romance — Donlevy and Hud- 
son—is Robert Kent's hearl-lo-heart- 
ing with Pauline Moore. Harry 
Carey is the grand old man of the 
indie cab system. 

Best sequence in the story is the 
three-minute bull in the china shop 
bit involving Donlevy and a steel- 
plated cab. Turns it loose and ac- 
cordions every other cab in the 
garage. Strictly for the shiri -sleeve 
trade. Barn. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



FILM REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



19 



George VI Coronation 

(TECHNICOLOR) 

«fith-Fox rfleaab of Brltleli Movletonews 
/oaturotte produced by Truman H. Talley, 
narrated by l-owoll Thomas. Edited by .Sir 
Gordon Crals. Gerald Sanger and RuaBell 
iliuth Photographed In London In technt- 
ffi At Boiy, N. r.. week July 10, '37. 
Bunning time 2T mlna. 

What should have been a sock f ea- 
turette aiid what still should prove 
more than average sub-feature sup- 
port is a disappointment, however, 
because the actual 'King Geprge VI 
Coronation' is a misnomer . on its 
very title. Technicolor camera cov- 
erai^e got everything but the cere- 
inonial within Westminster Abbey 
which, Lowell Thpmas casually ex- 
plains, was because no color camera 
equipment was permitted within the 
abbey. Instead, as a wishy-washy 
compromisie, are shown three stills, 
in color, which are heralded as 'an 
artists's conception of the ceremony.* 

Considering the buildup for over 
20 minutes, with portrait studies, in 
leisurely coloring, of all the king's 
relatives, th^ pitch to the ultimate 
climax — the Coronation ceremony it- 
geU— is a terrific letdown. 

20th-Fox's .British Movietpnews 
executive, Sir Gordon Craig, editor; 
and Gerald Sanger, producer of Brit- 
ish Movietone and Russell Muth, its 
European director, must have done 
some fancy diplomatic and mission- 
ary Work to get the royal kin to pose 
for the world at large in tneir 
ermine arid purple, full court regalia. 
That's cuff 0 over-time. 

All these introductory shots are 
fraught, with intense human interest. 
Even as it iSr it's almost sufficient 
to, off set the fact the Coronation has 
long since been eclipsed by other 
startling world events such as Spain, 
Wally and Windsor, Jean Harlow, 
Gershwin, C.I.O., Joe Robinson, Jap- 
anese fracas, etc. 

And so, instead of the fanfare aind 
heraldry being touched off by ac- 
tual shots of how the Archbishop of 
Canterbury does his stuff when he 
anoints a ruler of the empire on 
which the sun never sets, instead are 
shown closeups 'of the said Arch- 
bishop, the sceptres of state, the 
.symbolic swords of power, the maces 
of might and doves of justice, the 
ToyaJ coaches of gold and children of 
royalty— all these are shown, but 
what the title would lead one to ex- 
pect. 

And, yet, despite this major short- 
coming, the technicoloring of all the 
details and the lavish investiture 
are enough to warrant exhibitors 
giving this three-reeler an exploitive 
ride. It can perhaps be ballyed into 
worthwhile b.o. Abel. 



WILD AND WOOLLY 

Los Angeles, July 14. 

20thrFox release of "John Stone pro- 
duction. Features Jane Withers, Walter 
Brennan, Berton Churchill. Directed by 
Alfred Werker. Screenplay by Lynn Root 
' and Frank Fenton. Camera, Harry Jack- 
eon; asa't director, William ISclchardt; film 
editor, Al De Gaetano; musical direction, 
Samuel Kaylin. Previewed at Fox Up- 
town, L. A., July 13, '37. Running time, 
80 mins. 

Arnette Flynn ....Jane Withers 

Gramp Flynn Walter Brennan 

Ruth Morris. i.... Pauline Moore 

Zero.. Carl 'Alfalfa' Swltzer 

Chaunce Ralston.... Jack Searl 

Edward Ralston Berton Churchill 

Blackie Morgan .....Douglas Fowley 

Frank Bailey. Robert Wilcox 

Leon Wakeneld.. Douglas Scott 

Dutch;.... J Lon Chaney. Jr. 

. Barton Henshaw ...Frank Melton 

Lutz Syd Saylor 

This is a lively, well produced 
western, cast with some first class 
character actors, into which parts 
have been written for Jane Withers 
and ia six-year-old freckle-face boy, 
Carl Switzer, who steals the show. 
It is good, family trade entertain- 
ment and may be booked with the 
assurance that whatever its com- 
panion dual feature happens to be, 
'Wild and Woolly', will be the one 
the -audience talks about on the way 
out. 

There have been times when the 
precocious Jane Withers has been 
somewhat trying on the nerves of 
grownups, regardless of that she has 
built up sizeable following among 
children. In this film, however, she 
has been held in restraint by Alfred 
Werker, the director, and she turns 
in a good piece of work. She has 
learned to sing and dance and she 
does both quite Well. Having reached 
the age when she is spreading out 
on all sides, she is best at comedy. 
Given a bit of pathos to do with 
Walter Brennan (this year's Academy 
pnze winner for best supporting 
player), she doesn't quite make the 
grade; Otherwise, however, she is all 
nght. 

Small town is holding a frontier 
celebration, which is being run off 
oy the village banker (Berton 
Churchill), One-time sheriff (Walter 
'prennan) burns up because he is be- 
l^g sidetracked in the ceremonies, 
loung newspaper editor (Robert 
Wilcox) promotes the sheriff's cause, 
mus creating friction among the old 
settlers and some circulation among 
ine new. Jane is the old man's 
granddaughter and with her pal 
^'^.^itzer) uncovers a plot to actually 
K„ the bank during a public play- 
back of a traditional holdup of 50 
.kI* ago. City slickers are appre- 
anS 4u old-fashioned style 

»nw the one-time sheriff lives again 
as a hero. 

Master Switzer has three freckles 
,Vl,^-si2e of dimes, four visible teeth 
a keen sense of humor. He's 



worth walking down to the opposi- 
tion s house to see. He'll never play 
Fauntleroy, but he's the nearest 
thing to Huck Finn that's been 
around in a long time. 

Can't go wrong on this one. There're 
too many laughs and Brennan^ and 
Churchill' keep the story within 
reasonable bounds. riin. 

THE RED ROPE 

Republic release of A. W. Hackel produc- 
tion. Stara Rob Steele. Directed by ,S. 
Roy Luby. Original story by Johnston Mc- 
Culley; screen adaptation by George H. 
Flympton; film editor,- Roy Claire; camera, 
Bert Longenecker. Reviewed in projection 
room, N. Y., July 14, '37. Running time, 
fiO mlns. 

Tom Sjhaw .....Bob Steele 

Betty Duncan Lois January 

Parson Pete. Forrest Taylor 

Red Mike Charles King 

Grant Brade . .Karl Hackett 

•Jimmy Duncan. ......Bobby Nelson 

feoean. Ed Cassldy 

Rattier Hayn^... .....Lew Meehan 

Pop Duncan Frank Ball 

Dotkins...,. Jack Rockwell 

Horner. Horace Murphy 

Latest Bob Steele oats opera pos- 
sesses more action and plot than the 
average in this string. Picture also 
has maximum of he-m£,n acting and 
direction for a cactus thriller. Obvi- 
ously produced for use oh a double- 
harness bill, it should appease the 
appetites of those appreciating this 
type of screen- fare. 

'The Red Rope' follows the accept- 
ed formula of bad men terrorizing 
the lawless cattle country. Sinister 
warning of doom for victims is the 
delivery of signatured Lullet shells 
and a length of red-stained rope. 
Once this angle is planted, the film 
becomes the customary campaign of 
the dauntless, cowboy foreman to 
outwit the outlaws, bring them to 
justice and to continue with his de- 
layed honeymoon. 

Plot of this open spaces drama in- 
corporates plenty of superb horse- 
manship, wild rides and one slam- 
bang, fist fight. These > familiar 
stunts stand out better in this one 
because excellently photographed by 
Bert Lohgenecker, several shots from 
the hurricane deck of racing broncho 
being noteworthy. 

Bob Steele, x>t coxirse, is the cow- 
hand hero. Shines' most when in 
action because dialog does not help 
much, and he is no word twister. 
Lew Meehan makes a vivid villain- 
ous outlaw leader. Most faithful 
characterization is done by Forrest 
Taylor as Parson Pete. Taylor shows 
signs of having real screen possibili- 
ties. Lois January, principal femme, 
also shows promise, though given 
little to do here. Bobby Nelson, cast 
in typical youngster role, is okay. 

George H, Plympton did adequate- 
ly on the story adaptation from 
Johnston McCulley's original. 

Wear. 



JUGGERNAUT 

(BRITISH MADE) 

Grand National release of Julius Hagen 
production. Stars. Boris Karloff. Directed 
by Henry Edwards. Adapted from the 
Alice Campbell story by H. Franckel; 
screen play by Cyril Campion and H. 
Fowler Mear; additional dialog by 
Franckel. i At' Globe, N. Y., -week of July 
14, '37, Running time, 65 mins. 

Dr. Sartorius Boris Karloft 

Eve Rowe . . . , Joan Wyndbam 

Roger Clifford. Arthur Margetson 

Yvonne ClifCord, , Mona Goya 

Captain ' Arthur Halliday. .Anthony Ireland 

Sir Charles Clifford Morton Selten 

Mary ClifCord ..Nina BoucicauU 

Jacques... ...Glbb McLaughlin 

Chalmers J. H. Roberts 

Dr. Bousquet V. Riettl 

A familiar Karloff story in the ac- 
cepted Karloff manner. The picture 
gets into motion slowly and reaches 
the meat of the plot after numerous 
distractions. It is British-made. It 
rates fairly high as a hokum meller, 
but in the U. S. it's for the lower 
bracket of a dualer. 

'Juggernaut' presents a medico 
who sacrifices all to pursus scientific 
research. Coctor has been slaving 
at his lab too strenuously and conse- 
quently is a bit wobbly mentally, 
which is emphasized sufficiently to 
alibi his later criminality when he 
agrees to wipe out one life for funds 
to finish his paralysis research. This 
theme has been used previously, and 
by Karloff, in a film produced in 
America. 

Director Henry Edwards, despite 
early unevenness, manages to build 
up several suspenseful scenes; one 
where the search is going on for the 
missing syringe; another as the faith- 
ful nurse uncovers the dirty work; 
and again in her flight. Much stress 
is made in press material of the fact 
that the Oiorror' man works without 
mask, but he's done that on several 
previous occasions also, so it's no 
novelty. 

Karloff is as menacing as ever, re- 
ceiving more acting opportunities 
than usual and taking advantage of 
them. It's his picture throughout, 
with the cast of English players, not 
one of which is familiar to Ameri- 
can audiences, doing fairly well in 
support. Joan Wyndham, as the 
nurse who develops a slight romance 
with the wealthy man's son, and 
Mona Goya, cast as the spitfire 
blonde wife, vie for laurels. Miss 
Goya possesses a slight accent and 
shows traces of some possibilities in 
similar roles. Gibb McLaughlin is 
outstanding in a bit as the doctor's 
aide. 

Production values are a bit 
skimpy, several, sequences being 
sloppily done. Dialog generally fits 
the occasion. Photography is ragged, 
some strong shots being Counter- 
balanced by feeble lighting and care- 
less work. Wear. 



GOBSEK 

(RUSSIAN MADE) 

Amkino release of Mezhrabram pro- 
duction. Directed by Konslantin Eggert. 
Score, v. Y. Sheballn; camera, L. p. 
Forestier. At Cameo, N. Y., week July 
15, '37. Running time, 73 mins. 

Gobsek Leonid Leonldov 

DervIUe;... .a. P. Hmov 

Fannie Malvaux G. E. Sergeyeva 

Jeanne, a Doll-maker. .. .T, N. Kondralcova 

Verbrest y. M, Vollcov 

J'eonef O. N. Abdulov 

Vlrglnle ....E. V. Lyaudanskaya 

Count le Restaud , .K. V. Eggert 

Countess Anastasia de Restaud 

r, 1 , , l'- N. Gogolleva 

Count Maxlme de TraIlles..M. M. Sadovsky 

(In Russian, with English Titles) 
Russia makes many, many films. 
Most of them are intended strictly 
for home consumption. The best 
ones are shipped out around the 
world, despite the fact they are gen- 
erally greeted by a barrage of words 
having soniething or other to do with 
'propaganda,' they generally get a 
healthy average of strikes. Most of 
them are good, from a camera, 
artistic or other standpoint. But 
along comes a picture like 'Gobsek' 
and all the comrades go hide in the 
corner. Because the politest thing 
one can say about 'Gobsek' is that it 
is pretentious junk.^ 

Story stems from • a novel by 
Honore ,de Balzac and Karl Marx is 
alleged once to have said of it that 
it is the epitome of something or 
othsr having to do with the particu- 
lar era in which it is laid. Maybe. 
But what the Russ producers have 
forgotten is that times have changed 
and, while the underlying theme of, 
greed and avarice is as prevalent as 
ever around the world, the world 
has evolved better, more logical, 
more convincing ways of telling 
about it. 

Story is badly pieced together, 
scenario being much too choppy; 
camera work is poor; sound is only 
faiir; direction is negative; acting is 
distinctly bad. Even the English 
titles are badly written. KaujF.' 



Meet the Boy Friend 

(WITH SONGS) 

Republic release of Colbert Clark produc- 
tion. Features David Cariyle, Carol 
Hughes, . Warren Hymer, Pert Kelton, 
Andrew Tombes. Directed by Ralph Staub. 
Adapted by Bradford Ropes, from story by. 
Jack Raymond and Robert Arthur; camera, 
Ernest Miller; supervising editor, Murray 
Seldeen; film editor, William Morgan; mu- 
sical supervision. Alberto Colombo; songs, 
Harry Tobias and Roy Ingraham, Smiley 
Burnette, Alberto' Colombo. Reviewed in 
projection room, N. Y., July 15, '37.' Run- 
ning time, 03 mins. 

Tony Page David Cariyle 

June Delaney.... Carol Hughes 

'Bugs' Corrigan Warren Hymer 

Beulah Potts... ...Pert Kelton 

J. Ardmora Potts Andrew Tombes 

Vilma Vlare Gwlli Andre 

Oscar and Elmer .Osoar and Elmer 

Orchestra Leader Smiley Burnette 

Dr. Solcoloff. Leonid KInskey 

Buddy Syd Sayior 

Madison Selmer Jackson 

Walters. ; Cy Kendall 

McGrath - Robert Middlemass 

Mrs. Grimes i ■ Mary Gordon 

Beverly Hill Billies. .. .Beverly Hill Billies 

Snake eyes. Farce without laughs 
and pic without b.o. prospects. 
Can't even laugh at this one, let 
alone with it. No name draw, press 
comment will be tough and w-of-m 
will be negligible. 

Fable concerns a radio crooner, 
known as 'America's boy friend,' 
who's a real guy underneath all the 
glamor, which he loathes. Scheming 
actress is set to mar him, and his 
sponsor takes out $300,000 anti-wed- 
lock insurance. Niece of the insur- 
ance exec sets out to vamp him 
away from the siren and succeeds. 
He discovers the ruse, is set to wed 
the hussy when the heroine who 
really loves him is kidnaped. He 
saves her for a connubial fadeout. 

Scripters, director and cast go way 
overboard for comedy; little excuse 
for such clumsy writing. With such 
seasoned troupers as Andrew 
Tombes and Pert Kelton present, the 
overacting might be blamed on di- 
rection, but looks like Ralph Staub, 
wlio megged, must have had hefty 
cooperation on the scenery-chawing. 

Several songs by David Cariyle 
and Carol Hughes, all undistin- 
guished. Photography and produc- 
tion generally is weak. Lightweight 
dualer. Hobc. 



SING, COWBOY, SING 

(WITH SONGS) 

Grand National release of Edward F. 
Pinnoy production. Stars Tex Ritter; fea- 
tures Louise Stanley, Al St. ' Jolin, Karl 
Hackett. Directed by R. N. Bradbury. 
Story and adaptation, Robert Emmctt; 
Rongg, RIttcr, Bradbury, Ted Choate and 
Frank Kanucci. At Arena, N. Y., double 
bill, July 10-17, '37. Running time, 00 
mins. 

tex Archer Tex Rltler 

Madge Louise Stanley 

Biff Al St. Johri 

Kalmus .Karl Hackett 

Red Holman Ctiarles King 

Jud!?6 Dean .....Robert McKonr.le 

Mar.shal Pinker .Huild Hnator 

Henchman .Ileber .Snow 

Henchman Chick Ilannon 

The singing prairie jockey, Tex 
Ritter, is aboard another rubber- 
stamp western, but in the casting 
and direction it becomes more en- 
joyable than the average coyote land 
drama through its comedy touches. 
Humor developed more than salves 
the fact that Robert Emmett's story 
and the dialog are dull. The inter- 
spersed music and singing also helps. 

Ritter is a pleasing saddle leather 
type with vocal equipment that 
makes it possible for him to handle 
songs adequately. - His voice -isn't 
half bad. He collaborates on the 



songs he uses, with Ted Choate' hav- 
ing written the theme number, 'Sing, 
Cowboy, Sing,' while doing 'Good- 
bye, Old Paint,' himself. He penned 
'Twilight Reverie' with the director 
of the picture,, R, N. Bradbury. This 
;s a novelty tune. S.qngso' on the' 
whole are quite acceiJtay|Iff, They 
are fitted into the action convenient- 
ly and unobtrusively. 

In getting the most from a routine 
tale, Bradbury has had a couple of 
good characters to work with iti de- 
veloping laughs. They are Al St. 
John, a very amusing desert rat type, 
and Robert McKenzie, the outpost 
judge who stops serving drinks in his 
saloon long enPugh to hold court 
there when occasion demands. Brad- 
bury makes the scenes with St. John 
and McKenzie more than ordinarily 
funny in spots. In paying more at- 
tention to novelty of characterization 
and comedy, the director has held 
down the love interest, to a mini- 
mum, but it's there for thos6 who 
want it. The girl is Louise Stanley. 
She performs with restraint and 
screens well. Some day she might 
step out of stirrups into evening 
shoes. 

Chester Conklin, slapsticker of old, 
is used for a brief sequence in which 
the judge dishes out justice to him 
for getting arrested over a poker 
game. The laugh-getter- of the Key- 
stone cop days . has only a couple 
short lines of dialog. 

Basis of the Emmett story is efforts 
of hoodlums to wipe out a covered 
wagon freight-carrying line so that 
they may capture the franchise. Rit- 
ter saves the franchise for the girl 
after her father has been ruthlessly 
murdered. 

Photography very good for a sage- 
brush saga. Char. 

MIDNIGHT MADONNA 

Paramount release of Emanuel Cohen pro- 
duction. Features Warren William, Mady 
Gorrell, Kitty Clancy, Edward Bills, Rob- 
ert Baldwin. Directed by James Flood. 
Screen play by Doris Malloy and Gladys 
Lehman, from original story by David 
Boehm; camera, Robert Pittack. • At Cri- 
terion, N. Y., .week .ruly 17, '37. Running 
time, 60 mins. 

Blackie Denbo Warren WiUlart 

Kay Barrie ....Mady Correll 

Penny Long Kitty Clancy 

Judfeo. Clark. Edward Ellis 

yinny Long Robert Baldwin 

Stuart Kirkland Jonathon Hale 

Vincent Long II . .Frank Reicher 

9,1',"?®" ...Joseph Crehan 

Mrs, Withers May Wallace 

Cafe Proprietor ......Irene Franklin 

Film, which will be found fairly 
entertaining by the family trade, is 
purely designed as a debut for four- 
year-young Kitty Clancy, moppet 
under new Paramount contract. Ve- 
hicle achieves its purpose on behalf 
of the youngster, but no more. B. O. 
results are sure to be spotty, but it 
may be worthwhile in the ultimate 
because little Miss Clancy certainly 
has the elfin cuteness, trouping abil- 
ity and appeal to get a hold on the 
mothering elemient of audiences. And 
with Shirley Temple growing up 
from the wee tot age, there's a neat 
niche awaiting someone. 

Whole' yarn is .based on a court 
fight for custody of 'Penny' (Miss 
Clancy), whose papa wants her after 
he learns she will inherit a fortune 
left by her eccentric grandpap. 
Father had deserted wife (Mady 
Correll) and child. A big-time gam- 
bler supported the pair in sumptuous 
style after he found them hungry, 
gave them medicinal help and adopt- 
ed as his gambling 'lucky' number 
the child's age, four, and mopped up. 

, The mother was given a job as a 
nitery entertainer, and since her 'en- 
vironment therefore was not deemed 
the most ideal for a child, 'Penny' 
was returned to her father after a 
lengthy courtroom wrangle. 

The hard-bitten, realistic gambler 
(Warren William) could not per- 
suade the dyspeptic, letter-of-the- 
law jurist (Edward Ellis) that the 
child's father had used perjured wit- 
nesses, and was forced to kidnap the 
judge and prove the contention by 
having his hired hoodlums round im 
the guilty ones and get direct evi- 
dence. The roundup and proof-of- 
ferings furnish a fast-paced climax 
that the film sorely needed. All the 
syrupy, sentimental scenes that thick- 
ened the first four-fifths of the film 
to get the Clancy moppet well placed 
heeded the snappy windup to get the 
pic across. 

Aside from the debuting yovmgster, 
Edward Ellis comes through with a 
whale of a sensitive performance. It 
about parred his work last year in 
the filmization of 'Winterset' (RKO); 
he made the jud<re a real character. 

Miss Correll, screen newcomer 
from the stage ('Dead End'), is an 
earnest performer, an o.k, looker, 
and particularly good on the his- 
trionic fireworks. Willian; is stand- 
ard and satisfactory. Others in small 
cast likewise. 

James Flood's direction is all 
focused on the Clancy child, and he 
extracts the best from her. The 
script is custom-built around hen 
Camera veify, gopd; general produc- 
tion adequate if not costly. Bert. 

STORY BUYS 

Hollywood, July .20. 
Metro purchased screen rights to 
'The Nutmeg Tree,' by Margery 
Sharp. 

'Professor Broadway,' Philip R. 
Wylie mag serial, bought by 20th- 
Fox. 

Original titled 'Mayor Isobel,' by 
Dario and Dorothy Faralla, acquired 
by Columbia. 



Anything for a Thrill 

Maurice Conn release of Martin G. Cb<in 
production. Features Frankle Dnrro, Kana 
Rlr.hu^ond, June Jolinson, Ann Evers. Di- 
rected by Le.s Goodwins, Adapted by 
Joseph O'Doiinell and Stanley Lowenslcin, 
from original slory by Peter B. Kyiie; 
asat director, Henry Spitz; camera. Jack 
Uroonluugh; flhu eilltor, liichard G. Wroy. 
.'Vt Strand, Urookiyn, week July 15, '87, 
duni bin. Running time, CO mins. 

Dan Mallory ....Frankle Durro 

Clilt Mallory. ..,,.Kano Richmond 

Jean IloborlH , June Johnson 

Dotty Kolley Ann Ever.^ 

Tl<e Enil... Johnstone White 

Mr. Kelley. , Horace Murphy 

Coilina Eddie Hcarn 

Joe, ; Frank Marlow 



Incredible hoke adventure meller. 
Lightweight effort without marquee, 
values. For downstairs doubles, if 
at all. 

Yarn glorifies the newsreel pho- 
togs and loads on the improbabilities 
to keep the action sprinting. Tlngr 
ling events crowd on each others 
heels, but you never believe a word 
of it. Okay for a light diet if the 
spectator parks his reason at the 
gate. Otherwise it's just a spring 
breeze without power. 

All about a kid and his girl, both 
wanting . to follow In the newsreel 
photog footsteps of the boy's big 
brother. Cameraman flubs an as- 
signment to film an unfilmed heiress, 
gets fired and Is saved by the juve 
pair's resourcefulness in grabbing 
the pix. Heiress buys the newsreel 
firm and the combo capture a bandit 
gang planning to take the heiress 
for a couple of million. It all re- 
sembles the slapstick antics of an old 
Keystone Copper short. 

Frankie Darro and June Johnson, 
the precocious urchins, give slap- 
bang stock performances. Kane 
Richmond is of understudy calibre 
as the hero, while Ann Evera is a 
looker who gets no chance to shoW 
if she can act as the heiress. John- 
stone White is a pale menace. Di- 
rection adequate, camera sufficient. 

Hobe. 

Dufay Denies DuPonfs 
Interest in Its Color 

Report that DuPont, through Pathe, 
has a financial stake In Dufay Color 
is denied by Dufay oiTlcials. Du- 
I'onts have not' and never did have 
any interest in Dufay other than an 
ordinary customer one, it is stated by 
Dufay. 

Explaining that customer relation- 
ship, Dufay execs assert they bring 
raw film to this country from Eng- 
land and that DuPont puts the emul- 
sion coat on it in the latter'a labora- 
tories. Far from 'withdrawing* from 
Dufay, as stated in recent reports, 
DuPont has been getting increased 
business from Dufay, it is explained. 

Recent color films of the Corona- 
tion were made by Pathe on Dufay 
film. Deal was handled by English 
office of Dufay and had no direct 
connection with Dufay in this coun- 
try, it is stated. New York office of 
the company states It has no plans 
for immediate expansion, but Is pro- 
ceeding with research and manufac- 
ture at a 'normal rate as business 
warrants.' 



CONTRACTS 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Universal pacted Ben Lewis, car- 
toon animator, to an acting ticket. 

Sophia Cleugh steps into U on a 
one-picture agreement to script a 
Deanna Durbin original, 'Little Lady.» 

Paramount has taken on Suzanne 
Ridgeway for a terping termer. 

Metro handed scrivenlng tickets to 
Hannibal Towle and Victor Wolfson. 

James Edward Grant moved into 
20th-Fox on a writing termer. 

Radio snatched the player option 
of Frank M. Thomas. 

Marie Burton, Martha Raye's 
double, grabbed an optioned playing 
termer at Paramount. 

Mickey Rooney moved Into Metro 
on a five-year player deal. 

Metro signatured Frank Cravett as 
a short subject director-writer. 

Universal exercised its option on 
Frank Skinner, music arranger. 

Florence George shoves Into Para- 
mount armed with a canarying 
termer. 

Evelyn Keyes, Atlanta socialite, Is 
tied to Cecil B. De Mille on an act- 
ing deal. 

Cynthia Westlake drew a Radio 
acting termer, 

Irving Cummings drew a direc- 
torial termer with Walter Wanger 
Productions. 

Maurice Conn, signatured Wynne 
Gibson to a term pact calling for 
four pictures yearly. 

Warners validated Marie Wilson's 
playing option for one more year. 

TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, July 20. . 

Title of 'Outlaws of the Orient,* 
Columbia-Larry Dafmour picture, 
has been switched to 'Barricade.' 

Warners changed tag of 'War Lord' 
to 'Cornered.' Studio also changed 
'Angle Shooter' to 'Back in Circu- 
lation.' 

Warners will release 'Tovaricli' as 
'Toniglifs Our Night.' 



20 



VARIETY 



^eanesday, July 21« 1937 




150% 



MET HIM ■mr^/^CEa 
N PARIS" pifii^wsiia 



JUKRIH lUSNKSS 



120% 



110% 



100% 




90% 



80% 



Cllhirt CaptiVltiS! Audknces went in big way for little 
ladly in *'I Met Him in Paris." Receipts averaged ISO per cent 
In 30 k«y •ng«g«ni«nf«. 



THE HOTTER, THE HIGHER 



The Hatter , the Weather, the Higher 
the Grasses with Paramaunt Pictures 



PROFITABLE PARADOX:. Theatre records of past month and longer reveal astonishing 
^situation: the higher the temperature, the higher went grosses in houses playing 
Paramount pictures.* Explanation lies in fact that Paramount*s summer releases 
were planned long in advance to capture fancy and shekels of populace. First of 
hot-weather bell-ringers was "I Met Him in Parjs,** followed by "Mountain Music," 
with **£asy Living" now current. (See graphs.) Nest picture designed to maintain 
precedent for higher grosses regardless of weather is Paramount's ''Exclusive'* — 
sensational new-theme 'newspaper; melodrama released. July 30th — with . Fred 
MacMurray, Fran<^s Farmer, and Charlie Rubles in stellar roles. (See photos.) 




RiVlIt il Flf ir if llCIICf! What a aoenc f^Thousanda of townspeople take matters into their 
own hands when they march on and destroy |(ang8t«r-oontrolIed newspaper plant. As thrilling and 
rousing an episode as ever was written into a acript. 



«H«IICI INSMESS 




150% 



140% 



130% 



120% 



110% 



100% 



90% 



'Ray! fir Riyi aid Bins!. "Mountain Music" hit Old Man> 
.Summer Slump right in solar plexus. Turned in average gross 
of 150 p%t cent In It k^y runs. 

170% 



|"EASY LIVING" 



ilVtMH lUStNESt 



160% 



150% 



140% 
130% 



120% 



110% 



100% 



90% 



It's thi Lifl! '^Easy Living," funniest comedy of year, smashed 
New York Paramount house record in hottest weather in 
decades. First week's gross 165 par cant abava •varat*. 




New Rif |llSl Charlie Ruggles, famed comedian,] 
proves in "Exclusive" he's also dramatic actor otj 
DO mean ability.! It's a rare^ combination of ta^ 
ents that can make audiences cry as well as laugb.> 



Cpa mmount 






^(iIm! You hava to see this sequence live for you on the screen ' 
^tb realiM the harm inherent in ao-caHed "yellow journalism.*' 
One of the tense moments in a picture that presents one tense 
climax after another.'' ' 




are itot^ always as peaceful as 
>hi8 between France* and Fred fn ''ExclosIvejJJc. The young 
^ady muddles fhings plenty for MacMurroy And eveiybody 
else before she's Anally brought to her senses. 



WedneBdjiy, July 21, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



21 



, _ FILM BOOKING CHART 

(For /?/m exchange bookers, Variety ^rw^M/^ a complete chart of feature releases of all the American distributing companies for 

the current quarterly period. Date of the reviews as given tn Variety and the running time of prints are included.) 



running 

COPYRIG HT. 193"?, BY VARIETY. INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



WEEK 
OF 
RELEASE 



TITLE 



PRODUCER 



DISTRIB. 



TYPE 



TALENT 



DIRECTOR 



\;HEN 
TIME REVIEWED 
MINS. BY VARIETY 



5/21/37 



SING, COWBOY. SING 

PICK A STAR 
NIGHT OF' MYSTERY 
THERE GOES MY GIRL 
COME ON, COWBOYS 
CHARLIE CHAN AT OLYMPICS 
WINGS OVER HONOLULU 
THE GO GETTER 



5/28/37 



LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN 
I MET HIM IN PARIS 
HOLLYWOOD COWBOY 

THIS IS MY Affair 

UNDER THE RED ROBE 
. DREAMING LIPS 
THE MAN IN BLUE 
KID GALLAHAD 



E. Finney GN Western Tex Bitter 

Hal Roach Par Musical Haley-Kcily-Laurel-Hardy 

„. Par MGM Musical • B. Karns-H. Bnrgress 

W. Sistrom BKO Comedy G. Rayjrnond-A. Sothern-B. Holmes 

Sol Siegel Rep . Western B. Livlnsrston-R. Corrigran 

J. Stone SOth Mystery W, Oland-K. de Mllle 

E. M Asher U Rom-Dr. B. MUland-W. Barrte 

Cosmo WB Rom-Dr G. Brent-A. Louise 



E. Sedgwick 
R. N. Bradbury 
E. A, Oupont 
Ben Holmes 
Joe Kane 
H. B. Hum'stone 
H. C. Potter 
B. Berkeley 



E. Chodorov Col Drama 

W. Ruggles Par Rom-Com 

G. A. Hirliman BKO Western 

K. MacGowan 20th Musical 

R. T. Kane 20th Drama 

M. Schach UA . Rom-Dr 

K. Glasrhon U Melodrama 

WB WB Drama 



6/4/37 



1. Hei'vey-W. Connolly 
C. Colbert-Melvyn Douglas 
G. O'Brien-C. Parker-E. Scott 
R. Taylor-B. Stanwyck- 

C. Veldt-B. Massey 
E. Bergrner-B: Massey 
,R. Wilcox-N. Grey 
E. G. Robinsoh'B. Davis 



Al Green 
W. Ruggles 
Ewlrig Scott 
W. A, Seiter 
V. Seastrom 
Paul Czinner 
M. Carruth 
M. Curtiz 



RECKLESS RANGER 
TALK OF THE DEVIL 
HELL DIVERS (RE-ISSUE) 
PARNELL 
HOTEL HAYWIRE 
BORDER CAFE 
DOOMED AT SUNDOWN 
ANGEL'S HOLIDAY 
WLEN THIEF MEETS THIEF 
THE WILDCATTER 
CASE OF STUTTERING BISHOP 



6/11/37 



A DAY AT THE RACES 
THE GREAT GAMBINI 
MEET THE MISSUS 
IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU 
SHE HAD TO EAT 

SLIM 
BLAZING SIXES 



Col Col Western 

B. & D. GB ■ Rom-Dr 

MGM MGM Com-Dr 

J. Stahl MGM Rom-Dr 

Pai Par Comedy 

Bob Siok EKO Western 

A. W. Hackel . Rep Western 

J. Stone 20th Drama 

Criterion UA Rom-Dr 

Geo. Owen jj Drama 

WB WB Mystery 



Bob AUen-B. Weeks 
R. Cortcz-S. Eilers 
W. Beery-Gable->C. Naele 
C. Gable-Myrna Loy- 
L. CarrlUo-L. Overman 
J. Beal-H. Carey- Armld» 
Bci. Steele 
J. Withers-Robert Kent 
D. Fairbanks, Jr.-V. Hobsen 
S. Colton-J. Rogrers 
D. Woods- Ann Dvorak 



S. G. Bennett 
Carl Reid 

G. Hill 
John Stahl 
G. Archainbaud - 
Lew Landers . 
Sam NewAeld 
James Tinling 
Raoul Walsh 
Ray McCarey 
W. Clemens 



L. Weingairten MGM Comedy 

B. P. Schulberg Par Melodrama 

Al Lewis BKO Comedy 

L. Fields Rep Rom-Dr 

S. G. Engel 20th Comedy 

; WB WB Drama 

V/B WB Western 



Marx Bros. . 
A. Tamiroff-J. Trent 
H. Broderlclf-V. Moore 

A. Baxtcr-A. Leeds 
Hudson-Treacher-Haley 
P. O'Brien-Hi Fonda 
D. Foran-H. Valkls 



Sam Wood 
C. Vidor 
Joseph Santley 
Phil Rosen 
M. St. Clair 
R. Enright 
Noel Smith 



6/18/37 TWO-FISTED SHERIFF 

BANK ALARM 
' MARRIED BEFORE BREAKFAST 
NORTH OF RIO GRANDE 
MOUNTAIN MUSIC 
RIDING ON AIR 
RHYTHM IN THE CLOUDS 
YODELIN' KID FROM PINE RIDGE 
BIG BUSINESS 
WALT DISNEY'S ACADEMY REVUE 
ARMORED CAR 
FLY AWAY BABY 
WHITE BONDAGE 



H. L. Decker Col Western 

Condor CN . Melodrama 

S. Zimbalist MGM Com-Dr 

Harry Sherman Par. Western 

Ben Glazer Par Comedy 

David Loew BKO Comedy 

A. E. Levoy Rep Musical 

A. Schaefer Rep Western 

Max Golden .20th Comedy 

W. Disney UA Comedy 

E. M. Asher U Melodrama' 

WB WB Com-Dr 

WB WB Prama-., 



C. Starr iett-B. Weeks 
Conrad Nagel 
B. Youngr-Florencii Rice 
Wm. Boyd-Geo. Hayes 
B. Burns-Martha Raye 
Joe E. Br6wn 
P. Eliis-W. Hull 
Gene Autry-B. Bronson 
J. Prouty-S. beane 

Cartoon 
B. Wile ox- J. Barrett. 
G. Farrell-B. MacLanib 
Jean Muir-G. Oliver 



Leon Barsha 
Louis Gasnier 
E. L Marin 
Nate Watt 
C. Reisner 

E. Sedgwick 
John H. Auer 

Joe Katie 

F. R. Strayer 
W. Disney 

L. Foster 
F. McDonald 
Nick Grind© 



6/25/37 



DEVIL IS DRIVING 
GIRLS CAN PLAY 
SWEETHEART OF THE NAVY 

CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS 
LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID 
YOU CAN'T BEAT LOVE 
A LAW MAN IS BOBJV 
SING AND BE HAPPY 
LOVE IN A BUNGALOW 
ANOTHER DAWN 



Col Col Melodrama 

Ralph Cohn Col Comedy 

B. F. Zeldman GN Comedy 

L. D. Lighton MGM Spectacle 

G. M. Arthur Par Drama 

Robert Sisk BKO Rom-Com 

A. W. Hackel '■ Rep Western 

M. H. Feld 20th Musical 

E. M. Asher U Rom-Com 

WB WB Rom-Dr 



R. Dix-Joan Perry 
J. Welb-C. Qulffley 
Erie Llndcn-C. Parker . 
F. Bartholomew-Spencer Tracy 
L. Ayres-D. LamoUr 
P. Fostcr-J. Fontaine 
J. M. Brown-I. Meredith 
J. Davis-A, Marin 
N. Grey-K. Taylor 
K. Francis-E. Flynn 



H. Lachman- 
L. Hillyer 

D. Mansfteld 

V. Fleming 
J. Hogan 

C. Cabanne 
Sam Newfleld 

H. Lohrmtin 
Ray McCarey 

W. Dieterle 



60 
76 
66 
74 
53 
71 
80 
90 



71 
85 

99 
100 
70 
60 
100 



S9 
76 
109 
115 
65 
6T 

74 
85 
68 
70 



109 
70 
65 
71 
71 
86 



64 
70 

76 
70 

60. 

.«! 

62 
60 
60 



69 
60 
63 
115 
86 
60 
61 
67 
67 
73 



7/21 

6/2 

6/30 

6/ltf 

6/18 

ri/29 

6/2 
6/9. 



8/18 
6/9 

6/2 
6/2 
5/26 

6/2 



7/14 
5/19 
12/29/31 
6/9 
6/16 
6/9 

8/26 
6/16 
6/16 
6/2 



6/23. 

7/14 

1/1: 

111 

7/14 

6/30 



6/23 



6/30 
6/30 



6/2 



7/14 
7/21 



7/7 

6/30 

7/7; 

5/19 

6/23 

6/30 

7/7 

e/23 

7/7 

6/23 



7/2/37 


A FIGHT TO THE FINISH 


R, Cohn 


Col 


Action 


D. Perry-R. Keith 


C. C. Coleman 


68 


7/7 


ONE MAN JUSTICE ' 


■ H. L. Decker 


Col 


Western 


C. Starrett-B. Weeks 


Leon Barsha 






ROABING TIMBER 


R. Flothow 


Col 


Outdoor 


Jack Holt-G. Bradley 


Phil Rosen 


67 


7/14'' • 




RIDERS OF THE ROCKIES 


Ed Finney 
J, Considine 


GN 


Western • 


Tex Bitter 


R. N. Bradbury 








THE EMPEROR'S CANDLESTICKS 


MGM 


Rom-Dr 


Poweil-Rainer 


G. Fitzmaurice 


95 


6/30 




.THIRTEENTH MAN 


Lon Young 


Mono 


Mystery 


W. Heyburn-I. Courtney 


W. Nigh 






. MIDNIGHT MADONNA 


E. Cohen 


Par 


Melodrama 


W. Wiliiam-M. Correll 


J. Flood 


86 


7/ai, 




FORLORN RIVER 


Par 


Par 


, Western 


L. Crabbe-June Martel 


C. Barton 


66 






NEW FACES OF 1937 


Edward Small 


RKO 


Musical 


M. Berle-J. Penner-H. Hllliard 


Leigh Jason 


IVK 


7/7- 




SLAVE SHIP - 


N. Johnson 


20th 


Spectacle 


W. Baxter-W. Beery-E. Allen 


Tay Garnett 
V. Saville 


80 


6/23 




DARK JOURNEY 


V. Saville 


UA 


Drama 


C. Veidt-V. Leirh-J. Gardner 






I COVER THE WAR 


Trem Carr 


U 


Drama 


J. Wftyne-D. Barclay-G. Gaze 


A. Lubin 


69 


7/7 




SINGING MARINE 


L. Edelman 


WB 


Musical 


D. Powell-D. Weston 


Ray Enright 


105 


7/7 



7/9/37 



THE TWO OF US 
THE SHADOW STRIKES 
BETWEEN TWO WOMEN 
' UOOSIER SCHOOLBOY 
WILD MONEY 
ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN 

BORN RECKLESS 
WESTBOUND LIMITED 

PUBLIC WEDDING 

EMPTY HOLSTERS 



Gainsborough GK Rom-Com 

Alexanders GN Mystery 

MGM MGM Drama 

K. Goldsmith Mono Drama 

Par - Par Com-Dr 

L. Marcus RKO Comedy 

M. H. Feld 20th Melodrama 

McRae-Koehig U Rom-Dr 

WB WB Com-Dr 

WB WB Western 



J. Hulbert-Gina Malo R. Stevenson 

R. LaRocque-L. Anders Lynn Shores 

Tone-V. Bruce-M. O'SuIllvan G. Scitz 

M. Booney-F. Shields W. Nigh 

E^ E. Horton-L. Campbell Louis King 

Wheeler- Woolsey-E. Mnir Edw. Cline 

B. Donlevy-R. Hudson M. St. Clair 

L. Talbot-P. Bowles F. Beebe 

J. Wyman-M. Wilson Nick Grinde 

D, Foran-P. Walthall B. Eason 



7/16/37 



IT CAN'T LAST FOREVER 
BUENG SOLOMON'S MINES 
BOOTS OF DESTINY 
BLAZING BARRIERS 
RIDERS OF THE DAWN 
TOPPER 
EASY LIVING 
SUPER SLEUTH 
THE RED ROPE 
THE CALIFORNIAN 
EVER SINCE EVE 



H. L, Decker Col 

GB GB 

Condor GN 

K. Goldsmith Mono 

R. N. Bradbury Mono 

Hal Roach MGM 

A. Hornblow, Jr. Par 

Edw. Small BKO 

A. W. Hackel Rep 

Sol Lesser 20th 

Cosmo WB 



Rom.-Com. R. Bellamy-B. Furness 

Spectacle A, Lee-R. Youngr-Robeson 

Western Ken Maynard 

Drama F. Coghlan-E. Arnold, Jr. 

Western ' Jack Randall 

Coniedy C. Bennctt-R. Youngr 

Comedy J. Arthur-R. Milland 

Mystery J. Oakie-A. Sothern 

Western Bob Stecle-L. January 

Western - B. Arlen-R. Cortci 

Rom-Com M. Davies-R. Montgomery 



Ham. MacFadden 
R. Stevenson 
A. Rosson 
A. Scotte 
R, N. Bradbury 
N- MacLeod 
M. Leisen 
Ben Stolofi 
S. Roy Luby 
Gus Meins 
L. Bacon 



7/23/37 



RENDEZVOUS IN ALPS 
SARATOGA 
PARADISE ISLE 
RUSTLER'S VALLEY 

THE BIG SHOT 
THE LADY ESCAPES 
TOWN SCOUT 



J. Hagen GN Rom-Dr 

Hyman-Emerson MGM Rom-Dr 

Dorothy Reid Mono Drama 

H. Sherman Par Western 

Maury Cohen RKO Comedy 

L. L. Landau . 20th Rom-Com 

WB WB Comedy 



J. Baxter-A. Bushel 
Gable-Harlow 
Movita-W. Hull 
William Boyd 
C. Witherspoon-Kibbee 
•M. Wlialen-G. Stuart 
D. Woods- J. Madden 



B. Vorhaus 
Jack Conway 
A. G. Collins 

Nate Watt 

Edw. KlUy 
Eugene Forde 

Louis King 



7/30/37 



A DANGEROUS ADVENTURE 
WHERE THERE'S A WILL 
SMALL TOWN BOY 
LONDON BY NIGHT 
LEGION OF MISSING MEN 
EXCLUSIVE 
SHE'S NO LADY 
TOAST OF NEW YORK 
WEE WILLIE WINKIE 

VOGUES OF 1938 
REPORTED MISSING 
THE ROAD BACK 
MARRY THE GIRL 



w; MacDonald Col Action 

Gainsborough GB Rom-Dr 

Zion. Myers GN Comedy 

S. Zimbalist MGM Mystery 

I. E. Chadwick Mono Drama 

Ben Glazer Par Melodrama 

B. P. Schulberg Par Melodrama 

Edw. Small RKO Rom-Dr 

• Gene Markey 20th Drama 

W. Wanger UA Musical 

E. M. Asher U Melodrama 

Graineer-Whale U Drama 

WB WB Comedy 



D. Terry-R. Keith 
Will Hay-Lilli Palmer 
S. Erwin-J. Compton. 
L. G. CarroU-R. Johnson 

Ralph Forbes 
F. MacMurray-F. Farmer 

Dvorak-John Trent 
E. Arnold-F. Farmeir-Oakie 
S. Temple- V. McLagrlen 
W. Baxter-J. Bennett 
Wm. Gargan-J. Bogers 
J. Klng-B. Bead-A. Devlne 
Mary Boiand-H.. Herbert 



D. R, Ledcrman 
M. Varnell 
Glenn Tryon 

W, Thiele 
H. McFadden 
Al Hall 
C. Vidor 
Rowland V, Lee 
John Ford 
J. Fcyder 
M. Carruth 
J. Whale • 
Wm. McGann 



61 
87 
62 
70 
66 
60 



68 
80 



70 



65 
.93 
105 



105 



8/6/37 



8/13/37 



RANGER STEPS IN 
MYSTERY OF HOODED HORSEMAN 
THE GOOD EARTH 
THE OUTER GATE 
ARTISTS AND MODELS 
WINDJAMMER 
BOOTHILL BRIGADE 
STELLA DALLAS 
SAN QUENTIN 

LOVE TAKES FLIGHT . 
THE„ FIREFLY 
LUCK OF ROARING CAMP 
BLONDE TROUBLE 
HIDEAWAY 
DANCE. CHARLIE. DANCE 
DEVIL'S SADDLE LEGION 



Col Col 

Ed Finney GN 
I. Thalberg • MGM 

I. E. Chadwick Mono 

L. E. Gensler Par 

G. Hirliman RKO 
A. W. Hackel Rep 

S, Goldwyn UA 

WB VB 

Condor GN 

H. Stromberg MGM 
J. H. Steele Mono 

Par Par 

ClifE Reid RKO 

WB WB 

WB WB 



Western 
Westera 
Drama 
Drama 
Musical 
Action 
Western 
Drama 
Melodrama 



B. AIlcn-E. Stewart 
Tex Bitter 
Paul Muni-Luise Ralner 
Ralph Forbes 
J. Benny-G. Patrick 
Georsre O'Brien-C, Worth 
J. M. Brown-C. Rocheile 
Stanwyck-Boles 
P. O'Bricn-H. Bogart 



S. G. Bennett 
Ray Taylor . 
S. Franklin 
H. MacFadden 
Raoul Walsh 
Ewlng Scott 
Sam Newfield 
King Vidor 
L. Bacon 



140 



Rom-Com 
Ooeretta 
Outdoor 
Musical 
Dfurna 
Comed.v 
Western 



B. Cabot-Beatrice Roberts 

MacDonald-A. Jones 
O. Davis, Jr.-J. Woodbury 
L. Overn*an-E. Whitney 
F. Stone-M. Lord 
S. Erwin-Jean Muir 
Dick Foran-Ann Nagel 



Conrad Nagel 
R. Z. Leonard 
I. V. Willat 
G. Archainbaud 
Richard Rosson 
F. McDonnId 
. B. Coimolly 



60 



7/14 
6/30 

7/21 



7/7 
6/30 



08 


7/14' 


88 


7/7 


75 


7/14 


60 


7/21 


69 




77 


6/30 


00 


7/14 


70 




68 


7/7 


60 



7/21 

7/14 
6/30 



6/23 



2/10 



7 '21 



^2 VARIETY WeJnegdny, July 21, 1937 




Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



PICTURES 



'4 



VARIETY 



23 



Advance Production Chart 



. , ^ ■ , ' Hollywood, July 20. 

Prodxictton on the major lots crept back to normal during the last two 
weeks with 43 films in ivork. RKO-Radio, United Artists, Universal, 
Warners and Metro lead tfie list. Pix before the lerises include: RKO seven' 
UA, six; Metro, U and WB each five. Others in work include: Columbia, 
two; Grand National, two; Monogram, one; Paramount, three; Republic, 
three, and 20th-Fox, four. ■ ' 



Total of 19 films were started with 20 being taken from the cutting rooms 
and previewed. RKO started five; Universal, four and Warners, three,, to 
lead the majors. I^reviews included; 20th-Fox, four; Warners and RKO 
three, each; Columbia, Metro, Paramount, two each, and Grand National, 
Monogram, I^epublic and Universal, one each. 

Total of 69 films are being edited with around 106 stories in various stages 
of preparation to be placed before the cameras. 



Columbia 



Two in work, 10 edltingr, 10 preparingr. In work: 

•THE AWFUL TEUTH,' and 'I'LL TAKE ROMANCE,* reported Vamety 
July 7. Readied to start: 

'PARK AVENUE DAME/ 1 MARRIED AN ARTIST,' and <RIVER OF 
MISSING MEN.' 



Grand National 



Two in work, none editing^, 9 preparing. In work: 

'SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT,' reported Variety, Ja'iy 7. Started: 

•RENFREW OF THE MOUNTED,' produced and directed by Hal Herman, 
original by Laurie York Erskine, screenplay, by Charles Logue. Cast: 
James Newill, Carol Hughes, William Royle, Donald Reed, Thundercloud, 
David Barclay, Willipm Austin, Herbert Corthel, Robert Terry. 

Story characterizes Newill as a member of the Canadian mounted police 
tracking down the murderer of a fellow officer. He meets Carol Hughes 
who believes he's seeking her father who has been forced to join a 
counterfeiting gang. She sets out to save her parent and in the end latter 
rebels against the gang and sends a message to Newill enabling himi to 
capture the slayer. 

Readied to start:*WALLABY JIM OF THE ISLANDS,' 'HERE'S FLASH 
CASEY,' 'RETURN OF THE SHADOW,' 'FACE THE FACTS,' 'SO THIS 
IS HOLLirWOOD,* 'WALLABY JIM NO. 3,' 'FRONTIER TOWN,' 'GOR- 
GEOUS,' and 'GOVERNMENT AGENT.' 



Metro 



Five in lyork, 2 editing, 10 preparing. In work: 

'MADAME WALEWSKA,' reported Variety, March 10; 'DOUBLE WED- 
DING,' reported June 16; 'THE BRIDE WORE RED,' reported June 22 and 
'BIG CITY,' reported July 7. Started: 

'BLACK LIGHTNING,' produced by Tom Reed, directed by Edward 
Cahn, original by J. Robert Bren and Katherine Shepard, screenplay by 
Hal Long, Earl Fenton, Harry Ruskin, Leonard Lee and Walter Wise. Cast: 
Bruce Cabot, Virginia Grey, Edward' Norris, Cliff Edwards, Warren Hymer, 
Jean Catburn, Charles Grapewin. 

Story portrays Cabot as trouble-shooter for power company who slays a 
gambler because of cheating at cards. He pleads self-defense, but is sen- 
tenced to death. Norris, half-brother and also a power lineman, comes to 
Cabot's rescue and eventually Cabot's sentence is commuted to life im- 
prisonment. While incarcerated, a high tension line falls within the prison 
walls and Cabot saves the lives of several prisoners thereby winning a 
parole. He. and Norris return to their work; Cabot then attempts to steal 
Norris gal, but Grapewin, detective working on Cabot's case, turns up and 
convinces the girl -that Cabot is no good. However, Grapewin has un- 
covered a witness" showing that Cabot slew the gambler in self-defense. 

Readied to start: 'MADAME X,' 'LIVE, LOVE AND LEARN' and 'ROAD 
SHOW.' 



Monogram 



One in work, none editing, 10 preparing. Started: 

'ATLANTIC FLIGHT,' produced by William Berke, directed by William 
Nigh, original . by. Dick Grace, screenplay by Erna Lazarus and Scott 
Darling. Cast: Dick Merrill, Jack Lambie, Paula Stone, Weldon Heyburn, 
Milburn Stone, Ivan Lebedeff. 

: Story in which Merrill and Lambie, Intrepid transatlantic fliers make 
their picture debut, depicts Weldon Heyburn as a plane designer hiring 
Merrill to race one of his ships carrying new inventions. Miss Stone, an 
heiress, enters a plane piloted by Lebedeff, who is on the make for her 
fortune. However, she and Heyburn fall in love and Heyburn has Merrill 
conked on the head before the event, iand he flies the ship himself. Hey- 
burn cracks up and paralysis sets in. Only serum to combat the disease has 
to be obtained in England so Merrill and Lambie do their oceanic stuff. 
Heyburn recovers and marries Miss Stone as the fliers grab a cup of java. 

Readied to start: 'TELEPHONE OPERATOR,' 'WHERE THE WEST BE- 
GINS,' 'GIRL NEXT DOOR'' and 'ROMANCE OF THE LIMBERLOST.' 



Paramount 



Three in work, 15 editing, 12 preparing. In work: 
•EBB TIDE,' reported Variety, June 16. Started: 

'BULLDOG DRUMMOND COMES BACK,' General office production, 
directed by Lo'uis King, screenplay by Edward Lowe, original by H. C. 
(Sapper) McNfeile. Cast: John Barrymore, Louise Campbell, John Howard, 
E. E, Clive, Reginald Denny. 

Story puts Barrymore on screen as Bulldog Drummond. On the eve of 
his marriage to Miss Campbell he is called out mysteriously, and upon his 
return finds the gal missing. He follows a gruesome group of clues and 
eventually rounds up the gang and saves the girl. 

'TEXAS TRAIL,' produced by Harry Sherman, directed by Les Selander, 
original by Clarence E. Mulford, screenplay by Jack O'Donhell. Cast: Wil- 
liam Boyd, George Hayes. Russell Hayden, Judith Allen, Alexander Cross, 
Robert Kortman, Karl Hackett, Billy King, Rafael Bennett, Jack Rockwell, 
Philo McCiillough, John Beach. 

Story depicts Hackett, commander of Ft. Boone, Tex., ordered to round 
up 500 wild horses to be used as remounts for the Army in Cuba. Boyd and 
his cronies are commissioned to do the job. Cross' gang of rustlers attempt 
to thwart the roundup,, but are blocked in the attempt by Miss Allen, a 
schoolmarm and through the straight shooting of Billy King, Hackett's 
13-year-old son. 

Readied to start: 'PARTNERS IN CRIME,' 'PARK AVENUE FOLLIES,' 
'ARIZONA AMES,' 'LOVE ON TOAST,' 'WELLS FARGO,' 'PRISON 
FARM,' 'THE BUCCANEER' and 'YOU AND ME.' 



RKO-Radio 



Seven in work, 5 editing, 9 preparing. In work: , , , , 
•MUSIC FOR MADAME' and 'STAGE DOOR,' reported Variety, June 23. 
Started: 

•SATURDAY'S HEROES,' produced by Robert Sisk, directed by Edward 
Killy, original screenplay, George Tcmpleton. Cast: Van Heflin, Marian 
Marsh, Richard Lane, Frank Jenks, Nina Watson, Walter Miller, Alan 
Bruce. 

Story concerns a temperamental but brilliant college football player por- 
trayed by'Hefllin. He is accused by the coach and tfeam members of lack 
of cooperation. Grieving over this, and inasmuch as it virtually is a bought 
team, he starts scalping tickets. He is discovered and turned out of college. 
Bruce a sports editor, agrees to help Heflin blow the lid off the msmcerity 
of college football and arranges a job for Heflin as coach of a smaller 
school. Heflin builds a team of non-paid players and defeats his former 
college. This enables Bruce to publish a yarn telling of the frameup. 

•DON'T -FORGET TO REMEMBER,' produced by Al Lewis, directed by 
Joseph Santley, original by David Gavth. Cast: Burgess Meredith, Ann 
Sothern, Onslow Stevens, Mary Boland, Louise Henry, William Brisbane. 

Story shows Meredith believing himself in love with Miss Sothern, but 
^vhen her mother and- brother put the bee on him for coin to buy phoney 



stocks, he turns sour. He's injured in an auto accident and fakes amnesia. 
Miss Sothern takes such good care of him during the convalescence that he 
really falls for her, but he can't tip the gang off for fear she'd beat it. How- 
ever, she inadvertently learns of the hoax. The clinch comes after a bit of 
slapstick in which she gives him a bunch of phoney cures.,. 

•A LOVE LIKE THAT,' produced by Edward Kaufman, directed by Al 
Santell, original by David Garth. Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Herbert Mar- 
shall, Glenda Farrell, Eric Blore, Donald Meefe 

Story shows Marshall as wealthy playboy whose family has bequeathed 
him the presidency of a steamship company. He fails to attend board meet- 
ings or give any attention to the concern. In his meanderings, he meets 
Miss Stanwyck, also wealthy. Steamship company does a floppo and in an 
effort to. make a man out of Marshall she buys up the outflt. He tak6s a 
job with the concern, but soon learns that she's prez. He naturally thinks 
it a double-cross, but in the fade everything is wished up satisfactorily. 

•40 NAUGHTY GIRLS,' produced by William SiStrom, directed by Eddie 
Cline, original by Stuart Palmer. Cast: James Gleason,'ZaSu Pitts, Margie 
Lord, George Shelley, Joan Woodbury, Trank M. Thomas: 

Story is another Stuart Palmer mag mystery yarn involving GleasOn, the 
dumb detective, and Miss Pitts, as the schoolteacher aidei They are attend- 
ing a variety show when the show's press agent is slain. Gleason arrests 
three or four people backstage and is questioning them when the third act 
goes on. Leading lady fires a blank pistol at an actor, but when the curtain 
falls he fails to rise and it "is revealed that he's dead. Pistol test shows a 
blank cartridge was used. After several blunders, Gleason and Miss Pitts 
unveil the culprit. 

•FIGHT FOR YOUR LADY,' produced by Al Lewis, directed by Ben 
Stoloff, original by Jean Negulesco and Isabel Leighton, screenplay by 
Gertrude Purcell, Ernest Pagano and Harry Segall. Cast; John Boles, Jack 
Oakie, Ida Lupino, Margot Grahame, Erik Rhodes, Paul Guilfoyle", Gordon 
Jones. 

Story portrays Boies as an American concert singer attending a wrestling 
show in London with his fiancee. Miss Grahame. Jon&s is one of the 
wrestlets and Oakie is his manager. Jones makes a play for Miss Grahame 
and- in a mixup Oakie takes Boles' overcoat. Jones and Oakie return the 
coat the next day and Miss Grahame falls for rasslet. They decide to 
frame Boles for his Coin, but Oakie knows of the deal and tips off the 
singer. Boles and Oakie go to Vienna where Boles meets Miss Lupino, a 
singer, but learns her lover is a famous duelist. Boles accepts a challenge, 
but Oakie .prevents the slaughter by impersonating an elderly woman and 
pleading for the life of Boles. 

Readied to start: •DAMSEL IN DISTRESS.' 



Republic 

Three in work, 8 editing, 10 preparing. In work: 
. 'DOUBLE TROUBLE,' reported Variety, July 7- Started: 

'FOOLS IN PARADISE,' produced by Harold Shumate, directed by 
Hamilton MacFadden, original and screenplay by Shumate. Cast: William 
Hall, Dean Jagger, Steffi Duna, Murray Alper, Ward Bond, Ann Nagel, 
Charles Waldron, George Meeker. 

Story shows William Hall, young mining, engineer, embroiled unwittingly 
in gang warfare after he prevents a gangster's moll from being kidnapped. 
In a fight he shoots one of the thugs and escapes to the country with a trio 
of criminals. They hide out at a farmhouse where Hall falls in love with 
the daughter, Ann Nagel. Jagger, gang leader, learns their whereabouts 
and asks them to join hini in a bank robbery. When they refuse, Jagger 
pulls the job and leaves behind evidence pointing to Hall and his group. 
Hall escapes arrest and holds Jagger for the cops. 

'HEART OF THE ROCKIES,' produced by Sol Siegel, directed by Joe 
Kane, no writing credits. Cast: Bob Livingston, Ray Corrigan, Max 
Terhune, Hal Taliaferro, J. P. McGowan, Sammy McKim, Lynn Roberts, 
Yakima Canutt, Maston Williams. 

Story is another in the Three Mesquiteers series. Livingston, Corrigan 
and Terhune believe their cattle are being slain by bears in a national 
park. Balked in an effort to take firearms Into the park, they hiire a 
trapper to kill off the animals. However, mountaineers are rustling the 
cattle. Remaipder of yarn is a series of killings with the fade showing the 
mountaineers as the rustlers and the Mesquiteers not guilty of any slayings. 

Readied to start: 'PORTIA ON TRIAL,' 'THE LADY MISBEHAVES,' 
'TREASURE HUNT' and 'FIRST PRIZE.' 



20th Century-Fox 



Four in work, 5 editing, 10 preparing. In work: 

'HEIDI,' reported Variety, May 26; 'IN OLD CHICAGO,' 'WIFE, 

(Continued on page 30) 



PRODUCTION TABLE 

{This table shows number of features promised to be delivered 
to exhibitors by the major distributing organizations, and the indc' 
pendent producers contributing p'^oduci to iheir producing organiza- 
tions for the 1936-37 season.) 

Balaneo 
Pix to be Sterle* 

Number Pix now placed la ■ 

Producers and* Number now now in the betor* prep- 

eontribnting of pix com- in cutting the ara- 

companies. promised, pleted. work, rooms, camera*, tlon. 

COLUMBIA ., 50 31 2 10 7 10 

Larry Darmour 8 3 .. .. 5 1 

GRAND NATIONAL.,.. 65 8 2 55 9 

METRO . 48 30 5 2 11 10 

Hal Roach 4 4 1 lover 1 

MONOGRAM.... 42 7 1 .. 34 

PARAMOUNT . 48 47 3 15 17 over 12 

B. P. Schulberg 8 5 1 2 2 

Emanuel Cohen 8 4 1 i3 3 

Harry Sherman 6 6 1 ..1 over 2 

Frank Lloyd.. 1 1 

RKO RADIO 39 28 7 5 lover 9 

David Loew... 2 2 

George Hirliman 6 4 1 11 

Sol Lesser 3 3 .. 1 lover 7 

REPUBLIC-......^ 5G 23 3 8 12 10 

A. <V. Hackel 16 16 

80TH CENTURY-FOX... 63 72 4 5 18 over 10 

Sol Lesser. 6 5 .. .. l i 

UNITED ARTISTS: » „ „ , 

Samuel Goldwyn 7 3 2 1 1 2 

WalUr Wanger J 3 2 2 

Selznick 5 J 2 .. 2 

E. Bergner 1 •• 

Criterion 2 .. .. 

Korda London 6 

U.NIVERSAL 36 37 5 9 15 over 8 

Buck Jones >•• 0 6 

WARNERS.. 60 70 5 11 26 over 10 

TotaU 567 421 43 73 132 104 



Ask LaGuardia 
Intervene in Max 
Fleischer-CADU 



Letter from a 'citizens' committee 
to Mayor LaGuardia, asking him to 
intervene in the strike at the Max 
Fleischer studios, N. Y., was sent 
yesterday (Tuesday) by Charles 
Henley, of the committee, He, with 
Roger Baldwin and Alfred Bingham, 
also of the committee, conferred 
Monday • (19) with Louis Nizer, 
Fleischer's attorney, after investigat- 
ing the strike issues. Letter blamed 
the strike deadlock on Fleischer's 
'stubbornness.' Copy was sent to 
Fleischer. 

Understood the striking Commer- 
cial Artists Sc Designers Union has 
somewhat relaxed its demands. Now 
seeks as necessary concessions the 
reinstatement of the 10 discharged 
artists, recognition of the union as 
sole bargaining agency and an im- 
partial board to arbitrate the other 
differences and grievances. Impar- 
tial board would be composed of 
three members, one to be selected 
by CADU, one by Fleischer and the 
third by agreement of the other two. 

Vote 'of the Moving Picture . Ma- 
chine Operators Union, Local 306, 
on the question of boycotting 
Fleischer* cartoons, Is still under- 
stood scheduled to take place at the 
meeting this morning (Wednesday), 
but a persistent report is that several 
306 officials will seek to prevent a 
ballot. 

CADU npw claims a growing num- 
ber of theatres and theatre chains 
have agreed to boycott the Fleischer 
product. League of Women Shop- 
pers and the Associated Film Audi- 
ences are also both circularizing 
their members not to patronize the 
cartoon producer. Iietter from the 
Lea-jue to its members calls the 
'strike justifiable and worthy of 
consumer support/ League yester- 
day also wrote to the managements 
of 400 circuits, operating an esti- 
mated 10,000 houses throughout the 
country, urging them to join the 
scrap. 

Three issues, all having been 
heard, are before the Regional Labor 
Relations Board. They include ques- 
tion of reinstatement of the 16 dis- 
charged men, classification of ani- 
mators and selection of a mediator. 
Understooji^Jtjiere, arc 11 artists re- 
placing the 80 out on strike. Four 
others went back soon . after the 
strike began. Reported that the stu- 
dios have completed one cartoon 
since the strike was called," Normal 
output is three a month. 



East-West R.R. Met 
Scalpii^ to Be Curbed 



Chicago, July 20. 
Railroads are taking measures to 
prevent a repetition of the ticket- 
scalping on fast Coast train tickets, 
as related in the recent Variety 
story. New ruling allows reserva- 
tions to be held for 24 hours, after 
which, they will be cancelled unless 
a ticket is purchased and the number 
registered. Formerly, reservations 
were held any length of time, with- 
out identification of the holder, or 
any show of' good faith, which al- 
lowed scalpers to make whatever 
registrations they cared to, sell as 
many as they could, then cancel the 
rest at the last minute. 

Officials say the new method may 
not eliminate scalping entirely, but 
it will certainly make it more diffi- 
cult. Anyone, making a reservation 
must buy a ticket in order to hold 
either a berth or compartment for 
more than 24 hours and, since a re- 
fund On a ticket involves the pur- 
chaser going to the same office from 
which it was purchased, the invest- 
ment plus the red tape and trouble 
won't make it worth a spec's time. 

Good deal of dissatisfaction was 
expressed in the past by prospective 
riders on Northwestern's City of Los 
Angeles, th^e Santa Fe's Super Chief 
and City of Den'^er, since passengers 
were told repeatedly there were no 
reservations available, only to find 
choice ones, later, at their own ho- 
tels, but for a higher price. 



CHUCKING BLACKSTONE 

Hollywood, July 20. 
Republic has enlarged its story 
department, placing Herbert A, 
Huebner, resident attorney, at tha 
head, Don Gordon continues as as*. 
Sistant. 

Legal work has been turned ovef 
to Ann of Loeb, Walker & Loeb. 



VARIETY 



WcdneaJay, July 21, 1937 



NOW IT'S 20th's 




SETTING YEAR'S RECORDS 
AND EQUALLING WINTER 



HOLIDAY GROSSES! 




:^>:;:;a\^:;:;X-;::WSa|;|;|^^^^ 




THE KEYSTONE OF YOUR FUTURE 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



2% 



Film 's Problem Children 



(Continued from page 5) 

Shirley's contract was first signed 
three years ago, July 18, 1934, to be 
precise. Papa's sig, George F. 
Temple, and mama's, Gertrude, ap- 
pear, and beneath in a childish 
scrawl is Shirley's own monicker 
printed by herself. There was such 
a rush of the public to get a look 
at the deal between the Temples 
and their wonder chUd and the then 
existing Fox Hlm Corp. that by 
stipulation of attorneys, the court 
concurring, the document was with- 
drawn from the; public gaze. Result 
is, that of all the juve players Shir- 
ley is the only one whose transac- 
tions are not open to the public 
view. . 

Her contract was written for seven 
years with six yearly options and 
will expire in July, 1941 — unless, as 
has been hinted, 20th-Fox tore up 
the old ticket and handed out a re- 
vised one when Shirley hit" tops in 
draw and stayed there three years 
in a row. Record shows Shirley's 
birthdate as April 23, 1928, giving 
her same birthday as Shakespeare. 

Apropos, one of the most advan- 
tageous contracts in film biz today is 
the existing one between 20th-Fox 
and Jane Withers — ^that is, from the 
viewpoint of the company. 

Surprised Her Studio 

The Withers popularity has taken 
a leap in the last year that astounded 
^he studio itself with the result that 
the new Withers films are carrying 
much heavier budgets and stronger 
casts, with the moppet getting star 
billing. 

Jane is a couple of years older 
than Shirley, having been born April 
12, 1926. Her first contract was 
sigged Dec. 7, 1924, with moppet's 
mother, Mrs. W. E. Withers, putting 
her Hancock to it. Pact called for 
14 options ranging from $150 to 
$1,000 weekly, with a clause provid- 
ing that player had to pay for her 
own dental work, Studio is required 
by statute, as is generally under- 
stood, to provide for proper educa- 
tion in conformity with California 
laws. 

Bartholomew case currently pre- 
gents interesting angles because of 
the fact that it is now before the 
courts and stories have gone out that 
the lad is so strapped that he has to 
rida street cars to work, can't pay 
for his own ice cream sodas, and 
guch similar pishposh. 

Fact is, Freddie earns $1,100 a 
week and is allowed $800 a month 
to live on. Not a whole lot when 
pne considers the drains made on a 
picture player's income, yet not ex- 
actly a starvation allotment either. 
How come is this? Freddie's mama 
and papa came over from England 
to raise a row after the boy's aunt, 
Myllicent Bartholomew, had suc- 
cessfully promoted him to stardom 
after landing him the David Copper- 
field role. 

Papa Bartholomew, according to 
an affidavit made in England and 
now on file in Los Angeles, having 
been in fact on record since 1934, 
was something of a problem — or so 
declared his own father and mother, 
Freddie's grandparents. Willingly he 
surrendered custody of Freddie to 
Myllicent, Later he desired to be 
declared in on his son's earnings. 
Family tempest was messing up the 
moppet's picture career, off to a good 
start, when Judge Isaac Pacht 
stepped into the middle and steered 
all hands to an amicable— on the fac3 
of It — settlement. Agreement pro- 
vided that 20% of Freddie's earnings 
go to the famUy for the support of 
the parents and his two sisters. Re- 
mainder, after the $800 monthly al- 
lowance for actor and aunt, goes to 
a trust fund administered by the 
Vnion Bank Sc Trust Co. of Los 
Angeles. 

Lee:al Fee Not Peanut Money 

Cash in Myllicent Bartholomew's 
possession belonging to Freddie 
when this settlement was made to- 
taled around $27,000. Lawyers' fees 
for 'extraordinary services' were 
$10,000, to be part down and the 
rest in monthly installments. Kick 
was raised on the legal fees but 
only after Aunt Myllicent had ob- 
tained consent of Freddie's parents 
to let her adopt him legally, which 
was done some months ago. Law 
ftrm of McAdoo, Neblett & War- 
ner, which is advising the aunt, 
now seeks, to set aside the Union 
Trust Co.'s guardianship and hand 
over entire control of Freddie's a£- 
fau-3 to the aunt. 

Legal fees were apportioned among 
London, New York and Los An- 
Keles law . firms. 

Aiuit, seeking to oust Union Trust 
Co. as Freddie's guardian, was 
shown to have obtained consent of 
the boy's parents to his adoption 
her only with proviso that 



parents could revoke the adoption 
at will any time within six months. 
Judge Pacht held before the court 
that this constituted a fraud on the 
court in that this agreement was 
not made known' when the adoption 
was granted. 

Bartholomew's contract, in actual 
fact, calls for payment of only $300 
a week at this time but Metro vol- 
untarily lifted this to $1,100 week^ 
ly, in addition to which studio pays 
the aunt $100 a week salary for 
looking after his interests, so that 
as the thing now stands Freddie 
and the aunt haye more than $1,200 
a week between them to live on. 
Stories published in a Hollywood 
throwaway sheet and elsewhere 
calling attention to Freddie's sad lot 
are so much hogwash. 

Bartholomew case is cited at 
length here— with facts never before 
published — because this one pro- 
vides the outstanding awful example 
of what can happen when a mop- 
pet player's family relations go sour. 
Most Hollywood instances are an 
entirely different story. Judge Wil- 
son sees to that. 

Court Saves His Name 

Instance of Spanky McFarland, 
for example, shows how court func- 
tions to protect a child, Spanky's 
contract with Hal Roach calls for 
the payment of $250 a week for a 
beginner, ranging upwacd to $1,000 
weekly, over five years in all. Studio 
wanted a clause in the contract pro- 
viding that, should the ticket be 
called off for any reason, moppet 
should not be allowed to work else- 
where under that monicker. Judge 
Wilson said nix, Spanky's name was 
his own, and if the studio publicized 
the name in the course of adver- 
tising its own product Spankjl 
should not be deprived of the bene- 
fits, • 

Bobby Breen started in pictures 
July 31, 1935, and is now a corpora- 
tion, chief beneficiaries of his earn- 
ings being his parents, Hyman and 
Rebecca Borsuk; Sol Lesser, head of 
Principal Pictures; Louis D. Lurie, 
Lesser's backer and partner, and 
William D. Shapiro. Moppet earns 
plenty coin for all. 

A lot of screen girls whom the 
public thinks of as grown up are 
infants in the law's eyes, under 21, 
hence subject to the regulations im- 
posed by Judge Wilson, In this 
category fall the de Havilland sis- 
ters, Olivia and Jean. Olivia gained 
fame first at Warners, and Radio 
now has the sister, who is profes- 
sionally known as Jean Fontaine, 
after the girls' stepfather, George 
M. Fontaine. Their coin goes into 
the bank at San Jose, Calif., into 
the 'Olivia de Havilland' and 'Jean 
Fontaine' accounts. Their father, 
Walter de Havilland, is divorced 
from the mother and lives in Tokyo. 

Kids Doing: Alriffht 

Judy Garland, whose real name is 
Frances Gumfn, is going on 15, 
started her contract two. years ago 
at $300 wieekly with four yearly 
options to $1,000. Marcia Mae Jones 
was 11 when Samuel Goldwyn 
signed her Jan, 10, 1936, at $125 with 
options taking her to $300 weekly. 

Case of Betty Jane Rhodes, Uni- 
versal moppet, shows where an 
agent can enter into the situation. 
She was 16 when she signed a 
contract with U, starting off at $100 
weekly the first year with options 
for four years more and a $1,500 
maximum. Court also okayed a 
contract whereby her promoter, Nat 
Goldstone pacted with U to receive 
$35 weekly of her pay when it 
reached $200, and on up to where he 
will receive $262.50 when it touches 
maximum, 

Mauch twins at Warners have sep- 
arate identical contracts signed by 
Warners after they had scored in 
'The Prince and the Pauper.' Start- 
ing at $250 a week, the twin young- 
sters worked for some time with no 
pact at all. Agreement now pays 
them $350 weekly each, graduating 
to $1,500 each at the end of the con- 
tract, together with 50% of any 
radio work that falls their way. 

Bonlta Granville's contract, 
okayed by her mother, Rosina Gran- 
ville, started at $300 weelcly and 
rises to $2,000. It is dated March 11, 
1937, and runs seven years. Girl is 
the daughter of Bernard (Bunny) 
Granville of stage fame, now dead. 

Case of Martha Raye shows how 
bona fide agents function for the 
benefit of their clients. William 
IVIorvis agency took the Raye matter 
before the court, handing her the 
regulation contract, which was a 
deal between the agency and Miss 
Raye. tlu-ough her mother, Mrs. Peg 
Raye. Girl was then 20, June 7, 1936. 
She was guaranteed $350 a week 
with options each year to $650— but 



with- the proviso that she was to 
receive 90% of her salary when on 
loan. Had hei; pact been with a 
st«dio she would continue to re- 
ceive the face of her contract no 
matter how much was charged 'for 
a loan-out, as has often happened in 
this biz and still does when stars are 
on the climb. 

Falls Back on Radio 

Jackie Cooper, who will be 15 
Sept. 15 this year, has been com- 
paratively inactive in pictures since 
the voice change set in but signed 
hot so long ago for two periods of • 
radio transcription work at $5,000 
each with his mother, Mabel Cooper 
Bigelow, acting for him. 

Eleanore Whitney, daughter of 
Allen and Anne Wittenberg, started 
her minor contract in June, 1935, at 
$250 weekly, ranging upward through 
eight options to $1,500. 

Judge Wilson sits on contract mat- 
ters twice a week, with Deputy 
County Clerk A. L. Waltz keeping 
cases on each individual as he or she 
comes up. Judge frowns on grant- 
ing agents any fee in excess of the 
customary 10% and cross-examines 
ail .parties to make certain there is 
no chiseling. 

In the case of one 10 percenter, 
whose credentials did not seem 
proper, the judge demanded a de- 
tailed accounting plus references. 
Agent brought in his financial report 
showing how much coin he had but 
still no dice with the judge. After 
the agent had tried everythhig and 
failed he finally prevailed upon the 
responsible heads of the studio that 
Was angling for the moppet involved 
and they personally vouched that 
the contract would be carried out. 
Judge Wilson then affixed his okay. 

Deanna Durbin was brought to the 
fore by Jack Sherrill and Frederick 
Falkin, agents, who hold her per- 
sonal contract through her parents. 
Deanna's real name Is Edna May 
Durbin. Contract with her agents 
expires Nov. 4 this year, but they 
have the privilege of renewal for 
another trio of years. 

Toby Wing was 19 when her 
present contract was negotiated 
April 20, 1936. She started at $200 a 
week and goes to $1250 through op- 
tions running seven years altogether. 
Frankie Darro, real name Johnson, 
has grown up to a big boy now, 19, 
and last April signed for 10 films, not 
more than 14 days work on each, at 
price ranging from $1,750 to $2,250 
each. 



AS 1 PA. TAX EXPIRES 
ANOTHER STARTS AUG. 4 



Harrisburg, July 20. 

Pennsylvania's emergency relief 
tax, imposed by the 1935 Legislature 
for a two-year period, automatically 
expires at midnight on July 21, This 
tax was 4c. on a dollar. 

According to Secretary of Revenue 
J. Griffith Boardman, there are 6,000 
delinquents who owe the State more 
than $1,000,000 in unpaid taxes. They 
will be given 90 days in which to 
pay up and after that period the 
names of all delinquents will be sent 
to the Attorney General's office for 
legal action. 

While this tax, which was passed 
on to the customers by most the- 
atres expires, a new theatre tax goes 
on by midnight Aug, 4, By that time 
the 200,000 owners of stores and the- 
atres must have filed their applica- 
tion for a State license with the De- 
partment of Revenue, This tax is 
known as the chain store tax and it 
ranges from $1 a year for a single 
store or single theatre to $500, each, 
for chains of 500 or more stores or 
theatres in the State. This tax is 
self-assessing and must be returned 
with the license application. The ap- 
lication forms are being mailed out 
at the rate of 50,000 daily. 



Marcus for Himself 

Fort Wayne, July 20. 

Manny Marcus, for several years 
handling the Quimby theatrical 
estate, has resigned to give full 
attention to his own Indianapolis 
holdings. 

Harry Hogan, president of the 
Dime Savings Bank, and corpora- 
tion counsel, who was also a tru.slee 
of the estate, will take Marcus' 
place as executive of the Qumiby 
holdings. 

Philly F.B.T. Stays Open 

Philadelphia, July 20. 

Film Board of Trade office licMt;, 
despite dissolution of outfits throu^jh- 
out country, will remain open. 
Whether the local branch, under di- 
rection of Jack Grcenberg. will con- 
tinue to operate on permanent l)a:sia 
not yet decided. 

If exchancjcs will kick in. it will 
remain open, hut at present tiii\r 
this seems rioul)trul. Will probably 
be shuttered by September. 



WB s 200 Pennsy Houses Won't 
Participate in Indies Anti-Par 
Strike but Bembard 'Sympathizes 



Must Pay Pa. Amus. Tax 
Even Though Law Expu*es 

Philadelphia, July 20. 

Warning was issued last Thursday 
by J. Griffith .Boardman, secretary 
of revenue, that State admish tax 
must be paid up althbugh law ex- 
pires tomorrow. He said about 6,000 
delinquents owe the State more than 
$1,000,000 . in the amusement taxes, 
and announced that he'd take strenu- 
ous means to collect. 

More than $7,000,000 was collected 
on the levy from July, 1935, to' June 
of this year. 



Sa CAUF.-ARIZ. 
INDIES JOIN 
PAR BOYCOTT 



Hollywood, July 20, 
Independent theatre owners and 
exhibitors representing 112 houses in 
Southern California and Arizona 
met yesterday and voted to join the 
nationwide sitdown strike called by 
indies against Paramount' pictures. 
Resolution was adopted to pull all 
play dates for Par films during 
August and up to Sept. 15, and side- 
step negotiations for next season's 
product during that period. 

Action was due ^to alleged failure 
of Par to abide by contractual obli- 
gations for 1936-37 season by failing 
to deliver six features, namely 'Souls 
at Sea,' 'High, Wide and Handsome,' 
'Angel,' 'Artists and Models,' 'Spawn 
of North,' and 'Count of Luxem- 
bourg.' 

After the meeting, the indies 
moved en masse on the local Par 
exchange and began pulling play- 
dates on feaiures, newsreel and 
shorts including heavy bookings set 
for National Paramount Week, iSept. 
5-11. 



WB STAGGERING SALES 
CAMPAIGN ON 'FORGET' 



. Warner Bros. • is selling 'They 
Won't Forget' in a unique manner, 
staggering playdates taken on the 
picture and not until October or 
November will it go on general re- 
lease, any engagements up to then 
being on a pre-release basis in picked 
spots. On top of the opening last 
Wednesday (14) at the Strand, N, Y., 
company is putting it into Asbury 
Park Saturday (24) and into San 
Francisco and Los Angeles July 29 
but has no other dates. 

No engagements are so far set for 
the south and plans of the company 
for Dixie territory are not made 
but declared that very likely WB 
will send it Into the south in the 
usual manner without tests or prior 
private screenings to sound senti- 
ment. Ears in WB are cocked for 
possible squawks but thus far noth- 
ing has been heard concerning the 
North-South angle. 

At the Strand, patrons are asked 
to fill out cards indicating wliether 
they feel the hero was guilty or iiot 
guilty, majority voting the latter. 
Cai-ds filled out that way include 
some from southerners, 



Vic Morris to HVood 

Boston, July 20. 

Victor J. Morris, managing direc- 
tof of Loew's Orpheum here, is 
slated to go to the Coast in mid- 
August to take over an unannounced 
job with Metro studios, 

Morris, a vet exhibitor of more 
than a quarter century in the Bos- 
ton area, is one of the best known 
showmen in New England, 



Philadelphia, July 20l 

The Warner circuit's almost 200 
Pennsy houses will not participate 
in the exhib date strike against Par- 
amount in August, Joe Bernhard, 
g.m., told a committee which asked 
him to join. 

The chain head informed the 
committee, however, that hp. wa.s 
very much in sympathy with the 
exhibs' ire over Par's demands. He 
said he had 'never heard of such 
terms before.' He offered to act as 
a conciliator in the strike, but his 
gesture was immediately rejected by 
the Par ■ 'war board' meeting here 
next day. 

Bernhard said it is impossible for 
the circuit to join the strike because 
its contract with Par doesn't run oUl 
for some time yet and because of a 
reciprocal agreement by which Par- 
afflliated houses use Warner product. 

Lewen Pizor, Abe Sablosky and 
Charley Segal comprised the com- 
mittee which called on Bernhard in 
New York. They will make one 
more attempt to bring him into the 
fold. In the event he doesn't come 
through, all Warner houses will be 
picketed every time they play a Par 
film. 

Meantime, as result of exchange's 
statement that all film will be shipped 
to exhibs when available, regardless 
of cancellation notices, Horlacher's 
Delivery Service, film carrier here, 
has been notified by many ops not 
to pick up film from Par, Jim Clark, 
prexy of the firm, said it will be 
compelled by public service laws to 
deliver the film if Par guarantees 
freight charges, although, of course, 
exhibs don't have to accept it. 

It was decided by the 'war board* 
that the strike cannot be settled ex- 
cept by vote of majority of United 
Motion Picture Theatre Owners 
membership a a mass meeting, to 
avoid possibility of a sellout. Ex- 
hibs with more product than they 
can use have also been asked to help 
out competitors by loaning film. 

The six zone captains in charge 
of the ban have made a census of 
Par users in their territory. Only 
exhibs who have refused to cooper- 
ate with them are Felt Bros., operr 
ators of Bluebird, Allen and Casino. 

Distribution of 500,000 handbills 
urging public to support strike has 
already begun. One sound truck is 
now on the street, usually parked 
near the exchange. The others are 
being readied for Aug. 1. Exhibs 
are receiving daily postcardg or let- 
ters telling them of progress. 

To Par's denial tha.t refusal to 
accept pix- is legal, UMPTO has 
offered free counsel service to any 
exhib sued. UMPTO execs privately 
admit considerable doubt concerning 
legality, but expect to have strike 
well settled before six months ,to a 
year that it would take to try a suit 
against an exhib. 

WB'S 51ST STjTy., AS 
PERMANENT $2 HOUSE 

Warners plans to make its 51sl 
Street theatre (formerly the Holly- 
wood) the No. 1 roadshow house in 
New York and if unable to keep it 
supplied with pictures of its own 
on a twice-daily basis, will rent it 
out for the same purpose. After 
'Life of Emile Zola' has its $2 run 
here, starting Aug. 11, Warners will 
put in Tovarich' (new tiUe, 'To- 
night's Our Night') on the same 
basis. Pictures later in the 1937-3(i 
^season that will also point for the 
Hollywood include 'Adventures of 
Robin Hood' and The Gamblers,' 
Latter will be Max Roinhardt's 
.second for WB. 

Charles Griswold, who managed 
the Music Hall, N. Y., when it first 
opened, will operate the Hollywood 
for Warners. 



Exhib's Auto Crash 

Galveston, July 20, 
John D. Jone.s, operator of the 

R. 8c R. Theatres, San Angelo. wa:; 

badly injured when his auto turned 

over on hi.<?hway. 

His secretary, Jean Conor, escaped 

with minor injuries. 



Want Bldg. Action 

El Paso, July 20. 
Residents In Five Points in El 
Paso have been mystified by a large 
billboard si:,'n which read.s, 'Site of 
the new Intcr-Stiite theatre' 

The siu;n has bean renewed every 
few months for the last three years. 
The mystery now seems to be wear- 
in.'j-thin, and Five Pointers are be- 
ginning to suspect that the sign is 
there ju.st to di.scoura.ijo .some rival 

j OLitlit, fi'om biiildiH;'? a house. Ten 
thou'i'ind five Pointer.-; have signed 

j petiliuns .'i.si<iiii,' that wn'k on the 

I uahe be btnrled. 



26 VARIETY Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



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Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



PICTUI^ES 



VARIETY 



27 



Fans Smell 'Em Out 



(Continued from page 7) 



which average patron did not savor, 
including absence oi comedy relief. 

Localized instance of imfavorable 
scribe comment was that of 'A Star 
Is Born' in New York. Some of the 
story context did not go over well 
with reviewers, yet they revealed 
enough of the plot to convince thou- 
sands that it was something they 
wanted to see. 

Instances 

Manhandling given 'A Day at the 
Races' by Manhattan reviewers had 
no effect on the big play in N, Y. 
or in its hot race at b.o. elsewhere. 
On smaller scale, this was true of 
a number of key cities on 'Parnell,'- 
pi^blic disregarding adverse barbs to 
give it a healthy return at the ticket 
window. 

Because so many of the reviewing 
fraternity air their own likes and 
dislikes on pictures, many readers 
have become accustomed to ignoring 
the critical portion of newspaper re- 
views and setting themselves up as 
virtual amateur critics. 

Influence of criticism, of course, 
depends on the amount of circula- 
tion, type of such and variety of re- 
views used. Thus a newspaper with 
about 400,000 circulation in an area 
with 36,000,000 population could not 
be viewed as particularly influential 
in swaying opinion even if every 
reader of the paper took the review 
literally. Nor does high praise in 
such a publication often mean a 
thing with the box office. On the 
other hand, a circulation in excess 
of 2,000,000 in such area is undoubt- 
edly influential. 

Los Angeles, it is found, suffers 
from a multiplicity of opinions, with 
none having mUdi bearing, on the 
box office. 

Nationwide network reviews are 
generally rated as having little in- 
fluence, if any, on the box office. 
Principal reasons for this is the time 
element, with many air critics ex- 
pressing their opinion four or five 
weeks in advance of even a few 
principal key city release dates. Ex- 
hibitor check indicated that few lis- 
teners can recall any radio opinions 
that long even if given much 
credence. 

One N. Y. exhibitor classified daily 
papers into types, with only the 
Hearst dailies and the Daily News 
as really encouraging amusements 
for the general populace in their 
reviews, He was particularly put out 
over the manner in which western 
films were ignored. Claimed that 
the only dailies 'catching' this type 
of, film were femme critics, and that 
they seldom liked or appreciate this 
screen fare. Kesult was that no 
western even ^ets a passing cheer 
though viewed probably by more 
people in the U." S. than any other 
variety of picture. 

Depends on the Paper 

Minneapolis, July 20. 

Judging by experience here, the 
aphere of a hinterland's film critic's 
influence devolves as much upon his 
newspaper as him. A case in point is 
Merle Potter of the Journal. Re- 
gardless of his critical and literary 
abilities — which, naturally, afford 
differences of opinion — the fact re- 
mains that his employer has had a 
great deal to do with making him 
his present force with a very con- 
siderable personal following. Ad- 
vertised in its own display columns, 
on theatre screens and over the radio 
as one of its star features, encour- 
aged to launch numerous fan con- 
tests, given all the space and layout 
help anyone could wish, sent at\r 
nually to Hollywood to gather dope 
and interview material for his daily 
chatter columns, special feature arti- 
cles and attractive Sunday section. 
Potter has enjoyed the utmost co- 
.operation from the Journal in estab- 
lishing himself ever since he — then 
an unknown — succeeded Carlton 
Miles, long a name-critic here, more 
than 10 years ago. 

In consequence of the aforegoing, 
aa well as whatever talents he pos- 
sesses, Potter, now a veteran critic— 
in fact, the local 'dean' of reviewers 
— looms as an important figure in 
Minneapolis fllmdpm. His appraisals 
carry considerable weight, not only 
with the public here, but also with 
exhibitors throughout the territory 
and his by-line criticisms exercise a 
decided effect on patronage, accord- 
ing to surveys. And because no 
other newspaper here has seen fit to 
uuild' a staff member as a film 
«itic, Potter stands alone in Ihls 
field here. 

Potter himself undoubtedly en- 
■bances his prestige by appearances 
*3 a speaker before luncheon and 
iwomen's clubs. Then, too, by tak- 
•l«g a position regarding the picture's 



merits, one way or the other, he 
imparts valuable individuality to his 
reviews. One theatre, in particular, 
evidently finds his laudatory notices 
helpful because it extensively quotes 
them in display fronts, newspaper 
ads and advertising literature. In 
film circles, the World theatre's long 
runs of suQh pictures as 'Be Mine 
Tonight' is credited in part to Pot- 
ter's 'raves.' It would seem that the 
class clientele to which the World 
caters puts stock in Potter's ratings 
and many meritorious pictures play- 
ing this sure-seater house, which 
ordinarily almost might pass . un- 
noticed, are propelled by him into 
the money class. 

The town's other two sheets, the 
Tribune and Star, minimize film, re- 
views and make no attempt to ex- 
ploit any one individual as a critic. 
Both papers now assign statl mem- 
bers indiscriminately to 'cover' the 
various theatres. As a result, it's 
doubtful whether the reviews mean 
anything more than regular 'readers,' 
seldom are critical in nature and, 
as far as the theatres are concerned, 
have some advertising value, but lit- 
tle else. 

It would seem hereabouts that the 
Tribune missed a great bet in fail- 
ing to capitalize on Harry Reming- 
ton, whom it permitted to get away 
last year. Remington wrote film re- 
views for the Tribune under the 
pseudonym of John Alden. His re- 
views were notable for their wit and 
ivkiUEul writing. Remington's re- 
views attracted much attention and 
theatres quoted from them fre- 
quently. After building a consider- 
able following, howevw, he quit to 
take a publicity job with the Fox 
theatre, Detroit. Since his depar- 
ture the Tribune has continued to 
run its reviews under the John Al- 
den by-line. For a time it had Joe 
Sommers, night police reporter, han- 
dle the assignment and he did a 
good job. Recently, however, it 
started passing out the theatre cov- 
ering tasks to whatever men happen 
to be available for the tasks. The 
Star heads its reviews 'In Flicker 
Land With Cristofer Robbin.' 



'Don't Me»n a Thin?' in Hub 

Boston, July 20. 
'They don't mean a thing' is the 
general snap-judgment rating of 
local film critics here by exhibitors 
and those close to that end of the 
biz. It is a theory adaptable to ptac- 
tically every key city and not pe- 
culiar to the Hub, in the opinion 
of the box office boys who are in 
line to feel the effect of rave and 
adverse criticisms of their screen 
fare. 

Thoroughly implanted in the 
minds of exhibs there is the convic- 
tion that pix are made or broken in 
the minds of film fans well in ad- 
vance of their openings, and that in 
almost every case the seat-buyers 
will come to view a picture they 
have previously concluded is worth 
seeing. Advance blurbs from the 
Coast before or during production 
wise up the customers in advance. 
A local review isn't going to sway 
more than a handful according to 
managers here. 

Some exhibs feel that a detri- 
mental review of a second rate film 
will hurt somewhat; but that a neg- 
ative review of a flicker with b. o. 
pull has negligible effect. 

As every visiting p. a. knows, Bos- 
ton is a pushover, if a fair amount 
of advertising is planted with the 
readers, puffs and pictorials. A blind 
man can see that there is some 
•understanding' between -the re- 
viewers and their respective busi- 
ness offices. The length of reviews 
often vary with the amount of paid 
space on the same page; and when 
crix step too far out of line the 
business office sends down a memo 
that isn't disregarded. 

Vicious writing is decidedly the 
exception here and leniency the 
rule. 

Rating 'Em 

Most rugged individualist is 
Elinor Hughes of the Herald who 
can't resist stepping 'out of line' 
occasionally to lash a limp one. The 
Herald circulation is next to lowest 
ill lown, and more of a class sheet 
than other morning papers. Because 
i Miss Hughes writes the style of rer 
! view that Beacon Hill and Back Bay 
i would be likely to read, it can be 
I assumed that she has a high percent- 
i age of reader following. It is highly 
I questionable that her criticisms have 
' any telling effect on box offices, ex- 
cept on a few highbrow pix. 

On the other hand, Joyce Dana 
and Ed Harkins (Don Ward) have 
the biggest circulation through the 
tabloid iRecord, whose readers are 
mainly filmgoers. The effect of these 
writings is greatly discounted by ex- 
lii!» who opine that only a small 



percentage of tab readeirs bother 
with the reviews, since th^ ads give 
them the necessary thumbhail flash, 
and they have formed ^advance 
opinions anyway. S 

Prunella Hall of the Post\ (with 
second largest circulation) certainly 
has a fan following through v^er 
gossip and question-and-answ^r 
column. Her fan mail is tangible 
evidence of a good Solid following. 
On the basis that the Post success- 
fully straddles the low and highbrow 
banks and shoots the middle-class 
groove, Miss Hall is credited by 
several exhibs with having most in- 
fluence, 

Helen Eager of the Traveler and 
Peggy Doyle of the American both 
have big circulation and give much 
emphasis to the film end on their 
pages. Miss Doyle has the edge of 
about 60,000 on circulation, but Miss 
Eager is more firmly established 
here through longer service, so it's 
anybody's guess between these two. 
That both have a legion of loyal 
readers is undoubted; but on the 
biasic theory their influence on the 
b. o. is slight. 

Since the Globe film reviewers 
(Marjorie Adams and Cy Durgin) 
write anonymously, they can hardly 
be credited with any influence as in- 
dividuals, although a circulation of 
about 300,000 for morning and eve- 
ning editions combined would guar- 
antee a sizable block of Boston and 
New England readers for the Globe 
page. 

Mordaunt Hall of the Transcript, 
with smallest circulation, (less than 
50,000) is a relative newcomer, 
aiming at a top stratum of reader- 
ship primarily interested in legit and 
concert. 



It's a Standoff In St. Loo 

St. Louis, July 20. 
Local pix crix have their following 
but operators say that while favor- 
able reviews stimulate b.o. activities 
unfavorable ones don't particularly 
hurt good pix. A feature in point is 
'San Francisco.' When it opened at 
Loew's the Post-Dispatch, town's 
largest rag, panned it. Other re- 
viewers liked it. When 'San Fran- 
cisco' became a h.o. the Post-Dis- 
patch again rapped it. But the 
Metro pic played for foiu- weeks to 
fine biz. 

The natives here generally follow 
the reigning screen stars and re- 
gardless of the reviews lay it on 
the line to see their faves. Thus at 
Loew's, with its galaxy of M-G stars, 
the same faces can be seen every 
week regardless of the program and 
newspaper comments. The same holds 
true at other deluxers and nabes. 

Herbert Monk, who does film re- 
views and covers the legit shows as 
well for the St. Louig Globe-Demo- 
crat, town's only a.m. rag, is fre- 
quently asked by telephone callers 
for his advice on a screen feature 
that is appearing at one of the nabes. 
He occasionally receives letters, gen- 
erally from femmes, in which the 
writers agree with his favorable re- 
views or disagree with his unfavor- 
able ones. Some take the trouble 
to point out where, in their opinion, 
he is in error. 

The same experience has befallen 
Colvin McPherson of the St. Louis 
Post-Dispatch, a Pulitzer publica- 
tion! In addition to receiving letters 
and phone calls McPherson has been 
invited and has accepted invitations 
to address civic bodies on questions 
of the stage and screen. 

Homer Bassford and Reed Hynes, 
film and legit reviewers of the Star 
Times, also have a certain following 
that occasionally asks for advice on 
the fitness of a pix appearing at a 
nabe. Like Monk and McPherson, 
Bassford and Hynes also are re- 
cipients of letters agreeing on dis- 
agreeing with their reviews. 

Each local sheet has a film page 
in which pix and feature stories, as 
well as local yarns, are used several 
times a week, and natives have little 
difficulty in making up their minds 
on the star and pix they want to see 
regardless of crix' comments. 

0>pei-ators, however, are quick to 
seize upon favorable reviews for 
b.o. purposes and when crix of all 
rags are unanimous in agreeing that 
pix should be seen, excerpts of their 
comments are used in theatre's reg- 
ular ads. Occasionally when crix 
rap a program, operators wait until 
figures for week are complete to 
mention that the reviewer missed 
in calling a shot. But all is done 
good-naturedly in this town and no 
one harbors a grudge. 



ROLAND IN SPANISHER 

Hollywood, July 20. 
Gilbert Roland goes into the lead 
of 'La Vida Bohemia,' Cantabria 
Films film to be produced by Jaime 
del Amo with Josef Sterne co-pro- 
ducer. 

Rosita Diaz plays opposite. 



PhOly Exchanges Brotherly Love 
Technique Setdes U-WB Sitdowns 



Tieup 



Los Angeles, July 20. 
The day that the Soviet fliers 
landed' near Riverside, Calit| 
Grand International theatre, 
downtown house, announced 
this week a feature would be 
'The Last Night,' pic dealing 
with Moscow the night before 
the November, 1017, revolu- 
tion. 

House had . beien running 
'Forever Yours' (Beniamino 
Gigli), but yanked it for Rus- 
sian feature aa soon' as the 
fliers were reported inside 
California. 



B'WAYCAPITOL 
FACE-LIFT, 1ST 
IN 20 YRS. 



Two big Broadway first runs will 
be temporarily shut down, t>ne of 
them, the Capitol, for the first time 
in its operation of nearly 20 years. 
The other house, the Rivoli, which 
goes dark today (Wed.) after a five- 
week run of 'Slave Ship,' has had 
difficulty in finding a picturi! but in 
former years has shuttered foe a few 
weeks or a month. 

Plans for the Capitol are to close 
it down after the engagement of 
'Saratoga,' which opens tomorrow 
(Thurs.), but only long enough to 
put up a new front and remodel 
the house, Including some reseating. 
None pf the other Broadway theatres 
are closing or has in the past. 

Riv will be bolted until about the 
middle of August when it is expected 
a picture will be set. While nego- 
tiations are now on for a reopener, 
no deals are yet closed. 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Fox West Coast Theatres will spend 
approximately $500,000 rehabilitat- 
ing its theatres and erecting new 
houses in Southern California dur- 
ing the next six months. 

New houses will be erected In 
Westwood Village, Los Angeles and 
Redondo Beach. 



Nite Baseball Starts 
To Hurt in Columbus 



Columbus, July 20. 
Columbus theatres got a taste of 
b, o. blues as brought on by night 
baseball for the first time last week. 

Hhe Columbus Red Birds* new pol- 
icy this year of all night games ex- 
cept Saturday, Sunday and Monday 
left the showhouses unscathed as the 
team .floundered early in the season, 
but with the team's recent spurt to 
fli'st place, fans here are again flock- 
ing to the ball park, leaving a notice- 
able dent in night theatre attend- 
ance. 

Most competition theatres have 
had in some years came last Wednes- 
day (14 > when ball game packed in 
11,000, Ringling Bros. .& Barnum & 
Bailey Circus drew nearly lff,000 and 
fireworks display for Rainbow Di- 
vision convention brought out sev- 
eral thousand more. 



Verne Cady and Johnny Malloy, 
sign painters at the Palace theatre, 
were recent winners in a snapshot 
contest conducted by The Columbus 
Citizen, both submitting pictures of 
Manager Harry Schreiber's baby. 

Pi-Ize.s were a pair of tickets to 
the Palace. 



Freeman, Netter to N. W. 

Again delayed on a takeoff, Y. 
Frank Freeman and Leon Netter, Par 
theatre bosses, will now leave for 
Chicago and Minneapolis some time 
next week. 

They are going out to check in on 
local operating matters and discuss 
policies, problems, etc., with B. & K. 
in Chicago, as well as with John J. 
Friedl and L, J. Ludwig, Par's op- 
erators in the northwest, being gone 
proljably a week or 10 days. 



Philadelphia, July 20. 

Universal exchange tried a tech- 
nique entirely new to labor disputes 
to settle sit-down strike of 12 of its 
office employes. The 11 femme and 
one male ClOer were invited to din- 
her at the Broadwood hotel last 
TTuesday night to talk things over. 
Company offered raises of $5, but re- 
fused to recognize the union. 

Strikers accepted the meal, but not 
the terms. They decided instead 
that next morning the gals should 
picket in bathing suits. Wind of the 
stunt reached papers, and bright and 
early next morning flock of lensera 
from dallies and services appeared, 
itching to shoot the works. But the 
femmes got icy tootsies and backed 
down at the crucial moment. * 

Later the same day, the strike was 
settled on provision that Labor Re- 
lations Board take a poll, and if CIO 
Office and Professional Workers' 
has majority, company will recognize 
it. Five-dollar promised raises also 
handed out. 

Warner exchange, which had one- 
day sitdown, also attempted to kill it 
with kindess. Doors were left open 
for employes to come and go as they 
wished, friends visited them, and 
when several gals showed signs of 
weakening about midnight, they 
were sent home in cabs at company's 
expense. The Warner settlement 
was similar to Universal's, 



SHOWMAN ROBBED OF 
lOG JEWELRY IN PHILA. 

Philadelphia, July 20. 

Thieves looted home of Barney 
Mltofsky here of almost $10,000 
worth of jewelry, silverware and 
diamonds Saturday (17). Mitofsky 
is a pioneer in film industry, having 
established the first house In Philly. 
Erected in 1906, it was known as 
Dazzleland. 

Part of the loot was a blue, oval- 
.shaped, star sapphire platinum ring 
with seven large diamonds, which 
belonged to, Mrs. Edith Rockefeller 
McCormick. Since his retirement 
six years ago, Mitofsky has collected 
jewelry as a hobby. 



PUUy W6 Manager Held 
On $628 Theft; Horses 

Philadelphia, July 20. 

Abraham D. Sunberg, 38, manager 
of Warners' Keystone theatre here, 
was held in $1,000 bail Friday (16) 
for 'borrowing' $628 of the com- 
pany's money, 

'I didn't really steal the money,* 
Sunberg told Magistrate Medway, 'I 
just borrowed it because I'd lost so 
much on the horses, I even called 
up the theatre and told them I bor- 
rowed it, I tried a comeback in a 
lot of towns, but 1 just didn't have 
any luck, I'm sorry now.' 

Sunberg said that for a Week he 
traveled up and down the Atlantic 
Coast seeking a chance to recoup his 
losses either at a crap table or oh 
the horses. The trip cost him all he 
had left. 

Following the luckless tour, Sun- 
berg returned to his home and gave 
himself up. He was manager of the 
Keystone for three years. He has a 
wife and small child. 



Seipel Led the Rest 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Harry Seipel Was returned win- 
ner in the second quarter of Fox- 
West Coast's better business drive. 
Dick Dickson was second and B. V. 
Sturdivant third, other prize cap- 
turers being Homer Gill, George 
Bowser, Nick Turner, Dick Spier, 
Will Steege and Cullen Espy. 

Among the theatre managcr.% 
winners, included Herman Kersken, 
Fox, San Francisco; Dan McLean, El 
Capitan, S, F.; Tom Sorioro, United 
Artists, L. A.; J. D. Graham, Fox, 
Salinas; M. Trumpowcr, Beverly, 
Beverly Hills, and Don Austin. Glen 
City, Santa Paula, 



BEATRICE (NEB.) NIXES SUN. 

Lincoln, Neb,. July 20. 

Beatrice (Neb.) fight to legalize 
Sunday picture shows ended in a 
tie with 1,553 votes on each side, 
which means seven-day openin,^s not 
adopted. Previously coimt was 1,525 
for and 1,512 against, with 67 mail 
ballots to count. 

Strong possibilily votes may b» 
contested. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 




Buddingtoh Kelland, with a song in his 
heart and nothing in his head but love! 

With Radioes Sensational Singing Favorite 




< 

I" 

I; 
i' 

h 



/ . ;iim«irs to hp tarred into ticket"' ^ 
\^ {)^^n, 



FRANK McHUGH . ALICE BRADY 
GERTRUDE MICHAEL . JANE WYMAN 

Directed by Alfred E. Green • Screen Play by William Wister 
Haines and Elaine Ryan • 4 Swell New Hits by Warren and Dubin 

Another Big MERVYN LEROY PRODUCTION from WARNER BROS! 




Wednesday* July 21, 1937 



VARIETY 



29 



EXPLOITATION 



« ■ 



By Epes W. Sari;eiit 



Cowing the Public 

Omsiha. 

One of those ieyr and far between 
exploitation opportunities offered it- 
self to Eddie Forrester, Omaha thea- 
tre chief, and he cashed in on It. 
Manager ' has long had ^ ^me on 
Oueenie; trained cow, but suitable. 
•He-up wasn't available. When' Moun- 
tain Music' was booked • Into his 
house he put Queenie and her owner 
to work' ballylhooing the town. 
: Forrester brought bossy and own- 
er DeLoss Wilke, in from Kearney 
for a two-day gag, before pix open- 
ing Began with bfeneflt for kids of 
Father Flanagan's Boys Home and 
then took Queenie around town via 
truck and put her through routine, 
in front of the theatre couple times 
daily Some of cow's tricks include 
balancing on teeter-board, wearing 
glasses, smokinff pipe, walking a 
turntable. : v ^ u , 

Stunt was good enough to break 
art iiri both dailies- simultaneously 
along with column of news. Fox 
Jjews figured it big enough to send 
camera from K. C. for some shots 
for Lew Lehr's department. Pre- 
voiusly, Queenie broke into Life, and 
more recently into the Coronation 
edition oi ft London paper, Cur- 
rently gaining publicity as far away 

as Italy. _ . . . , 

Working for 'Mountain Music' 
Queenie was carted about town in a 
bannered truck besides wearing a 
sign^on her own back. Her fondness 
for ginger snaps, lor which she al- 
most begs, made a tie-up with local 
cookie company a snap. 

Cracked the Column 

Lancaster, Pa. 

With local dailies tough to crack, 
Lou Bolander, Colonial, inde, man- 
ager went on the search for the 
tender spot iiv(hen he started to sell 
'Captains Courageous.' 

Working from the standpoint or 
the strong emotional angle, he con- 
tacted head of local T. B. Society 
and arranged for a preview showmg 
for inmates of Rossmere Sanatorium, 
county maintain^ lunger institution. 

Gag involved going offi the deep 
end on straight speculation, but by 
selling- the paper on a feature story 
on reactions of patients who haven't 
seen a full length picture in years, 
he cracked the sheet for a four col- 
umn cut and a column and a half 
story. Paper wouldn't run play date 
or. ottier publicity in the story, but 
Bolander succeeded in getting them 
to break the story to the theatre 
page. 

Ship float oh the street with cut- 
outs froim 24 sheet pasted on ch^se- 
cloth sails took care of the street 
end of the campaign, and was good 
for a front page newspaper gag, 
Bolander had the boat assembled in 
sign shop lor inspection and con- 
ceived the idea on the spot. He 
called the paper and put his sign 
shop artist on . the spot for building 
a boat.rinside and then not being 
able to get it throu^ the dopr. 
Sheet fell for the story and gave 
it page one. 

Twin Clock 

Camden, N. J. 

Not by any means dynamite, but 
Burely a good-will getter, is a recent 
addition to the box-office fixtures 
of the Broadway theatre, local pic 
house. Joseph J. Kelly, manager of 
the center-city theatre, fairly beams 
■when he tells of the favor that has 
greeted the new installation. 

On a metal plate, about nine by 
twelve inches, two clocks are set in. 
One timepiece conveys the correct 
time, while the time on the second 
clock is about two hours late. Above 
the first clock is the legend 'The 
time is now.' and over the second 
'You will be out.' In short, the 
ticket-purchaser knows at a glance 
(the twin clocks are suspended from 
the glass front of the cashier's cage, 
and faces the public) not only at 
Jvhat time he is entering, but when 
he will be exiting. 



Fine M-G Job 

Metro's year book for the opening- 
season is a radical departure from 
the gaudy publications of yesteryear. 
Except for a finely printed front 
cover (duplicated on the back) onily 
red and black are used, with an in- 
telligent application of tint blocks, 
and selling is . done through the 
printed word rather than through 
lithography. 

It is a far better sales argument 
and gives the exhibitor in compact 
form all he needs to know about the 
coming product. And does it in a 
handily-sized booklet that does not 
require the recipient to go down in 
the bill room to find space in which 
to open it up. 

Banking Gas 

Indiattapolis. 
Inspired by the heavy biz of bank 
nights at movie houses, locally 
owned gasoline companies are using 
same angles to peddle petrol. Prizes 
ranging up to $100 are given weekly 
to those with the lucky license 
plates.:/ 

Motorist imust. register each week 
oy purcha;sitig gasoline to be eligible. 
Wumbecs are taken, from state li- 
cense list and^isplayed in stations. 
»* your numbfei: is iip, you collect. 



Neighborly 

• It was 20 years or more ago that 
some picture theatre conceived the 
idea of sending a note of welcome 
and a ticket to the show to all who 

moved into the territory, obtaining 
the names from local tradesmen, the 
chamber of commerce and other re- 
sburces. 

Lately the idea has been permitted 
to drop, but Quincy,- Mass., has 
picked it up in a big way. Last year 
2,400 recent arrivals were presented 
with 'Welcome Packets' which con- 
sisted of 20 or more cards, each good 
for some courtesy. The Quincy, 
Alhambra and Strand theatres of- 
fered free admission tp any of its 
theatres, and the Boston Americans 
offered free delivery of the paper for 
a week, A local sheet, would take a 
classified ad without chaifge and a 
jeweler offered an alarm • clock. 
Other offers ranged • f roiin the f riee 
laundering of four shirts or three 
tablecloths to a box of face^owder. 

Idea is promoted by the .Chamber 
of Commerce, but nothing . to start 
any theatre from inaugurating the 
movement locally. . . . 

Real Souvenir ... 

R. K. O. eomes through with the' 
whistle throttle tied down in its con- 
vention issue of Flash, the I(adio 
house organ. Instead of a- lot of 
blatant guff about a whale Of ' a con- 
vention it was, it proves the point 
with a wholly pictorial issue, ■ in- 
cluding a four-page spread (folded 
in), of the entire group of conven- 
tioneers, followed by 42 pages of 
mostly solid cuts ranging from 
candid camera shots to carefully 

Kosed photographs of all the major 
appenings. 

It forms a souvenir that -will not 
only be priceless to those who took 
part, but which will hold the in- 
terest of the general trade reader. 
It does not ignore proper plugs for 
R. K. O. product^ but it sugar-coats 
thenx with flneljr printed photo re- 
productions. It is tops for effective 
work, 

Boston's Marine' 

Boston. 

For the Metropolitan's engagement 
of 'Singing Marine,' several highly 
effective tieups were made to exploit 
the feature. 

Filene's department store allowed 
a display to be placed in one of its 
windows, . with copy plugging the 
pictures, stars, and date. A tieup 
was made with the local Marine de- 
tachments, which paraded from 
South Station to the theatre on open- 
ing day, and letters urging all uni- 
formed men to see the film were 
placed on bulletin boards in military 
camps. The letters were signed by 
the commanding officer stationed at 
Charlestown. Other tieups were 
made with local radio, music and 
haberdashery stores in the city. 



Theatre Changes 



Charlotte, N. C, 
The Princess, Marshall, undergoing 
extensive repairs under Bob Guts- 
chalk, formerly of Bryson City, who 
has just taken over operation of the 
house. 



Philadelphia. 
Jack Skillman and Glenn Norris 
do a vice-versa for 20th Century- 
Fox. Skillman comes to Philip of- 
fice from Washington. Norris goes 
to Washington from Philly. 

New Orleans. 
Fire destroyed the Castleman the- 
ater at Waterproof, La., near here. 
Damage estimated close to $5,000. 

Pensacola, Fla. 
Within two weeks Saenger starts 
building third theatre in this city. 
New house will be on site of former 
department store. This will be the 
No. 2 house. Saenger the No. 1, 
Isis the No. 3. This gives Pensacola 
five picture houses, not including the 
pictures shown nightly at the Naval 
Air Station. 

Philadelphia. 
The new Dewey, South Philly, 
skedded to light up about July 30. 
The Belgrade, fully rebuilt, opened 
July 20 under management of 
Charley Cox. Charley Godflne to 
build a new house in Falls of Schuyl- 
kill. Charley Klang and Bill Humph- 
ries will take over operation of 
P. O. S. of A. Hall, Berwick, Pa,, 
Sept. 1. 

Memphis. 
Sale of the Linden Circle theatre 
to M. A. Lightman and associates for 
approximately $60,000 was recently 
announced. 



Akron, O. 
Harvey Cocks, for three years 
manager of Warner Bros. Strand the- 
atre here, has resigned to become 
manager of the Quimby theatres at 
Ft. Wa.yne, Ind. James Hadley, asst. 
to Cocks, his successor. 

Little Rock, Ark. 
Two new theatres, representing an 
investment of $190,000, will be built 
here soon, according to an announce- 
ment last week by E. H. RoWley of 
the Arkansas Amusement Corpora- 
tion. 



Par's For-Reyenue-Oiity 
idea High' Preem 



Even Paramount's own executives 
and lesser bosses, plus those of other 
companies, who want to see the 
premiere tonight' (Wed.) of 'High, 
Wide and Handsome' at the Astor, 
N. Y., are going to do it on a cash 
basis. Policy adopted by Par in 
opening the picture is that none but 
the. press is getting in on the cuff 
and even this list has been sharply 
trimmed. Only 64 pairs are being 
given .to newspaper people, a prob- 
able new low for Oakleys on any 
kind of opening. 

In addition to top Par execs who 
are paying, Mrs. Adolph. Zukor is 
among those coughing up. 



Si.C. REVEALS MORE 
AMUS. STOX DEAUNGS 



Washingtqn, July 20. 

Another series of in-and-out trans- 
actions in Paramount debentures by 
Stanton Griffls, via Hemphill, Noyes 
& Co., was undraped today (Tues- 
day) by the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. Other stock deals by 
film insiders came to light simul- 
taneously. 

Furious Par trading kept on 
through May, the S. E. C. semi- 
monthly recapitulalton showed, with 
the film company director winding 
up $32,000 ahead of the game. He 
dealt solely in 3%% . debentures 
(1947 series). 

In 13 batches, Griffls's brokerage 
house picked UP $199,000 worth of 
bonds and unloaded, in. the same 
number of transactions,. $231,000 
worth. This cut the firm's nei. hold- 
ing of debentures to $58,000. 

Only other Par deals by ground- 
floor occupants involved di^,Qgal. of 
1,000 shares of second prefirrc9%y: 
A. Conger Goodyear, who sliced his 
holdings in half. 

Strengthening of Loew|s grip on 
Loew's Boston Theatres, Inc., ,wa3 
shown in the report. Listed as oc-> 
curring via 'bequest or inheritance,' 
movement of 12,503 cpminon over 
19-month interval was shown. Over 
100 separate shifts were recorded, 
many involving only a solitary share, 
with 915 tickets the biggest bundle. 
Best picking cfame in February,- 1936, 
when 1,679 shares were garnered in 
ten lots.' 

Only other dealing in picture 
paper revealed in the statement was 
in Translux stock early last year. 
S. E. C, summary showed George 
H. Eichelberger, director, sliced, his 
holdings from 1 ,.000 shares of com*- 
mon to 300 and . then picked up an- 
other 800, coming out ahead of his 
starting-point. Deals were in Octo- 
ber and November, 1935, and Feb- 
ruary and April, 1936. 

Other film disclosures were: 

B. A. Barrow and Norman C. 
Nicholson, both TJew Yorkers, have 
no financial investment in Educa- 
tional Pictures, of which they are 
directors, while John R. Munn, an- 
other occupant of a board seat, rep- 
resents 10 warrants for common. 

Albert F. Schwartz, New York, has 
no stake in Pathe, but Charles B. 
Wiggin, one of the directors, stands 
for one piece of common. Joseph 
H. Hazen, new Warner Bros, di- 
rector, accounts for 500 common. 



Sylvan Simon's Step-Up 

Hollywood, July 20! 

Universal has promoted Sylvan 
Simon from test director to full • di- 
rector status. 

No assignment has been handed 
him yet. 



Broad A'ing It 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Emanuel Cohen has had Stella 
Adler's name changed for pictures 
to Stella Ardler. New York actress 
is the femnie lead in 'Lovie on 
Toast' lor Major Productions. 



NIPPONESE FIX MEDIATOR 

Hollywood, July 20. 

Morton E. Feler, for the past dec- 
ade comptroller for the United Art- 
1 ists Theatres of California, has re- 
signed that post due to his appoint- 
ment as U. S. trustee for the Inter- 
national Cinema Association of 
Japan. 

Establishing headquarters in Bev- 
erly Hills, Feler, in his new capacity, 
will foster better understanding be- 
tween American and Nipponese pic- 
ture producers. 



Appeals Court Reverses Bill Hart's 
UA Victory; 'Block Booking' Angle 



Verdict of the N. Y. supreme court 
in, awarding $85,000 damages, plus 
interest and costs, to William S. 
Hart for alleged violation of con- 
tract by United Artists was reversed 
and a new trial ordered last Friday 
(16) by the Appellate Division. 
Basis of the opinion was that insuf- 
ficient evidence had been presented 
to sustain the jury verdict. Second 
ground of opinion was that the trial 
court submitted an improper rule of 
damages. All five of the sitting 
judges concurred in the opinion, 
which was written by Justice Joseph 
M. Callahan, Arthur P. Driscoll, of 
O'Brien, Driscoll & Raftery, was at- 
torney for UA. 

Whether Hart, as plaintiff, will 
bring the suit to trial again or drop 
the action . is in the air. Vet cow- 
boy star's attorney, Frederick Hem- 
ley, of Housed Grossman, Vorhaus Sc 
Hemley, is out Of town on a month's 
vacation and none of the other mem- 
bers of the firm would offer a pre- 
diction until Hemley's return. 

Basis of the suit was a contract 
between UA ^nd William S. Hart for 
release of the latter^s film*, 'Tumble- 
weeds,' produced by Hart in 1925, 
with himself starred. Actor brought 
suit in 1931 and it came to trial in 
April, 1936, before Judge Philip J. 
McCook, in N. Y. supreme court. 
Besides the $85,000' damages, the jury 
awarded Hart interest and costs 
amounting to $1,759. Suit had asked 
$500,000. 

According to the suit, production 
of 'Tumbleweeds' cost Hart $600,000 
and his contract with UA set a 
'quota' for the film at $800,000.. Bjr 
'block booking' the pic with Various 
others' of inferior quality, Hart 
'^Jiarged, UA violated the contract 
and forced him out of the film in- 
dustry. 

'Tumbleweeds' grossed approxi- 
mately $346,000 on 11,360 deals for 
its -exhibition. Of this income, 65% 
went to Hart. Pic had more sales 
deals than any other being dis- 
tributed by UA during the same 
period but one, but the gross income 
from.m.any others, including ones by 
Chaplin, Pickford, Fairbanks and 
Valentino, was much greater. 

Included in the group being sold 



by.UA at the same time it was sell- 
ing 'Tumbleweeds',. was 'Wild Jus- 
tice,' which starred ah tmknown dog 
andv which was conceded by. .both 
parties to have smaller sales value 
than any of the other pix. 'Wild 
Justice,' which had cost between 
$15,000 and $30,000, grossed approxi- 
mately $190,000 from 9,834 contracts. 

Suit contended there was 'block 
booking' of the two pix and that as 
a result, 'Tumbleweeds' grossed less 
than It might, while 'Wild JusUce' 
was upped in receipts. Hart's con- 
tract with UA called for distrib to 
'use its best efforts to make the re- 
turn from 'Tumbleweeds' as large 
as possible consistent with good 
business practices and was to lease 
the pictui'e separate and distinct 
frprii any other motion picture." 

As evidence of . 'block booking,' 
Hart submitted contracts in 224 cases. 
In 149 of those, contracts for 'Tum- 
bleweeds' and 'Wild Justice' were 
signed by exhibs on the same date 
and for the same .price. Remaining 
instances were those in which nota- 
tions on the contracts 'might indi- 
cate that the sale of 'Tumbleweeds* 
was contingent oii the acceptance of 
contracts for other pictures.' 



French 'Golem' Dubbed 
Into Yiddish for Nabes 



'Golem,' Czech film based on the 
Jewi.sh legend, was partially dubbed 
into Yiddish in New York last week. 
Film, although produced in Prague, 
is entirely in French and the Amer- 
ican distribs, Metropolis Films, fig- 
ured it for bigger returns if at least' 
the distinctly Yiddish portions, were 
spoken in that language. 

Rabbi and other Jewish cjfi&racters 
and scenes only were dubbed, with 
the greater portion of the flln\ stay- 
ing as is. Prolog, printed in Ehglish 
on the film, . is also now spoken in 
Yiddish. Metropolis figures the 
move will make it a .naf^ral for 
Yiddish nabes which, normally, 
would not go for French languAga 
films. 



.tMHHWMiiHimtiwiiiiriiiHtiniiriiitiTTiMiiniiiiiniiimimiinmlimiltftlliiiliiiitMMriltuHiiMiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiliiMiHiilliilHiiiiiiniMtMulHtHtH^ 

l^tMiiiiitHjriiiiniiiiiiiiiiiHi uHiiMiiiiliiiiiiiiHiniittiiilnilMiMiiiiiutlMiliililiilMiMniiMitinnlHrtlilniihmioiionMitiiiulniiiiiilMiiiiiiniliiiminliMHillMlMHIiiuMlillMiUll 

li New York Theatres 

11 

7. 7MiiHniiHiiiiiMMMiHiiiihiiiiiMiiiiHii(iiiilinniiHiiiiiliiirfliiiilHluiiuiiiiiinnnili(iitiMiiriHiiiii(MiiiMitiiinMiittiii 

liMII|MimilHnMIIIIMMHIjlllHhllMllHIIMIMMIIIIIII|l|llllllMlllltrlllMlimiinlmullHHnltlnilHinitlllll|llllnillMHni||l(IMIIMUllHHll^ 




PARAMOUNT.^'. 1 


T CAPITOL)*^ 


MaoMVRRAT 
France* 
X* ABACK K 

Chnrlie 
HUGOr/iSH 

"Exclusive" 


m PERSON 1 

Mai Hallett j 

and Band I. 

HATi 1 
LEROY || 


B fUtartlMK VhurMlay (JTaly ill}) 1 

■ Clark GabU and Jaan Harlow . fl 

■ Im Her I>ait Melaro ■ 

1^ "SARATOGA" J 






MUSIC HALL 

"TOAST OF 
NEW YORK'' 

Spectacular Stag* Produetient 


rUSTATElr*— « 


^■#1 XODAY 

^1 1 HARX BltOXHKKS In 

Nil "A Day at the Races'' 

■M^l Benny BaTia and Oaay 

^P'l StavUnff Thwadar 
W 1 'MARRIED ■iFoReiREAkrAsr 
with FlKiMt RIet 




■ • "A.I Cintm* EaUrlaiiiMMt"— Ntwt 

■"THEY WON'T FQRGET" whh 

lci«M<« Rtint • OlM-la Dlikioii • liwwi fiotrttM 

1 AIR-CONDITIONED — B'way ind 47th BtrttI 
iDtin Man S:30 A.M. — MIDNIGHT SHOW 


7th At. * »Mli M, 

R ox Y 

AM. OC* XO 
SBATB*-'* 1 r.M. 


"WEE WILLIE 
WINKIE" 

wUh Hhlrley T«mple 
and Viator MelAsIeii 

Ob the Stag* 
3 Swlttn 
and others 



Mono Setting 'Flight' 

Hollywood, July 20, 
Monogram has picked Frank Clark 
to do special stunt flying for 'Atlan- 
tic Flight' and Paul M^nXz to handle 
technical direction. 

Abe Meyer is doing musical direc- 
tion and scoring. 



"MIDNIGHT 
MADONNA" 

A Paramount Tlcture with 
WAhkKN « MADY a KDWARB 

CAtr (ViiidltloneJ 
RITERION 2;n.%t?* 
jttiawiciit .siiowA— .'!.'>« t» 1 r.M. 



30 



VARIETY 



I^ICTURES 



Wed^e8day, July 21, 1937 



ADVANCE 1 16MM. FIELD AUGURS SOME 
1,800 DARK HOUSES MAY BE REUGHTED 



Small-Gauge Equipment Now Deemed Practical for 
400-800 Capacity Cinemas — Many of Such Type 
Now Closed— Distribs May Have New Revenue 



strides taken in" 16-millimeter 
field in the last 10 months . make 
adaptation ot smaller gauge equip- 
ment and .film in theatres of 400 to 
80p-$eat capacity not only feasible 
but an economic possibility. 
■ Major producers, who would re- 
duce their regular -features in 35 mm. 
to 16 mm. in carrying out any pro- 
gram, would have to agree to re- 
lease their i^egular schedule or at 
least the greatest part of it in 16 
mm. to make the alignment a reality. 
Biggest thing standing in the way of 
this is the requisite amount of mis- 
sionary work to show logic, saving 
and increased revenue expected to 
«cdrue from the plani 

'the fact that outlined advantages 
Incorporate a saving in printing, 
negative cost and shipping, and would 
add thousands of year-roxmd ex- 
hibitors, are the present angles that 
Intrigue prpducer-distributor com- 
panies. Besides these benefits, the 
16-mm. lineup ' includes other ad- 
vantages, including (1) elimination 
of projection booths as now built, (2) 
doing away with all fire hazard, 
and (3) making available old store- 
room and bid-type shuttered theatre 
.with , this equipment. 

Addition of more exhibitors served 
regularly and the saving in printing 
and other cost items just now in- 
terest the industry. 
. The stock .used for 16 mm. sub- 
jects is non-infiammable. l^pugh it 
costs, slightly -more than 35 mm., 
there is healthy saving because less 
footage is Tequired. Thus, 400 feet 
of 16 mm. is equivalent to 1,000 feet 
of regular 35 mm. stock, besides 
being half the width. Means com- 
parable reduction in all lab work, 
economy in shipping, etc. 

Reopening of closed theatres, be- 
lieved the vital angle in the 16 mm. 
project, means something to .pro- 
ducer-distributor firms. Of the 16,000 
picture houses, 3,000 now are listed 
as being shuttered. And of these, 
approximately 2,000 lack sound pic- 
ture, facilities. It only 60% of these 
can be reopened via 16 mm., it's 
figured that around 1,800 new ac- 
counts would be available to dis- 
tributors at the outset. 

Some believe . this number might 
be increased by nearly 1,000 more 
because the biggest expenditure for 
potential new exhibs would be the 
item for 16-mm. talking equipment, 
- some of whom probably • would be 
traveling exhibitors showing in dif- 
ferent towns several nights per week. 

Setup is applicable only to thea 
tres with small seating capacity be- 
cause of limitations of light throw 
and sound. Experts say that it 
should be limited to houses with 
800 seats or less. Recent check 
showed that U. S. now has nearly 
10,000 houses with a seating capacity 
of 1,000 or less, with the average 
seating capacity for nation 600, 
With more than 5,000 theatres figured 
to have 800 seats or less, industry 
leaders realize that the bulk of them 
are satisfied with the present sound 
equipment and methods. Only a 
small percentage of those now using 
talking films thus would swing over 
to 16 mm. for the time being at 
least. 

New refinements in small gauge 
field provide equipment throwing an 
image 7 by 10 feet in size on the 
screen that compares favorably with 
the 15 by 20 image of 35 mm. 
Special lenses make 70-foot throw 
possible for cheaper equipment. This 
type is said to be best suited for 
400-seaters. 

Costlier equipment has been tested 
successfully in auditoriums seating 
1,500. Cost of 16 mm. equipment 
ranges from $400 to $1,500, which is 
not materially lower than some 35 
mm. projection machines. Saving is 
elsewhere as outlined. 

Some picture veterans fear that 
the fine photography of A-1 features 
would be dwarfed or spoiled with 
16 mm. projection. However, com- 
panies which have been using this 
sfze film have found no fault. This 
is probably because the ordinary 35 
mm. film is reduced down to 16 mm. 
size, making each frame and its ma- 
terial that much sharper. In the 
past, 16 mm. experts report they en- 
countered some trouble in getting 
high frequencies in sound because 



of only 36 feet of 16 mm, film go 
through projector per minute, as 
compared with 90 feet per 60 seconds 
for 35 mm. This minor fiaw has 
been virtually eliminated. 



Fasslo's Esohance ISta, 

Chicago, July 20. 
Motion picture distribution right 
into the public's home on a 5-and-lO 
store basis is being readied by a new 
firm known as Movie* Film - Ex- 
changes, under the directpn of B, C. 
Fassio, midwest independent picture 
produfcer.- Under Fassio's setup, 
owners of home film projectors wiU 
be able to rent regular single and 
two-reel pictures on 16 mm. at $1 
per day. These pictures will be 
regular features, produced in Detroit 
and Chicago studios for strictly home 
projection. 

Physical distribution of the prints 
to the public will be handled pri- 
marily through drug stores and 
camera shops in cities throughout 
the nation. Glidden, Murphy & Wile 
Co., here, merchandizers, handling 
the setup to secure the proper key 
stores in all towns and neighbor- 
boods. 

Fassio has set up a schedule of 52 
pictures a year. Will use stories, 
news features and special events. 
First release is scheduled to be 'The 
Mad Sculptor,' a two-reeler, depict- 
ing the *mad artist' murders in New 
York, his escape, and capture. 

Others will be two-reel comedies; 
a story of the strike situation from 
an individual's point of view, the 
'Romance of the Century' (Windsor- 
Wallis), etc. 

They will be silent pictures for 
at least the first year, photographed 
first on 35 mm. and then reduced to 
16 mm. Also a likelihood of some 
releases being made to include 8 mm. 
stuff for the smallest projectors. 



Now Baseball's Giving 
Away an Automobile 



Atlanta, July 20. 

Local theatre owners are wonder- 
ing 'how come?' following Atlanta's 
BB Club's giveaway of an automobile 
as feature of doubleheader Sun- 
day (18). 

Georgia supreme court early this 
year ruled that giveaways camff 
under the head of lotteries and all 
theatres in state were told to stop 
it or else. 



WB Reveals It Advanced 
$150,000 to Film Inventor 

In its general denial of infringe- 
ment of sound patents, Warner Bros, 
yesterday (Tuesday) revealed that it 
had loaned Albert Ratdke, a co-de 
fendant, $154,000 to promofe the 
patents which Ratdke alleged he in 
vented. The answer is in connection 
with an action brought by Virgil 
Crites, inventor, against the Warners, 
Ratdke, and others. 

Picture producers ask the court 
that should it be found that Ratdke 
had infringed on Crite's patents, 
without their knowledge, they 
should, nevertheless be allowed to 
retain the licenses on the patents is- 
sued to them by Ratdke. They also 
asked for an order directing that of 
the first monies made on the patents, 
the $154,000 loaned to Ratdke should 
be returned to WB. 



Free Permanent Waves 
Rile Philly Beauticians 

Philadelphia, July 20. 
Indie beauty parlor ops here are 
loosing loud squawks that may drive 
M. Landau from this territory with 
his film house giveaways of per- 
manent waves. Landau has been 
selling a deal by ' which women 
patrons win full and part-paid 
hirsute crinkle treatments at the 
downtown Roxy beauty shop. 

Femme improvement establish- 
ment in this way gets large mailing 
list at low cost and good advertising. 
But n&be associations are up in arms. 
Claim it is stealing biz from them 
and have registered protest. 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued irom page 23) 



DOCTOR AND NURSE/ reported June 23 and 'ALI BABA GOES TO 
TOWN/ reported July 7. 

Readied to start: 'LIFE BEGINS IN COLLEGE,' 'DR. MOTO'S GAMBLE,' 
'WESTERN GOLD' and 'GREAT DIAMOND ROBBERY/ 



United Artists 



Six In work, 4 editing, 8 preparlnir. In work: 

'HURRICANE/ reported Variety, May 12; 'ADVENTURES OF MARCO 
POLO/ reported June 16; 'NOTHING SACRED/ 'ADVENTURES OF TOM 
SAWYER/ 'I MET MY LOVE AGAIN' and 'STAND-IN/ reported July 7. 

Readied to start: 'THE GOLDWYN FOLLIES/ 



Universal 



lA. BANKO IN NEW LEGAL 
TEST; UW CHANGED 

Des Moines, July 20. 
The legality of bank night in Iowa 
may have to be fought all over again. 
Although a supreme court decision 
has upheld the legality of the plan, 
the decision was made before the 
last legislature which changed the 
state's gambling lawis. 

The question is involved in a new 
statute^ intended to control pinball 
and slot machine devices. The stat- 
ute was not regarded in- the legisla- 
ture as a bank night bill when 
passed, but the question is whether 
its language would cover that insti- 
tution and prevent its continuance. 
A bill intended to eliminate bank 
night directly was introduced during 
the session' but failed to get a vote. 
.The law which may have accom- 
plished the same thing indirectly is 
the one which includes in the same' 
class as gambling devices 'any slot 
machine or device with an element 
of chance in such operation.' The 
chance element in this new law 
might block bank night although it 
escapes the legal definition of a lot- 
tery, it is believed. 

•The word 'device' in legal terms 
has not only the meaning of equip- 
ment and apparatus, but of 'sdme- 
thing worked out for exhibition or 
Show.' A plan, contrivance, strate- 
gem, trick or scheme may also be 
regarded in lejgal definition as a de- 
vice. Consequently, even if registra- 
tion books, matinee cards, drums for 
drawing, projection of the clock on 
the screen and other accessories of 
bank night were not regarded as a 
device, the plan of bank night itself 
might be, attorneys agree. 

Although it has been suggested to 
the office of Atty. Gen, John Mitchell 
that the status of bank night may 
have been changed, there has been 
no formal request for an opinion on 
the subject. 

The Iowa state attorney general's 
office is investigating the question of 
whether corn games, kewpie doll 
games and other carnival and fair 
attractions of similar nature come 
under the provisions of the new stat' 
ute outlawing slot machines and 
other devices and games of change. 

Don Burington, assistant attorney 
general, said the question has been 
raised informally by several county 
attorneys and sheriffs. However, no 
official request for an opinion 
been received. 



Five in work, 9 editing, 8 preparing. In work: 
'100 MEN AND A GIRL/ reported Variety, May 2i5. Started: 
'MERRY-GO-ROUND OF 1938/ produced by B. G. De Sylva, directed 
by Edward BiizzeU, original screenplay by Monte Brice and A. Dorian 
Otvos. Cast: Bert Lahr, Billy House, Mischa Auer, Jimmy Savo^ Alice 
Brady, Louise Fazenda, John King, Joy Hodges, Daiye Appolon's ork. 

Story shows Joy Hodges as an infant whose mother, an acrobat, is killed 
in a s^ge fall. She is adopted by Lahr, Hovise, Auer and Savo and raised 
to youiii; womanhood.. Death knell of vaude finds the four comedians on 
.the coin rocks just as Miss Hodges falls for King; She realizes they need 
her support and is going to refuse King when the quartet fakes a Holly- 
wood engagement. King takes Miss Hodges to see his aunt. Miss Brady, 
who despises actors. King and the girl quarrel and she takes a torch job 
in a nitery. Comedians, en route to the coast, hear her voice over the radio 
and hitchhike back east. Lahr turns female impersonator; Auer a mystic 
and a coupla of rasslers are tossed in to win over Miss Brady who is 
eventually shown up as an ex-trouper. 

'CARNIVAL QUEEN/ produced by Robert Presnell, directed by Nate 
Watt, liovel by Richard Wormser, screenplay by James Mulhauser, Lester 
Col and Harold Buckley. Cast: Dorothea Kent, Robert Wilcox, Hobart 
Cavanaugh, G. Pat Collins, Ernest Cossart, Jonathan Hale, David Oliver, 
Harry Tyler. 

Story revolves around Miss Kent, a poverty-stricken heiress who finds 
a carnival listed among her assets. Upon learning her father, ran the trick 
for excitement, Miss Kent andiier biz manager go to the carnival and she 
walks in as secretary to the manager. Former boss of the carney is seeking 
revenge for being demoted and frames a robbery in which the blame is 
placed on Miss Kent. In the process of finger-printing, etc., Cavanaugh is 
revealed as the leader of a bank, robber gang. He attempts to escape . 
causing part of the carnival to be burned. Miss Kent sells her last holdings 
to replace the tents and fdlls for her young manager, Robert Wilcox., 

'BEHIND THE MIKE/ produced by Lou Brock, directed by Sidney 
Salkow, original by Thomas Ahearn and Walter Butterfield, screenplay by 
Barry Trivers. Cast: William Gargan, Judith Barrett, Don Wilson, Sterling 
HoUoway, William Davidson, Gerald Oliver Smith. Grady Sutton. 

Story portrays Gargan as a talented N. Y. radio producer with an un- 
governable temper. He fiattens a sponsor and finding himself jobless hies 
to the sticks and takes a job ^irith a smallle housed in a barn. He strikes 
up a battle with Miss Barrett, program manager for the opposition station, 
and calls on his pal Wilson, announcer, to aid him. Merchants fear the 
owner of the gal's station because of his political pull and refuse to adver- 
tise over Gargan's outfit. Gargan broadcasts a political meeting in which 
the owner of the opposition station is attempting to put over a henchman 
for mayor. He's forced to resign his job. Wilson and Miss Barrett learn of 
a plan devised by her boss to loot the town and broadcast the info which 
causes the cits to chase the other limboes out of town. 

'ADVENTURE'S END/ produced by Trem Carr, directed by Arthur 
Lubin, novel by Ben Ames Williams, screenplay by Gen G. Kohn. Cast: 
John Wayne, Diana Gibson, Moroni Olsen, Montague Love, Maurice Black, 
Paul White, Cameron Hall. 

Story concerns Miss Gibson as the daughter of Montague Love, owner of 
a whaling vesseL She's aboard on one of the cruises when Wayne seeks 
safety on the ship when he is chased away from a pearl fishery. White, a 
native, accompanies Wayne because the latter once saved his life. 01sen» 
first mate, loves Miss Gibson, but Love refuses to sanction the match. On 
his death bed he performs a ceremony uniting his daughter and Wayne. 
Wayne buys a half-interest in the ship and becomes captain. Olsen and his 
friends mutiny, but White frees Wayne who puts the culprits in the brig. 

Readied to start: 'MIDNIGHT RAIDER' and 'LET'S BE CANDID.' 



Warners 



*Anme Oakley' Banned 

St. Louis, July 20. 

'Annie Oakley' machines, which re- 
cently made appearance in Pike 
County, were classed as lotteries last 
week by Atty.-Gen. McKittrick in an 
opinion sent to Prosecuting AttoVney 
Edward V. Long who, in turn, noti- 
fied operators of machines that 
prosecution would be instituted for 
continuance of violalion.<5. 

M.cKittrick said he previou.sly had 
ruled that bank nite, Hollywood, 
win-o and other b.o. hypos used by 
film operators all came under realm 
of lotteries, and he held that 'Annie 
Oakley' machines were mere devia- 
tion from law, which bans all 
schemes for 'prizes, consideration 
and chance.' 



has 



250 Attend 2d Annual 
B&K Farm Frolic in Chi 

Chicago, July 20. 

Second annual Balaban & Katz 
Farm Frolic was held Wednesday 
(14) at the Balaban Acres where 
B&K opened up the estate, including 
its private lake and private s\yim- 
ming pool, to around 250 newspaper 
and theatrical people. 

Celebration started with an 8 a.m. 
breakfast in the Chicago theatre 
lobby, after which everybody was 
loaded into police-escorted Grey- 
hounds, and carried out to the farm. 
Old fashioned picnic in an elaborate 
way was the order of the program, 
with soft ball games, pie-eating con- 
tests, swimming, boat races and 
horse-shoe games. 

Private golf course had been taken 
over for the day by' B&K, and golf- 
ers couldn't even pay the caddies. 
Lunch and dinner served followed 
by a show. 



Five In work, 11 editing', 10 preparing. In work: 

'THE GREAT GARRICK/ reported Variety, June 23; 'TWO PLATOONS/ 
reported July 7. Started: 

'BLOCK THAT KICK,' produced by Bryan Poy, directed by Noel Smith, 
original by WiUiam Jacobs, screenplay by Anthony Coldeway and Jacobs. 
Cast: William Hopper, June Travis, Henry. D'Neil, Gordon Oliver, Herbert 
Rawlinson, Raymond Hatton and U. S. C. football squad. 

Story is college pigskin razzle-dazzler starting in the mustachioed era of 
1887. It depicts the beginning of paying big coin for professional coaches 
and using ringers. Yarn revolves around two colleges in which one is 
always winning from the other. Star player on the winning team bets a 
member of the rival aggregation that this will continue for years. Several 
years elapse with one of the players becoming a banker and the other a 
senator. By this time, the bets are big coin. Banker, member of the under- 
dog team, dies and bequeaths his fortune to his alma mater provided the 
bets shall be continued. His college needs two games to clean out the 
senator, but the star of his outfit is caused to quit football and is taken to 
the Orient by a girl friend. Coach finally learns the rival team has snatched 
his hero and turns the chips his way. 

'SH! THE OCTOPUS/ produced by Bryan Foy, directed by William 
McGann, screenplay by George Bricker from play by Ralph Murphy and 
Don Gallaher. Cast: Hugh Herbert, Allen Jenkins, Marcia Ralston, George 
Roserier, John Eldredge, Eric Stanley, Margaret Irving, Brandon Tynan, 
Elspeth Dudgeon. ' 

Story concerns Herbert and Jenkins, couple of dumb detectives, finding 
themselves called to an old lighthouse by Marcia Ralston. They find her 
father hanging by his heels from the top. There is no stairway, com- 
plicating matters. Remainder of footage is taken up with series of comedy 
situations in which the trio finds the gorilla killer. 

•TOVARICH/ produced by Robert Lord, directed by Anatole Litvak, 
screenplay by Casey Robinson from Jacques Deval's comedy. Cast: Clau- 
dette Colbert, Charles Boyer, Basil Rathbone, Melville . Cooper, Anita 
Louise, Allan Conrad, Morris Carnovsky, Fritz Feld, Vladimir Sokoloff, 
Montague Love, Christian Rub. 

Story is taken from Deval's London and New York stage play concern^ 
ing two emigres from Russia in Paris, one a former Cossack general and 
his wife, a Grand Duchess. In the main it follows the play which shows 
the pair hoarding a huge amount of coin given them by the Czar to aid 
Russia. They work as servants in a French banker's home until discovered 
by a Soviet official who bares their identity. A different ending from that 
in the play is being written, it is understood. 

Readied to start: 'GOLD IS WHERE YOU FIND IT/ 'THE AD- 
VENTURES OF ROBIN/ 'RETURN FROM LIMBO/ 'HOLLYWOOD 
HOTEL' and 'SWING YOUR LADY.' 



SKOURAS TOPS IN B.B. 

Results of four games played in 
the Motion Picture Baseball League 
last week give Skouras credit for 
two victories and Columbia and Con- 
solidated one each. 

Skpuras won out over Metro 6-5 
in a close game and then took Para- 
mount 8-1. Columbia defeated RKO 
8-3 and Consolidated whitewashed 



NBC 4-0. Standings of the teams 
in the second half of the schedule 
just begun places Skouras at the 
top with three wins and no losses, 
Apeda one and none. Consolidated 
two and one, NBC, MGM and Colum- 
bia one win and ope loss each, RKO 
none and two, and Paramount in 
last place with no wins and three 
losses. 



Vcanesday, July 21, 1937 



BADUO 



VARIETY 




N. W. Ayer & Son 

NEW YORK CITY 



Rather early in the season for 
full information concerning the radio 
plans of bur various clients. 

Ford Dealers' 'Watch the Fiin Go 
By' program, with Al Pearce and his 
- Gang, will apparently continue with- 
. out change. Ford Sunday Evening 
Hour will resume, beginning Sept. 

• 12> along previous lineS. Ford 'Uni- 
versal Rhythm' program, now filling 

• the Sunday evening spot, will go to 
■ a Saturday, 9:30-10, period. 

Kellogg Singing Lady will be 
heard four times a week instead of 
five, beginning Aug. 2. Time and sta- 
tions will the the same/ the broadcast 
running- Mondays through Thursdays. 
We plan to increase the scope of this 
program, but these plans are as yet 
tentative. 

We are preparing an electrical 
transcription series for the W. T. 
Grant stores, to be broadcast five 
times a week in 19 different cities. 
Talent and stations have not been 
definitely picked. 

J. B. Ford will go on the air twice 
a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 

. 2:00-2:15, Split CBS network. The 
show not yet set. 
In all likelihood, we shall have 

. some new shows on the air, and it is 
possible there will be changes in 
programs now being heard. 

/ -Atlantic Refining will sponsor an 

.. extensive series of football games. 
On the attached sheet, you will find 
as much information concerning 
these broadcasts as we can divulge 

. at this time. Kellogg Company will 
also sponsor a series of football 
games. ' 

List of radio stations broadcasting 
Atlantic Refining Company's 1937 
football program are as follows: 

Connecticut: Harlfora, WDRC, WtlC. 
Delaware: Wilmington, WDEL. Florida: 
Gainesville, AVRUF; Jacksonville,- WJAX; 
Miami, WIOD. Georela: AHanta, WSB, 
"WTKl; Augusta, WRDW; Savannah, 
•WTOC. Maryland: Baltimore, WEAL; 
Cumberland, WTBO. Massachusetts: 

•. Boston. WB3KI, WBZ: Worcester, WORC, 
WTAG; SDrinKfield, WBZA. WMAS. New 
.Tcrsey; Atlantic City, WPG: Newark, 
WOR. New York: Albany, WOKO; Binf?- 
hqmton, WNBK; Buffalo, WBKN, WGR; 
Elm Ira. WESG; Rochester, WHAM, 
WHKC; Syracuse, WFBt., WSTR; ITtlca, 

. WIBX, North cirollna: Charlotte, WBT; 
Durham, WI>NC. Ohio: Akron. WADC; 
f'anton. WHB(5; Cleveland, WHK; Colum- 
huB, WHICC; Toungstown. WKBN. Pcnn- 
.svlvanla; Allenlown. WCBA; Altoona, 
Wli'BG; Easton. "WEST; Erie, WL.EU; 
HarrlslmrK, AVHP; Jjanraster, WGATj; 
rhiladeinhia, WIP, WCATI. KYW: Pltts- 
bureU. WCAE, K0KA, "WWSW; Reading. 
WRAW; Scranton, WRGI; Sunbury. 
"WKOIC; WIlK-es-Barre. WBRE; York, 
AVORIC. Rhode Island: Providence, WPRO, 
"WJAR. South Carolina: Greenville, 
yVFBV. Virginia: Charlottesville, WCHV; 
Danville," WBTM; Harrisonburg, WfiVA; 
Lynchburg. WT,VA: Newport News. WGH; 
Richmond, WRNL, WRVA; Roanolce, 
AVDBJ. 

Prentice Winchell. 



excerpts from the best letter written 
about the winding star. 

Radio fans should be tremendously 
interested in the poll because of the 
fact that it will indicate the radio 
preferences of listeners in general. 
They will also have the opportunity 
to receive a personal letter from 
their own favorite, as well as a $1,- 
000 cash prize, for the best letter 
written. This $1,000 prize is awarded 
only if the winning letter is written 
on a water-marked Eaton paper. 
The prize is reduced to $500 if the 
letter is written on ordinary paper. 

Leading radio artists have been 
most cooperative and the list of par- 
ticipating stars already represents a 
large, part of the nation's favorites, 
including such people as* Jack 
Benny, Bing Crosby, Bob Burns, 
Paul Whiteman, Lily Pons, Kate 
Smith, and hundreds of others. 

C, F. Parcher. 



on Sept. 26. Also for an increased 
spot schedule, 

Mar-O Oil continues on NBC 
chain with the Henry Busse orches- 
tra. ' ■ 

Pinex will return to air in fall 
with nation-wide spot programs. 

Shaefler Pen will be back on air 
with spot announcements. 

Steve Horton. 



Brown & Tarcher 

NEW YORK CITY 



McKesson k Robbins (split net- 
work) and Benrus (spot) will con- 
tinue. 

Smith Bros, cough drops will 
probably resume in fall using net- 
work and spot. 

William Larcomhe. 



network officials, as well as OTir'own, . 
a completely new and different idea 
in radio. • 

Our present plans include a daily 
news commentator for women, six 
days a week; a half-hour dramatic 
show weekly with a '20-pieCe or- 
chestra playing transitional and 
mood music; a five-time-a-week dra- 
matic daytime show; a half -hour 
weekly musical with a dramatic cen- 
terpiece and a half-hour idea show 
using one of the largest orchestras 
ever assembled in the Middle West 
j!or a commercial weekly broadcast. 

Sorry to be so vague on several 
features of our plans, but details 
are not set. 

G. B. Simpaon. 



Benton & Bowles 

NEW YORK CITY 



Badger d Browning 
BOSTON, MASS. 



We have one radio development of 
considerable interest. This has to do 
with the national radio poll which 
will be conducted by our client, the 
Eaton Paper Corp. of Pittsfield, 
Mass., makers of Eatdn's Fine Letter 
Papers. 

Eaton radio poll will be advertised 
in a list of national magazines this 
fall and publicized through spot 
programs on leading radio stations 
in various parts of the country. 
These announcements will run on a 
26-tirne schedule between Sept 15th 
and the early part of December. 

Participation in the poll is open to 
any radio artist. Only condition im- 
posed upon them is that they agree 
to personally acknowledge the ten 
best letters nominating them for the 
beautiful Letter of Gold trophy 
which will be awarded to the most 
popular star. This letter will include 



This agency has at least three net- 
work newcomers on ice, awaiting the 
closing of talent details, or time con- 
tracts, or the final approval of the 
client. Only one actually set for fall 
starting is Log Cabin Syrup's half 
hour with Jack Haley, and, tenta- 
tively, Virginia Verrill, Patricia 
Wilder, Warren Hull and Ted Fio 
Rito, on the NBC blue following 
the Bob Ripley show, starting Oct. 8. 

B & B's spot department has laid 
out several campaigns for accounts 
already in the house but these like- 
wise are awaiting approval of the 
budget .sources. In this category are 
included General Foods and Colgate- 
Palmolive-Peet. 

Negotiations with Metro-Goldw3m- 
Mayer on a program for Palmolive 
are off. Deal would have given that 
account exclusive call for contract 
talent on the Metro lot. 



Milton Biow 

NEW YORK CITY 



Bulova and Philip Morris, radio 
perennials, continue as is. 

Humphrey's Homeopathic and 
Kreuger's Brewery may also use 
radio this year but nothing definite 
at present. 

Reggie Scheubeh 



Blackett-Sdmple-Hummert 

CHICAGO 



status of our various accounts: . 

General Mills— rThe 'Gold Medal 
Hour' will change network time to 
1:00 to 2:00 p.m. NYT on Columbia. 
There will be just one broadcast; 
which will go straight through to the 
Pacific Coast. Same spot stations 
will be continued as are now being 
used. 

Wander Co. will resume the net- 
work and spot Monday, Sept. 27, 
1937. 

Procter & Gamble — Oxydol — same 
spot station.? as are now being used. 
Procter & Gamble — Dref t — same 
spot stations as are now being used. 

Procter & Gamble— Lava— same 
spot stations as are now being used. 

Purity Bakeries will continue with 
the same spot stations as are now 
being used. 

F. P. Nelson. 



Leo Burnett 

CHICAGO 



RealsiUc Hosiery. Mills, "Inc. — as 
yet ho definite plans made for fall 
radio. 

Hoover Company — no definite 
plans formulated to date. 

Minnesota Valley. Canning Com- 
pany—definite plans later in the 
season. 

Fitger Brewing Company-Fusing 
spot campaign in three northwest 
states this summer and will probably 
continue through fall and winter. 

J. T. Ainley. 



Campbell-Ewald 

DETROIT 



General Motors Concerts go on. 
Radio plans somewhat uncertain 
because of labor situation. 

Louis Dean. 



CeciL Warwick & Legler 

NEW YORK CITY 



Definite commitments for Cecil 
Warwick & Legler's Fall radio busi- 
ness include: 

Uncle Jim's Question Bee— with 
Jim McWilliams Master of Cere- 
monies—for the G. Washington Cof- 
fee Refining Company. 

Thunder Over Crime — with War- 
den Lewis E. Lawes for the William 
R. Warner Co. (Sloan's Liniment). 

Metropolitan Opera Auditions of 
the Air — with Edward Johnson, Mas- 
ter of Ceremonies; Wilfred Pelletier, 
Conductor — for Sherman Williams 
Co. 

In preparation are: 
A commentator program 
A comedy variety show 
A dramatic program built 

around a novel idea. 

Preston H. Pumphrey. 



Jim Daughertyr Inc. 

ST. LOUIS 



Erwin, Wasey 

NEW YORK CITY 



Serenaders under the direction of 
Myron Raport and Emile Cote. 

Mary Lee Taylor, presented by the 
Pet Milk Company, continues every 
Tuesday and Thursday mornings 
over the Columbia Coast-to-Coast 
network. 

Roiand Martini. 



J. Stirling GetcheU 

NEW YORK CITY 



Lineup on radio for the fall, inso- 
far as it is available now: 

Uecker-H-O Division, Hecker Prod- 
ucts Corp.: — For U-O Oats, Presto 
Cake Flour and Heckers'- Cream 
Farina. - 

Program: The Hecker Informa- 
tion Service: Jean Paul King, 
News commentator; and guest 
stars. 

Network: Mutual network, Mon- 
day through Friday, 11:45-12 noon. 
Beginning Sept. 7. 
Zemo Sc Masterole. 

Program: Carson Robison and 
His Bucayoos. ' ' 

Network: NBC Blue, Monday- 
Wednesday-Friday, 4-4:15 p.m. 
Beginning Oct, 4. 
Lydia E. Plnkham Medicine Co. 

Will use radio, but no definite 
plans yet. 

Borden Farm Products Co. 

Borden's 'Special Edition' will 
return to air in September, accord- 
ing to present plans. ( 
Barbasol Company. . 

Plans not yet completed. 
Liberty Magazine. 

Program: News broadcast, 
WABC, Monday-Tuesday-Wednes- 
day-Friday— 11-11:05 p.m. Now 
running. 

Innes Harris, 



Impossible at this time to give any 
real forecast as to' our fall radio 
business. Th6 following is a sum- 
mary of spot radio, either already 
contracted for, or now running and 
expected to continue through' fall: 
Sooony-Vaouum 

News Broadcasts— 3 times per day 
—WOKO— Albany. 

Sport Commentator (Lowell Mc- 
Millan)'— 15 mini dally WHEC — 
Rochester. 

Yale Football Games — Yankee 
Network and WMCA — New York, 

Sports Commentator (Nick 
Stemmler)— 15 mln. daily— WSYR— 
Syracuse, 

Sports Commentator (James Britt) 
—25 mlns. daUy—WBEN— Buffalo. 

Sobol Bros. 

Sports Commentator (Dick Fishel) 
—15 min. daily— WMCA— New YoVfc. 

Mayflower Stations 

Street Reporter— 3 days per week 
—WFAS— White Plains. 
Devoe A Rayjaolds, Wadawortlt- 

Rowland Dlv. 

13 5 min. transcription's over 11 
stations. 

Devoe Sc Raynolds, Peaslee- 

Gaulbert Div. 
13 1 min. transcriptions over 37 
stations. 

Additional business is now at such 
an uncertain stage that it is impossi- 
ble to give any sort of reliable fore- 
cast. 

J. Loyd Williams. 



Fishlen Zealand 

NEW YORK CITY 



Tentative plans for four or five 
accounts to use either spot or 
regional radio but too soon for 
statement. 

Leon Kelly. 



Gardner 

NEW YORK CITY 



Baggaley, Horton & Hoyt 

CHICAGO 



Varady of Vienna returns to once 
weekly 30-minute Sunday spot on 
Mutual with Ted Weems orchestra 



We will be active with at least 
six accounts: St. Louis Star-Times 
Union Electric Company, St. Louis 
Dairy Company, Hydrox Ice Cream 
Company, Southwestern Bell Tele 
phone and Kaylo, a new product of 
the Hoi-Milk Development Corp. 

Our radio last spring represented 
more local broadcasting than all 
other St. Louis agencies combined. 
We have every • reason to believe 
that with new business and a re- 
newal from our present customers, 
our fall and winter season will un- 
doubtedly be most satisfactory. 

We intend to present a new show 
this fall for one of our clients which 
probably will be split or regional 
network broadcasting. This will 
serve as a test for a national net- 
work scries of broadcasts and this 
show will be, in the opinion of the 



Line-up of our network programs 
for the fall which are definitely set 
at this time: 

Tom Mix Ralston iStraight Shooters 
Program — sponsored by Ralston 
Whole Wheat Cereal, returns to the 
network for its fifth consecutive 
season; it will be on the NBC Blue 
network plus supplementaries five 
times a week— Monday through Fri 
day, beginning Sept. 27, 1937. 

Ry-Krisp program with Marion 
Talley, sponsored by Ralston Purina, 
starring Marion Talley. Josef Koest 
ner, conductor and concert orches- 
tra of 35 men and Paul Taylor and 
his Hollywood Singers — returns Sun 
day, Sept. 26 over the NBC Red net- 
work Coast-to-Coast, plus supple 
mentaries, originating from Holly- 
wood. 

Saturday Night Serenade spon 
sored by the Pet Milk of St. Louis, 
returns to the Columbia network 
Coast-to-Coast over a 70-station 
hookup, Saturday night, Oct 2, 
starring Gustave Haenschen and 35 
piece orchestra, Mary Eastman, so- 
prano; Bill Periy, tenor, and the 



Izzard Co. 

SEATTLE 



Herewith is a suVnmary of our 
radio plans for the coming season: 

Twenty-six quarter hours — Yankee 
Network— Gretchen McMuUen Pro- 
gram for the Oregon-Washington 
Pear Bureau. 

Twenty-six quarter hours for Dr. 
Frank B. Robinson using practically 
all leading cities in the United 
States. These are recordings and 
are to b6 released approximately 
Sept. 15. 

Pacific Northwest Fruits, Inc. (Doc 
Apple) will have transcriptions (5 
minute) on Doc Apple's Quality 
Brand apples. To be released in 
California, Chicago and Texas. 

Local Broadcasts: Binyon Optical 
Company, 3 half-hour periods 
weekly, using stations KOL, KIRO 
and KOMO. 

Carnation Co. half-hour daily, 
'Mary's Friendly Garden,' KOMO. 

F. G. Mullins. ■ 



Kenyon & Eckhardt 

NEW YORK CITY 



F. F. Mueller Co, will "resume its 
Kitchen Cavalcade, with Crosby 
Gaige on blue network of NBC — 15 
minutes daytime show, five times 
weekly, 

Kellogg Co, has extended Eddie 
and Ralph show (East & Dumhc; 15 
minute evening program, Monday, 
Wednesday and Friday, on WJZ. 

Piel Brothers will use spot broad* 
casting in South and California — 
sponsoring two 15-minute new* 

(Continued on page 50) 



32 



VARIETY 



3rd AN MUAL FALL R ADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



L A. FLUTTERS PRETH FOR SPONSORS; 
SEES SELF QUEEN OF RADIO G!l ld37-'38 



35 Money Shows from Film Colony This Season— 
'What's This Place Called New York?', the West 
Coast Patriots Ask 



By JACK HELLMAN 

HpUywood, July 20. 
Coast defenders of radio wjU have 
their inning this fall. Those boasts 
Mvhich have carried pretty*" much of 
a hollow sound to the other sea- 
boarders will soon be the full-blown 
article. For the home guard has fig- 
ures to back up their verbal sound- 
ings. 

If 1937 isn't the Coast's year then 
the jig is up and the lads who have 
done the yowling might as well fold 
up their tents and sneak oft some- 
jvhere and have a good cry. 
' Let's look at the record and see 
whether all this enthusiasm is justi- 
fied. Roughly speaking, around 35 
}}ig, fat,, buxom commercials will 
sound off each week from these dig- 
gin's; That, they claim, is" something. 
Further, they point out, these are 
the big money shows — no scrlpters 
or scrubs — all big money shows. Let 
the east ms^tch the Lux, Kf aft, Chase 
& Sanborn, Hollywood Hotel, Show- 
boat and a host of other big 'uns 

/.that represent' imp'ortaht cola just in 
talent Nope, they say, it won't even 

. be a boss race. Let N'Yawk fight 
it out with Chicago for second place. 
5Phe top spot is taken. ' ' 
Lineup at Post Time 

. Here's how the two major net- 
. yrorks say their skeds shape up for 
early September: 

NBC 

Burns arid AUeii (Grapienuts). 
Lanny Ross (Packard). ; 
Amos 'n' Andy (Pepsoderit). 
Lum arid Abper (Hor lick's). 
Jlilunie Fidler (P &,G), • 
Bing Crosby (Kraft). 
Showboat (Maxwell). 
" Walter Winche^ (Jergens). 
Jack Benny (Jello). 
Marion Talley (Ry-Krisp). 
Werner Janssen (Fieischmann). 
Rudy Vallee (Royal). - . 
Tyrone Power (Woodbury). 
Baker's Broadcast (St. Brands). 
The Goldbergs (P & G). 
One Mah'$ Family (Tenderleaf 
Tea). 

Officials at NBC say that's Just 
what shows On the schedules at this 
time. Conservatively they^re expect- 
ing at least a half dozen more. That 
would more than double last fall's 
output. 

CBS 

Over at KNX (Columbia) they're 
expecting little short ol a deluge. 
^0 far the lineup stands: 

Eddie Cantor (Texaco). 

Joe Penner (Cocomalt). 

Theatre of Air (Lux). 

Al Jolson (Lifebuoy). 

Jack Oakie (Camel). 

ken Murray-Oswald (Campbell). 

Hollywood Hotel (Campbell). ■ 

Claudette Colbert (International 
Silver). 

Al Pearce (FordO. 

Hal Kemp (Chesterfield). 

Jeanette MacDonald (Vicks). 

If a half dozen more pile into 
camp it wouldn't exactly cause any 
consternation among the Paleyites. . 
That Two-way Coin Grab 

Try as they might, there's no 
stemming the tide. There's only one 
answer: pictures. Which has two 
angles, to wit: the performers get in 
on the two-way coin grab and the 
sponsor likes that Hollywood sign- 
off. To say nothing of the bountiful 
supply of talent. 

J. Walter Thompson agency has 
probably a firmer foothpld on the 
film situation than any othter. Not 
only did they do much of the 
pioneering but in Danny . Danker, 
Hollywood's unofficial mayor, they 
have a lad who has been over the 
ground for more years than he cares 
to remember. 

Thompson likewise will have more 
shows airing from . the Coast than 
any other 15 and 2 outfit. Here's 
their fall setup: Lux, Chase & San- 
born, Fieischmann, Baker's Tender- 
leaf Tea, Kraft, Royal Gelatine and 
possibly Shell. Standard Brands 
alone will send six shows from here 
over the nets and all will be pro- 
duced by Thompsonites. 

With Purses Wide Open 

High price of pic names on the 
hoof is still on the rise with no 
signs of the bears moving in. Agency 
lads just won't get together and the 
bidding becomes teal spirited for 
the sought-after crearii line coterie. 



In many cases the air coin matches 
what their picture worly nets them. 
With the mad scramble- on for dot- 
ted line autographs at this early 
stage of the game there's no telling 
how many more notches the bidding 
will go once the season really gets 
under way. 

Young. & Rubicam will have a 
strong listing for the fall. In their 
lineup will be International Silver, 
Packard, Jello, Grape Nuts, La 
France. Indications are that Phil 
Baker and Fred Allen will pitch 
here when the picture urge seeps 
into their souls, 

Benton & Bowles- has two on tap. 
Showboat and Log Cabin Syrup, 
with the possibility that Palmolive 
(for Metro?) and another will shift 
bases west. F. Wallis Armstrong will 
have three in contention — Hollywood 
Hotel, Murray-Oswald and Amos 'n' 
Andy (starting Jan. 3), William Esty 
has Camel, and Ruthrauff 8f Ryan 
auspices itemize Al Jolson, Joe Pen- 
ner.and possibly a return of the Gil- 
lette troupe. The others have scat- 
tered entries that help to swell the 
grand total, 

Hatcbed In the Lab 

Young & Rubicam officials ,woi|Jd. 
have the trade believe that they wiU 
develop their own people and. keep 
out ,of the open market where the 
biijding is conducive, to aspirin 
reaching. They believe that their 
suriimer laboratory programs wiU 
develop a half dozen players who 
will be able tO starid on their own. 
That remains to be seen and the 
odds should run the other way. 



Transradio Gets WGAU 



WNAX SALE REPORTED 
UNDER NEGOTIATION 



YanTcton, S. D,, July 20. 

Station WNAX is reported being 
readied for sale to the South Dakota 
Broadcasting Co. Locally imderstoo^ 
latter firm is in reality the Des 
Moines Register Tribime. 

With the WNAX station added to 
the other outlets on the Iowa Net- 
work, it will serve as another link in 
a growing chain covering all parts 
of the Iowa situation. 



Carter Off CBS 



Hollywood, July 20. 

After nine months as Hollywood 
publicity director for Columbia 
Broadcasting, . Dave Carter has 
checked off the payroll. He was 
formerly with CBS in the east. 

Hal Rorke, brought into the stu- 
dio on a temporary assigiunent to 
hammer out Shakespeare publicity 
copy, takes over the berth. • He Is a 
former downtown newspaper man, 
having been society ed of the L. A. 
Times. 



Philadelphia, July 20. . 

Abrupt Shift by WCAU last Satur- 
day replaced United Press news 
service with Transradio. Doc Levy 
said U.P. service had been entirely 
satisfactory, refused to comment on 
the price situation, but indicated 
there was more behind the shift than 
that. . ' - 

With the additional station here, 
Transradio has created a Philly bu- 
reau and moved' into WCAU's stu- 
dios,. Wallace Werbel, of the Wash- 
ington office, was sent down for a 
week to get the new bureau operat- 
ing properly. Harold Parr, of the 
Boston office, will be in permanent 
charge. 

Parr will have two assistants here 
to handle a circuit including Pennsy* 
Jersey and Delaware. It will be open 
from 6.30 a.m. to 1. a.m. 

Service change gives Transradio 
two customers here, as it had al- 
ready been feeding WIP.VKYW now 
has United Press exclusively. WFIL 
gets the INS-Universal Service re- 
port. 



PALMOLIVE 
MTRO DEAL 
OFF 



Deal between Palmolive and 
Metro-rGoldwyn-Mayer for " ether 
show comprised of latter's stars was 
galled off by Louis K. Sidney with 
statement that terms of buyer were 
not accejptable. 

Arrailgement. called for five 15- 
miniite shows and one of an hour's 
duration for $25,000 weekly. Money 
was okay but sponsor wanted the 
right to supervise show and also the 
privilege of checking payroll and in 
case it did not reach certain figures 
wanted a rebate' on set price. 

Proposition was nixed after meet- 
ing held Friday (16) in New York 
between Louis B. Mayer, Nicholas 
M. Schenck, Benny Thau, Howard 
Dietz and L. K. Sidney for Metro, 
and Adams & Byard for Colgate, 
at which time proposal for show was 
submitted and Palmolive demand of 
terms made. 

William Bacher, who recently left 
F. Wallis Armstrong agency, has 
joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer under 
a contract signed by Ed Mannix for 
the film studio. He will work into 
motion picture production, long an 
ambition of the ex-dentist. 

Meanwhile, if and when Metro 
concludes a sponsorship deal for s 
radio program, Bacher will be avsul- 
able under Louis K. Sidney. 



Tom Devore replacing Prof, Irwin 
Johnson of Ohio State as spelling 
bee maestro on WBNS, Columbus. 



Chicago Certain Daytime Script Shows 
Wil Stick; See Exodus Scare Over 



By DAN GOLDBERG 

Chicago, Jialy 20. 
Chicago does not regard Holly- 
wood as a lethal threat to Chicago's 
specialty of producing across-the- 
board strips. Instead the return to 
Chicago of 'First Nighter' and 'Fib- 
ber McGee and Molly' and the ap- 
parent final decision' to keep 'Grand 
Hotel' in Chicago rather than risk 
Hollywood has encouraged local 
boosters to see the danger averted 
and the counter-revolution estab- 
lished. 

At the present time, WBBM, Co- 
lumbia key, carries 14 such shows 
daily before six o'clock, while WGN, 
Chicago Tribune outlet, handles 
seven and eight, with other stations 
in proportion, a phenomenal num- 
ber when it is considered that these 
stations all air baseball. All of 
these shows are network, and prac- 
tically all originated in Chicago. 
Household Finance's 'Across the Din- 
ner Table* moved in from KMBC, 



Kansas City, a couple months ago. 
Another thing which shoved up 
both the number of programs pro- 
duced here, as well as the respect 
for Chicago as a radio town, is 
Blackett - Sample-Hummert's recent 
decision to use name actors for 
leads in their across-the-boards. 
Starting off with Dorothy Gish and 
Harold Vermilyea for General Mills' 
'Couple Next Door,' and plan for 
similar moves for other shows con- 
trolled by the agency. 

This, as much as anything else, is 
expected to start a definite trend of 
talent coming to Chicago instead of 
going away from it, Columbia has 
completely remodeled its old stu- 
dios, added new ones to them; NBC 
has adequate ones; WGN's new stu- 
dio-building is but little more than 
a year old, and WIND-WJJD, the 
Ralph Atlass independent combina- 
tion, have just • taken on an addi- 
tional floor to give them enough 
space. 



Radio Stomach-Explained 



Last-minute arrival of the script for the 'Pretty Kitty Kelly' serial 
over CBS has been giving frequent headaches' to the cast of the show 
in the last couple of weeks. Particularly tense moirient occurred one 
day last week when the narrator on the show was reading the. final 
lines of his last script when the next four pages were handed him 
by a studio attendant. 

'Kitty* is a Blackett-Sample-Hummett program originating at 
WABC, N. Y„ but scripted in the agency's Chicago office. No set 
deadline for the copy, which is sent east by ^teletype, and the writers 
have been sliding closer and closer to the edge. 



Rumors FKt Around Holywobd Hotel: 
Will Louella Parsons FoOow Bacher? 



WAGA, Atlanta, Staff From 
Many Parts of Country 

Atlanta, Ga,, July 20. 

Jess M. Swicegood, maniiger of 
WAGA, which goes on air Aug. 1 as 
NBC Blue outlet here, is busy set- 
ting his staff. 

Heading the commercial depart- 
ment will be 'Chick' Wilson, former- 
ly with Bobbins Music Corp., . of 
N. Y., and Jack Hammette, ex-com- 
mercial manager for WSPA, Spar- 
tanburg, S. C. 

Earle Pudney, late of WATL here, 
has been haihed program and pro- 
duction director. 'Chesta Fulmer and 
Paul Overbay, formerly continuity 
writer and iannoimcer, respectively, 
at W'ATL, will do similar chores for 
WAGA. Four other anhoimcer^ were 
to be selected by Swicegood this 
week' from' 35 auditions granted 
would-be . spielers last week. 

Chief engineer will be Cliff Han- 
son, formerly of WSPR, Springfield, 
Mass., who will be; assisted by Ivan 
Miles, of Atlanta, and Vernon Cheek 
and M. F. Adams, of WTFI, Athens, 
CJa,, .which will fade oiff air and be- 
come WAGA when local station gets 
going. ... 

Statioh is to be "operated by At- 
lanta Journal,' which also owns WSB, 
in conjunction' with Liberty Broad- 
casting Co.', both stations to be under 
supervision of Lambdin Kay. In- 
stallation of equipment is under di- 
rection of Hillis Holt. 



WnL, PHILADELPHIA, 
NOW HAS N,Y. OFFICE 



Philadelphia, July 20. 
WFIL opened a New York office 
yesterday (Monday), Frank A. Well- 
man, Philly agency exec, is in 
charge. 

Headquarters will be used to han- 
dle all WFIL New York biz, as well 
as sell time for Quaker State Net- 
work, which Don Withy comb, W^Hi 
g,m,, has in process of formation. 



New Joe Penner Writers 



Cincinnati, July 20. 

Syd Cornell and Latham Ovens 
leave the continuity staff of Cros- 
ley's WLW-WSAI the- middle of 
August to start scripting, for Joe 
Penner's a:ir show in Hollywood, 
Sept. 1. Their new stipend, 'tis re- 
ported, will be $400 apiece weekly. 

Duo has been with the Crosley 
organization for the past year doing 
comedy material for various shows 
on both stations. They recently sub- 
mitted a sample script to Penner, 
which landed their new berths. 

Ovens came here from New York 
and Cornell was with WOWO, Fort 
Wayne, Ind., before joining WLW- 
WSAI. 



Ain Writes for WLW 

Cincinnati, July 20. 

Randolph Crecroff Ain is a new 
addition to the continuity staff of 
Crosley's WLW-WSAI, He's a grad 
of Oxford in his native England and 
took a post-grad course - in writing 
at Harvard. 

Jim Krauters, Crosley's continuity 
director, engaged Ain In Chicago, 
where he was free-lancing for radio. 



Larry Nixon at WNEW 

Larry Nixon, former publicity 
chief at WMCA, N. Y., has been 
named director of special events at 
WNEW, New York. 

Special events activity at WNEW 
heretofore were split among several 
departments. 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Radio's great guessing game in this 
mid- July centers on Hollywood 
Hotel, It's generated more steam 
than the film colony's 'who'll play 
Scarlett O'Hara?' Contention on the 
Cainpbell souper, however, has two 
angles, both important to th^ pro- 
gram's setup. 

Number one is, who'U produce the 
show? 

Secondly, will Louella Parsons stay 
put? 

Coolly, L. Ward Wheelock, head- 
man for F. Wallis Armstrong agency, 
dismisses the whole proceeding as 
trivialities . that shouldn't get any- 
one unduly excited. . But . the wise 
'uns are not so sure. It was this 
same Wheelock who several weeks 
ago stated definitely that Bill Bacher 
would be back on Holly Hotel when 
his Hawaiian vacation expired. Since 
then Bacher had severed all con- 
nections. . 

Wheelock speeded here last Tues- 
day (13) from Philly and imnie- 
diately went into closed formation 
with Ken Nil.es and Diana Bourbon, 
both of whom pitched in to keep 
the Hotel going. That evening he 
issued a statement that there would 
be no change in the present setup 
as long as Niles felt he could handle 
the production in addition to being 
'tl^e voice 'of Campbell Soup.' 
Tony Stanford Set? 

That might have been taken for 
granted had not reports filtered in 
from the east that two J. Walter 
Thompson producers had been ap- 
proached. Ed Gardner gave it a fast 
brush-off and Tony Stanford asked 
for time to sleep on it. Latter is 
considered the strongest candidate 
for the job, which paid Bacher 
around $1,000 for each 52 weeks of 
the year. Another "Thompsonitei. 
Frank Woodruff, Lux producer, 
plowed under a $750 bid.. 

Although W. B. Lewis, Columbia 
vice prez in charge of programs, de- 
nied that he had been approached 
by Wheelock while both were here, 
this is deemed 'just an official denial.' 
Lewis did draw a bid. He admitted 
talking with Wheelock but said that 
it was purely as a network official 
meeting with a client. 

When the breach between Bacher 
and Wheelock widened and the open 
break seemed not far off, Bacher let 
go with a statement that was packed 
with significance. It was Tiouella 
goes where I go.' Wheelock said 
Miss Parsons is under long term con- 
tract and perfectly happy with her 
lot. Rumor had her dickering, 
through Bacher, with both Palmolive 
and Packard. 

Run 'Em On, Harriett 

Meanwhile, Miss Parsons issued 
her list of guestars for eight weeks, 
during which time she will rest in 
Europe while her daughter, Harriett, 
runs on the players in the dramatic 
last half. The schedule: 

July 23 — Fred MacMurray, Ida 
Lupinb, Charles Ruggles in 'Exclu- 
sive.' 

July 30— Bobby Breen, Basil Rath- 
bone, Marion Claire in 'Make A 
Wish.' 

Aug. 6 — Irene Dunne, Randolph 
Scott in 'High, yvide and Handsome.' 

Aug. 13 — Claire Trevor, Sally 
Blane, Douglas Fowley, Judge Ben 
Lindsay In 'One Mile, From Heaven.' 

Aug. 20 — Joel McCrea, Andrea 
Leeds, Humphrey Bogart in 'Dead 
End.' 

. Aug. 27— Deanna Durbin, Leopold 
Stokowskl in 'One Hundred Men 
And A Girl.' 

<^ept. 3— Kenny Baker, Gertrude 
Michael, Frank McHugh, George Jes- 
sel in 'Mr. Dodds Takes The Air.' 

Sept. 10 — Sonja Henie, Tyrone. 
Power, 'Thin Icie.' 



Dolan Extended 13 Weeks 

Robert Emmet Dolan has received 
another 13-week renewal for the 
Sealtest show over NBC Sunday 
nights. 

Latest nod takes him into October. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



ird ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



VARIETY 



33 




AND TOUGHEST - SEASON 



Programs and talent will dominate — ^like a nightmare 

radio's 1937-38, Time is a cinch. Profits are big and getting 
bigger. But the easier it gets to sell time the harder it gets 
to find programs and people (personalities and technicians) 
lor programs. As predicted — and more or less on schedule — 
the showmanship sins oi radio are coming back to make 
buzzing noises In advertising brains. 

. 'Clues to attitude' are related to the present difficulties. 
Business men and their representatives have tended in the 
past to approach radio talent, programs and the vague ele- 
jneht called showmanship from a starting point of either: 

■ 1. Abject ignorance. 

•2. Complete cynicism. 

The ignorance was easier to correct than the cynicism. 
Together they inade the status quo possible. Ignorance 
lihderrated showmanship^ glorified salesmanship, segregated 
copy and entertainment, failed to see the inescapable dual 
nature in radio of showmanship-salesmanship and inevitably 
did not view the problem completely but partially. Ignor- 
ance. was covered up largely by the phenomenal impetus of 
the neVir mediimi which had the additional advantage of 
supplying a depression-scared land with free shows. 
■ Yandevlile Examiple . 
•Cynicism was not thinking about programs but commis- 
sions. It still Is. And always will. Meanwhile thinldng 
about commission, devoting their best skill and ingenuity to 
chiseling: and out-smarting, some of the boys are repeating 
the cynical history of vaudeville where bookers and agents 
and cfrcuit owners figured angles for their own pocketbpoks 
and let the best intereists of the industry, as a whole go drift 
in the currents of ' fickle popularity and changing times. 
Vaudeville is dead, Sonie of the commission-grubby guys 
are bdrrowing two bits to eat on. They knew nothing but 
' chiseling^. It's a talent but not a professioYi. ' . 
■'. The radip importance to the sponiso'r of the cynical view- 
point is reflected in (a) cost, (b) a closed mind and (c) . 
union trouMie. One price for the record and one price for 
the pay'ofl is a direct encouragement to clicques which in turn 
shut out non-bliqiiers. Showmanship is limited, conditioned 
and hemmed in by personal relationships, palsy-walsys in 
the gravy bowl, Job-protection, running interference against 
the sponsor coming into direct contact with the modus 
operandi of planning and producing shows, etc. 

Somebody pays in the end. Vaudeville acts getting $800 
gross in order to net a good deal less after the kickbacks, etc., 
passed it along to theatres that couldn't stand the gaff. 

Chiseling, double commissions, plain and fancy, had a good 
deal to do with vaude's demise and appear to have something 
to do with the high blood pressure now being diagnosed in . 
radio. 

Advertising agencies are conscious of the dissatisfaction of 
sponsors.' Keen observers such as John L. Clark (see article 
elswhere in this section) point out the danger of radio 
account mortality. 'Too many eggs in one basket' is a pri- 
vately sensed— if officially denied— danger at the networks. 
Everybody is asking liie question: 'What's the solution to the 
program problem?' Showmanship is ceasing to be theo- 
retically remote and becoming an anxious fact of the radio 
market place. 

'Costly Production 

Strengthened trend to costly production is inescapable. 
Hollywood trek is part of that trend. Cost of talent has 
been high 4or years, and now the other ingredients are 
getting more expensive. Writers and directors of reputation 
command mounting fees. Arrangements, the scoring of pro- 
grams on musical comedy principles, and other legitimate 
expansions of program showmanship all are pushing the 



By BOB LANDRY 



production end of radio advertising higher. Last year's 
average of 40% may .be 50% this year. Hence a need to 
eliminate non-legitimate plusages. 

• But the sponsors don't kick too loudly about cost when the 
show clicks. Radio is still a buy when radio hits the bull's- 
eye. It's those productipn fizzles that are hard to laugh pff. 
There were at least 20 first class de luxe bankruptcy- 
encouraging program flops last season. Some of the victims 
won't be back this year. Others will have other agencies. 

Figures compiled by Variety Radio Directory suggest that 
an annual total of around 2,700 guest bookings are necessary 
to supply the revue-type programs with visiting; celebs. 
Rate at which radio exhausts personalities is, of course, a 
carry-over headache. Many are wondering how long Holly- 
wood's reservoir can last with all the pump lines now 
draining it off. How long does the curiosity value last when 
performances are mediocre? 

Hollywood itself, has been described as characterized by 
$5,000 actors in transcontinental commercials side by side 
with the lowest sale of bit. actors ($2.50 sustainers, etc.) out- 
side Jelopy, Tennessee. Dearth, of trained radio technicians 
and radio production people in Hollywood has apparently 
been painful. Its correction has, of course, already drawn in 
experienced'persons from elsewhere. 

■ Author recognition, as never before, Is expected to mani- 
fest itself during 1937-38. iScale of compensation for writers 
is still low generally, but among the 50 top advertising 
agencies (with' a couple of conspicuous and delit»orate excep- 
tions) the men and women who can whip out a dependable 
script are now being compensated in terms not too disre- 
spectful when contrasted with creative talent elsewhere. 

.Writers have thus far been known mostly to a small circle 
within the trade. Air credits, however, are one objective 
of the new now-organizing Radio Writers Guild. It would, 
if achieved, bring such public fame, great or small, to such 
persons as: Frank - Gill, Jr., Carroll Carroll, Edith Meiser, 
Irna Phillips, ' Elaine Stern Carrington, . Jane Crusinberry, 
Bess Johnson, Thompson Buchanan, Sheldon Stark, Charles 
Burton, Peter Dixon, Walter Craig, Arch Oboler, Jane West, 
Paul Rhymer, etc. 

Automatically the director is becoming more Important 
as, among other things, the, calls for doctoring become more 
frequent. Programs with heavy investments that .are failing 
to gain returns and popularity rating in keeping with over- 
head are gruesome spectres in the life pf :the agency, one 
jump ahead of a hopping mad sponsor. Ev^ry time emer- 
gency program-fixing measures are necessary the spotlight 
falls upon the director. Right now the most tangible result 
of such pulmotor work may be to skyrocket the salaries of 
a few individuals with reputations. In the end, the value of 
the showman-in-charge will gain lustre by these spectacular 
S.O.S. incidents. 

WW J, Detroit, is adopting a bold policy which may be a 
sampler of the attitude that may hereafter gradually replace 
some prevailing slants. This station, starting in a small way, 
is out to regain control of its programs, withdrawing time 
from open market availability and requiring — iwhen • the 
policy is carried to its ultimate development — that adver- 
tisers buy the programs built by the station instead of 
sticking in whatever strikes their fancy regardless of how 
such a program would jibe with the schedule of the station 
or the objectives of the management. 

Moments of Regret 

NBC, and to a lesser extent CBS, reputedly have their 



occasional moments of regret that the advertising agencies 
took away program control. It is felt by many that neither 
the existing facts nor even the brilliant success stories of 
some of the agency productions justifies the sprawling, unreg- 
ulated, more or less do-as-you-please system of network 
radio. However, holders of this opinion cannot answer the 
charge that the networlcs were not and still are not iequipped 
either by manpower or by the 'tone' of their psychology to 
control a full schedule of programs. 

It is stated that any criticism legitimately aimed at agency- 
controlled radio would be multiplied in. like terms for the 
results of the networks. Networks, with occasional spurts 
of enterprise, are still rated on the showmanship side as 
timid, parsimonious and morbidly afraid to be considered 
'opinionated' rather than 'organizational.' 

Moreover, the' networks continue the victims of their own 
enchantment with commissions deducted from talent. Charge 
of 'salary-cutting' (i e., deducting a commission from one's 
own employe) is denouiiced by webs as a distortion of the 
'facts', from a biased performer's viewpoint. 

Those not familiar with the experience of show biz have., 
given little thought thus- far apparently to the connection 
between 'net price' and the realities of everyday showman- 
ship. Networks have injured their own reputations as unbi- 
ased authorities on talent matters and have largely sacrificed 
program control— which demands honesty . of perspective — 
for the sake of a relatively unimportant by-product, the 
'artists bureau with its 2Q% phobia. (This is not to disparage 
the legitimate 'tours' function.) 

Novelty cycle of the past season will lap over in modified 
form according to present indications. But the copy act 
..tendency here, as always in program councils, depletes the 
value of 'ideas.'- It gets back to entertainment Doing things 
smoothly. The professional touch. And never before wei'e 
so many people convinced that broadcasting actually faces a 
real problem that its luck and momentum cannot charm 
away. 

Unionism .Threefold 

Meanwhile, union labor will give radio more than a few 
imcomfortable moments in 1037-38. Even without a gypsy 
costume that prediction is easy. Boake Charter pot-shottint; 
at the C.I.O. on commercial time that the C.I.O. cannot buy 
for rebuttal purposes^ is just one of the cute little problems 
that conceivably may come up. Labor is also 'a constant 
threat . against radio programs either via postponement or 
cancellation a la Chevrolet. Again, labor is moving in on 
radio to organize its employes. Radio management tnus has 
the union problem overlapping basic policy (sale of time 
for controversial issues) advertising contracts (strike clauses> 
and employe relationships. ^ 

In Washington there still lurks the threat and the possi- > 
biliiy of an investigation. That will be unpleasant Those 
trips to Washington have always been a major expense and 
a major nuisance of broadcasting from Its Inception, An 
investigation will be a new load of aipguish. 

Television is still in the haze. Its engineering problems 
have been occupying the time and consuming the money of 
various organizations. Europe is^ in the lead. . Notably, Ger- 
many and England. Cascades of publicity— and the public 
is eager for details— fall to clarify the essential facts of 
when-what-how. When is far enough away not to w)i'ry 
anybody. Need, among many other unsolved problems, of 
a new uniquely televisionlstlc entertainment pattern, the 
probability of much floundering about and the llmltillons 
that its nature and experisiveness will Inevitably Impose, 
make television a Jules Verne fiction so far as present cc»n- 
mercial calculations can determine. 



Uproar Unwarranted, Says Hununert; 
Air Features, Inc., Not a Subsidiary 



Frank Hummert of the Blackett- 
Sample-Hummert agency, New York, 
last week answered a number of 
questions in connection with the 
squabble aroused by the 5% com- 
mission now being asked of talent 
by Featured Artists Service, Inc., 
acting as booking office for Air Fea- 
tures, Inc.. 

Hummert replies: 

■ 1. 'Air Features is not a subsidiary 
of Blackett - Sample-Humniert but 
simply one of several outside pro- 
duction organizations with which the 
agency does business.' 

; 2. 'If Air Features does business 
only arid solely with Blackett- 
Sample-Humniert it is its fault. 
There is nothing to limit activities 
to the single connection.' 

3. 'Collection of 5% commission 
was decided upon with the knowl- 
edge and approval of the agency. 
It seems a very nominal fiee and 
probably the lowest in radio. It is 
a fixed lee and will not be in- 
creased.' 

4. 'Air Features is paid a fee to 
act as production clearing house un- 
der Hummert supervision. Blackett- 
Sample-Hummert derives its com- 
mission from the purchase of radio 
time only.' 

5. 'Object is to give performers 
the highest scale of compensation 
consistent with the nominal pro- 
duction budgets of the type of radio 
entertainment Blackett - Sample - 
Hummert has specialized in. Mod- 
erate cost long-term radio programs 
is the Hummert theory of pleasing 
and holding accounts and keeping 
the agency billing up.' 

6. 'Equity is welcome to organize 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert perform- 
ers. He sympathizes with its aims. 
Equity's entry into radio won't make 
oixa mad.' 



Per Sponsor Average 



Average expenditure per ad- 
vertiser for the first six months 
of this year on Columbia proved 
to be considerably over the 
level which prevailed for the 
like period ot 1936. In the case 
of NBC the average cost per 
client took a dive when com- 
pared to last year, 

CBS' average slice for the 
half year in '37 came to $231,301, 
while for the like period of 
1936 it was $180,415. NBC shows 
an average intake of $179,713 
from clients this year and in 
'36 it was $233,428. In '35 the 
average client expenditure for 
the first six months with the 
sanie network figured $207,660 
and the year before, $157,252. 



McNamee's Gnien Audition 

Cincinnati, July 20, 
Graham McNamee flew Into town 
for a day last week to audition his 
new radio stint for Gruen Watch, to 
start on the NBC red web in 
autumn. With him on the series will 
be Shelia Barrett and Joe Rines* 
orch. 

Sampling job conducted by Mc- 
Namee for his sponsors was done 
in the Netherland Plaza hotel. Jack 
Sprigg's band, local, ran through 
several of the Rines orchestrations. 



Honey Chile in Legit 

Clair Hazel, the Honey Chile of 
the Bob Hope program, goes into 
'Brother Rat,' at the Biltmore, N. Y., 
next Friday (23). 

Replacing Juliet Forbes, 



OPPOSITE JACK BENNY 



That's Jeanette MacDonald's Tee- 
Shot In Autumn 



Jeanette. MacDonald, with Josef 
Pasternack as maestro, starts on 
CBS under the Vick Chemical ban^ 
ner Oct 3. It will be the Sunday 
half hour opposite Jack Benny's. 

Same account will also use three 
15-minute a. m. spots on Columbia 
each week, starting Oct 3, with Tony 
Wons the talent. 



Nil DISCS 
READY IN AUG. 



RADIO'S HONEY CHART 



General agreement among statisticians, and forecasters in the trade is 
that broadcasting's groiss income from the sale of time will go over the 
$132,000,000 mark for 1937. If this eventuates it will be the boost jump that 
the medium has yet' taken. 

Estimates, and comparison with last year's grosses, follows: 



1937 

NBC $41,000,000 

CBS 28,000,000 

MUTUAL ;,. 2,250,000 

Befflonal Networks , 1,500,000 

National Non-Networks 34,000,000 

Local 26,000,000 



1936 
$34,523,950 
23,168,148 
1,987,573 
1,367,812 
24,141,360 
22,370,470 

$107,650,886 



, Washington, July 20. 

First installment of 100-hour tran- 
scription library of the NAB Bureau 
of Copyrights, Inc., will be put on 
the market next month, Discs sell for 
$10 an hour to members and $15 for 
outsiders. 

Following initial unveiling at the 
Chicago convention, 60 stations have 
signed up for the service, presum 
ably assuring the necessary mini- 
mum clientele to make the experi 
ment successful. 

• Recordings probably will be of 
fered all members of the industry 
via direct-mail campaign. Baldwin 
has virtually discarded thought of 
sending representatives out on the 
road, desiring to hold down expen.ses 
since the venture is cooperative and 
fearing cost of bag-toting would be 
excessive. Word-of-mouth adver- 
tising is expected to build up de- 
mand, since Baldwin and other 
N.A.B. execs are confident their 
product will compare well in quality 
with discs from competing services. 

Pressing of 4,000 platters for the 
initial subscribers— 2,400 for the 60 
stations which already have con- 
tracted for the twenty hours so far 
recorded— has been started. Bureau 
plans to run off the discs in batches 
of 100 for each half-hour master re- 
cording. 



Total ..$132,750,000 

Those who participated in the estimate do not regard the $25,000,000 
jump as indicating .extreme calculating isince the margin of 1936 over '35 
flgured $20,000,000. National spot broadcasting itself show all earmarks 
of continuing, if not bettering its unprecedented stride of the past six 
months. Gross time sales from all quarters in 1935 were $87,523,848. 

Way the grosses line up for the first six months of this year, and as 
compared with 1936, follows: 

1937 1936 

Networks $35,500,000 $28,181,976 

Regionals 669,000 644,473 

Nat. Non-Net 16,500,000 11,527,880 

Local , 12^850,000 10,447,870 



Total $65,525,000 



$50,802,179 



ESTIMATES FOR 1937 TIME SALES 

(Calculations based on first six months plus business commitments and 
expectations for balance of year.) 



NBC Red and Blue— $41,000,000 (30%) 



Spot (national non-network )^$34,000,000 (25%) 



CBS— $28,000,000 (21%) 



Local (retail)— $26,000,000 (19% ) 



Mutual (flexible hook-ups— $2,250,000 (25%) 



All Regionals— $1,500,000 (1.5%^ 



8* VAjmnr 



RADIO REVIEWS 



ir«dnesdii7, July 21, 1937 



REV. SOBERT ANDERSON 

JARDINE 
Talk 
HEINZ 

'Wednesday, 11 a.m. 
WAB€, New York 

Vicar who ran the' Church of Eng- 
land's picket line to marry the Duke 
of Windsor to Mrs. Wallis Warfield 
guested on the Heinz 'Magazine of 
the Air' last Wednesday (14) to 'teU 
American women the woman's side 
of my experience.' Like most of 
those names-in-the-news appeai*- 
anoes, it was better on paper, than 
via the air. 

Chief fault of the 'poor man's pas- 
tor' was in his tepid remarks. Jar- 
dine offered nothing startling in the 
opinions he expressed . and he cer- 
tainly didn't reveal any- inside dope 
on the ceremonies or the intimate 
characteristics of the celebrated 
couple. 

Duchess of Windsor, said the cleric, 
is a 'great personality,' for whom the 
Duke 'rightly' gave up the throne. 
Minister also rebuked those who 
have predicted that the royal ro- 
mance will land on the rocks. But 
whether the Duke and Wally were 
nervotis before and during the cere- 
mony, how they behaved toward 
each other, whether the Duchess, is 
friendly and spontaneous or quiet 
and reserved and. a host of other 
questions, Jardine didn't answer." 

He spoke his little piece simply 
and clearly, sticking to the obvious. 
There were no questions to prod him 
into revelations. It Was dignified 
and dull. Jardine has a distinctive 
voice, with surprisingly little ac- 
cent. He sounds simple, genuine, 
kindly and colorless. One of the 
most amazing events of history 
thrust him into world attention. 
Very likely hell soon be back in his 
serene Englidi countryside. Hobe. 



SCIENCE FOBUM 
Witb Ellis Manning, Emerson Mark 

ham and XS-uestis 
30 Mins4 Local 
GENERAL ELECTRIC 
Thursday, 7:30-8 p. m. 
WGT, Schenectady 

Compares favorably with several 
«ducationals on the networks. By 
its very nature has more class than 
mass appeal. No doubt, however, 
that a segment of the audience will 
tune Forum out as too heavy.' 

Strongest appeal is to the better 
educated and to scientifically-minded 
adult listeners, &i well as to high 
. school students. Letter response, 
during a year of broadcasting, has 
been, satisfactory on volume and 
coverage. Show is also short- 
waved. 

First, half of block is devoted to 
talks on the latest scientific develop- 
ments, given by members of G-E's 
laboratory staff in Schenectady and 
by occasional outside savants. .They 
have often fascinating stories to tell. 
Obviously some fall down on deliv- 
ery, are dry, or otherwise weak. 

Second section presumably carries 
more popular interest. Here two 
trained mikers, Manning, who 
spieled on a previous G-E Com- 
munity pirogram series, before audi- 
ences in Rice Hall and on the 'House 
of Magic' Exposition that followed, 
and Markham, veteran director of 
G-E agricultural broadcasting, go to 
work on the explanation of phenom- 
ena, scientific findings,- etc. 

John Sheehan, the 'chairman,' 
breaks in a bit too formally, but hits 
the right note as he stresses the cir- 
culating library of scientific periodi- 
cals, etc., offered in connection with 
hroadcast. Feature is right down the 
alley for school tieups and the like. 
Well spotted as to time, coming be- 
fore Vallee hour. Jaco. 



LESIAE HOWARD, ROSALIND 
RUSSELL 

With Ben Webster, Dennis Green, 
Charlotte Evfuu, John Davidson,. 
Stefan Schnaubel, Wrlg:htKraemer, 
Julia Walsli, Nancy Leach, Lionel 
Braham and Conway Tearle 

'MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING' 

<>0 Mins. 

^stainintr 

Monday, 9 p.m., DST. 
tVABC-CBS, New York 

Second slice of Columbia's stream- 
lined (and sustaining) Shakespeare 
offered up one of the bard's lesser 
labors, 'Much Ado About Nothing.' 
Title summarizes in pithy comment 
the radibzation of the work, 

A bad job of crowding, always 
fatal on' the ozone, characterized the 
production. Most of the players 
seemed conscious of working against 
time, and many of the livid lines 
were so speedily spouted thfeir sense 
was lost. Miss Russell, in the role 
of Beatrice, was especially guilty of 
talking tod rapidly. 

Howard, who through his stage 
'Hamlet' and screen 'Romeo' has 
how become in the popular mind as- 
sociated with Shakespeare, benefited 
from his, silken voice as making an 
all-around good Benedict. 

Supporting cast spoke their' lines 
all right, but the characters got 
shuffled up and often mixed in 
identity through having voices of 
the same timbre. That factor, plus 
the speed the play was put througch, 
Icndeid to make the hour-long show 
a muddle. One strong standout was 
Lionel Braham as Dogberry, that fat 
and rdbust role. Bert 



RICHARD CROMWELt, 

FAY WRAY 
'The New Yorkers* 
Dramatlfl Sketch 
6 Mins. 

ROYAL GELATIN 
Thurs., 8 p.m. (Once) 
WEAF, New York 

CJ. Waltci- r/iompson> 

Agnes Ridgeway authored this 
throwback to the days of the paper- 
covered novel. It's filled with weeps 
and hoke and moss-growji cliches, 
but the chances are the piece went 
big with the simpler folks. Whether 
intentionally or otherwise, those re- 
sponsible for the production perked 
up the lowdown emotional appeal of 
the script by having it played down 
to that level. Richard Cromwell and 
Fay Wray, both from picts, did as 
well as could be expected under the 
circumst? »ces, 

A lonely Country hoy and a still 
more lonely country girl meet on a 
bench in Central Park. When the 
girl fails to respond to the boy's at- 
tempt to engage her in .conversation 
he breaks out in a verbal rash, in- 
veighing against the coldness of the 
city's people. After that it's love at 
first sight; She's been desperately 
lonely herself and the' outcome has 
them pooling their few tuppence for 
diveirsion and his pledging to get 
himself a job so that they can get 
mairried. Odcc. 



Folbw Up.Comment 



ROBERT L. RIPLEY 

With B. A. Bolfe's Orchestra, Gra>' 

ham McNamec 
SO Mins, 

GENERAL FOODS 
Friday, 9 p. m. EDST „ 
WJZ-NBC, New Y<»rk • 

(McCann Erickson) 
'Believe It or Not' series has a new 
sponsor and has moved from the 
Sunday night slot Program setup 
remains virtually as was, however. 
General Foods is the present bank- 
roller, plugging its new cereal, 
Huskies. Show continues to be plenty 
strong entertainment, but will find 
Hollywood Hotel' on CBS opposite a 
tough rival for dialer attention. 

Stanza still relies chiefly on Rip- 
ley's credulity-testing jtems, with 
;wo of the yarps offered in draiha- 
1 ied form. On session caught (16) 
they were a Mexican revolutionist 
who had been' 'executed,' but sur- 
vived, and Vincent Richards, who 
was thought fatally injured in a 
motot crash and amazed doctors by 
making a complete recovery. Both 
appeared in person on the show, 
with the ex-tennis star contributing a 
estimonial for Huskies. At least he 
didn't stretch the believe it or not 
angle to credit Huskies with his re- 
turn to robust health. 

B. A. Rolfe's band does a sock job 
providing the music for the show, 
scoring particularly in the opener 
with- 'Around the Marble Arch,' a 
natural. No vocalist. Graham Mc- 
Namee handles the commercials. 

Hobe. 



MILKMAN'S MATINEE 
With Stan Shaw 
5 Hours 
. Participatlntr 
Mon.-Sat, 2 a,m. EDST 
WNEW, New York 

Ethering daily (except Sunday) at 
2 a.m., it keps rolling until 7 a.m. 
Title is self-explanatory, show aim- 
ing - at early morning stalwarts. 
While 'Milkman's Matinee' unleashes 
all the phonograph recordings as re- 
quested, it isn't the musical part of 
the program that carries the wallop. 
That is supplied by Stan Shaw him- 
self. Announcer has personality 
well suited for the show. Voice is 
okay and enunciation is flawless. 
But what docs the business is Shaw's 
. casual, slightly humoirous, faintly 
self-deprecatory manner. Apparent- 
ly nothing bothers him and he's 
equal to any gag that an inventive 
listener may attempt — all in the best 
of spirits. 

Requests on the 'Matinee' must be 
made by telegram and Shaw gets 
some pips. 

Most of the listeners are either 
night workers or revelers. Former 
get plenty of fre'e . plugs for their 
joints by wiring requests and Stan 
usually obliges by mentioning the 
name and address ' of the lunch 
wagon or bar. In the case of souses, 
those supply same howls, too. 

'Matinee' has one obvious limita- 
tion. Namely, that it's a question 
how many listeners are abroad in 
the town durin? the airing hours 
and how much they're worth as ad- 
vertiser targets. Presumably rnost 
people working in the wee hours 
aren't top salary boys. And cer- 
tainly drunks remember little of 
wh^t they hear — if any. 

Still, for what's worth, Stan 
Shaw's show is forte entertainment 
«nd it's the only thing of it~s kind 
•t present in territory. Hobe. 



NEAL O'H.^RA'S RADIO GAZETTE 
With Joe Toye, Edson D. Smith, Jay 

Wesley 
15 Mins.— Reelonal 
BROWN *t WILLIAMSON 
WDRC, Hartford 

(B. B. D. & O.) 
Boston-originated CBS regional, 
fod to Hartford, Providence, Wor- 
cester, Bangor and Springfield, 
comes in as a tasty hunk of air fare. 
Idea of aerial ne_wspaper, composed 
of columnar pieces, has been tink- 
ered with before this, but usually 
not with as effective results of this 
three-a-week ride footed by Avalon 
cigarettes, 

Neal O'Hara, whose nationally- 
syndicated 'Take It From Me' fea- 
ture takes him out of the neighbor- 
hood class, is head man, nominally 
arid every other way. O'Hara's col- 
laborators, all familiar to Boston 
readers and tuners, may mean more 
to Beantown environs than they do 
to rest of area on hook-up, but 
O'Hara himself is enough to give the 
session box office. 

'Gazette,' perhaps for test cam.* 
paign purposes, expressly directs it- 
self to male audience. O'Hara fol- 
lows commercial spiel with variety 
of tidbits, similar to trivia in his 
printed column. Joe Toye, editor of 
Boston Traveler, offers 'Tomorrow's 
Editorial Tonight,' in this airing a 
thought on the lottery bill in 
Congress. 'Today in Sports' just that 
as delivered by Jay Wesley, special 
events man at WEEI, Boston local 
angle stressed, as in cases of Foxx 
and Cronin, O'Hara interpolated in 
behalf of sponsor. Edson B, Smith, 
financial ed of Boston Herald, Wall 
Streeted, all right to whoever cares. 
Last item, 'confidential feature for 
men only,' Insided on such incidents 
as President Roosevelt's cameraman 
trouble and Mary Pickford's catering 
to f otogs at nuptials. Not sensational, 
but interesting. 

Reads like a lot for 15 minutes, 
and is. O'Hara has abundant per- 
sonal sock and knows how to sell. 
Little question that he could do en- 
tire trick, but use of assisting ex- 
perts naturaUy ' gives ' names and 
authority. 

Except • for opening commercial 
takmg the spot that ought to have 
been O Hara's, no particular fault to 
find with cigarette vending wordage, 

Klem. 

SAM HAMMER 
'YOUR INVENTION' 
36 Mins.; Local 
Friday, 8:30 p. m. 
WMCA, New York 

As Sam Hammer was careful to 
point out at the start of this fourth 
broadcast (16) of the series, this is 
the first program of its kind to hit 
the air in New York City. Idea is 
to bring obscure inventors to the 
mike to tell the public of their brain- 
children and so obtain backing to put 
the gadgets on the market Hammer 
also stressed the fact that every in- 
vention described on his show had 
already been patent6d, . Likewise de- 
nied that he is a patent attorney or 
has anything- else to gain from the 
investions. This was veiled crack 
at another station's program. 

Contraptions described in session 
caught included device for making 
ice by , short wave, an iniproved 
cover for sausages, a safety oil valve, 
a cork insulated building block, an 
electric flash sign, a film drier and 
(by way of comedy) a hollow model 
cow for hunters and a hair planter. 
Several of the inventions already are 
on the market or have backing. 

Hammer also had a patent expert 
present to offer general advice to 
aspiring inventors and, a group of 
representative business men who 
agreed (at least over the air) to act 
on a committee to sponsor promising 
inventions. Several of the broad- 
casting inventors were uncertain. 

Another invention program, 'Can 
It Be Done?* has since begun over 
WQXR, New Hobe. 



Elmer Davis, on his first CBS 
broadcast as substitiite fot H. V, Kal- 
tenborn (now in Europe), had the 
unusual and disconcerting experience 
of .being cut off in the middle of a 
15-minute period, to permit the 
heading of a long press bulletin from 
Washington about a letter from 
President Roosevelt to Senator Bark- 
ley on the judiciary reorganization 
question, as affected by the death of 
Majority Leader Robinson. Davis, a 
New Dealer, was discussing that very 
subject when the switch came. He 
had expressed the opinion that it 
would he political wisdom for the 
President to drop the plan, for this 
session of Congress. 

Chief Executive, in his lengthy let- 
ter, took a directly, opposite stand. 
Thus, the interruption of the broad- 
cast gave listeners an opportunity to 
hear the view of President Roosevelt 
conflicting with that of Davis. The 
writer-commentator did not, of 
course, return to the air for the 
closing minute oi the quarter hour. 
Although outspoken in his beliefs, 
Davis did not in the brief time spent 
befoi-e the microphone, - sound quite 
as incisive as he manages to be in 
print 



Second week of the 'new' Max- 
well Coffee Showboat over NBC-red 
last Thursday (15) had some im- 
provements over the initialer on 
layout and pace, but the comedy ma- 
terial was in hoop skirts. It was 
barely acceptable for a showboat, 
and certainly not for a network 
radio spread. 

Until Jack Haley gets some stur- 
dier scripting the program is going to 
be impeded from rising. The fact 
that Haley toils like a Singapore 
stevedore helps slightly, but can't 
lift him above the pee-wee stature 
of his material. Imitation stuff, too, 
frankly copying where others have 
done better — much. 

Musically, the second slice shone 
as did the first. Although perhaps a 
bit noisy. Again soprano Nadine 
Conner topped, her best being the 
'Jewel Song' from 'Faust.' Baritone 
Thomas L, Thomas had his big mo 
ment wiUi "Chloe,' but would have 
soared across more strongly if the 
.arrangement had been less hack- 
neyed, 

Virginia Verrill was o.k. The pro- 
gram's best bit was the company 
rendition of 'Can I Forget You?' new 
Kern composition from the forth- 
coming pic, 'High, Wide and Hand 
some' (MG), The chorus lent con- 
siderable lustre to the number. 



Sammy Kaye, from the Marine 
Ballroom of Jenkinsbn's Pavilion, 
J'oint Pleasant N, J. ('50 miles south 
of New York,' the announcer re- 
peats), has a nice 4^nce style as 
evidenced on his hqur's session via 
WOR Sunday aft His 'swing and 
sway with Sammy Kaye' is a good 
catchphrase, and the Kaye tempos 
live up to every syllable. JJmmy 
Brown, Tommy. Ryan, et al., con- 
trib the vocals and Kaye's style of 
singing the titles, a la Kay Kyser 
makes for good radio showmanship 



Jim and Marion Jordan (Fibber 
McGee and Molly) had a homecoming 
on NBC's Farm and Home Hour 
from the Chicago end (July 19) 
after a three months' stay in Holly 
wood while making the film, "This 
Way Please.' Helen Stevens Fisher 
'The Little Lady with the Miracle 
Basket' interviewed the pair. The 
team's chatter, much of it in char 
actei-, was homey, good-natured, rol 
licking. 

Duo's appearance on a program 
like the Farm and Home Hour was 
appropriate — a plug, too, for their 
radio work as well as for the new 
film. Signing them off, Everett 
Mitchell described the Jordans as 
'one of the sweetest couples in radio 
happily married, and the parents of 
two lovely children (Jim .had men 
tion his 12-year-oM4on). 



MARTHA RAYE 
With G«ors:e Nofobs 
M-G-M Movie Club - 
Sustaining: 
Friday, 8 p. m. 
WHN, New York 

Martha Raye, doing a personal 
date across the street at the 'Para- 
mount, N, Y,; took time out between 
shows last Friday (16) night to ap- 
pear briefly on the M-G-M Movie 
Club program over WHN. With 
Radie Harris, who usually handles 
interviews on the show, vacationing, 
George Nobbs asked the questions 
and laughed at the right places. 

Miss Raye's stint was okay. 
Comedienne evidenced confldehce, 
quick wit and easy skill at handling 
dialogue. For those' who are ready 
to roll in the aisles at the mere 
;hought of Jimmy Durante 's nose or 
Joe E. Brown's mouth, there were 
enough of Miss Raye's w.k. 'Oh 
Boy's' to ignite laughs. 

Script contained its share of inani- 
ties, such as the three cheers by the 
audience for the guestee or the 
sugared Gaston-Alphonse bouquets 
that were handed out in all direc- 
ions. Might be assumed that Miss 
Raye has reached sufficient stand- 
ing to make that sort of thing un- 
necessary and vapid. Certainly the 
aest part of the comedienne's spiel 
was her unadorned story, which 
didn't need script seasoning as she 
told it. ' 

Pleading a sore throat. Miss Raye 
did not sing on the show. M-G-M 
Movie Club is sustaining over the 
summer, Glostora bowing out as 
sponsor for the hot months. Hobe. 



GEORGR GERSHWIN MEMORIAL 

With G««rre White, Max Gordon, 
Gene Back, Sid Gary, Harold Ar> 
len, Ann Bonell, Harry Hlrschfield 
and Nat BmsllofTs Orcb. 

45 Mins.; Regional 

Snstalntnc 

Wednesday, 9:30 p. in. DST 
WMCA-Inter-Clty, New York 

One of the best of the nutny pro- 
grams aired to the memory of the 
late composer was also one of the 
last to hit the ozone. It was hyper-, 
creditable job by WMCA. 

Paced by Brusiioff's crew dishing 
out CSershwin melodies, the other 
guests gave oral tributes to the com- 
poser they knew and worked with. 
Hirschfield led off with fair spiel. 
White seemed a bit ill at ease and 
talking off his fingertips. Gordon 
was tops, speaking briefly and most 
fittingly. 

Songwriter Harold Arlen spoke 
with deep emotion and concluded by 
singing ^Summertime* in a socko, 
wailing cantoresque manner.. Miss 
Ronell testified to what inspiration 
Gershwin had given her and the direct 
help iand advice lent which speeded 
her own career as a composer-lyri- 
cist. Baritone Sid Gary loosened up 
the larynx for 'Got Plenty o* No th- 
in* near the end. 

ASCAP Prez Gene Buck registered 
as sincere and spoke well. Orchestra 
had some good, gracefiil arrange- 
ments of the late composer's pieces. 
Subdued as befit the program. At 
the end a very moving novelty was 
achieved by having the band do 
'Rhapsody in Blue' as a background 
for the somber trumpet-playing of 
Taps. Bert. 



THE FAMILY. MAN 
Woody Klose, Paul Gbdt 
15 Mins. 
Sustaininr 

Daily 9:30 a.m. (Except Sun.) 
WTMV, East St Louis 

Romance, family life and all the 
problems attached to it plus poetry 
reading, vocal and organ music are 
entertainingly combined in a click 
program for housewives in 'The 
Family Man.' Script is built around 
a physician whose wife died leaving 
him with the task of raising three 
children, youngest of whom is seven- 
year-old Mary, The trials and tribu- 
lations of family problems are un- 
folded in such a realistic manner 
that women dialers, for whom pro- 
gram is aimed, can liken their own 
troubles and joys to that of 'The 
Family Man.' Woody Klose, an- 
nounced as writer and chief actor in 
program, adds inspirational poems. 

Program has swell romantic angle 
that keeps dialers on edge until it is 
brought to an end. Klose does a 
swell job throughout and Godt's or- 
gan music is well selected and satis- 
factorily played. This program seems 
to be a fine spot for a sponsor eager 
to reach women, Scihu. 



JOB WANTED 
Thomas Dunning: Rishworth, Guests 
Interviews. 
15 Min&:-^Local 
Tues and Thurs., 5 p.m. 
KSTP, Minneapolis-St Paul 

This stint started as a run-of-the- 
station sustainer, but drew so many 
listeners the National Youth Adminis 
tration stepped in. That body kicks 
in with a program idea now and 
then, and plays to the hilt in co- 
operation. 

Program opens with traffic noises 
to indicate the workaday world, then 
someone shouts; 'Do you want a 
job?' Announoer Rishworth then 
asks, 'What job? How much does 
it pay? Where can I get one?' Then 
he intros the big-shot guest speaker, 
an acknowledged success in his 
field, who is tlien interviewed by 
three kids of high school-college age. 
Juves. on the brink of going out 
into the world, ask the lowdown on 
their chosen fields from experts who 
know. 

Recent session had three kids- who 
want to be social service workers 
quizzing A. A. Heckman of the 
Board of Control on the ins and outs 
of their cho.sen field. Rash. 



'ART OF CONVERSATION' 
With Prof. Frederick Wocllncr, 
Thomas Freebairn-Smith, Irwin 
Fnrman 
30 Mins.; Local 
Sustaining 
Wed.« 8 p. m. 
KNX, Hollywood 

Another experimental by Holly- 
wood's Columbians that is much too 
lofty for popular appeal. Where the 
literate count is high it will get a 
steady play. Others won't waste 
much time on It. As something new 
In radio it's all of that; but strictly 
class fodder. 

Conducting the half-hour gabfest 
Is Prof. Frederick Woellner of Uni- 
versity of California at Los Angeles. 
That makes it a high dome proposi- 
tion right off. Other regulars are 
Irwin Furman, art critic, who acts 
as analyst, and Thomas Freebairn- 
Smith, announcer, who also leads 
with his chin occasionally. Other 
three or four are picked at random 
each week from the intelligentsia. 

On night caught the discussion 
centered on whether cpnversation 
was an art or just a lotta jaw exer- 
cise. It sounded pretty much like a 
standoff, and then the nine old men 
of the supreme court cam.e in for a 
going-over. Ran pretty smooth in 
that no scripts are used and the 
talking isn't cued. Strictly catch-as- 
catch-can. Helm. 



TOMORROW'S NRWS TONIGHT 

With Andre Ba,roch 

5 Mins. 
LIBERTY MAGAZINE 

M-T-W-F, 11 p.ni. EDST. 

WABC, New York. 

(Erwin-Wasey) 

Principally because of its title, this 
stanza should be a good bet for the 
sponsor. Coming at the late evening 
hour, when sleepy dialers have di- 
gested the evening papers and before 
they've glimpsed next morning's, 
program offers a quick, comprehen- 
sive scanning of the headlines. 

From the United Press dispatches, 
Andre Baruch takes just a brief 
mention for each item. Rattles them 
off without going into details. Man- 
ages to cover around 15 different 
items in the five minutes allotted. 
Also works in two plugs for stories 
in Liberty's current issue. 

Selection and spieling are okay. 

Hobe. 



VELVET VARIETIES 
With Irene Stone, Christine Randall, 
. 'Harmonettes,' Dick Mills, Maria 
Lane, Ben Feld's Ork. 
30 Mins. Local 
KMOX, St. Louis 
Tuesday, 8 p. m. 
TERRE HAUTE BREWING CO. 
(Arbce) 

Latest of programs produced in 
KMOX studios and presented before 
live audience introduces new faces 
and voices and afso contains a nov- 
elty in these parts as each program 
is rehearsed before audience before 
hitting the ether.. Idea of obtaining 
new talent is a good one as other 
local entertainers were being heard 
too frequently. 

Sponsor is maker of 'Champagne 
Velvet' beer, and is invading 'Bud- 
weiser' market. Perhaps over-fre- 
quent plugs may be shrugged off un- 
til product and program become bet- 
ter known. Weak spot in first airing 
was work of Maria Lane, monologist 
from WJNO, West Palm Beach, Fla. 
She tackled, but did not throw, an 
Arline Harris role. Idea scripted for 
her, as a wife attempting to relieve 
a sick husband almost putting him in 
a grave through her stupidity, con- 
tains lots of laughs, but the delivery 
had too many waits for applause and 
guffaws. 

Irene Stone delivered 'The Love 
Bug Will Get You' in a jCtleasing 
manner, 'The Harmonettes' did 'Too 
(Continued on page 59) 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



itd ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



9% 



Joe Weber s Letter 



Following is the letter which Jos. N. Weber, president of the Amer- 
ican Federation of Musicians, addressed last week to national and 
regional networks: . 

'Kindly be advised that members of the American Federation of 
Musicians will cease to render services at any broadcasting station 
from August 14, 1937 on, vnless radio networks, corx>orations or broad- 
casting systems and the American Federation of Musicians have 
meanwhile agreed to the regulation of the indiscriminate use of pho- 
nograph records or electrical transcriptions for profit. The with- 
drawal of musicians will include all members of the Federation who 
render services at any radio station for sustaining progress, sponsored 
program, or whose services are transmitted from any place by re- 
mote control. It will extend over any network and its affiliates as 
well as all individual radio stations throughout the jurisdiction of the 
Federation in the United States and Canada. 

'International Executive Board of the American Federation of 
Musicians will meet in session in the city of New York on Thursday, 
July 29, 1937, at the headquarters of the president of the Federation, 
1450 Broadway, and will remain In session several days thereafter. 
The meeting is called for the puritose of inviting you to confer with 
the board to, if possible, come to some agreement with it concerning 
the* matter, 

*If you fail to' respond to this invitation, then you will, of course, 
leave the Federation no other alternative except to hold that your 
corporation, organization, broadcasting system, individual station or 
network is no longer interested in having services . rendered to it by 
members, of the American Federation of Musicians from August 14, 
1937, on.' 



Forecast Industry Uarrassment Via 
CJ.O. Labor As Woidd-Be Broadcaster 



By ALBERT SCHARPEB, JR. 

CIO str.ategy in propagandizing 
over the air is to build small hook- 
ups of indie stations in areas where 
organizing activities are going on. 
iThree such links are now being used, 
in the CIO campaigns in steel, auto- 
motive and textile industries. 

Refused by NBC and CBS webs, 
the CIO has not entirely given up 
hope of this winter battling the big 
networks for the right to broadcast 
commercially, over the facilities. For 
the present, however, John Lewis' 
outfit will confine its broadcasting 
barrage to the small tieups of indies, 
strategically spotted in the areas 
CIO is fighting in. 

Last night (Tuesday) CIO debuted 
on the ether its first radio organizing 
effort against Bethlehem Steel. 
Thrice-weekly evening quarter 
hours have been bought on WCBM, 
Baltimore; WJAC, Johnstown, Pa.; 
WSAN, Allentown, Pa. and WHP, 
Harrisburg. A single line feeds the 
looped program to all stations over 
a D class wire that costs $78. 

Programs designed to organize the 
Bethlehem workers in the plants lo- 
cated in each of the four towns 
where the broadcasts are aired 
chiefly consist of waxed speeches of 
w.k. political or social bigwigs. 
Transcription last night was of a 
recent speech of Senator Wagner. 
Others set to follow through suc- 
ceeding programs are Bishop Fran- 
cis McDonnell, Rep. Maury Maverick, 
Senator Black, John L. Lewis, Lt. 
Gov. Kennedy and Philip Murray. 

After the transcriptions are 
through on each station the local 
CIO organizer in his community will 
spiel for several minutes on the 
local situation. 

Use Showmanship 

'Showmanship' in organizing prop- 
aganda in all of CIO's current radio 
drives is that being done in round- 
ing up workers in the Ford plants 
in Michigan. Daily evening program 
on WJBK, Detroit, is fed to WJIM, 
Lansing, and WFDF, Flint. Different 
dramatizations are put on every 
other night during which alleged 
conditions of living, household hard- 
ships, and even unhappines^ of kids 
are shown. On alternate nights 
straight organizing is done. A dicker 
is on now with five other Michigan 
stations to sell time to the CIO for 
enlarging its intra-state web. 

In New England the CIO campaign 
among the textile workers, after its 
tussle with John Shepard, 3d, over 
buying facilities on the Yankee net- 
work for the opening of the organ- 
izing drive last Memorial Day, has 
now boiled down to but two stations. 
WCOP, Boston, appeals to the tex- 
tilers to come into the CIO camp via 
programs in English, Italian and 
PoVish. On WSPR, Springfield, the 
CIO commercials are only in Eng- 
lish. There is no station in Law- 
rence, but WCOP covers that area as 
it alio does Lowell, where the CIO 
cannot get time because WLLH is a 
member of the Yankee net and 
Shepard absolutely refuses to do biz 
with the union. 

CBS is this week going to be asked 
by the CIO to give its chief, Lewis, 
the web's facilities for a spiel in the 
near future, and give the time gratis. 
Last week the baby of the Senate, 



, Rush Holt, blasted at the industrial 
organization over a 15-min. Colum- 
bia program, and the CIO wants to 
answer. (CBS also has the Boake 
Carter dilemma on its hands.) 

Great trouble the CIO is finding is 
getting big names who are good 
speakers to do its broadcasting bally- 
hoo. To date the best method found 
is to pass aroui>d the transcriptions 
made by the men who have had 
their harangues waxed for the Beth- 
lehem organizing campaign. Morris 
Novik, program director at WEVD, 
N. Y.'s 'labor union station,' has 



Labor Stations 



stations currently accepting 
programs on a commercial basis 
for both A.FiofL. and CIO or 
either are: 

WEVD, New York. 

WRJN, Kenosha, Wis. 

WJIM, Lansing Mich. 

WCOP, Boston. 

WCBM, Baltimore. 

WEBC» Duluth. 

WTCN, WMIN, St. Paul. 

WBNT, Buffalo. 

WCAM, Camden, N. J. 

WPBO, Providence. 

KIRO, Seattle 

KGGC, San Francisco. 

WADC, Akron. 

WIP, WPEN, Philadelphia. 

WOL, Washington. 

WSAN, Allentown, Pa. 

WEEV, Reading, Pa. 

WGBI, Scranton. 

WFBG, Altoona, Pa. 

WBNO, New Orleans. 

WHKC, Columbus. 

WSPR, Springfield, Mass. 

WSAR, Fall River, Mass. 

WELI, New Haven 

KQV, Pittsburgh. 

WHP, Harrisburg, Pa. 

WGAR, Cleveland. 

WSPD, Dayton. 

WSAT, Rochester, 

WIBX, Utica, N. Y. 

WBBO, Auburn, N. Y. 

WABY, Albany. 

WJTN, Jamestown, N. Y. 



quite a library assembled and has 
already notified the CIO it is avail- 
able for any of their drives. 

It was Novik who lined up the 
four stations in the towns where 
Bethlehem organizing is going on, 
and it is he who is efforting to get 
the CIO to go whole hog on the air 
in its try to gobble up all labor 
under its banner. - 

Labor programs are ballyhooed in 
the localities where they are broad- 
cast by sandwichmen parading out- 
side the gates of the mills and by 
newspapjr ads. 



Philadelphia, July 20. 

Apparently in an attempt to bleach 
away some of the deep carmine hue 
which developed on the back of its 
neck in May, WIP during past week 
offered CIO and A. F. of L. 15-min- 
ute periods weekly for four weeks 
to present respective sides of the 
labor situation. 

Both orgs have accepted the free 
time and will ' begin presenting 



JOE WEBER EXPLAINS A.F.M. ATTITUDE; 
EXPEa WEBS TO REDUCE UNEMPLOYED 



Used Car Dealers Wax 
Uses East and Dumke 

Harry S. Goodman agency has de- 
veloped a group of recorded pro- 
grams by 'Sisters of the Skillet' 
(East and Dumke) for sale exclu- 
sively to used car dealers. Group 
already contains 32 half-hour pro- 
grams. 

While I>ang)ois & Wentworth is 
tied up with Goodman on the series, 
the actual cutting of the program 
was done by RCA Victor. 



PRESS ACENTy 
FORECAST: 

mm: 



By RAT WILSON 

Chicago, July 20. - 
At present therels a 'must' for ac- 
tion in radio publicity pictures, but 
this, in no way, affects the demand 
for legs. Formerly, aU press agents 
posed actresses in camera studios, 
usually with them sitting on the 
arm of a chair, theif shafts crossed. 
Demand now is for the girls to be 
moving about, preferably with a 
strong wind added for sex appeal. 

Idea of action in the snaps is said 
to be the influence of the new pic- 
ture magazines, and candid camera 
stuff, but right now it's so strong 
that all the p.a's. are taking nearly 
everything outdoors. Girls can be 
walking down the street, they can 
be swinging from the limb of a 
tree, or dashing along the beach on 
a bicycle, but they must keep mov- 
ing. If the sun's too hot for the 
gals, they will snap 'em inside, but 
eating, knees hooked nonchalantly 
over the arm of a chair, or in a half 
stoop, looking at supposed runs In 
their stockings, pretty little faces in 
distress — but never, any more, just 
sitting with calves overlapping. 

Standing, or sitting at a mike is 
definitely out, at least for the pres- 
ent. Papers will give space to a pic- 
ture showing a femme plucking 
flowers in her garden, providing she 
has one foot on a high ladder, and 
there's room even for one showing 
the girl's mouth open as she sings 
to the tree-top. But a still showing 
her doing nothing has as much 
chance as cotton stockings. 



SIMONDS, WFIL, RAPS 
LOCAL BALL CLUBS 



Philadelphia, July 20. 

Hal Simonds, WFIL nightly sports 
commentator,- kicking up consider- 
able dust here with squawks about 
low calibre major league ball clubs 
being provided for Philly. Claims 
Connie Mack and other owners of 
two clubs here are skimming off the 
cream and not spending any dough 
for players. 

Simonds' plaint isn't that teams 
consistently lose, but why. Avoids 
making too many charges himself by 
reading some pretty hot mail com- 
ing in. 



Burridge Butler in N. Y. 

Chicago, July 20. 
Burridge D. Butler of WLS, Chi- 
cago, and KOY, Phoenix, Arizona, 
goes to New York this week to do 
some signing in interests of both 
stations. 

On return will go to Phoenix for 
month of August for purpose of 
strengthening KOY policies. 



Parkyakarhus* Scrlpters 

Lee Sands and Robert Marko go to 
the Coast in August to script for the 
Parkyakarkus (Harry Einstein) 
show. Are under exclusive manage- 
ment of Herman Bernie. 

Program begins ethering from the 
Coast on August 17. 



speakers July 27 on Tuesday and 
Thursday nites at 8 p. m. 

WIP announced its offer as 'mat- 
ter -of public interest.' Station re- 
fused to sell time to the CIO for a 
talk by William Leader, prexy of 
Hosiery Workers, at end of May. 
Pickets paraded before its entrance 
for several days. 



Hopes Radio Will Not Use Injunction Threats But 
Come to Meeting in Triendly' Mood — Union Has 
No Preconceived Policy 



Ban on Remotes 



Joe Weber's latest stratagem 
in clearing the way for , the 
meeting of the AFM's executive 
board, next Monday (26) on the 
unemployment problem is to 
'place an absolute ban on re- 
mote broadcasts by members of 
the xmion. International's vari- 
ous locals have been instructed 
to advise their members that 
dance bands must not originate 
sustaining programs from ho- 
tels, restaurants, dance halls or 
any other place after Aug, 14. 
The stricture also applies to 
symphony orchestras. 

Weber says that he realizes . 
what this shutdown will mean 
to name bands and to hotels 
which employ such largely for 
the exploitation the spots get 
through a sustaining line but 
that these circumstances should 
not be permitted to get in the 
way of .the larger objective, the 
spread of musician employment. 
The AFM: prez looks upon these 
pickups as providing programs 
of no cost to the networks and 
individual stations and as a 
serious obstruction to the use 
of more musicians in l>roadcast- 
ing. 

Under the mandate received 
from the AFM's convention in 
Louisville last month, the ex- 
ecutive board must find a solu- 
tion for the problem of decreas- 
ing employment in radio or call 
an emergency convention of 
reps from all locals to wrestle 
with the riddle themselves. 



FLASH-TYPE 
BEST TEMPO 
FOR NEWS? 



Chicago, July 20. 

New 'trend' reported from stations 
indicates a sharp cut-down in the 
amount of time devoted to any sin- 
gle news broadcast. Stations are seen 
moving away from the 15-minute 
and 10-minute news periods and are 
aiming to keep the news down to 
'flash' tempo as much as' possible. 

Idea is to have shorter news pe- 
riods but more of 'em, so that in- 
stead of having maybe four 15-min- 
ute news periods a day, or even 
five 10-minute shots, they're ready- 
ing schedules to 10 shots of two 
minutes each interspersed with 10 
one-minute flashes in addition to 
10-second 'flashes' at station breaks. 

Conspicuous is WTMJ, the Mil- 
waukee Journal outlet, which fol- 
lowed a survey of the Milwaukee 
public's desires and tastes in the 
matter, Station now flnds the flve- 
minute periods are the most popular 
with its audience. 



RIVALS HASHING OVER 
MUTUAL PROBLEMS 



Davenport, la., July 20. 
Clark Luther, manager of WOC 
here, is sitting in on regOlar confabs 
with Clair Heyer, national sales man- 
ager of WHBF, Rock Island, and 
Maurice Corcoran, local sales chief 
of the same outlet, for general dis- 
cussions of local sales and promotion 
problems. 

Station heads will meet quartei'ly 
in the future for this round-table in- 
terchange of ideas on the Tri-Cities 
radio business. Jt marks the start 
of diplomatic relations between the 
two rival outlets of this market. 



American Federation of Musicians 
looks to the major networks to play 
a major part in helping the union 
And ways of increasing employment 
among its membership. Attitude 
that NBC and Columbia takes at the 
conferences which the AFM's inter- 
national board has called for the 
week of July 26 will largely de- 
termine the action of -this board on 
the question of regulating: the 
manufacture and use of phonograph 
records, waxed program libraries 
and commercial transcriptions. 

Jos. N. Weber, AFM prez, de- 
clared in an interview with Vahibtv 
last Friday (16) that these two' 
points would likely serve as the 
basic philosophy motivating next 
week's meet. Weber admitted that 
the board had rto idea how the situa-. 
tion conf rem ting the union can be 
solved.. It was entering the discus- 
sions with crosscountry and regional 
network operators, transcription and 
phonograph manufocturers and oth- 
ers with but one purpose, and that 
is to get everybody's point of view 
and from this mass of information 
and suggestions try to evolve some- 
thing that will be equitable to both 
the broadcasting and the recording 
industry and at the same time in- 
crease the employment roster of the 
AFM, 

Injunction Tftik 

Weber said that he and the board 
had hopes that all who take part in 
the discussions will do so with a, 
co-operative spirit. Board antici- 
pates the appearance of network 
legal batteries at the meeting and 
perhaps talk of bringing injunction 
proceedings against the union, 
Weber feels that any such bitter re- 
percussions can be avoided, if the 
networks will but realize that they 
hold the key to the whole musicians 
unemployment problem and that 
regardless of existing contracts or 
arrangements it is up to them to re- 
adjust this problem of musician em- 
ployment. 

AFM president pointed out that 
there are not 3,000 musicians em- 
ployed regularly throughout the en- 
tire country in broadcasting and 
record production. Broadcasting, he 
said, must realize that it cannot 
continue to get away with a mini- 
mum, if comparatively negligible, 
cost for music. 

Weber averred that strange as it 
might seem the employment rate for 
musicians in broadcasting grows 
worse as the industry prospers. He 
doesn't want to do anything that 
will put one out of business but the 
broadcasters, Weber said, must be 
prepared to absorb more talent 
from the rolls of the AFM. Intsr- 
national is doing more than flght for 
its future. It's fighting, Weber 
states, for its very 'existence. 

Weber said that the proper co- 
operation is shown from the ranks 
of broadcasting so that it will be in- 
cumbent upon the board to put a 
strict ban on remote pickups, as one 
point in the solution of the prob- 
lem. He also expects broadcasters 
to aid the union in suppressing the 
unauthorized recordings of broad- 
cast musical programs. If this pil- 
fering of music does not stop the 
AFM will turn to Congress for re- 
lief. 

AFM's international board, said 
'Weber, is aware of the conflicting 
interests between networks and sta- 
tions and between networks and 
transcription manufacturers but it 
believes that these interests can 
find a meeting ground which will 
prove of value in the union's quest 
for a solution. 



WLS' Slate Fairs 



Jerry Frakes, late of WLW and 

the Turns .show, is vocalizing over 
KLZ, Denver. 



Chicago, Jtfly 20. 

Daily programs from Illinois, Wis- 
consin and Indiana state fairs are 
being arranged by WLS. Pi-airio 
Farmer station, 

Harold Stafford, WLS program di- 
rector, Earl Kurtze; artist bureau 
head, and George Cook, station 
treasurer, in Indianapolis this week 
settling details for Indiana* fair. 



'Eddie the Cowboy' Stephens, 
formerly of XERA. KFRO and 
KBIX, joins WTMV, East St. Louia. 



36 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 




Vcdnesday, July 21, 193T 



VARIETY 



37 




S8 



VARIETY 



Svd AWMOAL FAIX RAPIO FORECAST 



'WednesAsny, July 21, 1937 



An Australiaii Looks at American 
Radio Ways; Different Yet Similar 1 



Agencies— l^nsors 



Viek Chemical is planning a spot 
campaign for its cough drop starting 
in the fall 



By GEOFFBEY PALMER 

Chief oi Continuitu 
Herald Broadcasttne Stations 
Mcslboarne, Avstrallia 

American entertainment comes to 
Australia per wax and celluloid in a 
big way. So the United States and 
its showmanship does not seem so 
strange to me as perhaps might be 
•the case with visitors from other 
lands. 

Transcriptions remain extremely 
important in Australia. Many o£ 
ifielSt are irom America and of 
American manufacture. Their in- 
fluence on radio 'down under' has 
been very considerable. However, 
live talent broadcasting is picking 
up. Advertisers (there are 80 com- 
mercial stations) are moving in this 

Itadi» advertising in Australia, to 
borrow a Varietv phrase, is 'on 
the upbeat' However, at pres- 
ent the greatest Australia radio ad- 
vertising campaign' woulff probably 
not gross more than $25,000 per 
annum. 

Growth of daytime advertising m 
the United States is most illuminat- 
ing to the visitor. In the Common- 
wealth, the night— with its advanced 
priceis— is stiH the more popular 
time, but there is a very good day- 
time appropriation which grows 
yearly. Australian advertisers are, 
as yet, unwilling to. spend big. money 
during the hours of 'light— believing 
in quantity rather than quality of 
audience. 

Many of our stations have proved 
that their breakfast sessions^ between 
the morning hours of 6:30 and nine 
command a major audience, and are 
eifective in selling all sections of the 
community. During, this time 
casual 100-word announcement will 
be aired for about 00% of night 
rates. 

Space between nine in the morn- 
ing and midnight is usually sold in 
quarter, half, and one-hourly blocks 
— as well as in 25 and 100-word an- 
nouncements. Here again, oh a 
casual basis, a quarter hour at nigh ; 
might cost $75, a half-hour $125, and 
an hour $225. In many cases these costs 
include the facilities^ of a regional 
relay station serving outback list 
eners, for in the state of Victoria — 
with its 281,000 licensed listeners — 
31% of these dwell ir^rural districts. 
Victoria, incidentally, boasts a 63% 
ratio of radios to dwellings. Auto 
' radio figures are swelling, but ais ye' 
do not even approximate Unitet 
States percentages. 

A space selling organization is un- 
known to our advertisers, interstate 
selling being developed between In 
terstate representatives. Many of 
the larger advertising agracles offer 
the facilities of fully equipped radio 
departments, although scripts and 
commercial continuities are gen 
erally prepared and rehearsed by 
special station staffs. 

Recent and current American pro 
grams heard in Australia in 
''■'elude The In-Laws,* *Eb and Zeb,' 
'Hymns of All Churches,' 'Cub Re 
porters,' 'One Man's Family,' .'Air 
Adventures of Jimmy Allen,' 'Belle 
and Martha,' 'Cecil and Sally,' 'Betty 
and Bob,' 'Count of Monte Cristo,' 
Carson Robison and His Pioneers, 
'The Black Ghost,' Crazy Quilt, and 
a great many others. 

We have, our amateur hours,, too, 
as well as Vox Populi, Dramatiza- 
tion of News, Seth Parkers, and a 
minstrel entertainment with a six- 
year record run to its credit. A 



HEARN STORE GOES COLD 

Audition Bampage Ends In a Bbak 
for Badio 



KeiUer has added WJSV, Wash- 
ington, to its football schedule. 



Omega Oil is lining, up station time 
for a spot campaign in the fall. Hus- 
band & Thomas is the agency. 




After auditioning more than a : 
score of different programs Heam 
Department Stores, N. Y., has about 
decided to forget about a fall pro- 
gram. For the present at least no | 
more auditions will be -held. 

Company was listening to shows I 
built up around nitery talent estab- 
ished and wJc. around New York. 
; i^rojected program would have been 
aired in N. Y. only over . either | 
WABC, WJZ or WJBAF, 

BambergcHT Peddles Its 
Ahr Spieler to Merchants 
Outside Stetropolitan NX 

X.. Bamberger & Co., Newark de 
partment store, is. offering other and 
non-rival stores around the country 
Ed Fitzgerald, air commentator on 
whom Bamberger's has an exdurfve, 
Spieler airs on WOR, Bamberger- 
owned station, week daily at 9-9:15 
a.m. 

Proposal made other stores is that 
they pick up Fitzgerald on Mutual 
net affiliates, insert their own copy 
on their local outlets. Rate offered 
stores depends on their sizes. An 
emporium with annual sales of $10,' 
000,000 would have to pay $75 a 
week for Fitzgerald, plus line 
charges and station rate. Store do- 
ing between $5,000,000 and $10,000, 
000 assessed at $60 a week for the 
commentator. Other rates for small 
er stores proportionate. 

Stores in areas outside Mutual 
coverage are offered transcriptions 
of Fitzgerald at a rate that starts at 
$50 for top-ranking firm for six plat- 
ters, plus a $3 charge for each disc's 
manufacture. 

Bamberger's will give a 5% dis 
count if a store signs a six months* 
contract. 



Baume Bengue has started to place 
a spot announcement campaign 
through the William Esty agency. 



Sinclair OU has bought a 15-minute 
news strip on WBBM, Chicago, start- 
ing July 22. It will go on at 6 p.m. 
six days a week, with John Harring- 
ton the newscaster, Federal is the 
agency. 



MeKee, Albright A Ivey, Philadel- 
phia agency, is scouting around for 
spoX announcement availabilities. 



Jeroine W*lk^ furrier, has Bob 
Carter, romantic tenor, for 13 quar- 
ter-hour shows on WCAfe, Pitts- 
burgh, July 29, 



Quaker Oats planning a five-week 
morning script show to start in Sep- 
tember lor ^eir Aunt Jemima 
product. It will be tagged 'Cabin 
in the Cotton.' Through Lord & 
Thomas agency^ Chicaigo. f 



W. W. Garrison, ad agency, has 
signed a three-a-week .15-minute 
spot on WBBM, Chicago, for Chicago, 
Milwaukee Steamship lines, i^ow 
built around Milton Charles, singing 
organist, and Edna O'Dell, singer. 



weekly community singing linit con- 
tinues to pack one of our biggest 
houses. Sport, of course, plays a 
major part in Saturday afternoon 
programs with o.b.s from race-tradi^ 
football, or cricket ground, and 
authoritative talks from sports writ 
ers are a feature of newspaper- 
affiliated stations. 

Down-Under we cherish a great 
admiration for your superlative 
American showmanship. Some of 
your programs — and your announcers 
— quite naturally, do not appeal to 
us, but your big shows are certainly 
put over in a big way. • In HoHy' 
wood I got a great kick out of 
watching and hearing such big name 
shows as Kraft Music Hall, Texaco, 
the JeUo Program, Hollywood Ho- 
tel, and the Chase and Sanborn 
hour. We've no. Walter Winchell, 
either. 

Strangre Neighbors 

To alien ears it is strange that no 
attempt is made to gradiiafe pro- 
grams — devotionals rub shoulders 
with jazz, and quarter-hour blocks 
of talk are frequently followed by 
drama— with no" musical break but 
the theme. Some American comr 
mercial credits, too, are noticeably 
forceful and blatant. 

Many Vankee admen would, like 
myself probably— in reverse— find 
commercial radio in my country no 
stranger to you. 



'Ave Mart* Hoar,' 30-min, Sunday 
night series oi dramatization, has 
been renewed over WMCA, N. Y. 
and the Inter-City System for an- 
other year. Program, which has 
been on the ozime for inore than 
two- years, is a commercial venture 
of the Franciscan Friars' Monastery 
at Garrison, N. Y. Contributions 
from listeners are solicited. 

Renewal, which is effective Sun 
day (25) will considerably expand 
the scope of 'Ave,' in that" it will 
spread its sponsorship out from 
WMCA to WIP, Philly; WCBM, 
Balto; WOL, Washington; WORK, 
York, Pa.; WGAL, Lancaster, Pa.; 
WPRO, Providencei. Lately the 
progriam has been commercial on 
but WMCA and WIP, with the other 
nine stations on Inter-City enabled 
to carry *Ave' sustaining if they had 
cared to delete the requests for do- 
nations. 



Spot announcements will be used 
over approximately 15 stations as a 
part of the. 1937-38 'drink more milk* 
promotion started this week by New 
York State with J. M; Mathes, Inc., 
the agency for the third consecutive 
year. One-minute transcriptions 
have been employed for several 
years. In 1934, the year the cam 
paig:n to increase the consumption of 
fluid milk was launched, two flesh 
programs were broadcast regularly, 
That year the appropriation was 
$500,000; this year it is $300,000. 



Westlnphoos^ of Mansfield, O., has 
taken"' George Heid's 'Smile Revue' 
on KDKA, Pittsburgh, for 10 quar 
ter-hour shots. Show, a musical pot 
pourri, includes Dorothy Bushey. 
Bernie Armstrong and Pat Haley. 
Account placed by Smith & Ross of 
Cleveland. 



John Weiser of Botsford, Constan- 
stine & Gardner producing 'Gilmore 
Circus' on the Coast Raymond R. 
Morgan formerly h^hdled the oil ac- 
count for radio. 



CONTRAST IN PROGRAMMING 

(Shaded indicates ^Serious*) 





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Garner Bhythmlc System (typing 
and shorthand) has placed a series 
of five minute transcriptions (Dick 
Liebert at the organ) on WCOL, 
Columbus. 



Spcrry Flour Co., General Mills 
subsid, has added KDYL, Salt Lake 
City, to the basic Coast NBC-Red 
web airing its newr five-day-a-week 
serial, 'Gloria Gale,' from San Fran- 
cisco. Westco agency has the ac- 
count. 



A»ff,^3 

Sterling Products (Bayer's Aspirin) over 31 CBS stations Tuesdays 7:30r8 
p.m. with Helen Mencken. 

Kolynos Friday at 8, half hour; Hammerstein Music Hall, over 30 CBS 
stations. 

Aug.. 4 

Drackett Co. (Drano): 'Hello Peggy,' dramatic show, Wednesdays and 
Fridays, 11:45-12:00 noon. NBC Basic Red. 

Aug. 29 

Acme White Lead St Color Wovks: Smilin' Ed McC(»mell, Palmer Clark's 
Orchestra, Larry Larsoii, choral group. Sundays, 5:30-6:00 p.m. NBC 
Basic Blue with WCKY. 

Aug. 31 

H. J. Helm Mon., Tues., Thurs., 11:15 a.m. over CBS. Details not set (also 
Wed., Fri. 1-11:30). 

Sept. 6 . • 

C. F. Mueller Co. (Macaroni): 'Kitchen Cavalcade,' script show, Mon- 
days through Fridays, 10:45-11:00 a.m. NBC split Blue— WJZ, WBZA, 
WFIL, WSYR, WHAM, KDKA. 

Sept. 7 

kleekct's Information Bureau: Jean Paul King, commentator; Myra 
Kingsley, astrologist; guests Mondays through Fridays, 1 1:45 t o 12 noon, 
effective September 7, on WOR, WABY, WSAY, WSYR, WKBW, WNBP, 
WKBO, WAAB, WEAN, WICC, WSPR, WTHT, WRDO, WLBZ; 1:30 to 1:45 
p.m. on DON LEE Network, WGAR. (WGAR for three weeks; then WHK.) 

Sept. 12 

Ford Concert!) 9-10 p.m, over 95 CBS stations. 

Sept. 13 

Journal of Living: Talk, Dr. Victor H. Lindlahr, at following days and 
times: Monday, Wednesday .^and Friday 12 noon to 12:30 p.m., on WOR, . 
WAAB, WEAN. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9:30 to 10 a.m; on 
WGN, CKLW, WCAE, WHK, Mutual. 

Lux Badlo Theatre resumes for Lever Bros, over 57 CBS stati(ms at 
9-lb p.m. EST. 

Sept. 20 

Campana, Sales Co. (Italian Balm): (program not set), Mondays, 8:30-9:()0 
p.m., NBC Basic Blue, Bule Mt. and Coast. 

Sept 22 

Standard Brands (product not named: Pgm. not determined;' Wednes- 
days, 9:00-9:30 pjn. NBC Basic Blue, Blue Mountain and Coast. 

Sept 24 

Coc» Cola: (Talent not set); Fridays, 10 to 10:45 p.m., CBS coast to coast. 

Sept 25 

G. Washington Coffee Beftning Coj . 'Uncle Jim's Question Bee,* Satur- 
days, 7:30-8:00 p.m. NBC split network— WJZ, WBZ-A, KDKA, WGY, 
WTAM, WMAQ. 

Wander Co. (Ovaltine): 'Little Orphan Annie,' retiuming to 5:45-6 p.m., 
Mcmday through Friday on the NBC red; repeat 6:45 p. m. 

Sept 26 

Varady of Vienna: (Ted Weems' Orchestra) Sundays, 1:30-2 p.m. on 
WBAL, WOL, WGR, KWK. WCAE, WSAI, CKLW, WHK, WHKC, WGN, 
WOR, Mutual. 

Blue Coal: ('The Shadow'), Sundays, at following times: 4:30-5 p.m., on 
WNAC, WTIC, WEAN, WTAG; 5:30 to 6 p.m. on WOR, WBAL, WOL, 
WGR, WGN, CKLW, Mutual. 

General Poods (Diamond Crystal Salt): (show not set), Sundays, 3:00- 
3:30 p.m. WJZ, WBZ-A, WFIL, WSYR, WHAM, WEBR, KDKA, WGAR, 
WXYZ, WCKY, WCOL, WABY. 

Ralston Furhu. Co. (Ry-Krisp): Marion Talley, Sundays, 5:00-5:30 p.m. 
NBC Basic Red, WCOL, WOOD, WEBC, and NC, Red Mt. and Coast 
groups. 

Sept 27 

Ralston-Parina Co. (Wheat Cereal): "Tom Mix Straight Shooters,* dra- 
matic show for children, Mondays through Fridays. 5:45-6:00 p;m. WJZ, 
WBZ-A, WICC, WEAN, WFIL, WBAL, WMAL, WSYR,"WHAM, WEBR, 
KDKA, WGAR, WSPD, WXYZ, WCKY, WABY, WCOL, WOOD. 6:45-7:00 
p.m. WMAQ, KWK^ WTCN, WIRE. 

Grove Laboratories:' (Bromo Quinine), Gabriel Heatter; Monday and 
Tuesday, 8 to 8:15 pjn.,. Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 to 10:15 pjn.; Basle 
Blue with WCKY. 

Sept. 28 

R. J. Reynolds full-hour for Camels 9:30-10:30 p.m. over 79 stations on 
CBS. Talent not set. 

Personal Finance Co. & "Your Unseen Friend' Tuesdays at 10:30-11 pjn. 
over 11 CBS stations. 

American Home Products (Program not determined), Tuesdays, Wednes- 
days, Thursdays, 7:15-7.30 pjn, NBC Basic Blue with WCKY. 

Oct 3 

Sherwin Williams Co.: 'Metropolitan Opera Audition of the Air," with 
Edward Johnson and Wilfred Pelletier, Sundays, 5:00-5:30 p.m. NBC 
Basic Blue, and groups SE, SC, SW, Blue Mt. and Coast. 

B. B. Davis Co. Sundays 6-6:30 with Joe Penner, Gene Austin. On 45 
CBS stations. 

International Silver resumes at 5 p.m. for Sunday half hours. Using 
44 CBS stations, 

Grnen Watch Co.; Sheila Barrett, Graham McNamee, Joe Rines orches- 
tra; Sundays, 5:30 to 6, NBC red coast to coast. 

Vick Chemical Co.: Jeanette MacDonald, Josef Pastemack; Sundays, 7 
to 7:30 p.m.; CBS coast to coast. 

Oct 4 

. Wasey Products Corp. (Musterple, Zemo and others): Carson Robinson 
and his Buckaroos, instrumentar and vocal mountain and western . music. 
NBC Basic Blue and groups NC, SW, KGBX, KTBS, KARK, KGNC, Blue 
Mt. and Coast. 

Pebeco five-a-week strip 5-5:15 on 21 CBS stations for Lebn & Fink. 
Hinds Honey & Almond Cream five-a-week,. 5:15; same hook-up as pre- 
cedlng period. 

Lysol will be on 28 CBS stations Mon., Wed., Fri., at 4-4:45 p.m. with Dr. 
Alan Dafoe, Lindsay McPhail orchestra. 

VIck Chemical Co.: Tony Wons, Monday, Wedn^day, Friday, 10;30-10.45 
a.m.; about 40 stations but not to the Coast 

Oct 18 

William R. Warner Co. (Sloan's Liniment): Warden Lewis E. Lawes dra- 
matic show. WJZ, WBZ-A, WEAN. WICC, WFIL, WBAL, WMAL, WSYR, 
WHAM. WEBR, KDKA, WGAR, WSPD, WXYZ, WCKY, WOWO, KWK, 
WMT, WTCN, KSO, KOIL, WREN, KVOD, KLO, KGO, KECA, KFCA, 
KFSD, KEX, KJR, KGA. 

Oct 24 

Lutheran Hour: Sermon, Dr. Walter Meyer; Inspirational music. Sun- 
days, 1 to 1:30 p.m. (After Dec, 5, time changes to 4 to 4:30 p.m. EST.) 
WAAB, WINS. WISN, WSAI, WJAY, KWK, WSM, KSTP, KSO. WMT, 
KFAB, WBAL, WCAE, WRVA, WIRE, WHKC, WRR, KTAT, WGR, DON 
LEE Network, Mutual. 



Pacific Gas & Electric Co. tacked 
KFBK and KM J, Sacramento and 
Stockton, to KGO, San Francisco, for 
its 'Tales of California' drama last 
Sunday (18). 



General Foods (Maxwell House 
coffee) is using the Singing Surf 
Riders, Helen Owens and Webley 
Edwards, for its new half -hour stu- 
dio program on KGMB, Honolulu. 
Show debuted last Thursday. Na- 



tional Export agency. New York, 
placed the account 



Joseph Magnin Co., Inc., San Fran- 
cisco (women's clothing) has waived 
cancellation privileges on its weekly 
'Hollywood Reporter* program with 
Don Allen over KPO. Program is 
set until May 29, 1938. 



Tourist Bureau of Hawaii is seek- 
ing to raise $25,000 for a new series 



of short-wave airers over the Co- 
lumbia, National and Mutual webs 
from KGU to KGMB in Honolulu 
this fall. 

Similar amount was spent for pro- 
grams throughout the winter and 
spring months which folded in May. 



Young & Bubicam will have two 
more products. Milkweed Cream and 
William Peterman, from the Bris- 
tol-Myers list the beginning of 1938. 



r 



Wcanesd^i^ July 2h 1937 



Srd ANNUAL FAIX RADIO FOllECAST 



VARIETY 



39 




■U. S. A. 





'Nationwide Radio Club,' Initiation $1, 
One of Those Biz Fringe 'Mysteries 



. Campaign of the Nationwide Radio 
Club of America for memberships of 
$1 each, for the purpose of policing 
radio, using fewer commercials, more 
education and injection of additional 
good music, this week appeared to 
be encountering opposition as several 
radio companies and execs began 
. checkinig its background and motives. 

Presence of this 'organization' in 
New York was brought to the atten- 
tion of liigh radio officials last week 
because literature and correspond- 
ence soliciting membership claimed 
that the club had received endorse- 
ment from at least two network offi- 
cials and other prominents in radio, 
including Lowell Thomas. Check 
showed that neither Lowell Thomas 
not any radio executives had giveii 
such endorsement. Several inquiries 
had been made about 'club' at Bet- 
ter Business Bureau of N. Y., but 
no complaint had been lodged. 

Correspondence sent out by the 
Nationwide Radio Club gave 1247 
Sixth Avenue as its address and 
. listed James L. Simpson as presi 
dent. Telephone company early this 
week said it had no phone number 
for any such organization or Mr 
Simpson either at that address or 
elsewhere in New York City. No 
directory credits the Nationwide 
Radio outfit with eeing located at 
this Sixth Avenue location, opposite 
the RCA Building, which houses 
National Broadcasting Co. 

However, late last week a tenant 
of 1247 Sixth Avqnue, presumably 
one of several employment agency 
representatives located there, had 
heard of Simpson and the organiza 
tion. He said that the outfit planned 
using an upper floor in the four 
story, old-type structure. Intimated 
. that Simpson had made his head 
quarters in the restaurant-grill on 
the ground level immediately south 
of 1247 address. He claimed that 
Simpson could be reached by phone 
but such was not the case. 

An earlier search revealed a Radio 
Club of America with an address at 
30 Rockfeller Plaza. Building rental 
agency, however, disclaimed knowl- 
edge of any Nationwide Radio Club 
In the RCA building, closest larger 
structure to the Sixth Avenue ad- 
dress given. Radio Club of America 
was found to have a telephone but 
it was a secret number, and hot 
available to the public generally. 

Attempt of some National Radio 
Club in Washington, D. C„ to use 
Lowell Thomas' name also was re- 
ported to network officials. 



WJR's New Sales Mgr. 

Detroit, July 20. 
Owen F. Uridge has been named 
sales mgr. of WJR, Detroit. 

He was formerly with Radio Sales, 
Inc. 



CANADA'S BOOZE POUCY 



Gladstone Murray Issues Statement 
— Yes and No Procedure 



Montreal, July 20. 
W. E. Gladstone Murray, general 
manager, Canadian. Broadcasting 
Corporation, has issued, following 
statement. 

'In view of current misunderstand- 
ing and misrepresentation the Cana- 
dian Broadcasting Coi''prr;&nnounces 
that the acceptance of' programs 
sponsored for the sale of spirits, 
wine or beer is not contemplated 
for any of the stations of the cor- 
poration or any of its networks. 
As however, the Canadian Broad- 
casting Coi-p. is responsible for the 
control of all broadcasting in Can- 
ada, consideration is being given to 
revised regulations. In this connec- 
tion special attention is being paid 
to the problem of the sponsorship 
of wine and beer programs in the 
Province of Quebec by private sta- 
tions where such programs are al- 
lowed by the laws of Quebec and 
by the regulations of the Old Ra- 
dio Commission and have been 
broadcast by $ome private Quebec 
stations for a number of years.' 





DUE IN FOBTIIIGHT 



Gladstone Murray and E. D. 
Weir Will Discuss Com- 
mercial Advertising Alli- 
ance wtih NBC and CBS 



NBC Threatened Censorship If Nolle s 
Jardine Interview Not Innocuous 



YANKEE COIN 



RAILROAD BANKROLUNG 
mMESAKE' FOOTBALL 



Chicago, July 20. 

First football commercial for the 
coming autumn and winter was sig- 
natured last week by Herb Sherman, 
sales chief of WJJD. with the North- 
western Railroad. 

Through the Caples agency here, 
the railroad will sponsor eight at 
home and out of town games of 
Northwestern University. 

Pick-ups are free as far as the 
college is concerned. 



Benny Davis On WOR 



Benny Davis resumes his Sunday 
night 'Star Dust 'revue over WOR, 
New York, Aug. 1. 

Songwriter is slated to author the 
new Cotton Club show with J. Fred 
Coots. 



Columbia and NBC are due to en- 
ter into a commercial alliance with 
the government-controlled Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp. Under this ar- 
rangement the various links of the 
CBC will be made available to CBS 
and NBC clients. As a preliminary 
step toward hooking up with the 
Dominion's system on a commercial 
basis representatives of the two 
American webs will visit Ottawa 
toward the end of this month to 
suggest the setting up of a CBC rate 
card which would be practical for 
advertisers on the American side of 
the border. 

Along with an invitation from 
E. D. Weir, Canadian commercial 
mgr., to discuss a commercial 
entente, Columbia and NBC have re- 
ceived copies of the Canadian sys- 
tem's rate card. CBS will be repre- 
sented at the meeting with Weir and 
Gladstone Murray, Canadian gen. 
mgr., by Herbert Akertaerg, v.-p., in 
charge of station relations, while 
NBC's delegate will be R. M. Brophy. 
Before joining NBC as station rela- 
tions head Brophy was with the old 
Canadian Broadcasting Commission. 

In bidding for American radio 
business the Canadian system, which 
decided to go commercial several 
months ago, wants to maintain the 
old policy of playing with both NBC 
and Columbia. In recent years there 
has existed a definite arrangement 
for the exchange of public events 
broadcasts and sustaining programs 
between the Canadian network and 
the America webs. 

As the CBC is noW commercially 
set up eight separate groups of sta- 
tions are made available to adver- 



Temperature Clause 



Chicago, July 20. 

Evening sports broadcast on 
WJJD is sponsored by Sta- 
Safe Equipment Co., on an in- 
definite contract, On days 
sponsor thinks it's hot enough 
firm phones station and tells 
'em to go ahead, put the com- 
mercials in. 

Product, according to the 
continuity, is a pure table salt 
tablet for people to carry with 
them and eat, to keep cool. 



RAY HOWELL EAST TO 
LAND YAKIMA STATION 



Ray Howell is in the east on be- 
half of Shirley Parker, Pacific north- 
west financier who has applied for 
a new station in Yakima, Wash., 
on 1310. . Elmer Pratt and Paul 
D. P. Spearman are attorneys for 
the petitioner. 

Parker has the Spokane baseball 
team among a variety of connections 
including the Sunshine silver mines, 
owned by his' mother. 

Howell formerly was with KIRO, 
Seattle. 



tisers. These links are described as 
the basic, the eastern, the western, 
the Quebec, the Maritime, the On- 
tario, the Prairie and the British 
Columbia. 



Pat Weaver to L. A. 

Pat Weaver, Young &: Rubicam 
radio production supervisor, left by 
boat for Hollywood Saturday (17). 
He will be on hand for the launch- 
ing of the new Packard show 
Sept. 7. 

It Is likely that he will remain on 
the Coast through the fall. 



Winnipeg, July 20. 

According to Winnipeg ofTicials of 
the Canadian Broadcasting Corp., the 
government-owned system is launch- 
ing a nation wide talent hunt. Tyros 
applying at various studios for ap- 
plication blanks. Auditions will be 
held weekly, starting shortly, 'at 
which an audition board, having no 
connection with the CBC, will sit in 
judgment. 

Auditions will start in, Winnipeg 
this week,- other cities following 
suit. 



Private Ys, Government Programs 
Emphasize Heavy (Educational) Stuff 




American 



By NORMAN R. CHAMBERLIN 

Winnipeg, July 20. 
According to the current schedule 
of the government-owned Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp., Canadian au- 
diences will have approximately 
30.87% more of 'serious' type of eve- 
ning radio fare than the private 
sponsor-entertained American radio 
audiences. This figure was shown 
when an average week's schedule in 
Canada was broken down and com- 
pared with those of the American 
networks. 

(To keep all figures fair the Amer- 
ican schedules were broken down 
from 7:00 p.m., CDST, that being the 
time at which the national Canadian 
network goes into operation, Only 
exception was in the case of the 
NBC-Blue network where one hour 
on Sunday evening was unaccounted 
for, being listed as . 'To Be An- 
nounced.' this schedule being divided 
from 8:00 p.m., CDST.) 

Comparison has been drawn in line 
with the current survey being con- 
ducted by the CBC wherein they re- 
quest listeners to state their prefer- 
ences in regard to the 'serious' type 
of radio program!!.. In the survey, 
grand and light opera, choral, solo, 
orchestral, symphony and military 
bands have been included in the 
musical Jisting, while historical and 
Fcrious drama, debates, lectures and 
news have fallen into the educational 
brackets. American network prog- 
rams have been compared on the 
same basis. 

In Canada tabulation talks far ex- 
ceed tl-o.se of the American chains. 
.This i.s partry explained for in the 
fact that American networks have 



their commentators on in the early 
evening hours whereas they are lia- 
ble to appear anywhere on the CBC 
evening line-up but most often be- 
tween 9:30 and 10:00 p.m., the news 
coming at 9:45 nightly is often' pre- 
ceeded by a talk of some nature or 
another. 



NBC's program department de-> 
veloped an extreme case of the jit- 
ters last week when MoUe suddenly 
arranged to interview the Rev. Mr. 
R. Anderson Jardine, who performed"*' 
the Duke Edward- Wallis Warfteld 
marriage. Just before the broadcast 
went on Wallace Bu'tterworth and 
Parks Johnson, conductors of the 
MoUe Vox Pop session, were warned 
that the program would be cut off 
if any mention were made of the 
Archbishop of Canterbury or any 
item of church controversy Included. 

(Hints from British Broadcasting 
C6„ with whom NBC wishes to re- 
main friendly, have been made in 
the past.) 

First move by NBC was to attempt 
to persuade Butterworth and John- 
son from putting on the clergyman. 
Interviewing duo held firm to their 
plan, with the result that the net- 
work's program -execs starting show- 
ering them with a list of things that 
must not be touched upon. Pair 
were told that the questions and an- 
swers would be closely followed and 
that the network would reserve the 
right to fade out the? program and 
replace it with a standby pianist in 
the event any one of the verboten 
subjects were included. 

Kept Tepid 

Interview went off without any- 
thing untoward happening. The talk 
was confined to the minister's actual 
impressions of the marriage cere- 
mony and his disagreement with ' 
predictions that the alliance would 
not be a lasting one. 

NBC program department per- 
sonnel had been under instructions 
to talk commercials out of putting 
oa the British minister. They were 
told that in no Instance was the 
clergyman to be denied art NBC 
mike, but instead to advise any 
client who wanted to use him that 
the network would prefer that it be 
saved the embarrassment of having 
to air his palaver. 

Earlier in the same week NBC 
denied the report that it had been 
asked by the British Broadcasting 
Co. to refrain from according its 
facilities to the visiting retired 
pastor. 

The Rev. R. Anderson Jardine, 
Church of England clergyman, who 
performed the religious ceremony 
at the Windsor-Warfleld nuptials last 
month, is tossing his reticent caution 
to the breeze hereafter. From this 
date forward he's not only going to 
discuss his participation at the wed- 
ding which brought down upon him 
the official frown of his church — 
he's also going' to disclose what he 
alleges were the inside politics that 
impelled Windsor's abdication. 

What has riled the vicar Is the 
interference he claims the Episcooal 
(Continued on page 52) 




Canadian 



40 



VARIETY 



Svd ANNUAI. FAIX RADIO FORECASX 



Wedneadaji July 21, I937 



CBS Securities Statement Listing 
SimOOO for Good Will Brings 
Up Washington Difficulties 



Ban 



Washington, July 20. 
on stock peddling by broad- 



casters will be advocated in Congress 
as consequence of the activities of 
Columbia Broadcasting System.' 

Two. government departments cur- 
rently are perplexed about the ques- 
tion of condoning issuance of securi- 
ties for public investment, while at 
least one member of Congresfs has 
^itjtjpiated he is preparing to draft 
legislation which would force the 
radio; industry to get its financial aid 
through private channels. 

Foreshadowing Congressional at- 
tention for the subject, the Securi- 
ties and Exchange Commission has- 
been "asked to report whether the 
public is 'adeqyately protected' 
aigainst loss on account of Tad\o 
stocks^ Southern Democrat has 
pbint,6d.to the CJt.S. application for 
listing' pf $4,250,000 worth of paper 
curtentiy traded over, the counter, 
observing that If licenses of the 
web's member and affiliated stations 
were .not- renewed the property 
W6uld have, only 'junk value.' 

Bisguisied beef to the S.E.C. re 



Columbia was. based on suspicion 
that the web is. putting a price on 
its franchises. Revives the often- 
voiced complaint about sale of fran^ 
chises. Legislator observpd that the 
network would have little to sell, 'if' 
the government refuses to issue new 
permits when the present certificates 
run o^t. 

At the present time, the -Com- 
munications Commission has not 
been asked to take a stand on stock- 
selling by licensees, but on its own 
hook- has tried to spank franchisers 
who have securities oh the market 

What Will happen. to plans to list 
CBS paper was unanswerable this 
week. The S.E.C. which never ap- 
proves any security — becaifse this 
woiild involve intensive field investi- 
gation and put the government in the" 
position of guaranteeing earnings — 
would not comment in ^^ny fashion. 
It could not even find the. letter from 
the . Southern Congressman, which 
was addressed to Francis P. Brassor, 
Commish scq. ■ . . . 

Under the two laws (1933 ^ and 
1934), governing interstate transac- 



Editorial 



Program director In address- 
ing the board of directors of 
his station recently said, 'Gen- 
tlemen, I am happy to report 
that I have be'en successful in 
saving $300 a week on sustain- 
ing programs during the past 
13 weeks.' 

'Good,' rejoined one ' of .the 
direc.tors, 'make it $600' a week 
the next 13 weeks.' All of 
which meant plying the shears 
some piore to the sustaining 
artists' salaries. 

'• Station is one of the country's 
leading money makers. ' 



tions in corporate t)aper, companies 
must ask the S.E.C. for permit to 
list their securities oh any national 
exchange or to issue new tickets. 
■Columbia application, released July 
2, was of the type, not. being effec- 
tive for 30 days after the admissions 
committee of the New York Stock 
^Exchange agrees to put the name oh 
the board. Certification of the sys- 
tem's request for; a place . on the 
ticker Was sent to the S.E.C. more 
than three weeks ago. 

.Columbia deal was fiayed on the 
House floor Monday (19) when Rep- 
resentative William D. McFarlane of 
Texas- tore into film and radio mo 
nopolies and hit 'illegal and fraudu 
lent* practices. 

Charging radio, press and screen 
have built up dictatorship with 300 
persons controlling the shaping of 



Home is where THE SALES 

are made 




m 



mmmuumm 



mmmi 
kmuui 



-A.nd KYW is tlie sure way 
to enter 1,157,000 homes. 
A spot or local program 
shai^es the spotlight with fa- 
mous NBC Red Network 
shows—a decided advantage 
for adyerlisers. 

A Basic Red Network Station 

Programmed andfRepresented 
by NBC 




public opinion, the Texas Democrat, 
a persistent denouncer of big busi- 
ness, revived clamor' for a Congres- 
sional probe of the broadcasting biz. 
Much of his remarks were concerned 
with 'conspiracies' by broadcasters! to 
'loot' the public, special emphasis 
hitting CBS. 

^Gigantic conspiracy' on the par: 
of Columbia, was charged by tiie law- 
maker, who blamed the web and the 
New York Stock Exchange, .adding 
that the Securities Commission ap 
piarently. is acqfiiescihg. 

.'The stockholders of the Columbia 
Broadcasting System, as near as 
can ascertain from the qohsolidatcc 
balance sheets, filed with the S. E. C. 
and the New York Stock Exchange, 
show an actual cash investment o:l 
less. than $1,600,000,' McFarlane de- 
clared. 'They further show that Co- 
lumbia Broadcasting System has 
total assets of some $12,000,000, which 
include;. a. c)aim,'rof ^ome. $2,250,000 
for good-will,. whatever that means 
'We must, also realize that the li- 
censes on ,, which ihey are dependent 
for operation are issued for periods 
of only six months. Against these 
total assets they have outstanding 
Obligations of • almost $5,000,000, 
which leaves a net value of some 
$5,500,000. . 

'Since Dec. 26, 1931, this company 
has paid in cash dividends $7,864,998 
on this cash investment of less than 
$li600,000, yet this systerii now seeks 
from the S. E. C. a certificate which 
will authori;:e the listing of some 1,- 
192,970 shares of stock on the New 
York Stock Exchangesand the sale to 
the public of a substantial portion of 
this stock at prices Which are far in 
excess of their values. 

'Undoubtedly the public will be 
permitted to invest possibly $30,000,- 
000 or more for a minority interest in 
this enterprise, which has a total 
cash investment of less than $1,- 
600,000.' 

'Fraudulent practices' of the F. C 
C, activities of Powel Crosley, 
sound-film monopoly of the tele- 
phone system, and the patent mo- 
nopoly of R C. A. all were uppercut, 
as McFarlane sailed into the 'radio 
pirates' and their 'paid apologists.' 
Investigation is necessary to see how 
economic royalists of three leading 
webs secured monopolistic control of 
air outlets, he said, calling for pass- 
age of the Connery probe resolution. 

Suspicious Congressman pointed 
out to the S.E.G. that, the applica- 
tion for listing indicates the web had 
put a price of 'more than $2,000,000' 
on good-will. Hinted that this is the 
valuation which Paley & Co. place 
on the Federal licenses of the chain's 
wholly-owned transmitters. 

Besides remarking on this item, 
the lawmaker observed that F.C.C. 
reports show the network has 
$4,000,000 worth of stock and a cor- 
responding amount..tagged 'surplus,' 
plus 'several millions' of liabilities. 
At the present market level, the 
value of capital stock is in the neigh- 
borhood of $60,000,000, he said, and 
there must be a reason for the re- 
markable spread. . 

Chairman Anning S. Prall of the 
F.C.C. was dragged into the stock- 
selling matter. Lawmaker infoEnied 
the Commish that less -than 18 
months ago, Prall testified before the 
House Appropriations Commission 
that the F.G.C. is opposed to any 
'racket* involving sale of securities 
in broadcast companies. Hinted that 
the two agencies better "get together. 

Question of radio slock has been 
up for attention informally in the 
past, notably in • connection with 
plans of a Boston company to or- 
ganize a chain of stations in metro- 
politan centers to serve the Negro 
population. This outfit never has 
asked for a construction permit for 
any of its proposed transmitters, al- 
though the application filed with 
S.E.C, outlined ambitious scheme to 
erect at least six plants. 

While C.B,S, . currently is on the 
spot, the rival network is not wholly 
free from prospective punishment. 
Fact that National Broadcasting Co 
stock is held by Radio Corporation 
of America and not peddled has not 
been disregarded by Congressional 
critics of the radio biz. In fact, it is 
likely that the F.C.C. and S.E.C, will 
be called on soon— possibly from 
the floor of the House— to supply de- 
tails about financial relations be- 
tween the parent company and the 
network-offspring. 



Scrambled Name 
Radio Promotion 
Spanked by FTC 



Washington, July 20. 

Pair of puzzle contest promoters, 
who haVe been broadcasting prom- 
ises of prized to knob-twi$ters who 
solve their 'scrambled names' con-, 
tests, last week promised the Federal 
Trade Commission they would lead 
a better life. 

C. A. Montgohiery and C. F. Al- 
drich, of St. Paul, Minn, admitted to 
the FTC that radio advertising had 
been a cbnie-on for people who en- 
tered their contests expecting a free 
prize and who discovered later that 
they were expected to buy photo- 
graphs and frames first. The Minne- 
sotans agreed to quit telling radio 
audiences that ^neither payment of 
money nor the purchase of any arti- 
cle is necessary,' when actually 
awards are made only to customers 
who have ordered pictures. 

Pahner of 3DB, Melbourne, 
Yisitins: United States 

Chicago, July 20. 
Geoffrey' A. Palmer, continuity 
director of stations 3DB-3LK, Mel- 
bourne, Australia, In'town this week 
on his tour of United States broad- 
basting field. 

Has just come to town from the 
Coast, and after a week's sojourn 
here, hops to New York. Then over 
to England before returning to the 
Antipodes. 



Buzz Eagle to KVOD 

Chicago, July 20. 
Malcolm (Buzz) Eagle left Chicago 
last week to join the sales force of. 
KVOD, Denver. Understood that he*s 
to work principally on program sales, 
rather than time, and to build shows 
himself. 

Eagle was former vaude agent 
around here, and more lately con- 
nected with the affiliated regional 
net as production manager. 

Jack Lewis Promoted 

Little Rock, July 20. 
Jack Lewis, who came to KARK, 
Little Rock, as an announcer 18 
months ago, has been upped to pro- 
gram director and publicity director 
of the station, to succeed John Cleg- 
horn, gone back to WMC, Memphis, 
David Byirn, Jr., formerly with 
WHIO, Dayton, Ohio, has joined the 
KARK announcing staff, as has Dale 
Alford, medical stude at University 
of Arkansas. Alford' handled the 
sport broadcasts last fall and has 
worked at KARK during summer 
vaca'tions in recent years. 

Cancel Robinson Rites 

Little Rock, Ark., July 20. 
A plan to broadcast funeral ser- 
vices for Senator Joseph T. Robin- 
son over Arkansas' and Oklahoma 
radio stations was abandoned today 
(17) after Radio, Station KARK, 
Little Rock, had made extensive 
plans to feed several key Oklahoma 
stations of the Arkansas neiwor::. 

Station secured permission Thurs- 
day (15) and had gone ahead with 
plans. However, today it was sud- 
dently announced the services would 
not be aired. 



Kendrick to L A.? 



Los Angeles, July 20. 
World Broadcasting System ready- 
mg a coast studio and laboratories 
here. Understood that H. A. Ken- 
drick, now in charge of the World 
office in Chicago, will be transfer- 
red here to take over the top desk. 

With Kendrick shifting to L. A., 
likely that Read Wight will become 
chief of the Chi offices for World. 



5-Day Week Adds Kelly 

Bob Kelly is the latest addition to 
he WGAR announcing staff. New 
mikeman formerly handled special 
events broadcasts for WTRC, Elk- 
hart, Ind, 

Kelly is the first addition to the 
WGAR staff as a result of recent 
inauguration of the five-day week 
policy. 



Lloyd Nelson's Agreement 

Chicago, July 20. 
Lloyd Nelson, with Blackett- 
Sample-Hummert agency here as as- 
sistant to Pete Nelson, time buyer. 

Nelson, formerly with Cardinal 
Laboratories, a Hill Blackett pet 
outfit, will handle general estimate 
work on rates, time, etc, 

John Shelton With Barrett 

Chicago, July 20, 
R. J. Barrett, Jr., has added a 
second salesman to the local office 
of WOR (Newark), John Shelton 
coming into the fold from a sales 
job at WBBM, Chicago. 

Shelton joins the local WOR salei 
staff this week. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST variety 



Entertainmeiit Vs. 'Position' 

By H. ALLEN CAMPBELL 

Gen. Mgr. ' King-Trendle Broadcasting Corp., Detroit 

— ' 



WASHINGTON DENIES STORY THATF. C. G. 
OFFERED TO 'TRADE' PLEA FOR CLEMENCY 

— . 4 ■ — — 

Segal-Smith Law Firm Scheduled for Public Hearing 
Sept. 13 — Special Prosecutor Kaufman Recom- 
mends Follow Through — Plenty of Buzzing 



Not long ago a certain advertising 

- Agency executive closed a telephone 
conversation with the words, 'We'll 
take a IS-weeks contract, three 
nights weekly, il you give us the 
quarter-hour preceding or following 
the Soandso show,' and he named 
one of the popular Blue Network 

"musicals. 

. . This, and hundreds of other simi- 
lar demands, brings on head pains 

- for broadcasters who have hours and 

■ hours to sell, other than the few so- 
called peak audience periods. 

What's to do about it? 

- • Newspapers' solved the position 
; problem, after years of turmoil, by 
;placing a premium rate on preferred 

"r position. Right hand pages, first fol- 

- flowing and alongside reading mat- 
" fer, -were stet instructions on nearly 

• every order for space for years, to- 
1 day, newspapers have Very little dif- 
; . Acuity with such orders, because the 

.space buyer knows he must add 25% 
to the rate if he wants preferred. 

• • Broadcasters can't and don't want 
to solve the position on the air prob- 
lem by charging a premium. They 
.jnuch prefer to sell time on the 

■ basis that the entertainment alone 
finakes' its position on the air val- 
uable. 

[ I am quite certain that most any of 
the great coast-to-coast programs 
' on the air today. would have foimd 

- equal popularity at any other time 
"■ than their present periods. Take 

Sunday broadcasting, as an example. 

• A few years ago Sunday time went 
, begging. Today, from early aftef- 
. noon to late evening, there is very 

• little time open, due to the fact two 
great advertising agencies selected 
Sunday evenings for their clients. 

- ' By the same process, it Is possible 
to -make any period popular, as evi- 
denced by the many daytime script 
shows with records of long runs and 

• still going. 

Judging by statements made by a 

• number of • advertising agencies of 
' imall but efficient man power, and 

.these smcdler agencies iBr« the blg- 
!gest fighters for 'position,' people go 



to bed, or shut off their radios or 
perhaps leave town, right after a 
big program leaves the air. This, of 
course, is an exaggeration of- -my 
own, but after juggling time spots in 
every conceivable manner in order 
to please everybody, one feels that 
way about what's to do. 

Master size agencies in gome in- 
stances are tinged with a bit of posi- 
tionitis, but mainly, they ask, 'What 
have you got?' and select what they 
think is best. 

Opposition Bogrey 

'Would you buck Amos and Andy?!, 
asked one potential buyer. 'Would 
you compete with Jack Benny?' 

'Yes,' I answered, 'by all means.' 

That was three years ago when we 
sold our 'Lone Ranger' show. We 
spotted these half hour shows 8:30 to 
9:00 P.M. Later we moved them 
to 7:30 P.M. Then again to other 
evening periods, none later than 9:00 
P.M., but, notwithstanding the Amos 
and Andys, Jack Bennys, etc.. Lone 
Ranger reached and still keeps big 
audience volume. 

This does not discredit the top 
shows of today, but it does accent- 
uate the fact that the show, the en- 
tertainment, can build its popularity 
regardless of the broadcasting time. 

We proved the same point again 
last fall when we built and sold 
'The Green Hornet' two half hours 
weekly on opposite evenings from 
'The Lone Ranger.' 'Hornet' jumped 
right into fame Tuesdays and Thurs- 
days, competing sutcessfully with all 
the great Tuesday and Thursday eve- 
ning shows coming into Detroit. 

Only catch is . 'A good show, no 
matter If" it be musical, drama or 
song and chatter.' ' ' 

Day of throwing this and that to- 
gether in a quarter hour as an in- 
cidental interruption to long drawn 
out commercials is long past. To- 
day, science and showmanship plus 
marketing knowledge are the factors 
that provide success. With these 
elements the. correct type of enter- 
tainment evolves, and with the cor- 
rect type of entertaiimient the time 



Washington, July 20. 
Personal grilling of Paul M. Segal 
and.„George S., Smith, prominent 
radio lawyers, was decreed last week 
by Federal Communications Com- 
mission following refusal to dismiss 
charges of unethical conduct, record- 
switching, and misrepresentation. 

As members of the Commish 
pooh-poohed yarn that barristers had 
been offered a chance to plead guilty 
technically and skip punishment, 
four of the six members unanimously 
agreed that the answers to the 
show-cause order .were unconvinc- 
ing and howled down the suggestion 
that the case be dropped. With 
Chairman Anning S. Prall and 
Broadcast Divisionite Norman S. 
Case missing, the remainder of the 
body denied the duo's motion for 
dismissal and called for public ven- 
tilation of accusations against the 
barristers on Sept. 13. 
. Hearing was set after Samuel H. 
Kaufman, prosecutor retained to 
handle the case upon recommenda- 
tion of the Justice Department,, pre- 
sented a detailed report on his 
sleuthing. Kaufman related stories 
gleaned from Segal and Smith, as 
well as from other witnesses, includ- 



on the air becomes less of a prob- 
lem. 

Thus, as a summary of this some- 
what lame attempt to disclose 'posi- 
tion on the air* as a growing prob- 
lem for broadcasters, I can only 
state that peak audience time is the 
product of entertainment value and 
that listeners soon discover good en- 
tertainment regardless of the broad- 
casting time. 



ing Commish personnel and Richard 
M. Casto, West Virginia broadcaster 
who is on the legal firm's clientele 
roster. 

When Kaufman finished his spiel- 
ing, all Commissioners agreed there 
was ample basis for going . further. 
Kaufman reputedly produced much 
stronger evidence, than the Commish 
previously had seen when the 
charges were preferred. Grapevine 



Other Side 



Several efforts to contact Attor- 
neys Segal and Smith to permit 
them the privilege of replying to 
or commenting upon the various 
stories circulating in Washington 
were made. 

Variety was unable to get the 
the lawyers' office to complete or 
return calls. 



version is that- the attorney's find- 
ings will be turned over to the U. S. 
District Attorney, Before taking the 
Segal-Smith job, Kaufman, who is 
backed by Senator Robert F. Wag- 
ner, had made a 100% record for 
the government prosecuting immi- 
gration racket cases. 

Story Denied 

Story that Kaufman had proposi- 
tioned the legal team to confess to 
'technical violation' of F.C.C. regs 
in return for a nolle prosse of the 
charges drew disclaimers at the 
Comraish. None of the members 
who voted for the hearing was In- 
formed of any potential deal, two 



telling Variety they never had heard 
of the idea and indicating doubt, that 
the prosecutor would have offered 
to make peace without informing his 
superiors. Instead of showing a be- 
lief the case ought to be pigeon- 
holed, Kaufman recommended going 
through to the finish and giving the 
fiingered lawyers a direct quizzing. 

Similarly denied was another ygrn 
that the barristers had offered, to 
take a CO-day suspension in order to 
duck the hearing. Standing pat jon 
the formal ■ answer which declared 
there was no deception , intendpjlfvS 
lawyers insisted they are innocent 
of . any punishable offense. Would 
not take a spanking In order to 
escape embarrassment of occupying 
the witness chair, they iaverred. 



DAMON RUNYON TALES 
WITH AUTHOR-IDEA 

Marcus Griffin, N. Y. Sunday En- 
quirer's Broadway columnist, has 
hooked up with Larry Hammond to 
sell Damon Runyon short stories for 
the air." 

Runyon also skedded to appear on 
the program, personally. 

Austrian Chancellor's 
Frere Directs Program 

Vlennd, July 9. 

Arthur von Schuschnigg, brother 
of Austrian chancellor Kurt v. 
Schuschnigg, made his debut as radio 
director, producing operetta 'Blu* 
Flower,' music by Hans Kunz, lyrics 
by Otto Oeigyn. 

In cast were stars of pre-war days, 
Ernst Tautenhayn and Louise Kar« 
totisch. 



COOL 




WITH A 




"^AUDIENCE TESTED AND POPUURITY INDICATED 



WMGA ^ 

AIR-CONDITIONED 

PROG RAM 

Why get yourself over-heated trying to think 
up a new Fall program for your client! The cou-* 
pon below will bring quick relief from too much 
friction of the cerebral glands. We've done the 
perspiring for you when we built these air* 
conditioned programs! 



Bertram Lebhar, Jr., Director of Sales 
WMCA. U97 Broadway ' 
New York City 

If you can keep us cool— we'ro for you! We're in the market for a program 
of the following type: 



H What are your luggestiens? 



42 



VARiETY 



Srd ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 




E^ar Bergen From $300 to $2, 

In Latest lletwork Phenomenon 



Besides having become the torch- 
bearef iot a comeback of the ven- 
triloquists, Edgar Bergen with his 
equally well-known dummy, 'Charlie 
McCarthy,' has jumped into the big 
. money brackets. From $300 a week, 

• Bergen is now worth $2,800 a week 
from the J. Walter Thompson agency 
for his Chase & Sanborn Sunday 

• night chores,, and the next bracket is 
said to be $3,500. That's a new high 
mark for ventriloquist acts. 

Bergen's ether buildup has also 
established a couple of other prec- 

• edents, most signal of which that his 
dummy, McCarthy, gets equal bill- 
ing and, in some respects, is perhaps 
a bit better known than the voice 

• behind the puppet. The other is 

• that the Bergen-McCarthy vogue has 
revived ventriloquial acts for the 
niteries, variety stage, etc. So much 
so that the Frank Marshall dummy 
factory reports working overtime, all 
credited to Bergen's ascendancy. The 
'Charlie McCarthy' dummies, in min- 

• iature, are also being commercially 
merchandized and an extra impetus 

. will be lent yrhen the 'Goldwyn Fol- 
lies' is released, with a tieup whereby 
. / the McCarthy puppets are exploita- 

• tion giveaways. 

New York Law Journal, on Mon- 



day (19) took a second bow for a 
p.a. stunt which David E. Green, 
Boswell to Bergen staged last De- 
cember with the aid of Glenn Mc- 
Naughton, Wall street attorney. It 
was via a $10,000 trust fund, in Ber- 
gen's will, for indigent ventriloquists, 
to be known as the Charlie Mc- 
Carthy Fund. It's a bona fide docu- 
ment and Attorney McNaughton 
queried the staid Law Journal for 
info on any legal precedent having 
to do with willing funds, to an in- 
animate object such as a ventrilo- 
quist's dummy. Story was widely 
picked up and the Law Journal at 
first was inclined to pout, but when 
the N. Y. Times last week devoted 
another editorial to Bergen and his 
dummy, the Law Journal then took 
bends for haying first started the 
stunt. 



Al Bernard on NBC 

Al Bernard goes back on the NBC 
Blue, network next week (27), airing 
twice weekly (Tuesdays and ,Fri- 
'days), from 5 td 5:15 p.m. Act will 
have Ted Reese and the Melodiers, 
vocal quartet. . 

Billed as 'Al Bernard, the Gentle- 
man from the South.' 



NBC Seeks Dbrbtty Dix 



NBC Artists Service is going to 
make a bid to put Doroths^ Dix, 
newspaper syndicated columnist, un- 
der its guidon for radio. Daniel S. 
Tuthill, assistant director of the 
Service, will do the contacting next 
week when he returns from his va- 
cation. 

Miss Dix, 67 -year-old resident of 
New Orleans, has never aired. 



KRKD Sale Off, Won't 
Try to Buck Cornish Rule 



Los Angeles, July 20. 

Rather than take on the added ex- 
pense of counsel fees in furtherance 
of their determination to purchase 
KRKD from Frank Doherty, J. F. 
Burke and Loyal King have with- 
drawn their offer of $150,000 for the 
transmitter. 

Examiner submitted an adverse re- 
port on the transaction to the Fed- 
eral Communications Commission, 
severely criticizing the price tag as 
'trafficking in licenses.' 



Fels Soap has switched to an 
earlier spot on ,a split CBS hookup, 
9:30 a.m., so that Gold Medal Flour 
could have the 1 p.m. setup on an 
across the board basis and coast .to 
coast. Fels at the same time in- 
creased its freqiifi'ncy from two to 
threie 15.-minute periods .a week. 




.nd only this way can you 
reach the rich market known as 
the Great Northeast. WGY is the 
only single medium with the power 
and popularity to reach the millions 
in central and eastern New York 
State and Western New England. 

A Basic Red Network Statiou 
Programmed and Represented hy NBC 



Equity in Radio 



(Continued from page 1) 



and that if Equity does not do it,, 
they will have to face one of these 
other groups less experienced, less 
wise and less conceirned with the 
welfare of the industry as a whole.' 
■ " In its house organ, the actors' asso- 
ciation' heads point out that since the 
Four A's was organized in July, 1919, 
and Equity was granted jurisdiction, 
in the. ensuing struggle with the 
managers it received inestimable 
servige from the A.F.L. 

'Without its help, it is . doubtful 
that Equity would have won that 
fight. In the following years, that 
'relationship (with other stage 
unions) has grown stronger 'and 
closer. Equity has never been more 
completely in understanding and ac- 
cord with Federal Labor than it is 
today.' 

Met on Monday 

Before proceeding further with 
any attempt to line up the performer 
field of radio. Actors' Equity Assn. 
will try to find some acceptable or- 
ganizational setup for conducting the 
drive. That was the principal de- 
velopment at the second 'secret'" 
meeting of the Equity radio group 
Monday (19) night. About 150 per- 
sons attended the confab and again 
the proceedings were supposed to be 
very hush-hush. 

Although a grea;t number of those 
presenf left before the meeting was 
over, a temporary board of directors 
of 15 members to serve two months, 
was decided upon. Nominations were 
made and vote was taken, but owing 
to lateness of the hour the result of 
the election was not learned. Steer- 
ing committee, appointed last week, 
was dissolved. 

Idea of the board of directors was 
suggested after the powwow devel- 
oped into a wholesale squawkfest re- 
garding all sorts of alleged abuses in 
radiQ, as to rehearsals and rehearsal 
times, fees for various types of pro- 
grams and particularly against 
agency fees in radio.. Suggestion 
was finally made that no 'abuses' 
could be corrected or controlled un- 
til some definite organization was 
formed to represent the performers 
on complaints. 

Before that routine was agreed 
upon, however, a tentative slate of 
standard fees and rehearsal rules 
was listed for future submission to 
the stations and advertising agencies. 
In general, fees were set at the aver- 
age level maintained by the larger 
(and better paying) agencies. While 
no concrete organizational setup was 
adopted, consensus of opinion seemed 
to be that the proposed Radio Di- 
vision of Equity have separate char- 
ter officers, treasury and administra- 
tive autonomy. 

. Resolution was adopted recom- 
mending that arbitration authority 
be delegated to a radio board of di- 
rectors and members of the Equity 
council, the Equity reps at no time 
to outnumber the radio reps. 
Gillmore, Turner Attend 
Frank Gillmore, Equity president, 
attended the meeting and spoke. Paul 
N. Turner, counsel for Equity, was 
also present. Understood the Screen 
Actors' Guild was not represented, 
however. 

In the Equity organization drive 
into radio, several complications 
loom. Besides the reported opposi- 
tion of NBC and the possible cool- 
ness of CBS, there are a large per- 
centage of Equity members active 
in radio who resent the entrance of 
the non-radio experienced Equity 
group. Former, whose income from 
broadcasting far exceeds the oc- 
casional wages they get from legit, 
feel they are more concerned and 
have a much more comprehensive 
knowledge of the radio field than 
some of the Equity members who 
are active in the current drive, but 
who don't broadcast and presumably 
have nothing to lose if the campaign 
flops. 

Up to the Bi«r Stars 
Conceded by a number of those 
interested in Equity's entrance into 
the field that the success or failure 
of the drive depends largely on the 
star names of radio— the Jack 
Bennys, Eddie Cantors, Fred Aliens, 
Phil Bakers, Al Jolsons, and others 
who are admittedly necessary to the 
agencies and networks under the 
present radio setup. 

Just what the ; attitude of those 
stars would or will be is not known. 
Most of them are understood to be 
laying low at the moment, feeling 
they have too much to lose to make 
a wrong move until they see which 
way the cat jumps. Also remaining 



very quiet are the announcers, who 
have been invited to the two Equity 
meetings but have stayed away 
rather than risk being stepped on by 
the networks. 

Position of the opera and concert 
artists in the matter is likewise still 
in the air. Feeling among a re- 
spectable portion of them is under- 
stood to be opposed to Equity as 
the representative for radio per- 
formers. Formation of a new or- 
ganization in radio will, they think, 
involve too much additional expense 
and jurisdictional red tape between 
the various classes of performers. 
Also, according to some. Equity's 
recent record in legit is not such as 
to inspire them with confidence as 
possible radio artist representative. 
Mn'sical Artists Guild 

American Guild of Musical Artists, 
which clairif^ niore than 200 mem- 
bers of the opera and concert field, 
including the biggest names, is 
watching the situation closely. Meet- 
ing will probably be held within the 
next few days and discussion of the 
question will undoubtedly take 
place. Until it wins recognition and 
a charter from the AAAA, however, 
AGMA's hands are virtually tied in 
the matter. That charter is already 
held by the Grand Opera Artists 
Assoc. of America and movement is 
under way lor amalgamating the 
two groups. Petitions are being cir- 
culated among GOAAA for the 
merge. 

What is stirring the dramatic 
players* activity toward organization 
of radio, besides the threat of CIO 
entry into the situation and the al- 
leged 'abuses,' is the acknowledged 
fact that performer fees for radio 
are steadily dropping. Price for a 
dramatic recording job, generally 
leveled at around $10 a year or so 
ago, has slipped to about $5 now and 
is expected to settle to $2.50 unless 
quick action is taken. 

In live shows a similar movement 
has been going on. Where from $35 
to $50 a 15-minute broadcast was 
formerly the generally recognized 
average among the first-rank agen- 
cies, the scale has shrunk to around 
$25 to $36 for a similar shot. Black- 
ett-Sample-Hummert, which handles 
the majority of the niinor dramatic 
serials current on the air, pays from 
$12.50 to a maximum (for important 
parts) of $25. 



EQUITY TAKES IN 
COAST RADIO 
GUILD 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Actors Equity has taken under its 
wing Radio Artists Guild, and ac- 
corded the coasters the distinction 
of being Radio Equity, Local No. 1. 
Group includes all local radio work- 
ers with the exception of white col- 
lar workers and technicians, latter 
expected to cast their lot with Inter- 
national Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employes. 

Equity's radio alignment here' will 
bring around 300 new members into 
the fold. To date nearly 100 have 
signed, witli the remaining group 
expected to be firmly ensconced in 
another 60 days. Equity is canceling 
past indebtedness of former mem- 
bers taken in with the radio alliance 
for a flat cash payment of $10, 

President of Radio Equity here is 
Norman Field, veteran free lance air 
actor. Other officers are William 
Lawrence, first vice president; Duana 
Thompson, second v.p.; Thomas Free- 
bairn-Smith, third v.p.; Ralph' Scolt, 
secretary, and J. Donald Wilson, 
treasurer. 

Board of directors will comprise 
21 members. 



Cleghorn Back to WMC 



Memphis, July 30. 
John H. Cleghorn, former pro- 
gram and publicity director for 
WMC, who resigned in December, 
1935, to join staff of Station WKY in 
Oklahoma City, returns to WMC as 
program director. 

He succeeds Fred W. (Doc Sun- 
shine) Roth, who has resigned to 
re-enter the ministry. 





Vedncsdoy, July 21, 1937 



VARIETY 



4S 



Radio 




COMPLETED! 



The first annual VARIETY RADIO 
DIRECTORY will be ready for dis- 
tribution shortly. 

Dedicated as a reference work and 
aid for use by station managers, 
agency executives, program produc- 
ers, sponsors and the Press. 

I 

We suggest you order your copy now. 



Price $5 the copy. 



HOLLYWOOD NEW YORK CHICAGO 

1708 No. Vine St. 154 West 46th St 54 W. Randolph St. 



44 



VARIETY 



Svd ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



Face-Lifting an Old Station 

By Col Harry C. Wilder 

Pres. WSYR-WJTN-WNBX 



Wh^n we acquired stock in station 
WNBX in Springfield, Vt., we were 
kiaturally quick to realize that yfie 
had two alternatives. First, yje could 

call in Uncle Ezra and let him run 
it as 'the powerful little five watter 
down in Rosedale,' or we could try 
to make a real station out of the 
mess of haybarn facilities. First 
alternative was out of the question, 
since WNBX was already operating 
on 1,000 watts power, and most o£ 
us who have been in this radio busi- 
hese long enough have learned that 
to step backward is to step out. So 
w«;y}ecided to build ii real station 
in Springfield, Vt., worthy of that 
1 Kw. 

I recall my first trip to WNBX. 
There was pn old decrepit studio, a 
small office cluttered with desks 
and papers, a control room filled 
with ancient records, a system 
•vyhfereby. an operator gauged con- 
trols, spun discs and 'barked out 
3S-cent announcements extolling the 
merits of all-wool suits with two 
pants at $3.98, with the suitcase and 
tissue paper, thrown in. ■ . 

Now, of course, it is elementary 
to state that the Federal Communi- 
cations Commission demands that a 
station operate in public interest, 
convenience, and" necessity. It is 
also elenlentary to state that if you 
want advertising contracts you must 
have a listetiing audience, and if you 
wartt a listening audience you have 
got ta give them something to listen 
to. S'o putting two and two to- 
gether, it didn't require any mathe- 
matical . genius to determine that 
something must be done quickly to 
build a new WNBX. 

We retained an advertising 
agency, to make a complete survey 
of the station to determine its pos- 
sibilities, - survey the entire cover-, 
aga area, to map and plan the sta- 
tion growth, indeed to blue print the 




entire future development of 
WNBX. 

It is generally known that Ver- 
monters are pretty industrious 
people, but I can assure you that 
many of the citizens of Springfield 
were amazed at the speed with 
which things moved during the first 
few months of this year. We took 
over the top floor of the leading 
office building— new, modern, color- 
ful studios and offices. In short, 
we tried to make our plant the Radio 
City . of the Twin States— Vermont 
and kew Hampshire. 

We supplemented our station staff 
•with a "wellrtrained personnel — in 
new announcers, production men, 
program ^managers, continuity writ- 
ers, clerical help, Many of ; our 
new employes had been with NBC 
and other stations. Several were 
further trained by our agency in 
their specific duties before being 
sent to Springfield. 

Stunts 

We held auditions at which hun- 
dreds of amateurs and professionals 
were presented in actual, on-the- 
air performances, with listeners 
choosing the best of the lot for 
placement. Upon the conclusion of 
a series of ' programs in which all 
these performers are retained on a 
commercial basis, every artist on 
pur station, without exception, will 
be placed on a paid scale. Small, of 
course, but cash. In addition to our 
new live talent programs — and we 
built dozens of them, designed, to 
appeal to the areas in which we 
operate — we rely on leading tran- 
scribed services and in early morn- 
ing the better phonograph records 
available to help make up our local 
shows. In addition, one of our first 
moves was to bring in United Press 
news — complete service, including 
fashions, sports, etc. Five-mitiute 
news bulletins ar« broadcast every, 
hour, on the hour. We inaugurated 
a number of programs in which 
news was incorporated with ' other 
entertainment. 

We built spelling bees, singing 
shows, Man on the Street broad- 
casts, ran the entire gamut of local 
sport features. We traveled miles to 
pick up a sport feature of interest to 
our listeners. We open our station's 
.facilities to leaders in a wide variety 
of fields who have messages of 
specific importance. We encourage 
leaders of all religious denomina- 
tions to use our facilities. 

WNBX adopted the policy of 
'Planned Programming.' A system 
whereby in definite hours of the day 
(as determined by actual and fre- 
quent surveys) various types of pro- 




GO'WAYHOTSTUrF' 
I'm bwsu/ 

Heat wave ... vacations . . . ? Yeah, we've got 
thermometer troubles, but that's qlL Business is 
good. Listeners ore listening . . . and buyingi' That's 
the WHIO summer picture. 



SPEAKING OF BUSINESS, HOW'S THI81 
WHIO Local Business, June, 1937 — 

Up 59.1% Over 1936 
WHIO National Spot, June, 1937^ 

Up 48.7% Over 1936 
WHIO Network Business, June, 1937— 
Up 72.0% Over 1936 



THE TEST STATION 
OF THE NATION 

DAYTON, OHIO 

Njtl F. ) r. s. .1' :i.vr )OHN BLAIR CO. 




Stunt Goes jBlah 



Columbus, July 20. 

There's a note of embarrass- 
ment around the WCOL promo- 
tion department these days. 
Sent a pilot 1500 feet aboVe 
the city to drop 1,000 throw- 
aways plugging David Penn's 
news broadcasts. 

Idea was that the handbills 
would drop from the sky while 
Bob Seal, street reporter, was 
on the', air, giving him a chance 
to bring passers-by to the mike 
to talk about it. 

WCOL staff is still hoping to 
find one of the sheets in a dairk 
downtown corner, but no luck. 
Figure the entire batch must 
have floated somewhere into 
the rural districts in the high 
wind. 



grams are presented. Thus the 
housewife knows when to tune in to 
hear recipes; the sports lover knows 
when his favorite progcam will be 
presented; those who like classical 
music, and those who prefer jazz, 
know just when they will be on the 
air. This sy stern gives to the ad- 
vertiser an opportunity to place his 
message before a tailor-made audi- 
ence. The advertiser may now buy 
the exact period in which he can 
address the largest possible audience 
in which he is interested. . 

When the new studios and the 
entire new setup were formally dedi- 
cated, with appropriate ceremonies 
early in May, an entire week was 
set aside for the presentation of 
big, live variety shows,. using prom- 
inent people of the Twin States, 
members of civic clubs, industrial- 
ists, ministers, judges, senators, 
members of the Farm Bureau, lead- 
ing educators. Bradley Kincaid and 
Col. Jim Healey were brought over. 
Shortly after thfs WNBX announced 
a tie-in with the! Mutual, Yankee and 
Colonial networks. By making this 
tie-in the station now is able to 
present the best of the sustaining 
^rograjns of these .^thvee networks, 
particularly dance music, for the 
hosts of vacationists who throng to 
Vermont and New Hampshire during 
the summer months. Off the Colo- 
nial network comes all home games 
of the Boston, American and Na- 
tional League teams under the joint 
sponsoi ship of General Mills 
(Wheaties) and Socony Vacuum Oil 
Co. Lots of interest in this feature. 
Because these folks never see, a 
major league game. 

A lot of money has been spent at 
WNBX — a lot of time and work has 
gone into building the station from 
its original amateur condition. Was 
it worth itl Well, to begin with, 
the first three months of 1937 showed 
a revenue increase of something less 
than 100 per cent over any previous 
three months in the station's history. 
The second three mprtths of this year 
showed an increase of 133 per cent 
over the corresponding period of 
last year. Best of all, even with 
the advent of warm weather, the 
revenue figures day by day, week by 
week, month by month, are climb- 
ing. The graph's trend is decidedly 
upward. 

On His Lap 

We have learned a lot from WNBX. 
We have learned that a s;nall station 
can really go places when it is given 
a break, when it is properly handled. 

After all, the story of WNBX is, 
in several respects, the story of 
WJTN, Jamestown. When I entered 
the control room of WOCL — the 
station's previous call letters — for 
first time, I found a single oper- 
ator on duty. It was winter and 
bitterly cold. An Oil stove emitted 
lots of smoke and doubtful warmth 
in the corridor adjacent to the con- 
trol room. The engineer was reclin- 
ing in a rickety easy chair. On his 
lap sat a' high school ^irl. The room 
was filled With kids of vari.'us ages. 
A phonograph record squeaked to its 
dying finish, and the engineer, turn- 
ing announcer, opened the mike and 
said: 'Now, what shall we play for 
our next selection?' The girl on his 
lap screamed, 'Let's have the 'St 
Louis Blues.' So he played the 'St. 
Louis Blues,' You can hardly blame 
the fellow. After all, it was bitter 
cold and Only a single small oil stove 
stQod outside his control room. He 
had to be nice. 

I've never been much of a booster 
for engineers doubling in bra.ss as 
announcers. I've been even less a 
booster for station personnel per- 
forming their duties closely sur- 
rounded by young members of the 
opposite sex. 

We're still learning, but r..*om our 
radio experience thus far with 
WSYR, WJTN and WNBX, particu- 
larly in the latter case, we have dis- 
covered two salient points. Fii'St, 
radio is show business apd as such 
demands showmanship treatment. 
Secondly, it pays and pays well to 



Launching a New Station 

By F. C. Eighmey 

Manager KGLO, Mason City, Iowa 



Every station operator and man- 
ager has a number of ideals that he 
hopes to uphold when a new station 
is opened: However, after the sta- 
tion gets under way, a great many 
of these worthy causes are lost in 
the shuffle^ because the excitement 
of ringing the cash register jijakes 
him forget the future. 

My experience in radio dates back 
only to the beginning of the depres- 
sion, when things were really tough. 
Radio was in the growing stage and 
very little thought was given to 
sound business and technical prac- 
tice. Since that time radio has grad- 
uated, and today has time to l0ok 
ahead and see what the future holds 
for it. 

From iny small experience I should 
like to mention a few of the things 
which, I believe, every station man- 
ager should do when he opens a 
new station. 

1. A competent consulting engineer 
should be engaged to give the station 
the finest technical set-up available. 
One which can be expanded when 
increases in power are granted at a 
minimum of expense. No attempt 
should be made to be penurious in 
the purchase of equipment. 

2. A study of the area to be cov- 
ered by the station should be made 
preceding the date of opening. Ques- 
tions designed to find out what the 
listener of that territory wants in 
the way of entertainment should be 
asked. I b.elieve that if this practice 
is followed more closely by station 
operators there will be fewer slips. 

In hiring your program staff, be 
sure that you obtain people who 
have a flare for showmanshjp. Folks 
who infuse the program with their 
own personality will pay dividends 
far in excess of the few dollars extra 
per week you may have to pay for 
this type of employee. 

3. Give a lot of thought to your 
sales set-up. Be sure your rate card 
conforms throughout with best sales 
practice. Make it easy for people 
to .read, even the layman. Stick to 
your rates. Put all the rates on 
your card. No one has any respect 
for a chiseler or the one who has 
been chiseled. Don't sell the adver- 
tiser what he wants. Sell him what 
he should have to do the job most 
effectively. Refuse short time con- 
tracts if you don't sincerely believe 
the broadcasts can get results. Mer- 



spend money— if the spending is 
done intelligently — it's one of the 
quickest ways of earning back both 
the initial expenditure and the 
reasonable profit. 

The town domiciling a station is 
not important. This, I, think, is our 
discovery. 

You have heard of Vermont and 
New Hampshire and we have worked 
hard to make WNBX the 'Radio 
Capital of the Twin States.' The 
recent evidence of how well this 
job has been done is known to some 
600,000 folks who were hungry for 
a good station and a good signal. 
In so doing we have perhaps blazed 
a new path in broadcasting and have 
had a lot of fun doing the job. 



chandise his program, and co-oper- 
ate fully with each and every ac- 
count, no matter how small. In set- 
ting up your rate basis, make it 
easier for your advertiser to buy 
programs and harder to buy spot an- 
nouncements. This will tend to sell 
him the program idea so that you 
can increase his expenditure from 
year to year. 

Refrain from accepting question- 
able accounts that might jeopardize 
those you already have. , Get net- • 
work production on your local shows 
(this may be hard to do, but it will - 
pay in the long run). 

4. Advertise your business. Pro- 
mote it for all it's worth'. Do ex- 
actly what you preach to others. 
Sell the people in your listening area 
on the fact that your station is the ; 
brightest spot oh the dial. Do mis-. .. 
sionary work, among regional adver- .. 
tisers, very few of whom today have 
had a- good experience with radi«», 
because this is the market from, 
which a share of your business will 
have to come in the future. • 

I believe that, no matter how 
small the station or what the com- ' 
munity, that it is possible to make 
that station the dominating factor in 
the community it serves. No broad- 
caster will ever do it unless he is ' 
willing to .make an investment 
grea'ter than he expected to wh6n • 
he got his construction permit from 
the Federal Communications Com- 
mission, 

Every dollar that is intelligently 1 
spent in- promotion of the station end ' 
by buying equipment, building pro- ■ - 
grams or in general promotion, will • 
be returned twofold, if this practice ' 
is made a part of his . everyday • 
operation. Do not try to high hat- 
the folks. Just become a part and 
parcel of .their everyday existence, 
and I. assure you success in capital 
letters will follow your efforts. 



Benj. David with WOR 

Benjamin David, former vaude 
agent, has joined the WOR Artists 
Bureau and is contacting the ad' 
agencies on talent sales. It's a new 
development with the bureau. 

David operates under the super- 
vision of Nat Abramson. 



Herman Bernie's August Trip . 

Herman Bernie goes to the Coast 
the latter part of August to line up 
guests for Ben's American Can show. 
Program begins originating in Holly- 
wood August 24. 

Agent expects to be gone some 
time. 




WF0 



NPTIONQL REPRESENTPTIVES 
EDWARD PETRY & CO. 



Greater is this state's Income from its tourist trade 
than from all its gold and silver mines. 
The $100,000,000 which tourists spend in the 
Denver- Rocky Mountain region this summer as- 
sures an active, ablerto-buy market for months 
to come ... a market easy and economical to 
rjaach and influence through this region's favorite 
station, KLZ. 



DENVER 




Aitiliated in Management wiUi WKY 
and the Oklahoma PuSSshing Co. 
Rejpresenlative - E. KATZ SPECIAL ADVERTISING AGENCY 



X^ednesday, July 21, 1937 



VARIETY 45 



Fault-Finding Pals 



Stations and Their Sales Reps Perennially Critical— 
. Events Seen Moving Toward Change 



By DAN GOLDBERG 

Chicago, July 20. 
Stations and representatives are 
§een l>y many observers as nearing 
a drastic revision of the station rep- 
resentation status quo. This may 
reach a • ■ decisive issue during 
1937-38. Unwritten rules of the 
jtation rep business may be kicked 

Into the alley. 

Two major changes which are now 
threatened are (1) stations opening 
own sales offices in Chicago and 
New York, and possibly Detroit and 
the Coast, (2) the ending of the 
15% of corhmissions to keep a rep 
, office' out of the red. These stations 
see a direct similarity between the 
history of newspaper representation 
and radio representation, and insist 
that radio will follpw the same curve 
which will mean lessened commis- 
Bion as the business climbs. 
'Bonus' System 
Several reps Which at present have 
In their possesion contracts which 
plainly call for 15^ commission are 
in reality receiving less than that 
percentage, the kickback coming in 
the shape of 'bonus' in a few in- 
stances, but usually as in the form 
of stock in the rep firm held by the 
stations,- which gives the station 
dividends put of the rep firm's earn- 
ings.- " 

On the other side of the fence are 
several instances in the biz which 
have stations giving reps more than 
the regular 15% commission. This is 
true in the cases of the sniall sta- 
tions which seek association with top 
flight reps, especially where the 
reps do not handle a large commis- 
sion setup on exclusive representa- 
tion. 

While there are many "Meals' 
>vhich are more or less open secrets 
fn the business and which call for 
less than the standard 15% commis- 
sion, the stations and representa* 
tives are beginning to come out into 
the open with frankly less than 15% 



on national sales. Especially is this 
true of the smaller repp, and those 
which are just trying to break into 
the rep fields. 

Basis of the lowering percentage 
is the booming national radio busi- 
ness and the greatly upped rate 
cards throughout the stations. Sta- 
tions are blunt in their insistence 
that the 15% commission was all 
right and proper in the early days 
of radio when selling was tough and 
the reps had to do missionary work, 
and when the rates were generally 
so low that it took a long list of 
stations to make up for the lack of 
diversified action. They believe, and 
the stations agree, that since they 
are concentrating on a few stations, 
they rate an added percentage be- 
cause of this specialization. 

On the side of the big stations the 
trend is unquestionably towards their 
own sales organizations in the key 
citips. With WOR having success- 
fully established an exclusive WOR 
office in Chicago, other stations are 
beginning to ponder more earnestly 
on this point. Among those which 
have thought of their own offices are 
KMBC, Kansas City; KOIL, Omaha 
and KFAB, Lincoln; Don Lee net- 
work on the coast, WLS, Chicago; 
WON, Chicago, and others. 

This type of set-up becomes espe- 
cially attractive to stations which 
look up their books and discover 
they are paying anywhere from $25,- 
000 to $75,000 commission annually 
for national sales representation, 
and for which figure they believe 
they can get better and exclusive 
service for the same amount of coin, 
or even for an outlay considerably 
less. 

Transamerican is also causing im- 
portant changes in the representa- 
tion picture by bringing back a pro- 
gram-creation aspect to the brokerage 
business in a new light. There are 
few stations which can turn a deaf 
«ar to Transamerican's Insistence 



BID AND ASKED IN 
PHILLY UNION TALKS 



Philadelphia, July 20. 
KYW is causing consternation at 
WCAU and WFIL, and weakening 
proposed united front, by continued 
refusal to pledge itself in the 'until- 
death-do-us-part' pact of the radio 
stations against the Musicians' Local 
here. 

WCAU and WFIL have their hands 
firmly elapsed, but fear that KYW, 
which has already made a private 
agreement with Jan Savitt Orchestra 
to return in the fall, will step out 
and reach an independent pact with 
Union. . 

Meantime Union's 6xec board has 
nixed offers made by stations at con- 
fab two weeks ago. There be 
another get-together of reps of three 
stations and union officers on Fri- 
day. 

Doc Levy's offer for WCAU was 
for 16 men at $48. Union holds this 
too low for combo sustaining-comr 
mercial pacter station wants. It is 
demanding 22 men at $55. 

Don Withycomb of WFIL offered 
renewal of recently expired termer 
which called for 14 men at $37. 
Union wants 18 at $48. Les Joy, 
KYW g.m., is asking 18 musickers 
at $45, while Union Prexy Tomei 
asks 20 at $52. 



Norman Jay (Norman J. Gins- 
berg), former publisher Philly Jew- 
ish World, will ,do weekly news 
round-up and editorial comment on 
WFIL for 15 minutes Friday nights, 
starting this week. 

that they want commission only on 
business that they develop; that they 
don't want an exclusive deal which 
would take, in transom contracts. 
This argument is proving so strong 
to many stations throughout the 
country that they are now signatur- 
ing 'exclusive' rep contracts which 
are exclusive, with the exception of 
business turned into the station by 
Transamerican. Even in the cases 
where there are contracts already 
outstanding, the. stations are insist- 
ing that the reps permit the inclu- 
sion of a codicil "clause permitting 
the acceptance of business from 
Transamerican. 



Forecast Zip, Mobility in 1937-38 
Network Promotion a La Carte 



By BEN BODEC 

Timeliness and resourcefulness 
have become the shibboleths of net- 
word promotion. The spot idea 

shooter and the snappy brochure 
creator have taken rating over the 
heavy thinker and the questionnaire 
juggler. 

What now comes through the net- 
work promotion mill shows for the 
most part a sharp evaluation of yes- 
terday's, or today's, broadcast doings. 
It all calls for fast moving. A net- 
work shows up brightly in the han- 
dling of a spot event and in a day 
or two there's a smartly confected 
piece in the outgoing mail tom-tom- 
ing the achievenvent and lending il- 
lustrations to the bow-taking. 

New dispensation of things is 
largely due to the fact that the net- 
works' concern with long range pro- 
motional planning has been reduced 
to a minimium, as regards inside or- 
ganization activity. The function of 
developing and arraying statistical 
arguments for radio have been taken 
over, or assigned, to a co-operative 
project, the Joint Committee on 
Radio Research. Relieved of this 
work, the network promotion de- 
partment is free to ply all hands in 
the creation of quick, timely proposi- 
tions. This putting of the heavy sur- 
vey stuff on an industry basis is re- 
garded by the web pamphlets and 
brochure! pushers as an idea situa- 
tion. 

Following are some recent samples 
from the NBC's spot promotional 
mill: 

For All Sports: a bit of pictorial 
bally on the network's prominence in 
the various fields of sports. 

It Won't Be Long: what NBC was 
doing to pick up the latest inter- 
play of planetary forces. 

Boy Scout Jamboree: a folder on 
the Washington get-together, with 
25,000 copies distributed among the 
scouts to take back home as sou- 
venirs and another 15,000 mailed to 
educators and social service -workers. 

You Can't Lose: a breezy recital 



on the Kentucky Derby theme. 

If This Fight Could Have Been - 
Broadcast: a pictorial and factual 
tale of NBC's ranking in the airing 
of championship and- important- 
heavy bouts. 

The Greatest Forum in the World: 
what NEC was doing to the getting 
over sides in the debate on the reor- 
ganization of the U. S. Supreme 
Court. 

Show Folks, We Thank You: 
spreading the Ijows as weir as tak- 
ing them on the floods' broadcasts. 

Columbia like NBC put some ef- 
fective folders pn the Coronation*'; 
coverage, with the former showing 
an artistic edge through the piece 
tagged, 'N9t Soon Forgotten,' Other 
recent spot pieces from the CBS mill 
that have captured attention in- 
volved that network's broadcast of 
the modern verre drama, 'Fall of the 
City,' and the Shakespeare series. 



Joe E. Brown in Chicago; 
Will Run Baseball School 

Chicago, July 20. 

Arriving Sunday (25), Joe E.' 
Brown will do three weeks as guest 
announcer on the Kellogg- WJJD. 
baseball broadcast, and also conduct 
the public park baseball school dur- 
ing the same period for that sponsor. 

Makes the second session for the 
picture star, as ]ie.also did the open- 
ing week announcing for ball games. 



Duluth Seeks Tourists 



St. Louis, July 20, 
To attract tourist trade from St. 
Loqis territory, Duluth, Minn, 
Chamber of Commerce has con* 
tracted for a number of .50- word spot 
announcements over KMQX. 
' This is first time an out-of-town 
Chamber of Commerce has pur- 
chased time here to exploit attrac* 
tions of their tdwh. " ' 



MIDSUMMER 
NIGHT'S DREAM 

More Markets Like Philly 
With Mediums like . . . 



50,000 WATTS 




PHILADELPHIA 



BOBERT A. STREET. CommTcial Manager 



46 



VARIETY 



iltd ANNUAL FAU. RADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, 1 937 



Progran^-Not Time-Is Ae Hug 



By JOHN L CLARK 

President, Transamerican Broadcasting & Television Corp. 

Radio time is more often bought than sold. Time itself is worthless. 
It is the use of it that determines its value. When the radio broad- 
casting industry is faced with the necessity of doing a real selling 
job, those who accept this responsibility will ftnd that their first job 
will be to provide something that is decidedly lacking at present, 
and that is new, interesting programs. 

Radio time wiU continue to be bought. Programs used in it will be 
sold. Within the near future more and more time-selling organiza- 
tions will install program departments. They will retain writers, 
producers and contract talent. They will prepare many auditions 
and learn to expect to sell only a small percentage of them. They 
will plough back most of their commissions into this work, but will 
prosper as a result of a much greater volume of business. 

Despite a peak year in broadcasting, the mortality rate of important 
advertisers is most alarming; Much of the increased volume has been 
due to the expansion of a half dozen advertisers, who, combined, prac- 
tically monopolize the air. If these advertisers alone should sud- 
denly be faced with the problem of finding suitable program mate- 
rial and should decide to stop broadcasting until they found it, they 
could put radio broadcasting deep in the red. 

In talking with several of the former users of radio advertising,' 
they all a^ee on one thing — that is, if a program of real entertain-, 
ment value .coul4 be produced, they would again consider radio ad- 
vertising. Several big advertisers of 1936 and 1937 will be missing 
from the air in 1937 and 1938 for the same reason. If broadcasting is 
to maintain its influence on the people and consequently its adver- 
tising; effect, immediate attention must be given to programs by. those 
who devote" their energy to broadcasting exclusively. 



RADIO SHOWMANSHIP 

Attention'Getters, Tie'Ups, Ideas 



Outstanding Stunts: 



RADIO LOG IN PUBLIC 
LIBRARIES 
WICC, BRIDGEPORT 



Radia Loff in Public Library 

Bridgeport. 

To get around exclusion of listings 
in New Haven dailies, WICC is fur- 
nishing public libraries in Elm City 
with weekly time tables, which are 
posted on bulletin boards in read- 
eries. 

Thus, plus plants in suburban 
sheets, gives Yankee webber partial 
coverage in city where it runs a 
substation. 



*rrafflc Violator's Schobr 

Cleveland. 

In an effort to combat unusual 
number of traffic fatalities in Cleve- 
land, this year (114 killed up to 
July 15), WHK and WAY, will 
launch an extensive safety campaign. 
Local police and fire department will 
co-operate. 

Radio drive set to start Thursday 
(22) with 15-mlnute show over 
WHK. Station will also broadcast 
from police department's 'Traffic 
Violator's School.' Daily series of 



five-minute 'Safety Hints' programs 
will be aired over WJAY, with 
Patrolman Carl Schultz and Fireman 
William Fergus discussing accidents 
of the previous day and explaining 
how they could have been avoided. 
Local civic and safety groups behind 
the drive as city's traffic deaths hit 
a three-year high. 



Whooping: It Up for 

Washington^ .. 

Celebrating opening of new studies 
in the ultra-modern Trans-Lux 
building, NBC will deluge listeners 
on both its networks with a three- 
day flood of special programs, start- 
ing Tuesday (20). 

Constituting one of the most elab- 
orate radio schedules ever presented 
in Washington, program will include 
talks by Postmaster General Farley, 
Sen. Burton K. Wheeler of Montana, 
District Commissioner Melvin Hazen, 
Federal Communications Commis- 
sioner Eugene O. Sykes and other 
notables. Lenox R. Lohr, NBC 
prexy, will preside. 

While 51 special programs are be- 
ing air-waved, studio officials will 
put on two huge parties one for 
Washington newspapermen and one 
for the official opening, Thursday 
(22). Washington correspondents and 
local newsmen will participate in the 
show. 



WPAY, Flsm th. 
Of Air 2 Days; 
Panelmen Out 



WPAY, Portsmouth, Ohio, 100- 
watter, was off the ozone Monday 
and yesterday (Tuesday) due to a 
walkout of employees after six engi- 
neers were allegedly discharged by 
the station because they , joined 
American Radio Telegraphists' As- 
sociation. 

Late yesterday the national head- 
quarters of ARTA in N. Y. refuse^ 
to comment on the- WPAY predica- 
ment beyond admitting that union's 
organizer, Douglas Ward, was at 
work in. the territory around Ports- 
mouth. ARTA said it had hot re- 
ceived an official report from Ward 
and until it did the union did not 
propose to comment. 

Eight was the reported number of 
walkouts sympathizing with the dis- 
charged engineers. 



WCKY SWITCHOVER 
• OMITS THE HOKUM 



Cincinnati, July 20. 
A saf^, sane and sober dedication. 
That's the decree of L. B. Wilson 
for the opening of the new WCKY 
transmitter, July 27, which will jump 
the station's power from 5,000 to 
10,000 watts. 

A simple ceremony will precede 
the switch to the new RCA high 
fidelity installation. It will be staged 
in th^ station's studio in the Neth- 
ferland Plaza Hotel at 8:27 p.m., with 
L. B. slated for a three-minute talk. 
Operation as a 10,000-Twatter will be- 
gin with Packard's NBC program 
from Hollywood. 



Aladdin Ac<^ lor WLW 

Cincinnati, July 20. 
Charles 'Pete' Jaeger and Mac 
Ward of Transamerican's Chicago of- 
fice and Bert Presba and Ed Fellers, 
of the Presba, Fellers & Presba 
agency, also of the Windy City, were 
in town Friday (16). They huddled 
with Frank M. Smith, sales manager, 
and Jim Krauters, continuity direc- 
tor, of Crosley's WLW and WSAI. 
. Matter concerns Alladin Lamp se- 
ries of broadcasts to start in the fall. 





8SMmv5ln 

Michigan's 
L<Lnq€^ Cities 



W B C M l*^' ' 

WFDF The Only Station in Flint 
W J I M The Only Stltlon In Lj 
WiBM Th- Only Station in Jackson 
WK ZO The Only Station in Kalamaxoo 
WELL The Only Station in Baltic Creek 

WOOD-WASH sr:„r;:pii,-"" 

WXYZ Keystation Detroit 




Operated Continuouslq-Just Like Coast to Coast Networks 



Sustaining but Nat Nourishing 



By Ray Perkins 

Everybody agrees on the need for new ideas and programs. Every- 
body admits that personalities are scarce and funnymen most of all. 
Yet there persists the dilemma of how to sell the one or present the 
other. Sustaining programs, on network and individual stations, con- 
stitute one method. A tough method so far. Far variotjs reasons. 

Nobody is particularly to blame. It's the way a newjand still not 
completely un-' ;tood amusement form has developed. | 

Many in the >. ade are prone to overlook the fact that a compli- 
cated sustaining program of type , we are. now doing al; WOR prac- 
tically has two strikes called on it before it goes to bat. The severe— 
and from the station standpoint unavoidable — obstacles include: an 
exasperatingly small budget for script, arrangements or personnel; 
limited rehearsal time; meager publicity; cast subject to call else- 
where, and so on. If such a sustainer can compete even closely with 
similar commercial shows it's a victory of some sort. 

However, we will offer no alibis, and we knew all the above when 
undertaking the show. Maybe it just appealed' to my gambling in- 
stinct. 

' Point of real interest, however, is that this type of sustaining (with 
all its difficulties) offer:* a laboratory for testing new ideas in script 
and production, if one has the courage and opportunity to use it. I'm 
•.grateful to WOR for the latter. We are frankly experimenting, and 
hope to develop a few fresh notions in the radio revue field. 



106 NEWS BROADCASTS 
WEEKLY ON WMCA 



WMCA, N. Y., tops the Metropoli- 
tan area in number of news pro- 
grams aired w^-ekly with overall 
total of 106 of at least a quartev- 
hour duration. 

Breakdown shows -there are 21 
sponsored and 27 sustaining straight 
news dishing, ten sustaining com- 
mentating programs, 25 bankrolled 
sportscasts, and nine of the same 
sustainiing, seven sponsorless stunt 
news period?, and six sponsored and 
one sustaining miscellaneous pro- 
grams. 



WBBM Sales Staff Exodus 



Chicago, July 20. 

Illinois Meat Company (Broadcast 
Corned Beef Hash) account shifts to 
the Sugdeh agency this week, 
brought into the agency by Tom Kiv- 
lan, WBBM salesman, who quits the 
Columbia station to become account 
exec with Sugden. 

Kivlan marks^the fourth sales staff 
resignation out of WBBM -Within the 
past two weeks, the others being 
Whyth Walker and Charles Garland 
now with WIND and WJJD, John 
Shelton who joins the local sales 
staff of WOR (Newark) under Bob 
Barrett. 

Only' salesman of long standing 
remaining at WBBM is Rex Sheppe, 
and Sheppe has been figuring on gett 
ting a permit and license of a new 
100-watt station in Evanston, swank 
northside suburb. 



24-Sheeted Sports 



St. Louis, July 20. 

Hyde Park Brewing Co., sponsor 
of sports programs over KWK and 
KMOX, have spread pix of their 
'Sportcasters' on 24-sheets. 

During July pix of Ray Schmidt 
adorn boards and during August pix 
oE Johnny O'Hara wil be publicized. 



Hearst's KYA Ups Rates 

San Francisco, July 20. 

Rate boost of approximately one- 
third has been put into effect by 
KYA, local Hearst station and affili- 
ate of the California Radio System. 
New rate card, first issued in more 
than two years, shows a jump in the 
evening base rate from $125 to $170 
per hour, and in the daytime hourly 
rate from $62 to $85. 

Higher charges follows completion 
of the statioa's new 5,000-watt trans- 
mitter, which went into operation 
two months ago. Former power was. 
1,000 watts. 



Luther Imports Salesmen 

Davenport, la., July 20. 

Three new local salesmen have 
been added to the staff of WOC 
here; Ben Hovel coming in from 
WIBA, Madison, Wis.; S., Ghapin 
ff-om World Broadcasting System 
and Arthur Lewis from WMNN, 
Fairmount, West Va. 

Appointments made by station 
chief Clai-k Luther. 



ANDY STANTON BROKE 

Andrew T. Stanton, WMCA an- 
nouncer, filed a voluntary petition 
in bankruptcy in U. S. district court, 
N. Y., Friday (16). He listed his 
debts at $4,292 and no assets. 

Among the creditors, Helen Leigh- 
ton of Sunnyside, Queens, for $775. 



CARL WHEAT 




FORF.CC. 



Washington, July 20. 
Carl I. Wheat, vigorous California 
attorney, looked this week like tha 
most probable successor to the Fed- 
eral Communications Commission 
post vacated last month through re- 
tirement of Vice-Chairman Irvin 
Stewart. 

With White House under strong 
pressure to plug the gap, political 
circles heard reports last week that 
Wheat, now special counsel for the 
telephone division and former Los 
Angeles public utilities counsel, is 
the strongest contender. How soon 
the choice will be made continued 
uncertain, although President Roose- 
velt has indicated he will not take 

- (Continued on page 68) 



Every 
Time Buyer 
Knows . . . 



yliere is mo Substitute 
foK CoveKflde 
6 




WSYR's Four-Fold Power In- 
crease , Is Only ONE of 
MANY Reasons Why 15 OUT 
OF 16 COUNTIES PREFER 
This NBC-Blue Ou^et and 
Why National Spot and Lo- 
cal Advertisers USE it 3 TO 1 
in SYRACUSE. 

Write for Proof and Details 



F 

^ VeJnesday, July 21, 1937 VARIETY 47 



"A glowing promise is 
completely 




.ITf.'iJ 



ALTON COOK 

Ntw Ycrl WurU-Ttlfgramj 




NEW YORK 



WABC demonstrated last night 
that Shakespearean plays can be 
' molded into vivid, exciting vehicles 
for radio. Past attempts had left 
some doubts ... A glowing prom- 
■ise is completely kept . . . There is 
no stunt element in this WABC 
Shakespearean cycle. Casts of great 
actors and a^company of brilliant 
adapters arid directors are sincerely 
and quietly striving to present plays 
with the flavor of the original vehi- 
cle transferred to a new medium. 



ALTON COOK 
Knu r»rl Iforld-Tthgram 



Burgess Mereditli, in the title role, 
gave (Hamlet) its best perform- 
ance of the year, and we say that 
with vivid memories of seeing the 
Gielgud and Howard performances 
and of hearing the Barrymore. 




Burgess Meredith as "Hamlei^* in the first production of the Columbia 
Shakespearean Cycle: Mondays 9 to 10p.m. £. S. T. , JulyJ2, thru Augiut 30 



LOS ANGELES 

'•Meredith covered himself with 
glory in the title role of Columbia's 
production of the Shakespearean 
tragedy. He gave the 'clear and 
understandable* performance for 
which he had prayed, and reached 
emotional heights with no evi- 
dences of ranting. 

The production, as a whole, was 
splendid because Brewster Morgan 
had done a masterful job of . cor- 
relating the major scenes into a 
Story unit that even a child could 
comprehend." 

Carroll nyk 

lit Jlii^tln Xlmti 



SAN FRANCISCO 

< . [ 

"The most revolutionary step to 
date in dramatic entertainment on 
the air, took place Monday, when 
Columbia Broadcasting presented 
'Hamlet'... 

The experiment should prove as 
significant to radio as the advent of 
sound to films. As the speaking 
voice raised the standard which 
most movie stars couldn't meet, 
this play and its successors, cast 
with stage stars, will set a standard 
for play presentation that will open 
the field to playwrights and stage 
folk who^ are^ experienced in read- 
ing lines." 

ADA HANIFIN 
21n San Frandict Exnmlntp 



CINCINNATI 



"... let us go on record as saying 
we spent a wholly enjoyable hour 
listening to the play . . . that 
whether or no Burgess Meredith 
is to be the coming Hamlet, he 
builds higk peaks in the part and 
on each peak plants a leaping fire 
. . . that the cast was possibly the 
best available for radio in this or 
any other country . . . and that 
Columbia deserves a cross with 
three palms, well make it four, for 
the effort." 



AARON STEIN 
Kcv) York 'Evening Ptit 



PAUL KHNNEDY 
Tilt CIncihnati felt 



THE COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 



4ft 



VARIETY 



Svd ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



AMATEURS STILL GO ON 



New Proffram Starts In Grand Thea- 
tre, Gary 



Chicago, July 20. 

Ill new amateur show to start next 
week on Ralph Atlass' indie WIND, 
the sponsors, Barnett Millinery, will 
salute a different city each week. 
Program, to be one 60-minute period 
weekly will have an m.c. and be 
broadcast from Grand theatre, Gary. 
Telephone vote by radio - audience 
will be used to determine'" winner. 

As yet, no plans have been made 
to put out vaude units. 

Bob Bradley, tenor, 'discovered' 
by advertising men attending a re- 
cent convention in Denver, Col., 
made his New York debut on last 
week's broadcasts of the 'Heinz Mag- 
azine of the Air' ovier CBS, Irene 
J,. ir5%?asley is guest warbler this week. 



F.C.C.'S WASHINGTON DOCKET 




Wyy 
rill 

COVERS THE 

NATIONS 
FIRST MARKET 



literally scores of wise adver- 
tisers have discovered that when 
it comes to covering-America's 
richest oreQ...New York...mfei=e^ 
one rodio station thot does the 
{ob most effec 



NEW APPLICATIONS 

Washington, July 20. 

Florida: WDAE, Tampa Times Company, Tampa, 
change frequency from 1220 to 780 kc, install direc- 
tional antenna for day and night use. 

Illinois: WCBS, Springfield, install new transmitter; 
increase daytime power from 100 to 250 watts, change 
hours of operation from specified to unlimited. 

Massachusetts: Columbia Broadcasting System, Bos- 
ton; new high frequency broadcast station to be oper- 
ated on 88,000, 123,000, 164,000 and 205,000 kc, with 100 

Minnesota: KSTP, St. Paul, new transmitter arid di- 
rectional antenna for day and night use, boost power 
from 10 kw nights, 25 kw days, to 50 kw all times, 

Oregon: Louis P. 'Thornton, Baker, new station to be 
operated on 1500 kc with 100 watts nights, 250 watts 
days. 

Pennsylvania: WIP, Philadelphia, extension of special 
experimental authorization to operate with 500 watts 
additional power; Young People's Association for the 
Propagation of the Gospel, Philadelphia, new station 
to be operated on 1220 kc with 1 kw, using directional 
antenna all times. 

Te^as: J. F; Rodgers, Harlingen, new station to be 
operated on 1370 kc with 100 watts nights, 250 watts 
days. 

EXAMINERS' REPORTS 

Louisianat Daytime juice-jump from 1 to 5 kw was 
okayed by Examiner P. W. Seward for WSMB, New 
Orleans. Transmitter — a National Broadcasting Com- 
pany outlet, operating on 1320 kc — has demonstrated 
its value in the public service, Seward found, and also 
has ample cash with which to finance the improve- 
ments. 

Flourishing financial condition of the transmitter 
was shown in a statement which added up $19,474 net 
profits for 13 weeks ending April 3, this year. 

WSMB, Inc., was represented by Paul D. P. Spear- 
mah. '■ 

Massachusetts: Boost from 500 watts to 1 kw and 
change in hours of operation from daytimes to un- 
limited for WORL, Boston, received the nod from 
Chief Examiner Davis G. Arnold. Station, which oper-. 
ates on 920 kc and is partly-owned by Harold A. 
Lafont, former member of the old Radio Commission, 
has been having hard sledding because advertisers are 
unwilling to sign contracts when, they seldom get a 



tively. lEO takes 
a bow for WHN, 
New York's No. 
1 Showmanship 
Station. 



W H N 

1/ aiioclolton with th* 
M-S-M Sludloi and 
l**w't chain- of 
th«olr*i, -Ihli itotlon 
hai th« h»y 16 th* 
gr«at*it toltht thtir 
in Ih* vfsrid— and Il'i 
at th* diipoial of sur 
odvarllitrti 



chance to listen in on the regular daytime programs 
and get acquainted, Arnold pointed out. 

While WORL \vould be limited to its 4.2 millivolt 
per meter contour at night, increased efficiency of its 
service would make the change justifiable, chief exam- 
iner ruled. 

Outfit, licensed to Broadcasting. Service Organization, 
Inc., was represented by Ben S. Fisher. 

MIchlsan: Attempts of a group of University of Mich- 
igan professors to set up a special broadcast station at 
Ann Arbor for experimental use probably will be ash- 
canned. In a report bristling \vith objections to the 
request for a berth on the 1550 kc frequency, with 1 
kw. Examiner George H. Hill pointed out that the 
applicants were short $2,000 of the $21,000 needed to 
construct the proposed transmitter; that money would 
not be available to pay a qualified engineer to conduct 
the research and ■ experimentation program and that 
the service didi not promise a 'substantial contribution' 
to the development and practical application of high 
fidelity broadcasting.' 

Hill also objected strongly to the fact that operation 
of the station would result in interference to a re- 
search program being conducted by WQXR, Long 
Island City, In conjunction with the U. S. Bureau of 
Standards. 

Applying under the name of the Ann Arbor Broad- 
casting Company, Inc., group had planned to conduct 
a 'comprehensive study' of listener response in high 
fidelity broadcasting, and use the station in connection 
with the University's radio engineering courses. Out- 
fit retained Louis G. Caldwell, Reed T. RoUo and 
l>onald C. Beelar. 

West Virginia: Request of WBLK, Clarksburg, for an 
extension, of hours from daytime to unlimited was 
favorably recommended to the commish by Examiner 
P. W. Seward. ^- 

Owned by the Exponent Company, transmitter has 
been using the 1370 kc frequency with 100 watts. Power 
and frequency would remain unchanged, but .night 
operation would be installed under the application. 

Granting of the request would limit thf; service of 
WPAY, Portsmouth, Ohio, to its three millivolt con- 
tour, Seward's report showed, but examiner held that 
improvement in service to WBLK's listeners warranted 
an okay. 

'The granting of this application would result in some 
limit being placed upon the service of WPAY, in an 
area with a populjition of approximately 4,268,' Seward 
pointed out, 'while the granting of this application will 
afford primary nighttime service in the Clarksburg 
area with a population of approximately 63,000.' 



Craven s Teduiical Forecast 



Television Far Off— But New Marvels of Radio 
Engineering Imminent and Extensive 



jSHOWMANSHIP STAtlON No.. 



Washington, July 20. 

Technical revolution in th« radio 
field, bringing far-reaching social 
consequences and extending to both 
transmission and reception, is fore- 
cast in a profound study of recent 
scientific developments and future 
trends submitted to President Roose- 
velt last week by Federal experts.. 

Television, high-frequency broad- 
casting, ultra-selective receivers, fac- 
simile transmission and other im- 
provements are pictured in the com- 
munications section of the report of 
the National Resources .Committee. 
Chapter is the work of Federal C|m- 
munications Commission engineers 
headed by T. A. M. Craven, chief 
engineer. 




Holding out hope, of vastly Im- 
proved radio transmission, experts 
told the Prez 'when one.adds to aui^ 
broadcasting the ability to see and 
to record permanently what one has 
seen and heard, there will have been 
attained a' perfection in communi- 
cations whidh will certainly have the 
^ost profound effect upon our social 
and economic life.' 

'Of course, there are hundreds of 
individual inventions which will tend 
to improve the details of facsimile, 
television, and multiplex operation,' 
report said, 'but the principal devel- 
opments are those which now make 
it possible to apply to public service 
facsimile or television either through 
the use of land line or through the 
use of radio, either for person-to- 
person contact accompanied by voice 
or for mass communication. Probably 
.the most iinportant developments in 
the application of these broad sys- 
tems of communications will be the 
organization of facilities to make 
their use by the public possible and 
more easily available.' 

Yisio Far Ott 

Warning that television is still 
around a far-distant corner permeat- 
ed the report. Technical brain-trust 
noted that, before picture transmis- 
sion is ready for the average citizen, 
much laboratory work will be re- 
'quired. Public cannot expect to pick 
pix out of the air until man's in- 
genuity has conquered many natu- 
ral limitations on use of the radio 
spectrum, they advised. 

In the radio field, the experts an- 
ticipated breath-taking developments 
ih construction of receivers, thus en- 
larging the audience and widening 
the market. Improvements in trans- 
mission are not likely to be so star- 
tling, report hinted, although super- 
power and high-frequency service 
probably will come along in time. 

Recent developments in. the re- 
ceiver Industry are aimed at im- 
provement of sets, according to the 
400-page document. Automatic vol- 
ume control, better selectivity, re- 
ception over wider ranges, produc- 
tion of high-fidelity apparatus at 
lower cost, and more effective home 
antennas were prophesied. Experts 
harped on the receiver end of radio 
more than on the transmission end, 
suggesting that progress will depend 



mostly on the ability to pick up what 
already is thrown on the air. 

Chances of reaching the rural au- 
dience are improving, both through 
development of receivers and trend 
toward more juice, Prez was in- 
formed. Receivers operating on 32- 
Volt farm plants and from 6-volt 
batteries, together with higher power 
and ultra-high frequency service, 
should broaden the audience, accord- 
ing to the report. 

While the Federal Communications 
Commission ponders the matter of 
superpower, the experts told Mr. 
Roosevelt that more juice, is prob- 
able. Report said that greater volt- 
age Is to be expected, remarking 
that under present conditions, with 
50 kw. limit, approximately 36% of 
the population depends on secondary 
service. According to the techni- 
cians, 'increases ih power when cou- 
pled with properly designed an- 
tenna systems greatly extend the 
primary service areas and increase 
the percentage of time in which sa- 
tisfactory service is obtained In the 
secondary service areas.' 



LABOR BUYS TIME 

Company Also Rebuts On WIND, 
Gary, Indiana 



Chicago, July 20. 

Both YoUngstown SlMujt.&nd Tdbe 
Co. and Steel Workers Organizing 
Committee, factions in the current 
labor dispute, are using 100-word 
spot spiels on Ralph Atlass' indie 
WIND, to present their side of the 
argument. 

Announcements are directed to 
the workers, and are contracted for 
on a daily 'order, both organizations 
using approximately seven a day; 



Heat Affects Radio 



Washington, July 20. 

Screwiest stunt recorded during 
local radio dog-days was pulled last 
week by WMAL-WRC. While ther- 
mometers registered 95 NBC an- 
nouncers agreed to run a relay race 
from their respective studios to the 
new NBC h.q. in the Trans-Lux 
building. 

With Joe Rogers representing 
WRC, and Jim McGrath batting for 
WMAL, hot-weather contestants 
started from scratch — McGrath clad 
in running pants. 

Midway in scamper to the new 
studios, McGrath paused for a stein 
of beer at a convenient hamburg 
emporium. Loud. speaker at the hot 
doggery had informed him Rogers 
was still several minutes behind, 
. Following hare-and-tortoise tech- 
nic, McGrath lolled beside the coun- 
ter until he felt it was time to get 
back in the race. Two contestants 
came • under the wire together — ex- 
cept that Rogers, being a big guy, 
expanded his chest to break the 
string. 

Two NBC stations had gongs 
at each street corner to record prog- 
ress of the marathoners, but all 
agreed impromptu beer-guzzling 
spoiled Jim's chances. 



Henry Barbour on Museum Show 

Chicago, July 20. 

Henry Barbour to join University 
Broadcasting Co. staff as writer for 
Field Museum series, Aug. 15. 

Has been writing alternates on the 
weekly series, and free lancing. 



Th* ■ international scops 
and sound growth of this 
oraanization ars th* ra- 
ws rds of axporiAnc* and 
sarvic* applied to station 
rapr*s*ntation. 




lUEED 8 compiiny 



(if 




Colorado Springs 

Spends More Money in 

DRUG STORES 

Than 152 Larger Cities 

Volume of drug store sales in Colo- 
rado Springs beats that in cities up 
to three times its size and qualifies it 
as a market in which sales effort is 
productive . . . KVOR can qualify as 
the medium to make it profitable. 






1000 WATT5 
FULL TrME 



Colorado Springs 

Adilialed witV. lh» Colorado Sprinots GazclU and Telegraph • Utidsf Adi'i- 
alcd Management with WKV -Oklahoma City. KC.Z-Denv9f aoJ lh» 
Oklahoma Publi»hint| Co. • Riprejcnled E. Kali Special Adv. Ajfta-*^^ 




OKLAHOMA CITY 



Affiliated with The Daily OUlahoman 
The Times, apd The Farmer-Stockman 

E. KATZ SPECIAL ADVERTISING AGENCY 



I 



Wednesday, July 21^ 1937 



ird ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



VARIETY 



49 



HEATMIN 
Z-SPONSORJAM 



- With two ad agencies claiming to 
hold contracts with him, Gabriel 
Heatter, news commentator, has got 
himself into a legal tangle which 
may wind up in the courts. An in- 
nocent but financially interested 
parly to the situation is WOR, New- 
ark. 

Through the Marschalk & Pratt 
agencies, Heatter has committed 
himself to work over WOR ex- 
cli^ively five nights a week for the 
Rogers Peet stores, starting Aug. 30. 
-This deal is for 13 weeks with an 
option for 13 more. After giving 
the M & P outfit the exclusive as- 
signment Jleatter agreed through 
-the Stack-Gioble agency to do four 
Quarter-hour programs a week for 
Bromo-Quiitine (Grove Labora- 
tories) starting Sept. 27. 

• Marschalk & Pratt asserts that it 

• will hold Heatter to the exclusive 
phase of the agreement the com- 
mentator has signatured directly 
•with that agency, while Stack-Goble 
has closed with NBC for the four 
spots on the strength of the written 
nod it received from Heatter. 

While WOR's artists bureau has 
an . exclusive management contract 
with him, Heatter has elected to do 
his own business. WOR finds itself 
'in a ticklish spot in that it doesn't 
want to sacrifice the income from 
five 15-minute evening spots, nor 
does it want to antagonize any of 
itfae agencies or accounts involved. . 

Heatter has intensified the com- 
plications by assuring Rogers Peet, 
on the one hand, that he wants t' 
work for that account exclusively 
and by telling Stack-Goble, on thf 
other hand, that he is confident that 
he can induce M .& P to let up on 
the strictures of the paper it holds. 



Franz Kuschan, professor at Drake 
University, and heard over WHO, 
Des Moines, on many programs, died 
in Clarinda. Iowa, on July 13, fol- 
lowing a nervous breakdown. 



Chevigny Scripting for 
■ Robsbti Transcriptions 

Hollywood, July 20. 
Hec Chevigny has quit scripting 
for 'Hollywood Hotel' to head script 
department of Associated Cinema 
Studios. As part of his new assign- 
ment he will do 100 transcriptions 
for May Robson. 

Chevigny had been head of Colum- 
bia broadcasting script department 
before taking on the 'Hollywood 
Hotel' assignment. 



Cronkhite's WHIP Deal 

Chicago, July 20. 

Van Cronkhite & Associates has 
been named sales and- program coun- 
sellors for the new 5,000-watt.WHIP 
station in Hammond, Ind„.just out- 
side Chicago's municipal limits. 

Deal was concluded late last week 
between John Vain Cronkhite and Dr. 
G. V. Courier, head of the new Chi- 
cago outlet. Reported contracts run 
for three years and also covers 
WWAE, the 100-watter, owned by 
the same interests in Hammond. Ne- 
gotiations are under way for a re- 
mote control setup in Chicago's Ste- 
vens Hotel for WHIP. 



Tracks Behind It? 



Owners of racetracks are, 
paradoxically, the greatest op- 
ponents of the wire services 
feeding the world at large infor- 
mation about racetracks. Rea- 
son is simple: wire service to 
betting establishments hurts at- 
tendance at tracks. 

Gambling being the average 
person's sole interest in horse 
racing the long— and expensive 
— trips necessary to visit the 
ovals is avoided where fast 
news flashes give 'em what they 
want. 

This brings up the oddity of 
racetrack owners accusing the 
bookies and the wire service of 
'illegal' conduct — i.e., encourag- 
ing gambling. 



Federal Law Proposes to Curb Wire 
Service to Booides; Radio Angles 



CBS BUT NO NBC 



Akiron 


Missoula 


Anderson 


Mobile 


Austin 


Montgomery 


Bangor 


Parfcersburg 


Binghamton 


Pensacola 


Charleston, 


Peoria 


W. Va. 


Reno 


Chattanooga 


Roanoke 


Colorado 


Savannah 


Springs 


Scranton 


Davenport 


Sioux City 


Dubuque 


South Bend 


Durham 


Tacoma 


Dayton 


Topeka 


Fairmont 


Utica 


Green Bay 


Waco 


Great Falls 


West Palm 


Greensboro 


Beach 


Harrisburg 


Wheeling 


La Crosse 


Wichita Falls 


Macon 


Winston-Salem 


Mason City 


Yankton 


Meridian 


Youngstown 



HERE AND THERE 



Spenecr Bentley went on P. & G.'s 
'Personal Column of the Air' this 
week in dramatized sketches. 



Bill Bailey new commercial man- 
ager WAAW, Omaha. Adam Reine- 
mund left post to join Buchanan- 
Thomas agency. 



Russ Gerow, London, Ontario, 
named by the Canadian Broadcast- 
ing Corp. as musical arranger for 
the corporation programs, emanating 
from Toronto. 



Don Beddoe, legit actor, has sold 
scripts for the 'Aunt Jenny' series 
to Ruthrauff & Ryan. Will be used 
in tomorrow's (Thursday) program 
and July 23 and 26. 



Nelson Hesse did an unbilled guest 
shot on the Town Hall show last 
week, doing sound effeccs and com- 
edy. It was a benefit date for the 
percenter. 



David Sarnoff, RCA boss, is at 
Bill Brown's physical training farm. 
Garrison, N. Y., for a buildup for 
the fall season. 



Judge Charles F. Dougherty using 
the WJJD Safety Court to educate 
the public in new Illinois driving 

(Continued on page 70) 



Horace Capps Aeroplanes 
To Scene-of-Tragedy 

Terra Haute, July 20. 

Chartering a plane, Horace Capps, 
production chief for WBOW, flew to 
Sullivan, Ind., to cover the Baker 
mine disaster last week, making that 
station the first represented, at the 
scene. . With Capps were announcers 
and engineers. 

Interest in the coverage of the sub- 
terranean gas explosion, which killed 
22 persons, was exceptionally strong, 
since this area is heavily studded 
with mining communities. 



Benay Venuta, Mutual web signer, 
and her husband, vacashing. in San 
Francisco, where she began her 
radio career over KJBS and KJO. 



NBC BUT NO CBS 



Albuquerqe 
Allento\vn, Pa. 
Amarillo, Tex. 
Asheville, N. C, 
Bakersfteld, 

Cal. 
Billings, Mont. 
Bismark, N. D. 
Boise, Idaho 
Bridgeport 
Butte, Mont. 
Cedar Rapids 
Charleston, 

S. C. 
Columbia, S. C. 
Duluth, Minn. 
Erie 

Evansville, Ind. 
Fargo, N. D. 
Fort Wayne 
Fort Worth 
Fresno 

Grand Rapids 
Greenville, 

S. C. 
Hot Springs 
' Ark. 

Jackson, Miss. 



Jamestown, 

N. Y. 
Madison 
Manchester, 

N H. 
Norfolk. 
Ogden, Utah 
Portland, Me. 
Pueblo, Col, 
Raleigh, N. C. 
Sacramento 
San Diego 
Schenectady 
Sioux Falls, 

S. D. 
Springfield, 

Mo. 
Stockton 
Terre Haute 
Toledo 
Wilmington 
York, Pa. 
Baton Rouge 
Beaumont, Tex. 
Corpus Christi, 

Tex. 
Weslaco, Tex. 



Washington, July 20. 

Horse-race tips would be muffled 
from the air under terms of an anti- 
gambling bill put before Congress 
by Senator Burton K. Wheeler, Mon- 
tana Democrat. Measure is aimed 
primarily at wire companies which 
service bookies but would have di- 
rect effect on broadcasters. 

Even color patter on such out- 
standing sports events as the Ken- 
tucky Derby would be materially re- 
stricted if the Wheeler proposal gets 
on the law books. Measure bans 
transmission of any advance infuri^"' 
about gee-gee tiffs, specifically out- 
lawing statement,.of odds or 'mathe- 
matical chances.' Probably would 
prevent telling dial-twisters even 
what nags had been scratched. 

Whether mike-men could describe 
progress of the ponies around the 
oval is something broadcast lawyers 
can't decide. Ditto with reports of 
the outcome. While bill is. designed 
to prevent spreading, of pre-race 
dope which would help bettors and 
bookies, suggested phraseology might 
be construed as crimping accounts 
of the actual race and the finish. 

Term 'gambling information' is de- 
fined as covering 'information pre- 
vious to the occurrence of an event, 
the occurrence or result of AVhich Is 
uncertain, relating to the mathemati- 
cal chances of or odds on the oc- 
curence of or a particular result of 
any such event or the , amount . of 
money wagered on the occurrence 
or of a particular result of any such 
event.' ' * 



Rudy Vallee Bookings 

Ricardo Cortez, Grene Aiitrey and 
Joe Cook are set for the Vallee show, 
originating in Texas, tomorrow 
(Thursday) night.' Jo6 Laurie, Jr., 
is off this week, but is expected back 
next week. 

Subsequent bookings for the show 
include Molly Picon, Aug. 5 and Red 
Skelton, Aug. 12. All the deals set 
by Sammy Weisbord, of the WilUam 
Morris office: 



BEHER THAN EVER . . . 



WLW*s commanding position as_ the out- 
standing program-originating station in 
America, has attracted some of the finest 
radio talent in the vocal, dramatic and 
musical fields. 

This group, recently augmented by new 
"finds", and backed by experienced pro- 
duction and continuity staffs, places WLW 
in a position to produce programs better 
than ever before* 



WLW 



"THE NATION'S STATION" 



50 



VARIETY 



3ifd ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, I937 



Advertising Agencies* Radio Plans 



(Continued from page 31) 
periods, one in California and one 
in Alabama. 

Bosco Company using spot an- 
nouncements in New England and 
Pennsylvania. 

Tyler Davis. 



definitely settled but 15 minute 
sports and news programs are being 
considered in a number of cities. 

A. C. Christensen. 



H. M. Kiesewetter 

NEW YORK cm 



Not- possible at this time to give 
complete detailed information on our 
radio advertising plans. Following 
is status quo: 

Bathasweet Corp. will sponsor the 
15 minute Transradio News program 
from 7:45 to 8 a.m. over the Don Lee 
Network; the 15 minute Transradio 
News program from 8 to 8:15 a.m. 
over. WOR; in addition, negotiations 
are being made for a local program 
in Chicago. ' 

Mennen Co. negotiations are now 
being made for fall radio ac- 
tivity, number of stations not yet 
decided. 

Kaufmann Brothers & Bondy 
(Kaywoodie Pipes) plans not 




Lord & Thomas 

NEW YORK CITY 



Lord & Thomas may have several 
new accounts on air during 1937-38. 
It is also possible that there will be 
some activity in spot broadcasting. 
Meanwhile what's specific at this 
date includes: 

Continuation (probably as now set 
up) of the Lucky Strike . programs, 
two hit parades and the Edwin C, 
Hill daytime news series. Cities 
Service and Horlick's Lum and Ab- 
ner and Lady Esther's Wayne King 
are carry-overs. Ditto Kaltenmyer's 
Kindergarten for, Quaker Oats. 

Amos 'n' Andy continue until Jan., 
1938, and it is probable that a new 
program will replace them. . 

Our various other offices will have 
a variety of radio activities under 
way soon. Union Oil and Associated 
Oil, among them, iti California. Chi- 
cago office has two pretentious local 
spot programs on WMAQ, viz: 
'Charley Oii the Spot' and 'Every- 
woman.' 

Indications are for a big radio 
year in every respect. 

Tom McAuity, 



Leighton & Nelson 

SCHENECTADY, N. Y. 



and His 
Orchestra 

2ND YEAR 
Viennese Boof 
HOTEL ST. REGIS 

N£W TOBK 




MOT. 
M.C.A. 



Hudson Coal Co., Scranton, Pa., 
will use network somewhat similar 
to what they . employed - last year 
when" they used 11 stations of the 
NBC Red on Svmday afternoons. 
Incidentally, this was supplemented 
by about 15 spot stations* O^- fM 
client may go on a spot campaign 
of somewhat lesser extent. Plans 
are still tentative and nothing defi- 
nite will .be reached until the end 
of this month. • 

Wm. W. Lee & Co., makers of 
Save-the-Baby,' Troy, N. Y., will 
again' cover New York State and 
New England for a 26-week cam- 
paign starting about September. 
Last year stations WGY and WBZ-A 
had the major share of the cam- 
paign, with smaller New England 
stations getting some announce- 
ment business.. This year the client 
may use the Yankee Network in 
New England in addition to WGY. 
Supplementing New York State and 
New England coverage will be some 
test broadcasting in three other 
markets yet to be chosen. Looks 
now like Cleveland, one spot in West 
Virginia, and . perhaps Washington, 

D. c. 

Breslaw Brothers, Schenectady, 
chain of furniture stores currently 
on a daily except Sunday half -hour 
basis on WGY, will expand to two 
other stations in the fall. Musical 
Clock programs will be used, but. 
we'd rather mention the two other 
stations because of the highly, com- 
petitive condition of furniture ad- 
vertising, locally. 

Automatic Voting Machine Corp., 
Jamestown, N. Y., manufacturers of 
just that— Automatic Voting Eguip- 



ment— may use series in New York 
state and New Ehgland, this fall and 
winter. This, however, indefinite. 

Rudolph Brothers, chain of jew- 
elry stores in New York state and 
New Jersey, will use a comprehen- 
sive radio campaign to cover all 18 
communities in which their stores 
are located. 

•National Accessories Stores, Inc., 
Utica, N. Y., chain of automotive ac- 
cessories stores, will probably use 
WGY in well rounded campaign, 
maybe supplemented by other sta- 
tions. 

Central Markets, Schenectady, 
chain of food stores, will consider- 
ably increase present radio series 
on WGY. Client now broadcasts five 
periods per week. • 

WGY Food Stores, Schenectady, 
currently on WGY, two periods per. 
week, with dramatic sketches, plan- 
ning to double expenditure and ex- 
pand to other stations. 

H, S. Barney Co., Schenectady, 
department store, will use intensive 
compaign on WGY and perhaps on 
an Albany station. 

We have over 50 people now 
broadcasting on Capital District sta-. 
tions anywhere from one-minute 
announcements to half-hour pro- 
grams. We expect an addition of 
about 40 clients for local broadcast- 
ing by this fall, which should give 
us between SO and 100 local outfits 
using local radio stations. 

One thing makes it pretty tough 
in trying to forecast 'fall and winter 
business. As a young agency in our 
second summer of hectic activity 
scramming for fall and winter radio 
business, we are naturally trying 
to take business where we can 
find it. ■ 

George R'. Nelson. 



line. Variety, half hour show with 
Ray Sinatra's Orchestra, Joey Nash, 
tenor; Paul Sullivan, news com- 
mentators and guest stars. 
Other pending radio matters. 

Greg Williamson. 



Peck 

NEW YORK cm 



McConn-Erickson 

NEW YORK CITY 



There are several network orders 
in the house, but the only new one 
set so far is Gruen Watch. This will 
be the 5:30-6 p.m. spot on the NBC-, 
red starting Oct. 3, with Sheila Bar- 
rett, Graham McNamee and Joe 
Rines band. It will be a coast to 
coast hookup. 

Represented in the agency's spot 
department for fall going are Axton- 
Fisher Tobacco, Ford Motors, Gruen 
and Provident Loan.' 



Herewith list of accounts with 
tentative radio plans for fall, winter 
and spring, 1937-38: 

Beverwyck Breweries, Inc., re- 
gional spot announcements and split 
network. 

Colonial Life Insurance, regional 
spot announcements and split net- 
work. 

Joseph P. Day, Inc., local spot an- 
nouncements. 

Fairfax Tobacco Co., regional 
spot announcements. 

I. J. Fox, Inc., network programs 
and local spot announcements. 

Garcia Grande Cigars, national 
spot announcements. 

Daniel Jones, Inc., local spot an- 
nouncements. 

Kent Cleaners, local spot an- 
nouncements. 

Manhattan Soap, network pro- 
. grams and national spot annoimce- 
merits. 

Modell's, local spot announce- 
ments. 

Old Dutch Mills, regional spot an- 
nouncements. 

Roxy Custom Clothes Corp., spot 
programs in six cities. 

S. Graham Grover Co., regional 
spot announcements. 

Skol Products, network programs, 
and national spot announcements. 

Tastyeast Corp., network program 
and national spot announcements. 

Wise Shoe Company, spot pro- 
grams and announcements in six 
cities. 

Phillips-Jones Corp., network 
program and spot announcements. 

Arthur Sinsheimer. 



be 



Frank Presbrey Co. 

NEW YORK CITY 



Lennen & Mitchell 

NEW YORK CITY 



'miomms' 

By JANE WEST 

NOW RADIO'S MOST POPULAR 
FAMILY BRINGS YOU MORE 

AUGHTER Tears and Heart-throbs 

Presented by Ivory Soap ■ 99 loo c pure 



Tyrone Power is slated to begin a 
half-hour dramatic program over 
NBC for Jergens-Woodbury Oct. 3 
Will originate from Coast. Harry 
Sosnik may be orchestra. Full de 
tails not settled. 

Walter Winchell will start his 
sixth year for Jergens-Woodbury. 

Rippling Rhythm with Shep Fields 
will." probably continue. 
, Dr. Alan Daf oe's . series for Lysol 
goes on. Lindsay McPhail orches- 
tra included. 

Pebeco will resume sponsorship of 
'The Gumps.' 

Tidewater Oil ^ill sponsor 15 or 
20 various local programs (mostly 
news or sports) in east. 



Frank Presbrey Co. is producing 
for its client, Thomas J. Lipton, Inc., 
two local programs, the contracts on 
which extend until the Fall season. 

In Chicago Lipton sponsors Nor- 
man Pearce, The Bachelor Poet, with 
Annette King, contralto, Monday, 
Wednesday and Friday evenings, 
10:15-10:30 o'clock over Station 
WMAQ. The same account sponsors 
John Griffin, tenor soloist of St. 
Patrick's Cathedral in New York 
City, over Station WNAC, Boston, 
Monday and Thursday evenings, 6:45- 
7:00 p.m. 

Among other accounts of Presbrey 
that will be activw in radio during 
the Fall season is Chef Boiardi 
Italian products, of Cleveland, Ohio 
— spot announcements over WHK 
five times weekly— WHN with Ida 
Bailey Allen; The National Silver 
Company who will return to the air 
in September over the Mutual Net- 
work with Irving Kaufman; The 
Y. M. C, A. with an electrically 
transcribed series of progtams over 
an extensive list of stations. 

Fulton Dent. 



LISTEN ™'^^ ^'^'^Y 

• NBC BIu© Network, Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. DST 

IN -^^^ Network, Mon. to Fri. 3:45 p.m. DST 
• • COAST TO COAST 

Dir., COMrXON ADVERTISING AGBNCT 
MGT.. ED WOLF— RKO BLDG.. NEW YORK CITY 



Morris-Schenker-Roth 

CHICAGO 



Our radio plans/ are very in- 
definite. 

Our Premier-Pabst account is us- 
ing spot announcements together 
with a few sport programs here and 
there. Kreemex Pancake Flour is 
also using spot announcements and 
participation periods in some of the 
New England states, which just 
about completes our schedule for the 
time being. 

Nate Perlstein. 



Pedlar & Ryan 

NEW YORK CITY 



Yankee and Mutual webs will 
sponsored by DL&W Coal Co. 
. Milton Berle resumes for Gillette 
Safety Razor, Sunday at 8 p.m. on 
CBS, 

"Al jolson, Martha Raye, Parkya- 
kafkas and Victor Young's orchestra 
will be among the Lever Brothers 
radio programs. 'Big Sisters' and 
'Aunt Jenny's Real Life Stories' will 
represent other Lever brands. 

'True Detective Mysteries' will be 
on "Mutual network for Macfadden 
Publications. 

Spot 

Our spot schedule will include 
Blue Jay chain breaks for Bauer & 
Black; Martha Deane, WOR partici- 
pation for Franco-American Spa- 
ghetti; a local three a week quarter 
lour over WOR, New York for 
Childs restaurants. 

Frank Morgan transcriptions for 
Dodge-Chrysler, news and sports 
will be sponsored locally by Penn 
Tobacco fdr its Kentucky Winners 
and Ironized Yeast will have quarter 
hour transcriptions with big name 
talent, 

Heagan Bayes, 



Schwimmer & Scott 

. CHICAGO 



Following will give you an idea 
of our radio plans for the fall season: 
Morris B. Sachs will continue one- 
hour Amateur Hour program every 
Sunday afternoon on WENR; 1% 
hour daily Musical Clock on WAAF; 
expects to purchase other programs 
on big stations f eatvuring name talent. 

Levinson Radio and Appliance 
Stores will continue two-hour Mu- 
sical Clock program every night on 
WCFL, six nights per week; will 

(Continued on page 52) 



IE A S Y 
ACES 



BROADCASTING 
6th YEA R' FOR 
BLACKETT - SAMPLE 
H U M M E R T, INC. 

A N A C IN 



Ruthrauil & Ryan 
NEW YORK CITY 



HARRY 
SALTER 

CONDUCTING 

LUCKY STRIKE 
"HIT PARADE" 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

N.B.C. Red at 10 P.M., EDST 



Tentative schedule of network and 
spot programs for RuthraufE & Ryan 
is as follows: 

Network 

Major Bowes continuing for Chry- 
sler over CBS Thursdays, at 9 p.m. 

Joe Penner, Gene Austin and 
Jimmy Crier Orchestra under R. B. 
Davis sponsorship Sundays at 6 pjn. 
over CBS. 

'Shadow Mystery Drama' on the 



JACQUES 

FRAY 



^ MARIO 

Ibraogiotti 



II 111 U ill II Hi 



NBC NETWORK 



NOW BOOKING - SEASON 1937-38 - FOR 

RADIO AUDIENCE BROADCASTS 

SEATS 800 IN I<mCVItIOUS AXaiOSPHEAB 

NEW AMSTERDAM ROOF THEATRE 

For Details AdOress MAX A. COHEX, SSG >V. 4Siid St., New York. Wis. 7-0870 



Procter & Gamble (Camay) will 
have 'Pepper Young's Family'— 10:30 
to 10:45 a.m., 3:00 to 3:15 p.m., Blue 
network. Monday through Friday, 
dramatic sketch; characters played 
by Curtis Arnall, Betty Wraggtf, 
Marion Barney, Jack Roseleigh. 

Procter & Gamble Will also have 
spot announcements at various times 
over Station KFI, Los Angeles. 

Bristol Myers (Vitalis) continues 
•For Meh Only,' at 8:30 to 9:00 p. m., 
Monday, from Station WHN to WLW 



D'ARTEGA 



AND HIS 

ORCHESTRA 

JELLO 
7:00-7:30— NBC 



FRANCES STEVENS 

BARONESS OF THE BLUES 

ROXY, NEW YORK. THIS WEEK, JULY 16 

Direction: DOLAN and DOANE, Hollywood 



v3^e^^lin^ his Own Box OUice 

Records Irom the Amb^ssadoi- 
Cocoanut Grove, Los Angeles to 

Commodo^e Hotel -New Yoi-h... 

l/je^ OiaX: • n^lyyyie a^^^ T^me 



Weilnesday, July 21, X937 



VARIETY 





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MISS TEDDY GRACE 

that new Remantic Balladeer 

JERRY PERKINS 

with that versatile aggregatien 
of MASTER MELODY MIEN 

WHAT AN ORGANiZATrnN 
FOR THAT RADIO SPONb^K J 



Personal Management 

CHARLES SHRIBMAN 

1619 Broadway Little '6vM\v,% 

Hew York City Boston, Mass. 



^T^ORCHESTRA 

STAMINO JULY 2 1 5J 

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AUGUST 6 - EAIILE - WASHIN6T0N. D.C. 
AUGUST 13-ASRURY PARK CASINO 
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WARNEI^ BROS. SMORTS 




52 



VARIETY 



ird ANNUAL FALL RADIO FORECAST 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 





eiicies 




Plan 



s 



(Continued from t)age 50) 
continue other dally; prog'rains which 
are now on WIND and W^M^; may 
go into additional programs on the 
bigger stations. 

Pontiac Dealers of Cook County 
will continue half-hour Sunday 
morning program. 

Chrysler Illinois Company will 
continue half hour Sunday morning 
program. 

Gruen Watch Company will con- 
.tinue. seven time signal announce- 
ments seven days per week. 

Salerno-Megowen Biscuit Com- 
pany expects to put on six 15-minute 
programs per Week, featuring a 
script sho^v. 

Fox De Luxe Beer wlU continue 
si}£ 15-minute programs per week 
on WGN; may take additional six 
15-minute programs per week ort a 
smaller station. 

Studebaker Sales Go. will <:ontinue 
six 15-minute periods per week fea- 
turing a musical show. 

Stineway Drug Stores expect to 
buy •bulk' time daily on a Chicago 
station. 

. Lea & Perrins may resume spot 
annoimcemcnts on stations from 
coast to .coast. 

Silex may expand spot announce- 
ment schedule to include 25 stations 
from Coast to coast. • • . 

Thom McCan Shoe Company may 
resume spot announcements on sta- 
tions from cOst to coast. 

Chicago Herald and Examiner will 
continue the "Courthouse Reporter' 
15 minutes,, six days per week on 
WJJD; may make other radio com- 
mitments. 

Chrysler Kansas City Company 
will resume half -hour weekly, sched- 
ule featuring musical _ show on WHB. 

Christian Business 'Men's Associa-. 
tion will continue one hour pro- 
gram daily^ 

Great-West Life Assurance Com- 
pany—Radio plans still indefinite. 

Sof Products Company will con- 
tinue on KRNT.Des JM[oines;may ex- 
pand schedule to take in 15 more 
mid-western cities. 

Under consideration for the fall 
are also .the following; A half -hour 
network show for one of Schwimmer 
•& Scott's clients; a IS-ijiinute tran- 
scribed sports program on 35 sta- 
tions. 

Woltcr Schioimmer. 



J. Wcdter Thompson 

NEW rOBK CITT 



Young & Hubicam 
NEW TOBK cmr 



Sunday 

7:30-8:00 p.m., from Hollywood, 
Pleischmann's Yeast, ISEBC blue net- 
work, all-musical program conducted 
by Werner Janssen. Loretta Lee 
signed at least through Aug. 22 and 
soloist. Uses one guest star each 
>.3veek, 

8TD0-9:00- p.m:— Chase-*— Sanborn 
Hour, with. Don Ameche, W. C. 
Fields, Edgar Bergen and Charlie 
McCarthy, Dorothy Lamour, Ray 
^iddleton and Robert Armbruster's 
orchestra. - NBC red network. Nel- 
son Eddy joins show Aug. 8, Holly- 
wood. 

10-11 p.m.— Sealtest Sunday Night 
Party, NBC red from New York; 
James Melton, master of ceremonies; 
Tom Howard and George Shelton, 
comedians; Robert Emmett Dolan, 
conductor; Lyn Murray's New York- 
ers* Chorus and guest stars. 

Monday 

9- 10— Lux Radio Theatre from 
Hollywood directed by Cecil B. De- 
Mille. Top film names cast in dra- 
matic. Went Off the air July 5. Re- 
turns to same network (CBS) at 
satne time first Monday in Sepxem- 
bev. 

Tuesday 

'Husbands . and Wives,' conducted 
by Sedley Brown and Allie Lowe 
Miles, Ponds Creams, NBC blue net- 
work from New York, 8-8:30 p.m. 
Brown , and Miles interview men and 
women on domestic problems. New 
York. 

Wednesday 

8-8:30— 'One Man's Family,' Tender 
Leaf Tea, serial show, with steady 
cast o£ 16. Now on NBC red from 
San Francisco. Moves to Hollywood 
in August, date not definite. Author, 
Carlton E. Morse. . 

Thursday 

8-9— Royal (Gelatin) Variety Hour, 
conducted by Rudy Vallee. Vallee's 
band singing. NBC red netwonc. 
From New York. Uses four or five 
guests each week. 

10- 11 — Kraft Music Hall from 
Hollywood. Bing Crosby went On 
vacation for around three months 
after July 8 broadcast. Crosby re- 
turns in September, date not definite. 
Bob Burns now emceeing show. 
"Uses one musical name and at leas,t 
two movie guests for interviews. 

John 17. Rcbcr. i 



Network Shows 

-- Packard 9:30 p.m. < EST, Tuesdays, 
starting Sept. 7th NBC Red Coast 
to Coast, originating from Holly- 
wood. Type of show not decided oh 
as, yet. Lanny Ross will be present. 

Gulf starring Phil Baker, with 
Beetle and Bottle, and Oscar Brad- 
ley's Orchestra. Originating from 
New York' City, CBS Sunday night 
from 7:30 to 8:00. Broadcast over 60 
stations beginning Oct. 3rd and end- 
ing June 26th, 1938. 

Roger's 1847 Silverplate presents a 
series, of dramatic programs with 
stars of stage end screen, in the lead- 
ing roles. The Show is broadcast 
from 5:30 ,to 6:00 p.m., EST over 44 
CBS stations starting Oct. 3rd. 13- 
week run with options oh an addi- 
tional 13 weeks. 

Bristol-Myers Co. presents 'Town 
Hall Tonight.' July 7th thru Nov. 
10th. Starring Walter O'Keefe with 
Town Hall Varieties, Town Hall 
Quartet, and Van Steeden's Orches- 
tra. Fred Allen will return to the 
show on NovJ 17th. 

Fels & Co. present Jack Berch and 
his boys with Mark Warnow's Or- 
chestra. 9:30 to 9:45 ajn., Moin., 
Wed. and Frid., beginning July 19th. 
CBS basic— 19" stations originating 
from New Vork City. Tom, Dick 
and :Harry on MBS originating from 
Chicago over 15 stations. This in- 
cludes the Don Lee Network plus 3 
supplementary NBC stations using, 
recordings, Mon., Wed. and Fri., 
from 12:15 to 12:30 in the afternoon. 
Show goes off the air Oct. 15th, tm- 
less options are taken up. 

Jell-O: Jack Benny and Mary Liv- 
ingston with Don Wilson, • Kenny 
Baker and Phil Harris and his or- 
chestra. 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. (rebroad- 
cast time 11:30 to 12:00 p.m. EST), 
Sunday night. Show originates from 
Hollywood and is broadcast over 70 
stations. Starting Oct. 3 and runs 
through to the end of June, 1938. 

Grape-Nuts: George Burns and 
Grade Allen, with Tony Martin and 
Ray Noble's Orchestra. Monday 
night, 8:00 to 8:30, rebroadcasi 10:30 
to 11:00 N. Y. time.. Show originates 
in Hollywood— broadcast over 64 
.stations, starting April 12 and run- 
ning until Jan. 3, 1938, with option 
for additional 39 weeks. 

Kate Smith's Birthday Party: 
Sponsored by Swansdown Cake 
Flour and Calumet Baking Powder. 
Starring Kate Smith with Jack 
Miller's Orchestra — guest stars and 
Ted Collins. Thursday night, CBS, 
8:00 to 9:00, rebroadcast 11:15 to 12:15 
p.m. EST. Originating from New 
York City and broadcast over 71 sta- 
tions. Starting Sept. 30, runs until 
Sept. 29, 1938. 

Sanka Coffee: 'We The People,' 
with the services of Philips Lord, 
tentative. The same type of show 
as the Calumet *We The People* 
show produced in 1937. Thursday 
night from 7:30 to 8:00 p;m., origi- 
nating froni New York City over 48 
CBS stations beginning Oct. 7 and 
running until Dec. 30. 

Local Live Talent Broadcasts 
(With Young & Rubicam production 
men producing shows.) 

Pioneer Ice Cream Brands: 
Broadway Melody Hour. J. C. Flip- 
pen, M. C, Ethel Shepard, Betty 
Worth, Joe Martin; Ray Saunders, 
Famous Guest Stars and Irving 
Aaronson's Orchestra. Originating 
from WHN and fed to WOR. Wed- 
nesday night — from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. 
Starting May 12, on N. Y. time; for 
13 weeks with additional 13-week 
option. 

Borden's Chateau Cheese: Drama? 
tized News Broadcast from hypo- 
thetical Newspaper City Room. On 
the Yankee Network with 5 stations 
originating from Boston. 7:30 to 
8:00 p.m., N. Y. time, Tuesday nights, 
starting May 4, running for 34 weeks. 
Subject to cancellation 

Spot Broadcasts 

Bristol-Meyers: 'Lucky Girl' Pro- 
gram over WGN, Chicago. Monday 
thru Friday— 1:30 to 1:45 p.m. Cen- 
tral Standard Time, June 12 thru 
Dec. 31. Subject to. cancellation. 

Ty Tyson's Sports Review: Over 
WWJ, Detroit, Monday thru Sat- 
urday from 6:00 to 6:10 p.m., CST. 
Started Feb., 193G— still running with 
13 weeks', cancellation clause. 

La France &c Satina (General 
Foods): 'House Undivided.' Don Lee 
Network. Monday thru' Friday, 
from 10:15 to 10:30 a.m. Pacific Coast 
Time. ' . 

Minute Tapioca: Participation Ih 



Martha Deane's . Program-^Tue's., 
Thurs. and Sat. Tues. and Thurs. — 
2:00 to 2:45; Sat.— 11:45 to 12:30 a.m. 
Broadcast over WOR, Newark, EST. 

Walker-Gordon Laboratories Co., 
Inc.: Greta Palmar over WPR. Wed- 
nesday and Friday from 1:00 to. 1:15 
p.m. Sept 8 thru Dec. 17, This is 
also on EST. 

Tom Ba.rtofn„ 



Armand S. WeiU 

BUFFALO 



Most of our Clients do not make 
definite plans until early A.ugust. 

Kleenite Laboratories — ^will con- 
tinue a test campaign in Buffalo, 
consisting of spot announcements. 
These will be extended to other ter- 
ritories by Fall. 

, Danahy Faxon Food Stores, Inc. — a 
Western New York food, chain. Will 
continue 'Radio Price Tags' which 
are heard every half -hour on Satur- 
day and Friday over WGR and 
WKBW. 

Remington Rand, Inc. — plans are 
not definite at this time, but we ex- 
pect that some of the one-minute 
transcriptions will be released this 
Fall. 

We also expect to be handling test 
campaigns for two of our other 
clients. The tests will be made 
either in Buffalo or Rochester— pos- 
sibly one show in each city — ^and will 
use local talent. Both will go either 
spot or network if successful. 

George F, Stein Brewery, Inc. — 
will again use 'The Musical Score- 
board' — 30-minutes every Saturday 
night during the football season, on 
WGR. 

Oh the indefinite side, two of our 
clients holds options on features 
which they are giving consideration 
for fall to use either as a local New 
York City tests, or they will go net- 
work immediately. 

It is also possible that several 
transcription campaigns will be 
placed this Fall — as they are now 
under consideration by our clients. 
And it is also quite possible that a 
long delayed campaign using 15-sec- 
ond transcribed station breaks will 
be released this Fall. Latter has 
been tied up for a year or so be- 
cause of various circumstances over 
which our client had no control, 
even though, the expenditure, plans 
and all had been approved. 



Censor Jardine 



(Continued from page 39) 



Church in the United States has had 
with his movements since he hit 
these shores a fortnight ago. He's 
het up and is now loosing both bar- 
rels in the cause of 'truth.' 

His one speaking date thus far, in 
Atlantic City, was a dud. The three 
charities with which he. planned to 
split the gate refused, to co-operate 
at the last moment and the a. c. 
merchants also snubbed him. Re- 
sult was that 77 persons turned out 
at the $1 top to hear his 'spiritual' 
spiel. 

It is charged that . the Episcopal 
Church here^ a U. S. link of the 
Church of England, dogged his path 
into the resort city. Likewise, ih 
Baltimore, home of the Duchess of 
Windsor, where a deal with the 
Community Find was assertedly 
scotched by the Episcopalians. Now, 
a tieup for a split 6f the admission 
take has been arranged with the 
Volunteers of America hosp in 
Baltimore. 

Tomorrow (Thursday) night, it is 
in Balto that the Rev.. Jardine will 
roll up his sleeves and go to work 
for the flx-st- time with the 'truth' 
about the abdication and his 'per- 
secutors.' 

The Lyric, concert hall, has been 
hired for $300, and admish will.be 
sliced to 25-50c. From now on 
through his stumping tour of the 
country the top at the . gate will be 
but -Mc. Dates already set beyond 
are Rochester (25), Niagara Falls 
(27), Hamilton, Ontario (29) and 
Toronto (1). The trek will then 
sweep down through the south and 
southwestern Bible belts. Later on 
more Canadian towns will ' be 
touched. In them the vicar plans 
to be as candid as in the .U. 5. 

Rev. Jardine is not adveise to 
commercial radio shots. There was 
a dicker on when he arrived for a 
guestee on the Vallee (NBC-red) 
program, but the J. Walter Thomp- 
son agency shied early in the nego- 
tiations because the show spreads 
into Canada, and the agency was 



Raps F.C.C. Habit' 



Washington, July 20, 
Significant attack, upon pro- 
cedure of the Federal Comihu- 
nications Commission, threaten- 
ing to produce radical change in 
system of deciding radio cases, 
V/as launched last week by 
WIL, St* Louis. Station has ap- 
pealed to the Federal Court of 
Appeals for the District of Co- 
lumbia from decision granting 
construction permit to St. Louis 
Star-Times and denying its own 
plea for right to change fre- 
quency and power. 

Both raising question of con- 
stitutionality of the Communi- 
cations Act and asking courts to 
rule on the legality of the man- 
ner in which the F. C. C, set- 
tles broadcast tiffs, counsel for 
Missouri Broadcasting Co. — 
Louis B. Caldwell, Donald. C. 
Beelar and Percy H. Russell- 
have challenged the -practice of 
deciding cases first, entering 
orders, and then — weeks later — 
adopting reasons for the de- 
cision. Contend this is in di- 
rect conflict with principles of 
sound government, besides be^ 
ing a violation of the Communi- 
cations Act and in disregard for 
scores of court opinions. 



More BVyn 
'Chop Suey ; 
Segal Appeals 



Washington, July 20. . 

More slugging between occupants 
of 1400 kc. berth in New York area 
was forecast with request for stay 
and notice of appeal from latest de- 
cision of Federal Communications 
Commission settlement of the 
Brooklyn 'chop suey' cases. Prepa- 
rations for bitter court fight against 
deletion are being made by WARD 
and WLTH, which are slated for 
doom under provisions of second 
decision granting three-fourths time 
to WBBC and one-fourth to WVFW. 

Paul M. Segal, counsel for losers, 
notified Court of Appeals of intent 
to "fight four-to-one decision winding 
up tiff dating back four years. 

WCOL Appoints Rep 

Chicago, July 20. 

Craig & HoUingberry have been 
appointed national sales representa- 
tive for WCOL, NBC Red and Blue 
outlet in Columbus, Ohio. 

Station owned and - operated by 
Ohio State Journal, 



San Jose Goes Mutual 



San Francisco, July 20. 
Affiliation of station KQW, San 
Jose, with the Mutual and Don Lee 
Broadcasting System, becomes ef- 
fective Aug. 1. Transmitter is a 
1,000-watter, operating on 1010 
kilocycles, and swells the total of 
Don Lee outlets in California to 11. 



Pat Patterson to L. A. 

Pittsburgh, J;uly 20. 

Pat Patterson, of WVAE, trans- 
ferred to Los Angeles where he will 
be press agent for Hearst California 
Radio System under Ford Billings, 
one-time mianager of WCAE. Ap- 
pointment was made during Billings' 
recent trip east, 

Patterson successor at WGAE is 
Jimmy Murray. 



Van Fleming:, NBC producer in San 
Francisco, has resumed work after a 
ten-week cruise to Europe with his 
wife. They made the round trip on 
a freighter by way of the Panama 
Canal. 



afraid the vicar's inclusion in the 
program might not sit well on Cana- 
dian stomachs. 

The clergyman was imported from 
abroad by Hugh C. Ernst, who paid 
his passage first-class • across and 
$1,000 down to bind the pact. Vicar 
is . given a cut in the gate takes 
after the charity tie-ups get their 
ends. 



OHIO STATE'S 




TERMS 



Columbus, J'uly 20. 
At least three sponsors on half a 
dozen stations wiU broadcast Ohio 
State's home football games this year 
under university athletic associa- 
tion's new radio policy. 

Doing a reversal of its policy of 
last year* the imiversity is again go- '. 
ing after the sponsors' coin, but is 
not selling the broadcasts exclusive- 
ly, to. one broadcaster and is market- 
ing them on a rigid contract restrict- 
ing commercials to six and a half 
minutes during each of the five home 
games. 

Atlantic Refining Co., Kellogg and 
Griffin Mfg. Co. (shoe cleaner) are 
the sponsors who have already 
bought the entire , home schedule. In 
addition, Northwestern Railroad has 
contracted for the Ohio St^te-North- 
westem game for' a broadcast on 
WJJD, Chicago. 

Atlantic has contracted for a two- 
station hook-up of WHKC, Colum- 
bus, and WHK, Cleveland, with the 
announcer to be selected by audi- 
tions in Cleveland, July 26.. Kellogg 
will sponsor five' home games on 
WBNS, Coltimbus, where Johnny 
Neblett will do the play-by-play, and 
on WTAM, Cleveland. . 

Griffin has contracted with WCOL, 
Columbus, the announcer yet to be 
named. In addition, WOSU, the uni-. 
versity station, will have its usual 
unsponsored. broadcast of the game, 
giving local listeners plenty of choice 
in descriptions of the games. 

WGAR, Clelevand, and WKRC, 
Cincinnati, are on the maybe list, 
and other stations may come in too. 

Sponsors are. now angling for 
Ohio's away - from - home . games. 
These are not included in the con- 
tracts with the university, and Ohio 
State is assuming no obligation for 
securing privileges of broadcasting 
other than the' home contests. 

University's cut from the stations 
and bankroUers is 1.3 times the pub- 
lished daytime one-time hourly rate 
of the station broadcasting the game, 
with a 5% discount for the five-gamt 
schedule. When more than one sta- 
tion carries .the description, the uni- 
versity collects the above rate for 
each station on the hook-up. 

Stations desiring to broadcast un- 
sponsored accounts of the games can 
pick up the WOSU broadcast on pay- 
ment of wire costs and all operating 
expenses. And the way is left open 
for the networks to come in for any 
of the games, sans sponsor, on the 
condition that WOSU is connected 
to the network for the broadcast. 



SKOWHEGAN 
FORECAST 



Skowhegan, Me,, July 19. 
Editor, Variety: .. 

AIRADS, Incorporated, is Maine's 
newest advertising agency. (But we 
also handle programs for Democratic 
sponsors.) 

One of our chief motives in start- 
ing this agency was to pull spot ad- 
vertising out of the slough of prosi- 
ness into which it has fallen in this 
state. (It's fallen in the other 47, 
too, but we haven't got around to 
them yet.) We are engaged in the 
cheerful task of making spot ads in- 
teresting to the ear of the listening 
consumer as ' well as that of the 
sponsor. 

Isn't it news, too, when an adver- 
tising agency sponsors a bi-weekly 
one-hour program of its own? That's 
exactly what we're doing with 'The 
Air Parade,' a variety hour pre- 
sented each Tuesday and Friday aft- 
ernoon from 5:30 to 6:30 (EDT) over 
station WABI, in Bangor, 

Maurice Dolbier, 
President, Airads, Inc. 



Dean Maddox, on KFRC, San 
Fi-ancisco, may do Metro-Goldwyn- 
Mayer narration for a series of newj 
shorts. 



( 



Vedncs^ay, J>ily.2J, 1937 




MUSIC 



VARIETY 



53 



ANTl-ASCAP ECHO 



GERSHWIN AS A SYMBOL 

! ! '. 

George Gershwin's untimely death at 38 underscores the glory of the 
i^merican songwriter of today. 

Gershwin, more than any one individual, took the sohgsmith out of Tin 
Pan Alley, glorified jazz, brought home to his fellow-Americans and to the 
Svorld at large, that the contemporary contributions from the U. S. tune- 
smiths are something vital to the pleasure and perhaps to the well-being 
' if the world. 

Numerous memorial programs on the radio nights immediately follow- 
ing Gershwin's death drove home forcibly how much of a heritage a 
popular songwriter really leaves behind him. The Gershwins, the Victor 
Herberts, the Louis A. Hjrsches, the Karl Hoschnas, the Henry Blossoms 
and the present-day herring-tearers haunting Lindy's, or the Brown Derby 
on Vine street in Hollywood will — many of them — never die. 

Their tunes, once flung into the air, will reverberate down the vista of 
tiiiie. They acquire yesteryear associations, sentimental permanence. 

Gershwin is a symbol of this immortality. Musical wealth they have 
contributed to the gaiety of the nation, and the economic value it pos- 
sesses for commercial radio sponsors, and the like, constitutes . the best 
evidence that the Gershwins will vividly survive. 



KWK GIRL SINGER JOINS 
ROGER PRYOR'S BAND 



St. Louis, July 20. . 
, Tommye Birch-,, vocalist at KWK 
for past four years, joins Roger 
Pryor orchestra at Edgewater Beach 
Hotel, Chicago, Aug. 9. In private 
life Miss Birch is Mrs. Danny Sey- 
forth, wife of talent director of 
KWK. Recently she was signatured 
for work at MCA but, in turn, was 
sssigned to Pryor. 

Harry Babbitt, of KWK, recently 
Joined Kay Kyser. 



DUKE'S 

New Smaib Hits 

Kit KM I 




nccoprco on 

._. KASTCR AND 
- -VAH-.crf RLC RDS 



IXCLUSIVE PUBLICATIONS, Inc. 



YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY 
PROM LOVE lovdx^ 

I KNOW NOW 

IHESONGOPTH[ MARINES 

CAUSE MY BABY SAYS IIS SO 

IHELAOYWHOCOULONT 
BE KISSED 

NIGHI OVER SHANGHAI 



THE 
f 

i 
k 

M 
A 

I 

IS 

jjIMjCKMUSIC^Jg^ 



SPA Quarrel 
Money-Saver 
For N. Y. Pubs 



Major pop publishers estimate that 
the industry has saved itself at least 
$25,000 in advances so far by refus- 
ing to accept new manuscripts by 
iTjembers of the Songwriters' Protec- 
tive Association. Latter's executive 
council informed publishers in May 
that the SPA would assume admin- 
istrative authority over the sync and 
transcription rights of works placed 
by SPA members after June 1, 1937. 
Publishers have since for the most 
part elected to hold off doing busi- 
ness with SPA writers. 

One important publisher declared 
last week that the SPA's move was 
a timely one for the publishing in- 
dustry. Slack sumnier season was 
just approaching arid publishers, by 
sitting back as far as advances were 
concerned, have incurred practically 
no expense against new material. 
Most of the songs which these pubs 
have accepted since the end of May 
are those involving old contracts 
with SPA writers or from sources 
not affiliated with the SPA. Pri- 
marily affected by the attempt of the 
SPA to exercise authority over the 
sync and transcription rights are 
publishers without picture studio 
alliances. 

Publishers and officers of the SPA 
are still jockeying for an agreement 
which will settle the issue. A. M. 
Wattenberg has drawn up a contract 
which gives the writer 50% of what 
the publisher collects on sync and 
transcription licenses, but this form, 
will likely be rejected by the SPA 
since it stipulates that no recogni- 
tion be given the SPA's claim to an 
administrative right over the sync 
and transcription" rights. 



Harold Lee to N. Y. 

Chicago, July 20. 

Harold Lee, head of the local Wit- 
mark office here, goes to New York 
this week to become professional 
manager of the firm. 

Al Beilin, now with Hollywood 
Music here, succeeds Lee. 

Binff Crosby recorded four tunes 
from 'Double or Nothing' for Dacca. 



ALILN tOMPOSEIIS 
WATCIG KEENLY 



Puz zled by Individual Amer- 
can- States Trying to Can> 
eel International Copy- 
right Status Quo 



STATE DEPT. 



International repercussions may be 
expected from the enactment by 
various state legislatures of measures 
hostile to the American Society of 
Composers, Authors and. Publishers. 
John G. Paine, ASCAP gen. mgr., 
who returned last week from a con- 
vention of performing rights societies 
in Paris, declared that delegates from 
a number of European nations had 
asserted on the convention floor that 
they would ask their foreign min- 
isters to protest against the enforce- 
ment of these state statutes. 

Paine said that the European dele- 
gates expressed themselves as puzzled 
by states passing laws Which have 
all the intent of defeating interna- 
tional copyright agreements. These 
agreements were made for mutual 
protection and these European copy- 
right owners, stated Paine, could not 
see what right the individual states 
had to tell them what manner they 
should choose to protect their rights 
in the United States. International 
agreement does not stipulate what 
organization shall represent them in 
this country, and if they elect to 
ally themselves with ASCAP it is up 
to the U. S. State Department to 
keep this treaty inviolate by inter- 
ceding whenever any attempt is 
made to restrict the trading rights 
of foreign parties to the covenant. 

Overseas Situation 

Paine declared that what im- 
pressed him most during the conven- 
tion was the evidence given of the 
cooperation and support which 
foreign performing rights societies 
obtain from their governments. Fed- 
eration of performing rights societies 
voted implicit backing of ASCAP in 
the latter's campaign for the adop- 
tion of an international copyright 
agreement. 

Convention put itself on record as 
being opposed to the United States 
entry into the Berne convention un- 
less the law which provided for such 
entry was as broad and adequate as 
the international copyright union it- 
self. 



CRAWFORD OVER 
HIS INDISPOSITION 



Bobby Crawford Is over his indis- 
position resulting from the acciden- 
tal taking of an overdose of a sleep- 
ing potion. Stricken at his Essex 
House (N. Y.) apartment, he was 
removed to the Medical Arts hos- 
pital. Accident occurred last week. 

Former head of Crawford Music 
Corp. canr»€ east to set a film produc- 
tion deal with Grand National. Em- 
braces indie fllmusical making for 
GN. 

Accident called Mrf. Mary Craw- 
ford, his wife, and Dan Winkler, his 
former business associate now with 
Myron. Selznick agency, east from 
Hollywood. 



Attack Inactive Catalogs 

ASCAP Board May Arrange Permanent Rating- 
Would Mean Slice of Royalties 



FOX CALLS MEETING 



'Must D» Something' Slogan on 
Bribery Matter 



Harry Pox, gen. mgr. of the Music 
Publishers' Protective Association, 
has called a meeting of the organi- 
zation's board of directors for today 
(Wednesday) to discuss a move he 
has in mind for obtaining better ad- 
herence to the code of fair tr^tde 
practice now suppoised to bind the 
industry. 

It is understood that the MPPA 
has on hand evidence showing wide- 
spread use of the payoff and pub- 
lisher-financed orchestrations in the 
business of getting band plugs over 
the air. 



Metro-Robbins 
Sherman, Qay Co. 
75G Buy Looks In 



San Francisco, July 20. 

Julian T. Abeles, attorney for the 
Metro-Robbins-Feist-Miller music in- 
terests,, has been, here a week con- 
ferring with the Sherman, Clay & 
Co. officials anent a $75,000 deal 
whereby S-C sells out to the Metro- 
Hobbins syndicate. Proposed idea is 
for Jack Bobbins' firms to merge 
the Sherman-Clay catalog with its 
most recently acquired Miller Music 
Co., Inc., and thus strengthen that 
firm. 

There have been a number of 
minor legal hitches, but understood 
that before Attorney Abeles returns 
to N. Y. the deal wiU be virtually 
consummated. 



RAID 'HOBO NEWS' 



Sonf Sheet Piracy Charge Against 
Patrick Mulkern 



Accompanied by federal officers, 
Arthur Hoffman, chief investigator 
of contraband publications for the 
music industry, last week raided 
the printing plant of the 'Hobo 
News' in .downtown N. Y. City and 
confiscated over 3,000 cowboy song- 
sheets. Patrick B. Mulkern, alias 
O'Malley, printer and distributor of 
the sheets, was held for action by 
the Federal grand jury. Also arrest- 
ed was Mulkern's wife, whose photo 
was carried on the sheet's front page 
over the caption 'Shy Ann.' 

Mulkern. was traced from Chicago 
whence he had shipped the bootleg 
songsheets for disposal. Raiders also 
confiscated copies of the 'Hobo 
News' on the grounds that the latest 
issue contained the lyrics of several 
copyrighted tunes. 



AI Goodheart^ Al . Hoffman and 
Sammy Lerner co-authored the 
score of Gaumont-British production, 
'Gangway.' Jack Mills is publishing. 



Victor Baravelle is working on the 
music/ft>r 'Damsel in Distress/ J'red 
Astajre Radio starrer. 



Reform of the method of deter- 
mining publisher seniority in the 
American Society of Composers, Au- 
thors and Publishers will be under- 
taken by th'e pub faction on the 
ASCAP board this fall. Movement 
primarily calls, lor changing the 
status of firms whose catalogs have 
become inactive as fs^r as new pub- 
lications are concerned. 

Sentiment on the board is strong- 
ly in favor of putting these inactive 
firms into a permanent seniority 
class. Under the present system 
their seniority standing is deter- 
mined largely by their length of 
membership in the Society. Most of 
the pubs on the board are of the 
opinion that there should be a limit 
to the seniority points allotted inac- 
tive catalogs out of equity, to mem- 
bers who are constantly adding new 
ones to their lists. Establishment of 
permanent seniority ratings would 
have the effect of isubstantially re- 
ducing the royalty shares of inac- 
tive catalogs. 

Frohlich & Schwartz, general 
counsel for ASCAP, has been asked 
to furnish the board with a written 
opinion on the question as to 
whether such permanent seniority 
classification would be contrary to 
the Society's by-laws. 

Chct Forrest and Boh White have 
originaled a ditty for Gladys George 
to warble in 'Madame X' at Metro. 



Those Prolific Hit Writers— 

WARREN ond DUBIN 

nwlntain their tcnrUle pace with 
another nenswtlonal 
seore fer the 

MERVYNUEHOY 

prodaetloB 

'MR. DODD TAKES THE AIR' 

Btarrias 

KENNY BAKER 
REMEMBER ME ? 

AM I M LOVE? 

HERE COMES THE SAHBMAN 

THE 8IRL YOV VSEi TO BE 

M. WITMARK & SONS, INC. 

1%7* fltk Ave.. BOA BMr.. K. T. C. 



'X(7 



mm Two Kew Inatnineat*! fioytU 
mfl tie* by the rabU«h«ra of 

"ifoIa'» and "Folly" 

"CHliiirDOLL 
PARADE" 

"WHISTLING 
MOSE " 

pistlnetiv* Piano or 
Orohestm Specialties 



SAM FOX 
PUBLISHING COMPANY 

IISO SIXTH AVENUfc 
PCft nuiLO hC R*0'0 city 
HtW YOPll 



THE COUNTRY'S BIGGEST SONG HIT! 

IT LOOKS LIKE RAIN IN CHERRY BLOSSOM LANE 

No. 1 -Lucky Strike Hit Parade No. 1-Sheet Music Sales No. 1-Most Played On the Air 

By Leslie and Burke—JOE MORRIS MUSIC CO., 1619 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 



54 



VARIETY 



MUSIC 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



AFM Pressuring 
WPA Retain 250 
Needy Musicians 



With about . 250 musicians being 
dismissed from WPA rolls in New 
York, Local 802 of the American 
Federation of Musicians is attempt- 
ing to bring pressure in Washington 
in support of bills to retain all 
needy persons on relief. In addi- 
tion to writing all congressmen urg- 
ing they get behind the Schwellen- 
bach-AUen resolution, Local 802 is 
^ tryiAg to get everyone else possible 
^■""iw similarly petition Washington. 
The Schwellenbach-Allen bill 

■would declare it to be the policy of 
Congress that the WPA administra- 
tion shall not drop WPA people for 
whom there is ho hope of obtaining 
private employment. The union de- 
clares that 95% of the 250 musicians 
going off the WPA have come from 
the Home Relief rolls, which is a 
certification that they are in des- 
perate need. 

In the letter to congressmen, 
mailed during the past week and 
signed by William Feinberg, secre- 
tary of 802, the union says in part: 

'We feel that the . WPA adminis- 
tration has acted in an unprincipled 



manner in dismissing large numbers 
of needy persons for whom there is 
no possibility of employment at the 
present time. 

. 'There is only one way in which 
to overcome the flagrant disregard 
by the WPA administration for the 
attitude of Congress in respect to 
WPA cuts, which is that they be re- 
lated to and based on the improve- 
ment of conditions in private indus- 
try. This is for Congress to declare 
that all needy persons who are dis- 
missed from WPA rolls and for 
whom there is no opportunity of 
employment in private industry be 
reinstated immediately.' 




Philadelphia, July 20. 
A. A. Tomei, prexy of the Music- 
ian's Local, was principal spieler 
Saturday (17) noon at a rally which 
attracted 500 to City Hall square to 
protest layoffs in WPA music, theat- 
tre and art projects. Union also 
supplied a large band for the meet- 
ing. 

Tomei spoke in favor of the 
Schwellenbach-Allen joint, congres- 
sional resolution, which would keep 
all WPA workers on government 
rolls until they found jobs in pri- 
vate industry. 

Tooters' local Thursday will send 
150 men, comprising three bands, to 
Washington to take part in a na- 
tional pkotest against cannings o^^ 
WPA miisickers. Among the 150 
will be 65 men who were laid' off 
here during recent weeks. About 
255 musicians are stiU working for 
WPA. 



tiKO •• \( l< / n< rv ni I'>.i7" 



PECKIN 



Dorseys Opposite Each 
Other at Rival Hotels 

It will be brother against brother 
when Jimmy Dorsey opens at the 
Hotel New Yorker, New York, Aug. 
19, for an indefinite stay. Tommy 
Dorsey is in for the summer at the 
Hotel Pennsylvania, three blocks 
away. 

Up until a couple years ago it was 
th,e Dorsey Bros, band, with the split 
causing animosities that remained 
unalliayed. 



The New Summer Sensolion' 

IS THIS GONNA BE 
MY LUCKY SUMMER 



.Seo.son'.«! Lovrliest Ballad 

MOON AT SEA 



The Comedy Hif of 1937 

TODAY I AM A MAN 



OjJii iiiUy \ pproi rd 
Hon.',) i rlt-Dii rout Lovi' Son^ 

YOU ARETHE REASON 

FOR MY 
LOVE SONG 



RUDY VALLEE'S DATES 

Will Take Boys To His Lods^e For 
Vacation En Route 



Rudy Vallee, closing his engage- 
ment in- Dallas next Friday (23) 
night, does one-nighters on his way 
back to New York. Plays Little Rock 
on July 24, has an open date July 
25, hits Russell's Point, Ohio, July 26, 
stops in Colxmibus, Ohio, July 27, 
and winds up his tour at Bemus 
Point, Chatauqua, N. Y., July 28. 

After his broadcast from New 
York on July 29, Vallee does a date 
at Old Orchard, Me., July 30. Then 
takes his troupe to his summer lodge 
at Lake Kezar, Me., for a four-day 
rest, following which he plays 
Shrewsbury, Mass., Aug. 4 and the 
Steel Pier, Atlantic City, for the 
weekend of Aug. 6-7-8. 




Mills Music, Inc 




em's GiMCK 
MUSIC OAUSE 



Alexander Borlsoff, first 'cellist of 
the L. A. Philharmonic and Holly- 
wood Bowl orks, is composing and 
scoring for Cantabria's 'La Vida, 
Bohemia.' 



Music Publishers Protective As- 
sociation last weei advised its mem- 
bers to change the form of copyright 
assignment used for Canada. It was 
discovered that the form which has 
been in use for some time contained 
a clause which could jam up the 
rights of the original copyright 
owner. 

In a letter to the membership the 
MPPA pointed out that the form of 
assignment as now drawn has a 
clause reading, 'Subject, however, to 
the provisions of section 11; sub- 
section 2, of the copyright law of 
1921.' Letter expresses surprise as 
to how this clause ever crept in to 
the form and declares that the 
tendency of this clause would be to 
limit the rights of the American 
publisher and copyright owner in 
the event the main assignment of 
the selection was in any particular 
vague. ■ 

Publishers on this side were urged 
by the letter to eliminate the ques- 
tioned clause in future Canadian 
assignments. Attached to the 
MPPA's letter was a copy of a re- 
vised form of assignment. 



TEMPLE CROWDED FOR 
GEO. GERSHWIN RITES 



More than 3,000 people taxed the 
capacity of Temple Emanu-El on 
5th Avenue, N. Y., for the George 
Gershwin services last Thursday (15) . 
Despite the steady downpour all 
morning and early afternoon (which 
stopped subsequently) , over 1,000 re- 
mained standing outside the temple 
while Rabbis Nathan A. Perilman 
and Stephen A. Wise, respectively 
conducting the services and deliv- 
ering the eulogy, officiated within. 

Temple was banked with floral 
pieces from the capitals of the world, 
and most notably from personali- 
ties in Hollywood, New York, Lon- 
don aind Paris. 

Headed by New York's Governor 
Lehman, and Mayor LaGuardia, with 
an ex-N. Y. Mayor, Jimmy Walker, 
also present, the honorary pallbear- 
ers of 50 embraced notables from 
Broadway, Hollywood, radio and the 
other arts and finance. 

Ossip Giskin, cellist, the Perole 
String Quartet comprising Joseph 
Coleman, JMax - Hollander, Lillian 
Fuchs and Joseph Ernst Silverstein, 
with Gottfried H. Federlein at the 
organ, contributed the musical pror 
gram. 

Rabbi Wise in his eulogy stressed 
the spirit of America in acclaiming 
one who so proudfully proclaimed his 
Americanism by having captured the 
spirit of his land and interpreted it 
into song. This, he contrasted it to 
existing conditions in Europe today, 
where talent of Gershwin's calibre 
i 'would have been flung out' rather 
than esteemed as in America. 



Max Stelner, who scol-ed Warners' 
"iiie Life of Emile Zola,' has com- 
pleted same chore on 'That Certain 
Woman.' 



BROWN and FREED'S Greatest Score 
By Far the Crowning Achievemient of the Series 
M-G-M'S "BROADWAY MELODY OF 193iB" 

With These "Hits to Come": 

YOURS AND MINE 
I'M FEELBN' LIKE A MILLION 
YOUR BROADWAY AND MY BROADWAY 
GOT A PAI R OF N EW SHOES 

Robblns Music Corporation • 799 7th Aye., New York 



Hollywood, July 20. 
Complete co-operation of members 
of the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors and Publishers has 
been tendered Ira Gershwin on the 
unfinished portion of George Gersh- 
win's assignment to do the music for 
Samuel Goldwyn's 'The Goldwyn 
Follies.' 

Use of member talent goes with 
the offer. Rejport here is that Ira 
will complete the Goldwyn chore 
alone. Four of the picture's nine 
numbers remain to be done. 



Last Week s 15 Best Sellers 



It Looks . Like Rain , , . . Morris 

Sailboat in the Moonlight ^..Crawford 

*Sweet Leilani . .Select 

Merry-Go-Round Broke Down Harms 

t Where or When ,. ..Chappell 

You and Me That Used to Be ....Berlin 

♦Cause My Baby Says It's So Remick 

*Biae Hawaii Famous 

* Was it Rain? *. ..... 1 ..... . .Santly-Joy 

♦I Know Now , Remick 

♦I Hum a Waltz Miller 

Gone With the Wind .Berlin 

•Never in a Million Years ...... i .... 1 Robbins 

Miller's Daughter Marianne Shapiro 

♦Seotember in the Rain Remick 

• Jndicotes filmusical song, t Indicates stage production song, 
others are pops. 



The 



ACCORDION MUSIC 
GETTING COMEBACK 



Accordion music, both pop stuff 
and concert, is a well established 
and growihg vogue. Estimated that 
between 100,000 and 150,000 accor- 
dions will be sold in the U. S. during 
1937, big increase over former years. 
Composers now writing music and 
arranging specially for the accor- 
dion, while many of the leading 
dance bands have one and in some 
cases whole sections of accordions..; 

At the Emery Auditorium, Cinc^n-' 
nati, some time ago an orchestra of 
125 accordions -played an entire con- 
cert, unaccompanied by any other 
instrument. And in Milwaukee a 
few days, later a band composed 
solely of 85 accordions played a con- 
cert before a larger attendance than 
had been drawn by either Rach- 
maninoff or the Chicago Symphony 
Orchestra shortly before. 

Recital by six of the leading nanie 
accordionists will be given next 
Tuesday (27) at the convention of 
the National Association of Music 
Merchants, at the Hotel New Yorker, 
N. Y. Recital is sponsored by Ex- 
celsior Accordions, Inc., N. Y. manu- 
facturers. Accordionists taking part 
will be Andy Arcari, Joe Biviano, 
Pietro, Frosini, Frank Gaviani, 
Charles Magnante and Pietro Deiro. 
Will play solos, duets, trios, quar- 
tets and sextets. Idea of the recital, 
according to Excelsior, is to call at- 
tention to the fact that the finest ac- 
cordions are American-made and 
the leading players are American- 
born and developed. 

Sharp increase in accordion sales 
is all the more significant, according 
to dealers, when it is considered that 
the instrument is onfe of the most- 
expensive on the market. Accor- 
dions sell for a minimum of about 
$65 or $70 and the price for a first- 
class instrument for a professional 
averages as. much as $750. Several 
leading players have accordions that 
cost more than $1,000. 



Miss Whitney's Narrow Escape 
Indianapolis, July 20. 
Marjorie Whitney, vocalist with 
King's Jesters, playing a week at 
Fairview Hotel at- Lake Manitou, 
narrowly escaped drowning Satur- 
day (17). Had gone down for second 
time when her screams attracted at- 
tention of local boy who pulled her 
out, 

After recovering from shock, she 
made her stage appearance with 
band at summer resort. 



Two New Hits! 

"OVER NIGHT" 

and 

"MY SECRET 
LOVE AFFAIR" 

From the forthcomlngr iOtli 
Centuiy-Fox Maslcal, "THIN 
ICE," BtanInK Sonja Heiil« 



r MOVSETONE 
MUSIC CORPORATION 

Sam fox PuBiiSHiNc CO t -.i^ '^i- ■.. 
1250 SIXTH AVENUE 

N E W YO kK 



Ellington's 3-Day Stand 



Columbus, July 20. 

Longest stay of a big name band 
here in years set by Nick Albanese 
for his Arabian Gardens, 

Duke "Ellington will play the night 
spot three days, July 5, 26 and 27. 



Oakland to Loulsviiie 

Oakland, Cal., July 20. 
Del Courtney, maestro, left Oak- 
land, Calif., Monday (19) for Louis- 
ville where the band opens Friday 
night. • 

With him is Mary Ann Bradley, 
his bride, whom he married in Oak- 
land after his Detroit band engage- 
ment closed. 



THE MERRY^GOrROUND 
BROKE DOWN 

BORN JO^ LOVE 

VIEHHA BREAMS 

THE MOON IS IN TEARS 
TONIBHT 

I'M HATIN' THIS WAITIN' 
AROUNO 

HARMS, Incr R.C.A. Bldg., N.Y.C. 
Mack Goldman, Prof. Mgrs 



"POLYNESIAN ROMANCE" 
"JUST ABOUT MGHT" 

By 

Lysle Tomerlin and Andy lona 
Long writes of "South Sea 
Island Magic" 

VANGUARD SONGS 

0411 HoIIyrvootl Blvd., Hollywood, Cal. 
JVUO AI.OKSO, Prof. Mgr. 



A. great mnslcal score from lUtGM's prodactlon featnrlnK the MABX BROSt 

"A DAY AT THE RACES" 

■ The swcU Mcore. by Gun Kalin. Kaper and Jurmann follows: 

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY 
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAH IN THE MOON 
ALL GOD'S CHILLUN GOT RHYTHM 
BLUE VENETIAN WATERS 

BOBBINS MUSIC CORPORATION • 799 7th Ave., New York 



A SMASH SONG HIT 

From RKO Radio's Dyneraic Picture, "THE TOAST OF NEW YQRK," wilh Edward Arnold, Gary Grant, Frances Farmer, Jack Oakie 

THE FIRST TIME I SAW YOU 



\^ ritlen by Nat Shilkret and Allie Wrubel. Published by SANTLY BROS., JOY, Inc., 1619 Broadway, New York 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



MUSIC •! DANCE YOURS 



VARIETY 



55 



On the Upbeat 



KftT Kyt*r leaves Eastwood Park, 
Detroit, this Friday ^(2S) and after 
; couple of one-nifihters m Lansing 
!nd outside Chicago opens at the 
Meadbwbrook Country Club, St. 
Xouis, Monday (26) for a stay of two 
weeks. 

Madeline CheTeUrd of Columbus, 
O tal with little previous experi-. 
ciice Joins Charley Gaylord's band 
" at Bill Green's, Pittsburgh, as fea- 
^redi vocalist, replacing Margie 
Stroin, who is returning to Chicago 
to resume her musical studies. 

Jiwk Majors and his "Pieces of 
Eight' are now current at George's 
place, five miles from Little Rock. 
George JHelmbeck, owner, recently 
completed installation of air-condi- 
tionini unit, being the first nite club 
ownet in section to do so. 

Val Garvin's band, retaining name 
of leader who died of pneumonia 
couple of months ago, is; currently 



aORDON and REVEL 

Songs for the forthcoming Darryl 
Z|inuck-20th Cantury Fox 
Production: 

"YOU CAN'T HAVE 
EVERYTHING" 

The swell score follows: 

AFRAID TO DREAM 

THE LOVELINESS OF YOU 

YOU CArT HAVE 
. EV'RnHING 

PLEASE PARDON US— 
WE'RE IN LOVE 

DANCIER-^ 
LOVE At WORK 

Alto, Gordon . and. Revel's . great 
waltz 

I HUM A WALTZ 

from 20th Century's 
"This is My Affair" 

KITCHI-MI-KOKO ISLE 

England's Novelty Hit 

Mxt-LCR. Musiic. Inic. 

iei« BaoAowAV « New vork 



Presents 



HOAOT CARAIICHAIX'S 

OLD MAN MOON 

Frtni Hal R««eh'i MGM Prod. "Topper" 



Th« with the Hawaiian flavor 

LIHLE HEAVEN OF 
THE SEVEN SEAS 



By Echell aril Jerama 
Wrtteri af "Butkarao" 



lyi. WITMARK ^ SONS 
1250 Hixth Ave., RCA Vldr., N. X. 



making its first appearance since hiis 
passing at West View Park in Pitts- 
burgh. Joe Hiller handled. 



Lowry Clark stays at New Penn, 
Pittsburgh, until July 30, when Don 
Bestor comes in for two weeks, his 
first dance appearance in Pittsburgh 
since he played William Penn HoteL 
CRA handled. 



Willows in Pittsburgh has picked 
up Woody Herman's option for ad- 
ditional fortnight following first 
three weeks of engagement and at 
a sizable increase in salary, Rock- 
well-O'Keefe agented. 



Everett Holland's band opened at 
Saltair, suburban Salt Lake City 
beach resort, Monday (19). Outfit re- 
plifces Carol Lofner. Phil Harris 
played a one-nighter at resort Sat- 
urday (17).. 



TIte Knglliili SwIbk 
Movelty Sensation 

'Cuban Pete' 

Veatared on Bvery 
Important rrogram 



KeleHHed Soon! 
'rii« All-Hit Musical Score o'. 

. 'IIFE BEGINS 
IN COLLEGE" I 

A !»Oti, Cfntury-Fox Plciure 
Kttirrlns tlie JHltz BrotherH 



HpllYWOOD SONGS- 



RCAiiuiii>iN<;-RAo<oan.MEWTo«KNy. 



Ray En^Iert, of Pittsburgh, re- 
newed for remainder of summer at 
Beach Club in Conneaut Lake Park, 
Pa., also doubling for dinner music 
at Hotel Conneaut. Joe Hiller 
handled, 



7,800 SPOTS IN U.S. FOR TOURING BANDS 
COMPETITION AND SHOWMANSHIP AIDS 



Howard LcRoy orchestra, closed a 
seven-week run at Westwood Supper 
Club, Richmond, Va., and opened 
July 15 on the Lake George Show- 
boat, Lake George, N. Y., for which 
he is set until Labor Day. 



Ace Brig^ode's ox'chestra closes at 
Jefferson Beach, Detroit, July 21, and 
then one -nights it until opening 
July 31-Aug. 6 at Lake Chippewa, 
Ohio. 



Rudy V»llce will appear in a con- 
cert and dance at Rainbow Gardens^ 
Little Rock, Saturday night (24). 
One hour long variety show, will 
precede dance. 



Blue Steel played Club Royle, 
Little Rock suburban nite club, 
Thursday and Friday nights (15 and 
16). Unit headed for South Texas 
and Mexico after dates here. 



Phil Napoleon replaces Gus Am- 
(Continued on page 58) 



Most Played on Air 



Combined plugs on WEAF, 
WJZ and WABC are computed 
for. the week from Sunday 
through Saturday (July 11-17).' 

It Looks Like Rafn 

(Morris) 
tWere or When 

(Chappe)l) 
Sailboat in Moonlight 

(Crawford) 
Gone With the Wind 

(Berlin) 

-Merry-Go-Bound Broke Down 

(Harms) 
'('September In the Rain 

(Remlck) 
■•There's a Lull in My Life 

(Bobbins) 
* Whispers in the Dark 

(F.^mous) 
*I Know Now 

(Remlck) 
.Stardust on the Moon 

(Marks) 

iTou and Me That Used to Be 

(Berlin) 

*Love Is Never Out of Season. 

(FelBl) 

Satan Takes a Holiday ' 

(T..lncoIfl) 
fStrangers in the Dark 

(Crawford) 
"•Messaere From Man in Moon 

. (Robblns) . 
Miller's Daughter Marianne 

(Shapiro) 
So Rare 

(Sherman-Clay) 
"'Stop, You're Breaking My Heart 

(Fanioiw) 
.Having a. Wonderful Time 

(PauU-PIoneer) 
tlmage of You 

(Fclst) 
Toodleoo 

(.Shapiro) 
You're My Desire 

^ (Mills) 

*I'm Feelln' Like a Million 

(ftobblns) 
Caravan 

(Exoluslvc) 
*Cause My Baoy Says It's So 
(Remlck) 
Indicates yilmusical song. 
^Production Number. 



Inside Stuff-Music 



Several writers last week expressed themselves as-strortgly incensed at 
Gene Buck, president of the American Society of Composers, Authors .and 
Publishers for omitting them when he made up his list of honorary pall- 
bearers at the funeral of George Gershwin, "They felt that it could not 
have been an oversight since Buck knew of their close friendship and col- 
laborative association with the late composer. Airiong those who took the 
omission with much chagrin were Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. 

What drew considerable notice in the industry was the non -inclusion of 
Edwin H, Morris, v.p. in charge of Warner Bros.' music publishing interests. 
Morris was the only ASCAP director, present in New York at the time, 
who was not on the list. It happens also that Morris' authority embraces 
Harms, Inc., the catalog holding most of Gershwin's works, and that Morris 
is v.p. of the late connposer's own publishing firm, New World Music Corp. 

Warner Bros, withdrew its catalogs from the Society in January, 1936, 
and held them out for seven months. 



Collections of the Music Publishers' Protective Association from tran- 
scription sources during the past month of June amounted to $37,000. On 
the year so far the royalties On transcription licenses cleared through the 
MPPA figures over $165,000. 

Of the $37,000 a lump sum of $25,000 came from the recorded program 
library of Associated Music Publishers, Inc. 



The orchestra poll among patrons which Is being conducted by the 
Paramount, N. Y., has appealed to the Loew circuit, which has started 
a similar stunt in one of its out-of-town houses and may spread it to 
others. Loew's inaugurated the stunt at its Palace, Washington. 



Mills Music, Inc., also had its availability rating upped at the last meet- 
ing of the special availability committee of the American Society of Com- 
posers, Authors and Publishers, The boost was from 375 to 400 joints. 



Small Towns Often Out-Gross Big Cities — -Gravy; 
Widespread— Dance Tour Biz Very Vigorous— 
1,800 Spots Around Chi, 2,000 Near Cleve, Etc. 



Chicago, July 20. 

Sudden spurt in one niter business 
during past six or seven months has 
sent the band booking line up to a 
new high. Estimated that there are 
approximately 7,800 spots through- 
out the country at the present time 
which are one nite dance dates, with 
locations ranging from villages of 
2,000 on up to big cities. 

Nor is the size of the town any 
criterion as to the amount of busi- 
ness done, accordii!ig to band bookers. 
Claim is that many of the sinaiUer 
spots, including those far off the 
beaten paths, turn in better grosses 
than recognized city palaces. Reason 
given is that radio build-ups have 
made even the bare-footed popula- 
tion recognize band names when they 
hear 'em. Particularly is this true 
after a band has had riins on such 
stations as WGN, Chicago, or WLW, 
Cincinnati airer. Either of these 
two spots, it is claimed, will do morei 
to make a band a factor in the 
midwest band business than any- 
thing they could do. Other stations 
add to the reps accordingly, and 
smart showmanship on part of lead- 
ers and program builders has also 
helped plenty. 

Competition Healthy 

Another thing which has helped 
in the general upping of one niter 
business has been the increased 
competition among band sellers. Up 
until a year ago, if the key spot in 
a commimity held an exclusive con-, 
tract with arJ outfit, say. Music Cor- 
poration of America, nobody paid 
any attention to the minor places. 
With the advent of Consolidated 
came a stiffening of competition, and 
brokers began developing the less 
gaudy places, both by exploitation, 
and by dashing in quick with a name 
aggregation. Found that, in many 
instances, smart showmanship would 
make the shack outpuU the palace, 
and with that encouragement, they 
adrenalined the whole country into 
a successful one nite stand circuit. 

Records are being broken prac- 
tically every night in the week. 
Rudy Bundy plays Asbury Park, 
N. J,, to 1,000 dancers. Red Norvo 
comes along a couple nights later 
arid plays to 1,700. Kay'Kyser's on 
tour, getting bigger crowds than his 
dates have seen before. Chick Webb 
is doing the same thing. So is Jan 
Garber, who grossed $2,000 at Clear 
Lake, la., recently. Joe Haynes is 
out smashing records, and so are a 
lot of others, with the biggest names 
in the business not at all adverse to 



going out for a few weeks, finding 
that such a procedure adds to their 
reps, besides giving them a fresh- 
ness when they return to key spots 
for long engagements. 

General bettering of business con- 
ditions has also helped to increase 
admission prices and attendance, but 
most of credit is given to- radio build- 
ups, and booking competition. 

Breakdown of territories shows 
around 1,800 spots located around 
Chicago, 2,000 around Cleveland, 
2,000 around N. Y,, and 1,000 each 
around Pallas and on the Coast. 



Tops in the Music Business 

My Cabin of Dreams 

Gone WitiTThe Wind 

The You And Me 
That Used To Be 

Careiesely 

' •• • ' -1 • 

Coming, A New RKO Musical 
Tifc of the Party' 

WITH ' ■ ' 

Let'$ Have Another 
Cigarette 

Rose$ lii Deceniber 

Yankee Dooiile Band 

So Yen Won't Sing 

Chirp A Little Ditty 

Tile Life Of Tlie Party 



Irving Berlin, ine 



799 Seventh Aye., New. York 

HARRY LINK, Genl Prof. Mo 



SONO HITS PB09I A FIIiM HIT ' 

LOVE IS NEVER OUT OF SEASON 
OUR PENTHOUSE ON THIRD AVENUE 

]<'rum BKO-Radio'g "NEW FACES OF KKI?" 



From BKN MAUDBN'S HAIAKT BIVJERA AKVVK 

THE IMAGE OF YOU 

From THK PAN AMEBICAN CASINO REVVK 

DON'T YOU KNOW OR DON'T YOU CARE 

LEO FEIST, Inc. • 1629 BROADWAY • NEW YORK 




56 



VARIETY 



VAUDE-NITE CLUBS 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



Apollo, Republic and Gaiety Show 
Sapolioed Burly Needs Showmanship 



APOLLO, N, Y. 

Like the rest of the former N. Y. 
burlesque houses purged by Mayor 
LaGuardia and License Commission- 
er* MoseS, the Max Wilner-Emmett 
Callahan Apollo has a Follies; But 
unlike the others, the Apollo's Fol- 
lies is not a folly. This is really a 
>vorthwhile production at 55c top, 
clean-looking, nicely paced aiid, in 
the major portions, plenty entertain- 
ing for the price. 
'■"^ Vaudeyille, plus smart staging by 
AUen Gilbert, marks the line be- 
itween this theatre, which reopened 
Friday (16), and the Republic, El- 
tinge and Gaiety, which took off the 
abutters five days before (12). Apol-^ 
lo's strength lies in two strong com- 
edy acts, Arthur and Morton Havel 
and Joe Morris (formerly with Flo 
Campbell), plus ' Ann Corio (Mrs. 
Callahan), hurley's No. 1 stripper, 
who is hardly shedding a brassiere 
tmder the new setup in - these the- 
atres. Republic and Eltinge,' which, 
with the Apollo are on 42nd street, 

. ind the Gaiety on Broadway can 
all take a lesson from this house. 

' The lesson is strictly, in showman- 
shipi for the Apollo also hasn't de- 
viated much from the burlesque 
formula. Here the switch to cleanli- 
ness is being £(old with an undertone 
6t satire, whereas all that the other 
houses did was clean up .the black- 
outs to some extent, dress up thp 
strippers and put the bumpers m re- 
eerve. 

■ Apollo's show displays an unusual 
expenditure of coin for a production 
in this type of theatre. Costuming 
is excellent} draperies look clean, 
and there's the engaging of Fred 
Hildebrand, once a pretty good vaude 
' actor himself, to do the special songs 
and lyrics. Two numbers especially 
stand out, both delivered in song- 
italk fashion by Ann Corio. These 
are 'Mr. Strip Tease Is Dead/ a po- 
lite left-jab in the kissers of the 
civic censors, who put the undressers 
. . under wraps, and *I Would If I 
Could, but I Can't,* a nice way of 
appeasing thb . muggs who became 
'too accustomed to the old order of 
things.' Iliere's a' little , too much 
stalling before the delivery of the 
second, but it's to be expected this 
yrill be remedied. 

' Hildebrand also contributed a neat 
opening song for the 32-igirl chorus 
and ballet, another satirical slap at 
LaGuardia and Moss for putting the 
clamps on dirty burlesque. Inci- 
dentally, the girls also contribute 
greatly to the Apollo's better side. 
Undoubtedly most of them are from 
burlesque, but pepped up and dressed 
neater. They're really showing some 
life, as well as showing something 
Unusual in that ballet cprps. Girls 
aren't good toe-dancers, but at least 
.they're on their toes. And anybody 
.who saw one of the old burlesque 
lines will understand that. 

Apollo also lays claim to another 
distinction in comparison with the 
other theatres; onlx two of its prin 
picals, both comics, ?ire from bur- 
lesque. 'These are Bert Grant, whose 
zaney characterization is okay for 
laughs, . though too long, and Joey 
Fay. Straight women are Thelma 
, Temple, who worked in vaude with 
Joe Phillips, and Dorothy Ryan, also 
t from vaude. 

Specialties are contributed by Tess 
Noelj acrobatic dancer; Guy Martin, 
nitery hoofer, and Danny Morton 
and Jimmy Lewis, singers. All are 
fair enough. 

Of the two standard comedy turns, 
only Joe Morris is doing a semblance 
of his old vaude turn in one spot. 
It's the old wife and stage-sweet- 
heart routine, delivered here with 
Fay, and the Misses Temple and 
Ryan. However, like the Havels, 
Morris also works throughout the 
show in bits and .blackouts. Latter^ 
Incidentally, are held down to a min- 
imum and the selection is good. 

In comparison with the other bur- 
ley spots, there's little stripping 
here. And that's also okay. In a 
couple of the ensemble routines the 
girls shed their bras, but only once 
does Miss Corio' give 'em a flash of 
100% bare chassis, and that's only 
from the waist up. For the 'Mr. Strip 
Tease Is Dead,' she's dressed in a 
sheer black gown that doesn't leave 
much to the imagination, but not 
tough enough to arouse any censorial 
obiections. 

Maior billing - in ftont of the house 
is going to Miss Corio and the open- 
ing night crowd, about half a house, 
remembered hei-.' The Havels and 
Morris also got something like a re- 
ception. 

If any of the hurley houses are go- 
ing to get anywhere with clean 
shows, then it most likely will be the 
Apollo. Rest of the theatres now 
•open don't compare with this spot In 
quality of shows nor in value of the 
admission scale, despite the fact that 
they're throwing in pictures while 
the Apollo is grinding its stage shows 
with only a short subject for the in- 
termissions. Those candy butchers, 
however, are murder. -' Scho. 



REPUBLIC, N. Y. 

Now that the burlesque impresa- 
rios have become vaudevilliaiis, most 
of them are honest enough (and 
naive enough) id admit that they 
don't know what it is all about, and 
they are simply groping around in 
the dark. From that standpoint the 
show at the Republic is a pleasant 
surprise. • It is not at all bad, it has 
considerable aptual entertainment, 
and it seems to be heading some- 
where. AU that is needed is con- 
tinued efforts on the part of the 
rhanagehient to flhjd talent and hovel-, 
ties. And audiences, of course, but 
somehow the feeling pfersists (if the 
audience at the final show here Fri- 
day night (16) is any criterion) that 
the customers are available— if the 
shows are. 

At the Republic there is a revue- 
deville show which lasts nearly two 
lours. In it are sprinkled a half 
dozen more or less standard vaiide 
acts, there are 20 girls, there are two 
comics, one of whom is funny (not a 
bad average, at that), some singers, 
some straights, some charactetrs, etc. 
Not at all bad. 

The actual entertainment norm Is 
still under 50%. That's high for 
jurlesque, however. It's a consider- 
able improvement. And it is dic- 
tinctly heading somewhiere, It is 
opening , up new chaniielis. 

There was an ' 80% house for the 
show caught and about 20%' of that 
number consisted- of femmes. They 
couldn't. have known when they paid 
their 55c 'or 35c 'at the. box office 
whether the show was good or not. 
All .they knew was that it was live 
talent and that it was not dirty. But 
there they were. Proving, quite dis- 
tinctly, that audience are available 
for live shows. Now the only danger 
is driving 'em away. 

Show here is probably best under- 
stood from a chronological chart. 
Opens. with a number by the girls, 12 
in the line and 10 showgirls. Latr 
ter undrape their chests for a finale 
stationary pose. Edna Kear, a girl 
tapper, fair. A blackout, with Irv- 
ing Selig doing the comedy, brutal. 

Girls in another number with the 
same finale effect. A blackout with 
George Murray doing the comedy, 
also brutaL But Murray has got 
something. He's away from the usual 
line somewhat, has a fine sense of 
comedy pace and can go places — if 
he can find some material; 

Girls again. Shanghai Wing Wah 
troupe (8)' in diabolo spinning, acro- 
batics, etc. Okay, but on 'way too 
long. A blackout. Again bad. Rod- 
ney and Gould in an imitation of 
Lewis and Dody (uncredited). Prob- 
ably nobody in today's audience re- 
members the original, so okay. Girls 
once more. Vera and Romez Trio, 
a fair-to-middling dance act of two 
males and one-femme, nicely dressed. 

Anthony and Rogers in their old 
time act comedy. Got' laughs but a 
perfect answer to what killed vaude 
ville in the first place. They are still 
doing exactly the same act they did 
way back when, not a word, a ges' 
ture or one whit changed. 

Girls again. Blackout again. And 
pretty funny for a change. It's this 
fellow Murray. Watch him. Girls 
once more. Don Zelaya, definitely 
a standard with his pianology, out of 
place in the. surroundings, but over 
distinctly. Zelaya doesn't fit, but it 
is a commentary on the audience 
anxiety to be entertained that he got 
more applause than any other turn 
or routine in the proceedings. 
And the girls finish up. 
Unfortunately the management is 
none too sure of itself. It is, admit 
tedly, a new business. As witness 
the fact that it was a distinct job to 
dig up the names of the performers, 
after show. And the list above fails 
to mention Lee Marmer , (didn't it 
used to be Segal?) who sings a song 
in better than average fashion and 
who paces most of the girl numbers 



vocally, or the pleasant faced young 
man (even the manager doesn't know 
his name) who does the male vocal 
accomps in fair to middling fashion. 
Or Georgie Rose, the vociferous 
straight man of the old school, or 
the two or three character; people. 

Beverly Carr staged the show and 
she may be able to teach the girls 
how to dance, eventually.. At least 
half of them already know how to 
walk, which is a great step forward. 

, ' Kauj, 

GAIETY, N. Y. 

Sapolibing process on .this former 
burlesquer seems to have worn off 
most, of the lustre that was. Replac- 
ing the former tinsel is a mortuary 
air permeating;* in what had former- 
ly been Broadway's ace temple of 
strip-tease and naughty blackouts. 
That, before the City fathers decreed 
that New York was sufficiently sex- 
conscious without the anatomical ex- 
hibs and limboed the classification 
'Burlesque' from this town's theat- 
rical horizon. 

The sudden transition' from the 
bawdy shows to straight vaude has 
been a tough one to figure and looks 
like it will be even tougher as they 
go along. Shows are still in experi- 
mental stage and look it. The girly 
buildup, spacing the vaude acts, is 
'all there is left of burlesque and 
only synthetic. The ladies of the en- 
semble still do above-the-waist dis- 
plays, but that's all. Burly fans 
won't take it as is, and it's a ques- 
tion if operators' bankrolls can stand 
;he gaff of weekly losses until there 
is some appeal from the arbitrary 
Censorship now obtaining, or can 
educate them to the vaude idea. It's 
a tossup. 

For second show under new policy 
at this house they are giving six 
acts of vaude with a line of girls, 
and a mixed trio of warblers, plus 
Jack Lyon, Helen Davis, Gladys Fox 
and Yolanda Lossee, Oriental dancer. 
The numbers are peppy,' admirably 
presented and nicely costumed, pro- 
viding flash, if nothing else.' How- 
ever,, the idea doesn't seem to jell 
yet but "maybe it will improve as 
they go alpng. 

Lyon and Davis duet the opener 
backed by house girls, 14 ponies and 
six showgirls making way for Three 
Phantoms, colored dance trio, com- 
prising two men and girl who snap 
across some fancy dance routines 
that register. Yolanda Lossee fol- 
lows with a torrid Oriental as pre- 
lude to Gladys Fox and girls in ^Old 
Cow Hand,' getting so-so results. 
J'ones-Rooney Trio, two men and 
girl, proceed with an admixture of 
travesty acrobatics which gets some 
guffaws on' the slapstick stuff, femme 
member contributing a tap that's 
okay. 

The Littlejohns provide flash and 
novelty with their juggling atop 
huge rhinestone - studded globes 
backed by gorgeous, rhinestone-stud- 
ded set. They top their balancing 
feats with a tap while balancing on 
the globes that evoked the first good 
palm-whacking - returns thus far. 
Florence Mann, next, okay with her 
songs, giving way, to Ray Hughes 
and Pam, standard act that used to 
wow them in yesteryear's vaude but 
didn't here. Both work hard but had 
a slim, tough bunch to deal with. 
They were sitting on their hands 
most of the time and wouldn't budge. 
Hughes caught on right away and 
let it go at that. Romano Bros., in- 
strumentalists in clown costumes, 
finally work them up with torrid in- 
strumentation on guitar and banjo- 
guitar topped by vocals. Smaller 
chap of the duo warbled 'Laugh, 
Clown, Laugh' to good returns and 
topped with 'Yiddisha Momma.' 
House performers and girls in bub- 
ble ballet for finale, effectual and 
liked. 

Despite diversity of layout there 
is no sock to the show. The out- 
fronters were still waiting for en- 
trance of comics when finale cur- 
tain dropped. 

Biz terrible Friday night (16), with 
only a third of the lower floor occu- 
pied and nobody upstairs. House 
was cool, audience cooler and show 
not so hot. . 

[House folded Sunday night; biz 
brutal; news story ^in this Issue.]' 




kers Ass n Looks 

Like Bust Lack of Interest 



Coney Is. Panze Joint 
Sloughed After 2 Nites 

Oriole Gardens, Coney Island, 
folded abruptly last week when cops 
ordered yanking of panze floor show 
with threat of lifting the 6ab. license 
unless the 'lemperamiehtals' wei:e 
aired. 

The show had been in but two 
nights prior to cop interferences and 
hypoed biz considerably. Spot now 
running with band and singing wait- 
ers, with possible femme additions 
on the weekends.' 



MOSS PROBES 
A.CIMON' 
FIASCO 



P. J. McAndrews, president of the 
Uilited States Assn., Inc., and in- 
volved in the no-payoff of a $10,000 
stage show at Convention Hall, 
Atlantic City, appeared before Li- 
cense Commissioner . Paul Moss in 
N. Y. Friday (16) for a "preliminary 
hearing. His testimony was brief. 
Mc-Ahdrews, a layman engineer in 
the employ of the U. S. Army, stated 
that he was bending every effort to 
pay off the acts. 

Moss ordered an Investigation of 
the U. S. A., Inc., before taking 
action on the licensing matter. 
U. S. A., Inc., booked the show, but 
isn't licensed as an employment 
agency. 

Specific complainants against Mc- 
Andrews before Moss were the Beale 
Street Boys, Lester- Cole's Singers 
(12) and the Picchiani Troupe, all 
represented by I. Robert Broker. 

McAndrews told Moss that Bob 
Higgins (Lydell) and Marvin Welt 
were associated with him in the 
booking of the show. He absolved 
Herbert Hoey, saying that the latter 
acted only as agent for some of the 
acts in the show. 



Fulton, N. Y., 2-a-Day Vaude 

M Unto Labor Day; Acts Paid 



For a couple of days last week it 
loolced as though Broadway would 
get anotlier two-a-day vaude the- 
atre. Then the b.o. at the Gaiety, 
N. Y., took a dive and Messrs. Abe 
Minsky and Izzy Herk, operators, 
called off their straight-vaude plans 
for the Fulton, around the corner on 
46th street 

Fulton was to have opened Thurs- 
day (22) at 99c top and 15 shows 
weekly, the extra show being a mid- 
night performance rather than a 
Saturday supper show as was the 
case at the Palace, . Eddie Lynch 
was producing tlje first show; "with 
26 girls already in rehearsal when 



the plans were dropped, (lirls were 
paid off, 

Minsky-Herk interests say they'll 
reopen the Fulton with the two-a- 
day policy on Labor Day. 

Gaiety's business started at a fair 
gait with the reopening of the for- 
mer burlesque house July 12, then 
slumped after the first three day^ 
as word got around that the enter- 
tainment offered was not variety, 
but only sapolioed hurley. Biz at 
the Eltinge and Republic on 42nd 
street, which opened the same time 
as the Gaiety, also fell off for the 
same reason. 

Minsky and Herk had leased the 
Fulton for burlesque about a week 
before all houses were offlcially 
sloughed, 1 



Minskys' Oriental, N. Y., 
Trying Colored Revues 

Oriental, N. Y., former hurley, re- 
lights today (Wednesday) with a 
sepia' revue labeled 'Doing' the Up- 
town Downtown,' Sepia idea hit 
uipon by house ops, Herbert and 
Morton Minsky, rather than toy with 
vaude unit idea with burlesque per- 
formers as others have been doing 
since reopening. Opener staged by 
Leroy Broomfield and Aurora, Bobby 
Sanford supervising, 

Ralph Brown, Dusty Fletcher, 
Swann and Lee, Mabel Scott, Two 
Zephyrs and Erskine Hawkins Har- 
lem Uproar House band are spotted 
in show. 



Philadelphia, July 20. 

Philadelphia Theatrical Booking 
Agents Association, formed here two 
weeks ago to clean up condition! 
atnong 10% guys, looks like a flop. 
Only six of 14 members showed for- 
meeting at office of Prexy Tony 
Phillips, Friday night. 

PhiUlps, never enthusiastic or op, 
timistic about prospects of bringing 
large number of city's 90 agents into 
the org, has promised Tom Kelly, 
prez of United Entertainers' Asso- 
ciation, to make final valiant attempt 
for members by paying personal 
visits to other bookers. Kelly has 
hopes of doing considerable sweep- 
ing of the nitery bookng field by 
strengthening his own organizatioai 
and the bookers' organization and 
working togethier. 

Some of big legitimate agents, like 
Jay Raymond, have refused to come 
into the new fold created by the 
10 %ers on contention they don't like 
manner In whiph some members do 
biz. Phillips admits he doesn't like 
some of them himself, but maintains ' 
that all the important agents should 
come la to give the organization 
Strength ahd-then a violent house- 
cleaning from within can take place. 

nVE PHILLY SPOTS 
GO UNION ON BANDS 

Philadelphia, July 20. 

Five hiteries here have coma Into 
line and Installed union bands dur- 
ing the past week on mere threats of 
picketing by the Tooters' local Cam- 
paign by the musickers to get or- 
ganized orchs into all the city's late 
spots now in full swing and ap- 
parently getting results. 

Latest 'to come through are Fire- 
side Inn, Hogan's, Lexington Grille, 
Cadillac Tavern and Bomb^ Gar- 
dens. All have been given 'C' scale, 
providing five nours playing nightly 
for $28 a week. Conferences were 
arranged between owners and A. A. 
Tomei, prexy of Local, after notifica- 
tion that picketing would begin if 
non-union bands were not replaced. 

One spot, Wilson's, now being 
picketed. Management has put out 
large signs announcing that em- 
ployes are satisfied with conditions 
and are not on strike. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

Christ Hagedorn New Yotking at 
the Post Graduate hospital, where he 
took a major op to good results. Dr. 
Clarence Straatsma, noted plastic 
surgeon, did the cutting. Doc likes 
show-folks. 

Abel Cary Thomas, ex-Warner 
Bros, exec, and Cornelius Daley here 
look-seeing and vacashing. 

Bryce T. Lavigne, orch leader. 
Hotel Saranac, said 'I do' to Rose 
Carlton. 

Julius Theodorowit, asst. concert 
master Boston Symphony, . Lake 
Placiding and ogling, a mess of this 
town. Likes the Will Rogers home. 

Hazel (Gladstone) Coleman, ex- 
N'VAite for so many years, took oyer 
the Hollywood kid-dress-shop, as- 
sisted by her hubby, Monroe, selling 
pretties, 

Rumsey estate taken over by the 
Barrie family,' mother and aunt here. 
Wendy Barrie to vacash here for 
golfing, fishing and needed rest. 

Coming and going are, Marty 
Fisher to Albany, A. B. Anderson to 
Savin Rock, Conn., E, G, Dodds to 
Albany, Johnny Highland to Wash- 
ington, D, G, 

The fish that. Ruth Morris caught 
up here while vacashing were not 
so big, more like sardines. 

Write to those whom you know In 
Saranac and elsewhere who are sick. 



N. Y, Gaiety's Asst. Stage 
Manager Falls to Death 

Albert Cannon, 28, assistant stage 
manager at the Gaiety, N, Y,, either 
fell or jumped to his death early 
Monday mornmg' (19) from his fifth 
fioor room in the Hotel Florence, 
West 44th street. He fell to the 
sidewalk in front of the hotel. 

According to friends, Cannon had 
been brooding for several weeks 
over the closing of burlesque at the 
Gaiety, where he had been em- 
ployed for some time. House re- 
opened July 12 with vaude policy 
and he returned to work, but the- 
atre shuttered again after the Sun- 
day (18) night show, which auto- 
matically threw him put of employ- 
ment with others. ■ JBody was re- 
moved to the morgue pending ar^ 
rival of relatives. 



NEW B'KLYN NITERY 

Fenway Gardens, new nitery In 
East New York section of Brooklyn, 
opened last week with John Stupfl 
operating. 

Charley Nobles emcees for floor 
show of versatile femme sextet with 
Ray Kenny orch for dansapation. 



DeMarcoS/ Gray in Chi 

Chicago, July 20, 
The DeMarcos and Alexander 
Gray head the new Empire Boom 
show at the Palmer House opening 
Aug. 6. 

Dick Gasparre orchestra for dans- 
aption. 

Roger Pryor at Edgewater 

Chicago, July 20. 
. Roger Pryor orchestra comes to 
the BeachwBlk at tiie Edgewater 
Beach Hotel here on Aug. 6 for the 
remainder of the summer. 

Booked through Music Corp. ol 
America, Pryor was in town la^' 
winter at the' College Inn. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



VAUDE-BURLESQUE 



VARIEW 



57 



VAUDCUE'S CHANCE, IF 

. The same thing killed both, vaudeville and burlesque. Both were blah. 
Now New York is undergoing an attempt to hybridize the two into what 
is called a new form ol entertainment — a commendable effort. Which 
brings ^^^^ lmmedi?ite fear on-the paft of show business. Will it suc- 
ceed? Can it succeed? .Or is it doomed before it even starts? 

Once-over of the first half dozen pr so shows produced under the new 
jiotion of things in New York is not too encouraging. The chancie is there, 
yhe audiences are there— where the shows are fair. All that is needed is 
shows— and showmanship* 

• • ■ .> -. 

The i'mpresariQS of the new type burlesque-cum-vaude (or Follies, as 
tibe city fatheris have arbitrarily tagged *em) are confessedly frightened to 
death. They needn't be. Their, experiment is not such a radical one as 
^ey would like to believe, 

in England there has been revuedeville for quite some time now. It 
consists of a, combo of revue and vaude. Revue is not burlesque? What 
else is it» without strip-teasing and without dirt? 

The impresarios claim they want advice. There Is only one pertinent 
(»lece of advice for them — give the audience some entertainment. Don't 
•think you're kidding 'em; they're at least as smart as you are. 

Thdsre were two kids. In the audience at the Republic theatre (N. Y.) 
Friday night. It was a shock to see them. And yet they sat through the 
sKbw and seemed to be having a pretty good time. It's no place for kids 
yet, but it's something to think about. Kids made up a goodly portion ot 
Hhe vaude programs in the old days. Many a comedian knew that if he 
could get the kids to laugh he. Was over. Right now, vaudcue— or what- 
ever you want to call it— is still no place for kids. Later, maybe, yes. So 
■that's something to shoot at. Almost every big or little business thrives 
on the family trade. 

In two of the three new shows which opened over the weekend in N. Y. 
ire comedy^cts of ancient vintage. They were good once, very good. 
They're still good. But it Is possible that they have forgotten why they 
/(ilirere forgotten by the folks out front. They were passed up because they 
'didn't keep step. They learned an act and they stuck to it. You can't 
;dp that. The. dumbest audiences have good memories for jgags. And they 
Vteent hearing the same line the fourth or fifth or sixth time. Some of 
Ihe customers laughed because they're new customers; they've forgotten or 
never knew the acts in the old days. But how about next week? When 
It' will be old stuff to them? 



The backbone of vaudeville always was tempo arid change. Keep things 
aiovlng." That's another thing to. remember. Most of these new shows 
ire inclined to be slow, hesitant. You can't do that. Don't give the lads 
a chance to walk out on you in the middle of a number— even if it Is con- 
tinuous policy. 



' And new taleni It must be dug up. It exists somewhere* It always 
did. The old-timers can be taken care, of, sure, but mix 'em with the 
jroungsters. That's the life-blood of. show business. If you can develop 
. one youngster that legit or pictures or radio steals "away from you that's 
no loss. That's all to' the mustard. That's what is knovm as building; 
reputation, publicity. It's healthy. Let people talk about how many stars 
graduated from your stages and you've got something. 

Most encouraging angle of anything to do with these new shows Is not 
the shows, or the talent, It's the audiences. The very first day, with 
announcement that dirt is out, there were customers. The customers didn't 
know what they were letting themselves in for, good, bad, or Indifferent, 
but they were willing. That means something. They were ready to take 
a chance. They, quite, obviouslyj wanted stage entertainment — as long as 
It was within their reach as far a^ money is concerned. And a goodly 
portion of the audiences at all houses were fefnale. So It wasn't old bur- 
lesque epileptics hoping for a breiak. It was new -audiences— or old and 
unseen audiences. 



And it wasn't the picture house mob, because they could be a good deal 
more comfortable In the large, air-cooled emporiums. That's something 
to think abouit,' too, 1 



The audiences are seemingly there. Give 'em shows, and you can hold 
'em. 

Jurisdiction Batde on Burley 
House; Four A's to Vote Whether 
AFA or BAA Gets the Union Nod 



Jurisdictional battle between the 
American Federation of Actors and 
the Burlesque Artists Ass'n in the 
former New York burley theatres 
got a hearing Friday (16) by the 
Associated Actors and Artists of 
America (Four A's), International 
AF.L, affiliate covering the acting 
profession. Decisipn is slated to be 
ttiade Thursday (22). Lots depends 
on how the now Follies pans out at 
the b.o. So far it's not so fancy. 

Entire matter hinges on - whether 
the shows in the burley theatres now 
are vaudeville or cleaned-up bur- 
lesque. Theatre operators, at the 
behest of Mayor' Fiorello La Guardia, 
are calling the shows variety enter- 
tainment. BAA, however, contends 
that the productions are burlesque, 
even if under a different tag. 

Regardless of which way the ver- 
dict goes, it will have to be a hair- 
hne decision, depending entirely on 
.Which definition is accepted. City 
Administration banned the name 
burlesque because of its natural af- 
finity to the old strip-and-bump 
order of entertainment in the thea- 
tres which were closed last May. 
BAA bases its claim on the premise 
that it was only the tag of the pro- 
duction that were changed, not the 
shows. 

AFA and BAA cannot question 
of which has the jurisdiction. Those 
branches voting on the question are 
Actors' Equity, German White Rats, 
Chorus Equity, Hebrew Actors' 



Union, Grand Opera Artists Associa- 
tion, Grand Opera Choral Alliance, 
Screen Actors' Guild and Singers 
Guild. 

AFA, because of the Intervention 
of Ralph Whitehead, executive secre- 
tary of the vaude union, secured 
closed shop agreements in all of the 
burlesque houses. Opening day (12) 
at the Republic, in fact, two acts, 
Alphonse Berg and Ray and Harri- 
son, were not permitted to perform 
because they were not AFA mem- 
bers. 

Although they did not participate 
in the huddle over union, jurisdic- 
tion, it is stated that the stagehands 
and musicians had ruled the re- 
sumed shows as vaudeville. Sam 
Scribner, assigned to check up for 
Mayor La Guardia's committee 
formed to keep the performances 
within bounds, said the shows are 
vaude too, strengthening the AFA 
contention. 

Chorus Equity has a definite in- 
terest in the decision. It has nothing 
to do with burlesque but if the AFA 
is given jurisdiction, rules of 
Equity's chorus branch will apply as 
in presentation houses. 
- Contest of the unions as to which 
is boss, goes only for the City of 
New York, in all other spots where 
burlesque operates, the BAA's juris- 
diction not being in dispute. 

Felix Bernard and Irving Bibo are 
set to score 'Wallaby Jim of the 
Islands' for Grand National. 



No Minsky 



Izzy Herk, associated with, 
Abe Minsky in operation of the 
Gaiety, N. Y., Is reported to 
have visited License Comnais- 
sioner Paul Moss and niade an 
Impassioned plea for restoration 
of the Minsky name to the mar- 
quee of the Gaiety, to which 
the Commish turned a deaf ear. 

Moss was just as adamant 
that the Minsky name was 
taboo and let it go at that. 
Tliere was some talk of legal 
action for restoration of the 
trade name, but this has been 
declared out. 



Stage Band PoEcy 
Set to Oust Units 
At Stanley, Pitts. 

Pittsburgh, July 20 
As a result of comparative show- 
ings in last few months, Stanley, 
WB deluxer, is dropping units and 
going in exclusively for bands. Even 
in cases where film people have been 
booked for p.a.'s, house . is putting 
musical Outfits on same bill, Joe 
Venuti being current with Herman 
Bing and Will Osborne coming in 
week of July 30 with Three Stooges. 

Imposing list of name bands al- 
ready lined up by Stanley, carrying 
town's only flesh site well into Sep- 
tember. j-Jimmy Dorsey comes in 
Aug, 6; Clyde McCoy, Aug. 27; Eddy 
Duchin, Sept. 3; Glen Gray and his 
Casa Loma ork a week later, and 
Horace Heidt, Sept. 24. 

Deal also on to bring In Dick 
Stabile before returning to William 
Penn hotel Oct. 1 for the winter 
dance season. Kay Kyser, Vincent 
Lopez atd several others, including 
Wayne King, being dickered with at 
jsame time. Only unit Stanley has 
booked between now and fall is sec- 
ond anniversary Bowes ams, coming 
in Friday (23). 



Readying 'Bergeres' 
For French Casino, N.Y. 

New French Casino show on 
Broadway next month will reassume 
the 'Folies Bergeres' tag, a label 
with which the venture first, opened 
until Clifford C. Fischer of the pres- 
ent F. C. management and J. C. Stein 
(Music Corp. of America) encoun- 
tered some difficulties. After being 
dropped for two seasons, Stein and 
Fischer settled their legal squabbles 
including a leasing arrangement for 
the 'Bergeres' title for the next three 
years. 

Fischer came to N. Y. on a quickie 
a fortnight ago, returning to Paris 
last week to bring back the new 
'FB' revue he has been readying. 

It'll be a race between the new 
International Casino atop the Cri- 
terion Theatre, N. Y., and the estab- 
lished French Casino which Opens 
first this season. Latter looks to have 
the edge as the International is still 
In process of building although 
Pierre Sandrini and Jacques Charles, 
imported French stagers, are ready- 
ing the show, meantime. 



Indian Girl As ML C. 



Girl m.c. In Greenwich Village 
nitery, Bertolotti's, is an Indian. 

She's Yula Flurnoy, 100% full- 
blooded Cherokee. 



Philly Singing Waiter 
Held on Murder Charge 

• Philadelphia, July 20. 
Singing waiter in niteries here 
and in Atlantic City was charged 
with murder of Alice St. John, 55, in 
Atlantic City last Thursday (15). En- 
tertainer is Thomas Dalton, 38. Miss 
St. John's body was found in At- 
lantic City Canal on July 5. Dalton 
pleaded innocence and was held for 
grand jury. 

. Woman was first reported to have 
fallen off walkway leading to boat 
houses on the thoroughfare and a 
certificate of accidental death had 
been issued. Detectives' investiga- 
tion led to arrest of Dalton. 



Howard^s 2 Units 

. Harry Howard is readying two 
new vaude units. One is a new edi- 
tion of 'Hollywood Hotel,' title of 
the other not set. 

Boots McKenna will stage dances 
for both, Clark Robinson doing the 
settings. 



Vaude-Burlesque Marriage None 
Too Good; Gaiety Flops Out Quick, 
Others Weak; Apolo, Republic OK 



PHILLY SHIFTINGS 



Vaude Replacing Colored Shows, at 
Nixon's — Lincoln Goes Yiddish 



Philadelphia, July 20, 
Much shifting in colored vaude 
sitUash here will take place at open- 
ing of season towards'erid of-August. 
One of principal changes will be 
ousting of the Negro acts from 
Nixon's Grand theatre and replace- 
ment with white talent. Colored 
name attractions will b^ booked in 
occasionally. 

House, under management of Sam 
Stiefel, was only a mild success last 
season with colored vaude policy. 

Anothei* shift Will put Yiddish 
legit in the Lincoln. This house, in 
heart of South Philly black .belt, was 
operated for several years by Stiefel 
with colored vaudefllm policy until 
he took over the Grand. The The- 
atrical Union of Jewish Actors, a 
stock outfit, will operate the Lincoln. 



HERSHEY MAKES TRY 
WITH VAUDE POUGY 



Hershey, Pa., July. 20. 

Hershey Conimunity Theatre, east- 
ern Pennsylvania deluxer, experi- 
menting with, new vaude policy. 
House, which does well In regular 
season with units, is putting its own 
together ditting the summer months. 

'Hersheyettes,' line of girls, Is kept 
on the spot aU the time and house 
books in regular bill of acts. Under 
direction of Harry Krivet, the acts 
are worked into unit form to con- 
form with house policy. 

Theatre playing vaude last half 
and only at night. Acts do one show 
Thursday evening, one Friday eve- 
ning and two on Saturday night. 



DeauviDe, St. Loo, Gets 
$1,800 Under Hanuner 



St. Louis, July 20. 
Furnishings of swank DeauviUe 
Club, formerly Casino de Paree, 
brought $1,800 under auctioneer's 
hammer last week. Opened several 
years by Mrs. Elsie Rothschild, club 
was operated by Jack Ford, orch 
leader, when it shuttered last Sep- 
tember. 

Auction Was held for benefit of 
mortgagee who lent Ford $10,000 to 
purchase property from Mrs. Roths- 
child. Ford defaulted in payment 
and. attorney for morta'gee asked for 
sale. Furnishings were Inventoried 
at $13,000 and included a $4,300 rug 
and other costly carpeting. Pur- 
chasers of fixtures, etc., mostly oper- 
ators of other niteries, refused to bid 
for bulk purchase and all sales were 
by items. Highest bid was $460 for 
carpeting. 

Club had trouble with New York 
owners of Casino de Paree on 
grounds that use of name by local 
nitery was an infringement. ' Name 
was then changed. 



2 New Dixie Niteries 



"Vaude Idea in the former New 
York burlesque houses is not jelling, 
save at two of the houses, Apollo and 
Republic. First casualty, after a 
seven-day try, was the Gaiety, 
jointly operated by I. H. Herk and 
Abe Minsky, which folded Sunday 
night (18). Scrapping of the mid- 
night show on Saturday was the tip-' 
off, since it was the first time in the 
history of the house operation. 
' Trio of house singers, 14 choristers 
and six show girls were paid off 
with the acts and notified of the 
suspension until, further notice. 
Minsky and Herk are reported as 
being convinced by slim takings of 
the week that the new idea won't 
do. Rather than toss good money 
after bad, they preferred to shut 
down until they get a bettef Idea 
or until there Is an ease on present 
regulations. Report is that the 
house may go grind film, with other 
other interests operating, biit this is 
denied by the Herk-Minsky repre- 
sentative. 

Apollo opened Friday (16) with a 
strong line-up headed by Ann Corio, 
ac6 strip teaser who doesn't strip 
pow; Joe^MftSfJg, .Arthur and Mor- 
ton Havel and .Fred Hillebrand« 
latter standard vaude names co- 
ordinated In a revue type of enter- 
tainment with glrly back-up, some 
skits but no dirt. Show did good 
biz Friday and Saturday, but nothing 
like old times, with Saturday mld- 
nite way below par. Ditto for the 
Republic, further up the street on 
42nd Street, trying a blend of bur- 
lesque' and vaudeville acts and also 
utilizing the revue formula of 
presentation. 

Eltinge, across the street on 42nd 
St., showed some speed the first 
couple of days after reopening, but 
dived , after mldweeek, with the 
Gaiety, doing notoriously bad busi- 
ness from the start. Reports were 
around Monday night (18) that the 
Republic and Eltinge would shutter 
this week but this was denied. How- 
ever, all houses are reported as op- 
erating on a week-to-week basis, 
with no outstanding contractual obli- 
gations to either choristers, stage- 
hands or musicians and can fold any 
week without notice. 

From a reliable source comes a 
logical explanation for the slipshod 
opening shows that were hurriedly 
thrown together after License Com- 
•missioner Paul Moss agreed to issue 
probationary three-month licenses, 
and houses were reopened in prac- 
tically an hour. Some of the ops 
wanted to pass up the probationary 
license and remain closed until Sep- 
tember. This would have given them 
time to figure out something better 
than the quickie shows which 
eventuated. When all wouldn't agree 
to this they all opened with a belter 
skelter show trying to beat one an- 
other In and now they're sorry they 
didn't wait. 



CENTRAL CrrY NITERY 
OFF TO POOR START 



Chicago, July 20. 

Sligh & Tyrrell now booking the 
Washington-Youree hotel, Shreve- 
port, La., and Club Rex, Birming- 
ham. Show set includes Fanchon 
Davis, Bud and Buddies, and Vernon 
and Vanoff. 

Club Rex bill has Kay Toland, 
Billy Severin and Tala and Jaime. 



Heat and Bad Biz 

Bankrupts N. Y. Nitery 

One, of the more than a score of 
West'52d street (N. Y.) niteries— 
all of whom have been suffering with 
the heat's denting of business — 
finally had to resort to the bank- 
ruptcy courts for relief. Tin Pan 
Alley, Inc., at 60 West 52d, hag peti- 
tioned for one of those 77b reorgs. 

Liabilities total $10,957 and assets, 
$11,350. 

Meantime Billy Reed is planning 
to add to the West 52d street nite 
club parade with a new spot, the 
Club Rhumba, some time In the fall. 



Central City, Col. July 20. 
Opening of the O. C. night club 
was evidence that sponsors of this 
portion of the Central City Play 
Festival have learned nothing about 
presenting a cafe show. Shlela Bar- 
rett was imported find made to do 
her stuff at one ..end of a narrow, 
long room, with some of the patrons 
seeming to be half a block away. Per- 
haps previously they have had talent 
worth no more attention than that, 
but this year some of the customers 
were there to see and hear Miss 
Barrett, and many of them did 
neither. She should have been given 
a platform in the middle of the 
room. As it was, many stood up to 
see her do her impersonations, re- 
sulting in shutting off those back of 
them. 

There wasn't even a loud-speaifcr 
system. . 



Lotte Goslar's Musical? 

Lotte Goslar, current at the Rain- 
bow Room, N. Y., may go into a 
Broadway musical via the V/illiam 
Morris agency. 

European dancing mime is undor 
W. Coulston Leigh's management for 
a concert tour starting Jan, 9. 



58 



VARIETY 



NIGHT CLUBS 



Wednesday, July 21, I937 



Nitery Reviews 



RAINBOW ROOM, N. Y. 

I£ it's being unorthodox to be 
showmanly, then there's lots of 
showmanship going on constantly at 
Jack. Rockefeller's saloon, otherwise 
the swank Rainbow Room atop the 
65th floor of the RCA BIdg. First 
John Roy, managing director, intro- 
duced table tennisters and started 
a new . cycle; Next it was skaters 
and revived that thing. Now he has 
a pony act on a cafe floor and Texas 
Tommy (New Acts) bids fair to 
start something all over again. Same 
applies to Lotte. Goslar (New Acts), 
a prominent German dance mime 
who isn't as socko as Texas Tommy's 
pony, but who also brings onto a 
cafe floor something new and novel 
which should develop Into more im- 
portant returns v.'ith smoothing out. 

The new show has Oliver Wake- 
field,, the stuttering English come- 
dian, returning to m. c. W?Jcefield 
is an engaging chap wTio paces his 
stutters wisely and well, although 
he's a couple of minutes overboard 
on footage. Then the two New Acts, 
plus Al Donahue, Who likewise seems 
to have assimilated quite a bit of 
showmanship. Donahue,, for one 
thing, has gotten his music down so 
that he doesn't blast and blare. He 
has even gone to the opposite ex- 
treme of a battery of violins to set 
off certain dance sequences and 
while it's hokey it's good " showman^ 
ship, particularly in the decorous 
confines of the R.R. Eddie LeBaron 
remains one of the top . tango- 
rhumba-waltz music purveyors, giv- 
ing out In pers(rtiality s^le. Helen. 
Myers tfontribs the Stelnway inter- 
ludes, and has a solo opportunity as 
£he turntables around the floor : on 
the revolving dance floor. -Said 



1 



THANKS MISS MARUN 

For Thi« Wonderful Recognition 
' Philadelphia E^nquirer, July 11 

QUEST FOB Novracinr 

. ''Thougrh "New Face« of 19S7" la a 
duller, drearier affair than "The 
Eniperor'3 Candlesticks" — tor all the 
Jatter's faults— we don't regard It so 
bitterly because nobody In it matters 
much, so far as we were concerned. 
What is "new" aboiit this picture, be- 
yond some minor dancers and vaude- 
vDllans, remains a mystery. Cer- 
.talnly, there is no novelty -in the 
backstage plot or the faces of Joe 
Penner, ParkyahaThus, MiKon Berle, 
■Jerome Cowttn and- Harriet HllUard. 

If RKO had been sincere in build- 
ing a production around really new 
faces, surely a-mong all tho hopeful 
youngsters yearning tor a chance in 
Hollywood many conid have been 
found. In fact, all any HKO talent 
scout had to do was make a raid on 
the potential starlets in any of the 
Benny Davis Stardust Revues. The 
eager young performers he presented 
.a week or so ago on the Earle stage 
.were without exception more gifted 
and possessed of . vastly more appeal- 
ing . personalities than any to he 
found in the 105 long, iDng minutes 
of the film. 

Whether It'd to be regarded as a 
threat nr a promise you can decide 
for yourself, but RKO plans to make 
"New Faces" ah annual affair, Just 
as are Warner Brothers' "Gold Dig- 
gers," M-G-M's "Broadway Melody" 
and Paramount's "Big Broadcast." 
If this be true — and it seems to be— . 
then we'd suggest that for the Hext 
one new fnces. new writers and a new 
director be enllstsd." 

BENNY DAVIS 

LQEW'S STATE. NEW YORK 
This Week. July 15 



floor, incidentally, started off as a 
feature of the Rainbow Boom but 
somehow it caused too many skids 
so it's now stationary, but put into 
good usage for just such presenta- 
tions as Miss Myers.' And, of course, 
Dr. Sydney Ross continues with his 
amazing table magic. 

Doubling over from the adjacent 
Rainbow Grill (informal room; al- 
though for the summer both rooms 
are al fresco, more or le:;S.) are the 
personable singihg team,,j:arl and 
J.eone Bonner, who do vocals with 
the LeBaron band. Emery Deutsch 
otherwise purveys the dansapation 
in the Grill, and also has the Bon- 
nets as features. 

Alice Glover ,and Walter LaMae 
are exponents of the tango-rhumba 
sets here and are featured into an 
audiejice-instruction routine m the 
Grill that's • been developed mto 
quite a stunt, As with the cham- 
pagne award to the table-tennisters 
opposing Miss Ruth Hughes Aarons 
when she held forth here, the vin- 
tages go to prizewinners doing Latin 
terps with the Glover-LaMae team. 
And they make a good job of it, too. 

Abel. 



MIDWAY GARDENS 

(MINNEAPOLIS) 

Minneapolis, July 17. 

Located in the- Midway district, 
this is by far the most thriving Twin 
City nitery in poiht of attendance, 
at least, and the r.eason is one of 
the corniest six-piece musical aggre- 
gations that ever has hit these parts. 
This 'Schnickel-Fritz and His Or- 
chestra- has been a veritable sensja- 
tion, provoking widespread word-of- 
mouth boostihg. Spot ordinarily 
caters to the shirt-sleeved rabble, 
but now it'^ pulling its share of class 
trade attracted entirely by the band's 
fast-spreading reputation and enter- 
taining qualities although the light- 
spending hoi polloi still gteatly pre- 
dominates. 

Accommodating 500 at tables 
grouped around a small dance floor 
space and with the band at the far 
end on a raised stage, it is jam- 
IKicked every night, the ropes al- 
ways being out early and the hold- 
out usually continuing right.- lip to 
the band's 12:45 a.m. zero hour. Mu- 
sicians from other clubs liave been 
stealing away early or dropping in 
after their own closing to catch the 
screW-ball musicians. 

Band comprises small-town youths 
and came to Midway Gardens two 
months ago from Winqna,. a jerk 
Minnesota burg, and its contract 
runs to Nov. Local Decca record 
representative wisely signed up out- 
fit for waxings and, ih return, will 
handle its business affairs. 

Working somewhat along the Brit- 
ten lines, the band's forte is rough 
comedy specialty numbers, but it 
plays hot and noisy swing dance 
music acceptably, too. Boys work in 
shirt sleeves and suspenders and use 
plenty of props. Their slam-bang 
antics convulse; Much of the staff is 
plenty blue and vulgar and would 
^e considered in terribly poor taste 
in class establishment, but here it's 
eaten up by the crowds that get into 
the jolly, wild spirit of uproarious 
merrymaking, and yet remains or- 
derly. 

Right up the band's alley are such 
numbers as 'The Merry Go-Round 
Broke Down* arid 'The Man on the 
Flying Trapeze,' with much zany, 
madcap original business incorporat- 
ed and the customers permitted and 
encouraged to indulge in vocalizing. 
One hit specialty number concerns 
'Nelly' who has been betrayed in the 



The THEATRE of the STARS 




BOOKING AGENCY 

GENERAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES 

LOEW BLDG. ANNEX 

160 WEST 46TH ST. NEW YORK 



J. H. LU B I N 

GENERAl MANAGER 

SIDNEY H. PIERMONT 

BOOKING MANAGER 



big city. Another specialty repeated 
every night- and of which the patrons 
apparently never tire depitts a train 
ride and the piece-de-ifesist'ance this 
time is a human locomotive with flre 
spouting from his head. There are a 
number of trick musical devices 
which make for novelty. Each of the 
boys is a funster in his own right 
and there's something lively doing 
every minute. 

There's no cover or minimum 
charge and prices are extremely 
reasonable. One could spend several 
hours here without getting set back 
for more than a buck or two per 
person. The take, therefore, can't be 
so great, although the volume is 
terrific.. At the same time, the 'nut' 
must be comparatively light with the 
band working on a small guarantee- 
plus a percentage and earning, ac- 
cording to report, $175 to $200 a 
month per musician. Also, the estab- 
lishment always seems to be doing 
a land-office, business at its bar, 
lunch counters and bowling alley 
separate from the nitery, while a 
number of dice games and slot ma- 
chines also size up as gold mines. 

RCC3. 



CLUB ESQUIRE 

(SEATTLE) 
Seattle, Wash', July 15. 

Something- that's been talked about 
since past-war days is now a fact 
here — a real night club v.'ith a real 
floor show. It's the Club Esquire, 
opening this week on. the ashes- of 
the erstwhile Club Victor, which 
faded out as Lieut. Gov. Vic Meyers' 
political star ascended. 

There's some dough back of the. 
new elub, and it is scaled on *big 
time' basis for this burg. Around 
$20,000 went into furnishings and re- 
modeling, giving the place a com- 

Slete face-lift, making the effect 
ashy and even beautilul-silken 
streamers and coverings everywhere 
and mirrored. The bar, for wine and 
beer only, as the hard stuff isn't 
legal at public, places, is reopened 
amid attractive settings. The seat- 
ing room has been enlarged; ditto for 
the kitchen, and the dance floor is 
tops for a night club in these parts. 

Price policy sans cover charge, 
with $1.50 food minimum. Even Sat- 
urday, the- cinch night, has ditto 
miniihum. Spot is open Sunday eve- 
ning for supper dance. 

Esquire owners are Morris Radin- 
slcy and Joe Lewis, the latter man- 
ager, with Jack Vollers his assistant 
and Sam Geshow' maitre' d'hote. 
Jules Radinsky, son of Morris, is 
leader of 14-piece band, and does a 
nice job of it. Show is on the air 
over KOMO three nights weekly. 
Two floor shows nightly, at 11 and 1. 

Four acts on opening bill anid band 
number with youthful Naomi Wheat, 
15-year-old local girl, the songbird. 
Roy Rognan emcees with a smooth 
line. He's teamed with Jeanne Lor- 
raine and between the acts she inter- 
rupts Roy with some, clever dialog, 
and in one instance a crazy twist and 
wiggle that registers all ways. These 
diverting interludes conversationally 
and syncopationally are a nice idea. 

Billy Burt, hailed as 'tops in taps,' 
does some nice business taj;>ping atop 
a footstool and a table. He's quite 
some local fave and keeps up with 
good stepping. 

Gannon and Braughton lend a 
class ballroom dance routine. Naomi 
Wheat make^ it a real number as 
she sings with the band. She has a 
vivaciousness that's all her own good 
personality, . 

Lorraine and Rognan foUbW in a 
'waltz' that starts straight enough, and 
they could get away, but the com- 
edy soon comes aplop as the num- 
ber burlesqued to the delight of the 
mob. In second half of the show 
this duo works nicely in an adagio. 

Club policy is new floor show 
every two weeks. Business opening 
week fair. Races at Longacres and 
summer tourist trade will stimulate 
the take during the summer months, 
and will fall the club should be play- 
ing to nice biz. 
They're starting right, at any rate. 

Trep;}, 

Trocadero Restaurant 

(LONDON) 

London, July 6, 
Marie Eve, contip'ental musical 
comedy star, who has appeared at 
the Folies Bergere, Paris, and 
throughout Central Europe, made 
her debut in London, July 5, at the 
Trocadero. She is known as 'the 
Girl without a Country,' having been 
born in Italy of a Russian-Polish 
father and a German-Polish mother. 

Miss Eve sang two songs in Eng- 
lish, and showed us that she could 
speak Spanish, French and German 
as well. Her act was not as effective 
as her personality indicated, due to 
inferior material, but she scored em- 
phatically as compere for the other 
terms. 

After her London visit terminates 
she will appear with Harry Richman 
in Paris. 



Hotel Ambassador, N. Y. 

One of the coolest midtown dining 
spots is the Hotel Amb's Garden, air-, 
conditioned, discreet, quiet and coun- 
try-clubby in atmosphere and serv- 
ice. Colorfully awninged bar, at one 
side, sets off the room well and tiie 
Garden itself is serviced in the ultra 
manner with Ramon Ramos' roman- 
tic rhythms for the musical inter- 
ludes. 

Ramos has been around-^Rainbow 



Room> etc. — and knows how to mix 
'em up, starting slowly with semi- 
concert dansapation and thence into 
the dance sets. Dispenses the fox- 
trotoldfi^r -with equal effectiveness as 
the Latin tempos to which he's par- 
tial. BacKed by a stringed sextet, 
with a sweet-hot. trumpet and reeds 
to bolster it, Ramos is .all right in 
both divisions.. Featured vocalist, 
Sid Prussin, is likewise effective. No 
convert, and table d'hote dinner 
ranges from $2.50 up; also a la carte, 

: ' Abel. 



On the Upbeat 

(Continued from page' 55) 



heim at the Hotel New Yorker, N. Y., 
next Wednesday (28). It's for four 
weeks. 



Joe Roberts' and Harry Romig's 
bands playing summer season in the 
pavilion at Saylor's Lake, Saylors- 
burg. Pa. 



Helen Arva, formerly . v/ith jFan- 
chon & Marco, in front of Ralph 
Lombardo's band in and. around 
Bridgeport. 



Gus Amheim back with his men 
on the Summer Terrace of the Hotel 
New Yorker. Had been out with 
siege of grippe. 



.Maxlmilllan Bergrere's crew had 
their contract extended to cover en- 
tire season at the Ross Fenton Farm, 
Asbury Park, N. J. 



Cliff Webster has checked out of 
Consolidated Radio Artists in Holly- 
wood. He- was former biz agent for 
L. A. musicians local. - 



Art Shaw's orch., witli Peg La 
Centra back in fold, doubling out 
of Brighton Beach to Roton Point 
Park, South Ncrwalk, Sunday. 



Hagrhle Barrett orchestra set to re- 
main at the Tavern on the Green, 
Central Park, New York City, for 
duration of the summer season. 



Jack Melvln orchestra set for the 

season at the Sea Girt Inn, Sea Girt, 
N. J. 



Joe Haymes combo orie-night Sat- 
urday at Oak Grove Casino, Milford, 
Conn. 



Jack Pettis brought his band into 
Hollywood last week to make Mas- 
cot recordings. 



- Herbert Steiner orchestra replaced 
Charlie Barnett's outfit in the Hick- 
ody Lodge, Larchmont, N. Y. 



Les Brown takes up at the Kenny- 
wood Park, Pittsburgh, Friday (23). 

Mike , ReiHy opened at the New 
Penn Cafe, Pittsburgh, Monday (19). 

Charlie Knecht's Ramblers at the 

Hof Brau, Delaware Water Gap, Pa. 



Nitery Placements 



Frances Williams headlining Yacht 
Club, Chi, opening this week. Wingy 
Mannone on the bandstand. 

Al Smiley reopens the Club Es- 
quire in Hollywood July 29. 

Eddie Kay dragged the Club 52nd 
Street out of its ashes and cerements 
in Hollywood last week following 
its expiration after a four-day life. 
Couple of horse fanciers reported 
backing Kay. 

Reed Lawton, baritone; Tarrant 
and Dacita, dancers. Club Esquire, 
Toronto. 

Betty Castle, dancer. Century 
Club, Hollywood. 

Milton Douglas, singer, Versailles, 
N. Y., July 22. 

Marissa Flores replaced Roberta 
Jonay on the-Starliglit Roof of Wal- 
dorf-Astoria, N. Y. 

Paul Duke, magician, added to 
show at Marden's Riviera, Fort Lee. 
N. J. 

Paul Draper remains for rest of 
summer in Persian Room of Hotel 
Plaza, N. Y. 



• 15 YEARS AjGO t 

(From Vuawn and- Clipper) 



Prank Rembush, Indian exhib 
who was always fighting windmills* 
sent out 1,000 letters urging exhibs 
not to pay the music seat-tax 
Didn't get anywhere. 



Sam Goldwyn arranging for his 
biography to be written, Taking an 
encore right now. Will A. Page 
authored the first one. 



Hiram Abrams went to Europe for 
a .rest after managing United 
Artists. Fairbanks, Mary Pickford 
Griffith and Chaplin objected to the 
release of other producers' product, 
and Abrams felt he needed more 
film. They wore him out. 



Broadway's Big Four, Capitol, 
Strand, Rialto and Rivoli, did. $86,- 
000 on the week, with the Cap get- 
ting $30,000 of that. 

Irene Franklin offering a new act 
at the Palace, N. Y. Bert Green no 
longer at the piano, but programmed 
as presenting her. Andy Byrne kit- 
tened the keyboard. 



Herman Timberg had signed with 
the. Shuberts for the coming season, 
so the Keith Palace put him on 
No. 2. Old contract. 



Several vaude houses in N. Y. 
were passing out lemonade during 
intermission. -Made a iiot-weather 
hit. 



Lew Dockstader, vet - minstrel, at 
the Majestic, Chi. . He had a new 
act .by Aaron Hoffman. Both he and 
John W. Ransone specialized in 
topics of the day before Will 
Rogers hit his stride. 



Three midwest Orpheum houses, 
the Majesties in Chi and Milwaukee, 
and the Orpheum, St. Louis, to be 
dropped to the small time, following 
the State-Lake' policy of a good 
show, rather than an expensive one. 



Kansas City Star sponsored' what 
it claimed was th^ first musical com- 
edy written for radio. Locally cour 
fected and titled 'Jazz vs.. the Clas- 
sics.' 



Ethel Barrymore sniffed at an 
offer of $2,500 for vaudeville, but 
intimated, she might take notice it 
they .added anoj^her grand. 

Belle' Baker again signed -with 
Keith. Salary reported to be $1,750 
a week. 



Broadway still had 20 shows going, 
but some not very fast. 



William Fox leased the As tor for 
pictures. . First films in that house, 
now a Metro spot. Shuberts offered 
$75,000 annually for stand. 



Music pubs told not to authorize 
radio performances of their songs.' 
All permits to be issued by ASCAP. 



EDDIE PEABODY 

• Dressed by 

SIDNEY FISHER 

75/77, Shaftesbury Avenue 
PICCADILLY, LONDON, ENG. 



AGENTS 



BIrtliday. Everyday, Convalescent 
Greeting Cards 
In Boxed Assortinents 
Very Liberal ComiTtissiona 
Write tor parflculnrtt 
DOROTHEA ANTEL 
220 West 72ntl St. New York, N. X. 



WA N T rn ■ Professional Chorus 
MW I CU. (jirls, aife JS-2S; 
permanent line. Must be able to do 
toe, acrobatic, tap and upociiUtles it 
possible. Salary $a5.00 per wecK. 
Mall . complete experience, welglit, 
helghth, etc., and Intoat photoKinph 
to RKO COLONIAT/ THEATRK, PAT- 
TON, OHIO. AVork coniiueiiolnB 
early In August. Reply at once. 
Transportation provided. 



GAUTIER'S 

STEEPLECHASE 

ROXY, NEW YORK, TfflS WEEK, JULY 16 

July 27th, Beverly Hills Country Club, Newp6rl. Ky. 

Recently concluded two successful weeks 
at the Edgewater Beach Hotel, Chicago 



NORTH & FLAUM 



DIRECl'IOX: 



ROGER MURREL 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



VARIETY 



69 



Variety Gills 

NEXT WEEK ( July 26) 
THIS WEEK (July 19) 

Numerals in conneetion with bills below indicate opening day of 
■ show, whether full or split week 




CHICAGO 
Palace (23) 
6 liuclty Boys 
Steve Evans 
Lucy Monroe 
Shaw & Lee 
Prelaser Sla 

(16) ■ 
Ozzle Nelson Ore 
Harriet HlUlard 
; G^ace & Nlco 
Son Cummlngrs 
CLRVEIiAND 
Palace (23) 
Ozele Nelson Oro 



Harriet Hllllard 
Grace &Nlco 
Don Cummlngs 
(16) 

6 Lucky .Boys . 

Judy Starr 

Ross Wyse Jr 

Paul Haakon 

Alyce Chapelle 

Earl Fox 

3 Stoogres 
SAN FRANCISCO 
Golden Gate (21) 

Fred Waring Ore 




UtiW YORK CITT 

State (22) 
James Bvana 
Frances Faye 
Rosco Ates 
Lucky MllUnder Bd 
PITTSBURGH 
Stanley (28) 



Major Bowes Co 
WASHINGTON 
Capitol (23) 
Red Skelton 
Carter & Holmes 
Dorothy Cro'oker 
Gus Van ' 



Rompin' at the 
ROXY, NEW YORK 

This Week 

EVERS and DELORES 

Dir.: LEDDY A SMITH 



Paramount 



NEW YORK CITY 

Paramount (21) 
Ual Hallet Ore 
Hal Leroy 
Val Betz 

BOSTON 
Metropolitan (23) 
Calif Collegians 
Martha Raye 
Baston & Odette 
CHICAGO 
Chicago (23) 
Ted Weems Oro 
• DALLAS 
Casino (23) 
Phil Harris Ore 



4 Craddocka 
Lanny Rons 
Art Jarrett 
Georges & Jalna . 
Arren & Broderiok 

DRTROIT 
Michigan (23) 

Jean Deveraux Co 

Popeye 

Betty Boop 

Rio Bros 

Variety Gambols 
MINN£APOLlS 
MInnenota (33) 

Major Bowes Co. 




PHILADETvPHIA 

Eioirle (23) 
I Jansleya 
La Paul 

Brown & Ames 
Herman BIng 
TVella & i Fay« 

(16) 

Duke Ellington Bd 



WASHINGTON 
ISarle (23) 
Ray & Naldl Co 
Tommy Trent 
Forsythe, S & F 
Aarons & Barna 

(16) 
Ade Duval 
Clifford & Marlon 
Tip, Tap & Toe 
Buster Shaver Co 



Independent 



CHICAGO 
State Lake (23) 

4 Vespers - 

■Bernard & Henrle 

June Carr Co 

'8Ifi.te Bros Co 
INDIANAPOLIS 

^ Lyric (23) 

Buister West 

Lucille Page 



Bo Brummelfl 
Bolce & Lndd 
Jack Starnes Co 
Barbarlna & Poms 
KANSAS CITY. MO 

Tower (33) 
Miss MIgnone 
Ed RIckard 
Bobby Plncus Co 
Gene Austin Co 



London 



Week of July 19 



Canterbury M. H. 

Trolso Mandollera 
Dominion 

J' Maskoleyne Co 
Xtocadero Rest. 

Larry Adler 

Max Wall 

Ktone & liee 

Redvera Llewllyn 

Llna Menova 
CAMDEN TOWN 
Gaumont 

Jose Moreno 

» Wlllards 

CLAPTON 
Rink 

Alfred Thrlpp 
P & V Lennox 
Helena 3 

EAST HAM 
Granada 

Basliful Eoya 
T)v\ity & Ramond 
N Ai-nnut Broa 
EDA10>T0> 
Emplro 
3 Van Stratlons 
KIrakau Bros 
Jones tc Thomas 
HAMMERSMITH 
Pnlnoe 
AuBtel & Arthur 



Irene Mansel 
Michel & Hero 
ISLINGTON 
Blue Hnll 
Trolse MandoHera 
LEWISHAM 
Palare 
Rawlpy, it Laniliiuer 
LEYTONSTONE 
Rlalto 
Bashful Boys 
Prury & Rani on 
N Arnaut & Bros 
SHEPH'RDS BI SH 

Pavilion 
rhovnllor Bros 
Bernardl 

STRKATHAM 
Palace 
Rftwioz fz T nridauer 
TOOTING 
(•rannda 
Pelpr White 

TOTTENHAM! 
Palace 
Alfred Thripp 
P & V liCnnox 
irplPiin 3 
WALTHAMSTOW 

Granada 
Benm's BabPn 
3 Van Rtrnttoiis 
Jopcs TliomuM 




Cookie Bowera 
Fred Bamberger 
Sylvestrl 

Kerns & Capon 
O'Shea & Joan 



LEEUS 
Paramount 

Hal Yates 
MANCHESTER 
Paramount 

Joe Loss Bd ' 



Cabaret Bills 



NEW YORK CITY 



Week of July 19 



ARERDEEN 
Tlvoll 

I«-auKhton & Gold 
Howard Rnf^era 
Hengler Bros 



Doris Asliton 
EUINBIKGH 
Royal 

Te.d Joy CO IJd 
Kafka, S & G Sis 



Barney Gallant's 

June Elklns ' 
Luan Craig 
3 Musical Rogues 
Merl & Merlam 
3 Dandles 

Bertoldttl's 

Jimmy Whalen Ore 
Tommy Harris Ore 
Tula Plournoy 
Nysa Alna 
Joyce Faye 
Greta Lewis 

nill't Gay flO's 

Eddie Leonard 
Spike Harrison 
Ethel Gilbert 
Gus Wlcke 
Emltt Casey 
Jim Bishop 

Callente 

Beth Raborn 
Helen Shaw 
Ruth Wayne 
Carol Sis 
3 Rhythm Boys 
Callente Cabelleros 

Chateau Moderne 

H Leonard Oro 
Bob Shaiw 
Maria Forbes 

Claremont Inn 
Jolly Coburn Oro 

Club Gauclio 

Vaccaro'a Orch 
Jose Diaz 
Trlnl Plaza 
Llta Moya 
Helen Virgil 
Dlmltrl 

Club MIrador 

(Roof Garden) 

Buddy Wagner Ore 
Marlon Martin 
Jack Oaterman 
3 Blondea 
Eddie Lang 
Winifred & Lorr'ne 
Jacqueline Joyce 
^tenee Villon 
Joan Vlckera 

Club Yumurl 

Don Hllhnrto Oro 
Antonio & Carlto 
Sarlta Herrara 
Roslta Ortega 

Jack Dempsey'i 

E Carpenter Oro 

EI Chlcfl 

Don Alberto Oro 
Carloa Montoya 
3 Pampero 
D'Avolos & A 
Antonlta Morales 
Jose & Patricia 
Laa Guarecltaa 
Rolando 

El Alorocco 

Ernie Hoist Oro 

Frolics 
Ralph WatUIna Ore 
Glen Island Casino 
Nye Mayhew Oro 
Helen Reynolds 
Doug Newmon 
Harry WllUford 
lllckor.T iritUNe 

, Toe Marsala Ore 
Jim Moorehead 
Ray Blond! 

Hickory Lodge 

(Larclimont, N. V.) 

Herbor Stelner Ore 
Hal Kerry 
Annabclle Lee 

iri.vxv'd UeR'nurnni 

Mitchell Ayrea Ore 

E Jelesnlck Ore 

Jejin Sargeant 

June Lorraine 

U Debonalra 

L. Manning & MItzI 

Kay Taylor ' 

Hobby Joyce 

Ted A<lalr 

Patricia Gilmore 

Charmlon 

Agnes & T Nip Jr 
Iluth fiaylor 
Glen .Pope 
Hotel Ambassador 

Ramon Uiimos Ore 
William Alder 
Paul Taubman 

floiel r\N(or 

(Ikoof Garden) 

Ted r-ewls Ore 
Itadio Act's 
(Unlrlli! WhIUIer 
Ruth Daye 
Mta LeOe 
H Hatters 
f/vdda Sue 
•Stuart Morgan 
VUix Dun t'c Dulores 
.Marlon Mfinn 
Toddy Hale 
Syh'laManoh 4 

ll<ilt>i niliiitiirr 
(Aloonllglit Terrace) 

Horace llcldt Ore 
lloK'l ICillKon 

nilly Swanson Ore 

llotOl KsHt't tlllllof 

Nat Hrandwynne O 
Maxlne Tnnulo 
nioU Rtono 
.Toliiiny Blue 
Murray Oarun 
11 J Calliuniii 
Hotel <iov. Clinton 
I'hll D'Arcy Oro 
Sciiart .Miles 
ICay Marshall 



Hotel LeiInirtoD 

Andy lona Oro 
Ray Kinney 
Meymo Holt 

Hotel MoAlpIn 
(Roof Garden) 

J Messner Oro 
Jeanne D'Arcy 

Hotel Mnntclair 
(Caslno-ln-the-Alr) 
Coral Islander* 
Hal Hope Oro 
Herb Well 
Electronic 3 
Felix Paplle 

Hotel Murray Hill 
(Fountain Room) 

Joe, CappI Oro 
Nancy Garner 

Hotel Mew Yorker 
(Summer Terrace) 

Gua Amhelrii Oro 
Evelyn Chandler 
Baptle & Lamb 

Hotel Park Central 

(Cocounnt Grove) 
Jerry RIalne Ore 
Ross & Edwards 
Darrell & Toung 
Barney Grant 
Claire Scott 
Flying Whlrloa 
Dorothy Jeffera 
St Clair & Elliot 
Ferry the Frog 
Tania & KIraofC 
Hotel Ppnnsylvnnla 

Tommy Doraey Ore 
Edythe Wright 
Jack Leonard 
Allen Storr 
3 Eaqulrea 

Hotel Piccadilly 

Jeno Bartal Oro 

Hotel Pierre 
(Roof Garden) 

Basil Fomeen Oro 
Anne Heath 
Peppino & -CamllIe 

Hotel rinza 

Win McCune Oro 
Pancho Ore 
Paul Draper 
Nella Goodelle 
. Hotel Roosevelt 
Freddie Starr Ore 

Hotel Snvo^ -PInr.a 
Bmlle Petti Oro 
Rusisell Swan 

Hotel St. <ieorge 
(Brooklyn) 

Ell Dantzig Oro 
Charley Paul 

Hotel St. Mnrlti 

(Sky Gardens) 

Hal Richards Oro 
Qrisha. 

Hotel St. Regis . 
(Viennese Koof) 

.Tacquea Fray Ore 
A Rasch Dancers 
Pierce & Harrla 

Hotel Tuft 

Cleo. Hall Oro 
Dolly Dawn 

Hotel Waldorf- 
Astoria 
(Starlight Roof) 

Guy Lombardo Ore 
Ralph Rutgers Ore 
Marlsaa Florea 
Raphael 

Hotel tVelllngton 

Ed Mayehoff Oro 

Jimmy Kelly's 

Lionel Rand Oro 
Joe Capello Ore 
Montmartre Boya 
Carter & Schaub 
JImmIe Costello 
3 Raymonds 
Danny HIgglna 

Larue 

Eddie Duvls Oro 
Hirado Ore 

Le Coq Rouge 

Horacio Zito Ore 
George Sterney 

. Le Mirage 

Harry Ilorion Ore 
(;u(iulta 
.Marie Almonte 
V MacNaughton 
Brown's 3 Shades 
l.pon & rddlp'a 
(Pugo-Tago Room) 
r.(!U Martin Ore 
Kddio Davis 
I'atrlcl.'L Ullmore 
Vivian Hay 
Gloria Cook 
James KeoKan 
Nelaons Cata 
Haines Talo & S 
TetB & Kongo Co 
Mile Denl.<ic 
Norman & McKay 
Dloasa Costello 
,Mon Tarlfl 
n^ne KiiHdlck Oro 
Laurence While 
.Marlon I'lprce 
Versatile :< 

Mori's 
Lou P^errlM Ore 
The Oaks 

Al Lambs Oro 
Toniniy Lyman 
Ucno Arc;ier 

Ofi.vx Club 
1 .Spiri Is of Kli vl li ii> 
.Maxlne & Janice 



Parndin 

Jay Freeman Oro 
Ann Pennington 
Lucille Johnson 
Andrewa Sis 

Ploce Elegante 
BUI Farrell 
Mario Badint 
Toto CanglosI 
Rex Gavltte 
Larry Mado Oro 

Italnlion Grill 

Emery Deutscb Ore 
Helen Myers 
Evalyn Tyner 
C & L Bonner 
Glover & La Mae 

Rainbow Konm 

Al Donahue Ore 
Eddie LoBaron Ore 
Oliver Wakefield 
Lotte Goalar 
Texas Tommy 
Helen Myers 
Dr Sydney Ross 

^ Riviera 

Mickey Alpert Ore 
Nano Rodrlgo Ore. 
Lois Kay 
We I re Broa 
Irene Beasloy 
Nick Lohg Jr 



Kay Picture 
Paul Duke 
Nadlne Gae 
Buater Shaver Co 
Ben Yost Collegians 

Sands Point Butli 
Club 

Paul Rebuvcl Oro 
Emily Stevenson 
Wilson Lang 

Stork Club 

Sonny Kendls Ore 
Gus M artel Oro 
Surfslde 
(Atlantic BeaoU) 
B Mitdrlguera Oro 
Josephine Huston 
G DeQulnoy & L 
Edna Janis 
Tavern On Green 

(Central Park) 
Hughle Barrett Ore 

Valhalla 

.Maurice Shaw Oro 
.Marlta 

Lorraine Barrett 
Rond Hal 

Vernnlllep 

H Rosenthal Oro 
Joe Rodriguez Oro 
Milton Douglas 



Radio Reports 



LOS ANGELES 



Ball 

Bruz Fletcher 

Charles Lawrence 

Beverly IVIIiliIre 

Geo Hamilton Ore 
Harger & May 
Vicky Joyce 
MItzl Green 

BIKmnre Bowl 

Ilmmy Grier Ore 
Lola & Lewla' 
Robert Gately 
Hank the Mule 
Bliss, Lewis & Ash 
Dolores & Andre 
3 Rhythm Rascals 

Cafe De Puree 

Ted Dawson Ore 
Helen Curtis 
Marls Monterez 
Lemare 

Caf0 La 5lace. 

Stan Clair Oro 
ParU Ave Boya 
Clover Club 
Bob Grant Oro 

Club Hawaii 
Hawaiian Ore & Co 
Club International 
Ben Pollock Oro 
Chaz Chase 
Billy Vine 
Caroline Mason 
Beth Wilson 
Dick Bennett 
The Theodora 
Dora Dean 
Ginger Lynne 
Lilly Ann Starr 
Eleanor Troy 

Cocounnt Grove 
Geo Olson's Oro 
Edgar Bergen 
Charlie McCarthy 
Edith Caldwell 

Famous Door 

Jonah Jones 
Eddie Beat 
Hawaiian Paradise 
Sol Brights Oro 
Satlnl Tuai Loa 
Sol Hoopl 
Wanda 
Diana Toy 
Lido 

Les Parker's Oro 
Bill Roberts 
Bob Searles 



Little Club 

Jane Jones 
Paul Kendall 
(Ifllcn Warner 
Rose Valyda - 

Omar's •'om#_ 

George Redman Ore 
Elm<9r 
Arden Sis 
Gunther, Magician 
Naomi Warner 
George Markle 
Mimosa & Medina 
Pn«-lflo Sunset Club 
A I Heath Oro 
Winnie Mack 
Peggy Page 
Lucille Lehnion 
Renard & Ray 
June Morgan 
Buddy La Rue 

Palnmar 

Cana Lioma Oro 
Qlen Gray 
Sybil Roth 
Williams & Charles 
Hudson MetzKer Ola 

PurlR Inn 

Pete Contrelll Oro 
Dominic Columbo 
Ken Heiiryson 
Sylvia & Marjorle 
Conchlta Toreno 
Bronlee Bros 
Henry Monet 
Thora Malthalsnn 
Marguerlta del Rio 
Juan de Martinis 

Seven Sens 
Lonnle Mclntlre Or 
Lily Gibson 

Somerset House 
Jack Owens 
Betty Borden 

Swing Club 
B B B 

Clarence Brown 
Frankle Gallagher 

Topsy'a 

Al Eldredge Oro 
The Dee Sisters 
Bonnie Llnd 
Dorothy Roy 
Juno Bruner 
Leona Rice 
Ifene Berry 
Agnes Johnson 

Trocadero - 

Dick Gasparre 



CHICAGO 



Bull-Ball 

Billy White Oro 
Dancing DIetrlcha 
Warden & Dade 
Sally Joyce 

Blnckhawb 
Joe Sanders 
Ronald & Roberta 
Pete the Newsboy 
June Glory 

Chez Parce 

Lou Holtz 
Helen Morgan 
Georgle Tappa 
Readlnger 2 
Rosemary Deerlng 
Lillian Carmen 
Henry Busse Ore 

Club Mayflower 

Lou Salea Ore 

3 VaHety Boys 
.Mildred Rock 

4 .McNally Sla 
Buddy & Selma 

4 Rhythm Glrla 

Coconut Grove 

Mark Fisher OrO 
Jerry & Turk 
Paul Roalnl 
Dawti & Darrow 
Frances Wills 
Kretlow GIrIa 

Colofllmoa 

Bob TInsley 
Janls Andre 
Maxlne DcShon 
Dorothy Wahl 
WlUle Shore 

Congress liolel 
(Casino) 

Jesse Crawford 
H(?len Or.awford 
("has Carlllo 
Jiornhardt & O 
Diaz, DOn, 1) & D 
Tomjny 'frip.nt 
Varzos & McDowell 

Gay OO's 

r'ollcpn 

Georgia Lucl<y 
Lew King 
.MIi;non 
In^rid 

.lulfi.s .Novit Oro 
.Marlon Miller 
Jack ElUlns 

Ilarry'N N. V. 
('alia ret 

('has Bngles Ore 
J.ack Irving 
Vvclto 
'I'hi'o Troy 
.Mildred. Itock 

5 Parisians 
It. U. li. 
fllder Sla 
Palmer 

Uoro'iliy Joliii.slon 

iii-:iui 

Stroud 2 



Jean Sargent 

Gould Sis 

Patsy Ogden ' 

Marlon Morgan 
Hotel Blsniurcb 
(Walnut Room) 

Eddie Varzos Oro 
Lucio Garcia 
Walker 3 
Tho Duanos 
Dean Murphy 

Hotel Brevoort 

Dorothy Duval 
Earl Smith 
Commodore Duo 
Joe Purlato 

Drake Hotel 

(Gold Const Room) 

Jack Denny Oro 
Vox & Walters 
3 Olympics 
Rila Lester 
Dorothy Bylon Co 

Hotel Egdewuter 
Beucli 
(Hoard Walk) 

Bernie <}umnilns Or 
(Horlu Sutter 
H Smith Hiillot 
b'Angclo & Porter 
(Jilbcrt Bros 
Verner, Lang & B 

Hotel l4isulle 

(Bluo Fountain 
l(oom) 

King's Jesters Oro 
.Marjorie Whitney 
(jcne Jerome 
(Jeo Howard- 
Ira Uastow 
Jolin liavcncroft 

Hotel Palmer I'louar 
I IOni|iir<< Itoonit 

Kddy Diichin Oro 
Holland H: Hart 
Hi'uco Holden 
Kllcn Blair 
.Marl Lynn 
■t Arisloorata 
Ahbiiil Dancers 

Hotel Slirritinn 
(Colli'gn inn) 

Al 'J"i;(ico Ore 
I'llncr & EarlB 
3 Heat Waves 
Thn Hachclors 
Ku.s.scll (,'rowcll 
Coleinan ("lark Co 

Hold Slevt*!!* 
iCoiilincnIal Itoomi 

Carlos Molina 
l.i),\iiiiiie it Ueiijird 
JanlH Williams 

MUi ( lab ' 

Hilly Carr 
.N'ora Ford 
'Uoot.s' Hurna 
Ktta Kcoil 
I'ord & Karnes 
V'uelir Club 
Nino KInnldo Ore 



(Continued from page 34) 



Marvelous for Words' well. Then 
came longest commercial of program. 
'Give Me Something to Remember 
You By' is next pop number for 
Feld's tooterts and they do it well. 

Dick Mills, baritone, who was with 
Arnold Johnson at WOR for 20 
weeks, does a sweet job with 'Never 
in a Million Years.' Christine Ran- 
dall, ti'scovered by KMOX execs, in 
small local nitery, tickles the ivories 
and sings torch songs, and this 
femme certainly . puts lots of notes 
together in a short period of time. 

Another plug for sponsor with 
Feld's orch doing 'The Organ Grind- 
er's Swing' as a background brings 
entertaining program to a close. Lis- 
teners are advised they may attend 
show in KMOX's air-conditioned 
playhouse by writing for tickets 
(room for 600). 

Feld's music and the songs are 
nicely ararnged to emphasize spon- 
sor's product and Judd Norman does 
okay with m.c. stint. Sa/vu. 

JOHNNY HAUSER ORCHESTRA 

30 Mins. 

Susta^inlngr 

Friday, 4:30 p.m., ED ST 
WOR, New York 

Remote dansapation from the 
Borscht Circuit's No. 1 spot, Gross- 
inger's in Ferndale, N. Y. Band un- 
limbers virtually every type of tunes, 
but knocks off the hot rhythm ses- 
sions best. On program caught (2) 
Hauser and the Soys turned in a pip 
job on 'Caravan,' particularly with 
the rhythm section. 

Otherwise, the orch features 
plenty of oke brass and sax stuff, 
either section usually serving as 
background for the other. Arrange- 
ments have a distinctive touch, but 
aren't overboard or novelty. Haus- 
er's vocals aren't intended to un- 
leash much melody, concentrating 
on tempo and lyrics. Has a hoarse 
style of warbling in the hotcha idiom 
along the lines when he first- started 
with Paul Whiteman. Ho be. 



Ann Lester 
Jackson, Mills & R 
Sonny & 3 Dahl 
Lester & Irmajean 



880 Club 

Johnny Hornert 
The Dictators 
Corlles & Palmer 
Mary Jane Dodd 



FHIIADEIFHIA 



Anchorage 

James Craig 
Marcella Bhnrkey 
Gloria Gould 
Ed Sllverglade 
Sally La Mart 
Johnny Graff Oro 
Arcadia Int'l 

Milton Kellem Oro 
Don Renaldo Oro 
Mayfair Glrl^ (8) 
Ed Sllverglade 
Izzy Bellla 
Collette & Barry 
Eleanor Bowers . 
Irma BUndel 
Mario VlUanl 
Bellevue-Strutford 

(Planet Room) 
Meyer Davis Oro 

Ben Franklin Hotel 

(Coral Cafe) 
Moe Jaffe Oro 
Benny tlie Bum'* 

Deloyd McKay 
Muriel Thomas 
Sasha LeonofC 
Frank Hall 
Mayo & Marie 
Frances Carroll 
Ralph Brown 

Cedarwootl Inn 
(Malaga. M. J,) 

Jack Curtis 
Bobby Evana 
La Val 

Clarence Itlch Ore 
Franky Schulth 

EnibaHNy Club 

Lee Perrlns 
Billy Lee 

Pedro Blanco Oro 
Helen Heath 
Warwlclt SiH 
Joyce Henry 
Dorothy Doppin 
Evergreen Casino 

Henry May Ore 
llelalne & D'n'lda'n 
Tom Barry 
Kathleen May 
Jay King 
Mildred Sinclair 
Harry Giyn 

1533 Lacust 

Bubbles Shelby 
Jane Farrcr 
Kay L.avery 
Virginia Young 
Nelly ■iJanUa 
Linda Ray 
PeahutB Stewart 
Swing Kings Ore ' 

Hotel Adclphia Roof 

Vincent ni/.zo Oro 
Harold Knight Oro 
l''ranU Gaby 
John Uppmann 
Al Bcrnlo 
Alice Dawn 
Miriam Vorne 
I'lerro & Tnmi>lo 
Sai'a Ann MeCube* 
AgllOB 'I'oUo 
H Texas Itocliets 
Evun U t'oniaine 

l.anibs Tavern 

Larry Mcll Oro 

LKlle KiilhHkrller 

Jack Grirtin Oro 
Monty Wolf 
Dorothy llaeh 
Franchon &. Cumille 
I'rcan Sis 
Pat I'.erry 
John Joncay 
Pierre's 
."yianny L.aPorle Ore 
lirattun Craig 
•Mildred Hpnson 
l''rancls Doolcy 
Tom <lshorn 
Yniaadl & Estell* 
Jack Klnir 



Ritz-Cnrlton 
(CryatuI Room) 

Van Levis Oro 

Henry Patrick' 
31 Club 

Bill Flake Oro 
Blllle Brill 
Lorraine Rhoda 
Lloyd Woods 
T.ieah Sla 
Sla McCall 

Silver Luke Inn 
(Clementon) 

Joe Mlllkopf Oro 
Beth Chains 
Louise Lucano 
Bernard de pace 
Enters & BOrgIa 

20th Century Tavern 

Lou Longo Oro 
Hazel Harman 
Marcelle Marchand 
Billy & Dotty 
Frankle Hyrea 
4 Esqiilrea 

Parrlsli Cafe 

Bobby T.oo Oro 
Leon Hill 
3 Parlaettea 
Vernon Guy 
Chlckle Martin Co 

Piccadilly Room 
(1023 Locust) 
John Hamllloii Ore 
Jackie Mablle 
R'berlegs Williams 
Patny Evans 
Pats Smith 
Lulu Mao 
Lillian Fitzgerald 
Cora Green 

Dulkln's liutliMkeller 

V Norman Oro 
Jacqueline Hcrin'nn 
Al Sleppo 
Marge Carles 
Dolores De Maye 
Cleo Valonteen 
Vratik Pontl 

Stamp's Cafe 

Jack Hutchinson 
Bella Belmojit 
niUy .Slier 
Leah SiH 
Sunny Nnsh 
Paul Nell 

Paatlne & Marylin 
Flo Hulse 
Johnny Walsh 
yiking Cafe 
Penn K;iy Oro 
Lew Foster 
Ring Riley 
PattI (^ranford 
.Tack Finney 
Ray Deliincy. 
Patty La Verne 

Webfr'H llof lirnu 
, (Cuniden) 

LonlH ChnlUln Oro 
U.-iy Miller 
Olive While 
Goprge La 'I'our 
PIckiiid Seal 
Instruniental 3 
ITugo Klco 
Sid (?old«>n 
.Foo Jtiimona 
Use Hart 
(Jregory Qulnn Co 
Eldoradlana 

Sunset Inn 
Dan Dunctin Oro 
Betty Vaiione 
(.'hubby Reed 
Dick 'rhornas 
Chau Murtha 

P«U4'ock (jlHrdena 
•Sylvan Ileririiin Ore 

Yorktoun Tavern 
Billy Seln Oro 



'BJffiHIND THE EIGHT BALL' 

With Gil Bayek 

15 Mins. Local 

Snstaining . 

Sat., 1:15 p. m. 

WDRC, Hartford 

This makes another radio fan chat 
for the Hartford customers, Paul 
Liicas having preemed one on WTIC 
some months ago and doing so well 
with it that his five-minute shot was 
tripled to 15. 

Hartford strongly needs institu- 
tional stuff of this type because of 
the chill attitude of the dailies to 
local air fare and, furthermore, be- 
cause the potent Hartford Times has 
been going great guns with its own 
vent, WTHT, now full time. 

'Behind the Eight Ball,' so tagged 
in relation to milce, handled by Gil 
Bayek, staff spokesman at WDRC. 
Addressed especially to hearers who 
have questions to ask, frame natu- 
rally puts the accent on goings-on at 
WDRC and on CBS. Prom format of 
first airings, Bayek includes a sketch 
of some WDRC fave, answers some 
of the mail, augments with odd chit- 
chat and winds up with coming 
events. 

Bay ek's treatment effective. 

Elem. 



ZINN ARTHUR'S ORCHESTRA 

Dance Music 

30 Mins. Local 

Sustainine " 

Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 p.m. 

WICC, Bridgeport 

Pine Brook country club, vacation 
resort at Nichols, Conn., piped to 
Bridgeport for synco sessions of Zinn 
Arthur band. Ability to handle a va- 
riety of fare, covering range from 
sweet-and-sensible to advanced 
swing, assures a well-balanced pro- 
gram, but denies combo any stylistic 
identification. Swing product so su- 
perior to rest of output that Arthur 
might be well advised to coricentrate 
on it. One number, an original by 
the maestro, described as 'maraccas 
swing,' was genuinely in the groove. 
Vocals by Arthur don't help. 
Since locally-radiated programs 
seemingly wont be over-effective In 
building, vacash biz, announcements 
by Joe Lopez bid listeners to come 
and see plays intermittently staged 
by Piiie Brook drama troupe. 

Band personnel Includes Al Weis- 
field. Jack Greenberg, Norm Corey. 
Larry Regensburg, Rube Rubin, BUI 
Cupo, Ben Wolf man, Jerry Carr, 
Norman Poris and Victor Michaels. 

lElem. 



RICHARD MAXWELL 

Hymns 

10 Mins. 

Sustaining 

Mon.-Sat., 9:30 a.in., EDST 
WABC, New York 

Aimed for the shut-ins, this may 
not be just what the doctor ordered, 
but it should keep certain patients 
in the proper frame of mind until, 
the' medico arrives. 

Maxwell has an appealing voice 
and he sings simply and without 
trying to be the personality kid. 
Faint organ background. 

Singer makes his own announce- 
ments. Dedicates numbers to in- 
dividual listeners, anonymously 
identifying them by town (viz., 'to 
a mother in Scranton), but mentions 
no names. Hebe. 



EDDIE GUNDAKER 
'TODAY'S WINNERS' 
Talk 

is Mins. Local 
lustaining 
Daily, 5:15 p. m. 
WGAL, Lancaster, Pa. 

Being a very good horse town, 
WGAL struck a natural for a good- 
will builder in this daily gob gallop 
handled by Eddie Guhdaker. Open- 
ing with transcribed sound effects of 
donkeys coming into the stretch, the 
day's racing activities get a once 
over lightly with brief outlines of the 
outstanding races of the day, best 
performances of horses and jockeys, 
best prices paid, and other timely 
track info. 

When time allows, announcer pat- 
ters on races up the following day 
listing the likely entries and their 
jockeys. Program does no handicap- 
ping and doesn't even hint at favor- 
ites. Posey. 

Walton Roof Folds 

And May Not Reopen 

Philadelphia, July 20. 

Walton Roof, one of the Iarge.5t 
and best known of the midtown 
lateries, shuttered Saturday night 
(17), probably neyer to Open again. 
This is sixthi of the town's class nite 
spots to be licked by the sizzling 
thermometer. Nitery biz, which has 
been skidding since April anyhow, 
is scraping seaweed off the bottom 
now with humidity and temperature 
combo sending spenders shoreward. 

Although announced by Manager 
Charley Duffy that Walton Rcrof is 
only ducking the sizzle season, there 
is good possibility that the shutdown 
may be permanent. Nitery wa.s never 
profitable to the hotel and a plan 
is now under consideration to put 
apartments in its place, which will 
eliminate it from tlie nitery scene 
altogether. ' 



60 



VARIETY 



VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS 



Wednesdays July 21, 1937 



ROXY, N. Y. 

The Roxy should do better than 
all right this week with 'Super- 
Sleuth' (RKO) on the screen, the 
20th-Movietonews featurette, 'The 
Coronation' (in color), subfealuried, 
and a well-balanced Fanchon & 
Marco "unit on the rostrum. It's 
generous and quality enterta[inment 
Irom every aspect, with the Jack 
Oakie laff feature the woper climax 
to light summer entertainment fare. 

Frank Gaby, Gautier's dogs and 
ponies, Stanley Pros., Evers and 
Dolores, Frances Stevens and the 
versatile Gae Foster Girls — the 
Boxy'g own version comparable to 
the corking Rockettes at the Music 
Hall further east on 50th street- 
have been combined into generally 
satisfactory if a bit fulsome enter- 
tainment. Everything is permitted to 
run overboard. 

-Gautier's Steeplechase as be calls 
his clever canine and pony act al- 
most tied it up opening.: Stanley 
Bros, with their knocka^ut acro- 
dancing, in iWhite tie and tails (and 
acrobat's gym slippers), next with 
their contortlve wheels and spills, 
plus the drunk dance, etc. 
. Follows Grank Gaby whose cap- 
tioned 'gift of gab* runs on and on. 
Ventriloquist has a midget aide and 
a dummy (A almost like stature. He 
coiiM and should cut and show up 
to better advantage. 

Evers and Dolores with their wire 
stuff likewise aise over^generotts in 
their chores. Bk>th work with para- 
sols as balancer* but he'a fast and 
daring on the silver thread. Does 
hocks and time-Step while she 
pirouets on the Wire. They're fore- 
grounded by the Foster girls who go 
from maracas (rhumba) rhythms to 
tangos, while Dolores essays 'Gypsy 
Sweetheart'.^ for Ihe tziganc atmb- 
sphericS. 

France^ Stevens, apart from being 
burdened by the baling as 'the 
biaroness of the btaes^' is a good vocal 
introducer. She tees off 'Cuban Pete' 
for the rhumba dance ensemble and 
in toto looks' well te fit the atmos- 
phere, besides warbling a. nifty pop. 
Mijs Stevens (assuming she's the one 
doing the incidental 'Pete' number) 
unlike the others doesn't do enough. 

Per usual the F&M production 
auspices are impressive aind bigtime. 
Eddie Paul batoning the Roxy-trench 
unionists likewise does a good job. 
Biz bullish at- Friday night's final 

Abel. 



show. 



STANLEY, PITTS. 

Pittsburgh, July 16. 

Looks 'like a corking show on 
paper but it's a drab, colorless lay^ 
out with oidy one real wallop. For 
the marquee there's Herman Bing 
but the mob will have to remember 
hard the sputtering comic's citiema 
hits in order to look charitably upon 
what -he has to offer in person. 

Backing the presentation is Joe 
Venuti's band, with the maestro 
m.c.'ing. A whiz on the- fiddle, 
Venuti's choice spots are his own. 
violin solos, with orch's other sections 
too ■ clumsily pieced to register." 
Musically, it's a pretty good if not 
particularly distinctive butfit but the 
pattern for a stage date still has to 
be worked out. 

For one thing, Venuti tries to give 
*em too much and his superfluous 
stuff isn't particuliirly good. 'March 
of Time' satire he uses near the 
close might go in a night club but 
it's plenty blue for theatre anj}^ 
coming right on the heels of some 
bad taste by Bing, gives the whole 
show a feculent odor. Band carries 
pair of vocalists Don Darcy and 
Trudy Mack. Girl should be moved 
up. She doesn't put in an appear- 
ance until right before the finish 
and then barely for a single chorus. 
Venuti is also carrying a second 
femme, Virginia Carle, who intro- 
duces a series of imitations by 
specialists in the crew and then goes 
into a brief session of what's sup- 
posed to be hoofing. 

Set-up at first show, however, was 
all wrong, running order being way 
off whack and showing nobody off to 
advantage. Natural closing would be 
Louise Massey and her Westerners, 
radio quintet (foitt men and a girl), 
the only sock on the bill. Instead 
Bing follows them and then Venuti 
provides another anti-climax with 
his 'March of Time' and sign-off. 
Massey troupe is a good-looking, 
clean-cut group slickly outfitted in 
white cowboy regalia and clicking 
off a series of western ballads in 
corking fashion. They're good instru- 
mentalists^ too^ accompanying them- 
selves, and Miss Massey, who does 
their announcing, has a self-effacing 
graciousness that adds to the general 
effectiveness, Vocal arrangements 
have been fashioned with an ear 16 
' choral surprises and the five.some 
had a dickens of a time getting off. 

Following Venuti's opening, adagio 
trio of Adair and Richards do a 
number entirely too slow for a get- 
away and slows down show. Not that 
threesome doesn't have something on 
the ball, but are badly spotted. 
-Westerners pick it up again, how- 
ever^ and Venuti keeps the ball roll- 
ing with his trick fiddling, but de- 
flation sets in once more, with Bing's 
appearance. Fillum comic's mono- 
logue is almost a 20-minute stretch 
and dull material made it a hard 



pull with the audience al' of the 
distance. 

This was figured to bring x^n the 
curtain but Venuti made the init. Jake 
of trying to pull layout t;);;ciher 
again and unfortunately picked this 
spot to come up with some of liis 
poorest bits. Show ran way over- 
board on time, consuming around 65 
minutes and that's a lot of nuuutes 
for a single sock. • 

Picture 'Ever Since Eve' (FN) 
with Par newsreel, cartoon and Dave 
Broudy's overture. Biz fair at open- 
ing, three-quarters downstairs and 
about half a balcony, Cohen. 

Embassy Newsreel, .1^ Y. 

New biil at tiiis newsreel house 
does not want for variety. It's all 
newsreel, with the two shorts not 
being especially significant or enter- 
taining. There are 52 newsreel clips 
on tap, with the European war 
clouds again in limelight. Every reel 
except Paramount chips in with foot- 
age on the Spanish warfare or the 
threat of hostility in Far East. Land- 
ing of the Soviet aviators near San 
Diego, Calif., is accorded trim cov- 
erage by Universal, which .specialed 
the subject, landing the reel in the 
theatre Thursday (15) night 

Remainder of subjects are not 
outstanding or very newsy with Fox 
Movietone grabbing laurels on num- 
ber of clips with 16, although Para- 
mount, Universal and. Metro's 'News 
of the Day' came dose to it on. foot- 
age, all but last-named having 10 
each. 

European hostilities were rather 
tame, with Metro showing refugees 
leaving Spain and war-torn areas 
after the battle. Fox pictured prep- 
arations for counter-drive against 
rebels. Also gave a brief glimpse 
of Japanese Emperor givini^ troops 
the once-over, Jap-China war was 
treated by Universal with views of 
recent preparations for conflict, the 
new Chinese arjhy efficiency and one 
library shot. Pathe followed much 
the same ground, though foggy pho- 
tography suggested dipping largely 
into its files. 

Besides Universal's pictures of the 
latest Soviet flying heroes. Para- 
mount showed the other Russian trio 
sailing from N, Y. 
. With hope for saving Amelia Ear? 
hart nearly abandoned, U displayed 
resourcefulness in digging up high- 
lights of aviatrix' flying career.with- 
out asserting flatly that she would 
never be found. Included bird's-eye 
view of battleship plane carrier, with 
airplane hopping off in supposed 
search. Paramount depicted George 
Palmer Putnam's son joining him as 
hunt for his wife continues. 

Both Universal and Paramount 
vied for honors in torrid wave fancy 
shots. Latter did fairly much the 
accepted thing on the' way folks 
tried to keep cool, but gave an orig- 
inal touch by showing possible scenes 
in next winter's cold wave (all 
library). U grabbed more laughs be- 
cause of ingenious touches and 
cleverly staged stunts, stenog in 
bathing suit at work being tops. 

Feminine angle was featured by 
all excepting' Par, with Metro coming 
out with a 'woman's page,' in which 
Dorothy Kilgallen does the commen- 
tary and gets her portrait tacked on 
at the start. Narration is there, but 
subject matter is a bit thin, includ- 
ing a baby nursery, French hat fash- 
ions, Chinese nurses on a N. Y. sky- 
scraper, baby lions in California and 
a bathing beauty contest for - grand- 
mas. 

Fair sex break with Movietone 
was the usual fashion division, this 
time covering novel hats. Kalhe's fall 
hat review, taken in theltadio City 
sunken garden area and Universal's 
showing of the latest in sportswear, 
with f ascinatihg models. ■ ' ' 

Freak stuff jagain was grabbed by 
U. One showed unusual rodeo bronc 
busting, climaxing with a sensational 
'ride.' Another was that of Oregon 
man with an air-cooled hat. Third 
was horseshoe tossing in a lake's 
shallow water by five bathing gals. 
Pathe contributed five orphan 
skunks, a piano instructor making 
his pupils wear heavy mittens in 
practicing, and finding gold in a Den- 
ver street. 

The Rockettes in action at Paris 
exposition was superbly photo- 
graphed by Pox. U covered the re- 
turn of his troupe to U. S. after the 
triumph. Situation in. Palestine was 
accorded comprehensive coverage by 
Pathe. 

Death of Senator Robinson (Metro) 
featured speeches of opposing lead- 
ers in court fight. Paramount had 
the wind-up of the Boy Scout Jam- 
boree and exclusive shots of Roose- 
velt's son and his new bride as they 
took a boat at Quebec on their 
honeymoon. 

Paramount did a skillful job of 
showing prize winners of the Na- 
tional Headliners' Club and their 
achievements, with pictorial shots of 
events that copped prizes. 

Lew Lehr scored twice on laugh- 
end of program. First with his com- 
ment on habits of baby seals and 
second time out, with his laugh-pro- 
voking dialog on aquarium inhabi- 
tants in a Paris pool. Fox reel also 
led in sports doing a bike race in 
France, Jones Beach swimming, Ry- 
der cup golf tourney and Australian 
wrestling between two U. S- champs. 

'Excursion in Science' (Bondy)and 
'In Shanghai' (Hoffberg) travelag, 
finish the show. Wear. 



PALLADIUM, LONDON 

London, July 7. 

The London Palladium reverted 
once more to straight variety bill, 
July 5, with 11 acts, of which two 
are native. Majority are American 
and there are also a couple of con- 
tinental turns. Joe Ortnes opens 
neat juggling routine. Splendid act 
of its kind. He is followed by Archie 
Glen, comedian, with his well known 
inebriated character, giving way to 
Marcy Brothers and Beatrice with 
their knockabout contortion and 
acrobatic stepping. 

What struck the audience as an 
extremely novel act is Wences, ap- 
parently a Spanish ventriloquist, 
who makes up his left hand as a 
■face for the dummy. He is a good 
actor and creates a personality with 
the dummy. Forsythe, Seamon and 
Farrell are a riot, as usual, wUh 
their conglomerate routine. The 
girl dancer should, however, learn 
to keep her eyes up instead of down. 
Wonder nobody ever told her that 

Closing the first half is Harry 
Richman, doubling from the Cafe de 
Paris. He does 50 solid minutes of 
forensic warbling and story narra- 
tion. Doing this twice nightly, and 
then holding an audience for more 
than an hour at the Cafe, would 
seem to come under the head of a 
full day's labor. But Richman seems 
to like- it; his audiences like it; they 
pay him a lot of money; he packed 
the Palladium, with a plentiful smat- 
tering of dinner jackets, including 
one worn by Max Crordon. 

After the Interval, those returning 
to their seats were entertained by 
Pablo, a conjurer who makes cards- 
materialize iand disappear, tosses 
cigarettes away, only to have them 
hianifest. either hi his hand or in his 
mouth a la Cardini, Fayson and Paul 
Duke. He has played United States. 
These tricks apparently wiE always 
interest the public. Raynor Lehr,, 
assisted by a colored boy, shows the 
customers more kinds of danciiig 
than probably any single performer 
who has come to the Palladium. The 
Mills Brothers, plus a 'guitarist, mak- 
ing five in all, please immensely with 
their harmonizing, and Max Miller 
with his monolog is next to closing. 
His recent appearance in pictures 
does not seem to have improved his 
stage work, which ' seems a trifle 
slipshod. Grip Quartet, billed as an 
adagio team, comprises - three man 
ahd ah acrobatic girl whom the men 
toss about with reckless abandon. 

More than ever apparent is the 
abserice of single women. Not one 
of them carded and only four who 
work in turns at all. Conceded that 
Richman is the big draw. He will 
remain for three weeks of the four 
in which vaudeville is resumed at 
the Palladium, and Grade Fields 
will come in for a single week. She 
in turn will be succeeded by .the Cot- 
ton Club Revue from New York for 
a short season, when the house 
changes once more to the 'Crazy' 
shows. Jolo. 



LYRIC, INDPLS. 

Indianapolis, July 18. 

Here's - a show that didn't cost a 
lot, yet played like a house afire be- 
fore . capacity audience which ap- 
parently hadn't heard about the de- 
mise of vaudeville. The customers 
at the first evening show Saturday 
(17) were numerous and generous 
in response, all of which makes it 
easy at a performance like this to 
understand why the Lyric is nearing 
the end of its third year of consecu- 
tive weeks of stage shows without 
an interruption, winter or summer. 

Tagged 'Stardust Revue' by the 
management, the . show • features 
Lowe, Hite, and Stanley, who work 
in trey spot and top the bill for 
applause. This is the present act's 
first visit here, although Lowe and 
Hite played the house four years 
ago. This trip out they have omitted 
much of their crude clowning.- Tlie 
addition of Stanley, the midget, to 
the team gives an even better con- 
trast in sizes between the eight-feet- 
high giant and his partners. They 
work fast for about six minutes of 
pantomime slapping, fighting and 
rough-house which shows off their 
opposite extremes in stature and fin- 
ish to an okay hand. They really 
sock, however, when they come back 
to do a military tap routine together 
In front of a line of By ton girls 
brought /in by the house. They stop 
the show and have a neat encore 
bit which enables them to get oft' 
in good style. 

Bert Walton helps the bill out by 
breaking up his act and spotting it 
between the other turns in order to 
serve as m.c. He comes out cold to 
open the show after a brief off-stags 
introduction and proceeds to warm 
up the audience before presenting a 
production number featuring Sandra 
and Wyoters, an acceptable dance 
team, backed up by the Byton line 
of girls, Banny Ross is introduced 
next by Walton. Although he is on 
a bit early, Ross gets off to a good 
start with the aid of interruptions 
from his stooge oh an off-stage mike. 
Ross then brings on his fern part- 
ner, Maxine Stone, and they do their 
lan>iliar but effective, routine featur- 
ing her lazy and bored attempts to 
dance. 

After Lowe, Hite and Stanley in 
the next spot comes Walton's eight 
minutes of lauglis elicited as a re- 
sult ot his build-up of a daad-pan 
stooge who looks like he has one 
i loot in the grave. The youth has 
a good pair of pipes and he scores 
with a solo of 'Trust In Me.' The 



real punch follows when Walton, 
after telling the stooge he should 
use more expression and gestures, 
gets behind the singer and moves 
his arms for" him comically as he 
sings another tune. Walton really 
♦sells' it, but the stooge gets all the 
applause, of course; indeed, so much 
applause that Walton's introduction 
of Happy Harrison's Circus, closing 
the bill, is scarcely heard. It's the 
usual circus act with dogs, a pony, 
and a monkey, followed by the buck- 
ing mule 4or a finale, but its stand- 
ard lines do not diminish its suc- 
cess at winding up the show in a 
satisfactory manner. ■ 

Picture is 'Ever Since Eve' (WB). 
Biz capacity with plenty of standees. 

. Kiley. 

TABOR, DENVER 

Denver, July 16, 
Eye-filling lines, proficient routines 
and settings that rate top spot keep 
stage show moving and add to and 
aid acts in getting their numbers 
across. 

Howard Tillotson and his five band 
men give 'Merry Go Round Broke 
Down' for the overture, and line in,^ 
Dutch, costunnes swing into' opening 
routine. Half in boy and half in 
girl clothes, each carry several huge 
tulips with steel points in stems, by 
which they are planted in stage floor 
in front of Dutch windmill and cot- 
tage. Two of line carry sprinklers 
and give them some water. Line 
then does a wooden shoe clog. Nina 
Diavis is' back for her second week 
vocalizing, but band plays much too 
loud for her numbers, drowning her 
out. 

Second routine sees line togged 
in high, white toy-soldier white hats, 
pajama-like suits with bits of red 
here and there. The jazz routine is 
fast and shows teamwork with no 
loafers. Closing routine in formal- 
garden scene, with half of line- 
marching down stairs in high col- 
orful headdress, long, flowing capes 
and abbreviated shorts, and five in 
long billowy blue dresses who do a 
formal dance. 

: Faith Hoag and Co., the Co. being 
a two-man horse, rate top spot. Horse 
goes through usual routine, with per- 
fect costume lifting it above usual. 
Faith, in a smart ringmaster suit, 
cracks the whip, wisecracks and 
keeps the act moving. 

Barlow and Benter, with femme in 
long bright red dress, male in frock 
coat, clown through, several ball 
room numbers — with principal busi- 
ness of girl seeming to be to get 
her dress about 16 inches above her 
knees (her legs are unusually long). 
Finish with ballet number fashioned 
from lessons by mail. 

Russel and Fields close with song 
and chatter, with Miss Fields ca^r- 
rying the honors. They're olcay when 
singing alone but spoil it when duct- 
ings 

With 'Night Must Fall' on the 
screen, it's up to the stage show to 
dp most of the business-getting. Busi- 
ness good for the first show Friday. 

Rose. 



Orpheum, Salt Lake 

Salt Lake City, July 18. 

Five Japanese tumblers and gym- 
nasts, the Kanazawa troupe, virtually 
steal the show from three other acts 
on current .shage show. 

Bill' Teelak, pale hokester, and 
Sally Payne, good looking redheaded 
stepper, headliners, didn't wow. 
They do a good enough act for any- 
thing but the ace spot. Teelak's gags 
simulates the hoke variety, and 
while his delivery was okay he failed 
to pile up a . substantial score in 
laughs. Miss Payne, gained a steady 
rain of appreciation for her dancing 
chores and a couple of vocals. 

Interesting sound effects are done 
by Lynn Mayberry, a femme with 
plenty of endurance. Miss Mayberry 
u.sed good shoNvmanship to sell sev- 
eral harmonica numbers, imitation of 
an automobile race and flashy dance 
shuffling off the stage. 

By Woodbury's band hold a- jam 
session, with orch leader, who 
doubles as m.c, playing a torrid 
rendition of 'Tiger Rag.'. Band also 
adds piinch to proceedings with a 
number ot songs woven into a 'vaca- 
tion city' medley. Everybody in the 
outfit takes a bow for solo efforts. 
Orchestra has no little difficulty 
registering applause wallops. 

The Kaiiazawa coterie, spotted last 
on bill, display very expert agility in 
tossihg and catching barrels in mid- 
air and jug.gling lithe troupe mem- 
bers like they were ping pong balls. 
Act was the liveliest on bill. A white 
girls assists in setting up equipment 
lor troupers. Entire group attired in 
white jerseys, dark trousers, white 
shoes and work with .a pretentious 
Oriental backdrop. Their assortment 
of tumbling accounted for one call- 
back after another. 

Incidentally, Teelak and Miss 
Payne are spotted for a second ap- 
pearance between band's second 
number and the Kanazawa. troupe. 
Miss Payne now wears a blue formal, 
instead of a .green pair of tights and 
Teelak goes high in perspiration do- 
ing ri.^ht ijy his fiddle. 

:SUm' (WB), sports short and 
Pathe news reel rounds out th-! bill. 

Cuss. 



STATE, N. Y. 

Benny Davis and his various units 
are standard State bookings. For 
current date he gets a break what 
with the fun film, Marx Brothers in 
'A Day at the Races' (M-G) on 
screen. 

Mostly a new talent line-up with 
the . composer-singer-m.c. and its 
forte is not comedy. No need for 
that since nearly all the laughs come 
from the screen. There is good rea- 
son for Davis introducing his fresh- 
faces and he got one giggle when 
Vira Niva was before the mike, yet 
he is too much in evidence on the 
platform while his specialists are in 
action. 

The Russian girl and Robert Bax- 
ter, baritone, are about the only sin- 
gles retained from his previous unit. 
Miss Niva did well with ter idea of 
'Where Are You,' while Baxter's 
medley was well spotted. Some of 
the new talent was not oh long 
enough to gauge their capabilities, 
that going for May McKim and Her 
Three Boy Friends. They recently 
worked with Davis during a "WOR 
broadcast. Miss McKim ha$ some- 
thing in the way of a microphone 
voice and their variation of 'I Can't 
Give You Anything but Love' was 
pleasing enough for the audience to 
want more. 

Little BjUy Blake was announced 
as the show's highlight, and, judging 
from applause, that was correct. Lad 
is a trumpeter, giving impressions of 
name cometists, such as Henry Busse 
and Louis Armstrong, Blake playing 
'Beale Street Blues' for the latter 
and reaching the high finale note as 
something of a feat. Boy also made 
his trumpet sound like a trombone^ 
with use of a tin hat. 

Anita Jakobi opens activities with 
acrobatic tap dance routine out. 
of the ordinary. Mary Fenton was 
introduced as a blond blues singer,. 
Davis observing she is a Hollywood 
bet. - He peps all his people up 
with - the hope that scouts were 
out front. Miss • Fenton gave 'All 
God's Children Got Rhythm,' a 
number in the 'Races' picture. Mari- 
ora (New Acts), Ken and Roy Paige 
(New Acts), McDonald and Ross 
(New Acts). Catherine Harris, a 
toe dancer.' was billed, but did not 
appear in Friday (16) evening's per- 
formance. Martha Raye, at the last 
show,' hopped over from the Par 
across-the-street to make a personal 
appearance for the songsmith- 
entertaine.r. 

Davis did not tarry long in his own 
specialty, choruses of his more re- 
cent numbers. One was from last 
winter's Cotton Club show, and he 
mentioned he is writing the score for 
the spot's fall offering. Act ran 
slightly over 50 minutes. Ibcc. 

CAPITOL, WASH. 

Washington, July 18. 

House has turned out another 
highly satisfying revue this week; 
largely by production and staging. 
Discounting m.c. and line of gals, 
who carry show, there are only two 
acts, but total is so handled to giv* 
the effect of definite bigness. 

Overture, worked out by Pro- 
ducer Gene Ford and House Maestro 
Phil Lampkin is definite highlight. 
Dedicated to George Gershwin and 
opening with sweeping medley of his 
best known stuff, it hits home in 
'Rhapsody in Blue,' done with house 
and pit lights going out and cur- 
tains opening on piano and stool, 
both spotted against hazy blue back- 
ground. Electrically-operated piano 
plays rhapsody as solo, keys lighted 
so audience can see them moving as 
if "Dy ghost player. Orch joins in on 
finish as curtains close to heaviest 
hand overture has won in months. 

Show itself gets under way .with 
no announcement, curtains opening 
on Gae Foster girls in sailor tap on 
full stage against battleship back- 
ground. Travellers together as Red 
Skelton, emceeing for second week 
bounces out onto ramp for rapid-fire 
chatter. Works this week without 
cigar and hat business and prediction 
that he could get by without standard 
props worked out at show caught, 
gags hitting the mark through beauti- 
ful timing and Skelton's ability to 
follow up a laugh or let it alone. 
Works into dish-washing specialty, 
showing how types of husbands 
sling the soapsuds, which is still in 
the rough but definitely has giggl« 
appeal. 

Alphonse Berg on next with three 
models who get gowns in ' split 
seconds via Berg's ability to heave 
bolts of cloth into the air and wrap 
'em along fashionable lines. It didn't 
wow 'em, but the gal.s were interested 
and the gents admitted the models 
were easy to look at before they 
were draped. 

Skelton on again with request per- 
formance of his doughnut dunking 
demonstration, easily his best 
specialty, that got house as usual. 
Then the girls in white, blue and 
gold contingents, tor moonbeam 
number which was prettily staged 
but not very unusual. Skelton on 
again while girls stand on either 
side of staircase to demonstrate how 
half a dozen gents mount steps, 
winding up using blond a.-; partner 
for newlyweds entering hotel. 

Bert Frohman takes over on ramp 
to warble 'Boo Hoo,' 'Never in a 
Million Years' and 'You Can't Take 
It With You,' all high-powered ar- 
yangenients which he puts oyer well 
(Continued on page 61) 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



61 



NEW ACTS 



ItUSSELL SWANN (1) 

In swank environments of the 
type , such as the Cafe Lounge in 
jfew York's Hotel Savoy-Plaza, 
magicians today are giving out their 
abracadabra where, in former years, 
Sipy'd b* -No. 2 acts at best. So 
maybe for these fortunate few the 
der^lse of vaudeville is something to 
be thankful for. 

Specifically, a small-talk magician 
like Russell Swann these days plays 
the geographical range of the world's 
smartest hostelries from New York 
to I^ndon iand back again, with in-. 
Nervals in Florida and Hollywood. 
Coining to attention at the Waldorf- 
Astoria; Swann has played London 
since and is now back in N, Y. 

His': magic, per se, is of familiar 
natt^tn, but his address is Swann's 
100%.'' That is, he's an affabk' en- 
fiagiHg"and welli-set-up pregtidigita- 
teur who wears his white , tie with 
ease land distinction. That's half the 
battle for any personality performer 
in the intime confines of any nitery, 
partiifiulaTly if its a class spot. 

He'^ perhaps a bit too fly in spots. 
Swanh also overdoes his self-joshing, 
'Isn't ' it silly?' catchphrase, and 
hok6s it a bit too much with his 
Celestial stooge, but in toto gets 
over handily. 

His . real trick, of course, is the 
usage -of a robot straight man in 
the form off a phonograph . record. 
It's one of those 33 r.p.m. 18-inch 
disks, so he can and does get a lot 
into the -crosstalk, addressing' the 
disk as 'Preston' and maintaihing a 
fine running barrage of lingo back 
and forth,- with the waxed straight 
man. The topper-offer is the trcy- 
of -hearts trick, making 'an audience 
ringsider select the card, with the 
disk-voice identifying it as the trey. 
Since you can't change the canned 
" voice, Swann, of course, must see to 
it that his audience aide is slipped 
the right card — or else. 

For the rest, the S-P's cafe lounge 
Is still a recherche environment, 
with one of the completest and most 
intriguing drink cards of summer 
potables. Emile Petti dispenses . the 
dansapation as fetchingly as he has 
all through the past two years. With- 
al, an OK summer spot. Abel. 

TEXAS TOMMY 
Pony Act 
5 Mins. 

fiainbow Koom, X. T. 

Texas Tommy is a slick cowhand — 
anyway, his spurs and chaps look 
.dudish. His pony is called Baby 
DoU. Between the two they do a 
slick act for anybody's nitery di- 
vertissement. 

■ Being a cute little pony, well- 
miinnered and clever, and suavely 
cued by Texas Tommy, it's a cork- 
ing novelty on any cafe floor. And 
the snootier the environment, the 
more effective the results.. Hepce, 
at the Rainbow Room it was a prar- 
ticular wow. 

Tommy straights well for Baby 
Doll, and the equine performs nobly 
and well for the sugary rewards 
after each series of tricks, 
. From the vet vaudeville viewpoint, 
the old hokum bucket about *how 
many days in the week?' and 'one 
and six are how many?' is corny. 
But it's all new stuff all over again, 
as the pony taps out the counts with 
his hoof. What's more, now, as then, 
it's sock variety fare. That's Why 
acts like Texas Tommy should come 
in for a renewed vogue all over 
again. But instead of opening 
vaudeville bills they're slated for 
features. Texas Tommy was the hit 
of the bill here. Abel. 



MARIORA 
Jugffler 
5 Mins.: One 
SUte, N. T. 

Among the new talent in Benny 
Davis' unit show this girl is an- 
nounced as hailing from Holland, 
Femme jugglers are a rarity, and 
therefore a novelty. Togged in white 
tennis skirt, Mariora exhibited a 
routine principally of rubber ball 
and chop stick handling that was in- 
troduced over here by Rastelli and 
others. 

One of her exceptional feats is bal- 
ancing the ball while bent backward 
almost to the sta.ie. Mariora also 
handles tennis rackets, but her top- 
per is at the routine's finale, han- 
oling two sticks while juggling 
plates and manipulating a ring with 
one leg. She would be an opener in 
the yaude that was and will prob- 
ably land in the night clubs. Ibee. 



KEN and ROY PAIGE 

Comedy 

10 Mins.; One 

State, N. Y. 

Benny Davis introduced the Paige 
ooys as the future Mitchell and 
Durant. They are knock-about 
comics of tiiat tvpe, but without- at- 
tempt at acrobatics. 

One works .'Straight with the 
brother taking all the falls and wifi- 
ing up the stage, no easy assignment 
a hot evening. Wrestling bit 
intrps the comedian's antics, which 
includes a dive into the orchestra 
pit. .. Turn furni.she.s 'comedy relief 
'tt the Davis unit. Ibee. 



LOTTE GOSLAB 
Danoe Mime 
6 Mins. 

Rainbow Room, N, Y.. 

Lotte Goslar is heralded as Eu- 
rope's greatest dancing mime. She 
came to attention in Erika (the 
daughter of Thomas) Marin's 'Pepper 
Mill' revue, is a refugee German 
danseuse,-and evidences an unmistak- 
able terpsichorean artistry which, in 
time, may be acclimated for class 
cafe environments. Even now she 
evidences capabilities along these 
lines. It's a matter pf routining, 
however. 

She does two numbers at each 
show; two shows nightly. In one se- 
quence she does two eccentric pan- 
tomimic dances. Both being in like 
groove, it's not for happiest returns. 
Furthermore, one is announced as 
'The Virgin.' Actually, it should 
be called 'The Spinster' — probably 
due to an unfortunate literal trans- 
lation from the German. As result, 
the parody on the coy, coquettish 
spinster is militated against by the 
false impression of the 'virgin' her- 
alding. Her 'Intoxication' opener is 
much more socko. 

Miss Goslar's terps, of course, are 
primarily for the concert platform, 
although it's understandable why 
William Morris, Jr., is reported dick- 
ering with her for a Broadway stage 
musical. 

For class cafes Miss Goslar mani- 
fests capabilities but will have to 
better routine her stuff to embrace 
broader nuances. Abel. 



LUCILLE JOHNSON 

Songs 

8 Mins. 

Paradise, N. Y. 

Pair-haired, blue-eyed lass is the 
singing standout of this popular 
Broadway supper spot floor show. 
She was in 'Red, Hot and Blue' last 
season. 

Slender Miss Johnson is a prima 
donna with a varied tonal voice of 
the coloratura type. Her renditions 
therefore are away from set warbling 
and she has range. Numbers pre- 
sented are filmusical favorites, start- 
ing with 'Swell of You,' 'Where Are 
You' and one of the newest George 
Gershwin melodies, 'Can't Take 
That Away.' 

Understood picture execs recently 
in town ordered her tested for Hol- 
lywood. Ibee. 



KEN NEALY 
Songs 
6 Mins. 

William Penn Hotel, Pitts. 

In Ken Nealy, a young singer he 
picked up in a Baltimore nitery, 
Happy Felton, rotund dance band 
leader, has a definite comer. In ad- 
dition to vocalizing with the orch, 
Nealy does a session of caroling with 
his own accordion accompaniment 
on the Urban Roof floor nightly and 
has 'em swooning. 

Needs a bit more pruning, not on 
the pipes, however, but on expres- 
sion and physical appearance. Once 
these points have been fixed he 
how^Lshould be a^ natural anywhere. Radio 
looks like "a"Trashover~ for Nealy. 
Voice has soft quality that ialmost 
caresses a ballad. His finishes are 
socks, hitting high falsettos that ring 
clear as a bell. Always has a tough 
time getting away after brief floor 
oeriods around midnight,, with 
femmes particularly leading cheering 
section. Cohen. 



JOHN EVANS 

Songs 

8 Mins. 

Hippodrome, Balto. 

John Evans has been winning 
local arid national voice and radio 
contests consistently for past few 
years and has now reached a ma- 
turity in voice and song handling 
entitling him to present break on 
Hippodrome vaude bill. Spliced into 
Milt Britton's band stuff, boy comes 
through in rousing style and earns 
ovation strictly on his vocal ability. 

When caught, did three numbers. 
'Without a Song.' 'Sweethearts' and 
'Old Man River' and had to beg off. 
Could stand some pointers on show- 
manship, but dreiised up and capably 
popched lad is a find lor band or 
radio. Burm. 



ROSS and McI>ONALD 

Dances 

.5 Mins.; One 

SUte, N. Y. 

. Duo fi:om Memphis announced in 
the Benny Davis unit as their first 
Kpnearancc in the big city. 

Girl and' boy preci.sion tappers 
fare well enough. Latter is unusually 
tall, for which reason he is in action 
behind the girl for the mo.st part. 
She affects a white dress suit. Bit 
with cigarets didn't seem to mean 
much, but as dancers they fitted into 
the unit routine. . Ibee. 



H.irold Arden has returned to the 
leadership of his band at Englewood 
Cliffs, N. J., following a serious ill- 
ness which forced him to go to- Hot 
Springs. 



CAPITOL, WASH. 

(Continued from page 60) 
enough to rate encore op. 'Glory of 
Love' and a deserved bow. Line back 
with ball number, in which all 16 go 
through routine balanced on two- 
foot white spheres, getting out of 
line and falling off just often enough 
to keep house in uproar and win 
spontaneous applause. Skelton on be- 
fore curtains for epilogue speech to 
hope he didn't offiend anybody, 
promise to be back next week and 
send 'em away tickled pink. 

Pic is 'Knight Without Armor' 
(UA) and biz fair, Craig. 

PALACE, CHICAGO 

Chicago, July 17. 

There is a certain indefinable 
something which immediately stamps 
a thorough professional entertainer, 
as something apart' from the per- 
formers who are not so accustomed 
to the footlights and the four-a-day. 

This was brought out strongly on 
the show this week, with two trained 
footlighters. Don Cummings and the 
Grace and Nico dance tm-n carrying 
off all genuine performance honors, 
and left OzrJe Nelson, Harriet 
Hilliard and Shirley Lloyd to get 
along as best they could on their 
radio reputations. 

Nelson's band i.s a standout name 
aggregation from weeks of Cro.ssley 
ratings, yet it shapes up as only , a 
fairish sta.^e orchestra. Where it 
would be without its name is a head- 
ache to contemplate, 

Nelson manages to warm his audi- 
ence up after a. long spell due to a 
certain nice naturalness he possesses, 
but he also falters with a line of 
dolefully inept attempts of comic 
chatter. Miss Hilliard makes two ap- 
Dsarances once to be sung to by 
Nelson and second to warble a trio 
of vocals on her own. Despite a con- 
siderable background in vaude. Miss 
Hilliard has stiffened up a bit as be- 
fits, a person who is a coast-to-coast 
name. 

Shirley Lloyd is a second singer 
on the show. Why there should be 
two femme vocalists on the same 60- 
minute bill is somewhat confusing. 
Miss Lloyd makes an awkward ap- 
pearance due to poor .selection in 
wardrobe, but she exhibits a clear 
pair of pipes that gets her by. 

There is a whistler on the ' show, 
Johnny Bryant. He imitates birds, 
traffic cop whistles and carries a 
tune. Little novelty that really didn't 
belong on this bill. 

But the job of stopping all pro- 
ceedings went to Grace and NicO 
first, who burlesqued the b.^lJroom 
dance to bang-up results foe this 
audience. Recently here at the 
Casino Parisienne, they return as a 
smacking vaude act. The girl still 
gets opening gasps from an audience 
due to striking appearance. They 
turn in a walloping roughhouse 
knockabout ballroom burlesque and 
had to speech away. And at the end 
of the show there was Don Cum- 
mings who has also developed into 
surefire during the past ve.nv. Mavbe 
it's the new soup and fish get-up, 
but probably it's Cummings' added 
use of mugging for laugh effects. 
Rope-spinning with a good line of 
comedy, material. 

Picture was 'Talk ^f tlie Dsvil' 
(GB). Business fair enough last 
show Friday. <3old. 



UNIT REVIEWS 



HIPP, BALTIMORE 

Baltimore, July 16. 

It's Milt Britton and His Band at 
the Hipp this week, plus a few spe- 
cialties and good entertainment 
throughout. Using up 44 minutes to 
put over his knoclrabout musical 
business, Britton is working his 
trademarked routine with most of 
the comedy capably handled by 
Walter Powell and Harry Dugan. 
Specialties include Sybil Kaye, 
Earlyn Wallace, Evelyn Farney and 
the winner of a local voice contest, 
John Evans (New Acts). 

Opening with the bandstcrs in one 
huddling for a college yell and lin- 
ing up to spell out via letters on 
sweaters, 'We stink.' curtains part to 
reveal neon lighted trombone solo- 
ing in darkness to finish full up on 
entire band nOw formally attired in 
tails. Britton, hnndJing announce- 
ments throughout, brings on Sybil 
Kaye, vocalist, who goes to town in 
good style on 'Dinah' and 'Swin.^ Mr. 
Paganini,' Earlyn Wallace, petite 
blonde,, follows with capable aero, 
sold nicelj'. 

Walter Powell starts the rou.-^h 
house off with his trombone stuff 
and the familiar seltzer bottles, fol- 
lowed by a olORC-in and Evelyn Far- 
ney, stepping out in one for a vocal 
and personality tap routine, accom- 
panied by pit band. Encores with 
rhumba tap as curtains part again, 
after which bond does comedy ver- 
sion of 'Comin' Round the Mountain.' 

Earlyn Wallace back again for toe 
stuff to another close-iji. with John 
Evans next in one, lor an okay, rou- 
tine of songs, Parting curtains rcT 
veal the familiar Old Masters and 
their excerpts, after which Milt 
takes- hold on the trombone to the 
usual clowning and instrument 



MONTE CARLO REVUE 

(C.\l['ITOL. ATLANTA) 

Atlanta, July 18. 
Here's ii I'oir.pt'ct, fast show that 
builds u)) speed us it goes along. Its 
presentation tt.ht.s only 33 minutes, 
much shorter than most units that 
hit Cap stage, but it never lags. Pro- 
duced by Harry Clark, of Chicago, 
show beli j/^s to Bill Martin, saxo- 
phonist-band leader, and made its 
debut a week a^o at Jacksonville, 
Fla. Outfit is exceedingly well knit 
considering short time it has been 
on road. 

Carvino.ahd Yovita, man and wife 
dance tearn, are 'n opening spot in a 
flashy bolero, full of twists and 
turns, done to 'Speakeasy Bolero.' 
They get a nice hand. Blonde Helen 
Terry takes over as emcee here and 
introduces Don Beldon, acrobatic 
juggler, Beldon does tricks with 
rubber balls, working in some fiip- 
flops while keeping the pellets /Toing. 
He then does some hand-balancing 
atop a six-foot table, following which 
he hauls up a six-foot pedestal, uoon 
which he does a ratchet .spin with 
his feet sticking some 18 feet in the 
air above the sta^e floor. He \Ands 
up with sn aero soft shoe number, 
including heels over head flios with- 
out touchinf^ the floor, to 'June and 
January.' All quite good and to a 
fine recention. 

Dottie Page follows with a fast toe 
tap to 'Mr. Rhythm,' which , is fol- 
lowed bv Belle Dean, singer, who 
warbles 'This Ts My Last Affair' and 
'Boo Hoo' in front of mike. Song- 
ster encores with 'Because My 
Sweetie Says It's So.' Both las.^-cs 
are lookers and got good hands- for 
their efforts. 

Pegpv Martin, Junoesoue duncer 
and wife of the band leafier, then 
does a snappy- rhumba to 'El Choc- 
olo.' nleasing the customers. 

Helen Terry and Johnny Rio on 
next with a clever musical turn. 
Fenime appears with . clarinet and 
man uses a harmonica. They rip off 
a hot 'St. Louis Blues.' girl rc".lly 
going to town on reeds. She then 
imitates pine organ with her instru- 
ment, while Rio. hauls out a three- 
foot length of rubber tubin«? and 
coaxes tones out of it resembling 
violin, playing 'Rose.s of Picardy.' 
Rio then grabs a guitar, with har- 
monica attached, and Helen sticks a 
comic hat on her head and they do 
a comedv hillhiHv .son" and march 
to 'Golden Stairs.' They finish 
.standing a-straddle of two medium- 
sized bass drums, into the he-'.ds of 
one side has been attached two 
strings tied to bottles. Thay pluck 
the strings and coax melodies out of 
them to the tune of 'Under the 
Double Eagle March.' The act was 
a crowd pleaser. 

Peggy Martin and Dotty Page re- 
turn for a tan routine and Carvlno 
and Yovita follow with a whirlwind 
ballroom number to 'Twelfth Street 
Rag.' 

Skating trio. Happv Renton. Tom 
Hickok and Jerry Gray (wife of 
Acrobat Beldon), are in closing spot. 
They do a fast turn and their stunts 
have polish and they close to a good 
hand. 

Perfunctory finale finds Terry girl 
down front bringing on each act at 
a time for a bow, with skaters doing 
stunts as curtains close. 

There's 17 in comnanv, including 
six bandsmen, . with music rating 
better than usual. To pad stage 
time management used an overture 
on second show, featuring leader 
Mprtin in a sax solo. 

Pic is 'Night Key' (Univ). Luch. 

TED MACK'S REVUE 

(ORIENTAL, CHICAGO) 

^ Chicago, July 16. 

Years ago, the folks of a small 
town u.sed to gather On a nice big 
lawn, and hcwe an ice cream sociable. 
Elmcr'd sit by Susie, and Stsve'd see 
that Bess got her .spoons back— the 
ones tied 'round with pink thread. 
But everybody'd have a swell time, 
particularly after the ice cream, 
when the talented citizens would get 
up and speak pieces or sing songs. 
And how they'd be applauded. 

Ted Mack's revue is an ice cream 
socip.ble. It does away with aill pre- 
tenticu.''Pess and sub.stitutes friend- 
liness. The acts aren't good — they're 



breaking stuff. Harry Du^an, on 
here in piano business formerly 
handled by Tito, goes over fairly 
well. Will no doubt imnrove as he 
familiarizes himself with the rou- 
tine and times the laufzhs. 

Comedy vcrrJcn of 'Poet, and 
Peasant' follow.", with Powell get- 
ting the usucl^puriishmcnt and scor- 
ing laughs to build un the- .socko 
breakaway curtain. Audience re- 
.sponded in good style and Britton 
came through with an encore that 
held up all right. Act is undoubt- 
edly a standard for any houre and 
with some liew stuff could onswy re- 
peat. SufTered .some here because 
of numerous clo.se-ins and blackouts 
which had tendency to slow matters 
up, but on the whole did an okay 
job. 

Film Is 'Super Sleuth' fRKO). 
nUis current edition of 'March oi' 
Time.* Burm. 



the talented members of the ice 
cream eaters — but the footlight 
barrier is gone, and- they get acro.ss 
in a big way. As such, the unit is 
bad theatre, but it's good for the 
theatre. 

It brings the audience and the 
performer together, and that's plenvy 
satisfactory for most audiences. 
What if little Dorothy . Meisner does 
stumble a couple times during her 
tap dance, and what if her t«ps 
aren't clean? She's just a cute child, 
so let's encourage her. Only Dorothy 
should smile while jhe's up in front 
of the folks, that's the only really 
bad fault she has, in this show.: 

And so it goes, right straight down 
the line. Acts conie and go, sohie of 
them istumbling, sonie inciting nil 
messed up, but, golly. If Mrs. Oriental 
hadn't lent us her lawn, we couldn't 
even be here. 

Behind the whole thing, ' creatinsf 
and permeating the Spirit which puts 
these turns over is the president of 
the club, the mayor of the town, or 
the minister of 'the church, Ted 
Mack. He's on the stage from begins 
ning to end, directing his 11-piece. 
orchestra, introducing the talented 
folks, and telling funny stories. Ted 
Mack is .good, plenty good, Not a 
fast talking, glib m.c„ but an easy, 
down to earth guy who'd do better 
than swell as a permanent house 
m.c, whcf* the audience was. not 
too sophisticated. 

One set is all the unit has. FuU 
stage, straight lined, and modernistic* 
At one point a scrim is naed, with a 
cathedral slide thrown upon it, tor a 
special effect during an orchestra 
number. Othei'wise everybody works 
in front of the band. 

Acts consist of Frances Burke, 
introduced as a Bowes discovei-y» 
and proves it by doing imitations of 
stars during her. song routine. She's 
all riglit, but that light .blue gown js 
atrocious; Then there's the Top 
Hatters, man and woman acrobatic 
skating team. Both work as under- 
standers, their tricks are good, and 
fast. 

Also on the bill, are The Three 
Dolls, who weren't ready when first 
called for, so came on later. Three 
girls, in gingham kid drcssres and 
hair ribbons, do acrobatic and knock- 
about, then finish off with challenge 
acrobatic, for which they're re- 
warded heavily in hand slapping. 
Teddy Lester, one of the orchestra 
boys, plays nil sorts of novelty and 
legit instruments. Dick and Lcotd 
Nash, rope spinning hoofers, are 
spotted last, and do their usual, un- 
changed routine. Over well. 

Added is the house line of 12, do- 
ing three colorful routines, and cos- 
tumes are. up to the usual excel!pnt 
standard. They add plenty to the 
show as a show, this week. 

Orchestra does two sessions alone, 
and everybody leaves, feelin-^ that 
maybe actors are. nice people, and 
friendly, after all. But next week, 
let's iee something a litlle more 
elaborate and flashy. But . let's go 
again, and that, after all, is the mam 
thing — and Ted Mack's revue outs 
such a spirit over well. 

Picture at house was 'She H?.d to 
Eat' (20th). Business last fhow, 
opening 6ay, just fair. Loop. 



Clean Burley 



(Continued from page 1) 



has not been .so hot, except in the 
theatres which are air-conditioned. 

After eight days of experimenting 
with the new policy, most of the 
New York houses admit box o.l'ice 
anemia and it's not the heat wave. 

Former burlesque fans are re- 
ported having disappeared after 
perusing the new brand oE enter- 
tainment and haven't come to ine 
surface since. It seems a case bl 
where do we go from here. 

One .smart burlesque manager told 
it all when he observed, , 'Burlesque 
without dirt or strippers is like noth- 
ing at all. They've scrammed the 
comics, because a carload of sapolio 
couldn't clean 'em up and keep 'em- 
in line. But after all, they were only 
spacers for the teasers and would 
have to be educated a lot before 
being able to work legit a3aln.' 

House operating mobs are in a 
frenzy for s Jmeihing to hypo the 
box-office, but in the meanwh'le arc 
exhausting the aspirin supply 
around Time.s Square. 



Hecht No. 1 



(Continued from page 1> 



are George Bradshaw, David Hertz, 
Joe Eigclow rnd tjCliarles Ledcrer. 
Quartet of writers also in the heavy 
coin clf?s:.« v.'ho recently completed 
work for Goldwyn are Lilian lleli- 
man, at !';2,00!) a stanza: Kohn^r and 
Ruby, who got ."iiSO.OOO for 20 woe*:s 
on 'Goldwyn Follies'; Alice Duer 
Miller, who w(irl;;cd with thi.s team, 
and How.'-.'-d J, Green who iAnft 
chored Pn the picture. 



63: YAKIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, July 21, I937 



GELMORE OPTIMISTIC ON WPA FUTURE; 
WASHINGTON EXPECTS EXEC CHANGES 



Equity Prez Won't Say Anything Definite, but Indi- 
cations Aire Pros Will Gel a Break — Red Angle 
Up Agaiii in N. Y. 



Frank Gillmore, Equity prez, who 
went to Washington last week for 
a conference with Harry L. Hop- 
kins, national WPA administrator, 
reported that there were no commit- 
ments as to possible reinstatement 
of dismissed professionals from the 
Federal Theatre Project. Equity's 
leader^ who represented all profes- 
sional stage groups^ including ac- 
tors, stage hands, musicians, scenic 
artists and others, expressed the 
hope, however, that his mission 
would be fruitful. . ^ 

While the let-outs went off the 
payroll last Thursday (15), hope was 
expressed that the administrator 
would visit New York soon and that 
a solution to the problem facing 
stage unions whose members re- 
ceived pink slips would be reached. 
There are expectations, too, that a 
reorganization of the relief diow set- 
ups in other localities will permit 
the return to the payroll of some 
iet-outs, but upping. the percentage 
of non-relief people in that category 
appears even harder to solve, in 
ligtit of the reduction regulations. 

Reorganization mentioned by sev- 
eral of those in the WPA- theatre 
administration division concerns 
abandoning of the project in various 
spots throughout the country. It is 
reported that several cities will 
be dropped by the WPA theatre end 
in addition to those already dropped 
in five states. Geographical regu- 
lations heretofore figuring in taking 
on people in the various localities 
was again pointed out to be in- 
equitable, because most actors are 
centered in the metropolis but are 
generally assignable to other points, 
More Bed-Baitidff 

No specific reorganization of ex- 
ecutive staffs in the FTP has been 
decided on, but it has been charged 
that supporters of the 'Communist 
party and the left-wing Workers' 
Alliance, an organization of unem- 
ployed, controlled (or control) the 
personnel and supervision of the 
writers and theatre projects ' Ralph 
M. Easley of the National Civic 
Federation set forth the charges in 
a letter addressed to Presideht 
Roosevelt. 

In soine quarters Easley is de- 
scribed as a 'professional patriot.* He 
Is quoted as having written: 

'We have a complete record of the 
supervisory personnel of both the 
writers and theatre projects and are 
prepared to prove their utter lack 
of qualification in every instance.' 

Alleges that the Workers'' Alliance 
exacted a week's pay from those dis- 
missed, in return for reinstatement, 
so 'it has come to a point where 
work relief»«5n federal projects has 
been turned into an outright racket 
preying on the earnings of unfor- 
tunates.' Also charges that both 
projects are characterized by gross 
Inefficiency and waste, and that pref- 
erence in employment was given 
over to controlling groups. 

In the FTP, he charged that 64% 
are 'people who never before made 
a living in connection with theatri- 
cal activity,' and that 82% of the 
supervisors are members of the 
Communist party or supporters of 
the movement, that 78% are mem- 
bers of the Alliance and 38% are of 
the Communist party. Stated that 
professional theatrical stagers, etc., 
were placed in humble positions on 
a security wage, whereas the lucra- 
tive positions have been turned over 
to 'people who have not the least 
inkling of the theatrical business.' 
Declared that 'this is not mere alle- 
gation . , . we have definite proof 
of the conditions.' 

Labor board of the stage unions, 
which asked for dismissal figures 
from Hallie Flanagan, has not di- 
gested the data. One figure to the 
effect that 181 professional actors 
had been dismissed does not jibe 
with the fact that around 150 were 
dismissed from the vaudeville and 
circus units alone. 



Capital's View 

Washington, July 20. 
Satisfactory discussion of the .future 
of the Federal Theatre program was 
reported by Frank Gillmore, presi- 
dent of Equity, after an hour-long 
conference with Harry Hopkins, 



Works Progress Administrator, last 
Week. 

Turning aside questioners with a 
'my lips are sealed' crack, the 
spokesman for the unionized F.T. P. 
beneficiaries said he was entirely 
content with prospects outlined by 
Hopkins. Would not say whether 
material changes in the program, 
rumored for nionths, will be made. 

While WPA execs previously have 
refused to promise unionists that all 
jobless theatre people will be as- 
sured groceries, Gillmore indicated 
he had won his argument for prefer- 
ential treatment for professional 
actors. His purpose in visiting Hop- 
kins was to complain that, under 
the Hallie Flanagan regime, amateurs 
and semi-pros are fair-haired, with 
person^ who make their living out of 
the theatre getting step-son attention. 
Shakeup? 

Whether a shake-up, involving re- 
placement of Mrs. Flanagan and pos- 
sibly William P, Farnsworth, was 
talked by Gillniore and Hopkins was 
not disclosed, but the manner of the 
Equity prez suggested that execs are 
likely to be tossed around soon. 
WPA is known to be touchy, at long 
last, under criticism that left-wingers 
are running the- show, and a purge is 
expected in political circles. Gillmore 
said he could not comment on the 
latest rumors that Mrs. Flanagan is 
on the toboggan. 

Slash of almost 3,000 theatre bene- 
ficiaries will go through as scheduled. 
Gillmore admitted following his con- 
ference that reduction of the theatre 
program is inevitable, but radiated 
hope that the non-pros will be the 
initial casualities. He insisted that 
there is no rivalry between stage- 
hands and actors, both sharing the 
sentiment that amateurs and semi- 
pros ought to be gated first. 

Meeting of the Equity chief and 
the • relief boss was considered 
significant in view -of the fact that 
only a - week earlier Gillmore had 
been given a run-around by Hop- 
kins' aides. Few days before, he 
talked with deputy administrators 
who dished up little satisfaction. He 
had an entirely different manner 
after tete-a-tete-ing with Hopkins 
personally. 



Granddaughter of Mark 
Twain Turns to Legit 

Westport, Conn., July 20. 

Nina Gabrilowitsch, Mark 'Twain's 
only grandchild, on the eve of 
her theatrical debut close to her 
birthplace (Redding), hopes that one 
day she will be a° good enough 
actress to appear in 'Joan of Arc' 
one of her . grandfather's few plays. 
Daughter of the late Ossip Gabri- 
lowitsch, conductor of the Detroit 
Symphony Orchestra, and the 
former Clara Clemens, has a bit in 
'Lysistrata,' which has been in re- 
hearsal at the Country Playhouse 
here all week and which opened at 
Mount Kisco Monday (19), coming 
back here a week later. 

Miss Gabrilowitsch, who has de- 
cided to use that name because 
Tamara Daykarhanova, her teacher, 
cannot remember Clemens, attended 
Barnard College after spending her 
early childhood in Europe. Her de- 
cision to become an actress has the 
approval of her mother, who used 
to act out her father's plays with 
her sisters in their old home near 
here. Clara Clemens eventually be- 
came w.k. as a concert singer. 

Nina hopes to get a place in a- 
Broadway show after her summer 
workout here and at Mount Kisco.' 



New Frisco Play 

San Francisco, July 20. 

Ralpl\ Pincus, manager of the 
Geary theatre, is due back from Hol- 
lywood, where he has been for 
several days, watching rehearsals of 
'Story to be Whispered,' new play by 
William S. Hurlbut. 

Howard Herrick, who was last 
here ahead of Lunt and FOntanne, 
is the advance man for the Hurlbut 
play, which will bring Marjorie 
Rambeau back to the stage after a 
thre« years' retirement, August IC. 



FOUR CAST CHANGES 
FOR LOOP TAKE IF 



Muni Seroff, from Yiddish legit, 
has replaced Eddie Conrad in the 
Chicago cast of 'You Can't Take It 
With You.* Seroff was known as 
Serebrov on the East Side, but de- 
cided to shorten the monicker for 
the new assignment, that of a tem- 
peramental dancing teacher. Part 
was originated by George Tobias in 
the N. Y. company. 

Several reasons were given for 
Conrad's replacement, one being 
marital trouble, but understood there 
was a difference of opinion as to his 
fitness for the role. 

Reports of clowning hy the Chicago 
cast, to the detriment of the per- 
formance, were indignantly denied 
by several players there, who tele- 
graphed Sam H. Harris, producer 
of the show. However, tnere aie 
four changes in the cast. In addi- 
tion to the Conrad switch, Eva Con- 
don will replace Daisy Atherton, 
Frank Tweddell goes into Walter 
Vonegut's part and . Cynthia Blake 
will succeed Ulla Kazonova. 

Vonegut is ill and has been ordered 
to rest. Miss Kazonova has T>een 
cast for the Boston 'Can't,' which 
starts rehearsals soon and which is 
due to open around Labor Day. 



CURTIS COMBS COAST 
FOR 'CRUISE' TALENT 



Hollywdod, July 20. 

Jack Curtis is hera talking deals 
with composeri to BCOr« 'World 
Cruise,' musical which h* plans to 
stage next fall, 

Idea is to cast the show ' with 
Hollywood talent and take it to 
Broadway. Curtis leaves iox New 
York this week and returns Aug. 5. 



Graftons' 'Coming' Will 
Debut on B'way in Sept. 

Sam Grisman is expected back 
from Europe in August to put 'Listen 
for Their Coaling,' by Sam and Edith 
Grafton, into production. Pair have 
finished revisions. Slated to open at 
"the Windsor (formerly the 48th 
Street) in September, but 'Rhyme 
Without Reason' is also mentioned 
for house. 

Graftons have atso just completed 
two one-act plays. Grafton is asso- 
ciate editor of the New York Post. 



KLEIN QUITS AS 
N. Y. TEMPLE 
BOOKER 



Mecca Temple auditorium, N. Y., 
is now without a booking manager, 
Harry Klein, formier general man- 
ager for Charles B. Dillingham, who 
handled the Shrine property, has 
withdrawn from* the enterprise. Fra 
ternal order is reported in weak 
financial condition, because of the 
property's financial load, arid, the 
need to reduce expenses caused the 
manager's resignation. 

Klein conducted the Temple build- 
ing and auditorium for four years, 
nearly any type of attraction being 
booked in; including grand opera. 
He was placed in the position through 
the Manufacturers Trust Co., which 
also had Hammerstein's Theatre (re- 
named Manhattain) on its hands 
through foreclosure. Latter was used 
as a night club for a time and. is 
now used for broadcasting by CBS 
under a five-year lease with options. 

Shrine property cost $3,000,000 
and the bank loaned $1,000,000, but 
did not foreclose, stepping away, 
however, from management respon- 
sibilities. Property's high carrying 
charges is one reason for its present 
financial condition, taxes alone run- 
ning to $50,000 yearly. No succes- 
sor to Klein is intended^ booking 
bids going to a secretaty* 



'Excursion Folds, an In-Between 
Show, Despite Many Rave Notices 



'Excursion' quietly slipped off 
Broadway's list when it folded at 
the Vanderbilt Saturday (17). Critics 
went to town on the show, raving 
over what nearly all others, in show 
business and out, thought was just 
so-so. 

Play lasted 15 weeks, which ordi- 
narily would have placed it in the 
success column, but it was on the 
verge of shutting down more than 
four weeks previously and contin- 
ued only after the players took two 
cuts in salaries. In gross 'Excur- 
sion' was once estimated topping 
$11,000 for one week. Thereafter it 
started tapering, untiL it was down 
to the $5,000 level and the pace dur- 



•EXCURSION' 



Opened April 9, 1937. Com- 
edy was enthusiastically re- 
ceived by all critics. Atkinson 
(Times) said 'nothlng^ quite so 
refreshing has turned lip in this 
neighborhood since' spring.' 
while Gabriel (American^ ex- 
ulted, 'fresh food, from the gods 
and we gobbled it down with 
glee.' Brown (Post) editorial- 
ized 'play itself and the per- 
formances offer between them a 
delightful, rare and richly re- 
warding excursion for which, if 
you are wise, 'you will hasten to 
purchase tickets.' ijOCKbridge 
(Sun) called it .'high-spirited 
and light-hearted, packed with 
laughter.' Anderson (Journal) 
described it as an 'amiable voy- 
age which falls ruefully short 
of its promised land, but full of 
genial sentiment, ingratiating 
characters and pleasant humors.' 
Watts (Ilerald-Trib) opined 
'curiously comforting evening.' 

VARiETvr (Rowl) joined the 
parade with 'sharply pointed, 
its style combines gay humor 
and an imaginative untterlylng 
premise. Play packs the power 
to please a wide variety of audi- 
ences.' 



ing th« last two weeks was around 
$3,000. 

Once again it Is proven that critics 
cannot mako a hit out of an In- 
betweener, any moro than a weak 
press can down what audiences like. 
When observers peeked at 'Excur- 
sion,' to discern the cause of the rave 
notices, the only , answer was that a 
flock of bad spring items had so 
enervated the reviewers' taste that 
when a play with an idea happened 
along they donned rose-colored 
glasses in glee. 

Not all the critics really went to 
town, but all agreed that 'Excur- 
sion' was big stuff. 

When the reviews appeared, the 
managerial staff was flabbergasted. 
Show had opened in Philadelphia 
for try-out and the presenter, John 
C. Wilson, was minded to forget the 
whole thing. It was decided, how- 
ever, to open on Broadway and get 
it over with. Upon seeing the notices 
the comment that went over the 
telephone wires between the man- 
ager and staff would furnish ma- 
terial for a book. Wilson is ah asso- 
ciate Of Noel Coward, whom he pre- 
sented in 'Tonight at 8:30' with Ger- 
trude Lawrence co-starred. The 
Lunts are also in. 

While the reviews did not figure 
in putting the play over, it is indi- 
cated that they helped' in the sale 
of the picture rights, which were 
bid up to $125,000, paid by Metro. 
Price was among the highs of the 
season and the unexpected profit 
from that end probably inspired the 
management in keeping the show 
going at a loss longer than ordi- 
narily. 

Another closing Saturday was 'The 
Show is On,' which finally went off 
at the Winter Garden, after playing 
28'/^ weeks. Revue had been adver- 
tised to 'positively' close about two 
months previous. Recently, when 
Bert Lahr withdrew and went to 
Hollywood, Willie 'and Eugene How- 
ard stepped into the cast. Heat of 
the past two weeks, however, was 
the indicated factor in forcing the 
pace under an even break level. j 



NAMES TAX 
REMISS SPECS 



Nine ticket agencies, four of their 
owners- and seven employees were 
named yesterday (Tuesday) in in- 
formations filed in U. S. District 
Court, N. Y., by U. S. Attorney 
Lamar Hardy charging each with 
violating the Federal laws governing 
the sale of tickets. In 332 offences 
cited it is charged the defendants 
failed to stamp the agency name and 
endorsement of the price on the 
back of the tickets.' Each offense on 
conviction calls 'for a fine of $100. 
The Government thereby would col- 
lect $33,200 but also claims millions 
of dollars in taxes on tickets sold at - 
a premium. 

Those named in the virtual indict- 
ments are Supreme Theatre Ticket 
Service, Inc. and Robert Baum- 
garten; Leo Newman's Theatre Ticket 
Office, Inc. and Philip Guryan; 
Michael Atlas and Walter FMedman, 
trading as the Acme Theatre Ticket- 
Office; Harry Schack of the Rialto 
Theatre Ticket Service together with 
Thomais Burke; Ruth Alexander, of 
Alexander's Ticket Office and Jesse 
Berley; Jacobs' Ticket Office, Inc. 
and Wilfred Betts; Beckhardt's 
Ticket Service and John Dunlevy. : 



Washington, July 20. 
Another round-up of ticket specu- 
lators appeared imminent, this week 
following issuance of stiffer Treasury 
Department regulations governing 
the sale of ducats. 

Under amended code of the Inter- 
nal Revenue Bureau, pasteboards 
sold by anyone other than the actual 
theatre must show the initial selling 
price, and the name and address of 
each vendor. Ducats with marked- 
up prices would be checked and the 
seller of any ticket bearing a phony 
figure would be liable for prosecu- 
tion. 

Effective Oct. 1, the revised regu- 
lation says, both the established and 
selling prices, as well as the original 
and second tax figures, must be con- 
spicuously and indelibly stamped on 
the portion collected at the door, 
which also must show the seat or 
box number. Tickets, along with 
cabaret checks, must be saved for 
three months for possible investiga- 
tion by government agents. 



'Iron Men" Prop Basis 
Of Suit YS. Bel Geddes 



Peter Clark, Inc., has started suit 
against Norman Bel Geddes on a 
claim for money due on the derrick 
used in the latter's production of 
'Iron Men' last season. The practical 
prop was made of steel and it cost 
around $2,500. About half the bill 
was paid, the show management 
holding back the balance, contending 
it had been forced to spend more 
than $1,000 to make the derrick 
workable and that the Clark outfit 
had neglected to supply certain 
necessary gadgets. 

'Iron Men' was withdrawn after 
playing two weeks at the Longacre, 
N. Y., and going $42,000 in the red. 
Geddies attracted attention in casting 
the play by engaging several struc- 
tural steel workers, one, William 
Haade, playing one of the leads. 
Most of the. action in 'Men' was sup- 
posed to be on girders of a sky- 
scraper being erected, The steel 
workers regarded the engagement 
as a lark, figuring it easy money and 
asking 'how long has this been go- 
ing on.' 

However, after the show fiopped, 
they returned to their regular jobs 
with the exception of Haade, who 
was sent to Hollywood. He appeared 
in 'Kid Gallahad' (WB). 



FOULKE'S NEW JOB 

George Abbott has upped Robert 
iFoulke as production assistant in 
charge of preliminary staging of 
'Brother Rat' replacements. Foulke, 
who is in 'Rat' cast, will work with 
Edith Van Cleve. 

Garson Kainan was Abbott's pro- 
duction and casting aide until he 
went to the Coast recently to join 
the Sam Goldwyn outfit. Foulke 
also continues as assistant to Charles 
Washburn on publicity for the Ab- 
bott shows. 



Weanesday, July 21, 1937 



LEGITIMATE 



VARIETY 





Equity Clearh^ Decks of Trouble 
Matters; Weekly Council Meetings 



Equity Is preparing to clear its 
schedule of ' controversial issues, so 
that the calendar during the coming 
season will not be cluttered and the 
council will be able to consider prob- 
able new questions more efficiently. 
To that purpose the council is hold- 
ing .weekly sessions, imperative, be- 
cause of the WPA dismissal situation. 
Previously -suchi sessions were held 
every two weeks. 

Organization of radio artists is the 
new rtajor activity jof the actors' as- 
sociation. With that in mind, com- 
mittees have been named to act on 
the Issues which cropped up during 
the past two years, but not disposed 
of. Committees will probably not 
get into action until some time in 
August, because of the number of 
members who are out of the city, but 
the movement to clear the decks is 
definitely on. 

First ,to be disposed of are ex- 
pected to be those questions which 
were propounded during the three- 
sided election campaign early in 
June. Among' these issues is the 
double minimum, which was ex- 
pected to be disposed at the annual 
meeting but was not introduced. It 
is evident that the membership is 
split on the fixing of $25 weekly, as 
the minimum for juniors.- More ex- 
perienced people are Dut for a single 
minimum of $40, which now applies 
to seniors. Even though managers 
cannot engage more than 10% at the 
lower - figure, they feel there is al- 
ways a chance for discrimination. 
Juniors 

There Is also the matter of per- 
mitting juniors to talk from the floor 
at meetings. That question is not so 
much contested, but a rule may be 
attempted which would permit a 
limited allocation of floor time to 
juniors. Matter of salary to the presi- 
dent and executive secretary -treas- 
urer was an issue in the campaign 
and will also be considered, though 
the present compensation is not ex- 
pected to be changed. Alien actor 
policy will be considered, also, with 
the administration favoring restric- 
tion. 

Second, or independeiritT ticket was 
out for a clarification of Equity's 
financial status, which will have com- 
mittee deliberation and report. It 
also wants controversial matters 
given space by opponents and propo- 
nents in the association's monthly 
house organ. Possibility of further 
economies, re-formation of the ex- 
ecutive committee, shortening of the 
probationary period and changes in 
rehearsal pay rules are among other 
topics for consideration. 

There is a possibility that one or 
more issues will be put to refer- 
endum, that to be decided when the 
reports are made to the council and 
enough of a majority of that body 
deem such procedure advisable. 



Aerial Competish 



St. Louis, July' 20. 

With the Municipal Opera 
season in the al fresco theatre 
In Forest Park in full swing, 
execs of TWA airlines have 
routed their planes, away from 
the outdoor bowl. In a direct 
line with the Lambert-St. Louis 
airport, planes passed directly 
over the theatre and the drone 
of motors and display of riding 
lights distracted attention of 
customers in the bowl. 

Larry Fritz, eastern region 
supt. of the line, instructed all 
pilots to detour around the 
theatre. 



LIMITATION OF 
BACaCE UP 
AGAIN 



A.F.L. Sm TRYING 
TO ORG. LEGIT MGRS. 



Trunk Lines Assn., composed of 
Eastern railway systems, is consider- 
ing a suggestion to limit traveling 
attractions to two free baggage cars, 
regardless of .the number of persons 
traveled in the party. Idea, which 
' has stirred up managers, is known 
to be opposed by passenger agents 
of leading lines, but each road has 
one vote, regardless of its size. 

Same suggestion was defeated last 
year, but is on the docket for con- 
sideration again. Plan emanated 
from the west coast railway group, 
but those lines would hardly adopt 
the idea without -the support of the 
Trunk Lines and the midwest riail- 
way group. Although the baggage 
car limitation was then voted down. 
Trunk Lines rejected the appeal of 
show business to make an exception 
for it and accept the two per mile 
rate in Pullmans and sleepers for 
such parties. 

Big shows would be hampered, if 
'not forced off the road entirely, by 
the proposed baggage car limitation. 
It is certain that major shows would 
have to be condensed if attempting 
to tour. Last season 'The Great 
Waltz' traveled 100 persons and used 
five baggage cars. 'Follies' used at 
least four, while the proposed Billy 
Rose 'Show of Shows' might be 
stopped before starting. 'Waltz,' due 
out again in the fall, went to the 
coast last season. Jumps were often 
so long that most of the operating 
profit was used in transportation 
costs. 

Regulations usually call for one 
baggage car without additional cost 
for each 20 persons in a touring at- 
traction. An exception is the New 
Haven line, which permits one car 
for each 30 persons. 



Newark, July 20. 

Another attempt to organize Essex 
county top theatre employees will 
be made within two weeks. Thomas 
Green, head of the stagehands union 
and a leading A. F. of L. figure in 
New Jersey, is the dynamo behind 
the move. He refused to become 
discouraged when only six managers 
arrived at the initial meeting. 
Several hundred had been expected. 

Present program is to take in the- 
atre managers, as.sistan1s and 
treasurers. Cashiers will be ex- 
cluded for the lime being. Green 
says they will be unionized later. 

It is believed that the meetings 
held Friday at 1 a. m. was a floperoo 
because theatre men -were only in- 
vited by letter. A committee is being 
formed to make house to house can- 
vas. Members will be in position to 
give real sales talk. 

Green predicts membership of 400 
before Christmas. 



Charlie King May Take 
*The Tavern' Out in Fall 

George M. Cohan's 'The Tavern' 
may be revived for the road next 
season with Charles " King starred 
as the Vagabond. Lou Straus is or- 
ganizing to open when and if George 
M. Cohan okays the idea. 

If set it will be King's, first stab 
at strai!?ht legit, being formerly 
identified with musical comedy and 
pix. 



*Sea Legs' to Encore? 

Al Bannister and Edward Byrne 
are talking a rood tour for 'Sea 
Legs,' short lived musical which had 
a three-week run at the Mansfield, 
N. Y., last spring. 

Producers want, to reassemble 
original cast headed by Charles Col- 
lins and Dorothy Stone, providing j 
latter are available. I 





Br UBOR 



End of September or Early 
October the Tee-Off 
Months for 1937-8 — Only 
a Few Shows Readying 
Now, and Not Many Until 
Late August 



LOOKS LATE 



Equity Reinstates Oalde, Warwick, 
Nolan, Et Al; TuUy Marshall, Out 
Since '29, Pays $500 to Get Back In 



LOOKING AHEAD TO '39 



Legit season of 1937-38 is techni- 
cally . dated to start on or before 
Labor Day (Sept. 6), but indications 
are that only a few new shows will 
have premiered by that time. There 
has been a tendency to set back the 
season's openings for several years 
and the trend now is even more 
pronounced. 

While one or two musicals and 
perhaps a few dramas will start 
readying soon, there will be com- 
paratively few new productions in 
rehearsal until late August, so that 
any appreciable number of debuts 
will not join the list until late Sep- 
tember, or during October. 

Some managers nurtured the idea 
that early openings had an edge "over 
those which came later, but although 
it was easier to avoid conflicting first 
nights, it is generally conceded now 
that there is no advantage. It was 
noticeable that a goodly percentage 
of clicks in the past several seasons 
entered during October, but it is 
equally evident that the time of 
opening is not a paramount factor 
in the chances of success. Late 
spring is regarded as the most 
hazardous opening period, but there 
are exceptions, as for instance 'Room 
Service.' 

There is perhaps a deadline for 
musical production, which is the rea- 
son why managers seek to start such 
shows early " in the seasonr or com- 
paratively so. That type of produc- 
tion being more costly, a number of 
high gross weeks are looked for dur- 
ing the fall and winter, as a means 
of winning back production cost. 
Formerly, however, Broadway had 
half a dozen summer musicals, a 
vogue which has passed out. 
1936-37 Late, Too 

Last summer there was another 
reason for setting back the season, 
managers claiming that authors had 
stopped writing during the conflict 
over the new contract and scripts 
were therefore incomplete, or not 
even started. One year ago, too, the 
situation was affected by the refusal 
of Hollywood to finance stage .shows. 

That was mitigated by reports that 
there was plenty of money around, 
emanating from Wall Street.. How 
much of such coin actually came up- 
town was neyer determined, but 
there was an atmosphere of confi- 
dence on Broadway. Similar bank- 
rolling indications are not present 
at this time, but while the count on 
the last season's productivity proved 
there were fewer shows presented, 
there is no reason to anticipate a 
further shrinkage. 

Nor are there signs of a house 
shortage, which was t)redicted la.<!t 
summer and the year before. Prob- 
abilities of a production surge, how- 
ever, are being considered in .some 
managerial circles, with the expecta- 
tion that New York's .show li.st will 
strengthen as the time for the 
World's Fair of 1939 approaches. 

There are two attractions more or 
less definitely slated to debut before 
Labor Day. They are 'Virginia,' mu- 
sical now dated for the Center. Ra- 
dio City, Aug. 31. and 'Rhyme With- 
out Rea'son.' drama, which may come ' 
in at the 4Cth Street a few dnys 
ahead of the operetta. Another mu- 
sical, 'Beyond the Devil,' .should ar- 
rive among the early group. 

Last Labor Day the list was livened 
by the resumption of the standouts 
'Victor Regina' and 'Idiot's Deliqht,' 
which verged on capacity even then. 
Coming nev; season, however, must 
depend on new px-oduction, as in 
mo.st other seo.sons. It is doubtful 
whether more than five of the cur- 
rent proup of survivors v.'ill continue 
well into next fall. 



Tongue-Tied 



Showman, on friendly terms 
^vith a horse trainer, was told 
by the latter to be on hand for 
the opening race early last 
week, as it might be the day for 
the entry to win. The horse 
romped in an easy winner, but 
the manager was delayed 
reaching the course until the 
sprint was over. Plenty burned, 
he later told about the incident 
and added: 

'I was so mad I couldn't talk 
for three races.' 



Socialites' Big 
Turn-Out f or C.C. 
Drama Festival 



Central City, Col., July 20. 
■ Sixth annual Central City Play 
Festival is under way, with the activ- 
ities co-ordinated under the direction 
of Richard Aldrich. Special events 
are interspersed between the presen- 
tation of 'A Doll's House' in the 
Opera House. 

Rock drill contests. Are runs and 
other contests will pep up the affair 
next Sunday (25). Music in the 
Teller House, hotel operated and 
owned by the association, and music 
on the balcony outside the Opera 
House, are features of each day. 

Opening night, a practical sell- 
out, was society night. Evelyn Walsh 
McLain, Colorado woman, now of 
Washington, D. C, wore several 
hundred thousand dollars' worth of 
diamonds, including the famous 
Hope diamond. She took over a 
floor of the Teller House in which to 
entertain her friends. 

For the first time efforts are being 
made to make the night club a 
major attraction. Sheila Barrett has 
been brought out and is the star 
for the seven nights the club 
operates. 

Festival runs to Aug. 7, with 25 
performances. Opening night prices 
were $5. Others are from $2 to 
$3.50, and advance Indications are 
that former b.o, records will be at 
least tied. 



RODNEY'S CHILLER FOR 
'POISON IVY' TRAIL 



Matt J. Rooney Is casting 'The 

Studio Murder,' chiller with radio 

background, for a tour of resort au-- 

ditorium, dance halls and dining 
rooms along the 'poison ivy' trail. 
Rooney authored and will also di- 
rect. 

Cast includes Dorothy Collins, 
Sam Barody, Arthur Lally, Francis 
Molloy, Helen Klein, Jessie Wag- 
oner, Edward Holbrooke, Sam 
Haurer and Keats Springer. Troupe 
will be transported in trailers. 



Linders Are Back, They 
Call It 'Emperor of Vice' 

'Emperor of Vice,' melo by Mark 
Linder,. will be next legit produc)n|{ 
venture for Jack Linder, scheduled 
to get under way In September. 

Jack Linder is now in Hollywood 
reported trying to align some pic- 
ture people for leads. Casting and 
rehear.sals will get under w.iy when 
he returns to New York next 
month. 



Six actors resident on the '"^ 
Coast and suspended by Equity for 
failure to join the Screen Actors 
Guild have been reinstated and an- 
other also was placed in good stand- 
ing aftef being taboo for eight years, 
because of another 'offence.' Latter 
is Tully Marshall, who was required 
to pay a fine of $500 to Equity be- 
fore he was stamped okay. It was 
one of the stiffest penalties eyer 
meted out to a member of the actors 
association. . 

Marshall helped spike the. guns of 
Equity during the unsuccessful' 
movement to organize Hollywood in 
1929. He went into the courts for 
the purpose of an Injunction re- 
straining the plan to force actors into 
an organizatiort. , That gesture on 
behalf of picture producers was re- 
garded as the severest blow to 
Equity's aspirations. Others were 
lime-lighted as obstructionists and 
Marshall's actioh was kept under 
cover with no little rancor. 

The actor was forced to square 
himself because of SAG's recent deal 
with the Hollywood producers not 
to engage any player unless belong- 
ing to .the Guild, Marshall 'therefore 
was out on a limb and had no re- 
course but to. get into good standing 
with Equity. He has no idea of re- 
turning to the legit stage, but un- 
less okay with Equity he could not 
join the SAG, and therefore could 
be kept from studio engagements. 

The Guild intends to force the 
30 odd players suspended for failure 
to join SAG to make their peace 
with Equity. It has not yet made 
that move, but may do so late this 
summer. Guild has announced that 
all those' who are back in the pay- 
ment of dues must kick in by noon 
of'July 31. Those who fail to do so 
must pay double the dues. 

Dues in SAG are scaled according 
to salary and range from $30 to $90 
per year. Junior members were 
paying $10 per year, but the rate has 
been upped to $4.50 quarterly, or 
$18 annually. Kenneth Thompson, 
the SAG executive, is one of the 
highest paid men in the stage 
unions, receiving $250 weekly . plus 
the privilege of taking studio acting 
jobs. Coast reported him considering 
resigning to accept a part in 'Susan 
and God,' due on Broadway in the 
fall. 

When members were suspended 
from Equity for not joining tlie 
Guild, it was stated that before re- 
instatement they would be required 
to pay a fine of $100 in addition to 
back dues, at the will of the coun- 
cil. Understood all but one paid the 
fine, one exception being made be- 
cause of a misunderstanding. They 
are Frederic Santley, Jack Oakie, 
Robert Warwick, Lloyd Nolan, Har- 
vey Clarke and Lucien Littleiield. 



SHORT QUITS lADY'; 
DELAY ON NEW PLAY 



'Great Lady,' musical comedy 
which is to be produced by Frank 
Crumit, his maiden managerial ef- 
fort, was. first listed among the new 
.season shows. Some delay bias been 
occasioned,, however, by a change in 
the directional assignment. Hassard 
Short was expected to be the stager 
and was reported accepting the as- 
signment by cablegram while in 
London. 

La.st week Short withdrew, it be- 
ing .stated that he would be first 
occupied with staging 'Three Waltzes' 
for the Shuberts. Understood nov/ 
that Edward Clark Lilley will .staije 
'Lady,' starting date now not def- 
initc- 

Norma Terris, slated to play the 
lead, had cancelled a number of 
."■ummer theatre dates to be prepared 
for Au{;ust rehearsals, and is now 
recking to fill in the time at other 
country show shops. 



6i 



VARIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



Wedaesday, July 21, 1937 



Sammer Theatres 



A DOLL'S HOUSE 

Central City, Colo.. July 17. 

Rloliard AldrJcli presents revised version 
of Hrturlk Ibaen'a ptay, ftdnDted by Thorn- 
ton Wlldei'. Producert by Jed Hxirrla: set- 
tlnffs nil* rostumos, Donald Oenijla(j(>r. At 
tlin I'enival City Opera House July ]7-Aujf. 
7. '37; ?5 opening night; other pertorinanues 
to ^i.oO. 

Nora. Helmer >Rulh Gordon 

KIIt«n Inga Hill 

Prtrtei' Harold JOlinsrud 

Thorwald Helmor Waller Slewik 

Christina Linden Margaret Waller 

Doctor Rank Dennis King 

Nils ICrogstad., Sam .Tnffe 

AmiR .....Hope Landln 

With very little revision, 'The 
Doll's House' is the offering for the 
sixth annual play festival, plaything 
of Colorado's social, art and business 
folk. Latter back it for tourist rea-^ 
tiins, and the two former for some- 
thing to do. 

Extent of revision can best be seen 
in one bit. Where the original says 
the meek wife borrowed $1,200 to 
-^talie her husband to Italy for his 
health, and thus saved his life, the 
Central City version says she bor- 
rowed $1,700. Probably Thornton 
• Wilder had been to Italy and thought 
the figure low. Other revisions are 
inconsequential and the play ends 
as in the original. 

With the persons cast in the lead- 
- ing roles, the production cannot fail 
io be an artistic success. Even 
though it was third choice (two 
other selections being unavailable), 
the association is vindicated on its 
pick. 

Ruth Gordon is a fortunate selec- 
tion for Nora Helmer; role of the 
loving and undisciplined wife seems 
made to ordei* for the 1880 atmos- 
phere of the stage setting, with its 
square piano, framed portraits and 
knick-knacks scattered about the 
roojn. She carries her various 
moods, from gay to the depths of 
despair, and holds th.^ audience 
throughout. 

Walter Slezak carries the part of 
a conservative family and business 
man in a finished manner. He's best 
when he is lecturing his wife over 
having ruined him, in the third act. 

Dennis King, as the doctor friend 
getting ready for death because of 
the sins of bis father, does his part 
as it should be done. Sam Jaife as 
an employe of the bank, but a loan 
shark on the side, is the villain and 
•the holder of the note the. trusting 
wife of the banker signed to take 
her husband on the life-saving trip. 
He carries his part with skill. Mar- 
garet Waller, as the friend of Ruth 
Gordon and the former sweetheart 
of Jaffe, does her part well. 

Play is not one which everyone 
.will go away and boost. It's just -not 
that type. But those knowing good 
acting will be lavish in their praise. 
Parts of the play are depressing, but 
the situations are strong and - grip 
the audience. 

One setting suffices for the three 
acts. 

Plans call for takinj? this produc- 
tion to New York, and- it might last 
a few weeks as a novelty. Laughs 
ar« too ffew. 

Painstaking direction Is evident 
throughout. Rose. 



thence to a New York apartment. 
The action concerns Anita, a beauti- 
ful young actress and her divorced 
husband, Alfred, a' sort of pt writer. 
They meet at the Riviera, the old 
spark is rekindled and Off they go 
to London to try it again. But it is 
no go. Anita becomes a success, and 
Alfred doesn't seem to get anywhere 
with his writing. Anita takes ^ up 
again with a wealthy young English- 
man. Alfred returns and makes a 
scene. It's the parting of the ways 
again. 

The third act picks up Alfred in 
Greenwich Village, where he is liv- 
ing with his former mistreiss. By 
now he is famous, and while he is 
separated . from his ex-wife he longs 
for her lovc. On the day of his final 
divorce he decides to return to Eng- 
land. There by mischance he finds 
Anita in the arms of another man. 
His ardor cools quickly, but the old 
urge returns in the nick of time. 

All things considered, the cast is 
splendid, honors , going to Miss Dal- 
ton and Barrie for their smooth 
handling of difficult roles. Swift, 
whose real name is Eric Simpson, 
represented the London Times in 
New York at one time. Marcello. 



SWEET SORROW 

Newport, R. I., July 13. 
Comedy In three acln by lOrle Swiri; pif- 
a^niod by the Actor-Manageni, Inc., at th? 
K<s\vr>ort C'upino theatre; stHKed by Helen 
Arthur and direoled by Alice Morgmi; sets 
by l-:n»ellne Clarli Roche, 

Anlla ...Doris Dallon 

Alfred,. r,i>Hlle Hiirrie 

Jn' k <'havle.s Trexler 

Mirfc* Ullzabeth Detin Kiirrjir 

Kdniund liVeeuian Hdg,ir Kent 

I"'^':' Joanna rtoo'' 

Mirlua Kninlilln Crav 

H'lii'eT Bettlna Cerf 



It would be rather bold, perhaps, 
to compare this production with any 
numbsr of others which have ex- 
ploii.3d couples who marry, divorce, 
reunite, part again, and then finally 
effect what seems to be a lasting 
reconciliation. None the less, there 
is the suggestion that the pattern is 
not a new one. More, specifically, 
'Sweet Sorrow,' which was presented 
for the first, time before a svyanlcy 
audience of Newport socialites, 
smacks of the sophisticated 'Private 
Lives,' except of course the charac- 
ters are more plentiful here. Most 
times, however, the action stems 
from the on-and-off-again romance 
of the two main characters nlaysd 
by Doi'is Dalton and Leslie Barrie. 

There is no denying that audience 
here found 'Sweet Sorrow' mucli to 
its lilring. It has a certain gai'!J.y 
and Gusto that usually strikefe the 
ri.'{ht choi'd with strawhat audiences. 
Eut what chances it has for produc- 
tion on the metropolitan stage is 
another thing. 

It is apparent that 'Sweet Sorrow' 
is .^rcatl.y over-written, e.;uecially in 
th? second act. Most of it could be 
ci'^! without anyone missing it. 

The play suffers, too, from an 
ova.-abuncJ.ancc of 'dialogue. The 
talkv s-'^rit)t often proves a serious 
handicap to the cast. What will ha-p- 
p:;n if 3 shrewd conden.sation is 
' made in the second act, and the dia- 
I'i'^t'.e .sliced in portions whsre dele- 
ti;.m is most needed, can be only 
d'.t^nninod by a second loyk. It's 

"""y locale jumps from a villa on 
tlie" Riviera to a Mayfair Hat and 



GLORY OF YOUTH 

Rye Beach, N. H., July 13. 

Fapoe In thre& acts by Doty Hobart; pre- 
sented at Farragut Playhouse, ftye Beaoh, 
N. H., July 18, '87. Staged by Dorothy 
M, Crane. Setting by John Sollora. 

June Waldo Jackson Perkins 

First Bellboy William Cleary 

Maid Barilla Kerr 

ttonald Drlnkwater<.i .Patrick Lawrence . 

Mrs, T, S, Waldo Jean. Guild 

Second Bellboy........... Otis Blgelow 

Senator T, Shelby "Waldo.. Joseph F. Foley 

>Ianager ..Theodore Paul 

Dr. Luc-ian Drlnkwater 

H. McAlpln Whitney 

Waiter Lauren Gilbert 

Mrs, Lucian 'Bunny' Drinkwater. . , . , . 

Zl 11 Taylor 

NTumber Eight.. Lewis Perrlne 

Plot of 'Glory' is about as fresh as 
the 23-year-oId romance which its 
principal characters try to revive un- 
successfully, and its commercial pos- 
sibilities are nil. 

Senator Waldo, affectionately 
called 'Wally' by a former college 
days sweetie, 'Bunny' Drinkwater, 
registers with his family at a New 
York hotel. 'Bunny' campaigns for 
a rendezvous to see how hot the old 
flame is, first by sending him roses, 
with a cute little card which he 
recognizes as coming frorri his old 
gal of two decades ago. 

Under high pressure from 'Bunny' 
the senator falls into line and the 
rendezvous takes place in the second 
act,- while Mrs. Waldo and Dr. Drink- 
water go to a concert through fur- 
ther connivance by Mrs. Drinkwater. 
The stale romance is still dead, she 
finds, but they have quite a spree 
enacting their quarrel which precipi- 
tated their breakup years ago. A 
drunk act, diu-ing this bedroom 
frolic, is unconvincing and too long, 
but they finally fall asleep afr the end 
of the act. 

Third act picks up the scene at 
exactly the same spot and when the 
senator's daughter and the Drink- 
water son return home from a dance 
they discover Wally in a dressing 
gown, and Bunny hiding behind a 
bedside screen. 

H. McAlpin Whitney, as Dr. Drink- 
water, an eccentric mammal mounter 
Cor a natural history museum, has 
few comic lines, but he milks, them 
to the limit and altogether gives a 
characterization th&t takes top 
honors. Foley as the jittery senator 
.siets a good quota of laughs. . Miss 
Guild, as his Wife, is okay. Miss 
Perkins is an attractive ingenue, but 
has not got complete control of 
her voice. Her vivacity added much 
to the play, although it was damp- 
ened by the wooden performance of 
the juve, Patrick Lawrence. Fox. 



no childrein. Nearby liv6 Henry and 
Jenny Nelson, and they have five 
children. Up the road lives 'Alex- 
ander Perkins, who has two children, 
but no wife. When the folks start 
switching, Jenny Perkins goes to live 
with Walter and Lettie Messer goes 
to live at the Perkins' homestead. By 
the time the first frost comes Perkins 
feels that he's on the short end of 
the deal, and to keep him happy 
Messer gives him- his horse. Every- 
thing seems to be satisfactory and 
the men-folk ajee thinking to marry 
the women .when the mare throws 
herself in ppnd and drowns. Messer 
takes this as an omen from God, so 
all the natives go back, to their for- 
mer stations. 

No denying the swell job the Mat- 
uriuck players do with the piece. 
Russell Collins is right in keeping 
with the character of Walter Messer, 
a man wholly takeii up with his rus- 
tic existence. Zamah Cunningham's 
portrayal of Jenny Perkins is a high- 
light of the evening. Remainder of 
the cast is uniformly good and the 
two settings by John Walker are 
typically country. Morcello. 



PREJUDICE 

CenterviUe, Mass., July 19. 

Drama in three aotg by Edgar Selwyn, 
produced by John Ciaig at Mary Touok 
Theatre, CentervlUe, Mass,, week ot July 
19, '37. 

Cast: Mary Toung, Carlyle Moore, Jr., 
Wm. P. Carleton. Eric Walkhurat. Jane 
Barnes, Wm. Lawson, Milton Par.son, 



'Prejudice' showed much promise 
through the first two acts^ then 
somehow missed its expected punch 
in the third. Nevertheless, if the 
author puts in some more work on 
the third act, injecting perhaps a 
meaty philosophical taste, or a finish 
that does not leave matters hanging 
in mid-air, as they do now, he will 
have a . piece of property that might 
attract serious and profitable atten- 
tion from winter audiences. He is 
dealing with a delicate subject, 
prejudice against the Jews, sind he 
handles it skillfully, even though 
bluntly. Still, after the story is told, 
he has not made a conclusive sale or 
proven any definite points, except, 
possibly, that prejudices will go on 
forever- 
Judith Whitridge (Eleanor King.) 
is loved by two men, ' Donald Hast- 
ings (Carlyle Moore, Jr.), an eligible 
bachelor whom she does not love 
completely, and Tom Marshall (Eric 
Kallchurst), a married man, whom 
she loves intensely. Len Erlich 
(William Lawson), a Jewish business 
advisor of her wealthy grandmother, 
she dislikes chiefly because of his 
race, and in a bang-up second act 
scene she tells him so. 

Following immediately is another 
shocker. Her mother demands that 
(Co?itinued on page 70) 



Man, Wife, and Horse 

Matuniick, R. I,, July 13. 
I'drnf-dy in ttiree acts by P, A. Xanth6, 
.'^ta^,'l•d at the Theatre-by-lhe-Sea. Matu-. 
luick. R. 1., by Sidney Harmon; directed by 
HiilHtead Welles; settings. John Walker. 

Vn. Messpr ."W.vrley Birch 

AVuUcr Messer ...Russell Collins 

Alt'XHti'lpr T'orklns, , Robert de San Marzano 

KttHry NHaon Harold Moffett 

Jenny Nelson Zamah Cunningham 

iiporge Parker John Klder 

Muhpl I'avlcer Toijkle HutilPr 

Par.stin Newell John Hoy.sradt 

I'uul N^M.son ,,,Paul McMahon 



P. A. Xantho has fashioned in. his 
new play, 'A Man, a Wife and a 
Horse,' a story that is not without 
amusing elements. He has written 
about folks up in the New Hamp- 
shire hills with an understanding 
that comes from long association. His 
chances of bringing the play to 
Broadway are doubtful, inasn^uch as 
it is slow. There are comical and en- 
tertaining interludes, but these are 
not enough; 

One thing in its favor is that the 
author has kept away as much as 
possible from familiar story twists. 
He focuses attention on three mar- 
ried couples and reveals what hap- 
pens when the men-folk chan.i;e 
places because each seems- to pos- 
sess what the other desires the most. 

For instance: Walter Messer has a 
wKe and a horse. He thinks an 
awful lot of his mare. Lady-Ann, 
but isn't contented because he has 



ENGAGEMENTS 

Vera AUen, Myron McCormick, 
Elizabeth Love, Phyllis Welch, 
Walter Klayen, Leslie Gorall, 'Lysis- 
trata,' Mt. Kisco, N. Y., and W^st- 
port, Conn. 

Jerry Derr, Joan Elliott, Casino 
Little theatre, Freeport, L. I. 

Frances Starr, William Post, Jr., 
Marie Carroll, Arthur Allen, Fairfax 
Burgher, Donna Earl, Mary Hutchin- 
son, Le Roi Operti, William Thorn- 
ton, John Burke, Henry Buckler, 
Roland Bottomley, 'The Beaux Strat- 
agem,' Mohawk Drama Festival, 
Schenectady, N. Y. 

Donald Cameron, Doris Rich, Tom 
Gomez, Marion Evensen, Eva Le 
Gallienne Repertory Co. 

Fraye Gilbert, Maurice Wells, Mil- 
liceixt Green, Virginia Campbell, 
Ralph Holmes, William Dorbin, 
Clem Wilenchick, Frank Downing, 
Richard Bender, 'Small Miracle,' 
Stony Creek, Conn. 

Doi-is Nolan,. Philip Huston, Rosa- 
lind Ivan, Fora Sheffield. Kenneth 
Treseder, 'Tonight at 8:30,' Dennis, 
Mass. ■ 

Nell Harrison, Doris Campner, 
Cora Smith, 'Cradle Song,' Barter 
Theatre, Abingdon, Va. 

Margaret Anglin, Stiano Bragiotti, 
Doris Dalton, Franklin Gray, Philip 
Tonge, Edgar Kent, 'Elizabeth Dean 
Farrar, Hayden Rorke, 'Retreat from 
Folly,' Newport Casino theatre, 
Newport, R. I. 

Phillips Holmes, Martha Scott, 
Philip Huston,. Dorothy Blackburn, 
Dudley Hawley, Richard Carlson, 
Otto Hulett, 'The Petrified Forest,' 
Dennis, Mass. 

Esther Mitchell, 'Autumn Crocus'; 
Paul McGrath, 'The Inconstant 
Moon' and 'As Husbands Go,' New- 
port Casino theatre, Newport, R. I. 

Jean McCoy, Clair Hazel, 'Brother 
Rat' 

George Coulouris, Olga Baclanova, 
Arthur Sachs, Virginia Keller, Ross 
Elliott, Jack Aeschbacher. Wilton 
Graft", Max Flowers. Fred Howard, 
Robert Cannon, Darrel Yoakam. Al- 
bert Bergh, Worthin^ton Romaine, 
.Tane Abbott, Irving Morrow. Helen 
Ward. Maurice Manson. Charles 
Kebbc, Harry Selby. '20th Century,' 
Plymouth Playhouse. Milford, Conn. 

Rosemary Ames, George Coulouris, 
Francos Amherst, 0.«.car 'Sterling, 
A. J, Herbert, Irvine Morrow. Dor- 
oUiy Scott, Charles Kobbe, Ros.^ El- 
liott. 'Accent on Yoiiih.' Plymouth 
Playhouse,- Milford. Conn, 

Beriha Belmore and Ronald Gra- 
ham. 'Virginia,' Center theatre, Y, 



Inside Stuf -^L(^ 



John Ferliley, assistant stage manager of Tovarich,' is one of the owners 
of the Stony Creek theatre at Stony Creek, Conn.-, 85 miles from West 
45th St. Fernley goes out to the summer stand twic? weekly to check 
up, as he is the treasurer of the outfit, which is making money this season. 
Management was completely reorganized this year, its 15th. 

Fernley is actually John . Schiott, member of a socially prominent and 
wealthy family of Greens Farms, Conn., and was working in the theatre 
for some time b^ore his identity became known. He begao as a walkon 
in 'Thumbs Up' several seasons ago. He was i»t Stony Creek for several 
summers before taking over the stand, where his cousin, Ruth Bedford, 
granddiaughter of the Corn Refining Products' tycoon, who made her debut 
in New York society several seasons ago, handles properties. 



The summer stock that was to have bfeen spotted at the University of 
Maryland by Steve Cochran this summer missed out, but through no fault 
of his. Shows were arranged for, literature sent out and subscriptions 
were being received when' the college adylsed- the manager that the deal 
was off. It developed that a contract had been entered into for a CCC 
exhibit, the matter, however, being forgotten when the Cochran season, 
was arranged. . 

Grounds for a damage suit have not been pressed by the manager, but 
it is understood the college will refund to Cochran the money he ex' 
pended. About $800 was used for printing and postage. 



Demolition of the Lyric and Adelphia theatres, Philly, is almost en- 
tirely completed, Only portions of the front walls are still standing. Site 
is being turned into a parking lot, Broad 'Street t^eatTe, also slated to 
come down, is awaiting okay of a court order for workmen to begin the 
wrecking job. 

Will leave Philly with six available houses for legit. Forrest, Chestnut, 
Erlanger and Locust were lighted on and off last season. Shubert was 
used for burlesque and the Walnut Coldest theatre in America') housed 
Yiddish productions. 



Several Hollywood scouts looked over 'Salute to Spring,' new operetta 
presented in St. Louis last week, one coming from the Coast, but no one 
from Broadway was reported on hand. Understood thai Richard (Dick) 
Berger, managing director of the St. Louis Municipal Opera, plans the 
presentation of 'Spring* in New York next seiason but, despite favorable 
reviews, it is believed that changes, particularly in the book, will be neces- 
sary. Berger is reported to have been assured backing for 'Spting.' 



Col. Fred Stuart Greene, N. Y. State superintendent of public works, 
playwright and author, made his annual appearance With the Mohawk 
Drama Festival Company, on Union College campus last week, in the role 
of a railroad condiictor in .'The Farmer Takes a Wife.* Col, Greene, a 
friend of Charles D. Coburn, director of the festival, had a bit part in 
the Players' revival of The County Chairman' a year ago last spring and 
in the festival's production of the piece during the summer. 



Standish O'Neill, producer of 'Moon Over Mulberry Street,* denies that 
play's picture rights have been sold to Blackstohe Productions, as pre- 
viously reported, or anybody else. O'Neill claims he stUl has full control 
of the piece but merely sold the stock rights to Jules Leventhal, who had 
had the show out about 17 weeks this season. 



Top o' die Mountain 
To You, Says Easton 



Easton, Pa., July 20. 
*Top o' the Mountain* theatre, 
summer playhouse, was opened last 
Friday (16) by Lehigh. University. 
Farmhouse on top of a mountain 
near the university was" converted 
into the playhouse and first presen- 
tation was 'Hell Bent for Heaven,' 
revival. 

Albert A. Rights, instructor of 
English at the university, is head 
of the theatre. Pit has been dug in 
front of the stagehand the audience 
sits on a terraced slope under large 
trees. 



Ra^o-Legit Tie-Up 



Providence, July 20. 
Station WPRO has made a tie-up 
with the New Empire theatre, cur- 
rently concerned w.ith lc«it sliows, 
wherein commercial plugs are being 
iitted in with a new su",tsining pi'o- 
gram. 

WPRO has contacted house for 
series of commercial broadcasts 
while legit policy holds out. In re- 
turn, as a good-wiU gesture, station 
is broadcasting sustaining programs 
from the theatre, varying from lobby 
vox pox to dressing room interviews 
with stars of the shows. 

Last week 'Dead End' got some 
swell ether breaks when program 
was broadcast in theatre lobby, 
WPRO calling upon city and civic 
dignitaries to make , spiels over the 
mike. Drama critics were also cor- 
raled by Ray Rich, who .handles 
program, and asked to give views on 
j play. . 

Theatre pays wire char.ges, and 
since program is spotted around 8.30 
at night for 15 minutes, it. is rp.ting 
plenty of listening appeal. 



Yokel May Drop Reins 
Of Erlanger in PhiHy 



Possibility that Alex Yokel may 
not renew his lease on the Erlanger 
Theatre, Philly, for the coming sea- 
son and let the house go back to tha 
management of the Pennsylvania 
Co., which owns it. Deal comes up 
for renewal in about a month and 
the producer has reached no decision 
yet. _ , ' ■ 

In case Yokel steps out, Erlanger 
would presumably be handled again 
by Samuel F. N. Nirdlinger for the 
bank. That was the setup until 
Yokel took over and Nirdlinger 
joined him. Impression current in 
Philly is that Yokel will Brop out. 

Erlanger is one of four houses In 
Philly which were active for legit 
last season. Yokel operated it in- 
dependently, but had a light season, 
getting 'Love From a Stranger,* 
'Forbidden Melody,' 'Dead End,' 
'Point of Honor,' 'The Meal Ticket' 
and 'Glory for All.' ,Other Philly 
indie house is the Locust, operated' 
last season by Jules Leventhal and 
Jack Linder. Shuberts book the For- 
rest and Chestnut through the 
United Booking Office. 



Current Road Shows 



Week July 19 
'Brother Bat,' Biltmore, Los An- 
geles. 

'Tobacco Road,' Convention Hall, 
Atlantic City. 
•You Can't Take It With You.' 

Harris, Chicago. . 



Trederika' Lining Up 

i St, Louis, July 20, 

j Franz Lehar operetta, 'Fred- 
orika,' which opens ki Cleveland 
Sept. 26 and then goes to Ciiicugo, 
is skedded for a local appearance j 
as the first music&l s'tow of Ihe 
■1937-38 appearance. Piece v. ill be 
presented at either the American 
Theatre or the Municipal Auditor- 
ium, after the local outdoor Munic- I 
_ ipal opera season closes. ! 
j Hassard Short has been en^a'.'ed 
■ l)y Shuberts to restate the show lor ' 
j its tour. 



Summer Theatres 

(NEW PLAYS THIS WEEK) 

'Don't Throw Glass Houses,' Brat- 
tleboro, Vermont. 

"Jazz Age,' Ivoryton, Conn. 

'Prejudice,' Centerville, Mass. 

'Stork on Skis,' Provincetown. 
Mass. 



Louis Simon's Leave 

Newark, July 20, 
Louis M. Simon, state supervis>)r 
of the Federal Theatre of .New 
Jersey, who directed 'It Can't Hap- 
pen Here' and 'Trial of Dr. Beck' 
this past season, is taking a six 
weeks' leave of absence to direct 
Milton Shubert's production of 
'Honor Bright.' 
Slated for Broadway early in S^o- 
tember. 



WeineeHiy, July 21, 1937 



LEGITIMATE GROSSES 



VASIETY 



«S 



C. B. Cochran Extending Coast Stay; 
Frisco Fair, N. Y. and London Plans 



Hollywood, July 20. 

Charles B. Cochran, London pro- 
ducer who has been on the Coast 
past few weeks, will remain here 
another month. Mrs. Cochran ar- 
rives in New York on the Beren- 
garia today and will join her hus^ 
band in Santa Barbara for vacation. 

Cochran last we6k conferred with 
officials of the San Francisco 1939 
Eitpo and submitted proposals for 
staging a spectacle. Proposition was 
given encouragement and Cochran 
will meet with them again around 
Aug. 1 for final decision. In this 
event he would return here next 
year; in October, to set the San 
Francisco show. 

Cochran Said his Hollywood visit 
was just that of a student. When 
queried as to the comparison Of Hol- 
lywood as a picture centre with that 
of London, he replied, 'It is over- 
whelming. There is no comparison. 
One must be a showman to appreci- 
ate the wonders and technique of 
Hollywood productions.' 

Cochran says that this autumn he 
will produce two musicals in New 
York under the Cochran banner, 
Both have been done in London, 
First will be 'Nymph Errant,' with 
book by Komney Brent, music by 
Cole Porter. 20th-Fox has the pic- 
ture rights to this one. Other will 
be 'Helen,' musical version of 'La 
Belle Elaine,' by A. P. Herbert 
Cochran also stated he is scouting 
talent on the Coast for both New 
York and London productions. For 
coming season he will not do any 
musicals in London but will pro- 
duce four dramatic productions. 

This is Cochran's first visit to Hoi 
lywood as he heu$ not been in Call 
fornia since the early days of Los 
Angeles when there were no pic 
ture studios. 



ALL-COLORED MUSICAL 
DDE IN N.Y. FOR WPA 



SALUTE TO SPRING 
SOCK $40,000, ST. LOO 



St. Louis, July 20. 
'Prince of Pilsen,' presented here 
in the outdoor bowl in 1923-'24-'29, 
but modernized With 1937 slang and 
gags, became the seventh .of the 
current season offerings Monday 
night (19). Performance grossed ap- 
proximately $3,500. 

Fritzi Scheff-, playing the role of 
Mrs. Madison Crocker, scored heav- 
ily in her initial appearance in the 
alfresco theatre. Another new- 
comer to natives is Tommy Gavin, 
12-year-old stat, who clicked as 
Jimmy. Dick and Edith Barstow, 
dancing team, also made their local 
debut and socked across with their 
toe tap routines. 

Una Vale Castle, fave of the 1935- 
'36 seasons, was another of the cur- 
rent season beginners who went over 
big in her dancing specialty, as did 
Bert Prival, Hollywood ballet star, 
who played in 'Louis the 14th' sev- 
eral w6eks ago. John Sheehan, Mar- 
garet Daum, Wilbur Evans, Alice 
Olsen, Annamary Dickey, Lew Par- 
ker, Erika Zaranova, Phil Porterfield 
and Ruth Urban are other principals. 
New routines conceived by Al White, 
Jr., for the line of 24, scored. 

Successful world premiere of 
'Salute to Spring,' work of Earl 
Crooker and Frederick Loewe, ended 
a seven-night run Sunday (18) with 
a take of approximately $40,000 for 
the second best week's business of 
the season. 'Salute' attracted 
66,500 customers during the run. 



'RAT' QUITS FRISCO ON 
$9,500; ONLY WPA LEFT 



San Francisco. July 20. 
Drummed up some extra pennies 
with the posting of closing week on 
'Brother Rat,' which left the Geary 
theatre Saturday (17), after five fair 
weeks. Play looked like a natural 
for this town, but failed to build as 
expected. 'Pursuit of Happiness' is 
getting patronage but not money at 
the Alcazar. 

Estimate for Last Week 

'Brother Rat,' Geary (5th wk.) 
(1.700; $2.50). Closed to the tune of 
around $9,500 and moved on to Los 
Angeles. Geary will be dark until 
August 16, when Marjorie Rambeau 
will show in a new play, 'The Story 
to be Whispered.' 

WPA 

'Pursuit of Happiness,' (Alcazar 
(2nd wk) (1,269; 50c.). Although top 
admish is posted as 50c., big per- 
centage of the patrons are taking 
advantage of coupon books, which 
cut the scale to 40c. Last week 
brought in $2,700, which means 
plenty of customers, considering cur- 
tailment of performances to five a 
week and low tariff. 




Heat Chases Two More 

Only 9 Shows Left for Summer 



'Swing It,' all-colored musical 
comedy of the WPA, will open at 
the Adelphi, N. Y. Thursday (22), 
unless- there is a last minute post- 
ponement. Show originally started 
readying about a year ago, but was 
called off for frequent changes. Unit 
is of the vaudeville branch of the 
FTP in New York. 

Show was first a revue, but it was 
discovered that many bits were out- 
molded and later the use of some 
numbers would have required royal- 
ties too high for a relief show 
budget. Eubie Blake, who has been 
in the WPA outfit for some time, 
supplied most of the new tunes in 
the score. 

Another delay was occasioned re- 
cently when the project ordered a 
reduction in complement. Some 
people in 'Swing It' were let out, 
but later reinstated when it was 
found they were war veterans. There 
are about 75 people with the show, 
including the orchestra. 



New Atlanta Aude 

Atlanta, July 20. 

This city's remodeled 6,000-seat 
auditorium will be opened to the 
public Aug. 28, at which time a 
'Forward Atlanta Night' program 
will be presented. 

More than $500,000 went into the 
renovation of the structure, city put- 
ting up about $50,000, rest coming 
out of WPA funds. 

Rental scale ranges from $250 per 
night and $1,000 per week for pro- 
fessional engagements to $75 per 
night for charity performances. Only 
operating costs will be charged for 
school graduations, religious- and 
civic meetings. 

Oscar Williamson is manager. 



CHITAKEir 
STILL $13,000 



Chicago, July 20. 

Still the only show in town, and 
still doing excellent business, 'You 
Can't Take It With You' looks far 
from the 'finish line and is a cinch 
to go into the new season. 

Gets a companion on Aug. 22, 
when 'Brother Rat' opens next door, 
at the Selwyn. 

Heat doesn't seem to be bothering 
the show at the Harris, with the ads 
giving plenty space to air-cooling. 

Estimate for Last Week 
'You Can't Take It With Tou,' 

Harris (1,000; $2.75) (24th week). 
Better than $13,000 last week, a 
mighty take considering the heat and 
length of the stay. 

WPA 

'Lonely Man,' Blackstone. 
•O Say Can You Sing?', Great 
Northern. 

Tarmer' Draws Biz 

To Mohawk Festival 

Schenectady, N. Y,, July 20. 
'The Farmer Takes a Wife,' Walter 
D. Edmonds' play of Erie Canal days 
with special appeal to upstate New 
.Yorkers, proved a popular piece for 
the Mohawk Drama Festival. At- 
tendance records for three seasons of 
the Festival on Union College Cam- 
pus were shattered Friday night (16) 
when about 1,750 persons saw the 
play. 

Normal capacity of the outdoor 
theatre is 1,500 to which were added 
200 seats for the Friday performance. 
All these were occupied, and there 
were 50 standees. 

For this week's production of 'The 
Beau Strategem' Arthur Allen, of 
radio, remains over as a featured 
player. Frances Starr is guest star. 



Eva Le Gallienne 
Gives Up Russian 
Repertory Tour 



• Plan of taking a repertory com-- 
pany to Russia during the coniing 
season has been virtually abandoned 
by Eva Le Gallienne. Actress- 
manager still has the backing, but 
considers conditions throughout Eu- 
rope too unsettled at this time. 

Instead, she will gather a company 
of six experienced players and four 
or so of lesser training and prepare 
a repertory of several plays during 
the season. Not expected that any 
will be actually produced during the 
season. At present, those set for 
the group include Donald Cameron, 
Doris Rich, Tom Gomez and Marion 
Evensen. 

None of the lesser players has 
been chosen, although Howard 
Wierum has been working with the 
others, (iroup will work out at Miss 
Le Gallienne's home at Westport. 
Costumes are being made on hand 
looms there by the company. 

Whether 'Hamlet' will be one of 
the plays included in the repertory 
depends on how it goes when Miss 
Le Gallienne plays the lead in the 
production at the Cape Playhouse, 
Dennis, Mass., this summer. 




Mgt.: LOU CLAYTON 
Berkshire Hotel, New York 



'Brother Rat' in Offing, 
Feds Keep L A. Lighted 



U Stock $10,000 

Denver, July 20. 

'Sun Kissed,' last week's produc- 
tion at the Elitch theatre^ topped 
the previous season high by $250. 
Show approximated just over $10,000, 
clicking four sellout petformances. 

This week's offering is 'Winterset.' 



O'NeilFs Musical Idea 



Los Angeles, July 20. 

Town is legitless, except for the 
WPA. which has three houses lighted. 
'Brother Rat' opened at the Bilt- 
more last night (Mon.) after Ave 
fairish weeks in Frisco. Stand is for 
three or four weeks, with no sensa- 
tional biz expected. 

Final count on Lunt and Fon- 
tanne's 'Amphitryon 38' last week 
was $27,000 on eight performances. 
WPA 

'Tomorrow's a Holiday,' Hollywood 
Playhouse. Washes up July 24 to 
make way for a modern dance group: 

'Macbeth,' Mayan. All Negro cast 
playing to neat returns. Piece exits 
Aug. 1 to make room for 'Pursuit 
of Happiness,' ooening Aug. 4. 

'Midsummer Varieties,' Greek thea- 
tre, Al fresco vaude setup Winds up 
July 25, 'Han.sel and Gretel,* opera, 
taking over two days later. 

'End' $7,700, Prov 

Providence, July 20. 

After getting off on the wrong 
foot with Pauline Frederick in 'Her 
Majesty, the Widow,' New Empire 
theatre's legitimate season came 
back with a bang last week with 
'Dead End.' For eight performances, 
management reported a record ap-- 
proximate gross of $7,700, one of the 
highest in the city's legit history. 

Frederick show grossed less than 
an estimated $2,500 when a combi- 
nation of heat and the star's illness 
forced cancellation of the last three 
performances. 

This week 'Boy Meets Girl.' 



More high temperature chased two 
shows off Broadway's list last week 
and several managements among the 
nine survivors are guessing whether 
there will be further casualties — for 
the fewer the number of shows the 
better chance they have of improved 
attendance. 

Current legits are in a position to 
do well from now on. At this time 
there is an influx of buyers and an 
upward swing is possible, if weather 
does not interfere. Those theatres 
operatmg will have the field to 
themselves for the next six weeks, 
since there are no new shows due 
during that period. 

Visitor element in other, summers 
went for musical comedies and re- 
vues, but that type of theatrical fare 
has virtually passed out during the 
heated period. It was thought that 
'The Show Is On' would stick, but 
It suddenly folded Saturday (17). 
'Babes in Arms' is the only musical 
remaining. Latter was listed as the 
solo musical last month, at which 
time it was suddenly decided to pro- 
long 'Show.' 

Revival of operettas in the open 
air at Jones Beach is not competi- 
tion to Broadway. Last week *A 
Wonderful Night' was forced to can- 
cel two performances, but is said to 
have turned a profit anyway. Same 
policy will be tried again at Ran- 
dall's Island, located in the East 
River. First presentation . will be 
'The Student Prince,' which opens 
next Tuesday (27). 

Summer theatres continue to try 
out new plays, but the rural crop is 
running to form of the last few sea- 
sons, with little in the way of Broad- 
way possibilities yet disclosed. 

WPA, after closing down in the 
theatre zone, decided to display a 
colored cast revue, 'Swing It,' which 
has been rehearsing in one form or 
another for a year. Dated to open 
Thursday (22). 

Grosses last week were about the 
same as the previous week, but 
cooler weather Monday upped pa- 
tronage and better figures are antici- 
pated. 

Estimates for Last Week 
'Babes In Arms' (15th week) 
(M-l,382.$3.30). Rated around $10,€00 
again, which is not profitable; ftow 
the sole surviving musical and busi- 
ness should improve. 

'Brother Rat,' (32d week) (C-9fll- 
$3.30). Little change , in pace last 
week, with gross around $5,000; one 
of the shows expected to stick into 
the new season. 

'Excursion,' Vanderbilit. Withdrawn 
Saturday; played 15 weeks, but 
moderate money at best; profited by 
virtue of picture rights. 

'Havinr Wonderful Time,' Lyceum 
(22d week)' (CD-1,000.$3,30). Weather 
still too warm to mean much change 
over previous week's pace; around 
$7,000; okay on summer basis. 

'Room Service,' Cort (lOth week) 
(C-l,059-$3.30). Excellent attend- 
ance, with capacity the rule except 
on Saturday, when somewhat under 
capacity; $15,500; cinch well into 
next season. 

'The Show Is On,' Winter Garden. 
Closed Saturday; played 28 aind one- 
half weeks; topped the list most of 
the way but slipped under even 
break recently. 

'The Women,' Barrymore (30th 
week) (C-l,048-$3.30). Not up to 
early pace but still profitable and 
slated into new season; la.st week 
again estimated around $12,000. 

'Tobaeco Road,' Forrest (189th 
week) (D-l,107-$1.65). Estimated 
around $4,000, but probably can 
better even break, what with low 
operating nut. 
'Tovarich,' Plymouth (39th week) 



(CD-l,036-$3.30). Definitely slated 
until late August and may go into 
fall period; affected lately, like the 
others; $7,000. 

Yes, My Darling Daughter, Play- 
house (24th week) (C-878-$3,30). 
Business during August will indicate 
laugh show's chances to go into fall 
period; slipped to around $7,000. 

'You Can't Take It With You,' 
Booth (32nd week) (C-708-$3.30). 
Capacity, except for few tickets on 
Saturday; sure thing well into next 
season; $15,000, 

WPA 

'Swing It,' Adelphi; colored revin#^ 
slated to open Thursday (22). 

'CATse of Philip Lawrence,' Lafay- 
ette, Harlem; also colored. 



Rain Cancels 
GaDo-Shuberts' 




'Cro.'^s Your Heart,' new musical, 
is being readied for late summer 
spotting by Standish O'Neill. 

Producer is angling for Benny 
Fields and Blossom Seeley as co- 
stars with deal expected to be set 
this week. 



London Grosses 



Resunre of current London 
legit shows and business will 
be found in this issue on page 
66. 



The Fortune Gallo-J. J. Shubert 
open air operetta season at Jones 
Beach, L. I., ran into bad weather 
breaks last week, causing the can- 
cellation of two performances. Last 
suminer rain interfered but twice 
throughout the summer. Attraction, 
'A Wonderful Night,' was to have 
started Monday (12), but was set 
back until the following night be- 
cause it was too ^chilly. Reviewers 
were motored back to New York 
and taken down again Tuesday. 
Rain shut the show Wednesday 
again. Previously this season it 
rained late during one performance 
find there were no refunds. 

Season is operated under Equity 
stock company rides and no salary 
deductions are allowed for perform- 
ances cancelled through weather 
conditions. Management's arrange- 
ment wtih. stage hands and musi- 
cians, however, , permits deductions 
for such missed shows provided the 
men are advised of cancellation sev- 
eral hours before curtain time. 
Time' added a Sunday (18) per- 
formance, with weekend expected 
to make up for the dark nights. Nor- 
mally Sundays are given over to bal- 
let recitals. . 

The beach project is incorporated 
under the name of the People's Na- 
tional Academy oi Allied Theatrical 
Arts, The Gallo-Shubert interests 
are also sponsoring open air oper- 
ettas which start at Randall's Island^ 
a municipal spot, Monday (26), first 
attraction being 'The Student 
Prince,' William Caryll is named as 
Gallo's associate, Shubert name, not 
appearing. Caryll has been with the 
Shuberts for years. 'The Firefly* 
will follow. 



St. Loui.s, July 20. 

Municipal Outdoor Opera set new 
attendance record for fir.st half of 
current season with 388,723 for 45 
performances, an increase of 18,328 
over same period, 1936. 

Currently only one performance 
was terminated by rain, but enough 
of show had been presented to fore- 
stall rain checks. 



I. MILLER 



NEW LOW PRICES 

and SCORES OF NEW STYLES 



m our 



7 



SHOE SALE 

90 



C90 ^90 



r. Miller 
Beautt/u( tinct 
£>e Lixxe 
Originally 
t* 15.75 



Ingcnit*, madt 
expressly for 
I. Miller, Orig- 
ifally to 9.75 



MADEMCISEUE, 

matl^ expressly 
fot /, Miller, 
OrIflinaliyto7,9iS 



Modemoiiel/a thoes nef on lote at 562 fiflh Ava. 
49 WEST 34lh ST. SiZ FIFTH AVE. 450 FIFTH AVE. 1592 t'WAY 



66 



*TAl«E!nr'8' tONBON OFMCB, 
8 St. Martla'B riuoe, TiafnlKAr Sqnar* 



INTERNATIONAL SHOW NEWS 



9«bl6 AdlMSSt tATOBTT, f.ONDOIC 
<rel«phon« T«iiipla Bar 5M1^-S042 



LONDON BIZ WAY UP; 16 CUCKS, SIX 
FLOPS AND A SHORTAGE OF THEATRES 



Victoria' Capacity at $12,500; 'Darling Daughter* 
Disappoints at $5^000; Rice's 'Judgment Day' 
Healthy at $5,000 and Will Get Run 



London, July 11. 
. Cursory glance at the current 
West-End legit situation reveals 30 
theatres operating out of a total . of 
42. On the surface, this may not 
look very impressive, but actually 
the position is better than it has been 
in years, because, with few excep- 
tions, the theatres operating are 
making money. 

■ Better sign of the West-End legit 
picture is the acute shortage of the-, 
tres for future . productions. Jt is 
just about as difficult to get a house, 
in the West-End for the fall, or even 
the late summer, as it is to 'obtain 
a picture theatre site. 

Never in the annals of show busi- 
ness have there, been so many pro- 
ductions in preparation for the fall. 
List totals 25, with- managements 
outbidding each other for houses. 

H. M. Tennent, Ltd., which has 
two shows currently in the West- 
End, is ready with four more. These 
' are 'Bonnet "Over the Windmill,' new 
Dodie Smith play; 'Blondie White,' 
and 'The Little Dog Laughed.' 
Fourth is 'Lovely to Look At,' which 
is being done in conjunctidii with 
Basil Dean. 

O'Bryen, Linnet & Dunfee, who 
until recently were legit 10%ers, 
have now launched out into the play 
field, and. going inta it in' a big way, 
Understood they will be staging 
quite a few in conjunction with 
Warners. Lineup to date is The 
Phantom Light,' by Evadney Price, 
starring Gordon Harker, scheduled 
, for September, and Eric Maschwitz's 
adaptation of , 'Lola Montez,' with 
music by Edward Horan, American, 
also in Septerhber, with Mary Ellis 
in the lead. 

Gilbert Miller has two running, 
•Victoria Regina,' good for at least a 
year moire, and 'Yes, My Darling 
Daughter,' not sd good but' may lin 
ger for another few months. His 
next will be Keith Winter's 'Old 
Music,* which Miller has had on the 
sheU for some months. Cast for this 
show is set, comprising Celia John 
ston^ Hugh Williams, Greer Garson, 
and' Gyles Isham. Matgaret Webster 
is staging, . with show' opening in 
Glasgow; early in August, 
Ephralm's Dao 

Lee Ephraim hais two on tap, both 
in conjunction with Moss Empires. 
One is a musical starring Cicely 
Courtneidge and Bobby Howes, at 
the Hippodrome in September; the 
other also a musical, with Carl Bris 
son as lead. This one will have a 
• 12 weeks' tour in the sticks before 
it finally hits the. big time. 

Tommy Bostocb^ head of Associ- 
ated Theatre Properties, is contem- 
plating two: 'The Laughing Cavalier,' 
romantic musical, adapted' by Regi- 
nald Arkell, based on the life of 
Franz Hals (Harry Dubens, local 
theatrical costumer, has an interest 
in this one), and 'Hearts in Snow,' 
by Armin Robinson and Ralph 
Benatsky, which was the season's 
click in Switzerland,, and which is 
being done in Vienna in September. 
Adaptation here by Eric Maschwitz. 

Firth Shepherd is down for four. 
First is a sequel to 'The Frog' titled 
'Liquid Gold.' Down for production 
at Prince's July 31, followed by a 
Leslie Henson musical at the Gaiety 
, around mid August; a new Guy Bol- 
ton and Gerard Fairie adaptation 
from an Edgar Wallace novel to be 
titled 'No. 6,' and a big musical show. 

There are also a series of solo 
efforts. New Stanley Lupino-Laddie 
Cliff show, likely to go to the 
Shaftesbury; new show for Arthur 
Riscoe; new J. B. Priestly play due 
at the Duchess early in August, with 
Jean Forbes-Robertson in . the lead, 
. and Irene Hentschell to stag^; Ivor 
Novello's new musical for the Drury 
Lane, with practically the same cast 
as the previous one, due mid August, 
titled 'Crest of the Wave'; Basil 
Dean has one by Margaret Kennedy 
and Gregory Ratoff, an adajitation 
from the Russian; W. P. Lipscombe, 
whose play 'Ninety Sail' was due for 
production some months ago, with 
the author suddenly calling it off due 
to casting difficulties and having to 
go to Hollywood, is back and getting 
on with it; revue starring Elizabeth 
Welch to be called 'Shooting Stars'; 
an American show to star Barbara 



Blair and destined for the Palace, 
a rehash of 'Let's Go Gay,' which 
Cecil Landeau and George Ruben, 
American, are already casting; 'Room 
Service' is set here for the fall, with 
three West End managements bid- 
ding for the rights. 

Amidst all the activities, the big- 
gest surprise is that up to date there 
is no intimation of what Charles 
Cochran has lined up, with every- 
body wondering what the vet pro- 
ducer's intentions are. 

. Approximate Grosses 

(Computed at $5 to the £) 
'Anthony and Anna,' Whitehall (2d 
year). Still under cooperative scheme 
with actors, and still continues to 
make money. At $4,000 can linger 
for a while. 

'Balalaika,' His Majesty's (30th 
week). Proving a gold mine; since 
tfansferring here has played to 
steady $17,000 or more per week, 
which yields weekly profit of over 
$6,000. Is good for whole of this 
year, and Eric Maschwitz already 
has a sequel ready, 'Paprika.' 

'Bats in the Belfry/ Ambassadors 
(18th week). Has had a somewhat 
spasmodic career, opening slowly 
and building,, then taking a dive. 
Now averaging $4,000, at which pace 
can linger. 

'Black Limelight,' Duke of York's 
(14th week). - Transferred from St. 
James's, because house was wanted 
for Gilbert Miller's 'Yes, My Darling 
Daughter,' and managed to survive 
the ordeal. Has now settled down 
into a fair-sized hit. Doing under 
$5,000, which is equal to the intake 
at St. James, but overhead here is 
much smaller. . . 

'Busman's Honeymoon,' Comedy 
(30th week). Very little overhead 
here, and doing $3,500 on two-for- 
ones, which is well above the getting- 
out price. 

'Floodligrht,' Saville (4th week) 
Management claiming $1,500 nightly, 
but really around $1,()00 per show, 
with matinees lower. At $7,500 per 
week is losing money, not counting 
the $40,000 invested in production. 
Must fold soon, as management can 
not take it on the .chi'n much longer. 

'French Without Tears,' Criterion 
(35th week). As big a .hit as the 
initial week, and looks like going oh 
forever. Has been • capacity at 
$7,500, rarely varying $50' on the 
week. 

'George and Margaret,' Wyndham's 
(19th week). Same management as 
above, and every bit as clean-up. 
Capacity at $10,000, and very small 
overhead. 

'Housemaster/ Aldwych, (20th 
week). Here after 18 weeks at the 
Lyric, and playing on two-for-ones. 
Cast is changed somewhat, shaving 
the overhead. At just imder $5,000 is 
good profit, and can stay a few 
months longer. 

'Judgment Day/ Phoenix (7th 
week). Originally opened at Strand, 
but had to vacate to make room for 
'A Spot of Bother.' No doubt Elmer 
Rice's play is intriguing Londoners. 
Was doing $6,000 at Strand, and 
making good profit. W411 touch over 
$5,000, but overhead inuch smaller, 
which is very good. Looks in for 
several months. 

'London After Dark/ Apollo (14th 
week). Walter Hackett and Marion 
Lome have a definite following, and 
this one is true to form. Doing $6,500, 
leaving a nice balance on the profit 
side. 

'No Sleep for the Wicked/ Daly's 
(2d week). Not a chance. Barely 
touching $3,000, and will fold any 
day. 

'Paganlni,' Lyceum (8th week) 
Has never played to loss, always 
doing above $15,000, which is about 
$1,000 profit. Was intended to close 
last week, but retrieved at last 
minute, with Richard Taubei-. the 
star, guaranteeing operations. Spurted 
on announced holdover. 

'Satyr/ Shaftesbury (5th week) 
Martin Jones's first venture into 
West-End management has not 
provted profitable. Show lost a con 
sisteilt $1,500 per week. Never 
bettered $3,000. Folded July 10. 

'Spot of Bother,' Strand (1st week) 
Opened good, with libraries doing 
eight weeks deal on, popularity of 
Robertson Hare-Alfred Drayton 
combo. Will click to $7,000 first 
week, and good for four months at 
least. 

'Sarah Simple/ Garrick (10th 
week). Low getout, with little over- 
head, and on velvet at $3,500. Good 
for several more weeks. 

'The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse,' 
Savoy (45th week). After 40 weeks 
at the Haymarket, now here on two 
for-ones. Cast is not same, making 



for smaller overhead, and at $3,500 
can linger. 

'The Kind's Pirate/ St. Martin's 
(5th week). • Seems a mystery how 
this one keeps lingering. No over- 
head, but at $2,500 or so must be a 
osing proposition. 

.'To Have and to Hold,' Haymarket 
(5th week). Nothing like 'Clitter- 
house/ last show here, with manage- 
ment already hunting a new show. 
Is lingering at $4,500, which is about 
even break. 

'Victoria Kegina/ Lyric (3rd week). 
Gilbert Miller's biggest smash of his 
career, and figured to stay for one to 
two years. Skipped off at capacity 
at every show and is maintaining 
that pace. Created record for thea- 
tre at recent matinee on $1,560 gross. 
Management to institute third mati- 
nee per week, to cater for demand. 
Doing steady $12,500, which is over- 
flow. 

'Yes My Darling Daughter/ St. 

James's (7th week). Somewhat dis- 
appointing, considering its New York 
success. Started slowly and at 
danger zone for a while. Now gain- 
ing and, at just under $5,000, about 
breaking even. Will close Saturday 
(24), with Keith Winter's 'Old Music' 
to replace. 

'Whlteoaks/ Playhouse (2d year). 
Practically no .overhead; this has 
made good money for Nancy Price, 
and looks like pacing it for some- 
time. Still in the $3,000 class, which 
is big. 

LONDOirS ICE 
DRAMA HOT 
CUCK 



Plays Abroad 



A SPOT OF BOTHER 

London, July 7. • 

Farce In three acts by Vernon Sylvalne; 
presented by O'Bryen, Lilnnlt & Dunfee at 
Strand theatre, London, July G, '37. Staged 
by IiesUe Henson, 

Mrs. Watney ;..Ruth Maltland 

Anna, .Janet Green 

Margaret ....Phyllia Konatam 

Christopher Watney. Alfred Drayton 

William BlnlUe Rudd....... Robertson Hare 

Snipe ' Frank Royde 

Mm. Cake. . ; .' .Edle Martin 

r.>ottle Jeanne Stuart 

Fret Douglas Phllllpa 

Jean Grlflltha Moss 

Oswald Hope Stuart Latliam 

Alliert Fred Withers 

Bill Cllftord Buckton 



Having succeeded in establishing 
themselves as successors to the farci- 
cal team of Tom Walls and Ralph 
Lynn at the Strand, Alfred Drayton 
and Robertson Hare follow their first 
effort ('Aren't Men Beasts') with 'A 
Spot of Bother' by the same author. 
On form these would seem to be 
requisite ingredients, but it doesn't 
work out that way. 

Author has provided a plot alto- 
gether, devoid of originality, but 
some of his silly situations are suffi- 
ciently ludicrous to get laughs and 
his play upon words is often very 
amusing. Whole thing is bound to 
3e tightened up to make for greater 
speed, but at best the piece would 
have. nO' appeal for an American 
audience. 

Robertson Hare, in a character 
young enough to be a suitor . for. the 
hand of an extremely youthful girl, 
is thwarted by her aunt, who has 
jurisdiction over her fortune, in that 
her consent to the girl's marriage is 
necessary. Drayton is the usual hen- 
pecked husband, imfaithful at every 
opportunity and willing to get drunk 
without provocation. Through a 
series of altogether improbable, but 
farcical, circiunstances, they become 
mixed up. with a band of smugglers, 
and the fun becomes fast, furious 
atid unconvincing. 

Two stars have played together so 
long that they could now be certain 
to acquit themselves creditably with- 
out the aid of a. rhanuscript. They 
are admirably supported by a com- 
petent cast of feeders, and "the piece 
is staged by a past master in the 
realm of farce, Leslie Henson. But 
the whole thing just misses. Jolo. 



London, July 20. 
First legit to take advantage of 
the new ice-skating vogue is 'St. 
Moritz,' which opened at the Coli- 
seum Thursday (15) and looks like 
a smash. . Ice-skating sequences have 
been used in legit previously, but 
not a^ prominently as here. 

Show presents a highly effective 
ice ballet on a revolving stage, ar- 
tistically lighted and with a skat 
ing area of 60 by 50 feet. Company 
was tecruited from all over the 
world but the majority is British. 

First and second portion , of the 
ice show is divided by half a dozen 
standard vaude acts. Thus it is really 
ice ballet plus vaude but, as put to- 
gether, and as presented it can call 
itself as legit without fear of ar 
gument. First night audience was 
highly enthusiastic and all indica- 
tions are for a big run. 



Storey ta India 



Shanghai, July 3, 
Rex Storey's 'Hollywood Non-Stop 
Revue,' now in Manila, leaves soon 
for India and Africa. Has already 
played Japan, Manchoukuo, Tientsin, 
Peiping, Shanghai and Hongkong. 

Cast includes Rose Lee, Emily 
Winsette, Eva Alexander, Gloria 
Grey, Donna Day, Mitzy Lane and 
Fay Skeeters. Latter two were 
seriously ill with scarlet fiever and 
bronchial pneumonia, respectively, 
but havie recovered. Troupe was 
joined locally by Andy Rice, Jr., and 
Jack Dale. 



Sydney Strike Over 



Sydney, July 20. 

Strike of stage musicians at the 
Tivoli theatre here has ended. Man 
agement and the Theatrical Employ 
ees* Union agreed on terms allowing 
a 50c. raise in pay on resumption 
of work and a further boost in Oc 
tober of the basic wage for vaude. 

New revue' opened last Saturday 
(17). 



^Darling Daughter* Only 
Seven Weeks in London 

London, July 20. 

'Yes, My Darling Daughter' will 
close at the St. James next Saturday 
(24), after a s6yen-week run. 

House will remain dark for i 
month, reopening with Gilbert Mil 
ler's 'Old Music' after the provincial 
tryout 



They Came by Night 

London, July 8. 
Play In three acts by Barre Jjyndon; pre- 
sented by Alec Rea and H. M. Xehnent, 
1jU\., at Globe, theatre, I.,ondon. July 7, '87. 
Staged by Claud Qurney. 

John Fotherglll...,..,, Owen Nares 

Herbert Lymm Wilfrid Cathness 

Keith Mllner. Andre MoreH 

Edward Smith Wallace Evennett 

Sally Grosvenor. ITr.-jula Jeans 

Detective-Sergeant Tolley Henry Calne 

Carl Vollalre Ceeg Laseur 

Claire Madison , Sara Seegar 

'Bugsle'.. .David Bums 

Georg Schwettel ;...Carl Jaffa 

•nr Hopkins Alexander Field 

Detective-Inspector Harvey. .George Butler 
Jackjion Arthur Brander 

Owen Nares has the role of a law- 
abiding jeweler .who is compelled to 
aid a bunch of thieves and become 
the fence of their stolen property. 
He is also forced to witness a bullion 
robbery, a safe being blown up, and 
a free-for-all with the police, whom 
he has ingeniously sunjmoned. He 
acquits himself charmingly, and 
there is every reason to supnose this 
third of Barre Lyndon's thrillers will 
be successful. 

David Burns scores as a new kind 
of American crook, his funniest 
scene" being where he interpolates 
wisecracks while the duned jewel 
merchant tells a bedtime story to his 
sick neohew over the telephone. 

Ursula Jeans provides the very 
watered love interest, with her usual 
grace, and the supporting cast is 
adequate. 

Main criticism is that the show de- 
clines from artistic comedy to clap- 
trap of the old meller days with dis- 
concerting suddenness. Genteel 
ladies, who may be brought in by 
Owen Naires. may not care to absorb 
the fumes of a safe explosion, or see 
at such close quarters the gangsters 
they so carefully avoid in pictures. 



But Not Your Heart 

London, July 5. 
Comedy In three nct.s by C. J. Francis, 
presented by New Shop Window, produced 
by W.Tllnce Geoffrey at Arts Theatre Club 
for two pcrtorinances, July 4, '37. 

Mllly , Jean Shepeard 

Cook Marlon Fawoett 

T.ieolle Moubrey .....Violet Loxley 

Mlchuel Moubrey ;....John Longden 

Juliette r.emalre Iris Baker 

Seton I.emalre .Arthur Powell 

Light comedy depicting a domestic 
upheaval after three years' happy 
marriage. Show has possibilities 
and might make a good screen 
vehicle. Performance here was 
marred through the authoress having 
an attack of nerves at the 11th hour 
and vanishing, leaving her important 
part in the play to be read by Iris 
Baker, hastily requisitioned. 

Celebrating their third anniver- 
sary, a young couple invite another, 
not so happily married, pair to din- 
ner. Develops that the husband has 
cherished a secret passion for his 
fair guest, whose own spouse philan- 
ders and leaves her pretty much to 
herself. They all get lit, and the 
wile suggests they become really 



Bohemian and swop for the hight. 
She takes her friend's husband aloft 
and leaves her own with the woman 
of his dreams. . 

Deliberately thrust together with 
the connivance of the wife, all de- 
sire to take advantage of the situa- 
tion leaves them: she curls up on 
the couch; he spends the night in the 
bathroom. Other male Bohemian 
blissfully, and innocently,, sleeps off 
his intoxication. His sheepish ap- 
pearance next morning, in crumpled 
dress clothes, ignorant of all that 
happened, or how he even got into 
the alien bed, makes a funny situa- 
tion, . 

When the girl visitor assures the 
wife of her chaste and lonely night 
the other breaks down and admits 
she knew of her husband's yearning 
and hopied to fbrce his hand. She 
decides to leave him, feeling she will 
not regain the old happiness, but he 
returns in time *o prevent her, as- 
suring her it was but ia momentary 
yen. 

Generally well acted, with some 
humorous lines which make it pleas- 
ing light ..entertainment, but it is just 
another Variation of . the triangle 
situation. 



Hemingway Pic 



(Continued from page 5) 

'Zuyder Zee,' and follows much the 
same technique in 'Spanish Earth.' 
Idea is to tell it with pictures and 
play dowji the comment. 

This picture cost $10,000 and 40% 
of the cast were killed in making it 
Same night it opened here Metro's 
'Saratoga,' which cost plenty, was 
previewed' in Glendale nearby. To- 
gethjsr the pix . represent about the 
extremes in film entertainment Both 
will get money. . 

Night before tijis, Philharmonic 
showing, 'Earth,' was previewed at 
Frederic March's home. Private 
showing brought $15,000 from 15 
people. As Hem and Ivens have 
tossed in their talents, this money 
and the $4,500 taken at the premiere 
is being earmarked for ambulances 
for the Loyalists- in Spain. 

Though not shown publicly any- 
where before this L. A. display, the 
White House got the. first private 
peek at it in this country. The Pres- 
ident saw it and is reported to have 
thought it a restrained presentation 
of the Loyalist cause. General opin- 
ion of those in Washington was that 
the comment could be stepped up to 
show that democracy was fighting 
for . its life in Spain and that the 
friends of democracy were oh the 
Loyalist side. So the comment may 
be strengthened to meet this view 
before the picture goes on general 
release. Hemingway wrote the com- 
ment for the film which is narrated 
by Norson Wells. Sound has been 
dubbed. 

Though Hem blue-printed the gen- 
eral line of the story the scenes, of 
course, are all the McCoy, except for 
one bombing shot from a German 
plane, tricked to show the bomb 
coming toward the peasants rather 
than away from Ihe plane. 

Story, in the vein of 'The Plough 
That Broke the Plains,' opens on the 
Spanish countryside back of Madrid 
and show's the farms, which are the 
foundation of the capital. Acreage 
is parched and badly in need of ir- 
rigation. With water it would grow 
anything California could grow. The 
old regime couldn't be bothered and 
the fact that the new, regime could 
is one of the causes of the current 
civil war. 

From the farms and the road that 
is the life line to Madrid, scene 
shifts to Madrid where peasants are 
fighting to keep out the invaders, 
being aided by a natural fortification. 
Reprisals for their success are air 
raids. Results of these on civilian 
population are shown in gruesome 
detail. Ivens took plenty of chances 
to get these shots. 

German planes being brought 
down by Loyalist anti-aircraft guns, 
Italian troopers, who. Hem says, 
haven't changed since Caporetta be- 
cause, today, as then, 'they run fast 
both ways,' and Franco's Spanish 
troops are shown spilling their blood 
all around University City. The life 
line to Madrid is saved. 'No Pasaran! 

Whole picture, though author 
claims he was hardly more than a 
glorified grip to Ivens, shows Hem- 
ingway's manner of getting terrlfie 
effects by understatement. It's 
de^tlvin the morning as well as the 
afternoon, and not . for any reason 
except that Italy and Germany need 
coal and iron — and Spain has coal 
and iron and doesn't want a dicto- 
torship. 

The picture seems sure to make an 
army . of converts ior the Loyalist 
cause. Frank ScullV' 



Wed^eaday, July 21, 1937 



CONCERT 



VAlStlETY 



67 



Gambling 



(Continue^l ixom page 1) 

of fun without ever being reminded 
of the sinful, life. . ' • 

But if he likes to raise a rumpus 
and kick up the dust, the town can 
show him • something new every 
rijght Even In gambling one may 
find variety— roulette, poker, faro, 
red dog, dic6, the bird cage— and 
always the ponies. 

• Ko one seems to know who stands 
back of Atlantic City's gambling 
joints, but they all seem to be op- 
prated by a singl? clique and appear 
to have unlimited funds. 

JNot often does a customer clean 
out one of the spots and send the 
manager to the bank for more 
■jijtjney. Gambling places are not 
prgani^ed on a losing basis here. 
The percentage in favor of the 
house is generally regarded as 
40%. In other words, if a customer 
pays $550 a week into one of the 
teller's windows throughout the 
year, he can expect to get back an 
aVMage of $12 a week, making his 
contribution $8 a week for the fun 
iof gambling. , 

':• The gambling places may have 
pn undesirable effect on local work- 
ing people but at the same time 
they bring vast business to the city. 
During the off-season period of the 
year, thousands come from th? New 
York, Philadelphia and Wash- 
ington areas to while away a few 
hours or days at the intriguing game 
of chance. More than often they 
go home broke, but they must like 
it, for they inevitably return- for 
more. . 



L 

\ 



Mexico Under Wraps 

Hollywood, July 20. 

California, and Lower California, 
which is in Mexico, have swapped 
places ■ so completely that, visitors 
who cross the border into Mexico to 
have some fun on the q.t. have to 
go back inta California to get it. 

Whereas a few years ago Lower 
California had a monopoly on gam- 
bling, drinking, and recreation gen- 
erally, at the present time all it has 
is memories. 

Even Ensenada, with the finest 
gambling equipment in the world, 
f^r more beautiful than Monte Carlo, 
is as dead as Pompeii. Chief Hotel 
there is asking $20 a day for couples, 
but with nothing for the couple to 
do, there are few takers. 

Tia Juana, with a race track and 
one of those longest-bars-in-the- 
world kind of bars, is catering to 
nothing but grasshoppers. Ditto for 
Agua Caliente, which figured it could 
make a go of it even without gam- 
bling,, but found people (ion't go~to 
horse-races just to see horses race. 

No Closed Season 
. In fact the only industry left in 
the bid West Coast playground of 
Lower California is the quota indus- 
try. Alien troupers who decide they 
like America well enough to stay 
arrange for their quota- numbers by 
going to Tia Juana or Ensenada until 
■their numbers come up. They 
arrange everything before they 
leave the States, and the whole jdb 
rarely takes more , than a .week. 
■ If the number doesn't come 
through, they're stuck like Ruth amid 
tile alien corn. There's no place for 
them to go. A bus runs once a week 
across Lower California to the long 
bay which splits this part of Mexico 
off from the mainland. They would 
have to cross the bay and after that 
a trip through a wilderness to get' to 
Mexico City. 

Because they are in such a state of 
litters waiting for quota numbers 
these alien troupers figure they get 
enough gambling in their daily lives 
without having any great urge to 
gd into a casino. But other, visitors 
give one look at the once-prized re- 
sorts of Mexico and scurry back 
across the border. 

In fact gambling has become so 
important an industry in California 
that few people want to have a 
closed season on it any time. Every- 
thing from slot machines to race 
tracks took forward to the' day 
when they can settle down to a 
grind policy. 

For a while the Santa Anita track 
With Hal Roach as head inan tried to 
inonopolize racing in Southern 
California, but they have been 
pushed around so much by other 
groups in the picture industry — 
chiefly bv a group headed by .lack 
Warner building a new track which 
will be known as the Hollywood Turf 
Club, and now the Crosby Syndicates 
Del Mar track— that they no longer 
control gambling in this district. 

Crosby's Del Mar track, which 
opened July. 3 and did $100,000 its 
^st day. -is already in the money, 
^t O'Brien. V^^arncr .star, is v.p. of 
'Jel-lVIar, and Bill LeBaron, Joe E. 



Brown, and Rabul Walsh have dough 
in it among . many other filmites. 

The Del Mar track, incidentally, 
being not so remote from the Mexi- 
can border, catches on the second 
bounce all the gamblers who haven't 
been cleaned out on the northern 
tracks, so that those who do cross 
the border have hardly a dime left 
for the Mexican peons to pick. up. 
By arrangement, Agua Caliente's 
track opens only on Sundays— the 
day Del Mar is closed. Tracks are 
about an hour's drive apart. 

Bookies, figured through wire 
services, do $150,000,000 worth of 
business during the Santa' Anita sea- 
son alone. What changes hands the 
rest of the year has not yet been 
tabulated, but when it is, it looks as 
if California's first industry will ho 
longer be pictures or climate, but 
getting something for nothing — to 
win, place, or show. 



Guild Plans 



(Continued from page 1) 



fore the show goes into New York 
for its premiere. 

Coast. Is Guild's Meat 

Then again there is the coin lure 
of California, for the Guild. Attrac- 
tions sent here by it have always 
been top coin-getters and it's felt 
that no losses would accrue. 

Plan of the Guild would be to 
send, at the end of the New York 
season, a couple of its attractions to 
the Coast to play the regular "season 
dates, then take the people from 
these casts and use them in tryouts 
for the new season. Also figured by 
the Guild is the idea that quite a 
number of important pic personali- 
ties, with time off, would be glad to 
avail themselves of an opportunity 
to appear in a Guild show in this 
area, regardless of coin, and ,that 
possibly sonie of them might, should 
they find that the vehicle is okay, 
want to go into the play for the New 
York run prestige. 

. May Do Revivals 

Lunt and Fontanne may again try 
another show here for the Guild 
next season. They would not re- 
peat on 'Amphitryon 38,' which they 
did this year, but probably come out 
and do a week each of revival- of 
'Caprice* and, another in their reper- 
toire, after which they would try out 
a new opus for the Guild. Lunt and 
Fontanne have decided to make the 
Coast an annual port ot call. 

Might even do a picture while 
here if the script is satisfactory. 
This would mean- that everything 
would have to be readied for them on 
the picture prior to starting, as they 
would limit theit pic work to four 
weeks. 

Understood here that studios are 
looking favorably, on the Theatre 
Guild plan and would • permit top 
pec^Ie to work in the Coast shows 
should the plays be considered satis- 
factory by both the producers and 
the actors. 



Actors ^Monopoly 



(Continued from page 1) 



Frank Reddy, $1,250. 
Petty Garde, $1,250. 
Alice Frost, $500. 
Julie Bonnell, $800. 

Success of the insiders is not at- 
tributed to any clothes-closet skele- 
tons but to a combination of cir- 
cumstances. To wit: they're depend- 
able, well regarded performers, they 
were early into radio, they know 
and are known by the agencies. 

Tightly-closed circle swallows up 
most of the availabilities cropping 
up. For instance, only once in its 
.seven years' life has the 'March of 
Time' sent out a S.O.S. for an out- 
sider, and that occurred last year 
when Dick and Janet Nolan retired 
on their air earnings as actoi's to 
live on an Arii;ona ranch, 

Average pay for a nameless per- 
former on a night-time web com- 
mercial dramatization is $50, with 
the leads getting double that. 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, with its 
hefty layout of script serials, pays 
$15 for a shot and $5 for a repeat 
broadcast. But the agency pays most 
of its leads by the week on its vari- 
ous program.s, with some of these 
players getting about $150 every 
seventh day. 

A flock of talent gets $7.50 each 
per platter waxed for World Broad- 
casting. WOR pays a player either 
$10 or $15 on a commercial shot, and 
half tho.se fi.Jjures sustaining. WMCA 
has a dramatic stock company bossed 
by Philip Barrison, The troupers in 



that group get $22.50 weekly each 
regardless of how much work they 
do. WHN, WINS, WNEW pay per- 
formers $2 or $3 per whack on a spon- 
sored dramatization and nothing for 
jsustaining. WQXR nevervpays any- 
thing for acting talent. 

Less 'Voicing' 

Source of sizable income to the 
actors was 'voicing' for air . singers 
on the spoken lines. But the trend 
has turned to warblers now doing 
their own spieling. Where formerly 
there were 'voices' for all singing 
members of, say. Maxwell Showboat 
and Palmoiive Beauty Box programs, 
the pipers do their own talking now. 
At one time about 50% of the top 
singers on the radio used 'voices.* 
Only one does now, tenor Charles 
Kullmah. 

It is a hard row to hoe for an 
actor to crack radio. Most of gradu- 
ates of the drama schools in New 
York and those emerging 'from the 
acting courses at N.Y.U. and C,C, 
of N.Y. head into radio with high 
hopes, hoping to support selves by 
working oh. the radio until they can 
get a break in legit. But, conversely, 
it is slightly tougher to ease into 
radio than get a legit job. Type- 
casting in the theatre makes for more 
opportunity for the newcomer. 

Hangout every morning . for the 
radio performer who goes ahunting 
for a job is the Penn Astor Grill 
on Times Square! There they gather 
oyer cold coffee cups and swap chat- 
ter dh who's auditioning for whom. 
Though - program producers seldom 
let out word of their doings, it gels 
around and by afternoon every 
habitue of the Penn Astor is in the 
hair of a producer who happens to 
be in the employing mood. 

Real tragedies are the out-of- 
towners who, after some slight ex- 
perience on their local one-lunger, 
come into New York lo conquer the 
big-league. Invariably the hinter- 
landers put up at the Beaux Arts 
apartments or in Tudor City, believ- 
ing those are the. 'smart' addresses to 
front with. They make the r.<unds 
of the networks and better-kr.own 
agencies. After some weeks their 
money is gone, and they discon- 
solately go back, home dirillusioned. 
Hinterlanders who have come into 
New York and squeezed int.i the air 
acting swim in the past *wo, ^ears 
can be counted on the fingers. 



H wood Bowl Opening Gets That 
Pic Tott^h with St|if s Taknig Bows 



BOTH LEGS BROKEN 



Anton . Horner Victim of Reverse 
Clutch Accident 



Philadelphia, July 20. 

Anton Horner, member of Philly 
Ork, had both his legs broken Sun- 
day afternoon when he was pinned 
between his car and the rear wall 
of his. summer home at Stone Har- 
bor, N. J. Musician, who is 60, was 
hurt when his wife, Alice, lost con- 
trol of the car while backing it up. 

He was treated by physicians in 
Stone Harbor, then taken to Atlantic 
Shores Hospital in Somers Point. 




WITH BEER 
CLICK 



Frisco Concert Bates 



San Francisco, July 20. 
Peter Conley attractions for the 
1937-1938 season in War Memorial 
Opera House opens Sept. 30 with 
Yehudi Menuliin. 

Dated are: Jooss Ballet, Rudolf 
Serkin, Salzburg Opera Guild, Shan- 
Kar Dindu Dancers, Nelson Eddy, 
Marian Anderson, John Charles 
Thomas, Lanny Ross and .Kirsten 
Flagstad. 

Repeat perfoirmances In a Sunday 
afternoon series will be given by 
Menuhin, the Jooss Ballet, the Salz- 
berg Opera Guild, Miss Anderson 
and the Shan-Kar Hindu Dancers. 
The season will end May 10 with a 
concert by Miss Flagstad. 



Mary McCormic Divorced 

Chicago, July 20. 

Mary McCormic, opera warbler, 
last week . received divorce decree 
from Homer V. Johanssen, Chi at- 
torney, whom she married last No- 
vember. 

Charged cruelty. 



Minneapolis, July 20. 

Three pop summer concerts by 65 
members of the Minneapolis Sym- 
phony orchestra drew sufficiently 
well in the municipal Auditorium 
last week to cause promotors to 
schedule three additional this week. 
Admission scale is 25c to 75c and 
lower floor patrons sit at tables 
where they're serv6d beer, bther soft 
drinks and food. Guy Eraser Harri- 
son from Rochester, N. Y., conducts. 

Attendance jumped from 1,200 the 
opening night to 2,500 the second and 
4„200. the third. 



ALL-RUBINOFF CONCERT 
AT GRANT PARK, CHI 

Chicago, July 20. 

Grant Park Symphony concerts 
splurging on guest talent, starting 
tonight (20) when Mary McCormic 
does tiie soloing, and continuing 
through Labor Day. 

Expect the high point ■ to be 
reached on Aug. 6 when Dave Ru- 
binoff conducts the Chicago Phil- 
harmonic orchestra of 100 pieces. 
Concert to be given that night will 
consist entirely of Rub'inoff composi- 
tions and special arrangements of 
pop stuff. Last year's appearance 
of Rubinoff broke the all-time at- 
tendance record, with 150,000 jam- 
ming in for the free concert. Plans 
are being made to care for 200,000 
this ye&r. 

Other guest dates include Marion 
Claire for July; 24 Alex Templeton, 
July 26; Andre Kastel^netz, July 30. 

Open air concerts staged nightly 
in Grant Park, free to the public, 
are under sponsorship of Chicago 
Park boards,- and James C. Petrillo, 
musicians' local head, and park 
board director. 



Harry Akst and Frank Loesser 
have scripted a ditty, 'Blame It On 
the Danube,' to be warbled in Radio's 
'Fight for Your Lady.' 



Lewisohn Stadium Concert Gross 
Estimated at $12,S00 in Rainy Week 



Two nights of raiin in mid-week, 
plus several evenings when showers 
looked probable, kept attendance at 
the Lewisohn Stadium concerts, 
N. Y., last week below expectations. 
No concerts were rained entirely 
out, but the grosses took a dive 
Wednesday (14)^nd Thursday (15; 
nights. Toizy attendance for the 
week was estimated at 25,500 and 
the gross A^as pjlaced at $12,500. 
Regular scale is $1, 50c and 25c. with 
much of the admission by .subscrip- 
tion. 

Monday fl2). regular concert, 
Fritz Reiner conducting, fair: $],()50. 

Tuesday (13), regular conctiit. 
Reiner conducting, fair: $1,850. 

Wednesday (14), all-Wagner pr 
gram. Reiner conducting and soloist.'*! 
rain: $1,650. 

'ihur.sday (15). Bach-Brahms pro- 
gram. Reiner cohductinj;. h<;"^y 
!f550. 



Friday (16), Mordkin Ballet, clear: 
(at $1.50 top) $2,000. 

Saturday (17), Mordkin Ballet, 
clear: (at $1.50 top)' $2,500. 

Sunday (18), lieiner conducting, 
clear: $1,650. 

This week's expected draws were 
last night's (Tuesday) 'Siegfried' 
performance and tomorrow Cthur.s- 
day) . night's 'Gotterdammerung.' 
each of which should gross as high 
as $5,000 if weather is favorable. 
Reiner was slated to baton until 
Saturday (24), when Paul Kerby be- 
gins a two-concert conducting stint. 
Reiner returns next week. 'Tristan 
and Isolde' is skcdded.. for Tuesday 
of next week (27). Last IVlonday 
(19) concert, with "Ray Lev piano 
soloi.st, was estimated at $1,200. 

Stadium concert season always 
! runs a heavy deficit, which is met 
i by a guarantee fund raised by popu- 
' iar subscription. 



J . Hollywood, July 20. 

Hollywood Bowl got away to its 
16lh season of 'Symphonies Under 
the Stars' ^Ith a turnout of (saroiiind^ 
16,000 looking and listening and fur-' 
ther evidence, that the way to drag 
'em in hereabbuts is to provide at. 
least as much spectacle as highbrow 
music. 

Bowl has got to be part of the 
general scheme of Hollywood show- 
manship. Film stars mix into the 
picture and /take a lot of bows, be- 
sides contributing their bit to world- 
wide publicity that the enterprise 
gets— ah d merits. 

Principal innovation this year is 
a new, 7S0,000,PQ0 candle power lamp 
with Freshel lenses imported from 
France and set up by Otto K. Oleson, 
Hollywood lighting engineer. This 
huge illuminator is turned on dur- 
ing intermissions and tosses its rays 
around the encircling hills with a. 
kind of enchantment effect that' 
greatly enhances the 'poetic' quality • 
of the siu^roundings. 

Opening night, the big lamp was 
used to. backstop motion picture 
newsreel cameras set up by the 
March of Time, which made shots 
of the crowd, closeups of Important 
personalities present, together with 
atmosphere stuff, all to be incor- 
porated in the March of Time re-, 
lease. 

The Old Standbys 

Bowl management each year brings 
in a new crew of conductors thoxjgh 
relying on such consistent perform- 
ers as Otto Klemperer, Pierre Mon- 
teux; Richard Lett, Pietro Clmini 
and others. List includes besides the 
afore-mentioned this year, Pritz 
Reiner, Werner Janssen, Vladimir 
Golschmann, Andre Kostelanetz, Ef- 
rem Kurtz, Howard Hansen and Vis- 
count Inpye of the Tokyo Symphony. 

Though the orchestra bears the" 
major burden. Bowl is leaning more 
heavily than ever on ballet and 
opera, having learned that oh an 
opera or dande night the common 
herd jams the amphitheatre where- 
as they stay away from Bach, Bee- 
thoven and Brahms in discouraging 
droves. 

Opera in the Bowl is distinctly an 
innovation still and its production is 
on a scale of color afnd pageantry 
impractical even In a place like the 
Met. This year's operatic fare in- 
cludes 'Carmen,' 'II TrOvatore,' 
'Madame Butterfly,' 'The Bartered 
Bride,' and a concert version of 'Die 
Walkure.' Los Angeles Grand Opera 
Chorus and Hollywood Bowl Chorus 
get a break on opera night provid- 
ing the supplemental vocalizing. 
Also, two Stravinsky ballets, 'Sacre* 
and 'Petrouchka,' will be offerecl, 
with Lester Horton conducting the 
first and Theodore Kosloff the second. 
Armando Agnini produces the 
operas 

Season Soloist Lineun 

Soloists for the season include the 
Lhevinne.s, Josef and Rosina; Jan 
Peerce of radio, John Charles 
Thomas, Jascha Heifetz, Bruno Cas- 
tagna, Lily Pons, Sidney Rayner, 
Perry A.skam, Helen Gahagan, and 
quite a few more. 

Golschmann, a European boy won- 
der who started his own orchestra 
in Paris at the age of 22, batoned 
the opening, concert. Not .so hot in 
the Berlioz 'Roman Carnival,' he 
warmed up to his work when he 
got to the Cesar' Franck D minor 
concerto and in the andante move- 
ment all of the personnel of the 
90-piece unit were doing their stuff 
for him. He got a great reception 
for that rendition and came back 
strong after the intermi.ssion with 
the Lohengrin prelude. He .showed 
a great change of pace with that 
number and further captivated the 
audience with the wedding march 
from Rimsky-Korsakoff's 'Le. Coq 
d'Or' and a group of . the 'Prince 
Igor' dance numbers by Borodin. 

Philly Ballet Lady Sailing 
For European Once-Over 

. Philadelphia, July 20. 
Mary Binncy Montgomery oil lo 
Europe shortly to o.o. ballet troupes 
over there and grab off coupla ideas 
for her own crew. Has skcdded her 
gang to make appearances with Steel 
Pier Opera Company in Atlantic 
City before .she goes, however. 
Will al.so probably make an ap- 
j pearance at the shore on hor i-eturn, 
! to repeat 'Amoric.nn in Paris,' which 
i .<Jlifc lecenlly prcemed at Robin Hood 
I Dell here. 



VARIETY 



LITERATI 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 




Guild CIO Referendum 

Appeal from the decision by the 
Newspaper Guild's national conven- 
tion in St. Louis ^o affiliate with the 
CIO has been backed by 16 Guild 
xmits and the question will be sub- 
mitted to a referendum. Vote will 
be taken between Aug. 10 and 15. 
Befoire that, however, several com- 
plications in regard to it must be 
straightened out. 

First, the original motion initiated 
by the Columbus, Ohio, Guild myst 
be reworded in order to submit an 
appeal and not a question, which 
has already been decided. 

Secondly, the International Execu- 
tive Board must decide whether the 
business office employees, 2,000 of 
•whom are already reported admitted 
as members, may vote on their right 
to membership. Heywpod Broun, 
prez, has expressed himself as op- 
posed to their participating in this 
vote. 

Third question facing the Guild's 
leadership is whether it may con- 
tihue the expansion program along 
CIO lines, when its affiliation with 
that body is, for the time being at 
least, in abeyance. Vigorous hiember- 
ship campaign, with ten CIO organi- 
zers in the field, is about to get under 
■way. This Is described by Guild of- 
ficials as the ^nswer to the secret 
'freedom of the press meeting of the 
publishers in Chicago.' Expansion 
program is regarded by. Guild execs 
as vital at this time. 

In addition to voting on the ques- 
tion of affiliation with the CIO, the 
, referendum will sUso coyet policies 
adopted by the convention concern- 
ing the Spanish War, the Supreme 
Court plan, the WPA and political 
action by the Guild, 

According to Giiild oSicials, the 
seconding units tepreseht member- 
ship of about 1,600, whereas repre- 
sentatives of 5,300 had notified na- 
tional headquarters of specific action 
against the Columbus referendum or 
had voted down local proposals. 
. Meanwhile, on external fronts, the 
Guild is engaged in a number of 
conflicts. The Seattle imit is fighting 
attempts to' force the circulation staff 
of the Star into the Teamsters' 
Union. 

Strike for better "conditions at the 
Decatur (111.) Herald continued last 
week. 

Appeals to Labor Boards in At- 
lanta, Ga., Albany and Troy, N. Y,, 
are about to be initiated. 



tain Thomas. Secretary Morgenthau 
played second. Others included Jack 
and Westbrook Pegler. Picturemade 
of the game is reported to have 
turned out so well it was withheld 
from newsreels and will .probably 
be reletiscd as a short after the re- 
turn game, is played. 

A third game will be played at 
Pawling on Aug. 22 and more shots 
taken. . 

Broun was okay at bat, but his 
wife ran the bases. 



Hip Pocket U 

To present educational matter 
In an entertaining way will bo 
the objedt of PhOto Facts, new 
monthly pocket size Fawcett 
mag due out Aug. 1. 

Frederic Delano will be 
editor of the 'magazine univer- 
sity,' with Miary Wagner and. 
H, K. Smith as. associates. 



New' Whodunit Mag: 
Special Detective is the title of a 
new monthly mag' which will be 
out Aug. 1, published by Haig- 
Kostka of Stamford, Conn. New com- 



Columnist Attacked 

Mystery still surrounds the attack 
made early Saturday morning (17) 
on Charles F. Danver, who conducts 
Pittsburgh's most widely-read news 



pany is the successor to the Security paper column, Tittsburghesque, in 
Publishing Co. Robert E. Haig will the Pittsburgh Post^Gazette. Un- 
be business manager and WiUiam known assailant waylaid Danver 
Kostka managing editor. Majg will within a block of his home and left 
contain both fact and fiction stories, him lying unconscious in the street. 
Contributors to the first issue in- Radio police car picked up the 
elude John Hopper, Donald Barr coliunnist and rushed him to hospi- 
Chidsey Edward S. Sullivan and tal^ where it was feared at first he 
Jack Heil. I had suffered a fractured skull. 

X-rays, however, later developed he 
had a slight brain concussion and 
severe lacerations. 

Danver had attended the annual 
newspiapermen's picnic at West View 
Park and .came back about 1 a. . m. 
He took a cab and got off a few 
blocks from . his home, a praC' 



Hearst Field: Switches 
Royal Daniell, Jr., is back in Pitts- 
burgh again as managing editor of 
Hearst's Sun-Telegraph, after nine 
months of m.e. duty on the same 

publisher's Detroit Times. In the ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^ 
same move, Alan Dale who changed ^.^.^ generally follows, since he 



Lndwig's ISGs For F. D. R. Blog. 

Emil Ludwig got $.15,000 from Lib 
erty mag for the first serialization 
rights on President Roosevelt. Ger 
man biographer has sailed back and 
received another $1,000 from the 
Macfadden. people for expenses bC' 
fore returning to Europe. 

Author was propositioned by sev- 
eral book publishers for the first 
rights, as result of which Ludwig 
started to balk a bit with Mac 
fadden from accounts, hence the 
extra $1,000 for 'expenses.' 



posts with DanieU when the latter L^^ ^^^^ ^ j^^^.^ of walking 
went to Detroit, returns to^his old L,„oss the city's bridges and devotes 
post. Dale was originally slated to I ^^^^^ columns monthly to early 



move from Pittsburgh into a Hearst 



morning scenes. Figured that som,e- 



spot in New York but scrapping of L ^^.^jy j^^^^^ j^jg ^^^-^ itinerary 



the American halted that step, 



was lying in wait. Attacked from be- 



To Detroit, with Dale, went Wil- L j^^^ his attacker and 



liam Lampe, for several years pic 
ture editor of the Sun-^Tele, who 
takes over a similar post on the 
Times. 



couldn't help the "police with a de- 
sription. 



LITERATI OBITS. 
John Thomas Toler, for past 26 
years circulation manager of The 
Atlanta Constitution, died Thursday 
(15). morning in an Atlanta hospital 
aftep a brief illness. ' He was oille pf 
the founders of the international 
Circulation Managers' Assn, having 
held every elective office in the or- 
ganization and serving as its prez 
in 1932. 

James A. Coleman, advertising 
copy writer and -agency executive, 
died at his home in Philadelphia last 
Saturday, Prominent in Philly ad- 
vertising circles until his retirement 
several years ago. ^ 

Alfred' J. Jordan, 39, type expert 
and production manager at various 
times for two Philadelphia advertis- 
ing agencies, died in St. Joseph's 
Hospital, Philadelphia, last Tuesday, 
following an illness of two weeks^ 
Jordan first worked for the F. WaUis 
Armstrong Co. and then the Richard 
Foley agency. He was in charge of 
the latter's N. Y. office for three 
ycjajSi Resigned to enter the direct 
mail field in Philadelphia and later 
formed the Advertising Composition 
Co., typesetters, 

- Abram Ctfralnik, 54, associate 'edi- 
tor of the Jewish Day, and a w. k. 
writer and Zionist leader, died July 
16 of a heart ailment in New York 
after a lengthy illness. Shortly' after 
the Russian Revolution he was a 
member of the Kerensky govern- 
ment's food ministry, 

Oliver 6. Kuhn, 51, managing 
editor of the "Washington Star, died 
on July 18. He was chairman of the 
executive committee of the Asso- 
ciated Press Managing Editors' Assn 
and a director of the National Radio 
Porum. 



lie Reliations in a Democracy' at th» 
session of the Williamstown Insti- 
tute of Public Relations, from Aug. 
29 to Sept, 3. Among those who will 
participate are Sir Wilmot Lewis 
Henry R. Luce, Frank Kent, Henry 
Haskell, Herbert Agar and Wilbur 
Forrest. 



Charity Ball- Game 



Dell lEdltors Shifted 

Several changes have been made 
at Dell Publications this month with 



Philly Guild Spreading: 

Active drive is being made by the 
Philadelphia Guild, since the national | West F. Peterson and May Ninomiya, 
convention broadened the member- both editors of miags out, Peterson, 
ship base,' to bring employes of all | who arranged as- editor of Foto to 



departments into the organization. 
Mass meeting ; was held last night 
(Tuesday) attended by a large num- 
ber of guildsmen, each one of whom 



give a $1,000 reward to the person 
who found Robert Irwin, is suc- 
ceeded at Foto by his former as- 
sistant, John M. Richmond. Peter- 



was urged to bring an employe of sen also" handled Front Page Detec 
another department. tive and Iiiside Detective and is suC' 

Majority of ad staffs at the Phila- ceeded in those posts by Hugh Lane 
delphia Record and Inquirer have and W. A. Swanburg, 
already come into the association, May Ninomiya, editor of Screen 
formerly open only to editorial men. Romances, as succeded by Albert 
Ad solicitors had a guild of their Delacorte, the publisher's son, and 
own at these two papers and their Evelyn Van Home, former assistant, 
org was admitted in totq. At an | They will act as co-editors, 
exec council meeting laslj Sunday, 
35 new members were taken into 
the local, of whom 21 were business 
office workers. Among them were 
reps of all dailies but the Ledger. 

One application for admittance was 
temporarily shelved pending a 
ruling by the Labor Relations Com- 
mittee, because of a Question of 
jurisdiction. Guild is moving very 



Annenbers: Speaks Out 
Avoiding the usual evasions of 
'freedom of the press' and 'unbiased 
minds,' Moe Annenberg, publisher of 
the Philadelphia Inquirer, openly 
told a Guild committee negotiating 
with him for a contract: 'Guild shop 
,„..,,. . 1. I is out. There is no use arguing, 

carefu ly in taking in new members you'll get Guild shop only when you 
to avoid confiicts, which have caused \ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^ 



trouble in other cities. 



APS Elects Board 

Provisional board of governors has 
been appointed by the American 
Press Society. They are John Temple 
Graves II, columnist oh the Bir 
mingham Age-Herald; Philip H 
Love, assistant city editor of the 
Washington Star; Gault Macgowan, 
reporter on. the N. Y. Sun; Winifred 
Mallon, of the N. Y. Times' Wash- 
ington Bureau and chairman of the 
Woman's NafJ Pxess Club; Paul 
Scott Mowrer, editor of the Chicago 
Daily News; John S. Piper, financial 
editor of . the San Francisco News, 
and Dorothy Thompson, columnist 
on the N. Y. Herald Tribune. 

Olive Holden pf the N. Y. Times 
Is organization chairman, and O. S. 
Donaldson provisional treasurer. 
Rose F, Eastman, of the N. Y. Times, 
is handling publicity. ■ 

The provisional board of governors 
will select its own chairman and 
designate one member to malce ar- 
rangements for election of officers. 
Membership is open only to editorial 
employees of daily newspapers and 
dues are ^10 for those with, four 
years' experience, $5 for cubs. 



Esquire-Coronet Stock 
Information filed with the Securi- 
ties Exchange Commission in Wash- 
ington in connection with the 
Esquire-Coronet stock issue includes 
unaudited figures for the three 
months ending June 30 showing a 
net income of $363,522, as compared 
with $127,759 for the same quarter 
last year. Lawrence Stern & Co. 
will be the principal underwriter. 

Circulation for Esquire at the be- 
ginning of this year is reported as 
606,610. A teaser ad in the August 
issue points to 1,000,000 circulation 
for the Xmas number. 
Coronet will accept 



give it to you.' 

Unit members privately expressed 
admiration for the publisher's frank- 
ness, but rejected, 23 to 17, the pro 
posed contract because it lacked the 
closed shop clause. Negotiating com 
mittee was instructed to continue to 
try to get Guild shop. Unit then 
voted unanimously to ask its execu- 
tive council to accept Annenberg's 
wage and hour offers as a manage 
ment statement of policy, without 
signing any contract, 



beginning in October, and Willi 
tising beginning in October, and will 
guarantee 4'00,000 circulation for the 
six months following. 



Dougr Lurton's New Mag 

Douglas Lurton, former managing 
editor of The Literary Digest, will 
advertising | start a new pocket size mag of his 



Literati Ball Teams 

Number d"f celebs in suburban 
New Yorlc and lower Connecticut 
have formed their own soft ball 
Sunday baseball league. First game 
was played recently at the Quaker 
Hill Athletic Field in Pawling, N.Y.. 
with a return game skedded at 
Pound Ridge, N. Y., for Aug. 1. 
Two teams, in the literati league at 
present are Lowell Thomas' Nine Old 
Men and George T. Bye's Prehis- 
toric Sluggers. The Old Men won 
tbe opening game, 14-6. 

Slugging along with Bye's team 
were Gene Tunney, who pitched; 
Heywood Broun, in right field, and 
Stanley High at shortstop. Pitchers 
for Thomas' -Old Men included Bill 
Donovan, Lanny Ross and Cap- 



Time and the Post Ativ. 

At the halfway marx this year. 
Time mag was for the second year 
ahead of the Saturday Evening' Post 
in number of pages of advertising. 
News-weekly registered 1,774 1/3 
pages, against the Post's 1,573 for the 
first 28 weeks this year. Last year 
at the same time, the newsmag was 
one page ahead of the Post. 

Figures are only for pages, how- 
ever, as the Post is still ahead in 
lineage, and volume. Black and white 
single insertion ad in the Post costs 
$8,500, nearly three times as much 
as the price of a similar page in 
Time, which is $2,475. 



own next fall. .Among the backers 
will be Wilfred J. Funk, of Funk and 
Wagnalls, and former editor of the 
Digest. 

First issue will /fcontain 128 pages, 
with articles by Lowell Thomas, Jim 
TuUy, Dr. Louis Bisch and others 
Allan Finn and Jack Campbell, both 
former Digest men, will contribute 
to the mag. Campbell will handle 
drama, music and books. No title 
for the mag has yet been selected 



CHATTER 

Guy Hickok has joined News- 
week. - 

John Buchan has finished 'Augus- 
tus,' his new biography. 

John Whiting moves in as asso 
ciate editor of True, Fawcett mag. 

Charm mag. has moved up its next 
publication date from Aug. 15 to 
July 27. 



(Continued frofn page 5) 



Add: Quashin? a Rumcr 

Rumors that Hearst's Atlanta 
Georgian and Sunday American 
would be sold were definitely 
scotched in a message from 'The 
Chief to Herbert Porter, publisher 
of the Atlanta properties. 

Reports had gained ground fol- 
lowing a 'March of Time' dramatiza- 
tion and a story in Time which 
classed the Atlanta papers as money 
losers. 



A. & P.'s Giveaway IVJag 
Stores Publishing Co. is a recently 
formed firm whioh will publish a 
giveaway mag to be distributed in 
A. & P. stores throughout the coun- 
try. Mag grows out of the demand 
for the weekly-menus given out by 
the chain which have at present a 
circulation of 775,000. Mag will be a 
large size publication containing 
one of these menus each month.. It 
will aim to be a service for women 
to teach economy of time, money 
and energy. Don Hanson of the 
A, & P. is president of the company. 
Haidee .Yates, formerly with Today 
and the New York Wonlan, is editor, 
Title for the mag will be deter- 
mined in a contest with $1,000 prize 
award for the winner. Mag will 
carry ads. OHlcesi are in N. Y. C. 



Denis Morrison (Variety) sold i 
football story, 'Say It With Touch 
downs,' to American Magazine. 

Irving Newman, vet photographer 
for the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, 
has resigned to open his own studio, 
Ernest Hemingway nixed a $50,000 
offer to script one picture while in 
Hollywood. He's heading back to 
Spain. 

Pete Ehlers, Hugh Sutherland and 
Al Roberts, of the Philadelphia Rec 
ord staff, back from a six-week 
hegira to Europe. 

George Seibel, former dramatic 
critic of the Pittsburgh Sun-Tele- 
graph, has sold a novel for news- 
paper serialization. 

Len Morgan Is editor of new piC' 
ture magazine. Now and Then, 
which has editorial offices in New 
York. Initial issue out last week 
Havey Boyle, sports editor of the 
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and former 
state boxing commissioner, running 
for Pittsburgh City Council on 
GOP ticket. 

George Ulman Is serializing his 
story, 'The White Rajah,' for Cos- 
mopolitan mag. Story already has 
been peddled to Warners as an Errol 
Flynn vehicle. 

Maxine Allen, former radio com- 
mentator on KQV, Pittsburgh, has 
joined the women's staff of the Sun- 
Telegraph and is doing some book 
reviewing on the side. 

Gayeties, annual newspaper men's 
shebang In Pliiladelphia, netted $470 
profit under the chairmanship of Bill 
Wolfe. Money was turned over to 
the guild exec council. 

Damon Runyon is purchasing a 
summer home in Saratoga Springs, a 
spot about which he has scripted 
many tales and in which he has 
placed many characters. 

Harold Graves and his wife, the 
former Alta Judy, back in Washing- 
ton from their honeymoon. He is 
associate ed. of Pathfinder. Bride was 
with the Literary Digest. 

Dan Mainwaring, Warner p.a,, has 
peddled 'The Man Who Killed Go- 
liath,' whodunit, to Cosmo under the 
monicker of Jeoffrey Homes. Wil- 
liam Morrow will publish it in book 
form. 

Anna Jane Phillips and Harry 
Kodinsky, both of the Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette news staff, have sold 
two more yarns, based on recent 
Pittsburgh murder cases, to True De- 
tective Stories. 

Movie Life, new fan mag, is skeded 
to bow in August, with Arthur Solo- 
mon as editor and Morton Barteaux 
and Al Davis, associates. Ultem Pub- 
lications, publishers of Modern Mov- 
ies, is putting it out. 

Arthur Krock, Washington corre- 
spondent of the Y. Times, will 
conduct a daily symposium on 'Pub- 



ing second by Vince Barhett and 'got 
up to swing one on Vince's toupee. 

In the third inning, Jimmy Glea- 
son, umpiring behind second base, 
caught a pop fly batted up by Jack 
Mulhall, retiring the side. 

Harry Ruby was the pitching star. 
He had two strikes on Jessel and 
took pity on him so Jessel pitched 
the next baU and Rttby socked it .for 
a triple for which Jessel got credit. 
There's the Hollywood spirit even in 
fun. 

Ritz Bros, challenged Lee Tracy to . 
a footrace in the fifth inning. Some- 
Dody . hollered 'Viva Villal' and 
Tracy jumped over the 12-foot walL 
Buster Keaton made Barnett cry' 
when he stole his scooter to get out 
to left field after a fly ball. Umpire 
sentenced Barnett to sit on the flag- 
pole. 

A foul tip off Benny Baker's bat 
creased Robert Taylor's pompadour" 
go the umps gave Baker a two-bag-- 
ger. ,; 

Eddie' Cantor used a banjo for a 
bat and explained that he got his 
start in the Three-Eye league. 

The Russian North Pole flyers 
were there and said afterward they, 
wouldn't hiave missed seeing a film 
being made for anything. They' 
thought the crowd were extras. 
Leffginir It For S. J. 
When Sam Briskin came to bat in 
the seventh, Joe Penner's duck laid, 
an egg on home plate. Three yesmen 
ran the bases for him. 

Spanky McFarland picked a fight 
with Warren Hymer at second base 
in the sixth, inning and Hymer called 
Spanky a big bully and had him ar- 
rested for disorderly conduct. In the 
general mer 3e the ball was lost but 
Pinky Tomlin found it in Joe £. 
Brown's mouth but not until Joe E. 
had scored three runs and got out of 
breath. 

Game broke up when Lum and 
Abner went to bat together and 
started running in opposite directions 
on the fourth ball pitched. Judge 
Edward Brand sentenced them to 
seven years hard labor at the mike. 

Mt. Sinai Hospital got the gate re- 
ceipts from folks that ponied up to . 
$2.50 each for box seats. 



Carl Wheat 



(Continued from page 46) 



much more time before sending a 
nomination to the Senate, 

Wheat emerged as a dark horse 
with strong support of western 
senators coincidental with reports 
emanating from sources close to the 
White House that a Pacific coast 
man is practically certain to get the 
job. Latter disclosure doused cold 
water on other persons figuring most 
prominently in speculation over the 
selection, Hampson Gary, F.C.C. gen- 
eral counsel, and T. A. M. Craven, 
Commish chief engineer. 

Several other factors make Wheat 
a likely winner, despite his nominal 
Republican affiliation. He is known 
as an advocate of rigid regulation of 
all types of communications, has de- 
livered successfully in his present 
capacity as director of the F.C.C. 
inquiry into long-distance telephone 
rates, and would fill the require- 
ments for a 'strong figure' to bolster 
the calibre of F.C.C. personnel. 

Efforts still are being made to get 
the job for Gary. Texans in Con- 
gress insist the berth should go to 
a man from their state, since Dr. 
Stewart was a Lone Star native. 
Conservatives on the Commish have 
tossed out the idea that Gary should 
be upped since he was one of the 
original members and are trying to 
steer Wheat into the general coun- 
sel's spot. Latter post does not ap- 
peal to. the. Calif ornian, whose in- 
Jimates say he will stick in his pres- 
ent place in preference to heading 
the entire legal section. 

While Wheat's appointment would 
give Republicans a majority of 
places, this fact is not regarded as 
a handicap for him. He has been 
identified with the progressive wing 
of the party, reputedly voted for 
President Roosevelt, and has the 
backing of Democrats as well as Re- 
publicans at the Capitol. Pro-New 
Dealers would continue to dominate 
the Commish, inasmuch as Commis- 
sioner George Henry Payne is an 
enthusiastic advocate of Roosevelt 
policies and, like Wheat, does not 
trail with the faction controlling the 
G,O.P. 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



CHATTER 



VARIETY 



69 



Broadway 



Badie Harris flew to the Coast. 

George Barnett back from Cana- 
dian vacash, ^ . X X o 

Lois Hall, legit player, being tested 
by yrarners. 

Beatrice Lillie almost completely 
recovered from sprained ankje. 

Albert Johnson expected back 
from Fort Worth about Aug. 3. 

Don Richardson has finished play, 
•Cross Cut,' dealing with race preju- 
dice. „ . 

Bill Green, Rubinoff p.a., flew to 
Chicago to advance pub Rubinoff's 
concerts. 

Eugene Lyons and Harold Winston 
making final revisions on an origi- 
nal flhn script. 

Earl Wingart won a large rubber 
floating contraption for the water in 
golf tournament. 

Eve Arden, dancer, capitalizing lay- 
off ^season by modelling for Howard 
Chandler Christy. 

Genie Buck planed to Frisco to 
attend Bohemian Grove annual af- 
fair in the redlands. 
'Mary Binney Montgomery in town 
dickering to stage ballets in a Broad-. 
W^y tuner in the falL 

Jack White back from the Coast 
after completing his 52nd Strf^*' 
chore for Walter Wanger, 

Ida (Mrs. Eddie) Cantor, called 
east by her ailing father, expects to 
return to Hollywood this week. 

tJniversal Club, composed of U 
home office employes, to Jone^ 
Beach, Aug. 26 for all-day outing. 
' Harry Takiff, of Jack Cohn's staff 
at Columbia, back from Catskills 
after attending funeral of father. 

Harry * Walker, riitery booker, in 
the landlord division via a bungalow 
colony at Lake Hopatcong, N. J. 

Barclay M(iCarty to p.a. the Coast 
troupe of 'Boom Service.' Joe Flynn 
Will advance the Boston company. 

Asked what was doing Monday a 
showman answered nothing, except 
that his mail consisted of six touch 
letters* 

Sammy Weisbord, of the Morris 
office, planes to the Coast Saturday 
(24) for a combined vacash and tal- 
ent 0.0. 

Frank Albertson, now on the Coast 
after leaving 'Brother Rat,' is men- 
tioned for a Theatre. Guild show in 
the fall. 

Juliet Forbes leaving 'Brother Rat' 
tomorrow (Thursday) to summer at 
Westbrook, Conn. C^lair Hazel re- 
placing her. 

Hy Daab will be a summer bache- 
lor now that Mrs. (Flo) and daugh- 
ter, Phyllis, sailed yesterday for 
European vacash. 

Fox-Movietone home office bunch 
dined Harry Guiness, visiting editor 
of Australasian News, Thursday night 
(15) at the 21 Club. 
. Renewed hula vogue reminds of 
O. O. Mclntyre's classic crack that 
the Hawaiians are always singing 
goodbye but' never go: 

.Deal Ross learned last Saturday 
(17), his birthday, that he was win- 
ner of 2,000 francs in the French 
national sweepstakes. 

Ned Alvord is again hiding in Ft. 
Worth with the Rose outfit, having 
passed up the jaunt to the Orient 
with the Marcus Show. 

Dorothy Dale; daughter of Johnny 
and Loretta Dale, vaude, has rallied 
from recent-operation and will re- 
Wrn home next week. 

Dufour and Rogers have mailed 
seiaSon's passes to friends in New 
York for their attractions in Dallas 
Bfld the exposition at Cleveland. 
. Irving Kaye Davis sporting new 
coat of tan from several weeks of 
mountain sojourn whither he :went 
to put finishing touches on his latest 
opus. 

Harry Warren called east by the 
death of his oldest brother returns 
to Hollywood this week. His song- 
writing partner, Al Dubin, vacashing 
in Frisco. 

Wilella Waldorf vacationing for a 
month at Brewster, N, Y. Richard 
Manson is subbing as drama ed. on 
the Post. John Mason Brown due 
back Sept. 1. 

Those summer rail-water trans- 
portation trips, with all lodging ac- 
commodations included, is keeping 
Times Square hotels near capacity 
this summer. 

Benny Leonard's restaurant at 72d 
and Broadway will open Saturday 
(24), but the former champ will en- 
tertain sports writers at a preview 
today (Wed). 

'Ben Crisler, motion picture scribe 
on N. Y. Times, off on an extended, 
vacation this week. Will take a 
trans-continental auto jaunt instead 
of a boat trip this year. 

Lenore Ulric, fully recovered from 
the injury to her side, vacationing at 
her Harmon, N. Y., home. Offs to the 
Coast in six weeks unless she can 
find a legit script she likes. 
^. Ruth Morris' Bill White (or- Wil- 
- Iiam C. White, as the Satevepo.st bills 
him among its 1937 'discovery' 
authors) may go Hollywood now 
1 that Metro has bought his 'A Matter 
^ of Pride,' first published in the SEP. 
; -^George Gershwin's only sister, 
\ trances CFrankie'), now Mrs. Leo- 
t Pold Godowslcy, Jr., arrives tomor- 
! row (Thursday) on the Champlain, 
\ the first boat available to' bring her 
nome. she learned of her brother's 
• "^i^th while in Paris. 

Naoe Kondo, formerly with N. T. 
v». and Texas Guinan, and more re- 
cently seen on Broadway in 'Petti- 



coat Fever' and Tirst Lady.' is sing^ 
ing and dancing, at the Yokohama 
Takurazuka theatre, doing a double 
with • her husband, Geore Hirose, 
Japanese baritone. 



Milton Ager is accompanying Ce- 
celia as far as C^iicago, when the ex- 
Variety muggess leaves for her Gold- 
wyn writing assignment end of this 
week, but her songwriting-husband 
may carry on all the way. Entire 
family, including two Jr. Agerites 
and nurse, are moving west. 



Sydney 

By Erie G«rrick 



'. Dawn Sisters booked by Fullers. 

Metro gave 'Good Earth' a classy 
preview. 

Jack Percival handling Marcus 
exploitation. 

. (jordon Williams busy setting 
B. I. P. product. 

All outdoor amusements have 
closed down until next season. 

'Gone to the Dogs*^ is title of. Cine- 
sound's next pic. It's a comedy. 

Gregan McMahon, indie producer, 
is reviving 'School for Scandal.' 

Newsreel theatrette pulled capacity 
with Fox's Coronation pic in color. 

Ice-skating proving very popular 
here. Roller stuff, too, is drawing 
plenty. 

Fullers plan complete renovation 
of Princess theatre prior to Marcus 
show season. 

Monte Carlo Russian Ballet opened 
a repeat- .season successfully for 
Williamson-Tait. 

Tito Schipa is giving a series of 
concerts imder the direction of 
Williamson-Tait. 

RKO's 'Rainbow on the River' has 
developed into one of the surprise 
hits of the season. 

Air fans are forming a committee 
to request Federal government to re- 
duce the current radio license fee. 

Mother of Mary Maguire leaves 
this week with two other daughters 
to see daughter at Warners in Holly 
wood. 

Frank Neil will send his current 
revue unit headed by. Con CoUeano 
and Irene "Vermilion to New Zealand 
next week. 

Sir Ben Fuller has booked The 
Blenders for a run with the Montague 
revue unit throughout Australia and 
New Zealand. 

Williamson-Tait will stage 'Swing 
It' after its next production, 'Over 
She Goes.' George Gee will be 
starred in both. 

Dan Carroll, prez of the Film 
Board of Trade, is taking a look over, 
the . Birch, Carroll and Coyle, hold- 
ings in Queensland. 

Williamson-Tait will import the 
Don Cossack Choir for a tour of 
Australia and New Zealand. Opens 
in August in Auckland. . 

Publicity men plugged Constance 
Worth strong in 'China Passage' 
(RKO) on marquees. She's known 
locally as Jocelyn Howarth. 

Vince White has been appointed 
musical critic for Sydney Mail. Was 
formerly connected with Exhibitors' 
Monthly. Myron Lustig does pics for 
the former. 

World Productions under A. R. 
Harwood plan further pix, after 
'Grand Exit' with Syd Beck is com- 
pleted. Only local unit working in 
this 'territory at present. 

Noel Monkton, indie producer, has 
started shooting a new opus, 
'Typhoon Treasure.' Yarn will be 
filmed on Great Barrier Reef with 
Campbell Copelin, Gwen Munro and 
Joe "Valli as featured players. 



London 



Louis Bernstein here. 

Jack Powell at Dorchester. 

Kay Merrill in for a few days, then 
off to Russia. 

Maurice Elvey will direct' a Warner 
pic at Teddington. 

Jane SeUs over for a vacation, 
looking up old friends. 

Marjorie Dash recuperating after 
her appendicitis operation. 

Vaudeville Golfing Society will 
hold its annual dinner Nov. 21. 

Kimberly and Page going back 
home in August Xo visit the folks. 
..Fanny Holtzmann has moved over 
to Pinewood, so as to be near the 
film contingent 

Steve Geray playing a lot of tennis 
to keep his weight down for his 
Broadway debuL 

Lou Wolfson renting a house in 
Golder's Green, now that the Mrs. 
and kid are here. 

Denmark has banned the showing 
of 'Love from a Stranger/ ^starring 
Ann Harding and Basil Rathbone. 

Florence Desmond planning to 
marry Charles Hughesdon, broker, in 
September, prior to saiiling for New 
York to fulfill an engagement. 

DeWolfe and Metcalf taking a 
couple weeks vacation on the Riviera 
prior to returning to America after 
an absence of over three years. 

Margaret Kennedy and Gregory 
Ratoff have adapted a Russian play, 
'Autumn,' which Basil Deal will pre- 
sent in the West End in the fall, 

Ian Hay's new thriller, formerly 
titled 'Liquid Gpld,' .now 'The 
Gusher,' being presented by Firth 
Shepheard at Princes theatre, July 
31. 

Great Dante off on a three weeks 
vacation covering Paris, Switzerland 
and Vienna. While vacationing he 
pays his entire company of 22 full 
salary. 

Grertrude Lawrence, who was ad- 
judged bankrupt in 1935, and has 
since been ijaying off her debts in 
instalments, has applied for her dis- 
charge. 

Following the speedy deinise of 
'Satyr,^ Flora Robson will make a 
picture here, before leaving for New 
York to appear, in the play on the 
other side. 

Fred Lindsay, Australian stock- 
whip expert, retyrned from his 
native land. Has bought an old 
Tudor manor in south of England 
and retired. 

George Bernard Shaw has finally 
come to terms with British Broad- 
casting Corp., and his plays will be 
televised. First one is 'He Lied to 
Her Husband.' 

William Buster Collier, Jr., be- 
came father of a daughter, July 4. 
His wife is Marie Stevens, former 
.show girl. Collier is associate pro- 
ducer for Warners here. 

Norman Loudon of Sound City 
Films has launched a newsreel to be 
known as National News, bringing 
the total in British up to six locals. 
C. R. Snape is managing editor. 

Westport 

By Humphrey Poulens 



pected here for a number of per- 
formances. 

Larry Bachman, American " film 
writer, off for N. Y. after a. short 
\acation trip here, 

Cameraman Paul Perry shooting 
.exteriors here and in Ck>lon for the 
next Lily Pons picture. 

Ethel Bartlett and Rae Robertson, 
English pianists, doing a series of 
concerts at the Ateneo. 

Maria Caniglia and Lauri Volpi, 
Italian soprano and tenor, debuting 
at the Colon Opera House. 

Itzik Feld and Lola Spilman, N. Y. 
Yiddish actors, joining cast of 'Pini 
fun Pinchev' at the Ombu. 

Leon Cherniavsky, violinist, will 
make his first appearance this sea- 
son at the Ateneo next month. 

MGM gave a private performance 
of 'The Good Earth' to the Argentine 
Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Carcano. 

Marian Anderson, IT. S. Negro 
singer, gave two of her six an- 
nounced recitals at the Foliteama 
with record grosses. 

Serge Lifar, Paris opera dancer, 
will renounce his CTolon engagement, 
having no time for it because he 
cannot fly to South America on the 
Zepp. 

New State Broadcasting' Station 
LRA is to be inaugurated in the 
presence of President General Justo 
and cabinet members. Station will 
be operated by the Postoffice" De- 
partment 



New Haven 

By Harold M. Bone 



Philadelphia 

By Herb Golden 



Herman Goldberg vacationing. 
Horlacher picnic coming Sunday 
(25). ■ 
Ben Alley back after week at Cape 

Sam* Paley to Columbia Hollywood 

office. ,. ^ , , 

Sol Jacobson p.a.'mg a straw hat 

troupe. 

Mike Levinson back after 9 months 
in California. 

Jules Seltzer training for vacash 
in Hollywood. 

Nixon's Grand open to show 
'Damaged Lives.' , .„ 

Ray Smith resigning frpm Pre- 
ferred sales crew. 

Rose Rosofl became Mrs. Joe 
Buschel Sunday (18). 

Elsie Finn spending week-ends at 
Harvey Cedars, N. J. 

Stanley Hatch in town to confer 
with Johnny Bachman. , , 

Rocco Stanko replacing Harold 
Beswick at Carman organ, 

Jim Begley flew to coast last week 
on fortnight summer respite. 

Harry Jordan back in town vi.'sil- 
ing old friends at Trans-Lux. 

Phil Wolfson resigned la.'?t week 
from Monogram. No plans yet. 

Larry Mackey slill bragging about 
his new red, chrome-trimmed seats 
at the Arcadia. 

. Jules Faulk in town to Dell con- 
c'erts each week td catch itieas for 
his Steel Pier presentations. 

Sympathy of show biz extended 
to booker Jolly Joyce on death of 
hi.s' brother last Friday 06). 

Mirror Room's Dan Crawford, Jr., 
and Connie Lee, dancer, due back 
in town soon following the honey- 
moon. 



The John Cecil Holms threw a big 
party. 

Patsy Kelly vacationing at Shore- 
haven. 

Mrs. Basil Rathbone near New 
Canaan. 

Sam Bodamo "Ijack from New 
Hampshire. 

Anna May Wong has taken a house 
at New Canaan. 

Downie Brothers Circus booked 
into Bridgeport August 9. 

The John Andersons had a lunch- 
eon for Mrs. Pat Campbell. 

David Shelley, son of Buddy De- 
Sylva, working in Skowhegan straw- 
hat after visiting relatives here. 

Westbrook Pegler, George Bye and 
George Waldo drove over to Hyde 
Park to have luncheon with the 
Roosevelts; 

Frances Farmer arrives here Fri- 
day for but three days of rehearsal, 
before 'At Mrs. Beams' opens at 
Mount Kisko. 

Albert! DiGOstiago, Lily Pons' first 
teacher, here .from Paris to coach 
star in 'The Girl in the Cage,' her 
next picture. . 

Mrs. Ernst Donat feted by Matt 
Saunders after showing of 'Knight 
Without Armor' with her son Robert, 
at Poll's Bridgeport 

Lily Pons, Philip Dunning, John 
Anderson and Justin Sturm gue.sts 
of honor at annual meeting of Fair- 
field County Association tomorrow. 



Ben Cohen commuting to shore. 
George Reising vacationing from 
Par. 

Sunday vaude bill up for hearing 
here. 

Bob Carney back from Ohio 
vacash. 

Bob Russell catching fish on his 
h9lidays. 

Ben Cohen just wandering on hol- 
iday jaunt. 

Nate Rubin quits the • home town 
for Evansville, Ind. 

Motorcycle crackup has Joe Lav- 
enduski on crutches. 

Motorcycle crackup put Joe Lav- 
«hduski on crutches. 

Lillian Kaye hopped in briefly, 
then off-to-Buffaloed. 

Richard Siegel instructing Unity 
Players dramatic school. 

Stmday vaude bill unopposed here. 

Norman Randall laying plans for 
August holiday. 

Milford; Thfey gave Mrs. Pat 
Campbell an ovation opening night 
of- '13th Chair.' Lora Morris pro- 
moted to box office this year. . .Ruth 
Lane commuting from 'nearby farm 
. . .Rosemary Ames set for 'Accent 
on Youth' July 26. 

Madison: Brace Conning shifts 
from Stony Creek to here as director 
this year. . .Major Ranney Compton 
again at helm for Post Road Players 
. . .House has two tryouts set for 
Aug. . .Elizabeth Love due for sev- 
eral return dates this summer.. 

Stony Creek: Richard Bender han- 
dling direction this year. . .Maurice 
Sarasohn and son again in charge of 
tickets. . .Johnny MiUer and Joe 
Dietle at backstage posts. . .'Small 
Miracle' current attraction. . .Papa 
Francis Joannes designs sets here, 
daughter Frances stage manages 'em. 

Guilford: Chapel Playhouse goe.s 
ritzy with cushioned seats... Mac 
Parker splits time between WICC 
and N. Y.-Guilford troupe ... Arthur 
Hoyt battling a frog in the throat. . . 
Jack Warren and Percy Helton 
staged cue-tossing contest in 'Is Zat 
So?'. . .Douglas Gilmore heading cast 
again. 



MinneapoEs 

By Les Rces 



Buenos Aires 

By Fred Marey 



Bernard Baker, musical director 
of NBC, N. Y., here. 

Ralph Benatzky's 'White Horse Inn' 
opening at the Coliseo. 

John B. Nathan. Paramount chief 
in Argentine, ill with influenza. 

Nicolai Orloff, Russian piani.st will 
give a .«!crie,«i of recitals at the Odeon, 

Jack Segal, Columbia executive for 
Latin America, in town on inspection 
trip. 

Gran Rex, new 4,000-seat cinema, 
will open with 'Libelled Lady' 
(MGM). 

Carola Goya, Spanish dancer, ex- 



MGM club held annual picnic and 
wiener roast. 

Max; Roth,' Republic district man- 
ager, in town. 

Moe Levy out on a tour of his 
20th-Fox district. 

Northwest Allied has given up its 
Film Row quarters. 

'Good Earth,' which wasn't road- 
shown here, set for Minnesota 
Aug. 6. 

Sam Clark, WB exploiteer, here 
from Chicago to boost national trade 
screening. 

Eddie McErlane, WB head booker, 
vacationing at northern Minnesota 
lake resorts. 

Shep Fields' orchestra to follow 
Lou Bree.se at Hotel Nicollet Minne 
fiota Terrace. 

Variety club to hold summer 
Sports' Frolic at Breezy Point Lodge 
Aug. 17 and 18. 

Harold Johnson, WB .salesman 
spent half hour at Rush City lake 
diving to bring up body of drownec 
man. 

Iva Griffith, RKO secretar.y, . re- 
covering from major operation, but 
must remain ih hospital .for three 
more weeks. 

Bill Ruthart Chicagoan, visiting his 
uncle, W. H. Workman, MGM ex- 
change manager, prior to joining 
MCtM Milwaukee branch. 

First professional night baseball 
games between Minneapolis and St 
Paul A. A, teams drew capacity 
crowds in both Twin Cities. 

Art Ablesoo of Eddie Ruben man- 
a.tjerial staff fully recovered from 
operation at the Mayo clinic, 
Rochester, end back on Job again. 



HoBywood 



Scott Pembroke in from London. 
Fay Wray winged out for Dallas 
p.a. 

Donald Brian here figuring on film 
deals. 

Trem C^rr planning Hulaland 
vacash. 

Paul Kelly sprouting new grove of 
navels. 

Marjorie Gateson winged in from 
Gotham. 

William Gbetz back from biz jour- 
ney abroad. 

Phil Regan looking for a Beverly 
Hills hearth. 

Bing Cr<>sby sprained an ankle 
playing tennis. 

Laszlo Willinger lensing sittings of 
top Metroites. 

Raymond Moiey and Will H, Hays 
had a chinfest. 

Warren William back from the 
lounding main. 

Wallace Beery flew his ship in 
from New York. 

Bing Crosby's new coat looks like 
a Hawaiian sunset 

Mark Sandrich winged in from Eu- 
ropean wanderings. 

Gieorge Brent, nee George Nolan, . 
now a U. S. citizen. 

Craig Reynolds new mansion is 
atop Hollywood hiUs. 

Marco back from Honolulu to start 
his U producing pact. 

(jcne Autry did a guester p.a. with 
Rudy Vallee in Dallas. 

Irene Hervey had her riding nag 
trailered to Arrowhead. 

Virginia Walker, Boston deb and 
model, taking fling at films. 

Harry Rackin moved in as assist- 
ant studio boss at Republic. 

Margaret Bpoth going to London 
to join th« Metro contingent. 

Col. Michael Frleday of Newark 
and Universal looking around. 

William Powell stricken ill on the 
'Double Wedding' set at Metro. 

W. J. Makin, editor of London 
Screen Pictorial, monocling the lots. 

J. Carroll Naish sliced his thiunb 
breaking a window in 'Bulldog Drum- 
mond.' 

Clifford Odets completed Para- 
mount scribbling chores and bowed 
off the lot. 

Clarence Brown tossed a party at 
his rancho for the 'Madame Walew- 
ska' mob. 

Edward Arnold progressed from 
wheel chair to crutches with hia 
sprained kneecap. 

Metro added Albert Mahler, for- 
mer prizefighting thrush from Philly, 
to its contract list 

The Frank Lloyds, 25 years wed, 
were reminded by daughter Alma 
with a surprise party. 

Gene Austin starting 10-week p.a. 
tour before starting first musical 
galloper for Maurice Conn. . 

Lawrence de NeufvlUe of the New 
York Reuters office guest here of 
Leo Fuller, London News-Chronicle. 

Brandon Tynan, who came here 
for 'Parnell,' has settled down 
permanently and is set for two more 
pictures. 

Pittsburg 

By Hal Cohen 

Eddie Martins home from Miami 
for couple of months of restbig. 

Harry Seed's frau has left for Cal- 
ifornia and a six-week vacation. 

George Lazard on job a^ain at 
Nixon cafe after tonsil-yanking. 

Rae Russiell off to Washington for 
convention of dancing teachers. 

Tom and Elmer Kenyon have gone 
to Bermuda for month's vacation. 

Pittsburgh Playhouse has set Oc- 
tober 26 for opening of '37-38 sea- 
son. 

George W. Weeks coming to- town 
with a print of GB's 'King Solomon's 
Mines.' 

Steve Androllna will boss the 
Plaza cafe when it reopens In Sep- 
tember. * 

Dick Stabile brought his flancee, 
Gracie Barrie, here to celebrate her 
birthday. 

Dave Broudy and Herman Middle- 
man have resuhied their 10-year-old 
golf feud. 

Tom Fisher playing lead in 'Hell 
Bent for Heaven' at South pai>k 
Playhouse. 

Joe Blowitz quitting WB mana- 
gerial staff shortly to make his home 
on the Coast. 

Polly Rowles has returned to Hol- 
lywood after two weeks with her 
parents here. 

Carl Case spending summer di- 
recting dramatists at University of 
Wisconsin, theatre, 

Jimmy Balmer helped his parent.s 
celebriate their golden anniversary 
over the week-end. 

Harry Martin, Sall.y Rand's per- 
.sonal manager, resting here for 
month with his folks. 

Roy Rowes stojjped for short visit 
on way back to Burgaw, N. C, from 
New England vacation. 

Woody Herman's ma and pa have 
gone back to Milwaukee after visit 
with the young maestro. 

Margot Barclay and John Mc- 
Quade summer-stocking on Long Is- 
land and at Hartford, (i!onn. 

Freeman Hammond making his 
only appcarahce of summer at 
Keehe, N. H., thi,s week in 'Labur- 
num Grove.' 



^0 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



OBITUARIES 



FRANK MONROE 

Frank Monroe, well known char- 
acter actor, died in the Southside 
Hospital at Bayshore, L. I., June 19, 
from a complication ot diseases. 

In 1884 he made his first stage ap- 
pearance in Baltimorcj Md., in 'East 
Lynn,' he played in Kirke La Shellfes 
production of 'The Virginian' and 
in 'Checkers' for several seasons, and 
was with James A. Heme in 'Sag 
Harbor.' His greatest success was 
achieved as the detective in the 
original iproduction of Paul Arm- 
strong's 'Alias Jimmy Valentine.' 

Mr. Monroe had recently become 
a guest of the Percy Williams Home 
. at East Islip, Long Island. 

Funeral services under the aus- 
pices of the Actors' Fund of America 
will be held tomorrow (Thursday). 
Interment in the Fund Plot in Ken- 
sico. 



nership with Caster Staley as Moore 
and Sjtaley and with Six American 
: Dancers. He leaves no near rela- 
tives. 



MORRIS P. HAFEY 

Morris P. Hafey, 64, former circus 
driver, died July 7 at his home, Co- 
lumbus, O., after an extended ill- 
ness. 

For many years he drove a 10- 
horse hitch with Sells Bros., Barium 
& Bailey and Ringling Bros, circuses.. 



BILL MOOSE 

Bill Moose, lacking only two 
months of being 100 years old, last 
member of the Wyandotte tribe in 
Ohio, died July 11 at the Franklin 
county home, near Columbus, O. 

He traveled with the Sells Bros, 
circus for nine seasons. 



WILLIAM MILLMAN 

William L'Estrange Millman, 54, 
stage and screen actor, died in Hol- 
lywood, Cal„ July 19, after a brief 
illness. 

MiUman had appeared on the 
legitimate stage for a number of 
years before going Into pictures, 
having appeared In support ol Wil- 
lian> Faversham, Jiilia Marlowe and 
others on th^ New York, stage. His 
last legit appearance was with Tal- 
lulah Bankhead iA 'Forsaking All 
Others.' He had been in pictures 
about three years with 'Silent Bar- 
riers,' produced by Xravunont British, 
having been his last screen .assign- 
ment. . 

Body will be sent to Toronto, Can 
ada, for burial. He is survived by 
two brothers and sisters. 



FREDERICK MoOLELLAN 

Frederick W. McClellan, 68, died 
suddenly at the home ^of a daughter, 
at Akron, O., July 16, from a heart 
attack. 

After a long career In New York 
durmg which he Had been manager 
of Luna Paric at Coney Island and 
the Hippodrome theatre, Mr. Mc 
Clellan had gone to Hollywood 
where he had been engaged for the 
past 15 years in publicity and ex 
ploitation work. He retired two 
years ag:o. 

His wife Amelia K., a daughter 
and a sister survive him. 



BARRT (DOC) SLOAN 
Harry (Doc) Sloan, 65, outdoor 
showman, died July 5 at his home 
at Youngstown, O., after a lingering 
illness. He had been identified with 
Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey, 
Hagenbeck-Wallace, Cole Bros., Col 
Francis Ferari, Sells-Floto and other 
circuses. 

He spent many years with dira 
matic shows and was a pioneer in 
motion pictures. He played for 
Marcus Loew, Vitagraph, Biograph 
D. W. Griffith and Mack Sennett. 
For many years recently he had 
operated a small medicine company, 

WILLIAM B. TRIFTS 

WiUiam H. Trifts, for 28 years In 
charge of electrical work for thie 
F. G, Spencer chain of picture 
houses in the miiritime provinces, 
and for 21 years in charge of electri- 
cal work for the St. John Exhibition 
Association, sponsoring the annual 
St. John fair, died recently at St. 
John, N. B., dying several ddys after 
surgical treatment. 



HERE AND THERE 



(Continued from page 49) 
law, which leaves decision tp dis- 
cretion of judge as to whether or not 
an offender's car shall be taken from 
him. 



Ralph Atiass, WIND-WJJD, Chi 
indie stations head, to Washington 
for conferences last week. 



Pickard Family replacing Ridge 
Runners for month on Drug Trade 
Products 90-minute daily WJJD pro- 
gram. 



Dorothy Bushey and Pat Haley 
have started a new series , of vocal 
novelty sustainers on KDKA, Pitts- 
burgh, with Bernie Armstrong, Miss 
Bushey's husband, at the organ. 



Bob Jemis, former advertising 
agency executive, has joined the 
sales staff of WWSW, Pittsburgh. 



ADOLPH HIRSCHBERG 

Adolph Hirschberg, 59, president 
of the Philadelphia local, American 
Federation of Musicians, fpr six 
years, and veteran labor leader, died 
in Mt. Sinai Ho'spital, Philadelphia, 
Saturday (17), of a throat infection. 

He probably was the best known 
laborite in the city. For 15 succes- 
sive terms he headed the Central 
Labor Union and for 30 years held 
office in the A. F. of M. 



H. W. AKERS 

H. W. Akers, 75, manager of the 
Tabor and other Denver theatres 
for years, died at his home in Den- 
ver, following an illness of several 
months. He had been retired since 
1927. 

He Is survived by his wife, a son 
and grandson. Funeral and burial in 
Denver. 



WILLIAM HATES 

William Hayes, 50, veteran cow- 
joy actor, died suddenly of a heart 
attack at Paramoxmt studio in Holly- 
wood, July 13. 

He was stricken just after he had 
signed a contract to appear in 
studio's 'Wells Fargo.' Burial was 
July 16. . 

JOE WEREB 

Joe Weber, 57, vaude actor, 
nephew of Joe Weber (Weber and 
Fields), died in Hollywood July 12. 

Funeral was July 15, burial in 
Hollywood Cemetery. 

W. 'F. MINTEB 

W. F. lijinter, 45, film actor, died 
July 13 in Los Angeles. He had 
been in pictures 15 years. 

DAVE CULLUM 

Dave Cullxmi^ carnival man, was 
killed in an auto agcident at . Aiken; 
S. C.,. last week,. 

ANGEL MENTASTI . 

Angel Mentasti, 63, owiner and 
manager of the Film production 
comi^any 'Argentina Sono Film,' 
died in Buenos Aires, at the end of 
June. He may be called the found- 
er of this Argentine Film Company. 

MARRIAGES 

Marie O'Leary to Paul Weather- 
wax, Paramount cutter, July 17 in 
Las Vegas, Nev. 

Natalie Draper to Tom Brown, film 
player, aboard yacht beyond 12-mile 
limit off Wilmington, Calif., July 4. 
First marriage for both. 

Jean Perrin to Gene Howell in 
Denver, Colo. Bride is with United 
Artists Exchange. 

Sybil Ashby to James C. Douglas, 
July 31 in Omaha, Neb. Groom is 
assistant manager of WAAW. 

Evelyn Mason to Fred Gilmore, 
Aug. 6 in Omaha, Neb. Bride was 
connected With WOW. 

Walter Forster, mikeman at WIL, 
St. Louis, to Lydia Krikle, non-pro 
Forster, a Lutheran jjiinister, is 
working "for ' an LL.D. degree at 
Washington U between times at 
WIL's mike. 

Virginia Cummings, secretary in 
Paramount publicity office, to John 
Clarke, news editor at KN^fc (Holly- 
wood) July 13 in Las Vegas, Nev. 

Janet Fargo to 'Buck' Gunn, in 
Chicago, July 14. Groom is radio 
producer for J. Walter Thompson, 
and bride is continuity writer for 
WBBM, Chicago. 

Frances Duffey to J. Ray Conlan, 
July 10, in Reno, Nev. Groom is a 
salesman at KYA, San Francisco. 

Lynne Carver to Nicholas Nay 
fack at Yuma, Ariz., July 18. Bride 
is film actress under contract to 
Metro. Groom is assistant to Louis 
B. Mayer at Metro and a nephew 
of Joe and Nick Schenck. 

Betty Spott, Paterson, N. J., to 
Robert K. Meyer, of Kent, O., July 
3, at Cleveland, O. The bride is a 
cashier at Craig Beach Park, Dia- 
mond, and the groom trumpet player 
in George. Williams' band. 

Margaret O'Connor to William Mc 
Caffrey in New York, July 16. Bride 
is secretary to John Royal, NBC 
program chief; groom is partner in 
the talent agency firm of Hesse & 
McCaffrey. 



Walt Framer back froni month's 
vacation in California and resum- 
ing his Show-Shopper sustainer on 
KDKA, Pittsburgh, and his Curb- 
stone Cash and Warner iBrothers' 
commercials on WWSW. 



Beckley Smith back on the job 
newscasting for Kaufmann's on 
WJAS, Pittsburgh, after spending 
coiiple of weeks with his boss, H. 
J. Brennen, on Lake Erie. 



' EDWARD J. MOORE 

Edward J. Moore, 68, retired vaude 
actor, died July 18, in Municipal 
hospital, Rochester. 

He was on. big time 30 years, as 
single in comedy dance act, in part- 



Mary Frances Kitchell to Clarence 
S. Bulli Riverside, Calif., July 19 
Groom is Metro portrait fotog. 

Helen Anne McAdoo to Louis E 
Jennings, Gardnerville, Nev., July 
17. Groom is film cameraman. 



Summer Theatres 



Bobby Brown, WBBM, Chi Co- 
tunbia key, program director, off to 
Europe with the missus. 



Sherman Ellis joining the WBBM 
Chicago program departrnent. ^'or- 
merly with Princeton U. student 
body. 

^John FItigerald, CBS special 
events chief, to Chicago for confer- 
ence before Wisconsin rest. 



(Continued from page 64) 

she apologize to Erlich, and in des- 
peration blurts out that he is 
Judith's real father. Curtain at this 
point is exactly the punctuation 
suited to the situation, but it leaves 
one with the expectation that there 
are bigger things ,to come. Unfor- 
tunately there are not. 

One might suppose that there 
would' be a mellowing scene in con- 
clusion which might preach racial 
tolerance. Cleverly developed in the 
third act, this theme might give thie 
piece the punch of greatness it now 
lacks. ' 

Judith tells Donald she is a love- 
child and he acceplts it like a true 
gentleman. He also wants to accept 
an attractive business offer from 
Erlich, even under • the circum- 
stances. This is the last straw , for 
Judith, who quits the household and 
runs to her married lover at the 
final curtain. 

Both Miss King and Mooi'e handle 
their roles very well; Mary Young, 
as Judith's mother, is perfectly cast, 
but she and others had to improvise 
lines at times to surmount opening 
night pitfalls. William P. Carlson is 
convincing as the grumpy father 
living off the money of his mother- 
in-law, played by May Buckley. 

Single , set by Vernon Coleman 
okay. Fox. 

MARRIAGE ROYAL 

Dennis; l^ass.. July 13. 

Play In three acts (lour scenes) by Rob- 
«rt Wallsten. Staged by Arthur Slrcom; 
settlngrs, Eugene C, Fltsch. . Pceaented by 
Raymond Moore at Cape Playhousa, Den- 
nis. Maaa., July 13, 'ST. • 

Caatorp Dudley Hawley 

Lorescu.... ....Philip Huston 

Von Bruehlateln Edward Fielding 

Empress Theresa. .Margaret AngUn 
Archduke Franz Leopold ., Robert Wallsten 

Zara. Kbnstanz. .Tamara 

Maid : Constance Field 

King Alexander Herbert Yost 

Karol Otto Hulett 

Princess Yoanna Beatrice Martha Scott 

Liaokeys ..Fred Sears, Harvey Welch 



tions may be fresh, the situations 
are exactly the opposite. ' 

In every other respect, however 
Wallsten has done an admirable job! 
Dialog and characterization are ex- 
cellent. If he chooses a more novel 
premise for his next play, he should 
turn out a script of major interest. 

Wallsten himself enacts the role of 
the hapless royal romancer. He is 
very much at ease. Tamara makes 
an attractive vis-a-vis. She intro- 
duces a song, . 'I Smile in My Sleep,' 
composed by Richardson Myers and 
E3dward Heyman. It's a tune which 
seams destined ' for popularity, 
whethier or not 'Marriage Royar 
reaches Broadway. ■ In addition to 
Miss Anglin's contribution as the 
empress mother, there are highly 
satisfying portrayals in other impor- 
tant parts by Philip Hustoh, Edward 
Fielding, Herbert Yost, Otto Hulett 
and Martha Scott, all of whom have 
been skilfully directed by Arthur 
Sircom. 

Eugene C. Fitsch has delivered 
two decorative settings which cap- 
ture the regal atmosphere of the 
script. ■ Paul. 

Busman's Honeymoon 

Westport, Conn., July 19. ' 

Day Tuttle and Richard Skinner present 
comedy In three axjts by Dorothy Sayers. 
arid M. St. Clare Byrpe; staged by Donald- 
Blackwell; settings, John Koenlg; at 
Country Playhouse, Westport, Conn., week 
July 10. '87. 

Mrt Buftett .■ Victor Beecrott 

Bdnter Clorence Derwent 

Mrs. Buggies .•Lillian Brennard Tonge 

Harriet Valerie Cossart 

Lord Peter Wlmaey ....John Emery 

MlBs Twitter ton Mildred Natwlck 

Frank CrUtchley Ddmond O'Brien 

Rev. Simon Goodacre St. Clair Bayfleld 

Mr. McBrlde ...Will Le« 

Constable Sellon Kendall Clark 

auoferlntendenf Clark ..Francis Plerlot 

George .Fred Honchar ' 

Bill .>• • Jules Brlcken. 



Frank Rand, CBS mid-west pub- 
licity head, visiting the Boston 
homestead for two weeks. 



Radie Harris vacashing on Coast. 



Ireene Wicker living in Connecti- 
cut and commuting during summer 
for her 'Singing Lady* (Kellogg) 
program over NBC. 



Robert* J. Stephenson new mike- 
man at WHN, N. Y. Hails from 
WNBF, Binghamton. 



Thomas L. McFadden, of NBC's 
New York staff, is back again at 
WGY to handle Esso News Flashes 
diuring the vacation of Bill Mee- 
nam. 



CJBC, Winnipeg, thrown off the 
air, and all street car traffic stopped 
in Winnipeg, for nearly an hour on 
Monday, July 12. 



Donald Flamm, WMCA, N. Y., 
prez, back from his European tour. 

Thelma 3. McNiel, staff pianist of 
WFBL, Syracuse, and Jack Curran, 
announcer, are to be married the first 
week in August. 



Edna Sellers doing the WGN- 
Libby McNeil Saturday morning or- 
gan 15-minutes. 



George Halleys (KMBC national 
program rep) celebrating their 21st 
wedding anniversary. 



•The Family Man,' WTMV E. St. 
Louis Number One a. m. show, 
sciripted and broadcast' by Woody 
Klose, suspended for summer on 
Sat. (17). 



Geortre A. Barton, Jr., formerly 
with WBBM, Chicago, added to pro- 
duction staff at KMOX, St. Louis^ 



Bill Bailey, NBC . announcer, back 
at the mike after an appendectomy. 

Carrt)!! J. Schuepbach, Jr., Okla-^ 
homa City, moved to KLZ,. Denver, 
commercial department. 



Frank Quinn, sales manager KLZ, 
Denver, is vacationing on the west 
coast. 



Leona Marcille, songstress form- 
erly 'at WNLC, New London, and 
WICC, Bridgeport, signed as vocal- 
ist with Henry Biagini's orchestra. 



Col. Luke Bakootas' 25-piece 
balalaika juve orchestra making 
debut at WICC, Bridgeport, next 
Sunday. ' 



Donald Thompson, production man- 
ager and director of the Playhouse 
for WHO, Des Moines, is combining 
a vacation in New York City and a 



In spite of unfortunate- circum- 
stances attending its debut, 'Marriage 
Royal' emerges- as a play of some 
merit. 

Opening was postponed because of 
the star's indisposition. Miss Anglih 
had been rehearsing 'Marriage' and 
at the same time appearing in 'Re- 
treat from Folly,' an arrangement 
which required heavy commuting. 
The strain was a little too great, and 
there is ho doubt that her perform- 
ance wiU gain in smoothness when 
her lines are thoroughly mastered. 
Premiere found her occasionally at 
a loss, with other members of the 
cast throwing dialog her way. Open- 
ing night was also disrupted by fail- 
ure of the lighting system, which 
plunged the playhouse into darkness. 
Tamara, appearing as a young ro- 
mantic lead, stepped into the breach 
by singing 'Smoke Gets in Yoiu: 
Eyes,' her tune from 'Roberta.' Later, 
when Miss Anglin had a speech 
about the lighting effects planned for 
a grand ball, the parallel sent her — 
and the audience — into giggles. 

Customers thoroughly enjoyed the 
casualness of the oroceedings and 
warmed up to the show. Thus 'Mar- 
riage Royal' did not fare so badly 
as it might have. 

Chief fault, apart from prodyction 
mishaps, is the utter banality of the 
plot. It is the old, old mythical 
kingdom story. Heir to a throne is 
forced to give up the girl he loves 
to marry a neighboring princess, all 
for reasons of state. 

-Author's approach is new, how- 
ever. Action is laid in. the present 
day, and the rulers are shown to be 
puppets of an upstart dictator. Hero 
is an exile from his own country, 
and the marriage will bring him 
back to the throne — ^but only as a 
cardboard emperor who must obey 
the dictator's commands. Conse-. 
quently, his sacrifice of true love 
can be little more than a grand 
gesture, without actual significance. 
As a study of modern monarchs, 
futile creatures without a vestige of 
former dignity, 'Marriage Royal' may 
be considered a nlay worth writing. 
But Robert. Wallsten has erred in 
using such a threadbare plot to illus- 
trate his theme. While the implica- 

scouting trip for new productions 
for the Playhouse. 



Reerinald Malcolm, straw-hatting in 
Milford, Conn'., spotted' in weekly 
'Stories of the Theatre' series at 
WICC, Bridgeport. 



A! Marrote, tenor, set at WNLC, 
New London, Conn. 



Mary O'Keefe, sister of Walter, 
secretary to Cedric W. Foster, man- 
ager at WTKT, Hartford. 



Dayle Farnsworth (Lillian Zieg- 
feld) has returiied to WCOL, Colum- 
bus, with her Hollywood chatter pro- 
gram. 



Dave Bftrk, formerly a booking 
agent, has been added to WDAS, 
Philly, sales staff. 



Whodunits are rarely performed 
in summer stock, though they were 
standard fare in the days of estab- 
lished winter companies. Tryout of 
a new mystiery .play is therefore a 
novelty. But 'Busman's Honeymoon* 
is not very exciting news, outside 
of being, the first original mystery, 
unfolded in several smnmers. 

Based on a series of magazine , 
stories, in which Lord Peter Wimsey 
is the central figure,' it is slow-mov- 
ing and heavy with conversation. 
While it has definite possibilities as 
a motion picture, it is not Broadway ■ 
material. Which is too bad in a 
way, for the method of extermina- 
tion employed by the menace is 
amusingly familiar, yet unthought of. 

Old man Noces was definitely a 
person in his English village. He 
was able to .borrow the savings of 
many of his neighbor^, but was 
severe with those whp earned their 
money. Certainly there -vlras reason 
for his violent death, especially after 
the shakiness of his various enter- 
prises had become known. Lord 
Peter Wimsey had owned his house 
for several days When the old man s 
body . was discovered , in the base- 
ment, his head mashed in. Since 
Lord Wimsey was something of a, 
sleuth back in London, it is natural 
that he pitch in and help the local 
constabulary in its investigation. 

Guilt points to a spinster niece 
who could have wed had she pos- 
sessed the estate to which she was 
legally heir. Developments almost 
convict the woman. Then Lord 
Wimsey, with the help of the vicar, 
swings a hanging plant back and 
forth and suddenly comes upon, the 
fact that a blow of the plant, cor- 
rectly aimed, and with the flowerpot 
loaded with lead, could floor anyone. 
Lord Wimsey oroves that he is right 
in a scene which has considerable 
dramatic effect. . . 

Meantime there has been a lot of 
speculation about the crime, with 
most hands sitting around to offer 
their explanations. This is all right, 
but does not provide the second act 
uproar one has a right to expect m- 
a mystery. 

Third act Is easily the best and 
gives the actors their best opportu- 
nities. Here Mildred Natwick, as the 
spinster niece, is able to put over the 
tricks which have made her the out- 
standing selection for such a role. 

Ranking with Miss Natwick, in the 
local engageineht, is John Emery, 
back from Hollywood, as Lord Wim- 
sey. Emery knows all the devices 
of an actor in the classical school 

Valerie Cossart. is the pretty bride 
whose honeymoon is interrupted by 
the murder, and Lillian Brennard 
Tonge is her serving woman. ^ St. 
Clair gets laughs as the visiting vicar 
and there are other good character- 
izations. Doul. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cunningham, 
daughter, June 24 in Omaha, Neb. 
Father is program director at KOIL. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Miskell, daugh- 
ter, in Omaha. Father is manager of 
Orpheum, Omaha. 

Mr, and Mrs. Herbert O'Brien, 
a daughter. . Father's commercial 
manager at WTMT, Hartford. 

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Krantz, 
son, in New York, July 13. Father is 
stage manager and actor in 'Having 
Wonderful Time,' at Lyceum, N. Y. 



We^Jnesday, July 21, 1937 



OUTDOORS 



VARIETY 71 



WHAT THEY THINK 



How 'Swanee* Was Born 

Editor, Variety: 

New York, Jvly 17. 
You may be interested to publish 
how the late George Gershwin 
wrote his ferst big song hit. ^Swanee/ 
and incidentally, his favorite com- 
position. 

Early in 1934, I was appearing in 
a radio series with George on Sta- 
tion W JZ. We had an hour to spend 
before the re-broadcast and I sug- 
gested we go out for a bite to eat. 
Over the coffee cups I asked him 
how he happened to write 'Swanee.' 
Gershwin told me that in 1920 he 
was . riding up Riverside Drive in 
New' York on top of 9. bus with 
Irving Caesar, the lyrkist: They 
were talking over a song idea when 
Cae&ar suggested 'Swanee' as a title. 
George said the word fascinated him 
and that he couldn't wait to get a 
piano to set music to that word. 
When he did, he said he finished the 
entire song in a little over an hour. 

The song was first heard at the 
opening of the Capitol theatre • in 
N. Y., in- the Ned Wayburn revue. 
Gershwin told me 'Swanee' was 
liked but that it made no great im- 
pression until , a year later when Al 
Jolson chanced upon it and sang it. 

i*riMn'then Qri, 'Swanee' penetrated 
to the four corners of the earth. 
Laddy Cliff sang it in London, Harry 
Pilcer in Paris; and I can't spell the 
naih^ of the fellow who introduced 
it in Hussia. Anyhow, here you 
have it, the histoi:y of the song that 
started on Riverside Drive and then 
went for 'a trip around the world. 

Arthur. Boran. 



sales, my humble offering Js the age- 
less economic problem. The same 
economic bugaboo that has started 
all the revolutions and wars through- 
out the ages. 

Take stock of the lean depression 
years. How many honorable citizens 
could stretch the meager salaries for 
the price of a piano or any other 
)musical instrument? Itow many- 
family budgets could stand the 
strain of mUsic lessons for Sis or 
Brother? With no instruments to 
play and no learnihg, why shoot 35c. 
a copy for a sheet of music that 
would be favorite listening for a 
few weeks? 

Even in pre-depression days, it 
meant a bit of scrimping on lunch 
money to keep a fresh supply of cur- 
rent hits. How many of the sensa- 
tions of thnt time have attained im- 
mortality? 

How about taking account of the 
publishers, who make no attempt to 
sell the music, satisfied with the 
revenue received from broadcasts on 
that terrible thing called radio. I'd 
gladly join the fight against those 
who malign radio instead of singing 
its praises for educating the mil- 
lions to truly appreciate music of all 
types. ' 

The faftner in his overalls is now 
privileged to hear Stokowski, Dr^ 
Black, Iturbi, Heifetz and our great- 
est artists along with the be-ermined 
and be- jeweled society. 

Radio may not make millionaires 
of songwriters but it brings immeas- 
urable happiness to the' blind, ;the 
invalids, the poor man without the 
price of personal visitations to con- 
certs and theatres and the millions 
in remote corners of the country. 

■ Vivian M. Gardner. 



Itadio's Boons 

Milwaukee, July 14. 
Editor, Vauieiy: 

. So Maestro Richard Himber (or 
his p.a.) has taken up verbal arms 
against those who point accusing 
fingers at 'Ole Mars^ Radio' and cry, 
'assassin of sheet music' Batoneer 
Himber (or his p.a.) attempts to 
swing the accusations towards the 
silver screen. 

What they say about some of the 
film ditties is right as they do cover 
a specific incident in a picture that 
many of the radio audience may not 
fee. 

If you don't mind another theory 
anent the downfall of sheet music 



Teddy Hart Protests 

Editor, Variety: 

New York, July 16. 
Please correct item in Radie Har- 
ris' column in Thursday's Daily 
Variety to the effect I considered 
suing I^aramount. Ridiculous rumor. 
Relations • with Paramount very cor- 
dial. 

Enjoyed working with them and 
believe Miss Harris' misstatement 
both harmful and unfair. Thanlcs. 

• Teddy Hart. 



(Refers to chatter item that Teddy 
Hart received $500 jrom Par for one 
week's work in 'Hotel Haywire* but 
got no billing.) 



FRISCO FAIR PROMISED 
EXHIBS FROM 23 STATES 



San Francisco, July 20. 
. Already 23 states have taken leg- 
islative action to be represented with 
exhibits on Treasure Island, San 
Francisco Bay site of the 1939 
World's Fair of the West, according 
to announcement made by fair execs 
lajst week. 

Oregon, the first state to sign a 
space contract at the 1915 Panama- 
Pacific Exposition at San Francisco; 
is the first state to have its contract 
for space in the Hall of Western 
States approved by the 1939 exposi- 
tion officials. 

States having made appropriations 
are: California, $5,000,000; Arizona, 
$15,000; Nevada, $25,000; Utah, 
$25,000; Illinois, $100,000; Missouri, 
$100,000; and Wisconsin, $2,500. 

The following states have either 
appointed commissions or authorized 
other state agencies to function as 
such: Montana, New Mexico, Wyom- 
ing, Arkansas, Florida, . Iowa, North 
Carolina, Colorado, Michigan, Texas 
and Oklahoma, 

Frank Y. McLaughlin, Director of 
Exhibits and Concessions for the ex- 
position,- announced last week that 
niore than $370,000 worth of exhibit 
space had been sold during the past 
three months. 



Circus Routes 



M'eek of July 26 
Barnes- Sells-iPloto 

«r(.a.t Fjill.H. Mont., 2C; Havre. 27: 
wiHSKow. 2>f: -WIHiKton, N. D., 29; Mlnot, 
-•0, I'ar^o, .M; Gi-tnU Forks, Aug. 1. 

€ole-Beatty-]VIaynard 

^ T.lnpoln, NfU... 2C: Falla City, 27; St. 
Joseph. M,,.. :.s; TopeUa, Kans., 20; 
"""DoiJa, SO; -Huiclilnson, 31. 

' Kinelin^- Bros.-Barnum & Bailey 

_^^Mnhe;,po;iK, ,\iinn., 2f.-27; St. Paul. 2S; 
Wlnonn. AiH,|-,s«„, vVI.-s.. 3'0; Clik'tifc'", 



Soft for Endurancer, 

Village Becomes Pard 

Minneapolis, July 20. 

Because the village of Crystal, lo- 
cal suburb, needs the money, its of- 
ficials refuse to stop the dance' mara- 
thon- there, despite complaints pro-, 
testing against all-night carousing of 
patrons. . The village actually is in 
partnership with the promoters, as 
it receives a liberal peircentage of 
the gi'oss. The village council has a 
special' representative at the gate 
and the. -village treasurer makes a 
daily trip to the marathon to check 
up and collect the municipality's 
share of the receipts. 

in order to comply with the state 
anti-maralhoh law, the show oper- 
ates ^only 23 hours each day, con- 
testants being given an hour off for 
■rest in the morning. Five Negro em- 
ployes quit" the marathon claiming 
they have not been paid promised 
wages. They asked the Crystal au- 
thorities to defray thieir transporta- 
tion home. 



RiNGUNGSHOW 
TO STAY EAST 



TH<t Wilt Wdlici Tiick 



Los Angeles. July 20. 

Tom Tyler, Victory Pictures west- 
ern star, is on an 18-week leave to 
tour with Wallace Bros, circus. 

Tyler replaced Hoot Gibson, mak- 
ing his first appearance in Toma- 
hawk, Wis.. July 17. 



Mansfield, O., July 20. 

There will be no west coast tour 
for the Ringling Bros.-BarnUm ~& 
Bailey circus this season, Samuel P. 
Guinpertz, general manager, an- 
nounced here. He disserted the show 
would go no farther west than 
Omaha and would go southwest only 
far enough to play some of Texas, 
then confine the balance of its 
current tour to the south and the 
cotton country, closing about the 
middle of November, not far from 
winter quarters in Florida. 

Starting last Sunday at Dover, O., 
the big show will play about ten 
consecutive Sundays while moving 
through the Middlewest. 

Dover O., smallest town on the 
1937 itinerary played Sunday, July 
11, gave the show better than $14,000 
gross, which beat laying off in 
Pittsburgh. 



Might Try An Agent 

Charlotte. N. C, July 20. 

Clown.s mufit all be working with 
the touring circuses and the organ 
grinders with their monkeys must be 
vacationing in Italy — anyhow, John 
W. Harden. Charlotte News. column- 
ist, hasn't been able to find either 
variety of show life. 

He has been trying to locate some 
clowns arid an organ grinder and 
monk for a large department 5tore 
that has considerable work in mind 
for them, of- a promotional nature. 
But despite toots in hi.s daily Snap- 
shpts column, none has appeared to 
take the booking. 



CARNEYS KILLING PARKS 



Pennsy Parks Take It on the Chin 
from Auspices 



Lancaster, Pa., July 20. 

Regular amusement parks in this 
section are taking it on the chin 
plenty this season due to what they 
term unfair competition from carney 
spots, which are running high, wide 
and Handsome, 

Things reached a point this week 
where Maple Grove, oldest and 
probably the best -equipped park, cut 
down on amusement cirews and hung 
out a. sign 'Maple Grove Trailer 
Camp.' 

New fads in outdoor entertainment, 
running toward old variety theatre 
lines, have been cutting deep for 
past three years, making the park 
depend on swimming pools, boxing 
arenas and midget race tracks for 
their revenue. 

Chief kick is that the regulation is 
unfair. While the law keeps a sharp 
eye on park attractions and a heavy 
hand oh the till, the carnival and 
festival boys do as they please and 
keep all the profits for themselves. 

Chief among park competitors are 
small town fire companies who aitf 
carnival specialists, throwing three 
or four events each summer, each 
cracking down on the parks because 
of the give-aways. Past week, which 
should have been a good one for 
the parks, was a double zero at the 
box office because five fire com- 
panies in suburban towns picked 6n 
the week for carnivals and gave 
away as many new cars as door 
prizes. 



Iowa Bull Fight 



Des Moines, July 20. 

The Iowa state fair Is planning 
another bullfight on the rodeo pro- 
gram Aug. 27, 28 and 29. The news 
bureau claims this year's exhibition 
will he entirely different from the 
one staged at the 1933 fair at which 
time the bull showed so little en« 
thusiasm the spectators felt they had 
been cheated out of the Nobel peace 
prize. The bureau also claims that 
this year's fair will see the noted 
toreador, Juan Villa Gonzales. 

Bullfight in 1933 was handicapped 
to some extent by the protests of 
the Iowa Humane Society and other 
organizations, which have not yet ex- 
pressed opinions on the announced 
plan for this year's rodeo headliner. 

Barron's Animals Stranded 

Eaplon.Pa.. July 20. 
Albert Barron, animal trainer and 
one time head of a circus that bore 
his name, became stranded at Somer 
ville, near here, la.^t week, sur 
rounded by hi.s ponies, goats and 
dogs. 

Barron was stranded when the 
circus he was with folded up. He 
asked the aid of police in getting 
him out of the town to other spots 
whehe he has engagements. 



Getting Ambitious 

Lancaster. Pa., July 20. 

Lebseltsers Grove, nearby outdoor 
spot, working a straijiht Sunday 
policy in a wood lot, stepped into 
big time during the pa.vt week to 
book its first hijih-pviced aLi,<-. 

Cliff Grey, owner-manager,' has 
set in Rosct)e Ates ior Au','. 1, 
Stepin Fetchil for Auj,'. 8 and Borrah 
Minevitch Rascals lor Aug. m. 



Sues on Aerial Accident 



London, Can., July 20. 
Lawsuit Involving the alleged 
breaking of a guy wire supporting a 
high pole upon which the Race 
Bros, did their serial trapeze feats 
before the grandstand at the Western 
Fair here last year, has been started 
In the local courts. 

George A. Hamid, Inc., of New 
York, which provided the griand- 
stand entertainment at the last fair, 
is suing Joseph A. and George C. 
Raymond and Raymond Bros., and 
also Arthur Helm, ^ trucker, all of 
this city. 

George L. Mitchell, lawyer for the 
entertainnient company, asserts that 
the guy wire was broken by a truck 
on the night of Sept. 19. The guy 
wire supported a high pole from 
which aerial trapeze equipment was 
suspended. 



DALLAS CUTS EXPENSES 
IN HOPE OF BLACK INK 



Dallas, July 20. 
The Dallas exposition continued 
its retrenchment activities last week 
toward getting its expenses in line 
with income.- Salaries were slashed 
from 10-33% and the personnel 
Was pruned to some extent. 

Officials sought some way to hypo 
attendance figures which through 
Saturday (17) had reached the ag- 
gregate of 712,312. First move in this 
direction was to make a free at- 
traction of Cavalcade, the open air 
historical spectacle. . , 

The fair heads considered the sug- 
gestion that the front gate toll be 
abandoned but this idea was dis- 
carded, tfolders of ticket books with 
Cavalcade script attached will be 
passed through entrance of fair on 
presentation of stubs. 

Subsidy of George Marshall's in- 
temaitional sports program over last 
weekend, f60k":bfg bite out of ex- 
position's cash reserve, affair cost- 
ing well over the $5O,O0O budgeted. 
Track meet and soccer games didn't 
fill 42,000 capacity bowl but those in 
charge counted publicity generated 
as of incalcuble value. 

Athletic games drew about 10,000 
spectators first night, about 7,000 
second night and around 23,000 third 
night Most of seats were free. 
There was general satisfaction with 
the draw as a track meet doesn't rate 
as an -exciting public carnival. Games 
also drew better than usual galaxy 
of international, big-wigs. 

Exposition management also has 
tinkered with operation of the Ca- 
sino. Tariff on about '700 'spectator 
seats' was cut to 50 cents and this 
was Immediately reflected in patron- 
age jump among those who didn't 
care to eat or dance while attending 
swanky night spot. 

Phil Harris comes in Saturday (24) 
to replace Rudy Vallee and Lanny 
Ross begins engagement at same 
time. Vallee got $12,500 per week 
during his stay and weekly nut ran 
about $26,000 for show, admittedly In 
excess of potential income. With 
the change in shows next week 
Casino officials report nut will be 
down around $19,000 a week, a-^figUre 
which will permit possibility of first 
profit-taking in the spot. They claim 
it will stay' around $17,000 for Week- 
ly average through rest of fair. ' 

Vallee does another network chore 
from Casino Thursday and will have 
Ricardo Cortez, Joe Cook and Grene 
Autry among his guests. 



Lasses Under Canvas 



N. r. FAIR PLANS 
EXHIBITORS' 

auB 



Following the completion of the 
$900,000 administration building • in 
the New York's World's Fair grounds 
early next month, chief interest will 
be centered on how rapidly an ex- 
hibitor's headquarters building on 
the lake is completed. 

This Js to be the principal meet- 
ing place of concessionaires and 
exhibs of the exposition, although 
it is to be a club membership affair. 
However, the guest Card arrange- 
ment probably will not keep a single 
exhibitor or concession man from 
enjoying its privileges in the next 18 
months or until the New York shop 
opens. One of the more elaborate 
highlights of the building will' be a 
large bar and all the fixings. 

With the opening of the first per- 
manent World's Fair building, first 
steps will be taken towards making 
the small city within New York City. 
Under the lease which fair officials 
have on the ground, a miniature 
model of a municipal administration 
is possible. . 

First move to set up the police 
department came with the appoint- 
ment' of John O'Brien, former New 
York police inspector, as chief. Chi- 
cago fair had a force of 400, which 
attended to policing of grounds,, 
supervision of midway shows, etc. 
Probably will be more than twice 
that, number at New York exposi- 
tion. 

World's Fair fire department is the 
next city unit' in line for organiza* 
tion. 

The publicity-advertising divisioh, 
some of the executive offices and. 
other departments of N. Y. World's 
Fair will go Out to the grounds next 
month, with the exhibitor and con- 
cession units remaining in the Em- 
pire State building. Administration 
building on the Flushing site is com- 
pleted excepting for interior work 
and decorating. 



Charlotte, N. C, July 20. 

In this territory now is a new 
banner: Lasses White Radio Barn 
Dance Revue. 

It's the old Milt Tolbert tent show 
with new faces and new lithos. 
Lasses White teams with Honey Boy 
Wilds, also of the Al G. Fields and 
Neil O'Brien era, to' make the Lasses 
and Honey act. 

The! tent seats 3,500. The show is 
entirely motorized and plays ea.«!y 
one-night stands. Two electric 
plants are in the equipment. There 
are 15 vaudeville acts and a ten- 
piece orchestra. The personnel num- 
bers 75, and Includes a choru.s. 

Featured under Las.ses and Honey 
are Lamoaa, Hawaiian dancer;. Red 
.Jenks and his magic trumpet; Wyiey 
Kilpatric, the dancing fool; Uncle 
Ezra Skim Williams; Cannon Sisters, 
and Stan Stanley. 



Washington, July 20. 
Appointment by President Roose- 
velt of State Secretary Edward J. 
Flynn and George Creel, as U. S. 
Commissioners for the New York 
World's Fair and the San Francisco 
ilxposition, respectively, last week 
touched off the official starting giin 
for the two big 1939 expos. 

With three honorary commission- 
ers already appointed to the Sah. 
Francisco board from the House of 
Representatives and two chosen for 
New York, only the appointment by 
the Vice President of Six Senators- 
three for each area — and the naming 
of a third New York commissioner 
to the House group remains to com- 
plete Uncle Sam's official setup. 

For his chore as Government 
emcee with the New Yoi'k fair, Flynn 
— Democratic big-wig in the Brtinx — 
will receive $15,000 annually. Creel, 
who has divided his time between 
writing for Collierls mag and lobby- 
ing in Washington, will get the same 
amount. 

Representatives Merritt of New 
York and McReynolds of Tennes.Mee, 
both Democrats, were named to. the 
House commission of the New York 
Fair. A Republican member will 
be added later. "Three House com- 
.missioners for San Franci.<?co all 
Californians — were. Representatives 
Havenner, Progressive; Lea, Demo- 
crat, and Welsh, Republican. 



To Play Centralia. 

Seattle, July 20. 
Edward J. Fishsr reports booking 
fair dates, Aug. 6, 7, 8 for Centralia 
Pioneer days. Among other acts, 
Joe Fanton Trio, Milo Trio, Don La 
Bella (Cuban wire), Freeman auc^ 
Hogan, and Okuhdo troupe. 



Hoxie Show Readying 



Dennison, O., July 20. 

Plans for a new Jack Hbxie circus 
are progressing rat)idly, according to 
R. .M. Harvey, who has .shifted his 
headquarters from Wheeling, W. Va., 
here. Very little of the old property 
will be used, according to Harvey, 
who said new grand stand chairs, 
poles, canvas and props will be pur- 
chased. Elmer Jones will be lot 
superintendent of the new show and 
George L. Myers, equestrian director. 

Most of the bosses are in camp 
with Hoxie near Wheeling. Hoxie 
and Dixie Starr, his wife, are play- 
ing theatre dates nearby, wmle Jrlar- 
vey and others are framing the new 
show, which will take the road soon. 
Opening probably in eas-tern Ohio* 
None of the Newtons will be con- 
nected with the new Hoxie circus. 

Several trucks used by the ad- 
vance when it closed here are still 
here and equipment i.< boinu rtLoived 
here daily. 



72 • VARIETY Wednesday, July 21, 1937 



I NEVER ID W iiiE 




I've always had the notion that the theatre^ could 
hit harder than the screen, bounce higher,' say more 
and dig deeper. ' 

After an hour and a half look at Mrv Goldwyn's 
productidn of "Dead End", I entered Mr. Goldwyn's 
office with head hung and ready to join the true faith, 
and murmur that I may have been wrongs 

It is perhaps unfair to the stage to use the picture 
"Dead End" as a spokesman for the cinema-side. 
Because this opus as put on the screen by Mr. Goldwyn's 
troupe of geniuses is as good a movie (the word *movie' 
is anathema to Mr. G.) as Hollywood has ever produced. 

It is a more unflinching, undecora ted and brilliant 
attack on the emotions than any stage play, including 
its own Broadway origin, Fve seen in years. 

Odd though it is to find one's self writing a blurb 
for a Goldwyn picture, it's my own fault, not Mr. G/s. 
Among the things I did when I broke down and begged 
Mr. G.'s pardon ifor not having adored the art of the 
cinema before, was ask his permission to square myself 
with the Muses by coming out once flat-footed with a 
Hosannah for 4i movie. — 

Mr . G. graciously granted me this permission and 
here is my Hosannah — seventy trumpets strong and 
all pealing "Dead End" is a knockout 



STAGE 




Published Weekly at 1B4 W«Bt 46th Street^ Mew Tork, N. T., by Variety, Ino. Annual oubscrlptlon, |6. Slngl* copies, 18 cents, 
Bntered aa second-class matter December 22, 18(16, at the Post Office at Mew York, N. T., under the act ot March t, 1879. 

COPYRIGHT, 1»37. BT VABDSXX, IMC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



Vol. 127 No. 7 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1937 



64 PAGES 









On Reno As Easy Divorce Spot 



Chicago, July 27. 

Keturn of Chicago as the focal 
p6int for divorces and the decline of 
Reno as the parting place is seen in 
tlfe Appellates Court's decision that 
there is no such tMng as a binding 
and effectual Nevada divorce decre? 
except to people . who • actually are 
tiona fide residents of Nevada with 
the intention of remaining there 
permanently, and not for the pur- 
pose of getting a divorce. . 

'No matter whether the defendant 
In the RemJ' action idnters an appear- 
ance and consents, or whether 
property settlements are made, or 
any other thing is done, the decree, 
legal minds agree, stUl remains a 
nullity and is open to attack by 
either of the parties to .the divorce 
itself, or by a subsequent 'spouse, or 
by children after the death- of" the 
parties. Which means to the lawyers 
that nothing can really be accom- 
plished by people of another state 
going to Nevada. 

. On the other hand, Chicago at- 
torneys point to the section of the 
Illinois Statute which obviates the 
necessity of a year's residence in the 
state on the part of the plaintiff 
Where the grounds for the divorce 
are committed in Illinois or while 
ohe or both of the parties resided in 
Illinois. 

Majny, many cases in Chicago have 
proceeded upon- that section, and 
those decrees are held to be abso- 
lutely binding and final, not only 
upon the parties themselves, but 
upon all others and are not open to 
attack in any manner. Most the- 
atrical divorces obtained in Chicago 
have been based upon that section of 
the Illinois statutes, and indications 
that the divorce trend is back to Chi 
following a downward slide during 
the past four years. 



INDIE'S FILM ON WM. 
DESMOND TAYLOR CASE 



Hollywood^ July 27. 

Getting tired waiting around for 
15 years for Hollywood cops to solve 
murder mystery of William Desmond 
Taylor, director in whose life Mary 
Miles Minter and Mabel Normand 
figured, Cinestat Productions is mak- 
ing it into a pic. 

Reminds of the 'Mystery of Marie 
Roget,' which Edgar Allan Poe. wrote 
from news clips of the Mary Rogers 
murder. Years later murderers con- 
fessed, practically using Poe's solu- 
tion word for word as their confes- 
sion — even to dialog. 



Mountain Music Spree 

Spartanburg, S. C, July 27. 

'Gittars' and banjos will twang, 
fiddles will sing and mountain guys 
will swing their gals in competitive 
dances as the 10th annual Mountain 
I>ance and Folk Song Festival gets 
under way Aug. 5, for three days and 
liights at Asheville. 

More , than 500 contestants are 
signed, with more coming. 



Did You Say Remote? 



Budapest, July 16. 
Sandor Incze, editor of Szin- 
hazi Elet, this country's leading 
fan mag, is back from his sixth 
trip to U. S., hoping to realize 
his pet plan of producing the 
Hungarian drama classic, 'Trag- 
edy of Man,' on the American 
stage. 

Incze says he hopes to get 
Grilbert Miller to direct, Helen 
Hayes to play Eve and Leslie 
Howard to play Adam — at some 
remote time when they, all 
three, may be free to do so. 



Dixie s New Dance 
Craze, 'Big Apple/ 
Terped Barefoot 



Charlotte, N. C, July 27, 

The next dance craze will come 
out of the south. It is known as the 
'Big Apple' and originated with *the 
Gullah Negroes around Charleston, 
but this, summer moved Into what- 
ever circles of respectability that 
beach resorts offer. Pawley's Island, 
off the South Carolina coast, danced 
it first. Then Myrtle Beach. Now 
it is going like measles up and down 
the southern beaches. 

The youngsters and collegians 
started it. Many of them dance it 
as the Gullahs do— barefooted. It 
requires a lot of floating power and 
fannying. Newsreel camera men 
from Charlotte have already set out 
for Pawley's to get some shots. 

The new swing craze has been 
shortened, already, to just 'apple/ as 
pavillion crowds beg the young 
dancers to 'apple' for them, or teach 
them to 'apple.' The only trouble is 
that 'apple' time is such that it 
threatens to shake down some of the 
dance places. 

An expert at 'apple' says that it 
combines several Carolina Negro 
jigs: truckin', shining, Suzy-Q, Praise 
Allah, and a few others. 

To do the Big Apple a group forms 
a circle. Someone 'calls' the steps, 
as in the old time square dances, 
and the Big Apple starts. It starts 
off with one, two, three pats of the 
right foot and then swing the right 
foot back, the left, the left forward 
and then the right and repeat. After 
about three times, the peirson calling, 
calls .'Truck to the- right'— after sev- 
eral steps— 'Reverse if — 'Truck with 
your partner to the right' — 'To the 
left'— 'In Place'— 'Stomp that right 
foot'— 'Swing it high'— 'Praise Allah' 
— 'Aldght, you shine!*— 'Suzy Q to 
the right'— 'To the left.' And there 
you have the Big Apple, with a few 
of its many steps. 




New RaiEo Equity Will Completely 
Realign 4 A s; Gillmore at the Helm 



U. S. Film-Makers Are 
' Hyper-Careful bf Forei{tn 
Sensitivities -7- As . Result^ 
It*s . a Basic Saving on 
Future Censorship Trou- 
. bles and Cutting — Fur- 
thermore. It Tends to Cer 
ment America's Domi- 
nance of the World's Mo- 
tion Picture Market 



OK FOR THE U. S. 



By DENIS MORRISON 

Hollywood, July 27. 

New day has dawned in censor- 
ship, with foreign nations every- 
where clamping down hard on 
Hollywood picture product due for 
the most part to national pride and 
studios walking a chalk line in con- 
sequence. 

Seeming paradox Is — studios like 

Itl 

Like it and profit by It. It's the 
old story of the Legion of Decency 
told anaw in another province. 
Producers kicked like the pro- 

(Contlnued on page 34) 



Harriet Hoctor Crack in 
Vallee Show Treads Upon 
Sensitive Dallas Toes 



Ft. Worth, July 27. 

Dallas scribes are burning Pan- 
American Exposition officials be- 
cause of plugs given Fort .Worth's 
rival Frontier Fiesta over the Rudy 
Vallee air show Thursday (22) from 
Dallas' Pan-American Casino, where 
Rudy pulled down $12,000 per week 
for two weeks. 

At the close of her Interview by 
Vallee, Harriet Hoctor, dance star of 
Casa Manana, at Fort Worth, said: 
'Rudy, why don't you come over to 
Fort Worth and see a good show?' 
Rudy replied: 'I have, but it's a 
secret here in Dallas.' 

Earlier in the program, the m.c. 
made references to Paul Whiteman, 
at the Fort Worth show; Vallee, 
the previous weekend, was White- 
man's guest at a ranch he occupies 
near Fort Worth, 

Raged Eddie Barr in his Dallas 
Dispatch column; 'If Miss Hoctor's 
line, 'Come over to Fort Worth arid 
see a good show,' was in the script, 
Part-American Exposition executives 
.should have their heads examined. 
If the line was not, and Miss Hoctor 
adlibbed it, she ought to be spanked 
with a hairbrush for taking advan- 
tage of Panamexpo's hospitality.' 

Miss Hoctor said the line was in 
the script written in Dallas and 
handed to her just before the broad- 
cast/ 



Too Close to Home 



When Barter Theatre produc- 
tion of 'The Petrified Forest' 
was given last week at the 
Graystone , Inn, Roaring Gap, 
N. C, show was given in the 
hotel dining room, with the set 
being erected the afternoon of 
the performance. 

Script calls for a sign on the 
wall to read -Tipping Is Un- 
American — ^Keep Your Changfe.' 
Hotel waiters squawked, how- 
ever, and that part of the pro- 
duction didn't go up, until after 
dinner. 



Floating Stag 
Shows Back as 
N.Y. Burlys Fold 



Floating stags, with everything In 
the way of nudity, has cropped up in 
the Times Square district and re- 
ported doing landoifice biz. Racket 
is the aftermath of the rigid censor- 
ing that sloughed burlesque In the 
former hurley houses. Devotees of 
the strip-tease and bumps are now 
getting it more vividly via the stags, 
with no LaGuardia to guard 'em. 

Promoters have shills and cappers 
working the burlesque theatre area 
on 42d street and elsewhere on the 
main stem. Shows are reportedly 
spotted in west side loft buildings 
when patronage is sufficient to war- 
rant, or in smaller spots. Tariff is $1. 

Burlesque ops In the know may 
capitalize this angle in appealing 
from License Commissioner Paul 
Moss' drastic regulations which lim- 
boed burlesque and strippers from 
New York and environs indefinitely. 
It is understood the burlesque men 
will make capital of these lewder, 
unlicensed, licentious shows in . a 
second appeal to Mayor F, H. La- 
(Continued on page 62) 



What happened at a meeting In 
Equity offices, in N. Y„ yesterday 
(Tuesday) may be momentous to 
radio artists of all types. It was 
decided that the Associated Actors 
and Artistes of America (Four A's) 
will be reorganized and lnstead of be- 
ing.a skeleton organization it will be- 
come a national body^ as active as 
any union which holds its franchises. 
On Friday (3,0) a meeting of all the 
stage, screen and musical artist 
groups will probably complete the 
plans to organize radio from coast to 
coast, A name for the new group ' 
win be officially chosen then. 

This new organization will be 
chartered by the Four A's and will 
be autonomous. There will be 
boards in various localities, ■ con^- 
parable.to locals of national unions. 
Equity has surrendered its Juris- 
diction in radio to ihe Four A's with 
the understanding that the new or- 
ganization, sponsored by the Screen 
Actors Guild, American Guild of 
Musical Artists, and Equity will be> 
come an actuality. 

Frank Gillmore will become the 
active head of the new radio group 
and some of his duties as Equity's 
head will be reassigned. 

Kenneth Thomson of the Screen 
Actors' Guild is one of the chief spon- 
sors of the realigned Four A's and 
the new radio setup, although he 
said that the new order resulted 
from conversations with Gillmore 
and Paul N. Turner, Equity attorney. 
Henry Jaffe and Leo Fischer of the 
Musical Artists Guild, Lawrence 
Beilenson of SAG, Paul Dulzell, 
George Heller^ Richard Gordon, 
(Continued on page 51) 



TOBACCO ROAD NOW 
PAVED WITH GOLD 



Man Bites Snake 



St, John, N, B., July 27. 

An unfavorable reaction from a 
tour -of Maine by the Walter L. 
Main Circus, is the illness from 
snake bite of one of the show's 
Indian roustabouts. 

It was at Calais that the Indian 
went berserk and going into the 
sideshow tent while the grind show 
was in progress, he suddenly leaped 
into the snake pit, and bit one of the 
snakes cleanly into two sections. 

The best snake in the show was 
ruined and had to be buried and the 
best worker in the show had to go to 
hospital as fertile ground for a stom- 
ach pump. Instead of being released 
in a day or two he was on the shelf 
for a week. 



Atlanta, July 27. 

'Tobacco Road' Is mote than just 
a book-play title this week as 
Georgia farmers await the opening 
of the annual tobacco market Thurs- . 
day (29). Buyers, who last year 
took away 86,585,298 pounds of the 
leaf and left $18,145,557 behind, are 
here in force awaiting the opening 
of the auctions, which are always 
marked by celebrations. 

Georgia markets are the first iti 
the country to open and the 15 mar- 
ket cities are Adel, Baxley, Black- 
shear, Douglas, Hahira, Hazlehurst, 
Metter, Moultrie, Nashville, Pelham, 
Statesboro, Tifton, Valdosta, Vidalia 
and Waycross. 

Money flows lavishly during these 
times and amusement biz cashes in 
heavily. Celebrations consist of 
festivals, barn and street dances, etc. 
Pitch men flood the towns. 

Pic theatres get a big play. In 
many auction localities houses stay 
open all night drawing patronage 
from growers who bring their to- 
bacco in on trucks and wagons after 
midnight and have nothing to do or 
any place to go until auctions get 
going next morning. 



VASWtV 



PlCtUitSS 



W Ki^n e adayi, lufy i!^ 1937 



Rep Retains Its Mo 29 Mos, 

Under Settkieit iMiM 

Btiikh Seek Ste, KqMrt 



JJolljnYOod, July 27. 

Out'Ttrf-Cfturt settlement was ^i-. 
fectedAastfriday (23) in the suit oi 
the Guajwnty Liquidating Corp,, of 
Hollywood against Republic Pictures, 
Inc., in which plaintiff attacked tlje 
validitjy of Republic's lease on its 
Ventura boulevard studio and sought 
judgment for $112,800 damages. 

Exact terms of the settlement were 
not xwealed. . JEJowev^r, Republic 
will ihe lierjjutted to retain possession 
o4 (the {RKOPLerty or the remainder of 
its ifiMS-jsear .iteasp -wl^iiQh. - has 29. 
months to iun. Plea of Republic 
either tfor a renewal Clause or for an 
option .40 buy was denied by the poi> 

poratifin. 

Clanae in 'tbe lease which giMes 
Repi&Kc thq right ;to jtneet any purr 
chase <flffer w<a5 piexjthitied to remain 
in foww. A(W!Q^d^ng.to JHarold Mur- 
flbiy;, iSsuapwty ^j^^.posfA a. ^Qsen 
tentative feelers for the property 
have-<bae& 4Jut ^ut- .by prospectiMe 
investors... Sol lesser waj^ts ii ^nsl 
recently jsrfcejj JLpmas P.. JLupiei^ 
nowned Aaiiiats deal with Tay G^r- 
nett was. jaUve, proposal to buy the 
studip wAs^roaQhed. Wheni Garnett 
puU$i<d OlUt of the Renowned setup 
tl;i^ '<ift>aiHlon^d. 

Bi4tiflbers Seek Site 

A British film producing corporJiT- 
llon, according to "Murphy, is inter- 
ested .i» launching jaollywood pro- 
duction, ^d .a group of eastern in- 
<<p<!%ntinued on page 34) 




UoJJyiwpod. July 57. 

Bichaiid A. Eosvland washed up his 
ISiiaUld National ' producing contract 
fMUp Krasne, attorney^aide to 
iidwai<d Xi. Alperson, by mutual con^ 
«^pxt, jatter fiye months on the lot 
wd^tib«(!xt; nttdoing ^ film. Rowland 
IfigbQsd. GiSr to produce *l>ynamiie'' 
$ims» Cagney, but this was 
dt]$!|>yiftd vvten tCagney went Into 
^Sywrtibtng to .Sing About' jor Vic- 
tojr Sjjbtertzijjjger. 

ite ifben fd^nned 'Painter in the 
Sky,' color picture loctfled in the 
QmfA <C^yon» wiuoh has been 
sb$ily«d iSi&W. - G^- 'Cbtttraeted with 
K^i>W^J%>r,^ iOjiimpany' f&f titie .color. 
Outfit sent . sev^n .experts fcom 
F«aw$ btiiij; oi» axriVial found they 
OAuMl jRoi £et pjFOper. canvera and 
-ol(b«r (StsMifiinQnt ftijd bad tp send to 
Kcanoe iJ«r it. C.oniPiftny vpr^cted 
!Hk>llyiSwwHi plj«it, installing leguip- 
infiSM;, 

Ao)viland asserts ixe wjJl announce 
ftttwe f>lans \Wiithin the weelc. 



Toland's Tec*a»color 

Tutelage im Goldwyn 

. HQ)Biyw<»od, July 27. 
Samuel Goldwy* has sent Gregg 
Toland to the TMhnOCOlor labpra- 
tpries for a speciaa jflttensive month 
of tutelage in color .camera work fol- 
lowing which Toland will undertake 
the camera «iipervigipn of 'Ttie 
fGoldwyn Follies.' This is first time 
any lenser outside of the Technicolor 
personnel has had ^uU charge «f 
shooting. a picture. 
..Scarcity .of .skilled color men in 
the lensing corps brought about the 
.^tpprentieeshipi • 

T— — P" ■ ' 1,.' • • ■< 

HaseCaUWlieBBV 
fine's Car lleesSpil 

New Orleans, July 27. 

Severed inemjiers s^t ttie Para^ 
mount vCrew jpiiakii^ ijsenes for "The ; 
Buocaneer' had a' narrow escape ' 
Wednes<tey (21) wh^ a sar in" 
\which ith'^ Awef e 5i«Ui^ .teft a dirt 
road jaear JJeanerett. I^aj, axswr here, 
and landed upside down in a ditch. 
Jits top broken and smashed. 
. In the auto were Bill Pine, asso- 
jBiate lOf -the Geoil 3- d^iUe -jmit, 
xwho was driving; Arthur Rosson, 
director; I)ew,ey Wrigley, -.camera- 
iman, and Frank G- P?ttput, .operator 
(P!f t^ie yr.edei^ick hotel fltj^ew. Iberia. 
Wrigley siMEered (a knee injury. 

Aecpjrding to report?, Pine was 
xjrivit^g ^ng the dirt jroad when a 
wasp flew into', the ;a«Jswaabile Arid 
igot into his' shirt. Holding the^steer- 
iipg wheel wiAh.ohe hand. Pine at- 
-tempted tp JkiU .the sJtvn^ing insect 
•when, he lost" fiontrpl ja? the csir 
x^eached « «urv«.' 

Bill HeUs, Ji;, ;son o/ local lOil jnil- 
lionaiue and .student *t Uniwerfiity 
.€(f South California, is doubling {for 
Fredric March as Lafitte, while Mar- 
iteal Klotz is working in scenes as 
^double for Franqisca ,Gaal; dSemintne 
lead in the pic. 

Hundreds, .of 4rapppi^ -and other 
residents of the sWa^p country, in- 
cluding Andre BiUiot champ pirogue 
paddler,'are wpnkiJ^ in th«& film as 
pirates. 

Unit will be here several weeiss. 

SiCHAfiD BBWEIT IN 

VeUINTAEy BTPTCV 



'Selznick-International is assem> 
hling.a Technicolor library with 
,fttmiQspheric <and action shotjs dEnonx 
(throv[ghout the wprld. Hal, Ke^, 
chief (Cutter, is jaaaembling ^the- Jens- 
iqgs And already, has classified jand 
OEoss-indexed 65«QQ[0 tfeet of tfiUn* 

•Library is beii^g ai^gmented «t the 
rate of JZjOOO feet .a week. 



NAZIS M OX. 

mm m m 



Sui(t <of Windsor iPictur^s against 
K*>Uje>r*JD|priftn for breji^h 0f contract 
in dischar;ging .two of its r.€|presenta- 
tives whose services had been ar- 
ranged for hy the color concern, was 
settled put of .court yesterday 
(Tues.t Under the terms of the 
settlement, Kellgr-Dorian pays 
lywvfeor %ZS>^^ in cash and grants 
to 'the producing company a free 
license on the K-D color process for 
five yiears. Windaoj produces com- 
mercial pictures. 

■Suit tp establish validity of the 
contract arose put of enyployment 
fivbm Windsor of Leo Lipp .and Sam 
Grinsort, who went to the Coast for 
K-i3 lip work on a .picture for Grand 
Nationsfl. When .tb^ deal wi.-th G. N. 
was .dropped, JC-D discharged Lipp 
and Grinson. A. J. Rubien acted .as 
attorney for Windsor. 



Selznick ^ Ini«riia<f«iial Collectinf 
XecItDicolor F|lm--Kerii In 
CJiaree. 




\WashiqgtQn; ■ Jwly 27. 
Animosity .of Nazjjs toward iHoUy- 
iwopd |>roduct -which *does not jf\atter 
Ihe Hitler sjjgime »or the- ©erman 
«nation hobbfld ' tn* itgitiu itet ' week 
when German diplomats scprnfed in- 
vitations to. local opening of Unl- 
yer«li8 war pictuoei "^RSad Back;' • i 

Appaijeihtly ' stBl ^iinartlng lovier} 
HoUywopd's balk «t boycott ithreaits, I 
members of the .sppse-stepping eni^ 
bassy st^jCf .stayed .aw.ay ia idjjpyes 
fcom "the bal^y hoped sgreeising , .a$ 
BK:0-3Efieith's Thursday^ (22))., Al_- 
thpuigh bids' were sent tp Ambassa- 
dor Hans Dieckhoff, fdiplomacy-cpn- 
scious management couldn't .see a 
single- Nazi i*i the 'house. • 

Film is the iPne involved in Becent- 
f incident* when the U. S. JState De- 
partment rebuked ©r. <GePFg Gys- 
slir^, German <eonsuliat LQ&;Ai:^les, 
.and the Embassy for intimidating 
Hollywood . -talent. ' ■Disclosure that 
Gxssling had thr-eateined .a fatherland 
strafe on flickers in which aiiy of ithe 
'Road Back' cast -appeared in 'N:ie 
future $tirrved J>J^w iDealers iinto 
warning the Embassy that . atty 
squawks should be liled via routine 
diplpmatic lOhannels'. 

While the Nazis shunned unreeling 
;Pf the cinematic - version of Eric 
Maria jRemarque-s nojwl, Ameriican 
jdignitaries turned, out in numb.ers. 
jFree-seat occupants included smat- 
tering of ArWiy iand. 3Sayy officers, 
and jjang of legislators, among them 
•jSenators •Claude Pepper of ■ Florida., 
Robert Reynolds *A North Gardlina, 
A-rthur- Vandenber.g of- Miefaigan^ 
Robert LaSFollette lOf Wisconsin, Ken- 
neth MciECeiHar -of lEennessee, Carl 
Hatoh iOf :N,ew Mexico, and Sherman 
Minton <of 'Indiana. iSub-iCabinet «xeos 
and many minor departmentail func- 
tionaries, as 'Will .«s sizeable fxitess 
.pontingent, Annie Oakleyed, 



EfUw Bii^ Powders 
Ker iy/ Cummiiigs Ms 



■ Hollywood, July 27. 

£ddie Buzze^ll has stepped ou.t of 
the '.dineeting .assignment on Univer- 
sal'-e ^Merry-<»o-«ound of 1938' and 
Irving Cummings has taken up the 
ehore as the result of diflerencGs of 
opinion with the studio as to how 
the film -should b.e treated. 

Merritt ■Gerstad, head cameraman, 
also leav«s the piptur« and Jo.tieph 
Valentine steps into the spot. B. G. 
DeSylva is producing. 



Richard Bennett, legitimate «tage 
star,' film «ctor and father of -Con- 
stance, Joan -and Barbara Bennett,^ 
admitted Friday (2^) he was "broke 
so far as being eible to pay outstand- 
ing debts amountii^' to '$1'6,157. 
Bennett through his attorney, Theo- 
dore Charmas, made this confession 
by (filing voluntary petition jn bank-* 
ruptey in N.Y. He -Was imable to 
fix the ^alue -of unsecured assets he 
claims other than •$5O;0OO -in insur- 
ance policies 'Which .are exempt. 

Bennett- elassi-fied himself in the 
petition as -an • unemployed actor and 
gave his address .as the Hotel West- 
over, West 7^d street. 'Debts mostly 
include payment of services to doc- 
tors and nurses both in New York 
and California; also ^161 due .the 
Lambs for dues .and aontribution.s. 

Among assets Bennett lists but on 
which he places no value is a half 
intereist in property at Palm Springs 
and Santa Monica, Calif. The actoi: 
also claims half ownership in an- 
tiques, rugs and other furnishings 
DOW in possession ,of bis wife. An- 
gela, at her home in^ Los Gatos, 
Calif. An $800 interest in a Packard 
car -held by his daughter, Joan, is 
noted as an asset as well as half 
owaiership in an ISotta-Franchini and 
a Franklin car possessed toy Angela. 

Another creditor nanied ivS Eleanor 
Winslow Williams of 226 West 72d 
street for •^liOOO 'due on an option' 
of play 'John Brown.' 

fiemiett has left for the Coa.«;t. 



HoJlyWvOod, July 27. 

Edw.ard Chodorov, associate pro- 
ducer at Metro for six months, has 
r.e.ivi.(?ned lor a writing job at Radio, 

He went from Columbia to Metro. 



Other News «(Fix bterest 



ysxsiiA M/ith Jo]son <oivl4ifebupy-Rinso....«..^^^^^^«,.,««4.^, ,page 35 

Joe E. Brown's Ford rajdiotdettl..*. V.Page 36 

M-G in N. Y. says 3Ralmolive radio tdeal completjaly ipqld Page 38 

jiDojMiitby tGish, Ina Glaire-Osgopd jPerisins, Capt. Bfljb iBaker- 

iOha^. ^terjDiett radiorneviewed . . . . ,., . ... .. , Page 42 

"WB music iPWhs wpn':t join MPPA uijless ianti-bribery ^\ 

stiiiictly pbseryed. .4, .'4.. ^ . «,>>»,>#j«,*;t* •••• .*^,>'<vi> .Page 47 
.C^sbwiliU'S estate jnay reach v^p tp $800,000 .„^^>.„,„,..,, 4... (Page 47 
iEftuifj^ JlMSf^es any oonoessipns pn iRpckefeller's 'Vl^inla' legit .Jl^ge 55 
'Ivene dSicih and BxUie Burke to .alternate simultaneous^ iiix 

Chi fend Y. ptey {productions <of Yokel's 'Beauty* .Page 55. 

Eleanor Holm JarjMsttHBilly Rose 'romance' publicity hypos 

Clevelftnd texpo . * . .'P^e >60 



'SKSlter "KanSer is .takii^g .a vaca-, 
tion ^n.d wUl lay off production for a 
^period <0!f around six weeks begin- 
j^ing «RrJy ;in August and until 
around the middle of Sej)tember. 

W^HJger is «due in iHew. Y<prk. 
arounjd^u'^. HO, preparattory. :tp ail- 
Si:^ for Eurcuipe, accprding cto Goast 
•<advioeS- The. producer , J^s «lneady 
(Pftniplftted his. .third film ior 'Unite.d ■ 
jfliitiste release, 'Vogues.' . 



HKB COUT SOSTiffltS 
AlMtDOSnCXREDII 



Hollywood, July 27. - 
U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 
San Frairieisco has upheld the $7,500 ! 
jud^ent in favpr oif Wialtpn "^llj 
^rnithi soenarist, lagatnst ^Paramount ' 
pictures. 

Aotion invod^ved alleged failure ^pf . 
the >studip tp give Smith screen 
credit pn the •film .VWe're NPt Dress- 
ing,' made in WSA, allegedly from 
his yapn '.Cnuise to .Nowhere,' for 
jvhic^ he -reoeiv^d $2,500. 



Simon a Diitector 

Hollywood, .July 27. 

Univer^^al has •prornol^. iSyJ.v.an 
Simon tp full dicectprial status.. and: 
handed him *A Prescription lor 'Ro- 
inance' as Ixis initial assignment. 

Edround Gr.aing.er wiU praduoe 
,and -film will £et the . .gp . signal 
arpund mid-August. 



Wm. Seiter'* 2-Yc lift 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Director William A. Seiter has 
drawji a .straight two-year ti'dt.et ^at 
:20th-Eox. 

Current assignment Is on ■'Life 
Begins in College.' 



CAmsmfouim; 

WON'T RETORT Ttf COL. 



iHolLy>wood, July 27. 

Frank Capra, .director, .still r.ef us.es 
to report lor work ait the iColumbia 
studios. 

"Directof has noticed the studio 
that the terms of his contract had 
been viola,ted and is standing on that 
point. Meanwhile Columbia has 
taken no measures compelling him 
to report. 



Par Su^ I^fiiuiuii^ 
To Catch' Gnd Release 



Mol ly wood, July 27. 

■'Y6stepday'« Cheers,' Paramount 
football film, ha.s .been moved up to 
the August production schedule to 
provide for release in the grid sea-^ 
son. Script is hein^ ru.shed through 
by Albert Shelby LeVino 

Principals penciled into the cast 
include Mary Cai'lisle, John Howard, 
Robert Cumm-ings, John Patterson, 
and Lynne Overman. 



L, A. to N. Y. 

Phillip Astley, 

Monty Banks. 

Mona Barrie. 

Joe Brandt. 

Willat Brown. 

Norine Carr. 

Ma.deleine Carroll. 

W. B. Gokell. 

Maurice iConn. 

•Gabriel iD^li 

Sam <G. Engel. 

Barne-y iGlazer. 

Bert Granet. 

Muntz Hall. 

Liililian Hellman. 

Soniia Henie 

lilQel Langley. 

Beaitrioe -LiilJie. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Lockhar.t. 

Rouben -Mamoulian. 

Karen Morley. 

Mr. and Mr^s. Boris Mornos. 

•Hunt Strom berg. 

•Lee S|pitz. 

Chaonles Vidor. 

Jerry Wald. 



ARRIVALS 

Gladys JSwarthout, Frank Ghap- 
mao, vCatheriae LitU.efield, Philadel- 
phia Ballet, Jeanne Auhert, Geox^ges 
Rigaud, Maurice Schwartz, 'Donald 
Flaroin, J. .Cheever Cow.diu, Herbent 
Wilcox, Martin Broones, Charlo.tte 
Gr.eenwood, Molly Picon, Serge 
Koussevi.tsky. Genaldine Rudolph, 
Andie Chaj'Jot. Lew Leslie, Mr. and 
Mrs. E. L. Ryan. 



SAjUNGS 

Aug.'25 Wew York to London) Mr. 
.and Mrs. Adolph Zukor (.Queen 
Mary). 

Aug. 4 .(New York to London) 
Rouben Mamoiilian, Mr. and Mrs. 
Vic Oliver iNormandie). 

July 29 (New York to Paris) Mr. 
and Mrs. Boris Morr.os (He -de 
France). 

July 28 (New York to London) 
Beatrice Lillie, Madeleine .Carroll, 
Caip.t. Phillip Astley, Hunt Strojmbeiy? 
and iamily, Noel Langley, Theresa 
Helburn, Sonja Henie, Raymond 
Massey ^(ii^ueen Mary). 

July 28 (London" to New York) 
Mr. and Mrs. Vic Oliver (Nor- 
mandie). 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Mrs. Fred A.staire. 
J. Cheever Cowdin, 
Bob Gillham. 
Geor.ges Rigaud. 
Randolph Soott. 
Hunt Stromberj?. 
Robert S. Taplinger. 



RKO BANKERS 





SETUP 



'Leo. Spitz and, .■gam Briskin to^ 
:^ether with Flwid JStdlum, Atlw 
chiefftsfin,, and Paul ^azur,' of tt^e ' 
Lehman .Bro.5. fiirm^ .and .their .as- 
sociates .continued their Series of " 
ipowwo\M3.,iat the -npnipany's studio§, ' 
(pver 5thie Ve^fi»d. ' J^so pieseht ton*' 
the (Joa^'-At jftus" .tithe \wei?e' A.; iU:" " 
MeCaiisiarid, ' representative of the ' 
Irving Trust Co^ (EKO trustee. Spitz ' 
is'«n jTOwte lo IN. "Y. " 

Advices axe (that the RKO bankers 
are fully satisfied with the studio ' 
operation under Briskin. 

The bankers hav.e .been making an 
extensive study of the RKO Coast 
siiuajipn in the past couple of weeks. 
The nature and purpose of the study 
has not been indicated, hut is be- 
lieved to be in connection with a de- 
sire to speed ,up the company's re- 
,oi;ganiz9tion, ■ now pending before 
the courts in New York. 



HoUywooci, July 27. 

Proposed xeprganuuition plan ior 
RKO lojoks like it will be held in • 
abeyance imtil the ^end .of the year. 
.Confenenaes havejaeen held during 
(the ipast wieeks heWoen Floyd <)d- 
lum, fd ^ITIeisl, Leo .Spitz, Fred Ehr<- 
Dvan, P,aul iVIaeur, sA Lehman Bros,, 
a liiEipnesentatiivte <of {the AockefeUer 
interests^; }^ jR. Bruckner and A. H. 
M.aCausIand. repwesentative cof Irv- 
ing Trua.t <C!p., .xeoeivers for RKO on 
the £eorg£mi2^on plan. JMpthing 
«»end4ualed and looks like a delay 
until late December before tbe iprob- 
lem is ironed <xut. 

<S>rQW «ilao icomferjied with fiatn 
Bri^io <on jRK.C>'<s forthcoming «ea- 
aon {iinoduct. 



The Ilo(flcefeper Center ;f9,DOO;0Q0 
claim and the vast ^liscreipancy in 
.appraisal of assets are the chief 
^cle$ to he ^overcome before the 
RKO reorganization plan is finally 
settled upon; it was indicated at last 
week's heaiiocig hefbre JSpecial Mas- 
ter <5eor£e W. Alger., in N. Y. While 
aM the :^roups .involved agree that 
the iproposed plan is feasible, hold- 
ers iof .common stock contend it is 
unfair to them. 

Attorneys ' ipr these . dissenters 
asked the j^ecial Master .to suggest 
.amendments to the plan which 
would be more e<^uitable to them 
.and pleaded wjjth liim not to 'rubbier 
stamp' the plan as it exists at 
present. 

H. C. Rickaby, representing the 
Aitflas 'Corp., adked the .Special Mas- 
ter not tp interfere with the plan as 
proposed in view of the fact that 
the maior.i(ty of -aeaunity holders and 
more thaii half lOf the common 
stockhoiders had filed -their dousent 
to the plan. 

Joseph M, .Cohen, on behalf of a 
gr,Qup -of independent stockholders, 
a.sser.ted ithat Aitlas'-s only interest 
was solely because Radio Gorp. of 
America and Lehman Bros., bank- 
•ers, had agneed fto pooperate -in the 
reorganization after Atlas had pur- 
chased one-half tof RCA holdings. 

These holdings, CPhen .said, repre- 
sented '$5i000,'000, with Atlas holding 
.an option on the remainder. 

Abraham K. Weber, attorney .for 
George Sardon, .an independent 
stockholder, asked Alger that ap- 
pro va^ltof ,the plan be held up until 
the Rockefeller daim he settled. Be 
and .others demanded that a new ap- 
prai.'sal he made of the .assets be- 
cause of the wide differences in the 
figures submitted .at .the hearings b> 
.flccountants fpr bptb sides. 

Alger reaerved decision and <l)- 
r>ected additional hriefs be .submitted. 



Weancsday, July 28, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 







Pic Actors' Guild Working Pact 
With lATSE, A F of M in Ming 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Invitation for the Screen Actors' 
Guild to join the 25-year-old work- 
ing agreement between, the Inter- 
national Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employes and the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians will be extended 
within the next few ,weelcs. 

SAG is certain to accept inasmuch 
ni lATSE intervened in negotiations 
Iwtwcen actors and the Motion Pic- 
ture Producers' Association and de- 

. jnanded that latter sign Guild shop 
CQutracts with SAG. When negotia- 
tions reached a crisis and actors 
took a strike vote, William Bioff, 
personal representative of George 

. 9ro\Vne, lATSE international presi- 
dent, sent y/ord that, his brganiza^ 

• tion, would back SAG to thei limit. 

! Pact will give the three organiza- 
tions uhdispiited. control of labor in 
the studibs as both SAG and lATSE 

^ have ihore than 10,000 jqembefs each 
in the Aim industry;.- Musicians also 
are rated as one of the Strongest 
film labor crafts. lATSE and mu- 
sicians also control thousands of 

,:t«rorkers in theatres,' including pro- 
jectionists, technicians, etc. 

• Plan will not call for any. physical 
alignment or affiliation of the three 
grdiips. Each will retain its own 
autonomy, but agreement will call 
for each organization to support, the 
, other in any demands made on pro- 
ducers or theatres. 

While no official announcement has 
been made of the plans, several 
SAG tops admitted they would glad- 
ly accept the invitation to join the 
working pact. 

Five thousand film studio musi- 
cians are affected by the strike ulti- 
matum of the American Federation 
of Musicians. The national drive to 
create Jobs for the unemployed was 
extended in the studios last week 
when J. W. Gillette, International 
representative for the Musicians 
Union, served notice on producers 
that music must be used only for 
the picture on which the orch was 
hired. This woulii eliminate libraries 
maintained by studios and would 
necessitate employment, of orches- 
tras for 'B' pictures. 
. About 50% of the latter are made 
without orch, numbers being taken 
from the library. 

Musicians have also requested 
that arrangers and librarians be in- 
cluded in the studio basic agreement 
between producers and the A.F.M. 

Gillette is negotiating demands 
With Pat Casey, producer-labor con- 
tact. 



JEFF LAZARUS GIVEN 
PAR PRODUCER BERTH 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Jeff Lazarus has been upped to 
producer status at Paramount with 
added duties as assistant to William 
LeBaron. New deal becomes effec- 
tive Aug. 10 with the expiration of 
Lazarus' current ticket as story 
editor. 

First productions to come under 
his supervision are 'Men With 
yvmgs,* Technicolor picture to be di- 
rected by William Wellman, and 
Midnight,' Dietrich starrer. 
^ Quin Martin, story department as- 
sistant to Lazarus, falls heir to many 
of his chief's former duties, although 
Lazarus continues as titular story de- 
partment head. 



Juanita Hansen's P.A.'s 
With Indie Narcotic Pic 

; Mason City, la., July 27. 

Juanita C. Hanson, silent screen 
actress, made a pair of p. a.'s at the 
Lake theatre, Clear Lake, resort town 
nine miles to the west. 

Miss Hansen is touring the sticks 
appearing with the flicker, 'The iPace 
That Kills,' dramatizing a few inci- 
dents of her career, in which she 
emphasizes the penalties of illicit use 
Of dope. 



THE SWITCH 



Plane Pilots Spurn Hollywood . for 
Airline Jobs 



fiick Merrill and Jack Lambie, 
transalantic airplane pilots, are re- 
turning to their jobs with Eastern 
Airlines following the completion of 
•Atlantic Flight,' feature in which 
they took leading roles for Mono- 
gram. Understood that both ex- 
pressed no desire to -become screen 
players' even before they began work 
in this picture, and they haven't 
changed their minds. 

Merrill and Lambie now are plan- 
ning, to take part in the Bendix air 
races. 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Fred Jackson .is working out 
special aviation sequences in process 
shots to be' incorporated into Mono- 
gram's 'Atlantic Flight,' which has 
finished shopting. Dick Merrill, who 
was co-featured with Jack Lambie 
in the film, went to the Hearst ranch 
at San Simeon for a visit before re- 
turning to his piloting with Eastern 
Air Lines. 



PAR'S $112,50(1 
FOR LONDOfrS 
'BALAUIKA' 



London, July 27. 

Continuing Its high-priced on- 
slaught on plays, Paramount has 
bought film rights to 'Qalalaika,' cur- 
rent musical here, paying $112,500. 
It's the second British play to be 
bought this season by Par, other 
being 'French Without Tears,' for 
which $50,000 was paid. 'Balalaika' 
price establishes a new modern-time 
high for this country and is in line 
with reported upping of film prices 
for legit plays in the 'U. S. proper. 

The Shuberts are interested in 
'Balalaika' and will get a 10% hunk 
of the film price. They haye Ameri- 
can production rights but are not 
certain whether or not they will do 
the play in New York, Paramount's 
deal is strictly for pictures and the 
Shuberts can do the play as a play 
when and if they wish. It's the same 
kind of a deal as with 'French,' to 
which Gilbert Miller owns the stage 
rights. Miller expects to rush his 
play into New York early next sea- 
son before Par's film can come along 
and cut into it seriously. 

'Balalaika' has had a curious his- 
tory here. When first produced it 
failed to do any business and looked 
like a quick fold-up, despite okay 
reviews from a novelty standpoint. 
Rather than fold, management moved 
it into another house and, miracu- 
lously, it gained new life, quickly 
coming to the fore and, almost' over 
night, finding itself a smash. It was 
then that bidding for it started from 
all sides, with American show and 
film managements all competing and 
the two deals with the Shuberts and 
Paramount eventuating. 



Milliken's Spiel 

Charlotte, N. C, July 27. 

Carl E. Milliken, secretary of the 
Motion Producers and Distributors 
of America, Inc., and head of its 
public relations department, spoke 
at the Second Southern Area Insti- 
tute of Human Relations at Chapel 
Hill, under the sponsorship of the 
National Conference of Jews and 
Christians. 

The film official was one of three 
speakers at the session that con- 
cerned 'Three Instruments Which 
Shape Public Opinion.' He spoke on 
'The Movies.' Other speakers at this 
session were George V. Denny, Jr., 
on 'The Radio,' and Paul Green, on 
'The Press.' 





OH 1937-38 PIX 



Few Majors Claim Head- 
way Made on New Film 
Deals^ellinsr, Belated at 
First, Fast Being Con- 
summated by Certain Ac- 
counts, But Spotty 



HOW THEY LINE UP 



' With considerable suddenness that 
suggests a possible panicky feeling 
over film supply as this season's buys 
run out, various product deals are 
being closed throughout the country 
by the major distributors but some 
of the companies, according to home 
office sales and theatre buyer check- 
ups, are apparently in a more ad- 
vantageous position right now to' 
stampede accounts into signing up 
than others. This partly ' traces to 
what certain companies haVe turned 
.out this year, what faith they have 
kept with accounts, how well up on 
deliveries they have been, and what 
terms for 1937-38 pictures "they have 
been agreeable to make. On - the 
whole, the buys so far do not add 
up very Impressively, however. 

Twentieth-Fox, Metro and Univer-. 
sal claim a good headway on deals 
for the new season's product, while 
others are indicating no specific 
progress by citing contracts that are 
signed or, as one general sales man- 
ager puts it, are taking their time 
this year in negotiating terms and 
conditions. One such company is 
RKO, while Warner Bros, is an- 
nouncing only three major deals 
now and United Artists one. Para- 
(Continued on page 20) 



MG TO PRODUCE 
ON KORDA'S LOT 



London, July 27. 

Alexander ^orda and a represent- 
ative of the Prudential Insurance Co. 
will meet Metro's executive in Paris 
to arrange for Metro to produce at 
Korda's London studio, with new 
deal commencing in September. 

Robert Kane's 20th-Fox unit is al- 
ready located there, but there is am- 
ple space for other outside produc- 
tions. 



COWDIN FLIES WEST 
12 HOURS OFF BOAT 



J. Cheever Cowdin, chairman of 
Universal board, who arrived from 
Europe Monday (26), planed out to 
the Coast the same day to attend the 
funeral of Garretson Dulih, a mem- 
ber of the board and a personal 
friend. He boarded a plane after 
having been in N. Y. less than 12 
hours in order to be in Pasadena for 
the funeral yesterday (Tues.). 

Cowdin was in Europe a'jout six 
weeks, having left N. Y. June 16 for 
a tour of inspection of U exchanges 
and representative offices. He had 
no comment to make on possible 
English setup. Nor was there defi- 
nite word on whether or not 'The 
Road Back' would play in Germany, 
it being intimated that it was strict- 
ly up to Hitler's government to de- 
cide that. 

Cowdin is due back in Manhattan 
tomorrow (Thurs,). 



Goldwyn-UA Merger Talk with Par | 
Up Again, Latter to Finance But Not 
To Restrict Goldwyn on Production 



Johnson Stays On 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Nunnally Johnson's producing con- 
tract at 20th-FOx has been extended 
one year. 

Johnson will screenplay all his 
productions now,, preparing 'Jesse 
James' and 'Mr. Nickleby Sits Down.' 



Wall St. Cool on UA? 



The Alexander Korda -Samuel 
Goldwyn deal for . con j :>l of 
United Artists for $6,0Jj,000 is 
at the point where several of- 
the most prominent money-find- 
ers are nosing into the situation 
trying to land the necessary 
money or banker connections, 
in order to make a commission 
on ^e deal. 

•Neither the Korda forces In 
London nor the Goldwyn ites on 
the' Coast or in the ieast have 
been able thus far to persuade 
■■ Wall Street to put up the re- 
quired option money. This op- 
tion runs out Dec. 1. 

Goldwyn himself has been 
quite active coi^tacting bankers 
on the situation. The matter is 
at a standstill; 

Merger talk involving the U. 
A. outfit Continues. First it was 
with Paramount. Lately RKO 
is being mentioned. 



WILCOX - RKO 
IN PROD. DEAL 
FOR LONDON 



' London, July 27. 

Looks like Herbert Wilcox's deal 
with Radio for world distribution of 
'Victoria the Great' is going to lead 
to a closer affiliation between his 
unit and RKO and a contract will 
shortly be closed for big-scale Brit- 
ish production here to cover RKO's 
quota obligations under the more 
stringent new legislation. 

Wilcox sailed for N. Y. last week 
with a couple of prints of his 
picture, and is dated to contact Leo 
Spitz and Ned Depinet during his 
visit. RKO-Radio prez and v.p. are 
expected to make the return journey 
with him, so as to o.o. his outfit and 
production, facilities before signing. 



FRANKLIN THEATRES 
TO BECOME RAMISH'S 



Los Angeles, July 27. 

Adolph Ramish, financial head of 
the Franklin Theatres in Honolulu, 
is sailing in September for a two- 
month stay on the islands. 

He has plans for a new 1,000- 
seater in Honolulu, and also to 
change the name of the theatre- 
distribution organization, inasmuch 
as he acquired the interests of J. J. 
Franklin recently. 



Fairbanks, Jr., Through 
With Brit. Production 



London, July 18. 
Dou'?las Fairbanks, Jr., who ar- 
rived here last week, sails west again 
in six weelts to take up further pic- 
ture assignments in Hollywood. De- 
clares he is back here purely on va- 
cation and, asked about the future 
plans of Criterion Films (unit of 
which he shares control with Marcel 
Hellman), says he neither knows nor 
cares. 

Junior Fairbanks definitely will 
malce no more pictures here this 
year. 



Landers' 'Basement* 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Lew Landers draws the directorial 
assignment on RKO's 'Love in the 
Basement,' Maury Cohen production. 

Starting date has been set for 
Aug. 1. 



Hollywood, July 27. 

What gives indication of being the 
forerunner to a United Artists-Sam 
Goldwyn amalgamation with Para- 
mountj shortly, are the negotiations 
for the withdrawal of the $5*000,000 
suit filed in Federal Court here by 
Paramount against Goldwyn last 
July, charging him with persuading 
and enticing Gary Cooper away from 
the Paramount fold and signing him 
to a three-year contract for two pic- 
tures annually, while- Panimount was 
still negotiating a deal for the actor's 
continued services. This peace move 
is said to have followed overtures 
Paramount made eight weeks ago to 
Goldwyn that would provide the coin 
for him and Korda to purchase the 
majo^ United Artists holdings so that 
the companies could be merged. 

Recently, when Stanton Griff Is, 
chairman of the Paramount finance 
committee, was here, he is reported 
to have visited Goldwyn and stressed 
the importance of a UA-Goldwyn 
tie-In with Paramount that would 
benefit both. 

Goldwyn is said to have at first 
turned down the part-coin offer, but 
Is said to, be' wavering, while await- 
ing word from his financial rep, Dave 
Rose, now seeking the coin In Lon- 
don with Alexander Korda. Report 
Is that not much headway Is being 
made there, with Goldwyn figiirlng. 
If necessary, he might get the Para- 
mount coin and bring about the mer- 
ger in both production and distribu- 
tion. 

Grlffls and Goldwyn 

Griffis, during his talk with Gold- 
wyn, is reported to have told the 
latter he would be free and unham- 
pered In production operation and 
that there would be no executive 
company obstacles in his way were 
he to come into the fold as produc- 
tion chief. Following ■ the Griflls 
meeting. Paramount and Goldwyn 
attorneys began sessions leading to 

(Continued on -page 31) 




Trad« MarU lieKiatered 
FOITNOBD HY HIMIC Hfl-VICRMAN 
Fubllahed Weekly by YAHIKTY, Inc. 

Sid Silverman. I'reuldortt 
164 Wear iCih Street. New York Clly 



sudsrniPTioN 














Vol.127 


NO., 



INDEX 

Bills 51 

Burlesque 48-50 

Chatter 59 

Concert 58 

Dance Tours 46 

Exploitation ... ...... 34 

15 Years Ago. 50 

Film Booking^ Chart. ..... 24 

Film Reviews 16 

Forum 63 

House Reviews 52-53 

Inside-Pictures... 10 

Inside — Radio 38 

International Film News.. 20-21 

International Show N2ws. 57 

Joe Laurie, Jr.. 6 

Legitimate 54-56 

Literati 58 

Music 4G-47 

New Acts 50 

News from the Dailies 62 

Nite Clubs 48-50 

Obituary C2 

Outdoors CO-Gl 

Pictures 2-34 

Radio .35-45 

Radio Reviews 42 

Radio— Pacific Notes 4S 

Snorts 02 

Units 53 

Vaudeville 48-50 



VARIBTY 



PICTURES 



Wedneeday, July 28, 1937 



Goldwyn Profits Blurb Barrage 
After His Mrs. Roosevelt 'Ap\m 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Numerous explanations and apol- 
ogiiss as result of stories concerning 
lM[rs. Franklin D. Roqsevelt's job of 
'advertising* writing for Samuel 
Goldwyn's 'Stella Dallas' were in- 
spired by editorial comment dished 
out by antl*administration papers. 

First stories w«nt out with a great 
■ flare of press agentry, announcing 
that Mrs, Roosevelt had been hired 
by Goldwyn to write blurbs for his 
new picture. Associatcjd Press yarn 
got a heavy play all over the coun- 
try, but the anti-Roosevelt press fol- 
16wed through with editorials indi- 
cating that Mrs. Roosevelt was be- 
coming a bit. too commercial, whatj 
with magazine articles, radio talks 
and now motion picture advertising; 
This in spite of the fact that the jpro-i 
eeeds go to charity. The price paid 
has been carefully guarded. 

George T» Bye, New York, literary 
agent who handles Mrs. Roosevelt's 
ipen output, had. anticipated the po$> 
Ability of objeetions. Ih. bis original 
deal with Jock Lawrence, Goldwyn 
publicity chief, he had stipulated 
that GiAdy/yn w«>uld have to cover 
up ytiih any^ necessary explanations. 
The result was (IX Goldwyn's state- 
XQWt that he had. not engaged Mrsv 
Roosevelt to write an advertisement, 
but that she had written an editorial 
c<mcertnn$ 'Stella Dallas' and had 
'graciously permitted me to buy it 
and use it in series of advertise- 
ment5»' and (2),. a second publicity 
barrage for Goldwyn and 'Stella 
DaQas.' 

However, the facts are somewhat 
contrary to the above. The dope is 

(Continued on page 63 > 



PAR'S 2D QUARTER 
EARNINGS $1,307,000 



Paramount yesterday (TUes.) es- 
timated that its earnings for the 
second quarter this year ended July 
a last at $U3Q7.QQa after all charges 
including interest, Federal taxes 
(excepting undistributed profits 
taxes), depreciation and reserves. 
This estimate does not include 
around $340^000 rei>reisentcd by Par^s 
. dhreci or indirect interest as a stock- 
holder in the earnings of non-con- 
soUdated subsidiaries. Earnings in 
such subsidiaries for the quarter 
would bring the total to an aggre- 
gate $1,64T,000. 

Outstanding as of July 9 were 
14a;24S shares of convertible first 
preferred stoek and S^lt'Z&l shares 
of second pireferred. After deducting 
$308,130 of dividends accrued for the 
qturter on the outstanding preferred, 
there remains $998,870, representing 
41e. a share on the 2,407,505 shares 
of common outstanding on July^ 3. 
Computed on the estimated earnings 
and interest in undistributed earn- 
ings of subsidiaries, it would amount 
to 65c. 

By applying $8W,000 of inventory 
reserve set up as of Dec. 2ff, 1935, 
the consolidated results of the quar- 
ter would amount to a loss of $477,- 
461. Results include from June 4 
the earnings of the former Olympia 
chain, assets of which were acquired 
by Par on that date. Olympia had 
been in receivership since 1932. 



Scotching the Press 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Novelty of theatre cocktail 
party, first time ever held be- 
fore an afternoon preview, had 
Par's p.a's in a dither when 
none of the critics would quit 
the bar in the" lobby of the 
Fox Westwood house lor their 
$$ats inside the theatre,, where 
*Hlgh, Wide and Handsome' 
was due. to unroll. 

P.a's finally, in desperation, 
were about to lure crix in- 
doors with ^Drinks now being 
served in the seats, outside bar 
being closed,' when cooler 
heads prevailed and projection- 
ist threw on a newsree). 

That brought critics to their 
seats, many of them with their 
hijghballs still in their hands. 



U Neophytes Slated 
For ^aknt Parade k 
Youth' Hfanusiker 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Universal's young player list wiH 
have plenty chance to show talent in 
the studio's "Youth Marches On," 
which Charles R. Rogers has assigned 
Joe Pasternak to produce. Already, 
handed parts in this one are Barbarai 
Rea.d^ Nan Gray, Jean Rogers, Wil- 
liam Lundigan, Henrys Hunter, Kent 
Taylor and Robert Wilcox. Picture 
will be a comedy with music, screen- 
play by Elliott Gibbonsw 

Pasternak is currently working on 
Yesterday's Kisses* and Three 
Smart Girls Go to Town.' 



FIX NAMES TO FRONT 
FOR JOHN MONTAGUE 



Loy, Russell, Btti^taSj 
Tone in 'Four Marys' 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Metro's 'The Four: Marys' will 
have Myrna Loy» Rosalind Russell', 
Franchot Tone and Melvlyn Doug- 
las as cast toppers, with cameras 
skeded to roll around Aug. 1. 

Film will be made from Fanny 
Heaslip Lea's novel, Richard Thorpe 
directs and Louis D. Lighton pro- 
duces. 



Gladys George's Torcher 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Gladys George has completed the 
recording of '^You're Setting Me on 
Fire,' torch song warbled for Metro's' 
•Madame X.' 

Tune was authored by Chet For- 
rest and Bob Wright. 



GHASil Ga£& COLLEGIATE 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Charlie Chase gets comedy role in 
Columbia's 'College Hero,' which goes 
into production around Aug, 15. 

OiXKit^ct contains an option clause 
for a second' pic. 



Hollywoo^l, July 27. 

Large group of picture names have 
gtuae to the front for John Montague, 
£loUywoed'& golfing phenom, sending 
messages to- Gov. Frank Merriam in 
Sacramento in a battle to escape ex- 
tradition to face a New York robbery 
charge several years old. Bdng 
Crosby; Guy Kibbee^ Charlie Case, 
Humphrey Bogart, Spenceir Tracy, 
Bert Wheeler,, John Willard, Monte 
Brice, Frank Craven, Clyde Cook, 
Howard Hawks, J. M. YouAg, Tom 
Kennedy, W. Scott Darling," Warren 
Dulf» Allan Lane^ Scott Dunlap, 
Lloyd Nol^n; Gordon Jennings, Paul 
Schojfteld,, Robert F. McGowan, Peter 
Milne and others wrote Merriam who 
may hold a hearing here. 

Arraignment of Montague in 
Municipal Court here Monday (26) 
was postpcmed untU Aug. 9. 



Flock of Paramounteers to 
Sail; Zukor, Morros, Etc. 

Among" Paramount people going 
abroad,, Boris. Morros sails tomorrow 
^Thurs.X Mr. and Mrs. Adolpb Zukor 
on Aug. 25 and Rouben Mamoulianj 
who just completed 'High, Wide and 
Handsome^' leaves nejit Wednes- 
day <;4). 

It's business and pleasure for the 
Zukors, vacation only for Mamou- 
lian and a trip to visit an ill mother 
for Morros. Zukors will be gone 
about six weeks,, while Morros plans 
returning Aug. 18. 

Barney Balaban^ president of Par, 
was recently on the other side, while 
still' to return .from there is Chris 
bunphy. Coast publicity-advertising 
head. 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Boris Morros, Paramount's music 
department head, sails from New 
York with Mrs. MOrros Thursday 
(29). for Paris. Thence he'll fly to 
Leningrad to visit his mother, who 
is ill. 

Later he plans to attend the Salz- 
burg music festival, retiurning to 
N. Y. August 18. 



Nelson Eddy Terping 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Nelson Eddy is being prepped for 
his role with Eleanor Powell in 
Metro's 'Rosalie' by taking hoofing" 
lessons from Albertina Rasch. 

Miss Powell will do a terp number 
with Eddy and also has a number of 
dances with Ray Bolger. 



VICTOR, OV PAL 

iSchettziacer Tags Niac - Former 
Vaaie Danecn for ON Fllmwdoal 



Hollywood,, July 27, 
Victor Scheitzinger has spotted 
nine former vftude terps lor dancing 
parts in Grand National's 'Some- 
thing to Sing About.' 

Included are Harland Dixon, of 
Doyle and Dixon; Johnny Boyle, of 
Boyle and Brazil; Johnny (Skins) 
Miller and BuckMack» of Miller and 
Mack; Fat Moran, of Clifford and 
Moran; Jim " Toney, Of Toney and 
Norman; Joe Bennett, of Bennett 
and Richards; Joe Niemeyer. and 
Eddie Allen, both jsin^es. 



BLM-PARSET 
ON THEIR DEAL 



Long delayed partnership, deal be- 
tween Paraniount and the A. H. 
Blank interests in the midwest, com- 
bining two circuits into one perma- 
nent organization^ has been com- 
pleted and ^-awaits the approval of 
the board of dtiectors. This: amounts 
to .a formality and will probably be 
announced by tiic directorate at its 
meeting tomorrow (Thuirs.), unless a 
postponement is taken. 

Blink and his son» Myron, have 
been in New York two weeks work- 
ing out the complicated deal with Y. 
Ftank Freeman and other home of- 
fice Paramount executives. Under 
the new setup,, the old bucr-baek 
privilege held by Par under the 5Qr 
50 operating partnership in the 'Fri- 
States circuit in.'Iowsf, Illinois and 
Nebraska, is eltmihated. This 50-5Q 
dea), with Par having an option to 
take cantrol of .the circuit 100% 
from Blank; was negotiated by S. A. 
Lynch for the Par trustees during 
bankruptcy; 

Meantime. Blank, has independ- 
ently controlled' another circuit in 
the same territory^; the Central States 
chain.. This group of around 40 the- 
atres is merged with the Tri-States 
group for a total of nearly IQft houses 
in which Par wiH now have a 50% 
interest and Blazkk 50%. 

Understanding is° that the two cir^ 
cuits will be operated a& separate 
units^ however,, although, having the 
same heads, at. Des Moines,, including, 
the Blanks,, Ralph Brantom, general 
film buy^, and others. 



Ghost Guest-Colmnnizii^ On The 
Coast Qiirte a Hectic Piroposisli 



Colbert's Proviso 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Claudette Colbert's advent on 
the Warner Bros, lot for her 
chore in 'Tonight's Our Nigh-t' 
CTovaridn'), corstarred with 
Charles Boyer,. was marked by 
an early call to Eddie Seltzer's 
press dept. for the specific re- 
quest that no publicity go out 
with any ghost-written stuff 
carrying the Colbert by-line. 

Star made, it emphatic that 
this sort of printer's ink build- 
up is fraught with too much 
danger and personal displeas- 
ure since (l) .the public, by and 
large, is no longer fooled, and 
(2> after seeing some of the 
stuff ascribed to her,, under her 
own by-Une, it's nothiiig to 
brag about. 



Hecht-MacArtbnr Ask 
Constance BeiiHett's 
Exam. Before Tnal 



BARTHOLOMEW MAY 
SCRAM U;l FOR BRII 



KoI^WQod,. July 27. 

Freddie Bartholomew "may do a 
Hollywood fadeotrt and go back to 
England unless his Aunt Myllicent, 
his adopted parent^ can get what she 
figures as being; a proper salary tilt 
from Metro. 

Several months ago she asked for 
a boost from $1^100 to $3;0QO a week. 
Studio, which still has him under ia 
four-year contract^ countered with a 
$2,000, offer, which Bartholomew's 
aunt nixed and said she. would take 
the boy out of the country and pic- 
tures. This is due to a contract 
Metro now has prohibiting his ap- 
pearance in pie, radio or stage with- 
out its permission during the life of 
the ticket. 

Aunt claims kid is getting close to 
the adolescent state, which would 
limit his earnings to -a couple of 
years, and wants to get enough coin 
to prepare him in an educational 
way for his maturity and career. 



Martha Raye, Bob Burns 
Set for 2, 'Ensenada' 1st 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Martha Raye and Bob Burns will 
be co-starred in two Paramount 
films this fall, first of which will be 
'Ensenada,' to be produced by 
Arthur Hornblow, Jr. Second has 
not yet been titled but will be pro- 
duced under supervision of William 
LeBaron as a general office pro- 
duction. . 

Burns will complete his current 
assignment in Frank Lloyd'.s 'Wells 
Fargo' before stepping into 
'Ensenada.' 



Barnett,. £a, Bue P.A.'s 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Vince Barnett starts a personal 
appearance tour by soloing at the 
Rivoh", Portland, Ore., Aug. ff. 

Following- this he joins Jack La- 
Rue for combo p.a.'s opening Aug. 
19 at Kansas City, thence to the Ori- 
ental, Chicago^ for one stanza. 



. An order directing Constance Ben- 
nett to appear for examination be-, 
fore trial of her breach of contract 
suit against Ben Hecht and Charles 
MacArthur will be asked for today 
(Wednesday) in N. Y. supreme court, 
by the writers' attorney, Howard TS. 
Reinheimer. The attorney will also 
demand that Miss Bennett be more 
specific in her complaint. 

She. claims Hecht and MacArthur 
ran out on an agrecanent alleged to 
have been made in 1935 for them to 
write a story and scenario for her,, 
the pidture to be completed by May 
1, 1936. She avers paying the writ- 
ers $2,50ft on account. Their faihire 
to come through cost her $80^600 
which she could have collected on 
another picture contract which she 
turned' down because oi the agree- 
ment with the defend^fs. She is 
now demanding the $62,500, plus in- 
terest from the writers. 

Defendants claim they couldn't 
have entered an- agreement with 
Miss- Bennett because they were 
under e^xelusi<ve contract with Para- 
mount _ and that she was aware of 
this faet at the time of the alleged 
agreement. Knowing .this, they daim^ 
any agre^ntient they may have en- 
tered into W5S void. Anyway, they 
declare, A. C. Blumenthal and not 
Miss Bennett, has a kick, if any, as 
her rep. 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Charles MacArthur has cheeked 
into the Metro writing departmeot 
to start work oof his contract. 

First assignment is an untitled 
script being prepared for Bernard 
Hyman production. 



CHAHERTONTOFARIS 
FOR BRITISH 'RAF PIC 



London, July 20. 
Ruth Chatterton's debut in British 
pictures is in 'The Rat' for Herbert 
Wilcox, and it is being started in 
Paris. Unit has gone there to start 
the }ob„ so as to shoot exteriors on 
the boulevards. 

Attton WaJbrook has the male lead 
oppo.site Miss Chatter ton in. this re- 
maJte of Ivor Novello's play,, and 
Jack Raymond is megging. 

Unit comes honie to London in a 
fortnight to shoot the interiors. 



By FRANK SCULLY 

Hollywood,. July 27 
Energy wasted by colun:.nists pre- 
motiqf others to do their column* 
for a week, or a naontb^ so that .the 
columnists themselves- can enjoy 
vacation at full pay, has been com- 
puted to exceed what boys and girls 
would have needed if they had done 
the job th«mselves in the first place 
Promoting has got so ridic that 
one columnist in the lower bracket 
is writing ftve columns in the name 
of gUest stars for a columnist in 
the upper brackets and, as a cohse- 
qnencfe, scribber in the lower orders 
is going around promoting others to 
write g^est columns for h'im. 

Gttest columnists contacted, of 
course, rarely write the columns 
which go out under their names, but 
sJill they have to be consulted and 
time has to be consumed dodging^ 
the issue and then finally saying 
okay, 

Just any old column won't do for 
the columnist on vacash. It has to 
be good, but not toe good. It cstk 
be clever, but it mustn't be too 
clever. It may flatter the star, but 
ii mustn't ;»taF the flatterer. Most 
of all; it must make the columnist 
oa vacasb missed. ' He or she must 
be missed so much it hurts. 

flobodies who catch these assign>° 
ments oq second and third bouners 
lare-begiinnine to beef that not only 
'do they get tougher assignments; 
than the columnists assign tbem- 
selves» but they get the jobs in the 
ofS season when nobody reads news* 
papers anyway. 

Even little Harriet Parsons,, sub- 
bing for Mother Lolly, threw out 
a curve in her first column to the 
effect that it couldn't always be a 
e«xincidence that L. O. P. turned the 
Universal Service column over to 
hex daughter in the midst of the 
summer sliunp. 

Eddie Cantor, top. chump for 
these guest columns, got credit for 
two m a week — Walter Winchell. • 
and Jimmy Starr. His Starr col 
was a beef, engineered' by Harry- 
Brand of 20th Century-Fox where 
Cantor is so busy right now making 
"AS. Baba Goes to Town' he doesn't 
know his elbow from his elbow. 

So half the column that one et 
Brand's aides turned out in Cantor's 
name was devoted to telling hew- 
much crxist columnists have in ask- 
ing: stars already at -work to do their 
work for them. A fair trade. Can-- 
tor hinted, would be for the col- 
umnist to make Cantor's picture 
while he (Cantor) wrote the col- 
umnist's col. Which would be all 
right if Cantor wrote the col in the 
first place, but since the thing was 
a synthetic job in which Cantor, 
Brand, Starr and a couple of studio 
p.a.'s had a hand, a straight trade 
of talent isn't as simple as it sounds. 

Furthest south among these mute, 
inglorious Miltons who have to dig 
up< 30 columns somehow to get a 
morith's vacation . themselves is a 
chap who- runs a good but obscure 
column in a local paper. In order to 
support the column- in- the style to 
which it has become accustomed he 
recently took a job at a studio at 
$90 a w^k in the pvvblic relations 
dept. He is supposed to do one stu- 
dio, feature a day,, but columnists on 
vacation are asking for fillers hy- 
lined by the. stars. So this columnist 
finds himself doing five columns for 
other columnists, in addition to his 
own daily grind, which he does at 
night when his studio routine is out 
of the way. 



Geza Herczeg's Fran 
Joining Ifim in H'wood 



Berlin, July 27. 
Leopoldine Konstantin, legit ac- 
tres,s, left for the U. S. Friday mf- 
to visit her husband, Geza Herczeg; 
who is ©n the Warner writing- staff. 
Will motor from New York to Holly- 
wood. 

Miss Konstantin has just com- 
pleted a 366-time run in a German 
version of Oscar Wilde's 'Woman of 
No Importance,' in Vienna and Ber- 
lin. After which she switched 
tongues and played it in the original 
for a few performances at the Enff- 
lish theatre, Berlin. 



MASSEY STRICKEN 
ON 'HllRICANE' PIC 



Hollywood. July 27. 

Stricken on Goldwyn s 'HurricaDc' 
set,. Raymond Massey. English actor, 
was diagnosed as suffering from a 
blood clot in. his leg. 

He's bedded in the Good Samaritan 
hospital for at least three weeks. 
Yesterday (Monday) was to have 
been his last day on the pjc and he 
had reservations to sail for London. 



Marsb, Oliver's Trouble' 

Hollywood, July 
Republic has handed Marian 
Marsh the femme lead in Trouble 
for Two,' to be put into prnOuction 
this week by Phil Rosen, who also 
will direct. 

Gordon Oliver went over on loan 
from Warners to play the male lead. 



^Tcdnesday, July 28g 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



5 



110 OF 571 PiX UNDELIVERED 



Whafs Back of the Par Boycott? 

Few of the provocatorS interested in the exhibitor embargo against 
Paramount are giving the.economic angle of that situation any thought, 
it seems. 

From the company standpoint, to have released certain of the 'em- 
bargo' product under current contracts might mean a seVious and 
heavy cost inclusion on the company's books for this season. 

Pictures for which the exhibs are squawking, because of failure to 
obtain for playdates, are among the costliest in the history of the firm 
and, if released on the 1936-37 schedule, might have tipped the Para- 
mount overhead considerably by several millions. 

Thus, as a book item, by shifting such product to the new season, 
.their writeoffs and costs can be allocated to the following year, thus 
easing the overhead strain for the current season. 

It's bookkeeping stuff but necessary and- not altogether new in the 
, trade. 

It's now fairly well known in the trade that Paramount's picture 
. costs during the presently ending season, have been overboard con- 
siderably. Unofficial accounts have this excess cost running from 
$6,000,000 to $8,000,000. ' 

Paramount has got to figure means for absorbing such costs, and 
.that's an 'angle for everybody to figure in the current dilemna. 

Whether the indie exhibs' embargo moves will help other, firms is 
, among those .angles experts in the trade are trying to figure. 
',/How strong, the embargo may be. will actually be known when 
Paramount begins handling some of the protesting groups, individ- 
ually, rather than en masse. That hasn't been begun yet. 

Adolph Zukor, studio chieftain of Par, is about to head for Europe, 
;s6 the situation looks to be up to Barney Balaban, president of the 
company, and Neil Agnew, sales chief. For Paramount, the problem 
involves both distribution and production. The origin, if anything, 
is on the Hollywood end. 

Balaban and Stanton Griffis, downtown chieftain of Par, journeyed 
to the company's studios to inquire into product costs. This embargo 
move is something, also, for the whole country. It has to do' with 
production costs. Embargo shows how such matters can have great 
effect in other directions them mere studio routine, operating over- 
: head, etc. 



Stravinsky Sues Warners Over Use 
Of Tirebird' Music in Pic; 'Inartistic 



Paris, July 18. 
Suit wh ich Igor Stravinsky brought 
flgainst Warners has given three 
French judges an extraordinary 
iask. ■ Stravinsky claims" that the 
ihatitier in which Warnerd used parts 
■6f- his 'Firebird' symphony in a film 
of" the same name 'affected his moral 

; tigjhts 'as an artist and that his repu- 
tatibh 'and work might suffer as a 
result.^' He is asking for damages 
amounting to 300,000 francs which, 

'■ tit' the time the suit was filed, was 
"close to $15,000 but due to recent de- 

. .Valuation of the franc Is now only 

. Iiboiit $12,000. 

. ^ Aftet a legal skirmish, the three 
Judges of the Third Chamber of the 
Civil Chamber of the Seine decided 
- - onljLJE!OSS,ible_,way- -to discover 

; whether the maestro's moral rights 
had been affected would be to see 

' the film. It was decided that a copy 
bf the pic would be shown at a 
neighboring house so the judges 
cbuld see and hear for themselves. 

• 'W. Albert Le Bail, attorney for 

'•trie composer, states that the music 
"ttras jumbled and the finale of the 
work was used in the opening mo- 
'ttients of the film. Further, he claims 
that the score of 'The Firebird' was 

" mixed with old waltzes of Vienna. 
Furthermore the mood of the who- 

, flunit and Stravinsky's piece are not 
the least bit alike. 

Me. Suzanne Blum, representing 
' Warners, countered with the argu- 
• ment that the film played in the 
larger capitals of Europe more than 
100 times and there was not a peep 
out of the composer at the time, the 
spring of 1935. 

It 'is now up to the judges to de- 
cide. And they're thinking it over 
. In typical, leisurely fashion. 

Par Talks Roadshowing 
'AngeF and 'Buccaneer' 

On Broadway with 'High, Wide 
.and Handsome,' now at the Astor, 
, and going into the Globe, N. Y., with 
i oouls at Sea' Aug. 3, Paramount may 
, nave two other road shows this fall 
■ to follow these. Company is dis- 
cussing with Harry Brandt the 
cnances of having the Globe later on 
™r Anger (Lubitsch-Dietrich), which 
will shortly be ready. It may also 
Toadshow 'Buccaneers,' which Cecil 
de Mille is making. 
Par has the Astor for seven weeks 
"■^m Loew's and the Globe from 
"randt for four weeks. 



WB Can't Use 'H'wood 
Hotel' as Film's Title 



^Hollywood, July 27. 
Trouble over clearing the title, 
'Hollywood Hotel,' has caused War- 
ners to now dub the pic 'Hollywood 
Bandwagon.' Studio is using the 
original story, but it now appears 
that Louella Parsons won't be in the 
film. 

Cast Includes Dick Powell, Bette 
Davis, Ginger Rogers, Benny Good- 
man's orch, Glenda Farrell, Hugh 
Herbert and Frank McHugh. 



N.W. ALLIED'S 
PAR-PICKET 
PLAIK 



Minneapolis, July 27. 

Northwest Allied is all set to picket 
the Paramount exchange and all the- 
atres showing its tiieatres, starting 
next Monday (2), W. A. Steffes, the 
organization's president, says. Twin 
City independent exhibitors them- 
selves will carry the banners in front 
of the exchange, declaring Para- 
mount unfair to theatre owners, but 
pickets will be employed to handle 
the strickebreaking Publix theatres, 
according to Steffes. 

Names of the members of the 
Northwest Allied 'strike committee' 
in this date strike resulting from 
Paramount's action in withholding 
seven pictures from its 1936-37 con- 
tract will not be divulged, Steffes 
says. Location of the various 'strike 
headquarters' also will be kept se- 
cret, he says. 

Nearly 300 theatres in the terri^ 
tory have signed up to pull all Para- 
mount dates and to buy no Para- 
mount new-season product until the 
comjpany surrenders completely and 
agrees to deliver the seven pictures 
in question, Steffes claims. 

Barbier^s Flu 

Hollywood, July 27, 
George Barbicr is recovering from 

a severe attack of lobar pneumonia. 
He will be CvOnfincd to his home 

another week. 



ANALYSIS OF AIL 





Almost 20% of Promised 
1936-37 Films, From the 
Major Companies, Will 
Not Be Sold This Year— 
Paramount's 6 Holdout 
Pix, Therefore, Not the 
Only Ones 



IMPORTANT ISSUE 



By ROY CH ARTIER 

Exhibitors who are presently 
steamed up against Paramount be- 
cause of its failure to give them si)t 
pictures Which are sorely Wanted un- 
der this season's contracts', may find 
that as many as 110 pictures, an- 
nounced by the 11 leading producer- 
distributors, out of a grand total of 
571, may not come through. The like- 
lihood that the staggering figure on 
failures will reach as high as 110, 
or nearly 20% of the number of fea- 
tures promised, is not remote. 

While failure of distributors to de- 
liver the product they have an- 
nounced and sold has been a common 
practice for many years, this sea- 
son the deficit will probably set ah 
all-time high. P'ossibility that the 
missing features will run about one- 
fifth of the total expected is based 
on . deliveries to date, plus releases 
that are scheduled through to Aug. 
1 and in a few cases beyond the lat^ 
ter date. Since new season's releases 
for 1937-38 are starting out during 
August, the chances aren't good that 
the apparent deficits can or will be 
reduced except for a handful of pic- 
tures. 

Some distributors are claiming to 
accounts that the full totals an- 
nounced will be delivered, yet re- 
lease schedules through. July are 
quite aways behind, while some Oth- 
ers are not indicating what they ^yill 
complete and send out as 1936-37 
pictures. Carry-overs, except for 
some instances, are also a guess. 

The 571 features promised for this 
season ('36-'37) include westerns, 
foreign-mades and reissues, while 
failure on delivery also considers 
these supplemental feature-lengths. 
Total of 571 is also based , on an- 
nouncements where a maximum 
number of pictures were promised 
at convention and selling tiine last 
summer. Three producer-distribs 
announced flexible programs of this 
character — 20th-Fox, Metro and 
Gaumont-British — while the other 
eight companies stuck to set figures, 
setting no minimums. Paramount, 
one of the latter, announced a pro- 
gram of 65 features, plus six Hop- 
along Cassidy westerns. • 

May Alter Contracts 

It is Par which has been singled 
out for attack on failure to meet 
deliveries, with the issue becoming 
so tense among exhibitors on a burn 
over six features they have specified 
and want badly, that there is no tell- 
ing how far this type of warfare may 
be carried. The upshot of the heat 
that is being turned on Par for 
something it and other distributors 
have done for years, may develop 
into radical changes in film con- 
tracts and selling. 

Just what position the chains of 
various distributors would take un- 
der such developments is question- 
able, although it is no secret that 
frequently the theatres which are 
under control of producer-distribut- 
ing companies engage in fights with 
the distributing branches that are 
just as hotly contested as when with 
indepedent exhibitors. The theatre 
chains of WB, Fox, Paramount, RKO 
and Metro deal. as well with the dis- 
tributing companies of competitors 
and, even if giving their own sales 
branches a bit of an edge, do not 
have the reputation of signing their 
box offices away carelessly. On a 
deal where Warnei-s is selling its 
product to Par, where Paramount is 
selling its pictures to Loew's, where 
Metro is working on a deal to go 
into Par theatres, or where Warner 
(Continued on page 29) 



Par Date Strike Against Phily 
Exchange Gets Under Way Next 
Hon. (2); Concentrated Campaip 



Very Much on Job 



Twentieth-Fox's home office 
In New York, only "one that's 
air-cooled throughout, is so 
much more comfortable than 
home or other places on hot 
days that employees are com- 
ing in earlier and staying later, 



INDIES' NAT L 
■STRKEVS. 
PARSE! 



Columbus, July 27. 

P. J. Wood, chairman of the in- 
dies' national 'strike' against Para- 
mount, returned here from commit- 
tee meeting in Chicago Friday (23) 
with declaration that 'the tardiness 
of exhibitors in signing 1937-38 con- 
tracts is giving Paramount consid- 
erable anxiety. 

'If only 4,000 theatres refrain- from 
playing the Paramount product dur- 
ing the coming season, its- income 
will ■ be . reduced' approximately 
$8,000,000, which represents the an- 
ticipated profits of the company dur- 
ing the coming year,' Wood predict- 
ed in a 'strike bulletin' sent out on 
his return. 

With representatives of 15 exhib- 
itor organizations present at the 
meeting in the Congress hotel in 
Chicago, the committee advocated 
the picketing of all Piaramount ex- 
changes after Aug. 1 — date when the 
strike is scheduled to get under way 
— and picketing of theatres violaiting 
the 'strike.' 

Wood declared that reports sub- 
mitted at the meeting showed 'an 
avalanche of cancellations by exhib- 
itors on Paramount prodiict , . . far 
beyond the expectations of the com- 
mittee,' 

The following wire was received 
at the meeting from the Independent 
Theatre Owners of Southern Cali- 
fornia: 'At mass meeting on July 20 
was unanimously voted to cooperate 
in strike against Paramount. Exhib- 
itors represented at meeting have 
already pulled dates on Paramount 
from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15, which in- 
cludes Paramount Week and com- 
mittee has been formed to contact 
theatre owners not present at meet- 
ing as well as provide penalty for 
slackers.' 



RUBY KEEER'S $40,000 
A PIC FOR 2 AT RADIO 



Hollywood, July 27, 
Ruby Keeler has isigned an exclu- 
sive contract with RKO to make two 
pictures a year, for a term of years, 
with the stipend increasing annually. 
First two pictures will be at around 
$40,000 each. 

Inilialer wiU be the new Lew 
Brown and Itay Henderson filmusi- 
cal. 'Love Before Freezing,' which 
will be made this fall, when Miss 
Keeler returns from the east, Mitzi 
Green and some of the young players 
in 'New Faces of 1937' will appear 
in the film. 

Understood Miss Keeler's compen- 
sation is at the same terms, with In- 
creases, as prevailed under her War- 
ner deal, which the star recently 
cancelled. 



Homolka to London 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Oscar Homolko left for London 
after the washup of 'Ebb Tide' at 
Paramount. 

He will do two pix for Gaumont- 
British before returning here in the 
fall. 



Philadelphia, July 27. 

More than 200 exhibs — approxi- 
mately 90% of those using Para- 
mount Pictures in this territory — 
have yanked August dates from the 
exchange in response to the United 
Motion Picture Theatre Owners' 
drive for a better deal from Par 
on next season's contracts. 

As plans for the date-and-buying 
strike continue, it is apparent that 
the Philly exhibs' present move is 
the strongest concerted action ever 
taken by house operators here on 
any subject. Probably never In the 
country has an exchange had to 
battle stronger and better planned 
opposition, including the Metro 
strike in Chi several yeats ago. 

The date strike gets under way 
next Monday, Shore, spots, which 
regularly play pix out of the can, 
will start their strike Sept. 7 to keep 
from chipping August biz. 

Opening gun will be a mass meet- 
ing in the Broadwood hotel at 11 
a. m. In the afternoon, 300 houses 
will begin showing trailers explain- 
ing the strike and asking patrons not 
to see Par pix. Newspapers wiU 
carry two-column by 10-lnch ads on 
amusement pages for the same pur- 
pose. 

Three sound trucks with huge 
banners will also be employed. 
They will be stationed near, or in 
front of, houses playing Par, They 
will also distribute ' half million 
(Continued on page 10) 



SO. CAUF. INDIES ALSO 
ALIGNING AGAINST PAR 



Los Angeles, July 27. r 

Independent the a tr e -operators 
throughout Southern California are 
being lined up solidly In the nation- 
wide embargo declared against Para- 
mount Pictures because of Its as-, 
serted failure to live up to contrac- 
tual obligations on the 1936-37 pro- 
gram, through failure to deliver six 
features purportedly sold to exhibs 
at the start of that season. 

Following a mass meeting of ex- 
hibitors locally, at which 112 indie 
theatres were represented, avalanche 
of play dates set for August and 
early September were pulled, with 
theatre men on record as refusing 
to enter into negotiation for Par's 
1937-38 product until the controversy 
over the previous season's pictures is 
terminated. 

Indies who did not participate , In 
the mass meeting have been notified 
by registered mail that their failure 
to join in the strike or embargo will 
classify them as slackers, . ^ 

Six Par features, over which con- 
troversy arose, are: 'Souls at Sea,* 
'High, Wide and Handsome,' 'Angel,* 
'Artists and Models/ 'Spawn of the 
North' and 'Count of Luxembourg.' 
Charge is made that these features 
were sold by Par as a part of the 
1936-37 program, but that instead, 
distributing organization has refused 
to deliver, them and is adding them 
to the 1937-38 calendar, thereby con- 
stituting a violation of contijact that 
e.xhibs fear may spread to other 
distributors. 



Aslaire-Rpgers' Tinter 



Hollywood, July 27. 
RKO takes a fiyer in Technicolor in 
the next, as yet untitled Fred 
Astaire-Ginger Rogers co-starrer, fol- 
lowing Astaire's soloer, 'A Damsel 
in Distress.' 

Several other pix were considered 
for color at a confab between Leo M. 
Spitz and S, J. Briskin. 

Radio's production of 'Damsel,' 
Fred Astaire solo starrer, got the 
gun last week with Pandro S. Ber- 
man in the producer spot and George 
i Stevens directing. 
I Henry Bcrman will function as 
j chief cutter on the picture and 
I diaries Cliase steps into his first 
assignment as production assistant. 



.« vabietY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July .28, I937 



Lefty Tries A Utde Exploitation, 
But It s So Good It Keeps 'Em Away 



By Joe Laurie, Jr. 

Coolacres, Cal., July 27. 

Dear Joe: — 

Well, I just got back from Dallas in time to play the best picture Ave've 
had to the worst business we've had. And I can't figure it out because 
I did plenty of exploitation on the thing. 'Captains Courageous' was the 
picture. I had Aggie in the box office dressed like a sea captain, she 
made the costume herself, a sailor hat with the letters S. S. Courageous 
on it and a coat with brass buttons. She didn't exactly look like a captain 
but she had the natives guessing. - 

One dame asked Aggie was it a nautical picture? And Aggie said 'Yeh, 
it's nautical but nice.' You know Aggie don't help business much with: 
her wise crackin.' 

Then I figgered it would be a great stunt to have a guy build a boat 
in -front of the theatre. So I got the local carpenter and when he started 
working on it all the yokels crowded around hirn and he chased them all 
away; he claimed they bothered him and he couldn't do his work. His 
brother-in-law is the cop and he helped to keep the mob away. So that 
didn't help business any, either. We only had the jpicture for two'days 
and he had just about started the boat when -we dosed the -picture. He 
made a beef about being paid for making the whole boat because he was 
willing to do it and it wasn't his fault that the picture didn't run longer. 
Well, I settled with him for a dozen ducats. '■ Aggie said I sure know how 
to get even with people. 

I'm kinda worried about Aggie, she is losing weight worrying about 
the show we're gonna put on of our dancing school pupils." It seems 
that the kids have caught up with us, and now we 'gotta take dancing 
lessons ourselvea so we can be one lesson ahead of our pupils. Tl^e got 
a swell layout, even if I do say so myself. We" got three' kids doing the 
Three Little Pigs. We had to replace one of them because he was a 
kosher kidL and his old man wouldn't let him go into any pig number. 

Then we got a swell finale lined up, we call it the Cavalcade of Youth, 
it originally was supposed to show all the. kid stars from Jackie Coogan 
to the present day. Well, we had so much, trouble with the mothers 
because . th^ all wanted their kid to play the part of Shirley Temple, 
so to end all the arguments we got them all doing Shirley Temple, but we 
still caU it th« Cavalcade of Youth, which I think is a swell title and 
which Aggie likes because it sounds so classy. 

I also got the banker guy I've been giving lessons to in a novelty act. 
He had a platform built that looks like a bank counter and on one side 
there's a sign 'Receiving Teller' and on the .other side' there's a sign 
'Fayiivg Teller.' WeB, at the receiving teller end he does a nerve-roll, 
and it sounds pretty good when he does it. I figgered giving a banker 
a nerve-roU>wotdd be a cinch; then he dances over to the Paying Teller 
end and does an over-the-top, slow like, which shows how they pay out 
money. Ctf course, without him saying anything you wouldn't know 
what he was doing, but I wrote him some talk with it which, if they 
hear him, I am almost sure they will know what he is trying to do. It's 
bis own idea, he sez it's all symbolical. That aint what Aggie calls it. 

Resides him we got a local that does a drum solo, and a guy, that plays 
a tune on bottles. He only knows one tune. I saw bim tie a string on his 
finger and wheni I ai$k him what's the idea of the string on his finger 
he sez. it's to remind him not to forget the tune. We ^pect a few more 
im-mature guys for the show and hope it will make m some dough 
because by the looks of Aggie we'll need it for her nervous breakdown 
. after it's over. 

You know, it's a funny thing — ^before we had this dancing school we 
always loved kids, but now when you mention kids to Aggie she takes 
out a Flit-gun. These modem kids are awful .fresh; the only resemblance 
they have to old-fashioned kids is they're young. 

Ren^j^bet us to'the boys and girls back there and we hope they are 
tute^Ql^hr uppers and lowers regularly. . , SEZ 

LEFTY. 

P. S. It you hear of a good hoofer that's already out this way that 
wants to be paid oflE with rosin and Aggie's codkiiig and a pelrcentage of 
the net let me know. We don't pay fares and he must like children 
we want one of the teachers to like 'em. 



PHILLY SEES A 
GENIADMISH 

DPPING 



Philadelphia, July 27. 

FaU is going to see almost uni- 
versal upping of admish prices in 
both indie and chain houses here. 

Warner Bros., with about 80 houses 
in the city, is carefully scrutinizing 
, scales, all the way from first-runs 
down to most insignificant nabes, 
with an eye to tilting. Execs, in 
some informal talks with indie ex- 
hibs,. have let it be known that WB 
is willing to raise prices if the com- 
petition will. Nabe levels will prob- 
ably be upped before those at the 
premieres. 

,. General feeling that prices are go- 
.ing skyward in fall became evident 
from propaganda United Motion Pic- 
ture Theattre Owners is putting out 
in itis date strike against Par. In 
all lists of reasons filmgoers shouldn't 
patronize houses playing Par, the 
fact that the new Pac contracts 
would make price-raising necessary, 
has been scrupulously avoided. £x- 
hibs fear to bring up this point be- 
cause of their intention to tilt scales 
anyway. 

•Reason for the jacking, of course, 
,is upped film " rentals, generally 
'higher opieratihg costs and demands 

by unionized house employees for 

increase envelojpes. 



maCOMERFORDLEFT 
ESTATE OF $1,312,474 



Scranfon, Pa., July 27. 

M. B. Comerford, general manager 
of the Comerford theatre enterprises 
at the time of his death last Novem- 
ber, left an estate valued at $1,312,- 
474, according iQ an inventory filed 
by appraisers in court here. When 
letters of ad^ninistration were asked 
for by his widow, the estate was 
listed as having a value, in personal 
property, of "over $20,000," along 
with real estate worth $6,000. He 
died intestate. 

Stock in various companies of the 
Comerford interests accounted for 
the bulk of the estate. He had 
$47,776 on deposit in banks in this 
city, Wilkes-Barre, . and New York, 
Heading the list of stock holdings 
were 3,333 shares in the Meco Realty 
Co., valued at $375,906.21; 833% 
shares in- the Metropolitan Theatre 
Co., valued at $126,219.71; 500 shares. 
Capital Theatre Co., Hazlefon, $103,- 
0L3.23; 166 shares Comerford Theatre 
Co.,. Inc., $73,308.81; 55 -shares, Car- 
bondale Amus. Co., $347.15; 83 shares, 
Carbondale Theatre Co., $23,841; 33 
shares, EdWardsviUe Amus. Co., 
$3,719;' 388 shares, Federal Theatre 
Cp;, . $45,199.90; 66 shares, -Forest 
City Theatre Co., $19,334; 333 shares, 
Hyde Park Amus! Co., $56,790.80; 
1,150 shares. North Penn Theatres, 
Inc., $157,195.66; 500 shares, Luzerne 
Theatre Co., $78,369.19; 133 shares, 
Old Forge Amus. Co., $15,349; , 75 
shares, Parsons Amus. Co., $15,419; 
66 2/3 shares, Penn York Utilities, 
Inc., $5,340; .33 shares. Savoy Realty 
Co., $1,611; 103 shares, Sayre Amus. 
Co., $3,327; 83, shares, Shawnee 
Amus. Co., $23,521; 132 1/3 shares, 
Shenandoah Theatres, Inc., $11,146.92; 
66 2/3 shares. Sun Amus. Co., 
$5,536.98; 83 shares, Towanda Amus. 
I Co., $17,670.85; 1,233 2/3 shares, 



EMBRYO SCRIVENERS 
SEEK UNION TIEUP, TOO 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Recognition of embryo writers— 
those who have sold stories but have 
never received screen credit— is be- 
ing contemplated "by the Screen 
Playwrights, Ina Juniors have asked 
to affiliate with the writers with, the 
alternative of forming their own or- 
ganization and asking the National 
Labor Relations Board for recog- 
nition. 

Juvenile writers plan, fo limit 
membership to persons who are 
'serving apprenticeship with Idea of 
earning livelihood frorfi writing for 
screen. Many who ate now doing 
script treatmeritsj*- efc, would be 
eligible. Around 1,00.0 would be 
in line for membership. 



20th Formally 
Takes Over Roxy 
Theatre Aug. 1 



Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp. 
assumes control by Sept. 1 of the 
Roxy (N. Y.) theatre for the next 
20 yeiars and it will become the Hew 
York show window for 20th's fea- 
ture pictures pronto. Federal Judge 
Francis G. Caffey on Friday (23) 
formally signed an order approving 
the theatre's reorganization plan. 
Undeir the arrangement 20th-Fox 
will pay over $650,000 to finance the 
new corporation, 'the name of which 
had not yet been decided upon. 

Howard S. Cullman will remain as 
trustee, a job he has held for the 
past 10 years, until the theatre ac- 
tually changes hands. Judge Caffey 
directed Cullman to file a certified 
statement with the Court as to 
existing or disputed contracts or 
lobby leases pending. Twentieth 
Century has agreed to protect Cull- 
man from liability in any future 
suits which may arise involving 
transactions occurring during his re- 
gime. 

l^e loose end's of the plan, such as 
service-claims filed by numerous at- 
torneys, and also the Ted Healy sal-, 
ary claim for $4,000, are expected to 
be disposed of at the final hearing 
before Judge Caffey on Aug. 11. 

On Friday, the Court gave notice 
that unless Healy was represented at 
the next hearing he would iosS out 
his claim. 

Under the new setup, the Roxy, 
as exhibitor, will pay 20th $2,500 
weekly for each feature picture, plus 
50% of gross- receipts over $32,500 
and 65% over $40,000 gross. Roxy 
is to be licensed on all of 20th and 
Fox Movietone News shorts and 
cartoons, paying $13,000 yearly for 
the latter group. The theatre will 
be given the usual seven-day clear- 
ance in the Metropolitan area. The 
admission price will be decided upon 
by mutual agreement of both parties. 
Should any dispute arise during the 
first year the matter will be referred 
to an arbitration board appointed by 
the Court for settlement. 

Twentieth-Fox assumes the right 
to terminate the agreement should 
the new corporation at any time 
during the 20-year period become 
insolvent. 

The Roxy had a net loss of $8,137 
for the period from May 28- June 24, 
according to the report of Howard 
S. Cullman, trustee, which "was filed 
yesterday .iTues.) in the Federal 
Court. The cash receipts for the 
period amouiited to $103,203 and dis- 
bursements, $110,661. Admissions 
numbered 90,121. 



Tirefly' $5 Preem in L.A. 

Hollywood, July 27. 

World . premiei-e of Metro's 'The 
Firefly' has been set for the Four- 
Star theatre here Aug. 6.' 

FiliVi will open for a' two-a-day 
run witV) three shows on Sunday and 
$5.50"t6ps first niiglit. 



Union Theatre Cp., $23,671; 333 
shares, West Side" Amus. Co,, $55,- 
910.48; 60 shares, Owegp Amus. Co., 
$26,467.24; 12 Vit shares, Wayhe Amus. 
Co., $1,726.45. , 

Comerford, nephew of Michael E. 
Comerford, head of the company, 
was killed in an automobile accident 
near here while en route to .a foot- 
ball game in New York on Nov.. 20, 
1936i Frank C. Walker , has .been 
activel.Y in charge of the business 
since his death.. 



9 

Hollywood Runaroond 



By Radie Harris 

Hollywood, July 27. 

When Robert Taylor sails for London to play the title fole in 'A Yankee 
at Oxford' the gal who will draw the f emme lead opposite him wm 

be Maureen O'Sullivan Another MGMite who wiU join the exodui 

across the big pond is Clarence Brown, who will megaphone 'Goodby* 
Mr. Chips,* with Robert Donat in the top spot— maybe. . , If Herbert 
Marshall can obtain a temporary release from his contractual obligationg 
at RKO, he'll return to Broadway this fall in Sam Behrmah's new nlav 
for the Theatre Guild. ■ 

Barbara Stanwyck didn't want to be influenced by Belle Bennett'i 
interpretation of 'Stella Dallas,' so she waited vmtil after her own pre. 
view to see the original version run off. 

The ingrown splinter in Charlotte Wynters* foot that has been keeping 
her off the screen for the past nine months was finally operated on this 
week at the Good Samaritan hospital. . . . When Andre Chariot arrivei 
here (Aug, 2), he will be the house guest of Rowland Leigh. . , . Leigh 
is already planning in his honor a party at which the guests will be 
culled from the ranks of those players who at one time or lanother ]n 
their careers .appeared under his brilliant aegis— names that include 
Ronald Colman, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, Odette Myrtle, Blnnie 
Barnes, Pat Patterson, Herbert Mundin, Dorothy Hammerstein, Wendy 
Barrie, Heather Thatcher and Rex Evans. • ■ 

Catherine Risely, who used to sit at the next desk from Claudette Col- 
bert at the Washington Irving High School,- arrived here on her first visit 
three weeks ago. She is now Claudette's stand-in in 'Tovarich.' 

A few months- ago when Wayne Morris made his screen debut 'Jn 
'Don't Pull Your Punches,' it was a B picture. iJow, capitalizing on th4 
Morris click in 'Kid Galahad,' Jack Warner will release it next montii 
as an A picture with Morris elevated to stardom. 

Crosby Gage is paging Nedda Harrigan to join his 'Distinguished Gather- 
ing* on Broadway this fall. In the meantime, Miss Harrigan will appeal 
in Arthur Beckhart's Santa Barbara production of 'Oliver Oliver,* with 
Barbara Kent and Esther Dale included in the featured Cast. . . . As' a' bait 
to. persuade her to remain in California, all of Thyra Sampter Winsld^rt 
friends are feting her with NOT-going-away parties. . . . The reason that 
Leslie Howard's 13-year-old daughter, Leslie Ruth, does not want to mak^ 
a screen^ test for 'National Velvet' lis because she claims that If she*? t 
'moom pitcher star' her classmates at school in England will make life 
unbearable for her. • 

Raymond Paige quits 'Hollywood Hotel* this fall to be musical maestro 
on the "new Packard Hour, while Johnny Green, who is doing such a fcweU 
job on the summer show, -wSU switch to another important progrzun, « 
Charles Brackett had all the other scribes at the Screen Writers' Ball 
trying to figure out who the two beautiful femmes were that were hia 
dancing partners for the evening. After keeping the suspense up for % 
while he finally broke down and confessed, that they were his two daugh^ 
ters, 15 and 17, home from school on their summer vacation! 

Ernest Cossart will renew his working association with Benn Levy 
and Constance Cummings (remember his expert butlerihg in 'Accent oft 
Youth'?) when he motors east the end of the sununer to join them In 
the Guild production of 'Madame Bovary.' . . . Jimmy Gleason, whoal 
contract with RKO expires shortly, is collaborating on a new play with 
Jerry Horwin. ... As soon' as 'Marco Polo' is completeid, Archie MayS 
accompanied by his wife, Lucille, will sail on a five months' trip to thf 
Orient. 

Anatole Litvak had to call a halt in a scene from 'Tovarich' yest^rda* 
when Charles Boyer was called to the phone to answer a long diBtanCf 
call. It was Sacha Guitry phoning from Paris. 

Scenes in » Day 

Norma Shearer, Spencer Tracy, Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, poujtol 
Montgomery, Anita Louise, Gail Patrick, Florence Rice, Ernst LubitM^ 
Dorothy MacKaill, Joe Mankiewicz, Henry WiKoxson, and Douf 
Sylvia Fairbanks at the Chinese preview of Tirefly.* . . . Sam i^atz. m» 
Maritza, Seymour Felix, Lily Messenger, Max Gordon, Harry Aevel, t||i« 
Maury Cohens, George Haight and Jack and Flo Haley enjoying 9. vSi 
night snack at the Beverly Brown Derby. ... To wish Helen Fergtuoi 
happy-birthday in her new home on Las Palmas Drive wei-e H 
Gateson, Glenda Farrell, Gale Sondergard, Paula Stone, Henry 
and Alma Lloyd. •. . . The Mark Sandrichs and the Leigh Jasons qua: 
at 'Brother Rat' (Biltmore). . . . John McCormick playing the piano 
Alice Joyce's son-in-law, Felix Knight, ,did all the singing at i^e 
Connollys' buffet supper party. , . . Dolores Del Rio guest-pf-hoiiorlfi: 
Mrs. Gary Cooper with a first baby shower for the anticipated arrlv; ' 
September. . . . The Darryl Zanucks openlng^ their new home witl^ | ! 
cocktail shindig (25). . . . Two women walking unrecognized thro 
crowd of fans collected outside the Vendome-^if their husbands hi 
with them, they would have been mobbed— they were Mrs. Leslie 
and Mrs. Ralph Bellamy, 



Minevitch's 3d for 20th 

Borrah Minevitch's Harmonica 
Rascals are set for another 20th 
Century-Fox pic assignment when 
they finish a current tour through 
Pennsylvania and Ohio, playing 
parks, fairs and theatres. Recently 
completed 'Love Under Fire,' with 
Loretta Young, for the same studio. 

Minevitch personally is staying on 
the Coast, William Morris office 
handling.. 



Mamoulian Abroad 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Rouben Mamoulian has departed 
for New York to start a two-month 
vacation. 

He sails for Europe Aug. 4, on the 
Normandie. 



FANNY BEIGE'S 'SWING FEVER' 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Fanny Brice goes into 'Swing 
Fever,' formerly called 'Ugly Duck- 
ling,' at Metro, on. her one-picture 
deal. 

Miss Brice was originally set to 
appear in 'As Thousands Cheer' at 
Metro, but that production has been 
delayed and the studio shifted the 
comedienne into 'Fever^' 



Barrymorc's 2d 'Drummond 

Hollywood, July 27. 

John Barrymore has been signed 
by Paramount for a second, as yet 
untitled, 'Bulldog Drummond' pic- 
ture, which will be directed by 
Louis King. 

Actor finished 'Bulldog Drum- 
mpnd Comes BacH' at Pur 10 d;iys 
ago. . . 



PHULY HMMS 
OVER 9(1% UNION 



Philadelphia, July It. 
Philly house employees are worf 
than 90% organized, according ft 
Horace Johns, biz manager of fro* 
jectionists local, which is handling 
unionization of the other service 
groups. 

A mass meeting of the memberi 
will be held in about a week, Jiohn^ 
states, to make preliminary plan« fof, 
presenting demands to managements 
Requests for new hour and >yBg* 
conditions won't actually be made, 
however, he said, until practicaUl 
every employee is a nlember of tof 
union. Then there will be a show pi 
strength. 

Meantime exchange employ**? 
union is running along smoothly o4 
agreements recently consummated 
with employers. Johns said there 
would be no attempt for several 
months for this group to get reaj 
signed contracts in place of present 
verbal agreements. 



LOs Angeles, July 27. 
International Alliance of Theatil* 
cal Stage Employes is organizing th« 
front-of-the-house attaches of fil"^ 
theatres in Southern California. 
Group compo.sed of' ushers, cashier* 
and doormen will be chartered under 
the American Fedieration of Lab.or* 



^pdnesday, July 28, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



So. Caff .-Ariz. Indies Charge Fox-W.C. 
Anti-Trust Violation; Demand Action 



Hollywood, July 27. 
' Claiming that Peirsbn M. Hall, 
U, S. Attorney for the Southern 

'CaWot^>^* district, had neglected to 
prosecute or enforce the consent de- 
crees ordered by the U. S. District 
C^uirt here \mder the Sherman anti- 
trust act, prohibiting major film pro- 

"ducers and distribs from discrinaina- 
tion against indie exhibs, the Inde- 

"pehdent Theatre Owners of South- 
ehi California and Arizona are wag- 
ipg a ^S^* *° -^^^ irom office. 

Petitions addressed to U. S. Sena- 
^r William Gibbs McAdoO and 
'■typed on the stationery of the «ssb- 

• cIStion are being circulated among 
'•unaM^jat^!^ exhibs urging that Mc- 

Jiioo name a successor immediately. 

Industry friends of Hall assert 
' that the district attorney is without 
' the province to Institute proceedings 
dealing with anti-tnist violations, 
' and that no complaints against Fox- 
"West Coast Theatres or any pro- 
ducer-distributors for alleged viola- 
^on of the 1930-32 consent decrees 
Jiave been filed with Hall. 
. Supporters claim that the Attor- 
.jjey-General's office in Washington 
ihfi? the jurisdiction over anti-trust 
;'jnatters. 

■; Hall was formerly attorney for the 
JRetail Druggists & Grocers Alliance 
^f the Retail Trade Assn., and was 
'responsible for the passage of the 
.California Fair Trade Act by the 
/California legislature in 1931. He 
' also helped bring about passage of 
i the California Anti-Discrimination 

fxthw Suit Huddles 
{ Seett asNewU.S. Tack 
I On Anti-Tnist Squawks 

. Meeting of attorneys from sev- 
'irai major companies last Friday 
i,.'([?3) with Assistant Attorney General 
: Hubert Harrington regarding alleged 
"discriminatory dealings on product 
In Newark was viewed as possible 
departure from usual practice on 
cases when Independents demand 
'^•:iederal action. That was the opin- 

► Jon held by some legal lights on the 
iijmatter who" saw the voluntary con- 
I fab as a trial balloon to test the feasi- 
^ jjility of amicable adjustment with- 
■ ]9}Xt resort to federal action. 

{. . Picture companies who sent rep- 
.'lii^entatives to the meeting learned 
}^'Q^kt the MosoLue theatre had 
^((uawked on difficulty in obtaining 
wliat is considered fair deals on ma- 
IIW product. Thoiigh all majors were 
^^^ed to the Newark conference, 
jSoflfie did not send representatives 
i^^fien they could not learn ,who was 
Xfi'b^plaining to the assistant district 
Ijit^rney's office. Meeting lasted 
'iVdut 3V2 hours. After it ended, there 
**KRs no intimation of intention by 
attorney general's staff to begin pro- 
ceedings against the majors named. 

Jthose attending the Newark ses- 
sion refused to comment in any way 
on what transpired, its significance 
' or future developments. Legal lights 

> described the attorney-general con- 
-ference as a departure from the 

usual practice, but did not rate the 
sole complaint of the Mosque of vital 
import because of past difficulties in 
. making a money-maker out of the 

• operation. 



TIHE-UFE SHORTS' 
PROD. TALK UP AGAIN 



: » ; Hollywood, July 27. , 

; ...'A series of 14 short features deal- 
,Ihg with industry and scientific de- 
^.Vfelopment is reported being pre- 
,t>arecl by Life magazine. 
,' "Ed Lowry is headed east to talk 
■•bout appearing in one or more. It 
V jlso is reported here that George 
"McGregor, writer of one short, is in 
. ^. Y. 



i^'M T'*?*^- I"c., which also has Life un- 
jj der its wihg, denies any plans for 
fmaking any shorts aside from 'March 
j Time,' Understood that Time out- 
; nt Was considering a series of Life 
shorts about six months ago. but idea 
Was abandoned in favor of feature 
production possibilities. 
Start of feature production or 
, Preparation for such must wait until 
^Uitable story to follow general basic 
Wea of 'March of Time' is found. 
J ?*""* officials are said to favor pro- 
^ auction of one or more features be- 
Cause of coin possibilities, as com- 
pared with short production. 



Cohen Readies 7 for Major 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Scripts are being prepared on 
seven Major pictures for Emanuel 
Cohen. They are skeded to go be- 
fore the cameras in the next few 
months. 

Allan Rivkin has been assigned to 
'Call Back Love'; Richard Connell to 
'The Badge of Policeman O'Roon,' 
Bing Crosljy-Beatrice . Lillie co- 
starrer; Tommy Cotter is on 'Choco- 
late Parade,' all-sepia musical; Doris 
MaUoy is polishing 'Love on Toast.' 

Mae West Is working on her own 
next starring film while Leonard Q. 
Ross and Jesse L. Lasky, Jr., aire 
toiling on originals, titled respective- 
ly 'Free Woman' and 'Two Weeks- 
with Pay.' 



ANOTHER F&H 
POOLING IN 
ST.LODIS 



St. Louis, July 27. 
Another theatre pooling and book- 
ing arrangement between Fanchon 
& Marco interests and an Indie syn- 
dicate operating a flock of nabes 
here Is expected to be perfected 
when Harry. Arthur, Jr., . v.p. and 
gen. ifigr. of F&M returns here after' 
vacation in east. Indie houses in- 
volved are Granada, Kingsland, 
Shaw and Maplewood of St. LoUis 
Amus, Co. and Roxy, Avalon, Pow- 
hattan, White Way and Columbia 
owned by a company, heaviest stock- 
holders of which are Bess Schulter 
and Alex Pappand. 

Consummation of pending deal 
will make third completed by F&M 
in rec'ent months. Initial one was. 
when^Ansell Bros, pooled their Var- 
sity, Empress and Ritz with several 
of St. Louis Amus. Co.'s nabes. Re- 
cently similar deal was completed 
for Uptown, in west end, and which 
is owned by Clarence M. Turley. 
This house will, now be operated 
under combined direction of Ansell 
Bros, and St. Louis Amus. Co. 

Fred Wehrenberg, indie operator 
in South St. Louis and pres. of 
MPTOA of Eastern Missouri and. 
Southern Illinois, will not join any 
pooling arrangement with F&M or 
St. Louis Amus. Co. He is making 
preparations for a huge building pro- 
gram first of which will be a 1,200 
seater in thickly populated district in 
South St. Louis on site he has owned 
for several years. 

Wehrenberg said he had been ap- 
proached several times to join in 
pooling contracts and sell interest to 
circuits outside of St. Louis, but in- 
tends to remain independent of any 
group. He now operates four nabes 
in territory where St. Louis Amus. 
Co. has houses and there has been 
considerable rivalry between both 
operators. 

Wehrenberg expects to erect 20 
new houses in town to achieve his 
objective. 

FOX THEATRES MUST 
PAY $389,000 CLAIM 

Fox Theatres Corp. was directed 
Monday (26) by U. S. Circuit Court 
of Appeals in N, Y. to pay the full 
equity claim of $3fi9,000 to the Phila- 
delphia Co. for Guaranteeing Mort- 
gages as interest and taxes on a loan 
of $1,800,000 which Fox negotiated in 
1934, The decision reverses that of 
the lower court, which last Septem- 
ber held that the Philadelphia Co. 
was only entitled to $48,000. 

The loan was made to the Market- 
Seventeenth Corp., then operators of 
the Fox theatre and office building 
in Philadelphia. The FoJc parertt or- 
ganization guaranteed payment of all 
taxes and interest but later defaulted. 



'Extended' 1st Runs 
FromPartoCrit,N.Y., 
Gets Loew Squawk 



Paramount's partnership deal with 
B, S. Moss and Harry L. Charnas 
over the Criterion, N. Y., on which 
agreement had been reached by both 
sides, is in abeyance following com- 
plaint registered by Loew's over the 
proposed policy, for the house. Thie 
Loew circuit is taking exception to 
the announced Intention of Par to 
use the Criterion for so-called 'con- 
tinued first runs,' moving pictures 
into the house for another week or 
two after they have • played the 
Broadway Pararopunt. : . , 

Loew's argues that this would con- 
stitute a second run. The Loew 
cliain, which last season took the en- 
tire Par program on second and sub- 
sequent run in its Greater New 
York houses. Is presently in huddles 
with Par on a renewal of the deal. 
Any determination to play 'contin- 
ued first runs' at the Crit might jeop- 
ardize such a deal unless further dis- 
cussions of the Criterion matter, re- 
suited in spme. compromise with 
Loew. Circuit has always squawked 
in the past when anyone tried' to do 
this, years ago having set up a howl 
when an effort was made . to move 
first runs froih the N. Y. Par into 
the old RialtO. 

The Loew complaint on the Cri- 
terion deal may not mean it's cold, 
however.. Par could go through with 
the partnership arangement, using 
the Crit for pictures on first run 
which are not needed at the Para- 
mount. Under ifye deal discussed, 
the Charnas-Moss organization would 
have operating control. 



JUNES $im775 
AMIS. TAXES 
BBTIN'jy , 



Washington, July 27, 

Jump of better than $300,000. in 
.June sent Government revenue from 
admissions tax to total of $9,520,012 
for first half of 1937, highest figure 
for first six months period since be- 
fore ihe depression. 

Touching $1,874,775, June haul was 
$285,093 ahead of the previous best 
month this year, April, and was the 
second largest in 3% years. Only 
better record was last December's 
$2,194,584. Rise over same month 
last year was $342,586, biggest year- 
to-year boost since December. 

Government this year has grabbed 
more money in three of the six 
months. Half-year total is $1,282,710 
ahead of similar figure for 1936, 
$1,988,864 more than 1935 and 
$2,123,915 over 1934. 



Loew's EstabEshes R^ht It Can 
Withhold Certain Corporate Info 
From the S.E.C., If ItV Damaging 



Walled Competish 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Bill Deming, General Pic- 
tures executive producer, has 
received a request from the De 
Luxe Crooning Trio, Folsom 
prison inmates, to -look over 
some of their tunes. 

Trio said another film com- 
pany already has made them 
an offer. 



NLRB UNABLE 
TO SETTLE 
PIX TIFFS 



Hollywood,. July 27. 
Efforts of the National Labor Re- 
lations Board to settle jurisdictional 
dispute over draftsmen, artists, art 
directors, title and sketch artists 
failed when the United Scenic Art- 
ists local 621 refused to agree on con- 
sent election. Internatiofal Alliance 
of Theatrical Stage Employes also 
notified regional director Dr. Towne 
Nylander that that oirganlzation 
would not agree to a consent election 
of draftsmen. 

The petition of. Attorney Felix 
Cunningham^ representing the So- 
ciety of Motion Picture Art Direc- 
tors, Society of M. P. Set Designers, 
and the Society of M- P. Artists and 
Illustrators, for a hearing to have 
his organization designated exclusive 
bargaining reps for workers, was for- 
warded to the NLRB in Washington 
for approval whether a formal hear- 
ing to determine if an election 
should be held. | 

. Attorneys for the spenic artists 
said that the jurisdiction of the 
NLRB over the film industry would 
be attacked tomorrow (Wednesday) 
in an injunction hearing in jSuperior 
court. They will attempt to show 
that the producers are not engaged 
in interstate commerce. Hearing will 
be on an application for a perma- 
nent restraining order against al- 
leged interference with the signing 
of an agreement between the pro- 
ducers and scenic artists. 

Negotiations with Local 621 were 
postponed by the producers when, 
the lATSE and societies represented 
by Cunningham entered the jurisdic- 
tional fight. 



Aug. 1 Deadline for SAG Signing Up 
In East, hut Everything Looks O.K. 



With the expectation that a ma- 
jority of the important film produc- 
ing companies and studios in the 
New York area will be signed up, 
the Screen Actors' Guild (eastern 
office) begins checking all studios 
and producers the fii;st of next 
week. Aug. 1 is scheduled deadline, 
which means that actual check will 
start Monday (2)* 

There seems little or no doubt but 
that all majors will have their names 
on the dotted line and that most of 
the commercial film producers will 
be pacted, since the latter have 
given verbal assurances that they 
will sign SAG Contracts. A few in- 
dependent studios and producing 
outfits may cause some difficulties 
at the outset, according to indica- 
tions the first of this week. This was 
indicated partially in the request 
made by some for an extension of 
time before, putting in the Guild 
regulations. One request, after giv- 
ing an analysis of the situation and 
reasons why an extension should be 
given, asked that the SAG setup be 
postponed until Jan. 1 next year. 
However, Guild executives see no 
reason for allowing extensions or 
changing plans. 

The studios affected include War- 
ner Bros. (Vitagraph), Paramount 



(General Service), Educational, 
which produces at the Same plant 
and releases through 20th-Fox, 
March of Time, Biograph, West 
Coast Service Studios and some five 
or six industrial and commercial 
producers and studios. 

Thus far the SAG headquarters In 
Manhattan have ruled that March of 
Time comes under the terms of the 
contract in that the reels are drama- 
tizations and that they do use actors. 
M. of T. officials have been notified 
of this situation, but no answer had 
been received up until yesterday 
(Tues.). Time reel considers itself a 
newsreel. However, Guild officials 
point out that M. of T. is censorable 
in a number of states, something that 
is not generally attempted on news- 
reels. 

Kenneth Thomson, secretary of 
SAG, carne in from the Coast last 
Saturday (24) to assist in last-min- 
ute details of seeing that the studio 
and producer alignment is carried 
out after the deadline. 

The SAG closed shop will have the 
backing of Actors' Equity and Brit- 
ish Equity besides its own organiza- 
tion. In addition, cooperation is 
counted on from other unions In- 
volved In studio operations.' 



Washington, July 27. 

Right to withhold dope about sub- 
sidiary and affiliated corporations 
has been established for the film in- 
dustry by Loew's Inc. 

In two recent reports to the Se* 
curities & Exchange Commission, the 
picture firm declined to giye the de- 
tails about 53 corporate offspring on 
the ground that disclosure would be 
'detrimental to the hiterests of se- 
curity-holders of the registrant.' 
This action was in accordance with 
provisions of the laws governing 
stock selling and conformed with all 
S.E.C. regulations. 

Sh'ielded info concerned 19 domes- 
tic and 34 foreign distributing and 
exhibition companies controlled by 
the parent concern. Previous papers 
had included considerable data on 
Loew's inter-company relations, 
however. 

As far as can be determined; 
Loew's is the first film company to 
take advantage of this provision of 
the S.E.C. system. AH other units 
in the biz which have come under 
Federal scrutiny have told all re- 
garding their ties with and interest 
In subsids, although In some cases 
request has been made that certain 
parts of the documents be kept con- 
fidential by the Governniient agency. 

While it was chary about lifting 
the lid on offspring, Loew's report 
showed top salaries. Nicholas M. 
Schenck, prez, drew $312,785 In th0 
last fiscal year, David Bemsltilh, 
vice-prez and treasurer, $213,857; and 
Arthur M. Loew, vlce-prez, for 
$205,544. 

This, info, plus other facts about 
financial operations furnished stock- 
holders in most recent annual re-— 
port, were deemed ample by t^e 
S.E.C. Indicated there is no. pros- 
pect the Government will order ' 
Loew's to remove the veil, since 
similar action in papers filed with 
the Commish last March , went un- 
challenged. Commish reserves the 
right, though, to inquire as to the 
nature of the 'curtained facts in or- 
der to assure Itself of the Justifica- 
tion of companies' claims that pub- 
lication might be Injurious. 



Brandt's Gaiety And 
RepubGc, N. Y., Make 
7 Houses in Times Sq. 

With Harry Brandt taking over the 
operation of the Gaiety, last a 
Minsky burlesque house at 46th and 
Broadway, at the close of last week 
and readying the Republic, original 
home of Minsky burlesque in Times' 
Square area, for opening next Satur- 
day (31), Brandt interests will have 
the largest string of picture houses 
operating In New York's principal 
theatre area. Addition of Republic 
will give Brandt seven film theatres 
from 59th Street to 42d Street, being 
the Park, Central, Globe, Gaiety, 
Times Square, Liberty and Rep. 
Houses represent total seating ca- 
pacity of around 5,600. 

Gaiety was reopened Saturday 
(24), after the brief, ill-fated attempt 
to try polite burlesque, with grind 
policy and pop prices. Starting fea- 
ture was the indie 'Crusade Against 
Rackets.' Management indicates using 
others of this type or similar to 
'Damaged Lives,' which went seven 
weeks at Centrail, and adventure or 
melodramatic vehicles. Gaiety's pic- 
ture was heralded as first-run on 
Broadway as was Central's opus. 

Globe, which has been re-seated 
and arranged strictly for roadshow 
pictures, will continue for two-a-day 
features with Paramount's 'Souls at 
Sea' going in next week. Other 
Brandt theatres in this area cur- 
rently are playing subsequent run, 
grind and popular scale. 

Republic will be opened as a news- 
reel or short feature house, with the 
news weeklies featured. Show is 
scheduled to run 60 minutes, with 
prices tentatively fixed at 15c and25ci 

Marty Lavine, supervisor to Brandt 
In Times Square sector, had charge 
of reopening of Gaiety and is doing 
similar stint at, Republic this week. 



8 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



Everythhui s Dandy Again in LA; 
flarlow Pic Smash at $43,500; 'Road 
Back; $23,500; 'Eye (2d) $15,000 



Los Angeles, July 27. 
"With two smash b.o. attractions in 
four of the local deluxers, pic busi- 
ness begins to look like old times. 
Heaviest sock of the week is 'Sara- 
toga,' final Jean Harlow film, which 
is heading for a combined $43,500 at 
the day-date Loew's State and Chi- 
nese theatres. Take in both houses 
has only been equalled by a couple 
of pix shown during New Year's and 
Thanksgiving Day weeks. 

Universal's 'Road Back' is giving 
the day-date Pantages and RKO Hill- 
street a heavy initial week, opus 
having been set for a minimum of 
two weeks, 

Carthay Circle went dark Sunday 
(25) after four and a half weeks of 
♦Wee Willie Winkie' (MG) at $1,50 
on a two-a-day basis, and re-opens 
with the same policy Aug. 12 on 
Paramount's 'High, Wide and Hand- 
some.' 

Estimates for This Week 

Carthay Circle (Fox) 1,518; 55-83- 
1.10-1.65)— 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th) 
(6th week). Shirley Temple pic 
closed Sunday (25) after three days 
on the fifth week for around $3,000. 
"Fourth week brought fair $4,80(^. 

Chinese (Grauman) (2,028; 30-40- 
55-75)— 'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Born 
Reckless' (20th duaU Setting new 
house record for take sans holiday; 
looks like smash $19,000, terrific. 
Last week 'Captains Courageous' 
(MG) and 'Great Hbspital Mystery' 
. (20th) oke $13,800. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 30-40^55- 
65)— 'Ever Since Eve' (FN) and 
'Case of Stuttering Bishop' (FN) 
dual (2nd week). Holdpver week 
looks very good $7,000, compared to 
initial week^s take of big $9,200. 

Four Star (Fox) (900; 30-40-55)— 
TJnder the Red Robe' (Fox) (2nd 
week). Second stan4:a limited to 
four days dn $1,000. First week 
drew weak $1,700. 'Love From a 
Stranger* (UA) opens today (27). 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 30-40-55- 
65)— :Ever Since Eve' (FN) and 
•Case" of Stuttering Bishop' (FN) 
dual (2rid week). Flock of previews 

• helping for strdhg second week, with 
probably $8,000 in the till, compared 
to $8,200 on initial stanza. 

Pantaces (Pan) (2,700; 30-40-55)— 
♦Road Back' (U) and 'Love ih Bun- 
galow' (U) dyal. Sequel to 'Western 
Front' is proving strong box office 
and first week will wind up at nifty 
$11,500. . Last week, 'Super Sleuth' 
(RKO) and 'Sweetheart of Navy' 

• (GN) satisfactory $6,400. 

Paramount (Partmar) (3,595; 30- 
40-55) — 'Easy Living' (Par) and stage 
show (2nd week). Four day hold- 
over brought satisfactory $8,000, fol- 
lowing first week take of $16,700. 
'Exclusive' (Par) opened 10-day stay 
yesterday (26) with Eddie Peabody 
and Warner's KFWB broadcast show 
on stage. 

EKO (2,950; 30-40-55) — 'Road 
' Back* (U) and *Love in Bungalow' 
(U) dual. Despite stiff est kind of 
opposition at the State, two blocks 
away, house is piling up a sweet 
$12,000, with second oke week as- 
sured. Last week. 'Super Sleuth' 
(RKO) and 'Sweetheart of Navy' 
(GN) $6,400, about as anticipated. 

State (Loew-Pox> (2,024; 30-40-55- 
75)— 'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Born 
Reckless' (20th) dual. Topped on 
gross only by 'Mutiny on Bounty' 
(MG) and 'San Francisco' (MG), 
both played during holiday weeks, 
last Jean Harlow opus is piling up 
smash $24,500. new all-time record; 
Last week, 'Captains Courageous' 
(MG) and 'Great Hospital Mystery' 
(20th) satisfactory $16,800. 

United Artists (Fox-UA) (2,100; 
30-40-55) — 'Captains Courageous* 
(MG) and 'Great Hospital Mystery' 
(20th) dual. Trade up a bit on this 
pair of moveovers, so $3,300 will be 
okay. Last week, 'Gave Him a Gun' 
(MG) , and 'Sing and Be Happy' 
(20f.h) not so hot at $2,000. 

Wilshire (Fox) (2,296; 30-40-55-65) 
— 'Captains Courageous' (MG) and 
'Great Hospital Mystery' (20th) dual. 
Brace of moveovers doing oke at 
$6,000. Last week, 'Gave Him a Gun' 
(MG) and 'Sing and Be Happy' 
(20th) nothing to rave about at 
$4,500. 



'WEE WILUE' GOOD 
$S,500 IN LOUISVILLE 

Louisville, July 27. 
Saratoga* is going strong at Loew's 
State, after b.o. lines formed stead- 
ily over the week-end. Pic got a 
liice break from the weather man, 
, when cooling rains turned the atten- 
tion of patrons to film house fare. 

Rialto is cominf? in for some nice 
biz on 'Willie Winkle,* and together 
with Loew's State across the street, 
should garner the bulk of the cur- 
rent week's sugar. 

Estimates for This Week 
Brown (Fourth Avc.-Loew's) — 
'Easy Living' (RKO) and 'Wild 



Money* (Par), dual, on moveover 
frorh Rialto. Fair showing and may 
gross $2,300. Last week 'New Faces' 
of 1937' (RKO) and 'Can't Beat 
Love' (RKO), fine $2,900. 

Kentucky (Switow) (900; 15-25) — 
'Hit Parade' (Rep) and 'Cafe Metro- 
pole' (20th), dual, split with 'Turn 
Off the Moon' (Par) and 'Midnight 
Taxi' (20th), dual. Fair enough at 
$2,200. Last week 'Call It Day' (WB) 
and 'Woman I Love' (RKO), dual, 
split with 'Hell's Angels' (UA) (re- 
issue) and 'Woman of Glamour' 
(Col), .dual, fair $2,100. 

Loew's State (3.000; 15-25-40)— 
'Saratoga' (MG) and 'I Promise to 
Pay* (Col), dual. Going along at 
great clip; local patrons plenty in- 
terested in final Harlow effort, plus 
buildup of 'Saratoga' as a serial in 
the Courier- Journal; should reap big 
$11,000 and hold. Last week 'Knight 
Without Armor' (UA) and 'Married 
Before Breakfast' (MG), dual, below 
average $5,000. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (l,OdO; 
15-25-40)— 'Ever Since Eve' (FN). 
Can't get much more than $2,500 in 
the face of hefty opposition. . Last 
week 'Singing Marine' (WB), on .sec- 
ond stanza, pretty good $3,500. 
. Ohio (Settos) (900; 15)— 'One in 
Million' (20th) and 'Love Begins at 
20' (WB), dual, split with 'Stars 
Over Broadway' (WB) and 'Laugh- 
ing at Trouble' (20th), dual. Good 
enough $1,300. Last week 'China 
Clipper' (FN) and 'Can This Be 
Dixie' (20th), dual, split with 'Petri- 
fied Forest' (WB) and 'Back to Na- 
ture' (20th), dual, fair $1,200. 

Rialto (Fourth Ave.) (1,500; 15-25- 
40)— 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th) and 
'Coronation' in color (20th). Will fall 
somewhat below previous Temple 
grosses, but plenty, strong at $8,500. 
Last week 'Easy Living' (Par) and 
'Wild Money' (Par), dual, topped the 
town with d light $6,000. 

Strand (Fourth Ave.) (1,500; 15-25- 
40)— 'Girl Said No' (GN) and 'On 
Again, Off Again' (RKO), dual. Do- 
ing light biz at $3,100. Last week 
'Super Sleuth' (RKO) and 'Meet the 
Missus' (RKO), dual. Weak $3,200. 



DinO IN WASH. 
HARLOW'S $33,000 



Washington, July 27. 

Nothing matters this week but 
'Saratoga,' and it's mattering in sock 
fashion. Put into the 3,000^seat 
Capitol, Loew's vaude spot and big- 
gest house in towrt, it busted all rec- 
ords for non-holiday opening and, 
although it is not expected to last at 
the same pace, will definitely finish 
in the beauteous class. 

Nobody else is touching 'Saratoga' 
and nobody is even bidding to get 
above average. Keith's went to 
town on 'The Road Back,' staging a 
super-swank premiere with half of 
Washington society and officialdom 
on hand, but the critics were luke- 
warm and it's starting to drop al- 
ready. 

Estimates for This Week 
Capitol (Loew) (2,424; 25-35-60)— 
'Saratoga' (MG) and vaude, ' Gus 
Van and Red Skelton heading vaude- 
but it's the pic; will get a smash. 
$33,000.* Last week 'Knight Without 
Armor' (UA) took a light $18,000. 

Earle (WB) (2.244; 25-35-40-60-70) 
— Midnight Madonna' (Par) and 
vaude. No names for either stage or 
screen and will die with brutal 
$12,000, Last week 'Ever Since Eve' 
(WB) led town with good $18,000. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-35-50)— 
'Road Back' (U). Sock campaign 
brought big opening, but slioping 
fast.. May finish with okay $9,500. 
Last week 'Girl Said No' (GN) weak 
$5,000. 

Palace (Loew) (2.363; 25-35-60)^ 
'Easy Living* (MG) and Disney 
Academy Revue. Should get under- 
average $13,000. Last week 'Day at 
Races' (MG) (2d week) oke $9,000. 

Rialto (IndtB) (1,100; 25-30-40)— 
'Elephant Boy' (UA) (2d week). 
May get passable $2,500. Last week 
campaign and crix raves won nice 
$4,500. 



Travis, Foran Teamed 

Hollywood, July 27. 
June Travis and Dick Foran top 
the cast of 'One More Tomorrow' at 
Warners. Others cast include John 
Litel, Dick Purcell and George E. 
Stone. 

Frank McDonald will direct, with 
Bryan Foy producing. 



1st Runs on B'way 



Week of Jaly 29 

Asior— 'High, Wide and Hand- 
some' '(Par) (2d week) 

(Reviewed in this issue) 

Capitol— 'Saratoga* (MG) (2d 
week). 

(Reviewed in Variety of July 14.) 

Central— -'Gold Racket' (GN) 
(31). 

Criterion— 'Marry the Girl' 
(WB) (31). 

Music Hall— 'Toast of New 
York' (RKO) (2d week). 

Paramount— 'Exclusive' (Par) 
(2d week). 

Rialto— 'It Can't Last Forever' 
(Col). , 

(Reviewed in Variety July 7.) 

Roxy— 'Wee Willie Winkle' 
(20th) (2d week). 
(Reviewed in Variety June 30.) 

Strand— 'They Won't Forget' 
(WB) (3d week). 

Week of Aug. 5 

Astor— 'High, Wide and Hand- 
some' (Ear) (3d week). 

Globe— 'Souls at Sea* (Par) 

(3) . 

Music Hall— 'SteUa DaUas* 
(UA). 

(Reviewed in this issue) 
Paramount — 'Artists and Mod- 
els' (Par) (6). 

Roxy— ^Road Back* (U) (6). 
(Reviewed in Variety June 23.) 
Strand— 'San Quentin' (WB) 

(4) . 

(Reviewed in this issue) 



Harlow and 'Breakfast' 
Fine $15,000, Bat Rest 
Of ProT. Is Way Off 



Providence, July 27. 

Mediocre film fare largely. Grosses 
are likewise. Only one spot doing 
any bragging this week, and that's 
Loew's, where 'Saratoga* is being 
shown on a dualer^ Present pace in- 
dicates that the gross will be in the 
nabe of $15,000. 

Other two picture houses. Strand 
and Majestic, are just easing along. 
Biz is about average. Fay's, the lone 
vaude spot, is going it on a so-so 
keel. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fay's (2,000; 25-35-50)— 'Born Reck- 
less' (20th) and vaude. Nothing to 
indicate more than $6,000, if that. 
Last week 'Calif ornian' (20th) was 
ditto. 

Loew's State (3,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Marriage Be- 
fore Breakfast' (MG). Going great 
over the week-end, clinching at least 
$15,000, more if the breaks are right 
later in the week; swell biz for this 
timie of the year. Last V^eek 'Em- 
peror's Candlesticks* (MG) and 
'Criminals of Air' (Col) was best in 
town with a $11,000 take. 

Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Sing and Be Happy' (20th) and 
'Lady Escai<es* (20th). Bill rather 
tepid; take not likely to go over 
$6,000. Last week 'Singing Marine' 
(WB) and 'Coronation*. (20th) was 
oke at $7,800. 

Strand (Indie) (2,200; 25-35-50)— 
'Gamblni* (Par) and 'Motor Madness' 
(Col). Not so good; probably $3,000 
on split week. Woman Alone' (GB) 
aiid 'Forlorn River* (Par) was tepid 
too, at $2,500 on split week. 

SEATTLE. TOO, IS ALL 
HARLOW, $13,500, BIG 

Seattle, July 27. 

Town is going for 'Saratoga* and 
critics are paying the pix and Jean 
Harlow high tributes. Opening biz 
at the Fifth was capacity, with 
fern me trad6 predominating. 
Weather is hpt and no help« but 
'Saratoga* is getting along, and looks 
set 'for two or three weeks at the 
Fifth and. then thrice that at the 
Music Box on moveover. 

'Saratoga' is being' single-billed, 
which is the first time since the dual 
policy was established here. Winter 
Garden (Sterling) has second run of 
Jean Harlow in 'Personal Property' 
(MG) and holding it over, with biz 
big. 

Estimates for This Week 
Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(900; 16-27)— 'Secret Valley' (20th) 
and 'Man^in, Blue' (U) dual. Looking 
for $2,500, good. Last week 'You're 
in Army Now' (GB) and 'Border 
Cafe' (RKO), got $2,200, okay. 

Coliseum (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(1,900; 21-32) — 'Cafe Metropole' 
(20th) and 'Song of City' (MGM), 
dual. Anticipating $3,000 here, fair. 
Last week, 'Night Must Fall' (MGM) 
and 'Way Out West' (MGM) three 
days. $1,800, good; 'Trader Horn' 
(MGM) and 'Manhattan Melodrama' 
(MGM) dual, five days, $2,200. okay. 

Colonial (Sterling) (B50: 10-21)— 
'10th Man' (GB) and 'Oh Suzannah' 
(Rep) dual. Paced at only $2,000, 
slow. Last week, 'What Price Ven- 



Martha Raye, Hfee Willie' Heading 
For Terriflic in Boston 



geance' (Rialto) and 'Skull and 
Crown' (Reliable) dual. So-so $2,000. 

Fifth ■ Avenue (Hamrick-Ever- 
green ) (2.400; -32-37-42 ) — 'Saratoga' 
(MGM). First single bill in months 
but getting lines, with rapid turn- 
over; heading for magnificent $13,- 
500, Last week, 'Emperor's Candle- 
sticks' (MGM) and 'Big Business' 
(20th) dual, $7,600, okay. 

'Liberty (J-vH) (1.900; 16-32-42)— 
'Devil is Driving' (Col) and 'Venus 
Makes Trouble' (Col) dual. Looks 
like only $3,000, sorry. Last week. 
'Woman Chases Man' (UA) and 
'League of Fighting Men' (Col) dual, 
$3,900, good. 

Music Box (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(900; 32-37-42)— 'Emperor's Candle- 
sticks' (MGM) and 'Big Business' 
(20th) dual. Moved over from Fifth 
iand heading for $3,000, fair. Last 
week, 'Captains Courageous' (MG) 
(4th .week), nice $3,900. 

Orpheuin (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(2,700; 32-37-42)— 'Ever Since Eve' 
(FN) and 'On Again, Off A<?ain' 
(RKO) dual. Headed for fair $5,000. 
Last week, 'Last Train From Madrid' 
(Par) and 'Wings Over Honolulu* 
(U) dual, $4,800, slow. 

Pi^lomar (Sterling) (1,450; . 16-27- 
37)— 'Two Who Dared' (GN) and 
vaude. Should get $2,800, fair. Last 
week, 'Night Key' (U) and vaude, 
$3,400, also soso. 

Paramount (Hamrick-Evergreen 
(3,106; 32-37-42) — 'Between Two 
Women' (MGM) and 'Talk of Devil' 
(GB) dual. Anticipating $3,700, slow. 
Last week, 'New Faces' (RKO) and 
'Let Him Live' (U) dual, $6,000, good. 

Roosevelt (Sterling) (iB50; 21-32)— 
'Prince and Pauper'. (WB) and 'Good 
as Married' (U) duaL Expecting only 
$2,500, fair. Last week, 'Shall We 
Dance' (RKO) and 'Man's Here 
Again' (FN) dual, $2,700, good. • 

miTOGFBIG 
$22,000, CINCY 



Cincinnati, July 27. 

Tremendous $22,000 tug of 'Sara- 
toga' at the Albee; peak figure of 
the summer season for this town, is 
drawing the lion's share of biz cur- 
rently and upping the combined take 
of first-run houses by a comfy mark 
ov«r last week. . 

'Between Two Women' is pulling 
$5,000 at Keith's and the Lyric is 
markmg up $4,500 on 'On Again, Off 
Agam.' 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,300; 35-42)— 'Sara- 
toga' (MG). Bull's-eye, $22,000. Last 
week 'Easy Living' (Par), $14,500, 

Family - (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 
'Racketeers in Exile' (Col) and 'Girl 
from Scotland Yard' (Par), split. 
Regular, $2,000. Same last week on 
Night Key' (U) and 'Frame Up' 
(Col), split. 

Keith's (Libson) (1,500; 25-40)— 
Between Two Women' (MG). Okay 
at $5,000. Last week 'Ever Since 
Eve' (WB), $7,000, socko. 

Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 35-42)— 'On 
Agam, Off Again' (RKO). Fair 
$4,500. Last week 'Love from 
Stranger' (UA), $4,000, mild. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-42)— 
Knight Without Armor' (UA). Only 
$6,000, sorry. Will be pulled after 
sixth day for 'Wee Wilhe Winkie' 
(20th). Last week 'Super Sleuth' 
(RKO), $7,000, bad. 

'CAR,' GENE AUSTIN 
STRONG $10,000, K. C. 

Kansas City, July 27. 

•'Saratoga' is getting, a terrific play 
at the Midland. Opening matinee 
had. 1,000 in line and -the queues 
have held daily. 

Estimates for This Week 

'Mainstreet' (RKO) (3,200; 25-40) 
—'Easy Living' (Par). Only fair at 
$7,500. Last week, 'Singing Marine' 
(Wrp, couldn't manage more than 
$7,0(J0. 

Midland (Loew) (4,000; 25-40)— 
'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Thunder in 
City' (Col), dual. Terrific business 
at $20,000. Last week, 'Knight 
Without Armor' (UA) and 'Marriage 
Before Breakfast' (MG), dual, was 
way off at $8,000. 

Music Hall ($1J0 top)— 'Damaged 
Goods' (GN). Going oicay to about 
$8,500 and holdover. 

Newman (Par) (1,900; 25-40)— 
'Singing Marine' (WB) (2d run). 
Getting nowhere, $4,200. Last week 
was no better for 'Ever Since Eve' 
(WB) and 'Last Train from Madrid' 
(Par), $4,000. 

Tower (Fox) (2,200; 25-40)— 'Ar- 
mored Car' (U) and vaude, Gene 
Austin headlining. Socking over for 
fine $10,000. Last week, 'Road Back' 
(U), plenty okay at $9,800. 

Uptown (Fdx) (2.020; 25-40)— 
'Road Back' (U) (2d run). Merely 
so-so at $3,600. Last week, 'Slave 
Ship' (20th) (2d run), poor $3,000. 



•Boston, July 27. 
• Dramatic proo£ that, the so-called 
summer slump, has nothing to do 
with the weather is found at the Met> 
this ■ week, where Martha Raye's 
personal appearance with 'Wee 
Willie Winkie' is tallying up a take 
that may crash the house record. 
Present record at 75c. top was estab- 
lished several years ago by Mary 
Pickfords p.a. during the winter sea- 
son, and during the week-end aush 
the Raye figures were creeping ahead 
of the Pickford pace. 

At the other end of film row is an- 
other wow, 'Saratoga,' on a dual bill, 
and also playing the State, uptown. 
Tough heatwave did not crimp biz 
here, and a holdover is almost a 
certainty. 

This Jeaves the other houses in the 
middle, but they are getting some of 
•the overflow. 

Estimates (or This Week . 

Boston (RKO) (3,000; 25-40-55)— 
'Oh Again Oil Again' (RKO) and 
'Man in -Blue' (U), dual. Just so-so, 
$6,000. Last week 'Born Reckless' 
(20th) and 'Sweetheart of Navy' 
(GN), dual, n,s.h. $5,600, despite in- 
flux of sailors. 

Fenway (M&P) (1,400; .25-35-40-50) 
—'Ever Since Eve' (WB) and 'Stutter- 
ing Bishop' .-(WB), double. Won 
flattering local reviews and is headed 
for okay $5,000. Last week 'She Had 
to Eat' (20th) and 'Midnight 
Madonna' (Par), dual, slow at $3,600, 

K^elth Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 25- 
40-55)— 'Road Back' (U) and 'Lady 
Escapes' (20th) (2d wk), double. 
Looks like $11,000. First week was 
better than expected, $17,500. 

Metropolitan (M&P) (4,300; 35-55- 
75)— 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th) and 
Martha Raye on stage. Week-end 
indications were that this may be the 
biggest setup the house has ever had. 
Heading for $55,000. Last week 'Sing- 
ing Marine' (WB) and Clyde Lucas 
on stage fair $18,000. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 25-35-40- 
50)— 'Saratoga* (MG) and 'Married 
Before Breakfast' (MG), dual. 
Whammo $18,000 on the way on 
posthumus Harlow angle. Last week 
'Candlesticks' (MG) and 'Pick a 
Star' (MG), double, very satisfactory 
$14,600. 

Paramoiint (M&P) (1,800; 25-35- 
55)— 'Ever Since Eve' (WB) and 
'Stuttering . Bishop* (WB), duaL 
Okay combo, around $7,000. Last- 
week 'Had to Eat' (20th) and 'Mid- 
night Madonna' (Par), double, dis- 
appointed at $5,500. 

Scollay (M&P) (2,700; 25-35-40-50) 
—'Sing and Be Happy' (Par) and 
'Midnight Madonna' (Par) (both 2nd 
run), dual (six days) n.s.h. $3,000.' 
'Poppy' (Par), revival, originally 
booked with 'Madonna,' was yanked 
after one dismal day. Last week 
'Fly. Away Baby' (WB) (1st run) and 
•Another Dawn' (WB) (2nd run), 
dual, skidded badly, $4,000. 

State (Loew) (3,300; 25-35-40-50) 
—'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Married Be- 
fore Breakfast' (MG), double. Not 
as potent as at the downtown Loew 
stand, but should hit very good 
$15,000. Last week 'Emperor's Candle- 
sticks' (MQ) and 'Pick a Star' (MG), 
dual, satisfied with $12,000. 



'HORIZON' IIG'S, BEST 
GROSSER IN SYDNEY 



Sydney, July 5. 
Terrific rain did not help biz in 
the city and nabe spots, but man- 
agers are taking it with a grin and 
hoping for a break. 'Lost Horizon' 
(Col) copped about the best biz with 
a take on its second week of ap- 
proximately $11,000 and 'After the 
Thin Man' (M-G) held up nicely on 
third week. 

Warner's 'Green Light' came in 
for a try and looks like securing 
femme biz, 'Three Smart Girls' (U) 
will move away after four weeks, 
and 'Top of the Town' (U) will also 
quit shortly.^ Par's 'Waikiki Wed- 
ding' is pulling average trade and 
may hit a fourth stanza. 'History 
Made at Night' (UA) is oke, and 
'Rainbow on River' (RKO) continues 
solidly on third week. 'Aren't Men 
Beasts' (BIP) fared only so-so, with 
'For Valor* (AD), replacing. 

Weekly change has 'Tainted 
Money* (20th), 'When Love Is 
Young' (U), and 'Accusing Finger' 
(Par). 



Melbourne, July 5. 
Heavy rain and fog again hurt 
trade last week, despite the splendid 
lineup, including 'Beloved Enemy' 
(UA), 'Theodora Goes Wild' (Col), 
'Gold Diggers'" (WB), -Camille' 
(M-G), 'Fire Over England' lUA), 
'Take My Tip' (G-B), 'John Meade's 
Woman' (Par), 'Woman Wise' (20lh), 
and 'Bulldog Drummond Escapes' 
(Par). 



X?i*aiiesday, July 28, 1937 



PICTURE GROSSES 



VARIETY 



Plenty Outdoor Competish in Chi 
But 'Exclusive,' Weems, Rick 40G; 
/Slim' $17,000; Hariow Sock 




Chicago, July 27. 



lilAntv of attractions arotind town 
,FJ are giving the pictures a run for 
f Public's coin, fiaU gajaes, races, 
siif^ tourney, heaches, dunes and 
are all playing to' capacity, 
!li rcouple spots the gross is 
yeiry strong.." . 
• Best pi the. newcomers is 'Sara- 
4am ' which got going Saturday (24) 
Se uiited Artists. Straight and 
Mfled selling job' on this pic ure 
fc- causing excellent comment. 'Ex- 
clS and Ted WefemS are very big 
at the Chicago. . 
'Oriental comes back to a degree of 
Hffe currently, following a brutal 
Son last week. State-Lake re- 
15ms to a normal pace after a rec- 
Jrd-strtashing gallop the week previ- 

Estimates lor This Week 
Ai»?llo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) 
J^vft Ship' (20th). Moves in here 
following a good week at the cm- 
ffi Headed for $7,000. okay. Last 
week 'Easy Living' (Par) took satis- 
•iflictory $6,100 for its holdover loop 
• st&y ■ 

Chicago <B&K) (4,000; 35-55;;75)— 
♦Exclusive' (Par) and Ted Weems 
' orchestra. -Newspaper yarn looks 
lor a surprising week at $40,000. 
Last week 'Slave Ship' (20th) took 
ittroag $32,200. 

; Garrick (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
' .^r^'Forbidden Adventure' (Reade) 
' (2nd week). Travelog continues to 
i |J,an oke $6,000. after a big $9,800 

:i«tweek. 

.' 'rOriental (B&K) (3,200; 35-55-65)— 
♦SJipt' CWB) and vaude. House perks 
' -currently and will rise. to profitable 
iiVtOOO. Last week 'Had to Eat 
(2tfth) miserable $12,100. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Super Sleuth* (RKO) and vaude. 
Nice enough sisssion in the offing, 
with laugh .picture drawing a fair 
$15,000. Last week 'Talk of Devil' 
((JB) $18,000. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1.500; 35-55-65- 
751— 'Candlesticks' (MG) (3rd week). 
Goes out this Wednesday (28) to 
make way for 'Wee Willie Winkie' 
(20th). Will do around $8,000, so-so, 
for final seven days, alter okay 
$U-,400 on previous seven. 

State-Lake (Jone^) (2,700; 25-35- 
45-55)— Roaring Timber' (Col) and 
vaude. On right side ot the ledger 
by- a comfortable margin at $14,000. 
La?t week way up, with $17,100 for 
'Manhattan Melodrama' (MG). 

tlittited Artists (B&K-UA) (1,700; 
85-55-65-75)— 'Saratoga' (MG). Open- 
^d-Saturday (124) and away fast, 
jjooks like big money winner at 
iwerting week's indication of $30,000, 
Last week 'Races' (MG) finished fine 
three-weeker at $10,200. 

miOGAlOW 
mow, BUFFALO 



■ Buffalo, July 27. 

Grosses have been boosted into 
the higher brackets again currently, 
■ WPStly because of better type of film 
.offerings. With the exception of the 
Hipp, where figures are low, the cur- 
rent and the past week have been 
decidedly above average summer 
business. 

'Saratoga' looks to do a summer 
high at the Buffalo, with 'Good 
Earth' rounding out a fine second 
•week at the Great Lakes. 

Estimates for This Week 
^Buffalo (Shea) (3,600; 30-40-50) 
Saratoga' (MGM). First four days 
taKes -show a heavy response and 
■Jiay go to $20,000. Last week, 'Easy 
Living' (Par), as expected, with tak- 
ing running over $11,000, okay. 
-CJenlury (Shea) (3,400; 25-35)— 
Dtaegerman Courage' (WB) and 
Hollywood Cowboy' (RKO). Off 
somewhat, but okay at, $6,000. Last 
week, -Pick a Star' (MG) and '13th 
Chair' (MGM), very neat, $7,200. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,400; 30-50) 
r-Gpod Earth' (MG) (2nd week), 
.ttoldoyer looks paced at around $7,- 
Last week, developed surprise 
pusmess, with figures Indicating 
g°"g popular appeal, almost $16,- 

l".>P)> ^Shea) (2,400; 25-40)— 'Last 
'■■J^l^J'^^'^ Madrid' (Par) and 'Mar- 
before Breakfast' (MGM). Fair 
gfoss at maybe $6,000. Last week, 
: ttufcles of Red Gap' (Par) (reissue) 
m Man Who Found Himself.' 



Harlow $4,000 and H.O^, 
Lincoln, But Town N. G. 

Lincoln, July 27. 
'Saratoga' is out for the bucks this 
week, judging by the opening bang. 
Bij; is still on the downside, al- 
though the Stuart and the Varsity 
have been on th« upgrade the last 
couple of weeks. 

Estimates for This Week 
Liberty (LTC) (1,200; 10-15)— 
'Cover the War' (U) and 'Anything 
Goes' (Par) split with 'Dragerman 
Courage' (WB) plus 'Rootin* Too tin' 
Rhythm' (Rep). Fair, $900. Last 
week 'Men in Blue* (U) and 'Rendez- 
vous' (MG) split with 'Blazing Sixes' 
(WB) and 'Treasure Island' (MG), 
light at $850. 

Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-20-25)— 
'As Good As Married' (U) split with 
'Wings' Over Honolulu' (U). Good, 
$2,400. Last week 'Pick a Star' (MG) 
split with 'There Goes My Girl* 
(RKO) got away well at $2,300. 

Orpheum (LTC) (1,350; 10-15-20)— 
'Border Cafe' (RKO) and 'Fly Away 
Baby'* (WB) split with 'Love in a 
Bungalow' (U) and 'Big Business' 
(20th). House is slumping heavily, 
$1,100, Last week 'Born Reckless' 
(20th) and 'White Bondage' (WB) 
split with 'Rhythm in Clouds' (Rep) 
and 'Behind Headlines' (RKO), fell 
way down to $1,000. 

Stuart (LTC) (1.900; 10-25-40)— 
'Saratoga' (MG). Film is getting lots 
of gravy on opening and will prob- 
ably hold; about $4,000 in sight, 
which is very good. Last week 
'Captains Courageous' (MG) was a 
little above average, $3,300. 

Varsity (Westland) (1,100; 10-15)— 
'Pennies From Heaven' (Col) (re- 
vival) and 'Fight to Finish' (Col). 
House is finding good second-runs 
are doing better than two punk 
firsts.' Policy of one new and one 
old is set for awhile; biz a bit bet- 
ter, $1,100. Last week 'More Than 
Secretary' (Col) and 'Frameup' (Col) 
did better than recent average at 
$1,000. 



MONTREAL DULL, 'EMP,' 
'MISSUS' FAIR $6,000 



Montreal, July 27. ' 

Theatres took it on the chin the 
week-end, with a terrific heat wave, 
but may come back with the promise 
of coolness. 

Estimates for This Week 

Palace (CT) (2,700; 50)— 'Em- 
peror's Candlesticks' (MG) and 'Meet 
Missus' (Par). Offers possibilities of 
fair $6,000. Last week 'Under Red 
Robe' (20th) and 'She Had to Eat' 
(.20th) fair $5,000. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 50)— 'Day at 
Races' (MG) (2d wk), and 'ISth 
Chair' (MG). Will likely gross good 
$5,000 after fine $7,500 last week. 

Loew's (M.T.Co) (3,200; 40)— 'Love 
from Stranger' (Brit) and 'Counter- 
feit Lady' (Col), Not so good, $4,000, 
after same gross last week on 
'Trader Horn' (MG) and 'Private 
Lives' (MG) (revivals). 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 50)— 'An- 
other Dawn' (WB) and 'Fly Away 
Baby' (WB). Possible $4,000, fair. 
Last week, 'Riding on Air' (RKO) 
and 'Accused' (U), only $3,500, so-so. 

Orpheum (Ind) (900: 34)— 'Every- 
thing Is Thunder' (GN) and 'Mar- 
riage of Cabal' (Emp), good at $2,000. 

Cinema, de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 50) — Summer run of 'Cesar' 
(French) continuing, with grosses 
still just above $1,000. fair enough. 

St. Denis (France-Film) (2,300; 34) 
— Coup de Mistral' and 'Moutonner 
a Paris' (French). Good enough 
$2,600 for summer. Last week 'L'Ap- 
pel du Silence' and 'Le Rosan d'un 
Innocent' at $2,700, good. 



istered okay ^and in line for average 
$5,000. Last week 'Slave Ship' (20th) 
and 'Big Business' (20th) ran: up ah 
extra score for this house, closing 
for good $7,200. 

Rlvoll (Indie) (1,200; 25-35)— 
'You're in the Army Now' (GB) and 
vaude. Nicely at $2,800. Last week 
'Melody for Two' (WB) and vaude 
got extra biz from Fleet visit, $3,200. 

United Artists (Parker). (1,000; 30- 
55)— 'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Men in 
Exile' (FN). Getting a terrific play 
right from the start; should close for 
wow $9,000 and hold. Last week 
Knight Without Armor' (UA) was 
completely disappointing a^d pulled 
after'five days at only $3,500. 

'Saratoga' Winner 
Over Weather In 
Philly, 25G's, H.O. 



Philadelphia, July 27. 
Film openings in the downtown 
houses are being regularly and pur- 
posely staggered, with the result 
that the crix are kept stepping and 
regular weekly schedules ai'e com- 
pletely disrupted. Fox, formerly al- 
most a certainty for Friday change, 
has been switching pix on Thursday 
of late and 'The Road Back' opens 
there today (Tuesday), which means 
that 'Wee Willie Winkie' got only a 
five-day siecond week. It was some- 
thing of a disappointment, with the 
heat getting the bulk of the blame. 
Only pic to give the weather man 
a battle is 'Saratoga,' which started 
to terrific trade at the Stanley and 
has held up well. It opened Wed- 
nesday and is riding through into r 
second week. Reviews weren't es- 
pecially helpful. Crix were inclined 
to like 'Knight Without Armor' bet- 
ter, but that film is getting vcr 
lukewarm trade at the Boyd and 
quits tonight, after a week's stay 
with 'Topper,' figured good for ho 
weather fare, following. 

Estimates for This Week 
Boyd (2,400; 40-55-65) — 'Knight 
Without Armor' (UA). Crix liked 
this English pic, but crowds stayed 
away. Ending run tonight (27). 
with less than $11,000. 'Topper' 
opens tomorrow. In four-day second 
week, 'Captains Courageous' (MG) 
pulled $5,500. 

Earle (2,000; 25-40-55)— 'Ever Since 
Eve' (WB) and vaude, Herman Bing 
headlined. So-so $11,500. Last week, 
'Last Train from Madrid' (Par) and 
Duke Ellington's band, $14,500 in 
six-day week, nice. 

Fox (3,000; 40-55-65)— 'Road Back' 
(U). Opened today (27). 'Wee 
Willie Winkie' (20th) got $8,500 in 
five-day 2nd week after its very nice 
$16,500 on first week. • 
Karlton (1,000; 25-35-40) — 'Born 



No Alibis If Pix Good on B'way; 
Hfinkie' Smash $65,000 as Roxy Ups 
Scale, Toasf Crisp 8% Jean 35G 



propped down to lowest figure ol 
/surnmer, .$4,400. 

-Lafayette (Ind). (3,400; 2r,-r>n)— 
h^j*^.Vi^ °f Frightened Men' (Col) 
"Id Venuh- Makes Trouble' .'Col ). 

' .W. slow, under $5,000, Last vv-k, 
un' ^'''ving' (Col) and 'Fra.- •- 
"P (Lol), gave nice account of thtni 

^selves for over $7,000. 



'Saratoga,' 'Exile' Wow 
$9,000 and H, 0, P'tFd 



Portland. Ore., July 27, 
'Saratoga' opened to a terrific play 
at Parker's UA, and looks good for 
throe weeks. 

Estimates for This Week 
Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 30-55) 
— Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) and 
'Wings Over Honolulu' (U) (2d 
week). Going nicely for $4,500. First 
week clicked better than expected 
and mopped up. for $7,700. 

May fair (Parker -Evergreen) 
( 1.400;' 30-55)— 'Slave Ship' (20th) 
(2d week) and "There Goes My Girl' 
(RKO), Big .slulT. for this house at 
■$3,900. La,st week 'Captains Cour- 
irieou.-;' iMG) closed a fifth stanza 
al $1,900, par. 

• Orpheum (Hamrick - Evergreen) 
(2.000; 30-55) — 'Singing Marine' 
! (V/B) and 'Born Reckless' (20th) (2d 
! v. oek). Still cashing in for good $4, 
• II > ). First week got extra biz during 
. .'t Week, strong $7,000. 
l^ ramount (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
••:;); 30-35)—' Ea.sy Living' (Par) 
•aV.d Kly Away Baby' (WB). Reg 



Stronger attractions on Broadway 
are causing less of an alibi against 
summer weather, beaches, golf and 
other pet aversions of the; box office 
men. The proof of the pudding be- 
ing in . the eating, the Music Hall, 
Roxy, Capitol and Paramount have 
no complaints to make against what 
their shows are doing. The others 
are hollering without remembering 
they haven't got any bait on their 
hooks. Where a catch is being made, 
some pictures are naturally held 
down to summer levels by the week- 
end heat and exodus to beaches. The 
same pictures in winter weather 
would {le substantially bigger at the 
ticket windows. 

Thus, a $65,000 first week for "Wee 
Willie Winkie' at the Roxy, $85,000 
for 'Toast of New York' at Radio 
City Music Hall, $35,000 for 'Sara- 
toga' at the Capitol and $34,000 for 
'Exclusive' and the Mai Hallett or- 
chestra at the Paramount would be 
equivalent to at least 10% more in 
the fall or winter, 'Winkie,' with Its 
smash takings of $65,000, is the lead* 
er . of the week, this figure for the 
hoiise placing it ahead of the good 
$85,000 the Hall is getting. 

'Saratoga,' while good, is disap- 
pointing wl\en viewed in the light of 
the heavy expectations for it in New 
York and the business it is reported 
to be doing in other cities. The Par 
band policy, with Hal LeRoy booked 
to go with the Hallett orchestra this 
week, is believed more responsible 
for a very satisfactory summer's 
gross of $34,000 here than 'Exclusive.' 

The big wound of the week is be- 
ing cut deeply at the Astor, where 
'High, Wid^ and Handsome' is off to 
a poor start; though backed by a 
$50,000 advertising campaign, includ- 
ing a $17,000 sign. Torrid weather 
unquestionably hurt it over the 
week-end. The first five days' gross 
totals to oq^y $7,800. Par is paying 
Loew's-Metro $5,000 f6r the house, 
and has it for seven weeks. Possible 
capacity is $20,700. On Tuesday (3) 
Paramount brings in another two-a- 
dayer with opening of 'Souls at Sea* 
at the Globe. Date has been changed 
three times ' now, originally having 
been July 28, then Aug. 4. Globe has 
been taken from Harry Brandt for- 
four weeks. 

With competition keen against 
them, 'Married Before Breakfast,' 
'Hollywood Cowboy,' 'Bengal Lan- 
cers' revival and 'They Won't For- 
get' are all singing the hlues. 'Break- 
fast' takes the State, vaudfilmer, into 
the red again on one of the few oc- 
casions in the last -two years where 
that has occurred. Last time also 
•was when the house attempted a 



Reckless' (20th). First run for a 

change here, but only $2,000 or less ! first-run booking, *13th Chair,' gross 
likely. Last week, 'Wings Over dipping then to $15,000. This week it 



Honolulu' (U) ditto. 

Stanley (3,700; 40-55-65) — 'Sara- 
toga' (MG). Starts second week to- 
morrow (Wed.). Still good biz, al- 
though off a bit from opening pace, 
when $5,500 was reported for the 
first day. Pic is getting $25,000, or 
close to it, in the first seven days, 
ending tonight. 

Stanton (1,700; 30-40-50)— 'Thun- 
der in City' (Col). English pic may 
be too slow for this house, $5,000 
maybe. Last week; 'Devil Is Driv- 
ing' (Col), also under house's usual 
average at $5,500. 



will still be much too much red for 
comfort at $16,000. Vaude bill in- 
cludes Rosco Ates, Lucky Millinder 
orchestra and Frances Faye. 

The Rialto looks for no more than 
a dull $6,300 with 'Cowboy,' while 
'Lancers,' a mighty grosser of two 
seasons back, will be only about $6, 
500 for the tough-luck Criterion. If 
somebody gave this fine little house 
.some product it would probably 
have a chance to gain some momen 
turn. Par is considering a partner- 
ship deal for it 

'They Won't Forget' had a good 
first week of .$30,000, but looks no 

^Clai^af/to-a » *T AQiriiA' Qft/.lr ^'^^^ $15,000 currently on the 

Saratoga, L*eagUe OOCK second, yet goes a third. The Pal- 
$13,000 in Indianapolis ace has a first-run. she Had to Eat,- 
Indiananolis Julv 27 coupled with 'Slave Ship,' but un 
'Saratoga' i/ hllthira 're^or'S pace ^^fj. that it , will get more than 
for the season this week at Loew's ! ^•^^"t $7,500. ]ust fan, 
on dual with 'League of Frightened i Estimates for This Week 

Men,' Without the aid of any out- I Astor (1,012; 55-$1.10-$1.65-$2.20) 
side exploitation, other than, special ' 'High, Wide and Handsome' (Par) 
newspaper stories on the angle of 
Jean Harlow's final screen appear- 
ance, 'Saratoga' has started oft with ' very di.sappointing. Capacity of 
the biggest opening business since ' house $20,700, including three shows 
1935 with the exception of 'Thin' . - - 



(RKO) (2d run) and 'Great Hospital 
Mystery' (20th) (1st run), around 
$9,000, o.k. 

Paramount (3,664; 25-35-55-85-99) 
— 'Exclusive' (Par) and, in pit, Mai 
Hallett orchestra and Hal LeRoy. Ort 
first week, ending last night, $34,000, 
not near what house has been doing 
lately, but satisfactory enough. Show 
goes a[ second week, starting today 
(Wed.), to be followed by 'Artists, 
and Models' (Par) the following 
Wednesday (4). . 

Radio City Music Hall (5,980; 40- 
60-85-99-$1.65)— 'Toast of New York* 
(RKO). and stage show. Doing good 
enough at $85,000, nice for summer 
here, to be held over a second week. 
'Knight Without Armor' (UA), 
which also was a two-weeker, got 
$68,000 the final seven days, good. 

Rialto (750; 25-40-55)— 'Hollywood 
Cowboy' (RKO). Not raising much 
dust, speed looking like only about 
$6,300, mild. Last week it was a 
little better, $6,600, with 'Devil Is 
Driving' (Col). 

Roxy (5,836; 25-45-55-75) — "Wee 
Willie Winkie' (20th) and stage show 
(l-st wk), A smash of no mean pro- 
portions which, with breaks, will hit 
high in the skies at $65,000. House 
increased its weekday scales from: 
55 to 75c. top, same as Saturdays and 
Sundays, and so scaled now can do 
$91,000 capacity. 'Winkie' holds 
over. Last week, 'Super Sleuth' 
(RKO) finished at $26,300, Just get- 
ting house out. 

Strand (2,767; 25-55-75) — 'They 
Won't Forget' (WB). (2d wk). Was 
strong on the first week at $30,000, 
but sliding on the holdover (2d) to 
around $15,000. Picture is being 
held a third, however, to be fol- 
lowed by 'San Quentin' (WB). 

State (3,450; 35-55-75) — 'Married 
Before Breakfast' (MG) (1st run) 
and vaude headed by Rosco Ates. 
They're holding their heads in their 
hands around here this week; only 
$16,000 and. that's crimson. Last 
week, 'Day at Races' (MG) (2d run) 
and Benny Davis unit, $26,000, good. 



Premiered Wednesday night (21) 
and on first five days only. $7,800, 



Man.' 

'Wee Willie Winkie' is doing nicely 
in its holdover session at the Apollo, 
while the Circle is faring satisfac- 
torily with a dual of 'Exclusive' and 
'Super Sleuth,' 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (Fourth Ave,) (1.100: 25-40) 
—'Wee Willie' (20th) 2d wk.). Very 
good with $4,250, Last week same 
pic. did $7,000, dandy. 

Circle (Monarch) (2,800; 25-40)— 
'Exclusive' (Par) and 'Super Sleuth' 
(Par), dual. Former picture billed 
over the latter; gross !S5,300. okay. 
Last- week holdover of 'Easy Livmi,'' 
(Par) on twin bill with 'Last Ti'ain 
From Madrid'" (Par) wa.s mild at 
.$3 200 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,400: 25-40 )— 
'Saratoga' (MG) on dual with "Loa^ue 
of Frightened Men' (Colt. Duo to 
newspaper attention to Jean Harlow's i 
final film eflort, this one is\[)lcnty . 
.socko at $13,000, Last.weck. dual of, 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MO) and 
'Pick a Star' (MG). $7,500, good. 

Lyric (Olson) (2.000; 25-30-40)— 
'Talent Scout' (WB) and vauHfi. 
Weak at $6,500, due to lack of nnnu'.-^ 
on bill. Last week, 'Ever Sinco ,Kve' , 
(WB) and' vaude was very ■.;i)od at : 
$9,600. 



Saturdays and Sundays, 

Capitol (4,620; 25-35-55-85-$1.25)— 
'Saratoga' (MG), Posthumous Jean 
Harlow starrer getting, its share of 
I the morbidly curious, but under ex- 
! pectations at what appears $35,000 
' tops first week. Holds over. Last 
week, 'Emperor's Ciandlesticks' (MG) 
l2d wk), around $17,000, okay. 
Central (1,000; 25-35-40-55-65-75- 
. 85-99)— 'Damaged Lives' (Weldon) 
I (7th wk). After a satisfactory $7,000 
! la.st week (6th), picture took sudden 
i dip and will be only about $5,000 on 
' final (7th) stanza, ending Friday 
' liight (30), 'Gold Racket' debuts 
Saturday morning (31) 

Criterion (1,662; 25-40-55 )— 'Lives 
: of .Bengal Lancer' (Par) (reissue) 
I Around a mild $6,500 in prospect, 
I Last week 'Midnight Madonna' (Par) 
' (livved badly, under $6,000, 'Marry 
the Girl' (WB) opens Saturday (31) 
Globe (1,274; .55-$] .10-$1.65-$2,20) 
--'Soul.'^; at Sea' (Par). Opens here 
a twice-daily basis at $2 top 



TEMPLE TOT BIG 
$im DENVER 



Denver, July 27. 
Three films are being held over, 
one going into, a third week. 'Sara^ 
toga' broke the house record at tho 

Orpheum opening day and has con- 
tinued to pack the hojise since. Pic- 
ture is being held only three days 
becau,se of the coming of a stage 
show Saturday. 

'Knight Without Armor' is going 
to the Br;)adway after two big weeks 
at the Aladdin. 'Wee Willie Winkie' 
goes to the Aladdin after standing 
them up repeatedly at the Denver. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)— 
•Knight Without Armor' (UA) (2d 
week). Fine $4,000 after very good 
$5,000 last week. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,500; 25-40)— 
'David Harum' (20th) (rei,ssue). Just 
fair at $2,500. Last week 'Singin.i; 
Marine' (WB) did a good $3,000, fol- 
lowing a week at the Denver, 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,500; 25-35- 
40)— 'Easy Living' (Par) (2d week). 
Just about making it at $4,000, after 
nice $7,000 on its initial stanza. 

Denver (Fox) (2,500; 25-35-50)— 
'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th), and 
stage band. Big $12,500, which means 
a moveover to the Aladdin next 
week. Last week 'Ever Since Eve' 
(FN) turned in around $9,000, okay, 
but not enough to win it a carry- 
over at another Fox house. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 25-35-40> 
— 'Saratoga' (MG) and 'Married Be- 
fore Breakfast' (MG), Sock biz at 
$14,000, Can't be held more than 
three days because of previous stage- 
show bookings, a shame. Last week 
'Emperor's Candlesticks' (MG) 
'Hollywood Cowboy' (RKO), did 
okay at $8,500, 

Paramount (Fox) (2,000; 25-40)— 
'Melody for Two' (WB) and 'Drao- 
german Coura.ge' (FN), Acceptable 
at $2,500, Last week 'Devil Dv 
ing' (Col) and T.ieaguu of Fritjh ji 
Men (Col) were good at $3,000. 



on 

next Tuesday night (3). Par has the 
hou;se.for four wcek.s. 

Piilanc (1,700; 25-35-55) — 'Slave 
Sliii)' (20th) ('2d run) and 'She Had 
lo Eat' ('20th) (1st run), doubled. 
Only lukowarm, probably around 
^■7,500, Last v/cck's duo, 'New Faces' 



,v- 
-1 



Farrow Gongs 'Warning' 

Hollywood. July 27. 

John Farrow, starts directini? 
'Without Warning' ;U Warners . this 
week , with J iiu; Wyman and Bori,-» 
Karlofl" loppini; casl. 

Crane Wilbur did Iht; cjcreenplay. 



10 



VARIETY 



PICTURE GROSSES 



We<lnesday, July 28, 1937 



Harlow $28M New Frisco Record; 
Waring and love Socko at 




San Francisco, July 27. 

Interest in Jean Harlow's final pic- 
ture is so great here that the Para- 
mount theatre will break a record of 
many years' standing with 'Saratoga.' 
In order to take care of the custom- 
ers, the Paramount is opening its 
doors at 10 a.m., an hour earlier 
than usual. 

Golden Gate theatre, with Fred 
Waring on the stage, isn't running 
very far behind the Paramount. Gate 
upped its admission from 40c to 55c 
for last Saturday's matinee. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 35-55)— 'Exclu- 
sive' (Par) and 'Lady Escapes' (20th). 
Strong Gompetish is unusual attrac- 
tions offered by more centrally lo- 
cated houses holding this one to a 
lair $15,000. Last week, 'Ever Since 
Eve' (WB) and 'Born Reckless' 
(20th) did $11,000, which is very bad. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 35-55) 
—'Can't Beat Love' (RKO) and Fred 
Waring band on stage. Playing a re- 
turn engagement, Waring started off 
with a bang, bettering business he 
did here several months ago on open- 
ing day by $900. Take will be in the 
nabe of $26,000. Last week 'Super 
Sleuth' (RKO) and vaude did a fine 
$16,000. 

Orphenm (F&M) (2,440; 35-55)— 
*Road Back' (U) and 'Small Town 
Boy' (GN) (2nd wk). Remarque's 
sequel is doing nicely and should see 
a good $8,000 after a strong first 
■ week at $14,000. 

Paramount (F-WC) (2,740; 35-55)— 
'Saratoga' (MGM) and 'Big Business' 
(20th). Doing the biggest biz at the 
Paramount .in many a moon; , Jean 
Harlow picture had patrons standing 
In the aisles on opening day; expect 
$28,000 on the week, which is about 
$3,000 better than 'San Francisco,' 
previous record-breaker. Last week 
'Captains Courageous' (MGM) and 
•Crime Nobody Saw' (Par) did 
healthy $18,000. 

St. Franola (F-WC) (1,470; 35-55)— 
'Captains Courageous' (MG) and 
'Crime Nobody Saw' (Par) (2nd wk). 
Kipling story is doing corking biz 
on its pop run; Moved here last 
week after a healthy first stanza at 
the Paramount; should take in the 
nabe of $6,500. Last week 'Slave 
Ship* (20th) and 'Married Before 
Breakfast' (MGM)' did good $6,000 
<2nd wk). 

United Artists (Cohen) (1,200; 35- 
65)-^'Silent Barriers' (GB) and 
•Looking for Trouble' (UA) (re- 
vival). House is breaking long-estab- 
lished policy of not running doubles 
by reviving 'Trouble,' but biz very 
poor at $5,000. Last week 'Woman 
Chases Man' (UA) (2nd), did $5,000. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,680; 35-55)— 
•Between Two Women' (MGM) and 
'Public Wedding' (WB). Will have 
to be satisfied with $13,000 on this 
combo, which is suffering from ter- 
rific competisb. Last week 'Emperor's 
Candlesticks* '(MGM) and 'Sing.and 
Be Happy' (20th) (2nd wk) finished 
to a good $9,000. 



Coen's Rescue Chore 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Script for RKO's production of 
'Romance to the Rescue' is being pre- 
pared by Franklin Coen. 

Maury Cohen will produce.^ 



'TOGA' HEY-HEY 
$15,000, BALTO 



Baltimore, July 27. 
It's all 'Saratoga' here this week, 
with Loew's Century lining them up 
front and keeping them coming,' for 
a wow $15,000. Rest of the town is 
very mild, with some action for 
"'Road Back' (U) at Keith's, already 
announced for a second week after 
an indicated $5,500 lor its first ses- 
sion. 

Estimates for This Week 
Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 15- 
25-35-40-55)— 'Saratoga' (MG). Had 
them waiting for doors to open and 
hey-hey since; rousing $15,000 in 
view. Last week, second of 'Day at 
Races' (MG) fair $6,600. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,200; 
15-25-35-40-55-66) — 'Girl Said No' 
(GN) plus Will Osborne band. Not 
more than $10,000. Last, week, 'Super 
Sleuth* (RKO) and Britton band 
slowed up some to $11,200. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2.500; 15- 
25-30-35-40-55)— 'Road Back' (U). 
Opened nicely and maintaining fair 
pace for indicated $5,500. Second 
week already announced. Last week, 
•Woman Alone' (GB) not much at 
$2,900. 

New (Mechanic) (1,400: 15-25-30- 
40-55)— 'Wee Willie' (20th) (2nd 
wk). Tapering off to $2,800 after oke 
first session at $4,100. 
, Stanley (WB) (3,450; 15-25-3.'i-40- 
55)— 'Another Dawn' (WB). Very 
slow; no more than $4,500. Last week 
'Mountain Music' (Par) mild $7,400. 

Mahin's 'Gangster' 

Hollywood, July 27. 

John Lee Mahin has been assigned 
to do the adaptation and screenplay 
for Meti'o's -The Last Gangster.' 

Edward G. Robinson will be starred. 



'Easy Living/ Bowes 
Amateyrs Good for 
Big $18,500 in Pitt. 



Pittsburgh, July 27. 
Marquees are heralding what they 
want around here this week and, 
with some help from the weather 
man in the form of cooler weather, 
biz is shooting ahead briskly. At 
least a couple of h.o's on tap in 
'Saratoga,' at the Penn, and 'Wee 
Willie Winkle,' at the Alvin, both of 
which are giving these houses top 
grosses of tfie summer. 

Major Bowes' amateurs, 10th time 
for them here in two years, are still 
a pretty potent draw and, with 
'Easy Living' at the Stanley, are giv- 
ing- the site a healthy session, while 
•Slave Ship' is rounding out a highly 
successful three-week stay at the 
Fulton with a bit of profit. 

Estimates for This Week 
Alvin <Harris) (2,000; 25-35-40)— 
•Wee Willie Winkie* (20th). Started, 
off like a' house , afire, but tapered off 
somewhat over the weekend and' 
win wind up around $9,000. That's 
plenty okay and good enough for a 
holdover. Last week, 'Trader Horn' 
(MG) reissue got some coin, doing 
close to $5,300 on dual with 'Love 
In A Bufigalow' (U). . 

Art Cinema (Hendel) (250; 25-35- 
50)— 'Damaged Groods' (WeldOn) (3d 
wk). Still getting money, and,, on 
current stanza, should have ho 
trouble collecting $2,750. That mieans' 
a fourth. Got $3,300 last week on 
top of a '^4,000 opening' session. 

Fnlton (Shea-Hyde) (1,750; 25-40) 
—•Slave $hip' (20th) (3d wk). Mel- 
ler will go out to a neat enough 
$4,100. Could possibly have held 
again, but 'management .wanted to 
get 'Road Back' (U) in tomorrow 
(28) to Coincide v/ith opening of 
80th division reunion here. Last 
week was close to $7,000. 
' Palace (Harris) (450; 25-40)— 
•Damaged Goods' (Criterion) (3d 
wk). Will wind up in the $1,300 sec- 
tor and no kicks. ' 

Penn (Loelv's-UA) (3,300; 25-35- 
50)— 'Saratoga' (MG). Plenty of in 
terest in Jean Harlow's last one and 
drawing the femmes particularly. 
Matinees biggest here in months and 
will smash through at $21,000 or bet- 
ter. That means a move to the 
Warner Friday (30), to continue the 
downtown run. Last week, 'Singing 
Marine' (WB) was just fair at 
$10,500. 

Stanley (WB) (3,600; 25-40-60) 
'Easy Living' (Par) and • Major 
Bowes amateurs. Tyros still b.o, 
here, despite 10 visits in two years; 
while $18,500 isn't ujp to some of past 



grosses, it's still altogether satisfac- 
tory. Last week, Herman Bing In 
person bolstered 'Ever Since Eve' 
^FN) into a corking $20,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 25-40)— 'King 
of Gamblers' (Par) and 'Can't Beat 
Love' (RKO), Ordinary twinner 
and getting ordinary gross. Maybe 
$3,800. Last week, 'Last Train from 
Madrid' (Par) and 'Fly Away Baby' 
arovmd $4,000. 



m WILUE,' BOWES 
BIG $12,000 IN MPLS. 



Minneapolis, July 27.. 
'Saratoga' and 'Wee Willie Winkie,' 
plus Major Bowes' all-girl unit are 
hypoing grosses at the Minnesota 
and Orpheum and the general box- 
office picture is prettier currently. 
Moreover, 'Easy Living' whammed 
'em so hard at the Orpheum last 
week that it was moved- to the 
Century for a second canto and con- 
tinues to deliver. 

Trade pick-up all along the line is 
in the face of severe competition 
from professional night baseball, 
which is drawing from 6,000 to 9,000 
paid admissions per night and un- 
doubtedly diverting considerable 
patronage. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aster (Publix-Singer) (900; 15-25) 
—'Time Out for Romance' (20th) 
and 'Melody for Two' (WB). Dual 
bills are showing box-office punch, 
even in this non-cooled house, so 
this one is being held for full week; 
look like pretty good $1,200. Last 
week. 'Good Old Soak' (MG) and 
Murder Goes to College* (Par) (2d 
runs), split, and dual first runs last 
three days, 'White Bondage' (WB) 
arid 'Night of Mystery* (Par), at 
$1,000, fair. 

Century (Publix-Singer) (1,600; 25- 
35-40)— 'Easy Living' (Par) (2d 
week). Moved here from Orpheum, 
where it clicked nicely. Still hitting 
good $5,000 pace. Last week, 
'Captains Courageous* (MG) (2d 
week), good $5,500. 

Minnesota (Publix-Singer) (4,200; 
25-35-55)— 'Saratoga' (MG). Public 
flocking to see last" Jean Harlow pic- 
ture; running nine -days,' instead of 
the usual. seven; started out briskly 
^nd no let-down; may reach very 
big $14,000. Last week, 'New Faces' 
(RKO), yanked' after five days to 
poor $4,000. 

Orpheum (Publix-Singer) (2,890; 
35-40-55)— Wee WiUie' (20th) and 
Major Bowes' all-girl unit. Grieat 
combination for family trade and 
turning 'em away; heading for good 
$12,000. Last week, 'Easy Money' 
(Par), big $10,000. 

State (Publix-Singer) (2,890; 25- 
40) — 'Last Train from Madrid' (Par) 
and 'Meet Missus' (Par). This dual 
bill sailing along nicely towards 
$3,600. Last week, 'Riding on Air' 
(RKO) and 'Angel's Holiday' (20th), 
good $3,800. 

Time (Berger) (290; 25-35)— 'For- 
bidden Adventure* (Indie) (4th 
week). Still on profit side; good $900 
indicated after $1,100 last week. 
..Uptown (Publix) (1,200; 25-35)— 
'Parneir (MG). First nabe showing. 
Looks like pretty good $3,000. Last 
week, 'This Is My Affair' (20th), at 
$2,800 was pretty good. 

World (Steffes) (350; 25-35-40-55) 
— 'Tales from Vienna Woods' 
(Austrian). German language musi- 
cal not demonstrating much pull; 
light $1,000 in prospect. Last week, 
•Accused' (UA), bad at $900. 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 



Same obstacle which Metro had td hurdle twice in recent pictures has 
the Culver City boys quite deft in giving Death the runaround. Problem 
was more personally met in 'Saratoga' with Jean Harlow, but had to be 
met on a much larger scale with 'Firefly.* 

With vrar in 'Spain having -butchered a million people in the last year 
it is becoming increasingly difficult to get romance into musicals with a 
war setting. As for straight drama, even these pix can pancake when 
they use a war setting. Turking of 'The Woman I Love' which had Paul 
Muni and Miriam Hopkins in the cast can be explained partly on the 
grounds that the World War is far enough back to be dated and not yet 
old enough to be i-oniantic " 

But 'Firefly,* set in Spain during .the Napoleonic wars, while it fulfills 
the condition of being romantic because of its remoteness, bumped into 
the fact that the present war in Spain is .neither romantic nor remote. 

Solution of Spain'5* plight .in 'Firefly' is its rescue by the Duke of Well- 
ington and the British troops. While this brings cheers in the picture 
it can't help but remind audiences of the present cautious attitude of the 
British concerning ' their _ interests and obligations in Spain. 

Whether either faction in^ Spain will 'like 'Firefly* is unimportant be- 
cause the size of any grosses irom there will be academic. 



Pix Scarcity Is Newest Detroit 
Headache; Jean Near Record $18,500 



Detroit, July 27. 
Pix are so scarce they're moving 
*em from one house to another to 
get a change, of bill. With quality 
dubious in most cases, plus plenty of 
summer heat, the local situation is 
almost a nightmare. One spot, the 
Downtown, shut Sunday (25) for six 
weeks, due to lack of Alms. House 
has been playing revivals past couple 
of weeks, but couldn't make out on 
them. 

United Detroit chain is shifting its 
pix from the Michigan and UA to 
its other two downtown spots, Madi- 
son and State. 

Bright star in the current ointment 
is 'Saratoga' at the UA, which bids 
fair to come near the house's record. 
Both the Michigan and Fox are 
plagued by product, but the . former 
figures to do oke; 

Estimates for This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,700;^ 25-40)— 
'Elephant Boy' (UA) plus 'West- 
bound Limited' (U), dual. Up here 
to $5,80.0, good. Last session normal 
$5,000 on 'If I Had a Million' (Par 
reissue) and 'That_I ..May .LivoL 
(20th). 

Downtown (Krim) (2.800; 25-40)— 
Shuttered Sunday (25) for six week.'? 
due to lack of pix. Revivals, "San 
Francisco' (MG) and 'Shipmates For- 
ever' (WB), did badly last .stanza at 
$2,200. 

Fox (Indie) (5,000: 30-40-Gr)) — 
'Under Red Robe' (.2n(h) and Three 



Stooges topping- vaude. Won't get 
more than $16,000. . Slightly better 
$17,500 last week on . 'Wings Over 
Honolulu' (U) plus Henny Young 
man heading stage show. 

Madison (United Detroit) (2,000; 
30-40-65) — 'Captains Courageous' 
(MG) (3d week). Moved here after 
two big sessions at the UA and 
should get about $4,000, nsg. Last 
week fourth session of 'Day at Races' 
(MG) netted $4,500 following a week 
of $4,600. Also in here from the UA 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4.000; 
30-40-65) — 'Between Two Women' 
(MG) with 'Popeye' and 'Betty Boop' 
on stage. Doing okay $19,500. La.st 
week 'Ever Since Eve' (WB), ballyed 
heavily by Hearst press, garnered 
good $25,000 with Tasty Yeast Jesters 
on stage. 

Palms-State (United Detroit) 
(3,000; 25-40)— 'Ever Since Eve' (WB) 
(2d week) and 'Last Train from 
Madrid' (Par), dual. Former opus 
moved here from the Michigan and 
combo should get about $6,000, 
nnimal. Previous stanza oke $5,700 
on 'Call of Wild' (MG) and 'Pick a 
Star' (MG). 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(2.000; 30-40-65)— 'Saratoga' (MG). 
Selling the town afire with near- 
record $18,500. Figures to .slay for at 
Ica.sl four weeks. Last week (.second) 
of 'Captain.s Couragcou.s' (MG) 
snagt^cd nice $11,000, following open 
ina week's $10,000. 



Several recent issues of fan mags, that barged into the . objectionable 
category because of tod racy stories and pictures are undergoing the close 
scrutiny of the Hays office with possibility that they may be. deprived of 
studio cooperation. Indictment falls wholly on newcomers in the fan 
field that are. attempting to grab circulation through sensationalism. Cliass 
fan mags are fostering the move for a cleanup. 

Corps of press correspondents staitioned in Hollywood and visiting the 
lots has grown so unwieldy in numbers that publicity departments have 
a problem on their hands whenever an important preview comes up, try- 
ing to keep the important . ones satisfied and winnow out the others. 
Solution is to hold double previews, which was done last week by 20th- 
Fox with 'You Can't Have Everything' and by Samuel Goldwyn in the 
case of .'Stella .Dallas.' Move is afoot now instigated by the publicity de- 
partments to have the .Hays office shave down- the correspondents' list. 

The Hays office is already tightening up on studio passes for visiting 
newspapermen and radio news spielers. Majority of visitors who request 
blanket ducat to all studios usually wind up with compromise ticket for 
one. Effort is being made to weed out vacationists from the county seats 
who fail to write anything when they get home. 



Jo^ Breen's production code office, which has the okaying of scripts 
before . shooting and tHe approval of final prints bfefoire release, has been 
more than moderately lenient with some of the recent productions. Breen 
continues to clarhp down heavy enough on rough romance, but there has 
been niucK comment in Hollywood over other angles. 

Production code specifically provides thiat 'revenge In modern times 
shall not be tolerated,* but the final half reel of 'Exclusive' (Par) was 
devoted to' a mob attack oh a newspaper pubisher, whose life is saved only 
by the timely arrival of police. 

'Another instance which - has created . discussion (and some audience 
squawks) is the finish of. 'They Gave Him a Qvm* (Metro). Situation is 
developed where Franchot Tone, an escaped convict, deliberately walks 
Into an ambush of prison 'guards, heavily armed. Tone is unarmed. 
Ordered to surrender, he takes it on the lam, and guards fire from all 
sides. Scene shows him stumble, half rise, and then 'flatten. Comment 
is that sequence is in direct violation of code provision that 'brutal kill- 
ings are. not to be permitted in detail.* 

Eyes of each studo are on the othtfT plants* release to see if the Breen 
axe falls as heavily on the other fellow. 



Steve Hannagan, p. a for the Tidewater Associated Oil Co., tied in with 
Par in exploiting ' 'High, Wide and Handsome' in several ways. Pic, for 
its $2 premiere at the Astor, N. Y., got extra exploitation via a stack of 
buildups at the various Tydol gas stations, since subject of the film has 
to do with founding of the company, although it Isn't mentioned by name. 

Night of the opening, Stan Lomax, sports reporter over WOR, Newark, 
sponsored by Tidewater, devoted most of his spiel to the' films, telling 
how big it is, etc. Also introed Randolph Scott, featured in the film, and 
went into one of those interviews with no. sportis value, but distinctly, 
plugging the film. Lomax has also' mentioned the pic in his spiel since. 

While figuring as good exploitation, especially in light of the many gas 
stations, radio spiels, etc., there is a reverse tiyist also, in that it impresses 
some as being a commercial tie-up for the film and perhaps amounting to 
a commercial film in the minds of some. Par answers this allegation by 
pointing out that there is" not any mention of the oil company by name 
anywhere in the picture proper. 



Harry Brand, 20th-Fox puffery mogul, had a. flack's holiday afier ho 
collared the trio of Russian transpolar flyers for a visit to the studios in 
Westwood, Calif. Pictures of the flyers with Shirley Temple hit all the 
wire services. Outfits fought for exclusive showing the intrepid group 
with Eddie Cantor, Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power and others. Temple pic, 
however, was considered a big break inasmuch as it "tied into national 
opening of her new film, 'Wee Willie Winkie.' Brand beat every other 
studio on the Coast by his maneuvering. 



Paramount has set back release date on 'Double Or Nothing,' from 
Aug. 17 to Sept. 28 in order to add scenes and get better musical effects. 
Included in additions is a title song written by Johnny Burke and Victor 
Young. First release date was set when the studio figured it would need 
picture to fulfill release commitments. Cast includes Bing Crosby, Martha 
Raye, Mary Carlisle and Andy Devine. 



'Hollywood Screen Test,* the short feature Universal made to glorify 
all angles surrounding the ever-present search for new screen faces, is 
being sold to the exhibitors with guarantee of a screen trailer. It is one 
of the few instances that a producer has prepared a trailer to bally a 
short. 



In changing the title of 'Tovarich' to 'Tonight's Our Night,' Warners will 
continue to mentjon the original play title in all references to the picture. 
Advertising and publicity will carry such lines as 'Tonight's Our Night,' 
based on the play 'Tovarich.' 



Par Strike 



(Continued from page 5) 



handbills, many of which are al- 
ready floating about the city. In 
front of UMPTO headquarters on 
the film rialto will be placed a large 
bulletin board with the names of 
exhibs not participating in the strike. 

Negotiations are still going . on 
with Joe Bernhard to bring War- 
ners into the fray, but there has 
been no .success along this line so 
far. WB contract with Par still has 
a year to run and it is figured by 
Warner execs that, should they pull 
Par dates. Par and Comerford houses 
may retaliate on the WB exchange. 



UMPTO will picket WB houses same 
as indies. 

Judge Joseph Varbalow of Cam- 
den, N. J., has been added to legal 
staff on strike. In his opinion, and 
that of other attorneys of the or- 
ganization, according to UMPTO, 
Par has breached its contract by 
failure to provide pix it showed on 
work sheet. Exhibs therefore are 
considered within th'eir rights in not 
accepting product. Should Pur start 
suit, UMPTO is prepared to immedi- 
ately start counter-suit to force de- 
livery of six additional pix. 

Among those who have refii.sed 
to join the date strike and ^\•ill be 
picketed is Sid Samuelson, lornier 
prez of National Allied and Allied 
of New Jersey. He recently took 
over booking of four Hildin.ti-'r 
houses in Trenton. 



l^cdncsday, July 28, 1937 



VARIETY 





to 




S^Ua XkJlas Inspires a liiscusslon of<L 
Mothers Vital Ptotlem 




curloui iliinc- SonM women >T«Wrh 
motlicM, tvf n iliougft they n]K^ 
I iiev#r Jiivt cjiildren of their 

Sonit women, though they mav 
I brinji into the woitJ M\y iiiunbcr m 
I chitdien, ntver rc^illy undfritanJ * 
; ornain lype of nioiher lov*. * 
I I WM broiighL up on the siym^' 
that re*\- women are both pood wWtf 
iml nH>theri; tint mott women cither g.ivt ill 
' ilirv (o c<^< «> their hutb.mdi, ind thrrefore lets 
TD riirif chiUtfii, xnij oihcri (;i\e too nuith to thair 
cliildrcn, .ind i)ie huiitcliulj icxuIvai iioiind then), 
wUWe ihe (lUkbahd and Uit intcroti arc ^dmc or kis 
neglected. • 

1 believe iliat (then onc'i dtildrrn ar« rtally imtlt « 
m >ihcc »hjiild ;;ive them iht fiitnw Jcvoiioii sni at- 
tention. Ai tliejr cutw older. honever, ihc should fiei'cr 
s iciihiccvcept intbcbictljinci wWidt arc ntcatnyXtt 
ths (hilJion*) development. She Iias got to be able to 
Iiv4 her OKn tile .tfter her children are eniK'n und have 
tdffwd from K:r to livci of their onn. 'nitfffore, it if 
impor'JiU tlik* vhe duuld not drop tier intciots com* 



MY 

MRS. FRANKLIN 9* 

pte(«ly, for the rnurt not 1«rre them in latQrlii'e to rulv 
^00 great a Jicrlfict f^rtier. 

In the big thing* 1 tliiiil a nior1irr«ituall/ dm ^cri- 
fjc* Tor her children, but I ihinl: she should atwayi 4m 
it ^vith her tycs wide open. 1-'or init.nicc.ni.iny n woman 
I whose married Hip has been unlpppy lias coniinurd lo 




DtfrhaiJ Sl>nit;rli, .Toltn T1iili>«. Anno ^liiilny in 



Hve iticli htr hudittd VeniHe of -Hit ^iTIdrer^ ^ 
1t»tb f vrtieB .atii hig «n»iijiti to ^iwt 4licy torn mta tvC 
hmn* Aimol^lierv p^<*"'* ^ ucnfin h ^ rAaVTf] 
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^iiT 4halt*me fchtir iUfKlinf and cutUQrniltdxritijr 

aul« 0 «»cTiCct.$ut«rvlici1itr ymt <»r\ tniie* jiti' 
ciiouch om ^ -niilca ic ii'ortfh -while. A fn>tUf ithwll 
mneiitber t^iht vAxtt •kcrHirw f1i« ffnilM, 4)it muMl 
neiTf cuectfoWrcpaiJ inlind.ftryjr^bi'Uyalncli^j 
dren mil tclt Iter lomc 4iy4hittitc«scrlRcc«ai'nat 
ttroir Iilin;t 'Eh«3iai1)citl«rectt]tils1it1iBi«\«rfliiiM] 
anyiacfirKa,iindj[e thTou^t]iIc«n<lieuuiflqptisntliiij 
vA\H tlie doci:, thc^Kitkecauu »he mnuto4ait«anji 
that BJ rirai tnltcrltei.ihtv/nicjve thc-diildiim^'Mlilnj 
t liry are ynunc A «4 k 3t napline. and a {trat lovcWlieDj 
tlic)- arc aid cnoii|1( ■!• eet «uE Jnfl jud' 'tiioir okV 
e^pcrienru, 

turn talicfwlien iheynetd c»mp«nitinritif anSauit^ 
nnnct thJihst iImTiii fivrm thrm «irm£th and coura^a 

cnitugh to meet the woilS on tlieir aivn, ^ 

V»ich Ur 9«Mt4 <:•) Jvr>*« *^«^ »aYf>«,** anJ^ 
Man «• rawr mvtVM yktitf* Ihrau* 





you're reading this ad, almost 30,000,000 magazine readers 
3iro figuratively looking over your, shoulders — waiting to respond 
ItTbox offiees!...It^s another example of guaranteed showmanship 
itor.a guaranteed smash hit!. 




Samuel Goldwyn 



presents 



STELLA DALLAS 



with 



BARBARA STANWYCK 

JOHN BOLES • ANNE SHIRLEY 

ALAN HAIE • BAftSARA O'NEll • WWf/en by OLIVE HIGGINS PftOUt/ 
Dramatization by HARRY WAGSTAFF GRlBBlC and GERTRUDE PURCEii 

Directed by KtNG VIDOR • R«/aased thru united, AnusTS 




12 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 




X 




most exciting picture of the most 
exciting city in the world with'the 
most compellinig cost that ever 
enacted an inspired drama ! 



iteledsed 

ATlWSr27tIi. 



HUMPHREY BOGARl 



CLAIRE TREVOR 



starring 



/J 



SYLVIA SIDNEY 

ond JOEL McCREA 
wiH. HUMPHREY BOGART 

WENDY BARRIE ^ CLAIRE TREVOR • ALLEN JENKINS 

Based on'the p/ay by' Sidney Kingsley • As produced\bylNorman[Bet 
Geddes>~ Screenpfoy by Lillian HeUmanl^^Directed byjA/ILUAM WYLER 

R EL EASED THRU UNITED ARTISTS 



W ..>:v.v:-Ss;> >:-5 



V 



WENDY BARRIE 



AND THOSE AMAZING BOY ACTORS FROM THE NEW YORK STAGE PLAY HIT 



Wcflneaday, July 28, 1937 



VARIETY 



13 




WITH 



MADELEINE CARROLL 

MARY ASTOR • C. AUBREY SMITH 
DAVID NIVEN . RAYMOND MASSEY 

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS 



, Jr. 



Based on Edward Rose's dramatization of Anthony Hope's novel 

Prdduced by D' d b 

DAVID 0. SELZNICK • JOHN CROMWELL 

Released thru UNITED ARTISTS 



11 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 




HERE IS THE PICTURE THAT MaDE HOLLYWOOD SAY: 
FROM NOW ON ALL PICTURES WILL BE MADE IN COLOR! 

l-.v^.wAs>.n- N^v W \ \\\ \' m In black and white it would be sen- 

sational, but in the new ADVANCED 
TECHNICOLOR... wait till you see 
it! A veritable torrent of glorious 
entertainment. set in a big human 
story by the authors of "Boy Meets 
Girl"! Preceded by a record-smash- 
ing publicity campaign! Backed 
up with unprecedented advertising, 
exploitation and national tie-ups. 






0i 



! 





V. 





INTEL 

with 

HELEN VINSON 
MISCHA AUER 
ALAN MOWBRAY 
JEROME COWAN 



SiFf.l7ifc 



Marjorie 
GATESON 



Alma 
KRUGER 



Polly 
R0WLE5 




THOSE 

WALTER WANGER 
MODELS 

"The Mpst Photographed Girli In the World" 
VICTOR YOUNG and hit orchestra 
Directed by IRVING CUMMINGS 
Original Story and Screen Ploy by 
Samuel and Bella Spewock 
Released thru UNITED ARTISTS 



"■4. ■'^M 



n 



•4; 



fk^<t -ft. JQ,&Uase5 Speak ?at 'Tkent^el^ai 



SmtA DALLAS^ 



It 




Oet*B 
Oct. B 





Oh. 29 



Afoiv* to 




Pec. 25 



. /7 VOGUES of 

f fir Tw^ktwtit0f^f 



0r 




#7 




[ Alir Mir lOVE 



THE 01 iM^T r 

(fn TetiiPrticolory 





"IHE ADVENTURES OF 
T€»M SAWYEir 

mmmmmmm 




THE 

By f he outhors^ of "Mutiny On Th«r tftMinty' 

"THE ADVENTimES OF 





ts 



(In Technte^ftary 



THE GOLDWYM 




(f A Technlcotory 



PVodHJCed* l!iy S»am«p«l' Golichvyn. VAR^AI^A StAfl- 
W^€K„ JOHN! SOteS^ ANI^ SMmtiy. Dlrtfc^tfd! by 

Pmdxiced* by Scmwvtl Oc^yn. SVmA. SIDVIEY^ 
M«CltiAr FniTMPHItEr BOQ^AItr^ WEWY iAHRflCr 

CXmm Trevof^ Jenkfuv cnrdi '^thtf Dbpd' £ntl' Itlitfs; 
from rtiv tfrligi'nof Vorfc stdge ccrst" B<rsetJ' oyt tlVe 
plkjy by SitTn^y Knig<lley <w prdiloeefd' By NtotrtWW M 
Gerfd'e*;. Dieted by WiWXism Wyi»r. 

P'rddbttftf by Dttvfd O; Sd^rnick. ffOrsfrAII^ COiltHATIr 
M^ADEfinm CAKieOllE, DOUimAS FAmSANKS^ 

Massey. D^iVeet^' by SoUw CromwtfH*. 

Proch}««d;byWdWWemg«f. WARMER WAXt^r^OAM 
WAN<G«ir mOIDEES. E^irtfcttfd l^y Pr^iw^r tiynrnrkgfS!. 
l^ro4i^««d by Wblt^r WaA^ger. l AlV mmTfi1l:|, |iC^ 

sttVEiR^, 7ASU fTfTs^/MCK WH/m, mmia> 

Ow6^f P'^fefsism, €d(r<^r Cy^Tt^/Ali $fteanr aritd^ 
KENNY BAKER. Okectedl by HdrcM'c^ V<Mrt0i^ 

p'rodoccfd.by woiii^ W(»fd^^. iOA^* mmtttr mm 

DIt'ecMdi by Josh^ fiogwivaitd Aft4irur Ri)$4i»y.- 

hfffc^ddi by Al'^dnd«r Ktfrdd. MERCt OWlROH^ 
lAtimENGE OcrVIEir. D1rtft)^d-by Tifiv Whvtbm 

Prddiieed^ by WblW Wbrrgdr< Citeirtmietf BweNit^toh^ 
rdtfd^s' Son Evtf; 1>bsl^ Sfbty. BOW^AKD^iOAN 
B;^£0N¥Eb4^ f«UM>rWEY SdCAITf. DTft^tW by 

Produced by D^irvid O. Selrm'clf. Mark^ Twdifi'sc immortoi 

l»IENN<AN^, iiUtAfir fl^Omt^. Dirked by Nbinron 
Tdurdg; 

Produced' by Aiexdtfdffr Kordai SABU>, seti^ontft cl^itd 
star of 'lEl^hcnitr B^'V VIVIEN LEI0H, rAUi tUKA»r 
irAYM0N# MAS:S'er, Diitetrt^d by ZolVaw ltoi?rfdv 

Produced by Sdnfiud Goldwyn; DOROmY lAHiOWr 
JON HALL, MARlr ASTOR, €. ACTBREY ^mm^ 
RAriVrON0 M^^^EY. Direcftfd by Jotm Pord, 

Produced by Scrmuel Goldwyn,.(^ARYCOOiPERy$IORlfi^ 
OURIE, ERNESi; TRUEX, BASIIi RATHiONE^ BINNIE 
ITARNES, NIVEN. Directed by Archie Mdy<9; 



Produced by David O. Selznick; GAROLE kOMiARD; 
FREDR1C MARCH- CnARIIES^AANNNlN^R, WAtifER 
CONNOUtY. Dir^t^d by Willldni- WdI'mdn. 

Prodtjcred by Sdniud OdldWyit; ZOR^IHA, AD0LTM1 
MENi^dU/ RITZ BRO&, HELEN JEPSON, mu BEAKER, 
EDGAR B;ERC^EN and "CHARtlE McCARtttY"^ 
BOB^BY CLARK, CHARLES KULLMAN^ GEORGE 
BAtANCHINE'S AMERICAN ^AlliET and THE GOR^ 
GEOUS GOLDWVN GIRLS. Diretted by Geo. Mdr^alt. 



Roodthow 



16 VARIETY 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



High, Wide, Handsome 

(WITH SONGS) 

Pavamount release of Arthur Ilornblow, 
Jr., proJuctlon. I'YiUurcs Irene Dunne, 
Kandolph Scott, Dorothy Lamour, Ch:>fl. 
HlcUroid, Akim TumlrofC, Udn Ulue. Dl- 
jc'cted by llouben MamouUun. Wu"'*? 
Jerome Kern; original screen . piny and 
lyrics, Oscar Hammoi'steln, Ud; udOLItlotial 
<lluloe, George O'Neill; camera, Victor 
Mllner, Theuilore Sparlcuhl; special eftcctf, 
tJordon Jennings; fllm editor, Archie 
Marshek! musical direction, Boris Morros; 
nrrangcmente, Russell Bennett; dances. Le- 
Hoy Prlnz. At Astor, N. Y., two-a-rlay, 
$J.'JO top, commenclnjr July 21, '37, ItutiT 
nlng time 110 mlns. 

Sally Wattcrson Irene Dunne 

Peter Cortlandt, ..Randolph .Scott 

Molly 1 • • • .Dorothy Lamour 

Grandnm Cortlandt Elizabeth Patterson 

Doc Watterson., ; Raymond Walburn 

Red Scanlon Charles Blckford 

■ .Toe Varese ■ Aklm Tamlroff 

Zeke Bon Blue 

Mao William Frawley 

Mr. Brennan .,Alan Male 

Mr. Stark Irving PIchcl 

I^m Moulton... .Stanley Andrews 

StacUpola Jamea Burke 

Bowers Roger Imhof 

Mr. Llpplncott Luclen LItllefleld 

Col.^ Blake .Purnoll Pratt 

Foreman Edward Gargan 

'High, Wide and Handsome* isn't 
a $2 picture, but its two-a-day send- 
off should stand it in good stead on 
"Juture merchandizing. It will need 
all that ballyhoo. Film shapes up 
as a $1,900,000 western, although 
possessed of all the elements to have 
made it a saga of Pennsylvania oil- 
well pioneering. Something went 
wrong on scripting and production 
from what was, undoubtedly, an in- 
triguing script, on paper. When cut 
down from its 110-minute running 
time, for the regular houses, it 
should shape up better. 

Film's title - sounds like a musical 
or operetta, but it's more of a melo- 
dramatic romance, with six songs by 
Jerome Kem and Oscar Hammer- 
steiii .2d, latter ..also .iv^Uxg . qredited 
for the original story and the screen 
play. Wherein lies the filic's prin- 
cipal deficiency. 

The Kem-Ibuntnerstein collabora- 
tion, and the subs^Uent filmization 
of their 'Show Boat,' with Irene 
Bunqe re-creating. , the role she had 
in the: driginal Ziegfeld stage pro- 
duction, must perforce hark back to 
that stage -and screen classic which, 
patently, was the basic objective of 
'Higl^ Wide and Handsome.' But 
unlike the sturdy Edna Ferber story 
as the foundation for the libr^iio, 
nothing as worthy -is present here. 
It's * a cross-section of Americana 
tinged with too niiich Hollywood 
hokum. 

• As a result, 'High, Wide,' after 
teeing off vigorously, flounders as it 
progresses, and winds up In a melo- 
drartiatlc shambles of fisticuffs, vil- 
lainy and skullduggery Which smacks 
of tiie S9tial fllm school. 

• That type of cinematurgy is ef- 
fectual, too, of course, if properly 
interspersed with vigorous substance. 
Here, however, Irene Dunne is too 
coy .and Bandolph. Scoti too forth- 
right. And the menacing by Charles 
Bickford, at the helm «of. his hired 
plug-uglies, with Alan Hale as the 
villainous banker, is very tent-twent- 
thlrt . 

With credulity strained long and 
often,, no amount of intensive his- 
trionics can recapture the illusion. 
Result is that 'High, Wide and Hand- 
some' belies its title, save perhaps 
on the premise that the production 
investment was obviously high. 

Periodic milling of the men; the 
Pennsy Gov, who doesn't send militia 
to combat the too obvious rough 
work; the cowboy-and-fodian flnale 
— all these elements strain on' the 
auditor too much. 

Even when Irene Dunne, returned 
to the circus, has become . a wow as 
an attraction, the illusion Is com- 
pletely muffed when she soloes 'Can 
I Fdrget You?' Here the effect 
should have been socko, particularly 
when so astute a showman as P. T, 
Bamum is shown in the audience^ 
willing to buy up her contract and 
take her io the big town: A balla- 
deering soprano with a traveling 
show under canvas is, in itself, some- 
thing to get captious about, but 
when the buildup doesn't materialize, 
because the song handicaps things, 
then the whole purpose is lost. 

Individually the players work hard 
and; have their spasmodic moments. 
Miss Dunne is perhaps a shade too 
mature for the ingenue xole she 
opens with, as the daughter of the 
medicine-show owner whose wagon 
burns down, stranding the trouoe in 
a western Pennsy burg. Thus Ran- 
dolph Scott, whose grandmother 
(capitally trouoed by Elizabeth Pat- 
terson) gives shelter to the itinerant 
showfolk, becomes the romantic 
vis-a-vis. 

Dorothy Lamour is rather heav.v 
e.ve-laden for the niterv gal who 
ultimately repays the Scott-Dunne 
combo for previous kindnesses. Ben 
Blue works nobly in his clowning 
opportunities, making his momenk* 
register.. Bill Frawley's bit as the 
ouondam tnjun stooge and Akim 
Tamiroff as the Greek honky-tonk 
keeper, also count for more than 
casual interest. 

Rouben Mamoulian's production Js 
heav.y-handed. While endowed with 
an elastic budget, save for the fight- 
ing scenes, there's little that's spec- 
tacular or Imnressive about the re- 
sult. The moh scenes are as much 
to the credit of the camera as to the 
direction. Lensing also essay.s some 
camera portraiture that's effective 
and, in toto, It's a creditable iob. 

Amon* the major disappointments 
are the Kern song.<;. Score is sturdy, 
but not socko. although it's pjtio- 
mntip of any Kern score that 'sur- 
prise' tunes step out Of tfie sextet 



of songs, 'Folks Who Live on the 
Hill,' 'Forget You' and the title 
number get the most attention. Lat-. 
ter is one of those fast incidental 
numbers; 'Hill' the most likely. 

; Abel, 



THE FIREFLY 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Metro release of Hunt Stromberg produc- 
tion. .Stars Jeanette MacDonald. Features 
AUun Jones. Warren AVllllam. Billy Gilbert 
an'l Douglas Dumbrllle. Directed by Robert 
Z. J^eonard. From the operetta by Otto A. 
Uiirbach and Rudolf Frlml. Adaptation by 
Ogden Nash, screenplay by Frances Good- 
rich and Albert Hackett. Musical direction 
by Herbert Stotlwrt. Addltlohal lyrlcS by 
Gus Kahn, Bob Wright and Chet Forrest; 
adtivd music by Frlml, Dances, Albertlna 
Rasch; camera, Oliver T. Marsh: montage 
effects by Slavko'Vorkaplch; technical ad- 
viser, George Rlchelavfe; fllni editor, 
Robert J. Kern. Previewed at Grauman's 
Chinese, H6lly^voodJ July 20, '37^ Running 
time. 140 rains. 

Nina. Maria ...Jeanette MacDonald 

Don Diego ...Allan Jones 

Major de Rougemont. ..... Warren William 

Innkeeper . .Billy Gilbert 

General Savary Henry Danlell 

Marquis de Mellto....... Douglas Dumbrllle 

Etienne Leonard Penn 

King Ferdinand... Tom Rutherfurd 

Lola. .Belle Mitchell 

Hscret -Service Chief.,......-. .George Zucco 

Duvall ;Corbett Morris 

Wellington Matthew Boulton 

Pedro Manuel Alvarez Maciste 

Juan... , ...Robert Splndola 



Rudolf Friml's melodious operetta, 
'The Firefly,' emerges from a Metro 
studio filming as a screaming eagle.' 
Its score, to which the composer has 
made some generous additions, is 
sung and played to the booming ob- 
ligate of cannon and musketry. Its 
romantic libretto has ^blossomed into 
a stirring military opus of Welling- 
ton's pemnsular campaign, the defeat 
of the French army and the libera- 
tion of Spain front Napoleon'^ grip. 
Although a triumph foi^ Jeanette 
MacDonald, who sings and dances 
brilliantly, 'The Fjfefly,' as shown at 
its invitation preview, is tediously 
long (running an tminterrupted two 
hours and 20 minutes), and left ah 
impression that some radical dele^ 
tions of footage will be necessary be- 
fore it is ready for commercial dis- 
tribution. ^. 

In its present form it may be ex- 
hibited in several two-a-day spots, as 
a roadshow, which would permit ah 
intermission. Tossed into the routine 
of regular picture house release, 
however, its length" will militate 
seriously against its popularity. 
. Hunt StrqmbeVg and 'Robert Z. 
Leonard, who wiere teamed as pro- 
ducer and director of 'The Great 
Ziegfeld' and 'Maytime,' have given 
the F.riml piece- lavish production, 
which- abounds ' in- massive out-of- 
door scenes employing hundreds' of 
players," in elaborate and highly 
decorative interiors, and in the em- 
ployment of intricate mechanical de- 
vices and- effects. 'Iri the musical 
numbers requiring ensemble, Leon- 
ard uses the whole bag of camera 
tricks to obtain original and interest- 
ing angles and panorainic views. One 
must seriously criticize the sepia tint 
of the print which is monotonous apd 
not nearly so effective in photo- 
graphic reproductions as the conven- 
tional natural tone. . - 

Despite all th^ expert studio workr 
manship, which has turned out an 
unusually fine mechanical job, the 
cinematic montages of the bisittle 
scenes, and the repetitious sound of 
conflict, convey the idea that the 
producer and the director are trying 
a little too hard, and are pressing 
down too much. As a result, 'The 
Firefly' is somewhat heavy footed. 
Its romantic scenes lose some of 
their charm. The emphasis is too 
strong on the melodramatic. 

When trimmed to proper length, 
which will tighten the story interest, 
'The- Firefly' will be a money getter. 
It has size (too much, right now) and 
plenty of class. 

A quarter of a century has passed 
since Emma Trentini appeared in 
the piece, a period during which the 
history of the world has been re- 
written. Empires have fallen, dic- 
tators have muscled in on the job 
of kings, a new attitude toward life 
has been assumed. But the roman- 
tic recollections of millions of the 
middle-aged will be rekindled when 
they hear again the Friml melodies. 
Sympathy' and 'Giannina Mia,' one 
time favorite of high school prima 
donnas. Other niunbers of the origi- 
nal score which have been retained 
are 'Love Is Like a Firefly,' 'A 
Woman's Kiss' and 'When a Maid 
Gomes Knocking at Your Heart.' 
New numbers are 'The Donkey's 
Serenade' and 'He Who Loves and 
Runs Away.' 

This is Miss MacDonald's initial 
solo starring production. In voice 
and appearance she is as lovely to 
listen to and look upon as she was in 
'Naughty Marietta*^ and 'Maytime,' 
when she appeared with Nelson 
Eddy. Her new lead is Allan Jones, 
who does a splendid job. To her un- 
questioned photographic and musical 
talents, she displays added versa- 
tility in 'The Firefly,' as a graceful 
and skillful dancer, recently trained 
by Albertina Rasch, who arranged 
the terp numbers. Adrian has 
dressed her in gorgeous costumes. 

She is introduced as an entertainer 
in a Spanish night resort. To rid 
herself of a jealous admirer, she 
makes love to Don Diego - (Allan 
Jones), It is soon revealed that her 
true mission is an agent in the Span- 
ish secret service, and Under the 
guise of a theatrical engagement in 
a French border town, where Na- 
poleon and the Spanish King confer, 
she proceeds In advance of the en- 



Miniature Reviews 

'Hi^h, Wide and Handsome' 

(Par). Musical saga of the 
Pennsylvania oil country of 
1859, with Irene Dunne and 
Randolph Scott. Not a road 
show, but a big picture, and 
should get nice returns. 

'The Firefly' (MG). Extrava- 
gantly produced version of 
Friml's operetta with Jeanette 
' MacDonald starred, supported 
by Allan Jones and Warren 
William. Will get some real 
money when trimmed to practi- 
cal footage. Runs 140 minutes 
now. 

'Mr. Dodd Takes the Air' 
(FN). Fair fllmusical introduc- 
ing Kenny Baker in stellar role. 
Lacks story substance for big 
league boxoffice. 

'San Quentin' (WB). Prison 
melodrama of fairly good ap- 
peal but will need pushing. 

'You Can't Have Everything' 
(20th). Ritz Bros, on a rampage 
which involves Alice Faye, Don 
AmeChe, Charles Winninger, • 
Louis' Hovick (GypSy Rose 
Lee), Rubinoff, Tony Martin 
and good Gordon and Revel 
songs^ Big grosses in sight for 
this musical. 

'The Sheik Steps Out' (Rep). 
Ramon Novarro in' a come- 
back start. An action picture 
of the desert for the lower half 
of the duals. 

'Married Before Breakfast' 
(M-G). Madcap comedy featur- 
ing Robert Young and Florence 
Rice. For the doubles. 

'The Man in Blue' (U). Good 
melodramatic programmer, 
geared for dual spots. Robert 
Wilcox and Nan Grey win . 
spurs here. 

'Hollywood Cowboy' (RKO). 
Consistently agreeable yarn 
.about a screen cowpuncher 
whb, while holidaying under an 
assumed name, gets himself 
mixed up in a racketeer im- 
broglio! 

'Phantom Patrol' ( Ajnb ). 
Kerinit Maynard in mounfie- 
outlaw opus of outdoor country. 
Too thin for anything but minor 
secondary - dual locations. - 

'Armored Car' (U). Routine 
gangster pic. without names. For 
downstairs duals. 



tourage. Don Diego accompanies 
her. Her schemes of espionage are 
exposed by her new sweetheart, Don 
Diego, who is a French spy, and she 
is imprisoned in the village of "Vit- 
toria. When Wellington captures the 
town she is released, but 'her lover 
is among the French wounded. Re- 
united, they sing the closing reprises. 
But it's ialmost a flve-day week be- 
fore they get there. 

Allan Jones has his most impor- 
tant fllm assignment, and he delivers 
splendidly. He is sufflciently dash- 
ing and- manly in his uniforms, and 
he acts the sentimental, passages 
with ease and poise. Vocally, he is 
excellent, and the picture is a dis- 
tinct upward step for him. He quali- 
fles to go ahead. 

Warren William is a Napoleon 
aide-de-camp who is properly mili- 
tary in some extravagant ' costumes. 
His vocalizing is confined to a hum. 
Douglas Dumbrille has an important 
role of the Spanish chief of secret 
service. Billy Gilbert and Henry 
Daniell have lesser parts. .' 

Most interesting of the production 
numbers is 'The Donkey Serenade,' 
which is sung by Miss MacDonald 
and Jones while the former is seated 
in a coach, and the latter canters 
alongside. There is excellent ac- 
companiment by Manuel Alvarez 
Maciste, as the coachman, and Rob- 
ert Spindola, a boy. The number 
has movement, melody and tun. Its 
production difficulties are evident. 

Flin. 



STELLA DALLAS 

United Artiste release of Samuel. Goid- 
wyn production. Associate producer, Mer- 
rltt Huiburd. Features BarbarA, Stanwyck, 
John Boles, Anne Shirley, Barbara O'NcIl, 
Alan Hale. Directed by King Vldor. 
Based on novel by. Olive Hlgglns Prouty; 
screenplay, Harry Wagataff Gribble,. Ger- 
trude Purcell; camera, Rudolph Mate; mu- 
sical director, Alfred Newman; fllm edi- 
tor, Bherman Todd; asst. director, Walter 
Mayo. Reviewed In . Projection Room, 
N. Y., July 28, '37. Running time, 104 
mlns. 

IJ®!!'^ \" Barbara Stanwyck 

Stella Dallas J 

Stephen Dallas John Boles 

Laurel Dallas ; Anne Shirley 

Helen Barbara O'Nell 

Fd. Miinn Alan Hale 

Mrs. Martin Marjorle Main 

Mr. Martlii ....Edmund Elton 

Charlie Martin Georpe Wnlcott 

Carrie Jenkins Gertrude Short 

Richard / Tim Holt 

Mrs. Grosvenor Nella Walker 

con Bruce Batterlee 

Con. (grown up) Jimmy Butler 

t-ee Jack ICgger 

John Dickie Jones 

Misa FhllUbrown Anne 2>hocmaker 



Say AVhat they may about Sam 
Goldwyn, one thiuL' all must admit— 
he has his finger on the audience 
pulse at all times. And here is the 
proof. A remake of , 'Stella Dallas' 



at this day and age, on the face of 
it, may have seemed all wrong. But 
Goldwyn has made it so well that 
he has a b.o. socko on his hands. 
Goldwyn made the film first in 1925 
and did mighty well by the i-esults. 
History should repeat itself here, 
And in several ways. 

'Stella Dallas' is, as it was back 
in '25, chiefly a woman's picture. 
It's a tear-jerker of A ranking. There 
are things about the story which 
will not -appeal to some men, but 
no one will be offended or annoyed 
by it. And the wallop is inescap- 
ably there for femmes. 

The first Goldwyn unreeling of 
this film held a strong cast. Belle 
Bennett made something of a conjiier 
back in it, in the title role, played 
here by Barbara Stanwyck. And 
saying that this is perhaps Miss 
Stanwyck's top acting performance 
tells that. Ronald Colman played 
the part now handled by John Boles. 
It wasn't 'then, and it isn't now, an 
easy part; it's restricted. Lois Mo- 
ran, although having done some 
playing around, was practically . es- 
tablished by the; role of Laurel. 
Same should be true of Anne Shir- 
ley in the part today. It's a cinch 
to give her standing as an actress. 
Barbara O'Neil is excellent in the 
role of the other woman, handled 
in the older film by Alice Joyce, 
and Alan Hale gets a great deal out 
of the role previously ■ handled by 
Jean Hersholt. Douglas Fairbanks, 
Jr., was in the older fllm, too, in a 
bit played here by Tim Holt. 

In producing this picture Goldwyn 
pretty much, followed his original, 
bringing it, however, a bit more up- 
to-date. Thus the sock scenes are 
still the same ones as in the older 
visualization. By sock scenes, in a 
picture of this kind, of course, are 
meant the emotional high-spots most 
likely to bring out the handker- 
chiefs. These are, especially, a 
scene between Miss Stanwyck and 
Miss Shirley in a train, when the 
former has just heard plajnmates of 
the latter criticise the- mothei: as a 
millstone around the child's head; 
a scene between the girl 'and her 
father, and the woman he wants to 
marry; a scene between the mother 
and daughter at a birthday party to 
which no one has shown up because 
of one of the mother's indiscretions. 
They are played to the hilt and get 
every bit possible out of that type 
of emoting. ^ 

^ . The story itself is a simple enough 
one,, not so much of mother love as 
the difficulties of 'a young girl whose 
parents are at extremes in the so- 
cial world. It isn't overdone. There 
will be notice of the thought that 
there is mighty little about the 
mother to make her sympathetic. 
One cannot like a thing about her 
except her constant, unrestrained 
devotion to her daughter. But that, 
it seems, is enough. Thus it be- 
comes a struggle between three peo- 
ple, all kind and fine (if mother- 
love, that is, alone is sufficient to 
make a woman kind and fine) strug- 
gling for an equilibrium. 

There are few faults to be pointed. 
Only one Which is obvious is that 
Miss Stanwyck is permitted to go 
entirely too far in costimiing in her 
latter scenes. It is beyond reason 
that she could have dresised quite 
as garishly as' she does with the ex- 
ample of her daughter in front of 
her. Especially when it is consid- 
ered that the mother makes all the 
daughter's clothes and these are in 
rare good taste. 

But maybe that's cavilling. Be- 
cause the story is there. The acting 
is there. The sobs are there (and 
even a few good laughs cleverly 
stuck in for Alan Hale). And the 
production is ther^. 

Maybe there's a luck charm for 
Goldwyn in the name King. Henry 
King directed the earlier picture, 
and King Vidor has done an A-1 job 
this time. - Kauf. 



ISLAND CAPTIVES 

Ira H. Simmons relea.se of Falcon pro- 
duction. No other credits. At Strand, 
Brooklyn, week July 22, "37, dual bill. Run- 
ning time,. 63 mlns. 

Tom Wllloughby Eddie Nugent 

Helen Carsons .....Joan Barclay 

Dick Bannister ..Henry Brandon 

Ke"y Charles King 

Hudson...... Forrest Taylor 

Talao.... Carmen LaRoux 

Graham.; Frederick Palmer 

Carsons.,... , John Beck 

Police Captain John Sheean 



' Pathetic trifle. Not even the in- 
curably credulous moppets who in- 
fest Saturday matinees in the nabes 
could swallow this one. Script is a 
welter of impossible melodramatic 
hokum. Casting is unfortunate and 
the acting would wring a barnstorm- 
er's heart. 

No direction Is evident on the 
screen and the press book doesn't 
mention the subject.. Also neglects 
to identify the script writers, cam- 
eraman, . film editor or offer any 
other production credits, Nothing 
for anybody to want billing for, and 
]ust as well. 

Without going Into the painful de- 
tails, the story deals with murder 
smuggling, shipwreck, forgery and a 
lecherous beach-comber pursuing a 
palpitating maiden across the South 
Sea Island sands. Whew! 

Just take a rain check on this one. 

tiohe. 



Mr. Dodd Takeift the Air 

(MUSICAL) 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Warner Bros, release of Mervyn LeRoy- 
Flrst National production. .Features Kenny 
Baker, with Prank McHugh, Alice Brady 
Gettrude Michael; Jane Wy man underlined' 
Directed by Alfred B. Green. Original 
atory by Clarence Buddlngton KelUmd- 
.<icre«nplay, Wm, Wlster Haines and Klalno 
Ryan; camera, Arthur Bdeaon; Hlm editor 
Thomas Richsirda; aongs, Harry Wiuro'n 
and Al Dubin; arrangement, Adoluh 
Deutsch, conducted by Leo F. Forb- 
steln. Previewed at "WB Hollywood. Run- 
ning time, 85 mlns, 

Claude Dodd... , Kcinny Baker 

Mme. Moro : < Alice Brady 

Marjorle Day.,, Jane Wyman 

Gateway,,...... Henry O'Neill 

Hiram P. Doremua,,.. Ferris Tnyiop 

;Snl(ter' Hurst .Frank McHuKh 

Jessica Stafford....... Gertrude Michael 

LIdin...... John EldreJga 

Doo Quipn Harry Davenport 

Information Desk Girt. ....... .Linda Perry- 
Kenny Baker steps from the 
microphone to the camera and gives 
a first rate performance in his first 
starring film, which was made un- 
der Mervyn LeRoy's supervision for 
Warners With Alfred E. (3reen 
directing, Lad who is a popular 
radio singer has had plenty of intro- 
duction to the public through his ap- 
pearances on Jack Benny's air pro- 
gram. Although not his first picture 
part, 'Mr. Dodd Takes the Air^ is his 
initial try as the featured member, 
and he shows himself to be a good 
light, comedian with prospects. 

Fact is, Baker is about all there is 
that is worth cheering about in the 
film, ' which starts off at a good, 
swift pace, slows up badly in the 
middle and peters out completely 
towards the end. Cause may be 
attributed to a script which lacks 
freshness and development. Basic 
idea of satirizing public adulation of 
a radio, singer and all the elements 
for a very amusing picture are pres- 
ent, but lost in scenario static. 

Original story by Clarence Budihg- 
ton Kelland seemed a natural. Small 
town youthful electrician, possessing 
a strawberry festival baritone, sings 
for the villagers and is heard by big 
time sponsor, who takes him to New 
York for national program. Lad suf- 
fers from • bronchitis and rural 
medico tampers with his pipes. In- 
troduced over the air as a soothing 
baritone, his voice enrages sponsor 
and. surprises himself by changing to 
a tenor. Fired from his job as a 
fake. His popularity with the public 
nevertheless is instant, and he im- 
mediately is signed to, a big contract. 
Women go strong for the voice, but 
the singer nevet is permitted by his 
new manager to be seen in public. 
Kid has plenty of time to tinker with 
a radib gadget which revitalizes old 
receiving sets. When it appears that 
his invention will be stolen, stenog- 
rapher in broadcasting office takes 
out a patent in her own name and 
saves the day. Also marries the 
boy. . 

All of which is played against the 
background of a rural community, a 
broadcasting station, a Manhattan 
night club, and a nifty apartment 
operated by a shady lady. 

Baker makes his country, boy in, 
the big city a likable youngster, who 
is pushed arovlnd until he gets smart 
and asserts himself, his voice is ex- 
cellently recorded, and he sings five 
numbers in the fllm, of which 'Re- 
member me' is a good melody for the 
dance bands. 

Cast of capable players are up 
against some tough assignments- 
handed out by the -writers. Film 
stars as satiric comedy and broadens 
into near burlesque. Frank McHugh 
and Alice Brady have some amusing 
moments, and Jane Wyman plays the 
romantic lead nicely. But Gertrude 
Michael, as the gold-digging heavy, 
is badly miscast and unconvincing. 
Baker has possibilities on the screen,' 
although his first featuring film is 
disappointing. Flin. 

SAN QUENTIN 

Warner Broa. release of Fli-st National 
production. Features Pat O'Brien, Hum- 
phrey Bogart, Ann Sheridan, Barton Mac- 
Lane. Directed by Lloyd Bacon. Story, 
Robert Tasker and John Bright; adapta- 
tion, Humphrey Cobb and Peter Milne; 
fllm editor, William Holmes; camera, Sid 
Hickox. Reviewed In Projection Boom, 
N. Y„ July 2D, '87. Running time, 70 
mlns, 

Capt. Stephen Jameson Pat O'Brien 

Joe 'Red' Kennedy Humphrey Bogart 

May Ann Sheridan 

Lieut. Druggln Barton MacLane 

'Sailor Boy' Hansen Joseph Sawyer 

Jfelen ..Veda \t\n Borg 

Mickey Callahan ....James RobblnB 

Warden Taylor ...Joseph King 

Captain ,., Gordon Oliver 

Dopey , Garry Owen 

yenettl Marc Lawrence 

Lieutenant Emmett Vogan 

(Convict William Pawley 

Convict Al Hill 

Prison Runner Max Wngner 

Convict George Lloyd 

^'Ink ,.. Ernie AtianiB 



'San Quentin' is stark, authentic- 
looking prison melodrama that 
misses being big entertainment be- 
cause of a love story that is none too 
strong and a plot that is only moder- 
ately forceful. Its marquee value is 
restricted to cast names that areh't 
powerful but appeal may be stirred 
to some extent through selling the 
title and the picture's locale, one 
of the better known penal institu- 
tions of the country. San Quentin 
is the state penitentiary of Cali- 
fornia. 

The direction of Lloyd Bacon and 
the faithful performances of the 
players compensate considerably for 
the story, an original by Robert 
Tasker and John Bright, which was 
adapted for Warners by the Hum- 
phrey Cobb-Peter. Milne combina- 
(Continued on page 27) 



Wednesday, July 28, 193T 



VARIETY 



17 






>!C Beating heat to smash summer 



m 



Pittsburgh, Denver, Minneapolis, Salt 
Lake City, Louisviiie pre-release runs. 
Big in hold-over weeks in Baltimore^ 
Philadelphia, Richmond (day and date) 
Indianapolis I 




THE KEYSTONE 
OF YOUR FUTURE 




VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 




1 



mil! M:M..M'f^^mi^^ii^M 



Mi 




11 





XT. to 





1 >' <" 

pi 



THE NEW SIN^TIONAL MUSICAL SHOW FROM ZOth's 



■ ■ 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 VARIETY 19 








ALICE FAYE RITZ BROTHERS 



Honey-lovely . . . lilting to 
new hi-de-heights! 



Triple-tHreats to gloom . . . 
give 'em room . . . give 



DON AMECHE 

Your new heart-throb... now 
star of radio's biggest show! 




CHJIRI.ES 
WINNINGER 

Surrounded and dumb* 
founded by Hollywood's 
smartest girls! 




em room! 





LOUISE 
HOVICK 

Bringing a striking new 
personality to the 
screen! 



RUBiNorr 

and his violin! 

. . that talking, laughing, 
tuneful fiddle! 



TONY 
MARTIN 

Romantic rave of the 
airwaves! 







ARTHUR 
TREACHER 

One 1-o-n-g 
laugh! 



PHYLLIS 
BROOKS 

Sweetest of 
tomorrow's stars! 



TIP, TAP Sc 
TOE 

Rhythmic as rain 
on the roof ! 



LOVIS PRIMA 
AND HIS BAND 

The tuba king at 
his hottest! 



PLUS a whole happy screenful of comics and singers, crooners and 
swingers, girls and guitarists, hot dance band artists . . . all the zip* 
Ctnd-go . . . fun and furore . . . tempo and rhythm , . . everything 20th 's 
musicals are famous for! 



Directed by 
Norman 
Taurog 



Associate Producer Laurence Schwab. Screen play by 
Harry Tugend, Jack Yellen and Karl Tunberg. From an orig- 
inal story by Gregory Ratoff . Dance director Harry Losee. 



Darryl F. Zanuck 
in Charge of 
Production 



THE KEYSTONE 
OF YOUR FUTURE 



HIT-MAKERS ... TO START YOUR 1937-38 SEASON! 

^- . 



if 



20 



TABIETT'B' LONDON OFXICC, 
S St. Martlu'i) riac«. Tnifaicar 8qu»re 



INTERNATIOMAL FILM MEWS 



€M« Address: TABtBXT. ZOKDON 



Cftbifl Address: t&bi 
.xelepli«iM V«Bq>1« ] 



Trade Unionism Making Progress 
h M Eranches of Brit. Pic Biz 



■London, July 18. 

Labor dnteitests «ne in a l&eroe 
drive ta iinioieuae iibe -entire jpiotui<e 
biz here. Behind tthe icali^paign ^ar^j 
the National AsB^n <dt IDtwatrical <tc' 
Kinema £n)i)>kKy£s, sii^EipoittBd tiy 
the As^in <otf OttB-'lSecaiBic^ni^, 
"Which locAcs aiillier itbe intenests dt 
production gaBESoimel. 

On the .'StufiiD sMe msise a^enoe- 
ments exst Ibettween iSfaee IN^XSQC and 
the majQE% <eef HaaiSiog iptoodimers, 
including liOidon Sliibns, BinewooiQ, 
Gaumont-Briti;^, . Btiitidh flinlmina- 
tional, A.T.P. (Basil Dean>), BnitiA 
Lion and a dozen more, and A.C.T. 
likewise has a deal with G-B, Pine- 
wood and others in the interests of 
technical crews. 

Onslaughts are being made on 
the theatre end in all parts of the 
U.K., inspired by a general agree- 
ment which has operated between 
the unions and th6 London branch 
of the Cinema Exhibs' Ass'n, with 
its more than" 600 theatres, fof two 
years, providing approved standards 
of pay, \Working time and general 
conditions. 

Labor is pressing its case strongly 
on more rthan a dozen major C.E.A. 
■ branches, and declares a satisfactory 
stage has Ifaeeii reached with three 
or four dffaers. Circuits specifically] 
being tadbOad include Odeon and 
Union, while approaches to the Ex- 
hibs' Assbai .-dlso cover the G-B and 
Associated Ssitish circuits. Outside 
deals have 'iheen concluded with in- 
dependent ipidture and legit groups, 
among thsm llifoss Empires, Howard 
& Wyndham, .'Stoll Theatres, Andre 
Chariot, Hiohdon Palladium . and 
Holborn 'JSnrpine.. 

General i^tandards ir) picture the- 
atres are Aow iin -the U.K. compared 
with other IBqi^IuBh-speakiicg ileiuUf I 
tories, wiih ^Siaaguent reposts of u£lh-; 
erettes, tiidkclt aidllectors .and 'othersi 
working a "^IWhour vweek for pay as 
low as $5a<weA. iProjectipnists are 
often fouQd 4o )be (ptilling down only 
$12 or so jfor iheir onore responsible 
jobs, and .'in mavsy iinstances man- 
agers rate ;dbfQUt ^iS5. 

Terms aemanded iby .the unions at 
present aim tmgDirdly tat (easing the sit- 
uation, sliighfly iinoveasinlg pay rates 
and khockii^ a Sew 'hours off work- 
ing time. 

Current ^tdlfcs ib^tween the ACT, 
representing 'UboxcltoBy (employees, 
and the bosse;, dnOioitte another sec- 
tion of the ihndaudtry Sa^t ibeing or- 
ganized by ^Idhoic, {and ithe general 
tendency jfe Stfr itiades -unionism to 
make steady theadway ^among the 
workers. SIven so, <oeiltain (elements 
are dissstti^ed with ithe >rate .of 
progress, .and, at .an INiKtCKIE iconleF- 
ence are ito imove for .qppBoach to 
the Governmerit, 'With <a (demand 
. that the Uinidtty <df ILdbor wvesti- 
gate thedtse 'conditions .-and tforce 
their operators >to in^gatiaie. 



Vetn fhni^ Stose 
Far Takjfft, If Possftle 



Tdkio, July 9. 
ikoooitffiqg io je)pDrt,..3idetDo is cod- 
■sidfiiiiEfg ii&em, for 3D(uMii]\g a Arst- 
mun fiumae somemEbene in ^Obe <dowJ3- 
iown MfiiGdiiidt Iheite, prdbaiblly mear 
IBadc; alt and -vfiisn. ^Sae aeoes- 
sax^ Iffifnuaite aite isauBd pciaioe. 

WL Bienmanp, iNEetbro imadaager 
^bBIfe, -vnXtiBa JoSssSi Sfir ^oonffizanaiJion, 
idbtefl {thstt i&e jpvcipfiBition Is jiust 
wliere i£t ;sOmss^ Ihas araen— iin dfiae 
watchful waiting <BtaSB. ^ooonding-l 
to Bermann, Metro has "had (the idrai 
under consideration for a long time 
but various conditions, mainly per- 
mit troubles, have prevented definite 
action. 

It's JUD scicEBt Jbere that Metro is 
un^finqgutlbBtiiE tto t^e enforced align- 
vnBttt (fff Aaneign tOistribs by Toho 
and Sdhndhlbn, and would do any- 
thiiig gaosdible ^ jget '<around it. 



HUB EXPECT 
HHEWPIX 



Berlin, July 18. 
Various distributing companies in 
Crecmdny have atinounaed their 
iplans 'ffor the coming season: Ufa 
and Tobis Jiead the list, each with 
-ao jaiiK.. • 

Newly founded Terra-Film-Kunst 
iCaQcws, \W!itii <a tcttal ctf US. ^out 
20 others can be expected from the 
various smaller companies. 

As things look now, around 130 
films willAsjforthcoming. Of these, 
29 are «euEifaBr already completed, or 
under xway. 



YEN WANES, 
2D DUTCH HOUSE 



HayakaiRa's Iradi lie 
Set ioor Jhw ftifes^ 



n/flkyo, Jluly 19. : 
French /film *3Soshiwaca' i(!Saori-j 
fice') has Ibeen ihoi|ghJt iby 'Saneidha, I 
Jap distribs, (for ff^pan. IBecauae(oll 
widespread .publicity .-^iven ;the ffilm 
here, on .aaoount -af scenes -al- 
legedly holding llt^ps iin iconten^pt, 
the subject Should have heavy 
draught at ibco,, ipnovided cthe loensor 
doesn't go ibeuaefik with »the -shears. 

If the pic iveadhes 'the ssoreens \with 
the objedtionahle scenes inttadt, 
houses showing -.them ;ane iin Sor 
trouble from vauious fpatriatic .as- 
sociations. Beoourae ifor (damages ^in 
such case j;aBdly lis :giwen, ithe .au- 
thorities .almost lincwarjably -siding 
with the patriots. lEilm stars Sessue 
Hayakawa. 



BRiTisn m mm 
FOR mm mmii 



Xiondon, .Jiuly .2Q. 

Alexander Korda ;is ^sending jpi<ioits 
of 'Elephant Boy" and Wine iQuer 
England* lip tCQnipete ffor .-awands ^ 
the annual 'Venice 'film J^esTival, 
which starts Aug, 10. G-B is sub- 
mitting 'King Solomon's Mines' and 
Bob Kane (20th-Briti3h) ;his JGefibni- 
color job, 'Wings of the Moiirting." 

As well as Holly w,QP<^, -the ;inajor: 
studios in France, Germany, Austria, 
Hungary, Egypt, Japan and Italy will 
put in representative fjictuues. 



The Hague, July 16. 

tRopUlar 'inteEest in the wedding of! 
Princess' Uiflianna and the British 
(obEomrtion aaaetOHy ibrought a livelyj 
Jiewsredl Tjoom io the city. Cineac 
lGo. .Qpened <a 'seoond -newsrcel the- 
atre in January. 

"Wiith ithe ipassing of the excite- 
ment, however, business at' the sec- 
ond Cineac has been skidding and 
house has changed its policy ito; 
screen revivfifls 'Of >successf id feature! 
pix. Opened ^with 'Shanghai lEJx- 
press' (Psx)) .and has a .new name, 
Rex theatre. 

City Cinema, leading SOm house -of 
the town, has been remodeled and 
redecorated. More -comfortable seats 
have been installed, with ^;he ca- 
pacity of the house remaining the 
same. 'History Is Made at -Night' 
(UA) ieflpened the theatse. 



Marquee Worrier 



Capetown, July 5. 

Manager of a Capetown sub- 
urban cinema was notified over 
the phone that his house was 
shortly due to screen the Coro- 
nation film. 

'Oh, . yes,' says he, 'who's in 
it?' 



14 NEW MAGYAR 
FILMS READY 



Budapest, Jiily 16. 
Oi lihc 30 new Hungarian pictures 
fin ppepamattion for the coming sea- 
soia, 14 ame completely finished and 
awaitiin£ <tlhe censor board's pleasure. 
They are 'Biiide of Torocko,' 'Vicky,' 
'80-Mile Speed,' 'Storm am Use 
Plain,' *My Daughter , Isn^ IttMrt 
Kind^" aM. adaiptail«ions d 'staise pOays, 
and SlaiDiued Aor TLmei,' 'Mli 

Hffien Aase iLTsmartiCB,' 'ffiE^i, Tve In- 
Ateiuted a IMtun^" lOmaaiBe,* 'Tbe- 

wenge Sb S^vkkC ".fi^notte iLove,' 
'!iMaminy:,'* - '^iMl.. fSlpranglfigm^'' lOitar 
Litfie and Our MLood," toxujjBiamSs. 

motitlh: "MsuansmBd Caifflk^" tdjio^ectBdj 
by La&2flo ^^g&w msm 'Socmqig ^holt att\ 
Hunniia, and '^saaag TLs^ Wanlbs a 
Room," -^axiiliqg Hvene iZiOaihy, at Ffl- 
miroda Studios. 



Maxweirs Show Window 
In LfBihi Sodid $2Se 
For Breafnng ^ota Low 

London, ,J.i4y 18. 
John Maxwen?s "W-e^ "End show 
window, the Regal, JdlaiftjJe AirrJh,! 
got ;hidked .$250 and costs for not 
playing stipulated percentage, of 
British jpidtures under the quota 
laws. 

SioT ithe (defense it was pleaded that 
ithe SlQgsq, tbeing a ipr£-release the- 
artre, (had a jpdhc^r <fft xunning pre- 
views 'Of 'msg^r i>iotuiies as Jong as 
they TitfW up at the toiO,, which 
meant px^earranged programs often 
had to be scrapped, including do- 
imesiic ipix. UVSn. Deedi;,'*. it was ar- 
.'guecl, i&jfew (big 4or 14 rwneeks solid 
and threw other plans flat into the 
(discard. . . . 

'An^yjRlm which is jood enough 
ito run 11 weeks should an^ply repay 
'the company for the small fine 1 am 
•entitled -to impose,' cracked the 
judge, proclaiming sentence. 



RivieEa li^re 

Nice, July 16. 

Fire, believed .caused 'by a icareless 
smoker, damaged >the Politeama 
Cinema heiie to the >6xten1; vOf $35,000 
early this week. 

Flames were discovened about .2:30 
o'clock and before the fire .could gain 
headway firemen sa^lvaged -films and 
apparatus valued at about $21,000. 
Sta^e, auditorium and bdlcony were 
entirely destroyed. 



Itobis ressmnsbc 



3Rw)fit Is Up, But Coin Frozen Around ihje^ World, 
So What's the Good? 



The Hague, July 16. 

International Tobis annual state- 
.ment (for 1936, just issued, 'gives less; 
(Pai»tloUlars than last year. Results' 
'in vocther icoun tries, are not given and 
\tihe igeneral tone is rather pesrimis- 
liic, intrtswithstanding a net profit of 
•$aQjaD0, a^gainst $1,200 in 1935. 

mbere lhas been no change in the 
ononeitary .difficulties which the com- , 
ipany tfaoie^, such as transfer mestcic- i 
ttion;, idlearing regulations, etc. 
'iDhese (difficulties - grew, instead of 
dediriing, and that is one of the rea- 
sons why the directors are not very 
hopeful as regards the near future. 

Thene .'ate.prcifi.ts availsible ivom 
.the .daMghter con^panies qpecating 
-in seviecal lother vcpuntries, ihut tbeyj 
are all frozen there and cannot be 
transferred to Amsterdam. 

After vaiuous :£hi£tings, iiuch as 



writing (Off .a small amount of ve- 
.serves and adding the 1936 profit to . 
the oreserve <fund, this now -stands at 
'$132;000, .against JlpS.'OOO at the end 
of 1935. Stock, consisting of shares 
in other companies, remains prac- 
tically unchanged at $1,600,000 and, 
in the assets, there is a figure for 
patents Df . $S60|0a0. Liabilities are 
capital, which Is left unchanged at 
$1,540,000, .'and 'bonds at i$770,000, of 
whicli $55Q,'000 is at 7% and $220,000 
at '6%.. 



STUDY TOUR 

Tokyo, July 9. 

■Ranko 'Saw% lopaH lilm star, 
liS&ves for Ameauoa mext month,, 
Where she will «pend six months in 
Hollywood. 

Going there to absorb ideas for 
wsesterA jBt^le fax 4o ibe made Mre. 



Film Buying Deals 



(Continued from page 3) 

mount also has no big deals ready 
for announcement. 

Getting into the buying season j 
later than in former years, numerous 
deals are in the discussion st«g^ 
while many others have not been 
started. The cry raised against 
lii^ier rentals, the determination o# 
anoBt nui jors not to jgive 'added pro- 
tetitiSKa wSaere asked tot and the 
oomplairrts, euda as piled up afia i nrt 
Paraanount,. foe tailuxe to deHiver 
certain scheduled jpictures this yeai; 
aic causing xaaixfe -delay <&ian the 
average .sales head will admit. On 
the other hand, as Joiiily nears Hr, 
dose, Trnuay accounts are getting 
fri^tened aboi4 eetUng new sea- 
son's merchaTHflise and, in sooae cases, 
are hurrying ' to distribiuto-r head-* 
quarters to sign up before the other 
fellow— who may also be willing to 
go for higher terms — beats him to 
desirable product. 

moth's Strong Lineup 

In an admirable position through 
(the pictures .that it supplied this sea- 
son (1936-27') aiud well up on de- 
HivetieB, W&i-Eox is giving competi- 
itDEs a hi!>t inaoe em contract-getting. 
Jtflm [ia..Claa1k, iSm company's sales 
ananatiger, froumite ik> a irelease chart 09 
mew season'''5 pus&aet ior availability 
ithrakt^ tbbe SaOll 'wOawh probably as 
aejbiiDfg as a sismag infiuencer and 
((flaiiKts dAie AotaH of 5,000 theatres I 
ton otte aaooOcE xj^ht mow. Heading deals 
(dIoBsd )by HWta are the RKO circuit, 
ffidba'ttmUe --O'Donnell's Interstate 
(dbaiin in IDescas; Kincey & Wilby in 
*ifoe .'sounh; A. H. Blank in the mid- 
west; Minnesota Amusement string 
in the northwest; Mullin & Pinanski 
(Par) in New England; Wometco 
.ciisciiit in the Miami territory; Bate^- 
ha'n Si Katz (Chicago); Comerfoi«d 
throu^out Pennsylvania and Loew''s 
in 18 situations. 

Neither ZOrth-Fox nor otti«r dis- 
tributors are making radical changes 
'in sales policies or clearance this 
year — at least not so far— but de- 
mands for much more protection 
than enjoyed on ttbie past have been 
made by Mancsy ffiiaxkdt who operates 
a represeotefaive .etiuoig tof independ- 
ent houses in C!(ne«fcer New York. 
Declaration of W&i ds ithat this com- 
pany "^viH^aitrt afiiwe.tlo any changes 
in protedtion in ilhe 3Stew York area. 

Metro OB muf&oer (company that has 
an edge itiwoi;^ w'hat it 9ias supplied 
box offices iLurin^ iihe '36-37 season. 
This company, 'wthose sales organiza- 
tion is headed by William F. Rod- 
gers, has among its deals, some of 
which were netgotiated last year for 
two years <or more, W-Brner Bros, cir- 
cuit; Interstate in ISexas; Saenger in 
the Sauth; Kincey St Wilby; A. H. 
Blank, Fox-West Coast, now known 
as 'National T<beatres; Balabah & 
Katz-Great States chain. Paramount 
in New England; and lothers. A prod- 
uct buy with M. A. Lightman in the 
Memphis area and With the Frank 
Durkee chain of Baltimore are near 
to completion, plus various others. 
^ TJniversal's Z-.OOO A«oounts 

Universal has close to '2^000 ac- 
counts in, according to James R. 
Grainger, with the more important 
circuit deals closed up iheing Warner 
Bros.; one-half of the product to 
Loew's N. Y. circuit; Butterfield in 
Michigan; Maine and New Hampshire 
chain in New England; Hoblitzelle- 
O'Donnell in the southwest; Inter- 
state string in New England; Kincey- 
Wilby in the Charlotte "territory and 
Frank Durkee of Baltimore, Grain- 
ger is presently in huddles on 'deals 
close to completion with RKO and 
Fox- West Coast. Final details should 
be set momentarily. 

U has not sold its product first run 
in New York as yet but is in a sweet 
spot as result of the way the theatre 
map is changing this year with 20th- 
Fox going into the Roxy, taking its 
pictures away from the Music Hall 
and elsewhere while United Artists, 
by going into the Music Hall, leaves 
•the Rivoli in a ^ot where it -will 
need product. The U program, ac- 
cording to all indications, will be 
direly sought somewhere on the 
N. Y. first run front and Grainger 
knows this, hence he's in no hurry 
to set a deal. 

Warner Bros, deals are headed by 
Fox-West Coast, Walter Reade cir- 
cuit and .the company'-s .own Warner 
circuit of houses. This company may, 
.be proceeding slower than tothors 
and possibly .has nixed a lot of con- 
■traots from the field which <do not 
please the home office. This occurs 
every year with distributors, but h.o. 
approval, in view of conditions this 
.season, may be harder to .get and 
has .deals going back to division, dis- 
trict and branch managers for re- 
wi-iting. 

This season, probably more than 
in prior y«ars, the toi^ sales chiefs 



are also personally negotiating deals. 
Neil F. Agnew, Par's sales chieftain 
<a v.p. and member of the board) 
baa himseU been working on a new 
deal wiUa I<oew^fi wluch is neafing 
closing. lUpE to outH}f-town points 
also have the A^news. Jules Levys, 
Ate Atontagues, Bail Itodgers* and 
otbers very much 00 the go right 
itow. 

RK<0 has several big deals in wcrk 
at 4Sie. jnoment l&at are occupying 
I>vys time and that of otiaers,' this 
also heamg tmt -of Par and A^gnew's 
;w«H)ic week. Par has l»ee«i consider- 
sUiy intenEec«d "wi^ on indie deals 
chiefly .because of the boycott talk 
on playdating, Ijecauee ct failure to 
deliver . stx. ^cified pictures this 
anear. 

UA, whose 10-year frandiise with 
Ijoe-w^ xan out tfloits year, has already 
WiSffiitaaiiied a a&ew one-year deal with 
•t9us ciiawaiit and .bas various other 
leading chaisie -under iK^tiation 
which are not yet ready to annoujice. 
The contract covers the UA program 
in a total of 124 houses. 

Franchises of two or more years 
were noSCiKtiated in ^various instances 
last jnear ISae majors excepting 
CalMTnlnla tnit latter agreed on a 
temoer .for two seasortB with Fox- 
W«t Coasit iQxis susnmer prior to the 
csoapex^^ oonvention, it is claimed. 
Twmitaeltb-Ftox 3aas toelwepn 300 and 
4BS aotMntnils w^iiidh Slave a year to 
gOi, meit indlttdine a lO-gnear franchise 
waah F>ox-W«f* Coast on which terms 
aie set inp >eacli season. . RKO last 
■year also ssA a two-year deal with 
Warners wMtJh takes care of the 
'37-38 profgrama, wlbile Par did the 
same with W® and Fox-West Coast. 
There are other franchises, also, 
whidi have a year or more to go, 
several of Metro's deals with Par 
partners beijag on .this basis. 

Expectation is iftiat the sur^e on 
deals is going to get strong during 
the. next two weeks but not unlikely 
&isst a representative number of 
product dbuys will be stalled away 
into the .fall because of terms, con- 
ditions, clearances, etc. Distribs are 
optimistic, however, that much of 
the. hollering from various quarters, 
and the alleged resistance against . 
rentals will amount to not much 
more than a ^dcering fever that will 
drop quickly when pictures they, re- 
quire come along. 

Film deals for 1937-38 already ne- 
gotiated by Monogram which re- 
turned to the .fidd this year, include 
the Publix-Great States circuit; Tracy 
Barham's Paramount Ohio houses; 
Blumfield circuit in California; Tri- 
State circuit <t>refion); W. S. But- 
terfield in Michigan; Waraier Bixw. 
houses in Milwaukee; RKO in 
Omaha territory; Jack Rose chain in 
Chicago; Gibraltar Enterprises, Den- 
ver; Consolidated Amusement string 
in San Francisco, and M. A. Licht- 
man in Washington. Company 
started releasing new product 
July 1, 

Republic has completed a leading 
deal in signing up Loew's New York 
circuit. 

Harry David, in charge of Para- 
mount's theatres in the Colorado- 
Utah division, arrived in New York 
Monday (26) to discuss operating 
matters and consider prodirt deals. 
Tracy Barham got in •:terday 
tTues.) from Ohio for tl- same 
purpose. 

Abe Blank, who has -becsn ea.<?t for 
nearly two weeks now, coming on 
with his son, Myron, was .ioined dur- 
ing the past week by his iilm buyer, 
Ralph Branton, for the purpose of 
going into huddles with distributors 
on new season -commitments. 

Returning from London Monday 
morning (26), Bob Wilby h>:t the 
same day for Atlanta but will r>i'ob- 
ably be back later on b'.i' Harold 
F. Kincey, his partner, was here a 
few weeks ago. 



NAZI PROFUNDA PIX 
SET FOR PARIS FAIR 



Paris, July !«. 
More than 100 hlms, picked from 
the best German productions, will 
be s/hown at the German pavillion a't 
the expo this summer. Sixty .of these 
will be full-length, while the rest 
will be shorts dealing with Ger- 
many's economic life and travel- 
ogues. 

Among the featilre pix will be 
the latest ■of Emil Janmings* produc- 
tions. The Maister.' Also included 
In this selected ;group of films are 
'The Kreutzer Sonata,' 'The Em- 
peror from California* and 'Trai- 
toi*.' 



•VARIETT'S' I.ON0ON OVWICH, 
8 St. Martin's Fliiw. TratalBar Sqnaw 



niTERNATlONAL FILM NEWS 



Cable A4l<1t«(Mt TARIRTT, r^ONDON Ol 
T«I«pli<»iie Tttniiile Uur 5041-0042 



BRITISH TO THE RESCUE 



International Cinema Congress' 
Meets in Paris Sans U S., England 



^ Paris, July 18. 

More than 400 delegates represent- 
jng 17 European countries got their 
heads together and figured out a 
lot ot things which they believe will 
help the cinema industry on this side 
of the pond at the International 
Cinema Congress, Just flhishfed here. 

Although called international, the 
United States was not represented. 
Nor was Great Britain represented, 
for the reason, as outlined by Neville 
Kearney, secretary of the Film Pro- 
ducers' Group of the B. I. F., that 
British producers feel their inter- 
ests to be much more closely related 
to those of the American industry 
than anyone else. 

Chief decisions cannot be said to 

be overly far reaching, but they do 
Represent an attempt of the European 
lads to get together and collaborate 
in aiding the industry in general in 
this part of the world. They are: 

1. Free exchange of educational 
find cultural films. 

2. Creation of a central base for a 
bureau for international files and 
statistics. 

3. Favoring limitation of the num- 
ber of show-cases. 

4. To collaborate, with the Venice 
Biennial and the Olympic Commit- 
tee, 

5. Creation of cinema libraries in 
all countries for the conservation of 
educational films and the best artistic 
films. 

6. To avoid production and sale of 
any films which might be harmful to 
another country. 

7. To limit commercial competition 
in small format apparatuses, not 
authorizing the transformation of 35 
inm. to 16 mm. or others, except 
after three years of exploitation. 

Congress also passed views con- 
cerning the question of the rights of 
authors in relation to the cinema, 
color films and the creation' of an 
international tribunal to decide legal 
questions concerned with production. 

Georges Lourau of France was 
elected the new president. Next Con- 
gress is scheduled to take place in 
Borne in 1939. 



JAPAN TOUGHENS UP 
rrS EXCHANGE LAWS 



Tokyo, July 8, 
Eizo Kamiyama, director of the 
exchange bureau of the Ministry of 
Finance, has announced new ex- 
change regulations, to be in force 
after July 31. 

Principal provisions are (a) re- 
mittances for amounts over $290 
must receive government sanction 
(formerly was $8,700); (b) applica- 
tions must be accompanied by a 
document stating the actual amount 
of exchange accounts settled in 1936, 
actual amount of such exchange ac- 
counts settled for each month of this 
year and the balance of exchange 
or letter of credit contracts on hand 
at the time the new regulations are 
enforced. 

Foreign pix distribs here state that 
no special instructions have so far 
been issued to them, with reference 
to regular monthly remittances to 
home offices. Unless Japan's foreign 
balances take a sudden turn for the 
worse, no trouble is expected. All, 
however, point out that the regula- 
tions are so worded that ministry 
can clamp down at any time, with- 
out previous warning. 



'GROWING ENTHUSIASM' 

Tokyo, July 7, 
Satisfied that Jap-made pix will 
prove b.o. in foreign marts, Shochiku 
has perfected plans to erect a spe- 
cial studio at Kyoto, to care for pro- 
ductions intended for export. 

Announcement says, 'the growing 
enthusiasm for Japanese-made films 
abroad has caused the company to 
sludy the matter carefully in the 
national interest' 



HYPNOTIC PIC PLANS 

Psychiatrist Says His Custmers Are 
Back of Magyar Studio 



Budapest, July 18. 

Group of mysterious financiers, 

represented by Dr. Aladar Vinze, 

w.k. psychiatrist and hypnotizer, is 

negotiating with the city of Szeged, 

Hungary's largest provincial town, 

as regards establishing a new film 
studio there. 

Dr. Vincze does not disclose any 
names, but told newspapermen the 
money came' from patients of his. If 
the city supplies grounds the new 
company will be formed and start 
wprk at once. 

Production management is to be 
in the hands of Alfred Deesy, w,k. 
director in the silent days. He is 
planning production of eight or 10 
feature pictures during the first 
year, with versions in Turkish, Bul- 
garian, Rumanian, Greek and Serb. 



NEW JAP EXHIB 
MAYBE BREM 

mvs. 



Tokyo, July 9. 
Kindal Films Co. of Kyoto has 
been organized by Kichinosuke Su- 
z'uka, former prez of Kyoto Real Es- 
tate Co. Concern has acquired a 
chain of 10 pix houses, in Kyoto, all 
of which run both foreign and Jap 
films and plans on extending opera- 
tions to include all key cities in 
Japan. 

If the announced plans are carried 
out, the new outfit should exert con- 
siderable influence in breaking up 
the present Toho-Shochiku combo, 
which aligns foreign distribs in two 
groups, serving those exhibs respec- 
tively and exclusively. Foothold 
gained by Kindai so far hasn't made 
a dent, but the outfit claims to have 
enough cash behind it, to enable 
large-scale operations when the op- 
portunity appears ripe. 

While foreign distribs are natural- 
ly interested in the aims of tl;ie new 
group,, most of them feel that Kindai 
will have a tough time getting a toe- 
hold, due mainly to the lack of 
sources, for Jap product, which is 
almost necessary with the present 
practice of double billing. Also a 
scarcity of locations available for 
lease and lack of suitable vacant 
land for new building will make it 
difficult for the new outfit to become 
much of a factor in the biz. 

Another angle which the new 
group may bring about is a settle- 
ment, at least on the surface, of the 
spat between Toho and Shochiku, 
which has been raging for the past 
six months. On the other hand, some 
in the industry feel that if the new 
outfit becomes very active, a three- 
cornered fight will ensue, with the 
Government stepping in to settle it. 

To minimize Kindai's entry Into 
the Kyoto field, Shochiku has em- 
barked on a large-scale renovation 
of its Kyoto spots. Naniwaza, Oimat- 
suza, Shurakuakn in Kyoto and 
Shochikuza in Osaka will be entire- 
ly rebuilt and modernized in equip- 
ment. 



EDUCATIONAL DE lUXER 

Paris, July 18. 

More than 3.000 young students are 
working at the Chateau de Pau, high 
in the Pyrenees, in one of the largest 
educational film projects ever at- 
tempted in France. 

Film is being directed by Jean 
•Dalguilla. Camera work is being 
done- by Dalle, with Raoul de 
Laparra writing the score and se- 
lecting locations. 



LONDON B. IFOR 
G.U.T. ON SOLO BID 



English Bankers Putting Up 
$2,500,000 to Keep Two 
Aussie Units Separate — 
See It as Only Opening 
Wedge Possible 

WOOLF AND MAXWELL 



By ERIC GORRICK 

Sydney, July 5. 
Although there's nothing official 
on the situation, info is that Brit- 
ishers are sinking $2,500,000 into 
Greater Union to prevent a long 

term deal with Hoyts in General 
Theatres. 

It is known that an important 
Britisher made a request to G.U.T. 
to provide a statement showing its 
holdings in theatres and other as- 
sets, so that such information could 
be passed on to the London prin- 
cipals in the proposed deal. With 
the money offered, G.U.T. can get 
out of the bank's clutches completely 
and do as it wishes. 

Question has been asked why 
British interests are willing to sink 
such a large sum into G.U.T. An- 
swer is that the Britishers were, and 
still are, anxious to keep, the market 
open in Australia for their product. 
With a financial share in a major 
circuit the way would be easier than 
battling for playing . dates at small 
rentals against a. powerful combine, 

One thing is certain — the British- 
ers will not stand by and see the 
local market closed to them without 
putting up a fight. If failing to buy 
into G.U.T., as desired, the Britishers 
will appeal through their own govr 
ernment to the Commonwealth gov- 
ernment to provide some strong 
measure of protection. With America 
practically closed to them, Australia 
is the next best spot to their own 
for release outlet. 

It all makes a queer puzzle. Stuart 
Doyle favored British capital for 
G.U.T., but he was howled down. 
Doyle also offered to bring in both 
British and American capital, and 
again he was howled down. Finally, 
Doyle quit and left G.U.T. to find its 
own road. 

Q.'s But No Answers 

Now that Doyle is out, G.U.T. be- 
gins talking an English bankroll and 
a drop of the Hoyts link, which 
brings forth a whole series of ques- 
tions. If solo operation is now pro- 
(Continued on page 31) 



Exlnbs Sparrii^ for Openiiig As 

Quota Mob Muddles On 



Hugo Engel, Inc., Goes 

Bankrupt in Vienna 

Vienna, July. 16. 
Hugo Engel, Inc., one of the 
oldest Austrian film distributing 
companies, went out of existence af- 
ter declaring Itself bankrupt before 
the local court. Causes given were 
inability to compete with large con- 
cerns. Inability to rent pictures of 
smaller companies to local theatres 
and bad quality of German produc- 
tions. 

Engel had a distributing contract 
with Munich Emelka-Bavarian Film 
Co. He ^ ran three theatres In 
Vienna, tlie Elite, Flotten and Lust- 
spiel theatre.' They have switched 
over to Anfierican films now. 



NEW GERMAN 
MAJOR FILM 
CO. FORMED 



^ Berlin, July 18. 

New pic company, named Terra- 
Film-Kunst, has been formed by 
consolidating the former Terra Dis- 
tributing Co. and the Tobis Rota 
Film, Ltd. Chosen as directory are 
Fritz Kaelber and Willi Borchardt. 
Alfred Greven is to act as produc- 
tion manager, which post he for- 
merly held at Ufa. 

Sum of $5,000,000 in cash has been 
paid in, with which working capital 
the new firm is planning to bring 
out 25 pix during the coming year, 
which begins July 15. 

Impression is that it will be a 
big-time company, ranking with Ufa 
and Tobis. 



NEW JAP PIC CO. 

Tokyo, July 9. 

Tobo Cultural Talking Picture 
Prods, was incorporated here yes- 
terday (8) for the purpose of produc- 
ing cultural feature pix. 

New company is headed by Kat- 
sumoto Ito, formerly managing 
director of Tokatsu Eiga Co. Tobo 
studio will be located at Kyoto. 



Doyle Drops Aussie Production, 
Too, Panning Gov't and Quota Law 



Sydney, July 5. 

Stuart F. Doyle has decided to 
quit pic production in Australia al- 
together. Means he will not con- 
tinue dickers for Cinesound, and the 
fate of this producing unit is now 
in the balance. 

Doyle states that the governments 
of Australia had given little encour- 
agement to production, pointing out 
that even the Federal boys had 
withdrawn the paltry prizes offered 
for the best t>ix produced locally. 
Says that the Quota Acts operating 
in New South Wales and Victoria 
are badly designed, and his own 
efforts to bring before the govern- 
ments their faults have been ig- 
nored. Doyle feels that the Quota 
has not even been successful in cre- 
ating the operation of one perma- 
nent studio, but has succeeded in 
losing thousands for local investors, 
instead. 

Doyle feels that production was at 
the crossroads through lack of efTec- 
tive government encouragement, not 
by way of ill-conceived Quotas in- 
capable of being carried out. Says 
further that the government of Aus- 



tralia has not shown any trade 
knowledge in designing Acts desired 
by the industry. Thus, Doyle con- 
tinues, if the present Acts are en- 
forced, it wouldn't surprise him to 
see Americans withdrawing entirely 
from Australia, rather than tolerate 
a set of conditions that are impos- 
sible and impracticable, Americans 
really hold the trump card, Doyle 
say.s, because upon their supplies de- 
pends the livelihood of some 20,000 
people in Australia. 

Doyle, suggests that the Govern- 
ment, if local production is desired 
to live, should provide a large 
bounty for producers covering a 
reasonable production schedule, and 
vary the restrictions already in 
force. Government should not dodfjc 
responsibilities by trying unsuccess- 
fully to throw the onus onto Ameri- 
cans of what it (government) should 
undertake itself. 

Finally, Doyle expresses the opin- 
ion that local production is doomed 
unless revolutionary methods are 
adopted by the government in sub- 
stantial and tangible encouragement, 
and not by passing all responsibility 
to other people. 



London, July 18. 

Quota situation has now gotten to 
be like the middle stages of a duU 
prizefight, with the contestants amr 
bllng about, sparring for openings. ' 
Board of Trade officials have gone 
into a huddle on the draft. Bill and 
the Industry's comments on it, tem- 
porarily barririg the door to further 
negotiation and trade groups are ac- 
cordingly confined at this time to 
seeking other channels of Influence. 

Most active are the exhibitors, 
with leaders of the Cinema Exhibi- 
tors' Ass'n, gingered up by their re- 
cent convention ruling, exploring the 
ground with a view to getting at the 
Government behind the back of the 
Board of Trade. Their plan is td 
force contact with individual rriem- . 
bers of Parliament so as to state their 
slant, 

Fact the trade has to face all along 
Is the ignorance of Parliament mem- 
bers regarding conditions in the in- 
dustry, which becomes particularly a 
menace to exhibs, who have little 
or no direct representation there, in 
face of nearly 100 members with af- 
filiations at the Federation of British 
Industries, which Is championing the 
cause of local producers. Although 
this is, at best, an Oblique influence, 
the C.E.A. sees It as a factor to 
worry about and so takes the line 
that it has got to put in' a lot of 
boosting to make Parliament exhibi- 
tor-conscious, 

First steps have been taken by a ' 
strong C.E.A. brannch at Leeds, rep- 
resenting hundreds of provincial in- 
dies, and which Is the home terri- 
tory of the president, C. P. Metcalfe. 
Full branch committee is to seek an 
interview with the combined M.P.'s 
in the area, planning to go in a body 
to the House of Commons and state 
their case. 

Purely as a coincidence, a move- 
ment started recently in the House 
of Commons itself; where a group 
of .nearly 100 M.P.'s has organized 
itself into a Parliamentary commit- 
tee whch will voluntarily seek con- 
tacts with the industry, so as to hear 
all the arguments and sift them in 
the hope of arriving at a basis of 
action in the House when the BUI is 
up for debate. Committee has rio 
status, but if sections of the industry 
like to cooperate they may give it a 
general outline of the situation. 
, Possibilities are, nevertheless 
somewhat stalled in advance through 
the fact that the trade is split wide 
open on the issue. Without unity in- 
side the industry, and with the Board 
of Trade faced by disrupted sec- 
tional interests, there is little likeli- 
hood of an unofficial Parliamentary 
committee making any better sense 
of the tangle. 

As the thunder continues to roll 
prez Metcalfe of the C.E.^. came out 
with a piece of invective against the 
Government in which he accused it 
of ignoring and flouting recommen- 
dations of the Moyne Committee, 
which he saw as* a body of experts 
well qualified to weigh trade argu- 
ments and submit a report regarded 
as workable. 



G-B THEATRE BRANCH 
REPORTS UPPED NET 



' London, July 18. 

General Theatres Corp., operated 
and managed by G-B, shows a 
profit of $1,685,205 for the year to 
March 31 last, being an increase of 
$305,360 on the previous period. 
Board recommends payment of the 
balance of the 15% dividend on par- 
ticipating preferred ordinary share.s 
but holdei's of other ordinary stock 
got nothing. 

Group, which has approximately 
50 theatres, was reorganized about 
two years ago, with its capital dras- 
tically reduced despite fierce oppo* 
sition by a minority group of stock- 
holders. At that time in the dol- 
drums, it is reported to be sailing 
into fairer weather, the board's re- 
port declaring that trading profits, 
so far as available, showed an in- 
crease in profit Is maintained. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



EXHIBITarS VISION TEST 



l0M^i^^«irl at n0mA reading distance-^then $i^'liow fa^'^y^W Sotf|^: 

iiie#9ttli||ti« : are . the strongest, picture raviiil|iis stiNal^K 





Film Daily on'"THEY WON'T FORGET" 



A-1 ENTERTAINMENT 



WI*y. Daily News on "THEY WON'T FORGET" 



IT WILL BE ONE OF THE MOST 

FILMS OF THE YEAR 




Variety Daily on "THEY WON'T FORGET" 



THEY WONT FORGET- AND NEITHER 
WILL YOU WHEN YOU PLAY IT 



Sbowmen'B Trade Review on "THEY WON'T FORGET" 

UNFORGETTABLE SCREEN DRAMA - SPLENDID 

N, Y. Herald-Tribune on "THEY WONT FORGET" 

ONE OFTHOSE SMASHING.FASCINATINaUNFORGETTABLE PIC- 
TURES THAT NO ONE WHO SEES IT IS LIKELY TO EVER FORGET 

N. Y. Sun on "THEY WON'T FORGET" 

THE OBVIOUS^DXJTY OF ALL RIGHT-THINKING FANS IS TO SEE IT TWICE 
AND SEND^FHIENDS - A POWERFUL SIGNIHCANT AND HARE PICTURE 

N. Y. Post on "tHEY WON'T FORGET" 

BRILUANT.j^COURAGEOUS DRAMAl FOR ITS PERFECTION CHIEF CREDIT MUST GO TO 
MERVYN LEROY.FOR HIS REMARKABLE/ SKILLFUL DIRECTION: FOR TOUCHES AS FINE AS 
ANYTHING THE SCREEN HAS EVER DONE CREDIT AN EXCELLENT SCRIPT. AND ALL THE CAST 

N. Y. TimeM on "THEY WON'T FORGET*' 

A PICTURE YOU CANT AFFORD TO MISSl A POWERFUL DRAMA, IT TAKES ITS PLACE AMONG THE REALLY 
GREAT PRODUCTIONS "or THE SCREENl MADE WITH UNSWERVING HONESTY AND LAUDABLE COURAGE ^ 
AND BRILLIANTLY CONTRIVED BY MERVYN LEROY, IT WILL BE TALKED ABOUT AND REMEMBERED / 

N. Y. Evening Journal on "THEY WON'T FORGET" 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



VARIETY 



23 



AU 




GoesTtoiShow Wh/y Far- Sighted Showmen Have Swamped 

Wy^J?NER BROS. 

With a Record Barrage of 'Booking Requestsior 

MERVYN LEROY'S 




NOW IN THIRD SMASHING N. Y. STRAND WEEK, WITH 

iLAUDE rains • GLORIA DICKSON • EDWARD 
ORRIS • Otto KVuger • Allyn Joslyn • Lana Turner 



A FEAST FOR YOUR EYES 

August 23 and 24 
National iTradeiShowingt'of First Warner Releases f or^l 937-38 
Check >your Warjter man for a quick reservation! 



24 VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



'(For inforniattoH of theatre and film exchange bookers, Variety presents a complete chart of feature releases of all the American distributing companies for 
the current quarterly period. Date of the reviews as given in Variety and the running time of prints are included.) 

COPYRIGHT, 1937, BT VARIETY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



WEEK 










TALENT 






VHEN 


Oil' 


TITLE 


PRODUCER 


DISTRIB. 


TYPE 


DIRECTOR 


TIME 


REVIEWED 
















MINS. 




5/28/37 


LEAGUE OF FRIGHTENED MEN 


E. Chodorov 


Col 


Dramd 


I. Hervey-W. Connolly 


Al Green 


71 


e/ie 


I MET HIM IN, PARIS 


w, ttugBies 


Dam 


JXOm-v^Om 








6/9 




HOLLYWOOD COWBOY 


Cjr. A. HirJiman 


RKO 


Western 




j&wing ocoti 


«0 


7/28 




THIS IS MY AFFAIR 


K. MacGowsn 




Musical 




w . A, oeixer 


99 


6/2 




UNDER THE RED ROBE 


R. T. K.ane 


20th 


Drama 




V, Seastrom 


100 


6/2 




DREAMING LIPS 


ivi. ocnacn 




Hom-Dr 


J(>crgiicr"ji/« iviASScy 


Jraui V'Zinner . 


70 


5/26 




THE MAN IN BLUE 


K., (jriasmon 


u 


Melodrama 


w iicox- iN • Mrcy 


carrutn 


64 


7/28 




KID GALLAHAD 


WB 


WB 


Drama 


E. G. Robinson-B. Davis i. 


M. Curtiz 


100 


6/2 


6/4/37 


RECKLESS RANGER 


Col 


Col 


Western 


Bop Allen-B. Weeks 


S. G: Bennett 


59 


7/14 


TALK OF THE DEVIL 


B. & D. 


GB 


Rom-Dr 


R. Cortex- S. Eilers 


Carl Reid • 


76 


5/19 




HELL DIVERS (RE-ISSUE) 


MGM 


MGM 


Com-Dr 


W. Beery-Gable-C. Nagle 


G. Hill 


. 109 


12/29/31 




PARNELL 


J. Stahl 


MGM 


Rom-Dr 


C. Gable-Myrna Loy 


John Stahl 


us- 


6/9 




HOTEL HAYWIRE 


Pai 


Par 


Comedy 


L. Carrillo-L. Overman 


G. A.rchainbaud 


es 


6/16 




BORDER CAFE 


Bob Siik 


RKO 


W-estern 


J. Beal-H. Carey-Armlda 


Lew Landers 


67 


6/9 




DOOMED AT SUNDOWN 


A. W. Hackel 


R«n 


Western 


B4.L Steele 


Sam Newfield 








ANGEL'S HOLIDAY 


J. Stone 


20th 


Drama 


J. Withers-Robert Kent 


James Tinling 


74 


5/26 




Wi:CN THIEF MEETS THIEF 


Criterion 


• UA 


Rom-Dr 


D. Fairbanks, Jr.-V. Hobsen 


Raoul Walsh 


85 


6/16 




THE WILDCATTER 


Geo, Owen 


U 


Drama 


S. Colton-J. Rogers 


Ray McCarey 


58 


6/16 




CASE OF STUTTERING BISHOP 


WB 


WB 


Mystery 


D. Woods-Ann Dvorak 


W. Clemens 


70 


6/2 


G/11/37 


A DAY AT THE RACES 


L. W'eingsrten 


MGM 


Comedy 


Marx Bros. 


Sam Wood 


109 


6/23 


THE GREAT GAMBINI 


B. P. Schulberg 


Par 


Melodrama 


A. Tamfroff-J. Trent 


* C. Vidor 


70 


7/14 




MEET THE MISSUS 


Al Lewis 


RKO 


Comedy 


H. Broderick-V. Moore 


Joseph Santley 


65 


7/7 




IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU 


L. Fields 


Rep 


Rom-Dr 


A. Baxter-A. Leeds 


Phil Rosen 


71 


7/7 




SHE HAD TO EAT 


S. G. En^el 


2«tli 


Comedy 


Hudson-Treacher-Halcy 


M, St. Clair 


71 


7/14 




SLIM 


WB 


WB 


Drama 


P. O'Brien-H. Fonda 


R. Enright 


86 


6'30 




BLAZING SIXES 


WB 


WB 


Western 


D. Foran-R. Valkls 


Noel Smith 


58 




6/W/37 


TWO-FISTED SHERIFF 


H. L. Decker 


Col 


Wei^m 


C. Starrett-B. Weeks 


Leon Barsha 






BANK ALARM 


Condor 


GN 


Melodrama 


Conrad Nag;cl 


Louis Gasnier 


64 


6/23. 




MARRIED BEFORE BREAKFAST 


S. Zimbalist , 


MGM 


Com-Dr 


R. YoungrFlorcnce Rice 


E. L. Marin 


• 70 


7/28 




NORTH OF RIO GRANDE 


xXkxkLy OUdllltflil 








XNotC Wall* 




6/30 




MOUNTAIN MUSIC 


B^n Glazer. 


Par 


Comedy 


B. Burns-Martha . Raye 


C. Reisner 


76 




RIDING ON AIR 


David Loew 


RKO 


Comedy 


Joe E. Brown 


E. Sedgwick 


70 


6/30 




RHYTHM IN THE CLOUDS 


A. E, Levey 


Rep 


Musical 


P. Ellis- W. Hull " 


John H. Auer 


64 






YODELIN' KID FROM PIT^E RIDGE 


A. Schaefer 


Rep 


Wicstem 


Gene Autry-B. Bronson 


Joe Kane 




6/2 




BIG BUSINESS 


Max Golden 




Comedy 


J. Prouty-S. Deane 


F- R, Strayer 


61 




WALT DISNEY'S ACADEMY REVUE 


W. Disney 


UA 


Comedy 


Cartoon 


W. Disney 




7/28 




ARMORED CAR 


E. M. Asher 


U 


Melodrama 


R. Wilcox-J. Barrett 


L. Foster 


64 




FLY AWAY BABY 


WB 


WB 


Com-Dr 


G. Farrell-B. MacLano 


F. McDonald 


60 


7/14 




WHITE BONDAGE 


WB 


WB 


Drama 


Jean Muir-G. Oliver 


. Nick Grinde 
— — ■ — 


60 


7/21 


6/25/37 


DEVIL IS DRIVINQ 


Col 


Col 


Melodrama 


' R. Dix-Joan Perry 


H. Lachman 


69 


7/7 


GIRLS CAN PLAY 


Ralph Cohn 


C«l 


. Comedy 


. J. Wells-C. Quigley 


L,.Hillyer 


69 


6/30 




SWEETHEART OF THE NAVY. 


B. F. Zeidman 


GN 


Compdy 


Erie Linden-C Parker 


D. Mansfield 


63 


7/7 




LAST 'TRAIN FROM MADRID 




inLfjrm. 




JT • »«ruifiioiiic\v-o|icDCcr xrxcy 


\T irlATYlll^tf 
V ■ J? ICElllIlg 


lis 


5/lfi 




G. M. Arthur 


Par 


drama 


L. Ayres-D. Lauour . 


J. Hogan 


85 


6/23 




YOU CANT BEAT LOVE 


Robert Sisk 


RKO 


Rom-Com 


P. Foster-J. Fontaine 


C. Cabanne 


60 


6/30 




A LAW MAN IS BORN 


A. W. Hackel 


Rep 


Western 


J. M. Brown-L Meredith 


Sam Newfield 


61 


7/7 




SING AND BE HAPPY 


M. U. Feld 


ZOth 


Musical 


J, Davis-A. Marin 


H. Lehrman 


67 


6/23 




LOVE IN A BUNGALOW 


E. M, Asher 


D 


Rom-Com 


N. Grey-K. Taylor 


Ray McCarey 


67 


7/7 




ANOTHER DAWN 


WB 


WB 


Rom-Dr 


K. Franeis-E. Flynn 


W, Dieterlfe 


73 


6/23 


T 

7/2/37 


A FIGHT TO THE FINISH 


lEt Cohn 


C«I 


Action 


D. Perry-R. Keith 


C. C. Coleman 


58 


7/7 


ONE MAN JUSTICE 


H. L. Decker 


Col 


Western 


C. Starrett-B. Weeks 


Leon Barsha 








ROARING TIMBER 


R. Flothow 


Col 


Outdoor 


Jack Holt-G. Bradley 


Phil Rosen 


67 


7/14 






siAx X inncy 




Vt ^olCl 11 




XI. IN. oraUDUXjr 








THE EMPEROR'S CANDLESTICKS 


J. Considine 


MGM 


Rom-Dr 


Powell-Rainer 


G. Fitzmaurice 


85 


8/30 




THIRTEENTH MAN 


Lon Young 


Mono 


Mystery 


W. Heyburn-L Courtney 


W. Nigh 








MIDNIGHT MADONNA 


E. Cohen 


Par 


Melodrama 


W. WilUam-M. Correll 


J. Flood 


56 


7/21 




FORLORN RIVER 


Par 


Par 


. Western 


. L. Crabbe-June Martel 


C. Barton 


65 






NEW FACES OF 1937 


Edward Small 


RKO 


Musical 


M. Berle-J. Penner-H. Hilliard 


Leigh Jason 


105 


7/7 




SLAVE SHIP 


N. Johnson 


ZOth 


Spectacle 


W. Baxter-W. Beery-E. Allen 


Tay Garnett 


9t 


6/23 




DARK JOURNEY 


V. Saville 


UA 


Drama 


C. Veidt-V. Leifh-J. Gardner 


V. .Saville 






I COVER THE WAR 


Trem Carr 


U 


Drama 


J. Wayne-D. Barclay-G. Gaze 


A. Lubin 


69 


7/7 




SINGING MARINE 


L. -Edelman 


WB 


Musical 


D. Powell-D. Weston 


Ray Enright 


105 


7/7 


7/9/37 


THE TWO OF US 


Gainsborough 


GB 


Rom-Com 


J. Hulbert-Gina Malo 


R. Stevenson 






XnCi OnAJLVl^W. it ' riil nl wt^ 






J.VXjr oLCi jr 




juynn onores 




7 /1A 




BETWEEN TWO WOMEN 


MGM 


MGM 


Drama 


Tenc-V. Bruce-M. O'SuIlivaa 


G. Seitz 


87 






HOOSIER SCHOOLBOY 


K. Goldsmith 


Mon« 


' Drama 


M. R«oney-F. Shields 


W. Nigh 


62 


6/30 




WILD MONEY 


Par 


Par 


Com-Dr 


E. E. Horton-L. Campbell 


Louis King 


70 






ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN 


L. Marcus. 


RKO . 


Comedy 


Whceler-Woolsey-E. Mulr 


Edw. Cline 


66 






BORN RECKLESS 


M. H. Feld 


20th 


Melodrama 


B. Donlevy-R. Hudson 


M. St. Clair 


60 


7/21 




WESTBOUND LIMITED 


McRae-Koenig 


U 


Rom-Dr 


L. Talbot-P. Howies 


F. Beebe 








PUBLIC WEDDING 


WB 


WB 


Com-Dr 


J. Wyman-M. Wilson 


Nick Grinde 








EMPTY HOLSTERS 


WB 


WB 


Western 


D. Foran-P. Walthall 


B. Eason 






7/16/37 


IT CAN'T LAST FOREVER 


H. Lu Decker 


Col 


Rom.-Com. 


R. Bellamy-B. Furness 


Ham. MiacFadden 


68 


7/7 


KING SOLOMON'S MINES 


GB 


GB 


.Spectacle 


A. Lee-R. Young-Robeson 


R. Stevenson 


80 


6/30 




BOOTS OF DESTINY 


Condor 


GN 


" Western 


Ken Maynard 


A. Rosson 


59 




BLAZING BARRIERS 


K. Goldsmith 


Mono 


Drama 


F. Coffhlan-E. Arnold, Jr. 


A. Scotte 








RIDERS OF THE DAWN 


R. N. Bradbury 


Mono 


Western 


Jack Randall 


R. N. Bradbury 








TOPPER 


Hal Roach 


MGM 


Comedy 


C. Bennett-R. Yeiing 


N. MacLeod 


98 


7/14 




EASY LIVING 


A. Hornblow, Jr. 


Par 


Comedy 


J. Arthur-R. Milland 


M. Leisen 


88 


7/7 




SUPER SLEUTH 


Edw. Small 


RKO 


Mystery 


J. Oakie-A. Sothern 


Ben Stoloff 


75 


7/14 




THE RED ROPE 


A. W. Hackel 


Rep 


Western 


Boh Steele-L. January 


S. Roy Luhy 


60 


7/21 




THE CALIFORNIAN 


Sol Lesser 


ZOth 


Western 


B. Arlen-R. Cortcit 


Gus Meips 


59 


7/7 




EVER SINCE EVE 


Cosmo 


WB 


Rom-Com 


M. Davies-R. Montgomery 


L. Bacon 


77 


6/30 




RENDEZVOUS IN ALPS ' 


J. Hagen 


GN 


Rom-Dr 


J. Baxter-A. Bushel 


B. Vorhaus 






SARATOGA 


Hy man-Emerson 


MGM 


Rom-Dr 


Gable-Harlow 


■Tflpk Cnnwav 




7/14 




PARADISE ISLE 


Dorothy Reid 


Mono 


Drama 


Movita-W. Hull 


A. G. Collins 


. . 73 




RUSTLER'S VALLEY 


H. Sherman 


Par 


Western 


William Boyd 


Nate Watt 


58 


7/7 




TH^ BIG SHOT 


Maury Cohen 


RKO 


Comedy 


C. Witherspoon-Kibbee 


Edw. Killy 


66 




THE LADY ESCAPES 


L. L. Landau 


ZOth 


Rom-Com 


M. Whalen-G. Stuart 


Eugene Forde 








KNIGHT WITHOUT ARMOR 


A, Kor<3a 


UA 


Drapia 


Dietrich-Robert Donat 


J. Feyder 








TOWN SCOUT 


WB 


WB 


Comftdy 


D. Woods-J. Madden 


Louis King 




6/16 


7/30/37 


n. ■ 

A DANGEROUS ADVENTURE 


W. MacDonald 


Col 


Action 


D. Terry-R. Keith 


D. R. Lederman 






WHERE THERE'S A WILL 


Gainsborough 


GB 


/Rom-Dr 


Will Uay-LIUi Palmer 


M. Varnell 








SMALL TOWN BOY 


Zion Myer^ 


•• GN 


Comedy 


S. Erwln-J. Compton 


Glenn Tryon 










a. /iimDalist . 




T\/r^r^^ A,* V 

iviysicry 




W Thi#>le 


7A 






LEGION OF MISSING MEN 


I, E. Chadwick 


'Mono 


Drama 


Ralph Forbes 


H. McFadden 








EXCLUSIVE 


Ben Glazer 


Par 


Melodrama 


F. MaeMurray-F. Farmer 


Al Hall 




7/21 




SHE'S NO LADY 


B, P. Schulberg 


Par. 


Melodrama 


Dvorak-John Trent 


C. Vidor 


65 






TOAST OF NEW YORK 


Edw. Small 


RKO 


Rom-Dr 


E. Arnold-F. Farmer-Oakie 


Rowland V. Lee 


93 


7/14 




WEE WILLIE WTNKIE 


Gene Markey 


ZOth 


Drama 


S. Temple-V. McLaglen 


John Ford 


105 


.6/30 




VOGUES OF 1938 


W. Wanger 


UA 


Musical 


W. Baxtcr-J. Bennett 


I. Cummings 








REPORTED MISSING 


E. M. Asher 


U 


Melodrama 


Wm. Gargan-J. Rogers 


M. Carruth 








THE ROAD BACK 


Grainger-Whale 


U 


Drama 


J. King-B. Read-A. Devine 


J. Whale 


105 


6/23 




MARRY THE GIRL 


WB 


WB 


Comedy 


Mary Boland-H. Herbert 


Wm. McGann 






8/6/37 


RANGER STEPS IN 


Col 


Col 


Western 


B. AUen-E. Stewart 


S. G. Bennett 






MYSTERY OF HOODED HORSEMAN 


Ed Finney 


GN 


Western 


Tex Ritter 


Ray Taylor 








THE GOOD EARTH 


I. Thalberg 


MGM 


Drama 


Paul Muni-Luise Raincr 


S. Franklin 


140 


2)0 




THE OUTER GATE 


L E. Chadwick 


Mono 


Drama 


Ralph Forbes 


H. MacFadden 








ARTISTS AND MODELS 


L, E. Gensler 


Par 


Musical 


J. Benny-G. Patrick 


Raoul Walsh 








WINDJAMMER 


G. Hirliman 


RKO 


Action' 


<;>eorge O'Brien-C. Worth 


Ewing Scott 








BOOTIIILL BRIGADE 


A. W. Hackel 


Rep 


Western 


J. M. Brown-C. Rochelle 


Sam Newfield 








YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHllNG 


L. Schwab 


ZOth 


Musical 


Alice Faye-Ritz Bros. Ameche 


N. Taurog 


104 


7/28 




STELLA DALLAS • 


S. Goldwyn 


UA 


Drama 


Stanwyck-Boles 


King Vidor 


70 


7/28 




SAN QUENTIN 


WB 


VB 


Melodrama 


P. O'Brien-H.. Bogart 


L. Bacon 


100 


7/28 


8/13/37 


LOVE TAKES FLIGHT 


Condor 


GN 


Rom-Com 


B. Cabot-Beatrice Roberts 


Conrad Nagel 






THE FIREFLY 


H. Stromberg 


MGM 


Operetta 


MacDonald-A. Jones 


R. Z, Leonard 


140 


7/28 




LUCK OF ROARING CAMP 


J. H. Steele 


Mono 


Outdoor 


O. Davis, Jr.-J. Woodbury 
L. Overman-E. Whitney 


L V. Willat 








BLONDE TROUBLE 


Par 


Par 


Musical 


G. Archainbaud 








HIDEAWAY 


Cliff Reid 


RKO 


Drama 


F. Stonc-M. Lord 


Richard Rosson 


60 


7 21 




ONE MILE FROM HEAVEN 


Sol Wurtzel 


ZOth 


Rom-Dr 


C. Trevor- S. Blane 


Allan Dwan 








HANDY ANDY (Reissue) 


Sol Wurtzel 


ZOth 


Comedy 


W. Rogers-R. Taylor 


D. Butler 








DANCE, CHARLIE, DANCE 


WB 


WB 


Comedy 


S. Erwin-Jean Muir 


F. McDonald 








DEVIL'S SADDLE LEGION 


WB 


WB 


Western 


Dick Foran-Ann Nagel 


B. Connolly 







Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



VARIETY 



II 



BEST SHOW IN TOWN 



NEW YORK TIMES 



11 



I 



i 



x->:->:-:- 



-v;•.v.■^ 



Spectacular opening ushered in roadshow 
engagement of Paramount'a "High, AVide 
and Handsome" at Astor Theatre, New 
York, night of July 21. Jerome Kern and 
Oscar Hammerstein's musical romance- 
drama interested, excited and thrilled first- 
night audience. Precedent in connection with 



picture, which in its treatment set many new 
precedents was that limited number of free 
tickets were issued. Rest of audience had 
to put it on the line, and how they did! 
Critical comment also set precedent for 
praise. Read the highlights from the reviews 
on succeeding pages. 



^^^^^^^^ 




nirri>iinciitri«TrrattTganirinff;TiimM 





Significant Billboard Campaigl was important element in advancMj; 
advertising for opening period. Painted boards lik« this m atrategia 
locations complemented full showing on regular stands. 



Hi|ll,Widl and NlRdSSmi, too. was the spe- 
cially designed front and lobby, which intro- 
duced novel mural effects and modern lighting 
into modern showmanship that characterized 
I'aramourit campaign for important picture. 




"HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME" 

treatment accorded picture by first-iine 
metropolitan film critics: 

FRANK S: NUGENT, New York Times — 

""Moves easily into the ranks of the season's 
' best. Against it 'Showboat* was an effeminate 
piece. The Astor lias the best show in town.'" 

WANDA HALE, Pally News—" An active, 
exciting, colorful and thrilling picture." 

BLAND JOHANESON, Daily Mirror— 

"Produced on a giant scale, splendidly direc- 
ted, plaj'ffd by a great cast, distinguished by a 
stimulating musical score. A unique and slun< 
ning film which will entertain any audience." 

HOWARD BARNES, Herald -Tribune — 

"Prodigal and colorful reconstruction of an 
exciting period. Best described by the adjec- 
tives of its title." 

WILLIAM BOEHNEL, World- Telegram — 

"Magnificent entertainment. A film of un- 
common quality, a superb piece of picture- 
telling which nobody who finds pleasure iti 
the cinema can aflord to miss," 

EILEEN CREELMAN, Sun— "Is a Cinmrrou' 
of the oil industry." 

ROSE PELSWICK, Evening Journal — 

"Kever forgets lo be a slick adventure yarn, 
even though it's been filmed on a large and 
lavish scale. You'll enjoy the picture ini- 
niensely/* 

• • « 

Coast Preview Brought Forth l^lore 
"HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME" comment: 

ERSKINE JOHNSON, Universol Service— i 

^'Entertainment spelled with a Capital E." 

LEO TOWNSEND, Modern Screen— 

"A great production." 

HAL TODD, Boxoffice Digest — 

"Marvelous! Wait, that doesn't do it justice 
. . seinsational!" 

CLARK WALES, Screen and Radio Weekly 

— "Two great pictures rolled into one." 

WHITNEY BOLTON, Literary Digest— Has 

magnificent sweep." 

EDWIN SCHALLERT, Drama Editor, Los 
AngelesTimes— "Truly epochal production" 

MAXINE SMITH, Chicago American — 

"Marvelous entertainment." 

VARIETY — "Interesting and by all portents 
very lucrative experiment in popular screen 
entertainment. Fullest-value in mass appeal." 

HOLLYWpOD REPORTER- A new word will 
htive to be coined even to describe this ope- 
retta treatment of a dramatic episode from 
American history." 




High, Willi aPd HandSSmi was the newspaper campaign on behalf of Paramount's smashing 
oil industry. Refreshingly new treatments in layouts and art characterized refreshitigly new 
blending of entertainment elements in the picture. 



spectacle of tli« 
treatments and 




by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II; Creators of Immortar Music 

Irene Dunne in HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME with Randolph Scott 

DOROTHY LAMOUR • AKIM TAMIROFF • RAYMOND WALBURN • Ben Blue • Charles 
Bickford • Elizabeth Patterson • William Frawley ' A Rouben Mamoulian Production 



A Paramount Picfurf Dircctorl by Roulici Mamoulicin 



Music by Jerome Kern 



Original Sfory, Screen Play and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II 



26 



VARIETY 



Wednesaayv July 28, i*).!? 



- ' 



5" S 



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»•» '» •••^*» 



' Jul, 19. lasT- 

the Los Angeles 
AMBASSADOR 

'^ CALIFORNIA 

BeerHarty:_ „f their new season' s prosr™. 

X ju.t nve parent-* Pic*-- ^^^^'^ 

wances mariner. Charlie Buggies iii 
■B.ngO,oah.„ip-B^^^ 

Irene IWWie ^*^^'^SK**H«^°^ 

Dietrl*. ere ev ^ splendid ^«3ral«, ou^the 

I greetly impressed ^l^^^^^^^f Molpl; Z^;/^"*^'^ e^eci 

Lr^<^* 1»* "^""Z^lS^^ ^'^^'tte you to Vl'* y""^ 

and If the «^*'*:^'tht mason's program. I urge yo 
for the helance of *^|^f „^er of husiness. 
Pera>»-unt deal the fl , ^.^^ you ^ery ".uch. 

oniendid time and miss you 

We are hairing a 8ples«^^* ^ 



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NT YfARI 



Cpammomb 




Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



FILM REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



27 



SAN QUENTIN 

(Continued from page IC) 
tion Bacon has attempted to pic- 
ture prison routine as it exists. This 
is more interesting on the whole 
than the plot situations. Various 
' scenes were made in and around the 
San Quentin pen- Those which are 
of the prison and not staged were 
shot at a distance so that no prison- 
ers within focus could be recognized. 
This is a protective measure and 
bears out a footnote at the begin- 
ning Mvhich warns that no one can 
be Tdehtified. 

The only time when the camera 
isn't in the prison or with Warner- 
hived players doing the convicts 
' (large mobs having been used for 
some sequences is when the story 
is with the girl, a cafe singer whose 
brother is iii stir. Majority of the 
action is assigned to convicts and 
prison officials, guards, etc.. but the 
love interest is mostly developed 
away from this atmosphere, though 
it's between' the girl and the new 
prison captain of the yard. 

Romantic leads are Pat O'Brien 
. and Ann Sheridan, while the girl's 
brother is Humphrey Bogart, a 
tough convict, and a guard of the 
old school, is played by Barton Mac- 
lane. All turn in good jobs but 
their names do nqt combine for spe- 
cial bo;>c office lyire. Miss Sheridan, 
in the first reel, capably sings 'How 
Could You,' from a cabaret floor, 
this being the setting where she 
meets , O^rien who, unknown to 
her, is to. step from the ?irmy to 
a high post at San Quentin. 

A portion of the plot revolves 
around the fact that O'Brien is try- 
ing to soften the girl's brother 
through disciplining him, with both 
the girl and the convict brother mis- 
taking his motives each way. This 
justifies the escape that climaxes the 
action. It is an esc&pe and chase 
that has been exceedingly well done 
by all hands concerned and ranks 
with the most exciting; of its kind 
ever filmed. 

In some ways the story is a bit 
unconvincing but the liberties taken, 
are not extremely serious. Finish 
is what might be eixpected, with the 
. escaped convict brother of the heart 
interest staggering back to the prison 
to die. While the story could have 
been improved upon, its dialog, how- 
ever, is quite good. 

Photographic job of Sid Hickox 
and his crew is highly commendable, 
the chase scenes especially standing 
out. Char, 

You Gan't Have 
Everything 

(MUSICAL) 

Glendale, Cal., July 27. 
2(Uh Centucy-Fox release oi' I.ai;>-t>nre 
Scliwul) ilrocluctlon, Directed by ^'iiriti:iii 
TauioK. Story by Gregory KalofT. Screen- 
play by Harry TiiBend, .Tack Yelli>n t^nd 
Karl Tunberp. Songs. Mack Gordon .ind 
Harry Kevel; dances, Harry I^oJiee: comern. 

. Tjuclen Andrlot; fllni edlt-or, Han.'«eu i'rltcti; 
niusjpul airector, David Buttolph. Pre- 
viewed nt Alexander, Glendale, July SA, 
'37, Running time, 100 mins. 

Judith Poe Wella.... \IU>e Favii 

Rit!! P.ros Themselves 

George Macrae. Don Amcchi? 

• B«m Crirdon , CMiarlpw WInninjjpr 

Lulu Riley J.oulse Hovli k 

TRul'Inolt ,. Himself 

g>'\"lns Arlhur Treacher 

Bi)l)l»y AYttlker Tony Murllii 

Evelyn Moore PhylllM Hrooks 

"ri-y \Vi\lly ^■(M•non 

Sliec'lally Tip, Ta|i and Toe 

Orchester Leader . . Louis Prima 

-Ri>inano. Georjfe lliiinbcrl 

Mr. Whilenian,..^ Jed Pi-.uiiy 

o\un(\^ >....' Dorothy L'hrl.sly 

Those Ritz Bros, are in again. This 
•time they are let loose in a wild and 
hilarious filmusical, one of the best 
of the series of this type which 20th 
Century-Fox has turned out. There 
are others in it too, good names for 
the electric displays — Alice Faye, 
Don Ameche, Charles Winninger, Ar- 
thur Treacher, Tony Martin, Rubin- 
off and Louise Hovick (Gypsy Rose 
Lee, all dressed up), but it's the Ritz 
freres who deserve to lead the bill- 
ing. Previous starts of this trio were 
mere workouts. There's no holding 
them in 'You Can't Have Everything.' 

■psrryl Zanuck and his organisation, 
which in this instance includes Laur- 
ence Schwab, who knows something 
about musical shows, as associate 
producer; Norman Taurog, director; 
Harry Tugend, Jack Yellen and Karl 
Tunberg, writers; and Mack. Gordon 
and Harry Revel, on tunes and lyrics, 
nave produced another box office 
socko, which will ride along to the 
top figures of its predecessors, Zan- 
TJCk has developed a formula for this 
Kind of entertainment. . The combi- 
nation works agairt in 'You Can't 
Have Everything,' which is an expert 
piecing together of story, melody, 
blackouts, night club specialties and 
production numbers. The fact that' 
It looks as if it were easy to make 
. is the best evidence that it is well 
done. Not as elaborate in costumes 
and production as some of the others. 
It leads thenx all in mirth. 

Another backstage story and all 
the principals are familiar types of 
. the theatre. This time the heroine 
(Alice Faye) is not the prima donna, 
out a young dramatist of serious 
P'ays, who sells a script because oE 
^er good looks. Don Ameche Is the 
successful Broadway librettist who 
persuades Charles Winninger to 
make the investment. When her 
serious play is made the basis for a 
?atirlc musical. Miss Faye returns to 
lown to protest, and discovers her- 
self the author of a hit. 

That's all; ineaning that's all that 
» necessary to string together a 



series of comical situations, in which 
the Ritz Bros., who are engaged as 
comedians in the production, keep 
the audience laughing continuously. 
They sing and dance in their under- 
wear; they . disguise themselves as 
scrub women and do a routine in^he 
Y.W.C.A.; theiy do a good floor num- 
ber with Louis Prima, and his band, 
and they give Miss Hovick excellent 
support in some amusing blackouts. 

Eyes of the millions will be turned 
on th^ former Miss Lee to see what 
she's got that's made her famous and 
so widely publicized. She has been 
smartly handled by showmen who 
know their business. Given a broad 
heavy, role which demands not too 
many histrionic subtitles, she scores 
neatly by not taking too seriously 
the things she is called upon to do. 
What has made her famous is hid- 
den from view in some becoming 
black costumes. She will be the 
cause of extra attendance and box 
office coin, but such talent as she 
displays in this piece is insufficient 
to keep her long before the film pub- 
lic. 

Miss Faye has one of her best 
parts, and she acts her sentimental 
scenes with a good deal of sincerity 
and feeling. Her several song num- 
bers are well done, 

Charles Winninger is well cast as. 
the theatrical producer. Don Ameche 
has looks, but not much of a voice. 
Tony Martin sings excellently, and 
is on his way to more important roles. 
Rubinoff hasn't much to do, but he 
scores in a violin number, and car- 
ries off a minor acting part ade- 
quately. Arthur Treacher is lost in 
the shuffle after the first two reels. 
There is an excellent bit by Phyllis 
Brooks, as a temperamental song- 
ster, and Tip, Tap and Toe, colored 
dancers, score with their specialty. 

Five numbers are contributed by 
Gordon and Revel, of which 'You 
Can't Have Everything' will get 
plenty of airing. Others are 'Danger, 
Love at Work,' 'Please Pardon Us. 
We're in Love,' 'The. Loveliness of 
You' and 'Afraid to Dream.' David 
Buttolph's musical direction is lively. 

It's the general teamwork which 
Norman Taurog has inspired that dis- 
tinguishes 'You Can't Have Every- 
thing.' Made to suit a wide range of 
taste, it's a money picture of heavy 
caliber Flin. 



Back in Circulation 

. Hollywood, July 27. 

W-firner Bro.s, releivse oC Sfim Bisc-hoff 
)>riivlii('liun. I'Viiluri's ,To;in Blondell, Put 
O'Brien, Murg«rel J.indsay. Directed by 
R.«y Knrisjht. Origlnsil by Adcla Rogers 
Si. .lohn ; acreenpluy. Warren Duff; camera, 
Arlhur Todd. AshI, directori Jesse Hibbst; 
illnlot; director. . Jo (irnhnni; film clllor. 
(■"Itirence Kolster. Previewed at WB Hol- 
lywood theatre, Hollywood, July 20. Run- 
nhiff lime. 100 inlna. . . 

Bill Morgan Put O'Brien 

Timtny Blake .loan Blondell 

Arllnp Wade. Margaret. Lindsay 

Dr. Kugene Forde John Lllel 

Sam Sherman Ben Welden 

Murphy ...-.Eddie Acuff 

'Snoop* DuvKs... Craig Reynolds 

I. R. Daniels , George K. Stone 

Dorlnda. Bernlce Pilot 

Dr. Kvana Granville Bates 

Buck Regis Toomey 

Oirlton Whitney.... Walter Byron 

.SherilT Si)encer Charters 



Heretofore It always has been the 
actors who stand shaking with ague 
at their entrance, then give a srhash- 
bang performance and fall In a faint 
at the final curtain true to the tra- 
dition that the show must go on. 
Now it's the breathless newspaper 
reporter, who defies rain, sleet arid 
snow like the mailman, and whose 
battle cry is news is news and the 
story must be in before the deadline. 
The newspaper boys, the goofy 
photographers and the hysterical 
city editor are on the murder trail 
in 'Back in Circulation,' relentlessly 
pursuing the accused, telling 
coroners, district attorneys and de- 
fense cpunsel how to conduct their 
business. 

This new film about press sen- 
sationalism has some fresh twists 
and turns, chief of which is that the 
star reporter is a girl and the girl is 
Joan Blondell. Pat O'Brien, who was 
the reporter in 'Front Page,' has been 
promoted. He's the city editor now. 
These two, and Margaret Lindsay, 
pathetic victim of tabloid journalism, 
head a good Warner cast In the film 
version of Adela Rogers St. John's 
Cosmopolitan mag story about a 
newspaper woman who first causes 
the arrest and conviction of a one- 
time showgirl, recently widowed 
through the untimely death of her 
husband by poison. The surprise 
turn Is the girl reporter's discovery 
that she has made a great mistake, 
that the widow is innocent, where- 
upon the unconscionable newshound 
reverses herself, digs up hew facts 
and frees the accused. 

It's a fast-stepping melodrama, and 
the three principals give splendid 
performances. Much of the familiar 
comedy which prevails in picture re- 
productions of city rooms in metro- 
politan dailies has been omitted. 

Miss Blondell gives a believable 
characterizatioii of a hard-boiled re- 
porter who turns against her city 
editor and the newspaper racket 
when she Is convinced that she and 
they have railroaded an innocent 
person. Pat O'Brien has played in 
so many studio newspaper offices 
that he can write headlines on ver- 
dicts while the jury is still out. All 
Miss Lindsay has to do is to look 
abused, but several times she lets 
loose on the press and what she tells 
them isn't half what they deserve. 

Flin. 



The Sheik Steps Oiijb 

(WITH SONGS) 

Beverly Hills, July 27. 
R.^Iiubllc i'ictures release ot Herman 
Schlom production, Star.s Ramon Novarvo. 
Dlr«»-ted by J living^ . Story ,«nd 

ficrernplny hy/Adel* Butllngton, .tlMkUig liy 
Gordon KahH. (.'"amera, .Jack Mar!t;t." I'Ulin 
editors, Mvi'riiy Seldeen and Kme-st' Nlms; 
niualcHi director, Alberto Columbo: .stng-s 
by Felix Bernard, Winston Thiirp, AlliM-to 
(.■"olunibo, Kisle ,lanli). I'levlcwed nt War- 
ner's Beverly Hills theatre, July 'H, '37, 
Running tlnii>, (t^i mlns. 

Ahmed Ben Nesib .'.Ramon Novnrro 

Flip Murdock , Lola Lnne 

San» Murdock... Gnne l.ocUhart 

Gloria Parkei- .ICathleen IJurke 

Abu SajfJ \ Stanley Fields 

Mun.iQn.. • •..Blllv l>vnn 

Polly Pn rker.-; Charlotte Treadwny 

Ijord Byln.gton Robert Coote 

Allu.sl All Leonid Klnakey 

Mario. .Georges Rena!!?nt 

Kisul)..... Jnmlel Hasson 

Minister..... f. Montague Shrw 

I.t. Uoi'deuux, George Sore! 

Only interest for the trade in this 
one is the reappearance of Ramon 
Novarro, one time popular star in 
silent pictures. Story, dialog and 
acting by the supporting players are 
second rate, although the production 
otherwise is quite good. As the film 
makes no pretensions to any higher 
spot than the lower half of double 
bills, , it will get by in the neighbor- 
hood houses and in the spots where 
action pictures have a following. 

Novarro in appearance has changed 
but slightly since his star- 
ring days when he was a conspic- 
uous favorite arid the choice for the 
name role in 'Ben Hur,' one of the 
biggest grossers in film histoi-y. He 
sings several songs in a pleasant 
baritone voice, and he acts with ease 
a romantic desert chieftain, turned 
tourist guide. Just to prove he re- 
tains his one-time manly physique, 
he is photographed while taking a 
bath, which^ really proves nothing at 
all, except he is thicker through the 
chest than Robert Taylor, who re- 
cently had a public dunking in 
'Personal Property.' Novarro speaks 
English distinctly, and there is no 
reason why he should not regain 
some standing in films, if given a 
part in a major production where he 
would be assisted by competent 
actors. 

Plot is hackneyed story about a 
rich American girl, who wagers her 
fiance, an Engli,=li nobleman, that she 
'Will find a horse swifter than any in 
his stables. Off to Arabia go the .girl 
and her uncouth American father, 
who rnade his millions selling cork- 
screws, and her comedy aunt and 
snippy cousin. Novarro is the Arab 
sheik who breeds .the fastest, horses 
In the world, but the ill-mannered 
American's mistake hirn • for a bag- 
gage porter and native guide. The 
rest is easy. Novarro leads the 
group into a prearranged ambush of 
his own henchmen, stages a fake 
kidnapping, gives the girl a lesson in 
etiquette, loses her in the desert 
moonlight, and then takes her from 
the altar as his own bride at the 
moment when she is being married 
to the Englishman. The idea being, 
of course, that the joke is on the 
Britisher, whereas he is the lucky 
fellow. 

Irving Pichel, who directed, hs- 
done much better, but probably did 
as well as he could with the players 
assicned to his story. 

With Novarro prominently adver- 
tised film will attract some business, 
but the customers will omit rave.s on 
the way out. , Flin. • 



Married Before Breakfast 

.Metro rc>lens.e nf Sam Zlmlmllsl prodiic- 
llon. J'>a tores Robert Young, li'lorence 
Rice. iJirected by Kihvin Marlii. WcreiTi 
I)lay, George Oppenlielmer, Kvcrett Free- 
man: ^original. Harry Ruskln; cainerrt, 
Lednard Smllli; film editor, Wllliiuri S. 
Gray: asst. director, Walti'r C .Sln>lif7i 
At .Stale, N. Y., week July ':J7. Uoii- 
ning lime, 70 mlns. 

Tom Wakefleld llobeH Yoling 

Kitty Brent Florence Uicc 

.lone Biiyiln jone flavworlli 

'"'"'PP'I llHrncll Tnrltor 

Harry Warren Hyiner 

Miss Meetf>r Helen li'llirl 

Mrs. B;iglipp Ivenf, I.Tii rdilln 

T<ennelh Hugh Mailowe 

Mr. Baglipp Tom ICcnncdv 

Police Sergeant Edgar iVarlng 



Whoever started the current cycle 
of screwy, happy-go-lucky, anything 
goes comedies probably didn't re- 
alize that it would eventually lead 
to pictures like 'Married Before 
Breakfast.' This one is the kind of 
picture which prompts the 'let's call 
the whole thing off' refrain. It ha.s 
practically nothing in its favor. 

Starting with the .screwy thesis 
that Robert Young inventti a new 
kind of shaving cream which calls 
for no razor, and gets paid a qiiarter 
of a million bucks by a razor blade 
factory to forget about it. it goes 
nuttier and nuttier as it goes along. 
There are occasional laugh sequen- 
ces, but the entire thing is so far 
afield, from the .standpoint of sanity 
or logic that it's hopeless. Obvi- 
ously, logic is not a must component 
In comedy, but then it has to be 
played fast and furious in a farcical 
vein. This one isn't; it's played re- 
alistically and as though it made 
sense. 

Young, so the Story goe.s. is en- 
gaged to marry a society belle and 
he's going to use his coin to take 
her on a trip around the world. The 
clerk in the steamship office is in 
love with an insurance salesman and 
can't get married because, before he 
can get a raise he . must .sell insur- 
ance to a milkman who doesn't want 



insurance. So Young decides to help 
sell the policy. That leads into a 
nightful of escapades, including 
stolen cars, crashes?, .cops, and what 
have you. His. girl ditches him, the 
insurance sailesrnan is ditched by his 
girl — ahd.Youhg'^.rrtakes the trip with, 
the other gal. ' ' 

Young plays his usual role in, hi.*? 
usual manner; if you like him, he's 
good. Miss Rice, attractively plw- 
tographed, shows a lot of promise 
for future film work. June Clay- 
worth as the other girl is stymiecl^ 
hopelessly behind bad lines. Ther^' 
are some excellent bitsjurned in by 
Barnett Parker, Warren Hymer- and* 
Irene Franklin. „ ' Kou/. . 



Hollywood Cowboy 

RKO release oC Georgo A. HIrllman pro- 
ducliiin. Stars George O'Brien; features 
Ceclllii Parker. Dlrect«d by iilwing Scott. 
Oi'lglnal screen play by Dan Jarrutt and 
Scott: cnmern, Frank A, Good, At RIallo, 
N. y., week July 23, '37. Running time, 
(iO mlns. 

Jcffery Carson., George O'Brien 

Joyce Butler ■ Cecilia I'arker 

Violet Butler ..Maude Kbiirtio 

(}. Gudsby Hohne.-^ .Joe ('ult» 

Wes, brook Courtney Frank Milan 

Doc Kranu'j-.... Cliai'lea Middlelon 

nenson '.f.ea Shumwny 

Rolfe Metzger. Walter De Pulma 

CnmUy , .Al Hill 

Kllnker. .Wllilana Roylo 

fiteger .,..,,.,...> .Al Herman 

({lllle. , '.Frank Hftgnoy 

Morey. ,, ;..t>an Wolhelm 

Slim.... ..Slim Bolch 

.Morgan ; .Sid Jordan 

•Toe Garveyi -...Lester Dorr 

Hotel Clerk.., Harold Dniilda 



MAN IN BLUE 

ViilverHnl roleftse of Kub?" filMnmon pr;>- 
lUicilon. I'^aturea Robert Wilcox, I'Mw.irfl 
Kills, Nan Orey, Italpli MorKim (itkH 
Jlllly Hurlud. IJirected by Milton Car- 
rutli. Screen play., by liiwter Coin froiri 
o.rli;l.niil , story -liy .Ifiiibtjic Glasnlon:- cauu»r;i, 
tlo'oi'jte ■Roblhson". Itevlewed In vrojcctlou,, 
room, X. sr,, July tt), '37. Runnlni; tliu>j;" , 
(ll min.s, 

l>'i';inl<le Dunne..';.. ....Robert Wllcojc 

.Vlartin Dunne, ..Udward Mlllif 

,|one >lun(ion. .,Ni,in Grey 

Willie )<oOnr)ia ttlchard .Carle. 

The Pi'ofoHsdr IValph Mort;un 

MiH. Dunne Vlnia Kru«er 

Fr:inklc. (aa ' boy)^. iUlly Uurrud, 

.Vkx'Ic. . . . ; , ,.VsRie iIlerrltiB: 

I'lirUc, Lewis Frederick Murloii- 

I'jit t'nuey,.- Herbert* CorlheU' 

.District' Attorney .'.SeliYiar ^lack.son 

"Dutch" .. , , ' Mllburn Sl.ona 



'Hollywood Cowboy' makes for a 
highly, pleasant hour. It has just 
enough excitement to take it over 
the action hurdles, lots of sn^ooth- 
running and up-to-the-minute com- 
edy passages and an ingratiating 
George O'Brien. 

Narrative moves along a little too 
leisurely for a western, but the pro- 
duction is studded with so many 
comedy and romantic interludes that 
the pace proves of srtall importance. 
Nothing is done to hypo the plot into 
a run-of-the-mill brand of slam-bang 
melodrama with the result that the 
situations work themselves out natu- 
rally and convincingly. 

Film's complications revolve 
around a . bunch of city racketeers 
who have moved their operations 
into the cow country and the inter- 
locked adventures of a screen cow- 
boy who,' accompanied by a writer 
pal, is taking a holiday in this same 
country. Latter pair get into the 
thick of the racketeers' depredations 
on the ranching folk and when the 
pressure becomes hottest for the 
ranchers, the camera cowboy, all this 
time moving under an assumed 
name, discloses that he is no mean 
hand at outwitting the villains and 
slapping them for a row of cliffs. 

O'Brien packs heaps of smiles and 
insouciance . into the role of the 
screen cowboy. Cecilia Parker is the 
ranch heiress who winds up in his 
arms for the fadeout scene, while Joe 
Caits, as the dyspeptic writer pal, 
pulls plenty of laughs. Odec. 



PHANTOM PATROL 

AmUasuador release of Maurice Conn pro- 
duction. Fealureu Kerinit Maynunl.. wllh 
Joan Barclay, Hari'y Worth, Paul Fix, 
George Cleveland. Bddle Phillips. Directed 
by OhurlBH Hutchison. UueKflsted- by .Tanien 
Oliver Cu.rvvood'.-i atory, 'The Fatal Note.' 
tvnnera, Arthur Reed, At Chaloner, N. y., 
July 22-23, '37, double 1)111. Running time, 
ri8 mlns. 



James Oliver Curwood doubtlessly 
would rub his eyes in bewilderment 
if he ever chanced to see this quickie 
version of how a mountie grabs his 
man. No question but that the story 
was there originally. Glimpses of 
it manage to percolate through de- 
spite helter-skelter direction, lame 
adaptation and stodgy acting. Film 
may crowd into double bills, espe- 
cially for the kid populace or special 
kid nights as at this house. 

'Phantom Patrol' has Kermit May- 
nard as the daring mountie. He's 
not Ken Maynard, and they won't 
know until they're inside. Kermit 
makes an acceptable actor, and rides 
in typical outdoor style, "The young- 
sters can spot him. easily after he's 
pictured routing a band of seven 
armed husky mountain outlaws sin- 
gle-handed. After that, the audi- 
ence is prepared for anything. 

The threadbare theme of the 
mountie seeking outlavt's is slightly 
complicated here by ringing in Dap- 
per Gearing from 'the st?ites.' .This 
adds a lot of early film when the 
American crook corners a detective 
story writer in his Canadian cabin, 
ties him up and starts out imperson- 
ating him. This wrinkle to the plot 
might have been made something 
with better writing and direction but 
here it's absurd. 

Eventually, the smart mounted po- 
lice hero solves the thin mystery that 
had been Obvious to everybody laut 
him from the outset. There are sev- 
eral galloping rescue episodes and 
then the customary gun battle be- 
tween the police and the outlaws. 

Vehicle is virtually devoid of pro- 
duction. It probably was shot in 
record time. Everything smacks of 
this. Dialog is as dull as the acting. 

Maynard is robust and outspoken 
as the mountie. Joan Barclay pJays 
the dainty, doll-like heroine, photo- 
graphing especially well, Harry 
Worth and Paul Fix do standard 
work and are best In the support- 
Arthur Reed's cameralng grabs a 
few nic6 outdoor shofs' but falls 
down on his interiors. Wear. 



Although this melodrama, an in-> 
direct plug for the police force; con- 
tains no names that will help it far- 
ther than being a ptogramer, the 
picture is notewortjfiy in that it 
shows both Robert Wilcox and Nan 
Grey have arrived as screen possi- 
bilities. Both indicate they are ready 
for better things. 'The Man in Blue' 
will derive mam substance on double 
combos but in such locations it will ' 
more than hold up. its end. 

Kubec Glasmon* produced and 
authored, and while obviously 
cramped by the Haysian code, adroit 
direction and noteworthy trouping 
got Glasmon over possible voids in 
continuity. 

Plot, centers activity about three 
chars^cters, a veterani policeman, the 
orphan son of a petty thief, and the 
girl. Cop adopts the boy because he 
feels responsible for his father'i) 
death, caused when the man lost 
shooting it out with a copper. Lit- 
tle stress is placed on the romance 
between thfe youth, when he grows 
old enough to work as a bank teller, 
excepting to forward interest in the 
story. Instead, both the writers and 
director have centered attention on 
the struggle of the youth to continue 
as an honest man even after his un- 
cle has attempted to warp h\s mind 
and turn him against his benefactors. 

Developments make it easy for 
Kubec Glasmon to ring in the crimi- 
nal types, both in and butside the 
prison. He's planted a wallop near 
the end which, for dexterity, is 
worthy of a far stronger vehicle — 
when the retired cop kills an 
escaping paroled man in a climactic 
gun fight, 

Robert Wilcox, as the orphan lad 
grown to manhood, screens well, has 
the looks and is a newcomer who 
shows much promise^ He's been 
brought along nicely at this studiq, 
and with proper build-iip, Wilcox 
should go places. Nan Grey, who 
first attracted notice in 'Three Smart 
Girls,' also seems about due for more 
import»rit work. Here she is the 
clerk al' the bank who falls for the 
orphan lad and sticks with him 
through his trials. Miss Gr«y has 
an easy acting grace that should cai>- 
ry her along. 

Edward Ellis provides a sincere 
portrayal as the old-time policeman 
who befriends the boy. Richard 
Carle, cast here as an oily villain of 
dumb demeanor, Is okay, Ralph 
Mor^fm, as a smooth prison inmate„ 
is excellent in what amounts to an 
important bit role. Billy Burrud, 
the orphan while a boy, again chip» 
in with a top performance. Aggie 
Herring and Alma Kruger head the 
support. 

Lester Cole has fashioned an In- 
teresting screen play from Glasmon's 
vivid original. George Robinson's 
photography is.A-1, and Mil(ton Car- 
ruth's direction measures up. 

Wear. 



PARADISE ISLE 

Monofji'iim roleose of Mrs. Dorothy Rcl'l 
prodocllon. HtarH Movlla.. Features W'ir- 
ren Hull. Dlrocled by Arlhur Grevilln 
Cdllln.x. Adapted by Marion Orili, froirt 
oi'lfTlnal Hlnry by Allan VaiiRhiiri MIlHton; 
cdiiii'r-ii, Gilbert Wnrrohlon, Reviewed in 
Projecilon Room, N. Y„ July Zl, ':i7. Illin- 
riloK time, 73 mlnn, 

' Movllii 

Isi'Moeily Warren Hull 

Tono t CWiurKe Plllt'<i 

Hoener Wllilaiii DixvMmtn 

Co.xnn rohn St, Polln 

Klelnnipyer ....i Pierro VVntklu 

.lolmHOn Kenneth llnrlan 

Ruxter UUHHCll Shnpuun 

Beautifully photographed romance 
of the South Seas, with Movita the 
good looking chief interest. General 
similarity to several other Pacific 
island films and travelogs won't help. 
But word of mouth should favor thi» 
as one of the most satisfactory ver- 
sions of the formula. Pic. will hardly 
sma.sh any. b.o. records, but con- 
sidering its modest production cost 
it .should realize a healthy profit. 

Story of 'Paradise Isle' has sev- 
eral distinctive features that lift it 
out of the routine category. White 
man who loves the native girl in 
this case is a blind painter seekin.? 
the only doctor who can restore his 
sight. That story twist and the un- 
expected ending, in which the hero, 
once more able to see, refuses to 
follow advice and remains on the 
island with the natives, make this 
film unlike the predecessors. 

Realists among the spectators may 
speculate about the ultimate fate of 
the hero and his native wife in that 
tropical island of apparent eternal 
happiness. But the pic makes no 
pretense of being a serious study 
of the East-meets- West problem. It 
is frankly a romantic escapist yarn 
and, as such, admirably winds up 
the .story precisely as the audience 
will wi.sh. So it not only offers a 
(Continued on page 31) 



_28 ^ VARIETY WedneflJay, July 28, 8 937 

A MOTION PICTURE CAN NEVER BE 




GALLED GREAT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN 



TESTED AT THE BOX-OTFICE. 




THE RECORD-BREAKING BUSINESS 
ON THE BUTTERFIELD AND OTHER 
CIRCUITS. AT ADVANCED PRICES, 
PROVES FRANK CAPRA'S MIGHTIEST 
PRODUCTION, RONALD COLMAN IN 
"LOST HORIZON", THE TALK OF 




MAJOR CIRCUITS AND MAJOR INDE- 
PENDENTS ARE RUSHING TO DATE IT 
FOR GENERAL RELEASE, SEPT. 1st. 



500 PRINTS RESERVED FOR CROSS-COUNTRY RREAK 



To be advertised with full-page ads in Life, \ 

Saturday Evening Post, Liberty, Cosmopolitan, ( 

Stage, Pictorial Review and Delineator, Cinema ( 

leyajH j-iJ ^ ^^^^ ^/^^ nations leadmg newspapers. ) 




Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



29 



Pix Undelivered 



(Continued from page 5) 



theatres are signing up for 20tb-Fox 
pictures, thie fur flies just as much as 
when some small indie with one. 
house is doing his buying. 

Most theatre chains of distrib^ are 
also interested with partners in 
many cases and most of these part- 
ner-owners are not the type to agree 
on any kind of a deal the home 
offices might dose their eyes to, in 
behalf of the distributing department 
that'4 in the same family. Thus, a 
major company's own theatres may 
fight it when it comes to terms 
those theatres will have to pay. Or 
squawk just as loud when deliveries 
aren't' made. 

Why They Piek en Par 

The pictures Par will not deliver 
under this season's ('36-37) promises 
are not restricted to the six the boy- 
cotting exhiba are complaining 
about. The six are singled out be- 
cause they include pictures an exhib 
probably wouldn't want to cancel out 
under his iO% privilege such as 
'High, Wide and Handsome' and 
'Souls at Sea* that are being car- 
ried over to 1937-38 release because 
of roadshowing this summer. 

Par promised a maximum of ^ 
features (no minimum), plus six 
Hopalong Cassidys. "The 'company 
will deliver 54 of the 65 top fea- 
tures, plus all of the westerns prom- 
ised. This would leave a deficit of 
11 pictures • unless a reissue of 
'Scrooge' (not o-jfginally promised at 
convention time last summer) is 
counted in. 

Metro promised a maximunn of 52 
features and a minimum of 44, in-> 
cludin.? a maximum of one foreign 
and 'Great Ziegfeld,' latter having 
been roadshown the prior season. 
It is not certain what the company 
will eventually deliver, but through 
the first week of August it Will have 
released 40 features, plus' the one 
foreign promised and 'Ziegfeld,' as 
well as- four reissues and nine pic- 
tures which were carried over from 
the prior year. On the basis of what 
was promised, this company may 
fall short 10 or 12 pictures undeir the 
maxinMmi of 52 set, reissues and car- 
ryovers not being: counted. 
RKO and VA 

RKO and United Artists may also 
fall further behind on deliveries 
than some companies, according to 
present indications.' KKO scheduled 
a total of 54 features, including six 
westerns. Through to Aug. 1, it 
will have delivered only 39 features, 
thus being 15 t>ehind as of that date. 
Ui*L sells on a basis of what its pro- 
ducers plan making. Which this year 
was seven from Sam Goldwyn; one 
Pickford-Lasky; six David Selznick; 
^ix Alexander Korda; seven Walter 
Wanger; one from Reliance; one 
Elisabeth Bergncr foreign-made, and 
two from Criterion Films. Delivery 
on the season includes promises 
niade on Pickford-Lasky, Reliance, 
Bergner and Criterion, but failure 
on others of the 31 announced may 
show' a final deficit of around 10 
features. 

Goldwyn, Selznick and Wanger 
are behind on announced produc- 
tions to this probable total among 
them, while with Korda a different 
situation exists. Though six were 
promised from Korda, he has deliv- 
ered seven. However, of these four 
are films that were announced while 
three sent on release are Korda pro- 
ductions that weren't announced last 
summer. Other pictures which UA 
handled but did not announce on 
their program of 31 were a Max 
Schach production, 'Love From a 
Stranger,' Disney's Academy Award 
Review and two reissues. 

GN's 50% Failure 

Another distrib that's away behind 
is Grand National, the 1936-37 sea- 
son now coming to an end being its 
first year in business. GN announced 
a total of 52 pictures but may fail 
to deliver between 25 and 30 of this 
number. Lineup included 44 regular 
■ features and eight westerns. All of 



CONDUCTOR 

VIOLINIST 

Snd leai" — Shea's 
IlufTalu 




Anio'M ovcrliirr is delectable 
uml Its rohcliiHlon ImuresBive. 
A(|<ll(>l><■t<^ Inl^rruptlnRT Incessant- 
ly far fiicoroM." — JtulTuIo News. 



the westerns will be released «s 
promised. 

Figures would show that 20th-Fox, 
Warner Bros., Universal and, strange- 
ly enough. Republic are keeping 
best faith with exhibitors, per orig- 
inal schedules. 

Twentieth-Fox scheduled a maxi- 
mum of 56 and a minimum of 45 
features (including four foreign- 
mades), in addition to six westerns; 
four Will Rogers' reissues and 'As 
You Like It' This would create a 
maximum total of 67 piefures. 
Through to the middle of August, 
20th will have delivered 69 of these, 
which would have it failing on just 
two. This deficit appears to be two 
of the four foreign-mades originally 
promised, only two having been de- 
livered. However, since 20tb set a 
minimum of 56 pictures, in deliver- 
ing 65 on the season the company 
actually goes -over its minimum 
promises. 

Warner-First National announced 
a total of 60 features this year ^36- 
'37) and has advised accounts it will 
deliver the total. However, releases 
through to Aug. 1 would indicate 
eight features are yet to come. This 
season WB had three carry-overs 
from the prior season, plus one re- 
issue, 'One Way Passage.'. The 
worst that Warners can do is come 
within striking distance of fulfilling 
its promises on such a high total as 
60. Of the eight to be delivered 
from Aug. 1 on, if to be delivered, 
two are westerns. 

Republic's OK Sked 

Republic's record is enviable, in- 
dications being that while this pro- 
ducer-distributor of lesser impor- 
tance scheduled a. program of 52, it 
will fall short on only three pic- 
tures. These will be three of the 
four color productions announced. 
However, while Repub promised 
only 16 westerns, it is delivering 32 
instead, having added two series of 
eight each not originally announced. 

U promised 36 features and six 
Buck Jones westerns. The horse 
operas are already delivered, while 
of the 36 regular features, company 
looks to wind up getting 33 of these 
out, or a deficit of just three films on 
the year. 

GB set a maximum of 24 and a 
minimum of 18 for the season that's 
near to closing. It Will probably de- 
liver 19 features, oi" five under the 
maximum the company set. GB had 
two carry-overs from the previous 
season. 

Columbia's lineup was 66 features. 
Its deliveries are likely to run some- 
where between 50 and 55, leaving a 
failure on 10 or 15. Col. is not in- 
dicating to accounts what it will do 
but where contracts specified a mini- 
mum as well as. maximum number ot 
pictures, delivery may reach the 
minimum. The • company included 
*Lost Horizon' in its contracts for 
this season but is carryinjg this one 
over until the coming 1937-38 sea- 
son, under plans. The right to do 
this is being contested in some cases. 



Finney Upped, Barbanell 
Now Aide to Jules Levy 

Another promotion from Jules 
Levy's office in RKO places James 
E. Finney into an executive post in 
the contract department at the home 
office as a specialist oii circuit deals. 
He has been succeeded in Levy's 
private sanctum by Philip F. Bar- 
banell, who was assistant to the 
manager of Columbia over Central 
American-Caribbean sales and prior 
to that was an assistant counsel on 
the Motion Picture Laboratories code 
under NRA. 

Before Finney had come into the 
same post with Levy, Milte Poler 
had had the job . but was promoted 
lo the playdate department. 

N.S.S. Takes on Metro 

National Screen Service *and Na- 
tional Screen Accessories. whLch will 
hold a convention in New York Aug. 
24, has just closed a deal for the 
Accessories subsidiary with Metro. 
It is lor three years and calls for the 
handling of special accessories 
through National on all Metro pic- ! 
tures. j 

Up to now National has been mak- , 
ing and merchandising acces.sories j 
for Paramount, United Artists, War- ! 
ner Bros., RKO and Columbia. 



Del Wdlid Ban Games 



Detroit, Svxty 27. 

City Couneii tooight 627") wiU ac- 
cord first and second reading tO' an 
ordinance ^HncqMsed by CouneiLmaik 
John A, -Kron^ baDnTdtg: theafrea 
from engaging in', direct^ m in- 
directly, loWeries, beuxk mghts* 
screeno, games (rf chance or skill. 

Theatre Mtenes have been basis 
of several suits and ccmsideTabte agi- 
tation here the past two yeaESi and 
even a state supreme court vxulmS- 
declaring the gawies a lottery has 
failed to halt the sttrff. Many- nabes 
plagued by aufcHootsve strikes,, etcr 
have recently added various fovms 
of come-on, some secret^, the only 
advertisioff being word^f-moiuth, 
' Downtown spots and United I>e- 
troit circaxts; wbSsh has dtaitk 
nabes, have wagrng' tmsuceessftai 
battle against inroads of lotteriesy 
and propoised ordinance is figured 
as a »VMKir. 



OUTDOOR orrosisii 

KATOES nX HOUSES 



St Lotusy. July 27. 
With city and merchants o£ Alton,. 
111., near here, contributing. $20^009 
for free outdoor entertaimnent dur- 
ing town's three-day centennial cele- 
bration last week, four film bouses 
in town took an awful licking at 
b.o. Outdoor attracfioas included 
vaude acfs^ recruited tnm here, a 
full card of pro boxing fireworks 
on river frmt, motor boat racing,, 
airplane fli^tSy >a historical fioat 
parade, etc. 

Robert Wadlow, whose "8 feet 1% 
inches stature makes him tallest 
human in history of medical science, 
served at exhibition booth. An ex- 
tra added attracti<m was Gov. Henry 
Homer, who^made a speech in pub- 
lic square, where Lineoln and Doug- 
las de]t>ated national issues, 

Camys moved into town en masse 
in anticipation of large crowds from 
all sections cA state as well as from 
St. Louis and nearby Missouri towns 
and reaped a harvest. It is esti- 
mated that 100,000 persons visited 
Alton during celelnation and l^fifXI 
saw historical parade in which 40 
floats, depicting progress of town,, 
participated. 



Cohimbus, July 27. 

Another one-night he^KlacBte in 
prospect for theatres here Tuesday 
t27) with three big non-theatrical 
attractions vying for attention. 
American Association AH-Star game 
at Red Bird Stadium expected to tax 
17,000 capacity, plus Budy Vallee at 
Valley Dale and Duke Ellington 
band at Arabian Gardens to further 
cut in on theatre b.o. 

Two houses well fortified, however 
— Loew's Ohio packing them with 
'Saratoga' and RKO Palace safe with 
Pick Powell's 'Singing Marine/ 
"Three other downtown theatres 
n.s.g. and may be hard hit. 



Denver's Conv. Month 



Denver, July 27. 
The Rocky Mountain Screen Club 
is planning its annual picnic and 
golf tournament to be held next 
month in Denver. Present plans call 
for tying in with the annual conven- 
tion of the Theatre Owners and 
Managers of the Rocky Mountain 
Region, and the regional Fox West 
Coast manager convention, which 
are also to be held in Denver in 
August. 



Montgomery, Savoy 

Teamed for Shorts 

Marshall Montgomery and Harry 
Savoy will team in a series of shorts 
to be made by Mentone in the for- 
mer Biograph studio. Comedy inter- 
ludes will be worked up between 
Savoy arid the ventriloquist's dumray, 

Montgomery's last camera appear- 
ance wias in 'Variety Hotel,' an inde^- 
pendent made several years ago with 
Hal Skelly. 



Belden's Next 'Chan' 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Script of tl\e next Charlie Chan 
feature at 20th-Fox will be written 
by Charles Beiden. 

Beld.en .scriveiied 'Charlie Chan 
on Broadway.' 



R. L'S DRIVE-IN DOING OK 

Providence, July 27. 

Rhode Island's first open-air thea- 
tre is off to a good start. Known as 
the Drive-in-Theatre, the project is 
located on the site of the once fam- 
ous cycledrome on Providence^Paw- 
tucket line. 

E. M. Lo6w is sponsoring the 
Drive-In, which scr£fens second-run 
pictures only. 



HOUSER'S 'CONDEMNED' 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Lionel Housef is scripting 'Con 
demned Women' at RKQ. | 
Robert Sisk will produce. ' 



Qncago s New 3% of Ae 6ra» 

Series of Anti-Tlwatre Moves 



ChfcagiX Jul*y 27. 

Bxhlbiitor Iieadiera heM a vxait 
council; meetioag last wee&r. to moke 
some decision as: to -pSKmeSms 
agaimst the pvopotrtf^ city ocdlfnance^ 
whkfo wofuHd ohaiigje 1i« tEEeatve 
lieenae fee i» Ghvaagso feam a flat 
suns to> a percentage Of tite gvoso. 

Proposed ae^ksaatee. wmid flbc fihe 
Ibcense fee fair moticMf pleHove the- 
atres at a> straiigfot' 3% ot the gs^asa 
income. It is estiioMEted tfioft this 
would return a tssx revennse to the 
cvtQr of from $860^009 to |lj999l0€iV 
annual^. 

This $9e>6»,060 average uader the 
pereents»ge isetnp' i$ ccHHttasfed wltil» 
the present tax revenue for the ciity 
of f 111,009 per yesir on a flat license 
fee. 'Fhe present: tax is rated ae^- 
cording to seating capaetty and ' 
ranges from a low o£.|2M ir> the 
sntallesf theatre to siigliUy wver 
4(1,200 annually for the ]big0es& 
houses. " 

Whether this proposed booai of the 
theatre taxes of appiroodmatdly 909% 
is directed against any partEetxtair hi* 
stiicrtion or eircuft in Chicago £s a 
subject of . considerable discnsBion 
along f&xn row here, but. no imatlec 
who. it's directed at, the entire exbib 
body is up in arms agaimt tbe pro- 
posal, since it will bit every tfieatre 
in town. 

It marks the most drastie action 
against theatres in Chicago tbat enl- 
retiitates a year of several aetwvns 
taken against theatres by .Oticaglo 
authorities. Starting in .tbe fall, 
with the ru^ng by tiie Board of 
Health forbidding all lobby iK^Sottts 
and prohibiting patrons eveis from 
sitting in the ktbby, other n^tltngs 
wiped out smoleintf in every theatre: 
auditorium in town, proliijbited the 
Q^e ^ ttanging sigu^ froBss all the' 
atre' ntarqfoces on State .street, iO' 
sjisted on a ctHntfitoocis eoolhi'^ ];^anl 
temperature of 72 d^ M. the wiit-« 
ter aiid 79 deg. in the scunimextiiine/ 



ception of fire ruiles M TtgasffA to 



adheiretaiee to> all' censorship rules. 
In at^iitiony the local authorities 
kiHietl efS hastk. m'gjit, screepo and 
oflheir glveawsky cotn stqntis. 

Butt of aM the ruUiaiga this final 
Mow of percentage taxation repre- 
setets in the exM^tor mittds the last. 
sSiraiw of akhn^imstrative activity 
agiaiinBt . theatres. Ebthibdtors-. are 
bon^nft on the vopes and IbQking 
arcKind for some way . to calm the 
huBriicaine of admanustratiiVe activity 
agakssi the tPteatresu Blot the powers 
that be sisapty shvug theiv shoulders 
and loofe blanlt:, evidently not even 
neatfenvg what the exhubs are talking 
about. 



MANAGBl HELD UP 
nrrGOMIEN NABBED 



Ctevetond, July 27. 

Ttwrve gmtmem taekled Joseph 
Steeitsehi, Ritamiager of nabe Sun thea- 
tre, in front of noon downtown 
crowds and .aaSter ^Bg^rtg him tried 
to escape in his awto with $400 in 
easi's and a wvisFt watefo. 

House managier managed to yell 
before gof in;g umemimeiotKi. Radio 
sqa»d heard of it, sighted stolen car 
19 mirauiles later and started a 70- 
mwIe-peT'h<(!>«tr chase. Robbers crashed 
into smother auito and were in the 
boo^egow 5& miinutes after muscling 
Deutscfo, 



wmmsm'^ 'cmEsu centre' 

Wfmiipeg, July 27, 
Wimiiipegis new flPm exchange, 
ROW uwder eonstructixiit by the Hud- 
sow's Bay Co., em wh«>ae ground it is 
located, re^e^vttd two Jolt* this week. 
FijvErt eanie when* it was decided to 
make fctrtheK ad!dliiti<onff at art added 
cost of ^,900^ ntakin'g a total cost 
of btttldlivg now ^^KMy^UOS. Second 



jo*t was the new »a«ie. Will be 
put through the raotrt-strusgenit coo^ lifenowi)> as "Cmema Centre.' 



Keported boys are h^anting out 



hanging drapes, itnpeised the cliosest theifr motumtes aUreadly. 

niiiiniHiniiiiimtiuiiiiiiiiimnoHniHiiiiiiimimiimMiiNniiniiiimiiiiiiitiiiiiniiHiiiiiMiniiniiniiiiniiiiiiHinimiiiiiiiiiiininiihiin^ 

iMimiNMUiiiHiiiiHn iiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiuiniuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiililiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiuil itiiiiiiii«iiiiiiiiii>iiiiiii|iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiHiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiriiiiim> 

New York Theatres 

MttttnitimimiiiiiHiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiUHHiiiHiuiinillllHIIIillnlllillillilillillilliilill JiiiiiiiifiiiiuiiiriiJiiiiiiiiiiJiiiiiiiiiiiiliniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirijmiiii iiriiiiHi? 

iiiHliiHiinwilii III! iiiiiiiii iiiilliiliillllimillliililllliilllilluiillliuniluluijlliuiiir llilllllllUiilllllllirliluilidllillillllliiHllllllllllllriilllj I Jl irnillliin^ 




ROXY 

ALL OC* TO" 
iUATB'-^ 1 r.M. 



HFXD OVBR 

''WEE W}IUE 
WiNKIP' 

with Sliirlejr Temnl« 
und! yftotm McKasioi 
Om tli« BtM/» 
S SwlftM 
and oiliem 



"THEY WON^T FORGET" wi.h 

Claud* RAint • GlorU Olckion • Edward Horrt^m 

■ ''*J I p.iu, 

AUR-CONfrlTIOWED- — B.'wiy .nd 47th Street 

Doort open 9:30 A.M. — M-ldWICHT SHOW 



A HettH-n Ki)KMK«m«nt by Sfteclal 
GARY COOPER in "THE 

Lives of a BengaMancer" 

C. Air Conditioned 
RITERION LW* 

.HIdiiiKitt Hliow*— 8Gc to 1 VM. 



HUTCHINSON'S 'WIFE' 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Jo.sephine Hutchinson's first pic- 
ture under her new contract at 
Metro will be "This Is My Wife,' in 
which she has been set for the 
letnme lead. 

Errol Taggart directs. 



PARAMOUNT 



TJHES 

sqi;ake 



Fred 
MaoMURKAY 

VAKMBK 
(!liwrll« 

"Exclusive" 



mSLD OVKK 



IN PKR.SONI 

Mai Hallett 

and Band 

II A L 
LEROY 



CAPITOL 



"SARATOGA" 




STATE 



TODAY ONLY 
'MAKU1KO DIOKORR- 

ilUKAKKA.S'i" 
. Lucky Mlllliutor Jtinid 

Stiirtlaie Tliurwliiy 
'The Emperor's 
Candlesticks' 
(luH "Ariilieliit iind Orflicstni 



MUSIC HALL 

HKLD OVKK 

"TOAST OF 
NEW YORK" 



Spectjiculjtr Stage Productions 



Se VARIETY Wednesday, July 28, 1937 




While theatres are gleefully riding the heat waves with 
M-G-M's Summer Releases: 

(To mention just a feiv) ; *'Day at the Races ♦ ; Marx Bros. • *' ParneU'V ♦ . Clark Gable, Myrna Loy 
**Captains Courageous'*. . . F. Bartholomew, Spencer Tracy, L. Barrymore • "Emperor's Candlesticks'*. 

William Powell, Luise Rainer • "Between Two Women**. . . Franchot Tone, Virginia Bruce, Maureen O'Sullivah 
"Topper**. . . Constance Bennett, Gary Grant, Roland Young, Billic Burke • "Saratoga'.*, . . Clark Gable, Jean 
Harlow • "Good Earth". . . Paul Muni, Luise Rainer • "Broadway Melody of 1938**, . . Robert Taylor, 
Eleanor Powell and 15 more stars! Etc., etc. 

it is a pleasure to report that the number of 1937-'38 New 
Season Contracts for M-G-M Features and Shorts, signed and 
delivered, has set a new all-time high for mid -summer, and 
is heading for the greatest final total in film history! 



Wedi>esdmy> July 20, 1957 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



81 



Film Reviews 



PARADISE ISLE 

(Co«Un«ed from page 27) 

touching tale wnW scenes ©t sbriking 
beauty but the film is calculated to 
send the customers out of the thea- 
tre in a heppQy sentimental frame 
o£ mind. And thnt should be a natu- 
ral for word-of-mouth and steady 
growth At the boxotflce. 

Although *Far»dIse Isle' bows to 
all the rooumtic yeemings of the 
audience, it is decently restrained 
in its emotion- end dramatic state- 
ment. Even the customary villain- 
ous white tarader is kept within 
bounds and is always an understand- 
able and convincinf character. So 
is the simple native^ who is mutely 
helpless against the white painter's 
apnea! for the native girl's heart. 

Movita, who first came to film at- 
tention in 'Mutiny on the Bounty,' 
is again the center of attention 
whenever she*s in .camera rainge. 
Her performance is quietly eloquent 
and she provides a sufficiently com- 
pelling personality to make the 
story*s conclusion credible. Warren 
Hull isjnersuastve as me blind white 
man, William Davidson plays his 
usual villain diaracterization, and 
Kenneth Harlan is seen briefly as a 
ship's mate. 

Photography (all made in Samoa) 
is effective without drawing too 
much attention from the plot, while 
the sound frequently enhances the 
story. The minor production and 
script flaws are unimportant in the 
picture's general eaicdlence. Ifobe. 

ARMORED CAR 

UalvmMiI TCHttS* ot & Aalier iiro» 
Auction. F«»ttnM ItoWvt WUmk, JwliUi 
BniTctU CeMT BoBttiv, Irvtac Picbcl. 
I>MVl<l OIlT«r. DImtce by ttewto K. ITtottr. 
A<lfti>t(iil bjr TftMtr »bi Rttbert Lee, 
from Ad •rIglMtl mXmrr by Winiuii Pierce; 
canl«l1^ Stanley Cartel. At Olobe. K. 
mmi. July 34. *S7. 4Ma MU. ItnnnInK 
time, 64 mtiw. 

Iianrjr WtItov..4,».«..«.».'..K<»bert VTUcox 
SIMi;.>. v.. ......<.>...».., ..«Jti4tth BeireU 

WAHiMky.... .4rrtar Pkbel 

PfttAck. « •.•k »*^««v«Oeimr Rotnem^ 
Blind 0«U.....««..«<.>..*».lMs 0»«rtBer 

Tiiur-... ....>•..<••«..<«•••. •.Thb Kewnedir 

BuM>1e».. ,»k.....X>KVM OUrtr 

Poiy. t^>KBn', >.••.•>.•••« (.Hu^ -Okveitpert 
Shfirldttn. %<Xee Klnjir 
]|i|lei.v..,...«.V..*......>»Rl(A>u«l Tudcer 

Org)^it^[8t.> «««•••«««««. .Rttlfo Uoyd 
PfeiK^liFw. k. .... .Joliii . Iwetljr 

Lt. Shores. .............. .SiaaileT BtystoQe 

'Siml'.. ......a>aa1 Fix 



velopments are cluttered with many 
hokey western tricks, such as the 
lone ranger outwitting 10 outlaws 
single handed, the trick horse un- 
tying the prisoner hero and the 
daredevil Texan halting a runaway 
wagon. ^ . 

• On the credit side, there's a good 
bare knuckle fight outdoors, without 
the usual broken chairs and tables, 
and Bob Allen's performance. 
Though he appears too trim tor the 
average cowboy or ranger type, 
Allen delivers lines like an actor, 
something almost unheard of for 
many western players. 

Martha Tibbetts is a comely 
wagon train settler who goes for 
ranger Allen. Has a tendency to 
mumble some passages. Bob Rort- 
man again is a realistic outlaw pal 
of the renegade chief, role done by 
Walter Miller. Small kid character, 
done by diminutive Robert Henry, 
is good for laughs. Camera work 
and dialogue is fair. Weor. 



BOOTS OF DESTINY 

Grand National rclpfise ot M. H. HoKmaa 
produclion, Stiii's Ken Maynard, ttaxosta 
Cluudla Dell. Vinco >Jarnctt, Ed Cassldjr. 
Directed by Arthur Rosson from ' hb 
screenplay; story, \Z. Morton 'Bough; 
camera, Tom CralM^nn: editor, Dan MUnte. 
At Varsity, Lincoln, dual. Runntnff time. 

Ken Ken Maynard 

Alice Claudia Dell 

Acey Deuey i..,A"ince Barnett 

Harmon. .• ; Ed Cassldy 

Jose Martin Caralga 

Pedro George aiorrHl 



SOUND PATENIS SUIT 
MAY GO TO U.S. SUP. CT 



A battle over sound patent rights 
between Western Electric, ERPI and 
tbe American Telephone & Tele- 
graph COn and General Talking lec- 
tures is likely to be carried to the 
U. S. Supreme Court, it was indi- 
cated by attorneys, following a de- 
cision handed down Monday (2G) by 
the Circuit Court of Appeals, N. Y. 
The latter court confirmed a recent 
ruling of the district court which 
awarded control of six of seven 
vacuum tube amplifying patents to 
the plaintiffs, Western Electric, ERPI 
and A. T. & T. Both sides appealed 
from the decision. 

General Talking Pictures contended 
it had used the patents continually 
and had paid royalty for their use. 
Plaintiffs claim these royalties were 
returned but that General had con- 
tinued to use the equipment without 
plaintiiffs* okay. Lowensfein, Mathes 
and Arnold patents were involved in 
the suit. 



Briiish Rescue 



{Continued from page 21) 



Undistinguished cops-and-robbers 
meller glorifyinf the atalWarts of 
the armored cars. Mb marquee, 
naitnes and w-ot-m will be liegli- 
Kible. Boutine profram todder and 
okay tor belpw-deck duals. 

Yam ^eals with the undercover 
dick who gets a job as an armored 
car guard, knowing 1ie*ll be fired. 
He , pretends to seek revenge, 
taken into a .bandit gang and brings 
about their capture. Has the usual 
crackle of gunfire and improbability. 
Fairly exciting at moments. 

Cast is only so-so. Robert Wilcox 
plays without noticeable inspiration 
as the hero. Judith Barrett brings 
no personal lustre to the part of the 
girl, but her acting Is direct and 
persuasive. Irving Pichel is nearly 
hidden behind the heavy black wig 
and thick spectacles of the gang 
chief who soothes his nerves with or- 
gan music. Cesar Romero is his 
usual self as a mobster with an itch- 
ing trigger finger. Others supply oc- 
casional mild comedy. 

Direction, camera and editing are 
adequate. Kobe. 



RANGER COURAGE 

C(»lumbia production and release. Fea- 
tureH JLSob Allen. Directed by Spencer 
<loraon Bennet. Story and screenplay by 
Mate Gatzert; film editor, Dwlght Cald- 
well; camera, .Tames S. Brown, Jr. At 
Arena, X. Y., July 23-24. '37; on double 
bill. Running lime, 50 mins. 

Bob Allen 

Alice , Martha TlUbetta 

Bull Walter Miller 

BuMy.,., Robert Henry- 
Sieve ....Bud Osborne 

Toady Bob Kortman 

Snaky. . , Harry Stralipr 

Harper.... .BUI. Gould 

Doc Horace Murphy 



First of the new • Ken Majmard 
western series .whiiA he made be- 
tween circus seasons for Grand 
National is dead entertainment, not 
stumbles weakly around, and tiie 
quali^ of performance Indicates the 
rehearsal was shot 

Blaynard series will figure at the 
b.o. this season in the towns large 
enough to support Uie Cole Bros, 
tour which is billing Maynard sec- 
oond only to Beatty. Birt, whetha 
or not the -youngsters will want to 
stay with him after this one, is a 
problem. 

Maynard teams with comedian 
Vinc6 Barnett in a trouble-shooting 
twosome, forced by unfriendly law 
enforcement officials to scram their 
present country. Arrive in a new 
location in time to come. to the aid 
of a friendless girl, wito owns a ranch 
and is being taken by. her foreman. 

Claudia Dell is the ranch owner 
and plays as easy as possible in this 
uneasy picture. Real sufferer is 
Vince Barnett, who has a rep lor 
b^ing funny, but has lines meaty as 
a bonepile. Ed Cassidy is the fore- 
man who could keep a corkscrew 
Company. Tarzan, the boss, does 
some of the tricks ■ Maynard was 
teaching him when playing vaude 
dates a year ago. It's a repeat for 
those spots playing the duo in per- 
son. 

As western go, this is class C. 

Barn. 



This opus of the open plains 
differs from most cowboy epics in 
that some of the acting tops story 
and action. It is dotted with sev- 
eral other twists that won't mean a 
thing at the . till. And Bob Allen's 
name won't aid the box office. While 
Allen may be a comer, . he's a 
stranger with the western fans. • 

Story of 'Ranger Courage' achieves 
a new high in weird meller con- 
glomerations. .The slight bit of 
reality found is largely due to sev- 
eral craftsmanlike thespian jobs. 

Nate Gratzert is to blame because 
he is tagged as story and screenplay 
author. He's taken si long wagon 
train through the expanses of Texas, 
surrounded them with Tex rangers 
for protection against injuns and 
renegades, and then has picked up 
stray ideas as the plot unfolds. Some 
of these mental gems include the 
appearance of outlaws in Indian out- 
fits, plan to dynamite the wagon 
train and grab a strangely large 
money box- belonging to early set- 
tlersi 

It's not particularly clear why the 
wagon trains should be going 
through Texas, nor how the settlers 
had so much cash in a money chest 
that figures prominently in plot. De- 



Rliythm in the Clouds 

<WITH SONGS) 

RepuWlc pi-Muction and releas*. Stars 
Patricia ICiliii. Warren Hull, l>lrected by 
John H. Auer. Screenplay, Oily* Cooper; 
story, George Mence and Kay iJond; cam- 
era, Murray SeldPen; editor, Edward 
Mann, t?ong» by l^ou Handman, -^N'alter 
Hlrtch, Harry Owens, Ray Klnnj^y. At 
Orplteunn, LlMoAn, -dual'. Runnins time.. 
91 mlns. 

.Tudy ".T'atricla ElUs 

McKay , Warren Hull 

riyde William Newell 

Bostt-ell Richard Carle 

Ducliesis Zcffle Tilbury 

l.HiR'l diaries Judels 

Hale David Carlyle 

,\niy ,loy(.'e Compton 

borolliy Su-zunne Kaaren 



posed, why was Doyle ditched for 
attempting such a move? Why were 
Doyle's plans for refinance thrown 
o^rboaid? And why the sudden 
alleged turnabout by Hoyts? 

No doiying that. Hoyts,' under 
Charles Munro,. .has .progressed re- 
markably in recent times. No deny-^ 
ii|g, either, that it holds the key- 
position on pic sumilies, with 20Ui- 
Fox the ace card, since 20th holds 
controlling Interest in Hoyts. 

Gaumoot-British and British Do- 
minions, together with other British 
product, get release through Fox 
here, under the title of Gaumont 
British Dominions Film DistiibaCr 
Ltd. Stanley Crick, 20th-Fojc local 
boss, is diairman of <Urectors of this 
unit, which, it is interesting to note, 
was formed at the time Stuart Doyle 
was in Londion gathering in the C 
M. Woolf product for release 
through British Empire Films. 
' These Britishers urould have' litOe 
difficult in finding' an outlet 
through a G.T. oomlune, but units 
like Associated TaUdng Picts, Biit^ 
ish Intamational, and C. VL Wooifs 
various units would find tiie goii« 
hard. .MaxweU, of BXF., and WooM, 
of G.FJDI, are not men to take any 
shutout li^tly. 

If solo operation is really planned 
by Rydge and G.U.T., then the Brit- 
ish should have no difficulty because 
the company will need all the pix it 
can secure to keep up with the -op- 
position. RKQ, Wamers> and U have 
swung to Hoyts because of " their 
huge holdings in the nabes, together 
with aces in the city spots. So that 
G.U.T. will be forced to pay a 
pretty stiff price for ace product. 



Still The 7 Come 



HoUjrwood, July 27. 
Teachers coming here from 
distant points have enrdUed in 
record numbers for the summer 
course in cinematography ,at 
the University of Southern Cal- 
ifornia. 

Adult roster for the course is 
the heaviest ever registered. 



Nudist Film Exhibitor 
Pmched in Atlantic City 

Atlantic City, July 27. 

Charged -with possession and use 
of obscene films. Robert Horter, 40^ 
216 W. 38th street, New York, was 
held under ^1,000 bail for the grand 
jury by Police Recorder Taggart 
Saturday (24>. 

Horter was arrested when he at- 
tempted to show moving pictures 
of nudist activities in an open air 
theatre on the BMrdwalk near Mayor 
White's MarlbonHi^-Blcnhcim ho- 
tel. Detectives Pike and Grobes 
seized the films after they were 
granted a private Showing, Both ad- 
mitted that Horter sold no tickets 
nor were there any patrons in the 
place. 

The detectives said that the films 
pictured life in a nudist camp and 
also showed scenes in Bali and among 
the African aborigines. The sleuths 
also testified that Horter, had no 
permit for- the iheatre. 

The exhibitor on the other hand 
said the films were decent and de- 
signed to show health heoeat* from 
nudism. He testified fliat they W«re 
no more indecent than. "Back to Tfa- 
turc" aind *Ecstacy' .which were ex- 
hibited on Ihe BoardwaUc last sum- 
mer. The films were taken In an 
Or^on nudist camp, he added. 

HaroM Sugarmaii Pfaos 
Series for HiiliBiaii 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Bandd Sugarman has signed up 
with George Hirliman to produce a 
series of pictures in line .with a new 
oxsamzation being formed by EKTU- 



nX WELCOMES 
ADJOURNMENT 
OF CONOtESS 



Fonner Condor prodncBon head 
has rented space at HoOywood 
Studios aind expects to issue anr 
nomicement of plans for new prod- 
uct aoon. 



Both Warren Hull and Patricia 
Ellis, who have been doing just fair 
pictures at Warners, came over to 
the Republic lot for 'Rhythm in the 
Clouds,' which to the latter is one of 
their better efforts. Film, for rank 
and file consumption, which is about 
all it'll command, won't be any draw. 
Built to conform with the national 
dual-disease, it'll stay ip caste. 

Labeled a musical, it has three 
songs, 'Don't Ever Change,' 'Hawai- 
ian Hospitality' and, 'Two Hearts Are 
Dancing.' Latter gets the most fre- 
quent call, but any of them are 
pleasers. Note and lyric work is 
by Lou Handman, Walter Hirsch, 
Harry Owens, and Ray Kinney, 

With a radio background the story 
concerns a girl developing room rent 
overdue and an empty stomach while 
trying to peddle some songs she has 
written. Fakes a letter which gets 
her an in, in a wealthy songwriter's 
apartment while he's out of town. 
Trading on him, she gains attention, 
all of which is forgiven at the 
wind up. 

Warren Hull is a lyric writer, and 
Patricia, the down - at - the - mouth 
tunesmith. The big penman is David 
Carlyle, who is battling with Hull 
over Suzanne Kaaren, a battle which 
is forgotten when Patricia comes on 
the scene. It's clearly Miss Ellis' 
picture, but Richard Carle, William 
Newell, and Zeffie Tilbury count in 
moments assigned them. 

Sets are neatly done, and the di- 
alog is snappy. It will fairly en- 
tertain those who see it. Barn. 



CONTRACTS 

Hc^ly wood, July 27,. . 

Gwen Wakeling's pact as tOtti-Fox 
style creator and designer has been 
optioned. 

Metro negotiated a playing termer 
with Jeannie Lewis, o< the N. Y. 
Group Theatre. 

Winifred Harris signed on for two 
films at Metro. 

Harvey Gates signatured a Univer- 
sal writing agreement. 

Diana Forrest goes to Paramount 
under a term playing pact. 

Robert Usher drew a termer in 
Paramount's art department. 

Karl Karpe stepped inlo Metro 
with contract as animator, cartoonist 
and cartoon director. 

Metro handed Everett Freeman a 
new scrivening termer. 

Henry Losee is tied to 20lli-Fox 
under a dance directing pact. 

Warners hoisted Irving Rapper's 
dialog directing option. 

Robert Harnis ticketed to a writ- 
ing contract at Republic. 

Selznick International lifted Val 
Lewton's ticket as story editor for 
another year. 

Howard Benedict handed a two- 
year additional pad as RKO public^ 
ity head. 

TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, July 27. 

B. P. Schulberg's 'Bonanza,' which 
was changed to 'Park Avenue Fol- 
lies,' now is 'Blossoms on Broad- 
way.' 

Warners switched 'Inside Story' to 
'Love on the Air' and 'Block That 
Kick' to 'Over the Goal.' 

Tjife of a Lancer Spy,' 20th-Fox, 
reverts to its original tag, 'Lancer 
Spy.' 

Metro has switched 'The Ugly 
Duckling' to 'Swing Fever.' 

Metro has transmogrified title of 
Garbo's 'Madame Walewska' to 'Con- 
quest.' 



Bhunenthal V.P. of ON 

A. Pam Blunienthal, whose con- 
tract with Grand National was ap- 
proved a week" ago, becomes a vice 
president Of the company Aug. 1 as 
wdl asnmtiembier of the board which 
now eon^sts of E. L. Alperson, Ed- 
ward J. Beskay, T. F, Murphy and 
K. W. Todd. Blumenthal succeeds 
Domdd Stralem on the directorate. 

At a meeting of the board of GN 
during ^he past week, all officers 
were re-elected, headed by Alpftrson 
as present and Peskay as v.p. over 
distrifaution. 



MUG 'Grass' Scrivened 

Hollywood, Jidy 27. 
Scripting Job od "The Sea dI 
Grass,* Conrad Richter's Satevepost 

serial, has been assigned at Metro to 
Talbot Jermings and Harvey Fer- 
guson. 

Louis D. Lighten will produce 



Rush for adjournment of congress, 
which got under way ^ast week, is 
regarded as a favorable omen in the 
picture industry. Many . important 
film executives see in it at least a 

temporary sidetracking of all meas- 
ures vitally affecting the business. 

Rush to get out of Washington 
now is being counted on to permit 
the all-sweeping Dies resolution to 
die in the committee. This will 
bring nighs of relief because high 
officials felt that there was a possi- 
bility that a well-budgeted com- 
mittee, evolving from this resolu- 
tion, might throw open exhibitors, 
distributors and producers to its inr 
spection. 

Permanent national wage and 
hour laws^ Which now appear 
doomed for shielving, -would not af- 
fect the indushry greatly. Big pro- 
ducing companies have dealt with 
organized labor for years and on 
satisfactory terms. , Exchange union- 
ization now 45- an accepted fact in 
most commmlitiei^ and only the ef- 
fort to jlprm nnloai of white collar 
workers rrmatm. 



GoUwyn^Par 



(COnthiued Irooi page 3) 



the stipidaffon fx withdrawal of the 
suit over Cuoper.r 

Uodersteod that ilie stipulation 
win he pvqnred in auch a way, hold- 
ing neither «ide to Maae for charges 
made in flie frrwwpliint ^d answer 
of GcAAwyiL ESmmv and Sam Gold- 
Wyn as drftMMianH and that a 
part of St. W!iil lead that during the 
next year CMdwyff "vHOtl loan Cooper 
to Rarapgopual ftr Me picture, in re- 
cfprocatbin far wfaiA Director 
Henry Hathaway wiH be farmed to 
Goldwyn for one picture yearly over 
a three-year period. 

After the suit is withdrawn it Is 
likely . Goldwyn will head for New 
York to await the return 'of Rose 
from Europe, and that if no coin is 
in sight from that end Goldwyn will 
get together with Paramount to sup- 
ply the coin. If any. deal is made, 
Goldwyn will get a block of Para- 
mount stock for his UA holdings, 
besides a percentage of the produc- 
tion profits, with Korda also getting 
stocks for his interests, besides being 
appointed European production chief. 
This could tie in,, with Par's inten* 
tion to go in for extensive London 
production, now that Metro is in the 
field. Adolph Zukor is sailing for • 
that purpose next month. 

In this move Walter Wanger would 
return into the Paranaount fold, as 
that domjjany W^oiddahaorfo {he four- 
year iv^duction coDitract he holds 
•with UA. David O. Selznick would 
not be in the setup, as his UA com- 
mitment expires when he completes 
his preserift dcKusf of pax. 



CARTOON GAGSTERS 

Metro is scouring New York for 
gag men to ship west to work in the 
newly created cartoon department, 
under I*red Quimby, M-G shorts' 
chief. 

Being contacted and interviewed 
in the east by Herb Morgan, shorts' 
p.a., are radio and magazine humor- 
ists. Those selected will work on 
the 13 animated sketches Metro will 
release next year in a series built 
on the 'Captain and the Kids' char- 
acters, one <A !the oldest of the news- 
paper comae stripes. 



STORY BUYS 

Hollywood, July 27. 

Original story, 'Passport Husband,' 
by Hilda Stone, wife of producer 
John Stone, acquired by Sol M. 
Wurtzel unit at 20th-Fox. 

Screen rights to Helen Grace Car- 
lisle'*s Cosmopolitan mag novel, 
'Merry, Merry Maiden,' bought by 
Selznick International. 

Musical comedy, 'Swing It, Susan-,' 
purchased by 20th-Fox. Laurence 
Schwab and Philip Wylie authored. 

Forrest Brown has sold his otigi- 
nal, 'The Boss of Lonely Valley,' to 
Universal for Buck Jones. 

'Rollin' Plains,' original by Jacques 
and Ciela Jaccard, to Grand National 
for Tex Ritter. 

. Frances Noyes Hart and Charles 
Grayson sold 'She Shall Have Music" 
as Hope Hampton starrer at Univer- 
sal. 

'West of Broadway.' by Monroe 
Shaff and Joe Hoffman, sold to Co- 
lumbia. 



MG Filmizes Boys Town, 
Omaha's Catholic Burg 

Hollywood, July 27. 
Metro will prodnaoe a picture based 
on Boys iTowcn, an institution near 
Omaha, Neb., organized by the Rev. 
Father Edward J. Flanagan. Spencer 
Tracy will be starred and Mickey 
Rooney also has a top spot. 

Script will be done by Eleanor 
Griffin, who went to Omaha to as- 
semble material. 



> Shift Moppets 

Hollywood, JiUly 27. 

Douglas Scott has been teamed 
with Mickey Rooney to appear in 
Metro's 'Thoroughbreds Don't Cry,' 
pax't originally intended for Fi'eddie 
Bartholomew, -who wiU be held for 
ano<tber -picture. 

J. Walter Riiben will direct from 
his original story, with Harry Rapf 
producing. 



BAZETT SUES COI. 

Hollywood, July 27.' 

Suit for $27,-S08 agaiiast Columbia 
Pictures CoiTp. >of California, Ltd., is 
on flic in the TjOs Angeles Superior 
Court with Sidney Bazett, former 
treasurer of Columbia, as plaintiff. 

Action is based on Bazett's claim 
that he was wrongfully discharged 
July 19 allhouBh he says he holds a 
contract valid until Nov. 22, 1938. 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 




Vivid ivitlt'colorTrr^ouierf If I InlU vitality • • • drama^ 

punch • • . Human appeaV* — N.Y. Daily Mirror 



'"Toast of Now Yorlt' odroity robust film.'' -RY.Worid-teieg 



ram 



** Edward Arnold shUnes as^ Robber Baron FUk." 

• —N.Y; Daily News 

*'Moll^ood has done another of its grand JobsJ* .-N.Y. Sun 



'*Filmoii u;itli:|9aittstaltifig attention . . • turned out hand' 

SOWetyiT —N.Y. Journal- American 




^Splendid drama of Robber Baron eru • • • holds your in^ 
I terest from beginning to end." —n.y. Post 

%dvish • • • speetaeuiar • • • smashing theatrical atz 

traction*** « —Hollywood Reporter 

Action • • • romance • • • comedy • • • a great audience 

picture.** • -Box Office 

Stwring drama • • • earmarked for important coin" 

— Hollywood Variety 



34 



VARIETY 



PICTURES 



Pix Aim To Please All 



verbial hsty Stent ^heta fh^ Hay*- 

product Gt the i6t§t dd««g 
'David Copperflefd' «lfA ©Ilii«i9i e< 
that ilk to show Hie lOltt iVtWd^l^ 
where they were WiiHrtg. ftid&^ty 
is going places <m Hie tSI&gSti, *Be 
Pure and Prosper/ 

Similarly with pOlHietii m6 m-' 
tionalistic censorsftf|K, ttepefeos^dHiS 
are beginning to e«Mnw in ttmn ftff'- 

away places. Cuts sre ittw hee»ose 
producers are wdrtd^tf iheig ^eps* 
Unintentional gib«S^ t&ietigti iu^ 
tionals no longer fbitd Hieit wny to 
the screen. ResuU Mr fi¥tMfWl& 
fewer and Amerkiem Himh 
captors of the W(ttt4 SMItkttV M« 
Cinching their sptiif ^owittgf 
alien competish. 

Experts MatfW AH 
Answer is that m66i (d the 
studios now do tlMir 6fW» eememim. 

Expert on. the lot ig fyoiUat iffHH 
requirements .not tititf H ihe ^weimf§ 
States of the Vnkm, httt iffith 
foreign idiosyncraisy, wefSmesii, pf^ 
udice, preferences mi6 ttfidtf Sp^ 
Every .story that eOfft€S txp fof pttt- 
chase, every script that is consid- 
ered fot production, is not only 
joebreened for piurity but also 
scrutitiiCEecl by s4u<$inr cirtisor to b« 
certairt that fi0b<yd^'s io«g ate gdiog 
to be stepped 00* 

John Mismisat ytffona of ibe 
censor s(|ttt^rfdts tbejt^ iot Pta^ 
mount. At nock iftf ia tiM spet 
Metro. Cot 7flji(» Joy is the Mth^ 
FoxL script ' ■IhmttMl 
Goldwyn aiMl li. Wflmtt per* 
sonally have iOMt Iftdl Wdr^ OA Ote 
Goldwyn and WiUMT k»t». ffo odMHr 
lots have BpedtOy de^g/UMl S£fe»' 
soirers and thostt mme4 tmitinA Indk 
of industry'^ iiDtelgA hk. 

Development Of eetumsA^ 
been marked by ft eorollfliy ncttte-^ 
ness on the panrt Of «tttdfo Witdi^ 
dogs. Process hus ber^ S iOCt Of 
game, ' with intlra-stttdk> censors 



f^osrd, tmt feelsi ttmt H §he htiadlee 
the uhoo iuhieti ^th «n <ttett&ise 
ei bo^sterotisi fiinr off«iidit^« iistiag 
Wtfdlied 6titr «omlttg tKW- 

aefays fo i«frt mtxe on fatfeo triidl 
class bui-ly routines, but ey«ft £0 
Paramount would be relieve^ Ol • 
headache if she would consenrt to 
portray roles in which her lo^tfthalt^ 
ing would be tm&iteA tmue to t/u^ 
mature eifOd^ liot fO tfWhitg <fV«y 
time she throws a- eatte/ 

TUtee Ckstmgefh' Atl 

Al Block dt Vlete& pofntei to flMi 
contrast bxftwewtt iodttf tend « few 
years ago fey ^eeHsfiag the &^ Of 
'The Man ifn PosseatiiOrt/ im^^ hi 
1930, arid 'Pefsemt 1»t;epetty, a re- 
make of the mate ysim on the 
studio's ettttent pto^stn. Same 
story elertlewtS, saiB* geaetal Idea 
and plot, tirtii eh, itvHtA a ^eeteaeet 
This year's eAHim (d ^*lfce tfUS ftt 
Possessioi/ is tt iwJo thhlg t»«rid« .tbo 
palpitant erwstjon tltai exdted Ktrait' 
laced folk ft iew seanom imOt, 

Block is on deek ei tinuw »t 
the beck dnd eftH of everjf proAttter 
and directoi* On th« loi ICMP 
him hopping hasf, Ttiey*a gitft hlfift 
out of bed in the middle of the night 
if a situation comes up while shoot- 
ing. Pencil out a line, change the 
stance of a. Chinese coolie,^. be sure 
that SAOM crack addressed to « Bfit- 
Mtmy officer doem'i mesa dl«- 
re^etvm»Td the tmilorm he woaM. 
tktek'a Mii»t>t>sed to luow lOltlMiaa' 
jtwerdi jfaine witb Cot JToy at JKHh- 
ro«, who lost a lot of il««» wWkf 
Xffo of a Lanc^ UfV* wsf h«ls«: 
jdiOL Thisr film otf«r«d imuqr an 
Obfrtock treading »r it dtm m the 
fmpeneo^tive feellnfs of tbo f»fiit- 
dpftl eomb^tants in the Word W«r 
•^crtnanr* Fraiit«c mtA Ilritti£»!^ 
with pleiAy of cheneen for the peo- 
Oueet md director to ultinihle 
mnd httrt feelings wImoi the opposite 
Intendfed. 

Vhttl BritMi iMrsftr 
Censors^ develoi^ « rixtb imee 



pitting their Wife, steWWdmtt* *nd "^.o"*. ^'*''^^^tJ^^*^^**J!!^ 
artful dodging tgainit. the foreign dilectiOrw. . They ga SbfO«d md 

and domoartit WftH of rttleis, . 



Irvbiir irhilierrii fnMMee 

Certain tHetores tttaf stddios iMNre 
been keen to mke IwetttM el their 
story valu««^ iAf ItttilMMV itrOilg 
characteriz^tiOtt^ «te^ h»¥e Offered 
seemingly ifMlll|»«nible Mfiiior t/b* 

stacies. frvifig VuOhetg WM one 
executive who thtougk teag pmetiee 
found wayg to mike mdt pktmes f» 
as tq loM n mifiinufii of irelue, «t Ifae 
same time r«liif<iiti|f t uttximttnt of 
interest. KowaSeys the snte&ih' 
est petiemer i» iir^ably £rA9t 

Lubitdfihr. Wh<MSe tVif^ personalis 

supervised or directed opus has pre- 
sented censor problems, from 'The 
Marriage Circle' down to his current 
Marlene Dietrich film, 'Angel.' 

Case of 'Angel' provides a shining 
example of what can be done to out- 
■wit the censors. Here was a play 
that had a brief run in London and 



they're working aU the time wising 
themselves up to new itngle»^ They 
know fh«t a British cefieotf is more 
eareful about the dlgrtttf of the 
British army and navy thfiA about 
whether some addtescent is goteg to 
cany away a mor»l hloi from see- 
ing a pieiiire. 

Ilhai ihe Freneh have the name of 
being free and easy ht romaiitie AMt- 
ters wherepis the truth ie, the fretich 
censors are the deadliest sdssorers 
of all in sAidng out the least reek 
of prurience, 

Tlhat the preseni'day Crerman gov- 
ernment is touchy about a lot of 
things and, unlike other countries, 
strafes individuals as well as cor- 
porations and. particular pictures. 
Barring of Metro's 'Romeo and 
Juliet' still has Metro toppers 
scratching their heads wondering 
what that was all about since. noth- 



went through slapbang and if the 
predtteer heard he got some for- 
eiga daiider up he was genUfaiely 
surprised^ He simply didn't I01O«^ 
atty better* Now the prevailing ar^ 
gewtent why step on aiiyotte*i 
toes ,ff / we don't have to? Why gO 
out of -our way to make enemies? 
And th^ don't. 

Itoeerd At Paramouat 
Stesttlf is that Paramount has not 
had a malor cut in any picture for 
three aiid a half years-^-'-and . tbib' 
Still go hide in a corner whenot'er 
anyoite mentions. 'The IDevil Is a 
Wontan^i' which infuriated ftpain and 
caused no end of furor^ United 
States has captured the foreign imr- 
fcet produeers argue, so why jeopar' 
di2e itf tti the case of Metro, for 
eximpte^not true of any other 
eompany— foreign market ^aeeoants 
for more than 50% of the'gross of 
any picture that gftes- into foreign 
distribution. Companies are tieJded 
that foreigners are making tlMMin toe 
the mark because it results in more 
carefully prepared and made piC' 
turesk ^ 

fiiay is Over when any star, no 
matter how big, can dictate what 
goes into a scene. Of one such 'star 
the studio cewsor remarked, 'Every 
thne fbe will of this star prevailed 
wo got into ttmible, and when we 
stared in the saddle there was no 
difficulty.' • 

Uncle Sftm Walloped 
Topper for all this censorship 
within the studios is that, as usual, 
your Uiide SVam is the goat Old 
flam doesn't care how he's carica- 
tttfcd^ tie doesn't give a whoop in 
salt water whether his cops are 
socked m the puse, whether his na- 
tloaals are anade fun of, whether 
they're the deepest dyed viOainsL 
Sam kidrs some when his Army or 
Ifavy oflkera are jAtovdi up in a bad 
light, but that's Army and Kavy 
regulations, not censorship. Studios 
aim 1o idease the uniformed forces 
beomse that's a matter of give and 
take—they need 'em for pix, and 
ihey get plenty eo-operati<m in re- 
turn. 

And another topper is this; Ho 
matter bow strict are the rulhig9 
impo se d by foreign governments^ 
Sollrwood-made films are still diS' 
thutty an American product They 
are still f{te subtlest and most eifi- 
eient fom oi propaganda! any na- 
tion has ever had at its command. 
They are stiK the best machhiery 
for flooding the world with the idea 
that the American way of living is 
best, that this llepublie with all, its 
idiortcomings is a garden spot in a 
world too fun of woe, 

ifo board of censors can erase the 
imprint of Uncle Sam on his picture 
product and, as long as that still 
holds, the Old Boy isn't shedding 
too many tears. 




PlMty Coverage 

Using the sow-familiar red and 
black ol I/ife magazine, Warners Jias 
produced a very sightly cam^paign 
book on 'Th<^y Won't Forget,^ too 
large to be conveniently handled, bitt 
paoced solidly with the material the 
exhibitor needs to put over Ijbe piC' 
ture. 

This is to be followed, by a supple^ 
ment living the best material used 
in the advanced runs, but the cam* 
paign book itself gives plenty of help 
to me local manager. 



dudned Vp 

York Pa. 
Kot satisHed With doing a nice 
build up on a Saturday kidaies show, 
Sidney Poppay^ manager of the 
Rlalto Theatre here, took the idea 
out and sold it bodily to J. C. Penny 
Co. 

Chain store bought out the com' 
plete Kiddie show for one Saturday 
fer a 100 percent gtve-awnr good* 
win builder. Xveiy kid in the store 
accompanied mr an adult durine the 
wedc Mfore vm Show date wm be 
i^ven a ticket If the idea works out 
well, company manager has indicated 
it may be used in conjunction with 
special sales events and to draw in 
holiday and seasonable purchasers. 



Treating the Kids 

Lancaster, Pa. 
With swimming pools and play 
grounds making a heavy bid lor the 
UuniltOa's Saturday mornhig kiddle 
shows^ Herb Thatcher, manager, pro- 
moted tOOO bottles of root beer to 
stem the tide, Sach kid entering the 
theatre was given an iced drink and 
a sman pmcr bag containing cakes 
and cradcers, wbim were also prO' 
motcd. 

Idea worked out so well for bolh 
the house and the bottler that Herb 
is woridng ° on ' similar giveaway 
hook-«q>S with two other soft driidc 
houses and an ice cream manufac^ 
turer. Would like to use the idea 
each Saturday in August. 



Thrtetihg *Bride 

William ^IkM, p.a. f5* ttfe*&4 
Munidpid Theatre^^Assn,, which on!' 
erates al^ firesco theatre in F^egt 
Park, loaded ^ mail in campaign to 
exploit The Bartered Bride/ Seiiitt 
pressnted here for first time, hi i< 



English version, currently in ooeu 
airbowt ■ ^ 

A foiir page folder bearing a w. 
sonal message to music lovers of 
St. Louis over signature of former 
ISayor Henry W, Kiel, pres. of aam. 
and inside pages carrying pix «[ 
;losei4i Bentonelli, Susanne fiidier. 
Ceorge Basely and John Oumey 
stars of piece, and interesting cotnr 
of story of plav and history of stan 
and reviews of crix elsewhere, were 
posted to 15,000 patrons Of thCetre 
association, St . Louis Symphony So- 
ciety and other music bodies. 

Radio tieups were made with KSD 
and KMOX for airing of dress re- 
hearsal on Sundav day before 
piece opened. Zaiken's copy for 
pamphlet was very attractive inid 
drew f ave comment all over town. 



Rep. Studio 



(Continued from page 2) 



vestors also has stepped into the 
situation. 

Trial of the action before Superior 
Judge Willis threatened to develop 



which attracted the zestful interest i^"^ the film itself could have of- 

of Thaiberg several yeatv ago. Ran*- V^t^ S^^i^' kJI? %5L^«lt*Tw acrimonfous feelings on both sides 
ber of sttfdJos coHsfifered tttaWng ft f * J?* • 11 f but hostilities were averted. Mur- 

because of its crackling adult irony 
and spicy tang Of Its JilOt. All sur- 
rendered. liUbitsch grabbed it and 
handed the problem to John Ham- 
mell. Opening situation in the play 
is in a Parisian house of assignation, 
barred subject matter to any censor 
board. Lubitsch, Hammell and Luigi 
Luraschi huddled and out Of their 
cerebi^afions Was bdirn an entirely 
innocuotrs setting that migtit have 
been a nitery, a gambling palazzo or 
a rendezvous for a select clientele. 

Line^ were rewritten, dishabille 
scenes adroitly shuffled, anatomy 
piquantly draped — but motivations 
in general remained the same and 

the fundamental ti-itmiph of vMue 
over Vice was not dktttthed so that 
'Angel' has come out of the Lubitsch 
laboratory a creation of impeccable 
taste, yet tartly ffavored with the 
risque, 

' 'Diamond LiF Too Tuff 

One of the sleep-ces troy ing prob- 
lems of the biz in fecent years has 
been, of course, Mae West. In her 
case the censor battle became a 
threefold conflict with Miss West 
doing her best to outscheme the 
studio tiXtd slip one OVet. To" show 
the strides censorship has , taken in 
recent years. Paramount heads admit 
freely that they never vrould at- 
tempt to ptxt out the original West 
• starrer, 'I>iamond Lil,' at this stage 
of the gante because it would be 
ripped tO shreds the world over- 
even irt Oriental countries where our 
more familiar risque approaches 
don't mean a thing. 

Someone hi authority always Sits 
on the set through the West filmings. 
Mae herself has no desire tO go Over- 



anywhere else in the world 

Italians are among the most per- 
nickety nowadays, washing out foot- 
age that reflects in any way on Ital- 
ian nationals. They can't be crooks, 
servants, heavies or comedians. Chi- 
nese of late have made themselves 
felt in the censor biz. Los Angeled 
Chinese consulate has a book of 
rules put out by the Chinese censor 
boafd of five members headed by 
Loo Kong, chief cCflsor. Not long 
ago the. edict came forth that no 
Chinese henceforth may be shown 
as servant to a white man. 

No Pigtail Pulling 

Paramount in making 'Wells 
Fargo* is adhering strictly tq the 
lettefr and spirit of this ruling. At 
the period represented by this picr 
ture Chinese were prominent 
throughout the west and the yokelry 
of the day had a lot of fun pulling 
their pigtails, etc. None of that 
horseplay will be seen in the picture 
because otherwise Paramottnt would 
find itself irt plenty hot water with 
the Chinese government. 

As already stated, the studios are 
getting accustomed to this intra- 
studio censorship and love it. John 
Hammel said, 'If they took regtila- 
tion away today they would cry for 
it.' It's generally admitted that 
studio censors have saved the bi2 
millions in retakes and in keeping 
directors and producers hewing to 
the line set for them and thus 
avoiding foreign bans. Another way 
of looking at the situation is that 
censorship promotes international 
good feeling because precautions 
now are taken to avoid giving Of- 
fense. In other days a production 



phy and Herbert Yates, financial 
power behind Weiniblie, went into 
the whole matter in a long distance 
telephone conversation in which the 
Republic proposed refinancing plan 
now before the Securities & Ex- 
change Commission figured promi- 
nently. 

Guaranty officei-s insisted that Re- 
public has Mot properly protected the 
Studio property, constructing new 
buildings so as to impair its beauty, 
also allowing the 'jungle' adjacent to 
the Los Angeles river bed to lose 
value through injudicious destruc- 
tion of trees. This portion of the 
studio is in demand /or western lo- 
cations and brings ai-ound $50 a day 
rental. 

iCep. Rental Boosted 

Settlement also provided for a 
substantial increase in rental now 
paid by Republic. Guaranty asked a 
60% hike but settled for a figure 
considerably less. 

Original lease was made to Mascot 
Pictures Kealty Corp., now owned 
itlO% by Republic Pictures, Guar- 
anty claimed lease was improperly 
assigned without its consent. 

Series of conferences now will be 
held among officers Of Guaranty and 
Republic, togetliers with their attor- 
neys, art which it is hoped all other 
matters in connection with the oper- 
ation of the properly, now in dis- 
pute, will be amicably settled. 



Ihieldiig Peoner 

Columbus, O. 
Joe Penner may have abandoned 
his duck but Jtrtm Barcrof t and Lee 
Vlsher, JtKO-Palace press agents, 
found the duck gag still good as a 
promotion stunt for ^ew Faces.' 

In the midst of the noon rush in 
downtown COlumbus two dozen 
ducks were dumped out of crates at 
Broad and High streets, causing a 
minor riot as startled pssacrsby 
joined cops in chasing the birds up 
and down the street 

It was flnders-keepers for those 
who caught the ducks but around the 
neck of each one was a tag which 
read: 'Don't duck Joe Penner in 
•Mew Paces.' . 

looked for iTBing: 

Sydney, 

Beg Kelly, Par's exploitation man- 
ager, arranged with a local com- 
mercial air unit to run a compe- 
tition to find a home-made Bmg 
Crosby. Unit ran the idea in its 
Amateur Night and clicked up a 
record on applications from local 
warblers. Competition ran over four 
weeks before an Aussie Bing Crosby 
was unearthed. Harry Hunter, Par's 
boss, presented a silver cup - to the 
winner on behalf of Bing, and the 
management of Trocadero gave a 
week's engagement. 

Incidently, Hunter got in a nice 
plug for 'Waikiki Wedding' before 
handing over the mug, . 



Jack Foxe, at Poll's^ landed an in- 
accessible met when he cra^ied a 
downtown feweler's window with a 

varied display of candlesticks f6r 
'Emperer's.'* 

On 'Knight Without Armor,' house 
used an old one with a different 
twist with a horseback rider parad- 
ing the streets in tails and top hat 
bearing the legend Tm a Knight 
Without Armour/ 



Theatre Oufes 



Mechanic's 'Winkie' Bally 

Baltimore. 
Morris Mechanic put over a nice 
advance three-way ballyhoo for 
opening of 'Wee Willie Winkie' at 
his New theatre. Showed filming of 
celebrities attending opening of film 
in Hollywood as nev/sreel clip sans 
sound, then planted sound recording 
of event with WBAL for airing, both 
properly publicized in News-Post. 
Trailer on screen .urged tune-in on 
sound stuff. 



Hollywood, July 27. 
F. Hugh Herbert is screenplaying 
Marjorie Hillis' best seller, 'Live 
Alone and Like It/ for Universal, 

Picture probably will be placed on 
the fall production sked. 



'Saratoga^ in Seattle . 

Seattle. 

Four races at Longagres, big race- 
track near here, Saturday were in 
honor of 'Saratoga,' current at Fifth 
avenue theatre; 'Clark Gable,' 'Sara- 
toga,' 'Fifth Avenue' and 'IV^GM' 
Handicaps. Gable sent flowers by 
wire, which pretty usherettes placed 
on the winner. Gable's telegram of 
Congrats to John Hamrick was 
blown up and spotted at 10 local 
W.U. offices and theatre. Usherettes 
were bannered for week prior. Vic 
Gauntlett also lipped newspaper ad- 
vertising. 



Xos Angeles. 

Ed Smith, formerly with Par and 
once manager of Paramount theatre 
here, taken over management of 
Wesi .Coaet theatre in Long Beach. 

Charles CarroB goes into Glendale, 
Glendale, replacing Ifartin G. Kap- 
lan, who has twen over Tower, 
Pasadena. Henry W.^ Paters moves 
into West Coast; San Bernardino, re- 
placing Willard OiAx»me^ who trans- 
fers to Califcnmla, here. E.'^A. Lake 

foes to Strand, Pasadena, vice James 
Irinton, to United Artists, Ingle- 
wood. 

John M. Bin replaced Ben de Did 
as manager of Capitol, Calexico, 
Oe Did replaces Herb Norris at 
United Artists, El Centro, and Ray- 
mond J. Veta^ moves into Val- 
ley, El Centro, in place of Hill. John 
Robinson replaces Peters at Or- 
pheum, San Diego, and Frank G, 
HeBer is at Granada, Inglewood, vice 
Ernest H. SilcoCkbs, who goes to 
Par, L. A. 

Denver, 

Mickey Gross fransferrad from 
Sioux City to Orphetmi here, 

Jerry Zigmond is doing special 
work at the Denver Publix head- 
quarters (J, H,. Cooper Enterprises) 
pending an assignment. 

Princess, Crested Butte, Colo., now 
being operated by the Fisher Broth- 
ers. 

Dale Kline now manager of the 
New Victory, recently the Center. 

Mrs. Ross Labart is now managing 
her husband's theatre, the Sagauche, 
at Sagauche, Colo. 

Martin Morris, former poster clerk 
at the 20th- Fox exchange, nOW ship- 
per at the Grand National. 

William Allison, of the Rialio, 
Sagauche, Colo., now managing th^ 
Alpine, Denver, He Is succeeded in 
Sagauche by Bert Burton. 

In the 'Spring Showmanship' drive 
just ended by the Fox Intarmountain 
Theatres, Inc., top prize money was 
won ■ by Harry Ashton, Boulder, 
Colo.; Don Sheedy, Cheyennie, Wye; 
Chet Miller, Missouli, Mont., and Bob 
Nelson, Leadville, Colo. 

C. L. Wheaton, former booker for 
G-B, now booker for Grand Na- 
tional, succeeding Jack Krum. 



Palse Alam 

New Haven. 

When trade previews of 'Topper' 
was announced, local Loew crowd 
figured to get into the spirit of the 
thing by renting high skull pieces for 
the occasion. 

Title has nothing to do with top 
hats, picture being about a charac- 
ter named Topper, so when the boys 
appeared in the trick headgear, they 
were as out of, place as Braddock's 
features after the Louis pummcling. 



Sioux City, 
Herman Levy new manager of 
Orpheum theatre, Sioux City. Suc- 
ceeds to post held past Ave years by 
Mickey Gross, resigned. Gross goes 
to Deliver to manage Orpheum there. 

Glenn Fratt, Brandeis artist, takes 
over ad work for Omaha house. 



Steubenville, O. 
Tony Cavollo, manager of Liberty, 
New Kensington, Pa., named man- 
ager of Capitol, replacing Frank 
Roberts, transferred to Warner the- 
atre at Morgantown, W. Va. 



Atlanta. 

City Council has put its okay on 
petition of Lanier Development Co. 
for permit to build a nabe theatre 
at 1097 University Drive to serve 
fast-growing Highland-Lanier sub- 
urban community. 

San Francisco. 
Ellis, grind house in the Fillmore 
district here, will be tsken over on 
a long lease by Irving Ackermati snd 
Lawrence Borg on Aug. 1. Both are 
associated in operation of President, 
formerly oticupled by Hem-y Duffy. 
Joe Eftos, formetly with the Gold- 
berg theatre chain here, made man- 
ager of the Ellis. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



35 



JOB LOT RADIO AUTHORING 



HorehVersatile Than the Barrymores 

Detroit, July 27. 

Prof. Garnet Garrison is handing out series of stunt programs to 
his radio speech classes at Wayne University here. No advance 
preparation is allowed, and assignments are drawn from a hat. It 
gives aa' idea of what's expected nowadays of an announcer. 

Classroom items carded include description of silk stocking darning 
contpsts; .'Unkie Bud' reading the funnies; Hollywood opening night 
commentator with stude asking questions and answering them also; 
a 1950 rocket trip across U, S. in three minutes; femmes' announcing 
a la special event style; male stude's shaving contest; monolog on 
Jaughter types including suggestive snicker, old maid's simper," girlish 
giggle, polite titter, apple-polishing snort, hearty guffaws, followed 
hy laugh contests; varous types of 'vox popping'; interviews; spot and 
commercial prog announcing; straight news; use of web and. agency 
scripts of different drama shows ranging from Jack Benny to CBS 
Workshop. 

. Russell Neff, studio manager at WXYZ, is cooperating with Gar- 
• rison and permits • Wayne studes to use studios for Saturday a.m. 
sessions wh^re actual studio practice is duplicated. 




Jolson Etherer, 
Report on Coast 



k ' Hollywood, July 27. 

f .'. George Jessel probably will be on 
'the Lifebuoy-Rinso ether program 
with AI Jolson this fall. Idea- for 

• Jessel working opposite Jolson was 
. hatched when they worked on one 

• of '. the Hollywood. Hotel programs 
..doing reminiscenses. Deal which 

had Jessel to do an air show with 
Harpo Marx and band did not jell 

. and resulted in Ruthrauff & Ryan 
wanting, to add Jessel to the Rinso 

.show. 

.■ Jolson show will have four to six 
acril^es working on, material. Un- 

' derstood that Ave already have been 
corralled. 



RADIO VOX POPPERS' 
DinO FOR LIBERTY 



Wallace Butterworth and Parks 
Johnson, co-interviewers on Mdlle's 
•Vox Pop' show (NBC), may take 
•over the editorship of the column 
of the Same title in Liberty Maga- 
zine. 

•Hookup, which is now under dis- 
cussion, provides for plugging of the 
column on the Molle program. 



Bill Fagan*s Radio Post 
With Benton & Bowles 

William Fagan has resigned from 
CBS sales department in New York 
to become business coordinator of 
the radio department in the Benton 
& Bowles agency. 

Fagan has been with Columbia 
over isix years. For a while he was 
service head of the network's sales 
division. 



Irna Phillips' New Show 

• Irna Phillips, radio serial scripter. 
Is doing a new dramatization pro- 
gram for Procter & Gamble, titled 
•Man of Destiny.' Program will be 
an a. m. set-to over NBC, commenc- 
ing in the fall. Compton, agency on 
the account, has not as yet selected 
the time and web. 

Author of the forthcoming serial 
also churned out the copy for 'To- 
day's Children,* for. Pillsbury Flour, 
■and 'Guiding Light,' P. & G. show. 

Helen Gahagan Show 

Chicago, July 27. 

New show starring Helen Gahagan 
planned by Blackett-Sample-Hum- 
niert agency for General Mills. 

Known as 'Love for a Day,' it is 
a semi-script show on a daily basis, 
15 minutes per. 



Strawhat on WNBX 

Brattleboro Players, strawhat 
group at Brattleboro, Vt., last Satur- 
day (24) began ah-ing a series of 
one-act plays over WNBX, . Bpring- 
fleld. 



FRITZI SCHEFF DEMANDS 
PAY FOR INTERVIEW 



St. Louis, July 27. 

Plan of KWK to publicize appear- 
ance of Fritzi Scheff in cast of 'The 
Prince of Pilsen' at a fresco theatre 
in Forest Park last week came a 
cropper when warbler wanted dough 
for interview over air. 

John Conrad, station's public re- 
lations director arranged through 
William Zalken, p.a. of Municipal 
Theatre Assn. for interview. 



Olsen and Johnson Get 
Grier, Fio Rito Bands 



Los Angeles, July 27. 

Next three Olsen and Johnson 
Richfield shows will, be aired from 
NBC here with the following trio 
from San Francisco and the north- 
west. Comics had been slated to air 
trio from Catalina Isle with Jan 
Garber's ork supplanting 'George 
Hamilton, However, when this deal 
fell through Jimmy Grier was set 
to do the music for the three here. 

Ted Fio Rito will orch the follow- 
ing three 'casts when the comics 
start north. 



EDDIE DOOLEY SIGNED 



Chesterfield Spreads Football Spieler 
On 92 Stations 



Chesterfield cigarettes has set Ed- 
die Dooley, of N. Y. Sun, as gridiron 
gossiper over a spread of 92 CBS 
stations. Dooley starts Sept. 13, and 
will go for 13 weeks, airing on 
Thursday and Saturday nights, 6.30- 
45 p.m. 

Talked football last year over CBS 
for Royal Typewriter, account which 
is not returning to' "the ether this 
autumn. The 92-stations' hookup is 
the bigigest ever welded for a com- 
mercial gridiron dopester's program. 

While it has not yet been definitely 
decided, it is likely that Chesterfield 
will keep Paul Douglas, currently 
spieling sports over CBS week-daily, 
6.35-45 p.m., on that stint until the 
baseball season ends. 



Bert Wheeler Paddles 
In 'Boat' for Jack Haley 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Bert Wheeler goes on the 'Show 
Boat! program succeeding Jack 
Haley when the latter moves oyer 
to the Log Cabin show on NBC 
blue next Oct. 8. 

K;FI will be the local outlet with 
the 26-week series hitting the air 
with a repeat show for the West 
Coast. 



Paige Both CBS, NBC 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Raymond Paige, Hollywood Hotel 
maestro on CJolumbia, also will he 
musical director for the- fall series 
of Packard air shows over NBC on 
a deal completed with Young & 
Rubicam. He maket; his NBC bow 
Sept. 7. 

It will be Paige's first appearance 
over NBC, but the deal was inked 
without any audition preliminaries. 



5- 





yp TO SEILS 



Six-Month Leasing Rights— 
Koehler-Bachus' Stable of 
112 Scripters — Mostly 
Hinterlanders 



2-CHARACTERS TOPS 



Some 112 authors write radio ma- 
terial for the script brokerage house 
of Joseph Koehler-Georgia Bachus, 
largest in the biz. Most of them 
are connected with inland ■ statioris 
or live in small towns. Writers who 
actually live in New York are either 
making too much turning out net- 
work serials or are careless in plot- 
ting, lazy where research is re- 
quired, and otherwise unsuited for 
the requirements of a - radio play 
brokerage service. 

Many of the provincial writers 
have fresh slants, do painstaking 
work, and are potentially the solid 
craftsmen of the narrative type of 
radio program. They are often an- 
nouncers, production men or em- 
ployees of small city stations. 

Koehler-Bachus handle scripts on a 
50-50 basis, rendering each member 
of its 'stable of writers' a royalty 
statement on the 10th of the month. 
Scripts are sold to radio stations 
mostly (or sometimes to little thea- 
tres and similar groups who wish to 
broadcast supplemental to their reg- 
ular activities). Prices for half hour 
serial is around $3 per episode. 
Extra parts for cast members cost 
10c. each. (Radio does not., use 
'sides' as in legit) 

Catalog of scripts has been built 
up to contain some 2,000 items rang- 
ing from 26-episode serials to five- 
minute quickies selling for $1 each. 
Whole business of script brokera::c 
is built on the cornerstone of 
mimeographing. 

Stations get royalty rights for six 
months and may give as many per- 
formances within that time as they 
desire. After six months, rights 
revert to broker. About 300 sta- 
tions monthly . buy something — 
serials, blurbs, specials, one-time 
shots. 

Stations with an idea or a need 
can get a script written to order, 
providing it has a plausible re-sale 
value that would make the potential 
income to the author and the broker 
worth the trouble. 

Right now there's a run on two- 
character melodrama. This fits sum- 
mer requirements and budgets for 
sustaining fill-ins. 

Vox Popping at $10 

Scope of the material offered fpr 
sale (and indicative of the continui.ty- 
writing inexperience of broadcast- 
ing organizations) is suggested by 
the fact that when the vox pop man- 
on-the-street vogue started to spread, 
a list of 500 questions to ask the pub- 
lic attracted 45 customers at $10 
each. 

As yet, individual radio authors do 
not in themselves sell a script. It's 
the idea plus the size of the cast and 
other purely mechanical considera- 
tions that rnakes the sale. 

Some of the writers in the Koehlcr 
Bachus stable include: Alice Ward. 
J. O. Simon, Ronald Daw.son, Mar- 
gery Williams (wife of Chica.fjo's 
Equity rep), Emory Ward, Fred L. 
Webber, Muir Whittall, Claire 
Griffin. Jael Garrison, Leslie Mor- 
rison. Eugenia Whyte, Donal Spatz, 
Ben Hawthorne, C, E. Risse, Margot 
Beaton, John F. Gantt, Willard Wal- 
lace, Leon Goldstein, Marvin An'^ier, 
Raymond Dumont, Alfred Vogt, 
Lloyd Graham, Edwin H. Morse, 
Virginia Gunn, E, B. Jenkins, Gladys 
Allen, Mary Hatch, Marjorie Muollcr. 
Martin Smith, Wayne Pool, Carl 
Glick. Hi Alexander, Bob jGlli.son. 
Karl Zomar. Lav;rence Menkin. 



Connie Boswell set by the Rock- 
well-O'Keefe office for the Ken Mur- 
ray program for Aug. 4 and 18, Sept. 
1, 15 and 22. Same office placed 
Frances Comstock on the ditto show 
Aug. 11. 



Washington Influence' 



Anything that President Roosevelt may be able to accomplish toward 
the encouragement within the radio regulatory mechanism in. Washington 
of a higher gross average of legal, technical and political ethics must in^ 
evitably be greeted by all foresighted broadcasters with a heartfelt 
'amen,' 



Nothine could be more wholesome for the best business interests ori; 
existing franchise-holders than letter-of-the-law devotion to book rules by 
the Federal Communications Commission. Needless to say that's entirely 
okay with the better grade attorneys and others. It would put a premium 
upon solid competence and a penalty upon connivance. 



Greatest single cause of the Washington political mess as regards the. 
granting of radio licenses has .been the widely accepted notion among 
broadcasters that it was necessary to 'find Out privately how the wind 
was blowing.' Petitions, it has generally been thought (and the: hold- 
ing of the thought was- equivalent to the 'fact for the purpose of the 
chiselers) were 50% a matter of public record and hearing and 50%' 
a matter of you-know-what. 



Many broadcastersi^ hav6 long had a conviction that magic behind 
the scenes was equal in importance to the open and official presentation of 
facts, background, etc. Fortunately this idea seems due for a little de- 
bunking. Sooner or later public opinion forces a halt to trading in oil 
fields, wavelengths, water power and other natural resources. 



Nobody will be naive enough to expect politicians to- stop politicking or 
chiselers to stop chiseling or fixers to stop claiming that they can. But on 
the Other hand a once over lightly in Washington with the sapolio might 
have several wholesome results for the business of operating radio 
stations. " , • 



First of all — fond hope — it might mean less expense for annual legal 
and technical protection in Washington, fewer unwarranted and 'trouble- 
making' threats to compel broadcasters to drop everything and rush to 
the Capitol, greater reliance upon actual operation in the public service 
and less upon public servants or the palsy-walsy boys who barter alleged 
and fictitious 'influence', for what-have-you. 



Relieved of the various cheap chisels, annoyances, and indirect payoffs, 
stations might be able to dedicate more time and thought to learning 
their own. business. And despite their prosperity — a spontaneous accident 
of membership in a new industry — many radio stations still present ample 
evidence of not knowing too much about their own problems. Stations that 
are wise arnd sophisticated about Washington, that can perform little 
miracles of artful dodging among the kilocycle franchises, are in the 
kindergarten where advertising agencies,, programs, showmanship, sales 
promotion and similar, matters are concerned. 



Schillin, Local New York 
Radio Agency, Up 470^ 
In Billings Since 1934 



A fair hint as to the tremendous 
coin potentialities wrapped up in the 
greater New York radio field was 
uncovered this week in business 
growth by an agency which has de- 
voted all its efforts ' to airwave ad- 
vertising, with probably 95% of it 
spotted on local stations. Actual 
gross business of this firm, Schillin 
Advertising Corp., was 470% higher 
in the first half of 1937 than in the 
first six months of 1934. 

This hefty increase plus business in 
sight or contracted for this fall, 
latter represented by $80,000 worth 
of ne\v iDUsiness signed iri last six 
days, prompted Schillin '■ agency to 
open additional offices in Newark, 
where W. Wright Beck will be in 
charge. 



U. S. Agcy's Radio Dept. 
Ad Agency Radio Dept^ 

David (and Hilda) Murray now in 
charge of the radio department of 
the U. S, Advertising Agency. 

Former ballroom dancer has been 
on the production end of radio for 
the past two years, starting with 
Fanchon & Marco, 



Hummerts to Europe 



Frank and Anne (Mrs.) Hummert, 
of the Blackett-Samplc-Hummert 
agency, will go to Europe about the 
middle of August for a vacation- 
business trip. Expected to be gone 
about six weeks or two months. 

Understood they will look over sta- 
tions in Paris and .Luxemburg with 
the idea of possibly placing dra- 
matic programs to reach British 
listeners. 



Ben Alexander on NBC 

Hollyv/ood, July 27, 
Ben Alexander, radio commentator 
on Hollywood personalities, goes 
transcontinental over NBC red net- 
work tomorrow (Wed,), 

Program is titled 'Not for Ladies,' 
and concerns chatter on male screen 
celebs. 



Blow Enforces 
Exclusive On 
Morgan Orch 



Transcription cutting date which 
Associated Mu.sic Publishers, Inc., 
had set for Russ Morgan for Aug. 4 
was cancelled last week when the 
Blow agency objected to the band 
leader taking this assignment. Con- 
tract \vhich ties Morgan to the 
Philip Morris program stipulates 
that his services are exclusively that 
account's as far as broadcasting is 
concerned. 

Associated had made a series of 
records with Morgan for its library 
some months ago and last week 
when it sought to bring the band in 
for Another waxing session Asso- 
ciated was it^ormed by Consolidated 
Radio ArtistSj Inc., Morgan's book- 
ers, that the job could not be per- 
formed. Pressed for the reason, Con- 
solidated explained that Blow had 
cited the exclusivity clause in the 
Morgan contract. Ad agency saw 
nothing but bad business judgment 
in permitting Morgan to turn out 
records which would make his music 
available for broadcasting purposes 
at any time Associatcd's station 
clients willed. . 

Morgan's binder with Philip 
Morris has several years to go and 
it is the intention of the account to 
make his music as exclusive an 
article as possible. 



Georgie Price on WOR 



Georgie Price, . now head of his 
own stock brokera.c'c fivm, has .sue-' 
cumbcd to the radio l-..i,re again and 
starts at the head of h'^s own WOR 
sustaincr Aug. 8 with Mort/*!: C.ov'fl'.s 
orchestra and the Canriolccrj; in 
support. 

Price, once a Ciia.'^c & S.'.r.bcrn 
(tea) commercialile, hj.s been ofl' the 
air for some sea.sons and Uie WOR- 
Mutual coast-lo-coa.st network on 
Sunday evenings is' part ot the new 
Benjamin Dav'.d depdi lim-nL lo b-jjjd 
up new talent for fjll bpuiiio;-.':. 



S6 " vARmir 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



NEW DEAL SAPOUO FOR RADIO POSSIBLE; 
ROOSEVELT HAS TWO VACANCIES TO FILL 



High Type Personnel as Answer to Critics-^Craven 
May Be Drafted — 'Curb to Politics' — Might 
Stymie Investigation 



Washington, July 27. 

Death of Chairman Annins S. 
Prall of the Federal Communications 
Commission at Boothbay Harbor, 
•-^>Me., Friday (23) came as a surprise 
to most associates and to the bulk of 
the radio business since his office 
had issued several indignant denials 
of reports that he was critically ill. 
Of^ly 48 hours before the chairman 
. expired, rumors that he was strickeii 
with partial paralysis were scotched, 
and members of his secretarial staff 
insisted he was recovering rapidly 
. from an. attack of 'bronchitis.' 

Known - to have been in poor 
health for weeks and exhausted from 
strain of official duties, Prall was ill^ 
about two weeks. He had departed 
from Washington abruptly after the 
June 30 commission meeting and 
gone to his summer home for a rest. 
Mystery, about natiure of his illness 
was maintained throughout. 

With vacancies in thft two top 
posts, industry figures 9s well as po- 
litical . circles wondered whether 
President Roosevelt, will take ad- 
vantage of the opportunity to head 
off further F.C.C. criticism, block an 
investigation, and start a reiorm pro- 
gram in making nominations. 

There was widespread hope among 
network executives, radio law- 
years, and other trade observers 
that Roosevelt will pick strong men, 
with knowledge of technical prob- 
lems and no political ties, for the 
gaps in Commish ranks. On all sides 
comment was that a real new deal 
for radio can be dished up if the 
Prez sees fit. 

Craven Prominent 

Name of Comdr. T.A.M. Craven, 
Connmish chief engineer, was men- 
tioned most frequently in' conjecture 
" over the President's actions. Since 
Roosevelt is aware of the political 
bickering and agitation regarding the 
Commish, it was felt possible he will 
apply pressure to Craven and get 
him to accept the job. Previously 
Craven, who was made chief engi- 
neer through White Hotise interven- 
tion, had let intimates know he was 
not interested in stepping into the 
Stewart berth. 

Consequences of Prall's death are 
bound to be far-reaching. Since he 
was ex-olTicio member of all three 
Commish divisions, the internal line- 
up is bound to b$ changed, even if 
one of the present members moves 
up. Of the five members remaining, 
only two— Chairman Eugene O. 
Sykes of the Broadcast Division and 
Chairman Paul C. Walker of the 
Telephone Division — are Democrats. 
Unlikely either of them will be 
upped, since Walker has little in- 
terest in and only limited acquaint- 
ance with radio matters and Sykes 
ah-eady has occupied the post pre- 
viously. There was speculation 
whether the President might .depart 
from tradition and designate Gov. 
Norman S. Case, one of the Repub- 
licans and an intimate friend, for 
the chairmanship. 

Judge Sykes, picked by Prall to be 
^ acting chairman for the summer, 
took immediate steps to pay formal 
respects. " Balance of Commish 
adopted resolution of regret and ar- 
rangements were made fpr delega- 
tion to attend the funeral Monday 
(26). 

Broadcast industry was called upon 
pronto to join in tribute to the late 
chairman. James W. Baldwin, man- 
aging director of National Associa- 
tion of Broadcasters, voiced stations', 
sentiment and asked all transmitters 
to observe minute of silence as mark 
of respect. Cessation of service co- 
incided with opening of funeral serv- 
ices, held at his Staten Island home 
Monday afternoon (26). . 



Frank Schreiber in 
N. Y. For A.F.M. Meel 



Frank Schreiber, of WON, Chi- 
cago, come.s to New York Friday for 
conferences at the American Fed- 
eration of Musicians. Representinst 
W. E, Macfarlane, of WGN, he will 
accompany Fred Weber and Ted 
Streibert to the Friday discussions. 

Mutual will outline to Joe Weber 
and his boaid wherein Mutual dif- 
fers from other networlcs. 

1 



Prall's Office Denied 



Washington,. July 27.. 

Frantic attempts to hide 
serious illness of F. C. C. Chair- 
man Anning S. Prall, who died- 
Friday (23) in Maine, left the 
Washington Herald out on the 
end of an extremely long limb. 

Early last week the Herald, 
Hearst-owned, printed in the 
•Washington Merry-Go-Round' 
column . story that Prall had 
suffered partial paralysis and 
was in critical condition. Tol- 
lowing day rag carried retrac- 
tion saying " Chairman's office 
had denied the report and add- 
ing that instead of being at. 
death's door iPrall was taking 
daily automobile and boat rides 
and making rapid stridies back 
to good health. 

. Within 48 hours official an- 
nouncement of the Chairman's 
death was is.sued, 



Cuffo Pro-ASCAP 
Columnists Will 
Baflyhoa the Org. 



American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers has turned 
to nationally known columnists for 
propaganda help in meeting of the 
attacks, of broadcasters and other 
music users. Articles touting the 
Society and authored by these 
columnists will be printed on either 
the back or inside of regular sheet 
music copies. First firm which has 
arranged for the insertion of one of 
these articles is M, Witmark & Son, 
part of the Warner Bros, group. 

ASCAP claims that - it has pre- 
vailed upon such columnists as West- 
brook Pegle'r, Walter Lippmann, 
Damon Run'yon, Walter Winchell 
and Louis Sobel to contribute pieces 
for inclusion in sheet music publica- 
tions. It is also claimed that per- 
mission has been given to use these 
articles for whatever purposes the 
Society elects. 

Initial splurge of this type of 
propaganda will appear in Wit- 
mark's publications from the score 
of 'Mr. Dodds Takes the Air' (WB). 
The article on 'What is ASCAP' will 
be carried on the first inside page 
of the piano copies of 'Here Comes 
the Sandman' and 'Remember.' 
There will also be a picture of Victor 
Herbert. 



RADIO 'GANGBliSTERS' 
AS METRO FEATURE PIC 



Metro has bought the screen rights 
to 'Gangbusters' from Phillips Lord, 
and will use the title and radio pro- 
gram idea for one feature film to be 
produced this autumn. 

'Gangbusters' airs Wednesdays 
over CBS for Palmolive Shave 
Cream. 



Persistent Request 



Cleveland, July 27. 

Carl Mark, announcer of WHK 
Night Owl Club, on the air Saturday 
nights from midnight to 3 a.m., in- 
vites listeners to phone in their re- 
quests for popular tunes. One per- 
sistent request for 'Sweet Leilani.' 
Each week he has announced that 
the recording was not available. 

Matter finally came to a head last 
Saturday. Mark was in the midst 
of the program when the studio door 
flew open and in m^irched a middle- 
aged woman, who advanced to the 
disc turntable, slapped .down a re- 
cording of 'Sweet Leilani' and An- 
nounced loudly and distinctly, 'Now 
toll me you haven't got it.' 



Back From Hollywood, 
WonU Set Up Central 
Casting for Chi Air 

Chicago, July 27, 
Connie Osgood, formerly a pro- 
ducer and performer at WJJD here, 
is attempting to organize a Chicago 
clearing house for talent a la Central 
Casting in Hollywood. She's just 
back in loop from a radio whirl in 
the film colony. 

Her idea is that the 'closed door* 
at the aigencies plus the general lack 
of organization between buyer and 
performer should encourage general 
support of such an idea. . 



JOE E. BROWN FOR FORD? 



Necotiatlons Pend — ^Hollywood Show 
Wonid Cost $12,500 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Ford Motors is negotiating for Joe 
E, Brown to head half-hour show 
on a coast to coast hookup for 39 
weeks starting latter part of Sep- 
tember. 

Script is now being prepared 
whereby Brown will do a rural char- 
acterization on the show which will 
also carry name band and vocalists. 
If script is okayed Brown, who is 
now in Chicago broadcasting base- 
ball games for Kellogg, will go with 
his agent, Mike Levee, to Detroit tO' 
iron out riemuneration problem and 
close the deal for the show which 
will be ethered out of Hollywood. 

It is understood the show would 
cost Ford $12,500 weekly, with 
Brown getting half of that amount 
for his stint. 



IREENE WICKER SHOW 
POSSIBLE ON MUTUAL 



N. W. Ayer agency is this week 
dickering with Mutual on the idea 
of putting Ireene Wicker's 'Singing 
Lady' " programs for Kellogg over 
MBS this autumn on a iSuhday — 
only late afternoon spot. To date 
time acceptable to the agency 
hasn't been worked out, 

'Singing Lady,' current and of long 
tenure on the NBC-blue Monday- 
through-Friday on a late afternoon 
spot, will continue in that berth if 
program goes Mutual. 



Squibbs Mulls 'Dreams' 



Squibbs toothpaste has auditioned 
and is reported to be holding under 
consideration a dramatization series, 
'Makers of Dreams,' authored by 
Arthur McCaffery. 

'Dreams' was until recently a 
weekly program on WQXR, N. Y., 
produced and staffed by the WPA 
Radio Project. McCaffery resigned 
from the WPA to take a job script- 
ing for the 'World Is Yours' series 
on CBS, which is produced and 
bankrolled by the Bureau of Edu- 
cation of the Department of the In- 
terior, a Federal government under- 
taking. 



WCAU Starts W3XIR 

Philadelphia, July 27. 

Construction will begin by WCAU 
early next month on new high fre- 
quency transmitter for which FCC 
granted permit last week. Station, 
assigned call letters W3XIR, will be 
ready for operation about February. 

'The transmitter,' John G. Leitch, 
WCAU technical supervisor, said, 
'will be one of Philly's first high fre- 
quency stations. It will air experi- 
i mentally local and network pro- 
grams carried by WCAU. Reception 
is practically limited to line-of -sight, 
which in this case will be radius of 
20 to 25 miles. Broadcasts should 
be well I'eceived in Philly, with 
italic and fading negligible.' 



Fred Hart's European Trek 
San Francisco. July 27. 

Fred Hart, general manager of 
KGIMB and KHBC. Honolulu, will 
do some globe-trotting in Europe 
during the next sevei-al months with 
his wife and daughter. 

Trip is a graduation present to his 
dau.rjhter who, got a diploma from 
Stanford University last May. 



'Highly Prottable Nuisances 

Detroit, July 27. 

Described by Bill Scripps aa 'highly profitable nuisances' chain-< 
break announcements and unadorned commercial blurbs generally are 
due' for stepchild treatment at WW J, Detroit News station. It's step 
number two' in a campaign to class up the prograin schedule of the 
station. 

WWJ will not rush into its latest reform but will 'preview' the idea. 
Plans to up rates from $237.50 to $325 during the 12 noon to 3 p.m! 
period that will be set aside for the program janitoring. Sponsor 
support for the blurb -free time will be the acid test. 



FRANCE BUYING SETS 



4,000,000 Receivers Now Lloensed in 
Republic 



Paris, July 18. 

According to the latest official 
statistics just issued, France is buy- 
ing radios at a faster rate than ever 
before. During the last year more 
than a million licenses have been 
taken out, which brings the total to 
nearly 4,000,000. receiving seta how 
operating in France. 

Increase of listeners during the 
past months is demonstrated by- the 
49,000 new licenses taken out during 
the month of April this year. 



DONALD ABERT 
MGR.OFWTMJ 



Chicago, July 27. 
Effective Aug. 1, Donald Abert 
becomes manager of Station WTMJ 
in Milwaukee. He is son-in-law' of 
Harry Grant, publisher and Chief 
owner of Milwaukee Journal. 

Walter Damm continues in official 
position of head of promotion de 
partment of Journal and will also 
continue as contact on policy, net- 
work negotiations, legal and admin- 
istrative matters. 

Russ Winne continues as assistant 
manager and Bill Dittman as sales 
manager. 

Change effective August 1, but 
with station classified as before a 
division of Journal's promotion de 
partment. 



Benny Friedman Gets 
Sponsor for Grid Chats 



Benny Friedman, football coach of 
New York City College, will be spon 
sored over Mutual out of WOR, New 
York, starting Sept. 12. Will do 
quarter-hour Sunday spiels at 11:30 
a.m. on the pigskin sport. 

Parker Watches will get the plugs 
Placed by tewis de Garmo agency. 
New York. 



WHITEMAN RELENTS? 



Auditioning: Girl Singers — Swore Off 
Only Two Months Ago 



Ft. Worth, July 27. 

Although Jazz King recently swore 
he was off girl entertainers forever, 
Station WRAP is helping Paul 
Whiteman select a gal singer to fill 
Ramona's shoes and step into a con- 
tract with the Whiteman outfit. 

Auditions have been held daily for 
the past three weeks, with approxi- 
mately 20 would-be torchies heard. 
Whiteman, once a week, listens to 
the best. 

Maestro warns applicants the re- 
quirements are tough, the lucky girl 
not only having to be okeh for the 
air but must be a pix possibility. 



Carleton Smith's Fast Work 



Wa.shingtort, July 27. 
All-time record for speedy radio 
coverage of an important evertt was 
claimed last week by WMAL and 
WRC. 

Less than one minute after Sen. 
Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky was 
cho.sen to succeed the late majority 
leader, Sen. Joseph T. Robinson, 
twin stations were on the air with a 
nationwide flash. In two minutes 
flat, newly-elected Senate leader 
was miiltering into a microphone 
and expre.ssing surprise at the sud- 
denness of it all. Fellow Senators 
were still congratulating him when 
mike was placed under his nose. 

Flash act was conducted by Carle- 
ton Smith; who burst into the caucus 
room with photographers and news- 
papermen a few seconds after Bark- 
ley had won the election by one 
vote. 



$1,200,000 BIZ 
LOCALLY AT 
WOR 



For the first six months of 1937 
WOR billed more than $1,200,000 on 
what the station rates local biz. 
That's a figure that tops WOR's own 
national record, station doing only 
slightly better than $1,000,000 from 
January through June last year. 

In deciding what, is revenue frojtn 
other network biz, WOR classifies as 
its own commercials that are placed 
first on its facilities and later ex- 
pand to Mutual, figuring such biz 
would accrue to it Whether there 
existed a network. 

WOR's nighttime . hour rate is 
$925. " 



'Unfair' Threat to Air 
Folks Cuffing Dates at 
Non-Union S.F. Resorts 



San Francisco, July 27. 

In an effort to prevent local radio 
artists and musicians from doing 
cuffo performances at nearby resorts 
employing non-union orchs., the Mu- 
sicians' Union, Local No. 6, at San 
Francisco, has sent a letter to man- 
agers of bay district broadc,asters to 
caution staff members against mak- 
ing such appearances. 

Signed by Eddie B. Love, secretary 
of the union, the letter stated that 
radio entertainers failing to co- 
operate would ■ be placed on. the 
union's unfair list. 



NEW YORK AGENCIES 
USTENING TO ACTS 



Young & Rubicam Monday. (26) 
auditioned as a trio the combined 
acts of Milton Douglas and Patricia, 
and the comic Harry Savoy. Nick 
Agneta, of the Curtis & Allen 
agency, put the two acts together. 
Savoy recently had a showing as a 
single for J. Walter Thompson. 
~ Another audition was that of bari- 
tone Robert Veede for N. W. Ayer. 
The singer, for long at Radio City 
Music Hall, has had some radio back- 
ground. Audition was as a single for 
a quarter-hour program over CBS. 



Abrams Football Caller 
For Brewing Sponsor 

Pittsburgh, July 27. 
Al Abrams, of 'Post-Gazette' who 
picks winners under the p.seudonym 
of 'La Marba' has been signatured 
again by Duquesne Brewing for se- 
ries of broadcasts over WWSW dur- 
ing football season. It's a half-hour 
spot every Friday night for three 
months, with Abrams naming his 
selections and giving general survey 
of weekly grid situation. 



WORKING VACATIONS 



Canadian Spiders at Mountain 
sorts for Pick-ups 



Re- 



Winnipeg, July 27. 
Canadian Broadcasting Corp., 
.lumping acro.ss country for announc- 
ers to push into the summer renriote 
dance spots in the Canadian Rockies. 
Have already taken one. Brian Hodg- 
kinson. CKY, Winnipeg, and put him 
at Jasper National Park, Alta, for 
two weeks. Later going are Jack 
Thompson and Freddie Haywood, of 
the independently owned CJRC, 
Winnipeg. They go to Lake Louise 
National Park, Alta.. for August and 
September, respectively. 
Case of holidays with expcn.ses 
paid, plus salary. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



37 



DEALER TIE-IN PROGRAMS 



N.Y. STATE AD 
DRIVE OMITS 
KADIO 



Although the state of Maine used 
radio last winter . to ballyhoo the 
potato country as a vacation play- 
ground and Pennsylvania and North 
Carolina have already earmarked 
considerable sums to etherize, New 
York State's appropriation for the 
next year, a total of $200,000 for 
ballyhoo, will be expended in news- 
" papers, magazines and pamphlets 
only. Radio is getting a complete 
and definite go-by. 

Kelly, Nason & Winsten agency re- 
cently grabbed the account for N. Y. 
State's ballyhoo from Batten, Barton, 
jDurstine & Osborn. (Bill Winsten, 
■who brought in the Ruppert beer ac- 
count, had his name elevated to the 
firm's title which formerly included 
Elliott Roosevelt.) 



ROY FROTHINGHAM IS 
WEED'S FRISCO MAN 



San Francisco, July 27. 

Roy Frothingham, former sales 
promotion manager for NBC West- 
ern Division, and for the past sev- 
eral years in business for himself as 
sales counsellor specializing in. radio 
surveys, has been named Pacific 
Coast manager for Joe Weed. Latter 
was here last week. 

Frothingham will continue his 
present activities in addition to his 
work for Weed. 



WPAers Land Jobs 



Four ex-members of the 
WPA radio project,, recently 
pink-slipped off the roster ' due 
to the appropriation cuts, htive 
landed spots. 

Rosa Rubenstein is currently 
singing in the show at Radio 
City Music Hall. Philip N. 
Clark has attached to the dra- 
matic staff at WMCA. George 
Ebert has joined the Lester 
Cole male octet, and Arthur 
McCaffery has a job scripting 
'The World is Yours,' Bureau of 
Education of the Department of 
the Interior program over CBS. 



KDKA, PinSBURGH, HAS 
41 STAFF PERFORMERS 



Pittsburgh, July 27. 

Indications that KDKA will make 
a big play for local radio biz in the 
fall were revealed over week-end 
when H. A. Woodman, station man- 
ager, announced that flock of per- 
formers, previously in the part-time 
'artist' classification, have been 
placed under contracts as exclusive 
sustaining artists. Move will in^ 
crease station's regular artist staff to 
41 members. 

Those handed year-round contracts 
are Dorothy Bushey, Freda Lazier, 
Madelyn Ward, Pat Haley, Bill 
Gibson, Umberto and Alfred Egizi, 
Harry Azinsky, Aneurin Bodycombs, 
Adelaide Lasner, Sammy Fuller and 
George Heid. 

Woodman plans to rotate all of 
these people on station's sustainers 
and likewise make them available 
for sponsors on all commercial pro- 
grams. 



Don Martin, former WIP, Philly, 
gabber, joins staff of WTAR, Nor- 
folk, next Monday. 




Programs Built for Resale 
to Local Retailers Seen 
on Upbeat Despite Anti- 
Premium Rules and Nia- 
tional- Local Differential 
Elimination' in Some Com- 
niunities 



DEALERS AS TANS' 



Dealer tie-up programs, designed 
to fit the trade problems of specific 
industries, are expected to be more 
numerous this 'coming season. Pro- 
grams tailored to measure for milk 
companies, furniture stores, jewelers, 
undertakers, bankers, utilities, in- 
surance brokers, opticians, druggists, 
grocers, used car dealers are among 
the groups. 

Placement of programs with the 
local stations at local rates usually 
involves participation by the manu- 
facturer in the time costs and dona- 
tion of the entertainment end (usu- 
ally transcription) to the local dis- 
trib. In some cases program-build- 
ers oh their own initiative create a 
combination entertainment-merchan- 
dizing combo and sell on fee or shar- 
ing terms to radio stations whose 
sales staff then peddle to some firm 
or group of firms in the commercial 
line's community outpost, which is 
thereby provided with a ready-made 
answer to 'what to do in radio.* 
Programs involving dealer tie-in 



ideas such as the 'time-savers' 
thought motif for Longines necessi- 
tate research and preparation detail 
that the average local station on Its 
own is not organized to perform, 
but is frequently able to sell or servr 
ice when given a blueprint. 

Some indications have been noted 
that big national advertisers increas- 
ingly favor the use of name-building 
institutional campaigns for the net- 
works, supplemented by the point- 
of-sale price-hammering locals to 
actually drive customei's into retail 
establishments. 

Own Problems 

Dealer tie-ih programs have a 
series of problems of their own. Per- 
haps 30% of the communities in the 
country have either retailing codes 
or city ordinances forbidding give- 
aways or premium contests. About 
40 more towns have wiped out the' 
national-local rate differential re- 
cently. 

Moreover eccentricities of a purely 
personal nature may arise. Resist- 
ance was created last year to a 
dealer program called 'Hpllywood 
Room Recipes' which was placed on 
over 80 stations by the Bigelow- 
Sanford Carpet Co. Contest had 
housewives (and 30% of their hus- 
bands) submitting room arrange- 
ments designs. Dealers didn't go for 
this so well as many of them were 
personally ignorant of interior dec- 
oration and resented the education 
of their clientele; above their own 
level of knowledge of furniture;. coIt 
ors, combinations, etc. Since then a 
straight program of Teddy Bergman 
comedy, involving no interior dec- 
oration 'highbrow' angles, has en- 
countered smooth sailing fpr the 
same house. 

Local merchants and business men 
are apparently fans where radio 
programs,- even their own, are con- 
cerned, and like or dislike on a per- 
sonal rather than a business basis. 



INDEX 



BIRMINGHAM 
DEAL ON WAN 
WITH CBS 



Indications are that the Federal 
Communications Commission will act 
on two cases Involving Columbia 
without waiting for the appointment 
of a successor to the late Chairman 
Anning S, Prall. Thes,e applications 
revolve around CBS' lease of KFSO, 
San Francisco, and the same net- 
work's financial interest in the take- 
over of WAPI, Birmingham, Ala. 

Commissioners Norman Case and 
O. O. Sykes had elected to defer act- 
ing on the applications until Prall 
had returned to his post. Since his 
successor would not be expected to 
be acquainted with the facts in the 
case,' it is believed that Case and 
Sykes will proceed to dispose of the 
issues by themselves. 

Case and Sykes Had okayed the 
transfer of WAPf's license back from 
B. H. Hopson to the University of 
Alabama, but' declined to pass on the 
application which would - turn this 
same license over to a new operating 
outfit. The Voi^e of Alabama," Inc. 
This setup originally consisted of 
Ed- Norton and Thad Holt, native 
Alabamians. After they had ar^ 
ranged to take over the station's 
operation and construct a 50,000-watt 
transmitter. Norton and Holt got 
CBS to come through with a major 
part, of the required $75,000 for 
eiquipment costs. In rpturn for this 
financing Columbia got 45% of the 

Voice's stock. 

: — 

Eton Boys guest on Gulf program 
over CBS on Aug. 15. 



The Greatest Number of program list' 
ings in Newspapers and fan magazines 
given any one station is given WLW. 



THE NATION'S STATION 



38 VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 28, 19.^7 



Transcription Biz at StandstiD 
As A. F. M. Seeks More Orchestras 



Tramscription business is frankly 
at a standstill, negotiations for new 
fall contracts between various locals 
and individual stations are held up 
in some cases (such as Philadelphia), 
and the whole trade is speculating 
on the possible outcome of the talks 
now in progress between Joe Weber 
and his staff on one side and the 
radio industry on the other. 

Joe Weber wants more orchestras. 
Radio doesn't want to assume the 
burden. Networks are. looked to by 
the Musicians Union to line up their 
aft'ijiiVted stations for the alleviation 
of unemployment in the craft 

AFM has issued a ruling to all 
member-musicians that no record- 
ings will be permitted after Aug. 15. 
Present meetings are aimed to avoid 
the necessity of carrying out that 
order. Hearings are being . held 
every morning in the offices of 
ASCAP and the AFM board of di- 
rectors is powwowing in the after- 
noons to consider the points raised 
at the morning sessions and to plan 
the next day's strategy. Figured a 
tactical move by AFM to stage the 
hearings in the ASCAP sanctum, 
since that body is co-operating with 
the musicians. 

Present at Monday's hearing were 



Make-Believe Play-by-Play 
Sponsored on WIND, Gary 

Chicago, July 27. 

Re-creations of the White Sox out- 
of-town ball games will be spon- 
^^sored on WIND, the Ralph Atlass 
station, by Morris B. Sachs stores 
here. Re-creations ride from 7 to 8 
p.m. Set through the Schwimmer & 
Scott agendy here. 

Chicago Cubs sponsor the re-crea- 
tions of the Cubs games on the sta- 
tion. ~ 



reps from World Broadcasting, Trans- 
american,- Marsch labs, Jessie L. 
Kaufman, Inc., and Muzak. Bruns- 
wick, RCA Mfg.,. Decca, Victor and 
Mid- West were skedded for yester- 
day (Tuesday). Broadcasters will 
be heard today (Wednesday) and 
tomorrow, with the electrical tran- 
scription interests set for Friday. 

When the series of huddles are 
finished, the AFM board will hold a 
series of meetings on its own to de- 
cide yrhat action to take. Under- 
stood that unless some more feasible 
plan is advanced the non-recording 
edict will stand. None of the AFM 
heads have so far been willing to 
discuss what has transpired at. any 
of the sessions. 



That Metro Deal 



Louis K. Sidney of Loew's 
and WHN, New Terk^ sUted 
Tuesday that the Pahinolive 
negotiations were definitely 
cold. Metro stndio radio pr«r 
srram is being dickered with a 
couple of other potential spon- 
sors. 



Hollywood, July 27. 

It is understood here that -fur- 
ther efforts are in progress to 
iron out the terms tHat pre- 
viously halted the get-together 
of Benton & Bowles for Palm- 
olive-Colgate-Peet and Metro- 
Goldwyn-Mayer. Bill Murray 
of the William Morris is prim- 
ing the pump. 

Some $48,000 in time charges 
weekly and $25,000 for talent is 
involved in deal. Contract 
clauses on both sides were bar- 
riers to a deal. V'ho would be 
top kick, studio or sponsor, also 
involved. 



New Rep Firm Jells 

Chicago, July 27. 

Ed Petry was in town last week 
for a couple of sessions with Ed 
Voynow, chief of the midwest ter- 
ritory. Discusjsed further the pro- 
posed Voynow, Petry and CrJs-tSl 
subsidiary rep office to handle a list 
of small watt stations. 

Petry then headed for Kansas City 
to confer with WDAF officials. 




You need KOA's power 
to sell Colorado 



And not only does KOA 
sell Colorado but also large 
areas north and south, east and 
west. It dominates the Rocky 
Mountain Area in population 
reached and response received. 



A Mountain Red Network Station 
Programmed and Represented by NBC 



Inside Stuf-Radio 



Girl taking shorthand notes was ejected from an Equity organizational 
meeting in New York City last week. Actors gathered around mumblini^ 
ominously and scared the miss.sUl-y. Girl was in on an Equity membership 
card and was taking notes for her present employer, a radio producer. 
Had she volunteered at the start of the meeting when a reque^ for per> 
sons familiar with shorthand to take the minutes of the meeting was made 
her dots and dashes would not have started the near-lynching. 



Clarence Cosby, gen. mgr. of KWK, St. Louis, is serving as 'contact mat\' 
for Charlie Grimm, mgr. of Chicago Cubs, who is patient in St. John's 
Hospital. Denied a radio to follow destiny of his team which is battling 
for National League pennant Grimm keeps track through Cosby 's aid. 
As scores come to KWK over telegraph Cosby calls Grimm on phone 
and relays news. Both have been friends for many years and Grimm still 
calls St Louis his home. ' 



WNEW, ,New York, will 'use news flashes throughout the day and nigjifc 
under' its new deal with LN.S. Larry Nixon is now setting up a depart- 
ment that will include himself and three news editors working eight-hour 
shifts each. 

Station follows a policy of loose scheduling that permits news flashes 
without disturbance to commercials. 



Orchestra leader who departed from a large radio station recently 
the powder when his superior, also a conductor, learned of the leader's 
habit, long standing, of borrowing i^hroney from his men. I.O.U.'s outstand- 
ing are said to run into considerable money. 



Wedge is seen for Batton, Barton, Durstine & Osborne to get Into the 
Genial MiUs account, with the appointment of BBD&O to do promotion 
and active publicity for the account. 



Barton to AHbany 
As Ayer Exec on Ford; 
Split Up Time Baying 



N. W. Ayer agency is consolidating 
a larger percentage of its radio de- 
partment in the home office in Phil- 
adelphia. Leaving the New York 
branch this week for the Quaker 
burg are Frank Coulter and Thomas 
McDermott. Fred Pflugfelder, chief 
of the Ayer radio works, continues to 
headquarter in N. Y., but spends 
much of his time in the home office. 

Another change which' affected 
Ayer's radio setup was the shifting 
of Frank Barton, Jr., to Albany to' 
head that branch cubicle of the' 
agency. Barton, till he was moved 
Monday (26), had been in charge' of 
air time buying. 

In Albany Barton will be a one- 
man bureau. The office there was 
established several year's ago ' wheh 
the agency nailed the N. Y. State 
milk campaign as an account. George 
Schwartz, who has been holding 
dqwn the post in the state capital 
for Ayer, has been sent to the Chi- 
cago office. 

Barton will have charge, in Al- 
bany, of the Ayer handling of Ford 
Motor's Green Island assembly plant, 
which supplies upper N, Y. and a 
slice of New England. Thus will 
the former air time buyer have a 
piece of the executive accounting 
of Ford, Ayer's biggest client. ■ 

At present McDermott and Coulter 
are splitting Barton's time buying 
activities. 



CHARLES MICHELSON 
FRONT MAN FOR WLW 



Cincinnati, July 27. 

Charles Michelson, publicity di- 
rector of the Democratic National 
Committee, has been signed to act 
for the Crosley Radio Corp. as pub- 
lic relations counsel. Deal was 
worked out by Powel Crosley, Jr. 

Michelson is a than-none-such in- 
sider in Washington politics. He 
stays at the Capital. 



WLW SHOW TO CBS 



'Mary Sothern' Serial Spreads for 
Lehn & Fink 

Lehn & Fink agency is moving the 
script serial 'Life of Mary Sothern' 
from WLW, where it has been solo- 
ing over that station for Hind's 
Honey Almond Cream to Columbia 
network this fall. Program has been 
on the Crosley broadcasting for 
about four years, last two o£ which 
have been sponsored by Hinds. 
Switch to network spread takes place 
Oct. 4. Program is a five-a-weeker, 
and will be aired in a late after- 
noon 15-min. niche. 

Time has been bought on Colum- 
bia for a fall program for Pebeco by 
Lehn & Fink, but th-« type of pro- 
gram has not yet been selected. 



Dan Wickenden, assistant trade 
news contact at CBS, resigning to 
devote self to. Action scribbling. Has 
a novel, The Running of the Deer/ 
being brought Out by Morrow In 
October. 



Higginfty NBQ Bankrupt 

Edgar F. Higgins, NBC radio 
news editor, filed a voluntary petition 
in, bankruptcy Saturday (24) in V. S. 
District Court, N. Y. 

Liabilities listed at $660 and no 
assets. He gave- his address as 68 
West 10th St, 




PROGRESS 




O METR0-G0L0WYN4NAYEIR 

Affiliated with the wertd*s 
largest motion picture studio. 

Q LOEWS THEATRES 

Exploitation possibilities 
abound through our thea« 
tre-chain affiliations. 

O SHOWMANSHIP AWARD 

ChosenbyVarietyosNewYeric*t 
Showmanship Stotion No.'l.. 

O WLW UNE 

A combination of stolioiis 
that offers the biggest buy 
in broadcasting today. 

0 DUPLICATE COVERAGE 

Network sponsors use WIHN 
for duplicate coverage — 
and extra sales 1 

© PROGRAM PLANNING 

Experience and showmanship 
create the air*s most talked- 
about programs. 




New Y o ■ k 



CFCF 

MONTREAL 



GOOD NEIGHBORS 

We are licensed for service 
to Canadian homed . . . but 
many families in tha North- 
ern New York State listen 
regularly to CFCF during 
daylight hours. 



NO RE D 6. 

. D. W. BLUE 



\Feilne9day, July 28, 1937. 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



39 



No 'Scandal/ Says F.C.C. Examiner 
Recommending Okay on WTCN Deal 



Washington, July 27. 
Potential scandal over frequency- 
Bwitching deal involving three 
jflinnesota transmitters headed for 
complete fizzle last week when 
Federal Communications Commis- 
sion was urged to permit WCAL, 
Northfleld, and WLB, Minneapolis, 
to move, to 760 kc and give WTCN, 
Minneapolis, full time on the 1250 

jcc ribbon.' 

Caught in cross-fire between 
Minnesota politicos, Examiner P. W. 
Seward recommended favorable ac- 
tion on three related applications 
and white-washed pact via which 
newspapers owning WTCN would 
pay $35,000 toward expenses incur- 
red by the two college-owned sta- 
tions in installing equipment neces- 
sitated by frequency-shifts. Com- 
mission last fall granted the pleas 
without a hearing but later revoked 
permits upon learning of the finan- 
cial angles of the case. 

Shift, which would up time af- 
forded the stations from 18 hours 
weekly to better than 60 hours, was 
•advocated on the ground it will en- 
able the pedagogs to air more edu- 
cational programs and, by reason of 
related power boosts proposed, help 
them expand audiences. Seward 
noted that management of WCAL 
and WLB feel present share of the 
clock is inadequate to do the job 
thoroughly. 

Contention 

Controversial point raised by dis- 
closure of the agreement by which 
WTCN will help the colleges defray 
added expenses was pooh-poohed by 
Seward. No violation of the Com- 
munications law intended, he said, 
throwing out complaint that the deal 
was tantamount to paying cash for 
frequencies. 

The contract entered into between 
the applicants herein relating to the 
payment by Station WTCN to each 
€»f the other applicants the sum of 
|17,5P0, and to pay the legal and 



Gov. No Expert 



Washington, July 27. 

'His Excellency' tag carried 
by a Governor does not qualify 
the wearer as an expert wit- 
ness on technical phases of 
broadcasting. 

Dictum was laid down last 
week by F. C. C. Examiner 
Seward in reporting on the so- 
called Minnesota cases in which 
Gov. Elmer Benson sought to 
block frequency shift affecting 
the State university trans- 
mitter. In summarizing the 
evidence, Seward told the Com- 
mish he had granted a mo- 
tion to strike out testimony of 
the Governor concerning pos- 
sible coverage of WLB as now 
operated and as proposed to be 
operated 'because it had not 
been shown that the witness 
was an expert and qualified to 
express an opinion on such 
matters.' 



engineering expense Incident to the 
filing and prosecution of these appli- 
cations, seems to be a contract that 
is binding upon Station WTCN to 
make a contribution or donation of 
the sums to the other applicants, and 
does not appear to be a payment for 
the assignment of the license now 
held by Stations WLB and WCAL to 
operate approximately eighteen 
hours per week on the frequency of 
1250 kc, nor does it appear to be a 
payment for the transfer of 
authority to use said frequency and 
it is not in violation of Sections 301 
and 310 of the Communications Act 
of 1934,' Examiner reported. 

Opposing, views taken by three 
leaders of Minnesota's Farmer-Labor 
party were reflected in the report, 
but Seward ritzed the objections of 
Gov. Elmer Benson, avowed foe of 
the papers which own WTCN. He 
sided with Senators Lundeen. and 
Shipstead, who felt the colleges 



Irene Rich's Day Grind 
Opening Chi Fur Store; 
25,000 Visited Place 

Chicago, July 27. 
Bringing In Irene Rich from New 
York to present the fashion shows 
for opening of their New Store, 
Evans Fur Co., last week, played to 
an estimated 25,000 people, doing a 
continuous performance from nine 
a.m. to 10 p.m. Build-up for the new 
store included 24 spot announce- 
ments divided between three Chi 
stations, WAAF, WJJD and WCFL, 
plus a mention on all Evans pro- 
grams. 

Retail fur company is one of 
heaviest local users of radio, with 
a current schedule of nine and three 
quarter hours, and firm gives radio 
90% of the credit for increase in 
yearly business from less than 
$100,000 to the present $1,500,000. On 
opening day, paid talent, mostly 
names, appeared for entertainment 
at opening of the $75,000 equipped 
store. Bob Hawk's 'Red Hot and 
Low Down' shot on WAAF, and Don 
Pedro's WGN were both broadcast 
directly from the store opening day. 
With this, and the feuest talent, the 
company planned to do only two 
fashion shows, but had to increase 
the number to eight because of the 
crowds. 

Accounts handled from beginning 
by Adolph F. Less of Auspitz & Lee. 



would benefit by shifting to the WJZ 
channel and using more power. 

If upheld by the Broadcast Divi- 
sion, the proposition will permit 
WLB to jump from J to 5 kw and 
WCAL to go from 1 kw nights-2>/^ 
kw days to 5 kw. Former, owned by 
University of Minnesota, would have 
2-3 time. In return WTCN would get 
unlimited hours, remaining a 1 kw 
plant. 



New Wolk (furriers) show starting 
on WCAE, PittsbuVgh, Thursday 
night (29) will be short dramas with 
music, using Bob Carter, Johnny 
Mitchell, Stephanie Diamond, Pearl 
Hamil and Carl Dozer. Scripts are 
being written by Frank Seidel. 



Portable Beauty Parlor Set Up At 
NBC So Girls Can Last 3-Day Carnival 



Lucky Air Role 



Role of Martha in 'John's 
Other Wife," Blackett-Samplcr 
Hummert serial over NBC, is 
now aim of nearly all the legit 
ingenues of Broadway, Figured 
the part is lucky. 

Rita Johnson, who first had it, 
got a break in 'Fulton of Oak 
Falls' with George M. Cohan 
and was signed by Metro. Her 
replacement, Phyllis Welch, who 
got her chance last winter in 
'High Tor,' was also pacted by 
M-G-M. Expected to leave for 
the Coast at the end of August. 
Her successor not set. 



97A$KWOR 
TO AIR COOL 



Ted Streibert, general manager of 
WOR, New York, was presented 
with a petition oh Monday (26) 
which made a mild demand that the 
station studios and offices be air- 
cooled. Paper was signatured by 97 
office employees, announcers, staff 
performers, indie program producers 
using WOR and unattached actors 
who frequently appear on station. 

Just who got up the petition* re- 
rnains a mystery, but over the week- 
end it was passed around,and signed 
by most of those to whom it was 
presented. There was a bit of a 
taunt in the paper, Interpreted as an 
effort to prick the pride of WOR, for 
it was pointed out that smaller 
neighboring stations, WHN and 
WMCA, had air-cooled two studios 
each, while the big WOR still re- 
mained in the sweltering state. 



Washington, July 27. 

Carnival spirit prevailed for three 
days, beginning last Tuesday (20) 
when National Broadcasting Co, 
opened its new Washington studios 
with all the whoop-de-doo of a New 
Orleans Mardi Gras. 

Three-day celebration was launched 
in a sea of Scotch, when vice-presi- 
dent Frank Russell entertained a 
horde of Washington correspondents 
and local scribblers. Next day was 
dedicated to advertisers and clients, 
but natives witnessed the big baJ<s^/r" 
loon spectacle when 20 chorus girls 
climbed to the roof of the Trans- 
Lux building to release 5,000 colored 
toy balloons. Finders of the gas 
bags were entitled to prizes given 
away by the management. 

Actual dedication of WRC-WMAL 
took place Thursday night (22), with . 
high Government officials, over 100 
members of Congress and topnotch 
NBC execs participating. While the 
big shots peeked into the intricacies 
of a broadcast station. Army search- 
lights—In a blaze of 2,400,000,000 
(billion) candlepower— picketed the 
building. Lights were manned by 
12 soldiers imder the direction of 
Lieut. C. G. Patterson, U. S. A., an(l 
included red, white and blue rain- 
bow effects, which caressed the 
streamlined building during the 
show, powerful white spot which 
rerpaiped stationary, and search-, 
lights which picked up Goodyear 
blimp flying over the downtown sec- 
tion In honor of the ceremonies. 

Staffs of both stations were near . 
collapse at the end of three days. 
To save girl employes from worry- 
ing over their hair and complexions 
during the day, portable beauty shop 
was set up in the studios. Operators 
from the beauty parlor owned by 
the wife of Gordon Hittcnmark, 
WRC announcer, comprised the res- ' 
cue squad. 



Vaughn de Leath week-ending at 
Easton, Conn., house. 



DALE CARNEGIE 
WOULD LIKE THIS: 



We've 'Won move friends 
and influenced more 
people in the Philadelphia 
maricet than any other sta- 
tion—local or otherwise. 



50,000 WATTS 





PHILADELPHIA 



ROBEBT A. STREET. Commercial Manager 



40 VASIETr 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



Transradio Rep in Philly City Hall 
Scooping Dailies Under Their Noses 



PhUadelphia, July 27. 

Bitter feud over news-gathering 
facilities that may lead to a show- 
down battle between, press and radio 
is brewing here since opening of a 
three-man Transradio Bureau in 
Philly two weeks ago. 

City eds of dailies plenty crisping 
since the radio outfit last Monday 
stationed a reporter in City Hall to 
cover news there. By having him 
on the scene, service gets tips as fast 



as papers do and beats them to the 
break by as much as an hour and 
a half. Previously , radio stations 
never got local stories until papers 
were on the street, except In im- 
usual cases where the INS and UP 
bureaus serving them phoned a tip 
before story went out on wires. 
That Room M 
What's particularly heating up the 
dailies on the City Hall situash is 
that the Transradio man Is making 



headquarters in room 619, which is 
set aside for newspapermen. Re- 
sentment isn't £0 much at his use of 
phones and other equipment provid- 
ed by City Editors* Association, co- 
operative group, but on quick tips 
he gets by using this room. News- 
papermen who cover the Hall, by 
long years of careful work, have 
trained police switchboard and mu- 
nicipal operators to call 619 secretly 
and tip them oflf when they hear of 
a story. 

When Trans man first appeared at 
619 last week, he told inquiring re- 
porters he was from UP. Quick 
check there proved he did not rep- 
resent the Scripps-Howurd service 
and it was. thought he was - a law- 
yer's runner. Other reporters got 
detective to confront him and he pro- 
duced his real credentials. 



1^ 



Memo, from Eddie Cantor: 

For making "Texaco Town" the out- 
standing sunmier show in radio— thanks to 



Cast ^ 

IGOR GORIN 

PINKY TOMLIN 
SAYMORE SAYMORE 

(Helen Troy) 

EDDIE STANLEY 
SIDNEY FIELDS 



Music By: 

JACQUES RENARD 



Arrangements: 

FELIX MILLS 



Announcer: 



JAMES WALLINGtON 



Entire Production Under Direction of 

VICK KNIGHT 



Sunday Evenings 



CBS 



Daugherty Agency, St. L., 
In Best Spieler Award 

St. Louis, July 27. 
Some 40 mikemen, representing 
KWK, KSD, KMOX, WTMV, WIL, 
WEW and KFUO, in metropolitan 
St. Louis district, are eligible for 
contest being conducted by Jimmy 
Daugherty Agency, Inc., to determine 
best announcer. Brad Simpson, rep- 
resenting agency, said committee 
will make selection on versatility of 
announcer rather than make several 
awards for various classifications of 
work. 

Daugherty Agency intends to make 
contest an annual affair and an ap- 
propriate trophy will be awarded 
each year. Award for current year 
will be made shortly after Labor 
Day. To aid committee in making 
choice waxes will be made when 
participants are on air. 



Curtis & Allen Building 
AIl:Girl Radio Ensemble 

1 Curtis 8c AUer agency is building 
a 12-piece all-gal orchestra for radio 
and yaude. Imogene Rose, lass who 
wielded the willow over the femme 
crew used in the all-skirted Major 
Bowes unit which toured vaude- 
ftlmers this past spring, has been set 
as batoneer by the agency, with the 
musikers now being lined up. 

First try of Curtis & Allen will be 
to use the orch as the nucleus of an 
all-femme radio program of half- 
hour duration in which agency will 
attempt to interest a sponsor for a 
network spread. 

The only all-gal band in radio is 
the one headed by Phil Spitalny. 



ATLANTIC CO.'S 

LOCAL mTS 
EDITORS 



Atlantic Refining, through its 
agency, N. W. Ayer, this week de- 
cided to Ideally spot sports spielers 
on individually selected' stations. 
Unlikely that Ted Husing will be 
used as last year. 

Ayer agency is contacting local 
sports editors in a flock of towns 
from Boston to Georgia with an eye 
toward getting a host of 'em set to- 
gossip about the gridiron on stations 
in their respective towns once the 
football season gets underway in late 
SeptemTjer. 

Atlantic Refining has bought the 
home grid games of Carnegie Tech. 
Will be broadcast over KDKA and 
WCAe, Pittsburgh, locale of the' 
school. 

One big tilt on Carnegie's schedule, 
the Notre Dame game, will be piped 
to WOR as an adjunctive airing out- 
let. 



BURYL LOHRIDGE 

HEADS REGIONAL 



Script Reading Board 



Winnipeg, July 27. 

Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (Win- 
nipeg office) have set up a board for 
the purpose of reading radio scripts. 
Board consists of five members, with 
scripts being rotated among all five 
members. 

Hopes are they-wiU uncover some 
fresh writing talent for radio. 



McLinn's Bad Fall 

Philadelphia, July 27. 

Stoney McLinn, sports spieler and 
supe at WIP, slipped in his apart- 
ment last Monday and dislocated his 
hip. He'll be in Pennsylvania Hos- 
pital for several weeks. 

His 6:30 spot being handled by 
staffer Jack Barry, while Don 
Martin, free-lance, does 11:13 p.m. 
turn. 



Oklahoma City, July 27. 

Buryl Lottridge becomes manag- 
ing director of the" Oklahoma net- 
work, the appointment being made 
by network directors last week. In 
accepting this new position Lottridge 
resigns as assistant manager of 
KOMA, Oklahoma City, where he 
has been located for the past six 
weeks' as assistant to Neal Barrett. 

Lottridge's job as managing chief 
of the eight-station Oklahoma chain 
will include complete supervision of 
all network activities, both sustain- 
ing and commercial. 

Oklahoma network has a list of 
eight affiliate stations in Ponca City, 
Enid, Muskogee, Elk City, Shawnee, 
Ada, Ardmore and Oklahoma City. 
Local key outlet in KTOK. Okla- 
homa web is a part of the Mutual 
system. Joseph H. McGillora is na- 
tional sales rep. 



James Wallace, chief engineer of 
KVl, Seattle-Tacoma, spent weekend 
in Spokane making arrangements 
for the Western Convention for tha 
Institute of Radio Engineers to ha 
held in that city Sept. 1-3. 




Yes, WTIC does offer the advertiser 
more coverage in the rich Southern 
New England market than any other 
station. And here's proof of that 
statement. During the week from 
February 28 to March 6 the Ross Fed- 
eral Research Bureau made over 12,000 
telephone calls in the Hartford mar- 
ket alone. Here is a summary of the 
results obtained. 

WTIC-covers all of Connecticut, west- 
ern New York, eastern Massachusetts, 
Vermont, New Hampshire. In WTIC's 
primary coverage area is an' audience 
of 1,737,810 and in its secondary cov- 
erage area thiere is an additional 
1,660,626 making a total potential au- 
dience of 3,398,436. In income, retail 
sales, and radio ownership this WTIC 
area is far above the national per 
capita average. 

Write today for our new 32-page 
brochure which not only gives full 
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A2 VARIETY 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



INfA CLAIRE 

>Vith Osgood Perkins, Louis Hector, 
Julian Noa, Charles Webster, 
Helen Choate, Burford Hampden, 
Arthur Maitland, William Pod- 
more, Neil O'Malley, John Brewes- 
ter, Charles Romano, Mary Mi- 
chael, Ray Wjriirht, Howard Claney. 
■Madame Sans Gene' 
60 Mins. 
Sustaining 
Sunday, S p.m. 
WJZ-NBC, New York 

This must rate as an improvement 
over Shakespeare so far as radio is 
concerned. Reason is simple: Sar- 
dou's plotting is in the radio idiom; 
Shakespeare's is not. Again the 
French playwright's script is not 
sacred, may be cut at will, adapted 
to suit radio and can be followed 
as a story without a textbook. 

Ina Claire is a name of top rank 
in legit and probably better-than- 
average in familiarity percentage 
with the public at large. 'Madame 
Sans Gene' has a full-bodied plot, 
action enough and complications 
^Dugh to fill out an hour. Per- 
formances were ■ first rate vand the 
entertainment • content, once the 
rather cumbersome first, three or 
four minutes were gotten out of the 
way,' was passable. 

• However there were lessons in this 
comparatively light' sustainer not un- 
like the results of the heavier 
Shakespeare series. What is the 
deadline of presumption of public 
tolerance for a program that diligent 
listening, ear to loudspeaker, cannot 
completely follow? And 'Madame 
Sans Gene' although lucid most of 
the way, had more than a few mo- 
ments (15 characters spoke) of fog- 
giness as to what was happening and 
to whom. In particular, the getaway 
must have prompted turnoffs. 

Land. 



CHARLES BENFORD 
Commentator 
15 Mins. 
Sustaining 

Mon.-Thurs., 9 p. m. 
WOR-Mutual, New York 

' With Gabe Heatter heading out on 
a . month layoff this week, Benf ord 
.was brought up from WOL, Washing- 
ton,' where he recently qiiit as both 
news disher and interpreter. Has 
excellent diction and a sense of tim- 
ing. If he can continue to chart a 
course like his debut Monday (26) 
he looks like WOR has dug up some- 
thing. 

From Washington, Benf6rd on his 
-initialer showed he had alert ears 
and eyes when camping in the capi- 
tal.' He knows politics and seems to 
have a good background on general 
events. Half a dozen wet-ink news 
events got good, sober interpreta- 
tion, but it was his major scalpel- 
carving job that focused attention on 
him. 

Sinking his teeth into the sensitive 
subject of the A. F. of L. rassle 
with the C.I.O. for labor dominance, 
Benf ord did a cleaner-cut, more real- 
istic and far more penetrating job 
than is customary from majority 
xadio or newspaper by-liners. Yet, 
unlike such partisans as Boake Car- 
ter, his dissertation was calm and 
objective. He stalked and snagged 
his game quite dispassionately. And 
it was impressive. Bert. 



ORSON WELLES 
'Les Miserables' 
Drama 
30 Mins. 
Sustaining 
WOR, Newark 

Well, here's some more radio cul- 
ture. And it's still a half -hour stage 
wait as far as average radio listeners 
are concerned. 

Orson Welles is an excellent actor; 
'Les Miserables' is an excellent 
novel; WOR has managed a pretty 
good radio version of it (Welles did 
his own adaptation) and it was 
pretty well staged. But, like the 
CBS Shakespeare series, or like the 
NBC Shakespeare series, it was just 
plain dull. And what ai:e you going 
to do about that? It may be good 
for you, like classics were in school, 
but Where's the chocolate coating? 

WOR claims it isn't trying to fol- 
low in the footsteps of its competish 
with this new slab of culture; if 
seems it thought up this idea all by 
itself long before anyone stuck a 
copy of Shakespeare into the eager 
mitts of the big chains. Maybe. And 
if so, so what? 

Welles is going to do • this Victor 
Hugo novel in seven installments; of 
which the half hour hunk Friday 
night (23) was the beginning. Maybe 
there'll be someone left to listen to 
the finish six weeks from now and 
maybe not. 

The way it's" done is supposed to 
be something new. Welles narrates 
the yarn and it fades in and out, in 
dramatized hunks. Hard to tell 
what's new about that. Or which 
chunks are better — the acted-out 
ones, or the Welles-narrated ones. 

Welles is an excellent actor, that 
has been noted before; let it be noted 
again. He gets good support from 
Whitford' Kane, Martin Gabel. Alice 
Frost. Frank Readick, Ray Collins 
and Will Geer. But it's still Welles 
who counts. For 10 minutes it's a 
pleasure to forget the program and 
listen to his voice. For a half hour? 
Well, that's asking quite a lot, isn't 
it? Kauf. 



WTAR Transmitter Salute 
Special 

110 Mins.— Local 
Sustaining 

WTAR, Norfolk, Va. 

Earful of WTAR history and con- 
tributions to community plus sing- 
ing by local artists who attended af- 
fair marking the dedication of new 
trahsmitter. Mechanical reception 
confirmed statements that new facili- 
ties and directional antenna would 
help etherizing. 

City ofllicials of Norfolk and Ports- 
mouth followed Campbell Arnoux 
and J. L. Grether in speeches, the 
openers giving insignt info work of 
station and the city fathers saying 
some complimentary things about 
station. 

Earleyne Schools, 14-year old 
singer of Norfolk; the Lions Club 
Quartet, Marguerite Bonney, Lillian 
Weast Terrie and Evelyn Ficarra 
were used. Jeff Baker was m.c. 
Program marked by reading of con- 
gratulatory telegrams but anything 
like exaggerated blowing of station's 
own bugle was smartly avoided. 

Travis Barnes closed with songs. • 

Sand. 



DOROTHY GISH 

'Couple Next Door,' with Harold 
Vermllyea, Harriet Widmer, Jack 
Brinkley 

Serial 

15 Mins. 

PROCTER & GAMBLE 
Daily, 11 a.m., CDST. 
WGN, Chicago 

(Blacfcett-Somplc-Hummcrt) 

First move in an indicated revision 
of a long-standing B-S-H save-ex- 
pense policy against the use of 
names of any kind on morning script 
shows is the booking of Miss Gish 
and Harold Vermilyea to do the vis- 
a-vis. on this a.m. flve-a-weeker. It 
indicates that not only B-S-H but 
Procter & Gamble is noticing a tight- 
ening of the competition ■ for listen- 
ers, with the womien being mobbed 
with hieart-throb periods from 9 a.m. 
to early ifternoon. And these shows 
are becoming so similar that it takes 
an expert to diistinguish one program 
from another. Only a difference in 
title and character names indicates 
any real difference between pro- 
girams. 

This is the fault of the writers (but 
they get peanuts mostly ), since they 
have fallen into a habit of stalling 
and stretching that has a program 
take six or seven or a dozen episodes 
to let one character catch a train or 
kiss his wife. 

Habit of dawdling sadly hinders 
this particular show. It is a comedy 
and should have snap and pace. In- 
stead, 'it lingers slowly along the 
roadside and never bothers to get up 
and go. It needs sparkle badly, for 
sparkle is something that no per- 
former, no matter how good, can 
impart to a script soggy with stodgi- 
ness. 

Miss Gish is the third femme lead 
for this morning show in the past 
few weeks, 'and is bringing a certain 
professional touch to the program. 
She does, however, need an easier 
approach to the microphone. She 
seems somewhat afraid that it's go- 
ing to jump any minute and bite 
her. Once she's over that tension 
and can meet a microphone face to 
face without tightening up her 
throat, Miss Gish figures as a good 
script performer who can do a 
straightforward, serviceable job, and 
can still be Miss Gish of the w.k. 
Gish sisters. 

There remains one thing that the 
agency must remember — tliat names 
in the business don't always rate as 
names to the listener in Ardmore, 
Oklahoma. Harold Vermilyea was 
in Chi last season with 'Boy Meets 
Girl,' which is well and good. He is 
a solid performer and knows his way 
around a line, but' it will take more 
than enthusiastic frenzy on the part 
of the announcer to convince the 
lady up in Mitchell, S. D., that Ver- 
milyea's a personality of topflight 
importance. 

Excellent jobs are done on this 
show by Miss Widmer and by Jack 
Brinkley, who do a colored couple 
with plenty of good, old-fashioned 
radio wallop. They received no 
credit mention. Gold. 



Follow Up Comment 



Roy Shield back from Coast to 
Chicago NBC orchestral duties, and 
getting ready for three Grant Park 
concert dates^ 




THE CINCINNATI MARKET 
. . . in Radio Language that's WSAI 

A potential audience of more than one million 
listeners in the rich industrial Cincinnati area. 

These WSAI listeners are your buyers . , • and 
WSAI is the Cincinnati Buy. 

Robert Q. Jeniilnii, in ehirge ol Sales and Pro|rami, Ciimnnali 
Mew York ani Chleaio Offices: Tranufflerieaii iroadcasliBi t Tekvitioii Corporalioi 

J. Ralph CorbeU, Imo. 

• BASIC RED NETWORK, N. B. C. 

• MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM 

• THE WLW LINE 

THE CROSLEY RADIO CORPORATION 



Fleischmann Teast summer bank- 
roll-skimper was found in its third 
week doing what it failed to on its 
debut — play down to the audience it 
seeks. Program Sunday (25) on 
NBC, bunched around Werner Jans- 
sen orchestra was minus the lofty- 
}row classical selections' and the 
Carnegie Hall approach. Replacing 
was Buddy Rogers as guest and 
down-to-the-audience numbers. 

Rogers, fresh back from his 
Hawaiian honeymoon, slipped in in 
two slots. Near the start he warbled 
'It is Love or Infatuation' in his" cus- 
tomary uncertain baritone. Later 
he did his time-tried ol' reliable 
stunt of playing seven instruments in 
quick succession while the band 
breezed through a brisk piece. His 
versatility bit registered well over 
the ozone. 

Loretta Lee, regular and sole 
vocalist on the 30-min. program, had 
but one . shot, but bounded over 
capitally with a pop blues. 

Orchestral standouts were Nat 
Shilkret's 'Plantation Dance,' and the 
flnaling -medley of Neapolitan airs 
which was concluded with 'Taran- 
tella.' 



Tommy Farr, English heavyweight 
champion, in this country for a bout 
with Joe Louis, did about two min- 
utes' talking in an interview with 
Clem McCarthy over the NBC blue 
band on a 7:15 p.m. spot. Before 
McCarthy got around to chatting 
with the Welshman, soft-spoken and 
better-voiced than topflight Ameri- 
can pugilists, a string of boxing- 
newspaper world figures said their 
piece. Listeners undoubtedly would 
have preferred to hear more from 
Farr arid less from the commenta- 
tors, some of whom had never seen 
the contender in the ring. 

Best talker in the lot was Jimmy 
Bronson, former adviser to Gene 
Tunney. Bronson did so well that 
McCarthy said he could have a job 
as a sports commentator in radio, if 
and wnen he quit managing fighters. 

McCarthy, working without a 
script, was only fair. Woi'ds do not 
seem to flow as freely from his lips 
on the quizzing assignment as in his 
'calling' a horse race or a champion- 
ship bout, Sid Mercer, of the Jour- 
nal-American; Nat Fleisher, pub- 
lisher of The Ring; Jeft Dickson, 
Mississippi-born promoter of big 
matches on the other side of the 
pond; Charles Barnett, of the London 
News and a referee, arid Ted Broad- 
ribb, Farr's manager and a bit Cock- 
ney in accent, were the other mikers. 

Crosby Gaigre, legit producer, cook 
and gourmet, dished out a flavorsome 
taUc on the latter two specialties, as 
guest for 'Heinz Magazine of • the 
Air' over CBS. Not a new radio 
stunt for Crosby, who emceed and 
experted on a network morning pot 
pourri of household-entertainment 
features last winter. Here he had a 
longer stretch on which to spiel, but 
made it pass rather quickly. Fitted 
snugly into the pattern of the 'Maga- 
zine' and of its femme audience. 

Crosby closed his remarks on how 
he entertains guests at his country 
home, where and what he serves 
them, and the like, with a'' soup 
recipe given to him by Adrienne 
Morrison, 'talented mother of Joan 
and C'-nstance Bennett.' 



■Jerry Belcher, conducting his first 
'Our Neighbors' NBC blue band 
broadcast from Hollywood (July 25), 
interviewed a group of film names 
and relatives around the swimming 
pool at the home of Jimmy Fidler 
Affair was quite informal, with water 
splashing and cries of sports makers 
in the background. Fidler, leading 
off, was a poised and well-spoken 
but wary answer man. Columnist 
exercised understandable caution in 
particularizing on cases where pur 
suit of a picture career had caused 
or contributed to divorces. He did 
mention the 11-year marriage of th 
Dick Arlens as one of the instances 
where the opposite held true. Mrs. 
Fidler begged off after a few words, 
to be followed by the laugh-provoker 
of the half hour, Andy Devine, who 
delivered an effective plug for his 
latest film, 'Chicago,' for 20th Cen 
tury-Fox, Director Henry King and 
Producer Daryl Zannuck, 

Mrs. Devine then spoke briefly 
Arlen chatted about his 19 years . in 
pictures; Richard, Jr., 4, came up to 
the mike to say that' daddy was -his 
favorite star. Brian Donlevy, the 
next interviewee, seemed to epito 
mize restrained masculinity. A good 
talker was this actor, giving his age 
as 33. Jane Withers' breezy per 
sistent chatter probably pleased her 
fans, but neutral listeners may have 
detected a note of precociousness and 
over-coaching in the 11-year-older. 
Her mother, speaking with a tinge 
of Georgia accent, sounded pleasant 
and sensible. 



'Music for Radio,' original com 
position by Aaron Copland, which 
was played for the first time last 
Sunday (25) afternoon by Howard 
Barlow and the Columbia Symphony 
Orchestra over the CBS chain, might 
be called a 'program piece.' Charit- 
able judgement would probably 
classify it as second rate. <!!omposi- 
tion (at least on first hearing) is un- 
distinguished. It has no particular 
theme nor character and Copland's 
orchestration is less than brilliant. 
Comparison with the great classics is 
hardly fair, of course, but pro 



CAPT. BOB BAKER 

iQterviews 

15 Mins. 

GENERAL MILLS 
Monday^Friday, 1.45 p.m., ED ST 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(.Blackett-Sample-Hummertt) 
Final 15 minutes 'of the 'Gold 
Medal Hour' now brings (japt. Bob 
Baker from Hollywood. Spieler sets 
up his mike at one of the studios 
and does the question and answer 
routine with film p'ersonalities. Calls 
it 'Hollywood in Person.' 

Session caught (23)' brought 
Charles Starrett, Columbia's cowboy 
star, assisted by Don Grayson. First 
portion, in which Starrett told about 
his New England upbringing and his 
accidental entry m pictures and 
hoss roles, .was sound stuff. So was 
the actor's explanation of western 
pix and their strict moral code that 
must conform to juve educational re- 
quirements. 

Couple of brief 'dramatizations,' 
however, were out of the old hokum 
bucket and the palsy-walsy patter 
between Baker and Starrett soundied 
about as natural as a grade school 
commencement speech. Seems 
likely that with careful preparation 
'Hollywood in Person' might be built 
to carry a definite studio atmosphere. 

As usual with commercials, the 
blurb for Bisquick baking powder is 
overboard. ^ Hobe. 



'ADVENTURES ABROAD' 
With Cornelius Peoples, Frank Arm- 
strong, Jerome Walter, Jacqueline 
Feureman, Rosemary Dillon 
Kid Serial 
15 Mins, — ^Local 
GOLDENROD ICE CREAM 
Mon., Wed., Fri., 5:30 p.m., CDST. 
WGN, Chicago 

(Salem Baskin) 
Serial strives to be 'educational' 
by having a bunch of kids run 
around Europe, with an accompany- 
ing adult, pointing out the sights. 
Then, at the end of the episode, 
wham, a plot hits. But it's done in 
such a way that even adults might 
be left wondering why and where 
it came from. 

Main trouble is in the writing. Not 
only has the scripter made such 
elemental mistakes as word and 
phrase repetition (for no legitimate 
reason), but characterizations are 
nil, and the kid appeal just isn't 
there. Another bad fault is the 
breathless production, which never 
lets down, or changes tempo. 

Show does get away from mob- 
sters, gun fire, and screaming women 
though. But who'll listen? Loop. 



grammed just before a Mozart sym- 
phony, 'Music for Radio' emerged as 
definitely lightweight material. 

Composition, third in a series of 
six Written specially for the Colum- 
bia (Composers Commission, is to be 
named by the listeners. One offer- 
ing the most suitable title will be 
given an autographed copy of the 
score. Henry Neely's program com- 
ments on the show are properly 
brief, but could use a touch of 
humor. 



Phil Spitalny and his 30 (presently 
34) 'lovely ladies' continue doing a 
right pert and pretty job for General 
Electric over NBC-Red on Monday 
evenings at 9:30. Boss hasn't let 
down oh his charges and they con- 
tinue to display improvement and 
the results of terrific drilling at each 
periodical ear-cupping. 

Maxine, the low and throaty tori- 
siler, and Three Little Words con- 
tinue along tjjeir same paths. Re- 
maining good and far from stale is 
the vocal backgrounding of the or- 
chestral group. Evelyn, only mu- 
sician getting billing, paces the gals 
well in her first-fiddle berth and 
grates the gut with a sensitive stroke 
when soloing. These gals must get 
bleary-eyed practicing. Results show 
it. 

Big improveme'nt lies in the grow- 
ing ability of the crew as a whole. 
The brass section can triple-tongue 
with a rhythmic suaveness the equal 
of many a masculine organization. 
Flute duo was exceptional sample. 




MfFGfB 



NQTIONQL REPRESENtRTIVES 
EDWARD RETRY & CO. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



43 



Agencies— Sponsors 



Blacktii-Sample-Hummert has a 

new account in F & P cough drops, 
and-wiU debut the product in radib 
this winter via national spot cam- 
paign over as yet unselected sta- 
tions. 

Doyle Packing Co. ('Strongheart' 
(log food) -starts Aug. 23 on WOR 
with series of thrice-weekly recorded 
jnu^i<2al five-min. programs. Agency 
is, Charles Dallas Reach, 

Five stations will be added' Aug. 15. 
to the NBC basic coast Red network 
releasing Cardinet Candy 'Night 
Editor' program , with Hal Burdick 
on Sundays. The new outlets are 
KDYL, Salt Lake City; KOA, Den- 
ver; KTAR, Phoenix; KGIR, Butte, 
and KGHL, Billings. On the same 
date the show wUl change time, 
moving from 9:15 p.m. PST to the 
9fl0 o'clock spot formerly occupied 
by Du art's 'Passing Parade.' On the 
following Sunday, Aug. 22, the Owl 
Drug Company will shift its 'Treas- 
ure Island' program to the present 
'Night Editor' period. The Owl show 
is now aired' at 7:15 p.m. 

Tomaschke-EUiott agency, Oak- 
land, handles the Cardinet account 
and D'Evelyn & Wadsworth, San 
Francisco, has the Owl program. 



up on WCAU and WCA9 qn Aug. 6, 
on^ program earlier than on WABC. 
Show will then have done 13 weeks. 



Petri Cierar Co. (Van Camp and La 
Natividad cigars) through Emil 
B^isac'her & Staff, is spotting 1,00 
announcements on KGO, San Fran- 
cisco, over a' one-year period begin- 
ning July 20. 



< Homestead Bakeries is shifting its 
weekly amateur show conducted by 
Behnie Walker to Sundays at 7:15 
p.m. PST, effective Aug. 1, over 
KGO, San Francisco. Hour has been 
aired Wednesdays at 7:30. Account 
is handled by Leon Livingston 
agency. 



Noxccma (sunburn lotion) fades 
off WABC on Aug. 9 after its first 
radio test campaign. Program, a 
two-a-weeker featuring Del Casino 
and Ray = Block orch, covered only 
N. Y., WCAU, Philly, and WCAO, 
Baltimore, . over CBS so as to reach 
the east coast resort area. Will wind 



Chemo-Ray Eye Institute of San 

Francisco and Oakland, through 
Rufus Rhoades & Co., has signed a 
year's contract for twice-weekly 
broadcasts of a QUarter-hour tran- 
scribed series, 'House of Peter Mc- 
Gregor,' over KFRC, San Francisco, 
starting July 23. 



'Heinz Magrazine of (he Air' in- 
creases from three weekly 'daytime 
quarter hours over CBS to five 
weekly, commencing. Aug. 31. 



SherM'in-Wiiliams (paints) com- 
mences over WOR Sept. 8 with a 
30-min. program on Wednesdays, 
and spots on Mondays and Fridays. 



Zephyr cigarettes, made by Axton- 
Fisher Tobacco Co., will be plugged 
15 minutes daily each week, Monday 
through Saturday, on WNEW's 
'MakerBelieve Ballroom,' electrical 
transcription program, as a result of 
new pact set this week. 



North American Accident ' Insur- 
ance, Chicago, is sponsoring the 
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 
morning newscasts on WLW by Peter 
Grant, chief announcer of Crosley's 
500.000- watter. Contract for 13 
weeks placed by the Franklin Bruck 
agency, NYC. 



WFIL, Philadelphia, 15-minute 
commercial has Mrs. Morrison's Pud- 
dings, placed through Clements 
Agency. Philly. six days a week from 
8:30 to 8:45- a. m., using news. 



.lohri Nesbitt's 'Passing Parade' 
program, which aired this past year 
over NBC, will return to the air 
again for same sponsor, Du.irt, but 
over Mutual for coming winter sea- 
son. Show swings back into broad- 
casting on Sept. 12, and will coast- 
to-coast over MBS. 



P. C. Houser, formerly with Brown 
& Bigelow Advertising Agency, , is 
the new account exec at KJBS, San 
Francisco. 



L. B. Makes ao Speech 



Cincinnati, July 27. 

A one-minute message, in 
■which. he cla.ssed Cincinnati as 
the radio capital of the world 
and tossed posies at the four 
other local stations, was deliv- 
ered by L. B, Wilson in dedi- 
cating the new 10,000-watt 
transmitter of WCKY to the 
station's listeners. 

Said Wilson: 

'Cincinnati' is recognized . as.'-' 
. the capital of the radio world, 
With WLW, the world's most 
powerful station, located here, 
and with such excellent stations 
as WKRC, WSAI and WCPO 
also contributing to Cincinnati's 
radio fame, we of WCKY feel 
that we are in splendid com- 
pany and must be wide awake 
at all times to render the great- 
est possible service to a critical 
and discriminating audience,' 



EVANSVILLE ON CBS 
IN ABOUT SIX WEEKS 



WEOA, Evansville, Ind.. will be- 
come a Columbia affiliate as soon as 
the American Telephone Co. can re- 
arrange the circuit lines leading 
from that town to the nearest net- 
work cut-iii. This, it is figured, will 
take between four and six weeks. 
Station operates at 250 watts days 
and 100 watts nights on 1,370 k.c. 
. NBC is represented in the same 
town by WGBF, which operates at 
1,000 watts Jays and '500 watts nights 
on 630 k.c. 



Willat Brown East 

Los Angeles, July 27. 

Willat Brown, Don Lee-KHJ exec, 
is en route to New York on a six- 
week biz-vacash ' trip. 

He'll confer with eastern Mutual 
Broadcasting heads regarding future 
programs and sneak in pleasure 
jaunts. 



Patricia Ryan, Fishface (Elmore 
Vincent) and Figgsbottle (Don John- 
son), Swor and Lubin, aod Fields 
and Hall all placed by NBC Artists 
Service to wax for World Broadcast- 
ing discs for Alka Seltzer, 



Pacific Coast Radio Notes 



John Nesbitt's 'Pa.ssing ,Pai,iradi' 
s'iK'ings from NBC to Mutual Sept. 12. 



Charles '^Lapworth 'has joined KFI 
to handle series on 'What the Papers 
Say.' Also handles 'What the Critics 
Say,' using editorial opinions on pic- 
tures and -legit. ? 



Eric Snowden has joined Brewster 
Morgan in preparing Shakespearean 
series for Columbia Broadcasting. 



Oisen and Johnson hopped to Cata- 
Una for next three Richfield broad- 
casts. Jan Garber has succeeded 
George Hamilton's ork. 



Johnny Luther and Gang back 
from eastern tour for 'Hollywood 
Barn Dance' on KNX (Hollywood). 



Fred Jones resigned as publicity 
director of KEHE. Succeeded by 
Lewis C. Patterson, formerly blurb 
director for WCAE in Pittsburgh. 



Savington Cramptoii of the Wil- 
liam Esty office fetied 50 radio edi- 
tors when Benny Goodman returned 
to the Palomar nitery in Los An- 
geles. ' - 



Bing Crosby went spieler again, 
when he interviewed riders in 
jockey quarters at Del Mar July 24. 



Olcott Vail, concert master for 
Raymond Paige on Hollywood Hotel, 
has been signed in the same capac- 
ity by Robert Armbruster on the 
Chase & Sanborn hour. 



Jerry Belcher is in Hollywood for 
two months to continue his NBC 
'Our Neighbors' program from the 
hillside manses. He picked on Jim- 
mie Fidler's home July 25. 



Burt Horswell has joined KHJ's 
sales staff. Hotswell formerly was 
manager on WHBL, Sheboygan, and 
WIBA, Madison, Wis. 



Meredith Wiilson is relinquishing 
his Carefree Carnival baton to Jack 
Meakin for two weeks while he 
vacashes . between Show Boat re- 
hearsals and broadcasts in Holly- 



wood, returning to San Francisco 



for the Carnival . program AuU. 
over the coast NB(>Red web. 



6 



.Tim Bannon has joined the KHJ 
announcer staff. Formerly was with 
WABC in New York on KMOX, St. 
LOiUis. • 



■ John Fraaer, freelance annoifnder 
in Frisco, has joined sta'ff 9t KEHE. 



Don McNamara, who has been 
working in films, has rejoined an- 
nouncing staff at KMTR. 



Glen Mitchler, former staff bari- 
tone at KLX, Oakland, made first 
Los Angeles appearance over KMP<^ 



Armand Girard, baritone, and the 
Southerh Harmony Four of NB.C'c 
San Francisco staff have been booked 
by the web's Artists Service for the 
Midnight Review at the Stockton 
(Cal.) Memorial Auditorium hxxg. 10. 



Ten - year - old Peter Loyanlch, 

pianist, and his father, Peter Lyons, 
violinist at KYA, San Francisco,, 
have gone to Philadelphia, where the 
boy will study" with- Jose Iturbi for 
a month. 



Muriel Ireland of the program de- 
partment and Carl Christiansen, 
technician, at KYA, San ..Francisco, 
recently received final citizenship 
papers. Miss Ireland was formerly 
a British subject; Christiansen was 
born in Denmark. 



Office manager Enes Canata of 

KFRC, San Franciisco, was cut and 
bruised last week when she was 
struck by an automobile while on 
her way to work. Injuries not 
serious. 



Margaret O'Connor (Mrs. Bill Mc- 
Caffrey) secretary to John Royal, 
NBC vice-prexy in New York, o.o.'d 
the web's San Francisco studios last 
week before going to Lake Tahoer .( 
for a few days. 



Ken Carpenter, NBC. announcer, 
doing the narration for a series of 
film shorts on odd occupations. 




An organization's claim to existence is in 
proportion to tlie amount of good it does, 
tlie value of the service it renders, the integ- 
rity of its officers, and its sincerity of purpose. 

Success must follow the intelligent appli- 
cation of an idea that better serves all 
interests. 



TRANSAMERICAN BROADCASTIHG and TELEVISION CORP. 



NEW YORK 

521 Fifth Avenue 
MUrray Hill 6-2370 



JOHN L. CLARK, Pr«sid«nt 
Compimte Br0adca»ting FtteUiti^s Wir^ and Tn»n»erih«d 

CHICAGO 

333 North Michigan Avenue 
STAte 0366 



HOLLYWOOD 

5833 Fernwood Avenue 
Hollywood 5315 



44 VARIETY 



RADIO 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



CAPT. HAWKS' WOULD-BE 
DANBURY, CT., STATION 

Danbury, Conn,, July 27. 

Capt. Frank Hawks ^eady to set 
up broadcasting plant here provided 
local commercial interests give sup- 
port and FCC gives permit. 

Speed flier, dweller at nearby 
Redding, has been mulling exhciler 
in Hat City for some time. Only 
station in thickly-populated Faii^r 
field "county how is WICC, Bridge- 
port, Application of Charles Green- 
blatt of Waterbury for a lOO-watter 
in Bridgeport has been pending in 
Washington. 

Understanding is that Hawks has 
eye on the CBS shingle WICC let go 
when it joined NBC Blue last Janu- 
ary. 



9* Special Edition for WAIM 
Spartanburg, S. C, July 27. 

WAIM, station of the Anderson 
(S. C.) Independent and Daily Mail, 
signed with Columbia as system's 
South Carolina outlet, Wilton Hall, 
publisher of two dailies, announced 
deal with special editions of 10| 
pages each, featuring WAIM as only 
CBS station in the state. 

Greenville (S. C.) News and Pied- 
mont with NBC connection Is only 
other newspaper layout in state with 
a radio station. Large new equip- 
ment additions also have been an- 
nounced for station. 




ARTIST'S MANAGl 
Bureau, Inc. 
Pr«sent8: 



JIT 




WHITeMflN 

and His Orchestra 



If Red — ^Wednesdays 
^ 12-12:30 P.M. EDST 

^ Blue — Saturdays 
V 12-1 2:30 P.M. EDSt 



ARTIST'S MANAGEMENT 

Also Represents! 

Jimmy Brierly 
Jean Ellis 
King's Men 
Bob Lawrence 
Johnny Mercer 
Harry Rosenthal 
Vivienne Segal 



ARTIST'S MANAGl 
Bureau, Inc. 

17 E. 45 St., NEW YORK 
Tel. MU. 2-1888 



!IT 



and His 
Orchestra 

2ND YEAR 

Viennese Boof 

HOTEL ST. REGIS 

titw roRK 




MGT. 
M.C.A 




NEW APPLICATIONS 

Washington. July 27. 

Arkansas: KTHS, Hot Springs Chamber of Com- 
merce, Hot Springs, extension of special experimental 
authorisation to change frequency from 1040 to 1060 
kc, hours of operation from sljaring with }SJXLT>, Dal- 
las, Tex., to simultaneous ' with WBAL, Baltimore, 
from '6 a.m. to local, sunset daily, suspend until 8 p.m. 
and unlimited from then until midnight;' KUOA^ 
KUOA, Inc., Siloam Springs, day power boost from 
2Vz to 5 kw. * • 

Connecticut: WTIC, Hartford, extension of special 
experimental authorization to change, frequency from 
1060 to 1040 kc and hours of operation from sharing 
with WBAL, Baltimore, to simultaneous with KRLD, 
Dallas. 

Kansas: KVGB, Ernest Edward Ruehlen, Great Bend, 
iauthority to install new automatic frequency control; 
KFBI, Farmers and Bankers Broadcasting Corp., Abi- 
lene, install new transmitter and vertical antenna and 
move transmitter. , 

Maryland: WBAL, Baltimore, , extension of special 
experimental authorization to change hours of opera- 
tion from sharing with WTIC, Hartford, to siniul- 
taneous operation on 1060 kc with KTHS, Hot Springs, 
Ark., .from local sunset to 9 p.m. on 1060 kc, will syn- 
chronize with WJZ, New York, on 760 kc from 9 p.m. 
with kw piower, using directional antenna. 

Massachusetts: WMAS, Springfield, install new trans- 
mitter, erect vertical iantenna and move transmitter. 

New York: National Broadcasting Co., Inc., New 
York, extension of authority to transmit programs to 
stations CFCF- and CRCT, and the Canadian Broad- 
casting Corp.; Columbia Broadcasting • System, Inc., 
New York, extension of authority to transmit programs 
to CFRB and CKAC, and stations of the Canadian , 
Broadcasting . Corp.; WESG, Cornell University, Elmira, 
extension of special experimental authorization, to op- 
erate on 850 kc, .daylight to sunset at New Orleans, La. 

Pennsylvania: WKOK, Sunbury, authority to trans- 
fer control of corporation from the Sunbury Item, 
Inc., to George W. Beck, Basse A. Beck and Harry H. 
Haddon, 73 shares common. 

South Dakota: WNAX, Yankton, authority to trans- 
fer control of corporiation from Charles H.' Gurney to 
South Dakota Broadcafsting Corp., 1,500 shares Class A. 
Common and 500 shares Class B. Common stock. 

Texas: Amarillo Broadcasting Corp., Amarillo, new 
station to be operated on 1500 kc with 100 watts; 
KRLD, KRLD Radio Corp., Dallas, extension of special 
experimental authorization to operate simultaneously 
with WTIC; Northwestern Broadcasting Co., Vernon, 
new station to be operated on 1500 kc with 100 watts; 
KGVL, Hunt Broadcasting Association, Greenville, 
new station, changes in automatic frequency^ control 
equipment and move transmitter. 

Washington: Tom Olsen, Port Angeles, new station 
to be operated on 1500 kc with 250 watts, days only; 
Shirley D. Parker, Yakima, new station to be operated 
on 1310 kc with 100 watts nights, 250 watts days. 

West Virginia: WBLK, Clarksburg, authority to in- 
stall new automatic frequency control eqiiipment. 

Wisconsin: WEAU, Eau Claire, authority to transfer 
control of corporation from Morgan Murphy to Eliza- . 
beth B. Murphy, 60 shares common stock. 

EXAMINERS' REPORTS 

California: Application of Robert E. Clements, Hunt- 
ington Park, for pei-mit to construct a 250-watt day? 
time transmitter on 1160 kc was tagged for the ash can 
by Examiner H. Hyde, Clements/ former colleague of 
Dr. Francis E. Townsend, old-age pension leader, sent 
the Commish a telegram on the day the heating, was 
called, pointing out hearing was imnecessary. Re- 
spondents at the hearing moved that the request be 
dismissed with prejudice, and Hyde concurred. 

West Coast International broadcasting station for 
General- Electric Company was indicated in a favor- 
able rejport from Examiner George H. Hill. Based on 
lack of adequate short wave facilities for handling 
programs from the U. S. to the Far East, G. E. Com- 
pany requested Commish to let them er^ct a $50,000 
transmitter, to be operated on 9,53Q and 15,330 kc, 
using 20 kw. Reception in China and other parts of 



the Orient, from the company's two New York short 
wave stations, W2XAD and W2XAF, Schenectady, has 
been very disappointing, applicants claimed, and trans- 
Paciftc broadcast would solve problem. 

Declaring proposed programs of research and ex 
perimentation indicated 'reasonable promise of sub 
stantial contributions to the development of interna^ 
tional broadcast service,' Examiner Hill reconunended 
Commish granting of the application. 

Philip J. Hennessey, Ji:„ and Henry Ladner appeared 
• in behalf of the applicant, , 

Florida: Green light was flashed by Examiner R, H, 
Hyde for a frequency change from 1300 to 610 kc for 
WIOD-WMBF, Isle of Dreams Broadcasting Corp,, 
Miami. Pointing out that no objectionable interfer- 
ence would occur to any existing transmitters and that 
change would greatly improve Miami station's service, 
Hyde recommended granting of the application. 

Station was represented by H. L. Lohnes. 

Indiana: Change of frequency from 1310 to 1290 kc 
and juice jump from 100 watts nights, 250 watts days, 
to 500 watts nights, 1 kw days, for WBOW, Banks of 
Wabash, Inc., Terre Haute, was recommended to the 
Commish by Examiner Melvin H. Dalberg. 

In a joint report turning down the application of 
Glenn E, Webster for a daytime station to be operated 
on the same frequency with 250 watts, at Decatur, 111., 
Dalberg found need for additional service existed in 
the Terre Haute area, Illinois applicant, however, was 
found lacking in cash. 

Although- a flock of pending applications for the 
same frequency would limit the service of WBOW if 
granted, Dalberg noted in his conclusions that chances 
of WJAS, Pittsburgh, for a juice jump to 5 kw were 
slim. If, however, the station would receive a boost, 
it would lirhit WBOW to its 12 millivolt per contour 
at night, examiner admitted. A second pending re- 
quest for a power boost, that of WEBC, Superior, Wis., 
woiUd limit the Terre Haute transmitter to its 11 milli- 
volt per contour, according to testimony given at the 
hearing. 

Henry B. Walker appeared on behalf -of WBOW, 
with James H. Hanley and Thomas J. O'Brien appear- 
ing for^Webster. 

Michigan: Juice jump for WBCM, Bay City, looked 
likely when Examiner Robert L. Irwin found a need 
for additional daytime service in the area and gave it 
a clean bill of health on programs, flnances and op- 
eration, 

James E. Davidson, to whom transmitter is licensed, 
asked for a boost from 500 watts to 1 kw, " retaining 
the present frequency of 1410 kc. ' , 

Protest to granting of the application was made by 
Harold F. Gross and Edmund C. Shields, who are 
waiting for a court decision before constructing their 
own transmitter at Saginaw. Gross and Shields were 
granted permission to build a daytime station on 950 
kc with 500 watts, early this spring, but case has been 
tied up by the Saginaw Broadcasting Company, which 
received a turndown for a Saginaw station from the 
Commish. 

Horace L. Lohnes and Fred W. Albertson repre- 
sented WBCM, while Arthur W. Scharfeld and Philip 
G. Loucks championed the prptestants. 

Ohio: Unusual type of broadcast service was ap- 
proved by Examiner John P, Bramhall, in recom- 
mending to the Commish that the Food Terminal 
Broadcasting Company's request for a station at Cleve- 
land should be granted. Distributors of food products, 
the concern asked for a daytime smallie to be operated 
on 1500 kc. Service would consist mostly of an ex- 
tensive broadcasting of market conditions to provide 
farmers and consumers with up-to-the-minute infor- 
mation. Applicants explained at the hearings that 
much trouble has been caused by 'gluts,' or an over- 
supply, on the market. This could be overcome, it 
was pointed out, if consumers could learn exactly 
which item was flooding the market. Airing of infor- 
mation of this sort would enable buyers to take advan- 
tage of the opportunity to purchase large quantities of 
fruit and vegetables at low prices and also would, re- 
duce the losses of farmers and growers who frequently 
bring their products to market only to learn that there 
is an oversupply. 

Terminal Broadcasting retained Arthur W. Sharfeld 
and Philip G. Loucks as counsel. 



TOURIST INTERVIEWING 
BECOMES INDUSIHY 

Detroit, July 27. 

'Tourist' Interviews, inaugurated 
coupla months ago by CKLW from 
Canadian end of Ambassador bridge 
across Detroit river, have proved so 
popular that a second program of 
identical nature is now being aired 
by station. 

New one originates at Canadian 
terminal of Detroit- Windsor tunnel 
and is handled by announcers- John 
Gordon and Val Clare. First tourist 
show, aired on Tuesday evenings 
continues from bridge terminal with 
Joe Gentile and Les Marcus. 

Option Clem McCarthy 

Chicago, July 27, 
Schwimmer & Scott agency hera 
has optioned the services of sports 
announcer Clem McCarthy for the 
football season. 

Understood planning a series for 
pre-football game sessions by 
McCarthy on a national spot basis. 






*Wmiams* Foreign Rights 
Sought by Lord & Thomas 

Chicago, July 27. 

Lord & Thomas agency is after 
foreign rights to 'Adventures of Ace 
Williams,' transcribed kid serial de- 
veloped by W. E. Long Co. 

Michaelson & Sternberg, N, Y. ex- 
porters, doing the arranging. 



By JANE WEST 

now radio's most popular 
family brings you more 
[aughter Jears ^nd |-|eart-throbs 

Presented by Ivory Soap ■ 99" loo ° o pure 



LISTEN "^^'^^ ^^'^^ 

NBC Bluo Network, Men. to FrI. 11 a.m. DST 
NBC Red Network, Mop. to Fri. 3:45 p.m. DST 
COAST TO COAST 



IN 



• « 



Dir., COAIPTOM ADVKRTISINO" A<JKNCt 
MGT., ED WOLF— RKO BLDG., NEW YORK CITY 



CBS' FRISCO POWER 
UNKINKING BALLYED 



San Francisco, July" 27. 
. New S.OOO-vvatt transmitter for 
KSFO' is scheduled tentatively for 
dedication on Aug. 15. Car cards 
and space in the dailies will be used 
by Manager Phil^Lasky to ballyhoo 
the event and the expected improved 
reception of KSFO in this territory. 

During construction of the trans- 
mitter at Islais Greek in China Basin 
the station has aired a number of 
special broadcasts from the site. 
Power boost from 1,000 to 5,000 
watts Is expected to eliminate 
squawks about poor reception which 
has been a sore spot since CBS 
took over the station several months, 
ago. 



PRIVATE JOKE 



Somebody Thinks It's Funny to 
Hoax Early Shift 



Practical joker had Stephen Price, 
free lance announcer, report at 8 a.m. 
to take over the duties on Mark 
Hawley's WOR Transradio session. 
Moment later Jeff Sparks, the regular 
assignee, showed up. 

Telephone call to the home of 
Harry Carlsen, announcer super- 
visor of WOR, disclosed the hoax. 



32,000— Count *Em— Notes 
On WLW Sustaining Fave 

Cincinnati, July 27. 

A near record for a sustaining 

program mail tiig on WLW resulted 

from the station's recent offer of a 

free picture of Tommy Riggs and 
his mythical, juve Betty character. 
Total response from all parts of the 
country exceeded 32,000 request let- 
ters, boasts Frank M. Smith, sales 
manager of Grosley's super-watter. 

Gratis offer was announced on four 
broadcasts. 



Radio Ed on NBC Payroll 

San Francisco, July 27, 
Radio Editor Darrell Donnell of 
the San Francisco Examiner be- 
comes a newscaster for NBC's coast 
Blue network next Monday, Aug. 2, 
airing quarter-hour broadcasts at 7 
p.m. EST five nights a week. 

Donnell will use International 
News Service dispatches. Will con- 
tinue on the Examiner radio desk. 



EASY 
ACES 



BROADCASTING 
6th YEAR FOR 
BLACKETT - SAMPLE 
HUMMER T, INC. 

A N A C I N 



HARRY 
SALTER 

CONDUCTING 

LUCKY STRIKE 
"HIT PARADE" 

EVERY WEDNESDAY 

N.B.C. Red at 10 P.M., EDST 












JAC QUES 

FRAY 



^ MARIO 

BR/VOGIOTTI 



II III fi ni^ 11 III II 



NBC NETWORK 



D'ARTEGA 



AND HIS 

ORCHESTRA 

JELLO 
7:00-7:30— -NBC 



r. 



Wedncsaar, July 28, 1937 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



45 



MUTUAL SEEKS 
NORTHWEST 
PASSAGE 



Lew Weiss of the Don Lee chain 
Is jn the Pacific northwest at pres- 
ent His mission is to canvas the 
■ oossibiUties of an extension of Mu-' 
tuai service into the Portland-Seattle 

^^Seattle with 500,000, and Poi-tland 
with 350,000, have between theni 
nearly a million mortals and a lot 
of wealth. Line carry from Cali- 
fornia, however, is an item to be 
reckoned with, 

with. • , 

• Should Weiss successfully conclude 
deal with stations in Oregon and 
: Washington^ Fred Weber, general 
manager of Mutual, may not have to 
make trip west in August as planned. 

HELLO, MOM' 125 TIMES 
IN 15 MIN. PROGRAM 

' Cleveland, July 27. 
Lakeside Biscuit Co., sponsors of 
the 'Sidewalk Interviews' prograih 
over. WTAM five days ,a week, was 
host.to 125 boys and girls of North- 
i em :Phio at a baseball party last 
\ we^^. Youngsters met at the station 
and were -lunched at Harry Prop- 
per's Mayfair Casino before being 
taken to the ball game by Tom 
Manning. 

Latter also set some sort of rec- 
ord by putting all 125 youngsters on 
the air during a 15-minute program- 



Wind Hits WBNS Tower 

Columbus, July 27. 

WBNS, local CBS outlet, off the air 
nearly two and a half hours Sunday 
(26) wheii a high wind blew over 
the top 20 feet of its 380-foot trans- 
fnitting antenna tower two miles east 
of here. Tower did not fall entirely 
to ground and was repaired and 
service resumed. 

Station went off air at 4:55 p.m.' 
(EST) and resumed at 7:28 p.m. 



land SUDDEN 
WEALTH 

for 

WOW Listeners 



• Sudden wealth of the 
harvest wiH soon tweep 
dovt/n on "the market basket 
of the nation." Millions of 
dollars will roll into the rich 
middlewestern grain coun- 
try known . as Nebriowa*. 
Prospects for corn and 
wheat crops in Nebriowa are 
•the best in many years. 

Crop money gratifies year- 
long desires . . . for farmers 
and city dwellers alike. 
Capitalize on it! Reach th9 
spenders FIRST — through 
their favorite r^dio station, 

Wow. 



• NKHRIO«VA — The 

JiiiniviiNely w e ii I thy 
tmde territory nt fuKt- 
«ru MCIttttutkit. n-ftit- 
frn IOWA, and lior- 
tUtiiN u( Kuntuui, MIk- 
Hoiirl, MlnnrMitM. Hnd 
SoutU I) a k 4* t H . I4h 
buMtncMN caiiitHl in 
Omnliii. ItH radio capi- 
t«I Ih wow I 



590 KC 



5^000 Watte 



W 0 W 

OMAHA, NEBRASKA 



-lOHN r.IM.IV. Jr.. Mrr. 
On the NBC Red Net 

JOHK nr.AIR CO,. Repies«ntRtlve8 
Chk-Hiro, ^ew York. Detroit, 
San FraiivlM-o 

0\\n,d aiul Oiwratea l»y Ihti Wowl- 
»ieii of tlie Worlil f>lf« Innuruavo 
IJoclcty 



Coast Guard Stops Wrangle 
Fast; NBC Gets Short 
Straw; Hires Aeroplane 

CBS, NBC and Mutual are all cov-. 
ering the Newport yacht races be- 
tween Endeavor II and the Ranger, 
which commence Saturday (31). 
Since the Coast Guard convoy is so 
arranged that only two of the cut- 
ters will plow abreast of the sloops, 
the three networks at once got . into 
a row when negotiating with the 
Coast Guard to insure their cover- 
ages. 

Guard at once stopped the wran- 
gling by making reps from the webs 
draw straws for positions. CBS and 
Mutual were lucky, drawing the cut- 
ters which will flank the racers, on 
each side. NBC came but on the 
short end, and will have to be con- 
tent with getting its view from a 
cutter which will ride slightly astern 
of the contenders. 

To make up for its unfortunate po- 
sition, NBC will sling a mike aboard 
an anchored boat .at the finish line to 
make sure it will not be scooped on 
getting out the name of the sloop 
sweeping over the line first. A TWA 
pliane has also been hired to get a 
description of the race from the air 
as an amplification to the sea-view 
comment from the cutter. 

Though Mutual ^ is apparently do- 
ing the race, W.OR is actually paying 
all. of the expenses involved, which 
v/ill exceed $3,000. Line charges 
alone will top $2,000; Cameron King, 
who will alternate with WOR's spe- 
cial eventer Dave DriscoU on the 
descriptions, has been hired for $450 
for the job, and four engineers are 
being sent up. 



JUDGE, CITY AHORNEY, 
ACTORS ON KVOD SHOW 



Denver, July 27. 
Municipal Judge Philip Gilliam 
and Assistant City Attorney Leon 
Ginsberg are carrying the leading 
roles in a series of dramatizations 
for safety being aired by KVOD, 
Denver. Dramatizes actual man- 
slaughter trials of persons accused 
of killing someone with an auto- 
mobile. 

. Judge Gilliam and Ginsberg hold 
a discussion on each case, and tell 
how the accidents might have been 
prevented. The series is called 'The 
Judge Tells His Story.' 

Harry Hill, KVOD news editor, 
with Gilliani and Ginsberg, picks the 
cases and writes the script. Jay 
Daniels directs the KVOD players, 
including Dorothy Mendelsohn, Vic- 
toria Doherty, C. Norman Lasky and 
Preston Frenzel. 



WOAFs Special Events 

San Antonio, July 27. 

WOAI, San Antonio, has contrived 
an effective piece of promotion on, 
the station's public events coverage 
and newscasting. It's a 24-page 
booklet, thickly studded with pic- 
tures showing every phase of the 
outlet's business of ' news coverage 
during the past year. 

Booklet is split into several sec- 
tion, mainly dealing with 'Special 
Events,' Timely Interviews,' 'Hu- 
man Interest Editing,' 'Personalities* 
and 'Covering Local News.' ^ A sec- 
tion is also devoted to mail received 
on the events and news angle of the 
station's activities. 



Radio Ed on WCKY 

Cincinnati, July 27. 

Paul Kennedy, radio columnist on 
the Cincy, ■ Post, Scripps-Howard 
sheet,' today <Tuesday) commenced 
a series of bi-weekly evening chats 
over WCKY. 

Has carte blanche to criticize 
radio, music, performers and local 
night-living as he sees fit. 

WJR Visits C.C.C. Camps 

Detroit, July 27. , 
WJR is carrying its special events 
program to the CCC camps in Michi- 
gan, in a series of thrice-weekly 
stints. Series will cover camps with- 
in radius of 100 miles from Detroit, 
and will touch on boys', views on 
current topics. 

Planned to extend cross-section 
survey of state's youth to summer 
schools and other camps within this 
part of the state. 



Benford Hits for Heatter 

Charles Benford, formerly on 
WOL, Washington, is subbing for 
Gabriel Heatter as staff news com- 
mentator, while the latter is on a 
four weeks' vacation. Benford will 
have all but the Friday evening spot. 

This one will be filled by Raymond 
Gram Swing. 



Baseball at 2 A. M. 



Columbus, July 27. 

Night doubleheaders, bane of 
ball players in the American 
Association, are beginning to 
get into the hair of the radio 
announcers here. When the 
local team is on the road, night 
games don't start until 9 p.m. 
(Columbus tim6) and when two 
games are carded it; keeps 
broadcasters at the station until 
'way after midnight, 

Last Friday night (23) Johnny 
Neblett, WBNS announcer, and 
his aide, Jim Blower, spent 
nearly five hours before the. 
mike bringing listeners a tele- 
graphic report of a double- 
header in Louisville. Came on 
with fii'st game at 9:15 p.m., then 
with about 8-minute inter- 
mission between games began 
broadcast of nightcap at 12:15 
a.m. Second game, scheduled 
for seven innings, actually went 
eight, so' it was 2 a.m. before 
Neblett and Blower called it a 
night. 



Ward Byron Joins MCA 
As Consultant in L. A. 

Los Angeles, July 27. 
Ward Byron, producer of several 
programs in Sau Francisco for NBC, 
has resigned after 12 years to join 
the Music Corporation of -America 
here. 



Radio End of Pennsylvania State AccL 
Detached for Philadelphia Agency 



Philadelphia, July 27. 

Reported here that radio end of 
the State of Pennsylvania account 
held by Walker & Downing, Pitts- 
burgh agency, is slated to be tossed 
to Barnes & Aaron, Philly agency. 
Radio end, as figured at present, will 
run about $175,000. 

Although W & D is set to lose the 
radio portion of the account, it will 
retain the major portion, amounting 
to $325,000, to be spent chiefly for 
newspaper and magazine ads. Idea 
of the splurge is to boost Penna. as 
a travelers' mecca. Outlay of $500,- 
000 was voted by recent session of 
the Penna. legislature at Harrisburg. 

Several factors are* believed to 
have dictated the agency switch in 
the radio account. One is the idea 
that the program, originating in 
WCAU, Philly, could . be handled 
more efficiently by an agency- on 
the spot. Another, reason, though 
not mentioned, is that politicians in 
the eastern end of the state were 
howling that part of the allotment 
should be spent in their bailiwicks. 
That is figured to have swung the 
deal, with each end of the state get- 
ting a share.. = 

Show, airing at 10:45 Saturday 



nights over the CBS network, has 
Anthony Candelori's orchestra, Ben 
Alley and Eleanor Bowers, with. 
Hugh Walton announcing. ' Gov. 
George H. Earle appeared briefly on 
last week's (24) debut show, but is 
understood not skeddied for more 
stints, at least for some time. Manie 
Sacks, of Music Corp., is producing 
the show with the WCAU stafl! and 
the agency. 

Present deal is for 13 weeks, with 
options. Current 15-minute sietup is 
likely to be doublied to run 30 min- 
utes. That question was set for de- 
cision yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon 
at Harrisburg. 



WLW Acts for Expo 

Cincinnati, July 27. 
Crosley's WLW-WSAI will supply 
guest artists for Radiolortd programs 
from the Great Lakes Exposition in 
Cleveland, Aug. 7 and 14. William 
Stoess, maestro of the Flying Dutch- 
men orchestra on the nation's sta- 
tion, will b'e guest- conductor the 
14th. 

Other Crosley acts will be the 
Smoothies, Frim Sisters. Four Mo- 
dernaires and several vocal soloists 
as yet unselected. ■ 




Oistributors' and dealers' opin- 
ions about advertising are impor- 
tant. In selecting radio facilities 
for a spot campaign in Northern 
Ohio ask them what station will 
do the best job. The odds are 
high "on WTAM — the only station 
which reaches the buyers of the 
entire Cleveland Chamber of 
Commerce retail trading area, to 
say nothing of the many other 
communities in Northern Ohio, 
Pennsylvania and New York. 

A Basic Red Network Station 
Completely Programmed by NBC 





46 VARIETY 



MUSIC fi DANCE TOURS 



Wednesday, July ^8, 1937 



Boom in Pianos, Other Instruments; 
Adult Hobbies Help; Small Towns Best 



Musical instrument business is 
basking in its biggest boom in years. 
Sales for the flrst half of 1937 are 
running far ahead of the same period 
■ last year and are several times the 
volume of the 1933 low. Dealers ex- 
pect the year to approach the figures 
for the lush 1925-28 period. All time 
high was in the 1890*s. 

With pianos as the basic article, 
the whole field of instruments is 
sharing in the splurge. Visitors at 
the 36th annual music industries con- 
vention, current this week at the 
Hotel New Yorker, N. Y., report 
. various degrees of upturn in buisi- 
^ess. Favorable reports, however, 
are unanimous. 

Piano manufacturers rate the sales 
volume for the first half of 1937 at 
anywhere from 20% to 35% over last 
year, while the smaller instrument 
manufacturers and distribs estimate 
the rise in their sales at from 140% 



It ^ II Br Er 



^ W ill ///u/><.M-> l.ntrsi 

YOU'RE MY DESIRE 



PECKIN' 



The New Summer SfnwW/cn' 

IS THIS GONNA BE 
MY LUCKY SUMMER 



.Season's Loicliosl Ballad 

MOON AT SEA 



The Comedy Hif of 1937 

TODAY 1 AM A MAN 



(ffjirinlly i pproird 
KtntSfi rlt-Dii Pont l.oi r Sonf: 



OU ARE THE REASON 




FOR MY 
LOVE SONG 



Mais Music, Inc 

MW.MlMtWAT Nnr TOW, H. T. 




Two N«w Instlmnental Kov«U 
ties by the Pnbllahers of 
. "Nola" and 'Tolly" , 

"CHINiTbOLL 
PARADE" 

"WHISTLING 
MOSE" 

Divtinctive Piano or 
Orchestra Specialties 



SAM FOX 

PUBLISHING COMPANY 

USO SUTM AVtNUL 

RCAOUiLOirxC n-AOlOvliTT 

NtW YORK 



to 100% over the 1936 figures. Deal- 
ers, particularly those in the smaller 
towns and less populated areas, are 
enthusiastic, but say the usual sum- 
mer lull is now gripping business. 
Even though sales are at a standstill 
during these hot months, rural deal- 
ers look for a greater boom in the 
fall. 

Factor in the" presence of improved 
business in the less populated areas, 
instrument men think, is the absence 
of other entertainment there. In the 
big cities, they explain, theatres, 
films, niteries and a host of other 
amusements are available, while in 
the smaller towns diversion i3 lim- 
ited and a'gre£\ter number of people 
play music for relaxation. 

Adult Hpbby 

Another factor in the increased 
business, particularly in regard to 
pianos, is that more people are now 
taking up music as ia hobby. Un- 
precedented number of growyps, 
business men and' mothers and 
father? with grown children are tak- 
ing les3ons on the piano or .some 
other instrument.' 

While piano sales are' cliiAbing to 
a high of recent years, player pianos 
aiid electric piano sales are ' just 
about 'at the %ero mark This is ex- 
plained by the convenience of radio 
for those who want music, for enter- 
tainineht rather <than as means. <>f 
seU-expression or releasie. Manufac- 
turers also' believe this is a healthy 
business sign, pointing out that peo- 
ple who buy pianos to play rarely 
tire of them, while player and elec- 
tric pianos are frequently a passing 
fad. 

Paradox o{ the upswing in musical 
instrument sales is that it Is expected 
to have little or no' effect on sheet 
music sales. That was illustrated 
last winter, when the boom was first 
noted. Former saturation point for 
sheet sales was from 400,000 to 
700,000 copies, while the present top 
is around 200,000 copies. Reason of- 
fered for that is the present economic 
recovery slowup, influenced by labor 
troubles and the sumrner lull. Why 
those factors aren't flooring the in- 
strument sales is just one of those 
unexplained things, dealeris say. 
' Actual flgures of the rise in piano 
(as the standard instrument of the 
business) sales are offered by W. A. 
Mennie, secretary of the National 
Piano Manufacturers Assri. Accord- 
ing to him, piano shipments for June 
totaled 7,409 units, sin increase of 
33.02% over the previous June and 
a jump of 554.5% from the corre- 
sponding' period in 1932. 

Sales for the first six months of 
1937 were 49,595 units, or 33.62% 
over the similar stretch last year, 
indicating that 1937 will see a total 
sales of 130,000 pianos, since the sec 
ond half of the year always shows 
much greater sales than the first. 
This will mean a gross of $60,000,000. 
In addition to the improved economic 
condition over previous years, 
Mennie thinks, mechanical iinprove 
ments and novel designs have been 
a factor in th6 business boost.. 

While a few distributors and deal- 
ers offer radio as one influence on 
the sale of musical instruments, few 
Interpret the effect of broadcasting 
the 5ame way. And the greifit ma- 
jority seem to feel its bearing on the 
business is negligible one way or 
the other. 



Most Played on Air 



Chicago, July 27. 

Most encouraging news for music 
publishers in many a day comes 
from the report of the National 
Piano Manufacturers Association 
which states that the first six months 
of 1937 saw the greatest number of 
piahos sold for any similar period 
since 1922. 

Piano shipments for the first six 
months of this year were more than 
33% ahead of the same months last 
year and more than 350% ahead of 



THE nCTURE'S A HiT — AND SO ARK THE SONOS 

tOVE IS NEVER OUT OF SEASON 
OUR PENTHOUSE ON THIRD AVENUE 

From RKO-RiKllo'B "NEW FACES OF 1037" 
From BEN MARDEN'S SMART RIVIERA REVUE 

THE IMAGE OF YOU 



From THE PAN AiMlCKICAN CASINO REVl E . «. 

DON'T YOU KNOW OR DON'T YOU CARE 

LEO FEIST. Inc. • 1629 BROADWAY • NEW YORK 



Combined plugs on WEAF, 
WJZ and WABC are computed 
■for the week jrom Sunday 
through Saturday (July 18- 
July 24). 

It Looks Like Rain 

(Morrla) 
tWhere or When 

(Chappell) 
Merry-Go-Round Broke Down 

(Harms) 

Sailboat in Moonlight 

(Crawford) 
So Rare 

(Sherman-Clay) 
First Time I Saw Tou 

(Santly-Joy) 
*I Know Now 

(RemlcK) 
^Good Morning 
"1 (Famous) 
*Wht9oers in the Dark 

' (Famous) 
Ton and Me Tliat Used to Be 

• (Berlin) 
Stardust on the Moon 

(Marks) 

*Tomorrow Is Anotlier Day 

(Robblns) 
*They Cant Take That Away 

. (Chappell) . ■-. 

^Love Is Never Out of Season 

(Foist) 

Miller's Daofhter Marianne 

(Shaplroy 
Toodleoo 

(Shapiro) 
You're My Desire 

(Mills) ' 

Gone With the Wind 

(Berlin) 
*Sweet Leilani 

(Select) 

*AI1 God's Chlilun Got Rhythm 

(Robbing) 

.Stojp, Tbu're Breakinf My Heart 

(Famous) 
*Cause My Baby Says It's So 

(Remick) • • 
Caravan 

(Exclusive) 
^September in the Rain 

(Remick) 
Me, Myself and I 

(Words & Music) 

• Indicates filmusical song. 
t Production Number. . 



CASA LOMA'S TOUR 



the same period in 1933," wHich 
marked the lowest piano sales in the 
entire history of the keyboard indus- 
try. . - ' . 

Sales for the six months of 1937 
totalled. 49,595, with unfilled orders 
on hand at the end of June of 3,164 
units, an increase of more than 143% 
over the same time last year and 
more than 193% over the backlog for 
July 1 of 1935. 



YALE 'WHIFFENPOOF 
STATUS INTO COURT 



Dispute over ownership rights to 
the famous Yale 'Whiffenpoof Song' 
which Rudy Vpllee has been plug- 
ging on the air in 'recent months 
came to a head Saturday when the 
Miller Music Co, filed an infringe- 
ment suit in federal Court, New 
York, against G. Schirmer Music 
Corp. Plaintiff seeks an injunc- 
tion. 

Miller Co. claims the 'whiffen- 
poof ditty was originally written 
by Meade Minnigerode and George 
S. Pomeroy and that the late Tod 
B. Galloway wrote the music. 
Plaintiff bought the composers' 
rights. Lat6r Vallee resurrected the 
song and it -has become widely 
popular. 

■ Schirmer people, it is claimed, 
published a book entitled 'Songs 
of Yale' which they claim is an of- 
ficial university edition. It contains 
the disputed song. -.Miller asks the 
court to decide whether the book Is 
an official edition. If so, they ask 
that Schirmer be restrained from 
distributing the tune in any other 
manner than through the book. 



LA. AFM in Campaign 
For Fed RerEmployment 



Hollywood, July 27. 

Local 47 of the American Feder- 
ation of Musicians has launched a 
campaign for reinstatement of 100 
of its members recently dropiped 
from the roster of the Los Angeles 
Federal Music Project, 

Local's efforts will be an adjunct 
to a similar campaign, started in the 
east with the same objective follow- 
ing curtailment of federal funds for 
the FMP. 



Brissitt's Fill-Ins 

Don Brissitt's orch is the house 
band at Bal-a-lair, 'ballroom near 
'Worcester, Mass., this summer, work- 
ing the spot in between one-niters 
played by nafne aggregations. 

Brissitt has let loose 35 evenings 
to date in the outdoor rug-cutting 
emporium since its, seasonal opening 
on May 27. 



Playing San Francisco For . First 
Time — $1,000 Guarantee 



San Francisco, July 27. 

Glen Gray's Casa Loma Orchestra 
will play at the ' Dreamland Audi- 
torium In Sah Francisco, Aug. 1. This 
will be the flrst engagement of the 
band in San Francisco. 

Doing a series of one night stands 
on the Coast following engagement 
at Los Angeles Palomar. In on a 
guarantee of $1,000, plus 60% of aU 
over that. 



High School Bands 
Muscling In on AFM 
Combos in the N.W. 



Minneapolis, July 27. ' 

Minneapolis' older crop . of musi- 
cians and thosQ who are in the big 
time are wondering what effect the 
recent trend among high school kids 
toward forming dance bands will be 
on their' ham and eggs'. The most 
interesting part of it is that the 
youngsters are jprietty,. good. They 
seem to have music in their souls, 
or something. At high school age 
kids, are really music-conscious and 
cah spot corny stuff a mile away and 
won't have any part of it. In this 
section the boys (and girl vocalists 
who are plenty good, too), are pro- 
ficient enough to take a lot of biz 
away from the small-time cats. They 
go in for swing and jam stuff in a 
big way. Playing tor high school 
dances and small private parties are 
their specialties, the bigger things 
not coming their way because if 
non-union affiliation, age, etc. 

Because of the already high/jqual- 
ity of their mu^ic it is predicted in 
these parts that the future will 
bring forth a high-grade of horn- 
tooters and drum-beaters. 



RUDYVALLETOLA. 
AMBASSADOR OCT. 5 



Rudy Vallee orchestra booked into 
the Cocoanut Grove of the Ambas- 
sador Hotel, Los Angeles, Oct. 5, by 
the Rockwell-O'Keefe Hollywood 
office. 

Deal is the first non-MCA set-up 
to go into the Grove in four years. 



Nab George De Horth 

Philadelphia, July 27. 

George de Horth, orchestra 
batoneer, got in a jam" last Friday 
when pinched for allegedly passing a 
$38 check of pure Para. 

De Horth would give no home ad- 
dress to detectives who picked him 
up on the street. 



Dorsey Ballyhooed Date 
Crimps Frankie Masters 

Clear Lake, la,, July 27.. 

Jimmy Dorsey's swingsters grossed 
around $1,000 at the Surf ballroom 
here July 22,, Frankie Masters, play- 
ing the Surf the week preceding, 
pulled in 'anaemic gate largely be- 
cause of the .counter-attraction, 
Dorsey, billed weeks in advance. 

Donna Dae of the Masters crew 
leaves the band in week to take 
screen test for Warner Bros. 



Glen Gray Trek 

, Hollywood, July 27. 

Glen Gray and the Casa Lomans 
pulled out over the Week end for a 
to,ur of coast engagements through 
San Joaqi^in valley, San Francisco 
and. Portland, thence to Cleveland 
and New York, 

Unit made six recordings for Dec- 
ca under supervision of Joe Perrjr 
just before departing. 

Glenn Gray and Casa Loma or- 
chestra play 20 dance dates on way 
east between San Diego and Denver, 
Colorado. Band plays San Diego^ 
Calif., July 24; Balboa, Calif., July 
25; Fresno, July 26; Oakland, July 27; 
Sacramento, July 28; Santa Cruz, 
July 29; Reno. Nev.. July 30; Stock- 
ton, Calif., July 31; San Francisco, 
Aug, 1; back to Oakland Aug. 2; 
Eugene, Ore., Aug. 3; Portland. Ore., 
Aug. 4; Seattle, Wash,, Aug, 5; Bel- 
lingham, Wash,, Aug. 6; Tacoma, 
Aug. 7 and. 8; Spokane, Aug. 9; 
Butte, Mont., Aug. 10; Twin Falls, 
Idaho, Aug. 11; Salt Lake City, Aug. 
12, finishing at Denver, Aug. 13, 

Tour set by Ed Fishman of Holly- 
wood office of Rockwell-O'Keefe. 



UNION PICKET 
THREATS TWO 
BALLROOMS 



Philadelphia, July 27. 

Successful in winning some quick 
victories in its battle to put union 
hands in all the city's niteries, the 
tooters' local here is branching out 
into the ballroom yard. Negotiations 
have begun with operators of Oakes 
and Temple ballrooms. A. A. Tomel, 
proxy of the Union, has threatened 
to begin picketing, the places next 
week if they don't replace present 
outfits with union bands. 

Negotiations also being continued 
with hotels to get pacts guarantee- 
ing that only: union bands will be 
allowed to play at functions. Latest 
battle Is with Stephen Girard, Rit- 
tenhouse . and Lorraine Hotels. 



LARRY LEE SQUAWKS 
ON LONG TOOT SPEl 



Ft. Worth, July 27. 

Larry Lee, No. 2 bandleader in 
Casa Manana at Fort Worth's 
Frontier Fiesta, is squawking be- 
cause ■ of Paul Whiteman's three 
weekly NBC' airings between first 
and second Casa shows. 

Whiteman's stint . in the new Gulf 
studio on the showgrounds forces 
the Lee band to play an hour and 
35 minutes for dancers without a 
rest. On other nights the Whiteman 
outfit shares the dance load. 

liCe says the grind is tearing up 
the. lips of his brass section. 



Ralph Harrison's, engagement at 
Webster Hall's Spanish Garden, 
Pittsburgh, extended for remainder 
of the summer. Band slated to re- 
turn to City Club in Erie, Pa,, in 
the fall. 



GORDON and REVEL 

Songs for the forthcoming Darryl 
Zanuck-^Oth Century. Fox 
Production: 

"YOU CAN'T HAVE 
EVERYTHING" 

The swell score follows: 

AFRAID TO DREAM 

THE LOVELINESS OF YOU 

YOU CAN'T HAVE 
EV'RYTHING 

PLEASE PARDON US— 
WE'RE IN LOVE 

DANGER- 
LOVE AT WORK 

Also, Gordon and Revel's great 
waltz 

I HUM A WALtZ 

from 20\h Century's 
"This ts My Affair" 

KITCHI-MI-KOKO ISLE 

England's Novelty Hit 

Mi'LLcm Inc. 

iei9 BKOADWAY • NIW YORK.^ 



Two New Hits! 

"OVER NIGHT" 

an«1 

"MY SECRET 
LOVE AFFAIR" 

From tli« fortlicuminff 20tli 
Century-Fox Musical, "THIN 
ICE," starring Sonja Hcnle 



ir MOVIETONE ^ 
MUSIC CORPORATION' 



SAM FOX PUBLISHING CO .SoleA9<>n 
1250 SIXTH AVENUE 

k. ncft ftuiLOiNt ;ri\diO cnvl 



V«dBe6d*y. JuJr 28,1937 



MUSIC 



VAMIHTY 



47 



kst Week s IS Best Sellers 



it Looks hike Rain » Moj-rw 

&llboat in the Moonlight Crawford 

Merry-Go-Round Broke Down Harm« 

♦sweet Leilani Select 

you and Me That Used to Be Berhn 

♦Where or When .Chappell 

♦I Know Now ...Remick 

♦Blue Hawaii : Famous 

tStrangers in the Dark Crawford 

ica^eMy Baby Says It's So Remick 

Caravan, • • • • • Exclusive 

Miller'* Daughter Jtorianne Shapiro 

♦I Hum a. Waltz .Miller 

Gone With, the Wind Berlin 

•Was it Bain? - • • • • - • • Santly- J oy, 

* Itf^i^ates -filmusical sfyng. vindicates stage production song. The 

oiherM: are pope. 



iUHBLE ON SALARY 
ASMC MEN'S I^^ 

■ 

» ■ 

i ^se Gamble, long active in the 
mtifllc busineBS, has stepped out of 
Donaldson, Doiiglas &; Gumble, Inc., 
ind becopaes the salaried president 
pi Professional Music Men, Jnc. This 
js the three-year-ojd organization of 
the song-plufigers (or 'music contact* 
men, as they are more ritzily known 
these days),- which in this period, 
has built up . a treasury reserve of 
$18iO00. ' ' The PMM ' has done con- 
.siderable intra-oVganlzation , charity 
work, none of it publicized, and it's 
ior this purpose that Gumble will 
tjcclusively devote himself on a sal- 
uled basis' to the administration of 
.Ihingis.' - 

Reported that Gumble will receive 
iP,500 in his new post. 

Meantime the DDG firm will be 
/(datinued by Walter Douglas and 
ijoe Santly, the professional manager. 
Douglas thus' remains the sole sur- 
■Vivor of the original combination as 
Walter Donaldson long ago stepped 
Dut of the firm' to devote himself to 
Hollywood songwriting.. 



SHERMAN - CLAY 
NAME NOTIN 
MCDEAL 



Tli« "BagiUh Swing 
Kovelty Sensatfon 

'Cuban Pete' 

Featured 6n Every 
Important Vtogtam 



Released Soon! 
The All-Hit Miwtcal Soore et 

'IIFE BEGINS 
IN COLLEGE" 

♦ 20th Centnry-Fox Picture 
^mrtlag the . Bite Brothers 



HQIiYWOOD SONG S 

«CA BUIlBlNC-RADIOCnV-NCWYOBKNY. 
PHItKORNHEUfEll. Cen.Mgr. 



INC. 



DUKE'S ^ 

'Veo) Smash Hits 

f<i, KM m 

orrarjtd 1/ 'OC HAYMES ^ 

. RECORDED 0 

p MASTER AN 

( <:Cr_L VARIETY RECO 



• • RECORDED OM 

7' *5>.; MASTER AND 

VARIETY RECORDS 

■-P> ^- '^--7-^^.. 



ttLLSIVE PUBLICATIONS, Int. 



AObbins-Metro-FeiBt paid $25,000 
for Miller Music, Inc., a couple of 
months ago, and $75,000 last week 
for Sherman, Clay of San Francisco, 
In the trade, the buy-out of any two 
catalogs at that joint price is deemed 
a good buy. . 

Jack Robbins. has been engaging in 
a systematic expansion program to 
augn^ent his and Metro's music hold- 
ings. Thus from Robbins-Metro came 
the |400,000 buy of Leo Peiijt, Inc., 
with one of the most valuable cata- 
logs in the business; then the Olman 
Music Corp. (which will be expanded 
in time); next the takepver of. Miller 
Music, Inc. from Charles Miller and 
Will Ropkwell (plus a third silent 
partner) for $25,000. Sherman'Clay's 
catalog will be merged into the Mil- 
ler catalog, for the obvious purpose 
of upping Miller's ASGAP rating and 
income. 

Under the deal which Attorney 
Julian T. Abeles, for Metro-Robbihs' 
music deals, consummated in San 
Francisco over the weekend; the 
S-C name cannot be used by the new 
owners. That differs from all the 
.other deals. Sherman-Clay is an old 
Frisco music house, engaging in 
piano and musical instrument busi- 
ness. This deal merely means aban- 
donment by S-C of its music pub ac- 
tivities. 

Among the valuable copyrights 
which Miller Music thus inherits 
are 'Whispering,' 'Do You Ever 
Think of Me?', 'Sleep,' 'Charmaioe,' 
'Diane,' 'Wedding of the Painted 
Doll,' 'Doll Dance,' 'Rose Rooiii,' and 
others. All of these are already re- 
vived favorites under the recent 
vogue of the swing treatment and 
Robbins will reissue them with new 
orchestrations. 

Miller Music may abandon its 
present offices, and take over Sher- 
man-Clay's Radio City suite, as part 
of the merger. 



WITMARK SETTLES 
ALVA BARKE SUIT 



ASCAP's Qtrly. Acqolade 
For Gordofl and Revel 



Hollywood, July VJ, 
Mack Gordon and Harry Revel 
have been awarded the quarterly 
prize offered by the American So- 
ciety of Composers, Authors and 
Publishers for standout ditties. 

Champ tunes are 'Never in a Mil- 
lion Years,' There's a Lull in My 
Life' and 'It's Swell of You.' 



Settlement was made last week of 
the .$500,000 suit which Alva Barke 
had brought against M. Witniark & 
Son on the publication of 'Pop Goes 
Your Heart.' Barke claimed that the 
latter tune had been lifted from his 
'F. D'fl the Man.' 

Barke filed his action originally 
in the N. Y. Supreme Court, but 
on the opposition counsel's mo- 
tion of lack' of jurisdiction it was 
tossed out. Barke then filed his in- 
fringement charge with the federal 
court. 



A tWHt mutlcnl score from MCM's proau«tiun fe«.turloic tlie MABX BKOS. 

"A DAY AT THE RACES" 

The Bwell score, by Gu8 Kahn. Kiiper mid Jiirmann rullowti: 

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY 
AMESSAGE FROM THE MAN IN THE MOON 
ALL GOD'S CHILLUN GOT RHYTHM 
DLUE VENETIAN WATERS 

ROBBING MUSIC CORPORATION • 799 7th Ave., New York 



JOE MORRIS MUSIC CO. 
SAYS 'BALI' UNOKAYED 



Joe Morris Music Co. has become 
embroiled with Metro-Goldwyn.- 
Mayer and Harry Fox, gen, mgr. of 
the Music Publishers' Protective: As- 
sociation, over what it claims to be 
an unauthorized use, of,. the tune 
'On the Beach at Bali Bali,'' in the 
Marx Bros, picture, 'A Day at th6 
Races.' Morris has returned a 
check for $180 which Fox relayed ia 
connection with the^ sync ' rights, 
and asserts that it will bring stiii 
for $20,000 against the film com^ 
pany. 

Fox states that Morris confirmed 
the right to use and the fee,^ $2DP, 
while Archie Fletcher, gen. .mgr. of 
the Morris firm, rejoins that he was 
in ' Florida on the date, Dec, 29, 
1936, which Fox cites as having re^ 
ceived the confirmation. Fletcher 
wrote Metro June 27 declaring' that' 
'Bali's' inclusion had never been ap- 
proved . and demanding that the 
scenes in which it is used be taken 
out of the film. Fox holds that re- 
gardless of Fletcher's resort to 
technicalities the deal stands sii)ce 
he (Fox) has always had 'a signa- 
tured order of trusteeship from the 
Morris firm. 

Morris had similar dilHculties 
with Paramount on the use of 'Mem- 
phis Blues' in 'Belle of the 90's,' 
with the result that it collected 
$1,250 for the world rights. 



Lopez's Permission 

To Play Own Song 

Whether Maestro Vincent Lopez 
is privileged to make use of a song 
he co-authored in any way he de- 
sires is a question raised in a suit 
filed Saturday i'?4) in Federal Court, 
New York. 

Robbins Must«» Corp. is seeking 
an injunction ana' iamages against 
Warner Bros. Pictt^es and Vita- 
phone Corp., alleging ^at Lopez did 
'Stairways' in a WB short without 
first getting Bobbins' consent. 

Plaintiff admits the maestro with 
Adolph Deutsdh composed the song 
in 1933 but sold they: rights to the 
music corp. When Lopez contracted 
to do a short for Vitaphone he 
chose his own selections. . Among 
them was 'Stairways' which, having 
had a hand in composing, he as- 
sumed he had the right to do. 



Jack Milk Sails Aug. 14 



Jack Mills will .«;ail for Europe 
Aug. 14. He has had several offers 
from abroad for territorial represen 
tation of his catalog and intends to 
make firsthand discussion of these 
propositions the major purpose of 
his trip. 

While on the other side he will 
also get together with Jimmy Camp 
bell, head of Ci.nephonic Music, with 
which Mills has an exclusive alli- 
ance on this side. "This affiliation 
gives Mills complete call on the 
scores of all Gaumont-British filmu- 
slcals. 



Dismissal for Movietone 
On Plagiarism Suit 

Movietone Music Corp. and 20th- 
Century-Fox Pictures won dismissal 
in Federal Court, N. Y., la.st we^k 
as defendants in the $1,000,000 song 
lifting suit instituted by the Foreign 
and Domestic Music Corp. and So- 
cieta Anonima Miisicale Bixie. Judge 
Murray Hulbert held the evidence 
insufficient to involve Movietone and 
Twentieth. He iiliowed plaintiffs 20 
days to amend the complaint. Same 
action i.s expected lo be taken as to 
remaining deCendant.s, Nino Mnrtini, 
Herb Magid.-son. Con Conrad and the 
Sam Fox Publishing Co. 

Claim by Bixie outfit is (hat its 
song, 'Passa L'Amore' was lifted . in 
the making of 'Herts lo Romance' 



Dreyfus aod WB PnhEsliing Cos. 
Want More Teeth in Anti-Briliery 
Clauses Before Joining M.P.P.A. 



Loafing Value 



Hollywood, July 27. 
Under existing studio condi- 
tions where .SPngsmlths write 
chiefly 'situation* songs, and 
with little thought to their com- 
mercial value, since the pro- 
ducers insist first that the tunes 
fit the libretto of the films, the 
songwriters don't overwork 
themselves. 

Hence the following anent a 
former team. The lyricist came 
up ior a new contract and in- 

■ sisted on $1,250 a week. 

, 'If Whoozis (his ex-tunewrit- 
er) is getting $750 a 'week for 
doin^ nothing, I'm worth $1,250 
for doing nothing.' 



GEO. GERSPflN 

estah may 

TOTAL 




Letters of administration for the 
estate of the late George Gershwin 
have been filed with Surrogate Dele- 
hanty of New York on behalf of his 
mother, Mrs. Rose G«rshwin. De- 
spite other reports, the composer did 
not leave a will, according to the 
application and under the stale laws 
Gershwin's entire estate goes to the 
mother, his father being deceased. 

Composer's estate is said to top 
half a million and may approximate 
$800,000, mostly in cash and securi- 
ties. In addition, his mother will re- 
ceive Gershwin's split in ASCAP f pr 
the balance of her life, also his in- 
terest in his two music publishing 
companies, New World (Harms) and 
Gershwin (Chappell). Gershwin's 
art collection which includes the 
works of several masters is in stor- 
age« said i& have already been given 
the mother by the composer. 

Application for papers from the 
court were filed by former Deputy 
Attorney General of N, Y. Abraham 
Rosenthal, who has been the family 
counsellor for years and attorney 
Emanuel Alexandre. It is intended 
to have the composer's brother, Jra 
Gershwin, act as ancillary adminis- 
trator fop that part of the deceased's 
estate in California. Brother applied 
for temporary administration papers 
on the Coast which action wi)l prob- 
ably be revoked. 

Claim in California was that 
Gershwin was a citizen there which 
would make his estate subject to 
that state's inheritance taxes. New 
York attorney however, tontends that 
the deceased resided there But eight 
mpMhs and although he had a 'bibnk 
account in lios' Angeles, " his' legal 
residence Yi&t always been in New 
York, He was not married, 



Pinkard Copyrights Go 
To Shapiro Bernstein 

' Shapiro, Bernstein &e. Co. has ob- 
tained the renewal of copyrights on 
all Maceo Pinkard's songs. These 
include 'Here Comes the Showboat,' 
'Mammy o* Mine' and 'Don't Cry, 
Little Girl, Don't Cry.' 

Pinkard's tunes were originally 
published by this firm, 



Harold FUmmer publishing 'You 
Hold My Heart,' musie by Robert 
Enoch and Domenico Savino, lyrics 
by J. Keirn Brennan and Irving 
Israel. 



Conditions uitder which Max 
Dreyfus and the Warner Bros, pub- 
lishinjg exoup have agreed to join 
the Music Publishers Protective As* 
sociation was made the major topic 
ol discussion aV a meeting of the 

association'^; ^ard of directors last 
week, Dreyfus will come in if the 
federal government can be induced 
to administer . A cod^ of .£air. trade 
practices iov the industry, while the 
WB group wants a special member- 
ship rate coverijrig'ite five firms, 

Dreyfus, vfho 'controls the "Chap- 
pell Co,, the Crawford Music Co, and 
the Mario Music Co,, holds that any 
iantl-bribejry pledge shojdd not be 
subject to the supervision of TMPPA 
designees but to the authority of 
some Government bureau. It Is his 
opinion that such covenajrit covld not 
be" otherwise made to work, and 
until the MPPA pan Induce the Fed- 
eral Trade <:!ommisslon to take over 
the administration ' or eftfprpement 
of an Industry .Dreyfus prefers to 
stay out of thfe fdld.' ' ' 

Edwhi H. (Buddy) Morris, .head of 
the Warner music group, figures 
that lie shoi?14^*t be expected to* pay 
a membership "fee /or every one of 
the combine'? catalogs, He considers 
the aggregate amount invi)Jved far 
too excessive for ttie services he 
might get from the MPPA.' •' 

Indications are that the fee an;gle 
will be worked out to' Morris* s^it- 
isfaction, while the Dreyfus con- 
tingency has ^rdmpted tfie MPPA. 
to get busy with the FTC'js authori- 
ties. • 

Major Arms stiU outside the MS*^A 
fold are. Irving ^rlin,' Inc. and 
Robbins Music Corp. 



Tops In tffo Musfo Business 

CABIN 
OF 
DREAMS 



ComiaOf A New RKO Musical 
'Life of the Party' 

With Tht« Great Stic re 
By ALLIE WRUBEL 
und HERB MAGID80N 

Let's Have Another 



Roses In December 
Yankee Doodle Band 
So You Won't Sing 

Chitv A Mttle Ditty 
The Life Of The Party 

Irving Berlin, ine 

799 Seventhi Av^., New York 

HARRY LINK, G«fi. Prof. Mgr. 



BROWN and FREED'S Greatest Score 
By Far the Crowning Achievement of the Series 
M-6-M'S "BROADWAY MELODY OF 1938" 

With Thee* "Hits to Come": 

YOURS AND MINE 
I'M FEEUN' UKE A MILLION 
YOUR BROADWAY AND MY BROADWAY 
GOT A PAIR OF NEW SHOES 

Robbins Music Corporation • 799 7th Ave., New York 



48 



VARIETY 



VAUDE-NITE CLUBS^BURUBSQUB 



Wtdneadajt July 28, I937 



Burley House Fold-Ups May 
Menace Existence of VRTA, 
Also Scribners Censorial Job 



Newly lormed Variety Revue 
Theatre Assn. of New York (bur- 
lesque operators) and its ruling 
Board of Governors (6), hand- 
picked by Mayor Fiorello H. La- 
Guardia, practically dies aborning 
with the closing or near-closing of 
all th9 former bump-and-grind spots 
which reopened after a sapolioing 
process a couple of weeks ago. 

With the association and the board 
vanishing in - thin air also goes the 
.job of executive secretary (censor) 
handed Sam S. Scribner. Latter was 
reported to have been set at $10,000 
annually, but a board member de- 
clared that Scribner's stipend wasn't 
to be any where, near that amoimt. 

Also going up in smoke is the 
much-heralded revival of vaudeville 
via the former burley joints. That 
vaude was never really given a 
chance, the theatres sticking to the 
old burlesque formula of production, 
only whitewashed, is advanced by 
showmen as the chief reiason the 
houses folded or are folding so sud- 
denly. 

: Disbandment of the VRTA and 
eventually the Board of Governors 
is now a foregonis conclusion^ Only 
'two of the five theatres which opened 
are still grinding. Last night (Tues- 
day), the Oriental gave up the ghost 
tUl at least the fall. H. K. and Mor- 
ton Minsky claim they'll reopen the 
house Sept. 3, again with . colored 
shows. 

John F. Masterson, attorney and 
chairman of the Knights of Colum- 
bus Coimcil in . Brooklyn, who is 
cbairnaian of the board, selected by 
Mayor. LaGuardia to keep the bur- 
lesque; iheatres decent, stated yester- 
day (Tuesday) that Scribner's job 
. will automatically end if and when 
the Apollo, and ijltinge fold. As far 
as the board is" concerned, he de- 
clared that it inay continue though 
inactive till the fall, when some of 



the houses claim they will reopen. 

Quarterly dues of $500 for each 
theatre paid by the burley ops for 
administering the expenses of the 
VRTA and Scribner, according to 
Masterson, will probably be returned 
to the impresarios after expenses in- 
curred thus far are first deducted. 

Foldup of the VRTA marks the 
quick death of the first organiza- 
tion of the burley ops in years. Ever 
since stock burley invaded the Times 
Square area (the Republic started 
it), the theatre operators have been 
battling each other, with even rela- 
tives, chiefly the Minskys, pitted 
against one another. It was this 
competish that finally degenerated 
burlesque to such ah extent that Li- 
cense Commissioner Paul Moss, after 
frequent complaints from civic and 
church groups, refused to renew the 
licenses last May 1. 



COLLECTS WITH GUN 



Cafe Prop Held on 'Kidnap' Charge 
After Forced Payoff 



Detroit, July 27. 

Frank Barbaro, proprietor of Bow- 
ery Cafe, walked into the Chahi- 
pagne Bar last ^ week, slapped and 
ordered Lou Captain, m.c, to come 
along at point of gun, and held him- 
a prisoner until he dug up funds to 
pay off $350 debt. 

After the 'kidnaping,' which had 
caused much apprehension on part 
of policie, was explained, officerslield 
Barbaro . on charges of kidnaping. 



AFA'S COAST BBANGH 

American Federation of Actors 
will open a Coast office within a few 
weeks. 

. Ralph Whitehead, executive sec- 
retary, will go to Los Angeles to 
open the braiich. 



Next-to-Shut 



Tom Senna, head of thtt 
(vaudeville) Federal Theatre 
Project tn Boston, has a son, 
Don, who has just finished his 
apprenticeship for jockeying. 
Last Wednesday he rode his 
first race and every vaudevil- 
lian was leaning on the rail 
Watching thp kid ride. Don 
came in fourth and the boys 
turned away slowly, tearing up 
their tickets. . A late member 
of the group rushed up and 
asked, 'How did the kid make 
out?' 

'The kid was in the fourth 
spot,' was the answer. 

'Well,' said the: newcomer, 
'it's a better spot than his old 
man ever played in.' 



Elkins, Youngman, 
Frohman Set In 
Yacht Club Show 



New Yacht Club, N. Y., moved' one 
block west on 52nd street, opens 
Sept. 16, with Al Felchin operating. 
Old Yacht Club lost its liquor license 
early . last spring because of a viola- 
tion. 

, First, show in the new spot, prac^ 
tically next door to the Hickory 
House, will be topped by Henry 
Youngmah, Frances Faye and Bert 
Frohman. Band will be batoned -by 
Eddie Elkins. , 

Initial show layout will stick for 
four weeks, with options. 



B'klyn Tirofi Mulls 

Resuming VaudeviOe 

Tivoli, Brooklyn, which scrapped 
flesh shows a year ago, is talking re- 
sumption of stage shows next month. 
House is spotted in downtown shop- 
ping district of Brooklyn and has 
been going along as a dualer. 

Alex Hanlon formerly booked the 
Tivoli, splitting the week between 
Brooklyn house, and Grand Opera 
House, N. Y., but- exited when both 
tossed stage shows. 



Heat Slougbs N. Y. s Pure Burly ftO. s; 
Oriental Folds, Apollojtinge on Verge 



FoDy, Bklyn., May Go 
Vaudfilins in Sept. 



Folly, Brooklyn, may go vaude 
again 4h Septenxber. Had formerly 
played five acts on split* week be- 
fore going film dualer. 



Zelaya's Route 

V^^— -.,..4 

Don Zelaya, pianologist, having 
survived headache .encountered by 
doing an jccommodatioh date at the 
Republic, N. Y. last week, has been 
rewarded with what looks Uke a 
route! ■ 

Zelaya opened at Atlantic City 
Steel Piet this week (26), jumps to 
the Oriental, Chicago, next week, 
with Riverside, Milwaukee, and Day- 
ton to follow after which he will 
settle down for ah indefinite stay at 
the Drake Hotel, Chi. He has also 
been set for a. six months' European 
tour by Dick Henry, of the William 
Morris Agency, skedded to open in 
London next January. 



Philly Musicians Giving 
Nitery Scale Once Over 

Philadelphia, July 27. 

Scale committee of Musicians' lo- 
cal -skedded to confab In few days 
on new price lists for next season's 
nitery contracts. Understood there 
will be-tiltihg all along the line. 

Proposal Is to raise Class A from 
$52 to $58, B from $38 to- $52, set C 
at $38 and D at $30. Hotel Phila- 
delphian will be shifted from B to A; 
as will Walton Roof, which, however, 
isn't expected to reopen in the fall. 
Benny the Bum's temporary position 
in the A strata will be made perma- 
nent. 



Heat socked all aroxmd late last 
week and beginning of current week, 
with trio of converted hurleys taking 
a dive. 

The Apollo, downtown, with -a re* 
puted .$6,O0O . weekly nut, suffered 
with . the others, but; nevertheless 
continued Ana Corio, Arthur and 
Morton Havel, Joey Fay, Joe Mofrisc 
and the- rest of. high-priced lineup^ 
for second week, but with entirely 
hew production. Eltinge, on 42d 
Street, just across from the Apollo, 
also suffered at the b. o. ' 

Reports were ground bgain Mon- 
day (26) that both the Apollo and 
Eltinge would fold tomorrow night 
(Thursday), but scouted, though 
both admitting a Week-to-week ar- 
rangement with peHormers, stage 
hands and musicians. Both , spots 
have posted the provisional closing 
notices. 

Oriental, which had not been doIn| 
so forte with its colored musical 
opener, folded last night (Tuesday). 
'Swing Time Down South,' due to 
succeed tomorrow (28), had been re- 
hearsiog but called off Monday's 
session, with jieat ' as alibi. 



Hoey VS. Rosen for $800, 
Split Commish on Act 

Herbert Hoey, agent, through his 
attorney, Jonas Ellis, has instituted 
suit for $80.0 against Matty Rosen^ 
also a vaude agent, in N. Y. |tiu<« 
nicipial court. Amount involved is 
a split on commissions for Everett 
Marshall's engagement with Bill^ 
Rose at the Texas Centennial shoVj' 
at Ft. Worth last summer. 

According to papers, Hoey negoti- • 
ated the Texas booking for Marshall 
for Rosen, who agreed to split com* 
mission. It avers further that Rosen 
collected $1,700 in commissions bJX 
the transaction and only paid Hoey 
$50 of that amount which precipi" 
tated Hoey's suit to collect the re- 
mainder, $800. 



6i 



THE HIT 



OF THE BIL L 



99 



Abel Greert in 'Variety' 
Issue July 21, 1937 




TEXAS TOMMY 
Pony Act 
5 Mins. 

Bainbow Room, N. T. 

Texas Tommy is a slick cowhand— 
anyway,, his spurs and chaps look 
dudish. His pony is called Baby 
Doll. Between the two they do « 
slick act for anybody's nitery di- 
vertissjament. 

Being a cute little pony, well- 
mannered and clever, and suavely 
cued by Texas Tommy, it's a cork- 
ing novelty on any cafe floor. And 
the snootier the environment, the 
more effective the results. Hence. 



'A PARTICULAR 
WOW"— 



Abel Green In 'Variety' 
lssu« July 21, 1937 



TOMMY 

AND HIS WONDER PONY 

"BABY DOLL'' 

The Pony with Human Intelligence 



NOW IN THIRD WEEK 

RAINBOW ROOM. ROCKEFELLER CENTER 

NEW YORK 
• 

Direction 

MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA 



at the Rainbow Room it was a par- 
ticular wow. . 

Tommy straights well for Baby 
Doll, and the equine performs nobly 
and well for the sugary rewards 
after each series of tricks. 

From the v?t vaudeville viewpoint, ' 
the old hokum bucket about 'how 
many days in the week?' and 'one 
and six are . how many?' is corny. 
But it's all new stuff all over again, 
as the pony taps out the counts with 
his hoof. What's more, now, as then, 
it's sock variety fare. ■ That's why 
acts like Texas Tommy » should come 
In' for a renewed vogue all over : 
again.'' But instead of opening 
vaudeville bills they're slated for 
features. Texas Tommy was the 

hit of the bill here. 



ALSO COMBINING THE 
MOST NOVEL WHIP AND 
SHOOTING PRESENTATION 




Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



VAUDE^NITE CLUBS>^BURLESQUE 



VARIETY 



49 



BKLYN BDRLYS 
¥AMPIN"TIL 
READY 



Five former burley , houses In 
Brooklyn whose bps had been 
•watching the far from noble experi- 
ment of New York houses in transi- 
tion to so-called vaude under tag of 
•Follies* have, decided to remain 
"shuttered for summer, reopening, if 
'at all, around Labor Day. . 
. Houses involved are - , Minsky 's 
Brooklyn, Star and Century, ope- 
rated by the Raymonds; Oxford, 
Schwartz house, and the Casino (re- 
juvenated De Kalb), operated by 
Sam Briskman. Quintet were okayed 

• for license, when word went out to 
the New York houses, and three of 
the group— Century, Star and Ox- 
ford were practically set to open this 

■ .yn^eek— but this sudden shuttering of 
the Gaiety and Republic, New York, 
scared them off. Ops are marking 
time figuring something may be done 
to ease off the drastic La Guardia- 
Moss throttle when new season gets 
around. 

Phil Harris Band/ 
Hold-Over Acts, 
At Dallas Expo 

With Phil Harris' crew current for 

six weeks, having opened Saturday 
" (24), and Benny Goodman going in 
. for 10 days immediately following, 
"the Pan-Amerigan Casino, in Dallas 
. is set- for music . practically .till the 

end of the run of the Greater Texas- 
j Pan-American Exposition, Cine more 
\ name band is being sought to round 

out the musical end. 
For the last six weeks of the expo, 

the Casino will practically repeat 
.its opening floorshow. Repeating 
^a.ct§ will include Bprrah Mihevitch's 
^band sans Minevitch, who sticks on 

ih6 Coaist, and StaH Kavanaugh. 

' JOan Davis, if picture' .commit- 
*ments permit, will go into the 
- Casino' August 21. Diamond Boys 

• and ' Florence and Alvarez, dance 
.team, will be included in this show. 



VAUDE ACTS WHOOP 
UP G-E CONVENTION 



Curtis & Allen agency lined up 
three different vaude layouts for as 
many one-niters during the current 
gales convention of General Electric 
In the Thousand Islands. 

Included among acts are Walter 
Walters, Fred Zimbalist, • Beale St. 
Boys, Frank Radcliffe, Selden and 
Endler, 4 Buds, Sunshine Sammy, 
Sleepy Williams, Martin Barnett, 
Don Ricardo, Charles Masters, 3 
Lunatricks and Tausha and Hammed. 

Performances were staged Sunday 
(25), Monday, and the windup is 
carded for tonight (Wed.). Frank 
Cooper of the C; & A. agency accom- 
panied troupe to stage the shows. 



TAPS FOR COPS 

BUI Robinson Scrams Pay Date for 
Benefit Show 



Detroit, Jiily 27. 
Bill Robinson, who promised police 
he would appear at their annual field 
day," is reported having cancelled 
vaude appearance in Atlanta last 
week so he could participate in the 
yearly event at Navin Field Satur- 
day (24). 

Others who took part In show, 
which drew about 35,000 persons and 
netted the police benefit association 
$100,000, were Vincent, Lopez and 
orch, and Three Stooges, current at 
Fox theatres. 



Kay Parsons and Nitery 
Sued for Song Infring. 



The Paull-Pioneer Music Corp. 
and the Edwin B. Marks Music Corp. 
filed an infringement suit yesterday 
(Tuesday) in the federal court, N. Y., 
against Jimmie Dwyer, who oper- 
ates the Sawdust Trail, nitery, and 
one of his entertainers, Kay Parsons. 
Action involves 5,00O copies of the 
old-time songs, 'Let Me Call You 
Sweetheart,' 'Sidewalks of New 
York* and 'In the Good Old Sum- 
mertime,' which defendants are al- 
leged to have distributed for adver- 
tising purposes without plaintiffs' 
okay. 

Suit asks $250 for each infringe- 
ment by Miss Parsons and $1 for 
each copy distributed. 



Cabin Kids' 1-Nighters 

Cabin Kids, now with Billy Rose's 
show at Ft Worth, come east in mid- 
September. Will one-night toward 
New York, where they're slated for 
Educational shorts.- 

Martin Wagner, of the Morris of- 
fice agenting. 



NO COIN; BED ¥ 
BOARD PAYOFF 



Several beer joints studding the 
side streets of the Times Square sec- 
tor who went tall miUinery a couple 
of weeks ago and Installed floor 
shows 'of a sort have not paid off 
since opening week. 

Performers have taken pay stop- 
page gracefully, without squawks, 
and are sticking around probably 
because they have no place else to 
go. One of the spots has a fui^iisli^. 
room house on the side and has been 
domiciling its entertainers and chow- 
ing theni as - well it the pseudo- 
nitery. Others are also grubstaking 
the perfoirmers with promise to make 
it up when biz improves. So every- 
body's happy but the landlords. 



RUDNICK BANKRUPT, 
OWES $73,772; ASSETS 0 

Max Rudnick, theatrical producer, 
operator of the Eltinge, N. Y., filed a 
voluntary, petition in bankruptcy in 
U. S. District Court, N. Y.', Saturday 
(24), listing liabilities at $73,772 and 
no assets except $21,000 on exempted 
insurance. . . . ; 

Among creditors named by Rud- 
nick is the Manning Amusement Co. 
for $30,000 on a lease of the Shubert 
Theatre, Phila. Other debts includ:e 
$990 to the Four Square Holding Co. 
(Republic, N. Y.); Harry Sherman, 
ex-president of the inotion picture 
ops Local 306, on a note for $142; H. 
Herk, .$150, and . $1,250 to Charles 
Hertsig.. 

Several of Rudnick's creditors are 
reported as having crowded him 
several weeks ago, which probably 
precipitated the. voluntary filing. 
Upon reopening of the Eltllige, N. Y., 
two weeks ago, Rudnick is said to 
have been financed by outside inter- 
ests, with latest being that Abe 
Minsky and I. H. Herk after folding 
the Gaiety, N. Y., staked Rudqick to 
carry on at the Eltinge. 



BURLY FLOPS, AFA DUES DEDUCTIONS, 
DELAYED PAYOFFS-JUST JOLLY MOMENTS 



SHEP HEDS, TED LEWIS 
RETURN-BOOKED IN Pin 



Pittsburgh, July 27. 
As result of their showings here in 
face of heat and general business 
conditions, both Shep Fields and Ted 
Lewis have been booked for return 
engagements at Stanley, WB deluxer, 
in October. Bands hit between $24,- 
000 and $25,000 here on a week, 
about $7,000 better than average 
warm weather biz. 

Flesh bookings for Stanley still 
pretty sparse between now and early 
fall, "so Harry Kalmirie, zone mana- 
ger for circuit here, has gone to New 
York for a week to try and fill in the 
schedule. Latest attraction set is 
Jackie Coogan' and his band unit 
week of Sept. 17. 

House expects to go right along 
with regular presentation policy and 
no labor difficulties, like those of 
last year, which interrupted pol- 
icy foi: several months, expected. 
Musicians still have a year to- go 
after Sept. 1, when pay goes up 10% 
T>fa' their current deal. • ~ 



Chi Agents Going 
Foir Golf in Big Way; 
Nuthin' Else to Do 



4 Agents Battling Over 
7 Colored Acts in N. Y. 



Reopening of Minsky's Oriental, 
N. Y., last week with sepia show 
policy precipitated what looked like 
a battle of the agents. Four 10%ers 
were booking the seven acts inter 
woven in the show. BiUy Sharp, 
Feet Edson, Sam Stiefel and Saul 
Leslie all claimed exclusive boot 
ing privileges on the shows. 

It gave an idea of what's left of 
show biz around N. Y. 



Friars in the Black 



Friars National Association, Inc., 
an offshoot of the former Friars Club 
have completed plans for expansion 
of its clubrooms alongside Edison 
hotel, N. Y. Eddie Miller, treasurer, 
reports that the Friars is out of the 
red for first time in years. 

New group was organized several 
months ago and now has a. member 
ship of 200. Col. Jay C. Flippen is 
abbott and Bobby Clark, dean. 



in 



TRYING VAUDE AGAIN 
Akron, O., July 27 

Palace theatres here and 
Youngstown, which have not had 
stage shows for several weeks will 
get a vaude bill the week Of Aug. 6. 

Henry Armetta and California Col 
legians will head a four-act show 
that will split between the two 
houses. 



Chicago, July 27. 
Success of their joint cooperative 
golf tournament held at the Bon-Air 
Country Club last Thursday (22) has 
the vaudeville agents and bookers 
here planning to make it a monthly 
affair. Jack. Kalcheim, who headed 
Thursday's event, has been put In 
charge of the next one, which is 
planned. for August, and to be held 
at another course. 

Every agent and booker contributed 
$3 for the day's, pjiay, to be used 
for prizes and incidental- expenses! 
Warren Jones walked off with the 
first prize with a score of 90, Roy 
Bruder got second, Nat Kalcheim 
third, and, Al Borde. fourth, with 
Sam Bramsoh taking the booby 
prizej 137 strokes. 

. Tournament was attended 'by 42 
agents and bookers, • most of whom 
swatted the ball. Max Turner, Sam 
Bramson, Sam Roberts, Charlie 
Hogan, Dave and Harry Balaban, 
Dick Bergen,. Warren Jones, Al 
Borde, Nate Piatt, Louie Lipstone, 
Roy Bruder, Eddie Elkort, Jack and 
Nat Kalcheim, Marty White, Sammy 
Clark, Sam Kahl, Lou Reinheimer, 
Aaron Jones; Jr.; Bill^ Diamond, 
BUly Snyder, .Billy White, Will 
Singer, Benny Feidman, Tom Burchill 
and son, Don Leeds, Marty Schwartz, 
Ed Sligh, Billy Rankin, Anton 
Scibilia, George Howe, and Sylvan 
Goldfinger. 



Hectic Things 'n' Stuff Attendant to N. Y. Burlesk's 
Revivals (and Quick Expirations) — Chinese Act 
Pinched) Payoffs Stalled, Sunday Shortages, 
Bum Biz, Etc. 



See Forum This Week 



Veteran advances a number 
of interesting slants on burles- 
que and what first popularized 
it. 

In the Forum this week 'on 
page 63, 



Saratoga Nags 
Draw De Luxe 
Floor Line-Dps 



present racing, season at Saratoga, 
N. Y., is turning into a field day for 
Music Corp. of America bookings, 
Agency has set the entire show at 
the Arrowhead Inn, including Xavier 
Cugat orch, Gracie Barrle, Rodney 
McLennan and Veloz and Yolanda, 

MCA deal at Piping Rock, at the 

same resort, placed Vincent Lopez 

and Rufe Davis.' Fddie'Elkins and 

Ramon and Renita are at Riley's. 

Several other offices iiave spotted 
acts in the resort's niteries. Manie 
Sacks did the" MCA booking. 



ACTS INCOGNITO 

IN N. Y. BURLEYS 



Vaude acts playing the reformed 
hurleys seem to peg them clandestine 
dates, since they are not urging 
house billing or announcements, and 
in many instances are not using their 
act names. 

Hiding. . identity gag is said to be 
occasioned because of the rock-bot- 
tom remuneration acts are receiving, 
they don't want to have some one 
fiash the low price contracts when 
they ask for better coin from better 
spots. 



Lewis-Turek's Units 

Jack Lewis, formerly with Billy 
Rose, and Sol Turek, have formed a 
vaude producing partnership. 

Duo will' produce several units, 
first of which will be titled 'Main 
Street to. Broadway,' currently in 
process of casting. Pair al6Q. hav<^ 
legit production ambitions, ^-ij,- 



4A s Gives AFA Jurisdiction in N. Y. s 
Whitewashed Burley Houses-2 Left 



Jurisdictional row between Bur- 
lesque Artists Association and Ameri- 
can .'Federation of Actors as to which 
has jurisdiction over the sapolioed 
burley houses was decided in favor 
of latter last week by unanimous 
vote of the Four A's. 

Ruling characterized the shows 
vaude despite girly build-ups and in 
some casfs retention of burlesque 
comics and other burlesque perform- 
ers. Decision gives AFA full control 
of situation to exclusion of BAA, 
which formerly held contracts with 
houses involved in policy change. 
With the decision. Four A's also in- 
corporated scathing denunciation of 
the burley house operators in per- 
mitting shows to degenerate to such 
a stage as to warrant official atten- 
tion and subsequent obliteration, 
. While admitting the loss of the 
New Yorlc houses wa^ to be re- 
gretted, Thomas Phillips, president 
of the BAA, said his organization 
would abide by the decision. Ralph 
Whitehead, executive sec of AFA, 
advocated 'closed shop' for all 
houses. However, BAA members In 



good standing will not be nicked 
customary initiation fee, but will 
have tp kick in with dues ^hen play- 
ing the houses, arid if they want to 
straddle AFA and their own organi- 
zation it is okay -all around. 

Phillips called a meeting of his 
group at the Union Church Audi- 
torium Friday (23) midnight , to ex- 
plain the New York situation after 
having previously been notified of 
the Four A's decision. The vaude 
classification also abrogates BAA 
control of chorus, with latter going 
to Chorus Equity, since AFA has no 
chorus branch. Chorus Equity mulled 
the matter over the weekend and on 
Monday (26) announced a $25 
weekly scale for 28 performances 
and 1/14 for Saturday midnights, Or 
other extra performances. Equity's 
edict means $1 weekly tilt for the 
house girls. 

Musicians and stagehands unions 
will continue to play ball with the 
two houses currently open, Apollo, 
and Eltinge, invoking the former 
burlesque policy scale despite re- 
classification as vaude. Both may 
fold Thursday (29). 



Deispite hourly denials, Billy Min- 
sky's Republic, N. Y., folded abruptly 
after. Thursday nite's show (22), be- 
ings the second casualty among re- 
opened burley houses making a stab 
at vaude policies, following closely 
upon the shutdown of the Gayety, 
N, Y., previous Sunday (18). Orien- 
tal folded last night (Tuesday), ' 

With scanty takings . of the week 
insufficient to meet the payroll for a 
time it looked like no pay-oiT and 
both back stage and the Republic's 
alley resounded with wails from 
choristers and acts. But the ops had 
gone out to dig up deficit of the pay- 
roll and a backstage Paul Revere 
made the rounds of coffee-pots and 
other nocturnal spots to round up 
the bunch for payoff at 2 a.m. 

Upon checking up on their re- 
muneration both acts and line girls 
found they had been shorted the ex- 
tra coin for the midnight perform- 
ance la^t -Satwfday. They howled a 
lot but took no further action, prob- 
ably reconciling themselves that th'e 
short payoff was better than no pay- 
off at all, « ' . 

To add further to the merriment of 
a chaotic evening,, two burly, gend- 
armes' mooched in for the last show 
and grabbed the Shanghai Wugh W'a 
troupe, Chinese .novelty act, on a 
charge of permitting unlawful per- 
formance of a minor with act. Act 
employs 10 year old boy. Someone 
smuggled the kid out of the theatre 
before the cops could grab him. This 
precipitated a burn-up and" instead 
of issuing summonses, which is the 
usual prpce;dure, tlxey arrested Wugh 
Wa. Latter reposed irt the pbkey 
until his agent, William Shilling, ar- 
ranged bail Friday afternoon (23). ■ 
Presence of the cops was relayed 
to the Weinstocks and the house 
manager, upstairs, . but instead of 
coming down they flcramnled and it 
was this absence, at- close of the 
show, that led all to believe they'd 
been left on the lot. 
■ • . Pueo and. 'Extras' 
Another rumpus among the acts 
at payoff was the American Federa- 
tion of Actors' nick from the weekly 
stipend and other 'extras'. deducted 
in addition to no extra pay for Sat- 
urday midnite show. Don Zelaya's 
envelope was $51 shy, not counting 
previous deductions of agent's com- 
mission and social security tap. In 
explanation, act was told that $31 
had been handed ovet to the AFA 
for back dues in exchange for per- 
mission to Zelaya to play the date, 
and the other $20 nick was for use 
of piano for his act. Zelaya 'burned' 
on this, claiming manaieement was 
supposed to furnish a piano .under 
terms of his -contract. When he had 
showed up for rehearsal the opening 
day of the show, and a^ked for the 
plpno, management had told him 
there was hone in the house and 
asked where they could get one. 
Zelaya stated the Harmon would 
loan one, gratis, but they would 
make a charge of haulage both ways. 
Harmon's bill was $20 and Zelaya 
was nicked for it. When querying 
about the $31 AFA tap he was told 
he had signed a promissory note be- 
fbre being allowed to open. He 
knew he signed a promise to pay, 
but not in a single ive'ek. 

Anthony and Rogers, another 
standard act, were likewise tapped 
for practically half their salary for 
AFA back dues. When this got 
noised around it made it tougher 
than ever for those now open burley 
houses to line up new bills, due to 
the arbitrary AFA procedure and 
other things. 

With the demise of Oriental, Gaiety 
and Republic there remains but two 
of the former burley houses in oper- 
ation In N. Y. The Apollo is holding 
over the Ann Corio-topped show for 
a second week. The Eltinge, across 
the street on 42d has shaved the 
operating nut $800 weekly and has 
installed a nev^ show, but despite 
the pruning and fixing both houses 
are expected to fold tomorrow 
(Thursday). 



LOCUSTS EEUNITE 

Locust Sisters, who dissolved some 
time ago, have reunited and cur- 
rently ethering over WOR. 

Harmony trio set for one of Leon- 
ard jSillman's musicals next season. 



50: 



Nigh t Club Remetm 



BENN^Y LEOlHiARiyS 

(TSmW ¥QWK) 

(Sentlleman: BtEnn^r ILeonBrdk. one 
of the most populbr- ffsttc cttajmpibns 
on record, got off to a flying, start 
with the restaurant bearing; his 
name: Scot is> onv 72ncL street^, N. Y., 
juGitl eostr of BtooadHwa^,. was; di3ited> tb> 
debut Satunday (24),; but after a midv 
vfe&lk pxsesa. rsceptibit many' dihei:<s'« 
sought admission and- were accom- 
modbteoK, 

Leonard's is long, and narrow with 
a balconade effect and so constructed 
that it- has two-floor height, which 
makes the • air- conditioning- more • efi- 
faotive. Persona oni thesupper lev^' 
may: sea tfte^ entire, lowe* floor 
tftroi^' Itoge mirrors: Prfetce* cost. 
$95iCF(Io), tfte» champi saylnB" he- saved 
somv. monOT fijomw tftv Eew Iffendlfer 
&^b, ILatter;, ai^. hw laasi: conv- 
duated* ac owe- (m Bvoadi street, 
Philadielphiai. LeonatutI has^ on» asr- 
sodatief Max. Eng))ar„ at vet restaurant 
man; 

For' the pastf five jear? - Lffonard- 
Kasj been on- tttef radios with' flyi* talk 
and) reftreetP ooiitlestis; ot that klhdi 
lie.- ttadi sBveuail piieoes* ot^ propvrtlyv, 
buD. exQlainitrdi: he: nwOy-' hHd» tb> no- 
tuvn to) the> f^ting.^ g»mtf in ordei 
to, coUecli t&v rents,. so> deoidbdi to 
give- un> alll othec aotivUle& and> dei> 
vote' hfe ttme «>'■ ttta cafe. He; ftigjir« 
the Rlftor is midtbwn 16r residential 



New York, and* it cam he: reached 
fjTom Tlimesi ffioBiare within* a 
minutes On the other ttvndl> Jante 
Dempsey'St a mcrre' pFetentloaisN 
esthbllsHment; has- been considferabiy 
.dependent on what goes on at Madi»- 
son Square Garden. Tony Can- 
zonerify cafe; also- cloasB' ta- the Ghi>- 
denj has- been sometttins erf if pTOb>- 
lemt since'- opening', severali mphthK. 
:agDi ■ . 

Leonard's has a 65-foot bar, with-, 
six mBFn> behind the* mattoBany duri 
ing the evenings. There is piped 
music, whibh is oltay;. ^vasts- there is- 
no room for an orchestra. However,. 
Rbbertte Ttoubadbrs enttertiiih among, 
the- tattles., nr is a> singliig; antV inv 
sttumentaV trio) Plbcff has a capac- 
ity of 225, and> with a moderately 
piviced> menu« ^ouldt be- a: natural 
champ-s> personality being; a« faotor. 



BXunibipal Opinra). Stl.LoulB«. itr thb 
c(furt^ tor preventi broadba^nis: of- 
'Mb Sprlni^ime!' sihnittbtieouiBiy' 
with the- presentation of the operettb* 
by the- company. First clash over 
jrlBhtsi 





Acmacadif — Gtr^nt. Hakes 
Expositi'oni — GIttvdatndv 

NOW APPCARINiO^ 

CHICAGOk ^ CHIGftGO 

NBC-~EVery NIonYl'ay night 
jwithr Fibbar RTtQe^ and 

I gyram. 

( RaCurning.— 'TriiMon' WeAV- 
I room, Ghicagp; /tug; 2!7tH-. 

{ ReCurmng" MBS^— SUnxfa-ysr, 
1 Varady <^ Vt'enna;. Phogram, 

mm QanP'. of americia^ 



mmissmh terrace 

(MINNEAPOLIS)' 

Hihneapolls, J^ily- 2K 
On the last lap of his six-week en- 
gagement! att this-- HastU1P39;. Cou 
Breese;. en> rafut^- to^ tH€r> "Sfvw Ybrlt 
French Casino, pulled out of- his- 
entertainment ba£ an innovation for 
locaU dine-andnltnite: spots;i> Ih this, 
swankiesti Twin. City niteriisi where- 
the- cust&mers' come'- primarily to- 
dlne, dance and drink instead of for 
floor show^ Breese- dished up a 
jlbngth^f. operettic^ singling interlude 
goans^/oviot witlii aihang^. 

With Joe Griilen; robust -IrisH 
tenor, and Kay Morton, soprano; as 
soloists and male- chorus of six,, ex* 
cenpts fiKun. 'The*. Students Brined 
fairly brought" down the 'House;' 
Sling; witHi gusto>'and) with^the* tbll 
andtdebontur Breese conduoting;, this 
proved a'Stirringv.pleasant«diversionl 
THb- payinff. guestsp couldh't^ tie- 
SBtisfled^ Until' Griffibni wes^bdt 'IMsH 
EyeSi' 

Pbetiedlng: were' tHree> d&nce nxun* 
bersi by Rbdtigo andj n»ncine;. a 
gpod^looking; buti far frcfmv euecep^ 
tiohaliy talented' Salltoom pair,, and- 
Bbeese'si trumpet' and' banjo selbe* 
itione;.alM<ay&'Highljg' aocepibblk.. The 
band.'s dance.- music- is^ welL playted 
antf maKes'f br the' sort of enjoyment. 
j sought hers. BUsine^ always^ fbrtl& 

Rbess. 



For onc» stage* hand^' ainit mu£iv 
oians did) npt^ ask^ fbv hoist. 



LoqaL 306, W;. projectionists, up 
ih^ arms' against' a- 10% cut ordered' 
Ibyv ThB^^tk»e» Owners^ GHamber of 
Commerce: *s 



Ted- Lewis- baoks at the Ni 
PaliBK:e. Closing, the first halfv sa he 
could" not' stbp . the' show. Dlsap*" 
pointinenf ih' the* honi-appeaTance' of . 
ItHia: Fbun- Mbrtbns^ sO' G'. Fleldb 
didf the* Family Fxfrdi skitl himselfl 
Jim Harkins usually did' the aot> 



lUbtibn. Pictures Theatre OWners 
pStbrted) sp dHve tb- persuadb- Houses 
to' use^ 'tcee'' music. No dice.- TKe' 
Hitfe were nee^Jed: 



BERTOLOTTrS, N. Y. 

This WestiSdlstteet^oibt in>Gbeenv 
wich Village is^ » hW or' » revelsrtion 
jia- thatv it d6es> business on almost 
anj9^ night and^ fbr the apparently: 
Igoed) reason that the tariff s are sucn 
that everyboe^, can.have a good time 
iWithout anvy mentalt reservation 
anent the size- of " the check». The 
l$l'.2!r>.$2' tabler d'hoter CllWiaw motif ) 
lare' augmented tiy a snappy dimee 
icomHo) andi te^ f &iriy<. good- m inexpen^ 
jsive- floor ^pw off -w41ioh'. YillmElUr- 
noy- is mistress of ceremonies^. 
, Claimed to> be: a> 100^ f tillTblooded 
Cherokee.' (although sUe.'^ pal^ace 
enough' to' belie the redtikln* Heritr 
lage); Mhiej Bfertolotti: avers- this- 
:maKes: her tho^ only neal* lt)0% 
tliA'mBnicuiL m:c. . ih' » nitettyi Atin 
jWhiter ('New A-ct^)- iss the" primes' eft- 
traction augmented by an- ada-r 
gioesque; high-kicking, dancer, Joyce 
Fay, and' 3r Little Sachs< Latter have- 
been on> the air fon the.* Sachr f ur« 
niture- store: fbir some- 151 yestrs^ but 
this marks their xiitery debutv al-t^ 
Ithough' they've' appeared*^ on' otheo 
Irostrums. Mbl^- tno db^ thein' pops 
.with verve> andi eclMl and), fit', moelyi 
|into> ^ows^ ofi this> type;, brinsin^ 
.along. al8o> an bit of a^ name- beaause 
jof theii:. mike: vet^anshipj JQanoe^ 
band* i& headed' by 01-ville> R^tndl. 
I AUtV. 



The THEATRE o+ ^he STARS 




Jim^ Europe's' ban* openetf on the 
Keith- dr«ilt'. Carried' 38? meff. 



WctUre- showmen* alannedl NI Yt. 
Ibw' just eftiactbd' stressetf &r&> prew 
ventlon. Pigured* It would' clbse> at 
reBst5W)> Houses ih* the' stHtei 



mw ACTS 



WOtt* broadbarert* th& storm and- 
fbrestf flVc eflffectk- in* the" stage: plify 
'The Storm.' Ih* eonnectton' with- a 
fire prevention di^ive: 



Raymond) Hitchtoeie dld< a' vaude 
tryoutin Wkshingtoni Not se/hot; s<J' 
th^fbrgOtUt 



PRANCiBS FA«» 

rUlMV PlMMist» 

jSlatb*,, n:. %^ 

I Mi£s> Fay» is^ from- 5Sd' street, by 
way of. Hbliywoodj, havings just oom^ 
llrtfettetf ff Blng: Cirosby ftthi^ chore^ oUt 
'thair. She? is- al605 the' 'briglhator- of 
]2iaKa-z\MBsv&" All - thi^ is- prbudiy 
announced' via* p;as prior tO' Her 'stbp*- 
,pihB> OUt> And! despite-, which' she- 
makes an-, olhty^' flU-in vaude* or picr 
'tUre* house, ttiwi*.. 

' THatt Hot> scsrt^ styi^ of singing; Miss 
ip^iye*. exempllifes^ seisms to> be* popu*- 
lltnr thesr- dbjus- The»» aire^ somtf^aikv's 
around' wHo' remember- whem it was 
called OQonrshouting; and> was okay, 
tooi These- fads come and go. Whilfe- 
|it(s> here; MiK^ Fs^O' should oateh* im 
She may nbtlslng; good) but she'>5ing6 
Ibud. 

IhcidbutMiy; her pliano* playing' is 
,ex-tra flihei, so- she won't have- to- 
'wiow^' ahouti a> job* when the; new 
\&v» of peave> and< quiet comes^. b«cki 
I f&tif. 

TEXAS SAM HINTON 

I One: Of tHv ihiW' Major Bbwes 
.amateurs: who> looks^ like-- he might 
go* plbcer a-sr aP pro; He's a* modi"- 
itfedf HiUhluy.. Hav- a^ plea^t; youthw 
ful personality .imd' nioe* triokv voice* 
that fits into- those- old- prairie^ la^ 
mehtg;lte*^w«rBletf; Hihtoh'startk-out 
pll^hgt ap mlhittturtf* acMrdton> and 
HtcnnouleiP stmaitUMeousiy-, them get& 
amtfEing: r»iatt( firam sp semii-clii^c 
outc of. am oMlin»iv«' tin) whistled 
Fihl^'es> up' withv ^ couple^ of Lone 
Star ballads,^ accompanying.; himself 
on thr glUtbr: 

Bby reglstfers; all' the> way and* Had 
a< tbugH' tirtw getting*, off Novelty 
B«tt fbV Hlt^y oV Stagfe^ and; with* a 
"Uttlte attentions ttP physical' appear- 
ance; . should) go^ piacesi Corien: 



Btway season> endfedi with a record 
number- of flbps; but not bad on the 
hits. 'Bat' was^ ending., a- two year 
run andi'Mlislc-£R>x Revue' was only 
sevenv weeks; shy of? a^ year; 'Shuffle 
Alongt^ hifd^ dtone 603 weeks: and^ 'The 
EMrsl'.Yeap' rani83j. 



f. 

Vaudtf manflgem; shaUingi their 
iheads- and) prediotthgii; that bigr time 
ivaude- would-i give; wiay tb> thcP small 
time; brandi It did) worse; than thatl 
I : 



Cincinnati; July' 27! 
RJCO^ SHubert is set tb* emerge 
from* summer darkness^ Jiiiy* SIT Ibi 
tf« run* of a' month* or so- on- pictures 
Befbre- getting; into* vaudfllm* policy 
fbr the* new season; Oijening* pic 
wilV tie^ 'Good' Earth'' at regular 
scale. 

BSx)nt of* house* is bedecked- with 
signs Baliyhoolng' the' enga^ment' as 
world* premiere 'at popular prices, 



Ytaidtr. Jlg»ih> at Fsy'si Phllly 

F&y'sj Philadelphia, reverts^ to' 
.yaud^;on f lilU week' policy on>AHig: 2T 
aftbr Ri summer of stk^aight-filhisV 
idtow4ng>.. 

Hbuseg dbOpped> flesh- for the* hoi 
stinetchi on» May 27> Bddie' Sherman^ 
booking: 



Sbranar£ake: 

By Happy Benway 



Edith - Cohen and> Ruth Hatch 
week-endings to> good) results, - while 
going; OVM* the- oheck-up) thing; 

Frisco DeVere (Scarsdale, N.Y.)' 
Adlrondacklng with her sister- after 
suooessfuli op} 

TSt. George' Wislonj , actbrfss medico) 
Pittsburghing- with his folks. 

Salvadore Ragone, bedded for see 
many years,, now going, down town 
om exercise; He's a' former Uhlted 
[Airtists^ produder 

After three', months- in- hospital 
care,-. Bobby. Graham is still limping 
around from that auto jam. 

Joseph- Vaughey left' Denver for 
iGallfornia fbr. change* of- air. 

The Adirondack' Grill'. flbpped' with 
'their flfesh shows- and' shuttered; . 

Gomihff. and' going: Dbrothy Max- 
Iweir OHbchester, N: Y!) tb*Nfew York 
'City'. . .A^ton A^ndferson- tb Staten 
'l&land. . .Russ Kelly tb; Montteal. . .. 
Hfappy Bfenway to* bed'. . .Marilyn 
iMbran- to* Lake* Placid; . .Kay Gold- 
iberg-to St-. A'lbans, Vt. . .Lester SHee- 
;han to Dbrsey Terrace*. . .The Leon- 
ard' Grottes to' Montauk P6int . .. 
'Tommy Vicks to Rbchester, N! HI 
I Hottestspeirhere in'2a'years, spots 
'that' used' flfesh and orks folding*, upi 
Tourists are hitting: the* state's free 
'camp sitfes, entfertainment. being 
[given- there^ now; . 

' Local' baseball team has two hoof- 
!ers^;.Kittridge"andHfefey, It's an oflf- 
'tO-^BliffalO- tb fli'st on' long' hits. . 
: Write tor those HI wUom. you Know 
in Saranac*and elsewhere: 



I — — 

IbetlwitV. JUiy 27{. 
Fire;, obvibu^y stkfrt^ tb) obnv^i 
murdbr of a< 18><y«ar^oml hight sdiooi 
gin,. dtetMiyedi the; lay Bteak Ihn 
roadhouse). ne»v- jj^f^' BiiUihione, 
Mteh'.,- eatiy la^t Thuirtsdby morning 

Plcketf up - lh> Clbvelttttdi as gaspitt 
ih' the* tbrrtn slkyingj'. Jbmes? JJftdbr- 
maclii pfortfer at^tHe* nofctumal' spot;, is 
ihbinB> held Here, Hut has? dfenlerf Hav- 
ing murdered Mary Jane* MbHan, 
whose body -war fbund' in an oil- 
soaked bed*, in one - .of the rooms 
above the tt(Ve»nc< 

McCormaek, however, admitted he 
took $!7{^fh>nlitH^roWdH0Use safe as 
the fire- Broke' out; 



ANN WHITE. 
SbnesT 

BertWbtll'ji) VP. Ti 

\ liAtix Whtte- Hasvpotentlallties fbr 
Ithte; bigtlmv supper spots, ^e^s^ a 
songstress who- fallS imder the 'so* 
phisticated' ciassiflfcation. Her lyrics 
tartfpertl Buti not' smutty-; and"; what's 
imore,, Heir pvraonality and*' dMlvery> 
are; sucHi that^ shcc dbcen'ti need< the 
jdbubleientfendte; other than> what is 
jaocepted' in> the: smarter hbtelsr and 

' At this' Grefenwich' Village restau- 
jrant Miss- White, despite - the* al'fi'esco 
iattnospKei«^ evidlmces^ that she? has 
Ithott inttaiglble! sometHing^ tb hold 
''em), ffiidi she; diverts handily^ 
I Hen songt are; speoiali and* culled 
ifitx)m> the; revues.^ Alli goti over ex- 
eptih^ that', one^ Rbdgers^ and. Hart 
lyrlo* ftonr 'Oh Ybur Tdesi' which) 
}txr 3P $ili4tr audlenee; 1^;. one; thing^to 
Iff $l-58- tkBlip dihote assemtili^e^ it 
lshoiHd<beeomittbdi AheU 



IJERAT: PERKINS 
'Songs 

iPknunount} N{ T.« 

. Ybutti) -voiee; dlotlon< atidi per- 
isonality ares alli.ini the; equipment' of ' 
I Jerry Perhins;, the* 1«1' who» was- 
jpioked' up- recently in Chicago- by 
.Mali Hallett' and) is> now av parti of' 
jHkllfett^s orcHestlra> but< dbubling;f6r 
'no? instirumentk; 

Perkins has- x bit of a' tear in his 
voice and' set good* styite* of delivery; 
The voice isn't of smash caliber but- 
hasA whftti it takes^ to > get-- the- listeners ^ 
being* sweet^iOlfear and audibly pleas- 
fing. 

Ohieiigag6mentlhere>with the Hal- 
Ifett orchestira; he- did four numbers,; 
two as encores? alt pops. The love' 
[balladi ig> his-, meati Vfery. likely 
|Pferkins< is going; places that- are 
jWorthwHilfej Char. 



Sonf»'> 

10> M(lh« ' 
Paramount, N. Y. 

•Teddy <5k«fc»- Ikft'tl Ibng on voice 
and dictioM, bUtt sHtfsP anything- but 
short on selling; SH^s^attorcher who 
favors the type of numbers that are 
of Harlem flavor and does them best 
with a touch of Harlemania spicini; 
Suohi asr 'Stv/EioUiB^ MUefe/" 'Gtona 
,Goo' an* 'tXndfemeath: the; Harlem 
'Moon" are • right up> her allby S 
; Vou' andi Mto; WHwttilbed) tb Bb' ip, ites 
lier type of song;. 

, Working; feverishly for audience 
;puli;. Miss GTraee- makes; a^ nibe; ao* 
'pearance* and* should- Be» (iuitb>an* j^- 
iceptbhlte glh^b* fbr- sta^e; dbtfe^- gen- 
erally, a;i widlllasifttti £ft»r& G)iar>. 



Nitenr naeements 



Eva Ortegaj.Mt; Rbyal'Hotel, Mont- 
real! itideff 

0'J;zIe' Nfeifcah; . tfie* EatHrops?. Bobby 
miPbntl A^BtbtrRtton NI.y:' 

Jbne (attd'irattterlheVLee;IIeOn'& 

JBaaie's; N{ 

Miltbir BibUBite> (btnger);. and 
i£»impscm^s> Marionettes;. V€<rs«lllte» 

n; y. 

, Wini' Shaw'and.' Ramon > and- Itenita 
■opened* at Hllfey's: Ihw; Saratbga^ 
N; Y., Mfaidky (&6)} 

Consuelo-nbxyertbn and^ 3^ GraVk- 
erjai:kG9. CHate)»u Mbdtdtie;. Ni Yir 
formerly tHe;M6Hsclgfletm' 

Jack^ Ostentian), m.*GC> ■ Bdlth' Roartc, 
.Floria- Vestoff,, Graye. Diicon,. Jban 
•Vickers, CHl^ta^ and< Bliddy-- Whg* 
'ner's-- orchestra; new-' show at- Club 
Mlradbr, NJ Y. 

- ' ESdie; Gattv joins thcc held-over 
jlrene: Bfe^tley at>.Manlknisi Riviera^ 
Fort Lee^.Nt.Jt. 

Henry LaMarr rejoined- the show 
at Blll^s.> Gayr Ninetles»^ Nk'.Y:,.aftto 
short; vacation. 



FPTANK LIBUSr 



75/77} Shaftbttburyy Avmiu*' 
PICCADILLY,. LOHOONi. ENG>- 



Birthday; HVeryflky,- Cftnvalescent 
ai-eMth|^'CaI'<U!• 
IA> BiHcedv A«!o«tmfrntii> 
■ Vfery Llb'efal' C6ttimls3l6iiB 
VMU» tbn pnil«oUm»< 
DDROTHEfV ANTEli 



I 





(HUM' I 



Nowr Under Exclusive^ Management 





IGEHOT 



Currently Appeax!ing> 



Wednceday, July 28, 1937 



VARIETY 



51 



Variety Bills 

NEXT WEEK (Aug. 2) 

THIS WEEK (July 26) 

. ' >/ ■ ' 

Ntimeriilt In .connection with bills below indicate opening day of 
show; whether full or split week 




CHICAGO 
ChIocq <30) 

Culie Blllngton Ore 
• (23) - 

« Lucky Boy» 

Eteve Kvana 

Luoy Monroe 

Lyon & Mar^lowe 

Shaw & I^e 

Prelsaer Sis ^ 

cijsvelAnd 

Palnce (30) 
Van Cello & Mary 
t Uebonnalres 



Focsythe, S & F 
Marjorle Galnsw'rth 
Prelsser Sin 
Frank Gaby 
Nelaon'3 Klephahts 
(23) 

Ozzle Nelson Oro ■ 
Harriet HUUard 
Grace & Nlco 
Don Cumhiitigs 
DBNVER 
Orplieum (30) 
. Freil Waring Ore 




HEW YORK CIXY 

State (20) 
Don Francisco 
Lula Zlnirone 
Slim XlinbUn 
'Stuart ft Martin 
GU8 Arnholm Ore 



WASllINfeXON 
Capitol. (30) 
Bert Naele Co 
Guy Robertson 
Ro.ss & Bennett 
Vic Hycle 
Crawford Ore 



JAY AND LOU 

SEILER 

Appearing at 
RILEY'S 
SARATOGA, NEW YORK 

Dir.: LEDDY & SMITH 



Paramount 



NEW YORK CITY 
I'atnmount (28) 

Mai Hallett Ore 
Hal Ler(>y . 
Val Setz 

BOSTON 
Sletropolltan (30) 
Geo Prentiss 
Masters & Rollins 
SI Cota 'Co 
Nellagooclelle 
'Waldort's Bear 
Frloska 
Georgia Hayes 

CHICAGO 
Chicago (30) 
Martha Raye 
Jack Williams 



Oriental (30) 
Popeyo 
Betty Boop 

DALLAS 
Casino (30) 
Phil Harris Ore 
Georges & Jalna 
l>anny Ross 
4 Craddocks 
Arren & Broderlck 
Art Jarret 

DETROIT 
Michigan (30) 
Tip Tap Toe 
Violet Carlson 
Carl Freed Co 
ST. PAUL 
Orplieum (30) 
Major Bowes Co 




PHILADETaPHIA 
- Eorle (30) 

Clyde Lucas Oro 

(23) 
B Janaleys 
Le Paul 
Brown & Ames 
Herman Blng 
Wells & 4 Fays 
PITTSBURGH 
Stanley (30) 
Win Osborne Bd 
S Stooges 



(23) 

Ma.lor Bowes Co 
WASHINGTON 
Earle (30) 
Llazeeds 
Brown & Ames 
Steve Evnns 
Gene, DeQulncy &L 
(23) 

Enrlco-Novello Co 
Tommy Trent 
Condos Bros 
Forsythe, S &"F 
Aarona & Barna 




CHICAGO 
State Lake (30) 
Toy & WJng 
Spllleirs Seals 
Bobby Plnkus Co 
B MInevltoh Co 
INDIANAPOLIS 
I^ric (30) 
Noble Slssle Bd 
Chilton & Thomas 



Gordon & Rogers 
Kdna May Harris 
Billy Banks 
KANSAS CITY, MO 

Tower (30) 
Stevcna Bros & B 
Roy I'ee & Dunn 
4 O'Connors 
Patsy O'Connor 




Week of 

Canterbury M. H. 

iBt half (26-28) 
Geo Betton 
Swan & Leigh 

2d half (29-31) 
Betty Turnbull & O 
HIntoni'Bros 

Dominion 
Wilfrid Greene 6 ' 

Trocadcro Rest. 
Stone Lee 
CoOklo Bowors 
Audrey Samson 
Stetson 

BRIXTON 
Aatottn 

Ted Joyce Bd 
CAMDEN TOWN 
' Gnuinont 
Rawicz & Landauer 
CLAPTON 
Rink 
Victor Wor«>ton 
Bertlnl & Clarke 
B'way Ba & Biendn 
EAST IIAM 
GrnnnOa 
Jose Moreno 
Gandl Bros 

EDMONtOW 
Empire 

J Maskelevnp C- 
P & M TT.ir.rl 
)IAM!\I1<> - MITH . 

Don 
Etlw Victor 



July 26 , 

ISLINGTON 
, Blue Ilnll 

1st half (26-28) 
Bettv TOrnbulI & O 
Hlntonl Bros 

2d hnlf (20-31) 
Geo Bptton 
Swan & I^elph 
LfiWISHAM 
Prtlnce 
Trolse Mandollers 

LEY'J'ONSTONli 
Riiilto 
Jose Moreno 
SHEFH'RDS BUSH 

Pnvlllou 
I^e Don 
Levanda 

STREATHAM 
Pnluou 
Trolse Mandollcis 

TOOTING 
(■rnniKlii 

3 WJllHvilS 
Sereno & June 
Angela I'urycllps 
TOrXENHAM 
I'lilat'e 
ViPtnr Morrton 
Herllnl & ClrirUo 
B'wiiy Bs & Bi-fiul 

TOTTENHAM 
COl'KT ROAD 
Paramount 

Anion Bd 
Gill), Movroll A. P 
M &. n Npsbltt 
WAI.rilAMSTOU 
<iranuflii 
Siilsuina & Ona 




Week of July 26 



ABERDEEN 
TlvoU 

G S Melvin 
Lyndon ft.Moo^e 
Claude Lester 
Manilos 
Ike Hatch 
Sylvestrl 
Races Tr 

ALDERSHOT 

Hippodrome 

Derlcka'n-Brown Co 
Burton Brown 
Eve Becke 
Connor & Drake 
Masa HIrukawa Co 
Haval & Byl 
7 Romas 
Archie Elray 
Tom O'Halloran 
3 Adalra 



EOINUIIRGH ' 
Royal 

Naughton & Gold 
Doi:l|i Ash ton . . 
Howard 'Rofrers 
ICengler Bros 
Coti-lUos 

Duncan's .Collies 
Mite & Welford 
GLAS(iOW 
I'nramount 
Joe Loss Ed 
LEEDS. 
Paramount 
Hal Vntea 

PLYiMOr.TH 
Palnce. . 
I.ievls Discoveries 
Jovera 

Devcre Blondes 
RvL»a Cnvr 
Devon & Wayne 
Holmes & Edwards 
Juggling Retlers 



Cabaret BiDs 



NEW YORK CITY 



Barney . Gallant's 

June Elkf'na 
Luan Cralf; . 
3 Musical Rogues 
Mcrl & Meriam 
3 Dandles 

iBertolottl'H 

Jimmy Whalen Ore 
Tommy Harris Ore 
Yula Flournoy 
Nyaa Alna i 
Joyce Faye 
Greta Lewla 

nill'a Gny.gA'i 

Eddie Leonard 
Spiko Harrison 
Briiel Gilbert 
Gua WIcke 
Emllt Caaey 
Jim Blahop 
Henry LaMarr 

Callente 

Beth Raborn 
Helen Shaw 
Ruth Wayne 
Carol Sia 
3 Rhythm Boys 
Calionte C.abelleros 

Chateau Moderne 

H Leonard Oro 
Consuelo Flowerton 
3 Craclcerjacks 

Claremont Inn 

Jolly Coburn Oro 

Club Gauclio 

Vaccaro'a Orch 
Jose Diaz 
Trlnl Plaza 
Llta Moya 
Helen VlrgU 
Plmltri 

Club Mirador 

(Roof Garden) 

Buddy Wagner Ore 
Jack Osterman 
Edith Roark 
Florla Vestort 
Gaye Dixon 
Chlfiulta 
Joan Vickera 

Club Yumurl 

Don Hllbftrto Ore 
Antonio & Cnrlto 
Sarlta Herrura 
RoBlta Ortepa 
Portia Porter 

Jack Dempae.T'a 

E Carpenter Oro 

E) Ciilcn 

Don Alberto Ore 
Carlos Montoya 
3 Pampero 
D'Avoloa & A 
'Antonlta Morales 
Jose & Patricia 
Las Guarecitaa 
Rolando 

El Morori^A 
Hrnlo HnlPt Oro 

Frolics 
Ralph Watklns Ore 
Glen Island Casino 
Nye- Mayhew Oro 
Helen Reynolds 
Doug Newmnn 
Hari-y Wllllford 

llh'hnry irniixe 
Joe Marsala Ore 
Jim Moorehead 
Ray Blondl 

Hickory Lodge 
(Lnrchmont, N. ¥.) 
Herber Steiner Ore 
Hal Kerry 
Annabello lAse 
iri.vw'd Ileal nurqni 

MItciiell Ayrea Ore 
E Jelesniek Ore 
Jean Sargeant 
June Lorraine 
6 Debonaivs 
r.. Manning & Mitzl 
Kay Taylor 
Hobby Joyce 
Ted Adair 
Piitrlcia Glimoro 
Cliarnilon 

Agnea & T Nip Ji 
Rulh Gayior 
Gion Pope 
Hotel AmbaBsiidoi 

Uanion Itanios Ore 
William Aider 
I'aul Taubnian 
notel Aatnr . 
(Roof Gnrdi'M) 
Ted Lewla Ore 
Kadio A cos 
Chnrilc WhlU!(!i- 
Knth, Dn>e 
Lita Lcde 



H Hatters 
r<ydda Sue 
Stuart Morgan 
Diaz Don St Dolores 
Malrlon Mnnn 
Teddy . Hale 
Sylvia Manon 4 

lltitel lurrniiirr 
(Moonlight Terrace) 

Horace Heldt Oro 

llolel Ellison 

BUly Swanson Ore 

Hotel ENsei HouNr 

Nat Brandwynne O 
.Maxine Tappin 
Dick Stone 
Johnny Blue 
Murray Carun 
R J Callman 
Hotel iiov. Clinton 
Phil D'Arcy Ore 
Stuart Jules 
ICay Marshall 

Hotel i.exiueton 
Andy lona Ore 
Ray Kinney 
Meymo Holt 

Hotel McAlpIn 
(Root Garden) 

J Messner Ore 
Jeanne D'Arcy 

Hotel Monlcliilr 
(Casino-in-the-AIr) 

Coral Islanders 
fTal Hnpn Oro 
Herb Weil 
Electronic 3 
Felix Paplle 

Hotel' Murrnr Hill 
(Fountain Room) 

Joe Cappi Oro 
Nancy Garner 

Hotel New Yorker 
(Summer Terrace) 

Gus Arnhelm Ore . 
Evelyn Chandler 
Baptle & Lamb 

Hnt^l Park renirnl 

(Cocbnnut Grove) 
Jerry Blaine Ore • 
Ross ft Bdwnrds 
Darrell tic Young 
Barney Grnnt 
Claire Scott 
Flying Whirlos 
Dorothy Jeffera 
St Clair & Elliot 
Ferry the FrOK 
Tanla & Klrsolt 
Hotel Pennsylvania 

Tommy Dorspy Ore 
Edythe Wright 
Jack I^eonard 
Alien Storr 
3 Eactulres 

Hotel PIcrHdilly 
Jeno Bartal Ore 

Hotel Pierre 

(Roof Garden) 

Basil 'Fomcen Oro 
Anne Heath 
Pepptno & Camllle 

Hotel PInxn 

Will McCune Ore 
Pancho Ore 
Paul Draper 
Nelia Goodelle 

Hotel KooHevelt 
Freddie Starr 0)c 

Hotel 8av»k -PliivEn 
En>IIo rein Ore 
Russell Swan 

lloiel St. <>eiirge 
(Brooklyn) 

Ell Diintzig Ore 
Charley J'aul 

HoIpI St. Morltf 
(Sky (iardonK) 
Hal Richards Ore 
Urislia 

Hotel St. Itogla 
. (VIenneKe K«K»f) 

Jacques .Fray Ore 
A Uaseh Danfcrs 
PIcrco ft Harris 

Hotel Taft 

(•en. Hnil Oro 
Dolly Dawn 

Hotel Wnldort 
Asiorlii 

(Starllgiit Roof) 
Guy Lonihnrdd Ore 
UalDli Rutgers Ore 
Marissa Fiorca 
Raphael 

ilolel WrIllnKton 

Ed Ma yeiiotT . Oro 
Jimmy Kelly's 
Lionel Hand Ore 



Joe Capello Oro 
Montmartre Boys 
Carter & Schaub 
Jlmmle Coatello • - 
3 Raymonds 
Danny Hlgglns 

Lurue 

Rddle Dn via Oro 
Hlrado Ore . 
' Le, Coq Rouge 

Horacio ZIto Oro 
Georga Sterney 

. I.e Mirage 

Harry Horlon Oro 
t:u<iuUa 
.Marie Almonte 
V AlacNauKhlon 
Brown's 3 Shades 
I.eon A Kddle'a 
(Pugo-l^igo Room) 
I,ou Martin Ore 
Eddie Davis 
Jane Lee 
Patricia Gllmore 
Vivian Ray 
Gloria Cook 
Jnnies .^Ceogan 
Nelsons Cats ■ 
Halnea Tale & S 
Tete. ft Kongo' Op , 
Mile Denlau. 
Norman ft .McKay 
Dloasa Coatello 

.Mun Puria 

npnr. n'li'rtlclt Oro 
i.aurence White 
Marion Pierce 
Versatile ,3 

Morra 

Lou Ferris Ore 

The . Oaks 
Al Lamba Ore 
Tommy Lyman 
Gene Archer 

Onyx Club 

t SplrllB of Rhythm 
Maxine ft Janice' 

rnrndlaa 
Jay Freeman Ore 
Ann PennlnKton 
Lncille Johnson 
Aiidrewa S'la 

.Place Elegante 

Bill FarreU 
.Mario BasinI 
Toto Canglnsl 
Rex Gavltte 
Larry Made Oro' 



RalnbovT Grlli 

Emery Deutach Ore 
Durelle Alexander 
Helen Myora 
Evalyn Tyner 
C ft L Bonner 
Glover & La Mae 
Rainbow Rooniil 

Al Donahue Ore 
Eddie LeBaron ore 
Oliver Wakeneld 
Lotte Goalar 
Texas Tommy 
Helen Myern 
Dr' Sydney Kosa 

Riley'H 
(Saratoga) 

Rrimon & Renlla 
Wlnl Shaw 

Rivlora 

Mickey Alpert Ore 
Nano Rodrigu Ore 
Lola Kay 
Eddlo Garr 
Irene Bcaaley 
Nick Lonp Jr 
Kay Picture 
Paul Duko 
Nadlne Gao 
Busier f>haver Co 
Ben -Yost -ColiArrtuiia 

Sands Point Biiih 

Club 

Paul Rebucci Ore 
Emily Stevenaon 
Wilson Lang 
Stork Club 

•Sonny Kendls Oro 
Gus Martel Ore 
Surfslde 

(Atlantic Beach) 
B Madrlguera Ore 
Joscphlno HuHton 
G DeQulncy ft L 
Edna Janis 

Tavern On Green 
(Central Park) 

Hughle Barrett Ore 

Valhalla 

.Maurice Shaw Oro 
.Marlta 

Lorraine Barrett . 
Rond Hal 

Verenlll4>p . 

H Rosenthal Ore 
Joe Rodriguez Ore 
Milton Do\iRrlae 
Simpson's Co 



LOS ANGELES 



Hull 

Bruz Fletcher 
Charles Lawrence, 

Beverly Wtlshlre ' 

Geo Hamilton urc 
Bill more Bowl 

Tlrnmy Grler Oro 
Lola ft Lewis 
Robert Gately 
Hank the Mule 
Bliss, Lewis ft Ash 
Delorea ft Andre 
Dick Webster 
3 Rhythm Rascals 
Cafe Century 

Cedes' Oro 
Miller & Mantan 
3 Dan'ridge Sis 
Ooreta 

Marie Bryant 
Olivette MlUcr 
Marcus Slayter 
Peter Ray 
Nat Coles 

Cafe De Paree 

Ted Dawson Ore 
Marls Monterez 
Helen Curtis 
Lemare 

Cafe International 

Ben Pollock Ore 
Chiiz Chase 
Billy Vine 
Caroline Mason 
Beth Wilson 
Dick Bennett 
The Theodora 
Dora Dean 
Ginger Lynne 
Lilly Ann Starr 
Eleanor Troy 

Cafe I.n Mace 

Stan Clair Oro 
Park Ave Boys 
' Clover Club 

Rob Grant Ore 
Helen Thompson 

Ciuk Hawaii 

Hawaiian Oro 

Cornnnnt firoTe 

Geo Ol.sen's Oro 
Edgar Bergen 
Charlie McCarthy 
Edith Caldwell 
Famous Door 

Stuff Smith 
Cozy Coe ^ 
Jonah Jonea 
Cddie Beal 
Hawaiian Paradise 

Sol Brlffhta Ore 
Sutlnl Tual Loa 
Sol Hoopi 
Wnnda 
Diana Toy 



Lido 

Lea Parker'a Oro 
Bill Roberts 
Bob Searles ' 
Dolorea 

Little Club 

Jaile Jonea 
Paul Kendall 
Helen Warner 
Rose Vaiydn 

Omar's Dnmf 

George Redman Ore 
EIm«r 
Arden Sla 
Gunther, Magician 
Naomi, Warner 
George Markle 
Mimosa ft Medina 
Pttclflo Sunset club 

Al Heath Oro 
Tonl LaRue 
Peggy Pago 
Sorrell Sis 
Buddy La Rue 
Palomar ., 

Benny Goodman Ore 
Hudson Metzger Gls 
Betty Van 
Gene Coopl' 
Mndle ft Ray 
Renoff ft Renova 
Toddy Wilson 
Lionel Hampton 

Porta Inn 
Pete Contrelll Ore 
Oomlnic Columbo 
Ken Henryson 
Sylvia ft Marjorle 
Conchlta Toxeno 
Bronlee Bros 
Henry Monet 
Thora MalthnlJinn 
Marguerlta del Rio 
Juan de Martinis 

Seven Sena 
Lonnle Mclntlre Or 
Lily Gibson 
Honolulu Dancera 

Somerset House 

Jack Owens 
Betty Borden 

Swing Club 
B B B 

Cilarence Brown 
Frankle GallaKher 
Topsy's 

Al Eld red no Oro 
The Doe Slaters 
June Bruner 
June Brady 
Betty O'Dalr 
Lllllaa Gilbert 
Leona Rice 
Agnea Johnson 
Troeodero 
Dick Gasparro Ore 



<}HIGAGO 



Ball-Bull 

Billy White Ore 
Dancing Dletrlchs 
Warden & Dkde 
Sally Joyce 

RIncklinwk 

Joe Sanders 
Ronald ft Roberta 
Pete the Newsboy 
June Glory 

Chez I'urce 

Lou Holtz 
Helen Morcan 
Georgie Tappa 
Keadingcr 2 
Ko.seinary Deering 
Ijiliinn Carmen 
Henry Dusse Ore 

Colosimns 

nob Tlnsley 
Jaiils Andre 
.Maxinc DcSiion 
Doi-othy Waiilj 
U'lilie Shore 

ConKrrras llot.rl 
(Casino) 

Jp.q.«e Crawford 
llt'len (^rawford 
Ch;is Curliie 
Hornh.-inlt ft. G 
DI.TZ, I;on, 1) .1 D 
'I'onimy Trent 
Varzos ft McDowell 

Gay OO's 

Cnlleen 

Georgia Luclfy 
i,(!W KInK 
.Mignnn 
ingrid 



Jules Novit Oro 
Marlon Miller 
Jack Elklna 

Harry's N. T. 
Cabaret 

Chas Ehgloa.Orc 

Jack Irving 

Yrelto 
Theo Troy 
.Mildred Rook 
8 Parlslana 
B. B. B. 
nider Sis 
Palmer Sla 
Dorothy Jolinalon 

Hl-Hn( 

liurna ft White 
Soni Shaw 
Vivian Proctor 
Loria Lorraine 

Hotel IMsmnrrh 

(Walnut Itonm) 

Rddio V.Tr/.oM Ore 
Luoio Giiri'la 
Walker 3 
Tho Duaiim 
Dean Murphy 

Hotel Itrrvoorl 

Dorolhy Du\al 
Uarl Smith 
('ommodoro Duo 
Joe Parlalo 

Drake Hotrl 
(Gold Coast Itoont) 
Jaclc Denny Oro 
St. .Morilz ice Ciu'l 
Kit Kloin 
T)ougla.M Duffy 
Bobby ilearn 



Radio Equity Org. 



(Continued from page 1) 

Linda Carlon and Lucille Wall of 
Equity's radio committee sat in on 
Monday's conference. 

Operating on an American Feder- 
ation of Labor charter, the Four A's 
is comprised of the various actor 
and. artist organizations in show 
business. Subordinate bodies include 
Actors - Equity, the Screen Actors' 
Guild, the Anterican Federation of 
Actors,, the Grand Opera Artists 
Assn. and several smaller groups. 
American Federation of Musicians, 
with a separate charter from the 
A. F. of L., is not a member. 

Series of conferences is being held 
all this week by representatives of 
the various groups. Frank Gillmore, 
as AAAA prez as well as Equity 
head, is chairman of the meetings. 
Besi(les the other Equity officials, 
meetings aire being attended by Ken- 
neth Thomson and Lawrence Bielen- 
son SAG reps, and spokesmen for the 
other groups. Also sitting in arc 
reps of the American Guild of Mu- 
sical Artists, a non-affiliated group, 
which is seeking to take over the 
GOAA charter. 

Thomson, who planed . in from 
the Coast last Saturday (24), to per- 
sonally take charge of the SAG drive 
to organize the eastern film studios 
under SAG closed shop, is giving the 



Hotel Egdewater 
Beach. 
(Board Walk) 

Bornle Ciimmlns Or 
Gloria Sutter 
vr .Smith Ballet 
Hilla CIrcua 
Nortliway ft. Danllo 
LaVarre Bros 

Hotel I^salle 

(Blue Fountain 
Room) 

Paul Sablln Oro 
Dorothy Miller 

Hotel Palmer Hoiiie 
(Empire Rnumi 

Eddy Duchin Oro 
Holland ft Hart 
Bruce Holden 
Ellen Blair 
Marl Lynn 
4 Arlatocrats 
Abbott Dancers 

Hotel Sherman 
(College Inn) 

Frankle Masters Or 



Jackie Heller 
Donna Due 
Ahearn Bros 
Chas Carrier 

Hotel Stevens 
(Continental Room) 

Carlos Molina 
Ruthania ft M'le'lm 
Frank Payne 

000 Club 

Billy Carr 
Nora Ford 
'Boota' Burns 
Etta Reed 
Ford . ft Qarnea 
Xachr Club 
Nino Rlndldo Ore 
Frances Wllllama 
Edna ScdKWlck 
WIngy Mannone 
Jackson, Mills ft R 

BBS Club 

Johnny Hornert 
The Dictators 
Corlles & Palmer 
Mary Jane Dodd 



PHILADELPHIA 



Anchorage 

Jamea Craig ■- • 
Manno ft Strafford . 
Ed Sllverglade 
Sally La Marr 
Johnny Graff Oro 
Arcadia Int'l . 

Milton Kellem Ore 
Don Renaldo Oro 
Mayfair Girls (8) 
Ed Sllverglade 
l7,zy Bellta 
CoUette & Barry 
Eleanor Bowers 
Irma Bundel 
Mario Vlllanl 

BelleTae-Stratford 

(Planet Boom) 
Meyer Davis Oro 
Ben Franklin Hotel 

(Coral Cafe) 
.Moe Jafte Oro 

Benny the Bum's 

Deloyd McKay 
Muriel Thomas 
Sasha LeonofC 
Frank Hall 
Mayo & Marie 
Frances Carroll 
Ralph Brown 
Coatello ft Corrlne 
Cedarwood Inn 
(IVIalagn. N. J.) 
Jack Curtis 
Hobby Rvfl.njj 
Stump ft Stumpy 
Clarence Mleti Ore 

Embnany Club 

Leo Pcrrlns 
nilly Lee 

I'edro Blanco Ore 
(felcn Heath 
Warwick Sla 
Joyce Henry 
Dorothy Deppln 

Evergreen Cawino 

Henry May Ore 
Helalne & D'n'lds'n 
Tom Barry 
Kathleen May 
.fay King 
Melba Beaudeau 
Mildred King ; 
Harry Glyn 
1023 Locust 

Rubbles Shelby 
Jano Farrer. 
ICay Lavery 
Vh-Klnla Young 
Nelly . Banks 
filnda Ray 
Peanuts Stewart 
Swing Kings Ore 

Hotel Adciphia Roof 

Vincent Rlzzo Ore 
Harold Knight Oro 
. John Hjipiiiuiiu 
Al Bernle 
Alice Dawn 
ItbbblnH Fam 
Vera Fern 
D ft 1) FItzglbbuna 
Alfonso Berg 
Agnes Tolle 
It Texas Rocket a 
Evan 1} Fonlaine 

Lambs Tavorn 

r.arry Mell Ore 
l.lltle Rhthakeiler 

Jack GrirCIn Ore 
Dorothy Baoh 
Georgii Scoltl 
Sh.andor ft Mnrpro 
Kiihn ft Dcl'lnlo 
1,'al Perry 

Pierre's 

Miinny I>flT'orle Ore 
Nod Welsh 
ilernnanu & Valcz 



Wataon Sla 
Yolnndl' ft Ealelle . 
Ritz-Cnrlton 
(Crystal Room) 
Van Levis Oro 
Henry Patrick 
31 Club 

Bill Flake Oro 
BlUie Brill . 
Lorraine Rhoda 
Poarl St Clair 
Margery Raye 
Johnny Magnan' 

Sliver Lake Inn 
(Clementon) 

Joe Mtllkopf Ore 
Beth Chains 
Carlton & Juliette 
Janloe Thompson' 
Carroll ft Lane 

20th Century Tarern 

Lou Longo Ore 
Hazel Harman 
20th Century Co (6) 
Frankle Hyrcs 

Parrlah Cafe 

Bobby Lee Oro 
Leon Hill 
3 Parlacttoa 
Chlcklo Martin Co 

Piccadilly Room 

- (1028 Locust) 

John' llarnllton Ore 
Jackie Mablle 
R'berlofca WliUams 
ViLlay Kvana 
Fata Smith 
T<nlu Mae 
Lillian Fllzgorald 

Uutkln's Rathskeller 

V Normnn Oro 
JaoqueilnA fl«rm'nn 
Maurice ft Kodell 
Freddie Lano 
Ruth Barrett 
Cleo Valentcen 
"''rRnk Pontl 

Stamp's Cafe 

Jack Hutchlnnon 
Bella Belmont 
Billy Sllpr 
Joan ft George 
La Vonno 
Flo Huiae 
Johnny AVnIsh 

Viking Cafe 

Penn Fny Oro 
l<ew P'oster 
Evelyn Barnes 
Sla McC'all 
Harry .Sweeney 
tjpo IlMrrigun 
Jack Finney 
Weber's Hot Brau 

(Camden) 
Loula Chalkln Ore 
Itiiy Miller 
3 (Jlrlon GIrlR 
Bernardo de I'ace 
Penny .Sjieiicer 
Inatrumental 3 
>Iu(fo Klee 
Hid Golden 
IIho Hurt 
Gres'oi'y Qulnn Co 
Eldura dlana 

Sunsot Inn 

Ace PaiicoaHt Oro 
Betty Viillono 
Ciiubby Jteed 
Al CorniirK 
Belly Scdtt 

Peucovk Gardens 
Tylvan Herman Ore 

Vorktown Tavern 
Billy Selu Ore 



huddles preference over . his 
scheduled meetings w.lth the indie 
pic producers^ 

All Concerned 

Known, however, that a vital topic 
under consideration is the jurisdic- 
tional" problems involved in the cur- 
rent drive to organize radio. With 
members of Equity, SAG, the AFA, 
GOAA and the AGMA active in 
radio work, all of those groups are 
vitqlly concerned in the matter of 
jurisdiction. Radio organization has 
so far been known as the Radio 
Division of Actors Equity, with the 
Equity council having a large say in 
policies. Understanding is, however, 
that the intention is to make radio 
an iiidepend'ent group under its own 
charter from the Four A's. It would 
then be known as the Radio Actors 
Guild or Radio Equity, whichever 
its members decide. Idea is for the 
body to have complete autonomy^ 
such as is enjoyed by the SAG or 
AFA, and to have working agree- 
ments with the other AAAA affili- 
ates. 

Another subject believed to be 
under consideration in the present 
confabs is the relationship of the 
eastern branch of the SAG to Actors 
Equity. Understood the SAG 
strategy board Is anxious to estab- 
lish as strong a working pact as pos- 
sible with Equity before proceeding 
to deal with the indie pic producers. 

Not only bre the working condi- 
tions in the eastern studios different 
from those on the Coast, but the pro- 
ducers at this end are figured much 
better able to offer resistance to SAG 
demands. Fact that few names are 
used in eastern productions, particu- 
larly commercial films, which make 
up a major share of the field, would 
enable, the studios to hold out much 
longer, If a'battle developed. 

After presumably laying out his 
campaign plans during this week's 
luddles, Thomson Is to meet with 
the indie producers here next week 
for an 'exchange of views.' Deadline 
for the closed shop in the east has 
been set for Aug. 1. 

' Involved Setup 

While Gillmore is now president 
of both Actors Equity and the parent 
Four A's, exact status of the two 
groups and their relationships to 
their jtfflliatae is an involved matter. 

Where those members also belong 
to Equity, even though not active in 
legit for some years, SAG under its 
agreement with Equity must turn 
over tp the latter the amount of the 
Equity dues. Under the AAAA 
constitution and by-laws, represen- 
tation on the AAAA board of di- 
rectors is on the basis of one vote 
for every 300 members. With its 
recent growth under closed shop on 
the Coast, the SAG now greatly out- 
numbers Equity in membership and 
at the next AAAA meeting in May, 
1938, can, if it wishes, dictate poli- 
cies. Understanding is the SAG may 
do so unless it obtains what it wants 
in the current meetings. 

Another organization meeting, the 
third, of the radio performers trying 
to bring Equity into the broadcast- 
ing picture, as representative of the 
performers, was held Monday (26) 
night at the Hotel Victoria, N. Y. It 
lasted uptil about 3:30 a.m., about 
200 being presient. Mark Smith was 
voted chairman of the board of 15 
directors elected to serve two , 
months. 

Main business of the meeting was 
the decision to issue questionnaires 
to all in radio, to be filled in with 
suggestions for an equitable amount 
to be (lemanded from the networks 
and agencies for oasic contracts. 
Had been previously suggested that 
a minimum of $25 for a IS-rhinute 
show, $50 for a 30-minute show, and 
$75 for an hour show, be demanded. 
Amplifications of that scale would 
have set a fee of an additional 50% 
for rebroadcasts and set certain rules 
for rehearsals. 

Was also voted at the meeting to 
demand billing for all actdrs in dra- 
matic programs, (a proposal the net- 
works will fight because it will 
allegedly 'clutter up the air') and 
to force all announcers doing dra- 
matic acting to join the radio union 
under a closed shop setup. An- 
nouncers hot doubling as actors 
would be permitted to belong to 
their own organization. 

Matter which received some dis- 
cussion at the meeting, although it 
did not come, up on the floor, was 
the case of Linda Carlon, actress, 
who was recently dropped from a 
Blackett - Sample - Ilummert show. 
Was claimed that Miss Carlon had 
refused to sign an Air Features con- 
tract calling for a 5% commission 
payment. 



52 



VARIETY 



VARIETY HOUSE BEVIE WS 



Wednesflay, July 28, 1937 



Radio Caty Music Haill ^ 

Okay stage divertissement this 
■week -is mideummer .mixture ol -stan-: 
dard .items, 'liove JSonfis,' lor ex-, 
aniple, is typical ^nging tableau aft- 
fair di-essed in the motif of the fe?i-, 
tui-e of the week, 'Toast df -the Towri'- 
(BKO). Couples xbmanticly set off 
by subdued lighting , alternately 
handle eundry ditties •of padh. "Rdb-r 
ert JLandium, Hall standby, .and iRosa 
Rubinstein are centre sti^ge -and ithe 
dhlef couple, . 'liove .Songs' j>resenta- 
tiori is .preceded by .the .pitmen 
smacking out'Tschaikowsky's •Romeo 
and ifvtUet: 

-On the (dancing side there >is a 
ves'c .atbor itra-la-la in lulle dresses 
lar -the ballet corpB xaaad A SHft .^hoe" 
iieutine -with a Jhatf^uecl, 'Ixall-wthite 
coloration by the .snai^ :Sockette6. 
Harrison and ^Fisher reveal some un- 
-usual lifts and "the blende femme 

Eartner a <nif4y 'pair -of 'gams. Acro- 
stic li*ts ai ounfl her spailnei'Ss 'body 
■• alao draws .applause. 

. Jasoha Bron holds tern with ,«ogne 
beautiful ih^eriiig an tOie wdolin, ^ex- 
' iting to substantial reQQgnition'. Short 
, dhow in view of summer and :pic- 
ture's length, „ „ . 

^Downstairs lounge at tthe ^11 vfhis 
week as a ^ow in litseQf and idtwtr-' 
ing <weU among Ihe pstronnfie. . iSEfs 
.the Jules Gharbneaii icolteotion >o£ 
miniatures, of all sorts. Hundreds of 
tiny replicas, all practical, are in 
locked dhowxaaes. Charbnean lec- 
tures «nga^ingly iftve ixmes cflaily. aifi 
demand among the kids and (doMrag- 
ers for autographing sxt ^ogram 
with the world'f smsSleBt iQuniain 
pen. Xund. 



ORIENTAL, N. Y, 



There is no mention of the ops,' 
even, on pregram. Only mention 
was a censorial jab when Ralph 
<Bcown salvoed them in a speech of 
thanks, with Astwood coming from 
wings to censor, but that's all. New 
setup on Broadway is seemingly try- 
ing Ifor the same dype of shows as 
at the Apollo, iHarlem. If "they'll 
pattern after the uptown house, 
everything should be okay. Looks 
like 'there must be a pilblic for -these 
er^While nitery ,'preamb'les >w<ho can 
go ior .the '25-550. top ;but .Whose 
budgets ^couldn't .stand -the strain of 
nitar.y tariffs. 



Min.sky Bros^, like others making 
the hurry-i<p transition from ^str|p- 
.teasery ^cantatas, seem to ^haye 
someithing iin the aew 'sepiia .i^hOw 
(pidicy introduced 'la^ Wednesday 
'(21'). Initialer is li^ed ^Doiqg 
Xi;ptbwji Downtown' and-iortthe rinost 
part iVs a sn^py jsong .and tdahoe 
^how that has plenty of J^P £a, 
*btrt -notably -weaSc on comedy, it'^ 
not enough to Tnake -a go 01 'it. 
'<!Peilicy folded last night nCTuesday) 
after but one .week). 

Sw.an :and Lies, male twosome, 
^shoulder most of the laUgfa-tgeiiting 
.dlvisioh, but sometimes lion^it. The 
ITwo Zephyrs ^aum plenty on iheir 
pantomimip foolery 'but •ev£n .sp .'its 
ihoi't in the guffaw and jrefll deipatt- 
iMnt. Dusty Fletcher^ hilled, tlidriU 
go ' on, but wAuld aiave limped 
magnificently [by some^ort of book- 
ing jam he had signed up with the 
Aydllo, Hailtem, b^oie ithey icould 
afir^ >oh ^salaisr down itiBr.e.11 
ifpite .shortcommg^, >1he /friendly 
premiere .audience v.iwent tor -^very- 
thing . Qiff ej^ed .and ithe xeiE^ts w^re 
satistictoiy. Show's perscumel, "both 
as to principals, and the 24 good 
looking sepia choristers, has ^been 
feoruited (from sepia 'Aoor- shows, 
partioularly some of those *who lor- 
merly xcavorted at the .H<tiilem 
•Uproar House, jmound the jiorner 
. front the Oriental and shuttered lor 
the summer. 

Erdkine Hawkins* Swing Band 
moved ,o\fier intact, from the rtitery, 
working in pit, haindling dnstru 
Nmetitation aacompaniment on the 
' show and plantintg a ^couple of -socko 
dontribs on their jjwn. I^hey're jiat 
dancing up and down the aisles yet 
but it can happen any time now 

The hot swin-g -opener paces the 
9how Wiith Lecoy fflroomfiedd, Au- 
.rora Greeley, Mae .Jdhnson, iflanked 
by sepia steppers doing An okay pre 
lude in colorful costumes. Cook anc 
Brown follow and more neift hoof' 
iftg 'in W!hi<!h they .give eweryithing, 
• malcing way for £.wan and iLee for 
iiiitial .blackout 'The <3bost JWalks,' 
travesty -on spiritualism> packing 
some laughs on tcaditiontd supersti- 
tion of the Mcjgro anenit patching up 
with departed spirits. This time if!s 
in revervse and (funnier. Wormdn 
Ast.wood is okay .straight as the 
. ;crystal-gazer. Buoomfield, vQreeley 
and ensemble pick up with another 
welU done production number. 'In 
The Garden of Eve,' with Miss Gree- 
ley's torso-twisrting here and again 
the onily semblance of departed ibur- 
l^y pi'Oilected Iq show. 

Renee and Estelle, flanked by 
their JFoiU" Cuban ~ Bongo ,drum- 
heaters, uncork some nifty Cuban 
wiggling with Harlemania embel- 
lishments that ^et 'Over lor top re- 
turns, Then the Wvfo Zephyrs, who 
vevitably sewed them lup with their 
pantomimic dice .game and other 
slow-motion preambling. Team wer-e 
distinct outstander of the .sho.w, 
with Raloh Brown, .uncorking a 
dancemania spec in next-to-shut that 
Showed them every.thing there is in 
dancing and was runner-iip with the 
Zeohy.rs for showtopping honors. 

Swan and Lee returned for some 
more dialoging that developed a 
total loss and. if anything, glowed 
•down temoo of the show. Bad mate- 
rial rather than manipulation 
handicap tlie comics, who seemed 
just as glad to have it over with 
as the audience. Mae Johnson, who 
had been augmenting the vocal divi- 
sion for the production numbers, 
stepped out on her own and .socked 
them with a double of vocals, 'Lay 
It On the Line' and 'Suckarose' also 
tied them uo. Johnson .girl has per- 
sonality and can't miss with her de- 
livery of the Ethel Watex's type. So 
wei'fe her songs. Colorful Indian 
number with everybody 'on and all 
gftine A break-neck speed made a 
zlwov Anale. 

The Mitisky idea of seWa shows; 
was given an encouraging start 



APmxo, N. Y. 

' ' '(tI<VR«>EM:-) 

Plenty of show and plenty hotcha 
art this uptown acer, with itscolored 
Show ptflicy. This house, ailong with 
LO&w^ State dowintown on Broad- 
way, .has the 'name' .situation cinched 
forifew York, 

'Current week's layout, opening 
I1riat»y -(23), has Major Bowes' '■Dixie 
Jubilee' unit, o^Aored amateurs, «m- 
ftracing 11 acts. Slunning S5 jntns., 
it's. A Show in itseilf , 'but 'house sm- 
fxellishes it with iDusty.fletcher and 
Sandy Burns, -comics; George Wilt- 
shire, ftraififht; Rosie O'lTeHl, sing- 
ing .and :dancing ingenue; not over- 
looking Tiny Brad^haw, in as gyost 
conductor {or Black Rhythm Band 
(B)) vfiiB travels with the Sowes unit 
Management gives 'em plenty up 
hfiire for their -400. top, includixkg a 
feature picture and iie.wsreel. 

Erfoeding the Bowes unit Miss 
O'JNeiU intros 'with estplana'tory vocal 
plus snappy taps backed by house 
dhoiiisters, 16 . Harperettes, latter 
•named ior Leonard Harper who pro- 
duces here and does a swell job. 
Fletcher, Burns :and • "WilshiEe, -with 
two of the choristers, next with, some 
surefire skit stuff Which, despite 
vintage, .§macks over for plenty ot 
laughs. Another song rand dance by 
Miss 0'J>Ieill Jknd then the unit. Band 
«n stage with graduate .simonpuxes 
doing their stuff .in front. 

. Putney fllaps out a lively pianolog 
and sets, things pretty for Harriet 
Waters, an ebony-hued Sophie 
Tucker, who Whams with 'vCopper 
Colored Gal' topped by a shiv^ver 
ddnce that, j-ocks the house with 
laughter. Four Lindy Hoppers, 
mixed, contribute lively legmania, 
with all limp at the bow-off, stop- 
ping' the -show. George Holmes, do- 
ling all manners of hoofirvg from 
buck to taps, with chair in mouth 
balance, also sewed things up. Ann 
Cooper, next, vContribut«s aomee ifancy 
hopi tooting. Gordon Mackay, iboot- 
black tenor, gets a good hand oh his 
opener, 'Star Dust;' and even better 
with 'Some Day You'll Belong to Me,' 
Boy has good .pipes and .sur« click 
deliyjery. Al (Boom Boom) Bowman 
also gregisters with . his jnaniacal 
drumming and hoofing, as do the 
Starlight Dixde Trio,, sister harmony 
act of -good appearance and blend- 
ing woicse ifor a duo of -vocals tha': 
please. Billy Irons cracks over his 
roller taps on stairs, giving way to 
Three Virginia Hams, male trio, also 
scoring heavy in the yocaiizlng and 
stepping divisions. 

Hradshaw, who has been doing his 
looney stuff throughout as an mic 
buildup (for the ams, takes over 
band tor .some torrid swing that sets 
pretty. Three .Skipsters, f emme trio, 
contribute nice taps with Ropes 'giv 
ing way to Earl Scott and Leslie 
Waters, rhythm rascals who lik-ewise 
tied it up with their wartJling, in- 
strumental imitations and clowning 
and could have held them lor .the 
remainder of the evening. They 
wouldn't let them go -despite sue 
cession of 'encortfes but eventually 
faded into the break-neck speedy 
finale with everybody on for a zippy 
closer and palm whacking: lor sev 
£ral minutps after the icreen fea 
ture was on. 'Jubilee' unit was re 
viewed in Variety at Oriental, Chi 
cago, June 9. 



TABOR, DENVfai 

Denver, July 25. 

Headlined by four Jap tumblers, 
the Kanazawa troupe, the current 
vaude bill at the Tabor, is okay 
Other two acts are comedy and audi- 
ence .gets numerous laughs out of 
each of the three acts. 

The .Japs use their feet like hands 
and toss each other about and spin 
each othsr about in the air as though 
the One .being tossed were a rubber 
ball. Their act is introduced by 
routine hne girls in Jap kimonas and 
parasols, with Virginia Pei'kins doing 
specialty dance. The Kanazawa 
troupe are nimble and last, and do 
some difficult feats of tumbling in 
okay fashion, 

Edison and Louise have a hokum 
act- that rates laughs and applause 
•They use a dog, piano, banjo and .a 
trick oboe that Shoots firecrackers, 
thumbs its nose, and comes .apart, 
right down to the . mouthpiece, and 
with Edison making music in spite of 
the wrecking. 

Moroni and Coralee open with ac 
robatic comedy, doing head spins 
from one side of stage to the other. 
Comedy is overdone and could stand 
toning for better effect. 

Opening routine two girls in sailor 
costumes for a sailor's hornpipe, 
which is effective. Virginia Lee 
Madden, of the line, contribs special- 
ty dance that is okay. 

'Thunder in the City* (Col) on the 
screen. Business fair at the opening 
show Friday. Rose. 



Les Afii]»assa^etirs 

-<rABIS) 
('Cotton Xnub Rcwne') 

ijMidon, July ZSl' 
Oatimn 'Oktb Bevue ••pened at 
the Palladiom loa^ night and was 
<corditftl/ ireoeiveli, -ffeneimlty Ap- 
proved more ^oi* ^peed than 
quality. Show -sBiould ^ excel- 
lent ibiislneas i«n its 4mtr-'week 
run. 



Paris, July 14. 
This impoited xevue hrought hei>e 
by Edmond Sayag for his Thoatrs 
des Ambasaadeurs -is 'pulling ut-s 
w£i£ht, both fhere and in the Bal 
Moulin Rouge, 'ne.w mon:$ter Mont- 
martre hijfhtie ^opened by Pierre 
Sandrini. 

Show is hall^ooed 9s the ' «ame 
produced in New York 'by '.Clarence 
Robinson, , Who .rame over here with 
a troupe tit 63 tie put it «en in both 
places. Band i)f Teddy Hill 'is 
doing a £ood Tjdb eS. furnishing music 
for the revjue on -both ^ots, as - /ell 
as a brand of Max^^ thsLt Is liked for 
dancing art Ihe Moulin Jt^uge. 

Show tslkes in three scenes in <eaoh 
braclvet ;to oomr a fair portion -of 
variety but- vwith' -its weak 'spots and 
an over-iabundanoe of 'titepdancing 
which iu^ ;dOB8n*t click lin dihis town. 
Beet applause 'catchers are 4he £erry 
Bros., the Jast-imoving ;^ie 'spotted 'in 
the second haH who click 'with some 
good showjnaatship, strutting and 
dancing. J£id 'Of the tido .does best 
because .of his almost °. dincanny 
agility .and jprecision. 

Rollin Smith garners well with his 
'Ole Man JBtovar' and -Bubsequent 
offerings, -^llso true of the Tramp 
Band. Novelty of the latter in- 
triguedhere. 

Dance team Of \Norton and Mar- 
got, spotted .twice, does not .click so 
well .with the itheatre audience, -al- 
though it may be another question 
in the nightie, as is tthe case with 
two legs loaded with taps walk-ad 
on and off by Bill Bailey. 

Line of 16 gir4s showing here .does 
not stack up as well in looks and 
mould as might be <expfected of a 
firsticlass itroupe .-txtming out of 
Harlem, hut ,gals know their -steps 
and get theni over with a fair degree 
of success. Whyto's Hopping Mani- 
acs, three couples of hot swing- 
steppers, do well. Band sticks to the 
pit *or the ^first half, 'but moves on 
stage to .back numbers during the 
second. 

Entire itroupe ds getting' a stiff 
workout 'here, .doing one matinee a 
week and eafih night at the theatre 
plus one Show at the Moulin Rouge 
afterwards. "Show July 26 for four 
wesks and may come back here. 
Moves to the Paladium, London. 

Hugo. 



say the least. Sandwiching of one 
aC other three acts en ibitl 'between 
the two Oharacters certainlly wotfld,' 
have made for Bmoether, hotter re-'; 
suits. ' 

Miss Questelle shaped up betterthan' 
the Sailor Man at late show caught: 
Friday evening (23). -Appearance iS' 
A-1, and couplai songs in !Betty B'oop',: 
^yle are sock. Climaxes \wiith ai 
mimic novelty of film stars at party 
given for cartoon oharadter, inioelyl 
done, but not up to Other elforts and' 
rather incongruous. 

•Lartter 'is aflso the .-ohiwf ifauH nt- 
Welch, who -gets away -nioely >in 
coupla Popoye skits and then drifts 
madly into imps 'of ^everybody under, 
the sun, including Ted Lewis, Lily' 
Pons, Lawrence Tibbetts, a sy mphony - 
ork, airplane, etc. All deft, 'but not 
what audience wants $com .Popeye. 
Makeup as comic-strip .guy is true, 
but a little ragged. Both Miss -Ques- 
tetle and "W-elch accorded 'niice^ands, 
but mostly for ;1lheir originsil Toles. 

Also billed ar^ the ^0 Brothers, 
with Eddie Rio, who rsoentHy lhad 
pairt in -New iFaces of 1§37' Aicher; 
Jean Deveroux & Co., and the "7 
Variety Gambols. 

Eddie Rio'^s 'portrait lOf a -femme 
taking a hath' is a panic for .women 
payees, as it's been luere on previous 
occasions. Two brothers, .acting .as 
stooges outfront, come on atage (to 
aid -in a "March of Time'' traiveSty, 
plenty .good. Off to lotta handdlt^ps 
after some fast hoofing. 

Opening cog is dglegacted to the 
Variety Gambols, four boys . Bnd 
three lemme acrobats. Latter^' ap- 
pearance not -of the 'best, but -com- 
pany more than makes .up for it 
with round irf pyramids, .splits, hoof- 
ing and trampoline stuff. Standout 
is triple splits by gals, one with feet 
on shoulders of other two. 

Dance turn djosiing show, includes 
Miss' Deveroux, ballerina; the eccen- 
tric Falla Sisters, and Slanohe Lewiis, 
tapper. Plenty of stuff on the ball 
arid .a swell act for closing. Miss 
Deveroux contribcutes .'coupla neat 
ballet numbers, -including some sock 
pirouettes, Falla Sistei-g, fiarbed 
niftily in blue and- then pink, offer 
tw3 aeroba'tic numbers, while Miss 
Lewis tur.ns in a swell itap to . the 
tune of 'Poets and Peasants.' 

Overture, under Eduard Werner's 
stick, got .over better than any Other 
seen here in ^ome time. Pictorial 
version of 'Light Cavalry' -is aug- 
mented by dramatic scene from 
'Charge of Light Brigade' flicker. 

Downstairs jammed, balcony filling 
fast at last show caught Firiday eve- 
ning (23), Screen: 'Between Two 
Women' CMG), Rete. 



ROxy, R Y. 

The stage atuff this week is a 40 
minutes ■Onoe-.over-Hghtly. With 
'Wee Willie Winkie' >t20th) on the 
screen (reviewed in Variety June 
30), not mutfh rostrum romping was 
needed. Short sihow gives plenty of 
turnover, and yet doesnH make the 
Roxy r-egulars think they're being 
shont-chqnged, even with tilted .scale, 
from 55c. to 75c. 

. There's a. -wallqping finale to the 
flesh .exhibit when lJuncan and 
Bremner, two huSky Highlanders in 
fiill .Soot regalia, come trotting on 
blasting bagpipes, followed by Mar- 
jorie Knapp, who solos "Something 
About a Soldier' dn heavy burr -ac- 
cent. Then tsomes the real sock 
when the 24 ^Gae Foster girls romp 
in abbreviated !kilts, and wheel 
through a seven minute number that 
has 'em rolling in and out of forma- 
tions While balancing on huge globes. 
Oirtf renters went for it in a big 
way. 

Prior to their flnal frolic the girls 
had little to do, opening with a 
shortie stomp that gave most a .brief 
whack at sOlo acrobatics of minor 
sort, and a here-and-gone posturing 
picture aboUt midway. 

First .of -the three specialties on 
the bill was Ray Sax. His simul- 
taneous tapping and sax tooting i.s 
still good; in fact, his work has im- 
proved . since 'last around. 

Deucing, Buster Shaver and mid- 
gets, vGeorge .and Olive Brasno. Fine 
turn, always good for st>'6ng returns, 
was sliced somewhat, cwith the tots' 
singing getting the scissors for the. 
sake of time saving. 

Three Swifts, vet straight and 
hoke club juggling male group, hold 
down their snot about o.k. Act .stiU 
needs an .effective opening. • With 
running .tim-s at a premium the trio 
could have soeeded by deleting some 
of the tedious repetitious quasi- 
comedy. 

Bi7. strong at last show ooening 
night. Bert. 



MiCHIGAN, DETROIT 

Detroit, July 27. 

Betty Boop and Popeye under the 
same roof! Joint buying of the car- 
toon characters is a first-time book- 
ing, and things work a little better 
than you'd think. Don't provide 
much substance for the 50-minlite 
show, but they're good kid fodder 
and add 'needed lightness for a sum- 
mer bill. 

Biggest fault with the lineup, and 
not the chairacters, is spotting. Pop- 
eye, enacted by Harry Foster Welch, 
occupies deuce, which is oke, but the 
'Boop-a-doop' gal, Mae Questelle. is 
spotted immediately following spin- 
ach champ, which is monotonous to 



STATE, N. Y. 

This is a sleeper ride' week at the 
State; once over lightly on "both 
stage and screen and ibiz -way <0S .on 
opening night flnal show as proof 
that the fans most certainly 'do 
smell 'em out. 

Rostrum portion of the entertaiin- 
ment is not the worst in the world, 
but just .sOtSO. And only four acts — 
which looks a >bit like ^cheating. It 
isn't really, considering the fact that 
the Lucky Millinder band, headlined, 
occupies 40 minutes of stage time, 
but that's 'What it looks like. 

James Evans opens the proceed- 
ings -snappily. He's a .pedal juggler, 
and one of the best in his clan. Can 
play any type house, vaude or pic- 
tures, and okay; In the deuce is 
Frances Faye (new acts) whose spe- 
cial distinction in life seems to be 
that she originated, or so 'it is 
claimed for her via a pa. intro, za- 
;:oo-zazz. It's .okay deuce entertain- 
ment for a vaude bill, but not mucih 
more than that. 

Rosco Ates follows and he has, by 
now. become pretty adept -at vaude. 
Works with a good-looking girl in a 
mighty old-timey man-woman rou- 
tine. Not good, not bad, although 
there are at least two lines -which 
are too blue for vaude houses. Which 
calls to mind the curious fact that 
vaude acts now are getting away 
with more dirt than the polished-up 
burley people even are permitted. 
Not too often, fortiunately, but much 
too much, even so. Also a curious 
note is that the mob out front either 
has forgotten who Ates ds, or doesn't 
cai'e. Maybe that personal appear- 
ance gag is weanng out. There 
wasn't a ripple on Ates' walk-on, 
though he got a fair hand on exit. 

Follows the Millinder band and 
that brings up the thought that it's 
about time some of these stage- bands 
went out and bought themselves 
some mutes. This act is either on a 
sustaining commercial for the .as- 
pirin manufacturers or should be. 
Sitting through it without develop- 
ing a headache is a miracle. 

Not tlial it's a .bad band; far from 
that. Just too noisy. As a matter 
oC fact this fellow Millinder is one 
of the more musicianly lOf the col- 
ored macstros and his leading, while 
the, nth degree in calisthenics, shows 
quite distinctly that he knows his 
rhythm and his band. He isn't j.ust 
hopping around and waving his 
stick; he knows. His orchestrations 
are excellent and he has a topnotch 
crew. Consists of 13 men, nine of 
them brass, but it is -the piano which 
dominates, And that's something. 
Interspersed are a male soloist, a 
femme soloist, a boy hoofer and . a 
sejctet of Lindy hopper.*;; Audience 
lilted the latter especially weill, de* 
spite the fact that they merely added 
to the din. 

Picture is 'Married Before Break- 
fast* (MG), a first-run. State gets 
only one or two firsl -runs a yeai' and 
they are almoKf ?'i pntornatic tip- 
oft' on quality. Kauf. 



PARAMOUNT, N, Y. 

Accepitable summer entertainment 
is provided by Mai HaiUett orchestra, 
•plus -Hal LeRoy, Teddy Grace and 
other-s. <LeRoy is the big wallop of 
the show but in others, booked sep- 
arately for the engagement or car- 
ried in by Hallett such as the boy 
singer^ Jerry IPerkms, the show 
totals to an hour's diversion that's 
okay. It'.s JEar from the best the 
house has had but better than some, 
thus averaging satisfactorily. 

For Hallett, long a fave with the 
dancing bunch in the nation's ball- 
rooms, <it'-s -Arst Broadway theatr« 
date oif '.its joind. As a name Hallett 
isiit lup there with the topnotdhers 
that have been 'booked for this 'stand 
but has iQuite a following ifrem the 
radio plus other bvchestraing .around 
the ieast, 

Inrtuding himself the band num- 
bers 13 men, -jseMoral of whom double 
•for speoialtifis. These indude Charlie 
Blake, the drummer who has a spot 
to himself, vwith a few Jyxics to flt 
his drummihg stint; Frankie Carle, 
Who"s ninible aft the piano and gets 
across nicely with two solos; Joe 
Cabonera, bass Addler, a portly and 
ingratiaiting sort, plus another portly 
musioian, Buddy Welcome, who 
doubles from -clarinet to vocal ar- 
rangements. In addition to these, 
Hallett (Carries .Jerry Perkins :(new 
acts), youthful -vocalist picked up in 
Chi. When caught Parkins did four 
numbers , -under urffing, with the 
Hallett men .backing .him as a .chorus 
pn one. 

Perkins precedes LeRoy who closes 
stoutly with his -hoofing. Tapper is 
doing foiur nuinbers, including the 
Old standby to 'Sweet SueJ' One of 
his numbers is a version of a lazy 
colored boy wanming .up to a Suzy-Q 
and truck. The Le Hoy technique 
is smart, as it has always been. 

Two <>ther specialty performers 
are Val Setz, the jugifler, and Teddy 
Grace, singer (new acts). Miss Grace, 
strong on low not^s, puts a lot ol 
Harlem flavor into her work and 
through fine selling goes over good. 
She does three numbers early in the 
proceedings, returning for one a little 
later and then a.aain for the finale 
and 'Underneath the Harlem Moon,* 
Finale is a radium -^effect scene and 
flashy. Various effects onto drops 
from the booth, developed by Harry 
Rubin, badkffjound numbers for the 
band and others. That x>f a^^ryosy 
wagon and campfire hi6h-lighti>ig 
one of PesrMnIs poos, is oanticularly 
well oonoeived and effective. 

Hallett's hand features .specialties 
and .fioloing more than it does 
straiffht KWiine numbers. As a band 
and in the .playing, it statfks uw -as 
a good, sv/ingy organization. Hal- 
lett- perflonaUy doesn't do much -cuit- 
side of directing, but is a .nersonabl* 
and engajung maestro at the helm. 

Show ran an even hour, wheA 
caught, a little loucer than r^ost 
here. About 10 or 15 minutes less 
mi>»ht make it tijsihter. . ^ 

Feature is "-Exclusive (Par), t«- 
viev/ed in last week's Vametv. 

•Chor. 



HIPP, BALTIMORE 

Baltimore, July 27- 
Will Osborne is back at the Hippo- 
drome and turning in his usual good 
job. Varying his former routine 
somewhat with the interpolation of 
some niew arrangements and a num- 
ber of specialties, he uses up a fast 
moving 50 minutes to do his stuff. 
Specialties include Ruthie Long, 
Dorothy Rogere and F-enwick and 
Cook. 

Fronting a musicianly aggregation, 
Osborne opiens with a rather long 
medley, immediately followed by an 
interesting handling of 'September 
in the Rain' and 'Cherry Blossom 
Lane.' Ruthie Long next in well 
sold hoofing routine, earning an en- 
core and giving out with a legit 
buck. Girl oould stand a bit of 
dressing up. 

Very swingy version of 'Turkey m 
the Twilight,' with the band well in 
the groove, followed to good returns 
and set nice spot for Dorothy. Rogers 
in okay vocals of 'Ain't Got Rhythm 
and 'Night and Day,' latter getting 
some excellent backing-up by the 
aggriegation. 

Specialties, in which members of 
the band contribute in good style 
and to rousing returns, spliced in 
nicely hei-e with the familiar Os- 
borne rendition of 'St. Louis Blues' 
in three-quarter time in between 
skillfully changing pace, and setting 
matters for 'Merry-go-round Broke 
Down' with vocal by the maestro 
and a rousing finish featuring the 
brass section with the three slide 
trumpets r6ally going to town. 

Fen wick and Cook follow, stop- 
ping ■ proceedings very nicely on 
opening show. -Comedy aerobatics 
scored heavily and version of the 
slap dance from 'Whjte Hbr.se Inn* 
had the customers yelling for more. 
Boys give doings a decided lift. Im- 
pressions of variou.s name bands 
next, including Osborne's not very 
flattering impression of Rudy Vallee. 
Closes with take-off of old time jazz 
band giving- out with 'Strutter,^ 
Ball,' and good for a series of en- 
cores. 

Pi"Uire is 'Girl Said No' (GN). 

Burni. 



WeAneedaj, July 28, 1937 



VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS 



VARIETY 53 



STATE-LAKE, GHI. 

Philadelphia, July 25. 

Slate Brothers' get the billing this 
week, wandering inland out of the 
bill, seemingly as they please and 
clicking with every appearance. Be- 
side doing their own act, they are 
sDotted at opening, close, and be- 
tween other turns. To them must 
go the credit for giving the show the 
fast pace it has, and that's plenty 
fast Some of their stuflE is bits from 
their NTG routine, but much of it is 
new and- shows- the artistry with 
which hoke comedy can be done. 
Their own turn includes the 'Fun 
Marches On' and wrestling bits, some 
swell hoofing, and the introduction 
of two girl stooges, one to sing, the 
other to dance. With the exception 
of the wrestling bit, which drags a 
trifle, and the opening Mammy sing- 
ing, which is too long, nothing needs 
changing. 

Other acts built around the Slates, 
round out a vaudeville bill that has 
plenty of good solid entertainment, 
with lots of variety. A special note 
of praise must go to Chas. and Dolly 
Niggenieyer for the two numbers by 
the house line, and to the girls thein- 
selves. 

/ This week, the opener is a semi- 
cowboy routine in close formation, 
the girls wearing phosphorescent 
costumes. Final number reaches peak 
in performance for a house of this 
kind. A toe routine,, it uses pvery 
one of the 12 girls to the full ex- 
tent of their ability. Undoubtedly, 
the consistently good, and varied, 
routines by the line have done as 
much as anything else to keep this 
house in the steady business class. 

Four Vespers, male hand-to-hand 
and springboard turn, is tops in its 
class. Speed, deftness, and clean-cut 
showmanship here, and the act can 
fit In any bill anywhere. 

Bernard and Henrie, billed still as 
the female Van and Schenck, ^^re in 
after months spent at the northside 
clubs. Two women doing numbers 
and character songs, they're good 
vaude, and would be better if the 
house woiild see fit to give 'em two 
microphones, or arrange things so 
both could use one comfortably. 
Scored with this audience. 

Last, but far from least, is Harris, 
Claire and Shannon, class and novel- 
ty dance team. Man and two wom- 
en, doing ballroom dancing, with all 
routines including the three. They're 
interesting, and their, technique is 
shownlanly. 

' Finish of show, with Slate Bros, 
coming on for a gagging goodnight 
after the line finale had finished was 
° a little, too smart for this house, and 
cohfil^d 'em. Convention is best for 
the State-Lake audience. 

Picture is 'Roaring Timber' (Col) 
.Three-quarter capacity at last show 
opening night. _ Loop. 

STANLEY, PITTS. 

Chicago, July '25. 
Latest Bowes amateur unit carries 
the label 'Second Anniversary Show' 
because it was exactly two years 
ago that the first hit the WB de 
luxer. 

From the looks of things at the 
first show this afternoon, Bowes on 
the marquee hereabouts still means 
dough. Picture is 'Easy Living' 
(Par) and while combo of Edward 
Arnold and Jean Arthur may mean 
something, it couldn't have been re 
sponsible for the full house and 
lobby line waiting foi> the break. 

Show itself is the usual collection 
of simon-pures, some good, some 
bad and others just indifferent. One 
glaring fault of this one is the 
galaxy of mimics. In past, there's 
always been one to a unit. Here 
half a dozen. Makes for a sameness 
that isn't inviting and tedium has al 
ready set in. by the time the last kid 
gets out to swing into a Martha 
Eaye. 

It's likewise a mistake to saddle a 
young lady like Edna Harris with 
emcee duties. In her own specialty 
midway she's okay, but doesn't have 
the stuff otherwise to handle the 
layout. A typically New Yorkese 
accent, for one thing, doesn't make 
things any easier and she paces her 
announcements too leisurely; doesn't 
. know what to do with herself on the 
stage and is of no particular help to 
the acts, who need plenty of it. 

Best of the turns are a minor 
league Rufe Davis who has himself 
announced under the almost unbe- 
lievable tag of Joe the Weasel; Joe 
Higgins, who goes throiigh the usual 
imitation repertory, clicking best 
with Bob Burns and Lionel Barry- 
more; Flying Top Hatters, boy-girl 
roller skating act with plenty of 
daredeviltry; Marshall Rogers, who 
gets music out of an assortment 61 
everyday drinking goblets; rangy 
Texan named Sam Hinton v(New 
Acts), who twangs a guitar and gets 
a plaintive note to his Lone Star 
laments, and Jimmy Edwards, young 
lad from Florida who writes, spells, 
talks and sings backwards. 

There's also a pretty singer, Mar- 
jorie Dalton, who has s.a. galore, but 
needs a bit more voice culture to go 
Places. Then, with her looks, it 
should be a pushover. Unit also in- 
cludes Van Zandt Twins, femmes 
With accordions; Three Swanks, 
male harmony trio with one of the 
lads at the piano, and Vincent Pas- 
selli, Brooklyn baritone. They .all 
fall strictly within the amateur 
groove. 

House band Is on the stage for 



the unit, with Dave Broudy resting 
while one of Bowes' men handles 
baton. Stage is draped In cool- 
looking summer white and makes a 
nice front for the kids. 

Next-to-closing is a young miss ot 
14 doing a bang-up takeoff on 
Martha Raye. In deference to the 
ingenue, Miss Harris should elimi- 
nate her impression of the same 
actress, which she does earlier in 
the show. There are some people 
who feel one Martha Raye is 
enough. But two of them within 
half an hour— well. 

Par newsreel and cartoon only 
other items on the bill this week. 

Cohen. 



CAPITOL, WASH. 

Washington, July 25. 
Ah. m.c, a line of girls and 
three arts whipped into another 
smooth revUe this week. Red Skel- 
ton, winding up three straight weeks, 
ties show together and keeps it mov- 
ing in smart pace. Opens with dizzy 
patter that finds some new gags on 
local traffic and breaks show with 
two specialties; first a skit in an un- 
employment agency and second using 
blonde on miike at rear of stage de- 
scribing baseball game in which he 
plays all positions, pitching to him- 
self and running to rear of house to 
ask entire row to get up so he can 
get in to nab the fiy. Lad's ability 
to create audience mood and play it 
to the hilt, plus fact that he can dish 
the gags without getting smutty in 
town that likes its wit clean, has es- 
tablished him to point where he got 
hand on initial appearance at show 
caught. ^ 

Gae Foster Girls launch doings 
with repeat of their ball-balancing 
number, which socked as finale last 
week. Skelton makes good his prom- 
ise to perform on ball, too, leading 
line through finale with just enough 
clumsiness to cinch two bows for 
the number. Carter and Holmes on 
next with song-patter-hoofing turn, 
which can thank pair's acrobatic 
foolery for chief success. 

Skelton again and then Gus Van 
st^ps onto extended platform over 
pit to give 'em a taste of the old- 
time standard vaude and make 'em 
love it. Works in top hat, tails and 
cane with a confidence that makes 
some of the newer boys look like 
amateurs. Opens .with 'That. High 
Hat, That Piccolo, That Canfr' and 
swings into 'Always Picking On 
Broadway,' into which he works Van 
and Schenck hits from 19ia on. Dis- 
cards hat and cane to give 'em 'Mus- 
solini,' tickling 'em with Italian dia- 
lect and encoring with 'Is - Your 
Mother Irish,', which has house 
whooping. Second encore goes mod- 
ern, but keeps same mood with 'You 
Can't Take It With You,' which he 
could have followed, but was smart 
enough to bow out on. 

Girls back in flower set for stand 
ard pop ballet bringing on Dorothy 
Crooker, whose entire-dance-on-one 
leg gets th? usual good hand. Tab- 
leau of girls closes curtains and Skel 
ton makes his customary thank-you 
speech, the first lad here to be able 
to do it regularly and score. 

Pic is 'Saratoga' (MG) and opened 
with smash. Craig. 

MET, BOSTON 

■ Boston, July 26. 

As far as the customers are con 
cerned, any preliminary act to 
Martha Raye, starred in this week's 
show, is just a time marker for the 
main attraction; but a most recep 
tive audience gives the surrounders 
a cordial reception and everybody 
has a good time. 

Presenting essentially the same 
routine she gave at the Paramount, 
N. Y., Miss Raye proves herself a 
great showman by turning a hoarse 
throat into a clever device for gar 
nering laughs. Working her sight 
gags to best advantage, she has a lot 
of fun also with he.r hoarseness in 
the 'Mr. Paganini' number, some 
times skipping the high notes and 
flatting terribly, but it's all in fun 
Adds punch of her act, and her 
cheerful personality permeates 
throughout. 

Leo Morgan, producer, presents 
the star neatly with a line number, 
next-to-close, in which the girls 
work in an ultra yiolet ray, each 
carrying a quarter section of a cari- 
cature. When four girls come to- 
gether the result is a cartoon of such 
characters as Popeye and other 
famed filmsters. Finale is a giant 
panel of Miss Raye, who pops out 
through it, 

California Collegians' band blends 
into the setup nicely, with their 
crazy comedy and impersonations 
The circus number and the 'Working 
My Way Through College' opener 
are clickers. They also support the 
pit band during Miss Raye's act. At 
tractive setting by Hjalmar Herman- 
son helps things along, too. 

Bob Ea.ston, with his clever midge': 
and capable female partner, please 
in the d6uce with an okay routine 
The baby carriage sequence and a 
telephone bit ^which should be 
lengthened) register, as does the 
comedy vocal by the midget. 

Elaine Dowling's Five Tip Top 
Girl? work in opening line number 
flip-flopning all over the nlace in 
double-jointed aero specialties. 

With 'Wee Willie Winkie' (20th) 
on the .screen the Met is laughing at 
summer .clumps. Opening day a com 
plele sellout. Fox. 



Embassy Newsreel, N. Y. 

Newsreel copy gets more and 
more routine, with clips such as 
Paramount's recent Chicago Memo- 
rial Day police-strikers' melee an 
extreme rarity, all of which makes 
it appear the reel makers are gen- 
erally content to follow the lines of 
least resistance by burning up film 
on unimportant stuff, depending on 
file material and frequently by try- 
ing to cover up with narrative. It 
may be that now and then there 
isn't much news of stirring impor- 
tance but there doesn't seem to be 
as much anxiety on the part of 
newsreels to get it as on newspapers. 

Lassitude of the newsreel men is 
at least indicated by the many clips 
that are turned out which are mean- 
ingless. On the other hand, anyone 
can go over the week's news and try 
in vain to find most of it on film 
anywhere — even if grabbed late. 
The lack of initiative or inertia is 
also suggested by the fact that news- 
reels seldom scoop the papers. 

Result of what happens — or 
doesn't happen— in the newsreel 
field finds shows at this house top- 
leavy with inconsequential items. 
Pageants, this or that dedication, 
rituals of remote and jejeune caliber, 
rapes of all kinds and unimportance, 
fashions, feasts in far-off tank towns 
of Europe, parades, receptions, ani- 
mal acts, rodeos and the like, clutter 
the reels,. 

If one wanted to rub the reels 
down a bit they could point that by 
Friday night there was nothing here 
on defeat of the President's supreme 
court plan nor on Sen. Robinson's 
funeral nor on anything big in labor, 
where there's plenty happening. 

Show tees off with election of Al- 
ben Barkley as new senate leader, 
succeeding Robinson. Then Pathe 
does a clip that could have been 
done any week on how the crop re- 
porting board, in Washington works, 

Marconi's death is mourned; they 
try an experiment by throwing a 
party for reform school girls in 
Oklahoma; Russian pole flyers are 
welcomed home; Henry Cotton wins 
the big golf title in England, and 
everything's serene again on Nan^ 
tucket Island after threats of seces- 
sion from Massachusetts. "That sums 
up the lead news. 

Balance of the program is clutr 
tered with one thing and another, 
including Lew Lehr's rapidly tiring 
dialect stuff, mostly with animals, 
and the new Woman's Page feature 
(Hearst) with Dorothy Kilgallen. 
The girl who flew around the world 
for Hearst comments on the vacation 
visit in Europe of the President's 
mother; on women with their sail- 
boats and on a kid's playground. 

Other clips are a pageant of war 
strength in France; dedication of a 
French shrine; King and Queen of 
England visiting Scotland; feast of 
the Towers in an Italian bailiwick; 
racial squawks in Jerusalem; new 
flying plane recorder; showboat crew 
of sirens; a motorcycle race; ex- 
cursion of candid camera fans; sail- 
ing enthusiasts warming up for 
Larchmont's week competition; 
styles in dresses and shoes (two 
clips); the winning of a big pony 
race at Chicago: a soap-box kiddies' 
derby; Denver Elks' parade; a mine 
blast in Indiana; mattresses as boats 
with motors hooked to them; parade 
of old autos in Paris; U. S. winners 
of the Ryder cup in Britain; Tommy 
Farr doing calisthenics; an archery 
contest; kids playing in a swimming 
pool; a rodeo in California; comical 
charity game put on by film people 
on the Coast; an athletic carnival in 
France; summer skiing oh straw; a 
lion trainer in Vienna acting up; a 
Delaware Park horse race, and once 
again Vesuvius rehearsing for a 
show that may never come off. How 
editors must suffer trying to get real 
news for their screen accounts! 

Char. 



EARLE, PHILLY 

Pittsburgh, July 25. 

Earle this week hit its midsummer 
low: — or so audience should hope — on 
quality entertainment in stage show. 
Nut has been clipped to limit, which 
is reasonable enough- with mercury 
in nasty nineties, but with expendi- 
ture of just a little more and a lot 
more headwork, the combo might 
have been molded into something 
more satisfying. 

Constructive idea Would have been 
to set the band on the stage, which 
has been done in recent weeks and 
which immediately dresses up the 
entire presentation. Then, guy 
named Wally Brown, who does pat 
ter act, could have been transformed 
into an emcee, introducing his pat- 
ter between other acts. Addition of 
a femme chirper would make a com- 
plete unit jof the combo and bring 
the running time up to the custom 
ary 60 minutes. 

Despite punkaroo show biz was 
fair -at opener. Marquee hypo is 
Herman Bin.c in p.a., with 'Ever 
Since Eve' (WB) on screen. 

Bing is spotted in next to closing 
and got pretty fair returns for what 
he gave out. Spieled along in aim- 
less, haphazard sort of way that 
distinctly, gave impression of 'What's 
he trying' to do anyway?' Everytime 
he got started, on a line that looked 
like it might have h^ope of being 
funny, he ram.bled off fnto .something 
entirely disconnected. Some slightly 



blue patter used in Pitt last week 
has been sapolioed. 

The Jansleys' opening is real bit of 
amusement in entire prog. Five men 
acros are smooth in hand-to-hand 
and fly-through-the-ether stuff. They 
are followed by Le Paul, card ma- 
nipulator. Le Paul is tops in making 
playing cards do their stuff. But 
how is anyone, even one-third bach 
in. the 2,800-seat Earle, to tell wheth- 
er the trickster has produced the ace 
of spades or the ten pf hearts? It's 
a swell act for the first three rows 
and niteries, at several of which Le 
Paul has worked in Philly. He's 
aided by the ultra in stooges. 

A spiel and dance cpmbo, Wally 
Brown and Annette Ames, follow. 
Brown opens with a solo gab. . Starts 
with humor that wasn't too funny, 
even when it was new, but strength- 
ens as he goes along. Needs clipping 
and speedier pace. Ames girl ap- 
pears in baby dress and baby voice. 
In addition to some gags for which 
Brown straights, she sings one song 
and does a simple tap routine. 

Bing was next and show closed 
with Billy Wells and Four Fays, 
pretty soui: for a finale. Act opens 
with man and girl doing military tap, 
with few rolls and tumbles tossed in. 
Followed by fairly amusing, but un- 
inspiring, exhibition, of rolling stom- 
ach muscles by Wells. He does an- 
other turn inside a midget dummy 
which isn't half bad. Then a few 
more acrobatics by the whole troupe, 
marked only by two boys twisting 
legs of one of the femmes until she's 
woimd uo better than a clock. With 
that the curtain, and the show's over, 
plopl. Herb. 

WINTERGARTEN 

Berlin, July 5, 1037, 
' To say that the Wintergarten is 
playing safe this month is to put it 
mildly, for a shakier bill has not 
been seen at the house for many a 
month. But with the Scalai out of 
the running till August and Berlin 
catching a goodly portion of the 
etrays floating around Europe from 
the Paris Exposition, the undeserved 
result is sell-out biz. 

Lukewarm opener is Self and Ric. 
offering tap that is mediocre and 
gags that are worse. Customers here 
being wild aero fans, the five Raven- 
nas in the deuce go over with a wow. 
They are powerful guys with plenty 
of ease and have the best stunts 
going in this line, with complicated 
vertical and horizontal stands. 
Warmed-up audience is let down 
with a thud by a brother-sister 
combo, Bloed and Bloedel, trying to 
be funny in between clarinet ren- 
ditions. Brasellos'on the slack wire 
have some corking stuff. Man begins 
with hand stands and splits, changes 
to juggling on a ladder, plays around 
on a unicycle and then balances the 
girl on his head with only one foot 
on the wire. His ace trick is weav- 
ing back and forth on the rope while 
setting it in m'otion, so that it swings 
far out into the air. 

Three Rays, an American act, get 
by in spite of limited material. 
Working on the clown idea, with the 
expected roughing and tumbling, the 
fanny socking gets to be too much. 
But whatever may be lacking in 
ideas and wardrobe, the American 
pep is there and that, if nothing else, 
wins them a hearty hand. Rudolph 
Klaus, billed as the Paganini of the 
accordion, brings down the house. 
A Lizst rhapsody gooled 'em and he 
had to keyboard away. Shoun Foun 
and his eight kids close the first half 
with back bends, floor-turns and 
the proverbial nlate twirling. Baby 
of the family scores with some cute 
hokum and the eldest grabs a few 
bows with her hot contortions. 

Two Loorings, doing horizontals 
and other rope tricks from a high 
perch, are far below the standard 
set here for aerial turn.s, Valeria, 
femme magician and feature of the 
bill, is a cracker-jack show woman. 
With nine scenes, each better than the 
other, the show opens by emptying 
of gallons of Water into an urn and 
while the stage is still dribping. a 
bevy of gals pop out, bone dry. She 
closes herself into a case from which 
a second later two girls step out 
while she comes running through the 
house. Her big sock is hypnotizing 
of a girl who lies on a bare iron cot 
so that everything can be clearly 
seen. Stiffened body rises into the 
air where it remains suspended and 
a hoop is passed back and forth to 
prove that the stunt is done without 
Wires. Valeria dresses herself and 
acts well and shows herself to be. a 
good thesper, along with her other 
talents. 

Three Rulands, w.k. here through 
their long engagement at the Cat- 
acombs, croon a couple of hits, plunk 
a bit on their mandolins, have the 
right salting of good fun and score 
nicely. Two'femmes of the six Mar- 
vels catch the breath "''ih . hurdles 
and the steeplechase. OTJierwise the 
act is .spoiled by the guys, who are 
affected, sissifled and badly dressed. 
Daley trio closes with weak but 
rapid juggling. 



UNIT REVIEWS 



*1938 Broadway Revue* 

(CAPITOL, ATLANTA) 

Atlanta, July 25. 

Produced by Vic Binns, this unit 
is a bit top-heavy with dance, most 
of it good, however. Headliners are 
Fred Harper and Louise, who have 
been seen and heard in Warner com- 
edy shorts and are okay comics. 

Harper, who also acts as emcee, 
steps out introducing Stephen Gushee 
and his Masqueraders Orch., who 
play 'Masquerade Waltz.' Show has 
six bandsmen augmented by seven 
house footers. Harper then brings on 
Elsa Granger Girls, who do a high 
kick tap routine to 'Lucky Star.' 
. Eddie Rasch iand Harry Warren, 
singers, offer *I Don't Believe JJ^'s 
Raining' and 'Mr. Paganini' and get. 
fine response. Both have good voices 
that blend well. ,. 

Maxine Coletto, from the line, pre- 
sents an interpretation of Eleanor 
Powell in a rhythm tap to 'Big Boy 
Blue' for a so-so hand. 

A soft shoe number by Ruth Col- 
bert, ' Jack Wayman and Deanne 
Wering goes over goo;d. Waymaa 
works in silk topper and tails and 
girls, who are also from line, wear 
long white frocks with picture hats. 
They dance to 'When I'm With You.' 
Harper fills in four minutes here 
with some gag chjatter, using band 
leader and drummer. Cliff Billing- 
ton, as stooges, while two girls are 
changing and come back with line 
in a military number to 'Strike Up 
the Band.' 

Baseband Warren reappear garbed 
as Chinese for 'Hi Lee, Hi Lo' and 
follow with 'Mason Street Blues.' 
They had to beg oft. Wayman then 
contribs an eccentric tap to 'You're 
Okay' and makes way for the line, 
for waltz number to 'I'll See You. 
Againi' 

Hardier is then Joined by Louise 
and they go into 10 minutes of song, 
comedy and dance. The film folk 
have a good act that pleased Cap 
customers. Wbman sings 'An Old 
Southern Custom' and plays straight 
to. Harper's drunk bit, plenty okay. 

Louise counters with 'It Looks Like 
Rain' with Harper doing soft shoe 
acrobatic that brought good returns. 

For finale line fiits back for a few 
steps to 'Broadway , Rhythm,' Way- 
man comes on for some dance steps. 
Harper cuts a lew capers and the 
show's over. ■ 

Pic 'Behind the Headlines' (RKO) 
and biz fair. Luch. 



STEIN WESTWARD 

William H. Stein, of Music Corp., 
flew to the Coast la.st week, with 
business stopoffs in Cleveland, Chi- 
cago and Kansas City. 

Expects to divide his time between 
Los Angeles and San Francisco, with 
one week-end in Dalla.s, Until Sept. 
10, when returns to New York, 



Bowes' All-Girl Revue 

(ORPHEUM, MPLS.) 

Mpls.^ July 27. 

This Major Bowes unit is heavily . 
loaded with good feminine talent 
and provides plenty of pleasant en- 
tertainment for local hungry .'flesh' 
fans. A little more showmanship 
would enhance its effectiveness, but 
even in its piresent form it gets by 
nice»y. There's no attempt what- 
soever at production, the acts are 
run off. in routine fashion without 
any embellishment that might give 
the show snap and spontaneity. 

In Julie Balleu, the unit has an 
experienced, breezy and personable 
m.c. who also conducts the 13-piece 
girl swing band and contributes sev- 
eral vocals. 

Outstanding are the Canadian 
Caperettes, trio of comedy acrobats 
and dancers whose feats score heav- 
ily; Mildred Maye, hefty singing 
comedienne, and Jean Clark, who.se 
imitations of birds rate as remark- 
able. 

Clara Wellman, pretty Minneapoli- 
tan, plays a classical number on the 
violin expertly. Kay Krivokucha, 
also good to look at, gets her yodel- 
ing over in big league style. Helen 
Patterson, also a Minneapolitan, 
sings 'A Kiss in the Dark' well 
enough to earn an encore. The Dacy 
Trio's rythmic tapping and acro- 
batics are out of the ordinary. Im- 
personations of Katharine Hepburn 
and Luise Rainer win Rita Frucht 
plenty of applause. 

Peggy Dean sells her beauty, charm 
and vocal ability in a way that 
should carry her far. Novel ar- 
rangement of 'Pennies from Heaven 
shows off the band to advantage with 
Miss Ballcu and the Dean girl lend- 
ing vocal support. 

On the screen 'Wee Willie Wmkie* 
(20th) is a first-rate attraction in it.9 
own right. There is also Pathe 
News. Lower floor capacity and 
balcony moderately populated at 
late night show; Rees. " 



Mamie Kelly's New Unit 



Unit comprising seven acts and 
line of 12 girls departed for' Panama 
Saturday (24) for three month.s' en- 
gagement at Mamie Kelly's Ritz, 
Panama. 

Show produced by Vee Ames and 
a.s.sembled by Harry Walker, N, Y.; 
rep of Kelly interests, includes 
Hildegarde, dancer; Bonita, formerly 
Ruiz and Bonita, rhumba dancer; 
Dolly Sterling, Singing comedienne; 
Agnes McCormack, blues singer; Joe 
Camp, mc. and Edison Gieen Room 
Stroller.s (Joe, Betty and Joy). 



54 



VARIETY 



LEGITIMATE 



TTednesdaj, July 28, 1937 



Plenty Angles in N. Y. Theatre 
Project Shakeup; White CoDar 
Art Units All Under One Head 



Shake-up of the Federal Theatre 
Project in New York, announced 
iiom WPA headquarters in Washing- 
ton over the week-end, caused con- 
jecture over the results other than 
indicated. Government's relief show 
outfit was stated . to have been 
merged with the Four Arts project, 
also known as Federal Project No. 
1. By combining the white col- 
lar divisions, it is believed the 
plan is to merge such, relief outfits 
for economical and efficiency pur- 
poses and may have been ordered 
following appeals made to Washing- 
ton, particularly by the theatre e^nd. 

Mrs. Ellen S. Woodward, assistant 
national administrator, in announc- 
ing , the . merger, staited that Paul 
'^dwards would be the 'administra- 
tive official' of the consolidated 
projects, Edwards arrived in the 
metropolis Monday (2*6) and imme- 
diately called some of the depart- 
ment heads in conference. 

Whether the status of HalUe 
Flimagah, who has been national 
director of the theatre project, has 
been changed was not made clear, 
although the statement from the 
capital was to the effect that she 
would 'conthiu^ to b e ,the technical 
director' oJ[ the FTP. Her assistant, 
William P. Farnsworth, was not 
present at thie session with Edwards, 
being reported on vacation. Edwards- 
was identified as having adminis- 
tered the WPA in Massachusetts and. 
Maine, and more recently has been 
assistant director of finance in the 
Washington headquarters. It was an- 
nounced that the music, art, writers 
and historical record projects would 
continue as herefore, but it is known 
that at. least two of the directors 
were replaced or transferred. 

The FTP otherwise simmers and 
direct action from Washington to re- 
Instate let-outs is hoped for by the 
stage group leaders, who contend 
that no professions^ls should be dis- 
missed so long, as there are persons 
on the payroll, who did not make 
their living in the theatre prior, to 
WPA. Expectation is that Harry L. 
Hopkins, the national administrator, 
will visit New York as requested to 
alleviate the situation. The political 
situation at the capital is believed 
to have engrossed the attention of 
all executives of thie administration 
forces, hence a possible delay. 

There have been no further dem- 
onstrations by people let out of. the 
relief theatre, but leaders have re- 
ceived pathetic letters asking for 
some solution as to how they are to 
exist. The figures and percentages 
submitted to the stage unions, pur- 
porting to show there are few non- 
professional retained, appear to be 
questioned. Indications are the 
figures pertain to only parts of the 
theatre project, whereas the order to 
reduce was applied to the entire 
set-up. In any event, the number of 
. dismissals reported and those sub- 
mitted show considerable variance. 

Lieut.-Col Brehon B. Sorhervelt, 
WPA administrator in New York, 
challenged the allegations of Ralph 
M. Easley, of the National Civic 
Federation, who charged that there 
are 'a large number of grafters, in- 
competents and Communists' in high 
WPA positions. Somervell said the 
. charges are 'fatuous, illogical and 
unreasonable.* 

WPA exec wrote Easley that un- 
less he is willing to cite specific in- 
stances, 'my only conclusion can be 
that your statements are just an- 
other political dodge and that you 
" are more interested in personal no- 
toriety- than good administration of 
the Works Progress Administration.' 

Easley, in a letter to the President, 
claimed there were many 'ex-con- 
victs, former bootleggers, drunkards, 
political ward heelers . and profes- 
sional agitators in WPA exec posts 
and' that their only qualification was 
that they didn't want to do any 
other kind of work.' 



ST. LOUIS MUNY OPERA 
SETS B.O. RECORD 



St. Lpuis, July -27. 
' Municipal opera set a hew attend' 
ance record for first half of 12-week 
season, with 388,723 attending 45 per 
formances. This is an increase of 
18,328 over same period last year, 
when a new mark was set with total 
of 370,395. 

Only one performance has been 
stopped 'by rain during current sea. 
son. Raindrops halted second per 
formance Of 'The Great Waltz* just 
before 10 p.m., too late to make rain 
checks valid. Not one performance 
was unfinished during 1936 season. 



CONN. STRAWHAT 

BIZ IMPROVING 



Direct Casting 
NicldngN.Y. 
Legit Agents 



With legit producers going in for 
more direct casting in forthcoming 
season than ever before, the few legit 
casters around have something more . 
than the heat wave to worry about. 

George Abbott, Sam H. Harris, 
Guthrie McClintic, John Golden 
and others have appointed their own 
casting directors for their forth- 
corning output, with outside agents 
only in when having exclusive rep- 
resentation of a needed . star or 
player. 

Producers decided upon their own, 
casting departments to obviate the 
big parade of applicants sent sQong 
by casters with or without authority 
and which cluttered their offices. 
Direct casting also has another ad- 
vantage in getting players at better 
terms when signed, sans usual 10% 
agents tap. 



Cut of 36 From Cincy 
WPA Draws Protest 



New Haven, July 27. 

Connecticut's shore line straw hats 
go into fifth week with constantly 
improving business. Madison got 
off to a three-week low mark with 
'First Lady,* 'Outward Bound' and 
'Kiki,' but came back stroiig last 
week with Donald Cook in 'Libel' 
and looks to do well currently with 
Margaret Perry in 'Spring Dance.' 

Stony Creek has had consistently 

good support, doing nice biz on 'To- 
night at 8:30' and . 'Small Miracle.' 
To date, house has steered clear bf 
early season tryouts, which nicked 
b.o. last year. Milford has shown 
some okay grosses to date, but heavy 
nut' on guest stars has used up most 
of the take. A big week on Mrs. Pat 
Campbell in '13th Chair* showed 
slightly red for this reason. 

Guilford is showing a slight profit, 
probably due to milder overhead 
than other spots. House uses resi- 
dent troupe entirely. 'Boy Meets 
Girl* did biz last week, offsetting 
losses on first couple weeks. 

Ivoryton had an unusual Week on 
'Jazz Age' ending Sat. (24), Play 
was a.tryout, ordinarily meaning an 
expensive experiment in these parts, 
but show tpok. within $100 of pre- 
vious week's 'Boy Meets Girl,' which 
mopped 'up. House has been run- 
ning ahead of last year and ^vith 
'Children's Hour' current and 'Dead 
End,' 'Idiot's Delight' and. 'Tonight 
at 8:30' booked for. future, should 
finish season strong. 

Personnel lineups. this year include 
— Milford (Plymouth Playhouse, 
Connecticut Players): Staff, A. L, 
Kebbe, Ruth Lane, A. D. Merwiri, 
Marcus Merwin, Charles Monroe and 
Nancy Andre. ' Directors, Richard 
Gage and Margaret Hazelwood. 
Technicians, Charles Rogers, Darryl 
Yoakum, Al Boylen and Helen Ward. 
Resident troupe, Chajrles Kebbe, Vir- 
ginia Keller, Myvawny Williams. 

Madison (Post Road Players): 
Staff, Ranney Compton, James. Pur- 
ness, Quentin Brown, Rita Haskin, 
Jack Hansen, EMward Fox, Thomas 
Edington, Elizabeth Kimball, J. Free- 
man Coffey, Robert May, Jr., Fred- 
erieic Thurston, . Charles Scholey. 
Director, Brace Conning. 

Guilford (New York-Guilford 
Players): Staff, Carl Goodman, .Rob- 
ert Buckner, Frank Kelley, Arthur 
Hoyt, Joseph Marra, Gary Cronan, 
Sam Elliott, Jean Piatt, Kathleen 
DeGhetto. 

Stony Creek , (Stony Creek Play- 
ers); Staff, Ri'chard Bender, Fran- 
cis Y. Joannes, John Fearnley, Maur- 
ice Sarasohn, AL. West, Frances 
Joannes, Ruth Bedford, John Miller, 
Joe Diettle. 



'Eternal Road' Corp. in N. ¥. Fdes 
Petition for 77-B Reorganization 



Hnrlbut's New 'Whispered' 
Play in L A. Rehearsal 

Los Angeles, July 27. 

'Story to Be Whispered,' legit 
drama by William Hurlbut, has been 
placed in rehearsal by Edgar Mac- 
Gregor with Marjorie Rambeau in 
the lead and a. supporting cast of 35. 
Opening is skeded for the Geary 
theatre, San Francisco, Aug. 16, with 
an engagement at the Los Angeles 
Biltmore In the offing in the event 
of a click. Then Broadway, 

Play deals with life in Virginia 
City, Nev., in the gold rush days 
around 1870. 

Brokers Take 
Lesson from 
Gov't on Taxes 



Washington, July 27. 
Consolidation of the four arts and 
theatre projects does not affect 
Hallie Flanagan's status in the FTP. 
. William P. Farnsworth continues as 
her deputy, but Paul Edwards re- 
places .him as administrative officer 
in New York. There are no further 
changes in the federal relief theatre 
program anticipated. 



Cincinnati, July 27. . 

Protest against the dropping of 36 
actors from the local Federal The- 
atre. Project was filed last week with 
the Hamilton Couhty Commissioners. 
Written charges, presented by Walter 
Redhill and Chic Sayles as spokes- 
men for the castoffs, allege that the 
committee which made the cut has 
placed in- jeopardy of beggary needy 
persons for whom the project was 
set up, rather than'non-relifef cliients 
permitted to' remain on the project. 

Petition charges that the local proj- 
ect is mismanaged, employs wealthy 
persons, harbors nepotism and is 
dominated by a clique. 

Dr. C. R. Campbell, president of 
the commissioners, declined to send 
a resolution of complaint incorporat- 
ing the petition's charges to Wash- 
ington, stating that the county could 
take no part in the administration of 
a federal project. 



Shobert in Cannes 



Cannes, .July 16. 

Lee Shubert is here taking a sun 
cure before heading back for New 
York, to work on a new production. 

With Irvin Marks, his Paris agent, 
Shubert has been looking over 
promising talent and packing away 
new tdeas. 



Farnsworth Ducks 



William P, CFuzzy*) Farnsworth, 
Deputy National Commissioner of 
the Federal Theatre Project, is away 
on a six ^weeks' leave. 

' So tired of pickets, sit-downers and 
objectors was Farnsworth, he has 
hied to a small island off the Caro- 
lina coast where thex'e's a^hack, but 
no inhabitants. 



BROWN'S 'WOMEN' 

'Fickle. Women,' comedy by Mur- 
ray Brown, will reach production 
late next month by new producing 
group headed by author, 

Brown has formerly been identi- 
fied with productions in Yiddish 
theatres. 



'Zingo,' comedy by William Ed- 
munds and George Salvatore, to be 
produced early next season. 



Fein Impersonators 

Fined for 'Camping* 

St. Louis, July 27. 

Leo Meyei's, also known as Francis 
Lee, and Bobby Roberts, female im- 
pei^sonators in a downtown nitery, 
were each fined' $90 by Police Court 
Judge Nangle Wednesday (21) on 
charges of 'masquerading contrary to 
sex in a' public place.' They were 
nailed by gendarmes following an 
early a- ni. disturbance in a midtown 
restaurant. 

Both denied charge, saying they 
had gone to place after working 
hours and without -having made 
change of attire. They will appeal 
case. 



Milford Guest Stars 

Guest stars lined up for the straw- 
hat season at the Plymouth Play- 
house, Milford. Conn., include Olga 
Baclanova and George Coulouris for 
'20th Century,' last week; Rosemary 
Am.es and George Coulouris for 'Ac- 
cent on Youth,' this week; George 
Coulouris for 'The Play's the Thing,' 
week of Aug. 2; Hal LeRoy, 
Cherry and June Pr6isser for 
'Broadway,' week o£ Aug. 9; Lepna 
Powers and Hal Conklin for 'The 
Vinegar Tree,' week of Aug. 16, 
and Claudia Morgan, for 'Heroes 
Don't Care.' week of Aug. 23. 

Production for the week of Aug. 
30 is not set 



What the Government expects 
Broadway agencies to do in handling 
tickets secured from theatres for rer 
sale, was indicated when nine 
brokers and employees were called 
to Federal ' Court Friday " (21 ) after 
being held for failure to stamp 
tickets. ■ Not only are the brokers 
expected to stamp the price received 
from the customer, but are supposed 
to identify all tickets in the box- 
office allotments. 

It was all new to the agency 
people, who understood that the tax 
collector was only concerned with 
tickets sold at more than the estab- 
lished price', so that the percentage 
due the Government could be 
checked. According to assistant U. S. 
Attorney Moss, however, if tickets 
are sold at box office price, which 
sometimes happens, or sold at a 
sacrifice, the stamping must be made 
and the amount received set forth. .. 

Even when tickets are returned to 
t^ielbox office they are supposed to 
be stamped to that effect. That was 
brought out when it was testified 
that returns are usual. Federal men 
upon examining ticket boxes were 
able to .identify the agencies which 
handled certain tickets which were 
printed with the locations on both 
ends. That type of ticket is not al- 
ways used, but applied to 'The 
Women' and 'The Show Is On.' 
Checkers for the- collector are aware 
of the locations alloted each agency. 

Robert Baumgarten, a clerk in the 
Supreme agency, 'pleaded guilty to 
selling one ticket without stamping 
it on the reverse side. The other 
eight defendants pleaded not guilty 
and the hearing was put over until 
Sept. 7. The Supreme is subject to a 
fine of $100, but the Government con 
tends that each sale calls for a 
similar nick and there are 332 in 
stances of non-stamping alleged 
again.st the first batch of brokers 
called downtown. There is some un 
certainty when others who were 
held under $500 bond on similar 
charges will be examined because of 
federal legal staff vacations. 

Understood the Government claims 
evasion in paying the tax on tickets 
sold above the regular price with the 
amount set at more than $1,000,000. 
If non-stamping is proven, it is likely 
that claims for alleged tax withheld 
will follow. Some brokers, however, 
state they have been informed that 
Washington, is not picking on the 
ticket men, but that the action is 
part of a general drive by the 
Internal Revenue Department to col 
lect all tax monies believed to be 
due. 



Only hope of saving Max Rein- 
hardt's spectacle, "The Eternal Road,* 
is by reorganizing the controlling 
corporation, according to a 77-B pe- 
tition filed yesterday (Tuesday) in 
the U. S. district court, N. Y., by 
Louis Lipsky, v.p. of the Eternal 
Road Distributing Corp., which asks 
the court to order such a reorgan- 
ization. Lipsky states be has to take 
this step, following' a resolution 
passed by the board of directors of 
the corporation. , , 

The petition points out that the 
corporation's liabilities amount to 
$351,315, while the assets, exclusive 
of capital stock, amount to $371,514. 
Lipsky declares that the creditors 
and stockholders- can only be paid 
under reorganization, as the pros- 
pects of ■ future prosperity * for the 
production are extremely bright. 

'Immediate liquidation under pro- 
visions of the General Bankruptcy 
Law will prove disastrous to every 
person connected with the enter- 
prise,' the petition states, 'inasmuch 
as the assets created by the expen- 
diture of almost $500,000, however 
valuable they may prove in opera-^ 
tion, ' are valueless in liquidation. 
There is every reason to believe that 
a plan of reorganization can be ef- 
fected. 

'When the performances were dis- 
continued for the sununer,* the pe- 
tition points out, 'the weekly in- 
come exceeded the weekly budget 
by several thousands of dollars. The 
(Continued on page 63) 



Humble Stays in N. C. 

Charlotte, N. C, July 27. 
Thomas B. Humble, for seven 
years director of the Charlotte Little 
Theatre, has signed a contract for 
another year here. 

Humble has produced more than 
160 one-act plays and more than 50 
three-act plays during his seven 
years here, majority of them of top 
Alight calibre. He brought to Char 
lotte the idea of recreating Broad- 
way successes on a local stage with 
local actors, and has found success 
io that theory. 



PUGIARISM CLAIM 
ON 'CAN'T TAKE IF 



Plagiarism suit involving the 1937 
Pulitzer prize play, 'You Can't Take 
It With You,' currently at the Booth 
theatre, N. Y., was filed yesterday 
(Tuesday) in U. S. District Court, 
N. Y., by Virginia Gordon, play- 
wright, who seeks an injunction and 
accounting; . George S. Kaufman, « 
Moss -Hart and Sam Harris are 
naixved co-defendants.. The screeri 
Tights to the hit were recently, sold 
to Columbia Pictures for. $200,000.\ 

■Miss Gordon avers in her com- 
plaint that she and Frances Ross 
wrote a play called 'Rash Moments' 
in 1034. Miss Gordon bought. tha 
Ross rights in the play - and then 
tried to peddle it on Broadway. She 
claims among those to whom she 
submitted her script were the de- 
fendants. . They turned it down. Now 
she alleges the defendants' hit is a 
takeoff of the plot, sequences, dialog 
and atmosphere of ' her own play. 
She does not explain, why the delay 
in filing the action. 



'Salute to Spring' Will 
Reach B'way in Fall 

Indications are that 'Salute to 
Spring,' tried out by the St. Louis 
municipal opera outfit recently, will 
be definitely added to Broadway's 
growing list of fall musicals. Try- 
out fared well despite certain handi- 
caps. Show was designed as an in- 
timate type of musical, yet it was 
presented on the 200-foot open air 
stage, which is equipped for larger 
operettas. 

Score is credited with having four 
standout numbers, two of which are- 
toUted as hits. 'Spring' was written 
by Fritz Loewe and Earl Crooker, 
whose 'Great Lady' is also due on 
Broadway. 



Sillman's Duo 



Leonard Sillman is back on Broad- 
way aligning talent for the two. 
new musicals which he will produce 
this season. First will be 'New 
Faces of 1937,' to be followed by 
book musical 'Calling AH Men.' 

Latter was given a strawhat try- 
out. 



WPA'« Wilson Play 

Chicago, July 27. 

Next play to be produced by the 
Federal Theatre here is '13,' dealing 
with the life; of Woodrow Wilson. 

Authored by Howard Koch and 
John Huston, author and lead, 
respectively, In the current Federal 
theatre 'The Lon61y Man,' which has 
a Lincoln theme. 

New piece will star Johu Huston. 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



LEGITIMATE 



VARIETY 



55 



EQUITY NIXES ROCKEFELLER 




ATC Paves Way to Raise $lt 
For Betterment of Legit and Road 



First meeting of the American 
Theatre Council since the recent 
legit convention was held Thursday 
(22) at the League of New York. 
Theatres- for preliminary co-ordiha- 
tion purposes. The financial condi- 
tion of the ATC was touched upon, 
it being shown that the Council has 
a. surplus sufficient ' for current 
needs, having profited more than 
$2,000 during the convention. 

One of the first problems to be 
solved by the ATC, however, is the 
raising of a considerable sum, the 
figure mentioned being $100,000. 
Money will be needed to maintain 
the projected set-up in the council's 
ambitious prograni to better the wel- 
fare of the theatre generally and 
revive the road. 

When the ATC starts functioning, 
it will have an executive head, al- 
luded to during the convention ses- 
sions as a promotional manager. 
Such a director will be chosen for 
his initiative, but will act under the 
guidance of the board. No candidate 
for the post has yet been considered.. 

Committee reports are expected to . 
be ready by mid- August, at which 
time a get-together luncheon of the 
council leaders will be held and the 
finance committee will make its pro- 
posals. Up to now, the AtC has used 
the offices and stafJ of the League of 
New York Theatres so that little ex- 
pense has been incurred. Most of 
those who aided at the convention 
were volunteers. 

Last week's session was brief, be- 
cause some of the board had other 
committee business. It was definitely 
decided, however, that the second 
convention shall be called- for late 
next May, dates approximately being 
the same as the recent sessions. War- 
ren MUsell and Paul N. Turner were 
named as convention directors. They 
were in charge at the first conven- 
tion. 

Indications are that the ATC will 
seek a contact with Hollywood with 
the idea of easing the more or less 
strained situation that resulted last 
year, when the picture end was 
dissatisfied with the authors contract 
conditions. Expectiation is that con- 
versations will be had with the-Hays 
office, which is said to have asked 
why the legit theatre convention was 
so critical of Hollywood. 



'Room Service/ Repeat 
In Two Years, to Start 
Philly Season Early 



Philadelphia, July 27. 
Indications are now that Philly will 
have its earliest legit opening in a 
number of years this fall if present 
plahs don't go astray. Intent is now 
to open, the Chestnut Street Opera 
House Aug: '.30 with 'Room Ssrv 
ice.' . 

Show originally opened at. the 
same house two seasons ago before 
Sam Harris turned it oyer to George 
Abbott. It's figured good for three 
weeks now and -will be followed at 
the Chestnut by Charlotte Green 
wood in 'Leaning on Letty,' which 
has been a set booking for mid- 
September . since last spring. 

Forrest is reported as re-lighting 
on Sept. 6 with a ti-y-out. Producer 
mentioned is Arthur Hopkins. 

Unusual angle on Chestnut's get 
ting the call over the Forrest for 
first bookings is that former has no 
cooling system and latter has. Both 
houses are reported solidly booked 
for first three months. 

The indie Erlanger expects to re 
light early in September with Sam- 
uel Nirdlinger again running it by 
himself and Alex Yokel out. Mask 
and Wig Club's 50th annual show 
over whi«h quite a big ado is being 
iTiade, is mentioned for Thanksgiving 
Week at this house, which sets at 
rest any reports of it not re-lighting.. 

Philly's legit opening date was 
Labor Day for a great many years 
Change came about six or seven 
years ago, with Jate September being 
the time recently and few early 
birds. 



Title Worry 



Broadway is guessing, how. 
much the title will cost 'Brother 
Rat,' an expression used at . a 
military school in which the 
comedy is localled. . It is ".be- 
lieved that the title kept down 
the gross, even during the best 
weeks the show has had at the 
Biltmore, N. Y„ and a similar 
handicap is likely to apply to 
the road. 

Majority of those \yho buy 
tickets have to be sold' with an 
explanation that the play has 
nothing to do with gangsters. 
In many instances playgoers 
would not even inquire what 
the title meant, the 'Rat' word 
dissipating any desire to see the 
show. 



London Legit 
Criticism By 
Cable to WMCA 



Donald Flamm, prez of WMCA, 
N. Y., while in London recently ar- 
ranged with J-. W. Marriott, British 
writer and occasional critic, to cable 
across the pond estimates of legit 
plays on their opening nights. Five 
hours' difference in time 'tween 
N, Y. and London will not make the 
broadcasts on this side too late in 
the evening. 

WMCA has long sought to main- 
tain a 'Broadway' character. 



'CHILDREN'S HOUR' IN 
STRAWHAT NEAR HUB 



Boston, July. 27. 

'Children's Hour,' banned in Bos- 
ton and the center of an unsuccess- 
ful court battle by N^ew York pro- 
ducers to bring it into this city two 
seasons ago, is being played for the 
first time in New England at the 
Mary Young theatre in Centerville, 
Mass., (Cape Cod) this week. Mary 
Young and Mabel Taliaferro are 
starring. John Craig II is present- 
ing. There have been practically no 
deletions in dialog for the strawhat 
version and local authorities are 
letting it ride. 

Advertising and publicity empha- 
sizes the fact that it is a 'sophisti- 
cated drama and not a play for 
children.' 



2 New Green Plays 



Charlotte, N. C, July 27. 

Two new plays by Paul Green will 
open in New York in the fall. Cheryl 
Crawford will produce 'The En- 
chanted Maze,' and Sam Byrd will 
produce 'The Southern Cross.' 

'The Enchanted Maze,' a satire on 
America's educational system, was 
presented in this state by the Caro- 
lina Playmakers last year. Green is 
revamping it for its Broadway ap- 
pearance. 

Lakewood. Me.. July 27. 

Sam Byrd, actor who has been ap- 
pearing with the Lakewood Players 
here, has returned to New York to 
start preparations for presentation 
of 'Star in the West," new play by 
Paul Green, which he will produce 
and in which he will also appear. 
[This is the 'Southern Cross' play 
above-mentioned, under .a new tag.] 

Play deals with a contemporary 
theme in North Carolina, homo of 
both Byrd and Green. Later . Ihi.s 
week Byrd will leave New York and 
join Paul Green at Chapel Hill. 
N. C.,' for a final conference on the 
play. 




FOR centeh play 



Requests for Extra Re- 
hearsal Time, Free Broad- 
cast and Free Newsreel 
Turned Down by Actors' 
Union — Management 
Buriis at ^Lack of Co- 
operation' 



'NO FAVORITISM' 



'Virginia,' coming season's biggest 
show ill a production way, starts re- 
hearsals this week, but not by the 
grace of Equity. Despite the size 
of the cast and chorus, three re- 
quested concessions were denied. 
Equity figuring that since the Rocke- 
fellers are backing the show, which 
will cost $150,0,00 or more, none are 
in order. 

Letter sent to Equity after it re- 
jected the proposals was to the ef- 
fect that its action is not in the 
.spirit of cooperation voiced during 
the recent Legitimate Theatre Con- 
vention. Communication was signed 
.by J. Kenneth Hyatt, managing di- 
rector of 'Virginia' and the Center 
theatre, largest house in New York 
devoted to legit. 

Show is the first wholly-backed 
Rockefeller enterprise and if it clicks 
Rockefellers are expected to remain 
in the legit field indefinitely, though 
the principal piirpose is to continue 
the policy of stage attractions at the 
•Center. The 3,438 seater was orig- 
inally designed for pictures but such 
operation was found impractical be- 
cause of the Music Hall close by in 
Radio City. 

Eequests 

Equity was first asked that an 
extra week be allowed for rehears^ 
als, it being planned to play several 
previews of 'Virginia,' since the size 
of the operetta precludes tryouts 
out of town. Another proposal con- 
cerned newsreel shots for publicity 
purposes without the management 
being required to pay. a half -week's 
salary, which the rules call for. 
Third request was to concede one- 
eighth of a week's salary in the event 
that the finale section of the pre- 
miere performance be broadcast. 
Equity rules call for such payment 
whether a show goes on the air dur- 
ing regular performance or other- 
wise. 

When Equity nixed all the.se sug- 
gestions the show management coun- 
tered with another proposal. It 
pointed out that the probabilities 
were for 'Virginia' to play at least 
eight weeks, even if not proving -a 
hit, but that in the event of a 
shorter stay any difference in coin, 
if the concessions were granted, 
would be paid to the players. That 
idea met with no response at all 
from Equity, where it is felt that 
the show is virtually certain of last- 
ing two months or more. 

Equity takes the position that it 
is not trying to be tough but that 
it does not wish to set a precedent. 
Stated there that so vast an organ- 
ization as represented in this show 
management should not seek con- 
cession.";, and is required to operate 
imder the same conditions as apply 
to attractions of other managers. 

Coin Guarantee 

When the Rockefellers decided to 
do 'Virginia,' said to reflect their 
restoration of V/illiamsburg in that 
state, they were required to post 
two weeks' salary guarantee at 
Equity, amounting to around $20,000. 
No exception was made in that in- 
stance, with the actors' organization 
pointing out that the contracts were 
signed by a theatre corporation of- 
ficer and thercfoi-e would permit an 
out for the Rockefellers in case of 
trouble. 

There will be 130 peot)le in 'V'n'r 
fjinia,' chorus being around 100. Un- 
der the rules the chorus rehearses 
j four \vceks» with half salary for the 
I following two weeks, $15 weekly 



N.Y.CityinWithShuberts-GanoOn 
Randalls Island; Provided 150G Stage 



Shrinkage 



Bannister & Byrne have done 
an about-face on their plan to 
roadshow 'Sea Legs,' musical, 
and instead have disposed of 
touring rights to Fanchon & 
Marco, to send it out as a tab 
unit. Show will be pruned to 
one hour's duration. 

B. & B., Instead, \fill do a 
new book musical, untitled as 
yet, by Arthur Swanstrom and 
Michael Cleary, who also col- 
labed on 'Sea Legs.' 



Yokel s 'Beauty' 
WiD Day-Date 
In NX and Chi 



First production by Alex Yokel for 
the new season Will have a simul- 
taneous presentation in New York 
and Chicago, according to the mana- 
ger's plans. Play is the dramatiza- 
tion pf 'Beauty,' originally a short 
story by Mildred Cram which ap- 
peared in Pictorial Review. Rita 
Weiman has about completed the 
adaptation of .the magazine version. 
Another title is likely to 'be used. 

Irene Rich and Billie Burke are 
mentioned as the leads in the dual 
showings. Likely that the stars will 
switch from Broadway to the Loop 
and vice versa during the engage- 
ments. 

Manager has two other produc- 
tions listed. Currently he has the 
problem of booking the Fulton, N. Y., 
which he took under lease last sea- 
son. House was slated for a two-a- 
day burlesque and later for the so- 
called vauderevues. House was sub- 
let to Abe Minsky and Izzy Herk, 
who are said to have paid around 
$15,000 in rent for the dark theatre. 
Reported that vaudereviies may be 
tried there around Labor Day. 



PLENTY ELBOW-BENDING 
AT HOT AIR SHINDIG 



The Hot Air Club, oldest social 
group of company managers and ad- 
vance agents, held its annual outing 
at Pleasure Bay near Long Branch, 
N. J., Sunday (25). The principr. 
event was the clambake preceded by 
elbow bending and followed by same. 
That is the rnain athletic sport of 
the a.k. showmen and has been ever 
since a veteran competing in a near- 
athletic contest broke a leg. The 50 
fellows at the board included Ted 
Mitchell, Bob Campbell and his 
brother John, Fred Meek, Wallace 
Munro, Lodewick Vroom, Fred 
Zweifel and others. Combined ages, 
anybody's guess. 

Bill Keogh was elected president 
of the 38-year-old club for a one- 
year term. New prez was of Davis 
& Keogh, former pop price man- 
agers,. He is v.p. and director of a 
Bronx bank and is building a. new 
theatre in that borough. 



Opening Tuesday (27) of open, air 
shows at Randalls Island, New 
York's municipal stadium reached by, 
the $60,000,000 Tri-Boro bridge, 
marks the first stage venture in 
which the city is participating with 
theatrical managers. Fortune Gallo 
and J. J. Shubert are presenting 
operettas in association with the De- 
partment of Parks, which supplied a 
new and unique movable stage, work 
upon which started six months ago. 
The showmen are paying rent for 
the use of the stage, but next sea- 
son the arrangement will probably 
call for a percentage of the gate. ^ 

The stage measures 140 by 80 feet 
and weighs 250 tons. Engineers have 
estimated that to duplicate the con- 
struction it would cost $150,000. No 
estimate of the actual cost has -been 
made. While the city supplied the 
necessary funds, the work was done 
by WPA artisans and no report on 
the wages paid these men has been 
submitted. 

Stage is mounted on a steel chassis. 
Wheels with huge pneumatic tires 
are spotted In tandem 10 feet apart 
With such equipment, the whole con- 
traption can be moved by. a tractor 
engine und winch, it being necessary 
to haul the stage Sbout 200 yards 
when the field ig used for athletic 
contests. Part of the equipment are 
set stage pieces, to which are added 
the regular settings for each show, 
as Is the case with the first and 
current revival of 'The Student 
Prince'. The entire stage dress is 
water-proof ed> as at Jones Beach, 
where GfiUo arid Shubert are oper- 
ating similarly under an arrange- 
ment with the state department of 
parks. 

The Randalls Island stage was' 
built under the direction of Emile 
Mardfin, manager of the Stadium. In 
addition, a new p.a. system has been 
installed and tests have proven it as 
efficient as that in operation at 
Jones Beach. Parking space for 
2,500 motor cars is available with- 
out charge. There Is a bridge tpll 
of 25 cents, which, however, does not 
go to the city. For that reason, it 
was decided that the show manage- 
ment pay rental for the stage and 
stadium, city supplying the staff at 
the park 

Shubert's name does not appear as 
a presenter, although the Shuberts 
are prominent in the billing of the 
shows, William Caryll of the Shubert 
office, is an officer of the show cor- 
poration along with Gallo. Same 
outfit tried Randalls Island presenta- 
tion last summer briefly and went 
into the red, but under the new ar- 
rangement the venture looks like a 
better draw. 

Stage can be used as a platform 
for meetings. A basketball court can 
also be easily marked out and such 
games have been tried on the plat- 
form, also handball courts. 



pay for rehearsal applying after the 
first week. Principals may be re- 
hearsed five weeks before full sal- 
aries apply, but receive $20 rehearsal 
pay after the first 10 days. Figured 
that the difference between rehearsal 
pay for the chorus and half salary 
is not great, another reason why 
Equity declined to make an excep- 
tion. 

Estimated that the amount entailed 
in the conce.s.sion matter is merely 
around $5,000 and Equity regards 
that .sum inconsiderable in compari- 
son with the production outlay. 

ALso Equity says that it sees no 
rcii.<ion why it should be the only 
union a.sked for concession. How 
about stagehand.s? Equity a.sk.s. Or 
, musicians? 



Equity Dues from 
Fritzi Scheff's First 
Engagement in Yrs. 



Fritzi Scheff, light opera star of 
former seasons, played her fir.st 
operetta engagement in years when 
she appeared in 'The Prince of Pil- 
sen' with the St, Louis municipal 
opera last week. Miss Scheff v/as 
embarrassed when informed by the 
management that $112 would be de- 
ducted from her salary becauf c of its 
arrangement with Equ'ty to collect 
back dues. All manager.; are le- 
quircd to make similar reduc.ions. 

Equity explained that the dues 
item was allowed to climb to such 
a figure becau.se of the actress's 
neglect. Association issues excuse 
cards to members out of engagement, 
but Miss Scheff failed to apply for 
such rating, which automatically 
calls for no dues. She also nenleclcd 
to apply for an ab.'itcr.it-nl rf dues. 
Hlquily statin'^ lli.-il nu'. t s".-h r-.- 
quesls are xavorubly aclod upon. 



S« VASIETY 



LEGITIMATE GROSSES 



Tourists May Hold Up B way Legit Till 
Fall; 'Babes/ Sole Musical Improves 



Patronage of tourists is expected 
to support Broadway's legits for the 
next month or more. New influx of 
out-of-towners was evidenced at box 
offices generally last week, when 
there 'was a betterment in atten-.^ 
dance until late in the week, when 
weather turned excessively hot 
again. 

Buyers and vacationists are flock- 
ing to the metropolis, and most of 
the mldtown hotels are well flUed. 
T<»urists in the present influx are 
better spenders than the summer's 
first visitors, who comprised a more 
youthful contingent. Saturday nights 
have been the weaKest draws of the 
week, which is usual in summer 
time, but several hits claimed ex- 
cellent . attendance at tbe matinee — 
the incoming wives. 
" Best gross increase last week was 
recorded by 'Babes in Arms,' and 
that was expected, since it is the 
sole surviving musical with the clos- 
ing of 'The Show Is On.* WPA de- 
cided to bring in a colored musical, 
'Swing It,' at the Adelphi, but that 
show cannot be classed as any more 
opposition to Broadway than any of 
the other relief theatre attractions. 

It is still indicated that the current 
nine attriactions Will last out the 
summer, two recent withdrawals 
probably bettering the chances of 
the others to stick. Weather will be 
the deciding factor. Weekend heal 
was dispelled Mojtiday (26) by vio- 
lent showers, but it was still pouring 
at' show time, and that hurt. 

There will be eight new plays 
tried' out in the sticks next week, 
seven being .Carded this week. But 
a likely hit is still awaited from that 
source. 

Estimates for Last Week 

'Babes In Arnft,' Shubert (16th 
week) lM-1.382 - $3.30). Attendance 
jumped most performances last week, 
as expected for sole surviving mu- 
sical; ^15,000 estimated. 

'Brother lUt,' Biltmore (33rd week) 
(C-99l-$3.30). Picked up here loo; 
cut rates a factor in the gross of 
$6,000 or moire; okay pace. 

'Having Wonderfnl Time/ Lyceum 
(23rd week) (CD-l,bOO-$3.30). Im- 
proved until warm weather, latter 
part of week; not far from $8,000 
mark claimed. 

'Room Service,' Cort (11th week) 
(C-l,059-$3.30). Laugh hit continues 
clean-up pace, with most perform- 
ances selling out; rated over $15,000 
last week. 

'The Women,' Barrymore (31st 
week) (C-l,048-$3.30). Former leader 
picked up matinees especially strong 
even Saturday afternoon; quoted 
over $13,500, 

'Tobacco Road/ Forrest (190th 
week) (D - 1,107 - $1.65). If going 
through August, run leader is slated 
to enter another ' season; business 
apparently bettering even break at 
$4,000. 

•Tovarlch,' Plymouth (40th week) 
(CD-l,036-$3.30). May also extend 
into new season, dependent on Au- 
gust business; somewhat better with 
gross- estimated over $8,000. 

'Yes, My Darling Daughter,' Play- 
house (25th week (C - 878 - $3.30). 
Claimed around $8,000 last week; 
winter hit will complete half year's 
stay next week; another holdover 
possibility, 

'You Can't Take It With Tou.' 
Booth (33rd week) (C-708-$3.30). 
■One of survivors sure to go into new 



Rat' to Start Off 

Denver's Legit Season 

, Denver, July 27. 
The legit season of '37-'38 here will 
be opened Aug. 20, with 'Brother 
Rat,' on a hop from the Coast to 
Chicago, where the show opens Aug. 
22. Only a matinee and one night 
^performance will be given in Den- 
ver. 

Other shows booked, but tentative 
as to date, are 'The 'Great Waltz,' 
'Show of Shows,' 'Tovarich,' 'Room 
Service,' 'Victoria Regina,' *You Can't 
Take It With You,' 'Fredericka,* 
'Ziegfeld FoUies,' The Woman,' 
'Lady Precious Stream' and 'The 
Show Is On.' 'King Richard H' iand 
'High Tor' are still being dickered 
for by A. M. Oberf elder, local- im- 
presario. • ' 



LA. WHIG; 
3 WPA SHOWS 



Los Angeles, July 27. 

Despite mid-summer legit slump, 
'Brother Rat' is doing oke for itself 
at the Biltmore, where it is currently 
in second week of a scheduled four- 
weeks' sojourn. Hollywood crowd 
is turning out for this one and it 
looks like a quartet of healthy 
stanzas. 

Estimate for Last Week 

Brother Rat,' Biltmore. (C-1,651; 
$2.75) (1st week). Hit very satisfac- 
tory $10,000 on opening eight per- 
formances and, with healthy ad- 
vance, outlook for remainder of stay 
is satisfactory. 

WPA 

'Festival of Modern Dance,' Holly- 
wood Playhouse. All djuice unit 
debuts (27) running through Aug. 1. 

'Macbeth,' Mayan. Skedded to 
hold until Aug. 6. 

'Hansel and Gretel,' Greek theatre. 
Replaces 'Midsummer Varieties' (27) 
for indefinite stay. 



Chariot's U. S. Vacash 

On his 'first vacation in 35 years,' 
Andre Chariot arrived in New York 
from London Monday (26) and leaves 
today (Wednesday) for Hollywood. 
Will visit friends there, remaining a 
month or six weeks, and will then 
return directly to England. » 

London . producer says he has no 
immediate production plans. 



Current Road Shows 



WEEK JULY 26 
'Brother Rat,' Biltmore, Los An- 
geles. 

'Ezciirsion,' Convention Hall, At- 
lantic City. 

•You Can't Take It With You,' Har- 
ris, Chicago. 

Summer Theatres 

(NEW PLAYS THIS WEEK) 
'Day in the Sun,' Mount Gretna, 
Pa. 

'Love My Dog,' East Jaffrey, N, 
H. (29). 

'Secret Heart,' Newport, R. I. (2'7). 
?Third of the Nation,' Poughkeep- 
sie N Y. (29) 
'Wild Swans,' Abingdon, Va. (29). 
'Without Design,' Chatham, Mass. 
(28). 

'Wuthering Heights,' Litchdeld, 
Conn. (28). 



WPA 



cm LIONS UPS 

'CANT;13C's 



Chicago, July 27. 
With the Lions convention in town 
last week, the loop's single legit 
entry, 'You Can't Take It With 
You,' had little difficulty in selling 
plenty of pews for its 24th local ses- 
sion. 

'Babes In Arms^ had been listed 
as an early September arrival for 
the Grand. , This follows setting of 
'Brother Rat' for Aug. 22 debut at 
the Selwyn. 

Estimate for Last Week 

Tou Can't Take It With You,' 
Harris (1,000; $2.75) X25th week). 
With convention in town, in addi- 
tion to plenty of tourists, this play 
crowded in a fine $13,000 again last 
week. 

WPA 

'Lonely Man,' Blackstone. 
'O Say Can Yon Sini;?' Great 
Northern,. 



'Winterset' 6G in Denver 

Denver, July 27. 

With one sellout for the week, 
Wednesday matinee, the gross for 
last week at Elitch stock was around 
$5,800 with 'Winterset.' 

Current is 'Call It a Day.' 



season; only Saturday performances 
not sell-outs; around $15,000. 
Revivals 

'The Student Prince,' Randall's 
Island; open air. . 
'Frederika,' Jones Beach; open air. 
WPA 

'Swinff It,' Adelphi; colored mu- 
sical; opened- last week. 



Hove you alj^the shoes you want? 
WHY NOT? Look the dramatic 

SALE VALUES 

'"I MIIIED SKMLANNUAL 
the !• iniLLEII SHOE SALE 

Plenty of smart styles, but not every size in every style. 




562 FIFTH AVL 450 FIFTH AVI. 49 WEST 34th ST. 1552 B'WAY | 

\9 W. 34th St.qnd 1552 B'way Stores Open Thursdoys till 9i 



Engagements 



Frances Farmer, Mildred Natwick, 
Alan Hewitt, Lillian Brennard 
Tonge, Kathleen Komegys, Valerie 
Cossart, Victor Beectoft, H. H. 
Bratsburg, Ruth Perrot, Esther 
Leeming, 'At Mrs. Beam's,' Mt. Kisco, 
N. Y.; Westport, Conn. 

Basil Burwell, Peggy Converse, 
Lloyd Bridges, Morton Barrett, Bob 
Bitsch, Colin Craig, Helen Slawson, 
Harlon Forrest Grant, 'It's a Wise 
Child,' Weston, VL . 

Olga Helms, Alfred Allegro, 
'Without Design,' Chatham, Mass. 

Margaret Swope, William Mowry, 
Katherine Raht, Fred Lawrence, 
Lynn Sherman, Paul Yost. Sherod 
Pollard, Winifred Fothergill, 'Wild 
Swans Come Over,' Barter Theatre, 
Abingdon, Va. 

Margaret Swope, Fred Lawrence, 
William Mowry, Barbara Correll, 
'Private Lives,' Barter Theatre, 
Abingdon, Va. 

William Post, Jr., Donna Earl, 
James Kirkwood, Nance O'Neil, 
Charles Coburn, John Burks, Henry 
Buckler, Roland Bottomley, LeRoi 
Operti, 'The Devil's Disciple,' Mo 
hawk Drama Festival, Union Col 
lege, Schenectady, N. Y. 

Charlotte Acheson, Clay Spencer, 
Gloria Lynn, Mary Fischer, D wight 
Marfield, 'Wuthering Heights,' Litch 
field; Conn. 

Diana Gaylen, -Ralph Margelssen, 
Jack Sheehan, ■ Harry K. Morton, 
Doris Patston, Maxine Castleton, 
Zella Russell, Helen Eck, 'Frederika,' 
Jones Beach, L. I. 

Percy Kilbride, 'Day in the Sun,' 
Gretna Playhouse, Mt. Gretna, Pa. 

Isobel Rose, John Barclay, Starr 
West, Teddy Jones, Miriam Battista, 
Clement O'Loghlen, 'Ned McCobb's 
Daughter,' Starlight Tl^eatre, Pawl- 
ing, N. Y. / 

Berilla Kerr, Lydia Fuller, Jack- 
son Perkins, Lauren Gilbert, Joseph 
F. Foley, ,H. McAlpin Whitney, 
'First Lady,' Farragut Playhouse, 
Rye Beach, N. H. 

Edythe Wood, Spencer James, 
'The Patsy,' Peapack, N. J. 

Julie Haydon, Seymour Gross, 
Evelyn Varden, Richard Cairlson, 
Walter Greaza, Reed McClelland, 
'Accidental Family,' Cape Playhouse, 
Dennis, Mass. 

Cole McMartin, Gloria Hatrick. 
Paul Yost, Lydia Perera. George 
Oliver Taylor, John Dickens. Lynn 
Sherman, Gilbert Faatz. 'Night of 
January 16th,' Barter Theatre, Ab- 
ingdon, Va. 

Anthony Ross. 'The Front Page.' 
Brattleboro Theatre, Brattleboro, 
Vt. 

Warren Bryan. Beth Marion, 
Melba Palmer, Ralph Chambers, 
Jack Easton, 'Day in the Sun,' 
Gretna Players, Mt. Gretna, Pa. 

Helen Brook.s, Cecilia Loftus, 
Alexander Clark, Elizabeth Young, 
Edmund Geoi-ge. Mary Wickes. 
Lewis Martin, Robert H. Harris. 
Robert Allen, 'Storm Over Palsy,' 
(Continued on page ii2) | 



SWING IT 

Uiiak-«I coaedy In tw» parts prRsentei At 
Adelphi, N. T., Juljr 22 hy Variety Theatre 
of WPX'B federal theatre; book by C«cil 
Vack; lyrlca by latter ud Milton Reidaia; 
Rcora by latter mud Eu1»t« Slake; stagred 1»y 
Mark and Jack Sfason; dances by Benny 
Johiiaon and Miriam ScbUler; SSc iop. 

Jake Frye..... .Edyrard Frye 

Gabby. ..... ......... ••...••Qeorffe Booker 

Skudmoose . ...a* ........... . Ernest Mlckena 

Miranda ...,,..,.,.*...BIancbe Tomdk 

Nate Sniltli... .....Walter Crinnbley 

Uud «..'....,...'... .'...Joe Iioomlit 

Sadie Frances Kverett 

Mame ..Oehora Engliah 

Ginger. »;.JaiBea lIoiMlecai 

Sl«v«..... ..........Sonny Ihompson 

Hob.....' ....Sherman Dlrkson 

Rusty ...•.••«.. Henry Jlnea 

Dusty Jamea Green 

Chin Chin , .At Tonns 

Su £lan .....Dorothy Turner 

JnmRica Joe ....JTohn Fortune 

'Mom' Brown , Cora Pavk.i 

Smoky.... ,.. ......Rlcharj} Webb 

Sonny. Leo Bailey 

Uladya Ql^a Willlamsi 

Kthel......: .Marion Brantley 

Hill Norman Barksdale 

SK-l)iea. ................. ..lAwrence Lionax 

I'iatrul .......^ Frank Jackson 

.^^hei-lft. ; AV Tonn*; 

Jasper.......' .Jainea Boxwell 

Amy. ...\nlla Bush' 

'Colored cast attraction of the 
WPA's vaudeville division in N.Y. 
and a colored play in Harlem are the' 
only shows in the relief outflt's 
leased theatres', the other units rov- 
ing the 'parks and various outdoor 
spots, usually gratis. 

'Swing It' has been a long time in 
the making. On the opening night 
it was strung out, but the second per- 
formance saw considerable improve- 
ment. Show is a cross between re- 
vue and musical comedy and pre- 
tends to hold to a story. 

Vogue of colored musicals that 
came in with 'Shuffle. Along' passed 
from favor years ago and no matter 
what its . pretentions, 'Swing It' will 
not revive it. Regarded strictly as a 
WPAer, the . show will pass muster, 
impression being that it. would fare 
better in Harlem than on Broadway. 

There are three sets of male duos 
trying to provide fun, but the per- 
formance is sadly lacking of laughs. 
At one point the chief comic, captain 
of a Mississippi boat, is played by 
Edward Frye, uses some of his for- 
mer vaudeville material. More of it 
might have been more "effective. 
There is one mentioa of 'How High 
Is Up' (Moss and Frye). .Frye. by 
the way, does well with 'Blah, Blah, 
Blah.' 

There are one or two number pos- 
sibilities, but hardly . standouts. 
•Ain't We Got Love' is made a pro- 
duction number, if any can be so 
rated in this show. A quartet in a 
cabaret scene starts very badly with 
'That's Why They Call Me Shine,' 
an old Williams and Walker fave. 
Two specialists in the four, however, 
pull the number out, one being en- 
cored. 

Story- has to do with the captain's 
scheme to gather talent from along 
the levee, sail up the big river and 
ultimately reach Harlem, where all 
hands will be famous and get rich. 
Originally the show was more along 
revue lines. Although it has been 
rehearsing from time to time for a 
year, it now is bogged down with 
book. 

Girl end of the outfit is weak, but 
that is to be expected. That the 
WPA did get together a musical, 
even of this type, indicates that much 
.work was required, since production 
limitations are apoarent. Costuming 
runs to violent colors and none ex- 
pensive. Program lists Betty Wheel- 
er as production manager. 

Show is close to the Broadway 
zone, but does not figure to lure pat- 
ronage away from regular legits. 

It>ce. 

Razing Broad St., Philly; 
To Become Auto Park 

Application of the Pennsylvania 
Co., acting for the bondholders of 
the Broad St. theatre, Philly, for 
permission to tear down the house 
was granted yesterday (Tuesday) by 
Judge Harry Kalodner in municipal 
court, Philly. Demolition, expected 
to tiikc about a month, will begin 
next Monday. Pennsylvania Co. was 
acting for holders of all but $27,000 
of the $700,000 bond issue. Site will 
be used as a parking lot. 

End of the Broad leaves Philly 
with six available legit houses. Four, 
the Forrest, Chestnut, Erlanger and 
Locust, were lighted last season. 
Shubert housed burlesque and the 
Walnut was a Yiddish theatre. 



SELWYN BUYS IN ON 
MacGRECOR'S PLAY 



Holljrwood, July 27. 

Arch Selwyn has bought in on the 
legit production j- "Story to be Whis- 
pered,' and will co-produce with 
Edgar MacGregor. 

Opens at the Geary, Frisco, Aug. 
16, and at the Biltmore here, Sept. 
13. 



'Bartered Bride' Draws 
H200 at St L. Debut 



St. Louis, July 27. 

Friedrich Smetana's comic opera 
The Bartered Bride,' with four Met- 
ropolitan opera singers in leading 
roles, was presented here for -first 
time in the Al Fresco theatre in For- 
est park Monday (26) to audience of 
10,0401, which wore wraps because 
of the cool weather. Take was ap- 
proximately $4,200 for the opening 
performance. 

Piece, with the most expensive cast 
in history of local outdoor entertain- 
ment, clicked with the customers. 
Making impressive debuts were Jo- 
seph Bentonelli, Susatuxe Fisher, 
CJeorge Rasely, native-born tenor, 
and Eugene Lowenthal. John Gur- 
ney, who had leading roles in 'Music 
in the Air' and 'The Fortune Teller* 
during current season, also scored. 

Supporting cast includes Joseph 
MacCaulay, Phil Porlerfield, Ruth 
Urban, Erika Zaranova, Annamary 
Dickey and Gus Howard. Bert Prival 
and dance team of Elaine and Barry. 
Routines were adapted for the line 
of 24 by Theodore Adolphus. 

'Prince of Pilsen' completed fourth 
run in 19 years of local Muny opera 
Sunday (25), with one performance 
Saturday (24) washed oft boards by 
rain. "Thi? was first time in two 
years that rain cancelled an entire 
performance. Take for six perform- 
ances was about $32,000, piece at- 
tracting 53.000. 

Coast 'Rat' to Chi 

Los Angeles, July 27. 
CJeorge Abbot's 'Brother Rat,'_ cur- 
rent at the Biltmore, jumps to 'Chi- 
cago after four stanzas, ending Aug. 
14, for the fall season. 



SUMMER THEATRES 



Taustus* Indoors 

Atlanta, July 27. 
Federal Theatre Project's pre.sen- 
tation of Christopher Marlowe's 
'Tragical Historic of Dr. Faustus' 
opens tonight (Tuesday) in the At- 
lanta theatre instead of the Buck- 
head Symphony Shell, as originally 
contemplated. Shift from amphi- 
theatre to indoors came about when 
Director Walter Armitage discovered 
outdoor staging and lighting for pro- 
duction would be impracticable. 

Armitage himself has title role, 
with Roy Elkins as 'Mephistopheles.' 
Cast of 75 is made up of New York. 
Birmingham and local WPA units 
and members of Atlanta Theatre 
Guild, which sponsors FTP here. 



THE JAZZ AGE 

Ivoryton, Conn., July 20. , 
Play In three acts, tlve scenes, by Krancio 
Stowart Hall. Staged by MlUon Stiefel; 
aettinss by Herbert G. Andrews. Presented 
by Stiefel at the Ivoryton Playhouaa, Ivory-, 
ton, .Conn., July W, '37. 

Oscfur Mltchel Kovnl 

Don LeMasler 

Bob Ray Kearney 

lit! nice Judy RuaseU 

Betty Jewell Hart 

•■^unny Dorita Dnwo 

i'onya. Lynn. Phllllpa 

Mrs. Be.<«t Helen Carewo 

Mr- Best 'Seth Arnold 

Phil Glen Bolea 

■ Jo.sepli Pevney 

f'^'l"' Iieon Janney 

3; rank Charles OrlBa> 

C.ynthla. Halla StodawA 

IJr. Rush...... ; Coburn Goodwin 

f • ■ • Forrest Orr 

l-iist Man... Dennis Shea 

Truckdrlver Bryan Arnold 

m^i-i-i^ Carl Trees 

Melba Deano 

' Phyllis Hamlllon 

"""•iPl Mnxlne Ro.sooe 

i^J'!''' Snndra .Stark 

i;"''!'"" Cecil >Iu^>lKir() 

M''''''e<l Ruih Ford 

There are a number of criticisms 
to be leveled against this play. In 
spite of which 'The Jazz .Age' 
emerges from its premiere perform- 
ance as agreeable entertainment. 

Author has chosen a theme of no 
great originality. It's the old one 
about the adolescent youth who has 
outgrown childish ways without 
quite reaching man's estate. Ralph 
Best goes to college, falls in love 
with the iastest gal on the campus, 
and then discovers the details of her 
unsavory past. This, naturally, lead.s 
to conriplete disillusionment; and the 
last we see of Ralph, he has lost his 
naive idealism forever. 

'Ah, 'Wilderness!' was a superior 
item along the same lines, and there 
nave been other versions of the 
story. But that Mr. Hall's little 
comedy-drama holds interest is not 
lo be denied. Probably the fact that 
(Continued on page 63) 




Mgt.: LOU CLAYTON 
Berkshire Hotel. New York 



•TABIEXX'S' XAimpK OFFICE, 



WTERNATIONAI. SHOW NEWS 



Teln>liA»« Temple. Bur ff041-S042 - «* • 



Best Riviera Summer in Years; 
li Weather, Exchai^e Help Out 




Cannes, July 10. 
. Good weather and new ioreign ex- 
change rates are booming Riviera 
niteries into the best summer season 
business they've had in recent years» 
despite strikes and hotel closing 
threats, which would normally send 
customers to other dimes. 

Bcacb resorts and the. larger 
towns are filling up with foreigners, 
particularly British and American, 
this week marking the official start 
of the hot weather season. Devalua- 
tion of the franc is a big factor and 
VrDl mean a larger season, although 
prices have already taken an upward 
jump in sn effort to take up the 

Hollywood at Juah-Les-Pins, ad- 
vertised as 'Europe's Most Beautiful 
Outdoor Cabar6t*— and It is— has 
been doing mid-season business 
again under the management oi Ann 
and Benn Litt, even though prices 
have been uppied 35c straight down 
the list, 'just to keep in line with 
the French economic curve. George 
Mbque and his Hollywoodians fur- 
nish the melodies and Ann Litt 
scores nightly with 'Life Begins at 
Forty,' wearing a 'Mae West' hat. 
Maxim's 

Across the street Pierre Passeron's 
Maximi's is getting a share of the biz^ 
with "niomas et Ses Merry Boys, 
pulling in lots ot the regulars, Le 
Fcovencal Hotel has opened its ex- 
clusive outdoor dining room and is 
getting enough thirsty after-dinner 
dancers to make it worthwhile for 
the first time in several seasons. 

Orio, formerly Boef-Sur-Le-Toit, 
opened with a gala last week, under 
new management and had to turn 
away cash customers. 'Robinson's 
.Little Robins,' drafted from the 
Knickerbocker Club iji Monte Carlo, 
supply the music, and Harvey White, 
colored • crooner • who helped open 
the playhouse last winter season, is 
back. 

Newest venture is the London Bar, 
Iransformed into a nitery labeled La 
Jungle, which is doing good business, 
despite the handicap of being sev- 
eral blocks from the Croisette. La 
''Bastide has reopened and the Kit 
Kat Club, "which didn't close be- 
tween seasons and which caters to 
the natives, is getting a fair slice of 
outside coin. 

In Nice 

Niteries in Nice, never a good 
summer town, are preparing for an 
unusually good period. Latest spot 
to open is the Savoy-Palace Jungle 
Room on the Promenade des Anglais, 
.where Doris Colbert, colored Chicago 
singer^ is getting plenty of attention. 
Casino de la Jetee's outdoor terrace 
has been opened, featuring Fred 
Raoux and his orchestra, while Paul 
. -Rosset'^ band takes care of the 
dancers inside the casino. La Boule 
Rouge and the Plantation report 
good business. 

Summer Sporting Club, casino in 
Monte Carlo, opens on July 23 with 
* new imported floor show. May- 
fair and Knickerbocker Clubs are 
closed. 



Richman to Deaavflle 



Deauvillc, July 20. 
Harry Richman, presently faking 
London as he likes it, is expected to 
be one of the high spot of the season 
here. 

According to present plans he is 
schoduled to play at the Casino from 
Aug. 3 to 16. Deauville season, 
which is in full swing, has been 
marked by an appearance . of " the 
Philadelphia Ballet on July 13, and 
he International Regatta from July 9 
.0 12. At the present time Gretyl 
Vernon's Viennese orchestra is play- 
ing daily in the local music hall. 



Trench Without Tears' 
A&ptation by Fresnay 



Paris, July 20. 

Opening of the French adaptation 
of 'French Without Tears' at the 
Theatre Saint-Georges marked the 
entrance of Pierre Fresnay into the 
field of dramatic writing. 

Fresnay, star of French stage and 
screen, who is currently appearing 
at the Bouffes Parisians in 'The 
Three WaltMs,' collaborated with 
Maurice Sachs on the adaptation of 
the London Play for the French 
stage. 

Unusual success of Terence Rat 
tigan's comedy at the London Cri 
terion removed any doubts that 
wight have been in the mind of 
Benoit-Leon Deutsch, director of the 
Theatre Saint-Georges, as to the ad' 
visability of producing it here in the 
middle, of the summer. Play was 
originally scheduled to open in the 
fall, but Deutsch changed his mind 
and moved up the date. 

Original story dealing with young 
Englishmen trying to learn French 
has been switched to Frenchn'.en try 
ing to learn English. Ca.st of the 
play, called 'L'Ecurie Walson' in 
. French, is made up entirely of young 
artists, none of whom are welJ 
known on the French stage. 



FRENCH GO FOR 
OUTDOOR SPECS 



Paris, July 18. 
As part of the many theatrical 
presentations planned by the Com- 
misariat des Fetes de Paris, the 
troupe of the Theatre National de 
r Odeon presented 'A Midsummer 
Night's Dream' at the Chateau de 
Bagatelle. With the troupe of the 
Odeon, the Loie Fuller ballets and 
opera ballet took part in the produc- 
tion, featuring the dancing of Serge 
Lifar and Suzanne Lorcia. Breezes 
that blew over the outdoor stage, 
located at the edge of the Bois de 
Boulogne, gave a realistic effect to 
the dancers' flowing costumes. 

Among the largest of the festivities 
yet to come is *Le Vrar Mister e de la 
Passion,' scheduled to take place at 
the end of the month. It will be 
held in the large square in front of 
the Notre Dame Cathedral, and more 
than 1,000 actors will take part. Pro- 
duction will run from July 30 until 
August 8 and will be produced by 
Pierre Adelbert, who has been re- 
sponsible for the successes of the 
passion plays here in . the past. 
Romauld Joube has been chosen for 
the principal role of Christ. Ar- 
rangements are being made so more 
than 10,000 ! spectators can view the 
play at each performance. 



Phrandello Was Ace 
Playwright in Italy 
Last Year; Surprised? 

Rome, July 16. 
Luigi Pirandello was the Italian 
playwright who was represented by 
the greatest number of plays and 
the greatest number of companies 
during the 1936-37 season. Ten plays 
of his were put on, seeing altogether 
11.7 performances. To these must be 
added .30 performances in Neapoli- 
tan dialect. 

Topping Pirandello in total num- 
ber of performances was Giuseppe 
Adami, whose 'Nonna Felicita,' 
'Felicita Cplpmbc,' 'Provincia,' and 
'Vecchio Ragazzo' totaled 182 show- 
ings. 

Altogether the major Italian dra- 
matic companies (excluding the 
companies that go in for plays in 
dialect) produced plays during the 
past, season of 60 Italian authors, 
50 of whom are living writers. 
Melato-Carini-Bctrpne Company had 
the largest percentage of Italian 
authors on its repertoire: 80% 
Italian to 20% foreign. Galli Co. had 
the greatest percentage of Italian 
shows: 99% Italian to 1% foreign. 



Arnold Revue, from 

London, in S. Africa 

Capetown, July 3. 

A Tom Arnold Revue Co. is due 
to open at the Empire, Johannes- 
burg, on July 5, staging 'Merrily 
We Go' and 'O.K. for Laughs,' with 
George Lacy as principal comedian. 

Sherman-Fisher Girls are in the 
show. E. W. Roycc, dance director, 
is now in Johannesburg engaging lo- 
cal chorus for the tour. ' African 
Consolidated Theatres is booking the 
tour. 



NEW TROCDERO 
PARIS, DDE 
IN SEPT. 



Paris, July 20. 
The 3,000-seat theatre of the 
Trocadero, originally planned as the 
official show house of the expo, will 
finally be opened in September, if 
the present schedule of work can 
be maintained. . 

Jacques Carlu, chief architect of 
the new Trocadero, states that the 
lateness is due not only to the late 
start, but to the official inauguration 
of the expo. At that time about $34,- 
000 worth of ^caffo? ling was torn 
down and work was retarded a 
month clearing ground for the cere- 
monies. 

One of the most important fea- 
tures of the theatre will be its organ. 
Raisable base for the instrument is 
58 by 29 feet and weighs 70 tons. 
Orchestra pit will accommodate 120 
musicians. More than 150,000 tons 
of rock have been blasted to form 
the cave-like house. 

Besides the theatre, the Trocadero 
houses, or will house, an aquarium, 
museums of ethnology, comparative 
statuary, folklore, French frescoes, 
a 100,000-volume library, and several 
other smaller museums. 



BIG PRODUCTION PLANS 
FOR BUDAPEST SEASON 



Budapest, July 16. 

'Belle Helene,' Offenbach operetta, 
planned as a summer outdoor show, 
has been postponed for production 
in the early fall season at Varosi 
theatre, jointly produced by the 
Varosi and Vigszlnhaz managements. 
Ilona Haj massy, newly discovered 
blonde soprano, is to be starred, but 
she is threatening to fulfill a Metro 
option and sail for U. S. before that 
date, piqued because the show did 
not come off in the summer, as origi- 
nally planned. 

Other outstanding production to 
come off at the Varosi in the coming 
season will be 'Miracle' in the Rein- 
hardt manner. It has been done by 
Reinhardt himself, in German, in the 
same theatre before. Revival, in 
Hungarian, is planned on the occa- 
sion of the World Eucharistic Con- 
gress, to be held in Budapest next 
spring. 



New Bernstein Play 

Paris, July 20. 

Henry Bernstein has just com- 
pleted a new five-act comedy which 
will be produced at the Theatre: du 
Gymnase as soon as the fall run 
of Xe Voyage' is completed. 

Entitled 'La Cap des Tempetes" 
('Cape of Storms) it will be pro- 
duced with a cast including Victor 
Francheri, Janine Crispin, Claude 
Dauphin, Jean Wall, Lucy Legero 
and Betty Daussrhond. 'Le Voyage' 
is scheduled to reopen in Septem- 
ber for a short run and will be im- 
mediately followed by Bernstein's 
new play. 

He is also scheduled to direct his 
'Judith' at the Comedicn Francai.^e 
during the coming season. 



New Batch of U. S. Acts Set for 
Aussie Routes in the Nick of Time 



Legit for S. Africa 

Capetown, July 3. 

Charles Hickman, who produced 

The Frog' in So. Africa, is bringing 

out another company in August, to 

stage 'Late Night Final,'- 'Boy Meets 
Girl,' 'Tovarich,' and 'The House- 
master.' 

Artists are John Laurie, Cecil 
Winter, Holland Bennett, Rayinbnd 
Lovell, Misses Kell Carter, Joan 
Kemp-Welsh, Christine Lindsay, 
Olga Martin. 

African Consolidated Theatres will 
carry the tour. 



VADDEHLM ON 
UPGRADE IN RIO 



iElio -de Janeiro, July 17. 
What with competition becoming 
more, fierce daily and . lack of at- 
tractions to pull' the mobs, cinema 
proprietors are resorting to vaude 

and several of the leading pic houses 
will soon be doing their own import- 
ing of American and continental 
stock. 

First to start the new vogue was 
Opera, recently inaugurated, which 
started with a dog number, a 
magician, a song and dance man, 
and six of what were called 'New 
York Girls,' specially dished for the 
baldheaded row. 

Idea is expected to pull, if quality 
can. be substituted for the present 
quantity. Show runs from one and 
a half to two hours and, together 
with the screen, the whole session 
beats the three and a half mark. 

Opera is the latest addition to the 
Plaza-Parisiense chain and used' to 
specialize strip acts. This has kept 
puritan attendance at a minimum, 
fearing the place still banks on rapid 
exits. * 

Plaza will probably follow suit, 
while the Metro has refused to deny 
or confirm that it has similar plans. 



PAREE WAITING FOR 
HLOSCOW ART TROUPE 

Paris, July 18. 
Company of the Art Theatre of 
Moscow is going to pay a return 
visit to Paris 14 years after its first 
trip. 

On its visit here the troupe will be 
accompanied by choruses and 
dancers from the Red Army. With 
them will also be M. Stanislavski 
and Mme. Tchekov, widow of the 
author. 

Troupe has just finished an usually 
successful rutr of a modern adapta- 
tion of 'Anna Karenina' in Moscow. 



Leo Reisman Plays From Steps 
Of Opera in Biggest Paris Hoopla 



Paris, July 18. 

Despite a waiter.s' strike and an 
unpleasant political atmosphere, 
Paris turned out this year to cele- 
brate July 14 — the i?'rench equivalent 
of July 4 at home — as it has never 
been done before. 

Because of the many tourists here 
to .visit the exposition, the committee 
in charge took special trouble to 
throw a good show. Biggest irmo- 
vation was the equipping of a num- 
ber of trucks with floodlights and 
loudspeakers which toured the town, 
carrying some of the best known 
artists now appearing here. This is 
the first time this has ever been done, 
and it was such a great success the 
same formula will undoubtedly be 
followed next year. 

Most extraordinary event of the 
day probably, from an American 
standpoint, was the band of Leo 
Reisman playing 'St. Louis Blues' 
and other pop dance offerings on the 
steps of the Opera. French laughed 
at the domparison of hot American 
jazz bursting forth from the steps of 
the home of all that highbrow music 
means here," danced to the music in 



London, July 18. 
Frank Neil's new line-up of vaude- 
ville talent for Australia and New 
Zealand has come along at - a most 
opportune time. Just when a good 
number ot Americans are about 
through here, due to the Ministry of 
Labor's 'six months in, and six 
months out' edict, he's giving 'em an 
out. 

Rule only affects medium-priced 
acts, which is just what Neil is seek- 
ing. 

Neil's line-up for Sept 6 opening, 
which means that acts sail July 3, 
are Nina Mae McKinney, Batie and 
Foster, Al Verdi and Thelma Let, 
Bob Fisher, Tracy and Hay (who sail 
frorn India) and Pat Henning and 
Betty (who said from Los Angeles). 
Also on English contingent compris- 
ing Irwin Felix and Nan, Red Fred, 
Harry Marconi, Eddie Sharp. 

For October 11 opening are Davie 
Seed and Co., Devito Denny 4, York 
and Tracey, Rex Weber, Powell and 
Bret, and Carl Shaw and Chris Gill. 
Last Ave named go from Los Ange- 
les, Gill is here now, but goes home 
first. Bell Bros, and Carmen, Marini 
and Andy, Betty Buckland and the 
Three Rays are the English contin- 
gent. 

Acts play five weeks in Melbourne, 
five weeks in Sydney, and two weeks 
in Brisbane. If successful they go 
on for 11 weeks to New Zealand, and 
are then good for returns in Melp 
bourne and Sidney. 

In all, these acts can grab them- 
selves six. months work down under, 
and are therefore eligible for an- 
other six months' return trip to Eng- 
land. 



PARIS CAFE 
STRIKE OVER 



the streets and the boys had a hard 
time getting away after playing for 
half an hour. 

And, of course, every cafe which 
could afford it had a band of its own, 
and those which could not brought 
down the family radio or phono- 
graph. Vendors of rugs, carpets, 
trinkets and peanuts did a land office 
business while general returns from 
every quarter were better than they 
have been for years. 

Waiters' strike— which somewhat 
curtailed drinking in the boulevard 
districts, but helped the little bistrots 
which were open — was the cause of 
the only trouble of the day when 
strikers threw chairs through the 
windows of the Terminus Hotel Cafe 
in the Place de la Republigue. 

Stars who performed from the 
moving trucks Included Maurice 
Chevalier, Josephine Baker, Jane 
Manet, Alice Cocea, Georges Bastia, 
Hachem Khan, Marie Duba.s, Robert 
Jysor, Doumel and Laure Diana. 

Probably the greatest number of 
people seen on the streets in Pari.« 
for the djiy's celebration? since the 
war were out 



Paris, July 20. 

Strike fever, which has afflicted 
this town for many months pa.st 
affecting almost every type of busi- 
ness and amusement that exists, at 
last seems to be cooling off. 

Latest of the high temperature 
walkouts that hit the cafes, res- 
taurants and hotels was settled to- 
night (20) and tomorrow will see thie 
boulevards resuming their natural 
aspect, with imbibers back under the 
awnings watching the world go by. 

When it first struck nearly two 
weeks ago, the larger cafes, like 
Florians, the Collsee, the Cafe du 
Rond-Poi\t and the Cafe de la Paix, 
were the hardest hit and remained 
completely closed until makeshift 
staffs could be found. When the 
hotel workers were called out in 
sympathy, over the application of 
the new 40-hour week, more cafes 
joined, but little by little they man- 
aged to secure enough help to offer 
some kind of service. None of the 
larger hotels were extremely hard 
hit, but the cafes and restaurants 
sufifered plenty. 

When the announcement was made 
late tonight that an agreement had 
been reached and work would be re- 
sumed tomorrow, no terms of the 
get-together were announced, What- 
ever they are, Paris and the tourists 
will breathe easier, for all the larger 
cafes have been patrolled by extra 
police to prevent strikers from in- 
timidating the few who could be 
found to work under those condi- 
tions. Although several small brawls 
did break in the Champs-EIysces and 
Montmartre districts, no real trouble 
was experienced. 



GIELGDD SETS LONDON 
REP. CO. FOR 4 PLAYS 



London, July 18. 

John Gielgud will shortly realize a 
long-cherished ambition to appear 
in London in a series of plays with 
a permanent company. He has 
leased a West End theatre for a sea- 
son of eight months, commencing in 
September, and will present four 
classic plays, with Peggy Ashcroft as 
his leading lady. 

First will be 'Richard II,' followed 
by 'The School for . Scandal,' 'The 
Three Sisters' and 'The Merchant ot 
Venice.' Each play will have a run of 
not less than ci;»ht weeks and not 
more than 10. Tlicatre not yet 
named, because nnnlhrr piny is now 
running there. 



58 



VARIETY 



LITERATI-CONCERT 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



3S More Dropped From Hearst s N.Y. 
Journal-American; Other Switches 



Axe swung again on the merged 
N. Y. American- Journal with about 
35 more men dropped from the pay- 
roll, 20 from the editorial staff and 
15 from the commercial departments. 
While some more releases were 
expected on the Hearst papers, they 
came a bit faster and in more 
grouped form than had been an- 
ticipated. 

John Harkins, drama editor of the 
old N. Y. American, and of the new 
Sunday American for two weeks, is 
out. Also out is Murray Boltinoff, 
Harkins', assistant. Gilbert W. 
Gabriel, drama critic, is In active 
negotiation with the management for 
a payoff of his contract, which has 
till February. Probably will not 
write , any more for the paper, Ed 
Pra'yn? has been named sports editor, 
replacing Bill Famsworth who, how- 
ever, remains on ,the payroll as 
sports columnist; He did both jobs 
on the Journal before the merger. 

Mignon Bushel, femme reporter 
and daughter of Hymie Bushel, the- 
atrical attorney, is out, as are also 
Ray Krim, who has gone to the 
Newark Ledger; Ben Markowtiz, for 
30 years* on the staff; Arthur LeDuc, 
Travis Fulton, Vincent Sa:(on, Marmy 
Nichols, C. W. Van Devander, who 
has gone to the N. Y, Post; Sidney 
Penner; chairman of the A^er5can's 
Newspaper. Guild unit; William 
Patterson, M. Ulmer, John Hamilton, 
James O'Connor, Frank Pesmond, 
Frank Atwood, Charles Rowland, 
John O'Keefe and Percy Stone. 

Severance pay was granted in all 
cases, with some of the dropped per»- 
sons also receiving vacation pay for 
time oft due them. 

More Changes 

Fred Meyers, Guild unit chairman 
at the N. Y. Daily -Mirror, is resign- 
ing to take a job as organizer for the 
, Guild.' Charles McCabe publisher, 
.told the Guild's, negotiating commit- 
tee that there would be layoffs for 
the present. Mirror has not added 
' any to its staff since the merger. 

Hearst last week withdrew from 
Washihiij^on field and leased his 
Washington Times to Eleanor Patter- 
son .lor five years. Last April he 
lcasQ4''thl$v^ Washington Herald which 
she had previously been publishing 
for seven years, to her. 
' John J. Lambert, former head of 
Hearst's Universal Service who has 
been publisher of the Times is out, 
and J. J. Fitzpatrick, managing 
editor of the Times has resigned. 

W. M. Baskerville, managing editor 
of the Baltimore NewsrPo'st has been 
loaned to the Times for the . re- 
organization. 



Ahnenberg's 250G Libel Salt 
Suit for $250,000 has been brought 
by Max Annenberg, circulation man 
ager of the N. Y. Daily News, against 
Burton Rascoe and Doubleday 
Doran. Libel action is based on 
references to Annenberg in Rascoe's 
recently published biography titled 
•Before I Forget,' In which Rascoe 
allegedly States that Annenberg used 
gangsters in the 1910 Chicago news 
paper circulation war. 



Ztt's Permanent Fold 

Zit's Weekly, which has suspended 
every now and then during the past 
four years, axid reported resuming 
next month, has now done what 
looks lllce a permanent fold. Pub 
has vacated offices at 254 W. 54th 
street, N. Y., after having disposed 
of office furniture and other para- 
phernalia. 

Paper was founded in 1920 by C. F. 
Zittel, who came over from Hearst's 
N. Y. Evening Journal, where he had 
been amusement advertising man- 
ager. Zittel is now running a W. 
72d street (N Y.) tavern. 



American Newspaper Guild and the 
CIO. 

After hearing talks by William J. 
Cameron, Ford Motor Co. spokes- 
man, who attacked the CIO bias of 
Detroit and other newspapers, the 
small-town editors association placed 
its oke on the 'united front.' Cameron 
also charged that newspapers made a 
hero of John L. Lewis, CIO chief- 
tain, and that 'if you want the truth 
about the sitdowns, you had to read 
the Atlantic seaboard newspapers, 
especially the N. Y. and Boston 
papers.' 

Others who addressed the con- 
clave were E. H. McReynolds, board 
chairman of Advertising Federation 
of America; John R. MacManus, of 
MacManus, John 8t Adams agency, 
and H. G. Weaver, General Motors 
director of customer research. 



Donnelly's Big Deal 

One of the biggest printing and 
publication deals In years • is being 
talked in New York. If it goes 
through, the R. R. Donnelly Co., Chi- 
cago printers and publishers, will 
take over the Garden City Press, 
Garden City, L. I., iit present con- 
trolled by Doubleday-Doran. 

If deal is completed, it will mean 
that Donnelly's, in addition to the 
Chicago plant, will expand into New 
York, putting it perhaps in. the lekd 
position in the U. S., only real com- 
petition being the Cuneo Press, also 
in Chicago, and McGraw-Hill, N. Y. 



More Jap Magr Bans 
Japanese police last week seized 
copies of the Fortnightly, British 
publication which allegedly con- 
tained a passage disrespectful to the 
throne. Golden Age, religious pub- 
lication published in Brooklyn, has 
been permanently banned for articles 
said to be anarchistic in tenor. 

At . the same •'time ■ Ogohjldai* 
('Lighthouse'), published ili Tokyo, 
was suppressed for carrying trans- 
lated articles from the Golden Age. 



and humorous featuren, together 
with a healthy volume of advertis- 
ing. 

Jones, film writer and producer, 
has been putting out a magazhie 
irregularly for some years as a give- 
away for the entertainn^ent of his 
pals. Now he Is venturing into the 
field for coin, since the demand for 
his type of stuff has livened. How- 
ard Wookey is art editor of 'Jones' 
and Maurice Stevens production 
manager. 



Pothole Honored (?) 

. Spancs, Hollywood society of p.a.'s 
and newspaper correspondents, 
elected officers for the year at the 
final feed for the summer. Horace 
P.: Pothole was stuck with the job 
of prez, nobody else wanting it be- 
cause of the beefs. 

Bill Thomas and Paul Harrison 
were elected v.p.'s, Marc Lachmann 
sec. and J. D. Spiro, treasurer. 

Doug Churchill, retiring v.p., said 
there was a constitution, but he 
hadn't read it and doubted if any- 
body else wanted to. That, too, was 
passed on to Prez Pothole. 



Munsey Mag Shakeup 
Jack Byrnes has been made editor- 
in-chief of the Munsey group of 
mags, which includes the Argosy, 
Detective' Fiction Weekly, Railroad, 
and All St6ry Love. 

Chandler Whipple becomes editor 
of the Argosy, post formerly held 
by Byrnes. Clatence Ingerman is 
the hew editor of Detective Fiction 
Weekly, replacing William Kostka, 
who leaves to start a police mag. 



NLRB Hears Redstone Case 
The ilrst National Labor Relations 
Board hearing in a case brought by 
the Book and Magazine Guild is be- 
ing held in New York, growing out 
of charges by the Guild that David 
Redstone, formerly with Standard 
Magazines, was discharged for union 
activity. 

Redstone had been with the firm 
since 1935 and joined the Guild with 
several others this year. Reason for 
the discharge given by the company 
is reduction of personnel. The Guild 
is pointing out that Standard Mags 
publishes 21 papers, among them 
College Humor, with a staff of 35, 
including clerical workers. Redstonfe, 
the discharged employee, it states, 
made up 18 of these magazines, and 
had received several unsolicited 
raises prior to his discharge. 



More Opposition to Guild 

In a turbulent three-day session 
in Detroit last week the National 
Editorial Assn. enlisted _^ts forces 
with 12 other publishers' groups in 
combined efforts to maintain the 
'open shop' in America's newspapers. 

James G. Stahlman, of the Nash- 
ville (Tenn.) Banner, In an address 
opening day of the 52nd annual con- 
clave invited NEA members to join 
in 'united front' of opposition to 'an 
effort to control the press of America 
through a closed news and editorial 
shop.' 

Stahlman Is president of the 
American Newspaper Publishers 
Assn; and was named chairman of 
the Newspaper Committee in Chi- 
cago recently to combat aims of the 



Louise Connell's Post 

The You Publishing Co., Inc., an- 
nounces appointment of Louise Con- 
nell as Hollywood editor. Mrs. 
ConneU was formerly 'back-of-the- 
book' editor of Delineator; a found- 
ing editor of the magazine 'Charm,' 
published by L. Bamberger & Co.; 
a copywriter on women's accounts 
for the J. Walter Thompson adver- 
tising agency, and a writer for gen- 
eral magazines and the . stage. 

Mrs. ConneU resides in Hollywood, 
where her author husband, Richard 
Gonnell, is associated with the 
cinema. 



New Story Low, 922 

Fan mag scribblers are deeply 
seared over slashes in prices placed 
In effect by a magazine outfit that 
has set a new all-time low on story 
prices at $22 each. 

Authors calculate that if the news 
gets round, other mags also will start 
cutting down, 



Grover Jones' Hobby Grows 

Grover Jones' new magazine, 
'Jones,' made its bow to Hollywood 
last week. Vol. 1, No. 1, has 70 
pages, with editorial content made 
up of fiction, cartoons, lithographs 



LITEBATI OBITS 
M. W. EttyrLeal* 79, ace trade 
journalist and Variety correspondent 
at the Hague, died there July 15 
after a series of illnesses. He repre- 
sented 14 trade papers In various 
parts of the world and on various 
subjects, restricting his theatrical 
news coverage, however, to Variety. 

Death came suddenly, despite his 
recurring ailments. He had just re- 
covered "from a lengthy two-month 
battle and seemed to be well , on the 
way to recovery when stricken. 

Dennis A. Brislin, 53, assistant 
telegraph editor, of the Scranton 
Times, died at his home, Scranton, 
Pa;, July 21, after three weeks' ill- 
ness. Had been identified with 
Scranton and Wilkes-Barre news- 
papers for 30 years. 

Wife of Moe Ushiewitz, comptrol- 
ler of the Theatrical Press Unit of 
the N. Y. Newspaper Guild, died in 
child birth in N. Y. last Wednesday 
(20). Child, a son, survives. Ushie- 
witz is press contact for local 802, 
Musicians' Union. 

Paul Braud; 76, for 26 years police 
reporter for the Los Angeles Exam- 
iner, died in L. A., July 22, follow- 
ing a long illness. 



CHATTER 

Nannine Joseph at Olivet, Mich., 
for the Writers' confab. 

Eugene F. O'Connor III, new p.a. 
for Scribner's in N. Y. 

Ben Ames Williams will fish in 
Nova Scotia and visit Quebec. 

Sinclair Lewis has finished the 
first draft of his new novel 'Prodiged 
Parents.' 

George Santayana has finished a 
book titled 'The Realm of Truth,' 
due out next fall. 

Edward J. O'Brien is doing a book 
titled 'Elizabethan Tales,' made up of 
16th century short stories. 

William Heineman to publish' 
Jerome Weidman's 'I Can Get It For 
You Wholesale' in England. 

Bess Adams Gamer, director of the 
Padua Hills theatre at Claremont, 
Cal., doing a book on Mexico. 

Webb Miller, of the United Press 
foreign staff, is currently resting 
near London after coving the fall of 
Bilbao. 

Willie Keegan Is out at the n; Y. 
World-Telegram. Had been there 
since the merger, and before that on 
the World. 

Stanley Woodward, of the N. Y. 
Herald Tribune sports department, 
keeping^ out of the sun at Spring 
Lake, N. J. 

Hal Eaton and Philip Hochstein, 
managing editor ■ fo the Newark 
Ledger, going to Mexico for a three- 
week vacation. 

Frederick Othman, long a United. 
Press correspondent in iy«ishington, 
D. C, In Hollywood to do a column 
for the service. 

George Grant, former art manager 
of Hearst's N. Y. American, removed 
to Bellevue hospital last week, after 
suffering nervous collapse. 

Action brought by the chief of po- 
lice in Milwaukee against James T. 
Farrell's 'World I Never Made' has 
been rescinded, and book is again on 
sale. 

George Bagley, whodunit writer, 
has switched from Covici-Friede to 
Crime Club (Doubleday-Doran). 
Bagley, in real-life, is Aaron Stein, 
radio editor of the N. Y. Post. 

Dorothy Dix, syndicate adviser 
to the lovelorn, is picking up 
many pretty pennies with a 'Con- 
fessions of a Columnist' lecture dur- 
ing her Carolina vacation trip. 

Eugene Lyons leaves for Europe 
this week (31), having finished read- 
ing galleys on his new book, 'Assign- 
ment in Utopia,' due out next fall. 
Will go to Italy and then join his 
family on the Riviera. 

Oliver Gramling will begin editing 



B. 0. Pulse Steadier at Lewisohn; 
Weather Breaks Aid; Estimate $12J00 



Igor Gorin's Tour 



Igo.r Gorln, current on 'Hollywood 
Hotel* (Campbell Soup) over CBS 
oh Friday nights, will go on a con- 
Cert tour this autumn. 

Baritone will solo In, the second- 
flight spots, starting in October, 



W Dehhil Rain 
Cuts Down Dell 
Week to $9, 




Philadelphia, July 27. 
Lack of socko attractions, plus 
threats of rain two nights, sent 
Philly Orch's Robin Hood Dell gross 
down to estimated $9,500 for six 
nights last week. Providing weather 
holds out, the week ending tonight, 
however, should see best gross of 
season so far. Two presentations of 
Catherine Littlefleid ballet expected 
to pull take up to $13,000 for five 
nights.. Friday's concert was rained 
out, 

Poor reception to Ballet Caravan 
last Monday night, with only 1,200- 
in the al fresco dell, socked the 
week's biz. Rain in some parts of 
the city hurt. Best night was Thurs- 
day, when Harold Bauer soloed and 
Wallenstein conducted, to ring up 
$1,800 in single admishes. , 



FEMALE FISTICUFFS 



Russian Singrep and Lawyer's Wife 
in Street Set-to 



Philadelphia, July 27. 

Marge Krasnioarova, Russian con- 
cert singer, was held in $500 bail 
here last Friday on an assault and 
battery charge stemming from a bat- 
tle with a woman who claimed 
Margo was fishing for her" husband. 

Second lady, Mrs. Jane Shotz, told 
the court: 'I was walking down the 
street with my husband. He's a law- 
yer. This woman met us. She said 
to me, 'Well, you've got him, you 
can have him,' and then she hit me 
and broke my glasses.' Mrs, Shotz 
says she's been a nervous wreck 
since the fight and Is afraid of 
Krasniorova, 

It developed, however, that Kras- 
niorova was also a little upset. She 
turned around and accused Mrs. 
Shotz of a. and b., too. So to make 
things even, the magistrate held her 
in $500 bail also. 



Mary Lewis the 2nd 

Changes Tag to Davis 

Hollywood, July 27. 
' Mary Lewis,^ radio thrush, has 
changed her tag to' Elizabeth Davis 
following announcement by Mary 
Lewis, operatic diva, that she is re- 
turning to the warbling wars. 

Former's new handle becomes ef- 
fective with her autumn engagement 
with the Colin Toni operatic troupe. 

Reiner Heads West 

With , last night's scheduled per- 
formance of 'Tristan and Isolde,' 
Fritz Reiner concluded his season's 
conducting engagement at the Lew- 
isohn Stadium, N. Y. 

Motors to Chicago, where he ba- 
tons four concerts at Ravina Park, 
August 5-8. Continues to the Coast, 
where . he conducts at Hollywood 
Bowl, August 17 and 20. 



Wardiaw at Dance Gym 

Spartanburg, S. C, July 27. 

Jack Wafdlaw and CBS orchestra 
set for season at $100,000 (new) Hen- 
dersonville, N. C, dance gymnasium. 

Vocalist Kitty Nowland and Co- 
medians Buddy Good and Dave 
Smith articled along with band. 

material on a history of the Asso- 
ciated Press next month, while on a 
four-week vacation in Florida. Will 
be used in conjunction with a proj- 
ected Selznick motion picture of the 
syndicate. AP may publish the book 
itseU. 



Thanks to a week of clear weather, 
attendance and grosses at the Sta- 
dium Concerts, Lewisohn Stadium, 
N. Y., last week, showed a satisfac- 
tory spurt. As anticipated, the two 
performances of Wagner excerpts, 
Fritz Reiner conducting and soloists, 
brought out nice . audiences. First, 
on Tuesday (20) night, pulled the 
highes;t attendance so far this sea- 
son, 5,000. Figure was cracked 
Thursday (22) night, when 6,000 el- 
bowed through the wicket. Week's 
totals were 28,000 attendance for 
$12,700, 

• Last Week's Estimates 
. Monday (19), regular concert, with 
Ray Lev piano soloist, Fritz Reiner 
conducting ($1 top), clear weather; 
okay $1,200. 

Tufesday (20), 'Siegfried* excerpts^ 
with Fritz Reiner and soloists ($1.50 
top), clear weather; good $2,500. 

Wednesday (21), Beethoven, 
Strauss, Wagner concert, with Fritz 
Reiner ($1 top), clear weather; fair 
$1400. 

Thursday (22), 'Gotterdammerung* 
excerpts, with Fritz Reiner and solo- 
ists ($1.50 top), clear weather; fine 
$3,000. 

Friday (23), regular conciert, with 
Fritz Reiner ($1 top), clear weather; 
satisfactory $1,300. 

Saturday (24), regular concert, 
with . Paul Kerby conducting ($1 
top), dear weather; combo of new 
batoner and week-end not up to 
hopes, $2,300. 

Sunday (25), regular concert, with 
Paul Kerby ($1 top), clear weather; 
so-so $1,300. 

Fitz Reiner was slated to wind 
up his season's batoning stint .at 
the Stadium last night when he 
Avas skedded to conduct the fifUi and 
last Wagner performance, 'Tristan 
and Isolde.' George King Rauden- 
bush, conductor of the Harrisburg 
(Pa.) Symphony Orchestra set to 
take over the podium. 



Grass Space 40c; 
Outdoor Concerts 
Click in St. Louis 



St. Louis, July 27. 

Little Symphony series, concluded 
last week, paid Its own way aiid 
Robert Brookings Smith, pres, of 
Little Theatre Society, sponsor of 
series, promised another next year 
that will be augmented In number 
and quality. Moving scene of con- 
cierts from a St. Louis County site 
to quadrangle to Washington Uni- 
versity here and good weather are 
some of reasons attributed to suc- 
cess of concerts. 

Chairs sold for $1 and space on the 
grass for 40c. 



NOW IT CAN BE TOLD 



Inside Stuff on Stoki's Maestroin; 
Sans Baton 



Reason why Leopold Stokowski 
conducts without a baton has at last 
come to light. Practice has caused 
comment from symph audiences for 
years, particularly regarding the 
maestro's 'long, sensitive fingers,' but 
Stokl has never revealed the cause. 

Turns out that the conductor frac- 
tured his right shoulder some sea- 
sons ago while leading the Philadel- 
phia Orchestra. At the time the in- 
jury was diagnosed as neuralgia, but 
some time later an X-ray disclosed 
the fracture. Since then Stoki has 
been unable to swish a stick and has 
developed a technique of motions 
and Signals for his men almost en- 
tirely by the use of his hands. 

Several other symph conductors 
have since discarded the baton. 



Serffe Oukrainsky, currently re- 
hearsing for ballets fjcom 'It Trova- 
tore' and 'The Bartered Bride' in the 
Hollywood Bowl in mid-August, has 
been engaged as ballet master of the 
San Francisco Opera Assn., begin- 
ning Sept & 



Wediieedayi July 28, 1937 



CHATTER 



VARIETY 59 



Broadway 



Richard Bennett has gone to the 
Coast. 

^ Major Tfoyle back after twp years 
'iii the west:i^;,. « 

Saiii Harrfs'recovering from intes- 
tinal grippe. 

Hunter Gardner back from, Colo- 
rado Springs. 

Ed Hurley on p.a. staff of Paul 
Whiteman now. 

. BobXella^d, legit aotor, signed by 
20th Century-Fox. 

Tom Kane ill with neuritis at his 
Phelps, N- Y., home 

Paul White, CBS special events 
chief, to Hollywood. 

Frank Hall- bigger than ever will 
be stage manager of 'Virginia.-* : 
. J, Cullen Landis and Edward An- 
drevys have joined The Lam.bs. 

Hugh O'Conriell in for about three 
weeks between pics at Warners 
. Charlie Harris fishing" this- week 
and next at Crossett Pond, N. Y.- 
Willie Kurtz resting in Vermont 
reports big grosses at the hotels. 

Ralph Whitehead returning from 
Rochester trip today (Wednesday). 

Dr. R. G. Epstein, dentrst, is man- 
aging Joan Merrill, singer, on the 
air. 

Fred Sherman recovering froni an 
appendectomy at Long Beach hos- 
pital. ' 

Kathleen Fitz leaving the cast of 
'Brother Rat,' at the Biltmore, this 
wjeek. 

Don Hancock, of Castle Films, ex- 
pected back from vacation first next 
week. 

Edward Padula has jpined 20th- 
^JFox production department on the 
"Coast. 

Ezra Stone reported • going into 
•Room Service* when 'Brother Rat' 
closes. 

Frank Libuse entertaining in. Lon- 
don cafes due in a Paris revue next 
month. 

Bill Danziger and the missus are 
leaving Friday (30) for their cottage 
in Maine. . 

Lou -Itwin, who has been on the 
Coast for several weeks, is due back 
next week. 

Eleanor Phelps visiting the Max 
Eastmans at their country place up 
the Hudson. 

Bob Kennedy, of Lyons office, 
o.o.ing the New England straw- 
hats this week. 

Mildred Weber o.O.'ing the New 
England strawhats. • Expected back 
in three weeks. 

Sandra Gould partied backstage on 
her 21st birthday by cast of 'Having 
a Wonderful Time.' 

Eddie Cohen of the Miami News 
has gone back south to cool ofT after 
a week in New, York. 

Kenneth Clark, public relations 
chief for- Hays office, on two-'vycek 
vacash. in Maryland. 

Walter Fenner going into the 
original company of 'Brother Rat' 
at the Biltmore, N. Y. 

Hugh Matlowe cancelled his pas- 
sage for Europe and is still in town 
looking over new plays. 

Mamie Lee Kelly, Panama nitery 
op, in N. Y. on talent quest, sailed 
home last Saturday (24). . 

Dlympe Bradna, French girl now 
under Paramount's wing,- is visiting 
in New York from the Coast. 

Lester Thompson due back at the 
Hay^ office next Monday (2) after 
vjsitmg his family on the Coast. 

Gene Du Barry, former manager 
of Little Carnegie, now handling 
exploitation for Apollo, Harlem. 

Clint Prouty oflfed to the Coast 
Thursday (22) for a berth in pub- 
licity department of 20th-Fox. 

Ruby Keeler arrived from Coast 
. b.ut did not accompany her Al Jolson 
to race tracks which she no like, 

RKO's. annual golf gambol sched 
vied for today (Wednesday) at Fen- 
way Country Club, White Plains. 

Miriam Howell, of the Leland 
Pay Ward office, planning to leave 
Saturday for 10 days at Cape Cod. 

B. F. IDinty' Moore, Warners' N. Y. 
division manager, back from Maine 
fishing excursion \yith Jim. Haney, of 
Cleveland. 

Leslie Morosco, former legit caster 
and brother of. Oliver Morosco, erst- 
while legit producer, is readying a 
comeback. 

Burton Holmes writes from South 
Africa that Mischa Elman played 
private recitals for him on the boat 
• going over. 

Jack Hartley has deserted round 
table sessions at the Lambs club to 
do strawhat stint in -Excursion' at 
Cohasset, Mass, 

Maurice Bergman, who has re- 
signed from Lord & Thomas, is away 
on brief vacation after which he will 
make future plans.-known, 

Lucille Watson hostessed " the cast 
of 'Yes, My Darling Daughter' at a 
swimming party celebrating the 
show's 200th performance. 

Bob Gillham left Friday afternoon 
<23) for the Coast, going by train 
to Chicago and flying from there. 
He will be gone about two weeks, 

Guthrie McClintic and Stanley 
Gilkey both back from vacations and 
activity humhiing again at the 
Katharine Corncll-McClintic office. 

Martha Mears has signed with 
Robbins Artist Bureau and Walter 
Meyers is arranging for screen tests 
on her arrival in Hollywood, Oct. 1. 

The Al Trahans (Lady Yukona 
Cameron) farewell-partyed by Fow- 
ler and'Tamara uoon the former'.^ 
departure for the Coast and pictures. 

;Rendolph Scott planed to -the 
Coast Saturday, reporting back to 



Par after a week's visit in the east 
attendant to the 'High, Wide' preem. 

Mrs, Tom Stern recuping from an» 
appendectomy at Mt. Sinai Hospital, 
N, Y. Hubby is .editorial writer and 
former , drama critic of the Phila- 
delphia Record, 

Steve Barody, who's a dead, ringer 
for Ricardo Cortez, mobbed byi^auto^ 
graph seekers in Hotel Edison Greeni 
Room, who wouldn't believe they 
had him wrong, 

The Herb Gruikshanks (Reglna 
Crewe) find that summering on the 
30th floor of their apt beats rural 
weekends with ' red ants, sunburn, 
poison ivy, ejtc, • 

After necessary alterations have> 
been completed a new Latin ■nitery, 
the Havana-Madrid, will open in 
September on the site of the former 
Club Marador at 1650 Broadway. 

Lynn Farnol celebrated 10th wed- 
ding anniversary last week by dig- 
ging into some • poison ivy on his 
summer place near Greenwich with 
Nell (the missus) keeping her dis- 
tance on the anni, from reports. 

Jp Rubinstein, WB talent scout, 
off on a screen prospecting tour in 
the middle west. In addition to vis- 
iting the St. Louis Opera group, he 
will look in on the Jamestown 
Festival, the Cleveland Exposition 
and the chataiiqua series in' Chicago. 

Stroudsburg, Pa. 

By John J. Bartholotnew 



London 



Night baseball folded. 
Floyd Gibbons week ended. 
Ted Shawn dancers at 'Buck Hill. 
The Vagabonds at Hemlock Manor. 
Devonshire Pines has Ben . Berle's 
orch. 

Ted Barnes and orch at Kessler's 
Casino. 

Margie Pearson singing at Vogt's 
Tavern. 

Billy Lustig's orch opened Penn 
Hills Tavern. 

Jean Carpentier and Mydia Grand 
at Chateau Roth. 

.Connie Cromwell and Judith Page 
summering here. 

• Helen Hoel and the Philart Trio at 
Pocono Manor Inn.. 
' Pocono Mountaineers on WEST 
pach Saturday a.m. 

Jimmy Reilly's Nighthawks play-r 
ing at Craigs Meadows Hotel. 

Buck Hill Players will present on 
Aug. 6 Cornelia Stabler GilTam's 
original' three-acter, 'Miscast.' 

Buck Hiir Players next presenta- 
tion will be A. A. Milne's 'Dover 
Road.' 'Hail Nero' and 'Dark Tower' 
to follow. 

A. G. Durkin, freelance radio 
scripter, purchased, three original 
one-act plays authored by Norman 
Ford, director of David Copperfield 
players. Will adapt for radio. 



New Haven 

By Harold M. Bone 



John Hesse back from Jersey 
shores. 

Creatore set for outdoor concert 
Aug, 14, 

•Jack Brassil getting set for Aug, 
16 vacash. 

Sam Horwarth sporting town's 
deepest tan. 

Robert Donat's brother rejected 
bally tieup on 'Knight Without 
Armor,' preferring- to be known on 
his own. 

Stony Creek: Marjorie Clarke in 
for a week (26) of 'End of Summer' 
,Ed Rogers spending summer 
recuperating ait Short Beach . . . 
Earl McDonald due back Aug. "2 for 
'The Guardsman' . . . John Fearnley 
wearing out the rails between here 
and Broadway. 

Guilford: Carl Goodman doubling 
as managing director and trouper 
. . . Frank Kelley holding down 
backstage job . . . Robert Buckner 
stepped out as director of Guilford 
troupe . . . Jeanne Mann femme 
head of resident cast . . . Douglas 
Gilmore the new director, 

Madison: Fay Bainter and family 
in for a look at niece Dorothy 
Burgess in 'Kiki' . . . The Donald 
Cooks think this is a swell village 
, . . 'Horse Tale' set for tryout Aug. 
2 , . . Margaret Perry currently in 
'Spring Dance' , . . L. L. GoldWasser 
doing sets here this year . . . Biz 
picking up after weak start, 

Westport 

By Humphrey Doulens 

Marjorie Hillis at Norwalk. 
Frances Farmer cool here. 
Lily Pons off to Chi tomorrow 
(29). 

Lpu Railly and family back from 
Nova Scotia. 

Harry Ellerbe doing his first stag- 
ing job with "At Mrs. Beanis" next 
week. ' . ' 

Big Westport Fair this week, with 
all the personalities, in the colony 
taking part. ' 

John Emery .conferring With Tallu- 
lah Bankhead on his appearance in 
"Anthony and Cleopatra.** 

Vera C^aspery made a personal ap'- 
pear^nce when 'Elasy Living' which 
she wrote was shown at South Nor- 
walk. 

Naomi Campbell, daughter of Sir 
Gerald Campbell, British consul gen 
era), working backstage at Country 
Playhouse. 

'Jimmy' Cohgrove. 60 year.*: a re 
porter, was feted by hi.s a.^sociates 
on Bridgeport Post on icovery 
from recent illness; 



Irving Mills here. 

Jack Powell off to Budapest for 
six weeksw. ■. . . • , . , 

Gloria ]Jay'^..the Dorchester' hotel 
for a fortnight. 

Aileen Stanley on the General 
Theatres Corp. circuit. 

Phillis Stanley being tested by Ce- 
cil Clovely for Paramount. 

Dave Bader flying to Paris to see 
his old boss, Carl Laemmle. ■, 

Frank Leighton, Australian film 
star, has arriv<?d in London. 
' Morris Gest and Emil Boreo in for 
a few days, then off to Russia. 

Lawrence Grossmith saying no to 
a couple of. Hollywood nibbles. ' 
. Vic Oliver due in Chicago Aug. 6, 
but returns to London Nov. 29. 

Gipsy Nina booked till 1939 in 
England, Australia and South Africa. 
. Peter Haddon after 'Hitch Your 
Wagon' as a London vehicle for him- 
self. 

Henry Sherek after Sheila Barrett 
and Eddie Garr for the Dorchester 
hotel. 

'To Have and To Hold' transferred 
from the Haymarket to the Cam- 
bridge. . ' 

John Kay out of hospital, where he 
has been for three weeks for obser- 
vation. 

Tim Whelan to do the next Alex- 
ander Korda picture starring Merle 
Oberon. 

George Dormonde out of the Kurt 
Robitschek Palace show with ulcer 
trouble. 

Maria Loseff, Jack Buchanan film 
discovery, is ex-Mrs. Rithard 
Tauber. 

Gene Sheldon and Loretta Fi.scher 
in a marital split, but still theatrical 
partners, 

Paddy Carslairs doing his third 
quickie for British & Dominion at 
Pinewopd, 

Lynne Clevers postponing her Ritz 
and Trocadero dates because of sud- 
den illness. 

Sam Smith, head of British Lion 
Films, sailing for New York in 
September. 

Stone and Lee booked for Aus- 
tralia in February and will sail from 
Los Angeles. 

Albert Hall, Sheffield, one of the 
first picture houses in Britain, de- 
stroyed by fire. . 

Fay Compton leaving in August 
for a tour of Australia, New Zealand 
ahd South Africa. 

W. P. Lipscomb's play 'Nihety 
Sail' may be postponed again, due to 
casting .difficulties. - 

Bernerd Nedell figuring on his an- 
nual trip to N. Y., while the Mrs, is 
here doing film work. 

Jack Harris now recording for 
Victor. Fir.st time since his arrival 
here some 10 years ago, 

Myra Finn, ex-Mrs, Oscar Ham- 
merstein, 2d, dashed back to N, Y, 
due to daughter's illness. 

Sir James Barrle left $25,000, free 
of duty, to Edinburgh University, of 
which he was Chancellor. 

Merriel Abbott wants Jack Hylton 
for the Palmer House, Chicago, but 
can't get together on money. 

Henry Sherek casting 'Idiot's De- 
light,' which h6 is producing in part- 
nership with Raymond Massey. 

Elizabeth Allan looking for a light 
comedy to play in the West End 
before she returns to Hollywood. 

Dave Burns to do a quickie for 
20th (London), and will be given a 
starring role in it for the fir.st time. 

Jack. Jackson and his Dorchester 
band to do four weeks on the Gen- 
eral Theatres circuit during August. 

Arthur Tracy goes back to New 
York as soon as his present pic for 
Grosvenor Films passes the cutting 

Ted Berkman, nephew of Fanny 
Holtzman, with Alexander Korda 
Film Prods., just had his contract 
renewed. 

Tina Ro.s,si here to make a picture 
for 20th-Fox; then goes to Holly- 
wood for the same company to make 
two more. • ■ 

Ed Ryan off to America to take a 
peep at 'Room Service.' in which 
Jack Waller wants him to play one 
of the leads. 

Owing to doctor'.": order.";. Zena 
Dare will not be in the next Drury 
Lane show. She will be replaced by 
Marie Lohr. 

Pat Dixon (Palmer, Newbould 
office) off on a three week vacation, 
covering Berlin, Stockholm, Paris 
and Belgium. 

Queen's Hall being renovated and 
up-to-date heating installed for the 
reopening of the Promenade Con- 
cert season, "-Aug. 7. 

Eric Von Stroheim here to • play 
the lead in Max SchacH's Mile, Doc 
teur," opposite Dita Palo. This is a 
remake of a French film. 

Leicfester Square theatre closed 
down July" 18 for several weeks, 
during which it will be re-.seated, re- 
carpeted and re-decorated. • 

Trude Binar, who • was 'Mi.ss 
Czecho-Slovakia of 19.3.6' at the May- 
fair hotel cabaret and tested by 
Irving Asher for Warners, 

Herman Timberg, with Jr.. to play 
in 'Take It Ea.sy,' show in which 
they appeared on Broadway in 1932, 
at the Palace, opening Sept. 1, 

Fay Compton leaves for an en- 
tended Australian tour Aug. 20, with 
a company of nine, opening in Mel- 
bourne with 'Victoria Regina.' 

•George and Margaret' given a 
three weeks' tryout in the slicks 
before .sailing for America to open 
on Broadway for the ShUberLs. 

Jeffrey Bernerd and Charles Woolf 
have made it up after two years, 



with Bernerd again in full charge of 
the Gaumont-Briti§h Newsreel. 

Abe Goide, his Savoy, Edgware. 
new 2,500 deluxer, finished retting 
ready to start buildinfe his Trocadero. 
Kingston-By-Pass, to seat 2,700. 
. Howard Deighton staging, the new 
Will Mahoney road shay/, which 
starts in the provinces Aug. 3 and 
has nearly a full year's bookings. 

Auriol Lee has a new John Van 
Drutien play ready; about a show girl 
and titled 'Gertie Maude.' Will be 
done about the end of September. 

Stewart Rome, one of the most 
popular stars p| silent days, taking a 
bride at the age of 50, Grace Millar, 
daughter of a Sputh African farrher. 

Actress-playwright Cicely .-Hamil- 
ton's name is down on the Civil List 
pension awards. Writer of 20 plays, 
best known of which was 'Diana of 
Dobson's,' she is also a novelist of 
note. • 

Cliff Fischer off to America Sept. 1. 
Executors of the Julian Wylie 
estate threatening to sue the present 
owners of 'Balalaika' and the 
authors for a profit accounting. Show 
was once the property of Wylie, and 
was done in the sticks as 'The Gay 
Hussar.' 



Hollywood 



Paris 



Geojgius off to Vichy, 
Nelly Nell off on a tour. 
Olive May at the Harlem Club. 
Georges Rigand off to New York. 
Short and Long off to Boulogne, 
Marguerite Charles at Chez Thais, 
Betty Spell off for Rio de Janeiro, 
Elvire Popesco to South America, 
Patricia Ellis in and out to Lon- 
don. • , 

Demain, niew afternoon daily, on 
sale, 

Cecile Sorel back from a Swiss 
tour. 

Four Wilkys off for an American 
tour. 

Elsie Guittar at La Boite a Sar- 
dines. 

Mitty Goldin taking over the Mo- 
gador. 

Leo Rcisman at the Chateau de 
Madrid, ' 

Film of play 'Un Coup de Rouge' 
finished. 

La RotOnde cafe reopening in Mont- 
parnasse. 

'Le Tahiti,' new Montmartre dance 
hall, orjsn. 

World Advertising Convention 
winding up, 

Fred Adison and band off for a 
Belgian tour, 

Pat Paterson scheduled to make a 
film in France, 

Buchards getting set to step into 
Bal Tabarin show, 

'Black Legion' (WB) finally passed 
by French censor, 

Violet Stevenson sipping tomato 
juice at Pam-Pam. 

'Yana' at the Chatelet passing 
275th performance, 

'On the Avenue' (20th) opening at 
the Cinema Balzac. 

Marcel Leisseire new publicity di- 
rector for 20th here, 

Charles Marinelli re-elected presi- 
dent of the Artists Union, 

Victor Serventi winning the Grande 
Prix de Rome de Musique. 

Jo Bouillon Orch playing atylnter- 
national Film Congress gala; 

Robert Trebor broadcasting a'n ap- 
peal for lower theatre taxes. 

"Tabaqan' by Edouard Contino 
opening at the Theatre Hoche. 

Anna May Wong in for a look 
around and back to New York, 

Elizabeth Boteleky dance recital- 
ing in Hungarian expo pavillion. 

Franklin Roosevelt and bride en- 
joying themselves at Brick Top's. 

Eddie South's orchestra at the 
Club de .Oiseaux, expo restaurant. 

Cinema owners deciding to change 
programs Wednesdays instead of Fri- 
days, 

Dr. Walter Damrosch addressing 
the Int. Conference of Music Edu- 
cators. ' 

Joseph Kessel has written a sce- 
nario based on the Sarajevo assa.ssi- 
nations. 

Jap amba.ssador at a private .show- 
ing of 'Yoshiwara,' starring Sessue 
Hayakawa. 

Anita Lou into the Bal Tabarin 
show — only American Can-Can 
dancer there, 

Leila Bederkhan dancing at a 
Moroccan charity gala presided over 
by the Sultan. 

Henri Decoin finishing 'Abus de 
Confiance,' starring his wife, Dan- 
nielle Darrieux, 

Retna Moerindiah making her 
dance debut at the Comedie des 
Ch amps-Elysees, 

Charles Lauphton and Eric Pom- 
mer in for what Laughton calls 'gas- 
tronomique week end.' 

Drean engaged by Mitty Goldin to 
play opposite Mistinguette in the 
opening Mogador revue. 

Expo furnishing free bus transpor- 
tation to the rural center at Port 
Maillot to drum up buslnc,s.s. 

EdwiTe Feuillere scheduled to take 
the lead in Maurice de Kobra's next 
film, 'L'lnspfration de la Nult.' 

M. Demaria resigning from the 
presidency of the Confederation 
Generate de la Cinematographie. 

Renee Piat signed with the Cirque 
d'Hiver for another year as Ballet 
Mistress nnd premiere ballerina. 

Gaby Morlay and Jules Berry cast 
together for the first time in 'Un 
Dejeuner.de Soleil,' Michel Cohen 
megglnw, 

Anr;2rlcan comnanie.s have their 
eve on younc; Itplian Calalano. who 
.showed uo well in 'Lcs PerlcF do la 
Coronne.' 



Parkyakarkus in from Broadway. 
Wallace Ford back frdm London. 
The town is full of summer cold.s. 
Dolores Del Rio has the sniffles. 
Warren Groat whipped ptornaine, 
Wilson Collison now scribbling for 
Metro. 

Edward Everett Horton winged to 
Seattle. ' 

David L. Loew siestaing at Yo- 
semite. 

Fred Purner vacationing in San 
Francisco. ., ' 

• Jpe Penner dozed three weeks at 
Del Monte. 

The Buddy Ebsens off to Chicago 
and Florida. 

Mildred Temple flycasting on the 
Russian river, 

Douglas Shearer recovering from 
appendectomy. 

. Gwen Wakeling seeking Banff's 
cooling breeizes. 

Michael Breen running Principal's 
music department. 

Dave Garber winged In from 
Broadway ambles. 

Errol Flynn on piscatorial peram- 
bulations off Mexico, 

Rose Stradner in from Vienna to 
start Metro contract. 

Lew Golder due in from Broad- 
way looksee plus biz. 

Dick Pittenger and Josephint; Et- 
tien will wed July 31. 

Sidney Howard arrived to script 
'Gone with the Wind.' 

Helen Jepson arrived to work in 
'The Goldwyn Follies,' 

Albert Hackett and Frances 
Goodrich offed to Chi. 

Art Schmidt treking back to 
Gotham via San Francisco, 
• John Hay Whitney planed in and 
out to chat with Dave Selznick, 

Gene Towne back from gander at 
the old home town, Portland, Ore. 

Laszlo Willinger, Viennese por- 
traitist, joins Metro's lensing staff. 

Ward Marsh, Cleveland Plain 
Dealer crick, perambulating the 
lots. 

Saundra Meazel, moppet fiddler, 
signed with Metro subject to court's 
okay, 

Jimmy McLarhin will be lien 
swinging his dukes in Metro's 'Big 
City.' 

Randolph Scott back from 'High, 
Wide and Handsome' premiere in. 
N, Y. 

Art Lasky, ex-pug, is assistant 
director on Sol Lessor's 'Westertx 
Gold.' 

Tom Keene going to Skowhegaa 
for his ninth season of., summer 
stock. 

Marshall Field III and party ogled 
the Warner lot as Jack Warner's 
guests. 

Edith Mason, operatic thrush, 
houseguesting at the Frank Forest 
menage. 

Frank Melford back from N. Y. to 
start 'Secret Service Smith' series for 
Crescent. 

Vernon Pope, editor of Look, here 
from Des Moines for camera shots . 
at the stars. 

Ddug Churchill holds his weight 
down to 50 lbs. excess via the ping- 
pong route. 

Harvey Stevens copped $500 as 
second best soarer at Elmira, N. Y.. 
glider contest, 

Bernard Luber from the N. Y. of- 
fice, has joined Paramount's legal 
department here. 

Jack Dempsey pulled in to third- 
man the Pedro Montanez- Wesley 
Ramey fisticuffs. 

Gil Kuhn, former Trojan grid 
great, is expertlng 20th-Fox's 'Life 
Begins in College.' 

John Beahes and Arthur Calder- 
Marshall arrived from England for 
Metro scrivening chpres. 

Michael Ba'rtlett threw a binge for 
Frank Shields before latter's depar- 
ture for eastern tennis wars. 

Jack O'Donnell went to Felsom 
and San Quentin on a writing as- 
signment for Winnie Sheehan, 
' Janet Gaynor gets a new custom 
made auto foe lending her face, fig- 
ure and bungalow for ad campaign, 

Herble Kay winged in from 
Omaha, where his band is appearing, 
for visit with his wife, Dorothy 
Lamour. 

Pauline Frederick fortnighting 
with her mother here- before wing- 
ing to Boston for 'Masqiie of Kings' 
opening. 

Secretary of the Treasury Henry 
Morgenthau, Jr., and family guests 
of the Jack L. Warners at the Bur- 
bank lot. 

Idwal Jones, Paramount -flack, 
back from Louisiana where he ob- 
tained material for special yarns on 
'The Buccaneer.' 



Chicago 



Al Hollander to do a flying vaca- 
tion. ' 

Phil Levant in town on way to 
Cincinnati. ' 

Irene Rich was in town lor radio 
conferences. 

Irving Mack Off to Cleveland on 
some trailer biz. 

Lee Florsheim to New York for m 
six-month stay* 

Will Morgan in from Coast, and 
may locate permanently. 

Tom Fizdale off to Boston and 
New York for conferences. 

Bert Hanlon had enough of th* 
local hor.ses and scrammed. 

Chi Tribune Music Festival under 
way, with tickets being hawked. , 

Ruby Kecler pau.sed in Chi long 
enough for press photos artd inter- 
views. 



60 



VARIETY 



OUTDOORS 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



Salt Lake Anni Bolsters Trade; 
Free Shows Hurt Local Outfits 



Salt Lake City, July 27. 
Fifth annual presentation" of Cov- 
ered Wagon Days in Salt Lake City, 
July 21-24, turned out to be the most 
'diversified outdoor event yet staged 
iii this hinterland burg. 

Show was stage4 to commemorate 
90th anniversary of town's founding 
by Brigham Young and his small 
group of Mormon pioneers^ July 24, 
1847. 

Town's festivities proved to be a 
godsend for merchants, state-owned- 
and-operated liquor stores and bi- 
carb venders. Theatres, dance halls 

J^lxd. night clubs, however, got the rap. 
Too much free entertainment caused 
citizens to hug their pocketbOoks. 

iPioneer festival started unofficially 
on Monday (19) when Yellowstone 
shows pitched its wares on a down- 
town street, roped off from traffic. 
It was a paradise for pitchmen and 
ride operatorjs until Thursday night 
when, cops closed 19 concession 
booths. No arrests were made nor 
charges filed. Too many wheezes, 
it was reported, catlsed the lid to be 
clamped. Avenue containing slot ma- 
chines bingo, and.keno coimter-s and 
several balloon and fish pond games 
were okehed. 

Tuesday night Helen Corwin, 
young gal, was 'buried alive' In a cof- 
fin sunk six feet underground.. Same 
evening Captain W. P. Parent did his 
first 'human bullet' . routine. Both 
were satisfactory from a showman's 
angle. There was a lO-^cent. admish 
charge, which prompted a raft of 
squawks to chamber of commerce 

■ boys, sponsors of Covered Wagon. 
Days. ' 

Opening day saw Buriny Dryden 
. and his wife, Skipper, stage an aerial 
act which left Salt Lakers and 
Vtahans gasping. Couple walked 
across a steel wire 200 feet long, in 
midair, . strand connecting roofs of 
two of the largest downtown office 
buildings. 

Airing: From Wire 

, Drydens, so far as free entertain- 
ment was concerned, walked off with 
top honors. They gave a daily aft- 
ernoon performance, necessitating 
police traffic control in principal 
business area to accommodate rub- 
beYhecks. On Thursday, couple 
changed routine and Bunny carried 
his- wife on his shoulders while blind 
folded. Following day, KDYL, Salt 
Lake-NBC affiliate, tied in with 
aerial walkers and aired act over a 
national hookup. A portable trans 
mitter , was rigged up, enabling 
Bunny and his wife to describe per 
sonal feelings, while Myron Fox, 
station announcer, fired away ques 
tions on ground; An A-1 gag which 
netted station loads of favorable 
comment. ° 

Wednesday evenbig about 7,500 
persons gathered at state capitol 
grounds for free presentation of 
Haydn's *Th6 Creation.' Squire 
Coop, a former Salt Laker, handled 
the oratorio, in which two of the 
three solo roles were sung by im 
ported warblers, Sylvia Margolin 
and Emery Darcy. John W. Sum 
merhays, local tenor, shared honors 
with out-of-town singers. A chorus 
of 200 and an orch of 50 accom 
• pianied. 

Wednesday evening a coronation 
ball was held at a public dance in 
Covey's Coconut Grove ballroom, 
having more than 85,000 square feet 
of dance space. Jack Dempsey, in 
town for celebration, was spotted, 
subsequently, came in for as many 
bows as did Miss Maurine McKen- 
zie, queen, and her two attendants. 
Lou Ashe, master of ceremonies, 
and a flock of Fanchon 8c Marco acts 
put on a vaudeville show during in- 
termission. 

Thursday noon a steam-roller race 
^yas held downtown, getting lots of 
laughs, and. that evening a rodeo 
opened at state fair groimds to night 
and matinee crowds exceeding 9,000. 
About $4,000 was divided among con- 
testants as prize money. 

Kids basked in the limelight Fri- 
day staging a parade in the mornong 
and attending a matinee rodeo show. 

Final day was a lulu. A kaleido- 
scopic five-mile long parade attract- 
ed nearly 80,000 persons who lined 
downtown streets. Nearly 2,000 mu- 
sicians in 35 bands, drum and bugle 
corps enlivened the tempo of the 
processional, studded with a num- 
ber of floats, tableaus and acrobatic 
stunts. 

'Pioneering Utah' was the theme of 
the parade, with salient episodes in 
state's history metamorphosed from 
a barren wilderness Into a thriving 
western metropolis. 

Finals of rodeo attracted largest 



CONCESSIONAIRES WIN 

Get Entry Fee to Gimmick Alley 
Removed at Paris Fair 



Paris, July 20. 
Squabble between the concession- 
aires of the Pare des Attractions and 
the expo authorities over th6 35c 
charged for entrance to the latter 
has Anally been solved, with the 
latter getting a satisfied deal. 

Question was finally settled when 
the big boys gave way and conceded 
to the contention of the concession- 
naires that a ticket to the expo 
proper should be all that is needed 
for entrance into the amusement 
park, instead of customers having to 
pay another 35c. 

It took a two-day shut-down to get 
what they wanted. If entrants do 
not hold an expo ticket, price for 
admission to the park now stands at 
14c, and if they do, nothing. .And 
those who want to visit the park 
first, pay an expo eiitrance fee which 
is also gobd for entrance to the big 
show later. 




At 



Parks 
Peak; Crowds 
Ruining Rides 



Chicago, July 27. 

Midwest amusement parks all re- 
port the biggest attendance in his- 
tory, with the midways and rides all 
jammed tight from morn to midnight 
in the greatest revival the parks 
have ever seen. 

While attendance marks are being 
broken in practically every amuse- 
ment park, the coin returns remain 
somewhat under the high marks 
since nearly all. the parks are get- 
ting much less admission rates in 
every department. Rides which for- 
merly ran from 10c to a high of 25c, 
are now down to a 5c average. And 
many parks, such as Riverview in 
Chicago, have regular 2c and 3c 
days each week as an attendance 
getter during the midweek after- 
noons. 

But 2c, 3c or a nickel, thel-e is still 
plenty of money pouring into the 
parks and with such crowds that 
the big worjy of the amusement 
parks is that the rides are actually 
being ruihed due to the tremendous 
turnover of the tide of humans who 
are jamming into every amusement 
ride device. Several accidents have 
been reported in midwest parks, and 
while not admitted by officials, these 
accidents are believed by insiders to 
be caused in several instances by the 
weakening of the mechanism of the 
various rides. Rides are being put 
to such pressure to handle the jam- 
ming mobs that the insiders claim 
that the rides must suffer mechanic- 
ally. 

Insist that if the operators con- 
tinue to jam 'em this way that they'll 
have to replace all rides for next 
season, as the 1937 mobs will ruin 
all the devices. 



Fair Man Suicide 



ixinPhiily 

Philadelphia, July 2V. 
For first time in years, a second 
circus will play Ph illy this season. 
Tom Mix outfit will make a stand 
here for six days next week, to bust 
a tradition that for more than a 
decade has given Ringling Brothers- 
Barnum Bailey exclusive rights in 
the field. 



Tacoma, July 27. 

W. A. Linklater, president and 
general manager of the Puyallup 
fair, shot himself to death, on account 
ill health. 

Mr. Linklater, who handled all 
bookings personally for this big out- 
door attraction as well as directed 
the large institution for the past 10 
years, is one of the best known fair 
managers in the United States and 
Canada. He was 60 years old, leaves 
a widow and a son. 

Funeral was held Monday from 
the Elk's lodge rooms in Puyallup, 
with internment there. 



Troubles Never Cease 

Capetown, July 3. 
William Pagel, boss of Pagel's 
Circus and Menagerie, had to shoot 
two' of his lions while the show was 
playing Capetown, due to both lions 
taking a dislike to each other, and 
fighting. 

Pagel was compelled to shoot them 
to avoid trouble with the other anv 
mals in the menagerie. 



PlENTY(ffU.S. 
COS. SET FOR 
PARIS FAIR 



crowd of paying spectators Saturday 
night. 

Shortly, before midnight Miss Cor- 
win was resurrected after spending 
98 hours below, and carnival boomed 
till wee hours of morning. 



Paris, July 18. 
If and when the United States 
expo pavilion opens to the public it 
will be filled with exhibits ranging 
from radios to. life insurance sind 
from china to pianos. 

Besides the numerous exhibits 
which the. Government will show, 
following is a list of exhibitors now 
scheduled to put their wares on dis- 
play: National Broadcasting Co., 
R.C.A. Victor Corp., Liggett and 
Myers, Aetna Life Insurance Co., 
Crosley Radio Corp., Steuben Glass, 
Inc., Elizabeth Arden, American Hair 
Design Institute, Flatex Corp., Green- 
field Tap and Die Co., Wells Bros. 

Moviola Co., Hollywood in Satire, 
a series of photographs by Will Con- 
heU; California Wine Growers Assn., 
United States Camera Group, East- 
man Kodak Co., Hammarlund Manu- 
facturing Co., Colonial Tanning Co., 
Leroux & Co., Gustav Jensen, A. & 
M. Karagheusian, Roth & Weiner, 
Inc., Schmief-Hungate & Jotzian, 
Rena Rosenthal, Tommi Parzinger, 
Schammel China Co. 

Mayer China Co., Nelson Fink, 
Warwick Print Works, Madic, Inc., 
Sleeper, Inc., Golding Bros., Neva- 
Wet Corp. of America, Nachman 
Spring-Filled Corp., American Ex- 
press Co., American Management 
Assn., S. H. Slobodkin. 

A. C. Gilbert Co., Maine Manufac- 
turing Co., Chase Brass & Copper 
Co., A. H. Heisey & Co., M. H. 
Rhodes, Inc., Steinway & Sons, 
Brunswick - Balke - CoUender Co., 
Pennsylvania Railroad. Co., Sears, 
Roebuck & Co., Black & Decker 
Manufacturing Co. 

United States Lines, tTnited Wall 
Paper Factories, Louisville Textiles, 
Inc., Bendurbi Furniture Stylists, 
Hart Mirror Co., Sterling Glass, 
Warren Kessler and Joseph Lein- 
felder. 



STEEL PIER, A. C, IN 
COURT ONCE AGAIN 



Atlantic City, July 27. 

Steel Pier Corp. 'and others' were 
directed to appear on or before Sept. 
20 in Chancery court here and ex- 
plain why a mortgage now possessed 
by the Guarantee Trust Co., of this 
city should not be foreclosed. 

Mortgage was given to the Marine 
Trust Co., later absorbed by ; the 
Guarantee, in 1925. on land occupied 
by the Steel Pier Corp. which issued 
bonds secured by the mortgage to 
the Equitable Trust Co,, as trustee. 

Among the defendant named are 
the RFC and the Grinell Company 
'because it entered into an agree- 
ment with the Steel Pier Company 
for the installation in the premises 
covered by the" complainant's mort- 
gage of a Grinell Wet and Dry Pipe 
system of approved fire extinguish- 
ing apparauts. and ^:laimed to retain 
title to said sprinkler equipment un 
til purchase price was paid.' The 
F. R. Cruikshank Co., to whom the 
Grinell concern assigned the agree 
ment, is also named a defendant. 



Circus Routes 



Week ol Aug:. Z 
Barnes-Sells-Floto 

BeinldJI, Midi., 2; Hibblnp, .T. Hululh, 
4; Bralnerd, 5; St. ClouU, U; Wllinar, 7; 
Pipestone. 8. 

Cole-Beatty-Maynard 

Denver. C"oI., 2-S; f'olorailo Sprlnsrs. i; 
Pueblo, C; CJloiuvood Springs, 0; llrunU 
Junction, 7. 

Btngllne Bros.-Barnum & Bailey 

Chicago, July ai-Aug. S. 



Qeve s Rose-Holm Romance Rmnor 
jazzes Expo Biz, Despite Denials 



OX's Blood Tester 



Atlantic City, July 27. 

Boardwalk strollers may . have 
their blood pressure taken and the 
man who takes it need not be a 
physician. Such was the ruling 
handed down by State Supreme 
Court Justice Perskie of Atlantic 
City In favor of Max Plager, who 
operated a sphygmomanometer con- 
cession on the Boardwalk. 

The State Medical Examiners had 
prosecuted Plager under a law pro- 
hibiting any person other than a 
physician from holding himself out 
as able to diagnose disease. Losing 
in the Atlantic County courts, the 
Board of Examiners appealed to the 
Supreme Court, which pointed out 
that low blood pressure was not a 
disease, and that therefore the de- 
termination of blood pressure did 
not constitute ' the diagnosis of a 
disease. 



Ft. Worth Black, 




Are Questioned 



Fort Worth, July 27. 

The Fort Worth Frontier Fiesta 
ended Its first four weeks Saturday 
(24) $50,000 In the black, according 
to BiUy Rose, director general. Fig- 
ures, however, are open to question. 

One-fourth of the advance sale of 
tickets has been used on the various 
shows. Rose said $160,000 was 
banked from the advance sale. Over- 
all overhead of the fiesta is $34,000 
this year, compared to $76,000 for 
the first month last year. Peak busi- 
ness was July '3, 4 and 5, against 
competition of Jack Benny, who was 
paid $15,500 at Greater. Texas and 
Pan-Ajnefican Expo at Dallas. 

Joe Jackson, bicycle comic, will 
follow Sydell and Spotty August 7, 
Sydell having other bookings. The 
Three Cossacks, .roller skating act, 
will be subbed for Moore and Revel, 
dance satirists, same date. 

Stuart Morgan dancers, adagio 
quartet, given nm of show contract. 
Paul Whiteman, Harriet Hoctor and 
Everett Marshall already in for run 
of show, ending Oct. 16. Cabin Kids, 
singing pickaninnies, California Var- 
sity Eight, and Larry Lee remain 
in revue. 

Contract for Pat Rooney Sr., and 
Pat Rooney Jr., extended four weeks. 
Contracts of Original Dixieland Jazz 
Band and Charles King extended six 
weeks, Hinda Wassau, four weeks. 

'Flirting With Death,' free show, 
will close Aug. 7, as it was booked 
for only six weeks. Melody Lane, 
where eight song writers play their 
hits, will become free show, with 25 
cents charged for reserved seats. 

Rose announced he will take a 
show on tour after the fiesta closes. 
It is tentatively dubbed 'Show of 
Shows,' and, will . contain highlights 
of his productions of last five years. 

Albert Johnson,, scenic desigijer 
for the fiesta, has been designing 
two productions for this show, one 
for theatres and the other for audi- 
toriums. Johnson' will leave Aug. 1 
to do show for Shuberts in New 
York. John Murray Anderson wiU 
return here Sept, 29 to stage Rose's 
show. Number of dancers and show 
girls of Casa Manana will be in it. 

Rose going to Hollywood this week 
to spend week or 10 days with his 
wife, Fannie Brice. 

Whiteman aired 10-year Kentucky 
discovery, Jean Ellis, Saturday night 
on NBC hookup. Rudy Vallee uied 
her on his program Thursday night 
from Pan-American Casino at Dallas. 

Vallee spent day here with White- 
man last week. Both bandsters rode 
horses in cowboy garb at Shady Oak 
Farm, where Whiteman is spending 
the Summer. It was there Whiteman 
told Rudy about the girl, saying he 
might be mistaken, but thought she 
had what it took. Response from two 
radio appearances indicate he was 
right. Rudy requested Whiteman to 
let him introduce her on the air. 



Cleveland, July 27. 
- Whether it's a gigantic publicity 
hoax or not — and anybody's guess is 
as good as yours — the so-called 
Eleanor Holm-Billy Rose romance 
that high-dived out of latter's Aqua- 
cade has had at least two sure-fire 
results that were probably aimed for. 

First, it landed Great Lakes Ex- 
position on all front pages and pub- 
licized Rose's lakefront marine spec- 
tacle into doubiirig its business dur- 
ing a spell when trade was so-so. 

Secondly, the affair has built up 
Eleanor as 'the season's S. A. gal as 
well as a box office magnet locally. 

Press agents for centennial fair 
deny collusion, but it has all the ear- 
marks of a beautifully-timed stunt, 
in which all principals have a pos- 
sible out. Swimming queen said she 
was getting a divorce from Arthur 
Jarrett, singer now at Dallas Expo- 
sition, but denied that Rose was the 
reason. Rose is reputed to have 
said he might seek a divorce from 
Fannie Brice, but that he was only 
interested in swimmer as a co-star 
of his Aquacade. Jarrett, reached 
in Dallas by phone, expressed amaze- 
ment over whole a ffair ad hoped it 
wasn't so. 

In short, it was a sweet denial 
party with reporters (plus accom- 
modating p.a. bureau) puffing up a 
few circumstantial facts. One is that 
producer and the Olympic cham- 
pagne rebel had been two-ing it all 
over tbwn. Eleanor's new five-carat 
diamond ring also boosted story al- 
though she later claimed to have 
bought it herself for $1,500. Fannie 
Brice . reached by phone retorted 
she'd make Billy buy her three rings, 
if it was true, and she 'would feel 
unflattered if just a swimmer got 
him.' 

Got an Extra Show 

Aquacade as a result has had to 
add an extra Monday performance 
to its sked ' for increased crowds. 
Shep Fields booked in for four-day 
current date, followed by Roger 
Pryor's orchestra. More romance 
bloomed when Walter Arian of 
Toronto, ice-skating ballet director 
at Winterland, was married to Edna 
Lynn Schaefer July 17. Bride is a 
ballet skater in his show and wed- 
ding was held in office of a justice 
of peace. 

Hot weather, hotels packed with 
conventions and heavy exploitation" 
have. kicked up attendance to 228,129 
in past week. Total to yesterday 
(26) draw, for 53 days is 1,520,511 
visitors, Avhich is considered satis- 
factory by Lincoln Dickey, g.m., who 
expects to hit 3,000,000 mark in next 
47 days. Ticket books valued at 
$4.50 are still selling big for $2.50 
under official cut-rates. Another 
100,000 books are being made up for 
a Cleveland jubilee day Aug. 14, 
which will be a combination Mardl 
Gras, carnival and civic event. Sale 
is being taken over by the come-to- 
Cleveland committee. 

Friday nights' Banko run as a 
promotion stunt has mounted to 
$1,200, increasing $250 each week 
when winners fail to show tip. Odd- 
est feature about it is that anybody 
can register for it at a dozen down- 
town drugstores, but has to appear 
at stand within ten minutes when 
lucky number is called. 

Contests are running from hog- 
calling tournaments to prizes to 
women who can yell her husband's 
monicker loudest. Marine Day held 
Wednesday (28) will bring out all 
government ships and vessels in 
Great Lakes region. Martha Nore- 
lius, two times Olympic champ, 
signed for world's women's profes- 
sional swimming championship races 
Aug. 16. 

Dan Nagyfy, 61-year-old fire-eater 
at Rose's Pioneer Palace, was forced 
to lay off when hit by toxic poison- 
ing. Nagyfy has been ill for some, 
time but kept on doing act against 
doctor's orders and is now danger- 
ously ill at Ipcal St. Luke's Hospital. 

Lou Irwin, booker who claims, he 
had a contract with Eleanor Holm 
Jarrett, is forcing a garnishment suit 
against swimmer here to collect 
$1,135 as commission he charges was 
due him.. 

Irwin contends contract entitles 
him to 10 percent of $6,250 she re- 
ceived in a five- week engagement 
before coming to Cleveland, and of 
the $5,100 paid to her as star ot 
Aquacade up to July 9 — approxi- 
mately $850 a week. Question 
whether Cleveland or New York is 
her legal residence took '' up first 
hearing. Ruling on case to be made 
Wednesday (28). 



Weanesday,. July 28, 1937 



ouxnoaRS 



VARIETY 



61 




Hot, 

at Other Outfit 



Dallas, July 2T.. ^.it comes up as they have to look 
Aft«r a brief armistice.^ thosa com-; toward Fort Worth to watch it set. 



munily ifeudiats, Dallas and , Eort 
Worth} are hftving at it again. First 
tio the dfaw in the current word 
brawL has- been. Dallas although Foci 
Worth- has kept up s spwaradia sniping 
campaign. 

eiuae, ot the: latestt ffareup. was 
second Rudy Vallee broadcast from 
stage of the Dallas- Casino. The ex- 
position? paid Vallee- HOjODO- a week 
and also put up ?2,560 weekly to 
pay. line charges and other produc- 
tion' costs on. netw,o;:k airing-, 
■ Among; talent on. the ether pro- 
gram waa- juvenile, female, dis- 
covery of Paul Whiteman who sang;; 
and,. Harriet Hoctor, dancer in Fort 
Worth's Casa> Manana. Dallasities. 
fldfeeted only slightly as. Vallee did 
a buildup for Whiteman. .Fut Miss 
Boctor's wordage caused the audi- 
ence which- packed the Casino to do 
a crisp burn- and start pouring 
pDVuld down their muzzlia loaders 
whsis the- dancer tagged' her intar- 
^ew: with this- observation^ 'Why 
don't you come over to. Fort Worth), 
JbidltK, and- see a QOOD: show?' 

AflTUsement- edit(>i)3 of two Ibcall 
papers dragged" out the tar pojs^ the 
next day and whacked bandlea<fer- 
emcee for nipping- the hand that fed 
him. 

Exposition heads said nothing orf- 
fioiall^ but they manifested; their at- 
titude when.Phil Harris, who followed 
Vallee', was- warned not to make a 
mistake and include any o£ the Gasa. 
Manana music on his coast-torcoast 
broadcasts which started. Sunday, 
afternooii. (-25) over Columbia- 
Mutual is slated to pick it up later. 
Ghangjng th« BUI 

First change in show talent at 
Casino- was- made- Saturday- (-240' 
wheni Harris' bandit Lann^ Ross, Ar- 
veQS and' B^oderick and' TUhe' Krad>~ 
docks opened; Georges and Jalnat 
and Art Jarrett are. held. Rosa- does- 
tbaUiaight singing: act, then' joins>t:<yn 
Murray chorus in production. num«- 
ber of 'Don't You Know or Don't You 
Care?" 

The Hoad to Bio also opened, a 
new show Friday (23) with new. 
costumes and routines fbr Alexander 
Qumansky's line and shaw girls. 
Melba Brian, nudist;, the Brucettea> 
aerobatia girl' trio;, and the Theo- 
dores, adiagio team, comprised: fiiesli 
blood. Joaquin Garay, juve singer, 
who. has acQiuired big following, stays 
On and now handles- emcee chore. 

Aggregate attendance at the fair 
Kad reached 829,180 through- Satur- 
day (24), with gate, apparently set- 
tled' ta- an average of around 19<0Q(1 
dkily. 

With the new. Casino open to ap- 
parent approval' of the public, Ceorge 
Marshall and his wifie, Cbrihne GVif- 
flth, plan to head to California for a 
couple of weelts''vacation. Billy Rose, 
mouthpiece, for Fort Worth in the 
intfer-cily ffeuding, also scrams to the 
West Cbast this week. 

He leaves behind' him a series of 
advertisements in- Dallas press <which 
has: the patriots fuming. He didh't 
overlook the opportunity to trade 
on fact that Ciasino here had' a $10 
preview which left a bad taste in: 
Dallas" mouth. Hfe has continually 
played on- 'high haf angle and' when 
local show lowered prices to 50c. on 
its 'spectator seats' in the gallery,. 
Hose went to town. 

That Lovini: Touch 

His paid space in the Dallas papers 
carried- such, messages as this sample- 
copy; 'There has been and there 'will: 
be no price change at Fort Worth. 
Elsewhere there may have been such 
drastic revisions as from $10 to 50c., 
but not at Fort Worth where the 
tariff is as unchanging as the laws of 
the Medes and Petsiaris.' 

The Dallas-Fort Worth animosity 
was personalized last week with Jar- 
rett being vehicle for expression ot 
the to-ivn's feeling. The singer has 
gained' in local favor aftier he took 
over major singing burden in show. 
After his wife, Eleanor Holm, broke 
news- in Clieveland that she contem- 
plated divorce, Jarrett kept his nose 
clfean and made no public comment 
other than carefully prepared hand- 
out which said exactly nothing. 

Night after Rose's name was Inr 
jected' into divorce story, the singer 
lot spontaneous wave of applause, 
bigger than usual, when he made 
first appearance on stage. 

The occasion was all the locals" 
needed to express their feelings on. 
the whole front yatd squabble. They 
haven't got around to picketing each, 
other's shows down here but In. 
Dallbs they look at the sun only as 



Clensors Get Busy 
i First direct action by Dallas cen- 
isors. came last week after . several' 
'weeks of verbal storm signals. Mau- 
;rice Caranas, who operates Chez 
•Maurice, and Zbrine, graduate of San 
Diego'i nudist camp, were involved". 

Zorihe opened at night club Thurs- 
day night (22) on a percentage deal 
aftier- heavjt advance, ballyhoo. She 
brought in a unit show which in- 
cluded" the Three Heat Waves, Ro- 
maihe. and Manning, Jay Howard and: 
the DeiValls.. 

CJfensors warned in advance nudes 
would have to weiar more than, a 
string and' a smil'e. Police were on 
hand first night and -Zbrine's gaLs 
were in line with restrictions. Next 
night they were in the raw and po- 
.liiee came- out from behind- the palms 
;to' make arrests. The- manager was 
charged with exhibiting a nudte 
•woman. 

t C&se is set down- this week fbr 
•trial in police court and- Maurice- 
Wonders if affair will' leave him be- 
hind the eight ball; 







mm 



\ Atlantic City, July, 27. 

1 With: Annie (Dakleys distributed 
jfreely; about town» the 'Ice Follies- of 
jl937' fipt ofl to a flying start before a 
I'packed*' audience in- the Municipal 
iAuditorium. Thursday night (22). 
jlGhe management claimed that there 
;were; at least 3;500' paid admissions- 
among< thv 6;O0O''or more spectators. 

Whatever ihe status, of the crowds 
it!., was a naveL show. Snow-covered 
pine trees ringed' the Targe ice ska'tr- 
ihg:. rihkn whicIL was showered' witit 
a ski trail and various other decora- 
tions* to- give the place a winter apr 
pearance.. 

Besy EhrHtirdt topped the bill witii. 
a series of difficult dances on the ice; 
while" Wi- Paper and Karl Zwack, a. 
European team, and' McCr^owan and" 
Mack, also displayed' their skating 
it^ent^; Eddie Shipstad and Oscar 
i Johnson furnished' the comedy.. Sig- 
fi-ied' Steihwell; former Duluth Col- 
llege ski coach, did a thrilling jump 
!to the ice from a SO-foot tower, and 
!Roy. Shipstad', billed' as 'the human 
Itop,'" executted several spectacular 
I spins. Later in the program he 
jpaii-ed' with- Mss Ehrhardt in an. 
iexhibition of fanpy skating, 
i • Other contributors to the show 
.were Harris Lagg, with a leap over 
Ifli * barrel^; Lois DWor.shak, the 
jrhythm girl; Dorothy and La Verne, 
'and Phyllis Rebholz, who comprised- 
the* younger group of performers.. 

Shc»v9 are scheduled" every eve-, 
■ning- during- the remainder of - the 
summer season. 



Pai k Under Fire 



Indianapoliff, July 27. 

Second seriouy accidfent at River- 
side Park this season has caused 
Mayor John' W. Kem:< tor appoint a 
commission to investigate park's 
cunusement devices. ' > 

First break occurred: JMly 4, when 
fireworks aerial' Bomb; explbdbd in 
crowd injurin:g more than a score 
of persons. 

Friday (23); girl visitor firom 
ToledOi Ohio, was thrown, from 'The 
Whip' at park! and killed Girl 
loosened' grip- on* safety bar to wave 
at ftiends and' was thrown, from the 
car against, a tree outride of the 
arena. 



Back to Early Days in Utah 





Although the actual opening of 
the New York. WoEld?s. Fair is nearly 
two years away,, a. shortage of space 
for exhibitors loom8> It is reliably 
reported that 45. fhans, including 
some of the principal business and 
manufacturing companies.- of the 
U.. S., already have beeni allattedt 
space althoughi onls 13^ are oredited 
with being on the dbtted: line, with 
the> companies; concerned! agreed, on 
space given.' andi other legaL deta^e. 

American- Telephone- 8a 'ilelegraphi 
International; Business. Machine;. Rar 
dio- Corporation o&. A^nerioa, il. S-. 
Steelt Wastinghouse Electric, Gen- 
eral' Electric, (j^onsolidatedi Edison, 
Johns-Manwille,. Metropolitan' Life 
Insurance,, Roebling Sons, (steel); 
Y. M. C. A. and DeVoe^ & Raynold^ 
(paint) are the firms signatured to' 
date. 

Thirty states haw passed' bills- that 
have been signatured by the- chief' 
executives- of these stiatfes- signifS»ing 
d);sire tb- participate^ in the fair. 
Some of these states have madb' ap- 
propriations for the NT- "y. show while- 
others have merely appointed com"- 
missioners to- carry on;, with fUnds to 
be set. later. 

Twelve fbreign. nations have indi- 
cated they wiir.tak£.part:iH.the MiEm- 
hattan exposition^ Others, are wait- 
ing until they receive copies of the 
fair's printed rulesh and regulations.. 
These are now in the hands of 
printers and willv he ready for dis- 
.tribution. in. tile next week or 10 
days. 



Horn Starts Jn^ 31 



iSalem, O., July 27. 
A new Jack Hoxie circus is" being, 
organized here to open July 31-, to 
play lOfs days- in- Ohio,, then- move into- 
Indiana and Michigan. Personnel in- 
cludies- George L. Myers, equestrian 
director; Elmer Jones, superintend'* 
ent;. Harry V. Winslow, agent; Barney 
Kern, special agent{ and Harry 
Doran, superintendent of oonces- 
sionsi The advance- in chdrge of Joe 
Katz left her^ thie week, with, three- 
truck-s and- two more are to be added 
within- a flew days. 

Aifter opening here the show 
moves over Sundby to Youngstown- 
for Aug, 2, then Warren, Faiiies"- 
ville; ^yria, Mtassjllon, Mill'ersburg^ 
and' Pindlay and two other Ohio 
stands; 



ASNxcon 

iofM 



Washington, July 27. 
Senatorial membera-of -U. Sj Gomr- 
missions tb prepare government ex- 
hibits fbr the New York, and Sim. 

Francisco fairs were named l&st. 
week by 'Vioe-Ft-esident Gbmer; 
Meanwhile Speaker Bankhead' re- 
fused to appoint RtspresentlEitive 
Hamilton! Fish. to. the place reserved 
for a House Republican on' the N. Y, 
expo, board; 

Although he was leader in the 
unsuccessful movement to get $?,- 
000,000 fund fdr fiederal participation! 
in- the New "Zovk fair,. HepresenttH 
tive* Fish wa? turned down- foe the, 
commission aa political- prunishnnent 
Reoommendfed by Republican Leadbr* 
Snell,. hia name was. discardbd\ by 
.the Demos because he has repeatedly 
dbclared President and- M^s. Roose'- 
veltl plus other First Family mem>- 
berst are guilty of t^x-dodging. 




^Oi^pLwIp^atheimiiBi 



Tcffit Minstrels 



Charlotte, N. C:, July 27. 

E; S. Win.itead, 'the old minstrel 
man' from. F&yetteville, is in Rock- 
ingham thi."? week with hi.s- 'Mighty 
Winstead Minstrel."!' under 'canva.s. 

Winstead's show consists of 50 
people and a band. 



DelawaKe Gets Tough. 

Wilmington, July 27. 

Money-wheels will no longer be 
allowed to operate at carnies in 
Delaware, Superintendent C. C. 
Reynolds, of State Police, announced 
here yesterday. Hie said troopers 
had been instructed to close down 
the wheels wherever they saw them. 

Announcement followed forced 
shuttering of five wheels on which 
money was only reward at a carney 
sponsoi*ed by Brandywine Hundred- 
Fire Cbmpany over the week-end. 



I 

Auspices 

■ Dublin, -Ga., J\ily 27. 

: Laurens County Post, American 
Legion, will again sponsor fair here 
this year. 

Legionnaires revived annual event 
last year after it had lain dormant 
since 1927. 



Chicago, July 27. 

Resort business in, midwestern 
resort states (Wisconsin, Michigan- 
and Minnesota )ms undergoing, a com.^ 
plete switchi this, season^ with the 
resortSr themsel^eS). reporting busi- 
ness is off some 70% from last year, 
but, at the same time, the houses in 
their vicinity are- totally inadequate 
to care for reservations. 

Some resorts have even- reduced 
their rates this season, and still 
found few takers, everybody, pre- 
lering to bundle the kid* into a car 
and plop '<im. down, in a summer 
home, rather than store 'em in a 
hotel suite. Resort keepers are lay- 
ing the change to the f&ct that 
people are living- together again, and 
that the- whole fdmiiy, instead of 
just mother and dad, are taking va- 
cations. Also that, during recent 
years, . summer homes have been 
equipped, for .'better living than be- 
fore, and, at present time, have fa- 
cilitle.s for giving service equal to 
that of the swanlc hotels, especially 
if the family servants are along. • 

Private beaches, electric cooking; 
nearness to golf courses and places 
ot amusement, are the general- rule 
fbr summer homes now, rather than 
the exception. With these improve- 
ments for service, plus, no dressing, 
for dinner, families are flocking to 
the" homes rather than to the hotels. 
Trailers Hurt 

Another factor which has con- 
tributed to a lessening prosperity fbr 
re.sorts is the auto trailer. Formerly, 
auto camps weren't feared" much by 
the resort keepers, since the. kind of 
people who stopped! in 'em wouldn't 
fiO' to the swank hotels anyway. But 
ivow, with trailers fitted; up with 
everything from back- scratching 
posts to lra.sements, they'te definitely 



homee, and something in the way of 
competition for summer hostelry 
owners. 

July 4 week-end, when almost 
everybody stepped out for three 
days, saw the summer hotels at only 
50% capacity, and last two weeks 
ha.ve been .disastrous. Hoteli; with 
rooms for 200 have held as few as 
12; and others in proportion. Nor 
does August look to be much better, 
with present reservations totSrling 
less than 30% of those held' last 
year at this time. Impo.ssibl6, how- 
ever, to get a house,, or even a cot- 
tage, and trailer camp operators ex- 
press themselves as willing to do a 
reservation business exclusively, and 
turn, away those who haveait wired' 
ahead. 

Vacation business in Chicago is in- 
creasing every year, and this year is 
no exception, with hotels going- at 
90% capacity all summer, whether, 
conventions are in town or not. It's 
impcssible to get a room at the- 
Palmer House now, the Sherman is- 
full. practically all the time, as ar«» 
Blackstone, Stevens, Drake and the 
IVIorrison. Even the new Chicagoan, 
opened less than a month ago, has 
its 450 rooms almost all .sewed up. 
Outlying hotels are reporting the 
biggest summer, business in years. 

Vacationing in the city has also 
had. a very definite effect on the 
country club nitery bu.sirtess as well, 
particularly in this vicinity. Very, 
very fiew spots have been able to 
stay open, and those, practically all 
small stands, rather than splendors! 
.Reason for this is that the Chicago 
niteries, air-conditioned, with plenty 
of good service, and ordinary prices, 
are a whole lot more comfortable 
than the outlying places, where it's 
hot, service is at a premium; and a 
drink makes a big purse dent. 



By BILL BICE 

Salt Lake City, July 27. 

Salt Lake City is now in the midst 
of ■ itJr- 'Cbvered Wagon. Days* annual 
ceibbration. B&nd^- a playing, parades 
a' marching, flag& flying, free aqttt 
in- the air and on' the- street corners. 
;Rodeo opens' at: iState Fair Park with 
many of the top hands of-' the nation 
as . contestants* Committee claims 
ove0 |25,000> tickets sold for this 
event Yellbwstbne Shows on the 
enclosed; midway at State and South 
Fburtft with many of their attrac- 
tions on the- lawn in front of the 
Cbunty Gburt House and City Hall. 
l!6nvcent' gate for first four days well 
over $25,Q00. Bides, shows and con- 
cessions all- getting a. big. play. 
WeBtbexL' dbar. and very hot. Jack 
Dempsey the guest of honor. 

Ogden> ha$' its Pioneer- Days day 
and date" wiUt> WaUy Beery fbr the 
big shot gMoat. Monte Young has 
the" dacnLvai. concession; here. It 
! seems that raosti. every town in. Idaho 
and I!rtbh>KeES--a rodbo. this, week with 
air the hand^ going to- Cheyenne 
ET-ontier Days- for Week of- July 28. 

'Stxange- Aa U S&ema' had cartoon 
of tile; 'army that oopied^ a. circus.* 
■Phiff-was done byCermatty when the 
Barnum & Bailey Circus played 
.EUrop& Ih: imULV Germany was the 
only country played' that, the head of 
the government did nbt attend a 
pexfbmnanoe. ICaiser WUliam^ got 
peeved aboutt something- and did" not 
attendj butt the army did copy the 
show's"^ method of ti^nsportation and 
cook house: method^ 

The^way this happened' the circus 
waKpIbyiiig lh' Hanover and some of 
the General' Staff noted the parade 
;tha* they had. seen march dbwn the 
.streeta oC Berlin, the day befbre and 
one' oti the: oifiaers remarked that 
'they must carry two parade outfits,.' 
thinkihgr it imposeittlie bar show, the 
night befbr» and' paradir the next 
morning,, but one of the off leers de- 
dbred; that 'they have the same 
elisphantfi/ So tb. settle the matter . 
they visited the show^ and. to. their 
aEtonishment. fbund' out the outfit 
was. the- some. They immediately 
jcopied the' en(ire> setup; Our own 
army as late, as 1918- n^vec saw fit to 
use circus, methodfi^. Tlbe Wortham. 
Shows- w-ds wintering in. San. Antonio 
and one day- opposite, winter quar.- 
tecsL the . icmy wait loading a lot of 
iartlllbry oa flbt9> and making a. very . 
long iob of it. Wbrtham went to the . 
officer in charge- and offered to loan 
a. pulL-up; team, and the equipment 
to handle the job which cpuld have 
been, done- in an, hour, but the oftioer 
told Him-, that 'the rules and regu- 
lations woidd not allow such- meth- 
ods.' They got the iob- done in two- 
days.- 

Adverti^ement . in tradie paper 
'Wanted^ Am Unborn Lecturer.' 

Some Hop. ^ 
'Ban of Fire* carnivals Is sure 
closing, many a town this season. 
Tbo bad: this han to happen when 
business has been so good, but with 
the many new shows operated with 
shoestHng BR its bound to happen. 
Bess Harris to get away from hot 
competition jumped her carnie from 
Ephraim, Utah, to Seymore, Kan. 
That's a. jump for any show. 

Stephan Maloney, p, a. foP the 'Cov- 
ered Wagon Days,* bought the entire 
Sunday supplement of the Ogdea 
Standard Examiner- for Salt: Lake 
City 'Covered Wagon Days' and was 
Mayor Perry plenty hot, and well 
he should be, to have his home town- 
paper turn traitor on his pet 'Pio- 
neor Days' that have put the 'boot* 
to all Salt Lake City endeavors, 
heretofore in opposition until this 
year. The City of Salt sure has put 
Ogden out of the running, in 1837 
for Utah's biggest celfebration. 
Thanks to King Chiwford, Norman 
Sims, Stephen Maloney and that sec- 
retary of the C; of C, GUs Back- 
man. 

Los Angeles County Fair at Po- 
mona, Calif., the biggest gate fair 
in the U. S., awarded the carnival 
contract to Archie Clark's Shows for 
the first time. Craft Shows played 
the datfe for past seven yeai's. 

Hennie Bros. Shows cancelled, its 
contract with Texas' two best fairs, 
Amarillo and Lubbock. Showmen 
all guessing who will get the dates. 
My guesstis Max- Goodman's Wonder 
Shows or Farley & Martone Shows. 



62 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937 



News From the Dailies 

This department contains rewritten theatrical news items as pttb- 
lished during the week in the daily papers of New York, Chicago, 
San Francisco, Hollywood and London. Variety takes no credit lor 
these news items; each has been rewritten from a daily paper. 



East 



New York Parks Dept. running 
singing contest for youngsters. Win- 
ners of sectional first places meet 
in borough finals, if coming out on 
top they can compete in all-city con- 
test. ' . ./ 

Spark oi static electricity was 
given as cause of the Hindenburg's 
destruction by groiip of investigators 
of the Bureau of Air Commerce. 

Joseph F. Meyers, owner .of dog 
track at Oratigeburg, N. Y.> which 
was closed la^ month, started an in- 
junction suit: against New York State 
Racing .Commission and five horse 

Twenty-fifth anniversary of the 
birth of Dr. Edwin Franko Gold- 
man's band was celebrated last week 
With a lengthy concert on the Mall 
at Central' Park, N. Y. • , 

Dan Nagyfy, 61-year-old flame 
shallower working at BUly Rose's 
Cleve. Expo, n^ar death from toxic 
poisoning.. 

Seven Art Gallery Jkroprietors of 
Gloucester, Mass., arrested, charged 
with keeping shops open on Sun- 
day. 

Ttoupe of strip .teasers working m 
oppositibn to CIO' brganizers in'Cinn. 
dutdra^v . linioti: meetings; • , 

Four jewel thieves - identified by 
Peggy Paige, daneer at Ben. Mar- 
' den's Riviera, as men who lifted her 
lurs and jewels." 

^Ma^trate Malbin Rebuked' beach 
Utter inspector for arrestine bather 
for sitting -on p&per bag on beach 
at "Coney Island. • - 

Raid on gambling casino at Cea- 
terport, N. Y., led by tuxedoed stat,e 
trooper, netted 11 men and gambling 
equipment. 

New York-Tall River Steamship 
Line suspends operation' this week. 
■L Labor troubles that have bothered 
the line for two weeks given as rea-^- 
son for shutdown. 

Radio waves from a transmitter 
operation dull a hdming pigeon's 
homing instinct according to experts 
of the Navy Dept.- Tests made in 
Ocean Gate, N. J., by releasing a 
.pit;*3n near a station's transmitter. 
Bird circles lor 15 min., until trans- 
mitter Was cut off, then headed for 
home loft. 

Italian £ame of .*Bocce* prohibited 
unless owners <!)jt jdleys get a license, 
which costs $50. ' ■ - 
' Injunction, restraining police from 
Interfering, for 30 days, with running 
of dog races at Mineola, granted by 
Federal Judge Abruzzo. 

Music lovers attending concerts at 
Lewisohn Stadium complain that 
planes flying overhead drown out 
music and singing. 

Hudson River Day Line pier at 
Bear Mountain burned to water's 
edge. Believed result of cigarette 
dropped between flooring. 

Bridge playing commuters giving 
Long Island Railroad headaches. 

Lou Irwin, agent, blocking Eleanor 
Holm Jarfett's attempts to. collect her 
salary at the Cleve. Expo, with a 
garnishee order. ' Irwin claims he 
hasn't been paid his commish. 

Youth hurled to death from roller- 
coaster at Rockaway Beach, L. I„ 
when he allegedly stood up in car as 
it hit a ciirve. 

Tito Schipa, former Met Opera, 
tenor, reported in'.Wellington, N. Z.,. 
receiving congratulations from Ital- 
ian Fascist chiefs for ending his con- 
certs^ with the party salute, despite 
warning against it. by New Zealand 
oiticials. 

■Memorial program for Quglielmo 
Marconi Was broadcast Monday . (26) 
over WOV, New York. Mayor La- 
Guardia spoke in' Italian. 

Approximately 1,200 applications 
for restaurant and cafe liquor li- 
censes for New York city reported 
receiving during the first two weeks 
of July. 

Sergeant Peter Aitoro, clarinetist 
Jn the U. S. army band at West Point 
for many years, retired. Formerly 
Was with the . Washington, D. C, 
symph orch. 

Charles Michelson, publicity di- 
rector of the Democratic National 
Committee, now public relations 
counsel for Crosley Radio Corp. 

Knights of Cplumbus officials as- 
sailed Yorkville, N. Y., judge for re- 
fusing to 'set up standards of taste' 
in connection with burlesque. 

Holders of more than 98% of all 
allowed claims against General The-; 
atres Equipment, Inc., have deposit- 
ed , securities and claims under the 
reorganization plan, according- to Ed- 
ward C. Delafield, committee head. 



Coast 



That Grand Darmond Jennings, 
former film actress, •violated certain 
of her marriage vows' is the charge 
contained in an answer filed by her 
millionaire husband, Randolph P. 
Jennings, to her suit for $163,000. 

Claim of Michael Brooke, the Earl 
of Warwick, film juve, for $1,438 
transportation for self and servant 
back to England is being oontested 
by Metro, Which had the earl under 
. contract, on the representation that 



he is still here working and studio is 
under no obligation. Earl also seeks 
$7,604 for services. 

B. H. Zimmer, former Hollywood 
nitery operator, was sentenced 3 to 
30 years in prison on a check kiting 
charge in Los Angeles. Two asso- 
ciates of Zimmer were granted pro- 
bation. 

Kay Tutwiler and Luther Allen, 
film players, were released from cus- 
tody in Los Angeles following an in- 
vestigation into the death of Doro- 
thy lilay Garland, attorney. 

Suit for $15,110 is on file in L; A. 
against Robert Ai:mstrong, film play- 
er, as the result of an automobile ac- 
cident in which Mrs. Mercedes Daze 
said she was injured, holding the 
actor responsible. . 

James Clyde Chronister asked an- 
nulment in L. A. of his marriage to 
Ellen Kennisbn bn the ground that 
she assertedly became his wife under 
an assumed name and that she has a 
four-year-old child. He also charged 
cruelty. Wife, a stage actress, 'mar- 
ried Chronister as Ellen Parry at 
Santa Ana, Cal., in 1935. 

Lucile Koohtz, known in vaude as 
Lucile Bailey, has filed suit in L.:A. 
against the. Arizopa Car Loading 
Corpi., asking $80,800 damages for in- 
juries -suffered when she was hit 'by 
one of the company's trucks in Hol- 
lywood. - . ' 

Barbara Stanwyck took a mauling: 
from mob of autograph seekers ana 
fans at the preview of 'Saihuel Gbld- 
wyn's 'Stella Dalla^' in Hollywood. 
Cops -took Miss Stanwyck for a fan 
and shoved her around^ with. Robert 
Taylor, her escort, in. .the offing, but 
helpless to root through the milling, 
miob to her rescue.' 

Constance Worth, asserting that 
she will fight George Brent's suit for 
annulment of their marriage, die- 
clared that she had been informed all 
requirements of the Mexican mar- 
riage law . had been complied . with 
and that his plea of illegsility is not 
tenable. Suit is on file in L. A. 
. Contract of Marge, Brullow, 19, 
with Universal Pictures was ap- 
proved by Judge Emmet Wilson in 
Los Angeles. 

' EmUy M. Roberts, known In films 
as Emily Fitzpatrick, has a divorce 
suit oii file in .L. A. against Albert 
G. Roberts, film Cameraman. She 
charges cruelty. 

Frank Cavet, film writer, and Mary 
Oakes, New York model, brought 
here for Walter Wanger's 'Vogues of 
1938,' have announced their engage- 
ment to wed. 

Erika Loewendahl, scripter, Js 
seeking annulment of her marriage 
to Leo Nussimbaum Mohammed 
Eddad^Bey, also a writer, on the 
grotmd that he misrepresented him- 
self as a descendant, of Mohamme- 
dan nobility.' Husband is in Ger- 
many, where they Were married five 
years ago. 



MARRIAGES 

Sophie Germach to Bob Mcllwaine 
July 31 in Chicago. Bride is a WLS 
soprano, and groom on promotion 
staff of same station. 

Muriel Morris, non-pro, to Muriray 
Baker, of Bobbins Music Cort>., 
brother of Belle Baker, in N. Y., 
Aiig. 1. 

Gladys Nepdurh. to Alfrfed E. 
Gross. July 25, in New York. Bride 
is with Ed Wolf agency. 

Lou Landsburgh . to Richard^ F.. 
(Dick)' Hyland, in Honoliilu July 22. 
Hyland, former husband of Adela 
Rogers St. Johns, was connected 
with picture biz in Hollywood. 

Jacqueline Magnon to Erie Hamp- 
ton in Los Angeles, July 25. Groom 
is in the Columbia studio publicity 
department. 

Patricia Van Cleve to Arthur Lake 
at San Simeon, Calif.. July 25. Bride 
is the daughter of Rose Davies and 
George Bi Van Cleve and niece of 
Marion Davies. Lake is a picture 
actor. 

Genevieve Whitfield to Henry Sen- 
ber, July 20, in New York. Groom 
is Broadway reporter for N. . Y. 
Morning Telegraph. 
. Elizabeth Hawes Jester to Joseph 
W. Losey at Hoosick Falls, N. Y., 
July 23. Groom is legit actor and 
director. Bride is designer and 
stager of fashion sh'Ows. 

Dorothy Huffman to Walter Rein- 
king, in Hollywood, July 26. Bride is 
Metro actress, groom a Metro 
cameraman. 



BIGGER AND BETTER 

Charlotte, N. C, July 27. 

Plans for the largest , exposition 
ever held in Mecklenburg county be- 
gan to materialize last week when 
the Carolinas Agricultural Fair, Inc., 
opened offices at 111 W. 4th street, 
and leaders of the association began 
booking attractions for the" fair, 
which will be held Oct. 4-9 on the" 
old Charlotte airport property. 

B. Arp Lowrance, executive secre- 
tary and general manager of the fair, 
is in charge of the new headquarters. 



GARCIA QUALinES 

AGAIN FOR ROSS 



By Jack Pulaski 

Last winter, when the Philippino 
Cef erino Garcia appeared in Madison 
Square Garden, he came with the 
rep of having tilted over Barney 
Ross, welterweight champ, in a non- 
title, bout on the Coast. When he 
stopped Bobby Pacho, a clever 
Mexican in the same arena last 
Thursday (22 ), the • impression was 
verified that he is the logical scrapper 
to contest Ross' title. Such a match 
is on the schedule for the- open air 
here in September. 

Pacho has an excellent record as a 
boxer and he proceeded to prove 
that in .outpointing Garcia, until the 
fatal ninth round. Up against siich 
a beak buster as' the~ lad from the 
Orient, skill counted only so long as 
Bobby could keep away from Garcia's 
lethal socks. Latter is about as tou^h 
a puncher as Henry: Arnistrong, per- 
haps even more so, and when the 
colored kid takes on. a few pounds a 
meeting between them should draw 
plenty of coin. 

The odds Were four to one, Pacho 
on the short end, and not a few of 
the wise guys took the oddsj un-- 
convinced that Garcia could turn the 
trick. This time they refused to 
string along' with a . puncher, but 
there were few losers who had any 
complaint, except Bobby neglected 
to "Uike a count 

There was good enough reason for 
that— the boy siniply didn't know 
What was" happening. He got up 
soon after being dropped With a left 
hook to the chin and groggily met a 
solid right with the same button. 
Pacho again got up, and started 
wandering along the ropes tb his 
comer, turned aWay from the 
Philippino. He may have taken one 
glancing bloW from Garcia before 
the referee stepped in and called- it 
off. Match was scheduled for 15 
rounds. 

Both fighters live on the Coast 
and there is no discounting their 
ability nor. the fact that Los Angeles 
has sent some very good boxers east 
in the past six months. Another 
fellow from the same territory, how- 
ever, did not do so well, for Young 
Peter Jackson was knocked out lk>y 
Pete de Ruzzo. Pete substituted for 
Honey Mellody and Jackson drew a 
surprise package. He was down for 
nine counts twice in the second 
round and the ref stopped that one, 
too. 

Attendance was very good for the 
summer, gross being close to' $12,000 
at $2.30 top. This Thursday (29) will 
be devoted to eastern lightweights 
with wallop repst ' Billy Bauhuld 
topping the card vs. Paul Junior. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bock, daughter. 
Father is commercial manager of 
WADC, Akron, O. 

Mr. and Mrs; Sammy Fuller, son, 
July 17, in Pittsburgh. Father is 
Uncle Sammy of KDKA. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Tugend, boy, 
Hollywood, July 21. Father .ris on 
20th-Fox writing staff. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Scheel, daugh- 
ter, July 21. Father is production 
manager of KGLO, Mason City, 
Iowa. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, 
daughter, July 26... Father is assist^ 
ant supervisor at WOR. 
■ Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Eliscu, son, 
July 14, in New York. Father is 
stage and screen writer-director. 

Mr. .and Mrs. Harry Anger (Anger 
and ^air),' daughter, July 24, in Bald- 
win, L. I. Father now producing 
sta,<;e units. 

Mr. and Mrs. Don Aldsrman, son, 
July 20, Long Beach, Cajif. Father is 
KFOX commercial rep/ 



ENGAGEMENTS 

(Continued from page 56) 

Berkshire Playhouse, Stockbridge, 
Mass. 

Richard CarlsOn, Wylie Adams, 
William Shea, Philip Sheridan, Es- 
ther Leeming, Sandy Strouse, Ed 
Hodge, Edward Butler, Donald 
Black, Charles Hammond, Eric Bur- 
roughs, Alonzo Thayer, 'The Petri- 
fied Forest,' Dennis, Mass. 

Guy de Vestel, Doris Dalton, 
Beatrice Terry, Hayden ' Rorke, 
Charles Trexler, Philip Tonge, Eliza- 
beth Dead Farrar, Bettina Cerf, 
Franklin Gray, Valentine Vernon, 
'The Secret Heart,' Newport Casino 
theatre, Newport, R. I,. 

Leona Powers, Philip Tonge, Edgar 
Kent, Bettina Cerf, Valentine Ver- 
non, Franklin Gray. Charles Trexler, 
'The Vinegar Tree,* Newport Casino 
theatre, Newport, R. I. 

Owen Davis, Jr., Marian Shockley, 
'Night Must Fall,' Lakewood Players, 
Skowhegan, Me. 

Marian Shockley, 'Two-Time 
Mary,' Lakewood Players, Skow- 
hegan, Me. 



OBITUARIES 



MORGAN A. SHERWOOD 

Morgan A. Sherwood, 85, veteran 
stage manager, died In Washington 
July 19 of heart attack. Funeral 
services, were held Thursday (22) 
with burial in Glenwood Cemetery. 

Retiring about eight years ago, Mr. 
Sherwood had been long-time scenic 
designer at the National Theatre and 
was one of the oldest members of 
the theatrical business in the Na- 
tional Capital. At one time was stage 
manager for the old Albaugh's Opera 
House in Washington and had par- 
ticipated in preparation of numerous 
productions, including several Zieg- 
feld shows, -which opened there. 
Wrote two plays which were, pro- 
duced years ago. 

Survivors are a daughter and 
granddaughter. 



WILLIAM BARLOW 

William barloW, 85, pioneer min- 
strel who toured.the country 60 and 
70 years ago, died July 23 at San 
Pedro, Cal., after a two-* week illness^ 
He - was the founder of the Barlow 
Brothers' Minstrels. 

Born in Paducah, Ky., he toured 
the country with- his brothers, later 
heponiing associated with Alexander 
Pahtages in the show business iii Los 
Angeles. During his career as an 
actor and showman, he was manager 
of the. old Orpheum theatre in San 
Francisco ;and took troupes of actors 
to Alaska, and to Austrsuia. . 

Barlow also Was a hotel man, be- 
ing connected with hotels in Seattle, 
Honolulu and FuUerton, Cal. 



FBAMCIS H. BOSHEA 

Francis H. Boshea, 29, who as 
trap-drummer with Paul Whiteman's 
S. S. Leviathan orchestra made 27 
ocean crossings, died at his home In 
Troy, N. Y.^ July 23, of a heart at- 
tack suffered the previous day at 
Camp Smith in Peekskill. A lieuten- 



IN FOND MEUORT OF 
MT FRIEND 

F. W. VANDERSLOOT 

Who Died Jnly 80, 1981 

JERRY VOGEL 



ant in the Quartermaster Reserves, 
USA, Boshea was at Camp Smith for 
training with the 105th Infantry of 
Troy. 

He joined the Leviathan orchestra 
following graduation from Lansing- 
burgh high school. Later, he retired 
from the vocation of musician and 
entered the automobile business with 
his father in Troy. Wife and parents 
survive. 



JULIE BIVE-KING 

Mme. Julie Rive-King, 82, died in 
Indianapolis July 24. 

Mme. Rive-King played more than 
70 times with the New York iPhil- 
harmqnic orchestra under Anton 
Seidl, and 200 times with the Theo- 
dore Thomas orchestra. Other ap- 
pearances Were with Damrosch, 
Gerricke, Nikisch. and Victor Her- 
bert. She was a member, of the 
faculty of the Busch Conservatory 
'for 25 years, and for the past 10 
years had been teaching in Warren, 
Pa. 

Burial in Cincinnati. 



V AUBREY WOLK 

Aubrey Wolk, 33, operator of the 
Sky Club in Pittsburgh, big outdoor 
dance place, for a couple of years, 
died in Tucson, Ariz,, July 20, after 
an illness that began in March, 1936. 

After- the Sky Club folded, Wolk 
went into the insurance business and 
left that when his health failed fol- 
lowing a throat infection. He spent 
almost a year in the mountains at 
Uniontown, Pa., and was removed to 
Tucson several months ago. Body 
was returned to Pittsburgh for 
burial Sunday (25). 



ANNING S. PRALL 

Anning S. Prall, 66, chairman of 
the Federal Commimicatipns Com- 
mission; died July 23, 1937, at his 
summer home in Boothbay Harbor 
Maine. Burial in Staten Island. ' 

A soil, Mortimer, who has been 
associated with Transamerican and 
■other radio enterprises, survives as 
well as t]ie widow and another son 
Bryna. ' 

News story in radio section of this 
i^sue. 



CHARLES MILLER 

Charles 'Billy Hippo' Miller, 
veteran vaudeville actor and night 
club comedian, died in Touro in- 
firmary in New Orleans July 20 after 
an illness of a month. 
■ A native of New Orleans, he 
toured the country with different 
acts of vaudeville before doing night 
club work. He is survived by a 
widow, two children, Elvin Miller 
and Mrs, V. V, Wall, and a grand- 
child, Lenore Wall. 



ELMER V. WAIT 

Elmer W. Wait, 24, animator on 
the staff of Leon Schlesinger's car- 
toon concern in Hollywood, died 
July 20. 

Survived by his parents. 



FREDERICK STAHLBERG 

Frederick Stahlberg, for many 
years a musical director at Metro's 
Culver City Studio, died July 23 in 
Los Angeles. He was long on Broad- 
Way In the Rialto and Rivoli theatres 
as a maestro. 

Funeral was held July 26 with 
burial following in Forest Lawn 
Memorial Park. 



LOTTA MILES 
(Florence Court) 

. Florence Court, 38, actress and 
model known professionally as Lotta 
Miles, died in Hollywood July 25 of 
a heart ailment. 

Miss Miles appeared with the Marx 
Bros; on Broadway and appeared in 
several films, including 'Desert Song/ 

Mother and sister survive. 

FRED R. Sullivan 

Frederick Richard Sullivan, 65, 
stage and screen actor, died in Los 
Angeles July 24 of heart trouble. 
He was a nephew of Sir Arthur 
(Gilbert and ) SulUvan. 

Bom in London, he went to Holly- 
wood several years ago and ap- 
I>eared in many productions. 

EDWARD F. PBESSLER 

Edward F. Pressler died in the 
Northeast hospital, Philadelphia, 
July 17 from pneumonia, following 
an operation of appendicitis. . Ho 
Was of the former vaudeville team 
of Pressler and Klaiss. 

Burial in the family plot in Ever- 
green cemetery, Brooklyn. 



ANTON VAVERKA 

Anton Vaverka, former film char- 
acter actor, died .July 2 in Prague^ 
Czechoslovakia. 

He went to Hollywood in 1922 for ■ 
Erich von Stroheim's 'Merry-CJo- 
Round' and returned to his nativa 
land in 1928. 



MARY T. GOETZ 

Mary T. Goetz died in Buffalo, July 
25, following a short illness. The 
Wife of Edward H. Goetz, well- 
known in theatrical and sporting 
circles, she was the mother of E. Ray 
Goetz, the late Coleman D. Goetz, 
and the late Dorothy Berlin, first 
wife of Irving Berlin. 



W. A. LINJKLER 
W. A. Linkler, 60, g.m. Of the 
Puyallup fair, shot himself last -week. 
Details' in the Outdoors section. 



penny Frank De Vol, three- 
montlf-old son of Mr. and Mrsl 
Frank De Vol, died Sunday, July 18,i 
in New York. Father is a member 
and arranger for Horace Heidt's 
band, and the rtother the former 
Gracye Ingle of Cleveland. 



Father, 63, of Carty Warhurst^ 
Troy orchestra leader, died suddenly 
while at work. 



Stags Increase 



(Continued from page 1) 



regulations, pointing that the harsh 
censoring has spread evils into resi- 
dential areas. 

Take on the shows has been so 
good that already several groups are 
operating in oppositibn to each other. 
One group tried to get $2 for show 
with beer and sandwich passout, but 
later cut out that idea. 

Operator of a chain of f ourth-clasd 
hotels reported in with one group for 
use of suites and meeting halls, 

Shills work On straight 15% ot 
what they send in. The other outfit, 
more pretentious than the first, 
works a double take tariff, giving 
the usual show for the $1 tap and 
if there are a sufficient number of 
flush guys present there's an addi- 
tional show for another dollar, in- 
cluding stag motion pictures, etc. 
Only stag performers and not bur- 
lesque girls have been working the 
spots so far. Ops obviate trouble 
by changing spots nightly, but have 
been repeating now and then during 
first two weeks of operation. 



VARIETY 63 : 



Goldwyn 



(Continued from page 4) 

that Lawrence and Bye made the 
AaX over a month ago. Mrs. Roose- 
iilt was given a short outline of the 
story and later a copy of the shoot- 
w script. Alter reading these, she 
i^hcd put the editorial, without any 
'nwntion of 'Stella Dallas,' yet so 
worded that it fitted perfectly into 
the contemplated advertising layout. 
Virst advertisements will crack in 
Uie Aug. 21 issue of the Satevepost 
and in the September issue of the 
I^adies' Home Journal. Sept. True 
Story mag is already out; the first 
tC^carry the. ad. In the pictorial lay- 
aut are phoktographs of Barbara 
atanwyck and AnJie Shirley and a 
acoup shot of these Wo ..and John 
■fttflesr-. 

•TThe- display reads> 'Stellji Dallas' 
lospires a Discussion of a Mother's 
Vital Problem, by Mrs. Frftnklin D, 
Hoosevelt.' ^ In her original a;opy> the 
White House author had identified it 
^ having been written tby Mrs: 
Hlpanor Roosevelt.' A hall column 
lijlc of Mrs. Roosevelt is indented in 
the body type of her advertising 

W^yt , V (jiearcut Editorial 

The c6t)y Is a clearcut editorial on 
motherhood. In part, it says: 
' U was brought' up on the saying 
that fewwomen sire both gaod wives 
"and good mothers; that moat women 
eiiliher give all they have to give to 
their husbands and therefone less to 
their children, .and others jgive too 
.mwch eto, ,their . children aind the 
ho.useb.qlcl . Tevplves around them, 
\Mhile the husband and bis interests 
ane more or less neglected. 

•ff believe that when one's children. 
^ really small, a, mother should 
give thjem the greatest .devoition and. 
aittentlon; As they grow older, how- 
ey*r, she ishould never sacnifice ex- 
0£])t in the big. things which are 
msessary for the children's ^develop- 
ment. ° She has got to be able to' live 
h^T'Own life after her chil(b'en have 
^own and turned to lives of their 
•own. Therefore, it is important that 
she should not drop her interests 
completely, for she must not force 
them in' later life to make ^o great 
a -Bacriflce for her.* 

ft is understood that one of the 
-things which brought the demand for 
(Siolldwyn's explanation to a head was 
Will B. Johnston's editorial cartoon 
i* the New York World-Helegram, 
ii>4icating that Mrs. Roosevelt's work 
roi^ht open a field for wives of cabi- 
net members and other Government 
OfBicials. 



^Eternal Road 




THEY THINK 



Says 'No Radio Monopoly' 

New York, July 22. 
Editor, Variety: 

In reference to your article 
headed Actors Radio Monopoly in 
the issue of July 21 may 1, as a 
radio actor, .voice my exception. 

I write this because I am a com- 
paratively successful actor on the! 
air; because, I, too, come from the 
hinterlands. I had a minor amount 
of success in the theatre but finally, 
after months of honest effort, I 
managed to crash what your re- 
porter terms 'the monopoly/ 

But there is no monopoly. It took 
me months to get into radio because 
there are many, actors in this man!s 
'town tind competition is terr-ific. ' 
With hundreds of people coming in 
to see a director per day it is nat- 
urally difficult for a director -to 
remember a name. So it's the guy 
who continues, to .plug who gets the 
job — not . the- one who sits at tfie 
soda-fountain talking about it. 

I ha>vfi .ibeen in *adi*» lor :{l)b»ee ; 
years n,0Wk: J^ways- directQi!s 'hav^ 
been fair .and «lw,ays oA the cttlert lor 
new talent without forgetting ^he 
old ones. But new talent is hard to 
find. (Ask any director who has . 
had to sit through hundreds of aiudi- 
tions a week, he will tell you that 
possibly one. out of 25 have any 
j»bility but most often the ratio is 
one out of lOlO). • : ; 

Now as to the fees— a radio .aqtor 
if he is very, ^very Ixu^y, wijOi at 
least three broadcasts per day, is 
lucky to make between $350 and 
$500 per week at top. The only ex- 
ception I know of is Mr. Dawjson 
and Miss Elsie Hitz, .Who" l3*lh -held 
contractis very rare to the radio 
actor. . 

Chester 'Stratton, 



<Continued from page 54) 

demand for tickets- was great and 
i<kdicated a tremendous ff)otential 
awlience for the reopening in New 
Y«rk City. In addition, plans and 
<lKers have been received for the 
showing of the production ithrough- 
Qttt the United States and in Europe. 
No reopenings are possible aintil the 
corporation can convey clear title to 
its rights. When such title can be 
owaveyed there is justification to an- 
tlnipate that neW' capital will be 
forthcoming and substantial interests 
I»eserved for the creditors and 
stockholders. Otherwise ttiey will 
Eficeive nothing. The petitioner is 
unable to meet its debts as they ma- 
tune and desires to effect a plan of 
^organization.' 

liist of liabilities set forth in the 
P«ition shows: taxes, $22-840; sal- 
wies payable, $2,686; royalties pay- 
$17,992; conditional vendors. 
*»®'523; general creditors, $S3,425; M. 
.« E. Concessions, Inc., $4,9fl4; Man- 
hattan Ballrooms, $3,782; loans and 
exchanges, $345; bank loans, $83,366. 
a«w loans from sponsors, $138,844. 

The petition details its assets 
TOQstly under the title of production 
posts, as follows: M.W.W. Produc- 
es, Inc., $2,355; theatrical work, 
?»".375; production work, $83,582; 
scenery and properties, $74,552: 
wardrobe, $18,955; rehearsals, $47,912, 
other costs,' $52,107.48. 

n/rS«r^®*^*^°'^ *^so notes that the 
ZT'^- productions, which first 
Jttndled the spectacle, spent $235,000 
on the play. M.W.W. stands for 
Myer W. Weigal, who, with Crosby 
^ige, presented 'Eternal iRoad.' • 

FAIR RESUMES 

Charlotteville, N. C, July 27. 
Iredell's first county fair iOkmany 
yftars will be held during the week 
of Oct. 11-16. 

C W. Craycroft, who managed the 
fi^rwultUral exhibits last year and 
jvh« formerly managed the Ken- 
j lucky state fair, has been etigaged to 
i liianage the event 



Station .W-MCA's Scale 

New York, ffuly 22. 
jBditor, VAFUsry: ■ . " 

I am writing regarding ah .error 
in the July 21 iss^e <oja ttie sstojy en- 
titled Actors' Radio Monopoly. ^ 

On the page .67 nuuoiver 'froin ftnge = 
one the story in part reads... 
'WMCA has a .driamaliic stotac Sooim-. 
pany bossed by Philip Barrison.' The 
troupers in llvact grou© €£(t $22.50 
weekly each, 'etc. . .' 

This, accordixi^ io the'iiifOrmatioB 
furnished me, is. incorrect. Actors 
in the above ;gr.o.up ^get Aom^d^cably 
more than $22.50 a week. They make 
at least $50 per week jind, jWEc Har- 
rison informs me that shoitld 'you 
wish, you may examiine the' books on' 
this detail. 

I am sure you can appreciate the 
positions of those affected by this 
error. 

. Leon GBldsteva. 



A Flop \a: a. *JBad' PJiay 

New York, July 21. 
Editor, VarietV: 

You fellows surprise me by your 
constantly supercilious .alititude. ; 
Like, for instance, takie this week'.s 
paper, in which you take e^pecia}' 
delight sneering at . a play called 
'Excursion.' You go io ifseat 'lengths 
to say that all the critics called it 
an excellent play but that it did 
only modeuate business and there- 
fore you seem to think the critics 
were all wrong. 

That isn't necessarily so, you know. 
Any. xLumber of r«al]y jfine plays 
have been box-noffice failures and tdie 
critics,- Ripley ©r not,- are not writ- 
ing for the box-office. Variety's 
box score notwithstanding. It all 
comes right back to the old argu- 
ment on what is a critic's province. 
I believe, with so many others, that 
it is a critic's job to tell his read- 
ers whether the play is good or not. 
Also he should give . his reasons. 
Now, it may be that I want to See 
a- play after the critic tells me it 
is bad. Or vice versa. But he is 
supposed to be an expert — not a 
ticket-counter. 

There is another theory lOn this. 
I have heard tell that there are 
people who believe the critic's job is 
not to say good, bad, or indifferent, 
but merely to tell his ■ r-eaders 
whether they are likely to enjoy, 
the show. That is a 14ieory I find 
hard to swallow. The readers of 
the N. Y. Daily News, on that the- 
ory, would be offended by the kind 
of reviews the critics of the N. Y;. 
Sun would hand put, and vice versa. 
Each paper would then have to 
evolve its own special kind of critic 
and each paper would be forgetting 
all about a certain percentage of 
its readers — or doing them dirt, 
which is worse. 

It would be interesting to hear 
what other people in drow business 
think about this. But, no matter 



how they feel, I am sure they , will 
all agree on at least this point: 
that Variety's sneering at a fiop 
as being synonymous with a bad 
.play is aU wet. 

Alfrad Winters. 



Travesty Vice Burly 

Montreal, Jilly 30. , 
Editor, Variety: 

Since we .ane looking -for ;a new 
dramatic form to -replace the erst- 
while burlesque, why not a try at 
travesty? I admit that there- are few 
players of the present time, who can 
fit into this picture, but they can be 
trained, and perhaps in time compete 
swlth - .the .splendid ipieriormanoes 
given by the old Weberfield forces. 
It would at least, be .a novelty, and 
such a play as 'Bury the Dead' could 
yield a screaming travesty if done 
by a . clever writer — and. there still 
are such. 

It is a far cry back to- Ross- and 
J'enton, £dmund JSayies, and .similar 
artists, ibut '.there must be •aorxte old 
timers mho -can -form -the nucieue of 
a Current troupci • 

. And for another suggestion, -why 
hot get hold of some of the Oldsters 
like J. A. Murphy 'and revive the 
old afterpieces, the so-called 'nigger 
acts'? Many were pretty crude, but 
they weue funny, and some- of the 
ihest «ooniedianB of -their day oon- 
tributed lines and , situations that 
•wiene 'wow;s when later utred . in 
Broadway musical comedies. 

The theatne ient^ejld. If'S -merely 
suffering from amnesia. ' 

J, Hap£rood Courteniiy, 



Tbase Siuitiner <Siub Shows 

. St. Louis, July 24. 
Editor, V-ARiEiTY: 

Well, this summer xadio .centainly 
is an eye-opener on -the capaibillties ' 
of .the real :stars on the ether. .Some 
.of those substitutes ape dngloriou^y 
sad. Without panning anybody in 
par.ticvilaT, iake the -broadcast wJiere 
an announcer is trying to be boss of 
both the pcooed'inigs and loomedian, 
also. Is he furmy! If he- makes any- 
body laugh, I want the tpersotl's 
name. Because he should h^ to 
ttake jny job, mail carrier.- i try to 
get relaxation on Sunday over the 
■ji^dio. That is until he cojFnes on. 

■1 Other substitute warm weather 
programs ape itoo awful 'to mention. 
Somebody should tip -off the spon- 
soring fitfms; Some sustaining affairs 
would be a welcome relief.. So long! ! 

Horry Hopalong. 



2h 



For Russe Newsmen 
O^uiviuit, M«., July 
Editor, V-ARiETy; 

As long as the Newspaper XJuild is 
going in -for a stand on foreign issues 
such as helping its trad£ unionist 
brethren in Spain toy passing resolu- ' 
tions supporting .the Loyalists, -how 
about a little expression of symjiathy 
for ithe -pulled Russian j,ournalists? 

Gorge W. Lee 



Leg'it, Pix and Radio Billing 

Boston, July 26. 

Editor, Variety: 

At present the word 'acting' is ap- 
plied indiscriminately, as if an 
identity existed,, to the stage, the 
rhovies and radio. We believe that 
anyone agrees that the actor is the 
flesh, a fellow of superior ability to 
the worker in the air or in the 
darkened auditorium. 

I am surprised that . Variety, 
usually alert at grasping funda- 
mentals, has not seen fit to coin new 
terms that would demarcate between 
these three fields,* so dissimilar in 
their technique and quotas of re- 
quired skill. The„stage, or what is 
left of the stage, is a grand old 
aristocrat of glorious heritage, that 
by proper nomenclature should be 
kept apart from the company of in- 
feriors. 

The movie.s, whether they depict 
boy-meets-girl or Cinderella-grasps- 
opportimity - through - the - break- 
away-door, are essentially an effort 
in simulating adolescent emotion. 
Whatever variation may exist i.s due 
to a reluctant attempt to space the 
intervals of monotony, concomitant 
with masa appeal. A new locale for 
a hackneyed situation is hailed as a 
genuinely new idea. The movies, at 
their best, must have a great deal of 
the immature about them. We must 
depend upon the stage for adult en- 
tertainment. 

Radio is primarily an adverti.Sing 
medium. The nucleus ol this amuse- 
ment form is the plug or commercial. 
The obbligato of music or comedy 



is merely the bunch of violets in 
which the brick blurb is wrapped. 
Radio's raison d'etre is to bring the 
bill boards into every living-room. 
Jtearf ul of any degree of real novelty, 
thte hybrid of the amusement world 
assumes that repetition, vaudeville's 
nemesis, is what the public wants. 
Infantile efforts to garnish the sales 
ttalks often result in an obviously 
forced and strained dragging in of 
the product. What the tuner-in 
mostly needs is patience. The 
anemic quality of this third amuse- 
ment form makes it a dwarf \yhen 
compared with the stage. 

- What we suggest is that the stage 
actor retain the name that originally 
ibelonged ito 'him. 'The imovie ar'fist 
might be called a mactor, and the 
radio entertainer will henceforth be 
yclept a ractor. . Acting would thus 
regain a'^f'eclse connotation. Surely 
Variety, with its facility with neolo- 
gisms, can create two new names, 
better than, the above. ' 

Mcenrty (Emerson. . 



FuHitaiiiGal New YmJn7 

Boston; July 23. 

Editor, Variety: 

So New York is going puritanical. 
1 never realized what Commissioner 
Moss' clamping of the lid on burles- 
que and night club hi-jinks .meant 
unrtiil imy .areoeirt visit to your town. 
Some of those strip-tease places 
iprobt^ly xieected (cleaning up but I 
thought there was some N. Y. law 
■that jmade it ipossible to do- this. I 
certainly think some of those dena- 
tured 'follies' and vaudevue versions 
I ?saw were ttoD thin to attract any- 
body.. " 

Looks like as Boston -lolks would 
have to Stay home for our fillip. No 
inceiitiy.e to tgo to the. <big'- town if 
•Shows are as routine .as iVe get here. 

Presooit Nmman. 



Xesteryear'c Burtesk ' . 

'New York, July 24. • 
Edjitdr, Variety: 

Since the jeopenlng of -the erst- 
while tburlesque "houses I have been 
making the rounds in the hope of 
iflnding some glimmer of promise, 
.but with the exoeiption of the Apollo 
ithe .theatres a3i <seem to be trying to 
see how close they can come to the 
former hui'lesque shows. The strip- 
tease is out, but nudity tD the waist 
is stiU allowed and tlhis lis used to the 
limit. "The blackouts are the same 
oldtimers, but similarly denatured. 

This is not. going lo satisfy the de- 
geneKates who foxmerly constituted 
the bulk of the burlesque patronage, 
and it win nof .content the possibly 
profitable audiences which might be 
attracted by a smarter style of en- 
tertainment. .No one is appealed to 
and the new venture is foredoomed 
to failune unless the managers call in 
more expert assistance and- make 
some -definite -eff-ort to appeal to a 
new clientele. 

A shovf busioess which produced 
Harry Morris' "A Night on Broad- 
way/ the same manager'^ earlier 
travesties' on Tr'ilby' and' '.Cyrano de 
Bergerac/ Hurtig if Semon'« JOn the 
Y'Ukon' or Mortinier Thliess' 'Wine, 
Womaii .and. Sohg,' not to merttio.n 
the ^j|ter productions of 'Barney 
Gerard arid J^an Bedini, c?h surely 
produce better, entertainment than 
that offered, but the Minsky's, et al, 
must rid themselves of the nudity 
complex and call in the assistance of 
stagers who can get real results, 

There must be some of the old 
books and the old stagers available 
and their cooperation is imperatively 
necessary if; the operators look for 
something better than a flacid imita- 
tion of the style of show which put 
them on the rocks. The present in- 
cumbents simply do not' know how 
and. their efforts will result only in 
rental charges and payrolls. There 
will be no box office retui'ns with 
the present customer bait. It is. dis- 
couraging to see the overlooked op- 
portunities. 

Jawies Henry Sprague. 



Summer Shows 



(Continued from page 56) 



it is set in 1927 has a lot to do with 
this. Pre-depression America al- 
ready seems pretty remote, and . in 
'The Jazz Age' it is reconstructed 
with admirable fidelity. Hip fiask.s, 
soaring stocks, promiscuous petting, 
short skirts, and all the rest are an 
integral part of Ralph's environment, 
and give his s<:ory whatever fresh- 
ness, it has. "Then, too, there is a 
fairly natural flow of dialog, and 
moments of emotion and humoy are 
for the most part unforced. 

But as script now stands, Ralph 
has an extremely awkward soliloquy 
in Act Two. If shbw reaches Broad- 
way, which It may, this will have to 
be changed. Also the opening ought 
to be speeded up, and there are . 
iur.ther. weaknesses which careful 
revision can'^gloss over. 

Production ,at Ivoryton benefits by 
scrupulous attention to detail, Cos-, 
lumes, of genuine 1927 vintage, are 
good for laughsi in' addition to lend- 
ini; authenticfity. 

Milton Stiefel has directed ably, , 
keeping action on a down-to-earth 
realistic plane,., and the cast has co- t 
operated Dy Icurning in- praiseworthy , 
performances! Leon Jahney portrays-, 
the hanless Ralph with sincerity and' 
looks the paitt in ^years.- Perhaps be- 
does not plumb all the depths, but. - 
it's an okay job- on the whole,.. and 
there's a fist fight between Janney 
and another* actor named Charles 
Crisp which Bqakes up for a lot. This 
scray »iuts the average stage battle 
to sname; v^en Janhey applies a 
raw beefsteak -to his eye at the finish, 
it's easy to bdlieve he needs it. Crisp 
is excellent throughout as the 
menace. As the girl who unwit- 
tingly stirs up trouble, Haila Stod- ' 
dard also wims approval. She is 
-decorative and seems to have plenty 
of talent, though it is still in the 
developmental stage. Glen Boles 
and Joseph Pevhey are likable as 
a couple of Janney's college pals. 
Others of importance in a large cast 
are Judy Rkssell, . Mitchel Koval, 
Helen Garewe, Seth Arnold, Coburn 
Goodwin and Forrest Orr. Herbert' 
G. Andrews contributed several ef- 
fective sets. Paul. 



STORK ON SKIS 

Provincetown, Mass., July 24. 

Piny In three acts by Wallnco Arton. 
Ulicntod by N^I McFee .Sklniier; Beltlns 
l)y Stanley Wood. Presonled hy Mr. iinj 
MrK. Nell M(>B)Be Sklnnor at tho .TVhnrf 
tlipiitre, Pi'ovlnootown, Mas«., July 10, '87. 

.SUlnpy Tudor... CIy(16 Fillmore 

Henry Charlon Scntf: 

MaRnoUtt , Mildred Howiu'd 

Mtiud Tudor...., I..oona Powccm 

Uovorend Durgln.* William Short 

NoAl Tudor.....".... William Hler»»' 

Porly tMoltat , .'Vl'nllace Acton 

Mona AlU.ion. , ... 4 Jano Brotvne 

Orol Dunbar ,,. Julie Washburn 

Fi'Hiiroln. . . , Jerome Kur(>s 

Uculuh Dunbar.. I ■> Lea Pcnnmn 



Just Edited 



Newport, R. L, July 2. 
Editor, Variety: 

Statement that Margaret Anglin 
was concerned with the rewriting of 
'Retreat from Folly' when the play 
was tried out at Mt. .Kisco and West- 
port is inaccurate. The English 
prompt copy had not arrived al the 
time the company began rehearsals, 
so Miss Anglin was forced to put 
the piece into playing shape, which 
consisted largely in compressing the 
two scenes of the third act into a 
single scene. 

Mi.ss Anglin has an option on the 
play for the fall season. 

Helen ArlhxLr. 



In 'Stork and Skis' Wallace Acton 
has written a play which is geared 
for laughs, atid gets them. It has 
one of those plots which won't bear 
too close a scrutiny, 9nd the charac- 
ters are pretty much stock comedy 
figures^ But She familiar ingredients 
are so deftly mixed that the final 
product is consistently entertaining 
and occasioniQly hilarious, 

Story centers around the efforts of 
young Noel Tudor, son of Sidney 
Tudor, the playwright; to marry 
Carol DUnbar, daughter of Beulah 
Dunbar," the actress, Sidney an- 
proves of the marriage until he 
meets BeUlah' after 'f .separation of 
ycar-Si- 'Beulili tolls' hith th^^ match 
must be forbidden, since Carol is 
hrs own dai^hter — the result of a 
winter carnival In St. Morlti, FUture 
looks gloomy for Noel and Carol. 
But it is Sidnev'sr wife, Maud, who 
puts matters 'tp'.'l'ights by cbnfesslhg 
that Sidney is not Noel's father, 

Part of Maud is the meatiest and 
in many respects the funniest. Leona 
Powers, engaging as always, carries 
off this flighty chatterbox character- 
ization with aplombl Acton, the 
author, has written a role for him- 
self— that of Perly Moffat, the 
Tudors' nephew. He performs with 
a curious blend of deadpan and elfin 
humors, making Perly a definite 
ornament to the olny, though unes- 
sential to the plot. Lea Penman, 
late of 'Boy Meets Girl,' handles her 
chore as Beulah with eaual .skill. 
William Blees and Julie Washburn 
are a. pleasant pair of young lovers; 
Clyde Fillmore earns his share , of 
lau»?hs in the role of Sidney, who.se 
oast comes back to torment him, and 
the generally capable comoany also 
includes Charles Scott, Mildred How- 
ard, William Short, Jane Browne and 
Jerome Kurtz. 

'Stork on Skis' is the third play by 
Acton to be produced, others being 
'Straw Flowers' and 'Michael Loves 
Michael.' Current onus might have 
a future on Broadway, thou.ch its 
lack of inherent novelty would be 
aaainst it. Pictures would have a 
difficult time with the situation in- 
volving illegitimacy of Carol and 
Noel. 

Along in the third act one may 
feel that the author's invcntivenes."! 
is giving out a little, Maud's mnl.-i- 
proDi.-^ms are piled on nrotty thick, 
and there are moments when the 
fun wears thin, But 'Stork' is defi- 
nitely one of the better summer the"- 
atre oflrerinfs. Neil MrTee Skinner 
direolfifl and Stanley Wood was re- 
sponsible for the attractive .sin<rle 
tel. Paul 



64 



VARIETY 



Wednesday, July 28, 1937. 



REPRINTED 

FROM THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER 
JULY 17, 1937 



I HAVE SEEN 




I know it is not the custom, in Hollywood (or. ersewhere), 
for a nnennber of an audience to make public his enthusiasm 
through the medium of paid advertising. 

But it IS the Hollywood custom to advertise those things we 
are proud of. As a writer, I am proud of this story of a writer 
though I had nothing to do with its production. x I am proud to be 
a part of the Hollywood that produced it. As an American citi^ 
zen, 1 am proud of the fact the artists of the Republic have at last 
been perrhitted to apply their talents to a theme that is repub^ 
jican. As a Gentile I get supreme satisfaction from the story of 
this Gentile who fought to give a Jew justice, and thereby be- 
haved like a Christian. As an adult I am eternally grateful 
(though it is most impolite to say it) for this overdue relief from 
Miss Temple's cute expounding of Victorian imperialism to the. 
gullible Afghans. As a member of the American screen audi-, 
ence I am happy to have seen a picture that Is honestly attuned 
to the spirit of our times. ' 

To Mr. Muni and Mr. DieteHe, I am grateful for the inspira- 
tion of their artistry. But to Mr. Will Hays and his organization 
I am most grateful of all. By permitting the production of this" 
great film he has proven Hollywood to be something more than 
a golden concentration camp where the Zolas of TODAY are to 
be segregated, lest they also appeal to the conscience of 
mankind. 



JACK MOFFITT 



MR. MOFFITT WORKS FOR 
PARAMOUNT; NOT FOR 
WARNER BROS. 



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